Scientists take first snapshots of ultrafast switching in a quantum electronic device Menlo Park, Calif. -- Electronic circuits that compute and store information contain millions of tiny switches that control the flow of electric current. A deeper understanding of how these tiny switches work could help researchers push the frontiers of modern computing. Now scientists have made the first snapshots of atoms moving inside one of those switches as it turns on and off. Among other things, they discovered a short-lived state within the switch that might someday be exploited for faster and more energy-efficient computing devices. The research team from the Department of Energy's SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Stanford University, Hewlett Packard Labs, Penn State University and Purdue University described their work in a paper published in Science today. "This research is a breakthrough in ultrafast technology and science," says SLAC scientist and collaborator Xijie Wang. "It marks the first time that researchers used ultrafast electron diffraction, which can detect tiny atomic movements in a material by scattering a powerful beam of electrons off a sample, to observe an electronic device as it operates." Capturing the cycle For this experiment, the team custom-designed miniature electronic switches made of vanadium dioxide, a prototypical quantum material whose ability to change back and forth between insulating and electrically conducting states near room temperature could be harnessed as a switch for future computing. The material also has applications in brain-inspired computing because of its ability to create electronic pulses that mimic the neural impulses fired in the human brain. The researchers used electrical pulses to toggle these switches back and forth between the insulating and conducting states while taking snapshots that showed subtle changes in the arrangement of their atoms over billionths of a second. Those snapshots, taken with SLAC's ultrafast electron diffraction camera, MeV-UED, were strung together to create a molecular movie of the atomic motions. "This ultrafast camera can actually look inside a material and take snapshots of how its atoms move in response to a sharp pulse of electrical excitation," said collaborator Aaron Lindenberg, an investigator with the Stanford Institute for Materials and Energy Sciences (SIMES) at SLAC and a professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Stanford University. "At the same time, it also measures how the electronic properties of that material change over time." With this camera, the team discovered a new, intermediate state within the material. It is created when the material responds to an electric pulse by switching from the insulating to the conducting state. "The insulating and conducting states have slightly different atomic arrangements, and it usually takes energy to go from one to the other," said SLAC scientist and collaborator Xiaozhe Shen. "But when the transition takes place through this intermediate state, the switch can take place without any changes to the atomic arrangement." Opening a window on atomic motion Although the intermediate state exists for only a few millionths of a second, it is stabilized by defects in the material. To follow up on this research, the team is investigating how to engineer these defects in materials to make this new state more stable and longer lasting. This will allow them to make devices in which electronic switching can occur without any atomic motion, which would operate faster and require less energy. "The results demonstrate the robustness of the electrical switching over millions of cycles and identify possible limits to the switching speeds of such devices," said collaborator Shriram Ramanathan, a professor at Purdue. "The research provides invaluable data on microscopic phenomena that occur during device operations, which is crucial for designing circuit models in the future." The research also offers a new way of synthesizing materials that do not exist under natural conditions, allowing scientists to observe them on ultrafast timescales and then potentially tune their properties. "This method gives us a new way of watching devices as they function, opening a window to look at how the atoms move," said lead author and SIMES researcher Aditya Sood. "It is exciting to bring together ideas from the traditionally distinct fields of electrical engineering and ultrafast science. Our approach will enable the creation of next-generation electronic devices that can meet the world's growing needs for data-intensive, intelligent computing." ### MeV-UED is an instrument of the LCLS user facility, operated by SLAC on behalf of the DOE Office of Science, who funded this research. SLAC is a vibrant multiprogram laboratory that explores how the universe works at the biggest, smallest and fastest scales and invents powerful tools used by scientists around the globe. With research spanning particle physics, astrophysics and cosmology, materials, chemistry, bio- and energy sciences and scientific computing, we help solve real-world problems and advance the interests of the nation. SLAC is operated by Stanford University for the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Science. The Office of Science is the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States and is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. This story has been published on: 2021-07-15. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. South Africa: President Ramaphosa to assess public violence impact in eThekwini President Cyril Ramaphosa will today undertake an oversight visit to eThekwini, KwaZulu-Natal, to assess the impact of recent public violence and the deployment of security forces. According to the Presidency, the President will during the visit interact with the provincial government and security forces. The Presidents visit follows governments engagements throughout this week with different sectors of society, including organised business, interfaith leaders and leaders of political parties represented in Parliament. KZN and Gauteng this week were swept by waves of protests that escalated in violence and the looting and destruction of businesses and public infrastructure. President Ramaphosa, amid the chaos, deployed 25 000 members of the South African National Defence Force to assist members of the South Africa Police Services and metro police to restore order. On Thursday, Acting Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni revealed that 117 lives had been lost in this weeks mayhem. A total of 1 478 were arrested for public violence and other related charges in the two provinces. While relative calm has returned in Gauteng, with community and government-led mop up operations underway, KZN remains volatile. SAnews.gov.za This story has been published on: 2021-07-16. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. RTHK: Death toll from floods in Germany, Belgium rise The death toll from devastating floods in Europe soared to at least 93 on Friday, most of them in western Germany, where emergency responders were searching for hundreds of missing people. "I fear that we will only see the full extent of the disaster in the coming days," Chancellor Angela Merkel said from Washington late on Thursday, where she met with President Joe Biden. Catching residents of several regions unaware and leaving destruction and despair in their wake, the masses of water were dubbed the "flood of death" by Germany's top-selling daily Bild. Authorities in Rhineland-Palatinate said 50 people have died in the western state, bringing the national toll to at least 81. Neighbouring Belgium counted at least 12 dead, and more than 21,000 people were without electricity in the Wallonia region. Luxembourg and the Netherlands were also severely affected by the torrents of water, with thousands evacuated in the city of Maastricht. But Germany's toll was by far the highest, and likely to rise with large numbers of people still missing in North Rhine-Westphalia and Rhineland-Palatinate, the hardest-hit states. In the devastated Ahrweiler district of Rhineland-Palatinate around 1,300 people were unaccounted for, although local authorities told Bild the high number was likely down to damaged phone networks. Regional interior minister Roger Lewentz told broadcaster SWR that "we believe there are still 40, 50 or 60 people missing, and when you haven't heard for people for such a long time... you have to fear the worst." "The number of victims will likely keep rising in the coming days," he added. What's more, continuing rain is forecast for parts of the west, where water levels in the Rhine river and its tributaries are rising dangerously. (AFP) This story has been published on: 2021-07-16. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. South Africa: Unrest and looting were instigated, says President Ramaphosa The instigators of the mayhem that engulfed Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal will not be allowed to ignite anarchy and spread instability, says President Cyril Ramaphosa. The President said this during an oversight visit to eThekwini, in KwaZulu-Natal, during which he assessed the impact of recent public violence and the deployment of security forces. The two provinces which are two of the countrys leading economic hubs sustained tens of billions of rand in losses when businesses were looted and destroyed during sustained public violence. Over 117 people have died during the unrest while over 1400 have been arrested. The President earlier this week deployed soldiers to assist police and metro police as they restored law and order. During his visit on Friday, President Ramaphosa was accompanied by Police Minister Bheki Cele, his State Security and Defence counterparts Ayanda Dlodlo and Nosiziwe Mapisa-Nqakula, as well as KZN Premier Sihle Zikalala and members of his executive. The Ministers, Premier and MECs have been on the ground in a bid to quell tensions. The President said they were dealing with a very difficult situation and that he has been in constant contact with Zikalala, the Ministers, as well as the Commander to get all the updates. Obviously, as a government, we are extremely, extremely concerned about what happened here and we are doing everything to deal with it. He said it was abundantly clear that the unrest and looting was instigated. There were people who planned this and coordinated it. Our intelligence services and our police have now got a line of sight of what actually was happening here. We are after those people, we are going after them. Security officials have identified 12 suspects behind the alleged insurrection. President Ramaphosa said the instigators intended to spread instability in the country. We will not allow anarchy and mayhem to just unfold in our country. It is most unfortunate that so much damage has been done to the country and people have lost their lives that is the most concerning issue, he said. In the seven days of the unrest, 95 people lost their lives. Beyond this, billions of rands of damage was inflicted on the KZN economy when businesses and infrastructure were looted and razed in fires. People are now going to go forward having lost jobs and the economic damage that has been done, he said. The countrys image as an economic destination had been severely dented, not just to local investors but also to external investors. We've really been taken backwards on our path to economic recovery. The President conceded that government could have done better in managing its response to the protests. Primary in the minds of the Minister of Police and commanders was to save lives, to make sure that we did not get into a situation which could have resulted in more mayhem, he said. The President reiterated that the situation could have been much worse. We regret that the situation has resulted in this. This is not what we want to see in our country. Government will re-examine what the country needs to do to protect its citizenry. While applauding certain communities for taking it upon themselves to defend themselves and their assets, President Ramaphosa said it was unfortunate that some had gone beyond the parameters of the law. We welcome the fact that ordinary citizens are working together with the security forces, standing up not only to defend their own assets, but also defending our democracy because they can see that this is an assault, he said. SAnews.gov.za This story has been published on: 2021-07-16. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. RTHK: Award-winning photographer killed in Afghanistan Reuters journalist Danish Siddiqui was killed on Friday while covering a clash between Afghan security forces and Taliban fighters near a border crossing with Pakistan, an Afghan commander said. Afghan special forces had been fighting to retake the main market area of Spin Boldak when Siddiqui and a senior Afghan officer were killed in what they described as Taliban crossfire, the official told Reuters. Siddiqui had been embedded as a journalist since earlier this week with Afghan special forces based in the southern province of Kandahar and had been reporting on fighting between Afghan commandos and Taliban fighters. "We are urgently seeking more information, working with authorities in the region," Reuters President Michael Friedenberg and Editor-in-Chief Alessandra Galloni said in a statement. "Danish was an outstanding journalist, a devoted husband and father, and a much-loved colleague. Our thoughts are with his family at this terrible time." Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said in a statement on Twitter that he was "deeply saddened with the shocking reports" of Siddiqui's death and extended condolences to his family. Siddiqui told Reuters he had been wounded in the arm by shrapnel earlier on Friday while reporting on the clash. He was treated and Taliban fighters later retreated from the fighting in Spin Boldak. Siddiqui had been talking to shopkeepers when the Taliban attacked again, the Afghan commander said. Reuters was unable to independently verify the details of the renewed fighting described by the Afghan military official, who asked not to be identified before Afghanistans Defence Ministry made a statement. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said the Taliban had not been aware there was a journalist reporting from the site of what he described as a "fierce battle" and that it was not clear how Siddiqui had been killed. Siddiqui was part of the Reuters photography team to win the 2018 Pulitzer Prize for Feature Photography for documenting the Rohingya refugee crisis, a series described by the judging committee as "shocking photographs that exposed the world to the violence Rohingya refugees faced in fleeing Myanmar". A Reuters photographer since 2010, Siddiqui's work spanned the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, the Rohingya refugee crisis, the Hong Kong protests and Nepal earthquakes. In recent months, his searing photographs capturing the coronavirus pandemic in India have been published across the world. (Reuters) This story has been published on: 2021-07-16. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. South Africa: Government meets with top company CEOs to chart the way forward Government Ministers have met with 34 Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of South Africas largest companies and multinationals to discuss the crisis of sabotage, lawlessness and looting in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng. This follows several engagements between government and individual businesses and associations that have been taking place since the crisis in KwaZulu-Natal and parts of Gauteng erupted. According to a statement released on Friday, the Ministers represented are from various departments, including those in the Presidency; Public Enterprises; Trade, Industry, and Competition; Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development; Small Business Development; Justice and Correctional Services and Tourism. The discussions were focused on the challenges faced by businesses, workers and communities in KwaZulu-Natal, and the concrete actions that are required to stabilise the province, re-establish supply chains, repair critical infrastructure and end the lawlessness, the statement read. Government said there is an urgent need for a far-reaching economic recovery plan for KwaZulu-Natal to rebuild factories, reopen businesses and minimise the loss of jobs, and address food shortages in particular. Meanwhile, the Ministers are said to have briefed the CEOs on the numerous actions already being taken to respond to the economic, social, and security aspects of the crisis. Business provided detailed recommendations regarding areas of priority, and has agreed with government to reconvene and discuss an action plan and collaborative way forward. Government appreciated the support business has and will continue to give their workers and families; the work with unions, and willingness to assist small businesses to recover and receive regular supplies that will be available to local communities. The State believes that the collaboration between government and leading company executives will lead to further immediate actions, followed by more medium-term action plans using a Now, Next, Beyond approach. There was agreement that the immediate priority was to restore law and order, ensure the safety of our people, and respond to the availability of food and other essentials to all communities in KZN. Government said this will be followed by decisive action to drive recovery in the short-term and restore normality to the affected provinces. Finally, government and business will work together to reset South Africa for growth, restoring the confidence of our people, our industries, and our investors. We shall counter this orchestrated attack, and normalise the situation with the greatest urgency. Government said it has faith that South Africans have great confidence in the collective ability to lead the country to a better, brighter future for all people to enjoy a higher standard of living. It also believes that this will lead to highly skilled youth and a vibrant social cohesion that unites all with a common purpose and a shared vision. We will recover from this setback. Our economy will become inclusive and vibrant. SAnews.gov.za This story has been published on: 2021-07-16. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Galactic fireworks: New ESO images reveal stunning features of nearby galaxies A team of astronomers has released new observations of nearby galaxies that resemble colourful cosmic fireworks. The images, obtained with the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope (ESO's VLT), show different components of the galaxies in distinct colours, allowing astronomers to pinpoint the locations of young stars and the gas they warm up around them. By combining these new observations with data from the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA), in which ESO is a partner, the team is helping shed new light on what triggers gas to form stars. Astronomers know that stars are born in clouds of gas, but what sets off star formation, and how galaxies as a whole play into it, remains a mystery. To understand this process, a team of researchers has observed various nearby galaxies with powerful telescopes on the ground and in space, scanning the different galactic regions involved in stellar births. "For the first time we are resolving individual units of star formation over a wide range of locations and environments in a sample that well represents the different types of galaxies," says Eric Emsellem, an astronomer at ESO in Germany and lead of the VLT-based observations conducted as part of the Physics at High Angular resolution in Nearby GalaxieS (PHANGS) project. "We can directly observe the gas that gives birth to stars, we see the young stars themselves, and we witness their evolution through various phases." Emsellem, who is also affiliated with the University of Lyon, France, and his team have now released their latest set of galactic scans, taken with the Multi-Unit Spectroscopic Explorer (MUSE) instrument on ESO's VLT in the Atacama Desert in Chile. They used MUSE to trace newborn stars and the warm gas around them, which is illuminated and heated up by the stars and acts as a smoking gun of ongoing star formation. The new MUSE images are now being combined with observations of the same galaxies taken with ALMA and released earlier this year. ALMA, which is also located in Chile, is especially well suited to mapping cold gas clouds -- the parts of galaxies that provide the raw material out of which stars form. By combining MUSE and ALMA images astronomers can examine the galactic regions where star formation is happening, compared to where it is expected to happen, so as to better understand what triggers, boosts or holds back the birth of new stars. The resulting images are stunning, offering a spectacularly colourful insight into stellar nurseries in our neighbouring galaxies. "There are many mysteries we want to unravel," says Kathryn Kreckel from the University of Heidelberg in Germany and PHANGS team member. "Are stars more often born in specific regions of their host galaxies -- and, if so, why? And after stars are born how does their evolution influence the formation of new generations of stars?" Astronomers will now be able to answer these questions thanks to the wealth of MUSE and ALMA data the PHANGS team have obtained. MUSE collects spectra -- the "bar codes" astronomers scan to unveil the properties and nature of cosmic objects -- at every single location within its field of view, thus providing much richer information than traditional instruments. For the PHANGS project, MUSE observed 30 000 nebulae of warm gas and collected about 15 million spectra of different galactic regions. The ALMA observations, on the other hand, allowed astronomers to map around 100 000 cold-gas regions across 90 nearby galaxies, producing an unprecedentedly sharp atlas of stellar nurseries in the close Universe. In addition to ALMA and MUSE, the PHANGS project also features observations from the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope. The various observatories were selected to allow the team to scan our galactic neighbours at different wavelengths (visible, near-infrared and radio), with each wavelength range unveiling distinct parts of the observed galaxies. "Their combination allows us to probe the various stages of stellar birth -- from the formation of the stellar nurseries to the onset of star formation itself and the final destruction of the nurseries by the newly born stars -- in more detail than is possible with individual observations," says PHANGS team member Francesco Belfiore from INAF-Arcetri in Florence, Italy. "PHANGS is the first time we have been able to assemble such a complete view, taking images sharp enough to see the individual clouds, stars, and nebulae that signify forming stars." The work carried out by the PHANGS project will be further honed by upcoming telescopes and instruments, such as NASA's James Webb Space Telescope. The data obtained in this way will lay further groundwork for observations with ESO's future Extremely Large Telescope (ELT), which will start operating later this decade and will enable an even more detailed look at the structures of stellar nurseries. "As amazing as PHANGS is, the resolution of the maps that we produce is just sufficient to identify and separate individual star-forming clouds, but not good enough to see what's happening inside them in detail," pointed out Eva Schinnerer, a research group leader at the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy in Germany and principal investigator of the PHANGS project, under which the new observations were conducted. "New observational efforts by our team and others are pushing the boundary in this direction, so we have decades of exciting discoveries ahead of us." ### More information The international PHANGS team is composed of over 90 scientists ranging from Master students to retirees working at 30 institutions across four continents. The MUSE data reduction working group within PHANGS is being led by Eric Emsellem (European Southern Observatory, Garching, Germany and Centre de Recherche Astrophysique de Lyon, Universite de Lyon, ENS de Lyon, Saint-Genis Laval, France) and includes Francesco Belfiore (INAF Osservatorio Astrofisico di Arcetri, Florence, Italy), Guillermo Blanc (Carnegie Observatories, Pasadena, US), Enrico Congiu (Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile and Las Campanas Observatory, Carnegie Institution for Science, Atacama Region, Chile), Brent Groves (The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia), I-Ting Ho (Max Planck Institute for Astronomy, Heidelberg, Germany [MPIA]), Kathryn Kreckel (Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany), Rebecca McElroy (Sydney Institute for Astronomy, Sydney, Australia), Ismael Pessa (MPIA), Patricia Sanchez-Blazquez (Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain), Francesco Santoro (MPIA), Fabian Scheuermann (Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany) and Eva Schinnerer (MPIA). Go to the ESO public image archive to see a sample of PHANGS images. ESO is the foremost intergovernmental astronomy organisation in Europe and the world's most productive ground-based astronomical observatory by far. It has 16 Member States: Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom, along with the host state of Chile and with Australia as a Strategic Partner. ESO carries out an ambitious programme focused on the design, construction and operation of powerful ground-based observing facilities enabling astronomers to make important scientific discoveries. ESO also plays a leading role in promoting and organising cooperation in astronomical research. ESO operates three unique world-class observing sites in Chile: La Silla, Paranal and Chajnantor. At Paranal, ESO operates the Very Large Telescope and its world-leading Very Large Telescope Interferometer as well as two survey telescopes, VISTA working in the infrared and the visible-light VLT Survey Telescope. Also at Paranal ESO will host and operate the Cherenkov Telescope Array South, the world's largest and most sensitive gamma-ray observatory. ESO is also a major partner in two facilities on Chajnantor, APEX and ALMA, the largest astronomical project in existence. And on Cerro Armazones, close to Paranal, ESO is building the 39-metre Extremely Large Telescope, the ELT, which will become "the world's biggest eye on the sky". Links * PHANGS website - https:/ / sites. google. com/ view/ phangs/ home * MUSE instrument - https:/ / www. eso. org/ public/ teles-instr/ paranal-observatory/ vlt/ vlt-instr/ muse/ * Photos of the VLT - http://www. eso. org/ public/ images/ archive/ category/ paranal/ * Photos of ALMA - https:/ / www. eso. org/ public/ images/ archive/ category/ alma/ * For journalists: subscribe to receive our releases under embargo in your language - https:/ / www. eso. org/ public/ outreach/ pressmedia/ #epodpress_form * For scientists: got a story? Pitch your research - http://eso. org/ sci/ publications/ announcements/ sciann17277. html Contacts Eric Emsellem European Southern Observatory Garching bei Munchen, Germany Tel: +49 89 3200 6914 Email: eric.emsellem@eso.org Eva Schinnerer Max Planck Institute for Astronomy Heidelberg, Germany Tel: +49 6221 528 294 Email: schinner@mpia.de Kathryn Kreckel Astronomisches Recheninstitut, Zentrum fur Astronomie, Universitat Heidelberg Heidelberg, Germany Email: kathryn.kreckel@uni-heidelberg.de Francesco Belfiore INAF Osservatorio Astrofisico di Arcetri Florence, Italy Email: francesco.belfiore@inaf.it Barbara Ferreira ESO Media Manager Garching bei Munchen, Germany Tel: +49 89 3200 6670 Cell: +49 151 241 664 00 Email: press@eso.org This story has been published on: 2021-07-16. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. University of Oklahoma researcher receives NSF Career Award The five-year grant - CAREER: Engineering polymers cohesive energy density and free volume for highly selective organic separations - begins Sept. 1 and has a total anticipated award amount of $543,641. "This project will combine experimental and computational approaches to discover a new class of materials prepared by properly manipulating the structure of polymer membranes," Galizia said. "I am thankful for the grant from the National Science Foundation that will allow my team at OU to discover, synthesize and understand next-generation polymer membranes," said Galizia, a faculty member in the Department of Chemical, Biological and Materials Engineering. Galizia notes that the separation process is vital to modern life. Foods, cosmetics, medicines, detergents - all involve complex mixtures. "Let's consider the drugs that many of us take every day. Most people see them as just a pill or a liquid that we inject in our body - but that is just the end of the story," he said. The preparation process involves the handling of a complex mixture of reactants, Galizia says. "Drugs are not prepared as a solid or as a pure liquid. They must be purified and have all the solvents and other chemicals removed that cannot be injected in the body." Another critical component of the CAREER award involves educational and outreach opportunities. Classes for middle and high school students in Norman, as well as advanced workshops for scientists in Oklahoma, Texas and Arizona, will take place over the next five years. Galizia's research also will entail working with teachers at Dibble (Oklahoma) Public Schools in Blanchard. The NSF grant provides new opportunities for OU's chemical engineering students. "I worked in the medical field for the better part of a year after graduation," said Will Box, an OU alumnus who recently returned to the university to pursue a doctorate in chemical engineering. "But I realized I really missed research - and missed polymers - so I came back to OU to work on a Ph.D. It's been just awesome." NSF's CAREER awards are five-year grants that are awarded to early-career faculty who show potential to serve as academic role models. Galizia joined OU's faculty in 2017. He earned a master's degree and a doctorate in chemical engineering from the University of Bologna in Italy. The mission of the Gallogly College of Engineering at the University of Oklahoma is to foster creativity, innovation and professionalism through dynamic research, development and learning experiences. ### This story has been published on: 2021-07-16. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Hong Kong: Election body voter register set The 2021 Election Committee subsector provisional register of voters and omissions list will be released on July 18, the Registration & Electoral Office (REO) said today. The provisional voter register contains 7,891 voters, comprising 2,547 individual and 5,344 corporate voters. Members of the public may log in to the Online Voter Information Enquiry System to check their registration particulars and whether they are listed on the omissions list, or call the offices hotline 2891 1001 from July 18 to 22. Voters who have been entered into the omissions list may lodge a claim with the office in person by July 22. Individuals or bodies who have applied to be registered as a voter but do not find their registered particulars in the provisional register, or registered voters who find their particulars incorrectly recorded, may also lodge a claim. If anyone considers that an individual or body recorded on the provisional voter register is not eligible to be registered, he or she may also lodge an objection. Specified forms may be downloaded online or obtained at REO offices at 10/F, Harbour Centre, Wan Chai and 13/F, Kowloonbay International Trade & Exhibition Centre, and all Home Affairs Enquiry Centres. Members of the press and political parties may inspect the above register and omissions list from 9am to 6pm from July 18 to 22 at the REO offices. The parts of the provisional register which contain only corporate voters registered particulars are available for public inspection. There will be eight inspection time slots on each day from July 18 to 22, with each session lasting 45 minutes. Eligible organisations, people and members of the public may make appointments for inspection on a first-come, first-served basis by calling 2891 4082 or 2891 2070 from tomorrow. The 2021 Election Committee subsector final voter register will be published on August 5. Voters recorded therein may vote in the 2021 Election Committee Subsector Ordinary Elections to be held on September 19. This story has been published on: 2021-07-16. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. South Africa: Gauteng officially reaches peak of third wave The Gauteng Provincial Government has warned that its healthcare system remains strained, as the province has officially reached the peak of the third wave of COVID-19. Daily new infections remain very high. Some of those infected do require hospital care. The increase in hospital admissions continue to place a heavy strain on the health system in both public and private sectors, the provincial government said in a statement on Friday. As of 15 July 2021, the total in-hospital patient admissions were 9 063 (3 429 for the public sector and 5 634 for the private sector). Government and the private sector continue to monitor the situation and where the need arises, beds will be repurposed to create additional capacity for those requiring hospital care, the statement said. Scientists have warned that although numbers are starting to drop in Gauteng, the drop is not enough. The province is concerned that there might be a change in the downward trajectory of new COVID-19 infections due to recent protest actions. These protests might cause the province to take longer to flatten the curve. The provincial government urged those who are ill and have mild COVID-19 symptoms to isolate, including from their immediate families, for 10 days. It is important to self-isolate for 10 days, even if you feel better. SAnews.gov.za This story has been published on: 2021-07-16. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Hong Kong: CE attends APEC leaders retreat Chief Executive Carrie Lam today attended the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Informal Leaders Retreat via video conferencing to exchange views with leaders of the other economies on strategies to fight against COVID-19 and accelerate economic recovery. Hosted by New Zealand Prime Minister and APEC 2021 Chair Jacinda Ardern, the session began with a briefing by International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva on the global economic situation. World Health Organization Health Emergencies Programme Executive Director Dr Michael Ryan also gave a briefing on the pandemic situation around the world. Participating leaders took turns sharing their views on collaboration opportunities for the Asia-Pacific region to emerge from the health crisis and accelerate the economic recovery in a manner that will lay the foundation for a better future. Highlighting the importance of vaccines, Mrs Lam said it is imperative for APEC member economies to ensure adequate access to vaccines and take part in the World Health Organization system. She noted that for places like Hong Kong, China, the Government has to double its efforts to overcome peoples vaccine hesitancy in order to build a defence immunity as soon as possible, adding that Hong Kong is racing against time to do so through public-private collaboration. Mrs Lam called on APEC member economies to pursue areas for further collaboration as members of the global community. These include collective efforts to remove unnecessary trade barriers and enhance trade facilitation to support open and effective supply chains for vaccines, gradually resume cross-border travel when public health conditions are met, facilitate research and development, enhance the application of technology to prevent the spread of the virus in the community and to cure the infected. The Chief Executive also took the opportunity to reaffirm Hong Kongs commitment to multilateralism and appeal to APEC member economies to inject political impetus into the negotiations under the World Trade Organization. At the end of the meeting, Mrs Lam and leaders of the other economies adopted a statement on overcoming COVID-19 and accelerating economic recovery. The leaders will meet again virtually at the annual APEC Economic Leaders Meeting in November. This story has been published on: 2021-07-16. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. South Africa: Economic activity resumes as work continues to restore normalcy Acting Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, says all hands are on deck to restore normalcy in violence-struck areas in KwaZulu-National and Gauteng, with the major economic corridors and routes used to transport supplies from KZN having reopened. The Minister on Friday afternoon confirmed that both the N2 and N3 highways have reopened. The transportation of key food stuffs, medical supplies and fuel to all parts of the country has commenced and therefore, the report of food shortages and fuel will abate. SANRAL [South African National Roads Agency] is repairing the damaged part of the highway in Mooi River and has removed barriers on the stretch of the N3, but the traffic is flowing along the N3, Ntshavheni said. The Minister said while the situation remains tense in some areas, normalcy is gradually returning in others, with Gauteng having no new incident reports overnight on Thursday. Government has also engaged key role players in the Economic Cluster to find ways of rebuilding the economy, including the factories that have been damaged, reopening businesses and minimising the loss of jobs. We are working on the immediate plan for ensuring economic recovery and restoring the confidence of our people, our industries and our investors. The Department of Trade and Industry and Competition has set up an email address -- ioc.@dtic.gov.za -- where companies can report potential imminent and actual looting taking place in their areas or establishments, so that it can be rerouted to the NATJOINTS [National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure] as soon as possible, the Minister said. Close eye on hotspots Ntshavheni said while no new incidents were reported in Gauteng overnight, the number of incidents remained at 58 since the violence started. An additional six deaths were reported, and the cumulative deaths now stand at 32 in Gauteng. An additional 137 arrests were made, and the cumulative arrests are now 862 in Gauteng. The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) deployment, supporting the SAPS [South African Police Service] and Metro Police, remains in Gauteng at the potential hotspots. There are deployments across the country because we dont want to find people, who have been instigating the violence, taking advantage of the other provinces, Ntshavheni said. Over 1 000 cases reported in KZN In KwaZulu-Natal, the Minister said over 1 488 cases were reported in the province overnight, with nine additional deaths, bringing the total number of deaths to 180. An additional 214 arrests were made, which brings the cumulative arrests to 1 692. Law enforcement agencies continue to closely monitor the situation in that province, which is stable but fairly tense in some areas. Furthermore, community structures in the identified areas have been meeting with SAPS officials on a daily basis to assess the situation and go through plans for the day to protect communities, she said. Two arrested for possession of unlicensed firearm The Minister said two suspects, aged 16 and 23 years, were arrested in Mobeni, KZN, on 14 July, after they were found in possession of an unlicensed firearm and 4 000 rounds of ammunition. The suspects were charged for possession of an illegal firearm, possession of rounds of ammunition and possession of suspected stolen material. On 15 July 2021, on Lester Road in Mobeni, 1 050 cartridge boxes were found abandoned. On the same day on Lester Road, 900 cartridge boxes were found abandoned. A number of people were also found trying to syphon fuel from underground tanks at the petroleum service station in Pinetown in Durban. Hazardous items that were targeted by looters have proved to be related to the high number of fatalities, the Minister said Attempts to recover stolen goods Meanwhile, the Minister said recovery operations of stolen items are underway, as the police continue to receive tip-offs from concerned residents about those who were involved in the looting of shopping malls and stores. SAnews.gov.za This story has been published on: 2021-07-16. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Assyrians Will Not Participate in Iraqi Elections: Cardinal Sako Chaldean Patriarch Cardinal Louis Raphael Sako said on Friday that Christians will not vote in Iraqi parliamentary elections because of concerns over militias and possible fraud, the latest boycott that could cast doubts on the legitimacy of the election. "I doubt that there will be transparent and fair elections as the ground is not prepared for that. There are militias and political money, so fraud will occur," Sako said in an interview with Rudaw, adding that he expects the same people will stay in power. In this environment, he said Christians will not participate in the elections because they are "tired of it." "The Christian quota will be hijacked again," he added. Iraq will hold parliamentary elections in October, a year ahead of schedule. An early vote was one of the demands of anti-government protesters who took to the streets in 2019. But after assassinations of leading activists, the government's failure to hold the murderers responsible, and rampant corruption, there have been numerous calls for boycotts. Some activists and journalists have called for a boycott campaign, saying the elections will be open to fraud and overtaken by militias that operate out of the control of the state. On Thursday, the head of the largest political bloc in parliament Muqtada al-Sadr announced he was closing down his party, withdrawing his support for the government, and would not participate in the election race. Many people have urged Sadr to rethink his position. It is "unimaginable" for the Sadrist movement not to participate in the vote, Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi tweeted. "We have a historical responsibility to protect Iraq by holding free and fair elections." Parliament Speaker Mohammed al-Halbousi said Iraq needs "its loyal, zealous sons to raise its banner, unite its ranks, serve tis people, preserve its dignity, and bring the country to safety." Head of the Hikma movement Ammar al-Hakim also asked Sadr to stay in the race. Four Japanese automakers see China sales fall in June partly due to chip shortage Shanghai (Gasgoo)- In June 2021, four Japanese automakers, namely Toyota, Honda, Nissan, and Mazda, all recorded year-on-year drop in their China sales, mainly due to the ongoing global shortage in the supply of semiconductors. Toyota's China sales fell 2.9% from a year ago to 167,900 units, showing decrease after 14 consecutive months of year-on-year increase. Avalon; photo credit: FAW-Toyota The decline mainly flowed from the decline in FAW-Toyota's sales. According to the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA), FAW-Toyota's deliveries slid 13.1% from a year earlier to roughly 65,000 units in June, while GAC Toyota still recorded a 3.3% growth by delivering 77,000 cars. Thanks to the low base, Toyota's year-to-date sales in China jumped 28.9%. FAW-Toyota said its first-half sales reached 425,000 units, up by 21%. GAC-Toyota announced a 32% increase in Jan.-Jun. sales, which also exceeded 420,000 units. Breeze; photo credit: GAC Honda Honda's China deliveries reached 118,168 units in June 2021, falling 17% compared to the same period in the previous year due to the impact brought by the chip supply constraint, said the Japanese automaker. Both GAC Honda and Dongfeng Honda posted two-digit decrease in June deliveries. The joint venture with GAC Group delivered 57,641 new vehicles, representing a 19.5% decline from a year earlier. Meanwhile, 60,527 consumers took delivery of the vehicles from Dongfeng Honda, a 14.5% drop year-over-year. Despite the decrease in June sales, Honda's China business still gained a 28.5% leap with its semi-annual deliveries reaching 786,535 units. Notably, its year-to-date deliveries of hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) surged 61.2% to 116,804 units. Sylphy; photo credit: Dongfeng Nissan Nissan saw its semi-annual China sales grow 18.4% to 114,605 units. To be specific, Dongfeng Motor Company Limited (DFL)'s passenger vehicle (PV) and light-duty commercial vehicle (LCV) units recorded sales volume of 569,419 units (+17.8% YoY) and 130,709 units (+30.1% YoY). Under the pressure of chip shortage, DFL's PV business unit logged a 19% year-on-year sales decrease in June with 90,062 vehicles delivered, including 84,186 Nissan-branded cars and 5,876 Venucia-branded cars. Despite the rising sales achieved in the first-half of 2021, Nissan will still be affected by the coronavirus pandemic, shortage of raw materials, fierce market competition, and other uncertainties in the short term, said DFL's president Shohei Yamazaki. He added the company will strengthen the cooperation with suppliers and dealers to satisfy Chinese consumers' demands for products and technologies. Mazda3 Axela; photo credit: Changan Mazda Among the four companies, Mazda was the only one posting decrease in Jan.-Jun. China sales. As of June 2021, the automaker had suffered two-digit drop in monthly sales for three straight months. Last month, Mazda's China business delivered 16,983 vehicles, a 19.1% year-over-year slide. FAW-Mazda's deliveries dwindled 28.4% to 6,388 units, while Changan Mazda posted a 12.3% decline with 10,595 vehicles delivered. With 7,133 vehicles delivered, the Mazda3 Axela was still the best-selling model in June. In the meantime, the deliveries of the Mazda6 Atenza and the Mazda CX-4 stood at 3,206 units and 3,182 units respectively. Destinations Vacation Destination Spotlight: Mexico's Mass Appeal ForwardKeys' air ticketing data has consistently shown the popularity of flights from the USA to Mexico since the summer of 2020, particularly on routes to Los Cabos in Baja California, Cancun and Puerto Vallarta. USA visitors vital for the Mexican tourism economy Tourism is an important economic sector in Mexico, and the country plays a prominent role in tourism globally. In 2020, Mexico welcomed 23.3 million international tourists, around half of the inbound tourism volume recorded a year earlier. Mexico, as one of the few exceptions worldwide, did not adopt strict restrictions to the influx of foreign visitors that year and the positive results are a merit of that. However, one market has played a pivotal role in Mexico's travel ecosystem: the USA. "The Northern neighbor have greatly aided the tourism sector in Mexico," says Juan Gomez, Insights Analyst at ForwardKeys. "Our air ticketing data has consistently shown the popularity of flights from the USA to Mexico since the summer of 2020, particularly on routes to Los Cabos in Baja California, Cancun and Puerto Vallarta." Indeed, according to ForwardKeys' ticketing data, issued tickets from the USA have been above 2019 volumes since the end of February, and well above the international average to Mexico. The year-on-year variation is up by 31.9% - a feat in such times of the pandemic. Not the usual suspects - Mexico attracts new source markets It is not only holidaymakers from the US driving this pick up in air traffic to Mexico, but Ecuadorians also appear to be in a rush for a Paloma on the beach with issued tickets in June 35.9% ahead of the same period in 2019 - slightly ahead of the US market too. Spain, Switzerland, and France also appear as the most reactivated European source markets into Mexico. Further relaxation of travel restrictions, the good progress with the vaccination rollout as well as the reinstalment of part of the capacity to Mexico, are behind the strong reactivation seen in June. Mexican cities to benefit from this new wave of international and regional tourists include Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta, and Cancun. "When looking at forward-looking issued tickets for all international arrivals in Mexico, Los Cabos is up 46% YOY, Puerto Vallarta by 42% and Cancun by 6%," says Gomez. Rodrigo Esponda, Managing Director of Los Cabos Tourism Board explained that the popularity and success of Los Cabos were due to their "proactive response to the pandemic and careful preparation to anticipate market shifts which have allowed the destination to recover and increase the reservation bookings internationally." "With an increase in demand, we continue to strengthen our safety-centered model and work in partnership with local and state authorities to ensure the well-being of visitors and our local community," adds Esponda. "Keeping borders open during the pandemic is key here but also widening your air network," says Juan Gomez. A New Normal trend the data team at ForwardKeys have observed is the habit to book last minute, which only means these figures for travel to Mexico have the potential to increase even further. Mexico now shines as an example student for many other destinations to watch and learn from. "Air connectivity is a key driver for demand. Currently, airlines are offering just 6% fewer seats than in 2019 for all international routes to Mexico in July and August. Although seats from the USA continue to show the highest increase, 16% above 2019 levels, the improvement of capacity from key European markets such as France, only 20% below summer 2019, will definitely have an impact on the destination and help diversify the demand" adds Gomez. ForwardKeys has been guiding the travel and tourism sector in destination marketing and management via its suite of data platforms and Source: Hotel News Resource Mexico is primed to be a top holiday destination from July to September, according to the latest air ticketing analysis by travel analytics firm, ForwardKeys. But the big news is that it is managing to welcome more international visitors beyond the USA - Ecuadorian and European travellers play a vital role in its reactivation this summer.USA visitors vital for the Mexican tourism economyTourism is an important economic sector in Mexico, and the country plays a prominent role in tourism globally. In 2020, Mexico welcomed 23.3 million international tourists, around half of the inbound tourism volume recorded a year earlier. Mexico, as one of the few exceptions worldwide, did not adopt strict restrictions to the influx of foreign visitors that year and the positive results are a merit of that.However, one market has played a pivotal role in Mexico's travel ecosystem: the USA."The Northern neighbor have greatly aided the tourism sector in Mexico," says Juan Gomez, Insights Analyst at ForwardKeys. "Our air ticketing data has consistently shown the popularity of flights from the USA to Mexico since the summer of 2020, particularly on routes to Los Cabos in Baja California, Cancun and Puerto Vallarta."Indeed, according to ForwardKeys' ticketing data, issued tickets from the USA have been above 2019 volumes since the end of February, and well above the international average to Mexico. The year-on-year variation is up by 31.9% - a feat in such times of the pandemic.Not the usual suspects - Mexico attracts new source marketsIt is not only holidaymakers from the US driving this pick up in air traffic to Mexico, but Ecuadorians also appear to be in a rush for a Paloma on the beach with issued tickets in June 35.9% ahead of the same period in 2019 - slightly ahead of the US market too.Spain, Switzerland, and France also appear as the most reactivated European source markets into Mexico. Further relaxation of travel restrictions, the good progress with the vaccination rollout as well as the reinstalment of part of the capacity to Mexico, are behind the strong reactivation seen in June.Mexican cities to benefit from this new wave of international and regional tourists include Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta, and Cancun. "When looking at forward-looking issued tickets for all international arrivals in Mexico, Los Cabos is up 46% YOY, Puerto Vallarta by 42% and Cancun by 6%," says Gomez.Rodrigo Esponda, Managing Director of Los Cabos Tourism Board explained that the popularity and success of Los Cabos were due to their "proactive response to the pandemic and careful preparation to anticipate market shifts which have allowed the destination to recover and increase the reservation bookings internationally.""With an increase in demand, we continue to strengthen our safety-centered model and work in partnership with local and state authorities to ensure the well-being of visitors and our local community," adds Esponda."Keeping borders open during the pandemic is key here but also widening your air network," says Juan Gomez. A New Normal trend the data team at ForwardKeys have observed is the habit to book last minute, which only means these figures for travel to Mexico have the potential to increase even further. Mexico now shines as an example student for many other destinations to watch and learn from."Air connectivity is a key driver for demand. Currently, airlines are offering just 6% fewer seats than in 2019 for all international routes to Mexico in July and August. Although seats from the USA continue to show the highest increase, 16% above 2019 levels, the improvement of capacity from key European markets such as France, only 20% below summer 2019, will definitely have an impact on the destination and help diversify the demand" adds Gomez.ForwardKeys has been guiding the travel and tourism sector in destination marketing and management via its suite of data platforms and APIs since 2010. Site Map Print this Page Email Us Top Vietnam confirms over 3,300 more Covid-19 infections on Friday Vietnam recorded 3,336 more Covid-19 infections on Friday including 2,420 in the virus hotspot of Ho Chi Minh City, raising the total number of patients in the country to 44,186 the Ministry of Health has reported. A doctor takes samples for Covid-19 testing in Ho Chi Minh City According to the ministry's report, 3,321 of the newly-confirmed patients are locally-transmitted cases 2,939 of whom were detected in quarantine sites or areas under lockdown in some localities including 2,420 in Ho Chi Minh City, 166 in Binh Duong, 158 in Dong Thap, 146 in Tien Giang, 72 in Dong Nai, 57 in Khanh Hoa, 49 in Vinh Long, 44 in Phu Yen, 39 in Danang, 33 in Tay Ninh, 19 in Can Tho, 16 in Nghe An, 15 in Ben Tre, 15 in Hung Yen, 13 in Binh Phuoc, nine in Binh Thuan, eight in Kien Giang, seven in Hau Giang, seven in Bac Ninh, six in Hanoi, four in Quang Ngai, three in Ninh Thuan, two in Lam Dong, two in Tra Vinh, two in Ca Mau, two in Bac Giang, and one each in Dak Nong, Lang Son, An Giang, Thanh Hoa, Lao Cai, Dak Lak, and Vinh Phuc. Ho Chi Minh City continued to report the highest number of new infections in the country. On Thursday, the city also recorded 2,691 new patients, the majority of which are individuals who came into contact with confirmed Covid-19 patients or who were detected in either isolation and locked down areas. The city has imposed social distancing measures in 15 days starting from July 9 in an effort to prevent the virus spread. As of Friday evening, 40,609 locally-transmitted cases have been reported since the new outbreak occurred in the country on April 27, including 23,913 in the virus hotspot of Ho Chi Minh City. The outbreak has so far spread to 58 cities and provinces nationwide. 15 imported patients are all Vietnamese citizens who recently returned from abroad. They were sent to quarantine areas in Thanh Hoa, Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Quang Ninh upon arrival and are now being treated at local hospitals. With these new infection cases, the number of Covid-19 patients in Vietnam has increased to 44,186 including 42,179 locally-transmitted cases. As of 6 pm on July 16, a total of 10,020 Covid-19 patients had recovered and been discharged from hospital. So far there have been 225 deaths, most of them being the elderly with serious underlying diseases. Overseas athlete infected with COVID-19 in Tokyo Xinhua) 17:08, July 15, 2021 TOKYO, July 15 (Xinhua) -- An overseas athlete has tested positive for COVID-19 after arriving in Tokyo ahead of the Olympic Games, organizers said on Thursday. The Tokyo 2020 organizing committee said that the athlete, who tested positive on Wednesday, was observing a 14-day period of self-isolation and has not entered the athletes' village, Japan's state broadcaster NHK reported. This is the first time an overseas athlete who is staying at or was heading to a facility managed by the organizing committee has been found to have COVID-19. Organizers gave no details of the athlete's identity or condition. Eight staff at a Japanese hotel hosting Brazil's Olympic judo team tested positive, and a staff member from Russia's rugby sevens team was hospitalized after a positive test, AFP said earlier. (Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun) China gravely concerned over U.S. military plane landing in Taiwan: defense spokesperson Xinhua) 07:59, July 16, 2021 BEIJING, July 15 (Xinhua) -- China is gravely concerned about media reports of a U.S. military transport plane landing in Taiwan on Thursday, a Chinese defense ministry spokesperson said. Wu Qian, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, said Taiwan is an inalienable part of the Chinese territory. "Landing of any foreign military aircraft on China's territory can be made only with permission from the government of the People's Republic of China. Trespass by foreign ships or planes into China's airspace will cause serious consequences," he said. "We solemnly warn the United States not to play with fire and immediately stop its risky and provocative actions, not to send a wrong signal to 'Taiwan independence' separatist forces and avoid exacerbating tensions in the Taiwan Strait," said the spokesperson. "We warn (Taiwan's) Democratic Progressive Party authority not to misjudge the situation and invite trouble to the island. Making provocations and seeking 'independence' by colluding with external forces will only lead Taiwan into a dangerous situation," he said. The spokesperson said that China must be and will be reunited. No one should underestimate the resolve, the will, and the ability of the Chinese people to defend their national sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Chinese military is on high alert and will take all necessary measures to resolutely defeat any attempt toward "Taiwan independence," he added. (Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun) FM urges India to avoid unilateral actions amid border hype Global Times) 08:13, July 16, 2021 (Photo/Xinhua) Any unilateral action in sensitive, disputed areas along the China-India border should be restrained as last year's incident was already pulling China-India ties down, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said at a meeting with Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, calling on more negotiations to solve possible incidents. Wang said that the two countries should refrain from taking any unilateral action in sensitive, disputed areas to avoid misunderstanding and misjudgment that can lead to a repeat of what happened last year. It is clear that the responsibility of the border issue last year does not lie with China. China is willing to negotiate with India to seek a solution acceptable to both countries, Wang told Jaishankar during a Wednesday meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization foreign ministers' meeting held in Dushanbe, capital of Tajikistan. To prevent border issues from further posing unnecessary interference in bilateral relations, which is already in a downturn, Wang said both sides should alter the work mechanism for border incidents from emergency responses to normalized management. Prior to the high-level meeting, Indian media The Telegraph hyped the border tension, alleging "China builds concrete towers with CCTV cameras to watch India" and that the Indian Army has "in a 'tit for tat' put up wooden poles fitted with digital cameras to watch Chinese movements." However, the Global Times learned from a source that the use of monitoring equipment to ensure the effective implementation of disengagement-related agreements is a consensus reached between China and India. The towers shouldn't be of any "concern." After India and China reached an agreement on disengagement, Indian media has occasionally played up China's actions in the border area. The two militaries have disengaged in the Galwan Valley and the Pangong Lake areas and the border situation has eased since the meeting between the foreign ministers of the two countries in Moscow in September 2020. But China-India relations are still in bad shape, which is not in the interest of any country, Wang said. The essence of China-India relations is how two large neighboring, developing countries view each other, how they can live in harmony, and how they can help each other, Wang said, adding that China's strategic judgment on China-India relations remains unchanged. The interactions between the two countries should mainly be led by cooperation, mutual benefit, and complementarities with healthy competition, and avoid confrontation, Wang said. Jaishankar agreed with Wang on bilateral ties, saying India doesn't and hopefully won't change its strategic judgment over bilateral ties and is willing to work with China to prompt bilateral relationship out of the downturn. (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) CPC museum opens to public Xinhua) 08:14, July 16, 2021 Photo taken on July 15, 2021 shows the Museum of the Communist Party of China (CPC) in Beijing, capital of China. Located in the Chaoyang District of Beijing, the Museum of the CPC opens to the public from July 15 and accepts online appointments for free visits from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Xinhua/Peng Ziyang) BEIJING, July 15 (Xinhua) -- The Museum of the Communist Party of China (CPC) on Thursday made its debut to the general public, attracting thousands of visitors to pay tribute to the CPC's centenary history. Located near Beijing Olympic Park in the northern part of the city, the museum Monday announced that it would accept online appointments for free visits. A long queue formed at the entrance of the museum in the morning. HIT DESTINATION As this year marks the centenary of the CPC, the new landmark became an instant hit. Posts about the museum's online appointments have gone viral on China's social media platforms, including WeChat and Weibo. Lin Chenglan, a 72-year-old who lives nearby, came to see the site almost every day to follow the progress of construction. "I was born the same year as New China was founded. I have witnessed how the country has grown stronger and stronger under the leadership of the Party," said Lin. "I must go and visit the museum at the first opportunity." Despite strong demand for visits, the museum limited the daily visiting capacity to 3,000 for COVID-19 prevention. More than 60,000 people have visited the museum during special events and organized tours since it was inaugurated last month. SPIRITUAL HOME The museum completed construction in May, following 1,000 days of work by nearly 50,000 people. The magnificent architecture takes the shape of the Chinese character "gong," which looks like a horizontal H. "Gong" means workers or labor in Chinese, implying that the CPC is the vanguard of the Chinese working class, the Chinese people, and the Chinese nation. A site devoted to permanent and comprehensive exhibitions of the Party's history, it shows how the CPC has united and led the Chinese people in blazing ground-breaking paths and demonstrates the fine spirit and precious experience drawn from within. Yang Qingmin was impressed by exhibits about the early days of the Party. "It is hard for people today to imagine how many difficulties were faced by heroes of that time to found the CPC," said Yang, a retired bookstore staff member. For Yang, the Party's centenary is an opportunity to commemorate the martyrs. "We must pass on their spirit, generation after generation," Yang said. PASSING ON SPIRIT More than 2,600 pictures and 3,500 pieces or sets of exhibits are on display. Among the items is the manuscript of Karl Marx's notes from Brussels. A girl lingered in front of sculptures of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels. "It is important for younger generations to know about the history of the CPC and the two centenary goals," said her grandfather. "I'm confident that my granddaughter will see the realization of the second centenary goal (of building China into a great modern socialist country in all respects)," said the old man. The CPC was founded in 1921, taking up the mission of "seeking happiness for the Chinese people and rejuvenation for the Chinese nation." With just over 50 members at the time of its founding, the CPC today is the world's largest governing party with more than 95 million members, leading a country of more than 1.4 billion people. Ge Jingmin, a high school student, went for the online appointment the very first minute she saw the notice. "Seeing how the CPC's leadership has made our country increasingly prosperous, I am having a keener heart of joining the Party and make my part of contribution," said Ge, whose parents are both Party members. (Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun) Biden raises concerns about Nord Stream 2 to Merkel, warning Russia not to weaponize energy Xinhua) 08:54, July 16, 2021 Combo photo of U.S. President Joe Biden (R) and German Chancellor Angela Merkel. (Xinhua) "I reiterated my concerns about Nord Stream 2," President Joe Biden said, adding that "Merkel and I are absolutely united in our conviction that Russia must not be allowed to use energy as a weapon to coerce or threaten its neighbors." WASHINGTON, July 15 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Joe Biden on Thursday raised his concerns to German Chancellor Angela Merkel over the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project, warning Russia not to weaponize the energy. The 1,230-km gas pipeline, which is expected to be completed next month, would bring natural gas from Russia to Germany through the Baltic Sea. "I reiterated my concerns about Nord Stream 2," Biden told reporters at a press conference after their meeting, adding that "Merkel and I are absolutely united in our conviction that Russia must not be allowed to use energy as a weapon to coerce or threaten its neighbors." The United States has long claimed that the project was a geopolitical maneuver by Russia that will undermine Ukraine's role in transiting energy to Europe. Germany and Russia pointed out that the project is purely commercial. The United States and Germany have different assessments regarding the Nord Stream 2, Merkel said at the conference, while stressing both agree that Ukraine will remain a transit country for natural gas. "We will be actively acting should Russia not respect this right of Ukraine that it as a transit country," She added via translation. "The Nord Stream 2 is an additional project and certainly not a project to replace any kind of transit through Ukraine." Picture taken on Oct. 8, 2012 shows Nord Stream pipeline equipments before the opening ceremony of the North Stream second gas link in Portovaya bay, near the town of Vyborg in northwestern Russia. (Xinhua) Citing the importance of relations with Germany and the difficulty to stop the nearly completed pipeline, the Biden administration in May waived sanctions against a company behind the pipeline project and its German CEO, which led to opposition from bipartisan lawmakers. "By the time I became president, it was 90% completed, and imposing sanctions did not seem to make any sense," Biden said on Thursday. He noted the two allies instead will look at practical measures to ensure European energy security will not be weakened by Russian actions. The two leaders also covered topics such as climate change, the COVID-19 pandemic, and Iran nuclear issue. Biden expressed condolences to Merkel for loss of life due to the flooding in Germany, which had left 58 people dead and dozens missing. Merkel is the first European leader to visit the White House since Biden took office. The visit was widely seen as Biden's efforts to restore the relationship between Washington and Berlin, which had been damaged by his predecessor Donald Trump. It is likely Merkel's last official trip to Washington as she will step down following the September election after 16 years in office. (Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun) All people of Xinjiang to enjoy happier, more prosperous lives 09:04, July 16, 2021 By Zhong Sheng ( People's Daily A woman works at a workshop of a textile factory in Awat county, Aksu, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, July 10, 2021. The factory is preparing a 1,200-tonne order for its clients in Shandong, Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces. (People's Daily Online/Bao Liangting) The State Council Information Office Wednesday issued a white paper detailing the country's progress in protecting the rights of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, including civil rights, political rights, economic rights, cultural rights, social rights, rights of women and children and freedom of religious belief. The white paper, titled Respecting and Protecting the Rights of All Ethnic Groups in Xinjiang, proves with abundant facts and statistics that for more than 70 years since 1949, the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the Chinese government have upheld a people-centered approach to human rights protection, treating the rights to subsistence and development as the primary human rights. Integrating the principle of universal human rights with the country's realities, China has enriched its strategy for the governance of Xinjiang to guarantee the people's equal rights to participation and development. Thanks to these efforts, human rights have made steady progress in Xinjiang. Xinjiang was once a victim of terrorist activities. Terrorist forces at home and abroad claiming to represent "East Turkistan" have colluded with each other, and plotted and carried out thousands of terrorist acts. These acts have seriously endangered the lives of people of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang. Xinjiang has promulgated a series of local regulations to strike hard at terrorist activities that infringe upon human rights and endanger public security, and at illegal and criminal activities that make use of extremism to undermine the law. Xinjiang attaches importance to preventing terrorism at its source. By improving livelihood and carrying out publicity and education campaigns on the rule of law, it follows an approach of preventive counter-terrorism to protect basic rights. For more than four years since the end of 2016 there has been no terrorist incident in Xinjiang. The right to life of people of all ethnic groups has been fully protected. In May, senior diplomats from 19 Latin American and Caribbean countries made field visits to Xinjiang. They said they fully understand and support the efforts of the Chinese government in combating terrorism and de-radicalization in Xinjiang. Xinjiang pursues rapid economic and social development. More effort and investment have been made to improve the peoples wellbeing. All ethnic groups enjoy equal opportunities and economic rights. From 1955 to 2020, Xinjiangs GDP soared 160.3 times, and its per capita GDP 30.3 times. By the end of 2020, more than 2.7 million rural people in Xinjiang living below the current poverty line had emerged from poverty, and 3,666 villages and 32 counties were no longer classified as poor. Xinjiang people are having an increasingly enhanced sense of gain, happiness and security. Sergey Sanakoev, president of the Asia-Pacific Region Research Center, noted that Xinjiang's development fully indicates the Chinese government's respect for the rights of ethnic minority groups. Respect for and protection of freedom of religious belief is a basic and long-term national policy of the Chinese government. Subject to the principles of protecting lawful practices, proscribing illegal activities, containing extremism, resisting infiltration, and punishing crime, the local government of Xinjiang fully applies the policy, protecting legitimate religious activities and ensuring the publics freedom of religious belief in accordance with the law. William Jones, Washington Bureau Chief of the Executive Intelligence Review News Service once visited Xinjiang and witnessed the rapid development of the autonomous region and the happiness of local residents from all ethnic groups. He said the allegations on Xinjiang violating human rights are indeed lies fabricated by those with vicious intentions. Facts speak louder than words. Currently, rumors, distortions, and complete fabrications are being spread by some foreign media and politicians. This has aroused indignation among the people in Xinjiang and the rest of China, and is condemned by those in the international community who seek to uphold justice. Recently, more than 90 countries expressed their support and understanding of China's stance at the 47th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, clearly opposing interference in China's internal affairs under the pretext of human rights. A joint research by three Italian think tanks also recognized the effective results achieved by the Chinese government's counter-terrorism and de-radicalization measures in Xinjiang. Co-author of the research, Fabio Massimo Parenti, an Italian scholar of international relations, said he witnessed the freedom of religious belief enjoyed by Uygur people and people of other ethnic groups during his visit to Xinjiang, and there was no trace of the so-called forced labor and genocide. The accusation against Xinjiang is totally groundless, he added. Xinjiang is now a stable and orderly society, where the local ethnic groups live in mutual harmony and peace. It is experiencing an optimal period of development. China has achieved moderate prosperity in all respects and embarked on a new journey of building itself into a modern socialist country. This will better ensure ethnic equality, and all the people of Xinjiang will enjoy a happier and more prosperous life. Any attempt to undermine Xinjiang's stability and prosperity, interfere in China's domestic affairs with Xinjiang-related issues, and contain China's development is doomed to fail. (Zhong Sheng is a pen name often used by People's Daily to express its views on foreign policy.) (Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun) China urges relevant parties to stop politicizing COVID-19 origin tracing Xinhua) 09:05, July 16, 2021 BEIJING, July 15 (Xinhua) -- China urges relevant parties to stop political manipulation on the COVID-19 origin tracing issue, stop using the issue to shift blame, and stop sabotaging international origin tracing research cooperation, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Thursday. The spokesperson made the remarks after 44 countries on Thursday submitted a joint letter to WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, and four countries wrote separate letters, on the COVID-19 origin tracing issue. They welcomed the joint WHO-China study on COVID-19 origin tracing, stressing that virus origin tracing is a scientific task, and opposing politicizing the issue. Forty-eight countries sent letters to the WHO Director-General on origin tracing, stressing that the virus is the common enemy of mankind, and that only by uniting and cooperating can the international community defeat it, the spokesperson said. They welcomed the joint WHO-China study on COVID-19 origin tracing released by WHO, and believed that this scientific report should be the basis and guide for promoting the global origin tracing work, the spokesperson said. They pointed out that virus origin tracing is a scientific task, which depends on scientists' investigation and research on a global scale, emphasizing that the origin tracing issue cannot be politicized, the spokesperson added. They also called on the WHO Secretariat to cooperate with member States to promote global origin tracing research in accordance with relevant resolutions of the World Health Assembly, the spokesperson said. From the early stage of the pandemic, China has shown a scientific, professional, serious and responsible attitude on origin tracing. China has taken the lead in global origin tracing cooperation with WHO, the spokesperson said, adding that China's open and transparent attitude on the virus origin tracing issue has been fully recognized by international experts. However, for some time, a few countries, led by the United States, have been stigmatizing the pandemic, labeling the virus and politicizing the origin tracing, the spokesperson said, adding that these behaviors have seriously disrupted and undermined the global origin tracing research cooperation, and created great difficulties for countries to fight the pandemic and save lives. The overwhelming voice of justice by the vast number of developing countries in the joint letter stands in sharp contrast to the political manipulation, science opposition and facts distortion done by a handful of countries headed by the United States, the spokesperson said, adding that this fully reflects the justice of the international community, and fully demonstrates that the majority of countries uphold fairness, objectivity and justice. (Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun) China's foreign trade in H1 hits record high 09:09, July 16, 2021 By Du Haitao ( People's Daily Trucks are being loaded at Yantai port, east China's Shandong province, July 13, 2021. (People's Daily Online/Tangke) China's total foreign trade in goods in the first half of the year grew 27.1 percent from a year ago to 18.07 trillion yuan (about $2.79 trillion), data from the General Administration of Customs (GAC) showed. Exports increased 28.1 percent to 9.85 trillion yuan, and imports expanded by 25.9 percent to 8.22 trillion yuan. The country's total foreign trade, exports and imports in the first six months this year were up 22.9 percent, 23.8 percent and 21.7 percent, respectively, compared with those in the same period two years ago, before the outburst of COVID-19. China's foreign trade stood at 3.29 trillion yuan last month, up 22 percent from a year ago, which marked positive growth for 13 months in a row. China's foreign trade in the first half of the year posted the best performance in history, which has laid a solid foundation for the whole-year growth of the country's foreign trade, said GAC spokesperson Li Kuiwen at a press conference on July 13. Chinas economy showed a steady recovery with solid and sound growth in the first half, and market players demonstrated stronger vitality, which offered strong support for the continuous and stable growth of foreign trade, Li, who's also the director of the GAC's statistics and analysis department, added. In particular, the continuous release of policy dividends to stabilize foreign trade, and the leading role played by high-level opening platforms have further outlined the advantages of new businesses and models of foreign trade. According to GAC statistics, the total trade value of China's cross-border e-commerce sector reached 886.7 billion yuan in the first six months, up 28. 6 year on year. Exports of the sector surged 44.1 percent to 603.6 billion yuan, and imports stood at 283.1 billion yuan, an uptick of 4.6 percent. Besides, exports through mart procurement trade grew 49.1 percent. The continuous global economic recovery and increasing external demand entailed rising global trade and China's exports. In the past months, multiple international organizations have lifted their expectation for global growth in 2021. For instance, the International Monetary Fund in April lifted the Global Growth Forecast for 2021 to 6 percent, and the World Bank also increased its global economic growth forecast to 5.6% for this year the last month. In the first six months, China's exports to the US, the EU, and ASEAN countries grew 31.7 percent, 25.5 percent, and 27.8 percent, respectively. The country also exported 47 percent and 27.7 percent more of goods to Latin America and Africa during the same period. Since the proposal of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China has witnessed increasingly closer trade ties with BRI countries. Especially after the outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020, China and relevant countries offered mutual support to tide over difficulties and constantly deepened Belt and Road cooperation, achieving remarkable progress. China's total trade value with BRI countries grew 27.5 percent in the first half to 5.35 trillion yuan, 0.4 percentage point higher than the growth of the country's total trade in the same period, and accounting for 29.6 percent of its total imports and exports. Exports to these countries increased 29.1 percent to 3.03 trillion yuan, and imports increased 25.6 percent to 2.32 trillion yuan. China-Europe freight service contributed a major part to stabilizing the trade with countries along the rail tracks. According to China Railway, China Europe freight trains made 7,377 trips in the first six months this year, shipping 707,000 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units), up 43 percent and 52 percent, respectively. Ninety-eight percent of the containers shipped were loaded with goods. The GAC said 209.78 billion yuan of China's foreign trade with BRI countries were realized through rail services, up 43.1 percent. Upholding the vision of building a global community of health for all, China has actively joined the WHO's COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access, or COVAX project and supported all countries to fight the pandemic. Li said the GAC has issued a series of measures this year to ensure smooth and quick customs clearance of COVID-19 vaccines. According to statistics, China has exported over 500 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines and concentrates to 112 countries and regions. The vaccines and concentrates China has offered equal to 1/6 of the world's total production, which marks an important contribution of the country to global anti-pandemic cooperation and economic recovery. As COVID-19 is still spreading in many parts of the world, Li warned that China's foreign trade faces uncertainties in a complex global epidemic environment. Meanwhile, the foreign trade growth might slow in the second half due to a high base last year. However, it is still possible that the country's foreign trade maintains rapid growth for the year. (Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun) China always regards rights to subsistence and development as primary and basic human rights 09:13, July 16, 2021 By He Yin ( People's Daily A peacekeeper of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon gets vaccinated against COVID-19 at a medical unit of the Chinese peacekeeping forces to Lebanon, May 17, 2021. (Peoples Daily Online/ Jia Fangwen) The 47th regular session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) adopted a resolution submitted by China on the contribution of development to the enjoyment of all human rights on July 12, reaffirming that development makes a significant contribution to the enjoyment of all human rights by all, the aim of development is to constantly improve the well-being of the entire population and that countries should meet the aspiration of the people for a better life. In their remarks at the session, representatives of other countries commended this important draft resolution submitted by China and thanked China for its leading role. They stressed that development is critical to countries, especially developing countries, adding that without development, it would be impossible to achieve enjoyment of human rights and overcome the challenges brought by COVID-19. It was the third time that the UNHRC adopted a resolution on the contribution of development to the enjoyment of all human rights submitted by China. In June 2017, the UN human rights body adopted a resolution from China on development issues in an overwhelming vote, introducing the concept development promotes human rights into the international human rights system for the first time. In July 2019, the UNHRC adopted a resolution submitted by China on development issues for the second time. By holding high the banner of development, China makes the common aspirations and wishes of developing countries heard by the world, winning wide support from the international community. Development is mankinds eternal quest and creates conditions for the realization of various human rights. The UN Declaration on the Right to Development specified that the right to development is an inalienable human right. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, global poverty and inequality are increasingly prominent, becoming major obstacles to protecting human rights. In the face of grave global challenges, countries are in urgent need of better protecting the rights to subsistence and development, safeguarding and improving peoples well-being in development, and promoting human rights through development. As the largest developing country in the world, China is well aware that development is the key to solving all Chinas problems as well as a driver of human rights progress in the country. Based on Chinas prevailing realities, the Communist Party of China (CPC) considers the rights to subsistence and development the primary human rights, driving continuous development and progress of the countrys human rights cause. After long-term unremitting efforts, the Chinese people have, under the leadership of the CPC, attained liberation, secured adequate food and clothing, become better off and achieved moderate prosperity in all respects step by step, and they are now heading toward a higher level of common prosperity. China has made earnest efforts to ensure peoples right to subsistence, significantly improved its protection of the peoples economic, social, cultural, and environmental rights, coordinated the protection of civil and political rights, and protected the rights of special groups in all respects. The process during which the CPC led more than 1.4 billion Chinese people toward a happy life represents exactly the Partys great practice of promoting the development of Chinas human rights cause. All Chinese people are enjoying the huge dividends brought by the countrys development, which is a remarkable achievement in human rights in the world, said a Spanish scholar who has visited China over 50 times. While being committed to its own development, China has taken concrete actions to promote the common development of all. Over the past seven decades or so, the country has assisted 166 countries and international organizations, sent over 600,000 people on aid missions. It has provided medical assistance for 69 countries, and helped more than 120 developing countries achieve the UN Millennium Development Goals. China has actively participated in international cooperation on poverty reduction and is helping many people in developing countries get rid of poverty. By joining hands with other countries in building the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China has helped promote the development of countries along the routes of the BRI, which is expected to help lift 7.6 million people out of extreme poverty and 32 million people out of moderate poverty in countries involved. China has always been committed to promoting world peace and progress and making the fruits of development benefit more countries and people, making major contributions to international human rights development. It is believed that China will safeguard the rights of the Chinese people at a higher level as it continues developing in the future. The country will make a greater contribution to the protection of human rights, enabling the world to develop better and become more prosperous. (Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun) Belarus "seriously concerned" about politicizing COVID-19 origins tracing: media Xinhua) 09:31, July 16, 2021 MINSK, July 15 (Xinhua) -- Belarus is seriously concerned about the politicization of the COVID-19 pandemic and pressures on the World Health Organization (WHO) and individual countries, about the origins tracing matter, the Belarusian state news agency Belta recently reported. "Belarus closely follows discussions about the matter within the framework of the WHO and takes an active part in the development of the decisions," Belarus' foreign ministry told the agency in a Friday statement. "We believe that competent scientists instead of politicians or diplomats should give the answer to this question," the ministry said, while being asked to comment on conspiracy theories regarding virus origins. The WHO released in March an origin-tracing study report by the China-WHO joint mission, presenting conclusions on the virus's origin, said the Belta report. Despite that, representatives of some countries keep spreading other statements in international organizations and on mass media "to disprove (the) conclusions of the WHO mission, replace them with their own speculations, and enforce their point of view on the international community," the ministry was quoted by the agency as saying. Such attempts can damage international cooperation for researching the virus and can hinder the efforts to contain its spread, said the ministry, noting that "China has been interacting in an open and transparent manner with the WHO since the first days" of the outbreak. (Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun) Survey shows significant consumer psychology changes in China Xinhua) 09:39, July 16, 2021 SHANGHAI, July 15 (Xinhua) -- A survey released at the ongoing 2021 Licensing Expo China (Shanghai) showed that Chinese consumers are increasingly spending on "family and health" by buying more and more high-quality products. Jason Yu, Managing Director of Greater China of Kantar Worldpanel, released the consumer research report Tuesday during the 2021 China Licensing Conference. As consumers in China return to their regular lives from the epidemic, they are more and more focused on "protecting their families, exploring and learning new things, and quickly adapting to changes in life," said Yu. The report also showed that, compared with the older generations, Generation Z in China has different consumption motivations. They are spending heavily on brands and products to boost their social popularity, are in line with their "public persona," and can help them purely enjoy themselves. According to the global licensing market report 2020 issued by Licensing International, China's licensing market reached 10.4 billion U.S. dollars, up by 9.7 percent year on year. (Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun) Community canteens make life easier for elderly residents in NW China's Xinjiang People's Daily Online) 10:00, July 16, 2021 "At the age of 80, I have become incapable of cooking for myself. Luckily, there is this community canteen near my home where I can enjoy a variety of food at a very reasonable price," Zhang Xiufang, a senior citizen from Changji city, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region said jauntily while making an order at this canteen. Two local residents have a meal in a community canteen in Altay, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region. (Photo/altxw.com) Established by the organization department of CPC Changji municipal committee and the civil affairs bureau of Changji city, the community canteen where Zhang enjoyed a meal with balanced portions of vegetable and meat dishes for a mere 10 yuan ($1.53) is run by a third-party catering organization and subsidized by the local government. Zhang Zejin, a staff member with the civil affairs bureau of Changji city, disclosed that so far, 28 community canteens have been proposed to be established in the city, of which 12 are now in operation, serving nearly 600 residents every day. According to the plan, by the end of this year, 47 canteens will be built in Changji to provide dining services for nearly 20,000 residents over the age of 60 in the city. A community canteen for the elderly similar to those in Changji city recently opened in Altay prefecture in northern Xinjiang, also offering competitive meal prices. For instance, a meal with two meat dishes and two vegetable dishes only costs 15 yuan. Furthermore, anyone over the age of 60 is eligible for special discounts, while mobility-impaired residents can enjoy food delivery services. "After two months of preparation, we have successfully built the first community canteen in Altay, which has been well received by residents since its opening," said Zhang Hui, secretary of the Party working committee in Qiaxiulu neighborhood, Altay. "Thanks to the community canteen, we can spend just 10 yuan for a nutritious meal. We can also read books or newspapers, and drink tea at the community daytime care room. This is way better than staying at home, said a senior citizen surnamed Liu who frequently dines at the canteen. (Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun) Interview: CPC leads China to unprecedented development, says head of Mauritanian ruling party Xinhua) 10:27, July 16, 2021 NOUAKCHOTT, July 16 (Xinhua) -- The Communist Party of China (CPC) has kept developing and maintained vigorous vitality ever since its establishment in 1921, leading China to achieve unprecedented development, Sidi Mohamed Ould Taleb Amar, president of Mauritania's ruling Union for the Republic party, has said. In a recent interview with Xinhua, Amar extended his warm congratulations on the 100th anniversary of the founding of the CPC, saying that with clear goals and staunch faith, the Chinese party keeps pace with the times, gains experience through the country's practices, and puts people first in national development. "All these factors made the party grow steadily and acquire new experiences, so this party is always renewed," he added. As a former Mauritanian ambassador to China, Amar said working in China has deepened his understanding of the country in various fields, noting that China has adhered to the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics and has built up a development mode endowed with its own distinctive character. Amar said that China has achieved high level progress in such fields as economy, trade, science and technology under the CPC's leadership, and other countries can learn from such experience in national development and in "establishing good relations with the rest of the world." In recent years, under the joint promotion by leaders of the two countries, the friendly relations between Mauritania and China have further strengthened, he said. During the COVID-19 epidemic, the two countries have carried out anti-epidemic cooperation, and China has provided vaccine aid for Mauritania, Amar noted, while expressing gratitude and willingness to further cooperate with the Asian country. Mauritania respects China "and we acknowledge China's respect for our beliefs" and for the unique conditions in African countries, he added, saying he believes Africa-China relations will usher in an even better future. (Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun) German Green party member refutes allegations against Xinjiang Xinhua) 10:31, July 16, 2021 BERLIN, July 15 (Xinhua) -- Allegations against Xinjiang like genocide and concentration camps are baseless, said Juergen Kurz, a German Green party member said recently after a trip to China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Kurz, in an interview with German online magazine Telepolis, questioned the sources of these accusations, saying they "fall nowhere from the sky." Many representatives and journalists are trying to visit Xinjiang with a presumption of guilt mentality, he said. "They demanded to be able to visit these 'concentration camps.' The Chinese then said that they don't exist, that's why they couldn't show them," Kurz said. Kurz went on his trip in May to Xinjiang and said he got some insights of the alleged concentration camps which are actually vocational education centers. "That is part of the poverty reduction policy. In China, such programs run extremely heavily through the government, provincial governments, cities and municipalities," said Kurz. He added that such education centers were also used to de-radicalize the extremists. "The radicalization of people was happening. The most approachable people for extremism are young men who have no professional prospects and do not know what to do," said Kurz. Talking about the genocide allegation, Kurz said it was also a "framing" by Western countries, as the Uygur population has been rising and has a higher birthrate than the ethnic Han. (Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun) Chinese nationals in Vietnam receive 1st doses of Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine Xinhua) 10:40, July 16, 2021 HANOI, July 15 (Xinhua) -- Chinese nationals in Vietnam on Thursday started receiving their first doses of Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine under China's "Spring Sprout" vaccination program. Over 2,600 Chinese nationals were inoculated on Thursday in the Vietnamese capital Hanoi and northern Bac Giang province, which accommodates a large number of Chinese working at industrial parks. "The vaccination program shows the Communist Party of China's and the Chinese government's concern and care for overseas Chinese nationals. It is also a significant act in China's further cooperation with other countries in fighting the pandemic," said Chinese Ambassador to Vietnam Xiong Bo at a vaccination site in Hanoi. Inoculating Chinese citizens in Vietnam is to protect their health and safety as well as to contribute to Vietnam's efforts against the pandemic, as the situation concerning COVID-19 in the country is still severe, Xiong said. Chinese nationals will also be inoculated with the Sinopharm vaccine in 25 other localities across Vietnam including southern Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), the current epidemic hotspot. Vietnam reported a new daily high of 2,924 locally transmitted COVID-19 infections on Wednesday, with 2,229 recorded in HCMC. As of 6 p.m. local time Wednesday, the country had registered a total of 35,479 domestically transmitted COVID-19 cases, including 33,909 since the start of the latest outbreak in late April, according to the country's Ministry of Health. Vietnam received its first batch of the Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine from China on June 20. (Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun) Mainland opposes military contacts between Taiwan, U.S. Xinhua) 10:44, July 16, 2021 BEIJING, July 15 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese mainland spokesperson on Thursday expressed strong opposition against military contacts of any form between Taiwan and the United States. Zhu Fenglian, a spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, made the statement when commenting on the media report of a U.S. military transport plane landing in Taiwan Thursday. "We urged the United States to abide by the provisions of the three China-U.S. joint communiques when handling issues related to Taiwan and stop provocation," she said. Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authority will bring disaster to the people of Taiwan if it continues working with foreign forces to seek "Taiwan independence" and resist reunification, Zhu said. (Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun) Giant panda cub Bao Lu grows black patches as he gets older People's Daily Online) 10:57, July 16, 2021 Photo shows giant panda cub Bao Lu. (Photo provided by Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding) Bao Lu, a giant panda cub born on June 24, has grown black markings around his eyes, ears, and some other areas of his body. The male giant panda cub was born weighing 174.7 grams at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, located in Chengdu city, southwest Chinas Sichuan province, and is in good health while under the meticulous care of researchers and breeders. A newborn giant baby is all white, and about four or five days after its birth its eyes and ears begin to turn grey. Its arms, legs, and shoulders begin to change color one week after birth, and its patches get darker as time goes on. (Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun) China stands ready to enhance cooperation with Belarus: Chinese FM Xinhua) 14:29, July 16, 2021 DUSHANBE, July 16 (Xinhua) -- China stands ready to further enhance its relations with Belarus and strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation, visiting Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said here on Thursday. During his meeting with Nikolai Snopkov, first deputy prime minister of Belarus, Wang said China and Belarus are "iron-clad" friends, and their relationship has remained at high-level under the guidance of the two countries' heads of state. Both sides should implement the consensus reached between the two heads of state, uphold the spirit of mutual trust and win-win cooperation, continue to deepen their traditional friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation, and prompt bilateral ties to maintain strong momentum for development, he said. Stressing that the two countries share a good tradition of supporting and helping each other, Wang expressed gratitude to Belarus for always standing together with China firmly and supporting China's legitimate position over issues concerning China's core interests. When Belarus faces difficulties, China, as its comprehensive strategic partner, will also try its best to provide support and help to Belarus, which is an inherent feature of the two countries' friendly relations, Wand noted. China firmly supports Belarus in safeguarding its state sovereignty and national dignity, opposes any reckless unilateral sanctions against Belarus, and stands against external forces' interference in Belarus' internal affairs, Wang said, adding that China will uphold justice under multilateral frameworks and safeguard Belarus' legitimate rights. China will continue to provide vaccines to Belarus and help the country completely defeat the COVID-19 pandemic at an early date, Wang added. Snopkov, for his part, extended congratulations on the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC), as well as China's accomplishment of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects. Belarus firmly believes that under the leadership of the CPC, China will certainly realize its second centenary goal and achieve greater success with its socialism with Chinese characteristics, Snopkov said. Belarus, he said, is committed to working with China to deepen all-round cooperation so as to lift bilateral ties to a higher level. Belarus firmly supports China over issues concerning China's core interests, and will always stand together with China, he added. Snopkov noted that Belarus is ready to work with China to oppose "pseudo multilateralism" practices that attempt to sow divisions in the world, and actively promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind. (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) Myanmar to receive 6 mln doses of COVID-19 vaccine from China: AFP Xinhua) 14:32, July 16, 2021 YANGON, July 16 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar will receive 6 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine from China by August, according to a report by Agence France-Presse (AFP). A senior official from Myanmar's information industry told the agency on Wednesday that the government has bought four million doses of the vaccine from China, which will also donate two million more. The first 1 million doses will arrive late July, the official added. Around 1.75 million individuals have so far been vaccinated in Myanmar, which has a population of some 54 million, according to health officials. Myanmar is facing resurging COVID-19 cases. According to the latest figures by the Ministry of Health and Sports, Myanmar reported 212,545 COVID-19 infections with 4,346 deaths as of late Thursday. (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) China to strengthen cooperation with Bangladesh in beating pandemic, alleviating poverty: FM Xinhua) 15:03, July 16, 2021 TASHKENT, July 16 (Xinhua) -- China is willing to strengthen cooperation with Bangladesh in fighting against COVID-19 and alleviating poverty, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said here on Thursday. China and Bangladesh are good neighbors and friends who always adhere to equity and mutual respect, continue to strengthen friendly cooperation and jointly build the Belt and Road, Wang said during talks with Bangladeshi Foreign Minister A.K. Abdul Momen, adding that China is willing to work with Bangladesh to maintain the development momentum of their strategic cooperative partnership. China greatly appreciates Bangladesh's firm support of China's legitimate stance on issues related to China's core interests, he said. China will support Bangladesh as always in safeguarding national sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, and upholding international equity and justice, as well as the basic norm of non-interference in internal affairs in international relations, Wang added. China will continue to provide COVID-19 vaccines to Bangladesh and is willing to discuss vaccine-related cooperation with Bangladesh, backing its efforts to fight the pandemic, said the minister. Both sides should jointly oppose politicizing COVID-19 origin-tracing, he said. China stands ready to provide support and assistance for poverty reduction in Bangladesh through the China-South Asian Countries Poverty Alleviation and Cooperative Development Center, Wang said. For his part, Momen said Bangladesh always adheres to the one-China principle and firmly supports China on issues related to China's internal affairs such as Xinjiang, Hong Kong and Tibet. He thanked the Chinese side for providing vaccine assistance to Bangladesh and helping it at a critical moment. The Bangladeshi side opposes politicizing virus origin-tracing, and hopes to cooperate with China in vaccine production and strengthen cooperation in fighting the pandemic within the framework of the six-nation cooperation mechanism, namely Bangladesh, China, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka. China has set an example for the world in poverty alleviation, he said, and Bangladesh supports China's initiative to establish the China-South Asian Countries Poverty Alleviation and Cooperative Development Center and also hopes to share China's experience in reducing poverty. Bangladesh hopes that China will continue to play a mediative and constructive role in properly resolving the Rakhine State issue. (Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun) Int'l general aviation industry expo kicks off in central China Xinhua) 15:04, July 16, 2021 CHANGSHA, July 16 (Xinhua) -- The Hunan International General Aviation Industry Expo opened Friday in central China's Hunan Province, with a focus on showcasing the booming drone industry. The use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) has accelerated since 2018, injecting vitalities to the development of general aviation, said Yin Shijun, chief engineer with the Civil Aviation Administration of China. The total flight duration of drones in China over the past three years exceeded 4 million hours, with an average increase of 40 percent annually, according to Yin. Renowned air show teams will put on professional performances of fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, UAVs, model airplanes, powered parachutes and ultralight aircraft during the expo. The three-day event has attracted key enterprises from home and abroad, including Aviation Industry Corporation of China, Aero Engine Corporation of China, Textron Aviation, Bell Helicopter and Pratt &Whitney, among others. More than 300 domestic and foreign experts, scholars and business leaders, as well as diplomatic envoys and representatives of business associations from 17 countries will be attending the expo. (Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun) Dazzling drone light show staged in Fuzhou (People's Daily App) 15:08, July 16, 2021 A dazzling drone light show was held Thursday night over the Minjiang River in Fuzhou, East China's Fujian Province, to welcome the 44th session of the World Heritage Committee of UNESCO. (Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun) Veteran envoy to Africa looks back on a distinguished career China Daily) 15:19, July 16, 2021 Liu Guijin, former Chinese ambassador to Zimbabwe and South Africa, reads a book at home in Beijing, on June 18, 2021. (Photo/Xinhua) Liu Guijin, former Chinese ambassador to Zimbabwe and South Africa and the Chinese government's first special representative on African affairs, has seen his diplomatic career closely integrated with the continent. Born in 1945, Liu has been working on African affairs for nearly 40 years. He has become well known for advocating China-Africa friendship and cooperation and helping found the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation. He recently received the July 1 Medal, along with 28 other outstanding members of the Communist Party of China. During his 17 years of work on the continent, he visited 52 of its 54 countries. The other two had yet to establish diplomatic relations with China. "When I set foot on the land of Africa and started working on African affairs, I fell in love with this continent and this fertile land," he said. "From then on, I never gave up work related to Africa." Reminiscing about his interactions with South African leaders, Liu said he helped arrange a telephone conversation between Nelson Mandela, founding father of the new South Africa, and then Chinese president Jiang Zemin in 2002. After the phone call, Mandela chatted with Liu for a while, talking about his special feelings for the revolution in China. Liu said he was impressed when Mandela told him that when he was in prison on Robben Island in Cape Town, he had folded paper from a cigarette pack into the shape of China's five-star, red national flag to celebrate China's National Day. "Generations of revolutionary pioneers and leaders from both sides have jointly nurtured, forged, and developed the China-Africa friendship together, and that's why the friendship is so deeply rooted in people's hearts," Liu said. In May 2007, China announced that Liu would become its first special representative on African affairs. His mission started by focusing on the conflict in Darfur, Sudan. While they discredited attacks by Western countries and the media against China on the issue, African countries and local media welcomed China's impartial efforts, as represented by Liu, in mediating peace. "Indeed, Chinese leadership and media have instead firmly stood in the face of pressures put on them because they are fully aware of Western attempts to capitalize on the African problem to pass its own agendas, which have not changed since the colonial era," Sudan Vision, the largest English-language daily newspaper in Sudan, said in an editorial in 2008 on the day Liu arrived in the African nation on a four-day visit. Observing the ever-changing political landscape around the globe, Liu said: "Today's world requires greater efforts from Chinese diplomats. In the world today, we can see some disorder and chaos in many parts of the globe, especially the impulses agitating trade protectionism and unilateralism." Meanwhile, "China's diplomacy is closely linked with the country's development and progress", he said. Beijing has set a grand goal of building a community with a shared future for mankind, and it has proposed the Belt and Road Initiative, which has been widely acclaimed and is beneficial to the international community, Liu said. "The task of China's diplomacy is more arduous, and the challenges are mounting, but our goals should also be more ambitious," he added. Liu also shared his expectations for the Chinese diplomats of a younger generation. "You should develop a firm (political) stand, a broad vision, a great spectrum of knowledge and excellent abilities. Only in this way can you accomplish major missions," he said. (Web editor: Xian Jiangnan, Liang Jun) Lao leaders, Chinese embassy jointly celebrate CPC centenary Xinhua) 15:46, July 16, 2021 VIENTIANE, July 16 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese embassy in Laos and the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee's commission for external relations held a friendly exchange event on Thursday to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC). Thongloun Sisoulith, general secretary of the LPRP Central Committee and Lao president, and Thongsavanh Phomvihane, head of the commission for external relations, among other Lao party and state leaders, attended the celebration here. In his address, Chinese Ambassador to Laos Jiang Zaidong said both China and Laos are socialist countries under the leadership of communist parties, and China is willing to further deepen exchanges with the brotherly Lao party on party and national governance experience, jointly advance the cause of socialism, continuously enrich the practice of building the China-Laos community with a shared future, and make positive contributions to the building of a community with a shared future for mankind. Thongsavanh, for his part, warmly congratulated on and spoke highly of the CPC for leading the Chinese people to set up the great cause of the Party and the country and achieve the first centenary goal, which has laid a solid foundation for realizing the Chinese Dream of great national rejuvenation and marching towards the second centenary goal. The remarkable achievements made by the Chinese people under the CPC's leadership have provided valuable experience and great impetus for the development of countries all over the world, including Laos, the Lao party official noted. Thongsavanh said he believes that under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee, the brotherly Chinese people will keep advancing along the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics and push forward the socialist modernization to achieve new and greater successes. (Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun) Twelve Landmark Chronographs: Part 1 Twelve Landmark... The chronograph is worthy of an entire book in its own right: its probably the most widespread complication after the date, as well as... The chronograph is worthy of an entire... In a workshop, laborers pound Blue Sandalwood bark and rice straw to fiber, before using a cloth to filter out impurities and dust in a bid to finally attain a clean, white pulp. These are essential steps in the manufacture of delicate, long-lasting Xuan paper, traditionally used for Chinese calligraphy and painting. It is mainly produced in Dingjiaqiao, a landlocked township in East China's Anhui province. Dingjiaqiao has a 1,000-year history of producing the paper. In 2009, the process of making Xuan paper was added to UNESCO's world intangible cultural heritage list. Today, with its popularity both at home and abroad, Xuan paper has become an important source of income for residents of the township that is home to over 200 Xuan paper manufacturers. Zhang Yueling, 47, has a job packing and shipping the paper for one of them. She is one of over 10,000 people in the township engaged in the Xuan paper industry. She returned to her hometown 10 years ago, after a period away working in a city, to take better care of her child and her elderly parents. Zhang found the job, which was near her home, and earns about 3,000 yuan ($464) a month. "It's much more convenient working here," says Zhang, who previously worked as a waitress, adding that her husband and brother also work in local Xuan paper enterprises. As China's largest production base for the paper, Dingjiaqiao produces numerous types of Xuan paper, bringing in an annual sales revenue of over 1.5 billion yuan. Some products are exported to countries including Japan, the Republic of Korea and Malaysia. Wang Juling, sales manager of Anhui Changchun Paper Co Ltd, says the firm's export revenue reaches approximately 20 million yuan a year, accounting for one-fifth of total sales. Established in 1985, the company developed from a small, family-run workshop to a major manufacturer with stores across China, and, according to Wang, is eyeing an expansion into overseas markets. E-commerce has also fueled local sales. Cao Yang, 26, who's in charge of e-commerce at another Xuan paper company, returned to Dingjiaqiao from Hangzhou, an e-commerce hub in East China's Zhejiang province, several years ago. "We deliver over 500 parcels each day. Annual e-commerce sales were over 5 million yuan last year and keep rising," says Cao. By the end of 2019, more than 500 business entities in Dingjiaqiao were engaged in e-commerce, achieving a total annual sales revenue of approximately 200 million yuan. For Cao, e-commerce offers more opportunities and possibilities for this traditional craft. His company also designs and produces many creative products related to Xuan paper, including fans and scrolls, to meet the modern demands of the market. "As more experienced migrants return to Dingjiaqiao, the township has seen a growing number of milk tea shops, cake shops and cars, which offer us a glimpse into the vitality and influence of this intangible cultural heritage in the modern era," says Cao. By Tang Hua After Biden took office as American president, returning to multilateralism has become a catchword for him and his staff, as if to tell the world that a friendly and rules-obeying America is back. Yet half a year has passed and the world has come to realize that the multilateralism preached by the Biden administration is nothing but a cloak over its attempt to rope in the allies and practice bloc bullying. Recently the so-called Media Freedom Coalition released a statement signed by 21 western countries represented by the US, making groundless accusations of the government of China and its Hong Kong SAR of closing the Apple Daily and oppressing freedom of speech. This is obviously another anti-China move instigated by the US government with a small western clique posing as the international community. Founded by Jimmy Lai, a member of the group of four that tried to wreak havoc on Hong Kong, in 1995, Apple Daily is known as a media that misleads the young generation in Hong Kong and agitates opposition parties to defy the Hong Kong government with violence and disrupt social order. Jimmy Lai is closely connected with the US Consulate General Hong Kong, while the US has sponsored through him the violent riots in the SAR. Hong Kong residents used to pull up huge streamers condemning Jimmy Lai as flunky of America and mastermind of creating riots and chaos in Hong Kong, and his Apple Daily asgenerating smear and slander. No western country would even tolerate such a media or individual that betrays its own country and tries to paralyze the government. In early 2021, former US President Trump, refusing to accept his failure at the re-election, doubted the election results repeatedly on social media, spread the conspiracy theory that the election had been rigged, and incited his supporters to organize protests in Washington, which finally led to the world-shocking Capitol Hill riot. The Democratic Party acted immediately defining the event as a riot and the participants as rioters, and the media controlled by left-wing forces condemned Trump for instigating violence and canceled his social media account to make him socially dead. Democratic members of the House of Representatives even filed a civil lawsuit against Trump holding him accountable for the rioting. At that time, the Democratic Party said nothing about freedom of speech but jumped at the opportunity to attack Trump and his right-wing supporters; yet now it seems especially sympathetic with and lenient on Jimmy Lai and his Apple Daily that incited the violent riots in Hong Kong. How bizarre! When Hong Kong was mired in turbulence and chaos, Washington gloated, watched with folded arms, and even blatantly supported the rioters; when Hong Kong was stable, it spread rumors and created panic, and even complained about the injustice done to the rioters. The vicious attempt of the US and its allies to turn Hong Kong into a battlefield of the China-US struggles has been exposed under broad daylight. From the origin tracing of COVID-19 to the so-called human rights issue in Xinjiang, from the G7 Summit to the session of the UN Human Rights Council, the US, at every occasion and on every topic, has formed the habit of ganging up with its followers on the moral high ground of rules-based international order, where it criticizes Chinas internal and foreign policies and human rights situation, and unscrupulously smears Chinas efforts of pandemic prevention and control and foreign assistance. It is trying so desperately to gloss over its bullying policies with resounding rhetoric, paint China as a breaker of rules and order, and create the false impression that what China has done has angered many foreign countries, with the ultimate goal of depriving China of its right to peaceful development. But how can the mountain stop the ever-flowing river from running to the east? The great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation is an overwhelming historical trend that cannot be stopped, whereas Americas old trick of forming a small clique to contain China, which has been played too many times and isbeneath its dignity, is facing the dilemma of shrinking marginal benefit. At the 47th session of the UN Human Rights Council, the US rallied 44 countries to issue a joint statement against China, but Ukraine pulled its name out of the statement only two days later. In the meantime, Belarus, on behalf of 67 countries, gave a speech in support of China, emphasizing that no foreign country shall interfere in Hong Kong as that is Chinas internal affair, and supporting Chinas exercise of one country, two systems in the SAR. Once again, Bidens plan to speak in one voice with his allies against China fell through. Facts have proven that justice is in the heart of the people. The international community has seen through the shameless lies told by certain western countries, and the farce staged by them is having fewer audiences. Their posture of preaching human rights and freedom is as ridiculous and hypocritical as the emperor wearing his new clothes. Editors note: This article is originally published on china.com.cn, and is translated from Chinese into English and edited by the China Military Online. The information, ideas or opinions appearing in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of eng.chinamil.com.cn. Australian authorities are tracking a Chinese surveillance ship that is expected to monitor large-scale military exercises involving the United States off the coast of Queensland. Australia said Wednesday it "fully expected a ship of this class to arrive in our region" during military exercises with the United States. Officials have said they "had planned for its presence." The auxiliary general intelligence Chinese ship is expected to monitor the Talisman Sabre 2021 war games that officially began Wednesday. They are designed to strengthen a decades-old military alliance and boost combat readiness. The drills include "amphibious landings, ground force maneuver, urban operations, air combat and maritime operations." It is the largest bilateral training exercise between Australia and the U.S. In an official defense force video, Australian Air Commodore Stuart Bellingham said other countries were also taking part in the drills in Queensland state. "In addition to the United States this year will involve participating forces from Canada, Japan, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand and the United Kingdom," he said. "Due to COVID-19, you will notice fewer international participants this year compared to the past." The Chinese electronic spy vessel is expected to closely monitor the Talisman Sabre war games during the next two weeks. Six sailors aboard the destroyer Munmu the Great that is on an anti-piracy mission off the Horn of Africa have tested positive for coronavirus. Another 80 others also have symptoms, the Joint Chiefs of Staff here said Thursday. The destroyer carries about 300 personnel and crew who typically sleep in tightly enclosed cabins with a central ventilation system, making it a perfect breeding ground for infections. None of the crew had been vaccinated. The JCS immediately put its operations on hold. President Moon Jae-in ordered medical staff and supplies to be airlifted as soon as possible. From sari to silk tapestry, traditional costumes appeal to Indian ladies By:Wu Qiong | From:english.eastday.com | 2021-07-16 07:53 You look amazing! Shilpa Goels friends cheered for her when she wore a piece of Chinese fabric made with gold and silver threads as an Indian sari. Standing on the stage, Shilpa twirled like a model. After an afternoons experience of traditional culture, she said she liked this part the most. On the afternoon of Saturday, June 10, ten Indian ladies from the Indian Association (IA) Shanghai toured around the Being Art Museum in Pudong New District and enjoyed a special cultural experience. It was the second of a series of activities for expats in town, organized by the Shanghai Peoples Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (SPAFFC) and the Shanghai Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection Center. Accompanied by Madam Jing Ying (vice president of SPAFFC) and Ms. Yang Hui (vice president of Shanghai New Social Strata Association), the Indian ladies paid a visit to the Clothes for the People Special Exhibition of Costumes in China while guided by Ms. Lin Wei, curator of the Museum. The colorful and varied traditional costumes of Chinese ethnic minorities left the curious audience with a deep impression. They were interested in everything, from the 12-zodiac-themed Qingyang sachets (a time-honored cultural craft in Northwest China's Gansu province) and the marriage-themed embroidered piece. They also asked questions about the horsetail embroidery crafted by Shui people in Guizhou, the bark cloth by Li people in Hainan and the Hundred Bird Costume by Miao people in Guizhou, and looked forward to seeing them next time when they travel to those places. In addition, they visited a special area displaying the works of women in remote areas, combining ancient weaving and clothing techniques with modern ideas. With the help of the China Women's Development Foundation (CWDF), those women can make money on their own or start up their own businesses without leaving their hometowns. Under The Genius Mom program, the intangible cultural sources can be turned into industrial advantages, thus lifting the people out of poverty. Afterwards, the Indian ladies listened to a lecture on Chinese silk tapestry given by Linda, art curator and deputy secretary general of the Shanghai Weaving and Embroidery Professional Committee. While reviewing the evolutionary history of the Indian sari and Japanese kimono, they could bring their own understanding of silk brocade and silk tapestry, while appreciating different silk tapestry artworks made by Chinese artists. As Madame Jing Ying said, both China and India have splendid civilizations. Intangible cultural heritage is the art of life and a bridge for cross-cultural communication. Through intangible cultural heritage experience and exchanges, we can appreciate the charm of different cultures. Ms. Ritika Singh Kumar, general secretary of IA Shanghai, thanked the organizers for holding the event, saying that she and her friends gained a lot of new information and they looked forward to more events.You have a whole lot of ladies here to enlighten you. All of us here, I think, wear sari, are into sari, and have an understanding of silk, said Ritika to Linda. Whether in India, Japan or China, silk is a high-level art. With silk and clothing art as the link and medium, we can communicate across cultures and borders so that foreign friends will hopefully feel the beauty of Chinese intangible cultural heritage, commented Linda. (Some photos provided by the Bing Art Museum) Given the recent increase in COVID-19 cases in Flagler County, the Flagler County Health Department (DOH-Flagler) has added more opportunities for COVID testing and vaccinations in the upcoming weeks. According to Executive Community Health Nursing Director Mark Linde, the modified approach reflects the departments concern about the rising number of COVID-related cases, hospitalizations and emergency room visits over recent weeks. In June, most days we averaged 10 or fewer positive cases. said Linde. Now we are seeing about 50 positive cases every day. Weve noticed the virus is infecting younger people who thought they were immune and chose not to get vaccinated. The decisions they made are now putting the immunocompromised at greater risk, and eroding the progress we made in trying to put the pandemic behind us. While the health department continues to recommend COVID vaccinations for all eligible Flagler residents, they have also added more testing and vaccination opportunities to their weekly outreach efforts. These health department sites offer the Pfizer vaccine for ages 12 and older, as well as free PCR testing at least three days a week. The revised schedule follows: Mondays from 5 to 6PM Santa Maria Del Mar Catholic Church 915 N Central Ave, Flagler Beach Tuesdays from 4:30 to 6:30PM Flagler County Health Department 301 Dr. Carter Blvd, Bunnell Wednesdays from 5 to 6PM First United Methodist Church 205 N. Pine Street, Bunnell Fridays from 9AM to 11AM St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church 4600 Belle Terre Pkwy, Palm Coast Vaccination appointments are preferred, but walk-ups will be accepted. Please call 386-437-7350 ext. 0 for scheduling or questions. Nearly all pharmacies in Flagler County offer COVID-19 vaccinations, and 12 offer Pfizer, which is approved for individuals ages 12 and over. And if you have symptoms cough, body aches, sore throat and fever please get tested, stay home and self-isolate until you know whether you are positive or not, added Linde. Its incumbent upon all of us to reduce the spread of COVID in our community. This is our shot, Flagler County. For more information about COVID-19 vaccination and testing efforts, please visit https://floridahealthcovid19.gov/. About the Florida Department of Health The Florida Department of Health, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @HealthyFla. For more information please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov. For information about the local health department, go to flagler.floridahealth.gov, call 386-437-7350, or visit 301 Dr. Carter Blvd. in Bunnell. You can also listen to our weekly talk radio show Flagler Health Matters, Saturdays at 11:30AM, airing on WNZF News Radio 94.9FM or streaming at https://www.flaglerbroadcasting.com/wnzf. New Braunfels, TX (78130) Today Some clouds and possibly an isolated thunderstorm this afternoon. High 94F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 30%.. Tonight Scattered thunderstorms this evening becoming more widespread overnight. Low 73F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%. Hospitals locally and nationwide are seeing a rise in COVID-19 cases, especially among younger, unvaccinated people. Resolute does not track how many patients are vaccinated or unvaccinated, but Resolute Hospital family physician Dr. Emily Briggs said the hospital has seen younger people getting hospitalized with much more severe symptoms than those who have been vaccinated. Ive had thirty-year-olds a week or two in the hospital because of this virus, Briggs said. Weve seen people with the vaccine with resistance to the virus who have a more muted course theyre not ending up in hospital. With the highly contagious delta variant spreading rapidly, cases in the U.S. are up around 70% over the past week. Hospital admissions have climbed about 36% and deaths rose by 26%, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Friday. Christus has also seen a moderate increase of cases, said Dr. Michael Hindman with Christus Trinity Clinic. The Trinity Clinic covers much of Hill Country, including New Braunfels. Its a small percentage of vaccinated patients who also get COVID, Hindman said. But in my experience, to a lesser degree, few of them have been hospitalized. Ive seen patients who have had COVID before who have been reinfected. He said they have seen younger people who were not vaccinated and have COVID. I think that in my personal experience weve had fewer patients who are older getting COVID, and a fair amount of younger patients, teenagers, young adults, who dont see a need to be vaccinated. The numbers that Comal Countys public health office tracks also shows cases and hospitalizations skewing younger than previous virus surges. More than 80% of Comal Countys population over the age of 65 has been fully vaccinated, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services. Dr. Madison Lowry, a family medicine physician in New Braunfels, said hes seeing similar things. Most of the older folks are vaccinated, Lowry said. Its these younger unvaccinated people. In conversations with local ERs, doctors and nurses, vaccinated people who come in do not need to be admitted to the emergency room and have much milder cases. Most of the time if you get COVID, you dont die from it, Lowry said. I have scores of patients who got COVID and did fine at home, but if you look at the people dying, theyre trending younger now than they used to. Briggs said cases were decreasing leading up to June and July, but in the last few weeks Resolute has seen a slight but significant increase in hospitalizations. They have not seen as many hospitalizations among those 80 or older since many got vaccinated. At Resolute, one younger pregnant woman with COVID-19 who was unvaccinated had to be intubated due to lack of oxygen, Briggs said. I anticipate seeing an increase unfortunately, Briggs said. Were seeing an increase and my hope is we dont have a huge bump, but unfortunately as that delta variant makes its way to our community, were going to see more people needing hospitalizations than we do right now. Resolute does not do routine testing for the delta variant so it does not have that data, but Briggs said it is dangerous and spreading in the state. She said when San Antonio has a rise in cases, New Braunfels follows with its own spike about two to three weeks after, which is what is happening now. Briggs chairs a task force for the Texas Medical Association, which provides factual information about coronavirus and the vaccine. That delta variant was developed in the bodies of those people who have not been vaccinated, Briggs said. That is a reservoir for variants to be developed because this virus is smart and is constantly trying to figure out how to survive. Hindman says things can change, and that everyone should be aware of that. The message we share with patients is not to rest on past successes, Hindman said. We cant be overly pleased with how the numbers behave and theres no guarantee they will continue to behave this way. Vaccines The Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are mRNA vaccines. This means they do not contain a live virus. It is simply a blueprint for cells to build ones immune system defense against the virus, sending it a message to fight off coronavirus when it recognizes it. Those who had COVID-19 can get the vaccine and after a certain amount of time the immune system remembers the virus and knows what to look for. If you do not get the vaccine then your immune system might forget you had COVID-19 and might not know what to look for, Briggs said. With that first dose it says When you see this one thing that has one arm standing up with five fingers when you see that you need to activate. The second dose makes ones immune system remember it again. The immune system will attack, often resulting in a fever or body aches, which is a good sign. The CDC found someone sick or exposed to coronavirus who had the vaccine has a much more long-term immune response ready to attack it if it enters their body. Everyone age 12 and up can get vaccinated. Lowry said it is important that others get vaccinated to protect children and those who cannot get the vaccine because of health reasons such as being allergic. There are a lot of kids, kids who do fine, get sick and they brush it off, but they give it to their grandparents, Lowry said. And thats the problem, thats what were scared of. He added he is nervous about schools opening up and with looser or no mask mandates. I am concerned about when school starts and when flu season hits, Lowry said. If we dont get more people vaccinated, things may get a lot worse. Im worried because we have lousy vaccination numbers here in Texas and the county. We have enough vaccines to vaccinate every single person and they are easy to get. Hindman also said he encourages people to get the vaccine to best protect the community. We need to vaccinate those who are eligible to protect the vulnerable, Hindman said. The last thing our community needs is a recurrence of a surge and especially another shutdown. We have to all work together to make that happen. The Associated Press contributed to this story. Woburn, MA (01801) Today Overcast with rain showers at times. High near 70F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%.. Tonight Clear to partly cloudy. Low 64F. Winds light and variable. Spectators line the bridge over Lake Ave at the Scalley Dam to watch state employees move herring over the dam, as the fish attempt to access the pond as part of their natural life cycle. The city received money from the state's Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Grant Program for work at Horn Pond Brook to improve the fisheries habitat and better control flooding. Woburn, MA (01801) Today Cloudy skies with a few showers this afternoon. High around 70F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 30%.. Tonight Partly cloudy. Low 64F. Winds light and variable. CROWN POINT The Lake County Council isn't quite ready to spend $770,060 on the new Lake Michigan patrol and rescue boat requested by Sheriff Oscar Martinez Jr. The Democratic-controlled panel voted 5-2 Thursday to defer action on the Democratic sheriff's proposal to replace one of his two Lake Michigan watercraft with a Metal Shark Defiant boat featuring a top speed of 60 mph. Council members said they felt the sheriff had not provided them enough information about his need for a new boat, or sufficient details about how often the sheriff's boats are used on Lake Michigan to deter crime or rescue ailing boaters or swimmers. WATCH NOW: Indiana State Police Trooper Tom DeVries traffic enforcement They also raised questions about the procurement process used to select the boat because it relies on a state purchasing program instead of soliciting bids from local vendors, as well as the timing of the purchase more than halfway through the county's budget year. "I'm not against this at all. There's a need. But I think this should be put into our budget for next year so we can budget for that," said Councilman Dan Dernulc, R-Highland. Councilwoman Christine Cid, D-East Chicago, likewise said she's in favor of anything to save lives on Lake Michigan. Though she said the council also has an obligation to ensure Lake County taxpayers are getting the best value for their dollars. On that point, Councilman Charlie Brown, D-Gary, thinks the sheriff might be overreaching by seeking to spend more than three-quarters of a million dollars on a boat. Support Local Journalism Now, more than ever, the world needs trustworthy reportingbut good journalism isnt free. Please support us by making a contribution. Contribute "We could buy a yacht for that amount of money," Brown said. The two councilmen who favored moving forward immediately Ted Bilski, D-Hobart, and Dave Hamm, D-Hammond said professional, lifesaving equipment often costs a lot of money, and that cost is more than worth it when lives are saved. Watch Now: Riding Shotgun with NWI Paramedics Vincent Balbo, chief of the sheriff's police, said the selected watercraft can withstand the rigors of operating on Lake Michigan and it meets the department's need to respond to any eventuality along the 26 miles of lakeshore extending from the Illinois state line to Porter County. "We have looked at a number of boats for that purpose that ranged up to $1.5 million," Balbo said. "Based on our responsibilities on the lake, we really believe that this purchase will better serve the citizens of Lake County for their safety and security." The council can reconsider the boat purchase at its Aug. 10 meeting. Get to know these new Indiana laws enacted in 2021 Press Release July 16, 2021 Lacson: Time for Public to Help End Vicious Cycle of Corruption More at: https://pinglacson.net/2021/07/16/lacson-time-for-public-to-help-end-vicious-cycle-of-corruption/ It is high time to end the vicious cycle involving corruption cases where those involved lie low until the issue dies down - and the public can play a more active role to achieve this, Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson said Friday. Lacson, who has actively participated in many Senate investigations involving corruption cases, said those involved have become brazen in pocketing public funds by exploiting such a cycle. "Some officials have lost all sense of shame. Even if charges are filed against them, they just lie low because they know that once the issue dies down and the public no longer thinks much of it, they can go back to their old ways," he said in an interview on Radyo Katribu. "That said, the vicious cycle of corruption is not limited to those in government. It takes two to tango: those who corrupt - and the public who wittingly or otherwise turns a blind eye," he added. He cited as an example the alleged irregularities in the distribution of billions of pesos' worth of implements to farmers in the provinces. Lacson noted they received complaints from farmers that the implements they received were defective or conked out easily. He said Agriculture Secretary William Dar had promised to investigate the issue but has not given an update. "Sec. Dar promised to submit a report not later than April last year. Up to now we have yet to receive it," he said. Lacson also noted the yearly insertion of projects by some lawmakers in the annual budget had ballooned over the years - from a time when P50 million was considered scandalous; to some P15 billion for one district in the 2021 proposed budget. "I don't know how the Department of Public Works and Highways can implement such projects. It was never involved in the planning for the inserted projects and does not have the absorptive capacity for them," he said. On the other hand, Lacson said he hopes the irregularities at the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth), which the Senate investigated as a Committee of the Whole last year, will not fall victim to this "vicious cycle." He noted the Senate had turned over to the mega task force led by the Department of Justice the documents and other pieces of evidence pointing to wrongdoing in the Interim Reimbursement Mechanism, which favored certain medical facilities at the expense of government hospitals handling COVID-19 cases. "It is high time ordinary Filipinos show they do not have short memories. That would make those involved in corruption think more than twice before exploiting the vicious cycle once again," he said. Home > 2021 > An Ambassador India Doesnt Remember | M R Narayan Swamy A Forgotten Ambassador in Cairo: The Life and Times of Syud Hossain by N.S. Vinodh Simon & Schuster India (December 29, 2020) | ISBN13: 9788194752028 Pages: 378; Price: Rs 799 He was an outstanding journalist whose writings and mesmerizing oratory the Raj detested; he went into self-imposed life in the West after eloping with a sister of Jawaharlal Nehru who later became Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit; he kept the torch of Indian nationalism flying in England and the US; he was Indias first Ambassador to Egypt where he died and was buried and quickly forgotten by a country for which he did so much. Meet Syud Hossain, a dashing and secular Muslim and Indian to the core. Born in Calcutta on January 23, 1888 into an aristocratic family whose fortunes later dipped, Hossain published his first book, Echoes from Old Dacca, in 1909. He had started contributing to Indias English newspapers. Disenchanted with government job, he quit as Sub-Deputy Collector in Rajshahi and went to England in 1910 to become a barrister-at-law. But journalism remained his passion and Londons Fleet Street his regular haunt. With his impeccable English, his articles appeared in New Statesman, Contemporary Review, Pall Mall Gazette, Asiatic Quarterly, New Age and Foreign Affairs. In London Hossain met Gandhi for the first time and became his life-long admirer. After seven years when he returned to India, Hossain joined the Bombay Chronicle as deputy to Editor B.G. Horniman in early 1917. Hossains trenchant editorials against the British regime were widely read by people like Gandhi and Motilal Nehru. He joined the Congress and Annie Besants Home Rule League. He acquired such fame within two years that Motilal invited him to Allahabad to take charge of his new daily, Independent. Within three months, Hossain could claim it had the largest circulation among all dailies in northern India despite facing the governments wrath. Hossains good innings ended when he, while staying at Anand Bhavan in Allahabad, fell in love with Sarup Kumari, a pretty 19-year-old daughter of Motilal Nehru. Hossain was 12 years older to her. When they married quietly according to Muslim custom, Motilal was horrified. So was Jawaharlal Nehru. Motilal and Gandhi pulled up Hossain, forcing him to annul the wedding. Sarup Kumari later married Ranjit Pandit, becoming Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit. According to the fascinating and scholarly book by author N.S. Vinodh, Hossain left the Independent and went to England as part of a delegation on the Khilafat movement. While the others returned to India, Hossain stayed on in London. He became associated with India, an organ of the British Committee of the Indian National Congress. His joint editorship brought greater depth to the analysis and writings attacking Britain. He lasted only four months due to internal bickering. Hossain reached the US in 1921 and started life anew with a splash. In New York, he gave a speech blaming British rule for the widespread suffering in India. He went on to address meetings across the US, mesmerizing Americans and Indians with his eloquent use of English language. His appeal for moderation had an appeal for Indians dejected with the extremist worldview of the Gadar movement. By mid-1925, Hossain covered 22 American states and became such a successful speaker that he could easily finance his flamboyant lifestyle the one arena where he did not follow Gandhi. Hossain also wrote for the American media, including the New York Times. From May 1924 he edited The New Orient, a magazine originally founded by Hari Govind Govil. Hossain increased the magazines authorial diversity, roping in Albert Einstein, Mahatma Gandhi, C.F. Andrews, Kahlil Gibran, Bertrand Russell, H.G. Wells and Sarojini Naidu. He steered it into taking a stridently anti-imperialist and pro-India line, upsetting the Raj. His editorship ended when Govil returned to helm the magazine after three years. When the British went on the offensive on the propaganda front in the US, Hossain took on everyone who spoke for the British and demolished them with his solid grasp of facts and speaking style. Godfrey Haggard, a senior British diplomat in the US, complained: Hossain is doing us a lot of harm here. When Hossain spoke at the Institute of Politics in Northwest Massachusetts, he received the most applause ever given to any speaker in the institutes history. Just as Hossains lecture invitations declined, the audiences diminished and his revenues shrank, the University of Southern California (USC) made him a lecturer. He moved to Los Angeles and remained there for eight years until 1942, ending his countrywide wanderings. In 1937, he published Gandhi The Saint as Statesman. Even as communalism engulfed India, he saw no conflict in being both a Muslim and a nationalist. After a quick visit to India, Hossain travelled to Burma, China, Singapore and Japan. Back in the US, he was again in great demand as an authority on the Orient. In August 1942, the US War Department appointed him as a lecturer and advisor at the School for Special Service in Fort Meade, Maryland. After two decades of unceasing work for the cause of India and Gandhi, he was the Dean of Indian activists in the US, the most expressive, the most scholarly, and the most esteemed of them all, says this study of a forgotten page in Indian history. Friends persuaded Hossain to quit USC and move to Washington as Chairman of the new National Committee for Indias Freedom, which launched a magazine, Voice of India, for which Hossain wrote. It became the most influential magazine of Indian nationalists. Its last issue was in May 1947, just before Indias independence. When Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit (a widow by then) toured the US on Gandhis urging to enlighten Americans about India, Hossain played a key role in making her trip a huge success. Hossain left the US for India in March 1946 after 24 long years. Amid the communal frenzy, some 500 armed Muslims tried to attack him in Amritsar for opposing Pakistans creation. Hossain turned bitterly against Mohammed Ali Jinnah. He denounced all communal killings in equal measure. Once Gandhi was assassinated, Hossain broke from within; he suddenly aged, his jaunty walk became slower and his dependence on liquor became acute. Nehrus government named Hossain Indias first ambassador to Egypt: he was a Muslim, a scholar of Islamic history and a connoisseur of Persian poetry. He was also appointed the First Minister of India to Transjordan and Lebanon. Hossain established a trusted relationship both with the Egyptian monarchy and the Arab League to smoothen Indias fledgling diplomatic forays in the region. On February 25, 1949, he had a heart attack and died. The Egyptian government gave him a state funeral and named a road after him. He was buried in Cairo. Despite his weakness for liquor and, at times, women, all of Hossains life acquisitions were in one briefcase and two suitcases. As the author laments, the Indian embassy in Cairo has forgotten his grave. Not a street is named after him in India. In death he was abandoned; loved by a few, despised by many, and forgotten by all. (Courtesy: Telangana Today) Home > 2021 > Padma Bridge in Bangladesh without World Bank stakes | Mizanur (...) Review by Mizanur Rahman People build bridges to connect both sides; ironically, the politics of financing behind the Padma Bridge was a divide. Our national interests and social culture used to be promoted by intellectual groups, media and academic institutions. Their roles are fading away, and the global multinational organisations made them powerless, subservient and redundant. Moreover, some self-serving Bangladeshis- mostly in high chairs- do not care about protecting the countrys national interests. No one can blame anyone but themselves, as some have alienated our own people and yearn for foreign dependency, which puts the country on death row regarding liberty, freedom, tradition, and culture. This is the point of view that I came to after reading the book of Professor Abul Barkat, Padma Bridge with Own Finance: When 2012-research became visible truth in 2021 (published on 26 March 2021 Bangladesh Economic Association and Mukto Buddhi Publications). This book is eye-opening that unfolded many aspects of the Padma Bridge saga. Some irresponsible Bangladeshis- commonly known in academia as followers of neo-liberal ideology- advocated for accepting the World Bank loan with unattainable conditions (turnkey-style implementation) without realising the long-term consequences for our children, grandchildren and nation. The local lobbyists have little accurate understanding of banks or organisations like the World Bank, IMF, WTO etc. How lenders using various institutions, ambassadors, local intellectuals, and bureaucrats exploit countries under the unfavourableconditions of loans. How they strip governments of power. It is a systematic game they play with the help of the locals, a financial-guerrilla war aimed at sucking assets out of a country, and assembling people at the top of the administration for a regime change, if they wish. The dirty and ugly politics behind Padma Bridge is a familiar scenario. The bridge was supposed to be built with a loan from the World Bank, but suddenly, the local political conditions appeared unfavourable for the bank. So, a pretext of corruption conspiracy was used to destroy the dream of the leadership and the nation. No global financial institution can be trusted in this modern world, as their charter does not necessarily reflect their loan conditions for national development. Professor Barkat wrote that the African country, Cameron, had to pay 36% of its national budget to repay the World Bank loan, and in Kenya - 40%. In June 2012, the National Parliament Election in Bangladesh was just around the corner. The time was critical for the World Bank to execute the loan refusal. The Prime Minister announced that the Padma Bridge would be built with national finance. Almost all the mainstream economists, persons occupying the high chair in civil society, and the political opponents thought the rejection of loan must be a suicide pill for the Prime Minister, the beginning of the end of her leadership. The local non-believers were chewing the time and waiting for the defeat of the PM. Delusions are the ingredients for regime change. In the shadows, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Professor Abul Barkat fought against all odds. The PM wanted to win the upcoming National Election in 2014. Furthermore, Professor Barkat wanted to prove with scientific evidence that taking World Banks loan will be suicidal, and it is possible to go without World Bank. He mentioned, withdrawal of World Bank should be seen as a blessing in disguise. They were wrong; the PM had proven her leadership once again when others were in disbelief. Professor Barkat submitted a comprehensive economic analysis, and the Prime Ministers team defined political manoeuvres. They worked tirelessly to defend national interests. It was not easy, it was unthinkable to build such a mega infrastructure without foreign currency, but they made it happen. Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, concerned citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. Margaret Mead. Professor Barkat outlined all possible steps to raise capital to build the Padma Bridge, offering fourteen sources of revenue, four times the World Bank loan amount. In addition, the proposal was substantiated with a cost-benefit analysis including various social costs and benefits, debt service, traffic forecast, and cash flow from Padma Bridge tolls over a hundred years. In international organisations, rarely any representative from a third world country makes a decision. All decisions for the World Bank, IMF, WTO are made outright by Big Brother or people in control. Even a branch manager of a bank in Bangladesh has more decision-making power. Moreover, when you return after working in any of these organisations to your home country, you will be rewarded if you campaign as a lobbyist on behalf of the Big Brother network. There are many NGOs or Think Tanks in most developing countries representing their interest. Though you have to ask the real question, what is morally important to you? Are you raising your children to have a future and hope? Professor Barkat sought the clarification of how the top appointments of the Bangladesh Bank are made, whether foreign agents influence these appointments. He raised legitimate questions about bank operations, conflict of interest and the purpose of foreign agents ongoing presence in Bangladesh Bank (Source: On the larger canvas of society-economy-state, pages 264-265). Fifty years have passed since independence (in 1971), and we still have financial loopholes, so what are they doing here? As I mentioned earlier, no one is to blame outside the country for the fault of our political and social system that cascades in every step in our lives and will continue where money is involved. Below some of the issues which continue to keep alive the dodgy system: 1. Most countries do not have as many political parties as Bangladesh; moreover, religious groups do not form political parties. Religion is a belief in the service of God; therefore, religious groups involved in politics contradict this goal. Corporate campaign finance is one of the reasons for the violation of our democratic rights. Of course, this is not a democracy where corporate funding influences the outcome of elections in favour of the super-rich. Bangladesh could improve the electoral legislation if it had the intention to represent the majority. In addition, the qualifications of politicians need to be scrutinised. There is no point in spending taxpayer money for any politician when a person cannot understand what the laws are, is unethical and poorly educated. Moreover, there must be mutual trust-mutual respect and reciprocity in the national interests for the opposition to work together. The role of the opposition party is to ensure the accountability of the current government in congruence with the stipulations of the Constitution. 2. Students-in-politics is rarely in the national interests, and their use as political instruments causes civil unrest. However, their participation in politics was valuable when we were a colony, not anymore. If someone wants to be a social worker or political leader, they can do so outside the academic institution, working directly for a political party. Unfortunately, in Bangladesh, students participation in politics shows a destructive mentality. 3. Law and order in Bangladesh are stagnant due to lack of good leadership programs, staff training, auditing, and procedural guidelines. First, there is a need to ensure that those who work in the sector are adequately cared for and that the leadership is held accountable for enhancing the rule of law. Law enforcement must visibly demonstrate that no one is above the law. 4. In June 2020, the total amount of disbursed bank loans in Bangladesh was 53.23% of the GDP, of which the Private sector bagged 74.5 % and the Government 25.5 %. The central bank would not disclose what equivalent security or collateral was given by the large borrowers (super-rich) in the private sector. During the crisis, the super-rich systematically lobbies the central bank for bailouts. Consequently, the money for the rescue is collected from taxes, and ordinary peoples finances, falling into the hands of the super-rich. (Source: On the larger canvas of society-economy-state by Prof Abul Barkat, pages 184-189). It is a grey territory needed to identify loopholes and act accordingly to benefit people. Various loopholes in financial services systems harm the social system. Hence, there is a need to expand electronic financial services and promote cashless transactions. Closing loopholes requires extracting daily raw financial data from various sources into databases, transforming the extracted data, and loading the transformed data into a data warehouse for further analysis and decision making. This technical process enables the government to track financial activities regularly, increase government revenues, improve financial management and empower the government. It is a technical process that is widely used in many countries. However, under a power system serving the interests of corporate syndicates, it may not be a perfect one. The messy financial policies behind the Padma Bridge are analogies to our society. It cannot be ridiculed until we engage and empower our organic intellectual community to transform our country, committed to the principles of patriotism, commitment and responsible politics. Soon, many millions of people will cross the bridge, hoping that non-believers will understand that the bridge was not built with the money of the World Bank, although there may be many flaws in our rotten system. (Author: Dr Mizanur Rahman is Senior Consultant - Enterprise Data Integration, Data Warehouse, Ex-Director, Data Warehouse, Medicare Australia (2001-2013), Australia) Home > 2021 > Language as an Identity Marker: Placing Language Movements in Ethnic (...) by Akansha Chandra* Language has always been an important identity marker in the domain of Social Sciences. Within the framework of ethnicity, language movements have played a significant role in the politics of identity. The South Asian region especially has been rigged with such movements as the concept of ethnicity started to become more popular with the era of decolonization. People started identifying themselves with their ethnic historicity, and the repression of the language of the minority ethnic group by the dominant ethnic group led to many struggles in various countries of the subcontinent. As per the Oxford Dictionary of Politics, the definition of Language is "The essence of politics is the argument between principles and theories of society. Thus, language is to politics as oxygen is to air, its vital and distinct ingredient. The political dimension of language raises complex and ultimately mysterious questions. Questions of culture, identity, and manipulative power are inseparable from linguistic structures. Language sometimes seems definitive of identity, at other times almost irrelevant. One must beware of simplification or generalization about language and politics, yet always remain aware that language is not separate from political reality but part of that reality." [1] Exploring this definition, we see that language bears firm ground as an identity marker. To understand how language is intertwined in ethnicity, we need to understand what ethnicity is in the first place. The etymology of the word Ethnic is derived from the Greek word ethnos, meaning "people" or "nation." [2] The term ethnicity has been used variously to signify nation, race, religion, or people, but the central generic meaning is collective cultural distinctiveness. Benjamin Akzin termed the similarity-dissimilarity pattern, where members of an ethnic community are similar and alike in those cultural traits in which they are dissimilar from non-members. [3] The most common shared and distinctive characteristics are language and religion, but customs, institutions, laws, architecture, dress, food, color, and physique may augment the differences or take their place. [4] Anthony Smith says that to qualify as an ethnic community, there must also emerge a strong sense of belonging and active solidarity, which in times of stress and danger can override class, factional or regional divisions within the community. [5] Here Language plays a significant role in this sense of belongingness. Ethnic tension has been growing the world over since the post-second world war period. The term ethnicity became increasingly crucial in the social sciences in the 1960s, a period marked by the consolidation of decolonization in Africa and Asia as numerous new nation-states were created. It is believed that group tension and ethnic conflict in modern multi-ethnic societies underlie political separatism. Ethnicity is a Political problem, but the language remains at the heart of it. Language is ideological in the sense that it encodes a certain worldview, a certain conception of life. The dominance of a language always favors a particular concept of life and those who believe in it. Theoretical Underpinning: Two Schools of thought to understand the origin of the concept of Ethnicity are Primordialists and Instrumentalists : According to Primordialists, ethnic identity is a natural phenomenon, and they argue that it is felt as shared paternity, bio kinship, commonality of descent, and blood relationship. It is a subjectively held sense of shared identity based on objective cultural criteria. The instrumentalists suggest a modern phenomenon that helps social groups gain a more significant share in power and wealth. It rests on the use of ethnic identity for political or economic purposes by the elite. [6] Interplay of Language and Identity: How Language, Ethnicity, and Identity are related can be seen in Francis Fukuyamas definition, which postulates that the inner sense of human dignity seeks recognition from the outer world. Self-esteem arises out of esteem by others, and since human beings naturally crave recognition, the modern sense of identity evolves quickly into identity politics, in which individuals demand public recognition of their worth. Identity politics thus encompasses a large part of the political struggles of the contemporary world. Indeed Hegel argued that the struggle for recognition was the ultimate driver of human history, a force that was key to understanding the emergence of the modern world. [7] Language and Power Struggle: Functionalist theories, exerting upon the writings of Durkheim, view society as being generally in equilibrium, but the social changes, such as language-based, alter this equilibrium. Conflict theories based on Marxs ideas focus on the forces that disrupt the societies to produce domination by the elites. [8] The rejection or acceptance of languages is explained by both- where on the one side, there is a desire to accept a dominant language of wider communication, and on the other, a desire to create a new order by rejecting the dominant language. Mesh of Nationalism and Ethno-Nationalism in South Asia: Nationalism, Ethno-nationalism and their interplay in South Asia can be very easily seen through the interpretation of these renowned theorists: Yuval Noah Harrari said, "Internal hatred and weak national sentiments have led to the complete disintegration of the state and murderous civil wars." Talking about the wrong kind of nationalism, he explains that Instead of strengthening national unity, they widen the rifts within the society by using inflammatory language and divisive politics, furthermore, by depicting anybody who opposes them not as a right rival but rather as a dangerous traitor. [9] Paul Brass said: "Ethnicity and nationalism, interethnic conflicts, and secessionist movements have been major forces shaping the modern world and the structure and stability of contemporary states. In the closing decades of the twentieth century, such forces and movements emerged with new intensity." [10] Urmila Phadnis says that looking at the ethnic plurality in South Asia, post-colonial nation-building approaches focussed on creating a unified national identity based around either common political values and citizenship or a putative majoritarian ethnic identity. [11] Language expresses and constructs identities, often taking precedence over nationalism, religion, gender, and race in defining ones identity. Within national boundaries, collective and individual identities are often shaped by membership in regional groups. Particularly in South Asia, the tongue has proven to be more powerful than the flag. From the creation of Bangladesh into a separate nation to the constant demands for secession that have intimidated to tear India apart, language has united and divided the people of South Asia. Ethnolinguistic Xenophobia in South Asia: This region of South Asia has experienced many cries for secession, and it is important to understand that an extraordinary number of these movements were motivated by linguistic differences. Language is a culturally constructed terminology that can make you feel superior or inferior. It is a significant identity marker in the nation making. In order to understand the role of Language in an overt power struggle, let us analyse some of the language-based conflicts in South Asia. Bangladesh In South Asia, the country which came into existence because of Language being a significant factor of Identity is Bangladesh. The division of India and Pakistan was based on the two-nation theory, but Bangladeshs creation as a separate country shows the falling apart of that theory and defying the myth of religion being the binding factor for all Muslims. The primary reason for the discontentment of east Bangladesh was the inferior status given to the Bengali ethnicity. The architects of Partition failed to properly account for the significant linguistic divide between the Urdu-speaking Western half and Bengali-speaking Eastern half of Pakistan. Bengali Language Movement, which was launched in 1948, began as a cultural movement but turned political by the 1950s. It eventually inspired Bengalis to take to the streets in the War of Bangladeshi Independence in 1971. The Language Movement of Bengal had similar demands to those of Sri Lanka- inclusion of Bengali as a state language of Pakistan. In 1948, massive protests were launched in what was formerly known as East Bengal when Urdu was designated as the sole official language. Mass massacre of student protestors at the University of Dhaka took place on February 21, 1952. [12] To honor those who died in the protest, UNESCO declared February 21 as International Mother Language Day. Though the movement was diffused by 1955 when the government gave in and official status was granted to the Bengali language in 1956, soon after, language became the primary determinant of East Pakistani nationalism. The irony of the situation was that religion did not prove to be the unifying factor for the conglomeration of multiple ethnic identities, including Muslims, Hindus, Christians, and Buddhists; instead, it was a profound love for the mother tongue. With a strong heritage created by Bengali writers such as Rabindranath Tagore and Kaji Nazrul Islam, Bengali nationhood was rooted in language. [13] When a Bengali, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, was denied the position of Prime Minister despite his party (Awami League) having won the largest number of seats, the Liberation War of 1971 was launched that eventually lead to the secession and creation of a separate nation. Sri Lanka It is a classic example to show that lack of compromise can result in communal tensions. Sri Lanka is the homeland of two major ethnic groups: the Sinhalese and the Tamils, and language has served as a significant dividing factor between the two. In Sri Lanka, the Sinhalese ruling elite made Sinhala the dominant language in 1956 and tried to use the states power to create linguistic uniformity. This decision was opposed by the Tamil minority, who asserted their own language policy, giving Tamil the national language status along with Sinhala. This has contributed to the acute social tension between the Tamils and the Sinhalese in Sri Lanka. After independence from colonial rule, the power of language as a force for a revolution in the country manifested itself through agitation against the continued use of English as an official language. Simultaneously, Tamils held a disproportionate share of power in the civil administration due to the unequal educational opportunities in the colonial era. Sinhalese nationalism tried to curb Tamil influence at the intersection of these two trends, sparking the confrontation between Sinhalese and Tamil forces. In 1956, Bandaranaike, in his Prime Ministerial campaign, promised to make Sinhalese the countrys official language. After winning, he passed the Sinhalese Only Bill (Official Language Act, No. 33 of 1956). Violence broke out upon the passing of this bill and its notable exclusion of the Tamil language. New education policies in the 1970s was also a problem area since it ensured that the quota for speakers of a particular language qualifying for university entrance would be proportional to the number appearing for the examinations in that language. It implied that Tamilians would have to score much higher than other groups to get the same position. According to the 1990 census, the alleged over-representation of Tamils in administrative, civil, and professional ranks in state services deteriorated to a mere 5.9 percent. [14] Ethno-linguistic violence between Sinhalese and Tamils broke out in periodic riots, most notably in 1958, 1977, and 1981. The violence of July 1983 was a turning point, after which a more institutionalized form of violence replaced sporadic violence through political parties. Furthermore, Tamil youth began to organize themselves into armed guerrilla groups to seek a separate independent Tamil state. One of the most ill-famed of these groups was the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). Political violence included bank robberies, massacres of Sinhalese and Muslims in border villages and disputed areas, assassinations of Tamils who were deemed to be traitors, and indiscriminate bomb attacks in the Sinhalese south, especially in Colombo. [15] The 1983 conflict escalated into a civil war with periodic intervention by the Indian Peacekeeping Forces. An armistice was signed between the LTTE and the Sri Lankan government in 2009. The number of deaths in this civil war was estimated between 70 to 80 thousand and many thousand displaced civilians. Pakistan The use of language in the creation of identity, especially in the nineteenth century, is intimately related to politics in the Indian subcontinent. Islam has been a key symbol for the Pakistan movement, and Urdu is a significant part of this symbolism. Most of the work in Urdu-Hindi controversy is in the instrumentalist tradition. [16] Pakistani nationalists have always asserted that the ethno-nationalists, who support the multinationalism thesis (of which the language movements are an expression), are Pakistans enemies and have an agenda to break up the country. The latter is accused of using Hindus, left-wing intellectuals, communists, and selfish politicians to instigate and support language movements. The nationalists assert that gullible people, generally students, join these movements without even realizing what they are doing. Within the ethnolinguistic dimensions of politics in Pakistan, a lot of divisions within the nation can be found. While the state appears to support Urdu over the indigenous and vernacular languages, the Punjabi-speaking ruling elite supports English. The language issue in Pakistan is about hegemonic and counter-hegemonic movements, compromises and balances between groups, strife, and equilibrium. All these factors are significantly responsible for the elections, martial laws, and the objectives of political parties. The Urdu- Hindi controversy and the movement for the Bengali language and their links with identity construction, politics, and ethnicity have already been extensively explored by social scientists. Sadly, the other language movements of Pakistan have been mainly ignored. Few major linguistic issues in Pakistan which are worthwhile discussing are as follows. Before the nineteenth century, Balochi used to be an unwritten language used only in conversation in the Baloch court. The official written language used to be Persian. The British replaced Persian with Urdu and English. [17] Similarly, in its attempt to forge a common identity and jettison any provincial sentiments, Pakistan did not allow Balochi to be the language of instructions in schools, even at the primary level. The irony of the situation is that Balochi is not taught at the primary schools but the masters level in the University of Baluchistan situated in Quetta. Balochi language has also not got the privilege to be used in the domains of power. [18] The Balochistan Mother Tongue use Bill, No. 6 of 1990 sought to make Balochi a compulsory medium of instructions at the primary level in rural schools. The elitist schools were exempted from this act. Teachers were imparted training and textbooks were also published for primary classes. In November 1992, the cabinet decided to discontinue this experiment. The textbooks board was asked not to produce any more books or impart any further training to teachers. Many writers called this decision a conspiracy of the Punjabi bureaucracy that did not favor the development of a Baloch identity. [19] A major element in the underdevelopment of the Balochi language is the Arabic script. There are only six vowels in Arabic, and the Balochi language has ten, as a result of which Arabic script confuses the Baloch in writing. Native Balochi speakers can easily read Urdu written in Arabic but, on the other hand, find it difficult to read their own language in the same script. The reason is that Balochi is a vowel-sensitive language, and the Arabic script supports only consonant-sensitive languages. The first draft of written Balochi by British officers came in the Roman script, but later, for religious reasons, the Arabic script was chosen, though the issue was purely linguistic. Apparently, the man who standardized the current Arabic script for Balochi in the 1950s, Syed Hashmi, was himself convinced that Balochi was well fixed with the roman script. [20] Similar is the situation of the Pashto language, which was chosen as an identity marker by Pakhtun nationalists in modern times for political reasons. Pashto defines Pakhtun nationalism through aspirations to independence or the assertions of cultural distinctiveness. Abubakar Siddique also emphasizes the importance of Pashto in Pashtunwali (traditional code of conduct for Pakhtuns) by calling it the foremost identity-marker of Pakhtuns. He further elaborates that following Pashtunwali is closely tied to speaking the Pashto language. [21] At the height of the Pakhtunistan issue in the 1950s and 1960s, the government was paranoid about Pashto, to the extent that the police monitored all Pashto publications and all efforts to develop the language. [22] As Pakhtun nationalists, Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, also known as Frontier Gandhi and his son Wali Khan, prioritized their Pakhtun identity over the Muslim or Pakistani one. Abdul Ghaffar Khan was very fond of Pashto and firmly believed that it is only with the development of the mother tongue that people can prosper, and it is this which gives one pride in ones origin and identity. [23] Nevertheless, Pashto was not introduced even at the primary school level as a medium of instruction till 1984. Even when it was introduced in selected areas of NWFP, because of the devaluation of Pashto in the domains of power, people felt they cannot use it as they still can not aspire to positions of power in Pakistan without the knowledge of Urdu and English. [24] Currently, Pakhtun nationalists find themselves surrounded by all sides and corners; Pakistan is shedding Pakhtun blood in tribal regions of FATA with their military operations. The Al Qaeda and Taliban militants are spilling Pashtun blood across the borders of Pakistan and Afghanistan. The Americans and NATO forces are splashing Pakhtun blood in Afghanistan. All these factors are reinforcing feelings of injustice and oppression. The Sindhi language has also faced the brunt in Pakistan. Sindh province had also been deprived of its local language as a medium of instruction during the "One-Unit" period. After its abolition, it was demanded that pre-1958 status should be re-established. Mohajir students protested against the move, and violence followed, resulting in Sindhi students burning pictures of Mohammad Iqbal and Mohajir students burning Sindhi books in the Institute of Sindhology in retaliation. The army had to be called in Hyderabad, and many parts in Karachi were put under curfew. [25] The Sindh teaching, promotion, and use of the Sindhi language Bill of 1972 created much chaos in the history of Sindh province. This bill established the Sindhi language as the sole official language of the province, creating an ethnic tussle between Mohajirs and Sindhis. The Mohajirs attacked Sindhis in Karachi, and the Department of Sindhi at the University of Karachi was blazed. Curfew was imposed in Karachi and Hyderabad. Urdu newspaper JANG carried lurid headlines proclaiming the death of Urdu: "Urdu ka janaza hai zara dhoom se nikle" (It is the funeral procession of Urdu, let it go out with fanfare). Pro- Urdu and pro-Sindhi processions continued to clash, and violence spread all over Sindh. [26] The Punjabi movement activists want Punjabi to be used for educational, administrative, and judicial purposes in the Punjab province. Punjabi vanished as a subject in University soon after the creation of Pakistan. The Punjabi language was pushed to the periphery because of its association with Sikhs and the states promotion of Urdu. Supporting Punjabi language and literature was labeled an anti-state act in 1959, and Punjabi Majlis, a Lahore-based literary organization, was declared a political party and banned. In 1963, the Punjabi group of the writers guild was banned because it had started the Punjabi-Urdu controversy. [27] As in the case of the other language movements in Pakistan, language planners of Punjabi are also driven by the imperative of creating an authentic Punjabi identity through language planning. Many Punjabis complain that ordinary spoken Punjabi is repleted with Urdu words to be authentic. This is conceived to be a threat to the Punjabi identity. Some Punjabi activists use words of native origin even at the cost of lucidity or intelligibility in their writings. Punjabi movement could have been avoided if the use of English and Urdu in the domains of power, which were perceived as an imposition by all the ethnic groups of Pakistan, had not estranged the Punjabi intelligentsia from its cultural roots. It is distinctive and idiosyncratic among all the language movements of Pakistan as it is the only one that is not motivated by goal-directed, rational, and instrumentalist reasons. It mobilizes people for sentimental reasons rather than instrumental. India Secessionist movements have tormented India since its birth, many based on language. The situation is made more acute with the sheer diversity of Indian languages. The Indian constitution recognizes 22 official languages written in 13 distinct scripts, 121 spoken languages, and a conservative estimate proposes at least 720 different dialects and around 19,500 mother tongues. [28] One of the primary linguistic distinctions in India is between Indo-European North Indian languages and Dravidian South Indian languages. Even before independence, the Southern part of India saw protests in Tamil Nadu against the imposition of the Hindi language. In 1937, C. Rajagopalachari, under Congress, tried to impose Hindi on the Madras presidency by making Hindi education mandatory in schools, leading to an outrage in the area. [29] There were more than 560 princely states when India got independent. The primary challenge was to combine these princely states and create a nation by dividing it into different territorial states. Cultural homogeneity and language compatibility was kept in focus while creating the federal units. Nehru appointed a Linguistic Provinces commission in 1948 regarding reorganization, which was later replaced with State Reorganization Commission. [30] Based on the state reorganization commission, 21 states were created, but very soon, it was felt that these 21 states might not fulfill the aspirations and needs of the people. The post-1956 efforts soon witnessed the creation of some more states purely on a linguistic basis. The old Bombay Presidency region was divided into the states of Gujarat and Maharashtra to maintain the linguist compatibility. The Gujarati-speaking area was carved into the new state of Gujarat, while the Marathi-speaking area was carved into the new state of Maharashtra. The State Reorganisation Commission had created the state of Punjab, encompassing the present states of Haryana, Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh. The Shiromani Akali Dal in Punjab constantly struggled to make a separate state of Punjab, which ultimately resulted in the bifurcation of Punjab into the states of Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh in the year 1966. Similarly, in the north-eastern part, the state of Assam was divided into the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, Manipur, and Tripura. This was primarily done to protect the peoples distinct cultural, linguistic, and tribal identity in these regions. [31] This shows that Nehru was prudent enough to consider the creation of the Linguistic Commission, looking at the language affinities of people. The proto elites of Southern India protested against the Hindi-speaking ruling elites policy of making Hindi the official language of India in 1965. Apart from attachment to the Dravidian cultural tradition, of which language was an important part, students from South India felt that they would not be able to compete for employment with students from the north, whose mother tongue was Hindi. The compromise solution was the 3+1 language formula, according to which Hindi and English share the status of national languages. The state language must be learned in school while people from minorities may also learn their own language in addition to all the others. By compromising, Nehru enhanced the legitimacy of his government and promoted the states image as a fair arbitrator of conflicting interests. In 1968, the Tamil Nadu Students Anti-Hindi Agitation Committee met with the then Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi. They handed her a letter stating their demand of discontinuation of imposition of Hindi, failing which they will fight for the independence of Tamil Nadu. Later that year, students in Coimbatore hoisted a flag for an independent Tamil Nadu, arguing that independence was the only way to maintain their mother tongue against the imposition of Hindi. With the rise of regional parties like the DMK (Dravida Munnetra Kazhakham) dethroning the dominant INC (Indian National Congress), resentment began to subside as local leaders started to look after local interests. [32] This reduced the sentiments of imposition of foreign languages of the Hindi-speaking North and Union government on the south. Subsequently, open hostilities between opposing linguistic groups died down. The anti-Hindi agitation was not limited only to the Southern part and also appeared in the state of Punjab in the Northern region in the 1970s. The roots of this insurgency were in the inadequate recognition of the Punjabi language and the Sikh religion. All schools in Punjab were required to teach Hindi even after the states in India were divided along linguistic lines in 1956. The Punjabi Suba Movement began with the purpose of restoring the Punjabi language in the Gurmukhi script sanctioned as the official language of the state. Violence in the state increased with peaceful protestors arrested and beaten and temples raided. The movement was also banned later because of its violent activities. In 1966, Punjabi was finally recognized as the official language. [33] However, by this time, the linguistic demand escalated to a religious demand for more rights to the Sikhs. Sikh and anti-Sikh riots consumed the province until the 1990s. After weeks of violence, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, under Operation Blue Star, commanded forces to shoot on the Golden Temple, the holiest monument in Sikhism. In retaliation, Gandhi was assassinated by her Sikh bodyguards. Tensions eased out after Rajiv Gandhi accepted many Sikh demands. Rajiv Gandhi also was eventually assassinated because of Tamil extremism due to the Tamil-Sinhala ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka Further separatist movements rooted in language can be seen in the North-eastern part of the country as well. Over representation of Bengali-speaking groups in the Assam state services and other professional jobs has always been contested by the Assamese-speaking people because the former had more significant educational opportunities under British rule. In 1960, the legislature made Assamese the sole official language as a measure to limit opportunities for the Bengali-speaking population. After the creation of Bangladesh in 1971, a mass influx of Bengali refugees came to Assam, which perturbed the Assamese even further. This led to six years of agitation from 1979-1985, compelling the Indian government to expel the Bengali immigrants without any documents. United Front for the Liberation of Assam spearheaded many insurgent movements in the state. [34] Identities in the South Asian subcontinent have long been shaped by language. While language is mainly a product of the socio-historical experience of any group, it is also an instrument to form and change the existing social order. In South Asia, the strengthening of collective identities through a common language as a base of one ethnic group led to demands for autonomy and secession from other ethnic groups, which were seen as oppressing their cultures and languages. These ethnolinguistic demands have changed South Asias looks, employing their power to create new countries and divide the old ones. Language being a vital component of the ethnic conundrum, has always played a significant role in identity politics, more so in the subcontinent whose existence as an amalgamation of sovereign nations is unhackneyed. * (Author: Akansha Chandra, Assistant Professor (Senior Scale), Indraprastha College for Women, University of Delhi | Correspondence Email: akanshachandra[at]gmail.com ) Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), the countrys sovereign wealth Fund, has launched a wholly-owned advisory subsidiary in Singapore to source investment opportunities in Asia, Zawya reports citing a source from the Fund. The subsidiary, Qatar Investment Authority Advisory (Singapore) Pte Ltd, is headed by a senior QIA executive, Abdulla al-Kuwari, the UAE-based media notes. Al-Kuwari who reportedly took up the new position in May, led the Africa and Asia Pacific region as a director. The Fund, $300 billion in asset, owns stakes in the London Stock Exchange LSEG.L and Iberdrola SA. The firm has been diversifying investment from core European and U.S. markets towards Asia, Zawya notes. QIA recently invested in Indian e-commerce firm Flipkarts $3.6 billion funding round. Morocco and Israel have agreed lately to cooperate in cyber-security and related research & development in this highly sensitive and technical field. The announcement was made by Head of Israeli diplomatic mission in Rabat David Govrin in his tweeter account. The agreement comes following the resumption of diplomatic relations between two countries in December 2020. Morocco is the fourth Arab country to normalize relations with Israel last year after the UAE, Bahrain, and Sudan within the frame of the U.S. Sponsored Abraham accords. Rabat and Tel Aviv are looking into cooperation prospects in tourism, industry, trade, technology, green energy, culture Direct flights between Morocco and Israel are expected to start later this year. [July 15, 2021] FranConnect Reports Record-breaking First Half of 2021 with Highest-Ever Revenue Growth and Customer Acquisition Rate HERNDON, Va., July 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- FranConnect , the leading provider of franchise management solutions for driving success in franchise sales, operations, and marketing, today announced that in the first half of 2021 the company achieved its highest-ever revenue growth and rate of customer acquisitions. FranConnect added or expanded relationships with more than 100 franchise brands and multi-location businesses spanning more than 35,000 franchise locations. Those new clients and expanded partnerships now include nearly half of Entrepreneur's Top 50 and Top 100 Franchises. "Throughout the challenges of the last year, we worked closely with our customers and the market to help us sharpen our view on the broader technology needs of the franchising ecosystem," said Gabby Wong, CEO of FranConnect. "Over the course of the first half of 2021, we delivered on an ambitious technology roadmap that goes well beyond franchise development in order to solve the growing challenges faced by brand CFOs and COOs, as well as franchise owners. As the only enterprise-class software company solely focused on supporting franchise and multi-location businesses, we continue to dig deeper to unlock solutions to the hardest and newest business challenges facing this market. Our first-half performance is a reflection of this strategy, with significant planned product investments for 2021 and 2022." Technology Innovations FranConnect continues to invest in technology to better serve franchisors and multi-unit businesses. In the first half of 2021, the company delivered several new enhancements that benefited the market and contributed to the company's growth: Fully automated E-Signature capability for Fanchise Disclosure Documents (FDD) New board-level dashboards and analytics provide a comprehensive overview of franchise development performance from lead sourcing to unit onboarding Expanded use of Artificial Intelligence tools to automate lead generation and boost sales effectiveness Improved unit onboarding based on more granular control of the opening process with workflow and task management. New broker management support to quantify and improve the effectiveness of franchise referral consultants FranConnect's impressive momentum is translating to success for its customers, as well. Paris Baguette, an international, French-inspired bakery with more than 4,000 locations worldwide, beat its own growth goals by closing an unprecedented volume of new deals in early 2021. "We have been using FranConnect as we nurture leads, streamline overall operations and build roadmaps for our cafe openings," said Mark Mele, chief development officer for Paris Baguette. "Our team had set aggressive sales and opening goals for 2021, and we were challenged with a database of leads weighed down with thousands of contacts that hadn't been contacted in over four years. With the help of FranConnect's outreach and lead nurture programs, we closed 25 deals in the first quarter alone and added 28 more in April. The support of FranConnect's robust platform in all areas of our business has made the difference in our success." For more information about FranConnect, visit www.franconnect.com. About FranConnect FranConnect is the leading franchise management software provider. For 20 years, the FranConnect platform has served as the sales, operations, and marketing backbone for over 800 brands worldwide. Nine of the Franchise Times Top 10 Fastest-Growing franchise businesses rely on FranConnect to drive growth, improve profitability, and streamline operational performance. FranConnect customers span all sizes, growth phases, and industries and they grow 44% faster on average than the broader franchising market. Backed by private-equity investor Serent Capital, FranConnect is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, with global follow-the-sun operations. For more information on FranConnect, visit www.franconnect.com. Contact: Nicole Hunnicutt Fish Consulting 404-558-4108 nhunnicutt@fish-consulting.com View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/franconnect-reports-record-breaking-first-half-of-2021-with-highest-ever-revenue-growth-and-customer-acquisition-rate-301335151.html SOURCE FranConnect [ Back To SIP Trunking Home's Homepage ] Global leading ICT technologies provider Huawei will leverage its digital power innovations to enable ASEANs cooperation on climate change and green development, said Jeffery Liu, President of Huawei Asia Pacific at the online ASEAN-China Digital Economy Development and Cooperation Forum 2021 on Friday. Climate change and environmental issues are becoming global challenges. Though carbon emissions declined over the past year due to the economic slowdown and worldwide lockdowns, emissions are rapidly rebounding as economies reopen. Shifting to a circular economy and achieving sustainable development is now a common goal for all countries. Potential climate change has a significant regional impact with six of the 20 most vulnerable countries in the world being ASEAN member states. ASEAN has taken actions to address climate change through various environmental, economic and social activities over the years. Thailand, for example, has set a target of reaching peak carbon emissions in 2030 and then achieving net zero emissions in 2065. Globally we need a green industrial revolution with the goal of carbon neutrality. As the digital economy grows, accelerating emission reduction could also help countries to manage the risk of trade barriers and secure more free trade agreements, said Jeffery Liu. ICT technologies are important enablers of energy conservation and emissions reduction in other industries. It is estimated that the reduction in carbon emissions in other industries enabled by ICT technologies will be 10 times the amount of carbon emitted by the ICT industry itself. Huawei has been leveraging its extensive experience in power electronics and energy storage as well as technical expertise in 5G, cloud, and other innovative technologies, to develop its digital power business and provide digital power solutions for different industries, said the Huawei Asia Pacific President. To promote renewable energy, Huawei has deployed its digital power solutions in more than 170 countries and regions, serving one third of the worlds population. As of December 2020, these solutions have generated 325 billion kWh of electricity from renewable sources, and saved a total of 10 billion kWh of electricity. These efforts have resulted in a reduction of 160 million tons in CO2 emissions. In Singapore, for example, Huawei FusionSolar Solution has supported Sunseap Group, a solar energy solutions provider, to build one of worlds largest offshore floating Photovoltaic (PV) farms. With 13,312 solar panels, 40 inverters, and more than 30,000 floats, this five-hectare sea-based solar plant is estimated to produce up to 6,022,500 kWh of energy per year, supplying enough power for 1250 four-room public housing flats on the island and offsetting an estimated 4258 tons of carbon dioxide. Huawei is committed to promoting green integrated ICT solutions to help other industries conserve energy and cut emissions, said Jeffery Liu, We will cooperate with ASEAN to minimize the carbon footprint by leveraging clean power generation, electric transportation, and smart energy storage, for an energy-efficient, eco-friendly low-carbon society. Web Werks signed an MoU with the Government of Karnataka to set up a data center in Bangalore. Web Werks will be investing 750 crores in the project which will be fully operational in 2 years. This data center in Bangalore, the IT hub of India will have a potential of up to 20 MW with further expansion possibilities. The Government of Karnataka will aid this development through facilitating required permissions, registrations, approvals, and clearances. According to Data Center Map, Bangalore is an emerging data center market. The city has been witnessing a demand for data-driven services, cloud/colocation, and captive IT infrastructures. Hence, Indias Silicon Valley remains an underserved market. Speaking about the development, Mr. Nikhil Rathi, CEO, Web Werks data centers said, Digital transformation in India continues to accelerate with support from the Governments Digital India program. Web Werks Bangalore data center will cater to the increasing demand from hyperscalers and enterprises. We look forward to providing our new customers in South India with highly reliable and scalable solutions combining hosted infrastructure, cloud on-ramp, network, and security. The addition of this data center is part of our national expansion and we are extremely happy and grateful to the Government of Karnataka for their support. Web Werks operates three Tier 3, carrier-neutral data centers in Mumbai, Pune, and Delhi NCR with a combined footprint capability of 225,000 square feet. Earlier this year the company entered into a joint venture with Iron Mountain to accelerate its expansion plans across the country. Our customers get access to 18+ world-class data center facilities across India, Asia Pacific, the USA, and Europe. The assassination of President Jovenel Moise (left) and the serious injury to his wife has aroused some unworthy comment and references on social media here. Opposition Leader, Dr Godwin Friday has disassociated the New Democratic Party, and by extension himself, from comments that appeared on social media suggesting that what transpired in Haiti ought to happen here. That countrys President, Jovenel Moise , was shot and killed at his private residence on July 7. His wife was injured in the attack. In a Meeting of the House of Assembly on July 8, Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves referred to online comments that, "have been referred to me saying that they want to see. they want those who did the killing in Haiti must come to deal with the dictator in St Vincent. Dr. Gonsalves said that while he was live on radio on July 7, he received a text message that what occurred in Haiti was what happened to people who wanted to hold on to power for too long. According to Gonsalves, there was concern for his safety by members of his family based on those social media postings and what he had been informed through intelligence. "I simply said nobody intimidates me, and Im okay, he said. This prompted the Leader of the Opposition to disassociate his party from any affiliation to individuals or groups promoting the message. Dr. Friday, in his response condemned the killing in Haiti as an abhorrent act, one that the NDP sees in any way as a model for guidance for any actions here or anywhere in the Caribbean or elsewhere. "So any attempt to try to suggest that this is an inclination, or some position that the NDP may wish to advance, it is totally false, wrong- headed and ought to be stopped in this House. UK Prime Minister Boris Johnsons Mustique Island Holiday Inquiry says he couldnt say how it was funded. (Photo source: newsbinding.com) British Prime Minister Boris Johnson told reporters in Britain that he did not see the conclusion of a report launched into a holiday he took from December 26, 2019 to January 5, 2020, but that there was "no case to answer. The issue surrounds a ten-day vacation spent in Mustique, part of the Grenadines island chain of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The findings are that Johnson and his partner Carrie Symonds occupied the villa Oceanus, owned by an American couple Craig and Sarah Richardson. Sarah confirmed that they had rented the villa. Oceanus is a six room Moorish styled villa designed and built by Swedish architect Arne Hasselqvst in the 1970s. It was upgraded in 2016. Controversy swirled following Johnsons declaration that the 15,000.00 accommodation was a benefit in kind from Tory donor David Ross. Ross villa was not available at the time and according to him, he had not paid "any monies for the trip but "facilitated accommodation for the Prime Minister. He allowed the Mustique Company to use his own villa to compensate for the Prime Ministers holiday. The vacationers bought their flights, and accepted the holiday accommodation as a gift. Johnsons overseas holiday came under scrutiny by the Parliamentary Commissioner of Standards Kathryn Stone. This is an Independent Officer in the House of Commons overseeing the code of conduct and rules for Members of Parliament. She contended that Johnson broke the rules not having "fulfilled conscientiously the requirements to register donations. Mustique has emerged as a unique community, dubbed as a stomping ground for the rich and famous. Celebrities of every ilk frequent the haven. IBC Group has responded to the Chinese decision to crackdown on cryptocurrency mining within their territory, by deciding to close all its Bitcoin and Ethereum mining facilities across China. Khurram Shroff-led IBC Group will move its staff to new locations; including UAE, Canada, USA, Kazakhstan, Iceland, and various South American countries. The IBC group has significant Bitcoin and Ethereum mining operations across China and has over 1,500 people employed in more than 40 cities. The group, has invested in over 4,000 different Blockchain projects - including playing an instrumental role in the launch of Ethereum 2.0, with around 100,000 Ether staked. The institutional crackdown on cryptocurrency mining in China began in earnest, once the nations central bank, the People's Bank of China (PBOC), issued a reminder to all Chinese banks that they cannot engage in any cryptocurrency related activity. The State Council of the People's Republic of China declared its intention to shut down Bitcoin mining and trading to control financial risks, in May 2021. More recently, the PBOC also made statements against the speculative trading of cryptocurrency, further accelerating the crackdown. According to estimates, more than 90% of the Bitcoin mining in China has shut down, which is especially significant because the nation once contributed a major share of the processing power used by the worlds leading cryptocurrency. However, several leading crypto miners and investors, in the rest of the world, are seeing the move out of China as a positive. Speaking to Yahoo Finance, Peter Smith, CEO and Co-Founder of Blockchain.com, recently said that he believes China's cryptomining crackdown is good news for cryptocurrencies. He believes the action will help in diversifying mining operations around the world, and lead to an acceleration of large mines being built in Europe, the US, and various other locations. MicroStrategy CEO Michael Saylor believes China is making a trillion dollar mistake, a view he shared on Bloomberg Technology. Shroff, noted Arab Whale and Chairman of the IBC Group, shares this assessment. We believe that while the Chinese crackdown is a temporary inconvenience, the diversified location of mining facilities is great news for the rest of the world, Shroff said. As a company headquartered in Toronto, the fastest growing tech hub in North America, we feel perfectly positioned to take advantage of these changes. A shift of cryptomining operations out of China will be a huge opportunity for Canada, Shroff continued. The Toronto Stock Exchange recently listed the world's first Bitcoin ETF, so the nation is already ahead of the curve, in terms of mainstreaming cryptocurrencies. As far as our own cryptomining operations, within the IBC Group, are concerned; we are closing down all our Bitcoin and Ethereum mining facilities across China, and moving our staff to multiple new locations globally, including UAE, Canada, USA, Kazakhstan, Iceland and various South American countries, he concluded.-- TradeArabia News Service Qatar Airways Cargo has become a member of Pharma.Aero, a worldwide platform catered to excellence in pharma transportation, effective July 5. Both organisations share a common goal of achieving excellence in reliable end-to-end air transportation for pharma shippers. Through the membership, the airline will also participate in Pharma.Aeros board meetings and focus groups to contribute its expertise. The non-profit organisation with its headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, brings added value for the shipper by placing them as strategic priorities of Pharma.Aero, providing insights into the capabilities of the air cargo industry, as well as facilitating direct collaboration with the different air cargo stakeholders in the supply chain. Guillaume Halleux, Chief Officer Cargo at Qatar Airways said: Collaboration is vital to strengthen the pharma supply chain integrity. The full membership with Pharma.Aero will allow us to share and receive market knowledge and also collaborate with different air cargo stakeholders in the supply chain which will ultimately lead to continuous improvement of life science, medtech and the pharma air cargo supply chain. We look forward to collaborating with Pharma.Aero members and excel in offering a reliable end-to-end air transport and seamless cool chain. Nathan De Valck, Chairman of Pharma.Aero, said: In the past months, though they were volatile for the entire industry, we expanded our global network and raised awareness of the need for global collaboration within the industry. The onboarding of Qatar Airways Cargo one of the worlds leading cargo carriers underlines our worldwide impact as a neutral collaboration platform for the global air cargo industry and pharma and life science sector. Qatar Airways Cargo has invested considerably in quality handling, infrastructure, digitalisation, facilities, people and procedures at each of its 85+ pharma stations including the Doha hub, adhering to high operating standards for transporting temperature-controlled products. It was awarded IATAs Centre of Excellence for Independent Validators (CEIV) certification in pharmaceutical logistics in December last year. TradeArabia News Service Help India! During Indian American Muslim Council (IAMC) panel discussion at the International Religious Freedom Summit, panellists expressed concern about the Indian government sliding on the path of religious discrimination, intolerance and violence. TCN NEWS Support TwoCircles A United States Senator and two members of Congress were among panellists at the International Religious Freedom summit here this week who voiced their concerns about how the Indian government is promoting the widespread practice of religious discrimination, intolerance and violence. I remain seriously concerned about the Indian governments commitment to protecting the rights of minorities, including the 200 million Muslims in India, said U.S. Sen. Ed Markey (D-MA). The governments targeting of social and political activities and a crackdown on free speech and their religiously motivated discrimination against minorities cannot be viewed in isolation as escalating nationalism threatens to undermine Indias longstanding oath to democratic values. I will continue to stand up for these principles in the United States Senate, and I will encourage India to do the same. India has long had an admirable commitment to pluralism. It is the worlds largest democracy, whose bonds with the American people continue to grow, but the United States is right to speak up and speak out when a fellow democracy and strategic partner fails to protect the rights of all their people, he said. U.S. Rep. Marie Newman (D-IL) declared: In the last seven years, hundreds of Muslims just walking down the street have been attacked by vigilante mobs, they have been lynched. It is a travesty of justice, and I am horrified by it. She noted that acts of violence are not only targeting religious minorities, but social and political activists, lawyers, journalists and students. Our own report from the U.S. Department of State, released by Secretary Blinken in 2020, speaks at length about the persecution of Indias Muslims and Christians. The report said, and I quote, there were reports of religiously motivated killings, assaults, riots, discrimination, vandalism, and actions restricting the right of individuals to practice and speak about their religious beliefs. India has long had an admirable commitment to pluralism. It is the worlds largest democracy, whose bonds with the American people continue to grow, but the United States is right to speak up and speak out when a fellow democracy and strategic partner fails to protect the rights of all their people, he said. U.S. Rep. Marie Newman (D-IL) declared: In the last seven years, hundreds of Muslims just walking down the street have been attacked by vigilante mobs, they have been lynched. It is a travesty of justice, and I am horrified by it. She noted that acts of violence are not only targeting religious minorities, but social and political activists, lawyers, journalists and students. Our own report from the U.S. Department of State, released by Secretary Blinken in 2020, speaks at length about the persecution of Indias Muslims and Christians. The report said, and I quote, there were reports of religiously motivated killings, assaults, riots, discrimination, vandalism, and actions restricting the right of individuals to practice and speak about their religious beliefs. Indias equity and standing in the eyes of the world are severely damaged already. Freedom House has downgraded its rating for Indias democracy from being free to partly free. That is heart breaking. Persecution of the entire sections of society especially, when backed by governments, is a recipe for a future filled with disaster. We must do better. We must pressure both our adversaries and our allies to support human rights around the world. U.S. Rep. Andy Levin (D-MI), who sits on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and is vice-chair of the subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific, Central Asia, and nonproliferation, first visited India in 1978 fresh out of high school. Since then, he has travelled, studied and worked throughout the country. As a panellist, he expressed sadness that, The India of Narendra Modi today is not the India I fell in love with. Levin referred to a report released by the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom released describing Hindu nationalist policies resulting in systemic ongoing and egregious violations of religious freedom. The report describes attacks on religious freedom in India that occurred throughout 2020. From disinformation about the COVID-19 pandemic that targeted religious minorities, to attempts to ban interfaith marriages, to riots in Delhi where more than 50 people died and 200 were injured, most of them Muslims. All of these examples are deeply upsetting, but perhaps what is most alarming about this report to me is the fact that these attacks are not new. Levin declared. They are part of a pattern we have seen becoming increasingly clear and prevalent under Prime Minister Modi. Why would I be so critical and so publicly critical of a country that I love? he asked. The answer is it is because I love India that I am committed to ending these attacks on its people. It is because I am so passionate in my support for the vibrant democracy I came to know as a young man, that I want to see that democracy flourishes for generations to come. Levin pledged to continue to work with the Biden Administration and his Democratic and Republican colleagues to determine how US policy can help bring an end to the abuses in India today. And I will hold tight to the belief that India is a democracy and can and will be a democracy for all of its people, one that embraces the human rights and dignity of every single person. by Tom Pawlesh The National Warplane Museum held their annual Greatest Show on Turf air display in Geneseo, New York over the weekend of July 10/11, 2021. after a year off due to Covid 19. This was the events 40th anniversary, which they titled Operation Thanks From Above to honor the countless first responders, essential workers and medical personnel who have helped others throughout the pandemic. This year, the air show adopted a drive-in style arrangement, with each vehicle assigned a 20 x 20 square for viewing. The drive-in style seemed to be well-accepted by attendees; visitors spread out their blankets, chairs and food and picnicked next to their cars. Restrooms were spread out for social distancing and to eliminate long walks from vehicles. While most people brought their own food and drinks, food trucks were present on the field. This year had a great lineup of performers, as always. Greg Koontz and the Alabama Boys put on a comedy routine where Greg landed his Piper Cub on a moving pickup truck. Greg also flew an aerobatic display in his Decathlon. Rick Volker put on a spirited display in his Sukhoi Su-26M while Rob Holland did similarly in his MXS-RH. Warbird aerobatics were also on hand with Thom Richard in his Curtiss P-40 Warhawk American Dream and Lou Horschel in P-51D Mad Max. The Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association also flew a four ship routine. The rest of the show consisted of fly-bys from liaison and training aircraft, a replica Fokker D.VII, and then heavy iron in the form of the National Warplane Museums D-Day veteran C-47A Whiskey 7 and Air Heritage Museums WWII combat-veteran C-47B Luck of the Irish. Whiskey 7 also provided rides to customers both before and after the show. The all-female Misty Blues skydiving team rounded out the main air show program, while the finale featured the F-22 Raptor Demo Team from Joint Base Langley-Eustis in Langley, Virginia. Adding to the weekends festivities, the Geneseo Rotary Summer Festival was also taking place in the Village Park. This fun family event included outdoor concerts, art, crafts and food vendors. Add this to The Greatest Show on Turf and you come up with a fantastic summer weekend for the whole family, not to mention a great reason for visiting Geneseo. I would like to extend a big thank you to all of the volunteers who made the air show possible, and especially to the National Warplane Museums Dave Cooper for his help with my coverage of the show. I had the privilege to fly in Whiskey 7 for a photo-shoot on Saturday evening, so a big thank you must also go to the pilots of the photo plane, Chris Polhemus and Pete Triecler. Lastly, thank you to some of the best pilots in the world, Rob Holland, Greg Koontz, Rick Volker, Lou Horschel and Thom Richard for their help with the air-to-air photography! English Electric Canberra TT.18 WJ680 is one of eleven aircraft within the Royal Australian Air Forces No.100 Squadron/Temora Historic Flight collection. As we reported recently, the Canberra returned to flight on June 27th, 2021, making her the only former RAF example flying anywhere in the world, and just one of four of the breed still flying if you include NASAs three Martin WB-57F Canberras in the USA. As of July 13th, 2021, WJ680 had completed 10.9 hours of test flying. She is performing beautifully so far, with both pilots and engineers expressing their happiness with how well the Canberra flies. Murray Kear, the Temora Aviation Museums CEO, rejoiced in the historic flight which saw this Canberra take to the skies again for the first time in eleven years. Remarking on this achievement, Kear said, It is a credit to all of the engineers who completed the world class restoration of this aircraft. RAAF 100SQN have done an enormous amount of work behind the scenes which was critical in getting this historic jet back to flying status. This week has been a momentous occasion for the Temora Aviation Museum and RAAF 100SQN, so congratulations to everyone involved. The Temora Aviation Museums Engineering Team, led by Chief Engineer Andrew Bishop, and supported by RAAF 100SQN, took roughly three years to complete the restoration process, which included successfully converting the aircrafts engines from their original cartridge starters onto an electric equivalent; believed to be a world-first for the type. This conversion will make engine starts easier and less expensive while also contributing to airframe longevity, since cartridge ignition causes stress-loading while the ingested soot is also highly corrosive, particularly to engine compressor blades. Baptist Health to Host Free Skin Cancer Screening By West Kentucky Star Staff PADUCAH - Appointments are now being accepted for the annual free skin cancer screening sponsored by Kentucky Cancer Program, Baptist Health Paducah and Mercy Health-Lourdes.It will be from 8 to 11 am Saturday, July 31, at the Ray & Kay Eckstein Regional Cancer Care Center at Baptist Health Paducah.Hal Ford, MD; Joseph Blackmon, MD; Carly Unger, PA-C, and Blair Bailey, MSN, FNP-BC, will volunteer their time to examine and evaluate skinchanges. One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in the course of a lifetime, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation.Appointments are required. To make an appointment, call the Kentucky Cancer Program at 270-442-1310 or email g.barlow@louisville.edu.In addition, walk-ins are welcome for free colon and lung cancer assessments. Kentucky residents may qualify for a free colon screening, including at home tests. by Fady Noun The prime minister-designate quit yesterday after months of vain attempts to form a cabinet and breach an insurmountable divide. May God help the country! he said. France complains of organised obstruction, while the US calls on Lebanons leaders to put aside partisan differences. Beirut (AsiaNews) On 1 July, Pope Francis made an appeal regarding Lebanon in St Peter's Basilica in Rome before the patriarchs and heads of Eastern Churches. In his address the pontiff noted that In these woeful times, [. . .] I would reiterate how essential it is that those in power choose finally and decisively to work for true peace and not for their own interests. Let there be an end to the few profiting from the sufferings. Francis went on to say: Stop using Lebanon and the Middle East for outside interests and profits! The Lebanese people must be given the opportunity to be the architects of a better future in their land, without undue interference. So far though, his words remained a dead letter. In fact, unsurprisingly but much to the disappointment of the Lebanese people, Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri announced yesterday the end, despite intense negotiations, of his attempt to form a cabinet, nearly nine months after he started. During this period, the countrys worst crisis in history got even worse; its currencys collapse has made basic necessity inaccessible to most Lebanese; US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken bemoaned the wasted months, while French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian slammed organised obstruction. Mr Hariri was tasked in October 2020 with forming a cabinet to launch essential reforms that would, in particular, unlock crucial foreign aid. A caretake cabinet has been in place since August 2020 to handled day-to-day business. Mr Hariri's decision to quit came yesterday after a last trip to Cairo, where he received the backing of the Egyptian government, but not of Saudi Arabia. On his return, the prime minister-designate went directly to the presidential palace. where he met President Michel Aoun to whom he submitted a list of 24 independent ministers in accordance with the wishes of the international community and the guidelines of (parliamentary speaker) Nabih Berry. It is clear that the (presidents) position has not changed on the matter and that we will not be able to agree, Hariri said after the meeting. I offered him more time to think it over, but Mr Aoun said, We can't agree. This is why I excused myself from forming the government. May God help the country! Soon afterwards, the contradictions behind the failure came to light, although it is unclear who was saying the truth. In a statement, the Office of the President said the prime minister-designate had opposed any cabinet reshuffle he presented. Conversely, in a televised interview with Al-Jadeed TV, hours after dropping out, Hariri claimed exactly the opposite, saying that he was open to replacing two or three of the ministers he proposed. In the end, I recused myself because I cannot govern and carry out the reforms desired by the international community, with the government of Michel Aoun, Mr Hariri said. In any case, the unfriendliness visible in the faces of the two men suggested that there was no positive feeling between them. Mr Hariri accuses the president of undermining his attempt to form a government by demanding a blocking minority (half of the ministers, plus one) in the cabinet, and by seeking to hand out portfolios along confessional and partisan lines on the pretext that the finance portfolio belongs to the Shia community. As expected, the Office of the President repeatedly denied any suggestion of a blocking minority. Paris: Organized Obstruction From Paris and Washington came strong reactions following Hariris decision to quit. France took notice yesterday of the prime minister-designates decision and called for the appointment of a successor without delay. France notes the decision by Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri to give up on forming a government. This latest development confirms the political deadlock in which Lebanese leaders have deliberately been keeping the country for months, at the very time when it is plunging into an unprecedented economic and social crisis, the French Foreign Ministry said in a statement. Under current rules, Lebanons president has 30 days to consult with parliament to designate a successor to Mr Hariri; however, most people fear that this period will prove insufficient and that the appointment of a new prime minister-designate will be marred by more deadlocks and endless bargaining. Today it is absolutely urgent to overcome this organized and unacceptable obstruction and for a government to be formed in Lebanon. This requires the immediate launch of parliamentary consultations with a view to the appointment of a new prime minister as quickly as possible, reads the press release by the French Foreign Ministry. This government must be in a position to embark on the priority reforms that the situation demands. It must also set to work on preparing the 2022 elections, which will have to be held transparently, impartially and in accordance with the timetable set, it adds. To meet the needs of the Lebanese people, whose situation is deteriorating every day, a new international conference of support for the Lebanese population will be organized for 4 August on the initiative of the French President, with the United Nations support. Lebanon has been in self-destruct mode for several months, Mr Jean-Yves Le Drian said at a press conference following a meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels. Now there is a major emergency situation for a population that is in distress, he added. Le Drian noted that there was now a consensus among the blocs 27 nations for a legal framework to impose sanctions. For his part, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement that Hariris decision to quit was a disappointing development and called on the countrys leaders to urgently put aside partisan differences. Amid a Lebanese economy [. . .] in free-fall, the new government will have to organise parliamentary election in 2022, which should be held on-time and conducted in a free and fair manner. We will coordinate the measures of French and American pressure against those responsible for this impasse," Blinkens French counterpart said. In Lebanon, the Apostolic Nuncio, Bishop Joseph Spiteri, said: My response to this development is that of the international community: Lebanon needs a new government. Who will be the leader is for the Lebanese to decide, but more than ever, we need a government with a mission (French President Emmanuel Macrons goal) to introduce reforms necessary to unblock international aid, but even more specifically prepare for the coming parliamentary elections, especially since they can be held no later than May 2022. Beijing wants jail time for activists charged under the Security Act. Inspections of schools, associations, media and social networks are on the way. Central government praises local authorities. New US sanctions ready. Journalist Association: press freedom "in tatters". Hong Kong (AsiaNews) - Carrie Lam announced this morning that the city executive led by her will intensify the application of the national security law, imposed by Beijing last summer to suppress the democratic movement. Lam stressed that the local authorities want to meet the expectations of the central government. Above all, the Communist leadership wants the 64 people so far indicted under the draconian measure to be brought to justice. Most of them are leading figures of the democratic opposition, including Jimmy Lai, Benny Tai and Joshua Wong, who are being detained in prison waiting for their trial to begin. The Hong Kong leader also said that her administration intends to exercise greater control over schools, social organisations, media and social networks. Her remarks came just after Xia Baolong, head of the State Council's Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office, praised Lam's actions at a city forum, which she attended via video conference from Beijing. According to Rthk, Xia praised the quick and visible results achieved with the passage of the law. Above all, he wants only "patriots" (pro-Beijing figures) to be allowed to run in the elections for the city parliament, the chief executive and the election committee. In response to Lam's comments, Xia condemned foreign interference in Hong Kong's affairs, in particular the allegation that the Security Act is a threat to the city's continued existence as an international financial centre. He was referring to the punitive measures already imposed by the US and partly by the EU on Hong Kong and Beijing leaders accused of violating human rights in the former British colony. In this regard, new US sanctions are expected today against at least seven officials of the Chinese Liaison Office in Hong Kong. The Biden administration will also issue a warning to US companies about the risks they face in doing business in the city as the local situation deteriorates. That the climate has changed in Hong Kong was confirmed yesterday by the local journalists' association. In its annual report, this year entitled 'Freedom in Tatters', Hkja notes that the past year has been the worst for press freedom in the city. The organisation cites the case of the "forced" closure of Apple Daily, the independent newspaper founded by Lai, and the increasing threats from the authorities to other newspapers. Faced with the flight of journalists abroad, the organisation calls on colleagues to stay in the city to 'safeguard press freedom, because Hong Kong citizens need information and truth'. by Shafique Khokhar The state agency responsible for approving school curricula pulls books from middle schools that mention the activist. For education rights advocates, this is a deplorable action. The danger is that young people will grow up with a rigid, conservative and intolerant vision. Lahore (AsiaNews) - All copies of a book for middle schools that mentions Malala Yousafzai, the young Pakistani activist who has fought for womens right to education in her country, have been pulled from shelves. The Punjab Curriculum and Textbook Board (PCTB) made the decision after writing to the books publisher, Oxford University Press, saying that the books, intended for social studies classes, had not been issued the necessary No-Objection Certificate (NOC). Malala's picture was included in the book along with that of other prominent Pakistanis, including 1965 war hero Major Aziz Bhatti, the nations founder Muhammad Ali Jinnah, and various Pakistani poets and artists. Mariam Kashif, a teacher from Karachi, laments the PCTBs decision. The whole world celebrates Malala, but in Pakistan she is not recognised as a national hero even though she is a symbol of the struggle for women's rights. Some books had already been sent to schools, but the PCTB and police officers raided shops across Lahore to remove the last copies. Some officials went to the Oxford University Press office in Gulberg seizing the entire stock of books. Extremists hate Malala, but the state must not adopt their narrative, said Suneel Malik, an education rights activist, speaking to AsiaNews. While many countries are making progress in the field of women's education thanks to Malala, terrorists who kill people in the name of religion are celebrated as heroes in Pakistan. This is alarming, Malik explained. According to activists, this attack on academic freedom is an attempt by the government to prevent private publishers from adopting textbooks that might not be approved after rigid scrutiny. For Malik, It is deplorable that a state that claims to be democratic also uses religion in education. The danger is that young people will grow up with a rigid, conservative and intolerant vision that will play in favour of religious parties. It is ever more plain in the words and attitudes of many is the close connection between the choice of celebrations according to the liturgical books prior to Vatican Council II and the rejection of the Church and her institutions in the name of what is called the true Church. The pontiff bemoans abuses in the celebration of the liturgy on all sides. Vatican City (AsiaNews) Pope Francis published a motu proprio today putting brakes on the celebration of Mass in accordance with the pre-Second Vatican Council rite, the so-called Latin Mass, sometimes with a reference to the true Church. Titled Traditiones Custodes, the papal decree says that the rules governing the celebration of the Roman liturgy are those set by Paul VI and John Paul II in conformity with the decrees of Vatican Council II. In a letter explaining the document addressed to all the bishops, Francis cites abuses in the celebration of the liturgy on all sides, noting that when John Paul II and Benedict XVI allowed the use of the ancient missal it was above all motivated by the desire to foster the healing of the schism with the movement of Mons. Lefebvre. Thirteen years after Pope Benedicts decision, a survey carried out by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith on Franciss behalf shows a situation that preoccupies and saddens me, and persuades me of the need to intervene. Regrettably, the pastoral objective of my Predecessors, who had intended to do everything possible to ensure that all those who truly possessed the desire for unity would find it possible to remain in this unity or to rediscover it anew, has often been seriously disregarded. The concession granted to recover the unity of an ecclesial body with diverse liturgical sensibilities, was exploited to widen the gaps, reinforce the divergences, and encourage disagreements that injure the Church, block her path, and expose her to the peril of division. A final reason for my decision is this: ever more plain in the words and attitudes of many is the close connection between the choice of celebrations according to the liturgical books prior to Vatican Council II and the rejection of the Church and her institutions in the name of what is called the true Church. One is dealing here with comportment that contradicts communion and nurtures the divisive tendency I belong to Paul; I belong instead to Apollo; I belong to Cephas; I belong to Christ against which the Apostle Paul so vigorously reacted. In defense of the unity of the Body of Christ, I am constrained to revoke the faculty granted by my Predecessors. From this comes Franciss decision to entrust to the bishops the responsibility of regulating celebrations using the pre-Council rite. Therefore, it is his [the bishops] exclusive competence to authorize the use of the 1962 Roman Missal in his diocese, according to the guidelines of the Apostolic See. The bishop must ascertain that the groups that already celebrate using the old missal do not deny the validity and the legitimacy of the liturgical reform, dictated by Vatican Council II and the Magisterium of the Supreme Pontiffs. The Indications about how to proceed in your dioceses are chiefly dictated by two principles: on the one hand, to provide for the good of those who are rooted in the previous form of celebration and need to return in due time to the Roman Rite promulgated by Saints Paul VI and John Paul II, and, on the other hand, to discontinue the erection of new personal parishes tied more to the desire and wishes of individual priests than to the real need of the holy People of God. Thus, Mass celebrated according to the ancient rite can no longer take place in parish churches. It will be up to individual bishops to indicate the church and the days of celebration, where readings must be in the vernacular language, that is, in the local language, using the translations approved by the bishops conferences. The celebrant will be a priest delegated by the bishop, who knows Latin well, animated by a lively pastoral charity and by a sense of ecclesial communion since he must have at heart not only the dignified celebration of the liturgy, but also the pastoral and spiritual care of the faithful. Bishops shall take care not to authorize the establishment of new groups. Priests ordained after the publication of today's Motu proprio, who intend to celebrate Mass with the pre-conciliar missal should submit a formal request to the diocesan Bishop who shall consult the Apostolic See. Those that already do so will have to ask the diocesan bishop for authorisation to continue using it. The institutes of consecrated life and societies of apostolic life, erected in due time by the Pontifical Commission Ecclesia Dei come under the competence of the Congregation for Religious. The dicasteries of divine worship and consecrated life will uphold the observance of these rules. (FP) by Steve Suwannarat The Thai government wants to pass a law on non-profit organisations by the end of the year. To avoid terrorist initiatives, the authorities want NGOs to disclose foreign funding to the Ministry of the Interior. Civil society groups see the bill as another step to stifle criticism and freedom of association. Bangkok (AsiaNews) Thailands Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha wants to exert greater control over Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs). The government led by the former general recently laid down some guidelines for the Office of the Council of the State concerning the Bill on the Operations of Not-for-Profit Organisations, in order to include further restrictive measures. First and foremost, the government wants the legislation to include preventive control on funding to avoid the use of NGOs to launder money or financially support terrorist initiatives. According to critics, the bill is meant to further restrict the right of association in the country, and to impose even more stifling rules on civil society various groups. Sources close to the government noted that the authorities are determined to see this law through by the end of the year. In Thailand discussions had centred for some time on the law to define more clearly the role, functions and prerogatives of NGOs active in the country. More than one eyebrow was raised after 23 February, when the government announced that it was reviewing the draft proposal then on the table because of concerns over national security issues. Now some changes, deemed necessary, have been added, most notably the mandatory registration of all non-profit groups, compulsory disclosure of all foreign funding to the Ministry of the Interior, and new but vague procedures on revoking registration. Violators risk up to five years in prison and a fine of 100,000 baht (about US$ 3,000). Many international organisations and donors have expressed concern about and opposition to such measures. For this very reason, several countries, as well as various UN agencies, have asked the government to send the text to the Council of State for further consideration and review. Many fear that the law, once approved, could be used by the authorities to put greater pressure on NGOs. The current government is the direct successor to the military junta that took power in 2014 in yet another coup. The document proving vaccination, a negative test or recovery from Covid-19 is a prerequisite for participating in the Hajjr pilgrimage, and to enter public and private places. The arrested include officials of the Saudi Ministry of Health. To date, 21 million doses of the vaccine have been administered. Riyadh (AsiaNews/Agencies) - The Saudi authorities have arrested more than 120 people, suspected of "providing or procuring" fake Green Pass vaccines or negative Covid-19 tests, in order to gain access to public buildings or participate in the Hajj, the major pilgrimage scheduled in the coming days. According to the State News Agency Spa, the people arrested include nine officials of the Ministry of Health, who have already declared their guilt. Due to restrictions imposed by the pandemic of the new coronavirus, 60,000 Muslim believers with residence in the Wahhabi kingdom are admitted to the event this year. In addition to this, a certificate of vaccination - complete with both doses - or a negative swab carried out in the two days prior to participation, as well as proof of recovery, is required. The suspicion is that the suspects used social media to advertise their services and produce fraudulent certificates. These include changing the infection status, vaccination status and the administration of one or two doses of the vaccine. At least 21 people - nine Saudis and 12 with residence permits - are accused of acting as intermediaries in the fraud. Those who used the illicit services include 76 Saudi citizens and 16 residents. Earlier this month, the authorities confirmed the opening of an investigation involving two officials of the Ministry of Health, who were arrested in connection with fraudulent activity aimed at illegally altering data on the coronavirus. 21 million doses of the vaccine have been administered so far in Saudi Arabia, a nation of about 34 million people. The total number of infections has exceeded 504,000 (more than 1,200 in the last 24 hours), with a total of 8,020 deaths (14 in the latest bulletin). In May, the authorities introduced the anti-Covid vaccination as a mandatory prerequisite for access to many public and private places, including transport. In addition, only employees (public and private) who have received the immunisation will be allowed to return to work. The Hajj is considered one of the five pillars of Islam and every good Muslim should do it at least once in his life. Saudi Arabia has often politically exploited permission to reach Mecca; for years the Syrians have been forbidden to travel to the Muslim holy city. The crisis between Riyadh (Sunni) and Tehran (Shiite), still in progress between the two great regional powers, in 2016 effectively blocked the journeys of Iranian citizens to the kingdom. In the past, Riyadh's leadership was targeted by some imams who claimed the Saudi government used money from religious tourism to finance Islamic terrorism. by Vladimir Rozanskij The threat is the focus of the SCO summit being held today and tomorrow. Afghan refugees are taking refuge in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan after the start of the US withdrawal. The Afghan president promises to defeat the Taliban militias. Moscow is batting for both teams and is also negotiating with Islamist guerrillas. Moscow (AsiaNews) - China, Russia and the other members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan) are meeting in the Tajik capital Dushanbe to tackle the problem of the Taliban advance in Afghanistan. The two-day summit opens today; the participants held a preliminary summit on 14 July. Afghanistan borders four of the six countries of the Organisation (SCO) and involves the entire Central Asian region. After clashes in recent days between government forces and Taliban militia, and the flight of Afghan soldiers across the borders of Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, Afghan civilian and military refugees are also fleeing to Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. Bloomberg reports that after their withdrawal on 2 July from the Bagram base, the US approached the Central Asian governments with a request to take in tens of thousands of Afghans: essentially all those who were collaborating with Washington and NATO forces. If the Taliban conquer Kabul, all Western collaborators risk their lives. Kazakhstan has denied having adhered to this proposal, which has caused a great stir in the country. The SCO meeting is also attended by Afghan Foreign Minister Mohammad Hanif Atmar. Afghanistan is a candidate to join the organisation led by Beijing and Moscow; after 31 August, when the US withdrawal draws to a close, the reality on the ground could be very different. Despite reports of the Taliban's continued advance, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has tried to reassure his partners that he is in control of the situation. Ghani believes, 'the Taliban will not need 100 years to achieve victory'. The Islamist guerrillas have been clear that their conquest of Kabul is only a matter of time. Their political representative, Mohammad Sohail Shakhin, issued a declaration, mostly directed to the States of the SCO, stating that the Taliban will not allow foreign forces to use the Afghan territory as a base to strike other Countries: "We have committed ourselves not to welcome either single persons or groups hostile to any other neighbouring Country, including China. We will not allow recruitment campaigns or training or fundraising for any of these groups to take place in Afghanistan". The mention of China is not accidental, given Beijing's great concern about the involvement of Uyghur separatists in the conflict, organised into autonomous militias ready to work for the highest bidder, either against or together with the Taliban. The latter are trying to accredit themselves as a national political force, not interested in broader geopolitical games. The Taliban ideology is based on a radical interpretation of Islam, close to that of Pashtun nationalism, whose original territories are also those that have given most impetus to the fundamentalist movement. However, the clashes in recent days have mainly affected the northern territories, where the inhabitants are of a different ethnic group from the Pashtun: mostly Tajiks, Uzbeks and Kyrgyz. Russia has tried to explain the contacts it has had in recent days with Taliban representatives, with whom Moscow had established relations seven years ago, by insisting on the need to establish forms of dialogue with all parties in the Afghan conflict. Since the Russians have not had direct clashes with the Taliban in the past, it is now possible to talk to them, as Putin's special representative in Kabul, Zamir Kabulov, explained. "We had foreseen this situation, which is why we had made contact with the Taliban in 2014. We are talking about tactical moves," Kabulov told Ria Novosti. The Russians maintain that the US bases were not "strategically" designed to contain the Taliban, but rather to control Central Asia and countries such as Russia, Iran, Pakistan and China. This is why the Kremlin wanted to remain neutral, and today intends to take advantage of this position to avoid the catastrophic outcomes of the conflict. Due to the pandemic and restrictions on cross-border movements, this is the lowest number since 2003. In South Korea, infections are on the rise. The Prime Minister has called for group gatherings to be limited to fewer than four people, including in areas around the capital. Seoul (AsiaNews/Agencies) - Only two North Korean defectors arrived in South Korea in the second quarter of the year, the South Korean Unification Minister announced today, specifying that it is the lowest number since 2003, when the Seoul government began compiling data on those fleeing the North's regime. The number has fallen dramatically due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the subsequent tightening of restrictions on cross-border movements: last year there were 135 defectors in the first quarter and only 12 in the period between April and June, while in the last two quarters respectively 48 and 34 North Koreans had crossed the 38th parallel. Before the health crisis, an average of more than a thousand people a year fled to the South. Today, the number of new cases of Covid-19 in Seoul has fallen to less than 1,600, but the authorities fear that it could rise again in the run-up to the summer holidays. Level 4 social distancing, the highest level, has been imposed on the capital since 12 July. Only yesterday, measures to contain contagion were also applied in other regions after cases of the coronavirus increased in the non-metropolitan area. To avoid confusion and a new spread of the Delta variant of the virus, Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum asked local governments to limit group gatherings to less than four people in all regions. A 23-year-old man was shot Tuesday in the 4100 block of Patterson Ave. around 12:12 a.m. near New Islamic Baptist Church. He was taken to an area hospital after being found with a gunshot wound to the neck while sitting inside of a vehicle. Perry told FBI agents that his fiancee decided to buy the gun for her self-defense because he often traveled for work. She told the agents she wasnt involved in assembling the rifle but that a neighbor had helped Perry build it. She also said she had seen Perry wearing body armor with the rifle slung around his neck while he washed dishes. Of course, rowdy behavior is hardly unheard of during Ocean City in June, that monthlong celebration of Senior Week. Thats when crowds of teens pack into rental houses, with loads of alcohol and little adult supervision to party after their high school graduations. Debauchery ensues as do citations for open containers of alcohol, drunkenness and fights. In years past, officials have tried to reach teens with messages urging them to stop jumping off balconies, something thats happened, often with tragic results. Locals nickname them, with affection and annoyance, June bugs. A few weeks ago, a friend alerted me that Jack was gravely ill. I found him holding court in a sitting room at Symphony Manor. He laughed about already outliving his doctors life span predictions. And he filled his wait with streams of visitors and calls, including most importantly with wife Linda. Here I am, just waiting, hed say, almost as if patiently waiting for the next chapter while helping us accept it. Bless him for that, and may Jack be finding that chapter as joyful as he so optimistically anticipated. News Around the Republic of Mexico Mexico Announces New Steps to Protect the Vaquita The vaquita marina is a critically endangered porpoise that lives in the northern part of the Gulf of California, the only place in the world where it is found. Mexican Scientists believe the vaquita population may be down to 10 - at most. Mexico City - The Mexican government on Wednesday announced new measures aimed at The regulations aim to improve surveillance and supervision of fishing in the northern Gulf of California - the only place in the world where the vaquita is found. Potential actions include the partial or total closure of a vaquita sanctuary in the Gulf to fishing boats for up to one month, the National Aquaculture and Fisheries Commission said. The agriculture and environment ministries, together with the navy, will decide whether it is necessary to The commission stressed the importance of respecting the sanctuary's core area, where all commercial fishing is banned. Mexico has long According to conservationists, there are believed to be only 10 vaquitas left. The porpoise has been decimated by The totoaba's swim bladder is considered a delicacy in China, and can fetch tens of thousands of dollars on the black market. Mexico's announcement came days after the UNESCO World Heritage Center expressed concern that the vaquita was in danger of disappearing forever unless "decisive action" is taken. The Gulf of California's islands and protected areas became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2005. Their state of conservation is due to be reviewed later this month at the 44th session of the World Heritage Committee. Source: phys.org - The Mexican government on Wednesday announced new measures aimed at saving the critically endangered vaquita porpoise, the world's rarest marine mammal.The regulations aim to improve surveillance and supervision of fishing in the northern Gulf of California - the only place in the world where the vaquita is found.Potential actions include the partial or total closure of a vaquita sanctuary in the Gulf to fishing boats for up to one month, the National Aquaculture and Fisheries Commission said.The agriculture and environment ministries, together with the navy, will decide whether it is necessary to shut the refuge to fishing depending on vessel movements, the commission said in a statement.The commission stressed the importance of respecting the sanctuary's core area, where all commercial fishing is banned.Mexico has long faced pressure to do more to protect the vaquita, the world's smallest porpoise, known as the "panda of the sea" for the distinctive black circles around its eyes.According to conservationists, there are believed to be only 10 vaquitas left.The porpoise has been decimated by gillnets - which are banned in the upper Gulf of California - used to fish for another species, the endangered totoaba fish. The totoaba's swim bladder is considered a delicacy in China, and can fetch tens of thousands of dollars on the black market.Mexico's announcement came days after the UNESCO World Heritage Center expressed concern that the vaquita was in danger of disappearing forever unless "decisive action" is taken. The Gulf of California's islands and protected areas became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2005.Their state of conservation is due to be reviewed later this month at the 44th session of the World Heritage Committee. Site Map Print this Page Email Us Top Today Sunny to partly cloudy. Near record high temperatures. High 99F. Winds SSE at 10 to 20 mph. Tonight Some clouds. Low near 70F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph. Tomorrow Considerable clouds early. Some decrease in clouds later in the day. High 94F. Winds N 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. Muldoon said Brendan Sailing gives kids a chance to build their confidence and ability to work as a team, as well as the option to be judged by what they do, not what they speak or write down. Muldoon, who was recently inducted into the Boating Safety Hall of Fame, said hes working to broaden the sport and is not done yet. A 17-year-old who was wanted in connection with a stolen vehicle was slammed to the ground by Officer Maxwell Dundore, who then wrapped his left arm around the teen and threatened to choke him to death as the officer tried to handcuff the teen, according to indictments charging Dundore and his supervisor Sgt. Brendan OLeary. Both were indicted by grand jurors on Thursday. Police previously identified Justin Powell, 32, as the man shot and killed in the exchange. Police said Powell was wanted on an arrest warrant in the death of 38-year-old Ali Hines, who was fatally shot in the 1000 block of W. Lanvale St. on June 19. Board member Patricia Dorsey said the system needs training on the subject and noted that people are lumping everything under politics. She said one of the best examples she heard to describe equity is giving a 10-speed bicycle to a toddler, elementary student, middle school student and a student in a wheelchair. Not all students would benefit from it. Dorsey suggested having staff from the Maryland Association of Boards of Education come out to work with the board on the training. Lazar was placed on routine monitoring by the jails health care provider on July 5 due to statements made and physical health challenges, Andersen said. This involved him being placed on a 15-minute watch. The day after that, Lazar spoke with medical personnel and it was determined that monitoring could be returned to periodic checks by medical personnel and the regular tours conducted by correctional deputies. Maryland courts are fully operational, though they are still enforcing social distancing, which leads to smaller dockets. District courts are hearing landlord/tenant cases, including failure to pay rent and breach-of-lease cases. Judges have been making determinations about how much rent is due in such cases, and they have been deferring judgments until such time as the moratoriums expire. Sometime after Aug. 15, Im assuming that the judges are going to begin then entering those judgments, and after that the landlords ... if rent has not been paid, would be able to start eviction actions, said Gregory Countess, director of advocacy for housing and community economic development with Maryland Legal Aid. After the death of 9 Chinese nationals following a massive blast on a bus in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhawa province, Beijing has postponed the important meeting of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) that was scheduled to be held on Friday. Major General Asim Bajwa, the head of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and former spokesperson of the Pakistan Army, in a tweet informed that the meeting would be now be held after Eid. "JCC-10 meeting on #CPEC which was scheduled to be held on 16th July 21, has been postponed to a later date after Eid. A fresh date will be shared as finalised. Meanwhile, preparations continue," he tweeted. The incident took place on July 14 in the Dasu area of Upper Kohistan district of the restive Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province where Chinese engineers and construction workers are helping Pakistan build a dam, which is part of the USD 60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Meanwhile, China has decided to step in to assist its ally to probe the matter. Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian on Thursday announced that the country is set to send a cross-department work group to assist Pakistan on the case, Global Times reported. At least 13 people, including nine Chinese nationals and two frontier corps soldiers, died and 39 others injured when the bus carrying Chinese engineers and workers to the site of the under-construction Dassu Dam exploded. The bus fell into a deep ravine after the explosion. The explosion in the bus has shocked Beijing, considering the number of Chinese casualties. It also resulted in confusion and rare differing views aired in public by the two all-weather allies. Pakistan federal minister for information and broadcasting Fawad Ahmed Chaudhry yesterday tweeted: "Initial investigations into the Dassu [Dasu] incident have now confirmed traces of explosives. Terrorism cannot be ruled out, and the PM is personally supervising all developments. In this regard, the government is in close coordination with the Chinese embassy, and we are committed to fighting the menace of terrorism together." However, hours later the incident, the Pakistani foreign ministry issued a statement, calling the incident an accident caused by a mechanical failure, resulting in a gas leak that triggered the explosion. Night of July 16, the Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Nong Rong visited the injured in the hospital. Nong also urged that the truth of the incident be found, and he called for severe punishment for anyone responsible. (ANI) Also Read: China building another enclave in Sri Lanka: Colombo Port City If you are old enough to remember the hit comedy movie of 1980, Caddy Shack, then you will recall that a gopher infestation was threatening a golf course in Nebraska. The somewhat deranged groundskeeper was tasked with getting rid of the pest. His efforts at eradication include shooting, f Though Duckels didnt work and drink at the same time, I would arrange my workdays around how and when I would get my work done so I could drink, Duckels said. When youre not being watched then it is much easier to feed your addiction in a way that will cause your body to get used to more consumption consistently throughout the day. At least 30 cases of COVID-19 in Ohio and Kentucky have been linked to the retreat, according to a July 12 news release from the public health department. Local media reports have said the number of known infections stemming from the event has since increased to 70. Its unknown if any attendees from Illinois have tested positive for the virus. I understand the need to still wear masks on airplanes, which is no big deal, McClary said. But with our kids, were talking about five days a week, for more than six hours a day ... you cant see their emotions and their expressions. So much learning has been lost, and its going to take a long time to get that back. Harmony is a meal away: Chef Maurine Jackson is expanding from all things food to bringing communities together through all the good, bad, and ugly using food and drink. Four different meal options are available this weekend in this new, multi-building social club. Gather with neighbors for civic engagement and rekindle the togetherness of the neighborhood. Joining Guild Row and Chef Jackson are Apologue Liqueurs, Big Star Margaritas, Pilot Project Brewing, and ROVM Hard Kombucha. No Bad Days beginning at 2 p.m. July 17 at Guild Row, 3130 N. Rockwell St.; menu prices vary. Reservations are available at guildrow.co Yet, (Jawor) was unable to recall when she heard about the Jeep that was involved in a vehicular carjacking, who told her about it, or where any such conversation took place, the board wrote in its decision. She admitted that she had not received any alerts about a Jeep nor was she given any directive as to what, if anything, she should do, if she encountered a Jeep. The report says the official utilized her position to gain access to the event, move her family members to the front of the line, violating the countys ethics code. Part of how she achieved this may have been through a relationship with another high-ranking county official who led the family into the facility, acting as a point person between them and the vaccination site workers, according to the report. Texts and phone records uncovered as part of the investigation did not back up Morenos claim that he couldnt get in touch with Hrabar, authorities said. In fact, he had texted her about not smoking in the car and had gotten in touch with her about dinner plans after she borrowed the car, prosecutors said. In fact, the jail has long been identified as a place where those who need mental health care can be identified. Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart has been among those who raised an alarm about what the clinic closures could do to his jail population. And while no one has specifically tracked how many patients were directly affected by the closures may have turned up there, statistics show the percentage of inmates with psychiatric concerns has remained alarmingly high even as the overall number of inmates has dropped. These changes were, to my mind, entirely reasonable, even if there were some problems with how they were implemented. In some states, changes werent made by the state legislature but by governors and judges. Republicans offered no legal objections when they had standing to do so and only complained after Donald Trump lost. Unfortunately, a few voices outside of the community are trying to stand in the way of something that will genuinely transform the South Side and the people who live there today. This group believes their individual opinions should matter more than those of everyone who supported the Obama Presidential Center. Those supporters include the representatives elected by Chicagoans to run the city, the federal agencies who approved the project, and the vast majority of South Side and Chicago residents who see the Obama Presidential Center as a symbol of what we collectively accomplished when we elected the first Black president. Meantime, the deadline for candidates to file their quarterly campaign finance reports is here and former state Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias is raking in the cash as he campaigns to replace retiring Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White. With $2.9 million in the bank, Giannoulias has roughly three times the money that his three Democratic rivals have in their war chests combined. After years of often acrimonious negotiations, the two sides announced just before aldermen were set to again consider their competing plans that they would instead spend the next few days trying again to agree on a single proposal. The fake claims may have diverted more than a billion dollars intended for Illinois workers who were laid off during the pandemic. Meanwhile, other vulnerabilities have allowed hackers to compromise computer systems in the attorney generals office and Russians to capture personal voter information at the Illinois State Board of Elections. In the GOP race for governor, state Sen. Darren Bailey of Downstate Xenia reported $490,700 in cash on hand on July 1, raising more than $165,000 but spending nearly $185,000. Businessman Gary Rabine of Burr Ridge listed $287,325 in available money after raising nearly $345,000 while spending nearly $295,000. Former state Sen. Paul Schimpf of Waterloo raised $83,235 in the quarter but spent almost $137,000, leaving him with $116,280 in available cash, reports showed. As a kid I used to come here a lot, Crosby said. My family also has for many years. My mom used to get me a Rainbow cake every year for my birthday. We definitely have people from all over the city and suburbs who come here, and they say Oh, my gosh, I havent been here for years and it hasnt changed at all it has the same charm. Next month's 11th Beijing International Film Festival, one of the biggest movie events in China, announced its jury panel for the Tiantan Award in Beijing on Thursday. Aside from actress Gong Li, who was revealed as the jury president earlier this month, three of the other six jurors are from the Chinese mainland: actors Chen Kun and Zhang Songwen, and director Wuershan. The other three are director Leste Chen from Taiwan, Finnish director Renny Harlin and Lebanese auteur Nadine Labaki. Fifteen filmsthree from China and 12 foreign titleswill contend for the TiantanTemple of HeavenAward, the highest honor at the festival, which will run from Aug 14 to 21. The Chinese entries are All About My Mother, Beyond the Skies, a war film set in 1937, and Before Next Spring. The international contenders, which will all be shown during the festival, include Danish auteur Bille August's The Pact, Japanese director Izuru Narushima's A Morning of Farewell and Russian director Andrey Zaytsev's A Siege Diary. For the first time in the festival's history, its exhibition sectionwhich will screen around 250 films from home and abroadwill not only be held in Beijing, but also expand to some cinemas in the neighboring cities of Tianjin and Zhangjiakou. Highlights of the festival include the screening of classic movies by masters such as British comedian Charlie Chaplin and Polish director Krzysztof Kieslowski and a special exhibition of 15 domestic movies to mark the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China. Yu Junsheng, deputy chairman of the festival's organizing committee, said the festival has accumulated international influence over the past 10 years, adding that the organizers wish to develop it into a "wind vane" for the global film industry. The festival will continue to blend online activities with in-person events as a regular COVID-19 control practice, and boost its market section to build it into an appealing international platform for the trading of Chinese and foreign movies, Yu said. You are here: China A Chinese mainland spokesperson on Thursday expressed strong opposition against military contacts of any form between Taiwan and the United States. Zhu Fenglian, a spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, made the statement when commenting on the media report of a U.S. military transport plane landing in Taiwan Thursday. "We urged the United States to abide by the provisions of the three China-U.S. joint communiques when handling issues related to Taiwan and stop provocation," she said. Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authority will bring disaster to the people of Taiwan if it continues working with foreign forces to seek "Taiwan independence" and resist reunification, Zhu said. Speaker: Li Kuiwen, spokesperson of the General Administration of Customs (GACC) and director of the Department of Statistics & Analysis of the General Administration of Customs Chairperson: Shou Xiaoli, deputy head of the Press Bureau of the State Council Information Office (SCIO) and SCIO spokesperson Date: July 13, 2021 Shou Xiaoli: Ladies and gentlemen, good morning! Welcome to this press conference from the State Council Information Office (SCIO). This is a routine press conference on China's annual economic standing. Today, we are delighted to be joined by Mr. Li Kuiwen, spokesperson of the General Administration of Customs (GACC) and director of the Department of Statistics & Analysis of the General Administration of Customs, who will introduce China's import and export performance in the first half of 2021 and answer your questions. We will first invite Mr. Li Kuiwen to give a brief introduction. Li Kuiwen: Ladies and gentlemen, friends from the media, good morning! It's a great pleasure to meet with you at today's press conference. I'll begin by introducing China's import and export performance in the first half of 2021, and then answer your questions. In the first half of this year, under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, China continued to consolidate its achievements in coordinating epidemic control with economic and social development. Foreign trade continued its stable and sound performance and registered a historical high. According to statistics from the GACC, China's total foreign trade expanded 27.1% year on year to 18.07 trillion yuan (about $2.79 trillion) in the first half of the year. Exports grew by 28.1% to 9.85 trillion yuan, while imports increased by 25.9% to 8.22 trillion yuan. Compared with the same period in 2019, foreign trade, exports and imports increased by 22.8%, 23.8%, and 21.7% respectively. Specifically, there were six main features which I will outline now First, imports and exports have continued to increase year on year for 13 consecutive months. In June, the country's imports and exports went up 22% year on year to 3.29 trillion yuan, marking a positive growth for the 13th month in a row since June of 2020. Second, China's trade with its main trading partners maintained sound growth. In the first half of the year, China's trade with its top three trading partners, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, the European Union, and the United States, stood at 2.66 trillion, 2.52 trillion, and 2.21 trillion yuan, up 27.8%, 26.7%, and 34.6% respectively. Meanwhile, trade with Japan reached 1.18 trillion yuan, an increase of 14.5%. During the same period, China's trade with countries along the Belt and Road rose 27.5% year on year while trade with countries of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership grew 22.7% year on year. Third, China's general trade grew rapidly. In the first half of the year, China's general trade stood at 11.19 trillion yuan, an increase of 30.7%, accounting for 61.9% of the country's total foreign trade value, an increase of 1.7 percentage points over the same period last year. Meanwhile, exports reached 6.02 trillion yuan, up 32.1%, while imports reached 5.17 trillion yuan, up 29.2%. During the same period, the imports and exports of processing trade climbed 15.8% to 3.89 trillion yuan, accounting for 21.5%. Fourth, the main role of the private sector has been consolidated. In the first half of the year, the imports and exports of the country's private businesses reached 8.64 trillion yuan, an increase of 35.1%, which accounted for 47.8% of the total foreign trade value, up 2.8 percentage points over the same period last year. It continued to rank as China's biggest foreign trade entity. In the same period, the imports and exports of foreign-invested enterprises marked 6.61 trillion yuan, an increase of 19%; while state-owned enterprises accumulated 2.75 trillion yuan in imports and exports, an increase of 23.8%. Fifth, the proportion of exports of electromechanical products has increased. In the first half of the year, China's exports of electromechanical products increased by 29.5% to 5.83 trillion yuan, making up 59.2% of the total exports, and increasing 0.6 percentage points year on year. Exports of automatic data processing equipment and its parts, mobile phones, and automobiles increased by 17%, 23.3%, and 101.4%. In the same period, exports of labor-intensive products increased by 17.1%, and pharmaceutical materials and medicines increased by 93.6%. Sixth, imports of iron ore, natural gas and other bulk commodities increased. In the first half of the year, China imported 561 million tons of iron ore, up 2.6%; 59.82 million tons of natural gas, up 23.8%; 48.96 million tons of soybeans, up 8.7%; 15.3 million tons of corn, up 318.5%; and 5.37 million tons of wheat, up 60.1%. During the same period, imports of crude oil stood at 261 million tons, down by 3%. Generally speaking, in the first half of the year, China's foreign trade has stayed on an upward trajectory since the latter half of last year, with a relatively rapid growth rate, laying a solid foundation for the steady and high-quality growth of foreign trade throughout the whole year. China Customs will follow the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era and implement the spirit of the speech made by General Secretary Xi Jinping at the ceremony celebrating the CPC's centenary. China Customs will stick to its new development philosophy and foster a new development paradigm in the new development stage; ensure the six priorities and stability in six areas (employment, finance, foreign trade, foreign investment, domestic investment, and market expectations); and strive to achieve higher-level opening-up and quality development of foreign trade. GACC will contribute to ensure a good start of the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) in the development of foreign trade. Next, I'll be answering your questions. The Asian community in the US has been in collective trauma following an alarming increase in racial discrimination and hate crimes against them. While the slaying of six Asian women in Atlanta in March was the most tragic of those, racially motivated violence has been happening all the time, taking place in multiple forms and jeopardizing every age group of this community. A 2019 Pew report showed that about 76% of Asian Americans have personally experienced discrimination or been treated unfairly because of their race or ethnicity. According to statistics from Stop AAPI Hate, nearly 3,000 hate incidents against Asian Americans were reported in March alone, almost doubling that over the previous 11 months. Spiking racism, said respondents, has become their primary stressor during the pandemic rather than the pandemic itself. However, the current wave of hatred and violence against Asian Americans is far from exceptional. Both the country's long history of racial oppression and its anti-China propaganda have carried a foreshadowing of the current spike of racism. Written history of anti-Asian racism Bigotry against Asian immigrants began as soon as the first generation of Chinese workers set foot on American soil during the California gold rush in the 1850s. In the face of the rising anger among white laborers for the salary competition created by Chinese laborers, the Anti-Coolie Act was passed by the California legislature to impose taxes on Chinese miners in 1862. It was the first law in California to specifically target Chinese people. In the following years, hostility and attacks from white settlers mounted continuously until the murdering of 19 Chinese residents by a mob in Los Angeles' Chinatown marked a climax of the anti-Asian fervor in 1871. The massacre was followed by the Page Act of 1875 and the Chinese Exclusion Act in 1882 to successively prohibit the entry of Chinese women and ban the immigration of Chinese laborers. Those restrictions persisted for more than six decades until the Magnuson Act repealed the Chinese Exclusion Act in 1943. Racial violence and oppression also victimized other Asian immigrants in the same period. In 1905, the Japanese-Korean Exclusion League was formed in San Francisco to exclude Japanese and Korean immigrants. World War II saw the forced internment of around 120,000 Japanese Americans in concentration camps in the wake of the attack on Pearl Harbor. The Gentlemen's Agreement of 1908 further prohibited the entery of Japanese laborers. Similarly, the Tydings-McDuffie Act in 1934 reduced the quota of Filipino immigration to only 50 people per year. Increasing political invective While grounded in the long racist history and coupled with multiple social factors, the alarming increase in anti-Asian violence and hate crimes during the pandemic turned out to be more politically driven. In 2020, former US president Donald Trump and several members of his administration repeatedly used racist terms and referred to COVID-19 as China Virus and Kung Flu virus. Similar labels and language were also used by some other American politicians and celebrities to stigmatize China as the culprit of the outbreak. Though racist sentiments had been deeply entrenched and accumulating with the government's growing encouragement of white supremacy, Trump's incendiary rhetoric deflecting blame onto the Chinese has directed public resentment to Asian Americans, unleashing a tsunami of hate and violence against Asian Americans nationwide. Let numbers tell A poll by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found 60% of Americans believe that discrimination against Asian Americans has soared in 2021 over the previous year, about 7 in 10 Asian Americans say that discrimination against them has increased. A research report by the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism at California State University, San Bernardino showed that hate crimes targeting Asian Americans increased by 169% in 15 of the America's largest cities in the first quarter of 2021 over the same period in 2020. According to an Stop AAPI Hate national report, the organization recorded 6,603 hate incidents against Asian Americans from March 19, 2020 to March 31, 2021. The report found that Chinese individuals have reported more hate incidents, of 43.7%, followed by Koreans (16.6%), Filipinos (8.8%) and Vietnamese (8.3%). For types of discrimination, verbal harassment (65.2%) and shunning (18.1%) make up the majority of the total incidents reported. A study conducted by the Pew Research Center from April 5 to 11, 2021 found that 45% of Asian respondents say they have experienced at least one of the five specific offensive incidents listed in the report since the start of the coronavirus outbreak. In an open-ended question of the reasons for the rise in violence against Asian Americans, about 20% directly cited former President Donald Trump and his rhetoric about China as the source of the pandemic. Human rights defender or offender "If there is anything that can be more callous, more vicious, and more capable of gripping and crushing people's hearts during the pandemic than the COVID-19 virus, hate crimes and xenophobic violence against racial minorities and vulnerable groups are definitely at the top of the list," noted an opinion piece in The Diplomat magazine. Even though Trump is no longer in office, stigmatizing China and politicizing COVID-19 remain the framework and blueprint of the current US government in its confrontation with China. While the tactic did seem to drive it closer to the goal of diverting attention from its incompetent pandemic containment while tarnishing China's reputation, the backlash is hurting one of its most vulnerable and marginal groups. Asian Americans, in addition to the fear of and stress from the raging pandemic, are meanwhile subject to the wrath from its own countrymen for things they are not responsible for. As the instigator rejected any responsibility, neither have victims of the xenophobic violence received formal apology or seen their safety fully guaranteed yet. Perhaps it is time for America and the rest of the world to reflect on how the professed defender of human rights impairs the right to life of its own citizens, antagonizes other countries at the cost of scapegoating its own people, and advocates equality while encouraging racial injustice in its own country. Flash China urges relevant parties to stop political manipulation on the COVID-19 origin tracing issue, stop using the issue to shift blame, and stop sabotaging international origin tracing research cooperation, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Thursday. The spokesperson made the remarks after 44 countries on Thursday submitted a joint letter to WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, and four countries wrote separate letters, on the COVID-19 origin tracing issue. They welcomed the joint WHO-China study on COVID-19 origin tracing, stressing that virus origin tracing is a scientific task, and opposing politicizing the issue. Forty-eight countries sent letters to the WHO Director-General on origin tracing, stressing that the virus is the common enemy of mankind, and that only by uniting and cooperating can the international community defeat it, the spokesperson said. They welcomed the joint WHO-China study on COVID-19 origin tracing released by WHO, and believed that this scientific report should be the basis and guide for promoting the global origin tracing work, the spokesperson said. They pointed out that virus origin tracing is a scientific task, which depends on scientists' investigation and research on a global scale, emphasizing that the origin tracing issue cannot be politicized, the spokesperson added. They also called on the WHO Secretariat to cooperate with member States to promote global origin tracing research in accordance with relevant resolutions of the World Health Assembly, the spokesperson said. From the early stage of the pandemic, China has shown a scientific, professional, serious and responsible attitude on origin tracing. China has taken the lead in global origin tracing cooperation with WHO, the spokesperson said, adding that China's open and transparent attitude on the virus origin tracing issue has been fully recognized by international experts. However, for some time, a few countries, led by the United States, have been stigmatizing the pandemic, labeling the virus and politicizing the origin tracing, the spokesperson said, adding that these behaviors have seriously disrupted and undermined the global origin tracing research cooperation, and created great difficulties for countries to fight the pandemic and save lives. The overwhelming voice of justice by the vast number of developing countries in the joint letter stands in sharp contrast to the political manipulation, science opposition and facts distortion done by a handful of countries headed by the United States, the spokesperson said, adding that this fully reflects the justice of the international community, and fully demonstrates that the majority of countries uphold fairness, objectivity and justice. Flash Wu Qian, spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense. [Photo by Guo Yiming/China.org.cn] China is gravely concerned about media reports of a U.S. military transport plane landing in Taiwan on Thursday, a Chinese defense ministry spokesperson said. Wu Qian, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, said Taiwan is an inalienable part of the Chinese territory. "Landing of any foreign military aircraft on China's territory can be made only with permission from the government of the People's Republic of China. Trespass by foreign ships or planes into China's airspace will cause serious consequences," he said. "We solemnly warn the United States not to play with fire and immediately stop its risky and provocative actions, not to send a wrong signal to 'Taiwan independence' separatist forces and avoid exacerbating tensions in the Taiwan Strait," said the spokesperson. "We warn (Taiwan's) Democratic Progressive Party authority not to misjudge the situation and invite trouble to the island. Making provocations and seeking 'independence' by colluding with external forces will only lead Taiwan into a dangerous situation," he said. The spokesperson said that China must be and will be reunited. No one should underestimate the resolve, the will, and the ability of the Chinese people to defend their national sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Chinese military is on high alert and will take all necessary measures to resolutely defeat any attempt toward "Taiwan independence," he added. Flash Heavy downpours in several west European countries in the past few days have been wreaking havoc, leading to disastrous flooding that causes rising casualties and damages. Flash floods from heavy rainfall in western and southern Germany have left many missing. Casualties in Rhineland-Palatinate and North Rhine-Westphalia alone have risen to at least 42, police and local authorities said on Thursday. In the last two days, some areas in Germany recorded up to 200 litres of precipitation per square meter. The flash floods were caused as neither rivers nor saturated soil were able to absorb the unusually high amount of rainfall. Several cities and small towns in Germany were hit by floods that blocked roads and highways, cut off electricity and even swept away entire houses. Many local police stations issued the highest warning and urged people to stay home. The Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler area as well as Euskirchen, south of Cologne, were hit particularly hard, with 18 and 15 reported deaths respectively, according to local police. Two districts have been evacuated due to the danger of a dam burst at the Steinbach Dam in North Rhine-Westphalia. There were "many others who are still in danger," said Malu Dreyer, minister president of Rhineland-Palatinate, adding that the actual extent of the damages could not yet be estimated. Other than human casualties, the severe weather conditions caused "major power blackouts" in the Eifel, a hilly region at the border of North Rhine-Westphalia and Rhineland Palatinate, a spokesperson of electricity provider Westnetz said in a statement. In Belgium, between Tuesday and Thursday, non-stop heavy rains have hit hard the eastern half of the country, according to the Belgian weather forecast. Torrential rain has caused severe disruptions in Belgium on Thursday, with entire streets and villages inundated by heavy flooding. The downpour has turned streams and streets into raging torrents, sweeping away cars and flooding entire villages. Four bodies were found in the municipality of Verviers in the province of Liege in the central east part of the country, according to Belgian news website 7sur7. According to the Brussels Times, at least six people have died as a result of the heavy rainfall and flooding across Belgium. "Our country is currently hit by extreme rainfall. We sympathise deeply with all affected families and local authorities," said Prime Minister Alexander De Croo on Twitter. Public transport in Brussels is also heavily disrupted. The rains will continue to fall in the east and central part of the country, causing more rivers to overflow. There are growing concerns that the Meuse River, which originates in France and flows through Belgium and the Netherlands before draining into the North Sea, may completely flood over the course of Thursday, causing more damage to towns nearby along its course. In the neighboring Netherlands, heavy rainfall has caused severe nuisance in southern Dutch province Limburg on Wednesday and Thursday, with streets and houses being flooded and some people having been evacuated. In the city of Valkenburg, soldiers helped to evacuate people from their flooded homes or care centers on Thursday. A hospice and two other care centers were already evacuated on Wednesday evening. Fire brigades from other provinces helped to remove people from homes and pump the water away. The evacuated have been taken to shelters. About 400 households are without electricity. The heavy downpour in Limburg was over early Thursday morning, but the drainage of the water is now the problem. The peak flow of Maas river (Meuse river in Belgium) has not yet been reached and the water will continue to rise for the next few days. At around 3 p.m. local time, the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI)lifted the weather code red for Limburg. However, the KNMI warned that there is still a threat of flooding. This is also caused by water coming from Germany, where extreme rainfall also led to serious problems. The EU (European Union) Civil Protection Mechanism, which coordinates member states in improving prevention, preparedness and response to disasters, has been activated to tackle heavy floods, following a request for assistance from Belgium on Wednesday. A flood rescue team and a helicopter have been mobilised from France to assist with local rescue efforts, mostly in flooded areas around city of Liege. Italy and Austria have also offered flood rescue teams. The European Commission coordinates and finances up to 75 percent of the transport costs of the assistance, according to a statement released Thursday on humanitarian aid operations. "My thoughts are with the families of the victims of the devastating floods in Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg and the Netherlands and with those who have lost their homes," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen tweeted. "The EU is ready to help. Affected countries can call on the EU Civil Protection Mechanism," she added. Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarcic said: "The EU stands in full solidarity with Belgium at this difficult time and is providing concrete support. We express our condolences to the families who lost loved ones. I would like to thank the local and French first responders for their efforts. We stand ready to provide further assistance." In addition, the EU's Copernicus emergency satellite mapping is providing assessment maps of the affected areas. The bloc's 24/7 Emergency Response Coordination Centre is in regular contact with the Belgian authorities to closely monitor the situation and channel further EU assistance. Flash Colombian authorities announced Thursday they are investigating three more Colombians, including a former police officer, who are allegedly involved in the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise. During a press conference, Director of the Colombian Police Jorge Luis Vargas said that apparently former military officers German Rivera and Duberney Capador knew more details of the plan to assassinate the Haitian president. "We have three Colombian citizens who are being sought at the moment, who had been in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. We are in the process of fully identifying them," he said. The police chief also said that the three fugitives indicated to the rest of the Colombian ex-military personnel that the mission was to arrest Moise. "According to the information handled in Haiti, Capador and Rivera were the people who planned and organized the alleged arrest operation," Vargas said. The Haitian president was assassinated on July 7 at his residence by a commando of mercenaries. Flash U.S. President Joe Biden on Thursday raised his concerns to German Chancellor Angela Merkel over the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project, warning Russia not to weaponize the energy. The 1,230-km gas pipeline, which is expected to be completed next month, would bring natural gas from Russia to Germany through the Baltic Sea. "I reiterated my concerns about Nord Stream 2," Biden told reporters at a press conference after their meeting, adding that "Merkel and I are absolutely united in our conviction that Russia must not be allowed to use energy as a weapon to coerce or threaten its neighbors." The United States has long claimed that the project was a geopolitical maneuver by Russia that will undermine Ukraine's role in transiting energy to Europe. Germany and Russia pointed out that the project is purely commercial. The United States and Germany have different assessments regarding the Nord Stream 2, Merkel said at the conference, while stressing both agree that Ukraine will remain a transit country for natural gas. "We will be actively acting should Russia not respect this right of Ukraine that it as a transit country," She added via translation. "The Nord Stream 2 is an additional project and certainly not a project to replace any kind of transit through Ukraine." Citing the importance of relations with Germany and the difficulty to stop the nearly completed pipeline, the Biden administration in May waived sanctions against a company behind the pipeline project and its German CEO, which led to opposition from bipartisan lawmakers. "By the time I became president, it was 90% completed, and imposing sanctions did not seem to make any sense," Biden said on Thursday. He noted the two allies instead will look at practical measures to ensure European energy security will not be weakened by Russian actions. The two leaders also covered topics such as climate change, the COVID-19 pandemic, and Iran nuclear issue. Biden expressed condolences to Merkel for loss of life due to the flooding in Germany, which had left 58 people dead and dozens missing. Merkel is the first European leader to visit the White House since Biden took office. The visit was widely seen as Biden's efforts to restore the relationship between Washington and Berlin, which had been damaged by his predecessor Donald Trump. It is likely Merkel's last official trip to Washington as she will step down following the September election after 16 years in office. You are here: World Flash Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday called for removing barriers, opening up and seeking integration. Addressing the APEC Informal Economic Leaders' Retreat via video link in Beijing, Xi stressed the importance of promoting the liberalization and facilitation of trade and investment. "We must remove barriers, not erect walls. We must open up, not close off. We must seek integration, not decoupling," Xi said. This is the way to make economic globalization more open, inclusive, balanced and beneficial for all, he said. Newsom Pays the Price for Church Restrictions NEWS PROVIDED BY Liberty Counsel July 15, 2021 LOS ANGELES, July 15, 2021 /Christian Newswire/ -- One year after Liberty Counsel filed the lawsuit on behalf of Harvest Rock Church and Harvest International Ministry against California Gov. Gavin Newsom, the full and final settlement of $1,350,000 was paid today. On May 17, 2021, the federal district court approved the first state-wide permanent injunction in the country against COVID restrictions on churches and places of worship. Under the state-wide permanent injunction, all California churches may hold worship without discriminatory restrictions. California was ordered to pay $1,350,000 for attorney's fees and costs. The money will be used by Liberty Counsel to continue litigation on behalf of other churches against COVID restrictions, including a case pending at the Supreme Court. A portion of the payment also will be used to pay off the mortgage on Liberty Counsel's ministry center in Washington, D.C. which hosts many Bible studies and various religious gatherings. Ironically, the payment from California which had the worst COVID restrictions on churches and places of worship, will be used to advance Bible studies and worship in the nation's capital. Newsom originally imposed the most severe restrictions on churches and even home Bible studies and worship in the nation. Now after multiple reprimands from the U.S. Supreme Court, including two on behalf of Harvest Rock Church and Harvest International Ministry, Gov. Newsom is now the first governor in America to have a permanent injunction against him on behalf of houses of worship. This case involved three emergency injunctions pending appeal at the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, two oral arguments before a panel of three judges, two orders from the U.S. Supreme Court, including an injunction pending appeal issued by the High Court on February 5, 2021. The timeline for actions regarding Californias worship restrictions include: March 19, 2020 May 25, 2020: No Worship May 26, 2020 July 12, 2020: 25 percent capacity but no more than 100 people July 13, 2020 April 8, 2021: No worship for over 90 percent of California April 9, 2021 April 12, 2021: Restrictions on home Bible study lifted but not on singing and chanting April 13, 2021 May 9, 2021: Mandatory attendance limits are lifted May 17, 2021 and Forever: Discriminatory restrictions on churches permanently removed The settlement referenced several Supreme Court opinions, including Harvest Rock Church v. Newsom, that include a long list of similar nonreligious activity the High Court set forth as comparable gatherings. These include grocery stores, warehouses, big box stores, transportation, infrastructure, telecommunications, and much more. In other words, churches and places of worship may never again have discriminatory restrictions placed on them that are not equally applied to a long list of "critical infrastructure" or "essential services" as outlined in several Supreme Court precedents cited in the settlement agreement. Pastor Che Ahn, founder of Harvest Rock Church and Harvest International Ministry, previously received a letter from the Pasadena Criminal Prosecutor threating him, the staff, and anyone who attends church with daily criminal charges each up to one year in prison, and daily fines of $1,000. Despite this intense opposition, Pastor Ahn stood against these unconstitutional executive orders. He risked criminal charges and fines, as did those who worked for the church and those who attended. Thanks to his leadership, every church in California is now free. Liberty Counsel Founder and Chairman Mat Staver said, "Governor Gavin Newsom has been permanently quarantined from imposing unconstitutional restrictions on churches and places of worship. It has been a year-long battle, but we are grateful for Pastor Che Ahn, Harvest Rock Church, and Harvest International Ministry. Pastor Ahn's leadership and courage has toppled the tyranny and freed every pastor and church in California. The settlement in this case to help recover attorney's fees and costs only covers a small portion of the enormous expense to defend priceless freedom. How fitting that the worst suppressor of religious worship in the nation ends up funding religious worship in the nation's capital." Liberty Counsel provides broadcast quality TV interviews via Hi-Def Skype and LTN at no cost. SOURCE Liberty Counsel CONTACT: Mat Staver, 407-875-1776, Liberty@LC.org Related Links lc.org/ 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. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. This lawsuit is intended to finally give a voice to those women whose stories of harrowing sexual misconduct at Yale University have been stifled for far too long, and to bring about justice against both the powerful men that have targeted them, and those at the University who have protected and supported these men, the lawsuit said. Lamont was complaining about open government laws again earlier this month. In an interview with the Hearst newspapers editorial board, the governor offered an ode to the original Norman Rockwell Right to Know painting he owns and displays in his office. He used the theme of the painting to indulge in mewling about some guys giving him grief about Right to Know and FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) and how come I cant read your emails and listen to your phone calls. This is gubernatorial ignorance on an epic scale. Judicial College: Judges Furthering the Ohio Judiciary Editors Note: This story is part of a series on the Ohio Supreme Courts boards and commissions. Expanding knowledge and adapting to changing landscapes are essential within the judiciary. For decades, thats been the driving force behind the Ohio Supreme Courts Judicial College. Along with a full-time staff dedicated to raising the competency of judges, magistrates, and court personnel, the Judicial College has a board of trustees that advises the Supreme Court about judicial branch education and the Colleges operations. Those representatives provide input on the way we deliver education in Ohio, and what we deliver, said Christy Tull, the Judicial Colleges director and the Courts liaison to the board. They inform much of what we do. Basis for Judicial College and Its Board Established in 1976, the Judicial College is based on the pillars of continuing legal education to better serve the public as mandated in Rule IV of the Ohio Supreme Court Rules for the Government of the Judiciary of Ohio and section 10 of Rule X of the Courts Rules for the Government of the Bar of Ohio. The board of trustees was incorporated to ensure recipient input about the education and obtain insight from all factions of the judiciary. It consists of 10 members, plus the chief justice, with representatives from all seven of the states judicial associations, the Ohio Association of Magistrates, and two at-large appointments made by the chief justice. Involvement from each judicial association combines perspectives from the Ohio Judicial Conference and each court jurisdiction appellate, common pleas, domestic relations, juvenile, probate, municipal and county to make sure all voices within the judiciary are recognized. Within that representation, Tull says theres even more inclusivity to reflect the gender, ethnicity, geographic makeup, and other diverse demographics of our state. Those different backgrounds and specializations allow this select group of jurists to analyze the educational needs of the courts and the expectations of citizens they serve. Recent examples of recommendations made by the Judicial College Board include mentoring requirements for new judicial officers, exploring whether to allow jurists more flexibility with their continuing legal education (CLE) by allowing more self-study hours, and discussing new magistrate orientation mandatory. Most board members are both students of the Judicial College and faculty, said Franklin County Common Pleas Judge Stephen McIntosh, the boards chair. They are very much invested in the betterment of the judiciary through judicial branch education. Aiding All Parties While the board stays in its lane as advisers, Tull adds that its care for enhancing the administration of justice includes working with other Supreme Court boards and commissions, and all parties that come into their courtrooms, including court-appointed guardians ad litem and guardians of adults. The 10 members, who serve three-year terms with the option of being reappointed once, meet quarterly to deliberate about the Judicial Colleges latest proposals and considerations. One of the boards biggest credits over the years is its guidance and support in the development and innovations of online education tailored to the judicial audience. Ohio is one of the leaders in the country at providing on-demand judicial branch education, said Tull. Yet, the Judicial College is only as successful as those individuals who contribute to its progress. And for that we are eternally grateful to the extraordinary commitment of each individual who has and does serve on our board of trustees. Service on the Judicial College Board of Trustees is one of the many ways judicial officers can give back to the profession. The Judicial College Board of Trustees, like other boards and commissions, has a need for volunteers to share in educating and maintaining the integrity of the profession. The justices of the Ohio Supreme Court appoint the members of the board and are always grateful for applications from those willing to serve. Cut Bank, MT (59427) Today Partly cloudy skies this morning will become overcast during the afternoon. High 86F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Cloudy skies this evening will become partly cloudy after midnight. Low 59F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph. Lyndon German Staff writer Lyndon German is a Virginia native born in Mechanicsville. After graduating from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2016, he went on to work for the Hopewell News, the Progress Index, the Richmond Free Press and Virginia Public Media. He has a passion for news, radio, podcasts and the NBA. The state law requires police to collect and report information on every traffic stop they perform. That includes demographic information of the driver, why the car was stopped, whether a warning or citation was issued, if the driver was arrested and whether any person or the vehicle was searched. The release marks the second time data has been shared publicly under the law, which was passed in the General Assembly in 2020. Other findings from Thursdays presentation indicated they are now looking at the soil around the old foundation they found intact on the site to determine how old the structure is and if it is in fact part of the first church building from 1818. Gary said they are optimistic that they may know in the next couple of months. Admission to the concerts is free, and each entrance opens at 5:30 pm. Concerts take place on the grassy event field within Jamestown Beach Event Park, which will remain open to patrons during the concert series. Guests are encouraged to bring their own chairs, blankets, picnics and nonalcoholic beverages; no alcohol or large, plastic coolers are permitted. Only service animals are allowed at the concert. Vijayawada: The Andhra Pradesh High Court has sentenced additional superintendent of police (Special Enforcement Bureau) K Srinivas Rao working at Srikakulam, to simple imprisonment for four weeks and a fine of Rs 1,000 in a contempt of court case on Friday. A single judge bench headed by Justice Battu Devanand expressed anger on ASP Rao over his failure to implement a court order at an appropriate time and for misleading the court to close the contempt of court petition. The court sentenced the ASP to four weeks simple imprisonment and slapped a fine of Rs 1,000. In case he failed to pay the fine, he should undergo the jail term for one more week. When government pleader from home department Maheswara Reddy appearing for the ASP, tendered apology and sought closure of the hearing, the court said it could not grant this plea, given the gravity of the offence. However, when the GP pleaded for suspension of implementation of the sentence for a week, the court agreed for this. Lecturer Jhansi Lakshmi filed a complaint at Krishna Lanka police station in Vijayawada on two lecturers Ramadevi and Koteswara Rao and the police booked a case under relevant IPC sections, and also under SC, ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, in 2015. However, Lakshmi filed a petition in HC in October, 2016 stating that the police failed to complete the inquiry in the case. The court directed the then Vijayawada South ACP Srinivas Rao to complete the inquiry and file a final report at the court on October 26, 2016. Lakshmi filed the contempt of court petition in the HC again in July, 2017 stating that the ACP failed to comply with court orders. ACPs counsel submitted to the court on September 13, 2017, that the case was closed with no evidence and filed a report at the concerned court. The court closed the case. However, Lakshmi approached the Vijayawada second additional chief metropolitan magistrate court seeking the final report filed by the ACP and the court informed her that no such report was filed. She filed another contempt of court case in the high court in January, 2018 on the ACP stating that he mislead the court. During the hearing, the ACP filed an affidavit stating that he filed the final report on March 14, 2018 against his earlier submission of filing it on September 13, 2017. The court found fault with him and awarded the sentence. Sanjay, maintaining a low profile for the last few years, met TPCC president Revanth Reddy and expressed his willingness to join Congress. (Twitter) Nizamabad: Former Nizamabad mayor D. Sanjay is all set to join the Congress. He will resign from the TRS soon. His elder brother Arvind is the Nizamabad MP from BJP, and his father D. Srinivas is a Rajya Sabha member from the TRS. Sanjay, maintaining a low profile for the last few years, met TPCC president Revanth Reddy and expressed his willingness to join Congress. Sanjay was the first mayor of Nizamabad municipal corporation from the Congress party, who held the post from 2005 to 2010. He followed his fathers footsteps and joined the TRS. It is believed that Sanjay is aspiring a ticket from Nizamabad Urban or Armoor in the 2023 Assembly elections. Congress leaders in Nizamabad district expressed happiness over the decision. Congress leaders and activists are meeting Sanjay for the last two days. They expressed support for him. Sanjay will formally join the party at a public meeting soon, Congress sources said. TPCC president Revanth Reddy made it clear on Thursday that the party will hold the Chalo Raj Bhavan programme in a peaceful manner. (Twitter) Hyderabad: Police on Thursday denied permission to Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) to conduct its Chalo Raj Bhavan programme on Friday. The party leadership is firm to conduct the protest against rising prices of petrol and diesel. A rally will be started from Dharna Chowk at Indira Park and it would head for Raj Bhavan. The Congress has urged its rank and file to make the agitation against fuel price hike a big success. The TPCC had organised cycle and bullock cart rallies on Monday in all 33 district headquarters of Telangana state against the steep hike in fuel prices. TPCC president Revanth Reddy made it clear on Thursday that the party will hold the Chalo Raj Bhavan programme in a peaceful manner. If the police try to foil the Congress protests, we will fight back, he warned. Former Leader of Opposition in Legislative Council Mohammad Ali Shabbir said a delegation of the Congress will be allowed to meet Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan on Friday. We will sit in protest at Dharna Chowk as usual, he said. Reportedly, the police are planning to take Congress leaders into preventive custody ahead of the Chalo Raj Bhavan programme. Police are keeping a vigil on movement of opposition party leaders, with a view to preventing any agitation during the Covid-19 pandemic. Protesters have reached strategic locations to make the Chalo Raj Bhavan programme a success, a Congress leader said. Speaking to Deccan Chronicle on Thursday night, AICC spokesperson Dasoju Sravan said the police did not give permission for the Congress protest against petrol and diesel prices. No preventive arrest was made so far, he said. A few Congress leaders from districts also reached Hyderabad on Thursday to participate in the Chalo Raj Bhavan programme. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form FILE - In this May 12, 2021, file photo, Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., speaks to reporters at the Capitol in Washington. Rep. Cheney of Wyoming has had a record fundraising quarter, bringing in $1.88 million. Financial reports filed with the Federal Election Commission on Thursday, July 15, 2021, show her campaign has over $2.8 million in the bank. 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. NEW YORK, July 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Compass, Inc. (NYSE: COMP), a leading real estate technology company, today announced its expansion to Indianapolis. The company welcomes 23 top agents representing more than $160 million in 2020 sales volume. Principal agents joining Compass in Indianapolis include: Carrie Holle of The Carrie Holle Group, Greg Cooper and Lisa Phillips of The Cooper Group, Mike Feldman of Bond Real Estate, Erin Hundley, Ben Jones of The Jones Team, and Stacey Sobczak. "We're thrilled to launch in Indiana with such a high-esteemed group of Founding Agents," said Rachael Rohn, Compass Regional President. "The market-leading agents joining Compass in Indianapolis are known for their exceptional client service, and we can't wait to supercharge their businesses with Compass' proprietary technology and programming. Our continued growth throughout the Midwest region will provide Compass agents with an expanding referral network." Compass helps agents grow their businesses, serve more clients, save time, and stand out as valued, trusted and professional advisors in their markets. During the first quarter of 2021 Compass had revenue of $1.1 billion, an 80% increase from Q1 2020. While the U.S. residential real estate market grew transactions by 14% in Q1, Compass grew Total Transactions by 67%.1 Carrie Holle brings her team of seven agents to Compass, representing $65 million in 2020 sales volume. The Carrie Holle Group runs one of the highest-producing teams in the metropolitan-Indianapolis area, specializing in the luxury market for both buyers and sellers. "I have been watching Compass' growth and evolution, and have been impressed with their innovation and forward-thinking approach," said Carrie Holle, Compass Agent, Indianapolis. "After seeing their agent-centric offering first-hand, I knew they had everything I was searching for in a brokerage: unparalleled technology, beautiful marketing, incredible support and services, and the dream team of innovators and executives. Compass will enable me to grow my luxury business in a way I wouldn't be able to anywhere else." Other agents joining Compass in Indianapolis released the following statements: "We came to Compass to join the most elite group of brokers in the country. They have technology that's unparalleled, support of their clients that is unmatched and innovation that leads the industry. Compass is the real estate brokerage of the future." Greg Cooper , Compass Agent, Indianapolis , Compass Agent, "Compass was the missing puzzle piece that will help take my business to the next level. Every brokerage says they have great support, branding and marketing but none of them aligned with the sophisticated and luxurious image that I was striving for. I'm thrilled and honored to be partnered with a company that is singlehandedly changing the real estate industry for both agents and clients alike." Mike Feldman , Compass Agent, Indianapolis , Compass Agent, "We were blown away by the technology platform that Compass provides its agents, as efficiency and ease-of-use for our systems is a top priority. We definitely have a high expectation on design and overall branding and are excited that Compass aligns with the style and vision we have for our business. We are proud and excited to be Founding Agents in Indianapolis and look forward to having an impact on Compass' expansion into the market." Erin Hundley , Compass Agent, Indianapolis and look forward to having an impact on Compass' expansion into the market." , Compass Agent, "Compass is a tech-forward and agent-centric company that puts the agent in the best position possible to serve, work with, and provide the best outcomes to their clients. I'm excited to be a part of the Compass Indy growth from the start." Ben Jones , Compass Agent, Indianapolis , Compass Agent, "I'm thrilled to have this awesome opportunity with Compass and honored to be one of the Founding Agents in Indiana . This will offer my clients the newest technology, tools and marketing available and will enable me to provide superior service to my clients in the luxury market. Networking with Compass' top agents in other leading markets across the country will also help to further broaden our services." Stacey Sobczak , Compass Agent, Indianapolis Compass also welcomes Michelle Powell as Broker of Record for Indiana. Michelle brings nearly two decades of operational and real estate experience. Compass is home to nearly 21,000 agents operating in over 50 markets in the U.S. In 2020, Compass agents assisted home sellers and buyers to transact approximately $152 billion in residential real estate. With 4% of the U.S. market, Compass is the largest independent real estate brokerage by Gross Transaction Value.2 About Compass Founded in 2012, Compass is a leading real estate technology company, providing an end-to-end platform that empowers its residential real estate agents to deliver exceptional service to seller and buyer clients. The platform includes an integrated suite of cloud-based software for customer relationship management, marketing, client service, brokerage services and other critical functionality, all custom-built for the real estate industry. Compass agents utilize the platform to grow their business, save time and manage their business more effectively. For more information on how Compass empowers real estate agents, one of the largest groups of small business owners in the country, please visit www.Compass.com. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Statements contained in this press release that refer to future events or other non-historical facts are forward-looking statements that reflect Compass' current perspective on existing trends and information as of the date of this release. Statements containing words such as "could," "believe," "expect," "intend," "will," or similar expressions constitute forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results may differ materially from Compass' current expectations depending upon a number of factors affecting Compass' business, including, but not limited to, expansion into new markets, prevailing market conditions, the impact of general economic, industry or political conditions in the United States or internationally, and risks related to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The foregoing list of risks and uncertainties is illustrative, but is not exhaustive. For information about other potential factors that could affect Compass' business and financial results, please review the "Risk Factors" described in Compass' Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2021 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on May 13, 2021, and Compass' other filings with the SEC. Except as may be required by law, Compass undertakes no obligation, and does not intend, to update these forward-looking statements after the date of this release. 1 We calculate Total Transactions by taking the sum of all transactions closed on the Compass platform in which our agent represented the buyer or seller in the purchase or sale of a home (excluding rental transactions). We include a single transaction twice when one or more Compass agents represent both the buyer and seller in any given transaction. 14% figure based on NAR data as of March 2021. 2 Gross Transaction Value is the sum of all closing sale prices for homes transacted by agents on the Compass platform (excluding rental transactions). We include the value of a single transaction twice when our agents serve both the home buyer and home seller in the transaction. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/compass-expands-to-indiana-301334707.html SOURCE Compass 07/16/2021 by Brett Buckner Dr. Russel Lemmons, JSU history professor, has been awarded a prestigious Fulbright Research Grant to spend three months in Budapest, Hungary. There, he will collaborate with Tamas Kovacs, director of the Holocaust Memorial Center, to edit a primary source reader focused on the Holocaust in Hungary. Budapest was one of the most important centers of Jewish civilization before World War II, Lemmons said. The Holocaust in Hungary is known largely as the last chapter of the Holocaust. Since its inception in 1946, the Fulbright Program has provided more than 370,000 participants chosen for their academic merit and leadership potential with the opportunity to exchange ideas and contribute to finding solutions to shared international concerns. This is the second time that Lemmons, who joined the JSU faculty in 1993, has been awarded a Fulbright Research Grant. The US Fulbright Scholars Programs continued support of Dr. Lemmons attests to the quality of his research, which informs his teaching, said Dr. Staci Stone, dean of JSUs College of Arts and Humanities. We thank the Fulbright program for this national recognition of JSUs faculty and the opportunity to bring international experiences back to campus to help the university accomplish its mission to provide a transformational learning environment to prepare students as global citizens. Lemmons previously received a Fulbright Research Grant in 2017, which he used to spend three months in Germany researching the life of Jesuit priest, Rupert Mayer, who opposed National Socialism. As a doctoral student, he was awarded a Fulbright-Hays Grant to study in West Berlin in 1988-1989. So whats Lemmons secret to securing Fulbright funding? Its really quite simple. In many ways, its like any other grant, he said. Youre asking people to give you money, and they want to know just what youre going to do with that money. Thats the most important thing describe as accurately as possible what youre going to do. The next important step is having a good sponsor. Im lucky because my friend, Tamas Kovacs, will be my sponsor, Lemmons said. Plus, Im not that demanding. Ive been to a lot of places during my career. I know how to get around and take care of myself. During his numerous travels, Lemmons has been asked the same question by his more tech-savvy colleagues: Cant you just do your research online? With a smile, he answers, By the grace of God, no. He feels traveling the world has given him a unique perspective that hes able to share with students. Ive gotten to go to some really great places over my career, he said. Not only is that advantageous to me as a person, but its also advantageous to me as a teacher. For example, twice a year he teaches a course on the Cold War and is able to draw from his own experiences traveling abroad during that time. I lived in Berlin for a year from 1988 to 1989, so I can tell my students first-hand what it was like to go through Checkpoint Charlie, the crossing point for the Berlin Wall, he said. I went from West Germany to West Berlin every way possible by car, took the train and I flew and Ive got stories about all those experiences to share with my students. Lemmons will depart for Budapest in February. By Lee Min-hyung Korea's major semiconductor stocks remain sluggish despite solid earnings, due to their relatively weak performance in the non-memory chip business, analysts said. However, they expect chip stocks to bounce back in the second half of this year, predicting further earnings growth in the coming quarters. Samsung Electronics and SK hynix are two of the nation's largest companies by market capitalization. Their major cash cow is memory chip sales, which have driven their robust second-quarter earnings. In a preliminary earnings report, Samsung Electronics achieved 12.5 trillion won ($10.96 billion) in operating profit during the April-June period, up 53.4 percent from the previous year, riding on the so-called semiconductor chip super-cycle, thanks to heavy chip demand. The quarterly earnings were the highest since the third quarter of 2018. But as the earnings were heavily reliant on the sales of memory chips such as DRAM and NAND flash semiconductors Samsung's stock price has failed to achieve a meaningful rebound, according to market experts. The stock price of Samsung Electronics reached a record high of 96,800 won in Jan. 11 this year, but it has been on a downward curve to around the 80,000-won mark as of Friday. SK hynix stock has also shown a similar pattern after the chipmaker's share price set a new high of 150,000 won in early March. SK hynix shares have since fallen to the range of between 120,000 won and 125,000 won in July. Market analysts said the chipmakers need to find new growth momentum in the non-memory sector in order to achieve outstanding stock growth. "Samsung Electronics needs dramatic events to occur, either by securing additional fabless clients in the United States or pushing for mergers and acquisitions in the non-memory sector, in order for it to find meaningful stock price growth," Hana Financial Investment analyst Kim Kyung-min said. Hanwha Investment & Securities analyst Lee Soon-hak said that Samsung's stock price, however, would gradually bounce back in the second half of this year. "The earnings upside of Samsung's chips and IT & mobile division will enable the company to achieve 15 trillion won in operating profit in the third quarter," he said. "This earnings growth and increased valuation will help the chipmaker recover its stock price." A healthcare worker wearing protective gear uses an air conditioner to cool down at a coronavirus testing center in Gwangju, July 12. Yonhap By Lee Hyo-jin As Korea grapples with a fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, the surge in patients and long lines at testing centers are taking a toll on frontline medical workers who are suffering from burnout and exhaustion. During the past 18 months since the first coronavirus outbreak here in January of last year, healthcare workers have been hailed as heroes for their sacrifices and commitment, but little has been done to address their poor working conditions and heavy workloads. Medical personnel who have been working extra hours and many nights, risking their own health at COVID-19 treatment facilities, have been further put upon by a lack of manpower and substandard medical equipment, according to the Korean Health and Medical Workers' Union (KHMWU). The union released a survey of its members working at 102 medical institutions nationwide, June 22. Their responses included: "We are provided with substandard and poorly fitting personal protective equipment;" "Protective gowns can be easily torn or ripped, so we sometimes have to staple them;" and "Once I was completely exhausted after tending to a dialysis patient for over four hours while wearing protective clothing. I couldn't change my shift with anyone, as we are too understaffed." The union argued that healthcare workers constantly face problems, due to a shortage of staff, as the government continues to increase the number of hospital beds at COVID-19 treatment centers without recruiting more nurses. Things are not different for employees working at public health centers who are in charge of coronavirus testing and epidemiological investigations, as well as the vaccination rollout. Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum speaks during a meeting on the government's response to COVID-19 at the government complex in Seoul, July 16. Yonhap Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum hinted Friday at enforcing stronger social distancing rules in regions outside the greater Seoul area as the country struggles to contain the fourth wave of the pandemic. In a daily interagency meeting on the government's COVID-19 response, Kim said that authorities could strengthen the private gathering restrictions after 6 p.m. in non-Seoul regions when new virus cases continue to rise. Seoul, its neighboring Gyeonggi Province and the western port city of Incheon, home to half of the country's 51.3 million population, have been under the highest social distancing measures since Monday, while most other regions began increasing restrictions Thursday, amid a spike in new virus cases as of late. Most regions outside the wider capital area have been placed under Level 2 measures, in which gatherings of more than eight people are banned. The regions, which had previously been under the lowest social distancing scheme with no ceiling on gatherings, have accounted for a larger share of the cases this week. South Korea said Friday it seeks to forge deeper economic ties with Kenya in line with its efforts to diversify its trade portfolio and penetrate deeper into the African market. Vice Industry Minister Park Jin-kyu met his Kenyan counterpart Betty Maina in Seoul to discuss a wide array of economic issues, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. During the meeting, Park said South Korea wishes to expand its presence in Kenya's consumer goods and biohealth segments, as the launch of the African Continental Free Trade Area is expected to speed up the economic growth of the continent. Trade between South Korea and Kenya came to US$257 million in 2020, up 32 percent from a year earlier, according to the data compiled by the Korea International Trade Association. South Korea mainly shipped steel, synthetic resin and other chemical products to the African nation. In return, Asia's No. 4 economy imported foodstuffs, including coffee products, along with copper goods. (Yonhap) U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman / AFP-Yonhap U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman will visit South Korea next week for talks on various issues that will include climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic, the State Department said Thursday. Sherman will first head to Japan, where she will be joined by her Japanese and South Korean counterparts for three-way talks, according to the department. In Tokyo, "Deputy Secretary Sherman, Japanese Vice Foreign Minister Mori Takeo, and ROK First Vice Foreign Minister Choi Jong Kun will hold a joint meeting to discuss trilateral cooperation on pressing shared challenges, including regional security issues such as the DPRK," it said in a press release, referring to South and North Koreas by their official names the Republic of Korea and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. Officials in Seoul said Choi will also meet bilaterally with his Japanese counterpart while in Japan. "The deputy secretary will then travel to Seoul for meetings with ROK officials and a strategic dialogue with ROK First Vice Foreign Minister Choi to discuss bilateral and multilateral cooperation on shared priorities, including the climate crisis, pandemic relief, and post-COVID-19 economic recovery," the State Department said. The South Korean Foreign Ministry earlier said Sherman will arrive in Seoul on Wednesday for a three-day visit. "The visit by U.S. Deputy Secretary Sherman will offer an occasion that will further strengthen coordination between South Korea and the United States on the Korean Peninsula, regional and global issues," the foreign ministry said. In Seoul, Sherman and Choi are expected to discuss efforts to reengage with Pyongyang to move the stalled denuclearization talks forward. Also on the table will likely be the follow-up measures to the outcome of the May 21 summit between Presidents Moon Jae-in and Joe Biden, particularly on expanding cooperation in supply chains for vital products like memory chips. The unification ministry said that discussions are under way with U.S. officials about Sherman visiting the ministry for talks, but nothing has been fixed yet. While in Tokyo, the three are also expected to discuss the shared challenges, including dealing with an assertive China, as the Biden administration has been intent on bringing the two Asian allies closer for stronger trilateral cooperation in the region. It will also mark the first time for the three countries to resume the vice-ministerial talks in nearly four years. The three-way dialogue, launched in 2015, had taken place at least once every year until 2017 but remained inactive during the Donald Trump administration. (Yonhap) Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman speaks during her visit to Jakarta in this May 31 photo. She is scheduled to visit South Korea from July 21 to 23. Reuters-Yonhap By Kang Seung-woo U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman's planned visit to South Korea next week is more likely to focus on strengthening and evolving the two countries alliance as part of Washington's campaign to curb China's sprawling power, rather than discussing North Korea's nuclear program, diplomatic observers here said Friday. According to the foreign ministry, Sherman is scheduled to travel to Seoul from July 21 to 23 and will hold vice foreign ministerial strategic talks with First Vice Foreign Minister Choi Jong-kun on the last day of her trip. She also plans to visit Japan for trilateral vice foreign ministerial talks that will include Japanese vice foreign minister Takeo Mori. Following her stops in South Korea and Japan, Sherman will travel to Mongolia. She had been widely expected to visit China as well, but the State Department's announcement on her Asia visit Thursday (local time) did not include this. "Given her itinerary, Sherman's visit to South Korea as well as Japan is likely to center on bolstering its alliances with the two countries in its competition against China. During her tour to U.S.-aligned nations, the China issue will be high on the agenda," said Park Won-gon, a professor of North Korean studies at Ewha Woman's University. "As respective summits with South Korea and Japan earlier focused on China-related issues, she will confirm the procedure for each country implementing their agreements." Kim Yeoul-soo, chief of the Security Strategy Office at the Korea Institute for Military Affairs, said, "Sherman's visit is likely to have to do with collaborating on emerging technologies and South Korea joining the quadrilateral security dialogue (Quad), both of which are aimed at containing Beijing. "In particular, the Joe Biden administration is stressing the importance of building technology alliances and partnerships with its allies, as evidenced by its National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan's direct involvement in the issue," Kim said. The Quad, comprised of Australia, India, Japan and the U.S., is a strategic forum, largely regarded as a means to contain China. Due to Beijing being Seoul's largest trading partner, Korea has been averse to accepting the U.S.'s repeated calls to join it, but during a May 21 summit between President Moon Jae-in and U.S. President Biden, they jointly acknowledged the importance of open, transparent, and inclusive regional multilateralism, including the Quad. Although it is expected to take a back seat to the China issue, Pyongyang's nuclear weapons could also be on the table, the experts added. "As North Korea is calling for the suspension of the combined military exercise between South Korea and the U.S., and it may stage a provocation to protest the drill, the three countries are expected to discuss how to deal with this possible scenario," Park said. Acting U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Rob Rapson announced in a tweet Thursday that he was leaving the post and returning home this week. "Farewell Seoul It's been a great 36-year run for US-ROK relationship with more to come! Proud to have been a part of it, especially the last 6 months as CDA (charge d'affaires)," his tweet read. He returns Friday. ROK is the acronym for the Republic of Korea, South Korea's official name. Christopher Del Corso, current deputy chief of the mission at the embassy, will serve as the charge d'affaires ad interim, according to Rapson's tweet. The U.S. has yet to name the new ambassador to Seoul. Rapson, previously the deputy chief of mission, took over as acting ambassador in early February after former Ambassador Harry Harris left the post following the inauguration of President Joe Biden. Rapson has spent a considerable part of his career working in Korea. He first served in the U.S. Consulate in the second-largest city of Busan in 1984-86 and has worked as a deputy economic counselor at the embassy in Seoul in 1997-2000. Back home, he also served as director of the Office of Korean Affairs at the State Department in 2012-15 and came to Seoul again as a minister and acting deputy chief of mission at the embassy in Seoul in 2015. Rapson is expected to retire after he returns home. (Yonhap) French Ambassador to Korea Philippe Lefort speaks in a video introducing a series of interviews of young French professionals in Korea to commemorate France's National Day which falls on July 14. Screenshot from YouTube By Kwon Mee-yoo The French Embassy in Korea is celebrating France's National Day, which falls on July 14, in a new style amid the COVID-19 era. Organized in collaboration with the French-Korean Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI), the embassy is presenting an interview series of French members of the MZ generation a Korean umbrella categorization for millennials and those from Generation Z living in Korea, shedding light on young French professionals who chose Korea as the place in which to carry out their projects and find personal fulfillment. Also known as Bastille Day, the day commemorates the Storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789, during the French Revolution, and the Fete de la Federation, which celebrated the unity of the French people on July 14, 1790. French Ambassador to Korea Philippe Lefort emphasized how young French professionals in Korea bridge the two countries in a speech to open the interview series, Wednesday. "These young people are the image of this long-term France ambitious and enterprising, generous, energetic and curious which since the 19th century has bet on political, intellectual, economic and industrial partnerships with Korea. They also resemble the image of the growing number of young Koreans who go to France to live, study and work," Lefort said in the speech delivered in French. "Our two countries, inextricably united by history and shared interests, will emerge stronger from this health crisis that will come to an end. Global competition is intensifying, but it offers ever more numerous opportunities for cooperation between countries that share the same values of democracy, multilateralism, sovereignty, social progress, protection of the environment and of cultural heritage." French-Korean Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chairman David-Pierre Jalicon speaks in a video introducing a series of interviews of young French professionals in Korea to commemorate France's National Day, Bastille Day, on July 14. Screenshot from YouTube Former prosecutor general and presidential contender Yoon Seok-youl gets into a vehicle after visiting former U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in Jongno District, Seoul, Thursday. Yonhap By Nam Hyun-woo Moves by less favored candidates from both the ruling liberal and opposition conservative blocs to gain support in their bids to run in the presidential election is heating up the race among those seeking a party ticket for next year's poll. According to a Realmeter poll on support for the potential candidates, conducted on 2,036 adults last week, former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl was leading the pack with 27.8 percent, followed by Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung with 26.4 percent and former Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon with 15.6 percent. The two Lees are from the liberal ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), while Yoon is anticipated to run in the election as an opposition conservative candidate. Compared to a similar survey conducted during the last week of June, Yoon's support has declined by 4.5 percentage points to below 30 percent for the first time in nearly four months, while support for Governor Lee and former Prime Minister Lee rose 3.6 percentage points and 7.2 percentage points, respectively. Yoon has solidified his status as the No. 1 candidate since he resigned from the top prosecutor post in March to join the presidential race, but his campaign has been losing luster recently, as he has been slow to disclose his political identity and policy ideas. Former Board of Audit and Inspection Chairman Choe Jae-hyeong, left, and conservative main opposition People Power Party Chairman Lee Jun-seok speak to reporters at the PPP's headquarters, Seoul, Thursday, after the former joined the party. Yonhap Against this backdrop, former Board of Audit and Inspection (BAI) Chairman Choe Jae-hyeong, who quit his BIA post and announced his presidential bid after fighting the Moon Jae-in administration, joined the PPP, Thursday, grabbing the public's attention and the opportunity to secure support within the opposition party. During a radio interview on Friday, PPP Chairman Lee Jun-seok said that Choe was "a major presidential contender" and that "the PPP was being recognized as a platform for a power turnover." Although Choe's support rate remained at 4.2 percent in the latest poll, this fact did not reflect his support among the PPP membership, raising questions as to how he can grow his presence. Among some conservative politicians, including those from the opposition, Choe has been considered as an alternative to Yoon, as the latter has become embroiled in corruption allegations involving his family members. "While Yoon is taking time to establish his political identity, Choe seized the chance and joined the PPP," said Eom Gyeong-yeong, the director of the Zeitgeist Institute. "Though it was a fresh start, Choe's political story is still weaker than Yoon's, whose conflict with President Moon became a national issue. To exploit this momentum, Choe needs to quickly show what his politics are." Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung, right, speaks during a radio interview at broadcaster CBS's headquarters in Yangcheon District, Seoul, Wednesday. Yonhap In the liberal ruling bloc, Gyeonggi Governor Lee Jae-myung and former Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon are competing for the top spot. While the governor has been the leading contender from the DPK, the former prime minister has seen a leap in support rate recently. The gap between two Lees stood at 10.8 percentage points in the latest Realmeter poll, down from 14.4 percentage points in the previous poll. "Though there seems to have emerged a twist in the presidential race recently, it seems to be due to the temporary disarray often observed in periods of preparation," Eom said. "Former prime minister Lee's recent surge is largely attributable to support from those in their 20s and 30s, whose support of the DPK is getting weaker. On the other hand, Governor Lee has strong support from those in their 40s and 50s, who are loyal to the DPK." As the competition has heated up, the two Lees have raised allegations against their respective camps. During a radio interview with CBS on Wednesday, Lee Jae-myung said, "The former prime minister should take a look around himself," referring to Lee Nak-yon's former aide, who committed suicide during an investigation into his alleged involvement in the Optimus Asset Management fraud case. This fraud case generated more than 1.6 trillion won ($1.4 billion) in losses for more than 4,000 investors. Governor Lee's comments were interpreted as a response to the former prime minister's continued criticism of Lee's wife, surnamed Kim, who is facing allegations that a Twitter account that defamed President Moon and victims of the Sewol ferry disaster belonged to her. The leaders of South Korea and Israel agreed during phone talks Friday to strengthen cooperation in efforts to overcome the COVID-19 crisis. The pandemic was a main topic in discussions between President Moon Jae-in and Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, according to Cheong Wa Dae. It marked their first phone call since Bennett's inauguration last month. Moon talked about the 700,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine that were shipped here from Israel under a bilateral vaccine swap accord. Earlier this week, local health authorities began giving South Koreans the vaccine shots. "The exchange of vaccines will be a catalyst for the further deepening of friendship and trust between the two countries," Moon said. Their vaccine swap will also become an exemplary case of international cooperation, he added. The prime minister noted that South Korea has been effective in handling the coronavirus crisis from the initial stage and expressed hope that Israel will learn from its experience. Moon said that if South Korea, which has been relatively successful in virus control, and Israel, a model in vaccinations, share their experiences, that would help facilitate better responses to COVID-19. (Yonhap) By Kim Hyun-bin Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Euisun has left for the U.S. for the second time in a month to look into potential investment opportunities and sales strategies there as well to promote the company's future mobility business. Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Euisun A Baedal Minjok delivery worker rides a scooter to deliver food in Seoul on Jan. 3. Korea Times file By Kim Jae-heun Food delivery services are competing to secure more delivery drivers, as increasing numbers of food orders are taking place online, following the imposition of the toughest social distancing rules, Level 4, by the government, in response to the fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Baedal Minjok (Baemin), Coupang Eats Food and other delivery platform players are currently offering various benefits and promotions. Baemin decided to hold a prize lottery for delivery people every week starting July 5. The prizes range from a camping car to a gold bar, hotel vouchers and gift cards. Coupang Eats has been paying incentives of up to 60,000 won ($52) per day. For delivery workers who invite people they know to sign up as new delivery workers, both the inviter and newly-recruited worker will be given a 10,000 won incentive. As the fourth wave of COVID-19 is underway in Korea, raising the average number of new daily cases into the 1,300 range this week, the demand for online food orders has increased drastically. Naturally, the competition to attract delivery drivers has become fiercer, especially with delivery service platforms placing "one-delivery-per-rider" pledges. The pledge started with Coupang Eats, which adopted a new marketing strategy to deliver one meal at a time, as customers were complaining of their food getting cold during the time it takes to make multiple deliveries. The implementation of this pledge resulted in higher satisfaction for customers, as well as a shortage of delivery workers across the country. Additionally, the increase of "quick commerce" services is boosting the demand for delivery people. "Quick commerce" refers to online retail businesses where people can order items and receive them in some cases on the same day. Woowa Brothers, the operator of Baemin, started its quick commerce service, "B Mart," earlier last year, and Yogiyo introduced a similar service in September 2020. Another firm, GS Retail, launched its delivery service last month, utilizing its convenience store chain GS25 to enable customers to order any item from the store online and have it delivered to their door. "With the COVID-19 pandemic showing no signs of stopping, much of the demand for dining out is shifting to the delivery market. The demand for delivery services will continue to rise with the scorching heat of the peak of summer. The market will have no choice but to offer a variety of promotions to expand delivery worker networks, which in turn could hike up the price of delivery services, and customers could end up bearing those," an industry source said. Dulce Diaz, center, and her brother Carlos Diaz, left, demonstrate in Miami's Little Havana neighborhood, July 14, as people rallied in support of anti-government demonstrations in Cuba. AP-Yonhap President Joe Biden said Thursday the United States was considering ways to force open internet access in Cuba, which he called a "failed state" as the communist leadership faces down the biggest protests in memory. In a reversal from his stance as a candidate, Biden also made clear he was in no rush to let Cuban-Americans send home remittances, which could ease the economic pressure that contributed to the outpouring of anger on the streets Sunday. Biden, who has made the promotion of democratic values a key priority, said the United States was looking at how to help Cubans circumvent internet restrictions imposed by the government. "Cuba is, unfortunately, a failed state and repressing their citizens," Biden said. "They've cut off access to the internet. We're considering whether we have the technological ability to reinstate that access," he told a joint White House news conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel. The United States has long criticized internet restrictions around the world, notably in China, but its cyber operations have dealt more with security threats than ensuring open access. One idea floated by experts would be to send balloons with mobile WiFi similar to measures taken during natural disasters. Cuba as of Wednesday had eased interruptions on internet access, according to AFP journalists in Havana, but access remained blocked to social media and messaging apps such as Facebook, WhatsApp and Twitter the sole ways for most Cubans to read independent media. Cuba has lashed out at the #SOSCuba social media campaign backed by staunchly anti-communist Cuban-Americans in Florida, with President Miguel Diaz-Canel describing it as "media terrorism." "Social media is totally aggressive, calling for murders, calling for lynchings, for attacks on people and particularly those identified as revolutionaries," he said. Most accounts have described the protests as peaceful and spontaneous around the country. Officials say one person was killed. U.S. President Joe Biden / AP-Yonhap A rescue worker walks in floodwaters as they run down a main street in Pepinster, Belgium, July 15. AP-Yonhap More than 50 people have died and dozens were missing Thursday as heavy flooding in Germany and Belgium turned streams and streets into raging torrents that swept away cars and caused houses to collapse. Recent storms across parts of western Europe made rivers and reservoirs burst their banks, triggering flash floods overnight after the saturated soil couldn't absorb any more water. ''I grieve for those who have lost their lives in this disaster,'' German Chancellor Angela Merkel said during a visit to Washington, expressing shock at the scope of the flooding. ''We still don't know the number. But it will be many.'' She pledged that everything would be done to find those still missing, adding: '''Heavy rain and flooding' doesn't capture what happened.'' Authorities in North Rhine-Westphalia state said at least 30 people had died, while 19 deaths were reported in Rhineland-Palatinate state to the south. Belgian media reported eight deaths in that country. Among the worst-hit German villages was Schuld, where several homes collapsed and dozens of people remained unaccounted for. Rescue operations were hampered by blocked roads and phone and internet outages across the Eifel, a volcanic region of rolling hills and small valleys. Some villages were reduced to rubble as old brick and timber houses couldn't withstand the sudden rush of water, often carrying trees and other debris as it gushed through narrow streets. Karl-Heinz Grimm, who had come to help his parents in Schuld, said he had never seen the small Ahr River surge in such a deadly torrent. ''This night, it was like madness,'' he said. An elderly woman is evacuated as flooding affects the area after heavy rains in Ensival, Verviers, Belgium, July 15. EPA-Yonhap Dozens of people had to be rescued from the roofs of their houses with inflatable boats and helicopters. Hundreds of soldiers were deployed to assist in the rescue efforts. ''There are people dead, there are people missing, there are many who are still in danger,'' the governor of Rhineland-Palatinate state, Malu Dreyer, told the regional parliament. ''We have never seen such a disaster. It's really devastating.'' The 52nd Civil Engineer squadron and several volunteers from the U.S. air base at Spangdahlem filled and distributed hundreds of sandbags to help protect homes and businesses in the area, the U.S. European Command said. In Belgium, the Vesdre River spilled over its banks and sent water churning through the streets of Pepinster, near Liege, where a rescue operation by firefighters went wrong when a small boat capsized and three elderly people disappeared. ''Unfortunately, they were quickly engulfed,'' said Mayor Philippe Godin. ''I fear they are dead.'' A car is inundated with water in the flooded streets in Zuid Limburg, Netherlands, July 15. AFP-Yonhap In Verviers, the prosecutor's office said several bodies had been found but could not confirm local media reports that four people were killed there. Major highways were inundated in southern and eastern parts of the country, and the railway said all trains were halted. In Liege, a city of 200,000, the Meuse River overflowed its banks Thursday and the mayor asked people living nearby to move to higher ground. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen pledged to help, tweeting: ''My thoughts are with the families of the victims of the devastating floods in Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg and the Netherlands and those who have lost their homes.'' The full extent of the damage was still unclear, with many villages cut off by floods and landslides that made roads impassable. Videos on social media showed cars floating down streets and houses partially collapsed. Many of the dead were only discovered after floodwaters receded. Authorities in the Rhine-Sieg county south of Cologne ordered the evacuation of several villages below the Steinbach reservoir amid fears a dam could break. Two firefighters died in rescue operations in North-Rhine Westphalia, Germany's most populous state. Gov. Armin Laschet paid tribute to them and pledged swift help. ''We don't know the extent of the damage yet, but we won't leave the communities, the people affected alone,'' he said during a visit to the city of the flood-hit city of Hagen. Streets in the Heimerzheim district of Swisttal are flooded after heavy rain caused major flooding, in Swisttal, Germany, July 15. AP-Yonhap slide 2 of 6 SEVENTEEN Dino released his first solo fashion pictorial for Esquire Korea. The men's fashion lifestyle magazine drew the attention upon releasing some digital shots of the idol on July 15. NORTH COUNTRY COMMUNITY COLLEGE 23 Santanoni Avenue Saranac Lake, New York 12983 POSITION DESCRIPTION NCCC Foundation and Development Director Job Title: NCCC Foundation and Development Director Job Status: Full-time (Management Confidential) Department: NCCC Foundation Immediate Supervisor: NCCC College President Supervises: NCCC Foundation Accountant (part time position) North Country Community College (NCCC) is a small community college located in the Adirondack State Park in Northern New York. The main campus is located in Saranac Lake with additional campuses in Malone and Ticonderoga. While the College offers numerous majors, including several occupational programs, the College focuses on a liberal arts education as a foundation for any degree program. Classes are relatively small providing opportunities for individualized instruction and focused academic advisement for each student. The North Country Community College Foundation is dedicated to helping the College maintain and enhance the quality educational experiences offered to students and the community by providing financial and resource assistance. General Job Description: The North Country Community College Foundation and Development Director is the Chief Development Officer for all philanthropic activity at North Country Community College and, as such, works with the North Country Community College Foundation Board of Directors, the North Country Community College Board of Trustees, the College President and other appropriate organizations and college departments to coordinate and enhance the educational and philanthropic resources of the College. The role and responsibilities include cultivating and soliciting both internal and external individual donors, corporate donors, researching and writing foundation proposals and foundation grants, developing, and managing fund-raising initiatives, alumni engagement and programming and special events. The North Country Community College Foundation and Development Director is a full-time, 12-month management confidential position. Major Duties and Responsibilities: Plan, develop and implement North Country Community Colleges annual, major capital, and planned giving programs, events, and fundraising initiatives in cooperation with the Foundation Board and the College. Be the catalyst for the development and implementation of the Foundations strategic plans and goals for fund raising, alumni engagement and community outreach that are aligned with the Colleges mission, vision, goals, and strategic and long-range plans. Engage, encourage, and support member of the Foundation Board, the Board of Trustees, the College President and other fund-raising volunteers and staff to identify, cultivate and solicit charitable gifts. Continually update, improve, and manage donor database and information tracking processes for recognition, on-going communication, and stewardship of past and current donors to deepen their relationships with the College. Travel for donor meetings, community events and campus visits as required in connection with performing the essential functions of this position. Perform all administrative duties including the Foundations student scholarship program, real estate holdings and representing the Foundation on college committees and working groups, as well as other appropriate duties includingreports for regulatory bodies. Manage records of all gifts, supervise the Foundations staff, oversee the Foundations business, and work with and review the reports of auditors. Manage the Foundations annual budget and work with the Colleges Business and Financial Aid offices and the faculty to coordinate the distribution of scholarship funds and other grants. Meet with the Foundations portfolio manager and document all directives regarding the management of the Foundations investments. Provide regular and detailed reports to the College President, the Foundation Board, and the Board of Trustees regarding the status of Foundation operations and initiatives. Minimum Qualifications: Education: Bachelors Degree or higher is required; Masters degree is preferred. Experience: Background working in organizations needing philanthropic support to fulfill their mission. Fundraising and development focus in a non-profit setting preferred. Key Competencies: Advanced and effective oral and written communication skills with ability to attend to detail. Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to develop relationships internally and externally to promote NCCC, its Foundation and secure donations. Ability to make presentations and develop written, printed, and electronic communications. Facility with Microsoft programs, database management, and other software to support the Foundations operations and efforts. Preparation of budgets and related reports and ability to seamlessly work with Foundations accountant and Colleges business office. Please visit https://www.nccc.edu/about/human-resources/careers.html for position and application information. recblid wtmixhpc6bfisgayhg322k6bocid9x Mead & Hunt, a nationally recognized professional services consulting firm, has a position available for a project accountant to join our Finance department. Responsibilities include processing invoices for assigned department managers; creating projects in our accounting software, including billing terms, project budgets ACH payment requests, and outstanding client invoice requests; assisting with research and resolution of client questions; running standard reports; working closely with project managers and department managers to ensure accurate and consistent financial reporting, and project billing; compiling and updating finance processes and procedures. Travel may be required. The successful candidate will have an associate degree (or higher) in accounting, finance, business, or related field AND at least two years of accounting experience with computerized accounting systems and billing processes; OR, if no degree, must have at least four years of relevant accounting experience. The ideal candidate will have any/all of the following: Experience with computerized financial accounting systems Knowledge of Deltek Vision Experience with project billing Knowledge of engineering and architectural services Knowledge of professional accounting practices If you have strong communication and organizational skills, are self-motivated, and can work well both independently and as part of a team, complete the online application process for this job posting at www.meadhunt.com /careers OR submit your cover letter and resume (and the pdf application if possible) to the address below. The deadline to apply for this position is Monday, August 2, 2021. Interviews are awarded on our review of your ability to meet the qualifications in the paragraphs describing the successful candidate and ideal candidate, so be sure to explain where indicated in the online application (or in your COVER LETTER, not just in your resume, if you are applying by mail) how you meet each qualification listed in the paragraphs above. MEAD & HUNT, Inc. Attn: Req. #2021-4026 2440 Deming Way Middleton, WI 53562 www.meadhunt.com All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability. recblid lqahx9g1kw80p60m27xoc252hjfrlm CASE ADMINISTRATOR/INTAKE CLERK ANNOUNCEMENT DATE: July 13, 2021 CLOSING DATE: Open until filled; preference given to resumes received by July 27, 2021 The United States District Court for the Western District of Washington is a career-oriented organization focused on providing exceptional service to the Court, the legal community and the public. We are accepting resumes for a Case Administrator/Intake Clerk position. Our ideal candidate is well organized, detail oriented, possesses exceptional interpersonal skills and enjoys working with the public. The Case Administrator/Intake Clerk is part of a self-directed team. The team participates in recruiting, and is responsible for training and performance evaluations. The team develops quality standards, plans and distributes work, and handles leave and coverage issues. This requires responsibility, flexibility and a desire to work collaboratively within the team and the Clerks Office as a whole. This position is located in the office of the Clerk of Court at the federal courthouse in Tacoma, Washington. The Case Administrator/Intake Clerk maintains expertise in the areas of case administration, intake, jury support, and records and responds to the more complex questions relating to case services policies and procedures. REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES Provides exceptional customer service to the public, attorneys, and visitors to the court, whether in person or over the telephone while providing accurate answers to questions regarding procedural information, the case docket, or general court information. Responsible for maintaining the accuracy and completeness of official case records from opening to final disposition, while ensuring the integrity and efficiency of the U.S. District Courts case information database by providing quality assurance of all electronic entries. Reviews filed documents for conformity with rules and regulations. Makes summary entries of all documents and proceedings on the docket in a team-based environment. This includes, but is not limited to, such items as complaints, petitions, indictments, pleadings, motions, responses, minutes, and orders. Distributes orders, notices, and judgments when entered on the docket. Prepares and issues summons and warrants upon order of the court. Ensures that statistical information is accurately reflected when a case is opened or closed and in various entries occurring throughout the pendency of an action. Assists in case management by ensuring the quality of all docket entries using the courts quality control program. Responsible for filing, scanning, and indexing documents on any new or ongoing action for civil, criminal, as well as appeals, using manual and automated processes. Screens and file-stamps incoming documents; research and resolve special problems related to case filings, answer written inquiries, perform data entry into case management system, and ensure compliance. Correspondence with jurors and processing of regular summons mail and online eJuror requests. Preparing for trials Setting up panels and scheduling jurors. Jury selection days, check-in, orientation, and managing jurors on subsequent trial days. Inputting and review of jury payment. Performs other duties as assigned. QUALIFICATIONS Opens, reviews, separates, and distributes mail; logs remittances; writes receipts for payments made; and reconciles transactions in accordance with internal controls policies and procedures. Also assists with processing outgoing mail. Serves as a liaison to internal court personnel and other court clerks. As part of a self-managed team, participates in the hiring, training and orientating new staff/team members. Also assists with training current staff on new procedures as needed. High school diploma or equivalent; and a minimum of two years of progressively responsible administrative, technical or professional experience; Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and strong computer and analytical skills. Experience with virtual meeting platforms such as Zoom or WebEx. Proven experience in handling multiple workload demands while maintaining a high level of concentration, accuracy and attention to detail; Demonstrated ability to function collaboratively within a team environment; Ability to communicate information clearly and professionally with a wide-ranging constituency, including federal judges, court personnel, attorneys, jurors, and pro se litigants; Ability to maintain confidentiality, demonstrate sound judgment, and handle sensitive material, with a calm, professional, friendly and patient demeanor; Ability to research complex issues and be familiar with a variety of internal and external resources; Have a strong sense of personal and professional integrity; Ability to speak in front of large groups of people for the purpose of orientation and provide instructions, answer questions, and provide guidance on the jury process. Excellent customer service, organization, and time management skills. Capable of adapting to a demanding fast paced work environment. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Bachelors Degree. Current or prior judiciary experience. Proficiency with a wide range of technology, including SharePoint and Adobe Acrobat. Knowledge of CM/ECF, the Judiciarys automated case management system. SALARY RANGE Court Personnel System Classification Level: CL24, Step 1 61, $42,388 - $68,910 CL25, Step 1 61, $46,828 - $76,094 Depending on experience and qualifications; additional promotional potential without further recruitment. BENEFITS The District Court offers a generous benefit package competitive salary, and a dedication to work/life balance including flexible schedules, ORCA transit passes, 24-hour on-site fitness center, and telework opportunities. Judiciary employees participate in the Federal Employees Retirement System, Thrift Savings Plan (similar to a 401K), health and life insurance benefits, long term care options, annual sick leave accrual, and ten paid holidays per year. Judiciary employees are not covered by the Executive Branch civil service classification system or regulations. For additional information on employment with the federal courts, please visit www.uscourts.gov INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS Qualified applicants should submit the following: Cover Letter Resume Completed AO78 Form (Application for Employment) Attachments should be submitted as Microsoft Word (DOC) or Adobe Acrobat (PDF) files. Other formats are not acceptable. Applications will be considered complete when all required attachments, in the appropriate format, are received by the Human Resources Unit. Applications and/or attachments received after the closing date may not be considered. Application materials can be submitted via e-mail to: seattle_personnel@wawd.uscourts.gov Or to: Human Resources (#21-WAW-26) U. S. District Court 700 Stewart Street, Suite 2218 Seattle, WA 98101 Only qualified applicants will be considered for this position. Applicants must be United States citizens or eligible to work in the United States. Employees of the United States District Court are considered at will employees. Applicants selected for interviews must travel at their own expense. The United States District Court requires employees to follow a code of conduct which is available upon request. Reference checks with current and former employers will be conducted on top candidates. A background investigation with law enforcement agencies, including fingerprint and criminal record checks, will be conducted as a condition of employment. Any applicant selected for a position will be hired provisionally pending successful completion of the investigation. Unsatisfactory results may result in termination of employment. The Federal Financial Management Reform Act requires direct deposit of federal wages. The United States District Court for the Western District of Washington is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals and seek a diverse pool of applicants in terms of race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, languages spoken, veterans status, disability, religion, and socio-economic circumstance. The Court provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation, please notify human resources. The decision on granting reasonable accommodations will be made on a case by case basis. The Court reserves the right to modify the conditions of this job announcement, to withdraw the announcement, or to fill the position sooner than the closing date, any of which may occur without prior written or other notice. In the event that a position becomes vacant in a similar classification, within a reasonable time from the original announcement, management may elect to select a candidate from the applicants who responded to the original announcement without posting the position. More than one position may be filled from this announcement. The United States District Court is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in the work place. recblid 2c8o6oyy6u3ie9rlyfze7zp7qdg5bu We are looking for an individual who believes in our mission and who wants to shape the narrative for Latinos in the U.S. This role is for a team player who thrives in a dynamic small team environment, with strong communication skills and attention to detail. Title: Manager of Community and Communications Key Responsibilities Drive the overall administration and management of the Stanford Latino Entrepreneurship Initiative Education-Scaling Program. This seven-week immersive program includes a primary online curriculum component with Stanford University Graduate School of Business Executive Education. Manage mentorship program by recruiting and training mentors from across all industries nationwide while growing and maintaining the LBAN mentor database. Coordinate all event logistics for the program kickoff weekend and closing weekend at Stanford while managing key strategic relationships. Manage external communications examples include (newsletters, press releases, event communications, etc.) Serve as community manager for nearly 800 alumni of the SLEI-Ed program. Assist with annual survey dissemination. Assist the CEO, COO, LBAN team, and the SLEI research team to execute strategic initiatives. Qualifications Passion for the mission of LBAN Strong verbal and written communications skills Customer service driven High attention to detail Effective organizational, planning, and project management skills High standard of excellence Ability to work collaboratively and independently Ability to thrive in a fast-paced and high-expectations environment Knowledge of Salesforce is a plus. Education and Experience Undergraduate degree required. Two or more years of related professional work experience. To Apply: Please submit your resume and cover letter. LBAN does not discriminate based on race, color, gender (including actual or perceived gender, and gender identity), sexual orientation, age, marital status, medical condition, religious affiliation, veteran status, national origin, citizenship status, mental or physical disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable state, federal or local law. If you need reasonable accommodation to apply for a job, please let us know. If the reason you need accommodation is not apparent, we may ask for documentation confirming your functional limitations. Job Type: Full-time Benefits: Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off Vision insurance Schedule: 8 hour shift Education: Bachelor's (Required) Experience: 2-7years experience Work Location: One location About the Organization The Latino Business Action Network (LBAN) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, was formed in 2012 to strengthen the U.S. by improving the lives of Latinos. In 2013, LBAN collaborated with Stanford University and created the Stanford Latino Entrepreneurship Initiative (SLEI). SLEI explores and expands our knowledge of the Latino entrepreneurship segment in our economy through research, education, and ecosystem development. LBANs Mission To strengthen the United States by empowering leaders to grow substantial firms that create jobs, develop leaders and spawn a new generation of companies. LBAN three core pillars supporting its mission: RESEARCH: To utilize world-class quantitative methods and leverage evolving qualitative tools to develop actionable insights from targeted study based on annual surveys (most significant sample in existence to date) exploring the state of U.S. Latino-owned businesses; to apply research results to stimulate more informed policy development and decision making by corporate America, governmental entities, associations, and business leaders EDUCATION: LBAN co-facilitates the Stanford Latino Entrepreneurship Initiative Education-Scaling Program (SLEI-Ed) which is an online educational program offered twice per year, which attracts 400+ applicants and admits 80 per cohort (160 annually). The program accelerates the development of critical business and leadership skills in Latino entrepreneurs through an intensive, Stanford faculty-led, online program. LBAN augments the program through successful Latino entrepreneur role model videos, webinars, personal mentorships, and connections to strategic partners, business channels, and sources of capital. ECOSYSTEM DEVELOPMENT: To promote communication, collaboration across LBAN and Stanford-based network linking organizations across the U.S. that support the growth and development of Latino entrepreneurs and small businesses across the country. recblid 87ys9gcv0yxj7c293gd31xnawm20sp AI/ML - Sr Frontend Engineer, Siri Engineering Efficiency Seattle , Washington , United States Machine Learning and AI Summary Posted: Jul 14, 2021 Role Number: 200267013 Play a part in improving the efficiency of engineers in AI/ML. Transform the way engineers use rich, insightful web apps to advise their decisions. Work with the people who crafted the intelligent assistant that helps millions of people get things done. The Engineering Efficiency team is crucial to the productivity of Siri engineers. We're looking for a senior software engineer with Frontend expertise, to take a highly visible web application to the next level. Key Qualifications 5+ years of experience developing, testing, and maintaining rich web experiences with UIs that address significant problems with high volumes of data. Experience bringing an impactful feature to fruition by collaborating with diverse teams. Experience maintaining a living and sophisticated codebase with a modern stack. Solid understanding of JavaScript, HTML, and CSS and at least one UI library or framework (e.g. React, Angular). TypeScript is a plus. A passionate learner who follows or participates in dev community events and content. Possesses great synthesis and communication skills. A good design sense and a good understanding of data visualization concepts. Description In this role, you will be working on one or more web applications that enable other teams within Apple to build and ship their code, as well as track the quality of their code changes. You will be exposed to a large, multifaceted domain where you will be taking part in synthesizing and simplifying complex processes. And you'll work on producing experiences that help users answer fundamental questions by way of intuitive web experiences. To accomplish this, you will be expected to efficiently collaborate and communicate with large and diverse teams and take part in the ownership of user experience, design, implementation, and maintenance. This will involve producing and challenging wireframes and user flows, implementing them with test-covered code, and slowly evolving the codebase alongside community advancements. Education & Experience BS, MS or Ph.D. in Computer Science, or equivalent experience Description The role is a data management position focused on supporting the local markets' data management and data governance activities. This position will work with each of the regional business and functional groups to drive the group data strategy into each of the businesses as well as assist each business in realizing their Data management requirements. This role will be required to work with regional/country business units, Transformation, Data Services, and all IT teams, as well as operating at a senior level to influence outcome through involvement in the following: Support the execution of WPB CDO agenda and Group Data Management Office (DMO). Drive the move towards the long-term goal of strategic and tactical information initiatives based on WPB CDO vision covering Data Governance, Metadata Management, Data Quality, Data Protection and Data Infrastructure. Implement the Global WPB CDO vision and objectives for country teams. Ensure that local business owners are identified to be accountable for data quality, reference data standards, metadata management, data governance mechanisms exist to highlight potential data problem areas Implement approved proposed data management processes (e.g. local "Data Readiness") to ensure they align to the Group Data Strategy and Standards. Prompt escalation of any identified data quality issues. Engage GBs and GFs as required to resolve any data issues identified (budget and execution resources will come from GB/GF/country where the problem exists) Assisting analysts in other departments regarding the usage of available information sources to satisfy their information requirements Identifying and disseminating best practices Work with a variety of information, data management and business professionals at various levels of expertise in establishing collaboration, content management, data consolidation, information delivery and data re-use strategies Proactively increase knowledge and awareness of technical and business trends, changes or advances and assess their impact to existing business applications Can include product managing key data management capabilities. Impact on the Business/Function Meets with clients and other analysts to discuss the business requirements for the data to be delivered. Makes recommendations and facilitates consensus regarding the appropriate data sources, business rules, end product content/format and delivery mechanisms to meet their requirements. Designs, executes and monitors simple to moderately complex data management and ad hoc requests according to business requirements. Transforms requirements into programs and processes to deliver the requested information deliverables (e.g. reporting, data extracts, campaign files etc.) in alignment with Group policies/standards. Assists business analysts in their usage of available information sources to support their modeling and analytical objectives. Actively monitors project progress and proactively escalates any issue/roadblocks. Customers / Stakeholders Execute several group-wide data initiatives Serve as the primary interface between the business community and the Data community. Leverage the data and information infrastructure to support business community information needs. Help to identify areas of need, develops levels of awareness of available resources and mobilize existing resources to provide information support to generate incremental value for the organization. Leadership & Teamwork Execute several group-wide data initiatives Serve as the primary interface between the business community and the Data community. Leverage the data and information infrastructure to support business community information needs. Help to identify areas of need, develops levels of awareness of available resources and mobilize existing resources to provide information support to generate incremental value for the organization. Product manage key data management capabilities as needed. Operational Effectiveness & Control Reduce complexity of information flows across the firm resulting in reduced cost, improved data quality and enhanced controls reducing operational risk Strong influencing skills will be required to manage Business and Technical stakeholders The individual needs to be highly objective and effective at monitoring progress against the programme plan Implement the group data strategy with focus on the simplification and reduction in the number of systems, servers and storage Implement the group data strategy with focus on reducing the number of data reconciliations, thereby reducing operational cost Ensure approved critical data has an approved "golden source" allocated, thereby reducing data complexity, duplicity and redundancy. Management of Risk The jobholder will also continually reassess the operational risks associated with the role and inherent in the business, taking account of changing economic or market conditions, legal and regulatory requirements, operating procedures and practices, management restructurings, and the impact of new technology. Assist the functional and entity manager to execute and localize data programmes and processes that adhere to compliance and operational risk controls in accordance with HSBC or regulatory standards and policies; and optimize relations with regulators by addressing any issues. Observation of Internal Controls The jobholder will adhere to, and be able to demonstrate adherence to, internal controls and will implement the Group compliance policy by adhering to all relevant processes/procedures. The term 'compliance' embraces all relevant financial services laws, rules and codes with which the business has to comply. This will be achieved by adherence to all relevant procedures, keeping appropriate records and, where appropriate, by the timely implementation of internal and external audit points, including issues raised by external regulators. The following statement is only for roles with managerial or specific Compliance responsibilities The jobholder will implement measures to contain compliance risk across the business area. This will be achieved by liaising with Compliance department about business initiatives at the earliest opportunity. Also and when applicable, by ensuring adequate resources are in place and training is provided, fostering a compliance culture and optimising relations with regulators. Qualifications Employment eligibility to work with HSBC in the U.S. is required as the company will not pursue visa sponsorship for these positions A minimum of 3-5 years proven experience, marketing and/or database management experience or equivalent. Bachelor's degree, or equivalent, in Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics, or related field. Proven experience on communications, analytical, organizational, project management and planning skills. Experience in team management and working with regional teams / vendor is preferred Preferred experience with personal computer, Hadoop, SAS and UNIX, as well as pertinent analytical software packages or equivalent, including experience in handling large databases and strong SQL (Structured Query Language) and/or SAS query writing and programming skills. A high degree of professional competence Bilingual English/Spanish speaking is strongly preferred All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. Description - We are looking for a safety conscious CDL Driver to join the team at our location in Chambersburg, PA. In this position you will be operating a garbage truck on a specified route. This is a very physical job working outside in all weather conditions. Monday-Friday day shift with occasional Saturdays. What We Offer - Good pay, family benefits, 401k, vacation and a great management team. Garbage is very stable and we work year round! Job Requirements - Valid Class B CDL with air brakes endorsement as a minimum. Clean Driving Record. Ability to lift at least 50lbs repeatedly. Ability to work outside in all weather conditions. Apply today and Connect with Your Future! We offer excellent benefits including: medical, dental, vision, flexible spending account, long term disability, life insurance, 401K retirement. Waste Connections is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer (Minorities/Female/Disabled/Veterans) Magnolia, AR (71754) Today Variable clouds with showers and scattered thunderstorms. High 84F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 70%. Rainfall possibly over one inch.. Tonight Scattered thunderstorms early, then partly cloudy after midnight. Low near 70F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 60%. 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. Regarding the forthcoming celebration of Eid-Ul-Adha1 in the declared Red Zone of Port-Louis, namely Cite Martial/Plaine Verte, the Federation Des Mosquees De La Plaine Verte (FMPV) wishes to inform all those concerned about the following chronological events. Further to the General Notice No. 933 of 2021, whereby part of the district of Port-Louis, namely Cite Martial/Plaine Verte, has been declared as a Red Zone (the Port-Louis Red Zone), the FMPV contacted the Plaine Verte Police Station, on 7th July 2021, to make several suggestions. A Press Conference was organised by the FMPV, in the evening of 7th July 2021, with all the necessary sanitary measures in place. An official letter (Letter), which includes several suggestions, was sent to different stakeholders, including but not limited to the Prime Ministers Office, the office of the Commissioner of Police and the High-Level Committee on the COVID-19 Pandemic. A survey was carried out remotely to provide all the necessary information to the different authorities. A meeting with different high ranking police officers took place at the Jean Lebrun Government School on 13th July 2021 whereby the FMPV was made aware that its Letter was duly acknowledged (the Jean Lebrun Meeting). Several social workers in the Port-Louis Red Zone were also present and all sanitary measures were respected by all attendees. Several suggestions were discussed and canvassed with the said police officers present. The FMPV hosted a live public conference through the social medias on 13th July 2021 to convey the different suggestions, canvassed earlier at the Jean Lebrun Meeting, to the public in general. Truck Drivers and Butchers were also asked to submit a duly filled prescribed application form, at the different designated police stations. A Sub-Office of the Ministry of Agro-Industry and Food Security was set-up on the premises of the Jean Lebrun Government School on 14th July 2021, with operating hours between 9:00am to 1:00pm. Inhabitants of the Port-Louis Red Zone can apply for a home slaughter permit at the said Sub Office, which shall remain operational every day (including Sunday 18th July 2021) until Tuesday 20th July 2021 at 1:00pm The FMPV wishes to convey its gratitude to all the different authorities, including but not limited to the Prime Ministers Office and the Office of the Commissioner of Police, which have provided assistance so far. The FMPV also relies on the understanding and cooperation of all stakeholders and awaits a positive response from the authorities for the swift conduct of the Eid-Ul-Adha Celebration in the Port-Louis Red Zone. Federation Des Mosquees De La Plaine Verte Madrassah Taleemul Islam, Rue Gorah Issac, Plaine Verte, Port-Louis, SBM Bank (Mauritius) Ltd wishes to inform its customers and the public in general that a mobile ATM has been installed at Sunsurya Mini market, Bissoonauth Lane, Le Hochet Terre Rouge for the convenience of residents of the locality, which has been declared a red zone. The mobile ATM is operational since Wednesday 14 July 2021. We remind our customers and the public in general that interbank fees for withdrawals on SBM ATMs located in red zones are waived during this period. Please note that all our remote channels (Internet Banking/Mobile Banking/ATM/SBM easy-pay and SBM Pocket) remain operational 24/7. Cannes (France), first place in world press coverage thanks to its famous film festival, a platform of global influence, has just hosted the 5th edition of the Better World Fund. At the podium, Eileen Akbaraly, founder of Made For A Woman (www.MadeForAWoman.shop), reaffirmed her entrepreneurial and creative commitment to an innovative project which is respectful of nature and profoundly human. She received the Unity Peace Award BWF. A stones throw from Spike Lees summer palace, the splendid president of what is, this mid-July, the most important crossroads for celebrities on the planet, a conscience of tomorrow was invited to this forum of new worlds. This was an opportunity for the young Madagascan raffia-palm craft brand to promote its values and ambitions. Invited to speak at the high-end advocacy session Mastermind at the opening of this day presented by the Better World French endowment fund, Eileen Akbaraly challenged the public regarding the modern mission of companies. Customers want transparency about the origin of materials, products that have meaning, an identity inseparable from their territory. The act of purchasing is aligned with a certain relationship to the world which values human action and demonstrates natural balance. It is a major development for all economic and creative players from the South as well as the North, confirmed by the presence of other panelists such as OECD adviser Louis Marechal, the president of the Rene Moawad Foundation, Michel Moawad from Lebanon, geopolitician Mikaa Mered, Ghanaian politician Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah, and even international lawyer Stephane Brabant. During the evening, several hundred prestigious guests were able to appreciate the immanent beauty of the unique works of Made For A Woman, produced in the brands workshops in Madagascar. Bags, tunics, and hats, made by hand in the tradition of the living heritage of Madagascar and colored without heavy metals or dangerous chemicals, offered testimony to a desire to magnify this inseparable link between nature, women, and men who inherit it and the risky, daring part called intelligence in action. Traceability was illustrated by the film The Raphia Journey by Geoffrey Gaspard, produced by Eileen Akbaraly, which was presented to guests on the Croisette. At the end of the event, Eileen Akbaraly received the Unity Peace Award [Best Commitment] from the collective Union-Life International. Created by Manuel Collas de La Roche as a forum conducive to advocacy for peace, solidarity, and humanism, the Better World Fund held its 5th edition within the prestigious framework of the 74th Cannes Film Festival. Over the years, it has honored personalities of international rank including Jean-Michel Cousteau, Mary J. Blige, Denis Mukwege, Forest Whitaker, and HRH Prince Albert. Not long after, Cardamone found out from a public notice that Greenskies was seeking a zoning variance that would allow it to move forward with demolishing the theater so it could construct a solar generation system. Cardamone said the theater had been leasing the property from Farruggio under a handshake agreement, creating a difficult situation that meant the landowner could potentially sell the land at any point. There were 247 people hospitalized as of midday Friday compared with 246 Thursday. Of those, 50 were in intensive care, and 32 were on ventilators. Hospitalizations, which are known as a lagging indicator since they tend to trail diagnosis by about 12 days, have declined 12% in the last week, and are 53% lower than they were a month ago. The Schnecksville zoo is one of nearly 70 zoos across the country to receive an experimental vaccine donated by Zoetis, a veterinary pharmaceutical company. The New Jersey-based company used to be a part of Pfizer, one of the companies at the forefront of the vaccine rollout for people. The Philadelphia Zoo also is planning to vaccinate at-risk animals using Zoetis. You will be hearing a lot about gerrymandering this year. The Pennsylvania Legislature will be drawing a new congressional district map that will be used for elections for the next decade. A bipartisan commission made up mostly of legislators will draw state legislative districts for the next decade. In it, she chronicles the Trump family in all its vainglory. As a licensed clinical psychologist, she had a lot to say about her uncles mental stability. But what I remember most was her steadfast warning that, before he would ever concede defeat, then-President Trump would double-down, triple-down, and quadruple-down on his claims of winning the election. A Connecticut developers plan to tear down the drive-in came to light recently to make way for a solar farm. The developer said Thursday it decided to suspend its plan once it saw the outpouring of community support for the 72-year-old establishment. In writing a letter to The Morning Call, an admitted devout Catholic suggests the President Biden find another religion where he can follow his own rules. 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. 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!!! Robbins Island off north-west Tasmania plans to build a windfarm that could threaten the disease-free Tasmanian devil population according to federal environment officials. The planned windfarm worried environmental officials about the potential damage it could impose to the Tasmanian Devils and their survival. According to Guardian Australia, the threat this could bring can be serious as there is currently 'no comparable habitat' anywhere that could compensate for the project's impact on the island's unique devil colony. A Home for Disease-Free Tasmanians The private-owned Robbins Island Tasmania's north-west have large areas of land used for beef farming. The intertidal mudflats surrounding the island is became critical feeding habitat for migratory and resident shorebirds, water fowl, and even species going extinct. One of few remaining wild colonies in the island were the 150 endangered Tasmanian devils free of facial tumour disease. Environmental activists such as former Greens leader Bob Brown opposes to the plan as it will significantly affect the Tasmanian's natural beauty and also harm other critically endangered birds and wildlife, without bringing economic benefit. UPC/AC Renewables plans to put up about 122 turbines with combined tower and blade tip with around 270 meters in length, involving a new bridge to connect to the Tasmanian mainland. While the UPC/AC Renewables claims to have addressed potential offsets for devil's habitat and developed the plan thoroughly since 2017, federal officials said otherwise. In fact, they said that the infrastructure was to be built and operated in extensive foraging and denning habitat areas, yet no offsets had been drafted by the company. "This healthy, abundant population is likely a stronghold for the survival of the species," said the officials. Also read: 6,000 Penguins Wiped Out From Australian Island After Tasmanian Devils Were Reintroduced Offset Before Development The environmental activists drafted an email that proves lack to no offsetting proposal for the island's unique devil colony. Under the Australia's environmental offsets policy, offsetting is vital when clearing a habitat to lessen the possible environmental impact of the development. "There are likely to be challenges in finding suitable offsets for impacts to Tassie Devil habitat as no 'like for like' habitat (isolated, high density, uninfected population) exists," an official wrote. The main concern for these officials was the fact that the healthy population of devils with no facial tumors will be hindered. "How on earth are you going to offset that?" said Kim Anderson, a resident of West Montagu in north Tasmania and member of Circular Head Coastal Awareness Network. "We are not against windfarms, we just want the government to start planning where windfarms should go," she added. Local wildlife carer and also member of the opposition group described the development as 'a disheartening situation'. "This whole project, I just cannot get my head around how it has got to this stage," she exclaimed. Federal environment minister, Sussan Ley, met with UPC on a recent trip to Tasmania to review UPC's draft documentation and comment on what needs to be addressed. A spokeswoman for UPC/AC Renewables said that they are one with the environment department to work on the feedback related to devil habitat. Also read: Wild Tasmanian Devils Born on Australia After More Than 3,000 Years According to AccuWeather meteorologists, thunderstorms with strong winds and flash floods are expected to hit parts of the central and northern Plains as well as the Upper Midwest through Wednesday night. More Storms Following the storms that shook parts of the Midwest early Wednesday, Midwesterners may be lulled into a false sense of security, believing that the storms are finished for the day. That, however, will not be the case. More thunderstorms are likely to erupt throughout the late hours when energy from the Dakotas enters the atmosphere. "Through Wednesday evening, a rift in the jet stream will bring strong to severe thunderstorms to explode over the Upper Midwest," meteorologist Rob Richards said. Lack of Sunshine A lack of sunshine is one element that might reduce the severity of the storms. When the sun shines brightly, the ground heats up more quickly and contributes to rising air. However, the energy in the upper atmosphere is predicted to compensate for the lack of sunlight, and the new storms are expected to be fierce. "The greatest dangers will be heavy downpours, destructive wind gusts, and hail," Richards said, adding that tornadoes are a possibility. Related Article: Explained: Ominous-Looking Clouds Spotted Over Georgia This Week Twisters When storms initially erupted in north-central Iowa on Wednesday afternoon, many tornadoes were observed, but it's unknown how much damage the twisters did. Destructive Winds By the evening, thunderstorms will redevelop across southern Minnesota and northern Iowa. All risks, including an isolated tornado, will be possible as separate storms form. This second wave of storms should solidify into a line with destructive winds from northern Iowa into Wisconsin and northwestern Illinois during the evening and midnight hours. A storm-related injury was reported to the National Weather Service at 5 p.m. local time in Sauk County, Wisconsin, along with high gusts, roof damage to a garage, and fell trees. Extreme Weather Risk According to the National Weather Service's Storm Prediction Center, parts of Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Illinois are in danger of severe weather. On the SPC's five-tier scale, the increased threat level is the third highest. This region, which includes cities like Madison, Wisconsin, and Cedar Rapids, Iowa, has about 4 million people. The population in the low-risk area is significantly bigger, with more than 15 million people risking severe weather. This region now includes Chicago, Milwaukee, and Minneapolis. However, meteorologists predict that the chance of severe thunderstorms in much of the Chicago region will not begin until after nightfall on Wednesday and that they may not materialize until late Wednesday night from the city's center south. Storms are possible throughout the morning and into the afternoon on Thursday. Since late last week, Chicago and Milwaukee have been on the northern edge of showers and thunderstorms that have ravaged most of the Great Lakes and Ohio Valley. Flooding Flooding will become an issue in areas where storms often occur. Although the United States Drought Monitor reports that parts of the Midwest are experiencing a drought, rain may fall too rapidly for the earth to manage. As a result, individuals who live in flood-prone locations must be prepared for flooding and severe weather. The soil conditions in the north-central United States vary greatly. According to statistics from the drought monitor, certain places over the Ohio and Mississippi valleys are considered appropriately moist, while portions over the northern Plains and Upper Midwest are experiencing severe to exceptional drought. Severe Storms and Heavy Rains Severe storms will continue to rumble through the day on Thursday, although the threat may be reduced. Thunderstorms are expected to accompany and precede a cold front moving into the Great Lakes, Ohio Valley, and central Plains. The main worry will be heavy rain, but heavier storms may bring gusty gusts. Showers and thunderstorms are forecast to move eastward on Friday, and the severe danger is likely to decrease. As high pressure develops over the region, the regions predicted to have severe thunderstorms on Wednesday will likely see a dry end to the week. 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! Thousands of fishes were dumped from a plane into lakes across the state of Utah just last week. Wildlife officials say the goal was to restock the states' lakes with fishes, which is only possible if done aerially. While some people who had watched the viral video of the fishes 'tumbling down' the planes in Utah described the restocking as a 'bombardment', officials assure that the fishes' survival was 'incredibly high'. According to Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR), 200 high-elevation lakes across the state were restocked with fishes by use of airplanes, and that they had proven this as an efficient method since 1956 . "For these fish, the fastest way to the water is down" Restocking remote mountain lakes by dropping fish from planes which may look like a violent, fatal end for them is actually the fastest and most logical method when it comes to restocking for small fishes. "Fun fact: We stock many of Utah's high-mountain lakes from the air. The fish are tiny - anywhere from 1-3 inches long - which allows more than 95% of them to survive the fall," explained the Utah DWR in a twitter post. Due to the fishes' very small size, "they fall to the water like leaves," said Phil Tuttle, the outreach manager for the southern region office of the Utah DWR. These tiny, shiny animals that burst its way down the lakes are the most common species of hybrid trout known as splake (Salvelinus fontinalis) and Arctic grayling (Thymallus arcticus). The pilot which carries hundreds of pounds of water drops up to 35,000 fish in a single flight, dropping them just above tree line or as low as they possibly can, while also looking for possible barriers like cliffs or mountains. Every year, more than 200 of Utah's remote mountain lakes are stocked using the aerial fish-drop method. Before this, Utah wildlife took a more stressful journey in restocking lakes by carrying the fish up to the remote mountain on foot, with horses if they got lucky. Also read: Male Seahorses Are the Only Animals to Get Pregnant and Give Birth Fishless Lakes These remote, high-elevated lakes are basically inaccessible, often too far from roads and require much longer time to reach by land than aerial transports. Through years of netting surveys which includes collecting fish in a net and counting them, plus decades of successful recreational fishing, Utah's Wildlife experts can confirm that the fishes 'do all right after their aerial plunge'. Staff members of the organization did enough netting surveys within minutes of the recent 'fish drop' to verify initial survival rates, as well. Without the effort and initiative of restocking high-elevation lakes each year, fish population in common fishing spots would eventually decline and most of these lakes would be 'fishless'. The DWR generally stocks the lakes with sterile fishes raised in hatcheries, also as a measure of population control in case it booms. This ensures minimal impact on native wildlife species and promoting balance in the ecology. Also read: Scientists Discover 400-Year-Old Greenland Shark Likely Born Around 1620 Academics and environmental activists have warned that if Jair Bolsonaro remains president of Brazil, the Amazon rainforest will collapse, despite a new government assault on forest protections. Amazon in Danger Despite evidence that fire, drought, and land clearing are accelerating the Amazon's decline, they claim the far-right leader is more concerned with appeasing the strong agriculture lobby and leveraging global markets that reward harmful behavior. The assault on forest protections has accelerated. The lower chamber was set to vote on measures on Wednesday that would reward land squatters by legalizing ownership of land that had been unlawfully occupied and cleared before 2014. Transferring Responsibility The government had just transferred responsibility for forest fire satellite monitoring from the National Institute for Space Research, a scientifically sound organization that had been doing it for decades. The National Institute of Meteorology, influenced by the agricultural ministry and the farming industry, has been granted control. In recent months, Congress has also weakened environmental impact assessment requirements. A committee has approved PL 490, which has been regarded as the most severe assault on indigenous rights since the Brazilian constitution was adopted in 1988. Related Article: Scientists Worried That Amazon Rainforest is Releasing More CO2 Than It Can Absorb Worsening Situation All of these actions rip a hole in Amazon's protected framework and go against scientific advice and local issues. Brazil is experiencing a severe drought, with water inflows at certain hydropower facilities reaching 91-year lows. Forest clearing has both a cause and an impact on this. Deforestation and fire in the Amazon have escalated to their worst levels in more than a decade since Bolsonaro took office. As a result, there are concerns that the fire season's peak in July and August may be worse than usual. Scientists believe the rainforest is falling into a cycle of destruction. At a local level, land clearing and burning have resulted in longer droughts and greater temperatures, weakening the ecosystem's resilience and increasing fire risk. Because the rainforest's respiration typically serves as a pump to propel humid weather systems throughout a large area of Brazil, South America, and the Atlantic, this can exacerbate a drought on a regional basis. That pump becomes less efficient as the forest degrades. Land clearing is changing the Amazon area from a climate friend to a climate foe, with global ramifications. According to research published in Nature, forest fire currently creates nearly three times more CO2 than the remaining flora can absorb. This hastens global warming. Disregarding the Issue Brazil's President-elect, Jair Bolsonaro, has undermined or discredit the systems that enabled deforestation in the Amazon. The government of Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva decreased deforestation by 80% between 2004 and 2012 under his administration. "The major thing this government has done is damage the state's power to combat illicit deforestation," Marcio Astrini, executive secretary of the Brazilian Climate Observatory, a network of 50 civil society organizations, said. Gaining Political Support Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro's ruralist agenda is gaining more support in Congress. As a result, the country's ruralista agriculture lobby has added new allies in Congress, including the Speaker of the House and environmental commission chairwoman. The Brazilian government is encouraging deforestation, says an expert on Amazon land-use change. "The Brazilian government is implementing the exact opposite of what is required," she says. In addition, lawmakers have increased power in Congress to pass more hazardous legislation, experts say. This is a worldwide issue. The United States' Vice President, Joe Biden, and France's President, Emmanuel Macron, have warned of the risks presented by the rainforest's collapse. In addition, supermarkets and financial institutions in the United Kingdom, Norway, Germany, France, and Australia have threatened to boycott Brazilian products until deforestation-free supply chains can be ensured. Undermining Environmental Safeguards Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro is the first president to openly advocate for the destruction of environmental safeguards, says Astrini. The president is unconcerned about his international reputation or global markets, he says. He is solely interested in his re-election, not the country. Bolsonaro, on the other hand, views himself as a catalyst for change. The Amazon rainforest has become a focal point of political discussion since he assumed office. Several presidential contenders have made zero-deforestation pledges in their manifestos for next year's election. Reformation "Even Lula is stating that any Brazilian administration can no longer tolerate deforestation in the Amazon. Astrini stated, "He's never spoken anything like this before." "It is clearly apparent that the only way to solve the Amazon problem is for the government to reform. If Bolsonaro is re-elected president, there is no chance. Bolsonaro or the Amazon are the two options. There isn't enough room for both." Also Read: Too Late? Amazon Greenhouse Study Shows Worsening Climate Conditions Despite Initiatives For more environmental news, don't forget to follow Nature World News! As the largest wildfire in the United States keeps burning hundreds of thousands of acres, this has made Oregon and Washington state move into the highest level of wildfire readiness. The States Attains Preparedness Level 5 Wednesday morning, The Oregon National Guard was deployed to aid in the fight against the large Bootleg Fire, which was about 5% contained. The states attained the Preparedness Level 5 also known as PL5, and this implies that places could witness "complex incidents of wildland fire, which can possibly use up national wildland firefighting resources," as per guidance from the National Interagency Fire Center. Just three days after rising it to Preparedness Level 4, the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center publicized the increase in alert status. Also Read: Two Crew Members Dead as Uncontrollable Wildfire Continues to Blaze in California The Bootleg Fire The Bootleg Fire in Fremont-Winema National Forest of southwestern Oregon is the most menacing wildfire in the area. Of dozens of wildfires scorching when the severe drought and heat waves in the West is active - prompted by the climate crisis, scientists reveal that the Bootleg Fire is presently the largest, spokesperson on Northwest Incident Management Team 10, Daniel Omdal, told CNN. As per the federal InciWeb wildfire tracking site, the fire has destroyed over 212,000 acres since it started on July 6. The Johnson Fire in New Mexico, Omdal said it is more than times two the size of the coming largest fire. Due to hot, dry, and breezy conditions, the Bootleg Fire stays extremely active with remarkable acreage hikes. Poor humidity recovery during the nighttime is adding to active fire spread through the midnight period. Drought-affected fuels are generating powerful spread rates, as per InciWeb. The National Guard will hope with closing road and traffic control for regions the fire affected, as per press secretary for Gov. Kate Brown, Liz Merah. The Beckwourth Complex Fire Consumes Over 95,000 Acres CNN meteorologist Michael Guy forecasted that winds and lightning could make some attempts in fighting the Bootleg Fire demanding. And while temperatures are anticipated to be a little bit lower than they have been, they will keep being high, ranging from 95 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit. Guy said conditions will stay dry, with smoke emanating from the fires overpowering the region, adding that air quality alerts are active for that region. Generally, 68 large active fires have burned over 1 million acres across 12 states; the most recent data from the fire center reveals. Just three of those fires are contained. Between the 1st of January and Wednesday, over 2.2 million acres have roasted in 34,216 fires, surpassing 2020 figures for the same period, as per the fire center. Fires have consumed tens of thousands of acres, more than tripling the region affected in the same time frame in 2020. So far, the largest in the state, The Beckwourth Complex Fire, has consumed over 95,000 acres and was 71% contained as of Wednesday. Related Article: Oregon's Bootleg Fire Nearly Quadrupled in Size as it Continues to Ravage the West For more news, updates about wildfires and similar topics don't forget to follow Nature World News! Authorities say floods in Germany killed at least 50 people and left more than 1,000 others missing when rivers breached their banks, washed away cars, and destroyed buildings on Thursday. According to the administration of Ahrweiler, which is located in the western state of Rhineland-Palatinate, up to 1,300 individuals are presumed missing. According to The Associated Press, at least 30 persons died in North Rhine-Westphalia and 28 in adjacent Rhineland-Palatinate to the south. Wreaking Havoc Storms wreaked havoc in Belgium, resulting in eight deaths, according to the media. Flooding also hit Luxembourg and the Netherlands. People were stuck on rooftops in Germany due to severe rains and storms, and officials utilized inflatable boats and helicopters to identify and rescue inhabitants. In addition, soldiers from the German army were dispatched to help with the operation. The scenario is "marked by dread, despair, and pain," said German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who was in Washington, D.C. on Thursday to meet with U.S. President Joe Biden. Hundreds of thousands of people were affected by the disaster, she claimed, and their houses were turned into death traps. "My heart and empathy go out to all of those who lost loved ones in this disaster or who are still worried about the fate of individuals who are still missing," she added. Related Article: Atlantic Hurricane Season 2021: Here's What to Expect Sentiments and Assistance Biden also offered his sympathies and the condolences of the American people to individuals in Germany and other nations who have been affected by flooding. Edgar Gillessen of Schuld, Ahrweiler, described the destruction as "absolutely terrible." "I'm familiar with everyone who lives here. I pity them since they've lost everything. They just have what they had on them, and it's all gone, "Reuters quoted Gillessen, 65, as saying. "Nothing remained of a friend's workshop over there. Everything has vanished, including the bakery and butcher. It's terrifying. Unimaginable." Ursula von der Leyen, the head of the European Commission, expressed her condolences to those impacted by the floods in Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands and stated that the European Union stands ready to assist. In Belgium, the Vesdre River burst its banks, sending torrents of water churning through the streets of Pepinster, near Liege, and knocking down some houses. According to the European Commission, France has deployed a helicopter and a rescue team to Belgium to assist local authorities, and Italy and Austria have provided flood rescue teams. Storm Anxiety Whether severe or not, increased anxiety during storms may arise from a past negative experience with weather or a sensation of being out of control in these situations. Predicting the arrival of a hurricane, tornado, blizzard, or any other catastrophic event creates fear and anxiety among people who live in its path for a good reason. Natural disasters wreak havoc on people's lives, causing physical and mental health problems as well as significant economic hardship. In addition, the frequent news of a storm approaching may increase your anxiety, stress, and fear. 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! According to fire officials, the Bootleg Fire in southern Oregon has expanded to over 212,000 acres, or more than 330 square miles, making it the country's biggest. Smoke and clouds billow from the huge fire in this footage from satellite photography released by the NOAA. Officials stated that the fire was barely 5% controlled as of July 14, 2021. Growing Stronger The Associated Press reported that firefighters in Washington were bracing for high gusts that may feed the flames of current wildfires. Authorities reported a fire in Chelan County, Washington, was threatening 1,500 houses, crops, and a power plant. As a result, there were mandatory evacuations in place. Around 200 people were evacuated from Nespelem on Colville tribe grounds in north-central Washington on Monday night. According to Cal Fire, the Dixie Fire in Plumas County, California, swiftly consumed 2,250 acres and was 0 percent controlled by Thursday morning. Related Article: Oregon's Bootleg Fire Nearly Quadrupled in Size as it Continues to Ravage the West Continuing to Expand The nation's largest wildfire, blazing northeast of Klamath Falls in southern Oregon, expanded by another 227,234 acres overnight, covering an area greater than New York City on Thursday morning. The Oregon Department of Forestry spokesperson Marcus Kauffman told The Oregonian/OregonLive, "We had a really busy fire night last night." "The fire produced a pyrocumulus cloud column that was rather impressive." Pyrocumulus Clouds Pyrocumulus clouds form when a fire creates so many smoke plumes that they tower into the atmosphere, reaching heights of up to 40,000 feet, where they cool and condense. The consequence is strong winds and occasionally lightning, which are caused by the fire itself. "The pyrocumulus clouds attract surface breezes, which bring the fire in," Kauffman explained. "That produces a great deal of activity." The wildfire is raging through conifer and lodgepole pine forests that have been ravaged by drought and a long-running heat wave, leaving much of the high-desert environment dry and ready to burn. Climate change has aggravated both the drought and the heat waves. Bootleg Fire The Bootleg fire, which started on July 6, has claimed the lives of at least 21 people and destroyed 54 additional properties. Another 1,900 people are still in danger. Even yet, there was some encouraging news at the fire's southern border, according to Kauffman. Crews have set up several isolated containment zones along the Sprague River's more inhabited regions and toward Chiloquin. Some of those communities may soon have their evacuation orders reduced from level 3 (leave now) to level 2 (be ready), allowing people to return to assess the damage to their homes. Firefighters concentrated their efforts on the southeastern part of the wildfire, northeast of Bly, where they had dug containment lines and done preemptive burning ahead of the fire's arrival. Crews started work on Thursday in slightly better conditions, with moderately lower temperatures, greater humidity levels, and calmer winds. Still, Kauffman warned that the fire is most active in the late afternoon. Gradual Expansion According to him, the wildfire would spread between one and three kilometers each day along its eastern side. Also Read: Scorching Earth: 5 Hottest Places on the Planet For similar news updates,don't forget to follow Nature World News If you haven't heard about it yet, the 'chaotic odyssey' of the wild elephant herd which had been going on for months is still happening and now one of China's longest migrations of its kind. After these Asian elephants first set off their journey last year, they have been roaming across Yunnan province and traveled over 500 kilometers from its home nature reserve. Aside from the fact that they are adorable, they also steal villagers' food and trampled over $1 million worth of crops, wherein thousands of residents also had to evacuate to clear their path. Just recently, some locals sighted a lone baby elephant, weighing 180 kilograms. They said it might have been born on the lumbering trek and was abandoned by its herd on a tea plantation on Saturday morning. The locals found wounds and infected injury on the animal's leg. According to a state media report, the injured baby elephant has been rescued. A state broadcaster CCTV reported that the injury could have been life-threatening if treatment had not been given earlier. Calf Rescue Operation "It's possible that something like rattan spines pricked it and the injuries slowly became infected," told Bao Mingwei, director of the Asian Elephant Breeding and Rescue Center to CCTV. He said that the injured calf was given anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory drugs and assured its recovery after a longer period of care. Mingwei confirmed that the wound did look 'pretty bad'. In the footage of the animal rescue, you can see that around a dozen rescuers and police had helped tying the animal's limbs and loading it into a van to drive to a rescue center which was about 100 km far. Also read: NRA Chief Wayne La Pierre Under Fire for 2013 Elephant Hunting Video The Herd's 'Baffling' Migration Until now, scientists are still puzzled why these Asian elephants decided to leave their home at the Xishuangbanna National Nature Reserve, on the border with Laos, aside from the obvious fact that there might have been a habitat destruction, loss, or conservation challenges due to rise on wild elephant numbers, competition for land resources or disease. The rising population of China's wild elephant have doubled to over 300 in the past three decades, which does not complement its habitat's resources which have shrunk by nearly two-thirds over the same period. Most likely, these elephants migrate for that main reason. A month ago, a 10-year-old lone elephant which had broken away from its herd, marching through southern China, was spotted by a local last week. Officials tranquilized the animal and brought it to Xishuangbanna National Nature Reserve, the wildlife department in Yunnan province said. The animal weighs over 1.8 tonnes. While it looks like these elephants are taking different journeys, other small ones are trying to keep up with the herd's pace. Fortunately, some of the 'dawdling dumbo' were patient enough to wait for the youngsters. The herd is now lingering in south of Kunming, the provincial capital of Yunnan province. Also read: Texas Residents Warned That Petting 'Friendly' Dolphin Can Actually Harm it Police confirmed there were several injuries after an unexpected tornado hit the city of Barrie on Thursday afternoon, leaving a mark of damage where it occurred. Tornado in Barrie Barrie is a city in Ontario, Canada situated around 115 km (71 miles) north of Toronto. As per the police, the tornado caused injuries to several individuals and it also left some homes in destruction. Peter Leon, Barrie police spokesperson said the damage is catastrophic, significant, and major, as per CBC News. In the pictures of the aftermath captured on the 15th of July, homes with chunks taken from the roofs were revealed, windows were shattered, and debris was all over lawns. In some instances, vehicles were turned upside down. The tornado hit Barrie around 2:30 p.m., local time. Police were taking care of multiple reports of destructions in southeast Barrie following the tornado, the outlet reports. Geoff Coulson, Environment Canada's warning preparedness meteorologist said on Thursday the agency's data together with images posted on social media confirmed the tornado. The agency does not yet have a definite idea of the length or width of the damaged path, said Coulson. Also Read: Tornado Brings Chaos and Destruction in a Small Town in Kansas The Usual Incident Barrie Mayor Jeff Lehman went to Twitter to talk about the situation, where he appreciated first responders and told residents to steer clear of the area of Prince William Way and Mapleview, situated in southeast Barrie, as emergency crews make effort to ensure those in the area are not in danger. Ontario Premier Doug Ford also went to social media, appreciating first responders and saying that his thoughts are with people the tornado affected. Ford wrote on Twitter, saying a big thank you to the first responders that are presently working to help the situation. Ford also urged everyone to stay safe. Lehman told reporters that this is only the third tornado in Barrie that he has witnessed in his whole lifetime. Alan Reppert, AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist revealed tornadoes in Barrie are unusual, but they can still happen occasionally. Powerful winds and heavy rain usually occur in the city than tornadoes, said Alan Reppert. Thunderstorm Warnings The day the tornado formed, Barrie saw temperatures in the 80s. A cold front was forcing itself into the region, with rain and thunderstorms accompanying it, Reppert said. Reppert also said Friday into Saturday, Barrie is forecast to witness more rain and showers but is not forecast to see any more severe weather. The tornado affected the public transit service for Hamilton regions and the Greater Toronto - GO Transit. Every train on the Barrie Line was stopped at Bradford GO Station, this is because crews are carrying out inspections on tracks north of Bradford. Authorities are still issuing various severe thunderstorm warnings and watches as the storm migrated east across the province. Related Article: 'Most Powerful' Tornado in Czech Republic's History Caused Deadly Damage in Its Wake For more news, updates about tornadoes and similar topics don't forget to follow Nature World News! ZESA Holdings electricity distribution arm has been fined $280 000 for failing to rectify an infrastructural condition that saw a 13-year-old girl being electrocuted at Movern Farm in Chegutu after she came into contact with a low hanging 11kV conductor. The Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) had been dragged to court by the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) for failure to rectify an infrastructural condition that posed electrical risk to the public. The failure to address the problem by ZETDC contravened the Electricity (Public Safety) Regulation Statutory Instrument 177 of 2018. The dangerous low-hanging line had been reported to ZETDCs Chegutu depot eight days prior to the fatal accident, but was not rectified. ZETDC only moved in to rectify the anomaly after the accident had occurred. The case was heard at the Kadoma Magistrates Court on July 2, where ZETDC pleaded guilty for contravening section 5(1)(e) as read together with section 5(2) of the Electricity (Public Safety) Regulations, SI 177 of 2018. The State urged the court to impose a severe fine since a young life had been lost as a result of ZETDCs negligence. The court considered the aggravation submissions and imposed a fine of $280 000 against ZETDC. If ZETDC fails to pay the fine by July 30, will result in attachment and execution of its property. Herald PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa has called on his party members to ignore critics who have been blasting the Zanu PF government over its failures, describing them as prophets of doom. Mnangagwa said this on Wednesday at the Zanu PF politburo meeting, where he told party members that the economy was on a rebound despite the negative public perception. He said critics opposed to the views of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank on Zimbabwe should be ignored. The overall rebound of our economy has been acknowledged and received good reviews from the IMF and the World Bank. A glowing light can never be hidden under a table, it shall eventually shine forth, Mnangagwa said. Unfortunately, there are those lone voices and perennially pessimistic individuals who always wish gloom and doom on our economy and country. They must be ignored with the hope that one day; they too will see the light, acknowledge the truth and speak well about their mother country. This was after MDC Alliance vice- president Tendai Biti criticised a recent report by IMF which suggested that Zimbabwe was poised to outgrow its neighbours. Biti also accused the IMF of aiding dictatorships, including the Zanu PF government, by publishing false economic data. Mnangagwa also called on party members to silence detractors during elections. Detractors, sellouts and their appendages must forever be silenced at the 2023 harmonised elections, he said. He also called on his party leadership and organs to occupy media spaces as they geared for the 2023 general elections, warning youths against cheating during the internal youth and womens league elections. Newsday ZIMBABWE Human Rights NGO Forum executive director Musa Kika yesterday snubbed a Constitutional Court hearing which sought to reverse a High Court order dismissing the extension of Chief Justice Luke Malabas term of office. Kika said he fears that the conflicted judges will not deliver a fair verdict. Three High Court judges, justices Happias Zhou, Edith Mushore and Jesta Charehwa ruled in May that Malaba ceased being a Chief Justice when he reached the retirement age of 70. President Emmerson Mnangagwa extended the top judges term using controversial constitutional amendments that raised the retirement age for judges to 75. Zanu PF activist Marx Mupungu, represented by Lovemore Madhuku, filed a ConCourt challenge against the High Court ruling which was heard yesterday, with the judges indefinitely reserving judgment. On Wednesday, the ConCourt bench led by Deputy Chief Justice Elizabeth Gwanza dismissed Kikas application for recusal of the judges. After the judges refused to recuse themselves, Kika stopped filing opposing papers saying it was a forgone issue that conflicted judges would not deliver a fair outcome. Kikas lawyers said they decided to confine their case to the preliminary point of recusal because they felt strongly that it was irregular for the court to sit over its own matter. Constitutional Court sat to determine the case brought by Marx Mupungu against Musa Kika and Young Lawyers Association of Zimbabwe (YLAZ), Kikas lawyer Noble Chinanhu said after the hearing. Only lawyers representing the YLAZ and war veteran Frederick Charles Moses Mutandah, who were part of the respondents in Mupungus case, appeared for the ConCourt hearing. YLAZ asked the court to dismiss the case arguing that Mupungu had no locus standi to file an application to challenge the validity of the ruling by the three High Court judges. The young lawyers, represented by Andreas Dracos, argued that Mupungu was not part of the proceedings in the High Court case, hence did not have the capacity to sue in relation to that matter. But Madhuku defended Mupungus right to file for the application, stating that just like any other citizen, he had an interest in the matter. Mupungu argued in the ConCourt application that Mnangagwa acted within the law in extending Malabas term. Lawyer Tawanda Zhuwara, appointed as the amicus curiae, said YLAZ and Kika did not seek leave to sue High Court judges as stipulated under Order 3 Rule 18 of the High Court. But Dracos said the application to challenge Malabas extended tenure was urgent, based on Section 85 of the Constitution. Caring for an elderly loved one can be one of the toughest jobs you ever had to do. It is emotionally and physically taxing, even devastating at times. This is why finding a care provider who you trust with your loved one's health and safety can be crucial. There are numerous benefits of CDPAP (Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program) that we will get into in this article. Don't know what a CDPAP is? Read this article till the end to find out. What is CDPAP? CDPAP stands for Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program. This program provides New York residents with in-home personal care services that are paid for by Medicaid. Advantages of CDPAP CDPAP is a consumer-directed program. This means you, the consumer, have control over your plan for aging in place and receiving services at home. One of the many reasons CDPAP is helpful is that it offers paid caregiver opportunities to your family member or a friend. If you live alone, this can be extremely important and beneficial. Another major benefit of CDPAP is flexibility. You can stay in your own home unless it isn't safe to do so. Some Medicaid programs require that you be placed in a nursing home to receive benefits. However, CDPAP allows you to stay in your home if there are other options to receive proper care. If your health or financial circumstances change, you can move from one caregiver to another until one who meets all of your needs is found. CDPAP Eligibility You may be asking yourself, "Do I qualify for CDPAP assistance?". These are the criteria you must fulfill: You must be a resident of New York with a documented medical condition. You must be enrolled in the Medicaid program. Note: With CDPAP, you are required to take care of the care services yourself. This includes scheduling, firing, training, and hiring the personal caregiver. Medical Eligibility Medically, to be eligible, you'll need a service form from your doctor. You also need to apply for the physician's order for that form. This will confirm that your doctor accepts you require home care service. Once the latest ordinances go into effect, you'll need a separate doctor to complete the POS form. Guidelines for Personal Assistant Under CDPAP Before you become a caregiver and get paid to take care of your family, there are certain eligibility criteria you need to keep in mind. These are: If you're the consumer, you must be 18 years of age or above You can be the consumer's parents if he/she is under 21 years of age You can be the consumer's designated representative Note: There are no licensing or certification requirements for personal assistants. The person getting the care is accountable for training the assistant to take care of them. Importance of A Personal Assistant If you're a consumer, a personal caregiver can assist you with tasks that include important nursing and healthcare jobs. Personal assistants may also be certified for first-aid and CPR care (including infant and child CPR), as well as other medical certifications, including bloodborne pathogen certification. They can also perform basic nursing tasks, like providing basic first aid, assisting with ocular examinations, taking small blood samples for lab work, monitoring patient vital signs (pulse rate, eye response, breathing), and regularly changing bandages for medical patients. CDPAP Recommendations You may think of your assistant as someone who simply does chores for you or even as a family member. But legally, a personal assistant is an autonomous helper, managed by a "fiscal intermediary." It is a group of authorized home care professionals that process all the cheques and acts as common ground between you and the personal assistant. We hope this article helped you understand CDPAP in detail and help you make informed decisions regarding caring for your loved ones. Pictured are (l-r): Roisin Nic Lochlainn, NUI Galway Students Union President; Professor Pol O Dochartaigh, Deputy President and Registrar. NUI Galway; Michelle Ni Chroinin, Director of Strategy and Planning, Office of the Deputy President and Registrar, NUI Galway; Dr Maire Geoghegan Quinn, former EU Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science and Chair of the Universitys Governing Authority; agus Professor Ciaran O hOgartaigh, NUI Galway President. - Status of the Irish language in the University to be strengthened reinforcing its bilingual campus status - Inaugural Irish Language Officer to be appointed - New building and space for the Irish Language Community - Irish Language Residency Scheme to be redeveloped - 20% of professional staff will have the ability to conduct business through Irish NUI Galway has launched its inaugural Irish Language Strategy. A Strategy for the Irish Language 2021-25 was officially launched today (16 July 2021) by Dr Maire Geoghegan Quinn, newly appointed Chair of the Universitys Governing Authority and former government minister and European Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science. The strategy sets out an ambitious vision to bring the Universitys bilingual campus to life and to set out a path for truly bilingual culture, through operational policies, governance structures and empowering its communities to be champions of the Irish language. The strategy was developed by the newly established Irish Language Strategic Committee chaired by President of NUI Galway, Professor Ciaran O hOgartaigh, with wide participation from both internal and external membership to the University. The Strategy identifies five main themes: Academic Affairs, Administration Affairs, Space and Resources, Student Affairs, and the Public at Large. President of NUI Galway, Professor Ciaran O hOgartaigh, said: Here at NUI Galway we are fite fuaite with our Irish language and Gaeltacht communities, and the Irish language is a central and deep part of our identity and our lives. It is our value as a university community to respect our diverse communities, both in the University and in our hinterland, to be open to the outside world and to be committed to the sustainability of culture and community. The Irish language is a core aspect of this respect, of this openness and sustainability. This is no burden it is a privilege and a distinctive advantage for us and our community. NUI Galway is a leader in Ireland and, consequently, internationally in developing Irish language teaching, research and initiatives and, with that, an exemplar at home and abroad in terms of fostering close ties with language communities, especially Celtic and minority languages. That is the chance and the challenge that lies ahead. Key measures in A Strategy for the Irish Language 2021-25 include: Space and Resources : This Strategy will commit to addressing space provision for the Irish language community on campus proposing the construction of a new building; further develop the Irish Language Residency Scheme to boost the Irish speaking community as a living community; and language hubs for the Irish language will be created and maintained on the Galway campus while a student-owned social space will also be developed. : This Strategy will commit to addressing space provision for the Irish language community on campus proposing the construction of a new building; further develop the Irish Language Residency Scheme to boost the Irish speaking community as a living community; and language hubs for the Irish language will be created and maintained on the Galway campus while a student-owned social space will also be developed. Administrative and Management Structures: The University will appoint an Irish Language Officer who will have overall responsibility for driving the Universitys vision for the Irish Language; ensure that the Irish language in the University be a standing item on the Governing Authority agenda and also commit to hosting meetings in the Gaeltacht centres; implementation of new policy where there is now a requirement in respect of all units to provide customer services through the medium of Irish; implement a scheme whereby the Irish language as a skillset is officially recognised in recruitment processes; and 20% of professional staff will have the ability to conduct business through Irish. The University will appoint an Irish Language Officer who will have overall responsibility for driving the Universitys vision for the Irish Language; ensure that the Irish language in the University be a standing item on the Governing Authority agenda and also commit to hosting meetings in the Gaeltacht centres; implementation of new policy where there is now a requirement in respect of all units to provide customer services through the medium of Irish; implement a scheme whereby the Irish language as a skillset is officially recognised in recruitment processes; and 20% of professional staff will have the ability to conduct business through Irish. The Use of Irish in the University: Establish a University Interpretation Service; Ensure that students are able to deal with the Universitys administrative system through Irish from the beginning to the end of their study programme; and design and implement a new art scheme focusing on the placement of the Irish language across the campus. Establish a University Interpretation Service; Ensure that students are able to deal with the Universitys administrative system through Irish from the beginning to the end of their study programme; and design and implement a new art scheme focusing on the placement of the Irish language across the campus. Academic Affairs: Expand the offering of teaching through Irish and facilitate the development of ambitious, transformative research projects in the discipline; and investigate the options in relation to the offering of interdisciplinary modules through Irish. Expand the offering of teaching through Irish and facilitate the development of ambitious, transformative research projects in the discipline; and investigate the options in relation to the offering of interdisciplinary modules through Irish. The Community: The network of University Gaeltacht Centres has supported the promotion of the Gaeltacht community for over 20 years, and they are prepared to capitalise on opportunities arising from the States 20-Year Plan for the Irish Language and the amendment to the Official Languages Act. The University is at the forefront in the provision of Irish language training to student teachers in Ireland, and has excellent researchers in the fields of sociolinguistics, language planning and communications. Dr Maire Geoghegan Quinn, commented: NUI Galway has a rich Irish language heritage and a worldwide reputation for Irish language scholars, writers, actors, journalists, politicians and broadcasters who have served on this historic, innovative campus for over a century and more. The Irish language has always had a particular advantage here at NUI Galway in terms of location and community. It was understood from the outset that it was in the interests of our language, the Gaeltacht and our University to foster and strengthen this relationship between us, which was done. This is the only university located on the doorstep of the Gaeltacht, the well of the living language. This unique location and our Gaeltacht Centers, in the Gaeltacht itself, give us the opportunity to develop that connection with the Irish language in innovative ways. This new Strategy lays a new, stable and integrated basis for the Irish language in all aspects of the life and work of the University and I welcome it. The Irish language was not seen as a statutory duty or a burden to be borne reluctantly but as a faithful, central part that goes to the heart of the institution and all parts of it. That was and will always be the case. The strategic priority areas and key objectives outlined in A Strategy for the Irish Language 2021-25 stemmed from the discussions and debates held at meetings of the Irish Language Strategic Committee; the various sub-committees comprised of internal and external members, including the student voice; and feedback from the overall University community following public consultation. The overall ethos of the working groups was that the vision and strategy be ambitious, so that the Irish language, which is at risk, can be promoted in University life, in the Gaeltacht community and in the Irish language community. Professor Pol O Dochartaigh, NUI Galway Deputy President and Registrar, said: This strategy is ambitious and is imbued with a vision of hope for the development and fostering of a sustainable bilingual environment. This strategy reinforces the message that NUI Galways Irish Language Strategy is an inclusive strategy and that everyone in the University has ownership of it, regardless of their language ability. Recognising the unique and influential role our university plays in our regions society and economy, we plan to work with businesses, organisations and networks across the west of Ireland to ensure that our university is positively serving our region. Strategy Implementation The Irish Language Strategic Committee will establish an Irish Language Strategy Implementation Committee from its membership to support the implementation of A Strategy for the Irish Language 2021-25. A full implementation plan will be developed, addressing each of the strategic priority areas to include deliverables, timeframe, ownership and dependencies. The Deputy President and Registrar will pay particular attention to monitoring the progress of the plan and the achievement of strategic objectives and goals and will provide a progress report to the Governing Authority on an annual basis. The University is committed to executing its statutory responsibilities under the Irish Language Act and the Irish Language Strategy Implementation Committee shall also have regard to the Universitys established language schemes and its responsibilities, under the University College Galway (Amendment) Act (2006), to promote university education through the medium of Irish. Read in full A Strategy for the Irish Language 2021-25 at http://www.nuigalway.ie/gaeilgebheo/ -Ends- The allegedly questionable safety measures include faulty construction the highly flammable interior wall panels that hospital workers and civil defense officials say were used to build the Al-Hussein Hospital as well as the unsafe handling of oxygen cylinders, which have both been blamed for this weeks blaze as well as the April fire. Originally a polarizing theory, the idea that a lab may have been responsible for giving life to the pandemic and that the virus may have itself been engineered has become less a fringe theory in recent months. This is in no small part due to President Joe Bidens decision in May to call for a review of U.S. intelligence to look into the likelihood. The U-turn back into the indoor mask mandate followed a little less than two weeks after many people likely gathered for the July 4 holiday amid the rise of the coronavirus highly transmissible delta variant. It should be noted that for 25 years (Roc-A-Fella) operated without issue despite having no bylaws. Now, when I am in the process of trying to sell my 1/3rd equity interest in RAF, Jay-Z is obviously trying to unlawfully use RAF to take certain actions to prevent me from doing so, Dash said in a sworn statement. They probably had bubble guts. They couldnt handle the lactose, Annabella Ojeda, 22, told the Daily News. I even had a milkshake that night. I had chocolate mixed with vanilla, strawberry and Oreos. We had milkshakes from the same batch of custard and I didnt get sick. We all didnt get sick! In my 22 years working in the New York City Department of Correction, I have never seen such deplorable working conditions for our members-conditions that have been made even worse by the continued indifference of the top brass at our agency, COBA President Benny Boscio Jr. said in a statement. Investigators believe the attack was gang-related, sources said. Simeon identified himself as a member of the Crips on his Facebook page, although relatives described him as a hard-working young man who worked as a cashier at a Walgreens. The 32-yar-old victim, who lives in West Palm Beach, was behind the wheel of a Chevrolet HHR on Queens Blvd. near 65th Place in Rego Park when he got into an argument with the driver of a Nissan Altima at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, cops said. Jones, who was getting ready to meet a woman at a lounge, was struck in his face and head numerous times and never had a chance, police said. He died at the scene, where police recovered 10 shell casings from a 9mm weapon. Quamina, with fresh fodder for a new song, said he simply returned fire and was defending himself after he accidentally clipped the motorcyclist with his Mercedes, and the bikers friend shot at him. Wesley Martines was stopped by Campbell Police officers on July 9, after a local business owner spotted him skulking around the area, peering into vehicles and sheds. According to a statement from the Santa Clara County District Attorneys Office, a quick search of his truck turned up two AR-style rifles, which are illegal in California, a Glock 9 mm handgun, and ammunition. Hall and another officer were following a group of protesters who were destroying buildings when the violent confrontation with his colleagues unfolded. He immediately complied with their orders to get on the ground, but was quickly picked up by one of the officers and then slammed to the ground, where he was repeatedly hit with the police batons. In fact the term was never an official name for the four species, and only began appearing in scientific literature in the mid-1990s, taking hold in the early 2000s as awareness of the fishs destructive power grew. Its a misnomer for many reasons, not least of all because each species has a different effect on the environment, said Patrick Kocovsky, a fish ecologist with the U.S. Geological Survey and a co-author of a paper in the journal Fisheries about the term. In addition to the urination and defecation ban which is in effect for both public and private open spaces Lee cannot carry open containers of alcohol in public, contact police on 999 unless she has a genuine reason for doing so or use abusive language in a public place, including using a dog to threaten or intimidate people, according to police. Currently, COVID-19 vaccines are only available for people ages 12 and up, but only on an emergency-use basis. The FDA is also hoping to give all three vaccine makers their full approval in an effort to help ease the concerns of those who are unsure if they want to get their shots because of the emergency label. The Daily Beast noted that the Freedom Phone seems to be a simple rebranding of Chinese company Umidigis Umidigi A9 Pro. The company is headquartered in Mainland China. Finman reportedly confirmed to the Daily Beast that Umidigi makes the phone, but said he wasnt sure if it was modeled after the A9 Pro, which sells for less that a quarter the cost of Freedom Phone. He claimed his phone is manufactured in Hong Kong. Damen was a participant in the auction and had secured a seat on the second flight, a Blue Origin spokesperson said to CNN. We moved him up when this seat on the first flight became available. Were not disclosing how much he paid. I saw what I thought was red wine spilled on the carpet, he recalled for a rapt jury and packed courtroom. That also was not that alarming. I had just been to a party at her house a couple weeks ago, but it was like a college party with a lot of people drinking, so I didnt really think much of it. While monkeypox is similar to smallpox, it is less deadly. Only about 1 in 100 people infected with monkeypox die, according to the CDC. In 2003, an outbreak in the U.S. infected 47 people, but no one died. On July 15, 1997, Versace was shot dead outside the mansion by 27-year-old Andrew Cunanan, who was on a cross-country killing spree before he died by suicide eight days later on a houseboat near Miami. At the end of the day ... these bills are designed to give people meaningful opportunity, Bailey said. We want to make sure that theyre able to get back towards being able to contribute to society. The best way to contribute is to have meaningful, gainful employment with a path toward prosperity. The process of renaming a school is even more complicated. In that instance, individual principals need to file a request for a name change, which will then be reviewed by the local parent-teacher association. If the association gives the green light, the commissioner of the Department of Education gets final say on whether to implement the change. The Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund and the New Jersey Attorney Generals Office, which defended the program on behalf of a group of DACA recipients, had argued Obama had the authority to institute DACA and that the states lacked the standing to sue because they had not suffered any harm due to the program. Pima Countys tally was in line with previous elections, but there were some new patterns this year, said deputy recorder Pamela Franklin. An unusually high number of people appeared to have intentionally voted twice, often by voting early in person and then again by mail. In Arizona, where nearly 80% of voters cast ballots by mail, its not unusual for someone to forget they returned their mail-in ballot and then later ask for a replacement or try to vote in person, she said. But this pattern was new. Peter R. de Vries was always dedicated, tenacious, afraid of nothing and no one. Always seeking the truth and standing up for justice, said Caretaker Prime Minister Mark Rutte. And that makes it all the more dramatic that he himself has now become the victim of a great injustice. The incident comes just days after another small plane crashed in a remote region of eastern Russia. The Antonov An-26 was about to land near Palana on July 6 when it disappeared from radars amid bad weather. Manhattan: I never thought I would be defending Bill de Blasio, however, it is foolhardy to blame him for gun violence. Unfortunately, he is the mayor of a city where there is a cancerous undertow of constituents for whom violence seems to be in their souls. No one man can stem the tide of people who have no compunction about killing or assaulting others. If this isnt a wake-up call to bring back stop-and-frisk, I dont know what is. Put the horse in front of the cart and acknowledge that those who are guilty of the crimes should be subjected to whatever process is necessary to save lives even their own, in so many cases. How many mothers of dead children have formed groups? How many religious leaders have called out the violence, all to no avail? Jack D. Weiss National Institutes of Health research shows that opioid treatment is most successful when it is available locally, but OASAS data on the distribution and attendance of treatment programs in New York City show a systemic overconcentration of OTPs in majority Black and Brown neighborhoods. Harlem is particularly oversaturated, with eight OTPs in a five-block radius of 125th St. and Park Ave. More than 75% of patients being treated in Harlem live elsewhere and commute into the neighborhood from elsewhere in the city, and even from Long Island and Upstate New York. Since successful treatment negatively correlates with distance from a treatment site, OASASs decision to concentrate treatment centers in Harlem is clearly not based on patient welfare. With less than six months before Gothams dramatic makeover, this transition of power will be longer than any other in living memory because of the timing of the primary elections. (Prior to 2018, the primaries took place in September.) As someone whos run for office, I can relate to the overwhelming temptation to decompress on a beach after a tiring primary. The moment the city finds itself in means that isnt a possibility. The time afforded by a longer transition should be spent preparing to govern. This impending changing of the guard represents an unusual opportunity to shape city government and advance structural change at a scale that could make New York more equitable, just and fair for years, and possibly decades, to come. Apparently, however, the landlords believe they have a receptive audience for their extraordinary claim in certain quarters of the judiciary. Reports indicate these landlords may even be looking past the Second Circuit and have their sights on taking the suit to the Supreme Court, where they hope a new conservative majority will rule in their favor. Should the landlords succeed, the entire rent stabilization law could be invalidated, disrupting both neighborhoods and workplaces by threatening to displace countless New Yorkers from their homes. These outcomes would be especially perverse given that supporters of strong property rights often argue that the constitutional protection of private property is meant to be a stabilizing force. Jones and Cook said they should be able to use Sex Pistols songs in the series because of a 1998 contract that says majority rules for licensing deals, according to the AP. Lydon claimed he has final say. The author of Dream Big Little Chick, a childrens book inspired by Jordan, owed her clients more $1.2 million, and is somebody that has absolutely no shame, Karla Pearlstein, who lost $945,000 after renting a Missouri property to Chiles, said, according to federal court papers obtained by the outlet. It gets me hot, it bothers me and it frustrates me to a certain extent being a Cuban American and having a platform to speak to the world and not being able to help my own people. Not being able to get them food, not being able to get them water, not being able to get them medicine, he said, explaining that he is most frustrated that he cant give Cubans what they deserve, which he says is freedom. According to a news release from the city, each session will be about an hour long and will include a brief overview of the program and a chance to ask questions. Residents who attend one of the in-person workshops can upload documents required to participate in the program using the citys computers and scanners. The claimants are like, Finally. They are so happy. And I think because theres been a positive outcome in the other states, theyre really hopeful, said Vanessa Brito, a Miami woman who for the past year and a half has been helping residents across the state navigate the dysfunctional CONNECT unemployment site. They feel that the state took something away from them that they needed. After people not getting paid for months, and then you take away the only thing that once they started getting paid would allow them to survive, its not ok. Its not acceptable. Some people dont understand that the COVID-19 vaccine doesnt reduce [risk] to zero, Trepka said. You can have an elderly person vaccinated, but if theyre around the COVID-19 virus because so many people have it around them, they may well have a breakthrough infection. Controlling COVID is not just an individual personal thing, its really a community response. DeJesus said he also was persuaded by data showing a vaccinated person without underlying medical conditions is less likely to be hospitalized for COVID-19 than an unvaccinated person. I dont have medical conditions so if I get the vaccine and then I get the virus, I know I can fight it, he said. One warning: Disenchanted is a show that allows for a lot of funny business among the performers but that kind of goofing around can become self-indulgent, slow down the comic pace and hinder the flow of Giacinos songs, ably played by music director Jason M. Baileys band. The performance I saw ran a full 15 minutes longer than the 2017 touring version and sometimes there really is too much of a good thing. Im excited to be on the show, said Sombright, the chef de cuisine at Knife & Spoon at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grand Lakes. The talent profile on the show is really high. Its a serious cooking show as far as the competitors, so Im really proud to cook alongside the other people. I miss Miami. That definitely has a much larger Cuban community. There is a demonstration on every street corner, but here, seeing all these people come day after day is very emotional, she said. Growing up, you listen to how your family had to leave Cuba. The dream of every Cuban has always been a free Cuba. They lost everything. They left everything behind and they came with nothing. They have made a good life here. Imagine what they could do freely and with more resources. Si Cuba esta en la calle, nosotros tambien, (If Cuba is on the streets, so are we) was the cry of solidarity from Cubans in Orlando. The new hospice will supplement Cornerstone Hospices former unit at Orlando Healths Orlando Regional Medical Center. Cornerstone Hospice has leased 24 beds from Orlando Health since 2015 as part of a dedicated in-hospital hospice unit. The lease expired at the end of March, and increased patient demand left Orlando Health unable to renew it, Lee said. Cornerstone still leases beds at Orlando Health hospital affiliates throughout the state and provides care at Orlando Regional Medical Center when a patient needs hospice but is unable to be moved, but they will no longer be in a cohesive unit, Lee said. Prosecutors said Nathaniel Tuck used an open palm to strike an officer who tried to stop him as he moved through the Capitol. Then, when the officer grabbed him again, he used his elbow to strike the officers hand before walking further into the building, authorities say. Ive seen some people post that all of this is going to help Black Lives Matter activists because we can point to this and get off with some of these charges, but thats a bunch of [expletive] to be honest, said Frost, who opposes H.B. 1 and doesnt believe Cuban protesters blocking the streets should be prosecuted. Selective enforcement of laws has always been a thing. Thats why there are so many inequities in our state, and theyll continue to happen. Plinske, 41, assumed the post earlier this month, at a particularly challenging time. This fall, the colleges eight campuses will come back to life after remaining mostly shuttered for more than a year. Valencia students overcame tremendous hurdles to keep working toward their degrees during the pandemic, Plinske said. She was surprised by the number of students who told the college in a survey they were spending most of their time, juggling child care responsibilities with their coursework, even sharing computers with children who were attending school online. [W]e humbly and respectfully request, and in a great way, implore you and your new Administration, to take this moment in time in our great countrys history, to take action. You simply must assist these two countries at this moment of historic government vulnerability, and to physically enter, not just into the conversation, but into each country, when and where it will be most useful to foster the democratic ideals of the USA. I would like them to know that they are terrible people, that they have to live with this in their heart. And one day theyre going to stand before a maker and they will have to explain what theyve done, and He will be their judge, not me. God will judge them. As the day was beginning to break, more people spilled from their homes, horrified to see what was before them: a completely charred car and the vehicles trunk about 50 yards away. Debris lined the street, leaving the car and its contents mostly unrecognizable, except for a yellow and white soccer ball. The Navy did not say how many more trials it will perform, but just that they will be off the U.S. East Coast and end later this summer. City Manager Randy Knight said he took a tour this week of the 6,814-square-foot lot that housed the dry cleaner since 1965. After previously rejecting purchase offers by the city, the Mills family struck a deal in February to sell the land for $450,000 and its dry cleaning business for $300,000. We believe securing the border is important for our country, DeSantis said at a Pensacola press conference. Where the federal government has failed the states are stepping up and doing our best to fill the void. We are not going to tolerate this kind of behavior in Volusia County, Sheriff Mike Chitwood said. In case the message wasnt clear enough, I want everyone to know this Sheriffs Office will not give a free pass to racist, bigoted criminal acts that seek to intimidate others out of hatred and ignorance. Universal Orlando is trying to force Brightline to reroute the tracks closer to Universals theme parks. To get its way, Universals leaning on the Central Florida Expressway Authority, which controls the State Road 417 rights of way that Brightline wants to use for its preferred route to Disney. This direct experience with the death penalty led Justice Kogan to oppose capital punishment. He knew the tremendous burden that capital cases put not only on the judiciary, but on our states budget, draining resources that could be spent on services for victims of violent crime and their families or programs to address crime rates. He understood the complexity and human frailty of a system that ends with the taking of life. He knew the process was long and stressful for everyone, including victims families. He saw firsthand how the death penalty targets and ensnares the mentally ill, the poor, the traumatized the most vulnerable among us. On the Senate side, Floridas Republicans also run right of the typical GOP senator. Marco Rubio and Rick Scott ranked as the 11th and 12th most conservative senators respectively in 2020, according to GovTrack. But Rubio still managed to turn eight bills into law while Scott failed with every attempt. Instead, Scott reveled in partisanship, voting against 18 of Joe Bidens 22 approved Cabinet members, including the ones overwhelmingly supported by most Republicans. Only one other Republican, Missouris Josh Hawley, objected more often. Im proud that 90% of our funds were raised here in Florida and that we are setting the early pace for generating support in this race, Bracy said. There is a long way to go but I am proud that we are off to such a strong start. In June, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a law enforcing harsher punishments for protesters who block traffic during protests. The new law gives civil immunity to motorists who drive through protesters blocking a road, a tactic of Black Lives Matter protesters of 2020, and also contains penalties for impeding traffic. On Monday, a Nile hippopotamus calf arrived in the Safi River within the parks Kilimanjaro Safaris. The newborn, whose parents are mother Tuma and father Henry, already moves through the water with ease and may be seen by folks who are riding through the attraction. This brings DAKs hippo population to 10. The red trail runs in the middle of the blue loop, offering a chance for hikers to extend their time in the preserve and access to a picnic area. Another picnic bench can be found on the western side of the blue trail underneath the shady canopy of an oak tree. The CDCs conditional sail order, which has been in place since fall 2020, requires ships to either guarantee sailing with at least 95% passengers completely vaccinated, or perform a simulated sailing to show its COVID-19 safety protocols are in order. Lines like Disney and Royal Caribbean, which cater to families, have opted to do the simulated sailings since they both have a large percent of passengers under the age of 12. Children 11 and under do not have an option to get a vaccine. Abuja, Nigeria (PANA) - Seven women were trampled to death in northeast Nigeria on Thursday during food distribution by the International Committee of the Red Cross, independent sources told PANA here Iranian Scientist Wins UNESCO Biology Award 08/26/14 Source: Fars News Agency An Iranian researcher and scientist of the country's Royan Institute won the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)-Equatorial Guinea International Prize for the first time in the history. Professor Hossein Baharavand from the Stem Cell Research Center of Royan Institute was qualified to win the 2014-2015 UNESCO-Equatorial Guinea International Prize. Professor Hossein Baharavand This is the first time an Iranian researcher is qualified to receive this award. On May 4, 2014 the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization called for nominations for the UNESCO-Equatorial Guinea International Prize for Research in Life Sciences. UNESCO-Equatorial prize is awarded to those projects and activities of an individual, individuals, institutions, other entities or non-governmental organizations for scientific research in life sciences, which have led to improving the quality of human life. Three scientists are prizewinners at maximum who are selected by the Director-General of UNESCO on the basis of the assessments and recommendations made to her by an international jury. Hossein Baharvand is an Iranian stem cell and developmental biologist and director of Iran's Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology. Hossein Baharvand was born in 1972 and obtained his PhD degree in 2004 in the field of Developmental Biology from Khwarizmi University (formerly Tarbiat Moallem University), Tehran, Iran. He began work at the Royan Institute in Tehran from 1996. He is currently full professor and head of Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology at Royan institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology. Moreover, Baharvand is the head of department of Developmental Biology at University of Science and Culture in Tehran. He and his colleagues have established several human embryonic stem cell lines since 2003 and later human induced pluripotent stem cells. This has enabled them to pursue many avenues of research into methods of generating therapeutic cells from stem cells and made them the pioneer in stem cell research throughout the Middle East. Professor Baharvand has published more than 150 peer-review papers in national and international journals, as well as 4 international books and 9 books in Persian. He is editor of Trends in Stem Cell Biology and Technology book. He is an editorial board member of five international journals. He has won 11 national and international awards and presented as invited speaker in several meetings. Welcome back pirates! As you make your return to campus The East Carolinian has created a forum that centers around topics within the community where readers can express their experiences and concerns. With the new guidelines set in place by East Carolina University do you feel as these precautions will keep you safe? Survey The purchase price is about seven times Nordkalks underlying EBITDA for 2020 PLC ( ), the buy-and-build construction materials group, conditionally agreed to purchase Nordkalk, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Rettig Group. , which has a market capitalisation of around 250mln, agreed to pay about 402mln for the Finnish limestone developer in what is classified by AIM as a reverse takeover. The AIM-quoted group will issue around 50mln (roughly 43mln) of shares to Rettig with the rest of the consideration to be satisfied through cash. To help pay for the acquisition, raised around 260mln by placing shares at 85p a pop; an additional 1.6mln was raised by selling shares at the placing price through the platform. The rest of the cash element of the consideration will come from the company drawing down 150mln (128mln) of a new 305mln banking facility. Rettig Group has agreed to a lock-up period of 12 months for the shares it is receiving. SigmaRoc said the acquisition is expected to be significantly earnings enhancing in the first full year of ownership. The purchase price is about seven times Nordkalks underlying earnings (EBITDA) for 2020. The board of SigmaRoc believes the acquisition will represent the cornerstone for a new Northern Europe business platform, offering immediate scale and revenue diversification. The enlarged group would be a market-leading quarried materials group in Northern Europe, operating across six platforms, with 37 quarries and 76 operations across 13 countries, pro forma total assets of 740mln, over 1bn tonnes of reserves and resources, and about 1,760 employees. The company is seeking shareholder approval to implement a long term incentive plan to ensure alignment of management and shareholders' interests. Max Vermorken, the chief executive of SigmaRoc, said the acquisition of Nordkalk represented a great stepping stone in the evolution of the group. We have agreed to purchase a high-quality business at what we believe is the right point in the cycle and at an attractive valuation. The acquisition meets all of our stringent investment criteria as a self-contained and asset-backed business, which will bring the group significant earnings growth and cash generation. We look forward to helping Nordkalk and its experienced management team on its path to continued success, as we seek to perpetuate its 120-year history, name and success, Vermorken said. "It's hard to acquire a business of this type and this scale." Vermorken told Proactive. David Barrett, the executive chairman of SigmaRoc, described Nordkalk as a great business with a substantial asset footprint spanning across Northern Europe. It is a business with a long history of success and much future potential. This acquisition would create numerous new opportunities for SigmaRoc to capitalise on in the months and years ahead. I am delighted with the Rettig family's commitment, agreeing to become a shareholder of SigmaRoc. This is a strong sign of confidence in the future of our group, Barrett said. Barrett subscribed for 400,000 shares in the share placing, and will hold 0.47% of the enlarged share capital (down from 0.93% of the share capital before the share issue) and Vermorken bought 123,528 shares; his stake drops to 0.11% from 0.2%. Other directors and senior managers also subscribed for new shares. M&G Investment Management bought 22mln worth of shares and has a stake of around 8.63% of the existing share capital. Sales trends are encouraging but some investors are worried that chief designer Riccardo Tisci could leave ( ) sales rebounded in the first quarter of its new financial year as more stores reopened as Coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions were lifted. Retail revenue for the high fashion group which is still reeling from the news last month that chief executive Marco Gobbetti is leaving at the end of the year - reached 479mln for the 13 weeks to 26 June. This is up 86% on the equivalent period a year ago, while comparable store sales were up 90% versus last year and 1% higher than two years ago. The period saw an average 11% of stores closed due to COVID-19 restrictions but ended with only 3% of stores still shuttered. However, the FTSE 100 retailer said 35% of stores are still operating on reduced hours and business in Europe and much of Asia is still heavily impacted by the significant decline of international tourist traffic. Full-year guidance was mostly unchanged except that currency swings are now expected to create a 114mln headwind on sales and 40mln on adjusted operating profit, though wholesale revenues are now expected to grow 60% in the first half. Gobbetti said the new clothing collections have attracted younger luxury customers to the brand, with strongest growth in leather goods and outerwear. Although he is leaving, the Italian said the company is firmly set on a path of growth and acceleration and is confident of achieving its medium-term guidance for high single-digit top line growth and meaningful margin improvement. Speaking to reporters later, chief financial officer, Julie Brown addressed concerns that the CEO's departure will lead to chief designer Riccardo Tisci following him out the door. Brown said that the former Givenchy design honcho remains very excited by the opportunity to continue to inspire our customers with his imprint on Burberrys identity, reinforced by the response to his latest collection. Were very, very confident of Riccardos position. Burberry shares fell 4% to 1,980p on Friday morning. GlobalFoundries is owned by Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund Mubadala ( ) is in talks to buy semiconductor manufacturer GlobalFoundries Inc for about US$30bn, according to reports in the US. GlobalFoundries is owned by Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund Mubadala Investment and has manufacturing operations worldwide. The Wall Street Journal reported that Intel is looking to expand its chip capacity at a time when a shortage of semiconductors is affecting the recovery of a variety of sectors. Earlier this year, Intel earmarked US$20bn to invest in US factories and said it would open its facilities to outside chip designers having traditionally both designed and produced its own chips. One potential issue in any deal is that GlobalFoundries still supplies former parent Advanced Micro Devices, Intel's main US rival, which might pose competition issues. According to Reuters, Mubadala was looking to list GlobalFoundries later this year. Neither Intel nor GlobalFoundries confirmed the report. 's ( ) Trond Williksen and Septima Maguire join Proactive London after receiving marketing authorisation from the Norwegian Medicines Agency (NoMA) for its pioneering treatment for sea lice in salmon. EctosanVet (BMK08) treats one of the biggest biological challenges in salmon farming - sea lice. This problem comes at an estimated cost to producers of more than US$1bn annually, and US$600mln in Norway alone. Ectosan Vet will be the first sea lice veterinary medicinal treatment to be introduced to the Norwegian salmon market in over a decade. Ten years in the making, Trond says the regulatory path has been 'extensive'. ( ) Michael Masterman joins Proactive London's Katie Pilbeam after reporting their highest quarterly tungsten concentrate production to date at 106.4t from the La Parrilla mine in Spain in the second quarter. Masterman also details some of the challenges they've managed to tackle during the quarter, the company completed the construction of the first water dam, enabling it to access higher-grade ore once again, after heavy rain had hampered production in the preceding quarter Talk of a 22bn dividend bonanza in the banking sector might be a bit far-fetched but based on broker forecasts, we can at least expect dividend yields to be above the FTSE 100 average by next year. It is probably going to take a couple of years but dividend yields on UK banking shares are set to top 5%, according to broker forecasts. The 's financial stability report published on Tuesday finally removed what the central bank called the extraordinary guardrails on shareholder distributions imposed at the time of greatest uncertainty over the coronavirus epidemic in the UK. In theory, the BoE's green light could see the banks jam the foot on the accelerator pedal and ramp up dividends at the old hurry-up. The broker Jefferies has calculated that the banks could repatriate around 30% of their market capitalisation between now and 2023 without causing the any alarm over balance sheet strength. Not all of that repatriation (if it happens) will be in the form of dividends, however; share buybacks are also an option and these are often the favoured means of returning capital to shareholders for management as cancellation of a share buyback programme attracts less publicity than the cutting or cancellation of a dividend. Nevertheless, brokers do foresee an impressive rise in the currently insipid dividend yields offered by Londons listed banks. It's been a while since banks were yielding less than the Footsie ( ), yielding 0.6%, is currently the worse yielder but three years hence broker forecasts suggest it will be yielding 5.9%, a return only bested by Holdings PLC ( ), which is currently yielding 2.6% and is projected to be yielding 6.0% in three years time. Retail investors favourites PLC ( ) and PLC ( ) are currently yielding 1.2% and 1.5% respectively. By next year, those yields are currently expected to rise to 4.7%-4.8% (assuming investors buy at current prices and the dividends rise as the brokers forecast). The following year both are expected to be yielding 5.4% before Lloyds overtakes state-owned NatWest in year 3 with a yield of 5.8% versus NatWests 5.5% yield. Income investors would certainly welcome a return to such juicy yields, especially as there is usually not much else in terms of excitement attached to owning shares in banks. To put the banks' current yield into perspective, a weighted basket of all the FTSE 100 stocks is expected to yield around 3.7% this year. Last year, dividend payouts from UK PLC collapsed by a record 44.8bn and the constraints on dividend payouts by the banks were responsible for around a third of this fall. Merrill Lynch and Jefferies both favour Barclays to take on the unlikely role of dividend champion, with the former noting that NatWests position is muddied by the governments 55% stake while Lloyds is about to get a new chief executive, who may want to get his feet under the table before condoning a major change in dividend policy. ( ) ( ) (FRA:MA3) has its sights set on accelerating exploration and pre-development activities at the Cape Ray Gold Project in Newfoundland, Canada, with a range of key environmental studies nearing completion. These baseline studies will form the groundwork of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), anticipated for completion and submission to Federal and Provincial governments in 2022. Meanwhile, Matador has also engaged with First Nations groups in the area and advanced discussions with other key stakeholders as the development of an environmental, social, and governance framework continues. Well-funded to pursue strategy The West Perth-based gold explorer is in a solid financial position following having raised A$16 million at the end of June at a 28% premium. Strong demand from international and Australian institutional investors was received for the placement and the company now plans on focusing its exploration activities on: 45,000 metres of diamond drilling; Increased power auger drilling with five rigs; Expanded heli-mag program to 80 kilometres of strike; Inaugural winter exploration program; and Pre-feasibility study and permitting work. Matador's project, which lies in a proven multi-million-ounce gold system called the Cape Ray Shear Zone, has a strike length of around 120 kilometres, including 105 kilometres that have never been tested before. In the past, Matador executive chairman Ian Murray has spoken at length with Proactive about the province's exploration renaissance, as Canadian companies including New Found Gold Corp (CVE:NFG) and ( ) boasting market caps of $1 billion and $600 million respectively hunt for the next major discovery close to MZZs tenements. In an interview with Proactives Andrew Scott, Shaw and Partners Davide Bosio reiterated this sentiment: Its a very, very interesting part of the world that they operate in. Its a very exciting province and there are some big deposits being found. Their exploration has been very successful, and theyve got a fantastic team of people who have run successful gold companies in the past. Doubling activities and doubling the pace MZZ executive chairman Ian Murray said the placement had put the gold stock in a very fortunate position. He said: More importantly, about 75% of the bookbuild was new North American institutions that have come onto our register. We are now more than doubling our diamond drilling, doubling the auger drilling and doubling the heli-mag program, which should mean that we capture information for shareholders and get results and discoveries a lot quicker than we originally planned. New opportunities The company recently boosted its landholding by 37% to cover 750 square kilometres of Newfoundland after it evaluated prospective tenements outside of its Cape Ray Gold Project. Specifically, two new blocks to the west of the Cape Ray asset caught Matadors eye and were added to the companys tenement package. The ASX-lister also picked up the Hermitage Project, a regional gold exploration asset that runs along 27 kilometres of continuous strike. At the time Murray said: Newfoundland has become one of the most exciting jurisdictions for gold exploration in North America. Whilst we believe we already have one of the most attractive and under-explored packages in Newfoundland, our exploration team is always assessing new opportunities." Anteris Technologies Ltd (ASX:AVR) (OTCMKTS:AMEUF) (FRA:DDF) is aiming to revolutionise the transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) space with its up-and-coming heart valve technology. In an annual general meeting on Thursday, chairman John Seaberg spoke to investors about Anteris mission to create durable, effective heart valves. Following a busy 2020, when the companys 3D, single-piece aortic heart valve moved from concept to product status, Anteris is eager to spend the coming years achieving the regulatory milestones necessary to get its technology to the market. Essentially, this means closely working with the Food and Drug Administration to secure a range of approvals, moving the product into more human clinical trials and advancing an early feasibility study. This year, Anteris heart valve will also launch into FDA studies and prepare for regulatory approval work, positioning the technology for commercialisation in the European market. As it prepares to advance the transcatheter heart valve into the next stage of development, Anteris believes it is well-positioned to capitalise in a market with only two players. This means a product that operates significantly better than current solutions has the potential to reap the lions share of rewards in a sector forecast to be worth $10 billion. Developing DurAVR heart valve In an address at Thursdays meeting, Seaburg used a visual allegory to describe how the company had evolved its heart valve technology. Youve all heard the story about the sculptor who had made a wonderful sculpture of a bear. The person buying the sculpture asked him how did you take a solid block of granite and turn it into such a beautiful powerful sculpture? Its easy he said, I just carve away everything that doesnt look like a bear. "Well, thats essentially what we have done with our TAVR device. We start with ADAPT tissue which has great data proving it's less calcific than the current TAVR devices. Less calcific means less brittle over time, which means less breakdown of the leaflets. Next, you simplify the design to make it more reliable by taking out 90% of the sutures that the others require. Finally, you create a 3D design that has best-in-class hemodynamics. Now if you do that, you can treat not only the really sick aortic stenosis patients, but also be the best treatment for the younger, more active patient. And this is happening during a time when the TAVR market is hungry for new products that will take it to the next level. So again, I think were standing on the threshold of great value creation. Every large company that touches the TAVR space knows about our DurAVR valve. All the signs of value creation are here, including having our valve working very well in humans via surgical placement. Its my fondest hope and strong belief that we as shareholders will in the not too distant future enjoy the fruits of our investment and our labours. Helping patients with aortic stenosis Ultimately, Anteris technology will support patients with aortic stenosis a serious and potentially life-threatening condition where the aortic valve narrows and restricts blood flow. Arterial stenosis in action. Its estimated one in eight elderly Australians have aortic stenosis, while 1.5 million are thought to have the condition in the US with around 500,000 of those patients suffering from severe aortic stenosis. Without an aortic valve replacement, as many as 50% of patients with severe aortic stenosis will not survive more than an average of two years. Whats interesting about Anteris offering, however, is its durability and performance: because of its composition and structure, younger patients who get the heart valve can enjoy an expanded exercise capacity. In an interview with Proactives Andrew Scott, Anteris Technologies CEO Wayne Paterson said: Our valve is performing better under higher cardiac output during exercise than the competitor valves are at rest. Confidence builds One of the key takeaways from Anteris latest investor presentation is its confidence in its offering. While the structural heart company is yet to commercialise the durable heart valve, Anteris believes the move into FDA studies is an indication of its products quality. CEO Wayne Paterson said: It's important to me to get the point across that the product is coming to market. There's no speculation around whether we will develop a product or whether that product will get there. It's now moving into its FDA studies and will be into its regulatory approval studies for commercialisation. On the back of that not only is it viable but the data is so compelling ... it is significantly better than what is currently in the market. Chairman Seaburg echoed Paterson's comments in the AGM address. I think we are standing on the threshold of great value creation, and by value I mean not just shareholder financial value, but also societal value as measured by lives saved by our TAVR devices and increased quality of life brought to those who receive our devices. A heart valve that lasts longer and works better Anteris technology comprises many different components, but theres one overarching goal: to create a heart valve that lasts longer and works better than the current solutions. The structural heart companys TAVR product utilises three key elements: the ADAPT tissue, the DurAVR 3D, single-piece transcatheter heart valve and the ComASUR transfemoral delivery system. The DurAVR transcatheter heart valve. ADAPT Anteris core ADAPT technology makes up the tissue component of the heart valve. Its a special type of material that combats calcification, a phenomenon that narrows a patients heart valve and increases pressure. The ADAPT technology has been proven not to calcify across ten years worth of studies, meaning it has already been established as a working anti calcification treatment. DurAVR Anteris used this technology to develop the DurAVR product, with a mission to create a durable heart valve that has very few sutures. Because its made of one piece of material, the DurAVR valve is structurally sound and more cost-effective to produce The heart valve has already been involved with some human surgeries, and promising results to date have strengthened the products regulatory pathway, expediting its development. Anteris is conducting pre-submission work for an early feasibility study with the FDA and is working to secure breakthrough status for its technology. In addition, a TAVR human study is scheduled to start later this year, with hopes the new results will compound on previous data. ComASUR Finally, Anteris has developed the ComASUR catheter with some of the worlds leading cardiologists. This is a commissural alignment device that can help surgeons most accurately position the heart valve, which expands like a balloon when it is put in place. With the three key technologies working in tandem, Anteris believes it is well-positioned to transform the TAVR space. The unique nature of the drill and geophysical results that were generated by Venture Minerals is strong evidence that fits a Julimar style mineralisation. ( ) ( ) and Chalice Mining ( ) recently defined new EM anomalies at the Julimar lookalike magnetic feature of the Thor target within Venture's South West Nickel-Copper-PGE Project south of Perth in Western Australia. In this episode of Rooster Talk, Andrew Radonjic shares some updates since our last Coffee with Samso - Julimar's Twin Brother - The Thor Project in April 2021. As we had discussed in this Coffee with , the discovery of drill targets was always going to happen. The unique nature of the drill and geophysical results that were generated by Venture Minerals Limited is strong evidence that fits a Julimar style mineralisation. The stage is set for the drill rigs of the project to see some rocks. The project is actually sitting on a new frontier that is ripe for new discoveries which up till now has been neglected due to commodity pricing, funding and market appreciation of these areas. Today, Andrew Radonjic shares with us: Update on the Thor project What the EM anomalies mean in terms of the prospectivity of the project Why Kulin fits in well with the Thor project Thor is not a nearology play but is made of real exploration results Chapters: 00:00 Intro 00:43 Updates on Thor 04:42 The Thor project is not a Nearology play 08:03 What does the term Siemens mean? 12:23 Is the northern EM anomaly a surprise anomaly? 14:33 How much comfort does Venture get from the Regional Prospectivity of the Thor and Kulin project? 19:21 The relationship between Red Wine and Geological Interpretation 23:25 The theory of the Cooking Pot 26:43 Funding and Discoveries 28:25 News flow for Thor. 29:36 Conclusion PODCAST About Andrew Radonjic Mr. Radonjic is a geologist and mineral economist with over 25 years of experience in mining and exploration, with a specific focus on gold and nickel in the Eastern Goldfields of Western Australia. Mr. Radonjic began his career at the Agnew Nickel Mine before spending over 15 years in the Paddington, Mount Pleasant and Lady Bountiful Extended operations north of Kalgoorlie. He has fulfilled a variety of senior roles which gave rise to three gold discoveries, totalling in excess of 3 million ounces in resources and the development of over 1 million ounces. About Venture Minerals Limited Venture Minerals Limited (ASX: VMS) is entering an exciting phase as it looks to move from explorer to producer with production at the Riley Iron Ore Mine in northwest Tasmania. At the neighbouring Mount Lindsay TinTungsten Project, higher Tin prices and the recognition of Tin as a fundamental metal to the battery revolution have refocused Ventures approach to developing Mount Lindsay. Already one of the world's largest undeveloped Tin-Tungsten deposits, the Company has commissioned an Underground Scoping Study on Mount Lindsay that will leverage off the previously completed feasibility work. In Western Australia, Chalice Mining (ASX: CHN) recently committed to spending up to $3.7m in Ventures South West Project, to advance the previous exploration completed by Venture to test a Julimar lookalike Nickel-Copper-PGE target. At the Companys Golden Grove North Project, it has already intersected up to 7% Zinc, 1.3% Copper and 2.1g/t Gold at Orcus and has identified several strong EM conductors currently being drill tested which are situated along the 5km long VMS (Volcanogenic Massive Sulfide) Target Zone, along strike to the world class Golden Grove Zinc-Copper-Gold Mine. Venture has recently completed a maiden drill program designed to bring forward a potential new gold discovery at the Kulin Project. Please let Samso know your thoughts and send any comments to info@Samso.com.au. Remember to Subscribe to the YouTube Channel, Samso Media and the mail list to stay informed and make comments where appropriate. Other than that, also feel free to provide a Review on Google. For further information about Coffee with and Rooster Talks visit: www.samso.com.au About Samso Samso is a renowned resource among the investment community for keen market analysis and insights into the companies and business trends that matter. Investors seek out Samso for knowledgeable evaluations of current industry developments across a variety of business sectors and considered forecasts of future performances. With a compelling format of relaxed online video interviews, Samso provides clear answers to questions they may not have the opportunity to ask and lays out the big picture to help them complete their investment research. And in doing so, Samso also enables companies featured in interviews to build valuable engagement with their investment communities and customers. Headed by industry veteran Noel Ong and based in Perth, Western Australia, Samsos Coffee with Samso and Rooster Talk interviews both feature friendly conversations with business figures that give insights into Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) companies, related concepts and industry trends. Noel Ong is a geologist with nearly 30 years of industry experience and a strong background in capital markets, corporate finance and the mineral resource sector. He was founder and managing director of ASX-listed company Siburan Resources Limited from 2009-2017 and has also been involved in several other ASX listings, providing advice, procuring projects and helping to raise capital. He brings all this experience and expertise to the Samso interviews, where his engaging conversation style creates a relaxed dialogue, revealing insights that can pique investor interest. Noel Ong travels across Australia to record the interviews, only requiring a coffee shop environment where they can be set up. The interviews are posted on Samsos website and podcasts, YouTube and other relevant online environments where they can be shared among investment communities. Samso also has a track record of developing successful business concepts in the Australasia region and provides bespoke research and counsel to businesses seeking to raise capital and procuring projects for ASX listings. Disclaimer The information contained in this article is the writers personal opinion and is provided for information only and is not intended to or nor will it create/induce the creation of any binding legal relations. Read full disclaimer. Create your account: sign up and get ahead on news and events NO INVESTMENT ADVICE The Company is a publisher. You understand and agree that no content published on the Site constitutes a recommendation that any particular security, portfolio of securities, transaction, or investment strategy is... In exchange for publishing services rendered by the Company on behalf of named herein, including the promotion by the Company of in any Content on the Site, the Company receives from said issuer annual cash... The gold explorers latest resource definition program has drawn to a close, with fresh results confirming theres potential for the Cardinia Hill prospect to emerge as a sizeable, high-grade gold deposit. Kin Mining NLs (ASX:KIN) Cardinia Hill deposit within the flagship Cardinia Gold Project (CGP) continues to grow, with further strong gold assays released ahead of a resource upgrade. The gold project explorer and developer says resource drilling at the deposit continues to pay off, with the latest round uncovering as much as 11 metres at 2.52 g/t gold and 7.8 metres at 2.9 g/t within Cardinia Hills sulphide zone. Ultimately, the fresh assays strengthen the deposits high-grade potential at depth, boding well for a mineral resource upgrade expected later this quarter. Cardinia Hill forms part of Kin Minings wholly-owned CGP in Western Australias northeastern Goldfields. During the June quarter, Kin delivered an updated mineral resource estimate at its flagship asset - 1.23 million gold ounces, grading 1.28 g/t. High-grade zones confirmed to considerable depth Kin Mining managing director Andrew Munckton said: The phase four drilling program was completed at Cardinia Hill in late May and these final results from the deeper component of the program demonstrate the continuity of high-grade mineralisation within the Southern and Northern shoots up to 200 metres below surface. We are particularly pleased to see the high-grade zones now confirmed to a considerable depth and into potential future underground mining positions. These results will all feed into what we hope to be a significant mineral resource upgrade at Cardinia Hill later this quarter, which will cement its position as one of our cornerstone deposits at the Cardinia Gold Project. Exploration at Cardinia Hill Interestingly, the Cardinia Hill deposit is a relatively new find for the Kin exploration team. Uncovered in early 2020 within a discovery hole that intersected 9 metres at 3.05 g/t gold, the deposit has continued to return consistent, high-grade, near-surface gold mineralisation during reverse circulation (RC) and diamond drilling. Significantly, the mineralisation at Cardinia Hill is defined over 800 metres of strike, remaining open to the north and at depth. Todays fresh assays, which cover 14 drill holes and 1,561 metres, represent the final 30% of a planned resource infill and extensional program at the gold prospect. Some of the best intersections include: 11 metres at 2.52 g/t gold from 205 metres; 7.8 metres at 2.90 g/t from 267.2 metres and; 4.5 metres at 2.67 g/t from 168.6 metres. Overall, 13 of the 14 deep holes drilled at the deposit intersected the Cardinia mineralised structure. In addition, the results continue to confirm the continuity of Cardinia Hills mineralisation and elevated gold grades. Drilling has also extended the southern and northern high-grade shoots to 200 metres below the surface. Cardinia Hill is just 2 kilometres from the centre of the CGP. In December last year, Kin was able to estimate an inferred mineral resource totalling 1.2 million tonnes at 1.66 g/t for 61,000 contained gold ounces. With the new results in tow, however, Kin hopes to boost the deposits mineral resource. Resource upgrade on the horizon The latest results from Cardinia Hill form part of a broader 58-hole, 9,100-metre diamond and RC campaign designed to extend the deposits mineral resource roughly 200 metres below the surface and along strike to the north. Now the resource definition drilling program has run its course, Independent Metallurgical Operations has kicked off a metallurgical test-work program on specially drilled metallurgical cores from the deposit. Metallurgical test-work, which will first concentrate on the grinding and leaching performance of sulphide samples, is scheduled to complete in the September quarter. With all assays now received, Kin will begin work on a resource upgrade, which the company hopes to release later this quarter. The Perth-based lithium chemicals developer had cash reserves of more than A$11 million as of June 31, 2021. Back in April, LITs pre-feasibility study confirmed robust project economics for the manufacture of VSPC's LFP cathode powder ( ) ( ) (FRA:3MW) shareholders have fully paid the balance unpaid on 560,000 LITCF partly paid ordinary shares, raising A$27,994. Shareholders paid an amount of $0.0499 for each LITCF, with around 113,408,755 LITCF remaining on issue. Statements will be issued shortly to those shareholders who paid all outstanding amounts on their LITCFs. LIT has requested that the ASX change the designation of these 560,000 LITCF shares to the ASX code LIT accordingly. Cathode material to potential customers Recently, the companys subsidiary VSPC Ltd dispatched its second-generation lithium manganese ferro phosphate (LMFP) cathode power to potential customers after meeting industry performance and physical property specifications. This comes at a time when battery and electric vehicle producers worldwide, among them BYD, VW and Tesla are transitioning to the use of lithium ferro phosphate (LFP) cathode material in lithium-ion batteries. LIT says that lithium-ion batteries of both the LFP and LMFP type are cheaper and safer than those containing nickel and cobalt, and LMFP has up to 25% improvement in energy density over LFP. VSPCs LMFP cathode material is available to established battery manufacturers and other potential customers for testing, on schedule with previously released plans. The explorer aims to hit the local share market next month following a foundational $7 million equity raise, which will support its exploration campaign across the prolific Lachlan Fold Belt in NSW. Legacy has a number of very noisy neighbours near its projects in New South Wales. Legacy Minerals Holdings Ltd is a step closer to listing on the ASX after lodging its prospectus with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). The gold and copper explorer intends to join the local share market in August this year following an initial public offering (IPO) to raise up to $7 million. Legacy is offering prospective investors the chance to establish a holding at 20 cents per share, with between 25 million and 35 million new shares on issue. Under the IPO, the resources company hopes to raise funds to support its exploration across its 100%-owned Lachlan Fold Belt precious and base metal assets. The companys raise is slated to close in mid-August, with shares predicted to commence trade later that month. Building a Legacy Legacy Minerals managing director Chris Byrne said: The IPO is an important step in the evolution of Legacy Minerals and is an integral part of our long-term growth strategy. We are proud and excited to provide investors with the opportunity to share in our promising future, as we take advantage of strong conditions in the gold and copper markets. Legacy Minerals has a dynamic portfolio of projects targeting a diverse range of mineralisation types, which we believe provides the company with a sound platform for future growth. Our fundamental goal of an economic mineral discovery is enhanced by the effectiveness of low-cost exploration techniques across the Projects meaning more work is done on the ground. Our portfolio provides investors with exposure to opportunities for potential near-term resource definition (Harden & Bauloora), as well as a pipeline of further company-maker targets (Cobar, Fontenoy and Rockley). Lachlan Fold Belt portfolio Legacy Minerals is exploring for high-grade gold and base metal deposits in the prolific NSW Lachlan Fold Belt. The companys asset portfolio spans 864 square kilometres and includes five wholly-owned gold and copper-centric projects located across the world-class mineral province. Legacy is targeting multiple mineralisation styles including porphyry, epithermal, Cobar-style, volcanic-hosted massive sulphide and low sulphide quartz vein mineralisation across its precious and base metal assets. Ultimately, the projects provide the company with significant exposure to the Lachlan Fold Belt, which hosts a number of tier-one ore bodies, including: IPO funding The funds from Legacys IPO will initially support drill campaigns across the companys more advanced exploration projects. Ultimately, the cash injection will help the company: Target high-grade gold and gold-silver mineralisation at its Harden and Bauloora tenements; Further develop the Cobar, Fontenoy, and Rockley projects to a drill-ready stage and; Strengthen its working capital reserves. Speaking to the companys prospects in early June, Byrne said: With the sustained demand for gold and copper and the continued exploration and mining success within the Lachlan Fold Belt of NSW, we are confident that the company will receive strong support from investors. Legacy Minerals' advanced projects provide immediate exposure to potential gold and copper discoveries and our robust pipeline of projects afford further growth for the company in the future. Anteris Technologies Ltd (ASX:AVR) is a structural heart company delivering clinically superior solutions that help healthcare professionals create life-changing outcomes for patients. Anteris Technologies sets its sights on FDA approval for transcatheter heart valve Anteris Technologies Ltd (ASX:AVR) (OTCMKTS:AMEUF) (FRA:DDF) is aiming to revolutionise the transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) space with its up-and-coming heart valve technology. In an annual general meeting on Thursday, chairman John Seaberg spoke to investors about Anteris' mission to create durable, effective heart valves. Following a busy 2020, when the company's 3D, single-piece aortic heart valve moved from concept to product status, Anteris is eager to spend the coming years achieving the regulatory milestones necessary to get its technology to the market. Essentially, this means closely working with the Food and Drug Administration to secure a range of approvals, moving the product into more human clinical trials and advancing an early feasibility study. This year, Anteris' heart valve will also launch into FDA studies and prepare for regulatory approval work, positioning the technology for commercialisation in the European market. As it prepares to advance the transcatheter heart valve into the next stage of development, Anteris believes it is well-positioned to capitalise in a market with only two players. This means a product that operates "significantly better" than current solutions has the potential to reap the lion's share of rewards in a sector forecast to be worth $10 billion. KetamineOne (NEO: MEDI - OTC: KONEF) Interim CEO Adam Deffett joined Steve Darling from Proactive to share details about him taking over the role as CEO on an interim basis. Deffett talks about the company that has a network of 16 clinics across North America and plans to further expand that as well. The company said both the G1 and US-1 drones demonstrated superior flight time along with an agility to work in tight spaces Alpine 4 said its drones have the ability to remove many of the dangerous tasks performed by helicopter pilots inspecting powerlines Alpine 4 Holdings Inc ( ) said its Vayu Aerospace Corporation subsidiary has successfully demonstrated its G1 and US-1 airframes to several customers in the energy and mining industries. Alpine 4 also noted that, in all cases, both the G1 and US-1 drones demonstrated superior flight time along with an agility to work in tight spaces, such as power lines, while covering a great distance between energy generation locations. Several attendees expressed that our airframes would revolutionize their current work environment by reducing the time taken to perform cumbersome and laborious tasks, Alpine 4 Holdings CEO Kent Wilson said in a statement. It was also noted that our drones could remove many of the dangerous tasks performed by helicopter pilots inspecting powerlines. This demo illustrates the countless civilian applications currently underutilized while the drone economy is still in its infancy, Wilson added. As well, the company said the US-1 displayed its ability to work within a network of natural gas production wells, as its FLIR thermal camera has the ability to capture the thermal signature created by these wells as the drone hovers over the site. Alpine 4 Technologies is a diversified technology holding company that has continued making acquisitions after starting 2021 with a powerful portfolio. The Phoenix, Arizona-based group company acquires businesses that fit into what it considers a disruptive DSF business model: Drivers, Stabilizers and Facilitators. Contact Sean at sean@proactiveinvestors.com "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: Arashukovs trial set for jury RAPSI, Vladimir Burnov 11:06 16/07/2021 MOSCOW, July 16 (RAPSI) A jury trial has been set for Raul Arashukov, a former adviser to the head of a Gazprom subsidiary, and his son Rauf Arashukov, a senator representing the Karachayevo-Cherkessia region of Russia's Northern Caucasus, along with four other defendants. Six defendants including Arashukovs are to stand trial in the Moscow City Court, while the criminal case against other 14 defendants was transferred to the Moscow's Preobrazhensky District Court, lawyer Vladimir Postanyuk told RAPSI. Investigators allege that Raul Arashukov and eight CEOs of regional organizations of the gas industry misappropriated natural gas worth 3.8 billion rubles ($51 million at the current exchange rate), as well as embezzlied 747 million rubles ($10 million) under the guise of payments associated with work contracts and salary of their relative. In addition, the Arashukovs stand charged with organizing the murders in 2010 in the city of Cherkessk of Aslan Zhukov, a representative of the Circassian youth movement, and Fral Shebzukhov, adviser to the President of the Karachay-Cherkess Republic, who obstructed the activities of the criminal community. Three defendants in the case pleaded guilty to the theft of natural gas and participation in a criminal gang. Fugitive Russian bankers bankruptcy process extended until January 2022 RAPSI, Eugeny Varlamov 12:53 16/07/2021 MOSCOW, July 16 (RAPSI) The Moscow Commercial Court has approved extending until January 2022 the bankruptcy process of banker Georgy Bedzhamov, who is wanted in Russia on large-scale fraud charges after Vneshprombank failed, the court ruling reads. Bedzhamov was declared bankrupt in July 2018. In 2016, Bedzhamov was put on the international wanted list on embezzlement charges. Investigators believe that ex-Vneshprombank president Larisa Markus along with her brother Georgy Bedzhamov, who once co-owned the bank, created an organized crime group to siphon money from the bank. The group allegedly granted loans to sub-companies and did not refund money to Vneshprombank. Allegedly, from May 2009 to December 2015, conspirators managed to embezzle about 114 billion rubles ($1.5 billion at the current exchange rate). In March 2016, the Moscow Commercial Court declared Vneshprombank, among Russias 40 biggest lenders by assets, bankrupt. In May 2017, Markus was sentenced to 9 years in prison. Later, the sentence was reduced by 6 months. Moscow court dismisses move to freeze assets of former minister Abyzov Vedyashkin Sergey / AGN Moskva 16:30 16/07/2021 MOSCOW, July 16 (RAPSI) The Moscow Commercial Court has dismissed a a request filed by PJSC T Plus to freeze up to 34 billion rubles ($455 million) of assets belonging to former government minister Mikhail Abyzov. PJSC T Plus says that Abyzov is taking measures aimed at reducing the volume of his assets. Nevertheless, the court said the company had not presented evidence that the failure to take interim measures could complicate or make impossible the execution of the order issued following the consideration of the petition for bringing Abyzov to subsidiary liability. The petition was filed as a part of the lawsuit loged by several companies seeking to bring Abyzov and two managers of the company to subsidiary liability for the obligations of engineering company E4 Group, and to recover from them more than 34 billion rubles. In 2016, the Moscow Commercial Court declared E4 Group bankrupt. The applicants in the case are bankruptcy trustee of E4 Group Igor Vyshegorodtsev, SUPTR-10 LLC, T Plus PJSC, Redeliaco Holdings LTD and Alfa-Bank, the respondents are Abyzov, Andrey Malyshev and Ekaterina Sirotenko. This May, the Moscow City Court ruled in favor of the Russian Prosecutor General's Office, which sought that over 32.5 billion rubles ($435 million at the current exchange rate) worth of funds owned by Mikhail Abyzov were forfeited to the State. In October 2020, the Moscow Gagarinsky District Court ruled to forfeit to the State 32.5 billion rubles jointly and severally from Abyzov and a number of companies. In mid-August last year, the Russian Investigative Committee of Russia completed its investigation of the ex-minister and other defendants. According to investigators, Abyzov, being the beneficial owner of a number of offshore commercial organizations, created and headed a criminal community: acting in complicity with other persons, he fraudulently stole funds in the amount of 4 billion rubles ($54 million) from Sibirskaya Energeticheskaya Kompaniya and Regionalnye Elektricheskiye Seti. Later, the embezzled funds were moved overseas. "The fact of the legalization of funds by Abyzov and other defendants was established thanks to effective interaction with Russian finance watchdog Rosfinmonitoring and with the assistance of the competent authorities of the Republic of Cyprus, as the Investigative Committee had informed earlier. A Place for All Conservatives to Speak Their Mind. Espanola, NM (87532) Today Intervals of clouds and sunshine. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High around 90F. N winds shifting to SSE at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy skies. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low around 65F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph. The Central Government on Thursday said it has released Rs 75,000 crore to the States and Union Territories to compensate them for the shortfall in GST revenue. At the 43rd GST Council Meeting held on May 28, it was decided that the Centre would borrow Rs 1.59 lakh crore and release it to States and UTs to meet the resource gap due to the short release of compensation on account of the inadequate amount in the compensation fund. "The Ministry of Finance has released today Rs 75,000 crore to the States and UTs with Legislature under the back-to-back loan facility in lieu of GST Compensation. This release is in addition to normal GST compensation being released every 2 months out of actual cess collection," the ministry said in a statement. The total GST compensation that states would be getting in FY22 would be 2.59 lakh crore. The part of it paid out of proceeds of GST cess levied on items like automobiles is being released to states on a bimonthly basis. Amount of compensation financed through debt will form part of states fiscal deficit, not the governments. States with large economies are the biggest recipients of compensation in absolute terms. Karnataka received 8,542 crore, Maharashtra 6,501 crore and Gujarat 6,151 crore. Haryana, Kerala and Punjab gained big. The Mumbai Police has registered an FIR filed by an aspiring model-cum-actress alleging rape by the well-known Bollywood producer and music baron Bhushan Kumar, official sources said here on Friday. According to an officer with the D.N. Nagar Police Station in Andheri, the complaint by the 30-year-old victim was recorded on Thursday night. The victim has claimed in the FIR that she was sexually exploited and repeatedly raped by Bhushan Kumar between 2017 and 2020 under the false pretext of giving her roles in films. The officer said the police has lodged a case under Sections 376, 420 and 506 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) pertaining to rape, cheating and issuing threats, and further investigations are under way. No arrest has been made so far. Son of the late Gulshan Kumar Dua, who was shot dead by gangsters near a temple Juhu in 1997, Bhushan Kumar is the managing director of T-Series, the company his father had launched. T-Series today controls 90 per cent of all Bollywood music. Bhushan is also one of Bollywood's biggest producers. His forthcoming films include Radhe Shyam, starring Prabhas of Baahubali fame, and Bhuj: The Pride of India, with Ajay Devgn playing the lead character. Incidentally, the Bombay High Court had earlier this month upheld the life sentence awarded to Gulshan Kumar's killers. A resident of Delhi, Siddiqui was on a reporting assignment with the Afghan security forces when he was killed. Danish Siddiqui's father Professor Akhtar Siddiqui told IANS: "I got information about my son about one hour ago. The last time I spoke to my son was two days ago, and he was very happy at that time. " Afghanistan's ambassador to India, Farid Mamundzay, tweeted, "Deeply disturbed by the sad news of the killing of a friend, Danish Seddiqi in Kandahar last night. The Indian Journalist & winner of Pulitzer Prize was embedded with Afghan security forces. I met him 2 weeks ago before his departure to Kabul. Condolences to his family & Reuters." Danish Siddiqui was constantly capturing Afghan happenings in his camera, and was informing people through his social media posts. Two days ago, he tweeted: "The Humvee in which I was travelling with other special forces was also targeted by at least 3 RPG rounds and other weapons. I was lucky to be safe and capture the visual of one of the rockets hitting the armour plate overhead", He also posted a short video about the action. Siddiqui was awarded the Pulitzer Prize in 2018 for his coverage of the Rohingya issue. He was a student of Jamia University and his father has been a professor at the university. Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra received a tumultuous welcome form party workers as she arrived in Lucknow on Friday afternoon on a three-day visit. Thousands of Congress workers greeted Priyanka at the Chaudhary Charan Singh airport and a long winding convoy of vehicles accompanied her as she headed for the Congress headquarters, covering a distance of about 13 kilometres. Priyanka was greeted with flowers, bouquets and slogan shouting along the route. She offered floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi before reaching the party office. Later in the day, the Congress leader will meet party leaders, district presidents and other functionaries. She is also scheduled to interact with students, farmers, former MPs, MLAs and unemployed youth. The numbers of Covid-19 cases are surging in more than half of US states and territories, with 7-day average of daily new cases up over 65 per cent from the week before, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). A total of 31,815 new cases were reported across the United States on Tuesday, highest single-day increase since mid May, latest CDC data show, Xinhua news agency reported. The 7-day average of daily new cases is 24,141, up 65.9 percent from the week before. Cases related to the highly transmissible Delta and other variants are rising in the United States. The CDC said it is working with its partners to analyze COVID-19 testing specimens to better understand different variants. Delta, which was first found in India and is now in over 100 countries, represented over 50 percent of new infections in the United States over the two weeks ending on July 3, according to the CDC. Delta is now the dominant strain in the United States, drawing concerns from experts that the variant will cause a surge in new cases this fall. The pace of vaccinations has dropped in the country sharply in the past few months. About 48.2 percent of the US population is fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and 55.7 percent of the population has received at least one shot as of Wednesday, CDC data show. Inequality in access to the vaccine and a racial gap have impacted the success of the nation's vaccination campaign. Federal figures show that counties with higher percentages of black residents have lower vaccination rates in the country. Non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic persons experience higher COVID-19-associated morbidity and mortality, yet COVID-19 vaccination coverage is lower in these groups, according to a CDC study released on Thursday. Coverage and efforts to improve equity in vaccination coverage are critical, especially among populations disproportionately affected by COVID-19, said the CDC. Experts have said COVID-19 vaccines are key to managing spread and prevent variants from mutating into even more dangerous forms. Northbrook, IL -- (SBWIRE) -- 07/15/2021 -- According to a research report "Drone Inspection and Monitoring Market by Solution (Platform, Software, Infrastructure and Service), Type (Fixed Wing, Multirotor, Hybrid), Applications (Constructions & Infrastructure, Agriculture), Mode of Operations, & Region - Global Forecast to 2030", published by MarketsandMarkets, the overall Drone Inspection & Monitoring Market is projected to grow from USD 9.1 billion in 2021 to USD 33.6 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 15.7% from 2021 to 2030. North America is estimated to account for the largest share of the drone inspection & monitoring market from 2021 to 2030. The incorporation of artificial intelligence in drones has not only enhanced their capabilities but has also enabled them to carry out several activities such as takeoff, navigation, data capture, data transmission, and data analysis without human intervention. The outbreak and the spread of the COVID-19 led to increased demand and use of drones, as their benefits outweigh the potential challenges and difficulties related to them. They are being used in Africa, Asia, and North America to deliver COVID-19 vaccines and inspect and monitor the outbreak in remote places of countries like China. Police and government officers the world over have utilized drones to achieve remote policing and impose social distancing. Ask for PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=99915267 " By application, Construction & Infrastructure sub-segment of Drone Inspection And Monitoring Market would have the highest CAGR during the forecast period" Based on application, the Drone Inspection And Monitoring market has been classified into agriculture, construction & infrastructure, oil & gas, mining, utilities and others. For this segment of Drone Inspection And Monitoring Market, the Construction & Infrastructure sub-segment is projected to register the highest market size from 2021 to 2030 and it also has the highest CAGR from 2021 to 2030. This is due to high quality, accurate, and cost-effective data processing with drone technology. "By solution, the services segment is estimated to lead the Drone Inspection And Monitoring market" By solution, the Drone Inspection And Monitoring market has been segmented into platform, infrastructure, software and services. Each of them performs a different function and ensures drone's functioning in different applications. By solution, the services segment is estimated to lead the drone inspection & monitoring market from 2021 to 2030 due to the quick, cost-effective, and accurate data processing capabilities of drones compared to traditional methods. Also, the platform segment is projected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period. " By type, the hybrid segment is projected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period" Based on type, the drone inspection & monitoring market has been segmented into fixed wing, multirotor, and hybrid. The hybrid segment is projected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period due to hybrid drones' enhanced payload and endurance capabilities compared to fixed-wing and multirotor type drones. Also, the multirotor segment would have the highest market of Drone Inspection And Monitoring during the forecast period. Browse in-depth TOC on "Drone Inspection and Monitoring Market" 347 Tables 40 Figures 321 Pages Inquiry Before Buying: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Enquiry_Before_BuyingNew.asp?id=99915267 "By mode of operation, optionally piloted segment is estimated to account for the largest market share of Drone Inspection And Monitoring market during the forecast period" Based on mode of operation, the drone inspection & monitoring market has been segmented into remotely piloted, optionally piloted, and fully autonomous. The optionally piloted segment is estimated to account for the largest share of from 2021 to 2030 for the drone inspection & monitoring market during the forecast period owing to its demand in precision agriculture, disaster relief, traffic monitoring, and building inspection. Also, the fully autonomous segment is projected to grow with the highest CAGR during the forecast period. " Asia Pacific is projected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period." The drone inspection & monitoring market in Asia Pacific is projected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The growth of this regional market can be attributed to the increasing demand for drones in growing economies like China and India, where drones are widely employed for inspection and monitoring tasks in the agriculture and utility sectors. Major players operating in the Drone Inspection And Monitoring market include Intertek (UK), MISTRAS Group (US), Wipro (India), Intel Corporation (US), Lockheed Martin Corporation (US), Northrop Grumman Corporation (US), SZ DJI Technology Co., Ltd. (China), Parrot SA (France). These key players offer drones applicable for various sector and have well-equipped and strong distribution networks across the North American, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Rest of the World (RoW). Related Reports: Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Market by Point of Sale, Systems, Platform (Civil & Commercial, and Defense & Governement), Function, End Use, Application, Type, Mode of Operation, MTOW, Range, and Region - Global Forecast to 2026 Drone Package Delivery Market by Solution (Platform, Infrastructure, Software, Service), Type (Fixed-Wing, Multirotor, Hybrid) Range (Short <25 km, Long>25 km), Package Size (< 2Kg, 25 Kg, > 5Kg), Duration, End Use, Region- Global Forecast to 2030 About MarketsandMarkets MarketsandMarkets provides quantified B2B research on 30,000 high growth niche opportunities/threats which will impact 70% to 80% of worldwide companies' revenues. Currently servicing 7500 customers worldwide including 80% of global Fortune 1000 companies as clients. Almost 75,000 top officers across eight industries worldwide approach MarketsandMarkets for their painpoints around revenues decisions. Our 850 fulltime analyst and SMEs at MarketsandMarkets are tracking global high growth markets following the "Growth Engagement Model GEM". The GEM aims at proactive collaboration with the clients to identify new opportunities, identify most important customers, write "Attack, avoid and defend" strategies, identify sources of incremental revenues for both the company and its competitors. MarketsandMarkets now coming up with 1,500 MicroQuadrants (Positioning top players across leaders, emerging companies, innovators, strategic players) annually in high growth emerging segments. MarketsandMarkets is determined to benefit more than 10,000 companies this year for their revenue planning and help them take their innovations/disruptions early to the market by providing them research ahead of the curve. MarketsandMarkets's flagship competitive intelligence and market research platform, "Knowledge Store" connects over 200,000 markets and entire value chains for deeper understanding of the unmet insights along with market sizing and forecasts of niche markets. Contact: Mr. Aashish Mehra MarketsandMarkets INC. 630 Dundee Road Suite 430 Northbrook, IL 60062 USA: +1-888-600-6441 Edison, NJ -- (SBWIRE) -- 07/16/2021 -- The Global Hydrogen Vehicle Market report sheds light on noteworthy industry trends, emerging issues and key areas of opportunity that help Hydrogen Vehicle manufacturers decide top strategic priorities in next few years. The executive outlook presented in Hydrogen Vehicle research reflects the overall industry, with respondents surveyed from different geographies, company sizes, and industry segments. The study starts with an introduction and macro-economic impact on export-import (EXIM), consumption and production cycle to meet demand-supply curve of Hydrogen Vehicle. Some of the high profiled and emerging players listed are FeiChi Bus, Honda, SAIC, Toyota, Hyundai, Foton & Dongfeng etc. Get an Inside Scoop of Global Hydrogen Vehicle Market https://www.htfmarketreport.com/sample-report/3371948-2020-2025-global-hydrogen-vehicle-market-report-production-and-consumption-professional-analysis The majority of market leaders expect their companiesand the Hydrogen Vehicle industry to see upside in top-line, largely driven by revolutionary and diversified new technology segments, such as artificial intelligence (AI), the internet of things (IoT), and autonomous vehicles. Most of Hydrogen Vehicle industry executives expect bottom-line to rise inline with revenue, as revenue is coming from new markets and rationalize costs in research and development (R&D) processes using cutting-edge techniques. In this highly competitive & fast evolving Hydrogen Vehicle industry, the top strategic priorities would remain consistent like innovation, diversification, M&A, and talent management. The scope of market study is formulated keeping a check on latest Global Hydrogen Vehicle product category and high-end applications and country where trade volume and good cash flow is seen. Scope of the Report Application: Commercial Use & Home Use Product Type: , Passenger Vehicle & Commercial Vehicle Geographical Regions: North America (Covered in Chapter 8), United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe (Covered in Chapter 9), Germany, UK, France, Italy, Spain, Others, Asia-Pacific (Covered in Chapter 10), China, Japan, India, South Korea, Southeast Asia, Others, Middle East and Africa (Covered in Chapter 11), Saudi Arabia, UAE, South Africa, Others, South America (Covered in Chapter 12), Brazil & Others Manufacturers: FeiChi Bus, Honda, SAIC, Toyota, Hyundai, Foton & Dongfeng Have a different scope in mind; Go with Customized version@ https://www.htfmarketreport.com/enquiry-before-buy/3371948-2020-2025-global-hydrogen-vehicle-market-report-production-and-consumption-professional-analysis Major Highlights & Features of Global Hydrogen Vehicle Market Report Demand Determinants: Tapping top notch application and product type that seeks high growth potentials. Key Strategic Developments: To target untapped regions more aggressively by focusing on product/service developments, innovation and R & D, new launches, Merger & acquisitions, JVs & partnerships. Market Dynamics: Growth drivers, restraints & opportunities available in Hydrogen Vehicle industry is examined with reference relevant market sectors and sub-sectors. Analytical Tool & Evaluation Model: In addition to statistical review of market size estimation in dollar term and sales volume / shipments; the market study includes qualitative insights of Hydrogen Vehicle using models such as Porters 5-Forces, PESTLE analysis, 5C, FPNV Positioning, Ansoff Matrix, Perpetual Mapping, Heat Map Analysis, BCG Matrix etc. Buy 2021 Edition of Market Study Now @ https://www.htfmarketreport.com/buy-now?format=1&report=3371948 The Global Hydrogen Vehicle study includes market data from 2016 to 2026, with base year as 2020 useful for industry executives, marketing, sales and product managers, and anyone looking for market data in easily accessible document. Some Extracts from Table of Content - Overview of Global Hydrogen Vehicle Market - Market dynamics - Hydrogen Vehicle Size (USD & Sales Volume) Comparison by Type (2016-2026) - Hydrogen Vehicle Size (USD & Consumption) and Market Share Comparison by Application (2016-2026) - Hydrogen Vehicle Size (Value & Volume) Comparison by Region (2016-2026) - Market Capacity, Production, Export-Import by Region (2016-2020) - Hydrogen Vehicle Market Sales, Revenue and Growth Rate (2016-2026) - Competitive Situation and Trends - Market Share Analysis (2019-2021E) - Suppliers High Performance Manufacturing Base Distribution - Analyse competitors, Profiles, Sales Area, Product Category - Global Hydrogen Vehicle Manufacturing Cost Analysis - Marketing Strategy Analysis - Research Conclusions ..................Continued Read Detailed Index of full Research Study at @ https://www.htfmarketreport.com/reports/3371948-2020-2025-global-hydrogen-vehicle-market-report-production-and-consumption-professional-analysis Thanks for reading Hydrogen Vehicle Industry research publication; you can also get individual chapter wise section or region wise report version like USA, China, Southeast Asia, LATAM, Europe, or APAC etc. Edison, NJ -- (SBWIRE) -- 07/16/2021 -- The latest published document on Waste to Energy (WTE) market provides insights about evolution of the competitive environment, the lifecycle stage and opportunities. The survey with Waste to Energy (WTE) investors & stakeholders in this sector, from APAC, EMEA and the Americas, reveals information such as large-scale projects with regulatory environments by country, Subsidies, tax incentives and direct investment. Along with this activity comes a stream of Waste to Energy (WTE) M&A activity and growth, as producers strive to stay ahead of the curve. Some of the established and new companies profiled in the study are Sanfeng Covanta, China Everbright, Tianjin Teda, Grandblue, Shanghai Environmental & Shenzhen Energy etc. Know Who is gaining advantage of the opportunities? Who is holding back, worried about the inherent risk? Get Access to Free PDF Sample of Waste to Energy (WTE) Market @: https://www.htfmarketreport.com/sample-report/3308897-waste-to-energy-5 According to the survey, the Waste to Energy (WTE) market report highlights M&A activity in the energy sector is extremely strong and, in some jurisdictions, it has become almost feverish. To better understand investment cycle and revenue flow; the scope of Waste to Energy (WTE) study is defined considering high growth segments and jurisdictions i.e., by Type [, Thermal Technologies & Biochemical Reactions], application [Power Plant, Heating Plant & Other] and by Regions [Region Names]. The Vendor Landscape of Waste to Energy (WTE) market report includes company profiles that provides detailed information such as Business Overview, Offerings and Specifications, Key Financial Metrics (Total, Gross & Net), SWOT Analysis, Market Share, Production & Capacity (MW), Key Development Activities etc for producers Sanfeng Covanta, China Everbright, Tianjin Teda, Grandblue, Shanghai Environmental & Shenzhen Energy and many more. Buy this research report @ https://www.htfmarketreport.com/buy-now?format=1&report=3308897 Margins are tight, forcing key players of Waste to Energy (WTE) to seek out new ideas to improve efficiency and ROI with new revenue streams. The potential of this enterprise section has been rigorously investigated in conjunction with main market challenges. Current Scenario, Business Strategies & Key Market Development of Waste to Energy (WTE) Market have given lot more emphasis targeting new development, Joint Ventures, partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, etc. Key Highlights of the Study 1) M&A activity in Waste to Energy (WTE); especially Energy Sector is healthy and strongly growing. Deal volumes have increased every year since 2010 and continue to do so. 2) Valuations are expected to increase, , Thermal Technologies & Biochemical Reactions are expected to see good pace in next few years. 3) How the bureaucratic and legislative obstacles are overcome by investment pioneers. 4) Countries that are in the top spots for Waste to Energy (WTE) and Position of Jurisdictions by 2026. 5) Top segments and sources that are attracting attention of stakeholders from the Sector. 6) In which region the biggest rise in development activity is seen in next 2-years. .... and many others Make an Enquiry before Purchase @ https://www.htfmarketreport.com/enquiry-before-buy/3308897-waste-to-energy-5 Report Scope and Extracts of Waste to Energy (WTE) Market Study Chapter 1: Executive summary and Key findings Chapter 2: Waste to Energy (WTE) Market Now & Beyond: Future Outlook Chapter 3: Waste to Energy (WTE) M&A overview Chapter 4: Hotspots for Waste to Energy (WTE) Chapter 5: Sub-sectors - R&D and innovation Chapter 6: Policy and Government Initiatives Chapter 7: Major Players - A mix of Incumbents and New - Waste to Energy (WTE) Market Share Analysis by Players (2019-2021E) - Waste to Energy (WTE) Concentration Rate - Company Profiles ....... Chapter 8. Market Revenue (USD), Production (2016-2026), by Type [, Thermal Technologies & Biochemical Reactions] Chapter 9. Waste to Energy (WTE) Market, by Application [Power Plant, Heating Plant & Other] Chapter 10. Market Revenue (USD), Capacity, Production (MW) by Regions (2016-2026) - Value ($) by Region - Waste to Energy (WTE) Production - % Market Share by Region ....... .... Continued Read Detailed Index of the Study at @ https://www.htfmarketreport.com/reports/3308897-waste-to-energy-5 Thanks for reading Waste to Energy (WTE) Industry research publication; get customized report or need to have regional report like Africa, GCC, USA, China, Southeast Asia, Europe, LATAM or APAC etc then connect with us @ sales@htfmarketreport.com 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. Astronomers with Las Cumbres Observatory have captured a new image of the recently-discovered giant comet C/2014 UN271 (Bernardinelli-Bernstein). Comet Bernardinelli-Bernstein is named after two University of Pennsylvania astronomers, Pedro Bernardinelli and Professor Gary Bernstein, who spotted it in archival images from the Dark Energy Survey. Also known as C/2014 UN271, the comet is estimated to be between 100 and 200 km across, or about 10 times the diameter of most solar system comets. Comet Bernardinelli-Bernstein is not expected to become naked-eye bright: it will remain a telescopic object because its closest distance to the Sun will still be beyond Saturn. It will reach its closest approach to the Sun in January 2031. Since the new object was far in the south and quite faint, we knew there wouldnt be many other telescopes that could observe it, said Dr. Tim Lister, an astronomer at Las Cumbres Observatory. Fortunately, Las Cumbres Observatory has a network of robotic telescopes across the world, particularly in the southern hemisphere, and we were able to quickly get images from the Las Cumbres Observatory telescopes in South Africa. The new images of comet Bernardinelli-Bernstein were captured by one of Las Cumbres Observatorys 1-m telescopes hosted at the South African Astronomical Observatory on June 22, 2021. Members of the Las Cumbres Observatory Outbursting Objects Key (LOOK) project from New Zealand were the first to notice the comet. The analysis of the new images showed a fuzzy coma around the object, indicating that it was active and was indeed a comet. Since were a team based all around the world, it just happened that it was my afternoon, while the other folks were asleep, said Dr. Michele Bannister, an astronomer at the University of Canterbury. The first image had the comet obscured by a satellite streak and my heart sank. But then the others were clear enough and gosh: there it was, definitely a beautiful little fuzzy dot, not at all crisp like its neighboring stars! Alongside the relief of ending the longest war in modern American history, we need to acknowledge the horrors of what we are leaving behind in Afghanistan. by Sonali Kolhatkar When a reporter in early July asked Joe Biden a question about the war in Afghanistan, the U.S. president sniped back, saying, I want to talk about happy things, man. Biden revealed, perhaps unintentionally, that the situation in Afghanistan is anything but a happy topic. It might have been one of the most revealing responses from a sitting president about the longest-running war in modern United States history. The president shifted focus, saying, The economy is growing faster than anytime in 40 years, weve got a record number of new jobs, COVID deaths are down 90 percent, wages are up faster than any time in 15 years, were bringing our troops home. The wars end is merely the icing on the cake he is seemingly gifting the American public: an end to a war in addition to peace, prosperity, and health at home (even if such achievements are more marketing than reality). At the very least, one can give Biden credit for formally ending the U.S. role in the war, even if he had nothing substantive to say about the devastation we have wrought over the years. Members of the Congressional Progressive Caucus said they commend President Biden for fulfilling his commitment to ending the longest war in American history and took his withdrawal of troops to mean that there is no military solution in Afghanistan. (They made no mention of Bidens role during the Obama presidency in prolonging the war.) Opponents of the war have known since 2001 that there is no military solution to the U.S.-sponsored fundamentalist violence that had plagued Afghanistan at the time. More such violencewhich is largely what the U.S. offered for nearly 20 yearsonly made things worse. In announcing the wars end and pivoting to what he deemed were happy topics, Biden fed the propaganda of silence that my co-author James Ingalls and I referred to in the subtitle of our 2006 book Bleeding Afghanistan. There has long been a deliberate effort to downplay the U.S.s failures and paint a rosy picture of a war whose victory has always been just around the corner. But there is no happy ending for Afghans, and there was never meant to be. Afghans, already weary of never-ending war in 2001, were promised democracy, womens rights, and peace. But instead, the U.S. offered elections, a theoretical liberation of women, and an absence of justice while championing corrupt armed warlords and their militias. In trying to end the debacle, American diplomats refused to involve the (admittedly flawed) Afghan government that they had helped to build as a bulwark against fundamentalism, and instead engaged in peace talks with the Talibanthe same enemy of democracy, women, and peace that the U.S. had spent nearly two decades fighting. Now, as the fundamentalist fighters claim more territory than they have controlled in decades, and the Taliban have predictably begun reimposing medieval-era restrictions on women, ordinary Afghans, including women, are taking up arms to fight them. Was this the liberation that the U.S. promised Afghan women? Even the manner of withdrawing American troops was as shameful as the mess the U.S. is leaving behind. The Associated Press reported that the U.S. military abandoned Bagram Airfield in early July in the dead of night, failing to properly coordinate with the Afghan army commanders who were expecting to take over. After they left, a small army of looters rifled through the millions of taxpayer-funded items left behind by American troops including small weapons and ammunition. Later on, one Afghan soldier bitterly told the AP, In one night, they lost all the goodwill of 20 years by leaving the way they did, in the night, without telling the Afghan soldiers who were outside patrolling the area. Afghans have every reason to be cynical. The Americans leave a legacy of failure, theyve failed in containing the Taliban or corruption, said one shopkeeper in Bagram. Another auto mechanic told Reuters, They came with bombing the Taliban and got rid of their regimebut now they have left when the Taliban are so empowered that they will take over any time soon. Phyllis Bennis, director of the New Internationalism Project at the Institute for Policy Studies, explained to me in an interview that there is a likelihood of civil war breaking out but warned, I think it would be a mistake to see it as a new civil war. Bennis, who is the author of several books including Understanding ISIS and the New Global War on Terror and Ending the U.S. War in Afghanistan, added, This would be in a sense a continuation of the existing civil war. By that, she meant that for the past 20 years, the U.S. has essentially been inserting itself into an existing civil war between the Taliban and fundamentalist Northern Alliance warlords who had enjoyed previous U.S. support. The Taliban had won that war in 1996, not because of the extremism of their definitions of religious law, but despite that, said Bennis. But in 2001, after the September 11 attacks, the U.S. restarted that civil war by bombing Afghanistan and bringing the Northern Alliance warlords back into power along with a puppet government in Kabul. More than 200,000 lives and $2 trillion later, the U.S. is leaving the same basic dynamic largely in place. Most wars are a farce. But if ever there was a textbook case to be made about the futility of war, the 20 years of U.S. militarism in Afghanistan offers a shining example. Former Defense Secretary Leon Panetta in an opinion piece on CNN.com repeated the same list of tired and empty achievements that other defenders of the war have made: the establishment of a democratic government, expanded rights for women, improved education, and successful operations to decimate core Al Qaeda and bring Osama Bin Laden to justice. But then he went on to cite all the ways in which these seeming successes have unraveled and that the only way to prevent the Taliban from fomenting future violence is to continue counter terrorism operations. The narrow spectrum of actions that American elites have offered on Afghanistan ranges from Bidens idea to withdraw forces (while pretending everything is happy), to an unending military presence as per Panetta. In other words, Afghans were never meant to have their happy ending. War and militarism do not offer such a solution. One cannot bomb a nation into democracy, womens rights, and peace. Those things are built internally by civil-society-led institutions and networks free from violence, and that are engaged, supported, funded, and nurtured. Over 20 years, the U.S. cared little for such things. To its credit, the Congressional Progressive Caucus demanded from Biden that in addition to withdrawing troops, The U.S. must support peace and reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan. In their statement, lawmakers said, we encourage the Biden administration to quickly put in place a multilateral diplomatic strategy for an inclusive, intra-Afghan process to bring about a sustainable peace. But there appears to be little appetite for such solutions within the Biden administration. And Americans remain largely blissfully ambivalent either way. If only Biden, Panetta, and others had the courage to admit that the war in Afghanistan was ultimately an exercise in American imperialist hubris. It was an expensive and deadly smackdown of a poor nation that dared to host a terrorist faction that attacked the U.S., a costly message to the world that an attack on the U.S. will not go unpunished. That is all it was designed to do, and when histories of the war are written, one can only hope that this stark fact is made crystal clear. Most ordinary Afghans understand this even if Americans dont. We have to solve our problem. We have to secure our country and once again build our country with our own hands, said Gen. Mir Asadullah Kohistani, the new commander of Bagram Airfield. Sayed Naqibullah, the shopkeeper interviewed by Reuters, echoed this claim, saying, In a way, were happy theyve gone Were Afghans and well find our way. This article was produced by Economy for All, a project of the Independent Media Institute. Sonali Kolhatkar is the founder, host and executive producer of Rising Up With Sonali, a television and radio show that airs on Free Speech TV and Pacifica stations. She is a writing fellow for the Economy for All project at the Independent Media Institute. Freedom Is Not Free (Thats Why You Dont Have Any) Freedom is free. And freedom is you and me. And humanity awakening to this reality is what will someday rid us of our chains. by Caitlin Johnstone Freedom is not free, goes the old bumper sticker slogan, commonly accompanied by an image of a flag or soldiers or some other bullshit. Freedom is not free, the saying goes, because military personnel are out there laying their lives on the line fighting for your right to do as youre told and toil away at a meaningless job making some rich asshole even richer. Freedom is not free, because were all just so much freer after murdering families on the other side of the planet for corporate profits and geostrategic domination. Freedom is not free, because were all so much freer after teenagers get thrown into the gears of the imperial war machine to provide a good quarterly statement for Raytheon shareholders. Freedom is not free, because this thing were calling freedom has been paid for with the blood, lives and limbs of millions of innocents throughout the Global South. Freedom is not free. Thats why the only people doing as they please in our world are wealthy oligarchs. Freedom is not free. And unless youre wealthy enough or psychopathic enough theres no way youll ever find a way to pay the price. Freedom is not free. Thats why were all running along on this ridiculous hamster wheel of global capitalism destroying our ecosystem so some dickhead with too much money can go float around in space. Freedom is not free. It takes billions of dollars worth of mass media propaganda to manufacture the illusion of freedom. Freedom is not free. Great expense went into creating the Truman Show narrative matrix that we are all caged in. Freedom is not free. Thats why your votes are fake and your political system is a scripted puppet show for children. Freedom is not free. Thats why you must obey your rulers to avoid getting censored by Silicon Valley oligarchs, assaulted by police officers, or thrown in prison by bureaucrats who play with civilizations like toys. Freedom is not free, and we cant afford the admission fee to actually influence the direction our world is headed. Freedom is not free, and were watching helplessly as plutocrats and warmongers drive our beautiful world off a cliff from which there is no returning. Freedom is not free, and we are marching doomward to the beat of Hollywood and lying newscasters. Freedom is not free, and we are too enslaved to our own egoic conditioning and trauma-induced mental habits to see the path to true liberation. Freedom is not free. Its going to take a lot for us to turn inward and awaken to our true potential so that we can break free of our propaganda brainboxes and become a conscious species. Freedom is not free. But it is waiting for us, beneath the thoughts, beneath the noise, beneath the believed narratives about self, world and other. Freedom is not free. Or hey, plot twist: maybe it is. Maybe freedom is our true nature, and all we need to do is recognize it. Freedom is free. And freedom is you and me. And humanity awakening to this reality is what will someday rid us of our chains. Not too long now. Not long at all. Homestead, FL (33030) Today A mix of clouds and sun. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High near 90F. Winds E at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy skies early followed by scattered thunderstorms overnight. Low 77F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%. Homestead, FL (33030) Today Sun and clouds mixed. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High around 90F. Winds ESE at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy this evening. Scattered thunderstorms developing after midnight. Low 77F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%. Lilly Price Lilly Price joined the Capital Gazette in 2019 and is a general assignment reporter. Previously, she was a national news intern at the USA Today and a capitol reporting intern at the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin, she is a native of Montgomery County, Maryland. While the COVID surge is not as drastic as last July, the spike in new cases in Florida parallels a rise in COVID hospitalizations. Across the state, 3,652 people were hospitalized with COVID-19 for the seven-day period ending July 15, more than double the number hospitalized with COVID-19 only a month ago, according to the latest White House report. Geller said there is no need for the new committee to also wait since it will not make technical suggestions. Its too soon. We dont know what caused it. That doesnt mean we cant do broad policy issues, Geller said. After the two talked briefly, the woman turned to walk away. Thats when Hankerson grabbed her by the shoulder and hit her in the head with a gun, deputies said. He also pleaded guilty for directing an elder fraud scheme where he sold stock to the elderly investors and used their money for his own use what ended up being $1.3 million spent on gambling, diamond jewelry, luxury cars, his own mortgage payments and tuition for his childrens private schools, according to prosecutors. A few of his purchases included a McLaren MP4-12C, a Chevrolet Corvette and a 4.81 carat diamond ring. But she nearly lost her job in 2019 after she showed up at an office Halloween party dressed as a flasher. Runcie recommended that she be demoted with a $44,000 pay cut. The School Board decided instead to suspend her for seven days, saying it was a one-time lapse of judgment in her otherwise successful tenure with the district. His trial had been delayed numerous times. First it was postponed as he and his attorneys explored the rarely utilized insanity defense. Then, one of the public defenders withdrew from the case because of health concerns. Another delay happened after the defendant pleaded guilty to every count in the indictment. And again, twice, because of the coronavirus pandemic. Jordan had help from a madam in the United Kingdom, with whom he shared and referred prostitutes and johns. The indictment notes that two of the women traveled from California to New York for sex work. The note also stated that 38-year-old Corey Brewer was holding her captive, had a knife and was sexually and physically assaulting her, NBC News affiliate WPXI reported. Walmart employees found the note and turned it over to police on July 8, according to the station. The opinion, reflecting the prejudice of judges rather than any facts in the record, was written by Judge Adam Scott Tannenbaum, whom Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed in 2019. Previously, he was general counsel to the Florida House of Representatives, which is controlled by a Republican majority that opposes initiatives to allow recreational use of marijuana. The other judges on the panel were Stephanie Ray, a Rick Scott appointee in 2011, and Lori S. Rowe, appointed by Charlie Crist in 2009. Much of the debate has centered on the proposed ban on 24-hour early voting and drive-thru voting, two initiatives piloted by Harris County last year during the pandemic. County officials pursued creative measures to accommodate voters during an unprecedented crisis. However, its not unreasonable for Republicans to set early voting hours between 6 a.m. and 9 or 10 p.m. (In Florida, state law requires early voting take place no less than eight hours and no more than 12 hours each day it is offered.) Their proposed legislation also increases the minimum number of early voting hours in certain counties with fewer than 100,000 residents. Curbside voting remains an option for voters with disabilities. It is a fact that the area where the building was constructed is sinking at a rate equal to or greater than todays rise in sea-level, or two to three millimeters a year. Regarding repairs, any structural deficiencies ought to be repaired immediately to insure that the building remains safe for occupancy. Condo associations ought to include at least partial reserve payments as part of their regular maintenance payments, from Day One of occupancy. Some condo associations forgo such payments allegedly out of fear that the money could be misused. The number of positive cases of Covid-19 in Gibraltar has been rising steadily recently, among vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals. The government announced this week that visits to Mount Alvernia and John Mackintosh House, both of which are residences for the elderly, were being temporarily suspended because a patient in the former and a member of staff in the latter had tested positive for coronavirus. On Monday, the number of active cases was 79 (73 residents and 6 visitors) including one in Elderly Residential Services, but nobody was in the hospital Covid ward. On Tuesday there were 21 new cases, bringing the total to 84 residents and 8 visitors. On Wednesday a further 23 cases were registered, and the total number was 115 (104 residents and 11 visitors). One person was admitted to the Covid ward. On Thursday the figures had risen again to a total of 138: 127 residents and 11 visitors. One person remains in hospital. The Battle of Las Navas de Tolosa, a strategic turning point in the Christian reconquest of Spain, took place in the small town of Las Navas (Jaen) on 16 July 1212. The overwhelming defeat of the Muslim Almohads gave further impulse to the Christian reconquest and hastened the Moors' decline in the Iberian Peninsula. Known as the Battle of Al-Uqab in Arab history, the conflict was fought by the forces of King Alfonso VIII of Castile, who were joined by the armies of his arch-rivals, Sancho VII of Navarra and Pedro II of Aragon. King Alfonso had suffered a severe defeat at the hands of the Almohads in 1195, during the Disaster of Alarcos, a battle that shook the stability of the Kingdom of Castile for several years. In 1211, a powerful army led by the Caliph Muhammad al-Nasir crossed the Strait of Gibraltar and invaded Christian territory. The Almohads captured the Salvatierra Castle, the stronghold of the knights of the Order of Calatrava, a fortification located on a hill at the foot of Mount Atalaya. The Almohad threat to the Christian kingdoms was so severe that Pope Innocent III called Christian knights to a crusade, bringing King Alfonso together with his adversaries to quash the invasion. On the night prior to the battle, the Christian forces crossed the mountain range that defended the Almohad camp, advancing through the Despenaperros mountain pass with the assistance of a local shepherd who was familiar with the area. The coalition forces caught the Almohad army off guard, smashing through the defensive line of slave-warriors that surrounded the caliph's encampment. The battle began in the early hours of the morning with a charge from the first line of Christian troops, which put the Muslim vanguard to flight. The Arabic troops suffered severe casualties and the battle ended with a decisive victory for King Alfonso VIII. The victorious Christians seized several war trophies, including Muhammad al-Nasir's tent, which was delivered to Pope Innocent III. The battle ended with the total defeat of the 24,000-strong Muslim armies, while the Christians are said to have lost around 2,000 soldiers. However, legend claims that the Christian casualties were far fewer. The caliph escaped the battlefield and managed to make his way back to Rabat. He was assassinated by his courtiers at his palace in Marrakech the following year. Police on the south coast of Spain have dealt another blow to large-scale drug-trafficking on the Costa del Sol. The Guardia Civil in Nerja intercepted a large lorry - registered in Poland - in which they found more than one hundred kilos of hashish. The two occupants of the vehicle, two middle-aged men of foreign nationality, have been arrested by officers. The lorry was stopped at a routine traffic control on Thursday (15 July) at one of the access roundabouts to the A-7 Mediterranean motorway in Nerja. Police have sealed and immobilised the vehicle on an industrial estate in the town. The Guardia Civil investigation remains open and further arrests have not been ruled out. After an absence from the Costa del Sol of almost 16 months, with the exception of just twelve days last July, the British airline Jet2.com will resume flights from the UK to Malaga on Monday (19 July). It will do so after Wednesdays confirmation that the British Government will allow holidaymakers to travel to amber-list destinations without the need for quarantine on return to England if they have been fully vaccinated by the NHS, although they will still be required to take PCR tests. The fifth most important airline at Malaga airport, which carried almost one million passengers to the Costa del Sol in the year before the pandemic, will resume services with a flight from Leeds - to be repeated on the 22, 23, 24 and 25 July - and another from Birmingham, on 23 and 24 July as well as on Monday. Jet2.com has said that, initially, 19 services have been scheduled from its UK bases to Spain, flying from Newcastle and from the East Midlands Airport from 22 July; Manchester (23 July); London Stansted airport (24 July); Glasgow (31 July) and Edinburgh (7 August). The company has said that these flights are already available on their website, but that the programme is constantly being reviewed due to the uncertainty surrounding the pandemic. Ryanair and easyJet have already announced extra seats to fly to the Costa del Sol from Monday. One hundred hotels The return of Jet2 is eagerly awaited on the coast where the package holiday company worked with around one hundred hotels in the province before the worldwide coronavirus crisis. Jet2.com said, "There is a desire to return to the Costa del Sol and there is a high demand from the British." The United Kingdom is the most important market for Malaga airport, accounting for 30 per cent of arrivals. The hotel sector on the coast would normally expect the same percentage of British visitors to fill its rooms. At the same time as British reservations increase, the number of cancellations from Germans, Belgians and now the Dutch - who have added Spain to the travel red list - are worrying the hotel sector. "We have more uncertainty than ever and at the worst time," explained the head of the coasts hoteliers association. Aehcos forecasts that July will end with an occupancy rate of 58 per cent. A minute of silence was observed in Malaga this Friday morning (17 July) in memory Mari Angeles, the 25th victim of gender violence in Spain, so far this year, and the third in Andalucia. At 10am a large group gathered on the steps of Malagas city hall as a tribute to the 46-year-old woman who was allegedly murdered on Thursday by her partner, who turned the shotgun on himself and took his own life. On his Twitter account, the city mayor, Francisco de la Torre, conveyed his condolences to the woman's relatives as well as saying that Malaga "absolutely rejects gender violence." The Violencia Cero platform against the mistreatment of women has also called a rally in the city at 8pm this Friday, in the Plaza de la Constitucion . Under the slogan "Let's end sexist violence" the organisers have ask people to wear face masks always respect social distancing measures. Suspendisse potenti. Is suspension of freedom and movement by a central government justified by the outbreak of a virus? If, like me, you were tormented by this question during last spring's quarantine, and if you experienced powerless anger at the way Spain's government was behaving, convinced that the legality of suspending fundamental liberties must be very shaky, whatever the context, there was something to celebrate this week: vindication. The retrospective enormity of this week's ruling by Spain's Constitutional Court - that last spring's government-enforced lockdown was illegal - takes a few minutes to absorb. Think back to March and April 2020, when police presence on empty streets made one wonder why a health problem was turning into a quasi-criminal affair. It was also hard to avoid suspicion that the blurring of that distinction, by both the government and law enforcement authorities, was surely verging on criminal itself. During all of those days that police officers scoured Spain's cities, towns and villages, handing out over a million fines to people caught doing anything other than food shopping, none of their actions had a legal foundation. If, last spring, it was impossible to believe that any such behaviour COULD have its basis and defence in the Spanish Constitution, it turns out that that was for very good reason - because none of it did. Pedro Sanchez's government says that it had no time to introduce a more serious "state of exception", which may have permitted lockdown but which would have required prior parliamentary consent to introduce. A state of alarm doesn't need approval in advance by parliament, precisely because it's the least serious of three states of emergency outlined in the Spanish Constitution - it can be activated first and debated later. Sanchez is thus ensnared in a paradox: the situation last March wasn't serious enough to impose a state of exception, but it was serious enough to enforce an unprecedented suspension of liberties. Even claiming lack of time begs a hard question, though. Arguably, because the Spanish government's actions last March had a direct impact on the lives of every person in the country - unlike most of the time - it should have been subject to tighter procedures and parliamentary approval, rather than allowed to act in the absence of such checks. If more time was required to attempt to proceed properly, running the "risk" that lockdown would be blocked by congress, then it should have been taken. Other fascinating and important questions are raised by this week's ruling, but at least it's answered one viscerally-felt one, a nagging question that dominated the thoughts of lockdown sceptics in Spain last spring: "Is this right? Is this... OK?" Over a year later, the verdict's finally been returned: no, it isn't. Isn't it about time that politicians stopped telling us what to eat and drink? None of them are competent to do so, and certainly no Spanish MP has the qualifications to recommend we consume less meat, as happened recently. Perhaps the level of political intervention reached a new level when Vladimir Putin mannounced to the world that French champagne cannot be sold in Russia. A new law rules that only home-produced sparkling wine can be referred to as champagne. This presents the hordes of champagne-loving Russians with a dilemma. They can still serve Moet and Crystal at their parties, but the labels must refer to 'shampanskoye' - sparkling wine. The whole thing is typical of a mad dictator. There is no benefit to anyone, except possibly some sparkling winemakers in the Crimea who will now be struggling to churn out more of their almost undrinkable product. The situation opens the door to the unprecedented scenario of Russian sparking wine being labelled as 'champagne' and the real imported stuff as 'sparkling wine'. The issue that is worrying winemakers worldwide is that they could be at the mercy of any mad dictator whose priorities are more patriotic than practical. Names like champagne, cognac, claret, etc, have been hard won after multiple court battles, and are not to be surrendered easily. Imagine some secondary wine- producing country deciding to call its red wine 'Rioja', like for example, 'Rumanian Rioja'. Following Russia's example this is a technical possibility, just showing that power is often in the wrong hands. Putin claims to have never let a drop of alcohol pass his lips. 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. Reveille X made her debut as the new First Lady of Aggieland during the change of command at Final Review on April 30. Barbecue at Camp Brisket has been bringing meat lovers together for over nine years, giving the opportunity for guests to learn from pit masters and engage in conversation over brisket. Monday 05 September, 2016 Reliable information reaching Biafra writers desk has it that the life of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indi... 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. If you already subscribe to our print edition, sign up for FREE access to our online edition. Thanks for reading The Henderson News. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close UW Collaborator Educational Health Center of Wyoming Has New Executive Leadership A new CEO has been named to the federally qualified health center (FQHC) system that collaborates with the University of Wyomings Family Medicine Residency Programs in Cheyenne and Casper, and the Albany Community Health Clinic in Laramie. The Educational Health Center of Wyoming (EHCW) board of directors selected Thomas Smoll to serve in the executive leadership role. Smoll, who begins his duties Aug. 9, replaces David Jones, the dean of UWs College of Health Sciences. Smoll has more than 15 years of health care administration experience with FQHC facilities in rural communities. He recently served as executive director of Physician Services and Clinic Operations for St. Marys Regional Medical Center in Russellville, Ark. He also provided executive leadership and strategic direction in Unalaska, Alaska, Cut Bank, Mont., and Pecos, N.M., where he oversaw the management of a rural FQHC Level III patient-centered medical home that provides medical, dental and behavioral health needs. The board selected Mr. Smoll because of his diverse skills in coordinating operations, process improvement and improving access to care, says Phyllis Sherard, co-chair of the EHCW. Having just completed a successful HRSA operational site visit, our clinics have demonstrated their readiness for next-era performance. HRSA is the Health Resources and Services Administration, an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Mr. Smoll has exactly the skills we need to fuse strategic direction and financial discipline that will raise the bar on community health clinic performance and enhance access to well-coordinated primary care in Laramie, Albany and Natrona counties, Sherard adds. Before launching his career in health care administration, Smoll received a law degree from Mercer University School of Law in Macon, Ga., and a bachelors degree at the University of Vermont in Burlington. I am extremely honored to join the Educational Health Center of Wyoming team. I am looking forward to leading this agency in providing health and well-being services to the communities of Laramie, Casper, Cheyenne and beyond, Smoll says. I am very excited with the opportunity this new adventure provides my family and myself. We are looking forward to exploring all that Wyoming has to offer the Smoll family. About the Educational Health Center of Wyoming The EHCW and UWs Family Medicine Residency Programs are co-applicants and recipients of funding from HRSA. Funding helps operate FQHCs in Casper, Cheyenne and Laramie. The EHCW is Wyomings largest safety-net community health system. The organizations mission is to educate and serve the public; educate health professionals; and to provide quality health care services that promote health and healing. 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. On 9 July 2021, the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) hosted an online diagnostic workshop on advance rulings. The workshop was held in the context of ZIMRAs ongoing effort to modernise its tariff classification work model, in cooperation with the EU-WCO Programme for the Harmonized System in Africa (HS-Africa Programme). The workshop was preceded by a comprehensive analysis of the most essential aspects of Zimbabwes national advance ruling system as well as the underlying regulatory and organisational framework. This analysis was carried out against WCO standards related to advance rulings, such as the Council Recommendation on the introduction of programmes for binding pre-entry classification information (1996), as well as the WTO-TFA Article 3 requirements. Workshop participants welcomed a presentation by a WCO accredited expert from the Spanish Customs administration on the EU Binding Tariff Information (BTI) system, as an example of a best practice approach to managing modern and trade facilitative advance ruling systems. It was felt that the EU BTI system would be a good source of inspiration for the ZIMRA as to how the advance ruling system in Zimbabwe could be fine-tuned and optimised so that it could effectively serve its purpose. During the workshop, further information for the diagnostic assessment was gathered, points for improvement of the advance ruling system identified and solutions discussed. ZIMRA experts reiterated their administrations firm commitment to bringing the existing advance ruling system into full conformity with all relevant international standards, with the support of the WCO and the HS-Africa Programme. For more details, please contact capacity.building@wcoomd.org. In pursuit of digital transformation of tariff classification work, the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) hosted two workshops on the implementation of an electronic tariff (e-tariff) platform. The workshops were held from 22 to 24 June and from 6 to 8 July 2021 in Monrovia, Liberia. They were organized as part of the ongoing project of creating a web-based e-tariff platform in Liberia, with the support of the EU-WCO Programme for the Harmonized System in Africa (HS-Africa Programme). The main objective of the workshops was to prepare LRA staff for the upcoming implementation of the new e-tariff platform, which has reached the final testing phase and is expected to go live in early September 2021. Participants were introduced to all the essential aspects of the functioning of the platform, the manner in which it will be used, maintained and kept up to date. Apart from the technical information related to the e-tariff platform itself, the programme of the workshops included a refresher session on the fundamentals of the Harmonized System as well as on some practical aspects of commodity classification. Moreover, participants were introduced to the amendments of the Harmonized System entering into force on 1 January 2022. The two workshops were attended by 53 officers in total, from across various departments and units whose responsibilities have to do with commodity classification in one way or another, as well as with IT systems used by the LRA. The workshop thus marked an important step in the implementation of the new e-tariff platform by ensuring that the LRA has the required know-how and adequate capacity to administer the new digital tool. For more details, please contact capacity.building@wcoomd.org. SHREVEPORT, La. - A hot button issue at Tuesday's City Council meeting was the possible repeal of a part of legislation approved last year that banned smoking at businesses in the city. The amended legislation would have exempted Shreveport casinos from following the law that goes into effect Aug. 1. However, the City Council's decision on the issue became a cliff hanger. And that decision came after more than two hours of public comment, where citizens, organizational leaders and casino employees implored the council to keep the smoking ban in place and not give casinos a break. When it came time for a vote, Council Chairman James Flurry offered what he called a compromise that would have still allowed the two Shreveport casinos to have smoking in its facilities but with the stipulation they create a third-floor smoke free area. That suggestion was met with dissatisfaction from audience members. So Flurry backed off that and called for an "up or down" vote on his amendment to exempt casinos from the smoke free ban. The vote was 4 to 3. But before the council moved forward, Councilwoman Tabitha Taylor asked for a reconsideration of the vote. The rest of the council agreed and unanimously voted to reconsider the matter. That's when Councilman Grayson Boucher said he had spoken with Bossier City's Mayor Tommy Chandler, who was open to the idea of banning smoking in Bossier City casinos. After some more back and forth discussion, the council finally voted to table the legislation, which left open the door to further conversations. But at the same time, without an up or down vote on the exemption it left the smoking ban -- that's effective in less than three weeks -- in place. When the council tables legislation that means it is postponed until there is a motion to bring it up again. The item is listed under unfinished business on each agenda but cannot be brought up for discussion until there is a majority vote to take it off the table. After the meeting, Councilwoman LeVette Fuller said, "It's disappointing and humiliating to realize that we're so willing to compromise the health of our community in favor of what we keep saying are these jobs." Ashley Hebert, the government relations director for the American Heart Association, also was expressed displeasure at the vote. "We are very disappointed that we don't have a clear answer for what's happening. ... We would have preferred that the ordinance not be tabled. The citizens of Shreveport elected the Shreveport City Council not to worry about what Bossier City is doing." But later Tuesday night, Boucher took to social media to explain his votes -- the first being to support the casino smoking exemption then the other to table it. "Table is much different than postpone. In my opinion, this measure is DEAD. I will not support taking it off the table. No smoking at both casinos in Shreveport will begin August 1st. As far as Im concerned, its over," Boucher wrote. Also Tuesday night after the meeting, Smoke-Free Louisiana Coalition applauded the council's decision in an email. "The councils decision means thousands of employees wont continue to be exposed to the dangers of secondhand smoke on the job, said Feamula Bradley, Shreveport regional manager for the Louisiana Campaign for Tobacco-Free Living (TFL). No one should have to put their health at risk just to earn a paycheck or enjoy a night out, she adds. The current Louisiana Smoke-Free Air Act (Act 815), established in January 2007, prohibits smoking in most public places and workplaces, including all restaurants with or without attached bars; it did not include bars and gaming facilities. There are 29 cities and municipalities in Louisiana that have already enacted comprehensive smoke-free policies including New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Lafayette, three of the states largest and most visited cities. Downtown Building To Be Demolished Today By West Kentucky Star Staff PADUCAH - The Precision Machine Shop building that was destroyed by fire in May will be demolished in downtown Paducah today.South Third Street will be closed beginning at 7 a.m. between downtown and the Southside.The closure will happen again on Sunday if necessary. Metropolis Lake Road Open After Gas Leak By West Kentucky Star Staff MCCRACKEN COUNTY - Metropolis Lake Road is back open in McCracken County this morning after a natural gas leak closed it yesterday.The road had to be closed between Carneal Road and Palestine School Road north of the Grahamville community.Utility crews worked last night to repair the cut in the line. Two Arrested on Meth Trafficking Charges By West Kentucky Star Staff MCCRACKEN COUNTY - Two Hopkinsville men were arrested Thursday on drug trafficking charges following a months-long investigation.Over the past several months, the McCracken County Sheriff's Office has conducted an investigation into meth trafficking, which reportedly led to them identifying several supply sources in western Kentucky.Thursday afternoon, undercover detectives allegedly arranged to purchase a pound of crystal methamphetamine from 35-year-old Dontraz T. Stiger. Authorities say Stiger agreed to deliver the meth to McCracken County.A short time later, detectives reportedly observed Stiger and 42-year-old Jamison Parker arrive at the parking lot of a McCracken County business on New Holt Road.Both men were arrested, and a search of their vehicle reportedly uncovered a pound of crystal meth and cash believed to be the proceeds of illegal drug sales.Stiger was charged with trafficking in methamphetamine second-degree.Parker was charged with complicity in trafficking in methamphetamine and two outstanding Christian County bench warrants.They were both taken to the McCracken County Jail. American Jazz Successfully Freed from Sandbar By West Kentucky Star Staff CANTON - After nine days aground, the American Jazz river cruise ship freed itself from the grasp of the sandbar and shallow waters of Lake Barkley on Friday afternoon.The Lake Barkley Grounding Unified Command began salvage operations Friday after several days of planning and setting up what they would do.After lightening the load of the ship by pumping off fuel and removing all but 27 of the ship's crew, cables were attached from a giant marine crane. The crane winched the vessel as its engines ran in full reverse until the American Jazz pulled free of the lake bed.The ship stayed in place in Lake Barkley on Friday afternoon while the hull was inspected for damage or leaks.The cruise ship deviated from the river channel on July 7 and ran aground. The passengers were allowed to leave the ship last Friday and were taken by bus to their intended destination of Nashville.The U.S. Coast Guard, Trigg County Emergency Management, Kentucky state authorities, and American Cruise Lines have been working together ever since to free the ship. Crittenden Schools Receive Grant for Hot Spots By West Kentucky Star Staff CRITTENDEN COUNTY - Crittenden County Schools have received part of a $10 million grant sponsored by Connected Nation and AT&T. Recipients include 81 school districts and 42 nonprofit agencies across 26 states.The award has resulted in 351 hot spots delivered to the school district to be used to help students most at risk according to Assistant Superintendent Tonya Driver.We know that the pandemic created some setbacks for our students, particularly those without internet access," said Driver. "While we look forward to a more traditional year with all of our elementary and middle school students attending in person this year, the use of these hot spots can help further their learning at home and connect them with resources they need to both catch up and accelerate their learning.Driver said all interested households of students in all grades should apply for a hot spot with priority given to economically disadvantaged students. The hot spots will have free AT&T internet service for the next 13 months.Families may apply for one hot spot per household by visiting https://forms.gle/1GGU4mpVndK4cCrx8, or they may phone central office at 270.965.3525 for a paper application or with questions. Hopkinsville a Finalist for Small-Town Giveaway By West Kentucky Star Staff HOPKINSVILLE - The city of Hopkinsville is among ten small towns that have been named finalists in the T-Mobile Hometown Techover competition, which could benefit several different aspects of life in the city.T-Mobile will announce the winner in a couple of weeks, and that community will get: A $200,000 hometown grant and consulting services from the non-profit organization Smart Growth America A little league field refurbishment including a tech upgrade and grant An style upgrade to a public space Concierge enrollment in Project 10 Million and Connecting Heroes, which provide connectivity to students and first responders A free concert featuring multi-platinum music duo Florida Georgia Line.Even if Hopkinsville is not the top-prize winner, the city will receive a $50,000 grant to help jump-start or complete a community project.At Thursday's announcement on Facebook Live, Mayor Wendell Lynch said, "You know, small towns - we're a good place to live, a good place to grow, a good place to raise our families, but sometimes we lack in certain areas, particularly in technology, in wireless connectivity in making our communities smarter, and enabling us to be part of the worldwide web in every way possible, and T-Mobile is coming in to rural America to make that happen. They have selected Hopkinsville as one of their finalists."To celebrate, Whistle Stop Donuts made and gave away 6,000 magenta-colored donuts, a nod to T-Mobile's Magenta Max cellular plan.Other towns that are finalists include Washington, Missouri; Dunn, North Carolina; Guadelupe, California; Kalispell, Montana; Girard, Kansas; Wareham, Massachusetts; Tipton, Indiana; Woodstock, Illinois; Stroudsburg Borough, Pennsylvania. A sign for Sunrise Children's Services sits in front of the agency's Mount Washington, Ky., location on May 26, 2021. A cultural clash pitting religious beliefs against gay rights has jeopardized Kentucky's long-running relationship with a foster care and adoption agency affiliated with the Baptist church, Sunrise Childrens Services, which serves some of the state's most vulnerable children. (Brandon Porter/Kentucky Today via AP) PHOTO:Brandon Porter/Kentucky Today via AP KY Contracts with Sunrise Childrens Services By The Associated Press FRANKFORT - Kentucky has reached a contract deal to continue placing youngsters with a Baptist-affiliated childrens agency.The agreement comes after the Democratic governors administration removed LGBTQ anti-discrimination language that the agency steadfastly refused to sign. They have been granted an exemption to that language every year.The agreement continues the states long relationship with Sunrise Childrens Services.Sunrise is a foster care agency that also offers residential treatment programs.The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services said Thursday it entered into the new agreement to continue placing children with Sunrise. Sunrises attorney, John Sheller, says the agreement includes language protecting his clients religious beliefs."We are proud to be that partner and will continue to do our best to help children and families across the commonwealth. We are thankful for this day and opportunity," said Sunrise President Dale Suttles.The agreement comes after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled on a similar case in Philadelphia, where the city quit working with a Catholic agency for similar reasons. The court ruled the city was wrong to sever the relationship. Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-15 17:18:42|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close A team of women aged 19 and 52 patrols a 12-km desert road on foot every day to keep the borderline of China's Xinjiang secure. Produced by Xinhua Global Service Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-15 18:40:10|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Eye drops are put into a patient's eye who received a corneal transplant surgery in the Eye Bank of Ethiopia in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on June 30, 2021. The Eye Bank of Ethiopia, one of Africa's first-ever eye banks, is giving reliefs to thousands of people who are unable to see due to damage on cornea -- a window-like part of an eye that helps someone to see clearly. (Xinhua/Michael Tewelde) ADDIS ABABA, July 15 (Xinhua) -- Tariku Hussien, 21, is one of the over 2,500 Ethiopians who regained their sights in corneal transplant surgery in the Eye Bank of Ethiopia. The bank, one of Africa's first-ever eye banks, is giving reliefs to thousands of people who are unable to see due to damage on cornea -- a window-like part of an eye that helps someone to see clearly. "I had lost interest in life as my family and relatives were not helpful to me," said Hussien who started to work as a machine operator in China-assisted Ethiopia-Djibouti Standard Gauge Railway service after he regained his sight following the transplantation. According to a recent study by the Ethiopian Ministry of Health, more than 300,000 Ethiopians were blind due to corneal scarring. In Ethiopia, corneal damage is largely caused by infectious disease such as trachoma, injury and natural factors, according to Menen Ayalew, Medical Director of the Eye Bank of Ethiopia at the Menelik II Hospital in Addis Ababa, capital of Ethiopia. Ayalew, who is one the few cornea surgeons in the East African country, said that the bank has restored the sights of some 2,532 needy people until the end of 2020 using corneas that were recovered from the dead persons. "We replace the damaged cornea of a patient with healthy one's which passed through rigorous check up using high tech machines and equipment," the medical director stated. Hussien associates regaining his vision as a second chance of life. "I had lost my interest in life until my cornea was replaced. Now, I have achieved my dream of joining university as a computer science student," he said. "I am very much grateful to the person who donated his or her corneas and the Eye Bank who helped me to regain my vision and enjoy a brighter future," he added. Once a cornea is retrieved from a dead person, it will be diagnosed against transmittable diseases such as HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B and C, Syphilis, COVID-19 before transplantation takes place. The bank collects corneas from the dead persons either from the dead persons who pledged to donate their corneas to the bank post-mortem, as well as from a corpse of a dead person who passed away in hospitals. According to Ayalew, the collection of corneas from corpses of dead persons who passed away in hospitals is conducted through consent agreements from the deceased person's close kin. "In both cases, the collection of the corneas should be done within eight hours before the organs of the dead persons start to rot," Ayalew said. Since 2003, the Eye Bank of Ethiopia has obtained more than 10,000 pledges to donate their corneas post-mortem. Ayalew, however, indicated that the bank has so far managed to collect insignificant numbers of corneas from those people. "This is due to low awareness among the public about the very functions of the bank and its poor tracing system," she said. The former Ethiopian president, Girma Wolde-Giorgis, who officially inaugurated the Bank back in 2003, was the first individual to pledge his corneas to the bank. According to the medical director, the late Ethiopian president's family were true to the former president's promise as they collaborated with the Eye Bank of Ethiopia in recovering his corneas upon his death in 2018. The East African country introduced the corneal transplantation service in 2003 after a tripartite agreement was reached between ORBIS international, the Eye Bank of Ethiopia and the Addis Ababa City Administration. The bank retrieves corneas of a dead person as young as two years. Frew Shibeshi, 32, is another recipient of a foreign cornea and able to see after the transplant with the help of the Eye Bank of Ethiopia. "Words cannot explain how delighted I was when I saw people, objects and everything around me after my sight was restored. It was like coming from darkness to light," Shibeshi told Xinhua in a recent interview. Patients at the eye bank have to pay around one-fifth of the processing fee of the cornea transplant, amounting to about 100 U.S. dollars. The balance is covered by the Ministry of Health and Sight Life, an international NGO which replaced ORBIS international. Currently, the number of cornea transplantation centers in Ethiopia has grown to nine including in regional cities such as Mekele, Jimma, Hawassa, Gonder and in private hospitals in Addis Ababa. "Giving someone sight can mean changing them from being a burden to being a productive member of society," Menen said. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-16 02:22:28|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close GENEVA, July 15 (Xinhua) -- Permanent representatives of 48 countries to the United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG) on Thursday addressed to World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, and voiced their support to advance the study of origins of SARS-CoV-2 globally and opposed the politicization of the origin-tracing. The diplomats highlighted that COVID-19 is a common enemy of mankind, and it can only be defeated by solidarity and cooperation of the international community. Cooperation on the study of origins of the SARS-CoV-2 is an important aspect of the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, they said in the letter. "As provided in the resolution WHA 73.1 entitled COVID-19 response, the purpose of the origin-tracing is to identify the zoonotic source of the virus and the route of introduction to the human population, including the possible role of intermediate hosts." The diplomats stressed that the study of origins is "a matter of science, and should be conducted around the world by scientists." "Origin-tracing shall not be politicized," they said. "Otherwise the global cooperation on the study of origins will be hindered, and the global anti-pandemic efforts will be jeopardized." The diplomats also welcomed the publication of the Joint Report of the WHO-convened global study of origins of SARS-CoV-2 and appreciated the hard work of the scientists of the joint experts group, stressing that the global study on origin-tracing "should be based on and guided by this scientific report." They called on the WHO Secretariat, in accordance with the relevant resolutions of the World Health Assembly (WHA), to cooperate with member states to advance the study of origins around the world, and take effective measures to prevent political factors from interfering with the study process. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-16 03:39:53|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close The bank of the river Rhine is seen flooded in Cologne, western Germany, on July 15, 2021. Flooding in the western German states of Rhineland-Palatinate and North Rhine-Westphalia due to persistent rainfall has left at least 58 people dead and dozens missing, local media reported. (Photo by Tang Ying/Xinhua) BERLIN, July 15 (Xinhua) -- Flooding in the western German states of Rhineland-Palatinate and North Rhine-Westphalia due to persistent rainfall has left at least 58 people dead and dozens missing, local media reported. Rheinland-Palatinate Interior Minister Roger Lewentz told local media Thursday evening that nine more people lost their lives as a result of the floods, raising the death toll in the state to 28. With around 40 to 60 people still missing, there could be many more victims, according to Lewentz. The district of Ahrweiler is the most affected area in the state. In the district's town of Schuld, six houses collapsed and about 40 percent of the other residential buildings were damaged, local media reported. The Interior Ministry of North Rhine-Westphalia had announced earlier that at least 30 people died as a result of the severe natural disaster. Water and electricity have been affected in some affected areas. Fire brigades, technical aid workers and Germany's military Bundeswehr have joined the rescue operation. German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on social media, through a government spokesperson, that she was "shocked by the catastrophe that so many people in the flood areas have to endure." Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-16 05:45:42|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BUENOS AIRES, July 15 (Xinhua) -- Argentina declared five days of national mourning on Thursday, after surpassing 100,000 COVID-19 deaths on Wednesday. From the town of Guernica, Argentine President Alberto Fernandez explained that the declaration is due to the fact that "we reached a number of deaths that deserves our recognition and our tribute," according to a press release from the Presidency. The presidential decree declaring the five-day mourning period stated that there is "immense pain throughout society as a whole for each and every fatal (COVID-19) victim." It added that the pandemic "is a real tragedy that has struck humanity" and that "Argentine society must and wishes to remember and pay tribute to those who have passed away during this painful time." The government expressed its "most heartfelt condolences" to the families of the deceased, and said that the national flag will fly at half-mast in all public buildings during the five days. The South American country confirmed a total of 4,702,657 COVID-19 cases and 100,250 deaths on Wednesday. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-16 07:38:38|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Photo taken in Arlington, Virginia, the United States, on July 15, 2021 shows a screen displaying U.S. President Joe Biden (R) and German Chancellor Angela Merkel attending a joint press conference at the White House in Washington, D.C.. U.S. President Joe Biden on Thursday raised his concerns to German Chancellor Angela Merkel over the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project, warning Russia not to weaponize the energy. The 1,230-km gas pipeline, which is expected to be completed next month, would bring natural gas from Russia to Germany through the Baltic Sea. (Xinhua/Liu Jie) WASHINGTON, July 15 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Joe Biden on Thursday raised his concerns to German Chancellor Angela Merkel over the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project, warning Russia not to weaponize the energy. The 1,230-km gas pipeline, which is expected to be completed next month, would bring natural gas from Russia to Germany through the Baltic Sea. "I reiterated my concerns about Nord Stream 2," Biden told reporters at a press conference after their meeting, adding that "Merkel and I are absolutely united in our conviction that Russia must not be allowed to use energy as a weapon to coerce or threaten its neighbors." The United States has long claimed that the project was a geopolitical maneuver by Russia that will undermine Ukraine's role in transiting energy to Europe. Germany and Russia pointed out that the project is purely commercial. The United States and Germany have different assessments regarding the Nord Stream 2, Merkel said at the conference, while stressing both agree that Ukraine will remain a transit country for natural gas. "We will be actively acting should Russia not respect this right of Ukraine that it as a transit country," She added via translation. "The Nord Stream 2 is an additional project and certainly not a project to replace any kind of transit through Ukraine." Citing the importance of relations with Germany and the difficulty to stop the nearly completed pipeline, the Biden administration in May waived sanctions against a company behind the pipeline project and its German CEO, which led to opposition from bipartisan lawmakers. "By the time I became president, it was 90% completed, and imposing sanctions did not seem to make any sense," Biden said on Thursday. He noted the two allies instead will look at practical measures to ensure European energy security will not be weakened by Russian actions. The two leaders also covered topics such as climate change, the COVID-19 pandemic, and Iran nuclear issue. Biden expressed condolences to Merkel for loss of life due to the flooding in Germany, which had left 58 people dead and dozens missing. Merkel is the first European leader to visit the White House since Biden took office. The visit was widely seen as Biden's efforts to restore the relationship between Washington and Berlin, which had been damaged by his predecessor Donald Trump. It is likely Merkel's last official trip to Washington as she will step down following the September election after 16 years in office. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-16 08:06:20|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Combo photo of U.S. President Joe Biden (R) and German Chancellor Angela Merkel. (Xinhua) "I reiterated my concerns about Nord Stream 2," President Joe Biden said, adding that "Merkel and I are absolutely united in our conviction that Russia must not be allowed to use energy as a weapon to coerce or threaten its neighbors." WASHINGTON, July 15 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Joe Biden on Thursday raised his concerns to German Chancellor Angela Merkel over the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project, warning Russia not to weaponize the energy. The 1,230-km gas pipeline, which is expected to be completed next month, would bring natural gas from Russia to Germany through the Baltic Sea. "I reiterated my concerns about Nord Stream 2," Biden told reporters at a press conference after their meeting, adding that "Merkel and I are absolutely united in our conviction that Russia must not be allowed to use energy as a weapon to coerce or threaten its neighbors." The United States has long claimed that the project was a geopolitical maneuver by Russia that will undermine Ukraine's role in transiting energy to Europe. Germany and Russia pointed out that the project is purely commercial. The United States and Germany have different assessments regarding the Nord Stream 2, Merkel said at the conference, while stressing both agree that Ukraine will remain a transit country for natural gas. "We will be actively acting should Russia not respect this right of Ukraine that it as a transit country," She added via translation. "The Nord Stream 2 is an additional project and certainly not a project to replace any kind of transit through Ukraine." Picture taken on Oct. 8, 2012 shows Nord Stream pipeline equipments before the opening ceremony of the North Stream second gas link in Portovaya bay, near the town of Vyborg in northwestern Russia. (Xinhua) Citing the importance of relations with Germany and the difficulty to stop the nearly completed pipeline, the Biden administration in May waived sanctions against a company behind the pipeline project and its German CEO, which led to opposition from bipartisan lawmakers. "By the time I became president, it was 90% completed, and imposing sanctions did not seem to make any sense," Biden said on Thursday. He noted the two allies instead will look at practical measures to ensure European energy security will not be weakened by Russian actions. The two leaders also covered topics such as climate change, the COVID-19 pandemic, and Iran nuclear issue. Biden expressed condolences to Merkel for loss of life due to the flooding in Germany, which had left 58 people dead and dozens missing. Merkel is the first European leader to visit the White House since Biden took office. The visit was widely seen as Biden's efforts to restore the relationship between Washington and Berlin, which had been damaged by his predecessor Donald Trump. It is likely Merkel's last official trip to Washington as she will step down following the September election after 16 years in office. Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-16 09:31:51|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close NOUAKCHOTT, July 16 (Xinhua) -- The Communist Party of China (CPC) has kept developing and maintained vigorous vitality ever since its establishment in 1921, leading China to achieve unprecedented development, Sidi Mohamed Ould Taleb Amar, president of Mauritania's ruling Union for the Republic party, has said. In a recent interview with Xinhua, Amar extended his warm congratulations on the 100th anniversary of the founding of the CPC, saying that with clear goals and staunch faith, the Chinese party keeps pace with the times, gains experience through the country's practices, and puts people first in national development. "All these factors made the party grow steadily and acquire new experiences, so this party is always renewed," he added. As a former Mauritanian ambassador to China, Amar said working in China has deepened his understanding of the country in various fields, noting that China has adhered to the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics and has built up a development mode endowed with its own distinctive character. Amar said that China has achieved high level progress in such fields as economy, trade, science and technology under the CPC's leadership, and other countries can learn from such experience in national development and in "establishing good relations with the rest of the world." In recent years, under the joint promotion by leaders of the two countries, the friendly relations between Mauritania and China have further strengthened, he said. During the COVID-19 epidemic, the two countries have carried out anti-epidemic cooperation, and China has provided vaccine aid for Mauritania, Amar noted, while expressing gratitude and willingness to further cooperate with the Asian country. Mauritania respects China "and we acknowledge China's respect for our beliefs" and for the unique conditions in African countries, he added, saying he believes Africa-China relations will usher in an even better future. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-16 09:51:56|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close UNITED NATIONS, July 15 (Xinhua) -- A UN official on Thursday urged donors to step up support for Afghanistan, where an ongoing drought and increased military operations amid foreign troop withdrawal are displacing scores of civilians, creating a growing humanitarian crisis. Ramiz Alakbarov, UN resident and humanitarian coordinator for Afghanistan, said a 1.3-billion-U.S.-dollar appeal launched earlier this year is less than 40 percent funded. Some 18 million Afghans, or half the population, require assistance. A third of the country is malnourished and half of all children under five are experiencing acute malnutrition. The 450 million dollars received so far fall far short of what is needed. "Our plan is to provide assistance to at least 15.7 million people, and right now it will not be possible without these additional contributions," said Alakbarov, speaking via videoconference to journalists in New York. The developments are occurring as the deadline for foreign troops to fully withdraw from the country approaches. U.S. President Joe Biden said on July 8 that U.S. military mission in Afghanistan will conclude on Aug. 31, days ahead of his original Sept. 11 deadline. Speaking of the security and safety of humanitarian workers, Alakbarov said that 25 of them have been killed since the start of year, and 63 injured, a 30-percent increase over 2020. Babar Baloch, spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, told a news briefing in the Swiss city of Geneva on Tuesday that "Afghanistan is on the brink of another humanitarian crisis." "We urge the international community to step up support to the government and people of Afghanistan and its neighbors at this critical moment," he added. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-16 12:13:52|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close HANGZHOU, July 16 (Xinhua) -- "Hi, how are you feeling today?" says the Xiaotian app on launching. "Not so good," responds the human user. Of course, the user might type any response into the chatbot, pointing to the whole gamut of human emotions: feeling fine; in a bad mood; don't want to go to school; don't like work; yelled at my wife last night. And so the conversation begins, a conversation between a human being and Xiaotian, an AI-assisted chatbot on WeChat's mini-programs. The cutting-edge app has been designed to provide free 24/7 psychological counseling to anyone who wants to talk. Xiaotian is the brainchild of Lan Zhenzhong, a Chinese AI scientist who once worked at Google AI. He first had the idea while he was working in the United States. He found that many people in Los Angeles were suffering from poor mental health, and they benefited from involvement in support groups. Later, he wondered whether AI technology might be put to good use in this field, providing psychological support to those in need. Returning to China in June 2020, he built the deep learning laboratory at the School of Engineering, Westlake University, in east China's Zhejiang Province. Xiaotian is the lab's first project. Among Lan's first tasks was to find out what people with psychological issues need most. To this end, he sought the advice of both patients and professionals. The answer, he discovered, was timely, professional and inclusive psychological services. "Many patients with depression may have a sudden emotional breakdown. Without timely intervention from a counselor, this may be very dangerous. Lots of people with psychological issues are limited by counseling fees and the shortage of professional counselors. There's no way to get help anytime and anywhere," said Lan. He decided to make a chatbot that can understand people's complaints and empathize with them, while making use of a long-term memory. Lan formed two teams at his deep learning lab. One is the R&D team formed by senior engineers from tech companies like Google and Huawei, as well as computing and AI elites from top universities like Carnegie Mellon University and Peking University. The other team consists of professional counselors who have specialties in dealing with emotional distress and psychological trauma, as well as those with long experience in narrative therapy and family therapy. The team members, who have an average age of 26, have been working with Lan to grow the app. Together, they have made rapid progress, and an initial version of Xiaotian was tested on campus in September 2020. Now, more than 3,000 people have it on their phones, and users can engage in counseling via text and voice messages. Thanks to an upcoming update, users will soon be able to have a 50-minute conversation with the chatbot. Xiaotian can simulate the human brain and has incorporated skills employed by professional counselors dealing with real cases. With its emotional computing and empathy module, Xiaotian can "understand" emotions, giving the impression of a warm-hearted conversation. Xiaotian can listen, analyze and reason, helping people clarify their true feelings through professional deconstruction skills. It can guide the discussion, ease the mood and keep the conversation from coming to a dead end. According to the researchers, every user is provided with their own personal ID. Much like a close and trusted friend, Xiaotian stores the user's troubles in its memory and keeps their secrets. It also conducts ongoing evaluations of the psychological support that it gives, and decides on the direction of future guidance based on the evaluation results. If it encounters a problem that can't be solved, it can give early warnings and ask professional human consultants to step in. When Xiaotian finds users with serious psychological issues or mental disorders, it will recommend a psychiatric hospital for diagnosis and treatment. For emergency cases, it will start the corresponding crisis-intervention measures. Among the mental-health professionals who see the benefits of Xiaotan is Tang Luhan, a clinical psychotherapist from Tongde Hospital in Zhejiang Province. The app cannot replace human counselors, said Tang, but it can help people when they need an emotional outlet, support and company late at night or in the early hours. It is often at such times that people become desperate, viewing life as pointless and contemplating suicide, said the psychotherapist. Having an outlet of this sort 24 hours a day is of great value, particularly since telephone crisis hotlines are often busy at night. Last October, the World Health Organisation revealed that close to 1 billion people worldwide are living with mental disorders, while 3 million people die every year from the harmful use of alcohol, and one person dies by suicide every 40 seconds. Relatively few people around the world have access to quality mental-health services. Xiaotan is very much still in development. Currently, about 30 percent of the answers provided by the app come directly from its AI capability, while the remaining 70 percent originate from human psychological counselors. According to Lan, Xiaotian is still at the training-model stage. Due to the limited number of counselors to provide suggestions and users to interact with it, the app is still going through kindergarten. With more data, it will become more intelligent and professional. Lan said his goal for Xiaotian is to provide AI counseling services for 10 million people over the next five years. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-16 12:26:49|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, July 16 (Xinhua) -- China's annual production capacity for COVID-19 vaccines has reached 5 billion doses as of July, said the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT). The country has sent up to 570 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines overseas to aid the global fight against the COVID-19 virus, Tian Yulong, chief engineer at the MIIT, told a press conference. Domestically, over 1.4 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered as the country continues to ramp up its inoculation drive, according to Tian. The continued production expansion and deliverability improvement of COVID-19 vaccines have met domestic demands and supported epidemic control overseas to the best of China's ability, said Tian. For the rest of the year, Tian said the ministry will continue to guide vaccine producers to ensure safe and stable vaccine production. At the same time, the ministry will coordinate domestic and overseas demands and support vaccine producers to boost international capacity cooperation, so as to make vaccines more accessible and affordable and contribute to the global pandemic fight, said Tian. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-16 14:02:58|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi (3rd, R) meets with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov (3rd, L) in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, July 15, 2021. (Xinhua/Cai Guodong) TASHKENT, July 16 (Xinhua) -- China and Russia should further elevate their bilateral relations, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said here on Thursday. During a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Wang recalled the important video meeting held between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin in June, during which the two heads of state decided to extend the China-Russia Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation and issued a joint statement in this regard. Guided by the spirit of the treaty and the joint statement, China and Russia should unswervingly deepen their comprehensive strategic coordination and promote practical cooperation, said Wang. The two sides should not only deepen vaccine cooperation to fight against the coronavirus, but also strengthen solidarity and cooperation to repel political viruses, he added. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), said Wang, adding that China stands ready to work with Russia to promote the SCO's high-quality development in the next 20 years and make greater contributions to maintaining regional stability and promoting common development. As permanent members of the United Nations (UN) Security Council, China and Russia should firmly uphold the principles of the UN Charter and genuine multilateralism, Wang noted. He added that China and Russia should maintain coordination and cooperation, unequivocally oppose external interference in their internal affairs, jointly oppose bloc confrontations, and safeguard international peace and stability. Wang also urged the two sides to deepen coordination on regional affairs, jointly promote Afghanistan's return to the track of peace, jointly resist the "Indo-Pacific Strategy" full of Cold War mentality, and jointly promote peaceful development in the Asia-Pacific region. Russia-China relations are at their best in history, and the relationship is not a military-political alliance similar to those forged during the Cold War period, but a new type of bilateral ties, Lavrov said. Russia supports China in hosting the Beijing Winter Olympics and is willing to deepen cooperation with China within multilateral frameworks such as BRICS, the SCO and the UN, he said. Lavrov also expressed the hope to strengthen communication and coordination with China on affairs in Central Asia and the Asia-Pacific region, guard against the sabotage of regional peace by the so-called "Indo-Pacific Strategy" and maintain regional and world stability and prosperity. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-16 14:18:30|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Sudanese Ambassador to China Gafar Karar Ahmed K. has praised China's achievements in reducing poverty while visiting Guizhou Province, once the main battlefield of China's poverty alleviation campaign. He was surprised by the drastic changes that have taken place in Guizhou concerning infrastructure and living conditions, as well as the mindset of the ethnic minorities in the province. Produced by Xinhua Global Service Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-16 15:18:22|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close A friendly exchange event celebrating the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC) is jointly held by the Chinese embassy in Laos and the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee's commission for external relations in Vientiane, Laos, July 15, 2021. (Photo by Kaikeo Saiyasane/Xinhua) VIENTIANE, July 16 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese embassy in Laos and the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee's commission for external relations held a friendly exchange event on Thursday to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC). Thongloun Sisoulith, general secretary of the LPRP Central Committee and Lao president, and Thongsavanh Phomvihane, head of the commission for external relations, among other Lao party and state leaders, attended the celebration here. In his address, Chinese Ambassador to Laos Jiang Zaidong said both China and Laos are socialist countries under the leadership of communist parties, and China is willing to further deepen exchanges with the brotherly Lao party on party and national governance experience, jointly advance the cause of socialism, continuously enrich the practice of building the China-Laos community with a shared future, and make positive contributions to the building of a community with a shared future for mankind. Thongsavanh, for his part, warmly congratulated on and spoke highly of the CPC for leading the Chinese people to set up the great cause of the Party and the country and achieve the first centenary goal, which has laid a solid foundation for realizing the Chinese Dream of great national rejuvenation and marching towards the second centenary goal. The remarkable achievements made by the Chinese people under the CPC's leadership have provided valuable experience and great impetus for the development of countries all over the world, including Laos, the Lao party official noted. Thongsavanh said he believes that under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee, the brotherly Chinese people will keep advancing along the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics and push forward the socialist modernization to achieve new and greater successes. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-16 16:43:47|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Xia Baolong, vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and head of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, speaks at a high-level symposium marking the first anniversary of the enactment of the Law on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) in Beijing, capital of China, July 16, 2021. (Xinhua/Liu Bin) BEIJING, July 16 (Xinhua) -- A symposium marking the first anniversary of enacting the Law on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) was held in Beijing Friday. Xia Baolong, vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and head of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, made a speech at the symposium. Xia underlined the importance of a speech by Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, at the CPC centenary ceremony, which reiterates the firm position to fully and faithfully implement the "one country, two systems" principle and underscores the central government's overall jurisdiction over Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions (SAR) and implementation of the legal systems and enforcement mechanisms for them. Xia said Xi's important remarks are of profound significance for the steady and sustained implementation of "one country, two systems" under new circumstances, and for maintaining lasting prosperity and stability in Hong Kong and Macao. The promulgation and enforcement of the national security law have reversed the chaos in Hong Kong at one stroke, achieving a major turning point and serving as a major milestone in the implementation of "one country, two systems," Xia said. The HKSAR has been unswervingly fulfilling its constitutional duty to safeguard national security and spared no effort to build an "iron wall" for national security. Being enforced vigorously, the national security law has worked as a safeguard for Hong Kong's prosperity and stability, he said. Xia said that Hong Kong, effectively safeguarded by the law, has an important role to play as the Chinese nation propels ahead to achieve its great rejuvenation. Stressing the strict implementation of the "patriots administering Hong Kong" principle, Xia required resolute efforts to exclude anti-China forces from the SAR's administrative structure. He also called for efforts to elect staunch patriots with a high caliber of administrative capabilities. The senior official said that such personnel should be competent in fully and accurately practicing "one country, two systems" in Hong Kong, solving tensions and problems facing the region's development, serving the public with practical actions, rallying and uniting all sectors for the development of Hong Kong, and working diligently with a sense of responsibility. Experts and scholars attending the symposium commended the progress made since the enactment of the national security law, calling for continuous efforts to enforce, study and promote the law, further implement "patriots administering Hong Kong," and ensure the steady and sustained implementation of "one country, two systems." The symposium was organized by the Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macao Studies, and was attended by over 300 people including chief officials of related central authorities, relevant officials from the two SAR governments including HKSAR Chief Executive Carrie Lam and Macao SAR Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng, public figures, experts and scholars from the mainland, the HKSAR and the Macao SAR. Officials, experts and scholars in Hong Kong and Macao attended the event via video link. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-16 17:04:11|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, July 16 (Xinhua) -- A senior Chinese official on Friday warned some politicians from the United States and the European Parliament against meddling in China's domestic affairs. Xia Baolong, vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and head of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, made the remarks at a high-level symposium marking the first anniversary of enacting the Law on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. "You grossly trampled upon principles of international law and basic norms governing international relations, interfered in China's internal affairs, and imposed baseless sanctions against us," Xia warned the Western politicians. "All these will only arouse our indignation and disdain against you." Xia noted that by continuing to interfere, Western politicians will only "sound the death knell" for their proxies in Hong Kong -- the anti-China disruptors -- and end up hurting themselves badly. History provides ample evidence that victory belongs to the unyielding Chinese people, Xia said, expressing confidence in the sound practice of "one country, two systems" in Hong Kong and its better future. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-16 17:12:23|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Visiting Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi (L) meets with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, July 15, 2021. (Xinhua/Cai Guodong) TASHKENT, July 16 (Xinhua) -- Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi agreed to enhance cooperation between the two countries during their meeting here on Thursday. Mirziyoyev asked Wang to convey his sincere regards to Chinese President Xi Jinping and extended his congratulations on the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC), adding that Uzbekistan is ready to know about and learn from China's experience in development, especially in poverty reduction. At present, Uzbekistan-China relations have made great progress in the context of the pandemic, and bilateral trade and investment have grown rapidly, he said. The Uzbek president thanked China for providing timely support to Uzbekistan in fighting the pandemic. Mirziyoyev said his country is willing to take the opportunity of celebrating the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries to formulate a new five-year cooperation plan with China to inject new impetus into bilateral cooperation. Noting that Xinjiang and Hong Kong-related issues are purely China's internal affairs, Mirziyoyev said Uzbekistan has always adhered to the one-China principle and will, as always, firmly support China in safeguarding national sovereignty and security and be a reliable partner of China. Virus source-tracing is a scientific problem that should be studied by scientists, Mirziyoyev said, adding that Uzbekistan opposes politicizing source-tracing. Uzbekistan supports hosting the Beijing Winter Olympics and is willing to work with China to promote the greater development of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. For his part, Wang said the CPC has just celebrated its centenary, and Uzbekistan is about to celebrate its 30th anniversary of independence. Next year, the two sides will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, and the development of bilateral relations will face a new historical starting point. The two sides should, as always, firmly support each other's chosen development path and their principled positions on issues involving each other's core interests, and firmly support each other's efforts to develop the economy and improve people's livelihood, Wang added. Wang said he believes Uzbekistan can maintain a high degree of mutual trust between China and Uzbekistan. China will continue to support Uzbekistan in fighting the pandemic, provide the vaccines it needs, and is willing to carry out joint vaccine production cooperation with the Uzbek side, Wang said. China attaches great importance to the interconnection with Uzbekistan and is willing to accelerate the joint construction of the Belt and Road Initiative with the Uzbek side to achieve more sustainable development, the Chinese foreign minister said. China supports Uzbekistan in hosting the SCO summit in the city of Samarkand next year, he said. The two sides also had an in-depth exchange of views on the Afghan issue. On the same day, Wang also exchanged views with Uzbek Foreign Minister Abdulaziz Kamilov on bilateral relations. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-16 17:20:35|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close HONG KONG, July 16 (Xinhua) -- Hong Kong's Center for Health Protection (CHP) reported one new imported case of COVID-19 Friday, taking the total tally to 11,956. The new imported case involved a female arriving in Hong Kong from United Arab Emirates, according to the CHP. Hong Kong launched a COVID-19 vaccination drive on Feb. 26, and more than 4.63 million doses have been administered so far. Some 2.73 million people, or about 40.1 percent of the eligible population, have taken at least one shot of the vaccine, and more than 1.9 million people have been fully vaccinated. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-16 17:39:31|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, July 16 (Xinhua) -- There were media reports of a U.S. military transport plane landing in China's Taiwan. The military collusion between Taiwan and the United States has escalated the tension across the Taiwan Strait. It is a very bad act of provocation by the United States to repeatedly play the "Taiwan card," which challenged China's bottom line and harmed China's national sovereignty and territorial integrity. This extremely irresponsible and very dangerous act seriously undermined the basis of China-U.S. relations and threatened peace and stability of the Taiwan Strait. It also exposed the hypocrisy of the U.S. side when it comes to major issues concerning the core interests of China. The Taiwan question is the most important and sensitive issue in China-U.S. relations, whose political foundation is based on the one-China principle. China resolutely opposes any official exchange or military contact between Taiwan and the United States in any form. This position is consistent and clear. The U.S. attempt to stage a "political show" concerning the Taiwan question, challenge the one-China principle and use Taiwan to contain China is doomed to fail. The U.S. side must wake up from its pipe dream, refrain from sending any wrong signals to "Taiwan independence" separatist elements, and immediately halt all its risky moves. The United States would not be able to play the "Taiwan card" again and again without the active collaboration of Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authority. The DPP and "Taiwan independence" forces cling to the United States for support. By colluding with external forces, they would only meet the fate of self-destruction. The mainland has the resolve and ability to foil any "Taiwan independence" attempt. The DPP and "Taiwan independence" forces, if stubbornly push forward, will inevitably hit a dead end. China must be reunified, and will surely be reunified. No one should underestimate the Chinese people's strong determination, resolve, and ability to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-16 18:08:44|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close LANZHOU, July 16 (Xinhua) -- A research group left northwest China's Gansu Province on Thursday for a scientific expedition on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Focusing on "land-atmosphere interaction and its climate effects", the one-month research is part of China's second comprehensive scientific expedition on the plateau. It will approach multiple tasks around regional climate change, such as setting up land-atmosphere interaction and geographic information databases and creating three-dimensional model. More than 100 researchers from 18 institutes, colleges and universities will undertake a journey of about 6,600 km in the northwestern provinces of Gansu, Qinghai, and southwestern Tibet Autonomous Region, said Ma Yaoming, head of the group and a researcher at the Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences. During the trip, researchers will take samples from the atmosphere, snow cover, water, sediments and soil, and collect data from field observers so as to better understand the interaction of the land and the atmosphere in this area. A 3D comprehensive observation platform of water and heat exchange between land and atmosphere, the multispectral images of unmanned aerial vehicles and satellite remote sensing will also be adopted in the expedition. Launched in 2017, the second scientific expedition to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau is of great significance to advance sustainable development of the region and promote global environment protection. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-16 19:59:49|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, July 16 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday called for deepened friendships and exchanges with people across the world, and building a community with a shared future for humanity. Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks while visiting an exhibition of diplomatic gifts exchanged between Chinese Party and state leaders and their foreign counterparts. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-16 20:00:51|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close HONG KONG, July 16 (Xinhua) -- Thailand has planned to further tighten distancing rules as the current measures failed to contain the rapid spread of the coronavirus, with the daily cases hitting a new high in the latest developments of the COVID-19 pandemic in Asia-Pacific countries on Friday. The Maldives has vaccinated half of its eligible population against COVID-19. Health Emergency Operation Centre (HEOC) Spokesperson Dr. Fathimath Nazla Rafeeq was quoted in state-owned PSM News as saying that half of the population above the age of 18 has been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Thailand's Center for the COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) reported a new daily record of 9,692 new COVID-19 cases and 67 more deaths, taking the total number to 381,907 infections and 3,099 fatalities. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said his country is "very much on agenda" in charting out the COVID-19 pandemic through the four-step plan set at the start of July, despite recent outbreaks. Australia's most populous states along the east coast are struggling with climbing COVID-19 cases as the country's two biggest cities both plunged into lockdown. The Philippines' Department of Health (DOH) reported 5,676 new COVID-19 infections, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the Southeast Asian country to 1,496,328. The death toll climbed to 26,476 after 162 more patients died from the viral disease, the DOH said. The national positivity rate of COVID-19 in Pakistan has risen to over six percent in Pakistan, raising a serious concern of a fourth wave in the country, according to the data released by the National Command and Operation Center (NCOC). Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen told parents and legal guardians of adolescents aged from 12 to 17 years old to get them ready for COVID-19 vaccinations. In an audio message released publicly, the prime minister said there are around 2 million adolescents in the Southeast Asian nation. South Korea reported 1,536 more cases of COVID-19 as of midnight Thursday compared to 24 hours ago, raising the total number of infections to 175,046. The daily caseload was down from 1,599 in the prior day, but it marked the third-highest reading since the country's first case was found in January last year. India's COVID-19 tally rose to 31,026,829 as 38,949 new cases were registered during the past 24 hours, showed the federal health ministry's latest data. Another 542 deaths were recorded since Thursday morning, taking the total death toll to 412,531. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-16 20:41:08|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close CHONGQING, July 16 (Xinhua) -- Wen Guodong, former vice governor of northwest China's Qinghai Province, stood trial for bribery at the First Intermediate People's Court of Chongqing Municipality Friday. Wen stood accused of taking advantage of his Party and government positions to seek benefits for others in enterprise operations and project contracting between 2009 and 2020. In return, Wen accepted money and gifts worth more than 19.9 million yuan (about 3.08 million U.S. dollars). During the trial, prosecutors presented evidence. This evidence was, in turn, examined by the defendant and his lawyers. Each side gave its own complete account. In his final statement, Wen pleaded guilty and expressed remorse. The trial was attended by legislators, political advisors, the press, and members of the public. Wen's sentence will be announced at a later date. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-16 20:58:36|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, July 16 (Xinhua) -- The Pakistani side should take solid and effective measures to strengthen security and protection of Chinese personnel and institutions in Pakistan, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said here Friday in a telephone conversation with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan. On behalf of the Pakistani government and people, Khan first expressed sincere sympathy to the Chinese government over the heavy casualties of Chinese nationals in a recent terrorist attack in Pakistan, and extended deep condolences to the bereaved families. He also briefed Li on the progress of Pakistan's investigation into the incident at this stage as well as the follow-up work. In the telephone conversation, Li expressed gratitude to Pakistan for carrying out fast rescue of the injured and prompt probe into the incident. A case involving human life should be treated with the utmost care, Li stressed, adding that the Chinese government attaches great importance to the safety of Chinese personnel and institutions abroad. The top priority at present is to spare no effort to rescue and treat the injured, minimize casualties, and properly handle the aftermath of the incident, Li said. A Chinese working group has arrived in Pakistan and is ready to coordinate closely with the Pakistani side, Li noted. The Chinese premier added he hopes that Pakistan can offer assistance to the working group, use all necessary means to find out the facts in a serious and responsible manner, and ensure that the perpetrators behind the incident are brought to justice. Li noted that he hopes Pakistan will do its utmost to prevent similar incidents from happening again. Noting that the global and regional situations are undergoing complex and profound changes, Li said the Chinese side attaches great importance to the China-Pakistan relations. The two countries are all-weather strategic cooperative partners, Li said, adding that China is willing to work with Pakistan to strengthen strategic communication and coordination, deepen practical cooperation, and safeguard regional peace and security, so as to better benefit the two peoples. For his part, Khan said the Pakistani side is working day and night and trying its best to rescue and treat the injured, and will spare no effort to make a thorough investigation into the incident and bring the real culprits to justice as soon as possible. Pakistan is ready to give its full support and cooperation to the Chinese working group, he said. The Pakistani side attaches great importance to the safety of Chinese personnel and institutions in Pakistan, Khan stressed, adding that his country has reinforced and will continue strengthening security measures, so as to guarantee the safe and smooth operation of Pakistan-China cooperation projects. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-16 21:03:04|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, July 16 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping addressed the Informal Economic Leaders' Retreat of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) held on Friday. Please see the attachment for the translation of the full text of the speech. Enditem Full text: Remarks by Xi Jinping at the APEC Informal Economic Leaders' Retreat Fighting COVID-19 and Leading Economic Recovery Through Solidarity and Cooperation Remarks by H.E. Xi Jinping President of the People's Republic of China At the APEC Informal Economic Leaders' Retreat 16 July 2021 The Right Honorable Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, Dear Colleagues, It gives me great pleasure to attend this meeting. I thank Prime Minister Ardern and the New Zealand government for their great efforts to make the meeting possible. As we speak, the COVID-19 pandemic is undergoing many twists and turns, including the constant mutations of the virus. Controlling the pandemic still poses a difficult challenge, while global economic recovery is still on shaky ground. That said, peace and development remains the theme of our times, and the call for upholding multilateralism, strengthening solidarity and cooperation, and meeting challenges together is growing stronger than ever. The Asia-Pacific is a major engine for global economic growth. For member economies of the Asia-Pacific, defeating COVID-19 and restoring growth at an early date are our top priority for the time being. Since the start of the pandemic, APEC members have united as one and carried out active cooperation against the coronavirus. Being the first to gain the momentum for recovery, the Asia-Pacific economy has made contributions to driving the world economy. Last year, we adopted the APEC Putrajaya Vision 2040 and set ourselves the goal of an open, dynamic, resilient and peaceful Asia-Pacific community, charting the course for economic cooperation in the Asia-Pacific. Under the current circumstances, we must enhance solidarity and cooperation to overcome the impact of the pandemic and boost global economic recovery. First, we need to strengthen international cooperation on COVID response.The pandemic proves once again that we live in one global village, where countries stand to rise and fall together. We must stick to solidarity and cooperation as we go through this difficult time and jointly work for a healthier and brighter future for humanity. Vaccines are a powerful weapon to prevail over the pandemic and revive the economy. China has been calling for closer international cooperation on vaccines to ensure that they are accessible and affordable in developing countries and that they become a global public good. Overcoming the challenges of its own mass vaccination program, China has provided more than 500 million doses of vaccines to other developing countries, and will provide another 3 billion US dollars in international aid over the next three years to support COVID-19 response and economic and social recovery in other developing countries. China supports waiving intellectual property rights on COVID-19 vaccines, and will work with other parties to push for an early decision by the World Trade Organization (WTO) and other international institutions. China will take an active part in cooperation initiatives to keep vaccine supply chains stable and safe and support the movement of essential goods, and take effective measures to ensure healthy, safe and orderly people-to-people exchanges and restore normal business cooperation in our region at an early date. China has financed the founding of a Sub-Fund on APEC Cooperation on Combating COVID-19 and Economic Recovery, which will help APEC economies win an early victory over COVID-19 and achieve economic recovery. Second, we need to deepen regional economic integration.Opening-up and integration is the prevailing trend. It is important that we promote the liberalization and facilitation of trade and investment and uphold the multilateral trading system with the WTO at its core. We must remove barriers, not erect walls. We must open up, not close off. We must seek integration, not decoupling. This is the way to make economic globalization more open, inclusive, balanced and beneficial for all. We need to step up macroeconomic policy coordination, minimize negative spillovers, and fully implement the APEC Connectivity Blueprint to promote cooperation on digital connectivity. We need to advance regional economic integration, with a view to establishing a high-standard Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific at an early date. China is among the first to ratify the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership agreement. We look forward to its entry into force this year. Third, we need to pursue inclusive and sustainable development.Earth is the only home for humanity. We must follow a people-centered approach, foster a sound environment to buttress sustainable economic and social development worldwide, and achieve green growth. China attaches great importance to addressing climate change. We will strive to peak carbon dioxide emissions before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality before 2060. China supports APEC in advancing cooperation on sustainable development, improving the List of Environmental Goods, and making energy more efficient, clean and diverse. We need to enhance economic and technological cooperation, promote inclusive trade and investment, support the development of small- and medium-sized enterprises, scale up support for women and other vulnerable groups, share experience on eliminating absolute poverty and strive to deliver the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Fourth, we need to seize opportunities from scientific and technological innovation.The digital economy is an important area for the future growth of the world economy. The global digital economy is an open and close-knit entity. Win-win cooperation is the only right way forward, while a closed-door policy, exclusion, confrontation and division would only lead to a dead end. We need to ensure full and balanced implementation of the APEC Internet and Digital Economy Roadmap, further develop digital infrastructure, facilitate the dissemination and application of new technologies, and work for a digital business environment that is open, fair and non-discriminatory. China has concluded a number of cooperation initiatives, including those on using digital technologies for the prevention and control of COVID-19 and on smart cities. We will host a workshop on digital capacity building and take forward such initiatives as bolstering the recovery of the tourism sector with digital tools, as part of our efforts to contribute more to Asia-Pacific cooperation on digital economy. Colleagues, China has embarked on a new journey toward fully building a modern socialist country. As China enters a new development stage, we will follow a new development philosophy and foster a new development paradigm. We will build a new system of open economy of higher standards, create a more attractive business environment, and advance high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. We hope to work with countries in the Asia-Pacific and beyond to achieve higher-standard mutual benefit and win-win cooperation. There is a Maori saying in New Zealand that goes, "Turn your face to the sun and the shadows will fall behind you." We have full confidence in humanity's victory over the pandemic through cooperation. We have full confidence in the prospects of world economic recovery. We have full confidence in a shared, bright future of humanity. Let us stand with each other in solidarity, promote anti-COVID cooperation and economic recovery, and work for a bright future of prosperity for all in the Asia-Pacific. Thank you. Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-16 21:11:18|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close PHNOM PENH, July 16 (Xinhua) -- COVID-19 has led to financing flow losses of 3.6 billion U.S. dollars for Cambodia, accounting for 19.8 percent of the country's total financing flows in 2020, said a new report by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) released on Friday. Cambodia's financial sources for supporting national development include domestic revenue, foreign direct investment (FDI), domestic private investment, remittances, loans, grants, and official development assistance (ODA). The report said the Southeast Asian nation was projected to earn 18.2 billion dollars for national development in 2020, but due to the impact of COVID-19, it made only 14.6 billion dollars, a decline by 3.6 billion dollars or 19.8 percent. "Of all the financing flows, FDI may suffer the sharpest drop followed by domestic revenue, remittances and domestic private investment, declining by 31 percent, 23.6 percent, 20.2 percent and 16.3 percent, respectively," the report said. The report entitled Cambodia's Development Finance Assessment (DFA) also estimated the financing available for the country's development through to 2025, forecasting that the total financing flows will gradually recover from the pandemic and rise to 23.4 billion dollars or 69.8 percent of the GDP by 2025. Domestic revenue is an increasingly important source of financing for development in the kingdom, representing 19 percent of the GDP in 2020 and continuing to 22.5 percent by 2025, the report said. "This is the first time a complete picture of all Cambodia's expected financial inflows has been modeled with such precision," Nick Beresford, UNDP Cambodia's resident representative, said in a press release. "Once we are able to ease COVID-19 restrictions, we can expect a strong growth in development finance flows. Within those flows, domestic sources are becoming increasingly important," he said. Economy and Finance Ministry's secretary of state Ros Seilava said the government has planned to launch the Post-COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan 2021-2023, which will be financed by public resources. "Thus this report will provide us some insights into different financing options," he said. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-16 21:15:35|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, July 16 (Xinhua) -- A reusable suborbital carrier landed stably at an airport in Alxa League in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region during a flight demonstration and verification project on Friday. Earlier on Friday, the carrier was launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China's Gobi Desert. Its first flight mission was a complete success. Developed by the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, the reusable suborbital carrier can be used in the space transport system. The success of the flight has laid a solid foundation for the development of China's reusable space transportation. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-16 21:38:24|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close ADDIS ABABA, July 16 (Xinhua) -- Nearly 2 million people adversely affected by the crisis in northern Ethiopia desperately need life-saving assistance, including water, medicine and shelter, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said Friday. The UN migration agency issued an urgent appeal for 40 million U.S. dollars to help the internally displaced persons (IDPs) who were affected by the conflict in northern Ethiopia's Tigray region. In Tigray, the IOM has been providing support to more than half 1 million people, including displaced children, women, men, and vulnerable groups such as pregnant women and persons with disabilities. The support includes shelter and provision of essential items such as food, water, clothing, medicine and supplies for babies, as well as sanitation and hygiene services. According to the IOM, about 69.3 million U.S. dollars is needed to respond to the needs of IDPs in northern Ethiopia, of which only 28.7 million U.S. dollars has been received this year. IOM needs an extra 40.6 million U.S. dollars for the remainder of 2021 to be able to continue and further expand its response to help the displaced. Since the early hours of Nov. 4, the Ethiopian government has been undertaking military operations against the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), which used to rule Ethiopia's northernmost Tigray regional state. The Ethiopian government's military operations against forces loyal to the TPLF followed a reported attack against the Northern command of the Ethiopian Defense Force, a division that has been stationed in the region for over two decades. The Ethiopian government had on June 28 announced a unilateral ceasefire in the country's conflict-hit Tigray regional state. The unilateral ceasefire is said to facilitate humanitarian assistance, peaceful livelihood in the region as well as agriculture activities amid the approaching rainy season. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-16 21:42:21|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, July 16 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping held a phone conversation on Friday with Afghan President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani. Xi noted that China and Afghanistan are traditional friendly neighbors, and have always been understanding and helping each other. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, he added, the people of the two countries have worked together with solidarity and mutual assistance, deepening the friendship and cooperation between the two countries. China is ready to continue to provide support and assistance for Afghanistan's fight against the disease, Xi said, adding that China hopes the Afghan side will strengthen the protection of Chinese citizens and organizations in Afghanistan. Xi stressed that China firmly supports the Afghan government's endeavor to safeguard national sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, which is in the interests of the Afghan people and countries in the region. China always believes that political dialogue is the fundamental way to achieve national reconciliation and lasting peace in Afghanistan, Xi said, pledging China's continued support for the "Afghan-led, Afghan-owned" principle, the peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan, and an early peaceful reconstruction of the country. The Chinese side is glad to see that the Afghan government and relevant parties in Afghanistan have reached positive consensus during the recent dialogue in Tehran, he said. China, he added, hopes that both sides engaged in the dialogue will put the interests of the Afghan people first, and agree on a political solution through negotiation at an early date. China will, as always, play a constructive role in the process, Xi said. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-16 21:48:52|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Cao Jianming, Shen Yueyue, Ji Bingxuan, and Hao Jinming, vice chairpersons of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, attend the first plenary meeting of inspection teams on enforcement of the Notarization Law in Beijing, capital of China, July 16, 2021. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu) BEIJING, July 16 (Xinhua) -- The Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) has launched an enforcement inspection of the Notarization Law, the first of its kind since the law took effect in 2005. From mid-July to mid-October, inspection teams will be dispatched to six provincial-level regions, including Beijing, Hebei, Liaoning and Shanghai. Legislatures in four other provincial-level regions were also entrusted with inspecting the enforcement of the law in their own regions, according to the first plenary meeting of the inspection teams held in Beijing Friday. The inspection will place emphasis on the establishment of notary agencies, the competence of related workers, the performance of notarial functions, as well as supervision and instruction of notarial practices, according to the meeting. The inspection teams will discuss the report of the law-enforcement inspection in early November and the NPC Standing Committee will hear and review the report in late December. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-16 22:12:42|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, July 16 (Xinhua) -- China is ready to push forward its relations with the Maldives as next year will mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries, said Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday. In a phone conversation with Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, Xi said China is willing to hold various forms of celebrations with the Maldives to deepen the friendship between the people of the two countries. Since China and the Maldives established diplomatic ties, the two countries have treated each other with mutual understanding and support, setting an example of equality and win-win cooperation between countries of different sizes, Xi said. Xi recalled that during his state visit to the Maldives in 2014, the two countries agreed to establish a future-oriented, all-round friendly and cooperative partnership, which consolidated and promoted bilateral relations. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, China and the Maldives have been sticking together and helping each other, Xi noted, adding that China is willing to continue to provide vaccines and other support for the Maldives' fight against the virus, so as to help the country prevail over the disease. China, he added, hopes that the Maldivian side will give attention to the safety and health of Chinese personnel in the Maldives. The Chinese side is ready to work with the Maldives to continuously push forward the Belt and Road cooperation, so as to bring more benefits to the people of both countries, Xi said. He also suggested that the two countries strengthen mutual support on multilateral occasions, uphold international equity and justice as well as the common interests of developing countries, and promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-16 22:23:10|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close by Matthew Rusling, Yang Shilong and Liu Pinran WASHINGTON, July 16 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Joe Biden and visiting German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Thursday came out of a meeting at the White House, without a deal on their dispute over the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project, as widely expected. "I reiterated my concerns about Nord Stream 2," Biden told reporters at a joint press conference after the meeting. But he added they agreed that "Russia must not be allowed to use energy as a weapon to coerce or threaten its neighbors." The 1,230-km gas pipeline, which is expected to be completed next month, would bring natural gas from Russia to Germany through the Baltic Sea. Washington has long maintained that the pipeline endangers energy security. The United States and Germany have different assessments regarding the Nord Stream 2, Merkel said at the conference, while stressing both agreed that Ukraine will remain a transit country for natural gas. The United States has long claimed that the project was a geopolitical maneuver by Russia that will undermine Ukraine's role in transiting energy to Europe. Germany and Russia pointed out that the project is purely commercial. Citing the importance of relations with Germany and the difficulty to stop the nearly completed pipeline, the Biden administration in May waived sanctions against a company behind the pipeline project and its German CEO, which led to opposition from bipartisan lawmakers. As a part of the waiver, Germany and the United States must reach an agreement on the pipeline over the next three months. LIKELY TO BECOME CLOSER Merkel is the first European leader to visit the White House since Biden took office. The visit is widely seen as Biden's efforts to restore the relationship between Washington and Berlin, which had been damaged by his predecessor Donald Trump. Trump constantly blasted NATO allies for what he said was taking advantage of U.S. willingness to foot the bill for Europe's defense for decades. At times Trump dressed down European leaders in public, accusing them of not paying their fair share of defense costs. In 2019, Trump singled out Germany for failing to meet the 2-percent NATO military expenditure benchmark. In sharp contrast, Biden sees European allies as vital to pursuing his foreign policy and in meeting challenges from nations Washington views as competitors. "The cooperation between the United States and Germany is strong, and we hope to continue that, and I'm confident that we will," Biden said Thursday before the meeting with Merkel. Biden called Merkel "a great friend, a personal friend, and a friend of the United States." "I value the friendship," Merkel said at the White House. William Courtney, a retired U.S. ambassador and now an adjunct senior fellow at U.S. nonprofit global think tank RAND Corporation, told Xinhua that "U.S.-Germany relations are likely to become closer." "It feels like the U.S. has already conceded on Nord Stream 2 since Biden waived sanctions a few months ago. That was to my mind a mistake," Michael O'Hanlon, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, told Xinhua. "That said, I think Biden will handle the overall relationship well and restore a strong sense of shared purpose," O'Hanlon said. "The real question, of course, as Germans rightly recognize, is what will happen in the U.S. in 2025 and beyond." U.S. Democrats hold a slim majority in Congress, and it remains unclear what will happen in next year's midterm elections, as well as the 2024 race for the White House. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-16 22:42:13|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, July 16 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory letter to the 44th session of the World Heritage Committee of UNESCO, which opened Friday in Fuzhou, capital of east China's Fujian Province. The world's cultural and natural heritage is an important outcome of the development of human civilization and natural evolution, and an important vehicle for the exchanges and mutual learning between civilizations, Xi said in the letter. "To well protect, inherit and make good use of these precious treasures is our shared responsibility, and is of vital importance to the continuity of human civilization and the sustainable development of the world," he said. Implementing the new development philosophy, China has earnestly adhered to the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage with a sense of responsibility to the history and to the people, and has constantly improved its capability and caliber in heritage protection, Xi noted. Xi said China is willing to work with all countries across the globe and UNESCO to strengthen exchanges and cooperation, promote dialogue and mutual learning, support the cause of world heritage protection, jointly safeguard the cultural and natural treasures of humanity, and promote the building of a community with a shared future for humanity. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-16 23:02:36|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Visiting Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi holds talks with Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mukhtar Tleuberdi in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, July 15, 2021. (Xinhua/Cai Guodong) TASHKENT, July 16 (Xinhua) -- Visiting Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said here Thursday that China will continue to provide vaccines and other anti-epidemic materials to Kazakhstan, and help the country prevail over the pandemic. Wang made the remarks during talks with Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mukhtar Tleuberdi. He said the two sides should implement the consensus of the two heads of state, take the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries next year as a new starting point, and make a new leap forward in China-Kazakhstan relations. China, Wang said, is ready to join Kazakhstan in firmly supporting each other on major issues involving their respective core interests, take the high-quality construction of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as the main line, and improve the architecture of their mutually beneficial cooperation so as to make the "pie" of their common interests bigger and bigger. The two sides should implement the roadmap for bilateral cooperation on aligning the Silk Road Economic Belt with the New Economic Policy of the Bright Road, ensure the smooth implementation of key projects of bilateral capacity cooperation, and strengthen interconnectivity, said Wang. Calling on the two sides to create new growth points in the fields of artificial intelligence, digital finance, e-commerce and green energy, he said that the two countries should deepen cultural, sports, education, tourism and youth exchanges, consolidate the friendly public opinion and social foundation of the two countries, and resist all kinds of external misinformation. The origin tracing of the virus, Wang said, should be scientific and precise, and politicizing the origin tracing should be rejected. For his part, Tleuberdi said Kazakhstan attaches great importance to the China-Kazakhstan Permanent Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and is willing to continue to deepen cooperation with China in various fields, actively participate in the joint construction of the BRI, and strengthen the alignment of the two countries' development strategies. Kazakhstan stands ready to work with China to formulate cooperation plans for the next five years and vigorously strengthen cooperation in investment and finance, he said, thanking China for supporting Kazakhstan in its fight against the epidemic. On the origin tracing issue, he said that the most important thing is to uphold the scientific approach, and Kazakhstan opposes politicizing the issue. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-16 23:32:04|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, July 16 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday called on China and Mongolia to enrich their comprehensive strategic partnership in the new era. Under the current circumstances, the two countries share more and more common interests, Xi said in a phone conversation with his Mongolian counterpart, Ukhnaa Khurelsukh. Xi stressed that China and Mongolia are friendly neighbors linked by mountains and rivers, and the development of bilateral relations maintains a sound momentum. After the onset of COVID-19, he noted, the two countries joined hands in fighting the pandemic and deepened the friendship between their people, as demonstrated by such touching stories as China's Hubei province shipping local tea to Mongolia as gifts in appreciation of its earlier donation of sheep to China. China is ready to continue providing support to the best of its capacity for Mongolia's fight against the pandemic, he added. He suggested that the two countries respect each other's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, respect each other's development path independently chosen by their people, and accomodate and support each other's core interests and major concerns. Xi added the two sides should leverage their geographical proximity to better synergize the Belt and Road Initiative and the Steppe Road program, and to strengthen cooperation in such areas as minerals, energy, infrastructure and ecology. The Chinese side, he said, is ready to import more mineral and agricultural products from Mongolia. China is also willing to work with Mongolia to strengthen coordination and cooperation, uphold true multilateralism, and promote the building of a new type of international relations featuring mutual respect, fairness, justice and win-win cooperation, Xi added. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-16 23:33:06|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close RABAT, July 16 (Xinhua) -- Morocco's COVID-19 tally rose to 552,635 on Friday as 2,791 new cases were registered during the past 24 hours. The country's coronavirus death toll rose by nine to 9,427, while 445 people were in intensive care units, said a statement by the Moroccan Ministry of Health. The total number of recoveries from COVID-19 in Morocco increased to 529,853 after 1,208 new ones were added, according to the statement. Meanwhile, 11,185,961 people have received so far the first vaccine shots against COVID-19 in the country, with 9,608,887 having received two doses. The North African country launched a nationwide vaccination campaign on Jan. 28 after the arrival of the first shipment of China's Sinopharm vaccines. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-16 23:50:15|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, July 16 (Xinhua) -- China is ready to push forward its relations with the Maldives as next year will mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries, said Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday. In a phone conversation with Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, Xi said China is willing to hold various forms of celebrations with the Maldives to deepen the friendship between the people of the two countries. Since China and the Maldives established diplomatic ties, the two countries have treated each other with mutual understanding and support, setting an example of equality and win-win cooperation between countries of different sizes, Xi said. Xi recalled that during his state visit to the Maldives in 2014, the two countries agreed to establish a future-oriented, all-round friendly and cooperative partnership, which consolidated and promoted bilateral relations. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, China and the Maldives have been sticking together and helping each other, Xi noted, adding that China is willing to continue to provide vaccines and other support for the Maldives' fight against the virus, so as to help the country prevail over the disease. China, he added, hopes that the Maldivian side will give attention to the safety and health of Chinese personnel in the Maldives. The Chinese side is ready to work with the Maldives to continuously push forward the Belt and Road cooperation, so as to bring more benefits to the people of both countries, Xi said. He also suggested that the two countries strengthen mutual support on multilateral occasions, uphold international equity and justice as well as the common interests of developing countries, and promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind. For his part, Solih extended congratulations on the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC), saying that the CPC, under Xi's strong leadership, has become an important force in promoting equality, prosperity and cooperation among countries across the world. The Maldives, he said, highly appreciates the fact that China firmly upholds multilateralism in the World Health Organization and on other multilateral affairs, and helps strengthen global solidarity and cooperation with both vocal support and concrete action. The Maldives is grateful for China's long-running precious support for the country's social and economic development, and for China's timely and selfless help in the country's fight against COVID-19, he said. Stressing that the Maldives firmly adheres to the one-China policy, he said his country is willing to take the 50th anniversary next year as an opportunity to cement Maldives-China friendly cooperation, actively promote Belt and Road cooperation, and deepen coordination within multilateral frameworks. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-17 00:08:28|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, July 16 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday called on China and Mongolia to enrich their comprehensive strategic partnership in the new era. Under the current circumstances, the two countries share more and more common interests, Xi said in a phone conversation with his Mongolian counterpart, Ukhnaa Khurelsukh. Xi stressed that China and Mongolia are friendly neighbors linked by mountains and rivers, and the development of bilateral relations maintains a sound momentum. After the onset of COVID-19, he noted, the two countries joined hands in fighting the pandemic and deepened the friendship between their people, as demonstrated by such touching stories as China's Hubei province shipping local tea to Mongolia as gifts in appreciation of its earlier donation of sheep to China. China is ready to continue providing support to the best of its capacity for Mongolia's fight against the pandemic, he added. He suggested that the two countries respect each other's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, respect each other's development path independently chosen by their people, and accomodate and support each other's core interests and major concerns. Xi added the two sides should leverage their geographical proximity to better synergize the Belt and Road Initiative and the Steppe Road program, and to strengthen cooperation in such areas as minerals, energy, infrastructure and ecology. The Chinese side, he said, is ready to import more mineral and agricultural products from Mongolia. China is also willing to work with Mongolia to strengthen coordination and cooperation, uphold true multilateralism, and promote the building of a new type of international relations featuring mutual respect, fairness, justice and win-win cooperation, Xi added. For his part, Khurelsukh extended warm congratulations on the centenary of the Communist Party of China (CPC), saying that the CPC has led the Chinese people to make many remarkable achievements in the past 100 years. In particular, under Xi's strong leadership, China has won the battle against poverty and built a moderately prosperous society in all respects, he said, expressing his confidence that China will achieve new successes on its new journey to achieve the second centenary goal. Noting that the Mongolia-China comprehensive strategic partnership has maintained a sound momentum despite the COVID-19 pandemic, he said that a friend in need is a friend indeed, and the Mongolian side sincerely thanks China for the precious assistance it provided to Mongolia at a difficult time. The development of China has brought important opportunities to Mongolia, and made important contributions to world peace and development, he said. Mongolia, he added, is ready to work with China to intensify exchanges, advance practical cooperation in various fields, actively promote Belt and Road cooperation, strengthen coordination and cooperation in multilateral affairs, and build a community with a shared future for mankind. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-17 00:36:15|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close JERUSALEM, July 16 (Xinhua) -- Israel's Ministry of Health on Friday decided to forbid Israelis from traveling to Spain and Kyrgyzstan from July 23, citing a high level of COVID-19 morbidity. The country has already banned its citizens and permanent residents from traveling to Argentina, Brazil, South Africa, India, Mexico, Russia, Belarus, and Uzbekistan unless they can obtain special permission from an exception committee. In addition, inbound passengers from these countries, including recovered and vaccinated ones, must be placed in an immediate seven-day quarantine. The ministry has also issued on Friday a severe travel warning to Britain, Cyprus, Turkey, Georgia, Uganda, Myanmar, Fiji, Panama, Cambodia, Kenya and Liberia, which will also take effect on July 23. Prior to the announcement, Israel has issued severe travel warnings to 15 countries. Passengers arriving from countries to which a severe travel warning has been issued will also be required to enter a seven-day quarantine. Starting Friday, passengers arriving from other countries will need to be quarantined for up to 24 hours, waiting for the results of the COVID-19 tests that are conducted upon arrival. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-17 01:00:48|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Artists perform at the opening ceremony of the 44th session of the World Heritage Committee of UNESCO in Fuzhou, southeast China's Fujian Province, July 16, 2021. The 44th session of the World Heritage Committee of UNESCO kicked off Friday in Fuzhou, capital of east China's Fujian Province, to review world heritage items online for the first time. (Xinhua/Song Weiwei) FUZHOU, July 16 (Xinhua) -- The 44th session of the World Heritage Committee of UNESCO kicked off Friday in Fuzhou, capital of east China's Fujian Province, to review world heritage items online for the first time. The session, originally scheduled for 2020 but postponed due to COVID-19, is an extended one that will last until July 31 to go over the agendas of both 2020 and 2021. The session will review candidates for entry to the UNESCO World Heritage list, including Quanzhou, a coastal city in Fujian Province and a global maritime trade center in ancient China. The committee will also examine the state of conservation of sites already inscribed on the list. It will discuss whether to remove Liverpool from the list due to waterfront developments in the city, including a new multi-million dollar stadium for English Premier League club Everton. Also on its agenda is Australia's Great Barrier Reef, which was recommended to be placed on the List of World Heritage in Danger. In June, the committee said the country did not do enough to protect the world's largest coral reef system from the impacts of climate change. Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory letter to the session, saying China is willing to work with all countries across the globe and UNESCO to strengthen exchanges and cooperation, promote dialogue and mutual learning, support the cause of world heritage protection, jointly safeguard the cultural and natural treasures of humanity, and promote the building of a community with a shared future for humanity. "To well protect, inherit and make good use of these precious treasures is our shared responsibility, and is of vital importance to the continuity of human civilization and the sustainable development of the world," he said in the letter. Fuzhou, the host city, has set up a live broadcast platform on the official website of the event, offering services such as delayed live stream and playback. The session will also see a number of activities, including the World Heritage Site Managers' Forum, World Heritage Young Professionals Forum, and other side events hosted by China. "I think there is no greater thing than the concerted effort of the world to preserve its history. It's always a good thing to hold a world gathering for exchanging views and drafting plans to improve protecting our patrimony," said Albanian Ambassador to China Selim Belortaja when attending the opening ceremony. Fuzhou is the second Chinese city to hold World Heritage Committee sessions after east China's Suzhou in 2004. China now has 55 UNESCO World Heritage sites, ranking top in the world tied with Italy. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-17 01:11:08|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, July 16 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping's address at an informal meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) held on Friday boosted confidence in the global fight against the COVID-19 pandemic and world economic recovery, experts have said. While addressing the Informal Economic Leaders' Retreat of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) via video link, Xi called on APEC members to strengthen solidarity and cooperation to overcome the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and boost global economic recovery. Xi made a four-pronged proposal for Asia-Pacific cooperation, including strengthening international cooperation on COVID-19 response, deepening regional economic integration, pursuing inclusive and sustainable development, and seizing opportunities from scientific and technological innovation. Ronnie Lins, director of the China-Brazil Center for Research and Business, said Xi's speech is of great significance as it provides a feasible plan for the international community to cooperate in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic and promoting economic recovery. As to the negative impact of COVID-19 on the world economy, Lins said that only by promoting multilateralism can the global economy recover sooner, adding that the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative will help enhance cooperation among countries along the routes. Liu Ziyang, a professor at Kyonggi University in South Korea, said he was impressed by Xi's expounding on shared future for mankind. "In the interlinked world, only by enhancing the sense of community, can people succeed in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic on a global scale," Liu said. Noting that the Asian region experienced its first negative economic growth in decades amid the pandemic, Liu said countries in the region are looking forward to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) as "an engine for future economic development." Lee Pei May, a political expert at the International Islamic University Malaysia, said that "RCEP is a good opportunity to bring countries closer and more integrated," calling on member countries to ratify RCEP as soon as possible. "By facilitating trade and reducing barriers, member countries are expected to enjoy significant economic benefits," she added. Wayne Huang, principal of the Institute of Commercial Education New Zealand, expressed his belief that China will play an important role in promoting an inclusive, sustainable and resilient recovery in the Asia-Pacific region and the rest of the world. "China's rapidly developing economy and its large consumer base provide a huge market for the Asia-Pacific region and the rest of the world," he said. Reality shows that China's peaceful development is "an anchor of stability and a driving force for growth," he added. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-17 01:15:33|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, July 16 (Xinhua) -- Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi have called for tolerance and mutual understanding to promote peace talks between Palestine and Israel. Addressing a symposium for Palestinian and Israeli peace advocates Thursday, Wang said the current Palestine-Israel situation is complex and fragile. He called for upholding the belief in peace, adhering to tolerance and mutual understanding to promote the peace talks, stepping up humanitarian assistance to Palestine, and sticking to the "two-state solution." At the symposium, Palestinian and Israeli peace advocates reiterated that the "two-state solution" is the only feasible path. They also expressed appreciation for China's long-term commitment to promoting the Palestine-Israel peace process. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-17 02:09:28|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close A man clears the road after floods in Verviers, Belgium, July 16, 2021. Belgium has declared July 20 a national day of mourning the victims of the severe weather in recent days. Twenty-one people died and 18 were reported missing on Friday after flash floods that saw rivers burst their banks in the south and east of the country. (Xinhua/Zhang Cheng) BRUSSELS, July 16 (Xinhua) -- Belgium has declared July 20 a national day of mourning the victims of the severe weather in recent days. Twenty-one people died and 18 were reported missing on Friday after flash floods that saw rivers burst their banks in the south and east of the country. "These are very exceptional circumstances. These are the worst floods our country has ever known," Prime Minister Alexander De Croo said at a press conference on Friday. After three days of heavy showers and torrential rain, rivers and streams burst their banks, inundating entire streets and villages in some parts of the country. The celebrations for July 21, Belgium's National Day, will still take place, but in a limited capacity. Such bad weather "happens statistically once every 200 years. Normally, we find 100 millimeters of precipitation in July in the affected regions," said David Dehenauw, head of forecasting at the Royal Meteorological Institute of Belgium. "That we are not able to reach the disaster victims is a lesson that we must learn from," said Walloonia's Minister President Elio Di Rupo on Friday morning on Belgium's RTBF radio station. In the town of Verviers, near the city of Liege, disastrous floods submerged the city center, upturning cars and damaging homes and shops along the high street. Residents of all the municipalities along the Meuse river in Limburg, such as Maasmechelen, had to be evacuated after the river burst its banks and threatened to flood their homes. King Philippe of Belgium and his wife visited the flood ravaged town of Pepinster near Liege on Friday, where around 10 houses collapsed. The heavy downpours in the Belgian provinces of Luxembourg, Namur, Liege and Limbourg match what climate models predict for when the Earth warms up, suggesting direct links with global warming, the Belgian weekly Le Vive reported on Friday. The European Union's Civil Protection Mechanism has been activated to tackle the heavy floods following a request for assistance from Belgium. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-17 02:22:22|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BUDAPEST, July 16 (Xinhua) -- The Hungarian government is preparing to introduce a third COVID-19 vaccine from Aug. 1, Prime Minister Viktor Orban said Friday. "As a rule of thumb, the third vaccination can be given to any applicant, normally at least four months after the second vaccination," Orban explained in his weekly interview given to state radio MR1. "However, there can be exceptions, depending on the individual's medical situation," Orban added. Hungarians who might want to get the third vaccine will get them at the vaccination points where they have gotten the first two shots. "For the third jab, there will be no vaccination schedule, so age or other preferences will not count in the order, you will just need to ask for a date," Orban said. Orban also said that doctors will decide what type of vaccine the third vaccine should be. Professionals should decide whether to recommend a different type of third vaccine than the one the person received on the previous two occasions, or to offer the same vaccine, according to him. Vaccination will remain voluntary, except among healthcare workers. Vaccinations for people between the ages of 12 and 15 are done at all educational institutions on Mondays and Tuesdays before the school year, which will start on Sept.1. "16-18 year olds are doing well, 45 percent of them have already been vaccinated," Orban also said. "But 15 percent of those over the age of 65 have not yet been vaccinated, and they are now at greater risk than ever before," Orban warned, urging them to get vaccinated as soon as possible. The Hungarian government bought big supplies of Russian Sputnik V and Chinese Sinopharm vaccines to facilitate the vaccination campaign. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-17 02:32:33|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close TRIPOLI, July 16 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) on Friday announced evacuating 133 asylum seekers from Libya to Rwanda. "On the first humanitarian evacuation flight this year from Libya, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, has evacuated on Thursday evening 133 vulnerable asylum-seekers to Rwanda. The humanitarian flight had been on hold since April," UNHCR said in a statement. The evacuated asylum seekers, including women and children, are from Eritrea, Somalia, South Sudan and Sudan, the statement said, explaining that most of them are victims of trafficking or survivors of gender-based violence and other forms of abuse. "Since 2017, over 6,300 refugees and asylum seekers have departed Libya through humanitarian evacuations or resettlement to third countries," the statement added. Thousands of illegal immigrants, mostly Africans, choose to cross the Mediterranean Sea from Libya toward European shores, due to the state of insecurity and chaos in the North African country following the fall of the late leader Muammar Gaddafi's regime in 2011. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-17 03:19:32|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed (C) is seen ahead of the Security Council ministerial-level briefing on the protection of humanitarian space under the protection of civilians in armed conflict agenda item, at the UN headquarters in New York, on July 16, 2021. United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed warned on Friday that the world is facing a "bloody surge" in humanitarian crises, while calling on member states and the Security Council to do everything possible to end attacks on humanitarians and assets. (Manuel Elias /UN Photo/Handout via Xinhua) UNITED NATIONS, July 16 (Xinhua) -- United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed warned on Friday that the world is facing a "bloody surge" in humanitarian crises, while calling on member states and the Security Council to do everything possible to end attacks on humanitarians and assets. "We are facing a bloody surge in humanitarian crises around the world. Civilians in conflict zones are paying the highest price," the UN deputy chief told the Security Council ministerial-level briefing on the protection of humanitarian space under the protection of civilians in armed conflict agenda item. Briefing on behalf of the secretary-general, Mohammed said that this year the UN and its partners are seeking to assist 160 million people - its highest number ever. The "hurricane of humanitarian crises" is compounded by a "relentless wave of attacks" on humanitarian and medical workers, and the imposition of ever narrower constraints on humanitarian space, according to the UN deputy chief. "The secretary-general urges this Council to take strong and immediate action to support its numerous resolutions on the protection of civilians, humanitarian and healthcare workers, and humanitarian space," she told ministers and ambassadors. Shootings, bodily and sexual assault, kidnappings and other attacks affecting humanitarian organizations, have increased tenfold since 2001, according to Mohammed. "In the five years since this Council's landmark resolution calling for an end to impunity for attacks on healthcare systems, workers and patients have suffered thousands of attacks," she said. Meanwhile, it is becoming ever more difficult to provide vital humanitarian aid to people in need. "Turbo-charged" by COVID-19, humanitarian needs are outpacing the capacity to meet them, said Mohammed. While the UN engages in difficult negotiations to create lasting ceasefires and build sustainable peace, the delivery of life-saving humanitarian aid must continue and that requires the necessary humanitarian space. Member states and the Security Council have "a responsibility to do everything in their power" to end attacks on humanitarians and assets, and seek accountability for serious violations, the UN deputy chief underscored. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-17 04:49:20|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close WASHINGTON, July 16 (Xinhua) -- Record high temperatures in northwestern United States had caused a surge in heat-related illness and hospital visits, according to a study released by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Friday. Heat waves are occurring more frequently in the United States, and climate change is causing heat waves to become more intense, directly impacting human health, including heat-related illnesses and deaths, said the CDC. In the northwestern United States, rising temperatures are projected to cause significant adverse health effects in the coming years, according to the CDC. Between June 25 to 30, most of Oregon state and Washington state were under a National Weather Service excessive heat warning. The record-breaking heat had the largest impact in the two states, especially the Portland metropolitan area, with temperatures reaching 46.7 degrees Celsius, which is 5.6 degrees hotter than the average daily maximum June temperature, according to the CDC. During May and June, a total of 3,504 heat-related illness emergency department visits were reported in the states of Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. Approximately 79 percent of these occurred between June 25 to 30, when most of Oregon and Washington were under an excessive heat warning. Males and people aged 75 and above were affected most, according to the CDC. The northwestern heat wave had a sizable public health impact, said the CDC, adding health departments should develop response plans, and protect communities from heat-related illness and deaths. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-17 05:00:53|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close JERUSALEM -- Israel's health ministry announced on Friday that all passengers entering Israeli borders will have to go through a mandatory quarantine. The new regulation starts from Friday, the ministry added. Passengers arriving from the countries and regions defined by Israel as high-risk are required to take a seven-day quarantine. (Israel-COVID19) ---- TEHRAN -- Iran on Friday reported 21,885 new COVID-19 cases, taking the country's total infections to 3,485,940. The pandemic has so far claimed 86,791 lives in Iran, up by 199 in the past 24 hours, the Iranian Ministry of Health and Medical Education reported. (Iran-COVID19) ---- TRIPOLI -- The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) on Friday announced evacuating 133 asylum seekers from Libya to Rwanda. "On the first humanitarian evacuation flight this year from Libya, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, has evacuated on Thursday evening 133 vulnerable asylum-seekers to Rwanda. The humanitarian flight had been on hold since April," UNHCR said in a statement. (Libya-UNHCR-Rwanda-Asylum seekers) ---- BAGHDAD -- Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi announced Friday the arrest of killers of well-known political and security expert Hisham Al-Hashimi after a year of the assassination. "We promised to arrest the killers of Hisham al-Hashimi, and we fulfilled the promise," al-Kadhimi said in a tweet without giving further details about the accomplices in the crime, nor about the place and time of the arrest. (Iraq-Arrest-Assassinators) Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-17 05:25:00|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BRUSSELS/BERLIN/GENEVA, July 16 (Xinhua) -- Devastating flash floods due to intense rainfalls have swept through several western European countries in the past few days, killing more than one hundred and causing damages. Some countries in Western Europe received up to two months worth of rainfall in two days, with Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg strongly affected, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) reported on Friday. In parts of western and southern Germany, towns and communities were hit by catastrophic flash floods after heavy and continuous rainfall this week. As of Friday afternoon local time, the death toll climbed to 103 in the country, with many more people still missing, according to local authorities. The federal states of North Rhine-Westphalia and Rhineland-Palatinate were hit particularly hard, with 43 people and 60 people killed respectively. A large number of people are still missing. The district of Ahrweiler alone currently estimates about 1,300 missing people, while around 3,500 are being treated in care facilities. Germany's Ministry of Defence has issued a military disaster alert on Friday, deploying more than 850 soldiers for rescue work and the number is increasing. "Extreme precipitation such as the heavy rains that flooded parts of western Germany this week is likely to become more frequent due to global warming," said German expert Stefan Rahmstorf, head of Earth System Analysis at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK). In Belgium, a national day of mourning has been set for July 20 for the victims of the severe weather in recent days. Twenty-one people died and 18 were reported missing on Friday after flash floods that saw rivers burst their banks in the south and east of the country. In the town of Verviers, near the city of Liege, disastrous floods submerged the city center, upturning cars and damaging homes and shops along the high street. The heavy downpours in the Belgian provinces of Luxembourg, Namur, Liege and Limbourg match what climate models predict for when the Earth warms up, suggesting direct links with global warming, the Belgian weekly Le Vive reported on Friday. In neighboring Netherlands, 10,700 people have been evacuated in Venlo in the north of the southern Dutch province of Limburg on Friday, as a precaution due to the high water level and the fear of flooding. The Dutch government has formally assessed the flood in Limburg as a disaster, allowing victims to obtain clarity about whether their damage will be reimbursed by the government if their insurance does not cover it. Dutch King Willem-Alexander visited the city and called the situation in Limburg "heartbreaking." In Switzerland, maximum flood warnings have been issued in central parts of the country due to persistent rainfall. As of Friday, Lake Lucerne, Lake Thun and Lake Biel have remained at the highest flood warning level (5) after continued and intense rainfall throughout the week. The Swissinfo website reported that the major cities such as Basel and Bern are also facing high flood risks, with the River Aare reaching a flow rate of 540 cubic meters per second, nearing the 600 level recorded in the major floods of 2005. France's meteorological service warned on Friday that the continuous rainfall is soaking the soil, putting France at risk of flooding. Currently, 13 provinces in northern and eastern France have been placed on orange alert for floods. The European Union's Civil Protection Mechanism has been activated to tackle the heavy floods. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-17 05:26:01|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close SANTIAGO, July 16 (Xinhua) -- All of Chile's regions showed a decline in COVID-19 cases in the last week, Health Minister Enrique Paris said on Friday. In a statement, Paris said that in the last seven days, COVID-19 infections decreased by 30 percent. Among the regions with the greatest decline were Magallanes (47.5 percent), O'Higgins (39 percent), Valparaiso (35 percent) and Los Lagos (34 percent). The steady drop in the number of cases has been evident since the beginning of June, with less than 2,500 daily infections to date. Meanwhile, in several regions, the full vaccination against COVID-19 has exceeded 80 percent of the population, as new health measures went into effect on Thursday, with greater freedom of mobility for people who are fully vaccinated. On Friday, the Ministry of Health reported 2,031 new COVID-19 infections and 102 more deaths in 24 hours, for a total of 1,596,549 cases and 34,309 deaths. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-17 05:46:13|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close GENEVA, July 16 (Xinhua) -- The list of human rights crimes committed by the United States at home and abroad is too long to draw, and the U.S. should face up to and address its own human rights abuses, said a statement issued on Friday by the Chinese Mission to UN at Geneva. In response to an earlier statement issued by the U.S. Mission in Geneva which criticized China on human rights issues, the Chinese mission said that the U.S. is playing a game of being the thief crying "stop thief". "What truly surprises us is that at a time when alarming human rights violations in the United States are there for everyone to see, it still has the courage to play human rights preacher, with no idea that it has already become the laughingstock of the world," the Chinese mission statement stated. If the United States dares to claim that it is committed to protecting the rights of individuals, then how about the rights of those "George Floyds" who could not breathe, the statement asked. "How about the rights of more than 600,000 Americans who died in the (COVID-19) pandemic? How about the rights of Americans who are struggling in poverty? How about the rights of migrant children in custody at the U.S. immigration centers? How about the rights of innocent civilians in other countries who lost their lives or families under indiscriminate bombings by the U.S. armed forces?" it continued. The statement further pointed out that if the United States dares to claim that it is committed to protecting the rights of individuals, then how about the rights of people in other countries who are starving and dying because of the unilateral coercive measures imposed by the United States? "The United States owes the whole world a serious answer," the statement said. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-16 02:26:13|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close JOHANNESBURG, July 15 (Xinhua) -- Clean-up operations have begun in areas previously gripped by unrest in Gauteng, South Africa, as calm returned after days of looting and arson. Some political organizations and citizens volunteered to be part of the operations. Herman Mashaba, leader of Action SA, a newly established party, said members of his organization took part in the operations on Thursday. "I want to encourage all of our members ... to join clean-up campaigns across KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng. The road to fixing South Africa starts here," he said, posting photos of his organization's members carrying brooms. "Chris Hani Mall cleaned up - in complete contrast of its condition from yesterday in Vosloorus on the East Rand," said Sipho Kekana on social media with pictures of volunteers cleaning in the East Rand. The mall was looted and set alight on Monday night. Government applauded South Africans who took part in the initiative. "These patriotic and peace loving people who united in support for law and order are a true reflection of our character as a nation," the South African government Twitter account tweeted on Thursday, "It is this spirit and character which gives us hope for the future and with which we can build our future together." Gauteng went through days of looting from last weekend after the jailing of former president Jacob Zuma. Many shopping centers in areas including Soweto, parts of Ekurhuleni, Alexandra and around the Johannesburg business center district were looted and set alight. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-16 03:01:41|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Family members grieve over the death of the victims of the protests in Johannesburg, South Africa, July 14, 2021. A total of 117 people have lost their lives during violent protests which have been taking place for a week in South Africa, said Acting Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni on Thursday while addressing the media about the latest development in the protests in the country. (Photo by Yeshiel/Xinhua) JOHANNESBURG, July 15 (Xinhua) -- A total of 117 people have lost their lives during violent protests which have been taking place for a week in South Africa, said Acting Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni on Thursday while addressing the media about the latest development in the protests in the country. Ntshavheni said 26 deaths had been recorded in Gauteng, while 91 lives were lost in KwaZulu-Natal. She said the situation is improving in Gauteng province while KwaZulu-Natal is still volatile but was slowly moving toward stability. A total of 2,203 arrests were made in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). Among them, 725 were in Gauteng and 1,478 in KZN. She said the government was concerned over the supply chain and movement of goods from Durban and Richards Bay ports to various destinations for the main routes have been blocked by protesters with stones and other dangerous items over the past few days. "SAPS (South African Police Service) are providing escorts for the transportation of the supplies of oxygen, medicines and other key goods that have to reach all parts of the country," said Ntshavheni. She said police have arrested one of the 12 people who were suspected of inciting people to commit crime. "The South African Police Service tracking team has increased the surveillance of the remaining 11," she added. With regards to the deployment of 25,000 soldiers, 10,000 were on the ground as of Thursday. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-16 19:33:05|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close LUANDA, July 16 (Xinhua) -- Angola is going to work for the emergence of Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) among the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP), the country's Minister of Economy and Planning Sergio Santos said here on Thursday. For this purpose, there is a need to strengthen economic and business cooperation among the member states, Santos said on the sidelines of a roundtable on economic and business cooperation within the scope of the 13th CPLP Conference. Santos called for the building of a strategic partnership among CPLP companies and greater mobility within the community, adding that it is essential to align the investment agencies among members of the community for integrative solutions. Angola is expected to assume the rotating presidency of the CPLP at the conference in Luanda from July 16 to 17. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-16 22:12:31|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close RABAT, July 16 (Xinhua) -- Officials in charge of military affairs from Morocco and Cote d'Ivoire discussed on Friday ways to strengthen cooperation between the military forces of the two countries. Moroccan Minister in charge of the National Defense Administration Abdeltif Loudyi, and Inspector General of Moroccan Armed Forces (MAF) Abdelfattah Louarak, met with visiting Defense Minister of Cote d'Ivoire Tene Birahima Ouattara in Moroccan capital Rabat for an in-depth discussion on military cooperation, a statement released by the MAF. Reviewing various military issues, the officials from both sides expressed satisfaction with the level of the bilateral military cooperation, and proposed to step up cooperation in training, as well as exchange of experience and expertise, the statement added. Ouattara is leading a large military delegation on a working visit to Morocco from July 14 to 17. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-17 00:30:09|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close DAR ES SALAAM, July 16 (Xinhua) -- Tanzania will host the East African Community (EAC) regional tourism expo in October, the country's Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism Damas Ndumbaro announced Friday. The tourism expo will be held in the northern tourist city of Arusha, Ndumbaro told a virtual meeting of the EAC Council of Ministers for Tourism. Ndumbaro said Tanzania offered to hold the tourism expo in Arusha after Burundi stated that it was not ready to host the regional tourism expo for 2021. The regional tourism expo, the first of its kind to be held in the east African region, is aimed at promoting tourism attractions available in the EAC member countries of Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and South Sudan. Ndumbaro said the regional tourism expo will also help to encourage tourism stakeholders, especially the private sector, to work out strategies aimed at reviving the sector that has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. "The pandemic has resulted in the collapse of many tourist companies and the subsequent lay-offs of employees," said the minister. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-16 10:31:40|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close SINGAPORE, July 16 (Xinhua) -- Singapore's non-oil domestic exports (NODX) grew by 15.9 percent year on year in June, compared to the revised 8.6 percent increase in May, Enterprise Singapore, a government agency, announced on Friday. The growth was mainly due to exports of non-electronics, especially specialized machinery and petrochemicals, which grew by 43.2 percent and 51.2 percent year on year respectively. In all, Singapore's non-electronics NODX grew by 13.2 percent year on year in June, following the revised 7.9 percent growth in May. Meanwhile, the electronics NODX grew by 25.5 percent year on year, compared to the 11 percent growth in the previous month. On a month-on-month seasonally adjusted basis, Singapore's NODX increased by 6 percent in June to 16.3 billion Singapore dollars (about 12.02 billion U.S. dollars), after the revised 0.2 percent decrease in the previous month. Singapore's NODX to the Chinese mainland increased 27.6 percent year on year in June, following the 36.9 percent increase in May. This is the sixth consecutive month to see growth in Singapore's NODX to the Chinese mainland. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-16 11:20:56|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, July 16 (Xinhua) -- Worsening relations with China could hurt the recovery of Australia's tourism industry, a researcher of Edith Cowan University in Perth has warned. Chinese travellers are unlikely to return to Australia in the same numbers as before the COVID-19 pandemic unless diplomatic relations between the two countries improve, Sam Huang said in an interview with Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) earlier this week. "The current situation of the Australia-China relationship, I would say that would be a big barrier for our future tourism recovery," said Huang, a research professor in tourism and services marketing in the School of Business and Law of Edith Cowan University. China was Australia's largest inbound tourist market for both arrivals and spending in 2019, according to Tourism Australia, a government agency. There were 758,551 holiday arrivals from China in the year to December 2019, out of 1.4 million total short-term visitor arrivals, ABC reported. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-16 13:15:34|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close ULAN BATOR, July 16 (Xinhua) -- The COVID-19 cases in Mongolia rose by 1,364 in the last 24 hours to 144,492, the country's health ministry reported on Friday. The ministry said that nine more deaths and 3,730 more recoveries were recorded, bringing the national counts to 743 and 121,953, respectively. Mongolia launched a nationwide vaccination campaign late February, with the aim of vaccinating at least 60 percent of its population, which stands at some 3.3 million. So far, 64.7 percent of the country's total population have received the first dose, and 55.6 percent have been fully vaccinated, according to officials. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-16 15:45:11|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close KANDAHAR, Afghanistan, July 16 (Xinhua) -- The Afghan government security forces on early Friday launched an operation to retake control of a key border district in southern Kandahar province, a provincial government official confirmed. "The Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF), supported by the local Public Uprising Forces, launched an operation to retake control of Spin Boldak district from Taliban militants," the official told Xinhua anonymously. More information will be shared with media as appropriate, the source said. On Wednesday, the Taliban overran the district bordering Pakistan. Earlier on Friday, local media reports claimed that a journalist was also killed in Spin Boldak on Thursday clashes. Earlier on Friday, ANDSF recaptured control of a strategic Saighan district from Taliban in central Bamyan province. The Afghan provinces have been the scene of heavy battles in recent weeks as Taliban militants continued the fighting against the government security forces since the withdrawal of U.S. troops on May 1. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-16 19:29:30|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BANGKOK, July 16 (Xinhua) -- Thailand plans to further tighten distancing rules as the current measures failed to contain the rapid spread of the coronavirus, with the daily cases hitting a new high on Friday. The Center for the COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) reported a new daily record of 9,692 new COVID-19 cases and 67 more deaths on Friday, taking the total number to 381,907 infections and 3,099 fatalities. Five days after the semi-lockdown measures have been in effect in Thailand's worst-affected provinces, the number of COVID-19 cases continued to rise sharply. Tougher measures such as the closure of more businesses and public mobility restrictions have been planned to tackle the current situation, CCSA spokeswoman Apisamai Srirangsan told a daily briefing. Thailand is now facing a threat of a more contagious Delta variant while lagging behind in the vaccination rollout. As of Thursday, less than five percent of its 70 million population are fully vaccinated in the country's plan to inoculate 70 percent of its population by the end of this year. Despite the worsening COVID-19 situation nationwide, the popular tourist island Phuket will likely to see more foreign visitors than earlier forecast under the Phuket Sandbox, a pilot tourism reopening project that Thailand bets on to save its tourist-reliant economy. Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)'s Phuket Office director Nanthasiri Ronsiri said on Thursday that a total of 5,473 foreign tourists have so far visited Phuket since July 1, generating some 190 million baht (about 5.80 million U.S. dollars) in tourism-related income. More tourist islands including Ko Samui have opened to fully vaccinated local and foreign visitors since Thursday. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-16 19:35:40|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Photo taken on July 16, 2021 shows military vehicles during a military operation after Taliban attack in Shiberghan city, Afghanistan. The Afghan security forces repelled an attack by Taliban on Shiberghan city, capital of Afghanistan's northern Jawzjan province on Friday, killing and injuring dozens of militants, local police said. (Photo by Mohammad Jan Aria/Xinhua) SHIBERGHAN, Afghanistan, July 16 (Xinhua) -- The Afghan security forces repelled an attack by Taliban on Shiberghan city, capital of Afghanistan's northern Jawzjan province on Friday, killing and injuring dozens of militants, local police said. Sporadic fighting started early Friday when dozens of Taliban militants armed with guns and heavy weapons entered from two directions in the south and east of the city, provincial police officer Abobakar Jilani told Xinhua. "The Afghan army, police backed by local public uprising fighters repelled the attackers and prevented them from advancing to the central part of the city," he said. The Afghan air force conducted several airstrikes on militants' positions on the outskirts of the city, 390 km to the north of national capital Kabul, Ghani Nizami from the Afghan National Army told Xinhua. "Within the past 24 hours, 60 militants have been killed and many others wounded. The army personnel will soon reopen two provincial highways which connect Shiberghan city with neighboring Balkh and Sari Pul provinces," he said. Taliban militants have not responded to the reports so far. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-16 21:44:25|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close TASHKENT, July 16 (Xinhua) -- Uzbekistan and Pakistan have signed a strategic partnership agreement, vowing to boost bilateral trade volume by five times, Uzbek president's press service announced Friday. The agreement was signed by Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and visiting Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, who jointly hosted a bilateral business forum on regional connectivity. Following the talks, several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and agreements with a total worth of 500 million U.S. dollars were inked to strengthen cooperation in diverse areas, including transit trade and the simplification of visa procedures for businessmen and tourists. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-16 05:01:03|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close European Commissioner for Economy Paolo Gentiloni attends a press conference on the "Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism" in Brussels, Belgium, July 15, 2021. The European Commission on Wednesday unveiled a comprehensive roadmap for realizing the European Union's (EU) ambitious target of reducing its net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55 percent from 1990 levels by 2030 and to become climate-neutral by 2050. (European Union/Handout via Xinhua) BRUSSELS, July 15 (Xinhua) -- The European Union (EU) is planning to overhaul its current energy taxation system in a bid to synchronize it with the bloc's green ambition, European Commissioner for Economy Paolo Gentiloni said on Thursday. He noted that it was high time that the EU updated its Energy Taxation Directive which was almost two decades old and with minimum rates unchanged since 2003. "They do not reflect the actual energy content or environmental performance of the energy sources covered. They lead to pollutant fuels being taxed less than their cleaner alternatives, which of course makes no sense. In short, the current rules are completely out of synch with our green ambitions," he told a news conference. Gentiloni explained that the new proposal contains in-built possibilities for EU countries to relieve lower-income households from any additional tax burden while they adjust to greener energy over the coming years. A second proposal Gentiloni presented on Thursday was the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, designed to "address the risk of carbon leakage which can undermine our efforts when production is moved elsewhere to avoid EU carbon pricing." The two proposals that reflect the "polluter pays" principle are part of a comprehensive roadmap for realizing the EU's ambitious target of reducing its net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55 percent from 1990 levels by 2030 and to become climate-neutral by 2050. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-16 05:38:13|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close DUBLIN, July 15 (Xinhua) -- Ireland's goods exports to China increased by nearly 19 percent in May, almost four times as high as the country's total exports in the month, according to data released by Ireland's Central Statistics Office on Thursday. In May 2021, Ireland exported a total of 1.116 billion euros (1.32 billion U.S. dollars) worth of goods to China, up 18.72 percent when compared with May 2020, while its total goods exports in the month grew by only 5 percent to 13.561 billion euros. China was the fifth largest market for Irish exported goods in May, ranking after the United States, Germany, Britain and Belgium. China was also the fifth largest source of goods imported by Ireland. In May 2021, Ireland imported 598 million euros worth of goods from China, up 3.28 percent year-on-year. Ireland's total value of imported goods for May was 8.385 billion euros, up 36 percent over a year ago. In the first five months of this year, Ireland exported 4.6 billion euros worth of goods to China, slightly down 1.56 percent compared to the same period last year, while its goods imports from the latter were valued at 2.929 billion euros, up 15.63 percent year-on-year. Ireland's total goods exports and imports for the first five months were valued at 66.28 billion euros and 38.3 billion euros respectively. These represented a 3-percent decrease and a 14-percent increase respectively when compared with the same period last year. (1 euro = 1.181 U.S. dollars) Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-16 09:52:37|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Syringes are seen at a COVID-19 vaccination center at Alcabideche sports complex in Cascais, Portugal, on July 16, 2021. Portugal is accelerating the vaccination against COVID-19 amid the raging Delta variant which has been already predominant in the country. (Photo by Pedro Fiuza/Xinhua) LISBON, July 15 (Xinhua) -- Portugal's National Authority for Medicines and Health Products (Infarmed) announced on Thursday that it had decided to continue using vaccines from Janssen Laboratory in Portugal after a reassessment, saying they met the European Union (EU) specifications. On Wednesday, Infarmed said that it was investigating the quality of Janssen vaccines as users had passed out after being vaccinated. "Tests were carried out on the physical-chemical characteristics of the vaccine. The conformity of all batches that are in the distribution circuit, in accordance with the approved specifications, has been proven," said Infarmed in a press release. "No quality defects were detected" in these vaccines, said the national drug regulator, noting that about 20,000 doses were administered in the vaccination centers, "and no more cases of adverse reactions have been reported." The Janssen vaccine, "like the other vaccines against COVID-19 authorized in the EU, are safe and effective," according to Infarmed. "Anxiety-related reactions, including vasovagal reaction (syncope), hyperventilation or stress-related reactions, may occur in association with vaccination, as a psychogenic response to needle injection," warned the national regulator. The country surpassed the mark of 10 million doses and is accelerating vaccination amid the raging Delta variant which has been already predominant in the country. Portugal registered 920,200 cases with 17,187 deaths, according to the Directorate-General for Health. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-16 05:06:19|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close OTTAWA, July 15 (Xinhua) -- No casualties were reported after a suspected tornado ripped through Barrie region in Ontario province of Canada Thursday afternoon, leaving a trail of destructed homes, according to CBC. The storm lasted about 10-15 minutes and Barrie police responded to reports of significant damage in the southeast end of the city, which is about 115 km north of Toronto. Barrie police said thousands are without power and are sending residents to nearby schools for refuge. Ontario Premier Doug Ford posted to social media expressing his sympathy for those impacted by the storm. Environment Canada first issued a severe thunderstorm watch just before noon for Barrie and other areas. That was upgraded to a tornado warning by early afternoon which ended just before 3 p.m. ET. Much of southern Ontario beyond Toronto remains under a severe thunderstorm watch according to Environment Canada. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-16 06:29:01|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close HOUSTON, July 15 (Xinhua) -- Austin, the capital city of U.S. state of Texas, raised the city's coronavirus risk-based guidelines on Thursday as COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations spiked in recent days. According to the city's public health officials, the new guidelines urge unvaccinated people to avoid nonessential travel and take other precautions. This marks the first time a major Texas city has reversed direction in the trend toward normalcy. "We cannot pretend that we are done with a virus that is not done with us," The Texas Tribune quoted Austin Mayor Steve Adler as saying during a Thursday news conference. Other populous cities like Houston and Dallas have also seen COVID-19 cases spike in the past days. This was at least partly because of the highly transmissible Delta variant of the virus. But Austin's move has no weight of law behind it because Texas Governor Greg Abbott banned pandemic mandates in May, reported The Texas Tribune. It also only applies to the city's unvaccinated population. Earlier this week, health officials reported that the city's new case rates and hospitalization rates - while still low - have doubled in the past week. Adler said he hasn't ruled out the possibility of stronger moves by the city if these measures don't reduce the numbers, even if they don't have Abbott's support. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-16 06:42:06|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close WASHINGTON, July 15 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Joe Biden said Thursday the United States is only sending marines to bolster security at its embassy in Haiti but the idea of sending American troops into the Caribbean country was "not on the agenda." "We're only sending American Marines to our embassy," said Biden when addressing the situation in Haiti during a joint press conference at the White House with German Chancellor Angela Merkel. "The idea of sending American forces to Haiti is not on the agenda," Biden said. Haiti's interim government has asked the United States and the United Nations to deploy troops to the country to secure key infrastructure in the aftermath of the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise. Moise was shot dead early on July 7 at his Port-au-Prince home. The assassination occured more than two months before the country's presidential and legislative elections, which are scheduled for Sept. 26. Enditem South Boston, VA (24592) Today A steady rain this morning. Showers continuing this afternoon. High 76F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch.. Tonight Partly cloudy early with increasing clouds overnight. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low near 60F. Winds light and variable. Wang Yi Meets with First Deputy Prime Minister of Belarus Nikolai Snopkov 2021/07/16 On July 15, 2021 local time, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with First Deputy Prime Minister of Belarus Nikolai Snopkov in Tashkent. Wang Yi said, China and Belarus are "iron-clad" friends. Under the personal promotion of the two heads of state, China-Belarus relations have maintained a high level. The two sides should implement the consensus reached by the two heads of state, uphold the spirit of mutual trust and win-win cooperation, and continuously deepen the traditional friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation to push for a strong development momentum of China-Belarus relations. Wang Yi stressed that China and Belarus have a fine tradition of supporting and helping each other. He thanked Belarus for always standing together with China firmly and supporting China's legitimate position on issues concerning China's core interests. As a comprehensive strategic partner, China will do its best to provide support and assistance for Belarus when Belarus encounters difficulties, which is an inherent feature of the two countries' friendly relations. Wang Yi said, China firmly supports Belarus in safeguarding its state sovereignty and national dignity, opposes reckless unilateral sanctions against Belarus and external forces' interference in its internal affairs, and will uphold justice under multilateral frameworks to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests. China is ready to work with Belarus to further elevate the level of bilateral relations and deepen mutually beneficial cooperation. China will continue to provide vaccines for Belarus to help the country overcome the pandemic thoroughly at an early date. Snopkov warmly congratulated China on the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and on the completion of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects. Snopkov said, Belarus firmly believes that under the leadership of the CPC, China will certainly realize its second centenary goal and achieve greater success with its socialism with Chinese characteristics. Belarus is committed to working with China to deepen all-round cooperation and push bilateral relations to a higher level. Belarus firmly supports China and will always stand with China on issues concerning China's core interests. Belarus is ready to work with China to oppose "pseudo-multilateralism" practices that attempt to sow divisions in the world, and actively promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind. Titular de la PCM @VBermudezV: Los proyectos del concurso #ConstruyeParaCrecer son innovadores y tienen un enfoque de derechos humanos, orientados a la construccion de viviendas de calidad, que hacen del derecho fundamental a una vida digna, una realidad. pic.twitter.com/MYeAUaPfZm New Liverpool signing Ibrahima Konate is preparing for a gruelling first season at Anfield after his move from RB Leipzig this summer. Jurgen Klopp and Michael Edwards made the decision to trigger Konates transfer release clause from the Bundesliga in early June. The France U21 international centre-back was purchased for a fee of 36 million and will take the number 5 jersey vacated by former Red Gini Wijnaldum. Konate is currently in Austria with Klopp and the first-team squad undergoing an intensive pre-season training camp. He spoke to Liverpoolfc.com about his first impressions of the club, how tough the fitness regime has been, taking Ginis number 5, and more. I am very happy to be here with the team. My first impressions, I am very happy because I work with great players and I know I will [improve] here and I will be better with time. Im very happy because we work together, everybody is happy and this is good. before the pre-season, I worked in Paris and on holidays, and I prepared the pre-season. Now I am ready for hard work. I think its an important number for this club. A great player had this number before me. I have not pressure but a little bit of pressure because I have to improve for the future. I hope I will do great things with this number. When asked which players he has bonded with so far, Konate commented: With Van Dijk a little bit; Mane because he speaks French; Naby, I knew him for a long time; Origi and Salah. I think I can speak with every player step by step, it will be good. Asked if he had a preferred nickname to be called by, he said: Yes, Ibou because when I was young, every time my mother would call me Ibou, Ibou. When I was on the first day in Leipzig, she was with me and she would say every time, Hey, Ibou Ibou Ibou and Ralf Rangnick asked, Why Ibou? So, I said it was my nickname because every time my mum would call me that every time and my family too. He said, OK, now its Ibou and afterwards everyone would call me it. My first impressions, I am very happy because I work with great players and I know I will improve here. | @IbrahimaKonate_s first interview Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 16, 2021 For the most in-depth tactical and statistical analysis regarding Liverpool FC, sign up now! The original home of Pressing Stats, Anfield Index also brings you the latest views from club legends such as Jan Molby. Hear from the UKs top journalists, managers, professionals, sports scientists, physios, and sports psychologists as we bring you the ultimate LFC fan experience provided on approximately 30 podcasts every month for our AI:Pro listeners!! Enjoy all this and more for just 4.99 per month at Anfield Index Pro!! YEREVAN, JULY 16, ARMENPRESS. After Artsakh found itself in the current situation by the recent war, Azerbaijan is taking practical steps to occupy Armenias Syunik province, opening a new, the Zangezur geopolitical front, Foreign Minister of Artsakh Davit Babayan said in an interview to ARMENPRESS, calling for soberness and urging to understand what is taking place, to be ready for new aggression by Azerbaijan. He stated that the position of Artsakh has remained unchanged Artsakh will never be a part of Azerbaijan. -Mr. Babayan, the President of Azerbaijan has announced that according to their non-official information Armenia is not ready for the signing of the peace agreement with Azerbaijan. Commenting on this statement, Armenias caretaker deputy prime minister Tigran Avinyan noted that as long as the status of Artsakh is not solved yet, it would be difficult to talk about other solutions. What do you think, what agreement is Aliyev talking about? What is the purpose of making such statement and to what extent its appropriate now to talk about the signing of a peace agreement, taking into account the current complex situation? -I would say the following. In general, we need to concentrate not on the legal ideas as stated by Aliyev, meaning treaty, agreement, peace, etc, but on the new topic which is already being circulated, which was very predictable and we are talking about it for years. It seemed, everyone was understanding this, but now they all are surprised on what is happening. Aliyev has opened a new geopolitical topic, a new geopolitical front the Zangezur front. And this has already become a matter of discussion, a reality. For many years we have been stating that if one day Artsakh weakens, Armenia will be under a mortal danger, some people were thinking that Artsakh is a burden and getting rid of it they would live well, woulddo trade. But its not and will not be so. Look, Artsakh has weakened, and now the Zangezur front has opened. Now Azerbaijan is in the process of opening the Zangezur geopolitical front. -What does it mean? -It means that after Artsakh found itself in this situation, from geopolitical, psychological, economic and other terms, we are in a recovery department, that shield has been broken, but has not been destroyed, and now another front has opened. What do they do? They were always stating that Zangezur is Azerbaijani territory and similar absurd things. They have now passed to its practical implementation. They have created the Eastern Zangezur economic region. I want to note that the creation of this region is the first step. Later they will turn them into provinces or vilayets. But the problem is that there has never been the Eastern Zangezur economic region or any economic, cultural, administrative-territorial unit in Azerbaijan called Zangezur. They have now created that economic region and tomorrow will turn it into an administrative-territorial unit. We must sober up, understand what is happening and be ready. They are very well prepared. We also must take into account this. They are approaching to the work step by step. If Aliyev wants peace treaty, he will say give me the Western Zangezur, give me Yerevan, etc. The directions of their main geopolitical attacks are very clear. They are the most honest enemies, they have never hidden their true intentions. -Caretaker Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan has stated that Azerbaijan is making statements about the so-called corridor for distorting the activity of the trilateral deputy prime ministerial working group and preventing the unblocking of regional communications. -Look. We need to distinguish between transportation communications and geopolitical concept. He doesnt speak about a road passing through Meghri, he talks about the Zangezur corridor, Western Zangezur, Eastern Zangezur. This is already geopolitical. -Yerevan says corridor not, but a road may open. What do Azerbaijanis mean by saying corridor? -According to them, the corridor is the first step of merger of Western Zangezur. We need to understand in this way. -So you think that after occupying most of the territories of Artsakh, Azerbaijan will start the occupation of Syunik? -It has already started, not sharply, but gradually. -But, excuse me, in such situation there are talks over peace agreement, opening of roads, unblocking transportation communications, demarcation, delimitation. In this situation, when, as you said, Azerbaijan has in fact started implementing its program of occupying Syunik, dont you think that such statements are strange? -Has Aliyev ever hidden his intentions? He openly announces that. There is nothing strange, because there are different approaches, views and perceptions. -After the war Yerevan says that the priority is the clarification of the status of Artsakh, while Azerbaijan is making different statements. Where is Artsakh in these talks? The Republic of Artsakh is no more a subject? What is the position of Artsakh? -The position of Artsakh has remained unchanged: we will never be a part of Azerbaijan. Everyone needs to understand this quite well. The recent visit of foreign ambassadors accredited in Azerbaijan to Shushi is unacceptable for us. We say that there are two options here: either we must stand until the end or must leave totally. There is no other option. We will not be a part of Azerbaijan. This is clear and this is our position. -In this case, how does Stepanakert imagine the status of Artsakh in the near future, taking into account the military-political situation and in particular the presence of Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh? -Self-governing, independent country, a separate subject which plays its geopolitical role in the region. We must act as a geopolitical subject. Interview by Aram Sargsyan Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan YEREVAN, JULY 16, ARMENPRESS. The US Department of State has expressed its support to the peaceful settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict within the frames of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairmanship, the State Department told the Armenian service of Voice of America. The State Department said the United States supports the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairmanship process and is committed to assisting the sides to achieve the lasting settlement of the conflict based on principles of the Helsinki Final Act non-use of force or threat of force, territorial integrity, equal rights and peoples right to self-determination. Commenting on the recent discussion of the US Secretary of State and the Foreign Minister of France about the Karabakh conflicts peaceful settlement process, the State Department mentioned the statement issued by the French side according to which the French and American sides have talked about their joint actions as OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chair countries, which will help achieve sustainable peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan. We are deeply concerned by the resumption of the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan last fall and clearly understand the humanitarian needs the region is facing, the State Department said. In response to the question about the recent visit of foreign diplomats accredited in Azerbaijan to the occupied territories of Artsakh, the State Department said they do not comment on the details connected with the timetable of their ambassador. Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan YEREVAN, JULY 16, ARMENPRESS. The Armenian National Committee of Belgium has sent a letter to Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sophie Wilmes, expressing complaint over the recent visit of Ambassadors accredited in Azerbaijan, including the Belgian Ambassador, to the occupied territories of Artsakh, in particular Shushi, which has been organized by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. The Committee said the Armenian community strongly condemned that visit of the Belgian side. By accepting that invitation, the Belgian diplomacy, in fact, has participated in the propaganda of Azerbaijans dictatorial regime which aims at justifying ethnic cleansing and war crimes, as a result of which the ethnic Armenian population of Shushi and other settlements of Artsakh have suffered months ago. This seriously endangers the continuous efforts of the OSCE Minsk Group aimed at finding lasting, peaceful and fair settlement to the Nagorno Karabakh conflict. The participation of the Belgian side further surprised us, taking into account the fact that Belgium and you personally have expressed your unconditional support to the efforts of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairmanship. Therefore, it would be much better if you followed the example of the Co-Chair countries US, Russia and France, which refused to participate in that trip. Their rejection of that invitation was a clear message that the conflict is not solved yet, the letter reads. The Committee also reminded that as a result of the Azerbaijani barbaric acts, tens of thousands of Armenians had had to leave their homes. And Azerbaijan is now doing its program of distorting the history. The Committee also touched upon the fact that the Azerbaijani forces have violated Armenias territorial integrity. Belgiums participation to that visit opposes your calls as a foreign minister, where you were urging to immediately release the Armenian prisoners of war who are subject to ill treatment at Baku jails, the letter notes. As full citizens of Belgium, who continue respecting that countrys and Europes values, the Committee members have urged the government and the minister in particular to condemn the Azerbaijani actions. We reaffirm our position that there cant be lasting peace without justice, and in order for the peace to remain stable, it needs the support of the democratic world, the Committee said in the letter. Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan YEREVAN, JULY 16, ARMENPRESS. The number of people who have been killed in the heavy floods in the western part of Germany increased to at least 81, Reuters reports citing German broadcaster ARD. Around 1,300 people were missing in the Ahrweiler district south of Cologne. Entire communities lay in ruins after swollen rivers swept through towns and villages in the states of North Rhine-Westphalia and Rhineland-Palatinate. One dam close to the Belgium border, the Rurtalsperre, was flooded overnight while another, the Steinbachtalsperre, was unstable. YEREVAN, JULY 16, ARMENPRESS. President of Armenia Armen Sarkissian received a group of doctors today, his Office told Armenpress. Recently more than 500 representatives of medical community have addressed an open letter to the President over the detention of Director of the Izmirlyan medical center, Professor Armen Charchyan. During the meeting President Sarkissian highly valued the role of medics in ensuring medical safety in the country, especially highlighting their dedicated work during the recent war and in the fight against COVID-19. He also highly appreciated Professor Charchyans professional contribution to the development of Armenias healthcare system, as well as on providing medical care to the citizens affected by the war. The doctors thanked the President for the respect and for the response to their letter. Armen Sarkissian said the legal issues must be solved exclusively within legal domain. He also emphasized the importance of ensuring rule of law. It was stated that the Presidents powers are set by the Constitution, and he acts exclusively with those powers. Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan YEREVAN, JULY 16, ARMENPRESS. Caretaker Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan visited Saranist company located in Kotayk Province accompanied by acting Minister of Economy Vahan Kerobyan. The company is engaged in glass production, and just recently a brandy factory was launched. As ARMENPRESS was informed from the Office of the Prime Minister, the owner of the company Melik Manukyan presented the process of glass production, and then brandy production and development programs during the tour. It was mentioned that at present the company has 4 glass factories with separate furnaces, which allow to produce glass of different colors and usage, thus satisfying the demand in the market. The company is equipped with modern technologies and equipment. About 700 people currently work there. 7 production lines are being operated. "Saranist" has been producing containers for wine, brandy, beer, mineral water and juices since 2005. The company exports almost half of its products to Georgia. Referring to the production of brandy, Melik Manukyan noted that mainly 7-10-year-old brandy will be produced, the main part of which will be exported. The company plans to procure 1,500 tons of grapes this year. Caretaker Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan welcomed the initiative of expanding the company's activities, implementing new investment programs and creating new jobs, adding that the government is ready to promote the effective implementation of such projects within its powers. YEREVAN, JULY 16, ARMENPRESS. The Chamber of Advocates of Armenia held the second meeting on providing legal assistance to the Armenian war prisoners kept in Azerbaijan, during which it was mentioned that the team of advocates representing the interests of the POWs is taking measures to visit their clients in Azerbaijani prisons, ARMENPRESS was informed from the press service of the Chamber of Advocates. As we have already announced, the Chamber of Advocates has expressed readiness to support the process of providing legal assistance to our compatriots who are kept in Azerbaijan as hostages. Chairman of the Chamber of Advocates Ara Zohrabyan and his deputies Mane Karapetyan and Harut Aklunts, as well as lawyer Hayk Alumyan held meetings with the representative of the Republic of Armenia in the European Court of Human Rights, his deputy and other specialists for discussing the opportunities to implement their mission. Based on the result of the discussions, the participants came to the conclusion that the continuous representation of the interests of Armenian POWs in the European Court of Human Rights is a necessity. To this end, the team representing the interests of the detainees is taking steps to visit clients in Azerbaijani prisons. The Chamber of Advocates once again emphasized that their efforts are not aimed at protecting the Armenian POWs in Azerbaijani courts and according to the Azerbaijani domestic legislation, and the Chamber joins the assessment of the representatives of the Armenian authorities and civil society that these trials can not be considered legitimate. TAVUSH, ARMENIAJune 28, 2021 Family, friends, and fellow villagers joined the Armenian Resettlement Coalition (ARC) partner organizations as they cut the ribbon on the fourth and fifth familys new homes in Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur. Local officials from both the village and the Berd Consolidated Community welcomed the Avetisyan and Ayvazyan families. We are so happy to have this inflow of new students and young people into our community, said Nara Papyan, Principal of the school in Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur. Our students and teachers are very excited to welcome these new students into our school and allow them to benefit from the wonderful resources available at our school. In the next month, two additional families will be resettled into the village and integrated into the villages community and economic life through the resettlement efforts of ARC. Following this, ARC will begin resettling families into the Geghargunik Region village of Mets Masrik. By addressing the critical issue of resettlement in a complete and comprehensive manner, ARCs beneficiary families will have the greatest chance for success in their new communities. The budget for one family resettlement is $37,500, and ARC partners have committed a total of $300,000 to resettle the first eight families. Focus on Children Now (FCN), Sahman NGO, Teach For Armenia and The Paros Foundation formed the Armenian Resettlement Coalition (ARC) to address the thousands of Armenian families displaced from the Artsakh war that wish to remain in Armenia permanently. Each of ARCs partner organizations addresses and supports an essential aspect of this complete restart for these families in Armenia. ARC Partner Organization Responsibilities The Paros Foundation is financially responsible for purchasing homes, home renovations, and staff to identify and screen families for resettlement. Sahman NGO will finance, design and implement a significant economic support effort to enable each family to generate enough income to care for their family successfully. Focus on Children Now (FCN) will completely furnish the family home, including major appliances, and supplement each familys children with three-month nutrition. In addition, FCN will underwrite the tuition of any kindergarten-aged children to attend school and secure the benefit of early education. Teach For Armenia will provide each school-aged child a computer tablet and internet connection. In addition, Teach For Armenias Emergency Education Program will work directly with school leadership to provide additional educational and psychological support for these children as part of their community transition and integration. Coalition partners will offer final approvals for each aspect of the package for each family. To donate to ARC and its effort to resettle displaced Armenian families from Artsakh, visit: http://Focusonchildrennow.org/ARC For more information, please contact any of the coalition partners or email [email protected] Focus on Children Now (FCN): http://www.focusonchildrennow.org Sahman NGO: http://www.sahman.am Teach For Armenia (TFA): https://www.teachforarmenia.org The Paros Foundation (PAROS): https://parosfoundation.org YEREVAN, JULY 16, ARMENPRESS. The statements of the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliev and the rhetoric used by the Azerbaijani authorities are a clear indication that any prospect of peaceful coexistence is fraught with irreversible consequences, and endangers the fundamental rights and freedoms of the people of Artsakh, first of all, the security, life, and dignity. The people of Artsakh have never and can never live in peace with Azerbaijan, this is a reality documented by the bitterness of years, many episodes of criminal events, ARMENPRESS reports Human Rights Defender of Artsakh Gegham Stepanyan wrote on his Facebook page. All attempts to show or stage the opposite are pointless, futile steps, the conviction of the people of Artsakh in this matter is inviolable and undeniable. The realities must be assessed truthfully and justly by all the external forces, all the international structures, which are the defenders and advocates of the right to life of a peaceful human being. The international community must finally realize that there can simply be no peaceful coexistence with a people who for years have been nourished by an indescribable "poison" of Armenophobia, who a few months ago committed the most heinous war crimes, targeting almost all the civilian settlements and population of Artsakh, tortured and inhumanely treated the Armenian prisoners of war and the bodies of the killed servicemen. The Azerbaijani-Karabakh conflict is not solved, in the situation created after the trilateral statement on November 9, the rights of the people of Artsakh are violated every day, and yet Aliev insists that the conflict is solved and threatens with a new war. The main reason for the existence of this phenomenon is that the aggressive war unleashed by Azerbaijan against the civilian population of Artsakh in the fall of 2020 has not yet received a clear legal assessment. If Aliev has not understood for 30 years that the conflict cannot be considered resolved at the expense of the rights of the Armenians of Artsakh, then that solution must be imposed on him. The international community must finally understand that its passive posture directly calls into question the whole ideology of universality priority of human rights protection, and gives way to human rights and freedoms to dictatorship and aggression. The Canadian government has rejected a creative plan to have Ontario residents line up inside a US border tunnel to tap into a surplus of COVID-19 vaccine held by Michigan, a mayor says. A white stripe was painted inside the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel in the Detroit River. Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens proposed that Canadians would stand along the border while health care workers jab them. "We're not trying to send a man to the moon here. We're using the infrastructure to accomplish a shared goal," Dilkens told the Detroit Free Press. "This is a sensible, reasonable alternative to vaccines heading to the landfill." Motor vehicle travel between the countries is prohibited during the pandemic except for commercial truck traffic and workers deemed essential. Dilkens said partnering with the US state of Michigan, which has a vaccine surplus, would reduce the waiting time for Canadians who need a second shot. But the Canada Border Services Agency told Dilkens that the tunnel clinic could disrupt travel and carry "significant security implications". Separately, the Public Health Agency of Canada warned there could be trouble if the person giving the shot reached across the tunnel's white line into Canada. "A vaccine cannot be imported into Canadian space without the express consent of Health Canada," said Kathy Thompson, executive vice president at the agency. More than 500,000 vaccine doses held by Michigan are set to expire by early August, said Lynn Sutfin, spokeswoman at the state health department. "It's dead," Dilkens said of his plan. "Our government will not let this happen." China has financed the setup of a fund under APEC to fight COVID and fuel economic recovery, President Xi Jinping has said during a virtual meeting of the Asia-Pacific trade group, according to Xinhua news agency. Xi also said that China supports waiving the intellectual property rights of COVID vaccines and is willing to cooperate with other countries to ensure a stable and safe supply chain for vaccines. On the topic of regional economic integration, Xi called for countries to build an open, fair and unbiased environment for digital commerce. He also reiterated a call to build a high-level Asia Pacific free trade zone as soon as possible. Xi was speaking on Friday at an extraordinary meeting held by New Zealand, the revolving Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation host, ahead of a formal gathering in November, the first time such an additional meeting has been held. Govt-and-politics AUBURN Auburn City Council urges state to adopt Owasco Lake watershed rules Provided Owasco Lake AUBURN The Auburn City Council is calling on the state to adopt the rules and regulations for the Owasco Lake Watershed. At its meeting Thursday night, the council unanimously approved a resolution requesting the state Department of Health adopt the updated watershed rules and to set up a transparent process for watershed rules created by other communities to be approved in a timely fashion. The council and the Owasco Town Council approved the updated watershed directives at a special joint meeting in October. The Cayuga County Department of Planning and Economic Development started working with the Owasco Lake Watershed Management Council on the new edicts in 2017 in order to update enforceable regulations for protecting the lake for the first time since 1984. "Most watershed rules and regulations in effect were last updated decades ago, and many water sources have no watershed rules and regulations in effect, leaving many communities without effective protections," the resolution said. The resolution, which was available via the city's website, asks the health department to "establish a transparent process for the timely approval of updated draft watershed rules and regulations submitted by other communities." To show its support for the New York state communities that are working on or want to be making or updating watershed rules rules and regulations for the protection of their own drinking water sources, the council, with the help of the Riverkeeper environmental advocacy group, created a letter for support and a sample resolution, "which will be disseminated to watershed communities of the Finger Lakes and beyond," the resolution continued. The sample resolution is meant to adaptable by other municipalities. Before the vote, Councilor Terry Cuddy said it was important to give municipalities an opportunity to create their own watershed regulations and talked about the importance of the updated rules. "Our model is a model that I think works. We want to see it come to fruition so that the rules can be enacted," he said. In other news: The Auburn Police Department has a new chief. Lt. James Slayton, who has been with the department since 1998, was sworn in as chief at the meeting, and will take command Friday. He is replacing Chief Shawn Butler, who retires Friday after 25 years with the agency. Butler served the last five years as chief. Slayton first served as a patrol officer for 10 years with the APD, before working as a school resource officer for eight years. He was promoted to patrol lieutenant when Butler was named chief in 2016. Slayton was announced as the administrative lieutenant of planning and training in 2019. Memorial City hall was packed with people to congratulate Slayton and Butler, including Cayuga County Sheriff Brian Schenck and Cayuga County District Attorney Jon Budelmann. Resolutions to authorize multiple consolidated funding application were approved. The Seward House Museum is requesting a grant from the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation for "a park project to be located at 33 South Street." Another resolution approved an application for $300,000 from Empire State Developments Market NY program to implement a marketing initiative. For a required local match of 25%, or $100,000, the city would pull from American Rescue Plan Act funding meant to speed the recovery of Tourism, Travel and Hospitality Sectors from the (COVID-19) pandemic," the resolution said. The city will also be turning in an application for a $250,000 grant to create a concrete skate park at Casey Park, which is estimated to cost $500,000. The other half of the cost would be covered with $250,000 in matching funds from the city's community development block grant money. Additionally, the council endorsed Seymour Library's request from the parks office for a grant to repair the Case Memorial Building located at 176-178 Genesee St. Q. If you could have a job, what would that be? A. As I mentioned, my breed was originally bred for hunting. While that does not appeal to me, I might want to become a search-and-rescue pup. Doing that kind of work would give me a great sense of satisfaction since I would be helping people and even other dogs. However, at the moment, I'm quite happy being unemployed. But thanks for asking. Q. If you could meet someone famous, who would that be? A. There is a famous shiba inu who has his own Instagram. His name is Maru Taro, and he has 2.6 million followers! I checked him out. He is handsome and witty, so he could give me some competition. But I would still like to meet him. Maybe my new family could hook me up with him on Instagram! Q. Do you have any advice for our Citizen readers? A. Yes, I do! Our 16th anniversary Hogs for Dogs ride is one week from Sunday. Tickets are available right here at my shelter! If you hurry right down here and buy your tickets on or before Sunday, July 18, you will save five dollars. Then you can buy raffle tickets with your savings! We will ride rain or shine! Thank you for supporting our Hogs for Dogs! Love and licks, Bear and friends. The Finger Lakes SPCA of Central New York is a New York state-registered shelter/rescue, registration No. RR-181. Pursuant to Article 26-A, Section 408 of the Agriculture and Markets Law, the registrant is authorized to operate as a registered pet rescue, in compliance with such law. Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 As U.S. Rep. John Katko raised more than $484,000 and bolstered his campaign war chest, he shared a portion of those funds with Republican candidates running for local offices in central New York. A review of Katko's July quarterly filing found his campaign donated $13,500 to 17 GOP candidates. Ten candidates for Onondaga County Legislature incumbents Tim Burtis, Ken Bush, Jr., Deb Cody, Cody Kelly and John McBride, and challengers Joseph Carni, Colleen Gunnip, Mark Olson, Kevin Ryan and Stephen Skinner each received $1,000. Katko's campaign also contributed to at least one GOP candidate in each of his district's three other counties, Cayuga, Oswego and Wayne. Records show Katko for Congress donated $500 to Terry Wilbur, a Republican running for Oswego County clerk, and Michael Jankowski, the Wayne County clerk who is seeking reelection. The five remaining $500 donations went to Cayuga County Republicans. Katko's campaign contributed to four county Legislature candidates Jim Basile, Brian Dahl, David Gould and Mark Strong and Jon Budelmann, the county district attorney who is running for surrogate court judge. AUBURN The committee tasked with recommending Catholic church closures in Auburn and northern Cayuga County presented its current plan to ab WASHINGTON (AP) The Biden administration issued a blanket warning Friday to U.S. firms about the risks of doing business in Hong Kong as China continues to clamp down on political and economic freedoms in the territory. Four Cabinet agencies the departments of State, Treasury, Commerce and Homeland Security released the nine-page advisory that alerts companies about the shifting legal landscape in Hong Kong and the possibility that engaging with Hong Kong business could incur reputational and legal damages. At the same time, Treasury announced sanctions against seven Chinese officials for violating the terms of the 2020 Hong Kong Autonomy Act, which calls for asset freezes and other penalties against those who participate in the crackdown. President Joe Biden had previewed the new advisory Thursday, telling reporters at the White House that the business environment in Hong Kong is deteriorating and could worsen. Businesses, individuals, and other persons, including academic institutions, research service providers, and investors that operate in Hong Kong, or have exposure to sanctioned individuals or entities, should be aware of changes to Hong Kongs laws and regulations, said the notice, which is titled Risks and Considerations for Businesses Operating in Hong Kong. The latest extension of the land border is scheduled to expire next Wednesday. Trudeau's announcement implied it would be extended again for at least a couple of weeks, but not another full month. That came as good news to Rep. Brian Higgins, a Buffalo Democrat who has been leading the push to reopen the border. The finish line is finally in sight for people who have been separated from their families and properties for way too long," he said. "For Americans and Canadians who live along the border and frequently cross as a way-of-life, action lifting restrictions for those vaccinated cant come soon enough. This progress, following month after month of disappointing inaction, is welcome and long overdue. Trudeau's statement also indicated that leaders of Canadian's provinces were happy to hear that Canada was moving to reopen its border. "First Ministers expressed their support of reopening plans, and agreed on the importance of ensuring clarity and predictability as initial steps are taken," the statement said. "The Prime Minister indicated that ministers would share more details on these plans early next week." It was with consternation that I read Sundays article in the Lake Life section, Local brewery commits to equality. Prison City owner Dawn Schulz stated men often ask her if she is the wife of the owner, to which she pointedly replies that she is the owner. I would put this in the category of mildly annoying. Womens rights in the United States have progressed by huge strides in the last hundred years. While there is still room for improvement, American women have it pretty good. If people are really concerned about womens rights, they would reach out and help their sisters in Afghanistan, who are about to put their burkas back on. They will be denied basic human rights, even the right to education, when the Taliban takes over Afghanistan again, in the very near future. Large parts of Afghanistan are already back under Taliban rule. Google it. There are many ways to help Afghan women. Be thankful you live in the United States. Kathleen Graber Fleming Love 5 Funny 4 Wow 2 Sad 3 Angry 12 My daughter's Subaru here, there were mailboxes and boulders crammed underneath it. The water was halfway up her car; it was probably two feet up against the wall of my house, Nixon said. Nixon said water and mud made it into her living room and guest room, but she thinks she and her husband will only need to replace the base boards. Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} Outside, the fence between her house and her neighbor's house was at an acute angle, with the ground and inundated with forest materials brought by the flooding. Still, Nixon said the whole neighborhood came together to help out those in the path of the flooding. All of a sudden, a dozen neighbors just materialized. People were stopping their cars saying, Can we help? and then theyd come back with a shovel, Nixon said. But her home was immaculate when compared to the house next-door. That home, which was empty at the time of the flooding and was recently sold to new owners, was more directly in the path of the oncoming water. The house had its garage doors pushed in by the force of a Prius that had been floating down the street, said Craig Moody, the owner of Mammoth Restoration who has been hired to restore the home. Theirs is an unlikely yet understandable partnership, a president who won over American voters with a calmly reassuring nod to traditional governing, and a democratic socialist senator who twice came close to winning the presidential nomination with what was once viewed as a wildly idealistic agenda. Sanders is now chair of the Senate Budget Committee. Together, they are trying to unite the political factions of progressives and centrists in the sprawling Democratic Party, which controls Congress by only the narrowest of margins in the House and a 50-50 Senate, with no votes to spare around the president's $3.5 trillion national rebuilding proposal. In their sights is a legislative feat on par with Franklin Roosevelt's New Deal or Lyndon Johnson's Great Society. For two political leaders in the twilight of decadeslong careers, it is the chance of a lifetime and the stuff of legacies. "We're going to get this done," Biden said Wednesday as he entered the private lunch room at the Capitol. Biden encouraged the senators to think of the good they could do for people across America, investing in places like Scranton, Pennsylvania, where he was born, who feel that the party is not in touch with working people's pain. PHOENIX (AP) A federal freeze on most evictions enacted last year is scheduled to expire July 31. The moratorium, put in place by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in September, is the only tool keeping millions of tenants in their homes. Many of them lost jobs during the coronavirus pandemic and have 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 more time, advocates foresee a spike in evictions and lawsuits seeking to boot out tenants 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 Arizona: WHATS THE STATUS OF EVICTION MORATORIUMS IN THE STATE? When Pierre-Francois Bouchards men discovered the ancient stone slab that would change the world on July 19, 1799, they werent on an archaeological dig; they were doing a last-minute construction job. The French soldiers occupied a run-down fort in Rosetta, Egypt, and had just days to shore up their defenses for a battle with Ottoman Empire troops. As the men tore down a wall that had been built using the detritus of nearby ancient Egyptian sites, they discovered a large stone fragment covered in three types of writing, including ancient Greek. Intrigued, Bouchard wondered if the stone might say the same thing in three different languages. He shared his find with French scholars who had come to plumb Egypt for archaeological treasures. They got more than they bargained for. The slab was the Rosetta Stone, and the letters and symbols carefully chiseled into its dark face would shed light on the glory of ancient Egyptian civilization. But first, scholars would have to crack its code. A decree of loyalty Standing at about four feet high and 2.5 feet wide, the granite-like rock is just a fragment of a larger, now lost, stele. But though its text is incomplete, it is invaluable. It consists of a decree affirming the royal cult of Ptolemy V Epiphanes, an Egyptian king who took the throne in 204 B.C. At the time, the Ptolemaic kingdom was at war and dealing with an internal revolt. The decree was passed by a council of priests who used it to honor the pharaoh and declare their loyalty to him. It was recorded on the stele in Ptolemaic hieroglyphics, Demotic Egyptian script, and ancient Greek script. Identical stelae were to be placed in every temple in Egypt. Conquering scholars Fast-forward to 1798, when Napoleon led French forces to take over Egypt, which was then part of the Ottoman Empire. Scientists and historians were part of the conquering force, and streamed into the country to document what they found there. The Egyptologists gathered a large number of ancient artifacts they wanted to take back to France, including the Rosetta Stone. But the British wanted Egypt, too, and in 1801 they prevailed over French forces. The French were allowed to evacuate, but the British demanded they hand over the antiquities collection before leaving. So in 1802 the Rosetta Stone made its way to London, where it was put on display at the British Museum almost immediately upon arriving. ( Here's why Napoleon's military defeat in Egypt yielded a victory for history .) The Rosetta Stones code But the stone had more than aesthetic value. Scholars had long puzzled over the meaning of the picture-like markings, known as hieroglyphs, made on ancient Egyptian slabs. Since it contained identical content in three languages, scholars thought the Rosetta Stone might be able to help crack the historic mystery. Scholars raced to translate the Rosetta Stone. Though a variety of scholars across Europe would contribute to the work, the two most important contributions came from England and France. Thomas Young, a British polymath best known for his scientific contributions, treated the mystery as a mathematical problem. After translating the ancient Greek, he took extensive notes on the hieroglyphs and systematically attempted to match each one to its translation. He also compared the glyphs to those on other statues. Young was able to identify the phonetic sounds some glyphs represented, figure out some of the characters, and piece together how words were pluralized. (Read more about hieroglyphics with your kids.) But it was Jean-Francois Champollion, a Frenchman known as the founder of Egyptology, who would ultimately crack the code in 1822. Where Young had no experience with the Egyptian language, Champollion was fluent in Coptic and had extensive knowledge about Egypt. He figured out that the demotic scriptthe third writing system on the steleconveyed syllables and that the hieroglyphs represented Coptic sounds. It was a breakthrough. Famously, an ecstatic Champollion rushed into his brothers office shouting Je tiens mon affair! (Ive got it!). Then he fainted and did not recover for five days. The Rosetta Stones legacy Champollion used the stone to create an alphabet of phonetic hieroglyphic characters, then other scholars piggybacked on his research to fully translate the stone. The French Egyptologists work was eventually validated by the discovery and translation of the Decree of Canopus, another stele written in hieroglyphs, demotic script, and ancient Greek. The Rosetta Stones translation became the backbone of Egyptology, and the iconic stele has been credited as one of the most important objects in history. But the stone itself is controversial as a spoil of war and colonial expansion. Was the Rosetta Stone taken to England or stolen by the British? That depends on who you ask. Over the years, there have been repeated calls to return the stone to Egypt, but it remains at the British Museum, where it has over six million visitors a year. Why does the plain-looking Rosetta Stone retain such a luster today, two centuries after its code was cracked? Egyptologist John Ray told Smithsonian Magazines Beth Py-Lieberman in 2007 that the stone is really the key, not simply to ancient Egypt; its the key to decipherment itself. We knew there were big civilizations, like Egypt, but theyd fallen silent. With the cracking of the Rosetta stone, they could speak with their own voice and suddenly whole areas of history were revealed. Birthday wishes Call 281-422-8302 or email david.bloom@baytownsun.com to wish someone a happy birthday. We will print your birthday wish on Page 2 of The Sun. Happy Birthday Wishes China's GDP grew by 7.9 percent in the second quarter of 2021, and expanded 12.7 percent in the first half of the year, according to data the National Bureau of Statistics released on Thursday. The data also shows the country's average two-year GDP growth was 5.3 percent. From the perspective of tendency, the average two-year growth of the year-on-year GDP growth for the first quarter was 5.0 percent, and 5.5 percent for the second quarter. On a quarter-on-quarter basis, GDP growth of the first quarter was 0.6 percent, and 1.3 percent for the second quarter. These figures reflect the steady growth of China's economy, and its prospects are promising. China's remarkable GDP figures gained unprecedented attention in the past two years. An important factor behind such an achievement is the China-US strategic competition highlighted by Washington. The US has engaged in all-round suppression against China, forming a momentum in which the US leads its allies and part of the Western world to contain China. However, China's core competitiveness, also something that Washington fears most, is its robust development. As long as China's development dynamic remains undiminished, the US suppression will turn out be a failure. China's H1 foreign trade data is eye-catching, with a year-on-year increase of 27.1 percent, or 22.8 percent when compared with 2019. The H1 GDP released on Thursday has further demonstrated the panoramic view of China's stable and rapid development. China has clearly told the world that a global crisis like COVID-19 pandemic cannot stop it, and that the US crackdown on China has gained far less than Washington had expected. Chinese society has realized that China's relations with the US cannot return to old times and its resistance to US containment will be long-term. In addition to keeping political unity, strengthening China's economic capacity and increasing comprehensive national strength is the key to blow US arrogance and its will to confront China. The US is worried that China's GDP will one day surpass its own. So Washington has taken the strategy of "decoupling" with China - it wants to bring losses to China even at the cost of its own interests. The brilliance of China is that it does not aim at surpassing the US. Instead, China eyes on solving practical problems and is working hard to promote social equality and the sound development of economy to increase resistance to risks and capabilities of development. Overtaking the US in terms of GDP will be a natural byproduct. The struggles over the years have proven that the US cannot do much about China. It failed in messing up the minds of Chinese society. Instead, China's political cohesion has grown significantly. The US cannot check the rapid growth of the Chinese economy either. Judging from the situation of the first half of 2021, one can be sure China's GDP will definitely grow faster than that of the US. And if data from 2021 are included, the growth rate gap between China and the US in the past two years will be even wider than in this year. It has been over three years since former US president Donald Trump launched a trade war against China, and until now, there is no evidence to show that the US has successfully suppressed China's development. The US is losing quarter by quarter. It is at its wits' end. Washington needs to understand that China's achievements came after the country cracked down on corruption, strengthened green development, and promoted social equality. China's development today has shown very strong sustainability. China's GDP contains many elements that fit the people's aspirations. Its value is completely different from the improvement of the US political and social quality. The growth of the US is full of bubbles, and it is realized by indiscriminately printing money with no regard to people's livelihood. Of course, we can't compare with the US on the question of which country is worse. We should constantly surpass ourselves. When we introspect, we will find out that many urgent problems need to be seriously dealt with. We have had great control over the COVID-19 epidemic, but there is still room for us to transform it into economic growth. We should keep avoiding the influence of bureaucracy in local economic activities. Moreover, some private enterprises are not very active in investment, and people's livelihood still needs to be improved. We should put more efforts into solving these actual problems to make China's economy grow even further. What China needs to do is to upset those "containment freaks" in the US from quarter to quarter. They will feel frustrated and disappointed in their acts of slandering China. Therefore, all of China's previous achievements belong to the past. We must continue to do well for the next quarter and the next year, and we must strive to do better. While such standards outside the core curriculum are not binding on a district, they express and establish expectations from the State Board that inevitably will be imposed upon schools irrespective of their advisory nature and sensitive subject matter, the letter states. The State Board would be asking each school district to account for the State Boards decision and answer to groups of various interests and opinions as they question any adherence to, or divergence from, the proposed standards, which is also why Beatrice will be writing their own standards for health. The letter closes restating that the Beatrice Public Schools Board of Education will not be adopting the proposed state standards of health as written, as in their opinion, it would undermine the buy-in of local citizens and their school boards din making curricular decisions consistent with community values. The Beatrice school board also discussed the proposed health standards during their meeting Monday evening. Louis Tushla died in the first minutes of the Dec. 7, 1941, raid that brought the U.S. into World War II. But his remains were never identified. He began his journey home to Atkinson on Thursday from a building at Offutt Air Force Base that had a lot to do with ending that war. Tushla, a 25-year-old Navy fireman 1st class, was assigned to the engine room of the battleship USS Oklahoma when it was attacked and sunk at Pearl Harbor. The bodies of most of the 429 service members who died werent recovered until the ship was refloated in 1943. Almost 400 of them could not be identified despite efforts soon after the war ended. They were buried in Hawaii as unknowns. In 2015, the remains were disinterred and brought to the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agencys lab at Offutt for identification using modern DNA technology. The lab is housed in a massive building where B-29 aircraft were built during World War II including the two planes used to drop atomic bombs on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, which precipitated the end of the war. Tushla was identified in March 2020 through a DNA match with a nephew, Dennis Tushla. Prince to rule for first selection Leg 1: Back Valiant Prince @ 7/4 in the 19:20 at Newmarket No. 6 (6) Valiant Prince (Ire) SBK 11/4 EXC 3.45 Trainer: Charlie Appleby Jockey: William Buick Age: 3 Weight: 9st 2lbs OR: - Charlie Appleby done us a good turn with a 9/1 double last week, and we're sticking with two from the trainer again at Newmarket on Friday night. Valiant Prince has a grand pedigree by Dubawi out of top-class Chachamaidee, but was too green to do himself justice on his debut in the Wood Ditton back in April. Nothing went right for him on that occasion as he missed the break and was denied a run on more than one occasion. The yard's 3yos are unstoppable this season and we're backing the improvement. Hydros has winning form but he has to concede plenty of weight. Jingle time with Appleby Leg 2: Back Miss Jingles @ 9/2 in the 20:20 Newmarket No. 3 (3) Miss Jingles (Ire) SBK 11/2 EXC 5.6 Trainer: Charlie Appleby Jockey: William Buick Age: 3 Weight: 9st 7lbs OR: 94 Appleby done us a good turn last week with a 9/1 double at Newmarket and we're back at HQ for his filly Miss Jingles. She hasn't been so far this season but she was a progressive juvenile last term winning two of her four starts - including a gutsy success at Goodwood during the big meeting on the downs. Her win at Sandown also came from a poor draw over 5f, which is never easy at that track. The step up to 6f will suit her, but crucially the ground is in her favour on the quick side, as she didn't seem to handle the conditions on her final start at Newbury. *** Multi-Sport Double Leg 1: Guadeloupe v Jamaica: Back over 1.5 goals in first half @ 15/8 This bet has landed in five of Guadeloupe's last seven games, including their tournament opener against Costa Rica earlier this week which they lost 3-1. The first-goal times are also worth noting - 6-6-61-3-11-13-6. Essentially, the first goal has gone in by the 13th minute in six of their last seven matches. Jamaica also have encouraging stats for this bet. Six of their last 12 games have seen at least two goals in the first half, including Monday's 2-0 victory over a Suriname team ranked two places higher than Guadeloupe by CONCACAF. Leg 2: Back Maytal to win the 14:45 Newbury @ 11/4 Maytal is bred to be smart, and she did well to open her account in a seven-runner maiden at Haydock last time, again not suited by the emphasis on speed despite the longer trip. She didn't have to improve on that occasion, but she remains with a bigger performance in her locker, especially now having her stamina drawn out further, and an opening mark of 85 shouldn't be beyond her. Daines asked about demographics involved in violent crime in the city, to which Twito said it seems to be young people turning to gun violence very quickly. Three shootings this past week led to the arrest of two younger men, one in his late teens and the other in his early twenties. A shootout between two young men in late June led to the arrest of an 18-year-old man and the death of a 22-year-old. That crime looked to be meth-related, and it occurred close to a popular restaurant at just after 11 p.m., said Twito. So, its very concerning, he said. The legalization of marijuana was also addressed as the state and local governments contend with the end of pot prohibitions in the state. St. John anticipates driving under the influence charges to increase by the thousands due to the recreational use of the drug. He said those numbers were based on observations by law enforcement in states where the drug has been legal for years. He also anticipated the gateway drug will exacerbate the problem of other drug use and lead not only to more meth and heroin addictions, but to more theft and violence. The focus of the conversation was on rapidly increasing crime rates, drugs like methamphetamine, heroin and fentanyl and the impacts those crimes have on the community. PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) More people living along the eastern edge of an Oregon wildfire were told to evacuate late Thursday as the inferno began spreading rapidly and erratically in hot afternoon winds and threatened to merge with a nearby, smaller fire that had also exploded in size. The Bootleg Fire, the largest wildfire currently burning in the U.S., has now torched an area larger than New York City and has stymied firefighters with erratic winds and extremely dangerous fire behavior. The fire, pushed by winds from the south, has the potential to move 4 miles (6 kilometers) or more in an afternoon and there is concern it could merge with the smaller, yet still explosive Log Fire, said Rob Allen, incident commander for the blaze. The Log Fire started on Monday as three smaller fires but exploded to nearly 5,000 acres (2,000 hectares) in 24 hours. It is also being fanned by winds from the south, Allen said. Firefighters were all pulled back to safe areas due to intense fire behavior and were scouting ahead of the main blaze for areas where they could make a stand by carving out fire lines to stop the inferno's advance, he said. Crews are watching the fire, nearby campgrounds "and any place out in front of us to make sure the publics out of the way, Allen said. He said evacuation orders are still being assessed. She said she had been frightened of one of the men convicted in the case and ultimately stepped forward to keep him in jail after he assaulted his former girlfriend. "I recall being disturbed with the whole situation and frightened of him; I wanted nothing to do with it and did not want anyone to get hurt," she wrote. Merkley alleged in his letter that Stone-Manning was sent a federal grand jury "target letter" informing her that she was going to be indicted after the former girlfriend told Merkley in 1992 that Stone-Manning helped plan the tree spiking. "While she did provide testimony against her co-conspirators, she still was not forthcoming about the role she herself played in this case," the letter said. However, the lead prosecutor on the case, former U.S. Assistant Attorney George Breitsameter, told AP that he could not recall Stone-Manning being sent a such a letter. "If she was, it would surprise me," he said. "That's not the first thing you do. You want them to come in and testify." HELENA Montana faces a shortage in firefighting resources amid a historic drought that could lead to a record-breaking wildfire season, officials said Thursday. "If you are going to ask me which resources we are short on, I will say everything," Sonya Germann, state forester with the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, told a state water policy committee Thursday. Montana is at the highest level of firefighting preparedness, meaning it is first in line for access to national resources. But it is competing with neighboring states in the U.S. West also gripped by a drought that contributes to fire risk. Climate change has made the region much warmer and drier in the past 30 years and causes bigger and more destructive wildfires. "Nationally, we do not have enough resources to fight the fire that is on the landscape throughout the country," Germann said. Gov. Greg Gianforte on Wednesday declared a wildfire emergency, allowing him to deploy the National Guard to assist in firefighting efforts. He also has declared a drought emergency. As of Thursday, more than 1,400 wildland fires have burned over 220 square miles in Montana. Of those, 80% have been caused by people, Germann said. The bill requires that companies applying for the grants provide at least 20% of the funding, which effectively blocks smaller local providers from participating, as they don't have deep pockets like their larger competitors. This disadvantages our rural towns especially, as they often only have a single small provider. There is also the fact that taxpayers will be paying for construction costs for billion-dollar private companies. When all is said and done, these companies will own thousands of miles of internet infrastructure, profiting on it for a generation. You and your fellow ratepayers will provide that profit, and most of it will head straight to out-of-state bank accounts never to be seen in our state again. Simply put, the Republican-controlled Legislature has taken this once-in-a-generation opportunity to improve the lives of everyday Montanans and handed it to billion dollar corporations. When we receive this first payment of $275,000,000 in federal funding, this money should be spent in Montana, stay in Montana, and be owned by Montanans. Ask your legislators to invest here, instead of in mega-corporations from places like Connecticut, Texas and New York. You will elect the Montana Legislature next year, and your legislators can and should reassess this program in 2023. Its not all bad news. Some of you and your neighbors in Montana will get access to the internet and youll see the quality of that internet improve. But for nearly $300 million, you should be getting so much more. Kelly Kortum of Bozeman represents House District 65 in the Montana Legislature. Love 9 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1 Two people will spend two years on probation for operating a Bismarck spa where authorities said workers were pushed to offer sex acts for tip money. Lance Jacobson, 65, and Jiang Jennings, 57, both of Hanover Park, Illinois, in March pleaded guilty to facilitating prostitution. Charges of human trafficking were dismissed under the terms of a plea agreement. The two were charged after authorities raided the Hong Kong Spa in south Bismarck last September. A police officer had gone undercover to investigate, and authorities received other reports in recent years that massage therapists at the spa would offer sexual acts to customers in exchange for tips, Burleigh County State's Attorney Julie Lawyer said during the March change-of-plea hearing. South Central District Judge David Reich on Friday handed down a deferred imposition of sentence to Jacobson and placed him on supervised probation for two years. Under a deferred imposition, Jacobson can keep the felony conviction off his record if he stays out of trouble while on probation. Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} Reich sentenced Jennings to three years in prison, saying her level of involvement was greater and more blatant. He suspended all but 18 days Jennings had already served and placed her on supervised probation for two years. The trial of a man accused of killing four people in Mandan two years ago is on track to start Aug. 2 at the Morton County Courthouse in Mandan, a change from previous plans to hold the trial at the state Capitol in Bismarck. Chad Isaak, 47, of Washburn, is accused of killing RJR Maintenance and Management co-owner Robert Fakler, 52; and employees Adam Fuehrer, 42; and William Cobb, 50, and Lois Cobb, 45, on April 1, 2019. Police have not established a motive for the killings. Plans were being made to hold the trial in the House chambers of the Capitol due to social distancing concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic. But South Central District Judge David Reich at a Friday pretrial conference said the trial will be held in Courtroom 274 under what he called a hybrid situation. A vacant chair will be placed between each juror, Reich said, and masks and hand sanitizer will be available. Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} I think that way we can get jurors in the box. It works much better; we dont need to use our gallery for the jury, Reich said. We can open the courtroom for the public. The Capitol had the extra space needed for distancing but would have been cumbersome, the judge said. Before the bill, Native American studies were happening in many but not all North Dakota schools, Baesler said. Its passage has brought awareness to resources available for teachers, such as the State Historical Society of North Dakota and the state Department of Public Instruction, she said. But the scope of the curriculum is left up to teachers, according to Baesler. "We hope that's it's integrated into the lessons that they're already doing, into the subjects that they're already teaching," she said. Rep. Ruth Buffalo, D-Fargo, a citizen of the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation, said the bill is "a vehicle for pushing the needle forward towards progress and engaging students, staff, faculty, communities." She recalled being asked to speak about her tribal nation to her high school U.S. history class, and being nervous in giving the presentation to her peers. "It was a good experience. My classmates were very receptive," Buffalo said. She was asked to give presentations in other schools in other towns. Essential Understandings Project Co-Director Scott Simpson said he's glad for the bill, which he hopes "doesn't become a checkbox." SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) Ian Benjamin Rogers had five illegal pipe bombs and nearly 50 weapons at his home and shop in Californias wine country, a ThreePercenters bumper sticker on his vehicle, a white privilege card at his house, and text messages that led federal prosecutors to charge him with conspiring to firebomb the state Democratic Party headquarters in Sacramento. His attorney admits his client is in serious trouble, but said Friday that the alleged plot was nothing more than drunken talk between two buddies inflamed by the defeat of former president Donald Trump. Firebombing your perceived political opponents is illegal and does not nurture the sort of open and vigorous debate that created and supports our constitutional democracy, U.S. Attorney Stephanie Hinds said in announcing the unsealing of an indictment Thursday in San Francisco federal court. Also charged is Jarrod Copeland, 37, of nearby Vallejo, who was arrested Wednesday and for whom no attorney is yet listed. Rogers, 45, has been in custody on related state charges since mid-January, when the FBI in an affidavit said he sent text messages that agents interpreted as threats against the offices of Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom and social media companies Facebook and Twitter. Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} Sen. Robert Erbele, R-Lehr, who brought the bill, called the participation "absolutely wonderful." He didn't know what to expect. He's glad to see the postings are "not just little pockets." "It's pretty well spread throughout the whole state. It's a culmination of a lot of hard work and just a great team effort to get it to here," Erbele said. Mark Swenson, who lives by the University of Mary, electronically posted three parcels of land totaling 500 acres in Burleigh County. Posting signs is hard for Swenson, who doesn't have much time to do it, and for his father, who is 85. Swenson has different reasons for posting each tract: to keep nearby off-road motorcycle riders out of his field, to keep people from approaching his house off-road from the south, and to control hunting on his family's farmland. He's been frustrated in the past by people hunting without asking. A hunter himself, he's never agreed with the past assumption that private land is open if not posted. He likes the electronic posting method. Craig Keidel, of Mandan, posted about 59 acres near the Heart River north of 19th Street as "a second redundancy" to signs he will post. The hardest part of posting electronically was matching exactly with tax records' spellings, he said. The North Dakota Governor's Walleye Cup fishing tournament hasn't had back-to-back winners since the late Joe Schneider of Bismarck and his son, Terry, won the first two events in the mid-1970s. The Bismarck duo of Ricky Schumacher and Kerry Wentz hope to change that this weekend. They've had to wait two years for the chance -- last year's event on Lake Sakakawea was canceled due the coronavirus pandemic. "It really was a bummer -- you kind of had that momentum," Schumacher said Tuesday before heading out onto the Missouri River reservoir with Wentz for prefishing, or practice. "But that rush -- it's coming back." The 46th annual tournament is Friday and Saturday, with favorable weather in the forecast. "We're really excited about it -- everybody was kind of let down last year when we couldn't have it, so we're geared up and ready for this year," tournament Chairwoman Joyce Pfliger said. Schumacher and Wentz make up one of 260 two-person teams that are signed up, eight more than in 2019. The National Weather Service forecast for the Garrison area calls for sunny skies with highs in the lower 90s both days. The only chance for showers -- 20% -- is Saturday night, after the final weigh-in. As an institution of civil society, the press helps forms the basis of a moral culture, owing neither its creation nor its allegiance to the state. [] Freedom of expression is under attack in Hong Kong. In its annual report, Freedom in Tatters, the Hong Kong Journalists Association (HKJA) outlines key threats currently faced by the media. According to The Standard, a Hong Kong-based newspaper, the report emphasized that the risks journalists face amid the NSL [National Security Law] and the imminent fake news legislation is growing. The report states that self-censorship of Hong Kong media looks certain to increase and notes how attacks on freedoms have tarnished Hong Kongs international reputation. More specifically, it cites examples of tightening government control over public broadcaster RTHKs operations, including the reshaping of its management and the cancellation of a satirical TV program. According to The Washington Newsday, HKJA chairman Ronson Chan called 2020 the worst year for press freedom thus far, expressing concern that legislation is on the way that will further restrict media outlets. This all comes amid a backdrop of pro-Beijing members of parliament calling for fake news legislation, which can be used to arbitrarily suppress news that is not favorable to Chinese authorities. Jimmy Lais recent arrest testifies to the dismal state of freedom in Hong Kong. After his pro-democracy news outletwas raided by police officers and subsequently shut down, the HKJA described it as a psychological blow to the whole media sector. As an institution of civil society, the press helps form the basis of moral culture, owing neither its creation nor its allegiance to the state. Lai, the 2020 recipient of the Acton Institutes Faith and Freedom Award, exemplifies the incredible ingenuity of the human person. Fleeing to the then British colony of Hong Kong from mainland Communist China at the age of 12, Lai started to work an odd-job in a garment factory. The countrys system of government and rule of law allowed Lai to found Giordano in 1981, a clothing retailer which grew and expanded into an international chain. After teaching himself English, he successfully launched Apple Daily in 1995, which became the second largest newspaper in Hong Kong. A convert to Roman Catholicism, Lai embodies what it means to live an integrated life characterized by virtue. Despite having British citizenship, which afforded him the opportunity to flee before his arrest, he stayed to witness to the importance of justice. The current plight of Hongkongese journalists is a threat to human flourishing and a free and virtuous society. But while freedom of the press may be under attack, the heroic virtue of those like Lai provides hope for the cause of liberty, offering inspiration for the current generation to take up the fight against the tyrannical regime of the Chinese Communist Party. The suspension of a librarian by the Chinese Communist Party for featuring works by journalist and pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai is the latest attack on freedom of expression in Hong Kong. [] What does absolute control look like in Communist China? It looks like an unnamed Hong Kong librarian at the Shek Tong Tsui Public Library being suspended from her job after placing 10 of Jimmy Lais works on the Librarians Choice shelf in late June. Jimmy Lai, founder, owner, and contributor to Apple Daily, is currently serving a 14-month prison sentence in Hong Kong. Lai was convicted in April for taking part in unauthorized assemblies during mass pro-democracy protests in 2019. (Lai has been recognized by the Acton Institute as a defender of free speech and was the recipient of Actons 2020 Faith and Freedom Award.) The books the librarian shared were not even political in nature; they were thoughts on business management and his auto-biographies. Still, the reminder of Jimmy Lai was enough for the Chinese Communist Party to forcibly suspend the employee. The Leisure and Cultural Services (LCSD) of the CCP launched a rigorous investigation after Yeung-Hok-ming, a member of Pro-Beijing Democratic for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kojg (DAB) posted pictures of the Librarians Choice shelf on his social media account. From their investigations, the LCSD came to the conclusion to purposefully maintain the anonymity of the suspended Public Library employee. The spokesman for the LCSD stressed libraries must comply with the National Security Law. On a more strict and controlled level, the LCSD will seriously handle any collections that are suspected of breaching the law and suspend the services of the relevant books, the spokesman stated. The example of the unnamed librarian and countless others serves as a reminder that Chinese citizens will never cease in their quest for freedom as long as the Chinese government continues their quest for absolute control; the fight of Jimmy Lai and other pro-democracy advocates is and continues to be a conglomerate of different stories of struggle. Jimmy Lai imparted a legacy and a memory for the Chinese people. His memory is a sobering and frightening reminder to the state that there is still a chance they could lose control. If a glimmer of hope for freedom from coercion of the omniscient government remains, the CCP will remain in fear. His example is one that instilled hope in others who hold onto the belief that a democratic society best enables human dignity to exist and thrive. The only way a communist regime maintains power, is by thwarting the individual liberty of each and every citizen they control. From a simple public librarian employee to the face of an influential, multi-millionaire media tycoon, the CCP will cease at nothing to censor and control the lives of Chinese citizens, until absolute control is theirs. The United States must publicly acknowledge the courage of the Chinese people and the heinous treatment they have suffered. Their fight must be a catalyst for our reaction; the resurfacing of Americas fundamental conviction that life and liberty as inalienable human rights, both nationally, and globally. The struggle of free-speech advocates and pro-democracy supporters like Jimmy Lai and the unnamed librarian, reminds us that human dignity necessitates freedom. Los Angeles County will reinstate an indoor mask mandate for everyone, regardless of vaccination status, after seeing cases skyrocket over the past month, largely tied to spread of the highly infectious delta variant, public health officials announced Thursday. The mandate will go into effect at 11:59 p.m. Saturday, they said. The mandate comes after the county reported seven consecutive days with over 1,000 cases numbers not seen since early March. The positive test rate for the county has climbed to 3.7%, an increase from 2.3% just last week. https://www.sfchronicle.com/health/article/Los-Angeles-County-to-reinstate-mask-mandate-for-16317998.php?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=sfc_evening&sid=6017f8177e0c612b56626fd6 Finish this article for as low as $1 when you purchase a day pass. Just click the sign up button to purchase. If you are already a subscriber, just click log in to continue reading. MOSCOW (AP) Pyotr Mamonov, a rock musician, poet and actor who was a prominent figure in Russia's cultural scene for decades, has died. He was 70. Mamonov died Thursday at a Moscow hospital after two weeks in an artificial coma on a ventilator after testing positive for the coronavirus. After founding the rock group Zvuki Mu (Sounds of Mu) in 1982, Mamonov became an underground cult figure in Moscow. He gained wider recognition after Soviet restrictions on rock music and alternative culture were lifted in the late 1980s as part of then-leader Mikhail Gorbachev's reforms. Mamonov further expanded his fame through acting. He performed in numerous films and theater productions in the 1990s. After becoming deeply religious, he moved to a distant village and left the cultural scene behind in the late 1990s. But he made a triumphant comeback as an actor, starring as a devout Russian Orthodox monk in Pavel Lungin's 2006 movie Island and as Russian Czar Ivan the Terrible in Lungin's 2009 film Tsar. Mamonov suffered a heart attack and underwent a surgery in 2019. Propeack's tenure at Burchfield Penney began as a temporary job replacement for the registrar in August 1997. He was named to the permanent position four months later, when the person he replaced on maternity leave opted not to return. His responsibilities included managing the artwork on loan to other museums. He also used his background in information technology to start a database of images of the collection. At the time, Burchfield Penney's collection was almost two-thirds smaller, 5,000 objects compared to almost 14,000 now. The art world was foreign to Propeack when he came to Buffalo. That began to change when Propeack started attending openings at Hallwalls Contemporary Arts Center and Squeaky Wheel. At the same time, a growing interest in cultural anthropology led him to wonder about how cultural identities are represented and translated in visual art, along with the context in which he viewed them. After Propeack became collections and exhibitions manager, he started a traveling exhibition program to realize the museum's mission of promoting Western New York artists. Propeack was influenced early on by Donald Metz, Burchfield's associate director who had a degree in music composition rather than art history or visual art. Through the '80s and '90s, when there were more than five Buffalo guys gathered there was a high probability that a beer ball was there, too. A search of suburban Buffalo basements, garages and junk drawers would likely still turn up hundreds of the reusable taps needed to pour the brew. The marketing would make you think that beer balls were used only by suburban dads at First Communion parties but it would be no surprise to nearly anyone who ever filled their cup with suds from a beer ball that along with kegs, beer balls were specifically banned from Canisius College dorms. A SUNY Brockport administrator lived in a dorm room for a semester and reported rowdiness, students crocked out of their minds, parties at all hours and the occasional beer ball sailing past his window on its way to the ground. Aside from pitching them out of dorm windows, the empty 5-gallon, beer bottle-colored plastic spheres were put to plenty of imaginative household uses. Early packaging suggested the ball could be crafted into a planter, a light or a popcorn bowl, and the ideas took off from there. Through the '80s and '90s, half a beer ball attached underneath a bird feeder to keep the squirrels out wasnt an entirely unusual sight around Western New York. Beyond that, though, there are going to be lasting changes from the Covid-19 recession. The jobs from the small businesses that shut down during the pandemic won't come back until new businesses form to take their place. Those jobs likely will be different from the ones that went away, requiring different skills or different types of workers. And it will take years for that new business formation to take place, Golebiewski said. Many retail jobs 1,700 have vanished since June 2019 won't be coming back, regardless of the recovery, because we're shopping more online and we're likely to keep doing so, she said. Other jobs have been replaced by automation, Golebiewski said. Rising wages helped spur fast-food businesses and retailers to install self-checkout and automated ordering kiosks, partly to save money as the minimum wage increased, but also partly because the Covid-19 pandemic mandated that we eliminate person-to-person interaction as much as possible. There's no turning back, there. "If they didn't have it or didn't have the resources, they wouldn't be able to scale as quickly," she said. "They have to be able to talk about how the investments we're making with them will support their growth." And why did it take so many years for the institute to achieve the job-growth target? Orsi said the nature of life sciences is one factor, as an industry often requiring years of development. Some of BIG's original business partners "were not able to move forward," she said. The institute switched from an original portfolio of five companies to 13, and reset the job goal to 530 from 490, "and we'll go way higher than that," Orsi said. BIG over the past year has supported companies' efforts to fight Covid-19, including the development and delivery of diagnostics, clinical trials for Covid-19 treatments and Covid-19 variant tracking, Orsi said. KSL is among the companies involved in responding to Covid-19, through testing and diagnostic kits. The company could not have grown as fast as it has without BIG's financial support and resources, said Kevin Lawson, the CEO. "A lot of the skill sets that I've kind of built on here really came from my experiences in the Corps, as a corporal," said Lasher, who now lives in Niagara Falls. He mentioned integrity and tactfulness as two examples. "In the Marine Corps, we call them core competencies or leadership traits," he said. "It's almost plug and play with GM's behaviors." Lasher said he remembers when the Lockport plant's workforce was much bigger long ago. But he is encouraged to see the site hiring. "You always want to be with a company that's kind of rising up," he said. "That's what it feels like we're doing here. We just keeping adding and adding. Ever since I've been here, nothing's been taken away, we're just building and building." Hesch said the plant is looking for new hires with a "team mentality." But a manufacturing background isn't a necessity. "We have a pretty robust training plan," he said. "We'll train anybody that is interested in coming here to work." Krystal Black was working two jobs, at a restaurant and a grocery store, before she was hired at GM Lockport. The Cheektowaga resident is a team leader, responsible for an area with 11 employees. The Walton campaign overnight reported to the state elections board that she raised $199,000 during the most recent public disclosure period from June 7 to July 11. In little more than a month, Walton exceeded her entire campaign total $126,000 stretching back to the middle of last December. Walton reported having $147,000 in the bank at the end of the recent reporting period. In a statement, Walton, who describes herself as a democratic socialist, said her campaign has received thousands of small donations, including un-itemized ones less than $99. She said the average donation to her campaign has been $56.40. "Our campaign is proud to be a grassroots, people-powered movement, and our most recent filing with the Board of Elections reflects that, with thousands of small donations not just from individuals in the Buffalo community, but the community at large, Walton said. Donations from across the country The latest extension of the land border is scheduled to expire Wednesday. Trudeau's announcement implied it would be extended again for at least a couple of weeks, but not another full month. That came as partial good news to Sandy Pearce of Fort Erie, who formed Families Are Essential, one of several groups that have been advocating to reopen the border. Dozens join with Rep. Brian Higgins as bipartisan pressure builds to reopen border In a letter to President Biden, those 75 lawmakers led by Rep. Brian Higgins, a Buffalo Democrat, as well as Michigan Republican Rep. Bill Huizenga and Florida Democratic Rep. Kathy Castor said the pandemic has eased to the point where cross-border travel can resume. "I'm very excited," Pearce said. "But why do we have to wait until mid-August? Why does he have to put it off for another three weeks? Why couldn't you just make it July 21?" Trudeau's statement indicated that leaders of Canada's provinces were happy to hear that Canada was moving to reopen its border. "First Ministers expressed their support of reopening plans, and agreed on the importance of ensuring clarity and predictability as initial steps are taken," the statement said. "The prime minister indicated that ministers would share more details on these plans early next week." U.S. officials have not yet said anything about plans to reopen the border to nonessential Canadian travelers, but the two nations are expected to open the border in tandem. Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul said she has not been interviewed as part of the state attorney general's investigation into alleged sexual harassment by Gov. Andrew Cuomo. Hochul spoke to reporters on Friday following an appearance at KSL Biomedical in Amherst. The New York Times reported that Cuomo is expected to be questioned on Saturday by investigators from the state Attorney General's Office. Asked about that, Hochul said: "This is a normal part of it. It's not unexpected and like all New Yorkers, we'll await the results." Hochul also declined to comment on the future of Cuomo's political viability. "We are in the throes of an investigation, which has been ongoing," Hochul said. "There are multiple investigations, and it's still very early in the process to make any conclusions as to political viability." "My job as a first sergeant was to network and know people," Pagan said. "Because of what I knew and who I knew in Iraq, I had a little more information than some of the folks there." Pagan urged an immediate evacuation. "As a principal, we do fire drills at my school. If it's not a real situation, we could consider this a drill and just learn from it in case we ever do have to leave the base. We left without knowing what was going to happen, and sure enough, it did happen," Pagan said. They flew to what Pagan called "an undisclosed location" before the missiles hit. The next day, Pagan and about a dozen others returned to the base to check out the damage before flying back to the other site. The following day, he and the small group went back to Al-Asad to begin cleaning up the base. The other personnel returned two weeks later. "Sgt. Pagan, as a deployed first sergeant, did exactly what we trained him to do. He did exactly what I, as his commander back home, hoped he would do in a crisis," said Col. Carl Magnusson, commander of the 914th. "He took charge within his sphere and he did the right thing." OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) A federal appeals court has upheld a federal judge's reversal of the murder conviction of an Oklahoma man whose case was featured in the book and television series The Innocent Man. A three-judge panel of the U.S. 10th Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver ruled 2-1 that Karl Fontenot, 56, has shown actual innocence in the 1984 kidnapping and death of Donna Denice Haraway in Ada, about 70 miles (113 kilometers) southeast of Oklahoma City, based on newly discovered evidence that the court said was withheld by prosecutors at the time. "Were very happy, Karl is ecstatic, and were just waiting to see what happens next, Fontenot's attorney, Tiffany Murphy told The Associated Press on Thursday. The state has 120 days from the date of Tuesday's ruling to decide whether to retry Fontenot, according to the ruling. We're reviewing the opinion and to determine what our next steps will be, said Alex Gerszweski, a spokesperson for the Oklahoma Attorney General's office. HOUSTON (AP) A federal judge in Texas on Friday ordered an end to an Obama-era program that prevented the deportations of some immigrants brought into the United States as children, putting new pressure for action on President Joe Biden and Democrats who now control Congress. U.S. District Judge Andrew Hanen ruled in favor of Texas and eight other conservative states that had sued to halt the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which provides limited protections to about 650,000 people. People who are already enrolled won't lose protections, but Hanen is barring the processing of new applications. Hanen's decision limits the immediate ability of Biden, who pledged during his campaign to protect DACA, to keep the program or something similar in place. His ruling is the second by a federal judge in Texas stopping Biden's immigration plans, after a court barred enforcement of Biden's 100-day stay on most deportations. Biden has already proposed legislation that would provide a pathway to citizenship for the estimated 11 million people living in the U.S. without authorization. He also ordered agencies to make efforts to preserve the program. If the New York Health Act became law, many more financiers, tech titans and business moguls would join the thousands of other wealthy residents whove fled to lower-tax states in the past few years. That would require state officials to squeeze even more revenue out of those who stay. The combination of higher taxes and lower payments for doctors and hospitals prescribed by the New York Health Act would wipe out at least 175,000 jobs. Those losses would be concentrated in the health care and financial services industries. Most New Yorkers would also receive worse care. The state is already short nearly 1,200 doctors. The bills steep reimbursement cuts would surely have driven many doctors who are currently practicing to retire early. And the vast majority of New Yorkers already have coverage. In fact, the states insured rate remained stable throughout the pandemic at 95%. That is thanks to a combination of private sector support and the Affordable Care Act, which offers subsidized plans. By all means, lawmakers should work to cover the remaining 5% of New Yorkers who lack insurance. But we dont need disastrous, job-killing tax hikes or a wholesale government takeover of the health care sector to expand access to coverage. Janet Trautwein is CEO of the National Association of Health Underwriters. The shutdown of the last of Buffalos school speed zone cameras marks the end of a saga that might someday be a case study taught in government classes. The moral of the story: You can fight City Hall, at least sometimes. University Council Member Rasheed N.C. Wyatt posted a video to his Facebook page Thursday, protesting the fact that the only camera that remained in use was one on Bailey Avenue in the University district. Wyatt felt he was being singled out for his vocal opposition to the program. Wyatts video had been viewed more than 1,300 times as of Friday afternoon. The mayor, who had defended the controversial program before giving in to the Councils efforts to dismantle it, said that Wyatts passionate plea convinced him to turn off the camera on Bailey. The Council approved the speed camera contract in 2019, but complaints from the public poured in to Council members offices, and the lawmakers passed a resolution to discontinue the program. Note to Council members: If you want to really get the mayors attention, just pivot to video. Post-pandemic hiring has encountered a bevy of obstacles: worries about Covid-19 and the Delta variant; child care needs; and, yes, the desire for higher wages. News business reporter Matt Glynn recently interviewed both employees and employers to explain the mismatch. For several decades, employers have had the upper hand. That is shifting, at least a bit and at least for the moment. That means employers, especially, must adjust. The common argument about employee reluctance to return to the workforce has been based on the $300 a week in supplemental unemployment benefits, set to expire Sept. 6. Early in the pandemic, the federal supplemental benefits came to $600 a week. The extra money kept millions of families afloat, which in turn kept the U.S. economy afloat. It also allowed millions to stay at home at the height of a global pandemic on a scale not seen in a century. They kept themselves and family members safe. Flash forward several months and workers many of them in low-income, essential jobs want more from employers. It isnt a labor action. It isnt political and no one is conspiring. Its simply capitalism at work. Im writing in response to Albert Pautlers encouraging words for my daughter Kelly Holdsworth, about whom an article appeared in The Buffalo News on June 29. Ill admit to being initially apprehensive about Kellys decision to pursue cosmetology, but when it became clear how passionate she was, her infectious determination pulled me and the other skeptics, (including many teachers) along with her. Eventually, we realized it was easier to run alongside Kelly in pursuit of her dream rather than try to nudge her in a different direction. There are no words to express the pride I feel for Kelly and the intense commitment she has shown. I have no doubt she will be successful beyond my wildest dreams. It is my sincere hope that this story shines a light on our need as a society to recognize that college is not always the answer. The trades are every bit as noble and lucrative as most college degrees. Regarding Professionals from citys wealthier areas powered India Walton to victory, I lived in Buffalo for 29 years before moving into my husbands house in Amherst. I love Buffalo and care about its future. For years before my retirement I worked as a social worker in Buffalo. Ive frequently been on the East Side while Byron Brown is mayor. I continue to go to the East Side to different libraries, and for other errands. I see no significant change in this part of the city as a result of Browns administration. The roads become terrible the minute you go east of Main Street. Snow removal? A joke. Dilapidated housing, crumbling sidewalks, evidence of poverty abounding. Brown didnt have enough respect for voters to debate Walton. Now he is smearing her as a radical. If you look up happiness surveys, youll find this: Finland is top of the world for happiness, according to the World Happiness Report 2018, closely followed by Norway, Denmark, Iceland, Switzerland and the Netherlands. All of these countries have versions of democratic socialism prominent in their government. 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 24 Sandy Creek Shootout out of Sandy Creek. For more details, check out sandycreekshootout.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 25 Awards ceremony for the Lake Ontario Counties Trout and Salmon Derby at Capt. Jacks, Sodus Point in Wayne County. Winners should arrive by 3 p.m. July 26 Niagara County Federation of Conservation Clubs annual summer picnic at 5:30 p.m. at Three-F Club, 904 Swann Road, Lewiston. 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. The heaviest rain staying north also shows clearly in this high-res model, with some pretty impressive totals when you match the coloring with the legend. The rainfall will come with a brisk, cooler northeast wind Saturday, around 15-20 mph north of the Southern Tier, and lighter to the south. This will keep temperatures in the 60s to low 70s north, and the mid-70s south, closer to the frontal boundary. Lets move on to the second half of the weekend, which is an entirely different story. The showers will begin pulling away from our region late Saturday, and give way to drier high pressure taking over for Sunday. It will be seasonably warm again, with moderate humidity and a partly to mostly sunny sky. Brian Boland Facebook Brian Boland An experienced hot-air balloon pilot died on Thursday evening after falling to the ground during a flight in Vermont. The accident took place in Bradford, located close to the New Hampshire border, and the pilot was identified as Brian Boland, 72, Vermont State Police said in a news release. As the balloon, which took off from the Post Mills Airport, began to descend, police said it "briefly touched down in a field," after which "the basket tipped" and one of the four passengers also aboard fell out. "During this sequence, the pilot became entangled in gear affixed to the balloon as it re-ascended," became trapped underneath the basket and "eventually fell to the ground from a great height," the release said. Boland landed in a field near Waits River Road and was pronounced dead at the scene. A cause of death will be determined by the Chief Medical Examiner's Office in Burlington. RELATED: 5 Dead After Hot Air Balloon Crashes into Power Lines in New Mexico After Boland's fall, the balloon continued traveling for around 1.5 miles before getting caught in some trees in New Hampshire, according to police. It was then that the remaining three passengers were able to safely exit the aircraft. None of the passengers, including the one who had previously fallen out of the basket, were injured. The National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration are currently investigating the circumstances of the accident. RELATED VIDEO: 'Fatigued' Driver Hits Dad and His 2 Daughters on Wyo. Highway While Mom and Son Watch from Car Behind Boland's death was mourned on Friday by the Balloon Federation of America. "We have just learned of the passing of Brian Boland," they wrote in a social media tribute. "Our prayers and condolences go out to his family and friends." The pilot's ballooning career dates back to the 1970s, when he gave up teaching at a local high school to follow his passion, according to The New York Times. Story continues "Depending on how you look at it, I have become the largest homebuilt balloon maker or the world's smallest balloon manufacturing company," he told the newspaper back in 1979. According to the Times, Boland also became the first person to cross the Long Island Sound in a small balloon, traveling over 250 miles in only four hours. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. "He is one of the most experienced balloonist[s] in the world, has set numerous world records, and won several national championships," read a since-deleted post on the website of the Rabbit Hill Inn, which is located near the Post Mills Airport, where Boland's final flight flew out of. "Brian has flown balloons all over the world, including the Alps and the Andes. In addition, he is a world famous balloon designer," the post continued, noting that Boland also had a private collection of over 100 balloons and airships. Former member of the military who suffered a traumatic brain injury, Jansen Ng of East Gwillimbury, Ont., has charitable plans for his $65 million Lotto Max jackpot win from the July 6 draw. The 41-year-old occasional lottery player bought a Quick Pick ticket at Marinas Express Mart on Leslie St. in Sharon, Ont., while he was playing Pokemon Go. "I had heard on the news that the jackpot had been won in my local municipality of York Region, but it didnt really click that it could be me," Ng said. "A few days after the draw, I went to check the ticket on a ticket checker and the message said, Please See Retailer. I thought the ticket checker was malfunctioning and decided to check the ticket at home on the OLG Lottery App." When Ng saw the "Big Winner" message on the app he was in disbelief and kept checking it on other devices. He finally went back to the retailer with the ticket and thats when he truly got excited. The first person Ng told about his win was his pastor. I felt the responsibility of this win immediately. I wanted to be sure to use this money responsibly, so I felt my pastor was the best person to work that through with me.Jansen Ng, Lotto Max $65 million winner Ng wants to continue to support charities and is exploring ways to set up not-for-profit foundations. "I have travelled extensively over the years, saw much poverty and want to try to make the world a better place with some of this money," he said. "Lottery winnings used strategically and intentionally can impact the community far beyond just a simple donation." $65 million Lotto Max winner Jansen Ng of East Gwillimbury with Kim Clark, OLGs Vice President of Lottery and Customer Success (OLG) Ng also help fellow veterans and others with non-visible injuries that impact their quality of life. "At one point, I was almost homeless because I didnt know how to deal with my injury," he shared. "I was struggling with making decisions and some of the things I did were strange and irrational, but I kept the true cause hidden from the people around me. I hope to help some who are struggling as I did without having to face more personal hardships." Story continues There is one material items he plans to buy himself, a new electric car, but not much much else. "Im still going to be the guy who donates blood every two months and cuts his own hair," Ng said. "I have been cutting my own hair for the last 10 years, not as a result of the pandemic, and think I do a pretty good job at it." The M.V. Pan Acacia anchored in Vancouver Harbour after it was struck by another freighter on March 17, 2019. (Supplied/Transportation Safety Board of Canada - image credit) A federal investigation into two bulk carrier ships that crashed in Vancouver's Inner Harbour two years ago has blamed the collision on "breakdowns in situational awareness and communications." The Transportation Safety Board released its report into the incident on Thursday. The March 17, 2019, crash saw the ship Caravos Harmony a 229-metre bulk carrier loaded with 70,000 tonnes of corn crash into another bulk carrier more than double its weight, the 292-metre, 170,000-tonne bulk carrier Pan Acacia. The collision tore a hole in the side of the Pan Acacia, which was anchored north of Canada Place in Vancouver's Inner Harbour, according to investigators. At the time, just after midnight, the Caravos Harmony was heading to its own anchorage in Burrard Inlet. Both vessels were damaged, but there were no injuries or pollution reported in the crash, the TSB noted. The worst damage was to the Pan Acacia, which was "punctured through" to a cargo hold. The Caravos Harmony suffered "dents and damage" to its bow. "Breakdowns in situational awareness and communications were key factors," the Transportation Safety Board of Canada said in a press release. "The investigation determined that communication breakdowns impacted the team's situational awareness and resulted in different understandings of the emerging circumstances." Supplied/Transportation Safety Board of Canada The key breakdown, investigators found, happened when the Caravos Harmony deployed one of its anchors in order to stop itself from drifting in a current. Thursday's report also listed "several contraventions" of maritime laws by the Caravos Harmony's operators, including violations of the collision regulations and the Maritime Labour Convention. Those contraventions included a broken indicator for the ship's rudder angle, an error in its compass, and "a systematic failure to apply the International Safety Management (ISM) Code on maintenance and emergency preparedness." Story continues The Caravos Harmony is owned by the Greek firm Octapus Shipping Corp., but is registered in the Marshall Islands. The Panama-flagged Pan Acacia, meanwhile, is owned by POS Maritime, based in South Korea. The investigation concluded that when "strong current and eddies" in the harbour that night pulled the Caravos Harmony to one side, its pilot and bridge crew "did not share critical information to build a common and accurate team situation awareness," according to the final report's findings. Supplied/Transportation Safety Board of Canada "This impeded timely and effective coordination of actions to safely manoeuvre the vessel and avoid the striking." The Pan Acacia was anchored overnight in the Port of Vancouver's Anchorage A, on the south side of the Inner Harbour. The TSB cannot find legal fault in its investigations, but makes conclusions and recommendations for change when transport accidents occur. In the case of the 2019 collision, the Port of Vancouver changed its rules around where ships can refuel, in order to reduce the traffic further into the harbour. LOS ANGELES (AP) Los Angeles police fatally shot a man Thursday who was carrying what turned out to be a replica handgun on Hollywoods Walk of Fame, authorities said. A woman suffered a minor injury to her lower body, but the Los Angeles Police Department did not immediately know how she had been hurt. She was taken to the hospital. Officers responded to Hollywood Boulevard around 11:20 a.m. following reports of a man walking around with a handgun along the Walk of Fame. At least one person reported seeing him pointing a gun at someone. Officers arrived to find a man who matched the description and at least one officer fired their weapon. The shooting occurred near the famed corner of Hollywood Boulevard and Highland Avenue, and less than a block from the Dolby Theatre, where the Oscars are normally presented. Police did not say what prompted the shooting or whether any de-escalation methods were attempted first. The fake handgun was recovered at the scene. I'm just told that it appears to be exactly like a gun, said LAPD Detective Meghan Aguilar, a police spokesperson, during a media briefing at the scene. The Indianhead Motel, located just blocks from the Bargain City store, contacted the Chippewa Falls Police Department, informing law enforcement that a shopping cart, anti-theft tags, and laptop boxes were left behind in a room that had been used by Moe. Moe had used his state ID while renting the room. Officers checked his photo, and it matched the person who was seen on the video surveillance at the store. Police located Moe in the Chippewa Riverfront Park on Sept. 17. He was carrying a backpack that had several of the stolen laptops inside. Moe also admitted he had a meth pipe and syringes in the bag. Moe was taken to the police station, where he admitted to the break-ins at all five locations. He admitted to stealing the items so he could sell them to pay for drugs. Court records show that Moe was convicted of fifth-offense operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated in Eau Claire County Court in February 2019 and was ordered to serve up to eight months in jail, with Huber work release privileges. He was convicted of retail theft in Eau Claire County Court in August 2019, and was placed on probation for three years. However, in September 2019, he was convicted of obstructing an officer and failure to report to jail, and was ordered to serve an additional 60 days in jail. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 He also states in the bulletin that the parish at St. James the Less has grown in the last 15 months, and that he is donating $12,000 from book royalties for a wheelchair lift and ramp for the church. As of Thursday, Altman has received nearly $750,000 in support from online crowdfund sites. Last Sunday, the Diocese tapped Monsignor Robert Hundt to oversee Mass at St. James the Less. During a sermon, he read a statement from Bishop Callahan to the parish, as heard in an audio recording. Instead of working for all souls, the actions and words of Father Altman have caused great division within the parish, the bishops statement said. I recognize the difficulty that many of you may have in understanding such a decision, but it is important for each of us as individual parishioners and as an entire Diocese to come together in an effort not to cause further division and scandal. Hundt continued in his own words with a message on rebuilding the parish. He also states in the bulletin that the parish at St. James the Less has grown in the last 15 months, and that he is donating $12,000 from book royalties for a wheelchair lift and ramp for the church. Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} As of Thursday, Altman has received nearly $750,000 in support from online crowdfunding sites. Last Sunday, the diocese tapped Monsignor Robert Hundt to oversee Mass at St. James the Less. During a sermon, he read a statement from Bishop Callahan to the parish, as heard in an audio recording. "Instead of working for all souls, the actions and words of Father Altman have caused great division within the parish," the bishop's statement said. "I recognize the difficulty that many of you may have in understanding such a decision, but it is important for each of us as individual parishioners and as an entire diocese to come together in an effort not to cause further division and scandal." Hundt continued in his own words with a message on rebuilding the parish. Overall, 32 Belarusian journalists are currently in custody, either serving their sentences or awaiting trial, according to the Belarusian Association of Journalists. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, Lukashenkos main challenger in the August 2020 election, who was forced to leave Belarus under official pressure immediately after the vote, tweeted Friday that the regime destroys every media that dares to tell the truth about the situation in Belarus. Also on Friday, 11 university students and a teacher were sentenced to 2 and 2 1/2-year prison terms on accusations of staging and coordinating protests last fall. U.S. Ambassador to Belarus, Julie Fisher, condemned the verdict. How fragile is a regime that cant abide free expression and civic engagement by 11 university students? These young people present a profile in courage," she said on Twitter. Fisher also said that Friday's raids targeting journalists demonstrate cowardice and the inability to cope with truth-telling as opposed to the lionization and fantasies woven daily on state TV. RFE/RL strongly condemned Friday's raiding of its bureau and the detention of Hruzdzilovich and former RFE/RL correspondent Ina Studzinskaya and demanded their immediate release. A recent SANS survey sent shockwaves through the cybersecurity world, even as reports of massive phishing scams and ransomware attacks flooded the media, making 2021 arguably the worst year ever based on the statistics and we are only halfway through this year. The report reiterated the source of most breaches happens as the result of human errors (employees falling for phishing scams that result in data compromise or credential theft) and said that despite the evidence, few organizations are making real progress in addressing growing threats. The SANS team surveyed over 1,500 professionals involved in security awareness training and found 75% spend less than half their time on raising awareness among employees, even calling current efforts "part-time" in nature. 2021 marks the sixth release of the SANS Security Awareness Report, and through 2020-2021 the industry witnessed deep and rapid changes in how and where employees work. These changes have caused unprecedented evolution not only in technology we use but how we use it, especially with so many working from home. "Simply stated," their introduction of the report said, "it has never been more important to effectively create and maintain a cyber-secure workforce and a vibrant security culture." "Cybersecurity is no longer just about technology but people; managing human risk," said Lance Spitzner, SANS Security Awareness Director and co-author of the report. "Awareness programs enable security teams to do just that by not only guiding how people think about security but how they act, from the Board of Directors on down. This report enables security professionals to make data-driven decisions on how they can most effectively engage the workforce and manage human risk." Key Findings in the report include: Workforce: Over 75% of security awareness professionals are spending less than half their time on security awareness, implying awareness is too often a part-time effort. The data shows that security awareness responsibilities are very commonly assigned to staff with highly technical backgrounds, who may lack the skills needed to effectively engage their workforce in simple-to-understand terms. Compensation: The average salary reported was $103,000 USD for security training full-time professionals. However, salaries were found to be higher for those with technical backgrounds, and on average, up to $10,000 less for those with non-technical backgrounds. Top Reported Challenges: The two top reported challenges for building a mature awareness program are the lack of time to manage the program and a lack of personnel to work on and implement the program. Dedicated Personnel: Awareness programs effectively changing behavior had at least 2.5 FTEs (Full-Time Equivalent) dedicated to helping manage their awareness program. Those impacting culture and having the metrics framework to prove it on average had 3.5 FTEs. "Security awareness programs have evolved from a limited compliance focus to becoming a key part of an organization's ability to manage human cyber risk," said Dan DeBeaubien, SANS Security Awareness Director and the other co-author of the report. "While security awareness programs are gaining executive support, there is still a long way to go before enough personnel, resources, and tools are allocated to this effort." "Roughly 10% of organizations out there represented by our respondents have someone dedicated full time" to security awareness, Spitzner says. "That is similar to what we have seen over the past surveys, [so] no real change there." We caught up with Mohie Ahmed, Solutions Architect at Ironsphere, a Privileged Access Management software and solutions company based in New Jersey, and he said, "Making sure security teams have adequate resources to invest in advanced ZTNA and other approaches is mission-critical," Ahmed said. "It is no longer feasible to expect over-taxed IT and OT teams to approach increasingly sophisticated attackers manually. Intelligence, automation, user-friendly tools, reporting, and more not only make it easier to keep assets safer but also assist in the audits performed in regulated industries." The SANS report confirmed that security awareness programs are supported by the C-Suite CEOs, CIOs, CISOs, and board Chairmen and board members. That said, the authors of the report say CFOs and others in the finance group have been the biggest blockers to progress. "We are seeing a dramatic shift in this pattern, and today within our client base, which expanded 67% in 2021, CFOs are playing a lead role given the proven breaches or compliance failures," Ahmed said. "Once they understand the whole picture and look at cybersecurity in the context of a fulsome risk management posture, they embrace and advocate for better solutions, which their CIO and IT/OT teams greatly appreciate." Privileged Access Management (PAM) solutions protect enterprises and organizations from risk in many ways, and given the rise of internal and external attacks on infrastructure, applications and data, PAM is no longer a "nice to have" it is a "must have" Ahmed explained. "PAM software is frequently used as an information security and governance tool to prevent data breaches and attacks through privileged accounts. IT managers and network administrators must efficiently secure access, control configurations, and log all activities in the data center or network infrastructure, where any failure to access privileged accounts could result in a material impact on business continuity." Ahmed said PAM solutions consistently protect management accounts, control privileged user access, enforce segregation of duties, log user sessions and activities, provide accounting, compliance auditing, and operational efficiency. "We now have ample evidence that PAM helps to prevent security breaches, which have been documented to cost from $4M to $400M, depending on the number of records compromised and the value of the related data," Ahmed said. Historically, organizations have invested in software and hardware-focused on securing the perimeter of their networks, but today PAM plays a critical role in protecting assets and mitigating risk, given that 81% of all data breaches in 2019 were linked to lost or stolen user credentials, and 43% of successful breaches were linked to internal actors, according to the Verizon (News - Alert) Data Breach Investigations Report (DBIR), a trend that continued through 2020 according to the DBI 2021. "Today's organizations are faced with increasing challenges, given the explosion of growth in remote workers and the expansion of the use of third-party IT managed service providers and other tech partners requiring remote access," Ahmed summarized. "With a majority of data breaches attributed to employees and third-party vendors, securing remote access is essential, as is ensuring only those who need to access resources can access those resources, and that the process for tracking and governing privileged accounts occurs in real-time, leveraging automation and advanced, cloud-ready PAM solutions." Edited by Luke Bellos Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 16) The International Labor Organization (ILO) and the Government of Japan launched an initiative that will provide assistance to small companies in the Philippines that were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. In a statement, the ILO said the new project called Bringing back jobs safely under the COVID-19 crisis in the Philippines: Rebooting small and informal businesses safely and digitally aims to make workplace of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME) safer and more productive so that they can reopen and operate safely without having to implement lockdowns. It will be a one-year project, with funding worth $2.2 million (around 110.37 million) from the Japanese government, it added. Khalid Hassan, director of the ILO Country Office for the Philippines, said given the challenges these businesses are facing, urgent measures are critical to support them in dealing with the impact of COVID-19, and to build back better and safer. We need to also help people access safe and decent jobs in their own town, he added. The program will cover provinces and non-metropolitan regions in the Philippines where COVID-19 risks are high, yet support is limited. It aims to help in preventing and mitigating the impact of the health crisis and engage small business as well as the informal sector. Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Kazuhiko Koshikawa emphasized the important role of MSMEs in economic recovery, saying it is equally important to ensure occupational safety and health in the sector to sustain jobs and businesses in the new normal. "This includes ensuring a safe return to work, digitalized operations, and safer and more productive workplaces, he pointed out. MSMEs represent 99% of businesses, employing 7 out of 10 workers in the country, ILO noted. Moreover, these firms contribute to 40% of the Philippines gross domestic product, it added. But with lockdowns implemented to control the spread of coronavirus, movement was restricted including economic activities. This led to many businesses temporarily suspending operations or worst permanently shutting down. The program will support existing programs of the different stakeholders, including existing programs under the Philippine governments COVID-19 response, specifically the National Employment Recovery Strategy and the Decent Work Country Program of the Philippines It will supplement key policies and programs through safer and more digitalized operations of MSMEs in provinces, ILO said. As part of the Safety + Health for All Flagship program of the ILO, the project is aligned with the ILOs four policy areas for COVID-19 response. This initiative will be implemented in collaboration with the Department of Labor and Employment, the Department of Information and Communications Technology, the Department of Trade and Industry, the National Anti-Poverty Commission, and employers and workers organizations in the Philippines, it also said. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 16) The first batch of COVID-19 vaccines from U.S. company Johnson & Johnson arrived on Friday. The initial shipment of Janssen vaccine came with 1.6 million doses. The country expects to receive a total of 3.2 million shots from U.S. donations via the global COVAX facility, with the remaining half to arrive on Saturday. Vaccine czar Carlito Galvez said the Janssen vaccine will be sent to areas with a clustering of the highly contagious Delta coronavirus variant - Metro Manila, Western Visayas and Northern Mindanao - focusing on senior citizens and those with comorbidities. He added that each region will receive at least 100,000 of the single-shot vaccine. Johnson and Johnson said its Janssen vaccine produced a strong immune response of at least up to eight months, even against the Delta variant. Galvez said he is negotiating to get another six million Janssen vaccine doses. He said the country so far received around 12 million donated shots. US Embassy Charge d'Affaires John Law said the J&J shipment is part of the U.S. government's global donation of around 80 million shots in July. It plans to donate 200 million more doses in the next six months. The country so far administered around 14.4 million COVID-19 vaccine doses - 10.1 million as first shot and 4.3 million as second dose - as of July 15, Galvez said. The government aims to inject 10 million doses in July. Over 3.7 million doses were already administered this month alone, he added. Uh-oh! It could be you, or it could be us, but there's no page here. (CNN) The Middle East and North Africa is witnessing a surge in COVID-19 cases aggravated by the Delta variant of the virus and it may get worse over coming weeks according to the World Health Organization (WHO). An increase in coronavirus cases has been reported in Libya, Iran, Iraq and Tunisia as the region edges toward a "critical point," WHO's Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office said Wednesday. Across the region, more than 11 million cases have been recorded in total since the start of the pandemic. WHO also warned of possible "catastrophic consequences" of the Muslim Eid al-Adha holiday, which begins in the week of July 20 and is traditionally celebrated with large or medium-sized social gatherings. Tunisia, one of the Arab world's worst-hit countries by the Delta variant, has reimposed lockdowns. It has also appealed to Arab Gulf countries for critical aid, as its health care sector faces "catastrophe," according to the Tunisian government. Saudi Arabia has announced that it will send Tunisia 1 million vaccine doses, and the UAE has also donated half a million vaccines. The North African country now has the highest Covid-19 mortality rate in the Eastern Mediterranean region as well as on the African continent after the Delta variant circulated widely in the country, according to WHO. Oxygen beds and intensive care unit beds in Tunisia are at 90% and 95% occupancy levels respectively. "Between 8,000 and 9,500 cases are currently being reported every day, with wide circulation of the Delta variant. In less than one week, the number of deaths almost doubled, from 119 deaths on 5 July to 189 deaths on 8 July," WHO said, referring to Tunisia. Iran, which has been one of the worst-hit countries in the region since the start of the pandemic, nearly broke its daily record of cases after reporting more than 23,000 new infections on Thursday. The country's daily average tally almost doubled over the last four weeks, and the number of daily deaths has increased over the past two weeks, WHO said. Last week, Iraq, where less than 1% of the population has received a vaccine dose, reported its highest daily tally since the start of the pandemic, according to the country's health ministry. This week, a fire wreaked havoc on a hospital treating coronavirus patients, killing more than 92 people and further underscoring the poor state of the country's health sector. (CNN) California gubernatorial candidate Caitlyn Jenner defended her travel out of state on Friday -- insisting that she is not pausing or suspending her campaign -- after an Australian publication reported that she is in Australia filming "Celebrity Big Brother." "My campaign team is in full operation as am I. I am in this race to win for California, because it is worth fighting for," Jenner tweeted on Friday after The Advertiser reported that she had touched down in Sydney this week with just two months before California's gubernatorial recall election. "I am honoring a work commitment that I had made prior to even deciding to run for governor. There is no pause at all on this race to save CA!" the Republican candidate and reality star tweeted. With the special election to recall Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom scheduled for September 14, ballots are expected to be mailed to California voters next month. Australia requires travelers arriving from overseas to quarantine for 14 days. That means Jenner will be gone during a critical final phase of the campaign, but her aides said she couldn't get out of "a prior obligation" and "will be back very soon." They did not provide any further details about the length of her trip but said she is continuing to do campaign work and interviews remotely. Many political operatives in California had expected the recall election to be this fall, as late as November. But the lieutenant governor announced earlier this month that she was calling the election for September after California Secretary of State Shirley Weber certified the recall effort. Newsom's approval ratings have been relatively stable throughout the spring and summer once the state accelerated its vaccination campaign after a rocky start, but some Democratic operatives have worried that the governor's political fortunes could be affected by a resurgence in cases -- as some parts of the state, like Los Angeles County, are seeing now. Voters will be asked two questions on the September ballot. The first will be whether they want to vote "yes" or "no" to recall Newsom, who was elected in 2018 with nearly 62% of the vote. The second question will ask who they want to replace Newsom with. Jenner is one of a number of prominent Republicans vying to replace Newsom in a state where Democrats outnumber Republicans by 2 to 1. Newsom recently sued the state to try to get his party affiliation listed on the ballot, but a California judge denied that request. This story was first published on CNN.com, "Caitlyn Jenner defends out-of-state travel ahead of California recall election." Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 16) Apart from a new rule slapping a 12% value-added tax on export items and deals that previously were VAT-free, firms have also been grappling with a more expensive shipping process, an exporters group bared. The cost of shipment, minimum is three times the usual. And the brokerage fee is sometimes five times [higher than] the usual, Philippine Exporters Confederation (Philexport) president Sergio Ortiz-Luis told CNN Philippines The Exchange on Friday. This comes as exporters deal with the lack of bottoms for the ships, rendering many of them unable to ship products for the past 2-3 months, he added. I just was talking to somebody: the total value of the container that he is sending is about $35,000. The total charges including brokerage fee is about $18,000. Can you imagine that? said Ortiz-Luis. These woes come atop the imposition of the 12% VAT on export products that previously didnt have it, a development that export-oriented firms earlier cautioned would lead to layoffs and billions of pesos of losses in local trade. Ortiz-Luis referred to the move as the nail that shut the coffin for exporters still grappling with the COVID-19 health crisis. With the problems that we have now, exporters are really running after cash. Banks are not really that easy to borrow from now, he added. With this, the Philexport president said exporters have been seeking a quick loan from government so that they can immediately borrow funds for paying shipping costs, as these are charged upfront. (CNN) -- Twitter is under enormous pressure in India this year. But even before the country rolled out strict new rules for tech firms, the company was hit by a wave of requests from the government to remove content or provide user data. Indian authorities submitted more requests for account information from Twitter in the last six months of 2020 than any other government, the Silicon Valley-based company said in its latest transparency report Wednesday. The number of demands that India made for content removal also spiked 152% to nearly 7,000. Twitter said that India's requests for user information accounted for 25% of the total it received during the reporting period, which includes data from July 1 to December 31, 2020. Twitter did not comply with over 99% of the requests. "Notably, this is the first time since we started publishing our transparency report in 2012 where the United States is not the top global requester," the company said, adding that the United States came in second in terms of global volume. The information requests included routine legal demands and emergency requests from government agencies and law enforcement authorities, the company said. In India's case, Twitter said it complied with 0.6% of the total 3,615 requests received. The company's rate of compliance in the United States for the period was 59%. "Where appropriate, Twitter will push back on requests for account information which are incomplete or improper," such as those that are "invalid or overbroad in scope," the company said. In case of emergency requests which involve the danger of death or serious injury the company may disclose account details, if it is provided with enough proof that such relevant information can avert those dangers. Twitter classified just over 150 information requests from India as emergencies. The United States sent 822 such requests, the company said, the highest in the world. Legal demands made by India to remove or withhold content, meanwhile, shot up 152% during the last six months of 2020 compared to the prior reporting period. Twitter said it complied with just over 9% of those 6,971 demands. The jump made India the second-highest submitter of such demands in the world after Japan, which made more than 16,000 requests primarily related to narcotics, obscenity, or money lending. The number of demands from Japan marked a 16% decrease from the prior period, though the country still accounted for 43% of all global requests received. Worldwide, 199 accounts of verified journalists and news outlets were subjected to a total of 361 demands for removal of information, according to the company. It added that 128 of those requests came from India alone. The report doesn't cover any of 2021, during which time Twitter has been in a tense stand-off with the Indian government over strict new information technology rules. In February, the company clashed with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology over accounts that the agency wanted taken down during a series of protests by farmers. Twitter complied with some of the requests, but refused to take action against accounts of journalists, activists or politicians. Weeks after that feud, India introduced the new rules, which among other things require social media companies to create three roles in the country: a "compliance officer" who will ensure their company follows local laws; a "grievance officer" who will address complaints from Indian users about its platforms; and a "contact person" available to Indian law enforcement 24/7. They all have to reside in India. Companies are also required to trace the "first originator" of messages if asked by authorities. In May, the company expressed concerns about "core elements of the new IT Rules" and the "potential threat to freedom of speech" in the country. A few days later, it pledged to meet the new requirements. Twitter was recently admonished by a court in Delhi for not meeting the requirements of the new rules in time. The company responded in a court filing last week by saying that it had hired an interim compliance officer. It added in that filing that it will "endeavor in good faith to make an offer of employment to a qualified candidate" within eight weeks for all of the roles. As of last weekend, the company's website listed a grievance officer and a Bangalore address which Twitter can be contacted. This story was first published on CNN.com "India is bombarding Twitter with user data requests and demands to remove content". Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 16) The Philippines has inked an agreement with Brunei Darussalam aimed at eliminating double taxation and prevent tax evasion on income from cross-border transactions between the two nations, the Department of Finance (DOF) announced on Friday. In a statement, the DOF said the deal was signed Friday morning by Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III and Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr. Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew bin Abdullah the Minister at the Prime Minister's Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II of Brunei. "This agreement will serve us well as we bounce back from the ravages of the global health crisis. It will further ease trade in goods and services between our two countries," Dominguez said. It is also expected to create more job opportunities for Filipinos, the DOF added, noting that addressing double taxation can help usher in more foreign investment inflows from Brunei, or get more nationals employed there. The department said the agreement will also strengthen Manila's commitment to the ASEAN Forum on Taxation on building a network of double taxation deals among member nations. The Philippines and Brunei began talks on a double taxation agreement in 2001 in Brunei and resumed the negotiations in 2010 in Manila. A draft of the agreement was then approved in August 2017 with the DOF concurring to its signing in May 2019. This July, the Department of Foreign Affairs endorsed to the Office of the President the granting of full powers to the DOF to sign the deal. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 16) Over 1.15 million AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines ordered by the private sector and local government units arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Friday morning. This is the first batch of delivery from the 17 million doses of the UK-manufactured vaccines procured under a tripartite agreement among the private sector, local government units, national government, and AstraZeneca. Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship Joey Concepcion said the doses will be delivered to about 500 companies and different local governments. "All of these are paid by the private sector. The donation that we are giving the government, Secretary Galvez has told us there is no need to donate. We can now donate [doses] directly to the different LGUs that supported the private sector," he said. This latest shipment brings the total number of AstraZeneca doses delivered to the Philippines to 6.85 million, including donations from the Japanese government and global vaccine-sharing initiative COVAX. Vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. said half of the 17 million doses of AstraZeneca vaccine procured by the local governments and the private sector will arrive this year, while the rest will be delivered next year. The Philippines is also set to receive on Friday afternoon the first batch of single-dose COVID-19 vaccines made by Johnson & Johnson. Over 1.6 million doses will be delivered by COVAX as part of the donation of the United States government. Another 1.6 million Janssen shots are expected to arrive on Saturday. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 16) President Rodrigo Duterte has approved the recommendation to open the school year 2021 to 2022 on Sept. 13, the Department of Education announced on Friday. Education Secretary Leonor Briones earlier proposed three possible opening dates. "...President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has approved September 13, 2021 as opening date for School Year 2021-2022, among the options recommended by DepEd Secretary Leonor Briones Magtolis Briones," the department said in a statement. The school calendar for the upcoming academic year will be released soon, it added. In June, DepEd allowed private schools that offer basic education to begin holding classes ahead of the general school year opening, provided there is no face-to-face learning. READ: DepEd: Private schools may already start classes for next school year Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 16) Vaccine czar Carlito Galvez raised the possibility of sanctioning local governments and vaccine safety officers found to have mishandled COVID-19 doses entrusted to them. "For example, ang nasira niya ay Pfizer (For example, Pfizer shots were wasted), we will not anymore give them Pfizer," Galvez told an online forum hosted by the Department of Health. "Second, we will sanction the concerned LGU, at the same time, [the] concerned vaccine safety officer," he added. Each vaccination center has a safety officer tasked to inspect the storage "every four to six hours every day" and ensure the proper handling and administering of the shots, Galvez explained. The vaccine czar gave the warning following the incident in Muntinlupa, where Pfizer shots are in danger of going to waste due to a storage problem. Muntinlupa City said the vaccines stored in a facility in Festival Mall will not be used anymore as a precaution. The DOH and Galvez said the doses will be checked to see if they are still safe to use. 'Ang bakuna ay ginto' Galvez also reminded LGUs to be cautious in handling the vaccines, especially now that supplies are limited. "Sa ngayon ang bakuna ay ginto so kailangan talaga yung lahat ng nakakatanggap nito na mga LGU, they have to preserve the efficacy and safety of these vaccines kasi once na na-compromise ang safety at efficacy ng storage, it will also endanger the health of our people," he said. [Translation: Right now, vaccines are gold so LGUs that receive them have to preserve the efficacy and safety of these vaccines because once these are compromised, it will also endanger the health of our people.] In May, 348 Sinovac doses that were left in a freezer at a health facility in Cotabato following a blackout went to waste. Galvez said other areas also had wastage due to power supply issues. However, he added that the wastage remains minimal at .02% of the total supply. Galvez also said the country still has enough storage for the vaccines requiring sub-zero temperatures. CNN Philippines' Carolyn Bonquin contributed to this report. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 16) Regions reporting local cases of the more transmissible Delta coronavirus variant will be prioritized in the allocation of the millions of single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccines arriving from the United States in the next two days. Vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. said the 3.2 million doses will be sent to Metro Manila, Western Visayas, and Northern Mindanao with added focus on protecting senior citizens. "Ngayon ang directive namin, ang darating na Johnson & Johnson vaccines, ibibigay natin sa mga tinatawag na areas of interest: Region 10, Metro Manila, Region 6," he said in a media briefing. "Ang J&J kasi one shot yan. Ifo-focus natin ang inoculation sa vulnerable sector, lalo na ang A2." [Translation: Our new directive for the arriving Johnson & Johnson vaccines is that it will be given to areas of interest namely Region 10, Metro Manila and Region 6. This is a one-dose vaccine. We will focus it on the inoculation of the vulnerable sector, especially the A2.] Over 1.6 million doses of J&J's Janssen vaccine will be delivered by COVAX on Friday as part of the donation of the United States government. Another 1.6 millionJanssen shots are expected to arrive on Saturday. The Philippines reported its first local cases of the Delta variant. Clustering of cases were found in Western Visayas and Northern Mindanao, while two cases were reported in Metro Manila. The country has a total of 39 Delta cases, 11 of which were locally found. The American manufacturer said its Janssen vaccine produced a strong immune response at least up to eight months after vaccination, even against the Delta variant. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 16) The Professional Regulation Commission is studying the possibility of dropping government licensure examinations, its chair said Friday, but stressed policymakers have the last word. "'Yan ay pinagaaralan din namin pero 'yang mga examinations po ay mandated by the law. We defer to the policymakers...," PRC chairman Teofilo Pilando Jr. said in a virtual briefing when asked for his comment on the statement of Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III on abolishing board, and bar exams. [Translation: We are also studying that, but those examinations are mandated by the law. We defer to the policymakers...] READ: Labor chief proposes scrapping board, bar exams According to Pilando, there are now 46 regulated professions. "Ang arguments for conducting examinations ay para may national qualification system of producing professionals dahil hindi pare-pareho ang pinanggalingan ng mga professionals natin," he said. [Translation: The arguments for conducting examinations are to have a national qualification system of producing professionals because our professionals do not have the same background.] Bello earlier this month floated this idea during a meeting with the Philippine Nurses Association and the Board of Nursing. He argued the students' several years of education are already enough to gear them for work. The PNA, however, said it does not support the proposal. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 16) An anti-graft court has dismissed a three-decade civil case involving the alleged ill-gotten wealth of the Marcoses and two of their supposed cronies due to insufficiency of evidence. In a June 30 decision, the Sandiganbayan Fourth Division junked Civil Case 0011 which was filed on July 22, 1987 by the Presidential Commission on Good Government against former President Ferdinand Marcos, former First Lady Imelda Marcos, and late businessmen Ricardo Silverio Sr. and Pablo Carlos Jr. The ruling, which was only shown to the media this week, said the PCGG failed to present evidence on its complaint for "reconveyance, reversion, accounting, restitution and damages" which would prove that the Marcoses received kickbacks from contracts awarded to Silverio and Carlos, their close business associates. After a judicious scrutiny of all the pieces of evidence offered in this case, the Court finds that the plaintiffs evidence falls short of the quantum required by law. Thus, the Court is constrained to dismiss the instant complaint, the decision read. The 60-page ruling was penned by Division Chairperson Alex Quiroz, with the concurrence of Associate Justices Lorifel Pahimna and Edgardo Caldona. The complaint said Silverio and Carlos gave kickbacks and commissions to the Marcoses "in hundreds of thousands of US dollars" in exchange for contracts for Kawasaki Scrap Loaders and Toyota Rear Dump Trucks. Silverio, a former lawmaker, died in 2016. Meanwhile, Carlos died in 1998. The PCGG did not indicate the total amount of assets that needed to be given back, but they include real estate properties, particularly parcels of land and condominium units in California, and a 28-unit apartment in Ecology Village in Makati City. The commission also questioned the shares of stocks in Silcor Finance USA, Inc.; Astroair Services, Inc.; C&M Timber; Air Manila; and Delta Motors Corporation. The court said there was no proof that the said properties were illegally acquired. Sandiganbayan also mentioned Silverio's supposed testimony in a US court showing that Marcos approved the former's application for a 6 million loan in exchange for 20% shares of the capital stock of Delta Motors Corporation. However, it said that the PCGG only submitted a photocopy instead of an original copy of the transcript. The PCGG also cited in its complaint Silverio's letter dated January 2, 1974 to Marcos where he thanked the latter for the completion of a certain project involving the shipment of machineries for their Progressive Car Manufacturing Program. However, the court said "there was no concrete proof" in the letter that would show Marcos giving "extraordinary grants and privileges" to Silverio. The Sandiganbayan has thrown out a handful of cases involving the Marcos family's allegedly ill-gotten wealth, one of which was the junked 200-billion worth of funds and properties which they allegedly amassed illegally. The anti-graft court also cited lack of sufficient evidence on the case. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 16) All 26 million COVID-19 vaccine doses bought by the national government from Sinovac will be delivered by September, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said Friday. Nograles, the co-chairperson of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF), made the announcement during a Cabinet forum ahead of President Rodrigo Duterte's final State of the Nation Address. "We're still on track in terms of our timelines for vaccination in terms of population protection, in terms of herd immunity, maganda naman ang rollout [the rollout is good]," he said during the virtual briefing. "It will be faster, in fact, with the indication by Sinovac that they will be frontloading or advancing already their supply deliveries in the Philippines so much so that by September, lahat ng inorder nating Sinovac ay darating na sa bansa [all of the Sinovac doses we ordered will be arriving in the country already]," he said. Another shipment of one million doses of Sinovac's CoronaVac vaccines arrived on July 14, bringing the total supply of the brand to 13 million doses. This includes 1.9 million vials delivered as private purchases and donations, according to the National Task Force against COVID-19. RELATED: Sinovac applies for emergency use of COVID-19 vaccine for 3 to 17 age group FDA Sinovac vaccines are the most widely-used in the country since legal vaccinations began in March. Meanwhile, other countries have raised questions on the efficacy of the China-made vaccines. Earlier this week, Thailand announced it will administer vaccines made by British-Swedish firm AstraZeneca as the second dose for people who initially received Sinovac shots during their first dose. This is said to increase their protection against COVID-19 and emerging variants which are said to be more contagious. The World Health Organization has approved the emergency use of Sinovac vaccines given that it is "highly effective in preventing severe disease and hospitalization" due to COVID-19. Phase 3 trials done in Brazil showed that a person fully vaccinated with two CoronaVac doses received a 51% protection against symptomatic infection and 100% against hospitalization. READ: DOH says more info needed on Sinovac-injected Indonesian health workers who contracted COVID-19 Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 16) Golden Age of Infrastructure. This was President Rodrigo Dutertes promise to Filipinos during his State of the Nation Address (SONA) in July 2017. He vowed to attain this vision in the coming years to enhance mobility and connectivity in the entire Philippines. The president believes more infrastructure will spur equitable economic development in the country. In other words, we are going to Build, Build and Build, the chief executive told Congress during his second SONA. "Build, build, build" literally means a slew of priority infrastructure programs, activities, and projects. For Nonito Rodillado, who plies the roads daily as a jeepney driver in Quezon City, these projects matter. Mas maganda na nga ngayon kaysa dati, Rodillado said. [Translation: Its better now than in the past.] Sonny Ricahuerta, a hotel bar server in Makati City, meanwhile, is hoping that more of the promised projects would become real. Sana matapos na yung mga MRT saka LRT para tuluy-tuloy na yung maganda yung biyahe, Ricahuerta said. [Translation: Im hoping the other MRT and LRT projects would be finished soon so that we can continuously experience better travel.] Highest infra spending in history The program also aims to end decades of infrastructure underspending by previous administrations. From 2000 to 2015, government spending on infrastructure averaged 2% of the annual economy. From 2016 to the present, that amount has more than doubled to around 5%, with the highest rate at 6.27% in 2017. The present government is striving to make it 7% by next year, amounting to a whopping 8 trillion to 9 trillion. The administration, however, spent a total of 2.53 trillion in the last five years, or only about a third of what the president earlier said. This is still three times more though than that of the Aquino governments 820 billion infrastructure spend. Nowhere in our history did we exceed 5% of our Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Ten years ago that was our aspired goal. We could not reach even more than 2% of our GDP, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Chua said in a press briefing last June 18. The BBB program also includes Infrastructure Flagship Projects (IFPs), which are composed of the biggest state projects. Officials from various agencies initially identified 75 IFPs in 2017, and later revised it to 104 projects in 2020 and 119 in 2021. These projects amount to 4.72 trillion, lower by almost half of Duterte's promise. Presidential Adviser for Flagship Projects Vince Dizon explained that they added more projects for the next administration to continue. Projects under implementation are taking a while to be completed and cannot be finished by one administration only. Among the biggest IFPs, which are expected to be completed in a few years, are the following: - New Manila International Airport in Bulacan (735.65 billion) - North South Commuter Railway Extension PNR North 2, PNR South Commuter (628.42 billion) - Metro Manila Subway Project Phase 1 (356.97 billion) The New Manila International Airport and the Metro Manila Subway Project are expected to be completed by 2025. The North South Commuter Railway Extension PNR North 2, meanwhile, is seen to be finished by third quarter of 2024. 11 of 119 projects done so far National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) data reported that only 11 IFPs worth 126 billion have been completed to date: - Improvement of remaining sections along Pasig River from Delpan Bridge to Napindan Channel (Metro Manila) - Pulangi IV Hydroelectric Power Plant - Selective Dredging Phase 3 (Bukidnon) - Sangley Airport (Cavite) - Angat Water Transmission Improvement Project (Bulacan) - Luzon Bypass Infrastructure Project (Aurora to La Union) - New Clark City Phase 1 (Tarlac) - Clark International Airport Expansion Project Phase 1 (Pampanga) - LRT 2 East Extension (Metro Manila to Rizal) - Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 (Metro Manila) - Bonifacio Global City - Ortigas Center Link Road Project (Metro Manila) - China Grant Bridges - Estrella-Pantaleon Bridge and Binondo-Intramuros Bridge (Metro Manila) Except for one in Mindanao, most of the completed projects are located in Metro Manila or Central Luzon. Dizon said 12 more IFPs are for completion before the year ends, while 17 more will be finished within 2022. Meanwhile, 51 big-ticket projects are expected to be done by 2023 onwards and 28 are still in the pipeline. Pipilitin talaga namin na magkaroon ng substantial accomplishment or at least masimulan yung ibang long-term projects. Pero yung mga short to medium term balak talaga naming tapusin sa term ni President [Duterte], Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Mark Villar said. [Translation: We will do our best to have a substantial accomplishment or at least to jumpstart the other long-term projects. We are planning however to finish the short to medium-term projects within the term of President Duterte.] Successful, Unprecedented For Villar, the BBB program has been successful five years on. The secretary has been conducting inspections and groundbreaking ceremonies of big-ticket projects every week. So halos times three po ang physical accomplishment ng Duterte Administration. So masasabi ko po talaga na malayong malayo ang accomplishment sa term ni President Duterte sa imprastraktura, Villar said. [Translation: The Duterte Administrations physical accomplishment is thrice that of his predecessors. I can really say President Dutertes accomplishments on infrastructure surpasses others.] Villar also assured more major projects will be completed in the coming months despite woes of COVID-19 and typhoons. Some contractors are even working 24/7 in three shifts on the biggest infrastructure projects, he noted. Lahat po ng targets ay ongoing pa rin so karamihan po ng 119 (IFPs) ay magiging substantially completed by the term of the President [Duterte], Villar said. [Translation: All of our targets are still ongoing thats why most of the 119 IFPs will be substantially completed by the term of President Duterte.] The son of Manny Villar, the countrys richest person, Secretary Villar is also hoping the other IFPs will be continued by the next administrations. Villar, however, admitted the pandemic has affected the program, with funds being diverted for COVID response. His department has been focusing on putting up more modular hospitals and quarantine facilities in the past few months. The DPWH also went under pressure last March to April, when most of Metro Manilas hospitals reached full bed capacity. He said they were able to lower the average capacity rate of hospitals to 60% with the help of these makeshift hospitals. "We can say nagiimprove na ang sitwasyon pero siyempre ayaw naming maging kampante. Kailangan naming dagdagan, he said in an interview last May 25. [Translation: We can say the situation has really been improving but we dont want to become complacent. We need to add more facilities.] Overpromised, underdelivered? Terry Ridon, convenor of think tank InfrawatchPH, meanwhile, is seeing it differently. Ridon said Duterte might be missing his own goals, even if more projects were either built or continued from the past. He noted less than 40 or a third of the 119 IFPs could be possibly finished within the Duterte administration. It had overpromised but underdelivered, he said in an interview. Im quite not sure whether we had in fact reached 50% so kung ganoon natin siya titingnan, talagang bagsak po. [Translation: Im quite not sure whether we had in fact reached 50%. If we view it that way, then the program failed.] The former partylist congressman also criticized the governments preference for China for some projects. Details of these are not that known to the public. He noted that the aid might have compromised the countrys sovereignty over its territories in the West Philippine Sea. 14 of the 119 IFPs are funded through the Chinas Official Development Assistance (ODA) to the Philippines. Among the biggest are the PNR South Long Haul (175.31 billion) and Mindanao Rail Project Phase 1 (81.69 billion). The Chinese-funded Estrella-Pantaleon and Binondo-Intramuros Bridges, meanwhile, are set to open this year. The Estrella-Pantaleon Bridge, in particular, drew some flak for employing mostly Chinese instead of Filipino workers. Unlike today that we are really seeing vagueness and opacity and in fact confusion between bilateral relations between Manila and Beijing, the next administration should basically clarify and be transparent on how it views the bilateral relations particularly in regard to the West Philippine Sea dispute, Ridon added. Cabinet members say the criticisms leveled against them are unfair. Kaya nga hindi ko maintindihan kung bakit magkakaroon ng proyekto, ang sasabihin nila, hindi nila kayang gawin yan. Bakit pinapabaunan niyo kami ng agam-agam? Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said. [Translation: Thats why I cant understand why everytime we will have a project, they will say that we cant do it. Why are you always doubting us?] Are we now in the Golden Age of Infrastructure? When cabinet members were asked during the briefing if they were able to achieve the vision, they did not answer a yes or a no. Tugade instead promised they will not stop on building more infrastructure projects to achieve Dutertes goal. Because of the improvement, I believe we can say we were able to place on the pedestal the performance of the president, of the Duterte Administration, and the steps towards the so-called Golden Age of Infrastructure, Tugade said in a mix of English and Filipino. For his part, Villar said the numbers speak for themselves. Despite the most challenging na pandemic, siguro sa kasaysayan ng ating bansa Despite that, na-accomplish pa rin ng Duterte Administration ang goals natin, he added. [Translation: Despite experiencing the most challenging pandemic maybe in the history of our country, the Duterte Administration was still able to accomplish its goals.] For ordinary Filipinos, however, all the structures and numbers are meaningless unless these help them make a decent living. Nonito said that while he can travel faster now due to less vehicles on the streets, the pandemic has affected his daily income. Mahirap pa rin ang pasada dahil marami pang walang pasok, he added. [Translation: Taking passengers on sidestreets remains challenging since most people are not yet going to work or school.] Sonny, meanwhile, is hoping to get a more stable job amid the infrastructure progress the country has seen. Kay Duterte okay ako riyan sa mga infrastructure. Tinutuloy niya yung mga hindi natuloy na project, ngayon maganda na, he said. Kaya lang nakakalungkot kasi yung ekonomiya natin eh. Tulad ko nagtatrabaho ako, yung pasok ko sa isang linggo tatlong araw lang. [Translation: Im good with Duterte when it comes into infrastructure projects. He continued past projects which are now beautiful. The status of economy however saddens me. Just like me, I now only go to work thrice a week.] (CNN) Unvaccinated residents in parts of China will be banned from accessing public services including hospitals, schools and nursing homes, as the country targets an inoculation rate of at least 80% against COVID-19. Over the past week, dozens of county-level governments in at least eight provinces have published notices warning citizens they have until late July or early August to receive their vaccinations, after which they will face a variety of restrictions on everyday life. "Everyone is responsible for the prevention and control of the epidemic, and vaccination starts with me!" read one notice issued this week by Dingnan county in Jiangxi province, which is home to about 220,000 people. The notice added that "in principal" unvaccinated residents would be denied access to schools, public transport and medical facilities, among other amenities and services, starting from July 26. The push by local governments to boost vaccination rates comes as the ruling Communist Party outlined its goal of achieving so-called "herd immunity" the point at which enough people have either been infected or vaccinated to end community transmission by December this year. Shao Yiming, an epidemiologist with the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, told state media that given the protection rate of Chinese vaccines is below 100%, China will need to fully vaccinate 80% to 85% of residents, equivalent to 1 billion of the country's 1.4 total population, in order to meet the December deadline. With China having largely contained the virus' spread, many residents initially saw little need to get vaccinated. A history of safety scandals involving domestic vaccines also contributed to public hesitancy. However, several recent local outbreaks, including in the northern Anhui and Liaoning provinces, and Guangdong in the south, have fueled fears of infection, prompting a rush to get vaccinated in affected regions. And across the country, the vaccination rate has accelerated in recent months, with more than 10 million shots administered per day on average. As of Wednesday, the Chinese government had administered 1.4 billion Covid-19 vaccine doses, according to state media estimates, though it remains unclear as to the total percentage of the population who have received two shots. The all-out campaign has seen government workers descending on neighborhoods in efforts to convince people to get vaccinated, with vaccination sites offering benefits, ranging from shopping vouchers to free groceries and ice cream. But experts cautioned that many residents who have yet to receive a single dose would be harder to reach, especially in rural areas, leading local governments to take more drastic measures to ensure herd immunity. "All those strategies they used to entice people to get their vaccine ... may not work in this next stage of vaccination efforts," said Yanzhong Huang, senior fellow for Global Health at the Council on Foreign Relations. "Making it mandatory may be the only workable solution to the problem," he added. Bans on entry In the first two weeks of July, at least 50 counties across 12 Chinese provinces issued notices warning of strengthened measures to encourage unvaccinated citizens to get their shots, adding that "not being vaccinated will affect life and going out." To date, notices of new measures have been posted in Sichuan, Fujian, Shaanxi, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Guangxi, Anhui, Shandong, Hebei, Henan, Zhejiang and Inner Mongolia. Most of the areas imposing the measures are relatively small by Chinese standards the largest is Zaozhuang City in Shandong province, which has a population of 4.2 million people. The first of the measures was announced on July 8 with new notices still being posted as of Friday. The policies vary greatly from place to place in 33 of the counties, the authorities said vaccination records will be checked on entry to public facilities, including administrative buildings and health facilities, and citizens who have not received their shot will be encouraged to do so. But in 19 counties, the local governments have explicitly warned that within weeks, unvaccinated citizens could be banned from a wide range of public places and services. "Starting from July 17, in principle, people who have not been vaccinated ... are not allowed to enter key places such as inpatient departments of hospitals, nursing homes, schools, libraries etc.," said a notice posted in Sichuan's Jingyan district, adding it would make an exception for those with a legitimate health reason for avoiding the vaccine. The notice also said unvaccinated supermarket employees and market stall owners would be barred from their jobs. In a few counties the measures are even more extreme. In Guangxi, two cities Guiping and Beiliu both said students would not be allowed to go to school unless both of their parents were fully vaccinated. After vocal opposition on social media, the notices were deleted although it is unclear if the restrictions will still apply. And in Tanghe county, in Henan province, state media reported that local government agencies would stop paying employees, or workers at state-owned enterprises if they refused to get vaccinated. Test balloon or official pressure? Chinese officials are not alone in ordering vaccinations for certain key workers, or banning access to those who haven't received shots. French President Emmanuel Macron has ordered all health workers to get vaccinated at the risk of losing their jobs, while proof of two shots will be required to enter hospitals, restaurants and some forms of transport in France from early August. Similarly, the Australian government has mandated all aged care workers must have received at least one Covid-19 vaccine shot by mid-September. But these are the first such measures in China, leading to criticism, with some worrying the restrictions are a forerunner to nationwide mandatory vaccination. Writing in the state-owned China News Weekly, Shen Kui, director of the Research Center for Human Rights and Humanitarian Law at Peking University, questioned the legality of the measures, which he likened to de facto mandatory vaccinations. "Unvaccinated people will face various barriers in living and working under the policy. The only way to avoid these obstacles is to get the vaccine. If it's not force-vaccination, what can it be?" asked Shen. "Before mandatory COVID-19 vaccination becomes a legal requirement, there is no legal basis to enforce such restrictions," he added. An editorial about the new measures for schoolchildren in Guiping, posted on the popular online news site Sohu, said ignoring citizens' right to not take the vaccine was a "betrayal and abuse of people's trust." "As a local administrative department, it should respect the people, advance and retreat with the people, and build a united epidemic prevention front," the editorial said. To date, China's central government has not formally mandated vaccination against Covid-19. Jin Dongyan, professor of precision medicine at Hong Kong University's School of Biomedical Sciences, said the policies were likely the result of local government officials under extreme pressure to deliver on Beijing's vaccination goals. Under the Chinese government's top-down administrative structure, policy edicts are often laid out by the country's leadership and then left up to local officials to decide how to implement them. Failure to meet the policy targets could cost local politicians future promotions or even their jobs. "They have to deliver and they will use all means at their discretion and they will try all available options," said Jin. But Council on Foreign Relations' Huang questioned whether the new policies were the overzealous work of local government officials under pressure to deliver on vaccination targets, or a test balloon being floated by the Communist Party in Beijing. The Chinese government has a long history of trialing potentially controversial initiatives at a local level before introducing them nationally to see how it will be received by citizens, said Huang. "Maybe this is a central government initiative," he said. Huang added if Beijing wanted to make sure China could maintain herd immunity, it might have to make the vaccine mandatory whether it was a popular measure or not. "For any vaccines with efficacy rates lower than 80%, you need to have the entire population vaccinated," he said. "Simply asking people to get the vaccine is not going to achieve that." China has approved five domestic vaccines for use two developed by state-owned Sinopharm, and others from Sinovac, CanSino and Anhui Zhifei with the majority of the population receiving either Sinopharm or Sinovac shots. So far, trials show Sinopharm and Sinovac have a lower efficacy against COVID-19 than their mRNA counterparts. In Brazilian trials, Sinovac had about 50% efficacy against symptomatic Covid-19, and 100% effectiveness against severe disease, according to trial data submitted to the World Health Organization. Sinopharm's efficacy for both symptomatic and hospitalized disease was estimated at 79%, according to the WHO. CNN's Nectar Gan and Yong Xiong contributed to this report. This story was first published on CNN.com "Unvaccinated people in parts of China to be denied access to hospitals, parks and schools" (CNN) Days after entering its second century, the Chinese Communist Party has set out its priority for the new era tightening ideological control over 1.4 billion Chinese people. This week, the party released a new guideline on ideological and political work, which targets not only its members but also "all of society." Under President Xi Jinping, the party has waged its toughest ideological crackdown in decades. It has repeatedly warned against the "infiltration" of Western ideas, stoked aggressive nationalism, and stifled academic and press freedoms. And now, despite having silenced nearly all forms of dissent, the party appears to worry that it still doesn't command enough ideological and political loyalty and is launching a vast effort to redouble education on both fronts. "Ideological and political work is the party's fine tradition, distinct characteristic and prominent political advantage it's the lifeline of all its work," the guideline said. "(It) has a significant bearing on the future fate of the party, the long-term stability of the country, and the cohesion and unity of the nation." A central part of the campaign is focused on the promotion of "Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for the New Era," the political doctrine of Xi which was written into the party's constitution in 2017. Before Xi, only Chairman Mao Zedong ("Mao Zedong Thought") and paramount leader Deng Xiaoping ("Deng Xiaoping Theory") had their eponymous political philosophies enshrined in the party's theoretical pantheon. Since 2017, Xi's doctrine has been frequently studied by party cadres at meetings and on a specially designed propaganda mobile app designed to teach the philosophy. And now, the party wants the wider public to enhance their "sense of political, ideological, theoretical and emotional identification" with Xi's ideology, according to the directive. Already, a campaign is gathering pace to get Xi's doctrine further "into the textbooks, into the classrooms and into the brains of students," according to the country's Ministry of Education. In a statement last week, the ministry said primary and high schools across the country would start using textbooks on "Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for the New Era" in September. Last fall, dozens of universities including top globally-ranked institutions like Peking University and Tsinghua University launched introductory courses on it. And last month, the party's Central Committee approved seven new research centers on Xi's ideology, adding to the 11 already established. These centers have been set up by top universities and think tanks, provincial governments, and central government ministries. The most recent one, launched last week by the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, is dedicated to "Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization." Others were established for the study of "Xi Jinping Economic Thought," "Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy," and "Xi Jinping Thought on Rule of Law." Wu Qiang, a political analyst in Beijing, said the campaign is part of Xi's move to further consolidate power and drum up public support before the party's 20th congress next year. At that meeting, Xi is widely expected to stay for a third term, after he abolished presidential term limits in 2018. "There are a lot of speculations over whether Xi's doctrine will be officially shortened to 'Xi Jinping Thought' at the 20th congress, and all the ideological and political work is setting the stage for that," Wu said. While the international media has long referred to Xi's philosophy as simply "Xi Jinping Thought," its official name has remained unchanged. Its official shortening would put Xi's legacy on an equal rhetorical footing with Mao, who built a cult of personality around himself and ruled China until his death in 1976. Ling Li, an expert on Chinese politics and law at the University of Vienna, said unlike in Mao's China, Chinese people now face a deluge of digital information, despite the party's best censorship efforts. "Therefore, if the party is determined to emerge from the information battle as the winner, it is vital for it to reconstruct the lens with which people read and interpret information so that people can always reach the 'correct' conclusion even when being exposed to uncensored information," she said. And to do that, the party is looking to tighten ideology in all aspects of society, from the government, companies, schools, rural villages and urban residential communities to the internet, according to the directive. Companies, for example, are told to combine ideological and political work with daily production, operation, management and human resources development, so employees can "resolve ideological doubts, quell spiritual worries, quench cultural thirst and relieve psychological pressure." In residential communities, the party demands ideological and political work to "deeply permeate into the work and life of the masses." In the countryside, the party wants to nurture "new era farmers with ideals and moral integrity" who are also "well educated and disciplined." Some villages, for instance, have doubled down on ideological education by broadcasting party propaganda from loudspeakers installed on the roofs of people's homes. In Xibaipo village in Hebei province which neighbors Beijing, loudspeakers deliver Xi Jinping Thought, party theories and policies to villagers three times a day, according to an article published last week by a party-run social media account. In Anhui province, these type of propaganda loudspeakers have been placed in 10,000 villages. "Listening to the loudspeakers and studying the spirits of the General Secretary's [President Xi Jinping] important speeches...has become a new trend among farmers and other rural residents," the article claimed. Around Asia Indonesia reported more than 54,000 new cases of Covid-19 on Wednesday, a single-day national record. It is now reporting more cases a day than hard-hit India, making the island nation the new epicenter of the pandemic in Asia. At least 10 people died after a bus carrying Chinese engineers in northern Pakistan fell into a ditch following a "fiery explosion," according to local police. Meanwhile in China, a man has been reunited with his son 24 years after he was abducted in front of their home at the age of 2. The father's nationwide search for his son inspired a 2015 movie, "Lost and Love." Washington is about to warn American firms about doing business in Hong Kong The United States government is about to warn American companies about the risks of doing business in Hong Kong, but don't expect Washington to tread much new ground just yet. US President Joe Biden on Thursday confirmed a rumor that's been floating around various media outlets all week: His administration plans to soon issue an advisory to companies cautioning them of a "deteriorating" situation in the Chinese territory. "The situation in Hong Kong is deteriorating, and the Chinese government is not keeping its commitment that it made, how it would deal with Hong Kong," Biden told reporters at the White House on Thursday, referencing Beijing's pledge to maintain the city's semi-autonomous status for 50 years from the date of its 1997 handover from Britain. Biden described the announcement as "more of an advisory as to what may happen with Hong Kong," without divulging more details. The business advisory "probably won't pack an immediate punch," according to Brock Silvers, chief investment officer for Hong Kong-based Adamas Asset Management. He added that "few US companies currently operating in Hong Kong will be surprised at its content or otherwise unaware of Hong Kong's growing risks." But Silvers said that it does reflect an "increasingly contentious" relationship between China and the United States. Relations have been eroding for some time as the two countries clash over everything from Hong Kong and Xinjiang to Big Data and foreign investment. American companies have also been heeding caution in Hong Kong for a while, too. Last month, the president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong called the demise of the city's pro-democracy tabloid Apple Daily a "shot across the bow" after its journalists were arrested and millions of dollars in assets were frozen. Authorities cited violations of a new national security law as their rationale for cracking down on the publication. "It's not just the closure of Apple Daily," AmCham Hong Kong President Tara Joseph told CNN Business at the time. "It's the new normal, and the change that Hong Kong is going through from its era as a post-British colony to an era where it is, more and more, part and parcel of China." Reuters also reported Thursday that Washington is preparing to impose financial sanctions on "a number of Chinese officials" over Hong Kong, citing two anonymous sources. CNN Business has reached out to the US State Department for comment. But that, too, is not entirely new territory for Washington. Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam said late last year that she was forced to stockpile cash because of US sanctions that cut her off from the global banking system. By Jill Disis No vaccine, no entry? Dozens of county-level governments in at least eight Chinese provinces this week published notices warning citizens they have until late July or early August to receive their vaccinations, after which they will face a variety of restrictions on everyday life. "Everyone is responsible for the prevention and control of the epidemic, and vaccination starts with me!" read one notice issued by Dingnan county in Jiangxi province, which is home to about 220,000 people. The notice added that "in principal" unvaccinated residents would be denied access to schools, public transport and medical facilities, among other amenities and services, starting from July 26. Most of the areas imposing the measures are relatively small by Chinese standards the largest is Zaozhuang City in Shandong province, which has a population of 4.2 million people. The first of the measures was announced on July 8 and as of Wednesday new notices were still being posted. To date, China's central government has not formally mandated vaccination against COVID-19, but many now worry the restrictions are a forerunner to a nationwide vaccine mandate. This story was first published on CNN.com "Chinese people ordered to think like Xi as Communist Party aims to tighten control" After some back and forth, FERC denied Loup's request for a rehearing. Things really ground to a halt after that when Loup appealed FERC's denial with the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in 2018. Immediately after filing its appeal, Loup got the circuit court to put the appeal on hold -- where it has stayed since -- to give Loup, FERC and FWS time to try and work out their differences outside of court. "If there is an agreement, (Loup) would make a filing asking the Commission to amend the license in accordance with the agreement," FERC Media Relations said in a Thursday email to the Telegram. According to FERC Media Relations, the Commission's policy has been that a limited settlement -- which would be the case here -- only opens the subjects covered by it. While the license remains in limbo, Loup President/CEO Neal Suess said it's difficult for Loup to move forward with certain parts of its recreation management plan. In 2018, Suess said, things were moving in the direction of reopening the facility. Then, flooding in spring 2019 threw a huge wrench in things, thanks to all of the damage repair work and preventative construction projects that had to take place in its aftermath. MIAMI (AP) Federal authorities are warning organizers planning to launch a flotilla next week from South Florida to waters near Cuba that they could risk breaking the law. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security said in an advisory Thursday that boaters intending to enter Cuban territorial waters must get permission from the U.S. Coast Guard. Violators risk facing fines of $25,000 a day and 10 years in prison, the advisory said. It is illegal for boaters to depart with the intent to travel to Cuba for any purpose without a permit," the advisory said. People who bring foreign nationals into the U.S. illegally risk facing fines of up to $250,000 a day and five years in prison, the department said. According to Osdany Veloz, an organizer of the boaters, the goal of next Monday's planned trip is to go to international waters near the island, but not cross into Cuban waters, to let island residents know they have supporters in South Florida. Organizers said they will set sail from South Florida if 100 boaters show up, according to Miami television station WFOR-TV. A western Nebraska rancher and his wife are grateful for community support after a fireworks accident at a public show damaged both of his eyes. Luke Norman, 35, was badly injured during a July Fourth show following the Old West Trail PRCA Rodeo in Crawford. His wife, Erin Norman, said her husband was flown to a hospital near Denver for treatment of his injuries. Norman, who has been with the Crawford Volunteer Fire Department for about 10 years, was wearing protective gear during the event, his wife said. Some fireworks tipped over and then struck Normans face shield, breaking it into pieces. He still has debris in the right eye, but hes now able to see enough out of it to get around the house, Erin Norman said. He cant see out of his left eye, but he will have surgery again in a couple of weeks. Hes got a bit of a long road ahead of him. Crawford is a town of about 1,000 in Dawes County in the northwestern part of the state. Its about 25 miles southwest of Chadron. The Normans and their five young children live on a ranch north of Crawford. Luke Norman, his wife said, is independent and is used to being busy. Magician Mikayla Oz was set to perform her first show in Wyoming on Wednesday. She booked six shows for kids and teens at the Campbell County Public Library in Gillette about a year ago, she said, and was excited to bring her family-friendly show about the magic of reading to the state. Then, last week, the library began receiving calls and emails and noticing social media posts protesting Ozs shows after community members found out she is transgender. Library leaders didnt know Oz is transgender when they booked her and, Youth Services Director Darcy Acord said, it wouldnt have mattered. On Saturday, the Iowa-based magician told the library she still wanted to go through with the show. But by Tuesday, after both Oz and the library received multiple threats from community members, Oz decided it wouldnt be safe for her or the kids to go through with the performance. They said, You better not f-ing come to our town, Oz said of a phone call she received Monday night, if you do, theres going to be issues. She also got an email with a similar message: You aint f-ing welcome in Gillette. July 16, 2021 Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar Issues Guidance on How Absent Texas Lawmakers Can Return Per Diems (AUSTIN) Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar issued guidance today to members of the Legislature who might wish to decline or return all or part of their salaries and per diems to the state treasury. Certain members of the Texas Legislature have made the choice to abandon their responsibilities here in Texas and fly to Washington, D.C., Hegar said. Texas taxpayers should not be held financially responsible for paying members who are not even in Texas, so I am providing instructions for those members detailing how they can return salaries and per diems to the state treasury, as well as instructions for declining future remuneration should they choose to remain in Washington in violation of the rules of their respective chambers. Government Code Sec. 659.003 permits an elected or appointed officer of the state to decline all or a portion of his or her remuneration. This includes salary, compensatory per diem, expense per diem, reimbursement for expenses, longevity pay and fees (per diem refers to daily expense allowance). Absentee lawmakers would do this by filing a Declination of Remuneration by Elected or Appointed Officer (PDF) form with the Secretary of State. The declination becomes effective on the date the form is filed with the Secretary of States office. The good news is that members who arent showing up for work can take steps now to prevent themselves from being paid by taxpayers, Hegar said. But, if they find themselves too busy in Washington to file the proper paperwork, they can still return their salaries and per diems to the state treasury. To return funds, a member would submit the net amount of the payment to the Texas House or Senate Administration committees via personal check, which would then be deposited to the state treasury. As a former member of both the House and Senate, I understand policy differences, Hegar said. But I also know that, regardless of political persuasion, Texas taxpayers expect all public servants to be responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars. Accepting a salary and a per diem while intentionally avoiding legislative duties in violation of House and Senate rules is not responsible stewardship. Govt-and-politics Nation Uncovering boarding school history makes for monumental task Associated Press Adjunct history professor and research associate Larry Larrichio holds a copy of a late 19th century photograph of some of the first pupils at an Indigenous boarding school in Santa Fe. Larrichio's discovery hints at the immensity of the challenge ahead of the U.S. Interior Department as it investigates the boarding school legacy. Associated Press This image of a photograph archived at the Center for Southwest Research at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, New Mexico, shows a group of Indigenous students who attended the Ramona Industrial School in Santa Fe. They sat inside a dust-covered box that had been stashed away, untouched, for years: black-and-white photographs of Apache students who were among the first sent to a New Mexico boarding school bankrolled by East Coast parishioners and literary fans. The first showed the girls bundled in blankets with moccasins on their feet. The next, taken just weeks later, was starkly different, the children posing in plaid uniforms, high-laced boots and wide-brimmed straw hats. Adjunct history professor Larry Larrichio said he stumbled upon the 1885 photos while researching a military outpost, and it just brought a tear to my eye. The images represented the systematic attempt by the U.S. government, religious organizations and other groups to assimilate Indigenous youth into white society by removing them from their homes and shipping them off to boarding school. The effort spanned more than a century and is now the focus of what will be a massive undertaking by the U.S. government as it seeks to uncover the troubled legacy of the nations policies related to Native American boarding schools, where reports of physical and sexual abuse were widespread. I looked at the faces of these beautiful Apache girls in their Native attire and then those ugly American bonnets, said Larrichio, a research associate with the Latin American and Iberian Institute at the University of New Mexico. It just knocked me on my butt. The U.S. Interior Department has started combing through records in hopes of identifying past boarding schools and the names and tribes of students. The project also will try to determine how many children perished while attending those schools and were buried in unmarked graves. As part of an effort that began years earlier, the disinterred remains of nine Native American children who died more than a century ago while attending a government-run school in Carlisle were handed over to relatives during a ceremony Wednesday so they could be returned to Rosebud Sioux tribal lands in South Dakota. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, a member of Laguna Pueblo and the first Native American to lead a Cabinet agency, has promised a comprehensive review while acknowledging it would be a painful and difficult process. Research Larrichios discovery hints at the immensity of the challenge, as each bit of new information leads down another avenue that needs to be researched. While some records are kept by the agency and the National Archives, most are scattered across jurisdictions from the bowels of university archives, like those Larrichio found, to government offices, church archives, museums and personal collections. Thats not to mention whatever records were lost or destroyed over the years. The National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition has been working to amass information about the schools for almost a decade. With the help of grant funding and the work of independent researchers across the country, the Minnesota-based group has identified nearly 370 schools and estimates hundreds of thousands of Native American children passed through them between 1869 and the 1960s. Its going to be a monumental task, and the initiative that was launched by the Interior is great, but its a short timeline and well need further investigation, said Christine Diindiisi McCleave, the groups CEO and a citizen of the Turtle Mountain Ojibwe Nation. The coalition knows firsthand how difficult uncovering the truth will be. The group years ago filed public records requests with the federal government for information about the schools. The government didnt have answers, Diindiisi McCleave said. Of the schools identified by the group so far, she said records have been found for only 40% of them. The whereabouts of the rest are unknown. What is known from the research and from family accounts is that there were children who never made it home. With the Interior Department taking a first formal step to uncover more about the history, Diindiisi McCleave and others are renewing their push for a federal commission to be established in the U.S., much like one created in Canada, where the remains of more than 1,000 children were discovered in recent weeks at residential schools there. In the United States, the Indian Civilization Act of 1819 and other laws and policies were enacted to establish and support Indian boarding schools across the nation. For over 150 years, Indigenous children were taken from their communities and forced into boarding schools that focused on assimilation. The discoveries in Canada and the renewed spotlight in the U.S. have stirred strong emotions among tribal communities, including grief, anger, reflection and a deep desire for healing. Family stories Haaland, Diindiisi McCleave and New Mexico Indian Affairs Secretary Lynn Trujillo have all recounted stories about their grandparents being sent away to boarding schools. They talk about the intergenerational trauma that was triggered by the experience and the effects that have manifested themselves on younger generations seeking to maintain their language and cultural practices, which were banned in boarding schools. For some families, the boarding school experience was a forbidden topic, never to be talked about. For others, the recent attention has spurred fresh conversations. Trujillo talked about her grandmother being taken when she was 6 and telling stories about how she was always so hungry and cold. Trujillo said while her grandmother made it home, unlike other children, that experience shaped who she was. Our communities and Indigenous people have known about these atrocities for a very long time, but being able to bring them to light and talk about them no matter how painful is part of that process toward healing, said Trujillo, a member of Sandia Pueblo who has been focused on bringing together Indigenous youths to highlight the need for more mental health resources and educational opportunities. For Diindiisi McCleave, moving forward with healing will require more research, data and understanding. The biggest part of the work starts with the truth, and that includes not only truth from the federal government in this case and the churches that ran the schools, but hearing the truth from the perspective of the people who experienced it, listening to the testimony of survivors and descendants and understanding the full scope and impact of these experiences, she said. Experts say the list of known boarding schools and burial sites will only expand as more grassroots research sheds light on schools that have otherwise been lost to history. Already some researchers have spent years piecing together records, old newspaper reports and oral histories to find and identify lost children. Others have searched properties using ground-penetrating radar. Some state agencies that focus on Indigenous affairs are considering launching investigations into known schools. The Interior Department said its working on ways to create a safe space, such as a hotline or special website where people can share information about the schools and seek resources. In New Mexico, the Ramona Industrial School for Indian Girls opened in the mid-1880s and housed mostly Apache students, many of whom had parents who were being held prisoner by the U.S. Army at Fort Union, about 100 miles away. Not far from Santa Fes historic plaza, the school was founded by Horatio Ladd, a congregational minister who contracted with the military to send Indigenous students there. The endeavor was supported by parishioners and admirers of author and activist Helen Hunt Jackson through fundraising newsletters and postcards. Larrichio was working on a project for the National Park Service years ago when he happened upon brochures and other documents related to the school. It was a monthslong effort that involved combing through hundreds of archival collections at the Center for Southwest Research at the University of New Mexico. With only brief references in books on other subjects, the school is an example of the difficult work facing the Interior Department as it embarks on its investigation. While Larrichio is sharing the materials he uncovered with the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition, he said its the tip of the iceberg, and much more work needs to be done. A lot of this information is probably buried literally buried with respect to this collection I uncovered, he said. How many other stories are buried, and how much was purposefully destroyed? I think its going to be very hard to really get a comprehensive understanding of the impact of this. There were eight patients hospitalized with COVID-19 in the county in Friday's report (the same as Thursday), with zero in intensive care units and one on a ventilator. In data updated Thursday evening, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says 51.9% of the county's total population of 253,370 has been fully vaccinated. For the county's vaccine eligible population of people ages 12 and older, 59.9% of that population has been fully vaccinated. CDC data is current as of 6 a.m. on the day it is posted. The CDC continues to track the delta variant and its prevalence in the United States. The delta variant, first identified in India, has now spread to more than 60 countries and accounted for 30.4 % of COVID cases in the United States between June 6 and June 19. Its rapid spread has led the CDC to upgrade it from a variant of interest to a variant of concern. Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} CDC data updated for a two-week period ending June 19 shows the delta variant as the third most prevalent variant (11.9%) of COVID-19 for Region 3 in the United States, comprised of Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia. The result was the pilot block schedule configuration that the district plans to launch on the first day of school and evaluate during the academic year. Superintendent Christina Spielbauer said the yearlong analysis will cover a broad range of topics including student discipline, absentee rates and classroom academic performance. It has been the practice of the district to pilot new programs or courses in the first year, report on the results to the board in the summer and then let the board decide whether to continue the program. This is going to be a heavy year of analysis for our high school administrative team, Spielbauer said. We have a lot of work ahead of us. Several board members expressed support for the new configuration. A former teacher, Jon Tarrant worked for a school system that implemented a block schedule. There was some apprehension for students and teachers alike, Tarrant said. Gradually, the problems were resolved and the block schedule became the universal preference among educators and their students, he said. It would help a whole range of students, Board President Paula Bussard said. The extra time offered by the Bison Block rotation is especially important, she said. Keep in mind the high school team will work throughout the summer on further refinements to the schedule, Friend said. After students receive their schedule in August, the high school administration will conduct three informational nights for students and parents. Throughout the summer, all teachers at the secondary level will attend professional development to further enhance the way they design their lessons. Email Joseph Cress at jcress@cumberlink.com. Love 0 Funny 1 Wow 1 Sad 1 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. HARRISBURG Another Pennsylvania county targeted for an Arizona-style forensic investigation of the 2020 presidential election being pushed by former President Donald Trump is raising objections to a demand for access to its voting equipment and records. York Countys three commissioners two Republican and one Democrat wrote this week to the Republican state lawmaker seeking the information and raised questions about the legality of his demand, the cost to the county and their lack of staff to complete the project. The commissioners also pointed to the likelihood that its voting machines would be decertified and rendered useless if they allow third-party access to the machines that is not authorized by the state or the company that supplied them, Dominion Voting Systems. The countys commissioners said they had run the election legally, securely and transparently, and completed the required county and state audits confirming the accuracy of the results. York County responded a week after receiving the five-page request from Republican state Sen. Doug Mastriano, who has talked of possibly running for governor and claimed that Trump asked me to run. Mastriano did not immediately respond Thursday to messages. Gulley's nephews, Josiah and Nicholas Dunnavant also were killed. Josiah would have turned 13 Thursday and Nicholas, 8, was the baby of his family and dreamed of having his own dog. Ranch mentors Eric and Stephanie Strong shared memories of the four teen girls they cared for at the ranch, including their love of music, kitchen experiments gone awry and riding horses. During the beach trip, two of the girls saw a mother struggling in the grocery store, and rushed to help, entertaining her children and helping her load her groceries, Stephanie Strong said. Outside the service, sheriffs deputies released eight white doves into the blue sky, and a U.S. flag hung from a fire trucks ladder. Investigators have not said what happened and no charges were filed, but a preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board could be released soon. Michael Smith, chief executive of the Christian-based Alabama Youth Homes, said Satan took a swing at us that day when the van became entangled in the massive pileup as Claudette blew through the Southeast, but mourners won't lose faith. Were here to celebrate the lives of eight young people that are no longer here with us on Earth but we know where they are, said Smith, struggling to stay composed at times. At the end of this day today, I want you to walk out of here knowing, knowing that the legacy of those young people that we lost will go on living forever at the Alabama sheriffs' ranches helping more children and young people, Smith said. Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 HARRISBURG, Pa. (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. 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. Heres the situation in Pennsylvania: WHATS THE STATUS OF EVICTION MORATORIUMS IN THE STATE? Now that Im better educated, I can go back and see (the signs), Thompson said. But at the time, I just thought she was a normal teenager. Moody, slept a lot. You know, what every teenager does. Her goodbye letter doesn't say why. It just had her own requests. So we had actually lived through honoring her requests for her own funeral. It was so specific that she even picked the music. We had to survive that. Thompson said to learn more about suicide and its causes, she started reading, seeking any resources she could. And she formed the non-profit organization, Shayleys Angels, which receives a lot of support and voluntarism from Akers friends. I wanted my whole board, my whole staff, and all volunteers to be trained so we knew what to look for, and we knew what to say, Thompson said. Now that I've had those trainings, I can look back and just see so many things we missed. "She was hiding so much behind a mask. Most people do who are suffering from depression. Reflections on the e-Commerce Symposium in an era of our irreversible high speed digital economy Foster said he hopes recently distributed federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds will further stimulate construction. Additionally, the county is applying for a Department of Commerce grant and will take another crack at accessing Virginia Telecommunication Initiative (VATI) grant funds. The county previously applied in 2019 but was not selected. Foster feels the countys prospects are much stronger this funding cycle, given the countys investment and progress since it last applied. The broadband authority has set a goal for universal broadband coverage throughout the county by 2025, Foster said. To achieve this goal, we will need outside funding sources. Foster said the Department of Commerce grant will favorably consider applications with in-kind contributions (county-laid fiber) and government or cooperative-owned networks. Meanwhile, this years round of VATI grants allow public broadband authorities to apply directly without a private sector partner. In the meantime, contractors continue to lay fiber and connect homes. Combs said he believes there is too much concentration on partisan issues in Congress and that, if elected, he would turn the focus toward issues that more directly impact the 5th District. I think life and politics should be about helping folks and giving folks opportunity, and thats what I would like to do, he said. I think the folks out in the rural counties are just as concerned about trying to make their lives better as folks in urban areas. Though he acknowledges it as more of a local government issue, Combs said public safety is among the chief concerns he has for the district. Though he is in support of incarceration alternatives, such as mental health and drug treatment court dockets, Combs said he is troubled by conversations centering around defunding the police. I think most police officers do a great job, they protect the public and they deserve to be safe, as well. But people that are out in the community need to feel safe when they interact with police, he said. I think both the police force and the community are striving to get better and to take away some of those issues that may make people feel unsafe. As the son of a school teacher, Combs said he believes that education is the great equalizer, along with access to high-quality, affordable health care. The service also issued a dust warning Friday night on the southwest edge of Phoenix where winds in excess of 40 mph (64 kph) created a wall of dust that reduced visibility to less than a quarter-mile across an area that included parts of U.S. Interstates 10 and 8. At least one death has been attributed to flooding. Grand Canyon National Park on Friday identified a woman who was found in the frigid Colorado River after a flash flood swept through her rafting group's trip. Rebecca Copeland, 29, of Ann Arbor, Michigan was found Thursday near the camp where the group of 30 had set up the night before, park officials said. Much of the group's belongings were washed away after a torrent of water rushed through a slot canyon above them. Park spokeswoman Kaitlyn Thomas said a handful of people were very seriously bludgeoned by the debris. A handful of them had to be evacuated by air from the canyon, the park said. A different commercial rafting group found Copeland and another woman who initially was reported missing. Thomas said she didn't know whether that group actively was searching for the missing people at the time. I am confident that the river community did know something was up but I imagine they were on the lookout," she said. The National Park Service and the Coconino County examiner are investigating the incident, the park said in a statement. Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. The culture that weve had in this organization hasnt been one for workers of color, hasnt been one for women, hasnt been one for nonbinary folks, James said. Matt Smelser, a spokesperson for the Audubon Society, referred to a May statement from the group, which said bullying and other bad behavior won't be tolerated going forward. The organization also continues to search for a permanent CEO and has committed to remaining neutral in the unionization efforts, he added. Back at Mass Audubon, ONeill says the organizations board has added new members so that 17% of them are people of color. The staff of more than 950 is about 65% white. Scott Edwards, a Harvard ornithologist who is among the recent additions to the group's board, said the jurys still out on whether these early steps from green organizations are enough. Some will have to re-imagine their mission and pivot more to urban populations, he said. Organizations will have to think creatively about how to get communities of color more connected with nature, said Edwards, who is Black. Show them that their voices are needed and wanted. Make them feel included in the larger effort of conservation. More than 20% of Virginias rental households have people with extremely low incomes and a majority of them spend half their money on housing costs and utilities, according to the National Low Income Housing Coalition. Plus, Virginia has a shortage of nearly 150,000 rental properties for people with extremely low incomes. Concerns about affordable housing are most acute in northern Virginia, outside the nation's capital, but housing advocates say Richmond and Hampton Roads have very tight rental markets as well. A recent U.S. Census survey of more than 180,000 Virginians found that nearly 40,000 feared they were very likely to leave their home in the next two months due to eviction. Housing advocates worry that evictions will surge, and homelessness could eventually follow, if landlords fail to tell tenants about the relief money. Some will still utilize Virginia's relief fund, said Holly Yates, a managing attorney with the Legal Aid Society of Eastern Virginia. But she said others won't want to jump through any more hoops, especially in a tight rental market where folks who are a little bit more financially stable are lined up at the door. But Patrick McCloud, CEO of the Virginia Apartment Management Association, said the eviction process is far more arduous than working with a tenant applying for relief. Plus, McCloud said, If I evict the resident, Im never going to see that money. Lands department is using $25 million in emergency funds for employee bonuses that she hopes will be effective Aug. 1, and to bring in out-of-state contract staff to work in the five hospitals where admissions are temporarily halted. The General Assembly will convene Aug. 2 to determine how to spend $4.3 billion in aid to Virginia under the American Rescue Plan Act, the federal stimulus package approved in March in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Lawmakers earlier this year made changes to how they oversee mental health. The Joint Subcommittee to Study Mental Health Services in the Commonwealth in the 21st Century, the panel created in 2014 that Land addressed, has come to an end. It has morphed into the Behavioral Health Commission, which will hire an executive director. Sen. R. Creigh Deeds, D-Bath, chaired the subcommittee and also will chair the new commission. Im proud of the things weve done. But we havent done enough. We just havent done enough, said Deeds, whose district includes much of the Charlottesville area. Were going to expect more, were going to demand more and were going to do more. But that was a presidential election year, with President Donald Trump on the ballot and a rallying point for Democratic voters in a swing district that had been represented by Republicans for decades before his election in 2016. This is a very different atmosphere than it was last year, Ramirez said in an interview. Both Ramirez and Keeney portray Spanberger, a Henrico County native and mother of three, as a liberal politician who is out of step with the district she won twice first defeating Rep. Dave Brat in 2018 with a moderate message and a background as a former CIA officer. This is a very different time, Ramirez said. She has a track record. This is a conservative district and she doesnt reflect the values of the district. Both say that Spanberger votes lockstep with President Joe Biden and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., on a range of progressive priorities. Ramirez acknowledges Biden as the president, but, when asked about the 2020 election, she said, I think across the country all of us think there was fraud in the election. Yes. I will do my part to conserve household energy usage, even if I'm uncomfortable in my home. No. It is too hot to conserve household energy usage. I already conserve, even before ERCOT requested it. Maybe, depending on the reason ERCOT provides and whether or not I am home during that time. Vote View Results Nepal: Disaster and climate risks and sectoral development planning by Bimal Gadal July 16,2021 | Source: My Republica Nepal is a hotspot of many natural as well as climate-induced disasters including earthquakes, landslides, flood, fire, heat waves, cold waves, lightning, windstorms, hailstorms, droughts, epidemics, etc, which has pushed more than 80 percent of the total population to live with risks. (NDR, 2019). According to the Global Climate Risk Index, GERMAN WATCH Report 2020, Nepal ranks 10th in terms of long-term climate risk impact with a CRI Score of 31.33. Similarly, the Word Bank Report 2011 has ranked Nepal 11th in terms of earthquake risk and 30th in terms of flood risk. The combination of rugged topography, active tectonic process, and intense monsoon has created a fragile environment pushing Nepal into more vulnerability and increased disaster risk in a number of ways intensifying the magnitude and frequency of extreme events. Nepal has changed its paradigm from a centrally managed system to a federal mechanism decentralizing its power from central to the province and down to the urban and village Municipalities. As new threats are generated, for which, the newly set up political structures/systems and communities may have no experience in dealing with. Hence, it calls for a comprehensive, system-based, and sustainable disaster and climate risk management approach that includes both Disaster and Climate Risk Reduction strategies for attaining the Sendai Framework for DRR, Addis Ababa Action Agenda of the Third International Conference on Financing for Development, Paris Agreement, and Agenda for Humanity, the New Urban Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals. The Government of Nepal committed to the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 at the Third United Nations World Conference (March 2015) on Disaster Risk Reduction, AMCDRR in New Delhi and Ulaanbaatar, to enhance efforts to strengthen disaster and climate change risk reduction to reduce losses of lives, livelihoods, and assets from disasters, increase the capacity for understanding about the disaster risks, strengthen the global and regional cooperation for DRR and establish multi-hazard risk information management system for potential disasters. Accordingly, the government prepared a new roadmap for a post-2015 framework to address priorities under Sendai Framework for DRR. Taking into account the experience gained through the implementation of the Hyogo Framework for Action: 2005-2015/NSDRM, lessons from the 2015 Gorkha Earthquake, recent floods and landslides, COVID-19, and other existing/emerging initiatives around Climate Change and Sustainable Development Goals, Government of Nepal has prepared and endorsed the Disaster Management Act 2017, National Disaster Risk Reduction Policy (2018), and National Disaster Risk Reduction Strategic Action Plan (2018-2030), established National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority and the focal desk for DRM within the line ministries at federal, provincial and local levels and has established national multi-stakeholder platform for DRR aiming at to improve overall DRM capacity and coordination mechanism at various levels. In addition to this, hundreds of national and international non-government organizations, donor agencies, individuals, and private sectors are investing millions to support the governments efforts in DRM and resilience building. Despite all these efforts, every year flash floods and landslides triggered by torrential rains across Nepal are paralyzing public life so badly taking away the lives and injuring many, destroying the houses, critical infrastructures, public properties, agricultural land, and disrupting the economy. Recent floods and landslides that occurred across the country caused widespread damage and loss including death, several injuries, inundated hundreds of houses, destroyed homes, bridges, roads, and agricultural land causing displacement of many and serious economic disruptions. Similarly, COVID-19, which was first identified in Nepal on the 13th of January, 2020 has crippled everyday life. Since it was first identified, the total caseload has reached 648,085 and 9,263 fatalities (as of July 6, 2021). Similarly, on 25th April 2015, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit Nepal, followed by a 7.3 magnitude earthquake on 12th May 2015, causing massive loss and damages to human lives, properties and the economy. Human and economic loss, physical damage, and disruptions on the economy caused by some of these disasters amplify the poverty and human sufferings to the extreme, challenging for the timely achievement of the SDG targets (Table-1). Much of the mountainous terrain in Nepal lies in the tectonically active zone and has a fragile geological structure. The steepness of slopes and the swift flow of water bodies make the geography susceptible to landslides triggered by the monsoons heavy rains. Changes in rainfall patterns which have become severe and erratic are contributing to extreme landslide events. Growing populations, illegal settlements in hazard-prone areas, and haphazard road constructions are also triggering landslides in the hilly areas. Unplanned development of urban centers has posed additional risks triggering many negative multiplier effects. Apart from this, there lies the institutional challenge with newly elected bodies and officials in place. The government of Nepal has endorsed the DRRM Act opening doors to cover all stages of DRM making local government structures more accountable to manage their local disaster and climate change risk without sufficient legal and policy framework at the local level. There is no consistent legal mechanism to relocate individuals or communities from high-risk areas to safer areas but relocation exists on an ad hoc basis, primarily in response to a particular disaster. Although there is a growing emphasis on disaster risk reduction in Nepal, there is not yet a comprehensive and system-based Disaster Management approach in place. There is no comprehensive or adequately resourced mechanism to implement the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act 2074, Local Self Governance Act 2074, and National Building Codes (NBC) to guard against the risks of earthquake, flood, landslide, and fire. Land use planning is not clearly regulated. There are many cross-boundary issues such as flood risk management and climate change, but the coordination at the cross-boundary and cross-sector levels is lacking. As they are provisioned by Nepals Constitution followed by the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act 2074 and Local Self Governance Act 2074, provincial governments can play a major role in coordinating and mediating actions between the federal and local governments, which seems to be lacking in the present scenario. Government authorities at all levels have the authority to develop and implement Risk Sensitive Land-use Planning (RSLUP) based on the level of exposure of life, livelihood, economy, and physical infrastructure to the local hazards and risks. In particular, local governments have the authority to prepare hazard maps and vulnerability profiles, RSLUP and implement contingency plans, and disseminate early warning messages. Sadly saying, Nepals disaster risk management practices and mindsets are still heavily influenced and occupied with the former Disaster Relief Act 2039 and are not convinced yet to invest in pre-disaster initiatives, therefore, incurring the level of damage and loss not at the acceptable level. Much has to be learned from the past and ongoing disaster events. There has been a paradigm shift in the understanding of disaster risks, exposures, vulnerabilities, and their management. Disaster risk reduction, emergency preparedness, and mitigation are getting more attention than the traditional rescue, relief, and rehabilitation with the former one the cost-effective and efficient measures to save lives and properties in the aftermath of a disaster. Failure to factor these into the sectoral development planning process, will simply pushthe nation back into poverty and debt making SFDRR and SDG targets hard to achieve. 2021, Nepal Republic Media Pvt. ltd. Tamil Nadu: Ennore creek, fishermen along Kosasthalai river facing brunt of SEZ project by Akshaya Nath July 16,2021 | Source: India Today A handheld GPS survey by the 'Save Ennore Creek' campaign has revealed that the ongoing construction by Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation Limited (TANGEDCO) as a part of the Ennore Special Economic Zone (SEZ) project has already led to the loss of more than 15 acres of wetlands, including 1.1 acres of the Kosasthalai river. If allowed to proceed, this alignment will claim an additional 2.4 acres of river-spread including mangroves. According to local fisherfolk, Konamudukku Kalvai, which is the area of the river that is being encroached by TANGEDCO, is one of the most biologically productive segments in the area. The presence of mangroves and deep-water habitats make this a sheltered breeding place for prawns. Fishers report a drastic drop in fish catching over the last three months. On 12 July, a three-member team comprising Prof. S. Janakarajan, artist and activists T.M. Krishna and Poovulagin Nanbargal G. Sundarrajan visited Ennore and highlighted TANGEDCOs ongoing illegalities. TM Krishna, the Ramen Magasasay award winner, who in 2017 had sung a song titled Porambokku highlighting the encroachment on the Ennore creek, has now rendered a second song called Porambokku 2 and in the short video says, "The encroachment has only increased since the last time we visited. I am now sitting on the river." Environmentalists, villagers protest Recently, a social media post by environmentalist Nityanand Jayaraman has gone viral about a new variety of species in the Kosasthalai river. The river which was once home to over 30 varieties of fish, now only has varieties that are in single digit. Nityanand's post read, "In 30 years as a toxic tourist, I have travelled to the most abused parts of the world. But nowhere have I seen the sheer impunity with which corporate offenders desecrate a water body as we see it happening in Ennore with the Kosasthalai Rivers backwaters. On Monday, I met K Veeramani, an inland fisherman from Sivanpadaiveethikuppam, and enquired about his day in the water. He said that he just got some sambal era." Raghuram, one of the 15 village heads from the Kattukuppam fishing village, says, "For the last four generations, we are here and our livelihood is based on fishing. But you can see that the main source of our livelihood has been destroyed by all the fly ash and construction going on here." A minimum of Rs 1000-1500 was earned by these fishermen before all the encroachments that happened here. Raghuram said that apart from having their livelihood destroyed, the water is getting contaminated in a manner that these fishermen have started developing rashes, skin allergies and other complications. Vijay, who is one of the leaders in the Kattukuppam cooperative society, says that even educated youths in the region don't have job opportunities and end up getting into traditional fishing. The choked river also leads to joblessness. "Over 5000 families are dependent on the river. The river is our God, our source of livelihood. But the river is chocked and debris is put near the river and all the fishes which were earlier found are no longer there now," said Vijay. Fear of flood The fishermen are also concerned about the high chances of waterlogging in their neighborhood since the monsoon is around the corner. The Ennore pulikat wetlands are critical to flood security and drinking water security. The vast spread of backwater helps contain water during heavy rains, thereby containing flood situations and also helps in managing groundwater level. Environmentalists say, "When you start building on these areas, not only will you lose the land's ability to protect you from floods, but you also lose the ability of the land to give you clean drinking water. During the 2019 drinking water crisis, 75 million litres of drinking water was taken from this basin on an everyday basis. This basin's0 freshwater is protected from seawater intrusion because of the Ennore creek. Environmentalists have alleged multiple violations by TANGEDCO and the Ennore Special Economic Zone (SEZ) project. Minister gives go-ahead However, on July 14, Electricity Minister V Senthil Balaji said that the Ennore SEZ electricity project and stage three of the (NCTPS) project are being carried out only after obtaining clearances from all the departments concerned in the state and Union governments. The time window given by the Union government for the 2x660 MW Ennore SEZ project is till 2023 and the work in the region is being conducted as per status number 265 of the state governments Public Works Department (PWD), informed Senthil Balaji in a statement. All the required clearances, including a no-objection certificate, were obtained by the department," read the statement. The minister also added that once the thermal plant is constructed, the temporary roads, constructed for transporting equipment to the plants, will be removed. He also said that pathways for transporting ash slurry are also being constructed after permission from the Union ministry. Environment activist Nityanand Jayaraman has alleged that Minister Senthil Balaji has been put for embarrassment by the TANDEDCO officials. Nityanand said, "The minister of electricity Senthil Balaji has been misled by TANGEDCO officials. Very clearly, TANGEDCO doesn't have the consent to establish under the water act, Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) notification or the environmental clearance to lay the ash pipe in Puzhitivakkam. So there are two separate violations. One is the laying of the ash pipeline to the ash pond and there is no CRZ clearance." "The CRZ clearance is only for foreshore facilities to bring the coal from the port to the plant, to bring sea water to the power plant. All this is on the eastern side. The backwater in the Kosasthalai river is on the western side of the power plant. There is no CRZ clearance applied for any construction," he added. The activist added that the second violation is with the Ennore SEZ which is another 660 MW power plant that is coming up on the ash pond of the NCTP. Nityanand said, "The coal conveyor corridor and seawater intake and outfall corridor are being laid over the main Kosasthalai river. More than one and a half acres have already been encroached on and we suspect that if the work is not stopped, a lot more of the river will be encroached on." "This is illegal because Ennore SEZ does have a CRZ clearance for the coal conveyor but they obtained their approval showing an alignment that is almost entirely on land and what is happening is almost entirely on water," NItyanand added. The fishermen have also planned to pursue compensation claims. "Not only from TANGEDCO, but primarily from them, as they have destroyed over 1000 acres of the backwater in the river and the Buckingham canal by disposing of fly ash. This is in violation of the Green Tribunal's 2016 order when it ordered that TANGEDCO must stop disposing of fly ash into the river. "In 2017 they asked TANGEDCO to remove it and it has been four years and nothing has been done. Fly ash is continuing to be dumped and new violations are taking place in degrading the water body. This has harmed the livelihood, health of fishermen and those who consume it. The fisherfolk are planning to press for compensation from violators," concluded Nityanand. 2021 Living Media India Limited. ATLANTA (AP) Two recent high-profile faculty appointments could be a fundraising and enrollment bonanza for Howard University, one of the nation's most prestigious Black colleges. Many other Black schools are not so fortunate; in fact, many are struggling. Some, especially smaller private colleges, have been fighting for their survival for years, with weak endowments, aging buildings and steady enrollment declines, all made worse by the coronavirus pandemic. "While larger HBCUs often have the funding resources necessary to attract accomplished talent like Nikole Hannah-Jones and Ta-Nehisi Coates, many smaller institutions need donors to step forward, contributing much-needed financial resources for us to compete," said Dr. Paulette Dillard, president of Shaw University, a private Black university in Raleigh, North Carolina. Hannah-Jones accepted a faculty position at Howard amid controversy over whether she would be granted tenure at the University of North Carolina after critics questioned her credentials, specifically her Pulitzer Prize-winning work "The 1619 Project," which traces the country's history with slavery. Coates, a Howard graduate, is a journalist and best-selling author who also recently joined Howard's faculty. Billions of dollars in federal virus relief will help higher education, but it may not be enough to change the long-term fortunes of some historically Black schools. An Associated Press analysis of enrollment and endowment data shows wide disparities among 102 historically Black colleges and universities, and a further divide between private and public institutions. As one example, the five wealthiest private Black colleges had endowments ranging from $73,000 per student to more than $200,000, far above the median endowment of less than $16,000 per student. The largest endowment for a public Black college was less than $25,000 per student, though the public schools also receive state aid. Overall enrollment in historically Black colleges has declined 11% in the most recent 10-year period for which data is available, from 325,609 in 2010 to 289,507 in 2019. Enrollment at some campuses dropped by half during that span, and several administrators said enrollments dropped further during the coronavirus pandemic last year. As a rule, Black colleges also haven't had the fundraising ability of other universities. The cumulative endowment for all historical Black colleges through 2019 was a little more than $3.9 billion. That's about equal to the endowment for the University of Minnesota alone. Of that amount, just eight private Black colleges held 54% of the total: Spelman College, Hampton University, Meharry Medical College, Xavier University of Louisiana, Morehouse College, Tuskegee University, the Morehouse School of Medicine and Howard, which counts Vice President Kamala Harris among its graduates. Last summer's protests over racial injustice brought renewed attention to historically Black colleges and universities and led to a surge in private donations, at least for some. Mackenzie Scott, the ex-wife of former Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, gave $560 million to 22 Black colleges, including some with very limited endowments, as well as to the Thurgood Marshall College Fund and the United Negro College Fund, both of which raise money for Black colleges and universities. Netflix founder Reed Hastings and his wife, Patty Quillin, split $120 million among the United Negro College Fund, Spelman and Morehouse. Former New York mayor and entrepreneur Michael Bloomberg pledged $100 million for student aid at the four historically Black medical schools. "It's allowing the schools to see the opportunity to be bigger than they previously thought was possible," said Harry Williams, president and chief executive of the Thurgood Marshall fund. Yet many lesser-known schools continue to struggle and scrape for money. Shaw, one of the oldest historically Black colleges in the South, has an endowment worth just $8,436 per student and did not benefit significantly from the wave of private giving last year, said David Byrd, the college's vice president of finance. The college is able to "pay the bills" and get by, he said, but still has $26 million in deferred maintenance. Shaw and other smaller Black colleges that mostly depend on tuition are counting on help from the federal coronavirus relief championed by President Joe Biden and passed by Congress this spring. That aid package will send roughly $2.6 billion to historically Black colleges, although the U.S. Department of Education has not yet announced how it will allocate the money. Shaw plans to use the money to fix older buildings and dormitories and expand a variety of student services. The federal aid can be used to make up for lost tuition income during the pandemic, hire more faculty, offer pay raises and upgrade heating and air-conditioning systems. Wilberforce University in Ohio, another small historically Black private college, plans to use its pandemic relief money in similar ways, after the government forgave much of the university's $25 million in federal debt. "The bottom line: It's very beneficial to the faculty, staff and students at this university, because now we have some additional opportunities for support," said William Woodson, Wilberforce's financial vice president. Student debt is a significant drag on graduates of historically Black colleges, and administrators say it hurts enrollment. Limited endowments mean their campuses can't subsidize tuition as much as wealthier colleges. A large percentage of students enrolled at historically Black colleges come from the poorest families, those making $20,000 a year or less, which forces them to borrow. Federal figures show the typical Black college graduate who borrowed money owes $52,000 in student loan debt, roughly double what the typical white student owes. In addition to giving more financial aid to students, many Black colleges are considering using their federal pandemic money to create campus work-study jobs through which students can earn income, provide subsidized child care, buy personal computers and help students pay for high-speed internet connections. At Shaw, officials hope renewed national interest in historically Black colleges and the role they play could spark enthusiasm for schools with much smaller endowments that have had to choose between updating buildings, closing programs or keeping tuition affordable for their students. More than 80% of Shaw's undergraduates are eligible for federal Pell Grants, compared to roughly 45% of Howard students. But Byrd, the school's financial officer, said that's also where the university has had an impact for the past century and a half: giving low-income students the tools to find a career and succeed. He said it's "really tough to predict" how long it will take for the university to recover from the pandemic. Its finances are primarily driven by tuition and donations, yet enrollment has dropped by nearly 53% from 2010 to 2019. He cited the need for continued federal relief or private donations that trickle down to the smaller schools. "People think we want a handout for nothing. We have a proven track record for producing a certain type of kid for 150 years," Byrd said. "So, it's not really a handout; it's an investment." Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 News featured What do the techs at UNT's cyber forensics lab do? Photos by Jeff Woo/DRC UNT professor Scott Belshaw holds a credit card skimming device on Thursday. Belshaw runs the UNT Cyber Forensics Lab inside Chilton Hall with help from graduate assistant Jordan Brinck. Jeff Woo/DRC Professor Scott Belshaw, left, runs the Cyber Forensics Lab with graduate assistant Jordan Brinck, inside the University of North Texas Chilton Hall. Within the lab, the pair extract data, write software and develop technology that can help law enforcement solve cybercrimes. Jeff Woo/DRC A display of credit card skimming devices are shown at the Cyber Forensics Lab inside the University of North Texas Chilton Hall. UNT professor Scott Belshaw, who runs the lab, says skimmers have made up the bulk of their work lately as fraudsters and tech companies alike try to stay ahead of each other. After opening five years ago, the cyber forensics lab at the University of North Texas is trying to stay ahead of the cybercrime realm by researching technology brought in by law enforcement and trying to come up with new tech to prevent more crime. Run by a UNT professor and his grad assistant, the two work together when law enforcement comes knocking with technology being used in crime. Their research and work started off with cellphones and laptops but has evolved to card skimmers, including analyzing the skimmer found at a Denton gas pump last month. The intent was to have a lab that was a research lab that dealt with [law enforcement] and cyber-related problems, lab director Scott Belshaw said. Weve been funded by various sources such as grants and other alums too. As long as Ive got very powerful computers which Ive got, Ive got access to servers that are very powerful thats all I need. Because then I can use that computing power to figure out all this stuff. The lab, located inside Chilton Hall at UNTs main campus, opened five years ago at the universitys Frisco campus before coming back home to the mothership, Belshaw said. With his graduate assistant Jordan Brinck and sometimes faculty and students from other departments they extract data, write software and develop technology that can help solve cybercrimes. At least two big computers that can process information quickly help the pair out. If he was using an ordinary laptop, Belshaw said it could take weeks to pull all the information from a persons cellphone. As an example, he said theyve looked through cell phones to try to determine if there was an inappropriate relationship between a teacher and student. A whiteboard in the lab boasts dozens of patches from law enforcement agencies, although Belshaw says it represents only a portion of the agencies they have helped from the Department of Homeland Security to the Denton Police Department. It was in this lab that Belshaw and Brinck extracted data from a skimmer located in Denton. Its a malicious card reader that can be attached to gas pumps and pull information such as names and card information from any card used. Cyber forensics is a line of work Brinck didnt think shed be interested in. After taking Belshaws class on the dark web, her interest grew and she jumped at the chance to work in the lab. She started in early June. I never thought I would be into technology and cyber, anything forensics, she said. Im a psychologist. I have my bachelors in psychology with a minor in criminal justice, now getting my masters in criminal justice. Brinck manages the data set that contains the media access control address for the technology they analyze. They can check the data set once they get new evidence to see if it contains a MAC ID similar to what theyve seen before. Once she graduates, Brinck said she wants to continue research on the dark web and cyber forensics. I genuinely enjoy what I do here, she said. The dark web is so people dont really know much about it, so I just wanted to learn more about it. The dark web is a part of the internet thats not as easy to access because its content hasnt been indexed by traditional search engines like Google. The dark web, accessed anonymously by its users, is typically associated with illegal activity such as identity theft and the sale of narcotics. The realm of the internet most people are familiar with is the surface level web. The next layer is the deep web, which hosts content thats invisible to search engines like whats in your personal email accounts, according to Norton AntiVirus. Internet users access the deep web anytime they log into one of their accounts. Some agencies also go to Belshaw for help on the dark web, he said. The dark web is also where people can find skimmers. Belshaw said they keep up with the crime trends and dont typically analyze phones and computers anymore. Skimmers have made up the bulk of their work lately as fraudsters and tech companies alike try to stay ahead of each other. Belshaw said he believes chip-reading card readers may be vulnerable to fraudsters within a couple of years. Whereas current technology reads the magnetic strip on a debit or credit card, card readers that scan the chip either through a tap on the card reader or by inserting it are safer because that data is encrypted, he said. People are going to figure out how to de-encrypt this data and steal it, Belshaw said. In the next few years, all of these [skimmers] are going to go away because these mag strip readers are going to disappear. So what theyre going to do is theyre going to go to the chip readers. What Im trying to do is figure out how to protect people when they go to the pump and they just use the card and touch it [to the reader]. He said he hopes to see the lab grow in its capacity to help law enforcement. I hope to see it expand into being a research hub for law enforcement where they come to us as kind of a one-stop-shop with any new technology thats coming out that criminals use to commit crimes with, he said. So when they find a device, they go, Whats this, we dont know what it is. Call the cyber lab at UNT. Theyll figure it out. And we will. Denton, TX (76205) Today Scattered thunderstorms during the morning. Partly cloudy skies this afternoon. High 91F. Winds NNE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 50%.. Tonight Clear to partly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 72F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph. * Username This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. Choose wisely! Hungarian firm 4iG has signed a provisional agreement to acquire Telenor Montenegro from its parent firm PPF Telecom Group. 4iG clarified that it would conduct due diligence ahead of formalizing its offer, anticipating that this process would be complete by the end of September with the deal closing by the end of November. The acquisition will be subject to regulatory approval. The acquisition is the latest move from 4iG as it seeks to establish itself in the European mobile sector. The firm is awaiting the acceptance of its offer to acquire the Hungarian unit of Digi Communications, and is also looking to obtain a majority holding in satellite firm SpaceCom. 4iG president and CEO Gellert Jaszai noted: We see significant growth potential in the Western Balkans region, and we expect the economic growth of the region to be significantly boosted by the enlargement of the European Union in the next five years. In addition to the acquisition just announced, we would like to further increase our presence in the region. To this end, we are constantly exploring investment opportunities in the telecommunications and IT sectors. Telenor Montenegro leads the market with over 375,000 subscribers, although market share is relatively evenly split, with its two competitors each holding over 350,000 connections. PPF acquired Telenor Montenegro in 2018 alongside the Norwegian groups other CEE subsidiaries in Bulgaria, Hungary and Serbia as part of a 2.8 billion acquisition. Later that year, three operator and investment groups lodged bids for some of the units, including Telenor Montenegro, but PPF declined. In 2020, PPF shot down speculation that it would offload the units as part of a wider restructure, although it now appears open to divesting its Montenegrin unit. Indias second-largest telecom operator Bharti Airtel has expanded its relationship with Cisco to bring secure access service edge (SASE) capabilities to its Software-Defined Wide Area Networking (SD-WAN) customers. The new connectivity solution announced by the telco will allow businesses, regardless of their size, to boost digital transformation for their customers. Further, this new solution from Airtel will enable organisations in delivering applications to users with better security, performance, and visibility. "It allows enterprises to design, deploy, configure, migrate, and manage their WAN infrastructure while rapidly adapting to the real-time demands of their cloud computing, mobility, and digitization initiatives," said a press release from the American multinational technology conglomerate headquartered in San Jose, California. Ajay Chitkara, director and CEO of Airtel Business, said that the companys collaboration with Cisco on the managed SD-WAN will help companies become more agile and digitalized. "Secure, on-demand connectivity is a key requirement for businesses in today's digital-first environment. We are happy to deepen our long-standing engagement with Cisco to serve customers requirements by bringing together the strengths of both the companies," Ajay added. Sameer Garde, President, Cisco India & SAARC said, "In the emerging low-touch economy, what can be delivered digitally, will be delivered digitally. In response, businesses are focusing on catalyzing their network transformation to drive agility, support extensive automation, and improve customer experiences. Through this collaboration with Airtel, we bring the most relevant and secure connectivity solutions to large and small enterprises and help them deliver optimized performance in accessing SaaS apps and cloud workloads, and cement their foundation for a digital future." Statement by Ambassador Flynn at the UNSC Briefing on Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict Statement Mr. President, I would like to thank France for convening this important and timely event. I also wish to thank Deputy Secretary-General Mohammed, Director General Mardini and Ms. Grosjean for their insightful briefings. As members of this Council, we bear a unique responsibility. We are entrusted by the Charter with maintaining international peace and security, and must in that context promote and ensure respect for international humanitarian law (IHL), which serves to protect the humanitarian space. Mr. President, I wish to focus on three points today, informed by the first-hand experience of Irelands partners on the ground, whose work we salute and whose courage we admire. First, the physical safety and security of humanitarian actors in the field and the need to ensure accountability for serious violations of IHL. Humanitarians seek to provide care and dignity to those who need it most and must be respected and protected. Too often, IHL is seriously violated. We have seen that recently in airstrikes on the Al Atareb hospital in northern Syria, in Afghanistan and elsewhere. The seven months we have been on this Council, Ireland has consistently used our voice to call for accountability for violations of IHL and human rights committed in the midst of conflict. Ireland was appalled by the recent brutal murder of three humanitarian staff from the medical humanitarian organisation, Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) in Tigray. We call for an independent investigation to be carried out and for the perpetrators to be brought to justice. History has taught us that, when we fail to ensure accountability, a culture of impunity can spread from one conflict to the next. We know also that women and girls are disproportionally impacted and struggle to receive justice. Yet it is clear that, from Yemen to Syria to the DRC, we continue to tolerate such impunity. When this Council is informed of serious violations we must seek to ensure accountability. I would like once again to reiterate Irelands support for the Humanitarian Call to Action - led by France and Germany which aims to strengthen accountability for those who would attack medical and humanitarian workers in the course of their work. As a troop and police contributing country, Ireland recognises that UN peacekeeping operations play a major role in the protection of civilians, including humanitarian workers. As peacekeeping missions prepare to transition, this Council must ensure that clear, people-centred approaches, coordinated with humanitarian actors, are in place to protect conflict-affected civilians and the humanitarian space. Mr. President, My second point relates to the unique challenges faced by humanitarian actors working in their own countries. Local medical and humanitarian staff, notably women, are often at the forefront of humanitarian responses. We see this today across the globe, in the Central African Republic, Yemen and in the Tigray region of Ethiopia. Local partners are often under intense pressure to save lives, and take on disproportionate risks to deliver humanitarian assistance. Local actors insights and connections to the communities they serve bring significant advantages. But they can face greater pressure from local authorities, community members and security forces than their international colleagues. These heightened challenges must be factored into planning for the security of all staff. The humanitarian prerogative to respond quickly must not result in these humanitarians bearing the greatest burden of risk. In addition, every effort must be made to ensure that often unjustifiable bureaucratic restrictions - such as visa delays - do not hinder the scale-up of an international presence in response to complex emergencies. Mr. President, My third point relates to the impact counter terrorism measures, can have on humanitarian action as a whole. There is now a greater awareness of the extent to which these measures can limit humanitarian access, criminalise the delivery of assistance, or curtail the ability of NGOs to finance humanitarian operations in areas under the control of sanctioned individuals and entities, including designated terrorist groups. Ireland supports efforts to promote dialogue between donors, regulators, banks and international NGOS, while UN bodies working on countering terrorism should engage systematically with humanitarian actors. The Security Council also has a role to play in improving the protections for humanitarian actors in UN counter-terrorism and sanctions regimes, by including designation criteria sanctioning those that obstruct or harm humanitarian activity and actors, and providing for appropriate exemptions in sanctions regimes for humanitarian work. A common understanding between all stakeholders, based on the humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence, will be essential to finding solutions and moving forward. Mr. President, To conclude, I would like to reaffirm that Irelands commitment to principled humanitarian space, action and access will not waver. Humanitarians can always rely on us for support. Thank you. 1. Mr. President, 2. I would like to thank France for convening this important and timely event. I also wish to thank Deputy Secretary-General Mohammed, Director General Mardini and Ms. Grosjean for their insightful briefings. 3. As members of this Council, we bear a unique responsibility. We are entrusted by the Charter with maintaining international peace and security, and must in that context promote and ensure respect for international humanitarian law (IHL), which serves to protect the humanitarian space. 4. Mr. President, 5. I wish to focus on three points today, informed by the first-hand experience of Irelands partners on the ground, whose work we salute and whose courage we admire. 6. First, the physical safety and security of humanitarian actors in the field and the need to ensure accountability for serious violations of IHL. Humanitarians seek to provide care and dignity to those who need it most and must be respected and protected. 7. Too often, IHL is seriously violated. We have seen that recently in airstrikes on the Al Atareb hospital in northern Syria, in Afghanistan and elsewhere. The seven months we have been on this Council, Ireland has consistently used our voice to call for accountability for violations of IHL and human rights committed in the midst of conflict. 8. Ireland was appalled by the recent brutal murder of three humanitarian staff from the medical humanitarian organisation, Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) in Tigray. We call for an independent investigation to be carried out and for the perpetrators to be brought to justice. 9. History has taught us that, when we fail to ensure accountability, a culture of impunity can spread from one conflict to the next. We know also that women and girls are disproportionally impacted and struggle to receive justice. Yet it is clear that, from Yemen to Syria to the DRC, we continue to tolerate such impunity. When this Council is informed of serious violations we must seek to ensure accountability. 10. I would like once again to reiterate Irelands support for the Humanitarian Call to Action - led by France and Germany which aims to strengthen accountability for those who would attack medical and humanitarian workers in the course of their work. 11. As a troop and police contributing country, Ireland recognises that UN peacekeeping operations play a major role in the protection of civilians, including humanitarian workers. 12. As peacekeeping missions prepare to transition, this Council must ensure that clear, people-centred approaches, coordinated with humanitarian actors, are in place to protect conflict-affected civilians and the humanitarian space. Mr. President, 13. My second point relates to the unique challenges faced by humanitarian actors working in their own countries. Local medical and humanitarian staff, notably women, are often at the forefront of humanitarian responses. We see this today across the globe, in the Central African Republic, Yemen and in the Tigray region of Ethiopia. Local partners are often under intense pressure to save lives, and take on disproportionate risks to deliver humanitarian assistance. 14. Local actors insights and connections to the communities they serve bring significant advantages. But they can face greater pressure from local authorities, community members and security forces than their international colleagues. These heightened challenges must be factored into planning for the security of all staff. The humanitarian prerogative to respond quickly must not result in these humanitarians bearing the greatest burden of risk. 15. In addition, every effort must be made to ensure that often unjustifiable bureaucratic restrictions - such as visa delays - do not hinder the scale-up of an international presence in response to complex emergencies. 16. Mr. President, 17. My third point relates to the impact counter terrorism measures, can have on humanitarian action as a whole. 18. There is now a greater awareness of the extent to which these measures can limit humanitarian access, criminalise the delivery of assistance, or curtail the ability of NGOs to finance humanitarian operations in areas under the control of sanctioned individuals and entities, including designated terrorist groups. Ireland supports efforts to promote dialogue between donors, regulators, banks and international NGOS, while UN bodies working on countering terrorism should engage systematically with humanitarian actors. 19. The Security Council also has a role to play in improving the protections for humanitarian actors in UN counter-terrorism and sanctions regimes, by including designation criteria sanctioning those that obstruct or harm humanitarian activity and actors, and providing for appropriate exemptions in sanctions regimes for humanitarian work. 20. A common understanding between all stakeholders, based on the humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence, will be essential to finding solutions and moving forward. 21. Mr. President, 22. To conclude, I would like to reaffirm that Irelands commitment to principled humanitarian space, action and access will not waver. Humanitarians can always rely on us for support. Thank you. Previous Item | Were zooming up on the start of school. Im super excited Washington State University is going to completely be back to normal, with no restrictions. That is the appropriate response to the end of the pandemic, and it is a statement against irrational fear, and pro-science. COVID-19 has now July 20The Enterprise City Council will convene in a work session followed by a council meeting on Tuesday, July 20 at 5 p.m. at City Hall. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. July 21The Republican Women of Coffee County will meet on Wednesday, July 21 at 11 a.m. at the Enterprise Country Club. Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall will be the guest speaker. Social time begins at 11 a.m. and an optional $12 lunch buffet opens at 11:30. The program begins at approximately noon. Everyone is invited, but reservations are required. To RSVP, call 334-494-3763 or email rwccreservations@gmail.com by July 18. July 22The Wiregrass-Enterprise Chapter, National Active and Retired Federal Employees (NARFE) will hold its monthly lunch program at 11 a.m. on Thursday, July 22 at PoFolks Restaurant, Enterprise. The guest speaker will be Erin Grantham, executive director of the Enterprise Chamber of Commerce. All federal employees, current or retired, are invited to the Enterprise NARFE lunch programs regularly scheduled at 11 a.m. every fourth Thursday of the month at PoFolks Restaurant. For more information about Enterprise NARFE, attend a NARFE Lunch Program or contact the chapters president, Frank Zerbinos, by text or phone at 334-447-8092. The Alabama Department of Public Health is turning to TikTok to help push COVID-19 vaccine awareness as Alabama ranks at the bottom of vaccination rates across the nation. State health officials believe that getting a COVID-19 vaccination is a important step for all eligible residents, including teenagers and young adults. To promote vaccinations, the ADPH is sponsoring a TikTok contest for persons between the ages of 13 and 29 to encourage vaccination against COVID-19 before the beginning of the school year. To participate, contestants can submit a TikTok video showing themselves getting vaccinated or include a creative message explaining, This is why I got vaccinated. All videos must be tagged @alcovidvaccine, #getvaccinatedAL and #ADPH. Winners will be determined based on creativity, originality and popularity. TikTok videos can be submitted until Aug. 6. Support Local Journalism Your subscription makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} A panel of judges composed of advertising professionals and ADPH personnel will select four winners who will each be awarded a $250 Visa gift card. Winners will be announced Aug. 13 via the @alcovidvaccine TikTok account, and promoted on ADPH social media. A local pastor is seeking to take the helm as Dothans mayor. Sidney Miller Jr., 50, a political newcomer, is challenging Mark Saliba for the opportunity to lead Dothan in the citys top elected position. Millers platform is focused on transparency and putting people before politics. I am a firm believer in finding solutions which uplift the community because loving people is what I do, Miller said. Together, we can understand the source of our problems and collectively find a better way of doing things. Together, we can find healing through transparency. Miller, originally from Dothan, graduated from Houston County High School and went on to get certificates in nursing and business management from Riley College in Dothan and attended the Pittsburgh Performing Arts College. He later received his pastoral counseling certification from the T.C. Ministry Institute. He previously owned Main Street Coffee, which used profits to support missions, and worked as the assistant director of the Ark, a Dothan nonprofit ministry. Support Local Journalism Your subscription makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} Miller currently works as the manager of an undisclosed retail corporation, where he has worked for the last 11 years, and is the lead pastor of New Freedom Church in Webb. Both were arrested on charges that include battery on a law enforcement officer, resisting law enforcement and taking part in an unlawful assembly that blocked streets or sidewalks, records show. Rodriguez-Rodriguez put an officer into a bear hug as the officer was trying to arrest another protester, according to an arrest report. He then punched an officer in the face, breaking his glasses as the officer tried to arrest him, the report said. He continued to resist arrest until he was placed in handcuffs. The men were being held without bond in the Hillsborough County Jail early Thursday. It was not immediately clear whether either had an attorney who could comment. Earlier this year, DeSantis signed into law a Florida bill that boosts penalties against demonstrators who turn violent and creates new criminal penalties for those who organize demonstrations that get out of hand. Provisions of the law also make it a felony to block some roadways and give immunity to people who drive through protesters blocking a road. The bill was introduced after last summers protests for racial justice during which some Black Lives Matter protesters were met by police with tear gas and arrests when they took to the streets for days at a time. MONTGOMERY Alabama's jobless rate declined to 3.3% in June, well below the national average, as state leaders emphasized keeping the economy going amid concerns about a resurgence of the coronavirus pandemic. Gov. Kay Ivey's office said Friday the state unemployment rate was down slightly from 3.4% in May and much better than the rate of 7.7% from a year earlier, when many businesses were closed or operating at reduced capacity to limit the spread of COVID-19. With the comparable national unemployment rate at 5.9% for June, Alabama is among the states that have been aggressive in keeping businesses open despite low vaccination rates, relatively little adherence to health guidelines in public and increasing hospitalizations caused by a boost in COVID-19 cases. Support Local Journalism Your subscription makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} As our unemployment rate continues to drop and employers continue to fill jobs, were proud to celebrate the fact that Alabama is open for business, Ivey said in a statement. About 2.1 million people were employed in the state last month, an increase of 89,705 in a year. Employment grew by 13,400 positions in June, with the largest gains in the leisure and hospital industry, which added 8,100 jobs. The boost came as extended federal jobless benefits ended. Nike shoes are seen displayed at a sporting goods store in New York City, New York, U.S., May 14, 2019. Photo by Reuters/Mike Segar. Changshin Vietnam, a South Korean shoemaker, became the second major Nike supplier to suspend production in Vietnam as it shut three of its factories near HCMC on Thursday due to a coronavirus outbreak. The factories in Dong Nai province, which employ nearly 42,000 workers, will remain shut until July 20, the Vietnamese government said in a statement, adding many of the 177 infection cases detected in the province were from the factories. Nike did not respond to Reuters request for comment outside U.S. business hours, while calls to Changshin went unanswered. On Wednesday, Taiwan's Pou Chen Corp, which makes footwear for Nike and Adidas, suspended operations at its plant in Ho Chi Minh City. The plant will be closed until July 23 for "health and safety considerations", the company said, adding it did not expect a major financial impact. Vietnam had until recently successfully contained coronavirus outbreaks, with limited disruption to its crucial manufacturing sector. However since late April, it has seen record cases on many days this month, most of those in the commercial hub Ho Chi Minh City and its neighboring industrial provinces of Dong Nai and Binh Duong. The country has recorded 38,200 infections and 138 deaths overall, a vast majority of those since May. Almost all of Nike's footwear is manufactured outside the United States. The company has said contract factories in Vietnam produced about 50 percent of total Nike brand footwear in fiscal 2020, but did not specify the volumes that came from Changshin or Pou Chen. The latest resurgence in virus cases could signal another hiccup for the world's largest sportswear chain in 2021, after container shortages and U.S. port congestion held up Nike's inventory earlier in the year. "Having the factories shut for one or two weeks for Nike is going to cause a massive problem for its supply chain," China Market Research Group analyst Shaun Rein said, adding the shutdown would lead to price hikes. Nike also saw its China sales take a hit after calls to boycott global brands for their comments around forced labor in Xinjiang. Eclat Textile Co, a Taiwan-based garment and fabric supplier, has suspended production at its Dong Nai plant until July 17, it told the Taipei stock exchange. Medical staff and other people move folding beds up stairs at a field hospital in HCMC's Thu Duc City, July 2021. Photo by VnExpress/Huu Khoa. The Health Ministry announced 1,438 local Covid-19 patients in 18 localities Friday morning, led by Ho Chi Minh City. The southern metropolis registered 1,071 cases, including 940 in quarantine zones and blockaded areas. Another 131 cases are being contact traced. Among other southern localities, Dong Nai Province that borders HCMC recorded 72 cases, with 39 having had contact with Covid-19 patients, 22 linked to a cluster at Hoa An market in Bien Hoa Town, and the source of transmission of the remaining 11 is yet to be identified. Mekong Delta's Dong Thap Province reported 66 cases, 57 of whom had come into contact with Covid-19 patients and the source of transmission of the other nine cases is still unclear. Binh Duong Province that borders HCMC reported 53 cases, with 45 people having direct contact with Covid-19 patients, three returning from HCMC and five having unclear transmission sources. Vinh Long Province in the Mekong Delta registered 36 cases, including 32 linked to a company in Long Ho District and one returning from HCMC. Three other cases are being contact traced. Ben Tre Province in the delta detected 15 cases, with 13 linked to existing cases and two having visited HCMC. Binh Phuoc Province recorded 10 cases that are all related to confirmed patients. Kien Giang Province in the delta reported eight cases, with four having contact with Covid-19 patients, one returning from Khanh Hoa Province, and three with unknown infection sources. Can Tho, the delta's capital, got eight cases, with six linked to previously confirmed cases, one returning from HCMC and one being contact traced. Its neighbor Hau Giang Province recorded seven cases, with three linked to confirmed patients and four having visited HCMC. In the central region, Khanh Hoa Province got 57 cases and Nghe An Province three, and all are associated with previously confirmed patients. The case in Central Highlands province of Dak Nong is a 30-year-old man from southern An Giang Province. He had visited various localities before being found positive for the new coronavirus in Dak Nong. The case in Central Highlands Lam Dong Province visited HCMC prior to the positive test result. In northern Vietnam, Hanoi got six cases, all related to existing cases. The case in Lang Son Province is a 55-year-old man who had visited HCMC. Since the fourth wave, which is the most challenging that Vietnam has encountered, broke out in late April, the country has recorded 38,675 cases in 58 of its 63 cities and provinces. HCMC is leading the case count with 22,564 infections, and the Health Ministry said Thursday that the city should expect higher tally in coming days. Vietnam has vaccinated more than 4.18 million against Covid-19 and 294,676 have got two doses. During his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, President Joe Biden said many topics were discussed with the goal of developing a stable and predictable relationship between Russia and the United States. Strategic stability, including arms control, was one. At a press briefing, President Biden welcomed Russias decision to join the United States in launching a Strategic Stability Dialogue. Through this Dialogue, the United States and Russia seek to lay the groundwork for future arms control and risk reduction measures. Another topic covered at length was cybersecurity, occurring in the wake of the SolarWinds attack by the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service that compromised hundreds of computers around the world, as well as a series of ransomware attacks originating in Russia. President Biden said, We agreed to task experts in both our countries to work on specific understandings about what's off-limits [for cyber intrusions] and to follow up on specific cases that originate ineither of our countries. The need for the United States and Russia to ensure the continued flow of humanitarian aid to the millions of suffering Syrians was also discussed, as were the possible contributions of both Russia and the United States in preventing terrorism from taking root in Afghanistan. Another focus was ensuring that the Iranian regime never acquires nuclear weapons. President Biden raised challenging issues with President Putin, including by expressing the United States unwavering commitment to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. He also told President Putin that human rights is going to always be on tableIts about who we are, Mr. Biden said. President Biden brought up the case of imprisoned opposition leader Aleksey Navalny and told reporters he had made clear to President Putin that if Navalny were to die in prison the consequence of that would be devastating for Russia. He also raised the harassment by the Kremlin of the U.S. broadcasting network Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and stressed to President Putin the importance of a free press and freedom of speech. President Biden said the tone of the hours-long summit was positive. He said he did what he came to do: identify areas where our two countries can advance our mutual interest and benefit the world; communicate directly that the United State will respond when our vital interests are threatened; and clearly lay out our countrys values. Theres more work ahead, said President Biden. But now weve established a clear basis on how we intend to deal with Russia and the U.S.-Russia relationship. RENO The Nevada Mining Association has announced the recipients of its 2021 Individual Safety Awards, which celebrate the industry professionals whose extraordinary efforts ensure all mine workers return home safely after every shift. When faced with an unprecedented situation in 2020, Nevada miners responded with one of their safest years on record, said NVMA President Tyre Gray. Modern mining prides itself on a safety-first culture, regardless of circumstance. These 37 individuals went above and beyond in their efforts to keep their co-workers and teams safe and healthy. Congratulations to this years recipients. The NVMA Individual Safety Awards are based on performance during the previous calendar year. Nearly 100 nominations were submitted in total, with recipients voted on by industry peers. The 37 individual miners will be recognized during an awards luncheon Sept. 11 at the NVMA Convention in Lake Tahoe. - Wyatt Custer Ermisch, 30, of West Palm Beach, Florida, pleaded no contest to conspiracy to commit possession of a controlled substance and was given a suspended sentence of one year in jail, was placed on probation for one year and was ordered to pay restitution the victim in a previous matter. Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} - Michael John Charlton, 42, of California, pleaded no contest to insurance fraud and was given a suspended sentence of 180 days in jail, was placed on probation for one year and was ordered to pay $1,419.66 restitution to Sentry Insurance Group. - Kacee Nicole Horse, 24, of Boise, Idaho, pleaded guilty to attempted possession of a credit card or debit card without cardholders consent and was given a suspended sentence of 12 to 32 months in prison and was placed on probation for 18 months, and was further ordered to serve two days in jail for contempt of court for failure to appear for sentencing. Department 3 Judge Mason Simons June 21 German news agency dpa quoted the chief executive of the Lebenshilfe association in Rhineland-Palatinate state saying only one of the 13 people missing from the facility had been found alive. Matthias Mandos said a staff member managed to move several residents of the home in the town of Sinzig to the first floor as waters from the nearby Ahr river rushed into the building. By the time the staff member tried to get others to safety, it was too late, Mandos said. Psychologists were on hand to help traumatized employees and residents, he added. BERLIN German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier said he is stunned by the devastating effects of the flooding across parts of western Germany that has killed more than 100 people and left hundreds missing. Steinmeier pledged the German government's support to the families of those killed and to cities and towns facing significant damage. In the hour of need, our country stands together, Steinmeier said in a statement Friday afternoon. Its important that we show solidarity for those from whom the flood has taken everything. CARSON CITY, Nev. (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 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 Nevada: But the solution-based approach of the meeting helped her feel more hopeful toward the end. I felt a little bit calmer as we went on because we really set some things in stone of how the tribes were going to work together to make this happen because, ultimately, people dont understand that when you hold onto remains, or you take things that are not yours or you displace them, that bad medicine can come with that and thats what were really trying to forewarn them about as well, she said. Torres also said she thinks Sandoval will make good on his promise. Because he was the previous governor, he knows that tribes mean business and he knows exactly how sacred our ancestors are to us and our cultures and our traditions, she said. So I think he will make it happen in a timely manner. I see him following through on it and holding his staff accountable. Last month, Sandoval and other leaders within the states higher education system drew praise from Indigenous leaders for legislation that waives fees at Nevada colleges and universities for Native students. Tribal leaders expressed hope that the legislation will expand opportunities for their community members and their ties to the university. Currently, there are 117 students at UNR who identify as American Indian or Alaskan Native and 405 who identify as Native and a different race. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 2 Angry 2 Sisolak is vulnerable for re-election in 2022. Many progressive Democrats are unenthusiastic about him. Sisolak is widely criticized for mishandling the COVID crisis. He survived failed recall efforts after his draconian non-essential shutdown orders resulted in an April 2020 unemployment rate of 29.5% the highest ever recorded for a U.S. state. That jobless rate exceeded the Great Depression when unemployment peaked at 25% in 1933. Sisolaks stop and start policies hampered Nevadas resort industry. State-mandated capacity limits roller-coastered from 50 percent to 25 percent, then back up to 50 percent, making it difficult for Nevada small businesses to plan. And, Nevadas state unemployment system Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation (DETR) was a major failure for thousands of Nevadans who lost jobs during the pandemic. DETR website crashes, full days waiting on the phone for help and unemployment checks that were promised but never arrived were the reality. A 7.8 percent unemployment rate in May, tied for the fourth-worst in the country, persists. Vacations, staycations, long weekend getaways, day trips: UMB encourages employees to use accrued leave time. Take a breather. Take a break. Take your leave and relax. Thats the message for University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) employees whove accrued hours upon hours of leave time over the past 15 months during the COVID-19 pandemic, when many vacation plans were scuttled because of travel restrictions or health concerns and the line between home and workplace became blurred because of telework. Now there seems to be a light at the end of the pandemic tunnel, with COVID-19 vaccines being distributed and restrictions on gatherings and face coverings relaxed or rescinded in the city, the state, and around the nation. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says if you are fully vaccinated two weeks after your single-shot vaccine or two weeks after your second dose of a two-shot vaccine you can travel safely within the United States. UMBs leaders are encouraging employees to use their accrued leave and what better time than now during the summer? Whether its a vacation, a staycation, a long weekend getaway, or a simple day off, taking time away from work to refresh and recharge is seen as a critical way to improve your physical and mental health. The COVID-19 pandemic has been overwhelming in many aspects, says UMB President Bruce E. Jarrell, MD, FACS. One that we cant ignore is the difficulty in creating a division between work and personal time, especially when working from home. I want UMB employees to know that its not only OK to take time off, but that I also expect our workforce to do so. UMBs leadership understands that taking your earned time off is critically important to your mental, emotional, and physical health, and it is important for the health and safety of our entire community. UMBs Human Resource Services (HRS) is promoting Jarrells charge with a Take Your Leave campaign. The message: Using your leave time is good for you and aligns with the Universitys efforts to foster a healthy work-life balance. I appreciate the tremendous efforts of UMB employees during the pandemic, but please remember that work-life balance is extremely important, too, Jarrell said. Part of that balance is knowing when to put work aside and take a break. Please make sure that you are taking the time you need that you have earned and that you are being respectful of others time off, he added. Vacation time doesnt have to include travel, but it does need to include time to unplug and recharge. Time Away Is Vital Michelle Pearce, PhD, a professor at the University of Maryland Graduate School and a clinical psychologist, applauds the University for advocating a workplace culture that supports employees taking time away from work. Our brains and bodies were not designed to be on all the time, Pearce says. I liken vacations to recharging our phone batteries. We all know that our phone has to be charged regularly in order to function. If we dont take time to charge it, we wont have a phone to use. What we forget is that we need to treat ourselves the same way. Vacations allow us the time to disconnect from work and recharge our batteries. Estee Gubbay, a travel advisor and author, agrees that vacations are vital, telling the website VeryWellMind.com that a vacation should provide a break from normal daily life, a boost to mental and/or physical wellness, or an enriching adventure or a combination of all three. Everyones due for the vacation where you just want to get away, Gubbay told the website. Since weve all been cooped up, literally, were dying to get out there and experience something new. Theres a reason why phrases like Get out of Dodge and Get a change of scenery are important to our mental health. Even taking one day off if it includes enjoyable or relaxing activities can provide mental health relief, she says. You just have to be really intentional about that day," Gubbay told the website. Have a real plan. Leave Time Logjam According to UMB policy, a maximum of 400 hours (50 work days) of annual leave can be carried into a new calendar year by all regular, full-time employees. Because of the pandemic, that number was lifted to 480 hours (60 work days) under a University System of Maryland exception. Staff members have until the final pay period of the 2022 calendar year to use any leave over 400 hours, or else it will be forfeited; faculty members have until the final pay period of the 2021 calendar year. The increase in unused leave at UMB has been dramatic. For example, between the 24th pay period of 2020 and the 24th pay period of 2021, there was a 19.1 percent increase in the amount of unused leave time, according to Susan McKechnie, CPA, assistant vice president and University controller. By comparison, the increase in unused leave time over the same time period in the previous four years was 1.34 percent, 1.7 percent, 2.97 percent, and 5.61 percent. The large amount of unused leave, now nearly 1.8 million hours, is detrimental to the University, because it serves as a debt on UMBs ledger, McKechnie says. These hours represent unused vacation that will be used, paid out, or lost, she says. Any hours that have been earned but not paid out must be treated as a debt to our employees that UMB records as an expense. So the higher the number of unused hours, the larger the debt, and the bigger the expense. This growing balance of unused leave time is a financial issue for the entire University. HRS reminds employees to follow their units guidelines on requesting accrued leave, coordinate with their supervisor on vacation requests, and check out UMBs Leave Administration webpage for more information on accrued leave. Also, employees can find their current and projected leave balances on the eUMB Human Resources Management System website (click on the My UMB Employee Self Service tab, then click on the My UM Leave Balances link). Resources CDC: Domestic Travel During COVID-19 and International Travel During COVID-19 U.S. Travel Association: Vacation Planning Tool and Lets Go There Toolkit AAA: Best Mid-Atlantic Road Trip Ideas (and Where to Go). Harvard Business Review: We All Really Need a Vacation. Heres How to Make the Most of It. American Psychological Association: Four Reasons to Take a Vacation. VeryWellMind.com: How to Cope with Travel Anxiety This Summer as COVID Restrictions Loosen. Why can American tourists enter the EU? Since June 18 the EU recommended to its member states to allow travel from the US and a host of other countries. This was a result of the vaccine rollout in the US, which was developing at a steady pace, and its overall reaction to combating the pandemic since the turn of the year. At the time there was an expectation that the US would follow suit. European Commission spokesman Adalbert Jahnz explained, "It goes without saying that we would expect the same from partner countries outside the EU for EU citizens traveling to those countries." The EU unilaterally took the move as the bloc decided it needed to act in the face of the great pressure on its tourism industry. As of publication, EU tourists are still banned from entering the US. Why can European travellers not enter the US? As per the January 25 proclamation the US blocked entry to travellers coming from the EU Schengen area, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Brazil and South Africa. This was to prevent the US from developing cases of the Alpha and Beta variants of the virus. These strains were found in large numbers in South Africa and the United Kingdom respectively. The prevalence of the Delta strain currently menacing Europe makes any opening for travel much more of a risk for the US. Despite this, there is some hope for the latent EU tourism sector as President Biden is expected to announce in the next few days when the end of the travel ban will be. This comes as German Chancellor Angela Merkel visits the US for the last time before she steps down this autumn. Why has the freedom to move not yet been reciprocated? It was much more of a pressing matter for the EU to open its borders to tourists before the US. Many of the blocs economies are very reliant on tourism, for some it contributed more than a fifth of their entire gross domestic product (GDP) in 2019. Indeed, tourism contributes 10% to the entire EU GDP and creates jobs for 26 million people, notes a European Union Tourism Trends report. The pandemic has damaged economies the world over but countries with such a reliance on foreign tourism are even more at risk. For example, Spain lost 82% of its English tourists between 2019 and 2020, traditionally the country's largest tourism market. US travellers took over 36 million trips to Europe in 2019, but data from the European Travel Commission shows that this number fell to 6.6 million in 2020. With an economy so reliant on tourism, as shown on the list below, it is much more important for the EU to get tourists back into the country than it is for the US, hence the unilateral move back in June. Tourism as a percentage of GDP in the EU for 2019 Croatia (24.3%) Greece (20.3%) Portugal (17.1%) Malta (15.9%) Spain (14.1%) Cyprus (13.4%) Italy (13.1%) Source The balance needs to be struck between opening economies to save people's livelihoods but also keeping the population as safe as possible. It is certainly a very difficult square to circle but an important problem to tackle as Europe enters its busy tourist period of July and August. On the contrary, the US is nowhere near as reliant on tourism, let alone EU specific tourism, as the EU. Jobless residents in two states will be able to keep their additional unemployment benefits payments after courts ruled that their states could not deny them access to the federal support. Unemployed workers in Maryland did not have their payments lapse, while out-of-work residents in Indiana are expected to regain the $300 per week additional payments on Friday 16 July. In both cases the states Republican governors has attempted to move forward the finish date of the programme from 6 September to 3 July, citing concerns that the federal support was discouraging residents from seeking work. Marylands Gov. Larry Hogans office said that it fundamentally disagrees with the verdict but that it would not appeal the decision, suggesting that residents will continue to enjoy the programme until September. Residents in five states launch lawsuits The Century Foundation estimates that around 4.1 million Americans were set to lose their additional unemployment support as a result of the decision, so a number of other states have launched their own legal challenges. Following on from Indiana and Maryland, unemployed workers in Ohio, Oklahoma and Texas have also sought to force their governors to reinstate the federal jobless support. In Ohio the state terminated the $300 weekly supplement before the end of June and residents are asking for that decision to be reverse. In Oklahoma one unemployed resident has argued that Gov. Kevin Stitt does not have the authority to deny access to the programme. He also claims that officials are required by state law to provide access to all unemployment benefits offered by the federal government. States argue that additional unemployment support will cause significant job loss Across the country 26 states have made attempts to withdraw from the pandemic additional unemployment programmes, 25 of which are Republican-held. The unemployment support was extended to September in President Bidens American Rescue Plan so Democratic states have been reluctant to break ranks. The argument put forward by the governors of those 26 states is that the additional $300 weekly payment is too generous and is creating an incentive against finding work. Despite the fact that it is due to end within eight weeks anyway, some governors are intent on withdrawing early. Michael Ricci, spokesperson for Marylands Gov. Hogan, released a statement saying: "This lawsuit is hurting our small businesses, jeopardizing our economic recovery, and will cause significant job loss. Most states have already ended enhanced benefits, and the White House and the US Department of Labor have affirmed that states have every right to do so. In May, as the national vaccination campaign picked up speed and more businesses started to reopen, many Republican governors began to announce that they would end the payments of federal unemployment benefits. Since Montana and Carolina became the first states to make the change, over twenty others have followed, including Louisiana, led by the only Democrat. These governors justified the ending of benefits by saying that they contributed to labor shortages. Many of these leaders take issue with the $300 federal topper sent in addition to state benefits. Some studies have shown that the additional federal payment bumps income above what many on unemployment were making when they had a job. For the GOP, this has led to people opting to stay home rather than find their next gig. However, some economists disagree that these benefits are keeping people at home due to their temporary nature. Others believe that this argument is being made to protect companies who refuse to offer higher wages to attract workers. The $300 enhanced payment forms part of the American Rescue Plan, which allocated funding for the increased benefit to be paid through 6 September. By cutting the payment, states hope workers will rejoin the workforce more quickly, as their incomes drop significantly. At the national level, the unemployment rate remained unchanged in June. But, on 16 July, the Bureau of Labor Statistics published the state-level unemployment rates for June, which provide greater insight into seeing if this policy choice is moving the unemployment rate down. What states are ending benefits? There are a total of twenty-six states that have called to end benefits: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, West Virginia, and Wyoming. Has unemployment decrease more in these states? Since April, these more states planning to end benefits have seen an increase in their unemployment rate. Eight states have all seen increases, while four states -- Kansas, Vermont, Illinois, and Michigan -- that will continue the payments have had their unemployment rates rise. States ending benefits that saw an increase in unemployment from April to June 2021 State Unemployment Rate April 2021 June 2021 Chnage Ohio 4.7 5.2 +.5% Iowa 3.8 4 +.2% Florida 4.8 5 +.2% Missouri 4.1 4.3 +.2% Indiana 3.9 4.1 +.2% South Dakota 2.8 2.9 +.1% New Hampshire 2.8 2.9 +.1% Arizona 6.7 6.8 +.1% Arkansas, Maryland, Mississippi, Montana, and Wyoming have all seen no net changes in their unemployment rate since April. Aside from Maryland, which is under judicial order to continue the payment of federal benefits, all others have stopped their distribution. It is still early to tell if the ending of payments is leading to quicker decreases in unemployment. However, from April to June, the data shows that in states where benefits had or will end, unemployment decreased on average by .05%. Meanwhile, in the twenty-four states plus Washington DC, the rate of decrease was higher, with an average of .27%. Sunrise in Beijing, capital of China. (File photo) The Communist Party of China CPCs centenary celebration has been described in many English language commentaries as nationalistic, failing to grasp the actual sentiment in China. The concept of rally around the flag and covering up internal conflict by focusing on a foreign enemy is not at all what I witness in China. Yes, the speech mentioned time and again how great, magnificent, strong, and powerful China has now become. But this is both a common patriotic sentiment and in the case of China a quite incredible fact. China under the leadership of the CPC hasnt grown up in the loving embrace and tender support of a benevolent international community, instead the CPC has time and again beat all odds and carried away most improbable victories. In order to understand China better and adjust ones expectations regarding China in the future, it is vital to comprehend, why these successes were possible. Too often the lack of explanation is replaced with an absurd idea of a monolithic top-down dictatorship where 90 million people brainlessly follow a single omniscient leader, as impossible this would be in reality. This notion then bears the racist consequence that common Chinese are not able to see when they are oppressed and need Western people to tell them whats good for them. If it was that simple, then how could there still be poverty in the world? If Chinese common people were so subservient, then why would the US some 120 years ago massacre them and make laws to explicitly prevent Chinese from immigrating? So if we agree that leading a vast country with enormous differences in culture, language, religion, and customs first to independence and then to moderate prosperity, then it is important to start asking how the CPC has done it. I want to specifically look at 4 distinct periods, with a focus on the present. The first phase was before the PRC was established, when the CPC fought a war to liberate China from oppression and a civil war to gain control over the country. More than once the CPC seemed almost destroyed, and as late as 1947 was forced out of all major cities by the Kuomingtang KMT army supported by the US. The military forces were estimated at least 3 times as large and the US can be forgiven for thinking, surely Chiang Kaishek would prevail. Just two years later Mao Zedong led the CPC on Tiananmen declaring the founding of the PRC. KMTs forces were reduced to a few islands of Taiwan and Fujian province. How was that possible? One main reason is that Chiang worked with local warlords, even bandits, who could help him oppress local unrest and CPC activity. The CPC on the other hand worked with the poor, the farmers, the oppressed and wherever they came they liberated the working people by granting them ownership over capital and land. Of course this people first method was far more popular, to the point where large parts of the common soldiers of the KMT army deserted and joined the Peoples Liberation Army of the CPC, knowing their families would be better off under CPC liberation than KMT oppression. Phase II, after 1947 the construction of the PRC began, not without setbacks, but overall a massive success. While the West mostly remembers the failure of the Great Leap Forward and the Cultural Revolution, theres much too little knowledge about key economic indicators: during Maos leadership the PRC saw an average economic growth of 6% per year, which is already notable. Much more important, however, is that again the livelihood was put before the economic growth: life expectancy grew from 33 to 65 within just 30 years until Maos death in 1976. Thats almost double, its also more than one additional year to live, every year! And that is despite famine, despite wars against the US in Korea and Vietnam, and despite losing all support from the Soviet Union during that period. This wasnt just lucky coincidence, but again the willingness to really go down to the ditches and sending experts, teachers, and doctors into the villages. Never in Chinas recorded history had the ruling class showed this level of care for the lives of common people. To this day, old people in China get shiny eyes when talking about Mao Zedong and Zhou Enlai. Phase III can be called Reform and Opening and is marked by Deng Xiaopings sweeping economic reforms. The rationale for the reforms again was a focus on peoples wellbeing: socialism doesnt mean poverty, and in order to succeed, socialism must provide a good life to the people. If markets can help modernize socialism, they are as legitimate as state planning in a capitalist system. So, Deng did not introduce capitalism to China, but merely foreign capital and an increased role of markets as distribution mechanism. The analysis at the time (called Main Contradiction of the Chinese Society) was that the main problem was the backward production capacity versus the material needs of the people. In other words, once literacy, food security and basic health care were achieved, it was time to increase the income levels of people. The phase IV has just started in 2017 when the Main Contradiction was reassessed again, saying the production capacity is by no means weak anymore, China being world leader in a growing number of industries, but the development is uneven. The new focus is on a more balanced development, namely between different regions of China, between wealthy and poor Chinese, and between man and nature. Lets look at some achievements and methods, because once again the CPC is going in the ditches to achieve the much-needed improvements. When Xi Jinping during the centenary celebration speech declared to applause that the Chinese people and the CPC cannot be divided apart, he speaks with the confidence provided by numerous international surveys, indicating that already high support for CPC leadership has further increased during the Covid crisis, to stellar 90+ % support for the central leadership. And the support is not surprising for people who have close interactions with Chinese society, especially people who understand Chinese and live in a Chinese neighborhood and frequently visit Chinese villages, as opposed to expats living in pure expat neighborhoods or self-proclaimed China experts watching the country only from abroad. Because the Party being close to the people, living with the people, breathing with the people may be interpreted in two ways, supportive or oppressive, but when one actually has contacts to local grassroot party officials, then it becomes fully clear the supportive interpretation is the correct one. There is the neighborhood party official, in my case a middle-aged lady, very friendly and eager to help, who sometimes contacts me to collect statistical data such as whether Ive been vaccinated or planned to get vaccinated against Covid. She had provided me with information on the safety of vaccinations, explained to me how to schedule the date and where to get it, but didnt pressure anyone to do anything. She doesnt hold any formal power, but rather works as an intermediary in case of conflict, and as a personal information channel when the government needs to convey messages to the people. When Covid started in early 2020, these local CPC officials checked with everyone in the neighborhood, made sure people were informed about current quarantine rules, and also called for help if somebody had mental or psychological problems coping with the situation. They also ensure everyone with a fever gets tested and the whole neighborhood would go on strict lockdown if a case was detected. Its not their authority, they merely ensure the regulation at the time is carried out. This helps people without legal knowledge or interest in news be fully informed, prevents panic and misinformation, and is an important reason why Covid in China has been contained so well. This is the local outreach in a modern, rich city. Many Chinese growing up in such cities dont even know how poor and harsh living conditions still are in remote villages. Its not absolute poverty anymore, but its nowhere near the first-world living standard enjoyed in China by hundreds of millions in the new middle class. However, if children from this middle class choose to join the state administration after university, they have to get the full picture. Therefore most young party officials have to go to the countryside to work on poverty reduction as a first step in their career in government. They may find ways to educate local farmers on doing e-commerce, or find aspects to develop local tourism, or develop a local brand from existing products. To reach this goal, they bring expertise from their educational background as well as their inner-party connections and trainings to remote locations, which brings real benefit to people. The arrangement is a win in all directions: young cadres see what it means to work for the people, and why working for the workers and farmers is indeed very relevant, the villagers get a material benefit, the CPC gets increased credibility, and China as a whole sees further positive development. A common statement in the West is Socialism with Chinese Characteristics is in fact just capitalism. If it was that easy, why dont capitalistic developing countries see the development of China, then? China isnt capitalist, because capital and its owners are not above politics. There is no capitalist class ruling over the political class. Contrary, politics guides capital even in private enterprises via CPC connection offices and not to the detriment of companies development. These offices bring benefit in two ways: they report back to the government on the economy from the perspective of private enterprises ensuring legislation and regulation doesnt misinterpret the state of the economy, and they have some influence to ensure companies work in the interest of the country and the people, not just of the company owners; on the other hand they also provide valuable insights of national strategies to the economy, which areas to invest more, and which regions to expand to. They facilitate the flow of information. This may sometimes cause tension, but the overall result can be seen in the stellar performance of the Chinese economy. Ive seen more examples, from interviewing truck drivers to meeting farmers in various villages. The recurring theme is that life keeps improving, that people feel freer than ever before, and people are fed up with foreigners criticizing China for how it is managed internally. There is no interest in telling other countries how to handle themselves, no interest in controlling the world. China as the worlds largest economy is not a goal but a consequence. The goal is to provide higher incomes and a better life to the people. (Contributed by Harald Simeon Buchmann, Intellisia Senior Research Fellow, for Guangming Online) [ Editor: GSY ] Chinese President Xi Jinping addressed the Informal Economic Leaders' Retreat of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) via video link on July 16, 2021. APEC meeting is historically held once a year. Due to the impact of the pandemic, this year's meeting demands a unique approach and APEC 2021s virtual format offers an opportunity to bring economic leaders together for an additional informal discussion. [ Editor: WXY ] Nord Stream 2 not to replace any kind of transit through Ukraine Merkel The Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline should not be a substitute for gas transit through Ukraine, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said. "Our idea is and remains that Ukraine remains a transit country for natural gas," she said at a press conference after talks with U.S. President Joe Biden at the White House. Merkel warned that Germany "will be actively acting should Russia not respect this right of Ukraine that it has as a transit country." According to her, "Nord Stream 2 is an additional project and certainly not a project to replace any kind of transit through Ukraine." She also stated after her talks with Biden that "we've come to different assessments as to what this project entails." Merkel, when answering a clarifying question from a journalist, explained that in case of problems with gas transit through Ukraine, Germany can act not only independently, but also through the EU. She recalled that it was through the EU that sanctions were introduced against Russia related to the Ukrainian conflict. "I hope we will never have to take those decisions [regarding the situation with Nord Stream 2]," she added. Biden, in turn, commenting on the topic of Nord Stream 2, recalled that the United States and Germany are friends. "Good friends can disagree," the U.S. president said. He recalled that by the time when he became President, the project was 90 percent completed." And imposing sanctions did not seem to make any sense. It made more sense to work with Germany," Biden said. He stressed that he considers it important to ensure the energy security of Europe. Talking about how it will be affected by Nord Stream 2, Biden replied: "We'll see." The Digital Transformation Ministry of Ukraine will cooperate with Amazon Web Services to accelerate the development of cloud technologies in the country, digital transformation and innovation. The corresponding memorandum of cooperation was signed by Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of Digital Transformation Mykhailo Fedorov with Amazon in London. "Another global technology giant has begun to work in Ukraine. The beginning of our cooperation is a positive signal to other large international companies and brands that it is possible and necessary to enter Ukraine," he said on Telegram. According to the minister, the ministry, together with Amazon, will develop skills in working with cloud technologies: Ukrainian universities will be able to join the AWS Academy program for free, modernize IT systems and agency policies in the field of cloud technologies; implement the ministry's strategies for the development of IT infrastructure and the diffusion of cloud technologies (in particular, through the development of small and medium-sized businesses and start-ups that use cloud solutions). "And this is just the beginning. I am glad to welcome Amazon in Ukraine," Fedorov said. Verkhovna Rada Commissioner for Human Rights Liudmyla Denisova calls on international missions, in particular the UN and the OSCE, to increase pressure on Russia to ensure the rights of Ukrainian citizens to protection and a fair trial in the temporarily annexed Crimea. "I call on international monitoring missions, in particular the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine and the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission, to increase pressure on Russia to ensure the rights of our citizens to protection and a fair trial, guaranteed by Article 6 of the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, rights to legal proceedings in the native language and access to all materials of the proceedings," the statement in Denisova's telegram channel said. The ombudsman also said that the Sudak court in the temporarily annexed Crimea is considering the case of head of the Sudak regional mejlis Ilver Ametov. He is accused of the storage of ancient artifacts of the Crimean Tatar people and antique weapons under Part 1 of Article 222 of the Criminal Code (illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, transportation or carrying of weapons and ammunition). "The Military Court of Appeal of Vlasikha, Moscow Region, will consider the appeal of the defenders of our citizens in the 'Simferopol case of Akim Bekirov, Seitveli Seitabdiev, Rustem Seitkhalilov, Ruslan Suleymanov, Asan Yanikov' to extend the arrest," the statement said. Knowledge of the Ukrainian language is a duty of every citizen of Ukraine. This is stated in the decision of the Constitutional Court of Ukraine, which considered the constitutionality of the law on ensuring the functioning of the Ukrainian language as the state language. "It is a duty of every citizen of Ukraine to speak Ukrainian as the language of their citizenship. At the same time, every citizen of Ukraine is free to choose the language or languages for personal communication," the document, which was published on the Constitutional Court website on Thursday, July 15, says. It says that the functioning of the Ukrainian language as the state language and its support by the state must be combined with respect for the languages of national minorities historically living within Ukraine and ensuring the protection of the language rights of persons belonging to such minorities. "The Ukrainian language is an inseparable attribute of Ukrainian statehood, preserves its historical continuity from the ancient Kyiv era. The Ukrainian language is an indispensable condition (conditio sine qua non) of the statehood of Ukraine and its unity," the Constitutional Court says. They say that the norms of the law on ensuring the functioning of the Ukrainian language as the state language in no way discriminate against Russian-speaking citizens and do not limit the list of languages of indigenous peoples and national minorities, as stated by MPs who submitted the law to the Constitutional Court. "The Constitutional Court has found that the impugned law does not contain provisions that may restrict the free development, use and protection of languages having the legal status of national minority languages (including Russian), as well as those provisions that would prevent the state from promoting identity, in particular language, indigenous peoples and national minorities of Ukraine," the department of communications of Constitutional Court reports. It is said that the Court found that the legislative settlement, which aims to establish the Ukrainian language as the state language, also protects the democratic system of our state, and the means chosen by the legislator within the framework of the differentiated approach applied in the law is proportional to the legitimate purpose which was pursued in the challenged law. "The Court considers that the impugned law is a legal instrument for overcoming the consequences of the long stay of different parts of Ukraine in other states and the general Russification of Ukraine, which lasted for centuries during the stay of Ukraine in first tsarist Russia and then the USSR, and is the proper legal basis to introduce institutional mechanisms to ensure the functioning of the Ukrainian language as the state language with the ability to apply affirmative action measures in favor of the Ukrainian language, without hindering the development, use and protection of languages of national minorities of Ukraine," the Constitutional Court said. It is also reported that the Constitutional Court did not find a violation of the right of legislative initiative of the MPs of Ukraine during the consideration of the disputed law at the plenary sessions of the Verkhovna Rada and its adoption. The decision of the Constitutional Court of Ukraine is binding, final and not subject to appeal. U.S. acting Charge d'Affaires, during his visit to JFO area, assures Washington to continue supporting Ukraine by providing logistical assistance Deputy Assistant Secretary of State of the United States, acting Charge d'Affaires of the United States to Ukraine George Kent visited the area of the Joint Forces Operation (JFO), where he stressed that the United States would continue to support Ukraine in its efforts to protect its territorial integrity and independence. On July 15, a delegation from the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine, led by U.S. Charge d'Affaires to Ukraine George Kent, visited the area of the Joint Forces Operation, the press center of the Joint Forces Operation reported on Facebook. In particular, during the briefing, Kent and Commander of the Joint Forces, Lieutenant General Volodymyr Kravchenko discussed the current security situation in the area of the JFO, the issue of compatibility between units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the armies of NATO countries and the implementation of NATO standards in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Kent stressed that the United States supports Ukraine in its aspirations to protect its territorial integrity and independence and it would continue to do so, including by providing the necessary material and technical assistance. He noted that the United States is constantly monitoring the situation in Donbas and remains a reliable partner of Ukraine. Also, the U.S. diplomats received feedback on the effectiveness of the material and technical assistance that the United States had provided to Ukraine during 2014-2021. "Units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine use communication stations, counter-battery radars, ambulances and many other means provided by the U.S. government. This all greatly helps our military in repelling Russian aggression. I express my sincere words of gratitude to the American people for their reliable support and such important help for us," Kravchenko said. In turn, the U.S. Embassy reported on Twitter that in Donbas Kent discussed with representatives of the JFO and Skhid (East) operational command countering the aggression of the Russian Federation, as well as what the U.S. can do to support the territorial integrity of Ukraine. "The United States calls on the Russian Federation to live up to its Minsk commitments, withdraw its forces, and release all those unjustly detained," the message reads. In addition, in Kramatorsk, the OSCE SMM briefed Kent on the impact of the conflict in Donbas on the civilian population and the obstacles to their work. "The U.S. calls on Russia to afford the SMM full freedom of movement throughout all of Ukrainian territory, and remove its forces & hardware from eastern Ukraine," the Embassy said. Verkhovna Rada Human Rights Ombudswoman Liudmyla Denisova emphasizes that the indictment against Ukrainian non-staff journalist of Radio Liberty Vladyslav Yesypenko is an example of intimidation of independent journalists, suppression of freedom of thought in Crimea temporarily occupied by Russia. "Ukrainian citizen Vladyslav Yesypenko faces 18 years in prison! The prosecution insists on such a punishment. The conclusion was announced yesterday in the so-called 'Simferopol District Court' controlled by Russia. Vladyslav Yesypenko is accused of allegedly 'illegal manufacture of explosives and possession of weapons.' This indictment is an example of intimidation of independent journalists, the suppression of freedom of thought in the temporarily occupied Crimea and further evidence of the policy of persecution and repression of Ukrainian citizens by the occupying country," the ombudswoman wrote on her Facebook page on Friday. Denisova called on the international community to continue sanctions and political pressure on the Russian Federation to release all those illegally held by Russia in the temporarily occupied territories of Crimea, Donetsk and Luhansk regions. Earlier, it was reported that on March 10, a citizen of Ukraine Vladyslav Yesypenko was detained in Crimea temporarily occupied by Russia. RFE/RL non-staff correspondent Yesypenko is accused of illegal manufacture, processing or repair of firearms (Part 1, Article 223.1 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation) and illegal manufacture of ammunition. On July 6, a district court in Simferopol started to consider Yesypenko's case in essence. On July 6, the so-called "district court of Simferopol" extended the arrest period to Yesypenko for six months. Since July 2020, some 1.3 million Ukrainian tourists have visited Egypt, among them about 30 cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) disease have been recorded during this period, Vice Minister for Tourism at the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities of Egypt Ghada Shalaby told reporters on Wednesday. According to her, during the specified period, among Ukrainian tourists vacationing in Egypt, one or two deaths from COVID-19 were recorded. Shalaby said that currently, in the main resort regions of Egypt Sharm el-Sheikh and Hurghada, 400 beds have been prepared for tourists in hospitals, where they can be hospitalized in case of a severe course of COVID-19. In these clinics, 120 lung ventilators are installed, to which patients can be connected if necessary. According to Shalaby, if a foreign tourist needs to be hospitalized with COVID-19 in other regions, in particular in Cairo, local clinics are used, in which there is no shortage of places for tourists. There are always places in clinics if necessary, she said. Shalaby said that the treatment of tourists for COVID-19 is covered by the Egyptian government, but the tourists can also use insurance funds paying for treatment in Egyptian hospitals. Commenting on the issues of vaccination against COVID-19, Shalaby said that Egypt recognizes all vaccines registered in the world and documents confirming the completion of the full vaccination course. She did not rule out that over time, Egypt will be able to offer tourists the opportunity to vaccinate against COVID-19 on commercial terms. Shalaby said that Egypt's tourism workers are currently being actively vaccinated. She said that those workers in the tourism industry who have not yet been vaccinated are transferred to those areas of work where there is no direct contact with tourists. Only vaccinated people work with tourists. Shalaby said the authorities have now increased the allowed hotel occupancy rate from 50% to 70%. At the same time, she predicts that this figure is unlikely to be increased in the near future. It is unlikely that 100% hotel occupancy will be accommodated, Shalaby said. The Verkhovna Rada has appointed Denys Monastyrsky as the Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine. The corrsponding decision was supported by 271 MPs at a parliamentary meeting on Friday. After that, according to the law, Monastyrsky prematurely resigned as a deputy. This decision was supported by 340 MPs. In addition, Monastyrsky took the oath of office as a member of the government. Reference: Denys Monastyrsky is Ukrainian lawyer and politician. Over the years, he worked as a lawyer at Hillmont Partners, Global Ties KC, Legal Consulting LLC. He was an assistant-consultant on a voluntary basis to member of the parliament of the eighth convocation Anton Gerashchenko, who is currently the deputy head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. In the early parliamentary elections in 2019, Monastyrsky was elected a deputy from the Servant of the People party. In the parliament of the ninth convocation, he headed the committee on law enforcement. As reported, on Tuesday, Arsen Avakov submitted a letter of resignation from office, which the Verkhovna Rada supported on July 15. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky proposed candidacy of the head of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Law Enforcement Affairs Denys Monastyrsky for the post of the new head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine. The National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine (NSDC) has imposed sanctions against nine Ukrainian citizens who are included in the U.S. sanctions lists, NSDC Secretary Oleksiy Danilov has said. "Earlier, we reported that out of 130 citizens against whom sanctions were imposed, today not three are considered dead, but four, that is, 126 people [remain]. The previous decision concerned 100 people, for whom it has already been made, 26 people left. Today we made a relevant decision on the imposition of sanctions against nine persons. We work on the rest of the persons, depending on the need at the next NSDC meetings, such a decision will be made," Danilov said at a briefing following the NSDC meeting in Kyiv on Friday. He said that in relation to Ukrainian businessman Igor Kolomoisky, MP Andriy Derkach and MP Oleksandr Dubinsky, there are no citizens on the list against whom the sanctions were imposed. "Neither Kolomoisky, nor Derkach, nor Dubinsky are on this list at the moment. We will inform what will happen at the next meetings," Danilov said, answering a question from journalists. The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine will take additional measures to respond to the emergence of new variants of the coronavirus (COVID-19) infection, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) Oleksiy Danilov has said. "You know that two new variants, Delta and Lambda, have appeared, which today cause concern about their spread on the territory of our country. The Minister of Health, Mr. Liashko, was heard and the Cabinet of Ministers will take additional measures to respond to this threat in the near future, because it is very dangerous. Because, as you know, to our great regret, they already concern not only the adult population they also concern children," Danilov said at a briefing following the NSDC meeting in Kyiv on Friday. DTEK Energy Holding has not abandoned plans to invest in the generation of electricity from renewable sources in Europe, and is now exploring opportunities for this in different countries, CEO of DTEK Renewables Maris Kunikis has said. "Yes, this is in our focus. Plans to invest in Europe remain. As long as there is no stability in Ukraine, we focus on abroad," he said during the 12th International Ukrainian Energy Forum of the Adam Smith Institute on Friday. At the same time, he said that, since the market in Europe is also changing, the company has to reorient itself to other countries, abandoning the development of projects in those that were considered in 2020. In addition, Kunikis did not disclose the details of possible projects. On Monday, July 19, at 12.00, the press center of the Interfax-Ukraine news agency will host a press conference entitled "State Migration Service distorts image of Ukraine as rule of law state" on how the officials of the Main Directorate of the State Migration Service of Ukraine in Odesa region use a formal approach to clarify the circumstances that forced a person to seek protection in Ukraine and refuse to be recognized as refugees or persons in need of additional protection. Participants include lawyer of the NGO Human Rights Movement of Crimea Damir Minadirov; lawyer, managing partner of the law firm Prime Yuris Andriy Leshchenko; blogger, applicant for international protection in Ukraine Kholdarov Mahmudjon Abdumalikhovich; applicant for international protection in Ukraine Barotov Shukratullo Abdushukurovich (8/5a Reitarska Street). The broadcast will be available on the YouTube channel of Interfax-Ukraine. Admission of journalists requires registration on the spot. More info by phone: (099) 207 2564, or at: minadirov.damir@gmail.com. Interfax-Ukraine to host press conference 'New mutations and the COVID-19 wave in Ukraine - infectious safety and readiness of the regions' On Tuesday, July 20, at 12.30, the press center of the Interfax-Ukraine news agency will host a press conference entitled "New mutations and the COVID-19 wave in Ukraine - the readiness of the regions. Management and professionalism". Participants include President of the All-Ukrainian Council for the Protection of Patients' Rights and Safety Viktor Serdyuk; director of the municipal non-profit enterprise "Mykolaiv Regional Center of Infectious Diseases Treatment" of Mykolaiv regional council Svitlana Fedorova (8/5a Reitarska Street). The broadcast will be available on the YouTube channel of Interfax-Ukraine. Admission of journalists requires registration on the spot. KYIV. July 16 (Interfax-Ukraine) Economic losses from the temporary occupation of the Crimean Peninsula by the Russian Federation amounted to $135 billion, according to a study by the Center for Economic Strategy, commissioned by the representative office of the President of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea (ARC). "The Ministry of Justice made the first official assessment in the spring of 2014, then they counted UAH 1.2 trillion. At the then exchange rate, this is slightly more than $100 billion," senior economist at the Center for Economic Strategy Dmytro Horiunov said a press conference at the press center of the Interfax-Ukraine news agency on Friday. According to the current study, $135 billion is a direct loss of assets, which includes the value of land on the Crimean peninsula ($3 billion) and proven mineral deposits ($52.3 billion) in the form of natural gas and crude oil, loss of residential real estate by the population ($42,7 billion), losses of private companies ($18.4 billion) and banks ($2.7 billion), losses of the state ($14 billion) and local communities ($1.7 billion). It is noted that the assessment of the Center for Economic Strategy does not include the macroeconomic consequences of the temporary occupation of the Crimean peninsula, because they cannot be separated from the influence of the general complex of aggressive actions of the Russian Federation against Ukraine. Thus, this is only the minimum proven estimate of Ukraine's economic losses. According to the study, the price of agricultural land in Crimea can be estimated at $4,000 per hectare, and the total cost of 755,000 hectares of sown area is about $3 billion. Also, Ukrainians could lose almost 935,000 apartments, which is equal to 49 million square meters, which at the time of the occupation is almost $43 billion. It is noted that since then, housing prices have increased. During the first year after the occupation, the cost for housing increased by 50% in dollar terms, and in the next five years - by another 12%. In addition, private owners of assets in Crimea, which had 20,000 enterprises, lost assets worth $18.5 billion. Generation and distribution of electricity, gas distribution, processing industry, as well as construction, part of a recreational complex, and other types of services are among the lost industries. Among other things, the assets of state-owned companies registered directly in Crimea before the temporary occupation amounted to $2.7 billion as of the beginning of 2014. It is noted that the energy companies Chornomornaftogaz and the Feodosia enterprise for the supply of petroleum products, transport infrastructure facilities (sea trade and fishing ports) are among the largest. A feature of the region is the presence of large state health care and recreational institutions and agricultural/food enterprises (for example, Masandra, Novy Svit, Magarach, as well as Simferopol and Sevastopol wineries were state-owned). It is emphasized that the assessment of losses is necessary in order to compensate for these losses through international courts by obliging Russia to pay the corresponding amounts or by seizing the assets of the subjects involved in the occupation in Ukraine or even abroad. Claims of Ukraine as a state, public and private companies and individual citizens have already been filed with the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR, Strasbourg), the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Arbitration (both in The Hague), the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (Hamburg), and also in the courts of the Netherlands, France and Switzerland. According to head of Kyiv-based prosecutor's office for the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol, Ihor Ponochovny, this study will help in the investigation of criminal proceedings concerning Crimea. KYIV. July 16 (Interfax-Ukraine) Some 705,000 residents of the temporarily occupied districts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions have applied for Russian passports, according to the analytical report "Passportization by the Russian Federation in Russia-occupied districts of Donbas." "The Kremlin set the task for occupation administrations to ensure 75% of the voter turnout in the elections [to the State Duma of the Russian Federation] among those who received Russian passports. To date, according to our data, 705,000 residents of ORDLO have applied for Russian passports. Coercive instruments of influence operate there. It cannot be said that all people go and want to get these passports. It's a whole campaign," lawyer and founder of the Eastern Human Rights Group Pavlo Lysiansky said at a press conference hosted by Interfax-Ukraine on Friday. He said that the processes of passportization by the Russian Federation in occupied Donbas were noticed back in 2019. "Since that time, the Kremlin has greatly strengthened the passportization processes. The report contains a map showing 66 document reception points for obtaining Russian citizenship under a simplified procedure and eight points in Rostov region for issuing ready-made passports," Lysiansky said. According to him, back in 2019 there were two such points for the passport issuance. "Russia has increased the number of employees of the migration service for the southern federal district by 2,000 people, and increased funding for billions of rubles in order to issue passports," Lysiansky said. He said that comparing 2018 and 2021, the issuance of passports in the occupied territories increased by 700%. "In 2018, a total of 83,000 Russian passports were issued in Ukraine. This is data from open sources, the website of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation. In 2020, they showed 409,000 passports in December. Then 585,000 passports were recorded in the first quarter of 2021. To date, there are 705,000 passports," he said. In turn, lawyer and deputy director of the Eastern Human Rights Group Ivan Pasykun said that an important goal of passportization for the Russian Federation is also to replenish the personnel reserve of reservists and conscripts for the Russian Armed Forces. "The mechanism is very simple. There is a law of the Russian Federation on conscription and military service. Clause 1 of Article 22 clearly defines those people who are subject to conscription into the Russian Armed Forces. These are persons who have reached the age of 18, have not reached the age of 27, those who are in a military register or those who are not, but must be in a military register. There are no reservations. Thus, those people who formalize passports in the so-called illegal armed formations 'LPR,' 'DPR' are automatically subject to conscription," he said. At the same time, Pasykun said that in the territory of the so-called "LPR" and "DPR" there is still no effective mechanism for regularly conscripting men who have reached the age of 18 and receive a Russian passport, but there are already such cases. KYIV. July 16 (Interfax-Ukraine) The article of Russian President Vladimir Putin "On the Historical Unity of Russians and Ukrainians" is addressed not to Ukrainians, but to world leaders as a demonstration that the Russian Federation intends to maintain its control over Ukraine, Head of the Ukrainian Politics Foundation, historian, political analyst Kost Bondarenko has said. "For the past six months Russia has been developing a new concept of stepping up its activities in relation to Ukraine. It is obvious that this article was not addressed to Ukrainians and the political elite of Ukraine, although it was duplicated in the Ukrainian language. It is addressed to world leaders to show its intention to maintain its control over Ukraine," Bondarenko said at a roundtable talk entitled "Synergy of external, internal challenges for Ukraine. When is to expect turning point?" hosted by Interfax-Ukraine. According to expert of Hardarika Strategic Consulting Corporation Kostiantyn Matviyenko, "Ukraine remains a strategic goal amid Russia's weakening position in Asia." "Russia was ousted from the South Caucasus. The U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan poses a big problem for Russia in Central Asia, from where it will most likely also leave. Kazakhstan is rather severely restricting Russian influence on its territory. The Anschluss of Belarus is almost complete. Now Ukraine remains a strategic goal for Russia and this is a challenge for us," Matviyenko said. As Board Chairman of the Penta analytical center Volodymyr Fesenko said, "the article of the Russian president is a conceptual basis and foundation for at least an ideological attack on Ukraine." "Putin's article is an alarming sign, since Putin is already beginning to think about what to do with Ukraine. What he did in 2014 did not work, after that there were bets on the concentration of pro-Russian forces in the person of Medvedchuk, but this did not work either. In the first half of 2021, after the NSDC sanctions against Medvedchuk and the closure of his channels, we saw the weakening of pro-Russian forces and the strengthening of Zelensky's power. I think it came as a surprise to Putin. Russia is now thinking about what to do with Ukraine," the expert said. In turn, Bondarenko said that "the offensive against Ukraine may intensify this fall ideological, economic and even military." According to Director of the Ukrainian Barometer sociological service Viktor Nebozhenko, "Putin's article can also be viewed as a message to future Russian statesmen." "Firstly, he understands that he is not immortal. Secondly, he believes that only the Russian Empire can be the seat of Russia, Ukraine and Belarus [...] I would call this Putin's political testament, but not in the sense of his withdrawal, but in the sense of reasoning about the future," Nebozhenko said. Parents and community members attend a Loudoun County School Board meeting which included a discussion about the academic doctrine known as Critical Race Theory (Photo : REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein/File Photo) Critical race theory, a once-obscure academic concept that has sparked school board protests and classroom bans in some states, is largely misunderstood among the general public, even by those who say they are familiar with what it teaches about racism in America, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll. Advertisement The national opinion survey taken on Monday and Tuesday found that 57% of adults said they were not familiar with the term, also known by its shorthand, CRT, which asserts that racism is woven into the U.S. legal system and ingrained in its primary institutions. Many of those who said they were familiar with it answered follow-up questions that showed they embraced a variety of misconceptions about critical race theory that have been largely circulating among conservative media outlets. For example, 22% of those who said they were familiar with critical race theory also think it is taught in most public high schools. It is not. Thirty-three percent believe it "says that white people are inherently bad or evil" or that "discriminating against white people is the only way to achieve equality." It does not. Among respondents who said they were familiar with CRT, only 5% correctly answered all seven true-false questions that the poll asked about the history and teachings of critical race theory. Only 32% correctly answered more than four of the seven questions. The poll showed that a bipartisan majority of Americans say that high school students should learn about slavery and racism in America. Yet respondents were more opposed to teaching critical race theory, which maintains that the legacy of slavery and Jim Crow racial segregation laws continues to create an uneven playing field for nonwhite Americans. For example, 78% of adults, including nine in 10 Democrats and seven in 10 Republicans, said they supported teaching high school students about slavery in the United States. Seventy-three percent of adults, including nine in 10 Democrats and six in 10 Republicans, support teaching high school students about racism and its impact on the country. Still, 36% of Americans said they would support a ban on CRT in public schools. The responses were divided along party lines: a majority of Democrats - 51% - opposed a school ban, while a majority of Republicans - 54% - supported one. TEACHING BANS As Americans tackle racial and social injustice after the police killing of George Floyd last year, several Republican-led states including Florida, Georgia and Texas have enacted rules to limit teaching about the role of racism in the United States. Proponents argue they are protecting students from what they consider to be a divisive ideology and a distortion of history. But Paula Ioanide, a professor of race and ethnicity studies at Ithaca College in New York, said the public is being fed bad information about the CRT theory from conservative activists hoping to invigorate the Republican base and dissuade teachers from talking about racism in schools. "This is a manufactured crisis by the political right in response to the Black Lives Matter movement," Ioanide said. "It's a proxy for a debate that the country is reckoning with on the right and the left over the degree to which racism is alive and well." The Reuters/Ipsos poll was conducted online, in English, throughout the United States. It gathered responses from 1,004 adults, including 453 Democrats and 377 Republicans. The results had a credibility interval, a measure of precision, of about 4 percentage points. The Bootleg Fire rages across central Oregon state, in Klamath County, Oregon, U.S. (Photo : OREGON STATE FIRE MARSHAL /via REUTERS) Firefighters struggled on Thursday to contain a massive Oregon fire that has displaced hundreds of residents, as new blazes erupted in neighboring states in an unusually early start to the western wildfire season. More than 1,700 personnel, aided by 12 helicopters, increased containment lines around the Bootleg fire to 7% from 5% on Wednesday, as the swiftly moving blaze threatened nearly 2,000 homes, according to inter-agency InciWeb. Advertisement The fire, which has been burning in and around the Fremont-Winema National Forest, about 250 miles (400 km) south of Portland, since July 6, spread over another 12,000 acres overnight to more than 227,000 acres (91,860 hectares), InciWeb said. "This is going to continue to grow - the extremely dry vegetation and weather are not in our favor," Incident Commander Joe Hessel said on Twitter. No injuries have been linked to the Bootleg fire, officials said, but it has destroyed 21 homes and 54 other structures, and forced hundreds from their homes. Many have taken refuge in Red Cross evacuation center at the Klamath Falls fairgrounds. The Bootleg fire ranks easily as the largest of at least 10 active wildfires burning across the Pacific Northwest, and the seventh largest on record in Oregon since 1900, according to state forestry figures. With drought conditions and a recent heat wave parching several western states, the National Interagency Fire Center in Boise, Idaho reported that 71 large fires have burned about 1 million acres (404,680 hectares). One of them, the Dixie fire, started abruptly on Wednesday in Butte County, California, not far from Paradise, a mountain town devastated by a 2018 fire that killed 85 civilians and destroyed nearly 19,000 structures in the state's deadliest wildfire year. The Dixie fire has charred about 2,250 acres (910 hectares) in its first 24 hours as some 500 personnel battled the blaze which is spreading across a steep, rocky tree-filled terrain about 85 miles (140 km) north of Sacramento. Erik Wegner of the U.S. Forest Service said the dead wood and dense trees along the mountain made conditions ripe for the blaze ignite and move through the area quickly. "It took off really fast," he told Reuters. The blaze prompted the Butte County Sheriff's Office to warn residents in and around the tiny community of Pulga to be ready to evacuate. "Please remember that conditions can change rapidly and we urge our community members to be prepared and have a plan in place for your family and your pets," the sheriff's office said in on Twitter on Wednesday. In Washington, meanwhile, officials said they had contained about 20% of the Chuweah Creek fire near Nespelem, about 175 miles east northeast of Seattle, which has burned some 22,900 acres (9,270 hectares) mostly on the Confederated Tribes' Colville Reservation. The blaze, caused by lightning and first reported on Monday, has been fueled by dry grass and timber with gusty winds as firefighters used planes and helicopters to drop water and fire retardant on it. World Health Organization (WHO) Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus speaks during a bilateral meeting with Swiss Interior and Health Minister Alain Berset (Photo : Laurent Gillieron/Pool via REUTERS) The head of the World Health Organisation said on Thursday that investigations into the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic in China were being hampered by the lack of raw data on the first days of spread there and urged it to be more transparent. A WHO-led team spent four weeks in and around the central city of Wuhan with Chinese researchers and said in a joint report in March that the virus had probably been transmitted from bats to humans through another animal. Advertisement It said that "introduction through a laboratory incident was considered to be an extremely unlikely pathway", but countries including the United States and some scientists were not satisfied. "We ask China to be transparent and open and to cooperate," WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a news conference on Thursday. "We owe it to the millions who suffered and the millions who died to know what happened," he said. China has called the theory that the virus may have escaped from a Wuhan laboratory "absurd" and said repeatedly that "politicizing" the issue will hamper investigations. Tedros will brief WHO's 194 member states on Friday regarding a proposed second phase of study, WHO's top emergency expert Mike Ryan said. "We look forward to working with our Chinese counterparts on that process and the director-general will outline measures to member states at a meeting tomorrow, on Friday," he told reporters. German Health Minister Jens Spahn, who held talks with Tedros on Thursday, urged China to enable investigations into the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic to continue, saying more information was needed. Spahn, speaking during a visit to the WHO headquarters in Geneva, also announced a 260 million euro ($307 million) donation to WHO's ACT-Accelerator programme, which aims to ensure the entire world, including poorer countries, receive COVID-19 vaccines and tests. A Facebook logo is displayed on a smartphone in this illustration taken (Photo : REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/File Photo) Facebook said on Thursday it had taken down about 200 accounts run by a group of hackers in Iran as part of a cyber-spying operation that targeted mostly U.S. military personnel and people working at defense and aerospace companies. The social media giant said the group, dubbed 'Tortoiseshell' by security experts, used fake online personas to connect with targets, build trust sometimes over the course of several months and drive them onto other sites where they were tricked into clicking malicious links that would infect their devices with spying malware. Advertisement "This activity had the hallmarks of a well-resourced and persistent operation, while relying on relatively strong operational security measures to hide who's behind it," Facebook's investigations team said in a blog post. The group, Facebook said, made fictitious profiles across multiple social media platforms to appear more credible, often posing as recruiters or employees of aerospace and defense companies. Microsoft-owned LinkedIn said it had removed a number of accounts and Twitter said it was "actively investigating" the information in Facebook's report. Facebook said the group used email, messaging and collaboration services to distribute the malware, including through malicious Microsoft Excel spreadsheets. A Microsoft spokesperson said in a statement it was aware of and tracking this actor and that it takes action when it detects malicious activity. Alphabet Inc's Google said it had detected and blocked phishing on Gmail and issued warnings to its users. Workplace messaging app Slack Technologies Inc said it had acted to take down the hackers who used the site for social engineering and shut down all Workspaces that violated its rules. The hackers also used tailored domains to attract its targets, Facebook said, including fake recruiting websites for defense companies, and it set up online infrastructure that spoofed a legitimate job search website for the U.S. Department of Labor. Facebook said the hackers mostly targeted people in the United States, as well as some in the United Kingdom and Europe, in a campaign running since mid-2020. It declined to name the companies whose employees were targeted but its head of cyber espionage Mike Dvilyanski said it was notifying the "fewer than 200 individuals" who were targeted. The campaign appeared to show an expansion of the group's activity, which had previously been reported to concentrate mostly on the I.T. and other industries in the Middle East, Facebook said. The investigation found that a portion of the malware used by the group was developed by Mahak Rayan Afraz (MRA), an I.T. company based in Tehran with ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. (https://bit.ly/3yVoRtE) Reuters could not immediately locate contact information for Mahak Rayan Afraz and former employees of the firm did not immediately return messages sent via LinkedIn. Iran's mission to the United Nations in New York did not immediately respond to a request for comment. MRA's alleged connection to Iranian state cyber espionage is not new. Last year cybersecurity company Recorded Future said MRA was one of several contractors suspected of serving the IRGC's elite Quds Force. Iranian government spies - like other espionage services - have long been suspected of farming out their mission to a host of domestic contractors. Facebook said it had blocked the malicious domains from being shared and Google said it had added the domains to its "blocklist." U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) faces reporters following the Senate Democrats weekly policy lunch at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, U.S., (Photo : REUTERS/Elizabeth Frantz) The U.S. Senate majority leader pressed lawmakers on Thursday to make progress on President Joe Biden's agenda, setting up a vote on a $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill and demanding Democrats back a larger $3.5 trillion budget blueprint. Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a Democrat, told the Senate the bipartisan infrastructure bill would face an initial procedural floor vote on Wednesday, in an apparent effort to jump-start the process. Advertisement The bill is still not finished. More than 20 legislators from both parties have been working for weeks to reach consensus on details of the measure, which is expected to fund roads, bridges, ports and other "hard" infrastructure. It is backed by Biden, whose fellow Democrats narrowly control the Senate. "All parties involved in the bipartisan infrastructure bill talks must now finalize their agreement so that the Senate can begin considering that legislation next week," Schumer said. Sixty votes will be needed to advance the measure, which means at least 10 Republicans have to join all the Democrats in backing the legislation in the Senate, which is divided 50-50 along party lines. Signs of difficulty emerged on Thursday when the Republican leader of the group, Senator Rob Portman, said he would not vote to advance the measure next week unless the legislation was ready. Portman said lawmakers were moving as quickly as possible but he would not shortchange the process. "I'm not going to vote yes if we don't have a product ... We're going to get it right." Schumer dismissed such concerns. "There is no reason why we can't start voting next Wednesday. That's what we're going to do," he told reporters. Schumer said he wanted all Senate Democrats to agree by Wednesday to move forward on an additional $3.5 trillion budget blueprint which includes climate measures and beefs up spending on social services. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell told Fox News that all Republicans would vote "no" on the $3.5 trillion measure. The blueprint covers large chunks of Biden's economic and social agenda, including spending on child care and education. Democrats want to raise taxes on the wealthy and corporations to pay for it. Democrats will need the support of all 50 of their senators, plus Vice President Kamala Harris' tie-breaking vote, to pass the $3.5 trillion measure over Republican opposition in the 100-seat Senate, using a maneuver called reconciliation that gets around the chamber's normal 60-vote threshold to advance legislation. Biden made the case for the $3.5 trillion initiative, as well as the smaller bipartisan infrastructure bill, on Capitol Hill on Wednesday, a day after leading Senate Democrats agreed on the budget blueprint. But not all Democrats have given their blessing, with some saying they wanted to see details. Analysis-Despite talk of options on Iran, U.S. has few good ones FILE PHOTO: The Iranian flag waves in front of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) headquarters, (Photo : REUTERS/Leonhard Foeger/File Photo/File Photo) U.S. President Joe Biden has few real diplomatic alternatives to trying to persuade Iran to resume compliance with the 2015 nuclear deal and all appear harder to achieve, current and former U.S. and European officials said. Indirect U.S.-Iranian talks on reviving the deal have been on hold since the last round ended on June 20 and Iran has made clear it is not ready to resume before Iranian President-elect Ebrahim Raisi takes over in August. Advertisement The hiatus, which U.S. and European officials attribute to the hard-line cleric's election, has raised questions about next steps if the talks hit a dead end. The U.S. State Department has acknowledged it may need to rethink its stance. The problem is that experts agree there are few options to the 2015 deal under which Tehran limited its nuclear program to make it harder to acquire nuclear weapons - an ambition it denies - in return for relief from economic sanctions. "I think all the alternatives are worse for us. I think they are worse for Iran. And frankly, I think, at the end of the day, Iran will suffer - I don't know if they suffer more than we will - but they will be in a bad situation," a senior U.S. official told Reuters on condition of anonymity. "Which is why we have argued now for some time that the best option is a strict return to compliance with the (deal). That's our analysis," the U.S. official said. Washington would do all it could to revive the deal, the official said, but added, "we have to be prepared to live with the alternatives." When former U.S. President Donald Trump abandoned the agreement, named the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), he reimposed U.S. sanctions that largely deprived Tehran of its ability to export oil and have caused economic misery in Iran. 'MORE FOR MORE, LESS FOR LESS' One alternative to the JCPOA, which former U.S. and European officials called "more for more," would entail Iran accepting greater limits on its nuclear and perhaps other activities in return for greater sanctions relief. It will likely be harder to negotiate such a broader deal than to restore the 2015 accord, whose parameters are at least defined, even if they may need tweaking to reflect Iran's expanded nuclear work since Trump violated the agreement. A version of "more-for-more" would limit the negotiation to the tradeoffs between restricting Iran's nuclear program and easing economic sanctions. A wider and thornier version would entail Iran also curbing its ballistic missile program and support for regional proxies, red lines Iranian officials say they will not cross. A second alternative, sometimes called less-for-less, might require fewer limitations to Iran's nuclear program in return for less sanctions relief. This might be the worst of both worlds for Biden, however, since he could be criticized for giving Iran economic benefits and getting fewer nuclear limits in return. "An agreement weaker than the 2015 one would be politically unsustainable in the U.S.," said Gerard Araud, France's former ambassador to the United States. "I don't see an alternative to the JCPOA other than 'maximum pressure' but this regime has shown its resilience and I don't see it caving to it," he added. He was referring to Trump's policy of increasing economic pressure in the hopes Iran would capitulate. Tehran, for its part, has raised pressure on Washington by starting the process to make enriched uranium metal and by talk of enriching uranium to 90 percent, or weapons grade - both steps that could help it make nuclear arms. A senior diplomat involved in the talks said it was vital to convince Raisi's team that hopes they can negotiate fewer nuclear limits for more sanctions relief, the equivalent of "less for more," were misplaced. "They may think time is on their side," he said on condition of anonymity. If that's the case, he said, "they are mistaken." Former U.S. government Middle East specialist Dennis Ross said Tehran was likely to keep pushing Washington by expanding its nuclear program. "When they decide the administration has reached the limits of what it (will) concede, I suspect you will see a deal reconstituting the JCPOA," Ross said. A general view of flood-affected area following heavy rainfalls in Schuld, Germany (Photo : REUTERS/Staff) At least 42 people have died in Germany and dozens were missing on Thursday as swollen rivers caused by record rainfall across western Europe swept through towns and villages, leaving cars upended, houses destroyed and people stranded on rooftops. As the water started to recede, stunned residents in the worst affected towns inspected what was left of their homes and neighbourhoods. Advertisement In the town of Schuld, houses were reduced to piles of debris and broken beams. Roads were blocked by wreckage and fallen trees and fish flapped and gasped on puddles of water in the middle of the street. "We have had have two or three days of constant rain. Or maybe four, I lost track," said Klaus Radermacher, who has been living in Schuld for 60 years. "I saw the pizza store getting flooded, half an hour later the bakery was flooded. There is a camping ground up there, so caravans and campervans came floating past, gas tanks. We were powerless against it. It came so fast, I've never seen anything like it." Eighteen people died and dozens were unaccounted for around the wine-growing region of Ahrweiler, in Rhineland-Palatinate state, police said, after the Ahr river that flows into the Rhine broke its banks and brought down half a dozen houses. Another 15 people died in the Euskirchen region south of the city of Bonn, authorities said. People in the region were asked to evacuate their homes and emergency workers were pumping water from a dam south of Euskirchen town, fearing it could burst. In Belgium, two men died due to the torrential rain and a 15-year-old girl was missing after being swept away by an overflowing river. Hundreds of soldiers and 2,500 relief workers were helping police with rescue efforts in Germany. Tanks were deployed to clear roads of landslides and fallen trees and helicopters winched those stranded on rooftops to safety. Around 200,000 households lost power due to the floods. 'NATURE HITTING OUT' In Ahrweiler, two wrecked cars were propped steeply against either side of the town's stone gate and locals used snow shovels and brooms to sweep mud from their homes and shops after the floodwaters receded. "I was totally surprised. I had thought that water would come in here one day, but nothing like this," said resident Michael Ahrend. "This isn't a war - it's simply nature hitting out. Finally, we should start paying attention to it." The floods have caused Germany's worst mass loss of life in years. Flooding in 2002 killed 21 people in eastern Germany and more than 100 across the wider central European region. Chancellor Angela Merkel expressed her dismay. "I am shocked by the catastrophe that so many people in the flood areas have to endure. My sympathy goes out to the families of the dead and missing." In Washington for a farewell visit before she steps down following a federal election in September, Merkel promised financial aid for those affected. "You can trust that all branches of government, federal, state and local, will join forces to do everything they can to save lives, avert danger and alleviate hardship," she said. Armin Laschet, the conservative candidate to succeed Merkel as chancellor and premier of the hard-hit state of North Rhine-Westphalia, blamed the extreme weather on global warming. "We will be faced with such events over and over, and that means we need to speed up climate protection measures, on European, federal and global levels, because climate change isn't confined to one state," he said during a visit to the area. Climate and the environment are central themes in the election campaign, in which Laschet is going head-to-head with Social Democrat candidate Olaf Scholz and Annalena Baerbock of the Greens. POWER OUTAGE In Belgium, around 10 houses collapsed in Pepinster after the river Vesdre flooded the eastern town and residents were evacuated from more than 1,000 homes. The rain also caused severe disruption to public transport, with high-speed Thalys train services to Germany cancelled. Traffic on the river Meuse is also suspended as the major Belgian waterway threatened to breach its banks. Downstream in the Netherlands, flooding rivers damaged many houses in the southern province of Limburg, where several care homes were evacuated. In addition to the fatalities in the Euskirchen region, another nine people, including two firefighters, died elsewhere in North Rhine-Westphalia. Further down the Rhine river, the heaviest rainfall ever measured over 24 hours caused flooding in cities including Cologne and Hagen, while in Leverkusen 400 people had to be evacuated from a hospital. In Wuppertal, known for its overhead railway, locals said their cellars had been flooded and power cut off. "I can't even guess at how much the damage will be," said Karl-Heinz Sammann, owner of the Kitchen Club discotheque. Weather experts said that rain in the region over the past 24 hours had been unprecedented, as a near-stationary low-pressure weather system also caused sustained local downpours to the west in France, Belgium and the Netherlands. Saad Al-Hariri, the Lebanese prime minister-designate who announced his resignation on Thursday, said he sought during his earlier visit to Cairo to import Egyptian gas through Syria. Hariris resignation comes only a day after he visited the Egyptian capital, where he held talks with President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi and Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry. Al-Hariri cited key differences with the country's president, Michel Aoun, as the reason behind his decision to abandon attempts to form a new government, which have been ongoing since late last year. His resignation came after a brief meeting with Aoun. Egypt today has gas. If we used gas in our stations, we would save 50-60 percent of the cost, Al-Hariri said in an interview with Mariam Al-Bassam on Lebanese Al-Jadeed New TV channel, affirming that his visit to Cairo was not only for political reasons. Since the [tenure] of the Hassan Diabs government and my government, we have been trying to convince Americans so that we can bring gas through Jordan and Syria for our stations, Al-Hariri said. I went to Egypt, while there have been ongoing discussions with the Jordanians to see how we are removing obstacles with the Americans so that we can bring gas to Lebanon, he added. The former premier affirmed that Egypt has always supported the need to form a Lebanese government and has always stood by Lebanon. He denied that he discussed his resignation plans with El-Sisi. Al-Hariri was named premier for a fourth time in October after his successor, Hassan Diab, stepped down. He pledged to quickly form a new cabinet comprised of specialists that would enact reforms and save the country from economic collapse. Meeting with the former Lebanese premier in Cairo, El-Sisi affirmed Egypts full support for Al-Hariris political path to restore stability in Lebanon and deal with the current challenges. El-Sisi expressed Egypts support for Al-Hariris efforts to form a government, highlighting the importance of the concerted efforts of all to settle any differences in this context to get Lebanon out of the situation it is currently suffering from by upholding Lebanons national interest. Short link: Maya Morsy, head of the National Council for Women, on Friday hailed Egypts launch of the national Decent Life project to develop the countryside as a project that prioritises human rights in all aspects. President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi inaugurated on Thursday evening the first phase of the Decent Life initiative in a public event held at Cairo International Stadium. El-Sisi said the project aims to raise the standard of living of 58 million Egyptians in more than 4,000 villages in the time span of only three years at a cost of more than EGP 700 billion (about $44.6 billion). In a Facebook post, Morsy said the projects axes consider and prioritise human rights within the economic, social and cultural frameworks. In a message to the world, Morsy said the project will entirely change and enhance the lives of Egyptian women, men, children, youth, and elderly. Morsy cited some of the presidents remarks during the inauguration, through which he affirmed that the launch of this project is the launch of the new republic. El-Sisi affirmed that this new republic is firmly based on the concept of the modern civilian state that possesses comprehensive capabilities militarily, economically, politically and socially, Morsy mentioned. The president said the republic also boosts the concept of citizenship, democracy and stability; seeks to achieve peace, stability and development; and aspires to a political development that achieves vitality for the Egyptian society based on the concepts of social justice, dignity and humanity. Morsy called the presidents remarks sincere words of a president who delivered on his promise and a document for the future and history. The Decent Life project was first initiated in 2019 when the president charged the Ministry of Social Solidarity with developing Egypts poorest 1,000 villages. In December 2020, President El-Sisi decided to expand the initiative to include 4,500 villages within the framework of the Sustainable Development Strategy: Egypt's Vision 2030. The enormous volume of work required to develop the 4,500 villages means they have been divided into three groups of 1,500 villages each. The first phase started in January 2021 with a budget of nearly EGP 200 billion (about $12.7 billion) and is due to be completed by the end of FY 2021-22. During the launch, President El-Sisi honored a group of governorate executives, Decent Life volunteers and members for their work in the past two years. Short link: Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi urged on Friday developing the roads and highways of Egypts North Coast to cope with the traffic and commercial movements that are expected to rise due to the comprehensive development in the area. The president inspected existing road development projects along the North Coast, the presidencys spokesman Bassam Radi said in a statement. El-Sisis inspection tour included new roads on the North Coast and the highways to link the area with the Cairo and delta governorates and cities, Radi noted. El-Sisi urged developing these roads, as well as the southern sector, so that they become lifelines that better integrate these huge national projects with the rest of the country, the spokesman said. The national projects underway include the New Delt project for agricultural production, the New Alamein city, the El-Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant, the El-Alamein International Airport, Ras El-Hekma city and the tourist resorts extending to Matrouh Governorate. The road projects El-Sisi inspected includes 160 kilometres of the Cairo-Alexandria desert road, which are being expanded to eight lanes in each direction, and development along the Al-Dabaa Corridor extending over 260 kilometres, also encompassing eight lanes per direction. The projects also include upgrading the International Coastal Road leading to the Alamein airport and developing 130 kilometres of the Wadi El-Natrun-Alamein Road, also encompassing eight lanes per direction. Short link: Minister of Trade and Industry Nevin Gamea banned the export of oxygen, except with the approval of the Ministry of Health, an official decree in the Gazette read. Amid the coronavirus pandemic, the minister lifted the ban on exporting surgical masks and preventive supplies to all foreign markets in September, which had been imposed earlier last year. Egypt has sent hundreds of oxygen cylinders to coronavirus-ravaged countries, including India and Tunisia. Since early this year, the state officials have reiterated the availability of oxygen in hospitals. In January, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly ordered the doubling of oxygen production in the country for hospitals. Short link: Arab League (AL) Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul-Gheit expressed late on Thursday "great disappointment" over the decision by Lebanese Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri to step down. "The consequences of Hariri's stepping down may be dangerous for the future of the situation in Lebanon," the AL chief was quoted as saying in an AL statement. Aboul-Gheit made the remarks from the US city of New York where he is participating in a UN Security Council session on Libya, according to the statement. He held all Lebanese politicians responsible for "such a deteriorating condition" that the Lebanese people don't deserve, vowing that the AL would continue its support for Lebanon in this crucial stage of its history. Hariri gave up the effort to form a new government on Thursday after a meeting with President Michel Aoun, citing that "it's clear that nothing changes and it seems that we disagree with the president." Hariri's failure to form a non-partisan cabinet in the crisis-torn country narrows the chances for a cabinet formation any time soon to save the country from worsening financial conditions. Aboul-Gheit urged the international community to stand by Lebanon and support its people in this critical phase. Short link: The number of tourists visiting Egypt in March 2014 reached 755,000, a drop of 32.4 percent below the same month last year, Egypt's official statistics agency CAPMAS said on Tuesday. Vacations in Egypt in March were also shorter as compared to the same period a year earlier, with the number of nights spent by tourists down by 43.6 percent. In fact, the first three months of 2014 saw tourism revenues drop by 43 percent, compared to the previous year, Reuters reported in April. Most tourists in the period were from eastern Europe, followed by western Europe and then Arab countries. Almost 120,000 Arab tourists visited Egypt in March, compared to more than 180,000 visitors in the same period the previous year. Egypts tourism sector, which represents 11 percent of the countrys GDP, has been suffering from ongoing shocks ever since the 2011 uprising that unseated the autocrat Hosni Mubarak. Despite a few instances of seeming recovery, the countrys instability has remained a challenge to the sector. As one of several initiatives aimed at saving the sector, Egypt hosted the India on the Nile festival in April. During the event, Zaazou voiced hopes of Egypt welcoming up to 1 million tourists from India within the next three years, as a result of the growing partnership between the two nations. Short link: Twenty years after occupying Afghanistan, the US is leaving. Almost certainly the Taliban will return, probably immediately, to control the most important parts of the country, arms smuggling and narcotics will return to dominate the Afghan economy, and the countrys tribal-based political economy will again regulate social life. To the assessment that says Americas occupation of Afghanistan was a colossal mistake, some retort that the US has achieved the primary objectives for which it had gone into Afghanistan in the first place: striking a painful blow against the Taliban and killing Osama bin Laden basically exacting revenge after 9/11. But the cost has been thousands of American lives, tens of thousands of Afghan lives, and a trillion dollars. There are also costs in terms of acute questions regarding Americas standing in the world. The first question concerns Americas positioning in Asia. Americas presence in Afghanistan put its armed forces up against Russias soft underbelly, arguably giving the US a strategic leverage point against Russia. It backed-up Americas presence in the Gulf, which meant the availability of further force against Iran, should it have been needed. It also gave America the ability to observe and potentially intervene in arguably the most dangerous dispute in the continent: that between the two nuclear armed states, India and Pakistan. But these advantages have become obsolete. Russia proved immune to any potential threat from Afghanistan (not surprising given Russias first hand experience in the country). Americas strategic interests in the Gulf are declining, which is one of the reasons why America seeks to alter its relationship with Iran from confrontation to containment and in some cases cooperation. And with regard to the India-Pakistan conflict, America understands that its presence at the border is neither helpful nor welcomed. Now Americas primary question in its positioning in Asia is, what to do about China. So far the most widely accepted view within American decision making circles is that America must remain able to operate including militarily in the entire continent, including in Chinas direct neighbourhood. On the other hand, Chinas primary military objective now is to deter America from operating in that specific neighbourhood. These two contradictory objectives give rise to an important point of contention in the nascent America-China strategic confrontation. The leads to the second question. For the past twenty years, beginning in Afghanistan, America has become used to operating against opponents that are by far weaker and less sophisticated and organised. In China however, America will find an opponent thats almost its equal in many respects. This brings to the fore two points about how America is perceived internally and externally. Internally, American strategists, military commanders, forces on the ground, and sections of society know or, at least sense that two decades of fighting in Afghanistan did not lead to much. The situation is arguably worse than that concerning Vietnam fifty years ago. Then, in the late 1960s and early 1970s, large sections of the American public was either for or against the war. Vietnam was at the very centre of American domestic politics let alone foreign policy. In the past decade however, Afghanistan (and Iraq) were side concerns in American politics, hardly receiving serious attention in public life. Astonishingly, hardly receiving serious attention at key centres of American foreign policy thinking. This is a consequence of fighting wars against vastly inferior opponents in terms of power and resources. In such cases, the wars become campaigns, where missions supposedly get completed after the mediocre defences of the inferior opponents were destroyed. The politicians who never doubted the outcome of the campaigns move on. The public was never inspired or had any doubts about the eventual victory. The stakes were supposedly too low. And yet, the actual operations continue; many years pass; and with time, not only the campaigns recede from public attention; they also lose the meanings for which they were supposedly started in the first place. This leads to disillusionment and potentially to loss of faith in the mechanics of political decision making. Questions such as: why did we fight? For which objectives? What has been achieved? How were these decisions taken? And why did we continue? They all lurk unanswered. Externally, the absurdity of how these military campaigns took lives of their own and continued for many years without clear grand strategies behind them, undermine Americas standing and credibility. The problem is not about allies, who have understood, for many years now, the short term perspective and the theatrical nature of, and centrality of compromises in American politics. For many allies, these characteristics are essential features and outcomes of the diversity, openness, and dynamism inherent in the politics of a global empire based in a continent, and that has a democratic system of governing. Opponents assessments are different, however. Many see these characteristics as serious vulnerabilities. In this view the US is already a modern version of the Roman Empire in decline vast inequalities and social differences within, a centre drawn to its internal political squabbles hardly appreciating the major changes taking place round the empire, a military and a bureaucracy that look with disillusionment at the centre and have muted anger at what that centre imposes on them, and with all of that, the decision making mechanisms at the centre often lacks discipline, decisiveness, and crucially long term perspective characteristics that these opponents strive to command and project. Leaving Afghanistan ends a bizarre chapter in American foreign policy. But it underlines questions about American positioning in the world. Those questions were brushed aside when the US ruled supreme as the sole global super power. Today these questions are salient because the US is entering its most important strategic confrontation since the end of the Cold War, a confrontation that will affect almost all parts of the world. Short link: KYODO NEWS - Jul 16, 2021 - 23:37 | World, All A South Korean civic group said Friday it strongly supports UNESCO recommendations that urge Japan to honor wartime forced labor victims, claiming exhibits at a Tokyo center on Japanese industrial sites listed as World Cultural Heritage lack explanation on the victims. The center featuring the sites called Sites of Japan's Meiji Industrial Revolution opened in Tokyo in March 2020 with the support of the Japanese government, based on the recommendations made by UNESCO since 2015 when the sites were inscribed on the World Heritage list. But the exhibits at the Industrial Heritage Information Center in Tokyo have been criticized by South Koreans as the displays fall short of explanation on Korean victims of forced labor during Japan's colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula. UNESCO has recommended Japan sufficiently interpret history of the sites including forced labor at facilities introducing the sites. The South Korean group and a Japanese group working on the forced labor issue jointly released a statement ahead of the annual session of UNESCO's World Heritage Committee that starts Friday and discusses issues including the one on the historical sites in Japan. The group of 23 sites on Japan's industrial revolution includes the Hashima Coal Mine in Nagasaki Prefecture, also known as "Battleship Island." The South Korean civic group called the Center for Historical Truth and Justice, which helps forced labor victims, said in the statement it feels "strongly regretful" toward the Japanese government for not complying with the recommendations. UNESCO released a report earlier this month after its experts inspected the center in Tokyo. The report concluded the Japanese government has not yet fully implemented UNESCO's recommendations. KYODO NEWS - Jul 17, 2021 - 05:27 | World, All, Coronavirus Leaders from 21 Pacific-Rim economies including Japan, the United States and China pledged on Friday to beef up the availability of COVID-19 vaccines to tackle the coronavirus pandemic and to provide the necessary ongoing support for their economies to recover. "We will only overcome this health emergency by accelerating equitable access to safe, effective, quality-assured and affordable COVID-19 vaccines," the leaders of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum said in a statement issued after their informal virtual summit. Emphasizing the role of extensive immunization as a global public good, they also vowed to "redouble our efforts to expand vaccine manufacture and supply, support global vaccine sharing efforts, and encourage the voluntary transfer of vaccine production technologies on mutually agreed terms." Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, U.S. President Joe Biden, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin were among the attendees of the extraordinary meeting hosted by New Zealand, which currently holds the rotating APEC presidency. During the talks, Suga conveyed Japan's determination to hold a "safe and secure" Olympics from next week by taking all necessary measures to stem coronavirus infections, a senior government official said. With regard to global efforts to ensure fair access to coronavirus vaccines, Suga stressed Japan has been working to provide millions of doses to other countries and regions through such channels as the U.N.-backed COVAX global vaccine sharing program. The prime minister also expressed Japan's continued commitment to expanding a "free and fair" economic bloc in the Asia-Pacific region, the official said. Biden said the United States is a Pacific nation and will remain "deeply engaged in the region for generations to come," according to the White House. His remarks came after his predecessor Donald Trump faced criticism for snubbing key Asia-Pacific meetings and pursuing a unilateralist "America First" agenda. The United States is donating more than half a billion vaccine doses to more than 100 countries in need around the world, Biden said. He noted the importance of "not attaching any political or economic conditions to the provision of vaccines," apparently in mind of countries such as China and Russia that are thought to be using so-called vaccine diplomacy as a way to boost their clout. The informal meeting among the world leaders appears to have raised a strong expectation for desired outcomes to be realized before an official summit in the fall, including lower tariffs on vaccines moving across borders and an accelerated digitization of border paperwork to achieve widespread vaccine access. "We have collective agreement to move beyond vaccine nationalism and we are focusing on all aspects of contributing to the global vaccination effort," New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern told a press conference. "Each of the economies will need to chart our own paths through the crisis, but none of us are alone, nor can we achieve the full potential of safe and healthy economies by going alone," she stressed. In the statement, the APEC leaders also vowed to continue to support their economies "for as long as necessary," citing the historic significance of the fiscal stimulus already provided to cushion the adverse impacts of the pandemic. APEC economies, which represent about 60 percent of the world's gross domestic product, have suffered their biggest contraction since World War II over the past year, with 81 million jobs lost, according to Ardern. The APEC leaders also touched on the importance of pushing for collaborative and practical solutions to safely reconnect the world, discussing the potential for initiatives such as vaccine passports, travel green lanes and quarantine-free travel bubbles. Meanwhile, Xi in his remarks stressed the importance of promoting the liberalization and facilitation of trade and investment, calling for removing barriers, Xinhua News Agency reported. "We must remove barriers, not erect walls. We must open up, not close off. We must seek integration, not decoupling," Xi was quoted as saying. The informal summit took place amid increasing U.S.-China rivalry, but Ardern dispelled notions that there was any tension between Biden and Xi, saying it "wasn't an issue that I had to navigate as chair at all." Ardern declined to comment on questions regarding the role of APEC economies in countering China's rising assertiveness in the Taiwan Strait, stating that security issues were not a topic of discussion. The meeting, held ahead of a formal gathering planned for November, was the first additional summit meeting APEC has ever held since its founding in 1989. APEC groups Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, the Philippines, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, the United States and Vietnam. New Delhi: The Congress partys 'fast for harmony' on Monday led to fresh political brickbats with party president Rahul Gandhi accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of being anti-Dalit and the ruling BJP criticising him for staging a "farce". Blaming the BJP-led government for caste-based violence, communalism and non-functioning of Parliament, Gandhi led his party's nationwide daylong fast - 'Sadhbhavna Upvas' (Fast for harmony) - outside Rajghat. The fast started at 10.30 am. Calling for peace and harmony in the country and labelling the prime minister as being "casteist" and "anti-Dalit", Gandhi said the Congress would always stand against the BJP's ideology. "We are standing here today and will stand against it all our life, he said, adding that his party will defeat the BJP in the 2019 elections. The BJP's ideology is "to divide the country and crush Dalits, crush tribals and minorities," Gandhi said, referring to BJP president Amit Shah's recent speech equating opposition parties to various animals, including mongoose and snakes. "A few days ago, a BJP leader said opposition leaders are animals. The truth is that today every person in India is standing against the government, whose approach is against the Dalits, tribals, minorities and farmers, Gandhi said. However, Congress leaders Sajjan Kumar and Jagdish Tytler, listed as accused in 1984 anti-Sikh riots, stayed away from the main dais. While Kumar left the venue soon thereafter, Tytler sat in the audience along with party workers. In view of it, spokesperson Sambit Patra mocked Gandhi and called the fast a "farce". He said the party's decision to keep Kumar and Tytler away from the main dais was its "admission of guilt". "What we have seen from Rahul Gandhi today is not a fast but the farce of a fast. (It was) an attempt by his party to fast track his politics to burnish his credentials despite people rejecting him time and again," Patra said. "After moral victory, Congress has now come up with the idea of 'symbolic fast' powered by chhole puri," said a BJP tweet with the hashtag "#RahulOnAFarce". Gandhi was joined by senior leaders, including Kamal Nath, Mallikarjun Kharge, Sheila Dikshit, Ashok Gehlot, Delhi Congress chief Ajay Maken and the party's communications in-charge Randeep Surjewala. The fast was carried out across the country by Congress workers in all state and district headquarters. "This is a fight for the ideology and values which India represents. We won't allow the politics of hatred and division aimed at garnering votes to succeed," Surjewala told reporters. The congress leader said the BJP government had divided the country on communal lines and was now trying to drive a divide between Dalit and non-Dalits. The BJP MPs will observe a fast on April 12 to protest the impasse in Parliament. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Allahabad: The Allahabad High Court on Wednesday ordered that the body of the Unnao gangrape victim's father should not be cremated, if already not done so. The man had died on Tuesday in custody after his 18-year-old daughter had accused a BJP MLA, his brother and his aides of raping her. A bench of Chief Justice D B Bhosale and Justice Suneet Kumar passed the order taking cognisance of the gangrape case in Uttar Pradesh on a letter to the court by senior lawyer Gopal Swaroop Chaturvedi detailing the incident. "If the body has not been cremated, then it shall not be cremated," the court said. Chaturvedi also demanded fair investigation in the heinous crime and later, on the death of the victim's father. The bench also sought the state government's stand on the case while slating the matter for next hearing on April 12. It also asked the advocate general or one of the additional advocate general to remain present during the course of hearing to apprise the court about the case and action being taken. There is no clarity if the body of the woman's father has already been cremated. The police had on Tuesday arrested Atul Singh, brother of BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar, in connection with the gangrape of the woman and the custodial death of her father. The Supreme Court will also hear next week a plea for CBI probe into the Unnao gangrape case. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: A day after the death of Unnao gang-rape survivors father in judicial custody, the Uttar Pradesh police on Tuesday arrested Atul Sengar, the brother of main accused BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar. The police, however, was yet to arrest the main accused Kuldeep Singh, a Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) MLA from Unnao district of Uttar Pradesh. Reacting to the arrest, the 18-year-old victim said, Kuldeep Singh (Sengar) isn't being arrested. I don't know if his brother is arrested. I demand that they be hanged till death. They've made my life miserable. I want justice. They killed my father, she said. Uttar Pradesh ADG Law and Order Anand Kumar informed that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) had been formed to investigate the case and action will be taken against the guilty. Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed to probe all allegations related to Unnao matter. The investigation is being done & action will definitely be taken, Kumar said. He said that the police had not given clean chit to anyone and the accused BJP MLA will also be questioned. He said that the father of the victim died due to shock and septicemia caused by peritonitis (caused by leakage or a hole in the intestines) and colon perforation. Postmortem report states Cause of death shock & septicemia due to peritonitis & ascending colon perforation, the officer said. Read More | Father of woman raped by UP BJP MLA dies in police custody, CM Yogi orders prob The arrest came a day after her father, who was arrested on April 5 after an altercation with Atul Sengar, also a co-accused in the gang rape, died while in judicial custody. The family had accused that he was killed by the BJP MLA and his younger brother Atul Singh Sengar with the help of police. On Tuesday, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, terming the incident unfortunate had ordered a thorough probe and assured that the guilty wont be spared. "It is an unfortunate incident. ADG Lucknow has been asked to probe the matter thoroughly. Those at fault, whoever they might be, will not be spared," Adityanath said. Early on Sunday, the victim and her family attempted suicide outside Adityanaths residence in Lucknow after police failed to take any action against the BJP lawmaker and his brothers who allegedly gang-raped her. I was raped. I have been running pillar to post for the last one year but no one is listening to me. I want to see all of them arrested, otherwise, I will kill myself. I had even approached the CM to no result. When we lodged an FIR, we were threatened, the victim had said. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: In a major breakthrough to the CBSE paper leak scam, three persons, including a teacher, clerk and support staff were arrested from Himachal Pradesh on Friday. "#CBSEPaperLeak: Three, including a teacher, clerk & support staff, arrested from Himachal Pradesh over the leak of XII class Economics paper which was leaked in handwritten form," according to ANI. Reports suggest that the arrested trio was part of DAV school in Himachal Pradesh. Police were tracking the three persons since past few days and finally on Saturday captured them from Himachal. They will now be grilled as part of the investigations in CBSE paper leak issue. #CBSEPaperLeak: Three, including a teacher, clerk & support staff, arrested from Himachal Pradesh over the leak of XII class Economics paper which was leaked in handwritten form. pic.twitter.com/7D2AYdfOEC ANI (@ANI) April 7, 2018 Earlier, in March, CBSE'S class X Mathematics and class XII Economics examinations were cancelled after the reports of question paper leak dropped on the internet. The Economics papers were allegedly leaked in a handwritten form before the examination on March 26. Also Read | Supreme Court dismisses pleas against re-examination of CBSE leaked paper The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) will conduct the Class XII Economics re-examination on April 25. However, the board had decided not to conduct a re-test for Class X Mathematics paper amidst massive uproar by a score of frustrated students, who took to streets to protest against the Board's negligence. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: A missing youth from Assam is suspected to have joined militant outfit Hizbul Mujahideen in Jammu and Kashmir after a picture of him holding a rifle went viral in the social media. The picture prompted his mother to say the government should shoot him dead. The youth in the picture is identified as Qamer Uzzaman. In the photo, Qamer, who hails from Jamunamukh in Nagaon district, is seen holding an automatic rifle. A caption of the photo appeared to suggest that he is a member of Hizbul Mujahideen. "Org: Hizbul Mujahideen; Name: Qamer Uzzaman; S/O Ibrahim Zaman; R/O: Assam India; Code: Dr Hurairah; Qul: MA English," the picture was captioned. On seeing the picture, the mother confirmed that it was her son. "Yes, he is my son Qamer. If he has joined the militant organisation, the government should shoot him dead as he is an enemy of the country. His body should be fed to animals. I don't need such a son. Such a person should not be living," she told reporters at her home. The Assam Police said it had started a probe into the matter. Director General of Police Mukesh Sahay said the Assam Police is in touch with its Jammu and Kashmir counterpart. Special DGP Special Branch Pallav Bhattacharyya said it was difficult to confirm whether Qamer had joined the outfit and that the state police had taken up the matter with the J&K Police for a detailed investigation. The mother claimed Qamer had left home, saying he was going to Kashmir to start a business and has maintained no contact with the family for the past 10 months. Qamer's wife and three-year old son were with him till he returned to drop them 10 months ago at Jamunamukh where he was constructing a house, his brother Mufidul said. "I now don't consider him as my brother. He should be killed as he is a traitor. We won't allow even his body to be brought inside our house," Mufidul was quoted as saying by the PTI. The family had gone to Jammu and Kashmir last year to file a police report that he was missing, Mufidul said. Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah tweeted: "An MA in English & reportedly has come all the way from Assam to become a militant in Kashmir. A few days ago my security people had told me about his presence around Srinagar". For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: The Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), in its circular dated April 9, asked banks to not deny monthly pension to people for want of biometric authentication or Aadhaar cards. It said that alternative means of identification like life certificates can be used if needed. The retirement fund body issued a circular to all the heads of pension disbursing banks and postal services, which listed out that a person cant be denied his/her monthly pension if biometric identification, be it fingerprint or iris scan, failed. EPFO asked the banks to ensure that the pensioners are facilitated for Aadhaar enrolment and also a paper life certificate is accepted, in place of a digitally generated one, for those pensioners who have already enrolled for Aadhaar. It also stated that people who dont have Aadhaar must be encouraged to get the same and till the time they do so, life certificates could be accepted as an alternate means of identification. EPFO also advised the banks to make provisions for IRIS scanners and fingerprint mechanism in their branches for authentication of identity. The circular stated that there were cases when iris-scan authentication was successful even if fingerprint mechanism failed. In cases where both iris and fingerprint authentication fail, EPFO has asked the concerned banks to maintain a record of the beneficiaries details in an exception register, with the exact reason. The pension will be given on the basis of paper life certificates and physical Aadhaar card after proper verification as considered fit by the bank. For all the Latest Business News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Kolkata: Natural gas will play a major role in bilateral trade between India and Cyprus, a Cyprus diplomat said on Monday at Kolkata. India is a major natural gas importer. Cyprus may export gas to India," Cyprus High Commissioner to India Demetrios A Theophylactou said during an interactive session at the Merchants' Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He further informed the Chambers of Commerce that no serious dialogue has yet been initiated between the two countries in connection to the import and export of natural gas. India plans to double share of natural gas in the countrys energy mix to more than triple imports per year by 2022. India plans to import at least 70 million tonnes by the next four years. Vishal Jhajharia, Merchants Chamber vice-president, informed the media that in 2015-16 bilateral trade between the countries was USD 107 million. New Delhi: Pakistan is mulling to permanently ban several terrorist organisations and individuals, including 2008 Mumbai terror attack mastermind Hafiz Saeeds Jamaatud Dawa. Pakistan government is working on a draft bill to replace the presidential ordinance that banned Jamaatud Dawa and other terror organisations and individuals, according to a report published in Pakistani daily the Dawn. The proposed draft bill to amend the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA), 1997 is likely to be tabled on April 9, the report stated. The bill is seen as a damage control move by Pakistan after the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) approved a proposal to put the country on the international watchdogs money-laundering and terror-financing grey list in February. The Pakistani government is also taking military establishment in confidence before moving the bill in its National Assembly. Earlier in February, days before FATF plenary meeting in Paris, Pakistan President Mamnoon Hussain had secretly promulgated an ordinance seeking to amend the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) to ban the United Nations proscribed terrorist groups. Also Read | Stop harassing Hafiz Saeed, let him perform social welfare activities: Pakistan court to government The ordinance amended ATAs Section 11-B that sets out parameters for prescription of groups and Section 11-EE that describes the grounds for the listing of individuals. Pakistan is also preparing a strong database of terrorists and terrorist organisations operating from the countrys soil. The data will be provided to the financial institutions of the country to check the money laundering and terror financing. Pakistan was given a three-month time by FATF to take substantial actions against money laundering and terror financing. FATF maintains a grey and blacklist that identifies countries supporting money laundering and terror financing. Pakistan had been on the grey list of FATF for three years from 2012 to 2015. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: India and Bangladesh today signed six MoUs, including one for the construction of a 129.5 km-long oil pipeline between Siliguri and Parbatipur, and discussed the Teesta water sharing issue as well as the Rohingya refugee crisis. Indian Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale and his Bangladeshi counterpart Md Shahidul Haque discussed many bilateral and international issues during delegation-level talks. "Six MoUs including India-Bangladesh Friendship pipeline between Siliguri & Parbatipur, agreement between Department of Atomic Energy, India and Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission, were signed during the visit," the Indian High Commission in Dhaka tweeted. "This is part of our endeavour to undertake projects in Bangladesh in various socio-economic sectors, including education, culture, health, community welfare, road infrastructure etc, for which we are providing 1,600 crore taka under grant financing," the Indian foreign secretary said. The MoU on oil pipeline is aimed at pumping diesel from India to Bangladesh with a capacity of 1 million tonnes per annum. "The MoU focuses on deepening bilateral cooperation in the hydrocarbon sector and the mutual benefits for both sides that would accrue from the proposed construction of approximate 129.5 km long oil pipeline from the Siliguri Marketing Terminal of the Numaligarah Refinery Ltd (NRL) in India to the Parbaripur depot of the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC)," the brief description of the MoU read. The other MoUs are on cooperation between Prasar Bharati and Bangladesh Betar, installation of an Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) Urdu Chair in Dhaka University, Addendum to the GCNEP-BAEC Interagency Agreement, grant projects to set up language labs in 500 schools in Bangladesh and upgrade different roads in Rangpur city. An addendum was signed relating to Inter-Agency agreement between Global Centre for Nuclear Energy Partnership (GCNEP) of India's atomic energy department and Bangladesh's atomic energy commission. Gokhale said Delhi remained a "committed development partner" of Dhaka and has extended lines of credit of over USD 8 billion to Bangladesh in the last seven years. "This is the largest amount of credit India has ever committed to any single country....We are confident that this credit will be useful to Bangladesh as it pursues its developmental priorities," he said. Gokhale also cited Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remarks that Bangladesh and India are not just "pass pass" (close to each other) but also "saath saath" (together). India also extended full support to Bangladesh's efforts for resolving the Rohingya crisis, including the early repatriation of the displaced people to Myanmar. "India has been fully supportive of the efforts being made to resolve the crisis, including early repatriation of the displaced people," Gokhale said in a statement following a meeting with his Bangladesh counterpart M Shahidul Haque on the second day of his three-day Dhaka tour. Gokhale said India sent relief materials for 300,000 Rohingyas in September last year under 'Operation Insaniyat' to support Bangladesh in its humanitarian efforts. He also announced New Delhi's plans for the second phase of such assistance. He said the assistance included field hospitals with all facilities to extend women and child healthcare while the relief supplies planned for the second phase included milk powder, baby food, dried fish, cooking stoves and cooking fuel, raincoats and gumboots. "On the Myanmar side, we are providing socio-economic support under our Rakhine State Development Programme including construction of pre-fabricated housing in order to meet the needs of the returning people," he added. Bangladesh appreciated the Indian gesture on the issue. "We are very happy the way our friend from India is looking at this [Rohingya] issue, looking to peacefully resolve the issue," Haque said. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had recently asked India to put pressures on Myanmar for repatriation of over a million of Rohingyas fearing their prolonged stay in Bangladesh could create militancy related security risks. Haque said the two discussed all aspects of the relations between the two nations, including the pending Teesta water sharing issue, and was "delighted" regarding the outcome. Gokhale praised the progress in bilateral relations and said: "We assure you we are working hard internally to resolve the issue", B D News reported. He said Delhi is "aware" of the few outstanding issues in the relations. The Indian foreign secretary arrived in Dhaka yesterday, his first visit after assuming the office on January 29. Before the bilateral meeting with his counerpart, Gokhale called on Foreign Minister A H Mahmood Ali. For all the Latest Business News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: In a tragic incident, at least 18 people, including seven women and two children were killed and 15 others injured after a speeding truck overturned in western Maharashtras Satara district on Tuesday. The truck was carrying construction workers from Bijapur district in Karnataka and was going towards Pune when it met with the accident around 4.30 am. The accident took place on Mumbai-Bengaluru highway passing through the district, around 250 km from Mumbai, Sataras Superintendent of Police Sandeep Patil said. After crossing the Khambatki ghat section, there is a difficult turning of S shape. It is an accident-prone spot. The truck driver probably dozed off and lost control over the wheels, as a result of which the vehicle hit a barricade and overturned, he said. Also Read | 30 killed after school bus plunges into gorge in Himachal Pradesh The labourers were heading towards a construction site and carrying sharp-edged equipment. The truck overturned after the accident and equipment fell on them. They were carrying some sharp and heavy equipment in the truck. When the vehicle overturned, the equipment fell on the labourers. Many of them died due to head injuries caused by the equipment, the SP said. The injured were rushed to Satara Civil Hospital where three of them were said to be in critical condition. The police were trying to identify the deceased and their bodies were sent to the hospital for post-mortem. (With inputs from agencies) Washington: US President Donald Trump is weighing all options on the table with regard to Syria as he holds the Syrian regime and Russia responsible for the latest chemical weapons attack, the White House said on Thursday, adding that no final decision has been taken yet on the military response. "It sounds like all options are on the table, and a final decision hasn't been made, but we'll keep you posted once it is," White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders told reporters at her daily news conference. Referring to the allegation of a Russian military official that there was an attack but it was staged by the White Helmets brigade component of the rebels in Syria, she said the intelligence provided "certainly paints" a different picture, and the President holds Syria and Russia responsible for the chemical weapons attack. In the last few days, Trump has blamed the authoritarian Assad regime for the chemical attack that killed dozens of Syrian civilians, including children and women, in the Damascus suburb of Douma. "We're maintaining that we have a number of options, and all of those options are still on the table. Final decisions haven't been made yet on that front," Sarah Sanders said, adding that the President has not laid out a timetable. "In a public sense, certainly the President has made some decisions.? He made a decision not to travel to Latin America so that we could focus on this. That was the first step in this process, but we're continuing to look at a number of options," she said. Russia, she alleged, holds some responsibility in the fact that they had guaranteed that Syria wouldn't use chemical weapons again, which they did. They also hold some responsibility in the fact that they have the six UN resolutions that they vetoed to help protect Assad. Both of those things lie at Russia's feet in terms of responsibility in this process, Sarah Sanders said. In a statement, Senator Bernie Sanders said Trump has no legal authority for broadening the war in Syria. "It is Congress, not the President, who determines whether our country goes to war and Congress must not abdicate that responsibility. We have been in Afghanistan for 17 years and Iraq for 15 years. The result has been massive regional instability, terrible loss of life and a cost of trillions of dollars," he said. "If President Trump believes that expanding the war in Syria will bring stability to the region and protect American interests, he should come to Congress with his ideas," Bernie Sanders. Senator Edward Markey, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, criticised Trump's warnings that he intends to conduct military strikes in retaliation against Assad's use of chemical weapons. "Before President Trump conducts military operations, he must come to Congress for authorisation," he demanded. "Numerous, large-scale attacks on another country without Congressional authorisation are unconstitutional, and they push the US closer to what could be an interminable, all-out conflict in Syria. And announcing military actions over Twitter is the height of irresponsibility and contradicts the President's own previous commitment never to disclose America's plans publicly," Markey said. Sarah Sanders said the Trump administration will follow whatever laws and regulations were necessary for any actions that it takes. "Because we haven't laid out any specific actions that we plan to take, I can't tell you exactly what needs we would have to go to Congress with," she said. Meanwhile, Senator John Kennedy from Louisiana requested a classified hearing for members of Congress on the chemical weapons attack in Syria. "The images of children struggling to breathe after the chemical attack are unconscionable. Whoever did this is a human butcher," he said. "We need answers to fully understand who is responsible for the attack. We can't let this go unanswered. If we do, our friends won't trust us and our enemies won't respect us," Kennedy added. Congressman Brad Schneider said the reports from Syria of another major chemical weapons attack against civilians, represent yet one more war crime committed by Bashar al-Assad and his regime. "Assad must be held to account and the world must clearly demonstrate that chemical weapons are unacceptable anytime, anywhere, and in any context," he said. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Washington: Some 1.5 billion sensitive online files, from pay stubs to medical scans to patent applications, are visible on the open internet, security researchers said on Thursday. Researchers from the cybersecurity firm Digital Shadows said a scanning tool used in the first three months of 2018 found mountains of private data online from people and companies across the world. The unprotected data amounted to some 12 petabytes, or four thousand times larger than the Panama Papers document trove which exposed potential corruption in dozens of countries. These are files that are freely available to anyone with minimal technical knowledge, said Rick Holland, a vice president at Digital Shadows. Holland told AFP his team scanned the web and found unsecured files, adding we didnt authenticate to anything. The availability of open data makes it easier for hackers, nation-states or rival companies to steal sensitive information, Holland said. It makes attackers jobs much easier. It shortens the reconnaissance phase, he added. The researchers said in the report that even amid growing concerns about hackers attacking sensitive data, we arent focusing on our external digital footprints and the data that is already publicly available via misconfigured cloud storage, file exchange protocols, and file sharing services. A significant amount of the data left open was from payroll and tax return files, which accounted for 700,000 and 60,000 files respectively, Digital Shadows said. It noted medical files and lists were also weakly protected, with some 2.2 million body scans open to inspection. Many corporate secrets were also out in the open including designs, patent summaries and details of yet-to-be-released products. While organizations may consider insiders, network intrusions and phishing campaigns as sources of corporate espionage, these findings demonstrate that there is already a large amount of sensitive data publicly available, the report said. The researchers said about 36 percent of the files were located in the European Union. The United States had the largest amount for a single country at 16 percent, but exposed files were also seen around the world including in Asia and the Middle East. About seven percent of the data was in misconfigured cloud Amazon cloud computing storage. Holland said the main problem was not in the cloud computing itself but how users manage their data. New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with other top Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders, his ministerial colleagues, and party MPs, observed a day-long fast on Thursday to protest the washout of the second phase of Parliaments Budget Session, thus blaming the Opposition Congress for that. While several leading ministers travelled to different parts of the country to observe the fast, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Rajnath Singh, and many other leaders kept to their work while fasting simultaneously. BJP chief Amit Shah had joined his party colleagues in Karnataka to observe the fast and protest against the Congress disruptions in Parliament. Amit Shah, while addressing a huge public gathering, said, The Congress knew very well that they cannot debate in any of the Houses so they did not let the Parliament function. The BJP was left with no choice but to go to the people as it is the biggest forum for us. He slammed the Congress and its ideologies and said that the Opposition does not believe in democracy and had held it as hostage in its own country. Shah claimed that the party does not have internal freedom and equality, and thus cannot save the countrys democracy. The partys Lok Sabha members mostly sat on the protest fast in their constituencies while most of the Rajya Sabha members carried it on in their states. Also Read| Kathua rape case: We have failed as humans, justice will not be denied, says VK Singh Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his interaction with the party leaders earlier, had asked them to expose the opposition parties which had throttled democracy by obstructing Parliaments proceedings of the Budget Session. Health Minister JP Nadda travelled to PM Modis Varanasi constituency, while Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad observed the fast in Patna, and Minister of State for Rural Development Minister Ram Kripal Yadav observed the fast in Digha, Bihar. Nirmala Sitharaman, the Defence Minister, was in Chennai, while Prakash Javadekar was in Bengaluru. Union Minister Vijay Goel observed his fast in Tamil Nadu, while Agricultural Minister Radha Mohan Singh was in Motihari, Bihar, and Steel Minister Birender Singh was in Jind to observe his fast. BJP General Secretaries Bhupender Yadav, Anil Jain, and Arun Singh observed their fast in Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha respectively, while Commerce Minister Suresh Prabhu was in the national capital to observe the fast. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: BSE Sensex ended the day on high, what proved to be a see-saw trade on Friday. The days trade was helped by a late buying spell in Pharma, Energy and Banking stocks amid falling global cues. Investors were not keen to expand their portfolios ahead of the corporate earnings season, brokers said. The 30-share index, hit a low of 33,501.37 and a high of 33,697 and finished on 33,626.97 points, ending the day on 30.17 or a 0.09 per cent high. ALSO READ: Congress throttling democracy, abusing peoples mandate, says PM Modi The NSE Nifty went north with 6.45 points or 0.06 per cent, to 10,331.60. During the day it moved between 10,290.85 and 10,350.45. On weekly tally, BSE Sensex gained a smart 658.29 points or 1.99 per cent while the NSE Nifty gained 217.90 points, or 2.15 per cent. Meanwhile, DILs bought equities of Rs 615.28 crore yesterday, while FPIs sold shares worth Rs 108.02 crore, as per provisional data. Asian and European markets were flat as investors scanned the trade war situation after US President Donald Trump proposes more tariffs on China. (with inputs from agencies) For all the Latest Business News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. KABUL: The governor of Afghanistan's Badghis province and the Taliban have agreed to an unofficial ceasefire to stop fighting in the provincial capital of Qala-e-Naw city. However, governor Shams said no written agreement on the ceasefire had been inked and the truce is informal. "From 10 am. today (July 16), a ceasefire came into effect between Security and Defense Forces and the Taliban group in the provincial capital Qala-e-Naw city," Governor Hasamudin Shams said. "The truce came into effect with the mediation of the elders of Qala-e-Naw city, and I am hopeful the Taliban remain committed to the verbal agreement," the governor added. Targetting at ending the conflict, the verbal agreement has no timetable, the official said, adding that he is hopeful the truce could turned into a permanent ceasefire. This is the first time that a provincial government and the Taliban have agreed on a ceasefire amid the militant group's advances and capturing more than 120 districts after the start of withdrawal of the US forces from Afghanistan early May. The ceasefire comes amid the Taliban's demand for the release of 7,000 prisoners from Afghan government jails and delisting the names of their leaders from the UN blacklist as the precondition for observing a three-month ceasefire with the government. Colombia Govt investigates 3 fugitives over Haitian Presidents murder Troops across Ethiopia mobilise to fight in Tigray Death toll reaches 97 in Florida condo collapse; searches almost end German Chancellor Angela Merkel has pledged full support for the victims of some of the country's worst flooding in decades. Record rainfall in western Europe caused rivers to burst their banks, devastating the region. At least 59 people have died in Germany with hundreds more reported missing. Belgium has also reported at least 11 dead after the extreme weather, which politicians have blamed on climate change. Experts say that climate change is expected to increase the frequency of extreme weather events, but linking any single event to global warming is complicated. Speaking during a meeting with US President Joe Biden in Washington DC, Mrs Merkel expressed her "deepest condolences" to everyone across the region who had lost loved ones after "a day of worry and despair". "I fear we will only see the full extent of this tragedy in the coming days," she said. She also pledged government support with rescue efforts and with reconstruction, saying to the German people that the government "will not leave you alone in this difficult, terrible hour". The German states of Rhineland-Palatinate and North Rhine-Westphalia were worst hit, but Belgium and the Netherlands are also badly affected, with further flooding in Luxembourg and Switzerland. Joe Biden meets German Chancellor at White House, raises concerns about Nord Stream 2 1,300 people assumed missing in one German district after deadly floods hit Western Europe Biden says Cuba is a 'failed state' and calls communism 'a universally failed system' Bangladesh Nobel laureate Md. Yunus to receive Olympic Laurel Meanwhile, Pakistani PM Imran Khan has made a shocking statement on the talks between India and Pakistan. Imran, who arrived at the ongoing Central South Asia Conference in Uzbekistan, was questioned whether terrorism and discussions could go together. As per the report received, it is India's question to them. #WATCH Pakistan PM Imran Khan answers ANI question, 'can talks and terror go hand in hand?'. Later he evades the question on whether Pakistan is controlling the Taliban. Khan is participating in the Central-South Asia conference, in Tashkent, Uzbekistan pic.twitter.com/TYvDO8qTxk ANI (@ANI) July 16, 2021 On the same question, Imran Khan said, "How long have we been waiting for India to be civilized neighbors. But what to do, the audiology of the RSS came in the way.'' Then, he was asked whether he was accusing you of not controlling the Taliban, but Imran did not answer the question. Imran's bodyguards stopped the reporter who asked the question. Imran Khan also said in June this year that if India prepares a roadmap to restore the old situation in Kashmir, we are ready for discussion with it. He had informed That India should tell Pakistan what steps have been taken to withdraw the decision to remove Article 370 from Kashmir. The abolition of Kashmir's special status is a violation of international law and UN Security Council rules. The same PM Narendra Modi had a meeting with Kashmiri leaders on June 24. It discussed the issue of re-election and delimitation in Kashmir. UP: Priyanka Gandhi arrives in Lucknow, received with grand welcome Israel Ministry sets new plan to increase imports, lower prices to boost economy UK: Boris Johnson unveils new steps to level up private sector An international research team, including physics from Russia, has created new glasses for protection against X-ray and gamma radiation. Scientists could select new components that improved the characteristics of the samples and allowed to reduce the amount of lead in the glass composition. Physicists engineered several samples of glasses. One of the latest results - glasses based on barium fluoride - was described by the team in the Optic magazine. But the best results have bismuth borate glasses. Its radiation protection characteristics (mean-free-path, half-value layer) are better than commercial analogs. The features of these samples are described in the Scientific Reports. "Gamma-ray is using in many fields like industrial (to detect defects in metal casting), medical (to treat malignant and cancerous tumors), agriculture (to control the degree of ripeness and extend the shelf life of fruits and vegetables) and space applications, etc," says Karem Abdelazim Gaber Mahmud, co-author of the research articles, research engineer at the Ural Federal University (Russia), an employee of the Nuclear Material Authority (Egypt). "Gamma radiation has significant penetrating depths, so we are faced with the task of creating a material that could provide maximum protection and the necessary safety for workers." Commercial radiation shielded glasses contain predominantly lead and phosphate. Due to its high density, lead is one of the most effective protection against gamma-ra?. But this is a heavy toxic metal. Lead glass can weigh up to several hundred kilograms. Therefore, scientists worldwide try to find the optimal composition, components that would help lighten the weight of the glass, reduce the thickness, and lower cost price. Another problem is that after exceeding a certain percentage of additive materials, the glasses lose their clarity, just as after absorbing a certain dose of radiation. Therefore, on the one hand, it is necessary to minimize the amount of lead in the glass composition, while maintaining the protective properties, and on the other hand, it is necessary to extend the shelf life of the end-product, its clarity. Scientists from Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Malaysia, China, Egypt are working most actively in this direction. "Scientists began to create protective glasses in the late 1940s, in the early 1950s, during the formation of nuclear power," says Oleg Tashlykov, research co-author, associate professor at Ural Federal University. "That time in England, America, Russia they were solving the problem of monitoring radiation-hazardous work. They came up with several options for glasses with different additives, but everywhere the basic components are lead and phosphate. The current trend is to choose such a composition to minimize the volume of lead, or better to replace it with another metal." Note that the protective properties of glass researchers have experimentally tested at the Institute of Reactor Materials of the Russian state corporation "Rosatom" (Sverdlovsk region, Russia). The next step is further research of parameters, improvement, and optimization of the composition, commercialization of technology. ### Description AVAILABLE NOW New Book Yoga Pant Nation by Laurie Gelman The hilarious and irreverent Jen Dixon is class momagainin YOGA PANT NATION (Henry Holt and Company; 978-1-2507-7757-7; $26.99; Hardcover) by Laurie Gelman. And Jens final year as class mom is a breeze until the PTA president asks her to champion the school's annual fundraiser, a notoriously challenging job which, as we know, is right up Jen's alley. From the author of Class Mom and You've Been Volunteered. Available at bookstores and online at Amazon.com For more information, visit: www.lauriegelman.com; www.henryholt.com Comment A procurement paradigm for digital government If theres one bright spot to come out of the COVID-19 pandemic, its that the global health crisis turbocharged the adoption of high-tech tools by government agencies that had long been inching their way to more digital operations but never quite getting there. This transformation carries enormous potential to improve nearly every aspect of government, from automating time-intensive administrative tasks like processing health care claims to opening up exciting new possibilities for disease treatment and research. And it promises to save lives and American taxpayers billions of dollars over time. But amid this tectonic shift in the way government operates, procurement officers in Washington and across the country face a daunting task: Where to start? And how to prioritize the solutions that will have an immediate impact rather than being distracted by shiny objects? To meet this generational challenge that could shape the way our government operates for decades to come, procurement officers should consider revamping their approach to determining what their respective agencies need. Currently, the government looks for general-purpose tools that could potentially solve a wide range of existing challenges as well as issues that have yet to arise. Then, agencies tap service firms to help implement those tools into the day-to-day work of government. This not only leaves room for tools to be misapplied to problems that they are not built to handle, but for communication breakdowns and latency. Further, it amounts to buying new gizmos before knowing exactly how they can be useful. In addition to its operational shortcomings, this approach is also expensive. In 2018, the federal government alone spent $400 billion on contracts for goods and services -- on top of inefficiencies, as the government must not only purchase these tools but then hire and coordinate with contractors who know how to use them. A better approach is to identify specific problems and then go looking for targeted, integrated solutions. In data-science parlance, that means understanding the domain space first. Instead of the current bifurcated approach being taken by numerous government agencies -- i.e., purchasing tools and then hiring a system integrator to implement those tools -- it would benefit both the federal government and taxpayers to find emerging technology companies that are both creating data-driven solutions to problems -- sometimes even before those problems exist -- and are able to supply their own manpower to harness the technology and manifest a positive outcome. To their credit, some parts of the government are already taking this approach. In support of military and national security infrastructure, the Air Force contracted with AAR Corp., a company that provides total supply-chain management to support transport planes. AAR not only sources the parts and materials needed to keep these crucial airships running and landing smoothly, but also provides the mechanics and experts needed to repair and maintain parts of the planes. Before AAR, the government needed to source parts from Lockheed Martin if it had to repair landing gear on C-130s and then hire a contractor to perform the maintenance work. Approaches like this can improve government across the board. Other federal agencies -- from the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to the Environmental Protection Agency -- have an opportunity to reimagine their capabilities for a post-pandemic world. By identifying a problem before it arises and then finding an integrated solution that cuts down on the number of government contracts and the associated regulatory red tape, the federal government can deliver better services while saving taxpayer dollars. FCW Insider: July 16, 2021 Deputy Federal CIO Maria Roat details what makes for a winning Technology Modernization Fund proposal as agencies continue to submit major IT projects for potential funding. Lt. Gen. S. Clinton Hinote, the deputy chief of staff for strategy, integration and requirements for the Air Force, said the global shift to make data readily available could have a profound impact on military operations. During testimony on the hill this week, Labor Secretary Marty Walsh also gave lawmakers insight into the department's work to combat unemployment insurance fraud. (Adds quotes, context, further trial data) By Aislinn Laing SANTIAGO, July 15 (Reuters) - The leaders of a Chilean late-stage human trial of the CoronaVac COVID-19 vaccine developed by China's Sinovac on Thursday recommended a third dose of the jab to protect against the more contagious Delta variant. The trial leaders said a separate in vitro laboratory trial to determine the vaccine's effectiveness against the Delta strain of the virus showed that neutralizing antibodies reduced four-fold compared to those produced against the original coronavirus strain first found in China. Chinese scientists have previously reported a smaller three-fold reduction. Dr Alexis Kalergis, the director of Chile's Millennium Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy which also ran a clinical trial with 2,000 participants, said less 3% had contracted COVID-19 six months after receiving a second vaccine shot. However, the study showed a drop-off in protective antibody levels after six months and Kalergis said he recommended the application of a third, "booster dose" to provide better protection against virus mutations. "The natural decrease in antibodies after vaccination highlights the need to strengthen immunity with booster doses to compensate and enhance the neutralization of the virus," he said. Many countries from China to Indonesia and Brazil rely heavily on Chinese vaccines for protection against COVID-19, but questions have been raised about whether they provide enough protection against the Delta variant. Sinovac spokesman Liu Peicheng has previously told Reuters that a booster shot could quickly elicit stronger and more durable antibody reaction against the Delta variant, but did not provide detailed data. Thailand said Monday it will use AstraZeneca Plc's COVID-19 vaccine as a second dose for those who received Sinovac's shot as their first dose in a bid to increase protection. Kalergis also noted that Chilean trial participants issued doses 28 days apart had a "more robust immunity" than those who received doses 14 days apart. Chile has bet big on CoronaVac, using it to roll out one of the world's fastest vaccination campaigns. So far, it has issued 18.1 million CoronaVac doses, as well as vaccines developed by Pfizer-BioNTech, AstraZeneca and Cansino, and has fully inoculated 76% of its adult population. (Reporting by Aislinn Laing; Editing by Richard Pullin) 13 projects will help increase access to peer support and build capacity for health and social service providers OTTAWA, ON, July 16, 2021 /CNW/ - The health and safety of Canadians will always remain as one of the federal government's top priorities. Over the last several years, feedback from public consultations has revealed a gap in suitable and available supports and services for people who use substances. The COVID-19 pandemic has only worsened this gap by further reducing the availability of these critical services. Tragically, many jurisdictions across Canada have reported significant increases in overdose deaths and related harms since the onset of the pandemic. Today, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Health, announced nearly $7.5 million for 13 projects across Canada to increase the number of skilled health and social workers available to help people who use substances. They will provide training by and for peers and work to develop guidance and distribute resources on harm reduction and treatment for those working in the health field. Together, these projects will help ensure Canadians who use substances have access to appropriate, timely and effective care during the pandemic and beyond. The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring that all Canadians, including people who use substance, have the supports they need to live a healthier life. The federal government will continue to work with all levels of government, partners, stakeholders, people with lived and living experience, and organizations in communities across the country to provide support for people who use substances. Quotes "Community organizations across the country are doing important work to help people who use substances reduce the harm they face and get the services they need for better health. These projects will give the right tools and training to the people and organizations that support people who use substances live healthier, safer lives." Story continues The Honourable Patty Hajdu Minister of Health "It is the people within our community that are the driving force for change and within each of us lies the power to do it. Our E-wiijkiwe'endijig Naadmaadwaad (Friends Helping Each Other) Initiative, involves the development and delivery of a community led Indigenous Peer Leadership Program centring on the core principles of Hope, Belonging, Meaning and Purpose. We must remember that our culture and language is the foundational piece in these wellness efforts and must remain at the core of all that we do." Ogimaa Kwe Linda Debassige M'Chigeeng First Nation "Funding through the Substance Use and Addictions Program will allow APSS Opioid Overdose Prevention Program (AOOPP) to provide extensive and intensive harm reduction programs and services, naloxone training and distribution, supports including peer support for people who use substances to reduce the harms, barriers and associated stigma. Consistency in our harm reduction programming and services, partnering with the Community Engagement Unit of The Regina Police Service to promote positive interactions and reducing barriers that prevent calling 9-1-1 (in a recent survey 66% of people did not call 9-1-1 during an overdose.) are key harm reduction strategies to help people with substance use disorders." Shiny Mary Varghese, Executive Director AIDS Programs South Saskatchewan Inc. (APSS) "The Canadian Association of People who Use Drugs (CAPUD) is pleased to receive funding from the Substance Use and Addictions Program as it will further contribute to our efforts of raising the voices of people who use(d) drugs throughout the policy-making process, through the initiative 'We Save Lives: Engaging and Empowering People who Use Drugs in Policymaking 2.0'. CAPUD firmly believes that our guiding principle "Nothing About Us Without Us" is achieved only through intentional, equitable, and just opportunities. This attribution is an important step on that path." Natasha Touesnard, Executive Director CAPUD Quick Facts Problematic substance use is the use of any psychoactive substance in a manner, situation, amount, or frequency that is harmful to the individual or to society. It is estimated that approximately one in five Canadians aged 15 years and older experiences an addiction (also known as substance use disorder) in their lifetime. It is a treatable medical condition. Feedback from public consultation in 2018 on the Canadian Drugs and Substances Strategy (CDSS) revealed a lack of suitable and available services for people who use substances. In the Fall Economic Statement 2020, the Government of Canada committed to help Canadians struggling with problematic substance use by providing an additional $66 million over two years. This funding would support community-based organizations responding to substance use issues, including to help them provide frontline services during COVID-19. The projects announced today are funded through this investment. To further help save lives, meet the needs of people who use substances and respond to the ongoing overdose crisis, the Government of Canada pledged in an additional $116 million Budget 2021 to support a range of innovative approaches to harm reduction, treatment, and prevention at the community level. Related Products Associated Links SOURCE Health Canada Cision View original content: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/July2021/16/c0378.html STOCKHOLM, July 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Haldex has closed an agreement with one of the world's largest manufacturer of heavy trucks for the ADB product. The deal is an important milestone to grow in the truck segment in addition to Haldex already strong position on the trailer segment. The agreement also includes an embedded additional agreement, to equip a showcase truck with Haldex new EMB product. "This breakthrough of introducing our next generation product on the European market strengthens our confidence in continued business opportunities and our ability to meet new demands on braking systems in connected, electric trucks and trailers," says Stephan Kulle, Executive Vice President EMEA. For further information, please contact: Stephan Kulle, Executive Vice Preseident EMEA Phone: +49 1742 458416 E-mail: Stephan.kulle@haldex.com This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com https://news.cision.com/haldex/r/haldex-signs-agreement-with-one-of-the-world-s-largest-truck-manufacturer,c3385878 The following files are available for download: https://mb.cision.com/Main/1432/3385878/1445602.pdf Haldex signs agreement with one of the worldas largest truck manufacturer Cision View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/haldex-signs-agreement-with-one-of-the-worlds-largest-truck-manufacturer-301335400.html SOURCE Haldex TORONTO, July 16, 2021 /CNW/ - Ontario's doctors say all health-care workers should be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to protect themselves, their patients and the community. Ontario Medical Association (CNW Group/Ontario Medical Association) "Vaccines are the best way to control the spread of COVID-19, and remain an essential component in protecting our patients, families and friends," said Dr. Adam Kassam, president of the Ontario Medical Association. "As a front-line doctor who is fully vaccinated, I am proud to stand with my physician colleagues who continue to advocate for full vaccination of all those eligible." A recent survey of Ontario physicians found that 98 per cent of respondents have already received both doses of a COVID vaccination. The OMA urges all Ontarians to get their first and second vaccinations as soon as possible so the entire province can continue to reopen and to reduce the risk of restrictions having to be reimposed. This is especially important for youths ages 12-17 whose vaccination rates are lower than other age groups. The OMA remains concerned about the Delta variant of the virus, which is more contagious and can cause more serious illness. Parents or anyone with questions about vaccines should talk to their family doctor, pediatrician or public health unit, who all have a critical role to play in explaining the benefits of vaccines and administering them. It's time to change Ontario's health care for the better as the post-pandemic recovery begins. Complete our survey at betterhealthcare.ca and help shape the future of health care. About the OMA The Ontario Medical Association represents Ontario's 43,000 plus physicians, medical students and retired physicians, advocating for and supporting doctors while strengthening the leadership role of doctors in caring for patients. Our vision is to be the trusted voice in transforming Ontario's health-care system. SOURCE Ontario Medical Association Cision View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/July2021/16/c0255.html Management Consultancy Celebrates 10 Years in North America ATLANTA and STUTTGART, Germany, July 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Porsche Consulting, Inc., based in Atlanta, GA, announced today the appointment of Jared Feiger as the next President and Chief Executive Officer, effective July 19, 2021. Before joining Porsche Consulting, Feiger was a partner at the Boston Consulting Group, which he joined in 2014. He succeeds current President and CEO, Dr. Hagen Radowski, who will relocate to Germany to assume his new role as Senior Partner, Global Accounts for Porsche Consulting GmbH, effective August 1, 2021. Jared Bennett Feiger, President and Chief Executive Officer, Porsche Consulting, Inc. Porsche Consulting, Inc., based in Atlanta, GA, announced the appointment of Jared Feiger as the next President and CEO. "After a very challenging year in 2020 that ended with a successful turnaround for the business, 2021 has seen Porsche Consulting's best start in its ten-year history in North America. I know that Jared will continue to further build on this success given his experience and the amazing team we have assembled," said Radowski. As an affiliate of Porsche AG, Porsche Consulting, Inc. has the unique opportunity to leverage insights from a leading automotive group that provides a competitive advantage to its clients. Since the firm launched in 2011, it has continued to grow its service offerings with clients ranging from medium-sized companies to large corporations in the automotive, aerospace, transportation, and industrial goods industries, as well as financial services, consumer goods, retail, life sciences, and construction. With an emphasis on major strategic transformations, performance improvement, and innovative capacity enhancements, the firm has established itself as a clear leader in helping companies to drive measurable results. In addition to offices currently in Atlanta and Palo Alto, the North American subsidiary will soon expand its footprint with a third US office. "As Porsche Consulting in the US celebrates ten years, it has established itself as one of America's best management consulting firms," says Eberhard Weiblen, CEO of the German parent company Porsche Consulting GmbH based in Stuttgart. "As the next CEO, Jared will lead Porsche Consulting in North America as it navigates continued growth while supporting its clients in major transformations." Story continues "As Porsche Consulting crosses the 10-year mark in North America, I am excited to join and lead the team in its next chapter and showcase the strengths and talents of our people," said Feiger. "Together, we will drive the highest possible client impact, support clients across industries on their most pressing strategic issues and build upon the success of the brand and business as one of the most dynamic, results-oriented, and value generating consultancies around." For media inquiries, please contact Devane Trogstad at devane.trogstad@porsche-consulting.com As founder of Consulutions, a technology and management consulting company, Feiger provided academic, legal, and business services to numerous clients since 1995. After graduating from law school, Feiger joined Sullivan & Cromwell LLP before moving to Accenture's strategy consulting practice in 2011, followed by the Boston Consulting Group in 2014. As a partner at BCG, he served as an expert in strategic transformations and other large-scale change efforts, including merger integrations and turnarounds. He led some of BCG's most impactful and biggest ever programs in the automotive, consumer, high-tech, and industrial services sectors. Feiger has a proven track record of facilitating growth strategy innovations, developing cross-functional solutions that harness the full potential of an organization, and driving high impact, sustainable change. He holds a JD from New York University School of Law and a BA from the University of Pennsylvania. About Porsche Consulting, Inc. | One Porsche Drive, Atlanta, GA 30354 USA Porsche Consulting, Inc. operates on the principle of "Strategic Vision, Smart Implementation," with a mission to drive measurable results that deliver a competitive advantage to its clients. Leveraging its insight and unique position with a leading automotive group, its management consulting experts support companies worldwide, primarily with major strategic transformations, performance improvement, and innovative capacity enhancements. Clients range from medium-sized companies to large corporations in the automotive, aerospace, transportation, and industrial goods industries, as well as financial services, consumer goods, retail, life sciences, and construction. Porsche Consulting, Inc. is a subsidiary of Porsche Consulting GmbH and is headquartered in Atlanta, GA, with an additional office in Palo Alto, CA. Please visit www.porsche-consulting.com to learn more. Follow us: https://www.linkedin.com/company/porsche-consulting-/ Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/porsche-consulting-inc-appoints-jared-bennett-feiger-as-next-chief-executive-officer-301335356.html SOURCE Porsche Consulting, Inc. Reuters South Korea is set to be the first Asian economy to raise interest rates from pandemic-era lows as its hawkish, outgoing central bank governor steps up efforts to stamp out any incipient property bubbles or household debt stress. Bank of Korea Lee Ju-yeol surprised financial markets last week, when policy rates were kept at record lows but he signalled they could rise as early as August, at the next policy review. "It's one of those rare times where taming home prices has become more important, both politically and on economic fronts," said Yoon Yeo-sam, an analyst at Meritz Securities. NEW YORK, July 15, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of CarLotz, Inc. (CarLotz or the Company) (NASDAQ: LOTZ). Such investors are advised to contact Robert S. Willoughby at newaction@pomlaw.com or 888-476-6529, ext. 7980. The investigation concerns whether CarLotz and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices. [Click here for information about joining the class action] On March 15, 2021, CarLotz announced its fourth quarter and full year 2020 financial results. During a related conference call, the Company stated that gross profit and gross profit per unit (GPU) were softer than . . . expected due to the surge in inventory during the quarter and the resulting lower retail unit profitability. CarLotz also reported that the additional inventory created a logjam that resulted in slower processing and higher days to sell. On this news, the Companys stock price fell $0.79, or 8.5%, to close at $8.45 per share on March 16, 2021, on unusually heavy trading volume. The stock price continued to decline over the next two consecutive trading sessions by $0.62, or 7.3%, to close at $7.83 per share on March 18, 2021, on unusually heavy trading volume. On May 10, 2021, after the market closed, CarLotz announced its first quarter 2021 financial results revealing that gross profit per unit fell below expectations. In particular, the Company had expected retail GPU between $1,300 and $1,500, but reported $1,182. On this news, the Companys stock price fell $0.94, or 14%, to close at $5.57 per share on May 11, 2021, on unusually heavy trading volume. The stock price continued to decline by $0.45, or 8%, to close at $4.12 per share on May 12, 2021, on unusually heavy trading volume. Finally, on May 26, 2021, before the market opened, CarLotz announced an update to its profit-sharing sourcing partner arrangement. Specifically, CarLotz stated that its profit-sharing corporate vehicle sourcing partner informed the Company that, in light of current wholesale market conditions, it has paused consignments to the Company. Moreover, this partner accounted for more than 60% of the cars sold and sourced during first quarter 2021 and less than 50% of the cars sold and approximately 25% of cars sourced during second quarter 2021 to date. Story continues On this news, the Companys stock price fell $0.70, or 13.4%, to close at $4.51 per share on May 26, 2021, on unusually heavy trading volume. The Pomerantz Firm, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Paris is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, the Pomerantz Firm pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 80 years later, the Pomerantz Firm continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomerantzlaw.com . CONTACT: Robert S. Willoughby Pomerantz LLP rswilloughby@pomlaw.com Union Pacific is temporarily suspending eastbound service from West Coast port terminals to its Global IV intermodal facility in Chicago to help ease "significant congestion" at inland terminals, especially Chicago, and at the ports. UP (NYSE: UNP) hopes this suspension, which will start on Sunday and last for about seven days, will not only help relieve port backlogs for Chicago-bound container traffic but also ultimately help address backlogs for containers destined to other markets. The suspension applies to UP-served terminals at the ports of Los Angeles, Long Beach and Oakland, California, and Tacoma, Washington. "This week we reached out to the ocean carriers to take more positive steps to improve fluidity and throughput in the Los Angeles Basin and our Global IV facility in Chicago. ... We believe this change will allow the transportation supply chain to begin working off the backlog of Global IV-destined trains while freeing up railcar assets to support import loading needs on the West Coast," UP said in an advisory provided to FreightWaves. "We are working closely with the ocean carriers and collaborating wherever possible to improve the health of the supply chain." UP, along with other supply chain partners including Class I railroads, have been grappling with congestion at the West Coast ports as the economic recovery and robust e-commerce activity have kept U.S. import levels brisk. Container processing at Southern California port terminals has increased while UP's rail shipments to and from the ports "are near record highs," UP said. FreightWaves SONAR shows that intermodal outbound tender rejections, or outbound intermodal tender transactions rejected in the last seven days, grew in June after dipping to lows in March through mid-May. The Intermodal Outbound Tender Rejection Index on outbound LA loads has surged from less than 2% in May to 11% as carriers have struggled to handle all contracted volume. (FreightWaves SONAR) To learn more about FreightWaves SONAR, click here. Story continues Some shippers have expressed concern anecdotally about how the supply chain will handle fall peak, especially amid reports that containers have been waiting to move to multiple destinations for weeks, if not months. The reasons given for the congestion at the ports have ranged from chassis and labor shortages to railcar shortages. UP said it recently held a symposium with ocean carriers in order to determine how to gate out boxes at inland terminals more quickly. From those efforts, UP has capped its storage fees at the Global IV facility for loaded units that are stacked and awaiting out-gate to help ocean carriers and drayage companies, and UP has opened its Global III facility as an interim import container storage location. "We believe these positive steps will alleviate some of the considerable challenges supply chain participants are facing," UP said. Subscribe to FreightWaves' e-newsletters and get the latest insights on freight right in your inbox. Click here for more FreightWaves articles by Joanna Marsh. Related links: Image by Pit Karges from Pixabay See more from Benzinga 2021 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. New Orleans, Louisiana--(Newsfile Corp. - July 15, 2021) - Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC ("KSF") and KSF partner, former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., remind investors that they have until July 19, 2021 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Ubiquiti Inc. (NYSE: UI), if they purchased the Company's shares between January 11, 2021 and March 30, 2021, inclusive (the "Class Period"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. What You May Do If you purchased shares of Ubiquiti and would like to discuss your legal rights and how this case might affect you and your right to recover for your economic loss, you may, without obligation or cost to you, contact KSF Managing Partner Lewis Kahn toll-free at 1-877-515-1850 or via email (lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com), or visit https://www.ksfcounsel.com/cases/nyse-ui/ to learn more. If you wish to serve as a lead plaintiff in this class action, you must petition the Court by July 19, 2021 . About the Lawsuit Ubiquiti and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws. On March 30, 2021, post-market, Krebs on Security reported that the Company's January 2021 data breach was "catastrophic," and more extensive than portrayed by the Company, wherein the attacker(s) accessed "privileged credentials that were previously stored in the LastPass account of a Ubiquiti IT employee, and gained root administrator access to all Ubiquiti AWS [Amazon Web Services] accounts, including all S3 data buckets, all application logs, all databases, all user database credentials, and secrets required to forge single sign-on (SSO) cookies." On this news, shares of Ubiquiti fell $50.70, or 14.5%, to close at $298.30 per share on March 31, 2021, on unusually heavy trading volume. Story continues The case is Molder v. Ubiquiti Inc., et al., No. 1:21-cv-04520. About Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC KSF, whose partners include former Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., is one of the nation's premier boutique securities litigation law firms. KSF serves a variety of clients - including public institutional investors, hedge funds, money managers and retail investors - in seeking to recover investment losses due to corporate fraud and malfeasance by publicly traded companies. KSF has offices in New York, California and Louisiana. To learn more about KSF, you may visit www.ksfcounsel.com. Contact: Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC Lewis Kahn, Managing Partner lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com 1-877-515-1850 1100 Poydras St., Suite 3200 New Orleans, LA 70163 To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/90396 A King George-based attorney was convicted of a misdemeanor Thursday for assaulting her 13-year-old daughter last year in the county. Melissa Lynch Freeman, a criminal defense and family law attorney whose office is next to the King George courthouse, pleaded guilty in King George Circuit Court to domestic assault and battery, court records show. Two charges of contributing to the delinquency of a minor were dropped. Freeman received first offender status on the conviction, which means the conviction will be dropped if she stays out of trouble for the next two years. Support Local Journalism Your subscription makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} According to the evidence presented by special prosecutor Matthew Kite, a King George deputy went to Freemans home early July 19 of last year for a reported domestic disturbance. It was the Sheriffs Offices second visit to the home that night. The deputy was shown a video provided by Freemans boyfriend that showed the girl telling her apparently intoxicated mother to go to bed. The video then showed Freeman screaming I hate you to the child before punching her in the face with a closed fist. She then kicked the child while she was on the ground. Were going to continue to fight for these infrastructure dollars for our businesses, said Ayala. In the previous special session, we were trying to help everyone as quickly as possible. Now were trying to learn firsthand how these businesses were impacted, how they had to reinvent themselves and what we need to fight for going forward. Jus Popn is not only a small business, but a Black, female-owned business. It opened last summer in the middle of the pandemic at the corner of William and Princess Anne streets downtown. The store is the passion and longtime dream of owner Carolyn Gipson. Visitors are greeted with the smell of caramel, which Gipson makes daily in a vat in a corner of the store using two pounds of fresh butter, five cups of brown sugar and a handful of secret ingredients. Support Local Journalism Your subscription makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} The caramel flavors several of Jus Popns 40-some gourmet popcorn flavorsboth sweet and savory. In addition to the physical location and online shop, Gipson tries to maintain a presence at community events such as last months FXBG Pride festival. On Thursday, she was preparing to bring in Benny Vitalis pizza for the teenage workers to eat while packing bags of popcorn for several events this weekend. Both men seemed comfortable with Haitis rising business classoften called the mafia by Haitians. This mafia is on good terms with the international community. This mafia speaks perfect English. They have nice houses and invite diplomats to dinner. They have servants and armored cars and working generators so that they dont have to suffer when the blackouts come. They can talk a very good game. But did Martelly and Moise run the country properly? No. Both men were found by a Haitian appeals court report to have participated in siphoning funds from a $2 billion petroleum discount account set up by Venezuela to benefit Haitian social programs. And thats only one of the many corrupt schemes they and their close associates have been accused of, to say nothing of undermining Haitis institutions, including the legislature, the municipal bureaucracies and the courts, and allowing gangs to take control of Haitis streets and kidnap, rob and kill innocent civilians. Whats most disturbing is that the support the OAS, the U.S. and U.N. have given Martelly and Moise seems to have blinded them to other actors on the Haitian scene. FREDERICKSBURG Public Schools recent decision to begin phasing out its International Baccalaureate program comes after a challenging academic year for students, parents and teachers alike. FPS tried IB, but in the end found that it was not a good fit. The lesson here is dont be afraid to try new educational approachesand conversely, dont be afraid to change course if they dont meet initial expectations. IB compliance, training, and management demands are considerable, a statement released by the school division stated, adding that it is not feasible to continue to focus on the complex needs and requirements of the IB program while recovering from the COVID-19 pandemics educational disruptions. Fredericksburg first began offering IB in middle school in 2017, and expanded the program to the primary grades in 2019. It is one of just two K12 programs in Virginia, but one of 7,400-plus offered in 159 countries worldwide. Founded in Geneva, Switzerland in 1968, the first International Baccalaureate program was available in the U.S. in 1971. Since then, it has had both its supporters and critics. "When the first one checks in, it's exciting," said Gary Hawkes, communications director for the NHSFR. "It's a tell-tale sign that things are getting started." Not far behind Ember and her rodeo queen friends was 16-year-old Ross Price, who traveled from Carlisle, South Carolina, to compete in four events. Ross and his family drove 17 hours to Lincoln to get their spot in line on Thursday, arriving around 7:40 a.m. The family drove their pickup and horse trailer with a caravan of family and friends, including Ross' cousin Katie, who is competing in shooting. This year's National High School Finals Rodeo will be Ross' first, after a bull-riding injury last year hospitalized him for six weeks. At the time, he was told he'd never be able to ride again. Ross, who has been competing in rodeo since he was 6 years old, said he practiced every day while recovering in order to make it to Lincoln this year. He will compete in bull riding, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping and team roping. "I'm really looking forward to it," he said. "It's been a long journey to get here. It's hard but it's worth it." A Nebraska railcar-cleaning company and its two owners have pleaded guilty to federal charges in connection with a 2015 railcar explosion that killed two people and injured a third. On April 14, 2015, employees of Nebraska Railcar Cleaning Services LLC entered a tanker car near First and Hickory Streets in Omaha to clean it. Prosecutors said the tanker car was not tested for levels of benzene, a highly flammable chemical, and the car wasnt continuously monitored for explosive levels of gases. About an hour after the workers were sent into the tanker car, its contents exploded, killing Adrian LaPour, 44, and Dallas Foulk, 40. A third man, Joe Coschka, was knocked off the car but escaped serious injury. In federal court Monday, Steven Braithwaite, president and owner of Nebraska Railcar Cleaning Services, pleaded guilty to two counts of violating worker safety standards that resulted in the workers deaths and knowingly endangering others by violating the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. BEIJING (AP) A prominent Chinese pig farmer who was detained after praising lawyers during a crackdown on legal activists by President Xi Jinpings government went on trial Thursday on charges including fighting with police and organizing a protest, defense lawyers said. Sun Dawu, chairman of Dawu Agriculture Group, is among 20 defendants on trial in Gaobeidian, southwest of Beijing in Hebei province. They were detained after Dawu employees in August 2020 tried to stop a state-owned enterprise from demolishing a company building. Sun said he is innocent, according to a written statement by defense lawyers. It said there were great disputes between them and prosecutors over evidence and the law but gave no details. It said the trial was due to resume Friday. Phone calls to the court on Thursday weren't answered. Sun became nationally known in 2003 when he was charged with illegal fundraising after soliciting investment for his business from friends and neighbors. The case prompted an outpouring of public support for Sun. Afghan troops continue to battle Taliban militants for the control of the Spin Boldak border crossing with Pakistan which the militants had reportedly occupied as part of a sweeping offensive ahead of the August 31 deadline for the pullout of U.S. forces from the war-torn country. The fighting over Spin Boldak came amid reports of an upcoming round of talks between the government and the militant group in Qatar and a special conference on Afghanistan to be hosted soon by neighboring Pakistan. But the conference appears in doubt as a top Afghan official accused Pakistan of providing militants air cover in the border region. The strategically important border crossing provides direct access to Pakistan's Balochistan Province, where the Taliban's senior leadership, as well as a pool of reserve fighters for the militant group, are believed to be based. Residents of Spin Boldak, which reportedly fell to the militants on July 14, said there was heavy fighting in the border town's main bazaar. AFP correspondents on the ground reported that dozens of wounded militants were being treated at a Pakistani hospital near the border following fierce overnight clashes. Afghan President Ashraf Ghani renewed his criticism of Pakistan for what he called support to the Taliban and urged Islamabad to use its influence and leverage for peace in Afghanistan. Intelligence estimates indicate the influx of over 10,000 jihadi fighters from Pakistan and other places in the last month, as well as support from their affiliates and the transnational terrorist organizations, Ghani said at a regional summit in Uzbekistan on July 16. Reuters confirmed its award-winning journalist, Danish Siddiqui, was killed on July 16 in what an Afghan commander called Taliban cross fire during a battle to retake the main market area of Spin Boldak. In Kabul, Afghan Vice President Amrullah Saleh accused the Pakistani military of providing "close air support to Taliban in certain areas." Saleh said on Twitter that Pakistan's air forces also warned the Afghan Army not to launch air strikes against the Taliban near the border. Pakistan strongly denied the claim, with a Foreign Ministry statement saying the country "took necessary measures within its territory to safeguard our own troops and population." "We acknowledge the Afghan government's right to undertake actions on its sovereign territory," it said. The Afghan side conveyed to Pakistan its intention of carrying out air operations inside its territory opposite Chaman Sector of Pakistan. Pakistan responded positively to the Afghan Governments right to act in its territory, the statement said. The Taliban has also reportedly closed in on the stronghold of warlord Abdul Rashid Dostum, a longtime foe of the militant group. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said Dostum's militia forces had fled Sheberghan, capital of the northern Jowzjan Province bordering Turkmenistan, and the militants had "captured the gate" of the city. The deputy governor of Jowzjan confirmed that the Taliban had reached the gates of the provincial capital, but said government forces were pushing back against the militants. Police in the northeastern province of Kapisa said a provincial deputy governor was killed in heavy clashes between security forces and the militants in the Nijrab district on July 16. Aziz-ur-Rehman Tawab had been visiting security forces in Nijrab, a provincial police spokesperson told RFE/RL. The militants have taken control of Kapisas Tagab and Alasai districts in recent weeks and have launched attacks on Nijrab and other parts of the province. As fighting continued, there were signs too that official talks in Qatar's capital, Doha -- which have stalled for months -- could come back to life, with a senior Afghan delegation arriving in the Gulf state on July 16. The 10-member delegation is led by Abdullah Abdullah, the head of the High Council for National Reconciliation, who said the team is an inclusive one and represents all of Afghanistan. On July 16, the Pakistani government said a special conference on Afghanistan that should have taken place in Islamabad over the weekend has been postponed and a new date will be announced later. Taliban representatives were not invited to Islamabad. On July 15, the Taliban proposed a three-month cease-fire in exchange for the release of 7,000 of its fighters, according to an Afghan government negotiator. "It is a big demand," Ahmad Nader Naderi, a key member of the government team involved in peace talks with the Taliban, told a news conference in Kabul on July 15. The Afghan government last year released more than 5,000 Taliban prisoners to help kick start peace talks in Doha, but negotiations have so far failed to reach any political settlement. This story includes reporting by Radio Azadi correspondents on the ground in Afghanistan. Their names are being withheld for their protection. With reporting by AFP, Tolo News, and Reuters The Reuters news agency says its journalist Danish Siddiqui has been killed while covering a clash between Afghan security forces and Taliban fighters near a border crossing with Pakistan. Siddiqui, 38, and a senior Afghan officer were killed on July 16 in what an Afghan commander called Taliban cross fire during a battle to retake the main market area of Spin Boldak. Siddiqui, an Indian national, had been embedded as a journalist with Afghan forces since earlier this week in the southern province of Kandahar. "We are urgently seeking more information, working with authorities in the region," Reuters President Michael Friedenberg and Editor-in-Chief Alessandra Galloni said in a statement. "Danish was an outstanding journalist, a devoted husband and father, and a much-loved colleague. Our thoughts are with his family at this terrible time. The U.S. State Department said it was "deeply saddened" by Siddiqui's death and hailed his work. Reuters said Siddiqui had been wounded in the arm by shrapnel earlier on July 16 while reporting on the clash. He was treated and had been recovering when Taliban fighters retreated from the fighting in Spin Boldak. Siddiqui had been talking to shopkeepers when the Taliban attacked again, the Afghan commander told Reuters, which said it was unable to independently verify the details of the incident. Indian authorities said that the Taliban had turned over Siddiquis body to the International Committee of the Red Cross. Siddiqui was part of the Reuters photography team that won the 2018 Pulitzer Prize for Feature Photography for documenting the Rohingya refugee crisis. A Reuters photographer since 2010, Siddiqui's work spanned covering the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, the Rohingya refugees crisis, the Hong Kong protests, and Nepal earthquakes. According to a United Nations report, 33 journalists were killed in Afghanistan between 2018 and 2021. Sweden has announced that it was stopping all deportations to Afghanistan due to the rapidly worsening situation in the war-torn country. "The decision is effective immediately and will be in force until further notice," Carl Bexelius, head of legal affairs at the Swedish Migration Agency, said on July 16. Some 7,000 Afghan asylum seekers in Sweden are currently awaiting deportation. The agency said it would pause all planned expulsions as the situation in Afghanistan had quickly deteriorated after the Taliban movement has taken control of large parts of the country. In early July, Afghan officials called on European countries to stop the deportation of Afghan asylum seekers for at least three months. Finland announced earlier this week it would not deport anyone to Afghanistan. Afghanistan is facing a new crisis as Taliban militants snap up territory across the countryside, stretching government forces and leading to a fresh wave of internally displaced families, complicated by a renewed outbreak of COVID-19. The spike in violence in Afghanistan comes as U.S. and international forces are withdrawing from the country after two decades. Based on reporting by AFP and dpa 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. Life under the Taliban Chinas Af-Pak dilemma The battle for Kandahar The Talibans motives in the north A brewing humanitarian crisis Central Asias fears Frud Bezhan and Mustafa Sarwar report on how the Taliban is reimposing its signature brand of harsh Islamist rule by placing draconian restrictions on women, enforcing strict gender segregation, banning music and TV, and forbidding men to trim their beards in territories they have swept in recent weeks across northern Afghanistan.Now, women are oppressed. The Taliban says we must be accompanied by a male escort if we leave home. We must cover ourselves, Monira, a 26-year-old woman, told us of life in Faryab Province, where her native Shirin Tagab district was recently overrun by the Taliban. Before, I could go to the market alone to buy groceries. I could go to the hairdresser's. I could wear my hair up.The fear is palpable in Kabul, where young professionals are reluctant to give up their emancipated lifestyles if the Taliban overruns the capital and other teeming cities.I cant imagine losing it all, said Roman Asrar, a recent graduate of Kabul University, adding that his generation is accustomed to certain freedoms such as choosing how to dress and what lifestyle to adopt. Ive had more or less concrete plans about my future, working and living in Kabul. I cant dream or make different plans anymore.Hard choices lie ahead for many Afghans. Our interactive map shows how the Talibans control has grown exponentially since the final departure of international troops from Afghanistan began on May 1. In a photo essay , we capture the intense battles between the Taliban and the elite Afghan special forces as both sides seek a battlefield advantage ahead of possible peace talks later this month.Reid Standish delves into Chinas dilemma as it figures out how to respond to the mounting insecurity in Afghanistan that magnifies threats to its regional investments and domestic security.In the future, we can likely expect more [Chinese] engagement with different parties in the Afghan conflict, but only if it fits Chinas interests in the region, Temur Umarov, an expert on Chinas role in Central Asia at the Carnegie Moscow Center, told us. The most important goal for China is to seal the chaos inside Afghanistans borders.Beijings regional approach will hinge on its increasingly tangled ties with Islamabad. As Standish reports, Islamabad is keen to protect its bilateral relationship with Beijing by praising its authoritarian system and notably refraining from criticizing reported atrocities in Xinjiang.But militant attacks on Chinese interests will continue to severely test the alliance. Chinese and Pakistani officials initially disagreed over whether a gas leak or explosives caused a blast in a bus carrying Chinese workers this week. At least 12 people were killed and 28 others injured when the bus plunged into a ravine in Upper Kohistan.In a video report , we take you to Kandahar, where intense clashes resulted in the Taliban seizing homes and forcing civilians to flee amid a battle with the security forces.We were about to enter the room when bullets came flying in our direction and injured my son, says Hamid Gul, an elderly resident.The city and the larger province by the same name were the seat of Taliban power in the 1990s. It is also an important gateway to Pakistan, which prompted the rival sides to fight heatedly over the Spin Boldak border crossing. Award-winning Reuters photojournalist Danish Siddiqui was killed while covering the clashes.I take an in-depth look at why the Taliban has concentrated so much of its offensive in the rural districts of northern Afghanistan The regions ethnic Tajiks, Uzbeks, and Hazaras offered up tough resistance even after the Taliban captured Kabul and other regions in 1996, and the militants want to prevent the reemergence of the Northern Alliance coalition of anti-Taliban factions that stood in their way for much of the 1990s.The Talibans also looking to cut off Kabul in more ways than just encircling the capital: The prosperous key trade routes and border crossings in the north on which Kabul relies heavily are now in Taliban hands.The Taliban concentrated on this strategic region because it generates vital revenues, Tamim Asey, a former Afghan deputy defense minister, told us.As intense fighting gripped various parts of Afghanistan, the UN appealed for new funding to cope with a situation its top humanitarian envoy said in which everything is a challenge.The UN says more than 18 million Afghans need humanitarian assistance. But it has only received roughly half of the $850 million it desperately needs to fight malnutrition, a severe drought, and the return of 627,000 Afghans deported from neighboring Iran this year.Some Afghans, however, will have a chance to build a new life elsewhere as the United States begin Operation Allies Refuge this week to evacuate thousands of those who have helped the U.S. presence in the past two decades. It remains to be seen, however, where they will be relocated while their visa applications are pending. Bruce Pannier evaluates the response of three Central Asian nations to the mounting crisis in Afghanistan, which is yet again threatening to send refugees and dangerous security threats their way. Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan are on high alert and are carefully preparing for a possible return to power of the Taliban and all of the possible ramifications. In a sign of things to come, Ashgabat has moved heavy weaponry and aircraft closer to its border with Afghanistan. The country was neutral in the 1990s when the Taliban first swept the regions along its borders. 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. More than 60 people have died and dozens are missing as severe flooding in Germany and Belgium turned streams and streets into raging, debris-filled torrents that swept away cars and toppled houses A federal judge in Denver pressed lawyers Friday morning about whether they were relying on political talking points more than facts when seeking to question the outcome in the November presidential election. U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge N. Reid Neureiter pressed Denver lawyers Gary D. Fielder and Ernest J. Walker, who filed a class-action case against Dominion Voting Systems, Facebook and elected officials in four states in December. The same judge dismissed the lawsuit in April. Friday's hearing was about whether the plaintiffs' lawyers should face sanctions. Neureiter pressed Fielder and Walker about whether they investigated if Denver-based Dominion Voting System was designed to throw the election with the help of foreign entities, including China. The class-action lawsuit in Denver is among a spate of overlapping and counter litigation that has resulted from the presidential election, as the president has falsely claimed he was cheated but has not provided proof that's gotten traction in any court so far. The first hour of the two-and-a-half-hour hearing was spent on the amount of investigating the plaintiffs' lawyers did and how much was based on second-hand knowledge and in service of conspiracy theories authored by former President Donald Trump and conservative media networks. "Did you analyze any of the information, pick up the phone and call them, ask difficult questions?" the judge asked Fielder, who said he filed the lawsuit with eight named plaintiffs who joined up after he proposed it, based on his own legal experience and interpretation of the facts he drew from other affidavits, reports and other (though unsuccessful) lawsuits. Fielder pointed to his 31-year resume as a lawyer, including his tenure as an assistant district attorney in Adams County and 18 months in private practice. "I've developed a keen sense of reason and connecting the dots," he told the judge. Later in the hearing, Fielder sought to redirect the discussion to the big picture. "We're standing up for the rights of the people, the voters," he told Neureiter. "I'm sorry it offends these defendants. We're certain they're going to defend their clients, but we haven't made any misrepresentations, that it's all a lie, that it's bad for democracy. "It's helpful for democracy. This will get it right in the future." The suit was on behalf of roughly 160 million voters who were deprived of a fair election, Fielder argued. The lawsuit didn't seek to overturn the election but to collect $1,000 for each voter, or about $160 billion. Neureiter noted unvetted affidavits, allegations in the media and outside reports cited in the lawsuit. "What did you do to verify that this guy's in the charlatan?" the judge asked, pointing to one item. "Did you do any research, did you confirm with any other experts: 'Hey, is this guy just making this up or is this true,' or did you just take it at face value and include it based on that?" Stan Garnett, the former Boulder County District Attorney who is representing Dominion, said the original lawsuit was based on "nonsense from the internet," and that the lawyers didn't research the facts because their alleged facts don't hold up to any scrutiny, yet damage a good Colorado company with 250 employees and a stellar reputation. "All these cases wind up in the same situation, in dismissal," he said. "It's very troubling, because it's simply not true. Dominion did a terrific job in this election, and it's done a terrific job securing the process for a long period of time, and they're an excellent company." Other defense lawyers argued to the judge that the case is fatally flawed because there hasn't been any individual discovery by the plaintiffs to vet the merits of their case, which would set a precedent to allow any dissatisfied voter anywhere to sue on generalized grievance. "You can't just dump on the court a vast amount of unrelated allegations various procedures and possibilities that might have happened and dump that in a courtroom and expect the court to sort it out and come up with a comprehensive resolution of what some particular person on the Internet is telling the truth." At another juncture, when Fielder sought to point to affidavits and the testimony found elsewhere about the election. "But there are crazy people out there," Neureiter replied. "I mean, somebody could be put under oath (and testify) the earth is flat. That doesn't mean that you, as a lawyer say, 'Well, I'm going to file a lawsuit with suggesting the earth is flat because somebody, somewhere else wrote about it under oath.'" Neureiter asked about a website put up by the lawyers asking for donations to support the lawsuit. Fielder said about 2,100 people had donated about $95,000. He noted others had collected millions of dollars in donations in connection with the lawsuit. The website stated, Every dollar helps us to hire the experts we need to win in Federal Court as well as in the court of public opinion. Neureiter asked about the lawsuits Trump has lost on the same facts, and whether the Denver lawsuit is in service to Trump's claims the election was stolen. "Did it ever occur to you that you might be being used wittingly or unwittingly as a propaganda tool for the ex-president to file this lawsuit and repeat his statements?" Neureiter said. Fielder noted twice he was not a Trump supporter, and Colorado voting records show he is unaffiliated. "That possibility, I'm just repeating stuff that the president is lying about, of course it occurred to me. I tried to analyze it," he said. Among those who provided fodder for the suit: MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell, who produced a documentary alleging the election was stolen and is facing a $1.3 billion lawsuit, similar to the ones filed against conservative news outlets and Trump lawyers Rudy Guiliani and Sidney Powell. The filing also includes a tweet from Trump alleging he was cheated out of millions of votes. Neuriter repeatedly challenged Fielder on due diligence to the alleged facts and jurisdiction to sue state officials from other states in a different state. He asked the plaintiffs' attorneys to point to one time they had ever succeeded. They did not. The Trump campaign filed dozens of suits seeking to overturn the results in swing states, but none were successful, often with the courts harshly criticizing the lack of evidence behind the claims. The judge also noted that Trump Attorney General William Barr said as early as Dec. 1 that the FBI had investigated and found no evidence of fraud on a scale that would have affected Bidens victory. Neureiter also asked, a pre-hearing note to lawyers, why the Trump campaigns lawyers have not been willing to allege election fraud in court in other cases, with Giuliani saying in a court hearing "[T]his is not a fraud case. He also cited Giuliani having his law license suspended in New York over specious claims about the election, noting the bar cited uncontroverted evidence that Giuliani communicated demonstrably false and misleading statements to courts, lawmakers and the public at large ..." It was all b******t, Barr reportedly said in an interview for a book. Neureiter also noted the findings of a recent report from the Republican-led Michigan Senate Oversight Committee, which stated, Our clear finding is that citizens should be confident the results represent the true results of the ballots cast by the people of Michigan. The Committee strongly recommends citizens use a critical eye and ear toward those who have pushed demonstrably false theories for their own personal gain. Fielder told the judge he disagreed with those assessments. This story was corrected to note that Neureiter dismissed the original class-action lawsuit in June. Jimmy Sengenberger is host of The Jimmy Sengenberger Show on News/Talk 710 KNUS. He also hosts Jimmy at the Crossroads, a webshow and podcast in partnership with The Washington Examiner. Three of the suspects arrested in connection with a cache of guns and drugs found in a downtown Denver hotel room last week now face federal charges in addition to their state cases. An artist works on a mural of Fannie Mae Duncan on the outside of Peak Furniture on Platte Avenue in Colorado Springs. City Editor Tom Roeder is the Gazette's City Editor. In Colorado Springs since 2003, Tom has covered the military at home and overseas and has cover statehouses in Denver and Olympia, Wash. His main job, though, is being dad to two great kids. Colorado Politics senior political reporter Joey Bunch is the senior correspondent and deputy managing editor of Colorado Politics. His 32-year career includes the last 16 in Colorado. He was part of the Denver Post team that won the Pulitzer Prize in 2013 and he is a two-time finalist. Watson was the real victim twice. First, as the victim of the attack itself and then, of authorities absurd decision to publicly pillory her. She was a sacrificial offering to appease the angry mob. Local alert top story National Weather Service confirms at least 12 tornadoes in Iowa on Wednesday Trina VonHagen Trina VonHagen captured the funnel cloud between 180th Street and 190th Street north of Rockford before it touched down and became a tornado. Iowa's Wednesday weather was ripe for tornadoes. Supercells, or severe thunderstorms that feature rotating winds which can produce hail or tornadoes, developed throughout north central Iowa. No deaths or injuries were immediately reported from tornadoes that tore through northern, central and eastern Iowa, but many found damaged buildings, shredded trees and overturned vehicles in the path of the storms, officials said. Law enforcement and trained spotters confirmed several tornadoes Wednesday afternoon and night in mostly rural, uninhabited areas, the National Weather Service said. But one that touched down near Lake City in north central Iowa damaged a home, flipped a truck and trailer and flattened nearby corn crops, The Messenger reported. "The environment was ripe for tornadic development and rotation was evident on radar shortly after storms formed," a report from the NWS said. "Generally south of along the Highway 20 corridor was the hot spot for tornadoes from around Nemaha, Lake City, Stanhope, Jewell, and Waverly." At least 12 tornadoes were confirmed in central Iowa. Tornadoes were reported south of Mason City. A preliminary report from the NWS included sightings northeast of Rockwell in Cerro Gordo County, near Floyd, Rudd and Nora Springs in Floyd County and near Shell Rock in Butler County. In Cerro Gordo County, there were no reports of damage or injuries from tornadoes. Globe Gazette readers submitted photos and videos of their own sightings, many north of the Rockford area in Floyd County. That tornado has since been classified as a low-end EF1 by the NWS. Its peak wind speed was estimated to have reached 90 mph as it traveled across an 11-mile stretch from the Rockford area to the Rudd area, mainly through rural areas. The majority of damage from the tornado was ranked EF0, though it intensified as it neared the end of its path, causing considerable damage to a hog building and surrounding crops, which brought its ultimate classification up to EF1. National Weather Service An EF1 tornado traveled an 11-mile path from the Rockford area to the Rudd area in Floyd County on Wednesday evening. Watch Now: Tornado touches down north of Rockford in Floyd County A tornado touched down north of Rockford Wednesday evening. Charles City police reported storm damage north and west of town. Diane Wells, of rural Greene, saw significant tree damage and a metal storage shed was destroyed, but her house was spared, save two west-facing windows that were hit by a flying tree limb. Lisa Grouette / LISA GROUETTE, Globe Gazette Numerous large trees on Diane Wells' property were split or toppled completely during a tornado that touched down in Floyd County Wednesday night, including a massive maple tree Wells thinks had been there nearly 100 years. Facing what looks to be several thousand dollars in cleanup costs, as most insurance policies offer little, if any, coverage for tree removal, Wells said she plans to check with local organizations to see if there is any sort of public assistance available. Ive lived here 28 years, and I went through a lot of storms, but I think this has been the worst, Wells said as she walked around the yard. The fire department came and cut the trees from the driveway so we could get out, but I dont know who can help us with the rest of this. Lisa Grouette / LISA GROUETTE, Globe Gazette Diane Wells' friend who helps out with her property saws a tree limb into more manageable-sized pieces so it can be removed from a metal shed it crashed into after a tornado touched down in Floyd County Wednesday night. The tornado also damaged trees in her neighbors yard and laid down corn stalks at the edge of an adjacent field, leaving half-moon trails of damage, resembling the number three, around Wells and her neighbor's respective houses. Lisa Grouette / LISA GROUETTE, Globe Gazette High winds flattened a field of corn in rural Greene after severe storm conditions near Floyd County on Wednesday. It could have been a lot worse; I feel pretty lucky about that Wells said. Its just going to take some time to get this all taken care of. We do burn wood sometimes, but not this much, Wells joked. Lisa Grouette / LISA GROUETTE, Globe Gazette Numerous large trees on Diane Wells' property were split or were toppled completely during a tornado that touched down in Floyd County Wednesday night, including a massive maple tree Wells thinks had been there nearly 100 years. Two homes in Butler County had significant damage, while at least one homeowner had downed power lines sparking across his driveway in Bremer County, and tree limb damage was widespread across the Cedar Valley. Nonetheless, no serious injuries were reported in the area from the storms. "Considering everything, we were very lucky," said Bremer County Sheriff Dan Pickett. The tornado or tornadoes spotted in Bremer and Butler counties seemed to touch down and pull back up into the clouds numerous times, according to officials and based on photos and video shared on social media. But multiple sightings were reported to NWS on Wednesday afternoon and into the evening. Butler County Emergency Management coordinator Chris Showalter said no houses in his county were destroyed, but two along 250th Street were "affected majorly." One of those had roof shingles and sheeting torn off, exposing the rafters, and a home across the street had a hole in a wall. Showalter wasn't sure if it had been hit by something or blown out by the tornado. A two- to three-mile stretch of 250th Street had other minor damage, Showalter said, including damage to outbuildings like grain bins and machine sheds as well as to corn stalks. "Luckily, we had no injuries whatsoever with all of the damages that we had," he said. In Bremer County to the east, Pickett said there were no houses destroyed there either, but "a lot of damage reports, way too many to even mention" with regard to the up-and-down tornado through his county. He said the tornado first entered the county from the west, and went across 240th Street to 235th Street. Half a building was "gone" on 240th Street, while tree limbs fell on homes, outbuildings and cars along that stretch as well as on nearby Fern Avenue, Pickett said. In the 1700 block of 235th Street, an older man was unable to get out of his home when live power lines went down and tree limbs blocked his lane. Pickett said Alliant Energy and Waverly Fire helped reopen his lane. Along Grand Avenue south of Highway 3, several evergreen trees were uprooted and houses were at least partially damaged, he said. Jeff Reinitz, Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier The FFA chicken coop at Oelwein Schools was toppled by a tornado that touched down Wednesday night. All of the chickens survived. Jeff Reinitz, Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier The ticket stand was thrown into the bleachers at the Oelwein High School sports stadium when a tornado touched down Wednesday night. A machine shed was destroyed on the Ken and Lorie Henning farm in Shell Rock, and there was damage to the Husky stadium at Oelwein High School. The Oelwin tornado was classified as an EF0 by the NWS and traveled about 3 miles, reaching an estimated peak wind speak of 70 mph. Jeff Reinitz, Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier A machine shed on Ken and Lorie Henning's Shell Rock farm was destroyed by a tornado on Wednesday evening. Jeff Reinitz, Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier Cleanup began Thursday morning at Ken and Lorie Henning's farm in Shell Rock after a tornado touched down there Wednesday evening. "We're very, very fortunate that we didn't have anyone seriously injured, and nobody really hurt, with all the damage we had," Pickett said. A building that houses school buses for South Central Calhoun High School saw part of its roof and doors torn off. Jack Widner, of nearby Waverly, told television station KCRG that he tried to survey the damage, but was hindered by strewn debris. I was worried about our neighbor, Widner said. I couldnt find his house, I found his shed was torn apart down there, but I couldnt find his house and I couldnt find the other neighbors house. All I could find was trees. Additional information will be shared by the National Weather Service over the next several days. The National Weather Service bureau in Des Moines was sending a storm survey team to assess damage in Bremer and Butler counties Thursday. They were also sending one to Calhoun and Hamilton counties. Survey teams rate tornado strength based upon the damage they caused. $1 for 3 months to support local journalism When they [students] take their masks off to eat, they will have protection, Chaney said. Contact tracing will be done immediately upon notification of a positive COVID-19 case, he said. Hygenica machines will be used to sanitize the school. School board member Philip Campbell asked Chaney about a COVID-19 variant. Are we keeping up with the delta variant and all of those particulars? Campbell asked. Chaney said the school system will stay in touch with the state health department if a rise in the variant occurs. The delta variant is a mutated form of the coronavirus that was identified in India in late 2020. It is potentially more transmissible than other variants, according to the CDC. School Superintendent Angela Hairston said she expects to see updated guidance from the state toward the end of the month. The state will likely leave any decision on protocols up to local school boards, she said. That will be discussed at the boards next meeting on Aug. 5. Well probably have to make some decisions, Hairston said. The states current guidelines are effective through July 25. As the leisure travel business opens up again, Ashley Harper, a travel specialist, said she could work 24 hours a day just to catch up on the work she has. My business is picking up majorly, Harper said. She started her travel business, Aisling Vacations, last August, deciding it would be a good time to learn the business while travel was somewhat restricted. I knew COVID wasnt going to last forever and people were going to want to travel again, said Harper, an avid traveler herself. Her business has picked up again since the first of April with lots of people wanting to book at all-inclusive resorts, which, she said, are easy and not stressful. Other customers have lots of cruise credits with some cruise lines offering 125% credits. Ive done lots of bookings for the end of the year and into the next year, she said. Avid cruisers dont mind having to be vaccinated. They just want to cruise again. Those who dont want to be vaccinated, go to a resort. One of her families, Stephen and Jenny Gay and their two daughters, are heading to an all-inclusive resort in Mexico the end of July. JACKSON, Miss. Mississippis only level-one trauma hospital and academic medical center will require all employees and students who are not vaccinated against COVID-19 to wear an N95 mask while inside, a decision that a top official acknowledged would not be popular with everyone in the countrys least vaccinated state and may result in the loss of employees. University of Mississippi Medical Center Vice Chancellor Dr. LouAnn Woodward said the university has responsibility and an obligation as the place that takes care of the sickest patients to set the example for others in health care across the state. I feel strongly that this is the right thing to do, she said, emphasizing that the vaccines are safe and offer strong protection against contracting the potentially life-threatening disease. The policy will require all of the University of Mississippi Medical Centers 10,000 employees and 3,000 students to either be vaccinated or wear an N95 mask at all times while at any hospital-affiliated facility. The new rule will also apply to contractors, vendors and anyone else who might come into contact with patients. Visitors will continue to be required to wear masks whether they are vaccinated or not. WENTWORTH Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page has promoted Angie Webster to the rank of Detective Sergeant in the Sheriffs Offices Criminal Investigations Division, Page announced in a news release this week. Webster has worked in emergency services since 2005 and has served as a deputy for the RCSO since 2014, starting her career as a patrol officer. A Certified Fire Investigator with the International Association of Arson Investigators, Webster holds several North Carolina certifications, including N.C. Fire Investigator Technician, N.C. Emergency Medical Technician and N.C. Hazardous Materials Technician. She also has an associates degree in Emergency Management. Webster received a Certificate of Merit from the Sheriffs Office in 2015 and was selected as Law Enforcement Officer of the Year, Veterans of Foreign Wars in 2016. Sergeant Webster works hard for the people of Rockingham County and is very deserving of this promotion, Page said in the release. I am proud to have her as a member of our team here at the Rockingham County Sheriffs Office. Webster will assist in the supervision of the day-to-day operations of the Sheriffs Criminal Investigations Division. Fridays announcement coincided with a broader discussion about research that took place at the Board of Trustees retreat, an annual one-day gathering held this year at the new pavilion at the N.C. A&T University Farm. A&T officials have talked in recent months about trying to move up and become an R1 university. On Friday, they set a target date of 2030. A&T is labeled an R2 university by The Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, which categorizes U.S. colleges and universities to help with research and comparisons. R2, or high research activity, is one of three categories for doctoral-granting institutions like A&T. In the Triad, UNCG and Wake Forest University also are R2 schools. North Carolina has three R1 institutions: Duke University, N.C. State and UNC-CH. A&T is seeking to become the nations first historically Black university to move into the R1 ranks. Fewer than 5% of American universities have this designation. R1 schools include a lot of heavy-hitters such as Ivy League institutions and flagship state universities. It wasn't their fault," Havis said of the laborers who had cashed the checks. What made it worse was that they'd work these guys so hard and then pay them almost nothing. That's the reason a lot of our disadvantaged stay disadvantaged. It's just a hard, cold world. Roland said Havis would help her out when she was struggling. Theres been plenty of times where I wouldn't have a job and I would come to Ralph and he'd be fully staffed and he'd say, Well I can't put you on full time, but you come in here and work a few hours, a couple of days out of the week to make some money, Roland said. Children also had his heart. Mr. Ralph, he loved the kids, Roland recalled. All the kids that would come up there, most of the time they got a free toy even if they didnt get a kids meal, they still got a free toy. He didnt have to do all of this stuff for people, but he was constantly doing for the community. When Havis first began working at the restaurant, it was part of a chain of drive-up hamburger stands named Biff-Burger "Biff" stood for best in fast food. COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) A three-day celebration of what would have been history-making astronaut John Glenn's 100th birthday began Friday in his birthplace and childhood hometown in Ohio, even as additional events were announced to mark the occasion. Glenn, who died in 2016, was the first American to orbit Earth, making him a national hero in 1962. In addition to his military and space accomplishments, he spent 24 years as a Democrat in the U.S. Senate. The John Glenn Centennial Celebration in both Cambridge, where Glenn was born on July 18, 1921, and nearby New Concord, where he grew up and met his late wife, Annie, runs through Sunday. It includes a parade, the Friendship 7-Miler road race named for his famous aircraft, lectures, museum tours, space movies, biplane and rocket car rides, music and children's science activities. Sen. Jay Chaudhuri of Raleigh, who is the Senate Democratic whip and Indian-American, likened an unfounded fear of Critical Race Theory to tactics used during the Red Scare. Sen. Joyce Waddell, a Mecklenburg County Democrat who is African American, said the legislation uses a fear-based approach to limit teachers ability to assess the reality of racism in the United States. North Carolina school districts have denied Critical Race Theory is being taught. Conservatives, however, have complained that schools are teaching about white privilege and shaming white students. Asked during a news conference about the bill coming from a caucus with no Black members, Senate leader Phil Berger of Eden said: The most vocal proponent (of the legislation) is the lieutenant governor. Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson of Greensboro is the states first African American lieutenant governor, making history with his election in the fall of 2020. Robinson is also a Republican. As lieutenant governor, he is the president of the Senate, which means he would vote in case of a tie. Robinson said he will release data from his offices task force next week about parent and teacher complaints of indoctrination in schools. RALEIGH Former N.C. Supreme Court Chief Justice Cheri Beasley and ex-Gov. Pat McCrory collected the most money in their respective Democratic and Republican primary bids for an open 2022 U.S. Senate seat, new campaign finance reports show. The more than $1.2 million each candidate raised in the latest reporting period shows their ability to gain sizable financial support in what could become the costliest midterm race in the country next year. The bid to fill the seat U.S. Sen. Richard Burr, a Republican, is vacating may have serious political consequences. The outcome could determine whether Democrats retain control of the Senate. If Republicans win back the chamber, theyd be poised to more easily thwart President Joe Bidens legislative agenda. Weve proven that were winning big in the polls and dominating the competition in fundraising, McCrory said in a statement. Beasleys campaign, which launched in late April and two weeks after McCrorys, boasted it outraised the entire field for the fundraising period from April to June. Other candidates also raised large sums of money and remain competitive. But what we are seeing from so-called conservatives these days is less apathy toward democracy than full-fledged retreat from democracy and growing hostility toward same. We are, sad to say, overstocked with examples. There is the January putsch at the U.S. Capitol. There is the recent rash of voter suppression laws. There is the decimation of the Voting Rights Act. There is that effort to delegitimize the 2020 election. And there is this: a February poll by the American Enterprise Institute, which found that just under 40% of Republicans support the use of violence if elected leaders will not protect America. Only 17% of Democrats felt the same. In a sense, yes, the question is a setup what does will not protect America even mean? Yet even taking that into account, it is telling that so-called conservatives are so much more willing to resort to violence. In their insistence that the deposed, defrocked and disgraced former president is still president and in their disregard for a democratic process which says otherwise the right displays a chilling affinity for authoritarian rule. And never mind that, from Amin to Zedong, one is hard-pressed to recall a strong man government that did not stomp upon the rights and even the humanity of its people. But purely anecdotal includes the experiences of untold thousands of veterans. Democratic Attorney General Josh Stein has also expressed concerns that the bill could open the door to recreational marijuana. Yet he said, I support people with genuine health needs, who can benefit from marijuana, being able to access marijuana. ... And that requires us to change the law. But we have to be incredibly careful in how that is done. We agree, and we believe it can be done. All these years after the public first became aware of marijuana, it still stokes controversy. Some will insist that it serves as a gateway to more harmful drugs. Others refer to the degree to which marijuana has become normalized, used by 13% or 24% of American adults, depending on the poll, while still maintaining jobs and raising families. But one neednt be a supporter of recreational marijuana use to understand that using it under controlled medical supervision would be preferable to self-medicating. If it can be used safely to alleviate pain and suffering, especially among our veterans, then it should be. The bill has to meet the approval of several Republican-led committees before reaching the full Senate. Given the support it now receives from people who had been the most resistant, if it gets that far, it deserves to pass. The security fence protecting the water tanks at the Grangeville Boulevard and Centennial Drive. Dennis Beaver Practices law in Bakersfield and welcomes comments and questions from readers, which may be faxed to (661) 323-7993, or e-mailed to Lagombeaver1@gmail.com. And be sure to visit dennisbeaver.com. A special veteran's memorial service will be held for the late Dick Stafford (1926-2021) on Saturday in East Helena. Stafford, who passed away last month at the age of 94, was a U.S. Navy D-Day veteran and lifelong veteran's advocate. Stafford's memorial tribute will be held at 10 a.m. at the Servicemembers Monument in Main Street Park, beginning with a welcome and introduction by retired Maj. Gen. Gene Prendergast, U.S. Army. After the Invocation by Father Thomas O'Donnell and the singing of the Star Spangled Banner, led by Charmaine Lindgren, Prendergast will then give his talk Remembering Dick Stafford. Dick Stafford lied about his age and enlisted in the Navy at the age of 16, following in the footsteps of his father, Opie Read Stafford, who served in the U.S. Army during WWI with the 1st Cavalry, 83rd Field Artillery. Opie Stafford signed up again for WWII in his 40s, with the 85th Naval Construction Battalion. Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} On the morning of June 6, 1944, Dick Stafford, a 17-year-old Seabee assigned to the 111th Naval Construction Battalion, helped guide his Rhino Ferry through a maze of danger and landed on Normandy's Omaha Beach. Five days later, while shooting at a German aircraft with a 30-caliber machine gun, he was struck in the face by a hunk of shrapnel that cost him his left eye. The Montana Department of Justice is proposing several rule changes to better track sexual assault kits. The open public comment period on the changes closes July 23 at 5 p.m. The changes largely issue timeframes in which healthcare facilities, law enforcement and crime laboratories are required to update a sexual assault kit's status in the state's tracking system, which went live in 2019. Through the system, survivors would be able to track their kit status with a 6-digit code as it moves through the criminal justice process. Kayla Bragg, the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative coordinator for the Montana Department of Justice, said Friday the rule changes further clarify the process that began in 2019. "It's all coming together to make a uniform system that works well in the criminal justice process and providing that accountability on tracking kits from the medical facility to the law enforcement agency and through the entire system." But the Alder Creek Fire was getting close enough to recommend the evacuations, he said, and more than 200 structures are being threatened and watched. Theres always the possibility of additional evacuations so we are constantly monitoring the situation and planning out ahead, Williams said. The Alder Creek Fire was discovered southwest of Wise River on July 8 and as of Friday morning had grown to 3,463 acres. More than 220 personnel are fighting and trying to contain that fire and protect houses and other buildings. Another wildfire, the Trail Creek Fire west of Wisdom, was also discovered July 8 and had grown to 9,544 acres on Friday. Montana Highway 43 was still closed for 18 miles to the Idaho border and the fire was threatening several private residences. Winds and topography were generally pushing that fire to the east, Williams said, and firefighters were especially concerned about the western and southern parts of the Alder Creek Fire. Theres some pretty difficult terrain through there, he said. With Alder Creek, the main focus is going to be with (protecting) the homes in the Wise Creek area. Its firefighter safety, public safety and the homes in that area. BLOOMINGTON State Farm's top executive last year made more than $20 million the largest payout he's received since taking the helm of the Bloomington-based insurer in 2015. State Farm Chairman, President and CEO Michael Tipsord's total compensation in 2020 was $20,266,505.62, according to documents filed with the Illinois Department of Insurance and obtained by The Pantagraph through the Freedom of Information Act. The eight-figure total includes a $2,147,076.91 base salary and a $18,081,900 incentive-based bonus. It is a 65% increase from his 2019 total pay. Tipsord's at-risk incentive compensation is "based on our financial results, growth, customer retention and employee engagement for the three years prior to the year of compensation," company spokesperson Gina Morss-Fischer said in an email. "For the second year in a row State Farm experienced impressive growth," Morss-Fischer said. "The company continues to maintain the strong financial performance necessary to keep the promises to our customers and our Executive compensation package is designed to reward meeting those growth goals." The insurance company in 2020 pulled in a net income of $3.6 billion, a 34% decrease from the $5.6 billion it made in 2019. In 2018, the company reported netting $8.8 billion. State Farm's net worth, however, has risen steadily in the last three years. It increased from $100.9 billion in 2018, to $116.2 billion in 2019 and to $126.1 billion in 2020. The company earlier this year said the boost amid the pandemic year was driven by gains in the stock market. In May the company said it plans to add more than 1,500 new claims employees to its facilities across four states. State Farm is Bloomington's largest employer, providing 14,436 jobs across its eastside campus. Tipsord first joined State Farm in 1988 as assistant tax counsel, rising through the corporate ranks in the last three decades. He was named vice president and assistant treasurer in 1998, vice president and treasurer in 2001, senior vice president in 2002, chief financial officer in 2004 and chief operating officer in 2011. His 2020 total compensation marks the highest pay he has received since being named CEO and president in 2015. That year the figure was $7,069,474.03, including a base salary of $1,324,076.94 and a $5,657,177.38 bonus, according to DOI records. In 2016, when Tipsord was elected chairman of State Farm's board, his total compensation was $8,157,528.43, with a $1,476,000.06 base salary and a $6,644,035.13 bonus, DOI records show. The records further show that Tipsord's 2017 total compensation was $8,502,234.94, with a $1,568,307.66 base salary and a $6,882,990.00 bonus. His 2018 total compensation was $6,646,304.13, including a base salary of $1,575,499.96 and a $5,001,980.00 bonus. In 2019, Tipsord was awarded an $8,283,342.88 bonus in addition to his $1,944,230.84 base salary, resulting in $10,271,891.82 in total compensation, according to DOI records. Tipsord's $20.3 million total pay for 2020 largely places him in line with some of his corporate leadership peers in the insurance industry, according to public federal financial documents reviewed by The Pantagraph. Allstate Chairman, President and CEO Thomas Wilson's total compensation in 2020 was $21,126,386, filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission show. Travelers Chairman and CEO Alan Schnitzer's total compensation in 2020 was $18,990,270, according to SEC filings. Progressive President and CEO Susan Griffith's total compensation in 2020 was $15,220,523, SEC filings show. The total compensation for Tipsord's predecessor, Ed Rust Jr., ranged from $9.4 million to $13.6 million between 2007-2015. In his final year as State Farm's top executive, Rust's total pay was $13,339,940.18. Contact Timothy Eggert at (309) 820-3276. Follow him on Twitter: @TimothyMEggert Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 DECATUR Almost 240 Illinois superintendents have sent a letter to Gov. J.B. Pritzker asking for local control of decisions on COVID-19 protocols in the coming school year. 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 reads. The past 16 months have provided us with ample experience and knowledge to lead locally with your support. On Friday, the governor's office announced that there are no plans to reinstate restrictions, and that schools will have local control and power in deciding what is best for their own communities. Restore Illinois mitigations that were enacted during the height of the pandemic allowed for safe and proven infection prevention measures since no vaccine was available, a spokesperson for the governors office said in an email Friday. Currently there is no plan to implement any additional mitigations now that there is an abundance of vaccine available and accessible across Illinois. We encourage all Illinoisans ages 12+ to get vaccinated as soon as possible. The mask policy question has become the latest flashpoint in the COVID response effort. Some school meetings across the state have erupted over questions about coverings being required, with parents pushing for more local control. Last week, the Mattoon school board approved a resolution asking for local control for COVID-19 mitigation measures and opposing statewide mask mandate for schools. On Friday, protests were held outside the Winnebago County Health Department over children wearing masks. The issues come as schools prepare for a new in-person academic year following various mitigation measures over the past 18 months. The Illinois Department of Public Health announced on July 9 that teachers and students who are fully vaccinated can forego masks, but at the moment, vaccinations are not yet available for children younger than 12. Other states, such as California, have put mask mandates back in place whether people are vaccinated or not due to rising case numbers. Cases also have been increasing in pockets of Illinois, with additional concerns about the highly infectious delta variety. Illinois is following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines that say teachers and students who are fully vaccinated against the coronavirus don't have to wear masks indoors. It also says students and staff should stay at least 3 feet apart to reduce the spread of a disease that is primarily transmitted through the air. The recommendations have created a patchwork of rules for schools. States like Rhode Island have eliminated mask mandates for educational settings. Based on the current conditions in our towns and counties, the Central A&M 21-22 school year will begin with a mask optional policy, said Superintendent DeAnn Heck, who signed the letter. We will continue to monitor the health and well-being of our students and staff and adjust accordingly if needed. Everyone should be prepared to wear masks if our local metrics warrant that need. Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} The Central A&M board approved the plan based on current CDC, Illinois Department of Public Health and Illinois State Board of Education guidelines, Heck said. Possibly the biggest takeaway (in those guidelines) is the following statement, she said, quoting the guidelines: The CDC/IDPH/ISBE recommend masks be worn by those who are unvaccinated. They also recognize local control during Phase 5 as stated: 'Together with local public health officials, school administrators should consider multiple factors when they make decisions about implementing layered prevention strategies against COVID-19. Since schools typically serve their surrounding communities, decisions should be based on the school population, families, and students served, as well as their communities.' The state entered Phase 5 of the Restore Illinois plan after infection rates declined. That meant most restrictions were lifted, although masks were still required in schools. Macon County superintendents who signed, in addition to Heck, include Damian Jones, Argenta-Oreana schools; Jill Reedy, assistant superintendent of Macon-Piatt Regional Office of Education; Andy Pygott, Meridian; Brett Robinson, Cerro Gordo; Travis Roundcount, Mount Zion; and Cheryl Warner, Warrensburg-Latham. Some new guidance just came out this weekend, said Bobbi Williams, interim superintendent for Decatur Public Schools. Some area superintendents are getting together to compare notes so we can be a little bit consistent. We want to make sure we get information out in enough time so parents can plan, but things are changing so quickly that we don't want to put something out too soon and confuse people. With most area schools starting in mid-August, only about four weeks remain for districts to make plans. Currently, we are continuing to consult with our legal counsel, insurance provider, as well as our local health department regarding multiple aspects of the new guidance, said Cheryl Warner, superintendent of Warrensburg-Latham schools. (The district) is not ready to release our plan currently as we are still seeking feedback from multiple stakeholders. There are tough decisions ahead, but I am confident we will make the best decisions for our district. Mount Zion is still working on its plan, said Superintendent Travis Roundcount, and he expects it to be ready for release by July 21, while Sangamon Valley Superintendent Bob Meadows said he is working on the plan to present to the school board at its meeting the same day. Argenta-Oreana Superintendent Damian Jones said the district is waiting for further guidance from the state as well, and the board has not yet taken action, though the board did approve a resolution to request local control from Pritzker on making decisions about the upcoming school year. Meridian is also still working on a plan, said Superintendent Andy Pygott. We want to ensure that our key stakeholders have an opportunity to provide input and collaborate for a comprehensive plan that addresses all considerations, Pygott said. We are confident that we will restate and follow the CDC and IDPH guidelines that were recently provided. In addition, the Return to School Plan will indicate the possibility of revisions based on any updated guidance by the CDC & IDPH during the course of the school year as may be necessitated with public health metrics related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Contact Valerie Wells at (217) 421-7982. Follow her on Twitter: @modgirlreporter 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. LOS ANGELES (AP) For crimes he called vicious and frightening, a judge on Friday gave a death sentence to a man prosecutors called The Boy Next Door Killer for the home-invasion murders of two women and the attempted murder of a third. Victims' family members wept as Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Larry P. Fidler handed down the sentence to 45-year-old Michael Thomas Gargiulo. Everywhere that Mr. Gargiulo went, death and destruction followed him, Fidler said at the all-day hearing. Gargiulo's case received added attention because one of his victims was about to go on a date with actor Ashton Kutcher, who testified at the trial. The sentencing, delayed by procedural issues and the pandemic, came nearly two years after a jury convicted Gargiulo and recommended his execution. Gargiulo was found guilty of the 2001 murder of Ashley Ellerin, a 22-year-old fashion design student, in her Hollywood home as she prepared to go out with Kutcher. At the trial, Kutcher said that he was late to pick up Ellerin, who did not answer her door. He looked inside to see blood stains that he thought were spilled wine. Prosecutors used him in their closing arguments, suggesting Ellerin was killed by another man who was jealous of Kutcher. Ellerin was found with 47 stab wounds. Her father, Michael Ellerin, who had been visiting his daughter from Northern California hours before she was killed, was one of several victims relatives who spoke at the hearing of their suffering as they waited years for justice. He said he was tempted to imitate his wife Cynthias mournful scream and primal wailing after finding out that Ashley had been murdered. It marked the beginning of an altered, diminished, heartbreaking life, he said. Gargiulo was also convicted of the murder of 32-year-old Maria Bruno, a mother of four, in her home in El Monte, east of Los Angeles, in 2005. Bruno's breasts were cut off and her implants were removed. And he was found guilty of the attempted murder in 2008 of Michelle Murphy, who fought him off in her Santa Monica apartment, forcing him to flee and leave a trail of blood that also led to his eventual arrests for the other two killings. Murphy was the key witness at the trial. To this day, spending the night alone creates a world of fear in me, Murphy said in court before the sentencing. She cried as she talked about meeting the families of the two women who didn't survive their attacks. How is it fair that one persons actions can destroy the lives of so many? she said. Gargiulo is a former air conditioner and heater repairman, bouncer and aspiring actor whose nicknames from media outlets included The Chiller Killer and The Hollywood Ripper but was called The Boy Next Door Killer by prosecutors because he lived near the victims he stalked then attacked in their homes. He spoke before his sentencing, angrily complaining that his lawyers prevented him from taking the stand in his defense. Im going to death row wrongfully and unjustfully, said Gargiulo, who sat in court in orange jail attire and face mask and showed no visible reaction to his sentencing. I did want to testify and my fundamental choice was blocked. He is unlikely to be put to death anytime soon. California has not executed anyone since 2006 and Gov. Gavin Newsom has halted executions for as long as he is in office. But courts have been proceeding on the assumption that executions may one day resume. Gargiulo is now expected to be extradited to Illinois for the 1993 killing of Tricia Pacaccio in his Illinois hometown. Prosecutors in his California trial were allowed to present extensive evidence from that case as they sought to establish a pattern and present Gargiulo as a serial killer. 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 Illinois Legislative Inspector General Carol Pope announced her resignation last week and will leave office by December 15. She cited several reasons, including her thwarted attempt to issue subpoenas without any checks or balances. True ethics reform, she said of the legislature, is not a priority. Pope was certainly right about some things. For instance, state law currently allows inspectors general to open an investigation based on allegations, including in the news media. But that was disallowed under a new bill passed by the General Assembly in May and transmitted to the governor on June 30 unless the allegation is submitted as a formal complaint. In the past, ethics bill have been tightly controlled by the House Speaker and Senate President. That wasnt so much the case this year, however. Rank and file members of the Democratic super-majority had significantly more input on this bill. Legislators as a class are generally a skittish lot. And they fully realize that innocent until investigated is the standard by which officeholders are judged by voters, reporters and pundits. That could be why they even balked at Popes request to publish investigative reports which actually vindicate legislators. The mere existence of the investigation itself would have to be defended. It could be far more trouble than its worth. Better to just bury the whole thing. The new ethics bill also bars the LIG from investigating anything that isnt a violation of the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act or other laws related to the member's or employee's public duties. Violations of House and Senate rules are also off limits. As a result of this, Pope wrote in her resignation letter, the LIG will not be able to investigate conduct unbecoming a legislator that results from things such as posting revenge porn on social media, failure to pay income taxes on non-legislative income, and other conduct that I and the public think the LIG should be able to investigate. But the two House Democratic members of the Legislative Ethics Commission, Reps. Kelly Burke and Maurice West, said that law enforcement was the proper and just avenue for criminal activity outside the purview of official duties. Indeed, former Sen. Terry Link was busted by the feds for his income tax problem and former Rep. Nick Sauer was indicted on twelve felony counts for violating the states non-consensual dissemination of private sexual images law. Since legislators under indictment sometimes refuse to resign, what Pope apparently wanted to do was open separate investigations into whether they had violated the states very broad and ill-defined conduct unbecoming a legislator law. If found in violation, the respective chambers could then vote to expel the member. In reality, though, its unlikely that anybody in such a position would ever cooperate with such an investigation, as last years ComEd-related conduct unbecoming probe of Speaker Michael Madigan clearly showed. We can go through the nuances of Popes resignation until the cows come home, but it doesnt really matter. Literally nobody outside the General Assembly will care, and for good reason. The hard truth is that every former LIG but one dating back to Tom Homer, the states first Legislative Inspector General, has publicly chafed at the restrictions they were put under. Its beyond clear that the General Assembly either needs to find a new Inspector General who understands and accepts the positions limited role, or, better yet, the legislature needs to change the law so that no self-respecting reformer will be embarrassed to admit what they do for a living. Maybe they could find some spot in the middle. Either way, the current setup clearly aint working and its up to the legislature to fix it. Some of the reforms in the new ethics bill are good. Banning Monday night pre-session fundraisers was long overdue. Forcing lobbying entities to disclose their consultants is also a much-needed reform. We currently have no idea whos making money off of advising lobbyists how and whom to lobby. Its downright shady and it has to end. Those were my top two priorities for an ethics bill based on my years of observing this process, so Im kinda/sorta fine with the result. But thats just me. The General Assembly has got to stop blithely bumbling its way into this sort of criticism. Gov. J.B. Pritzker, who is usually a glass-half-full guy, has said the bill on his desk does some good things, but hed like to see more. Hes indicated that hell sign it. But he may want to think about vetoing this thing. Aside from the politics of it, he can make a reasonable case. Rich Miller publishes Capitol Fax, a daily political newsletter, and CapitolFax.com. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 The Sullivan County Highway Department has finished widening the access road to the new West Ridge High School set to open in less than a month and is now paving it, the county highway commissioner said Thursday. I wish we had some before pictures, Highway Commissioner Scott Murray told the Sullivan County Commission at their monthly meeting. Ive had four or five guys that have been working over there for the last seven months every day. Murray said the team has finished widening the countys portion of Lynn Road from 18 feet to 25 feet across. Theyve also raised the roadbed where Lynn Road intersects with Henry Harr Road to eliminate a dip that had made it kind of a blind intersection, he said. And, he said, they have covered a good portion of the surface with a thick layer of bonding a type of asphalt that he said can be put beneath the finer top layer to make the road smoother and more durable. Stidham said that the city of Kingsport has already paved their portion of the road. Murrays department will start paving the countys portion next week before paving Henry Harr, Stidham added. Stidham, multiple other commissioners and Mayor Richard Venable praised the improvements to the road. BRISTOL, Tenn. Dr. Karen Shelton, medical director of the Mount Rogers Health District and acting director of both the Cumberland Plateau and LENOWISCO districts, will leave that role next month to become vice president and chief medical officer at Bristol Regional Medical Center. Ballad Health, parent firm of BRMC, announced Sheltons role Thursday. As a native of Bristol, Im excited for the opportunity to continue serving my community, with its health at the forefront of what I do each day, Shelton said in the statement. I understand the health care needs in our area and am honored to be a part of the great work Bristol Regional is doing to make an impact on the health of our community. She begins her new role Aug. 23. Support Local Journalism Your subscription makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} Bristol Regional is known for its award-winning care and exceptional physicians. I am excited to get to work more closely with the medical staff as we progress to becoming a top-decile organization," she said. She will work with Ballad Healths Northeast Market President and CEO Dr. Chad Couch at the 312-bed hospital. Shouldnt you depend on God a little more if youre a Christian school? Watts said. Bobbie Kirby, who has a son in school at Lenoir-Rhyne, said she felt the student body and parents werent consulted in the decision-making process. I was shocked that they would do that, Kirby said. They are supposed to be a Christian school, but theyre not acting very godly. I dont see how you can force that. Kirby said she felt the requirement was announced too late, not giving students enough time to make a decision. I feel like they did that in a manipulative way, she said. Ultimately, itll be her sons decision whether to get the vaccine, she said. Holman says she isnt going to get the COVID-19 vaccine now. She said if more research shows that the vaccine is safe in the long term, she may be more open to it. Im not anti-vaccine by any means, she said. As it stands now, though, shes unlikely to be vaccinated, and the school says those not vaccinated will either have to defer enrollment or go to another school, according to the university. Defense attorneys argued that Ramos suffered from a delusional disorder as well as autism and obsessive-compulsive disorder. They contended Ramos became consumed with the idea that the article had ruined his life. As his defamation appeals failed, his lawyers said he came to believe there was a vast conspiracy against him involving the courts and the newspaper. Prosecutors, however, repeatedly pointed to shortcomings in the mental health evaluations done by the defense, which relied mostly on interviews with Ramos and his sister. Prosecutors said Ramos acted out of revenge for the article. They said his long, meticulous planning for the attack and the manner in which he carried it out including plans for arrest and long incarceration proved he understood the criminality of his actions. They emphasized how Ramos called 911 from the newsroom after the shooting, identified himself as the gunman and said he surrendered evidence he clearly understood the criminality of his actions. He was arrested while facedown under a desk. Anne Colt Leitess, the Anne Arundel County states attorney, said that although Ramos has personality disorders like narcissism, he does not have serious mental illness that would have qualified him to be found not criminally responsible for five murders. So, in some respects, there is a need for a rising tide, and it really cannot start with government. It starts at home. Families are our most cherished unit in this country. Families are different. They come in great shapes and all kinds of sizes; yet, they are still families. The possibility for excellence and improvement in society cannot start anywhere else but at home. Raising the tide of communities and the country at large starts with each person as an individual. In striking out to be better, to learn more, and to help others, each person raises themselves. Thus, families and communities are strengthened. Bonds are increased which spread out into other areas of need. In fact, it is an interesting question to ask oneself, How can I raise my personal tide? Not because it is going to raise all boats first, but because it is going to raise one boat at a time with care and concern. For many dairy farmers, extracting the most money from your milk check means being successful with components like fat and protein. Depending on the region and the product the milk is being made into, farmers may want to consider indices like Net Merit (NM$), Fluid Merit (FM$), or Cheese Merit (CM$). Each of these indices includes a combination of favorable traits and converts it into a monetary value. While many traits remain rather constant, the production portion of NM$, FM$, and CM$ varies based on returns to ones milk check. For many, NM$ is the place to start. During the July 7 Hoards Dairyman DairyLiveStream, Chris Wolf, agricultural economist at Cornell University, shared,A genetic index simplifies the process of selecting sires based on some combination of economically important traits. Routinely used by many dairy producers to select the bulls to sire the next generation, NM$ helps produce well-rounded cows. When explaining the index, CEO of Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding Joao Durr said, We want to select the most profitable cow that we can have in our commercial herds. NM$ includes a variety of traits focused on the health and production of the offspring. Durr stated, We want our heifers to be healthier and survive and be profitable later on. Whats the best index? If you are in the skim fat order, such as Florida or those in the Southeast, theres an index called Fluid Merit, informed Corey Geiger, managing editor of Hoards Dairyman. When compared to NM$, FM$ leans more toward health traits and an enhanced overall milk yield. Being the highest cheese-producing state, Geiger noted that those in Wisconsin may want to incorporate traits that aid in cheese production. Youd probably want to use Cheese Merit (CM$), stated Geiger. Opposed to NM$, CM$ doubles down on its emphasis for protein and production. It depends on your market, shared Geiger. Youre not getting paid for the fluid part, he explained for those in major cheese production states. Milk yield and component increases in the United States have been a real success story, mentioned Wolf. Producers should use those traits to their advantage in the milk tank. To watch the recording of the July 7 DairyLivestream, go to the link above. The program recording is also available as an audio-only podcast on Apple Podcast Spotify, Google Podcasts, and downloadable off of the Hoards Dairyman website. An ongoing series of events The next broadcast of DairyLivestream will be on Wednesday, July 21 at 11 a.m. CDT. Each episode is designed for panelists to answer over 30 minutes of audience questions. If you havent joined a DairyLivestream broadcast yet, register here for free. Registering once registers you for all future events. To comment, email your remarks to intel@hoards.com. (c) Hoard's Dairyman Intel 2021 July 12, 2021 The information below has been supplied by dairy marketers and other industry organizations. It has not been edited, verified or endorsed by Hoards Dairyman. Officers and directors of the USJersey organizations were elected during the Annual Meetings of the American Jersey Cattle Association (AJCA) and National All-Jersey Inc. (NAJ) held on June 25 and 26, 2021 in Bettendorf, Iowa. Jonathan Merriam, Hickman, Calif., was re-elected to a fourth one-year term as President of the American Jersey Cattle Association on June 25. The third generation of his family to breed and own Registered Jerseys, Merriam is the genetics specialist at Ahlem Farms Partnership, Hilmar, Calif., having previously worked in A.I. sire procurement, extension and education. He has served on the boards of the California Jersey Cattle Association and Jerseyland Sires and was co-chair of the 2016 National Heifer Sale. He was General Chair of The All American Jersey Shows & Sales in 2019, and served as chair of The All American Sale Committee in 2017. Jason Johnson, Northwood, N.H., was elected to his first three-year term as AJCA Director from the First District, succeeding Tom Sawyer, Walpole, N.H.. A fourth generation dairy farmer, he earned a dairy management degree from the University of New Hampshire. Jason is currently a farmer relationship manager with Stonyfield Organic. He is responsible for direct supply milk procurement, animal welfare, milk quality and sustainability programs for the northeast milk supply. He and his wife, Heather, and children, Regan, Ryleigh, and Asher raise and breed their Johnsonacres Jerseys at their home in Northwood. He is currently serving as vice president of the New England Jersey Breeders Association. Joe Vanderfeltz, Lawton, Pa., was elected to his first term as Director from the Third District, succeeding Mark Gardner of Dayton, Pa. Vanderfeltz and his wife, Melinda, and sons, Kyle and Corey, milk 220 Jersey and 180 Holstein cows at VanFel-JM Dairy. VanFel Jerseys is enrolled on REAP and a contract advertiser with the Jersey Journal. The herd has a 2020 actual herd average of 17,703 lbs. milk, 854 lbs. fat and 697 lbs. protein on 160 lactations. In 2019, the herd ranked among the top 10 of the nation for milk, fat, and protein in herd sized of 80-149 lactations. The family farms about 700 acres of corn and alfalfa as well, growing most of the forages for the herd. The couple was awarded the AJCA Young Breeder Award in 2003. Bradley Taylor, Booneville, Miss., was elected as AJCA Director from the Fifth District. He owns and operates Taylor Jersey Farm Inc. with his wife, Carla; sons, Lee, Carl and Holden; and parents, Royal and Marthell. The 120-cow Registered Jersey herd is enrolled on REAP, the comprehensive service package of registration, Equity milk marketing support, type appraisal and performance programs offered by the AJCA and NAJ. Taylor is a member of the All American Sale Committee and was appointed to the AJCA Type Advisory Committee in 2017. He has served on the Southeast Area Council of DFA for eight years and served as secretary. He is the Vice President of Mississippi Jersey Cattle Club. Bradley also serves on the Dairy Research Advisory Council for Mississippi State University. Ralph Frerichs, LaGrange, Texas, was elected to a three-year term as AJCA Director from the Ninth District, succeeding John Boer, Dalhart, Texas. Ralph previously served on the AJCA Board of Directors from 2009-2015. During that time he served as vice president from 2013-2015 and chaired the Development Committee earning him an ex-officio seat on the National All-Jersey Inc. board. He and his wife, Faith, brother, Robert and son, Neal, operate Frerichs Dairy Inc. The herd is home to 190 Registered Jersey cows, the Jersey Barnyard tourist attraction and Texas Jersey Cheese Company, producing all-natural Jersey cheese by hand. Chairs of standing committees for 2021-22 are Bradley Taylor, Booneville, Miss., Finance; Joel Albright, Willard, Ohio, Breed Improvement; Garry Hansen, Mulino, Ore., Development; Karen Bohnert, East Moline, Ill., Information Technology and Identification. Albright will also serve as vice president for the coming year. National All-Jersey Inc. Following his re-election to the board to represent District #3 of National All-Jersey Inc. (NAJ) on June 26, John Kokoski, Hadley, Mass., was elected to continue as president by the Board of Directors. Kokoski has been a member of the NAJ Board since 2007. He heads up the family-operated Mapleline Farm LLC. The enterprise includes a 135-cow Registered Jersey herd enrolled on REAP and a dairy plant that processes and distributes a full line of Jersey milk products to grocery retailers, restaurants and university food service. Kokoski is a past director of the Massachusetts Cooperative Milk Producers Federation and has served more than 25 years on the New England Dairy Promotion Board. Rogelio Roger Herrera, Hilmar, Calif., was re-elected to a second term as Director from District #2. Herrera manages Ahlem Farms Vista and Ahlem Farms Jerseys in Hilmar, Calif. He and his wife of 20 years, Teresa, have three daughters, Shea, Camille and Ella, who help in the operation of the dairies as well. He and his family moved to the family farm, Ahlem Farms Jerseys, in Hilmar in 2009. He joined the partnership of Ahlem Farms Vista and Ahlem Farms Jerseys, which are expansions of the foundation farm, with herd owners Bill and Carolyn Ahlem and his brother, Sabino, a year later. Appointed to the NAJ Board of Directors as an at-large director by AJCA President Jonathan Merriam, was Sam Bok, Defiance, Ohio. Bok will succeed retiring director Calvin Graber, Parker, S.D. Bok and wife, Julie, and children Wendy and Andy, own and operate Boks Jersey Farm, a 450-cow herd enrolled in AJCAs REAP program. He is a delegate to the Board of COBA/Select Sires and represents his county for the Farm Service Agency. He served on the board for Defiance Landmark Inc. for nine years. Bok served on the AJCA Board of Directors from 2013-2019. James Huffard, Crockett, Va., was re-elected as NAJ vice president and will serve as Finance Chair for the board. The American Jersey Cattle Association, organized in 1868, compiles and maintains animal identification and performance data on Jersey cattle and provides services that support genetic improvement and greater profitability. Since 1957, National All-Jersey Inc. has provided services that increase the value of and demand for Jersey milk and milk products and Registered Jersey cattle and genetics. For more information on AJCA and NAJ services for dairy business owners, visit the website at www.USJersey.com or connect at facebook.com/USJersey. The topic of responsible and sustainable animal agriculture has received a lot of attention in recent years, but these concepts are nothing new to the American farmer. For generations, farmers and ranchers across the country have raised animals not only in an ethical manner but also in an environmentally sound and sustainable way. Because of this due diligence, farmers and ranchers have a great story to tell when it comes to sustainability conversations. The sustainability of our food system has been especially highlighted this year as the world prepares for the United Nations Food Systems Summit (FSS). The main event is not until September, but the Pre-Summit takes place July 26 to 28 in Rome, Italy. If you havent heard of FSS or arent sure what it is, the official website describes it as a global initiative led by United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to help inspire a decade of action to achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. These goals include zero hunger, good health and well-being, responsible consumption and production, and climate action, to name a few. The United Nations has been on the hunt for game-changing solutions to food system issues. The U.S. animal agriculture community has been actively submitting solutions that are already being done here, including: The U.S. Net Zero Initiative, an industry-wide effort to accelerate voluntary action on farm to reduce environmental impacts by making sustainable practices and technologies more accessible and affordable to U.S. dairy farms of all sizes and geographies. The Dairy Sustainability Framework that enables the dairy sector to take a holistic approach to sustainability. The National Dairy FARM Program, an industry-wide, on-farm social responsibility program that provides assurances that U.S. dairy farmers are global leaders in animal care, antibiotic stewardship, biosecurity, environmental stewardship, and workforce development as part of a One Health approach. Recently, the Animal Agriculture Alliance hosted a webinar for Animal Ag Allies participants providing an overview of the FSS and how farmers, ranchers, and practicing veterinarians can get involved. Tara Vander Dussen, a dairy farmer and environmental scientist known on social media as New Mexico Milkmaid, shared her experience with FSS engagement. Tara noted that the U.S. animal agriculture community is a leader in environmental stewardship efforts and has made tremendous progress to reduce its impact. However, she added, It's a global system, so it doesnt matter how great the U.S. is if the rest of the globes dairy numbers arent there as far as sustainability. She said one of the greatest things about being involved in sustainability and food system dialogues on the global scale is having the opportunity to share with other countries whats being done in the U.S. to further advance environmental stewardship practices. Why dont we look at what were doing here in the United States with dairy thats working . . . and lets use that to then continue discussions in other areas about how we can help farmers in other places get to where the United States is at. The animal agriculture community often feels like its playing defense in conversations like sustainability, so its no surprise that our knee-jerk reaction is to share all of the improvements weve made in this area over time. Tara cautioned, though, that only looking at accomplishments and not addressing challenges will not present game-changing solutions or help us reach specific goals. When it comes to engaging in sustainability conversations and the FSS, she recommended looking for any opportunity to come to the table and make the voice of farmers and ranchers heard. She stressed that more boots-on-the-ground voices were needed in the dialogue. Social media provides an easy way to get involved in the conversation by using the official FSS hashtags #FoodSystems and #UNFSS2021. The Animal Agriculture Alliance has a catalogue of ready-to-share graphics about the FSS available on our website. Conversations about the sustainability of our food system are not going away. We need every voice to speak up about this issue to have the most beneficial impact on the animal agriculture community. What are you waiting for? Emily Solis is the communications specialist at the Animal Agriculture Alliance. In her role, she works to execute the Alliances issues management and communications strategy. Vintage Energy Ltd Vintage Energy Ltd (VEN.AX) Nangwarry Field Update Melbourne, Australia, July 12, 2021 - (ABN Newswire) - Vintage Energy Ltd (ASX:VEN) is pleased to provide an update on the resource estimate of the on-block recoverable carbon dioxide ("CO2") sales gas from the Nangwarry Field in the onshore Otway Basin. - Independent resource estimate confirms sizeable CO2 sales gas resource - Gross recoverable CO2 best case of 25.9 Bcf (12.9 Bcf net) - Production test confirmed raw gas flow rates well in excess of commercial requirements - Joint Venture appoints Vintage as marketing agent to commercialise Nangwarry Field A revision of the Nangwarry Field recoverable estimates* has been conducted by ERC Equipoise Pte Ltd ("ERCE") following the successful production test of the Nangwarry-1 well. Nangwarry-1 was perforated across the Top Pretty Hill Formation and produced raw gas (~93% CO2, ~6% methane and ~1% nitrogen), at higher than anticipated raw gas flow rates of 10.5-10.8 million standard cubic feet per day ("MMscfd"), measured through a 48/64" choke at a flowing wellhead pressure of 1,415 psi over a 36-hour period. This flow was measured through a 3" orifice plate and choked back to analyse the well over this extended flow period with stable conditions. The well is very productive, with a raw gas flow rate of only 3 MMscfd required to supply a purification plant capacity of 150 tonnes per day. The Nangwarry Field has the potential to provide a stable and reliable source of food grade CO2, which is currently in high demand since the depletion of onshore Otway Basin well Caroline-1 in 2017. The main industrial uses for food grade CO2 include: - Carbonation of soft drinks, fruit juices and beer - Recharging of natural mineral waters - Winemaking - Tapping beer and oxidation prevention through contact with air - Conservation of wine, unfermented grape juice and fruit juices - Medical devices - Cold storage / refrigeration - Accelerating growth of farm produce as an atmosphere additive - Preparation of sodium carbonate, alkaline bicarbonates, lead carbonate and various organic substances (e.g. salicylic acid) - Production of paints and varnishes and manufacture of foam rubber Since the successful drilling and testing of Nangwarry-1, the Department of Energy and Mining approved an application for a retention licence over the Nangwarry CO2 discovery, prior to expiry of PEL 155 on 5 May 2021. As a result, the Joint Venture retains a significant amount of land around the Nangwarry Field while it pursues options for commercial development. Vintage has been appointed by the Joint Venture as the marketing agent to commercialise the Nangwarry Field. The recent appointment of an in-house Commercial Manager, along with BurnVoir Corporate Finance Limited as a corporate advisor, provide the appropriate resourcing to investigate and negotiate a beneficial outcome on behalf of the Joint Venture for commercialisation of this excellent resource. To view the revised estimates, please visit: https://abnnewswire.net/lnk/4T92C88E Story continues About Vintage Energy Ltd: Vintage Energy Ltd (ASX:VEN) has been established to acquire, explore and develop energy assets principally within, but not limited to, Australia, to take advantage of a generally favourable energy pricing outlook. Contact: Neil Gibbins Managing Director +61 8 7477 7680 info@vintageenergy.com.au Source: Vintage Energy Ltd Copyright (C) 2021 ABN Newswire. All rights reserved. FILE PHOTO: Chairman of Afghanistan's High Council for National Reconciliation Abdullah Abdullah speaks during an interview with Reuters at the Willard Hotel KABUL (Reuters) - A delegation of Afghan political leaders led by top peace official Abdullah Abdullah left for Qatar on Friday to attempt to breathe life into stalled talks with the Taliban as violence escalates around the country. Abdullah, head of the country's High Council for National Reconciliation and former government chief executive, said that even as conflict rose and districts toppled to the Taliban insurgents, peace needed to be sought at the negotiating table. "We hope that the Taliban side will see this as an opportunity and know that there will be no peace with continued capturing of districts," he said at Kabul's airport before departing. "The result of peace can only be achieved at the negotiating table (and) despite all the pain that our people are suffering today... we believe there is still a chance for peace." Clashes between the Taliban and government forces haveintensified as U.S.-led international forces have beenwithdrawing. The Taliban have encircled several provincial capitals, and captured several districts and border crossings in the north and west. Meetings in Qatar's capital between Afghan government and Taliban negotiators have been taking place in recent weeks but officials have cautioned there are few signs of substantive progress as time runs out before foreign troops withdraw by September. Pakistan's foreign ministry said on Friday that it was postponing another highly anticipated meeting on Afghan peace that had been scheduled to begin in Islamabad this week with Afghan leaders. It said it would set new dates after next week's Eid religious holiday. Clashes continued around Afghanistan, including in southern Kandahar province where the Taliban on Wednesday captured Spin Boldak, a crucial area along the border with Pakistan. Officials described heavy clashes and both sides claimed to be in control of the area on Friday. Reuters journalist Danish Siddiqui was killed on Friday while covering a clash near the border crossing, an Afghan commander said. Afghanistan's interior ministry spokesperson Tariq Arian said Afghan forces had retaken the area, but Qari Yosuf Ahmadi, a Taliban spokesperson, said in a statement the militants still had control of Spin Boldak. (Reporting by Abdul Qadir Sediqi, Orooj Hakimi and Charlotte Greenfield in Kabul; additional reporting by Jibran Ahmad in Peshawar and Gul Yousafzai in Quetta, Editing by William Maclean) US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad. (Photo/ANI) Tashkent [Uzbekistan], July 16 (ANI): US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad on Friday said that America will support the Afghanistan government, even after completion of its military mission in the war-torn country. "We will continue to support the Afghanistan government. We have said that when forces withdraw which is going on, we will support Afghanistan's security forces. The president's budget is for 3.3 billion dollars in assistance to the Afghan security force. We will provide economic assistance, diplomatic assistance, humanitarian assistance," Khalilzad said. "We are active in terms of building support, engaging ourselves, with United Nations, with neighbours, with big powers, with our allies, developed countries who have resources to support post-peace Afghanistan with assistance," he added. "That is the strategy for this new phase on the part of the United States for this new chapter after the withdrawal of the our forces," the US envoy said while addressing a press conference in Uzbekistan. He also stressed for reaching a political agreement over the Taliban situation in Afghanistan. "There should be an agreement that can produce stability, peace and progress for Afghan people. Two features that are broadly accepted by the Aghan people is support and acceptance from the neighbours and countries around the world. For those two things, there is a need for political arrangements that produce an inclusive government that reflects the diversity of Afghanistan. That government respects the fundamental rights of people and they are given an opportunity to choose the government," Khalilzad said. The completion of the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan will end in August from the war-torn country Afghanistan. (ANI) Indian photojournalist Danish Siddiqui (Photo Credit - Tolo News) Kabul [Afghanistan], July 16 (ANI): Danish Siddiqui, an Indian photojournalist working for Reuters, was killed on Friday during clashes in Spin Boldak district in Kandahar, sources confirmed. Siddiqui was covering the situation in Kandahar over the last few days, reported Tolo News. He was based in Mumbai and had received the Pulitzer Prize as part of the Photography staff of Reuters. Siddiqui graduated with a degree in Economics from Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhi. He started his career as a television news correspondent, switched to photojournalism, and joined Reuters as an intern in 2010. The Taliban captured Spin Boldak district in Kandahar this week. Fierce fighting has been underway in Kandahar, especially in Spin Boldak, for the last few days, reported Tolo News. (ANI) JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) A Chinese man who tried to buy and ship inflatable military boats from the U.S. to China was sentenced Friday to three years and six months in U.S. federal prison. Ge Songtao, 51, pleaded guilty in federal court in Jacksonville, Florida, last November to conspiring to submit false export information to fraudulently export maritime raiding craft and engines to China and to attempting to fraudulently export that equipment, according to court records. In addition, the judge ordered Ge Songtao to forfeit more than $114,000. U.S. District Judge Harvey Schlesinger found that Ge Songtao was planning to reverse-engineer the engines and supply his own version to the Chinese military. Ge Songtao was the chairman of a Chinese company called Shanghai Breeze Technology Co. Ltd. when one of his U.S.-based employees, Yang Yang, attempted to order seven combat rubber raiding craft equipped with engines that can operate using gasoline, diesel fuel or jet fuel, according to the plea agreement. These vessels and multifuel engines are used by the U.S. military and can be launched from a submarine or dropped by an aircraft. No comparable engine is manufactured in China. When the U.S. manufacturer suggested that Yang purchase cheaper gasoline-fueled engines, she insisted on the military-model multifuel engines, prosecutors said. Yang falsely told the manufacturer that her customer was based in Hong Kong rather than Shanghai, fearing the U.S. company would be less likely to sell to a company in mainland China, officials said. To facilitate the purchase, Ge Songtao arranged wire transfers to a separate company in Hong Kong, which wired $114,834.27 to the U.S. manufacturer. He also coordinated plans to send an employee to Hong Kong to receive the raiding craft and engines and then send the equipment to mainland China. Yang and another co-conspirator, Zheng Yan, have previously pleaded guilty in the scheme. They were later sentenced to time-served. A trial for a remaining co-defendant, Fan Yang, is scheduled to begin in August. United Nations, Jul 15 (PTI) India has called on the international community to ensure terrorist groups are not allowed to operate unchallenged in Libya, voicing grave concern over the African country becoming a logistics platform for al-Qaeda affiliates in Mali and its cascading effect in the region. 'We must ensure that terrorist groups and affiliated entities are not allowed to operate unchallenged in Libya. The continued presence and activities of ISIL in Libya, as illustrated by the latest report of the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team of 1267 Sanctions Committee, is of serious concern,' Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said on Thursday. Speaking at a high-level Security Council ministerial meeting on Libya chaired by Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France Jean-Yves Le Drian, Shringla said the Sanctions Committee report indicates spread of such activities into the Sahel region as well. 'Libya has become a logistical platform for al-Qaeda affiliates in Mali. This is a matter of grave concern due the potential cascading effect it could have throughout the Sahel region. It is unfortunate that the issue is not drawing the attention it deserves,' he said, adding that the international community must speak in one voice against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Highlighting Indias close and mutually beneficial bilateral ties with Libya, Shringla said New Delhi remains committed to supporting Tripoli and its people in their endeavour to bring about lasting peace in the country. 'To this end, we look forward to working with the Government of National Unity for providing capacity building and training assistance in mutually identified areas.' Shringla arrived in New York on Wednesday and will participate in another high-level event in the Security Council under the current French Presidency. He is also scheduled to meet UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres on Thursday. Story continues In his address, Shringla asserted that the next six months will be critical for Libya, as it embarks on a journey towards peace and stability. It is incumbent upon the international community and the Security Council, in particular, to continue to provide support to Libya in this critical phase. He said it is important that elections need to be held as planned on December 24 this year in a free and fair manner. In order to achieve this, he said, it is vital that the constitutional basis for conducting elections is agreed upon early. Regrettably, consensus on the issue is still elusive, he said. 'The Libyan parties, in particular, the members of the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum (LPDF), need to continue consultations among themselves in order to arrive at a workable solution at the earliest, Shringla said, as he urged the House of Representatives and the High Council of State to frame the required legislation for the conduct of elections. Emphasising the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Libya needs to be safeguarded, Shringla said the peace process must be fully Libyan-led and Libyan-owned with no imposition or external interference. 'We also encourage all Libyan parties to continue to make concerted efforts towards the unification of all national institutions, he said, welcoming the independent audit of the Central Bank. Further, he said, the provisions of the Ceasefire Agreement and successive Security Council resolutions need to be respected. 'Unfortunately, these provisions, in particular, those related to the withdrawal of foreign forces and mercenaries, continue to be violated. It is equally alarming that the arms embargo continues to be blatantly violated, as repeatedly reported by the Panel of Experts.' Shringla called for the need for a serious discussion within the Security Council on what further measures could be taken to ensure that the decisions of the Council on withdrawal of foreign forces are implemented, so that sustainable peace and stability prevails in Libya. He also underlined the need to plan for the disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration of armed groups and non-state armed actors and said an inclusive and comprehensive national reconciliation process is the need of the hour. 'We hope that all the parties concerned would engage sincerely in this endeavour. We also urge the international community to support such a process.' Shringla noted that while there has been a sense of cautious optimism' with regard to the situation in Libya over the last few months, especially since the signing of the Ceasefire Agreement in October last year, there are still causes for concern as the security situation remains fragile despite a reduction in violence. 'The economic impact of the conflict has been adversely impacted by the pandemic and disintegrating financial institutions. The involvement of external forces in the internal affairs of Libya has negatively impacted the progress on the political track,' he said. PTI YAS ZH ZH Afghan Taliban seize border crossing with Pakistan in major advance A convoy of Afghan Special Forces is seen during a rescue mission in Kandahar province By Abdul Qadir Sediqi and Orooj Hakimi KABUL (Reuters) -Taliban fighters in Afghanistan seized control of a major border crossing with Pakistan on Wednesday, one of the most important objectives they have achieved so far during a rapid advance across the country as U.S. forces pull out. Video released by the militants showed their white flag with black Koranic verse flying in place of the Afghanistan flag above the Friendship Gate at the border crossing in the Afghan town of Wesh, opposite the Pakistani town of Chaman. "After two decades of the brutality of Americans and their puppets, this gate and the Spin Boldak district were captured by the Taliban," a fighter said to camera. "The strong resistance of the Mujahideen and its people forced the enemy to leave this area. As you can see, that's the Islamic Emirate flag, the flag that thousands of Mujahideen shed their blood to raise." The crossing, in the Spin Boldak district south of Afghanistan's main southern city Kandahar, is the landlocked country's second busiest entry point and main commercial artery between its sprawling southwest region and Pakistani sea ports. Afghan government data indicate that the route is used by 900 trucks a day. Afghan officials said government forces had pushed back the Taliban and were in control of the district. But civilians and Pakistani officials said the Taliban remained in control of the crossing. "Wesh, which has great importance in Afghan trade with Pakistan and other countries, has been captured by the Taliban," said a Pakistani security official deployed at the border area. Officials in Chaman said the Taliban had suspended all travel through the gate. The Taliban have in recent days seized other major border crossings, in Herat, Farah and Kunduz provinces in the north and west. Control of border posts allows the Taliban to collect revenue, said Shafiqullah Attai, chairman of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment in the capital Kabul. Story continues The Islamist militants, who ruled Afghanistan from 1996 until their ouster in 2001 by U.S. bombing following the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks on the United States, have since been fighting to topple the Western-backed government in Kabul. U.S. President Joe Biden has announced he is pulling out all U.S. troops by August, and American forces left their main base in the country two weeks ago. Emboldened Taliban have been making a fresh push to surround cities and capture territory. U.S. officials told Reuters the United States will send charter flights later this month to start evacuating around 2,500 Afghans who worked as interpreters for the U.S. government and whose lives are now at risk. The programme has been dubbed "Operation Allies Refuge". PRESIDENT VOWS TO BREAK TALIBAN BACKBONE President Ashraf Ghani travelled to the northern province of Balkh on Tuesday to assess security after the Taliban pushed government forces out of several districts there. Ghani, 72, met civilians and assured them that "the Taliban's backbone will be broken" and government forces would soon retake areas lost to the militants, the Tolo News network reported. In the western province of Herat, a security official said Taliban fighters had fired several mortars at the Salma Dam, a vital hydroelectric and irrigation project. Officials at the National Water Affairs Regulation Authority appealed to the Taliban to treat the dam as a "national treasure (that) is the common property of all and should not be damaged in military conflict". Vice President Amrullah Saleh said the Taliban were forcing members of a small ethnic minority to either convert to Islam or leave their homes in the northern province of Badakhshan. "These are minority Kerghiz who lived there for centuries...They are now (across the border) in Tajikistan awaiting their fate," he said on Twitter. The United Nations mission in Afghanistan said it was increasingly concerned about reports of rights abuses as the fighting spreads. "The reports of killing, ill-treatment, persecution and discrimination are widespread and disturbing, creating fear and insecurity," the mission said in a statement. Educated Afghans - especially women and girls who were barred from school and most work under Taliban rule - have voiced alarm at their rapid advance, as have members of ethnic and sectarian minorities persecuted under the Taliban's severe interpretation of Sunni Islam. Taliban spokespeople reject accusations that they abuse rights, and say women will not be mistreated if the Taliban return to power. "The best way to end harm to civilians is for peace talks to be reinvigorated in order for a negotiated settlement to be reached," the U.N. mission said. The Taliban made a commitment to negotiate with their Afghan rivals as part of an agreement under which the United States agreed to withdraw. But little progress has been made towards a ceasefire in several rounds of talks in Qatar. Senior politicians from Kabul were preparing to leave for Qatar for more talks this month as Western diplomats urged the rival sides to work towards a power-sharing agreement. (Additional reporting by Gul Yosuefzai in Quetta, Gibran Peshimam in IslamabadWriting by Rupam Jain and Peter GraffEditing by Robert Birsel, Mark Heinrich, Peter Graff) Many device manufacturers have increasingly designed products to make them difficult to repair without specialized equipment and instructions, but that may change soon. The Associated Press conducted the review following months of Trump and his allies claiming without proof that he had won the 2020 election. His claims of widespread fraud have been rejected by election officials, judges, a group of election security officials and even Trump's own attorney general at the time. Even so, supporters continue to repeat them and they have been cited by state lawmakers as justification for tighter voting rules across the country. In Arizona, Republican state lawmakers have used the unsubstantiated claims to justify the unprecedented outside Senate review of the election in Maricopa County and to pass legislation that could make it harder for infrequent voters to receive mail ballots automatically. Senate President Karen Fann has repeatedly said her goal is not to overturn the election results. Instead, she has said she wants to find out if there were any problems and show voters who believe Trump's claims whether they should trust the results. PHOENIX (AP) A U.S. prosecutor trying to send a Phoenix driving school owner to Iraq to face charges in the 2006 killings of two Iraqi police officers acknowledged Thursday that statements made by people claiming to have witnessed the crimes contained inconsistencies but still urged a judge to sign off on the request. Prosecutor Todd Allision said documents provided by the Iraqi government in its extradition request establish probable cause to support the two murder charges against Ali Yousif Ahmed Al-Nouri, an Iraqi native who came to the United States as a refugee in 2009 and became a U.S. citizen in 2015. Ahmed is accused of participating in the two attacks on the streets of Fallujah as the leader of an al-Qaida group. Ahmed has denied being involved in the killings and being a member of a terror group. Ahmeds attorney, Jami Johnson, said some people who gave investigators information didnt witness the shootings and learned about them secondhand. Johnson also said a man in Iraqi police custody who claimed to be a member of the terror group once told investigators that Ahmed took an officers gun during one of the killings, while saying another time that someone else made away with the weapon. The U.S. Army has awarded a $231.17 million contract to a Winston-Salem group to operate a transition- and job-assistance program for soldiers returning to civilian life. Horizon Strategies, founded in 2016 and based in Winston Tower at 301 N. Main St., is an authorized service-disabled, veteran-owned small business. This is by far our biggest contract to date, as it is such a large contract for a small business to win, said Bill Harmon, Horizons co-founder and president. The program is mandated by Congress and embedded in Army and Department of Defense policy. It is designed to help all eligible transitioning soldiers acquire the knowledge, skills and resources necessary to be competitive and successful in the global workforce. Services include career counseling and employment assistance. Services also are available to the soldiers family members and civilian Army employees. Soldiers sacrifice many years of their career to the Army, and in return, the Army is committed to reintegrating them into the next phase of their life, Allen Batschelet, a retired U.S. Army Major General who serves as chief executive and Horizon co-founder, said in a statement. CHARLESTON The Coles County Board approved the hiring of a consulting group, Illinois-based Bellwether Consulting, to help navigate its use of federal COVID relief funds. The board was looking for help managing an anticipated $9 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds, which the county received in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The cost for the services provided by Bellwether is $20,000. There are a magnitude requirements that need to be met and things that need to be done correctly so that this money is beneficial to people of Coles County, rather than not being used at all, or worse yet, used incorrectly and then the county would be on the hook to repay those funds, board member Stan Metzger said during Tuesday's meeting. So George's (Treasurer George Edwards) office has already spent a lot of hours dealing with this. And, as I said, it's quite a complex program that they that they have to follow. Bellwether is ready to do this for the price of $20,000. Metzger added, We couldn't even hire a full-time person to manage this. Edwards shared how important it is to use the funds. I think it's going to take everybodys involvement to make good decisions and to figure out what's the best way to (use the funds) because this only this is a once in a lifetime thing, said Edwards. When is the county going to come into $9 million? Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} Edwards also mentioned several counties throughout the state have not used ARPA funds because requirements are so complicated to navigate. How to properly spend money was a major concern expressed throughout the evening. This included discussion over a request to update technology for the EMT call center, a project that should not exceed $1.1 million. Board member Rick Shook argued that $1.1 million is too much to spend, which was later partly refuted in public comment by Kansas Fire Chief Kirk Allen, who agreed that $1.1 million sounded like a lot, but more updates should be taken seriously. The purpose for the $1.1 million is to update systems to allow for emergency responders to more quickly locate the scene of a fire or other emergency. Other speakers during the public participation portion of the meeting criticized the board members for not holding various meetings and being absent from board meetings, which led attendees appearing to address the board to need more time than the allotted three minutes to speak. Coles County resident and member of Concerned Taxpayers of Coles County James DiNaso was eventually escorted out of the meeting room for refusing to stop speaking after his allotted three minutes were finished. 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. New COVID-19 cases in North Carolina continued to increase slightly at elevated levels, the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services reported Friday. There were 1,023 new cases reported statewide the most since 1,187 were reported May 20. The latest daily case count follows 1,020 reported for Wednesday and 995 for Tuesday. Meanwhile, Forsyth County continued to report low numbers of new cases, with 19 reported Friday and no additional COVID-19 deaths. DHHS lists COVID-19 cases and deaths on the day they are confirmed by medical providers and public health officials, so people may have been infected or may have died days or weeks before their cases were counted. Since mid-March 2020, North Carolina has had 1.02 million COVID-19 cases and 13,523 COVID-19 related deaths, with the number of deaths up four from Thursdays report. North Carolina public-health officials are concerned that the recent uptick in cases may be because of the delta variant, which has been classified as a variant of concern by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The delta variant spreads faster than other strains of COVID-19 and could pose an increased risk of hospitalization. In our opinion, St. Augustines coolest pet-friendly attraction is the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. This is the place to go to experience Old Florida scenery and see quaint historical buildings. Youll even have an opportunity to drink from a real spring locally known as the fountain of youth - the magical fountain Ponce de Leon was seeking when he first set foot on St. Augustines shores in 1513. Pets are welcome just about everywhere in the park, so bring them along for the fun. No need to worry about great places to stay with your pooch, because St. Augustine offers a wide selection of pet-friendly hotels! Its not surprising that historical small towns have a love for pets. Many such towns have roots in farming, value family and community, and want to preserve the things that matter - just like most animal lovers. Bob Johnson, owner of Wake Forests The Cotton Company, sums it up perfectly: Ever dreamed of opening an artisan boutique and settling down for good in an idyllic village in Italy's deep south where it's warm almost all year-round and get paid to do it? For those willing to take the plunge, it could soon no longer be just a dream. The region of Calabria plans to offer up to 28,000 ($33,000) over a maximum of three years to people willing to relocate to sleepy villages with barely 2,000 inhabitants in the hope of reversing years of population decline. These include locations near the sea, or on mountainsides, or both. This isn't money for nothing, however. In order to get the funds, new residents must also commit to kickstarting a small business, either from scratch or by taking up preexisting offers of specific professionals wanted by the towns. There are a few other catches too. Applicants must take up residency and sorry boomers be a maximum of 40 years old. They must be ready to relocate to Calabria within 90 days from their successful application. It's hoped the offer will attract pro-active young people and millennials eager to work. In short, Kumar says his business is about education, science and self-regulation. Customers, for example, must be at least 21 to purchase products, and Holmes and McKinney act as consultants for those with concerns or questions. "It's more of a consultant approach, which means we don't let every customer walk in like, 'Hey, I have a lot of pain in my body,' and we go 'Oh, yeah, here's Delta 8.' We don't go that route," Kumar said. "We are trying to help the customers understand everything about Delta 8, how it should be used, when it should be used and what are the dosage requirements." A lot of other plant-based products sold in supermarkets and drug stores are unregulated, like some vitamins and supplements, Holmes said, but they don't draw concern. Delta 8 is the same, she argues. And when combined with CBD, some of the psychoactive effects of THC can often be negated, McKinney added. "Yes, it does have the three-letter cuss word of THC in there ... but it is very bioactive and a very effective cannabinoid that can help with the control of pain management," Holmes said. Apartments typically have limited options for security. Consider using these tips to protect your apartment home. A 37-year-old Lincoln man was arrested after he showed up at the house of a woman he knew, knocked on the door and sexually assaulted her, according to police. Ezequiel De Luna Ruvalcaba was arrested at his home on Wednesday, five days after Lincoln Police Officer Erin Spilker said he showed up randomly at the 36-year-old womans house and sexually assaulted her before leaving. Spilker said the woman had been waiting for a friend at her home on July 9 when there was a knock on her front door. Another resident of the house let Ruvalcaba in, assuming he was the friend set to arrive, Spilker said. Upon entry, Ruvalcaba went to the womans bedroom and began sexually assaulting her, according to police. The woman, who Spilker said had previously experienced unwanted advances from Ruvalcaba, yelled at the man and told him she was going to call police, at which time he fled. A week later, police arrested Ruvalcaba near 19th and A streets on suspicion of first-degree sexual assault. He was taken to the Lancaster County jail. 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. The similarities may prove problematic at traffic stops, where officers might confuse Delta 8 with its illegal counterpart, causing a headache for motorists who aren't breaking the law. In that instance, Dale said, the substance could be seized and would be lab-tested before police issue any citation for possession of marijuana, which is an infraction in Lincoln when less than an ounce is discovered. "There's no legal requirement for how you carry the Delta-8 products, but I would recommend that people keep them in their original packaging and then maybe even keep the receipt with it," Dale said. "That way if they do have an interaction with an officer, it might speed up that interaction and help clear up any questions about it." Dale said substances won't be seized "if all signs point toward it being Delta 8." And he acknowledged that residents could simply store marijuana in store-bought Delta 8 packaging in an attempt to conceal it. "People will think of all sorts of creative ways to try and skirt the law," he said. Hall insisted she spoke with media and attended a protest at Mark Redwines house in an effort to bring Dylan home. I figured he was safe because he was with his dad, and I was devastated that no one knew where my son was, she said. Throughout the trial, prosecutors doubled down on the compromising photos of Redwine, arguing the father-son relationship was in decline long before Dylans disappearance. Prosecutors also focused on comments Dylan made to family and friends about dreading the court-ordered visit. Public defender John Moran said during his opening statements that Dylan ran away from home and suggested he could have been attacked by a bear or a mountain lion. He referred to an injury on Dylans skull as a tooth mark. A forensic anthropologist, Diane France, testified that Dylan suffered a fracture above his left eye. Two marks on the boys skull were likely caused by a knife or sharp tool at or near the time of death, France said. Meanwhile Redwines defense said in closing arguments that expert testimony had showed Dylans skull was still in a peri-mortem state in 2015. He said that means it retained elasticity and wetness, making it susceptible to environmental factors like animal scavenging for three years before it was discovered. Abode's latest Emoji Trend report also examined the three most misunderstood emojis in the world. The "eggplant" symbol edged out the "peach" and the "clown" emoji respectively as the most confusing for users. The vast majority of emoji users (90%) believe the modern-day hieroglyphs make it easier for them to express themselves. Eighty-nine percent of respondents said emoji simplify communicating across language barriers. And 67% said they think people who use emoji are friendlier, funnier and cooler than those who don't. A slight majority of respondents said they are more comfortable expressing emotions through emoji than talking on the phone or in-person. More than half of global emoji users (55%) said using emoji in communications has positively impacted their mental health. Seventy-six percent of those surveyed said emoji are an important communication tool for creating unity, respect and understanding. And 88% said they feel more empathetic toward people who use emoji. He was assigned to the 485th Bomb Group, which trained in Fairmont. The unit deployed to Venosa, Italy, in April 1944. Harrington kept a wartime diary. It included a description of a harrowing bombing mission over Vienna on June 26, 1944. His plane, which the crew had named Hitlers Egg Man, was badly damaged but somehow reached an Allied base in Tunisia. Believe me, Harrington wrote, The fellows got out and kissed the ground and thanked the good Lord to be on Mother Earth. After the war, he decided that he liked life in the Air Force and stayed in. He met Lt. Mabel Carolyn Nelson, an Army nurse, in England, and they married in 1947. They raised two daughters and two sons. Harrington joined the Strategic Air Command newly headquartered at Offutt Air Force Base the following year. He served as a navigator aboard B-36 Peacemaker strategic bombers and stayed with SAC until he retired in 1963 as a colonel. His last assignment was at Offutt, as chief of navigator training. After his military retirement, he earned a degree from Omaha University (now the University of Nebraska at Omaha) and pursued a second career in real estate. Local breaking topical DOJ ON KANSASVILLE SHOOTING State DOJ: Franksville shooter attempted to carjack sheriff's investigator Dee Holzel, Dee.holzel@journaltimes.com Law enforcement officers investigate on Tuesday morning at a Mobil gas station, 10616 Northwestern Ave. in the Franksville area of Caledonia. In a Thursday news release, the state Department of Justice reported that John McCarthy fatally shot Anthony F. "Nino" Griger at the Pilot Travel Center 2.3 miles northwest of the Mobil station, then arrived at the Mobil station and attempted to carjack a Racine County Sheriff's Office investigator coincidentally filling up his undercover vehicle there. After an exchange of gunfire, the investigator was wounded and the McCarthy, having shot himself in the head, was fatally wounded. Diana Panuncial / DIANA PANUNCIAL diana.panuncial@journaltimes.com Racine County Sheriff Christopher Schmaling speaks at the Tuesday afternoon press briefing regarding fatal gunfire in Caledonia that morning. The Hartland man who fatally shot an Elkhorn man at the Pilot Travel Center in Caledonia on Tuesday morning then attempted to carjack a Racine County Sheriffs Office investigator at a Mobil station 2.3 miles away, the Wisconsin Department of Justice said in a Thursday news release. The investigator and the Hartland man then exchanged gunfire, leading to the wounding of the investigator. The Hartland man then shot himself in the head, the DOJ said. John McCarthy, 32, of Hartland had attempted to leave the Pilot Travel Center in the vehicle of the mortally wounded Elkhorn man Anthony F. Nino Griger, 22 but couldnt operate it, the DOJ news release said. McCarthy attempted to carjack another Pilot Travel Center patron before fleeing in his own vehicle to the Mobil station. McCarthy Griger At approximately 7:30 a.m. a white, adult male subject at the Pilot Gas Station on Highway K ... shot and killed a patron filling their vehicle with fuel, the DOJ stated in the news release. The subject (McCarthy) then attempted to leave in the patrons vehicle but couldnt operate the vehicle. The subject then attempted to carjack another patrons vehicle, but the patron drove away. The subject fired several rounds into the patrons vehicle as it fled. This patron was not injured. The subject then entered his own vehicle and drove to the Mobil Gas Station on Highway K in Franksville ... The subject exited his vehicle, approached a man filling his fuel tank, and attempted to carjack the vehicle. However, the man the subject approached was a Racine County Sheriffs Deputy in plainclothes with an unmarked police car. The sheriffs deputy and the subject exchanged gunfire. The sheriffs deputy was hit by gunfire from the subject, and the deputy struck the subject with gunfire. The subject then shot himself in the head, the DOJ news release said. The sheriffs deputy and the subject were transferred to a local hospital for treatment, the DOJ news release said. The subject was pronounced deceased at the hospital. The sheriffs deputy continues to receive treatment but is expected to survive his injuries. The shot patron at the Pilot Gas Station was pronounced deceased at the scene. No other individuals were injured. Take advantage of this limited-time offer The Justice Departments Division of Criminal Investigation is leading the investigation into the officer-involved shooting of the carjacking and homicide suspect. The Racine County Sheriffs Office is leading the investigation of the carjacking homicide that occurred at the Pilot Travel Center, the DOJ said. DCI is receiving assistance from Wisconsin State Patrol, Wisconsin State Crime Laboratory, DOJ Office of Crime Victim Services, Caledonia Police Department, and Mount Pleasant Police Department. All involved law enforcement are fully cooperating with DCI during this investigation, the DOJ news release said, adding that the involved officer has been placed on medical leave. DCI is continuing to review evidence and determine the facts of this incident and will turn over investigative reports to the Racine County District Attorney when the investigation concludes. Victims family posts statement Family members posted on a GoFundMe page that Grigers death was all too sudden. There are no words to express the anguish and shock that all of Ninos family and friends are experiencing right now. We pray that he is at peace and in the loving arms of those who have gone before him, a statement read. Racine County Christopher Schmaling said Tuesday night, in an address to the County Board, that McCarthy rummaged through Grigers pockets before shooting at another person who was driving through the parking lot. That person was not injured. 1. Yes. They are not doing their duty as lawmakers; they should face consequences. 2. Yes. The Democrats may have a point, but they should be required to return to work. 3. No. With no filibuster option available, Democrats would be unable to stop a bad bill. 4. No. Most Texas voters oppose the GOPs voting measures, so they had to be stalled. 5. Unsure. Abbott wants to take a stand, but jailing lawmakers may be too harsh. Vote View Results The wooden doors were partially open but warped against the wood floor. I was able to stick my camera around the door for a couple of photos. The skeleton of a dead cat was on the floor of one privy. When did the Harmon School exist? When was it torn down? Was it also brick? What did it look like? I was unable to find any information about the school on the Trempealeau County Historical Society website, which has lots of information and photos on many of the other former one-room schools. The only reference I found was the school listed as one of the 10 rural-school districts in the town of Ettrick, Wisconsin. Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} I also found two obituaries of folks who grew up in German Coulee and attended the Harmon School. A 1930 historical map showed a school was located at the site. Its possible the school was named after a local family. The History of Trempealeau County from 1917 mentions Thomas Harmon, who was part of the Irish settlers in the Ettrick area. He arrived with his wife and two children in 1861 and farmed on land with his brother John Harmon. Both candidates have already raised more than they had this time in their 2020 campaigns. In comparison, Kind had raised $245,159 by July 2019. Van Orden, who did not get into the race until 2020, raised $546,301 in his second quarter of fundraising. Kind has already raised more than the total $517,648 he raised to win his first election in 1996. Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} The rematch is among the most watched as the Republican Party looks to take back control of the House, and campaigning is already in full swing despite the Nov. 8 election being more than a year away. No other candidates have thrown their hats into the ring for the race just yet. The Tribune reached out to both campaigns for comments. By raising more money in a single quarter than Ron Kind has this year, our Team of Wisconsinites are sending this message loud and clear: We are done with career politicians who are bought and paid for by the highest bidder, Van Orden said. One look at Kinds report and ours shows you everything you need to know. 94% of our donations come from individuals and over 60% of Kinds are from Special Interest Groups and Liberal DC allies desperate for him to keep his job as they know they own his vote. Vos and LeMahieu entered into a contract in December with the law firm Consovoy McCarthy for possible redistricting litigation and in January with Bell Giftos St. John for advice on legal requirements for redistricting as well as potential litigation. The Republican leaders argued they were justified in hiring the law firms, despite there being no current redistricting litigation, based on the Legislatures core power under the Wisconsin Constitution. The conservative majority Chief Justice Annette Ziegler and justices Rebecca Bradley, Brian Hagedorn and Patience Roggensack ruled there was some likelihood the circuit court decision would be overturned, so the order should be put on hold until the Supreme Court rules. The decision indicated the hiring of the lawyers might be permitted because the law covers them as contractual services. A local business got some love on the social media platform TikTok recently. Cinnaholic Gourmet Cinnamon Rolls, a gourmet cinnamon roll bakery at 1831 Oregon Pike in Lancaster, was recently featured on Billy Welsbys TikTok account. Posted Wednesday, the eight-second video showcasing the bakery had over 589,800 views, 56,140 likes and 10,600 shares. Welsby, who runs the account @billywelsby123, is a college student from Spring Grove, York County. He found Cinnaholic in Lancaster through an advertisement on Facebook. "It was super good," Welsby said. "I would go back and try something different." Cinnaholic is not the first place in Lancaster that Welsby has featured on his TikTok account. He has also made videos featuring Oola Bowls and the Cartoon Network Hotel. The travel bloggers account also mentions historical sites like Devils Den in Gettysburg, popular shopping malls like the King of Prussia Mall in Montgomery County, and other interesting sites like the Pagoda in Reading. Welsby's love of travel, along with being a marketing major at Springfield College in Massachusetts, are partially to thank for the success of his wanderlust-focused account. Welsby has over 79,400 followers and his videos have amassed 3 million likes on TikTok. Pennsylvania attractions are the most common subjects on his account, but Welsby also documents his travels in Maryland and New York. "In the future, I wish to grow my platform and gain a larger audience that I can continue to share my favorite spots to travel to," Welsby said. "I also want to slowly branch out my page to states other than Pennsylvania and start potential collaborations with other travel related creators. Cinnaholic started in 2010 as an independent, locally owned franchise. The company appeared on ABC's "Shark Tank" in 2014. Since then, Cinnaholic has over 50 locations in the United States and Canada, but the Lancaster store is the only Pennsylvania location in the franchise. Cinnaholic serves made-to-order, gourmet vegan cinnamon rolls and other baked goods. According to their website, all of Cinnaholics products are 100% vegan, dairy & lactose-free, egg-free and cholesterol-free. Cinnaholic was not available to immediately provide comment as of press time. Lancaster city said ahead of the July 4 holiday that it had a no-tolerance policy for illegal use of fireworks and that police would be stepping up patrols. But that policy resulted in just a single citation being issued by city police over the holiday weekend. The city took 140 reports from midnight July 2 to midnight July 5. That does not necessarily equate to 140 separate incidents, because 911 dispatchers can take multiple calls about one incident and turn it into one call dispatched, according to police spokesman Glenn Stoltzfoos. One woman wrote to LNP | LancasterOnline after reading about the citys problems with fireworks in the July 4 Lancaster Watchdog column: The city has a no tolerance policy? Really? We were in a war zone for over six hours Saturday night. Never heard a single police siren. As I write this on Sunday, we're entering our fourth hour, with no end in sight. And, yes, I called the number you suggested and added my name to the growing complaints. Wonder what a tolerance policy would look like! Stoltzfoos noted as have police officials in other municipalities that police officers have to be able to catch a person to cite them. West Hempfield Township Chief Lisa Leyden said police either have to see a person violating fireworks ordinances or have a reliable witness willing to come to court and identify the person. Not surprisingly, citations are rare, based on a sampling of municipalities after the holiday weekend. Leyden said her township had 17 complaints and issued no citations. Northern Lancaster Regional Police had 25 complaints over the weekend and no citations. Nine of the complaints made to the agency were from East Petersburg, seven from Warwick Township, six from Penn Township and three from Clay Township. Columbia had 14 complaints to 911 and police issued two citations. West Lampeter Township had 10 complaints and no citations. In Lititz Borough, which is well-known for its professional fireworks display, police issued one citation to a person using illegal fireworks and had 10 complaints. Treasa Boyle, 36, of Lititz, has already pleaded guilty and paid a $50 fine and another $93 in court costs, according to court records. She was charged with a summary offense after an officer saw fountain-style fireworks being set off in the 100 block of North Locust Street around 10:19 p.m. July 4 and later learned Boyle had set them off. In Lancaster, Scott Allen Murphy, 47, was issued a summary citation for shooting off fireworks on the sidewalk in front of residences in the 100 block of Mary Street about 9:28 p.m. July 3. He faces a $100 fine along with $93 in court costs. Murphy, who was named neighbor of the month by the city in February 2019, lives on the block and said he was stunned when he was cited and intends to fight it. Murphy said he specifically got the fireworks from the novelty section of Keystone Fireworks to entertain his young son and bought only the types of fireworks not restricted by city ordinance. Being someone who respects the law and also living in an area with 100-year-old homes, I'm not doing any of those consumer-grade ones, he said. What he bought, he said, are literally toys for children. Murphy said he realizes police have a job to do and he agrees consumer-grade fireworks have no place in the city, but he also questioned enforcement. On Sunday, July 4, he said he saw a police vehicle driving on another street pass by a shower of sparks created by aerial fireworks. He said the night sounded like the U.S. invasion of Baghdad. Besides police response, firefighters also end up dealing with fireworks problems. In Lancaster, firefighters were called 47 times, including for two trash fires and a brush fire, according to fire Chief Scott Little. In Lititz, three trash cans caught on fire in Lititz Springs Park because of fireworks, police Chief Kerry Nye said. Lancaster and other cities saw fireworks problems rise after state law was changed in 2017 to allow the sale of consumer-grade fireworks. While theyd like to see that law repealed, the effort looks to be a dud. State Sen. Gene Yaw, R-Lycoming County, who wrote the 2017 law, told PennLive earlier this month it wont be repealed. Were not going to repeal it, Yaw said. Get over it. A Manor Township man is facing charges after police say he shot a woman in the leg Tuesday night in Lancaster city. Taireeque Gant, 21, is charged with aggravated assault, possession of firearm prohibited, firearms not to be carried without a license and recklessly endangering another person. Officers were dispatched around 11:17 p.m. to the 900 block of Union Street for a report of shots fired. When officers arrived at the scene, they learned that a 20-year-old woman had arrived at a hospital with a gunshot wound to her lower leg, police said. She was treated at the hospital for non-life-threatening injuries, police said. Investigators determined there was an altercation involving at least two women, during which Gant fired "at least one shot," striking the woman in the leg, police said. An arrest warrant was issued Friday, and Gant was arrested after he was seen at a residence in the 200 block of Walnut Street in Columbia. Gant is currently in Lancaster County Prison in lieu of $500,000 bail. He is scheduled for a preliminary hearing before District Judge Adam Witkonis at 10 a.m. July 28. The shooting on Union Street was the second shooting reported in Lancaster city on Tuesday evening. Earlier, three men were shot less than 2 miles away in the 100 block of Green Street. In the Green Street shooting, which happened around 6 p.m., police said it seemed like at least two shooters walked up to a house and opened fire on the men. Police added that a third gunmen might have shot at the other two gunmen afterward. The Latest on deadly flooding in Europe: BRUSSELS Belgiums government says the death toll from unprecedented flooding in parts of the country has risen to 20. Interior Minister Annelies Verlinden said Friday that emergency workers were trying to locate another 20 people who remained missing. Prime Minister Alexander De Croo says Belgium will mark a day of national mourning Tuesday to reflect on the great human loss. It will also be a moment to show solidarity, closeness and unity. De Croo says festivities marking the countrys national holiday on July 21 also will be toned down, saying it comes at a time when so many people will still be in an exceptionally difficult position. German officials so far have reported 106 deaths in the floods that also ripped through some parts of Germany. BRUSSELS Just as the European Union was preparing drastic plans costing billions of euros to contain climate change, massive clouds were gathering over Germany and other EU nations to unleash an unprecedented storm that left death and destruction in its wake. Despite ample warnings, politicians and weather forecasters were shocked at the ferocity of the precipitation that caused flash flooding that killed at least 120 people in the lush wooded hills of Western Europe. Many climate scientists said the link to global warming was unmistakable and the urgency to do something about it undeniable. To say that climate change caused the flooding may be a step too far, but scientists insist that it acerbates the extreme weather that has been on show from the western U.S. and Canada to Siberia to Europe's Rhine region. There is a clear link between extreme precipitation occurring and climate change, Prof. Wim Thiery of Brussels University said Friday. For the heat records, added Prof. Stefan Rahmstorf of the University of Potsdam, some are so extreme that they would be virtually impossible without global warming, as recently in western North America. Taking them all together, said Sir David King, Chair of the Climate Crisis Advisory Group, these are casualties of the climate crisis: we will only see these extreme weather events become more frequent. BRUSSELS Belgium's interior minister says the official death toll of flash flooding in the country's east has gone up to 18, with more people missing. After Germany, Belgium was the hardest hit by the rains earlier this week that caused homes to be ripped away and roads to be turned into wild rivers running through the center of several towns. The official confirmed death toll now stands at 18 and there are a great many missing, Interior Minister Annelies Verlinden told VRT network Friday. The number of people missing is estimated to be at 19. She said water levels on the Meuse river running into the Netherlands remains critical. There are a number of dikes on the Meuse whether it is really touch and go whether they will collapse, she said. THE HAGUE, Netherlands Flooding is affecting other parts of Western Europe after killing at least 110 people and causing destruction in Germany and Belgium. Emergency officials in the Netherlands are urging residents of homes close to a canal in the southern Dutch province of Limburg to evacuate swiftly after a canal dike burst. The South Limburg emergency services said Friday that a large hole has opened in the dike alongside the Juliana Canal, which runs near the swollen Maas river. Residents are being warned that four small settlements close to the canal will very soon be underwater. Heavy rainfall in Romania on Thursday night caused unprecedented flooding in a small western commune that required dozens of emergency workers to rescue people from damaged homes and cars. Alba Countys Inspectorate for Emergency Situations said in a statement Friday that no one died in Romania. BERLIN Germanys defense ministry said Friday that it is deploying a battalion to the hard-hit region of Ahrweiler. The 371st Armored Infantry Battalion is being sent to relieve emergency crews who have been working for days to reach people trapped in the county. Many villages in the mountainous region were heavily damaged and dozens of people died in the flash floods overnight Thursday. BERLIN German officials said Friday that the economic damage from the flooding in country's west will be immense. More than half of the 53 counties in North Rhine-Westphalia state were affected by the floods, which damaged hundreds of buildings. At least 43 people died in the state. North Rhine-Westphalia Gov. Armin Laschet said the floods had literally pulled the ground from beneath many peoples feet. They lost their houses, farms or businesses. Federal and state officials have pledged financial aid to the affected areas of Germany, which also include the state of Rhineland-Palatinate, where at least 60 people died and entire villages were destroyed. Several religious organizations have called for donations to help residents who lost everything in the floods. The damage to Germanys economy is also expected to be severe. Several factories were flooded and key infrastructure, including parts of the A1 highway from Cologne to Bonn, were swept away. THE HAGUE, Netherlands Authorities in the southern Dutch town of Venlo are evacuating a hospital due to the looming threat of flooding. Emergency coordinators said some 200 patients will be transported from the VieCuri hospital to other hospitals Friday afternoon as a precaution to get ahead of any possible flooding. The hospital is close to the banks of the swollen Maas river that flows into the Netherlands from Belgium, where flooding has caused widespread damage in and near the city of Liege. The river is called the Meuse in Belgium. The hospital will remain closed until Monday. Flooding in the Netherlands southern Limburg province has caused damage to homes and businesses in several towns and villages and sparked evacuations but has not caused any major injuries or deaths. - BERLIN Operators of an assisted living facility for people with disabilities in western Germany said Friday that the number of residents who died in flooding has increased to 12. German news agency dpa quoted the chief executive of the Lebenshilfe association in Rhineland-Palatinate state saying only one of the 13 people missing from the facility had been found alive. Matthias Mandos said a staff member managed to move several residents of the home in the town of Sinzig to the first floor as waters from the nearby Ahr river rushed into the building. By the time the staff member tried to get others to safety, it was too late, Mandos said. Psychologists were on hand to help traumatized employees and residents, he added. BERLIN German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier said he is stunned by the devastating effects of the flooding across parts of western Germany that has killed more than 100 people and left hundreds missing. Steinmeier pledged the German government's support to the families of those killed and to cities and towns facing significant damage. In the hour of need, our country stands together, Steinmeier said in a statement Friday afternoon. Its important that we show solidarity for those from whom the flood has taken everything. Calling the events a tragedy, Steinmeier said he had been in touch with state and local officials in the affected areas and that they used "shocking words to describe the situations on the ground. The crisis, he said, underscores the impact of climate change and the need for forceful action to combat it. Only if we decisively take up the fight against climate change will we be able to limit the extreme weather conditions we are now experiencing, Steinmeier said. COPENHAGEN, Denmark Denmarks foreign minister called the devastating floods across parts of Germany and Belgium that have killed at least 100 people utterly heartbreaking. Foreign Minister Jeppe Kofod wrote on Twitter that Europe must and will stand together in this tragedy. He said Friday that his thoughts were with the victims and their families. BERLIN At least 100 people have died in devastating floods across parts of western Germany and Belgium as search and rescue operations continue for hundreds more still unaccounted for. Authorities in the German state of Rhineland-Palatinate said 50 people had died there, including at least nine residents of an assisted living facility for people with disabilities. In neighboring North Rhine-Westphalia state officials put the death toll at 43, but warned that the figure could increase. Rescuers rushed Friday to help people trapped in their homes in the town of Erftstadt, southwest of Cologne. Regional authorities said several people had died after their houses collapsed due to the ground sinking. Speaking to German broadcaster n-tv, county administrator Frank Rock said that authorities had no precise number yet for how many had died. One has to assume that under the circumstances some people didnt manage to escape, he said. Authorities said late Thursday that about 1,300 people in Germany were still listed missing, but cautioned that the high figure could be due to duplication of data and difficulties reaching people because of disrupted roads and phone connections. In a provisional tally, the Belgian death toll rose to 12, with 5 people still missing, local authorities and media reported early Friday. When: Earl Township supervisors meeting, July 6. What happened: Supervisors authorized Candie Johnson, township zoning officer from Technicon Enterprises Inc., Morgantown, to issue a cease-and-desist order to Elmer Martin, 889 W. Main St., New Holland, for illegal parking of vehicles on a vacant lot beside his wholesale auto business. At issue: Johnson said neighbors and local business owners contacted the township with safety concerns about a transport carrier parked along busy Route 23, tying up traffic as it loaded and unloaded cars at M-N-G Auto Sales owned by Martin. Johnson said she found vehicles illegally parked on the vacant grass lot beside the auto lot. Vehicles are not sold at the business; they are bought at auction, fixed up and sold at various auctions. Background: Martin first received a violation notice in February. In May, he attended a township zoning hearing to request permission to park on the vacant lot. Because the use of the lot was deemed commercial, zoning officials said he would need to file a plan for a driveway and stormwater controls. Current status: Johnson said Martin withdrew his zoning application June 14 so he could work on a land development plan. However, no action has been taken since then and safety issues continue involving the transport carrier and illegal parking of vehicles on the vacant lot. Changes to Sunshine Act: Bill Cassidy, township solicitor, informed supervisors about a recent Sunshine Act amendment requiring agencies to provide meeting agendas in advance of public meetings. The amendment also requires public access to agendas during meetings, and Earl Township has done that all along. The new law signed by Gov. Tom Wolf on June 20 will become effective Aug. 29. Each government agency will be required to publish a detailed agenda on its website 24 hours in advance of a public meeting, outlining the issues to be discussed. Cassidy said the amended law prohibits official action if an item was not included in the required notification. The law lists a few exceptions. Quotable: All township meetings will need to be posted on the website starting in September to be in compliance with the amended Sunshine law, Cassidy said. BERLIN (AP) In one flooded German town, the ground collapsed under family homes. In another, floodwaters swept through an assisted living center, killing 12. Rescue workers across Germany and Belgium rushed Friday to prevent more deaths from some of the Continent's worst flooding in years as the number of dead surpassed 125 and the search went on for hundreds of missing people. Fueled by days of heavy rain, the floodwaters also left thousands of Germans homeless after their dwellings were destroyed or deemed to be at risk, and elected officials began to worry about the lingering economic effects from lost homes and businesses. Elsewhere in Europe, dikes on swollen rivers were at risk of collapsing, and crews raced to reinforce flood barriers. Sixty-three people perished in the German state of Rhineland-Palatinate, including 12 residents of an assisted living facility for disabled people in the town of Sinzig who were surprised by a sudden rush of water from the nearby Ahr River, authorities said. German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier said he was stunned by the devastation and pledged support to the families of those killed and to cities and towns facing significant damage. In the hour of need, our country stands together, Steinmeier said in a televised statement. Its important that we show solidarity for those from whom the flood has taken everything. By Friday evening, waters were receding across much of the affected regions, but officials feared that more bodies might be found in cars and trucks that were swept away. A harrowing rescue effort unfolded in the German town of Erftstadt, southwest of Cologne, where people were trapped when the ground gave way and their homes collapsed. Fifty people were rescued from their houses, county administrator Frank Rock told German broadcaster n-tv. Aerial photos showed what appeared to be a massive landslide at a gravel pit on the towns edge. One has to assume that under the circumstances some people didnt manage to escape, Rock said. Authorities cautioned that the large number of missing could stem from duplicated reports and difficulties reaching people because of closed roads and disrupted phone service. After Germany, where the death toll stood at 106, Belgium was the hardest hit. The country confirmed the deaths of 20 people, with another 20 still missing, Belgian Interior Minister Annelies Verlinden told the VRT network Friday. Several dikes on the Meuse Rriver that runs from Belgium into the Netherlands were at risk of collapsing, Verlinden said. Authorities in the southern Dutch town of Venlo evacuated 200 hospital patients due to the river's looming threat. Utility companies reported widespread disruption of electricity and gas service that they said could last for days or weeks. The governor of North Rhine-Westphalia, who hopes to succeed Chancellor Angela Merkel as the nation's leader after Germany's election on Sept. 26, said the disaster had caused immense economic damage to the country's most populous state. The number of dead in North Rhine-Westphalia stood at 43. The floods have literally pulled the ground from beneath many peoples feet, Gov. Armin Laschet said at a news conference. "They lost their houses, farms or businesses. Manfred Pesch, a hotel owner in the small village of Gemuend, recounted how the floods came suddenly and rose to 2 meters (over 6 feet). Our hotel needs to be rebuilt, he said. We need a lot of help. Wolfgang Meyer, owner of a painting business in Gemuend, said his family escaped the rising water, but his business was swamped. The machinery, equipment, the entire office, files, records ... everything is gone actually," he said. "Were going to have some work to do there. Malu Dreyer, the governor of Rhineland-Palatinate state, said the disaster showed the need to speed up efforts to curb global warming, which experts say could make such disasters more frequent. She accused Laschet and Merkels center-right Union bloc of hindering efforts to achieve greater greenhouse gas reductions in Germany, Europes biggest economy and a major emitter of planet-warming gases. Climate change isnt abstract anymore. We are experiencing it up close and painfully, she told the Funke media group. Steinmeier, the German president, echoed her calls for greater efforts to combat global warming. Only if we decisively take up the fight against climate change will we be able to limit the extreme weather conditions we are now experiencing, he said. The World Meteorological Organization said some parts of Western Europe have received up to two months of rainfall in the space of two days. "What made it worse is that the soils were already saturated by previous rainfall, WMO spokesperson Clare Nullis said. She said it was too soon to blame the floods and preceding heat wave on rising global temperatures but added: Climate change is already increasing the frequency of extreme events. And many single events have been shown to be made worse by global warming. The German military deployed over 850 troops to help with flood efforts, and the need for help was growing, Defense Ministry spokesman Arne Collatz said. He said the ministry had triggered a military disaster alarm. Italy sent civil protection officials, firefighters and rescue dinghies to Belgium to help in the search for missing people. In the southern Dutch province of Limburg, which also has been hit hard by flooding, troops piled sandbags to strengthen a 1.1-kilometer (0.7 mile) stretch of dike along the Maas River, and police helped evacuate low-lying neighborhoods. Caretaker Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said the government was officially declaring flooded regions disaster areas, making businesses and residents eligible for compensation. Dutch King Willem-Alexander visited the region Thursday night and called the scenes heartbreaking. Meanwhile, heavy rain in Switzerland caused several rivers and lakes to burst their banks. Public broadcaster SRF reported that a flash flood swept away cars, flooded basements and destroyed small bridges late Thursday in the northern villages of Schleitheim und Beggingen. Erik Schulz, the mayor of the hard-hit German city of Hagen, 50 kilometers (31 miles) northeast of Cologne, said a wave of other regions and ordinary citizens were offering to help. We have many, many citizens saying I can offer a place to stay. Where can I go to help? ... Where can I bring my shovel and bucket? he told n-tv. The city is standing together, and you can feel that." Associated Press writers Geir Moulson and Emily Schultheis in Berlin, Raf Casert in Brussels, Nicole Winfield in Rome, Angela Charlton in Paris and Mike Corder in The Hague, Netherlands, and contributed to this report. ISLAMABAD (AP) Afghan government forces battled Friday to retake a border crossing with Pakistan from Taliban insurgents, and the Reuters news agency said one of its photographers was killed in the area. The Taliban had overrun the Spin Boldak crossing earlier in the week. On Friday, witnesses on the Pakistan side of the border said they saw intense fighting and reported seeing bodies. Afghan Interior Ministry spokesman Tariq Arian later tweeted that the government had retaken control of Spin Boldak. Reuters said Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer Danish Siddiqui, who was embedded with the Afghan special forces, was killed as the commando unit sought to recapture Spin Boldak. The agency said Siddiqui and a senior Afghan officer were killed in what they described as Taliban crossfire. "We are urgently seeking more information, working with authorities in the region, Reuters President Michael Friedenberg and Editor-in-Chief Alessandra Galloni said in a statement. Siddiqui was an Indian national. Afghanistan's ambassador to India, Farid Mamundzay, tweeted his condolences. The Taliban have overrun dozens of districts in Afghanistan since the start of the final phase of the withdrawal of U.S. and NATO troops, after a 20-year military presence. The U.S. says its withdrawal is 95% complete. The fighting at Spin Boldak was confirmed by Fawad Aman, Afghanistans deputy defense ministry spokesman. The Associated Press also obtained footage of fighters, apparently Taliban, receiving treatment in a hospital in the Pakistani border town of Chaman. In an interview with The Associated Press, U.S. peace envoy for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad expressed surprise at the Talibans rapid sweep through swaths of Afghanistan, and said that a long-term comprehensive cease-fire may have to wait for the two sides to reach a political deal. Still, he said he will press for a reduction in violence on the ground. I did expect some increased Taliban hold on territories that they were surrounding but had not yet captured, but the speed with which and the amount of territory that they have acquired is unexpected, Khalilzad said, speaking to the AP on the sidelines of an international conference Friday in neighboring Uzbekistan. The gathering focused on the situation in Afghanistan. But I believe that there is no military solution despite the progress that the Taliban have made," Khalilzad added. For the war to end there has to be a political agreement. The United States will not recognize a government imposed by force. The Taliban will not be treated as a normal, legitimate player if there isnt a political settlement," the U.S. envoy also said. And the likely scenario of an attempt to impose by force a government will be Taliban isolation and a long war for Afghanistan. The three countries that had recognized the Taliban government during their rule Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have all said they would not recognize another Taliban government that comes to power by force. Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan are fraught with suspicion. Afghanistan routinely accuses Pakistan of giving safe haven to the Afghan Taliban, whose leadership is headquartered in Pakistan's southwestern Baluchistan provincial capital of Quetta. The Chaman border crossing opposite Spin Boldak is also in Baluchistan province. Afghanistan and the United States have criticized Pakistan in the past for allowing Taliban fighters to cross into Pakistan to receive medical treatment. Nearly 2 million Afghan refugees also live in Pakistan, having fled decades of war in their homeland. Pakistan has used its influence over the Taliban to press the insurgents into talks with the U.S. and the Afghan government. In the latest round of accusations, Afghanistan's vice-president, Amrullah Saleh, tweeted that Pakistan's air force warned the Afghan army and air force against trying to dislodge Taliban from Spin Boldak, an accusation Pakistan dismissed. In response, Pakistan issued a statement saying 40 Afghan soldiers slipped across the border to Pakistan during the Taliban takeover of the crossing earlier this week. The soldiers were returned to Afghanistan with respect and dignity, said the statement, which added that Pakistan also offered Afghanistan's security force any logistical support it needed. Associated Press writer Rahim Faiez in Kabul, Afghanistan, and AP videojournalist Mstyslav Chernov in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, contributed to this report. In your July 7 editorial (Real freedom), you were much too kind in describing a Twitter users disdain for the government encouraging vaccinations as silly. I believe profoundly stupid would be more appropriate. It boggles the mind that some of the same people who complained that wearing masks interfered with their precious freedom are now refusing to do the one simple thing get vaccinated that would end the pandemic and allow them to get their lives back to normal. Tragically, so many Americans have allowed themselves to be dumbed-down by right-wing media and manipulated by cynical Republican politicians who are always on the lookout for the next fight they can exploit in the culture wars. For the sake of that foolish owner of snowflake tears, I hope he doesnt take them all the way to his grave if he contracts COVID-19. Steve Jones Landisville State Sen. Doug Mastrianos use of the Senate Intergovernmental Operations Committee that he chairs in an attempt to conduct an Arizona-like election audit selective or not and regardless of what entity pays for it is in my view a misuse of that committees valuable time. While it seems questionable whether his committee even has jurisdiction over such election functions, I believe there is no question that any audit would find no malfeasance by officials. Nor do I believe it would uncover any illegal voting by citizens, because the Pennsylvania 2020 vote has already been audited under stringent conditions, with no such findings. Mastriano says former President Donald Trump has asked him to run for governor because Mastriano supports the discredited stop the steal mantra being used to weaken citizen confidence in our public elections. Such a weakening could lead to more voter restrictions like those just vetoed by Gov. Tom Wolf being enacted. I believe that using this state Senate committee for this purpose is just Mastrianos grandstanding attempt to make his own name better known to the public for his run for governor in 2022. Although any audit would find no major irregularities, it would both cast Mastriano as a conservative patriot while also throwing doubt on our democratic processes. I urge those who believe this effort to be totally misguided to contact their state senator and relate their concerns about Mastrianos newest boondoggle. Jacques Gibble Lancaster Township EIR LEAD EDITORIAL FOR FRIDAY, JULY 16, 2021 The Global Potential of Development Diplomacy in Central Asia July 15, 2021 (EIRNS)This week, diplomatic activity continues intensely in Central Asia, in the context of the pullout from Afghanistan of U.S. and NATO forces after 20 years of warfare. Positive initiatives and support for reconstruction here, have significance worldwide. The measure of strategic success amidst decades of devastation is whether there is motion toward development as the name for peace. Yesterday was the foreign ministers meeting in Tajikistan of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) six of whose eight member states are neighbors of Afghanistan. A joint SCO statement was issued following the meeting of the SCO Afghanistan Contact Group, stressing the territorial integrity of Afghanistan, and respect for all its peoples and cultures as they govern their nation. Among the many bilateral meetings of the eight SCO member nations foreign ministers in attendance, was the important meeting between the foreign ministers of India and China. In September, the SCO heads of state will meet in Dushanbe, where they will celebrate the organizations 20th anniversary. Today in Tashkent, is the first of a two-day multinational event, the International Conference on Central and South Asia Regional ConnectivityChallenges and Opportunities. It was initiated by invitation last February by Uzbekistan, which has been actively seeking rail, communications and trade-promoting projects across the region. The main purpose of this conference is deepening cooperation between countries from Central Asia and South Asia in trade and energy issues and other brands of cooperation, Uzbek officials stress. There are several heads of state/government attending, including Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, and host Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The United States delegation includes officials from the State Department and the National Security Council, and there are guests from Japan, the European Union and many organizations. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi have already met today in Tashkent, on the sidelines of the Connectivity event. The information so far released reports that the two spoke not only of what can be done in the Afghan and immediate regional situation, but they also covered many strategic topics, including the Pacific and world security. Schiller Institute President Helga Zepp-LaRouche, in reviewing the Afghanistan situation in her weekly webcast today, pointed out the significance of the multi-nation dialogue, given the many tasks that must be done, especially opium eradication, restoring agriculture, and rebuilding. She said, And all of that really requires a gigantic effort where one could only hope that not only the neighboring countries, the countries in the SCO, and also the United States, the Europeans, that they would all cooperate to accomplish that. And you could create a different dynamic, which could spill over in the larger relationship between the United States and China, and one could hopefully find a cooperative approach elsewhere, and not have this escalation. The urgent need for reconstruction in Central and Southwest Asia could not be more self-evident, as it is in Africa and the Caribbean. Against this reality, the international green campaign is a program for mass murder, besides being a scientific fraud. Yesterday in Europe, a new green low was reached by the European Union, which announced its new, sweeping climate package, otherwise known as the Fit by 55. The plan features 12 crazy points, including a deadline by when cars must have zero-emissions, and the introduction of import duties on products dubbed too carbon-emitting in their manufacture. In parallel, in the United States, there is a relentless push to shut down nuclear and coal power. From state to state, there are many local forces staging resistance skirmishes against the Green Finance crowd, in efforts just to keep the lights on. The devolution of the U.S. baseload electricity capacity has reached the stage where large parts of the U.S. are now on the map for expected blackouts over the June through September period, as compiled by the North American Electricity Reliability Corporation (NERC), the overview agency for the U.S., and parts of Mexico and Canada. On July 24, the Schiller Institute is hosting an international day-long webinar, to further deliberation and action to roll back this green menace, and rally for a world construction mobilization on the historic scale required. The conference has the title, There Is No Climate EmergencyApply the Science and Economics of Development to Stop Blackouts and Death. Register and spread the word. Former UN Counter-Drugs Chief Arlacchi Tells EIR, Resume My Plan To Eradicate Drugs in Afghanistan July 15, 2021 (EIRNS)Former UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) director Pino Arlacchi (1997-2002) told EIR, that with the help of China, Afghanistan today could get rid of opium plantations by implementing the plan he suggested to the European Union in 2010. Today, that plan can be resumed, Arlacchi told EIR by phone, as Afghanistan has far more resources than in the past. He observed the positive opening of the Taliban to China for reconstruction of the country, and said that Beijing can be an element to relaunch the plan, which would take five years for eradication and five more years for consolidation. In 2010 Arlacchi, who had been elected to the European Parliament, proposed to create an Afghan agency with European technical assistance, an idea to which Afghanistans Karzai government subscribed. The agency, to be financed at $100,000 per year, should eradicate opium cultures over five years through alternative development programs for farmers. The European Parliament rejected the plan. Arlacchi had also brought Russia onboard. He drafted a plan with Russias then director of the Federal Drug Control Service, Viktor Ivanov, with Moscow ready to co-finance the proposal, but the EU rejected it. Earlier on, in October 2001, when the United States launched the war in Afghanistan, drugs production had been all but eradicated, thanks to the successful plan implemented by then-UNODC director Arlacchi in collaboration with Taliban authorities. But after the U.S.-led invasion, opium plantations were back. Today, Afghanistan produces 80% of the illegal opium in the world. In an interview with the June/July issue of 2006 of 30 Days, Arlacchi explained, In 2000 we were only a step away from an epochal event: that would leave the world heroin traffic stranded because Afghanistan was coming off the list of countries illegally producing opium. The pressures brought on the Taliban, in fact, and political isolation at the international level that we had forced on them was producing good results. There had also been two rounds of very severe sanctions from the UN Security Council. As well, my office, through many Koran experts, had confronted the Taliban with the unequivocal fact that opium is an intoxicant prohibited, as are all other intoxicants, by their religion. The Taliban are religious, insurrectionists, fundamentalists, but even if all possible bad can be said about them, you cant say that they are inclined to the drugs trade. They engage in it only as a necessary evil to finance themselves. The results that we were seeing in the field were that in 2001, without a bloodbath and with a minimum of coercion, the farmers were not producing opium in the areas controlled by the Taliban, that is in 90% of Afghan territory. Only a few plantations remained in the areas controlled by the Northern Alliance. The Northern Alliance, backed by a number of foreign countries, did not have religious scruples, Arlacchi recounts. But even there, he met its commander Ahmad Shah Massoud, who told him he was available to collaborate, to create joint committees with the UN to convince farmers to let us meet the traffickers. Unfortunately, this did not occur. As everybody knows, Massoud was killed by al-Qaeda two days before 9/11. With the U.S./NATO invasion, the warlords took over and restarted opium production for self-financing. The result was that the 30,000 families who grew opium in 2001 became 350,000 in 2006 and the opium price shot up from $30 to $400 per kg. That means that substitution policies have become more expensive, but it is still a fraction of what the war cost, insisted Arlacchi. Timely Central-South Asia Connectivity Conference Opens in Uzbekistan July 15, 2021 (EIRNS)The two-day International Conference on Central and South Asia Regional Connectivity, Challenges and Opportunities organized by the Uzbekistan government, opened today in a flag-decorated Tashkent. Some 250 participants and 40 delegates from all the regional countries plus many other interested parties participated. High-level participants include the heads of state and government of Uzbekistan, Afghanistan and Pakistan, and the foreign ministers of China, Russia, Iran, India and Turkey; diplomatic representatives from the U.S., Japan, and the European Union. Representatives of leading international organizations, including financial institutions, are among the other guests. Uzbekistan began organizing this conference last February, in order to discuss how the economies of Central and South Asia can all grow through agreements for multiple regional railroad and other transportation infrastructure. Now, with the withdrawal of U.S. and NATO troops from Afghanistan, the role of those great regional infrastructure projects in securing peace and development is front and center in these discussions. The main purpose of this conference is deepening cooperation between countries from Central Asia and South Asia in trade and energy issues and other brands of cooperation, Dilshod Saidjanov, First Deputy Director of Uzbekistans Agency for Information and Mass Communications, told Indias ANI today. He explained that land-locked Uzbekistan seeks to reshape transportation in the region, to overcome its long-standing difficulties in reaching the ocean, and we need cooperation from South Asian countries to get there. As for Afghanistan, he continued: Economic development is the way to make Afghanistan stronger and probably more peaceful. Everyone wants better development in Afghanistan. We agree with other countries in Central Asia, including Afghanistan, Pakistan, and South Asia, that we want normal trade in the region. Various transportation corridors are on the table for discussion, with old geopolitical fault lines being given play to favor one over the other. (Some Indian media suggest that Uzbekistan now favors an outlet to the sea through India, rather than Pakistan, for example.) But the needs are so great, all are needed. As Indias Ambassador to Uzbekistan Manish Prabhat told ANI, India has been talking to all the countries for connectivity since the year 2000. Iran and Russia were working together along the north transport corridor. Today many countries work together. India wants every possible connection to be maintained in these countries. The main sessions of the conference will take place on July 16. Over the course of the two days, the foreign ministers and other diplomats have scheduled innumerable bilateral and sub-regional meetings. The U.S. National Security Council, for example, reported that the two principals in the U.S. delegation, Assistant to the President for Homeland Security Dr. Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall and Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad, have set up numerous meetings. Chinese researchers say they believe a group of rockets could be used to change the path of asteroids that might pass near Earth. A team at Chinas National Space Science Center carried out simulations on the proposed asteroid defense system. The scientists said their research suggests 23 rockets of Chinas biggest kind of rockets could force a large asteroid to change direction. They said the rockets could move the asteroid from its path by a distance of 1.4 times Earths radius. Most experts agree that there is only a small likelihood that a large asteroid or other space object will crash into Earth and cause great destruction. However, many organizations do recognize the real risk of such an event. For example, the U.S. space agency NASA and its international partners continuously search the skies for what scientists call near-Earth objects (NEOs). Such objects include asteroids and comets that come within 50 million kilometers of Earths orbit. The Chinese research was based on defending against a specific asteroid, Bennu, which orbits the sun. Bennu is about a half-kilometer wide. It is considered a near-Earth asteroid. NASA says Bennu reaches its closest distance to Earth every six years. The researchers recently reported on their proposal in a study in a planetary science publication called Icarus. Chinas Long March 5 rockets are a central part of the countrys space program. They have been used to launch space station elements and carry spacecraft to the Moon and Mars. China has successfully launched six Long March 5 rockets since 2016. Alan Fitzsimmons is a professor of astrophysics at Queen's University Belfast in Northern Ireland. He told Reuters he finds the idea of using rockets to act as an asteroid deflector "a rather nice concept." Fitzsimmons continued: "By increasing the mass hitting the asteroid, simple physics should ensure a much greater effect." He added, however, that the actual operation of such a mission needs to be studied further. Experts have estimated there is about a 1 percent chance that a 100-meter-wide asteroid would strike Earth in the next 100 years, said Gareth Collins. He is a professor at Imperial College London. "Something the size of Bennu colliding is about 10 times less likely," Collins added. Scientists say deflecting an asteroid's path presents a lower risk than blasting the rock with nuclear explosives, which may cause it to break into pieces without changing direction. A similar idea has already developed into a planned NASA mission called the Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART). Sometime between late 2021 to early 2022, NASA plans to launch the robotic DART spacecraft to reach the near-Earth asteroid Didymos. NASA considers Didymos a binary asteroid system. This means it is made up of a large, main asteroid, and a smaller moonlet asteroid. NASA says when the DART spacecraft arrives at Didymos about a year after launch, it will attempt to crash land on the moonlet. The test seeks to find out how the crash will affect the asteroid's travel path. Im Bryan Lynn. Reuters reported on this story. Bryan Lynn adapted the report for VOA Learning English, with additional information from NASA. Caty Weaver was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page. ___________________________________________ Words in This Story asteroid n. a rocky object that goes around the sun like a planet simulation n. a creation of something that behaves or looks like something real but is not radius n. the distance from the center of a circle to its edge comet n. an object in space that leaves a bright line behind it in the sky concept n. an idea of principle collide v. to strike an object The Vietnamese government is fighting political disapproval online with social media influencers who are usually soldiers. Force 47 is Vietnams online information warfare unit. It has thousands of soldiers who perform normal duties in addition to their online work. They create and moderate online material to correct wrong views on pro-state Facebook groups. Reuters studied state media reports and broadcasts. It found that, since Force 47 was created in 2016, it has set up hundreds of Facebook groups and pages. It also published thousands of pro-government stories and posts. Social media researchers say the group may be the largest and most complex influence network in Southeast Asia. It is playing an important role in the countrys intensifying dispute with Facebook. A Facebook source told Reuters last week that the company had removed a group called E47. The group used military and civilian members to report posts to have them taken down. The person said the group was connected to a list of Force 47 groups identified by Reuters. A Facebook spokesperson confirmed that some groups and accounts were taken down last Thursday for organizing attempts to report a lot of posts. A person with the company said the action was one of Facebooks largest takedowns started under its mass reporting policy. But many of the Force 47 accounts and groups identified by Reuters remain active. The company source said they do not violate Facebook policies because they are operated by users under their real names. Facebook has become an important tool for political speech in Vietnam. This has created a dispute between Facebook and the country over the removal of material said to be anti-state. The ruling Communist Party in Vietnam controls the media and accepts little criticism. Last year, Vietnam slowed down Facebook traffic until the company agreed to increase the censorship of political material on its service in Vietnam. Months later, officials threatened to close Facebook in Vietnam if the company did not restrict additional material in the country. A Facebook spokesperson told Reuters that the companys goal was to keep its services online for as many people as possible to express themselves, connect with friends and run their business. The spokesperson said Facebook has been honest about its efforts to continue operating in Vietnam. Skilled and hostile There is no official definition of what a wrong view is in Vietnam. But activists, reporters and social media users have all received long jail terms in recent years for spreading opinions opposed by the Communist Party. Le Van Dung, who goes by the name Le Dung Vova, is a leading activist who regularly broadcasted live to thousands of followers on Facebook. Last week, he was arrested after more than a month on the run, a police statement said. Dung was detained on charges of "making, storing, spreading information, materials and items for the purpose of opposing the state, under Vietnamese law. He faces up to 20 years in prison if found guilty. The size of Force 47 is not known. But in 2017, the general of the unit at the time, Nguyen Trong Nghia, said it had 10,000 members. However, the Reuters study of known Force 47 Facebook groups showed tens of thousands of users. The Facebook source said the company acted against the E47 group which is made up of military members and civilians. Struggle on the internet Vietnamese state media reports named at least 15 Facebook pages and groups it said were controlled by Force 47. Reuters found that collectively these groups had over 300,000 followers. Force 47 soldiers appear to carry out their social media activities and create locally targeted material along with their usual duties. The reports showed Force 47 also creates anonymous email addresses with Gmail and Yahoo. And they make accounts with two social media sites: YouTube and Twitter. YouTube said that it closed nine channels last Friday for violating its policies on spam. This included an account identified by Reuters as a suspected Force 47 operation. Twitter said it had not seen any activity by Force 47. Dhevy Sivaprakasam is a writer for the internet rights group Access Now. She said, "We are witnessing the creation of a reality where people are not safe to speak freely online, and where there's no concept of individual privacy." Im Gregory Stachel. James Pearson reported this story for Reuters. Gregory Stachel adapted it for VOA Learning English. Mario Ritter, Jr. was the editor. ______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story post n. a message on an online message board source n. someone who provides information view n. an opinion or way of thinking about something account n. an arrangement in which a person uses the Internet or e-mail services of a particular company censor v. to examine books, movies, or letters in order to remove things that are considered to be offensive, immoral, or harmful to society item n. a separate piece of news or information anonymous adj. made or done by someone unknown spam n. e-mail that is not wanted: e-mail that is sent to large numbers of people and that consists mostly of advertising concept n. an idea of what something is or how it works The United States government says it will pay up to $10 million for information on criminal activity over computer networks against important U.S. infrastructure. Cyber criminals often take advantage of openings in security to take control of computer systems. They then ask for large amounts of money often millions of dollars to give back control of the system to the owner. This is known as a ransom. The U.S. government believes these criminals do their work without fear of arrest in Russia and several other countries. People can now send information, known as a tip, about criminals to the U.S. government. They can send tips without giving their name through a form on the part of the internet known as the dark web. Sometimes the U.S. government is the target of a cyberattack, but other times, private companies that are important to the U.S. economy are victims as well. For example, an attack earlier this year against Colonial Pipeline disrupted work and travel for about a week in the eastern part of the U.S. The criminal group used software known as ransomware to take control of the pipelines computer systems. It only released its control after getting a payment of over $4 million. Most of the money was later recovered by the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation. REvil, another criminal group based in Russia, launched a ransomware attack on July 2 against more than 1,000 organizations and businesses around the world. After the groups disappearance, an administration official would not say if the U.S. made the group go away. And a Russian official said he did not know about the group. Some cybercrime experts, however, think REvil may have disappeared to avoid U.S. officials. President Joe Bidens administration is also educating businesses and individuals on how to keep their computer systems safe through a new website called stopransomware.gov. And the U.S. Treasury Department said it will work with banks and technology companies to avoid becoming victims of ransomware attacks. Im Dan Friedell. Frank Bajak wrote this story for The Associated Press. Dan Friedell adapted it for Learning English. Hai Do was the editor. How will the U.S. reward of $10 million affect the ransomware business? Tell us in the Comments Section and visit our Facebook page. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story cyber adj. relating to computers or the internet infrastructure n. the basic equipment and structures (such as roads and bridges) that are needed for a country, region, or organization to function properly ransomware n. software used by criminals to get money in return for the releasing control of a computer system Christiansen said approval of the plans and estimates is another step in the project, CNPPID is still hoping for a bid date of Jan. 27, 2022. The commissioners approved the plans. Support Local Journalism Your subscription makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} Dawson County Sheriff Lt. Tucker Case appeared with the monthly crime report, in the place of Sheriff Ken Moody. Case said they have reached the end of the fiscal year and noted their finances still bear the mark of the COVID-19 pandemic slowdown. However, the jail population averages around 100 inmates, Case did note federal inmate sentencing was delayed and this slowed down federal inmates logged in the jail. Case said the July 4 weekend wasnt too busy and the sheriffs office just wrapped up a significant case investigation in Overton that is now being handled by the courts. Case also presented the distress warrants and noted they had people paying their outstanding warrants right up until the deadline on June 30. He said he was pleased with the numbers as they are down from past years and asked the commissioners to strike some warrants that are deemed uncollectable. Bootleg is one of nine wildfires currently burning in Oregon, which was recently baked in the historic heatwave that swept across the West. The fire has destroyed at least 21 homes and put another 2,000 at risk, state fire officials said. The severity has led California officials to send even more firefighting resources to the state. "California's latest mutual aid deployment to Oregon comes just a day after the National Multi-Agency Coordinating Group elevated the National Preparedness Level to Level 5 -- its highest level -- due to high fire activity across the country and resources committed to large fires," California Gov. Gavin Newsom's office said in a news release. "Climate change impacts are contributing to wildfires that are increasingly dangerous and destructive across the Western U.S.," he said. But Oregon is facing another problem that could hinder firefighting efforts: jet fuel shortages. There was a request for out-of-state travel for journalism students, Hakonson said Journalism teacher Erica Brockmoller was getting ahead of the curve with this request. Students who qualify for the National Fall Convention if they win through the Nebraska High School Press Association contest. Hakonson said the results wont be known until October and there is a quick turnaround to the National Convention, hence the early request, which the board approved. The Orthman Community YMCA submitted a request for a district driver and a bus for a youth fishing trip on Sept. 11 to Johnson Lake. Hakonson said they have helped out the YMCA in the past with requests like this one, the board approved. In the buildings and grounds section, the board received a proposal for hallway tile at Sandoz Elementary. Hakonson said while the construction is complete, they have found the need for a minor addition. The new rubber chips on the schools playground can stain the hands of the students, who then come inside and run their hands down the white walls of the hallway, this makes it difficult to keep the walls clean. Hakonson said Mike Byrns is install tile over the top of the painted drywall; the tile was already purchased in the Sandoz new addition project. The board approved the proposal. The process for realigning Idahos political map with a decades worth of population expansion finds itself in roughly the same spot as it was 10 years ago under pressure to get the job done without any time to spare. Lewiston, ID (83501) Today Partly cloudy this morning, then becoming cloudy during the afternoon. High 98F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Some clouds. Low near 70F. Winds light and variable. Not at all. A little but not enough to alter my schedule. Enough that I try to stay inside as much as possible. It's really done a number on me. Vote View Results Two women from Santa Maria were killed and six other people injured Thursday in a multi-vehicle collision along Highway 101 near El Capitan State Beach that closed the freeway for several hours. The crash occurred shortly before 8 a.m., when a 2003 Ford Expedition driven by a 29-year-old woman and carrying four passengers, who weren't identified but are from Santa Maria, collided with several vehicles as it crossed the north- and southbound lanes of Highway 101 for unknown reasons, according to California Highway Patrol Officer Shannon Sams. The Expedition was traveling northbound at approximately 70 mph in the right-hand lane of Highway 101 when the collision occurred just south of El Capitan Ranch Road. The Expedition's driver lost control of the vehicle, turned left and into the left-hand lane, colliding with the passenger front side of a 2017 Ford F-450, driven by 65-year-old Michael Hebert, of Newhall, according to Sams. Hebert and his four passengers -- identified as 59-year-old Leslie Hebert, 18-year-old Melody Liu of San Marino, 18-year-old I. Nicolas-Talavera, of Los Angeles, and a 15-year-old female juvenile from Glendale -- were not injured. The Expedition continued across the left-hand lane and through the median, which propelled the SUV into the southbound lanes of Highway 101 as several vehicles approached. It then collided with a 2017 Honda Accord, driven by 31-year-old John Lopez III, of Lompoc, and a 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan, driven by a 23-year-old Lompoc woman whose name was not released. The Grand Caravan's driver sustained major injuries and was treated at Satna Barbara Cottage Hospital, according to Sams. Lopez and his two passengers, 28-year-old Daniel Motley and 36-year-old Fabian Castillo, both from Lompoc, sustained minor injuries in the collision and were treated at the scene. After colliding with the Caravan and Accord, the Expedition overturned onto its right side and continued to the left across both southbound lanes of Highway 101, according to Sams. A 2017 Chevy Bolt driven by 50-year-old Sharon Shields, of Buellton and a 2017 Toyota Tundra pickup truck driven by 38-year-old Kyle Brito, of Orcutt, swerved to the right as they came upon the Expedition in an attempt to avoid a collision, although the Bolt collided with the SUV. Debris from the collision between the Bolt and the Expedition struck the Tundra, causing damage to the truck, before the Expedition finally came to rest facing in a southerly direction and partially blocking the right-hand southbound lane, according to Sams. The Caravan was disabled in the collision and came to rest on all four of its tires facing east and blocking the southbound lanes. Extensive extrication was required to remove the passengers from the Caravan and Expedition, according to Santa Barbara County Fire Department spokesman Mike Eliason. Two female passengers in the Expedition, who were not identified but are from Santa Maria, sustained major injuries in the collision and were pronounced dead at the scene by American Medical Response personnel, according to Sams. The Expedition's driver and a male and female passenger sustained major to moderate injuries in the crash, and were transported to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital. Both lanes of southbound Highway 101 were closed near El Capitan Ranch Road shortly after 9 a.m., although the lanes reopened shortly before 1 p.m., according to Caltrans and CHP officials. The Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office assisted the California Highway Patrol, which is investigating the cause of the crash. Nelson, a military working dog with the 1st Special Operations Security Forces Squadron, relaxes on the cool turf at Hurlburt Field, Florida, June 17, 2021. MWD handlers and their dogs go through extensive training to protect our Air Commandos against the possible threat of enemy forces. Gary Stallard is a regular contributor to the Opinion page of The Lufkin Daily News. His email address is garylstallard@yahoo.com. Trace the Line follows two independent Wisconsin artists a Black poet named Asa and a white painter named Eva who process the social upheaval created in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic and last summers nationwide demonstrations against police brutality. Filmed over 21 days, the coming-of-age tale sought to portray its subjects onscreen with dignity, as well as provide their crew behind-the-scenes with equitable opportunities. Thats the philosophy of Cruz and his co-founder and spouse Noel Mirandas video company. Dubbed Cinema Dignite, the production company strives to focus on gender and racial equity within their production crew, inspired by Cruzs 17 years working in Hollywood in front of and behind the camera. I kept getting cast typed into delinquent roles, said Cruz. His onscreen work began when he was eight years old, starring in television series like Walker, Texas Ranger and Steven Spielbergs blockbuster sequel The Lost World: Jurassic Park. I couldnt quite articulate what I was feeling as a kid, but it just didnt feel right, Cruz said. People just didnt care. They never saw us as actual people who can get sick and die, and it affects our families, McPeters said. Were not actually humans. Were just there to serve them food and drinks and we have to shut up and take it. McPeters wont pivot into his new career until finishing classes in December. For now, hes working as a regional sales representative for a hair and skincare company while picking up one weekly bar shift for extra cash. McPeters spent months waiting for about $10,000 in unemployment aid after most bars shuttered earlier in the pandemic, but having landlord who is also a friend and his boss made renting less stressful. DWD is now holding up a separate round of unemployment payments from early this year after someone fraudulently tried to access his account, a common problem in recent months. Across the border in Rockford, Miller said shell take any job she can perform. Id be willing to work for just about minimum wage, Miller said. I do have my Social Security. But I need to supplement that. Its not enough to live on. Like small business owners across Wisconsin, Ive spent the past 16 months battling the pandemic, trying to keep our doors open, and trying to keep on as many employees as possible. The most important consideration has been how we keep both our guests and employees safe while keeping our businesses afloat. With summer kicking off, I was finally able to safely and fully re-open my restaurant, hire back a full staff and fire-up our kitchen once again to serve hungry Wisconsinites. To see our tables filled with smiling patrons enjoying life like it was before the COVID-19 pandemic is truly special. Weve only made it this far because of a very successful vaccination rollout by the Evers and Biden administrations that has allowed us to open back up with the confidence that we wont get sick from COVID-19. But if we want to keep our doors open, keep our employees at work and continue to serve our community, we need Wisconsinites to continue getting vaccinated. It seems Sen. Ron Johnson doesnt agree with this as he continues his misguided crusade to discourage people from getting vaccinated. If he gets his way, we could see a resurgence of COVID-19 infections, and I may once again have to shut down my restaurant and lay off employees, who are just trying to take care of themselves and their families. Whenever any other bill reaches a full vote of the Assembly and Senate, it will receive up or down votes based on the merits of a single proposal and its pretty easy to determine ones stance on it. Thats not always so easy with the budget. Theres so much included in the budget bill that it's highly unlikely that anyone can be completely happy with every proposal and expenditure. Im certainly never completely satisfied. Thats exactly how I felt when the Senate passed the budget on June 30. The budget was a missed opportunity in many ways and didnt go nearly as far as we could with the surplus we have. But with so many Wisconsinites still recovering from the pandemic, I knew families needed relief, even if it wasnt how I would do it. The bulk of the budget will help middle-class families with historic tax breaks and additional education funding. The budget strengthens our caregiver workforce and supports hospitals that serve a large number of Medicaid and uninsured individuals. Counties and municipalities will get the road funding they need. Dear Editor: We'd love to know how Bob Chernow can claim there is a "labor shortage" when millions of Americans remain jobless or underemployed. ("Labor shortages can be tackled through training and immigration") Is he aware that our most recent Labor Force Participation Rate (LFPR) is but 61.6%, putting it on par with the dismal statistics of the 1970s? Instead of calling for further expansion of our cheap foreign labor supply, he should be demanding relief for the nearly 10 million unemployed Americans the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported last month. Note, too, that Chernow makes a passing reference to visa overstayers contributing heavily to our illegal immigration crisis, but he offers no remedy, not even E-Verify. He may be worried now about these individuals who broke their promise to leave this country when their visas expired, but the huge amnesty Democrats are planning to pass through the "budget reconciliation" process will ensure that the border (currently experiencing the worst surge crisis in decades) will be put under even more pressure. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) Tennessee death row inmate Stephen Hugueley was found dead early Friday morning, three days after the state filed a motion to set his execution date. A statement from Tennessee Department of Correction spokesperson Dorinda Carter said he appears to have died from natural causes, although the exact cause of death is pending. Hugueley, 53, was pronounced deceased at Riverbend Maximum Security Institution at 2:35 a.m., according to the statement. Hugueley attorney Amy Harwell said she received a call just before 6 a.m. Friday from a prison chaplain notifying her of her client's death. He had been suicidal for years, Harwell said, But TDOC is telling me they do not think it was suicide." Hugueley was sentenced to death in 2003 for fatally stabbing prison counselor Delbert Steed at the Hardeman County Correctional Complex the previous year. Hugueley had already been given a life sentence in August 1986 after he was convicted of shooting his mother, Rachel Waller of Dyer County, with a shotgun and dumping her body into the Forked Deer River. Both candidates have already raised more than they had this time in their 2020 campaigns. In comparison, Kind had raised $245,159 by July 2019. Van Orden, who did not get into the race until 2020, raised $546,301 in his second quarter of fundraising. Kind has already raised more than the total $517,648 he raised to win his first election in 1996. The rematch is among the most watched as the Republican Party looks to take back control of the House, and campaigning is already in full swing despite the Nov. 8 election being more than a year away. No other candidates have thrown their hats into the ring for the race just yet. The Tribune reached out to both campaigns for comments. By raising more money in a single quarter than Ron Kind has this year, our Team of Wisconsinites are sending this message loud and clear: We are done with career politicians who are bought and paid for by the highest bidder, Van Orden said. One look at Kinds report and ours shows you everything you need to know. 94% of our donations come from individuals and over 60% of Kinds are from Special Interest Groups and Liberal DC allies desperate for him to keep his job as they know they own his vote. Halderson showed up to the property on July 5, which belongs to the partner of his girlfriends mother, and asked to go swimming in the pool. Halderson was gone for more than an hour when the partner noticed him return dry and the pool cover still on. The partner said she saw Halderson with the Subaru near a shed on the property, and when he eventually returned to the pool, Halderson appeared to be washing off, and he looked like he wasnt paying attention to anyone else around, the complaint said. Dane County Sheriffs detectives searched the area near the shed, eventually finding a torso wrapped in pants, a black belt and nylon black rope. The search of a nearby tank revealed a pair of scissors, a saw blade and the handles of what may be bolt cutters. The remains were identified as those of Bart Halderson. Nearly a week before the grisly discovery, a family friend and co-worker of Krista Halderson became concerned when she didnt show up for work on July 2 the day Chandler Halderson claimed his parents left for the trip as her absence wasnt prearranged. That afternoon, the co-worker visited the Haldersons house on Oak Springs Circle, found both vehicles in the garage and knocked on the door until Chandler Halderson opened it. The Wisconsin Department of Corrections is offering free COVID-19 vaccinations at six prisons after resuming in-person visits at the start of July. Free vaccinations began July 6, the same day in-person visitation resumed. Two visitors accepted the vaccine in the first week, Anna Neal, DOC spokesperson said. Vaccines are administered before or after visits and do not cut into visitation time. Visitors do not need to be vaccinated, but DOC Secretary Kevin Carr said he hopes the free shots will encourage more people to seek out the added protection. Visitors and inmates are still required to wear masks regardless of their vaccination status. When the pandemic hit in March 2020, all prison visits except those from inmates attorneys and other professionals were suspended. Wisconsin prisons saw high infection rates during the pandemic with 10,991 cases and 32 deaths to date. The high bacteria levels at Olbrich and McDaniel Park beaches definitely can be attributed to the heavy rains we had recently, as well as wildlife in the area, especially geese, Braun said. Heavy rains wash bacteria from animal droppings into the lakes, followed by nicer days and warm sunshine, which is a recipe for bacteria growth, she said. Algae reminder Blue-green algae is another health concern aggravated by recent rains. The Public Health website cautions park users to avoid contact with blue-green algae blooms, which appear blue-green, green, reddish-purple, or brown, and cause the water to be murky. Both people and pets should not swim at areas posted with signs saying the water is closed for swimming due to blue-green algae blooms or high bacteria levels. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources also issued a reminder Friday for beachgoers and lake users across the state regarding the toxic risks of blue-green algae, or pond scum. Blue-green algae can cause illness if swallowed or inhaled in water droplets, or irritation if rubbed on the skin under clothing, according to the DNR. Entrepreneurs will be eligible for up to $7,500 in planning grants, and existing businesses and startups can apply for larger grants or partially forgivable loans up to $50,000. The Urban League is preparing to distribute a first round of grants and loans this summer now that the fundraising goal for the accelerator fund is met. WEDC CEO Missy Hughes said the Black Business Hub is really indicative of the work we need to be doing throughout Wisconsin to help Black businesses really be successful. The hub is slated to be built at the Village on Park mall property. A four-story, approximately 76,000-square-foot building would replace a portion of the malls parking lot where South Park Street meets Hughes Place. The project is designed to provide physical space for business owners of color to set up shop, offer entrepreneurial support services and create a collaborative environment. At least 15 businesses are expected to have a permanent presence in the hub, with temporary kiosks or pop-up-style setups for another seven to 10 businesses. This points to one of the most pernicious aspects of the Big Lie: the way that it traps our political debate in November forever. Constantly fighting for one more audit and one more batch of secret revelations means people never have to accept the truth that President Joe Biden fairly won the election because theres always new revelations coming if you wait. The constant drumbeat also helps justify new and unnecessary restrictions on voting. Thats why it is so important that this effort is rejected quickly and firmly. Not just by Democrats and the few Republicans who have consistently opposed this rhetoric from the start, but by senior Republicans in Harrisburg, and Mastrianos colleagues on the Senate Intergovernmental Operations Committee. Harrisburg Republicans claim that their phones are ringing off the hook with constituents upset about the election and concerned about fraud, which they use to justify their support of wasteful audits. These calls will never end if Republicans continue to give them credence. The Democratic narrative on voting is becoming unglued. The 21st-century Jim Crow assault is real, President Biden claimed Tuesday. Were facing the most significant test of our democracy since the Civil War thats not hyperbole, he said in the same speech. The Confederates back then never breached the Capitol, as insurrectionists did on January the 6th. As Biden apparently sees it, the latest Civil War is in Texas, where state lawmakers want to make voting so hard and inconvenient that they hope people dont vote at all. On Monday more than 50 Democrats from the Texas House absconded to Washington, D.C., to deny their chamber a quorum. I left because I am tired of sitting as a hostage, one lawmaker told the awaiting press at Dulles airport, while Republicans strip away the rights of my constituents to vote. This partisan rhetoric is detached from the facts. Weve already gone through the misrepresentations of Georgias and Floridas voting laws. Whats proposed in Texas? First, the bills would end two practices that Harris County pioneered last year amid the pandemic: drive-through voting and 24-hour voting. These options were used disproportionately by nonwhites. Perhaps they made sense when every Texan was urged to stay six feet from every other Texan. After graduating from Burley High School in 2002, Steven served a mission for the Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-day Saints in Bolivia . After his church service he graduated with a bachelors degree in microbiology from Idaho State University in 2010. He then commissioned into the United States Army as a 2LT and went on to graduate from The West Virgina School Of Osteopathic Medicine. He completed a family practice residency in Tacoma, Washington at the Madigan Army Medical Center where he graduated in 2017 and became board certified in family medicine. Following his residency, he served as the chief medical officer for the 110th Chemical Battalion, stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington. He was promoted to the rank of major in 2020 and recently separated from the army after seven years of active duty in order to return to Burley. Grizzlies in that area roam between northern Idaho, northeastern Washington, and southeastern British Columbia. The population there is considered healthy, and is growing about 3% a year, officials said. Biologists believe the recently collared female lives in the area, and is not a bear from outside of Washington state. A group of bears - a mother and three cubs - were photographed on another occasion on a game camera in the same area three to four weeks prior to the capture, said Wayne Kasworm, a grizzly bear biologist with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The natal collar - the white ring around the neck - of one of the cubs leads us to believe this is the same family of bears. Four adult males were captured in 1985, 2016 and 2018, but this was the first instance of a female capture, the state agency said. "Currently there are believed to be at least 70 to 80 grizzly bears in the Selkirk Grizzly Bear Recovery Zone, Kasworm said. About half those bears live on the Canadian side of the border, with the other half on the U.S. side. Grizzly bears are listed as a threatened species under the federal Endangered Species Act and classified as an endangered species in Washington state. The state agency works collaboratively with federal wildlife officials to monitor grizzly bear survival, reproduction, home range use, food habits, genetics, and causes of death. Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 The only moratorium in Idaho is the one issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to reduce the chances of homeless people spreading the coronavirus. It ends July 31. WHATS BEING DONE TO HELP PEOPLE FACING EVICTION? The state received $15 million in CARES Act money last year that was used through Jan. 18 to help people who couldn't pay rent because of the coronavirus pandemic. The state received another $175 million in federal coronavirus relief money to continue the program through Sept. 30, 2022. The Idaho Housing and Finance Association has been distributing the money, except in highly populated Ada County in southwestern Idaho. Officials with the association said the initial $15 million has been spent as well as $6 million of the $175 million. The Boise City/Ada County Housing Authorities has been distributing federal relief money it received in the city and county. HOW ARE THE COURTS HANDLING EVICTION HEARINGS? A New River Valley Regional Jail officer who died at his Giles County home earlier this month was shot by his wife, according to prosecutors. Mary Huskey Palmer, 50, of Narrows was arrested Monday in connection with the death of her husband, Sgt. Arthur Woody Woodrow Palmer III, 38. She is charged with second-degree murder and using a gun to commit a felony, and she has a Nov. 15 preliminary hearing scheduled in Giles County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court. Commonwealths Attorney Bobby Lilly said Thursday that investigators think Arthur Palmer was killed at his home on July 3, and that his body was found there on July 5. Arthur Palmer had a daughter, who is still a minor, from a different relationship, Lilly said. Lilly declined to discuss other aspects of the couples life or the alleged circumstances of Palmers death, saying the investigation continues. Defense attorney Fred Kellerman of Christiansburg declined to comment, saying he was just beginning to familiarize himself with the case. John Tyler Community College plans to become Brightpoint Community College because the former U.S. president the school was named for was also a slaveowner who joined the Confederacy. The proposal comes a year after the state board asked Virginia community colleges to reassess the appropriateness of their school names. The State Board for Community Colleges will vote on the name change next week. In November, a John Tyler task force made up of students, staff and others at the Chesterfield County college voted unanimously to change the schools name. Tyler, who was the 10th president of the United States, owned slaves, was elected to the Confederate Congress and buried under a Confederate flag in Richmonds Hollywood Cemetery when he died in 1862, less than a year after Virginia seceded from the union. Descendants of John Tyler have expressed differing opinions on the effort to remove his name from the college. The College of William & Mary also removed the name from a campus building. Like George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, both of whom owned hundreds of slaves, Patrick Henry reportedly owned two. Better that he was never a slave-holder just as it would be better that no one among us, especially one of the Founding Fathers, had ever committed a transgression, especially any as defined by contemporary standards. However, just as our religious, judicial and social systems recognize transgressors can be redeemed and returned to the community to lead purposeful lives, so too can Patrick Henrys long-ago grievous error be redeemed. This redemption can begin by the State Board of Community Colleges applauding the Patrick Henry Community College for confronting, not shrouding the awful racial history that devastated the commonwealth of Virginia and its counties, Patrick and Henry, in so many ways and for so many years at such great cost. It can do this by stipulating the Patrick Henry Community College use the personal failing of its namesake as a slave holder to serve as a perpetual teaching moment. Several means to effect this teaching moment at PHCC come to mind: By revising the PHCC charter to make indisputably clear the institution has a unique reason to assiduously embrace diversity and inclusiveness Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Barcelona and other cities in northeastern Spain will reimpose a night-time curfew starting this weekend to fight a surge in virus cases after the measure won court approval on Friday. The curfew is aimed at discouraging social gatherings on beaches and in parks to curb a spike in cases of the highly-contagious Delta variant, especially among unvaccinated young people. Catalonia's regional government asked the courts this week for permission to restore a nightly curfew between 1:00 am and 6:00 am in areas where infection rates surpass 400 cases per 100,000 inhabitants over a seven-day period. The top court in the northeastern region on Friday approved the move, which will affect 161 municipalities, including popular beach resorts like Sitges, Salou and Lloret de Mar. "It is a difficult measure, but we must stop the infections, protect lives and the health system. It will take effect tonight," Catalonia's regional head Pere Aragones tweeted after the court ruling. The curfew will be in place until July 23 although the Catalan government can ask to extend it. The curfew will likely have to be extended for several weeks, the court said. Catalonia, the epicentre of Spain's jump in infections, has already ordered all public gatherings to finish by 12:30 am and restricted gatherings to 10 people. Images of large groups of youths gathering on Barcelona's beaches or in popular nightlife districts have become common since Spain lifted a nationwide night-time curfew in early May. With an infection rate of 1,107 cases per 100,000 peoplemore than double the national averageCatalonia is one of the hardest-hit areas in Europe. Among people aged 20 to 29, the figure stands at 3,375 cases per 100,000 people. Cancelled leave Unlike in previous infections waves, the death toll has remained low and intensive care units have not so far been overwhelmed with COVID-19 patients. But the Catalan authorities have cancelled health workers' days off this weekend because the number of intensive care beds filled by COVID-19 patients has been steadily rising. Spain's regional governments, which are responsible for handling the pandemic in their areas, need court authorisation for tighter restrictions that infringe on rights, such as travel bans and curfews. With infections rising across Spain, other regions are also tightening measures. The northern region of Cantabria on Friday also won court approval to restore curfew in 53 towns this week, while Valencia in the east got the green light earlier to do the same in 32 municipalities. But approval is not guaranteed, with a court in Spain's Canary Islands on Wednesday rejecting a curfew request. Spain's vaccination programme has worked through age groups, meaning those in their 20s and 30s are only now starting to get jabs, leaving them vulnerable to the new Delta variant. Over three-quarters of COVID-19 patients in intensive care in Catalonia have not been vaccinated, regional health figures show. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said this week Spain was on track to have 70 percent of the population immunised against COVID-19 before the end of August. Explore further Delta strain prompts Spain's Catalonia to restore curfew 2021 AFP New images show detailed vasculature of brain. Credit: College London/Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica Imperial researchers have created a traumatic brain injury (TBI) computer model that maps blood vessels in a rat brain in the highest resolution yet. They say the models could help improve our understanding of how blood vessels are affected by TBI, as well as its effects on the protective layer encasing them known as the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which protects the brain from harmful circulating molecules and pathogens. If the methods translate well onto human brains, they could help improve our understanding of how TBIs develop and how best to treat and protect against them. The simulations could even help to replace animal models of TBI, potentially reducing the use of animals in brain research. TBIs are the commonest cause of chronic disability in under 40-year-olds and result from severe blows or jolts to the headcommonly during road traffic incidents, falls, and assaults. Symptoms can include headaches, dizziness, fatigue, irritability and memory impairment. Beginning at the site of impact, mechanical forces travel in waves through the brain, twisting, stretching, and shearing brain structures as the injury cascades. These forces are known to affect blood vessels, but the finer details of the relationship between mechanical forces and vascular injury are yet to be pinned down. Now, researchers at Imperial College London have created a computer model of TBI which maps the network of vessels in the braincalled the vasculaturein the highest resolution yet, incorporating rat brain vessels just 10 microns in diameter. Credit: College London/Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica Using the models, they found that adjacent blood vessels sustain profoundly different levels of stress depending on their alignment with neighboring ones. Blood vessels at 90 angles to others were less likely to be damaged, and vessels could be stretched to up to 14 percent of their original length without injury, while stretching by more than this amount would result in injury. Lead author Dr. Siamak Khosroshahi, who conducted the work while at Imperial's Dyson School of Design Engineering said: "Our unique approach explains the unrecognized role of the vascular anatomy and shear stresses in how large forces cascade through the brain. This new understanding could contribute to improving TBI diagnosis and prevention." The degree to which the BBB lets molecules into the brain is known as permeability. The barrier can become more permeable after injury, making it more likely to let pro-inflammatory molecules reach the brain and usher in further injury. Co-author Dr. Magdalena Sastre of the Department of Brain Sciences said: "Investigating vascular damage in head injury is important because a damaged blood-brain barrier can let harmful molecules in that worsen the initial injury." By using rat models of TBI, the authors demonstrated that greater BBB permeability occurs in TBI as a result of disruption of the vasculature, and that this is most evident soon after injury. From this information they created brain models digitally in high enough resolution to highlight the vasculature. They found that the computer models allowed them to accurately predict the distribution of stress in the small blood vessels of the rat brains. The models also allowed them to slow down time to look at the details of TBI more closely. Examples of stress alteration at vessels which are only few microns apart. Credit: College London/Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica Senior author Dr. Mazdak Ghajari, also of Imperial's Dyson School of Design Engineering, said: "Injury happens in a fraction of a second, making it hard to observe exactly what goes on. By slowing down the process, we can pinpoint exactly which brain areas sustain the most damage and go some way to understanding why." Co-author Professor David Sharp, also of the Department of Brain Sciences said: "This exciting new model provides insights into the way head injuries lead to brain hemorrhage. Our major trauma centers are geared up for rapidly managing bleeding within the skull as this can be life threatening. However, we don't understand how head injuries produce different types of bleeds, which limits our ability to predict what kinds of head injury are likely to lead to hemorrhage. The development of this model is an important step in understanding this important process." The new, high resolution computer simulations could provide a blueprint for studying TBIs using more computers and fewer animal models, in line with the principles of Replacement, Reduction and Refinement (the 3Rs) in animal research. The researchers say their models could also provide a more objective way to assess protection systems like helmets. Future studies on humans that include detailed reconstructions of the biomechanics of TBI are also needed to confirm the findings before using them to predict injury risk in humans. The improved understanding of the BBB could also help further research into drug delivery of brain-specific medicines. This study was funded by Wellcome Trust and Royal British Legion Centre for Blast Injury Studies at Imperial College London. "Multiscale modeling of cerebrovascular injury reveals the role of vascular anatomy and parenchymal shear stresses" by Siamak Farajzadeh Khosroshahi et al., published 21 June 2021 in Scientific Reports. Explore further Precise mapping shows how brain injuries inflict long-term damage More information: Siamak Farajzadeh Khosroshahi et al, Multiscale modelling of cerebrovascular injury reveals the role of vascular anatomy and parenchymal shear stresses, Scientific Reports (2021). Journal information: Scientific Reports Siamak Farajzadeh Khosroshahi et al, Multiscale modelling of cerebrovascular injury reveals the role of vascular anatomy and parenchymal shear stresses,(2021). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-92371-0 COVID-19 vaccination queue in Nagpur in India. Experts say that mass vaccinations need to be accelerated to cope with the projected third wave. Image credit: Ganesh Dhamodkar, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.en India must accelerate mass vaccinations to cope with the impending third wave of COVID-19, say experts. As India braces for a third wave of COVID-19, experts recommend accelerated mass vaccinations along with improved testing methods and surveillance to avoid a repeat of the deadly second wave that hit the country in April to May. K. VijayRaghavan, principal scientific adviser to the central government, maintains that given the high levels of circulating viruses a third wave is inevitable. "But, it is not clear on what time-scale this phase three will occur," he told a media briefing. A study released 5 July by the State Bank of India (SBI) indicated that a third wave may hit the country as early as mid-August. The bank's research group says that "the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic is likely to hit India by mid-August, while cases may peak in September." According to the SBI report, the peak of the third wave will see 1.7 times as many cases as occurred during the peak of the second wave in early May when more than 40,000 new cases were reported daily. Since then, there has been a steady decline in daily cases. Soumya Kanti Ghosh, chief economic advisor to SBI, said at the launch of the report that by the third week of July average daily cases were expected to reduce to around 10,000, on current projections. "However, based on historical trends, cases can start rising again by the end of August with the peak of the third wave coming a month later, in September." Ghosh and other analysts agree that India's best bet is to accelerate the pace of vaccination well beyond the current rate of four million doses daily. So far, according to the SBI report, only 4.6 percent of the population has been fully vaccinated. India, a country of 1.4 billion people, must carry out 89 million vaccinations per day to cover all adults by the end of the year. Immunization picked up after 21 June when India began implementing a policy of providing free vaccinations to all citizens over 18, though the drive has been hampered by vaccine shortages. Ramanan Laxminarayan, an epidemiologist and founder director of the Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics and Policy based in Washington, D.C., said at a webinar on 9 July that much depended on the leadership of the country. "If the leaders are careful, it [third wave] will not get out of control." To limit deaths during the expected third wave, those aged over 45 must be prioritized for vaccination, "since they are more likely to have comorbidities such as high blood sugar levels, blood pressure, respiratory disorders and be immunocompromised," said Laxminarayan, who is also a senior research scholar at Princeton University and an affiliate professor at the University of Washington. Varsha Sridhar, a molecular virologist and cofounder of the Bangalore-based Molecular Solutions Care Health LLP, told the same webinar that it was important to extend epidemiological surveillance beyond the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and associated government institutions and co-opt private entities into any effort to curb the third wave. "Saliva testing kits for COVID-19 designed by Indian companies are yet to be sold as they have not been approved," Sridhar said. "There is a need to make testing easier than the present method of taking nasal and throat swabs." According to Sridhar, epidemiological surveillance in preparation for the third wave should include sewage-based tracking, drug sales, drug levels in sewage, COVID-19 calls to government and private help lines, and calls made to physicians with private practices. Sridhar also said there needed to be greater transparency in data availability and sharing with institutions outside the government. "As of now data from RT-PCR and other tests and vaccinations is not being made available to groups outside ICMR and related institutions." Jayanti Shastri, head of the state-run Kasturba Infectious Diseases Hospital's Molecular Diagnostic Lab in Mumbai, says that a sero-survey it conducted among children suggested that a third wave will not affect children as widely feared. "We found adequate levels of antibodies in children and the third wave, if it comes, will not affect the pediatric population," he told the webinar. Meanwhile, a report published by the non-profit Social Science in Humanitarian Action Platform recommends increasing government expenditure on public health from the current 1.25 percent of GDP to a level that can strengthen the public health delivery system and achieve the stated goal of universal healthcare coverage. According to the report, "lack of data transparency and science-informed decision-making has paved the way for the rapid spread of misinformation. Myths, conspiracy theories, unverified information and medical advice have led to anxiety and uncertainty." The report called for a national plan for the next three years, outlining response and preparation measures for future pandemics. More information: SBI Special Report - COVID-19 - The Race to Finishing Line: SBI Special Report - COVID-19 - The Race to Finishing Line: www.scribd.com/document/514306 ce-to-Finishing-Line Key Considerations: India's Deadly Second COVID-19 Wave: Addressing Impacts and Building Preparedness Against Future Waves: www.socialscienceinaction.org/ gainst-future-waves/ Provided by SciDev.Net Credit: shutterstock.com Fears of "viral shedding" and other concerns after the COVID vaccine has led some businesses to ban vaccinated customers from the premises, believing vaccination poses a health risk to others. We've seen this in Australia, in the northern New South Wales town of Mullumbimby and on the Gold Coast in Queensland. We've also seen this internationally. In the United States, a teacher warned her students not to hug their vaccinated parents for the same reason. A teacher at a private school in Miami falsely warned students not to hug their vaccinated parents for more than five seconds to avoid harmful vaccine shedding. The school also threatened teachers' employment if they got vaccinated during the school year. https://t.co/FoMPICTir6 The New York Times (@nytimes) May 3, 2021 ,But COVID vaccines don't contain any live virus to shed. Here's the science to put the myth of viral shedding after the COVID vaccine to bed. None of the COVID-19 vaccines have the actual whole virus in them. This makes viral shedding and infection impossible. Viral shedding with the vaccine would be like trying to drive a car but only having the hollow body, no engine, no steering wheel or brakes, not even the battery Chloe Thonus she/her (@chlonus_thonus) April 28, 2021 What is viral shedding anyway? People can shed (or release) virus after a viral infection, such as SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. If people are infected, they can shed virus via their respiratory secretions when they cough and sneeze. During the pandemic, that's why we socially distance, wear masks and stay at home if we're sick. We can only infect someone if the virus is live. Some vaccines for other diseases contain live viruses that have been weakened (or attenuated). Examples are vaccines against measles, rubella, mumps and herpes zoster (shingles). These train your body to mount an immune response with a version of the virus that isn't so dangerous. For example, with the very effective vaccine against herpes zoster (shingles), there is a very small risk the weakened virus can cause infection. However, this happened in less than 1% out of more than 20,000 people vaccinated over a ten-year period. The majority of people infected this way had a weakened immune system. COVID vaccines don't contain live virus to shed However, none of the COVID vaccines approved for use anywhere around the world so far use live virus. Instead, they use other technologies to train our bodies to recognize SARS-CoV-2 and to mount a protective immune response should we ever be exposed to it. For instance, the AstraZeneca vaccine is a viral vector vaccine. This uses a modified chimpanzee virus to carry into the body the genetic instructions to produce the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. Your body then uses these instructions to make the spike protein, and to raise a protective immune response. The Pfizer vaccine is an mRNA vaccine, which contains the genetic material to code for the spike protein. Once inside your cells, your body uses those instructions to make spike protein, again raising a protective immune response. COVID vaccines don't give you the disease or give you a positive COVID test. Again, they don't contain live virus. They contain fragments of spike protein or the instructions on how to make it. Even if you could shed spike protein after vaccination, that wouldn't be enough to cause an infection. For that you need the entire virus, which the vaccines don't contain. And the mRNA in the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines is very short-lived, and is quickly degraded in our cells. Again, the mRNA wouldn't be enough to cause an infection. It would need to be packaged inside a live virus, which our vaccines don't contain. Vaccinated people are likely 'safer' Rather than banning vaccinated people from businesses for fear of viral shedding, owners should be welcoming them with open (socially distanced) arms. That's because evidence is mounting vaccinated people are less likely to transmit SARS-CoV-2 to others. In England, people who became infected despite being vaccinated with either the Pfizer or AstraZeneca vaccines (known as a breakthrough infection), were only half as likely to pass their infection on to household contacts compared to infected people who were not vaccinated. In Israel, people who had a breakthrough infection after the Pfizer vaccine had less virus cultured from their nose than people who had not been vaccinated. So there's no chance, then? Zero, zip, nada. There's no chance of viral shedding as a result of your COVID vaccine. If you do need to go to the shops in an outbreak area, follow the health advice to wear a mask and socially distance. If you're vaccinated, you're likely to pose less risk to others than if you're unvaccinated. So businesses should be wooing you rather than turning you away. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Credit: CC0 Public Domain The World Health Organization said on Friday that the second stage of an investigation into the origins of COVID-19 should include further studies in China and lab audits. In a closed-door briefing to member states, WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus proposed five priorities for the next phase of the investigation. They included "audits of relevant laboratories and research institutions operating in the area of the initial human cases identified in December 2019", according to a copy of his opening statement provided by the WHO. He also suggested investigators should focus on "studies prioritising geographic areas with the earliest indication of circulation of SARS CoV-2", the virus that causes COVID-19. And he called for more studies of animal markets in and around the Chinese city of Wuhan, where the disease was first detected. The UN health agency has been under intensifying pressure for a new, more in-depth investigation of how the disease that has killed over four million people around the world first emerged. The WHO was only able to send a team of independent, international experts to Wuhan in January, more than a year after COVID-19 first surfaced there in late 2019, to help Chinese counterparts probe the pandemic origins. 'Extremely unlikely' They published a report in late March, but drew no firm conclusions about how the virus first jumped to humans. Instead they ranked several hypotheses according to how likely they believed they were, finding that it was most likely the virus jumped from bats to humans via an intermediate animal. An alternative theory involving the virus leaking from a laboratory was deemed "extremely unlikely". The investigation faced criticism for lacking transparency and access, and for not evaluating the lab-leak theory more deeply. Long derided as a right-wing conspiracy theory, and vehemently rejected by Beijing, the idea that COVID-19 may have emerged from a lab leak has been gaining momentum. According to information obtained by AFP, the WHO has now developed a protocol for evaluating laboratory safety and biological security to help ascertain whether the virus may have emerged due to a lab accident. The protocol, which the agency aims to use to investigate the COVID-19 origin as well as possible future outbreaks, provides measures for evaluating, among other things, the storage of virus samples and handling of waste. 'Premature' Tedros, who has always maintained that all theories remained on the table, told journalists on Thursday that the push to rule out the possible link to a lab leak had been "premature". Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian rejected that, standing by the first mission's conclusion that a lab leak was "extremely unlikely", and warning that "this issue should not be politicised". He also rejected Tedros's charge at Thursday's press conference that China had failed to share the raw data needed during the first phase of the investigation, insisting the visiting experts were given adequate access. In his statement on Friday, Tedros thanked China and other countries "who wrote to me yesterday, and I agree that finding the origins of this virus is a scientific exercise that must be kept free from politics". "We expect China to support this next phase of the scientific process by sharing all relevant data in a spirit of transparency," he said. After the first mission went to China, Beijing has been pushing for the next phase to focus elsewhere. Diplomatic sources who viewed the document circulated to missions earlier this week as a basis for Friday's briefing said China was the only country mentioned as a destination for the next mission. 'Essential' Tedros highlighted that getting to the bottom of the mystery of where COVID-19 came from was "essential", for "understanding how the pandemic started and preventing future outbreaks." The WHO chief also announced Friday the creation of a new permanent International Scientific Advisory Group for Origins of Novel Pathogens, or SAGO. The new group, he said, would "play a vital role in the next phase" of the COVID origins studies, "as well as the origins of future new pathogens." Explore further WHO chief says it was 'premature' to rule out COVID lab leak 2021 AFP The investigational therapeutic ficlatuzumab in combination with chemotherapy showed signs of clinical efficacy in patients with relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia, according to results published in Blood Cancer Discovery, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research. "Only about half of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) will achieve long-term disease control," said Charalambos Andreadis, MD, professor of clinical medicine at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) and senior author of the study. Patients whose AML relapses or does not respond to initial therapy have worse outcomes, Andreadis explained. These patients typically undergo subsequent multi-agent chemotherapy, a toxic treatment with limited success in this population, he added. "Unfortunately, patients whose cancers relapse or don't respond to initial therapy face a poor outlook, as only 30 to 40 percent of these patients respond to subsequent multi-agent chemotherapy and even fewer develop long-term remissions. Most patients will eventually succumb to their disease," he said. New therapies targeting AML-specific mutations have been developed in recent years; however, these target select patients, highlighting the need for new, widely applicable therapies, according to Andreadis. In their study, Andreadis and colleagues evaluated the safety and efficacy of an investigational agent targeting a shared chemical pathway in combination with single-agent chemotherapy in patients with relapsed/refractory AML. The investigational therapy, ficlatuzumab, is a first-in-class monoclonal antibody that binds the extracellular hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) to prevent it from activating MET signaling and stimulating tumor growth. "Unlike most existing targeted cancer therapies, ficlatuzumab targets an extracellular factor instead of a cancer-specific mutation," Andreadis noted, adding that some patients with refractory AML have higher levels of circulating HGF. The phase I clinical trial enrolled 17 adult patients with AML that was either refractory to prior treatment or that had relapsed within 12 months of prior treatment. Patients received four doses of ficlatuzumab, administered 14 days apart, along with the chemotherapeutic cytarabine. Nine of 17 patients (53 percent) had a complete response, and four of the responding patients had no signs of minimal residual disease. Among responding patients, the progression-free survival was 31.2 months, and the overall survival was not reached. Ten patients (eight responders and two non-responders) proceeded to allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation; six of these patients remained in remission at the most recent follow-up. The most common adverse event was febrile neutropenia. Serious adverse events occurred in two patients, and there was one death unrelated to the investigational therapy. "The 53 percent response rate was quite striking to us since historical response rates for the standard-of-care treatment are in the 30 percent range," noted Andreadis. "While these results need to be validated in a larger study, they suggest that ficlatuzumab in combination with single-agent chemotherapy may lead to better responses with less toxicity in patients with relapsed/refractory AML." To identify molecular changes associated with treatment response, Andreadis and colleagues analyzed peripheral blood mononuclear cells collected at baseline and at several timepoints after treatment initiation. They found that ficlatuzumab treatment led to attenuated phosphorylation of MET, the receptor for HGF, thereby confirming on-target inhibition of HGF. Clinical response to ficlatuzumab treatment was associated with reduced phosphorylation of the S6 protein and increased expression of genes involved in myeloid and leukocyte activation, whereas non-responding patients were more likely to have increased expression of HGF, increased phosphorylation of S6, and expression of genes involved in protein translation, cell adhesion, and type I interferon signaling. "By comparing pre-treatment to post-treatment blood samples using state-of-the art single-cell mass cytometry and RNA sequencing, we observed that ficlatuzumab successfully suppressed HGF signaling, and we also identified biomarkers of treatment response and resistance," said the study's first author, Victoria Wang, MD, Ph.D., an assistant professor of hematology and oncology at UCSF. "This approach provided novel insight into the molecular changes that occur upon treatment, which could have clinical implications for tracking treatment response or identifying patients likely to respond." "Together, our findings suggest that targeting an extracellular factor in conjunction with existing cancer therapies could be an effective therapeutic strategy for AML treatment," said Andreadis. Limitations of the study include the small sample size and its single-arm design. Andreadis and Wang noted that since the study was designed to assess safety and dosing, rather than efficacy, additional studies to validate the efficacy findings will be needed. A phase II clinical trial to evaluate ficlatuzumab plus chemotherapy has been initiated. An additional limitation was the lack of bone marrow specimens for the gene expression analyses. Explore further Combination therapy achieves high rates of response for patients with ALL More information: Inhibition of MET Signaling with Ficlatuzumab in Combination with Chemotherapy in Refractory AML: Clinical Outcomes and High-Dimensional Analysis, Blood Cancer Discovery, DOI: 10.1158/2643-3230.BCD-21-0055 , bloodcancerdiscov.aacrjournals 643-3230.BCD-21-0055 Inhibition of MET Signaling with Ficlatuzumab in Combination with Chemotherapy in Refractory AML: Clinical Outcomes and High-Dimensional Analysis, Credit: CC0 Public Domain A new national study published in Public Health Nutrition on July 15 found that Americans experiencing food insufficiency were three times as likely to lack mental health support during the COVID-19 pandemic than those not experiencing food insufficiency. The most extreme form of food insecurity, food insufficiency occurs when families do not have enough eat. Among a nationally representative sample of 68,611 adults who participated in the US Census Household Pulse Survey in October 2020, 11% reported food insufficiency. Of those, 24% also reported an unmet mental health need compared to 9% of food-sufficient adults. "Hunger, exhaustion, and stress related to not getting enough food to eat may lead to depression and anxiety," says lead author, Jason Nagata, MD, assistant professor of pediatrics at the University of California, San Francisco. "The experience of food insecurity could lead affected people to prioritize food over other needs such as seeking health care, using up considerable time and energy to navigate food pantries and free meal services, or locate and visit affordable food stores." Food insufficiency was also associated with higher use of psychiatric medications: 27% of food-insufficient adults reported psychiatric medication use compared to 19% of food-sufficient adults. "To better address these problems, medical professionals, social workers, and clinicians can screen patients for both symptoms of anxiety and depression to ensure they have sufficient access to food," says co-author Kyle T. Ganson, Ph.D., assistant professor at the University of Toronto's Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work. The researchers argue that clinicians should assess for food insecurity and provide referrals to food assistance programs. "Policymakers should focus on increasing funding for food assistance and mental health services as part of pandemic relief legislation," says Nagata. "Expanding access to supplemental food programs may help to mitigate the need for more mental health services during the pandemic." More information: Jason M. Nagata et al, Food insufficiency and mental health service utilization in the U.S. during the COVID-19 pandemic, Public Health Nutrition (2021). Journal information: Public Health Nutrition Jason M. Nagata et al, Food insufficiency and mental health service utilization in the U.S. during the COVID-19 pandemic,(2021). DOI: 10.1017/S1368980021003001 Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain French authorities said Friday that face masks will again be required in all public spaces indoors and out in a southern region bordering Spain, after COVID infections soared this week because of the more infectious Delta variant. Alcohol drinking will also be prohibited outdoors in the Pyrenees-Orientales department on the Mediterranean coast just north of Spain, which is also seeing a surge in Delta cases. The masks will not be required however on beaches or in wide open spaces such as mountain trails, regional authorities said in a statement. "More measures could be announced depending on the evolution of health indications and pressure on the hospital system," the prefecture said. France is hoping to avoid a fourth wave of COVID-19 cases that could overwhelm hospitals and again lead to painful lockdowns or other restrictions. The Pyrenees-Orientales department now has the highest COVID incident rate in France at 257 per 100,000 people, up from 130 on Mondaywell above the alert level of 50. Rates are even higher in neighbouring Catalonia and elsewhere in Spain, and French officials have urged people not to cross the border for holidays. Overall in France the incident rate stands at 40, according to the health ministry, but daily case numbers have been rising rapidly as the Delta variant spreads. On Monday, President Emmanuel Macron said vaccinations would now be mandatory for healthcare and retirement home workers, many of whom remain reluctant or outright opposed to the jabs. Starting next week, proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test will be required for theatres, cinemas, music festivals and amusement parks. In August the "health pass" will also be required to enter any restaurant, cafes, bars or shopping centres, or for long train journeys. Explore further France tells citizens to avoid Spain, Portugal over Delta variant 2021 AFP Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain Liz Harris won't let anything stop her from walking. Three mornings a week, she descends three flights of stairs and heads to Anacostia Park. It's a 10-minute walk just to get there. If none of her friends are available, she walks alone. But they worry about her when she does. "The community is known for crime, and you don't feel comfortable walking alone," said Harris, 72, who lives in southeastern Washington, D.C."s Ward 8. But that's not her only concern. Unleashed dogs in the park make her wary. The streets along the way are uneven and in disrepair. Heavy traffic can contribute to poor air quality. "For the most part, the neighborhood is just not conducive to getting exercise, especially for women," she said. Still, Harris walks because crime isn't all her neighborhood is known for. It also has some of the district's highest rates of obesity, heart disease and cognitive decline, according to DC Health Matters Collaborative, a coalition of hospitals and community health centers. A 2018 report by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments spotlights other neighborhood disparities: higher infant deaths, child poverty, unemployment, older housing and longer work commutes. "We're always at the lowest indicators," said Mustafa Abdul-Salaam, a longtime community activist who also lives in Ward 8. "We die 15 years earlier than Ward 3 (in northwest Washington). That says it all." There is a wealth of research underscoring how the conditions in which people live, work, learn and play affect their health, particularly the heartand therefore the brain. A basic element of these so-called social determinants of health is the neighborhood, with factors such as housing security; access to healthy foods, transportation and health care; opportunities for physical activity; and exposure to pollutants and noise. Lack of public safety, social disorganization and exposure to high levels of violent crime also have been associated with increases in stroke risk, which can potentially cause cognitive decline. "All of those factors coming together increase a person's vulnerability to cardiovascular disease, especially in poorer neighborhoods," said Mustafa Hussein, an assistant professor at the Joseph J. Zilber School of Public Health at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Hussein led a 2017 study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology that found people with low socioeconomic status were 60% more at risk of having a heart attack or stroke as those with high socioeconomic status, with at least one-third of the extra risk attributable to neighborhood conditions. Other research in the journal Stroke suggests people living with three or more of these social determinants are nearly 2.5 times more likely to have a stroke. A 2020 report in the journal Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes concluded just living in aging public housing raises heart disease risk. In its 2019 prevention guidelines, jointly issued with the American College of Cardiology, the American Heart Association said these social inequities are "strong" determinants of risk and can have as big an impact on cardiovascular health as medications and lifestyle changes. Abdul-Salaam sees those impacts firsthand. Ward 8 has a lot of natural beauty and green spaceimportant factors for keeping a neighborhood healthy, he said. But it lacks access to healthy and affordable groceries and shoulders a heavy burden of commercial and commuter traffic that makes streets less amenable to walking while creating more noise and pollution. It's one of the scenarios organizations like the National Complete Streets Coalition is trying to address. The group is working to transform roads and design new ones across the country to make it easier and safer to walk, bike, use assistive devices such as walkers and access public transportation. The solutions include sidewalks, bike lanes or wider shoulders, bus lanes and more comfortable and accessible transportation stops. A 2020 AHA policy statement said such campaigns were vital to promote "increased physical activity regardless of age, income, racial/ethnic background, ability, or disability." The work hits home especially in neighborhoods that historically haven't seen the same economic and infrastructure investment as others. To date, 35 state governments and the District of Columbia have adopted Complete Street policies. In Washington, this has led to improvements, some in Ward 8, such as raised crosswalks and dedicated bike paths. But community members say much more is needed to help the area thrive. Abdul-Salaam is helping to lead and facilitate a planning process in Ward 8 to connect residents with government, business and health leaders to collaborate on solutions for southeast Washington, D.C. He is recruiting and training community members to map the neighborhood's assets and deficits, using a GPS-enabled app. "Then we can identify what we need to add or remove." Involving residents is an importantand often overlookedstep in neighborhood revitalization, said Dr. Tiffany Powell-Wiley, chief of the Social Determinants of Obesity and Cardiovascular Risk laboratory at the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Too often, decisions in under-resourced communities are made without input from the people who live there, resulting in low-income residents being pushed out when neighborhood upgrades make it more appealing to outsidersand more expensive. "There needs to be an element of racial equity in the work that's happening," she said. "If a new policy is coming into place around community development, we need to ensure that different racial and ethnic populations are benefiting equally." That doesn't mean people also can't take individual steps, said Powell-Wiley. She works with community members like Harris to design and carry out research on culturally appropriate ways to increase physical activity and improve heart health among Black women living in areas with fewer resources. "There are ways to use the resources you do have," she said, particularly if women form social networks to support each other. "It's safer to walk as a group, for example." But strategies to reduce heart and brain health riskssuch as promoting lifestyle changecan't fully benefit people in communities with insufficient resources until underlying structural challenges are addressed, Hussein said. "The whole idea of lifestyle choices as something everyone can tap into is misleading, when in fact that choice is constrained by what is available to people," he said. "This is where policy solutions or investments into these neighborhoods to make up for historical disinvestment becomes so important." Explore further Long-term survival after heart attack could hinge on where you live In this June 24, 2021, file photo, crowds walk through the casino during the opening night of Resorts World Las Vegas in Las Vegas. Masks are back in Las Vegas, where regional health officials pointed Friday, July 16, 2021, to a rising number of coronavirus cases and advised everyone, vaccinated or not, to wear facial coverings in crowded indoor places. Seven weeks ago, Nevada fully lifted coronavirus restrictions and returned pandemic control measures to counties. Credit: AP Photo/John Locher, File Masks are back in Las Vegas, after regional health officials on Friday cited a rising number of coronavirus cases and advised everyonevaccinated or notto wear facial coverings in crowds and indoor places. The recommendation from the Southern Nevada Health District isn't a requirement. But it affects casinos, concerts and clubs where business has boomed since restrictions were lifted and the state fully returned pandemic control measures to counties about seven weeks ago. "Both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals should wear masks when they are in crowded public settings ... such as grocery stores, malls, large events and casinos," Dr. Fermin Leguen, the region's chief health officer, told reporters. He said the district doesn't have authority to make masks mandatory, leaving that question to the state, county and cities. Vaccine clinics and testing are continuing at sites around the region, Leguen added. Vaccination rates have stalled in recent weeks in Nevada, a state with libertarian leanings where health officials reported Friday that about 55% of residents 12 years and older have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine. Statewide, about 46.3% are fully vaccinated. Nationally, 68% of adults have received at least one dose of vaccine, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. An official with the union representing 60,000 Nevada casino employees issued a statement noting the risks posed to workers by people who are not vaccinated. Culinary Union official Geoconda Arguello-Kline pointed to CDC data that more than 97% of people who have been hospitalized recently with COVID-19 have not received a vaccine. The mask recommendation in Las Vegas came after Nevada health officials on Thursday reported 938 new cases of COVID-19 statewidethe biggest one-day coronavirus case jump since Februaryand 15 new deaths. It also followed a call from the public health chief in Los Angeles for Californians to rethink plans to travel to Nevada until COVID-19 case numbers in the Silver State decrease. In this April 24, 2021, file photo, people walk along the Las Vegas Strip in Las Vegas. Masks are back in Las Vegas, where regional health officials pointed Friday, July 16, 2021, to a rising number of coronavirus cases and advised everyone, vaccinated or not, to wear facial coverings in crowded indoor places. Credit: AP Photo/John Locher, File Weekend visitors from Southern California have in recent months jammed Interstate 15, the main route for the 270-mile (435-kilometer) trip between Los Angeles and Las Vegas. "I do want to recommend, especially if you're unvaccinated, reconsider traveling to places where the seven-day COVID-19 case rates are increasing or high like Nevada, our neighbor," Dr. Muntu Davis told Los Angeles County commissioners on Tuesday. Davis also recommended using masks in indoor spaces, regardless of vaccination status. Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak's chief of staff, Michelle White, responded during a video conference call with reporters on Thursday with a suggestion that people travel to Nevada and get vaccinated. "That's why we are working to make sure there are vaccination and testing locations located on places like the Las Vegas Strip. That is open any individual, workers ... visitors," White said. "We have all three vaccines offered, including the one shot. If someone is coming from out of state, that can be more convenient and we certainly encourage everyone to do so." The Department of Health and Human Services said test positivity, a key marker of the percentage of people found to be infected among those tested for the virus, had tripled from 3.4% five weeks ago to 10.9% on Thursday. The positivity figure reported by the state Department of Health and Human Services was 12.3% in the Las Vegas area. The number of new cases reported Friday in Nevada was 866, and six new deaths. That brought to 5,758 the number of lives lost in the state to COVID-19 since March 2020. Most cases and deaths in Nevada during the pandemic have been in the Las Vegas area, home to 2.3 million people and host to tens of millions of visitors per year. On Friday, health officials in Washoe County said they had no plans to implement mask requirements or recommendations because the virus hasn't surged in the Reno-Sparks area to the extent it has in Las Vegas. Elsewhere, local officials from Lander County and Elko have recently focused on passing pre-emptive resolutions against vaccine passports. Explore further 1st COVID-19 death from Delta variant confirmed in Reno area 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. (HealthDay)Pfizer Inc. has agreed to pay $345 million in a proposed settlement to resolve lawsuits over steep EpiPen price increases. EpiPens are auto-injectable devices that deliver the drug epinephrine for emergency treatment of a life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. In 2016, a number of class-action lawsuits were filed against Pfizer and its subsidiaries Meridian Medical Technologies Inc. and King Pharmaceuticals, alleging they engaged in anticompetitive conduct related to EpiPen, the Associated Press reported. Another company that is a defendant in the litigation is Mylan, which owns the EpiPen brand, even though the devices are made by Pfizer. Mylan acquired the right to market and distribute the devices in 2007, when an EpiPen package cost about $100. Now, it costs more than $650 without pharmacy coupons or manufacturer discounts, the AP reported. Court documents filed Thursday in federal court in Kansas City, Kansas, show that Pfizer and its two subsidiaries asked the court to give preliminary approval to the settlement, according to Kansas City's NPR station KCUR-FM. Three weeks ago, most of the claims against Mylan were dismissed, but the judge allowed antitrust claims against the company to proceed to trial, scheduled to start on Sept. 7, the AP reported. Rex Sharp, a lawyer for the plaintiffs, said his clients were pleased that Pfizer had agreed to the settlement, noting it would still need the court's approval, the AP reported In an email to KCUR-FM, a Pfizer spokesperson denied any wrongdoing by the company and said the settlement was sought to avoid "the distraction of continued litigation and focus on breakthroughs that change patients' lives." Explore further Defect prompts Mylan to recall some Epipens More information: The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases has more on The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases has more on food allergies Copyright 2021 HealthDay. All rights reserved. Checking eye pressure. Credit: Stephanie Nowacek,IAPB/VISION 2020. CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 Using smartphones for eye screening and referrals could triple the number of people seeking primary care for eye problems and increase the uptake of hospital services in low-resource settings, a study says. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 2.2 billion people globally have a near or distance vision impairment, with rates of unaddressed near vision impairment at greater than 80 percent in western, eastern and central subregions of Sub-Saharan Africa. The study conducted in Kenya shows the potential of smartphone-based screening to enable non-specialist community volunteers to visit homes and carry out eye tests, freeing up capacity among specialist eyecare services. The Peek Community Screening App, the study explains, is part of the Peek Community Eye Health system that helps community volunteers to screen and make referral decisions about patients with eye problems. The study enrolled more than 128,000 people in 36 communities in Trans Nzoia County, Kenya from November 2018 to June 2019. Half of the communities received the Peek community eye health system while the control group followed the standard approach of health-center based outreach clinics. "We saw an increase in uptake of services across all ages and more so in women than men, whereas previous studies have found that secondary services were less utilized by young people and women," says Hillary Rono, study author and an ophthalmologistatKitale County Referral and Teaching Hospital, Kenya. "Our results showed that the mean attendance rate at triage by individuals with eye problems was 1,429 per 10,000 in the intervention group and 522 per 10,000 in the control group, which clearly demonstrated increased access to care." The research published in The Lancet Digital Health this month demonstrates the potential of using digital tools to improve access to primary care for greater numbers of patients, allowing hospitals to focus on more complex cases. The app "generates referrals, automated short messages, service notifications to patients or guardians, and has a program dashboard for visualizing service delivery," the study says. Rono, who is also a researcher at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and Peek Vision in the United Kingdom, tells SciDev.Net that access to specialist eye health resources is scarce in Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in rural populations. Kenya has around three ophthalmologists per million people, compared to 33 in Canada and 54 in the United Kingdom. Barriers to eye care include lack of awareness of eye problems and eye care services, as well as the long distance travel often required to reach services, Rono adds. Stuart Keel, technical officer for the WHO's vision and eye care program, says that the technology has the potential to solve some vision problems, but has limitations. "Vision screening can detect common eye conditions such as cataract and uncorrected refractive error," says Keel, who was not involved in the study. "However, vision screening alone is not able to detect some other common causes of blindness, such as glaucoma and early stages of diabetes-related eye disease, that are common in Sub-Saharan Africa." In some parts of Sub-Saharan Africa, he explains, the rates of blindness are estimated to be more than five times higher than all high-income regions around the world. Keel says that the WHO is working on a global campaign to use smartphones to deliver targeted messages for people to have regular eye checks. "This smartphone technology has the potential to overcome some of these barriers as the technology can be used by a non-eye care specialist, pretty much anywhere," he adds. "Building in routine mobile text messages is also an important component as it has been shown consistently to increase rates of attendance at eye care facilities." Explore further Smartphone screening and referral increases access to care for people with eye problems More information: Hillary Rono et al, Effectiveness of an mHealth system on access to eye health services in Kenya: a cluster-randomised controlled trial, The Lancet Digital Health (2021). Hillary Rono et al, Effectiveness of an mHealth system on access to eye health services in Kenya: a cluster-randomised controlled trial,(2021). DOI: 10.1016/S2589-7500(21)00083-2 Provided by SciDev.Net Credit: Pixabay Research into the healthcare experiences of Muslim refugee women in Aotearoa has highlighted significant barriers to accessing care and a disregard for cultural practices present in healthcare services. The experiences of nine Muslim refugee women have been published in a new paper by Dr. Shemana Cassim, from the University of Waikato. It details examples of disregard and dismissal of cultural beliefs, passive discrimination and barriers of cost and access to interpreters. In one example the uncle of one woman was repeatedly given ham sandwiches, by hospital healthcare staff, despite being told that pork, in any form, is considered a forbidden food item in Islam. In another, a woman described her healthcare provider assuming she had a nutrient deficiency due to a lack of exposure to the sun, solely because she wore a hijab and abaya, the traditional Muslim head covering and robe-like dress. The research was funded by the Waikato Medical Research Foundation and was published this month in Kotuitui: New Zealand Journal of Social Sciences Online. Dr. Cassim said while some of the experiences were jarring, they were not surprising. "There was research conducted into the experiences of refugee communities overall in New Zealand in 2011 and they found similar results. This is 10 years later, and it is not okay. New Zealand is trying to up our game admitting refugees, but we really need to do better when it comes to caring for them." Other participants spoke of their requests for female nursing staff to treat them being dismissed, although some Muslim women believe they should not be touched by men from outside their immediate family. In addition to dismissal of cultural practices, Dr. Cassim said participants described feelings of being treated differently, alongside experiences of passive discrimination. Participants also described having to take family members to appointments to interpret for them due to the high cost of interpreters. This often prevented them from discussing private issues such as sexual and reproductive health or family violence. Following COVID-19 the Government has reinstated its refugee program which accepts 1500 refugees into New Zealand each year. Between July 1, 2021-June 30, 2022, the Government will aim to resettle up to 1000 refugees in New Zealand. Dr. Cassim said the healthcare system needed to adopt a more humanistic view that accounted for and respected people's backgrounds and cultural beliefs. "These people are not just numbers, and they are not just patients. We need a system that is based on manaakitanga, based on care and respect." She said New Zealand already had guidelines or a framework for this in the form of Te Tiriti o Waitangi as a basis to work from. "Institutional racism has become a huge talking point in New Zealand, and we are at an opportunistic point in Aotearoa where people are willing to talk about it and we need to have these conversations." When refugees first arrive in New Zealand, they are housed at the Mangere Refugee Resettlement Center (MRRC) in Auckland. Dr. Cassim said during their stay refugees receive medical screening and treatment and on leaving they receive a copy of their medical records, and a support worker helps them to register with a GP. While they have the same entitlements as all New Zealanders, Dr. Cassim said those interviewed in the study revealed they did not know they were entitled to a Community Services Card to help with healthcare costs, or that Primary Health Organizations received dedicated funding, albeit limited, to provide interpreters who could cost up to $100 per hour. "Along with the wider conversation and work to be done it is also simple things like ensuring this information is being provided to refugees before they leave the Mangere center and that PHOs are aware of the funding available to them." Explore further Public health service gaps for both refugees and migrants to Australia More information: Shemana Cassim et al, The experiences of refugee Muslim women in the Aotearoa New Zealand healthcare system, Kotuitui: New Zealand Journal of Social Sciences Online (2021). Shemana Cassim et al, The experiences of refugee Muslim women in the Aotearoa New Zealand healthcare system,(2021). DOI: 10.1080/1177083X.2021.1947330 Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain Answering a charge from the National Science Board, the RegenMed Development Organization (ReMDO), through its RegeneratOR Workforce Development Initiative, has released the results of a national survey of regenerative medicine biomanufacturing knowledge, skills, and abilities needed for successful employment in the regenerative medicine field. The National Science Board called for the creation of a skilled technical workforce driven by science and engineering in its 2019 report, "The Skilled Technical Workforce: Crafting America's Science and Engineering Enterprise." "The RegeneratOR initiative has undertaken a necessary early step with its survey by articulating the knowledge, skills and abilities needed to align education and workforce development programs with employer needs," said Gary Green, EdD, Chief Workforce Development Officer for the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine (WFIRM), which is working closely with ReMDO on this effort. Green and colleagues published their findings recently in Stem Cells Translational Medicine journal. The purpose of the article is to outline the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for regenerative medicine biomanufacturing, quantify the skills gap that currently exists between skills required by employers and those acquired by employees and available in the labor market, and make recommendations for the application of these findings. "Regenerative medicine biomanufacturing represents one of the emerging technology-driven growth sectors. With recent and projected future growth in regenerative medicine, the availability of a knowledgeable and skilled workforce is a critical success factor for business and academic organizations," said Josh Hunsberger, Ph.D., chief technology officer for ReMDO. "As the field progresses from research to clinical translation and from translation to biomanufacturing, the skill requirements are evolving."Three levels of preparation are articulated in the research: basic employability skills, core bioscience skills, and regenerative medicine biomanufacturing technical skills. Fifteen skill sets addressing the specialized needs of regenerative medicine and related biotechnology sectors are identified in the survey. Overall survey results indicate that while regenerative medicine biomanufacturing is experiencing rapid growth, there exists a pronounced lack of needed skills sets in the workforce and an inability to hire for those skills in the labor market. Based on the survey results, the ReMDO team made five recommendations to develop the workforce development ecosystem. 1. Provide faculty development opportunities in regenerative medicine for kindergarten through 12th grade, community college, and universities (including 4-year colleges) that are aligned with industry needs that support grade/level appropriate learning. 2. Incorporate regenerative medicine principles and applications in STEM-related academic curricula, recognizing the multidisciplinary nature of the field. 3. Provide progressive levels of work-based learning in regenerative medicine, kindergarten through 12th grade to university. 4. Pursue a diverse and inclusive skilled technical workforce in regenerative medicine.5. Advocate for policy and investments in regenerative medicine and convergent technology workforce development. "The insights provided by these survey results are an essential starting point to help us prepare for the future of regenerative medicine biomanufacturing," said co-author Anthony Atala, MD, who serves as director of WFIRM. "It is crucial to have a trained and highly skilled work force in place to advance the important research now reaching patients." Explore further Canada continues to punch above its weight in the field of regenerative medicine More information: Gary M. Green et al, Recommendations for workforce development in regenerative medicine biomanufacturing, Stem Cells Translational Medicine (2021). Journal information: Stem Cells Translational Medicine Gary M. Green et al, Recommendations for workforce development in regenerative medicine biomanufacturing,(2021). DOI: 10.1002/sctm.21-0037 Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain A new large-scale randomized evaluation has found that messages delivered by physicians increased knowledge about COVID-19 and use of preventative health measures, like mask-wearing and social distancing, regardless of recipients' race or political beliefs. This research shows that information campaigns delivered by trusted experts can be effective in changing people's health-related beliefs and behaviors. The evaluation tested the effectiveness of three video messages about COVID-19, recorded by physicians of different ages, genders, and races. One message defined COVID-19 and discussed common symptoms associated with the virus and asymptomatic transmission. A second message reminded the viewer that COVID-19 was actively circulating in the United States. The final message described U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention social distancing guidelines. The study included over 18,000 Black and white adults of modest incomes (the majority below $60,000) in the United States. The study was led by an interdisciplinary team of researchers from MIT, Harvard University, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Paris School of Economics, Stanford University, Yale University, McLean Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), and the COVID-19 Messaging Working Groupa diverse group of physicians convened by the Center for Diversity and Inclusion at MGH to study and implement effective messaging to help disadvantaged communities protect themselves against COVID-19. Study participants were randomly selected to view videos featuring the three COVID-19 messages, or three placebo videos on generic health topics. Participants selected to view the COVID-19 videos were then randomly assigned to view the messages delivered by either a Black or white physician. An additional component of the study sought to tailor the message to Black recipients by adding a fourth video featuring acknowledgements of structural racism and the unequal burden of COVID-19 on Black communities. The positive impact of watching physicians deliver COVID-19 messages was remarkably similar across racial, socioeconomic, and political lines. Video messages delivered by both Black and white physicians reduced the knowledge gaps about COVID-19. Researchers measured knowledge gaps by asking participants questions about COVID-19 symptoms and prevention strategies and assigning a score from 0-10 based on the number of incorrect answers. The proportion of participants with no gap in knowledge (score 0) increased from 8.4 percent in the comparison group to 13 percent among participants who watched physician-delivered COVID-19 messages. Scores on an index of information-seeking behaviors increased by 5.6 percent relative to the comparison group, and scores on an index of self-reported COVID prevention behaviors increased by 3.2 percent. Willingness to pay for a mask increased as well. The video featuring discussion of structural racism and disparate racial effects of COVID-19 did not have an additional impact on Black recipients' beliefs or behaviors. These results suggest that people of all races and political affiliations can be influenced with accurate and clear information conveyed by trusted experts, such as physicians. Esther Duflo, the Abdul Latif Jameel Professor of Poverty Alleviation and Development Economics at MIT, co-founder and director of MIT's Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab, and a senior author of the study, notes, "In the United States, there is a perception that political polarization stands in the way of communicating objective health guidance. While such polarization has influenced behavior patterns related to social distancing and mask-wearing and state responses to the pandemic, our research suggests that physician information campaigns can change minds and behaviors regardless of political affiliation." The findings also underscore the important role a diverse workforce of physicians can play in delivering effective health information. In a moment when public health guidelines are constantly changing, strategies that encourage individuals to update and revise their beliefs based on accurate health information will be key to ensuring effective pandemic response. More information: Carlos Torres et al, Effect of Physician-Delivered COVID-19 Public Health Messages and Messages Acknowledging Racial Inequity on Black and White Adults' Knowledge, Beliefs, and Practices Related to COVID-19, JAMA Network Open (2021). Journal information: JAMA Network Open Carlos Torres et al, Effect of Physician-Delivered COVID-19 Public Health Messages and Messages Acknowledging Racial Inequity on Black and White Adults' Knowledge, Beliefs, and Practices Related to COVID-19,(2021). DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.17115 Brian Connelly, an associate professor at U of T Scarborough, says organizations have historically relied on self-descriptions of personalities and traits to gauge future employees, but may be missing a key performance indicator. Credit: Ken Jones Organizations spend significant time, money and resources searching for the right workers. Yet, according to a new University of Toronto study, they may be overlooking the key ingredient in determining the success of future employees: reputation. "Our reputation seems to be the most important and accurate part of predicting performance," says Brian Connelly, an associate professor in the department of management at U of T Scarborough and lead author on the study. "It's also one that's largely been ignored in the past by personality assessments." The research, published in the Journal of Applied Psychology, asked 455 military cadets in South Korea to rate their own personality while also having their personality rated by three fellow cadets. The researchers also collected ratings on citizenship behaviors as well as academic and job performance. Not surprisingly, the cadets who were conscientious (hard-working and reliable) and agreeable (friendly and co-operative) tended to be the highest performing. But the researchers found it was the cadets' reputationnot their personality traits or identitythat was the most accurate predictor of that success. "There is overlap in the way you see your personality and the way others see your personality, and that overlap is important," Connelly says. "Reputation, on the other hand, is uncovering the stuff that individuals might not be seeing about themselves. Connelly says personality research and the way personality measures are practiced have traditionally focused on traits, assuming that the best way to measure it is to ask people to describe themselves. Connelly adds that organizations have also largely relied on such self-descriptionsbut when it comes to identifying talent, the approach risks leaving out what could be the most important part. "Personality isn't fixed or uniquely 'owned' by the selfit emerges in the roles we occupy and the relationships we build with others," says Connelly, who is an expert on how organizations can best use personality measures to address workplace challenges. "Our findings suggest that it's those emergent aspects of reputation that are the most important for employers and employees to consider." Connelly says there could be several reasons why reputation is such an accurate predictor of success. It could be that others are better at picking up on information that individuals tend to distort when looking at themselves. "Kind of like the way you hear your voice is different from othersthere's a vibration in your ear when you talk that actually distorts your voice," Connelly says. Peers also judge reputation based on behavior. They don't necessarily know an individual's thoughts, feelings, goals or past experiencesthey're only witnessing performance. And, in the case of the workplace, that performance is only being viewed in one specific context. That doesn't mean that one's reputation is set in stoneeven if its is being determined by others. That's because a person's personality can and does change over time. "It can shift in response to the demands or circumstances of life," he says, pointing to research showing that as people reach their late-20s, for example, they become more agreeable and conscientious. People can change aspects of their personality by setting goals, adds Connelly. If they want to be more assertive for example, they can set goals on how to achieve that in their interactions with others. "It's not necessarily the case that you are born with a specific personality stamped on you," he says. "I find it inspiring that you are not this fixed person, it's more about what you doand that you can change what you do in order to achieve these higher levels of performance." Explore further New personality model sets up how we see ourselvesand how others see us More information: Brian S. Connelly et al, A multirater perspective on personality and performance: An empirical examination of the traitreputationidentity model., Journal of Applied Psychology (2021). Journal information: Journal of Applied Psychology Brian S. Connelly et al, A multirater perspective on personality and performance: An empirical examination of the traitreputationidentity model.,(2021). DOI: 10.1037/apl0000732 Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain The UK government's plan to scrap day-to-day pandemic restrictions in England next week is reckless and has no basis in science, international experts warned on Friday, with one arguing it amounts to premeditated murder. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said this week it was "highly probable" the worst of the coronavirus pandemic was over as he pressed ahead with Monday's reopening, despite the Delta variant spreading out of control. He has said the UK can reopen because two-thirds of adults are now fully vaccinated, but England's Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty warned that infection rates were on track to reach "quite scary" levels. International scientists including advisers to other governments had brutal words for Johnson. "I've written that I believe that the strategy of herd immunity is actually murderous," US scientist William Haseltine said after an emergency discussion among experts about the UK plan. Aiming for herd immunity would mean pursuing a policy in the knowledge that it would lead to many thousands of deaths, he said. "It is a disaster as a policy," he added. The UK government denies it is pursuing a policy of "herd immunity" by letting the Delta variant rip, but concedes that daily infection rates could surge to 100,000 in the weeks ahead, which would put further pressure on hospitals. "I don't think we should underestimate the fact that we could get into trouble again surprisingly fast," Whitty said on Thursday, urging the public "to take things incredibly slowly" as restrictions ease. From Mondaydubbed "Freedom Day" by some mediathe government will lift most restrictions on public gatherings in England and allow businesses such as nightclubs to reopen. Mandates covering face masks and work from home will be lifted as Johnson promotes a new approach of personal responsibility, although he has also urged people not to "throw caution to the winds". But that is just what Johnson is doing with a policy of allowing the virus to spread, "infect people, make them ill, and have them die", according to professor Gabriel Scally at the University of Bristol. The government's stated approach of lifting controls now before any winter surge of respiratory disease is marked by "moral emptiness and epidemiological stupidity", he said. 'Pingdemic' The devolved governments of Scotland and Wales set their own health policy and will keep in place a legal requirement to wear face coverings in enclosed spaces such as shops and on public transport. Northern Ireland looks set to follow suit. The scientists attending Friday's online meeting warned that England was falling out of step not just with its neighbours in the UK but with the rest of the world. The meeting was organised by the authors of a protest letter published by medical journal The Lancet last week that originally carried 122 signatures. Another 1,400 scientists have since added their names. "In New Zealand we've always looked to the UK for leadership," said Michael Baker, professor of public health at the University of Otago in Dunedin. "You have a remarkable depth of scientific knowledge. You've done remarkably well in vaccine development and rollout. Remarkable clinical trials that we're drawing on," he said. "And that's why it just seems so remarkable that you're not following even basic public health principles here." Professor Shu-Ti Chiou, former head of Taiwan's Health Promotion Administration, said she was "very concerned" that younger age groups and clinically vulnerable people were left exposed by the UK plan. "In our culture there is a saying that it is unethical to take the umbrella away from people while it's still raining," Chiou said. "And it's actually raining very hard." The surge in infections sweeping Britain led to more than 530,000 people being instructed to self-isolate by a government-run app in the week to July 7, the highest total since January, according to latest data. Some companies such as carmaker Nissan have been losing staff en masse after they were pinged by the appin a brewing crisis described by UK newspapers as a "pingdemic". Butchers, another industry hit hard, have even warned of national meat shortages unless the app is made less sensitive. Explore further UK passes COVID jabs milestone but masks confusion mounts 2021 AFP (HealthDay)U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy on Thursday called on tech companies, health care workers, journalists and even ordinary Americans to do more to fight vaccine misinformation. In a 22-page advisory, Murthy wrote that false claims have prompted people to reject coronavirus vaccines, masks and social distancing, undermining efforts to end the coronavirus pandemic and presenting an "urgent threat" to public health. The warning comes as the pace of COVID-19 vaccinations has slowed throughout the United States, in part because of vaccine resistance. Murthy, who also served as surgeon general under President Barack Obama, noted that surgeon general advisories have typically focused on physical threats to health, such as tobacco. But misinformation about COVID-19, deemed an "infodemic" by the World Health Organization, can be equally deadly, he noted. "Misinformation poses an imminent and insidious threat to our nation's health," Murthy told reporters Thursday at the White House, the Associated Press reported. "We must confront misinformation as a nation. Lives are depending on it." Given the role the internet plays in spreading health misinformation, Murthy said technology companies and social media platforms must make meaningful changes to reduce its spread. Too often, he noted, the platforms are built to encourage, not counter, the spread of misinformation. "We are asking them to step up," Murthy said. "We can't wait longer for them to take aggressive action." Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and other social media platforms have defended their work to stem the tide of misinformation. In a response to Murthy, Twitter noted that it has removed more than 40,000 pieces of content that violated its COVID-19 misinformation rules, the AP reported. "We agree with the surgeon general," Twitter said in a statement. "Tackling health misinformation takes a whole-of-society approach." Murthy also called on teachers to expand lessons on media literacy and critical thinking. Journalists should work to responsibly debunk health misinformation without inadvertently spreading it further, he added. And public health professionals should do a better job explaining why public health guidance can change as new information arises. Murthy's message of urgency extended to everyday Americans: He urged all citizens to verify questionable health information with trusted sources like the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and to exercise critical thinking. If people have loved ones or friends who believe or spread misinformation, he said, it's best to engage by listening and asking questions rather than by confronting them. "Misinformation hasn't just harmed our physical healthit has also divided our families, friends, and communities," Murthy wrote in the advisory. "The only way to address health misinformation is to recognize that all of us, in every sector of society, have a responsibility to act." Many States Move to Ban Vaccine Mandates, Passports in Public Schools As schools around America begin to prepare for reopening this fall, many states are taking steps to stop public schools from requiring COVID-19 vaccination or proof of vaccination. At least seven statesAlabama, Arkansas, Florida, Indiana, Montana, Oklahoma and Utahhave already passed such laws, while 34 more have introduced bills that would limit requiring someone to demonstrate their vaccination status, CNN reported. Such moves leave public health officials worried about the limitations these laws could place on efforts to control the spread of the coronavirus and emerging variants. "Anytime there's legislation that potentially prohibits the health department from trying to prevent the spread of disease, even if it's putting limits on masks or mandates on vaccination, then it's another step that local health departments would have to go through should there be an outbreak or a rise in cases," Lori Tremmel Freeman, chief executive officer of the National Association of County and City Health Officials, told CNN. The various laws take different approaches, but the end result is that schools can't require coronavirus vaccines, or in some cases, proof of vaccination, CNN reported. In Alabama, Gov. Kay Ivey signed into law a bill that states that "institutions of education may continue to require a student to prove vaccination status as a condition of attendance only for the specific vaccines that were already required by the institution as of January 1, 2021," a measure that would exclude coronavirus vaccines. In Arkansas, its new law notes that receiving a coronavirus vaccine "shall not be a condition of education," while Florida's new law prohibits educational institutions from requiring students or residents to provide proof of vaccination, CNN said. In Indiana, Gov. Eric Holcomb signed a similar law in late April that notes "the state or a local unit may not issue or require an immunization passport." In Montana, the law signed by Gov. Greg Gianforte in May calls it "an unlawful discriminatory practice" to "refuse, withhold from, or deny" educational opportunities based on a person's vaccination status, CNN reported. Meanwhile, Oklahoma passed a law in June that prohibits public schools from requiring COVID-19 vaccination as a condition of admittance or attendance. And in Utah, a new law "prohibits a governmental entity from requiring that an individual receive a vaccine for COVID-19." That includes public school districts, CNN said. Public health officials worry that prohibiting certain vaccine requirements could impact public opinion around both coronavirus vaccines and longstanding school vaccine requirements, Brent Ewig, a policy consultant for the Association of Immunization Managers, told CNN. He pointed to another factor that is likely slowing the implementation of vaccine mandates. "I think the other issue is because [vaccines are] still under emergency use authorization, it has created some hesitancy about going too far on this debate about mandating," Ewig said. "My sense is that there are a lot of people that are waiting on the timing of that from when it goes from FDA emergency use authorization to full licensure, which I think we expect sometime in the fall." Explore further Many states move to ban vaccine mandates, passports in public schools More information: The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more on The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more on COVID-19. Copyright 2021 HealthDay. All rights reserved. Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Victoria has entered a five-day lockdown to control its growing outbreak of the more infectious Delta variant. Until midnight on Tuesday restrictions mean residents are only allowed to leave home for essential reasons, can only travel five kilometers away from home, and need to wear masks outside the home, among other measures. We consider the lockdown essential and we strongly support this rapid action. However our modeling predicts a five-day lockdown may not be enough. Instead we predict at least 30 days of restrictions will be needed before Victoria reaches three days without community transmission. That's if we take into account current and predicted case numbers, the fact we're dealing with the more infectious Delta variant, and with current levels of vaccination. The good news is Victoria is more likely to reach these three "donut days" sooner if vaccination rates pick up, even modestly. How did we come up with these figures? We built a mathematical model based on nine COVID-19 outbreaks across four Australian states (including Victoria) since the start of the pandemic. We posted details online as a pre-print. So our model has yet to be independently verified (peer reviewed). Our model allows us to predictgiven current case numbers, the particular variant in circulation and vaccination rates, among other variableshow long public health restrictions such as lockdowns need to last to achieve particular outcomes. Our model also allows us to predict how many cases an outbreak has at its peak. Models are mathematical tools to predict the future, something of course no-one can do with 100% certainty. However, our model differs from others because it considers the difference between mystery cases and cases linked to a known case. It also comprehensively integrates the effects of various public health measures, such as social distancing, wearing masks, contact tracing and vaccination. What did we find about Victoria? When we plug data about Victoria's current outbreak into our model, this is what we find. Our model predicts the number of daily reported cases of community transmission will continue to climb over the next week or so. Even with the current lockdown we predict a peak of at least 30 cases a day over the next 7-14 days. We predict the current outbreak will last for at least 30-45 days before Victoria can return to three days of zero community transmission. Measured easing of restrictions can occur before this time, which Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews flagged might be possible for regional Victoria. However, given the fact Delta is more transmissible than the original Wuhan version of the virus, controlling Victoria's outbreak will inevitably be more difficult and take longer than dealing with an earlier outbreak of similar size. New South Wales knows too well how hard it is to get a Delta outbreak under control, something our model predicted. Back to Victoria, our model supports a hard lockdown that minimizes the chance of ongoing transmission. Strict lockdown (80% reduction in social activities) and mandatory mask use in public spaces and workplaces (90% coverage)equivalent to what's expected in Victoria's current lockdownhave been effective in previous outbreaks in Victoria and other states. However, we predict the same approaches may only have a 50:50 chance to contain the current Delta outbreak in Victoria. This means the Delta variant is likely to linger, bouncing at a level of a dozen cases for weeks. This means public health authorities will find it hard to decide how and when to lift restrictions. Please give me good news In our favor is at least 25% of Victorians have received at least one dose of a COVID vaccine. Our model suggests even modest rises in the vaccination coverage in Victoria, by an additional 5% for example, would dramatically increase the chance of controlling the outbreak from 50% to over 80%. If an extra 10% were vaccinated the chance of controlling the outbreak is 94%. This is because evidence is mounting vaccinated people are less likely to transmit the virus to others. That's in addition to the vaccines' well known benefits in reducing your chance of severe disease. So getting as many Victorians vaccinated as quickly as possible is critical. What do we make of all this? Our study conveys a simple message. The battle against the Delta variant in the latest outbreak in Victoria will likely be tough but going early has given us the best chance. This lockdown will not be as effective as earlier ones in Victoria and coming out of this will need to be carefully managed. So keeping to the health advice, and vaccinating more Victorians as soon as possible even over the next few weeks, are key to handling this outbreak. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Credit: CC0 Public Domain New research from the Registry of Senior Australians at SAHMRI has shown viral respiratory infections have been increasing among Australia's residential aged care population even before COVID-19. The four-year study of 270,000 aged care residents found that one in ten are hospitalized with a viral respiratory infection and 30% of those patients die either in hospital or within 30 days of being discharged. Associate Professor Gill Caughey, ROSA's Associate Director, says studies on the impact of viral respiratory infections in aged care were scarce prior to COVID-19 and the pandemic has highlighted the urgent need for more research in the area. "The risk factors for hospitalization and death in those with viral respiratory infections we identified in our study are very similar to those that apply to being hospitalized for COVID and they also share the potential to be fatal." A/Prof Caughey said. "It's crucial that we understand the likelihood of those living in aged care contracting this disease, potential outcomes, and resources associated with caring for these individuals, so that facilities can take appropriate measures to mitigate the danger and adequately care for them." The number of older people with viral respiratory infections increased by 6% from 2013 to 2016 when the latest data was available. The combination of Australia's aging population and high volume of comorbid chronic diseases among older citizens may be contributing to the steady rise in cases. A/Prof Caughey says the average person entering aged care now is sicker than in the past and there's nothing to suggest the rate of respiratory viral infections won't continue to grow. "Our treatment of previously fatal diseases has improved over time," A/Prof Caughey said. "This is resulting in more people living longer with a higher burden of chronic disease that makes them more susceptible to acute diseases like respiratory infections." Those most at risk of having poor outcomes when having a respiratory infection are males living with multiple chronic conditions, particularly heart disease, hypertension and chronic respiratory disease. "These findings really highlight the need for prioritizing vaccination for older Australians living in residential aged care and their care workers, in addition to other increased infection controls," A/Prof Caughey said. "It's essential that aged care homes seriously look at implementing long term strategies that will reduce the risk of respiratory infection for their residents." More information: Gillian E. Caughey et al, Hospitalisation for lower respiratory viral infections in older people in residential aged care facilities, Australasian Journal on Ageing (2021). Gillian E. Caughey et al, Hospitalisation for lower respiratory viral infections in older people in residential aged care facilities,(2021). DOI: 10.1111/ajag.12976 Provided by South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) The Minister for Public Expenditure & Reform, Michael McGrath TD, today (Friday), welcomed the European Commissions positive assessment of Irelands National Recovery and Resilience Plan, which will be funded by the EUs Recovery and Resilience Facility. Today, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen travelled to Dublin along with Commissioner Mairead McGuinness to present the assessment to the Taoiseach, Minister McGrath and Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe at an event in TU Dublin in Grangegorman. The European Unions NextGenerationEU recovery instrument, along with the Unions trillion Euro budget for the next seven years, is central to the Unions response to the global pandemic. The Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) is the largest component of NextGenerationEU, making 672.5 billion available to Member States in the form of grants and loans, with Ireland in line to receive almost a billion Euro in grants over the lifetime of the Facility. In order to access this funding, Ireland has developed the National Recovery & Resilience Plan for approval by the European Union. The Plan, which has a total value of 990 million, sets out the reforms and investments to be supported by the Facility. Speaking at TU Dublin in Grangegorman today, the Taoiseach, Micheal Martin said: "I welcome the positive endorsement of Irelands National Recovery and Resilience Plan, an ambitious recovery package for the European Union. The plan is focussed on three priorities of advancing the Green Transition, accelerating and expanding digital reforms and transformation and supporting social and economic recovery and Job Creation. "Ensuring our people have the skills they need for the jobs of the future is a vital part of this renewal. "Irelands National Recovery and Resilience Plan will contribute to a sustainable, equitable and digital recovery from the pandemic." Commenting on the positive assessment, Minister McGrath said: "This marks an important step along the road to accessing EU funding under NextGenerationEU as well as along the road to recovery. I was delighted to be in TU Dublin today to meet President von der Leyen and Commissioner McGuinness to see the excellent facilities that are being developed there that will benefit from EU funding. "The aim of NextGenerationEU is to help repair the immediate economic and social damage brought about by the pandemic and to prepare for a post-Covid Europe that is greener, more digital, more resilient and fit to face the future. "Next Generation EU marks a key element of Europes recovery from COVID-19 and will enable us to move beyond the pandemic and rebuild the European economy. For Ireland, a successful open and global economy at the heart of the European Union, that is key. "The National Recovery and Resilience Plan is well aligned with both the Governments Economic Recovery Plan and the review of the National Development Plan that is currently underway. It has a particular focus on green and digital transition and social and economic recovery". Welcoming the visit of President Van Der Leyen and the Commission's positive analysis of Ireland's Recovery and Resilience plan, Minister Donohoe said: I warmly welcome President Van Der Leyens visit to Dublin to deliver the Commissions positive assessment of Irelands National Recovery and Resilience Plan, which will start the approval process by the Council of the European Union. "This is a significant investment on behalf of the EU in our futures. The overall objective of our plan is to contribute to a sustainable, equitable, green and digital recovery effort, in a manner that complements and supports the Governments broader recovery efforts. "With the vaccination program continuing to make strong progress, we are putting in place the necessary elements to ensure we deliver not just a recovery from the economic and social damage of Covid-19, but also the green and digital transitions we need to deliver sustainable prosperity into the future. ENDS Notes to Editors: Ireland submitted its draft Plan to the European Commission on 28 May 2021. The Commission has now completed its assessment of Irelands Plan and has prepared a draft Council Implementing Decision for consideration by the Council of the European Union. The overall objective of Irelands Plan is to contribute to a sustainable, equitable, green and digital recovery, in a manner that complements and supports the Governments broader recovery effort. The Plan is based on twenty five investment projects and reform measures spanning three priority areas addressing green and digital transition along with social and economic recovery and job creation. The Department of Public Expenditure & Reform, working together with the Department of Finance and the Department of the Taoiseach, has overall responsibility for the Plan drawing on input from other Departments as necessary. Details of Irelands Plan are available on: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/d4939-national-recovery-and-resilience-plan-2021/ Details of the Commissions assessment are available on: https://ec.europa.eu/info/business-economy-euro/recovery-coronavirus/recovery-and-resilience-facility/recovery-and-resilience-plans-assessments_en Contact:Claire Godkin - Press Officer, Department of Public Expenditure and Reform - 085 806 3969, pressoffice@per.gov.ie The shows sold out, but you can try your hand at the ticket exchange through underthebigskyfest.com. Be sure youve locked down somewhere to stay, too. Comedy at the ZACC (Saturday, July 17) The Revival crew is back on stage with an in-person audience at the ZACC Show Room. The headliner this installment is Krystal Campbell, and the proceeds go to Pintler Pets Humane Society. Parents note, the material is often rated R. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 online at zootownarts.org or at the door. Hip Strip Movie Night (Sunday, July 18) Revisit Spike Lees classic story of life, race relations and tragedy in a Brooklyn neighborhood, Do the Right Thing" at the next Hip Strip Movie Night from the Roxy Theater and Clyde Coffee. It's free. Just show up at 8:30 p.m. to snag concessions and a seat (you can bring your own or rent one.) The movie starts at sundown. Stand by Me at Centerfield Cinema (Thursday, July 12) About 3,500 Jehovah's Witnesses gather at the Adams Center in Missoula every year, but the last two conventions have been cancelled. A new fire in the forest near Garnet Ghost Town helped confound weekend plans across western Montana as smoke inversions reached unhealthy levels on Friday. The Bureau of Land Management temporarily closed the historic site and surrounding area for public safety and to clear roads for firefighters. The closure order affects most of the southwestern portion of the Garnet Mountains, from Elevation Mountain on the northeast to I-90 on the south. Some major landmarks within this closed area are Garnet Ghost Town, Garnet Range Road, Elevation Mountain, Douglas Creek, Mulkey Gulch, Bear Gulch, Deep Creek, Elk Creek, Gambler Gulch, First Chance Gulch, Cave Gulch and Top O Deep, and Keno and Kennedy roads. Known as the Anderson Hill Fire, the blaze is estimated at 1,000 acres and overlaps parts of Missoula, Granite and Powell counties. Winds blowing west to east should keep the Anderson Hill smoke away from Missoula, but lots more will blow in from big fires in Oregon and Idaho. The plumes on Friday kept pollutant levels at the unhealthy for sensitive groups or unhealthy warning most of the day, with similar conditions expected for the weekend. Much of western Montana will expand fire restrictions as hot, dry, windy weather continued to turn the surrounding forests into tinderboxes Thursday. Missoula County will impose its Stage II rules starting Saturday. That means no campfires or other open fires on all public and private land; no smoking except within an enclosed vehicle, building or developed recreation site; Hoot Owl restrictions from 1 p.m. to 1 a.m. on operation of lawn mowers, chainsaws or other internal combustion engine equipment, welding or other torch equipment, or use of explosives. Operating motor vehicles off designated roads and trails except for official authorized business is also prohibited. With the recent spate of wildfire starts in and around the Missoula Valley, coupled with regional weather patterns and fire conditions deteriorating daily, we feel that in the best interest of public safety this move to Stage II restrictions is warranted, Missoula Fire Chief Jeff Brandt said on Thursday. If conditions persist, we may consider closures of certain areas. The restrictions affect Missoula city conservation lands such as Mount Jumbo, Mount Sentinel, the Kim Williams Trail, Greenough Park, the Tower Street Conservation Area and Mount Dean Stone. Our hearts our broken that people on the trip lost somebody, people at home lost somebody, he said. That matters more than anything else. A park helicopter took two paramedics to the river late Wednesday to treat and stabilize the injured rafters after receiving a satellite phone call from someone on the trip asking for help. Seven passengers who were injured were airlifted out of the canyon, Baird said. She wasn't sure of the extent of their injuries. Baird said the park will help the other rafters who want to cut their trip short get off the river, she said. The flood hit the camp set up about 40 miles (64 kilometers) downstream from where the rafts launched at Lees Ferry near the Arizona-Utah state line, turning the normally greenish-colored river into a muddy brown. Forecasters had issued a flash flood watch for the area Wednesday, but it's not clear whether the rafting guides were aware. Radar showed about an inch (2.5 centimeters) of rain along that stretch of the Colorado River, according to the National Weather Service. Park officials did not immediately release the name of the rafter who died. At least two other people have died this year on Grand Canyon rafting trips that draw tens of thousands of tourists, locals and researchers annually. ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) The Walt Disney Co. said Thursday it planned to build a new regional campus in central Florida to house at least 2,000 professional employees who will be relocating from Southern California to work in digital technology, finance and product development. In a letter to employees, Josh D'Amaro, chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, said the move would allow creative and business teams to be better integrated. The company already has a theme park resort, Walt Disney World, that is the size of the city of San Francisco, located outside Orlando, Florida. The new Disney campus will be located about 20 miles (32 kilometers) to the east of Disney World, in a neighborhood by Orlando International Airport. Florida is known for its rich culture of hospitality and active lifestyle as well as a lower cost of living with no state income tax," D'Amaro said in the employee letter. While the California-based company is still figuring out which employees will be asked to relocate, they likely will be those in the parks division who aren't working full-time at Disneyland in California or in the international parks business. Workers asked to relocate will have 18 months to make the move, D'Amaro said. The president gave a nod to Sanders, who noted their past rivalry and yet spoke with similar urgency about the moment before them how the future of democracy rests with how well they can connect with people who feel the government has forgotten them. When it came time for Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to call on senators who had raised their hands to speak, there were no pointed questions or objections, only enthusiasm, according to a person in the room who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the private meeting. Senators emerged enthralled by the possibility of doing something big for the country. Truly transformative," Sen. Alex Padilla, D-Calif., said, using a word both Biden and Sanders now share. The relationship between Biden and Sanders goes back years, the president having already spent decades in the Senate by the time the Vermont lawmaker was elected in 2006. While Biden was the ultimate senator's senator, Sanders has always been an outsider on Capitol Hill, a declared independent, rather than member of the Democratic Party, with his rumpled suits, gruff demeanor and unrelenting focus on liberal causes. There were two things that came through very strongly from the leaders. One was that this pandemic has a while to run and that there is significant work by all of us to be done, and it needs to look beyond our domestic borders, said New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, who hosted the informal retreat. The second strong theme was agreement and acceptance ... that this will not be the last pandemic we experience and that preparedness is critical. The commission is also proposing to expand an income tax credit for poor families to offset the sales taxes they pay on food, so that it would be available to as many as 400,000 additional households. The current credit was set in 2013, amid former Republican Gov. Sam Brownbacks experiment in slashing state income tax rates, as a way to offset the cost of those cuts to the state. The report also recommends for Kansas legislators to pass legislation to create a fourth bracket for families filing jointly with incomes over 100,000 a year to more equitably distribute the tax burden." Lawmakers dropped the number of state income tax brackets to just two in 2012 as part of Brownbacks tax-cutting experiment, and it went back to three brackets in 2017, when most of the experiment was repealed following persistent budget problems. State Police Detective Georgiana Kibodeaux quoted all three officers who fired at Pellerin as saying they were afraid he would attack people in the store or other officers. The officers are Sr. Cpl. Tyler S. Howerton, 34 and Officers Malik D. S. Savoy, 24, and Kevin M. McFarlain, 28. Ofc. McFarlain stated he could not live with himself if Pellerin would have stabbed someone in the store, she wrote, according to The Advertiser. Howerton, who fired three shots, had joined the force in 2009. McFarlain, a K-9 handler who joined in 2017, fired four times. Savoy in 2019, who joined in 2019, fired five shots. After a careful and thorough review of the evidence collected, interviews conducted, and facts learned during the investigation, I did not find probable cause to substantiate criminal charges against Sr. Cpl. Howerton, Ofc. Savoy, and Ofc. McFarlain, Kibodeaux wrote. State Police investigators interviewed nine Lafayette police officers and more than a half-dozen civilian witnesses, The Advocate reported. Lafayette police turned over 41 police body cameras and vehicle recorders, the report indicated. A 31-year-old Helena man has been cited for negligent arson in connection with the Grizzly Gulch fire that burned several acres just outside of town, authorities said Friday. Justin Nathaniel Norine was cited with the misdemeanor and could face a $500 fine, six months in jail or both, Lewis and Clark County sheriffs Capt. Shane Hildenstab said. He said Norine must appear in justice court before July 30. He was cited and released Thursday. Efforts to reach Norine on Friday were unsuccessful. Hildenstab said Norine is believed to have flicked a cigarette butt into some dry brush early Thursday on Grizzly Gulch. Hildenstab said Norine did not intend to start a fire. Hildenstab said he could have been charged with a felony had he had caused someone bodily harm. If that were the case, the offender could have been fined as much as $50,000 or be imprisoned for as much as 10 years, or both. The fire, comprised of four to five fires that burned together into one larger fire and estimated to be around five acres, was reported about 5:15 a.m. in the 1500 block of Grizzly Gulch. Hildenstab said there were no evacuations ordered. As of Thursday it was 35% contained. Federal investigators have issued a scathing audit of a Montana nonprofit organized to end violence against Native American women and children. Montana Native Womens Coalition mismanaged $333,318 in federal grant money over three years, according to the Office of Inspector General for the U.S. Justice Department. The audit follows criminal convictions of two former coalition executives, two board members and an employee on charges ranging from theft to wire fraud. At issue is how the coalition spent money from three federal grants totaling $931,599 from the DOJ Office on Violence Against Women. Investigators found that more than a third of the money was misspent. In many cases, the paper trail for explaining where the money went was nonexistent. The dignity of the human being is inviolable. So states the Declaration of Rights in our Montana Constitution. Although this sentiment is found in scores of other public documents, ranging from the German Constitution to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Montana is alone among the 50 states in placing this right within our Constitution. Civic leaders, religious leaders and leaders from business, labor and politics have defined the conditions that are indispensable to a life of dignity. They recognized that such a life must include, for each one of us, the right to affordable housing that is decent, safe and secure. Missoula faces an unprecedented humanitarian crisis. At a time when buyers are lining up to make million dollar offers on Missoula homes, more and more of our residents are without a place to make a home because housing is unaffordable. Wealthy, out-of-state climate refugees have found Missoula and they are willing to pay top dollar to get here. Our essential workers are being priced out of the market. The July 10 Missoulian reports that Gov. Greg Gianforte has broken Montana's affiliation with the U.S. Climate Alliance, a coalition of states dedicated to fighting climate change. As in, the ever-worsening climate change, governor. My god. Western states including Montana are burning up, we can't breathe our air, the rivers have nearly no water and super-rich Gianforte doesn't care? I have one question for Gianforte: If you think American "innovation" will solve this emergency, why has all our intelligence made so little progress to date? We have seen this problem expanding for decades. In recent years it has gotten exponentially more acute. Yet the July 10 article notes that Gianforte himself has offered no guidelines for solving the hideous problem that is killing the only planet we have to live on. He apparently has been too busy signing laws restricting voting rights and other American freedoms that Republicans are working frantically to eliminate. BERLIN (AP) Former President George W. Bush criticized the Western withdrawal from Afghanistan in an interview with a German broadcaster released Wednesday, saying he fears that Afghan women and girls will "suffer unspeakable harm." Asked in an interview with German international broadcaster Deutsche Welle whether the withdrawal is a mistake, Bush replied: "You know, I think it is, yeah, because I think the consequences are going to be unbelievably bad." The war in Afghanistan began under Bush after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks on the United States. Washington gave Taliban leader Mullah Omar an ultimatum: hand over al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden and dismantle militant training camps or prepare to be attacked. Omar refused, and a U.S.-led coalition launched an invasion in October. The withdrawal of U.S. and NATO troops set in motion earlier this year by current President Joe Biden is now nearing completion. Taliban fighters have been surging through district after district, taking control of large swaths of the country. In the DW interview, which marked outgoing German Chancellor Angela Merkel's final official visit to the U.S., Bush said Merkel had supported the deployment in Afghanistan in part "because she saw the progress that could be made for young girls and women in Afghanistan." The two discoveries combined to make readable this heretofore indecipherable enigma which had kept its secrets for 1,500 years, but now opened up for understanding the famous pyramids and other Egyptian artifacts. But as with almost every good occurrence, there is usually a negative (and unnecessary) consequence. Young asked for Champollion to acknowledge that his fruitful work was based upon Youngs earlier work. Instead, Champollion refused and dismissed Youngs work as mere swagger. The two scholars never reconciled, and to this day, linguistic scholars around the world oftentimes align themselves behind one or the other of these men, usually along lines of nationalism. Truly to be regretted is the honesty that such behavior is often the same among Gods people. In 1266, when the Mongol Kingdom ruled by Kublai Khan dominated Asia, including China, Korea and Mongolia, and Islam was knocking at the door of Europe, threatening the existence of Christianity, Khan requested Marco Polo to deliver an urgent message to the Christian church that it send 100 men to teach and convert the members of his court to the Christian faith. The message arrived, but the answer was that there was far too much infighting among the various churches and the Christians in general for such a mission. MSDH is working to link schools and school systems to COVID-19 vaccine providers to make on-site vaccinations for adolescents 12+ available. This is to remove any barrier for eligible students to receive their COVID-19 vaccination. Providers Please assist your community by adopting a local school. As a local provider, school systems and families look to you to support the community. Please reach out to the schools in your area to see if they have a COVID-19 vaccination provider partner. The COVID-19 Community Vaccination Program (CCVP) can assist your facility with overhead cost that would allow you to provide on-site vaccinations. Adopting a School Apply for CCVP and the Adopt-a-School program with this online application form. Coordinate with the school to designate dates and times for vaccination clinics. Coordinating with schools will be essential to this effort. Work with schools to send out Consent and EUAs and have them returned by a designated date. This will assist in planning school-based clinics, and help you estimate how many staff are needed and how long the clinic should last. (This would not prohibit you from vaccinating any walk-ups the day of the clinic if the proper consent is obtained.) If you have any questions about the Adopt-a-School process, e-mail covid19vaccine@msdh.ms.gov. Once a provider/school partnership is established, please let us know what schools you are adopting by submitting them to MSDH with this online form. More Information Schools MSDH has notified all COVID-19 vaccination providers about the Adopt-a-School effort and is asking them to reach out to schools/school systems in their community. These providers are eligible for additional funding to cover overhead cost of these on-site clinics through the COVID-19 Community Vaccination Program, and have been notified how to enroll. Getting Started We also want to hear from you. Please complete the online form below indicating your interest and need to be adopted. You do not have to wait for a provider to reach out to you to start a partnership. To move forward: If you are presently working with, or have a relationship with a COVID-19 vaccination provider, please reach out to them to establish a partnership. If you do not have a provider and need to find one in your community, contact one near you from this list of COVID-19 vaccination providers. If you need any assistance with establishing a partnership, please e-mail MSDH at covid19vaccine@msdh.ms.gov Once a provider/school partnership has been established: Work with the provider and establish dates for vaccination clinics. Send the provider consent and emergency use agreements to families with a return due date (before school based clinic day) for planning purposes. Plan school-based vaccination clinics with your provider based on returned consents and your time and space needs. (This would not prohibit people from returning consent the day of the clinic if the proper consent is obtained.) More Information Students will start the upcoming year at Butte Central Elementary School with a new principal at the helm, but many are already familiar with Dawn Ann Peterson. Shes been a volunteer teacher at the school for a couple of years so she knows a lot of the kids, parents and other faculty, too, and is looking forward to seeing some new young faces when the year starts Aug. 23. Im just going to walk in and well work as a team, Peterson said Thursday after she was formally introduced as the new principal for Centrals preschool to eighth-grade program. There is just such an amazing staff and I felt their presence walking in. Dozens of teachers and parents were on hand at the Maroon Activities Center as Peterson was introduced along with five new teachers. Don Peoples Jr., president of Butte Central Catholic Schools, also talked about new academic programs for the fall. He said there are 255 kids enrolled for the fall at the elementary level so far up by 15 over last school year and they include children of six new families that have moved to Butte and registered at Central. There are 110 students enrolled for Butte Central High School. While our leadership ignores modern energy, theyve been propping up the most polluting power plant in the state. While almost every utility in the country is working to make its fleet of power plants less polluting, NorthWestern Energy avidly lobbied our legislators to make Montanas energy grid dirtier by trying to give our most polluting energy source coal a larger share of our energy pie. In Gov. Gianfortes statement last week, he decried overbearing government mandates to reduce the pollution that causes climate change. Again, its a believable quote, until you look at the track record. Montana took such a Big Government approach to energy that it passed two laws to interfere in a standing contract between the six companies that collaboratively operate Colstrip. One of these laws (SB 266) puts the Montana government in the middle of maintenance and operational decisions, which is the very definition of overbearing government. These laws are not only unconstitutional, theyre anti-business, and ultimately anti-Montana. As Gov. Gianforte signed the laws, he publicly mocked the energy companies in Washington and Oregon that own most of Colstrip, because theyre striving to make their energy grids less polluting. Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} Williams said COVID-19 immunizations would protect both vaccinated and unvaccinated students who are susceptible to the virus. With 22% of 12- to 15-year-olds and 32% of 16- and 17-year-olds in Iowa vaccinated, Williams said there is a concern for unvaccinated students because masks will not be required in Iowa schools. For schools to remain safely open in the fall, high vaccination rates among students, teachers and school employees are crucial, according to health officials. Children are still not vaccinated at a rate that we would hope for, and even though its been a year, were still learning about COVID-19. The variants are in every state in the U.S., and its demonstrating that its impacting children differently than the first virus go-around of COVID-19 did. And so, we want to protect their health and the overall population health, she said. Local pharmacies offer all three types of COVID-19 vaccines, and Muscatine County Public Health is offering walk-in Pfizer clinics every Wednesday and Friday at the Public Health building, 1609 Cedar Street. The inferno has stymied firefighters for a week with erratic winds and extremely dangerous fire behavior, including ominous fire clouds that form from superheated air rising to a height of up to 6 miles (10 kilometers) above the blaze. We're expecting those same exact conditions to continue and worsen into the weekend, Krake said of the fire-induced clouds. Early on, the fire doubled in size almost daily, and strong winds Thursday again pushed the flames rapidly. Similar winds gusting up to 30 mph (48 kph) were expected Friday. It's burning an area north of the California border that has been gripped by extreme drought, like most of the American West. Extremely dry conditions and heat waves tied to climate change have swept the region, making wildfires harder to fight. Climate change has made the West much warmer and drier in the past 30 years and will continue to make weather more extreme and wildfires more frequent and destructive. The blaze was most active on its northeastern flank, pushed by winds from the south toward the rural communities of Summer Lake and Spring Lake. Paisley, to the east of the fire, was also at risk. All the towns are in Lake County, a remote area of lakes and wildlife refuges with a total population of about 8,000. SEATTLE (AP) Former Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers star Richard Sherman was arrested Wednesday after authorities said he crashed his SUV in a suburban Seattle construction zone, tried to break in to his in-laws' home and then fought with officers, who used a police dog to apprehend him. A roundup of legislative and Capitol news items of interest: PAY HIKES, STUDIES APPROVED: Members of the Legislative Council on Wednesday approved pay raises of 1.1 percent to cover cost-of-living increases, similar to other state workers, for legislative employees. The panel also approved eight interim study panels, including five that are statutory committees tracking tax expenditures, fiscal policies, health policy oversight, state government efficiency reviews and the Iowa Public Employees' Retirement System (IPERS). The three new interim panels were a Health Insurance Mandate Review Committee, a Regents Universities Study Committee and a Brady-Giglio List Study Committee. A Giglio or Brady list is a list compiled, usually by a prosecutor's office or a police department, containing the names and details of law enforcement officers who have had sustained incidents of untruthfulness, criminal convictions, candor issues, or some other type of issue placing their credibility into question. WAVERLY A dozen tornadoes were confirmed across Iowa, including in Bremer and Butler counties near Shell Rock and Waverly, after severe thunderstorms swept across the state Wednesday evening. Two homes in Butler County had significant damage, while at least one homeowner had downed power lines sparking across his driveway in Bremer County, and tree limb damage was widespread across the Cedar Valley. Nonetheless, no serious injuries were reported in the area from the storms. "Considering everything, we were very lucky," said Bremer County Sheriff Dan Pickett. The National Weather Service bureau in Des Moines was sending a storm survey team to assess damage in Bremer and Butler counties Thursday. They were also sending one to Calhoun and Hamilton counties. Survey teams rate tornado strength based upon the damage they caused. At least 12 tornadoes were confirmed so far in north central Iowa Wednesday, according to the NWS. The tornado or tornadoes spotted in Bremer and Butler counties seemed to touch down and pull back up into the clouds numerous times, according to officials and based on photos and video shared on social media. But multiple sightings were reported to NWS on Wednesday afternoon and into the evening. BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) A fund formed in response to the deadly racial violence four years ago in Charlottesville, Virginia, said Thursday it will award $3 million in grants to more than three dozen groups and sites nationwide to help preserve landmarks linked to Black history. Recipients of money from the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund include a consortium of civil rights sites and Black churches in Alabama; work to establish an African American heritage trail in Colorado; and preservation of the church where Emmett Till's funeral was held in Chicago after his lynching in Mississippi in 1955. Other grants announced Thursday include money to hire a director for Save Harlem Now!, a historic preservation effort in New York; repairs to the African American Museum and Library in Oakland, California; and research on enslaved people at Hacienda La Esperanza in Puerto Rico. Grants ranging from $50,000 to $150,000 will go to recipients that represent centuries of Black experience and help tell the full story of U.S. history, said Brent Leggs, executive director of the fund. The nation should value the link between architecture and racial justice, Leggs said. CHICAGO (AP) A federal freeze on most evictions that was 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, has been the only tool keeping millions of tenants in their homes. Many of them lost jobs during the coronavirus pandemic and have fallen months behind on their rent. Landlords successfully challenged the order in court, arguing that 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 rent. As of June 7, roughly 3.2 million people in the U.S. said they would face eviction within 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 Illinois: A federal freeze on most evictions that was 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, has been the only tool keeping millions of tenants in their homes. Many of them lost jobs during the coronavirus pandemic and have fallen months behind on their rent. Landlords successfully challenged the order in court, arguing that 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 rent. As of June 7, roughly 3.2 million people in the U.S. said they would face eviction within 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 Iowa: We waited until he got back after the war to get married, and he hated to talk about it. We got married, and he opened a smoke shop in Cedar Falls, she recalls. He had a heart attack and died when he was just 62. They had no children, but Margaret helped take care of numerous nieces and nephews and their children. She has traveled to England and Europe, including searching for her grandfathers grave in Denmark, as well as Australia and New Zealand. At 80, Margaret returned to work at Southdale School. Im very proud about that. I went to school with the third-graders for two, three and four days a week to help the children who couldnt read very well. I did that until I was 90. Thats when third-grade teacher Mary Ellen Maynard said she was going to retire, and I decided to retire again too. Kids would come up to tell me something exciting and I couldnt hear them very well, so it was time. While she doesnt have an explanation for her longevity, she gives a nod to having regularly walked two miles. Ive done a lot of walking in my time. John and I used to hit the ditches for wild asparagus, bittersweet and mushrooms he loved being outdoors and knew the names of all the birds and animals. After he passed, I still walked. The St. Helena Planning Commission will consider an application for a distillery on Fulton Lane at its next virtual meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 20. The proposed distillery would be at 1020 Fulton Lane, in part of an existing wine warehouse next to Fulton Body Shop. The distillery would produce about 22,900 gallons annually, split evenly between whiskey and brandy. According to a staff report, the project complies with St. Helenas water-neutrality requirement for new development. All water for production will be trucked in from an off-site spring. Wastewater generated from distilling would be stored on-site and hauled away. The distillery would not be open to the public. Local alert top story ARTS Yountvilles Lincoln Theater head aims for late fall reopening after lengthy shutdown Register file photo The Lincoln Theater, on the grounds of the Veterans Home of California in Yountville, has been closed since CalVet blocked most visitors from the campus in March 2020 early in the coronavirus pandemic. Theater director Michael Madden said its staff hopes to reopen the 1,200-seat venue by year's end. The Yountville performance stage that has remained dark through more than a year may finally showcase performers again as early as the late fall, according to its director. Michael Madden, executive director of the Napa Valley Performing Arts Center at Lincoln Theater, said a reopening in November or December is possible at the concert venue that shuttered in March 2020, as the coronavirus arrival triggered wide-ranging shutdowns and stay-at-home restrictions. Theater staff hope to take advantage of Californias loosening of COVID-19-related safety rules last month in welcoming back performers and audiences to the 1,200-seat hall in Yountville, while also trying to clear an additional hurdle a safety checkpoint to gather health information from people entering the Veterans Home of California, the state-owned military retirement center where the theater is a tenant. Quality journalism doesn't happen without your help. Subscribe today! If negotiations with the state veterans agency known as CalVet prove fruitful over the next month or so, I would imagine we would be able to plan for that reopening sometime in the late fall, Madden said Tuesday. Since California lifted or relaxed many rules on social distancing and venue capacity limits June 15, many concert spaces have announced the return of musicians and other performers in the course of this year. But the Lincoln Theater has faced a variable unlike those facing other performance spaces its presence on the grounds of the Veterans Home, with hundreds of senior residents and a skilled nursing center on site. That combination has led the state Department of Veterans Affairs, which operates the Yountville home and seven others, to restrict entry since COVID-19 entered California more than a year ago. CalVet initially shut down access to the campus in March 2020 to all visitors except the relatives of residents in hospice care, and then limited residents leave to two hours in November during a spike in coronavirus infections. The theater closed early in the pandemic, along with the Napa Valley Museum and Cleve Borman Field, also on Veterans Home grounds. CalVet has said the checkpoint where visitors are asked questions about their health status continues to be needed to protect the Veterans Homes most medically vulnerable residents, including those at a skilled nursing center inside the former Holderman Hospital. Yountville Veterans Home loosens some COVID-19 safety rules, but masking, checkpoint remain Masks remain required for indoor spaces at the Veterans Home, although a once near-complete lockdown has been relaxed to allow family and friends to visit. In an email Thursday afternoon, CalVet spokesperson Lindsey Sin gave no timetable for changing the Yountville homes safety rules, including the use of a checkpoint. I can't speculate on the future at this point, but any relaxation of COVID guidelines currently at the Yountville home would be done in accordance with local and state public health requirements, as well as requirements for long-term care settings, she said. The Home will make necessary changes and update staff, residents, and tenants if and when new guidance is provided. Nearly 90% of the Veterans Homes 630-plus residents have received coronavirus vaccines, along with 80% of the staff of more than 850, according to Sin. The Yountville home is the oldest and largest of eight veterans communities operated by CalVet in the state. Even if the Lincoln Theater opens as soon as feasible, Madden cautioned that the venue was unlikely to leap back to a fully booked calendar of events, with major artists more likely to pursue dates in 2022. Just in the last couple weeks, weve started getting some indications that some artists are looking to book (dates), but most inquiries are six months to a year out, he said last week. The (concert) industry is booking a year in advance; while in some other industries you can just restaff and reopen, ours will be slower on the uptake because agents and artists work so far in advance. In addition, the theater needs to rehire staff members and do repair and maintenance work on the Yountville building, including its plumbing and climate-control systems, according to Madden. Meanwhile Cleve Borman Field resumed hosting youth baseball games in April, and the Napa Valley Museum, launched a limited Friday-to-Sunday schedule last month. So far, the checkpoint has not proved a major roadblock to museum visitors, according to executive director Laura Rafaty. No one has been turned away, she said Wednesday. One staffer was asked to fill out a form, (and) I was once asked if Id been feeling sick, but once we say the word museum they send us on their way. Napa Valley Museum reopening in Yountville after lengthy COVID-19 shutdown Fifteen months of enforced emptiness at the Napa Valley Museum will end late next week. While the Lincoln Theaters maximum audience size is far above the typical daily visitor count at the nearby museum, Rafaty predicted that concerts would be no more of a public health challenge than art exhibits. I agree more people will go to the theater, but on the other hand, its known when theyre coming, she said, comparing the theaters pre-scheduled and pre-announced events to the often last-minute decisions to visit a museum. With the museum, were open a lot of hours and theyre coming and going, and we cant just say were going to have 500 people at one time. The Lincoln Theaters size will keep it below the scrutiny state law gives to larger events, those with at least 5,000 people in attendance indoors or 10,000 outdoors, according to Dr. Karen Relucio, Napa Countys public health officer. At such larger spaces, attendees must confirm proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 status in order to attend, according to guidance from the state Department of Public Health website. One group awaiting the Lincoln Theaters reopening is the Napa Regional Dance Co. Inc., which mounts Yountvilles annual production of Tchaikovskys Christmastime ballet favorite The Nutcracker a production scrubbed by COVID-19 restrictions last year. Although a best-case reopening in November would leave the company only a few weeks to rehearse the ballet in Yountville, executive director Wanda Martin McGill called even that tight schedule worthwhile for perhaps the countys only venue capable of hosting the performance with all of the companys performers especially since late-year theater dates already are becoming scarce at other Bay Area venues, some of which also host their own Nutcracker productions. We could do it because were ready, and weve been ready for a year, said McGill. The students are committed to participating and they know the material. Its not going to be a hold-back to me; its just a matter of getting that contract. If its possible that its going to be feasible, Im going to work toward that goal. Photos: Napa Junior Livestock Auction returns to Expo, and audiences return Close Ellerin was found with 47 stab wounds. Her father, Michael Ellerin, who had been visiting his daughter from Northern California hours before she was killed, was one of several victims relatives who spoke at the hearing of their suffering as they waited years for justice. He said he was tempted to imitate his wife Cynthias mournful scream and primal wailing after finding out that Ashley had been murdered. It marked the beginning of an altered, diminished, heartbreaking life, he said. Gargiulo was also convicted of the murder of 32-year-old Maria Bruno, a mother of four, in her home in El Monte, east of Los Angeles, in 2005. Bruno's breasts were cut off and her implants were removed. And he was found guilty of the attempted murder in 2008 of Michelle Murphy, who fought him off in her Santa Monica apartment, forcing him to flee and leave a trail of blood that also led to his eventual arrests for the other two killings. Murphy was the key witness at the trial. To this day, spending the night alone creates a world of fear in me, Murphy said in court before the sentencing. She cried as she talked about meeting the families of the two women who didn't survive their attacks. Gov. Gavin Newsom and legislative leaders have agreed to extend the state's eviction moratorium through Sept. 30. Lawmakers will vote on the proposal next week, and Newsom has said he will sign it into law. WHATS BEING DONE TO HELP PEOPLE FACING EVICTION? California says it will pay off 100% of eligible tenants' unpaid rent from April 2020 through Sept. 30, 2021. To be eligible, tenants must earn 80% or less of the area median income, an amount that varies depending on where they live. The money $5.2 billion comes from the federal government. People who are not eligible to get the money can still qualify for the eviction ban if they pay at least 25% of what they owe by Sept. 30. Landlords could take these tenants to court to recoup that money, but they could not evict them for it. HOW ARE THE COURTS HANDLING EVICTION HEARINGS? Tenants are protected from evictions through Sept. 30. After that date, if a landlord tries to evict someone, the tenant will have 14 days to apply for rental assistance. If the tenant refuses to apply or is denied eligibility and has not paid at least 25% of what is owed by Sept. 30, the tenant can be evicted. Critical Ethnic Studies couldnt get in the front door of Californias public schools, so now adherents of the historical perspective thats considered by many to be both anti-white American and anti-Semitic are trying to enter through the rear. Grappling with the prospect of developing new ethnic studies programs for middle and high schools, districts in many parts of California are hiring co-authors and backers of a rejected first version of the states new Ethnic Studies Model Curriculum as well-paid consultants. Such courses are not yet required to receive high school diplomas in this state, but soon will be if legislators pass a proposed law known as AB 101. That bill lets local school districts design their own ethnic studies programs and not use the states new, better-vetted curriculum. Quality journalism doesn't happen without your help. Subscribe today! Support local news coverage and the people who report it by subscribing to the Napa Valley Register. Special offer: $1 for your first 3 months! With few consultants available to help, several early adopters of ethnic studies appear to be influenced by Critical Ethnic Studies (CES) adherents, whose focus is largely on past persecution of minority groups which together today make up a majority of Californias populace. Which professions Armenia university applicants prefer? Car falls into Armenia Lori Province town gorge, driver dies on the spot Armenia International Studies expert: I am accused of overestimating Turkish factor, expansion of Turkeys influence Merkel has had considerable personal contribution to strengthening of Armenia-Germany relations, says Sarkissian Downtown Yerevan street incident shooter is well-known businessmans brother Criminal case launched into Armenia soldier's death Erdogan arrives in Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus on a two-day visit Armenia, Iran customs officers meet at Meghri border checkpoint 92 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Bus collides with truck in Pakistan, 27 people killed Details emerge from downtown Yerevan street shooting, the injured is US citizen 7 injured, including children, after major road accident near Armenia town bridge Half a million Chinese demands from WHO to check US biolaboratory World oil prices falling France ambassador to Armenia makes social media post in Armenian Rare stone discovered outlining ancient Rome city limits New nanoparticle accurately diagnoses cancer through simple urine test World's largest planetarium opens in China Terrible road accident casualty is Samvel Avetyan who miraculously had survived Artsakh war Zangeneh: OPEC+ can't ignore Iran's return Charles Michel: EU can help with demarcation of Armenia-Azerbaijan border at level of experts Gunshots heard in central Yerevan again Aliyev continues to 'feed' Europe with talks about peace Residents of Armenia's Kajaran launch petition demanding the release of their mayor German Chancellor visits one of the regions most affected by flooding Magnitude 5.7 quake hits Iran's Fars Province Armenia Special Investigation Service issues statement on Goris mayor Arush Arushanyan Funeral of Karabakh hero Artur Aghasyan held in Martuni Armenia's newly elected parliament to hold first session on July 26 Armenia acting PM hosts CEO of Flagship Pioneering and Moderna Therapeutics Noubar Afeyan 37-year-old citizen of Armenia parks car and jumps off bridge Armenian analyst on Turkish-Azerbaijani tandem's pressure on Armenia and Russia's and Turkey's presence 168.am reports on the judges of Armenia Constitutional Court who supported or were against decision on elections 5.1 magnitude earthquake hits California's north coast Armenian human rights activist on the opposition and the Constitutional Court's decision on snap elections Araghchi: Vienna talks have to wait until next Iranian government takes charge Florida man hits live alligator and tries to throw it onto buildings roof 132 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Three-headed baby born in India Opposition party to appeal Armenia Constitutional Court's decision on snap elections in ECHR Armenia Constitutional Court upholds Central Electoral Commission decision on snap parliamentary election results One nation, 3 states: Azerbaijan delegation in Northern Cyprus for first time Assad inauguration held in Syria POWs who returned to Armenia from Azerbaijan are questioned Two more members of opposition Armenia bloc apprehended Pashinyan: Strengthening the Armenia southern regions resistance is one of EU 2.6bn assistance programs Armenia acting PM: We are ready to start negotiations according to OSCE Minsk Groups co-chairs statement Germany floods death toll rises to more than 130 Charles Michel: Useful to be able to withdraw Armenian, Azerbaijani armed forces from disputed territories Adjacent areas closed off before European Council President leaves Armenia government building Armenia Police: 16 people apprehended today from outside government building Acting premier: Azerbaijan refuses to provide corridor to Armenia Pashinyan: Armenia-EU contacts have never been so intense Netherlands Armenian organizations demand explanation from their MFA over Dutch ambassador's visit to Shushi Tight surveillance outside Armenia government building, several people apprehended Five new cases of coronavirus reported in Karabakh European Council President visits Armenian Genocide Memorial in Yerevan 911 motorcycles to serve on Yerevan streets Police apprehend opposition Armenia bloc member Armenia President condoles with Germany colleague Taliban stepping up attacks in Afghanistan, says US intelligence 187 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Captain Artur Aghasyan posthumously awarded highest title of Hero of Artsakh California physician charged with selling fake Covid immunization pellets Biden to meet with Iraq PM Armenia citizens can enter Georgia through 2 checkpoints Armenia soldier, 20, dies Newspaper: Armenia opposition blocs holding their breath awaiting Constitutional Court decision of today Newspaper: Armenia ex-President Kocharyan is Yerevan mayor Marutyan's 'lifebuoy' Eiffel Tower reopens to visitors after nearly 9 months 'Bloodthirsty vampire' arrested in Kenya There are 21615 people or 5,448 families displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh Lavrov says US mission in Afghanistan failed Azeri parliamentary group in occupied Northern Cyprus to commemorate 47th anniversary of Turkish troops' landing Vietnam calls on Washington to lift Cuba embargo Germany declares regime of military catastrophe due to flooding Armenia Ambassador, Russia Deputy FM discuss provision of international humanitarian aid to Karabakh Sputnik Armenia: 2 missing Armenian servicemen find themselves in territory under control of Azerbaijan Armed Forces Karabakh Ombudsman: People of Artsakh have never lived and can never live in peace with Azerbaijan Remains of former Armenian footballer found Armenia acting PM introduced to businessman's newly opened brandy factory Armenia ex-deputy MOD: If Pashinyan is still in power after November 9, 2020, it means he has unfinished business Armenia Chamber of Advocates holds 3rd meeting to provide legal aid to Armenian captives in Azerbaijan European Council President Charles Michel arrives in Armenia Yerevan court to announce decision on pre-trial measure against Sisian mayor tomorrow Alexander Lapshin on Yerkir.am's article about his talks with journalist, Armenia acting PM and ex-spokesperson Young members of ARF-D protesting against EU representative's visit to Armenia Lukashevich at OSCE: Assistance in future solution to Nagorno-Karabakh issue in South Caucasus is required Digest: Azerbaijan opens fire near Armenia border, EU to lift restrictions for Armenian citizens? Opposition 'Armenia' bloc member: Law-enforcement authorities need to explore disclosure of Lapshin-Karapetyan talk Armenia acting PM receives Deputy Chief of General Staff of Russia Armed Forces Armenias Karahunj village head testified against Goris city mayor, says lawyer Armenian National Committee addresses letter to Belgian FM condemning Ambassadors visit to Shushi Dollar goes down again Armenia Azerbaijan starts construction of tunnels in Karabakh occupied territories Armenia Prosecutor General's Office charges head of Lori Province's Jrashen village with abuse of official powers Armenia ambassador to Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore is recalled At least 70 people die in Germany and Belgium due to floods Armenia ambassador to US to now serve as envoy to UK France and US urge Lebanese politicians to form cabinet Turkey expects to continue its assistance to Afghanistan. The statement came from Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, TASS reports. "Those who consider our [i.e., Turkeys] demands for the protection of rights and justice as political hypocrisy have failed to understand that we have become the voice, the breath, and the hope of the oppressed. We wish our friends and neighbors what we wish to ourselves. We did it yesterday in Syria, Libya, and Nagorno-Karabakh [(Artsakh)]. I hope that tomorrow we will assist our brothers in Afghanistan and other countries with the same fair stance," Erdogan said. "Good friends can disagree, U.S. President Joe Biden said Thursday alongside German Chancellor Angela Merkel as the two leaders answered questions about their differences on a controversial Russian natural gas pipeline, VOA reported. Biden said the United States and Germany would be looking at what practical measures could be taken if Ukraines energy security was weakened. The $11 billion Nord Stream 2 pipeline, nearing completion, will allow Germany to double the amount of gas it imports from Russia. But it would bypass Ukraine, thus depriving Kyiv of lucrative transit fees. Biden said he and Merkel agreed that Russia must not be allowed to use energy as a weapon to coerce or threaten its neighbors. Following an afternoon of White House meetings between top officials of the United States and Germany, Merkel said, We've come to different assessments as to what this project entails. But let me say very clearly: Our idea is Ukraine remains a transit country for natural gas. President Joe Biden said Thursday that the U.S. has no plans to send troops to Haiti in the wake of the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise, CNBC reported. Were only sending American Marines to our embassy to make sure that they are secure and nothing is out of whack at all. But the idea of sending American forces into Haiti is not on the agenda at this moment, Biden said at a joint press conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel Thursday. Haitian officials last week asked the U.S. to deploy troops to protect critical infrastructure in the Caribbean nation following the presidents assassination. Mathias Pierre, Haitis elections minister, told The Associated Press Thursday that he believes the request for U.S. troops remains relevant. He noted that Haiti needs to create a safe environment for the upcoming elections in 120 days. Moise was shot dead at his private Port-au-Prince residence last week by a group of gunmen, further fueling political unrest in the Caribbean nation, which was already plagued by gang violence and protests against the late presidents increasingly authoritarian rule. About 20,000 Afghans who worked as translators for the United States during the war in Afghanistan and now fear retaliation from the Taliban have applied for evacuation, AP reported referring to White House spokesperson Jen Psaki. According to her, these are former translators of the military or other organizations targeted by the Taliban. She noted that the United States will also consider applications from families of translators, without specifying how many family members will be admitted to the United States. The number of people eligible to leave will be around 100,000. Officials say the evacuation will begin this month. Psaki said those who passed the security screening could be temporarily housed at a US military base. Those who still have to go through the screening process will first be sent either to a US base overseas or to a third country where they will be safely accommodated until their visa has been processed. Meanwhile, two senior senators called on President Joe Biden to expedite the evacuation and make sure Afghans who aided the US intelligence services are also included. They urged Biden to accelerate the SIV program, but also consider evacuating Afghans to third countries and prioritizing them under US refugee programs. At least 70 people have died in Germany and Belgium after rivers overflowed their banks due to record rains, the BBC reports. Most of the victims were in Germany, 11 people died in Belgium. More than 1,000 people in Germany go missing. The German states of Rhineland-Palatinate and North Rhine-Westphalia were most affected, but the Netherlands was also severely affected. Heavy rainfall is forecast for the region on Friday. Armin Laschet, the prime minister of North Rhine-Westphalia, blamed extreme weather on global warming during a visit to the heavily affected area. Experts say climate change is expected to increase the frequency of extreme weather events, but linking any single event to global warming is difficult. In Germany, helicopters and hundreds of soldiers have been deployed to affected areas to help people in distress. Dozens of people were waiting for rescue on the rooftops. Schools have been closed in the west of the country and transport links have been severely disrupted. According to German broadcaster SWR, about 25 houses are in danger of collapsing in the Schuld bei Adenau area of the Eifel mountainous region, where a state of emergency has been declared. Dramatic footage of flooding in Belgium shows water sweeping cars off the road along a street in Verviers. Residents of Liege, Belgium's third-largest city after Brussels and Antwerp, were ordered to evacuate. Those who cannot get out should move to the top floors of their homes, local officials said. The Meuse River, which flows through the city, is expected to rise another 1.5 meters, despite the fact that it is already on the verge of a spill. Officials are also concerned that a bridge over a dam in the area could collapse. Residents of the Belgian town of Pepinster, which lies at the confluence of two rivers in the province of Liege, have been evacuated, but conditions in Troos municipality are so bad that evacuation efforts have been put on hold. No casualties have been reported in the Netherlands, but thousands of people in towns and villages along the Meuse have been urged to leave their homes as soon as possible. In the Dutch city of Maastricht, 10,000 people were ordered to evacuate. Flooding in Valkenburg, near the Belgian and German borders, swept the city center and forced the evacuation of several nursing homes. The Armenian service of VOA addressed a number of questions to the US Department of State in connection with the Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) conflict. Recently, Baku had organized a visit of a group of ambassadors and diplomats accredited to Azerbaijan to the Nagorno-Karabakh region under its control and its environs, but which was not attended by the ambassadors of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairing countries: the United States, Russia, and France. In response to the question from VOA's Armenian Service as to why the US ambassador's had refused to take part in this visit and whether there was any agreement between the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs to turn down this invitation, the US State Department press service said they did not comment on the details of the ambassador's schedule, or the reasons why he attended or did not attend any events. Touching upon the discussion of the Nagorno-Karabakh peace process during the recent meeting in Washington between US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Yves Le Drian, the US State Department pointed to the respective information disseminated by the French side, according to which the two parties, as Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group, spoke of joint actions that will help achieve lasting peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The State Department added that they are deeply concerned about the impact of the conflicts resumption last fall, and are clearly aware of the humanitarian needs in the region. Also, the US Department of State expressed its support for a peaceful settlement within the framework of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs, stressing that the US supports this Co-Chair process and is committed to helping the parties in achieving a lasting settlement based on the Helsinki Final Act precepts of non-use of force or non-threat of force, territorial integrity, equal rights, and self-determination of peoples. US Congress member Adam Schiff Thursday announced that the proposed federal budget for fiscal year 2022 will include $950,000 in funding to support construction and development of the Armenian American Museum and Cultural Center of California in downtown Glendale, NBC Los Angeles reported. "Armenian-Americans are an essential part of the very fabric of our nationenriching our customs, traditions and communities," said the Burbank Democrat, who is vice chair of the Armenian Caucus of the US House of Representatives. "Their story is an American story, one of hope in the face of hardship, of perseverance, and of new beginnings. The Armenian American Museum and Cultural Center of California will ensure that story gets told for generations come." Schiff was one of the speakers at the groundbreaking at Glendale's Central Park, where a two-story, 50,000-square-foot facility will take shape. "It's an honor to work alongside my Armenian-American constituents for recognition and justice," Schiff said Thursday in announcing the budget allocation for the museum. "I am thrilled that investment in this important cultural center will be included in the government funding package, and I will continue to press forward to help ensure its passage." The Armenian National Committee of Belgium has sent a letter to Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sophie Wilmes, expressing complaint over the recent visit of Ambassadors accredited in Azerbaijan, including the Belgian Ambassador, to the occupied territories of Artsakh, in particular Shushi, which has been organized by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. As reported Armenpress, the Committee said the Armenian community strongly condemned that visit of the Belgian side. By accepting that invitation, the Belgian diplomacy, in fact, has participated in the propaganda of Azerbaijans dictatorial regime which aims at justifying ethnic cleansing and war crimes, as a result of which the ethnic Armenian population of Shushi and other settlements of Artsakh have suffered months ago. This seriously endangers the continuous efforts of the OSCE Minsk Group aimed at finding lasting, peaceful and fair settlement to the Nagorno Karabakh conflict. The participation of the Belgian side further surprised us, taking into account the fact that Belgium and you personally have expressed your unconditional support to the efforts of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairmanship. Therefore, it would be much better if you followed the example of the Co-Chair countries US, Russia and France, which refused to participate in that trip. Their rejection of that invitation was a clear message that the conflict is not solved yet, the letter reads. The Committee also reminded that as a result of the Azerbaijani barbaric acts, tens of thousands of Armenians had had to leave their homes. And Azerbaijan is now doing its program of distorting the history. The Committee also touched upon the fact that the Azerbaijani forces have violated Armenias territorial integrity. Belgiums participation to that visit opposes your calls as a foreign minister, where you were urging to immediately release the Armenian prisoners of war who are subject to ill treatment at Baku jails, the letter notes. As full citizens of Belgium, who continue respecting that countrys and Europes values, the Committee members have urged the government and the minister in particular to condemn the Azerbaijani actions. We reaffirm our position that there cant be lasting peace without justice, and in order for the peace to remain stable, it needs the support of the democratic world, the Committee said in the letter. The head of Karahunj village of Armenia, Lusine Avetyan, testified against Goris city mayor Arush Arushanyan. The latters lawyer, Armen Melkonyan, on Friday told about this to reporters at the yard of the Yerevan Court of General Jurisdiction. A while ago, the court made a decision to remand the mayor of Goris in custody for two months. "Lets continue to fight to achieve justice. This is an unprecedented thing because they can behead an entire community with the contradictory testimony of one person. A person who initially denied the testimony gave some testimony a few days later," he said. When asked who the person is who testified against Arushanyan, the lawyer said: "It was an arrested, elderly woman. It is about the head of Karahunj. She initially denied that Arushanyan had said anything, she was questioned a few days later, with one testimony she said Yes, Arushanyan said that they vote for the Armenia bloc. We have information that one son-in-law [of hers] is an employee of a law enforcement system, the other is a prosecutor. There was nothing that we leave no stone unturned from what was written in the investigator's petition. The court was nodding in agreement. What kind of a theater is this? Might as well attach it to the SIS [(Special Investigation Service)] at once, and get it over with! Why are we coming here? Why are we talking, writing, deleting so much? We have at least a little hope in the appellate [court]," Melkonyan added. As reported earlier, several criminal charges have been brought against the mayor of Goris. The SIS on Thursday had submitted a petition to the court requesting to remand Arushanyan in custody. According to the respective SIS statement, Arush Arushanyan, who is on the electoral list of the opposition "Armenia" blocled by second President Robert Kocharyan, had prepared vote buying in order to secure maximum number of votes in favor of this bloc and to achieve the desired result in the snap parliamentary elections on June 20. Based on a report prepared under the instruction of the Prosecutors Office of Lori Province of Armenia, under cases of misuse committed during the provision of real estate for lease and the provision of the real estate for sub-lease by the tenants, a criminal case was instituted by the Lori Regional Investigation Department of the Investigative Committee and factual data were obtained in regard to acts of misuse committed during the provision of plots of land in Jrashen village of Lori Province for the placement of antenna stations, as reported the Prosecutor Generals Office. It was established that the head of Jrashen village of Lori Province, being ex-officio informed about the intention of the telecommunication operator to place and operate an antenna station in the premises of the community-owned plot of land and the operators willingness to pay a high fee for that, and with the purpose of gearing the payments towards his familys welfare instead of the community budget, organized public bargaining and held a formal auction to alienate the community-owned plot of land in violation of the legislation, declaring his son as the winner. As a result, on October 2, 2006, the 0.1 ha plot of land was alienated to his son for AMD 76,590, and a purchase and sale agreement was concluded. A month later, the head of the village delivered the plot of land to the telecommunication operator company for lease (AMD 100,000) and received particularly large amounts of money (total of AMD 17,260,000) from the company until June 30, 2021, causing major damage to the rights and lawful interests of the community. For this publicly dangerous act, on July 16, 2021, the head of Jrashen village was charged with abuse of official powers, and signature to not leave the country has been selected as a pre-trial measure. Preliminary investigation continues, and measures are being taken to restore the damage caused to the community. Armenian News - NEWS.am presents the daily digest of Armenia-related top news as of 16.07.21: Starting at 11:00am on Friday, the units of the Azerbaijani armed forces opened fire on the Armenian combat positions located at the Yeraskh village section of the Armenia-Azerbaijan (Nakhchivan) border. The subdivisions of the Armenian armed forces took counteractions, the Ministry of Defense (MOD) informed Armenian News-NEWS.am. There are no injuries or casualties on the Armenian side. The Armenian service of VOA addressed a number of questions to the US Department of State in connection with the Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) conflict. Recently, Baku had organized a visit of a group of ambassadors and diplomats accredited to Azerbaijan to the Nagorno-Karabakh region under its control and its environs, but which was not attended by the ambassadors of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairing countries: the United States, Russia, and France. In response to the question from VOA's Armenian Service as to why the US ambassador's had refused to take part in this visit and whether there was any agreement between the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs to turn down this invitation, the US State Department press service said they did not comment on the details of the ambassador's schedule, or the reasons why he attended or did not attend any events. President Charles Michel of the European Council on Friday will arrive in Armenia for a two-day visit. Within the framework of his visit, Michel will meet with Acting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, the Prime Minister's Office informed Armenian News-NEWS.am. After the meeting, they will make statements to the media summing up the results of their talks. The President of the European Council will meet also with President Armen Sarkissian, and visit the Armenian Genocide Memorial in Yerevan to pay tribute to the victims of this tragedy. The European Council has offered EU member states to lift restrictions on movement for citizens of Armenia starting from July 15. On June 30, 2020, the Council accepted the proposal to gradually lift the temporary travel restrictions in the EU. The proposal included the primary list of countries for which member states needed to start lifting travel restrictions. The list is regularly reviewed, as well as updated, depending on the circumstances. Body of Artur Aghasyan, who died heroically while defending the homeland and was awarded the Order of the Combat Cross, has been found. At the time, Aghasyan was a senior at the military post located in the north of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) (in the direction of Talish). Artur, 19, was awarded the 2nd degree Order the Combat Cross for his endeavor. The Yerevan Court of General Jurisdiction on Friday made a decision to have Arush Arushanyanthe mayor of Goris, Armeniaarrested. Several criminal charges had been brought against the mayor of this city. The Special Investigation Service (SIS) on Thursday had submitted a petition to the court requesting to remand Arushanyan in custody. According to the respective SIS statement, Arush Arushanyan, who is on the electoral list of the opposition "Armenia" blocled by second President Robert Kocharyan, had prepared vote buying in order to secure maximum number of votes in favor of this bloc and to achieve the desired result in the snap parliamentary elections on June 20. By presidential decrees, Varuzhan Nersesyan has been recalled from the post of Armenias Ambassador to the United States and been appointed Armenias Ambassador to the UK, for a three-year term. Nersesyans respective diplomatic residence will be in London. As of Friday morning, 162 new cases of the coronavirus were confirmed in Armenia, and the total number of these cases has reached 227,111 in the country. Also, two more deaths from COVID-19 were registered, making the respective total 4,558 cases. At least 70 people have died in Germany and Belgium after rivers overflowed their banks due to record rains, the BBC reports. Most of the victims were in Germany, 11 people died in Belgium. More than 1,000 people in Germany go missing. Experts say climate change is expected to increase the frequency of extreme weather events, but linking any single event to global warming is difficult. Friends, please interpret Nairi Hokhikyans statements about my conversation with Nikol Pashinyan and former spokesperson of the Prime Minister (current Ambassador of Armenia to Kyiv) Vladimir Karapetyan. This is what blogger Alexander Lapshin wrote on his Facebook page, adding the following: Based on what I understood from the translation of Nairis article in Armenian, I am mentioned in the sense that I allegedly discussed the plan for the transfer of Artsakh with Nikol Pashinyan and Vladimir Karapetyan and that Karapetyan had allegedly said that its fine, if a few thousand Armenians die, and that if I dont stop criticizing Azerbaijan, it would be better, if I dont visit Armenia. If I dont understand the essence of the text too well, I apologize, its the shortcoming of Google Translate. In the spring of 2019, Nairi Hokhikyan called me on the phone telling me there was going to be an economic forum in Gavar on one of those days and that I was invited as a guest speaker. He said Prime Minister Pashinyan will be there and I will have the chance to meet him. I agreed. Moreover, when I was in prison in Belarus (before being extradited to Baku), Pashinyan and Edmon Marukyan had organized a demonstration in front of the Embassy of Belarus in Yerevan with the demand for my release. This was my opportunity to thank those people for their support during the tragic days of my imprisonment. After the forum, I met Nikol Pashinyan, Vladimir Karapetyan and Nairi Hokhikyan at a banquet in Gavar. There were other people who were most probably the Prime Ministers bodyguards. During the meeting, I told Nikol Pashinyan about what had happened to me in Azerbaijan due to my visit to Artsakh and the claim against the Aliyev regime. On May 20, 2021, the European Court of Human Rights declared Azerbaijan guilty of my unlawful arrest, tortures, humiliation and assassination attempt. Nikol expressed his compassion and said I could contact him, if he could help me with anything. Vladimir Karapetyan was standing near him, and during the talk, he said Armenia is in a difficult period and is under pressure, the mutual concessions in Artsakh are inevitable in order to get out of the blockade and economic crisis. He also said Armenia needs to lead negotiations with its neighbors in order to get out of the blockade and crisis. He also said the situation may change in the years to come and I should follow what is happening in the region in order to be in the trend. Afterwards, Sputnik Armenia wrote about my meeting with the Prime Minister. In other words, this was an absolutely open and public event, not a secret. Thats it. Nothing else happened. Its hard for me to comment on the rest of the statements in Nairi Hokhikyans article since I didnt have the conversations. I have never heard the cited words thousands of Armenians killed, and neither Nikol Pashinyan nor Vladimir Karapetyan declared this during my meeting with them. Nobody said I shouldnt come to Armenia if I dont stop criticizing Azerbaijan. On the contrary, as I had said earlier, Pashinyan told me I could address him, if he could help me in any way. Frankly, who am I for the head of state to discuss thousands of Armenians killed with a travel blogger? After the war in the fall of 2020, its obvious that we were all (as well as me) were asking ourselves if the loss of Artsakh was previously planned. Of course, I was asking myself if this was what the head of state meant when he was talking about the need to overcome the crisis in Artsakh and the coerced concessions. I dont know. In any case, a disaster took place, and this is painful for me, just like it is painful for all citizens of Armenia. Everyone understood that the conflict in Artsakh was going to be resolved some way and that some lands would have to be transferred to Baku, but, of course, the transfer at such a price is a tragedy. Obviously, during the war, I didnt know and couldnt have known what was going to happen to Shushi. In his article, Nairi writes that back in October I had told him that Shushi will be transferred and then the war will end. There has never been such a conversation between us. I was certain that Armenia would show resistance, and I believed in this until the end, in spite of the fact that many Armenian analysts I knew would say that everything is already decided and that they [the Armenians] will transfer Artsakh. I respect Nairi Hokhikyan. He is a talented journalist and great patriot of Armenia. I dont understand what guided him to publish this article, indicating my name and the conversations that I have never had. Above I wrote about our meeting. I cant bear responsibility for other statements by Nairi and his evaluative judgments. P.S.: I dont know why Nairi voice recorded the talk I had with him after the war in which I regret to say that I am trying to understand what Nikol Pashinyan and Vladimir Karapetyan meant to say during the meeting in Gavar. There is no secret or discrediting statement in my remarks, but it seems to me that this is a dishonest act on Nairis part. Im far from politics in Armenia. Im a blogger and traveler, and I believe it would be wrong to try to entangle me in political intrigues. Vietnam urged the United States on Friday to end its "hostile policy" and lift its longstanding trade embargo on Cuba, the foreign ministry said, following this week's rare anti-government protests on the island, Reuters reported. "The U.S. needs to take concrete steps in the direction of normalizing relations with Cuba for the benefit of the two peoples, contributing to peace, stability and development in the region and the world," ministry spokeswoman Le Thi Thu Hang said in a statement. The United States lifted its trade embargo against Vietnam in 1994, and relations between former foes have warmed in recent years. The United States is now Vietnam's largest export market. Hang said Vietnam "believes that Cuba will overcome the current socio-economic difficulties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the consequences of the embargo". Law-enforcement authorities need to explore yesterdays disclosure of the conversation between acting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyans ex-spokesperson Vladimir Karapetyan and blogger Alexander Lapshin. This is what member of the opposition Armenia bloc Elinar Vardanyan said during todays forum entitled The Political and Legal Challenges in Armenia After the Elections. Vardanyan added that the creation of an inquest committee needs to be raised in parliament and that the committee needs to explore the circumstances of the recent war in Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh), including this episode. During a discussion hosted by the Nigol Aghbalian Student Union of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation-Dashnaktsutyun political party, journalist Nairi Hokhikyan also touched upon the latest war in Artsakh and presented appalling facts, as well as the conversation between Lapshin and Karapetyan that was held on May 11, 2019 and about which the blogger had told him later. Vova told me I speak against Azerbaijan a lot, address the international court against Azerbaijan, etc., but know that we are going to take the path towards friendship with Azerbaijan and Turkey and change our course. When I asked him how they are going to take this path, taking into consideration the fact that Azerbaijan and Turkey want Nagorno-Karabakh and that they cant take this path without renouncing Nagorno-Karabakh, Karapetyan told me the following: But who said we arent going to renounce it? I asked him how they are going to return it since the army and people wont give Nagorno-Karabakh, and he said the army and people will give Nagorno-Karabakh, if several thousands of people die, Lapshin said. Recently, Karapetyan was appointed Ambassador of Armenia to Ukraine. Commenting on the pullout of US troops from Afghanistan, Russias Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Washingtons mission has failed, RIA Novosti reported. Were not interested in seeing chaos there, and not only because we dont want it to penetrate into our neighboring allied countries, but also because we want the most genuine good for the Afghan people, and it is in our interest that these friendly people live in peace and in a sustainably developing society, he said. The diplomat also mentioned that Moscow is ready to work on the settlement of the situation in Afghanistan and that, in his opinion, the conflict needs to be settled politically, including through negotiations with The Taliban. Accompanied by Acting Minister of Economy Vahan Kerobyan, Acting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan today visited Saranist company headquarters in Kotayk Marz of Armenia. The Company is engaged in glass production, and recently commissioned a new brandy factory. The owner of the company, Melik Manukyan (a.k.a. Shshi Melo-ed.), introduced the glass production process and the brandy production and development programs. The Company runs 4 glass production facilities with separate furnaces, which allows the simultaneous production of glass of different colors and different purposes to comply with the market demand. Saranist uses modern technologies and equipment. There are currently about 700 people working there. Seven production lines are in place. Saranist started production of containers for wine, cognac, beer, mineral water and juices as early as in 2005. The Company exports almost half of its products to Georgia. Touching upon the brandy production, Melik Manukyan said 7 to 10-year-old brandy will be produced, the bulk of which is to be exported. This year Saranist plans to purchase 1,500 tons of grapes. The process of concluding relevant agreements with winegrowers is underway. Welcoming the Companys intent to expand its activities, implement new investment programs and generate new jobs, Nikol Pashinyan assured that the Government will facilitate the effective implementation of such projects within its toolkit. As already announced, the Chamber of Advocates of Armenia had expressed its willingness to assist advocates of Armenia in providing legal aid to Armenians in captivity in Azerbaijan (visiting the captives in prisons, establishing and recording the facts of possible violations of the European Convention on Human Rights against them and presenting those facts to the European Court of Human Rights and other international instances, as reported the Chamber of Advocates. To specify the paths to implementation of the mission, assess and prevent the possible risks and act in line with the actions aimed at helping our compatriots in captivity, Chairman of the Chamber of Advocates Ara Zohrabyan, his deputies, as well as lawyer Hayk Alumyan have held meetings with the Representative of Armenia before the European Court of Human Rights, the Representatives deputy and other specialists. The subsequent meeting was with advocates having expressed willingness to participate, as well as Artak Zeynalyan, one of the lawyers representing Armenian captives interests in the European Court of Human Rights and national tribunals. During the discussions, all the potential risks for sending the advocates to Azerbaijan and providing legal aid to the Armenians there were presented. After the discussions, the participants came to the conclusion that it is necessary to continue to advocate the Armenian captives in the European Court of Human Rights. For this purpose, the team representing the captives interest is taking measures to visit the captives in prisons in Azerbaijan. Also, once again, the Chamber of Advocates of Armenia emphasizes that this doesnt concern the protection of Armenian captives in courts provided for by the domestic law of Azerbaijan and joins the statement by the authorities and civil society representatives of Armenia that the trials cant be considered lawful. Young members of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation-Dashnaktsutyun political party are holding a protest ahead of the visit of EU representative Charles Michel to Armenia. The youth are holding signs reading shame on you. Member of the Central Board of the ARF-D Armenia Youth Union Kristine Vardanyan told reporters that they are holding a protest in order to address their questions of concern to the EU representative. We want to ask where Europe was during the entire war, where Europe was when phosphorus ammunition was being used against Armenia, where Europe was when Azerbaijan was killing civilians in Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh), why the European official is visiting Armenia now and if Europe is trying to buy Armenia. We say that Armenia is not for sale and that they wont be able to implement their agenda in Armenia. We also want to ask if a hammer is one of the new weapons for democracy and if the Europeans have met with political prisoners or not since there are political prisoners in Armenia every day, Kristine Vardanyan said. The two Armenian servicemen who went missing a few days ago have found themselves in a territory under the control of the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan, Sputnik Armenias sources reported Friday. Negotiations are underway to return them soon. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Defense of Armenia told Sputnik Armenia that it doesnt have such information and added that the search and rescue efforts are in progress. The Ministry of Defense advises to follow official press releases. At dawn on July 14, servicemen Artur Nalbandyan and Aramayis Torozyan went missing in the fog near Sev Lake of Syunik Province. The Armenian Ministry of Defense reported that the servicemen were performing their official duties in an attached military vehicle and mentioned that the possibility of the servicemen being in the territory of Azerbaijan was being considered with representatives of the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan through mediation of the Russian side. Neither one of the servicemen was bearing a weapon. The parliamentary delegation of Azerbaijan arrived in occupied Northern Cyprus to commemorate the 47th anniversary of the landing of Turkish troops in their invasion of Cyprus that led to 200,000 refugees, thousands of people killed and hundreds of women raped, Greekcitytimes reported. Receiving the delegation of the Committee on International Affairs and Interparliamentary Relations of the Milli Mejlis of Azerbaijan headed by Samed Seyidov, a leader of the Turkish-speaking community, Ersan Saner, expressed confidence that Azerbaijan would recognise the so-called Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. No other country recognises the illegal entity besides Turkey in defiance of United Nations Security Council resolutions 541 and 550. The delegation included Azerbaijani deputies Asim Mollazade, Erkin Gadirli, Nigar Arpadarai, and Nasib Mahamaliyev. Seyidov said that they would defend the rights and justice of Northern Cyprus in the Council of Europe and stressed that there is no government or opposition in the Cyprus issue in Azerbaijan. This is our land. In the Turkic world there is Turkey, in the Turkic world there is Azerbaijan, in the Turkic world there is Northern Cyprus, he said. Seyidov stated that the visit to occupied Cyprus was scheduled on July 16-19, but when they were informed that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan would arrive on the island on July 20, they decided to extend their visit. He noted that the political delegation from Azerbaijan arrived in Northern Cyprus for the first time, but the visits will continue. The official said, We want Northern Cyprus to be strong. The Turkish world will rise. For this, Turkey, Azerbaijan and Northern Cyprus must be together. It is recalled that last week the Greek Ambassador to Azerbaijan Nikos Piperigos joined a propaganda tour for over 40 diplomats organised by the Azerbaijani regime to recently captured areas of historically-demographically Armenian Nagorno-Karabakh. It is recalled that only last year during the ceremony of handing over the Ambassadors credentials, Azerbaijani dictator Ilham Aliyev said: I can tell you, and it is no secret, that Turkey is not only our friend and partner, but also a brotherly country for us. Without any hesitation whatsoever, we support Turkey and will support it under any circumstances. We support them [Turkey] in all issues, including the issue in the Eastern Mediterranean. Yet, despite Ambassador Piperigos being told blatantly by the Azerbaijani dictator that his country will blindly support Turkey in their attempts to steal Greek maritime rights in the Eastern Mediterranean, he still joined the propaganda tour on the weekend. The Turkish-sponsored invasion of Nagorno-Karabakh led to horrific war crimes such as beheadings, the use of white phosphorus and the deliberate targeting of churches even double-tap attacks against journalists. The statements of the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliev and the rhetoric used by the Azerbaijani authorities are a clear indication that any prospect of peaceful coexistence is fraught with irreversible consequences, and endangers the fundamental rights and freedoms of the people of Artsakh, first of all, the security, life, and dignity. This is what Human Rights Defender of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) Gegham Stepanyan wrote on his Facebook page, adding the following: "The people of Artsakh have never and can never live in peace with Azerbaijan, this is a reality documented by the bitterness of years, many episodes of criminal events. All attempts to show or stage the opposite are pointless, futile steps, the conviction of the people of Artsakh in this matter is inviolable and undeniable. The realities must be assessed truthfully and justly by all the external forces, all the international structures, which are the defenders and advocates of the right to life of a peaceful human being. The international community must finally realize that there can simply be no peaceful coexistence with a people who for years have been nourished by an indescribable "poison" of Armenophobia, who a few months ago committed the most heinous war crimes, targeting almost all the civilian settlements and population of Artsakh, tortured and inhumanely treated the Armenian prisoners of war and the bodies of the killed servicemen. The Azerbaijani-Karabakh conflict is not solved, in the situation created after the trilateral statement on November 9, the rights of the people of Artsakh are violated every day, and yet Aliev insists that the conflict is solved and threatens with a new war. The main reason for the existence of this phenomenon is that the aggressive war unleashed by Azerbaijan against the civilian population of Artsakh in the fall of 2020 has not yet received a clear legal assessment. If Aliev has not understood for 30 years that the conflict cannot be considered resolved at the expense of the rights of the Armenians of Artsakh, then that solution must be imposed on him. The international community must finally understand that its passive posture directly calls into question the whole ideology of universality priority of human rights protection, and gives way to human rights and freedoms to dictatorship and aggression." "Genetic studies may help reduce some of the stigma society has against substance use disorders, while also making treatment more accessible," says Victoria Risner, first author of the new study on nicotine dependence, who did the work as an Emory undergraduate. Some people casually smoke cigarettes for a while and then stop without a problem, while others develop long-term, several packs-per-day habits. A complex mix of environmental, behavioral and genetic factors appear to raise this risk for nicotine dependence. Studies of groups of twins suggest that 40 to 70 percent of the risk factors are heritable. Until recently, however, studies have only explained about 1 percent of the observed variation in liability to nicotine dependence, using a genetic score based on how many cigarettes a person smokes per day. A study led by psychologists at Emory University offers a new model for examining this genetic risk. It leveraged genome wide association studies for a range of different traits and disorders correlated with nicotine dependence and explained 3.6 percent of the variation in nicotine dependence. The journal Nicotine & Tobacco Research published the finding. Higher polygenetic scores for a risk for schizophrenia, depression, neuroticism, self-reported risk-taking, a high body mass index, alcohol use disorder, along with a higher number of cigarettes smoked per day were all indicators of a higher risk for nicotine dependence, the study found. And polygenetic scores associated with higher education attainment lowered the risk for nicotine dependence, the results showed. If you look at the joint effect of all of these characteristics, our model accounts for nearly 4 percent of the variation in nicotine dependence, or nearly four times as much as what we learn when relying solely on a genetic index for the number of cigarettes someone smokes daily, says Rohan Palmer, senior author of the study and assistant professor in Emorys Department of Psychology, where he heads the Behavioral Genetics of Addiction Laboratory. What were finding, Palmer adds, is that to better leverage genetic information, we need to go beyond individual human traits and disorders and think about how risk for different behaviors and traits are interrelated. This broader approach can give us a much better measure for whether someone is at risk for a mental disorder, such as nicotine dependence. All of the traits and diseases we looked at are polygenic, involving multiple genes, adds Victoria Risner, first author of the study, who did the work as an Emory undergraduate majoring in neuroscience and behavioral biology. That means that millions of genetic variants likely go into a complete picture for all of the heritable risks for nicotine dependence. The researchers hope that others will build on their multi-trait, polygenetic model and continue to boost the understanding of the risk for such complex disorders. The more we learn, the closer we can get to one day having a genetic test that clinicians can use to inform their assessment of someones risk for nicotine dependence, Palmer says. Although the hazards of smoking are well established, about 14 percent of Americans report daily use of tobacco. Around 500,000 people die each year in the United States from smoking or exposure to smoke, and another 16 million live with serious illnesses caused by tobacco use, including cancer, cardiovascular disease and pulmonary disease. While the toxic chemicals produced during smoking and vaping are what cause harmful health effects, its the addictive component of nicotine that hooks people on these habits. Risner worked on the current paper for her honors thesis. Nicotine dependence was interesting to me because the vaping scene was just arriving while I was an undergraduate, she says. I saw some of my own friends who were into vaping quickly becoming dependent on it, while some others who were using the same products didnt. I was curious about the genetic underpinnings of this difference. The project leveraged genome-wide association studies for a range of traits and disorders. The researchers then looked for matching variants in genetic data from a national representative sample of Americans diagnosed with nicotine dependence. The results showed how polygenetic scores for the different traits and disorders either raised or lowered the risk for that dependence. The number of cigarettes smoked per day, self-perceived risk-taking and educational attainment were the most robust predictors. The multi-variant, polygenetic model offers a road map for future studies. A clearer picture of heritability for nicotine dependence, for instance, may be gained by adding more risk associations to the model (such as nicotine metabolism) and clusters of polygenic traits (such as anxiety along with neuroticism). As we continue to zero in on who is most at risk for becoming nicotine dependent, and what inter-related factors, whether genetic or environmental, may raise their risk, that could help determine what intervention might work best for an individual, Palmer says. Just a few decades ago, it was not well understood that nicotine dependence could have a genetic component, Risner says. Genetic studies may help reduce some of the stigma society has against substance use disorders, while also making treatment more accessible. Risner graduated from Emory in 2019 and is now in medical school at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. This summer, shes applying the coding and analytical skills she learned at Emory to conduct research into genetic factors that may raise the risk for pre-term births. Emory co-authors of the Nicotine & Tobacco Research article include graduate student Lauren Bertin; post-doctoral fellow Chelsie Benca-Bachman; and Alicia Smith, associate professor in the School of Medicine. Additional authors include researchers from the University of Helsinki; Brown University; the Providence VA Medical Center; the Jackson Laboratory in Bar Harbor, Maine; Purdue University; and the University of Colorado at Boulder. The work on the Nicotine & Tobacco Research article was funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse and the Academy of Finland. Story Highlights Republicans' confidence in science nearly 30 points lower than in 1975 Democrats more confident in science than in 1975 Trust in science among all Americans is slightly lower WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Sixty-four percent of U.S. adults say they have "a great deal" or "quite a lot" of confidence in science, compared with 70% when Gallup last measured it more than four decades ago. The modest decline overall obscures more significant changes among political partisans. Republicans today are much less likely than their predecessors in 1975 to have confidence in science. Meanwhile, Democrats today have more confidence than their fellow partisans did in the past. Bar graph. Sixty-four percent of U.S. adults express a great deal or quite a lot of confidence in science down from 70% in 1975. Republicans' confidence in science has fallen from 72% in 1975 to 45% today. Independents' confidence in science has dropped from 73% in 1975 to 65% today. Democrats' confidence in science has increased from 67% in 1975 to 79% today. The new results are based on Gallup's annual Confidence in Institutions survey, conducted June 1-July 5. The survey has tracked Americans' confidence in a variety of institutions since 1973 but had asked about the institution of science only once previously, in 1975. Confidence in science is among the highest of the 17 institutions tested in the 2021 survey, behind small business (70%) and the military (69%). Recent disagreements between Republicans and Democrats about the seriousness of the coronavirus pandemic, the effectiveness of face masks as a COVID-19 prevention measure, and the necessity of COVID-19 vaccines have raised questions about the extent to which each group believes in science, more generally. Additionally, many Republican political leaders' statements and policies have been critical of COVID-19 guidance put forth by health experts, and GOP leaders have often resisted requiring citizens to follow mitigation strategies. In contrast, Democratic leaders have generally pursued policies to prevent the spread of the coronavirus but imposed restrictions on social and economic activity. The disputes over the coronavirus come as Republicans express doubts about the scientific consensus on climate change, something Democrats widely accept. Historically, Republicans have also been more likely than Democrats to say creationism rather than evolutionary theory explains the origin of human beings. When Gallup asked Americans how much confidence they had in science in 1975, the party groups varied little in their responses. At that time, Republicans (72%) were slightly more likely than Democrats (67%) to say they had "a great deal" or "quite a lot" of confidence in science. Meanwhile, 73% of political independents expressed confidence. Compared with that earlier survey, Republican confidence in science has fallen 27 percentage points, and independents have dropped eight points, while Democrats' confidence has increased by 12 points. As fewer Republicans than in 1975 express a great deal or quite a lot of confidence in science today, there have been similar increases among Republicans in the percentage who say they have "some" confidence in it (from 17% to 35%) or "very little" or "no" confidence in it (from 5% to 21%). In 1975, 6% of Republicans did not offer an opinion, compared with less than 1% today. The current 34-point party gap in confidence in science is among the largest Gallup measured for any of the institutions in this year's poll, exceeded only by a 49-point party divide in ratings of the presidency and 45 points in ratings of the police. Party Differences Exceed Those by Education College graduates (72%) and college nongraduates (60%) differ modestly in the degree of confidence they have in science. Notably, these education differences appear to be confined mostly to Democrats, as 91% of Democrats with a bachelor's degree are confident in science compared with 70% of Democrats without a four-year degree. Among independents and Republicans, college graduates and non-graduates have similar levels of confidence in science. Thus, it does not appear that education has much of a mediating effect on confidence in science among Republicans or independents. Bottom Line Americans as a whole remain confident in science, but compared with the mid-1970s, a large partisan gap has emerged, with Republicans becoming much less confident at the same time Democrats are becoming more so. It appears that science, like many other issues, has become a politicized topic. Republican mistrust may stem from conservative thought leaders' allegations of liberal bias in the scientific community, perhaps because colleges and universities employ many scientists. Republicans also mistrust colleges and universities and cite a liberal political agenda as the reason for that lack of trust. A specific recent example of Republican allegations of bias concerned the theory that the COVID-19 virus leaked from a Chinese lab. Many scientists, including Dr. Anthony Fauci, initially favored other theories, but the lab-leak theory has gotten more serious consideration in recent months. Still, Republicans' lack of trust in science opens up the possibility of their being more vulnerable to influence by ideas that lack scientific support, especially if those ideas are advanced by political conservatives they implicitly trust. One real-world manifestation of Republicans' lack of faith in science is the greater reluctance among Republicans than Democrats to get COVID-19 vaccines. Lagging vaccination rates in conservative-leaning states have caused some Republican governors, such as Jim Justice of West Virginia and Asa Hutchinson of Arkansas, to urge citizens of their states to get vaccinated before more contagious and, possibly, more deadly variants of the coronavirus spread to their states. To stay up to date with the latest Gallup News insights and updates, follow us on Twitter. Learn more about how the Gallup Poll Social Series works. US preparing sanctions on officials over HK: report US preparing sanctions on officials over HK: report The United States is preparing to impose sanctions on Friday on a number of Chinese officials over what it deems as Beijing's crackdown on democracy in Hong Kong, as well as a warning to international businesses operating there about deteriorating conditions, two people with knowledge of the situation told Reuters. The sources said the financial sanctions would target seven officials from China's Hong Kong liaison office. A separate updated business advisory issued by the State Department would highlight US government concerns about the impact on international companies of Hong Kong's national security law. Critics say Beijing implemented that law last year to facilitate a crackdown on pro-democracy activists and free press. "Let me talk about the business advisory," US President Joe Biden said when asked about it at a news conference with visiting German Chancellor Angela Merkel. "The situation in Hong Kong is deteriorating. And the Chinese government is not keeping its commitment that it made on how it would deal with Hong Kong, and so it is more of an advisory as to what may happen in Hong Kong. It's as simple as that and as complicated as that." The moves, certain to anger Beijing, mark the Biden administration's latest effort to hold the Chinese government accountable for what Washington calls an erosion of rule of law in the former British colony that returned to Chinese control in 1997. Both people, who asked not to be named, said the Hong Kong measures were still subject to change. One of the sources said the White House was also reviewing a possible executive order on immigration from Hong Kong, but that it was still not certain to be implemented. The US Treasury Department has declined to comment on the issue following media reports this week about possible new sanctions. "We know that a healthy business community relies on the rule of law, which the national security law that applies to Hong Kong continues to undermine," State Department spokesman Ned Price said on Tuesday when asked about the issue. US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman is preparing a visit to Japan, South Korea and Mongolia next week. The State Department's announcement of her trip made no mention of any stop in China, which had been anticipated in foreign policy circles and reported in some media. The US State Department on Tuesday strengthened warnings to businesses about the growing risks of having supply chain and investment links to China's Xinjiang region, citing alleged forced labour and human rights abuses there. (Reuters) US sanctions target seven officials over HK President Joe Biden says the situation in Hong Kong was deteriorating, and that Beijing had broken its commitment on how it would deal with the territory since the handover. File photo: AP The United States imposed sanctions on Friday on seven officials over Beijing's crackdown on democracy in Hong Kong, Washington's latest effort to hold China accountable for what it calls an erosion of rule of law in the city. The sanctions target individuals from the Liaison Office, according to a list posted by the US Treasury Department. The seven people added to Treasury's "specially designated nationals" list were Chen Dong, He Jing, Lu Xinning, Qiu Hong, Tan Tienui, Yang Jianping, and Yin Zonghua, all deputy directors at the Liaison Office according to online bios. In its brief statement, the Treasury Department referred to a separate updated business advisory issued by the State Department that highlighted US government concerns about the impact on international companies of the National Security Law. Critics say Beijing implemented that law last year to facilitate a crackdown on pro-democracy activists and a free press. The State Department advisory said businesses face risks associated with electronic surveillance without warrants and the surrender of corporate and customer data to authorities, adding that individuals and businesses should be aware of potential consequences of engaging with sanctioned individuals or entities. "Developments over the last year in Hong Kong present clear operational, financial, legal, and reputational risks for multinational firms," a senior Biden administration official said. The advisory and new sanctions were announced just over a year after former President Donald Trump ordered an end to Hong Kong's special status under US law to punish China for what he called "oppressive actions" against the SAR. The United States has already imposed sanctions on other senior officials, including Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam and senior police officers, for their roles in curtailing political freedoms in the territory. President Joe Biden said at a news conference on Thursday that the situation in Hong Kong was deteriorating, and that the Chinese government had broken its commitment on how it would deal with the territory since it returned to Chinese control in 1997. China had promised universal suffrage as an ultimate goal for Hong Kong in its mini-constitution, the Basic Law, which also states the city has wide-ranging autonomy from Beijing. Since China imposed the national security law to criminalize what it considers subversion, secessionism, terrorism or collusion with foreign forces, most pro-democracy activists and politicians have found themselves ensnared by it or arrested for other reasons. Apple Daily, Hong Kong's most vocal pro-democracy newspaper, was forced to end a 26-year run in June amid the crackdown that froze the company's funds. Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said at a regular news conference in Beijing before the actions were formally announced that the United States should stop interfering in Hong Kong, and that China would make a "resolute, strong response." A source told Reuters on Thursday that the White House was also reviewing a possible executive order to facilitate immigration from Hong Kong, but that it was still not certain to be implemented. US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman is preparing a visit to Japan, South Korea and Mongolia next week. The State Department's announcement of her trip made no mention of any stop in China, which had been anticipated in foreign policy circles and reported in some media. The State Department on Tuesday also strengthened warnings to businesses about the growing risks of having supply chain and investment links to China's Xinjiang region, citing forced labour and human rights abuses there, which Beijing has denied. (Reuters) McCormick Foundation CEO to speak in Paul Simon Institute event CARBONDALE, Ill. Tim Knight, president and CEO of the Robert R. McCormick Foundation, will join Southern Illinois University Carbondales Paul Simon Public Policy Institute for a virtual conversation at 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 21. Knight and institute director John Shaw will discuss philanthropy and civic engagement. Knight took on the top leadership role at the Chicago-based McCormick Foundation in March of 2020. The foundation, according to its mission statement, works with communities in Chicagoland and across Illinois to develop educated, informed, and engaged citizens. Knight also is a member of the DePaul University Board of Trustees and the Board of Regents of the Mercy Home for Boys and Girls, both in Chicago. Before he became chief executive of the McCormick Foundation, he was president and CEO of Tribune Publishing Co., in addition to serving on the companys board. He previously was president and CEO of Newsday Media Group and publisher of Newsday, and he co-founded Classified Ventures LLC, the parent company of cars.com and apartments.com. Tim Knight has had a remarkably interesting, consequential and wide-ranging career and is now the leader of one of the most important institutions in Illinois, Shaw said. We are very eager to learn about his views on the challenges and opportunities facing philanthropy in Illinois and the strategic role he envisions for the McCormick Foundation. The event, which is part of the institutes Understanding Our New World virtual conversation series, is free and open to the public. Registration is required at paulsimoninstitute.org/event-information. Attendees are encouraged to send a question for Knight when they register for the event or email questions to paulsimoninstitute@siu.edu. The Paul Simon Public Policy Institute is a nonprofit, nonpartisan think tank at Southern Illinois University Carbondale promoting better politics and smarter government and preparing young people for careers in public service. ISLAMABAD (AP) Afghan government forces battled Friday to retake a border crossing with Pakistan from Taliban insurgents, and the Reuters news agency said one of its photographers was killed in the area. The Taliban had overrun the Spin Boldak crossing earlier in the week. On Friday, witnesses on the Pakistan side of the border said they saw intense fighting and reported seeing bodies. Afghan Interior Ministry spokesman Tariq Arian later tweeted that the government had retaken control of Spin Boldak. Reuters said Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer Danish Siddiqui, who was embedded with the Afghan special forces, was killed as the commando unit sought to recapture Spin Boldak. The agency said Siddiqui and a senior Afghan officer were killed in what they described as Taliban crossfire. "We are urgently seeking more information, working with authorities in the region, Reuters President Michael Friedenberg and Editor-in-Chief Alessandra Galloni said in a statement. Siddiqui was an Indian national. Afghanistan's ambassador to India, Farid Mamundzay, tweeted his condolences. The Taliban have overrun dozens of districts in Afghanistan since the start of the final phase of the withdrawal of U.S. and NATO troops, after a 20-year military presence. The U.S. says its withdrawal is 95% complete. The fighting at Spin Boldak was confirmed by Fawad Aman, Afghanistans deputy defense ministry spokesman. The Associated Press also obtained footage of fighters, apparently Taliban, receiving treatment in a hospital in the Pakistani border town of Chaman. In an interview with The Associated Press, U.S. peace envoy for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad expressed surprise at the Talibans rapid sweep through swaths of Afghanistan, and said that a long-term comprehensive cease-fire may have to wait for the two sides to reach a political deal. Still, he said he will press for a reduction in violence on the ground. I did expect some increased Taliban hold on territories that they were surrounding but had not yet captured, but the speed with which and the amount of territory that they have acquired is unexpected, Khalilzad said, speaking to the AP on the sidelines of an international conference Friday in neighboring Uzbekistan. The gathering focused on the situation in Afghanistan. Story continues But I believe that there is no military solution despite the progress that the Taliban have made," Khalilzad added. For the war to end there has to be a political agreement. The United States will not recognize a government imposed by force. The Taliban will not be treated as a normal, legitimate player if there isnt a political settlement," the U.S. envoy also said. And the likely scenario of an attempt to impose by force a government will be Taliban isolation and a long war for Afghanistan. The three countries that had recognized the Taliban government during their rule Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have all said they would not recognize another Taliban government that comes to power by force. Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan are fraught with suspicion. Afghanistan routinely accuses Pakistan of giving safe haven to the Afghan Taliban, whose leadership is headquartered in Pakistan's southwestern Baluchistan provincial capital of Quetta. The Chaman border crossing opposite Spin Boldak is also in Baluchistan province. Afghanistan and the United States have criticized Pakistan in the past for allowing Taliban fighters to cross into Pakistan to receive medical treatment. Nearly 2 million Afghan refugees also live in Pakistan, having fled decades of war in their homeland. Pakistan has used its influence over the Taliban to press the insurgents into talks with the U.S. and the Afghan government. In the latest round of accusations, Afghanistan's vice-president, Amrullah Saleh, tweeted that Pakistan's air force warned the Afghan army and air force against trying to dislodge Taliban from Spin Boldak, an accusation Pakistan dismissed. In response, Pakistan issued a statement saying 40 Afghan soldiers slipped across the border to Pakistan during the Taliban takeover of the crossing earlier this week. The soldiers were returned to Afghanistan with respect and dignity, said the statement, which added that Pakistan also offered Afghanistan's security force any logistical support it needed. ___ Associated Press writer Rahim Faiez in Kabul, Afghanistan, and AP videojournalist Mstyslav Chernov in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, contributed to this report. Afghan forces clashed Friday with Taliban fighters in an operation to retake a key border crossing with Pakistan, as the insurgents tightened their grip in the north and battled for the stronghold of an infamous warlord. The fighting at Spin Boldak follows weeks of intensifying clashes across Afghanistan, with the Taliban capitalising on the last stages of the US troop withdrawal to launch a series of lightning offensives, overrunning districts at a staggering rate. The group have also taken other vital border crossings in the north and west. A senior official on the Pakistan side of the frontier said heavy fighting could still be heard late Friday afternoon, and noted the Taliban's white flags remained flying over the crossing. Following fierce skirmishes overnight, dozens of wounded Taliban fighters were brought across the border and were being treated at a Pakistan hospital, an AFP correspondent at the scene reported. "We have suffered one death and dozens of our fighters have got injured," Mullah Muhammad Hassan, who identified himself as a Taliban insurgent, told AFP near Chaman in Pakistan, about five kilometres (three miles) from the border. Reuters news agency said one of its photographers had been killed in Friday's Spin Boldak fighting, citing an Afghan army commander. Danish Siddiqui, an Indian national, was part of a team that shared a Pulitzer Prize in 2018 and had been embedded with Afghan special forces, the agency said. The Spin Boldak-Chaman border crossing is an economic lifeline for southern Afghanistan. The landlocked country depends on the crucial commercial artery to export much of its agricultural produce, such as almonds and dried fruits, while also serving as the entry point for finished goods coming from Pakistan. Controlling the crossing will likely provide the Taliban with an economic windfall, allowing the insurgents to tax the thousands of vehicles that pass through the frontier daily. Story continues The border was closed as of late Friday afternoon, with nearly 2,000 people massed near its gate on the Pakistan side, according to an AFP reporter. The fight for Spin Boldak comes as the Taliban also closed in on the stronghold of long-time foe Abdul Rashid Dostum in the north, with the insurgent group's spokesman saying the warlord's militia had fled Sheberghan, the capital of Jowzjan province. The group had "captured the gate" of the city, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said in a WhatsApp message, adding: "Dostum's militia left the city and fled towards the airport." - War of words - The deputy governor of Jowzjan confirmed that the Taliban had reached the gates of the provincial capital, but said government forces were pushing them back. For years, Dostum has overseen one of the largest militias in the north, which garnered a fearsome reputation in its fight with the Taliban in the 1990s -- along with accusations that his forces massacred thousands of insurgent prisoners. Any retreat by his fighters would dent the Kabul government's recent hopes that militia groups could help bolster the country's overstretched military. As fighting raged over a large swath of the country, a war of words was also heating up between Kabul and Islamabad after the Afghan vice president accused the Pakistani military of providing "close air support to Taliban in certain areas". Pakistan strongly denied the claim, with a foreign ministry statement saying the country "took necessary measures within its territory to safeguard our own troops and population". "We acknowledge the Afghan government's right to undertake actions on its sovereign territory," it added. - Talks in Doha - Afghanistan's southern frontier has long been a flashpoint in relations with its eastern neighbour. Pakistan's border province of Balochistan has been home to the Taliban's top leadership for decades, along with a large contingent of reserve fighters who regularly enter Afghanistan to bolster their ranks. As fighting continued, Pakistan said Friday that it would postpone a special conference on Afghanistan in Islamabad planned for the weekend. However, a new round of talks appeared to be taking shape in Doha, with several high-ranking officials flying out of Kabul on Friday afternoon. Foreign troops have been in Afghanistan for nearly two decades following the US-led invasion launched in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, but are due to complete their withdrawal by the end of next month. They have appeared largely out of the picture in recent months, but fears are growing that Afghan forces will be overwhelmed without the vital air support they provide. The speed and scale of the Taliban onslaught have caught many by surprise, with analysts saying it appears aimed at forcing the government to sue for peace on the insurgents' terms or suffer complete military defeat. strs-sjd-ds/fox/axn KABUL (Reuters) - A delegation of Afghan political leaders led by top peace official Abdullah Abdullah left for Qatar on Friday to attempt to breathe life into stalled talks with the Taliban as violence escalates around the country. Abdullah, head of the country's High Council for National Reconciliation and former government chief executive, said that even as conflict rose and districts toppled to the Taliban insurgents, peace needed to be sought at the negotiating table. "We hope that the Taliban side will see this as an opportunity and know that there will be no peace with continued capturing of districts," he said at Kabul's airport before departing. "The result of peace can only be achieved at the negotiating table (and) despite all the pain that our people are suffering today... we believe there is still a chance for peace." Clashes between the Taliban and government forces haveintensified as U.S.-led international forces have beenwithdrawing. The Taliban have encircled several provincial capitals, and captured several districts and border crossings in the north and west. Meetings in Qatar's capital between Afghan government and Taliban negotiators have been taking place in recent weeks but officials have cautioned there are few signs of substantive progress as time runs out before foreign troops withdraw by September. Pakistan's foreign ministry said on Friday that it was postponing another highly anticipated meeting on Afghan peace that had been scheduled to begin in Islamabad this week with Afghan leaders. It said it would set new dates after next week's Eid religious holiday. Clashes continued around Afghanistan, including in southern Kandahar province where the Taliban on Wednesday captured Spin Boldak, a crucial area along the border with Pakistan. Officials described heavy clashes and both sides claimed to be in control of the area on Friday. Reuters journalist Danish Siddiqui was killed on Friday while covering a clash near the border crossing, an Afghan commander said. Afghanistan's interior ministry spokesperson Tariq Arian said Afghan forces had retaken the area, but Qari Yosuf Ahmadi, a Taliban spokesperson, said in a statement the militants still had control of Spin Boldak. (Reporting by Abdul Qadir Sediqi, Orooj Hakimi and Charlotte Greenfield in Kabul; additional reporting by Jibran Ahmad in Peshawar and Gul Yousafzai in Quetta, Editing by William Maclean) By Stephanie Nebehay GENEVA (Reuters) - Nearly 50 African countries are to receive 25 million COVID-19 vaccine doses donated by the United States, with the first shipments to Burkina Faso, Djibouti and Ethiopia in coming days, U.S. officials and the Gavi vaccine alliance said on Friday. U.S. President Joe Biden has pledged to share 80 million U.S.-made vaccines with countries around the world to protect the most vulnerable and stem transmission of the coronavirus. "In partnership with the African Union and COVAX, the United States is proud to donate 25 million COVID-19 vaccines to 49 African countries. The Biden Administration is committed to leading the global response to the pandemic by providing safe and effective vaccines to the world, Gayle Smith, the U.S. State Department's coordinator for COVID-19 recovery and global health, said in the statement. Nearly a million doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine will be delivered to Burkina Faso, Djibouti and Ethiopia in coming days, the statement said. The remainder will be shipped in coming weeks, it added. Africa recorded a 43% jump in COVID-19 deaths last week as infections and hospital admissions have risen and countries face shortages of oxygen and intensive-care beds, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Thursday. African Union Special Envoy Strive Masiyiwa said the U.S. donation to 49 countries was appreciated "especially at this moment when we are witnessing the third-wave in a number of African countries. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who is Ethiopian, has called for vaccinating at least 10% of the most vulnerable in every country - including health workers and the elderly - by September. The COVAX dose-sharing programme has so far shipped 121 million doses to 136 mostly low and middle income countries, far short of its original targets, due to supply constraints since India suspended vaccine exports. It is run by the Gavi vaccine alliance and the WHO. (Reporting by Stephanie Nebehay; Editing by Frances Kerry) Jul. 15Albert Lea Area Schools is recommending, but not requiring, masks for staff and students not fully vaccinated for COVID-19 during the upcoming school year. The school district shared information about plans for the school year Thursday afternoon. Plans include everything from mask use to transportation, quarantines and vaccines. The face mask recommendation would apply for staff and students from early childhood through 12th grade, citing the large percentage of people in the state who are vaccinated and low positive case count in Freeborn County. "Mask wearing will be a choice of the individual employee, and we encourage families to make decisions based upon the best interest of their children," the district said. "If the COVID-19 virus begins to spread, the district may adjust this procedure at the building or district level as local conditions warrant." Masks will still be required on school buses, per federal government regulations. The district stated it will follow guidance from the Minnesota Department of Health for unvaccinated individuals exposed to a person who has tested positive. Currently, that means a quarantine for seven days with a negative COVID-19 PCR test or 10 days without a test. People who are fully vaccinated will not need to quarantine. The district stated for people considering a vaccination, they are encouraged to schedule a time soon to be fully vaccinated before the start of school. Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea is conducting free vaccine clinics from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Thursdays. To schedule an appointment, people should call 507-434-9929, or they can schedule through Patient Online Services on the health system website. Vaccinations may also be available at local pharmacies. The district stated it is still accepting applications for its online learning academy through Aug. 1. For more information, call 507-379-5153. KYIV, Ukraine (AP) Authorities in Belarus raided the homes and offices of independent media outlets and civil society activists Friday, widening a crackdown on opposition in the ex-Soviet nation. The Belarusian Association of Journalists and the Viasna human rights center said authorities searched the apartments and offices of at least 31 journalists and activists in the capital of Minsk and seven other cities. The authorities are using an entire arsenal of repressions against journalists intimidation, beatings, searches and arrests, Andrei Bastunets, the head of the journalists' association, said.. The countrys main security agency, which still goes under its Soviet-era name KGB, said those targeted were suspected of involvement in extremist activities. Among those targeted Friday were 22 journalists who worked for the Belsat TV channel, which is funded by Poland, and for U.S.-funded broadcaster RFE/RL. Authorities broke down the door of RFE/RLs office in Minsk. RFE/RL journalist Aleh Hruzdzilovich was detained after the search of his family's home, his wife, Maryana, told The Associated Press in a telephone interview from Minsk. Nine people broke into our apartment, seized all the equipment and took Aleh away in handcuffs, she said. Viasna said authorities also raided the homes of Alena Anisim, head of the Union of Belarusian Language, and activists with the nongovernmental organization Legal Initiative. Belarus' Investigative Committee, the top state investigative agency, said the raids were part of a probe into alleged tax evasion and violations of financial regulations by NGOs and media outlets. The new raids continue a sweeping clampdown on independent media and non-government organizations in the country. Earlier this week, law enforcement officers raided the homes of 10 Viasna workers, as well as the human rights center's offices in Minsk and other cities. They also searched a number of other Belarusian NGOs and journalists. Story continues The action came after President Alexander Lukashenko, the longtime authoritarian leader of Belarus, promised to deal with organizations that he accuses of fomenting unrest. Belarus was rocked by months of protests after Lukashenkos August 2020 election to a sixth term in a vote that the opposition and the West saw as rigged. Belarusian authorities responded to opposition demonstrations with a massive crackdown, including police beating thousands of demonstrators and arresting more than 35,000 people. Leading opposition figures have been jailed or forced to leave the country, while independent media outlets have had their offices searched and their journalists arrested. Overall, 32 Belarusian journalists are currently in custody, either serving their sentences or awaiting trial, according to the Belarusian Association of Journalists. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, Lukashenkos main challenger in the August 2020 election, who was forced to leave Belarus under official pressure immediately after the vote, tweeted Friday that the regime destroys every media that dares to tell the truth about the situation in Belarus. The European Union's foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, denounced the crackdown in a statement issued Thursday. This new wave of repression is yet another proof that the Lukashenko regime is waging a systematic and well-orchestrated campaign with the ultimate aim to silence all remaining dissident voices and suppress civic space in Belarus, Borrell said. The severe violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms come at a price. The EU is ready to consider further restrictive measures in line with its gradual approach. KYIV (Reuters) -Belarusian police searched offices and homes of independent journalists and human rights activists for the third successive day on Friday, extending what President Alexander Lukashenko's opponents say is a new crackdown on dissent. A senior law enforcement official was quoted by the state-run Belta news agency as saying security forces carried out the searches after receiving information about the alleged financing of protests against Lukashenko. Local human rights groups said at least five people had been detained, and 25 homes and offices had been searched. The office of U.S. broadcaster Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty was among those searched, the Belarus association of Journalists said, denouncing "a massive attack by security forces on journalists across the country." On its website, RFE/RL quoted witnesses as saying police had broken through the door of its office in the capital Minsk, and said the homes of two RFE/RL journalists had been searched. Human rights organisation Viasna-96 said two RFE/RL journalists were detained. The wife of one, correspondent Aleh Hruzdzilovich, told RFE/RL that he had been led away in handcuffs by police who removed computers, phones and money. Belta quoted Vladimir Shyshko, an official at Belarus's Investigative Committee which prosecutes major crimes, as saying the committee had acted on information about a "shadow movement of significant financial resources, primarily from abroad, tax evasion and financing of various kinds of protest activity." Non-governmental organisations and independent media have previously dismissed such accusations. The authorities have shut down a number of media outlets and rights groups since protests began last August against a presidential election which the opposition says was rigged. Lukashenko, in power since 1994, denies electoral fraud. On Wednesday and Thursday, security officials conducted searches in around 20 human rights, charitable, media and expert institutions, detaining more than 15 people, including the head of Viasna-96. Story continues The searches follow new sanctions imposed on Belarus by the European Union and the United States since Minsk diverted a passenger plane flying from Greece to Lithuania and detained a dissident journalist and his girlfriend who were on board. PEN America and several other human rights bodies issued a statement describing the moves this week in the former Soviet republic as "flagrant action against civil society and independent media", and demanded the release of those detained. (Writing by Pavel Polityuk, Editing by Timothy Heritage) Jul. 16BELFAST, Maine Gary Hinte, an 87-year-old artist and writer who loved to say he was born in a vaudeville theater, was larger than life. Even into his ninth decade, he was painting sets, writing screenplays and dreaming up ways to help his community. After his death this January in Mexico of COVID-19, members of the Belfast Maskers, the community theater group to which he had been instrumental, decided to do something big to honor him. An art show this Friday will showcase his diverse and creative work. "He had such an amazing, full life and so many fascinating stories," Sasha Kutsy, the president of the Belfast Maskers' board of directors, said Thursday. "That energy, that zest for life never left him. Every day he'd come over with a new plan. He was bubbling over all the time." Hinte, who jokingly called himself "The Greatest Artist in the World," was prolific. When he and his wife, Carol Samuels, moved out of their Belfast home in 2018, his studio overflowed with oil paintings and charcoal drawings that he didn't know what to do with. Kutsy took a bunch, and used those paintings as a jumping-off point for an art show of Hinte's works. She also borrowed paintings that Hinte had given to his neighbors for the show, which has turned the walls of the Basil Burwell Community Theater in Belfast into a vibrant, colorful glimpse into the artist's mind. Portraits of people and animals, art that served as social or political commentary, scenery from plays and musicals it's all there. "My hope is to share with people the amazing artist that Gary Hinte was, and to celebrate him," Kutsy said. "It's everything he contributed to this community through his 10 years of living here and creating art." In addition to his artwork, Hinte was a man of stories. He told many versions of his vaudeville theater origin tale. His mother was a vaudeville dancer at the Liberty Theatre in Elizabeth, New Jersey, where his father was a stagehand. Whether he was born on stage or possibly conceived backstage, according to some of the stories it was clear that his heart was in theater and the arts from the beginning. Story continues When Kutsy and her family moved to Belfast in 2013, Hinte and Samuels were their neighbors and they got to know them right away. "He was the kind of neighbor who would just come knocking on your door and hang out and talk for a really long time," she said. "He loved to interact with neighbors and everybody." Even though he was in his 80s, he was a tireless volunteer for the Belfast Maskers, sharing his artistic skills with the theater group. In the summer of 2016, Hinte was the set designer for the musical "The Addams Family." He helped build the outdoor stage, painted sets, taught interns how to use tools and worked with the volunteers from the Maine Coastal Regional Reentry Center in Belfast. "He was out there doing the work, and it was amazing," Kutsy said. But after that experience, Hinte decided to simplify. Rather than building elaborate sets, he decided to make background paintings and then project them as scenery on the back of the theater. This rear projection model allowed him to create compelling ambiances without as much physical effort for shows including "Blithe Spirit," "On Golden Pond," "Annie" and "The Music Man." He and Samuels also helped the theater group find its new home in a former church several years ago, Kutsy said. "They were pretty instrumental in helping us get our new home," she said. "We went around and looked at land together. He always thought large. The theater we have now was just a stepping stone for him. He wanted it to be huge." Hinte and Samuels spent about a decade in Maine moving to Cuernavaca, Mexico, in late 2018. That was a loss for the community, Kutsy said although the pair made sure to buy a big enough house for people to come visit them. Samuels, who is in Mexico, plans to virtually be at the art show. Kutsy said she and Samuels have been working together to make the show the best it can be. "Gary was such a dreamer," Kutsy said. "He had dreams and we made them come true, as much as we can." The Gary Hinte Art Show will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday at the Basil Burwell Community Theater in Belfast. Later this summer there will also be an auction of some of his paintings that will benefit the Maskers. Crude oil was already having a banner year amid a faster-than-expected recovery from the pandemic. Now, with an OPEC compromise in place, there will be no oil price war, volatility will settle down, and oil couldonce againbecome Wall Streets No. 1 commodity. In mid-June, the ratio of bullish to bearish bets on oil in New York stood at an impressive 23 to 1. This compares with a ratio of 6 to 1 at the beginning of the year, according to the Wall Street Journal. Surging demand is beyond the expectations of many at this point, and thats prompted a very bullish run on oil futures. Last year, oil consumption dropped by a record 8.6 million barrels per day amid the pandemic lockdowns. This year, it is predicted to rebound by 5.4 million barrels per day, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). Then, in 2022, consumption is estimated to rise by another 3.1 million bpd. By the end of 2022, then, oil demand could overtake supply and well have a crunch on our hands. We think that makes oil the hottest commodity on Wall Street And its great news for oil stocks that can now open the taps, oreven bettermake a big new discovery. Against this greatest year for oil backdrop, these are our two favorite stocks to play this exciting market with a steady dividend earner and a high-risk/high-reward explorer: #1 Exxon (NYSE:XOM) With the current oil market setup, its the perfect time to buy Exxon on the dip. Exxons had a rough year in the board room, but thats not necessarily a bad thing for investors. In fact, it might work in shareholders favor. Activist investors have been pushing phenomenally hard on this supergiant. They want XOM to cut spending, increase shareholder returns and invest more heavily in renewable energy technology to get a head start on an inevitable future. Its not moral. Its about planning for a future of continued returns. Those same activist shareholders have now won seats on Exxons board of directors. Story continues On top of that, BMO Capital analyst Phillip Jungwirth has now initiated coverage on XOM with a Market Perform rating and a $69 price target. Why? Because this supergiant has benefitted from rising oil prices and boasts an upstream pipeline that really leads the market. Year-to-date, weve seen XOM shares gain over 53%. Thats 3X the gain of the S&P 500 Index overall. It may take a minute for the wider market and all those new retail investors who are pouring into the game to digest whats just happened with the Exxon board shakeup. That means XOM could still dip a bit in the immediate future. But that creates a great chance to buy and hold because oil is set for more gains this year and next on excellent demand recovery and a forecast supply crunch. XOM is trading at just under $60 right now. BMO has a $69 price target over the next 12 months. That makes the supergiant look rather undervalued, trading for just 16 times its 2021 forecast earnings. Add to that a healthy 5.76% dividend yield, and this stock looks golden. #2 Reconnaissance Energy Africa (TSXV:RECO, OTC:RECAF) This is the junior oil explorer that has surprised the markets in Namibias giant Kavango Basinthe final frontier of onshore oil. From January 1, 2021, to June 23, 2021, ReconAfrica gained over 580% in valuation. And it appears it came out of nowhere. It also looks to have been a major target of what we believe are dubious short-selling campaigns and spoofing, but we think its held its ground against them all, precisely because its sitting on what some say could be the last big onshore conventional oil discovery the world will ever see. And not only that its backed by veteran management and industry leading geologists and geochemists. Its not a fly-by-night junior explorer. We think its the real deal and it was savvy enough to scoop up this entire, giant basin before anyone had time to blink. First of all, Namibias Kavango Basin is a giant 6.3-million acres, and ReconAfrica has the license for the entire thing. Previous estimates on this basin compared it to some of the biggest oil discoveries in the world in recent years, including the Midland Basin in West Texas, home of the Permian Basin. World-class geochemist Daniel Jarvie fully expects RECOs Kavango play will be productive. He is expecting high-quality oil and calls this one pretty much a no-brainer. More to the point, Jarviea renowned source rock expert--has estimated that the basin has generated billions of barrels of oil conservatively. Thats why hes very excited about this. Hes not the only one, either. Bill Catheygeologist to the supermajorsis also involved. He says nowhere in the world is there a sedimentary basin of this depth that has ever failed to produce commercial quantities of hydrocarbons.. We think thats exactly what investors want to hear on this one. Since RECO put the drill bit to the ground, the news flow has been wildly exciting, with reports of clear evidence of a working petroleum system on its maiden drill, and confirmation of a working petroleum system only part-way into its second drill. Our excitement is now palpable, as ReconAfrica prepares to release the full results of its second drill, after investors already saw up to 580% returns on initial findings indicating the existence of an active petroleum system. The timeline has been fast-paced, and RECO has already provided drilling results that indicate an active petroleum system in Kavangotwice. In April RECO/RECAF announced early findings from the first of their initial 3-well drill program, indicating a working petroleum system after only the first test drill. On June 3rd, RECO announced further indication of a working petroleum system in the shallow section of its second well. Then on July 14th, RECO announced that it (along with its JV partner, NAMCOR, Namibias state oil company) had completed drilling in the second stratigraphic test well (6-1) to 12,500 feet. In a matter of days, we hope to get results from that The company reports the well is now being prepared for wireline logging and up to 50 sidewall cores will be taken to maximize hydrocarbon recovery. As soon as coring is completed, RECO will run a vertical seismic profile tool (VSP) to the total depth to tie in into the 2D seismic program, which is planned to begin before the end of this monthacross the entire basin. That means results could come out shortly. So, how big could this one be? Absolutely huge in our opinion, (billions of potential barrels estimates Jarvie) so the stakes are tremendously high, which means high-risk/high-potential reward for investors. With each drill, ReconAfrica (TSXV:RECO, OTC:RECAF) looks to significantly de-risk, and we think thats what has short-sellers worried they will be losing a lot on this one. Other companies to watch: Royal Dutch Shell Plc. (NYSE:RDS.A) operates as an integrated oil, gas and chemicals company. Shell remains one of Big Oil's least optimistic companies when it comes to the long-term oil and gas outlook. Its no stranger to Africas oil boom, either. The Dutch oil giant began drilling in the region over 70 years ago, and now has energy assets in over 20 countries across the continent. Though it has sold off a number of its prized plays in the region in recent years, it continues to maintain a strong presence, especially in South Africa. South Africa is key for Shell because the government has been significantly more stable than some of the other big bets on the continent. Moreover, the country has been very open to Shell in its projects. The companys operations in South Africa include retail and commercial fuel, lubricant, chemical and manufacturing. Its also heavily invested in upstream exploration. It even holds the exploration rights to the Orange Basin Deep Water area, off the countrys west coast and has applications for shale gas exploration rights in the Karoo, in central South Africa. Chevron (NYSE:CVX) comes in just above Shell as the worlds second-largest oil and gas company by market cap. Chevron is also betting big on Africa, particularly Nigeria and Angola. The supermajor ranks among the top oil producers in the two African nations. Other areas on the continent where the company holds interests include Benin, Ghana, the Republic of Congo and Togo. Chevron also holds a 36.7 percent interest in the West African Gas Pipeline Company Limited, which supplies Nigerian natural gas to customers in the region. Chevron is also betting big on Africa, particularly Nigeria and Angola. The supermajor ranks among the top oil producers in the two African nations. Other areas on the continent where the company holds interests include Benin, Ghana, the Republic of Congo and Togo. Chevron also holds a 36.7 percent interest in the West African Gas Pipeline Company Limited, which supplies Nigerian natural gas to customers in the region. With bets on both oil and natural gas, the company is looking to take advantage of both fossil fuels. Though prices are still depressed at the moment, as fuel demand returns to normal, Chevron could be a big winner as prices climb back up to pre-pandemic levels. BP Plc. (NYSE:BP) engages in the energy business worldwide, including oil and gas production and refinery, trade in natural gas; offers biofuels and operates onshore/ offshore wind power, and solar power generating facilities. Also known as British Petroleum, BP is a multinational energy company that has been around for over 100 years. BP was formed in 1909 by the merger of two rival companies- Anglo-Persian Oil Company and Royal Dutch Shell. With operations in more than 80 countries and regions, BP is one of the world's largest oil and natural gas producers. We are still a long way from Beyond Petroleum. But chief executive Bernard Looney believes that we are only 30 years from a net-zero BP. He has promised that in September the company will lay out a more detailed plan that shows the path to that destination. But he has shown already that there is more to his commitment to net-zero than there was to Beyond Petroleum 20 years ago. Renewables and natural gas together account for the great majority of the growth in primary energy. In our evolving transition scenario, 85% of new energy is lower carbon, Spencer Dale, BP group chief economist, said, commenting on the outlook to 2040. TotalEnergies (NYSE:TTE) barely squeezes into the top 4 oil and gas companies in the world. And for good reason. The company is one of the most diversified and forward thinking oil majors in the business. And its no stranger to the African oil game, either. Total betting big on the regions potential. The company has been in the region for over 90 years, and it is showing no sign of reducing its footprint anytime soon. That said, Total also keeps a big picture outlook across all of its projects. The company is distinctly aware of the needs that are not being met by a significant portion of the worlds growing population, it is also hyper-aware of the growing threat of climate change. This good news for investors who often worry about how local entities are impacted when global energy giants move into their countries. From oil and gas to renewables and beyond, Total is setting itself up nicely for the long term. And thanks to its diversification, it has outperformed other pure oil majors. It is also staying ahead of the looming climate crisis by boosting its renewable assets. And it has a stellar ESG record, as well. From diversity and societal progression and workplace safety to its commitment to reducing its own carbon footprint, the near-100 year old energy giant is checking all the right boxes for investors. PetroChina Co. (NYSE:PTR) is the second-largest fuel company in the world and operates 30 countries across our planet, including China where it was founded back in 1999. PetroChina specializes mainly on oil exploration but has also extended into other sectors such as equipment manufacturing for petroleum engineering purposes; financial services like investing funds, merger and acquisition analysis or commodity trading; new energy development to identify opportunities related to emerging technologies that can help mitigate climate change through sustainable resource utilization. Like many other oil companies, PetroChina had a difficult time grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic. In Response, PetroChina created an anti-COVID-19 steering team to work, among other things, on reducing expenditure as well as cutting costs and enhancing profitability, controlling the capital expenditures and costs, optimizing debt settlement structure. The decline in international crude oil prices has adversely affected the Group's sales revenue and profits, the Group actively takes measures to deal with the risks of crude oil price fluctuations, and strives to maintain stable and healthy development of production and operations, PetroChina said. As the largest pure upstream company, ConocoPhillips Company (NYSE:COP) has performed relatively well in this depressed market, generating ample free cash flow and returning a good chunk of it to shareholders. Unlike many of its peers who continued to expand aggressively during the shale boom, COP has taken several steps to lower costs and fortify its balance sheet leading to one of the best cash positions in the oil patch. ConocoPhillips has been gradually offloading non-core assets, including the sale of its North Sea oil and gas assets for $2.7B and the planned sale of its Australian assets for $1.4B. Its asset portfolio, however, remains healthy. Conoco has been particularly bullish on oil demand outlook in 2021, and it was one of the few companies which did not partake in the mass-layoffs seen in the industry last year. In addition, Conoco has also seen a fairly decent about of insiders buying into its stock, which is a good sign. Crescent Point Energy Corp. (TSX:CPG) was another Canadian oil producer that struggled in the oil price crisis of last year. Despite its struggles, however, Crescent has seen its share price climb significantly over the past month. The 28% gain may just be the beginning of a turnaround for the embroiled Canadian oil giant. In fact, it has even received a strong buy signal from analysts at Zacks thanks to its strong price performance and improving technical. In addition to bullish news from OPEC and Asian demand recovery, Canadas oil sands are looking a bit more positive as well. According to government data, the controversial oil sands hit record-production in November and will likely continue to grow throughout the year. This turnaround in Canadian oil will likely be a boon for Crescent, and a full recovery is looking evermore probable. Matt Murphy, an analyst with energy research firm Tudor Pickering Holt explained, There will be a bit of incremental growth in excess of this record, adding, Our model shows the oil sands getting to 3.3 million bpd by the middle of 2021. As one of the biggest names in energy, Suncor Energy (TSX:SU) has adopted a number of high-tech solutions for finding, pumping, storing, and delivering its resources. Not only is it big in the oil sector, however, it is a leader in renewable energy. Recently, the company invested $300 million in a wind farm located in Alberta. When the rebound in crude prices finally materializes, giants like Suncor are sure to do well out of it. While many of the oil majors have given up on oil sands production those who focus on technological advancements in the area have a great long-term outlook. And that upside is further amplified by the fact that it is currently looking particularly under-valued compared to its peers. Enbridge (TSX:ENB) is in a unique position as oil and gas stages its 2021 comeback. As one of the more potentially undervalued companies in the sector, it could be set to win big this year. But thats only if it can overcome some of the challenges in its path. Most specifically, its Line 3 project which has faced scrutiny from environmentalists. The $2.6-billion project plans to replace Enbridge's existing 282 miles of 34-inch pipeline with 337 miles of 36-inch pipe. The new Line 3 would have the capacity to move 370,000 barrels of oil per day, alleviating the takeaway capacity constraints that Canadian oil producers have been struggling with for years now. Line 3 is one of two pipeline projects in the works that arein their unfinished statekeeping Canada's oil industry from reaching its potential. Canadian Natural Resources (TSX:CNQ) was an outlier in the industry. Unlike many of its peers, Canadian Natural Resources kept its dividend intact after swinging to a loss for the first half of the year, while Canada's producers are scaling back production by around 1 million bpd amid low oil prices and demand. Though Canadian Natural Resources kept its dividend, it withdrew its production guidance for 2020, however. It also said it would curtail some production at high-cost conventional projects in North America and oil sands operations and carry out planned turnaround activities at oil sands projects in the second half of 2020. Despite the negative stigma surrounding the the oil sands, the sector is starting to clean up its act a bit. And Canadian Natural Resources is leading the charge. And if analysts are right about Canadas comeback, Canadian Natural Resources could be in for a big year. Inter Pipeline Ltd (TSX:IPL) is another pipeline company that holds plenty of upside for the coming year, IPL is particularly interesting for its exposure to the oil sands sector which is sure to see a boost in production as more and more companies focus on increasing output in the new high oil price environment. The crisis in Venezuela has already seen heavy oil imports to North America drop, and as demand for the product increases and prices for oil continue to rise, companies in the space are sure to see growth. TC Energy Corporation (TSX:TRP) is a major oil and energy company based in Calgary, Canada. The company owns and operates energy infrastructure throughout North America. TC Energy is one of the continents largest providers of gas storage and owns and has interests in approximately 11,800 megawatts of power generations. Its also one of the continents most important pipeline operators. With TC Energys massive influence throughout North America, it is no wonder that the company is among one of Canadas highest valued energy companies. One of TC Energys biggest struggles in recent years was grappling with the particularly difficult approval process for its Keystone Pipeline. But thats all history now, and with the bounce back in oil and gas demand, TC Energy could stand to benefit. MEG Energy Corp (TSX:MEG) is a Canada-based oil producer which operates primarily in Northern Albertas oil sands. The forward-thinking company uses steam-assisted gravity drainage to retrieve oil from the deep wells which it drills. The excess heat and electricity produced from this process is then sold to Albertas power grid. The companys large proven resources and their cutting-edge technology make MEG a promising company for investors looking to get in to the promising oil sands in Alberta. By. Jason Cantle **IMPORTANT! BY READING OUR CONTENT YOU EXPLICITLY AGREE TO THE FOLLOWING. PLEASE READ CAREFULLY** Forward-Looking Statements. Statements contained in this document that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainty affecting the business of Recon. All estimates and statements with respect to Recons operations, its plans and projections, size of potential oil reserves, comparisons to other oil producing fields, oil prices, recoverable oil, production targets, production and other operating costs and likelihood of oil recoverability are forward-looking statements under applicable securities laws and necessarily involve risks and uncertainties including, without limitation: risks associated with oil and gas exploration, including drilling and other exploration activities, timing of reports, development, exploitation and production, geological risks, marketing and transportation, availability of adequate funding, volatility of commodity prices, imprecision of reserve and resource estimates, environmental risks, competition from other producers, government regulation, dates of commencement of production and changes in the regulatory and taxation environment. Actual results may vary materially from the information provided in this document, and there is no representation that the actual results realized in the future will be the same in whole or in part as those presented herein. Other factors that could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements are also set forth in filings that Recon and its technical analysts have made. We undertake no obligation, except as otherwise required by law, to update these forward-looking statements except as required by law. Exploration for hydrocarbons is a highly speculative venture necessarily involving substantial risk. Recon's future success will depend on its ability to develop its current properties and on its ability to discover resources that are capable of commercial production. However, there is no assurance that Recon's future exploration and development efforts will result in the discovery or development of commercial accumulations of oil and natural gas. In addition, even if hydrocarbons are discovered, the costs of extracting and delivering the hydrocarbons to market and variations in the market price may render uneconomic any discovered deposit. Geological conditions are variable and unpredictable. Even if production is commenced from a well, the quantity of hydrocarbons produced inevitably will decline over time, and production may be adversely affected or may have to be terminated altogether if Recon encounters unforeseen geological conditions. Adverse climatic conditions at such properties may also hinder Recon's ability to carry on exploration or production activities continuously throughout any given year. DISCLAIMERS ADVERTISEMENT. This communication is not a recommendation to buy or sell securities. 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Frequently companies profiled in our alerts experience a large increase in volume and share price during the course of investor awareness marketing, which often end as soon as the investor awareness marketing ceases. The information in our communications and on our website has not been independently verified and is not guaranteed to be correct. SHARE OWNERSHIP. The owner of Oilprice.com owns shares of this featured company and therefore has an additional incentive to see the featured companys stock perform well. The owner of Oilprice.com will not notify the market when it decides to buy more or sell shares of this issuer in the market. The owner of Oilprice.com will be buying and selling shares of this issuer for its own profit. This is why we stress that you conduct extensive due diligence as well as seek the advice of your financial advisor or a registered broker-dealer before investing in any securities. NOT AN INVESTMENT ADVISOR. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendations. ALWAYS DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH and consult with a licensed investment professional before making an investment. This communication should not be used as a basis for making any investment. RISK OF INVESTING. Investing is inherently risky. Don't trade with money you can't afford to lose. This is neither a solicitation nor an offer to Buy/Sell securities. No representation is being made that any stock acquisition will or is likely to achieve profits. Read this article on OilPrice.com Jul. 10Farmer Nathan Larson said his wheat crop turned out better than he expected. "It ended up being about 53 bushels per acre, and the test weight was good, so I was pleased," Larson said. Larson, like many Kansas agricultural producers, just finished up his wheat harvest this past week. According to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service, 62% of the Kansas wheat crop was harvested as of July 4. That figure is behind 75% for 2020, and 72% for the five-year average. The Kansas Wheat Commission reports the statewide wheat crop condition ratings this past week were at 65% "good to excellent," with 23% of the crop stated in "fair" condition and 12% "poor to very poor." Larson farms about 220 acres of wheat in Riley and Clay counties. He said his harvest results all netted test weights over 60 pounds, and that he was "surprised that the wheat looked beautiful." "The heads were big and green," Larson said. "I rubbed a couple heads between my hands, and thought it wasn't going to be as good, but it was all over 60 pounds (test weight)." Test weight refers to the measure of the weight of grain that can fit in a standard volume in this case, as pounds per bushel and is a way to indicate wheat quality. For Larson, a 60-pound test weight is good. He said he cut his small acreage just outside of Clay Center first, and that's where his "expectations were a little lower." His other parcel of land is about three and three-quarter miles west of Riley, or just a mile away from the Fort Riley tank gunnery range. "So, I get all the noise," Larson said. Larson, who farms by himself since his father died, said he had some help from his uncle in getting wheat cut and harvested before more rainfall arrived. "With two combines ... we got it done real quick," Larson said. "I know some people out in central and western Kansas had to stop for rain, but we never had a rain once we got started." Story continues Larson said the lack of interrupting rains was one reason why his test weight was higher, and he said he was "blessed to have no rainfall during harvest." Meanwhile, west of Council Grove and north of the small community of Wilsey in Morris County, farmer Daryl Strouts said he is almost finished with his wheat harvest. He said it's been "kind of an average year for us." "Yields are probably in the 40s to low 50s (bushels per acre)," Strouts said. "Nothing spectacular but not horrible either." Strouts farms about 600 acres of family-owned cropland; both he and Larson do not irrigate their wheat. Strouts, who also works for the Kansas Wheat Alliance, said it was almost Thanksgiving last year before his wheat began showing signs of life. "It didn't look good all winter, but we had really good rains in March, which helped," Strouts said. "Then we had good moisture in May. What looked pretty bleak in winter has turned out to be a pretty good crop." Strouts said part of the challenge with harvesting wheat this year was the late season rainfall. He said grain moisture needs to be down to 12% or 13% for it to be harvestable. Wheat stocks are often "too tough" to cut in early morning humidity. "You figure, if the humidity is above 50%, the wheat crop isn't going to dry out, so you need the air humidity to dry out for the wheat to dry out," Strouts said. "Often, we couldn't get started (cutting) until about 1 in the afternoon, and would have to quit by 7 or 8 p.m." Strouts said he planted a variety of wheat called "Zenda." Developed by Kansas State University researchers, he said this particular variety is "well adapted" to this area of northeast Kansas and is resistant to the typical wheat diseases seen in Kansas. "It's produced a consistent yield over the past couple of years," Strouts said. Strouts planted a test plot with 14 different varieties of wheat in 2-acre strips of land. In cooperation with K-State, and using a small 5-foot wide combine harvester, Strouts said he cut small plots to calculate what each of those varieties is yielding individually. "That gives us an idea of what might work best in this area," Strouts said. "We're always trying to figure out what might work best. A lot of farmers will do that buy a little bit of a new variety and test it." Larson said he only planted the "Chrome" wheat variety this year. A new wheat introduced about three years ago, Larson said he thought the "Chrome" variety might have better disease resistance than other varieties. "I'm going to run it back next year, until it lets me down," Larson said. "We didn't have any stripe rust problems with it. ... I don't think I had much disease pressure on my wheat." A member of the Kansas Wheat Commission, Larson said he did not apply any fungicide to his wheat, while his uncle did, and that his crops are "100% no till." The "Chrome" variety has a blueish-green color to it, and Larson said he can easily pick it out from other varieties. Strouts said he feels "pretty good" if his wheat yields about 45-50 bushels per acre. He said the soil he farms on "isn't necessarily the best," but for the way he manages his soil, and for the production he gets out of it, he "feels good about the 45-50 bushel per acre range." "So far it's been pretty decent," Strouts said. "You're always hopeful when you farm, always waiting on the next rain." Larson said last year's wheat harvest was "probably one of my best on record" with 70 bushel-per-acre wheat reported. He said that's only the second time in his life that he's come in at 70 bushels per acre. "That was a hard wheat, but it tested soft, which caused problems for the grain elevators," Larson said. "Now we're back to 50 bushels per acre this year. ... That's fairly average around here." The media used to be biased, presenting news that favored the political proclivities of those doing the reporting. However, it has moved far beyond that into advocacy and sometimes outright deception. My personal experience with the media is a window into that change and into the current attacks on conservatives. As I began my career as a documentary filmmaker in the late '70s and '80s, already the conservative complaints of bias were loud and also justified. Bias was easy to spot. Reporters covered stories and were sympathetic to one point of view, call it the "pro" side. So, the story would lead with the "pro" side and end with the "pro" side, sandwiching the "anti" side into the middle and giving it much less coverage. All the good quotes would come from the "pro" advocates, while the "anti" advocates were reduced to defending themselves or offering simple denials. Reporters for all three major TV networks and for all the prominent newspapers, such as the New York Times, the Washington Post, and the Los Angeles Times, used these same techniques. As a simple illustration, they would characteristically refer to the "conservative Heritage Foundation" while labeling the Brookings Institution as a "Washington think tank." As a documentarian with right-of-center sympathies, I knew I could not look to the networks for work, given their bias. Instead, I turned to PBS, which was legally obligated to be objective and balanced. PBS was open to at least some token conservative programs, such as Firing Line with William F. Buckley. As a result, our company, Manifold Productions, made many award-winning documentaries over the years, all nationally broadcast via PBS. Sensitized to the issues of bias, I determined that our films would air all sides of issues in a fair manner. Now, the era of bias is over, and the coverage of Donald Trump dealt it a death blow. The left-wing media no longer slant to one side, the very definition of bias, but omit in its entirety the "wrong" side. Viewers and readers are offered no clue as to why a rational person would oppose the reporter's point of view. Journalism has turned into advocacy, moving beyond bias. Bias is now old-school, fit for amateurs. Story continues In the Trump administration, I served as CEO of the U.S. Agency for Global Media, which oversees five international broadcasters: Voice of America, the Office of Cuba Broadcasting, Radio Free Asia, the Middle East Broadcasting Networks, and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. They are collectively one of the world's largest broadcasters, reaching over 350 million people a week in over 70 languages, with an annual budget of more than $850 million. Although I was only in office for eight months, and the media had rarely covered my agency over the previous decade, I garnered vast media attention. My goal was simply to return this agency to fulfilling its legally mandated mission to tell America's story and promote American ideals, such as freedom and democracy, worldwide. There was bipartisan agreement that the agency had lost its way, straying from its mission and beset by scandals. This led the Obama administration and Congress to create the new position of Senate-confirmed CEO, of which I was the first. Yet, the Left could not abide a Trump appointee running such a vast media empire, attacking me and retrospectively portraying the previous scandal-ridden years as if the agency was a finely run enterprise fulfilling its mission. There are personal connections in the landscape. My predecessor, John Lansing, left to run NPR. Amanda Bennett, who chose to resign as director of VOA the day before I started, is married to Don Graham, former publisher of the Washington Post. Not surprisingly, these two outlets took the lead in attacking me. During my tenure, the Post devoted over 40 articles to me, including three editorials and four op-eds, including one by Bennett herself, with no mention of her connection to the Washington Post. NPR gave me the equivalent airtime, only mentioning the Lansing connection after pressure from my agency. My legal team was overseeing an investigation into the incompetent and ethically questionable work of Lansing, Bennett, and their principal lieutenants, which was triggered by a series of damning reports by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, the Office of Personnel Management, and other agencies covering the 10 years before I arrived. This may have affected their attitude toward us. To be fair, it wasn't just NPR and the Washington Post; their colleagues at the New York Times, CNN, Politico, and the rest followed suit with identical coverage, just somewhat less frequently. Every new initiative of my administration was attacked, with the implication that it was part of a Trump administration conspiracy to turn these broadcasters into propagandists for Trump, a manifestly impossible task even if Trump had wanted to do it, which he did not. Our only goal was simply to ensure our broadcasters followed the law. They did not deign to present two points of view while favoring one, as in the old days of mere bias. They offered only one point of view attacks on my administration's work. In all this avalanche of coverage, never did a journalist interview anyone sympathetic to our point of view who could offer arguments supporting our work. Our supporters could easily be found, as they were featured in the trickle of positive coverage that we received from conservative media outlets. I will note that I refused to speak to these journalists, whom I did not trust. However, that does not relieve them, were they following traditional journalistic ethics, from finding a way to present the other side. In the end, we posted on the USAGM website four memos laying out our policies and reasoning in all controversial areas, which received no ink at all. But, these journalists did their work with a willingness to print or broadcast what they knew to be false or, at best, distorted. The examples are numerous, and many concerned misleading and outright false statements about our policies, errors that my communications team painstakingly corrected to reporters, only to be ignored. Let me offer a few simple examples from NPR's longtime media correspondent, David Folkenflik. While Folkenflik might have been the most egregious reporter, he was far from alone. Folkenflik wrote in a report that I did not cooperate with the Biden USAGM transition team. This was false. I named the transition team's point of contact, and I directed her to be fully cooperative within the guidelines issued to us by the White House, including providing hundreds of pages of internal documents. This is required by law. In addition, my communications team informed Folkenflik fully about our transition work, so he knew better. I wonder if Folkenflik had any sources confirming his story. When I met with the head of Joe Biden's transition team, Richard Stengel, he seemed embarrassed by the NPR story, assured me that the point of contact was cooperative, asserted that no one from his team would have said anything to the contrary to NPR, and offered to correct the record after the transition ended. But now it is way too late. Folkenflik connected his false account of my team's work to the broader story that the Trump administration wasn't cooperating with the incoming Biden administration due to claims of a stolen election. Several acquaintances and neighbors have asked why I was obstructing the peaceful transition of power as required by the Constitution. Once out, rumor and innuendo cannot be contained. An even bolder and more vicious lie appeared in a David Folkenflik NPR piece that referred to a podcast I appeared on called The Federalist Hour. Folkenflik wrote, "Pack joked with The Federalist's host, senior editor Chris Bedford, about deporting his employees and forcing them to adopt unsafe workplace practices that could expose them to COVID-19." So naturally, other outlets picked this up, absurdly accusing me of wanting to kill my employees by exposing them to COVID, a "policy" not even attributed to Trump or anyone on the American political spectrum. After all, no sane person endorses mass murder. In reality, I was trying to ignore host Chris Bedford, who was the one making a feeble joke, after asking me about bringing employees back after COVID. I tried to slough him off. However, his light tone is apparent listening to the audio. There were no jokes about "deporting employees" but a serious question about the right way to renew J-1 visas as required by law. My communications department provided David Folkenflik with a podcast transcript, but he refused to correct his piece. Maybe Folkenflik was not technically "lying," but his purpose was to deceive. He knew perfectly well what I was trying to say in that podcast. As a reporter, why would he knowingly distort the truth? Sadly, it got worse. Folkenflik, in several pieces, reported on the personal lives of some of my political appointees. For example, he mentioned one employee's messy divorce settlement, and another's dispute with his father resulting in a temporary restraining order. In three cases, they broke down and cried upon reading the pieces. A young man was unable to work that day or the next. Not only were they mortified that their families would read the stories, but they knew that future employers would Google them and retrieve these salacious stories that have nothing to do with their work or that of USAGM. My communications department begged Folkenflik not to put this material in his pieces since this gossip had no bearing on our policies or controversies surrounding international broadcasting. Instead, he simply noted that "the public had a right to know." Indeed, he had a right to publish it, and his reporting was factually accurate in these cases, but what was the point? What motivated these low personal attacks? I can only surmise that Folkenflik wanted to terrorize these young people, to strike fear into their hearts, to inhibit their ability to function. And it worked. Those attacked were more fearful, more cautious, and less effective. This kind of journalism is so beyond bias that I have trouble thinking up a name for it. It veers into Sopranos territory, journalists as hit men thugs with a pen, not a gun. Folkenflik himself did not have to suffer for his lack of journalistic integrity. On the contrary, he was rewarded. For his reporting, he won the Scripps Howard Award for Distinguished Service to the First Amendment. The judges of the award stated: "David Folkenflik's amazing reporting on the Trump administration's efforts to obliterate Voice of America falls squarely into the First Amendment aspirations of this award category." Needless to say, never did we try to "obliterate Voice of America," which I love and which is protected by law. Perhaps coincidentally, Folkenflik's boss at NPR and my predecessor, John Lansing, worked at Scripps for over 20 years, rising to serve as president of the Scripps Networks. I wish I had an easy solution to this problem. Our republic, founded as it is on the consent of the governed, cannot thrive without an informed public, for which we need a responsible media. The first step toward that end is to see clearly what kind of media we do have, which is now well beyond biased. Michael Pack is a documentary filmmaker, president of Manifold Productions, and former CEO of the U.S. Agency for Global Media. He has produced over 15 documentaries for public television, most recently Created Equal: Clarence Thomas in His Own Words." Washington Examiner Videos Tags: Media, NPR, Voice of America, Media Bias, Journalism, Social Media, Conservatives Original Author: Michael Pack Original Location: Beyond bias On July 9, President Joe Biden signed the "Executive Order on Promoting Competition in the American Economy." In a fact sheet accompanying that order, the White House claimed that it "established a whole-of-government effort to promote competition in the American economy, includ[ing] 72 initiatives by more than a dozen federal agencies to promptly tackle some of the most pressing competition problems across our economy." These efforts would do several things for people, including make it "easier to change jobs and help raise wages Lower prescription drug prices Save Americans with hearing loss thousands of dollars Save Americans money on their internet bills Make it easier for people to get refunds from airlines Make it easier and cheaper to repair items you own Make it easier and cheaper to switch banks Empower family farmers and increase their incomes [and] Increase opportunities for small businesses," the fact sheet claimed. There were, indeed, few things that the White House claimed the executive order would not do, through instructions to different regulatory agencies, including antitrust guidance. Commercial freight rail immediately took umbrage at those instructions and warned of dire effects. "The Biden administration today announced an executive order that included a misguided direction to interfere with functioning freight markets that could ultimately undermine railroads' ability to reliably serve customers. In part, the executive order called on the independent Surface Transportation Board to consider a forced switching rule and other ill-considered policy changes," the Association of American Railroads said in a statement. The lobby's president, Ian Jefferies, told the Washington Examiner, "Competition remains fierce across freight providers, and any proposal mandating forced switching would put railroads, an environmentally friendly option that invests $25 billion annually in infrastructure, at an untold disadvantage. Such a rule would roll back the foundational market-driven principle that keeps the industry viable, reduce network fluidity, and ultimately undermine railroads' ability to serve customers at a time when freight demands have dramatically increased." Story continues Marc Scribner is a transportation policy analyst at the Reason Foundation and a close observer of rail policy. "The Biden administration should better appreciate the severe harms caused by heavy-handed economic regulation of railroads imposed under past administrations and respect the independence of the Surface Transportation Board. President Biden's proposals are fundamentally misguided, and the Surface Transportation Board should reject them in favor of careful analysis based on economic reality and the law," he told the Washington Examiner. The Washington Examiner asked the Surface Transportation Board, which regulates the commercial freight rail industry, what it was doing in response to Biden's executive order. "The chairman's own words are probably best for answering that question," said board spokesman Michael Booth. He directed the Washington Examiner to a news release by Chairman Martin Oberman on the document. In that release, Oberman reiterated the board's "independence" in law but that it will "welcome the nationwide policy contained in this new Executive Order." "In harmony with the White House's policy that the federal government should seek to boost competition nationwide, as I have previously indicated since being named as Chairman, I intend to urge my fellow Board members to prioritize and strongly consider the concepts embodied in several measures which are already pending or have been recommended by Board staff or stakeholders, including but not limited to reforming the Board's competitive access policies; enhancing shipper visibility into first mile/last mile service; and increasing the practical accessibility of rate relief measures to shippers in market-dominant situations," Oberman said in the statement. He also added a comment on an issue that is near and dear to Biden's heart. Biden was known as Sen. Amtrak when he served in Congress because of his use of the commuter rail service to get to and from Delaware every day. Amtrak does not own its rail network but piggybacks on commercial rail networks. This can lead to commuting delays. Oberman insisted that "the Board takes seriously the administration's emphasis on ensuring that passenger rail is not subject to unwarranted delays and interruptions in service. Freight railroads have obligations to facilitate timely passenger rail service. Earlier this year, I formed an internal working group to advise the Board on the resources necessary to fulfill the agency's responsibilities to investigate compliance with the new on-time performance standards and, starting next year, to ensure that those standards are enforced." The trade journal Railway Age called the executive order "Much Ado About Not Very Much." "The 6,861-word document contains very little language directly pertaining to the USDOT, STB, and the railroad industry, with the possible exception of how a Class I merger could affect Amtrak," the journal explained. Railway Age also published an analysis by railway economist Jim Blaze that said a "reciprocal switching" or "forced switching" rule would "in some places ... work as a public benefit. But in most locations, it could be very complex and time-consuming." "Localized or regional added second-carrier access can be an effective tool for railroad customers. But in some physical or traffic level circumstances, the costs may exceed the expected benefits. And in many cases, the possible second rail carrier will decide it's not worth trying to bid for serving selected 'open' locations too time-consuming, and a shortage of crews and locomotives will make some movements too complicated for all involved," Blaze explained. The executive order would also have some effects on commercial shipping. But efforts to increase competition in the U.S. shipping industry could run into other long-standing policies of the U.S. government. "There is compelling evidence that the Jones Act, which mandates that ships traveling between domestic ports be built in the United States, has made the American shipbuilding industry less competitive globally and increased the costs for transport of goods between U.S. ports," R Street fellow Halie Craig told the Washington Examiner. "Since the enactment of the Jones Act a century ago, the cost of U.S.-built ships has risen dramatically relative to the cost of foreign ships as much as four times as high for U.S.-built tankers and five times as high for U.S.-built container ships, compared to global prices. Protection from foreign shipbuilders has hampered the competitiveness of the domestic industry (U.S. shipbuilding amounts to only 0.2 global output), and restrictions on who can ship between domestic ports hurt consumers by limiting their access to goods, as we have seen in times of crisis when the requirements of the Jones Act have been waived," she added. Matt Stoller is the director of research at the American Economic Liberties Project and a harsh critic of monopoly concentration. When the Washington Examiner asked him about the executive order's effects on competition in freight and shipping, he expressed a rare humility for a policy wonk. "I don't know! It's not my area," he insisted. However, Stoller has repeatedly highlighted contradictions of the Biden administration, which were shown off in the fanfare surrounding this executive order. On the one hand, this administration is very ambitious, rhetorically. "Capitalism without competition isn't capitalism. It's exploitation," Biden said in remarks on the same day he signed the executive order. The president even went so far as to criticize the Chicago school of economics, which has curbed antitrust enforcement by attacking many inefficiencies and ill effects of said enforcements. On the other hand, the administration hasn't yet shown the willingness to see this ambitious agenda through. For example, the administration has dragged its feet on appointing a person to run the Justice Department's antitrust division. "Both are true. Biden proposed the most significant policy changes on corporate power in 40 years, and Dems don't know how to do something they haven't done in 40 years," Stoller said on Twitter. Washington Examiner Videos Tags: Business, Economy, Joe Biden, Transportation, Railroads, Trade, airlines, Antitrust Original Author: Jeremy Lott Original Location: Biden's competition executive order is big on ambition but lacks teeth Protests roiling Cuba are throwing President Joe Bidens drawn-out policy review into sharp relief, exposing divisions inside the Democratic Party over how to approach the humanitarian crisis and a crucial Cuban American electorate in Florida. "Biden, who I supported and voted for, has the opportunity to make history and do the right thing," said Sasha Tirador, a Democratic strategist in South Florida. "Otherwise, the Democrats can kiss the state of Florida goodbye for years to come." Tirador said she wants to see humanitarian assistance sent to the island, where the coronavirus is spreading rapidly and basic resources are in painfully short supply. "Let the world see how the Cuban government rejects the help," Tirador said. Biden's response, some Democrats fear, has made him vulnerable to Republican attacks. "The silence of the Biden administration is like music to the ears of the Republicans in Miami," one Florida Democrat told the Washington Examiner. "He is falling into their hands." Outside of the White House, Cuban American activists urged Biden to intervene. Dozens chanted, "Joe Biden estamos aqui!" telling the president on Wednesday, "We are here." Meanwhile, former Vice President Mike Pence declared, "Que viva Cuba libre!" in a speech at the Heritage Foundation across town. Pence and former President Donald Trump swept Florida's 29 electoral votes in the 2016 presidential election before carrying it again in 2020. And while Trump lost reelection, Florida became one of five states where the ticket earned a higher percentage of the two-party vote than in 2016. South Florida's hold on presidential elections is hard to miss. Weighing an appointment to the Supreme Court bench one month before Election Day, Trump summed up his thinking thus: Miami, he said when asked about federal appeals court judge Barbara Lagoa, a Cuban American from Hialeah, the Miami city-suburb. Story continues Ive heard incredible things about her. I dont know her, Trump said at the time. Shes Hispanic and highly respected. Miami, he then said after a pause. But despite forgoing Lagoa, Trump went on to win a decisive share of Florida voters. A presumed 2024 hopeful, Nikki Haley was spotted sitting down with Mayor Francis Suarez in April. Hanging over the meeting was the potential for a joint presidential ticket, a source told Politico Playbook at the time. Suarez is Cuban American and wildly popular, elected by Miami residents with an 86% approval rate. He said this month that military action might be needed in Cuba and urged Biden to consider airstrikes against the regime. Biden has given few clues on the direction of his Cuba policy. As vice president under Barack Obama, the White House rolled back years of sanctions. The Biden administration has been considering its approach, with no end date in sight. Press secretary Jen Psaki declined to say when the review would be completed. Still, she said, the weekend protests "will obviously have an impact on how we proceed." Biden aides have been unable to confirm accounts of continued protests in Cuba through the end of the week due to an internet blackout. However, speaking to reporters Thursday, a senior administration official voiced concerns over individuals targeted by Cuban authorities. There are several prominent activists among the missing, this official said. "We saw when we came in that the Cuban regime was cracking down much more on the population, and that is bearing on how we are analyzing some of the possible policy responses," he explained. "But it's also something that we have to consult a broad set of stakeholders, including members of Congress and the community, and that's something that we've been doing for four months." A refugee exodus is one concern for a White House vulnerable to attacks over its handling of asylum arrivals. "Even before the protests erupted on Sunday, the number of Cubans leaving has become a top concern," said Michael Shifter, president of the Inter-American Dialogue, a Washington-based forum on Western Hemisphere affairs. "If the crackdown continues and the economic situation continues to deteriorate, it's conceivable that that could become a real problem." Shifter said two things drove the Trump administration's Latin America policy. One was migration. "That was, I think, the main reason he got elected in 2016," he said. And then "his policy on Venezuela, which was all Florida politics." Six months into the Biden administration, "the issues continue to be Florida politics and migration." Biden has tried to pursue a very different approach on both of those issues. Still, given the circumstances in Cuba, "it is extremely difficult to imagine him rolling back the Trump administration sanctions." Raul Martinez, a Democrat and former mayor of Hialeah, said he thought electoral politics were swaying Biden's team. Twenty years ago, White House chief of staff Ron Klain led the bitterly disputed Florida recount for presidential candidate Al Gore. "I'm not there in Washington," Martinez caveated. "But what I understand is that it's coming from the chief of staff. And I think that the chief of staff was burned back when Al Gore was running for president." A battleground state, Florida could be decisive in securing a presidential win. And with the country's highest population of Cuban and Cuban American residents, South Florida's Hialeah holds a powerful constituency. This month, protesters in Hialeah have taken to the streets to urge support for U.S. intervention in Cuba. Martinez pointed to a segment of the Cuban population who were vocal supporters of Trump and backed efforts to suffocate the Cuban regime through sanctions and other pressures. "Then you have the other people that are saying, 'Listen, don't let the people starve,'" he said. On the campaign trail, Biden vowed to roll the sanctions back. "They have had to weigh that," Martinez said. "I would have gone with the people that probably voted for Biden. And he made a promise that he would lift some of those sanctions." Washington Examiner Videos Tags: News, Biden Administration, White House, Florida, Joe Biden, Donald Trump, Al Gore, Cuba, Voting Original Author: Katherine Doyle Original Location: How Biden's Cuba handling weighs on battleground Florida It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, someone once wrote, and I believe the fellow had in mind some events in France. My wife and I slipped into Paris a couple of weeks ago, and we found that the observation still applied, even without the unpleasantness of the guillotine. We were celebrating a significant anniversary; it seemed to us a long weekend spent gorging on pate de campagne at sidewalk cafes and washing down fat snails with austere premier cru Chablis at brasseries might be just the thing. It was the best of times indeed, at least from the selfish tourist perspective. Attractions normally choked with visitors enjoyed rare breathing room. Getting tickets for the Musee dOrsay was a breeze. Once in the museum, we found that works people regularly jostle and shoulder to view werent just unobstructed. Many were in rooms nearly empty of pesky patrons, making it easy to take ones time enjoying the greatest hits of impressionism. It was possible, for example, to sit in front of Renoirs pair of paintings, City Dance / Country Dance, for minutes at a time without anyone stepping in front of us to make a show of inspecting brush strokes. Van Goghs La nuit etoilee was all by itself; without any interlopers to distract from the paintings effect, it thrummed and sparked with raw electricity. I spent some quality time alone with a favorite painting, Manets Fife Player. The next day, we even managed to make the death march through the worlds grandest bordello (that is, walk through the palace of Versailles) without getting smushed. So, what about the worst of times bit? We snatched our few days of R and R in a short-lived truce in the COVID wars. We were there not long after Paris was declared an open city and just a little while before French President Emmanuel Macron declared that bars, restaurants, and most public spaces would be off-limits to anyone unable to prove theyve been vaccinated. My wife and I had brought our vaccination cards and found that no one was interested in looking at them. The documents we had needed to jet off to Paris were papers showing negative results on COVID-19 tests taken within days of our departure. Getting the tests before take-off was relatively easy: the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, D.C., has a pop-up clinic providing same-day results. Story continues But getting out of France wasnt quite so easy. Once in the country, no one was going to allow us on a plane without the results of a French-administered COVID-19 test. And just try to find somewhere to get such a test. To be ready for a Monday morning flight home, we started stopping at drug stores Saturday morning. We had been told we could get our tests at any of the pharmacies found on every other Parisian street corner. At one after another, we were sent away with nothing but a Gallic shrug. So relentless were the difficulties finding the letters of transit we needed that we all but expected to hear Dooley Wilson break into song. Come Saturday evening, we had begun to despair of finding somewhere to take COVID-19 tests in time for our departure. Tests, we discovered, were offered at the airport, but by Sunday, all of Mondays appointments were spoken for. My wife, undaunted and unstoppable, began to work the phones in earnest. Within an hour, she had found a laboratory in a distant arrondissement that offered ce nest pas possible! COVID-19 testing, and on Sunday, no less. The next morning, we were at a ramshackle clinic. We got ourselves on a list and were sent around the corner and down the block to a nondescript door. We knocked, went in, were swabbed by a sullen young woman and told to come back in half an hour. The process had the shabby, furtive feel of a narcotics transaction. But we did manage to get the papers we needed. Should you venture to France anytime soon, be prepared for shifting rules and regulations. But its worth the uncertainty. If you need an excuse for weathering COVID-created travel hassles, let me give you the only reason you will need. Go to the restaurant Josephine chez Dumonet. Order the boeuf bourguignon. You wont be worrying about how to get the papers youll need to leave France; all youll be thinking is of are ways to stay in Paris so that you can come back to Chez Dumonet for more boeuf bourguignon. Eric Felten is the James Beard Award-winning author of How's Your Drink? Washington Examiner Videos Tags: Life, humor, Paris, Tourism Original Author: Eric Felten Original Location: Boeuf a la COVID GABORONE (Reuters) - About 15,000 people in Botswana will not be able to get their second dose of AstraZeneca's coronavirus vaccine in time and will be vaccinated with either Pfizer or Moderna, the health ministry said on Friday. Botswana, which is purchasing the vaccines from AstraZeneca under the World Health Organisation-backed COVAX scheme, had signed up for 940,800 doses of the two-shot vaccine. It has so far received only 62,400 AstraZeneca and 19,890 Pfizer doses under the scheme, according to official government numbers. The COVAX scheme had committed to deliver 2 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccine to 180 countries in the continent by the end of 2021, but has so far delivered only 118 million. "The shortfall in the AstraZeneca vaccine is about 15,000 doses, resulting in people of the same number likely to get their second doses beyond the initially anticipated 12 weeks," the Ministry of Health and Wellness said in a statement. AstraZeneca's shot is the cheapest and most readily available vaccine launched so far. Unlike the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, it does not need to be kept at extremely cold temperatures that make transport and storage in rural Africa highly problematic. "A decision has been taken that all those affected by these developments be offered Moderna or Pfizer vaccines, as second doses, if any of the two become available earlier than the expected AstraZeneca vaccine," the statement said. Botswana has been administering the Chinese Sinovac vaccine as well as the Pfizer and AstraZeneca shots. According to official figures, 173,512 of Botswana's 1.6 million adults have received one dose, and 111,164 are fully vaccinated. President Mokgweetsi Masisi said on Tuesday that Botswana was expecting to receive 50,000 Moderna vaccines in the coming weeks and at least 500,000 doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, which requires only one dose, by December 2021. (Reporting by Brian Benza; Editing by Promit Mukherjee and Kevin Liffey) The man got into difficulties in a swimming pool in Triq it-Trunciera, St Paul's Bay, on Thursday night. (Getty) A 27-year-old man from the UK has died in Malta after drowning in a swimming pool. Police in Malta confirmed that the man got into difficulties while swimming in the pool at Triq it-Trunciera, St Paul's Bay at around 7.45pm on Thursday. He was given first aid at the scene while waiting for paramedics and was rushed to the Mater Dei Hospital by ambulance, but died there shortly afterward. Police said an investigation is underway and a duty magistrate is leading an inquiry. Watch: Malta abandons plans to bar unvaccinated travellers from entry Read more: Government ignoring top COVID symptoms, scientist says In a statement, the Malta Police Force said: "A 27-year-old man from the United Kingdom has unfortunately lost his life after he encountered difficulties while swimming in a pool at Triq it-Trunciera, St Paul's Bay, yesterday, at around 1945hrs. "The man was given first aid by people on site while waiting for paramedics and an ambulance took him to Mater Dei Hospital for treatment but was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. "Duty Magistrate Dr Donatella Frendo Dimech LL.D is leading an inquiry whilst Police investigations are still ongoing." Malta is currently on the green list of travel destinations. That means people returning to England from there need to take a COVID-19 test before departure and have proof of a negative result, then also must book a test for day two after their return as well as completing a passenger locator form. People only need to quarantine on return if their day-two test is positive, or NHS Test & Trace says they have travelled with someone who tested positive. Watch: How the world could be better after COVID SOFIA (Reuters) - Bulgaria's anti-establishment party There Is Such a People (ITN), which narrowly won Sunday's national election, will seek the support of two smaller anti-graft parties to form a minority government, its deputy leader said on Friday. ITN would hold talks with its potential partners on priorities, but would not discuss ministerial posts, Toshko Yordanov, a deputy leader of ITN, told a news conference. "It is logical to hold talks in the parliament. But we will again present our own nomination for a Cabinet," Yordanov said. On Thursday, ITN withdrew its initial nomination for prime minister in a bid to win support in the fractured parliament after the country's second election in three months. Backing for ITN, Democratic Bulgaria and Stand Up! Mafia Out! has risen since the last election in April, amid popular anger against entrenched corruption in the European Union's poorest member state. But the three parties would still be seven seats short of majority and would need the backing of at least one of the traditional parties. President Rumen Radev said he would summon parliament next Wednesday. (Reporting by Tsvetelia Tsolova; Editing by Alex Richardson) An X-ray technician in California whose January death was under investigation as his family suggested a possible link to his second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine died due to heart disease, a coroners report concluded. Tim Zook, 60, died of hypertensive and atherosclerotic heart disease with severe cardiomegaly and heart failure, according to his autopsy report. The report did not mention a COVID-19 vaccine and said he died at UC Irvine Medical Center. At the time of his death, Zooks widow, Rochelle, told local news outlets that her husband "believed in vaccines" and was "sure he would take that vaccine again, and hed want the public to take it," but that she noticed his health went into a sharp decline after he received his second dose of the Pfizer shot. CDC PANEL TO WEIGH COVID-19 BOOSTER SHOTS IN IMMUNOCOMPROMISED PATIENTS "We are not blaming any pharmaceutical company," she had told the Orange County Register, before suggesting that his downturn was some sort of a reaction. At the time, the Orange County coroner confirmed to Fox News that it was investigating his death and said that "if its determined there may be a correlation to the vaccine, we will immediately notify the OC Health Care Agency." However, no such correlation was found. CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE Pfizer and BioNTech had also confirmed to Fox News at the time that they were aware of Zooks death and were thoroughly reviewing the matter. "Our immediate thoughts are with the bereaved family," a statement provided to Fox News said at the time. "We closely monitor all such events and collect relevant information to share with global regulatory authorities. Based on ongoing safety reviews performed by Pfizer, BioNTech and health authorities, BNT162b2 retains a positive benefit-risk profile for the prevention of COVID-19 infections. Serious adverse events, including deaths that are unrelated to the vaccine, are unfortunately likely to occur at a similar rate as they would in the general population." It has been won by big-name Hollywood directors and is headed by one of France's top comic stars, but the "Queer Palm" prize celebrating LGBTQ movies at Cannes still has no official place at the world's top film festival. Awards for films with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer content are already an integral part of other major movie gatherings, including Berlin, which has handed out its "Teddy Award" since 1987 and made it part of its official programme. Not so at Cannes, where the festival's leadership won't even allow the "Queer Palm" -- which has been running for a decade -- to set up shop in its main building, the Palais du Festival. "We're not ugly ducklings," actor and director Nicolas Maury, who heads up the "Queer Palm" jury this year, told AFP. Maury, one of the stars of hit Netflix show "Call My Agent", added: "It's a central prize that doesn't deserve to be sidelined. I think it would be a good idea for it to be part of the official ceremony." Maury said the award, created in 2010 and independently financed, is aimed at "courageous films that feature openness and humanity" where people who are often discriminated against "are finally noticed and listened to". - 'The Divide' wins - On Friday, the jury gave this year's "Queer Palm" to "The Divide" by French director Catherine Corsini, a film also competing for the Palme d'Or in the Cannes festival's main draw. The movie describes events at a Paris hospital during violent clashes between "Yellow Vest" demonstrators and police that turned the capital's chic neighbourhoods into virtual war zones throughout 2018 and 2019. The film's main male character is shot in the leg by police, taken to hospital and meets a same-sex couple going through a relationship crisis. At first the encounter between the provincial "prole" and the artistic Parisian couple -- which is inspired by Corsini's own relationship -- is testy. But then it morphs into a degree of mutual understanding. Story continues "What I really wanted to do was tell the story of a 50-something couple of women who have reached the point of accepting themselves as they are," the director said. "Homosexuality both is and is not a theme of the film, because it's integral, it dodges prejudice. It's fantastic to be recognised for that." In her three decades of filmmaking, the 65-year-old Corsini has made her mark primarily as a discreet but powerful voice for women's freedom, exploring themes of homosexuality, patriarchy and gender equality. Past winners include Todd Haynes for "Carol" and Xavier Dolan for "Laurence Anyways". "Portrait of a Lady on Fire" by Celine Sciamma won at the last Cannes in 2019. This year's shortlist of 26 movies included Paul Verhoeven's "Benedetta" -- also vying for the Palme d'Or in the main Cannes competition -- which tells the story of a lesbian nun in 17th-century Italy. "Compartment No. 6" by Juho Kuosmanen of Finland was also in the running, as was the gender-fluid shocker "Titane" by Julia Ducournau and several others spread over the festival's various categories. "Queer Palm" founder Franck Finance-Madureira told AFP he was delighted that this year's Cannes selections made for rich pickings for his prize shortlist. "This shows that queer themes are more and more prevalent in films," he said. jfg-jh/alc/tgb/dw Reuters Videos Surveillance video shows the 5-year-old child walking ahead of his mother and siblings in Queens on Thursday (July 15) evening.A man is seen getting out of a car, running to the child, snatching him off the sidewalk and putting him in the backseat of a parked car. The child's mother is seen pulling her son through the car's front passenger seat window.The child was not hurt.The mother, identified by local media as 45-year-old Dolores Diaz, said she did not know why someone would try to take her child and said her neighborhood is safe.Late Friday, police arrested 24-year-old James McGonagle. He has been charged with attempted kidnapping as well as other counts.Police said they are looking for a second suspect. Representational: Some 911 calls for mental health emergencies wont be answered by police officers but by mental health professionals (Getty Images) Mental health professionals coupled with paramedics will start answering some 911 calls instead of police for the first time in Chicago, as the city tries to shift its emphasis to a public health approach. One such pilot project that will launch this autumn will see specialists assigned to any callouts designated as involving behavioural health, reported the Chicago Sun-Times. A second pilot will have paramedics and recovery specialists deal with calls on substance abuse. Chicago has been incorporating crisis intervention training for a few years after the cases of teenagers Laquan McDonald and Quintonio LeGrier, in which both experienced mental health episodes but were shot and killed by police officials. The pilot programmes aim to test how much police can be relieved of mental health calls that can sometimes come with high levels of risk. Such programmes have been attempted across the country with mixed results. The changes are a response to high-profile incidents like that in March 2020 in Rochester, New York, when a Black man from Chicago died after police placed a mesh hood over his head during a mental health episode. He was pinned to the ground, but a grand jury decided to forego charging the officers involved. This came despite body camera evidence showing 41-year-old Prude being pinned to the ground naked until he stopped breathing. The alternate response project also comes in the wake of the debate over the polices handling of George Floyd that led to his murder in Minneapolis last spring. The officer who knelt on Floyds neck, Derek Chauvin, was recently convicted for his murder. Floyd had battled addiction and was also reportedly struggling with depression. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. Chicago city officials dubbed the inclusion of mental health clinicians as a public health approach to responding to 911 calls. Were super excited. This is a brand new workforce for the city, and its an exciting opportunity to use a public health approach for people likely to come in contact with the first-responder system, Alex Heaton, Chicago mayor Lori Lightfoots policy adviser for public safety, told the Chicago Sun-Times. Story continues This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. City officials have also said that they will staff two ambulances, each with a police officer trained in crisis intervention, a paramedic and a mental health clinician before the project officially launches in the autumn. Local reports said teams based on the north and south sides of Chicago will respond around the clock across 13 neighbourhoods with historically high number of mental health calls. These neighbourhoods are: Uptown, North Center, Lake View, Humboldt Park, West and East Garield Park, West Englewood, West Elsdon, Chicago Lawn, West Lawn, Gage Park, Auburn Gresham and Chatham. Read More White House convenes mayors to discuss strategies on crime US passenger, carrying wad of cash, allegedly gets into a fight, causes emergency landing $3 million in grants going to Black history sites, groups By Yew Lun Tian BEIJING (Reuters) -China has financed the setup of a fund under APEC to fight COVID-19 and fuel economic recovery, President Xi Jinping said during a virtual meeting of the Asia-Pacific trade group on Friday, according to Xinhua news agency. Xi also said that China supported waiving the intellectual property rights on COVID vaccines and was willing to cooperate with other countries to ensure a stable and safe supply chain for vaccines. China had provided more than 500 million vaccine doses to developing countries, Xi said. "Turn your face to the sun and the shadows will fall behind you," said Xi, citing a New Zealand Maori saying, according to Xinhua. "We have full confidence in humanity's victory over the pandemic through cooperation. We have full confidence in the prospects of world economic recovery. We have full confidence in a shared, bright future of humanity." At a G20 health summit in May, Xi pledged an additional $3 billion in aid over the next three years to help developing countries recover from the pandemic. On the topic of regional economic integration, Xi called for countries to build an open, fair and unbiased environment for digital commerce. "We want to tear down walls, not build them; we want openness, not isolation; we want integration, not decoupling," Xi told world leaders, including U.S. President Joe Biden. Xi said that China has finished ratifying the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), the world's largest free trade bloc consisting of 15 Asia-Pacific economies but not the United States, and said he hoped the agreement could come into effect by the end of 2021. Xi was speaking at an extraordinary meeting held by New Zealand, the revolving Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation host, ahead of a formal gathering in November, the first time such an additional meeting has been held. (Reporting by Yew Lun Tian, additional reporting by Emily ChowEditing by Peter Graff, Nick Macfie and Kim Coghill) (Bloomberg) -- A heat wave across some of Chinas biggest industrial provinces has pushed local electricity consumption to unprecedented levels, sending thermal coal futures toward record highs. The power load in the eastern province of Zhejiang near Shanghai surpassed 100 million kilowatts per hour on Tuesday for the first time, the State Grid said in its newspaper. Usage has also hit records in nearby Jiangsu and the southern region of Guangdong, where temperatures have reached as high as 37 degrees Celsius (99 degrees Fahrenheit). The excessive demand boosted Chinese thermal coal futures to the highest in two months, briefly topping 900 yuan a ton in early trading Friday. Futures have rallied more than 30% this year, reaching a record in May, amid a supply shortage. Coal, Chinas principal energy source, has been in short supply as a trade spat with producer Australia has crimped imports, while a spate of fatal accidents has led to safety inspections. At the same time, Chinas efforts to limit the use of the dirtiest fossil fuel have been thwarted as hot weather raises air conditioning needs. Southern China has been very hot, and the daily power load is consistently breaking new highs, said Huatai Futures Co. analyst Wang Haitao. Although the supply of coal has increased, thats hard to sustain given the intense draw-down. Some regions are again rationing electricity and issuing warnings about using coal. Pressure on the nations electricity sources is resurfacing with the onset of summer, which meteorologists have said may be hotter than usual this year. Compounding the problem is Chinas strong economic growth as factories return to full strength after the pandemic. Power consumption surged 10% in June. Authorities have tried several measures to ease the situation. Among the biggest was the plan Thursday to supply 10 million tons of the fossil fuel from reserves, the fifth release of stockpiles this year, according to the Xinhua New Agency. Chinas top economic planner on Friday vowed a massive buildup of capacity to meet demand and cool prices. China has also considered price caps. But any efforts to boost production at local mines will take time, and the spot market remains especially tight. Story continues Zhejiangs peak load is equivalent to almost five times the energy produced by Chinas largest hydropower station, the Three Gorges. The province is still highly reliant on coal, with only 30% of its power supplied from renewable sources. Jiangsus energy needs are even higher, with the province expected to have a peak load of 125 million kilowatt per hour this summer. Local Export Ban Extreme weather is upsetting the coal market in more ways than just hot temperatures. A rainstorm days ago temporarily halted the road links between major coal sourcing province Shanxi to some neighboring regions. That forced Henan province to ban exporting its own coal production to other areas, the official Securities Times reported. Henan also ordered coal producers to report their production and inventories to the government on a daily basis to keep track of supplies and demand, the newspaper said. The governments concern followed a record power load in Zhengzhou, its capital city, according to the report. Other commodities also risk being hit by efforts to keep electricity flowing. Aluminum output is likely to come under further pressure as supply curtailments due to electricity shortages persist. Smelters in the major hub of Yunnan wont restore production as planned after a new round of power rationing due to the hot weather, according to Mysteel. (Updates with capacity expansion plans in seventh paragraph.) More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com Subscribe now to stay ahead with the most trusted business news source. 2021 Bloomberg L.P. China's President Xi Jinping on Friday promised $3 billion in aid to developing countries to fight Covid-19 at an unprecedented emergency online meeting of APEC heads of state. Xi said the additional funds, which come after a similar pledge in May, were intended to "support Covid-19 response and economic and social recovery in other developing countries," according to the official Xinhua news agency. Appearing via a video-link, Xi added that China has already supplied developing countries wth more than 500 million Covid-19 vaccine doses. New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern was scheduled to host the annual summit of leaders from the 21-nation Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) group in December, but called an additional meeting with less than five days' notice to address urgent issues caused by the global pandemic. US President Joe Biden and Russia's Vladimir Putin are attending the meeting, which began on Friday evening Beijing time. Faced with international criticism over how it handled the initial outbreak in the central city of Wuhan and calls for an international inquiry into the causes of the pandemic, Beijing has been keen to position itself as a saviour for other countries now struggling to control the virus. China, where the coronavirus first surfaced in late 2019, has promised billions of dollars in aid, medical equipment and vaccines to countries around the world in recent months as it brought domestic outbreaks under control. tjx/jfx Secretary of State Antony Blinken blacklisted seven Chinese officials for their role in the crackdown on Hong Kong, as the mainland communist regime vowed to retaliate against dissidents and the United States. Beijing has chipped away at Hong Kongs reputation of accountable, transparent governance and respect for individual freedoms and has broken its promise to leave Hong Kongs high degree of autonomy unchanged for 50 years, Blinken said Friday. In the face of Beijings decisions over the past year that have stifled the democratic aspirations of people in Hong Kong, we are taking action. LAST PRO-DEMOCRACY NEWS OUTLET IN HONG KONG TO SHUT DOWN AFTER TOP BRASS ARRESTED Blinkens sanctions target list was filled with officials at the mainland regimes liaison office in Hong Kong, who were blacklisted to mark the first anniversary of Beijings adoption of a national security law that expanded Chinese Communist control over Hong Kong. Chinese officials declared their contempt for that punishment earlier Friday while airing a new threat against the democracy activists in the former British colony. I also warn the politicians of the United States and the European Parliament that they have grossly trampled on international law and interfered in our countrys internal affairs by imposing meaningless sanctions on us, the Chinese State Councils Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office chief, Xia Baolong, said at a forum celebrating the anniversary of the national security law. This will only arouse more of our anger and contempt for you and sound the death knell for your agents in Hong Kong. The dueling diplomatic messages Friday took aim at multinational businesses that drop anchor in Hong Kong, as mainland China hopes to continue to reap the benefits that Hong Kongs powerhouse economy provided in recent decades. American officials, however, regard the national security law as the destruction of the one country, two systems policy that underpinned the U.S. decision to grant Hong Kong special economic status under American law. Story continues Businesses, individuals, and other persons ... that operate in Hong Kong, or have exposure to sanctioned individuals or entities, should be aware of changes to Hong Kongs laws and regulations, a business advisory issued by the U.S. government on Friday warns. "As a result of these changes, they should be aware of potential reputational, regulatory, financial, and, in certain instances, legal risks associated with their Hong Kong operations. Xia, the head of Chinas Hong Kong affairs office, insisted that business is good. The law has given international investors reassurance, and Hong Kongs status as a financial center has not been compromised in the slightest, he said. British officials declared Beijings overhaul of the territorys elections process a clear breach of the deal that they struck with Beijing before the United Kingdom relinquished sovereignty over Hong Kong, but Chinese officials insist that the one country, two systems model remains in place. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER China will respond strongly to possible US measures, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said Friday. Washington Examiner Videos Tags: News, Foreign Policy, National Security, China, Hong Kong, Democracy, Antony Blinken Original Author: Joel Gehrke Original Location: China threatens death knell for Hong Kong dissidents as US sanctions officials By Yew Lun Tian BEIJING (Reuters) -Chinese Premier Li Keqiang has urged his Pakistani counterpart to hold accountable the culprits in what he described as a "terrorist attack" on a bus ferrying Chinese workers, state media said on Friday. Li, the most senior Chinese politician to have spoken on the incident so far, spoke with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan by phone on Friday, according to Xinhua news agency. An explosion on a bus in northern Pakistan on Wednesday sent it hurtling over a ravine and killed 13 people, including nine Chinese nationals. Li has asked Pakistan to "use all necessary measures" to investigate the incident and hold the culprits accountable, according to Xinhua. China is a close ally and major investor in Pakistan, and various militants opposed to the Pakistani government have in the past attacked Chinese projects. The Chinese workers killed on the bus were employed at the Dasu hydroelectric project, part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a $65 billion investment plan aiming to link western China to the southern Pakistani port of Gwadar. CPEC is part of Beijing's massive Belt and Road Initiative. Pakistan originally blamed a mechanical failure for the blast but on Thursday Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry said traces of explosives were detected and that "a terrorist attack cannot be ruled out" as the cause of the incident. China, which initially called it a "bomb attack", was more circumspect on Thursday, referring to it as an "incident" before describing it as a "terrorist attack" on Friday as a joint investigation of the incident carries on. (Reporting by Yew Lun TianEditing by Mark Heinrich) (Bloomberg) -- Citigroup Inc. stopped taking applications for its $495-a-year Prestige card, a competitor to American Express Co.s Platinum line and JPMorgan Chase & Co.s Sapphire Reserve. The bank will still serve existing Prestige customers, according to an emailed statement Friday, and encouraged prospective customers to instead consider products including the no-annual-fee Citi Custom Cash Card, which it introduced last month. Our go-to-market strategy continuously evolves to feature different products and offers, Citigroup said in the statement. Many banks have tried to match the success of AmEx in the world of premium credit cards, which take years to become profitable for a bank. While its the worlds largest credit-card issuer, Citigroup isnt known for its premium products, posing another challenge in attracting customers and persuading them to spend hundreds of dollars in annual fees year after year. Citigroups move comes as banks ramp up efforts to lure affluent customers to their cards as they travel and dine out again with the Covid-19 pandemic easing. Earlier this month, AmEx revamped its popular Platinum card, adding new perks tied to private jet access and hotel stays and upping the annual fee to $695. The clamor for customers has even attracted banks less-known for their credit-card offerings. Wells Fargo & Co. is in the process of developing a new rewards card after it debuted its new cash-back card just last month. Citigroups Prestige card is popular among travel junkies for a unique perk: customers who book a four-day hotel stay through the banks portal can qualify for a free nights stay. The New York-based bank warned this week that its costs for the full year will climb by a percentage in the mid-single digits, an increase from the 2% to 3% jump it previously expected. Part of that comes from the firms desire to invest in its card business, Chief Financial Officer Mark Mason told analysts this week. Story continues Given the faster recovery we are seeing today, we are accelerating investments in areas like cards marketing to capture this upside, he said. These are strategic investments that we are making to strengthen our franchise and drive long-term growth. 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. PARIS (Reuters) - Eric Gopel made the most of the Eiffel Tower re-opening on Friday after months of COVID-19 lockdown by proposing to his girlfriend on the top deck. With a panoramic view of Paris as the backdrop, Gopel, a 29-year-old from Germany, got down on one knee and placed a ring on the finger of his girlfriend, 25-year-old Katja Panke. She accepted his proposal. "I'm happy," she told Reuters through tears of joy. Gopel and Panke were among the first visitors to the Eiffel Tower when it opened again on Friday after having been closed for more than 8 months, its longest period out of action since World War Two. Gopel said his girlfriend had always wanted to visit Paris because it was so beautiful. "Now it's more special," he said. (Reporting by Emilie Delwarde and Yiming Woo; Writing by Christian Lowe; Editing by Janet Lawrence) A Dallas resident who recently returned from Africa was infected with the monkeypox virus, the city said Friday. This is believed to be the first monkeypox infection in a Texas resident, officials said. The patient is being treated at a hospital and is stable, officials said. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dallas County Health and Human Services and the Texas Department of State Health Services are guiding the investigation and tracing the few possible contacts of the patient. The rare virus causes fever, rash and other flu-like symptoms and is not easy to transmit from one person to another. Health authorities believe the risk to the public is very low, but encouraged people to follow basic infection prevention measures, such as washing hands regularly and staying home when sick. Because of the patients recent travel history, Dallas Love Field officials are working with public health officials. We have been in close contact with Dallas County Health and Human Services, the citys contracted public health authority, regarding the single case of travel-related monkeypox in Dallas, Mayor Eric Johnson wrote in a statement. We have confidence in the federal, state, and local medical professionals who are working to ensure that this virus is contained and that the patient is treated with the utmost care. The City of Dallas stands ready to assist their efforts in any way necessary. The patient traveled from Nigeria to Dallas and arrived at Love Field airport on July 9, Dallas County HHS said in a news release. Travelers were required to wear masks on the flights as well as in U.S. airports due to the ongoing COVID pandemic, according to the release. Therefore, its believed the risk of spread of monkeypox via respiratory droplets to others on the planes and in the airports is low, Dallas County HHS said. CDC is assessing potential risks to those who may have had contact with the traveler on the plane or in the airports. The individual has been isolated at the hospital to prevent the spread of the virus, according to HHS, and people who dont have symptoms arent capable of spreading the virus to others. The first human case of monkeypox was recorded in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo, according to the CDC. The U.S. experienced an outbreak of monkeypox in 2003 with 47 reported human cases. Pulitzer Prize-winning Indian photojournalist Danish Siddiqui has been killed in Afghanistan, said the country's ambassador in Delhi. The 41-year-old, who was chief photographer for Reuters news agency in India, was on assignment when he died. He was embedded with a convoy of Afghan forces that was ambushed by Taliban militants near a key border post with Pakistan, according to reports. It is unclear how many others died in the attack. Afghanistan's ambassador to India, Farid Mamundzay, said he was deeply disturbed by the news of "the killing of a friend". Based out of Mumbai, Siddiqui worked with Reuters for more than a decade. In 2018, he won the Pulitzer Prize in feature photography. He won it alongside colleague Adnan Abidi and five others for their work documenting the violence faced by Myanmar's minority Rohingya community. Recently, his photos of mass funerals held at the peak of India's devastating second wave went viral and won him global praise and recognition. "While I enjoy covering news stories - from business to politics to sports - what I enjoy most is capturing the human face of a breaking story," Siddiqui had told Reuters. Siddiqui was covering the clashes in Kandahar region, as the US withdraws its forces from Afghanistan ahead of an 11 September deadline set by President Joe Biden. The Taliban - a fundamentalist Islamic militia - controlled Afghanistan from the mid-90s until the US invasion in 2001. The group has been accused of grave human rights and cultural abuses. With foreign troops withdrawing after 20 years, the Taliban are rapidly retaking territory across the country, sparking fears of a potential civil war. Follow this link to see some of Siddiqui's best work. Earlier this year, Siddiqui spoke to the BBC about his work covering India's Covid-19 second wave in India: This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. Click here to see the BBC interactive The New York Times BEKASI, Indonesia By the thousands, they sleep in hallways, tents and cars, gasping for air as they wait for beds in overcrowded hospitals that may not have oxygen to give them. Others see hospitals as hopeless, even dangerous, and take their chances at home. Wherever they lie, as COVID-19 steals their breath away, their families engage in a frantic, daily hunt for scarce supplies of life-giving oxygen. Indonesia has become the new epicenter of the pandemic, surpassing India and Brazil to beco TechCrunch Several weeks ago, the Linux community was rocked by the disturbing news that University of Minnesota researchers had developed (but, as it turned out, not fully executed) a method for introducing what they called "hypocrite commits" to the Linux kernel -- the idea being to distribute hard-to-detect behaviors, meaningless in themselves, that could later be aligned by attackers to manifest vulnerabilities. A public apology from the researchers followed. Equally certain, maintainers and project governance are duty bound to enforce policy and avoid having their time wasted. MIAMI (AP) Federal authorities are warning organizers planning to launch a flotilla next week from South Florida to waters near Cuba that they could risk breaking the law. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security said in an advisory Thursday that boaters intending to enter Cuban territorial waters must get permission from the U.S. Coast Guard. Violators risk facing fines of $25,000 a day and 10 years in prison, the advisory said. It is illegal for boaters to depart with the intent to travel to Cuba for any purpose without a permit," the advisory said. People who bring foreign nationals into the U.S. illegally risk facing fines of up to $250,000 a day and five years in prison, the department said. According to Osdany Veloz, an organizer of the boaters, the goal of next Monday's planned trip is to go to international waters near the island, but not cross into Cuban waters, to let island residents know they have supporters in South Florida. Organizers said they will set sail from South Florida if 100 boaters show up, according to Miami television station WFOR-TV. The purpose is to stay on the border, not trespassing, stay in international water and just let the Cuban people know were also fighting for their freedom, so once and for all they can be a free country, said Jorge Lopez, who plans to make the trip. Thousands of Cubans began taking to the streets last weekend to protest limited access to COVID-19 vaccines and basic goods. The country is going through its worst economic crisis in decades. The protests in the island nation have sparked an outpouring of support in Florida, which is home to the nations largest community of Cuban exiles. Throngs of people in Miami, Orlando and the Tampa area have rallied in support, sometimes shutting down major thoroughfares. Former President Donald Trump has announced plans to file class-action lawsuits against several Big Tech companies that removed him from their platforms, including Facebook and Twitter. However, many are calling it nothing but a performative gesture with almost no chance of success. On July 7, Trump announced that he was filing a series of lawsuits against Google, Facebook, and Twitter alongside their CEOs. "We're demanding an end to the shadow banning, a stop to the silencing, a stop to the blacklisting, vanishing, and canceling," Trump said at a news conference in Bedminster, New Jersey. Trump's lawyers filed the class-action lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida that day. In the lawsuit against Facebook, the authors argue that "defendant Facebook has increasingly engaged in impermissible censorship resulting from threatened legislative action, a misguided reliance upon Section 230 of the Communications Act, 47 USC 230, and willful participation in joint activity with federal actors" and Facebook's "status thus rises beyond that of a private company to that of a state actor." All three of the lawsuits resonate with these notions of social media acting as state actors. Specifically, Trump's lawyers wish to imply that the social networks in question enacted their bans upon him after congressional hearings coerced the social networks into changing their policies. Unfortunately, the threshold for determining whether a subject is a government actor concerning the First Amendment is exceptionally high. The lawsuit also fails to understand how Section 230 works in that it does not dictate which sites are allowed to moderate their content. Lyle Solomon, principal attorney at Oak View Law Group, also argues that the defendants could make a similar argument to Trump's to counter them, saying, "If the government forces Facebook to allow content they do not like on their platform, it is effectively violating Facebook's freedom of speech to determine what they choose to allow on their property." Story continues What is far more interesting about the lawsuit is what it will mean from a political standpoint. "The lawsuits that the former president, Donald Trump, filed against Facebook, Twitter, and Google on July 7 are a smart political move. However, they are unlikely to succeed and set a dangerous trajectory for the relationship between government and private companies," argues Justin Crump, CEO of intelligence and risk advisory consultancy Sibylline. "They keep Trump relevant to voters, play to the conservative strength of painting Big Tech as the liberal boogeyman, and off the back of his case, Save America PAC has sent text messages to followers asking for donations that the PAC could use to help pro-Trump candidates in future elections." Others see it as a chance to challenge the status quo. "This is another case where technology is ahead of legislation," argues Cesar Melgoza, CEO of the nonpartisan civic engagement platform Moxy. "So lawmakers need to play catch-up in a fast-changing environment perhaps by taking the issue to the highest courts where lawmakers can challenge Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act of 1996." Melgoza believes that Trump's lawsuit gestures at a more significant trend with social media that requires attention, regardless of how valid the nature of the suit is. Washington Examiner Videos Tags: Technology, Twitter, Facebook, Big Tech, Class-action lawsuits, Law, Free Speech, Business Original Author: Christopher Hutton Original Location: Donald Trump files suit against social media giants Facebook and Twitter Washington Post In 2014, psychologists at the University of Virginia conducted a simple experiment to showcase the power of the human mind. They placed subjects in a room by themselves with no distractions for roughly 10 minutes, letting them be alone with their thoughts. Given the infinite possibilities that our imaginations hold, it aimed to promote the sheer pleasures we can derive from just thinking. "We thought this would be great. People are so busy that it would give them a chance to slow down, sit quiet Protest from Muslim students called HijabisFightBack in Brussels, Belgium, June 5, 2020. Demonstration from Muslim students and sympathizers against the ban from the judgment of the Constitutional Court against the headscarf ban at Brussels university college. Jonathan Raa/NurPhoto via Getty Images The EU's highest court ruled that companies can ban staff from wearing visible religious symbols to maintain "neutrality." The case was brought to court by two German women who were told by their managers to remove their headscarves. In 2017, the same court also ruled that asking employees to remove religious coverings was not discrimination if it was part of a general policy. Visit Insider's homepage for more stories. The European Union's highest court ruled on Thursday that private companies can prohibit staff from wearing headscarves in the name of maintaining religious neutrality. "An employer's desire to display, in relations with customers, a policy of political, philosophical or religious neutrality may be regarded as a legitimate aim," the Court of Justice of the European Union based in Luxembourg wrote in a statement. The case was brought to the court by two German Muslim women who were told to remove their headscarves, or hijabs, by their managers at work. In both cases, they only started wearing headscarves at work after returning from their maternity leave, reported The Guardian. According to the court, one of them - who worked as a special needs carer - was suspended twice and given a written warning. The center had also previously banned the wearing of all religious symbols, including the cross. Another, who worked as an assistant and cashier at a chemist, was told by her employee that she was not allowed to wear anything that displayed obvious political, philosophical, or religious signs. The two cases were first brought to local German courts before being passed on to the Court of Justice of the European Union. This is not the first time the EU court has ruled in favor of employers regarding the removal of garments that displayed or signified religious or political symbols. In 2017, the same court also ruled that asking employees to remove religious coverings was not discrimination as long as it was part of a general policy banning all religious and political symbols. Story continues Religious coverings are a contentious issue in Europe, with Muslim groups arguing that it is mandatory in their religion and should be respected. Austria, France, and Belgium have banned full-faced veiled coverings, but hijabs are allowed. The Council of European Muslims did not immediately respond to a request for comment by Insider. Read the original article on Insider Getty/Kevin Dietsch Dr. Anthony Fauci said it would be "reasonable" to assume vaccinated people are less likely to spread COVID-19. Vaccinated people who get COVID-19 typically have less virus in their nasal passages. That would suggest that breakthrough infections are less contagious than infections in unvaccinated people. See more stories on Insider's business page. Fully vaccinated people who get "breakthrough" cases of COVID-19 are probably less likely to spread the virus to others, Dr. Anthony Fauci said in a White House briefing today. When asked if breakthrough cases are contributing to the spread of coronavirus in the US, the nation's top infectious disease expert said it would be "a reasonable assumption" to say vaccinated people who contract COVID-19 are less likely to transmit it compared to unvaccinated people. Fauci said vaccinated people who develop asymptomatic infections have "considerably less" virus in their nasal passages compared to unvaccinated people with asymptomatic infections. "I think one can make a reasonable assumption, based on the level of virus in the nasopharynx, that it would be less likely that that vaccinated breakthrough person would transmit compared to an unvaccinated person," Fauci said in the briefing. Mild cases may have a smaller transmission window Fauci's theory may soon be backed up with real-world data. He mentioned a large ongoing study that is currently tracking transmission in vaccinated and unvaccinated people. Will Lee, the vice president of science at Helix, a testing company helping the CDC track variants, previously told Insider that areas with higher vaccination rates tend to have fewer cases of COVID-19, even with the Delta variant going around. Studies in the US and the UK have indicated that Delta cases are typically milder in vaccinated people. This means they're likely to be infectious for a shorter period of time, narrowing the transmission window, Lee said. Story continues Additionally, studies from Israel have confirmed that people who get COVID-19 despite being fully vaccinated typically have much less virus in their systems, as Fauci said. The findings haven't yet been peer-reviewed, but they add to the growing evidence that vaccinated people are less likely to transmit the coronavirus. With the Delta variant - "a formidable variant," according to Fauci - circulating worldwide, vaccination is at the very least a powerful tool for avoiding hospitalization, and it may turn out to help curb transmissions as well. Read the original article on Business Insider Fiji dismissed calls for a hard lockdown Friday as Covid-19 cases reached record levels in the Pacific island nation, insisting a "no jab, no job" vaccination push would contain the virus. The troubled tropical paradise has been devastated by a runaway outbreak of the Delta variant which began in April, ending a year without local transmission and quashing hopes the vital tourism sector could reopen. Latest official figures revealed there were 1,405 new cases in the 24 hours to Friday, giving the country of 930,000 one of the world's highest per capita infection rates. Opposition leaders and welfare groups have called for strict stay-at-home orders but the government has resisted, arguing the economic cost would be too high. Instead, it has introduced a hardline vaccination drive dubbed "no jabs, no job", which makes inoculations compulsory for all workers. Economy Minister Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum defended the strategy Friday, saying it was the only way out of the "darkness and difficulty" engulfing Fiji. "We are not dispensing band-aid solutions or depending on drastic and damaging measures that will cause structural unemployment and widespread poverty," he told parliament while delivering the annual budget. Rather than lockdowns, Sayed-Khaiyum said the government's vision was to inoculate 80 percent of adult Fijians by the end of October. He said the government was determined to hit its targets, even though there is widespread scepticism towards vaccines in Fiji fuelled by online misinformation. "Without vaccines we cannot mount an economic recovery -- no jabs, no opportunities," he said. "No reopening of stadiums, restaurants or borders. No jabs, no tourism, no national airline, no chance to see our friends and families abroad." Under the policy, public servants must go on leave if they have not had their first injection by August 15 and will be dismissed if they do not receive their second by November 1. Story continues Private sector employees must have their first jab by August 1, with individuals facing hefty fines if they fail to comply and companies threatened with being shut down. The policy has drawn criticism from rights advocates, including the Fiji Law Society, which said it supported vaccination but felt such compulsion was heavy handed. "Health is important, but so are people's legal rights. Those legal rights ensure we remain a free and democratic society," the legal group's president Wylie Clark said. Fiji's health department said the outbreak was expected to get worse, predicting more severe cases and deaths. str-ns/axn Jul. 15Jules Amores may have left the Philippines, but the Philippines never left Jules Amores. He's lived in America since 1992, and has taken his culture and heritage with him to the to Hanford. Through social media networking, he's met more Filipinos who share a love of their old home. Amores is an admin for Filipinos of Kings County (FOKC), a Facebook group that's currently over 220 members strong. However, the FOKC is by no means limited to participation on a community page. "If you're from the Kings County area and you're Filipino American, by default, you're already a member of FOKC," Amores said. And to celebrate their culture and community, the FOKC is putting together a special potluck the Filipino Picnic & Sports Event which they hope to turn into an annual event. "I've been here since 2004 and some guys have been here for so long, and we've never had a celebration or a feast what we call a 'fiesta' or a Filipino heritage [event] in our area," Amores said. "And in Kings County, it's a big Filipino community." According to Amores, they hope to emulate a similar, Filipino picnic that's held annually in Delano. The event is being thrown Sunday afternoon starting at 3 p.m. at Heritage Park. Traditional Filipino dishes will be served and traditional games will be played. So far, Amores says about 100 families have expressed interest in coming. It's a big event, but luckily, he says the community has pitched in in a big way to make it all possible. "And when we said, 'It's voluntary. Bring your traditional Filipino dish your special dish from back home. Share it with everybody. You can show your stuff the Filipino way,' everybody was positively responding to it," Amores said, adding that others have volunteered to provide tarping and bounce houses as well. "So the power of voluntaryism is also I think overlooked, and that's the core of our group." Amores added that admission to the picnic is free and that people of all backgrounds Filipino or not are welcome to join in the festivities. California Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta's office will investigate the fatal Los Angeles police shooting of a man on Hollywood Boulevard on Thursday, flexing a new authority for his office that took effect under a change to state law on July 1. "We will take every step necessary to ensure a thorough, impartial investigation and review is completed," Bonta said in a statement. "Now, more than ever, we must work together in the spirit of this new law to build and maintain trust in our criminal justice system for all of our communities." The announcement followed the Los Angeles Police Department's release of four images Thursday night that showed two officers confronting the man on the Hollywood Walk of Fame just before the shooting. Police said they had received multiple 911 calls about someone matching the man's description who was brandishing a gun and threatening people. One of the images showed that what the LAPD had initially described as a "replica handgun" recovered from the man appeared to be a lighter with a grip in the shape of a firearm handle. A second picture showed a black knife that police said was also recovered from the man, and a third image appeared to show the man pointing what looked like the black blade toward the officers just before he was shot. A fourth image, from the body camera of one of the officers, also showed the man pointing something at the officers, but it is not clear what is in his hand or if multiple things are because the image is blurry. The L.A. County coroner's office said the identity of the man was still unavailable as of Friday. Police had described him as being in his 40s or 50s. Det. Meghan Aguilar, a LAPD spokeswoman, said Friday that she could not answer additional questions about the circumstances of the shooting and the items that were recovered, including where they contend each was at the time of the shooting. Aguilar said the LAPD would not be releasing video from the incident until late August, when they are required to do so under policy. She said investigators are expected to brief Chief Michel Moore on their investigation into the shooting, likely next week, and more information could be provided then. Story continues Shootings of individuals with edged weapons has been a recurring and deadly problem for the LAPD in recent years, and one that has attracted increasing scrutiny. Thursday's shooting sent bystanders scattering in fear, witnesses said, and forced businesses to close as police maintained a perimeter around the area near Hollywood Boulevard and Highland Avenue for the rest of the day. During a Thursday afternoon briefing on the incident that came before the images were released, Aguilar had repeatedly referred to a "replica handgun" being recovered from the scene. Asked to elaborate on the nature of the replica, Aguilar said: "I'm just told that, you know, it appears to be exactly like a gun. I haven't seen it." Aguilar made no mention of the knife. In his statement, Bonta said his office was working to investigate what happened "alongside" the LAPD, and that the department was cooperating. "As we work to gather all of the facts, Im grateful to the LAPD for their ready collaboration, and quick and committed efforts to work with us on the ground," Bonta said. The LAPD's Force Investigation Division is also investigating, as it does in all police shootings. Moore will eventually present findings from that investigation before the civilian Police Commission, which will vote on whether the actions of the officers involved were in line with department policy. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. When Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) signed a controversial "anti-riot" law in April, citing racial justice protests following the police killing of George Floyd, he said "there needs to be swift penalties" when "you have people out there shutting down a highway." On Tuesday, when South Floridians blocked the Palmetto Expressway for hours in support of Cuban anti-government protesters, DeSantis said, "I think people understand the difference between going out and peacefully assembling, which is obviously people's constitutional right." "Democrats and other critics of the law which is being challenged in federal court accused DeSantis and other Republicans of supporting selective enforcement of the measure," which clearly mandates punishments for obstructing public streets and highways, Politico reports. "They said the measure was designed to target Black protesters upset with police shootings. But now DeSantis and other GOP leaders are in a difficult position since they support the aims of many of the demonstrators backing Cuba in Miami and elsewhere." After days of being accused of hypocrisy, DeSantis said Thursday that law enforcement can't "tolerate" people blocking traffic, though he praised law enforcement for breaking up the road blockades without arresting anyone. "It's dangerous for you to be shutting down a thoroughfare," he said. "You're also putting other people in jeopardy. You don't know if an emergency vehicle needs to get somewhere and then obviously it's just disrespectful to make people stand in traffic." State Sen. Jeff Brandes, the only Senate Republican to vote against the anti-riot bill, said Thursday that he had warned his colleagues about the dangers of selective enforcement. "People gather for all sorts of reasons, they happen spontaneously," he told Politico. "The law doesn't contemplate the difference." Story continues You may also like 'They should be executed!': How Trump 'boiled over' after news of his stay in the White House bunker was leaked Newsmax host suggests vaccines are 'against nature' because some diseases are 'supposed to wipe out' people Fox News host Tucker Carlson seems scandalized reporters are investigating his NSA spying claims Workers in Florida are the latest jobless Americans to sue their governors for opting out of unemployment programs earlier than the federal expiration in September. Florida workers plan to file a lawsuit against Gov. Ron Desantis early next week, arguing the state has a statutory obligation to pay unemployed workers the additional $300 in weekly benefits funded by the federal government. "Reinstating FPUC would help bolster Florida's economy, not hurt it," Vanessa Brito, an unemployment advocate working with lawyers to file the lawsuit, told Yahoo Money. "We are in the process of drafting the language and compiling a substantive list of claimants who have been harmed by the states decision to terminate the FPUC benefit program." Workers in Indiana, Ohio, Oklahoma, Maryland, and Texas have all filed similar lawsuits, with two of the states reinstating benefits at least temporarily. A now hiring sign is posted in the window of a CVS store on June 07, 2019 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) Unemployed workers in Oklahoma filed a lawsuit this week against Gov. Kevin Stitt's decision to opt out of the federal programs, saying he doesn't have the authority to cancel the programs. "The executive order issued by the governor is beyond the governors authority," Attorney Mark Hammons said in a statement to Yahoo Money. "State law doesnt give him the power to control or determine benefits. Twenty-six states cut off the extra $300 in weekly benefits early, while 22 of them also canceled the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program for workers who dont normally qualify for regular unemployment insurance and the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) program that provides extra weeks of benefits. More than 4 million workers are affected by the cuts in those states, losing a total of $22.5 billion in potential benefits, according to estimates by the Century Foundation. Nearly 3 in 5 workers affected by the early expiration will be left with no benefits at all. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. 'Protect the unemployed from hardship' Story continues The lawsuits in Maryland and Indiana have been successful at least temporarily and benefits have been restarted. On Tuesday, a Baltimore City Circuit Court judged granted a preliminary induction against the governor. "If the disincentive of unemployment benefits is real for some relatively small segment of the workforce, the cutoff of benefits would be real and immediate for almost all currently unemployed Marylanders," Judge Lawrence Fletcher-Hill wrote. "Not all of those workers will instantly move into new jobs, meaning uneven economic struggles at the individual level and an immediate loss of economic stimulus at the generalized level." Last month, Marion Superior Court Judge John Hanley temporarily reinstated the federal unemployment benefits programs in Indiana the first state where workers filed a suit until a final ruling is made in the case. The decision was affirmed by an appeal's court this week. Read more: Top 10 tax mistakes and how to avoid them The success of those lawsuits may encourage workers in other states to file their own lawsuits, according to Andrew Stettner, an unemployment insurance expert and senior fellow at the Century Foundation. "Indiana and Maryland are no worker's paradise when it comes to its unemployment law, but like most states, their laws direct the government to protect the unemployed from hardship and draw down federal aid to do so," he told Yahoo Money. "Legal actions in other states certainly have a chance at proceeding, and I'm hearing from frustrated unemployed workers across the country about their desires to join such suits." Yahoo Money sister site Cashay has a weekly newsletter. Denitsa is a writer for Yahoo Finance and Cashay, a new personal finance website. Follow her on Twitter @denitsa_tsekova Read more: Former Sen. Tom Udall is President Joe Bidens pick to be ambassador to New Zealand and the Independent State of Samoa, the White House said Friday. Udall, a Democrat from New Mexico, was among four people Biden announced as nominees. Udall said in a statement that he has dedicated his life to public service and is honored to be nominated to this post working with one of our closest partners and allies to face challenges like Covid-19 and threats from China. This is a critical time for our country and my wife Jill and I are humbled and honored for the opportunity to continue to serve our country, and if confirmed, look forward to representing the United States in this important diplomatic post, Udall said in the statement, per the White House. The two-term senator did not seek a third term in the Senate in 2020. Before that, he served in the House for 10 years. The former senator noted that he served on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, "focusing on policies that promote democracy, international development, and conservation. He also was previously the attorney general of New Mexico and an assistant United States attorney. Earlier this week, Biden announced Jeff Flake, a former ant-Trump Republican senator, as his nominee for ambassador to Turkey. The president started his term with a large number of ambassadorships across the world to fill, and many key posts remain vacant. Other picks announced Friday include Caryn McClelland, the minister counselor for economic affairs at the U.S. Embassy in London, as nominee to Brunei. Michael Murphy, a deputy assistant secretary of State in the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs, will be Bidens nominee to serve as ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Howard Van Vranken, the executive director and deputy executive secretary at the Department of State in D.C., is the presidents pick as ambassador to the Republic of Botswana. All of Bidens nominees await Senate confirmation. Story continues In addition to the ambassador picks, the White House announced Biden's intent to nominate Laurie Locascio as undersecretary for Standards and Technology at the Department of Commerce, and Andrew Hunter as assistant secretary of the Air Force, Acquisition, Technology, Logistics at the Department of Defense. The president also intends to nominate James Rodriguez as assistant secretary for Veterans Employment and Training at the Department of Labor. Earlier Friday, The Washington Post reported that Biden will choose Jane Hartley, the former U.S. ambassador to France, as his nominee to be ambassador to the United Kingdom, but Hartley was not on Fridays nominee roster and her nomination has not yet been announced by the White House. CNN reported that at least two people, including former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who ran for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination, turned down the U.K. post. PARIS (Reuters) - France should consider whether to make vaccination against COVID-19 mandatory for the general public so that the government can act quickly if the epidemic worsens, the country's health authority said on Friday. Following a resurgence of the epidemic, the government this week made it mandatory for all health workers to get vaccinated against Covid, but has so far shied away from imposing Covid shots on the general public. France's HAS health authority said in a statement that the debate should focus on widening mandatory vaccination beyond the current government draft law and consider whether to make vaccination mandatory for all people vulnerable to Covid infection, for professionals who are in contact with the public, and even for the general public. "The dynamic of the epidemic now calls for a massive increase in vaccine coverage ... notable for the most vulnerable people," HAS said. France has seen a surge in vaccinations this week after President Emmanuel Macron said on Monday that from July 21 people will have to provide proof of vaccination, immunity or a recent negative test in order to gain entry to public places such as trains, cinemas and restaurants. On Wednesday, thousands of people in Paris demonstrated against Macron's plan for a health pass to enter public places. After falling from more than 42,000 per day in mid-April to less than 2,000 per day in late June, the average number of new infections per day in France has crept up quickly again, standing now at about 5,000 per day. (Reporting by Geert De Clercq; Editing by Raissa Kasolowsky) BEIRUT (Reuters) - France urged Lebanon on Friday to designate a prime minister as soon as possible after Saad al-Hariri abandoned efforts to form a government, but prospects for a new cabinet being agreed soon looked bleak after months of political conflict. Lebanon looks set to fall ever deeper into economic collapse with many of its sectarian politicians switching their focus to elections next year rather than a new government or financial rescue plan, seemingly unfazed by threats of Western sanctions. The collapsing Lebanese currency has hit new lows in the wake of Hariri's decision. Dollars changed hands at a rate of more than 22,500 pounds on Friday, erasing more than 90% of the pound's value in less than two years. The financial meltdown, considered by the World Bank to be one of the deepest depressions of modern history, has propelled more than half of the population into poverty and resulted in worsening shortages of basic goods such as fuel and medicine. France, which has led international efforts to deal with the crisis, said the gridlock was "deliberately imposed" and announced a new international conference on Aug. 4 - the first anniversary of a devastating Beirut port explosion - to address the needs of the Lebanese population. Announcing his decision to step down on Thursday, Hariri said it was clear he and President Michel Aoun could not agree. He did not speak of a falling-out over strategies to save the economy, but said the argument came down to Aoun's insistence on maintaining a blocking minority in cabinet. Their struggle is tinged with sectarianism, pitting Hariri, Lebanon's leading Sunni Muslim politician, against the Maronite Christian head of state who is backed by the Iran-backed Lebanese Shi'ite Muslim group Hezbollah. Hariri said on Thursday Hezbollah had not done enough to get Aoun to compromise. In a message to his followers, he said, "we will respond through the ballot box". Story continues Aoun said on Thursday he would call binding consultations with MPs to name a new prime minister as soon as possible. The post must be filled by a Sunni under Lebanon's sectarian system. But Hariri has said he will not name anyone, and political sources and analysts say it would be very difficult to find a Sunni politician willing to accept the job without his blessing. "Now we face a new challenge that is not going to be easy because there is no plan B agreed yet," a source close to the presidency said. 'A SLOW DEATH' Prime Minister Hassan Diab, whose cabinet quit after the Beirut port blast which wrecked swathes of the capital city, is staying on in a caretaker capacity. A parliamentary election is due to be held next spring. Hezbollah and its political allies won a majority last time. "Waiting another eight months for parliamentary elections is waiting for a slow death, and there are no guarantees that in eight months this election will be made possible," said Ghasan Hasbani, a former deputy prime minister who belongs to the Lebanese Forces party, a Christian group that opposes Aoun and Hezbollah and which wants early elections. "Whatever we are seeing now is just going to be multiplied at an exponential rate," he said, referring to the collapsing currency and health services, power cuts and shortages. Lebanon's central bank has been running down its foreign reserves to fund a subsidy programme to import basics such as food, fuel and medicine at the cost of around $6 billion a year. Lebanon could access as much as $900 million by August should the International Monetary Fund's proposed $650 billion expansion of its emergency reserves, or Special Drawing Rights, go through. Politicians believe these funds will provide some breathing space ahead of the elections, political sources say. Mike Azar, a Beirut-based financial adviser, said even if a government were formed, it must be capable of carrying out meaningful reforms or else the paralysis would continue. "The pound will continue to devalue and it will happen at an accelerated pace, there will be more product shortages as you run out of dollars to import goods and what products are here will be unaffordable for most people," Azar said. "We are in a very tenuous time." (Reporting by Maha El Dahan and Tom Perry in Beirut and Benoit Van Overstraeten in Paris; Editing by Mark Heinrich) BEIRUT (AP) Tension intensified in Lebanon on Friday, with riots leaving more than two dozen people injured in the northern city of Tripoli, including five soldiers who were attacked with a hand grenade. France, the European Union and the United States in the meantime called on Lebanese politicians to urgently form a Cabinet and planned an international conference to help stabilize Lebanon after a series of crises. All concerned parties need to work with urgency to put in place a government thats able to implement reforms immediately, tweeted U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken. The announcements came at a moment of great uncertainty for Lebanon after Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri stepped down on Thursday over disagreements with the president on the shape of the Cabinet. Hariri did not endorse anyone else to take the post. Hundreds of his supporters rioted in the streets, blocked major roads and hurled stones. On Friday morning, the Lebanese pound hit a new low, reaching 23,400 to the dollar on the black market. President Michel Aoun was expected to call for consultations with heads of parliamentary blocs; the person who gets the most support will be asked to work on forming a new Cabinet. In Beirut, protesters briefly closed several main roads Friday, prompting a swift intervention by the troops to clear them. Demonstrators also closed the main highway linking Beirut with southern Lebanon. In the northern city of Tripoli, Lebanon's second largest and most impoverished, residents angry over rising prices, electricity cuts that last for most of the day and severe shortages in diesel and medicine, rioted in the streets and attacked Lebanese troops. The Lebanese Red Cross said its paramedics took 19 injured to hospital. The Lebanese army said 10 soldiers were injured by stones hurled by protesters while five others were wounded when attacked with a hand grenade. It was not immediately clear who threw the grenade. Story continues The Biden administration expressed disappointment that Lebanese political leaders have squandered the last nine months since Hariri was named premier-designate. The EU's foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, said Lebanese leaders are responsible for solving "the current domestic, self-made crisis, adding that it is urgent to form a new Cabinet quickly. He said that an agreement with the International Monetary Fund remains essential to rescue Lebanon from financial collapse. Lebanons stability and prosperity are crucial for the whole region and for Europe, Borrell said in a statement. France, once Lebanons colonial ruler, has been urging Lebanese political leaders to quickly form a government tasked with implementing badly needed reforms and fighting corruption that has brought Lebanon to near bankruptcy. Frances Foreign Affairs Ministry said the latest development confirms the political deadlock in which Lebanese leaders have deliberately held the country back for months, even as it sinks into an unprecedented economic and social crisis. The ministry said that there is now an absolute urgency to come out of this organized and unacceptable obstruction. France, with the support of the United Nations, was calling an international conference for Aug. 4, it added. The date marks the first anniversary of a massive explosion at Beiruts port that killed more than 200 people, injured over 6,000 and damaged entire neighborhoods in the city. The blast was caused by the ignition of hundreds of tons of ammonium nitrate, a highly explosive fertilizer that had been stored for years at the port with the knowledge of top government officials. Lebanon has been without a full-functioning government since the Cabinet of Prime Minister Hassan Diab resigned days after the blast. Since the explosion, French President Emmanuel Macron twice visited Lebanon, urging politicians to quickly form a Cabinet to implement reforms. France is also to soon start imposing sanctions on Lebanese politicians blocking the formation of a government. France hosted an economic conference for Lebanon in April 2018 that promised investments and loans worth billions in return for reforms. The funds were never released as Lebanon's political class, which has been blamed for decades of corruption and mismanagement, continued with business as usual. ___ Associated Press writers Angela Charlton in Paris and Raf Casert in Brussels contributed to this report. The bank will not insist on COVID jabs in order for staff to work from office, and will not force them to return if they felt uncomfortable doing so. Photo: Pavlo Gonchar/SOPA/LightRocket via Getty Images Employees returning to Goldman Sachs London head office on Monday will still be required to wear masks in the building despite government restrictions easing. Richard Gnodde, boss of Goldman Sachs International said that the company was focused on securing a safe workplace, although there would be no requirement for staff to be vaccinated to return to work. The centre of gravity for our workforce is going to be in our buildings and it will be in this building, Gnodde told the BBC, referring to the firms 1bn ($1.4bn) office in the capital. He added that the bank would not insist on COVID jabs in order to work from the physical office, and that it would not force staff to return if they felt uncomfortable doing so. [We will] continue to manage our exit from this in a cautious and appropriate way to make sure that our people feel comfortable, he said. Goldman is hoping for 70% of its UK staff to return to the office in the coming weeks. The move has been echoed by JP Morgan, who said their face mask policy will also go "unchanged". "Employees in the UK are required to wear them at all times in communal areas and while walking around our buildings. We are also maintaining enhanced cleaning and social distancing in general," a spokesperson said. "Our buildings are still limited to 50% capacity, but that cap will be gradually lifted over the summer in a controlled way." Read more: Goldman Sachs staff ordered to show vaccine report before returning to office Earlier this year Goldman Sachs boss David Solomon rejected remote working as a new normal, labelling it as an aberration. He said the company had operated throughout 2020 with less than 10% of our people in the office, but that remote working does not suit the work culture at Goldman Sachs. I do think for a business like ours, which is an innovative, collaborative apprenticeship culture, this is not ideal for us. And its not a new normal. Its an aberration that were going to correct as soon as possible, he said at a conference. Story continues In contrast, a number of large business and corporate institutions have confirmed that they will adopt hybrid, flexible working in future. Watch: What will returning to work look like after the pandemic? A spokesperson for Lloyds (LLOY.L) told Yahoo Finance on Friday: From 19 July, corporation offices in the UK will continue to be open for those who need to be in, with revised protocols in line with the easing of restrictions. However, were not expecting people to return in any significant numbers before 13 September, when almost everyone will have been double vaccinated. They added: From this date onwards, we will fully embrace flexible working, where the office is where well collectively be at our best to oversee and sponsor the market, innovate together and collaborate on our exciting change agendas. Our people will be in the office based on the needs of the business and our stakeholders. For many employees, this will be an average of three days per week. Rival bank HSBC (HSBA.L) said that is was recommending colleagues wear face masks in confined spaces, such as lifts, and consider wearing a mask when walking around the office. "Our responsibility for health and safety as an employer is always paramount and so, in addition to government guidance, we continue to closely watch conditions throughout the UK and to take advice from our medical advisers," a spokesperson said. READ MORE: Barclays CEO: Packed Canary Wharf offices 'may be a thing of the past' It follows plans this year to radically slash its office footprint in the coming years and to an "agile" way of working post-COVID. Europe's biggest bank said in a strategy update it hoped to reduce its office space globally by 40% "over the long term". It is reorganising offices to support the transition to a new hybrid way of working, with more flexible, collaboration space for teams, bookable desks, and new technology to support staff. Theyll be much more of a hybrid model of people working in the offices, but in a different way, but also working from home when they want to, chief executive Noel Quinn said previously. Elsewhere, Barclays (BARC.L) chief executive Jes Staley said last year that packed city centre offices could be a "thing of the past, while Twitter (TWTR) has told staff they can work from home indefinitely. Watch: Wall Street wants employees back in the office ABUJA (Reuters) - Gunmen shot dead a Nigerian army general as he was travelling by car on a major road from the capital, Abuja, the army said on Friday, in the first such fatal gun attack on a senior serving military officer. Armed robberies and kidnappings for ransom, particularly in the northwest, have become so frequent that many are afraid to travel by road. Growing nationwide lawlessness led legislators in April to call on the president to declare a state of emergency. Major General Hassan Ahmed was killed when gunmen attacked his vehicle along the Lokoja-Abuja road on Thursday, army spokesman Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu said in a statement. Lokoja, 200 km (124 miles) south of Abuja, is the capital of Kogi state. Nwachukwu did not say who was travelling with Ahmed, or how far outside of Abuja he was, but local media said the deceased general was with his driver and a relative. Ahmed was a director at army headquarters, and had earlier served as the army's Provost Marshal. While two retired generals were shot dead last year in attacks as they travelled by road, no serving general had previously been killed in this manner. The insecurity in northwestern Nigeria is joined by Islamist insurgencies in the northeast that the United Nations says have left 350,000 people dead over 12 years. In the middle of the country, conflicts between nomadic cattle herders and farmers have killed thousands and displaced half a million over the past decade, according to French medical charity Medecins Sans Frontieres. In the southeast, a recent spate of attacks on police has triggered fears of a return to war and state-sanctioned violence. (Reporting by Camillus Eboh, Writing by MacDonald Dzirutwe, Editing by William Maclean) A Hmong American man shot to death by police officers during a Lava Fire evacuation on June 28 has been identified this week. What we know: Hawj Soobleej Kaub, 35, was reportedly shot at by multiple officers near a roadblock that prevented residents from entering the fire zone at the Mount Shasta Vista subdivision in Northern California's Siskiyou County. The Lava Fire started at around 7:45 a.m. on June 24 after lightning struck northeast of the community of Weed. As of this writing, the small fire that ignited in a remote area of an old lava flow has burned 26,316 acres, endangering nearby communities and marijuana farms. The evacuation on June 28 started shortly after 8:30 p.m. due to the fires rapid and wind-driven expansion, KDRV reported. Firefighters were staged at the intersection of Shasta Vista Drive and County Road A-12, while police officers closed the latters southbound lane to prevent traffic from entering Mount Shasta Vista. The fire is 77% contained as of today. Full containment is expected on Aug. 1 at approximately 12 p.m. What authorities are saying: On Wednesday, the Siskiyou County Sheriffs Office positively identified Kaub, of Kansas City, Kan., as the man who died in an officer-involved shooting on June 28. In an earlier statement, the Sheriffs Office said Kaub was leaving the subdivision in a GMC pickup when he tried to turn south onto County Road A-12 and further into the evacuation zone. This is where he came across officers from multiple agencies who reportedly attempted to stop him and he allegedly pulled his firearm. While the law enforcement officer was communicating with the driver, the driver raised his hand and pointed a semi-auto handgun at the officers, the Sheriffs Office said. Peace officers from the Siskiyou County Sheriffs Office, California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Etna Police Department shot the driver. Initial information indicated that Kaub may have fired several rounds from the gun at the officers during the incident, the Office added, referring to him as a suspect. Officers involved were put on paid administrative leave and the case continues to be investigated by a Critical Incident Team led by the Siskiyou County District Attorneys Office. What the community is saying: The fatal shooting has escalated tensions between law enforcement and Hmong marijuana growers, who claim that deputies and firefighters stopped them from fighting the fire as it approached their farms, according to the Fresno Bee. Story continues Zurg Xiong, a community activist, started a hunger strike to protest the incident and fight for justice last week. He claims that officers were watching and laughing at them as they tried to fight the fire. Kaub was reportedly killed in front of his wife and three children, who were traveling in a second vehicle behind him. Darren Duck, who reportedly lives near the site of the shooting, said he heard about 60 shots fired. You heard everybody go to hollerin and then rapid gunfire for 30 seconds it seemed like, he told the Sacramento Bee. So much gunshots it wasnt funny. Tou Ger Xiong, who has been following and documenting the incident, said eyewitnesses including a volunteer firefighter claimed that they did not see Kaub draw any weapons, but deputies blast[ed] bullets into his vehicle anyway. Xiong criticized the Sheriffs Office and encouraged the community to unite and fight for justice in several ways. (To view the photos below, click on the Facebook post to look through the social media platform.) This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. The Siskiyou County Sheriffs Office vowed to release a thorough report of the incident when the investigation is completed. Anyone with information is asked to contact the District Attorneys Office by email at da@siskiyouda.org or phone at 530-842-8125. A peace and justice rally is scheduled in Yreka, on Saturday noon PT. The event will be live-streamed on Facebook and YouTube. Featured Image via KDRV Enjoy this content? Read more from NextShark! Korean Restaurant Owner's Friends Volunteer to Wait Tables, Wash Dishes to Stay Open 'Person of Interest' in Attacks of 3 Elderly People in Oakland Chinatown Identified, In Police Custody Veteran Filipina American Nurse Dies Fighting COVID-19 a Week Before Retirement Asian Canadian Manager Gets Coffee Thrown at Her in Racially Motivated Attack Thieves are using flatbed trucks to haul lumber away from home construction sites, and some suspects are believed to be associated with construction work in Fort Worth and throughout North Texas, police said this week. Detectives believe other suspects are working for subcontractors for builders such as roofers, painters, brick-layers and other jobs. In June alone, PulteGroup sites in North Texas were hit for over $100,000 worth of materials, Fort Worth police said. In Parker County, thieves took almost $50,000 worth of lumber and building materials from construction sites this summer. The thefts of lumber and other building materials have increased significantly in recent weeks in Fort Worth, and in other North Texas counties, as the price of lumber increased during the COVID pandemic. Police did not release the total number of theft cases. And, thieves continued hitting Fort Worth sites in recent days. On Wednesday, five theft reports were filed with Fort Worth police, and those cases had not been assigned to detectives yet. Multiple suspects have been identified. Arrest warrants will be filed in the upcoming weeks, said Fort Worth police Officer Jimmy Pollozani, a police spokesman, in an email. Our detectives are working on getting (more) suspects identified. Lumber supply shortages were met with elevated demand during the COVID-19 pandemic, driving lumber prices to historic levels. Futures prices tipped over $1,600 per 1,000 board feet in May, which is a jump of more than 300% from April 2020, according to the National Association of Home Builders. But prices have steadily decreased since then, falling by more than 50% to just under $800 per board feet in early July. But theyre still higher than before the pandemic. In Fort Worth, police are encouraging builders to install security cameras at construction sites to curb the thefts. In Parker County, four suspects have been arrested in connection with the thefts of lumber and building materials during the summer. Parker County Sheriff Russ Authier has said that the arrests have led to the solving of five theft cases in North Texas. Security video captured the suspects entering the Morning Star housing addition, taking items from construction sites and loading them in their trucks before fleeing the area. The largest bloc of House conservatives has drafted a 300-page counterproposal to the Senate's sprawling bipartisan China bill, planning to circulate it to members Friday, Axios has learned. Why it matters: Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) won approval for his China bill, the U.S. Innovation and Competition Act, with the support of 18 Republicans last month. While the GOP doesn't control the House, the proposal is an attempt to peel away Republican support for Schumer's bill and attract support from House members opposing it. Get market news worthy of your time with Axios Markets. Subscribe for free. Both parties largely agree on the urgency of ensuring the U.S. outcompetes China on the world stage including by revitalizing U.S. manufacturing and research, and cracking down on Beijing's economic abuses. The bipartisan legislation has been hailed as a symbol of congressional cooperation. Driving the news: The counterproposal is being drafted by the Republican Study Committee (RSC), which includes 154 House Republicans. The group calls its measure "the most serious and comprehensive effort this Congress to take on the threat of China," according to a copy of the draft outline obtained by Axios. The RSC proposal, which remains untitled, would cost $1 billion far less than the $200 billion-plus price tag for the Senate's bill. Details: The measure builds off of a series of proposals put forth by conservatives in both parties and is broken into 11 sections: Countering Chinas Malign Influence Chinas Role in COVID-19 Medical Supply Chains Investment, Research and Development Education Democracy, Human Rights and Taiwan Defense Protection of Intellectual Property Financial Services Rescinding State and Local Bailout Funds National Security Authorizations State of play: The group will blast out the eight-page outline Friday and begin soliciting feedback, with the goal of introducing a final version in the coming weeks, said an aide to Rep. Jim Banks (R-Ind.), chairman of the RSC. Story continues Be smart: The drafting of a counterproposal by the RSC underscores the group's belief that other legislative efforts are too expensive and don't do enough to counter China. Like this article? Get more from Axios and subscribe to Axios Markets for free. Did someone forward this to you? Click here to subscribe to this weekly newsletter. Hello. Its Friday. If you went to sleep at a reasonable hour Wednesday night, chances are you missed the late-night legislative session on Jones Street. While most were getting ready to call it a night, the North Carolina House convened for a rare midnight session to complete its final vote on controversial, wide-ranging energy legislation before it could be sent to the state Senate. House Bill 951, which would, among other things, retire some of the states coal-fired power plants and undercut the Utilities Commissions authority to set electric rates, cleared an initial vote in the lower chamber just before 7 p.m. on Wednesday. The bill could immediately have been voted on again and sent across the General Assembly, but House Democrats objected to having another vote Wednesday. Thats when reporters started hearing indications of a possible midnight vote from House Speaker Tim Moore, who said the bills third reading would need to happen early Thursday morning since too many members would have left town for the weekend by the afternoon. As The Insiders Colin Campbell pointed out, it wasnt clear why the House couldnt wait until next week to pass the bill. The legislative standoff culminated with this moment outside the House chamber, captured by WRALs Travis Fain. Democratic Rep. Pricey Harrison informed Moore she was withdrawing her objection but that another member might lodge one of their own, giving Republicans determined to pass the bill right away no choice but to convene a session after midnight. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. HB 951 ultimately cleared the House at 12:07 a.m. on Thursday by a vote of 57 to 49, mostly along party lines. Two Democrats voted in favor: Reps. Shelly Willingham of Edgecombe County and Michael Wray of Halifax County. Five Republicans voted against: Reps. Mark Brody of Anson County; Larry Pittman of Cabarrus County; John Sauls of Harnett County; Larry Strickland of Harnett County; and John Torbett of Gaston County. Story continues REP. ROSS ON UNC TENSIONS, DEMOCRATS RUNNING IN 2022 This weeks guest on the Closer Look podcast is U.S. Rep. Deborah Ross. Here are a few snippets of her conversation with Brian Murphy. On the UNC Board of Trustees: This week, new members joined the Board of Trustees while new officers were elected. All this, while rumors swirled about the fate of UNC Chancellor Kevin Guskiewicz. We have got to get this fixed, Ross said. Because the future of the state, the future of education and our reputation are at risk. We cannot expect the best and the brightest to come to North Carolina and to stay here, as long as our Board of Trustees operates in the manner that theyre operating in. Ross went on to say board members should be appointed in a different way, and that appointees shouldnt be chosen for their political loyalty, but for their dedication to the state and dedication to education. She also said the board should better reflect the diversity of the UNC community. When thats missing, she said, you have an echo chamber and poor decisions are made. On what Democrats running in next years Senate race need to do to win: Make it clear to everybody in North Carolina that they are listening, that their voices will be heard, and that they will be respected. And North Carolina is a very diverse, very purple state. And so making sure that people know who you are and trust you throughout the state is no easy feat. WHAT WERE READING MORE BIG STORIES FROM THE TEAM When Pasquotank County sheriffs deputies shot and killed Andrew Brown Jr., they were relying on use-of-force policies developed by Lexipol, an organization 1,376 miles away in Frisco, Texas, Danielle Battaglia reported. In the days after Browns death, a bipartisan group of state lawmakers proposed changing the states body camera laws. Two months later, that proposal has been rewritten with input from a lobbying group representing the North Carolina Sheriffs Association, Will Doran reports. U.S. Sen. Richard Burr has been incurring expensive legal bills related to the now-concluded federal investigation into his stock sales, and his Senate colleagues have been helping him financially via donations from their leadership committees, Brian Murphy reported. Democrats vying for their partys nomination in next years Senate race from North Carolina attended a candidates forum and sought to set themselves apart on key issues, including the filibuster, policing and universal health care, I reported. On the same day the faculty chair at UNC-Chapel Hill called an emergency meeting because she was worried lawmakers and UNC trustees were working to oust the UNC Chancellor Kevin Guskiewicz, House Speaker Tim Moore and Senate leader Phil Berger would not say whether they have confidence in him, Dawn Baumgartner Vaughan reported. The State Board of Elections is blocking requests from a group of ultra-conservative lawmakers to open up and inspect voting machines for modems. They could theoretically connect to the internet and be used to change votes remotely, but already are banned under state law, Will Doran reports. Dont forget: Listen and subscribe to our podcast wherever you usually like to listen. (Pandora, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, iHeartRadio, Amazon Music, Megaphone.) Thanks for reading. See you next week. Avi Bajpai, political reporting intern for The News & Observer. Email me at abajpai@newsobserver.com. By Krisztina Than BUDAPEST (Reuters) - Hungary's Prime Minister on Friday accused the European Commission of "legalised hooliganism" for an infringement action against measures by his government that the EU executive said discriminated against LGBT people. Thursday's action against Hungary related to a new law that bans schools from using materials deemed as promoting homosexuality or gender change, which Orban has described as a child-protection issue. Stepping up a war of words with Brussels, Orban told state radio on Friday: "This (EU infringement action) is legalised hooliganism... The European Commission's stance is shameful." He said the debate offered Hungarians a glimpse into "European life", into what went on in schools in Germany, reiterating that Hungary would not let LGBT activists "march up and down" in schools promoting what he called sexual propaganda. Rights groups have rallied against the legislation, which Commission head Ursula von der Leyen has called a disgrace. The infringement action has also targeted Poland after some municipalities there declared themselves "LGBT-ideology free zones". It marks the latest in a series of clashes between Brussels and some of the EU's newer eastern European members over a range of core issues also including the rule of law, migration and press freedoms. Orban, a nationalist who has repeatedly crossed swords with Brussels since he took office in 2010, said EU authorities were trying to impose their will on Hungary over how children should be raised. The anti-LGBT campaign, which his government has stepped up over the past year, looks likely to feature prominently on his political platform ahead of a potentially tough national election next year. In the past two weeks, huge blue billboards have been erected nationwide bearing slogan such as: "Have you been annoyed with Brussels?" and "Are you afraid your children will face sexual propaganda?" Orban on Friday also predicted another clash over EU recovery funds, which have been withheld by Brussels but which he said Hungary would eventually get. (Reporting by Krisztina Than; editing by John Stonestreet) BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) Some bookstores in Hungary placed notices at their entrances this week telling customers that they sell "non-traditional content. The signs went up in response to a new law that prohibits depicting or promoting homosexuality and gender transitions in material accessible to children. While some writers, publishers and booksellers say the law curtails free thought and expression in Hungary, the country's second-largest bookstore chain, Lira Konyv, posted the advisory notices to be safe. The new prohibition took effect last week, but the government has not issued official guidance on how or to whom it will be applied and enforced. The word depicts is so general that it could include anything. It could apply to Shakespeares sonnets or Sapphos poems, because those depict homosexuality, Krisztian Nyary, the creative director for Lira Konyv, said of the legislation passed by Hungary's parliament last month. The law, which also prohibits LGBT content in school education programs, has many in Hungary's literary community puzzled, if not on edge, unsure if they would face prosecution if minors end up with books that contain plots, characters or information discussing sexual orientation or gender identity. Hungary's populist government insists that the law, part of a broader statute that also increases criminal penalties for pedophilia and creates a searchable database of sex offenders, is necessary to protect children. But critics, including high-ranking European Union officials, say the measure conflates LGBT people with pedophiles and is another example of Hungarian government policies and rhetoric that marginalize individuals who identity as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer. Last week, a government office in the capital of Budapest announced it had fined Lira Konyv $830 for failing to clearly label a childrens book that depicts families headed by same-sex parents. Story continues The office said the bookstore broke consumer protection rules by failing to indicate that the book contained content which deviates from the norm. The fine, Nyary said, set a precedent for further potential sanctions against publishers and booksellers. With the threat of further penalties looming, all of Lira Konyv's roughly 90 bookstores will now carry customer warnings that read, This store sells books with non-traditional content. Noemi Kiss, the author of several novellas that address contemporary social problems and feature some characters that are not straight or whose gender identity does not match the one they were assigned at birth, said she supports parts of the law that are intended to stop pedophilia and to protect children from pornographic content. But she called making literature off-limits based on whether it contains LGBT themes absurd and a limitation of freedom of opinion and expression. Based on what will writers be categorized? If (an author) writes a gay story, will they be completely discredited, or shall we completely rewrite all of world literature? Kiss said. The EU's executive commission launched two legal actions against Hungary on Thursday over the new law and in response to earlier labeling requirements for children's books that display patterns of behavior that differ from traditional gender roles though authorities did not make clear what non-traditional gender roles entail. Hungary restricts the freedom of expression of authors and book publishers, and discriminates on grounds of sexual orientation in an unjustified way, the European Commission said in a statement, adding that the government had not provided "any justification as to why exposure of children to LGBTIQ content would be detrimental to their well-being. Along with outlawing LGBT content for children, the law also prohibits depicting sexuality for its own sake to young audiences - a proscription that Nyary said could arguably apply to the majority of titles Lira Konyv sells. If someone wanted to, they could report three-quarters of world literature based on this definition, he said. Hungarys government did not respond to a request for comment. Nyary says he is compiling an anthology of classic literature that contain LGBT themes. The collection of stories, poetry and plays will include writings by Homer, Shakespeare and Sappho, among others and will come marked with an 18+ sticker to indicate only adults should read it. "We want to show what this law prohibits young people from accessing," Nyary said. Mark Mezei, a novelist in Budapest who has published a book featuring a lesbian relationship, says that while he believes established authors will not practice self-censorship, the new law could knock the pen out of the hands of young wordsmiths and stunt a new generation of Hungarian writers. If they find that they are facing huge resistance to their early work, it can certainly set them back in the creative process or even push them away from their calling, he said. Mezei said he is likely to simply ignore the law, insisting that authors must create and live autonomously. I think interfering in peoples private lives is one of the attributes of a governing power. But the really good works are born one way or another," he said. "Theyll be on the shelves of libraries when the current powers are just a footnote in the pages of history books. The Telegraph The traditionalists will undoubtedly be horrified at the notion, but Pete Cowen believes it is now time for The Open to move to a two-tee start to counter the unfairness of the current draw system. Cowen is coach to the likes of Rory McIlroy, Brooks Koepka, Henrik Stenson and Ian Poulter, and his word has sway. The former European Tour pro has yet again watched a section of the field be put at a disadvantage because of the weather and he feels that the R&A should now act and at least try to ma Jul. 16TROY Idaho Gov. Brad Little cautioned lawmakers Thursday against intruding on private business decisions regarding COVID-19 vaccinations, saying such matters are best addressed at the local level. His comments came during his "Capital for a Day" session in Troy, when he was asked about a recent announcement that three of the state's largest health care providers will require employees to get vaccinated. "I need to know more about it, (but) my default position is that it's usually best if that's worked out between the employees and employer," Little said. Since the health care providers made their announcement, the governor said he's heard of "a significant number" of other businesses that issued similar mandates, after discussing the matter with employees. "It wasn't a dictatorial decision by the highest part of the corporate ladder. It was a partnership," he said. Shortly before Little made his comments, Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin held a news conference in Boise, reiterating her stance that lawmakers should come back into session to pass legislation prohibiting such mandates. "This idea of discriminating against and firing employees based on private and personal health decisions flies in the face of the principles of liberty and justice," said McGeachin, who plans to challenge Little for next year's Republican gubernatorial primary. Little noted that if the Legislature does come back into session, nothing prevents them from introducing bills on a multitude of topics. "If I call them back (into special session), I can put boundaries around what they consider," he said. "If they call themselves back, it's 'Katy, bar the door.'" Little was joined at the "Capital for a Day" event by State Treasurer Julie Ellsworth, State Controller Brandon Woolf and Superintendent of Public Instruction Sherri Ybarra. Nearly two dozen state lawmakers, agency directors, congressional representatives and regional support staff were also in attendance, along with about 80 community members. Story continues Following introductions, the audience quizzed Little about everything from COVID-19 vaccines to fire conditions, education spending to salmon health. He said he sees "zero barriers" to in-person classes in public schools this fall. There's also virtually no chance that a resurgence in COVID-19 cases will lead to another shutdown this fall. "Given every scenario I'm aware of, there's no possibility of that," Little said. Nez Perce County Commissioner Doug Zenner thanked the governor for his recent decision to mobilize the Idaho National Guard to help fight wildfires. However, he also pleaded for state officials to work with the county on finding a more permanent solution to the fire threat. "We have almost 102,000 acres on fire in my county," he said. "This is the fourth major fire since 2001. I'm ready to sit down with you today to talk about what to do in the future to get grazing back on that 102,000 acres. We need to come to a solution." Little said reducing the fire risk will take a multi-pronged approach, including shared stewardship projects, prescribed burns, grazing and logging. Given the current extreme conditions, though, there's only so much the state can do. "We're going to have a lot more of this," he said. One woman questioned the governor's claim that education was his top priority, noting that only a fraction of this year's record budget surplus is being directed toward reading programs or career-technical education. Little said it's unclear at this point how much of the surplus is one-time money, versus ongoing revenue. It would be a "fool's errand" to use one-time money for ongoing expenditures, such as higher teacher salaries, he said. However, he also noted that the fiscal 2022 public schools budget jumped more than 30 percent, in part because of the infusion of nearly a half-billion dollars in federal stimulus funding. Even excluding that, the total schools budget will increase more than 13 percent. Superintendent of Public Instruction Sherri Ybarra also took the opportunity to complement the Troy School District for its academic performance. For example, she noted that the district's high school graduation rate over the past five years is 96 percent. "You're outperforming everybody when it comes to reading," Ybarra said. "Your district is using its funds effectively and efficiently. They are a poster child for achievement." Spence may be contacted at bspence@lmtribune.com or (208) 791-9168. Public health officials are investigating a recent COVID-19 outbreak at a Baptist church retreat in Ohio with 800 participants coming from various churches in several states, including Illinois. The retreat was held at Camp Chautauqua in Miamisburg, Ohio, from June 27 to July 3. Attendees came from Ohio, Kentucky, Illinois and Indiana, according to Public Health Dayton & Montgomery County, the local health agency. At least 30 cases of COVID-19 in Ohio and Kentucky have been linked to the retreat, according to a July 12 news release from the public health department. Local media reports have said the number of known infections stemming from the event has since increased to 70. Its unknown if any attendees from Illinois have tested positive for the virus. The health department news release said the camp and event organizers failed to respond to Public Health for several days after the initial cases were recognized and have not provided contact information for attendees. Public health officials are asking anyone who attended to contact their local health department or Public Health Dayton & Montgomery County at (937) 225-4508. Medical experts can then provide instructions for self-quarantine, monitoring symptoms and testing, as needed, according to the news release. Those who attended the retreat are also urged to monitor themselves for symptoms and contact a health care provider if symptoms develop. This outbreak demonstrates that the COVID-19 virus is still circulating and continues to make people sick, said Dr. Michael Dohn, medical director of the local public health agency. Chautauqua Camp and Conference Center in a statement on its website confirmed that it hosted a retreat on its campus during that time and on July 1 an individual tested positive for COVID-19. The statement goes on to say that we immediately had the person quarantined off campus. In addition, we initiated diligent monitoring of the rest of the group for symptoms and began temperature checks of individuals associated with that group, the statement said. We also performed temperature checks and COVID tests for our staff after receiving the news of this single positive case. Story continues Coronavirus outbreaks have been linked to multiple church camps and retreats across the country this summer. At least 160 COVID-19 cases stemmed from a June church youth camp in Texas, where only about a half-dozen of the infected individuals had been vaccinated; several test samples were confirmed to be the highly infectious delta variant of the virus, according to the Galveston County Health District. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment is investigating an outbreak at a church summer camp held in late June, spurring at least 23 cases. It was one of several summer camps listed as COVID-19 cluster sites by the state agency. And in central Illinois, at least 85 campers and staff caught COVID-19 at Crossing Camp in Rushville, a four-night church camp held in mid-June. Only a handful of campers and staff there were vaccinated, even though all were eligible to get the shot, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. At least one person was hospitalized, the state health department said. Masking was not required when indoors and the camp was not checking vaccination statuses. On the camps website, the four-night camp in Schuyler County was billed as a powerful and life-changing event. A packing list included items like a sleeping bag, sunscreen and a Bible, but didnt mention bringing a mask. Most of the COVID-19 infections were among teens, said IDPH director Dr. Ngozi Ezike in a statement. The perceived risk to children may seem small, but even a mild case of COVID-19 can cause long-term health issues, she said. Additionally, infected youth who may not experience severe illness can still spread the virus to others, including those who are too young to be vaccinated or those who dont build the strong expected immune response to the vaccine. Then some camp participants attended a nearby church conference, which led to 11 more COVID-19 cases, according to the state health department. At least 70% of the people infected at the conference were not vaccinated, the agency said. Crossing Camp is affiliated with The Crossing, a nondenominational Christian church with locations in Illinois, Missouri and Iowa. eleventis@chicagotribune.com By Stanley Widianto and Agustinus Beo Da Costa JAKARTA (Reuters) - Indonesia's religious minister called on Friday for people to pray at home during next week's Islamic holiday to avoid the risk of spreading the coronavirus, as some regions complained of a lack of supplies of COVID-19 vaccines. Fuelled by the spread of the more virulent Delta variant, Indonesia has repeatedly reported record infections and COVID-19 deaths in recent weeks, prompting some health experts to declare the country Asia's new epicentre for the virus. Travel after the Muslim fasting month in May was partly blamed for igniting the outbreak and religious minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas on Friday issued a circular asking people to avoid travel and gatherings for the upcoming Eid-al-Adha festival. "When the government puts out regulations that protect the people, it's mandatory," he said. The circular also called for animal sacrifices traditionally carried out at this time not to be done with big crowds. Indonesia has focused its COVID-19 response on its most populous island of Java, where hospitals have been deluged with patients seeking treatment, but some more remote regions with far lower vaccination rates have started seeing more infections. Josef Nae Soi, deputy governor of East Nusa Tenggara, told Reuters that only about 12% of its 5.3 million people had received a first vaccine shot. "We admit that on Java...the transmission (of the virus) is really high," said Josef. "But we're asking the central government to pay attention to us proportionally." In Kendari in Southeast Sulawesi province, authorities had stopped giving first vaccine shots to use the 14,000 doses remaining for second shots, said the head of the local health agency Rahminingrum. North Sumatra province had also asked the central government for more supplies, said Aris Yudhariansyah, a local health official. According to the health ministry, Jakarta has fully vaccinated 24% of its 8.3 million people due to be inoculated, whereas for example Southeast Sulawesi has vaccinated 6% of its 2 million target. Story continues Siti Nadia Tarmizi, the health ministry's vaccination spokesperson, said the vaccination focus remained on Java and Bali as it awaited an increase in production capacity of ready-to-use doses. Indonesia has distributed 73.6 million doses of vaccine across the archipelago, the majority China's Sinovac Biotech shot. It also has supplies of AstraZeneca, Sinopharm and Moderna vaccines, which are to be given to medical workers as booster shots. (Editing by Ed Davies) The Irish government on Friday rejected UK plans to halt prosecutions linked to past bloodshed in Northern Ireland, demanding a joint approach that prioritises the relatives of victims. Britain this week promised a statute of limitations to end prosecutions over unrest dating from "The Troubles", whether blamed on paramilitaries or on UK security forces, angering all sides of the conflict. "Our view is very strongly that unilateralism doesn't work in terms of the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement," Irish prime minister Micheal Martin told reporters, referring to the 1998 peace pact. "There has to be a consensus-based approach, and all of the parties in Northern Ireland are united in their opposition to the decision that has been taken, and I think the British government need to reflect on that and on the process." Britain's Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis on Wednesday said the legislation would apply to "all Troubles-related incidents" and was needed as current prosecutions were "far from helping, and are in fact impeding, reconciliation" in the UK-run province. Former soldiers, veterans groups and their supporters have been sharply critical of continuing prosecutions with defendants now well into old age, and evidence from the time sketchy or now deemed legally unreliable. The leader of the pro-UK Democratic Unionist Party, Jeffrey Donaldson, called the move "offensive" for ruling out prosecutions of "those cowardly terrorists who hid behind masks". But pro-Irish nationalists were also angered, along with relatives of people who died at the hands of British troops or police in Northern Ireland during the three decades of conflict. John Teggart, whose father was one of 10 people killed during unrest in the Ballymurphy area of west Belfast in 1971, said London's proposal was a "cynical... plan to bury its war crime". Story continues Martin said the views of victims' relatives should be "uppermost in our minds". "They feel betrayed now, they feel let down," he said, speaking alongside the visiting president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen. The plan has compounded tensions between London and Dublin with the two sides also at loggerheads over a special protocol governing post-Brexit trade in Northern Ireland. Von der Leyen insisted the European Union had shown "flexibility and pragmatism" in applying the protocol while also protecting Northern Ireland's peace accord. "The protocol is important, the Good Friday Agreement is paramount, and therefore I cannot imagine our British friends will not show the same flexibility that we have shown," she said. But the UK has been maintaining a hard line and plans to submit new proposals about the protocol before its parliament breaks up for the summer on July 22. jit/jwp/jxb Italy's president Sergio Mattarella has conferred 'Order of Merit of the Italian Republic' honours on coach Roberto Mancini and his Euro 2020 winning football team. The honours were "a sign of recognition of the sporting values and national spirit that animated the Italian victory at the European championship," a statement from the Italian residential palace said on Friday. Mancini and Italian FA president Gabriele Gravina were conferred with the honour of 'Grand Officer of the Republic' with team manager Gabriele Oriali and head of delegation Gianluca Vialli receiving 'Commander of the Republic' awards. Captain Giorgio Chiellini was named an 'Officer' and along with all the team were given the honour of 'Cavaliere' (Knights). Italy beat England last weekend on penalties in London to win the title for the first time since their victory in 1968. ea/bsp HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (AP) A federal judge has scrapped a temporary restraining order on West Virginias new law that tightens requirements on needle exchange programs. U.S. District Judge Robert Chambers made the decision Thursday, a week after saying he would consider the argument by plaintiffs that the law 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 had issued the restraining order June 28. Chambers removed that restraining order and denied a request for a permanent injunction. We respect the Courts decision, although we are of course disappointed with the results of the ruling. We are considering our available options for moving forward, ACLU legal director Loree Stark told The Herald-Dispatch in an email. 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 state capital of Charleston and the city of Huntington, was attributed at least in part to the cancellation in 2018 of Charlestons needle exchange program. Story continues 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. With fewer parties, lots of masks and stars having to regularly fill tubes with spit for Covid tests, the 74th edition of the Cannes film festival has been less glamorous than normal. But with a backlog of great movies, and the film world delighted to be back on the French Cote d'Azur after it was cancelled last year, it proved a vintage year. Here are some of the highlights from the world's leading movie get-together: - No kissing - For Cannes to ban "la bise" -- the French double-kiss on the cheeks -- sounded like a crime against humanity, and sure enough, the organisers simply couldn't help themselves as the gods and goddesses of cinema approached down the red carpet. Jessica Chastain and Carla Bruni were among those receiving a very public peck on opening night, and there was further furore over social media pictures of unmasked cinema-goers, triggering a reinforcement of the Covid rules. The regular tests and vaccine passes appear -- fingers crossed -- to have prevented the festival from becoming a super-spreader event. Some foreign visitors though were grossed out by the spit tests needed every 48 hours -- or struggled to supply what was required. "'That's not enough spit, Monsieur,' the test lady told me sternly," recalled The Guardian's film critic Peter Bradshaw. - Stars are born - Everyone fell a little bit in love with Renate Reinsve, the 33-year-old Norwegian star of the joyous and blub-inducing "Worst Person in the World" about a young woman figuring her way through love and life. Unknown before Cannes, the cavalcade of rave reviews left Reinsve overwhelmed: "The other day I woke up and I puked. And today I woke up and I cried," she told AFP. Another breakout was Vicky Krieps from Luxembourg. Already known from "Phantom Thread" a few years back, she confirmed her star status on the Croisette with two more impressive performances. She also has a string of big-budget films coming soon. Story continues - Lesbian movies - Lesbian movies are definitely having a moment, though in very different ways. Paul Verhoeven, the Dutch director behind "Robocop" and "Basic Instinct", brought his usual level of subtlety to lesbian nun drama "Benedetta", which will no doubt be best-remembered for the pleasure Virginie Efira and Daphne Patakia get from a Virgin Mary statue. That is nothing compared to the madness witnessed in serial killer romp "Titane", though the lead character's interest in women is perhaps trumped by the fact she manages to get pregnant by a vintage Cadillac. Same-sex relationships also feature -- in somewhat more ordinary ways -- in two well-received competition entries: Finland's "Compartment No.6" and the beautiful character study "Paris, 13th District" from France's Jacques Audiard. - Bad dads - Sean Penn played alongside his real-life daughter Dylan in "Flag Day" about a useless deadbeat father, one of many that cropped up in this year's Cannes selection. In "Stillwater", Matt Damon's Trump-country oil rig worker has good intentions but makes terrible decisions as he tries to help his daughter who is locked up for murder in Marseille. "The Worst Person in the World" had a terrible father, while the father in "Titane" faces a particularly brutal comeuppance for his bad behaviour. - Music on film - The music business was well-represented this year, starting with opening film "Annette", which starred Adam Driver and Marion Cotillard in possibly the weirdest musical ever, penned by legendary LA pop duo Sparks. Grammy-nominated hip-hop artist Freddie Gibbs provided another unexpected entry with his movie debut "Down with the King" about a rapper who gets drawn into skinning pigs and herding cattle in rural America. US director Todd Haynes won plaudits for "The Velvet Underground", a documentary about the 1960s rock legends. And for lighter relief, there was fluffy Celine Dion biopic "Aline: The Voice of Love". Critics were divided over whether this unpretentious account of the Canadian megastar was a "sincere and moving homage" or "so pointless as a film that you can only see it as an extravagant piece of conceptual art". er/fg/har By Minwoo Park and Hyonhee Shin SEOUL (Reuters) - South Korean graduate student Kim Hyun-jin sits with her thumbs flailing away at the screen of her phone, hoping to land a click on an online map that will get her the leftover coronavirus vaccine that someone in her Seoul neighbourhood missed. But after 10 days of "mad clicking," Kim, 32, has come away with nothing as vaccines are scarce amid a surge in new COVID-19 cases that started last week and is setting daily records. "It's like war," Kim said, showing a map on her phone that shows no vaccines are available in southern Seoul. "It never comes up no matter how madly you click, and I'm angry and hopeless, wasting my time." Kim is one of many young South Koreans who feel unfairly singled out by authorities as the main driver of its worst-ever COVID-19 outbreak because of their social activities, even as the government prioritises vaccine distribution to older, more vulnerable people. "I wouldn't have been doing this if they had enough vaccines in the first place and the resurgence of infections wouldn't have happened," Kim said. Multiple posts on Kopas, an online forum for Korea University students, accused the government of failing to secure more vaccines and scapegoating young people, garnering dozens of supportive comments. Lee Ki-il, deputy minister of health care policy, said on Wednesday that vaccine shipments would pick up starting in August and that the government aimed to vaccinate all eligible people, including young people, by the end of September. "It's upsetting and unfair that officials blamed us for spreading infections when there's no way we can get a vaccine," said Nam Yu-ra, who said she is in her late 20s and failed to reserve a leftover shot. South Korea has largely successfully tackled the coronavirus, with a total of 175,046 cases and 2,051 deaths out of a population of 52 million, through a mass testing and tracing system and without resorting to severe lockdowns. Story continues On paper, South Korea has bought sufficient doses to vaccinate its population twice over. But the campaign has slowed this week amid global supply shortages and shipment delays, with some 30,000 people getting a shot a day, down from more than 850,000 a day in early June, Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency data showed. Just 31.1% of people have received at least one dose of vaccine as of Thursday, well below the 60% in other advanced nations such as Britain and Singapore. For young people that have secured a vaccine, there is relief but also disappointment with the roll-out. With a beaming smile, Kim Ha-ram, a 21-year-old college student, shows off the screen of her phone with her Facebook page with a tick indicating her vaccinated status. She said she was lucky to win a leftover Pfizer dose just before the daily infections skyrocketed last week and triggered a rush for vaccines. But that was after a day-and-a-half of frantic clicking. "We 20-30 somethings are indeed socially active and should be cautious about playing out and drinking," Kim said. "But ... we are also the biggest victims of Korea's unstable vaccine supply." (Reporting by Hyonhee Shin, Minwoo Park, Dogyun Kim, Daewoung Kim and Seo Yeni; Writing by Hyonhee Shin; Editing by Christian Schmollinger) SEOUL, South Korea South Korea has reported another new 1,455 cases of the coronavirus, its 11th straight day over 1,000, as officials push to tighten pandemic restrictions nationwide. The numbers reported by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency on Saturday brought the national caseload to 176,500, including 2,055 deaths. The record-breaking surge has been mostly driven by transmissions in the greater Seoul region, home to half of the countrys population of more than 51 million. Officials here have enforced the countrys toughest social distancing restrictions, which prohibit private social gatherings of three or more people after 6 p.m., ban visitors at hospitals and nursing homes, and shut down nightclubs and churches. Officials are also discussing whether to enforce four-person limits on gatherings after 6 p.m. in all areas outside the capital region to prevent the virus from spreading and could announce a decision as early as Sunday. Fatalities and hospitalizations have slowed compared to the previous surge in the winter after officials concentrated limited vaccine supplies to high-risk groups, including elders and people in long-term care settings. Still, the number of COVID-19 patients in serious condition increased by 14 over the past 24 hours to 185. ___ MORE ON THE PANDEMIC: CDC leader: US in pandemic of the unvaccinated Russia hits another record daily virus deaths at 799 Freedom or folly? UKs end to mandatory masks sows confusion Two NFL teams remain under 50% vaccinated, AP learns ___ Find more AP coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic and https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-vaccine ___ HERES WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING: LAS VEGAS Masks are back in Las Vegas, where a rising number of coronavirus cases has health officials advising everyone vaccinated or not to wear facial coverings in crowds and indoor places. The recommendation Friday from the Southern Nevada Health District affects casinos, concerts, clubs and supermarkets is not a requirement. But it affects casinos, concerts and clubs where business has boomed since restrictions were lifted and the touris-dependent state fully returned pandemic control measures to counties about seven weeks ago. Story continues It follows a call this week by the top public health official in Los Angeles for Californians to reconsider traveling to Nevada until COVID-19 case numbers decrease. Nevada health officials reported 938 new cases on Thursday the biggest one-day coronavirus case jump since February. The number of new cases reported Friday in Nevada was 866. Vaccination rates have stalled in recent weeks in Nevada, a state with libertarian leanings where health officials reported Friday that about 55% of residents 12 years and older have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine. Statewide, about 46.3% are fully vaccinated. Nationally, 68% of adults have received at least one dose of vaccine, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. ___ SAN FRANCISCO San Francisco Bay Area health officials recommended Friday that everyone again wear masks inside public buildings, offices or businesses regardless of whether they are vaccinated. The counties of San Francisco, Santa Clara, San Mateo, Marin, Alameda, Contra Costa, Sonoma and the city of Berkeley stopped short of requiring masks indoors but said wearing them will ensure all unvaccinated people are masked in those settings. The region stopped requiring vaccinated people from wearing a mask indoors last month when California fully reopened its economy on June 15 and did away with capacity limits for indoor businesses and restaurants and social distancing. The Bay Area has seen some of the highest vaccination rates in the state. Several of the areas seven counties have at least 80% of their residents 12 and older vaccinated with at least one dose. The announcements Friday came amid a spike in COVID-19 cases, most of them the highly transmissible delta variant that has proliferated since California fully reopened its economy on June 15. The vast majority of new cases are among unvaccinated people. ___ NEW YORK Pfizer announced U.S. regulators have agreed to a priority review of whether its COVID-19 vaccine should be fully approved, with a decision set for no later than January. More than 186 million doses of the vaccine made by Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech have been administered in the U.S. alone since December. Many more doses have gone to other countries that have authorized emergency use of the vaccine during the pandemic. Vaccines cleared for emergency use still must undergo the stringent full approval process, a step that might help persuade some people who arent yet immunized to roll up their sleeves. The Food and Drug Administrations January deadline is a formality. The decision could come far sooner given how closely the agency has been monitoring the vaccines widespread use. Pfizers application, submitted in late May, includes the latest data from a large study that tracked participants 16 and older for six months after their second dose. The vaccine is given to people as young as 12, and Pfizer also intends to submit data needed for full approval in that age group. ___ WASHINGTON The White House says its in no hurry to lift COVID-19 international travel restrictions, a day after President Joe Biden said he hoped to have an updated timeline for easing them. Speaking during a White House briefing, COVID-19 coordinator Jeff Zients said: We must remain vigilant, particularly about the spread of variants and well reopen when the medical folks and health experts believe its safe to do so. Zients adds any decision about opening international travel will be guided by a review of coronavirus cases, vaccination rates and virus variants. European allies have chaffed at the restrictions, given in some places their vaccination and case rates are better than the U.S., and other parts of the world are not subject to the stiff entry requirements. German Chancellor Angela Merkel pressed Biden on the matter Thursday during their Oval Office meeting. ___ WASHINGTON The director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the COVID-19 outbreak in the U.S. is becoming a pandemic of the unvaccinated. Speaking during a White House briefing, Dr. Rochelle Walensky says cases in the U.S. are up about 70% over the last week, hospital admissions are up 36% and deaths rose by 26%. Nearly all hospital admissions and deaths, she says, are among the unvaccinated. White House COVID-19 coordinator Jeff Zients echoed the pandemic is one that predominantly threatens unvaccinated people. He says the Biden administration expects cases to increase in the weeks ahead because of spread in communities with low vaccination rates. Four states accounted for 40% of new cases last week, with one in five coming from Florida. But Zients says there are signs that increased cases are driving more people in those communities to seek vaccination at rates faster than the national average. ___ TOKYO Japans top medical adviser for Prime Minister Yoshihide Sugas government urged authorities to step up virus measures ahead of the Olympics and asked the people to avoid trips. Tokyo registered 1,271 new cases Friday, the day after recording a six-month high of 1,308. Dr. Shigeru Omi, who heads a government COVID-19 taskforce, says the next two months will be the most crucial stage in Japans fight against the pandemic. He urged people to watch the Olympics on TV at home with family members or close friends in small groups. Omi says the ongoing upsurge in the Tokyo region is likely to accelerate, with the summer vacation, the Olympics and the Buddhist holiday week in August when people are likely to travel. Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga last week declared a fourth state of emergency in Tokyo, which started Monday and lasts until Aug. 22. Nationwide, Japan has reported 830,000 cases and 15,000 confirmed deaths. ___ PARIS The Eiffel Tower is reopening for the first time in nine months even though France is under new rules aimed at taming the delta variant. This week, President Emmanuel Macron announced COVID-19 passes would be required to enter restaurants and venues such as the Eiffel Tower. Starting Wednesday, all visitors over 18 will need to show a pass proving theyve been fully vaccinated, had a negative virus test or recently recovered from COVID-19. The Iron Lady of Paris was ordered shut in October as France contended with its second virus surge of the pandemic. The tower stayed shut for renovations after most of the major tourist draws reopened last month. ___ MOSCOW Daily coronavirus deaths in Russia have hit another record, with the authorities reporting 799 deaths. Its the fourth straight day of record number of deaths. On Friday, officials reported 25,704 new coronavirus cases. Daily new infections in Russia have soared from around 9,000 in early June to more than 25,000 last week. Officials blamed the surge on the spread of the delta variant and a sluggish vaccine uptake that has remained lower than in many Western countries. As of Tuesday, 28.6 million Russians -- or just 19.5% of the 146 million population -- have received at least one shot of a vaccine. Russias state coronavirus task force has reported more than 5.9 million confirmed coronavirus cases and a total of 146,868 confirmed deaths in the pandemic. However, reports by Russias state statistical service Rosstat, which tallies coronavirus-linked deaths retroactively, reveal much higher numbers. ___ LONDON The British governments top medical adviser has warned that number of people in hospital with the coronavirus could reach quite scary levels within weeks as cases soar from the delta variant and the lifting of lockdown restrictions. Professor Chris Whitty spoke on a webinar hosted by Londons Science Museum, saying the U.K. is not out of the woods yet. His comments came in the wake of government figures showing that coronavirus infections have struck another six-month high and the number of people in hospital with COVID-19 and subsequently dying are at their highest level since March. There were 3,786 people in hospital with COVID-19 and another 63 virus-related deaths reported Thursday. Another 48,553 confirmed lab cases were reported Thursday, the biggest daily figure since Jan. 15. The government has stated that daily infections could hit 100,000 this summer. At the height of the second wave earlier this year, some 40,000 people were in hospital with COVID-19 and deaths reached 1,500 people a day. ___ ISLAMABAD Pakistans planning minister asked countrymen to avoid gatherings during the upcoming Eid al-Adha holiday to help contain the spread of coronavirus. Asad Umar also urged people to get vaccinated for their own safety and avoid becoming a source of the spread. He says the people who avoided the COVID-19 vaccine for any reason were risking their life apart from becoming a danger to their loved ones. He says unvaccinated people wont be allowed to visit tourist sites before and after Eid al-Adha or feast of sacrifice, which begins in Pakistan next week. Umar made these comments at a news conference amid a surge in COVID-19 cases and deaths. Pakistan reported 31 new deaths and 2,327 new cases in the past 24 hours. That brings the totals to 22,720 confirmed deaths and 983,719 confirmed cases. ___ MOSCOW Authorities in the Russian capital have walked back on their order for restaurants to only admit customers who have been vaccinated against the coronavirus or could produce a negative test. The decision announced Friday by Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin becomes effective Monday. It retracts the measure that has been in place since late June, obliging restaurants and cafes to check. Sobyanin argued that the city officials were able to revise the decision because the pace of contagion has slowed down. ___ BUDAPEST, Hungary - Hungarys government will provide citizens with the option to receive a third dose of COVID-19 vaccine beginning in August, Prime Minister Viktor Orban said on Friday. The third shot will be made available to all people regardless of age, health or which vaccine they received initially, Orban said in an interview with public radio. The government recommends, but does not require, the third dose to be administered at least four months following the second, and doctors may choose whether to provide patients with a different vaccine than previously received. There is no reason to fear a third vaccine dose. If people dont have to fear it and their sense of security is increased if they receive it, then why would we keep them from this option? Orban said. Hungary is the latest country to offer booster shots amid concerns that some jabs do not provide full protection from COVID-19 to all recipients. In May, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain announced they would offer third shots to some people who received Chinas Sinopharm following concerns over insufficient development of antibodies, which protect against the virus. In Hungary, which also uses the Sinopharm vaccine, some have also expressed worry that they are not fully protected from COVID-19, and have demanded third doses. ___ COLOMBO, Sri Lanka Sri Lanka has received 1.5 million doses of the Moderna vaccine from the U.S. through the U.N.-backed COVAX facility. It was the second shipment to Sri Lanka from the global COVAX effort after an AstraZeneca delivery in March. Sri Lanka has given 36% of its population their first vaccine dose while 13% have received both doses. Its vaccination campaign was set back by halted shipments of AstraZeneca from the Indian producer. It then turned to Sinopharm, Sputnik V and Pfizer to get its population inoculated. Sri Lanka has confirmed 279,059 coronavirus infections with 3,611 fatalities. ___ TORONTO Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Thursday Canada could start allowing fully vaccinated Americans into Canada as of mid-August for non-essential travel and should be in a position to welcome fully vaccinated travelers from all countries by early September. Trudeau spoke with leaders of Canadas provinces and his office released a readout of the call. He noted that if Canadas current positive path of vaccination rate and public health conditions continue the border can open. Canada would be in a position to welcome fully vaccinated travelers from all countries by early September, the readout said. He noted the ongoing discussions with the United States on reopening plans, and indicated that we could expect to start allowing fully vaccinated U.S. citizens and permanent residents into Canada as of mid-August for non-essential travel. Trudeau noted Canada continues to lead G20 countries in vaccination rates with approximately 80% of eligible Canadians receiving one dose and over 50% of eligible Canadians fully vaccinated. He said case numbers and severe illness continue to decline. At least four security officials who were in charge of protecting President Jovenel Moise the night he was assassinated were issued travel restrictions on Friday as part of an investigation into the killing, Haitian prosecutor Bed-Ford Claude said per the Washington Post. Why it matters: Among the restricted security officials is Dimitri Herard, chief of security at Haiti's presidential palace, who was arrested Thursday. Get market news worthy of your time with Axios Markets. Subscribe for free. Catch up quick: So far, over 20 people have been arrested and local law enforcement has conducted more than 25 interviews as part of its investigation, the head of Haitis national police force said at a news conference Friday, per the Post. Go deeper: Biden says sending troops to Haiti "not on the agenda" after assassination More from Axios: Sign up to get the latest market trends with Axios Markets. Subscribe for free Lebanon was hit by fresh protests Friday after premier-designate Saad Hariri failed to form a government, and as France prepares to host an aid conference on the first anniversary of the country's port blast. Hariri's exit Thursday comes amid a financial collapse branded by the World Bank as one of the planet's worst since the 19th century. His departure leaves the country rudderless as Lebanon faces soaring poverty, a plummeting currency, angry protests and shortages of basic items from medicine to fuel. Protests on Friday flared in the northern port city of Tripoli over the deepening crisis, sparking clashes with the army that the Lebanese Red Cross said left at least 19 people wounded. The army said young men lobbed a hand grenade towards its forces, wounding five soldiers, while 10 others were wounded by stones thrown by protesters. Tripoli, a port and Lebanon's second city, is the country's poorest and many residents live below the poverty line. The protests came as the Lebanese pound, officially pegged at 1,507 to the dollar, plunged to new lows on the black market Friday, selling for more than 22,000 to the greenback. Earlier Friday, caretaker health minister Hamad Hassan said the government would scrap subsidies on medicines costing less than 12,000 Lebanese pounds ($8 at the official rate) to shore up foreign currency reserves. Angry Lebanese took to the streets of the capital Beirut and the southern city of Sidon, blocking roads with tyres and rubbish bins which they set on fire. Former colonial power France, which has spearheaded international efforts to lift Lebanon out of crisis, said Friday it would host an aid conference on August 4 to "respond to the needs of the Lebanese, whose situation is deteriorating every day". The date coincides with the first anniversary of a monster explosion at Beirut port that killed more than 200 people and devastated swathes of the capital. - Political wrangling - Story continues World powers have pledged millions of dollars in humanitarian aid since the 2020 port blast, but conditioned it on Lebanon installing a government capable of tackling corruption. As international pressure mounted, with threats of European Union sanctions against them, Lebanese politicians continued to squabble, effectively thwarting efforts to form a government. The French foreign ministry said Hariri's failure "confirms the political deadlock which Lebanese leaders have deliberately continued for months, even as Lebanon sinks into unprecedented economic and social crisis". After nine months of deliberations with President Michel Aoun over a cabinet, Hariri threw in the towel on Thursday, accusing Aoun of seeking a "blocking third" of seats for his supporters -- effectively a veto. "If I formed the government that Michel Aoun wanted... I wouldn't have been able to run the country, because this isn't a cabinet I can work with," Hariri told Lebanon's Al-Jadeed TV after he stepped down. Aoun, who has denied the accusations, will now have to call on parliament to pick a new premier-designate, who will be tasked with assembling another cabinet. That in turn will have to be approved by the president and political factions. This takes the political process back to square one, prompting Lebanese media to warn of many more months of drift, a delay the country can ill afford. "With Hariri out, a worsening crisis is inevitable," French-language daily L'Orient-Le Jour said in a headline. - 'Self-destruction' - With cabinet and parliamentary seats distributed on confessional lines, negotiations will be further complicated by the exit of Hariri, a key figure among the country's Sunni Muslims. Media reports have circulated the name of former premier Najib Mikati, last in power in 2014, as a likely replacement. But Hariri has said he would not endorse Mikati's candidacy. Hariri has previously led three governments in Lebanon and is the second candidate to fail at forming a cabinet in less than a year. He was nominated premier-designate in October 2020 to replace Mustapha Adib, a relatively unknown diplomat. Adib had been nominated just weeks after the port explosion, but quit less than a month later over resistance to his proposed line up. Outgoing prime minister Hassan Diab, who resigned in the wake of the August 4 explosion, has stayed on in a caretaker capacity until political leaders can agree on a new premier. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Thursday that Lebanon's "political class has squandered the last nine months". French top diplomat Jean-Yves Le Drian accused political leaders of "cynical self-destruction". ho/hkb Jul. 16LIMA A Lima man whose criminal case was delayed after he was shot at a Lima bar earlier this year appeared in court Thursday and rejected a negotiated plea deal from prosecutors. Rico Stafford, 24, reportedly had reached an agreement with prosecutors whereby he would plead guilty to a charge of felonious assault, a second-degree felony with a three-year firearm specification attached, in exchange for the state's dismissal of charges of having a weapon under disability and improper handling of a firearm in a motor vehicle, felonies of the third- and fourth-degree, respectively. That deal fell through, however, when at the start of a hearing Thursday morning in Allen County Common Pleas Court Stafford's attorney said his client no longer desired to enter into the agreement. The parties had agreed upon a six-year prison sentence. Assistant Allen County Prosecutor Kyle Thines said the state's offer would expire at the end of the day on Thursday. The indictment alleges that on or about July 25, 2020, Stafford brandished a firearm and caused or attempted to cause physical harm to Javionte Gilcrease. As the case was working its way through Allen County Common Pleas Court the proceedings hit a snag when Stafford himself was shot outside Marko's Sports and Spirits on the morning of April 3. Stafford was indicted by a grand jury later that month on the weapons under disability and firearms in a motor vehicle charge. According to court documents Stafford was stopped by a trooper with the Ohio State Highway Patrol on March 1 of this year for a traffic violation. Stafford, who was driving the vehicle, consented to a pat-down for weapons but then shoved the trooper in the chest and fled on foot. Backup units arrived and the Stafford was taken into custody. Stafford was free on bond when he walked into the courtroom on Thursday morning but left in handcuffs after being served with a warrant for violating the terms of his bond. Jury trials have been scheduled for Sept. 7 on the felonious assault charge and for Aug. 2 on the recent charges against Stafford. Jul. 16Honolulu CrimeStoppers, the Honolulu Police Department and the state Department of Public Safety announced the voluntary surrender today of the fugitive brother of Iremamber Sykap, the 16-year-old boy slain by police. Maruo Sykap, 21, was wanted since early May for a no-bail grand jury bench warrant on a charge of first-degree robbery, and for four other outstanding grand jury warrants. He turned himself in this morning at the Sheriff Division's Booking and Receiving Station in Kakaako, where he was booked and taken to the Oahu Community Correctional Center. A judge has ordered Sykap held without bail pending trial in an April 22 robbery at Old Stadium Park, in which he allegedly used a dangerous instrument to rob a man of his valuables, the Department of the Prosecuting Attorney said in a news release. Sykap also allegedly assaulted a 20-year-old woman at 1 :10 a.m. April 24 at the intersection of Kalakaua Avenue and Philip Street, where a makeshift memorial was erected after his younger brother had been fatally shot by police. The woman was treated and released at a hospital for a non-life-threatening stab wound to her upper torso, police said. He was indicted by a grand jury for second-degree assault, and the grand jury warrant was in the amount of $100, 000. The Sheriff's Special Operations Fugitive Unit conducted an extensive investigation to find Sykap and had pre-arranged the peaceful surrender, a Public Safety spokeswoman said. Sykap was wanted on three other grand jury warrants, including first-degree resisting an order to stop a motor vehicle and first-degree criminal property damage and driving without a license ; first-degree unauthorized entry into a motor vehicle ; and unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle. Honolulu Prosecutor Steve Alm praised the fugitive unit officers involved in the arrest. "Honolulu is safer today now that he is off the streets, " he said. "The department will work to ensure that Sykap stays in custody until his trails and, if he is convicted, ask for prison sentences for this dangerous individual." Story continues Sykap's brother, Iremamber Sykap, was the Aiea teen shot and killed April 5 after police fired multiple times into a carallegedly previously involved earlier the same day in a robbery and other crimeswhile he was in the driver's seat. Three HPD officers were charged in the boy's death. Geoffrey Thom, 42, who allegedly fired 10 times through the rear window as the car was stationary and struck the unarmed boy eight times, was charged with second-degree murder. Zackary Ah Nee, 26, and Christopher Fredeluces, 40, were charged with second-degree attempted murder. LOS ANGELES (AP) Los Angeles County residents will again be required to wear masks indoors, regardless of their vaccination status, while the University of California system said that students, faculty and staff must be inoculated against the coronavirus to return to campuses. The announcements Thursday came amid a spike in COVID-19 cases, most of them the highly transmissible delta variant that has proliferated since California fully reopened its economy on June 15 and did away with capacity limits and social distancing. The vast majority of new cases are among unvaccinated people. The rapid and sustained increase in cases in Los Angeles County requires restoring an indoor mask mandate, said Dr. Muntu Davis, public health officer for the countys 10 million people. The public health order will go into effect just before midnight Saturday. This is an all-hands-on-deck moment, Davis said during a virtual news conference. He didnt fully detail what would be some exceptions to the mask rule but said, for example, people could still take off their masks while eating and drinking at restaurants. Davis said officials will focus on education rather than enforcement. Handing out citations to people who dont comply is not something we really want to have to do, he said. Los Angeles County has been recording more than 1,000 new cases each day for a week, and there is now substantial community transmission, Davis said. On Thursday, there were 1,537 new cases, and hospitalizations have now topped 400. The next level is high transmission, and thats not a place where we want to be, he said. It comes after a winter where Los Angeles County experienced a massive surge in infections and deaths, with hospitals overloaded with COVID-19 patients and ambulances idling outside, waiting for beds to open. Now, hospitalizations in California are above 1,700, the highest level since April. More than 3,600 cases were reported Thursday, the most since late February, but a far cry from the winter peak that saw an average of more than 40,000 per day. Story continues Other counties, including Sacramento and Yolo, are strongly urging people to wear masks indoors but not requiring it. The drastic increase in cases is concerning as is the number of people choosing not to get vaccinated, Sacramento County Public Health Officer Olivia Kasirye said. The Los Angeles County decision came within hours of the University of Californias announcement that students, faculty and staff must be vaccinated for the upcoming semester. UC President Michael V. Drake said in a letter to the systems 10 chancellors that unvaccinated students without approved exemptions will be barred from in-person classes, events and campus facilities, including housing. Vaccination is by far the most effective way to prevent severe disease and death after exposure to the virus and to reduce spread of the disease to those who are not able, or not yet eligible, to receive the vaccine, Drake wrote. He said the decision came after consulting UC infectious disease experts and reviewing evidence from studies on the dangers of COVID-19 and emerging variants like the delta strain. In San Francisco, cases are rising among the unvaccinated. Black and Latino people are getting shots at a lower rate than others, and Mayor London Breed urged them to get the vaccine. She said Thursday that every person hospitalized with COVID-19 at San Francisco General Hospital is unvaccinated and most are African American. San Francisco Supervisor Shamann Walton said the highest number of cases are in the Bayview district, a largely Black neighborhood, because we are not doing everything we can to protect each other. This is a cry to my community. ... We need you to get vaccinated. San Francisco has one of the highest overall vaccination rates in the nations most populated state. At least 83% of residents 12 and older have received at least one dose. Meanwhile, north of San Francisco, at least 59 residents at a homeless shelter have tested positive for the virus. Of those infected at the Santa Rosa shelter, 28 were fully vaccinated, Dr. Sundari Mase, Sonoma Countys health officer, said Wednesday. Officials were reviewing an additional 26 possible positive cases. Of those with confirmed infections at Samuel L. Jones Hall, nine were hospitalized, including six who were fully vaccinated and had multiple, significant underlying health conditions, including diabetes and pulmonary disease, health officials said. Fewer than half of the shelters 153 residents had received at least a partial vaccination, officials said, and they dont know if the outbreak started with a vaccinated or unvaccinated resident. We know congregate settings are at much higher risk, Mase said. We also know there is a very high proportion of unvaccinated individuals that were in this setting. Most of the 69 vaccinated residents had received the single-shot Johnson & Johnson dose, but Mase said it was hard to determine whether that was a factor in the outbreak. Vaccines decrease the severity of the illness, reduce hospitalizations and decrease the risk of death. Clinical trials showed that a single dose of the J&J vaccine was 72% effective against moderate to severe COVID-19 in the United States, compared with 95% for the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. A Food and Drug Administration analysis cautioned that its not clear how well the vaccines work against each variant. So-called breakthrough cases among the fully vaccinated are unusual. Between Jan. 1 and June 30, California identified 8,699 such cases out of the more than 20 million who have received the vaccine. ___ Associated Press writer Olga R. Rodriguez and Jocelyn Gecker in San Francisco contributed to this report. Meghan, Duchess of Sussex. Pool/Samir Hussein/Getty Images Meghan Markle will executive produce an animated series for Netflix, titled "Pearl." The series will follow a 12-year-old girl who is inspired by influential women in history. The name Meghan means "Pearl." Visit Insider's homepage for more stories. Meghan, Duchess of Sussex announced on Wednesday that she plans to executive produce an animated TV series for Netflix. The series, which has the working title "Pearl," will follow the adventures of a 12-year-old girl who is inspired by influential women throughout history. "Like many girls her age, our heroine Pearl is on a journey of self-discovery as she tries to overcome life's daily challenges," Meghan Markle, who serves as co-founder of Archewell productions, said in a statement on its website. "I'm thrilled that Archewell Productions, partnered with the powerhouse platform of Netflix, and these incredible producers, will together bring you this new animated series, which celebrates extraordinary women throughout history," she added. While it's not yet known whether there will be autobiographical aspects to the series, it's possible that the show was inspired by some of Markle's own experiences. The duchess appears to have named the series after herself. As pointed out by one royal fan on Twitter, the name "Meghan" means Pearl. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. "Meghan" is a name of Welsh origin that means Pearl, according to websites Baby Names and The Bump. Markle will work on the series with Canadian filmmaker David Furnish, who is known for his work on "Rocketman," a movie about his husband Elton John's life. A release date has not yet been confirmed. The theme of "influential women" won't be a surprise to those familiar with the duchess' previous work. Markle guest-edited the September 2019 issue of British Vogue, titled "Forces for Change," in which 15 inspirational women appeared on the cover. Story continues The women, including "The Good Place" star and activist Jameela Jamil and New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, were handpicked by Markle for "raising the bar for equality, kindness, justice, and open mindedness." This is the second Netflix series announced under Markle and Prince Harry's production company, Archewell. In April Archewell Productions announced plans for "Heart of Invictus," a show that follows a group of competitors as they prepare for the Invictus Games, which Harry launched for wounded or injured army personnel in 2014 while he was a working royal. The Duke of Sussex will serve as an executive producer on the series. Representatives for the Duchess of Sussex did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment. Read the original article on Insider BARCELONA, Spain (AP) Lionel Messi and Barcelona are closer to signing a new deal that would keep the Argentina star at the Spanish club through the end of his playing career. A person with knowledge of the negotiations between club and player told The Associated Press on Friday that Messi was prepared to accept Barcelona's offer of a five-year contract at 50% of his previous salary. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly about the negotiations. In his previous contract, signed in 2017, Messi earned a massive 138 million euros ($163 million) per season. The person with knowledge of the negotiations did not indicate the other aspects of the contract still being worked out between the club and Messis father, Jorge Messi, who acts as his agent. Barcelona as a club has officially said nothing publicly about the details of the negotiations with the soccer great. The 34-year-old Messi joined Barcelona two decades ago at age 13. Last August he stunned Barcelona by announcing that he wanted out after the 2019-2020 season ended without a title and his relationship with then club president Josep Bartomeu deteriorated. The return of Joan Laporta to the clubs presidency in March has been key in bringing Messi back into the fold. Laporta ran Barcelona when Messi had his breakout as a teenager. A significantly lower salary for Messi is critical to keeping him at the financially troubled club following the losses sustained by the pandemic and some questionable management. Laporta admitted that a lower salary cap for Barcelona due to reduced revenues complicated his task to make all the pieces fit. Messi's previous contract with Barcelona expired on June 30, making many Barcelona fans nervous that he could be lured away to big spenders like Paris Saint-Germain or Manchester City. Even Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman acknowledged last week that he was concerned. Messi? When things dont get resolved, you have to be worried, Koeman said. Laporta told me to remain calm because we are working hard so that he remains with us for years to come. I have complete faith in our president to work this out. Story continues The six-time Ballon dOr winner is currently on vacation after leading Argentina to the Copa America title last weekend, ending a long wait for a major title for his nation. Messi has enjoyed a glittering career at Barcelona. He has won 35 club titles in 17 seasons, including four Champions Leagues, and set club records for goals (672) and appearances (778). ___ More AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports MEXICO CITY (AP) Mexicos president issued a rare public call Friday for the countrys most violent state to replace its attorney general. The north-central state of Guanajuato saw more than 1,562 homicides in the first five months of 2021, more than any of Mexicos other 31 states, despite only being the sixth largest in terms of population. State prosecutor Carlos Zamarripa has been in office about 12 years, during which time the state has become far more violent. If he were the manager of a company, with this kind of performance they would have fired him, President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said Friday. Lopez Obrador suggested there was corruption or collusion with some of the drug cartels fighting bloody turf battles in Guanajuato. When officials do not act with honesty, with rectitude, when there is no division between criminals and the authorities, no progress can be made, Lopez Obrador said. Zamarripas office was contacted for a response, but had no immediate comment. Businessmen and experts in Guanajuato have long questioned why, under Zamarripa's leadership, the home-grown Santa Rosa de Lima cartel achieved so much power that they nearly controlled a federal oil refinery in the state, and brazenly stole fuel in and around the plant. The problem got so bad that federal troops had to be called in to take over and protect the plant. Guanajuato security analyst David Saucedo said Carlos Zamarripa for many years protected El Marro, the leader of the Santa Rosa de Lima gang who was arrested in 2020. But Saucedo said Zamarripa appears to have switched sides, apparently believing the Santa Rosa gang would quickly fall apart as the more powerful Jalisco New Generation cartel moved into the state. Instead, the Sinloa cartel decided to send killers, guns and money to prop up Santa Rosa and other local gangs, to prevent their rival, Jalisco, from taking over. That proxy war has drenched the state on blood. Definitely, Zamarripa is part of the problem, Saucedo said. The state attorney general is appointed by the governor, and Lopez Obrador has no direct input or control over the office. But federal cooperation is vitally important for state law enforcement efforts in Mexico. Tamika Mallory attends the REVOLT & AT&T Summit on October 25, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. Scott Dudelson/Getty Images Tamika Mallory told Insider she's embracing the controversy that can come with celebrity. The activist faced backlash for recent speeches at the Grammy Awards and in a Cadillac commercial. In her book, Mallory rejects respectability politics and misogyny directed at Black women. Visit Insider's homepage for more stories. "Arrest the cops. Charge the cops. Not just here in Minneapolis," social justice leader Tamika D. Mallory decried during her fiery speech last year following the murder of George Floyd, Jr. by Minneapolis police officers. Flanked by a mix of community leaders, actors, entertainers and athletes, the activist called on prosecutors to "charge them in every city across America where our people are being murdered." That speech later, having lit up the internet, inspired "State of Emergency: How We Win the Country." The exposure also kicked off a year catapulting the progressive even more into the two sides of fame. Although "State of Emergency" provides an unadulterated perspective on race and justice in America - imploring readers to understand the pathways toward real change, it gets personal exploring how the 41-year-old Harlem native and mother of a son fits in the world of activism, where the spectrum of respectability politics is wide. She's fully embracing celebrity, and the controversy that can come along with it - an opportunity seldom afforded Black women. "If you're looking for the Tamika Mallory that's politically correct, and or only on one side of the track - whichever one that is that you may love - you're not going to find me there," she told Insider. Mallory is embracing the controversy that comes with celebrity From left, Carmen Perez, Bob Bland, Tamika Mallory and Linda Sarsour attend the TIME 100 Gala in April 2017. Charles Sykes/AP Kicking off that theme, the foreword veers from traditional one-person reflections to feature a conversation between two iconic Black women some consider opposite sides of that spectrum: activist and educator Dr. Angela Y. Davis, and hip hop superstar Cardi B. Story continues The former exotic dancer-turned-reality-TV-sensation, now chart-topping rapper asks, "is there room for someone like me" before the famed civil rights activist welcomes her with open arms, assuring her she is needed in the movement. It's Mallory's favorite highlight. Black Americans throughout 2020 have called out institutions for their racism, demanding not just seats at tables of performative inclusion, but convening rooms that work toward justice and equality. She told Insider that with the leader she aspires to be, at the tables she'll "convene, Cardi would feel as comfortable standing next to Dr. Davis as any other scholar." "A person who twerks is as relevant in this movement as a person who's the scholar," she told Insider. "The one who may be a janitor is not less relevant or more valuable to our work, than a pastor of a church, a doctor, a lawyer." "Everybody is needed at the table." But her outspoken style of activism does come at a cost, both personally and professionally. Long before co-founding the historic Women's March, Mallory had increasingly become the subject of scorn from critics. The backlash bubbled over following her appearance on the 2021 Grammy Awards. The activist delivered a rendition of "State of Emergency '' during the interlude of rapper Lil Baby's performance. Soon after, Samaria Rice - the mother of Tamir Rice who was killed by Cleveland police officers while playing with a replica toy gun in 2012 - openly referred to her as a "clout chaser" and "a bitch," in a Facebook post calling out the performance. Rice doubled down on her rebuke in a scathing official statement, criticizing prominent leaders, including Black Lives Matter founder Patrisse Khan-Cullors, attorneys Ben Crump and Lee Merritt as well as Mallory - demanding they "step down, stand back, and stop monopolizing and capitalizing our fight for justice." Mallory told Insider she was taken aback by the attack - contending she has never worked with Samaria Rice nor used her son in any kind of campaigning. Instead, the activist said she is proud to have the blessings of other mothers of the movement, matriarchs whose offspring were also killed by law enforcement officials. "The families that I've actually worked with and been close to support me and will tell you that I've never utilize the children and or exploited their children in any capacity, and also that they support me and would like for me to continue to do the work that I have been doing alongside them," she said. She also defended her performance, rejecting accusations of "grifting" or profiteering from Black trauma, pain, and death, insisting "it wasn't a speech that was simply about police brutality, or about the loss of life, or for young Black men and women who've been killed." "My speech was a result of racial justice," she argued. "For anyone to say that I don't have the right to speak on behalf of racial injustice in this nation is actually outrageous. I think all of us are obligated to use any space that we can to talk about racial injustice." "All of us have the right to be experts, if you're Black in America, on all of those issues," she furthered. Mallory says Black, female activists are held to higher standards Civil rights activist Tamika Mallory (C) of Until Freedom speaks during a press conference at Jefferson Square Park on September 25, 2020 in Louisville, Kentucky. Jon Cherry/Getty Images Mallory - who also recently drew condemnation for appearing in a Cadillac promotional campaign - isn't' shy about attributing the backlash to another institution plaguing America: "misogynoir" - or the unique discrimination and mistreatment Black women face on account of racism and misogyny. She contends that, in some parts, Black women are held to different standards. Criticism is therefore harsher when levied toward female activists on the front lines. "To be a woman who is a leader, there is definitely always going to be even more scrutiny," she said. Now that the book - with its poetic prose - is out in the world, the truth to power speaker is looking forward to further expanding her movement in a peculiar landscape. The woman former president Barack Obama's senior advisor Valerie Jarrett called a "leader of tomorrow," is committed to forging a new kind of activism, one responsive to the digital and celebrity-focused climate that propelled the unrest of 2020. Reality TV is one frontier that she's immersed in thanks to Mona Scott Young's wildly popular "Love & Hip Hop" franchise. Young, engaged and internet savvy people are who she says are needed in the movement. "Those groups like that are our actual audience," she detailed. "And I keep doing this work, because I'm looking at people who have less resources and less information, but they are the ones who are actually pushing for the most change." The COVID-19 survivor, who also battled an addiction to prescription medications on the heels of breaking ties the Women's March organization, is working on an outline of her very own memoir - more focused on the personal life experiences of the "girl from Harlem." Not what's next, she told Insider the path she forges will center and celebrate Black women in all their complexities so long as there are barriers that limit them. "I don't know what else is in the future, I do it," Mallory said, wrapping up the interview. "We still don't have justice so I will keep doing this work for the long haul, probably something that I would actually go to my grave with." Read the original article on Insider As he has racked up a string of endorsements, former state Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias has also been collecting campaign cash and he holds a significant financial advantage over three rivals with little more than a year until the Democratic primary for secretary of state, campaign finance records showed. On the Republican side, the mandated reports covering the second quarter of 2021, from April through June, show the three Republican announced candidates for governor to challenge billionaire Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzkers expected reelection bid spent heavily as they sought to build their fundraising operations. The Democratic contest for secretary of state, to replace retiring longtime officeholder Jesse White, and the GOP race for the governors nomination as the marquee statewide races on next years primary ballot with the election moved to June 28 to accommodate delayed federal census results for drawing new congressional districts. Giannoulias, who was state treasurer from 2007 to 2011 and an unsuccessful U.S. Senate candidate in 2010, has been the early leader in gathering endorsements, including from labor unions and influential officeholders including U.S. Rep. Jesus Chuy Garcia. The union endorsements were reflected in Giannoulias fundraising, receiving $59,900 in contributions from various entities of the Laborers International Union, the Teamsters and the Service Employees International Union on the way to raising nearly $860,000 in the second quarter plus another $91,900 since June 30. After starting the quarter with more than $2.1 million in cash available, the reports showed Giannoulias had more than $2.9 million at the start of July. Chicago City Clerk Anna Valencia and Aldermen Pat Dowell, 3rd, and David Moore, 17th, are also vying with Giannoulias for the Democratic nomination. Sign up for The Spin to get the top stories in politics delivered to your inbox weekday afternoons. Valencia reported raising more than $226,000 and had nearly $594,000 in cash available on July 1, the reports showed. Dowell raised nearly $400,000 and had $416,381 available while Moore reported raising more than $16,200 and had $64,219 in cash on hand. Story continues In the GOP race for governor, state Sen. Darren Bailey of downstate Xenia reported $490,700 in cash on hand on July 1, raising more than $165,000 but spending nearly $185,000. Businessman Gary Rabine of Burr Ridge listed $287,325 in available money after raising nearly $345,000 while spending nearly $295,000. Former state Sen. Paul Schimpf of Waterloo raised $83,235 in the quarter but spent almost $137,000, leaving him with $116,280 in available cash, reports showed. Since July 1, Rabine reported raising another $32,500 while Schimpf added another $2,000 in contributions. Pritzker has not formally announced seeking a second term, but he put $35 million of his own money into his campaign fund in March. A wealthy heir to the Hyatt Hotels fortune and worth $3.5 billion, according to Forbes, Pritzker spent $171 million of his own money to defeat one-term Republican Bruce Rauner in 2018. He reported nearly $32.9 million in cash available on July 1. Among the two party organizations, Democrats raised only $5,000 in the quarter as they awaited a Federal Election Commission ruling, issued Thursday, which prevented its new chair, U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly of Matteson, from raising or spending money for state and local races. As a member of Congress, Kelly is bound by federal campaign limits which are more restrictive than state campaign laws. The FEC ruled Kelly could keep the title but Democrats will have to set up a panel independent of Kelly to raise and direct the spending on state contests. That new panel had $2.4 million to work with at the start of July, while Illinois Republicans pointing at the fundraising issues surrounding Kelly had $167,759 in cash on hand in its state account. Of the $131,270 it raised, about $50,000 was attributable to food distributor Dot Foods, where state GOP Chair Don Tracy of Springfield is part of the companys founding family. On the federal level, U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger from Channahon, who has become increasingly critical of House GOP leadership and was one of 10 Republicans to support Donald Trumps second impeachment, reported raising $806,475 in the second quarter. He began July with more than $3 million in his campaign. Among a group of Republicans looking to challenge Kinzinger in the primary, Catalina Lauf has the most cash on hand. Lauf unsuccessfully sought the GOP nomination against Democratic U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood last year and was featured in Trumps renominating convention videos. Lauf reported raising $192,982 and had $141,399 in cash to begin July. With the legislature looking to redraw congressional boundaries to reflect the loss of one House seat due to the federal census, many congressional contests have not formed or are premature. Underwood, of Naperville, who narrowly won a second term against former state Sen. Jim Oberweis, reported raising $875,667 and had nearly $1.5 million in cash on hand. U.S. Rep. Sean Casten of Downers Grove, who defeated Republican Jeanne Ives of Wheaton for a second term, reported raising more than $476,000 and had $832,487 in cash on hand. U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth, who is seeking a second term next year and faces no major Republican opposition at this point, reported raising nearly $2.4 million in the second quarter. Her cash on hand total to begin July was nearly $5 million. TALLAHASSEE In an already crowded Democratic primary to replace U.S. Rep. Val Demings, state Sen. Randolph Bracy reported raising $166,000 in the first month of the campaign, more than double the next-highest fundraiser, former Orange-Osceola state attorney Aramis Ayala. Meanwhile, Demings herself reported raising $4.6 million since launching her bid for Senate in early June, with $3 million cash on hand, while Republican U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio has raised $5.6 million since the start of the year. The finance reports for the second quarter are the first glimpse of how Bracy, Ayala and civil rights attorney Natalie Jackson fared raising funds to replace Demings in her District 10 seat, because they all entered the race in June. The stakes in this election are immense and I am 100% focused on continuing the good work of Congresswoman Demings by delivering real results for the people of this district, Bracy said in a released statement. I am grateful for the early support my campaign has generated. It is based on my record of getting things done on police reform, education funding, and job creation in this district. It is a record that none of my opponents can match, he said. Ayala brought in $74,000 but has spent just $2,900 in the first weeks of the campaign. Bracy has spent $11,000 so far. Jacksons report shows she raised $51,000 and spent $2,400. Im proud that 90% of our funds were raised here in Florida and that we are setting the early pace for generating support in this race, Bracy said. There is a long way to go but I am proud that we are off to such a strong start. A fourth candidate, Terence Gray, pastor of the Saint Mark AME Church in Orlando, formally announced his run on Wednesday, after the deadline for second-quarter reports. City of Orlando commissioner Bakari Burns has also said hes considering a run. In another closely-watched Central Florida congressional race, GOP firebrand state Rep. Anthony Sabatini, who announced his run for Congress in March, reported raising $333,000 through June 30, while spending $90,000. Story continues Sabatini initially filed to run in District 11 against incumbent U.S. Rep. Daniel Webster, a fellow Republican, although he said his intent was to run in a newly-drawn district that will be added through the redistricting process next year. But hes since switched his campaign to run for District 7, which is currently held by U.S. Rep. Stephanie Murphy, D-Orlando. The district covers all of Seminole County and part of Orange County, and doesnt contain Sabatinis home in Lake County, but that could change with redistricting. For her part, Murphy hasnt reported her second-quarter filing, but had previously reported bringing in $1.17 million in the first quarter and has spent $604,000. At the state level, the Republican Party of Florida continued its habit of outraising Democrats, pulling in $2.4 million in the second quarter while spending $1.6 million. RPOF has about $20 million cash on hand. The Florida Democratic Party reported raising $522,000 while spending $108,000 and has about $11 million cash on hand. grohrer@orlandosentinel.com National Guard leaders warned Friday that they will have to cancel annual training and deny their soldiers and airmen pay unless they are reimbursed for deployments to the nations capital in the aftermath of the Jan. 6 riot. State National Guards used nearly $521 million of their funding for fiscal year 2021 to pay for the deployment, which stretched from January to May, officials said. But the replenishment of the funds has been held up due to an impasse in Congress over a bill to beef up security at the Capitol. Without the reimbursement of the funds, the guard will have to take drastic action, including furloughing employees, grounding aircraft, halting some military school and canceling weekend drills, the officials said. Time is running out, said Maj. Gen. Richard Neely, the adjutant general of the Illinois National Guard. TOPSHOT-US-POLITICS-CONGRESS-IMPEACHMENT (Saul Loeb / AFP via Getty Images file) If annual drills in August and September are cancelled, the men and women in the Army and Air National Guard will lose two months of salary. Many will in fact owe the government money because money for their healthcare and retirement plans will still be deducted. This could create a significant debt, according to Neely. Neely said it would send a terrible message to the men and women who acted honorably and upheld their oath by deploying to D.C. to provide security. Its time for the federal government to keep its promise and reimburse the Guard, he added. Democrats and Republicans on Capitol Hill have blamed each other for the delay in replenishing the National Guard funding. Democrats have offered a spending bill substantially larger than the proposal pushed by Republicans. Maj. Gen. Roger Lyles, the adjutant general of the Indiana National Guard, said the lack of funding will degrade readiness because annual drill and upcoming training exercises are at risk of being cancelled. Lyles said the cancellations would have a very drastic impact on soldiers, airmen, and their families, because they need to let their employers know when theyre training and away from work. Story continues The men and women rely on their Guard paychecks for mortgages, car payments, and family expenses, Lyles said, and all of this uncertainty puts them in harms way. Brig. Gen. John Driscoll, the land component command commander for the Massachusetts National Guard, said the funding shortfall strains the trust of the men and women in the Guard. The generals warned that National Guard from all 50 states, three territories, and Washington, D.C. will be impacted. Reuters Videos Thai police fired water cannon, tear gas and rubber bullets on Sunday (July 18) to stop more than 1,000 people marching on the office of the prime minister.These anti-government protesters are calling for Prayuth Chan-ocha to resign.They accuse him and his government of mismanaging the COVID-19 pandemic.The demonstration also comes after the Thai government tightened restrictions.On Friday (July 16) it imposed a nationwide ban on public gatherings of more than five people.The maximum penalties are two years in prison, a 40,000 baht fine or both.Protester Ittinan says he's aware of the risks."I understand that the situation is not getting any better but we have to come out and show them that we are not happy about the measures imposed by the government. It's like they only wanted everything to stop at a standstill but they were not trying to fix anything. Yes, I know that we are risking getting infected, that's why I try to protect myself by wearing gloves and a gas mask so that I would be at low risk."Police used force after some protesters tried to dismantle barbed wire and metal barricades leading to Government House, where the prime minister works.The protest marked one year since the first of a wave of large-scale street demonstrations, led by youth groups, that attracted hundreds of thousands of people across the country.Thailand reported 11,397 infections and 101 deaths on Sunday - bringing its cumulative total to more than 403,000 cases and 3,341 fatalities.The vast majority of them are from an outbreak since early April which is fuelled by the highly transmissable Alpha and Delta variants. One police officer killed and three hospitalised in Texas shooting (KXAN) One police officer was killed and three others hospitalised following a shooting in small west Texas town. The violence unfolded as law enforcement became embroiled in a standoff with a man barricaded inside a house in Levelland, Texas. The death of Sergeant Josh Bartlett, the SWAT leader of Lubbock County Sherifs Office, was announced by the Justice of the Peace and Constables Association of Texas. Two other officers, one a Hockley County Officer and the other a Levelland police officer, remain in critical condition. Levelland police were called at 1.12pm after a report of a possibly armed man. When officers arrived at the home the situation reportedly escalated and the suspect barricaded himself inside the property and began shooting. At this time, local law enforcement is dealing with a barricaded subject in the 1100 block of 10th Street, between Ave J & Ave I, the Levelland Police Department said on social media. There are three wounded Levelland Police Officers. All have been transported to Lubbock. Other agencies, including Hockley County Sheriffs Office, DPS and Lubbock SWAT, are onsite. Please avoid this area, and allow law enforcement to keep the area secure. The nearby Covenant Health Levelland hospital went into lockdown because it is close to the incident, a spokesperson confirmed. We are aware of an incident that occurred near Covenant Health Levelland earlier this afternoon, said a statement from Covenant Health. As a precaution, we locked down the hospital to ensure the safety of our patients, caregivers, and visitors. We will remain under lockdown until any threat is clear. We have deployed Covenant security officers to the Levelland hospital as an additional security measure. We are supporting our community and law enforcement officers in Levelland and are keeping the Levelland community and the injured officers in our prayers. Read More Texas nurse gives birth in gas station bathroom American recalling flight attendants to handle travel crowds White House convenes mayors to discuss strategies on crime Pope Francis celebrates Mass in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican on the occasion of 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines on March 14, 2021. (Tiziana Fabi/Pool photo via AP) The news that Pope Francis will reimpose limits on the celebration of the traditional Latin Mass will disappoint and even enrage devotees of that ritual. But traditionalist Catholics who appreciated the revival of the old form encouraged by Francis' predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, are caught in a couple of contradictions. The first is that conservative Catholics at least in theory take a strong view of papal prerogatives, but here a so-called liberal pope is using his authority to rescind a directive by his "conservative" predecessor. Reversing a 2007 decision by Benedict, Francis said that priests who wish to celebrate the so-called Extraordinary Form of the Mass would need to obtain the permission of their bishop. In what traditionalists will see as insult added to injury, Francis explained that he had concluded that concessions to supporters of the old Mass had been exploited to widen the gaps, reinforce the divergences, and encourage disagreements that injure the Church, block her path and expose her to the peril of division. If you think the pope has the final word, then you must accept the decision of the current one (unless you believe that Francis isnt the real pontiff, a truly fringe position). Otherwise youre purporting to be more Catholic than the pope. There's another contradiction snaring traditionalists, whether they are superannuated cradle Catholics who grew up with the old rite or younger believers who find it aesthetically or spiritually edifying. (As I wrote here, a lot of post-Vatican II worship is pretty banal.) In allowing greater use of the old Mass, Benedict arguably was acting in the cause of pluralism. Benedict also granted a special status to Anglican converts to Catholicism who use a liturgy that contains some language derived from Anglican sources. But to the extent that you see the "old Mass" celebrated in Latin by a priest with his back to the congregation as the true Mass, the less accepting you will be of the so-called Ordinary Form, celebrated in the vernacular and conceived of as a communal meal as well as a sacrifice. Story continues In their heart of hearts, I suspect most devotees of the old Mass would prefer it to be the only permissible form, as it was for centuries before reforms adopted after Vatican II. Accepting it as one option among others always seemed like a tactical position for traditionalists. It will be difficult for critics of Francis decision to argue credibly that what they want is a church that allows the Latin Mass in order to be comprehensive in the way worship is conducted and conceived as Anglican Christianity long has been. (Episcopal bishops accept that some parishes will be "high church" with elaborate Catholic ceremonial and some "low church" with more sedate services.) A better argument for the traditionalists would be that the Vatican accepts the traditional liturgies of Eastern churches that recognize the pope. But Francis obviously believes that more uniformity is necessary for Catholics of the Roman rite, his primary flock. Its just not the uniformity that traditionalists desire. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Demonstrators listen to former President Trump as he speaks at the March for Life in Washington on Jan. 24, 2020. (Olivier Douliery / AFP via Getty Images) In Texas, a dangerous future looms on the horizon for anyone who values privacy or individual autonomy. Come September, ordinary citizens could be granted the power to monitor and sue their neighbors for violating a new abortion law. This spring the Texas Legislature passed Senate Bill 8, which prohibits abortion after the detection of a fetal heartbeat, typically around six weeks into pregnancy. An abortion ban that early is completely unconstitutional; Roe vs. Wade and Casey vs. Planned Parenthood established that a woman has the right to an abortion any time prior to fetal viability , which is around 24 weeks of pregnancy. Women are often not even aware theyre pregnant during the first six weeks. But the most chilling aspect of Texas new ban isnt the flagrant attack on reproductive rights, its the legal innovation that might just let state lawmakers get away with it. SB 8 authorizes only private citizens , not the government, to file suit to enforce the law. Any individual who objects to an abortion performed later than six weeks into a pregnancy it could be the woman's ex-boyfriend, barista, co-worker can sue any party involved other than the woman herself, whom the law immunizes. In case Texans arent motivated to go to court, theres also a $10,000 reward for anyone who wins one of these lawsuits, effectively putting a litigation bounty on the head of abortion providers. There's plenty of precedent for giving individuals the right to sue to enforce a state or federal law witness California labor law or most federal environmental statutes. What's different here is that citizens aren't joining government officials in enforcing SB 8, they're being put in the government's place. The law was designed this way to make it harder to overturn. Theyre basically trying to get around federal court review, said Marc Hearron, senior counsel for the Center for Reproductive Rights. They know this is a blatantly unconstitutional law, and they know that if they had gone the same route as all of the other states, they would have had no chance of success. Story continues Abortion bans have been shut down in other states before they took effect, but this one could be harder to block. Stephen Vladeck, a professor at the University of Texas Austin School of Law, said private enforcement offers a loophole. This makes it really hard for those who are affected by this law to challenge it, he said, because its not clear who you sue when youre protesting a law that the government is not responsible for enforcing. Despite this hurdle, a group of abortion providers, counselors and others including the Center for Reproductive Rights filed a federal lawsuit targeting the Texas law this week. The defendants in the case include every state court judge and country clerk in Texas, the Texas Medical Board, the state attorney general and the director of Right to Life of East Texas. The plaintiffs are asking the court to block the law before it takes effect Sept. 1. If theyre not successful, SB 8 is likely to have disastrous consequences for the availability of abortion in Texas. This is going to severely limit peoples ability to access abortions even before six weeks, because it will isolate patients, said Julia Kaye, an ACLU lawyer seeking to block the law. The ban would cut abortion patients off from their support networks and encourage an anti-abortion public crusade, Kaye said. By encouraging citizens to enforce the ban, Texas has equated abortion regulation to a public and moral duty. Anybody has the right to oppose abortion, but when those individuals form an army of courthouse vigilantes backed by the state, it becomes an unreasonable imposition of their personal beliefs onto others around them. Texas isnt just deputizing its citizens, it's weaponizing them in the fight to eliminate abortion access in the state for good. This would be especially detrimental for Texas lower-income communities, Kaye said. In particular, individuals from rural communities and communities of color are less able to travel out of state for an abortion and less likely to get quality prenatal care, she said. Even if the ban is tossed out before September, we cant ignore the disturbing implications that Texas actions have for reproductive rights and the sanctity of constitutional law. Anti-abortion activists have been manipulating the legal system for decades. They know theyre up against the precedent set in Roe and will do whatever they can to get around it. UC Berkeley School of Law professor Khiara Bridges refers to this mind-set as abortion exceptionalism, the conviction that, for whatever reason, abortion is a less valid constitutional right than all the others. The larger danger is that if the anti-abortion movement manages to create a new legal strategy to undermine that right, that strategy can carry over into other areas of federal law. The anti-choice forces out there are incredibly creative, Bridges said. But this is bigger than abortion. This is a terrifying precedent to set for any person who cares about constitutional rights. If Texas successfully insulates SB 8 from judicial challenge by employing the private enforcement approach, then other states can follow that roadmap to target any federal rights they oppose. Imagine restrictions on free speech or religion that cant be blocked in court because theyre enforced not by the government, but by ordinary people. If its a red state abortion ban today, tomorrow it will be a blue state gun ban. This ought not to be partisan, said the University of Texas' Vladeck. The Texas Legislature may or may not be aware of the dangerous vehicle theyve created in their desperation to ban abortions. But SB 8 is utterly unconstitutional and fundamentally threatening to our legal system and federal rights. It should be struck down without question, and never attempted again. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. The Pacific archipelago of Wallis and Futuna has declared itself Covid-free, with no cases among the French remote island's 11,500 inhabitants since April 1, authorities said. Many remote Pacific island nations have remained free of the virus after shutting the borders soon after the pandemic began but the risk of an outbreak remains high. The French overseas collectivity's administrator superior said Thursday it is "unanimously ... free of circulation of the Covid-19 virus". But mask-wearing in public spaces remains mandatory and authorities reminded residents that vaccination was "the only way to get out of the epidemic for good". So far 41 percent of the population are fully vaccinated and over 55 percent have received one shot. Experts have warned that Pacific islands are vulnerable to fresh outbreaks. Fiji, which managed 12 months without community transmission, has suffered a virus surge since April. With daily cases exceeding 1,200 on Thursday, experts have said Fiji represents a grim case study in how quickly the Delta variant can spread among island populations. Wallis and Futuna recorded 445 coronavirus cases between March and April with seven deaths. cw/mlb/ssy/je By Saud Mehsud DERA ISMAIL KHAN, Pakistan (Reuters) - Pakistan's military rescued five telecommunications workers kidnapped by Islamist militants last month close to the Afghan border in a series of operations in which two soldiers were killed, the military said on Friday. Northwest Pakistan's border regions have become relatively peaceful after years of violence but Pakistani Taliban militants have been more active recently amid concern that surging violence in Afghanistan will spill over the frontier. No group claimed responsibility for the kidnapping of 16 men installing a mobile telephone tower in the Kurram ethnic Pashtun tribal district on June 26. Ten of the workers were later released but one man was beheaded and the militants demanded a ransom for the last five. "To rescue the remaining 5 abducted labourers, security forces launched series of intelligence based operations in highly inhospitable terrain under extreme weather conditions," the military said in a statement. The rescue was on Thursday. The military did not say which militants group it believed was behind the kidnapping but said civilians in the area fully supported "the security forces in fighting the menace of terrorism". Communities along the border have recently been holding rallies to call on the government to protect them from Pakistani Taliban militants who over the past year have formed an alliance with other outlawed groups. The militants have launched a series of attacks on the Pakistani security forces, government officials and suspected collaborators, as well as kidnapping and extorting money, government officials say. Three soldiers were killed when militants attacked a checkpost near the border on July 5. The Pakistani Taliban, or Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), claimed responsibility. Pakistan has said the Pakistani militants could take advantage of growing instability in Afghanistan and operate along the border more freely as the Afghan Taliban take ground from government forces. Afghanistan has for years accused the Pakistani military of providing covert support for the Afghan Taliban. Pakistan denies that. (Writing by Umar Farooq; Editing by Robert Birsel) By Nate Raymond (Reuters) - Pfizer Inc has agreed to pay $345 million to resolve claims by consumers who say they overpaid for EpiPens due to anticompetitive practices by the drugmaker and the company that markets the emergency allergy treatment, Mylan. The proposed class action settlement was disclosed in a filing in federal court in Kansas City, Kansas. The deal, which requires a judge's approval, would not resolve claims against Mylan, which is scheduled to face trial in January. Paul Geller, a lawyer for the plaintiffs, said they were "pleased that Pfizer resolved its part of this class action lawsuit over the pricing of EpiPens." Pfizer did not admit wrongdoing. In a statement, the company said that it "denies any wrongdoing and continues to believe that its actions were appropriate." The EpiPen is a handheld device that treats life-threatening allergic reactions by automatically injecting a dose of epinephrine. The litigation followed a public outcry in 2016 after Mylan, which owns the rights to market and distribute the devices, raised the price of a pair of EpiPens to $600, from $100 in 2008, putting it in the center of an ongoing U.S. debate over the high cost of medicines. The lawsuit accused Mylan, which is now part of Viatris Inc, and Pfizer, which manufactured the EpiPen for Mylan, of engaging in anticompetitive conduct that allowed them maintain a monopoly over the market for the devices and their profitable revenues. U.S. District Judge Daniel Crabtree last month dismissed much of but not all of the claims against Mylan. The remaining antitrust claims concern a patent settlement the plaintiffs say delayed the launch of a generic epinephrine auto-injector. Mylan has said it "firmly believes that Mylan's conduct was lawful and pro-competitive." Mylan in 2017 agreed to pay $465 million to resolve U.S. Justice Department claims it overcharged the government for the EpiPen. (Reporting by Nate Raymond in Boston; Editing by Kim Coghill and Sonya Hepinstall) Philippine health officials warned Friday of a possible surge in coronavirus infections as the first locally transmitted cases of the highly contagious Delta variant were recorded and more than three million people went into lockdown. Eleven local cases of the more virulent strain have been detected, including two in the national capital region, the health department said, citing results of genome sequencing conducted this week. The cases dated back to May and June and authorities were checking to ensure they had been "appropriately traced and managed", Health Undersecretary Rosario Vergeire told reporters. "The government has started preparing our health system," Vergeire said. More hospital beds were being made available for Covid-19 patients and oxygen supplies increased in case of a "surge" in cases, she said. The Philippines has recorded around 1.5 million coronavirus infections since the start of the pandemic, the second-highest in Southeast Asia. But a deficient contact tracing system means the real figure is likely much higher. Record infections earlier this year sent the national capital region and surrounding provinces into lockdown as soaring numbers of patients threatened to overwhelm hospitals. Cases have eased in recent months, hovering around 5,000 or 6,000 a day. Covid-19 rules have been relaxed in many parts of the country but masks and face shields are mandatory in public. But as the Delta variant fuels infections around the world, the Philippines has tightened border restrictions for travellers from some of the worst-hit countries, including neighbouring Indonesia. Until this week cases of the strain had been detected only among quarantined Filipino workers returning from overseas. Among the 11 local infections, six were on the southern island of Mindanao and were "part of a large cluster of cases". All of them have recovered. One of the two cases in the national capital region died, the department said. Story continues Asked about the delay in detecting the Delta variant, Philippine Genome Center executive director Cynthia Saloma told AFP they had limited processing capacity and had prioritised samples from hotspot areas. Some regions were also slow to submit samples, she said. More than three million people living in areas where the Delta infections were found have been sent into lockdown until the end of the month. Residents in the central province of Iloilo and the southern cities of Cagayan de Oro and Gingoog have been ordered to stay home, non-essential business shuttered and religious services banned. The detection of Delta infections in the community comes as the Philippines struggles to vaccinate its population of 110 million due to tight global supplies and logistical challenges. Some cities recently suspended inoculations after running out of shots -- just as vaccine hesitancy among Filipinos declines. Only 4.3 million people are fully vaccinated while more than 10 million have received their first jab. mff-cgm/amj/jfx Pitbull is speaking out about the ongoing crisis in Cuba and hes calling out one of the richest men in the world. In an emotionally charged message to fans on Wednesday, the chart-topping Grammy Award winner called upon Amazon founder Jeff Bezos to step up and help. With thousands protesting rising prices, persistent blackouts, food and medicine shortages amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Cuba is in its worst economic crisis in decades. It is experiencing one of its largest anti-government demonstrations in recent history. Cubas dictatorial government has stoked tensions further by deploying armed forces into the streets. This isnt about politics, this is about saving lives. This is about unity and not division and bottom line, this is about taking action, Pitbull, whose birth name is Armando Christian Perez, said before revealing he is unable to send aid to his home country. It gets me hot, it bothers me and it frustrates me to a certain extent being a Cuban American and having a platform to speak to the world and not being able to help my own people. Not being able to get them food, not being able to get them water, not being able to get them medicine, he said, explaining that he is most frustrated that he cant give Cubans what they deserve, which he says is freedom. Pitbull then issued a call to action on global businesses to get involved and raise awareness before he singled out super-billionaire Bezos, who has Cuban ties. People that we are so proud of, people such as a Jeff Bezos, Cuban American, graduated from a high school in Miami, built one of the biggest companies in the world. The richest man in the world. Hes somebody that can get involved and really help us, the We Are One (Ole Ola) rapper said. So to everybody out there, stand up, step up and if you dont understand, get with the muthaf---ing program and wake up, he added. Pitbull closed out his two-minute-plus video encouraging his fellow Cubans to keep the fight up and then spoke Spanish. San Diego Police Department officers make a traffic stop along El Cajon Boulevard. (Sam Hodgson / San Diego Union-Tribune) Scientists who analyzed the body-camera footage from more than 100 police officers have found a subtle but clear pattern: During traffic stops, officers spoke to Black men in a less respectful and less friendly tone than they did to white men. This disparity in treatment is not only real but may also help to fuel a cycle of mistrust between police and the Black community, the researchers reported this week in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. Law enforcement experts agreed. It really reflects the amount of work that law enforcement needs to continue to do, said Diane Goldstein, executive director of the nonprofit Law Enforcement Action Partnership. We have to recognize the problem, we have to acknowledge our unconscious biases in these types of situations, and we have to acknowledge the role that race plays in the criminal justice system. The highly publicized deaths of Black men, women and children at the hands of police in recent years have focused the public's attention on the deadly consequences of such discrimination, and scientists have been busy quantifying the myriad ways that this disparity in treatment manifests. A 2019 paper, for example, found that Black men were 2 times more likely than white men to be killed by police. Additional investigations around the U.S. have found that Black residents suffer a disproportionate share of use-of-force incidents relative to their share of the population. Much of whats known about disparities comes from administrative records, such as reports of police stops, said Nicholas Camp, a social psychologist at the University of Michigan and lead author of the new study. Take a 2020 analysis of 95 million traffic stops that found Black Americans are more likely to be pulled over than white drivers and more likely to be searched, even though theyre less likely than their white peers to be carrying illegal contraband. More than 60 million Americans are thought to make contact with law enforcement each year, which means that even small differences in treatment can add up to a big effect. But theres a limit to what researchers can learn about these differences, because police stop reports typically offer little insight into the human-to-human interaction that actually took place. Story continues Every interaction that people have with law enforcement [is] really consequential for building or eroding trust, but we don't really know what police officers actually do when they're interacting with the public, Camp said. They cant reveal whether the officers treated community members with respect, or with contempt. Body-worn cameras have helped fill in this gap. These cameras, which have become increasingly common in police departments across the U.S. as a way to increase transparency and accountability, turned out to be a rich source of data on the daily interactions between officers and residents. In previous research published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Camp and his colleagues analyzed more than 100 hours of police body-cam footage and concluded that officers language was less respectful toward Black residents than their white peers. Compared with white residents, Black community members were 57% less likely to hear the officer use words such as "sir," "ma'am" and "thank you" and 61% more likely to hear words such as dude and bro and commands such as hands on the wheel. For the new paper, Camp and his colleagues focused not on what officers said but on how they said it. The scientists analyzed hundreds of audio clips each roughly 10 seconds long from routine traffic stops of Black or white men. The researchers filtered out the high frequencies of the sound clips, which essentially rendered the clips unintelligible but left the tone of voice intact. They also masked the drivers voices with brown noise, so that anyone hearing the clip would not be able to guess the motorists' race. The researchers then asked more than 400 people a diverse group of white, Latino, Asian and Black volunteers to listen to the clips and rate the officers tone of voice. Across the board, clips of officers speaking to Black men got lower marks for friendliness, respectfulness and ease than those of officers speaking to white men even though the listeners were not aware of the drivers' race. An L.A. County sheriff's deputy detains a man to search his vehicle after a traffic stop in East Los Angeles. (Jay L. Clendenin/Los Angeles Times) On a scale of 1 to 6, the average score of officer tone toward white drivers was 3.72 (slightly positive) while the average score toward black drivers was 3.5 (neither positive nor negative). They're not huge, but that's not the point, said Tracey Meares, a law professor at Yale University who specializes in citizen perception of police and was not involved in the study. The point is that there are differences that can be detected. The gap remained even when researchers controlled for a range of factors, including the drivers age and sex, the officer's race and gender, whether a citation was issued or a search conducted, and the listener's age, political orientation, race and gender. The scientists also found that listeners who said theyd been treated unfairly by police tended to rate the officers tone as more negative, less respectful and less friendly than listeners who said theyd been treated more fairly. Investigating this issue further, the researchers asked some participants to listen to either the 40 most positively rated or the 40 most negatively rated audio clips, and then asked them to describe a hypothetical officer in that department. Those who listened to the more negative clips described an officer who was more likely to treat citizens rudely or to be accused of racial profiling suggesting that an officer's negative tone can have an effect on a persons perception of the police in general. In another experiment, the researchers asked participants to listen to 20 randomly selected audio clips of police stops. Participants who listened to clips of Black drivers being stopped were less likely to feel that officers would treat them with fairness in a similar situation a sign that individual officers can undermine trust in the institution as a whole. This is a [really] amazing study, said Meares, who praised the researchers methods for removing the specific meaning in the voices while leaving their tone intact. I wish I did this study. Goldstein, who spent more than two decades in the Redondo Beach Police Department, said she was struck by the way listeners' prior experience with police played a role in their positive or negative impression of the audio clips. She pointed out that she and other officers are trained in restorative justice, setting respectful patterns and de-escalating situations. And yet, the perception of our interaction with this citizen can be completely ruined by that one police officer who mistreated someone. Goldstein was quick to point out that the disparities in vocal tone are symptomatic of a larger problem in the relationship between police and the communities they serve. Think about this, she said. Lack of trust means victims, survivors, witnesses wont talk to us which makes it harder to do our job, which makes our communities less safe, for not just our community members but also for our police officers. Ultimately, the findings highlight just how challenging it can be to institute change in behaviors and practices that are as widespread as they are deeply ingrained and not just in police departments. A lot of this probably is unconscious, Meares said. It says to me that it's work that needs to be done by everyone and interventions, if you want to call it that, need to be societywide. Because why would we think that the officers in this study are fundamentally different from anyone else? This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Former Chicago Ald. Proco Joe Moreno, who once made his name as the so-called hipster alderman, pleaded guilty Friday to obstructing justice and giving a false report to authorities after he loaned his Audi to a woman he was dating and then reported it stolen. In exchange for his plea, Moreno was given second-chance probation, a program for first-time offenders. If he complies with the conditions set by Cook County Judge William Hooks for the two-year probation period, the case as a whole will be dismissed. Moreno, 39, was careful to note when asked about the court arrangement by the Tribune that the second-chance probation means that no conviction has been entered, so I am looking forward to moving on with my and my familys life. Still, the chapter is another mark on what was once a promising political career. Moreno came out of the Metropolitan Leadership Institute of the United Neighborhood Organization, the Latino educational and political group allied with former Mayor Richard M. Daley that became a force in the city. After Daley appointed him to the City Council in 2010, Moreno made his reputation representing parts of rapidly gentrifying Northwest Side neighborhoods such as Wicker Park and Logan Square. He was reelected the following year by a wide margin. Moreno positioned himself as a pragmatic progressive who tried to get things done and sometimes clashed with other left-leaning aldermen whom he saw as obstructionist. But brushes with the law helped change his political trajectory for the worse. As part of the plea deal Friday, prosecutors dropped the two more serious charges against Moreno, including insurance fraud, which could have earned him up to seven years in prison. Moreno stands in a long line of Chicago alderman who have run afoul of the law. Three members of the current City Council are under federal indictment. But compared to their high-level cases involving corruption and clout, the charges against Moreno were more small-time, involving an erstwhile girlfriend, a botched insurance scheme and lies to police. Story continues Prosecutors said that in January 2019 Moreno falsely claimed to police and his insurance company that his 2016 Audi A6 had been stolen from his garage. His insurance was about to pay out more than $30,000 for the stolen luxury sedan until police determined it had not been stolen at all. In fact, authorities said, Moreno had turned the car and its keys over willingly to Liliya Hrabar, a woman he had dated off and on. About a month later, on Feb. 4, Chicago police pulled Hrabar over as she drove Morenos Audi, prosecutors have said. She was surprised when officers told her the car had been stolen and pleaded with the officers to show them text messages between herself and Mr. Moreno that would exonerate her, Assistant States Attorney Tom Simpson said. When police were unable to reach Moreno, Hrabar was arrested on a charge of criminal trespass to a vehicle. Later that same day, Moreno told a TV news interviewer that he had given the car to someone with whom he was in a relationship but that he had a hard time getting hold of her and had reported the car stolen. Texts and phone records uncovered as part of the investigation did not back up Morenos claim that he couldnt get in touch with Hrabar, authorities said. In fact, he had texted her about not smoking in the car and had gotten in touch with her about dinner plans after she borrowed the car, prosecutors said. The charges against Hrabar were dropped, and police opened an investigation into a possible false police report. Moreno was represented in part by Ald. Howard Brookins, 21st, who told Judge Hooks that Moreno was a devoted public servant and family man. In presiding over the plea, Hooks noted that Moreno has great potential. This was a bump in the road for this defendant, he said. Going to the penitentiary would not be in the interest of justice. While Moreno was released on his own recognizance after the charges came down in 2019, he spent a brief stint in Cook County Jail in January of this year, after picking up DUI and reckless driving charges that violated the terms of his pretrial release. Those charges date to December 2020, when Moreno allegedly crashed into eight different cars on a posh stretch of the Gold Coast, then crashed into a tree. Police found him at the wheel, trying to accelerate the car through the tree, prosecutors have said. Morenos lawyers have said that he had since checked himself into an intensive rehab program. Those charges still are pending in traffic court, records show. Even before Morenos most recent issues, his political star had begun to dim. He began and then dropped a bid for Congress as then-Cook County Commissioner Jesus Chuy Garcias candidacy gained momentum and eventually was successful. Moreno also had faced a police investigation over whether he impersonated an officer during a parking dispute in Lakeview. Moreno said he showed a motorist his City Council badge and asked her to move her car because she was parked in a bike lane but did not tell her he was an officer. You better pay your parking tickets! This is how we do it in Chicago, Moreno told her, according to a police report. Police later said that detectives closed that investigation after finding that Moreno displayed his aldermanic credentials. Questions over the allegedly stolen Audi were raised almost immediately after Hrabar was charged, in February 2019, while Moreno was in the midst of a reelection fight. Ultimately, he lost to newcomer Daniel La Spata, who had the backing of the Democratic Socialists of America. Morenos term ended just a few days after he was charged with the felonies. Meanwhile, Hrabar sued Moreno for defamation in Cook County court shortly after Moreno was charged, claiming his false story damaged her reputation as an insurance broker. The civil proceedings were put on pause while the criminal case made its way through the courts, records show. Chicago Tribunes John Byrne contributed. mcrepeau@chicagotribune.com DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Friday he believes Afghan forces can secure the country as the U.S. withdraws, but success will depend on whether they have the will to put up a fierce fight against the Taliban. Thousands of Afghans have fled the country in recent days as Taliban forces have surged through northern Afghanistan. In an interview with the Associated Press, Pompeo said he is confident Afghan forces can repel the Taliban, but it's a matter of will. I saw on TV the other day, I saw some 22, 23-year-old Afghan males say, 'It's really dangerous here, I want to get out,'" the former secretary of state said. What those Afghans should have been saying is its really dangerous here, give me an M16. Under former President Donald Trump, Pompeo oversaw U.S. negotiations with the Taliban and remains the only secretary of state to have met face-to-face with senior Taliban officials. He applauded President Joe Bidens move to withdraw from Afghanistan rare praise from a Trump loyalist but said he was worried that U.S. counterterrorism operations could be hurt in the process. Pompeo was in Des Moines, Iowa on Friday speaking at several political events, including a conference for conservative Christians. Since leaving the office at the end of former President Donald Trump's term, Pompeo has formed a political action committee and is considered a potential 2024 presidential candidate. He said he is currently focused on fundraising and recruiting for other candidates. Pompeo pushed Biden to increase pressure on the Cuban government as antigovernment protests erupted there. Pompeo re-designated Cuba a state sponsor of terror during the Trump administration's final days, even as Biden was promising a new approach to the communist-governed island. The protests have been spurred by food shortages, rising prices and power cuts, but Pompeo stuck to a hardline, America first view of foreign policy. He warned that any moves to send funds to Cuba would show a fundamental misunderstanding of totalitarian regimes. Story continues You can't fund them, you can't underwrite them, he said. He suggested instead the U.S. could make moves like opening internet access that would help protesters coordinate and increase pressure on the Cuban government. There are lots of tools that the American government has in its possession and it demands leadership that wants to destroy communist regimes." Prosecutors are expected to question New York governor Andrew Cuomo on Saturday as part of a probe into allegations of sexual harassment, multiple outlets reported on Thursday. The interview suggests that the investigation is nearing its end. New York attorney general Letitia James initiated the probe earlier this year, commissioning outside prosecutors Joon H. Kim and Anne L. Clark to head the investigation. Kim and Clark will release their findings in a public report and have interviewed several of Cuomos accusers and subpoenaed state employees as well as documents for review. At least eight women have come forward with accusations against Cuomo ranging from sexually suggestive comments by the governor to unwanted touching and kissing. Cuomo has apologized for acting in a way that made people feel uncomfortable but has maintained that he never touched anyone inappropriately. We have said repeatedly that the governor doesnt want to comment on this review until he has cooperated, senior Cuomo adviser Richard Azzopardi told the New York Times on Thursday. The continued leaks are more evidence of the transparent political motivation of the attorney generals review. In a separate federal investigation, Justice Department prosecutors have subpoenaed materials related to Cuomos pandemic memoir concerning the number of coronavirus deaths in state nursing homes. A March 2020 order signed by Cuomo compelling nursing homes to admit coronavirus patients discharged from hospitals may have caused up to 1,000 additional deaths at the facilities, according to a report by Albany-based think tank the Empire Center. More from National Review JOHANNESBURG (AP) Standing before a looted mall and surrounded by soldiers, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa vowed Friday to restore order to the country after a week of violence set off by the imprisonment of former President Jacob Zuma. Visiting the port city of Durban in hard-hit KwaZulu-Natal province, Zuma's home area, Ramaphosa said the chaos and violence in which more than 200 people died had been planned and coordinated and that the instigators will be prosecuted. We have identified a good number of them and we will not allow anarchy and mayhem to just unfold in our country, he said. One person has been arrested for instigating the violence and 11 others are under surveillance, officials said. As army tanks rolled by the trashed Bridge City mall, Ramaphosa said the deployment of 25,000 troops would end the violence and rampant theft that have hit KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng provinces. South Africas unrest erupted after Zuma began serving a 15-month sentence for contempt of court for refusing to comply with a court order to testify at a state-backed inquiry investigating allegations of corruption while he was president from 2009 to 2018. Protests quickly escalated into theft in township areas. In Durban, rioters attacked retail areas and industrial centers where they emptied warehouses and set them alight. The burned-out shells still smoldered Friday. More than 2,500 people have been arrested for theft and vandalism and 212 people have died, Ramaphosa told the nation later Friday. Many who died were trampled to death when shops were looted, said police. The events of the past week were nothing less than a deliberate, coordinated and well-planned attack on our democracy, said a solemn Ramaphosa. These actions are intended to cripple the economy, cause social instability and severely weaken or even dislodge the democratic state. Using the pretext of a political grievance, those behind these acts have sought to provoke a popular insurrection. Story continues Ramaphosa reiterated that those who instigated the unrest will be arrested and prosecuted. Those responsible for organizing this campaign of violence and destruction have not yet been apprehended and their networks have not yet been dismantled, said Ramaphosa. (But) we know who they are and they will be brought to justice. He assured South Africans that the country has adequate food and it will be distributed to areas where supplies have been disrupted. He said disruptions to the COVID-19 vaccination drive will be quickly addressed. Ramaphosa said that the cost of the rioting to South Africa's economy will be billions and billions of rands (dollars). Extensive damage has been caused to 161 malls and shopping centers, 11 warehouses, 8 factories and 161 liquor stores and distributors, he said. The army rollout in KwaZulu-Natal is expected to restore order in the coastal province within a few days. An uneasy calm has been secured in Gauteng province, which includes Johannesburg, South Africa's largest city and industrial hub. Two strategic highways linking Durban port to Johannesburg and Cape Town reopened Friday after being closed for a week. The military will patrol the highways but drivers were warned to use the roads with care. It is vitally important to proceed with extreme caution and to stay alert at all times," the highway authority said in a tweet Friday. The highways are vital transport routes carrying fuel, food and other goods. Authorities were working to reopen the rail line to the strategic Indian Ocean ports of Durban and Richards Bay. One of the countrys biggest food manufacturers, Tiger Brands, said it has stopped food production operations at its most affected sites in KwaZulu-Natal. The company said it had lost stock worth close to 150 million rand (about $10 million) in the violence. With order restored in Gauteng, authorities have begun holding residents accountable. Police in Johannesburg have started recovering stolen property and arresting suspects. There has been an increase in people trying to spend cash stained with green dye, evidence that the money was stolen from the hundreds of ATM machines broken into during the riots, according to the South African Banking Risk Information Center, which warned that the notes won't be honored. To restore respect for law, the South African Council of Churches has proposed that the government declare a limited amnesty of two weeks when people can return stolen property to the police and will not be charged. We need leaders of all faiths everywhere, civic and community leaders, traditional leaders in rural communities, and business and trade unions in the workplace, all of us to pull together and chart a path of restoration, Bishop Malusi Mpumlwana, general secretary of the ecumenical group, wrote in an open letter. Swift action must be taken against those who plotted the strategic attacks, said Ronnie Kasrils, veteran anti-apartheid leader and former Cabinet intelligence minister. This unrest is coming to be seen by government and intelligence services and the president as an actual plot by a group in support of Jacob Zuma ... to unleash civil disorder and really to bring the country to its knees, said Kasrils. There is the need to root out the plotters and bring forward the allegations, the evidence. ___ AP journalist Mogomotsi Magome contributed from Johannesburg. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) passes through the National Statuary Hall January 9, 2020 at the U.S. Capitol. Alex Wong/Getty Images Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez praised the $3.5 trillion reconciliation package announced by Senate Dems on Tuesday. It would stand with the $579 billion infrastructure deal that President Biden struck with the GOP last month. Without progressive lawmakers, she said, "we probably would be stuck with that tiny, pathetic bipartisan bill alone." See more stories on Insider's business page. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez praised the $3.5 trillion infrastructure package passed by Senate Democrats, calling it a "progressive victory." Earlier this week, Senate Democrats agreed on a $3.5 trillion reconciliation package to expand Medicare and strengthen social-safety-net programs, skirting GOP opposition to using more federal spending. The New York congresswoman said she would have liked a larger package but billed the agreement as an "enormous victory," according to NY1 reporter Kevin Frey. "This bill is absolutely a progressive victory," she said. "If it wasn't for progressives in the House, we probably would be stuck with that tiny, pathetic bipartisan bill alone." The $3.5 trillion package would stand with the $579 billion bipartisan infrastructure deal that President Joe Biden struck with Republicans last month, and the party-line agreement would amount to $4.1 trillion. "This is the most significant piece of legislation since the Great Depression, and I'm delighted to be part of having helped to put it together," Sen. Bernie Sanders, the chair of the Senate Budget Committee, told reporters on Tuesday evening. Senate Democrats expressed confidence that the package would be turned into a bill in the coming weeks, which would make it one of the largest spending bills ever taken up by Congress. "We are very proud of this plan," Schumer told reporters Tuesday following the negotiations. "We know we have a long road to go." Read the original article on Business Insider A DoorDash delivery worker rides an e-bike through Manhattan, Dec. 5, 2020. (Sean Sirota/The New York Times) NEW YORK They zipped around New York City on bikes, bringing restaurant meals to customers too fearful to venture out. Others drove for Uber and Lyft, ferrying different passengers, never knowing if they might be risking their health. Throughout the pandemic, gig workers have been considered essential to helping New York function even as many residents sheltered at home. People who lost jobs during the pandemic took on gig work as a way to make some money. But despite that, many gig workers say they are left too vulnerable to the coronavirus and have not been fairly compensated. Sign up for The Morning newsletter from the New York Times Though the minimum wage in New York City is $15 an hour, many residents who work for app-based services like UberEats, DoorDash and Lyft earn less than half that and cannot pay rent and other expenses, according to surveys of gig workers in the city. But a large share are immigrants, many of them living in the country illegally, who feel they have few other options, the surveys show. The face of this workforce has changed significantly and become predominantly immigrant, said Maria C. Figueroa, director of labor and policy research at the ILR School at Cornell University. Figueroa, who conducted a survey of more than 500 gig workers in the city this spring, said many immigrants lost jobs in restaurants, stores and construction last year and turned to making deliveries for app-based companies. We asked them, why did you take this job? she explained. They said this was the only job available. After factoring in the costs of buying their own smartphones, electric bikes and other gear, delivery workers in New York City were earning between $6.57 and $7.87 per hour, not counting tips, Figueroa said. She said tips were excluded because of their unpredictability in a system where gratuities often go directly to the app company and workers often complain that they are shorted. There are a lot of cases of irregularities in the payment of tips, she said. Story continues Figueroa cited the example of a worker named Jonan who was promised a $70 tip for delivering a large order of bagels and coffee to an office building in Manhattan last month. He received $2.50 from the app, she recounted, and got no more even after appealing to the restaurant and the apps worker center. One of the main appeals of gig work is supposed to be the flexibility; it allows workers to set their own hours and work part time to earn money on the side. Many New Yorkers seem to rely on gig jobs to make ends meet. A separate survey of gig workers conducted last summer by the Community Service Society of New York, an anti-poverty group, concluded that about one-fifth of all employed New Yorkers were involved in gig work to some degree. That is a higher share than the society had estimated in 2019 and, it says, higher than the estimates of government agencies, which generally do not exceed 10%. Most app-based workers said gig work was their primary source of income, though most said they would prefer to have permanent, full-time jobs, said Debipriya Chatterjee, senior economist for income inequality at the Community Service Society and one of three authors of a recently released report on the findings. Gig work is not just a side hustle for New Yorkers, she said. The societys survey also found that gig workers were significantly more likely than regular employees to have suffered health and financial problems during the pandemic, Chatterjee said. More than one-third (38%) of gig-based workers reported that they or a family member had been infected with COVID-19, compared with about one-fourth (26%) of regular employees, she said. Pedro Acosta, a longtime driver for Uber who lives in East New York, Brooklyn, said he stopped driving for two months last year after contracting the virus and having trouble breathing. Acosta, 53, a married father of six, said, Everybody in my family had the virus, including his mother, his brother and his three sisters. A brother-in-law sought treatment for COVID and never came out of the hospital before he died, he said. During his hiatus, Acosta said he begged for food for the first time in his working life at a food pantry operated by a church near his home. He also had to defer his rent payment for a while last year. A spokesperson for DoorDash called the findings in the surveys flawed and misleading and added that nationally, Dashers earn over $25 per hour theyre delivering and $33 per hour in Manhattan. Still, food and housing insecurity are bigger problems for gig workers, Chatterjee said, citing findings of the survey, which was part of an annual report issued by the Community Service Society. This year, it included questions about gig work, given the growing presence of app-based services, including for-hire vehicles, personal shopping, and food and package delivery. Nearly half of gig workers said they worried all or most of the time about meeting their expenses, compared with less than one-fourth of regular employees, according to the survey. By last summer, 43% of app-based gig-workers said they had fallen behind on their rent or mortgage payments, compared with just 17% of regular employees. Gig workers were also more than twice as likely as regular employees to lack health coverage, to have struggled to fill a prescription or delayed medical care, Chatterjee said. More than half of gig workers reported having at least three hardships health, housing or food during the pandemic, compared with less than one-quarter of regular employees, the survey found. Navara Campbell, who lives in northern Manhattan, said she had repeatedly been robbed while working for app-based delivery services, including Amazon. She said she quit one gig because it involved pushing heavy items like cases of bottled water on a cart through city streets. Working conditions at app-based services have been the subject of much debate among lawmakers in New York and across the country. In California, a law known as AB5 went into effect in early 2020 requiring many gig workers for app-based businesses like Uber, Lyft and DoorDash to be reclassified as employees rather than independent contractors. But Uber and Lyft refused to comply and funded a public referendum that was approved by voters and exempted drivers like those working for those companies from some mandated employee benefits while granting them other protections. Lyft has set up political action committees in New York and Illinois to head off legislation similar to Californias that would force app-based companies to classify their drivers as employees, qualifying them for all the benefits regular employees receive, such as workers compensation and paid sick leave. In Albany, New York, bills have been introduced that would address some of the concerns of worker advocates, but a proposed bill that would have allowed gig workers to organize got bogged down before the latest session ended. That bill, which had the support of some of the big app companies, was controversial because it could have preempted protections granted to gig workers at the local level. The New York City Taxi & Limousine Commission adopted several years ago a minimum wage of $17.22 an hour, after expenses, for yellow cabdrivers and drivers for ride-hail apps. A set of bills pending in the City Council would provide several more protections for delivery workers, including a minimum wage and faster payment from the apps. Cesar Vargas, deputy chief of staff for Councilman Carlos Menchaca, one of the bills sponsors, said they had support from Speaker Corey Johnson and were being discussed with representatives of the app companies. But some gig workers are not sure that their situation would improve if they were reclassified as employees, with bosses setting their schedules for them. I love being an independent contractor and I will fight for it, Acosta said. One of the best aspects of driving for Uber, he said, was that it allowed him to take one of his children to school or to a medical appointment without losing an entire days pay. And his earnings from Uber have recently been boosted by a shortage of drivers and the financial incentives Uber has offered to try to entice drivers back onto the streets, allowing him to support his family. Right now, he said, its good because a lot of drivers are not working. 2021 The New York Times Company MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia said on Friday it wanted to help kickstart peace talks between the warring sides in Afghanistan after fierce clashes between Afghan forces and the Taliban near the border with Pakistan. Taliban fighters seized the border area on Wednesday, the second-largest crossing on the border with Pakistan and one of the most important objectives they have achieved during a rapid advance across the country as U.S. forces pull out after 20 years of conflict. "I would like to confirm Russia's interest in facilitating dialogue between Afghanistan's warring sides with the aim of ending the years-long war and establishing Afghanistan as a peaceful, independent and neutral state," Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said. Lavrov was speaking at a conference with senior Central Asian officials in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan. The U.S. exit from Afghanistan is a security headache for Moscow which fears spiralling fighting may push refugees into its Central Asian backyard and destabilise its southern defensive flank. Russian officials have previously called on all sides of the Afghanistan conflict to show restraint and said that Russia and the Moscow-led Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) military bloc will act decisively to prevent aggression on Tajikistan's border with Afghanistan if needed. Russia on Wednesday urged Afghan officials to launch proper negotiations with the Taliban about the country's future before it was too late. (Reporting by Gabrielle Tetrault-Farber and Tom Balmforth; Editing by Andrew Osborn) MOSCOW (Reuters) - A former U.S. Marine who is serving a nine-year sentence in Russia was being transferred from a remand cell in Moscow on Friday to the Mordovia region which has a large number of tough, Soviet-era prisons. Trevor Reed was convicted last year of endangering the lives of two policemen in Moscow while drunk, a charge he denied. He said the ruling was "clearly political", and Washington called the trial "theatre of the absurd". Reed had remained in a remand cell after his conviction pending an appeal. That appeal was rejected and his sentence was upheld at a court hearing last month. "This morning Trevor Reed was (taken) from Moscow, he will serve his punishment in one of Mordovia's (prison) colonies," Alexei Melnikov, a member of a prison oversight commission was quoted as saying by the RIA news agency. The region of Mordovia is around 500 km (310 miles) east of Moscow. Paul Whelan, who is also a former U.S. Marine, is serving a 16-year sentence in a jail in the region on espionage charges that he denied. Russian President Vladimir Putin said before a summit with U.S. President Joe Biden last month that he was open to a prisoner exchange deal. It is not known whether Whelan or Reed might be included in any prisoner swap. (Reporting by Tom Balmforth, editing by Timothy Heritage) DAKAR (Reuters) - Senegal's President Macky Sall threatened on Friday to close the borders and re-impose a state of emergency after the country registered a new record number of daily COVID-19 cases for the third time in a week. While Senegal has seen relatively few coronavirus cases and deaths so far, it does not have enough doses to vaccinate widely as it experiences a third wave of the virus. The health ministry reported 738 new cases on Friday, more than the previous records of 733 on Wednesday and 529 on Sunday. "I would like to say very clearly that if the numbers continue to rise, I will take all necessary measures including if it means returning to a state of emergency or closing the borders or banning movements," Sall said in a televised address. There have been 49,008 infections and 1,209 coronavirus-related deaths reported in Senegal since the pandemic began. (Reporting by Diadie Ba; Writing by Aaron Ross; Editing by Sonya Hepinstall) Vitamin-B7-Biotin-Shampoo-Set-for-Long-Healthy-Hair-pexels-helena-ije-2867899 Pexels / Helena Ije Beauty trends come and go, but a healthy, full head of hair will always be in style. The trouble is, a number of factors can contribute to hair thinning over time, including stress, genetics, age, and hormonal fluctuations. But before you resign yourself to a volume-deficient fate, know that there are products you can incorporate into your routine to fight hair loss such as New York Biology's top-rated Biotin Shampoo and Conditioner (Buy It, $22, amazon.com). What makes this set so great? The shampoo and conditioner both contain rosemary leaf and chamomile extracts, which are natural ingredients that block DHT, a hormone that contributes to hair loss. Translation: The formula can actually slow down the thinning process, so you find way less hair in your shower drain and brush. What's more, New York Biology's shampoo and conditioner also aid in targeting oily roots and sensitive scalps to encourage healthy hair growth. (Related: The Best Shampoos for Thinning Hair, According to Experts) In addition, the set includes biotin, a B-complex vitamin that strengthens the infrastructure of keratin (the protein that hair is made of) and castor oil, a TikTok-approved ingredient that can add volume to hair, while reducing split ends and dandruff, Steven Shapiro, M.D., a dermatologist specializing in hair and scalp health, previously explained to Shape. conditioner Amazon Buy It: New York Biology Biotin Shampoo and Conditioner, $25, was $30, amazon.com Wondering what makes the star ingredient, biotin, so important when it comes to healthy hair and growth? Being biotin-deficient is typically linked with having thin hair, Joshua Zeichner, M.D., director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City previously told Shape. While many professionals recommend biotin supplements, there is no good data proving that taking biotin orally or applying it topically really enhances hair growth, noted Dr. Zeichner. That said, as long as you are healthy, biotin supplements and hair-care products containing the vitamin have no downside, he added. (Related: The Best Hair-Thickening Shampoos, According to Customer Reviews) Story continues According to Amazon reviewers, New York Biology's shampoo and conditioner makes a "huge difference" in thinning hair in as little as a week. "This product has brought my hair back to life," raved one customer. "I have several medical conditions that were making my hair fall out so much, my tub would get clogged every time I showered. My hair was dead. I can't begin to tell you how much I am in love with this product. I've used it four times and I can't wait to buy more. It has slowed the hair fall by 75 percent." In addition to reducing hair thinning, shoppers also say that the shampoo and conditioner have improved the texture of their hair. "Not only does my hair look thicker and healthier, but it also feels incredibly soft with zero added weight," another wrote. Best of all, these products are budget-friendly: When you apply an on-site coupon to the already-discounted price of $25, you can get both shampoo and conditioner for a total of $22. Who says good hair days have to come at a steep cost? This week, the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and the Civic Council of Greater Kansas City released recommendations to improve community relations with police. Conspicuously absent from the list: local control of the Kansas City Police Department and a change in leadership, starting at the top with Police Chief Rick Smith. Instead, two of the regions more influential groups called for changes that wouldnt fix anything. Multiple meetings and listening sessions yielded the groups recommendations, which included more open-minded and inclusive dialogue between the community and the Kansas City Board of Police Commissioners, who are appointed by the governor. Under current management, the fact is that too much has already happened for that. Another suggestion called for independent investigations in use-of-force cases and complaints filed against police officers. That would be great, but wont happen under Smith. They skirted the issue, Gwen Grant, president of the Urban League of Greater Kansas City, said. Which is not surprising, but disappointing all the same. Under Smiths watch, our police department is ranked one of the worst in the country, according to a nationwide police scorecard. The board that runs the agency sued after city leaders dared ask the police to be even minimally accountable for how our own tax dollars are spent. Smith routinely turns a blind eye to wrongdoing, and that is the crux of the problem. Five Kansas City police officers remained on the payroll after being indicted for such serious crimes as felony assault and involuntary manslaughter. Since 2019, officers have been accused of assaulting a transgender woman, forcing a handcuffed teenagers face into the pavement, shooting a man to death his backyard and other instances of excessive force. All returned to the force with Smiths blessing. He has the discretion to issue discipline as he sees fit. The departments heavy-handed and aggressive response to last summers protests of police brutality did not encourage open-minded and inclusive dialogue. Several people who should not have been were pepper-sprayed or shot with rubber bullets. Others were unconstitutionally banned from protest sites by the police. Story continues Smith was named chief in 2017. The number of homicides increased three out of the four years he has led the department. More than once, he has refused to authorize the release of probable cause statements to local prosecutors in officer-involved shootings or excessive force cases. Until the governance structure of the Kansas City Police Department is remanded back to the people who fund the department, little will change with regard to trust or accountability. If that was the goal of the recommendations, however, they are guaranteed to work as planned. TAIPEI (Reuters) -Taiwan has garnered another donation of COVID-19 vaccines, this time from Slovakia, which has pledged 10,000 doses in what the central European country said was a show of support after a Taiwanese gift of face masks to Slovakia last year. Under the slogan "Taiwan can help, Taiwan is helping", the island has since the pandemic began donated millions of face masks around the world, including to the United States, Asia and European countries, with 700,000 going to Slovakia. Since a spike in domestic cases began in Taiwan in May, the government has received almost six million vaccine doses gifted by Japan and the United States, while Lithuania has said it will donate 20,000 doses. In a statement on its Facebook page on Friday, the de facto Slovak embassy in Taiwan said the country would be giving Taiwan 10,000 vaccine doses. "Slovakia has not forgotten its friends. A year ago, Taiwan provided help in our time of need and donated masks. Now Slovakia will also contribute its own humble effort by donating 10,000 doses of vaccine to Taiwan to express support," it said. Taiwan's Foreign Ministry expressed its thanks and said Slovakia, whose donation is being coordinated by the European Union, is finalising details including which vaccines will be donated and when they will arrive. Slovakia, like most countries, has no formal diplomatic ties with Chinese-claimed Taiwan and only officially recognises Beijing's government. Taiwan is ramping up its vaccination programme after a slow start, initially hampered by supply shortages and accusations Beijing was blocking deliveries, which China denied. Around 20% of Taiwan's 23.5 million people have received at least one of the two-shot vaccine regimen so far, and the island's coronavirus outbreak is now well under control. (Reporting by Ben Blanchard; Editing by Lincoln Feast and Tom Hogue) (Bloomberg) -- Deadly protests in South Africa are stretching the nations social fabric to breaking point, scarring an already weakened economy and exposing fault lines within the party thats held power for more than a quarter-century. The official death toll during rioting that followed former President Jacob Zumas July 7 imprisonment on contempt of court charges jumped to 117 late Thursday as additional soldiers took to the streets to restore calm. Damages from days of rampant looting and arson run to billions of rand, some areas are facing food and medicine shortages, and business confidence is shot. The carnage has also undermined President Cyril Ramaphosas authority and placed the ruling African National Congress at risk of losing its grip on KwaZulu-Natal, Zumas home province and the epicenter of the violence. Our future is bleak. It is going to be very difficult to come back from this, said Xolani Dube, an analyst at the Xubera Institute for Research and Development in the eastern city of Durban. Ramaphosa is politically weaker than he has ever been. The rand slumped to near a four-month low as South Africas outlook darkened. Along with political uncertainty, structural unemployment and one of the worlds starkest divides between haves and have-nots -- perennial problems that were exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic -- are set to worsen, with the states coffers too depleted to provide meaningful relief. The country remains on a knife-edge. Sporadic gunshots ring out over some KwaZulu-Natal neighborhoods, smoke hangs over gutted malls and factories and many residents carry guns or makeshift weapons. Foreign investors have been selling down their holdings of South African shares. The police have proved ineffectual, and initial plans to deploy 2,500 soldiers have been increased 10-fold, highlighting just how incapable the state was rendered during Zumas almost nine-year rule. Ramaphosa estimates that more than 500 billion rand ($34 billion) was stolen during that era, which saw many capable senior civil servants leave their posts. Story continues Ramaphosa didnt mention the protests until the evening of July 11, two days after they erupted, when he addressed the nation on the latest coronavirus-related restrictions. He made another appeal for calm the following night, his apparent impotence demonstrated by broadcaster eNCA, which ran a split screen of him speaking with live footage of a Durban mall being looted. Pule Mabe, the ANCs spokesman, said the party was doing all it could to ensure order was restored. It would be unfair to suggest we are here because of an ANC problem, he said. The ANC did not sanction any of these activities we have seen. Government officials have described the demonstrations as economic sabotage, but havent identified the instigators. Irrespective of whether the protests were spontaneous or orchestrated -- and a debate is raging in South Africa as to whether they are -- Zuma, 79, lies at the heart of it. A former ANC intelligence operative, hes credited with playing a key role in ending apartheid-era violence between supporters of his party and the Zulu nationalist Inkatha Freedom Party. Later he delivered the Zulu vote to the ANC and moved the political center of gravity of the party to the province from the Eastern Cape, from which former leaders Nelson Mandela and Thabo Mbeki hail. Now, ironically, his arrest appears to have triggered an outpouring of violence. Valli Moosa, who served as a minister in Mandelas and Mbekis cabinets, expects the upheaval to end soon and doesnt see it as an insurrection. While the initial protests against Zumas jailing may have been organized, the widespread chaos that ensued was probably just opportunistic, he said. Even so, its unclear whether the looting that engulfed the nations two most populous provinces is a violent coda to Zumas reign or the beginning of the end for the party, which was founded in 1912. It has weathered two breakaway attempts, but remains mired in factional power battles. Zuma is an albatross around the neck of the party in the province and nationally, said Cyril Madlala, a former newspaper editor in KwaZulu-Natal. His influence is such that he doesnt need a position in government or the ANC, he is a phenomenon on his own. Tanking Economy Internal power battles have meanwhile rendered the ANC sclerotic. Decisions necessary for the national good are often taken slowly and are subject to careful political calculation, hampering efforts to turn around the tanking economy and tackle a record 32.6% unemployment rate. The political time-line of the ANC is moving at the pace of a tortoise, said Claude Baissac, the head of Eunomix Business and Economics Ltd., which advises on political risk. The economic decline is moving at the pace of the hare. And that has, no doubt, played a part in the riots and helped those who may have orchestrated them. The instigators knew if they created a space for the unemployed and criminals they would jump at the opportunity, said Mcebisi Ndletyana, a political science professor at the University of Johannesburg. And they did. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com Subscribe now to stay ahead with the most trusted business news source. 2021 Bloomberg L.P. A federal judge ruled on Friday that President Obama did not have the legal authority to create the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which offers protection from deportation for immigrants brought to the U.S. illegally as children. The latest: Calling the ruling "disappointing," President Biden on Saturday urged Congress to "ensure a permanent solution by granting a path to citizenship for Dreamers that will provide the certainty and stability that these young people need and deserve." Get market news worthy of your time with Axios Markets. Subscribe for free. "I have repeatedly called on Congress to pass the American Dream and Promise Act, and I now renew that call with the greatest urgency," Biden said, adding: "It is my fervent hope that through reconciliation or other means, Congress will finally provide security to all Dreamers, who have lived too long in fear." Why it matters: The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas ordered the Biden administration to cease approving new DACA applications but specified that the decision would not affect current recipients for now. The decision followed a challenge to the program filed by the attorneys general for nine Republican-led states, including Texas, who argued that DACA was improperly adopted and financially burdened them by making them pay for DACA recipients' education and health care. What they're saying: U.S. District Judge Andrew Hanen held that the creation of the program violated the Administrative Procedure Act, which governs how federal agencies develop and issue regulations. "To be clear, neither this order nor the accompanying injunction requires [the Department of Homeland Security] or the Department of Justice to take any immigration, deportation, or criminal action against any DACA recipient, applicant, or any other individual that it would not otherwise take," Hanen wrote. This ruling is wrong and is subject to appeal," Omar Jadwat, director of the ACLU's Immigrants Rights Project, said in a statement. Story continues "But Dreamers futures shouldnt be in the hands of the courts. It is absolutely urgent that Congress acts now through the budget reconciliation process to provide Dreamers and other undocumented members of our communities with reliable status and a pathway to citizenship. The big picture: Congress has for years tried to pass a legislative solution that would allow DACA recipients to live permanently in the United States, but those efforts have repeatedly failed. "[T]he court takes no position on how DHS (or Congress, should it decide to take up the issue) should resolve these considerations, so long as that resolution complies with the law," Hanen wrote. Senate Democrats hope to tie key immigration reforms to the next budget reconciliation package. What's next: Biden said that the Department of Justice will appeal the decision to the U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals and the Department of Homeland Security will "issue a proposed rule concerning DACA in the near future." Read the full ruling: This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. Editor's note: This story has been updated throughout. Like this article? Get more from Axios and subscribe to Axios Markets for free. A suspect who allegedly shot a sheriff's deputy in the hand during a struggle for the deputy's gun in a Texas hospital this week was charged Thursday with aggravated assault on a peace officer, according to police. Thaddeus Lewis, 35, is accused of grabbing a Harris County sheriff's deputys weapon and firing it Wednesday while he was being escorted to the restroom on the fifth floor of Ben Taub Hospital in Houston. Lewis, a jail inmate, was brought there for a doctors appointment. Four members of the hospital staff came to the deputy's aid and helped apprehend Lewis during the tussle. HOUSTON HOSPITAL HEROISM: STAFF MEMBERS HELP APPREHEND INMATE AFTER DEPUTY IS SHOT IN STRUGGLE OVER HIS GUN "It could very well have escalated," a spokesman for the Houston Police Department said outside the hospital Wednesday. "That's why I want to commend the hospital staff for assisting in getting this inmate in custody." The deputy, a 36-year veteran, was treated at the hospital. He suffered a severe gunshot wound to his left hand, with the bullet leaving both entry and exit wounds, a police spokesman said. He was in stable condition, police said in a release. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Lewis was not injured in the struggle, according to FOX 26 of Houston. Lewis was returned to the Harris County Joint Processing Center, police said. A Texas sheriffs sergeant was killed and another four officers were wounded during a violent standoff that involved a suspect barricading himself inside a home and then open firing on law enforcement. The Lubbock County Sheriffs Office is mourning the loss of one of our own, tonight, SWAT Commander Sergeant Josh Bartlett said in a statement. The violence unfolded shortly after authorities arrived at a residence in Levelland, west of Lubbock, around 2 p.m. on Thursday, according to Levelland Chief of Police Albert Garcia. They were responding at the time to a call about a man acting strangely and walking around the area with what appeared to be a large gun. When officers arrived on the scene, they spotted a Chevrolet pickup truck in the driveway that had been reported earlier in the day by Texas Highway Patrol, prompting them to call negotiators to assist. A patrolman said the man inside the vehicle was driving recklessly just after 11 a.m. and trying to bait him into a confrontation. Lubbock County officers and its SWAT team also responded to the scene to assist, according to police. Because we did not have much information in regards to whether or not this weapon was truly in fact a real weapon or not, we took precautions, Garcia said. We began to try to get negotiations started. We did make contact with him, very short and brief. He was very hostile. Did not want to visit with or talk to Levelland police officers at that time. Just moments after officers made initial contact, the suspect opened the door and unleashed a hail of gunfire in law enforcements direction. Garcia said Bartlett was struck in the chaos and died a short time later. Another four officers were wounded, including a Levelland police officer, who was rushed to a hospital for surgery. He has since emerged from the procedure and remained in stable but critical condition, KCBD reported. Nearly 10 hours after the start of the standoff, authorities arrested Omar Soto Chavira, according to Lubbock County Sheriff spokesperson Kasie Davis. The 22-year-old suspect was the only person inside the residence and transported to a hospital to be treated for injuries. The details leading up to his arrest and his condition remained unknown Friday afternoon. Bartlett, an army veteran who served several tours overseas, leaves behind a wife and children. He spent nine years with the sheriffs department. The assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise at his home in a Port-au-Prince suburb last Wednesday was the latest flashpoint for the Caribbean nation, which was already teetering on the edge of political and economic chaos. We have a very deep crisis, probably as pronounced as the one we had immediately after the [2010] earthquake, Robert Fatton, an expert on Haitian politics at the University of Virginia and a native of Haiti, told Yahoo News. But it's a different type of crisis. Virtually all the institutions in the country are essentially being eviscerated. In recent years, Haiti has been inundated with gang violence owing to inadequate police leadership and long-standing mistrust of its government, Fatton said. Those factors have also played a role in weakening the nations already precarious economic fortunes. Haitian President Jovenel Moise during an interview in Port-au-Prince in 2018. (Alejandro Cegarra/Bloomberg via Getty Images) But having seen the ills of foreign interference in the past, Haitians want to right their own wrongs, Jean Eddy Saint Paul, professor of sociology at Brooklyn College and founder of the CUNY Haitian Studies Institute, told Yahoo News. Give a chance to Haitian people to figure out their own solution, because ... in Haiti there is a strong civil society, Saint Paul said, harkening back to the countrys origin more than two centuries ago, when Haitians held the only successful antislavery movement in world history. They know what they need for the country, Saint Paul added. In 1804, formerly enslaved Africans in Haiti revolted against their French colonizers and declared independence from France, making the western portion of the island of Hispaniola the first Black-led republic. The international community, however, refused to recognize Haiti as its own nation until the French did so. In return for that concession, France demanded the young country pay 150 million francs, the equivalent of US$21 billion today, as reparations. The sum was meant to compensate the French colonists for their lost revenues from slavery, Marlene Daut, a Haiti historian at the University of Virginia, wrote on the website of the news organization the Conversation. Rejection of the ordinance almost certainly meant war. Story continues An illustration of revolutionary leader Toussaint L'Ouverture during the revolt against French power in Haiti. (Getty Images) Wanting to avoid another potentially deadly military conflict, and with a French flotilla threatening invasion, Haiti agreed in 1825 to pay the sum in five equal installments, forcing the newly established country to take out loans it was initially unable to repay. Haiti defaulted on the loans, and it took 122 years to pay off the debt. In large part due to the prolonged repayment of that debt, Haiti has never been able to build a strong economic foundation. With a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita of US$1,149.50 and a Human Development Index ranking of 170 out of 189 countries in 2020, Haiti remains the poorest country in the Latin America and Caribbean region and among the poorest countries in the world, the World Bank says on its website. France, by comparison, has a GDP of US$2.7 trillion. Compounding Haitis economic challenges, the destruction from the catastrophic and deadly 2010 earthquake remains a defining event for the nation. The disaster killed upwards of 250,000 people, injured more than 300,000 and left 1.5 million of the countrys 10 million citizens homeless. Haitis infrastructure has never really recovered. Garbage litters a street in Port-au-Prince on July 13 in the wake of Moise's assassination on July 7. (Valerie Baeriswyl/AFP via Getty Images) And while the coronavirus pandemic persists and the Delta variant ravages the world, Haiti has still not administered a single COVID-19 vaccination, according to the New York Times. Though Haiti is one of the birthplaces of democracy in the modern world, inadequate and corrupt leadership has been the norm since its inception. Corruption is no longer a secret but an open and accepted practice, and whatever shred of public trust there was in government has evaporated, reporter Jaqueline Charles wrote in the Miami Herald. On July 1, the United Nations Security Council released a statement expressing deep concern regarding deteriorating political, security and humanitarian conditions in Haiti. The council stressed the need for a free and fair legislative election this year, though many Haitians, including Fatton and Saint Paul, see the prospect of this as nearly impossible. If you have elections now it's going to be a disaster, Fatton said, noting that proper legislation needs to be in place and the threat of violence from gangs diminished. Haitian police officers in December 2019 load guns before firing tear gas at protesters marching toward the U.S. Embassy. (Adam DelGiudice/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images) Thanks to the proliferation of gang violence, as many as 5,000 Haitians were displaced during the first 10 days of June, according to a U.N. report. Critics of the assassinated president say he deserved much of the blame for Haitis current state of affairs. Moise had been in office since 2017 following a contested election. He had no previous political experience, but became rich as a fruit exporter. He had been ruling by decree for more than a year, after refusing to step down following the expiration of his term in February. He was killed after having dissolved Haitis Parliament and failing to hold legislative elections. While many Haitians disputed his leadership, critics say they wanted accountability, not murder. I was not a big fan of the president, but Haitian people wanted to hold a politician accountable, Saint Paul said. He was not like a very popular president but no one with sense would ask to murder a president. The assassination of Mr. Moise is the culmination of years of instability in the country, which has long been seized by lawlessness and violence, Natalie Kitroeff and Anatoly Kurmanaev wrote in the New York Times. Despite Haitis current circumstances, Fatton is cautiously optimistic that the country can turn things around, as it has done in the past. He places Haitis fate on two main factors: the domestic political economy and interference of international powers mainly the U.S. and France. Demonstrators demanding Moise's resignation in October 2019. (Valerie Baeriswyl/AFP via Getty Images) The U.S. occupied Haiti from 1915 to 1934 under President Woodrow Wilson and controlled Haitis government. During that period, the U.S. structured Haitis economic and social policies in a strategic way to attract foreign investment. Twice in the past 30 years, the U.S. has sent Marines to restore order once under President Bill Clinton and then again under President George W. Bush. My hope is that civil society can inject into Haitian society some sort of new blood that is not only competent, but also interested in the development of the country without the type of corruption that we had before, Fatton said. While many in Washington are calling on President Biden to send troops to the beleaguered nation, the administration so far has committed only to bolstering security at the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince. Saint Paul believes Haitians should have the autonomy to correct their problems once again. This is the time for the U.S. to recognize that enough is enough, Saint Paul said. They need the U.S. to step back and let Haitian people figure out their own solution. Cover thumbnail photo illustration: Yahoo News; photos: Hector Retamal/AFP via Getty Images, Alejandro Cegarra/Bloomberg via Getty Images _____ Read more from Yahoo News: President Joe Biden said people are dying because of coronavirus disinformation being shared on social media platforms. "Theyre killing people," Biden said when asked to share his message to companies such as Facebook. "The only pandemic we have is among the unvaccinated. And theyre killing people." Coronavirus cases are rising in some parts of the country, while vaccine uptake has slowed. New, more transmissible variants are also spreading rapidly. Reported virus cases globally also are up, and in counties such as Los Angeles County, the most populous in the country, cases have been climbing daily for nearly a week. NO BIDEN ISN'T SECRETLY POLICING YOUR TEXTS BUT POLITICAL OPERATIVES HAVE BEEN READING SOME FOR YEARS But an effort to crack down on the spread of disinformation online has drawn criticism amid concerns the federal government is attempting to police free speech. Biden officials have approached Facebook and other social media companies about disinformation appearing on their platforms. Press secretary Jen Psaki said posts claiming coronavirus vaccines cause infertility are of particular concern. "It shouldn't come as any surprise that we're in regular touch with social media platforms, just like we're in regular touch with all of you and your media outlets," Psaki told reporters on Friday. "We are regularly making sure social media platforms are aware of the latest narratives, dangerous to public health, that we and many other Americans are seeing across all of social and traditional media." CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER Psaki told reporters Thursday the administration has begun "flagging" COVID-19 misinformation online. Twelve people account for 65% of the posts spreading the false claims, she said. Washington Examiner Videos Tags: News, White House, Joe Biden, Coronavirus, Vaccination Original Author: Katherine Doyle Original Location: 'They're killing people': Biden says social media platforms responsible for COVID-19 deaths DOUALA (Reuters) - The five months that two transgender women in Cameroon spent in prison were "hell", one of them told Reuters on Friday after they were released, describing how they were initially forced to sleep with chains around their legs. Shakiro and Patricia left Douala's main prison in a taxi after a judge ordered them freed until a court could hear an appeal of their five-year sentences. They were arrested on Feb. 8 for wearing women's clothing in a restaurant and convicted https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/cameroonian-transgender-women-convicted-attempted-homosexuality-2021-05-11 of "attempted homosexuality," public indecency and failing to carry identification. "Prison is hell. It's hellfire. Especially when they accuse you of homosexuality," said Shakiro, a celebrity in Cameroon with thousands of social media followers, during an interview at her family's house. "They put chains on our legs, something that is not normal," she said. "That day we slept with those chains and we paid money for them to remove the chains." A spokesperson for Cameroon's justice ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Human rights activists say the arrests reflect a growing criminalisation of sexual minorities in Cameroon. Their appeal is expected to be heard in September. "This day is the most beautiful day of my life because I did not believe that these children would make it out of prison with their health intact," Shakiro's mother, Josephine Njeukam, told Reuters. (Reporting by Josiane Kouagheu; Writing by Aaron Ross; Editing by Rosalba O'Brien) Shares in British Airways owner IAG rose as much as 3% on the back of the news in London. Photo: Steve Parsons/PA Images via Getty Images Travel and leisure stocks received a boost on Friday after US president Joe Biden hinted at the possible restart of transatlantic flights. In a press conference with German chancellor Angela Merkel on Thursday, he said that the US is looking into when it can lift travel restrictions for Europe, and that more information would be revealed within the next several days. We brought in the head of our COVID team, because the chancellor brought that subject up, Biden said. Its in process now. And Ill be able to answer that question to you within the next several days, what is likely to happen. Im waiting to hear from our folks, from our COVID team, as to when that should be done, he said. There are also further signs that the US is considering easing quarantine measures for double-jabbed travellers. Read more: How to get travel insurance amid UK rulings on red, green, and amber countries Shares in British Airways owner IAG (IAG.L) rose as much as 3% on the back of the news in London, while easyJet (EZJ.L), Wizz Air (WIZZ.L) and jet engineer Rolls Royce (RR.L) also climbed higher. In Europe, Air France (AF.PA) was up 2%, and Lufthansa (LHA.DE) gained 2.5%. IAG climbed on Friday. Chart: Yahoo Finance It comes as fully vaccinated American citizens are already permitted to travel overseas if they show evidence of a negative COVID test on return, however, European travellers have been restricted to enter the US since Biden took office in January. The US has recently been under pressure to ease restrictions, with Europes largest automobile industry association, headquartered in Frankfurt, issuing a letter to the US Embassy in Berlin. Business travel to the USA must once again be possible without restrictions. The US government is currently locking out European business travellers. It is incomprehensible that the Schengen states are still classified as high-risk areas by the United States, wrote the Mechanical Engineering Industry Association. Watch: President Biden meets with German chancellor Angela Merkel Story continues Meanwhile, on Thursday night, Corneel Koster, Virgin Atlantics chief customer and operating officer, told the Telegraph: Vaccination levels are very high in the UK, and very high in the US if we follow the data the US should open. So should big parts of Europe, and so should other parts of the world. Step by step. Aviation can be rebuilt safely. He added: We are calling on the Biden administration as well to allow Brits to travel there. We are calling on all vaccinated travellers on low risk routes to low risk countries, because the protection is there. On Monday next week, coronavirus rules will end in England, with almost all legal restrictions on social contact being removed. Nightclubs will also be allowed to reopen for the first time since the start of the outbreak in March 2020, and capacity limits will be removed for all venues and events. However, the Delta variant, which was first detected in India, continues to spread across Britain. It is currently the dominant strain of the coronavirus in the UK, making up around 95% of new cases. The number of daily cases hit a six-month high of 48,553 on Thursday. Watch: Should I book a holiday in 2021? Michael Martin - Getty Michael Martin, the Irish Taoiseach, has warned Boris Johnson that unilaterally creating a Troubles amnesty to protect British veterans risks undermining the Good Friday Agreement, as the pair look set for crunch talks in London next week. Mr Martin claimed on Friday that a statute of limitations ending prosecutions relating to Troubles crimes before the 1998 peace agreement lacked the consensus-based approach needed. Ministers believe the plan, which will apply to all sides, including the IRA and loyalist paramilitaries, is the only legal way to prevent former British troops being dragged into court in old age. However, speaking in Dublin, Mr Martin appeared to suggest that pushing ahead with the plans without widespread support would run contrary to the spirit of the Good Friday Agreement, adding that unilateralism doesnt work. The Telegraph has been told that Mr Martin is expected to fly to London either on Monday or Tuesday for talks with the Prime Minister, during which the issue is expected to feature heavily in discussions along with the Northern Ireland Protocol. Government sources confirmed on Friday night that discussions over a meeting were under way, although they added that the details were yet to be finalised. Mounting tensions between Belfast and London It came as the Northern Ireland Assembly was recalled on Friday from the summer recess to meet next Tuesday to discuss the proposals, which are currently opposed by all five main parties, including the Democratic Unionist Party. In a sign of mounting tension between Belfast and London, a meeting between Brandon Lewis, the Northern Ireland Secretary, and the party leaders ended inconclusively. Ratcheting up the pressure further, Mr Martin told reporters that the UKs proposals needed to be dealt with in the context of the Good Friday Agreement and all the parties to the Good Friday Agreement. He added: Our view very strongly is that unilateralism doesnt work in terms of the implementation. Story continues There has to be engagement and there has to be consensus building. We agreed a process to deal with this and its through that process that very sensitive issues such as this should be resolved. What is at the foremost of our minds at all times must be the victims and their families. They feel betrayed and they feel let down, and we have to prioritise the families and victims of so many atrocities during that period of our history on this island, irrespective of ones community. Mr Martins intervention followed hours after Simon Coveney, Irelands foreign affairs minister and minister for defence, suggested the proposals would inevitably be challenged in court and alleged that they would breach the European Convention on Human Rights. The Telegraph revealed earlier this week that Brandon Lewis, the Northern Ireland Secretary, has received legal advice warning that acting unilaterally could heighten the risk of a challenge being successfully brought at the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg. However, government sources are confident the proposals comply with the European Convention on Human Rights and intend to press ahead with the legislation regardless of Irelands stance. U.S. President Donald Trump speaks as Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman, Army General Mark Milley looks on after a briefing from senior military leaders in the Cabinet Room at the White House on October 7, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Getty Images) Donald Trump reportedly asked his generals if they were "ready" just days before the 6 January Capitol riot. "It's gonna be a big deal," Mr Trump reportedly said to Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley in the days before the "Stop the Steal" rally in Washington DC. "You ready for that?" The exchange was detailed in The New Yorker, The ominous question came just three days before the attack on the Capitol. Mr Trump, General Milley, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Acting Defense Secretary Christopher Miller were at the meeting to discuss Iran and its nuclear activities. General Milley has been at the forefront of the news cycle as reports in the upcoming book "I Alone Can Fix It: Donald J Trump's Catastrophic Final Year" suggest he was sincerely concerned that Mr Trump would attempt some kind of coup to maintain his office. The book's authors, Carol Leonnig and Philip Rucker, spoke with more than 140 sources -including former Trump officials, and the former president himself - to compile their account of his last year in office. In the book, General Milley is presented as the last "adult in the room" and comes to the realization he would be the nation's last line of defense against a tyrannical Trump administration that refused to leave the White House. Mr Trump has responded to those allegations, saying he never planned a coup with anyone. "Sorry to inform you, but an election but an Election is my form of coup, and if I was going to do a coup, one of the last people I would want to do it with is General Mark Milley," Mr Trump said in a statement. Im not into coups! Reporting in the book suggests General Milley became concerned that the former president would not leave office in the days after the 2020 election. At that point Mr Trump had already begun peddling his lies about voter fraud, which reportedly concerned General Milley. His concern grew when Mr Trump began filling out top spots at the Pentagon with loyalists. Story continues Mr Milley is reported to have made several allusions to Mr Trump's administration and the Nazis, suggesting that the country was facing a "Reichstag moment". He also was reportedly concerned that Mr Trump's "Million MAGA March" could become America's "brownshirts in the streets,"referring to a paramilitary wing of the Nazi party that preceded the SS. Ultimately, General Milley was confident a coup by Mr Trump could not succeed because he would require the cooperation of the FBI, the CIA and the military, as they "have all the guns." Read More Trump was so weak from Covid he could barely carry his hospital bag, book claims AP News Digest 3:35 a.m. Freedom or folly? UK's end to mandatory masks sows confusion Trump administration veteran Richard Grenell said he would not enter the California gubernatorial recall race against Gov. Gavin Newsom. Grenell, a resident of Southern California, announced his decision during a Thursday evening appearance on cable TV. "The deadline is tomorrow, and I've made a decision not to run," he told Fox News host Sean Hannity. He cited two reasons: He wants to remain "available to push forward" former President Donald Trump's "America First agenda," and he wants to prioritize "structural change" in California "because we are headed in the wrong direction." Grenell, who said it will take "many years" to turn things around, referred to work he still plans to do with Fix California, his nonprofit group that has already gotten to work to "clean up" voter rolls. Grenell served as U.S. ambassador to Germany and acting director of national intelligence during the Trump administration. He became the first openly gay person to hold a Cabinet-level position. Grenell was also a special presidential envoy for Serbia and Kosovo peace negotiations. In years prior, Grenell was the U.S. spokesman at the United Nations and an aide on the foreign policy team for Mitt Romney's 2012 presidential campaign. In early July, Democratic Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis announced voters could decide whether to oust Newsom on Sept. 14 after state authorities determined recall organizers obtained enough valid signatures. Days earlier, Secretary of State Shirley Weber's office confirmed 1,719,900 verified signers, well above the roughly 1.5 million needed to move forward with the recount. The recall campaign began in June 2020, largely due to frustration with Newsom's handling of the coronavirus pandemic. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER The field of Republican candidates vying to boot Newsom out of Sacramento is growing. Republican state Rep. Kevin Kiley announced his bid for governor this week, pitting him against Caitlyn Jenner, former gubernatorial candidate John Cox, and San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer. Story continues Conservative radio host Larry Elder, a frequent Fox News guest, announced his candidacy in the recall race on Monday. Newsom will not be listed as a Democrat on the recall ballot after he failed to meet a deadline to register his party affiliation, a judge ruled on Monday. Washington Examiner Videos Tags: News, Richard Grenell, California, Recalls, California recall, Gavin Newsom Original Author: Daniel Chaitin Original Location: Trump intelligence chief Richard Grenell declines to enter California recall race Trump and Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Wilson/Getty Images Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley was on the outs with former President Donald Trump for months before he left office, but their final interaction reportedly left things on an ominous note. The New Yorker reports that Trump gathered Milley, former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and other advisers for a Jan. 3 meeting about Iran, hoping to take military action. The national security team finally persuaded Trump against a missile strike, so Trump pivoted to chat about his upcoming rally on Jan. 6, the day Congress was set to certify his election loss. Trump, who had already promised a "wild" protest, reportedly commented: "It's gonna be a big deal ... You're ready for that, right?" It was reportedly the last interaction Milley had with Trump. According to other reports, like an upcoming book by Washington Post reporters Carol Leonnig and Philip Rucker, Milley had been fearing for several months that Trump would attempt a coup to stay in power, calling it one of his two "nightmare scenarios" (the other being a war with Iran). Milley reportedly met repeatedly with the Joint Chiefs to urge them against taking unlawful orders from Trump, and reassured concerned lawmakers that "Trump might attempt a coup, but he would fail because he would never succeed in co-opting the American military," writes The New Yorker. Trump, for his part, said Wednesday that he's "not into coups." Given Milley's state of "full-alarm mode," Trump's comments at the Jan. 3 meeting likely sounded perilous. He reportedly "told others on that awful day that what they had dreaded had come to pass: Trump had his 'Reichstag moment' after all." Read more at The New Yorker. You may also like Why many of the calls to reveal the officer who shot Ashli Babbitt have a 'racial tinge' Melania Trump reportedly tried 4 times to block an election night party at the White House Congressional Black Caucus chair Joyce Beatty among those arrested during Capitol voting rights protest Two California men who authorities say amassed an arsenal of guns and pipe bombs were indicted Thursday over alleged plans to attack targets associated with Democrats. Ian Benjamin Rogers, 45, of Napa, and Jarrod Copeland, 37, of Vallejo, were charged in federal court with conspiracy to destroy the Democratic headquarters in Sacramento with incendiary devices. Their targets allegedly also included the governors mansion and the San Francisco offices of Twitter and Facebook. The men started planning attacks after former president Donald Trumps lost the 2020 election by reaching out to an anti-government militia for help, investigators say in an indictment unsealed Thursday. Authorities believe both men are connected to the Three Percenters, a far-right militant group, whose members were involved in the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol. According to a detention memo for Copeland, the men also reached out for help from the Proud Boys, the violent neo-fascist group also with several members charged in the Capitol attack. Rogers and Copeland apparently understood they would be considered domestic terrorists for carrying out the attacks, according to government documents filed in the case, but they hoped that attacks would spark a movement to overthrow the US government. In the detention memo, investigators say the men talked about writing a manifesto (which it appears they never did) to explain their purpose. Their planning continued even after the Jan. 6 attack, with Rogers telling Copeland over an encrypted messaging app on Jan. 11, I want to blow up a democrat building bad, the indictment says. While the case is not directly linked to the Capitol insurrection, it highlights federal law enforcements drive in the wake of the attack to combat domestic violent extremism, an issue that President Joe Biden, the Justice Department, and the Department of Homeland Security, have made a top priority. FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig Fair said in a statement Thursday the agencys highest priority has remained preventing terrorist attacks before they occur, including homegrown plots from domestic violent extremists. Story continues Rogers, whose social media shows him to be an enthusiastic Trump supporter, has been in custody since his arrest on Jan. 15 and is being held on $5 million bail. The FBI arrested Copeland in Sacramento on Wednesday. A search of Rogers' home in January uncovered between 45 and 50 firearms, including at least three fully automatic weapons, thousands of rounds of ammunition, and five pipe bombs that were fully operational, investigators say. They also discovered a Three Percenters sticker and a white privilege card. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. Apparently angered by Trumps election defeat, Rogers and Copeland began plotting attacks over multiple encrypted messaging apps in November 2020. Thats when Rogers allegedly told Copeland that he would hit the enemy in the mouth by using Molotov cocktails and gasoline to attack targets associated with Democrats, including the governors mansion and the Democratic Headquarters Building in Sacramento, according to investigators. By Nov. 25, according to the indictment, the two were actively trying to recruit others to join them. Through one of the apps in late December 2020, Copeland told Rogers that he had contacted an anti-government militia group to get support for their movement. On Jan. 4, according to the Copeland detention memo, Rogers told him, We need help though and I dont know how to get more people involved. Copeland responded, Proud boys and 3% and I emailed proud boys, investigators say, adding that agents discovered a URL in the internet history on Copelands laptop that appeared to show he had filled out and submitted a form on the Proud Boys website on or about Dec. 28. Four days after the Capitol attack, on Jan. 10, the criminal complaint against Rogers says, he told Copeland, We can attack Twitter and democrats easy right now burn theyre [sic] shit down. The next day, according to the indictment, Rogers told Copeland, I want to blow up a democrat building bad. They then agreed on their targets, the indictment alleges, with Rogers suggesting they attack the Democratic Headquarters in Sacramento first. Copeland responded, Plan attack, according to investigators. According to the indictment, Rogers also told Copeland to prepare to go to war after Jan. 20, which was Inauguration Day for President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. Four days later, the FBI arrested Rogers and discovered the cache of guns and pipe bombs in his home. When Copeland learned of Rogers arrest he immediately contacted a militia group to which they both belonged. One of the militia groups leaders advised Copeland to switch to a new communications platform and delete all his communications with Rogers after the latters arrest, the indictment says. When FBI agents seized Copelands electronic devices on Jan. 17, the indictment says, Copelands messages with Rogers were missing. Rogers and Copeland are both charged with conspiracy to destroy by fire or explosive a building used or in affecting interstate commerce. Rogers is also charged with weapons violations, including one count of possession of unregistered destructive devices, and three counts of possession of machine guns. Copeland is charged with the destruction of records for deleting his messages with Rogers. Attorneys for the men could not be reached for comment on Friday morning, but Rogers attorney told the San Francisco Chronicle in January that Rogers didnt pose a danger to the public and wasnt a Three Percenters member. If convicted, the men face a maximum statutory sentence of 20 years imprisonment, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine for the conspiracy charge. Rogers faces an additional maximum of 10 years in prison for the weapons charges, and Copeland faces up to 20 years imprisonment for destroying evidence. By Daphne Psaledakis WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The United States will have to work with China to make progress on North Korea, a senior State Department official said on Friday, ahead of a senior U.S. diplomat's visit to the region. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman will visit Japan, South Korea and Mongolia next week, and may add a visit to China to the itinerary, where dealing with the North Korean regime would be on the agenda, the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. Washington wants to work with China on some areas of overlapping interest, despite fraught relations between the world's two largest economies over issues including trade and human rights. Washington wants to rein in North Korea's nuclear program, but efforts to establish diplomatic contact since President Joe Biden took office earlier this year have received no response. The senior official said there was "no doubt that any way forward" with the regime, known as the DPRK, would require the help of China, as well as U.S. regional allies South Korea and Japan. "The DPRK is one area where we may work with (China) because you cant do a solution (without them)," the official said, explaining that China was the major trading partner of North Korea. In December, the United States accused China of "flagrant violation" of its obligation to enforce international sanctions on North Korea. China says it abides by U.N. sanctions on North Korea, although along with Russia, it has expressed hope that an easing of those conditions could help break the deadlock in nuclear talks between Washington and Pyongyang. (Reporting by Daphne Psaledakis; additional reporting by Humeyra Pamuk, Simon Lewis and David Brunnstrom; editing by Jonathan Oatis and Raissa Kasolowsky) The Biden administration warned U.S. businesses on Friday about the risks of doing business in Hong Kong amid China's crackdown on political and economic freedoms once enjoyed in the region. Why it matters: The new advisory, along with new sanctions against Chinese officials, will likely heighten tensions between Washington and Beijing. Stay on top of the latest market trends and economic insights with Axios Markets. Subscribe for free The departments of State, Treasury, Commerce and Homeland Security alerted firms to the "growing risks" of doing business in the city, where a shifting legal landscape "could adversely affect businesses and individuals operating in Hong Kong." "As a result of these changes, they should be aware of potential reputational, regulatory, financial, and, in certain instances, legal risks associated with their Hong Kong operations," the departments said. The departments used the former pro-democracy newspaper, Apple Daily, as an example of the current dangers of doing business in the city. In the year since China imposed a sweeping new national security law on Hong Kong, police arrested several executives of the paper and recently forced its closure. The Treasury Department announced the new sanctions against Chen Dong, Yang Jianping, Qiu Hong, Lu Xinning, Tan Tieniu, He Jing, and Yin Zonghua, all liaisons for the Chinese Communist Party in Hong Kong, for violating the 2020 Hong Kong Autonomy Act. What they're saying: In a statement on Friday, Secretary of State Antony Blinken called the new actions "a clear message that the United States resolutely stands with Hong Kongers." "Beijing has chipped away at Hong Kongs reputation of accountable, transparent governance and respect for individual freedoms, and has broken its promise to leave Hong Kongs high degree of autonomy unchanged for 50 years," he said. "In the face of Beijings decisions over the past year that have stifled the democratic aspirations of people in Hong Kong, we are taking action." The big picture: Federal agencies this week warned U.S. businesses that they run a "high risk" of violating U.S. laws on forced labor if they have supply chains and investments in the Chinese region of Xinjiang, where the Chinese government is carrying out a genocide against Uyghurs Muslims and other minorities. Story continues The Senate also unanimously passed a bill that would ban the importation of all products from Xinjiang. Go deeper: China accuses Biden administration of hurting global trade Like this article? Get more from Axios and subscribe to Axios Markets for free. By Humeyra Pamuk and David Shepardson WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The United States is preparing to impose sanctions on Friday on a number of Chinese officials over Beijing's crackdown on democracy in Hong Kong, and warn international businesses operating there about deteriorating conditions, two people with knowledge of the situation told Reuters. The sources said the financial sanctions would target seven officials from China's Hong Kong liaison office, the official platform which projects Beijing's influence into the Chinese territory. A separate updated business advisory issued by the State Department would highlight U.S. government concerns about the impact on international companies of Hong Kong's national security law. Critics say Beijing implemented that law last year to facilitate a crackdown on pro-democracy activists and free press. "Let me talk about the business advisory," U.S. President Joe Biden said when asked about it at a news conference with visiting German Chancellor Angela Merkel. "The situation in Hong Kong is deteriorating. And the Chinese government is not keeping its commitment that it made on how it would deal with Hong Kong, and so it is more of an advisory as to what may happen in Hong Kong. It's as simple as that and as a complicated as that." The moves mark the Biden administration's latest effort to hold the Chinese government accountable for what Washington calls an erosion of rule of law in the former British colony that returned to Chinese control in 1997. Foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said at a regular news conference on Friday that the U.S. should stop interfering in Hong Kong. China would make a "resolute, strong response" to U.S. actions, he said. Both people, who asked not to be identified, said the Hong Kong measures were still subject to change. One of the sources said the White House was also reviewing a possible executive order on immigration from Hong Kong, but that it was still not certain to be implemented. Story continues The U.S. Treasury Department has declined to comment on the issue following media reports this week about possible new sanctions. "We know that a healthy business community relies on the rule of law, which the national security law that applies to Hong Kong continues to undermine," State Department spokesman Ned Price said on Tuesday when asked about the issue. U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman is preparing a visit to Japan, South Korea and Mongolia next week. The State Department's announcement of her trip made no mention of any stop in China, which had been anticipated in foreign policy circles and reported in some media. The State Department on Tuesday strengthened warnings to businesses about the growing risks of having supply chain and investment links to China's Xinjiang region, citing forced labor and human rights abuses there, which Beijing has denied. (Reporting by Humeyra Pamuk, David Shepardson, Michael Martina and David Brunnstrom; Additional reporting by Gabriel Crossley; Editing by David Gregorio and Kim Coghill) EXCLUSIVE: Americas first Black and woman vice president compared the civil rights leaders to historic figures like Fannie Lou Hamer, Ida B. Wells and others From the big lie to the big fight, civil rights leaders are sounding the alarm this summer for as long as it takes for voting rights legislation to move in the U.S. Senate. The White House remains very concerned about voting rights as the West Wing becomes a revolving door for meetings with advocates in the fight. Friday afternoon, President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and staffers listened to what was happening on the ground from Black women voting rights activists who represented their respective groups in overflow numbers at the wooden conference table of the Roosevelt Room. President Biden had dipped into the meeting which was hosted by Vice President Harris in the Roosevelt Room, and included a guest list of some of the most notable Black womens groups in the voting rights arena. Vice President Kamala Harris speaks with Black women voting rights activists who represented their respective groups in overflow numbers at the wooden conference table of the Roosevelt Room. (Photo: Jessica Floyd) A staffer said the president was glad the women were there and that his second in command Harris took the lead. Americas first Black and woman vice president compared the civil rights leaders to historic figures like Fannie Lou Hamer, Ida B. Wells and others. These are the modern versions of those great women, said Vice President Harris. All Americans have the blessing and the benefits of standing on their shoulders. The White House is said to be serious about voting rights and trying to build momentum by continuing its efforts to bring national attention to controversial voting bills passed by Republicans in over a dozen states. The White House has pledged to use the bully pulpit of the Oval Office to push Congress toward passing crucial legislation of its own to circumvent the restrictive state laws conservatives have proposed. One of the attendees described President Biden as seemingly not wanting to leave as he felt the energy in the room. Representative Joyce Beatty, the chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, was one leader on the voting rights front missing from the meeting. She was not physically present due to her trip in California with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to christen a navy ship named in honor of the late civil rights icon Rep. John Lewis. Beatty was one of the 10 Black women arrested Thursday in the Hart Senate Office Building. Story continues (Photo: Jessica Floyd) Cora Masters Barry was with Congresswoman Beatty and others during Thursdays civil disobedience on the Hill. Masters Barry, the former wife of the late D.C. mayor Marion Barry, acknowledged all options are on the table in the fight for access to the ballots to include calling out the current state of voting rights in the United States as a human rights issue. Vice President Harris highlighted the global implications of assaults on fair and free elections in the U.S. She acknowledged German Chancellor Angela Merkel spoke with her at the vice presidents residence this week on the issue of voting rights. Our right and responsibility is to fight for our democracy and fight for our rights every day of the week, she said in response to theGrios question. This is a fight for all people regardless of who they voted for in the last election or who they vote for in the next election. Already, the Biden administrations National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan told theGrio in an earlier White House press briefing, that if the voting rights issue is not fully addressed it could become a national security issue as the United States elections system has stood as the gold standard. LaTosha Brown of the Black Voters Matter is answering the call to action saying, hope is turning into frustration and that they are looking for something permanent. Tiffani Byron carries her completed ballot to the scanner at Lucky Shoals Park polling station on Election Day last month in Norcross, Georgia. (Photo by Jessica McGowan/Getty Images) An administration official says they can feel that. Cora Masters Barry was visibly shaken in the Hart Senate Building on Thursday. She was seen wiping tears from her eyes just after her fellow demonstrators were taken into custody by Capitol Police. I am mad because I am 76 years old and I was out there fighting for their 1965 Voting Rights Act, Masters Barry emphasized on Friday at the White House. We got it and here I am. I just dont understand why we are here. A high-ranking White House source tells theGrio that the administration has not given up hope that the voting rights bills the For The People Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Act can be passed. But first, White House officials hope congressional lawmakers will start writing H.R. 4, the bill named in Lewis honor. Have you subscribed to theGrios Dear Culture podcast? Download our newest episodes now! TheGrio is now on Apple TV, Amazon Fire and Roku. Download theGrio.com today! The post Vice President Harris hosts Black women voting rights activists after arrests appeared first on TheGrio. HANOI (Reuters) - Vietnam urged the United States on Friday to end its "hostile policy" and lift its longstanding trade embargo on Cuba, the foreign ministry said, following this week's rare anti-government protests on the island. "The U.S. needs to take concrete steps in the direction of normalizing relations with Cuba for the benefit of the two peoples, contributing to peace, stability and development in the region and the world," ministry spokeswoman Le Thi Thu Hang said in a statement. Thousands of Cubans staged the biggest anti-government protests in decades on Sunday, demonstrating against an economic crisis and the government's handling of the coronavirus pandemic and curbs on civil liberties. Vietnam and Cuba are among the last five Communist-ruled countries in the world, along with China, Laos and North Korea. Washington has maintained a trade embargo against Cuba since the early 1960s, which authorities in Havana blame for some of the country's economic problems. The United States lifted its trade embargo against Vietnam in 1994, and relations between former foes have warmed in recent years. The United States is now Vietnam's largest export market. Hang said Vietnam "believes that Cuba will overcome the current socio-economic difficulties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the consequences of the embargo". (Editing by Frances Kerry) White House press secretary Jen Psaki projected guarded optimism about the ongoing infrastructure negotiations on Friday, saying the administration has faith in Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumers aggressive plan to push the bills forward. Schumer would be running point on the timeline, process and sequencing of votes, Psaki said at a White House briefing. We certainly work closely with him, and we certainly trust the path he is mapping out for the legislative process, she added. Schumer announced Thursday that he wants to hold a vote next week to continue the legislative process on infrastructure, a goal complicated by the fact that no legislative text yet exists. Psaki said President Biden was willing to do whatever it will take to help with moving the bills closer to final passage. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer at a Capitol news conference on Thursday. (Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images) In terms of what he will be doing, the president is ready, willing, able, looking forward to playing any constructive role he can play in getting these pieces of legislation across the finish line, Psaki said. Will that mean phone calls? Sure. Will it mean bringing more people to the White House? It probably will. Schumer is attempting to execute two bills at once, a delicate balancing act that could be thrown off by the objections of any single Democratic senator. The first part is a $1.2 trillion bipartisan deal that would provide funding for physical infrastructure, like bridges and roads, and would require 60 votes meaning at least 10 Republicans to pass. A number of Democratic officials criticized that bill as lacking in initiatives to combat climate change and falling short of many of Bidens other promises and progressive priorities. Those concerns led to the second part: a far more ambitious $3.5 trillion budget reconciliation bill. Using the process of budget reconciliation, Democrats could pass the legislation with a simple majority, but they will need all 50 of their members to agree on the package, including moderates like Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., who has expressed support for some sort of reconciliation deal. The reconciliation proposal includes major provisions on education, childcare and climate change, plus an expansion of Medicare to include dental and vision insurance, and higher taxes for richer Americans. If Democrats are able to pass it, its likely that the final version will differ from the outline laid out this week, as adjustments are made to get everyone on board. Story continues Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., leaves a meeting Thursday with members of the Texas House Democratic Caucus at the Capitol. (Alex Wong/Getty Images) I will note that the president is quite familiar with the roller coaster and ups and downs of legislating, having spent 36 years there, and even having had some successes over the last few months in working with legislators, Psaki said Friday. Members of our team had a constructive, productive meeting yesterday, she added, and I will also note there are a number of Republicans and Democrats who feel the same in terms of the path forward. As it stands, the White House does not have enough support to pass either bill. Biden, a Capitol Hill veteran, left the Oval Office to attend a lunch with Senate Democrats on Wednesday in the hope that a face-to-face meeting might secure the necessary unanimous Democratic caucus support for both not yet fully finalized bills. During the lunch, Biden received several rounds of standing ovations from progressives and moderates alike, a clear indicator that broad swaths of the party are willing to support his infrastructure agenda on the floor of the Senate. Yet the once again critical party moderates, Manchin included, have yet to telegraph their vote on either bill. The West Virginia senator did not speak up on his positions during the lunch meeting, which he later told reporters was out of respect to Biden. Arizonas Kyrsten Sinema, another moderate, also kept quiet on Wednesday. In a statement released before the lunch, Manchin said he planned to reserve final judgment until I had the opportunity to thoroughly evaluate the proposal. Its unlikely that Manchin would tank the bill after reviewing the contents, since he has privately disclosed to colleagues that he is not interested in prolonging the reconciliation process and that he broadly supports much of Bidens agenda. While every Democratic senators support is needed, given the slim margin in the chamber, the defection of a small group of Democrats of any ideological persuasion could also torpedo the reconciliation bill. President Biden speaks in Washington, D.C., on Thursday. (Alex Edelman/CNP/Bloomberg via Getty Images) Even if Biden and Schumer are able to secure their entire caucus behind the measure, GOP support remains precarious. Despite the White Houses urging that lawmakers can support each measure separately walking back from Bidens short-lived veto threat several key Senate Republicans now suggest that their inability to review the final text on the reconciliation bill, paired with its hefty price tag, may threaten existing Republican support of the bipartisan agreement. The second-ranking Senate Republican, Sen. John Thune of South Dakota, said the newly unveiled reconciliation bill muddies the picture for members of his party. I don't think it helps, Thune said in an interview with NBC News. We have members who truly do want to get an infrastructure bill. And I want to look at the entirety of the infrastructure bill on its own. But it's awfully hard, when they continue to link them publicly, not to view it through that lens. And I think that complicates passage of the infrastructure bill for a lot of Republicans." When asked if he was confident he could keep both moderates and progressives on board, Biden said Thursday, I understand why the press, among others, is skeptical that I can actually get this deal done on infrastructure and on human infrastructure. And Ive watched and listened, and the press declared my initiative dead at least 10 times so far. I dont think its dead. I think its still alive. A new Yahoo News/YouGov poll found overall support for an infrastructure package, but it varied based on party affiliation. In the poll, 36 percent of respondents said Congress should pass both plans, 20 percent said it should pass only the bipartisan plan and 12 percent were against both plans. A majority of Democrats (61 percent) were in favor of passing both plans, a position favored by a narrow plurality of independents (34 percent). Half of Republicans favored at least some action, with 39 percent supporting the bipartisan deal and 11 percent supporting both plans. Twenty-two percent of Republicans supported passing neither. A construction crew at a site for the Colorado Central 70 project at Interstate 70 in Denver on Thursday. (Michael Ciaglo/Bloomberg via Getty Images) The infrastructure negotiations are a top priority for the Senate, which has become the choke point for much of the Biden agenda. Voting rights legislation has stalled there, which prompted the protest of Rep. Joyce Beatty, D-Ohio, chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus, who was arrested as a result on Thursday. Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., one of the three main negotiators on police reform, said the proposed legislation on that issue is likely to fail if an agreement isnt passed by the end of July. Schumer added to the pile on Wednesday when he rolled out a draft proposal to decriminalize marijuana at the federal level, a plan at odds with Bidens stated position. ____ Read more from Yahoo News: Wells Fargo will require a large number of its employees to return to the office a minimum of three days a week beginning this fall, according to a new internal memo. In a message sent to employees on Friday, Chief Operating Officer Scott Powell outlined expectations for Wells Fargos return to work plans. Our schedules will mostly resemble our pre-pandemic working approach, with additional flexibility, Powell said in the memo. The bank is one of Charlottes largest employers, with more than 27,000 workers in the area. The bank had more than 260,000 total employees as of January 2021. Return to the office will begin Sept. 7, Powell said in the memo, and continue through October. Returns will be organized by job function and location. We are encouraging all employees to spend more time in shared workspaces, Powell said. Employees in enterprise functions departments like finance, corporate risk and human resources will spend a minimum of three days a week in the office, with the flexibility of up to two days a week of remote work. Guidelines may vary by department, role and location, Powells memo noted. Wells Fargo officials previously told the Observer that the bank had targeted Labor Day for a return to a more normal operating model. Returning to work at Wells Fargo Here are some other features of the banks updated return to office plans, according to Powells memo: West Virginia delegate Joe Jeffries was called on to resign after he reportedly posted illicit TikTok videos. Screenshot/Twitter - @JoeJeffriesWV According to reports, West Virginia delegate Joe Jeffries posted a TikTok offering oral sex advice. West Virginia's governor called on Jeffries to resign. He was stripped of his commitee roles. Previously, Jeffries sparked outrage for making lewd remarks and calling an LGBTQ poster "bullying." Visit Insider's homepage for more stories. A Republican delegate from West Virginia who once sponsored a bill to ban the teaching of sexuality in public schools was removed from committee positions after posting explicit TikToks where he talked about the "male G-spot" and offered oral sex advice to women, according to Metro Weekly and other outlets. The state-level delegate, Joe Jeffries, represents West Virginia's District 22. The 39-year-old was elected to the role in 2018, re-elected in 2020, and will continue to serve until 2022 unless he resigns, which some officials are calling on him to do. The main clip that sparked controversy, according to Metro, was a TikTok showing Jeffries responding to another TikTok user's question requesting position advice for women receiving oral sex. He reportedly responded with answers in graphic and lewd detail. "You should be rubbing that thing all over his face, like hard," Jeffries reportedly said in the video. Metro Weekly reported there was another TikTok in which Jeffries mentioned the "male G-spot," a term that often refers to the prostate gland. According to the report, the video shows Jeffries asking female viewers if they had ever managed to "hit" a man's G-spot. Insider was unable to verify the video contents because Jeffries reportedly switched his purported TikTok account @wv_viper to private mode soon after the TikToks began circulating across social media on July 9, according to WV News. After the news broke, a slew of West Virginia lawmakers spoke out against Jeffries' reported actions. "I believe Joe Jeffries is an embarrassment not just to the House of Delegates, but to the entire state," West Virginia's Republican House Speaker, Roger Hanshaw, said in a statement on July 9, according to WV News. "I am but one member among 100, and his constituents will have the opportunity at the ballot box in 2022 to decide whether he represents them as they wish." Story continues According to Metro Weekly, Hanshaw removed Jeffries from the Committee on Fire Departments and Emergency Medical Services, where he was serving as the Vice Chairman. Hanshaw also unassigned Jeffries from his positions on the Energy and Manufacturing Committee and the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee. Jeffries remains part of one team, the Government Organization Committee. On July 9, the West Virginia Republican Party published a statement condemning Jeffries' "behavior" and saying he "has brought shame to himself, his office, his constituents, and our Party." In the release, the Party asked Jeffries to "publicly apologize for his lewd conduct." On Saturday, West Virginia Governor Jim Justice issued a statement calling on Jeffries to resign, saying his "pattern of behavior" is sad and childish and "his not-so-secret TikTok is full of disgustingly vulgar videos, which are especially insulting to women." "His actions are casting another shadow of negativity on West Virginia, which is something we certainly don't need," Justice said. "The people of West Virginia, and certainly those in Joe's district, deserve much better." Insider reached out to the West Virginia GOP and Justice for comment but did not receive a response. GOP delegate Joshua Higginbotham of West Virginia's 13th district shared a statement with Insider. "I echo actions made by the House Leadership Team that the words of Delegate Joe Jeffries are unbecoming of a lawmaker, particularly one who claims conservative values," he said. "Repeated incidents like this prevent us from working to make that happen." Jeffries has provoked outrage several times before. According to 13 News and other publications, Jeffries broke into a committee meeting in April and made a vulgar remark about the state's governor. In 2019, the delegate ignited controversy online after he snapped a picture of a pro-LGBTQ poster hung in the hallway of Putnam County's Hurricane High School and shared it to Twitter. He said the poster was a form of "bullying" and "indoctrination." Jeffries has not spoken out since the TikTok incident. Insider reached out to Jeffries but did not receive a response. To read more stories like this, check out Insider's digital-culture coverage here. Read the original article on Insider UNITED NATIONS (AP) Womens rights supporters and faith leaders are calling for a United Nations peacekeeping force for Afghanistan to protect hard-won gains for women over the last two decades as American and NATO forces complete their pullout from the war-torn country and a Taliban offensive gains control over more territory. Under the Taliban, women were not allowed to go to school, work outside the home or leave their house without a male escort. And though they still face many challenges in the country's male-dominated society, Afghan women have increasingly stepped into powerful positions in numerous fields and many fear the departure of international troops and a Taliban takeover could take away their gains. In a May 14 letter obtained by The Associated Press, 140 civil society and faith leaders from the U.S., Afghanistan and other countries dedicated to the education and rights of women in Afghanistan asked U.S. President Joe Biden to call for a U.N. peacekeeping force to ensure that the cost of U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan is not paid for in the lives of schoolgirls. The letter also asked the U.S. to increase humanitarian and development aid to Afghanistan as an important security strategy to strengthen women and girls and religious minorities like the Hazaras. Three bombings at a high school in a Hazara neighborhood in Kabul on May 8 killed nearly 100 people, all of them Hazara and most of them young girls just leaving class. The signatories blamed the Trump administration for failing to honor a U.N. Security Council resolution adopted in 2000 demanding equal participation for women in activities promoting global peace by refusing to insist that women were part of the peace talks with the Taliban. Sakena Yacoobi, founder of the Afghan Institute of Learning which runs schools across 16 provinces, is quoted in the letter as saying: For 20 years the West told the women of Afghanistan they are free. Free to learn, to grow, to be a human being independent of mens expectations of who they are. Story continues What the Taliban did in the 1990s was bad enough, she said. What will they do now, with a generation of women taught to expect freedom? It will be one of the greatest crimes against humanity in history. Help us save them. Please. Help us save who we can. Among the signatories of the letter were Yacoobi; feminist activist and writer Gloria Steinem; former U.N. deputy secretary-general Mark Malloch Brown who now heads the Open Society Institute; Filmmaker and philanthropist Abigail Disney; former UNICEF executive director Carol Bellamy; Betty Reardon, the International Institute on Peace Educations founding director emeritus; The Rev. Dr. Chloe Breyer, executive director of The Interfaith Center of New York; Masuda Sultan, co-founder of Women for Afghan Women; and Nasir Ahmad Kayhan, UNESCO program manager in Afghanistan. In April the Taliban promised that women can serve their society in the education, business, health and social fields while maintaining correct Islamic hijab. It promised girls would have the right to choose their own husbands, but offered few other details and didn't guarantee women could participate in politics or have freedom to move unaccompanied by a male relative. Deborah Lyons, the U.N. special envoy for Afghanistan, told the Security Council on June 22 that preserving the rights of women remains a paramount concern and must not be used as a bargaining chip at the negotiating table." In a follow-up letter on July 12 to U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, a wider international group expressed deep concern for the lives and well-being of the people of Afghanistan, especially women and girls now under great threat and called for a U.N. peacekeeping mission to deploy to Afghanistan as soon as practically possible. The signatories said they are convinced the 2000 Security Council resolution obliges U.N. member states to protect women in such circumstances. The United Nations has a political mission in Afghanistan. A U.N. peacekeeping mission would have to be approved by the Security Council, where the five permanent members -- the U.S., Russia, China, Britain and France -- have veto power. The letter to the U.S. ambassador said similar messages were being sent to other U.N. ambassadors from citizens in their countries asking for a peacekeeping operation. It asked Thomas-Greenfield to take action toward the initiation of a peacekeeping operation in Afghanistan. A U.S. mission spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment on the call for a U.N. peacekeeping force, instead stressing Thursday that the Biden administration will continue to support Afghan forces and U.S. diplomatic, humanitarian and economic engagement in the region. We are putting our full weight behind diplomatic efforts to reach a peace agreement between the Taliban and the Afghan government, said the spokesperson, who could not be named, adding the U.S. remains the largest aid donor to Afghanistan and continues to support the U.N. political mission known as UNAMA. By Praveen Menon WELLINGTON (Reuters) -Leaders of the Asia-Pacific trade group APEC, including U.S. President Joe Biden, Russia's Vladimir Putin, and China's Xi Jinping, pledged on Friday to work to expand sharing and manufacturing of COVID-19 vaccines to fight the global pandemic. The leaders, struggling to tame outbreaks exacerbated by the Delta variant of coronavirus, said they would encourage the voluntary transfer of vaccine production technologies "on mutually agreed terms" as the region prepared for future health shocks. "The pandemic continues to have a devastating impact on our regions people and economies," the leaders said in a joint statement issued after a virtual meeting chaired by New Zealand. "We will only overcome this health emergency by accelerating equitable access to safe, effective, quality-assured, and affordable COVID-19 vaccines," they said. The APEC leaders met virtually to discuss collective actions to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic impacts. New Zealand, the revolving Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation host, said this week it would chair the extraordinary meeting ahead of a formal gathering in November, the first time such an additional meeting has been held. "Our discussions moved us beyond vaccine nationalism. Now we are focusing on all aspects of contributing to the global vaccination effort making vaccines, sharing vaccines and using vaccines," New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said after the meeting. She said the leaders agreed this will not be the world's last pandemic and that preparedness was critical. The meeting highlights growing concerns around COVID-19, which is raging in the region as countries including Indonesia, Thailand and Australia face new waves of infections. U.S.-CHINA TENSIONS The White House said Biden emphasized the importance of multilateral cooperation and his commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. Story continues "President Biden also discussed the importance of investing in better global health security and preparedness so that we are ready the next time we face a pandemic," it said in a statement. Putin told the group that global barriers to vaccine production and deliveries needed to be removed, and Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga expressed his determination to hold a safe and secure Olympics. Despite their show of resolve, there are tensions among APEC members, most notably between the West and China - over issues ranging from the origins of the coronavirus to trade, Xinjiang, Hong Kong and the South China Sea. Just as the meeting concluded, Washington announced sanctions on seven Chinese individuals over Beijing's crackdown on democracy in Hong Kong, its latest effort to hold Beijing accountable for what it calls an erosion of rule of law in the former British colony. The United States and China have a troubled relationship and they have had little high-level, face-to-face contact under the Biden administration since a March meeting between senior officials in Alaska, where the Chinese side expressed anger at U.S. sanctions announced just ahead of the talks. White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki said China's Xi delivered pre-recorded video remarks at the meeting and was not in attendance. The Chinese embassy in Washington did not respond to a request for comment. The APEC grouping includes the world's three largest economies and impoverished nations such as Papua New Guinea, as well as members at vastly different points in the COVID-19 cycle, providing further challenges for building consensus. That consensus model of APEC has been tested in recent years, with the group unable to agree on a communique at their 2018 meeting in Papua New Guinea, driven by differences between China and the then U.S. president, Donald Trump. The 2019 APEC meeting in Chile was cancelled due to protests while the one in Malaysia last year was side-tracked as officials hastily organised a virtual meeting as the pandemic locked down the world. In June, APEC trade ministers agreed to review trade barriers and expedite the cross-border transit of COVID-19 vaccines and related goods, but stopped short of a broad commitment to remove tariffs which New Zealand was pushing for. There have been over 50 million cases of COVID-19 within APEC's borders, with over 1 million deaths. APEC-wide GDP contracted by 1.9% in 2020. (Additional reporting by Jeff Mason and David Brunnstrom in Washington, Tom Allard in Jakarta, Yew Lun Tian in Beijing, Ben Blanchard in Taipei, Panu Wongcha-Um in Bangkok and Swati Pandey in Sydney; Writing by Jeff Mason and Praveen Menon; Editing by Lincoln Feast, Jon Boyle, Daniel Wallis and Marguerita Choy) Biden has held out the new monthly payments, which will average $423 per family, as the key to halving child poverty rates. But he is also setting up a broader philosophical battle about the role of government and the responsibilities of parents. Democrats see this as a landmark program along the same lines as Social Security, saying it will lead to better outcomes in adulthood that will help economic growth. But many Republicans warn that the payments will discourage parents from working and ultimately feed into long-term poverty. Some 15 million households will now receive the full credit. The monthly payments amount to $300 for each child who is 5 and younger and $250 for those between 5 and 17. The payments are set to lapse after a year, but Biden is pushing to extend them through at least 2025. The president ultimately would like to make the payments permanent and that makes this first round of payments a test as to whether the government can improve the lives of families. Biden invited beneficiaries to the White House to mark the first round of payments, saying in a Thursday speech that the day carried a historic resonance because of the boost it will give families across the nation. WASHINGTON (AP) Former President Donald Trump insisted Thursday that he wouldnt have used the military to illegally seize control of the government after his election loss. But he suggested that if he had tried to carry out a coup, it wouldnt have been with his top military adviser. In a lengthy statement, Trump responded to revelations in a new book detailing fears from Gen. Mark Milley that the outgoing president would stage a coup during his final weeks in office. Trump said he's not into coups and never threatened, or spoke about, to anyone, a coup of our Government. At the same time, Trump said that if I was going to do a coup, one of the last people I would want to do it with is" Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The mere mention of a coup was a stunning remark from a former president, especially one who left office under the cloud of a violent insurrection he helped incite at the U.S. Capitol in January in an effort to impede the peaceful transfer of power to Democrat Joe Biden. Since then, the FBI has warned of a rapidly growing threat of homegrown violent extremism. WASHINGTON (AP) The Biden administration on Thursday convened the first meeting of its community violence intervention collaborative, a group of mayors and administration officials that will share best practices and work closely with the federal government to reduce gun violence. The White House has touted its investments in these programs as one of the ways it is working to reduce gun violence and combat crime, as Republicans are increasingly looking to use a nationwide increase in violent crime as a political cudgel against Democrats ahead of next years midterm elections. According to details shared first with The Associated Press, Thursdays meeting was led by Susan Rice, director of the White House Domestic Policy Council, and Julie Rodriguez, director of the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs. It included the mayors of 10 cities involved in the 15-city collaborative: Atlanta; Chicago; Baltimore; Los Angeles; Philadelphia; Newark, New Jersey; Miami-Dade County, Florida; St. Paul, Minnesota; Washington, D.C.; and Austin, Texas. The mayors will continue to meet biweekly throughout the summer, and monthly into the fall, to share best practices. 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. Timothy L. Walker was sentenced to three years in prison for a fatal fight with a Grant man at Lake McConaughy over the Fourth of July weekend in 2019. In Keith County District Court on Friday, the 44-year-old Brighton, Colorado, man, received the maximum prison term for attempted manslaughter in Nebraska. Walker also received nine months of post-release supervision for the charge, which is half of the amount he could have been sentenced to. In addition, Walker received a maximum one-year term for a misdemeanor count of third-degree assault. The sentences will run at the same time. He was credited with four days served. Walker pleaded no contest to the amended counts in a May 7 hearing for his physical altercation with Justin Borowski, who was 31-years-old at the time of the incident. Support Local Journalism Your subscription makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} The amended charges were filed April 30 by Keith County Attorney Randy Fair. Court records state that Walker attempted to kill another without malice, upon a sudden quarrel. Mills said he also includes building principals and directors in the certified teaching staff interview process. What Ive been trained to do is I set principals and directors up because that person is going to be in their building, Mills said. Plus you want to have two to three other people weighing in on the interview because there can be bias. He said one of the trainings he will do next year is bias training. I think its important to understand our biases, Mills said. As soon as applications come in for the advertised position, Mills said he makes contact immediately. Everybodys doing Zoom now, Mills said, but we were doing Zoom before the nation was doing Zoom because of our location. That process gave candidates from all over the country access to the North Platte Public School District opportunities and Mills hired 41 teachers from outside Nebraska. I think this year is unusual and I would give COVID credit for that, Mills said. I believe the people that came from Arizona, Wyoming and New York have connections close to this area. COVID has forced people back to where they have roots. Support Local Journalism Your subscription makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} Nebraska Board of Regents Vice Chair Bob Phares will not seek a fourth term on the board. After a decade and a half of representing western Nebraska, the regent from North Platte made the announcement in a press release on Thursday. Serving as western Nebraskas voice on the Board of Regents has been one of the greatest honors of my life, Phares said. Phares said in the release that he began his service on the board with the audacious goal of strengthening the university to retain Nebraskas brightest students, increase affordability and build a bridge with businesses that grow Nebraskas economy. Im proud of the strides weve made toward that goal, Phares said. Over the last decade, the University of Nebraska has seen unparalleled growth and success among key metrics. Before service as regent, the North Platte businessman was elected mayor of North Platte at 28 the youngest mayor of a first-class city in Nebraska at the time. He served two terms as mayor before being appointed to represent District 7 on the NU Board of Regents by then-Gov. Dave Heineman in 2006. Lewis motioned to a series of gray file cabinets placed against the wall directly across from his desk. Thats why I got those over there, Lewis said, theyve got files on the inspections and other stuff. Lewis said he has investigated about five fires so far in 2021 and the numbers vary from one year to the next. He isnt sure how many hes inspected across his career, nor does he really reflect on details of the individual cases over the years. The fatality fires stand out and Ive had several throughout the years, Lewis said. Those just stay with you and it also makes you more determined to do what you can to make the city safer from fires. Its what he has tried to do over the years and pursued educational opportunities to assist with that. It began with a two-week fire investigation course at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland, when he first landed the job. It has continued with fire and arson conferences over the years. Lewis just shook his head when asked if he had ever imagined how long his career in the position would last, or if he ever had a goal in terms of years. Thank you for Reading! We hope that you continue to enjoy our free content. OP-ED: Not getting your shot can cost you your job Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. Decrease Font Size Font Size Increase Font Size Article body Defense against cyberattacks must begin now with a reformed, diverse effort, said Frank Cilluffo, director of Auburn Universitys McCrary Institute for Cyber and Critical Infrastructure Security, as he urged members of the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security on Thursday. Cilluffo was among four witnesses to testify at the hearing, Securing the Homeland: Reforming the Department of Homeland Security to Meet Todays Threats. The hearing is a continued effort to advocate for HR 4357the DHS Reform Actso it can better confront existing and emerging threats and challenges. The ecosystem has evolved such that in 2021, cyber is the systems red blinking lightthe most imminent threat facing the country, Cilluffo testified. Cyber is the area where we must now double down and work the hardest to enhance our capabilitiesnot at the expense of other missions and threatsbut in addition to them. The Biden Administrations budget includes $20 billion to upgrade the nations grid, but Cilluffo believes much more can be done to help prevent another attack from succeeding. Consider the events of the past six months, he told committee members. We have seen a rash of incidents from the SolarWinds and Microsoft Exchange hacks targeting the supply chain, and other significant ransomware attacks preceded by others striking U.S. pipelines and the food supply. Ransomware attacks are hitting at epic proportions, targeting entities from schools to businesses. No one is off limits. A major defense in the war on cyber terror is a well-structured, well-funded Department of Homeland Security, Cilluffo added. The department must be calibrated to adapt to the cyber initiative, he said. Reaching this bar requires peoplea skilled and deep bench to meet the mission. Building and sustaining a high-caliber cyber workforceand the size needed by the departmentis truly an urgent priority. The most effective way to get there is proceed with a multipronged approach, including career training, recruitment and retention efforts, plus K-12 and post-secondary initiatives. We also must recruit a much more diverse cybersecurity workforce. Besides focusing efforts on developing a diverse, efficient, cyber defense workforce, Cilluffo noted the U.S. should draw a line in the silicone and challenged authorities to impose consequences to offenders for poor cyber behavior. Were never going to firewall our way out of this problem alone, he said. For too long, China and Russia have been allowed to engage in cyber behavior that has damaged U.S. national and economic security without corresponding effects being visited upon the perpetrators. Until we use all instruments of statecraft to influence the decision calculus of our adversaries, bad behavior will go unchanged. Way too long, guys have been getting away with murder. This is unacceptable. Are we going to follow through on some of our words and make sure theyre not empty? The naming of Keigo Oyamada (aka Cornelius) to a key role in the Olympics opening ceremony, has caused some dissatisfaction online. The musician gave an interview some years ago, where he appeared to have fond memories of bullying his school classmates. https://t.co/uNt6VK8E5c Mulboyne (@Mulboyne) July 15, 2021 [ details of the interviews from a 2016 blog post now going viral ] Oyamada spoke of forcing one student to eat poop, tying him up inside a cardboard box and leaving him there, and making him strip naked in front of the other students and walking him around the corridors. He made another student buy him things and stood by when an older classmate forced him to masturbate in front of the class, telling the story in the interview as a funny joke. In the same interview, he made multiple disparaging comments about students with Down syndrome in his school. ugh so sorry for the extra submissions, LJ is completely broken for me today and kept giving me errors :/ Following the appointment of musician Keigo Oyamada (Cornelius) to the composer team for the opening ceremony at the Tokyo Olympics, backlash has erupted online in response to two magazine interviews he gave in 1994 and 1995 in which he gleefully recounted torturing his classmates. What the above tweet fails to specify is that his two victims both had learning disabilities, for which he specifically singled them out, and that he continuously abused them from elementary school to high school.Oyamada was a pioneering figure in the Japanese Shibuya-kei music scene of the 1990s as a member of the band Flipper's Guitar and later went on to release several critically acclaimed albums under the name Cornelius; he's currently active as a member of the group Metafive, who are set to release their second album next month. Requests for comment made to Oyamada's agency have reportedly gone unanswered as of now.Meanwhile, Tomoyuki Tanaka (Fantastic Plastic Machine) is set to serve as the music director for the opening and closing ceremonies alongside assistant director Hiroshi Nakamura (i-dep, Sotte Bosse).by Fantastic Plastic Machine is a very nice album. Also, I hate the entire world and this Olympics is cursed. I love Nivea, and I'm sorry to hear what she went through. Men are garbage. I'm glad she's doing better. I've always been rooting for her. Reply Thread Link I have a special place in my heart forever for Miss Nivea Reply Parent Thread Link Deserves the best. Reply Parent Thread Link Queen Nivea! Ugh the twins. Lol @ Nivea saying she thought she would be the one to bounce. I dont blame Aubrey, Ive been tempted to leave the house and Im not even in the house. Lastly WHY IS KIELY THERE?!!!! I mean Id love a paid vacation in a mansion with unlimited wine supply but just SAY THAT! . AlsoPam and her group member had something goin on didnt they? Reply Thread Link How is there a stipulation that all girls are on at least 2-3 songs but Kiely doesnt count? I never understood that since this show began. Reply Parent Thread Link Exactly! And Im SO damn tired of those fucking twins every damn episode. Like one or two fights would have been fine but its overkill at this point. I want more music creating. Why were Misha and Irish complaining to Meelah? She of all people know why their asses dont get any leads. And lol @ Aubrey leaving and then STILL not getting any parts. Edited at 2021-07-16 04:51 am (UTC) Reply Parent Thread Link Omg Im glad that I wasnt the only one who thought that about Pam. Its like she was running away from the topic. Reply Parent Thread Link i didn't like how pam handled that. she seemed to be dodging which is weird cuz that's why her groupmate is even on the show, to give her some drama Reply Parent Thread Link I def got the impression that Pam and Keima used to hook up and Pam ghosted cuz she fell in love but is a self hating just found God lesbian... Reply Parent Thread Link I truly cant stand Kiely...WHY ARE YOU IN THE HOUSE? And I dont blame Aubrey for leaving, I'd probably leave to though apparently she's taken it one step further and LEFT THE US ALL TOGETHER lol. I still laugh everytime they have that animated host pop up on the screen. This is from the former RHOA showrunner and Kandis husband...come on now guys lol. Reply Thread Link Citas there for the nostalgia effect. Citas World was THAT video show back in the day lmao. I dont blame Aubrey either, Id leave that house since nothing is happening, and Ive been wanting out this country for the past four years. Reply Parent Thread Link i'm also ready to gtfo just don't know where to go! Reply Parent Thread Link I thought she was gonna throw vocals over Aubreys parts after she left who knows. It seems pointless for her to be in the house if shes not in the group. Reply Parent Thread Link This show is such a mess but somehow I still watch every episode. I dont even care about Aubrey for leaving cause this group isnt going anywhere anyways, their music isnt anything special tho, I havent heard a major bop in any of the records theyve previewed. Kosine is 100% sexist and dismissive of the group, its clear he isnt prioritizing their work cause he doesnt care or believe in them. That Nivea interview is so raw, she has truly been thru it. I hope shes doing well and only wish the best for her. Wayne and the Dream are both trash btw, idk how she got over how poorly they treated her and is able to have any kind of friendship with them. I do love/am always intrigued by the friendship between Waynes baby mamas Reply Thread Link Kosine is trash. Fallons version sounded way better. Shes a better producer IMO. Reply Parent Thread Link I was really rooting for Aubrey to stick it out but she had a point. It sounds like 9 beautiful artist on a track not so much a group. Of all girls she would know. Danity Kane had 5 different vocalists but the way their songs were produced made them sound like a group. Reply Thread Link Niveas interview with Kandi is so rough also Kandi has the best facial reactions. Reply Thread Link cheers to how much work you put into this post! all the clips are so good, why aren't i watching? Reply Thread Link This show is a whole mess and I'm loving it. Reply Thread Link Aubrey O'Day lookin rouuuugh Reply Thread Link Labor Secretary Marty Walsh Suggests More Jobs for Wage and Safety Inspectors OSHA may receive the funds necessary to increase jobs for investigators. The Biden administrations top labor official attempted to convince Senate appropriators to increase spending to hire more federal investigators, according to an article, previewing the potential for heightening wage and safety standards at businesses nationwide. Labor Secretary Marty Walsh asked a Senate Appropriations subcommittee for funding to double the number of occupational safety inspectors by the end of President Joe Bidens four-year term. Walsh suggested that staff increase the wage-hour investigators who scrutinize employer payroll records. The Department of Labor is down about 3,000 employees from where it was four years ago, Walsh said, testifying before the panel. If we dont have the staff and we dont have the employees to protect the workers, then we cant be on the job sites, we cant be checking wage-and-hour, we cant be making sure people are working in safe conditions. The labor secretary did not include specific numbers. However, he said his department is already hiring more enforcement personnel by using $200 million that congress authorized. This is for the DOLs worker-protection agencies in the American Rescue Plan. Walsh explained that the funding is necessary to grow the agencys staffing presence beyond where it was four years ago. According to the article, the administrations proposal for a 14 percent climb to Labor Department funding for fiscal year 2022, totaling $14.2 billion, must undergo negotiations in both chambers of Congress. New Award Recognizes Prevention through Design On July 14, 2021, longtime occupational safety and health expert, Fred A. Manuele, received the inaugural Prevention through Design (PtD) Award for his outstanding foresight, wisdom, tireless effort and major accomplishments in preventing harm to workers by helping organizations avoid and prevent hazards. The new PtD award recognizes individuals, teams, businesses, or other organizations that have improved worker safety and health by designing-out hazards or contributing to the body of knowledge that enables PtD solutions. The annual award is presented by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) and the National Safety Council (NSC). PtD aims to prevent or reduce occupational injuries, illnesses, and fatalities through the inclusion of prevention considerations in all designs that impact workers. This includes the design, redesign and retrofit of new and existing work premises, structures, tools, facilities, equipment, machinery, products, substances, work processes and the organization of work. In addition to reducing the risk of serious injury and illness, significant cost savings are often associated with hazard elimination and the application of engineering controls to minimize risks. NIOSH Director John Howard, M.D. praised Manueles contributions to the field, The work spearheaded by Fred Manuele was groundbreaking and inspired the NIOSH Prevention through Design effort. He has worked tirelessly to protect workers though design. Manuele is a pioneer in the PtD field. ASSP republished many of his influential professional papers in a book titled, Fred Manuele on Safety Management: A Collection from Professional Safety. Manuele also published numerous occupational safety and health textbooks that always included the need for designing-out hazards and the methods to do so. Uncertainty appears to have overtaken oil markets once again as a potential OPEC+ agreement gives hope to oil bulls while fears of weak gasoline demand in the U.S. adds downward pressure to prices. Friday, July 16th, 2021 The baseline amendment agreement between Saudi Arabia and the UAE foreshadowed a familiar path forward for the oil markets, at the same time the lack of detail on how exactly major OPEC+ producers would bring back production maintains a hefty level of uncertainty. Meanwhile, weak demand numbers from the US have cast doubts upon the health of gasoline demand amidst peak driving season. 2022 To See A Full Crude Demand Rebound. OPEC foresees a return to pre-pandemic demand levels in 2022, with the annual average reaching 99.86mbpd next year on the back of improved containment of COVID-19, 3.4% higher year-on-year. Surging Electricity Needs Keep Fossil Fuel Demand Alive. Global electricity demand is growing faster than aggregate renewables capacity, meaning that more fossil fuels will be required to meet the increasing needs, warns the International Energy Agency (IEA). The IEA sees 2021 power consumption rising by 5% year-on-year, followed by another 4% increment in 2022. Chinese Steel Output Slows Down (Temporarily). Chinese steel output droppedalmost 6% in June, to 93.9 million tons, down from an all-time high recorded in May. In large part, the decrease in activity is owing to Chinese authorities ramping up environmental controls ahead of the CCPs centenary. Gold Relieved On Fed Assurances. Gold rose to a 1-month high, moving above $1,825 per ounce, as the US federal reserve chair Jerome Powell played down concerns of monetary tapering, stating that the US market is still ways off where the Fed would like to see it. India Tries To Lure Upstream Investors. India curbed the number of regulatory approvals required to launch an exploration project, to 18 from 37 previously, in a bid to breathe life into the countrys upstream sector. Facing structural decline, India produces some 770kbpd of crude and is 80% reliant on imports. Nigeria Petroleum Bill Gets Stuck Again. More than 10 years in the making, Nigerias Petroleum Bill failed to see a final approval from the Lower House of Parliament as MPs started arguing over funds designated to oil-producing communities in the regions. There is no clear timeline for future proceedings. Chinas Bitcoin Crackdown Good For Environment. Rystad Energy stated that Chinas crackdown on Bitcoin, having previously mined some 65% of the worlds total digital currency whilst mostly running on coal-generated electricity, will ease the pressure on electricity grids. Most of the cryptocurrency was mined in remote provinces such as Xinjiang, Nei Mongol, and partially Sichuan, using up more than 1% of Chinas total electricity demand. PEMEX Bans New Deals With Trafigura. According to Reuters, Mexican national oil company PEMEX temporarily nixed all new dealings with Swiss international trader Trafigura as several countries in Latin America launch investigations into bribes of public officials. Valid contracts, including the one seeing Trafigura supply LNG cargoes, remain in effect. Related: Huge Dividend Cripples Worlds Largest Oil Company Industry Heavily Impacted By Rioting In South Africa. Widespread unrest across South Africas KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng provinces forced the countrys refiner Sasol (NYSE:SSL) to shut its 110kbpd Natref refinery, whilst steelmaker Arcelor Mittal (NYSE:MT) declared force majeure as it remains unable to fulfill its obligations amidst disrupted highway transportation. U.S. Reiterates Prime Condition for Venezuela Sanction Removal. Following the authorization of LPG sales to Venezuela, exempting cooking gas from the stringent sanctions regime that Washington has created to pressurize President Nicolas Maduro, the U.S. State Department foresees no sanctions-related change until Venezuela holds free and fair elections. Japan Mulls Extending Nuclear Plants Beyond 60 Years. Wary of public outcry on any new nuclear plant projects, Japanese authorities are currently considering the possibility of extending the maximum service period of currently operating units beyond 60 years. The government intends to submit a draft bill allowing such extensions next year. Volkswagen To Switch To Dual-Fueled LNG Ships. Volkswagen (OTCMKTS: VWAGY) vowed to use dual-fuel engines that can run on LNG to reduce its carbon footprint on cargo movements between regions. Four new LNG vessels would replace current diesel-fuelled ones by 2023, with the possibility of retrofitting them further with battery cells. ADNOC Invests In Monster Drilling Contracts. The national oil company of the UAE, ADNOC, is backing up its OPEC+ oil ambition with an almost 0.8 billion set of drilling-related contracts signed this week with Schlumberger (NYSE:SLB), Halliburton (NYSE:HAL), and its own drilling unit. Seeking to boost spare production capacity to 5mbpd by 2030, these contracts will expand the output potential of the Upper Zakum crude stream. Congo Sets Cobalt Price For Artisanal Miners. Congos national cobalt company EGC set up a price floor of $30 000 per metric ton for the cobalt miners find as both the government and international investor seek to push out unregulated middlemen. EGC signed a 5-year supply deal with Trafigura for a total of 45 000 metric tons. EU To Ban ICE Vehicles By 2035. The European Commission proposed banning the sales of new diesel and gasoline cars from 2035 onwards, with the aim of seeing nearly all vehicles on European roads becoming zero-emission cars by 2050. By Tom Kool for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Oil prices are likely to record their worst week since March under the double blow of additional OPEC supply coming to markets and unfavorable fuel inventory data from the United States. What started as a relatively strong week for benchmarks turned into a slide on Wednesday after the Energy Information Administration reported yet another sizeable crude oil inventory draw with builds in both gasoline and middle distillates, at 1 million barrels and 3.7 million barrels, respectively. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates moved closer to a compromise that would allow OPEC+ to go ahead with increasing oil production in response to rising oil prices. Prices wobbled in mid-week as initial reports that the Saudis and the Emiratis had reached a deal were refuted by official Emirati sources. Then they continued down as virtually all coverage on the topic suggested finalizing the deal and opening the taps was only a matter of time. Normally, the addition of more OPEC+ barrels to global supply should be factored into prices and not make much of a splash, but this time there is yet another wave of new Covid-19 infections in some parts of the world, including Europe and the U.S., and that coverage is affecting trader sentiment. The latest update on the Saudi-Emirati spat, from Energy Voice, said that it appeared the two have reached an agreement that will see the UAEs oil production baseline increased from 3.17 million bpd to 3.65 million bpd that will allow it to increase production more than it would have otherwise. This agreement, however, could present a risk, according to the head of oil and gas at Fitch. Theres a risk this could open the door to other countries to ask for their own increases, Joseph Gatdula told Energy Voice earlier today. What such a development would do to oil prices is pretty easy to predict. It would be up to the leaders of the OEPC+ pack to keep all its members in line to keep prices where they are. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: President Biden and Chancellor Angela Merkel agreed to disagree on the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project of Gazprom during Merkel's visit to Washington. Per a Reuters report, President Biden said, "Good friends can disagree," with regard to the pipeline, which the United States opposes with the argument that Russia could use it to penalize Ukraine. Germany, however, needs a lot more natural gas as it shuts down coal and nuclear plants in its own green push and has staunchly defended Nord Stream 2. This has strained bilateral relations because, in addition to geopolitical concerns, the U.S. also produces a lot of liquefied natural gas that it needs to export, and Germany is one logical destination. The Biden administration has been criticized for mellowing out on Nord Stream 2 after the State Department waived sanctions on German entities involved in the pipeline project in a sign of goodwill. There was really no other way things could have ended during that visit. The interests of Germany and the United States totally diverge here. The U.S. wants to export its LNG, and Germany is willing to buy some of that, as long as the price is right, as a German minister said a couple of years ago when the Trump administration was pushing for more U.S. LNG imports and the cancellation of Nord Stream 2. Germany, on the other hand, needs gas, wherever it comes from. What many commentators on the topic seem to forget is that it is already receiving billions of cubic meters of gas via the Nord Stream 1 pipeline. The current project is simply an expansion of an already existing pipeline. True, this would mean less gas going through Ukraine. It is the responsibility of the Ukrainian authorities to diversify their revenue sources instead of relying overwhelmingly on gas transit fees from a state with which it has had less than friendly relations for years. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Angola has received 15 bids for a total of nine oil blocks the government tendered in 2020, Energy Voice reports, citing the Africa Energy Chamber as saying that 15 companies submitted a total of 45 offers for all of the tendered blocks. The combined value of the bids topped $1 billion, the Chamber also said. Angola has been suffering from declining production due to a lack of investment in new exploration. The tender results are rather encouraging for the West African country that is the continent's second-largest oil exporter, struggling to get its oil industry back on track after years of mismanagement and corruption at the state oil company. All the nine blocks tendered are onshore, with early exploration results pointing to 13 commercially viable fields, per the Energy Voice report, and one natural gas field. The estimated reserves at these fields range between 5 and 40 million barrels of crude. More reserves are likely to be discovered with further exploration, the Africa Energy Chamber noted, citing the national petroleum agency. Earlier this year, Italy's Eni struck oil offshore Angola. The company said it believed the exploration well, drilled at 500 meters in the Cuica exploration prospect, could hold as much as 200 to 250 million barrels of oil and presents the second big oil discovery in the area. "The well-head location, intentionally placed close to East Hub's subsea network, will allow a fast-track tie-in of the exploration well and relevant production, thus immediately creating value while extending the Armada Olombendo FPSO production plateau. It is expected that production will start within six months after discovery," Eni stated. Angola currently produces less than 1.3 million bpd of crude, and it is not only because it is bound by its OPEC membership to keep a cap on output. The country has a much larger production potential, but it has yet to be realized, and the 2020 tender appears to have been a potentially significant step in that direction. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: After European and U.S. supermajors quit exploration for oil and gas in the Great Australian Bight, now Santos and Murphy Oil relinquished on Friday their right to drill in the large open bay off the southern coastline of mainland Australia. Australia-based Santos thus becomes the fourth major oil and gas firm to abandon efforts to drill in a pristine part of the ocean off Australias southern coasta move hailed by Greenpeace as a momentous win for people and planet. On Friday, Santos said via a spokesman in a statement to Australian media that Santos and Murphy Oil had handed back the permit to explore for oil and gas in the Great Australian Bight. The Santos strategy is to build and grow around our five core long-life natural gas assets and the Great Australian Bight falls outside these assets, the spokesman said in a statement carried by ABC News. The Santos strategy is to build and grow around our five core long-life natural gas assets and the Great Australian Bight falls outside these assets, he added. Santos and Murphy Oil had obtained the permit to drill in the Bight in 2013. In recent years, however, several major oil companies pulled out of exploration in the area due to intense environmental pressure and low prices that didnt justify plowing money into drilling in sensitive areas. The first to quit its drilling permit was BP, back in 2016, saying that the project was not in line with BPs strategic goals. U.S. supermajor Chevron followed a year later, abandoning its drilling program, citing low oil prices. In early 2020, just before the latest price crash and the race for net-zero announcements, Norways Equinor said it had shelved its oil exploration project in the Great Australian Bight amid a challenging environment and strong environmentalist opposition. Commenting on Santos announcement on Friday that it would also quit the Great Australian Bight, David Ritter, CEO of Greenpeace Australia Pacific, said: This is an incredible win for all of those who relentlessly campaigned for years to protect the Great Australian Bight from offshore drilling. The Australian government should now impose a permanent moratorium on oil drilling in this precious marine wonderland, Ritter added. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Chinese investors havent yet disbursed US$1.8 billion that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) was expecting so it could proceed with the construction of a US$2.8-billion natural gas pipeline, Reuters reported on Friday, citing three sources with knowledge of the issue. Despite the fact that an NNPC spokesman told Reuters there was no concern, the delay in the financing could be a sign of a further reduction of Chinese lending for energy and infrastructure projects in Africa, which was booming in the decade before the pandemic. Nigerias federal government announced in July last year that Bank of China and Sinosure had agreed to finance part of the costs for the construction of the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) gas pipeline to the economic hub in the north, Kano. The Chinese lenders feel too exposed to Nigeria right now, one of Reuters sources said, while a spokesman for NNPC told Reuters the Nigerian state oil and gas firm was still in talks with Bank of China and Sinosure for the loans. According to the NNPC spokesman, Theres no cause for alarm. Nevertheless, Nigeria has started to look for alternative funding for at least US$1 billion of the pipelines cost and has started to approach other lenders, including export-import credit institutions, the three sources in the know told Reuters. Related: Oil Slips On Prospect Of Rising OPEC+ Supply Chinas lenders signed 1,141 loan commitments worth US$153 billion with African governments and their state-owned enterprises between 2000 and 2019, according to estimates from the China Africa Research Initiative at Johns Hopkins Universitys School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS-CARI). Transport was the largest sector in which Chinese financiers backed projects in Africa, with US$46.6 billion between 2000 and 2019, followed by the power sector with US$38 billion and the mining sector with US$18.4 billion. The data shows that between 2000 and 2019, China disbursed 19 loans worth a total of US$6.7 billion to Nigeria and its state-owned firms, with the transport sector leading, followed by the power sector. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Greenland is abandoning its ambition of 50 years of becoming an oil-producing nation, suspending its oil exploration strategy because of environmental and climate concerns. Greenland, an autonomous territory part of Denmark, has been trying to find oil reserves for 50 years, without success, and it now considers that the climate concerns are far greater than the potential benefits of becoming an oil producer, the government of Greenland says. According to one estimate from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Greenlands offshore area, East Greenland Rift Basins Province, likely contains a mean estimate of 31.4 billion of barrels equivalent of oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids. Of the five assessed assessment units (AUs), North Danmarkshavn Salt Basin and the South Danmarkshavn Basin are estimated to contain most of the undiscovered petroleum resources, a 2007 report from the USGS says. Greenland has seen oil exploration since the 1970s involving major oil firms, including ExxonMobil, Shell, and Eni. None has resulted in a major discovery. Now the left-leaning government of Greenlanda large island in the Arctic and Atlantic oceans east of the Canadian Arctic Archipelagosaid it was abandoning the strategy to pursue oil resources. Greenland will also stop awarding oil exploration licenses. Greenlands government has assessed that the environmental consequences of oil exploration and extraction are too great, Greenlands Minister of Natural Resources, Naaja Nathanielsen, said in a statement on Thursday carried by Reuters. It is a decision where climate considerations, environmental considerations and economic common sense go hand in hand, Nathanielsen said, adding that suspending the pursuit of oil resources is the right choice. Greenlands government believes that the future belongs to renewables, where the territory has much more to gain, the Associated Press quoted the government as saying. At the end of last year, Denmark said it would stop extracting oil from the North Sea in 2050 and cancel its eighth licensing round, announced earlier last year. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Nigeria's House of Representatives voted on Friday to approve a new petroleum industry bill in Africa's top oil producer and exporter, putting an end to 20 years of debates and delays. The House voted in favor of the bill on Friday, after the Senate had endorsed the new legislation on Thursday, Bloomberg reports. The new petroleum bill is aimed at attracting more foreign capital to the country's oil sector, Nigeria says. The Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) has been two decades in the making to overhaul the way Nigeria will share its oil resources with international oil companies and aim to attract new investment in oil and gas. International oil majors have not been flocking to Nigerian oil assets now that fossil fuels are even more fiercely competing for Big Oil's capital plans as majors start shifting more funding to low-carbon energy sources. Oil firms operating in Nigeria, including Chevron, Shell, and TotalEnergies, have received some concessions in the latest version of the bill compared to a previous draft from last year, according to Bloomberg. Nigeria has agreed to reduce the taxes and royalties and exempted deep offshore oil and gas production from the so-called "hydrocarbons tax." Nigerian lawmakers now passed the bill, despite some last-minute debates regarding two provisions the Senate had added in recent days. One of them included giving refiners licenses to import crude linked to their refining capacity. This could basically give Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote a near-monopoly in fuel import licenses because the refinery his Dangote Group is currently building will have a massive capacity of 650,000 barrels per day (bpd). The other debatable last-minute provision concerns exploration in northern Nigeria. The bill is creating a fund to back so-called 'frontier' exploration for oil in the northern part of the country. Community leaders in the south, however, think that the financial parameters for exploration in the north are high. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Fareway Stores, Inc. hosted a groundbreaking ceremony Tuesday for a new store to be located at 604 S. Highway 6 in Gretna. The location will provide for an approximately 21,000-square-foot Fareway grocery store. We are excited to serve the area residents of Gretna locally and want to thank the city and developer for making this project possible, said Fareway President and CEO Reynolds W. Cramer. Residents may be familiar with our stores and the exceptional customer service experience, but we look forward to providing great service in Gretna and becoming an integral part community." During the ceremony, Cramer's comments were preceded by those from Gretna Area Chamber of Commerce Board President Doug Ortlieb. The Gretna Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to participate in the groundbreaking for the newest Fareway location. As one of the fastest growing cities in Nebraska, we are excited to have a top 10 employer opening locally, Ortlieb said. We know that Fareway will be an asset to both our business district and our community as a whole, and we are pleased to welcome them to Gretna. Mayor Mike Evans also spoke, identifying Fareway's family focus as a fine fit for Gretna. Many Nebraskans have once again gotten used to popping into a grocery store or showing up at a restaurant without a face mask. But masks still are required even for vaccinated patients, visitors and staff in most health care settings. Health systems are seeking to remind those who have gotten used to going mask-free that the rules still apply. Molly Herzberg, vice president of patient care services with Community Hospital in McCook, Nebraska, said its challenging being one of the only organizations still requiring masks. Theyre used to everywhere else going mask-free, she said of hospital patients and visitors. But when they come here, they have to mask. The requirements are based on several federal rules. The last municipal mask mandate in the state appeared to run out with the expiration of Omahas rule in late May. Most hospitals and clinics have eased or removed limits on visitors and restrictions on people accompanying patients to appointments. Guidelines from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, for instance, still call on hospital staff, patients and visitors in patient-care areas to wear masks regardless of vaccination status. I dont even know how to describe it. Its like half their yard, she said. Ive seen trees uprooted, but Ive never seen such a big one. Superior Tree Services removed the damaged, smaller trees on Agullas property first and is now tackling the main trunk of the oak, which measures about 3 feet around. Superior owner Nolan Millar said the tree, which was 82 years old, is one of the larger trees his company has been working on this week. Hes been swamped with calls and is also doing work for the Nebraska Humane Society and Fontenelle Forest. This is an oak tree and oak trees are notorious for being extremely durable. They are so strong and just a breed of their own, he said. The fact that this one blew over was real surprising. The driveway was completely unfazed, which was real surprising. Millar said the roots of a tree can sometimes stretch three times as wide as the trees canopy. He said this one fell because it had an insufficient root system. Agulla said its going to cost between $6,000 and $10,000 to clean up the trees and repair a flattened retaining wall. He was assigned to the 485th Bomb Group, which trained in Fairmont, Nebraska. The unit deployed to Venosa, Italy, in April 1944. Harrington kept a wartime diary. It included a description of a harrowing bombing mission over Vienna on June 26, 1944. His plane, which the crew had named Hitlers Egg Man, was badly damaged but somehow reached an Allied base in Tunisia. Believe me, Harrington wrote, The fellows got out and kissed the ground and thanked the good Lord to be on Mother Earth. After the war, he decided that he liked life in the Air Force and stayed in. He met Lt. Mabel Carolyn Nelson, an Army nurse, in England, and they married in 1947. They raised two daughters and two sons. Harrington joined the Strategic Air Command newly headquartered at Offutt Air Force Base the following year. He served as a navigator aboard B-36 Peacemaker strategic bombers, and stayed with SAC until he retired in 1963 as a colonel. His last assignment was at Offutt, as chief of navigator training. After his military retirement, he earned a degree from Omaha University (now the University of Nebraska at Omaha), and pursued a second career in real estate. WASHINGTON (AP) President Joe Biden is nominating former New Mexico Sen. Tom Udall to serve as his ambassador to New Zealand and Samoa. Udall, a Democrat, retired in 2021 after two terms in the Senate representing New Mexico. He spent five terms in the House and served as New Mexico's attorney general. He comes from a family well known for public service: his father Stewart Udall served as interior secretary, his uncle Mo Udall was a congressman from Colorado and his cousin Mark Udall was a senator from Colorado Having dedicated my life to public service and having served as a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee focusing on policies that promote democracy, international development, and conservation, I am honored to be nominated by President Biden to this next role serving our great country," Udall said in a statement. Udall is the third former Senate colleague that Biden has tapped for an ambassadorial position. He's also nominated Ken Salazar, a Democrat who represented Colorado and served as Interior secretary in the Obama administration, to serve as ambassador to Mexico, and Jeff Flake, an Arizona Republican who endorsed Biden's 2020 run, to serve as ambassador to Turkey. When Mylan acquired the right to market and distribute the devices in 2007, an EpiPen package cost about $100. Today, it costs more than $650 without pharmacy coupons or manufacturer discounts. The proposed settlement comes three weeks after U.S. District Judge Daniel Crabtree dismissed most of the claims against Mylan. But he allowed other antitrust claims against the company to proceed to trial, which is scheduled to begin Sept. 7. A Pfizer spokesperson denied any wrongdoing in an email to KCUR, saying the resolution reflects a desire by the company to avoid "the distraction of continued litigation and focus on breakthroughs that change patients lives. Rex Sharp, a lawyer for the plaintiffs, said his clients were pleased that Pfizer had agreed to the settlement, noting it would still need the court's approval. He said they look forward to going to trial on the remaining claims against Mylan. When Crabtree dismissed most of the claims against Mylan, he also granted a summary judgment to Mylans former CEO, Heather Bresch, the daughter of Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia. Most of the price hikes occurred during her tenure. She stepped down in 2020 following Mylans merger with Pfizers Upjohn unit to form Pennsylvania-based Viatris. - This story has been corrected to reflect that Mylan, which has merged to form Viatris, is based in Pennsylvania, not Maryland. It also clarifies that Meridian Medical Technologies is based in Maryland. For copyright information, check with the distributor of this item, KCUR-FM. The agreement under which Nebraska sent its state troopers to the Texas-Mexico border includes no provision for Texas to pay the estimated cost of $334,000, according to documents obtained by The World-Herald. A statement from Gov. Pete Ricketts and the Nebraska State Patrol said that its still possible that the state could be reimbursed. But its unclear how that would happen. Ricketts is among several GOP governors who have sent law enforcement in response to requests from the governors of Arizona and Texas, who are also Republicans. The border-state governors sent a letter June 10 requesting other governors send all available law enforcement in defense of our sovereignty and territorial integrity, citing a crisis at the border. An agreement related to the deployment states that Nebraska will not seek reimbursement from Texas. A patrol spokesperson previously has said the funding was not finalized and said the cost of previous deployments like this one, made through the interstate Emergency Management Assistance Compact, had been reimbursed. The compact is a mutual aid agreement that allows states to share resources in emergencies. The Nebraska Emergency Management Agency released some public records related to the mission to The World-Herald on Friday afternoon. In a joint statement, Ricketts office and the patrol said a funding source had not been finalized, and reimbursement was still possible. The language in the agreement was included to expedite the deployment, the statement reads. The State of Nebraska continues to work with Texas, and a funding source has not been finalized. Given the opportunity, the state will seek reimbursement. The state has the resources to pay for the deployment if reimbursement is not ultimately available. However, the documents show there was no apparent expectation that Texas and Arizona would foot other states costs. The two states sought assistance from states across the country to provide the resources necessary to assist in fulfilling the federal governments responsibility to secure the southern border and asked assisting states to cover associated costs. The Texas Department of Public Safety requested 500 state troopers to support its border operations, according to the documents. Cost estimates for the Nebraska troopers are not final, patrol spokesperson Cody Thomas wrote in an email.Final costs will be determined once the deployment is complete, he wrote. As with any operation, real-time costs are paid for through the NSP budget. Nebraskas costs are likely to be higher than the $334,000 estimate. Estimated personnel costs in the agreement cover 16 days for 26 personnel, and the original 16-day deployment was extended for some of the troopers. Nebraska agreed to deploy 25 troopers, including leadership and logistics support, according to the documents. The team would include marked or unmarked transportation as required to transport, patrol and command the element, and officers would be equipped with standard police equipment in tactical uniforms appropriate for environmental conditions. Though the agreement at one point says that an estimated 26 patrol personnel would be assigned to the mission, Thomas confirmed Friday the team included 25 troopers and no civilian personnel. The documents show the mission was scheduled to last from June 18 to July 25. Thomas said in an email that the agreement set out a rough timeline for potential deployment and further discussion with officials in Texas specified dates. Ricketts announced the deployment on June 19. A few troopers went June 24 to organize logistics, according to Thomas. The rest traveled on June 27 and began work on June 28, he said. Their voluntary deployment was initially slated to last up to 16 days. Last week, though, the governor announced 15 troopers would stay two additional weeks while the rest returned home. Total estimated costs for the mission, according to the agreement, include $83,912 related to travel, $234,554 for personnel and $15,546 for such things as water, fuel, snacks and clothing. Travel costs included an estimated $29,760 for lodging, $26,352 for meals and tips (per diem) and $19,500 for air travel. The estimated cost for salary, fringe benefits and overtime, per person per day, ranged from $444 to $815. In all capital letters and bookended by asterisks, the agreement reads: NEBRASKA WILL NOT SEEK COST REIMBURSEMENT FROM THE STATE OF TEXAS COST ESTIMATES ARE ONLY INCLUDED FOR FUTURE AUDITING PURPOSES The agreement provided to The World-Herald does not have a state officials signature. However, Earl Imler, preparedness and operations section manager at Nebraska Emergency Management Agency, confirmed it was the same as the final agreement. That agency serves as a point of contact to facilitate agreements related to the interstate compact. The documents reveal little about Nebraska troopers specific activities while theyre deployed. The agreement includes that the state of Texas will afford responding law enforcement the same arrest and law enforcement powers, rights and privileges while operating within the state limits of Texas as are ordinarily afforded law enforcement forces of the State of Texas. Texas Public Safety declined last month to offer specific insight into what Nebraska troopers would be doing and declined a World-Herald reporters request for a ride-along. Nebraska State Patrol also has provided few details a description of the mission was redacted from the documents obtained by The World-Herald, which Imler said was due to safety concerns. In his initial announcement of the deployment, Ricketts cited the disastrous policies of the Biden-Harris Administration for creating an immigration crisis on the border. The federal government had fallen short, he said, but Nebraska was happy to step up to help. Critics such as state Democratic Party Chair Jane Kleeb and Rose Godinez, legal and policy counsel to ACLU of Nebraska, have said the deployment is political and have called for more transparency. The State Patrol on Friday estimated it would cost $22,300 and take about six months to fulfill The World-Heralds public records request for officials correspondence related to the deployment; employee correspondence related to activities troopers will undertake; and records related to the cost of and payment for the deployment. After the release of documents to the Associated Press, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds said Iowa will cover the cost of its troopers deployment. She said Iowa sent 29 troopers for 16 days, according to AP reporting. South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem deployed National Guard troops using a private donation from a Republican donor, according to the Washington Post. Earlier this month, Taylor Gage, press secretary for Ricketts, said in an email that Nebraska had not been offered a similar opportunity. Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Louis Tushla died in the first minutes of the Dec. 7, 1941, raid that brought the U.S. into World War II. But his remains were never identified. He began his journey home to Atkinson, Nebraska, on Thursday from a building at Offutt Air Force Base that had a lot to do with ending that war. Tushla, a 25-year-old Navy fireman 1st class, was assigned to the engine room of the battleship USS Oklahoma when it was attacked and sunk at Pearl Harbor. The bodies of most of the 429 service members who died werent recovered until the ship was refloated in 1943. Almost 400 of them could not be identified despite efforts soon after the war ended. They were buried in Hawaii as unknowns. In 2015, the remains were disinterred and brought to the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agencys lab at Offutt for identification using modern DNA technology. The lab is housed in a massive building where B-29 aircraft were built during World War II including the two planes used to drop atomic bombs on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, which precipitated the end of the war. Tushla was identified in March 2020 through a DNA match with a nephew, Dennis Tushla. Nebraskas unemployment rate remained almost unchanged last month while the rates in some of its biggest cities increased slightly, according to state figures released Friday. The Nebraska Department of Labor reported a statewide, seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 2.5% in June, compared with 2.6% in May. The rate is substantially lower than the 6.6% unemployment rate in June 2020, in the heat of the coronavirus pandemic. Meanwhile, the non-seasonally adjusted rates in the Omaha, Lincoln and Grand Island areas ticked upward. The Omaha areas unemployment rate increased to 3.2% in June, from 2.7% the prior month. The Lincoln areas rate increased to 2.5%, from 2.2% the previous month. And the Grand Island areas rate rose to 2.8% in June, up from 2.4% in May. Total nonfarm employment statewide was 1,018,392 in June, an increase from 1,013,414 in May, according to the department. The total in the Omaha area was 498,572 in June, compared with 493,786 in May. For Lincoln, it was 189,262 in June and 189,704 in May. And in Grand Island, it was 41,479 in June and 41,423 in May. In Iowa, the unemployment rate rose slightly to 4% in June as more residents began looking for work, according to statistics released Friday. A western Nebraska rancher and his wife are grateful for community support after a fireworks accident at a public show damaged both of his eyes. Luke Norman, 35, was badly injured during a July Fourth show following the Old West Trail PRCA Rodeo in Crawford. His wife, Erin Norman, said Thursday that her husband was flown to a hospital near Denver for treatment of his injuries. Norman, who has been with the Crawford Volunteer Fire Department for about 10 years, was wearing protective gear during the event, his wife said. Some fireworks tipped over and then struck Normans face shield, breaking it into pieces. He still has debris in the right eye, but hes now able to see enough out of it to get around the house, Erin Norman said. He cant see out of his left eye, but he will have surgery again in a couple of weeks. Hes got a bit of a long road ahead of him. Crawford is a town of about 1,000 in Dawes County in the northwestern part of the state. Its about 25 miles southwest of Chadron. The Normans and their five young children live on a ranch north of Crawford. Luke Norman, his wife said, is independent and is used to being busy. Conservation vital Conservation has never been a partisan issue, so why is Gov. Ricketts stirring up trouble about soil and water conservation? Does he think he can tell a lie often enough that folks will believe it? Doesnt he understand that climate change is impacting our state? Big Mac businesses I am informing you of the hard times that has falling on small business at Lake McConaughy. When Nebraska Game and Parks decided to do the big plan on the lake, they did not think about the support businesses that serve all the people that come to the lake. The problem is no people, no business for us. By cutting the population in half they also cut our business in half. I have spoken to Mr. Swanson from Game and Parks and was told this will all work out in time. The thing that he does not understand is, we as business make our money in the summer. We cannot afford to wait till they figure out what they are doing at the lake. Architectural and Historical Resources of the Sunset District: The Oceanside Neighborhood This is a Web version of a printed document published in 2007 by the Sunset-Parkside Action Committee (SPEAK). "Architectural and Historical Resources of the Sunset District: The Oceanside Neighborhood" is the best written history to date on the development of this little-known part of San Francisco. The committee of SPEAK who produced the project and the document included a number of WNP members and board members, and we're very happy to have a chance to share this information with you online. Not only is there wonderful history of the Oceanside within, but a survey of important and interesting buildings still standing in the neighborhood. Contents Introduction and Contents of this document History of the Oceanside Historic Buildings with High Integrity Additional Historic Buildings The Sunset Architectural and Historical Resources Committee (SAHRIC) The Sunset, San Francisco's largest neighborhood, possesses many cultural landmarks that describe the history of its settlement. Only with an inventory and evaluation of those resources, can future development be guided in a way that complements and preserves the history of the neighborhood. We believe that informing property owners and decision makers of the worth of many resources will help foster sensitivity in future development decisions. SAHRIC has undertaken this effort to preserve the best our neighborhood has to offer. After publishing in 20005 Sixteen Notable Buildings as a sample of the many Sunset resources worth preserving, the group focused on small houses and cottages (less than 1800 square feet) as a source of potentially affordable housing. With a grant from the Alexander Wallace Gerbode Foundation, SAHRIC hired architectural historian William Kostura, to survey the former Oceanside neighborhood, generally located west of 40th Avenue between Lincoln and Sloat Boulevards with a concentration just south of Golden Gate Park. Starting with an analysis of the earliest available Sanborn (Fire Insurance Co.) maps of 1915, Kostura assessed in a field survey which small houses were extant from 1915, and selected about twenty with high integrity, i.e., those which were only minimally altered. After detailed research of archival resources and a photographic documentation, each building and its history was recorded on State of California, Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) 523 forms for documentation of historic properties. These forms are complemented by the Oceanside Historic Context Statement, describing the fascinating development history and specific architecture of this neighborhood. Between 1900 and 1930 this neighborhood grew out of sand dunes and was known as the Oceanside, so named for an earlier roadhouse from the 1850s which bore that name. Around the turn of the century, the northern end of the neighborhood was also called "Carville" due to the obsolete street and cable cars that were brought there, then bought by locals and refurnished as clubhouses and recreational housing. This booklet serves to educate residents of the area and city officials and to encourage maintenance of the historic buildings found here. Ideally, as buildings are renovated, and added to in time, the city should encourage owners to maintain the significant features that retain integrity and restore features that have been altered to their original appearance. SAHRIC anticipates further grants from the city and private foundations to complete the comprehensive survey of Oceanside, including all cottages, larger residences, apartment houses, and commercial buildings. As important as these few buildings are to the history of the Sunset, many others will come to light only through a careful and comprehensive look throughout the neighborhood. Another goal of this booklet is to promote the continued efforts to find and maintain all the resources that will tell the Sunset's story long into the future. Who We Are The members of SAHRIC possess considerable expertise in a number of disciplines related to the task at hand. In alphabetical order, we are: Catherine Bauman; F. Joseph Butler, AIA; Marc Duffett, president of SPEAK; Inge Horton, chair of SAHRIC; Woody LaBounty; Mary Anne Miller; Susan Snyder; Lorri Ungaretti; and Megan Allison Wade. Consultant: William Kostura, architectural historian, author of Russian Hill: The Summit 1853-1906 (1997). To contact SAHRIC, please send a message to SAHRIC@yahoo.com or Inge Horton c/o SPEAK 1329 - 7th Avenue San Francisco, CA 94122. Next: History of the Oceanside Contribute your own stories about western neighborhoods places.! Allianz Insurance, a subsidiary of Allianz Group has launched a new initiative Allianz Heroes that will reward sales agents for their contribution to the company. Based on their achieved targets, the sales agents across the country will receive airtime and home appliances on a monthly and quarterly basis. In addition, the three top agents for the year will also get an all-expense-paid trip to Germany as the ultimate prize. Expressing his excitement about the initiative, the Head of Agency and Retail at Allianz Insurance, Paul Therson, said: We cant stress enough how thankful we are for the commitment, hard work, and loyalty our sales agents continue to show at all times and help us to increase our customer satisfaction and this is one way we want to celebrate them. He explained that the initiative is essential to encourage and empower the sales agents to advance the products and services of the company to secure the future of its customers. He added that the company will continue to equip sales agents with customer engagement skill sets that will see them become more efficient, knowledgeable and improve on their individual performance. We have demonstrated commitment to helping and empowering young Ghanaians and will continue to find innovative ways through which we can empower many more young people in the insurance industry. Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The head of the World Health Organization (WHO) has urged China to be more cooperative with the WHO's second phase of the investigation into the origins of Covid-19. Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus called for more access and transparency. The first phase of the WHO's investigation ended in February. It concluded that it was highly unlikely that the virus came from a laboratory in Wuhan, China, and that it probably originated in bats. Speaking in Geneva on Thursday, Dr Tedros said the WHO needed access to raw patient data from just before and the start of the pandemic this time around. China did not share this data with the WHO team during the first investigation, he added. He also called for clear information about the laboratory in Wuhan, stating that as a medical professional himself, he knew accidents could happen. This was the strongest indication yet that the WHO is still considering the lab leak theory, despite its experts saying this was unlikely, the BBC's Imogen Foulkes reports from Geneva. Speculation about a leak at the Wuhan Institute of Virology - one of China's top virus research labs - began last year and was propagated by former US President Donald Trump. Dr Tedros also warned against the idea that the pandemic was coming to an end. The WHO's emergency committee said that new and more dangerous variants were expected to spread around the world. "The pandemic is nowhere near finished," the committee warned in a statement. Committee chairman Didier Houssin said "we are still running after this virus and the virus is still running after us". Coronavirus-linked deaths in Africa surged by 43% in the space of a week, driven by a lack of intensive-care beds and oxygen, according to the WHO. 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 South African government plans to deploy 25,000 troops after days of widespread looting and violence. The military deployment - to counter riots sparked by the jailing of former President Jacob Zuma - would be the biggest since the end of apartheid. At least 117 people have died and more than 2,000 have been arrested in South Africa's worst unrest in years. Hundreds of shops and businesses have been looted and the government says it is acting to prevent food shortages. Citizens are arming themselves and forming vigilante groups to protect their property from the rampage. More than 200 incidents of looting and vandalism were recorded on Wednesday, the government said, as the number of troops deployed doubled to 5,000. But Defence Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula said she had submitted a request for the deployment of 25,000 soldiers to the two provinces hit by violence - KwaZulu-Natal, where Durban is located, and Gauteng, which includes Johannesburg. 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 Shopworkers in a South African town hit by ongoing riots foiled looters by pouring cooking oil on the floor outside the entrance to their store. The shop is in a mall in Tugela Ferry in KwaZulu-Natal, one of two provinces where days of looting have left businesses, warehouses and factories bare. A video of the Shoprite employees pouring the oil has been shared online: South Africa: Shoprite employees poured oil in front of the store to keep from looters and this is the resultpic.twitter.com/vXyVfNa12S Naija Class Captain (@NaijaClassCapt) July 15, 2021 The store's manager, Mduduzo Sikhakhane, told South Africa's Times Live that the trick had saved them from being looted."No-one could go to that side because they were slipping like crazy," he said.It was reportedly the only store in the shopping centre that was not overrun.Another video of people sliding while trying to walk outside the store has also been posted on social media, with some lauding it as a brilliant way to protect businesses:Shoprite's management has said that it is working on rebuilding and restocking other stores that have been affected by the looting.Protests which started in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng provinces after the jailing last week of former President Jacob Zuma have descended into riots.At least 72 people have died and more than 1,700 have been arrested in South Africa's worst unrest in years.According to KwaZulu-Natal's premier, Sihle Zikalale, the province is so far looking at damages estimated at around 3bn rand ($206m, 149m). 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 Occupational Health and Safety and Environment Association (OSHA) UK-Ghana Region, has urged government to expedite the passage of the Occupational Safety and Health Bill (OHS) into law to promote workplace health and safety. The Bill, which is currently before cabinet, has been in and out of Parliament for the past six years. Mr Kwamina Amoasi Andoh, the Chairman of the Advocacy Committee at OSHA, UK-Ghana Region, said government must fast-track the process to allow for ample time for Parliament to deliberate and pass the Bill into law. He made the call when the Association conferred a fellowship status on Dr Henry Kwabena Kokofu, the Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in Accra. The award was in recognition of the EPA Boss contribution to the promotion of safety and health in the country. Mr Andoh said within the first half of the year, over 1,500 lives had been lost due to motor accidents with several others recorded in factories, offices and farms. He said the passage of the Bill would, therefore, help curb the high rate of accidents, minimize risks and enhance general safety. We are in the middle of July and already 1,560 people have died through motor accidents alone. There are several other figures from factories, offices, farms and every other place. Safety is very important and we know that when the Bill is passed, it will help Ghana to eliminate risks, accidents and injuries through safety to the barest minimum, he said. If I had my way, the Bill should be ready by the end of the year because it has taken too long, he said. Mr Andoh noted that currently, Ghana had several Safety Laws and Regulations, including Factory, Offices and Shop Act, Liberal Regulations, Environmental Protection Law, Food and Drug Authority Law and Standard Board Act. He said the Bill, when passed, would help streamline the acts and regulations, as well as give it a legal backing. The safety of people is very important, therefore, we have to go through all the safety ramifications and make sure that they are safe. When it is passed, it is going to create a lot of activities in Ghana and ensure that every organisation employing 25 or more people has a safety officer, he added. Ghana, since becoming a member of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), on May 20, 1957, has ratified 31 out of the 51 conventions. However, the country is yet to ratify the Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (155). That, Mr Andoh said, was surprising considering that all the ramifications in the Convention were used in formulating the countrys laws, including labour regulations, factories, offices and shop Acts. The ILO has, for the past 25 years, pushed Ghana to ratify Convention 155, which is the Convention on health and safety. There are several safety conventions but that one is unique and every State should ratify it, he said. Dr Kokofu said as an Agency that dealt with dangerous chemicals and substances such as agrochemicals, industrial chemicals and hazardous e-waste materials, issues of health and safety were paramount. He said the EPA had always considered health and safety issues in the issuance of environmental permit to the public, including prescribing appropriate Personal Protective Equipment to ensure that occupational health standards were met. The EPA Boss, therefore, commended the Association for taking up the mantle to push for an OHS Bill to formalize and structure OHS and to give it a legal backing. Occupational Health and Safety and Environment Association is an association of professionals in health, safety and environment. 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 Accra High Court hearing the case involving Eric Kojo Duah, held over the murder of two police officers at Kasoa, has for the fourth time adjourned the matter due to the unavailability of jurors. On Thursday, when the case was called, the Court, presided over by Justice El-Freda Dankyi, said it was having "administrative issues" in getting the jurors empanelled to commence the trial. The case was again adjourned to July 28. Earlier, counsel for Kojo Duah and Mr Augustines Obour prayed the Court to admit his client to bail, saying. He said his client, who had been in custody since his arrest in 2019, felt discriminated against, considering others in similar situations having been admitted to bail. Duah allegedly shot and killed the two police officers on the Kasoa-Buduburam-Aprah road in August 2019. The accused person is currently on remand. He is being held on two counts of murder for allegedly shooting and killing General Lance Corporal Mohammed Awal and Lance Corporal Michael Dzamesi, who were on task force duty on the Kasoa-Buduburam-Accra road on August 28, 2019. The Prosecution said the officers allegedly asked Duah, who was driving an unregistered vehicle, to stop but he ignored them. The officers chased him with their Service vehicle and Duah allegedly pulled a pistol from his car and shot them in turns. Awal died instantly but Dzamesi was pronounced dead shortly after arrival at the hospital. 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 On June 14, 2021, a police officer, Emmanuel Osei and a trader, Joyce Afua Badu, were attacked by a group of armed robbers at Adedenkpo, a suburb of Jamestown. Afua Badu who was an eyewitness was said to have raised an alarm of the robbery and was chased and killed by the robbers. Exactly a month after the incident, the mother of Afua Badu says no government official has been to her house to commiserate with them or offer any support for the children she left behind. Speaking in an interview with Odi Ahenkan Kwame Yeboah on 'Ekwan so Brebre' on Peace FM, the 80-year-old mother bemoaned the hardship she is going through because of the loss of her daughter. According to her, the only support they've received so far is from the District Commander of the Ghana Police Service, who visited them with packs of water and a cash amount of GHC2,000. Meanwhile, a sibling of Afua Badu has pleaded with the Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Adwoa Safo to support the family in taking care of the three children she left behind. Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The United States has filed a lawsuit against the world's number one online retailer, Amazon accusing the e-commerce giants of selling hazardous products to its customers. Among the products cited in the suit are carbon monoxide detectors that fail to alarm, numerous children's pajamas that could catch fire and nearly 400,000 hair dryers that could electrocute people if dropped in water. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC ), Amazon has to take responsibility for the safety of customers that come on their site. The products cited are not sold directly by Amazon (AMZN) they're sold by third parties using Amazon's platform. Many of those companies that sold the dangerous products cited by CPSC are foreign, and the CPSC has limited ability to force a recall of their products if they are found to be hazardous. "Today's vote to file an administrative complaint against Amazon was a huge step forward for this small agency," says Acting Chairman Robert Adler. "But it's a huge step across a vast desert we must grapple with how to deal with these massive third-party platforms more efficiently, and how best to protect the American consumers who rely on them." The company collected $80 billion in commissions and other payments by third-party sellers last year as third-party sellers account for more than half the physical goods sold on Amazon. Amazon said the company takes prompt action when it is made aware of safety problems with products sold on the site, either by Amazon or third-party sellers. It said in the instances it did not recall products it was because "CPSC did not provide Amazon with enough information for us to take action and despite our requests. It said it offered CPSC to expand its capabilities to handle recalls for products. "We are unclear as to why the CPSC has rejected that offer or why they have filed a complaint seeking to force us to take actions almost entirely duplicative of those we've already taken," Amazon said in a statement, Thursday, July 15. 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 Gyaasehene of the Apinto Divisional Council, Dr Nana Adarkwa Bediako III, who was reported missing earlier on Thursday, has returned home. He is said to have been found on the Tarkwa-Takoradi road and brought home. Details of his ordeal are sketchy but Apintos Chief Linguist Nana Kobina Obo II promised to get more details as the Gyaasehene was narrating the circumstances that led to his missing to the palace while he was called for TV3s interview. Dr Nana Adarkwa Bediako III was feared kidnapped as a relative whose name has been given as Kakra threatened to kill him a few days ago. Nana Kobina Obo II, earlier in an interview with 3news.com, had confirmed that the said Kakra had on Sunday called him and threatened to kill the Gyaasehene within the next five days. On Sunday, July 11 one Kakra, who is a relative to the overlord of the Apinto Division Nana Kwabena Angu II, called me and complained bitterly that the Gyaasehene is frustrating him in his work. He then threatened that if I hear that the Gyaasehene is dead then he Kakra was the architect. He continued: I became alarmed and proceeded to the Palace of the overlord with another Chief. We called Kakra in the presence of the overlord Nana Angu II and Kakra repeated the threat and immediately dropped the line. The Chief Linguist added that he called the Gyaasehene and informed him about Kakras threat after which he joined him to Tarkwa to lodge a complaint with the police. He narrated: Yesterday evening, the driver of Gyaasehene Paa Kwesi called me that he had gone to meet the car of the Gyaasehene in front of ABII National. When he drew closer he saw the two phones of the Gyaasehene in the car with the car keys in the ignition but the Gyaasehene was nowhere close to the car. So, he was calling me to find out if the Gyaasehene was with me. This was after he had sent the car of the Gyaasehene to his house and had met his absence there too. According to him, so I went to the house of the Gyaasehene and picked the driver. We drove straight to the police station and lodged another complaint. Municipal Chief Executive (DCE) of Tarkwa Nsuaem Benjamin Kessie earlier told Alfred Ocansey on News 360 that Kakra was in NIB custody while Dr Nana Adarkwa Bediako IIIs driver was also in police custody. Source: 3news.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Cocaine disguised as charcoal with a potential value of up to $41.4 million has been seized in a joint operation between Irish and Dutch police authorities. The drugs were found inside two shipping containers from South America that arrived at the port of Rotterdam, in the Netherlands, as part of what Irish investigators believe was an attempt to import up to half a ton of cocaine to Ireland, according to a press release from Ireland's national police and security service. According to reports, 2,000 bags of charcoal were found inside the containers but due to the use of an X-ray scanner and police sniffer dogs, some of the bags were found to contain cocaine. Forensic Science Ireland (FSI) later confirmed that cocaine was present, but it will reportedly take a number of days and perhaps longer for FSI to extract the cocaine from the product within which it is concealed. Arrests are expected soon as part of an ongoing investigation by the Irish National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau. "This is a significant development in the Garda Siochana's effort to disrupt and dismantle organised crime groups suspected to be involved in the importation of cocaine and other drugs into Ireland," said assistant commissioner John O'Driscoll of the Garda Siochana, nickname of Ireland's national police and security service. O'Driscoll emphasized the "significant international dimension" of the operation and the "importance of cooperation within the law enforcement community within Europe and further afield." Michael O'Sullivan, head of the Maritime Analysis and Operations Centre, which coordinates anti-drug trafficking operations by seven European Union countries including Ireland, said the seizure was "a massive seizure" that will "deal a huge blow to the organized crime group involved." O'Sullivan told Irish broadcaster RTE that Irish crime groups play a leading role in the importation of cocaine to Europe, where the market for the drug is estimated to be worth 14 billion euros ($16.6 billion). 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 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. Pirates have abducted nine crew members of Ghanaian-registered fishing vessels in separate attacks off the Gulf of Guinea. Five abductees in the first attack have been freed after an undisclosed amount was paid from a negotiated $1 million ransom demand by the kidnappers. Those released include a Korean, a Russian and three Chinese, who were all kidnapped on the tuna fishing vessel, Atlantic Princess. Four Koreans of a second attack are however still being held captive in Nigerian with a one million dollar ransom demand for their release. They are crews of the Iris S, another Ghanaian fishing vessel. A team of British consultants are currently in Nigeria to negotiate for the release of the four Korean captives. A manager of Atlantic Princess, Mr Nicholas Papafio (not real name), told the Daily Graphic in an interview that the pirates, believed to be Nigerians, were seven in number and wielded AK47 rifles. After shooting into the Atlantic Princess and damaging it, about eight pirates abducted the vessel's Korean captain, three Chinese and a Russian. The vessel was said to have been approached and fired upon by a skiff boat, small fast boat, with eight armed pirates on board. The vessel then stopped and seven armed pirates with AK 47 boarded the vessel, Mr Papafio recounted. All mariners are cautioned that there is a high possibility of pirates mothership in the form of a rusty looking small size tanker, operating in support of pirates within the general area deep offshore Tema and stretching further East into Togo, Benin, and Nigeria, Papafio warned. Second incident The commercial fishing vessel, the Iris S, operating from Tema, was also reportedly attacked by armed pirates who rummaged the vessel, stealing personal possessions of the crew and equipment. They left the fishing vessel after about an hour, taking with them four crew members. The kidnapped individuals included the captain, chief officer, second officer chief engineer, all Korean nationals, as well as another engineer who is known only as Filipino. The remaining 31 crew members were unharmed. A Ghana Navy patrol boat escorted the Iris S back to port. Authorities have also been informed of the kidnapping and there was hope that the pirates could be intercepted before they reached the Niger Delta where they were believed to be heading. Government response The Vice-President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia at a recent International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (IMDEC) in Accra tasked agencies responsible for maritime security to collaborate to dismantle the network that sustains piracy as a business model. He equally charged the security agencies to penetrate the levels of secrecy surrounding negotiations and payments and also the true identity of the criminal actors. He said without that resolve, it would be very difficult to secure the maritime domain in the quest to fully develop the blue economy. Attack statistics The Vice-President cited reports indicating that 79 actual and attempted attacks were carried out last year, representing a 34 per cent increase over the 59 attacks recorded in 2019. He added that reports along the Gulf of Guinea in recent times also signalled a surge in attacks by Pirate Action Groups (PAGs), with most incidents occurring along the coasts of Cameroon, Nigeria, Benin and Ghana. Similarly, he said, there was a rise in the number of cases of kidnapping for ransom (KFR) and hostage-taking, and mentioned, for instance, that in 22 separate attacks recorded last year, 130 out of the 135 people kidnapped globally were reportedly abducted in the Gulf of Guinea alone. That, Dr Bawumia indicated, represented 95 per cent of all kidnapping cases, during which Nigeria recorded 62, Benin 29 and Ghana six. Fishing vessel The situation, he said, had become even more precarious, considering that over the past two months, about 10 crew members of two Ghanaian-flagged fishing vessels had been abducted in separate incidents along the Gulf of Guinea. While expressing the commitment of the government to tackle the insecurity in the maritime sector, Vice-President Bawumia said the first half of the year had witnessed greater piracy threats and activities, with over 30 recorded incidents. More disturbing was a report from the Centre of Maritime Law and Security Africa (CEMLAWS) that KFR had developed into an improved business module which attracted criminal groups to shift from theft and robberies. Dangerous waters The Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Issah Yakubu, at the same event said our maritime column had been touted as one of the most dangerous waters in the whole world and this has dire consequences on trade. He said the regions blue economy (the economics of exploitation, preservation and regeneration of the marine environment) had suffered significantly from disruptions in international trade, fishing and other challenges due to the insecurity in the maritime domain. However, Rear Admiral Yakubu said in spite of the threats posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ghana Navy and allied services could not afford to slow down their operations because the criminals had increased the tempo of their operations. He was hopeful that as experts in the industry, they would cooperate effectively to determine the best way forward to tackle the maritime threats. Background Nigeria has been under pressure from the shipping industry to curb piracy in the Gulf of Guinea. It accounts for more than 80 per cent of maritime kidnappings globally, the International Maritime Bureau says. Africa's most dangerous waters used to be off Somalia but, after the deployment of international warships, the situation there has improved and moved gradually towards the Gulf of Guinea. In May last year, the UK and French navies warned of the rising threat of piracy in the area near Ghana and Benin in the Gulf of Guinea. The International Chamber of Commerce International Maritime Bureau (ICC-IMB) reported that the Gulf of Guinea has experienced a significant rise in crew kidnappings since 2019 and accounts for about 95 per cent of crew members kidnapped in 2020. 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 A Senior Lecturer at the Department of Political Science of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) says the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) would overwhelmingly lose elections should one be held today. Dr Amakye Boateng, speaking on Akoma FM, hinged his prediction on what he describes as failure in implementing policies and excessive taxation without corresponding salary increment. He also cited growing insecurity and unemployment. Though he didnt base his claims on empirical facts, research or evidence, he explained that the NPP will lose elections should it be held today because the government is gradually becoming unpopular due to some inconsiderate decisions and policies that have attracted backlashes from the masses, so naturally such decisions are weighing the government down into opposition. The political scientist further indicated that while all odds are against the ruling party, NDC are gradually gaining public goodwill, so the pendulum swings to their favor as it stands. Dr Amakye Boateng cautioned the government to reverse certain attitudes that may create bad impressions in the minds of voters and reinstate the fading goodwill Ghanaians had for them prior to the 2012, 2016 and 2020 elections. Meanwhile, rebutting the claims of the political scientist, Ashanti Regional Communications Director for the NPP Kwasi Kyei explained that first of all, I want to state that the NPP has not lost the goodwill of Ghanaians and we are still the best option when it comes to managing the public purse. Moreover, the claims Dr Amakye is making are mere opinions which of course hes entitled to but it doesnt represent the reality. He urged Ghanaians to keep the good faith in the NPP as they have always done because the best of NPP is yet to be manifested even amidst the global pandemic. Source: 3news.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video George Yaw Akanlo, Upper East Regional Chairman of Friends of Bawumia (FOB), says the New Patriotic Party (NPP) cannot break the eight-year rule in Ghana without Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia as Flagbearer in 2024. The FOB is a philanthropic group which propagates the works of Dr Bawumia to galvanise support for him towards the Presidential and Parliamentary elections in 2024. The Chairman said Dr Bawumia had defended the Party, stood the test of time, and was the most qualified and experienced to take over from President Akufo-Addo to continue the development agenda of the country in freedom. Mr Akanlo said this at the inauguration ceremony of the FOBs Bolgatanga Central Constituency Executives after similar ceremonies were done across many of the Constituencies in the Region, to mobilize support from the grassroots level for Dr Bawumia. The newly inaugurated executives in the Bolgatanga Constituency included; Alhaj Baba Zakariya as Chairman, George Atabem Awulimbono, Vice Chairman, Mr Awudu Alhassan, Coordinator and Emmanuel Abaane, Secretary. The rest were Michael Akanamba, Organizer, Felix Aduko Adugbire, Deputy Organizer, Baba Musah, Treasurer, Edith Atampobire, Womens Organizer and Abingo Atinga, Youth Organizer. Mr Akanlo told the new Executives that Since 1992, the elections had clearly shown that after eight years, a different government is elected. So if there is ever any opportunity to break that eight-year rule, the only person that presents us that opportunity is Dr Mahamudu Bawumia. He reminded them that FOB was duly registered in 2012 at the Registrar Generals Department, and was not a new group, adding that their inauguration as Bolgatanga Central Executives of the group was critical. When you hold the centre properly, then it means that the other peripherals will follow. So Executives of the Bolgatanga Central are not only Constituency Executives, but Executives that must ensure that the team becomes appealing. We need to defend the name of Dr Bawumia with integrity, so that when he is finally elected as Flagbearer, every other Party member will join us to campaign and retain the seat for the Party in 2024, he said. According to Mr Akanlo, other opponents were working underground to take the Partys Flagbearership position, and urged the Executives to work harder to ensure victory for Dr Bawumia when the Party opens opportunity for the contest. Alhaj Zakariya on behalf of the newly inaugurated Executives thanked the Regional leadership of FOB for the confidence reposed in them to serve the group and galvanise support at the Constituency level. We are honoured to represent FOB in the Bolgatanga Central Constituency. We will continue to contribute our efforts and work hard to ensure Dr Bawumia is elected. We will bring more people on board as members of FOB, he said. GNA 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 The Ejura/Sekyedumase Municipality in the Ashanti Region is a longstanding political hotspot for violence and there should be a military base of sort in the area. The Ejura Traditional Council is insisting that the deployment of the military to help ensure law and order when violence broke out on June 29, 2021, following the death of Ibrahim Mohammed, aka Macho Kaaka, saved the situation. According to the Nifahene of Ejura Traditional Council, Nana Osei Kwadwo Ansebie II, the disturbances in the town could have been worse if the soldiers had not come in. The Nifahene made the request when he was testifying before the three-member committee at the Prempeh Assembly Hall, Kumasi, that is conducting public enquiry into the mayhem at Ejura which left two people dead and four others injured. My Lord, we would not have been sitting here by now, looking at what the youth were bent on doing that fateful day, the chief said. He said that almost every activity in Ejura is highly politicised and therefore, there is always tension in the area. Responding to a question on whether the disturbances had a political undertone, Nana Ansebie II said, Even weddings and funerals are politicised depending on the person organising it. According to the chief, Ejura has been grappling with issues of violence and the military have always been relied upon to help restore law and order, insisting that the deployment of the soldiers was good but sadly it resulted in casualties. Ejura has been recording troubles and anytime there are violent situations in Ejura, the military are always called to the scene to help restore law and order. It was a good decision to rely on the military to help restore law and order in Ejura but it is unfortunate that it rather resulted in casualties, he said. Nana Ansebie II stated that the youth were on a mission to destroy, so the soldiers were badly needed. The agitated youth blocked the main Ejura-Atebubu highway, then they moved to the Central Business Area of Ejura and vandalised the police charge office and cars, he said, adding they also vandalised the Municipal Assembly Revenue Checkpoint. The chief said prior to the violent scenes, the agitated youth had also chased a police van with stones and other offensive implements. According to him, the angry mob did not spare New Patriotic Party (NPP) branded items, saying that the crowd destroyed NPP pavilions that are located in Ejura. The Nifahene said the Ejurahene, Barimma Osei Hwedie II, has been mediating to help restore peace in the area and had met with the Zongo leadership. The Ejurahene, personally visited the injured in the hospital, and he gave GH5,000 each to the severely injured and GH2,000 to those discharged, he added. 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 A retreat by President Akufo-Addos cabinet and other appointees has stalled the work of Parliament. All Ministers scheduled to answer questions from MPs on the floor since Thursday have been deferred to next week as a result of the cabinet retreat. Attorney General and Minister for Justice Godfred Yeboah Dame who was scheduled to answer questions from North Tongu MP Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa on the murder of investigative journalist Ahmed Hussein-Suale and other prominent Ghanaians failed to turn up. Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation who had to answer a question from Ho West MP Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah was also absent prompting the MP to question the development. Majority Whip Frank Annor-Dompreh explained the development is a result of the ministerial retreat. Second deputy speaker Andrew Asiamah who was presiding, disclosed the ministers have written to inform the house about their absence. Source: kasapafmonline.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 Member of Parliament for Assin Central Kennedy Agyapong has verbally attacked his colleague lawmaker for Tamale North Alhassan Suhuyini who petitioned the Speaker of Parliament to invite him before the Privileges Committee of Parliament. Mr Agyapong said he has not achieved anything in life and therefore he wants to set Ghana ablaze. Suhuyini had said he felt obliged to raise the issues against his colleague Member of Parliament for Assin Central Kennedy Agyapong on the floor of the House because of his background as a journalist. This comes after the Speaker Alban Bagbin has referred Mr Agyapong to the Privileges Committee of Parliament for his utterances against a journalist with the Multimedia Group, Erastus Asare Donkor. Mr Agyapong on Friday, July 9, is reported to have allegedly threatened to attack Mr Asare Donkor, for the journalistic work that the latter undertook during the recent shootings and killing incident at Ejura on his television station. The Multimedia Group filed a formal complaint against Mr Agyapong. On Wednesday July 14, the former Broadcaster raised the issue on the floor of the house and asked the Speaker to refer the matter to the Privileges Committee. He said Mr Speaker, I think that as a former journalist I feel obliged to draw the Houses attention to this conduct of an Honorable colleague of this house which in my view, brings this house into disrepute. Mr Speaker, I urge you to exercise your powers under 27 and refer this conduct of the Honorable which is becoming unacceptable, to the Privileges Committee to ascertain the veracity of the comments that were made and recommend sanctions if possible that will act as deterrent to other members who may be tempted to act like him. In response to his request, the Speaker accordingly referred Mr Agyapong to the committee. He said he cannot take a decision on Mr Agyapong over his utterances against a journalist in Ghana. That decision to determine whether or not the conduct smacks of abuse of privileges, he said, rests with the lawmakers as a House, to take. As it is now, I am compelled to refer it to the Privileges Committee. I want to emphasize that it is the House that will take the decision, it is not the speaker, it is not any other person apart from the House. That will be your collective wisdom that come to the conclusion whether what is alleged is just a mere allegation or is supported by facts and whether those facts constitute contempt of the House and abuse of a privilege of members, It is important for me to emphasize here that the privilege and immunity of free speech applies in full force in plenary session and committee sessions, not when members are outside debating issues or on radio and TV. You dont have that right, that privilege, that immunity to just say anything because you are a member of parliament. We are not above the law. It is for good reasons because you represent a large number of people, you should be given the full immunity to be able to say what the people say they want you to say. That is why you say it here and you are covered. That immunity doesnt extend to you in anywhere else. So pleased the committee should go into the matter, submit the report. Reacting to this on his Radio Station Oman FM on Thursday July 15, Kennedy Agyapong said You cannot use the media to and the Police to gag me. You make a statement that I should be referred to the Privileges Committee of Parliament. I want to insult. He is a foolish MP, Suhuyini is stupid. He hasnt achieved anything in life so he wants Ghana to burn. Im so disappointed in him. He uses everything for politics. The privileges committee is made up of human beings or they think being an MP is all I have, they think being MP is the only thing I rely on. If they remove parliament, I will continue to say the truth, no one can stop me. He insisted that the business owner of Joy FM, told him that the workers had resolved to sabotage the government because the New Patritoic Party (NPP) administration is taking care of them, a claim the management of Joy FM denied. I will continue to speak the truth and not anyone silence me. The truth is that Joy FM have been disgraced, they should write an apology letter to the families that lost their relatives in Ejura incident. They should also write to those injured as well. I still repeat that they are corrupt, I dare Kwasi Twum and he claims he didnt say it, he should be ashamed of himself. He said it in my office that the staff of Joy FM are threatening to sabotage the government because we dont take care of them. If they push I will expose all the things about Joy FM. Source: 3news.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Flood waters in Belgium's Brabant dislodged train tracks and caused a derailment. When the water came, it came quickly. The clear-up operation in the devastated small towns of eastern Belgium will take far longer. The densely-populated green valleys of the Meuse basin have been hit by what the country's prime minister called a flood "without precedent". At least 20 people have been confirmed dead, and around the same number are reported missing. The survivors are in shock. In Pepinster, the heart of the town was gouged by a torrent that left a trail of mud and flipped cars down the main street. Part of the town was still inaccessible late Friday, a day after the surge. Helicopters circled overhead, lowering rescuers on a cable to check for survivors whenever a clue is spotted. When Philippe, king of the Belgians, and Queen Mathilde visited on Friday, a day after the flood, stunned families were still digging out homes and saving what furniture they could. Volunteer coordinator Roland Vanden Broek, 69, told the royals that the town need help from outside, but that local people had already risen to the challenge. "The solidarity has been first rate. There was even a group of scouts that came to help out," he told AFP. Sylvianne Sioen, 52, lives next door to her 85-year-old mother, who has been in Pepinster for 71 years and has seen floods before, but never one that sent muddy water into her home, even into the drawers of her furniture. "There is great solidarity. People I didn't know came to help me carry my furniture out. It's all to be thrown away," Sioen told AFP. Philippe, king of the Belgains and Queen Mathilde of Belgium (R) were among the well-wishers who visited the devastated town of Pepinster. 'Lost everything' One of the volunteers is 53-year-old Philippe Denbcyden, who brought his son ten kilometres (six miles) from Rechain to help his neighbours in Pepinster. "We pile up the furniture on the pavement so that we can clean the houses. We also brought clothes. Some people here have lost everything," he said. At the railway station, a distribution centre has been set up for food and hot drinks. Neighbours queue in 20 centimetres of water, watching a man sink up to his waist as he tries to force open a door to a home. Sioen's sister-in-law Sylviane had the same problem when she returned home on Thursday after sleeping at her sister's place because roads were closed. "There was a metre of water in front of the door," she said. Things have been very bad in neighbouring Germany too, but Pepinster, a small town outside Verviers, bore the brunt of the disaster within Belgium. "It's a disaster, a tsunami," the local mayor, Philippe Godin, told AFP. Austrian firefighters flew to Belgium to join the rescue effort after "unprecedented" floods. There's no electricity, no drinking water, unreliable mobile reception. Godin adds: "You have to think of the people who have lost everything, their memories. It's terrifying." Back in Brussels, sodden after a week of torrential rain but safe from the floods, Prime Minister Alexander De Croo declared July 20 a day of national mourning. "These are very exceptional circumstances, without any precedent in our country," he said. Interior Minister Annelies Verlinden said the death toll from the floods had risen to 20 people, with around 20 people missing. Earlier media reports had said 23 dead. Devastation Chaudfontaine, Theux, Verviers, Pepinster, Spadozens of cities, towns and villages have been hit. Liege was threatened with evacuation of the town centre, but after splashing the top of its embankment, the Meuse failed to break its way into the city. Cars were washed from roads and litter the river banks. Cars lie in market squares, stacked up like damp firewood. Scout camps were evacuated. A train derailed. Rescue helicopters and boats plucked up families and terrified pets and took them to safety. Rescue teams have flown in from France, Italy and Austria to help the Belgian authorities. Explore further Europe reels from worst floods in years as death toll passes 120 2021 AFP Unsuspecting residents were caught completely off guard by the torrent dubbed the 'flood of death' Devastating floods have torn through entire villages and killed at least 126 people in Europe, most of them in western Germany where stunned emergency services were still combing the wreckage on Friday. Unsuspecting residents were caught completely off guard by the torrent dubbed the "flood of death" by German newspaper Bild. Streets and houses were submerged by water in some areas, while cars were left overturned on soaked streets after flood waters passed. Some districts were completely cut off. "Everything was under water within 15 minutes," Agron Berischa, a 21-year-old decorator from Bad Neuenahr in Rhineland-Palatinate state, told AFP. "Our flat, our office, our neighbours' houses, everywhere was under water." In nearby Schuld, Hans-Dieter Vrancken, 65, said "caravans, cars were washed away, trees were uprooted, houses were knocked down". "We have lived here in Schuld for over 20 years and we have never experienced anything like it. It's like a warzone," he said. Roger Lewentz, interior minister for Rheinland-Palatinate, told Bild the death toll was likely to rise as emergency services continued to search the affected areas over the coming days. "When emptying cellars or pumping out cellars, we keep coming across people who have lost their lives in these floods," he said. The floods left behind wrecked cars and crumpled buildings. Adding to the devastation, several more people were feared dead in a landslide in the town of Erftstadt in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) triggered by the floods. In neighbouring Belgium, the government confirmed the death toll had jumped to 20earlier reports had said 23 deadwith more than 21,000 people left without electricity in one region. Luxembourg and the Netherlands were also hammered by heavy rains, inundating many areas and forcing thousands to be evacuated in the city of Maastricht. Fearing the worst In Germany's hard-hit Ahrweiler district in Rhineland-Palatinate, several houses collapsed completely, drawing comparisons to the aftermath of a tsunami. At least 24 people were confirmed dead in Euskirchen, one of the worst-affected towns. "I fear that we will only see the full extent of the disaster in the coming days," Chancellor Angela Merkel said late Thursday from Washington, where she met with President Joe Biden. Deadliest floods in Europe. "My empathy and my heart go out to all of those who in this catastrophe lost their loved ones, or who are still worrying about the fate of people still missing." The official number of casualties in Rhineland-Palatinate has reached 63, bringing the national toll to at least 106. In Ahrweiler, around 1,300 people were unaccounted for, although local authorities told Bild the high number was likely due to damaged phone networks. Interior minister Lewentz told local media that up to 60 people were believed to be missing, "and when you haven't heard from people for such a long time... you have to fear the worst". Billions in damage Gerd Landsberg, head of the German Association of Towns and Municipalities, said the cost of the damage was likely to run into "billions of euros". In Belgium, the army has been sent to four of the country's 10 provinces to help with rescue and evacuations. Erftstadt in western Germany suffered huge damage. The swollen Meuse river "is going to look very dangerous for Liege", a nearby city of 200,000 people, warned Wallonia regional president Elio Di Rupo. In Switzerland, lakes and rivers were also swelling after heavy overnight rainfall. In Lucerne in particular, Lake Lucerne had begun to flood the city centre. Some parts of western Europe received up to two months' worth of rainfall in two days on soil that was already near saturation, according to the World Meteorological Organization. Climate change? The severe storms have put climate change back at the centre of Germany's election campaign ahead of a September 26 poll marking the end of Merkel's 16 years in power. Speaking in Berlin, President Frank-Walter Steinmeier said Germany would "only be able to curb extreme weather situations if we engage in a determined fight against climate change". The country "must prepare much better" in future, Interior Minister Horst Seehofer said, adding that "this extreme weather is a consequence of climate change". Belgium was also badly hit, with at least 15 dead. Because a warmer atmosphere holds more water, climate change increases the risk and intensity of flooding from extreme rainfall. In urban areas with poor drainage and buildings located in flood zones, the damage can be severe. North Rhine-Westphalia premier Armin Laschet, the conservative running to succeed Merkel, called for "speeding up" global efforts to fight climate change, underlining the link between global warming and extreme weather. Explore further Europe floods: search for missing goes on as toll tops 90 2021 AFP A regional train sits in the flood waters at the local station in Kordel, Germany, Thursday July 15, 2021 after it was flooded by the high waters of the Kyll river. Credit: Sebastian Schmitt/dpa via AP The death toll from devastating floods across parts of western Germany and Belgium rose above 90 on Friday, as the search continued for hundreds of people still unaccounted for. Authorities in the German state of Rhineland-Palatinate said 50 people had died there, including at least nine residents of an assisted living facility for people with disabilities. In neighboring North Rhine-Westphalia state officials put the death toll at 30, but warned that the figure could rise further. Belgian broadcaster RTBF reported at least 12 dead in the country. The Ahr river floats past destroyed houses in Insul, Germany, Thursday, July 15, 2021. Due to heavy rain falls the Ahr river dramatically went over the banks the evening before. Credit: AP Photo/Michael Probst A street is covered with debris in Bad Muenstereifel, Germany, Thursday, July 15, 2021 after heavy rainfall and the flooding of the Erft river. People have died and dozens of people are missing in Germany after heavy flooding turned streams and streets into raging torrents, sweeping away cars and causing some buildings to collapse. Credit: B&S/dpa via AP Cars are submerged in water after the Meuse River broke its banks during heavy flooding in Liege, Belgium, Thursday, July 15, 2021. Heavy rainfall is causing flooding in several provinces in Belgium with rain expected to last until Friday. Credit: AP Photo/Valentin Bianchi Cars are covered in Hagen, Germany, Thursday, July 15, 2021 with the debris brought by the flooding of the 'Nahma' river the night before. People have died and dozens of people are missing in Germany after heavy flooding turned streams and streets into raging torrents, sweeping away cars and causing some buildings to collapse. Credit: AP Photo/Martin Meissner A photo, taken with a drone, shows the devastation caused by the flooding of the Ahr River in the Eifel village of Schuld, western Germany, Thursday, July 15, 2021. At least eight people have died and dozens of people are missing in Germany after heavy flooding turned streams and streets into raging torrents, sweeping away cars and causing some buildings to collapse. Credit: Christoph Reichwein/dpa via AP Cars are submerged in floodwaters after the Meuse River broke its banks during heavy flooding in Liege, Belgium, Thursday, July 15, 2021. Heavy rainfall is causing flooding in several provinces in Belgium with rain expected to last until Friday. Credit: AP Photo/Valentin Bianchi Damaged houses are seen at the Ahr river in Insul, western Germany, Thursday, July 15, 2021. Due to heavy rain falls the Ahr river dramatically went over the banks the evening before. People have died and dozens of people are missing in Germany after heavy flooding turned streams and streets into raging torrents, sweeping away cars and causing some buildings to collapse. Credit: AP Photo/Michael Probst Houses are submerged on the overflowed river banks in Erdorf, Germany, as the village was flooded Thursday, July 15, 2021. Continuous rainfall has flooded numerous villages and cellars in Rhineland-Palatinate, southwestern Germany. Credit: Harald Tittel/dpa via AP People use rubber rafts in floodwaters after the Meuse River broke its banks during heavy flooding in Liege, Belgium, Thursday, July 15, 2021. Heavy rainfall is causing flooding in several provinces in Belgium with rain expected to last until Friday. Credit: AP Photo/Valentin Bianchi Destroyed houses are seen in Schuld, Germany, Thursday, July 15, 2021. Due to heavy rain falls the Ahr river dramatically went over the banks the evening before. People have died and dozens of people are missing in Germany after heavy flooding turned streams and streets into raging torrents, sweeping away cars and causing some buildings to collapse. Credit: AP Photo/Michael Probst People use a rubber raft in floodwaters after the Meuse River broke its banks during heavy flooding in Liege, Belgium, Thursday, July 15, 2021. Heavy rainfall is causing flooding in several provinces in Belgium with rain expected to last until Friday. Credit: AP Photo/Valentin Bianchi Water shoots out of the outlet of the hydroelectric power station below the Ruhr dam near Heimbach, Germany, Friday, July 16, 2021. Heavy rains caused mudslides and flooding in the western part of Germany. Multiple have died and dozens are missing as severe flooding in Germany and Belgium turned streams and streets into raging, debris-filled torrents that swept away cars and toppled houses. Credit: Lino Mirgeler/dpa via AP A hotel owner sits on a Jesus statue in front of his damaged hotel in Insul, southern Germany, Thursday, July 15, 2021. Due to heavy rain falls the Ahr river dramatically went over the banks the evening before. People have died and dozens of people are missing in Germany after heavy flooding turned streams and streets into raging torrents, sweeping away cars and causing some buildings. Credit: AP Photo/Michael Probst Destroyed cars are seen in Schuld, Germany, Thursday, July 15, 2021. Due to heavy rain falls the Ahr river dramatically went over the banks the evening before. People have died and dozens of people are missing in Germany after heavy flooding turned streams and streets into raging torrents, sweeping away cars and causing some buildings to collapse. Credit: AP Photo/Michael Probst Explore further US death toll from coronavirus rises to nine 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. In this photo provided by the Oregon Office of State Fire Marshall, flames and smoke rise from the Bootleg fire in southern Oregon on Wednesday, July 14, 2021. The largest fire in the U.S. on Wednesday was burning in southern Oregon, to the northeast of the wildfire that ravaged a tribal community less than a year ago. The lightning-caused Bootleg fire was encroaching on the traditional territory of the Klamath Tribes, which still have treaty rights to hunt and fish on the land, and sending huge, churning plumes of smoke into the sky visible for miles. Credit: John Hendricks/Oregon Office of State Fire Marshal via AP More people living along the eastern edge of an Oregon wildfire were told to evacuate late Thursday as the inferno began spreading rapidly and erratically in hot afternoon winds and threatened to merge with a nearby, smaller fire that had also exploded in size. The Bootleg Fire, the largest wildfire currently burning in the U.S., has now torched an area larger than New York City and has stymied firefighters with erratic winds and extremely dangerous fire behavior. The fire, pushed by winds from the south, has the potential to move 4 miles (6 kilometers) or more in an afternoon and there is concern it could merge with the smaller, yet still explosive Log Fire, said Rob Allen, incident commander for the blaze. The Log Fire started on Monday as three smaller fires but exploded to nearly 5,000 acres (2,000 hectares) in 24 hours. It is also being fanned by winds from the south, Allen said. Firefighters were all pulled back to safe areas due to intense fire behavior and were scouting ahead of the main blaze for areas where they could make a stand by carving out fire lines to stop the inferno's advance, he said. Crews are watching the fire, nearby campgrounds "and any place out in front of us to make sure the public's out of the way," Allen said. He said evacuation orders are still being assessed. An air tanker drops fire retardant to battle the Dixie Fire in the Feather River Canyon in Plumas County, Calif., Wednesday, July 14, 2021. Residents were warned to be ready to evacuate as a growing wildfire bears down on two remote Northern California communities near a town largely destroyed by a deadly blaze three years ago. The fire that broke out Tuesday afternoon has chewed through more than 1.8 square miles (4.8 square kilometers) of brush and timber near the Feather River Canyon area of Butte County. Credit: Paul Kitagaki Jr./The Sacramento Bee via AP The main fire has destroyed 21 homes in an area north of the Oregon-California border that has been gripped by extreme drought. It was 7% contained as of Thursday, when authorities decided to expand previous evacuation orders near Summer Lake and Paisley. Both towns are located in Lake County, a remote area of lakes and wildlife refuges with a total population of about 8,000. "We're trying to determine where is it moving, how far and how fast, to determine what to do with evacuation levels," said Gert Zoutendijk, spokesman for the Oregon office of the State Fire Marshal. "The big word is for everyone in Lake County to be aware and start getting signed up for the alert system if they have not already." On Wednesday, the Bootleg Fire generated enormous smoke columns that could be seen for milesa sign that the blaze is so intense it is creating its own weather, with erratic winds and the potential for fire-generated lightning. Firefighter Garrett Suza, with the Chiloquin Forest Service, mops up a hot spot on the North East side of the Bootleg Fire, Wednesday, July 14, 2021, near Sprague River, Ore. Credit: AP Photo/Nathan Howard Meanwhile, a fire near the northern California town of Paradise, which burned in a horrific 2018 wildfire, caused jitters among homeowners who were just starting to return to normal after surviving the deadliest blaze in U.S. history. Chuck Dee and his wife, Janie, returned last year to Paradise on the foothills of California's Sierra Nevada to rebuild a home lost in that fire. So when they woke up Thursday and saw smoke from the new Dixie Fire, it was frightening, even though it was burning away from populated areas. "It made my wife and I both nervous," he told The Associated Press in a telephone interview. The Dixie Fire was tiny when it began on Tuesday, but by Thursday morning it had burned 3.5 square miles (9 square kilometers) of brush and timber near the Feather River Canyon area of Butte County northeast of Paradise. It also moved into national forest land in neighboring Plumas County. Helicopters drop water to battle the Dixie Fire on Highway 70 in the Feather River Canyon on Wednesday, July 14, 2021, in Plumas County, Calif. A California blaze that erupted near the flashpoint of the deadliest wildfire in recent U.S. history is heading away from homes but survivors of the 2018 blaze in the town of Paradise are worried that history could repeat itself. The Dixie Fire is burning in California's Butte and Plumas counties, not far from where the 2018 conflagration killed 85 people. Credit: Paul Kitagaki Jr./The Sacramento Bee via AP There was zero containment and officials kept in place a warning for residents of the tiny communities of Pulga and east Concow to be ready to leave. The Dixie Fire is part of a siege of conflagrations across the West. There were 71 active large fires and complexes of multiple fires that have burned nearly 1,553 square miles (4,022 square kilometers) in the U.S., mostly in Western states, according to the National Interagency Fire Center. Extremely dry conditions and heat waves tied to climate change have swept the region, making wildfires harder to fight. Climate change has made the American West much warmer and drier in the past 30 years and will continue to make weather more extreme and wildfires more frequent and destructive. In the Pacific Northwest, firefighters say they are facing conditions more typical of late summer or fall than early July. Firefighter Jacob Walsh examines burned trees on the North East side of the Bootleg Fire, Wednesday, July 14, 2021, near Sprague River, Ore. Credit: AP Photo/Nathan Howard A wildfire threatening more than 1,500 homes near Wenatchee, Washington, grew to 14 square miles (36 square kilometers) by Thursday morning and was about 10% contained, the Washington state Department of Natural Resources said. About 200 firefighters were battling the Red Apple Fire near the north-central Washington city renowned for its apples. The fire was also threatening apple orchards and an electrical substation, but no structures have been lost, officials said. In Paradise, California, about 80 miles (129 kilometers) north of Sacramento, residents are focused on rebuilding. So far, 1,642 building permits have been issued with 923 homes completed, according to the city's website. The skyrocketing cost of lumber has complicated some projects, but Chuck Dee said he was fortunate to get his bid in place before the prices rose. A road sign is seen charred on the North East side of the Bootleg Fire, Wednesday, July 14, 2021, near Sprague River, Ore. Credit: AP Photo/Nathan Howard Oregon National Guardsmen regroup at the Bootleg Fire Command Center, Wednesday, July 14, 2021, in Chiloquin, Ore. Credit: AP Photo/Nathan Howard A hotspot flares up on the North East side of the Bootleg Fire, Wednesday, July 14, 2021, near Sprague River, Ore. Credit: AP Photo/Nathan Howard Firefighter Garrett Suza, with the Chiloquin Forest Service, mops up a hot spot on the North East side of the Bootleg Fire, Wednesday, July 14, 2021, near Sprague River, Ore. Credit: AP Photo/Nathan Howard Dee McCarley hugs her cat Bunny, whom she took with her while evacuating from the Bootleg Fire, while at a Red Cross center on Wednesday, July 14, 2021 in Klamath Falls, Ore. Credit: AP Photo/Nathan Howard Firefighter Gary Robinson, with Pacific Habitat and Fire, eats dinner by headlamp after a 12-hour shift fighting the Bootleg Fire, late Tuesday, July 13, 2021, in Bly, Ore. Credit: AP Photo/Nathan Howard Tim McCarley talks about their evacuation from the Bootleg Fire while at a Red Cross center on Wednesday, July 14, 2021 in Klamath Falls, Ore. Credit: AP Photo/Nathan Howard The Dees' rebuilt house is a little smaller than the original one, and with a different floor planand this one was constructed with fire retardant siding. A local law also prohibits wooden fences from touching the houses. The couple hope to move in once they get their utilities hooked up. In the meantime, they're living in an RV. They said they don't regret moving back, having accepted that fires will be part of life in this part of California. "We can't wait to get back in this house and get started," Chuck Dee said. Explore further California blaze erupts near site of deadliest US wildfire 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. In this Jan. 11, 1961 file photo, then Marine Lt. Col. John Glenn reaches for controls inside a Mercury capsule procedures trainer as he shows how the first U.S. astronaut will ride through space during a demonstration at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Research Center in Langley Field, Va. Glenn's birthplace and childhood hometown in Ohio are celebrating what would have been the history-making astronaut and U.S. senator's 100th birthday with a three-day festival from July 16 through July 18, 2021. Credit: AP Photo/File A three-day celebration of what would have been history-making astronaut John Glenn's 100th birthday began Friday in his birthplace and childhood hometown in Ohio, even as additional events were announced to mark the occasion. Glenn, who died in 2016, was the first American to orbit Earth, making him a national hero in 1962. In addition to his military and space accomplishments, he spent 24 years as a Democrat in the U.S. Senate. The John Glenn Centennial Celebration in both Cambridge, where Glenn was born on July 18, 1921, and nearby New Concord, where he grew up and met his late wife, Annie, runs through Sunday. It includes a parade, the Friendship 7-Miler road race named for his famous aircraft, lectures, museum tours, space movies, biplane and rocket car rides, music and children's science activities. At Ohio State University, the John Glenn College of Public Affairs has updated seven display cases in Page Hall in honor of Glenn's life, legacy of public service and relationship to the university, which houses Glenn's archives. Items displayed include speeches, letters, diaries and news clippings. The college plans additional events throughout the year. A pending Ohio House resolution would urge Congress to award both Glenns a Congressional Gold Medal. In this Jan. 2, 1962, file photo, astronaut John Glenn climbs into the "Friendship 7" Mercury capsule at Cape Canaveral, Fla. Glenn's birthplace and childhood hometown in Ohio are celebrating what would have been the history-making astronaut and U.S. senator's 100th birthday with a three-day festival from July 16 through July 18, 2021. Credit: AP Photo/File In this Feb. 20, 2012, file photo, U.S. Sen. John Glenn talks with astronauts on the International Space Station via satellite in Columbus, Ohio. Glenn's birthplace and childhood hometown in Ohio are celebrating what would have been the history-making astronaut and U.S. senator's 100th birthday with a three-day festival from July 16 through July 18, 2021. Credit: AP Photo/Jay LaPrete, File In this Jan. 25, 2012, file photo, former astronaut and Sen. John Glenn poses for a photo during an interview at his office in Columbus, Ohio. Glenn's birthplace and childhood hometown in Ohio are celebrating what would have been the history-making astronaut and U.S. senator's 100th birthday with a three-day festival from July 16 through July 18, 2021. Credit: AP Photo/Jay LaPrete, File In this June 18, 1963, file photo, astronaut John Glenn, the first American to orbit the earth, poses before a Project Mercury tracking station at Cape Canaveral, Fla. Glenn's birthplace and childhood hometown in Ohio are celebrating what would have been the history-making astronaut and U.S. senator's 100th birthday with a three-day festival from July 16 through July 18, 2021. Credit: AP Photo, File Explore further John Glenn's Ohio birthplace places historic marker 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Snapshots of the electronic structure of Sb acquired with femtosecond time-resolution. Note the changing spectral weight above the Fermi energy (E F ). Credit: HZB/Nature Communication Physics The laws of quantum physics rule the microcosm. They determine, for example, how easily electrons move through a crystal and thus whether the material is a metal, a semiconductor or an insulator. Quantum physics may lead to exotic properties in certain materials: In so-called topological insulators, only the electrons that can occupy some specific quantum states are free to move like massless particles on the surface, while this mobility is completely absent for electrons in the bulk. What's more, the conduction electrons in the "skin" of the material are necessarily spin polarized, and form robust, metallic surface states that could be utilized as channels in which to drive pure spin currents on femtosecond time scales (1 fs = 10-15 s). These properties open up exciting opportunities to develop new information technologies based on topological materials, such as ultrafast spintronics, by exploiting the spin of the electrons on their surfaces rather than the charge. In particular, optical excitation by femtosecond laser pulses in these materials represents a promising alternative to realize highly efficient, lossless transfer of spin information. Spintronic devices utilizing these properties have the potential of a superior performance, as they would allow to increase the speed of information transport up to frequencies a thousand times faster than in modern electronics. However, many questions still need to be answered before spintronic devices can be developed. For example, the details of exactly how the bulk and surface electrons from a topological material respond to the external stimulus i.e., the laser pulse, and the degree of overlap in their collective behaviors on ultrashort time scales. A team led by HZB physicist Dr. Jaime Sanchez-Barriga has now brought new insights into such mechanisms. The team, which has also established a Helmholtz-RSF Joint Research Group in collaboration with colleagues from Lomonosov State University, Moscow, examined single crystals of elemental antimony (Sb), previously suggested to be a topological material. "It is a good strategy to study interesting physics in a simple system, because that's where we can hope to understand the fundamental principles," Sanchez-Barriga explains. "The experimental verification of the topological property of this material required us to directly observe its electronic structure in a highly excited state with time, spin, energy and momentum resolutions, and in this way we accessed an unusual electron dynamics," adds Sanchez-Barriga. The aim was to understand how fast excited electrons in the bulk and on the surface of Sb react to the external energy input, and to explore the mechanisms governing their response. "By controlling the time delay between the initial laser excitation and the second pulse that allows us to probe the electronic structure, we were able to build up a full time-resolved picture of how excited states leave and return to equilibrium on ultrafast time scales. The unique combination of time and spin-resolved capabilities also allowed us to directly probe the spin-polarization of excited states far out-of-equilibrium", says Dr. Oliver J. Clark. The data show a 'kink' structure in transiently occupied energy-momentum dispersion of surface states, which can be interpreted as an increase in effective electron mass. The authors were able to show that this mass enhancement plays a decisive role in determining the complex interplay in the dynamical behaviors of electrons from the bulk and the surface, also depending on their spin, following the ultrafast optical excitation. "Our research reveals which essential properties of this class of materials are the key to systematically control the relevant time scales in which lossless spin-polarized currents could be generated and manipulated," explains Sanchez-Barriga. These are important steps on the way to spintronic devices which based on topological materials possess advanced functionalities for ultrafast information processing. Explore further Iluminating a control knob for topological insulators More information: Oliver J. Clark et al, Observation of a giant mass enhancement in the ultrafast electron dynamics of a topological semimetal, Communications Physics (2021). Journal information: Communications Physics Oliver J. Clark et al, Observation of a giant mass enhancement in the ultrafast electron dynamics of a topological semimetal,(2021). DOI: 10.1038/s42005-021-00657-6 Oil and natural gas wells require concrete to seal the area between the well casing and the surrounding borehole, but because of the high temperatures and pressures at depth, it has been hard to study how these specialized cements harden. Now, a new method developed at MIT can help to fill in that missing knowledge. CC0:Public Domain Greenland dropped all plans for future oil exploration on environmental grounds, saying the price of extraction was "too high." The island's socialist-led government, in office since April, has made climate concerns central to its legislative program. While the decision to scrap planned exploration is a win for environmental groups, it cuts off potential investments that could have aided efforts to gain economic independence from Denmark. The government "has decided to cease issuing new licenses for oil and gas exploration," it said in a statement. "This step has been taken for the sake of our nature, for the sake of our fisheries, for the sake of our tourism industry, and to focus our business on sustainable potentials." Ten years ago, Greenland had become a hotspot for drillers as a commodity-price boom attracted not only oil explorers but miners of diamonds, iron, rare earths and other metals. But crude's subsequent crash made extraction uneconomic offshorewhere drilling would be hampered by large floating icebergsand the official ban now puts an end to dreams of energy riches. Although the Inuit Ataqatigiit ruling party campaigned on seeking greater autonomy from Denmarkwhich still oversees Greenland's foreign, defense and monetary policiesits program has yet to offer a sustainable alternative to Danish economic support for its 56,000 inhabitants, which amounts to about $600 million a year. The decision to abandon oil exploration comes amid increasingly alarming signs of global warming for Greenlanders. Average sea levels have risen about 9 inches since 1880, and about a quarter of that increase comes from ice melting in the Greenland and Antarctica ice sheets, along with land-based glaciers elsewhere, according to a study published in Nature in May. Greenland's west coast alone is estimated to contain about 18 billion barrels of oil, according to a recent study from the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland. The U.S. Geological Survey has previously estimated that there may be double that volume in crude and natural gas in the east. The island isn't banning all mineral exploration. Earlier this month, Canadian miner AEX Gold Inc.already the largest exploration license holder on the territoryapplied for another permit to explore for copper and gold in the south. But fossil fuels are out. "The Greenlandic government believes that the price of oil extraction is too high," it said in the statement. "This is based upon economic calculations, but considerations of the impact on climate and the environment also play a central role in the decision." A number of other European countries have also scrapped plans for oil exploration in recent years, including Denmark itself, France, Spain and Ireland. Explore further Denmark to end North Sea oil and gas production by 2050 2021 Bloomberg L.P. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Hard-boiled egg encourages meerkats to weigh themselves. Credit: Dominic Cram Meerkats love hard-boiled eggs. This was the chance discovery that allowed Professor Tim Clutton-Brock unprecedented access to a society of wild meerkats, and the key that unlocked a thirty year research study. Clutton-Brock, Emeritus Prince Philip Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology in Cambridge's Department of Zoology, is fascinated by how animal societies are organizedand how this affects their ecology and evolution. Meerkats breed 'cooperatively," that is, one female in each group breeds and the rest of the group work to support her and raise her young but do not breed themselves. Ants and bees live in societies this way, but in mammals cooperative breeding is rare. "What's the benefit to the individuals who don't get to breed, but spend their time helping others?" Clutton-Brock asks. Charles Darwin himself was challenged by the phenomenon in bees and ants; cooperative breeding seems entirely at odds with the principle of 'survival of the fittest," in which success means passing on your genes to the next generation. In 1993 Clutton-Brock set off for the southern Kalahari desert in South Africa, where a TV crew had just finished filming meerkat groups. "It was the first time I'd seen meerkats in the wild," he says. "It was fantasticyou could go right up to them because they'd become habituated to having the film crew around. There are very few wild animals you can do that with. I thought: if we could have a dozen groups habituated like this, we could explore the costs and benefits of cooperative breeding." Many animal studies are based on just one or two groups, but with a dozen groups, Clutton-Brock reasoned, there would be enough data to get a much more accurate picture of what cooperative breeding was all about. He went home, successfully applied for a research grant, hired assistants, and went straight back to South Africa to get to work. Gaining acceptance The team's first challenge was to get the meerkats used to their presence. "We tried all sorts of rewards to get the meerkats to tolerate usmealworms, grasshoppers, peanut butter, but they weren't interested," he says. "We knew they raid plovers' nests for the eggs, so we tried breaking a hen's egg over their heads so it ran down the sides of their faces, to get them to lick it off. It didn't work. But in the desert heat one of the eggs cooked on the side of a burrow, and they ate that straight away." The lure of the hard-boiled egg has enabled Clutton-Brock to persuade meerkats to be active participants in his research ever since. Rather than catch or anesthetize them for daily weighing, which can cause them to dehabituate very quickly, he uses hard-boiled egg to persuade them to climb onto the scales and weigh themselves. "The problem very swiftly became that they all wanted to climb onto the scales together," he laughs. "But we've developed a system of weighing them individually each the morning, lunchtime and evening, to track weight changes through the day and overnight." The information is used to explore the costs of helping, the distribution of workload across individuals, and the extent to which dominant breeders constrain the development of others in the group. Hard-boiled egg has even allowed the team to perform ultrasound examinations on pregnant female meerkats. "We feed them crumbs of hard-boiled egg with one hand, and can ultrasound their tummy with the other hand. Remember these are fully wild animals! That's very unusual," says Clutton-Brock. Building the project When the value of the local currency crashed in 2001, Clutton-Brock realized that for the cost of running the meerkat project for a year, it would be possible to own his study site in the Kalahari outright. He seized the opportunity. Raising funds to buy the site and setting up a trust to own it, he created the Kalahari Research Center and established the project on a more permanent footing. "Buying your field site means your study is no longer at the mercy of whoever owns the land," he says. "I don't know of anyone else who's been able to do it." With full control of the study sitean area of around 25 km2 the project team has been able to habituate 10 -15 groups of meerkats at a time, a total of around 200 animals. A researcher ultrasounds a pregnant female meerkat. Credit: University of Cambridge Telling individuals apart requires each meerkat to be microchipped and given a five letter code, which identifies its file on the group's database. But the scientists also name them, with naming rights going to the first person to spot a new pup emerging from its burrow. "We give the meerkats all sorts of names: Mozart, Houdini, Stinker," Clutton-Brock says. "People sometimes suggest it's anthropomorphic, but what you want is a label that clearly identifies which animal you're talking about. When you have hundreds to remember it's much easier to use a name than a code." The opportunity to work with the meerkats continues to draw volunteersusually biology graduatesas well as Ph.D. students, postdocs and more senior researchers from around the world. Over the last 30 years, several hundred people have spent time at the project before moving on to careers elsewhere. Anyone who can afford to get to the study site can apply to volunteer, as most of the costs are covered by the research project. Some people stay for several years. The meerkats have become so habituated that scientists can gain incredible insights into their society and the ecological consequences of cooperative breeding. Clutton-Brock's team has now followed over 3,000 individuals throughout their lives: monitoring hormonal changes by collecting samples of blood, skin and feces from recognizable individuals, and using DNA fingerprinting to identify kinship and breeding success. These records of individual life histories allow them to investigate how events at one stage of a meerkat's life affect its development, behavior, health and breeding throughout the rest of its life. This provides opportunities to explore many different biological processes, and the team now collaborates with endocrinologists, geneticists, physiologists, epidemiologists and demographers from a dozen different countries. "There are very few wild animals for which detailed records of the lives of individuals exist," says Clutton-Brock. "We've used genetic analyses to plot family trees, and to develop pedigrees that allow us to start exploring the heritability of particular traits." The duration of the study means that the team can measure the consequences of climate change for the survival and development of the meerkats. Summer temperatures in the Kalahari have risen steadily over the last 20 years, and days over 40oC are now more than twice as common as when the project started. This is associated with reductions in feeding time and ability to produce offspring, and increases in adult mortality. If the trend continues, meerkats may disappear from parts of their current range. Finding TV fame About sixteen years ago Clutton-Brock was contacted by Oxford Scientific Films, who wanted to make a documentary series about the meerkats on his Kalahari site. "I said I shouldn't recommend itit would be very boring and no-one would want to watch," he says. "Of course I was absolutely wrong!" The 13-part series, Meerkat Manor, was first shown in 2005 and was a huge success, winning awards and leading to a further three series. It followed a meerkat family led by a dominant female called Flower, until she died of a snake bite and was succeeded by her daughter, Rocket Dog. The New York Times described the series as "so entertaining that resistance is futile." Clutton-Brock says that if you've seen any meerkat documentary it was most probably filmed at the Kalahari Meerkat Project. Despite knowing that around a quarter of all meerkats get eaten by predators each year, and all groups eventually go extinct, Clutton-Brock can't help having favorite groups. "We've monitored one group for around thirty years. No families persist forever, but I'll be particularly sad when they eventually die out." Professor Tim Clutton-Brock shares 10 facts about meerkats 1. Meerkats live in groups, with one dominant female who monopolizes reproduction. Living in groups of up to 50 (but usually 10-20) gives protection from the unpredictable desert environment, where variation in rainfall leads to large fluctuations in food availability. 2. Helpers babysit pups for a day at a time, providing food until they are three months old. Babysitters can't eat while on duty and have to go a whole day without foodso helpers take turns to babysit. Everyone in the group contributes to feeding pups, adjusting the amount of food they give pups to the amount of time the pups spend begging. Credit: University of Cambridge 3. Helpers take turns to go on lookout duty while everyone else is feeding. A 'watchman's call' tells the group who is on duty and looking out for predators, so the others can concentrate on feeding. Standing on their hind legs helps sentinels see further. Meerkats on sentinel duty make calls that carry a surprising amount of information about the dangers they spot (listen here). They have different calls for eagles, snakes and jackals, adjusted for danger level from "I'm not quite sure about this," to "RUN FOR YOUR LIFE!" 4. Dominant females are more likely to breed successfully if they have lots of helpers to find food. Pups in large groups get more food, grow faster and have higher chances of surviving and breeding successfully. Large groups can also displace their neighbors and extend their rangegroups are territorial and compete intensely. They often go on forays in the ranges of neighbors and will attack and kill pups left at breeding burrowsand babysitters too if they get a chance. 5. Breeding females stop their daughters breedingeven if that means killing their own granddaughters. From the dominant female's perspective, children are preferable to grandchildren because they're more closely related to her. 6. Dominant females can produce up to four litters a year, so long-lived females can produce a lot of offspring. The most successful female the Kalahari Meerkat Project studied reared 81 pups in her life. This is only possible because the rest of the group looks after them. 7. Dominant females usually breed with single male, who has immigrated from another group. As a result, meerkats born in the group are close relatives; many are full siblings. The high levels of kinship between group members facilitate the evolution of helping since, on average, brothers and sisters share 50% of their genes. 8. Females seldom mate with closely related males to avoid the costs of inbreeding, so adolescent males have to look elsewhere. Males start to visit neighboring groups after the age of threeif the resident males see them they attack immediately, and kill if they can. If they're not spotted, roving males can sometimes mate with subordinate females. When they eventually find a group without a resident male, they stay there, become the dominant male and breed with the resident female. 9. When a dominant female dies she is succeeded by the oldest subordinate femalenormally one of her daughters. Sisters often compete intensely for the dominant position since this may provide their only chance of breeding. The oldest and heaviest female usually wins. Females are likely to lose their place in the breeding queue if their younger sisters outgrow themto avoid this they adjust their growth rates, growing faster if their younger sisters are doing so. 10. Mortality is high, since meerkats live in open country with the risk of predation by snakes, eagles, jackals and wild cats. Around a fifth of all individuals die each year, so that few live for more than five yearsalthough successful breeding females can reach 12 or 13 years old. Explore further Stressed-out meerkats less likely to help group Credit: contains modified Copernicus Sentinel data (2020), processed by ESA, CC BY-SA 3.0 IGO The commercial and industrial center of Peru, Lima is located on the mostly flat terrain in the Peruvian coastal plain, within the valleys of the Chillon, Rimac and Lurin rivers. The city is bordered on the east by the foothills of the Andes Mountains and on the west by the Pacific Ocean. Lima can be seen directly on the south bank of the Rimac River, which flows for around 200 km through the Lima Region, before emptying near Callaoa seaside city and port in the Lima metropolitan area (the largest metropolitan area of Peru). Lima's historical center was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988 owing to its large number of historical buildings dating from the Spanish colonial era. One of the most notable characteristics of Lima is the barren desert that surrounds the city, with the sand supporting little to no plant life, with the exception of where water has been artificially provided. Although Lima is located at a tropical latitude, the cool offshore Humboldt Current (also known as the Peru Current) produces a year-round temperate climate. The cooling of the coastal air mass produces thick cloud cover throughout winter and the dense sea mist, known locally as garua, often rolls in to blanket the city. In this image, captured on 20 April 2020, several cloud formations can be seen dotted along the coast. Callao is Peru's main seaport and home to its main airport, Jorge Chavez International Airport. Several small boats and vessels can be seen near the port. Callao has several islands: San Lorenzo Island (currently used as a military base), El Fronton (a former high security prison), the Cavinzas Islands, and the Palomino Islands, where numerous sea lions and sea birds live. The Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission consists of a pair of twin satellites that orbit Earth once every 100 minutes, together imaging a path on Earth's surface 580 kilometers wide. The satellites observe in 13 spectral bandsfrom visible to infrared lightgiving various perspectives on land and vegetation. This means that the mission can be used to retrieve a wealth of different information about Earth's surface. Explore further Strong earthquake shakes Peru's capital Lima Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain The looting of businesses, shopping centers and warehouses in South Africa over the past week, particularly in the KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng provinces, has taken place at an unprecedented scale. It has affected both poor and middle-class areas. Private as well as government property has been damaged and destroyed. People have been injured and lives have been lost. A variety of narratives have emerged in an effort to explain the looting frenzy. Some have accused die-hard supporters of former president Jacob Zuma of fuelling the unrest. Others have intimated that the looting is a consequence of state capture and the high level of criminality in South Africa. There have been suggestions that the current disorder is akin to a rebellion of the poor brought about by acute food insecurity. Research findings on looting, nonetheless, suggest that such phenomena are rarely caused by one thing. Rather, it's often the outcome of various factors. Looting in South Africa has taken place intermittently for decades in the context of an ongoing crisis of poverty, inequality and unemployment. It occurred under apartheid and continued to take place after democracy 1994. But it has traditionally been largely confined to marginalised urban and peri-urban areas. Incidents of looting have often been synonymous with outbreaks of xenophobic violence and service delivery protests. These have overwhelmingly happened in townships and informal settlements in which shops and businesses owned by foreign nationals have been plundered. A study on xenophobic violence and the spaza shop sector by myself and researchers from the Safety and Violence Initiative showed that looting was often a highly localized phenomenon. That is, foreign-owned spaza shops (small, informal retail outlets) were vulnerable to looting in communities where a combination of factors were at play. Among them were intense xenophobic attitudes, ineffective measures to regulate competition among shop owners, dysfunctional community leadership and the alienation of foreign shop owners. We noted in our study the uncomfortable reality that a key driver of looting was that it was perceived by the looters to be socially acceptable. And it was often encouraged and endorsed within social and community networks. Our findings echo those in a number of publications on looting in the US and England. However, as underscored in our report, looting does not spontaneously emerge. It usually comes about due to instigation by influential individuals or groups who actively articulate that looting against specific targets is permissible and justifiable. The drivers In political violence literature, the process of active encouragement is often referred to as brokerage. A good example was during the storming of the Capitol building in Washington DC. Trump supporters were actively encouraged to engage in acts of sedition by leaders of extremist groups. Brokerage has been a central feature of the current looting spree in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng. Supporters of Jacob Zuma have been actively encouraging South Africans to engage in acts of violence and civil disobedience. Individuals who are more prone to violence and criminal offending tend to initiate the looting. Ordinary people may then join. Acts of looting are often contagious and develop a life of their own. This is due to group dynamics where acts of looting by some may encourage others. In addition, collective disorder offers a degree of camouflage and impunity for criminal actions. The absence of capable guardians, such as police and private security, can also contribute to looting by ordinary people. Another important observation from the xenophobic violence study was that the looting of spaza shops tended to be more widespread in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng. This was due to the greater prevalence of groups and networks willing to engage in various forms of collective violence. Action taken included protests, extortion, political assassinations, taxi conflicts and hostel violence. This mainly entails violence between groups of residents over control of hostels, which are often badly maintained. Recent reports have suggested that groups and networks like this have contributed to igniting and accelerating the present spate of looting. The intensity of the ongoing looting in parts of KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng signifies a convergence of brokerage, an upsurge in attitudes that looting is socially allowable, and a willingness of certain pro-violence groups and networks to actively facilitate looting across the two provinces. But these factors don't adequately account for the significant shift of the looting into middle class retail areas and commercial properties. The grand scale and bold nature of suggests well-resourced "hidden hands" that have expertise in provoking and instigating civil disorder. Poor state of security A report published in December 2018 revealed deeply troubling findings about state security in South Africa. The report was drawn up by the high-level review panel on the country's State Security Agency. In particular, it showed that elements within the intelligence services at the time had access to large sums of money and had not only fuelled political factionalism but had engaged in sophisticated "dirty tricks" operations against governing party factions aligned to President Cyril Ramaphosa. The police minister announced on Wednesday that former intelligence operatives and Zuma loyalists, some of whom may still be on the State Security Agency payroll, were under investigation for possibly instigating the looting and disorder. Explore further Study shows ISIS is not the only culprit in war-related looting in Syria This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. An orbital diagram showing the path of Comet C/2014 UN271 (Bernardinelli-Bernstein) through the Solar System. The comets path is shown in gray when it is below the plane of the planets and in bold white when it is above the plane. Credit: NASA A newly discovered visitor to the outer edges of our solar system has been shown to be the largest known comet ever, thanks to the rapid response telescopes of Las Cumbres Observatory. The object, which is named Comet C/2014 UN271 Bernardinelli-Bernstein after its two discoverers, was first announced on Saturday, June 19th, 2021. C/2014 UN271 was found by reprocessing four years of data from the Dark Energy Survey, which was carried out using the 4-m Blanco telescope at Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory in Chile between 2013 and 2019. At the time of the announcement, there was no indication that this was an active world. Anticipation was immediately high among astronomers. C/2014 UN271 was inbound from the cold outer reaches of the solar system, so rapid imaging was needed to find out: when would the big new-found world start to show a comet's tail? Las Cumbres Observatory was quickly able to determine whether the object had become an active comet in the three years since it was first seen by the Dark Energy Survey. "Since the new object was far in the south and quite faint, we knew there wouldn't be many other telescopes that could observe it," says Dr. Tim Lister, Staff Scientist at Las Cumbres Observatory (LCO). "Fortunately LCO has a network of robotic telescopes across the world, particularly in the Southern Hemisphere, and we were able to quickly get images from the LCO telescopes in South Africa,"' explained Tim Lister. The images from one of LCO's 1-meter telescopes hosted at the South African Astronomical Observatory, came in around 9pm PDT on Monday night June 22. Astronomers in New Zealand who are members of the LCO Outbursting Objects Key (LOOK) Project were the first to notice the new comet. "Since we're a team based all around the world, it just happened that it was my afternoon, while the other folks were asleep. The first image had the comet obscured by a satellite streak and my heart sank. But then the others were clear enough and gosh: there it was, definitely a beautiful little fuzzy dot, not at all crisp like its neighboring stars," said Dr. Michele Bannister at New Zealand's University of Canterbury. Analysis of the LCO images showed a fuzzy coma around the object, indicating that it was active and was indeed a comet, even though it is still out at a remarkable distance of more than 1,800,000,000 miles, more than double Saturn's distance from the sun. Comet C/2014 UN271 (Bernardinelli-Bernstein), as seen in a synthetic color composite image made with the Las Cumbres Observatory 1-meter telescope at Sutherland, South Africa, on 22 June 2021. The diffuse cloud is the comets coma. Credit: LOOK/LCO The comet is estimated to be over 100km in diameter, which is more than three times the size of the next biggest comet nucleus we know, Comet Hale-Bopp, which was discovered in 1995. This comet is not expected to become naked-eye bright: it will remain a telescopic object because its closest distance to the sun will still be beyond Saturn. Since Comet C/2014 UN271 was discovered so far out, astronomers will have over a decade to study it. It will reach its closest approach to the sun in January of 2031. A recent article in the New York Times about the comet details its predicted travel. Thus Tim Lister and the other astronomers of the LOOK Project will have plenty of time to use the telescopes of Las Cumbres Observatory to study C/2014 UN271. The LOOK Project is continuing to observe the behavior of a large number of comets and how their activity evolves as they come closer towards the sun. The scientists are also using the rapid response capability of LCO to get observations very quickly when a comet goes into an outburst. "There are now a large number of surveys, such as the Zwicky Transient Facility and the upcoming Vera C. Rubin Observatory, that are monitoring parts of the sky every night. These surveys can provide alerts if one of the comets changes brightness suddenly and then we can trigger the robotic telescopes of LCO to get us more detailed data and a longer look at the changing comet while the survey moves onto other areas of the sky," explains Tim Lister. "The robotic telescopes and sophisticated software of LCO allow us to get images of a new event within 15 minutes of an alert. This lets us really study these outbursts as they evolve." Explore further Space object with orbit stretching into the Oort cloud discovered Credit: CC0 Public Domain A new way of producing coherent light in the ultra-violet spectral region, which points the way to developing brilliant table-top X-ray sources, has been produced in research led at the University of Strathclyde. The scientists have developed a type of ultra-short wavelength coherent light source that does not require laser action to produce coherence. Common electron-beam based light sources, known as fourth-generation light sources, are based on the free-electron laser (FEL), which uses an undulator to convert electron beam energy into X-rays. Coherent light sources are powerful tools that enable research in many areas of medicine, biology, material sciences, chemistry and physics. This new way of producing coherent radiation could revolutionise light sources, as it would make them highly compact, essentially table-top size, and capable of producing ultra-short duration pulses of light, much shorter than can be produced easily by any other means. Making ultraviolet and X-ray coherent light sources more widely available would transform the way science is done; a university could have one of the devices in a single room, on a table top, for a reasonable price. The group is now planning a proof-of-principle experiment in the ultraviolet spectral range to demonstrate this new way of producing coherent light. If successful, it should dramatically accelerate the development of even shorter wavelength coherent sources based on the same principle. The Strathclyde group has set up a facility to investigate these types of sources: the Scottish Centre for the Application of Plasma-based Accelerators (SCAPA), which hosts one of the highest power lasers in the UK. The new research has been published in Scientific Reports, one of the Nature family of journals. Professor Dino Jaroszynski, of Strathclyde's Department of Physics, led the research. He says that "this work significantly advances the state-of-the-art of synchrotron sources by proposing a new method of producing short-wavelength coherent radiation, using a short undulator and attosecond duration electron bunches." "This is more compact and less demanding on the electron beam quality than free-electron lasers and could provide a paradigm shift in light sources, which would stimulate a new direction of research. It proposes to use bunch compressionas in chirped pulse amplification laserswithin the undulator to significantly enhance the radiation brightness." "The new method presented would be of wide interest to a diverse community developing and using light sources." In FELs, as in all lasers, the intensity of light is amplified by a feedback mechanism that locks the phases of individual radiators, which in this case are 'free' electrons. In the FEL, this is achieved by passing a high energy electron beam through the undulator, which is an array of alternating polarity magnets. Light emitted from the electrons as they wiggle through the undulator creates a force called the ponderomotive force that bunches the electronssome are slowed down, some are sped up, which causes bunching, similar to traffic on a motorway periodically slowing and speeding up. Electrons passing through the undulator radiate incoherent light if they are uniformly distributedfor every electron that emits light, there is another electron that partially cancels out the light because they radiate out of phase. An analogy of this partial canceling out is rain on the sea: it produces many small ripples that partially cancel each other out, effectively quelling the wavesreducing their amplitude. In contrast, steady or pulsating wind will cause the waves to amplify through the mutual interaction of the wind with the sea. In the FEL, electron bunching causes amplification of the light and the increase in its coherence, which usually takes a long timethus very long undulators are required. In an X-ray FEL, the undulators can be more than a hundred meters long. The accelerators driving these X-ray FELs are kilometers long, which makes these devices very expensive and some of the largest instruments in the world. However, using a free-electron laser to produce coherent radiation is not the only way; a "pre-bunched" beam or ultra-short electron bunch can also be used to achieve exactly the same coherence in a very short undulator that is less than a meter in length. As long as the electron bunch is shorter than the wavelength of the light produced by the undulator, it will automatically produce coherent lightall the light waves will add up or interfere constructively, which leads to very brilliant light with exactly the same properties of light from a laser. The researchers have demonstrated theoretically that this can be achieved using a laser-plasma wakefield accelerator, which produces electron bunches that can have a length of a few tens of nanometres. They show that if these ultra-short bunches of high energy electrons pass through a short undulator, they can produce as may photons as a very expensive FEL can produce. Moreover, they have also shown that by producing an electron bunch that has an energy "chirp", they can ballistically compress the bunch to a very short duration inside the undulator, which provides a unique way of going to even shorter electron bunches and therefore produce even shorter wavelength light. More information: Enrico Brunetti et al, Vacuum ultraviolet coherent undulator radiation from attosecond electron bunches, Scientific Reports (2021). Journal information: Nature , Scientific Reports Enrico Brunetti et al, Vacuum ultraviolet coherent undulator radiation from attosecond electron bunches,(2021). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-93640-8 China relies on coal for 60 percent of its energy needs and since 2011 has burned more coal each year than the rest of the world combined, according to the US Center for Strategic and International Studies. China Friday launched the world's biggest carbon trading system to help lower emissions, but critics and analysts have raised doubts about whether it will have a significant impact. China is the world's biggest emitter of the greenhouse gases that drive climate change, and the scheme is part of its efforts to decarbonise its economy by 2060. Here are a series of questions and answers on the emissions trading scheme (ETS): How does it work? The scheme, launched on July 16, effectively puts a price on emitting carbon. It allows provincial governments tofor the first timeset pollution caps for big power companies, and lets firms buy the right to pollute from others with a lower carbon footprint. However, in its first phase the scheme only covers the electricity sector, involving 2,162 power producers emitting four billion tonnes of carbon each yearabout 30 percent of China's total emissions. Officials say they plan to add cement companies and some aluminium makers to the scheme next year. Local governments issue a certificate for every tonne of carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gas equivalent which a company is allowed to emit, and companies pay fines for not complying. "Companies can either cut emissions or pay to pollute, but the latter will become pricier over time as governments issue fewer pollution permits," said Zhang Jianyu, vice-president of Environmental Defense Fund China. And, in a rare move to improve transparency, companies involved in the trading system will have to make their pollution data public and get third parties to audit emissions records. But random checks by the environment ministry last month found that one in three companies emitted more CO2 than their reported amount. Analysts also said fines for non-compliance were too low to deter pollution. Will it drive down emissions? Not nearly as much or as quickly as first hoped. Initial, broader plans would have covered 70 to 80 percent of China's emissions. These covered heavy polluters in seven other sectors including aviation, steel and petrochemical manufacturing. Pollution permits are also being given out for free instead of at auctionunlike schemes operating in the European Union or Californiawhich means there is less incentive to slash emissions quickly. The market kicked off with a first trade at 52.8 yuan ($8) per tonne, which is far below the $57 in the EU scheme. Li Shuo from Greenpeace China said these low carbon prices "aren't enough to push companies to invest in greening their operations". Whether the ETS will help reduce emissions in the long run will depend on the stringency of the caps, expanding its scope and strict enforcement. A commission on carbon prices formed in 2017 and helmed by the economists Joseph Stiglitz and Nicholas Stern indicated that carbon needed to be priced somewhere in the $50-100 range by 2030 if the markets and prices were to have any impact on investment decisions. How is China setting emissions caps? New rules issued by China's environment ministry in December are urging businesses to reduce carbon intensityor the amount of pollution produced per unit of GDPinstead of slashing the total amount of greenhouse gas emissions. Lauri Myllyvirta, a lead analyst at the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air, said it was a "subtle but important difference" which could even make new coal power plants more economically attractive. Pressure from the country's powerful coal lobby is weighing on efforts to curb emissions. China relies on coal for 60 percent of its energy needs and since 2011 has burned more coal each year than the rest of the world combined, according to the US Center for Strategic and International Studies. Capacity keeps growing too, with three times more coal-power generation capacity added in China than in the rest of the world together last year, data from the US think tank Global Energy Monitor showed. What's next? China is drafting a new climate change law that environmentalists say might address some of the shortcomings in the current carbon trading system. Campaigners are also hoping the current scheme gets rolled out across more industries, with stricter penalties. "China... has set a long-term goal to be carbon neutral (but) the carbon market in its current form just isn't going to play much of a role in realising these ambitions," Myllyvirta said. "It could become an important tool in the future, and very fast, if the government decides to give it teeth." 2021 AFP Credit: Shutterstock To help address gaps in measurement and provide organizations with a tool to track the self-reliance of refugees and other displaced populations over time, researchers at the Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis have developed a Self-Reliance Index (SRI). "Humanitarian actors are increasingly recognizing the need to shift focus from providing refugees with immediate assistance to promoting their ability to obtain sustained self-reliance. Until now, we haven't had a comprehensive tool to measure progress toward this goal," said Ilana Seff, research assistant professor and lead author of the paper, "Measuring self-reliance among refugee and internally displaced households: The development of an index in humanitarian settings," published July 10 in the journal Conflict and Health. "The Self-Reliance Index is unique in that it provides a holistic picture of a household's self-reliance, beyond just economic indicators, allowing policy makers and practitioners to track changes over time," said Lindsay Stark, associate professor and senior author. The index comprises 12 domains to try to show how a refugee family may fare on its own, including housing, food, education, healthcare, health status, safety, employment, financial resources, assistance, debt, savings and social capital. Along with partners at the Women Refugee Commission and RefugePoint, Seff and Stark spent two years developing a tool that could be contextually adapted for different settings while still maintaining global relevance. The team worked with several organizations to further inform the testing of the index after initial efforts to pilot the tool in Nairobi, Kenya; Amman, Jordan; and Palenque, Mexico. Data were collected by RefugePoint in Kenya, AsylumAccess in Mexico, the Danish Refugee Council in Lebanon and Caritas Switzerland in Syria. Since the SRI's official release, the tool has been built into several popular data platforms among humanitarian NGOs so that it can be used to screen for program eligibility, generate a more holistic picture of organizations' refugee clients, support program evaluations, and for policy/advocacy efforts. To date, it has been used in more than 20 settings across the globe. "Ultimately, we hope the Self-Reliance Index can help the humanitarian field move beyond stop-gap programming to support refugees to thrive as self-sufficient, actively engaged members of society," Seff said. Explore further Syrian refugees in Lebanon need targeted efforts to rebuild their lives More information: Ilana Seff et al, Measuring self-reliance among refugee and internally displaced households: the development of an index in humanitarian settings, Conflict and Health (2021). Ilana Seff et al, Measuring self-reliance among refugee and internally displaced households: the development of an index in humanitarian settings,(2021). DOI: 10.1186/s13031-021-00389-y Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain Do you feel a bit sluggish after weekends? Would taking Friday or Monday off do the trick? Researchers from UK think tank Autonomy and the non-profit Association for Sustainability and Democracy (Alda) tend to agree in their joint report. They claim that 40-hour workweeks aren't necessary and even harmful to our well-being. Getting used to a new way of working The report presents the results of a large-scale 4-day-week trial held in Iceland between 2015 and 2019. More than 1% (2 500) of the country's working population participated in the pilot program. Public sector employees cut their working hours by about five hours a week, or 3536 hours instead of 40, with no reduction in overall pay. Findings showed that productivity and services remained the same or improved across most settings. Well-being improved considerably, from stress and burnout to health and work-life balance. "This study shows that the world's largest ever trial of a shorter working week in the public sector was by all measures an overwhelming success," Will Stronge, director of research at Autonomy, told the "BBC." "It shows that the public sector is ripe for being a pioneer of shorter working weeksand lessons can be learned for other governments." Alda researcher Gudmundur Haraldsson added: "The Icelandic shorter working week journey tells us that not only is it possible to work less in modern times, but that progressive change is possible too." Daiga Kamerade, associate professor of work and well-being at the United Kingdom's University of Salford, told "CNN' that researching the public sector with potentially better working conditions than the private domain could have influenced the outcomes. "Reducing the working week from 40 to 35-36 hours is a first step towards a shorter working week, we need similar large-scale trials that push this reduction furtherfor example, looking at a true four days working week of 32 hours or less." Will four-day workweeks become a thing? Unsurprisingly, most participants wanted to carry on with the four-day arrangement. Today, 86% of Iceland's workforce are working less hours or earning the right to shorten their hours. "Recognition of the coming impact of automation and technological change on our working lives, alongside a burgeoning desire to spend less time tied up in work has put a reduction in working hours firmly on the policy-making table," concluded the report. "The ongoing COVID pandemic has only accelerated this, fuelling rapid transitions to remote work, and unexpected increases in free time as workers have abandoned their commutes or found themselves placed on reduced working hours. It has become more and more clear that few wish to return to pre-pandemic working conditions: a desire for a reduced working week is set to define 'the new normal.'" Could the 4-day week be the start of a new trend as we continue to adapt to the impact of COVID-19 and Industry 4.0? Ask your higher-ups what they think. You might want to show them this article first. More information: Going Public: Iceland's Journey to a Shorter Working Week - Going Public: Iceland's Journey to a Shorter Working Week - en.alda.is/2021/07/04/going-pu horter-working-week/ QUEENSBURY Warren County will be putting a survey on its website next week to get residents input on how to spend federal stimulus money. Were asking them for their thoughts on how we can best utilize the approximately $12 million coming into Warren County, said Rachel Seeber, chairwoman of the county Board of Supervisors, on Friday. The county will provide printed copies of the survey at the Warren County Municipal Center for people who do not have online access. Information on the website will detail how the money can be spent. Funding from the American Rescue Plan can be used to pay for expenses incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic and to make up for shortfalls in government revenues. It can also be used to upgrade water, sewer and broadband infrastructure. The government can also use the funds for projects to address homelessness, child care, health care and educational disparities and tp assist small businesses. The various suggestions will be compiled in a spreadsheet that can be put on the website and shared with the board. Warren County Treasurer Mike Swan and Stony Creek Supervisor Frank Thomas will serve as the public liaisons on the use of federal stimulus dollars. Today is Wednesday, July 14, 2021. Let's get caught up. Here's what you should know today: Senate Democrats reached a deal on a $3.5 trillion budget that largely backs President Biden's top priorities; Pope Francis is back at work after 10-day hospitalization; and it was the Shohei Otahni show at MLB's All-Star game. Keep scrolling for today's top stories, this date in history and celebrity birthdays. TOP STORIES Senate Democrats' $3.5T budget deal backs up Biden's goals WASHINGTON (AP) Senate Democrats say they have reached a budget agreement envisioning spending an enormous $3.5 trillion over the coming decade, paving the way for their drive to pour federal resources into climate change, health care and family service programs sought by President Joe Biden. The accord announced Tuesday night marks a major step in the partys push to meet Bidens goal of bolstering an economy that was ravaged by the coronavirus pandemic and setting it on course for long-term growth and includes a Medicare expansion of vision, hearing and dental benefits for older Americans, a goal of progressives. Police blotter information is supplied by local police departments and other law enforcement agencies. All persons named are presumed innocent unless proven guilty. Jason J. Bishop, 46, Egg Harbor Township, was arrested June 26 and charged with simple assault. Liliana Parada, 21, Absecon, was arrested June 27 and charged with DWI. Thomas F. Dougherty, 78, of Northfield, was arrested June 29 and charged with threaten to commit crime, harassment, possession of an unlawful weapon. Rajieve Henry, 18, Egg Harbor Township, was arrested July 1 and charged with simple assault. Justin A. Horton, 31, Mays Landing, was arrested June 24 and charged with stalking, harassment, cyber harassment. Derrick T. Ellis Jr., 40, Atlantic City, was arrested July 2 and charged with shoplifting. Thomas M. Delgesso Jr., 25, Atlantic City, was arrested July 4 and charged with shoplifting. Trecy T. Davis, 28, Egg Harbor Township, was arrested July 6 and charged with simple assault. Education featured They've served on the front lines during COVID, now Atlantic Cape nursing students graduate MATTHEW STRABUK, FOR THE PRESS Emily Sproule, 23, of Galloway Township, exits her car to proceed to her graduation pin presentation Wednesday at Atlantic Cape Community College in Mays Landing. MATTHEW STRABUK FOR THE PRESS On July 14 2021, in Mays Landing at the Atlantic Cape Community College, a drive-through ceremony for 75 graduating nursing students was held. All of the graduates worked on the pandemic frontlines, working at vaccination mega sites this spring. MATTHEW STRABUK FOR THE PRESS On July 14 2021, in Mays Landing at the Atlantic Cape Community College, a drive-through ceremony for 75 graduating nursing students was held. All of the graduates worked on the pandemic frontlines, working at vaccination mega sites this spring. MATTHEW STRABUK FOR THE PRESS On July 14 2021, in Mays Landing at the Atlantic Cape Community College, a drive-through ceremony for 75 graduating nursing students was held. All of the graduates worked on the pandemic frontlines, working at vaccination mega sites this spring. (l-r) Atlantic City resident and Graduate Shannon Wu, with her son Bao, 4. MATTHEW STRABUK, FOR THE PRESS Assistant professor of nursing Polly Thieler, left, presents Woodbine resident Nicolette Abad, 25, with her nursing pin. MATTHEW STRABUK, FOR THE PRESS Kristin Adams, right, of Galloway Township, with her children Emilia and Adelyn, 8 and 7, who watched their mom graduate from the roof of the car during a ceremony for nursing students Wednesday at Atlantic Cape Community College. MATTHEW STRABUK FOR THE PRESS On July 14 2021, in Mays Landing at the Atlantic Cape Community College, a drive-through ceremony for 75 graduating nursing students was held. All of the graduates worked on the pandemic frontlines, working at vaccination mega sites this spring. (l-r) Assistant Professor of Nursing Debbie Dagrosa presents graduate Valentina Ganta, 33, an Atlantic City resident, with her nursing pin. MATTHEW STRABUK FOR THE PRESS On July 14 2021, in Mays Landing at the Atlantic Cape Community College, a drive-through ceremony for 75 graduating nursing students was held. All of the graduates worked on the pandemic frontlines, working at vaccination mega sites this spring. MATTHEW STRABUK FOR THE PRESS On July 14 2021, in Mays Landing at the Atlantic Cape Community College, a drive-through ceremony for 75 graduating nursing students was held. All of the graduates worked on the pandemic frontlines, working at vaccination mega sites this spring. MATTHEW STRABUK FOR THE PRESS On July 14 2021, in Mays Landing at the Atlantic Cape Community College, a drive-through ceremony for 75 graduating nursing students was held. All of the graduates worked on the pandemic frontlines, working at vaccination mega sites this spring. MAYS LANDING On Wednesday, 75 nursing students from Atlantic Cape Community College received their pins in a drive-thru ceremony at the Mays Landing campus, marking the completion of the colleges two-year program and the culmination of a nursing education experience that like the pinning ceremony was anything but traditional due to the COVID-19 pandemic. They completed the nursing program, graduated from the college, achieved their nursing degree under the most incredible set of circumstances, said Myrna Morales-Keklak, assistant dean of nursing and health sciences. Not only did this years graduates attend most classes virtually, they had clinical experiences delayed and were part of a contingent of student nurses across the state that administered the COVID-19 vaccine at clinics and mega sites during the height of the pandemic. Our first clinical was actually at the (Atlantic City) mega site, said Shannon Wu, 23, of Atlantic City, who decided to become a nurse after her grandmother had a stroke when she was in high school and she felt helpless. It was so inspiring. Wu is going to work as a labor and delivery nurse at AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center. The pinning ceremony, when health care workers take a vow to care for the sick, dates to the 12th century. Typically, this happens at an in-person ceremony where the students also recite the Florence Nightingale pledge and receive awards and honors. This year, due to the pandemic, the students took their pledge in a virtual ceremony Tuesday and received their pin the following day. Chantina Portes, 39, of Galloway Township, was happy to be heading on to the next chapter in her career. Inspired by her son, who is autistic, Portes said she wants to work with developmentally disabled children. As a working mother, going to school full time was hard, but the pandemic added another level of difficulty because most of her work was online and she needed a quiet place to learn. I would say my car was my library, my everything. I studied in the car, I ate in the car while I studied, Portes said, joking that she should have bought stock in gasoline. It was rough but, hey, so is life. Northfield resident Paul Venesz, 33, had already gone to college for communications, but after getting laid off from a newspaper job, found his way to the beverage industry. Two years ago, he decided to make a change and follow in the footsteps of his mother, Susan, a retired nurse midwife. Everyone in the neighborhood would come to her for help if they were hurt or sick. She never had to worry about having a good paying job, Venesz said. The last year he said was different and required a lot of adjustments. We had to make a lot of on-the-fly adjustments to accommodate different kinds of closures and restrictions, especially with clinicals, he said. Venesz said being a part of the COVID-19 vaccine mega site at the Atlantic City Convention Center over the winter was a lot of fun. Atlantic Cape Celebrates The Class of 2021 MAYS LANDING Atlantic Cape Community College celebrates the achievements of the Class of 2021! More than 700 graduates were awarded degrees this year. Atlantic Cape was proud to showcase the graduate's accomplishments with a unique and personalized virtual graduation ceremony held on June 9th. For the first time ever, graduates also had the opportunity to participate in a Drive-Through ceremony on the Mays Landing Campus on May 20th. Congratulations to all of the graduates! That was a really good experience. Especially then. At that time, it was so much harder to get the vaccine, get an appointment for one, so the people coming in were so relieved, Venesz said. The graduates said they know the experiences they had going to nursing school in the middle of a worldwide pandemic and working to distribute the COVID-19 vaccine will help shape their future careers. I even told the girls, were a part of history, Portes said of her classmates. We are giving something that we need. If you want to get back to normal, then thats what were here for. Its a good awakening. Morales-Keklak called the challenges this class endured indescribable. Its about resiliency. Its about commitment. Im just so excited for them, she said. PHOTOS from Atlantic Cape Community College nursing school graduation Close Related Atlantic Cape Nursing Class of 2021 Nicolette Abad Genesis Acapulco Kristin Adams Oluwabunmi Ajisola Johnathan Alvarez Christopher Alvarez Arden Ammirato Cesar Arreola Nina Barone Katherine Barreda Begazo Emily Bell Michael Breslin Melissa Brown Cassandra (Mears) Cameron Ashley Canela Gina Capetola Erika Chu Angela Chung Olivia Clarke Gabrielle Collet Angela Constantino Sharon Dang Rachel David Aimee DeLeon Stacy Doherty Vanessa Fanio John Gallagher III Valentina Ganta Joana Garzon Hristina Georgieva Annalee Hagel Gabriela Hernandez Holly Heuer Megan Hudson Hannah Hutchins Anna Jasinski Kaylee Johnson Heather Jones Valya Kartselski Alexis Klosek Megan Krause Emily Krayer Phillip Lago Alayna Lawrence Samantha Leahey Emily Lemieux James Macabeo Hiraliz Matos Matthew Mattioli Taylor McCabe Aliscia Middleton-Williams Jessica Miraglia Taylor Molina-Ferraro Joelle Motley Karen Moylen Asya Murray Crystelle Nuttall Stephanie Osoria Kenneth Paggao Margaret Paluch Tiffany Pino Paulina Polanco Chantina Portes Nicholas Pyle Denise Randazzo Ashley Rodriguez Letitia Rodriguez Hailey Ryan Casey Scharff Amanda Scott Jose Segarra Maegan Serra Leslie Serrano Marie Serrano Roshni Shah Mackenzie Sklarew Joshua Snyder Michelle-Marie Soto Emily Sproule Cheyenne Stoltzfus Torrent Sylvester Nama Toe Kayla Tomasello Jingru Tseng Yliana Almonte Vargas Paul Venesz Amanda Vogdes Kristin Vola Jake Vu Cortney Walters Jennifer Weber Shannon Wu Hershel Zantua PLEASE BE ADVISED: Soon we will no longer integrate with Facebook for story comments. The commenting option is not going away, however, readers will need to register for a FREE site account to continue sharing their thoughts and feedback on stories. If you already have an account (i.e. current subscribers, posting in obituary guestbooks, for submitting community events), you may use that login, otherwise, you will be prompted to create a new account. Support Local Journalism Your subscription makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} Opponents have said it ties the hands of law enforcement. It all boils down to the exact same thing; the police cannot enforce the law, said Jody Levchuk, a Boardwalk business owner and city councilman whose ward includes most of the Boardwalk. They know the police cant do anything to them, except for this stationhouse adjustment. Levchuks parents had a Boardwalk business, and he spent much of his youth on the Boardwalk about 30 years ago. He said Friday that large groups of teenagers are nothing new to the Boardwalk scene, nor is an older generation getting upset about it. He said he sees large crowds of teens every night. It doesnt seem like theres anything so terrible going on, he said, adding the Ocean City Boardwalk remains extremely safe. Whats different is the size of the crowds gathered in part through social media posts, and a confidence from juveniles that they will not face any serious consequences for bad behavior, he said. Brian Hartley, vice president of Playlands Castaway Cove, said he received a call from an employee suggesting a call to police because of a rowdy crowd behind the Boardwalk. WEST CAPE MAY Supporters of a proposal to allow cannabis to be grown and sold in town cited the potential revenue and the boroughs history as an agricultural area. Speakers on both sides of the issue had their say Wednesday evening during a public hearing on an ordinance allowing the use. Supporters outnumbered those in opposition, but some residents raised concerns about potential disruption to the borough and encouragement of drug use. The meeting remained polite and low key, with speakers each waiting their turn to sit at a microphone separated from borough commissioners by a sheet of Plexiglas. In the end, the three-member governing body unanimously approved the ordinance, which will allow cannabis cultivation, retail sales and delivery services in the borough. That makes West Cape May the second Cape May County town to say yes to cannabis sales, joining Lower Township, which approved its own ordinance July 6. Under the state law legalizing cannabis possession and licensed sales, towns have until Aug. 22 to decide whether to allow sales. If there is no decision by then, the sales will be allowed by default. China has struck back aggressively, arguing that attempts to link the origins of COVID-19 to a lab were politically motivated and suggesting that the virus might have started abroad. At WHO's annual meeting of health ministers in the spring, China said that the future search for COVID-19's origins should continue in other countries. Most scientists suspect that the coronavirus originated in bats, but the exact route by which it first jumped into people - via an intermediary animal or in some other way - has not yet been determined. It typically takes decades to narrow down the natural source of an animal virus like Ebola or SARS. Tedros said that "checking what happened, especially in our labs, is important" to nailing down if the pandemic had any laboratory links. "We need information, direct information on what the situation of this lab was before and at the start of the pandemic," the WHO chief said, adding that China's cooperation was critical. "If we get full information, we can exclude (the lab connection)." Throughout the pandemic, Tedros has repeatedly praised China for its speed and transparency despite senior WHO officials internally griping about obfuscation from their Chinese counterparts. Politicians in both parties seem to believe that the U.S. faces looming catastrophes that require a radical rethinking of economic policy. Theyre wrong. The nation certainly has serious challenges, but the foundations of the economy are healthy. Radicalism is not required. The populist right and progressive left seem to agree that the dominant consensus in economic policy of recent decades a central role for markets, friendliness toward globalization and free trade, and wariness of over-regulation has been bad for Americans. This bipartisan consensus is predicated on the false view that the past several decades have been bad for typical workers and households. The most recent example is President Joe Bidens wide-ranging executive order to bolster market competition. It contains 72 initiatives, some of which conservative populists will applaud. For example, the Biden administration will apply greater scrutiny to proposed technology-company mergers. It will encourage the Federal Trade Commission to establish rules restricting the ability of tech companies to accumulate data on users and to limit the power of large online retailers like Amazon to overwhelm smaller competitors. Russia Effectively Bans Investigative News Outlet By Declaring It 'Undesirable And Declares More Journalists As Foreign Agents' "RFE/RL deplores the Russian governments decision to add our correspondent Elizaveta Maetnaya to its list of 'foreign agents.' The journalists who work for RFE/RL in Russia are proud Russians, seeking to use their skills to provide objective news and information to their fellow citizens. These escalating Kremlin attacks on independent voices only serve to deprive the Russian people of access to information at a critical moment in Russias history," Fly said in a statement. INCIDENTS AND THREATS Prosecutor Announces Formal Charges Against RFE/RL Contributor Vladyslav Yesypenko Prosecutors in Russia-annexed Crimea formally indicted RFE/RL Crimea.Realities contributor Vladyslav Yesypenko, accusing him of violating two articles of the criminal code -- illegal manufacture of explosives, alteration or repair of explosive devices and illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, transportation or carrying of weapons, their main parts, ammunition. There is no charge of espionage and work for Ukrainian intelligence in the indictment. Yesypenko pleaded not guilty on both charges. Earlier, Yesypenkos wife Kateryna reported that Yesypenko passed out while being transported from the court to the detention center on July 6. (Ukrainian Service/Crimea.Realii) Georgian Journalists Honor Colleague Who Died After Being Attacked While Covering LGBT March Dozens of journalists gathered to commemorate a Georgian television cameraman who was buried on July 13 after being viciously beaten while covering an LGBT event. Lekso Lashkarava, 36, a cameraman for the Pirveli television station, was found dead at his home on July 11, days after being attacked by an anti-LGBT mob while covering the Tbilisi Pride parade. Lashkarava was buried at a cemetery in the capital, Tbilisi, in a somber ceremony attended by many fellow journalists. Also, four Georgian TV Stations Suspend Broadcasting For 24 Hours, Demand PM's Resignation . Four Iranian Intelligence Officials Charged In U.S. In Journalist Kidnap Plot Four Iranian nationals have been charged in New York City with conspiring to kidnap a U.S.-based journalist who has written about the Iranian governments human rights abuses, the U.S. Justice Department said in a statement on July 13. The suspects are an Iranian intelligence officer and three alleged members of an Iranian intelligence network who allegedly conspired to kidnap the journalist with the backing of the Iranian government. The Justice Department identified the journalist only as a U.S. citizen based in Brooklyn -- but Masih Alinejad, an activist and writer living in Brooklyn, confirmed that U.S. authorities had told her she was among the targeted victims and said she was the U.S. resident referred to in the indictment. Rights Watchdog Accuses Belarus Of 'Unprecedented' Raids As Crackdown Intensifies Human Rights Watch (HRW) has accused Belarus' authoritarian regime of carrying out "massive, unprecedented" raids and detentions against the country's leading civil society organizations and said those being held should be released immediately. "For nearly a year since the election and in the months leading up to it, Belarusian authorities have imprisoned, harassed, and threatened hundreds of journalists, activists, and critics, said Rachel Denber, the rights watchdog's deputy director for Europe and Central Asia. More Raids On Independent News Outlets As Belarus Steps Up Crackdown 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. Ihar Losiks Letter From Jail: Insult To Human Dignity In a letter to his wife Darya, RFE/RLs Belarus Service consultant Ihar Losik, who has been held behind bars in pre-trial detention for more than one year, wrote that in addition to a year of illegal imprisonment and a closed trial they decided to finish with an insult to human dignity. First, endless undressing, naked squats, escorted in handcuffs in the position of swallow [hand raised high behind the back, while bent at the waist facing down] as if I were some particularly dangerous criminal. Losik was detained on June 25, 2020, following a search of his apartment in the Belarusian city of Baranavichy. A prominent blogger, Losik has been accused by authorities of using his popular Telegram channel to prepare to disrupt public order ahead of the controversial August 9 presidential election in Belarus of a longtime incumbent Alyaksandr Lukashenka. (Belarus Service) Russias Independent TVDozhd Complains To Investigative Committee Following Threats To Their Journalist After TVDozhd presenter Anna Mongait received numerous threats and other abuse on social media, including against her children, for her report on a young lesbian couple that appeaed on the cover of the Russian edition of Elle magazine, the Russian independent TV channel filed a complaint with the Investigative Committee asking that a criminal case be opened under the article on obstructing the journalist's professional activities with threats of violence. (Russian Service) Court Orders Russian Publication To Take Down Investigation Into Rosneft's Purchase Of Pirelli Shares The Moscow Arbitration Court fully satisfied a claim filed by the Russian state-owned company Rosneft and ordered the investigative publication IStories to take down its story about Rosneft's purchase of shares in the Italian tire manufacturer Pirelli. Rosneft demanded that the text be removed because it allegedly contained false information discrediting the company's business reputation. IStories wrote that they have provided all the evidence confirming the reliability of their information, including references to the purchase of the shares by Russian state media. Earlier in April, the FSB conducted a search of the apartment of the publications editor-in-chief Roman Anin. (in Russian, CurrentTimeTV) Chinas Propaganda In Russia Chinese propaganda broadcasts to Russia have a long history, going back to 1954 and the radio station Beijing. In 2009 China's Central Television CCTV began broadcasting in Russian, and Chinese outlet penetration of Russias media market has continued to expand ever since. RFE/Rls Tatar-Bashkir Service project Idel.Realii explores Chinese propaganda efforts and influence in Russia, especially efforts to shape perceptions about Chinas actions against Muslims living in its Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Tatar-Bashkir Service/Idel.Realii) INFOGRAPHIC: I 'Like' It: Participation In Social Networks In The EU Hungary, with 74 percent of people active, had one of the highest social-network participation levels in the EU in 2020. WASHINGTON Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) strongly condemns todays arrest in Belarus of three RFE/RL correspondents as well as the raiding of its bureau in the Belarus capital, Minsk. This latest assault on independent media in Belarus occurred as the country approaches the one-year anniversary of the August 9 rigged election to reinstall leader Alyaksandr Lukashenka for a sixth term as president. RFE/RL President Jamie Fly said, These raids and arrests testify to the despotic desperation of the Lukashenka regime to cling to power at all costs. For decades, RFE/RLs Radio Svaboda has been a source of news and inspiration to the people of Belarus. Lukashenkas criminalization of independent journalism is a cynical attempt to exert absolute control over what the Belarusian people see and hear. We call on the regime to release our journalists immediately and return our property. These intimidation tactics will not silence our journalism. Witnesses said Belarus security officers broke through the door at RFE/RL's Minsk bureau today as part of a sweep targeting the media. Security officers also searched the homes of RFE/RL correspondents Aleh Hruzdzilovich and Valyantsin Zhdanko, and detained Hruzdzilovich and former RFE/RL correspondent Ina Studzinskaya. [RFE/RL learned on July 17 that a third correspondent, Ales Daschynsky, was also detained and is being held at a prison in Minsk.] Hruzdzilovich's wife told RFE/RL that her husband was taken away in handcuffs. "His and my phones, all computers, and laptops were taken away. There were nine people. They also took all the money, even Belarusian rubles from my pocket. Also $300 that remained for me to live on," she added. The searches came two days after authorities carried out sweeping raids against human rights groups and the media, including the Viasna human rights center and the Belarusian Helsinki Committee. At least a dozen people were detained in the July 14 raids targeting at least 19 nongovernmental organizations in Minsk and other cities. Todays detentions and raids mark a steep escalation in the Belarus governments attacks on RFE/RL operations in Belarus. The closed-door trial of RFE/RL consultant and prominent blogger Ihar Losik continues, and numerous other RFE/RL journalists have been harassed, detained, jailed, and stripped of their accreditations. Since June 25, 2020, when Losik was detained and accused by authorities of using his popular Telegram channel to prepare to disrupt public order, RFE/RL-journalists have spent a collective 580 days in prison. Svabodas website has been blocked within Belarus since August 21, 2020. The accreditations of all locally-based journalists working foreign media, including RFE/RL, were annulled by Belarusian authorities in October 2020. The Lukashenka regime has carried out an increasingly ruthless crackdown on opposition, media and civil society in Belarus over the past year, in response to massive demonstrations following the August 9 vote. Lukashenkas main challenger in the election, opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya will visit Washington next week (July 18-23) for meetings at the White House, U.S. State Department, and the U.S. Congress. About RFE/RL's Belarus Service Despite working in what Reporters Without Borders calls the most dangerous country in Europe for media personnel, RFE/RL's Belarus Service continues to provide independent news and analysis of the fast-moving events to Belarusian audiences in their own language, relying on social media platforms such as Telegram, Instagram, and YouTube, as well as mirror sites and a news app to circumvent pervasive Internet blockages and access disruptions. About RFE/RL RFE/RL relies on its networks of local reporters to provide accurate news and information to more than 41 million people every week in 27 languages and 23 countries where media freedom is restricted, or where a professional press has not fully developed. Its videos were viewed 6.5 billion times on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram/IGTV in FY2020. RFE/RL is an editorially independent media company funded by a grant from the U.S. Congress through the U.S. Agency for Global Media. ---- FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Martins Zvaners in Washington (zvanersm@rferl.org, +1.202.457.6948) Jana Hokuvova in Prague (hokuvovaj@rferl.org, +420.221.122.072) Kaitschuk said the DOC also reached out earlier this week and asked to complete a survey of all the jails in the state to find out how many inmate days each jail has had since the pandemic began, meaning it would count each day that each inmate who was supposed to be in the DOC has been in the jails. The DOC received $25 million for fiscal year 2022 as part of the American Rescue Plan Act to put toward paying back county jails. Kaitschuk said they wanted to know how many inmate days each jail had had so they could divide that $25 million evenly among the counties. In the past, different counties have charged different amounts per day to house inmates, depending on which part of the state they're in and what services they have. Kaitschuk said he's worried the $25 million wouldn't be enough and that dividing the money evenly between counties could set a bad precedent. "So what theyre trying to figure out on a basic basis is, OK, so if we have $25 million, and we have 500,000 inmate days, you divide one by the other and youll figure out how much we can pay the counties for housing our inmates during that time. My point to them is, that doesnt necessarily mean that that covers the cost of the jail, nor does that mean that were agreeing to that rate in the future," Kaitschuk said. Not hiring two police officers this year saves the department about $80,000. Not paying benefits, training, and pension obligations for six new employees for a year also saves the department thousands of dollars, according to the documents. Keeping the vacancies, however, doesnt reduce the staffing per station, said East Moline Fire Chief Robert DeFrance. The fire department typically has 36 people, but is operating with 32 for at least the next year. The department can still meet the minimum number of staffers, DeFrance said, but there aren't as many people who can be scheduled to work. That means the department has fewer people to cover vacations or firefighters taking leave, he said, which results in more overtime. That led to the council approving a $50,000 budget increase for fire personnel overtime for the year. Its a temporary relief, East Moline Finance Director Annaka Whiting said. This allows time to explore other opportunities or avenues to close the deficit that arent an immediate fix like that of delaying hiring. The city isn't planning to add the six new positions into the budget until January 2023, the month that year's budget goes into effect. DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Friday he believes Afghan forces can secure the country as the U.S. withdraws, but success will depend on whether they have the will to put up a fierce fight against the Taliban. Thousands of Afghans have fled the country in recent days as Taliban forces have surged through northern Afghanistan. In an interview with the Associated Press, Pompeo said he is confident Afghan forces can repel the Taliban, but it's a matter of will. I saw on TV the other day, I saw some 22, 23-year-old Afghan males say, 'It's really dangerous here, I want to get out,'" the former secretary of state said. What those Afghans should have been saying is its really dangerous here, give me an M16. Under former President Donald Trump, Pompeo oversaw U.S. negotiations with the Taliban and remains the only secretary of state to have met face-to-face with senior Taliban officials. He applauded President Joe Bidens move to withdraw from Afghanistan rare praise from a Trump loyalist but said he was worried that U.S. counterterrorism operations could be hurt in the process. LAS VEGAS (AP) Members of George Floyds family and their attorney said Thursday they support a federal excessive force, wrongful death and civil rights lawsuit filed this week in Nevada by relatives of a Black man who died in handcuffs after Las Vegas police chased him on a bicycle and on foot in 2019. Byron Lee Williams life mattered, Williams family members said in their 44-page legal filing, echoing chants during protests and violence last year in U.S. cities including Las Vegas following the police killing of Floyd in Minneapolis and the death of Breonna Taylor in Louisville, Kentucky. Ben Crump, an attorney now representing Williams family, represented Floyd's and Taylor's families and has been the voice for relatives of Trayvon Martin in Florida and Michael Brown near St. Louis. At a news conference at a Las Vegas casino, Williams' family members sobbed remembering him; attorney Antonio Romanucci accused police of turning off body-worn cameras for 10 minutes to come to an agreement about what the narrative should be;" and Crump counted the number of times Williams said he couldnt breathe at 24. This is an important case here in Nevada," Crump said, and an illustration of an urgent need for police reform in the U.S. During the spring legislative session, lawmakers passed an ethics bill, Senate Bill 539, which is awaiting Gov. JB Pritzkers signature. It gives the inspector general independent authority to launch investigations, but only upon the filing of a formal complaint. It also makes a number of changes to financial disclosure requirements and limits the ability of lawmakers to leave office and immediately go to work as lobbyists. However, the bill does not give the inspector general authority to issue subpoenas or release the results of an investigation without approval from a majority of the commissioners, powers that Pope had argued are needed for the office to be effective. The bill also limits the inspector generals jurisdiction to matters concerning a lawmakers public duties or use of state office or employment. As I have said repeatedly, including before the Joint Commission on Ethics reform back in 2020, as a result of this, the LIG will not be able to investigate conduct unbecoming a legislator that results from things such as posting revenge porn on social media, failure to pay income taxes on non-legislative income, and other conduct that I and the public think the LIG should be able to investigate, Pope wrote in her resignation letter. When Hand-in-Hands summer program outgrew the nonprofits original building, a local church stepped in to save the day. Hand-in-Hand, a Bettendorf-based nonprofit, focuses its services on providing inclusive recreation opportunities, child care and education services to children and adults of all physical and mental abilities. During COVID-19, it gained many new participants in its virtual events, and upon returning to in-person programming, quickly realized that its original building in Bettendorf would not have enough space for all the participants in its summer programs. The demand for care was more than we could accomplish in our space, said CEO Angie Kendall. Following the recommendation of a local supporter, Kendall reached out to Edwards United Church of Christ in Davenport, which she had heard had extra space. The church was more than happy to offer a place for Hand in Hands growing summer program. We have always looked for ways to be open to anybody who has a need, said Lisa Gaston, the pastor at Edwards United Church of Christ, referencing the churchs past hosting an adoption agency and Head Start, among other programs. It was just a perfect fit for our building. The reports include data and recommendations to inform the city's consolidated plan to ensure quality housing opportunities for all residents. "You have the constitutional right to do whatever you want to do with your private property, even if it's gentrification," De Taeye said. "You have that right, but as a city we have a responsibility and an obligation to look out for all of our residents. All of our residents. And, right now, we're not doing that." In previous years, De Taeye said the city of Davenport dedicated federal block grant dollars for relocation assistance. "We are certain the majority of the residents would have been income eligible if the program was sustained," De Taeye said. "Application fees, security deposits, moving costs all add up. Not to mention the emotional toll on families and children facing displacement." Residents urged the city to use a portion of the nearly $41 million Davenport is expected to receive in federal COVID-19 relief funds and/or federal block grant funds to provide $5,000 in relocation assistance for each household being displaced to ease the anxiety and financial burden of moving. Chicago police Superintendent David Brown noted that police use of social media is not new, but said he hoped to expand the departments capabilities. The ACLU suit said that with the advent of social media, law enforcement officers began joining social media groups, using keywords and hashtags to monitor accounts they deem suspicious. The Police Department denied the ACLUs public records requests, arguing that release would disclose specialized investigative techniques, the suit said. The ACLU counters in the lawsuit that the exemptions to the states Freedom of Information Act the department invoked do not permit the categorical refusal to disclose any information about the programs, according to the suit. If the Mayor and Superintendent can boast about this program in public, they can release the public records that explain how it works and let us see whether it disproportionately harms people of color, said Ariana Bushweller, an ACLU attorney in a news release. It is unfortunate that we have to ask a court for this basic information. SPRINGFIELD The wide availability of COVID-19 vaccines has changed the states approach for mitigating the virus spread statewide and in schools. For school districts, that means suggested rather than required guidance, with an emphasis on local control in imposing mitigations. For the governors office, that means there are no plans to reinstate some of the mitigation measures and economic shutdowns that were commonplace earlier in the pandemic. Restore Illinois mitigations that were enacted during the height of the pandemic allowed for safe and proven infection prevention measures since no vaccine was available, a spokesperson for the governors office said in an email Friday. Currently there is no plan to implement any additional mitigations now that there is an abundance of vaccine available and accessible across Illinois. We encourage all Illinoisans ages 12+ to get vaccinated as soon as possible. Microplastics shed off of clothes and tires and have been found in beer, honey, table salt and other food items. We inhale plastic suspended in the air and drink plastic floating in our beverages. It's no stretch to conclude that our exposure is significant. What we don't know is what this means for us. Researchers started to look seriously into the human health impacts of microplastic ingestion and inhalation just a few years ago. We've started to ask the right questions, but there's a long way to go. If we're going to get the answers in time, we need to prioritize this area and funnel resources into science that analyzes how microplastics interact with our bodies. The amount of evidence collected on this subject is growing rapidly, according to Scott Coffin, a toxicologist also involved with the state report. Studies done on mice and rats have found that plastic contamination can reduce fertility, alter the gut microbiome and cause oxidative stress, which can severely damage cells. These results aren't directly translatable to people, however, and there are gaps in the research that make it difficult to draw conclusions. Most studies rely on polystyrene spheres, a specific kind of microplastic that can be purchased commercially but doesn't reflect the vast range of plastics and chemicals in the natural environment. The widespread protests in Cuba mark a new challenge to the communist regime and a major test to the Biden administration. Thousands took to the streets in cities across the island Sunday, mounting a rare public rebuke to the authoritarian government. As it looks to respond, the Biden administration should focus on alleviating the suffering of the Cuban people. It also needs to frame whats possible with the next generation of Cuban leadership. Sundays protests in Havana and dozens of other cities were the largest in decades, reflecting the depth of public resentment across the board. Long accustomed to rationing, Cubans are exhausted by acute shortages of food, medicine and electricity, rising prices and an explosion of coronavirus cases. The pandemic has all but shuttered Cubas tourist industry, a major part of an economy that contracted 11 percent last year. And Trump-era trade restrictions have reinforced the pain of the U.S. embargo, prompting Cubans to denounce the 62-year dictatorship in ways that seemed unthinkable only a few years ago. He loved to ride, Dwyer said. Booth said his grandson came to Freedom Field to honor the fallen whenever he was in Sturgis. The annual ceremony began about 20 years ago, initially honoring those who died while fighting in the Iraq War. Each flag represented one American life lost with a soldiers name on each flag, but as the count grew, space ran out. The flags are now a tribute to all active and retired soldiers who died in the line of duty. Buffalo Chip President and CEO Rod Woodruff said whenever concrete was getting poured for the flag stands, people placed mementos in the bottom to remember their loved ones. People have brought flags out, he said. Quite a number of people have come out with ashes of a friend or relative and asked for their ashes to be spread here. Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} Lt. Col. Ryan Yantis, who served in the U.S. Army, was working at the Pentagon on 9/11. He said Thursday's flag-raising event came at the end of he and his wifes week-long vacation to South Dakota. The couple is from Illinois. He said they heard about it from two veterans while visiting Deadwood. Summer school attendance cannot be required of students, and most districts do not charge fees for summer school unless the district offers specialty programming. In Sioux Falls, the district offers scholarships for families who want a student to attend summer programming but cannot afford it. Some South Dakota communities are supported by local organizations, such as Boys and Girls Club, that provide informal summer educational programing. In rural communities with no summer school or community organizations to fill the gap, some students are at greater risk for falling further behind. The lack of summer school opportunities will make it harder for students to stay on track or catch up in the wake of the pandemic, experts said. Hales said scholarly research is mixed on the effectiveness of summer programs due to the variables in how the programing is carried out. Several factors, such as the students level of engagement with the instructors or materials, can affect the overall effectiveness of the programs. Students without books and computers at home, or those whose parents are unsure how to teach or are unable to commit time to a childs summer learning program, are put at an even greater risk for learning loss. Election Laws You probably won't see this on CNN or MSNBC or read it in most newspapers but here is what is in the election laws Texas is proposing, that the Democrats are fleeing Texas about. The bill proposes banning election officials from barring poll watchers, banning drive-thru voting except in cases of disability, prohibits sending out ballots unless they are requested, and requires proof of identity when requesting mail-in ballots. It does not even require a photocopy of an ID for mail-in ballot requests (VP Harris claims poor people have no copiers) but instead requires a drivers license number or the last four digits of a social security number. It is hard to imagine someone without either of those. What this bill proposes is less restrictive than South Dakota and many other states, yet it is called "Jim Crow 2.0" by Biden, I presume those Democrats had to show ID to get on that plane to flee Texas. According to the picture of that flight (with their case of beer) they also weren't wearing masks, which Biden requires on all flights. Oh, another matter, if Democrats are correct that there was no election fraud in the 2020 election, why are they fighting audits so hard. It would seem logical to support audits to prove their case. Everyone waited with bated breath to apply, Rose said. She got her application submitted the same day the website reopened. The money comes at an important time. Though events may be opening back up, the costs of last years shutdown are daunting. And her theater doesnt have great ventilation or space for extra safety. Thats what the grant will help with. Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} I want to believe that the pandemic is ending, Rose said. But from an administrative standpoint, we cant afford an outbreak in the cast because we dont have understudies. I don't want super spreader event and Hamilton Players to be in the same sentence. While Rose and the Players were excited about the grant funding, Joe McLean, owner of Pharaohplex, wasnt sure hed be accepting the money. Well turn around and write $100,000 of that back to the government in taxes, he said. When youre a non-profit you can use all of it because you dont pay taxes, but regular businesses are not in that category. McLean said he was nervous, because he felt taking public funds may come with strings. Kentucky officials said Thursday that Sunrise agreed to refer any service applicants who identify as LGBTQ to another provider in good standing with the state's health and family services cabinet. Sheller previously said that Sunrise already offers to help steer same-sex couples to other child services agencies that are a better fit. Sheller has said that Sunrise willingly and gladly accepts LGBTQ youths and does not put children in conversion therapy, which tries to change a persons sexual orientation or gender identity. Like many other states, Kentucky contracts with private agencies like Sunrise for some of its child welfare services. Beshears administration had set a June 30 deadline for Sunrise to sign a new contract, threatening to stop placing children with the agency if it refused. But the governor said recently that children were still being placed with Sunrise. Sunrise traces its roots to caring for Civil War orphans. It has contracted with the state of Kentucky for more than 50 years. The proposal to rezone the property under the countys urban mixed-use designation had been scheduled to be considered at the Henrico Planning Commission on July 15, but the request was deferred. Highwoods purchased the Elks Lodge property last year. The concert pavilion, which is located on Highwoods property, and the Elks Lodge both will be relocated before major construction on the project begins, she said. The Innsbrook Foundation, which operates the concert series with the Innsbrook Owners Association, is working with Highwoods to find a more central location in the park for the concert venue, while the Elks are looking for a permanent home, DuFrane said. Both are allowed to stay in their current locations until they find a new place, she said. Most of the developments in Innsbrook, she said, have been on the south side of the office park between West Broad Street and Nuckols Road. She hopes the Highwoods project will bring more attention to the northern part of the park. I would like for [the I-295] entrance to be the new main entrance. I think the north end will kick that off. We need retail; we need amenities back in this area, DuFrane said. A fast-growing provider of self-installed home security systems, which opened a customer call center in Henrico County last year, is expanding in the county by opening a second office that will handle home security monitoring services. Boston-based SimpliSafe will take over one floor at 4840 Cox Road in the Innsbrook Corporate Center to establish its customer security monitoring service center, creating more than 250 jobs over a five-year period. The company is investing more than $3 million in that second center. It expects to have it operational by early next year. Hiring should begin this fall. SimpliSafe opened a customer support center in the Willow Lawn shopping center last September, investing more than $5.5 million in that operation with plans to create 572 jobs over a five-year period. The company now employs more than 150 at that center and is ramping up hiring, SimpliSafe CEO Christian Cerda said. The company decided to locate the home security monitoring service center as well as the customer call center in Virginia and specifically in Henrico because of the employees it could hire here, he said. Virginia competed with the state of Washington and other West Coast locations for the project, Gov. Ralph Northams office said. Please register or log in to keep reading Stay logged in to skip the surveys. The Richmond Catholic Diocese has added four names to its list of clergy who have credible, substantiated claims of sexual abuse involving a minor against them. Three of the priests Robert Beattie, Leo Creamer and Patrick Quinn are dead. Joseph Slowik, the only living priest, hasnt actively served in the ministry since 2006. They join the list, which was first made public in 2019, of 23 other Richmond Catholic Diocese priests with sexual abuse allegations. Their allegations, which date back decades, were brought forth and reviewed in accordance with the diocesan Office of Safe Environment and the Diocesan Review Board, and authorities were notified. Additional names, assignment histories and status of other clergy with abuse allegations are available on the Richmond Diocese website. The diocese will not release specific details of the abuse for privacy reasons that are in accordance with its pledge to help victim survivors in their healing, according to a news release on Friday. Officers spoke with a witness who said Beltran Perez ran the red light and entered the intersection at high speed. Officers did not observe any evidence of braking or attempting to avoid the collision, according to a written statement of facts. Beltran Perez was injured, and when officers spoke with him after he was taken to a hospital, he said he had drunk about seven beers at a bar and left about 2 a.m. Beltran Perez said he saw the light turn yellow and accelerated to get through the intersection. At that point he realized there was another vehicle in the intersection, but it was too late to stop. Beltran Perez consented to a sample of his blood being drawn while at the hospital, and his blood-alcohol level registered 0.145% well above the presumptive legal intoxication level to drive of .08%. Beltran Perezs attorney, David Powers, told the court that his client had been residing in the U.S. for about five years, had been working regularly and never had been previously arrested. He did come to live with his family because of the situation in his home country with gangs, Powers said. UPDATE: Virginia State Police have identified the driver who was killed on Interstate 95 on Thursday afternoon during a police pursuit. Police said Tyrone J. Lewis, 28, of Richmond was killed after the Ford Fusion he was driving ran off the road while he was fleeing police. ORIGINAL: A driver fleeing authorities on Thursday afternoon died in a crash on Interstate 95 in Richmond, according to Virginia State Police. About 3:30 p.m., a trooper monitoring I-95 traffic at the Chippenham Parkway saw a vehicle traveling 85 mph in a 60 mph zone. The trooper tried to initiate a traffic stop, but the driver immediately fled, state police said. The pursuit ended with the fleeing driver running off the road on the ramp to Maury Street in South Richmond, police said. The vehicle fell about 25 feet and overturned several times. Police said the driver was not wearing a seat belt and was ejected from the vehicle. The driver, whose identity was not immediately released, died at the scene. During the chase, the driver made contact with two other vehicles, police said, but the other vehicles did not sustain disabling damage and no injuries were reported. The incident remains under investigation. To the citizens of Hopewell, the Rev. Curtis West Harris was a civil rights activist who was so steadfast in his commitment to racial justice that he was arrested 13 times in the name of civil disobedience. He was also their former mayor. To his congregations at his various churches, he was their shepherd. But to his six children, Joanne, Karen, Curtis, Michael, Michelle and Kenneth, who passed away in 2019, he was simply their dad who told silly bedtime stories. And on Thursday and to future generations, Harris will also be known as the man whose name adorns the post office on Poythress Street in Hopewell, which is now, officially, the Reverend Curtis West Harris Post Office Building. The renaming of the post office for the civil rights activist was thanks to legislation introduced by Rep. Donald McEachin, D-4th, in December 2019. Since the U.S. Postal Service is a federal government agency, its facilities must be renamed through legislation passed by Congress. Harris died in 2017 at age 93. McKay said the lawsuit sends misconceptions about the trans community, adding the policies not only let trans students have a safe and welcoming learning environment, but to simply exist. Its basically letting trans students have the access to what everybody else has access to, which is equal rights, McKay said. It is the right to exist in public schools in all activities that they offer. Lamneck said the pushback against the policies are misinformed and that the guidance when put in place will have positive outcomes for all students. The impact is great for the entire student body, and thats what we want at the end of the day, to have a thriving student body where everyone can succeed no matter their sexual orientation or their gender, Lamneck said. The amicus brief details accounts of discrimination, isolation and physical violence that transgender students and their families have faced in various Virginia public school systems. One student, who lives in the area of Fairfax and Loudoun counties, identified as T in the brief, changed middle schools three times and briefly lived with her aunt in another state after being bullied and not having her new name honored in the yearbook or on substitute rosters, the brief states. Virginia State University announced Friday that it will use CARES Act funding to clear unpaid tuition and fee balances for students who were enrolled during the COVID-19 impact period. Students who took classes during spring, summer, fall and winter 2020 as well as spring 2021 are eligible to have their outstanding balances paid off. The university will clear the balances after federal, state and private awards are applied. We care about our students and their academic success and want to provide them the privilege of moving forward with a zero balance, said Donald Palm, provost and senior vice president of academic and student affairs, in a news release. We believe that relieving them from these balances will provide much-needed relief that will allow our scholars to focus more intently on their academics and degree completion. The payoff will apply only to VSU balances, not loans from outside entities, for tuition since March 13, 2020. VSU joins other universities in Virginia that have announced balance forgiveness with the help of the CARES Act. The allegation harkens back to the Sharpiegate conspiracy theory that arose in the days after the election. Election experts say bleed through doesn't affect the vote count because bubbles on one side of a ballot don't align with those on the other, and any ballots appearing to vote for more than one candidate would be flagged. Logan also said counting teams have struggled to match damaged ballots to their duplicates. Ballots unreadable by machines are duplicated by bipartisan teams, with the original set aside and the duplicate counted. And he said there are inconsistent voter registration records that can't be reconciled without more data. There is no constitutional mechanism for President Joe Bidens victory to be overturned, and Fann has said repeatedly that the audit is aimed only at identifying improvements for future elections. But Trump and many of his supporters hope the Arizona audit will support his fraud claims and lead to similar reviews elsewhere. The auditors and lawmakers disputed Maricopa County's argument that the machines given to the Senate can't be used in future elections because they were handled by uncertified individuals. The County on Wednesday approved $2.8 million to lease new machines for the 2022 election. The Commonwealth Center for Children and Adolescents in Staunton, the states only mental hospital for minors, is facing such a severe shortage in direct-care staff that it is operating only 18 of its 48 licensed beds. Barber served as acting director of the center for one year after he was replaced as interim commissioner. Lands order sent a shock wave throughout the state system, Hanger said Friday, the day after the commissioner told him and other legislators that she made the decision without first seeking approval of the governors office. Hanger said he would support the departments request for more than $335 million in federal aid under the American Rescue Plan over the next four years, including $75 million this year, to raise pay to recruit and retain nurses and other direct-care staff at the hospitals. Right now, fortunately, we have some money to put where its needed, he said, and I think we should do that, without question. The General Assembly will decide in a special session next month how to use the $4.3 billion that Virginia has received under the emergency package, which President Joe Biden signed on March 11. Youngkin also said he might use an executive order to close the state to undocumented immigrants. The federal courts were wary of that when Trump, setting an illegal religious test, targeted Muslims from entering the nation. Article V of the Constitution speaks to gubernatorial power. It designates the governor commander of the militia and authorizes him to embody such forces to repel invasion. Perhaps Youngkin, Trump-like, wants build a wall along Virginias border with Mexico. Youngkin has a team of rivals on which he can call for a tutorial in state government. And supposedly he relies on it. It includes Kirk Cox, the former House speaker who ran for governor. He is an expert on education and the budget. Theres also Ken Cuccinelli, the Pete Snyder ally and ex-attorney general whom McAuliffe defeated in 2013. He knows firsthand what its like to debate McAuliffe. Youngkin should be a quick study. Otherwise, he wouldnt have amassed a fortune, rising to the top of a private-equity firm from which he reportedly was forced out in a power struggle last year. As Bloomberg reported, Youngkin was a casualty of 2 1/2 years of awkward and increasingly acrimonious parrying with his co-CEO. Northam, who leaves office in January, said the proposed funding means Virginia could reach universal internet access by 2024, four years earlier than his original goal of 2028. He likened the impact of universal broadband to the profound effect of rural electrification in the 1930s. This is personal for me, Northam added. He noted that his family has a small farm on the Eastern Shore, 5 miles outside of the Accomack County town of Onancock. The farm does not have access to broadband. It has been a commitment of our administration since I started to make sure that everybody no matter who you are, no matter where you are in Virginia has access to broadband, Northam said. BroadbandNow reported in June that Virginia, with a population of 8.6 million, is 15th among the states in broadband internet access. It said that while 91% of residents have access to wired broadband internet speeds of at least 25 megabits per second, about 697,000 Virginians dont have access to wired connections at such speed. It added that 608,000 Virginians have access to only one internet service provider, and 306,000 Virginians dont have any access to wired internet options. Virginia Beach police are investigating comments on social media that encouraged violence against the districts School Board members. The comments were posted on TikTok, in response to a video about how board members werent wearing masks at their annual retreat last week. They were reported to the districts Safe Schools department last weekend, spokeswoman Natalie Allen said, and then shared with city police, which is the districts standard protocol for reports of any threats. Police are investigating, spokeswoman Linda Kuehn said. The comments reflect an escalation of tension over the issue of masks in schools, which are required in instructional settings until July 25. Districts are awaiting guidance from the state about whether masks will be required in the fall. If the state extends the requirement, the decision will be out of local school districts hands. School Board Chairwoman Carolyn Rye said a citizen tipped her off to the comments. It was very concerning, no question, Rye said. Partly sad too, just that were at this point of violent rhetoric. I sincerely believe in my heart that this isnt what the citizens of our city condone in any fashion. He said the proposal stems from economic demand. Data centers ... are voracious users of electricity, and theyre only growing by the day, he said. It is a fantasy to think that renewable energy is going to power all these data centers. Its just not going to happen. He said the plant would help Charles City County economically. This county needs, desperately, some economic good news and some activity, he said. This is one of the most impoverished counties in Virginia. And the irony is that ... environmental activists who live outside of the county come in and drum up all sorts of opposition based on social and environmental justice, as they call it. And what they fail to recognize [is] this project is actually going to displace far more polluting and older, inefficient projects in Virginia. So this is a net improvement, this power project, over other projects. Specifically, he noted that Dominion Energy, the states largest utility, still uses coal to produce electricity in Virginia. A power plant like this is going to speed up the retirement of coal plants that Dominion and other utilities continue to operate at a very, very high cost, he said. Not surprisingly, the academys study found that many sleepless Americans had turned to prescription drugs or over-the-counter supplements such as melatonin to address their restlessness. More than two-thirds of respondents said they were using such remedies more frequently since the pandemic started. Americans spent more than $825 million on melatonin last year, up 43% from a year earlier, according to data analytics firm Nielsen. Never one to miss a business opportunity, Amazon received federal approval this month to create sleep monitors that use radar sensors to track how much you toss and turn. Unlike the Apple Watch or FitBit, Amazons device wouldnt be worn but instead would keep an eye on you from beside the bed. U.S. adults already were sleep-challenged even before the arrival of Mean Mr. Corona. The ubiquity of cellphones, tablet computers and other buzzy distractions for years has undermined the ability of many people to catch some Zs. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that, even before the pandemic, a third of U.S. adults werent getting the recommended seven or more hours of sleep each night. A man who four decades ago murdered a Radford University student will not be released on geriatric parole, Pulaski Countys top prosecutor announced Friday. Pulaski County justice continues to stand, Commonwealths Attorney Justin Griffith wrote in a characteristically vehement news release. Over forty years ago, a jury of his peers recommended he spend the rest of life in prison and today is one step closer to making sure that happens. In April, Griffith announced that he was opposing parole for Stephen Matteson Epperly, who for years been periodically reviewed and rejected by the Virginia Parole Board for a release from the life sentence he received in 1980. That was for killing 18-year-old Gina Renee Hall. Griffith noted in April that Epperlys conviction occurred before he was born and said that he had known his entire life about the trauma the case inflicted on the community. Mr. Epperly should know by now that as long as I am in office, we will meet him at the gates of parole with a visceral objection, Griffith wrote Friday in his statement. The Gina Hall murder has continued to attract attention partly because her body was never found. The conviction won by then-Pulaski County Commonwealths Attorney Everett Shockley remains something of a legal anomaly. Virginia Tech was the target of two cyberattacks recently, but the university does not believe that data was stolen or taken. Tech was one of over potentially 1,000 businesses affected by a ransomware attack earlier this month that was centered on U.S. information technology firm Kaseya, which provides software tools to IT outsourcing shops. Virginia Tech spokesman Mark Owczarski said Friday a few university units use Kaseya, a Miami-based company that provides software tools to IT outsourcing shops. He said the malware the hackers pushed out to Kaseya customers could have exposed Virginia Tech student data, but the university found no evidence that happened. In a separate attack in May, encryption data was used to attack a university server, blocking the ability of the university to access the data. Owczarski said that while hackers exploited vulnerable software on the server, theres also no evidence data was taken. The university has finished cleaning and restoring the server in the first attack, but its still in the process of restoring the computers in the most recent attack, which was more widespread. Statewide Large Firm Per Capita Winner (100-plus employees): Gentry Locke, which also won its category for most funds raised per capita by any large firm, helping to provide the equivalent of approximately 419 pounds of food per employee. FSWVA Regional Award Winner: Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith won the regional award for Southwest Virginia among firms with less than 100 employees, helping to raise the equivalent of 543 pounds of food per employee. American National donates to TAP campaignAmerican National Bank & Trust Co. recently donated $5,000 to Total Action for Progress Bringing Hope Home Campaign. The donation will help TAP meet the needs of families seeking a better quality of life through housing and financial services. TAP is grateful to American National Bank & Trust Co. for its contribution, said Annette Lewis, TAPs president. It is evident that the company has a commitment to the community and shares TAPs mission to help individuals and families achieve sustainable, equitable economic and personal independence. District 3 Supervisor Charla Bansley, incumbent, also seeks a second term. A licensed Realtor and adjunct professor of technical communication at Liberty Universitys School of Engineering, Bansley credits God for using her in what she said was a successful first term on the board of supervisors. Bringing jobs and economic development to the county, particularly through the New London business park in Forest, was a top priority for Bansley during the past four years, which she said she is pleased to find successful, using the recent addition of Belvac to the park as an example. Belvac is a Lynchburg-based company that specializes in can forming and printing technologies for the beverage can manufacturing industry. The company projected 50 new jobs would be created in Bedford County upon its expansion to the New London Business and Technology Center park in March. During her term, Bansley said she also was pleased to help lower the personal property tax rate, increase the starting salary for deputies with the county sheriffs office to a more competitive rate, and be an advocate for education in the county, particularly for schools and students she feels are overlooked or underserved. Its never been about me. Its just what I can do to help my community. I just do it to serve, Bansley said. WASHINGTON (AP) President Joe Biden said Thursday that the U.S. will bolster security at its embassy in Haiti following last week's assassination of that country's president, but sending American troops to stabilize the country was not on the agenda. Haitis interim government last week asked the U.S. and the United Nations to deploy troops to protect key infrastructure following President Jovenel Moises assassination. Biden signaled he was not open to the request, which comes as he is drawing down U.S. forces in Afghanistan this summer. Were only sending American Marines to our embassy, Biden said. The idea of sending American forces to Haiti is not on the agenda, he added. Mathias Pierre, Haitis elections minister, told The Associated Press Thursday that he believes the request for U.S. troops is relevant given what he called a fragile situation and the need to create a secure environment for elections scheduled to happen in 120 days. He also said Biden's comment that sending U.S. troops was not on the agenda still leaves the option open. HELENA, Mont. (AP) Montana faces a shortage in firefighting resources amid a historic drought that could lead to a record-breaking wildfire season, officials said Thursday. If you are going to ask me which resources we are short on, I will say everything, Sonya Germann, state forester with the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, told a state water policy committee Thursday. Montana is at the highest level of firefighting preparedness, meaning it is first in line for access to national resources. But it is competing with neighboring states in the U.S. West also gripped by a drought that contributes to fire risk. Climate change has made the region much warmer and drier in the past 30 years and causes bigger and more destructive wildfires. Nationally, we do not have enough resources to fight the fire that is on the landscape throughout the country, Germann said. Gov. Greg Gianforte on Wednesday declared a wildfire emergency, allowing him to deploy the National Guard to assist in firefighting efforts. He also has declared a drought emergency. As of Thursday, more than 1,400 wildland fires have burned over 220 square miles (570 square kilometers) in Montana. Of those, 80% have been caused by people, Germann said. The VEC told a federal court earlier this month that it had made significant progress in resolving the tens of thousands of unpaid claims. The agency said it had 39,925 claims to be addressed. Legal aid groups have said there are likely another 30,000 new claims on top of those. Five plaintiffs filed a class-action lawsuit against the state agency in April. More than 1.6 million Virginians made unemployment claims in 2020, more than 10 times as many in recent years, overwhelming the agency and causing massive breakdowns. The VEC said it hired an extra 100 contract adjudicators and that it expected to hire another 100 by Monday to shrink the pile of unaddressed claims. A settlement made in federal court gives the VEC until Labor Day to handle most of the claims. The coalition, which is a combination of 13 advocacy organizations throughout the commonwealth, is calling on the state to give $1,000 to each Virginia resident whose unemployment claim isnt addressed in one month. The extra money would buoy people at risk of eviction or aid those struggling to pay the electric bill. This is very much all of us who are suffering, said Jamaa Bickley-King, board chair of New Virginia Majority, an organization designed to help working-class communities of color that is part of the coalition. The Commonwealth Center for Children and Adolescents in Staunton, the states only mental hospital for minors, is facing such a severe shortage in direct-care staff that it is operating only 18 of its 48 licensed beds. Barber served as acting director of the center for one year after he was replaced as interim commissioner. Lands order sent a shock wave throughout the state system, Hanger said on Friday, the day after the commissioner told him and other legislators that she made the decision without first seeking approval of the governors office. Hanger said he would support the departments request for more than $335 million in federal aid under the American Rescue Plan Act over the next four years, including $75 million this year, to raise pay to recruit and retain nurses and other direct-care staff at the hospitals. Right now, fortunately, we have some money to put where its needed, he said, and I think we should do that, without question. The General Assembly will decide in a special session next month how to use the $4.3 billion that Virginia has received under the emergency package, which President Joe Biden signed on March 11. Lands department is using $25 million in emergency funds for employee bonuses that she hopes will be effective Aug. 1, and to bring in out-of-state contract staff to work in the five hospitals where admissions are temporarily halted. The General Assembly will convene Aug. 2 to determine how to spend $4.3 billion in federal aid to Virginia under the American Rescue Plan Act, the federal stimulus package approved in March in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Lawmakers earlier this year made changes to how they oversee mental health. The Joint Subcommittee to Study Mental Health Services in the Commonwealth in the 21st Century, the panel created in 2014 that Land addressed, has come to an end. Its morphed into the Behavioral Health Commission, which will hire an executive director. Sen. Creigh Deeds, D-Bath, chaired the subcommittee and will also chair the new commission. Im proud of the things weve done. But we havent done enough. We just havent done enough, Deeds said. Were going to expect more, were going to demand more and were going to do more. Lands department is using $25 million in emergency funding for employee bonuses that she hopes will be effective Aug. 1, and to bring in out-of-state contract staff to work in the five hospitals where admissions are temporarily halted. The General Assembly will convene Aug. 2 to determine how to spend $4.3 billion in federal aid to Virginia under the American Rescue Plan Act, the federal stimulus package approved in March in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Lawmakers earlier this year made changes to how they oversee mental health. The Joint Subcommittee to Study Mental Health Services in the Commonwealth in the 21st Century, the panel created in 2014 that Land addressed, has come to an end. Its morphed into the Behavioral Health Commission, which will hire an executive director. Sen. Creigh Deeds, D-Bath, chaired the subcommittee and will also chair the new commission. Im proud of the things weve done. But we havent done enough. We just havent done enough, Deeds said. Were going to expect more, were going to demand more, and were going to do more. Youngkin played footsie with the Trumpers more than he should have to be true to their heritage, Republicans should disown Trump and Trumpism but were sadly long past that stage. But there is zero evidence that Youngkin is any kind of Trump acolyte. You probably dont get to be co-CEO of the worlds second-largest private equity firm by being crude and irrational, two prime hallmarks of Trumpism. That said, Trump is doing Youngkin no favors with his repeated and apparently unsolicited praise for the Virginia Republican nominee. Trumps not trying to help Youngkin; hes trying to help himself. If Trump really wanted to help Youngkin win in a state that twice rejected him (and rejected Trump wanna-be Corey Stewart by an even wider margin), hed keep his mouth shut. Instead, Trump cant help running his. Why? He thinks Youngkin has a good chance of winning (he does) and wants to be able to claim credit for any eventual victory (even if such a victory would come in spite of Trump, not because of him). We understand McAuliffes desire to tie Youngkin to Trump just as we understand Youngkins desire to avoid hard questions. But that doesnt make either strategy good for voters. Ease in tax policy is a short-term solution, but now it is vital to make long-term plans to ensure sustainable economic growth as it is becoming increasingly evident that the pandemic could possibly continue for a long time, before it is successfully and finally contained. Delay in relief policies Over the past four waves of the pandemic, people and companies have laid their trust in government policies to provide them with adequate support to survive these difficult times. However, so far many of these policies have failed to provide the right support for the right individuals and businesses, with some policies offering assistance far too late. Statistics show that only 22% of the VND 62,000 bn support package for affected people and institutions in the pandemic last year was distributed to concerned people and organizations. The loan packages for companies to pay their employees did not even reach many companies. These packages were very important because they were intended to directly enable the companies to ride the wave and indirectly help workers survive the hard times and continue to stay on in their jobs in companies. Figures reported to the National Assembly indicate that the VND 16,000 bn loan package for employers to pay out-of-work employees reached 245 employers who had taken the loans worth VND 41.8 bn to pay 11,276 employees. This is just 0.26% of the support loan package. Another package of VND 6,500 bn reached only 192,503 employees from 1,846 employers, receiving just over VND 786 bn, which is 12.1% of the relief package. Statistics show that the previous three waves of the Covid-19 pandemic saw upto 98% of companies in trouble and in danger of going bankrupt, but only 2% of the companies received support from relief policies. This time, the Government is trying to avoid making the same previous mistakes. The Minister of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs told the media that cash will reach the affected people in three-week time. However, the people and companies are still concerned because they will probably have to complete several complex procedures before they can even see the cash. Ineffective tax policies Support for the people and companies is not simply for development, but it is part of a solution to provide relief, with the tax relief policy playing a key role. There seems to exist a paradox in the tax relief policy. One report on tax collection activities of tax agencies draws special attention. The taxation sector has collected large amounts, even more than expected, during hard times like these. This seems quite strange. We may have to look closely at the facts leading to it. It is high time we feel unhappy about this paradox, or even consider it a macro-economic risk in the long run. In the current situation of the Covid-19 pandemic, it would be more reasonable to see smaller amounts of collected taxes and larger amounts of expenditures. When the Government provides support and reduces tax on electricity, water, house rent and other services, the revenue will show less than usual, and that would be absolutely acceptable. On the other hand, greater expenditure to some extent would indicate that relief packages are being distributed to the affected people and institutions as planned. We may have been talking about tightening the budget. This implies reducing public spending, putting off some investment projects and concentrating all resources and efforts on fighting the disease and helping companies with loans and other kinds of assistance. The analysis above on reports from the tax agencies over the last few months show that tax policies have been rather impractical and ineffective. Competent agencies have not dared to accept fiscal deficit, have not dared to allow tax relaxation, in their effort to consistently provide assistance for affected people and businesses. Basically, taxes are collected from companies and people rather than created by the tax sector. This is why it is essential to relax taxes, with some taxes being exempted, reduced or deferred, so that the people and businesses can survive these hard times under the pandemic and return to a new normal life of existence. If the tax policy is tightened, it does not provide essential assistance for the people and companies in trouble. When the companies go belly up, there will be nothing left for the national economy which will pose a grave risk for national budget expenditure in the long run. It is high time that the tax relief policies were made practical and effective. They should be long-sighted, aimed at implementing long-term plans with positive effects on the entire community, rather than remaining short-sighted. If the tax sector and the Ministry of Finance do not actively and promptly introduce policies on tax relaxation now, the Government must take action immediately to urge them to do so. Now with the next meeting of the National Assembly drawing close, all members of the National Assembly should proactively raise this question in an opinion poll and request the Government to implement the same. The Covid-19 pandemic in all likelihood is here to stay for a very long time and many developed countries have even come to the conclusion that they must now accept it as part of their daily lives. For this reason alone, by delaying, the implementation of a sustainable public policy could lead to further catastrophic bankruptcy in companies. During hard times, the Government needs to introduce appropriate policies to cover both long-term economic benefits, as well as ensure food security for all the people. Pham Chi Lan, Economist Renan Koen through her book is introducing to the readers, both the historical documents about what Turkish Jews imprisoned in Theresienstadt had gone through during Holocaust even though 'Muslim' had been written on their documents, and 20 music critiques the composer and music critic Victor Ullmann had written in Theresienstadt. In the book 'Positive Resistance', the stories of the 'survivors' who had managed to live enough to tell how they survived despite the atrocities they experienced, and their lives in the Theresienstadt Concentration Camp where mostly the artists were imprisoned, are told in detail. Koen, through her researches, created the 'Positive Resistance' concept by deciphering the works of composers composed in this camp. In addition, she created her 'Positive Resistance Method' for the continuity of individual and social peace. The book appeals to a wide audience due to its also including Koen's Positive Resistance through Holocaust Reality education she's continuing with young people to be able to say 'Never Again' regardless of religion, language, or race, and the 'March of the Music' student movement formed by young people in line with their own abilities. The 'March of the Music' album is released Simultaneously with Renan Koen's new book based on the idea "The most important condition of peace is to meet the generative and creative soul inside us and keep it alive.", her new project 'March of the Music' is also released from Lila Music on the digital platforms. The music album, besides the works of Viktor Ullmann and Gideon Klein who had lived in the Theresienstadt Camp, also features the new compositions of the 'March of the Music' students Elcil Gurel Goctu and Nurullah Ejder who has been to the camp and witnessed what had happened there. While listening to the works in the album along with the emotional interpretations of Auftakt Trio, Ekin Guldogan, Eyupcan Ackpazu, Gizem Ylgn, Selim Boyac and Renan Koen, it is also possible to read the Theresienstadt impressions of Oyku Ucguler and Engin Cetin in the CD booklet. The album released with the contributions of the Turkish Jewish Community and Izi Morhayim has been dedicated to the memory of Doris Grozdanovicova, the 94-year-old Holocaust survivor who had survived the Theresienstadt concentration camp but died recently. The album whose cover has been designed by Gozde Oral can be listened to on iTunes and Spotify. The book launch and musical interview will be on YouTube The launch of Renan Koen's book 'Positive Resistance' will be on Sunday, July 25th, at 21:00. The event organized jointly by The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, The Turkish University Students and Academics Association (Turkischer Studenten und Akademikerverein Turk UnID e.V.), Consulate General of Turkey in Cologne, Cyprus Science University, Chief Rabbinate of Turkey, and The Quincentenial Foundation Museum of Turkish Jews, will be moderated by Levent Taskran, the President of The Turkish University Students and Academics Association (TurkUnID). Gov. Andrew Cuomo is expected to be interviewed by investigators with the state attorney generals office who are looking into sexual harassment allegations as the probe nears its conclusion Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. The Biden administration has convened the first meeting of its community violence intervention collaborative, a group of mayors and administration officials that will share best practices and work closely with the federal government to reduce gun violence Women say Paul Flores, suspect in Kristin Smart's death, abused them California prosecutors say more than two dozen women have described disturbing encounters, including sexual assaults, with the man charged with killing missing college student Kristin Smart 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 " " Researchers from University of California, Santa Cruz determined modern humans share much of their DNA with ancient Neanderthals and Denisovans. Yulia Serova/Shutterstock Have you ever looked at an ad for a DNA test and wondered: What were my ancestors like? Who were these people that gave me their genetic code? Perhaps you pictured a group of shepherds, diligently tending their flock. Perhaps you imagined merchants selling spices from elaborate jars, or hunters tracking down a towering elk. Did you picture a Neanderthal? Maybe you should have. New research from the University of California, Santa Cruz, suggests that only between 1.5 and 7 percent of the modern human genome is "uniquely human." "It's kind of interesting that it's such as small amount of the genome," says lead author Nathan Schaefer. In the paper, published July 16, 2021, in Science Advances Genetics, Schaefer and his co-authors describe the genetic evidence that shows how our ancestors swapped DNA with other ancient hominins, like Neanderthals and Denisovans. However, "multiple bursts of adaptive changes specific to modern humans" make us distinct from those other contemporaneous species. So, who were our mysterious human and nonhuman ancestors? Let's take a closer look. " " This side by side comparison shows how a Neanderthal skull (foreground) looks next to a modern day human skull. Petr Student/Shutterstock Advertisement An Ancient Family Reunion Our oldest ancestors came from Africa. Current models suggest that anatomically modern humans radiated out from the Great Rift Valley, which runs through modern-day Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Tanzania and Sudan, some 200,000 years ago. Neanderthals were an ancient group of hominins human ancestors that lived alongside early modern humans until about 40,000 years ago. They were shorter and stockier on average than humans, with broad noses and a prominent brow ridge. Like us, they made use of fire, created paintings and jewelry, and lived in shelters (which they apparently kept quite tidy). Some paleoanthropologist even believe that Neanderthals buried their dead. The first Neanderthal fossil was identified in 1856 in the Germany's Neander Valley (although an earlier 1829 find was subsequently recognized as belonging to Neanderthal). They were found throughout Europe, where they apparently interbred with humans regularly. Today, most people of European descent have some Neanderthal genes. The Denisovans are a less well-recorded group compared to Neanderthals. First found in 2008, these hominins were also contemporaries of early modern humans, disappearing sometime between 30,000 and 15,000 years ago. Not much is known about the Denisovans except, of course, for their entire genome, which was sequenced from a single pinky bone discovered in a Siberian cave. Scientists do have evidence that the Denisovans occupied much of the area that is now east Asia, Siberia, Indonesia and New Guinea. People with ancestry in these areas are likely to carry both Denisovan and Neanderthal DNA. But how do we know what's in our DNA or for that matter, where it came from? " " People with ancestry in east Asia, Siberia, Indonesia and New Guinea are likely to carry both Denisovan and Neanderthal DNA. Wikimedia/(CC BY-SA 2.0) Advertisement How'd You Get All That in Those Genes? A genome is a complete genetic map of an organism's DNA every single gene, functional or not. Before the early 2000s, nobody had recorded the entire genome from a human being; all scientists had were snippets of individual gene sequences, like displaced puzzle pieces. That changed in 2003 when the Human Genome Project, a 13-year multinational effort to map all 3.2 billion base pairs in human DNA, was finally completed. Genetic sequencing technology has undergone a Renaissance since then. Today, one lab can sequence hundreds of individual human genomes in a year. And scientists been able to map the genes of other species, including Neanderthals and Denisovans. "Genomes are very useful for two reasons," says Omer Gokcumen, an evolutionary anthropologist with the University at Buffalo. One reason is that genomes record ancestry. Every human inherits half of their genes from each of their parents in the form of tightly coiled chromosomes. Each parent, in turn, inherited half of their genes from their parents, and so on back down the line. "So you are actually carrying a population of genomes," Gokcumen says. That means that a particular version of a gene can be traced all the way back to the ancestor who first carried it. The other thing that makes genomes interesting is mutations. DNA naturally accumulates tiny mutations over time. Not all of them get passed down to the next generation, but they do build up at a roughly steady rate. This allows scientists to measure the percent difference between two genomes to determine when they diverged from one another a technique called "DNA dating," or "molecular clocks." Some of those clocks are easy to spot when experts compare two genomes. Scientists sometimes find a chunk of genetic sequence, Schaefer says, and it becomes clear that "it's just a linked set of mutations that were all inherited together from Neanderthals." " " Comparison of modern human, Neanderthal and Denisovan skulls. Cell/Maayan Harel Advertisement So What Makes Us Uniquely Human? "The idea of what it means to be human is kind of complicated given how much mixing has happened between us and these other species," Schaefer says. But to tackle that complicated question, Schaefer and his co-authors did something interesting. A lot of contemporary research has looked at the places where human DNA aligns with the DNA of Neanderthals and Denisovans. "And we flipped it around and said, 'Well, where in the genome do you see neither of those?'" he says. Shaefer and the study authors narrowed it down to a handful of genes, which could be traced back over 600,000 years, before our very earliest modern ancestors. "Even though this is a relatively small amount of the genome, it statistically contains a lot of genes and sequences that might be functional," Schaefer says. Even more interestingly, most of these genes seem to have something to do with brain development. At the end of the day, we are beautiful puzzles made up of all of these pieces: Neanderthal, Denisovan and distinctly human. And our differences are just as important as our similarities. "Biological variation is part of what makes us human," says Gokcumen, "and that is actually kind of cool." Now That's Interesting A recently re-discovered fossil, nicknamed "Dragon man," may be the first known skull belonging to a Denisovan. Or, it might be a new species of hominin altogether. " " 1961 Mercury 13 astronaut trainee Wally Funk will finally blast off into space July 20, 2021. Here she visits Cleveland's Glenn Research Center at Lewis Field in 2019. NASA Imagine dedicating your entire career to one major goal that others told you was impossible. Now imagine finally achieving that lofty goal at a time in your life when most of those naysayers have quit or retired. Meet Wally Funk, the woman who's living that truth as we speak. At the age of 82, Funk, who has spent six decades trying to reach space, will soon join Amazon founder Jeff Bezos onboard the Blue Origin's New Shepard rocket, in the world's first unpiloted civilian space flight. According to NPR, she's on track to break John Glenn's record as the oldest person to reach space. "No one has waited longer," Bezos himself wrote in a July 1 Instagram post announcing Funk's role as his honored guest for the flight. "In 1961, Wally Funk was at the top of her class as part of the 'Mercury 13' Woman in Space Program. Despite completing their training, the program was cancelled, and none of the thirteen flew. It's time. Welcome to the crew, Wally. We're excited to have you fly with us on July 20th as our honored guest." According to Sir Brian Burridge FRAeS, Chief Executive of the Royal Aeronautical Society, Funk's triumphant achievement is long overdue. "Wally Funk's upcoming space flight is the culmination of an extraordinary career," he says in an email interview. "With Virgin Galactic's recent flight and Blue Origin's upcoming one, we are truly entering a new era of space flight. But this new era is built on the dreams and vision of people like Wally Funk herself and who were true pioneers in space flight, and in her case, a pioneer for women in particular. We at the Royal Aeronautical Society celebrate all those who have dedicated themselves to space exploration and the advancement of human knowledge of space. We wish her well on her amazing adventure." Advertisement An Obsession With Flying Since Childhood Born on Feb. 1, 1939, in New Mexico, Mary Wallace "Wally" Funk grew up in the town of Taos, where her parents owned and operated a chain of shops. She took an interest in hobbies that were atypical for young girls of the era think horseback riding and marksmanship competitions and developed a deep interest in flying early on. At 7 years old, she started making model planes from balsa wood. Looking back at her childhood, Funk has said that her parents' encouragement of her outdoor adventuring inspired her to reach for the stars. "I did everything that people didn't expect a girl to do," she told The Guardian in 2019. "There was nothing I couldn't do." At age 9, Funk had her first flying lesson, but she didn't fly again for several years. When she was 16, she enrolled at Stephens College in Missouri and earned her flying license and later studied education at Oklahoma State University, a school known for its aviation team, the Flying Aggies. In 1960, Funk became the first female flight instructor at her training school. Funk then came across an article about a space program for women developed by William Randolph Lovelace, a doctor who had worked on NASA's mission to put a man into orbit around Earth, known as Project Mercury. Lovelace was launching a privately funded program to investigate women's potential roles in the space program and Funk immediately reached out. She was only 22 at the time still several years below the program's minimum age requirement of 25 but Lovelace invited her to join. The regimen Funk had signed on for wasn't exactly easy. "The first day, they said: 'Come in, don't drink, don't eat,'" she told The Guardian. "The first thing they do is temperature, take all the blood tests they can, and then I was put in a chair, strapped in, and they inject [ice-cold] water into my ear." While the other woman undergoing the vertigo test dropped out of the program within hours, Funk stayed put. "I took it. I can take anything. You can whip me and it won't bother me." She also says she was poked and prodded with needles and tubes, instructed to float in a sensory deprivation tank, and underwent numerous X-rays and a brain scan. When all was said and done, Funk joined 12 other women to form a group now known as the Mercury 13. But despite the rigorous and time-consuming tests, Lovelace was forced to pull the plug on the program because the government "wouldn't allow him to use military equipment for testing women when NASA had no intention of sending them to space, or even considering women as astronaut candidates at the time," according to Space.com. In a congressional subcommittee meeting, astronaut John Glenn, who testified against the group, said that including women in the space program "may be undesirable." The Mercury 13 program was canceled. But Funk wasn't deterred from her dreams. As she told The Guardian, disappointment isn't a feeling she's too familiar with. "I don't have that kind of a life," she said. "I'm a positive person. Things were cancelled? So what? Wally's going on. Why are people so negative? I'm not a quitter." Advertisement First Female FAA Investigator And so, Funk continued to seek out tests to prove her prowess. She exceeded cosmonaut tests in Russia ("I beat all the guys," she told The Guardian) and excelled at challenges throughout the U.S. But despite her repeated attempts to join one of NASA's training programs, she was continually rejected because of her lack of an engineering degree. Funk continued working as a flight instructor and eventually became the first female investigator for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), investigating plane crashes. " " Members of the First Lady Astronaut Trainees (FLATs, also known as the "Mercury 13"), a group of women who trained to become astronauts back in the early 1960s, stand near the space shuttle Discovery in 1995: (from left) Gene Nora Jessen, Wally Funk, Jerrie Cobb, Jerri Truhill, Sarah Ratley, Myrtle Cagle and Bernice Steadman. NASA "I never let anything stop me," Funk told NPR. "I know that my body and my mind can take anything that any space outfit wants to give me high altitude chamber test, which is fine; centrifuge test, which I know I can do five and six G's. These things are easy for me." Funk may not have made it into a NASA training program over the course of her impressive career in addition to being the first woman to be an inspector for the FAA, she served as the first female air safety investigator for the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), has logged 19,600 flight hours across her career, and taught about 3,000 people to fly but at age 82, she's finally seeing her dream come true. "Throughout her entire career, Wally consistently broke barriers in the aerospace industry," says Women in Aerospace chair, Dr. Rebecca Keiser, in an email interview. "What is incredible is that 60 years following Wally's first attempt to become an astronaut, she has finally prevailed, proving that it is never too late for women to embark on opportunities once denied to them and continue to break down barriers towards gender equity across all fields." On July 20, Funk will join Bezos, his brother, Mark, and 18-year-old recent high school graduate Oliver Daemen on the first ever crewed flight of Blue Origin's suborbital space tourism rocket, New Shepard. "Including Wally Funk on the flight of Blue Origin's New Shepard is an inspired choice," says Dr. Margaret Weitekamp, chair of the National Air and Space Museum's space history department, in an email interview. "Funk's participation in Lovelace's privately-funded but very public women's astronaut fitness testing in the early 1960s at a time when American women were otherwise denied an equal role in economic, political, and cultural life sparked her enduring passion for spaceflight. When she is finally able to live that dream, it will be a tribute to her grit, talent and the power of persistence." Now That's Interesting Funk's love of flight extends beyond airplanes and rockets over the course of her life, she's also been known to take part in ballooning, parachute jumping and hang-gliding. Our list of 2021 award winners exemplifies the diverse, exceptionally strong group of leaders we have here in South Carolina, said Bob Morgan, president and CEO of the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce. Congressman Clyburn needs no introduction his contributions to our state throughout his long career in Washington are almost unparalleled. He has fought tirelessly for South Carolina and I can think of no one better to receive our Public Servant of the Year award. "Howard Coker, in his role as CEO of Sonoco, heads the largest publicly traded company headquartered in South Carolina. Despite the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr. Coker led the company through a massive expansion of the Hartsville, S.C., facility. This is expected to make Sonoco the largest and lowest-cost producer of recycled paperboard in the world. We are thrilled to recognize him as this years Business Leader of the Year. FLORENCE, S.C A Florence County sheriffs deputy was released from a hospital Thursday after she spent almost two weeks in intensive care following a pursuit that ended in a crash. Dominique Ellerbe received an escort from the hospital to her house, where she is expected to start significant rehabilitation, according to the Florence County Sheriffs Office. Ellerbe was involved in the July 3 pursuit south on U.S. 52 when, near Effingham, she lost control of her cruiser, crossed the median and crashed into a tree. Howe Springs firefighters worked for two hours to extricate her from her cruiser, after which she was flown from the scene to a hospital. Support Local Journalism Your subscription makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} All of our deputies know that this is a dangerous job, and like Dominique, we accept that, said Florence County Sheriff T.J. Joye. She has such a fighting spirit, we know she cant wait to get back to work. Were praying for a full and speedy recovery. Ellerbe has served with the agency since 2020 and is a single mother who lives with her 6-year-old daughter. Serve & Connect, a nonprofit organization focused on fostering positive change through police-community partnerships, has established a fund for Ellerbe which will be open through October. SAN FRANCISCO (AP) San Francisco Bay Area health officials on Friday urged residents to again wear masks inside public buildings, offices or businesses regardless of whether they are vaccinated. The counties of San Francisco, Santa Clara, San Mateo, Marin, Alameda, Contra Costa, Sonoma and the city of Berkeley stopped short of requiring masks indoors. But officials in those localities said wearing them will ensure all unvaccinated people are masked in those settings. The region stopped requiring those who have been vaccinated to wear a mask indoors last month when California fully reopened its economy and did away with social distancing and capacity limits for indoor businesses and restaurants. The Bay Area has seen some of the highest vaccination rates in the state. Several of the areas seven counties have at least 80% of their residents 12 and older vaccinated with at least one dose. The announcements came Friday amid a spike in COVID-19 cases, most of them the highly transmissible delta variant that has proliferated since California fully reopened its economy on June 15. The vast majority of new cases are among unvaccinated people. "How the Criminal Justice System's COVID-19 Response has Provided Valuable Lessons for Broader Reform" | Main | "Reducing Racial Inequalities in Criminal Justice: Data, Courts, and Systems of Supervision" As noted in this Washington Post piece, a notable federal sentencing is scheduled for Monday and federal prosecutors have a notable sentencing recommendation for the judge: "U.S. prosecutors on Wednesday urged a federal judge to impose an 18-month prison term on the first defendant to face sentencing for a felony in the Jan. 6 Capitol breach, citing the need to deter domestic terrorism." Here is more: The need to deter others is especially strong in cases involving domestic terrorism, which the breach of the Capitol certainly was, Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Mona Sedky said in a government sentencing request for Tampa crane operator Paul Allard Hodgkins, 38, who carried a Trump flag into the well of the Senate.... Hodgkinss sentencing, scheduled for Monday, could set the bar for what punishment 100 or more defendants might expect to face as they weigh whether to accept plea offers by prosecutors or take their chances at a trial by jury. About 800 people entered the building, U.S. officials have said, with more than 500 individuals charged to date and charges expected against at least 100 others. About 20 people have pleaded guilty, and one misdemeanor defendant has been sentenced to probation. In Hodgkinss case, Sedky cited FBI Director Christopher A. Wrays testimony in March to the Senate that the problem of homegrown violent extremism is metastasizing, with some actors growing emboldened by the Capitol riot.... Sedky also asked U.S. District Judge Randolph D. Moss of Washington to recognize prior court findings that though individuals convicted of such behavior may have no criminal history, their beliefs make them unique among criminals in the likelihood of recidivism. Hodgkins pleaded guilty on June 2 to one felony count of entering the Capitol to obstruct Congress, a common charge being used by prosecutors. Unlike other defendants, he was not accused of other wrongdoing or involvement with extremist groups, nor did he enter a cooperation deal with prosecutors. Under advisory federal guidelines, he could face a prison sentence of 15 to 21 months. Hodgkins poses an intriguing example for defendants against whom prosecutors have threatened to seek enhanced domestic terrorism penalties, lawyers said. Such enhancements, if found to apply, could more than double a defendants guidelines range or otherwise increase recommended penalties, although judges would have the final say. In Hodgkinss case, prosecutors did not ask the judge to apply the enhancement, even though they wrote Wednesday that his conduct met the definition of violence calculated to influence or affect the conduct of government by intimidation or coercion. Instead, prosecutors said a midpoint sentence in Hodgkinss existing range was appropriate, but still urged Moss to consider the importance of dissuading future acts of domestic terrorism. Hodgkins has asked for a below-guidelines sentence of probation. His attorney urged Moss to follow the example of President Abraham Lincolns planned approach to the defeated South after the Civil War, before he was assassinated. Today, this Court has a chance to make a difference, Tampa attorney Patrick N. Leduc wrote, asserting that America now is as divided as it was in the 1850s on racial and regional lines. We have the chance to be as Lincoln had hoped, to exercise grace and charity, and to restore healing for those who seek forgiveness. Alternatively, we can follow the mistakes of our past: to be harsh, seek vengeance, retribution, and revenge, and continue to watch the nation go down its present regrettable path, Leduc said. Lawyers familiar with the Capitol probe have said the case illustrates how prosecutors are taking a carrot-and-stick approach in plea talks, threatening to hit some defendants with tougher sentencing guidelines calculations while showing some flexibility for those not accused of any violent conduct in a bid to resolve cases short of trial. For example, another Jan. 6 defendant pleaded guilty Wednesday to the identical charge as Hodgkins. However, Josiah Colt, 34, of Idaho, faced a sentencing guidelines range three times as high, 51 to 63 months, after admitting that he came armed to Washington and was with others accused of violently interfering with police. Colt, however, entered a cooperation deal, implicating two men he was with in plea papers and agreeing to aid investigators in exchange for a recommendation of leniency. Several defense attorneys in the probe privately called prosecutors tactics draconian in some cases, saying they are threatening years of prison time for individuals not charged with violence and giving them little choice but to face trial. Highly complementary acquisition, transforming Santanders Corporate & Investment Banking structuring and distribution capabilities in fixed income capital markets and securitized products. MADRID & BOSTON, July 15, 2021--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Banco Santander today announced that Santander Holdings USA, the banks US holding company, has reached an agreement to acquire Amherst Pierpont Securities, a market-leading independent fixed-income broker dealer, through the acquisition of its parent holding company, Pierpont Capital Holdings LLC, for a total consideration of approximately $600 million (c.500 million). Amherst Pierpont will become part of Santander Corporate & Investment Banking (Santander CIB) global business line. Amherst Pierpont is a leading independent broker-dealer based in the US, with a premier fixed-income and structured product franchise. It was designated a primary dealer of U.S. Treasuries by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York in 2019 and is currently one of only three non-banks to hold that designation. Amherst Pierpont has approximately 230 employees serving more than 1,300 active institutional clients from its headquarters in New York and offices in Chicago, San Francisco, Austin, other US locations and Hong Kong. Completion of the acquisition significantly enhances Santander CIBs infrastructure and capabilities in market making of US fixed income capital markets, provides a platform for self-clearing of fixed income securities for the group globally, grows its institutional client footprint, and expands its structuring and advisory capabilities for asset originators in the real estate and specialty finance markets. The combined platform will also have strong capabilities in corporate debt and securities finance across the US and emerging markets. The acquisition creates a comprehensive suite of fixed income and debt products and services that will drive deeper and more valuable relationships across its respective client bases. Story continues Ana Botin, Santander Group executive chairman, said: "This acquisition is consistent with our customer focused strategy and our commitment to profitable growth in the USA. It complements our product offerings and capabilities, allowing us to strengthen our relationships with our corporate and institutional clients. The Amherst Pierpont team bring a successful track record and experience in delivering value for their clients. We look forward to incorporating their many strengths into our very successful and growing CIB organization." Joe Walsh, Amherst Pierpont chief executive officer, said: "Santander Group is one of the worlds most respected financial institutions and an ideal partner for our growing franchise. With Santanders global reach we will be able to significantly expand our product offering, grow our client base and increase the level of service we can provide to our clients. We are pleased to achieve this important milestone for our platform and look forward to working with the Santander CIB team to deliver the full potential of this combination." Amherst Pierpont has generated attractive returns, with an average return on equity (RoE) of c.15% since 2016. In 2020 it generated a RoE of 28% and an estimated return on risk weighted assets of 3%. The acquisition of Amherst Pierpont is expected to be c.1% accretive to group earnings per share and generate a return on invested capital of c.11% by year 3 (post-synergies), with a -9 basis point impact on group capital at closing. As of 31 March 2021, the groups CET1 capital ratio was above its target range of 11-12%. The transaction is expected to close by the end of the first quarter of 2022, subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions. Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz and WilmerHale served as legal advisors to Santander in connection with the transaction. Barclays served as financial advisor to Amherst Pierpont, and Shearman & Sterling as legal advisor. Analyst call A presentation to analysts regarding the acquisition will take place today, Thursday 15 July 2021, through a conference call at 19.00 CEST/13.00 ET. To follow the presentation, please register using the following link: https://cossprereg.btci.com/prereg/key.process?key=PC4UAWJNM Once registered, the telephone number for the conference call and passcode will be provided. The document to be used at the presentation to analysts will be made public shortly via its notification to the CNMV and publication on Santanders corporate website www.santander.com. Banco Santander (SAN SM, STD US, BNC LN) is a leading retail and commercial bank, founded in 1857 and headquartered in Spain. It has a meaningful presence in 10 core markets in the Europe, North America and South America regions, and is one of the largest banks in the world by market capitalization. Its purpose is to help people and businesses prosper in a simple, personal and fair way. Santander is building a more responsible bank and has made a number of commitments to support this objective, including raising over 120 billion in green financing between 2019 and 2025, as well as financially empowering more than 10 million people over the same period. At the end of the first quarter of 2021, Banco Santander had 1.1 trillion in total funds, 149 million customers, of which 23.4 million are loyal and 44.2 million are digital, 10,800 branches and 190,000 employees. Santander Holdings USA, Inc. (SHUSA) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Madrid-based Banco Santander, S.A. As the intermediate holding company for Santander's US businesses, SHUSA is the parent organization of five financial companies with more than 15,000 employees, 5 million customers, and $150 billion in assets as of December 2020. These include Santander Bank, N.A., Santander Consumer USA Holdings Inc. (NYSE: SC), Banco Santander International, Santander Securities LLC, Santander Investment Securities Inc., and several other subsidiaries. Santander US is recognized as a top 10 auto lender, a top 10 multifamily lender, and a top 20 commercial real estate lender, and has a growing wealth management business with more than $50 billion in assets under management. Santander Corporate & Investment Banking (Santander CIB) is Santanders global division that supports corporate and institutional clients, offering tailored services and value-added wholesale products suited to their complexity and sophistication, as well as to responsible banking standards that contribute to the progress of society. Amherst Pierpont is a market-leading independent broker dealer providing institutional and middle-market clients with access to a premier fixed-income capital markets franchise. Our experienced team of professionals delivers actionable trade ideas and customized solutions to our institutional client base. Much of the value-added service we provide is driven by our state-of-the-art data and analytics platform and our focus on market strategy, both of which are designed to identify relative value and quantify risk reward in the fixed income markets. Amherst Pierpont is headquartered in New York City with offices across the United States. Amherst Pierpont is a self-clearing member of the Fixed Income Clearing Corporation and also a member of FINRA and SIPC. For further information about Amherst Pierpont, see https://apsec.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210715005870/en/ Contacts Media contacts For Banco Santander: +34 91 289 5211 comunicacion@gruposantander.com For Santander US: +1 214 801 6455 MediaRelations@santander.us For Amherst Pierpont: Tom Johnson / Dan Scorpio +1 212 371 5999 tbj@abmac.com / dps@abmac.com SINGAPORE, July 16, 2021--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Thailands Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC) has selected Wolters Kluwer Finance, Risk & Regulatory Reporting (FRR) to provide software for helping to ensure compliance with International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS) 9. The bank will use OneSumX IFRS 9, a module of OneSumX for FRR, for managing its obligations around the accounting standard. BAAC was established in 1966 to provide financial support to farmers, farmer associations and cooperatives it is majority owned by the Thai Ministry of Finance. OneSumX IFRS 9 offers a solid framework combining lifecycle information on each individual financial instrument with a comprehensive set of IFRS 9 calculators. The resulting numbers are recorded in a transparent, traceable, and auditable contract level IFRS subledger. The solution supports regulatory disclosures from local supervisors globally and offers powerful reporting tools. These features are supported by a data management framework that can capture and store relevant contractual information, manage events and transactions, store IFRS calculations, generate accounting and process the delivery of the disclosures. "We are delighted that BAAC has chosen to work with Wolters Kluwer FRR, which has a strong track record in helping financial institutions in Thailand manage the full range of their finance, risk and reporting obligations," said Rainer Fuchsluger, Managing Director of Wolters Kluwer FRR, Asia-Pacific. "We very much look forward to working with BAAC on the implementation of OneSumX IFRS 9, a holistic, end-to-end solution which will help it ensure compliance in the long-term." YIP IN TSOI Co. Ltd (YIT), will provide professional consulting and services for the BAAC implementation, working collaboratively with Wolters Kluwer. YIT has been a Wolters Kluwer partner since 2009 and aims to accelerate and facilitate customers ability to implement a cost effective and reliable financial management platform to comply with IFRS requirements. Story continues "We are delighted to be partnering with Wolters Kluwer FRR, working on the successful BAAC implementation," said Samrith Trongtranon, Vice President of Financial Services Industry at YIT. "Financial institutions in Thailand are looking for a comprehensive IFRS 9 solution from a leader in its field and Wolters Kluwer fits the requirement effectively. The companys local domain expertise means that it has a clear understanding of what is required of financial institutions in order to meet Bank of Thailand guidelines." Wolters Kluwer FRR, which is part of Wolters Kluwers Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC) division, is a global market leader in the provision of integrated regulatory compliance and reporting solutions. It supports regulated financial institutions in meeting their obligations to external regulators and their own board of directors. Earlier this month Wolters Kluwer FRR won three major awards for its RegTech, risk management and regulatory reporting solutions in the APAC region. Waters Technology has named the companys OneSumX for FRR the Best Middle Office Platform in its 2021 Asia Awards and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) has awarded the company accolades in GRC and Risk Management categories its Global RegTech Challenge. The highly competitive award series are both free to enter industry competitions, with both expert panels judging winners based on evidence of excellence and innovation. About Wolters Kluwer Governance, Risk & Compliance Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC) is a division of Wolters Kluwer, which provides legal and banking professionals with solutions to ensure compliance with ever-changing regulatory and legal obligations, manage risk, increase efficiency, and produce better business outcomes. GRC offers a portfolio of technology-enabled expert services and solutions focused on legal entity compliance, legal operations management, banking product compliance, and banking regulatory compliance. Wolters Kluwer (AEX: WKL) is a global leader in information services and solutions for professionals in the health, tax and accounting, risk and compliance, finance and legal sectors. Wolters Kluwer reported 2020 annual revenues of 4.6 billion. The company, headquartered in Alphen aan den Rijn, the Netherlands, serves customers in over 180 countries, maintains operations in over 40 countries and employs 19,200 people worldwide. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210715005876/en/ Contacts Paul Lyon Global Corporate Communications Director Governance, Risk & Compliance Division Wolters Kluwer Office +44 20 3197 6586 Paul.Lyon@wolterskluwer.com By David Milliken LONDON (Reuters) - Britain said on Friday that it was scrapping a planned easing of coronavirus rules for travellers from France, which had been due to take effect on Monday, because of the continued presence of the Beta variant of COVID first identified in South Africa. Anyone arriving from France will have to quarantine at home or in other accommodation for five to 10 days, even if they are fully vaccinated against COVID, Britain's health ministry said. This quarantine requirement will end as planned on Monday for fully vaccinated travellers from other countries in Britain's 'amber' category of coronavirus risk, which includes most of Europe. Just over two thirds of British adults are fully vaccinated. Monday sees the end of the majority of coronavirus rules in England, including most legal obligations to wear masks. But foreign travel will remain subject to quarantine and testing requirements. "With restrictions lifting on Monday across the country, we will do everything we can to ensure international travel is conducted as safely as possible, and protect our borders from the threat of variants," health minister Sajid Javid said. Before the coronavirus pandemic, France was Britain's second-most popular travel destination after Spain, and the news comes just a week before school holidays start in England, when millions would typically seek to cross the Channel. The change drew an angry reaction from global airline body IATA, which said Britain's travel restrictions and short-notice changes were out of line with those elsewhere in the world. "The UK is entrenching itself as an outlier in its confused approach to travel. This, in turn, is destroying its own travel sector and the thousands of jobs that rely on it," Willie Walsh, director-general of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), told Reuters. Truck drivers will continue to be exempt from the quarantine requirement, but it will affect most other travellers, including those transiting through France from elsewhere in Europe. Story continues Britain is currently reporting around 10 times as many COVID cases as France, due to the rapid spread of the Delta variant of COVID first identified in India, but has few cases of the Beta variant found in France. Quarantine for arrivals from France was "a precautionary measure ... while we continue to assess the latest data and track prevalence of the Beta variant," Britain's health ministry said. (Reporting by David Milliken; Additional reporting by Tim Hepher in Paris; Editing by Andrew MacAskill, Michael Holden and Sandra Maler) The mystery behind what company is planning a massive data center near Interstate 80 and 56th Street may have been solved. Listed in Thursday's annual report on Nebraska tax incentives were two applications made last year. The applications total $600 million, propose 30 total jobs and list Lincoln as the project location. Most telling, however, is the company listed as the applicant: XXVI Holdings Inc. Google's parent company, Alphabet, formed XXVI Holdings in 2017. XXVI Holdings, which gets its name from the 26 letters in the alphabet, also made two similar tax incentive applications in 2019 for a project in Papillion. In October 2019, Google announced plans for a $600 million data center in Papillion. The data center project in Lincoln was originally proposed by a company named Agate LLC, which in 2019 filed two state tax incentive applications for $600 million. Those applications, however, are no longer listed among active tax incentive applications. Agate is still listed as the owner of nearly 600 acres of land north and west of the 56th Street exit, which it bought in November 2019 for $18.6 million. JACKSON, Miss. Mississippis only level-one trauma hospital and academic medical center will require all employees and students who are not vaccinated against COVID-19 to wear an N95 mask while inside, a decision that a top official acknowledged would not be popular with everyone in the countrys least vaccinated state and may result in the loss of employees. Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} Carlisle Indian Industrial School, which was founded by an Army officer, opened in 1879 and housed some 10,000 Indigenous children before it closed in 1918. While at Carlisle, students were forced to cut their braids, dress in uniform, speak English and adopt European names. Harsh conditions and infectious diseases claimed the lives of many of children buried at the Carlisle cemetery. The Army is fully funding the cost of the project -- around $500,000 per year, including travel to the transfer ceremony as well as transport and reburial of the deceased children. "I am glad the Army is footing the bill for reburial but this doesn't mean Carlisle is off the hook for what occurred," Manape LaMere, a Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska and Native American activist, said. "This is just the start of the reparations." For Christopher Eagle Bear, it is actually nearing the end of the road for his personal journey. Eagle Bear, as well as other young Lakota tribe members, were accompanying the caravan. "When I became involved with this project, I was 17 years old and my hair was short," he explained. "Now, I'm 23 years old and my hair is very long." SIOUX CITY -- District health officials say cases of COVID-19 are ticking upward again in Woodbury County. Siouxland District Health Department Deputy Director Tyler Brock said Friday that the county is on track to add around 30 to 40 new cases of the novel coronavirus by the time the week is over. Two weeks ago, he said the county tallied 16 cases for the whole week, while last week, he said the county had around 25 cases. "We're not sure if the cases are linked to any particular event and this is a trend nationwide. So, we don't have a cause identified," Brock said in an email Friday. Brock said Monday that District Health had not seen a spike in cases following the holiday and that it was "probably a little too early to judge" whether Fourth of July celebrations or Saturday in the Park, a music festival held in Grandview Park July 2-3, had contributed to the spread of the virus. During the last seven days, 23 positive tests were recorded in Woodbury County, according to Iowa Department of Public Health data. The county's seven-day positivity rate was 5.5% Friday afternoon, which is higher than the state's rate of 3.9%. Health officials have said anything above 5% is a concern. SIOUX CITY -- A Whiting, Iowa, man charged in the fatal shooting of another man on Memorial Day plans to use Iowa's "stand your ground" law as a defense. Marvin Hildreth Jr.'s attorney, F. Montgomery Brown, filed notice Thursday that he will argue justification/self-defense/defense of a third person in accordance with the law. Hildreth, 21, has pleaded not guilty of second-degree murder and going armed with intent for the May 31 shooting death of Russell Mohr, 40, of Mapleton, Iowa, at a home at 1932 250th St. in Luton. Hildreth's trial is scheduled for Aug. 31 in Woodbury County District Court. Passed by the Iowa Legislature in 2017 and contained in Chapter 704 of the Iowa Code, the stand your ground law allows the justifiable use of deadly force by a person to avoid injury or risk to one's life or safety or the life or safety of another person. The law says force is justifiable against someone unlawfully and forcefully entering a dwelling, business or place of employment or vehicle or unlawfully removing another person against his or her will from those spaces. Woodbury County Attorney Patrick Jennings said he had not yet reviewed the defense filing and could not comment on it. He said he was not aware of the stand your ground defense being used before in Woodbury County. Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} SIOUX CITY -- A Sioux City man has pleaded not guilty to his alleged involvement in the shooting death of another man outside a Sioux City bar. Lawrence Canady, 21, entered his written plea Thursday in Woodbury County District Court to charges of first-degree murder, willful injury and serious assault for the death of Martez Harrison. A trial date has yet to be set. If found guilty of first-degree murder, Canady would face a sentence of life in prison without parole. He remains in custody on a $1 million bond. Canady was arrested hours after the May 1 shooting and was initially charged with willful injury and assault. Prosecutors added the murder charge after additional investigation into the incident, in which 17-year-old Dwight Evans is charged with shooting Harrison, who was fighting with Canady. The charges allege Canady killed Harrison and/or aided and abetted another person in committing a murder. According to previous court filings, Canady and Evans were armed and waiting for Harrison after being denied entry at Uncle Dave's Bar, 1427 W. Third St. Police have said that Kruckenberg, who was a waitress/bartender at Mavericks at the time but was there the night of the shooting on her night off, was among a group of people watching an altercation between two people in the bar's parking lot when the shooter, who was not involved in the fight, fired shots toward the fight. It was not known if Kruckenberg was the intended target or was unintentionally struck. Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} "We don't get specific reports broken down by which strain of COVID our cases have. That being said, we haven't had any of the variants mentioned reported to us yet. But the delta variant is all over the country, so it's certainly in our region," he said. In mid-June, the Northeast Nebraska Public Health Department said the delta variant had been identified in a person living in the Northeast Nebraska Public Health Department, a district comprised of Cedar, Dixon, Thurston and Wayne counties. Brock said non-vaccinated individuals should have the same level of concern for delta as any other strain of the virus, while vaccinated individuals should harbor "very little concern" over this variant. "The vaccines work well against delta variants as they do with all the other strains so far," he said. Brock said the vaccine is widely available at numerous locations in Siouxland. He said District Health is trying to ensure that anyone who wants the vaccine has easy access to it. As of Wednesday, 39.6% of Woodbury County's population were fully vaccinated, according to state data. "We'd prefer (the vaccination percentage) to be higher, but we are confident that the vast majority of people who are most at risk for serious COVID infections are immune and we're happy about that," Brock 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. Hockley County Sheriff Ray Scifres had said the suspect had a history of contact with police. He also said Bartlett, leader of the Lubbock County Sheriffs Offices SWAT command, was a nine-year veteran of the department who had served overseas in the U.S. Army. Josh was a true servant, Rowe said. He personified the true professional in law enforcement, especially here in Texas law enforcement. It was not immediately clear what prompted the man to open fire or to barricade himself in the house. However, the standoff capped a string of events that began at 11:17 a.m. Thursday as a state trooper was conducting a traffic stop, Garcia said. During that traffic contact, he had a separate individual that was driving recklessly, and as he reported to us, appeared to be trying to bait him into some type of confrontation, Garcia said. At 1:12 p.m. Thursday, Levelland police received a report that the complainant's neighbor was acting strange and was walking around with what appeared to be a large gun, Garcia said. Arriving officers determined the neighbor's pickup truck matched the description that the trooper provided of the vehicle with the apparently provocative driver at the wheel. CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) Farmers, environmentalists and small-town business owners gathered at the Hoover Dam on Thursday to call for a moratorium on building pipelines and dams along the Colorado River that they say would jeopardize the 40 million people who rely on it as a water source. PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) More people living along the eastern edge of an Oregon wildfire were told to evacuate late Thursday as the inferno began spreading rapidly and erratically in hot afternoon winds and threatened to merge with a nearby, smaller fire that had also exploded in size. The bill, which takes effect Oct. 12, would also prohibit individuals who don't receive emergency use vaccines from being denied the chance to participate in school activities such as sports. DeWine signed the legislation just hours after his top medical advisor warned that vaccination trends have led to the development of two Ohios when it comes to combating the coronavirus, increasing vulnerability to the diseases highly contagious delta variant. A day before signing the bill, the governor said the FDA needs to move coronavirus vaccines from emergency use authorization to full approval as soon as possible. He said the emergency element is leading to vaccine hesitancy in the state. On Thursday, a DeWine spokesperson said the governor is confident the ban won't be needed for long. The prohibition was limited to vaccines that do not have full FDA approval, said Dan Tierney. We are confident that these vaccines, proven repeatedly to be very safe and very effective, will be approved by the FDA, thus rendering this issue moot. SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine (AP) A pipeline company has dropped a federal lawsuit against a Maine city, bringing an end to a yearslong legal battle over a local law that stopped the company from bringing crude oil from Canada. South Portland and Portland Pipe Line Corp. were in court for more than six years over the city's Clear Skies ordinance. The law stopped the pipeline company from reversing the flow of an old pipeline to bring the crude oil to Maine. The company gave up its fight on Thursday, the Portland Press Herald reported. The company had wanted to bulk-load crude oil onto marine tank vessels in South Portland's harbor. It has instead agreed with the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to dismiss its appeal of a prior federal court judgment upholding the city's ordinance. South Portland Mayor Misha Pride said he is proud of our community for having the fortitude to stand up for what we believed to be right, and to invest the time and financial resources necessary to defend ourselves. The city has spent $2.8 million fighting the lawsuit, the Press Herald reported. CASPER, Wyo. (AP) U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney of Wyoming had a second consecutive record fundraising quarter, bringing in $1.88 million from April through June, according to financial reports filed with the Federal Election Commission. Her campaign has over $2.8 million in the bank after raising $1.54 million in the first three months of 2021, reports show. Cheney, a Republican, faces several primary challengers after voting in favor of impeaching former President Donald Trump following the Jan. 6 Capitol insurrection. The Wyoming Republican Party voted to censure her in February. Cheney was also removed as the House Republican Conference chair, the third-highest Republican post in that chamber. Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi recently named Cheney to the House Select Committee to investigate the riot. Cheney has held the only Wyoming seat in the U.S. House since 2017. She is the daughter of former Vice President Dick Cheney. Trump has said he will endorse a Republican opponent of hers. Cheney's top two challengers raised over $200,000 each over the past three months. Today is Friday, July 16, 2021. Let's get caught up. Here's what you should know today: Death toll over 100 as rescues continue in major flooding in Western Europe; Senate leader Chuck Schumer sets infrastructure vote; Oosthuizen, Spieth charge ahead at British Open Keep scrolling for today's top stories, this date in history and celebrity birthdays. TOP STORIES Europe floods: Death toll over 100 as rescues continue BERLIN (AP) At least 100 people have died in devastating floods across parts of western Germany and Belgium, officials said Friday, as rescue operations and the search for hundreds still unaccounted for continued. Authorities in the German state of Rhineland-Palatinate said 50 people had died there, including at least nine residents of an assisted living facility for people with disabilities. In neighboring North Rhine-Westphalia state officials put the death toll at 43, but warned that the figure could rise further. ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) Three years after a mass shooting left five dead at a Maryland newspaper, relief that the gunman has been found criminally responsible is tempered by lingering sorrow among residents of the states picturesque capital who vividly recall the attack that shattered their community. MADISON, Wis. (AP) The son of a Wisconsin couple who went missing last week was formally accused Thursday of killing his father and dismembering his body, while authorities announced that additional human remains were found in another location. Chandler Halderson, 23, who was living with his parents in Windsor, is charged with first-degree intentional homicide, hiding and mutilating a corpse and providing false information on a kidnapping in regards to the death of 50-year-old Bart Halderson. Bart Halderson's wife, 53-year-old Krista Halderson, remains missing. Authorities a week ago discovered the remains of 50-year-old Bart Halderson in the town of Cottage Grove. The remains found Wednesday and revealed Thursday where found on state Department of Natural Resources land near Sauk City. They have not been identified. Meanwhile, Dane County Circuit Court Commissioner Brian Asmus set bail for Chandler Halderson at $1 million after arguments by prosecutors and Halderson's attorney. DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) President Joe Biden has nominated former Iowa Gov. Chet Culver to the board of a federal organization that works to ensure rural areas have access to credit. If confirmed by the Senate, it would be Culvers second turn serving on the board of the Federal Agriculture Mortgage Corp., commonly referred to as Farmer Mac. President Barack Obama appointed Culver to the board in 2012 and he served until December 2019, when he was removed by President Donald Trump. Farmer Mac is governed by a 15-member board, five of whom are nominated by the president and confirmed by the Senate. Five members are elected by stockholders representing banks and insurance companies and five are elected by stockholders representing the Farm Credit System, a nationwide network of lending and service organizations focused on financing the agriculture sector. Farmer Mac was created by Congress after the farm crisis of the 1980s. The bottom line is we want to make sure capital is flowing to rural America to farmers, to rural communities, to co-ops. Any rural-based business or industry can benefit from Farmer Mac, Culver said. I want to make sure that continues into the future and thats another reason Im privileged and honored to serve." During his trial, Bahena Rivera claimed publicly for the first time that two masked men kidnapped him from his trailer and forced him to drive before they came upon Tibbetts on a rural road and one of them stabbed her. He said the men loaded her body into his trunk and instructed him to dispose of it in the cornfield. The hearing Thursday was to determine whether prosecutors should be ordered to turn over to Bahena Riveras lawyers information on sex trafficking investigations in the region where Tibbetts was killed. Brown resisted the defenses request for that information, calling it a fishing expedition. Judge Joel Yates said he would issue a written ruling this week and hold a daylong hearing on July 27 on the defenses request for a new trial. Bahena Rivera had been scheduled to be sentenced Thursday to life in prison until his lawyers said they needed more time to investigate the claims of the two new witnesses, who say the 21-year-old told them he helped kill Tibbetts. Brown said Bahena-Rivera's testimony didn't match those alleged confessions because he made no mention of Tibbetts being held at a secondary location, her body being wrapped in plastic or other details. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, in a statement Friday evening, vowed that Democrats will continue to push for passage of the DREAM Act, and called on Republicans to join us in respecting the will of the American people and the law, to ensure that Dreamers have a permanent path to citizenship. In Friday's ruling, Hanen wrote that the states proved the hardship that the continued operation of DACA has inflicted on them. He continued: Furthermore, the government has no legitimate interest in the continuation of an illegally implemented program. Biden has already proposed legislation that would provide a pathway to citizenship for the estimated 11 million people living in the U.S. without authorization. He also ordered agencies to make efforts to preserve the program. Supporters of DACA, including those who argued before Hanen to save it, have said a law passed by Congress is necessary to provide permanent relief. Hanen has said Congress must act if the U.S. wants to provide the protections in DACA to recipients commonly known as Dreamers, based on never-passed proposals in Congress called the DREAM Act. MOSCOW (AP) The authoritarian leader of Belarus visited Russia on Tuesday for talks with President Vladimir Putin as soaring tensions with the West have boosted his reliance on Moscows support. BEIJING (AP) A prominent Chinese pig farmer who was detained after praising lawyers during a crackdown on legal activists by President Xi Jinpings government went on trial Thursday on charges including fighting with police and organizing a protest, defense lawyers said. HONG KONG (AP) Hong Kongs national security police on Friday raided the office of a university student union after student leaders last week commemorated a man who killed himself after stabbing a police officer. Having lived in this country for most of my life, I feel American in every way. I have attended kindergarten through high school in the Iowa City Community School District, and now I am in my third year of college at University of Iowa. My roots are here in Iowa. I have been brought up as a Midwestern American, Mhatre said in testimony to a U.S. House committee in April. While I am a citizen of India on paper, it is a country that I do not know. I am foreign when I visit because I feel like an Iowan and American at heart. Mhatre and her family have done everything right, following laws meticulously and maintaining stacks of legal documentation at all times, as she put it. For that, she faces the loss of her legal status and could be forced to leave the only country shes ever called home. Its one of the many signs that our immigration system is badly broken, burdened by nonsensical bureaucracy and yearslong backlogs. In many cases legal status is granted by lottery, literally leaving the nations future up to chance. Antonio Banderas has joined the cast of the new 'Indiana Jones' movie. The 60-year-old actor is set to star opposite Harrison Ford - who plays the titular daredevil archaeologist in the franchise - in the forthcoming fifth film. According to Deadline, it's not yet known who Banderas will be playing in the motion picture and plot details are vague. Banderas will join forces with Mads Mikkelsen, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Boyd Holbrook and Shaunette Renee Wilson in the movie. James Mangold taking on directing duties from long-time helmer Steven Spielberg, who will still be a producer on the film. Kathleen Kennedy, Frank Marshall and Simon Emanuel will also co-produce the motion picture. Last month, it was reported filming on the new 'Indian Jones' movie had been pushed back three months as a result of Ford's shoulder injury, which he sustained in a choreographed fight scene. An insider said: "It is Harrison's last outing as Indiana and everyone thought it would be plain sailing. "After the initial delays everyone was raring to go. But now Harrison is injured and it is worse than first thought. Ian McShane will return as Winston in 'John Wick: Chapter 4'. The 78-year-old actor will reprise his role in the latest movie of the action franchise, which stars Keanu Reeves as the titular character. Chad Stahelski is returning to direct the movie which will star Donnie Yen, Hiroyuki Sanada, Rina Sawayama, Shamier Anderson and Lance Reddick. Stahelski said: "I couldn't be happier than to welcome Ian McShane back to 'John Wick: Chapter 4'. He is not only an amazing actor but is an indispensable collaborator who has helped define the world of 'John Wick'." The film is currently in production and is filming this summer in France, Germany and Japan. Shay Hatten and Michael Finch have written the script for the flick, which is being produced by Basil Iwanyk, Erica Lee and Stahelski. Ian has played the role of Winston throughout the series and confessed that he knew it had "all of the elements" of a hit. He said: "They got such a good cast for the first one and it was a very good script. I thought the second one wasn't quite as good, but people by then loved it and went with it. I think the third one was really terrific, so it lived up to it. This week, American parents started receiving their first round of Child Tax Credit payments from the IRS. And if you go on TikTok right now and type in child tax credit, or ctc, or #childtaxcredit2021, youre going to find a lot of content. Much of it is financial advice from creators telling their followers how to claim the credit and how it will affect with their tax refunds next April. Sensible stuff! But a lot of it is more typically delightful TikTok nonsensedances and riffs on already-viral memesbecause thats how good it feels when the kiddo check hits your direct deposit. Jain Family Institute fellow Paul Williams conveniently strung a ton of them together on Twitter. Thanks Paul! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To some extent, these clips are just another reminder that Americans really, really love checks. But I think theyre worth dwelling on a moment further. After all, the Child Tax Credit is not new. Its been around for years, beefing up peoples tax refunds as part of whats sometimes referred to as the submerged welfare statethe massive thicket of credits and deductions buried in the IRS code, which the United States has used to subsidize everything from health insurance to retirement to homeownership to parenthood. Advertisement Running social policy through the tax system often makes it more opaque and inefficient, and frequently obscures the fact that the government is giving you something. To some politicians, this furtiveness has actually been a feature, not a bug; thanks to the 1980s and 1990s welfare backlash, many Democrats became terrified of being accused of giving voters handouts. Better to provide tax breaks and complicated wage subsidies that reward work. One result of that approach, however, has been to sap whatever enthusiasm a lot of Americans might have had these programs. Republicans doubled the value of the CTC in their 2017 tax bill, but people werent exactly dancing over it on the internetprobably in part because the overall bill was deeply unpopular and the increase was partly meant to balance out the elimination of personal exemptions, but also because its unclear how many people even knew the benefit was expanding. Advertisement Advertisement Democrats have now taken part of the submerged welfare state and brought it above water. Yes, they made the Child Tax Credit bigger: For families earning up to $150,000, they bumped the value to $3,600 per child under 6, and $3,000 for older kids (the payment phases down for higher earners). They also made it available for the first time to Americas poorest families by making the entire credit fully refundablemeaning that once a parents federal income tax liability has been zeroed out, they can collect the rest as cash. But crucially, theyve turned it into a monthly benefit. Theres a public-policy rationale for doing so: It makes sense to give people regular payments that smooth out their incomes and help cover regular expenses, rather than a big annual lump sum they have to carefully parcel out on their own. But also, obviously, its a very good move for PR purposes. People know the governmentin this case, Joe Biden and the Democratic Partyare sending them checks, and theyre going to get a reminder of it in their bank account every month. In my favorite video, a mom turns to the camera and says: So I got my first child tax credit payment today, which means the government has officially paid me more child support than my baby daddy ever has. Advertisement I mean, I hope its just a cheeky joke! But either, way, it is good for Democrats and progressives more broadly when people realize theyre benefitting from government intervention. If you make people so happy that they want to dance, I bet theres a good chance theyll want to vote for you too. Slate has relationships with various online retailers. If you buy something through our links, Slate may earn an affiliate commission. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change. All prices were up to date at the time of publication. In his new book, Ben Rhodesformer speechwriter and deputy national security adviser for Barack Obamawrites about his decision to move to Los Angeles in 2018 as a message of sorts to the world of high politics Id marinated in for more than a decade: Im out. And to his credit, After the Fall: Being American in the World Weve Made does not read like the work of someone overly concerned about a future confirmation hearing. His second book since leaving government is a dark, often angry, and surprisingly personal tour of a world where authoritarianism is on the rise and American influence on the wane. When he was in government, Rhodes famously coined the term the blob to refer to Washingtons hawkish bipartisan foreign policy establishmentthe caucus of politicians, think tankers, and media figures who have never met a problem that cant be solved by a more assertive American role. After the Fall sees an America whose influence and example had been hollowed out years before Donald Trump rose to the presidency, by the war on terror and the 2008 financial crisis. To Rhodes, the U.S. has a become nation that increasingly plays little role at all, ceding the field to authoritarian powers like China and Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I spoke recently by phone with Rhodes, who co-hosts the podcast Pod Save the World and still advises Obama, about the state of the foreign policy debate in Washington, U.S.-China tensions, and some of his disappointments with the new administration. The conversation has been edited for clarity and length. Joshua Keating: As the person who coined this concept of the blob, do you feel that the scope of the conversation around foreign policy in Washington has expanded since the time you were in government? Ben Rhodes: I think it has. Look at the movement that built up around Yemen, and the extent to which that assured that whoever won the election, they were going to have to change that policy and other issues related to the forever wars. And youve definitely seen a change on issues related to climate. So in a lot of ways, I think you have seen the beginnings of a counterweight to what I think is the more negative attributes of the blob, but its still early days. Advertisement The second thingand thats what this book is really aboutis connecting some of the issues around the degradation of American democracy to these types of policy debates. People who care about small-d democracy in the United States should care about both our foreign policies and the state of democracy in other places, and that hasnt happened to the extent that it should. Subscribe to the Slatest Newsletter A daily email update of the stories you need to read right now. We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try again. Please enable javascript to use form. Email address: Send me updates about Slate special offers. By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms Sign Up Thanks for signing up! You can manage your newsletter subscriptions at any time. In terms of connecting those two, how do you think about the credibility issue? After Jan. 6, to take one example, how should the U.S. change how it talks about democracy with other countries? I think it absolutely has to change, and I think about this in three ways in the book. First, nothing we say about democracy matters if were unable to restore and advance the example of a multiracial, multiethnic democracy [in the U.S.]. Advertisement If we can experience the same things that other countries experience, if we could also have the corrupt autocrat with the son-in-law working down the hall and the mob that storms the parliament, if we can fight through that and come out on the other end, I think that that will have a much more powerful ripple effect around the world than just America issuing edicts and making statements about democracy from a mountaintop. Were down in the muck with everybody else, and I think we have to embrace the fact that our working through that is a part of the world doing so. The other two things are more complicated. We have to get much bolder in excising the old hypocrisy that is hard-wired into American foreign policy. So, support to an Egyptian regime or a Saudi regime that is clearly moving in the wrong direction, I would argue that you need to fundamentally rethink those relationships. If you do believe that democracy is at the center of whats happening in the world today, and that were in this kind of existential struggle between democracy and autocracy, that has to infuse the choices you make about things like whether we provide billions of dollars in assistance to a totally autocratic regime in Egypt. Advertisement Advertisement The same thing spills into something like China. Over the last 30 years, democracy was not the priority at any point in the relationship with China. Weve gone to the mat with China over their purchases of American soybeans more aggressively than we have over issues related to democracy, and there were always reasons for that! During the Obama years, it was a global financial crisis and then climate changeworthy policy goals. But I think we have to truly think about how would our behavior in the world change if democracy became the actual top priority in all these relationships. On China, when I listen to President Biden or to a lot of your former colleagues who now work in his administration, you hear this idea of the global struggle for democracy used as a framing device, even for domestic policies: We have to show democracy can solve big problems and prove that China is wrong. Do you think thats the right message, or is there a risk of going too far in selling everything in terms of beating China? Advertisement I think its only partially right, in the sense that, yes, there is an argument that democracies have to prove they can deliver, that they can do big things, that they can build infrastructure, that they can transition to clean energy. Chinas argument is that autocracy is more efficient, and we have to counter that argument with results. Advertisement But thats only part of it. I think the more important partand the more difficult part to control from the White Houseare these more fundamental questions of national identity. Are we able to improve upon our own multiracial, multiethnic democracy? Are we protecting the right to vote? Are we dealing with corruption in our politics and society? Are we narrowing inequality? Are we dealing with the seismic effect of disinformation and conspiracy theory online? Advertisement These more structural issues that are fueling the anti-democratic trend are ultimately the battleground where the success of our own democracy is going to be determined, and also the success of democracy around the world. Those are harder to control for than an infrastructure bill. But if the organizing principle shifts from terrorism to China, and everything were doing has the benefit of this bipartisan antipathy for China, I worry that that could be corrosive and get distorted to the same nationalist and authoritarian ends that I think the war on terror did. The most important thing we can do is have a democratic model that works better, not just in doing some big policy things, but in demonstrating that it is a better way to live, and its the future that works better for most of the world. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lately there seem to be increasingly prominent voices in Washington on foreign policy from the left, from what you might call the progressive realist or restraint-oriented camps. As someone who does advocate for the U.S. to play a strong role in countering authoritarianism around the world, do you find yourself now pushing back against those tendencies? I find myself in an interesting position because I do believe that America has to play a really engaged and at times assertive role in the world, because if were not, then Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping have the field to themselves. Thats always my argument to the harder-edged left. The dual body blows of the Iraq war and the financial crisis really accelerated this diminution of American supremacy in the world. Ben Rhodes However, in order to deal with democracy and climate change, I think, above all other priorities, we absolutely need to end the post-9/11 project, and we have to avoid getting into the kind of wars that overwhelm our resource capacity and our bandwidth and have been corrosive inside of our politics. Advertisement So in a way, the restraint caucus and this focus on ending the forever wars is actually in service of America playing a more healthy and constructive leadership role in the world. By the way, that leadership role should mean internalizing the lesson that centering American foreign policy and military interventionism, as we have for the last 20 years, is a losing proposition. Its frankly not what the Chinese do. Its not even really what the Russians do, since they find these asymmetric ways to throw their influence around. Advertisement So there may be some tension between worldviews that are anchored in restraint and critiques of American power, versus those that are focused ways to support democratic movements around the world, but I think those are solvable. The common thread is that the military solutions are not the ones that we should be reaching for, except in extremity. Advertisement During the Obama years, there was a line of criticism you would hear, usually from the right, that what your administration was doing was basically managing decline, sort of overseeing the end of American hegemony and taking the sting out of it. And I remember hearing a lot of pushback on that argument from the administration. But reading the book, it made me wonder if you basically view it that way too. Theres no question. The degree to which we had this kind of hegemony over the world was always going to be temporary. I make the argumentand people can say its partisan, but I think its truethe dual body blows of the Iraq war and the financial crisis really accelerated this diminution of American supremacy in the world. The Iraq war rocked to the foundation of confidence that America knew what it was doing, and also made other countries scared, literally, of the degree to which America felt the freedom of action to invade and occupy a country that had nothing to do with 9/11. Advertisement Advertisement Then you have the financial crisis, which I really think collapsed global confidence in American-led globalization. I quote a Hong Kong official who said that was the start of this nationalist and authoritarian trend in the West. Thats when the narrative of liberalism and democracy collapsed and you saw the emergence of people like Viktor Orban. The Chinese looked at this and said, Wait a second, why are we deferring to the Americans on these things? They cant even manage the international financial system, the one thing we thought they could do. We kind of stepped into that circumstance. China was already rising. Putin had already invaded and occupied Georgia. This sorting out was already happening in terms of what the world order was going to look like. I think what we were trying to do was to use the period in which America did have an extraordinary amount of influence to shape what came next, to try to disentangle ourselves from the post-9/11 era, to try to resolve issues like Iran. Then Trump comes along, and the bottom falls out of that whole project. Advertisement So its endlessly frustrating to be criticized by Republicans for managing decline when they are the ones who have precipitated the decline. Were literally cleaning up the mess in the wake of the ocean liner of America, like these guys had just broken things from Iraq to the financial crisis, to our credibility, while lecturing us on decline. American exceptionalism isnt something you just assert. Its something that you have to work for. Advertisement After Donald Rumsfeld died, people were circulating that famous snowflake he wrote, something along the lines of Pakistans not going so well, and also what are we doing about North Korea? Its absurd when you read it, but I was wondering if it also rings true from your time in government. Advertisement It does. The challenge with foreign policy is that you dont get a lot of wins. Our politics and media environment is so short-term that it almost can make you think that what youre doing isnt working, even if what youre doing is the kind of thing that has to be sustained over 10 years to work. Or that if something looks so somewhat futile, like the situation in Belarus, its not worth diving into a problem that may end up not being solved anytime soon, and then you get a lot of shit for not solving it. I think thats like a pretty corrosive mindset. What we really need to be doing is creating approaches that can be sustained over long periods of time. Joe Biden could do everything right over four or eight years, and he will not solve those problems. That doesnt mean its not worth doing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Do you think they think that way in Beijing, too? Yeah. One of their competitive advantages is that they can plan in 10-, 20-, 30-year increments. The Belt and Road is a multidecade play. Their Taiwan policy is a long-term play. However, I think we often can make the mistake in America of overstating the strength of our adversaries and understating our comparative advantage. One of the points I make in this book is that around the handover of Hong Kong in 1997, the assumption globally was that things were moving toward democracy of markets. Now, the assumption is very much the opposite, moving toward China, but it wasnt inevitable, as we learned in 1990, and its not inevitable now. Advertisement If you look at China, they have a bunch of vulnerabilities. I witnessed in Southeast Asia, late in the Obama years, the beginnings of almost a postcolonial backlash to China, because they have such a heavy hand where they go into these countries and put them into debt traps, or finance corruption, or import Chinese workers, that theyre not winning any hearts and minds. The more they are throwing their weight in other places, some of the same kind of blowback that we face is going to start coming to them. Advertisement Domestically, its a bit opaque. Theyve got a lot of problems. They have to manage an aging population, environmental degradation, localized pockets of instability, and the challenge of maintaining the degree of control that they want to maintain with an increasingly middle-class country. Now, theyve solved that for now with technology, but it doesnt mean that they dont have their own vulnerabilities. Advertisement You talk in the book about your skepticism about Obamas troop surge in Afghanistan, so Im curious what you make of the ongoing troop pullout and the worsening security situation there. Its very painful to watch, and the Afghan people have every reason to be angry about the situation they find themselves in. But I think the reality is that keeping American troops in Afghanistan wasnt preventing the deterioration of Afghanistan, and that was a fact that we have had to contend with for a decade now. Also, we were staying past what was the stated rationale that we took the country to war for, which was to go get al-Qaida and bin Laden. We were asking the public to do things it didnt want to do anymore, which is hard to sustain in a democracy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think that the hard truth is that these post-9/11 wars were never going to have the ends that were promised. Thats a hard reality to accept, but its a reality that, at some point, had to be accepted. That to me is more a cautionary note about the kind of questions you have to ask before you go to war. The issue, though, is that its not just Afghanistan. It can be too easy to shorthand the whole post-9/11 enterprise as the war in Afghanistan. But its more the resourcing, staffing, and prioritization of the U.S. government for 20 years being dramatically overweighted to the concern of terrorism relative to other issues. We spent $7 trillion on this exercise. Imagine what could have been done with that money. Advertisement One of the democracy activists you quote in the book had this line about how she feared that the tensions that are growing worldwide at this moment would inevitably lead either to full-fledged fascism or to another world war, but that the one thing she hadnt anticipated was COVID. To what extent do you think COVID has been any sort of reset in the big structural shifts youre talking about in the book? Advertisement First of all, I share that womans concerns. I remember looking up and seeing what she was seeing, which is, OK, now weve got Xi, Putin, Modi, Trump, Bolsonaro, Duterte, Erdogan, Netanyahu. How does this somehow not end in conflict? History tells us that nationalist authoritarianism ends up leading to, as she said, either fascism or a really big war, and it just felt like there was a really dangerous drift of history in that direction and an unlearning of the lessons that led the world to move away from this kind of politics after World War II. Advertisement I do think COVID has been a circuit breaker in a number of ways. First, its not clear to me that Biden is elected president without Trumps COVID response. I would like to think he would have been, but its quite possible, and you could make an argument that the mismanagement of COVID derailed for a moment the momentum toward autocracy in the United States. It didnt permanently derail it, but it did contribute to a shift in administration and power. You see similar dynamics around the world. The kind of nationalist authoritarian flavor of democracy has managed COVID the worst. I do think that COVID is swinging the pendulum back in the direction of fact-based governance and expertise in ways that could lead to a broader shift away from this brand of nationalist authoritarianism and move toward more competent democratic governance. Its also laid even more bare the danger of the online ecosystem, because its become clear the extent to which disinformation can literally get people killed, whether its about masks or vaccines. So hopefully thats accelerating an awareness of the need to rethink, and Id say regulate, the internet. I think well look back on this and probably see COVID as an inflection point when democracies tried to regroup, the competition with China became much more stark, the consequences of conspiracy theorybased online media became very apparent, but then what? We really dont know the answer to that question. When news of Bill Cosbys release came down, I was less angry than resigned. There were explanations for it, including one very good and idealistic one: a prosecutor had promised not to prosecute him, and prosecutors should keep their promises. This seems indisputable as a principle. Prosecutors, like most enforcers of the law, have a lot of power. And if they dont keep their word, to quote my colleague Mark Joseph Stern, prosecutors could force suspects to surrender their Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination in exchange for an empty promise. This would be bad on the merits and would disproportionately affect underprivileged suspects who lack the resources Cosby has to fight back. (At least, thats the argumentthe fly in the ointment is that underprivileged suspects are rarely offered prosecutorial promises of this type anyway.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres value in trying to hold prosecutors to some kind of standard. But the effort sometimes seems to assume a justice system we just do not have. Prosecutors can do all sorts of extremely shady things, and they do them with virtual impunity. Coercive plea bargaining allows for any amount of undocumented and invisible prosecutorial misconduct. Much of it doesnt even count as misconduct: You can threaten a man with a life sentence if he refuses to take your five-year plea for forging an $88 check (that went to the Supreme Court, which decided it was fine). But even things prosecutors are absolutely not allowed to do, things that are against the lawlike withholding evidence or discriminating by race when choosing juriesusually cost them nothing. There is almost no accountability. Usually, the worst that happens to a bad prosecutor is that a conviction gets reversed. Advertisement Subscribe to the Slatest Newsletter A daily email update of the stories you need to read right now. We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try again. Please enable javascript to use form. Email address: Send me updates about Slate special offers. By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms Sign Up Thanks for signing up! You can manage your newsletter subscriptions at any time. Cosbys conviction was, for the movement that would become #MeToo, a symbolic success. Its reversal is no less symbolic. For years now, the majority reaction to revelations generated by the #MeToo movement has been shock paired with a certain amount of optimism: We were finally poised to correct these clear miscarriages of justice. Public will would power systemic change. That was incorrect. Public pressure might have factored into some legal decisions that contributed to Cosbys conviction, like allowing some of Cosbys other victims to testify at the final trial (which had been forbidden in an earlier trial, and which many experts have decried as prejudicial), or the decision to unseal the deposition from 2005 that arguably put him behind bars (and has now let him walk free). Advertisement Advertisement Here is what happened in Cosbys case: As Montgomery County district attorney, Bruce Castor (the prosecutor) decided not to seek criminal charges against Cosby in 2005 when Andrea Constand reported that Cosby had sexually assaulted her. Claiming Constand wouldnt be credible enough as a witness to secure a conviction, he struck a deal instead: He got Cosby to testify in a civil suit by issuing a press release promising to never prosecute him. That agreement was violated when he was subsequently prosecuted and convicted in 2018, and so the Pennsylvania Supreme Court overturned the conviction at the end of June. That seems fairly cut and dried. So is this: Its probably only thanks to Castor that we have Cosby on the record admitting to acquiring drugs to give to women he wanted to have sex with. Advertisement Its worth remembering, at this juncture, that our justice system does not have finding the truth as an objective. It is only because the justice system malfunctioned that we know, by his own admission, that Cosby is guilty. We should never have known about the contents of that deposition, which means Cosby should not have been imprisoned, his victims should not have felt heard or vindicated, and the public should not have felt that a judicial system hostile to survivors had finally worked. It specifically and emphatically did not. Advertisement The #MeToo movement essentially managed to put three (3!) extremely famous and serially offending men behind barsHarvey Weinstein, Jeffrey Epstein, Bill Cosby. It is possible they will all be entitled to similar rewindings. Advertisement The #MeToo movement essentially managed to put three (3!) extremely famous and serially offending men behind bars. It is possible they will all be entitled to similar rewindings. Take Epsteins case. We all know that in 2007, thenU.S. Attorney Alexander Acosta gave Epstein a sweetheart deal for what even back then investigators had found to be a sizable and not particularly subtle sex trafficking operation that recruited minors. But its worth looking a little more closely at that case because the consensus view currently is that it was egregiously handled back when it happened. Theres some public relief that things have since changed; the system would not produce the same results today. This is wrong. Thats safe to say now that several recent investigations of everyone involved in Epsteins sweetheart deal have found nothing worth correcting. The consensus is that the system worked when it let Epstein off the hook in 2007. One might go further: The official verdictand it has come in, even if most of us have not been watchingis that it was working then and is not working now. Advertisement Lets take the initial prosecutor on the Epstein case first, thenPalm Beach County State Attorney Barry Krischer. He was all for getting Epstein at first. Lead Detective Joe Recarey had compiled physical evidence, more than a dozen witnesses, several victim interviews on tape; the girls names were even written down on a notepad in Epsteins home. He was building a case for second-degree felonies. But then, Krischers attitude changed. He claimed (much like Castor) that the case wasnt viable, the victims not credible. It turned out hed been in touch with Epsteins lawyers, after which, according to Recarey, Krischer pressured him to downgrade the case to a misdemeanor or drop it altogether. Krischer became increasingly unresponsive, taking longer and longer to approve subpoenas or take their calls and emails. I knew that it didnt really matter what the facts were in this case. It was pretty clear to me that Mr. Krischer did not want to prosecute this case, Palm Beach Police Chief Michael Reiter testified in a 2009 deposition. Investigators from the U.S. Justice Department recently corroborated this, reporting that Krischer seemed predisposed to manipulating the process in Epsteins favor and citing as an example that when Krischer finally charged Epstein with one count of prostitution, he chose a 16-year-old victim instead of a 14-year-old, advising Epstein that this way he would not have to register as a sex offender. (Krischer was incorrect.) Advertisement Advertisement This all sounds pretty bad. But is it bad enough for the system to correct anything? Unfortunately, the Department of Justice investigators had no jurisdiction over Krischer, so their observations were toothless. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement, which did have jurisdiction over him, investigated his role. That investigation, which concluded in May 2021, found no evidence that Krischer had done anything illegal or inappropriate or even untoward. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement also investigated the circumstances of Epsteins unusually cushy accommodations during the 13 months he spent in jail starting in 2008. These included the freedom to leave for up to 16 hours a day seven days a week and special private accommodations to protect him from extortionists or associates of his victims who might want to harm him. While conceding that it appears that Epstein received differential treatment while in the custody of the Palm Beach Sheriffs Office, they found nothing worth correcting. Noting that Epstein had a television for his own use and freedom to wander around the management area whenever he felt like leaving his unlocked cell, the FDLE said this was permitted becauseto quote the Miami Heralds Julie Brownunder the terms of Epsteins federal plea agreement he was to receive benefits, privileges and rights of all other inmates. So that was all right. So, apparently, was the fact that Epstein hired PBSO deputies as private security details and made them wear suits while they worked for him. His attorney paid the Palm Beach Sheriffs Office $128,136 for this. But the FDLE found no proof of undue financial influence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In other words, for all that this phase of the Epstein affair has been called a miscarriage of justice, it was not. The justice system has been checked, the individual actors investigated, and the verdict is that everything worked well enough that no corrections are called for. Back in 2006, Police Chief Michael Reiter, frustrated by Krischers bizarre disinclination to prosecute Epstein, took the casehoping for a better outcometo another prosecutor: U.S. Attorney Alexander Acosta. We know how that turned out, but heres what I want to emphasize: While the conventional wisdom is that Acosta acted egregiously, our judicial system has once again found nothing to correct. Sure, investigators from the Justice Department thought Acosta used poor judgement and found his decision to finalize the plea deal when the investigation was far from finished puzzlingAcosta never even bothered to look at Epsteins computers. But the DOJs recent report found no evidence that federal prosecutors violated any professional codes or criminal laws. Poor judgment is something prosecutors are allowed to have. Advertisement Acostas plea deal for Epsteinthe one everyone has decried as outrageous and unjustfamously included immunity for four named co-conspirators and any potential unnamed co-conspirators. Which is why, even though his victims have tried to get justice for the people who victimized them, it has not worked. A judge upheld the plea deal in 2019, finding that Florida prosecutorslike Krischer! Who pressured police to drop the charges altogether!did not act in bad faith while negotiating it. Advertisement There was a silver lining, though. The judge ruled that Acosta did in fact do one thing wrong: He broke the law by failing to notify the survivors of Epsteins plea deal. They were legally entitled to this according to something called the Crime Victims Rights Act, which includes the right to timely notice of any public court proceeding, or any parole proceeding, involving the crime or of any release or escape of the accused, the right not to be excluded from any such proceeding, the right to confer with the prosecutor, and the right to be informed of any plea deal. Advertisement In 2020, the decision to uphold the plea deal was appealed. A federal appeals court upheld it again in 2020 (though it did call the deal a national disgrace). But the court went further: It reversed the earlier finding that Acosta had broken the law by not notifying the victims. This rulingin a 21 decisiondetermined that Acosta had actually done nothing wrong. The survivors in fact had no right to be notified of the plea deal. They had no right to be present at Epsteins hearing. They had no right to confer with the prosecutors. But what about the Crime Victims Rights Act, one might reasonably ask? The court claimed, curiously, that it did not apply: Because the government never filed charges or commenced criminal proceedings against Epstein, the CVRA was never triggered. Its argument is that because the survivors case was mishandled by the governmentby the very prosecutors who failed to confer with the victimsthe former have been deprived of the Crime Victims Rights Acts protections. Advertisement Advertisement The dissent was written by the only woman on the panel, Judge Frank Hull. She wrote that the majoritys new blanket restriction eviscerates crime victims CVRA rights and makes the Epstein case a poster-child for an entirely different justice system for crime victims of wealthy defendants. What Hull notes there is that if this decision stands, the treatment Epstein receivedand the way his victims were treatedisnt an aberration. Its exemplary. There were no mistakes worth correcting, and theres no reason anything would work out differently today. What the legal systems failure to find anything wrong with the Epstein plea deal shows is that when unethical prosecutors decide to treat wealthy offenders favorably, thats OK. There is no remedy for that. What prosecutors did to the minors Epstein and his co-conspirators victimized isnt legible as a legal injury. What they did to Cosby is. That is a strange result, but I suspect Cosbys release is only a first step. Since the court found no evidence that Epsteins prosecutors acted in bad faith, Alexander Acostas plea deal with Epstein remains in effect, and his co-conspirators and potential unnamed co-conspirators remain immune. Based on that decision, I confess Im finding it hard to understand why Ghislaine Maxwell isnt a free woman. Prosecutors must keep their promises, after all. Her attorney agrees: The Cosby court did the right thing by keeping prosecutors honest. We just ask for the same for Ms. Maxwell. Two months ago, on the eve of my graduation from Stanford Law School, I learned that the Stanford chapter of the Federalist Society had filed a complaint against me over a satirical flyer I sent to a law school listserv in January. The flyer advertised an event at which Senator Joshua Hawley and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, both long-time Federalist Society members, would make The Originalist Case for Inciting Insurrection. The flyer was a joke, but the officers of the Stanford Federalist Society werent laughing. Instead, in a letter of complaint filed with Stanfords Office of Community Standards, these third-year law students alleged that I had defamed Hawley, Paxton, and the Federalist Society itself. The immediate implications of this allegation were serious: Stanford put a hold on my diploma pending the outcome of their investigation, jeopardizing my graduation and admission to the bar. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In one sense, the Federalist Society students who filed the complaint against me had a point. Defamation is a false statement of fact that causes harm to the reputation of the person or organization targeted. And I cannot deny that I hoped The Originalist Case for Inciting Insurrection would do just that. Where the complaints authors went off course, however, was in contending that The Originalist Case for Inciting Insurrection presented a statement of factthat the advertised event was actually going to occur. In reality, I trusted that the audience for my flyer, a group of law students, would deploy their well-honed critical reading skills and spot the clues that this event was not for real. (The flyer explained, for example, that violent insurrection is also known as doing a coup, and advertised an event that would have occurred weeks earlier, on Jan. 6.) Advertisement In other words, rather than impairing the Federalist Societys reputation by spreading a lie, a necessary element of defamation, I hoped to do so by drawing attention to the organizations all-too-real connections to the Jan. 6 insurrection. In the six months since the attack, the Federalist Society leaders who sought to overturn the results of a free and fair election have faced virtually no consequences, and the organization itself has refused to condemn the insurrectionists in its ranks. An organization that tolerates efforts to undermine democracy should not be permitted to remain in good standing in the legal community. At minimum, attorneys, law scholars, and law students should refuse to participate in the organizations events until it takes meaningful steps to disavow the anti-democratic movement so many of its members have supported. Advertisement Advertisement My flyer itself emphasized the events immediately preceding the Jan. 6 attack: Hawley famously raised his fist in support of the mob that stormed the Capitol, while Paxton (along with John Eastman, who was at the time the head of a Federalist Society practice group) spoke with President Donald Trump at the now-infamous Save America Rally. But the Federalist Societys connections to the insurrection stretch well beyond the day of the attack. Consider the October 2020 speaking tour of Hans von Spakovsky. Von Spakovsky was a member of the Trump administrations voter fraud panel, from which he controversially suggested excluding Democrats and mainstream Republicans. For more than two decades, von Spakovsky has been at the forefront of the right wings voter-suppression effort in disguise, pushing unfounded claims of voter fraud as a justification for restrictions on the franchise. And in the month before the 2020 election he participated in at least nine Federalist Society events, delivering talks with names like Consequences of Mail-In Ballots and Election Fraud 2020: Fact or Fiction? At one of his talks, von Spakovsky warned: If its a close election, we may have a lot of chaos in a lot of different places, and a lot of litigation contesting the outcome. Advertisement Advertisement Von Spakovskys warningor perhaps threat is the better wordproved prescient: in the months following the election, litigation filed by Federalist Society attorneys helped to foster the growing chaos that culminated on Jan. 6. Most notorious among the lawsuits that sought to overturn the 2020 election was Paxtons challenge to the voting procedures of four other states, an unprecedented legal maneuver that was summarily rejected by the Supreme Court. Of the 17 attorneys general who joined Paxton in that widely ridiculed effort, 13 are affiliated with the Federalist Society. Other lawsuits challenging the election filed by Federalist Society officers include Stoddard v. City Election Commission, filed by Edward Greim, a member of the Executive Committee of the Federalist Societys Free Speech & Election Law Practice Group; and Kelly v. Pennsylvania, filed by Gregory H. Teufel, who heads the organizations Pittsburgh chapter. Advertisement Like Paxtons Texas v. Pennsylvania lawsuit, these cases sought radically disruptive judicial orders that would have thrown the outcome of the presidential election into doubt. The argument advanced in Stoddard mimicked the unfounded grievance voiced by a mob outside of Detroits TCF Center on election day, and called for a pause in finalizing the vote in Wayne County, the most Democratic county in Michigan. Teufels Kelly complaint went even further, calling for an order nullifying a governors certification of presidential election results, as the State of Pennsylvania put it in its brief before the Supreme Court. As with Paxtons lawsuit, Greims and Teufels cases were quickly dismissed. Law professors, law students, and practicing attorneys should refuse to participate in Federalist Society events. This farcical streak of court losses for Federalist Society officers did not deter other Federalist Society members from continuing to spread election misinformation. In late December, Hawley promised to object to the election results during the Electoral College certification process on Jan. 6. Ted Cruz, another member of the senates unofficial Federalist Society Caucus, followed suit. Advertisement All of which is to say that while The Originalist Case for Inciting Insurrection was indeed supposed to be funny, the Federalist Societys connections to the attack on the Capitol are no joke. The collective efforts of the Federalist Societys membership provided a veneer of legal legitimacy to the falsehoods that fueled the insurrectionist mob. Meanwhile, the Federalist Society itself has resolutely refused to disavow those members who played a role in inciting the insurrection. No organization with such extensive ties to a violent attack on our democracy should occupy a place of respect within the legal community. The Federalist Society has long relied on the participation of venerated attorneys and influential scholars in campus events to shore up its reputation as a law school debate club. But those who engage in Federalist Society debates lend the organization an air of non-partisan credibility that is completely at odds with reality. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Federalist Society cannot be allowed to successfully employ this cynical strategy while its most prominent members continue to fan the flames of a dangerous anti-democratic movement. Law professors, law students, and practicing attorneys should refuse to participate in Federalist Society events until the organization renounces the insurrection inciters in its ranks. Although discourse between those of differing persuasions is critical to the health of a functioning democracy, some issues, like the merits of violent insurrection, should not be up for debate. When the details of the complaint against me came to light in early June, there was a swift public backlash against both Stanford and the Federalist Society. While the Federalist Society remained silent, Stanford quickly concluded that The Originalist Case for Inciting Insurrection was constitutionally protected speech and that the investigation could not go forward. Ten days later, I stood alongside my classmates as we graduated from law school beneath the California sun. On Thursday, Arizona Senate President Karen Fann offered the public its clearest picture yet of the monthslong audit of Maricopa Countys election, holding a hearing with auditor, Cyber Ninjas CEO, and Hugo-Chavez-somehow-corrupted-the-2020-election-despite-being-dead conspiracy theorist Doug Logan. Logan, whose work pretending to hand-tabulate the ballots and checking for bamboo fibers in ballot paper ended three weeks ago, offered very little about what his recount and forensic analysis had uncovered. He instead said that he had much work still to do and that he would save his irrefutable evidence for his final report. Logan is asking the state Senate to issue further subpoenas to the Republican-dominated Maricopa County Board of Supervisors (who have come to see the audit as a dangerous circus) and to let him go ahead with a countywide canvass that the U.S. Department of Justice has warned might violate federal law. Indeed, the only other Republican senator taking part in the hearing, Judiciary Committee Chairman Warren Petersen, made a show of repeatedly insisting that unless Logan is given what he wants, the audit will be incomplete.* Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Subscribe to the Slatest Newsletter A daily email update of the stories you need to read right now. We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try again. Please enable javascript to use form. Email address: Send me updates about Slate special offers. By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms Sign Up Thanks for signing up! You can manage your newsletter subscriptions at any time. In other words, not much came out of the hearing except the likelihood that, as has been clear for months, the audit will be revealed as a haphazard attempt to cloud the 2020 election results for Arizonas most populous county in doubt. What did come out, however, was plenty for Donald Trump. Immediately, the former president urged auditors to release Logans report right away and used the hearing to prop up his big lie that the election was stolen, claiming falsely that the irregularities revealed at the hearing today amount to hundreds of thousands of votes or, many times what is necessary for us to have won. Like all of the little lies that feed the big one, the irregularities that Logan and the lawmakers raised were almost immediately debunked on social media, where experts quickly pointed out that audit officials were blowing up totally normal election activity and misreading numbers to falsely insinuate impropriety. Advertisement Why was all of this even happening? Trump lost Arizona by the narrowest of margins back in November, and it has become a sort of talisman in his quest to convince America that the election was stolen from him. Despite numerous risk-limiting partial audits that suggested Arizonas election results to be flawless and opposition from members of their own party, Arizonas Senate Republican leadership decided to go ahead with an audit to appease Trump. We have no idea whos paying for it and who the 1,500 volunteers and 200 paid staff who conducted the audit were, but we do know MAGA-world has been fundraising for it and that it is being helmed by a conspiracy theorist, Logan. Advertisement Advertisement The breadcrumbs that Logan, Petersen, and Fann laid out in the hearing were enough to preview what is likely in store when Logan releases his report in the weeks ahead.* Without specifically challenging the vote count, Logan spent much of the hearing dropping outrageous-sounding numbers of suspicious vote tallies to insinuate fraud without actually proving anything. This appears to be Logans ultimate game plan, straight out of the Kraken playbook: Drop dozens of disproven or easily disprovable charges into a report, claim there is a massive cover-up of election fraud, and wave his hands at the big picture even as his charges are easily shown, one by one, to be lies. The hearing came as the audit is under renewed public scrutiny, arriving one day after the U.S. House Oversight Committee announced it would be investigating the audit and the same day as an Arizona judge declared that Logans audit materials were subject to Freedom of Information Act requests. Advertisement The hearing started with a bizarre, infomercial-like presentation of the work Logan had been doing by Kim Carpenter, a former county executive who had been managing training sessions for the audit. Carpenter opened by praising as incomparable the transparency, the accountability, the integrity, and the overall chain of custody of his own work on the audit. The video was such fluff that Carpenter literally braggedperhaps unintentionallythat his words were empty jargon meant to impress without holding any substance. Advertisement Buzzwords were often used, such as integrity, accountability, chain of custody, beyond reproach, and transparency, Carpenter said, describing the audit effort. And this was the culture that was developed for anyone that stepped in this building. Ironically, Carpenters buzzword description is actually one of the main critiques of the audit: that inexperienced auditors were grabbing onto hollow jargon in order to make it seem like they knew what they were doing while using bizarre and entirely invented processes that were almost designed to lead to errors. Advertisement It almost feels like these have become buzzwords, that folks have decided if we say audit, if we say chain of custody, it means were doing the right thing, without recognizing that you cant just say it and it is the thing, elections expert, former local election official, and audit observer Jennifer Morrell told me back in May. After showing the buzzword video, Logan was basically like, See, this audit is entirely on the up and up, case closed, and he described his work as godly for good measure. That just gives a brief overview of our heart in doing all of this, Logan said. Weve tried to design everything to implement the biblical concept of beyond reproach so that we would not even have the appearance of evil in anything that we did. (Beyond reproach being one of the buzzwords Logans group had just declared it was proud of.) Advertisement Advertisement That same video also included a training slide that showed that Logan had instructed his audit workers and volunteers to report ballots that were folded as suspicious, a practice that flies in the face of common sense and one that audit liaison Ken Bennett initially denied to me was occurring when I asked him about it at the audit site in May. After looking at the training slide, Morrell confirmed to me that the workers were being trained to make multiple bad assumptions about suspicious ballots that were not suspicious at all. They are making assumptions about the integrity of the ballot based on folds and machine marks, Morrell, who observed the audit on behalf of Arizona Secretary of State Katie Hobbs, told me. They assume ballots cast in person shouldnt be folded and no ballot should appear to be marked by a machine. Maricopa uses a system for ballot duplication that essentially creates machine-marked ballots. As Morrell explained to me in May, voters fold ballots however they want, and assuming that a folded ballot is suspicious and labeling it as such is a way to create doubt over nothing. Advertisement Perhaps more troubling was the implication, repeated throughout the hearing, that Logans work is not complete and wont be complete until he is allowed to subpoena more materials from the county or do a countywide canvass of voters, which the Department of Justice has warned the Arizona Senate could violate federal laws against voter intimidation. Advertisement Advertisement To back up this need for further auditing, Logan cited a number of extraordinary claims that were either immediately refuted by county officials or debunked by local election experts. For instance, Logan claimed that the county had stopped doing signature verification on mail-in ballots, claiming eventually they were just told to let every single mail-in ballot through. Almost immediately, the office of Maricopa Countys Republican county recorder, Stephen Richer, tweeted: At no point during the 2020 election cycle did Maricopa County modify the rigorous signature verification requirements. Any suggestion to the contrary is categorically false. Advertisement After the event, Maricopa Countys Republican chairman of the board of supervisors, Jack Sellers, released a statement saying that Logan had given false and misleading information throughout the hearing. Its clear the people hired by Arizona Senate leadership to supposedly bring integrity to our elections are instead just bringing incompetence, Sellers said. At todays briefing, the Senates uncertified contractors asked a lot of open-ended questions, portraying as suspicious what is actually normal and well known to people who work in elections. In some cases, they dropped bombshell numbers that are simply not accurate. What we heard today represents an alternate reality that has veered out of control since the November General Election. Advertisement Indeed, some of those alternative-reality numbers that Logan presented sounded astonishing, but were almost immediately debunked. Advertisement Logan claimed, for instance, that we have 74,243 mail-in ballots where there is no clear record of them being sent to people in the mail. As local ABC News politics and data analyst Garrett Archer almost immediately reported, the number Logan cited to make this allegation was actually a combination of mail ballots and in-person early ballots, which of course would not have been sent to anyone in the mail. This basic conflation was the most eye-popping claim of the hearing and led to Trumps allegation that hundreds of thousands of votes were in dispute. Logan also claimed with an almost sheepish, gotcha grin that there were 11,326 people who didnt show up on the voter rolls on Nov. 7 who later appeared on the final voter rolls on Dec. 4. I cannot think of a logical explanation of why that would be, he declared. Advertisement Steal proven! Exceptno. There was a logical explanation that Archer tweeted out, almost immediately: The voter rolls would appear different between these two dates if the ballots in question were received and processed on election day, because ballots received on Election Day are not part of the count in question. This is common witheverycountyinArizona and has been since the data became available over a decade ago, Archer wrote. On this and other already litigated and debunked myths, Logan is seeking to extend the audit indefinitely while Trump is claiming victory. As Jack Sellers indicated, though, Arizonas auditors will face a steep challenge if they think theyre going to get any more information out of Maricopa County voluntarily, in order to mangle it. To Senate leaders I say, stop accusing us of not cooperating when we have given you everything qualified auditors would need to do this job, his statement concluded. Finish your audit, release the report, and be prepared to defend it in Court. On Wednesday evening, news broke that in an upcoming book by Washington Post reporters Carol Leonnig and Philip Rucker, the chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Mark Milley, had fretted in private about Donald Trumps attempts to nullify the results of the presidential election as a Reichstag moment. On Thursday, the former president issued a 400-plus word statement denying that he had ever threatened, or spoke about, to anyone, a coup of our Government, and pointing out that, if I was going to do a coup, one of the last people I would want to do it with is General Mark Milley. Advertisement Trumps written statement, it should be said, is a literary tour de force. In addition to the claim that, had there been an NBC Apprentice for totalitarian fascists, Trump probably wouldnt have picked Mark Milley, the former president also points out that he named Milley as chair of the Joint Chiefs in 2018 only because the worlds most overrated general, James Mattis, could not stand him, had no respect for him, and would not recommend him. He continued: To me, the fact that Mattis didnt like him, just like Obama didnt like him and actually fired Milley, was a good thing, not a bad thing. I often act counter to peoples advice who I dont respect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Given the unique voice in this statement, it is perhaps worth reading phrases like he had no courage or skill, certainly not the type of person I would be talking coup with. Im not into coups! through the lens of literary comedy or tragedy. Imagine, for instance, what other singular prose stylists might do with the bare bones of Trumps narrative. Consider the very same statement, penned, in the form of Tom Clancy: Sure, Mark Milley had the look of a TV general. Greying. Square jawed. Not-woke. Un-woke if anything. Tough. But also not tough. We walked together to St. Johns Church, side-by-side. Manfully. Him in uniform. Church still smoldering from a Radical Left fire the day before. Striding through the rubble, the smoking hell, a walk that was totally appropriate. You dont say no to the president. But then, who knows? Theres Milley choking like a dog in front of the Fake News. Advertisement Or in the manner of Judy Blume: Are You There God, Its Me, Donald? I am really upset today God. Because I kind of liked Mark Milley. I mean, I mostly liked him because Jimmy Mattis, who is the most overrated boy in middle school, really could just not stand him. But also, I mean Jimmy had like no respect for Mark, but you know Barack also really didnt like him. But you know, sometimes, God, when someone doesnt like a guy because he isnt cute, how that only makes you like him more? So I thought that was a good thing, and not a bad thing. I mean I am only like twelve, God. And I sometimes do the opposite of peoples advice who I dont respect, because opposite day! Advertisement Advertisement Or in the style of OJ Simpson: If I Did It: If I did a coup, which I didnt, it would have been by making speeches and tweeting that the election was stolen, and that people should organize Stop the Steal rallies, and that the Proud Boys should stand back and stand by, and that everyone should come to Washington DC on January 6th, and that if he was a patriot Mike Pence should certify the election for me. And then I would give a speech where I told people we will stop the steal. And We fight like hell. And if you dont fight like hell, youre not going to have a country anymore, and I would say that if Mike Pence does the right thing, we win the election and that after this, were going to walk down, and Ill be there with you, were going to walk down, were going to walk down. To the Capitol. But I didnt do that. A guy named Charlie did. Advertisement Or perhaps in the form of the Second Book of Samuel: And lo after the events at Lafayette Square, did Donald return from striking down the protestors and stayed in Washington two hours. And a general arrived and when he saw Donald, he fell to the ground to pay him honor. And Donald told him. Walk with me to the church. Then did Donald and Mark walk to the church. And Donald saw that it was good. And on the next day when the Fake News told the general they thought he should not have been walking with the president, which turned out to be incorrect, did Mark choke like a dog in front of the Fake News. He apologized profusely, making it a big story. And instead of saying I am proud to walk with and protect the president of the United States, Mark did not. Had he said that, it would have all been over, no big deal, and then Donald said to him thusly: spend more time thinking about China and Russia, and less time on being politically correct. Advertisement Advertisement Or maybe in the style of Dr. Seuss: I do not like you General Mark/ I did not like you in the park/ I did not ever do a coup/ I did not ever coup with you/ I would not could not coup with you/ Not in a park, or in a shoe/ Not wearing grey or wearing blue/ General Mark, youre soft as goo/ I would not could not coup with you Ive been wracking my brain, tryingtryingto think of who Donald Trump really would have liked to do a coup with. Either way, I do not take him at his word that hes just not that into coup. The foremost trustbuster in the federal government has been on the job for just a few weeks, and Amazon and Facebook are already trying to kneecap her. In late June, Amazon filed a motion to have Federal Trade Commission chair Lina Khan recuse herself from cases and investigations relating to the company, arguing that her previous work and public statements have shown her to be biased against the ecommerce giant. Amazons lawyers maintained that Khan has already made up her mind about many material facts relevant to Amazons antitrust culpability as well as about the ultimate issue of culpability itself. The FTC has reportedly begun investigating Amazons recently announced acquisition of MGM, with particular focus on how the deal would augment the companys market power. Then, just this week, Facebook filed its own petition, which quoted liberally from Amazons motion, also requesting that Khan abstain from participating in any decisions regarding antitrust actions against the social networking company. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As much as someone can be, Khan is an antitrust celebrity. The 32-year-old Columbia Law professor first came to prominence after publishing a 2017 Yale Law Journal paper titled Amazons Antitrust Paradox, which generated a lot of buzz and discussion in the legal community about decades of arguable shortcomings in antitrust law, which generally focuses on consumer prices these days, for dealing with mammoth tech companies. Following her graduation from Yale Law School, she became a legal director at the Open Markets Institute and helped Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren devise an anti-trust platform. Khan consulted the House antitrust subcommittee for its report concerning the alleged monopoly powers of Facebook, Google, Amazon, and Apple. Politico Magazine named Khan one of the 50 most influential people shaping Americas political discourse in 2018, and she was the subject of profiles in the Atlantic and the New York Times before being confirmed as an FTC commissioner, and then named the agencys chair, last month. Shes been both hailed and derided as an antitrust hipster, a term that has sometimes been applied to a growing movement to rethink antitrust law. Advertisement Its fairly unusual for someone to take such a high-profile path to leading the FTC, and Facebook and Amazon seem to be trying to use Khans relative stardom against her. Whatever you call her, its clear the companies have decided that Khan is someone to fear. But could their early moves against her actually work? Advertisement In their complaints, Amazon and Facebook point to Khans academic publications and commentary in the media as evidence that she cannot be impartial. The thrust of their recusal requests is that shes actually named names of companies that she thinks are wielding monopoly powers instead of speaking more broadly about antitrust. As Facebook argued in its petition, She has built her career, in large part, by singling out Facebook as a professed antitrust violator. Advertisement Its true that Khan has focused on technology companies, but its hardly suspect that someone who studies market concentration in the United States has examined Amazon and Facebook. The irony is that its because these companies are so very big and successful that she was able to spend so much of her career focused on a handful of companies, said Stephen Calkins, a law professor at Wayne State University who previously served as general counsel of the FTC. Now theyre turning that against her and are obviously hoping that that will resonate in the court. If Khan does end up removing herself, there would very likely be a 2-2 split vote between the remaining Democratic and Republican commissioners when considering the cases. (The FTC declined to comment on either Facebook or Amazons requests.) Advertisement Advertisement The unusual petitions are unlikely to actually result in a recusal, however. Recusal issues at the FTC generally involve commissioners personal conflicts and activities while serving in an official capacitynot the scholarly work theyve done and the views they hold. For instance, privacy groups called on former FTC chairwoman Deborah Platt Majoras to remove herself from the FTCs review of Googles proposal in 2007 to buy the online ad company DoubleClick because her husband was a partner at the law firm Jones Day, which had been advising DoubleClick. Majoras ultimately decided not to recuse herself. In 1980, FTC chairman Michael Pertschuk actually went ahead and withdrew from the agencys investigation of TV advertising directed at children, because of interviews and speeches hed done on the subject. However, he voluntarily recused himself after an appeals court already had ruled that he could take part in the case, and the interviews and speeches in question primarily took place while he was an FTC official. Advertisement Its Khan herself who must consider Facebook and Amazons requests, and according to Calkins, she probably wont voluntarily recuse herself. When asked about the possibility of recusal during her confirmation hearing, Khan asserted that she wouldnt run afoul of ethics laws in scrutinizing Big Tech companies. Im confident that if she was thinking she would recuse herself, she would have told the White House not to nominate her, Calkins said. There are scenarios in which Khans previous work could be more of a liability for the FTCs potential regulation of Facebook and Amazon, particularly if FTC decides to handle either antitrust case through an administrative law process, as opposed to pursuing an antitrust remedy in court. In such an in-house case, Khan would oversee the case essentially as a judge and have more power over the proceedings. Yet FTC rules would allow Facebook and Amazon in an administrative law setting to file a motion pushing the other commissioners to vote on whether they believe that Khan is too biased. If the FTC instead decides to go through federal courts to adjudicate their cases, where an actual judge would be presiding, there wouldnt be as much scrutiny on Khans alleged bias. (Already, the FTCs lawsuit against Facebook, filed under the Trump administration, was kicked back to the commission by a federal judge, and it will now need to decide whether to refile it or opt for its own administrative process.) Advertisement Its more than likely, though, that Facebook and Amazon arent really expecting the petitions to succeed and mainly filed them to set the stage for potential court cases. If there were an antitrust trial, the companies lawyers would almost certainly bring up Khans previous work, and theyd need to show that theyd already raised such objections. They pretty much have to raise them now so that they could raise them in court, said Calkins. The judge might say, Well, if you were concerned about this, why didnt you ask her to recuse herself? And then Facebook would be sitting there looking at its navel and feeling stupid. FTC rules also dictate that, for administrative law processes, defendants have to raise such concerns as soon as they are aware of them. Theres another, related possibility: that, as my former colleague Will Oremus pointed out, Facebook and Amazon arent really trying to get Khan to recuse herself at all, but are more concerned with the public perceiving that Lina Khan is hopelessly biased. Masks are back in Los Angeles. As of Saturday, everyone will be required to wear them indoors, regardless of vaccination status, per a county mandate. Coronavirus cases there havent been this high since March, with the Delta variant accounting for a large portion (71 percent of the cases sequenced from June 27 to July 3, according to the county). But even with the rising cases and the high Delta proportion, this is not so much a variant problem as it is a get-people-vaccinated problem. While emerging data affirms that fully vaccinated people are well protected from severe infections with Delta variants, people with only one vaccine are not as well-protected, and there is evidence that a very small number of fully vaccinated individuals can become infected and may be able to infect others a press release from the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health explains. Public health officials are still looking at the spread of this virus from a population-level. Theyre working to protect folks who are immunocompromised, and may have lower or no immunity from the vaccine, as well as kids, who cant be vaccinated yet. Their conclusion right now is that the numbers in L.A. call for more action. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The mask mandate doesnt mean vaccines are less effective than we thought. Vaccines are still very good at stopping the spread of the virus. They are also very good at protecting you if you do get the virus. While breakthrough infections can happen, they are rare, often asymptomatic, and almost never result in a severe case of the diseaseeven factoring in the Delta variant. You are just as likely to be killed by a meteorite as die from Covid after a vaccine, one doctor said in an interview with CNBC news in late June. In other words, you should not read L.A.s mask mandate as a reversal of the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions guidance this spring that if you are vaccinated, you dont have to wear a mask or social distance, even indoors. Advertisement The problem is mostly that right now, we have vaccinated and unvaccinated people interacting in the same spaces. In an ideal world, youd be able to screen people for vaccination status, and have them mask up if they arent. But vaccine passports arent just politically contentious, they are technically difficult to implement. Many private businesses are already asking unvaccinated folks to mask upits just tough to know if that advice is actually being followed, and its tougher still to enforce. COVID-wise, there are currently two Americas, as Peter Aldhous at BuzzFeed News warned. In vaccinated America, cases are low, COVID is typically an asymptomatic infection or a cold. In unvaccinated America, thats not true. And in many places, like LA, those two separate Americas are not actually physically separate placesand those who cannot get vaccinated or are vulnerable to the virus for whatever reason are stuck in between. And so, as long as vaccination rates remain stalled, were all at risk of getting dragged back into having to mask up, and maybe more, because no one knows who is vaccinated and who isnt and its the simplest way to do something to try to contain the virus when it peeks up enough to require containing. Whether the CDC should advise everyone in the country to mask back up indoors, or if masking should remain a choice made at the local level in response to local case counts, is currently a matter of debate. But one thing is clear: We shouldnt throw out our masks just yet. Today marks the 76th anniversary of the worlds first nuclear test. It was a plutonium implosion device that was tested in New Mexico, on the barren plains of the Alamogordo Bombing Range, known as the Jornada del Muerto. J. Robert Oppenheimer, the father of the atomic bomb named the test Trinity. The device was set of at 5.30 a.m. on July 16, 1945, releasing 18.6 kilotons of power that instantly vaporized a nearby tower and turned the asphalt and sand into green glass. Less than a month later America dropped two nuclear bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. I had written a tribute to Oppenheimer for the IANS wire on April 22, 2017 on his 113th birth anniversary. I might as well republish that today. By Mayank Chhaya, Indo-Asian News Service Chicago: In the midst of heightened posturing by North Korea over a potential thermonuclear war falls today (April 22) the 113th birth anniversary of Julius Robert Oppenheimer, a father of the first atomic bomb in 1945. While an actual thermonuclear war may not come to be, Oppenheimers remarkable clarity over the bombs creation and justifiability of its use followed by philosophical ambiguity can all be traced to his passionate lifelong fascination for the Bhagavad Gita. On his birth anniversary today perhaps the most quoted expression of his would be what he took from Krishna as telling Arjuna in the Gita, "Now I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds." According to many scholars, Oppenheimer had internalized the core message of the Gita, a thumbed copy of which he famously kept handy by his work desk. He was known to gift its English translation to his friends and others. Oppenheimer learned Sanskrit in 1933 and read the Gita in the original language first. James A. Hijiya, Professor of History, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, in his remarkable work The Gita of J. Robert Oppenheimer likens Oppenheimer to the great warrior of the Mahabharata, Arjuna. For an uncertain soldier like Oppenheimer, nervously fashioning his own atomic arrow, Arjuna sets a good example. Arjuna is fighting to install his eldest brother, Yudhishthira, as ruler of the kingdom and emperor of the known world, and to thwart the pretensions of their cousin Duryodhana. Yudhishthira is a better man and ruler than Duryodhana, who is motivated by ferocious envy and has resorted to fraud and attempted murder of his cousins to gain the throne, Professor Hijiya writes. Krishnas message to Arjuna is clear: you must fight. To Oppenheimer the message would have seemed equally clear. If it was proper for Arjuna to kill his own friends and relatives in a squabble over the inheritance of a kingdom, then how could it be wrong for Oppenheimer to build a weapon to kill Germans and Japanese whose governments were trying to conquer the world? he says. Oppenheimers engagement with the Gita was active during the conception and execution of the Manhattan Project from 1941 onward that created the worlds first atomic bomb tested on July 16, 1945 at Trinity Site near Alamogordo in New Mexico. According to Hijiya, in April, 1945 during a memorial service for President Franklin Roosevelt, Oppenheimer quoted this from the book: Man is a creature whose substance is faith. What his faith is, he is. The Sanskrit verse in question that captured Oppenheimers imagination in the aftermath of the successful test was "Kalo'smi loka-ksaya-krt pravrddho", which has been variously translated. While Kal has generally been interpreted as Time and therefore Time being the great destroyer of worlds, there is a fairly widespread interpretation in the Western scholarship about Kal being Death by its very implication. Hence the most popular transliteration as used by Oppenheimer, "Now I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds. Among the Indian scholars the more acceptable translation has been, I am terrible time, the destroyer of all beings in all worlds. Oppenheimer credited two other books, apart from the Gita, as having influenced him. They were Shakespeares Hamlet and Eliots Waste Land. However, by some consensus the Gita appeared to have impacted him at both rational/practical level as well as at much deeper philosophical level. It has been argued by scholars such as Professor Hijiya that Oppenheimers approach to the atomic bomb was that of doing his duty as part of his dharma as prescribed in the Gita. Professor Hijiya describes it thus: Just as Arjuna and Yudhishthira honored their elders by submitting to their decisions, even when those decisions were wrong, so did Oppenheimer yield to those he recognized as his political and military superiors. He was a scientist, so it was his duty to make judgments on scientific matters, like how to build the bomb. But when it came to politics and war, he refused to oppose decisions made by people seemingly more qualified than himself. He would not venture outside his dharma. Oppenheimers dispassionate, almost coldly detached acquiescence to the broader politics of the atomic bomb has been interpreted as a direct result of the way he digested the Gita. He saw it purely in terms of his duty as a scientist and perhaps nothing more. Much has been written about whether Oppenheimer came to regret having pioneered the atomic bomb. There appears to be considerable agreement that he did not feel remorse in any manifest sort of way. Even during the first successful test in 1945 he was said to have thought of this line from the Gita: If the radiance of a thousand suns were to burst into the sky that would be like the splendor of the Mighty One. This was notwithstanding his full understanding of the potential for death and destruction that the enormous power could and would unleash. It was clear to those involved in the Manhattan project, particularly someone at its helm like Oppenheimer, that the eventual purpose of the bomb was to be deployed as a weapon very soon. It was in that context that the physicists dependence on the Gita as his guide ought to be viewed. --Indo-Asian News Service Spain Covid update 15th July 2021: incidence rate tops 500 for the first time since February Only 2 of the 17 regions of Spain remain below the extreme risk threshold as infection rates double in a week The latest daily update published by the national government of Spain on Thursday evening provided further evidence that the fifth wave of coronavirus contagion is matching the surge in infection which occurred shortly after Christmas and the New Year, with the 14-day incidence rate rising to over 500 cases per 100,000 inhabitants for the first time since February. A further 27,688 positive diagnoses confirmed in the Thursday bulletin have raised the rate to 501 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, almost double the 278 reported just a week ago, and as the overall figure rises so too does the proportion of PCR tests giving positive results, which in the latest bulletin reached 13.7 per cent. In addition, the breakdown of incidence rates by age group provided by the Ministry of Health continues to illustrate the extent to which younger adults and teenagers most of whom have not been vaccinated - are accounting for the majority of new cases, although all of the figures rose again: Age 0-11: 261 Age 12-19: 1,312 (maximum 3,967 in Navarra) Age 20-29: 1,581 (maximum 3,643 in Castilla y Leon) Age 30-39: 659 Age 40-49: 311 Age 50-59: 183 Age 60-69: 173 Age 70-79: 71 Age 80+: 87 Among Spains 17 regions the highest overall rates per 100,000 of population over the last 14 days are reported in Catalunya (1,108), Castilla y Leon (826), Navarra (779) and Aragon (588), and as many as 15 of Spains 17 regions are above the extreme risk threshold of 250. The only exceptions are Castilla-La Mancha (151) and Murcia (218), along with the north African enclaves of Ceuta (85.5) and Melilla (155). In response, various regional governments have begun to tighten up some of the restrictions on movement and social gatherings which have been relaxed in recent months, and the regional governments of both the Comunidad Valenciana and Catalunya have announced the re-introduction of night-time curfews. Hospital admissions and fatalities Despite the protection against serious illness which is provided by the vaccines, the fifth wave is placing more and more strain on public health services throughout Spain. The proportion of hospital beds occupied by coronavirus patients has risen to 3.91 per cent while in intensive care units the equivalent is 9.18 per cent, but in Catalunya the figures are 6.78% and 24.61% respectively. At the same time, the number of newly confirmed Covid-related fatalities on Wednesday rose appreciably to 41 and the official total since early 2020 now stands at 81,084. Vaccination data Following the administration of a further 674,000 doses on Wednesday the number of people in Spain who are fully vaccinated against coronavirus has reached 22,949,155, equivalent to 48.4 per cent of the population. 28,759,879 people have received at least one vaccine dose, equivalent to 60.6 per cent of the population. However, in the age group with most cases being reported those between 20 and 29 the equivalent proportions are just 12.2 per cent fully vaccinated and 21.6 per cent with at least one dose. Slovak national parks lack protection. Amended law should be the first step towards change None of the nine national parks complies with international rules. Font size: A - | A + Slovakia has taken steps to ensure the better protection of national parks. In early July, parliament further processed new legislation, which turns national parks into viable organisations in accordance with national park rules in Europe. The draft bill was submitted by 18 MPs from all four ruling coalition parties. The Environment Ministry supports the initiative. In this matter, the ministry found an agreement with activists, who earlier this year launched a petition calling for the reform of national parks. In most of the world, national parks are perceived as the most valuable asset a country can show and offer from nature, not only to visitors from abroad, but also its own inhabitants, Milan Janak of the World Wide Fund Slovakia (WWF Slovakia), told The Slovak Spectator. In the last 30 years, instead of protecting the most valuable natural heritage, every day we see logging, new construction and the destruction of the nature in the national parks, the petition reads. Beautiful old forests are disappearing; hotels and apartments are appearing. Precious species like western capercaillie have reached the edge of extinction, the petition continues. National parks and their protection have been a topic in Slovakia for several years now. Zonation, which would create zones in the national parks where it is possible to carry out constructions and where not, was one highly discussed theme. Until today, no concrete steps have been taken. Insufficient protection Slovak national parks make up about 7.5 percent of the countrys territory, reads the analysis of the Institute for Environmental Policy, the organisation operating under the Environment Ministry. Only France has a bigger share among EU countries. 16. Jul 2021 at 12:10 | Nina Hrabovska Francelova Batavia Downs hosted the New York Sire Stakes County Fair series, a program designed to help develop young horsepeople, on Thursday (July 15). Kyle Swift made his first ever driving start a winning one when he steered the two-year-old pacing filly Pink Delight (Huntsville-Gentlemens Delight) to a perfectly-rated wire-to-wire win in the third race of the afternoon. Swift cut fractions of :31.2 and 1:05.1 in the short field of five before letting his filly loose to pace a back half of 1:00.1, with a :29.2 final panel, to win by two lengths. She got a little rammy behind the gate, so I let her leave out of there. Once she got on the front, she was fine, said Swift. Going to the half, she got a little lazy, but when the horse behind me pulled, she grabbed the bit and it was game over from there. The 16-year-old Swift, who will be starting his junior year at Akron (N.Y.) Central High School in the fall, said that the pandemic last year which forced schooling from home was advantageous to his development as a driver and trainer. Because I was home, I was able to be in the barn working everyday and worked with this filly in particular. I got along better with her than anyone else and she started to really come along. Right now, I am training five, and look forward to them all racing well. Swift comes from a background firmly established in harness racing as the son of driver Ray Fisher Jr. and trainer Ryan Swift. Fisher has 4,621 driving wins and over $20 million in earnings during his career, while Swift accounts for 415 wins and $2.5 million as a conditioner over the past decade. The abilities of Mom and Dad have certainly influenced Swift, who is looking to make a career of the sport. The fastest pace went to the three-year-old gelding Garretts Drama (Art Major-Real Drama), who went in 1:59.4 for owner-driver Jimmy Whittemore and trainer Marissa Chadbourne. On the trotting side, trainer Steve Pratts three-year-old filly Barn Baby (RC Royalty-Barn Babe) toured the facility in 2:00.4 to score an easy win with Kyle Cummings in the bike. Pratt co-owns the winner with Nancy Pratt, the Purple Haze Stables and Out In The Country Stable. Whittemore, Cummings and Kevin Cummings all had two driving wins on Thursday's 13-race card. The NYSS County Fair series will reconvene on Monday (July 19) in Chautauqua County in Dunkirk, New York. Post time is slated for 2 p.m. (Batavia Downs) Officials with Horse Racing New Brunswick have announced that Exhibition Park Raceway will host a qualifying session this Monday (July 19) at 6:30 p.m. ADT. Entries will be accepted through Friday (July 16) at 12 noon. To view conditions and to submit entries, click here. (with files from HRNB) Avatar J showed up on the scene late to finish third in last weeks Governors Plate final, and now will line up the Saturday evening (July 17) feature at Red Shores Racetrack and Casino at the Charlottetown Driving Park. The capital oval has a 12-dash presentation on Saturday evening with a 6 p.m. ADT opening post time. Avatar J has drawn post 5 in the $3,100 Preferred Pace, carded as race 11, with Kenny Arsenault back in the seat of the Danny MacDonald trainee for owners Jody Sanderson and Dean Larkin. The seven-year-old American Ideal pacer was saddled with post 8 in the $25,000 Governors Plate final, but powered past some foes to finish third. Bugsy Maguire, who was also in the Governors Plate final, gets post 2 on Saturday night with Ken Murphy picking up the catch drive from trainer Wade Sorrie. The 32-time winner is placed at 7-2 morning line odds by race secretary Gerard Smith. The second choice is Cowboy Logic (post 3), who finished fourth in the Bob Dewar Memorial Governors Plate consolation for driver Steven Shepherd. Saturdays Post Time Picks has Avatar J locked in the win position: Avatar J has been handling the finest pacers on the Eastern Seaboard of Canada every single week and has never looked even remotely out of place. Gets a little softer company this evening so we see nothing but victory in front of him. Also in the Preferred field are Mick Dundee (Don MacNeill) and Winter Blast (Walter Cheverie). The back-up pace lines up in race 8 in a wide-open affair fielding eight entries with the Jackpot Hi-5 ticket now being offered on this race. Messier Seelster is the top choice from post 3 with Arsenault in the seat for conditioner Jennifer Doyle. He will face challenges from seven rivals, including stablemate Mantario (Cheverie) and Trevor Hicken trainee Adkins Hanover (Ambyr Campbell). See the excitement in person or tune into the worldwide broadcast at Redshores.ca or on the Red Shores Youtube channel. Onsite wagering is available starting at 12 noon on race day at Red Shores locations or at HPIBet.com. To view Saturday's complete entries, click the following link: Saturday Entries Red Shores Charlottetown. (Red Shores) The effect of being told you cannot do something varies from individual to individual. Some people adopt that mindset, believe that they cannot do it and never attempt it again. Other people take that negative energy and turn it into fuel to push them to accomplish those unreachable goals. After his accident at Century Downs in May, Daryl Thiessen was told by his medical practioners that hed be sidelined for quite some time. He had suffered a shattered collarbone, dislocated hip, broken femur, and a substantial blow to the head. Not only did he defy the odds to come back earlier than expected, but he also made it to the winners circle on his first day back. Thiessen took the negative prognosis and turned it into the fuel to get him back in the drivers seat four months before initially indicated by his doctors. The first thing Thiessen asked after his first surgery was when he could drive again, but the medical staff had more pressing concerns. I got mad at [my surgeon], and we had an argument about it. He was just trying to be real with me and wasnt trying to be rude. He just didnt understand how much driving horses means to me. Whether or not I can walk again, Ill drive horses again. Although it was tough for Thiessen to swallow, he knew it would take some time to get back in the sulky. Ultimately, Thiessens return to the track was up to him and his ability to endure the pain. I have a rod from my hip to my knee and they said the rod can withstand any weight you can put on it. So, what I took from that is its just the pain tolerance and what I can handle. Thiessen just needed a chance to prove he was able to perform. That opportunity presented itself with the help of an old friend: trainer Trevor Williams. No one else was going to let me drive their horses. Nobody thought I was going to be able to do it. I begged [Trevor] to please give me the opportunity. The two agreed that if Thiessen could jog and train earlier in the week without pain or issues, he would be able to drive in the first leg of the Golden Boy Stakes at Miami Fair on July 10. The training session went perfectly and solidified Thiessens place on the Saturdays race card. I got back to the barn, and it was emotional. You go from laying in the hospital not knowing if it is ever going to happen again but then it ends up happening so fast. It was a lot to take in. The race itself could not have played out any better for the returning reinsman. Thiessen picked up the drive on the Williams-trained Dawns Night Owl and the duo delivered, with Thiessen guiding the gelding to victory in a lifetime best 2:01.1. The race had its share of suspense as the post-time favourite, Cereal Killer made an untimely break for driver Don Howlett at the top of the stretch after cutting the mile. That miscue opened the door for Thiessen and Dawns Night Owl to sprint home and pick off Promisemeawin in the final strides. The race also had some dramatics as Thiessen had two driver objections filed against him for slowing the pace and causing a bunch up around the quarter mark. This caused a delay in making the race official as the judges had to review the complaints. Ultimately the objections were disallowed as the entire race was set to a fast pace and the three-year-olds most of which had one or two lifetime starts heading into the Golden Boy had some of the fastest times of their short racing careers. Thiessen was quick to credit fellow drivers for supporting him during his recovery. James MacDonald, Doug McNair, Johnathan Drury, Bob McClure, Yannick Gingras and all those guys really helped keep the fire lit under me. They knew how bad I was hurt but they knew how bad I love to drive. Thiessen also wanted to thank those individuals that helped start his career. Don Howlett and Trevor (Williams) sent me with a stable of horses to Edmonton. They believed in me enough to do that and Dons one of my biggest heroes in harness racing. He was one of the first to congratulate me after the win and thats why I love Donny. The recognition from Thiessen did not stop there and he continued by saying, I really want to thank my mom and dad and my girlfriend, Alayna. They have been just unbelievable. The road to full recovery is not over yet, and for the short-term Thiessen plans on staying in Manitoba at Miami Fair. Manitoba is a good stepping stone and its great to be here with old friends. Its an important piece to the puzzle to get back to Ontario. It is not clear how much driving Thiessen will be doing over the next few weeks, but he knows he will get more opportunities. Two of those opportunities will take place this Saturday (July 17) at Miami. To view the entries for Saturday's card of harness racing at Miami Fair, click the following link: Saturday Entries - Miami. (A Trot Insider Exclusive by Trey Colbeck) Data collected through the event is put onto a site called iNaturalist, which is similar to crowd sourcing, Filipi said. The sighting is then verified and can be used by researchers about the various species found in the area during this timeframe. The bioblitz offers the community an opportunity to participate in a fun science event while learning about the natural area from experts in the field while also helping researchers understand the biodiversity and migratory patterns of the animal species that reside in the Wildcat Hills. The community has helped gather data about bats during previous bioblitz events. In 2019, the community recorded over 253 observations of 173 different species. Were always looking to break that record, Filipi said. Were hoping that well be able to get out there and identify more critters and plants, so we can shatter that. This years bioblitz will take place at the Wildcat Hills Nature Center. Christmas is coming back this July with the fourth biennial Christmas in July Bazaar at St. Francis Episcopal Church on Saturday. The bazaar will have a host of Christmas decorations brought in by various community members who have decided someone else might get better use out of them than they did. However, the bazaar wont only have Christmas-themed items; it will be a flea market of many other household goods and bakery treats as well. We have good cooks in the Episcopal Church, Barb Manasek, president of the Episcopal Church Women (ECW) and a co-organizer of the sale, said. So, well have lots of baking cookies and cakes and things like that. The ECW has been hosting the large rummage sale every other year for the past eight or so years to help raise money for the churchs youth to go to Bible camp. The week-long camp on the other side of the state is for fourth through 12th graders, and is a place for youth to meet other Episcopalians from across Nebraska. St. Francis will be sending seven campers this year. Support Local Journalism Your subscription makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} CARLISLE, Pa. The disinterred remains of nine Native American children who died more than a century ago while attending a government-run school in Pennsylvania were headed home to Rosebud Sioux tribal lands in South Dakota on Wednesday after a ceremony returning them to relatives. The handoff at a graveyard on the grounds of the U.S. Army's Carlisle Barracks was part of the fourth set of transfers to take place since 2017. The remains of an Alaskan Aleut child were returned to her tribe earlier this summer. We want our children home no matter how long it takes, said U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, who in June announced a nationwide investigation into the boarding schools that attempted to assimilate Indigenous children into white society. As Haza was recounting his story, he mentioned having recently attended a ceremony in which a family friend was inducted into the U.S. Army. As he watched the young man swear to protect and defend the United States, Haza understood why his father had given his life for Cuba. Now I understand why my father died, Haza said. In his death, Colonel Bonifacio Haza served his country, and in serving his country, he served his family, including his eight-year-old son, who now lives in freedom in the United States. While many Americans take their freedoms for granted, Luis Haza, whose father defied Castro and was killed for doing so, does not. He understands that the freedoms we have are extraordinary and that freedoms are never free. This past weekend, over 40 anti-government protests erupted throughout Cuba. At least one person has died and over 100 are missing, presumably arrested. The Biden administration first attributed the protests to COVID, but the cries were for Libertad: liberty. In giving different examples of issues that he had with the standards, he argued that standards that teach fourth graders to know the difference between sexual orientation and gender identity arent scientifically based and are factually wrong. He said that standards that call for teaching seventh graders about oral and anal sex sexualize our children. Parents should be able to teach children about sex education in their own way based on their personal or religious beliefs, he said. This is not the science of biology and reproduction, Ricketts said. And some of these things, parents want to teach their own way, at home. One of the things, if you have been a parent, you know that kids dont develop at the same rate. And, so, some things are just appropriate to teach kids at a later time. He said he supports that, though, schools should be a place where everyone feels welcome and respected, that also applies to those who have specific religious beliefs or feelings about sex education topics. He billed the standards as part of a national movement to get comprehensive sex standards into schools across the nation. You must be logged in to react. Click any reaction to login. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Iredell County Sheriff Darren Campbell said these individuals were arrested from April through June 2021, as part of the continuing efforts of the sheriffs office to prevent the sale of illegal drugs in Iredell County. These individuals sold directly to or facilitated the sale of illegal drugs to undercover narcotics investigators, Campbell said. As you can see many of these suspects have considerable criminal histories. For several years now, it has been the stance of the Iredell County Sheriffs Office to aggressively target, and arrest repeat criminals who choose to continue to commit crimes or by their actions contribute to criminal activity here in Iredell County, Campbell said. The following people were arrested on various charges between April and June. Kareen Obrien Daye, 48, of Weathers Creek Road, Troutman, was charged with two counts of felony possession with intent to sell or deliver Schedule II and felony conspire to sell or deliver Schedule II. Bond is set at $7,500. A sheriffs deputy in Spotsylvania County, Virginia was indicted on a felony charge Thursday in connection with the April shooting of county resident Isiah Brown. David Turbyfill was charged by a special grand jury with felony reckless handling of a firearm, special prosecutor LaBravia Jenkins said. Reckless handling of a firearm is usually a misdemeanor, but Jenkins said it is a felony in this case largely because of the significant injuries suffered by the 32-year-old Brown. If convicted, Turbyfill could receive up to five years in prison. The shooting took place early April 21 near Browns home. Turbyfill had given Brown a ride home earlier that night after Browns car broke down and returned to the area after Brown made a 911 call. The portion of the 911 call released by police shortly after the incident indicated that Turbyfill thought that Brown had a gun when he was actually on a portable phone, talking with a dispatcher. Turbyfill could be heard screaming at Brown to drop the gun and stop walking toward him, before the deputy fired multiple shots. Browns attorney has said Brown was shot 10 times and that eight bullets were found in his body. HONG KONG (AP) Hong Kongs national security police on Friday raided the office of a university student union after student leaders last week commemorated a man who killed himself after stabbing a police officer. Police raided the office at the University of Hong Kong and cordoned off the area around it. No students were in the office at the time. It was not clear if any arrests were made. Police confirmed that they are investigating the student union with cooperation from the university and that they collected evidence Friday under a search warrant. They did not release any further details. Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam earlier this week urged the university and police to take action after student leaders passed a motion expressing deep sadness and appreciating the sacrifice of the man who attacked the police officer. The man, identified as Leung Kin-fai, was described by police as a lone wolf domestic terrorist who was politically radicalized. On July 1, Leung stabbed a police officer with a knife before turning the weapon on himself. Leaders of the student union later apologized for passing the motion and stepped down from their posts. Attorneys for Baltzell and Lanham did not immediately respond to a telephone message seeking comment. Each manslaughter charge alleges that the men recklessly caused the death of a passenger. Missouri law calls for a prison sentence of between three years and 10 years for a conviction on that charge. Thirty-one people were aboard when the duck boat entered the lake. A storm came up suddenly and the waves swamped the boat before it could make it back to shore. Fourteen people survived. Rides on the lake in modified former World War II vehicles once were a popular draw in the Branson area. Ripley Entertainment, which owned the former World War II vehicle, settled 31 lawsuits related to the accident. Video and audio from the boat, recovered by divers, showed that the lake was calm when the boat entered the water. But the weather suddenly turned violent. Within minutes, the boat sank. The cost of renting an apartment in Oregon's most populous city, Portland, plummeted in 2020 amid the pandemic at its peak dropping more than 7%. However, this year the cost of renting has slowly started to increase again. The Oregonian reported that, from March to April this year, Portland apartment rents increased by 1.8% from, with median rents sitting at $1,153 for a one-bedroom apartment and $1,344 for a two-bedroom apartment. However, at the time the cost of renting an apartment in Portland was still down 4% as compared with last April. ARE EVICTIONS EXPECTED TO CREATE A SURGE IN HOMELESSNESS? Oregon had a housing crisis before the pandemic and since then it has only been exacerbated. Its hard to say exactly how much homelessness will increase in Oregon. However, one indication of the scope of the problem is census data in May showing 53% of Oregon renters who responded to a survey or more than 27,000 renters said that it was very likely or somewhat likely that they would be evicted from their home. Sara Cline is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues. Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. During the pandemic, the state saw a shift away from urban areas as people looked for cheaper housing while working remotely. That's why King County, home to Seattle, had the largest vacancy rate at 7.1% this spring, compared with smaller markets that had a rental vacancy of 0.5% in a recent survey. Data on multifamily units of five and larger from CoStar Group, a real estate research firm, shows that as the economy reopens, demand for housing in Seattle is coming back after vacancy rates were as high as 11.4% last year, and rents are increasing again after seeing a decline. Seattle rents increased 4.4% over the past 12 months, with a one-bedroom at $1,674 and a two-bedroom rate at $1,983. ARE EVICTIONS EXPECTED TO CREATE A SURGE IN HOMELESSNESS? Its hard to say how much homelessness will increase in Washington. Witter, with the Housing Justice Project, said the Seattle region already has one of the highest homelessness rates in the country, which could increase if pandemic-related evictions soar. According to the Census Pulse Survey for the week of June 23-July 5, about 31,000 households statewide are not paying rent and more than 174,000 have no confidence they could pay next months rent. The Census survey found that more than 53,000 respondents said it was very likely they would have to leave their homes because of eviction in the next two months. More than 61,000 said it was somewhat likely. It doesnt take a lot to create a surge of homelessness, Witter said. Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. It was a day full of interesting launches and updates in the world of technology today. On one hand, Google started rolling out delete last 15 min of Search history shortcut on iOS. On the other hand, Facebook rolled out Soundmojis on Messenger. In addition to that, Instagram rolled out new security features in its app not to mention new Clubhouse text feature, Realme 7 update and Amazfit Zepp Z launch. So, heres what created a buzz in the tech world today: Facebook Messenger gets Soundmojis Facebook has introduced a new feature called Soundmojis on Facebook Messenger. Soundmojis are emojis with sound.This newly launched feature will turn your conversations on Messenger interesting by adding various sounds such as drum roll or clapping sound to the boring emojis that you have been using in your chats so far. Also read: Looking for a smartphone? Check Mobile Finder here. Google rolling out delete last 15 min of Search history shortcut on iOS Google has started rolling out a new feature that will enable users to delete their last 15 minutes of search queries via a shortcut. This feature is currently rolling out on iOS. It will arrive on the Android Google app later this year. Realme 7 gets Realme UI 2.0 Realme announced that it is rolling out the Realme UI 2.0 to the Realme 7 smartphone. The announcement follows another announcement by Realme wherein it rolled out Android 11-based Realme UI 2.0 to the Realme X7 Pro smartphone. Instagram rolls out new security feature to help protect hacked accounts Instagram has rolled out a new security feature for those whose accounts have been hacked. The feature is called Security Checkup and it adds an extra layer of protection to accounts that have been previously compromised. It will check login activity, review profile information, confirm the accounts that share login information, and also update account recovery contact information like phone number, and/or email address. Amazfit launches Zepp Z smartwatch in India Amazfit today launched a new smartwatch in India called Amazfit Zepp Z. The Amazfit Zepp Z smartwatch costs 25,999. It will be available in India via Amazon India starting July 20 ahead of Amazon Indias Prime Day 2021 sale. Clubhouse now offers text messages Spotify has announced a new text messaging feature on the app called Backchannel. Backchannel works in a simple way. If you follow each other, you can message the person and this will turn up in your Chats. If someone you do not follow messages you, this will turn up under Requests and you have the option to accept or reject it. Photo courtesy of mdroid vivo S10 series has landed in China today as the brand's latest mid-range offering with attractive tech specs and a spectacular design. The series brings two devices which are vivo S10 and S10 Pro. Both of them are pretty much the same except that the Pro variant comes with a better camera. The vivo S10 and S10 Pro are powered by MediaTek Dimensity 1100 paired with 8/12GB of RAM and 128/256GB of internal storage. Both models also come with 6.44-inch 90Hz Super AMOLEDs and an in-screen fingerprint scanner. Under the hood, they house a 4,000mAh battery with 44W wired fast charge support. For photography, the vivo S10 Pro uses the 1/1.52-inch 108MP ISOCELL HM2 sensor with 9:1-pixel binning in its main camera. Meanwhile, the vanilla variant goes with a 64MP main shooter. Their triple camera setup also includes an 8MP ultrawide lens and a 2MP macro lens. On the front, both feature a 44MP camera with autofocus and an 8MP ultrawide snapper. It is worth mentioning that the 44MP front camera can be used to shoot HDR and 4K content as well. The vivo S10 series uses the new photochromic technology on its back panels. They are able to change their colours in seconds under direct sunlight. The devices will be available in white, black, lime and gradient blue colour options. For the price, the vanilla S10 with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage starts at 2,799 Yuan (~RM1,820) while the S10 Pro with the same 8/128GB configuration comes out to 3,999 Yuan (~RM2,601). It is unknown when will the devices arrive in Malaysia but we'll keep a close eye on the latest information for you. Let us know what you think about the vivo S10 series on our Facebook page. Stay tuned to TechNave.com for more smartphone launches. In this Monday, July 27, 2020, file photo, An American Airlines Boeing 737-823 lands at Miami International Airport in Miami. American Airlines is telling some flight attendants to cut short their leaves of absence and come back to work. The airline said Thursday, July 15, 2021 that it is canceling extended leaves for about 3,300 flight attendants, and it wants them flying by November or December. Plus, the airline expects to hire 800 new flight attendants by next March. Credit: AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee, File American Airlines is canceling extended leaves for about 3,300 flight attendants and telling them to come back to work in time for the holiday season. And American plans to hire 800 new flight attendants by next March, according to an airline executive. The moves are the latest indication that leisure travel in the U.S. is recovering more quickly from the pandemic than airlines expected. "Increasing customer demand and new routes starting later this year mean we need more flight attendants to operate the airline," Brady Byrnes, the airline's vice president of flight service, told flight attendants in a memo Thursday. Byrnes said cabin crews who are coming back from leave will return to flights in November or December. Last year, American offered long-term leaves of absence to flight attendants and other employees to cut costs while it struggled with a steep drop in travel caused by the coronavirus outbreak. Other airlines did the same thing. Now they need people. Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian said this week that his airline expects to hire between 4,000 and 5,000 workers this year. Delta plans to add 1,300 reservations agents by this fall to reduce long waits on hold for customers who call the airline. It's also adding customer service, cargo and airport workers and plans to hire more than 1,000 pilots before next summer. When the pandemic hit, the number of people flying in the U.S. plunged below 100,000 on some days, a level not seen in decades. This year, it has climbed from less than 700,000 a day in early February to 2 million a day in July. Explore further Startup Breeze Airways says it will begin flying in late May 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. A receptionist looks up from the lobby of Didi head office in Beijing Friday, July 16, 2021. China's cyber-watchdog on Friday announced an on-site cybersecurity investigation of ride-hailing service Didi, stepping up scrutiny after earlier criticism of its handling of customer information caused the company's New York-traded shares to tumble. Credit: AP Photo/Ng Han Guan China's cyber-watchdog on Friday announced an on-site cybersecurity investigation of ride-hailing service Didi, stepping up scrutiny after earlier criticism of its handling of customer information caused the company's New York-traded shares to tumble. The on-site inspection comes two weeks after the regulator said it would probe the ride-hailing company over concerns about national security and data security. That came days after Didi raised $4.4 billion and went public on the New York Stock Exchange. According to a statement released Friday by the Cybersecurity Administration of China, other Chinese government departments involved in the on-site investigation include the Ministry of Public Security, Ministry of Natural Resources, Ministry of Transport, State Taxation Administration and the State Administration of Market Regulation. The Cyberspace Administration of China gave no other details. Didi was earlier was ordered to stop signing up new customers while it overhauled its collection and handling of information about its users. The ruling Communist Party is tightening control over China's booming technology industries and information about its public and economy, which it sees as a sensitive strategic asset. A visitor checks an autonomous car developed by Didi at an auto show in Shanghai, China on April 19, 2021. The Chinese government on Friday, July 16, 2021 announced a cybersecurity investigation of ride-hailing service Didi, stepping up scrutiny after earlier criticism of its handling of customer information caused the company's New York-traded shares to tumble. Credit: Chinatopix via AP A receptionist looks up from an office for drivers of Didi in Beijing Friday, July 16, 2021. China's cyber-watchdog on Friday announced an on-site cybersecurity investigation of ride-hailing service Didi, stepping up scrutiny after earlier criticism of its handling of customer information caused the company's New York-traded shares to tumble. Credit: AP Photo/Ng Han Guan The sign for Didi is seen at the top of its head office in Beijing Friday, July 16, 2021. China's cyber-watchdog on Friday announced an on-site cybersecurity investigation of ride-hailing service Didi, stepping up scrutiny after earlier criticism of its handling of customer information caused the company's New York-traded shares to tumble. Credit: AP Photo/Ng Han Guan Explore further China orders takedown of 25 apps from ride service Didi 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. In this June 22, 2021, file photo, the Lordstown Motors Baja truck is displayed during a media tour to the Lordstown Motors complex in Lordstown, Ohio. Lordstown Motors, an Ohio company that has come under scrutiny over the number of orders it claimed it had for the electric trucks that it wants to produce, acknowledged that it has received two subpoenas from federal regulators and that prosecutors in New York have opened an investigation. The Securities and Exchange Commission asked in a pair of subpoenas for documents related to the company's merger with DiamondPeak, a special purpose acquisition company. Credit: AP Photo/David Dermer, File Lordstown Motors, an Ohio company under scrutiny over the number of orders it claimed it had for the electric trucks that it wants to produce, acknowledged receiving two subpoenas from federal regulators and that prosecutors in New York have opened an investigation. The Securities and Exchange Commission asked in a pair of subpoenas for documents related to the company's merger with DiamondPeak, a special purpose acquisition company. Special purpose acquisition companies, or SPACs, have gained prominence this year as a quick route to becoming publicly traded and listing shares on an exchange. SPACs can cut up to 75% off the time it takes for a company to get its stock trading on an exchange, versus the traditional process of an initial public offering. SPACs can also make it easier to get prospective buyers on board. Companies going the SPAC route often feel more license to highlight projections for big growth they're expecting in the future, for example. In a traditional IPO, the company is limited to listing its past performance, which may not be a great selling point for young startups that typically fail to put up big profits or revenue. That dynamic is playing out as Lordstown's operations come under increasing scrutiny, which it was partially shielded from when it went public through a SPAC. In this June 22, 2021, file photo, employees stand near Endurance truck beds during a media tour of the Lordstown Motors complex in Lordstown, Ohio. Lordstown Motors, an Ohio company that has come under scrutiny over the number of orders it claimed it had for the electric trucks that it wants to produce, acknowledged that it has received two subpoenas from federal regulators and that prosecutors in New York have opened an investigation. The Securities and Exchange Commission asked in a pair of subpoenas for documents related to the company's merger with DiamondPeak, a special purpose acquisition company. Credit: AP Photo/David Dermer, File In this June 22, 2021, file photo, a mural is displayed on the wall outside the Lordstown Motors plant in Lordstown, Ohio. Lordstown Motors, an Ohio company that has come under scrutiny over the number of orders it claimed it had for the electric trucks that it wants to produce, acknowledged that it has received two subpoenas from federal regulators and that prosecutors in New York have opened an investigation. The Securities and Exchange Commission asked in a pair of subpoenas for documents related to the company's merger with DiamondPeak, a special purpose acquisition company. Credit: AP Photo/David Dermer, File Last month, Lordstown acknowledged that it had no firm orders for its vehicles days after its president said the company had enough of them to maintain production through 2022. The company's CEO and chief financial officer resigned the same week. In its regulatory filing with the SEC, Lordstown said that the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York is "investigating these matters." It said that it is cooperating with all investigations and inquiries. Shares of Lordstown Motors Corp., which have been hammered in recent weeks, fell 2% Friday. The shares are down almost 60% since the start of the year. There are now questions about whether Lordstown, which is named after a village just west of Youngstown, Ohio, has enough funding to continue operations. Last month Angela Strand, the company's new chairwoman, said that the developments won't interrupt the company's day-to-day operations or its plans to start making its electric truck called the Endurance. 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has been campaigning for countries to adopt a global tax reform, including a measure to allow countries to tax their largest businesses no matter where they are based. US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said Thursday she is "not certain" if Amazon will have to pay up under a worldwide minimum tax she is encouraging countries, including her own, to adopt. The landmark deal implementing a minimum corporate rate of 15 percent is supposed to help put an end to top multinationals shopping for countries with low corporate taxes in which to book their profits instead of paying where they conduct their business. The plan would also allow countries to tax a share of profits of the most profitable countries in the world, regardless of where they're based. But that would only apply to large international firms whose profit margins exceed 10 percent. Asked in an interview with CNBC if Washington would be able to levy taxes on Amazon under the deal, Yellen replied, "It depends on whether or not they will reach the threshold of profitability, and I am not certain of that." Despite Amazon's colossal footprint and market capitalization of more than $1 trillion, its profit margin last year amounted to just 6.3 percent. Amazon, which has used optimization arrangements to lower its tax bill, has been the target of levies imposed unilaterally by countries including France, Italy, Spain and Britain. Those will fall away once a global agreement takes effect, and the company has signaled approval of the deal. More than 130 countries have already agreed to reforms on international taxation, and on Saturday finance ministers from the G20the 19 largest global economies plus the European Unionbacked the agreement. Explore further Amazon may prove exception to global tax rules 2021 AFP 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. The statewide unemployment rate was 6.5% at the end of May, and the U.S. rate was 5.9% as of the end of June. Support Local Journalism Your subscription makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} "If I were to venture a prediction and partly a hope I think we will see some big changes here in the fall," Jansen said. "The hospitality industry will see employment rising when A&M returns to business and students are all or almost all on campus. With 100% occupancy at Kyle Field, all of that will show up in the hotels and the restaurants." PERC's most recent local economic report indicates that single family housing permits and values have risen in recent months, to their highest levels in 15 years. Locally, new homes are proving hard to come by for those looking, and home prices are rising, according to Amy Dubose, association executive for the BCS Association of Realtors. In June, according to Dubose, 520 homes were sold, a year-over-year increase of 34.4%. The median price of $250,000 is 11.2% higher than in June 2020. Housing inventory is at a record low of 1.2 months, Dubose said. Homes spent an average of 89 days on the market, down 18 days from this time a year ago. Active listings decreased by 65.9%, with 419 active listings. A new exhibit at the Museum of the American GI aims to bring recognition to the Vietnam veterans who did not receive a warm welcome home after their service. Its time for us to tell them, Thank you for the service that you gave, said Leisha Mullins, the museums co-founder. Were not trying to retell the story of the Vietnam conflict; rather, what we are doing is were telling the stories of the veterans, and were using, as much as possible, their words, telling it from their perspective. The exhibit includes information from interviews conducted by Bill Youngkin for The Eagle, Tom Turbiville for KAMU-TV and by museum staff. Each veteran experienced the war differently based on where and when they served, and many were proud of their service, Mullins said, but one commonality among the stories was the negative reception they received when they got home. Some arrived at the airport to protesters, she said, and one told the story of seeing a mother move her young son away once she realized the boy was waving at him. She said she hopes people will read about their experiences, think about it and gain a new perspective, regardless of whether they agreed with the politics surrounding the conflict. DALLAS (AP) A federal freeze on most evictions that was 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, has been the only tool keeping millions of tenants in their homes. Many of them lost jobs during the coronavirus pandemic and have fallen months behind on their rent. Landlords successfully challenged the order in court, arguing that 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 rent. As of June 7, roughly 3.2 million people in the U.S. said they would face eviction within 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 Texas: Opponents of the provision somewhat similar to one that passed in Georgia say it is creating another opportunity for voters to make minor mistakes. Additional steps and paperwork raise the risk of ballots being discarded. The new proposals partially address that concern. Voters who submit ballots before Election Day would be notified of problems and allowed to go to an elections office to fix some issues that can disqualify the vote, such as a mismatched signature. However, voters will not be able to fix problems with their identification numbers ballots that dont contain them or dont match the ones on file can be discarded. While Democrats and voting rights groups were cheered by the new ability to cure mail ballots, they worry the additional identification requirements could confuse voters and lead to ballots being rejected. Republicans say theyre a sensible way of ensuring voter identification that doesnt run into the problems of requiring photo IDs, which are not always easily obtainable. Criminal penalties Here in Texas, last spring, poorly written instructions in Travis County kept more than 4,600 people from casting a mail-in ballot in their primary runoffs. Less spectacularly, in 2012, long waits caused an estimated 500,000 people to give up and not vote. In response, a presidential commission in 2014 recommended no citizen be forced to wait more than 30 minutes to vote. While most people vote in less than 10 minutes, residents of minority districts nationwide have significantly longer waits than Anglo voters. Over the past few decades, voting has become easier and more secure nationwide. The number of people voting early or by mail has grown from 32 million (25% of all voters) in 2008 to 101 million (65%) in 2020. Several states, including Republican Utah and Democratic Oregon, vote almost entirely by mail. Their well designed systems enable people to track their ballots by their barcodes, correct (cure) minor mistakes, do not suffer from fraud and actually encourage more thoughtful voting. On the day leading up to the homicide and robbery, the six defendants were recording a music video in Franklin County, filmed by Schwallenberg, in which they posed with actual firearms. Manns later organized the robbery, and he alone knew the Prillamans and was the only member of the group who had been to their home on Salthouse Branch Road. The original plan was for Manns to drag Justin Prillaman out of the house so the others could go in and steal items. The synopsis said Manns instead went inside, armed with a .40-caliber handgun, and minutes later a single gunshot rang out. Manns then came out and told the others, Yo, I shot him in the head. TeSean Brooks then allegedly fired a rifle three times, striking Matthew Prillaman, who was also armed. Prillaman suffered three gunshot wounds and could not see who attacked him, but he was later able to call 911. One witness saw Manns leave the house with a Del-Ton Sport M2 belonging to Justin Prillaman, a semi-automatic rifle with a 50-round drum that was later recovered during a search of one of the suspects residences. Mitchell did not make any statements during the hearing, but Schwallenbergs attorney, Aaron Houchens, spoke on his clients behalf. Thomas Robertson posed a greater threat while free on bond than he did inside the U.S. Capitol during the Jan. 6 insurrection, a federal prosecutor said Wednesday in asking that the former Rocky Mount police officer remain in jail until his trial. A virtual bond revocation hearing for Robertson was cut short late Wednesday afternoon by technical problems. U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper, who July 9 ordered that Robertson be taken into custody, recessed the proceeding. When it resumed Thursday, the hearing was put off for a second time in as many days after a failure to make a video connection with Robertson, who is being held at the Central Virginia Regional Jail. The judge decided to conduct the hearing the old-fashioned way, saying he would issue an order for Robertson to be transported to Washington, D.C. Once that happens, a hearing will be scheduled in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. Mr. Robertsons own words show that he is a danger to the community, federal prosecutor Elizabeth Aloi said, referring to social media posts attributed to the 47-year old since he was charged with entering the Capitol building as it was being breached by a violent crowd of supporters of then-President Donald Trump. Two of the zero-day Windows flaws rectified by Microsoft as part of its Patch Tuesday update earlier this week were weaponized by an Israel-based company called Candiru in a series of "precision attacks" to hack more than 100 journalists, academics, activists, and political dissidents globally. The spyware vendor was also formally identified as the commercial surveillance company that Google's Threat Analysis Group (TAG) revealed as exploiting multiple zero-day vulnerabilities in Chrome browser to target victims located in Armenia, according to a report published by the University of Toronto's Citizen Lab. "Candiru's apparent widespread presence, and the use of its surveillance technology against global civil society, is a potent reminder that the mercenary spyware industry contains many players and is prone to widespread abuse," Citizen Lab researchers said. "This case demonstrates, yet again, that in the absence of any international safeguards or strong government export controls, spyware vendors will sell to government clients who will routinely abuse their services." Founded in 2014, the private-sector offensive actor (PSOA) codenamed "Sourgum" by Microsoft is said to be the developer of an espionage toolkit dubbed DevilsTongue that's exclusively sold to governments and is capable of infecting and monitoring a broad range of devices across different platforms, including iPhones, Androids, Macs, PCs, and cloud accounts. Citizen Lab said it was able to recover a copy of Candiru's Windows spyware after obtaining a hard drive from "a politically active victim in Western Europe," which was then reverse engineered to identify two never-before-seen Windows zero-day exploits for vulnerabilities tracked as CVE-2021-31979 and CVE-2021-33771 that were leveraged to install malware on victim boxes. The infection chain relied on a mix of browser and Windows exploits, with the former served via single-use URLs sent to targets on messaging applications such as WhatsApp. Microsoft addressed both the privilege escalation flaws, which enable an adversary to escape browser sandboxes and gain kernel code execution, on July 13. The intrusions culminated in the deployment of DevilsTongue, a modular C/C++-based backdoor equipped with a number of capabilities, including exfiltrating files, exporting messages saved in the encrypted messaging app Signal, and stealing cookies and passwords from Chrome, Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari, and Opera browsers. Microsoft's analysis of the digital weapon also found that it could abuse the stolen cookies from logged-in email and social media accounts like Facebook, Twitter, Gmail, Yahoo, Mail.ru, Odnoklassniki, and Vkontakte to collect information, read the victim's messages, retrieve photos, and even send messages on their behalf, thus allowing the threat actor to send malicious links directly from a compromised user's computer. Separately, the Citizen Lab report also tied the two Google Chrome vulnerabilities disclosed by the search giant on Wednesday CVE-2021-21166 and CVE-2021-30551 to the Tel Aviv company, noting overlaps in the websites that were used to distribute the exploits. Furthermore, 764 domains linked to Candiru's spyware infrastructure were uncovered, with many of the domains masquerading as advocacy organizations such as Amnesty International, the Black Lives Matter movement, as well as media companies, and other civil-society themed entities. Some of the systems under their control were operated from Saudi Arabia, Israel, U.A.E., Hungary, and Indonesia. Over 100 victims of SOURGUM's malware have been identified to date, with targets located in Palestine, Israel, Iran, Lebanon, Yemen, Spain (Catalonia), United Kingdom, Turkey, Armenia, and Singapore. "These attacks have largely targeted consumer accounts, indicating Sourgum's customers were pursuing particular individuals," Microsoft's General Manager of Digital Security Unit, Cristin Goodwin, said. The latest report arrives as TAG researchers Maddie Stone and Clement Lecigne noted a surge in attackers using more zero-day exploits in their cyber offensives, in part fueled by more commercial vendors selling access to zero-days than in the early 2010s. "Private-sector offensive actors are private companies that manufacture and sell cyberweapons in hacking-as-a-service packages, often to government agencies around the world, to hack into their targets' computers, phones, network infrastructure, and other devices," Microsoft Threat Intelligence Center (MSTIC) said in a technical rundown. "With these hacking packages, usually the government agencies choose the targets and run the actual operations themselves. The tools, tactics, and procedures used by these companies only adds to the complexity, scale, and sophistication of attacks," MSTIC added. He added, There are plenty of planes. Its just the crews. Dugan advised HCAA to be ready for growth. A cargo demand is existing or is happening and they want it now, he said. They dont have time to wait for a building to be built. What were seeing is an effort to modify or convert existing facilities. It depends if youre going to be a major facility or feeder facility, but its best if you already have the buildings built. CNRA update Enplanements at CNRA are down from May, Olson reported. In June, CNRA had 4,624 boardings. In May, there were 5,012 boardings. Allegiant had its best load factor in well over a year at 85%, Olson said. Thats even tracking higher here in the last couple of weeks, he said. American had a 75% load factor in June, down from 88% in May. I think the pent-up demand is leveling off a little bit, Olson said. I foresee that load factor going up once the business travel starts up again, hopefully in September and October. Year-to-date, boardings are up 126% from 2020, Olson reported. Through June, CNRA has had a total of 25,869 boardings this year, while through the same period in 2020 it had only 16,675 boardings. 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. John Ross and I played in a band, like 20 years ago, Lang said. About six years ago we started doing gigs, just him and I. I played acoustic guitar and he played a small hand drum kit. His last name is Ross and my last name is Lang. He came up with Raw Slang as a band name. Lang doubted the name for the band, but he liked the play on words. It was just clever enough that I thought we could get away with it, he laughed. During the years, Ross and Lang added members to the group, until it became the monster it is today, Lang said. We didnt seek out people to play with us. The people who play with us today saw us play back then and came to us and said, Hey, wed love to play with you. And with all the instruments we have today, were able to play a much wider range of styles. When you have that much breathing room, its a lot easier to play long shows because everybody is carrying a certain part of the burden. Lang describes playing for two hours as a duo as a struggle. YORK Hailey Mays, 20, of York (whose address has also been listed as California in court documents), pleaded not guilty this week to possession of methamphetamine, a Class 3 felony, which carries a possible maximum sentence of two years in prison with 12 months of post-release supervision. Her arraignment hearing was before Judge James Stecker in the York County District Court. According to the affidavit filed with the court, in the middle of the night, an officer with the York Police Department was on regular patrol when he stopped a vehicle with a fictitious license plate. The officer says in documents that Mays was the driver. He said she did not have her license, registration, proof of insurance or ownership. He said he also could see needle caps through the window. The officer says she became nervous when he asked about what he saw, and that her hands started to shake. The affidavit says he asked for permission to search the vehicle and she said she would rather that he not. A canine was deployed, which alerted to the presence of narcotics. The woman and her boyfriend, identified only by the surnames Tang and Hu, were caught and confessed to trafficking three boys, according to the ministry. They have yet to stand trial, but potential penalties range up to death. Blood samples from Guo Xinzhen's parents were added to an "anti-abduction DNA system," but no matches were found with boys who were believed to have been abducted, the police ministry said. Kidnappers target children who are too young to know their names or hometowns and sometimes even that they were abducted. "So happy for Mr. Guo," said a post signed Ding Dalong on the Zhihu social media platform. "He found his long-lost son and can move on with his own life." Others called for buyers of trafficked children to be punished. There was no word on whether the couple who bought Guo Xinzhen would face penalties. Guo Xinzhen grew up in Henan province, according to police, but no other details of his life have been reported. It isn't clear whether he knew he was abducted. His mother, Zhang, described her despair in a 2015 television interview. "What use is it for me to live?" she said. "It was me who lost the child." STEM Education Grant Helps NJIT Bring Forensic Science to High School Students A $1.4 million grant is helping New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) launch a STEM initiative that will expose high school students to forensic science as a pathway to higher education. The initiative, called the NJIT Forensic Science Initiative (FSI), will offer "a five-week intensive experience at NJIT featuring class work, lab work, field research, tutoring and college preparation counseling. That fall [2022], the students will start an introductory course that includes working with a professional on a capstone research project and attending a forensic conference. At the same time, students will continue to receive tutoring and counseling through NJITs TRiO program. Also, NJIT will help high school teachers become certified to eventually teach forensic science in their own schools." The first students will begin participating in summer 2022. We feel an obligation to truly prepare students for success, not just review their admission submissions, said NJIT President Joel S. Bloom in a prepared statement. Newark Public Schools students will be the ultimate beneficiaries of this initiative by being prepared to enter and succeed at NJIT and go on to careers in the STEM fields of their choosing. FSI complements other NJIT programs that introduce area high school students to higher education, including a math initiative and an honors program. Further information can be found on NJIT's site. PINCKNEYVILLE The former treasurer of the Perry County Agricultural Society is under federal indictment for allegedly defrauding the organization out of more than $100,000. Billy E. Harris, 47, is charged with 10 counts of mail fraud, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Illinois. Harris served as the treasurer of the PCAS from 2011 to 2018 and currently lives in St. Louis. The organization operates all the festivals at the Perry County Fairgrounds in Pinckneyville, including the Perry County Fair. Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} According to the indictment, from June 5, 2012, through October 3, 2018, Harris used the society's bank account to pay his personal expenses and purchase items for his personal use. The indictment lists many of the personal items Harris allegedly purchased using society funds, including a WiFi router, Apple AirPods, a Himalyan salt lamp air purifier, Darth Vader and Yoda personalized pet tags, a pair of Star Wars mens sleep pants, a floating pool fountain, a CPAP tube cleaning brush, and beard lube. I think it is vital as a trustee to stay informed of changes whether it be legislation or the Open Meetings Act, Rendleman said. By taking the time to keep abreast of what is going on in the state and nationally, we can make informed decisions to benefit our students and our colleges. Rendleman has literally served the college for decades. He had been a member of the John A. Logan College Board of Trustees for 24 years and was recently re-elected for a six-year term. I actually was on the colleges foundation board about ten years before I ran for the board of trustees, he explained. The native of Carbondale said his goal has always been to serve. I just like helping people, especially young people, he said, explaining that he is a former teacher. I guess I look more of it as a pay-back to society. There were people that helped me out and I think its something people should pass on. We need to help one another. Rendleman said he appreciates the recognition. I just feel that this is a great honor; that your peers think of you and choose to honor you, he said. I didnt get into this for the honors, I got into it to help the students and the community." Please log in to keep reading. Enjoy unlimited articles at one of our lowest prices ever. Massac County moved into an "orange warning level" on the state's COVID-19 risk metrics, as the area is seeing a sharp uptick in case rates, according to the Southern Seven Health Department. Franklin, Jefferson, Edwards, White, and Wabash counties are also listed on the Illinois Department of Public Health's website in the "orange warning" category. While numbers are lower than what we were seeing at the height of the pandemic, the fact that were seeing this rapid increase in new COVID-19 cases across the Southern Seven region is a troubling sign especially with the large amount of people who have chosen to not get vaccinated, said Nathan Ryder, outreach coordinator for S7's contact tracing team. Massac County isnt alone in the rising number of positive COVID-19 cases. Weve been seeing these new positive cases growing for the past three weeks. According to S7, Massac County recently had 85 potential new cases based on 12 positive cases per 100,000 reported, and the test positivity percentage for the county was 10.4% out of 106 tests. ICU availability stands at just under 25%. UC President Michael V. Drake said in a letter to the systems 10 chancellors that unvaccinated students without approved exemptions will be barred from in-person classes, events and campus facilities, including housing. Vaccination is by far the most effective way to prevent severe disease and death after exposure to the virus and to reduce spread of the disease to those who are not able, or not yet eligible, to receive the vaccine, Drake wrote. He said the decision came after consulting UC infectious disease experts and reviewing evidence from studies on the dangers of COVID-19 and emerging variants like the delta strain. In San Francisco, cases are rising among the unvaccinated. Black and Latino people are getting shots at a lower rate than others, and Mayor London Breed urged them to get the vaccine. She said Thursday that every person hospitalized with COVID-19 at San Francisco General Hospital is unvaccinated and most are African American. San Francisco Supervisor Shamann Walton said the highest number of cases are in the Bayview district, a largely Black neighborhood, because we are not doing everything we can to protect each other. This is a cry to my community. ... We need you to get vaccinated. Robinson called Talcoves comments alarming, saying they underscored the need for the state to consider getting help from the private sector. Jennifer Ricker, acting secretary of the Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology, said after the hearing that she could not speak directly to Talcoves suggested $1 million fix but noted the state has already implemented tools to bolster cybersecurity and is working on adding more. She noted its a constant battle to boost security as criminals hone their strategies. The bad guys tactics and techniques change all the time, and so we do as well, she said. Robinson said IDES initially was invited to the hearing but lawmakers ultimately decided to hold a separate hearing on the agencys woes. Adam Ford, the Illinois Department of Innovation and Technologys chief information security officer, said at the hearing that the state sees billions of attempted attacks monthly on its operations, many involving phishing emails designed to trick state employees into providing login information. He said hackers are constantly assaulting all state systems looking for weaknesses. If data is stolen and encrypted, thieves can then demand agencies pay a ransom to have the data released. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment is investigating an outbreak at a church summer camp held in late June, spurring at least 23 cases. It was one of several summer camps listed as COVID-19 cluster sites by the state agency. And in Central Illinois, at least 85 campers and staff caught COVID-19 at Crossing Camp in Rushville, a four-night church camp held in mid-June. Only a handful of campers and staff there were vaccinated, even though all were eligible to get the shot, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. At least one person was hospitalized, the state health department said. Masking was not required when indoors and the camp was not checking vaccination statuses. On the camps website, the four-night camp in Schuyler County was billed as a powerful and life-changing event. A packing list included items like a sleeping bag, sunscreen and a Bible, but didnt mention bringing a mask. Most of the COVID-19 infections were among teens, said IDPH director Dr. Ngozi Ezike in a statement. One of the major selling points of the legalization law that took effect in 2020 was that it would help communities harmed by the war on drugs and tough-on-crime policies in previous decades. But while hundreds of thousands of marijuana-related criminal records have been expunged, the states new billion-dollar industry remains dominated by white-owned businesses. The new law, signed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker Thursday and effective immediately, aims to address that problem, Pritzker said at an unrelated event in Chicago. The changes should allow the state overcome the challenges that were in the original law that were impossible to overcome, he said. The signing should alleviate tension between the Pritzker administration and some members of the Legislative Black Caucus, who raised criticisms of the initial application process. This industry has the potential to change lives but only if we keep the principles of equity at the center of every decision we make, Senate Majority Leader Kimberly Lightford, a Maywood Democrat who sponsored the measure with Democratic state Rep. La Shawn Ford of Chicago, said in a statement. The signing of this legislation brings us one step closer to making these promises a reality. CHICAGO A lawyer for an Iowa man arrested in Chicago for having guns and ammunition in his hotel room said Wednesday his client was in the city to propose to his girlfriend, not to launch a mass attack. Jonathan Brayman said the baseless accusation against Keegan Casteel by Mayor Lori Lightfoot and police Superintendent David Brown spurred sensational media coverage despite the lack of evidence Casteel had ill intent. Authorities say a member of the cleaning staff at the W Hotel told police they observed a loaded semi-automatic rifle with a laser scope, five ammunition clips and a loaded .45-caliber handgun in the room held by Casteel, 32, of Ankeny, Iowa on July 4. 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. Brayman said his client is licensed to have the guns, and was merely exercising his Second Amendment rights. They suggested the weapons made Casteel feel safer in a crime-ridden city. The fact that good people feel the need to arm themselves when traveling to Chicago is the real problem that our public officials need to address, he said. In Mr. Casteels case, there was nothing nefarious afoot. Editor's Note: Gary Moore, famed bestselling and award-winning author and writer of this "Positively Speaking" weekly lifestyle column, has died at the age of 66 after battling stage four stomach cancer. Below is the last column Gary wrote himself ahead of his death. In my first book, "Playing with the Enemy," I wrote a story about my father and in my fathers honor. To me, "Playing with the Enemy" was more than a best-selling book. For years, it has been a dream of mine that somebody would make it into a movie and I still pray it comes to pass. But thats not why I wrote it. I didnt even write it for fame or glory or to eventually make my way into becoming a syndicated columnist. Instead, I wrote "Playing with the Enemy" because my fathers life impacted me so profoundly, and I wanted my children to know, embrace, love, and celebrate his legacy. "Playing with the Enemy" is about passing down family legacies and family traditions. I can only hope that my childrens children, and their children, and their children, and their children will know the story of Gene Moore because of "Playing with the Enemy." Local editor's pick alert featured Afghan exit hits close to home for Orangeburg veteran Rahmat Gul, AP A gate at the Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan on Friday, June 25. In 2001 the armies of the world united behind America and Bagram Air Base, barely an hour's drive from the Afghan capital Kabul, as the epicenter of Operation Enduring Freedom, as the assault on the Taliban rulers was dubbed. Its now nearly 20 years later and the the base has been shut down. It has been nearly 20 years since the United States military ousted the Taliban and hunted down al-Qaida in Afghanistan following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Recently, the U.S. military vacated the Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan, which at its peak in 2012 saw about 100,000 U.S. troops pass through the compound. Leaving the airfield is one of the many steps the military is taking to withdraw from the country, an exit the Pentagon says will be completed by the end of August. Retired U.S. Army Col. and Orangeburg attorney Bill Connor served in Afghanistan for 15 months as the senior U.S. military adviser to Afghan National Security Forces in Helmand Province. Bill Connor receives Order of the Palmetto COLUMBIA S.C. Gov. Henry McMaster presented the Order of the Palmetto, the states highest award, to Col. William Mellard Bill Connor V, a retired U.S. Army Infantry officer and former senior representative of U.S. Army North to South Carolina, during ceremonies at the S.C. Statehouse on July 8. TheTandD.com: Full access for 3 months for just $1 Support local journalism by becoming a member at www.TheTandD.com The editor's limited time offer is full access to all the website has to offer for just $1 for three months. https://go.thetandd.com/june3 There Connor was involved in frequent combat, including direct firefights with Taliban fighters and indirect missile and mortar attacks. Connor came close to death when he was almost killed in a mortar attack and then was sprayed with gunfire while on an enemy compound. The current withdrawal of troops from the country hits close to home for Connor, who says the departure, while expected, is being done without proper planning. That could prove detrimental to Afghan allies and possibly to the U.S. in the future. "I was a bit surprised about what appears to be a lack of planning for some key areas of the pullout, particularly the plan to protect interpreters and their families," Connor said. "Those interpreters put themselves on the line in combat for Americans in Afghanistan, and we owe it to them to protect them from the wrath of the Taliban." The administration has said it will begin the evacuation of Afghans who helped the U.S. in the war effort by month's end. Officials have said that one possibility is to relocate them to neighboring countries in Central Asia where they could be protected from possible retaliation by the Taliban or other groups. The White House and State Department have declined comment on the numbers to be relocated or where they might go. Bill Connor named to Citadel Board of Visitors Colonel William M. (Bill) Connor, V, USA (Ret.), 90, will join The Citadel Board of Visitors as its newest member on July 1, 2021. Connor is a retired Army officer, an attorney and the owner/founder of Bill Connor Law Firm LLC, headquartered in Orangeburg, South Carolina. Connor says he is happy it is being done but says the way it is being handled is a "public relations" move. "Our seeming mistake in planning will hurt us later when we need future such help from those in foreign nations," Connor said. "We need to show loyalty to those who showed us loyalty, and many an interpreter was responsible for saving many an Americans life." "I think the hasty nature of the pullout, and not planning to protect many interpreters/families and extricate much of our weaponry/equipment, sends a bad message," Connor said. "In making the decision to leave, this administration should have done a much better job of planning to protect Afghan allies. Thats something I will think about throughout the rest of my life, as we appear to have left many of those allies behind to a cruel fate." Connor believes the U.S. should leave a residual force of under 10,000 troops to keep the nation relatively stable and to provide the Afghan government a chance to learn to operate on their own without American help. He noted in the 1920s and 1930s, a similar situation was seen in Haiti and Nicaragua. A small element of U.S. Marine advisers in both of those countries kept stability near the Panama Canal. Nonetheless, Connor said the war in Afghanistan was just. COMMENTARY: Undermining of America Over the past year, Americans have experienced upheavals on an unprecedented scale. Riots ensued throughout many of Americas cities, bringing vicious violence and destruction. Simultaneously, iconic American memorials were viciously torn down. We also experienced the demeaning of American foundational history and celebrity figures also increasingly dishonoring the flag and anthem. "After 9-11, we had no choice but to go into Afghanistan when the Taliban continued offering safe haven to Bin Laden and Al Qaeda," he said. "We could not risk another 9-11 that was planned and executed from Afghanistan killing thousands of Americans." "That is a reason I have never regretted my decision to volunteer for duty in Afghanistan," Connor said. "We did make a difference in driving the Taliban from power, as we have not suffered another 9-11 attack." Connor said the message sent by the U.S. 20 years ago should have rang loud and clear to enemies of the U.S. that the U.S. means business when attacked. TheTandD.com: Full access for 3 months for just $1 Support local journalism by becoming a member at www.TheTandD.com The editor's limited time offer is full access to all the website has to offer for just $1 for three months. https://go.thetandd.com/june3 In hindsight, Connor said he did not believe it was a wise move to get involved with nation-building in the country. "That was a mistake, as we set expectations of what we could do which were never realistic and, frankly, not our duty," he said. "Our duty was protection of Americans from attack, and not the rebuilding of Afghanistan into a western-style democracy." As far as veterans like him are concerned, the withdrawal is something that is not a surprise as it was suggested by President Donald Trump and now is being followed through by President Joe Biden. "It is disappointing to see the Taliban coming back to power so quickly around the country after our years of training Afghans and helping the fledgling government," Connor said. "I think we have learned some hard lessons through the experience about the limits of what we can and should do. Regardless, I will remain proud of my service and those I commanded and we did make a positive difference in protecting America (no more 9-11s)." Though the drawdown is nearly complete, some issues still need to be addressed: making sure there is a new U.S. military command structure in Kabul and maintaining liaison with the Afghan military. TheTandD.com: Full access for 3 months for just $1 Support local journalism by becoming a member at www.TheTandD.com The editor's limited time offer is full access to all the website has to offer for just $1 for three months. https://go.thetandd.com/june3 The U.S. intends to maintain a diplomatic presence in the country where it can support the Afghan people and the government, and prevent Afghanistan from once again becoming a safe haven for terrorists. Orangeburg Department of Public Safety Warrants accuse a 29-year-old Orangeburg man of getting into an argument with the owner of a motel before he allegedly fired a gun in the lobby on July 10. On Wednesday, officers arrested Marion Andrew Aiken Jr. of 2088 Muriel St., charging him with one count each of attempted murder and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime. Warrants accuse Aiken of using a handgun to open fire in the lobby of the Town Terrace Inn, located at 830 Five Chop Road, around 1:35 a.m. Warrants allege the motel owner told Aiken to leave for drinking on the property earlier that night. The motels surveillance cameras recorded the incident, according to warrants and the incident report. The owners of the motel were sleeping in a bedroom located behind the lobby when they awoke to the sound of gunshots fired, the report states. They were not injured. Officers discovered seven bullets struck the windows and front door of the lobby/office area. At this stage of any investigation such as this, it is exceedingly difficult to know precisely what evidence, witnesses, and information are of ultimate importance, and what evidence, witnesses, or information proves to be of little value, the State Law Enforcement Division and the Colleton County Sheriffs Office wrote in court papers. Colleton County deputies turned the investigation over to state police almost immediately. The Post and Courier's lawyer argued the state agency was heavy-handed with how it blacked out information in the reports. He said the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act requires the agency to say exactly how any information not released would affect the investigation instead of allowing officials to just say it might cause a problem. State police released 18 pages of reports last month. All but one page had redactions and some pages were entirely blacked out. COLUMBIA The University of South Carolina president has indicated he does not plan to ask the Legislature for permission to change the names of nearly a dozen campus buildings that a special committee says honors racists and Civil War figures. Instead, interim university president Harris Pastides said he will encourage school leaders to concentrate on honoring deserving people on new buildings with the same committee suggesting a number of prominent Black leaders. The police killing of George Floyd in May 2020 led to the removal of building names and statues to racists and Confederates across the South. None of that happened in South Carolina because of a law called the Heritage Act passed in 2000 that requires a two-thirds vote from the General Assembly to change the name of any building based on a historical figure. In the past 21 years, lawmakers have not even taken a vote on any request from the Civil War or segregation eras. ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo is expected to be interviewed Saturday as the state attorney general's office winds down its investigation into sexual harassment and misconduct allegations that upended his national reputation and threatened his hold on power as he gears up to run for a fourth term next year. The timing of the interview in Albany, the states capital, was confirmed Thursday to The Associated Press by two people familiar with the investigation. They were not authorized to speak publicly about the case and did so on condition of anonymity. Investigators were always expected to speak with Cuomo, who said at the start of the probe in March that he would fully cooperate." Cuomo is also facing an impeachment inquiry in the state assembly. Saturday's interview signals that investigators are nearly done with their work, which has included interviews with the governor's accusers, though they may need some time to tie up loose ends before a report is issued. Several women have accused Cuomo, a Democrat, of unwanted kisses, touches and groping and inappropriate sexual remarks. HOW ARE THE COURTS HANDLING EVICTION HEARINGS? How South Carolina is handling eviction hearings varies across the state's magistrate courts, which are organized on the county level. Some courts have adopted virtual hearings, while others have chosen not to or don't have the technology needed to implement online proceedings, said Adam Protheroe, an attorney with SC Appleseed. Courts have also implemented the CDC moratorium differently, Protheroe added. Some are not allowing any eviction filings, while others are allowing initial filings or even approving cases to go forward until the last step of processing the eviction and removing the tenant. HOW AFFORDABLE IS HOUSING IN THE STATES MAJOR RENTAL MARKETS? Though the state comprises mostly small and midsize cities and rural areas, affordable housing advocates say costs are growing faster than earnings for many renters and homeowners, and leisure and hospitality workers in places such as Charleston and Myrtle Beach are being priced out of living near where they work. The state's housing authority reports that 24% of all renters in the state, or more than 140,000 households, spend more than half their income on rent or have no income at all. ARE EVICTIONS EXPECTED TO CREATE A SURGE IN HOMELESSNESS? "If [Donald] Trump and [Bernie] Sanders take the same position on Big Tech censorship," David Catron writes at The American Spectator, "the issue deserves serious attention." He's right, but in pretty much the opposite of the way he intends. When the mainstream "right" and "left" agree on anything, that's almost always a blazing neon sign warning us that our freedoms are under threat. Catron (and Trump and Sanders) want the U.S. government to seize control of social media platforms and dictate which users those platforms must accept and what kind of content those platforms must permit publication of. They don't put it quite that baldly, of course, but who would? Their cause is implicit in their criticisms of "Big Tech" as a "monopoly," which requires government regulation to promote competition in the "marketplace of ideas." Social media platforms aren't monopolies. If you don't like Facebook or Twitter, you can go to Minds, MeWe, Diaspora, Mastodon, Gab, Discord, et al. The U.S. government, however, IS a monopoly. Everyone's forced to "do business" with it, and in many areas it forcibly forbids or limits competition with its own offerings. Trump voters, he says, are people who are angry about: Their inability to achieve "a standard of living as high as that of their parents." "The decline of the gender pay gap ... and other types of loss relative to women." Losing "employment and earnings to China and other countries." Edsall acts as if these things are immutable laws of physics. Actually, they result from the deliberate policy choices of our ruling class to benefit some Americans to the detriment of others. Specific policy decisions were made to import an endless stream of low-skilled workers. Employers got boatloads of cheap labor, while ordinary Americans saw their wages plummet. Oh, and if we're pretending to care about "democratic norms," Americans have voted for less immigration over and over and over again. If anyone in the establishment gives a crap about "democratic norms," then why do they keep foisting more immigration on us? Specific policy decisions were made to explicitly discriminate against white men in order to give jobs to women, simply because they were women. In a few weeks, South Carolina students will be returning to school for in-person learning. Procedures will be different in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. And while there remains controversy surrounding the emergency immunizations available to avoid COVID-19, and the shots are not mandated, such is not the case with other proven immunizations. South Carolina children enrolled in child care (including pre-K) and 5K through 12th grade must be up to date on the required vaccines for their grade level before school starts. Vaccine-preventable diseases, such as chicken pox, whooping cough, mumps and measles still affect children in South Carolina. Up-to-date vaccinations are the best protection for children against these diseases. Children of all ages need vaccines. The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control urges parents not to forget that their preteens age 11-12 years old are recommended to get Tdap, HPV and meningitis vaccines. A Tdap booster is required for all students before starting seventh grade. Another downside of the pandemic has been a decrease in the number of children and students getting these important vaccinations. Job Title: PEPFAR Small Grants Coordinator Organisation: United States US Embassy, US Mission in Uganda Duty Station: Kampala, Uganda Salary: USD $42,570 Position Number: Kampala-2021-013-RA1 About US Embassy: The United States Embassy in Kampala, Uganda has enjoyed diplomatic relations with Uganda for over 30 years. Ambassador Natalie E. Brown currently heads the U.S Mission to Uganda. The Mission is composed of several offices and organizations all working under the auspices of the Embassy and at the direction of the Ambassador. Among the offices operating under the U.S Mission to Uganda are: United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Peace Corps Job Summary: The PEPFAR Small Grants Coordinator is responsible, under the direct supervision of the Deputy PEPFAR Country Coordinator, for the management and implementation of the Embassys Community Grants for HIV/AIDS under PEPFAR. Assist PEPFAR Coordination Office with administrative duties The coordinators primary responsibility is management of PEPFAR community grants for HIV/AIDS Incumbent will also solicit applications from potential grantees when opportunities present themselves that fulfill the goals and objectives of the program Qualifications, Skills and Experience: NOTE: All applicants must address each selection criterion detailed below with specific and comprehensive information supporting each item. The applicants for the United States US Embassy PEPFAR Small Grants Coordinator job opportunity should have two years of college/University studies is required. A minimum of two years of work experience in an office environment. General Knowledge of development goals and ability to write clearly and concisely. Ability to plan, arrange, manage and administer all programs according to U.S. government regulations. Must be able to work in a high-volume, high-productivity environment and to work well with others. Must be computer literate, preferably with experience in EXCEL and MS WORD. Must be able to draft concise and clear recommendations. A successful candidate must be a self-starter, able to plan and execute his/her duties with minimal supervision. The candidate must also be willing to travel frequently to remote parts of Uganda to monitor and evaluate projects and must be able to liaise effectively with projects implementers, beneficiaries, and local officials. Must be able to obtain and maintain a Security Clearance at the Public Trust level. Language: Level IV fluent English in speaking, reading and writing is required How to Apply: All those interested in working with the US mission in Kampala should send their applications online at the link below. Click Here Deadline: 28th July 2021 For more of the latest jobs, please visit https://www.theugandanjobline.com or find us on our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/UgandanJobline Job Title: Technical Director Organisation: Mercy Corps Duty Station: Uganda Reports To: Chief of Party, Apolou About US: Mercy Corps is powered by the belief that a better world is possible. To do this, we know our teams do their best work when they are diverse and every team member feels that they belong. We welcome diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be stronger and have long term impact. The Program Summary Mercy Corps implements high quality- analytical work in tough environments and have been operating in Uganda since 2006 and currently manage a range of programs in Acholi, West Nile and Karamoja sub-regions with funding from a host of donors. In October 2017, Mercy Corps was awarded a 5 year USAID/ Food for Peace- funded program working in 4 districts in Karamoja (Amudat, Moroto, Kotido and Kaabong), the Apolou Activity. The Activity goal improved food and nutrition security has four purposes with cross cutting themes of gender and youth and resilience: Inclusive and effective governance contributes to food and nutrition security Improved health and nutritional status of pregnant and lactating women, children under five, and adolescent girls Reduced incidents of WASH related disease Improved livelihoods and incomes support household food security Apolou is implemented by a consortium of actors led by Mercy Corps, including Save the Children, Whave Solutions, three local partners (KAPDA, NARWOA and Riam Riam) and Tufts Universitys Feinstein International Centre (FIC). Job Summary: The Technical Director (TD) will work directly with the Chief of Party (CoP) to help provide overall technical leadership, management and strategic vision to the implementation of the five-year $41 million dollar USAID/ Food for Peace (FFP) Development Food Security Assistance Program (DFSA), titled Apolou, and the $5 million Resilience Challenge Fund program funded by the USAID Bureau of Resilience and Food Security. The Technical Director will overall accountable and providing leadership to the multi-sectoral technical team to ensure the program remains sequenced, layered and integrated, and that resilience and sustainability remains front and center across all program approaches. S/he will manage and lead technical managers, officers and advisors, and work in close coordination with the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning team to ensure resilience-thinking supports design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation processes within and across Programs, leading to greater impact. The Technical Director will lead the technical team and be a part of the Apolou Senior Management Team, and play an instrumental role to deliver high quality and relevant programming which are contextually grounded. In addition to strengthening technical approaches, s/he will be responsible for guiding teams and capturing program successes, failures, and lessons-learned, and facilitating adaptive management and reflective processes to ensure learning improves programming. S/he will directly manage and oversee the resilience research and learning program components, working closely with the MEL team. S/he will also be tasked to support the CoP with identifying and building new strategic partnerships with key peer organizations, government and donor agencies, private sector actors and research and academic institutions in resilience, and represent the program as directed in regional, national and international forums. S/he will adopt an act- learn- innovate strategy: act capture evidence through action, creating evidence base for what works and what does not to build resilience; learn develop rigorous research and learning agendas; and innovate drive new business and activate partnerships for innovative resilience-focused programming. Key Duties and Responsibilities: Strategy And Vision: Set direction by prioritizing and organizing actions and resources to achieve objectives. Oversee the development of annual, integrated strategic work-plans for the program. Lead the development of a program-wide resilience-building framework to guide coordination and integrated implementation. Recognize opportunities for innovative action and create an environment where alternative viewpoints are welcomed. Program Management Directly manage the technical team that comprises of the purpose leads, technical managers, coordinators and officers to ensure technical leadership is provided to the field implementing team for successful implementation Together with the Implementation Director, lead the development of detailed implementation plans, flowing from annual strategic work- plans, and ensure the delivery of the same. Document processes and achievements to ensure best practices are captured and disseminated. This will include the continual re-evaluation of program activities and information, with resulting activity adjustments in keeping with on-going learning. Create and sustain a work environment of mutual respect where team members strive to achieve excellence. Ensure effective and compliant allocation of resources towards meeting objectives Support the CoP manage the Mercy Corps Technical Support Unit (TSU), national and international consultants as needed to accomplish objectives of selected components Support the Program Quality Manager on developing and documenting monthly, quarterly and annual reports capturing program impact, influence and innovation. . Promote accountability, communicate expectations and provide constructive feedback via regular performance reviews. Contribute to country team-building efforts, help team members identify problem-solving options and, ensure the integration of all team members into relevant decision-making processes. Coordinate with the Implementation Director as a program focal person representing all program staff to ensure day-to-day activities are implemented in a coordinated fashion according to schedule, budget and quality. Coordinate with the Partnership & Quality Manager to ensure sound coordination in the context of an overall program strategic and resilience-building framework with the consortium partners. Coordinate with Human Resource (HR) team to support the recruitment process by providing orientation, professional development and ongoing training of staff so that they have the quality and technical capacity necessary to ensure the successful implementation of activities. Work with the Implementation Director to ensure program strategies and activities represent global good practice in market facilitation, health & nutrition, WASH and governance. Team Management Work closely with Managers to set team capacity-building priorities to ensure integration of resilience approaches into program design, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and learning. Facilitate processes with team members that allow for integration of resilience approaches to improve sector-based and cross-sectoral programming, and get to impact Adapt and develop context and program-specific guidance, tools and trainings to advance the integration of resilience-thinking and action into program systems, to support sustainable impact Coordinate and deliver support visits, training workshops and sharing/designing tools and resources that facilitate team capacity-building in resilience Provide technical leadership and mentoring to program managers and team members in ensuring high quality, impactful implementation in resilience, documentation of lessons and taking initiatives to scale. Identify capacity-building needs and opportunities in resilience for program partners, to support an integrated resilience approach across programs Provide team members with information, tools and other resources to improve performance and reach impact. Finance & Compliance Management Ensure compliance with donor and Mercy Corps regulations related to emergency programming. Draft and/or review scope of work to hire and manage any technical consultants, including review for technical efficacy and contract budget. Monitoring, Measurement And Learning Support the MEL Director in the development of a resilience monitoring and learning agenda, tied to program outcomes Mentor program M&E and implementing teams to implement a resilience monitoring system, to track resilient program outcomes and document lessons-learned. Work with program teams to develop and facilitate an adaptive management process, to reflect on resilience monitoring results, take stock of successes and failures, and make program adjustments as necessary Work with teams to set and oversee the delivery of research and learning priorities in resilience, in consultation with donor, including measuring resilience at systems level Identify opportunities for ensuring resilience programs can demonstrate evidence and deliver compelling messages on what works best for resilience, Oversee support systems and structures that actively cultivate learning and exchange on resilience approaches team members and partner agencies; serve as technical lead on resilience across partner agencies Identify opportunities to professionally document and promote best practices and lessons learned that respond to the priority research and thought leadership topics. Together with the MEL Director, coordinate the development of high-quality learning products, program briefs and thought pieces articulating and sharing evidence and proxy indicators of success for building resilience Knowledge Management And Communications Support the team to conduct the baseline, strategic resilience assessment (STRESS), gender assessment and market assessments, midline and end line. In year two, after the implementation of the project starts, support communications and story-telling training for teams. Develop the capacity of the program teams to capture and package resilience success stories and learning according to the set resilience framework. Together with the MEL Director, develop a learning agenda and set up systems to monitor the learning agenda Facilitate documentation and dissemination of program learning Package resilience content and information for key internal and external audiences Serve as the resilience content manager for programs Secure additional support and resources in communications and knowledge management for resilience, as required. Influence & Representation Facilitate liaising and maintaining strong relationships with donors and partners, jointly identifying resilience priorities and opportunities for influence and demonstrating impact Represent Mercy Corps Uganda in strategic internal and external high-profile resilience and program events and conferences, including with donors, higher-level government stakeholders and multilateral institutions. Connect our thought leadership and influence agenda to representation and outreach efforts. Identify strategic partners for resilience building in collaboration and facilitate outreach and coordination efforts Promote resilience work within the organization and cultivate participation in communities of practice and other Security Ensure compliance with security procedures and policies as determined by country leadership. Proactively ensure that team members operate in a secure environment and are aware of policies. Organizational Learning As part of our commitment to organizational learning and in support of our understanding that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities they serve, we Expect all team members to commit 5% of their time to learning activities that benefit Mercy Corps as well as themselves. Accountability To Beneficiaries Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically to our partners and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging participant communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects. Supervisory Responsibility Governance Manager, Maternal Child Health Nutrition Manager, Nutrition Specialist, Livelihoods Manager, Animal Health Manager, Natural Resource Management Manager; and implementation oversight and management of the partners Save the Children and Whave. Qualifications, Skills and Experience: The ideal applicant must hold a MA/S or equivalent experience in agriculture, environmental management, governance or other relevant international development field required. At least seven years of experience in program management, design, monitoring and evaluation, with proven ability to coordinate and manage diverse, complex initiatives. Thorough understanding of resilience thinking required, with an understanding of Mercy Corps approach to resilience a plus. Strong understanding of food security, youth, urbanization, market systems development, and environmental programs required. Experience in international development and humanitarian assistance in East Africa is strongly preferred. Demonstrated ability to design and facilitate processes to use research and M&E to improve program learning and adaptive management. Strong representation, networking and facilitation skills. Proven ability to synthesize and communicate complex subjects/topics effectively to multi-stakeholder groups. Effective verbal and written communication, multi-tasking, organizational, and prioritization skills. Demonstrated ability to transfer knowledge to diverse audiences through training, mentoring, and other formal and non-formal methods. Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with a diverse, geographically spread team. How to Apply: All qualified candidates should apply online at the link below Click Here For more of the latest jobs, please visit https://www.theugandanjobline.com or find us on our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/UgandanJobline The sudden drop in demand was an anomaly and the industry is recovering accordingly but the downward trend hasnt changed. U.S. coal production has halved in the last decade. Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} Its just a fact that utilities are scaling back their coal use, said Travis Deti, executive director of the Wyoming Mining Association. Were not going to turn off the lights and shut down the mines here tomorrow. Were going to be around for a long time. Coal still provides between 20% and 23% of the U.S. electricity supply, he said, and its going to be like that for a while. Wyoming produced 41% of the nations coal in 2020, according to the EIA. Nationally, coal production increased in the first half of 2021 to meet rising electricity demand, though not to 2019 levels. The EIA estimates that U.S. coal production this year will be 15% higher than in 2020, and it expects this years exports to exceed last years by 21%. Production in Wyoming is up 8% over last year, and many of the 572 coal industry jobs lost last year are returning as fuel demand rises, Deti said. Americans spent more last month on clothing, electronics and dining out as the economy opened up and pandemic-related restrictions were lifted. Retail sales rose a seasonal adjusted 0.6% in June from the month before, the U.S. Commerce Department said Friday. The increase was a surprise to Wall Street analysts, who had expected sales to fall slightly last month. Spending has slowed since March, when stimulus checks sent to most Americans caused a surge in shopping. And as Americans get vaccinated, they are spending less on goods and more on hotels, haircuts and other services, which are not reflected in Friday's report. Last month's increase could be due to higher prices, said Paul Ashworth, chief U.S. economist for consulting firm Capital Economics. Americans are paying more for food, gas and other goods, with prices jumping last month by the most in 13 years. The Commerce Department said Friday that sales at bars and restaurants rose 2.3%. Clothing store sales rose by 2.6%, and sales at electronic shops were up 3.3%. For whatever reason, that song, Cyah Take Dat, has been playing in my head constantly since midnight on Tuesday. I clearly remember the moment I received the message that the Great Griot had passed. I was watching When Sharks Attack on the National Geographic channel. There was shock, disbelief and my body got frighteningly cold as I tried to process what I had just been told. In April of this year, a 17-year-old girl named Aicha got into a boat with 58 men, women and children in the west African country of Mauritania, and set off for Europe. Within two days, their food and water were done. On the fourth day, the fuel for the engines had run out. The boat began drifting in the unforgiving Atlantic Ocean, with no land or ship in sight. People began screaming out for water. A human can only survive without it for three days. Prolonged and repeated Covid-19 lockdowns continue to cause problems for young people, but one of the less mentioned issues caused by the pandemic is the fact that young people are becoming increasingly hooked on screen time. The international community, as represented by the Core Group, must be stopped from repeating its misguided policies that have helped to push Haiti into a state of sustained crisis. On Saturday, the Core Group, which is an informal bloc of diplomats in Haiti who represent the United States, Canada, France, Germany, Brazil, Spain, the European Union, the United Nations and the Organisation of American States, issued a statement acknowledging Dr Ariel Henry as designated prime minister. When the countrys borders were declared officially closed on March 23, 2020, no one, not even the Government, would have imagined that the country would have remained essentially cut off from the world for all of 16 months. Neither would anyone have foreseen that the reopening would occur under conditions as uncertain as they continue to be in this moment. The guidelines I tasted only the boozy cocktails aiming to replicate the layered, nuanced experience of what would be served in a bar with a serious cocktail program. That doesnt mean the cocktail itself needed to be serious playful is wonderful in this realm but there needed to be intention behind the liquid. I wasnt after wispy vodka sodas with a smattering of flavor; anyone can make one of those. I wanted fully formed cocktails. Most of what I tasted about 50 RTD cocktails in all was above 10% alcohol, and plenty of it surged well past that threshold (consider a delicious 24.6% rum Old-Fashioned keep reading). I also ignored the things that seem mostly like a vehicle for combining alcohol and sugar to generate an easy buzz. There are plenty of those on shelves. I skipped them all. As for my grand conclusions? There are a lot of good ready-to-drink cocktails out there. Many are very good. And I absolutely love the concept. For the second month in a row, the number of encounters with migrants reported by the Border Patrols Tucson Sector dropped slightly, federal data released Friday show. In the Tucson Sector, agents reported about 18,400 encounters, down from about 19,900 in May, in the Customs and Border Protection data. Yuma Sector agents reported about 12,400 encounters in June, up slightly from about 12,200 in May. Along the entire U.S.-Mexico border, CBP officials reported about 188,800 encounters in June, up from about 180,600 in May. Border encounters refer to migrants apprehended while trying to cross the border clandestinely, along with those who flag down officials to ask for asylum. Border encounters started rising last summer and then spiked in January, when President Biden took office. The vast majority of border encounters in June involved Border Patrol agents, who work in remote areas between ports of entry, as well as at highway checkpoints. Agents reported about 178,400 encounters in June, up from 172,600 in May. The Office of Field Operations, which runs legal ports of entry, reported about 10,400 encounters in June, up from 8,000 in May. Most local school districts continue to have guidelines that exposed students need to quarantine, following not only the states own guidelines but county and federal guidelines as well. The Arizona School Boards Association said the governors communication was nonsensical and that it would once again place school boards at the center of a political conflict and place students and staff at risk. At this time, ASBA encourages all districts to continue following the guidance of the Arizona Department of Health Services and your local county health departments, the organization said in a statement. Changes to guidance on the issue of quarantine due to exposure must be communicated through proper channels to avoid confusion. The law, which went into affect on July 1, outlines guidelines for schools that are different than health guidelines for the general public, says gubernatorial spokesman CJ Karamargin. The state has filed a consumer fraud lawsuit against a pair of Tucson companies accused of offering mortgage and real estate services that left some homebuyers homeless. The firms and their manager took out home loans on behalf of buyers who didnt qualify for financing, then failed to forward the buyers monthly payments to the mortgage firms, the Arizona Attorney Generals Office said. Deed and Note Traders LLC; 881 Home LLC and their manager David Kinas are named as defendants in the lawsuit. Deed and Note Traders and Kinas were previously cited by the attorney general in 2006 for similar activity, and still owe the state more than $300,000 in fines from that case, the office said. Kinas is not a licensed real estate agent nor a mortgage broker, state officials said. The alleged scheme operated over a period of 15 years and victimized more than a dozen people, the state's court complaint said. Victims lost their down payments and were forced from their homes when banks foreclosed for nonpayment. Consumers made a down payment and monthly mortgage payments thinking they were getting closer to owning their home. Instead, they got foreclosure notices, the office said in a news release. Canada began easing its restrictions earlier this month, allowing fully vaccinated Canadians or permanent legal residents to return Canada without quarantining. But among the requirements are a negative test for the virus before returning, and another once they get back. Pressure has been mounting on Canada to continue to ease the restrictions at the border, which have been in effect since March of last year. Providing exemptions for travel into Canada amid the pandemic is politically sensitive and Trudeau is expected to call a federal election next month. Trudeau said his ministers would share more details on the border early next week. Commercial traffic has gone back and forth normally between the two countries since the start of the pandemic. Canadians are able to fly into the United States with a negative COVID-19 test. The U.S. Travel Association estimates that each month the border is closed costs $1.5 billion. Canadian officials say Canada had about 22 million foreign visitors in 2019 about 15 million of them from the United States. The reports also show Youngkin spent significantly more money ($5.2 million) than McAuliffe ($1.6 million) in the reporting period. Youngkin, a political newcomer, has flooded the airwaves with ads, including in the expensive Washington market, to introduce himself to voters. McAuliffe's report shows smaller expenditures for the period with an emphasis in online advertising and streaming platforms. Christina Freundlich, a spokesperson for the McAuliffe campaign, said Friday that McAuliffe's most recent report is a record-breaker for Virginia and shows a huge surge of support after his primary win. She said the campaign is particularly pleased with the large number of small donors who gave $100 or less. That we were able to raise this kind of money from small donors in a climate where Donald Trump is not in the White House is something we're incredibly proud of, she said. Youngkin spokesperson Macaulay Porter said the reports show that Democrats know this race is tight and are rushing to McAuliffes aid to try to make up ground. ... Weve seen overwhelming support for Glenns candidacy that continues to build each day. An independent candidate, Princess Blanding, reported $1,373 in contributions and $7,739 cash on hand. CLOVIS, Calif. (AP) A lightning strike likely ignited a 2020 wildfire in California's Sierra National Forest, but the U.S. Forest Service said Friday they could not determine an official cause of the fire. September's Creek Fire burned 600 square miles (1,500 square kilometers) and spread so quickly that hundreds of Labor Day holiday campers had to be rescued by a series of harrowing helicopter flights. All 214 campers were delivered safely. Investigators did not rule out arson and lit cigarettes as the cause, but said there were no illegal marijuana grow sites nearby that could have started the fire. Forest service officials said an undetermined status is not uncommon with a fire this complex. Investigators spent countless hours hiking rugged terrain to determine the cause, interviewed numerous leads, and eliminated multiple potential causes. In the end, lightning remains as the probable cause," said Dean Gould, forest supervisor of the Sierra National Forest. JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) A Utah man who was sentenced to 30 years in prison last month in the beating death of his wife on an Alaska cruise has died, the Alaska Department of Corrections said. Kenneth Manzanares was in the department's custody, at a facility in Juneau, when he was found unresponsive in his cell Wednesday morning, the department said in a statement. Life-saving measures were attempted but he was later pronounced dead, the department said. Manzanares is the seventh person to die in the department's custody this year, according to the department, which said all deaths are reviewed by the Alaska State Troopers and state medical examiner's office. According to the Department of Corrections, he was 43. Betsy Holley, a department spokesperson, by email Friday said information related to an inmate's medical condition is confidential, but said no foul play was suspected in Manzanares' death. She said Manzanares was alone in his cell when he was found by officers. An email seeking comment also was sent to Manzanares' attorney Friday. However, since June 2018, no graduates of the Virginia nursing school have been approved to practice in Maryland because Nwaokwu or Bangura have failed to provide paperwork required of out-of-state applicants by Maryland regulators, the affidavit says. Some of those who graduated from the Florida nursing school with backdated transcripts are listed as people who passed the New York State Board Examination, the FBI says. The FBI agent said a New York State Office of Professions employee told him that their internal license procedure is fraught with disorganization, but the agent said it's unclear why Nwaokwu has advised all of his co-conspirators to apply for a license in New York. Receipts showed that students paid between $6,000 and $18,000 for the fake transcripts and certificates from the Virginia school, the affidavit says. An FBI undercover agent purchased a diploma from the Florida school for approximately $16,000. The FBI agent who wrote the July 8 affidavit said he hadn't communicated with any employers of any graduates of the Florida nursing school due to the covert nature of the investigation but has verified that at least four graduates have worked for health care entities that bill Medicare and Medicaid and private insurance. Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Thats why we are working to make sure there are vaccination and testing locations located on places like the Las Vegas Strip. That is open any individual, workers ... visitors, White said. We have all three vaccines offered, including the one shot. If someone is coming from out of state, that can be more convenient and we certainly encourage everyone to do so. The Department of Health and Human Services said test positivity, a key marker of the percentage of people found to be infected among those tested for the virus, had tripled from 3.4% five weeks ago to 10.9% on Thursday. The positivity figure reported by the state Department of Health and Human Services was 12.3% in the Las Vegas area. The number of new cases reported Friday in Nevada was 866, and six new deaths. That brought to 5,758 the number of lives lost in the state to COVID-19 since March 2020. Most cases and deaths in Nevada during the pandemic have been in the Las Vegas area, home to 2.3 million people and host to tens of millions of visitors per year. On Friday, health officials in Washoe County said they had no plans to implement mask requirements or recommendations because the virus hasn't surged in the Reno-Sparks area to the extent it has in Las Vegas. PARIS (AP) Creditor countries agreed to cancel $14.1 billion of Sudans international debts, praising its economic reforms and efforts to fight poverty. In a statement Friday, the Paris Club of creditor nations also announced that it rescheduled Sudans remaining $9.4 billion in debt to the group, and held out the possibility of more debt relief in the future. Sudan's overall foreign debt is estimated at $70 billion. The Paris Club, a group of 22 nations that lend to governments in need, urged other lenders to provide similar debt forgiveness. On his Facebook page, Sudans Finance Minister Gebreil Ibrahim congratulated the Sudanese people on this development, vowing to work on reaching similar or even better agreements with other creditors from outside the Paris Club. Friday's announcement came after the International Monetary Fund announced a $1.4 billion debt relief package for Sudan last month, and France canceled Sudan's $5 billion debt in an effort to support the countrys transitional leadership and help its crippled economy. JOPLIN, Mo. (AP) Rockabilly and country performer Sanford Clark, who had a Top 10 hit with The Fool in 1956, has died in a Missouri hospital from COVID-19. He was 85. Clark died Sunday at Mercy Hospital in Joplin, where he had been receiving cancer treatment before he contracted the coronavirus, his publicist and fellow performer Johnny Vallis said Monday. Clark was born on Oct. 24, 1935, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and raised in Phoenix, where he first began performing in the early 1950s. The Fool reached No. 7 on the Billboard Top 100. The song was later recorded by several other well-known artists, including Elvis Presley and The Animals. Presley actually recorded the song twice, the first time as part of his personal recordings while he was serving in the Army, then again for professional release in the 1970s, Vallis said. You can hear that hes trying to emulate Sanfords sound, Vallis said. You know, most people I know want to impersonate Elvis, and here Elvis was trying to impersonate him. A group of young Tulsa-area residents raised their voices Thursday to demand action on the climate change crisis. Members of Sunrise Tulsa, a local chapter of the Sunrise Movement, a national climate advocacy group, gathered on the corner of 21st Street and Pittsburg Avenue in front of the Golden Driller statue to raise awareness of the climate crisis and demand action from politicians. Tulsa's group was joined Thursday by other chapters in cities across the country for the Sunrise Movement's National Day of Action. Caiden Catcher of Broken Arrow started Sunrise Tulsa last August when he was in high school. He said he brought the group to the Golden Driller because of its symbolism for Tulsa's oil history. "(The oil boom) originally helped a lot of lower-class people, but now that's changed," Catcher said. "Especially in the 21st century, we are struggling with the climate crisis, which is why we're out here today." Catcher said the Sunrise Movement's goal with the Day of Action is to demand that President Joe Biden and other politicians have stronger climate response action. But the honor also marks our 25th state, she said. So that means that we have now covered half of the country, ensuring that there is protected old-growth forest throughout forested counties of our country. And these are not only protected old-growth forests, Horsley added, but we ensure that these forests are publicly accessible, and they will never have logging going on, and they will never be destroyed, so future generations can see the treasures that we have today. Horsley said the Old-Growth Forest Network is working county by county across the country to make that vision possible. And even if there is no old growth left, which is the case for many places in the United States, she said, if we protect the forest now, it will one day age into old growth. Were very proud of Keystone Ancient Forest for providing excellent facilities, incredible trail access and public programming and having hiking days that are very accessible to people in this area, she said. The preserve is owned by the city of Sand Springs and protected through a conservation easement held by The Nature Conservancy. It is the first Oklahoma forest to be included in the Old-Growth Forest Network. The agency also received $1.6 million in federal grant funds and plans to seek additional grants to reduce the backlog, she said. Fielding said the agency has also enlisted the services of an outside laboratory for processing and is looking for a second laboratory to help. While we have a staggering backlog, we want to assure you that we are doing everything we can and we have got good plans in place to address this as quickly as we can but still ensuring that the quality of work we do is at the highest standard, she said. The analyses are going to identify rapists and murders, Adams said. Our goal is to find them (victims) justice and to find answers to this, Adams said. A recent law requires law enforcement to submit the kits within 20 days to a forensic laboratory for testing, unless the victim chooses not to have the kit tested, Fielding said. While the new law was necessary, it created some significant increases in the number of cases the OSBI receives in its lab, Fielding said. Before the law took effect, the agency was receiving anywhere from 25 to 30 sexual assault cases a month, but after the law took effect, the number jumped to 95 to 100 cases a month, she said. I reached out to Roberts, R-Hominy, in an attempt to understand his concerns better, but we werent able to make a connection. It isnt surprising that Roberts specified that Oklahoma Countys results should be double-checked long after the fact. In addition to being the states most populous county, it is one of its most purple politically. Trump won the countys plurality but got only 49% of the vote, fewer than 4,000 more than Democrat Joe Biden. In a return letter, Ziriax told Roberts that the sort of audit he was asking for would require new law and quite a bit of money. He added that it wouldnt be worth it. As Oklahomas chief election official, in my judgment the time and expense of a post-election audit is not justified for an election that was conducted more than eight months ago, Ziriax wrote. He added that there has been no controversy about the certified results of Oklahomas election and that not a single state or federal candidate exercised the right to request a recount. If Oklahoma law doesnt allow for the sort of election vetting silliness currently underway in other states, it could in the future. At least 42 people have died in Germany and dozens were missing on Thursday as swollen rivers caused by record rainfall across western Europe swept through towns and villages, leaving cars upended, houses destroyed and people stranded on rooftops. As the water started to recede, stunned residents in the worst affected towns inspected what was left of their homes and neighbourhoods. In the town of Schuld, houses were reduced to piles of debris and broken beams. Roads were blocked by wreckage and fallen trees and fish flapped and gasped on puddles of water in the middle of the street. "We have had two or three days of constant rain. Or maybe four, I lost track," said Klaus Radermacher, who has been living in Schuld for 60 years. A collapsed sign is seen next to a river at a flood-affected area, following heavy rainfalls, in Schuld, Germany, July 15, 2021. Photo: Reuters "I saw the pizza store getting flooded, half an hour later the bakery was flooded. There is a camping ground up there, so caravans and campervans came floating past, gas tanks. We were powerless against it. It came so fast, I've never seen anything like it." Eighteen people died and dozens were unaccounted for around the wine-growing region of Ahrweiler, in Rhineland-Palatinate state, police said, after the Ahr river that flows into the Rhine broke its banks and brought down half a dozen houses. Another 15 people died in the Euskirchen region south of the city of Bonn, authorities said. People in the region were asked to evacuate their homes and emergency workers were pumping water from a dam south of Euskirchen town, fearing it could burst. A general view of flood-affected area following heavy rainfalls in Schuld, Germany, on July 15, 2021. Picture taken with a drone. Photo: Reuters In Belgium, two men died due to the torrential rain and a 15-year-old girl was missing after being swept away by an overflowing river. Hundreds of soldiers and 2,500 relief workers were helping police with rescue efforts in Germany. Tanks were deployed to clear roads of landslides and fallen trees and helicopters winched those stranded on rooftops to safety. Around 200,000 households lost power due to the floods. Firefighters speak with people next to debris brought by the flood following heavy rainfalls in Schuld, Germany, on July 15, 2021. Photo: Reuters 'Nature hitting out' In Ahrweiler, two wrecked cars were propped steeply against either side of the town's stone gate and locals used snow shovels and brooms to sweep mud from their homes and shops after the floodwaters receded. "I was totally surprised. I had thought that water would come in here one day, but nothing like this," said resident Michael Ahrend. "This isn't a war - it's simply nature hitting out. Finally, we should start paying attention to it." The floods have caused Germany's worst mass loss of life in years. Flooding in 2002 killed 21 people in eastern Germany and more than 100 across the wider central European region. Chancellor Angela Merkel expressed her dismay and vowed to help the affected communities rebuild. A woman looks at debris brought by the flood next to the Ahr river, following heavy rainfalls in Schuld, Germany, July 15, 2021. Photo: Reuters "I tell those affected: we will not leave you alone in those difficult and scary times," she said during a news conference at the White House alongside U.S. President Joe Biden, who expressed his condolences to the victims. "We will also help with reconstruction." In Washington for a farewell visit before she steps down following a federal election in September, Merkel said weather extremes were becoming more frequent which required action to counter global warming. Pope Francis also extended his condolences to the victims and their families. A general view of flood-affected area following heavy rainfalls in Schuld, Germany, July 15, 2021. Picture taken with a drone. Photo: Reuters Armin Laschet, the conservative candidate to succeed Merkel as chancellor and premier of the hard-hit state of North Rhine-Westphalia, blamed the extreme weather on global warming. "We will be faced with such events over and over, and that means we need to speed up climate protection measures, on European, federal and global levels, because climate change isn't confined to one state," he said during a visit to the area. Climate and the environment are central themes in the election campaign, in which Laschet is going head-to-head with Social Democrat candidate Olaf Scholz and Annalena Baerbock of the Greens. A flooded area is seen following heavy rainfalls in Schuld, Germany, July 15, 2021. Photo: Reuters Power outage In Belgium, around 10 houses collapsed in Pepinster after the river Vesdre flooded the eastern town and residents were evacuated from more than 1,000 homes. The rain also caused severe disruption to public transport, with high-speed Thalys train services to Germany cancelled. Traffic on the river Meuse is also suspended as the major Belgian waterway threatened to breach its banks. Downstream in the Netherlands, flooding rivers damaged many houses in the southern province of Limburg, where several care homes were evacuated. In addition to the fatalities in the Euskirchen region, another nine people, including two firefighters, died elsewhere in North Rhine-Westphalia. German Finance Minister Olaf Scholz visits a damaged area following heavy rainfalls in Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler, Germany, July 15, 2021. Photo: Reuters Further down the Rhine river, the heaviest rainfall ever measured over 24 hours caused flooding in cities including Cologne and Hagen, while in Leverkusen 400 people had to be evacuated from a hospital. In Wuppertal, known for its overhead railway, locals said their cellars had been flooded and power cut off. "I can't even guess at how much the damage will be," said Karl-Heinz Sammann, owner of the Kitchen Club discotheque. Weather experts said that rain in the region over the past 24 hours had been unprecedented, as a near-stationary low-pressure weather system also caused sustained local downpours to the west in France, Belgium and the Netherlands. DAKAR -- Africa recorded a 43% jump in COVID-19 deaths last week as infections and hospital admissions have risen and countries face shortages of oxygen and intensive-care beds, the World Health Organization said on Thursday. The continent's case fatality rate - the proportion of deaths among confirmed cases - stands at 2.6% against the global average of 2.2%, WHO Africa said in its weekly briefing. "Africa's third wave continues its destructive pathway, pushing past yet another grim milestone as the continent's case count tops six million," Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa, told the briefing. The surge in infections, which is partly driven by the presence of the highly transmissible Delta variant of the coronavirus in 21 African countries, is leaving a "brutal cost in lives lost" in its trail, she said. Deaths have climbed steeply for the past five weeks to 6,273 last week, just a percentage point shy of its weekly peak recorded in January. "This is a clear warning sign that hospitals in the most impacted countries are reaching a breaking point," Moeti said. Namibia, South Africa, Tunisia, Uganda and Zambia accounted for the bulk of the fatalities, WHO said. Public fatigue with restrictions to daily life aimed at curbing the spread of the virus was also to blame for the surge, WHO Africa said, which has seen the continent record an increase of 1 million cases in the shortest time so far in the pandemic. It took just a month for infections to increase by the latest 1 million, compared with the three months it took to rise to 5 million from 4 million, Moeti said. Monoclonal antibody therapies, which the WHO approved for treatment of COVID-19 patients last week, will be out of reach for many people in Africa due to their high price tag of about $2,000 per patient, she said. "We are advocating for generics to be produced rapidly to make these products more affordable," she said. Africa was forced to pause its vaccine roll-out due to supply challenges and only 53 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered so far, Moeti said, and only 18 million Africans are fully vaccinated. The continent's population is 1.3 billion. "This clearly needs to urgently increase," she said, adding that deliveries from the United States, Europe and the global vaccine sharing COVAX scheme are expected to gather pace in the next few weeks. Vietnam reported more than 3,300 coronavirus cases on Friday, including over 2,400 patients in Ho Chi Minh City, according to the Ministry of Health. Fifteen of the new infections were imported from abroad while the remaining 3,321 were detected in 33 provinces and cities, the ministry said in an evening update. A total of 2,939 cases were found in concentrated quarantine centers or isolated areas. Todays infection rise is the second-biggest so far, after a record 3,416 patients were logged nationwide on Thursday. Ho Chi Minh City recorded 2,420 of the latest domestically-infected patients, down from 2,691 cases a day earlier. Among other places that detected many transmissions are Binh Duong Province with 166 patients, Dong Thap Province with 158, and Tien Giang Province with 146. The health ministry announced 332 recoveries on Friday, taking the total to 10,020 patients. It also confirmed 18 virus-related deaths registered from July 8 to 14 in Ho Chi Minh City, Dong Thap, Long An, Dong Nai, Binh Duong, Bac Ninh, and Bac Giang. Since April 27, when the fourth and worst virus wave broke out in Vietnam, the country has recorded 40,609 community cases, 7,246 of whom have recovered, according to the health ministry's data. Ho Chi Minh City is in the front with 23,913 infections, followed by Bac Giang with 5,729 patients, Binh Duong with 2,175, Bac Ninh with 1,682, and Dong Thap Province with 1,039. By comparison, Vietnam confirmed 106 community cases in the first wave from January 23 to April 16, 2020, 554 in the second from July 25 to December 1, 2020, and 910 in the third from January 28 to March 25, 2021. The Southeast Asian nation has overall detected 42,179 domestic and 2,007 imported cases since the COVID-19 pandemic first hit it early last year. Nearly 4.2 million vaccine shots have been administered to medical workers, teachers, factory workers, and other frontline staff since Vietnam rolled out inoculation on March 8. Over 294,000 people have been fully vaccinated. The Vietnamese government set a target of immunizing two-thirds of a population of nearly 98 million people against COVID-19 by the first quarter of next year. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Ho Chi Minh City police officers on Friday captured a coronavirus-positive death-row convict who was hiding in Thu Duc City after escaping Chi Hoa Prison. Nguyen Kim An, the fugitive, was sent back to Chi Hoa Prison in District 10 as he was arrested around 1:00 am on Friday in Hiep Binh Phuoc Ward of Thu Duc during a raid by the local criminal police force. He was wanted by the police after escaping Chi Hoa Prison, where he recently tested positive for the COVID-19 pathogen, on Tuesday. The criminal police department of Ho Chi Minh City on Thursday indicted the wanted man on charges of escaping confinement and granted anyone who finds him the right to escort him to the police station. In 2014, An was charged with murdering his friend Luu Vinh Dat, whom he poisoned in an attempt to steal valuables. More specifically, An lured Dat to his home on February 26, 2014, drugged him with distilled sleeping pills, and threw the victim off Phu My Bridge in District 7 while he was still unconscious. He then messaged Dats family to solicit a VND500 million (US$21,723) sum in exchange for their son. On March 4, the victims body was found in Tan Thuan 2 Port in District 7 and subsequently detected by his family. Meanwhile, the perpetrator was caught eight days later and sentenced to death during a 2015 trial. It is not immediately clear why he has not been executed. An has been since kept at Chi Hoa Prison, where at least 81 COVID-19 cases were detected among inmates and staff earlier this month. It has for long been considered one of the most secure prisons in Vietnam, with only two successful breakouts in its history, according to news site VNExpress. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Vietnams business hub Ho Chi Minh City has established a hospital for serious coronavirus cases and urgent preparations are underway for its operation amid rising COVID-19 infections. Named the Emergency Resuscitation Hospital, it was set up on Wednesday at the second campus of the Ho Chi Minh City Oncology Hospital in Thu Duc City, which is under Ho Chi Minh City. The new hospital came into being when Ho Chi Minh City is facing a serious coronavirus outbreak that has infected thousands of people every day and made the city the epicenter of the country. This health facility has 1,000 beds and is fully equipped to receive patients who need the support of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), ventilators, and dialysis machines. Health workers from Cho Ray Hospital pose for a photo in front of the gate of the Emergency Resuscitation Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: An My / Tuoi Tre With its modern medical infrastructure, the hospital can provide respiratory support to 1,000 patients at a time, said Tang Chi Thuong, deputy director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health. Every sick bed has an oxygen supply system and a medical air vacuum pump. Each of the 100 beds for patients of the intensive care unit (ICU) will additionally be equipped with a medical air compressor system. Thirty ICU beds for COVID-19 patients were put to use on Thursday, while other preparations have been accelerated to make the facility ready for severe cases. It is expected that more than 1,362 health workers from 15 healthcare units across the country will be mobilized to work at the hospital, of which 792 from eight hospitals in Ho Chi Minh City. This image shows a well-equipped bed at the Emergency Resuscitation Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: An My / Tuoi Tre Among the medical staff sent to the hospital is Dr. Tran Thanh Linh, deputy head of the Acute Resuscitation Department of Cho Ray Hospital, who was among the medical team that managed to save a seriously-ill British pilot who contracted COVID-19 last year. Up to now, Ho Chi Minh City has set up about 24 hospitals with a total of over 45,000 beds for COVID-19 patients. In a report issued on Friday morning, the Ministry of Health confirmed 1,438 new cases, all domestically detected, of which 1,071 were recorded in Ho Chi Minh City. This image shows medical equipment at the Emergency Resuscitation Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: An My / Tuoi Tre The number of daily new infections in the city has recently remained at four-digit level. Notably, untraceable infections have showed no sign of stopping. The latest cases have taken the countrys tally of patients to 42,288, including 9,688 recoveries, as recorded from early 2020. Since April 27, when the pandemics fourth wave appeared in Vietnam, the nation has documented 38,726 domestically-acquired infections. This image shows health workers arranging a medical cabinet at the Emergency Resuscitation Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: An My / Tuoi Tre Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! A New Zealand woman has been found after having escaped from a locked-down area in a beach city in Vietnam. The foreigner, 56-year-old Webster F.C., resides on Hoang Dieu Street in Vinh Nguyen Ward, Nha Trang City, located in Khanh Hoa Province, chairman of the local Peoples Committee Nguyen Duc Trong confirmed on Friday afternoon. Her neighborhood is currently being isolated following the detection of a suspected COVID-19 case. C. took advantage of a heavy rain to escape from the area on Wednesday. After discovering the incident, police officers issued an urgent announcement to search for the foreign woman. She was found by security officers at Cam Ranh International Airport in the namesake city, about 36 kilometers from Nha Trang, at 12:00 pm on Friday. The woman was looking for a way to travel to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam's largest infection site. She is expected to be taken back to her place of residence or to a concentrated quarantine facility, chairman Trong stated. Vietnam had documented 42,288 COVID-19 cases as of Friday afternoon, with 9,688 recoveries and 207 deaths, according to the Ministry of Health's statistics. The country has recorded 38,726 local infections in 58 provinces and cities, including 338 cases in Khanh Hoa, since the fourth outbreak began on April 27. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Vietnam on Thursday approved Johnson & Johnson's Janssen COVID-19 vaccine on Thursday for emergency use, as the country tries to boost supplies at a time of record numbers of new infections. The approval of the vaccine, the sixth brand to be endorsed in the Southeast Asian country, is part of Vietnam's efforts to expedite its inoculations programme amid its worst outbreak so far. Vietnam reported a record 3,416 new cases on Thursday, its biggest daily increase and above Wednesday's record high of 2,934. Most of those are in Ho Chi Minh City, the epicentre, which has been under stricter movement curbs since last week. The health ministry said it had clinched deals and commitments for 124 million doses of various types of coronavirus vaccines to be delivered by the end of the year. The country has so far received nearly 9 million doses, most of which are made by AstraZeneca. Fewer than 300,000 people in the country are fully vaccinated with two shots. Vietnam has recorded 40,850 infections and 207 deaths overall - very low figures compared with many countries. Most of the cases have been reported since May. Vietnams aviation authorities have directed that only pilots who have received two doses of vaccination against COVID-19 be allowed to conduct flights, as a new measure to curb the viral spread. The new rule was included in a directive issued by the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) on Friday to strengthen flight safety amid COVID-19 escalation. As from September 1, air carriers are required to make flight schedules only for fully vaccinated pilots, said CAAV general director Dinh Viet Thang. The CAAV also asks air carriers to strictly comply with COVID-19 prevention and control requirements and provide vaccination against the coronavirus for their staff, especially for frontline employees including pilots, flight attendants, and technicians. At the same time, airlines are requested to assess their pilots based on instrument flight rules and aircraft control skills, examine their professional capability, and provide regular training. Any pilots failing to meet professional requirements must be given refresher training, as per regulations on civil aviation safety, so that they can man safe flights. All air carriers are required to report their performance under this directive to the CAAV before July 20, the authority said in the directive. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! A wind power company in Vietnams Central Highlands has been fined over VND100 million (US$4,340) for illegally employing 19 Chinese workers. A source close to Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper confirmed on Thursday that the Peoples Committee in Gia Lai Province had imposed a fine worth VND105 million ($4,560) on Ia Pet Dak Doa Wind Power Plant Number Two JSC for the illegal employment of foreign workers. The fining came after competent authorities inspected the company on May 6. Officers discovered a total of 19 Chinese workers who did not have legitimate work permits. According to the provincial Department of Labor, War Invalids, and Social Affairs, there are 369 foreign laborers at wind power plants in the locality. Among them, 342 have yet to obtain work permits. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Law & Order spin-off Law & Order: For the Defense will not be proceeding -but another is now in the works. For the Defense was to look at take an unbiased look inside a criminal defense firm. NBC initially said, The series will put the lawyers under the microscope, along with the criminal justice system with every week delivering the promise of a contemporary morality tale. Variety notes that NBC, producer Dick Wolf and Universal TV are developing another title under the L&O banner. In addition to the original the franchise has so far included Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Law & Order: Organized Crime, Law & Order: Criminal Intent, Law & Order: Los Angeles, Law & Order: True Crime, Law & Order: Trial by Jury, Law & Order: UK while Law & Order: Hate Crimes has also been ordered. Tyler, TX (75702) Today Thunderstorms likely. High around 85F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Locally heavy rainfall possible.. Tonight Variable clouds with thunderstorms, especially early. Low 72F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%. Souvenir luggage tags are displayed at a Barrick Gold Corp at the PDAC annual conference in Toronto (Reuters) -Barrick Gold Corp, said on Thursday second-quarter gold production fell 5.4% from the previous quarter, dented by planned maintenance shutdowns at Nevada Gold Mine in the United States and Pueblo Viejo in the Dominican Republic. Total preliminary gold production fell to 1.04 million ounces in the three months ended June 30, from 1.10 million ounces in the first quarter, the company said. Analysts on average had expected production of 1.15 million ounces, according to Refinitiv IBES. The Canadian miner projected second quarter all-in sustaining costs per ounce, a key industry metric, to be 6% to 8% higher than in the prior quarter. The world's second largest gold miner by reserves, which hopes the Porgera gold mine in Papua New Guinea could restart this year after reaching an agreement with the government in April, said it remains on track to achieve its 2021 forecast. Copper production rose 3.2% to 96 million pounds from the prior quarter, the company said. Barrick said all-in sustaining costs per pound are expected to be 20% to 22% higher than prior quarter, largely due to lower sales at Lumwana mine in Zambia and maintenance at Zaldivar mine in Chile. The company reiterated that its gold and copper production in the second half of 2021 is expected to be higher than the first half. Barrick is scheduled to report second-quarter results on Aug. 9. (Reporting by Arunima Kumar in Bengaluru; Editing by Sriraj Kalluvila) Bulgaria has announced a ban on UK travellers from entering the country due to the coronavirus pandemic (Steve Parsons/PA) (PA Archive) Bulgaria has banned UK travellers from holidays after the country was added to the green travel list. British holidaymakers faced further heartbreak as they will not be able to go to Bulgaria from Monday, the same day the country is set to join the green travel list. The UK has been placed on Bulgarias red zone list with Cyprus, Spain, Fiji and Kuwait. To view this content, you'll need to update your privacy settings. Please click here to do so. Stoicho Katsarov, Bulgarias health minister, confirmed the news on Friday, dealing another blow to British travellers holiday plans. It comes as the UK recorded more than 50,000 dailycovid cases. Just days ago, it was confirmed Bulgaria was going to move to the green list meaning travellers would no longer need to self-isolate on their return from their holiday. From 4am on Monday, people will be able to travel from Bulgaria to England without quarantine. Previously, Bulgaria had been on the amber list. Read More UK records more than 50,000 new Covid cases and 49 deaths Englands Covid unlocking is a threat to the world, warn scientists FTSE 100 leisure stocks lift as traders take a punt on Freedom Day Lawrence Dallaglios Lions Podcast Climate change is responsible for the extremity of the catastrophic floods ravaging parts of Europe, political leaders on the continent have said. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has joined senior figures from the affected countries in pinning the devastating flooding on the climate crisis after the death toll in Germany and Belgium topped 100. "It is the intensity and the length of the events that science tells us this is a clear indication of climate change and that this is something that really, really shows the urgency to act," said Ms von der Leyen. Europe's flooding crisis - follow live updates German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has also said the floods, which have been most deadly in Germany, were evidence that more needed to be done to combat climate change. He expressed his shock at the extent of the disaster in western Germany as he addressed victims on Friday. "Only if we take up the fight against climate change decisively, will we be able to keep extreme weather conditions such as we are experiencing now in check," he said. It comes after Germany's environment minister, Svenja Schulze, declared: "Climate change has arrived in Germany." She tweeted: "These events show the force with which the consequences of climate change can affect us all, and how important it is to prepare even better for such extreme weather events in the future." And the country's interior minister, Horst Seehofer, has unambiguously called "this extreme weather" a "consequence of climate change". Experts say that climate change is already increasing the frequency of extreme weather events and the trend is set to continue. Through the emerging area of attribution science, many extreme events have retrospectively been shown to have been made worse by global warming. Politicians commenting on this week's flooding have been notably bold in drawing the link with climate change. Story continues Armin Laschet, premier of one of the worst affected German states, North Rhine-Westphalia, warned: "We will be faced with such events over and over, and that means we need to speed up climate protection measures, on European, federal and global levels, because climate change isn't confined to one state." Whilst Germany has been the worst hit so far, other countries have been badly affected. In Belgium, where 14 deaths have been reported, the authorities have warned people living in the south and east to avoid all travel. The heavy rainfall, which has been described as unprecedented by experts, has also extended into France, Luxembourg and the Netherlands, while parts of Switzerland are on alert. Sky News has launched the first daily prime time news show dedicated to climate change. The Daily Climate Show is broadcast at 6.30pm and 9.30pm Monday to Friday on Sky News, the Sky News website and app, on YouTube and Twitter. Hosted by Anna Jones, it follows Sky News correspondents as they investigate how global warming is changing our landscape and how we all live our lives. The show also highlights solutions to the crisis and how small changes can make a big difference. A year later, Iraqi police arrested the shooter in the killing of a prominent public commentator whose slaying sent shockwaves through the country, officials said Friday. Iraq's prime minister declared that with the arrest, his government has fulfilled its promise to bring the perpetrators to justice. Hisham al-Hashimi was gunned down last July outside his home in Baghdad in a drive-by shooting that involved two attackers on a motorcycle. He was a well-connected security analyst who appeared regularly on Iraqi television and whose expertise was sought out by government officials, journalists and researchers. The killing of the 47-year-old al-Hashimi whose shooting was captured on a surveillance camera contributed to a prevailing atmosphere of intimidation and fear among activists in Iraq and highlighted the governments struggle to bring armed groups into line. Two security officials told The Associated Press that one of the men on the motorcycle, the shooter, was arrested two weeks ago and confessed to the crime before an investigative judge. The man was connected to a militia group, they said, but did not name which one. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to reporters. Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi tweeted the development: We promised to arrest the killers of Hisham al-Hashimi. We fulfilled the promise." Later Friday, state Iraqiya TV station broadcast footage of the alleged suspect, showing him confessing to his purported crime. The man identifies himself in the video as Ahmed Hamdawi Al-Kinani, a police officer with the rank of first lieutenant in the Interior Ministry. According to Iraqi law he will be sent to trial for sentencing following his confession. He did not implicate any militia group in his confession. It is not unusual that officers and officials in Iraq have connections to militias working without or with the state's endorsement. The government has struggled to reign them in, partly because they are so entrenched within the state structure. Story continues Security forces are still looking for at least six other individuals connected to the shooting, some of them believed to be abroad, the two officials told the AP. In his confession, al-Kinani said he had worked with four other accomplices. Killings of activists are pervasive in Iraq, with many blaming Iran-backed militias. Al-Hashimi, who had worked on a report about Iran-backed groups within Iraq's establishment before he was killed, had reportedly received threats from such groups. (AP) Floods sweeping through German towns (EPA) Twelve disabled people have drowned after their care home was hit by the floods in Germany, officials claimed. The tragedy happened when floods overwhelmed a care home hosting disabled people in the town of Sinzig, in Germanys Rhineland-Palatinate state, the worst hit region, where hundreds are believed to be missing. According to a report by the Bild German newspaper and other media, the water appears to have swept away the homes residents. One man, who used to live in the home, is said to have shouted for help in the water for hours, though it is unclear if he survived. The reports said the victims were residents with severe disabilities. This is terrible. Our employees are traumatised, but they still help as best they can. They are also in the process of looking after the other residents, Stefan Moller, one of the bosses of the home, told Bild. The residents were not alone. We had a night watch in the neighbouring house. At the request of the fire brigade, the building should have been evacuated. But when our employee arrived, he didnt have enough time as the water arrived too - he couldnt get out and couldnt help, he added. As the water started to recede, stunned residents in the worst affected towns inspected what was left of their homes and neighbourhoods. In many areas, houses were reduced to piles of debris and broken beams. Roads were blocked by wreckage, and fallen trees and fish flapped and gasped on puddles of water in the middle of the street. More than 100 people have now perished in the floods across Germany, with more victims in neighbouring countries, including Belgium. The care home was located around 100 metres away from the River Ahr. Read More Is the climate crisis to blame for Germanys floods? Germany-Belgium floods live: 120 dead in catastrophe, as EU chief blames climate crisis for disaster Europe floods: Death toll passes 100 in Germany and Belgium as climate crisis blamed Months-long protests against construction of the $800 million Namakhvani hydropower plant in western Georgia beg a simple question: Why bother with big dams anyway? In Georgias case, they cost more to build than other sources of renewable energy, uproot locals, and provide less power than projected, Eurasianet writes. Even hydro investors concede that the changing climate is making them less dependable. Yet the business-friendly Georgian Dream government seems unwilling to concede that few recent hydropower projects are fulfilling their promise. Back in 2016, Georgia joined the European Commissions Energy Union, which required the government to design and approve a Renewable Energy Action Plan. Two years later, Tbilisi announced that the country has the potential to generate up to 4 billion kWh from wind every year, or 30 percent of Georgias need. It quickly signed 17 memoranda of understanding with 11 companies and promised 333 MW installed wind capacity by 2020, ramping up to 686 MW by 2025 and 1130 MW by 2030. So far, only one wind farm has opened: Kartli, near Gori, has six turbines and a modest capacity of 20.7 MW. By comparison, in the five years to 2019, 33 hydropower plants (HPPs) were opened, according to the Economy Ministry. Four more wind projects are on the drawing board, says Nugzar Khaindrava of the state-owned Energy Development Fund, which promotes private-sector energy investment. Khaindrava believes interest in wind is growing and that the four projects, with a total capacity of 236 MW, should break ground this year. Moving forward, the share of wind farms in our portfolio is almost the same as that of hydropower plants, Khaindrava told Eurasianet. Yet the big bets are still on hydropower: the proposed $1 billion Nenskra dam in Svaneti and the Namakhvani cascade an idea that dates from Soviet times in the Rioni Valley. (Namakhvani was the focus of those spring protests, which caused the Economy Ministry to seek EU mediation.) Their installed capacity 280 and 433 MW, respectively sounds impressive, but hydro plants in Georgia tend to produce less than advertised, while Kartli has proven the opposite. In the past, Georgian officials have argued that generating electricity from wind is expensive and unreliable a claim opponents of hydropower now make about dams, pointing to shrinking glaciers, the changing climate, and the proliferation of new, cheaper wind technologies. The technology of wind turbines is improving every year, it is getting more efficient, said Beka Natsvlishvili of the Platform for Fair Energy Policy, an advocate for transparency in the energy sector. The argument that wind is cost-prohibitive no longer holds, he said. Building a wind farm is much cheaper than building hydropower plants and the wind farm is much more profitable from an ecological point of view because it causes much less damage to the environment than hydropower plants, Natsvlishvili told Eurasianet. Moreover, wind farms provide energy when Georgia most needs it, says Khaindrava from the Energy Development Fund. The main plus of [wind] energy is that it follows the consumption patterns in our country. We have an energy deficit for nine months a year, coinciding with the winter period. Wind energy has a higher potential in the winter months; it directly responds to our needs, Khaindrava said. Compare the output of several small and medium hydropower plants built in the last decade with the Kartli wind farm. According to data provided by the state-run energy distribution company, eight HPPs built since 2010 are similar in capacity to Kartli. Over the past two years, all provided less than their forecast capacity, whereas Kartli slightly beat expectations. Larsi HPP, for example, was built in 2014. In size (19.5 MW), it is similar to Kartlis. But while Kartli in 2019 generated exactly as projected (84 million kWh) and even more in 2020 (90 million kWh), Larsi HPP generated 73 million kWh in each of the last two years instead of the 98 million kWh that the Energy Ministry anticipated back when it was commissioned in 2014. Lasha Iordanishvili from Tbilisi-based investor Ltd Peri, the sole shareholder in Larsi, said the output was within an acceptable range, but conceded that rivers are lower than in the past: Water resources have decreased compared to the last decade. The rivers of the Caucasus produce less water now, he told Eurasianet. And now for the price tag. Larsi cost $30 million, Kartli $28.8 million. True, the power generated from wind costs more on the open market. The government has a purchase agreement with Kartli at 6.5 U.S. cents per kWh, while electricity from HPPs constructed in recent years costs the government 6.02 cents. But industry consensus expects wind to cost less as technologies improve. So why isnt wind being commissioned with urgency? The Ministry of Economy, which manages the energy sector, declined to answer Eurasianets questions. But Natsvlishvili of the Platform for Fair Energy Policy believes the slow adoption of wind is due to institutional inertia, that dams are more familiar to officials than new wind technologies. HPPs are a simpler system. They [authorities] know how to do it, the system is adapted to that, and that is why they prefer it. New technologies require a lot of work, professionalism, and systemic thinking, which is not well developed in our country yet, said Natsvlishvili. Russian President Vladimir Putins much-publicized tagline for the homegrown Sputnik vaccines reliable as a Kalashnikov assault rifle seems to bear a special connotation for Southeast Asia, The Eurasian Times writes. Taking advantage of the US-China rivalry over the ASEAN bloc, Russia of late has expanded its footprint in the region through vaccine and military diplomacy. July 6th marked the 30 years of Russia-ASEAN ties and 25 years of a dialogue partnership. To mark the occasion, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held a special meeting with ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) counterparts and visited Indonesia and Laos. In March, ASEAN and Russia also signed a Comprehensive Plan of Action to cooperate on multiple issues from security and smart cities to health and disaster management from 2021 to 2025. The recent visit puts the spotlight on Russia as the country continues to make space for the 10-member ASEAN bloc in its foreign policy priorities. Russias outreach to the region can be defined by three major themes the political turmoil in Myanmar, the burgeoning arms export market, and the Sputnik V vaccine diplomacy. Russia & ASEAN Ties Historically, Russia had considerable influence in the region after the Bolshevik revolution and inspired many communist movements in the countries from Vietnam to Cambodia. The Cold War period saw a struggle between Chinese communists and the Soviets with five prominent states forming the ASEAN to check the spread of communism in the region. Amid the Americans entering Vietnam and the Sino-Soviet split in 1960, the Russians shifted their priorities towards the Middle East and particularly Afghanistan. After the disintegration of the USSR in 1991, Russia remained on the sidelines due to internal political and economic reasons but the country has rekindled its engagement with the ASEAN bloc, occupying a central role in the geopolitical shift towards Asia-Pacific, now called Indo-Pacific. Since 2001, Russias multilateral and bilateral involvements with the ASEAN bloc have been overshadowed by a revisionist China and the resident power US. Some experts suggest that out of the 10 ASEAN states, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand tend to be closer to China while Indonesia and Singapore are more inclined toward the West; Vietnam, Malaysia, and the Philippines often oscillate between the two. In such a tightly-knit rivalry, Russia is gradually projecting itself as a hedge or an alternative to the member states. Collin Koh, a maritime security research fellow at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, told Nikkei Asia that Russias role in the region will be an important one. Russia could certainly play a bigger role, since Russia is still a major power and could actually become a potential heavyweight for a number of those countries in Southeast Asia who dont want to become embroiled in whether to choose the United States or China, Koh said. Russias vaccine diplomacy The Covid-19 pandemic has provided Moscow with an opportunity to re-engage with the region that is caught between the vaccine rivalry of the Chinese and the Americans. Russia has leveraged the homegrown Gamaleya Institute-developed Sputnik V doses that President Putin called reliable as a Kalashnikov assault rifle, exporting millions to the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America. It is said Sputnik V is one of the three vaccines that offer a 90+ efficacy rate (91.6%), the other two being the US Pfizer (95%) and Moderna (94.1%). While the Chinese vaccine Sinopharm dominates in Southeast Asia (authorized in seven countries), the Russian candidate Sputnik is approved in four ASEAN states Laos, Myanmar, Philippines, and Vietnam. After receiving its first batch of Sputnik in May, the Philippines placed an additional order of 170,000 doses taking the total supplies to 235,000 while the state is negotiating to buy 20 million doses. In June, Malaysia inked a purchase of 6.4 million doses of the Sputnik V vaccine, while the country awaits approval by its national Drug Control Authority. Last week, Russian news agency TASS reported that Moscow is looking to deliver some doses of Sputnik V to Laos free of charge, as humanitarian assistance. Vietnam is also looking to procure an additional 40 million doses, as per a government resolution passed on July 12, after an initial purchase of 20 million this year. The state media reports claim that Sputnik may be locally produced in the country from July as Vabiotech company will be in charge of bottling and packing the vaccines with a capacity of 5 million doses per month. Meanwhile, Myanmar is negotiating to buy two million doses of Russias Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine, as authorities in the largest Southeast Asian country try to tackle a new wave of coronavirus infections. Until the first half of 2021, the country has recorded 155,697 COVID-91 cases and 3,320 deaths, the fourth largest in the region. Russian arms sale According to data published by Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), Russia was Southeast Asias largest arms supplier between 2000 and 2019, exporting up to $10.7 billion as compared to the US $7.9 billion and Chinas $2.6 billion. Among the 10-state bloc, Vietnam is Russias top arms customer, accounting for 61% of the total sales in the last two decades. The military hardware worth $7.4 billion includes submarines, frigates, fighter jets, anti-aircraft missile systems, and tanks. In a 2019 military agreement, Hanoi bought 12 Russian Yak-130 jets for $350 million. Laos is also opening up to Russian military aid as the latter supported the country by repairing an airfield. In August, both countries are due to participate in a military exercise called Laros, the first edition of which was held in 2019. Russian arms sales to countries like Malaysia, the Philippines, and Indonesia that tend to be closer to the West remain minimal with no recent deals in news. On the other hand, Myanmar is emerging as a significant market for Russia, especially after the recent coup. Russia In Myanmar Much like China and India, Russias response to the military coup on February 1 has been restrained and strategic. Russian President Vladamir Putin expressed concerns over the escalating violence, he stopped short of condemning the military regime. At the same time, Moscow has proliferated the sale of arms and elevated ties with Myanmar. On a recent visit to Moscow by Myanmars military chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, the leader of the juntas State Administrative Council (SAC), the two countries committed to strengthen military ties. He also thanked Russia for its military aid that had made the Myanmar military one of the strongest in the Asia-Pacific region. The Irrawaddy, one of Myanmars leading publications, reported that the underlying purpose of the visit was to procure more arms as the Myanmar delegation stopped by at the Russian city of Irkutsk that houses a manufacturing plant of Su-30 family of interceptor/ground-attack aircraft. According to SIPRI, Russia is the third-largest arms supplier to the country (15%), behind China (48%) and India (16%). Some of the military exports include MiG-29 jet fighters, Yak-130 jet trainers, Mi-24 and Mi-35P helicopters, and Pechora-2M anti-aircraft missile systems. Earlier this year, Russia exported the Pantsir-S1 self-propelled short-range air-defense (SHORAD) system along with unmanned aerial vehicles Orlan-10E, making Myanmar the first international customer of Russian drones, as reported by The Eurasian Times. Whether Russia is able to successfully provide an alternative to ASEAN states remains to be seen. A survey conducted by Singapores ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute in late 2019 asked over 1,300 experts across the bloc about their preferred third party against the US-China rivalry. And it put Russia in third place (6.1%) behind Japan (38.2% ) and the EU (31.7%). All the mentors in the world are now interested in working with the Taliban. But why? There are probably multiple reasons for this. Modern Diplomacy reports that one of the big reasons is the countrys minerals. The reason for NATOs incursion into Afghanistan 20 years ago was called suppression of terrorism. But US policymakers have also speculated that Afghanistans mineral wealth could be seized by defeating the Taliban. The war on the ground did not give them that opportunity. In the new reality, the United States is keen to do that with the Taliban. China and Russia have similar desires. Three trillion dollars worth of minerals It is estimated that the countrys nearly three trillion dollars worth of assets has been extracted underground. With all this business, the country can easily earn billions of dollars a year. In addition to gold and nickel, Afghanistan has many valuable minerals, including lithium and copper. There are many rare soil elements including scandium, yttrium, which are used in making mobile phones, TVs, fiber optics nowadays. After entering Afghanistan, NATO experts intercepted Russian investigative reports on the countrys mineral resources in the 1980s and 1980s. Together with that, the Pentagons high-tech search led to the discovery of huge stockpiles of lithium in Ghazni. Lithium is mainly used in various military devices from small computer batteries. It is also important for the impending revolution of electric vehicles. It is now a strategic mineral around the world. The BBC also called Afghanistan a future Saudi Arabia because of lithium. Bolivian politics is in deep trouble over similar large lithium reserves. There, Evo Morales was ousted due because of his demand to establish control over lithium. Afghan reserves of lithium are almost equal to Bolivia. Control of Ghazni in the coming days is therefore very important for many. As US aid dwindles, Afghans will need Russia, China, Pakistan and Iran. These countries are now working to build a win-win relationship with the Taliban. Apart from lithium, copper and other minerals in Afghanistan, opium is also traded as a grade-4 quality heroin component. The production of technology-based methamphetamine-based drugs is also increasing in the country now. All the recent reports in this regard say that the size of the countrys drug economy is now larger than it was 20 years ago. In the future, the outside forces will have to decide with the Taliban on these issues as well. Many unseen powers, Iran and Pakistan, the two gateways to Afghan narcotics, will be at the forefront of these agreements. Afghan drug producers are moving to a new route to Pakistan as the currency depreciates against the Iranian currency. At the same time, it may increase the spread of drugs among Pakistanis. The CIAs role in financing Afghan guerrillas during the anti-Soviet war to market heroin to locals along the Pakistan-Afghan border is a testament to the size of that management during the Talibans rule. Good day in the mining industry As soon as he sat down to write about the minerals of Afghanistan, the words of the tyrant Khalilzad came to mind. He is the one who signed the US peace agreement with the Taliban. The U.S. diplomat has long been associated with the oil company Unique. He has been a citizen of the United States since 1984. Being of Pashtun descent, he has been in contact with the Taliban for about 25 years. He took his ministers to the Unocal office in Texas before the Taliban ousted him in 2001. The Taliban government did not yet have diplomatic relations with the United States. Khalilzad was primarily responsible for the construction of the 620-mile Pakistan-Turkmenistan gas pipeline over Afghanistan, originally on behalf of Unocal. At the time, the Taliban agreed to pay 50 million to 100 million a year. The project did not move forward in the midst of the ensuing war. Neither the United States nor the Taliban has lost faith in Khalilzad. In 2010, he became a member of the board of another UAE-based oil company. He was a board member of DNO, a Norwegian company working in the same field. DNO was hired in 2004 in the Kurdish region of Iraq. Khalilzad was also the US ambassador to Iraq in 2005-06. War, aggression and the fuel business have always stuck with his resume. If the current peace deal succeeds, he could be seen in a more important role in Afghanistan. Or his son. Alexander Benard, Khalilzads son, is a consultant for miners in Central Asia at the behest of his father. Benard is now the MD of Gryphon Partners, a company founded by his father. Upcoming Afghanistan is a great opportunity for mining corporates. Benards appreciation may increase at this time. At the same time, the countrys air, water and land pollution will also increase at this time. Copper reserves will make the Taliban an ally of China As US aid dwindles, Afghans will need Russia, China, Pakistan and Iran. These countries are now working to build a win-win relationship with the Taliban. In the third world, China is more skilled in how to take big projects by the hands of the heads of state. Despite NATOs 20-year rule in Afghanistan. Mes Aynak, the largest copper reserve, Chinas state-owned company MCC (Metallurgical Corporation of China), was able to lease in a 3 billion deal in 2016. It was reported at the time that the MCC had paid 30 million to Minerals Minister Mohammad Ibrahim Adel in the deal. The transaction was completed in Dubai. Ibrahim Adel was fired after the incident became known. Corruption does not stop there. Incumbent President Ashraf Ghani has also been accused of bribing a US company called SOS International to gain control of mineral resources in Kunar province. The mineral sector is a major contributor to Transparency Internationals Corruption Perceptions Index, which sank Afghanistan to 175/170 last year. In the midst of the last 20 years of war, the Taliban have also raised an average of 2.5 million t 10 million a year locally from various mining operations. Thus, most of the work in the mining sector has been done by the corporates with the money of government bureaucrats and local armed guerrillas. The much-talked-about Mes Aynak mine in Logar province, 25 miles south of Kabul, is estimated to have about 80 million metric tons of copper. Despite the hasty lease, China has not been able to start extraction in time. The security situation was not conducive. Apart from the huge population that will lose their homes in the mining area, no alternative has yet been developed to rehabilitate them. However, China will not lose this reserve in any way. Half of the global copper demand is now theirs. It is not uncommon for the Taliban to become friends with China. The countrys Hajigak mine is another area of interest for many countries, as is Chinas interest in Mess Yanks copper deposits. There are huge deposits of iron ore here. The area lies in Bamiyan, 130 kilometres west of Kabul. There are 2.2 billion tons of iron ore here. In 2011, several Indian companies allocated 10 billion to the sector. Like China, they could not work. Maybe not anymore. The Taliban will not get much for their livelihood except for mineral resources and tourism. International powers are eager to take advantage of this weakness in Afghanistan. The Taliban need to invest in human resource development and infrastructure. And investors will be interested in getting cheap minerals. China is repeatedly tempted to invest in railways in Afghanistan as soon as Mess Janks copper is removed. Pakistan and Russia also have some favorite economic projects in Afghanistan. They are also involved in the tug of war with the Taliban! 48 percent of Afghans are poor, resources must be used Although rich in mineral resources, Afghanistan is one of the poorest countries in the world. In this country of about 45 million people, 48 percent of the population is still below the poverty line, earning less than 1.9 a day. There are 3 million Afghan refugees in neighboring countries. When the war is over, they will return to the devastated villages. The country is well ahead in terms of birth rate and unemployment. Future Afghanistan needs to provide food, shelter and jobs for all such people. This country, which is four times larger in size, is now nothing more than a war-torn country. Some of what is meant by infrastructure has not been spared. In addition, 80-90 percent of the citizens are deprived of education. The majority of young people are not trained in anything other than running a gun. A psychological revolution is needed to pull a population from gun culture to paper and pen culture. We need resources for this work. Kabul is not the center of gravity in the new war The Taliban will not get much for their livelihood except for mineral resources and tourism. International powers are eager to take advantage of this weakness in Afghanistan. The Taliban need to invest in human resource development and infrastructure. And investors will be interested in getting cheap minerals. In extreme corrupt ways, if necessary. Talks on the St.-Gas project may also begin soon. The next challenge for the Taliban leadership is to coordinate this two-pronged approach. In particular, regional tribal leaders need to come to terms with their own armed forces and the Talibans local mineral economy. Conflict in some districts of the country as soon as the US troops take the initiative to return home is a major reason for the imminent onset of the upcoming mineral-occupation-war. From previous experience, the Taliban knows that the next war will not be about Kabul alone. Mineral rich districts will be its center of gravity. The units of the Armenian Armed Forces fired at the positions of the Azerbaijani troops located in the direction of Sadarak district of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic on the Armenian-Azerbaijani state border on July 16, at around 10:00 and 13:00 (GMT+4), Trend reports referring to the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry. The return fire was opened against the units of the Armenian Armed Forces, located near Arazdeyen village of Vedi district, to suppress the shelling. There are no dead or wounded among the personnel of the Azerbaijani troops. "Once again, we state that Armenia bears full responsibility for creating tension along the entire state border of the two countries," the Azerbaijani defense ministry said. Azerbaijan will send 40,000 doses of AstraZeneca vaccine against COVID-19 to Kyrgyzstan as humanitarian aid, Trend reports on July 16. Some 50,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine were sent from Azerbaijan to Uzbekistan through the support of the Uzbek embassy in Baku and Uzbekistans representative office of UNICEF within the COVAX program. Azerbaijan plans to send the vaccine to other countries as humanitarian aid. Azerbaijan rendered humanitarian and financial assistance to more than 30 countries, including the member-states of the Non-Aligned Movement, in the field of the global fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, Azerbaijan transferred the voluntary contribution worth $10 million to the World Health Organization (WHO). German Defense Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer said the main focus for the German military, the Bundeswehr, will be assisting the emergency response. "I have already ordered that all other assignments that are not directly related to the missions abroad be put on hold," Kramp-Karrenbauer said on Friday. "The Bundeswehr is already providing active help with emergency response and clearing work with its quickly available on-site forces," DW cited her as satying. At least 110 people have died in devastating floods across parts of western Germany and Belgium, officials said Friday, as rescue operations and the search for hundreds still unaccounted for continued. Authorities said late Thursday that about 1,300 people in Germany were still listed missing, but cautioned that the high figure could be due to duplication of data and difficulties reaching people because of disrupted roads and phone connections. The number of new coronavirus infections reported in Russias Crimea in the past 24 hours reached 394, head of the region Sergei Aksenov informed via his VK social media page. Crimea set a new record, beating the previous one of 381 daily cases. "On July 15, 394 cases of the coronavirus infection were identified in Crimea. Of the total number of infections, 281 were found after the people sought medical help, 107 were recorded via contact tracing and six arrived from overseas," TASS cited Aksenov as saying. He added that 225 people recovered, while 6,862 people were tested for the virus. The regional crisis center reports that more than 53,000 cases of COVID-19 were reported in Crimea, 46,000 recoveries and 1,600 deaths. Estonian Foreign Ministry announced one Russian Embassy employee persona non grata in the diplomatic note, presented to Russian Ambassador Alexander Petrov on Thursday, the Ministry announced. According to the Ministry, this was a reciprocal step to Russias expulsion of Estonian Consul in St. Petersburg Mart Latte. "We hope that this episode will not harm the bilateral relations between Estonia and Russia. Estonia remains interested in good-neighborly and constructive relations," TASS cited the Foreign Ministry as saying. Last week, Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas promised to provide a symmetrical response to the expulsion of Mart Latte. On July 6, the Federal Security Service (FSB) press service said that the intelligence officers apprehended Latte in the act of receiving classified information from a Russian citizen. On July 7, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that Latte was supposed to leave Russia within 48 hours. Estonian Foreign Ministry says it considers the diplomats apprehension a provocation. After a request from the prosecution for a further delay in the ongoing corruption trial of former Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the next hearing will be pushed off until September. The state prosecutor requested that the hearing of former Walla CEO Ilan Yeshua, a central witness in the case, be delayed due to personal reasons. The case was originally slated for next week. Since the courts system will be in recess for August, the next hearing is expected to take place September 13, The Times of Israel reported. Another shipment of 20,000 doses of the Russian-made Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine has been delivered to Mongolia, TASS reported citing the Montsame News Agency. The shipment was received on Tuesday, the report says, adding that the doses in question are the second component of the vaccine. It is currently being distributed between vaccination centers. The report noted that Mongolian authorities authorized the administration of Sputnik V without age restrictions starting Thursday. Previously, Mongolia provided the second vaccine component only to seniors. In the past 24 hours, 1,439 new COVID-19 cases were registered in the republic, with 4 people dying. The total case count has exceeded 143,000, with a total of 707 deaths. The situation in Afghanistan is rapidly deteriorating, and there is a risk that instability will spread to neighboring countries, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said, addressing the plenary session of an international conference dubbed "Central and South Asia: Regional Connectivity. Challenges and Opportunities" on Friday. "Unfortunately, we have recently seen the situation in Afghanistan rapidly deteriorate. Following the hasty withdrawal of US and NATO troops, uncertainty has spiked in terms of how the military and political situation in the country and around it will unfold. The Afghan crisis exacerbates the terrorist threat along with the issue of drug trafficking, which has reached an unprecedented level," Lavrov pointed out. "Clearly, in such a situation, the risk is real that instability will spread to neighboring countries," TASS cited the diplomat as saying. "We believe that plans to promote transportation, logistics and energy projects connecting Central and South Asia should take the security situation on the ground into account," the Russian top diplomat noted. "A successful implementation of economic initiatives involving Kabul will only be possible if a comprehensive solution is found to the domestic conflict in Afghanistan," he said. According to the Russian foreign minister, achieving a sustainable peace in Afghanistan should remain a priority for collective efforts both in the region and on the international stage. U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry and his Russian counterpart Ruslan Edelgeriyev are committed to working together on a range of climate issues, including carbon and non-carbon emissions reduction, the State Department said on Thursday. They also intend to work together bilaterally on a range of climate-related issues. Topics will include, among others, satellite monitoring of emissions and removals of greenhouse gases; forests and agriculture; climate and the Arctic, including black carbon; reducing emissions from non-CO2 gases, including methane; enhanced nationally determined contributions and long-term strategies under the Paris Agreement; energy efficiency; climate finance; nature-based solutions; and implementation of joint climate projects, the Department said in a release. Kerry and Edelgeriyev agreed that the climate challenge should be addressed with seriousness and urgency while both countries are committed to implementing the Paris Climate Agreement and its goals of reducing temperatures as well as targeting of net-zero emissions on a global scale, the release said. The two representatives also agreed to promote the 26th Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow as well as cooperate on climate-related issues in the Arctic, Sputnik reported. John Kerry is visiting Moscow to meet with Russian officials and discuss climate-related issues. On Monday, Kerry met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who said the US special envoy's visit was "an important and positive signal" for US-Russia relations. On Wednesday, Kerry spoke over the telephone with Russian President Vladimir Putin who also stressed the importance of achieving the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement. The United States will continue to solicit strong support for the Afghan peace process both regionally and internationally, Homeland Security Adviser Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall said on Thursday. The White House adviser made the statement during the C5+1 meeting in the Uzbek capital of Tashkent. The format includes five Central Asian countries (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan) plus the United States. "We will continue to support negotiations to achieve a political solution that brings Afghans the peace they deserve and to build a strong regional and international support base for Afghanistan's future," Sherwood-Randall said. She noted that C5+1 members can do more jointly rather than alone or on a bilateral basis to address issues of common interest. "We will continue to provide security assistance to the Afghan National Defense Forces, as well as development and humanitarian aid. We will continue to take aggressive action against terrorist groups that threaten the US and that undermine the security of our allies and partners, including your countries," ANI cited Sherwood-Randall as saying. The ongoing withdrawal of foreign troops from Afghanistan resulted in a flare-up of tensions between the government forces and the Taliban (banned in Russia as a terrorist organization). The radical movement stepped up the territorial advances and is believed to have captured large rural areas in the country's north. Top Afghan and Uzbek leaders agreed in a meeting on Thursday that the current situation in war-torn Afghanistan cannot be resolved through military means. Afghan President Ashraf Ghani arrived in the Uzbekistan capital, Tashkent, for a two-day international conference titled "Central and South Asia: Regional Connectivity. Challenges and Opportunities. Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev received the visiting Afghan leader at the airport. Both the presidents at the meeting discussed the current situation in Afghanistan and agreed that it is impossible to solve the issues through military means, according to a statement by Presidential Press Office. During the discussion, Mirziyoyev also offered Ghani his country's active involvement in achieving long-term peace in Afghanistan. The Taliban have recently claimed to have taken control of more than 85% of Afghanistan, with government forces abandoning their outposts. Currently, they control borders with Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Iran and Pakistan. However, the Afghan Defense Ministry has rejected all of the Taliban's claims, asserting that hundreds of insurgents were killed in retaking the fallen districts. Far ahead of Washington's initial pledge of complete troop departure by September 11, which was recently modified by President Joe Biden to August 31, the US has vacated Bagram Airfield, the biggest military base in the war-ravaged country, and handed it over to Afghan National Army earlier this month. According to the statement, the two leaders also discussed bilateral relations, regional security as well as ways to improve cooperation. Underlining the significance of the mutual transportation and energy projects aimed at increasing Afghanistan's transit capacity including a railway construction and an electric line, they stressed that comprehensive negotiations between Afghan sides should start speedily. The leaders also voiced their contentment over the 50% increase in trade the volume between the two countries in the first five months of the year, as well as the establishment of 160 Afghan-funded new businesses in Uzbekistan despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Anadolu Agency reported. More than 90 people have died after severe flooding in western Germany and Belgium, as rescuers continue to search for survivors. At least 81 fatalities occurred in Germany, while there have been 12 deaths in Belgium, according to local media reports. A total of 1,300 residents remain missing in the Ahrweiler district in the state of Rhineland-Palatinate, the district government said. In the village of Schuld and elsewhere, houses were swept away after rivers burst their banks following days of extreme rainfall. It's one of the worst natural disasters Germany has experienced since the Second World War. Many towns and villages have been flooded following torrential rain. Deaths have been reported in Belgium too, with the mayor of Liege ordering residents to evacuate their homes on Thursday. The Netherlands and Luxembourg have also been affected by severe flooding, The Independent reported. In Switzerland, the heavy rainfalls have saturated the soil and caused landslides and mudslides. Authorities in Geneva recommend not to walk along rivers and not to go down the Rhone due to high flow conditions. The level of Lake Geneva is also of concern to the authorities. The risk of flooding was high on the shores of Lake Zurich and the Limmat River and authorities have also urged people not to go to forests for safety reasons after violent storms and gusts of winds exceeding 100 km/h feel trees. France has also been battered by heavy rainfalls with 11 north-eastern departements still under amber warning on Thursday morning due to the risk of flooding. More torrential rain and further flooding is expected in Europe this week, meteorologists have said. Oleksiy Arestovich, a freelance adviser to the head of the office of the Ukrainian president, has accused German Chancellor Angela Merkel of betraying Kiev's interests during her recent talks with Volodymyr Zelensky. In an interview with the news network Ukraina 24 on Thursday, Arestovich described Zelensky's recent visit to Germany and his subsequent negotiations with Merkel as fruitless. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and German Chancellor Angela Merkel attend a joint news conference following a meeting of the Normandy Four leaders at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France. 2019. The adviser argued that the 12 July talks did not bring about any results because "Mrs Merkel stood firm for seven years, but in the end she betrayed Ukrainian interests a bit in favour of Russia". According to Arestovich, Zelensky failed to find "common ground" with Merkel on a number of issues, including the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline and the implementation of the so-called Steinmeier Formula, a mechanism aimed at adding to the settlement of the conflict in eastern Ukraine, Sputnik reported. Referring to Merkel as "an outgoing politician", Arestovich suggested that "polite statements" by the German chancellor and Zelensky during their joint press conference were apparently made in order "not to quarrel". Earlier this week, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told reporters that he and German Chancellor Angela Merkel "have different views" on the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project The General Department of Taxation plans to launch the electronic invoice system at tax departments in Ha Noi, HCM City, Quang Ninh, Hai Phong, Phu Tho and Binh Dinh by the end of this year before rolling it out nationwide in 2022. E-invoice. Photo vov.vn The move aims to help clamp down on tax fraud by using a big data system able to handle a large number of transactions. Tax authorities found 7,474 businesses that bought, sold or used illegal invoices from 2017 to 2019, with nearly 500,000 violating invoices, and collected nearly VND200 billion (US$8.7 million) of tax arrears. In 2020, the number of businesses using illegal invoices decreased sharply, but the severity of violations increased, with VND6.6 trillion in tax arrears collected in the first nine months of the year alone. The General Department of Taxation reported there are currently 255 enterprises nationwide piloting the application of e-invoices with authentication codes of tax authorities and more than 550,000 enterprises applying electronic invoices. The number of e-invoices businesses use in a year is about 1.3 billion, while there are about 800 enterprises nationwide providing e-invoice software solutions. Some 2.3 billion e-invoices were used last year, accounting for about 50 per cent of the total number of invoices used in 2020. Switching to e-invoices has brought many benefits such as reducing the time and cost spent on dealing with invoices among businesses and contributing to tackling invoice fraud. E-invoices also help businesses reduce costs spent on paper, ink, transportation and storing invoices. Data from electronic invoices are automatically connected to the value-added tax declaration software, so businesses don't have to take time to prepare value-added tax declarations. E-invoices also have high security as they use the seller's digital signature, making it tough to counterfeit such invoices. Source: VNS The Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA)'s ruling has been an irrevocable part of history. It will act as a guide for countries involved in the struggle for an order based on rules and not on force creating justice. The PCAs ruling on the Philippines lawsuit against China holds a solid legal basis and high value in the settlement of disputes in the East Sea (internationally known as the South China Sea). The case between the Philippines and China is a lawsuit proceeding under Annex 7 of the UNCLOS. illustrative image. Photo: AP On July 12, 2016, the PCA established under Annex 7 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) issued a historic ruling on the Philippines' request for an interpretation of a number of provisions of the Convention in relations with China. The important contributions of the ruling are: - Affirming the unity and universality of the UNCLOS in creating a legal framework governing the legal status of territories, islands, rocks, semi-submerged and floating features, the breadth of the seas and legal activities on the sea. The PCA affirmed that the maritime rights and obligations of countries are only governed by the provisions of UNCLOS, rejecting all claims contrary to the provisions of the UNCLOS. - Explaining clearly the relationship between the legal status of the exclusive economic zone and historic rights. The provisions of the UNCLOS have superseded all historic rights with a connotation contrary to the provisions of the UNCLOS. On that basis, the PCA rejected Chinas nine-dash line claim in the East Sea. For the first time, an international tribunal explained in detail Article 121 regarding the legal status of islands and rocks. On that basis, the PCA clarified the disputes in Truong Sa (Spratly) Archipelago and Scarborough Islands. All the floating features in the Spratlys have only 12 nautical miles of territorial waters. All semi-submerged shoals in the Spratlys are not subject to occupation and have no maritime zones. The PCA rejected any possibility of applying archipelagic baselines to island features in the Spratlys. The PCA affirmed the obligations of countries in protecting the marine environment, criticized actions that destroy corals, and changed the nature of island features to build bases on the sea. The PCA upheld the principle of freedom of the high seas and pointed out the possibility of high seas in the East Sea as well as the fishing rights of fishermen of the Philippines, Vietnam, China and other countries. Revisiting the East Sea policy The PCAs ruling is the basis for countries to rethink their policies in the East Sea. After hesitating and being influenced by political - economic factors, Philippine Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin on June 8 said that the PCAs ruling is the Great Bear star guiding us in the present, and also indicates the right path in the future. According to Locsin, the ruling is final and the Philippines strongly opposes any attempt to debase the ruling, to erase it from law, history and collective memory. He added that the ruling has become and will continue to be the cornerstone of international law and it is valid for other countries with the same problematic island features as the Philippines. By explaining that island features in the Spratlys do not have their own exclusive economic zone and continental shelf, the ruling has contributed to minimizing future delimitation disputes as well as the extent of overlapping maritime zones. The countries surrounding the East Sea have the right to preserve their exclusive economic zones and continental shelves determined from land in accordance with the UNCLOS and the principle of "Land dominates the sea". The ruling is the reason for Malaysias submission dated December 12, 2019 to the United Nations Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS) for an extended continental shelf (ECS) beyond 200 nautical miles from the baselines from which the breadth of the territorial sea is measured to the north. This expansion is legal as long as it does not create overlapping areas with the extended continental shelf from Vietnam or the Philippines. The ruling is the basis for promoting countries inside and outside the region to more clearly express their stance on issues in the East Sea. The war of diplomatic note exchange occurred in 2020-2021 with 25 notes, two diplomatic letters and one declaration (1 statement by Brunei, 9 notes and 1 letter from China, 3 notes from Malaysia, 3 notes from Philippines, 3 notes from Vietnam, 2 notes from Indonesia, 1 note from Australia, France, UK, Germany, Japan, and 1 diplomatic letter from the US). Except for China, the contents of these documents are: - Calling for recognition of the unity and universality of UNCLOS in providing the necessary legal framework for all activities at sea and oceans to be followed. UNCLOS is the legal basis for settling maritime disputes. - The PCAs ruling on 12/6/2016 is final and binding on the parties to the disputes, the Philippines and China. - The island features in the Spratlys have a territorial water of only 12 nautical miles. - Freedom of navigation and overflight in the East Sea should be respected. - The archipelagic baseline method is applicable only to archipelagic States and they cannot be unlawfully applied to the offshore islands of the coastal state. - Land reclamation activities and all other forms of man-made transformation do not change the legal status and classification of island features at sea according to the UNCLOS. - Claims related to the exercise of historic rights in the East Sea are inconsistent with international law and the UNCLOS. Foundation for unity The US stated its support for the PCAs ruling. Photo: AP The PCAs ruling affects ASEAN's position in asserting its centrality. The Statement of the 36th and 37th ASEAN Summits in 2020 clearly outlines the universality and unity of the UNCLOS in defining maritime titles, sovereign rights, jurisdiction and legitimate interests of the coastal states. All activities at sea should be carried out in accordance with the legal framework provided by the UNCLOS. The ruling can become the foundation for ASEAN's unity in promoting the settlement of the East Sea issues. The US State Departments statements also represent consistent policy from the Trump administration to the Biden administration in support of the ruling. The press statement of the US State Department dated February 19, 2021 said: The US position is similar to the conclusions of the PCAs ruling 2016 on China's unwarranted claims in areas within the exclusive economic zone or continental shelf of the Philippines. The US opposes any claim to waters beyond the 12-nautical-mile territorial waters of the claimed islands in the Spratlys. It is illegal for China to expel other countries' exploration and fishing activities in the waters of other claimant states, or unilaterally exploit those resources. These waters are named specifically as the Reed Bank (Philippines), Tu Chinh (Vietnam) or Luconia (Malaysia). This is the basis for the US and its allies - Australia, France, Germany and the UK - to deploy freedom of navigation operations of warships in recent months. The participation of many countries in the war of diplomatic notes is not the formation of an alliance against China's claims but the expression of a common legal position. Disputed issues must be resolved based on the law, not by force, not going contrary to the United Nations principle that all nations are equal. China's unilateral policy China continues to maintain the policy of unilaterally not accepting the ruling and not enforcing the ruling. It does not only gather researchers to write arguments to refute the ruling, but also steps up the legal battle and promotes enforcement of its law throughout the East Sea, such as establishing administrative districts, naming island features, naming plants, and passing the Coast Guard Law 2021. The PCAs ruling has forced China to make adjustments when introducing the concept of Tu Sa (Four-Sha claim) to replace the nine-dash line claim. China continues to manipulate the UNCLOS provisions to its advantage and avoid adverse ones. This is not in line with the spirit of package deal that the UNCLOS requires member states to commit to. The PCAs ruling has begun to be invoked by the parties to resolve emerging disputes such as the Whitson Reef in February this year. Each change takes time to come to a consensus among the parties. The PCAs ruling has been an irrevocable part of history. It will act as a guide for the countries involved in the struggle for an order based on rules and not on force creating justice". Nguyen Hong Thao East Sea 2020: The US adjusts its policy, Southeast Asia gets tough with China Facing China's actions, the United States increased military operations in the East Sea and adjusted its policy towards endorsing the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA)'s ruling in 2016. Vsmart phone is launched in Spain. Le Thi Thu Thuy - Vingroup Vice President & General Director of Vinsmart said that 5G is the biggest and most obvious opportunity with a new player like Vinsmart. Moreover, Vinsmart is similar in starting point with most technology companies or manufacturers in the 5G ecosystem. The company has invested tens of millions of US dollars to build a research and development team, and to purchase 5G technology copyright, to be autonomous in both design and production of equipment for the 5G ecosystem. Vsmart phones are available in the markets of Spain, Russia, Myanmar and the US. Not only Vietnamese big corporations, but also small and medium enterprises have strived to reach out to the world market. HMGpop started its business in 2013 from selling 3D cards to small stores, then promoting online sales to gradually become one of the three largest Vietnamese providers of 3D cards. On Amazon, its products regularly hold the top spots in the Card category. HMGpop used to receive up to 1,300 orders per day. The company also recorded a growth rate of 100% on Amazon last year, and sales from Amazon accounted for 30% of its total revenue. Throwing stones to find the way It is easy to see that FPT, Viettel, Mobile World, or Vinsmart are the first Vietnamese businesses expanding their business overseas. At the time Mobile World entered the Cambodian market, mobile phones that were illegally imported occupied a large share in this market. It was very hard for the BigPhone chain to compete with local phone stores as they imported genuine goods and sold them at listed prices. They tried and failed constantly to find the right model, and then replicate it on a large scale. When Mobile World started going abroad, FPT Group had had 20 years of experience of investing overseas. This group had to accept tasks in the low value chain. To overcome the barrier of language, the company tried to improve the quality of its human resources through organizing Japanese language training programs for its employees. After a period of time, the FPT Group has become the largest foreign IT company in Japan in terms of human resources with more than 1,500 employees working in 11 offices in this country, and more than 7,000 Vietnamese employees involved in projects for Japanese customers. Ambassador Dang Dinh Quy has welcomed positive developments in politics and security in Libya, and affirmed Vietnams support to a comprehensive political solution led and owned by Libyan people. Ambassador Dang Dinh Quy, Permanent Representative of Vietnam (left, front) attends the UNSC meeting on Libya (Photo: VNA) Ambassador Dang Dinh Quy, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the UN, made the remarks at a UN Security Council meeting on July 15 to discuss the situation in Libya and the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) operations, which was chaired by Jean-Yves Le Drian, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France the President of the Council in July. Quy called on relevant parties to resolve outstanding differences and expedite all necessary legal and logistical arrangements to ensure the holding of national elections under the agreed framework, stressing the importance of full and equal participation by women in the process. The parties must fully implement the October 2020 ceasefire agreement, and all foreign forces and mercenaries should withdraw from Libya in a timely, orderly and comprehensive manner, he said. He also lauded activities to reduce risk and protect civilians from unexploded ordnances left by the war, while calling for more efforts in the work. Speaking at the meeting, Jan Kubis, Secretary-Generals Special Representative of Libya and head of the UNSMIL, lauded progress in Libya, but showed concern about the lack of agreement among stakeholders in Libya on solutions to amend the Constitution and approve the new election law to prepare for the December 24 general election. He said that the UNSMIL will continue to work hard to support the transitional process in Libya as well as the deployment of civil observatory group to assist the supervision of the Libyan people-led supervision mechanism of ceasefire agreement. He also spoke highly of the second Berlin Conference on Libya in June, while calling on the UNSC and the international community to continue to assist the promotion of peace and development in Libya. Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh, Prime Minister of the Government of National Unity of Libya, requested the Council to help secure the immediate withdrawal of mercenaries and foreign fighters. Concluding the meeting, the UNSC adopted a presidential statement, which called on relevant agencies to speed up preparations for free and fair presidential and parliamentary elections in Libya, scheduled for 24 December. It urged all Member States, Libyan parties and relevant actors to fully implement the 23 October 2020 ceasefire agreement, including the withdrawal of all foreign forces and mercenaries from Libya without delay. It welcomed efforts by the UNSMIL to encourage the conference to develop proposals for a fair, free and inclusive electoral process./. Source: VNA We are disappointed but we have always known that this case is eventually headed to the Texas Supreme Court for their consideration. It will be a long period of time before we reach a final resolution, the statement says. Hensley said she has not performed any marriages since appearing before the commission in August 2019. Hensley, who has been in office six years, had officiated at weddings between men and women but declined to perform weddings for same-sex couples, saying it goes against her Bible-believing Christian conscience. Her lawsuit claimed the agency violated state law by punishing her for actions she took in accordance with her religious beliefs. In its public warning against Hensley, the commission said the judge has refused to perform same-sex weddings since August 2016, despite the U.S. Supreme Courts decision a year earlier that established constitutional rights to same-sex marriage. The commission said Hensley is violating the Texas Code of Judicial Conduct by casting doubt on her capacity to act impartially to persons appearing before her as a judge due to the persons sexual orientation. Hensley has said she is entitled to a religious exemption and filed her lawsuit under the Texas Religious Freedom Restoration Act. Dear Reader: This isnt anything that would be of concern to me. Its probably just some type of growth that has developed there after the cold weather and because of the moisture of late spring and early summer. You and your plant will be fine. DEAR NEIL: We have three large Japanese blueberry trees at property we have in South Texas. The winter was unkind to them, but they are sending up sprouts from the ground. What should we do with the plants now? Dear Reader: Im going to have to leave that decision up to you. These will probably grow and fill in if you give them several years to do so. If it were my landscape, however, I wouldnt want to have to wait that long. I would be replacing them, almost assuredly with some other species that I knew would be reliably winter-hardy. If you do decide to keep them, cut off all the dead wood by trimming them back to the shoots that you decide to leave. DEAR NEIL: Friends away from San Antonio have xylosmas that tanked in the cold. I told them Id ask for your advice on how they should handle them. A few years ago I reflected on what I wanted to accomplish with my remaining years. One of those things was to encourage the younger generation to do greater things than I ever imagined. I am pleased to see that happening in many places. More people are coming to Christ every day than at any time in history, especially in South America, Africa and Asia. I am finding many in their twenties and thirties who are passionate about going to the ends of the earth and living transformed lives for Christ. When God looks on humanity, he sees generations. Following Noahs flood, God had us in mind when he said, This is the sign of the covenant which I am making between Me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all successive generations. Moses success depended on how well he encouraged Joshua, the leader of the next generation that would enter the Promised Land. David sang, Remember His covenant forever, the word which He commanded to a thousand generations. The world has never been a safe place. Expeditions are dangerous. We face huge obstacles and challenges, but the potential is limitless. As our generations overlap, we have opportunity to build upon the foundations of faith that others have laid and to create a better world for our children, our grandchildren and those who will follow. Bill Tinsley reflects on current events and life experience from a faith perspective. His books are available at www.tinsleycenter.com. Email bill@tinsleycenter.com. La Vega vaccination clinic La Vega ISD will have a COVID-19 vaccination clinic from 2 to 7 p.m. Monday at La Vega High School, 555 N. Loop 340. The follow-up clinic for the second dose will be Aug. 9. For more information, call Dr. Peggy Johnson 254-299-6700. First Methodist VBS First Methodist Church of Waco, 4901 Cobbs Drive, will have Vacation Bible School from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Children in pre-K through sixth grade are welcome to attend. For more information, call 254-772-5630 or email tara@firstwaco.com. East Waco Farmers Market The East Waco Farmers Market, 500 Elm Ave., will open at 9 a.m. Saturday for its summer farm workshops. Workshop topics include beekeeping, gardening in rich soil, growing in a high tunnel and others pertaining to gardening. The workshops will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Submit printed or typed items to Briefly, P.O. Box 2588, Waco, 76702-2588; fax 757-0302; or email goingson@wacotrib.com. Hopefully there will be enough money in the total estate that each person will be able to receive 100% compensation, she said. But, unfortunately in these situations there usually isn't enough money and so it's more of a question of what percentage of your case value are you going to get? The dioceses parishes, cemeteries, schools and religious orders are not part of the Chapter 11 filing, which is not expected to have a direct impact on the day-to-day operations of those entities or the employment status, salaries and benefits of the diocese's employees or retirees, the bishop said. Todays filing puts all civil actions, judgments, collection activities and related legal actions against the Diocese on hold," according to the statement. The U.S. Bankruptcy Court is expected to set a deadline for individuals and organizations to file financial claims against the diocese. The full extent of the Dioceses liabilities will not be known until after the claim deadline has passed, according to the statement. The Norwich Diocese was established in 1953. It covers half of the state's eight counties Middlesex, New London, Tolland and Windham in Connecticut, as well as Fishers Island, New York. The smallest diocese in the state, it has about 228,000 parishioners SOPERTON, Ga. (AP) Authorities say they hope to reopen an interstate that connects much of Georgia to its coastline by next week after a crash knocked a bridge overpass from its support beams. Crews plan to demolish the overpass above Interstate 16 so they can reopen that key route by next week, the Georgia Department of Transportation said. A short stretch of the interstate was closed in both directions following Thursdays crash. Detours hae been set up on nearby roads. At a news conference Thursday, authorities said a semi on I-16 was hauling a trailer with a dumping mechanism that was extended upwards, causing it to strike the bridge above. Apparently, the tractor-trailer has a dump bed similar to a dump truck," said Russell McMurry, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Transportation. It appears that it was raised, which then struck the bridge." The agency shared photos on social media that show the bridge dislodged from its concrete base. The quickest way to reopen the interstate is to essentially demolish the damaged bridge above it, McMurry said. If everything goes right, well start tearing the bridge apart tonight, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp said at Thursday's briefing. Even after the White House explained that federal workers would not be enlisted for this effort, Rep. Madison Cawthorn (R-N.C.) warned that this could lay the groundwork to go door to door and take your guns. They could go door-to-door and take your Bibles. Now that would be unconstitutional. But going to extraordinary lengths to fight a pandemic isnt. In 1796, Congress passed An Act Relative to Quarantine, authorizing the president to direct the revenue-officers and the officers commanding forts to aid in the execution of quarantine and in the execution of the health laws of the states. The president was George Washington, a man with some passing knowledge of the Constitution. But you dont have to go back centuries to understand that federal action is neither illegal nor unconstitutional. Helping localities promote vaccination was part of the March COVID relief package, and such efforts been underway since April. Besides, whats wrong with going door to door to inform people where, how and why they should get vaccinated? But what we are seeing from so-called conservatives these days is less apathy toward democracy than full-fledged retreat from democracy and growing hostility toward same. We are, sad to say, overstocked with examples. There is the January putsch at the U.S. Capitol. There is the recent rash of voter suppression laws. There is the decimation of the Voting Rights Act. There is that effort to delegitimize the 2020 election. And there is this: a February poll by the American Enterprise Institute, which found that just under 40 percent of Republicans support the use of violence if elected leaders will not protect America. Only 17 percent of Democrats felt the same. In a sense, yes, the question is a setup what does will not protect America even mean? Yet even taking that into account, it is telling that so-called conservatives are so much more willing to resort to violence. In their insistence that the deposed, defrocked and disgraced former president is still president and in their disregard for a democratic process which says otherwise the right displays a chilling affinity for authoritarian rule. And never mind that, from Amin to Zedong, one is hard-pressed to recall a strong man government that did not stomp upon the rights and even the humanity of its people. WAVERLY Instead of students with backpacks and books, Waverly High School will be hosting 43 high school students competing for a crown July 16 through July 18. The National High School Finals Rodeo competitions will be held in Lancaster County from July 18 to July 24. Waverly High School was selected to hold portions of the rodeo queen competition at the beginning of the major event due to its proximity to the hub of the event, the Lancaster Event Center (LEC), and the schools auditorium, NHSFR queen committee volunteer Madison Clark said. The location for the national competition is set years in advance, similar to the Olympics. Lancaster County was selected for last year and this year, but because of the pandemic Lincoln will only host it in 2021. Last year because of COVID, they couldn't hold it so I know that they're really excited to have it this summer, Clark, of Wellfleet, said. It (the competition) is kind of like the Miss America competition where they go up and say like this Nebraska, or this is Texas, Clark said. It runs really similar to a normal pageant, but the main difference is that they're representing rodeo. Rodeo is every girl's platform. TOP 100: IBM makes big move toward transformation A recurring theme that weve heard from companies on the 2021 Washington Technology Top 100 is transformation, both for themselves and for their customers. But few companies can claim as a dramatic a transformation as the one happening at IBM, which is spinning off its managed infrastructure services business into a new $19 billion-annual revenue company to be called Kyndryl. IBM will remain a $59 billion-annual revenue company focused on hybrid cloud adoption, digital transformation and other areas of innovation such as artificial intelligence-related solutions. We are really returning to our roots as a core technology company, said Steve LaFleche, general manager for the U.S. public sector and federal market at Big Blue. IBMs revenue today is about 65 percent services and 35 percent technology. But LaFleche said that once Kyndryl is an independent company, IBMs revenue mix will flip to 65 percent technology and 35 percent services. The split is expected to happen by the end of this year. For 2021, IBM is ranked No. 33 on the Top 100 with $1.1 billion in prime government contracts. LaFleche said the split will have little impact on the federal business because most of the managed infrastructure business with public sector customers takes place in the state and local market. A second question that was top of mind going into our conversation was how does IBM distinguish between managed infrastructure services and its cloud offerings. Why dont they fit together? LaFleche said it's rather simple: think of the managed infrastructure services as the people who run data centers and network operations, which makes it about hourly rates. IBMs focus is on our hybrid cloud platform, LaFleche said. The software platform, some of the underlying integrated hardware that enables clients to modernize. Well keep that as part of IBM. The company has positioned itself to help customers accelerate their digital transformation journeys, modernize applications and implement intelligent workflows. We will not be running data centers or networks or storage farms or any clients on-premise infrastructure, LaFleche said. Big Blue's journey began several years ago and can be tracked through the kinds of acquisitions it has made. Topping that list of course is the $34 billion acquisition of Red Hat in 2019. Much of IBMs hybrid cloud strategy is built around Red Hats Open Shift offering. That is the foundation of our open hybrid cloud platform, LaFleche said. From there the company has invested in its software stack that sits on top of that platform and the company is retooling its services business to focus on accelerate adoption of the cloud platform. Big Blue is also incorporating Open Shift into its System Z mainframes and IBM Power Servers. This will better enable our clients to move to this open hybrid cloud world that we see as the predominant architecture for the foreseeable future, LaFleche said. The opportunity is huge in the federal space because parts of many agencies are moving to a hybrid cloud environment, but the majority have not. Much work remains to be done. IBM wants to help federal customers keep what they need on-premise in a private cloud but at the same time help them move what they can to a public cloud. This will be particularly important as agencies add mobile front ends to systems and improve how they interact with citizens. Those kinds of moves require a hybrid cloud approach, according to LeFleche. And IBMs strength is really in that hybrid multi-cloud arena, LaFleche added. Earlier this year, IBM won an $850 million Navy contract for enterprise resource planning support services. That is an example of the kind of opportunities IBM is pursuing in the federal space. The contract is known as NETSS, short for Navy ERP Technical Support Services. It consolidates several existing contracts. Thats exactly the type of work we want to see, LaFleche said. Anything that involves applications and application modernization and moving those applications forward. Outside of Red Hat, many of IBM's other acquisitions have brought in capabilities such as Taos in the United States and NordCloud in Europe. Those deals happened earlier this year and focused on hybrid cloud consulting. These companies are services companies that help clients modernize applications, move them to a hybrid cloud in an open way, LaFleche said. So they can run on IBMs cloud, Google Cloud, Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure. Its very agnostic. Earlier this month, IBM acquired a DevOps consultancy and enterprise Kubernetes certified service provider. That deal for BoxBoat extends IBMs container capabilities, which are critical to a hybrid cloud implementation. While its acquisition strategy moves forward, IBMs partnering strategy has evolved as well. IBM has forged relationships with AWS, Microsoft Azure and Google. Big Blue also partners with Workday, Salesforce and Palantir. We have embraced a broad ecosystem but with a common mission -- we want to help drive this open hybrid cloud platform. Were not just partnering for empty calories, LaFleche said. The pace of modernization and digital transformation is picking up in the government market. Part of that is driven by the COVID-19 pandemic which forced agencies to work remotely. Now they see a real benefit of a flexible workforce whether there is a pandemic or not, LaFleche said. Theres a big pull in the marketplace and the technology is there and the skills to modernize these applications are there, LaFleche said. We are at a moment of time where everybody says, its time to go. Local top story NE Iowa picks up the pieces JEFF REINITZ, jeff.reinitz@wcfcourier.com Cleanup began Thursday morning at Ken and Lorie Henning's farm in Shell Rock after a tornado touched down there Wednesday evening. Jeff Reinitz / JEFF REINITZ, jeff.reinitz@wcfcourier.com Cleanup began Thursday morning at Ken and Lorie Henning's farm in Shell Rock after a tornado touched down there Wednesday evening. LISA GROUETTE, GLOBE GAZETTE A friend of property owner Diane Wells saws a tree limb so it can be removed from a metal shed after a tornado touched down in Floyd County on Wednesday night. LISA GROUETTE Diane Wells, of rural Greene, saw significant tree damage and a metal storage shed was destroyed, but her house was spared, save for two west-facing windows that were hit by a flying tree limb. LISA GROUETTE Numerous large trees on Diane Wells' property were split or toppled completely during a tornado that touched down in Floyd County Wednesday night, including a massive maple tree Wells thinks had been there nearly 100 years. JEFF REINITZ jeff.reinitz@wcfcourier.com The ticket stand was thrown into the bleachers at the Oelwein High School sports stadium. JEFF REINITZ jeff.reinitz@wcfcourier.com The FFA chicken coop at Oelwein Schools was toppled by a severe storm Wednesday night. All of the chickens survived. Jeff Reinitz / JEFF REINITZ jeff.reinitz@wcfcourier.com Utility crews work on downed power poles along Hilton Avenue in Waverly after a tornado touched down Wednesday. Jeff Reinitz / JEFF REINITZ jeff.reinitz@wcfcourier.com Sheena Carnes surveys tree damage outside her home on Hilton Avenue in Waverly after a tornado touched down the evening of Wednesday, July 14, 2021. Jeff Reinitz / JEFF REINITZ jeff.reinitz@wcfcourier.com Winds knocked an air conditioning unit from the roof of the Dairy Queen in Oelwein. JEFF REINITZ, jeff.reinitz@wcfcourier.com A tornado downed trees and branches on the Waverly Rail Trail Wednesday night near Hilton Avenue. On Thursday morning, officials closed the trail from 39th Street SE to Kildeer Avenue because of "damage and unsafe conditions," according to Waverly Leisure Services. LISA GROUETTE High winds flattened a field of corn in rural Greene after severe storm conditions near Floyd County on Wednesday. WAVERLY Communities across Northeast Iowa are still cleaning up the mess left by a powerful band of storms that rattled the area Wednesday night. More than 26 tornadoes were confirmed across Iowa and as many as 16 in Northeast Iowa. That included twisters in Bremer and Butler counties near Shell Rock and Waverly, and in Tama County at Dysart. The National Weather Service in Des Moines said preliminary damage survey results rated all three of those storms EF-1 tornadoes. At least two homes in Butler County had significant damage, and one homeowner had downed power lines sparking across his driveway in Bremer County. Several homes in Dysart sustained significant damage. Trees, limbs and power lines were knocked down across the Cedar Valley, and several thousand customers lost power across the state. Still, no serious injuries were reported in the area from the storms. Considering everything, we were very lucky, said Bremer County Sheriff Dan Pickett. Tornadoes spotted in Bremer and Butler counties seemed to touch down and pull back up into the clouds numerous times, according to officials, and multiple sightings were reported to NWS. Strong straight-line winds, hail and thunderstorms raked all of Northeast Iowa. Emergency management officials in Butler County first reported a tornado two miles southwest of the city at 5:16 p.m., with houses and grain bins damaged and power lines down in a line paralleling 250th Street beginning at Willow Avenue. Law enforcement officers reported seeing a tornado near U.S. Highway 218 and 240th Street, about two miles southwest of Waverly, at 5:25 p.m. Butler County Emergency Management coordinator Chris Showalter said no houses in his county were destroyed, but two along 250th Street were affected majorly. One had roof shingles and sheeting torn off, exposing the rafters, and a home across the street had a hole in a wall. A two- to three-mile stretch of 250th Street had other minor damage, Showalter said, including damage to outbuildings like grain bins and machine sheds as well as to corn stalks. In Shell Rock, trees were upended and a machine shed destroyed on Ken and Lorie Hennings farm. Cleanup there began Thursday morning. In Bremer County to the east, Pickett said no houses were destroyed but there were a lot of damage reports, way too many to even mention. He said the tornado entered the county from the west, and went across 240th Street to 235th Street. Half a building was gone on 240th Street, while tree limbs fell on homes, outbuildings and cars along that stretch as well as on nearby Fern Avenue, Pickett said. In the 1700 block of 235th Street, an older man was unable to get out of his home when live power lines went down and tree limbs blocked his lane. Pickett said Alliant Energy and Waverly Fire helped reopen his lane. Jack Widner of rural Waverly told television station KCRG that he tried to survey the damage, but was hindered by strewn debris. I was worried about our neighbor, Widner said. I couldnt find his house. I found his shed was torn apart down there, but I couldnt find his house and I couldnt find the other neighbors house. All I could find was trees. Along Grand Avenue south of Iowa Highway 3, several evergreen trees were uprooted and houses were at least partially damaged, he said. Were very, very fortunate that we didnt have anyone seriously injured, and nobody really hurt, with all the damage we had, Pickett said. A portion of Waverlys Rail Trail, from 30th Street S.E. to Killdeer Avenue, was closed until further notice, the citys leisure services department said Thursday. Waverly Police Chief Richard Pursell said most of the damage within city limits was fallen tree limbs. We were pretty lucky, he said. Tree limbs and downed power lines were reported throughout Waterloo and Cedar Falls, and Evansdale experienced the brunt of Wednesdays power outages in the metro area, with more than 1,600 customers without power for a portion of Wednesday night. The city of Waterloo said forestry and public works crews were clearing streets and rights-of-way in the Gates Park, Edison School and Cedar River Park neighborhoods. Much of the damage was to the north of University Avenue and east of Greenhill Road on Thursday. Residents are encouraged to take debris from damaged trees on private property to the citys yard waste facility at 2749 Independence Avenue from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week. The NWS survey team from La Crosse, Wis., determined one tornado near Charles City was an EF0, and another was an EF1. A possible tornado that caused widespread damage near Oelwein was also being evaluated. Strong thunderstorms brought winds up to 50 miles per hour in some places and pockets of heavy rainfall. Oelwein recorded 2.5 inches of rain overnight, while Charles City got nearly 2 inches. Diane Wells of rural Greene saw significant tree damage, and a metal storage shed was destroyed, but her house was spared, save for two west-facing windows that were hit by a flying tree limb. Ive lived here 28 years, and I went through a lot of storms, but I think this has been the worst, Wells said as she walked around the yard. The fire department came and cut the trees from the driveway so we could get out, but I dont know who can help us with the rest of this. The tornado also damaged trees in her neighbors yard and laid down corn stalks at the edge of an adjacent field, leaving half-moon trails of damage, resembling the number three, around Wells and her neighbors respective houses. It could have been a lot worse; I feel pretty lucky about that, Wells said. Its just going to take some time to get this all taken care of. We do burn wood sometimes, but not this much. Lisa Grouette from the Mason City Globe Gazette contributed to this story. Related COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) A bill that would require doctors to tell women undergoing drug-induced abortions about a disputed method for potentially stopping the abortion process was introduced Thursday in the Ohio House. The legislation would require physicians who perform or induce a chemical abortion to inform a patient prior to, or soon after, taking the first of two pills used in the process that it may be possible to reverse the process, a position disputed by experts. Republican state Reps. Kyle Koehler and Sarah Fowler Arthur, the bill's sponsors, characterized the proposal as an extension of Ohio's existing informed consent laws. Their legislation was supported and praised by Ohio Right to Life, the state's largest anti-abortion organization. It also would require the Ohio Department of Health to provide information on its website about abortion pill reversal. Women deserve to have all relevant medical information provided to them when making healthcare decisions," Koehler said in a release. This bill does not require women to reverse their abortions. Instead, this legislation provides scientific and proven medical information to mothers in crisis. During his trial, Bahena Rivera claimed publicly for the first time that two masked men kidnapped him from his trailer and forced him to drive before they came upon Tibbetts on a rural road and one of them stabbed her. He said the men loaded her body into his trunk and instructed him to dispose of it in the cornfield. The hearing Thursday was to determine whether prosecutors should be ordered to turn over to Bahena Riveras lawyers information on sex trafficking investigations in the region where Tibbetts was killed. Brown resisted the defenses request for that information, calling it a fishing expedition. Judge Joel Yates said he would issue a written ruling this week and hold a daylong hearing July 27 on the defenses request for a new trial. Bahena Rivera had been scheduled to be sentenced Thursday to life in prison until his lawyers said they needed more time to investigate the claims of the two new witnesses, who say the 21-year-old told them he helped kill Tibbetts. Brown said Bahena-Riveras testimony didnt match those alleged confessions because he made no mention of Tibbetts being held at a secondary location, her body being wrapped in plastic or other details. Additional Funds Need Help Covering Tuition or Other Educational Costs? Updated: July 14, 2021 We want to help you pay for school! New federal grant money is now available that you may qualify for. This can cover tuition, fees, books, housing, food or other expenses you may have, and does not have to be paid back. It is essential that you act quickly as guidelines from the federal government require distribution of grant funds by May 2022. WSU will prioritize those with the greatest financial need. The actual amount of grant funds you may receive will depend on your financial need and the total number of credit hours you are enrolled in. Get additional funding one of two ways: Apply for FAFSA OR Complete the Financial Need Analysis Worksheet Then: Register for Classes All admitted students can register now for fall semester. Payment for fall is not due until Aug. 27, 2021 so you have time to submit a FAFSA or the WSU Student Financial Need Analysis Worksheet and get registered. In the event you do not receive grant funds and are unable to pay for school, you can still drop your classes according to published university refund deadlines. FAQ How do I get help with FAFSA? FAFSA help is available: July 20: 47 p.m., Shepherd Union Building, Ogden Campus July 27: 47 p.m., Stewart Center, rooms 234 and 235, Davis Campus Or schedule an appointment with the Money Management Center. What if Ive already submitted the FAFSA? If you have already submitted the FAFSA for the 2021-22 academic year, you do not need to reapply for these additional funds. If we need additional information or documents from you, we will contact you by email. We encourage you to check your Wildcat email account daily. What type of funds are available? The Higher Education Emergency Relief Act III (HEERF III) which was authorized by the American Rescue Plan (ARPA) offers financial assistance for eligible students. These are additional federal grant funds for the purpose of assisting students who meet certain criteria. Federal grants do not need to be paid back. Who is eligible to receive these funds? WSU students who were enrolled on or after March 13, 2020 are eligible to apply for these funds. Even students who may be unable to complete the FAFSA are eligible to apply. Unfortunately, not all students who apply will be eligible, but we encourage you to apply. Grants will be awarded first to those with the greatest financial need as determined by either the FAFSA or the WSU Student Financial Need Analysis Worksheet. What if my financial situation has changed dramatically due to COVID? Students, or families, who have suffered unemployment or other significant financial challenges can have their FAFSA results reviewed for possible adjustments, which may result in additional grant funds. Our tuition assistance website has more information. When will I know if I've received grant funds? Grant funds will be distributed on Aug. 12, 2021. Those with direct deposit will receive funds within 12 business days. Those receiving checks via mail will take a few additional days. For more information on direct deposit, please visit weber.edu/refunds. Does WSU have any other resources that might help? Noosa Mining Conference Presentation Sydney, July 16, 2021 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Genex Power Limited ( ASX:GNX ) is pleased to invite shareholders and investors to attend the Noosa Mining & Exploration Investor Conference on Friday 16 July 2021, which will feature video presentations from several ASX listed companies.- Date: 16 July 2021- Time: 12:30pm (EST)- Presenter: Non-Executive Chairman, Dr Ralph CravenThe Company invites shareholders, investors and media to participate in this digital event by clicking the link below:To view the presentation, please visit:About Genex Power Ltd Genex Power Limited (ASX:GNX) is focused on developing a portfolio of renewable energy generation and storage projects across Australia. The Company's flagship Kidston Clean Energy Hub, located in north Queensland, will integrate large-scale solar generation with pumped storage hydro. The Kidston Clean Energy Hub is comprised of the operating 50MW stage 1 Solar Project (KS1) and the 250MW Kidston Pumped Storage Hydro Project (K2-Hydro) with potential for further multi-stage wind and solar projects. The 50MW Jemalong Solar Project (JSP) is located in NSW and provides geographical diversification to the Genex Power Limited portfolio. JSP was energised in early December 2020 and commissioning is now underway. Genex is further developing its energy storage portfolio via the early stage development of a 50MW/75MWh standalone battery energy storage system at Bouldercombe in Queensland. With over 400MW of renewable energy and storage projects in development, Genex is well placed as Australia's leading renewable energy and storage company. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... Many New Mexico restaurants have impressive wine lists and some of them were recently recognized for their excellent offerings. Nineteen restaurants throughout the state were honored with Wine Spectators 2021 Restaurant Awards for their various wine strengths. The recipients are Albuquerques Seasons 52 (California, International), Scalo (Italy, California), The Acre (California) and Level 5 (California); Arroyo Secos Sabroso Restaurant & Bar (California); Los Alamos Blue Window Bistro (California); Los Ranchos Campo at Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm (California, France, New Mexico) and Vernons Speakeasy (California); Mescaleros Wendells Steak & Seafood at Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort & Casino; Santa Fes Geronimo (California, France), Restaurant Martin (California, France), The Compound Restaurant (California, Italy, France), Andiamo! (Italy), Sazon (Spain, California, Mexico), Luminaria (California), Radish & Rye (California), TerraCotta Wine Bistro (California, France) and Sassella (Italy, France, California); and Santa Teresas Billy Crews Dining Room (California, Bordeaux, France, Italy). The Restaurant Awards honor the best restaurants for wine. The 2021 awards program recognizes 2,917 dining destinations from all 50 states in the U.S. and more than 72 countries internationally, according to a Wine Spectator news release. The Restaurant Awards, which were launched in 1981, are judged on three levels: the Award of Excellence, the Best of Award of Excellence and the Grand Award. This year, there were 1,673 winners of an Award of Excellence including a majority of the New Mexico recipients; 1,141 winners of the Best of Award of Excellence, including Campo and The Compound Restaurant; and 103 winners of the Grand Award, including Billy Crews Dining Room. The Grand Award is the programs highest honor, according to the news release. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ A New Mexico mainstay since 1956, this neighborhood restaurant offers steaks custom cut to order and a wine list filled with exciting values, including in the programs strongest regions of California and Bordeaux, the Wine Spectator website says of Billy Crews. Wine Spectators special 40th Anniversary Restaurant Awards issue which also features tributes to past Restaurant Award winners now closed, including 10 Grand Award winners is now available. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... Want to know the surest sign that the pandemic is abating? The lawyers are back at Slate Street Cafe. At least thats what one of Slate Streets servers told me during a recent lunch as he nodded toward a handful of people in business attire eating along one side of the restaurants dining room. Apparently, the noon hour brings them in from the courthouses just a block south on Lomas. The return of the workday lunch crowd must be a welcome sight to Myra Ghattas, Slate Street Cafes owner. Ghattas has spent the past year and a half shepherding the restaurant through closures, layoffs and the vagaries of government assistance loans. Now that patrons are filling the dining room and patio again, it appears that Ghattas flagship restaurant one of the citys longest-running and most unlikely success stories will live on. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ Ghattas opened Slate Street Cafe in 2005 with the idea of bringing wine appreciation to diner food. She hosted wine tastings and special dinners where small plates were paired with different vintages. The concept caught on and getting a table for weekend brunch soon became a fools errand. In the ensuing years, Ghattas portfolio has grown to include a cafe inside the Albuquerque Museum (currently closed) and Sixty-Six Acres, the Asian- and Middle Eastern-influenced restaurant at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. Slate Street Cafe occupies a pitched-roof building on a short, tree-lined stretch of Slate Avenue between Fifth and Sixth. Light pours into the dining room through a large, half-moon-shaped window over the entrance. Its noisy in there, but the more serene patio is too hot this time of year except for the morning hourTmenu, somewhat pared down from its pre-pandemic version, mixes familiar diner dishes with a few outliers. Green chile makes frequent appearances; it even shows up in the bread from Fano, the local bakery. Most items run between $10 and $15, with a few entrees landing north of that. Menu choices with asterisks are served only as part of the weekend brunch, a fact I discovered when I tried to order the sausage sliders on a Wednesday. Theres a separate drinks menu, something not often seen in places that close early in the afternoon. Local beers are available on tap and in bottles, and a glass of wine from the thoughtful selection will set you back about $10. Among the signature cocktails are several variations of the mimosa ($5), that mainstay of brunch and first-class air travel. A glass of pomegranate mimosa ($5) was a lovely, translucent ruby red, with just enough champagne to cut the tang of the fruit. Breakfast choices, all around $10, are almost all savory. The fried egg sandwich ($10) is served on ciabatta over a rectangular brick of hash browns. Unlike the typical ciabatta, the bread was light and airy, and it held an egg, its yolk fully cooked, and overdone bacon that shattered like peanut brittle when I bit into it. The whole thing was a little stodgy; it needed an aioli or something to punch it up. Next time, I would ask for green chile on it. The hash browns had a crispy top layer contrasting with the soft shredded potato beneath it. The sandwich menu has burgers, a BLT and a grilled cheese. The green chile chicken sandwich ($14) comes with a fried chicken breast on a green chile bun. The chicken was moist and the green chile was terrific, with a heat that hit hard at first bite before settling into a steady simmer. Unfortunately, that same chile, along with melted white cheddar cheese, conspired to wring all the crispiness out of the fried chicken coating. The fries that came with it were very good. An entree of shrimp creole ($20), one of the priciest dishes on the menu, was handsomely presented in a large, sloping bowl, the tail-on shrimp arranged around a stump of rice in a thick sauce bright with peppers. The six shrimp were plump and juicy, and stamp-sized pieces of housemade tasso ham added smokiness to a sauce that was otherwise a little pallid. Surprisingly for a creole dish, it was not spicy at all. Service was first rate. The server took my order quickly and the food came out in less than 10 minutes. Several people checked on me during the meal. The whole experience was an antidote to all the horror stories about understaffed restaurants one hears these days. The sight of a bunch of lawyers is not normally a cause for celebration, but at Slate Street Cafe, its yet another indicator that life is returning to the restaurant business. SLATE STREET CAFE 3 stars LOCATION: 515 Slate Ave. NW, 505-243-2210, slatestreetcafe.com HOURS: Tuesday-Sunday, 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.; closed Mondays BEER, WINE .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... PHOENIX Arizona on Thursday reported 1,014 additional confirmed COVID-19 cases as the states rate of daily new cases and number of virus-related hospitalizations both continued to climb. The additional cases and seven deaths reported Thursday on the state Department of Health Services coronavirus dashboard raised the states pandemic totals to 904,865 cases and 18,083 deaths. The seven-day rolling average of daily new cases increased over the past two weeks from 550 on June 29 to 795 on Tuesday, according to Johns Hopkins University data. Arizona on Wednesday reported 1,945 additional cases but state officials said that large figure included some results delayed from Monday and Tuesday due to a since-fixed bug in the reporting system. The states dashboard reported that 689 COVID-19 patients were hospitalized as Wednesday, up from 602 on Sunday, 643 on Monday and 669 on Tuesday. Arizonas COVID-19 hospitalization counts generally ranged between 500 and 600 during most of May and June. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ Public health officials have attributed recent increases in COVID-19 cases to several factors, including the fast-spreading delta variant, lagging vaccination rates and Fourth of July gatherings. Meanwhile, Gov. Doug Ducey is contesting two school districts policy to quarantine unvaccinated students exposed to the virus for 10 days. Kaitlin Harrier, Duceys education policy advisor, said in a letter Wednesday to the Peoria Unified and Catalina Foothills school superintendents that the policy goes against state law. The law says a school district or charter school cannot require a student or teacher to get the vaccine or wear a face mask to participate in in-person learning, according to Harrier. Adding on these qualifiers and keeping kids out of their classrooms for 10 days at a time contrary to the law is not in anyones best interest, Harrier wrote. Both school districts said in separate statements that they were simply following guidelines from state and county public health officials, but they are open to having their policies reviewed. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... DENVER A Colorado Springs police officer who was disciplined for saying Kill them all during a livestream of a racial injustice protest in June 2020 is one of two officers accused in a federal lawsuit of using excessive force on a woman who participated in a protest earlier that month. In the lawsuit filed Wednesday against the officers and city, Celia Palmer said Sgt. Keith Wrede ambushed her and a friend from behind during the June 2, 2020, protest after police ordered protesters to disperse from near police department headquarters. After leaving the demonstration, Palmer and her friend stopped to watch an officer harass a young Black man and were hit by pepper spray, leading them to walk away quickly, the lawsuit said. Wrede then tackled them without warning and slammed Palmer to the ground, causing her head to bounce off the pavement, according to the lawsuit. Palmer said in the lawsuit that another officer jumped on her, grabbed her hair, jerked her head around and slammed it to the ground. The lawsuit said the officers actions caused Palmer to suffer a traumatic brain injury. Lt. James Sokolik said Thursday that the police department could not comment on lawsuits. The city attorneys office referred questions to the citys communications office, which said it could not comment on lawsuits. An internal police investigation last year found Wrede, using a pseudonym, made comments including Kill them all during a livestream video of a June 30, 2020, protest in which demonstrators blocked traffic on Interstate 25. He was suspended for 40 hours and reassigned as a result. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ Chief Vince Niski condemned Wredes comments at the time but pushed back against calls to fire him. The investigation found Wrede made the comments while he was off-duty. Niski said there was no indication he intended to cause actual harm. While his statements were harmful and reprehensible, I cannot deprive the community of a good police officer and his services because of an isolated incident of an error in judgment, Niski said. The lawsuit filed Wednesday contends Wredes comments online show his motivation in hurting Palmer. It is clear that Defendant Wrede was trying to injure Ms. Palmer simply because she supported the Black Lives Matter movement, the lawsuit said. It added: Defendant Colorado Springs has no qualms continuing to employ police officers who have and openly express homicidal thoughts about Black Lives Matter supporters. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... Copyright 2021 Albuquerque Journal Thursday was judgment day for the founder of a leading guardianship and financial services firm convicted of stealing millions of dollars from vulnerable clients to satisfy, in the words of a Santa Fe judge, her unbelievable greed. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ And the punishment was severe. The 47-year sentence imposed by U.S. District Judge Martha Vazquez is expected to keep Susan Harris, former president of Ayudando Guardians Inc., in prison for the rest of her life, given her age of 74. Harris husband and Ayudando guardian representative William Harris, 60, will be imprisoned for the next 15 years the maximum sentence for his role in the scheme that pilfered more than $11 million from client accounts over a decade. Two others in the company, including his stepson, were sentenced to prison last year. The widespread theft was disrupted in 2017 after several employees of the nonprofit firm noticed missing client funds and alerted law enforcement. Vazquez, in sentencing the Harris couple, lamented about the lack of remorse, and the looting of client accounts that left many former clients destitute, homeless and likely unable to be reimbursed for what they lost. The nearly 1,000 victims were unsuspecting vulnerable individuals, Vazquez said, some with mental illness, special needs, or who were elderly, military veterans, or who had no family and needed professional help managing their finances. Mrs. Harris, Im almost without words. What you have done is just astounding to me. It has just caused so much harm, Vazquez said during the hearing, in which the couple appeared in person in pale green prison suits. Harris, who wore her long hair in a ponytail, mostly addressed the victims and their families seated at the back of the courtroom. She told them she was sorry, mentioned the death of her special needs grandson, how she yearned to be with a new great-grandchild, and how the Bible speaks to the choices that he gives us. God knows I made a mistake, she said. She contended she wasnt involved in handling the money at the firm, but added, I stood by knowingly, that makes me responsible. Vazquez chided her for minimizing the harm she had caused. Your words were so insulting to everyone here because Ive read about everything youve done and what you should have said to all these good people that trusted you, is I am so sorry I stole your money. Im so sorry I took your childrens money because I knew I could get away with it because they were so sick and they would never know.' Vazquez went on to say that Susan Harris should have said, I got my hair done and my nails done and I bought the best looking RVs and I went on the most incredible cruises you could ever imagine, and I took my children and grandchildren on the most amazing Disney vacations and I bought the most incredible cars , and I spent $1.7 million on my American Express card and you paid for it. Instead of blaming other people, Vazquez told Susan Harris, This was your sin. This was your doing. This was your unbelievable greed. The judge also lamented that Susan Harris sentence wont bring comfort to victims and their families and its not going to bring their money back to the people that so desperately needed it and continue to need it. Though the defendants appear to have few assets to liquidate, Vazquez ordered $6.8 million to be paid in restitution, which represents the amount of personal expenditures from client funds. The remainder of the theft related to paying business expenses. Last year, Harris partner, Ayudando chief financial officer Sharon Moore, was sentenced to 20 years in prison for her role in the embezzlement scheme. Harris son by a first marriage, Craig Young, was a caseworker and is serving a 71-month prison sentence. The judge said she factored into the sentences the couples flight from New Mexico on the eve of their original sentencing date in March 2020. They were captured in Oklahoma six weeks later. When you didnt show up there was a gasp in this courtroom. Even the people you harmed couldnt believe your audacity in not showing up, Vazquez said. William Harris told the judge they wanted to get away one last time before they went to prison. And he wanted to be able to celebrate their 30th anniversary together. Susan Harris attorney Robert Gorence said his client made an inexplicable U-turn from a life previously devoted to charity and serving as a trailblazer for women. Harris told the judge she was helping women in prison these days. I want you to know that I spend every day in a very small area with a group of women who have brought me to my knees and they are good women, who made some bad choices. Just like me. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. Shovels could break ground early next year to turn the two-story parochial school attached to the old First Baptist Church Downtown into a modern bioscience lab for startup companies. The University of New Mexico is finalizing a deal with California-based developer HatchSpaces LLC to take over the project as part of the Innovate ABQ high-tech research and development zone at Broadway and Central, executives from HatchSpaces told local community leaders in an online forum Thursday afternoon. Were close to being able to formally announce the kick off of the project, HatchSpaces principal Howard Kozloff told forum participants. Theres just some is still to dot and ts to cross. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ UNM, which acquired the churchs 7-acre Downtown property in 2014 to turn it into an innovative entrepreneurial hub in the heart of Albuquerque, has for years targeted conversion of the former parochial school as the next phase of development for the Innovate ABQ site, following the 2017 opening of UNMs six-story Lobo Rainforest Building. But until last summer, site development was managed by a nonprofit entity that faced financial challenges and legal issues in building out the Innovate ABQ hub, encouraging UNM to re-take control of the project. This year, HatchSpaces approached UNMs Lobo Development Corp., which manages the universitys real estate investments, to discuss a partnership agreement that would place the California company in the drivers seat for the bioscience lab project, said Kelly Ward, Lobo Development Corp.s business development director. That company has a great track record in California for this type of life-science-focused real estate development, Ward told the Journal. We were prepared to go it alone on the project, but then HatchSpaces came to us. The company specializes in building research and development facilities for bioscience companies, making the Innovate ABQ project a good fit, Kozloff said. It plans to convert the 26,000-square-foot structure, which sits on the west side of the First Baptist Church Sanctuary and office tower, into wet labs and office space for startup companies looking to launch and grow in Albuquerque. The company hopes to break ground on the renovation in early 2022, after finalizing its partnership with UNM and acquiring regulatory approvals, Kozloff said. We have some diligence left to fully assess the condition of the building, but we envision about nine months of construction time, he said. The renovation investment will be shared between UNM and HatchSpaces. We dont know the total yet, Ward said. We expect to finalize the partnership deal in the next four weeks or so, and then HatchSpaces will do some design work and determine the costs. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... Copyright 2021 Albuquerque Journal New Mexico State Police has released the names of three deputies who shot and killed a man who they say waved a gun at them late last month in Santa Fe. It was one of two fatal shootings involving the Santa Fe County Sheriffs Office and one of four in the Santa Fe area over a two-week period. State Police spokesman Ray Wilson said SFCSO Cpl. Chris Zook, Deputy Jacob Martinez and Deputy Leonardo Guzman opened fire on Nathan Roybal, 32, following a pursuit on June 23. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ Deputy bodycam and dashcam videos obtained by television station KRQE show the deputies stop Roybal, who briefly waves what appears to be a gun at deputies before they fire at least 24 rounds at the truck. In the videos, Roybal gets out of the truck, drops the gun and runs away as deputies fire more than a dozen shots at him. He falls to the ground and deputies find what appears to be a gun next to the door of the truck. Wilson said it began earlier that day when deputies encountered a stolen truck in Santa Fe and the driver, Roybal, tried to strike a deputys vehicle. He said a pursuit began but was terminated and an alert was put out for Roybal and the truck. Later that day, around 11 p.m., Wilson said Guzman located the truck on West Alameda and tried to pull Roybal over. He said Roybal drove off and Guzman, Zook and Martinez gave chase. Wilson said several minutes into the pursuit Roybal stopped at Siler and Rufina Court and pointed a handgun at the deputies from his driver-side window. At this time, all three deputies discharged their duty weapons towards Roybal. Roybal got out of the vehicle armed with the handgun, he said. Roybal brandished the handgun towards deputies, who again fired at Roybal. Wilson said Roybal was struck by gunfire and died at the scene. He said Zook has been with SFSCO for six years, Guzman for two years and Martinez for six months. All three have several years of prior law enforcement experience. The officer involved shooting investigation is being led by the New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau, Wilson said. Once this investigation is complete, the reports will be forwarded to the appropriate district attorneys office for review. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... Experience any southern New Mexico community and youll undoubtedly see the positive impact that immigrants have had on our communities rural and urban and our state. You cant separate the immigrant experience from nearly any industry that makes this part of our state function. And thats a good thing. Its deeply disturbing, but unsurprising, that U.S. Rep. Yvette Herrells anti-immigrant platform has become the centerpiece of her time serving as our federal representative. Whats especially disturbing is she consistently implies all southern New Mexicans share her Trumpian views on immigration and people of color. We certainly dont, and neither do many of the people who grew up here and have called the borderlands their home for generations. Lets take migrant farm workers, for example the folks who power southern New Mexicos agricultural industry. Daily haul and seasonal workers work tirelessly to harvest our state and nations supply of chile and onions a thankless, low-wage, black market job Herrell must see if shes driving the rural roads of Dona Ana and Luna counties. If Herrell has been on Highway 418 just west of Deming, or Engler Road in Las Cruces, shes seen firsthand the impact of migrant workers but chooses to ignore it. In fact, the Johnson family from Columbus, N.M., whom Herrell visits often to shoot campaign videos and advocate for a border wall, themselves have admitted to using migrant farm workers to build their agricultural business hypocritical much? According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2018, the labor force participation rate of foreign-born adults was 65.7%, higher than the 62.3% rate for the native born. Some 27.2 million foreign-born adults, 63.4% of all foreign-born adults, were employed that year, compared to 59.8% of native-born adults. In addition to contributing to the workforce, New American Economy reports immigrants contributed $105 billion in state and local taxes and almost $224 billion in federal taxes. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ Migrant families, values, culture and food extend far beyond the fields and into our homes, history, language, way of life and our identity. Our connection to our southern neighbors makes us who we are. Tourists visit Old Mesilla, one of the last remaining Mexican villages before the Gadsden Purchase, because of its rich Mexican history, architecture, food and culture. The same goes for Columbus, where the Columbus Cabalgata and Fiesta de Amistad draw hundreds of horseback riders from deep Mexico to the border town to join riders from the southwestern United States in a show of unity on the eve of the anniversary of Pancho Villas raid on the town of Columbus. And in every facet of our local economies, communities and governments, the immigrant experience and immigrant history contributes greatly to who we are as a people. The difference between us and Herrell is that we choose to celebrate this unique identity rather than vilify it. Migration from Mexico into west Texas and southern New Mexico has made us who we are, and it will continue to shape us. Our tios and tias, aunties and uncles, abuelas and grandmas all have stories about the border that are ripe with injustice, tragedy and loss a story we hope to rewrite to become, as were striving to be, a more perfect union. But were being hampered in those efforts by our own federal representative, who instead chooses to paint immigrants as diseased-ridden, criminal individuals who are undeserving of our compassion and asylum. We respectfully ask that Herrell focus on the issues that matter to most southern New Mexicans: quality and affordable health care, good jobs, affordable child care, housing, economic diversification, climate change and more. When she does, well be the better for it, but were not holding our breath. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... Health and finance experts agree medical issues and resulting debt are a leading cause of personal bankruptcies in the United States. And that was before the coronavirus pandemic, when medical debt spiked as millions of workers lost not only their jobs but also their employee-sponsored health insurance. Fortunately, there are charitable organizations in New Mexico that are helping, like St. Bedes Episcopal Church in Santa Fe. As part of its mission, St. Bedes used donations and nonprofit expertise to pay off medical debt for 234 New Mexicans and 548 others in Arizona. To magnify the amount of debt relief, the church donated $15,000 to RIP Medical Debt, a New York nonprofit that buys outstanding medical debt in bulk. RIP pays off about 1 cent of every dollar of debt purchased instead of trying to collect it. In one fell swoop, 234 New Mexicans were relieved of more than $447,000 worth of medical debt. The Rev. M. Catherine Volland says the church recognizes medical bills can quickly become overwhelming and a barrier. According to a survey published in 2020 by Salary Finance, almost a third of working Americans have some kind of medical debt and about 28% of those owe $10,000 or more. Crippling debt is hardly the American Dream. Volland says the aim is to stop medical debt from accumulating with affordable medical rates and insurance. But, until we get there, we want to help people so that medical debt doesnt follow them forever, she told the Journal. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ RIP Medical Debt spokesman Daniel Lempert says theres a kind of spiritual element for a lot of people when theyre told their debt relief was a result of a church donation. The parishioners of St. Bedes should be proud of what theyve done to dig hundreds of people out of debt. It was divine intervention, indeed. Well done, St. Bedes. This editorial first appeared in the Albuquerque Journal. It was written by members of the editorial board and is unsigned as it represents the opinion of the newspaper rather than the writers. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... LAS CRUCES An 18-mile stretch of Interstate 10 in southern New Mexicos Luna County was designated Thursday as a memorial corridor honoring the late New Mexico State Police Officer Darian Jarrott. State transportation commissioners voted unanimously to approve the memorial at their public meeting in Las Cruces on Thursday morning, after State Police Chief Robert Thornton and Lt. Gov. Howie Morales spoke in favor of the dedication. That strip on I-10 will always have significance and a special meaning, Morales said in an address to the commissioners. Jarrott was killed while conducting a traffic stop near Deming on Feb. 4. He was assisting Homeland Security Investigations when he pulled over a white Chevrolet pickup truck being driven by Omar Felix Cueva near milepost 101 on I-10 east of Deming. Cueva opened fire and killed Jarrott, as documented on dashcam video from Jarrotts vehicle. Jarrott, a Lordsburg resident, was 28 years old. Cueva then fled eastward on the same highway, where he died in a gunfight with law enforcement officers near Las Cruces in the midst of afternoon traffic. The memorial corridor will extend from mile posts 84.8 to 103.1, a stretch of freeway in Luna County that runs across open land north of the Florida Mountains. The traffic stop where Jarrott died took place around mile marker 101 on the eastbound side, a short distance from Bowlins Akela Flats service station and convenience store. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ Jarrotts widow filed a lawsuit against the state Department of Public Safety and the Attorney Generals Office in June, alleging Jarrotts life was placed in unnecessary danger when he was asked to detain Cueva on behalf of a federal sting operation, with no warning about how dangerous Cueva was, or appropriate backup or tactical gear. Members of Jarrotts family attended Thursdays meeting, during which commissioners paid tribute to law enforcement officers broadly, pointing to Jarrotts death as an example of the daily risks borne by officers and how quickly a violent encounter may unfold. Darian was serving his public, serving his community, serving our state. He fell in the line of duty, Morales said, adding that the dedication would honor the life of Darian Jarrott and every person who is out there every single day putting themselves in harms way to protect each one of us. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. An autopsy has confirmed that a 13-year-old girl was killed by a pack of dogs while taking a walk near her familys home on the Navajo Nation. Lyssa Rose Upshaw had extensive injuries that were consistent with canine teeth marks, including cuts and abrasions on her neck and head and deep soft tissue wounds on her legs. Her clothes were torn, and she was covered in dirt, according to the autopsy released this week in response to a public records request from The Associated Press. While her mother, Marissa Jones, suspected dogs since she saw her daughter curled up off a dirt trail in Fort Defiance in mid-May, she had been awaiting an official cause. I never thought that would ever happen to my daughter, she said. She was a dog lover. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ The medical examiners office in Coconino County classified Upshaws death as accidental. The deadly attack has renewed discussion across the reservation about how to hold people accountable for their pets. Tribal lawmakers recently passed a resolution to establish criminal penalties. Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez vetoed it, saying it didnt go far enough and needs more input. At least a handful of deaths on the Navajo Nation over the years have been blamed on dog packs, and numerous people have been injured. None of the tribes animal control laws, which are considered civil offenses, hold dog owners responsible for deaths. Michael Henderson, the tribes criminal investigations director, said tribal charges are being considered in Upshaws death as authorities gather more evidence and await results for specimens collected from the dogs that belonged to a neighbor. The case is pretty far from being closed, far from being just put aside as an accident or a civil matter or anything like that, he said. Were still very aggressively pursuing to understand the case to the extent to where if there are any criminal elements attached to what happened. The FBI is conducting some of the lab testing. Henderson said he has spoken with federal prosecutors whose initial response was that the case is not one that could be charged under a limited set of crimes for which the federal government has jurisdiction on tribal land. Tribes have concurrent jurisdiction but often seek federal charges because they carry much stiffer penalties than under tribal law. The maximum time in jail that the Navajo Nation could impose for any crime, regardless of the severity, is one year. Esther Winne, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Attorneys Office for Arizona, couldnt say whether Upshaws case has been referred to federal prosecutors. The FBI did not respond to a message from the AP. Jones said her baby girl who had aspirations of running on the high school cross country team deserved more compassion and sympathy from the neighbors who owned the dogs and more attention from investigators on the case. She has been pushing for jail time and fines for whoever is found responsible, though Henderson acknowledged theres not a clear path. Im hoping and Im praying for my daughter to get her justice, Jones said. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... Copyright 2021 Albuquerque Journal SANTA FE A rise in gross receipts taxes throughout New Mexico in Democratic and Republican communities is putting extra pressure on weak points in the states tax system, worsening the problem of pyramiding, according to testimony before legislators Thursday. In Albuquerque, for example, the rate climbed by more than 2 percentage points in 19 years, growing from 5.8125% in early 2002 to 7.875% last month. The increased rates add stress, experts say, on a troublesome part of New Mexicos tax code pyramiding, or the way taxes build on each other in business-to-business transactions, such as when a shopkeeper hires an accounting firm to handle payroll. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ Its less of a problem when taxes are low. But the combined rate including city, county and state portions of the gross receipts tax rate now reaches 9% in some areas. Weve pretty much reached the absolute top of our capacity, said Richard Anklam, executive director of the nonpartisan New Mexico Tax Research Institute. Its problematic and deserves your attention. His comments came in testimony before the legislative Revenue Stabilization and Tax Policy Committee. Over the years, lawmakers have repeatedly tried without much success to address pyramiding either through tax breaks for certain transactions or by lowering the gross receipts tax rate overall. But the tax rates generally have climbed. In Farmington, the gross receipts tax rate has climbed from 6.0625% in 2002 to 8.375% last month, in Santa Fe from 6.4375% to 8.4375% and in Rio Rancho from 6.1875% to 7.6875%. The rates vary by almost 4 percentage points throughout the state, from 5.5% in parts of Lea and Lincoln counties to 9.4375% in Taos Ski Valley. New Mexico levies a 5.125% gross receipts tax on most goods and services, and some of the revenue is distributed back to local governments. Cities and counties can also levy local taxes on top of the base rate. Food tax debate Cities and counties have raised taxes partly in response to changes by the Legislature. Lawmakers, for example, repealed the gross receipts tax on some food in 2004. To compensate cities and counties for the lost revenue, the state makes payments to local governments and allowed them to raise gross receipts tax rates. Sen. Ron Griggs, R-Alamogordo, said legislators should take responsibility for their role in shaping the current system, not just blame cities. We need to not put it on their backs to change it, he said. We did it. We need to suck it up and figure out how to fix that. Griggs suggested the solution could involve reimposing gross receipts taxes on food, though perhaps at a lower rate than whats charged for other goods and services. Bringing back the food tax has repeatedly failed to move forward in the Legislature. Its generally considered the largest tax break in New Mexicos tax code. Forgoing taxes on the sale of food at grocery stores and paying local governments to help offset the lost revenue cost the state about $599.7 million in 2020, according an estimate shared by economists for the Legislative Finance Committee. Its a substantial increase from 2019, partly because of a one-time adjustment triggered by a company that said it had overpaid its taxes for several years. Lawmakers have generally tried to overhaul the tax system in a way that wouldnt change overall revenue levels, requiring proponents to find a way to make up the lost revenue from reduced rates in one area by increasing taxes elsewhere. Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth, D-Santa Fe, proposed changes to a host of taxes last year as part of a plan to reduce the gross receipts tax rate. It didnt win approval. Part of the problem, Wirth said, is that it costs the state about $68 million a year to reduce the rate by just one-eighth of a percentage point. We put all these pieces in play, he said, and you barely move the needle. Wirth said lawmakers will have to think big to address the gross receipts tax system. Weve got ourselves in a really tough predicament, he said. Reliance on sales taxes Anklam, the tax expert, compared the ongoing debate about overhauling New Mexicos tax system to Sisyphus pushing the bolder up the hill, only to see it roll down before reaching the top. But addressing New Mexicos tax system is more important than ever because of the rate increases, Anklam said. Complicating matters, he said, is that New Mexico relies more heavily on sales taxes such as the gross receipts tax than other states. By contrast, he said, New Mexico leans less on property and income taxes than other states. Anklam noted that the increase in gross receipts tax rates has come as the state has exempted more goods and services such as food from taxation. In New Mexico, weve narrowed our base, and weve raised our rates, Anklam said. The less you tax, the higher rate you have to tax it at to get the same amount of money. Thats been our policy history for the last 15 to 20 years. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... Copyright 2021 Albuquerque Journal SANTA FE The recent announcement that New Mexico will raise its income eligibility threshold for child care assistance to the nations highest level has turned heads around the country. An estimated 20,000 additional New Mexico children could qualify for child care assistance under the sweeping eligibility expansion, which was announced last week by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and other top state officials. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ That would nearly double the programs current enrollment of about 22,000 children and their families. The initiative has drawn praise from President Joe Bidens administration, with U.S. Administration for Children and Families Secretary JooYeun Chang calling it a model for other states. New Mexicos announcement demonstrates the progress that we can make for children, families and the economy when we invest in the child care sector, Chang said in a statement. We must ensure that these investments are sustainable so that we can realize the benefits of a strong early childhood system. However, the expansion has already reignited a debate over the role of government in early childhood and whether such assistance programs should be temporary or permanent. This is a large expansion and a new cost to the state, warned Rep. Rebecca Dow, R-Truth or Consequences, founder and former employee of a Sierra County early childhood center. There are also logistical questions about just how the child care assistance expansion will work, given that there are fewer licensed child care centers around New Mexico than at the start of the pandemic and limited capacity in many rural parts of the state. Early Childhood Education and Care Secretary Elizabeth Groginsky has said the eligibility expansion, along with a change in how the state calculates subsidy rates for licensed providers, could help address chronically high poverty rates in New Mexico. Currently, nearly 29% of children under age 5 live in families that are below the federal poverty rate currently $26,500 for a family of four. We know in many parts of our state building more child care and expanding child care is a top priority, Groginsky said during a legislative hearing last week. She also said the agency has been receiving about 80 applications per day since the eligibility expansion was announced. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... Q: How does the child care assistance program work? A: New Mexicos child care assistance program fully or partially pays for the cost of child care at licensed centers and homes by reimbursing providers. Participating families typically have to pay a co-payment based on their income, while the state covers the rest of the cost, though such co-pays have largely been waived by the state through June 2022. That means that only those making more than 200% of the federal poverty level or $53,000 per year for a family of four will have to pay a share of the cost in the coming year. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ Previously, co-payment levels ranged from $10 per month for a family of four that makes $9,000 annually to $324 for a family of four that makes $48,000 yearly. The intent of the program is to make child care more accessible for working families; as Early Childhood Education and Care Secretary Elizabeth Groginsky said, a New Mexico family with two children can currently expect to pay $2,000 or more monthly for child care costs. The reality is the cost of child care is out of reach for many families, she said during a recent legislative committee hearing. The full co-payment schedule is posted online at: www.nmececd.org/child-care-assistance/. Who is eligible to participate? The program helps families who are working, attending school or training, or looking for work. (For details, see below.) The income ceiling for those eligible will increase dramatically beginning Aug. 1 from the current 200% of the federal poverty level to 350% of the federal poverty level. That puts the eligibility limit at $92,750 yearly for a family of four. And families that originally qualify, but then see a modest increase in income, wont lose access to the assistance as long as their income remains below 400% of the poverty level. Meanwhile, newly eligible New Mexicans will have a co-payment that will be capped at 300% of the federal poverty level. For example, a family of four making slightly less than $80,000 per year will see a maximum co-pay of $904 per month for the first child. The newly eligible population will officially be called the priority four plus category under an emergency rule proposed by the Early Childhood Education and Care Department. It will be restricted to essential workers, though that definition applies to virtually all types of jobs. Thats because the department adopted a separate rule that took effect in July that, in part, says: The presumption is that all workers are essential to the well-being of the states economy during the states recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, subject to budgetary considerations. How is the state paying for the eligibility expansion? The child care expansion, and the change in subsidy rates paid to providers, will be paid for over the next two years with roughly $320 million in federal stimulus dollars. That figure includes about $130 million in discretionary funds to pay for the eligibility expansion, state officials have said. Its unclear how the state might pay for the program once the federal stimulus funds run out, an issue seized on by several Republican legislators. However, Groginsky has pointed out that state voters will decide in November 2022 whether to earmark more money from New Mexicos largest permanent fund for early childhood programs. If that proposed constitutional amendment is approved, some of that money could theoretically be used to pay to continue the expanded child care assistance program. Theres also a new early childhood endowment fund that lawmakers created in 2020 by setting aside about $300 million from an oil-fueled budget surplus. And its possible Congress could earmark more money for early childhood programs nationwide under the proposed American Family Plan. How do I qualify? Families seeking to participate in the program must complete an application form and then verify eligibility by showing birth certificates, pay stubs, photo identification or other types of documents. Any child between the ages of 6 weeks and 13 years is eligible to be enrolled in the program. You can find the application at: www.nmececd.org/child-care-assistance/. Families with multiple young children face reduced costs for additional kids to participate in the child care assistance program, as the co-payment for each additional child is set at half the co-payment for the previous child. In other words, if the first enrolled childs monthly co-payment is $100, the pay level for the second child would be $50. And the co-payment for a third child would be $25. How long does the child care assistance program last? Child care benefits are paid for 12 months to families who are working, attending school or participating in a job training or educational program, and who demonstrate a need for care. Families can reapply for an additional 12 months once their eligibility period ends. Parents or guardians who are looking for a job may qualify for child care assistance for up to three months. Will there be enough child care facilities to handle the expansion? This could be an issue to watch as there are currently fewer licensed child care centers than before the pandemic 626 compared to 753 before March 2020 though the number has been increasing in recent months as some shuttered centers reopen. But the maximum capacity for those child care centers has dropped by 6,220 children from 58,865 to 52,645 from pre-pandemic levels. The access issue is especially problematic in some rural New Mexico counties as 14 of the states 33 counties can be classified as child care deserts, or locations that lack ready access to child care. Groginsky said in an interview that shes hopeful the eligibility expansion and a change in the states subsidy rate to providers will lead to additional child care centers being opened and existing centers expanding. The agency is also planning to use federal dollars to give one-time $1,500 bonus payments for all child care workers this fall, she said. However, there is currently enough licensed child care for only 86% of New Mexico children under age 6 in families with two working parents, according to ECECD data. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... BERLIN In one flooded German town, the ground collapsed under family homes. In another, floodwaters swept through an assisted living center, killing 12. Rescue workers across Germany and Belgium rushed Friday to prevent more deaths from some of the Continents worst flooding in years as the number of dead surpassed 125 and the search went on for hundreds of missing people. Fueled by days of heavy rain, the floodwaters also left thousands of Germans homeless after their dwellings were destroyed or deemed to be at risk, and elected officials began to worry about the lingering economic effects from lost homes and businesses. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ Elsewhere in Europe, dikes on swollen rivers were at risk of collapsing, and crews raced to reinforce flood barriers. Sixty-three people perished in the German state of Rhineland-Palatinate, including 12 residents of an assisted living facility for disabled people in the town of Sinzig who were surprised by a sudden rush of water from the nearby Ahr River, authorities said. German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier said he was stunned by the devastation and pledged support to the families of those killed and to cities and towns facing significant damage. In the hour of need, our country stands together, Steinmeier said in a televised statement. Its important that we show solidarity for those from whom the flood has taken everything. By Friday evening, waters were receding across much of the affected regions, but officials feared that more bodies might be found in cars and trucks that were swept away. A harrowing rescue effort unfolded in the German town of Erftstadt, southwest of Cologne, where people were trapped when the ground gave way and their homes collapsed. Fifty people were rescued from their houses, county administrator Frank Rock told German broadcaster n-tv. Aerial photos showed what appeared to be a massive landslide at a gravel pit on the towns edge. One has to assume that under the circumstances some people didnt manage to escape, Rock said. Authorities cautioned that the large number of missing could stem from duplicated reports and difficulties reaching people because of closed roads and disrupted phone service. After Germany, where the death toll stood at 106, Belgium was the hardest hit. The country confirmed the deaths of 20 people, with another 20 still missing, Belgian Interior Minister Annelies Verlinden told the VRT network Friday. Several dikes on the Meuse Rriver that runs from Belgium into the Netherlands were at risk of collapsing, Verlinden said. Authorities in the southern Dutch town of Venlo evacuated 200 hospital patients due to the rivers looming threat. Utility companies reported widespread disruption of electricity and gas service that they said could last for days or weeks. The governor of North Rhine-Westphalia, who hopes to succeed Chancellor Angela Merkel as the nations leader after Germanys election on Sept. 26, said the disaster had caused immense economic damage to the countrys most populous state. The number of dead in North Rhine-Westphalia stood at 43. The floods have literally pulled the ground from beneath many peoples feet, Gov. Armin Laschet said at a news conference. They lost their houses, farms or businesses. Manfred Pesch, a hotel owner in the small village of Gemuend, recounted how the floods came suddenly and rose to 2 meters (over 6 feet). Our hotel needs to be rebuilt, he said. We need a lot of help. Wolfgang Meyer, owner of a painting business in Gemuend, said his family escaped the rising water, but his business was swamped. The machinery, equipment, the entire office, files, records everything is gone actually, he said. Were going to have some work to do there. Malu Dreyer, the governor of Rhineland-Palatinate state, said the disaster showed the need to speed up efforts to curb global warming, which experts say could make such disasters more frequent. She accused Laschet and Merkels center-right Union bloc of hindering efforts to achieve greater greenhouse gas reductions in Germany, Europes biggest economy and a major emitter of planet-warming gases. Climate change isnt abstract anymore. We are experiencing it up close and painfully, she told the Funke media group. Steinmeier, the German president, echoed her calls for greater efforts to combat global warming. Only if we decisively take up the fight against climate change will we be able to limit the extreme weather conditions we are now experiencing, he said. The World Meteorological Organization said some parts of Western Europe have received up to two months of rainfall in the space of two days. What made it worse is that the soils were already saturated by previous rainfall, WMO spokesperson Clare Nullis said. She said it was too soon to blame the floods and preceding heat wave on rising global temperatures but added: Climate change is already increasing the frequency of extreme events. And many single events have been shown to be made worse by global warming. The German military deployed over 850 troops to help with flood efforts, and the need for help was growing, Defense Ministry spokesman Arne Collatz said. He said the ministry had triggered a military disaster alarm. Italy sent civil protection officials, firefighters and rescue dinghies to Belgium to help in the search for missing people. In the southern Dutch province of Limburg, which also has been hit hard by flooding, troops piled sandbags to strengthen a 1.1-kilometer (0.7 mile) stretch of dike along the Maas River, and police helped evacuate low-lying neighborhoods. Caretaker Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said the government was officially declaring flooded regions disaster areas, making businesses and residents eligible for compensation. Dutch King Willem-Alexander visited the region Thursday night and called the scenes heartbreaking. Meanwhile, heavy rain in Switzerland caused several rivers and lakes to burst their banks. Public broadcaster SRF reported that a flash flood swept away cars, flooded basements and destroyed small bridges late Thursday in the northern villages of Schleitheim und Beggingen. Erik Schulz, the mayor of the hard-hit German city of Hagen, 50 kilometers (31 miles) northeast of Cologne, said a wave of other regions and ordinary citizens were offering to help. We have many, many citizens saying I can offer a place to stay. Where can I go to help? Where can I bring my shovel and bucket?' he told n-tv. The city is standing together, and you can feel that. ____ Associated Press writers Geir Moulson and Emily Schultheis in Berlin, Raf Casert in Brussels, Nicole Winfield in Rome, Angela Charlton in Paris and Mike Corder in The Hague, Netherlands, and contributed to this report. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... MEADVILLE, Miss. Friends and relatives gathered Thursday in a tiny town in southwestern Mississippi to dedicate a new state historical marker honoring two young Black men who were kidnapped and killed by Ku Klux Klansmen 57 years ago. Investigators found the remains of college student Charles Eddie Moore and lumber mill worker Henry Hezekiah Dee in a backwater of the Mississippi River in July 1964. It happened as officers were searching for three civil rights workers who had disappeared from central Mississippi the previous month. Military veteran Thomas Moore, 78, said Thursday that the new marker helps ensure his brother and their friend and high school classmate, Dee, will be remembered and that they wont just be footnotes in the history of what the FBI called the Mississippi Burning case the Klan killings of Michael Schwerner, James Chaney and Andrew Goodman. Moore, who lives in Colorado Springs, Colorado, told people Thursday under the hot summer sun in Meadville that while Black Lives Matter is a theme now, they mattered back then, too. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ James Ford Seale and Charles Marcus Edwards briefly faced state murder charges in the deaths of Dee and Charles Eddie Moore in 1964, but the charges were dismissed because local law enforcement officers were in collusion with the Klan, federal prosecutors said in 2007. Prosecutors said Seale was with a group of Klansmen in May 1964 when they abducted the two 19-year-olds from a rural stretch of highway, took them into the woods and beat and interrogated them about rumors that Black people in the area were planning an armed uprising. The victims were thrown in the trunk of a car, driven across the Mississippi River into Louisiana and then were weighted down and dumped into the water while still alive. Many people thought Seale was dead until 2005, when Thomas Moore and a Canadian broadcaster, David Ridgen, found him found living in a town near where the teens were kidnapped. Federal authorities opened a case, and Edwards became the governments star witness after he was promised immunity from prosecution. When jurors were out of the courtroom one day during Seales 2007 trial, Edwards apologized to the victims families. That released me from the cell I had locked myself in, Thomas Moore said Thursday, recalling the apology. A federal jury in Jackson, Mississippi, convicted Seale of kidnapping and conspiracy. He died in federal prison in 2011. Shannon Sieckert of Walnut Creek, California, has worked for a civil rights education organization and helped Thomas Moore apply for the Mississippi historical marker. The state needed to officially recognize these two men, that their lives mattered, that they were important, Sieckert said. Dunn Lampton, the U.S. attorney who prosecuted Seale, died in 2011 after being injured in a crash. His twin brother, Dudley Ford Lampton Sr., said Thursday that the prosecutor developed a bond of trust with Thomas Moore because both served in the military. Dudley Ford Lampton Sr. said his brother told him: If I can convict Mr. Seale, I believe justice will be done.' During the ceremony, Thomas Moore led about two dozen people in singing a gospel song: I will trust in the Lord til I die. Im going to treat everybody right til I die. Im going to stay on the battlefield til I die. ____ Follow Emily Wagster Pettus on Twitter at http://twitter.com/EWagsterPettus. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ISLAMABAD Afghan government forces battled Friday to retake a border crossing with Pakistan from Taliban insurgents, and the Reuters news agency said one of its photographers was killed in the area. The Taliban had overrun the Spin Boldak crossing earlier in the week. On Friday, witnesses on the Pakistan side of the border said they saw intense fighting and reported seeing bodies. Afghan Interior Ministry spokesman Tariq Arian later tweeted that the government had retaken control of Spin Boldak. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ Reuters said Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer Danish Siddiqui, who was embedded with the Afghan special forces, was killed as the commando unit sought to recapture Spin Boldak. The agency said Siddiqui and a senior Afghan officer were killed in what they described as Taliban crossfire. We are urgently seeking more information, working with authorities in the region, Reuters President Michael Friedenberg and Editor-in-Chief Alessandra Galloni said in a statement. Siddiqui was an Indian national. Afghanistans ambassador to India, Farid Mamundzay, tweeted his condolences. The Taliban have overrun dozens of districts in Afghanistan since the start of the final phase of the withdrawal of U.S. and NATO troops, after a 20-year military presence. The U.S. says its withdrawal is 95% complete. The fighting at Spin Boldak was confirmed by Fawad Aman, Afghanistans deputy defense ministry spokesman. The Associated Press also obtained footage of fighters, apparently Taliban, receiving treatment in a hospital in the Pakistani border town of Chaman. In an interview with The Associated Press, U.S. peace envoy for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad expressed surprise at the Talibans rapid sweep through swaths of Afghanistan, and said that a long-term comprehensive cease-fire may have to wait for the two sides to reach a political deal. Still, he said he will press for a reduction in violence on the ground. I did expect some increased Taliban hold on territories that they were surrounding but had not yet captured, but the speed with which and the amount of territory that they have acquired is unexpected, Khalilzad said, speaking to the AP on the sidelines of an international conference Friday in neighboring Uzbekistan. The gathering focused on the situation in Afghanistan. But I believe that there is no military solution despite the progress that the Taliban have made, Khalilzad added. For the war to end there has to be a political agreement. The United States will not recognize a government imposed by force. The Taliban will not be treated as a normal, legitimate player if there isnt a political settlement, the U.S. envoy also said. And the likely scenario of an attempt to impose by force a government will be Taliban isolation and a long war for Afghanistan. The three countries that had recognized the Taliban government during their rule Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have all said they would not recognize another Taliban government that comes to power by force. Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan are fraught with suspicion. Afghanistan routinely accuses Pakistan of giving safe haven to the Afghan Taliban, whose leadership is headquartered in Pakistans southwestern Baluchistan provincial capital of Quetta. The Chaman border crossing opposite Spin Boldak is also in Baluchistan province. Afghanistan and the United States have criticized Pakistan in the past for allowing Taliban fighters to cross into Pakistan to receive medical treatment. Nearly 2 million Afghan refugees also live in Pakistan, having fled decades of war in their homeland. Pakistan has used its influence over the Taliban to press the insurgents into talks with the U.S. and the Afghan government. In the latest round of accusations, Afghanistans vice-president, Amrullah Saleh, tweeted that Pakistans air force warned the Afghan army and air force against trying to dislodge Taliban from Spin Boldak, an accusation Pakistan dismissed. In response, Pakistan issued a statement saying 40 Afghan soldiers slipped across the border to Pakistan during the Taliban takeover of the crossing earlier this week. The soldiers were returned to Afghanistan with respect and dignity, said the statement, which added that Pakistan also offered Afghanistans security force any logistical support it needed. ___ Associated Press writer Rahim Faiez in Kabul, Afghanistan, and AP videojournalist Mstyslav Chernov in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, contributed to this report. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. A northern Arizona city was hit a third time with flooding on Friday, sending debris into the streets and forcing them to close. Gov. Doug Ducey issued an emergency declaration earlier Friday for Coconino County, making up to $200,000 available for response to flash flooding in the Flagstaff area. Residents reported streams of water flowing through their yards and on the busiest city streets. The city of Flagstaff and Coconino County opened a joint emergency operations center. Some of the flooding occurred in neighborhoods that sit in the shadow of a mountain that burned in 2019. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ Severe post-wildfire flooding is creating dangerous challenges for communities in northern Arizona, Ducey said Friday. The flooding is causing road closures, damaging property and putting Arizonans safety at risk. The National Weather Service issued a barrage of weather statements on Friday, warning of flood potential across the state. Many places have received more rain in the past month than in the entire 2020 monsoon season, which ran from mid-June through September, the weather service said. Torrential rainfall sent flood waters flowing across State Highway 87 about 70 miles (112 kilometers) southeast of Flagstaff at one point Friday evening between Payson and Pine, the service said. The city of Flagstaff said many sections of its urban trail system were damaged and impassable due to recent flooding. The service also issued a dust warning Friday night on the southwest edge of Phoenix where winds in excess of 40 mph (64 kph) created a wall of dust that reduced visibility to less than a quarter-mile across an area that included parts of U.S. Interstates 10 and 8. At least one death has been attributed to flooding. Grand Canyon National Park on Friday identified a woman who was found in the frigid Colorado River after a flash flood swept through her rafting groups trip. Rebecca Copeland, 29, of Ann Arbor, Michigan was found Thursday near the camp where the group of 30 had set up the night before, park officials said. Much of the groups belongings were washed away after a torrent of water rushed through a slot canyon above them. Park spokeswoman Kaitlyn Thomas said a handful of people were very seriously bludgeoned by the debris. A handful of them had to be evacuated by air from the canyon, the park said. A different commercial rafting group found Copeland and another woman who initially was reported missing. Thomas said she didnt know whether that group actively was searching for the missing people at the time. I am confident that the river community did know something was up but I imagine they were on the lookout, she said. The National Park Service and the Coconino County examiner are investigating the incident, the park said in a statement. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... Copyright 2021 Albuquerque Journal The New Mexico Corrections Department plans to transition a privately run prison in Grants to a public facility by the end of the year. Eric Harrison, NMCD spokesman, said the department aims to take control of operations of the medium-level Northwest New Mexico Correctional Center by November. This one is really a fiscal decision expected to save the state money, and were finalizing those lease negotiations now, he said. Harrison said the Corrections Department and CoreCivic leadership, which currently runs the Grants prison, traveled to the facility Friday to announce the transition to staff and inmates. This is the second private-to-public prison transition announced by the Corrections Department in the past three weeks and the third in recent years. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ In 2019, the state converted the Northeast New Mexico Correctional Facility and, in recent weeks, the department announced the conversion of the Guadalupe County Correctional Facility. Harrison said the Grants prison is currently at 62% capacity, with 440 inmates. He said the facility was built in 1989 and opened as the first private womens prison in the U.S., transitioning to a male prison in 2015. He said that, when Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham took office, some 50% of prison beds in NM were in privately operated facilities. After these transitions, that number will be around 24%, he said. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... Copyright 2021 Albuquerque Journal SANTA FE Tom Udalls political career may not yet be over. The former U.S. senator, who did not seek reelection last year after more than 20 years representing New Mexico in Washington, will be nominated by President Joe Biden as ambassador to New Zealand and Samoa, the White House announced Friday. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ The nomination to the island countries in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, which is subject to U.S. Senate confirmation, could be the latest chapter in a lengthy political career that has also included stints as New Mexico attorney general and U.S. congressman for the northern New Mexico-based 3rd Congressional District. Having dedicated my life to public service and having served as a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee focusing on policies that promote democracy, international development, and conservation, I am honored to be nominated by President Biden to this next role serving our great country, Udall said in a statement, the Associated Press reported. Before stepping down from the Senate last year, Udall, a Democrat, said he intended to find new ways to serve New Mexico and the nation. In his farewell speech, he described himself a troubled optimist as he outlined challenges facing the nation, including climate change. So, as I return home to the West, I am clear-eyed about even troubled by how far away our destination is, Udall said. But I am optimistic that we will get there. Like we always have before. His nomination as ambassador to New Zealand was lauded by fellow New Mexico Democrats, including U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Lujan and U.S. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez, who won election last year to Udalls former congressional seat. Its more important than ever to have dedicated public servants representing our country abroad as we repair our alliances and bring back diplomacy to our foreign policy, Leger Fernandez said. Udall, 73, comes from a politically prominent family. His late father, Stewart Udall, served as interior secretary for eight years in the 1960s under Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon Johnson. And his uncle Mo Udall was a U.S. congressman from Arizona who sought the 1976 Democratic presidential nomination. In Congress, Udall focused largely on environmental and conservation issues. But he also spent years working on an overhaul of the Toxic Chemicals Control Act and pushed for increased regulation of money in federal political campaigns, including independent expenditures. His nomination as ambassador makes him the third New Mexican to be formally tapped by the Biden administration for a high-profile post. Deb Haaland, a former U.S. representative, was confirmed as interior secretary in March, while fellow former U.S. Rep. Xochitl Torres Small was nominated last month to be the undersecretary of rural development within the U.S. Department of Agriculture. If confirmed, Udall would replace Scott Brown as ambassador to New Zealand. Brown is also a former U.S. senator he is a Massachusetts Republican who was appointed by former President Donald Trump. New Zealand has a population of about 4.9 million people. It was the site of protests Friday as farmers demanded the government loosen climate change regulations, Reuters reported. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... Immigrants and advocates are urging Democrats and President Joe Biden to quickly act on legislation to protect young immigrants after a federal judge in Texas on Friday ruled illegal an Obama-era program that prevents the deportation of thousands of them brought into the U.S. as children. Plaintiffs have vowed to appeal the decision by U.S. District Judge Andrew Hanen, who declared the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program illegal, barring the government from approving any new applications, but leaving the program intact for existing recipients. United We Dream Executive Director Greisa Martinez Rosas called the ruling a blaring siren for Democrats. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ Until the president and Democrats in Congress deliver on citizenship, the lives of millions will remain on the line, she said. Hanen ruled in favor of Texas and eight other conservative states that sued to halt DACA, which provides limited protections to about 650,000 people. Aailinn Martinez, 20, grew up in Albuquerque and has been a DACA recipient for about three years. She said the federal ruling leaves her with new doubts about the future of DACA. I was raised here in Albuquerque, said Martinez, who was brought to the United States when she was 9 months old. Im working and studying to be able to give back to this country, but its really difficult when so many obstacles are put in place. Martinez works for the city of Albuquerque as a financial navigator under a work permit she obtained through the DACA program. She worries what will happen when she is required to renew her application in 2022. Theres no guarantee that Ill be able to renew, Martinez said. Were contributing to the economy. We deserve better. Eduardo Esquivel, co-director of New Mexico Dream Team, said the application process slowed to a crawl during the COVID-19 pandemic. The ruling leaves many of those applicants without hope of getting DACA protections and creates new uncertainty for the 13,000 New Mexicans seeking DACA renewal, Esquivel said. There was already a backlog in processing renewals and new applications, he said. Were already seeing folks that were working with their DACA work permits losing that permission to work. DACA has faced a roller coaster of court challenges since former President Barack Obama instituted it in June 2012. The Trump administration announced it was ending the program in September 2017, but the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 2020 that the administration hadnt ended the program properly, keeping it alive once more. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, in a statement Friday evening, vowed that Democrats will continue to push for passage of the DREAM Act, and called on Republicans to join us in respecting the will of the American people and the law, to ensure that Dreamers have a permanent path to citizenship. In his ruling, Hanen wrote that the states proved the hardship that the continued operation of DACA has inflicted on them. Furthermore, the government has no legitimate interest in the continuation of an illegally implemented program. Biden has already proposed legislation that would provide a pathway to citizenship for the estimated 11 million people living in the U.S. without authorization. He also ordered agencies to try to preserve the program. Supporters of DACA, including those who argued before Hanen to save it, have said a law passed by Congress is necessary to provide permanent relief. Hanen has said Congress must act if the U.S. wants to provide the protections in DACA to recipients commonly known as Dreamers, based on never-passed proposals in Congress called the DREAM Act. The House approved legislation in March creating a pathway toward citizenship for Dreamers, but the measure has stalled in the Senate. Immigration advocates hope to include a provision opening that citizenship doorway in sweeping budget legislation Democrats want to approve this year, but its unclear whether that language will survive. Suing alongside Texas were Alabama, Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nebraska, South Carolina, and West Virginia states that all had Republican governors or state attorneys general. They argued that Obama didnt have the authority to create DACA because it circumvented Congress. They also argued it drains educational and health care resources. The Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund and the New Jersey Attorney Generals Office, which defended the program on behalf of some DACA recipients, argued Obama did have the authority and the states lacked standing to sue because they had not suffered any harm. Thomas Saenz, president of MALDEF, said Friday that plaintiffs will file an appeal. Todays decision then once more emphasizes how critically important it is that the Congress step up to reflect the will of a supermajority of citizens and voters in this country. That will is to see DACA recipients and other young immigrants similarly situated receive legislative action that will grant them a pathway to permanence and citizenship in our country, Saenz said. Journal staff writer Olivier Uyttebrouck contributed to this report. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... Copyright 2021 Albuquerque Journal Its going to be a long, hot summer, and water-stressed communities across New Mexico are feeling the heat. Water managers from around the state and several federal agencies gathered in Albuquerque on Thursday to discuss drought and water resilience. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ Tanya Trujillo, the U.S. Interior Department assistant secretary for water and science, said her agency is working to offer immediate relief for large water systems in the Colorado and Rio Grande basins, but also long-term resources for individual communities. Theres no doubt that the conditions this year have been more drastic than we anticipated, said Trujillo, a former New Mexico Interstate Stream commissioner who now oversees the Bureau of Reclamation and the U.S. Geological Survey. Climate change effects are playing out through droughts and water supply concerns around the West. The Bureau of Reclamation announced this week a $15 million drought relief distribution to Klamath Basin irrigators in Oregon and California. New Mexico has also requested federal drought funds. Congress is considering an infrastructure package that could fund state reservoir storage and irrigation efficiency projects. Trujillo said federal programs can help fill the gaps for municipalities, farmers and ranchers. Its not a one-size-fits-all situation, she said. USDA has some funding that they can provide before and after drought, and we have some that we can fill in in the middle. Thursdays meeting was a rare gathering of state lawmakers, tribes, environmental groups, municipalities and irrigation districts that are sometimes at odds on water issues. Were all in the same boat, State Engineer John DAntonio said. We all need to be working in the same direction. For Mike Hamman, chief engineer and CEO of the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District, bringing varied interests to the table is necessary to alert federal officials to the reality of extreme drought. Weve long been aware of this problem of California and the Colorado River getting all the national press and attention, Hamman said. And we were worried that as usual New Mexico was going to be in the backseat. Some groups presented Trujillo with a wishlist of infrastructure projects that need federal funding. Elephant Butte Irrigation Districts list included a $42 million pipe system to reduce irrigation losses. Phil King, an engineering consultant for EBID, said that forecasts of less reliable water supplies mean that future projects will need to benefit multiple regions. The fact is, we are dealing with a permanent shift towards a more arid climate with less water to move around and to effectively administer, King said. Some people are going to have to hear things that they dont want to hear. Theresa Davis is a Report for America corps member covering water and the environment for the Albuquerque Journal. WENN Celebrity The 'Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps' director makes sure he didn't contract Covid-19 that could derail his latest project by getting himself four vaccinations. Jul 16, 2021 AceShowbiz - Director Oliver Stone is so determined to ensure he doesn't contract Covid-19 that he's had four vaccinations against the virus. In an interview with Britain's The Independent newspaper, the filmmaker revealed he has had two of Russia's Sputnik V injections - due to working in the country filming a documentary about climate change - and two Pfizer jabs in his native America. "I am a pin cushion for American-Russian peace relations I had four f**king vaccines: two Sputniks and two Pfizers," he told the publication. The medics behind Sputnik V claim their shot has an efficacy rate of 91.6 per cent while the Pfizer jab demonstrated 95 per cent efficacy in phase III trials, and apparently has a 100 per cent rate of preventing hospitalisation and death. Elsewhere in the interview, the "Platoon" director opened up about "cancel culture" and admitted he would have undoubtedly become a victim had he started out in Hollywood today. "I despise it," the 74-year-old said. "I am sure I've been cancelled by some people for all the comments I've made... it's like a witch hunt. It's terrible. American censorship in general, because it is a declining, defensive, empire, it (America) has become very sensitive to any criticism." Oliver Stone's last feature film directorial project was 2016's Edward Snowden movie "Snowden" starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt as the infamous whistleblower. He recently directed John F. Kennedy documentary "JFK Revisited: Through the Looking Glass" WENN/Instagram/Adriana M. Barraza TV The new cast members who will join Sarah Jessica Parker, Cynthia Nixon, and Kristin Davis on the upcoming series 'And Just Like That' have been officially announced. Jul 16, 2021 AceShowbiz - Sarita Choudhury, Nicole Ari Parker, and Karen Pittman have joined the cast of the "Sex and the City" reboot following years of criticism about the original series lack of diversity. HBO Max have revealed that the trio will be joining original stars Sarah Jessica Parker, Cynthia Nixon, and Kristin Davis for the new series, titled "And Just Like That..." "Homeland" actress Sarita will play Seema Patel, "a single, self-made powerhouse Manhattan real estate broker," "Empire" star Nicole will portray Lisa Todd Wexley, "a Park Avenue mother of three and documentarian," and "Luke Cage" alum Karen will play Dr. Nya Wallace, "a brilliant, challenging Columbia Law professor." It is not yet known how the women will fit into the lives of main characters Carrie Bradshaw (Parker), Miranda Hobbes (Nixon) and Charlotte York (Davis) but the show's executive producer Michael Patrick King welcomed them to the cast. "Everyone at And Just Like That... is thrilled to have these amazing and vibrant actors join the Sex and the City family," he said. "Each of them will add their unique spark and big heart to these new characters and the stories we are about to tell." Kim Cattrall will not be starring in the revival series as Samantha Jones and HBO Max have said her absence will reflect the "actual stages of life" that often sees friends part ways. The streamer's chief content officer Casey Bloys previously said, "They're not trying to say that these characters are reliving their 30s. It is very much a story about women in their 50s, and they are dealing with things that people deal with in their 50s." "In real life, people come into your life, people leave. Friendships fade, and new friendships start. So I think it is all very indicative of the real stages, the actual stages of life They're trying to tell an honest story about being a woman in her 50s in New York. So it should all feel somewhat organic, and the friends that you have when you're 30, you may not have when you're 50." Instagram Celebrity The 'Laugh Now Cry Later' rapper shoots gun as he confronts a group of armed people who stormed his house in Georgia while he's home with his girlfriend. Jul 16, 2021 AceShowbiz - Rapper Lil Durk is lucky to be alive after a group of armed individuals stormed his Georgia home in the early hours of Sunday (11Jul21). The "Laugh Now Cry Later" hitmaker was in bed with his girlfriend, India Royale, when the major security breach occurred, prompting the couple to pull out their own guns and exchange fire with the home invaders. Durk and his baby mama were not injured in the shootout, but it was apparently enough to scare off the assailants, who managed to escape before police arrived on the scene. Officials at the Georgia Bureau of Investigation are now looking into the crime, classified as a home invasion and aggravated assault, and have appealed to members of the public for any information or tips which could help them identify those involved. Representatives for Durk have declined to comment on the case. The rapper hasn't commented on the scary incident. Back in 2019, Lil Durk turned himself in to authorities over his alleged involvement in a shooting in Atlanta. He was caught on camera shooting gun while driving his car. Meanwhile, in June this year, his brother Dontay Banks, who performed under the moniker D-Thang, was killed in a shooting at a strip club in Harvey. He was transported to a hospital with multiple gunshot wounds and pronounced dead on arrival. A police officer who responded after hearing gunshots was also injured but he was in a good condition. WENN TV The runway star has been officially announced to replace the cookbook author following backlash over past bullying, serving as a new narrator for the Netflix series. Jul 16, 2021 AceShowbiz - New mum Gigi Hadid has replaced Chrissy Teigen as a narrator on the second season of hit Netflix show "Never Have I Ever". Teigen was billed to voice an episode of the series based on the character Paxton, but she stepped down last month (Jun21) amid a controversy surrounding bullying texts she once sent to celebrity Courtney Stodden when the model was a teenager. "Chrissy Teigen has decided to step away from a guest voiceover role in one episode of the upcoming second season of Never Have I Ever," a spokesperson for the show said at the time. "The role is expected to be recast." Netflix bosses kept the new narrator a secret until the show's release on Thursday (15May21) and now it has been confirmed Gigi is the voice in the second season's third episode, as she discusses Paxton's struggles with heartache. Chrissy Teigen has since apologized, saying she has personally reached out to Courtney. However, Courtney found it hard to believe Chrissy's words as Courtney was blocked by Chrissy on Twitter instead. "I accept her apology and forgive her. But the truth remains the same, I have never heard from her or her camp in private. In fact, she blocked me on Twitter. All of me wants to believe this is a sincere apology, but it feels like a public attempt to save her partnerships with Target and other brands who are seeing her 'wokeness' is a broken record. (sic)" Instagram Celebrity The Mera depicter in 'Aquaman' is pictured taking her 3-month-old baby girl in a stroller while heading out to pick up a takeaway coffee in Hampstead, London. Jul 16, 2021 AceShowbiz - Amber Heard is including her little one in her daily activities. Several months after quietly welcoming her first child via surrogate, the new mom has been spotted in an outing with her daughter for the first time. The 35-year-old stepped out in the affluent village of Hampstead, London on Wednesday. July 14 with her little bundle of joy by her side. She was seen enjoying a relaxing stroll while taking her baby girl in a stroller. Amber Heard took daughter Oonagh for a stroll in Hampstead, London. In pictures obtained by Daily Mail, the "Magic Mike XXL" star stopped by a cafe to pick up her takeaway coffee. While waiting for her order, the actress was seen engaging in a conversation with a female companion, possibly a nanny, as the other woman was seen helping Amber carry the baby's stuff, including a milk bottle. For the outing, Amber was casually chic in a khaki boilersuit that she teamed with plain white trainers. Her long blonde hair was pulled up into a bun as she donned minimal makeup. As for her baby daughter, she was wrapped up in a pink blanket. Amber welcomed her first child on April 8, but only announced the news on July 1. Alongside a photo of herself cradling the infant on her chest, the new mum wrote, "I'm so excited to share this news with you. Four years ago, I decided I wanted to have a child. I wanted to do it on my own terms." "I now appreciate how radical it is for us as women to think about one of the most fundamental parts of our destinies in this way," she continued. "I hope we arrive at a point in which it's normalized to not want a ring in order to have a crib." "A part of me wants to uphold that my private life is none of anyone's business. I also get that the nature of my job compels me to take control of this," she added, before unveiling her daughter's birth date and name, which is a tribute to her late mother Paige. "My daughter was born on April 8, 2021. Her name is Oonagh Paige Heard. She's the beginning of the rest of my life," she concluded the caption of her post. She has since documented her time with her daughter on social media. Last week, she posted a video of her drinking green juice while holding her baby girl on the kitchen counter. Instagram Celebrity The 'TROLLZ' rapper pulls his foe's gangsta card after the '3 Headed Goat' spitter and his girlfriend India Royale were caught in a gunfire with intruders at his Georgia home. Jul 16, 2021 AceShowbiz - 6ix9ine a.k.a. Tekashi69 still has no sympathy for Lil Durk despite the latter's latest near-death experience. The New York City native has laughed at his foe after the Chicago-born star and his girlfriend India Royale were caught in a gunfire during home invasion. On Thursday, July 15, the "GOOBA" hitmaker popped up in the comment section of Akademiks' Instagram post about the shootout at Durk's Georgia home. "[sideway crying laughing emojis] YALL thought this man was gangsta [sideway crying laughing emojis]," he wrote, "they sliding on this man every other week DAMN give him a break [sideway crying laughing emojis]." 6ix9ine mocked Lil Durk after a shootout during home invasion. Not stopping there, he took to his own Instagram Story to poke fun at Durk's situation, "SOMEONE SAID @lildurk not gon slide till they kill his girlfriend [crying laughing emojis] YALL CRAZY." Apparently catching heat for his merciless comments, 6ix9ine later defended himself as posting another Story which read, "Don't get mad at me otf meatriders LOL I'm not the shooter [sideways crying laughing emojis]." Durk, whose real name is Durk Derrick Banks, and his girlfriend India Royale were the victims of home invasion when some people busted into his home on early Sunday, July 11 a little after 5 A.M. They were in bed when the intruders stormed into his home in the Chateau Elan neighborhood of Braselton, about an hour outside Atlanta. According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the 28-year-old rapper and his girlfriend pulled out their own guns and exchanged fire with the home invaders. Luckily, no one was injured in the incident as they scared off the assailants, who managed to escape before police arrived on the scene. It's currently unclear how many people who stormed into the house as officials at the Georgia Bureau of Investigation are now looking into the crime, classified as a home invasion and aggravated assault, and have appealed to members of the public for any information or tips which could help them identify those involved. The rapper hasn't commented on the scary incident. WENN/FayesVision Celebrity The 49-year-old producer, who is best known for producing 'Skin', is arrested in San Bernardino County, California and will face the charges in the Southern District court of New York. Jul 16, 2021 AceShowbiz - Hollywood movie producer Dillon Jordan was arrested on Thursday, July 15 for allegedly running an "an extensive and far-reaching" prostitution ring. According to federal prosecutors, Jordan, who is best known for producing "Skin", hid it for years using his moviemaking company. He was arrested in San Bernardino County, California and will face the charges in the Southern District court of New York. He was charged for 4 counts including conspiracy to violate the Mann Act, enticement, use of interstate commerce to promote unlawful activity and money laundering. Federal prosecutors claimed that the 49-year-old started the prostitution ring in the beginning of 2010, 3 years before he founded PaperChase Films. Jordan, who also goes by the aliases Daniel Jordan, Daniel Maurice Hatton and Daniel Bohler, run it alongside other unnamed individuals including a "United Kingdom-based madam." During the practice, which allegedly ended in 2017, prostitutes were flown from locations across the country to New York, the indictment said. The prosecutors also claimed that Jordan laundered the proceeds of ring through several other companies, including his event company PaperChase Films. While the indictment didn't state what kind of sentence prosecutors are seeking, it revealed that it seeks the forfeiture of any property or money connected the alleged prostitution ring. "As alleged, for years, Dillon Jordan operated an extensive and far-reaching prostitution business, using a purported event planning company and a movie production company to conceal the proceeds he made from exploiting women," Manhattan U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said in a statement. "Now the party is over and the film is a wrap." While Justin, who also produced Ethan Hawke-starring "The Kid", is expected to appear before a judge in the Central District of California later Thursday, neither him nor his defense attorney has commented on the arrest. Instagram Celebrity After the cookbook author opened up about her 'mental health' in the wake of cyberbullying allegations against her, the conservative political commentator calls the model 'sad.' Jul 16, 2021 AceShowbiz - Candace Owens is feeling no sympathy for Chrissy Teigen despite the latter's confession of her mental health issue in the wake of bullying scandal. After the model admitted to feeling "lost" in an Instagram post, the conservative pundit mocked her for allegedly failing to catch people's attention on photo-sharing site. Taking to her Twitter account on Wednesday, July 14, the soon-to-be mom made her snarky response to Chrissy's post. "Cubans are being slaughtered by their government in the streets but did you know that Chrissy Teigen is sad because nobody is paying attention to her on Instagram anymore?" so she wrote on the blue-bird app. Candace Owens mocked Chrissy Teigen's post about depression. Hours earlier, Chrissy opened up on Instagram about her mental health after being "cancelled" over cyber-bullying scandal. "Iiiii don't really know what to say here...just feels so weird to pretend nothing happened in this online world but feel like utter s**t in real life," so she wrote. "Going outside sucks and doesn't feel right, being at home alone with my mind makes my depressed head race." She added, "But I do know that however I'm handling this now isn't the right answer. I feel lost and need to find my place again." Chrissy continued in the lengthy caption, "I need to snap out of this, I desperately wanna communicate with you guys instead of pretending everything is okay. I'm not used to any other way!!" The cookbook author admitted she has learned a lot from "cancel club," saying, "Cancel club is a fascinating thing and I have learned a whollllle lot. Only a few understand it and it's impossible to know til you're in it. And it's hard to talk about it in that sense because obviously you sound whiney when you've clearly done something wrong." The wife of John Legend elaborated further, "But there never is here anyhow. All I know is I love you guys, I miss you guys, and I just needed an honest moment with you because I'm just...tired of being sick with myself all day." "I don't even know if it's good to say any of this because it's gonna get brutally picked apart but I dunno. I can't do this silent s**t anymore!" the cookbook author stated. The former "Lip Sync Battle" co-host then ended her caption by writing, "If you or someone you know has also been cancelled please let me know if there is a cancel club reunion because I could use some time off my couch! Thank u and goodbye I love u." Despite Candace's claims that "nobody is paying attention" to Chrissy on Instagram, the mother of two has received a lot of support in the comment section of her post. "You stand for and do so many positive things. You're smart. You're funny. You're so loved. You have an incredible life and future ahead and I love you. Come over. To Hawaii," one person left an encouraging message. Another wrote, "You're not canceled for me." A third echoed the sentiment, "You've always shown me nothing but kindness & love & I hope you show yourself the same in return right now." Instagram Celebrity The former video vixen posts a cryptic tweet after her estranged husband claims she destroyed his expensive sneakers and motorbikes while she was 8 months pregnant. Jul 16, 2021 AceShowbiz - Erica Mena and Safaree Samuels' divorce is only getting uglier. The former model has seemingly clapped back at her estranged husband after he accuses her of violating their domestic relations standing order by vandalizing his stuff. On Thursday, July 15, she posted on Twitter, "Everyday New Truth New Lie," seemingly accusing the rapper of lying. While she didn't name names or mention a context, her cryptic tweet arrived after his ex filed legal documents in which he makes the complaint against her. In the docs obtained by TMZ, Safaree claims that his estranged wife destroyed his expensive sneakers and motorbikes on May 23, just 2 days after she filed for divorce. He alleges that she damaged his $30k worth of custom sneakers by pouring bleach on them and cutting the laces. He also claims that the mother of his two children destroyed two motorcycles and a four-wheeler motorbike by pouring paint all over the motorcycles, and directly into the exhaust pipes and gas tanks of all the vehicles to render his beloved bikes useless. Safaree points out that Erica was eight months pregnant with their second child together when she did him and his stuff dirty. He also claims that the whole thing was captured on their home security cameras and he's willing to turn that footage over as evidence in court. He asks that the judge forces Erica to reimburse him around $50k for the damage. He additionally states that he's considering to report her to law enforcement and pursue felony charges for criminal destruction. Safaree also calls out Erica for attempting a narrative in the public that she's overwhelmed with taking care of their newborn, but apparently "has ample time to engage in disruptive and intentional acts to vilify and disparage" him. He claims she has changed the locks and security codes on the home they shared. Erica previously slammed Safaree for being in Jamaica instead of helping her care for their newborn son, who was in NICU for over week after an early birth. On Wednesday, when she finally took her baby home, she appeared to throw a shade at the baby's father by giving herself props for doing everything independently and thanking her friends for helping her. WENN/Instagram Celebrity The 'Harry Potter' actor reveals that he has become a married man as he heaps praise on his wife while referring to 'rings on [their] fingers]' in a long, poetic caption on an Instagram post. Jul 17, 2021 AceShowbiz - David Thewlis has gushed about his love for his French partner Hermine online, indicating the two have quietly tied the knot. The "Harry Potter" actor uploaded a photo of the two kissing to Instagram, adding a long, poetic caption, partly in French, referencing "rings" and "love at first sight." "When I first met Hermine she was wearing a cherry red dress with white polka dots and smoking tobacco from a clay pipe," he wrote on Friday (16Jul21) "She told me she was the retired ringmistress of a travelling flea circus I thought she was joking, but it was true. Ca a ete un coup de foudre. (It was love at first sight.) These days nobody smokes and the only rings are on our fingers." "These days, sleeping beside her, I wake up laughing in the middle of the night. Tomorrow she is leaving for Paris and Provence to visit her family for the first time in over a year, whilst I must remain here in London, hawking fine literature to the masses." "I am already a little lost. I feel like one of her poor fleas, off balance and out of control on a flying trapeze, with no net and no one to catch me." Hermine is David's second wife - he was previously wed to Welsh actress Sara Sugarman from 1992 to 1994 and dated Anna Friel from 2001 to 2010. The former couple shares 16-year-old daughter, Gracie. The Brit - who shared a number of pictures of Hermine by herself in his post - previously kept their relationship out of the spotlight. He did, however, call Hermine his "patient wife" in an earlier post (Apr21) about his upcoming novel "Shooting Martha". He wrote at the time, "I spent much of 2019 and the beginning of 2020 writing my second novel, only taking a brief pause to shoot Charlie Kauffman's I'm Thinking of Ending Things (film). I stayed in (writing) all day and night, every day and night and didn't see anyone except my patient wife, Hermine." Johnson & Johnson is issuing a voluntary recall for five Neutrogena and Aveeno sunscreen lines in the United States after it said it discovered low levels of benzene in the products. The company is warning customers against using aerosol sprays Neutrogena Beach Defense, Neutrogena Cool Dry Sport, Neutrogena Invisible Daily, Neutrogena Ultra Sheer and Aveeno Protect + Refresh. Johnson & Johnson said those who have purchased the products should dispose of them, adding that benzene is a carcinogen that "could potentially cause cancer depending on the level and extent of exposure." The company said benzene is not an ingredient in its products, and it is investigating what caused its presence. It said the level of benzene present in their tests "would not be expected to cause adverse health consequences" in daily exposure and it is recalling the products "out of an abundance of caution." "We are working to remove these products from the market and will provide consumers with a refund," the company said. The-CNN-Wire & 2021 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. CHICO, Calif. - Some graffiti can still be seen at Chico's skate park as CARD makes changes to keep that from happening again. Andrew Longi has been a skateboard instructor for nine years. "I get a little bit embarrassed and discouraged to bring people here or kids here because of the vulgar stuff that gets put up sometimes, Longi said. It is a bad look on the skateboarding community." He said it has been tough working with his students while trying to protect them. "When the kids ask me what that says, I let them know that I don't know what that says because it is kind of hard to read because I just don't want them to be exposed to the negative side of the skateboarding culture, Longi said. CARD plans to open up a couple of walls inside of the utility building at the skate park where people will be able to come and freely do their artwork. "Giving local graffiti artists space to do their drawing and staff but you know no cussing or anything bad, CARD board member Tom Nickel said. It has to be artistic." "I think if people have a place to showcase their artwork without having it be disrespectful or vulgar, I think that is great," Longi said. The skate park isn't the only place CARD plans to put walls for artists to showcase their work. "Staff said why don't we put up artist walls in our parks and then what we can do is we can pick artist where they can use the wall to display their art then rotate them with someone else, Nickel said. The CARD board plans to discuss how to move forward with this plan at its meeting tonight. That meeting starts at 6 p.m. at the CARD Community Center on Vallombrosa Ave. ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) - A jury has found a gunman criminally responsible for killing five people at a Maryland newspaper. The jury of eight men and four women rejected defense attorneys arguments that Jarrod Ramos was unable to understand the criminality of his actions because of mental illness when he attacked the Capital Gazette newsroom in 2018. The jurys finding Thursday means the 41-year-old will be sentenced to prison, not a maximum-security mental health facility. Prosecutors are seeking five life sentences without the possibility of parole. Ramos already had pleaded guilty to all 23 counts against him in 2019, but he pleaded not criminally responsible - Marylands version of an insanity plea. PLUMAS COUNTY, Calif.- The Plumas County Sheriff's Office has issued mandatory evacuation orders for the High Lakes area due to the Dixie Fire. In addition, evacuation warnings have been added for Rock Creek to Tobin (from the Plumas/Butte County line to Tobin). People in the High Lakes area are advised to leave the area immediately. OROVILLE, Calif. - The homicide investigation continues for 20-year-old Tyler Dickson who was murdered while on a trip to the Bidwell Marina Campground over the July 4 holiday weekend. His mother wants answers and spoke out for the first time to Action News Now. "I am distraught. Somebody knows what happened to my baby, and somebody needs to come forward, Dickinson's mother Jade Nelson said. Someone killed Nelsons son while he was on a camping trip with his girlfriends family. "He has been with her a long time, Nelson said. I mean years, it was a family that I trusted." Nelson got the call about her son around 5 a.m. on July 3. Asked what her reaction was to the phone call about her son, Nelson said, I screamed." Nelson hung up the phone, jumped in her car and drove two hours to the Bidwell Marina Campground. That is when she learned her son was dead. "For somebody to do that in the middle of the night while he is sleeping, I guess? Is outrageous, Nelson said. We need justice. There is no way I will ever rest without getting justice for my son." Nelson described her son as an athlete who got along with everyone. "He was a good kid and everybody knows it, Nelson said. The community is upset because if you knew my son you knew that he didn't deserve that." The Butte County Sheriff's Office got a tip the led them to Berkeley where they executed a high-risk search warrant connected to gun violence. The search did not turn up anything and the suspect was not there, but Nelson is still not giving up hope. "I just feel it in my heart that there will be justice, Nelson said. I know that there will be." The Butte County Sheriff's Office is still not giving the name of the suspect, but they are saying it is an isolated incident. Anyone with any additional information is urged to contact the Butte County Sherriffs Office at (530) 538-7617. CHICO, Calif. - Chico Police Department responded to a rollover crash in the area of W. First Ave. and Hobart St. Wednesday night, the police department said. When officers and medic arrived on the scene, they located two vehicles in the crash. Officers said they learned Jame Lamont Lawson, 49, crashed into a parked vehicle which caused his vehicle to roll over. While on the scene, officers located a loaded handgun that was inside the vehicle, police said. Lawson was arrested for being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of ammunition by a prohibited person. The Ministry of Home Affairs National Cybercrime Reporting Portal -- www.cybercrime.gov.in -- has recorded over four lakh complaints, with about 50% related to financial frauds, said Shri Ashok Kumar, Director, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, at Pursuit 2021, an event on cybersecurity organised by Internet and Mobile Association of India. The portal (which was launched on 30th August, 2019) gives us MIS kind of a report and gives us a perspective on what kind of complaints/ frauds are trending. What are the upcoming frauds and how we can work on policies and take up certain matters with the concerned authoritiesThe recently developed module -- Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System, on the portal has helped us save INR 5 crore within two to three months, he said. Under the new module, released with the helpline number 155260, once a complaint is filed with the police, they note down certain parameters of the complaint and once input into the system, it alerts the banks on any suspicious transaction, saving the targeted amount. The Covid-19 pandemic and rising digitisation has led to a surge in cybercrimes. Mentioning that the cyberwar has started, Dr Gulshan Rai, Indias first Cybersecurity Coordinator, & Distinguished Fellow, ORF, cautioned the industry about the rise in targeted attacks, which has impacted the industry of late. In India, almost every sector has been breached because they all are inter-connected. During the pandemic, the number of breaches increased by 2,000 percent because we were using ASL or DSL from home. ASL, DSL, fibre, nothing is secured, this whole scenario reflects that your sensitive information is at risk and is being used for a variety of purposes, causing financial fraud, causing a threat to national security, Dr Rai said. He also highlighted that although 90 percent of attacks are traditional attacks, which include phishing, malware, etc, however, the key concern is the rise in the number of targeted attacks (which accounts for 9 percent currently). Solar winds, Wannacry, are some examples of targeted attacks which are detrimental for any organization and nation. Speaking at the summit on the topic Financial Services Digital Innovation - Data Protection Imperatives, Rama Vedashree, CEO, Data Security Council of India, said: India is definitely leading the playbook for technology-led financial inclusion. The way technology has accelerated financial inclusion we are truly becoming the playbook for the world. Particularly, in the financial services sector, several competitors are collaborating together and there's a strong sense of cooperation rather than competitionIn this collaboration, we need to make sure that theres no breach at any point. The two-day virtual event, which concluded today, deliberated upon various aspects of cybercrimes in the financial sector and how technology can play a role in mitigating such attacks. Sanjay Kumar, Commissioner of Police, Kerala Police, said: The financial sector is always lucrative for the cyber perpetrators. So, we need to guard our houses through proper detection processes. With more robust mechanisms, better check and balances, e-KYC, artificial intelligence, we can keep such threats at bay. In fact, we have to harness the power of the machine and human collaboration for mitigating such crimes. The event saw the participation of about 4,000 delegates and over 130 speakers from across the globe. The conference provided an opportunity to directly hear from the Regulators, Enforcement Agencies, Industry experts, CXO of Large Financial Institutions, and heads of tech companies, founders of Regtech startups, etc, on their perspective and how they are contributing towards the fight against cybercrimes. Transaction values the company at $2 billion and is due to close in August 2021 Aleph Holding ("Aleph"), the global partner to the world's biggest digital media players and Httpool's parent company, has announced that it has partnered with leading global private equity firm, CVC Capital Partners ("CVC"). The partnership will see CVC Capital Partners Fund VIII take a minority stake in Aleph. The closing of the transaction is subject to customary conditions precedent and is expected to occur by August 2021. Aleph operates in over 90 markets worldwide, reaching 2 billion consumers. It acts as an enabler of digital advertising sales for the leading digital media platforms - such as Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Snapchat, Twitch, and TikTok amongst others - giving access to new and under-served markets, while providing a complete suite of services that help advertisers maximize the value of their digital marketing investments. "We want to equalize digital advertising accessibility globally. Digital media is unlocking economic development and solutions for businesses that were not available in an analogue world," comments Gaston Taratuta (in the picture), Founder and CEO of Aleph Holding. "This significant investment by CVC reflects the huge demand for digital media that we are seeing in every market around the world. We see lots of value in working closely with CVC, their expertise and portfolio of companies will generate an interesting network effect for both organizations. Together, we are ready to continue expanding our global partnerships and delivering value to our partners and local advertisers everywhere that we operate." "It is a pleasure to team up with a world-class management team that has built an exceptional industry-leading company," said Steven Buyse, a Managing Partner at CVC. "Aleph operates in an attractive global digital media market, and has an impressive track record of accelerating growth through its exclusive relationships with digital media partners. We strongly believe in the value that Aleph brings to advertisers and media partners globally. Through our CVC network with 24 local offices in Europe, the Americas and Asia, we look forward to supporting the business in its continued expansion." The investment follows a period of significant growth and momentum for Aleph. The company is on track to generate $1 billion in gross advertising sales in 2021, having achieved significant growth and $475M in gross sales during 2020. Aleph recently appointed Imran Khan as Chairman of the Board, bringing a breadth of experience, including leading two of the largest tech IPOs in history - Alibaba and Snap, where Mr. Khan was the Chief Strategy Officer. Aleph has also recently announced an acquisition of Ad Dynamo, which expanded the company's footprint into Africa. Today, Aleph - through its companies: IMS Internet Media Services, Httpool, AdDynamo, and Social Snack - has a broad presence across Europe, America, Asia, and Africa and soon we will be announcing expansion into new markets. Aleph was born from IMS Internet Media Services (IMS), the business founded by CEO Gaston Taratuta in 2005. Inshorts, which operates eponymous news app Inshorts and location based social media platform Public, has secured USD 60mn in funding from Vy Capital with participation from existing investors. With this, the company has raised USD 140mn in the last one year from investors including Addition, Tiger Global, SIG, A91 and Tanglin Venture Partners. GAMEXX Awards 2021 Early Bird Discount Extended Last Date - Wednesday, June 30, 2021 - ENTER NOW The world is changing every minute, and each one of us has an inherent desire to remain updated about these changes. Both Inshorts App and Public App are aimed to help some of these people in their quest of keeping themselves informed and we are thrilled to have Vy Capital join us in our journey, said Co-Founder & CEO Azhar Iqubal. We are excited to partner with Azhar and team in their journey to build one of the largest content platforms out of India, running two market leading properties with a rapidly growing user base. We look forward to working closely with the company and the team as it enters the next phase of scaling said Vamsi Duvvuri, Partner, Vy Capital. Inshorts pioneered the concept of '60 words news' eight years ago and is currently Indias largest short form news app. It has the best in class retention and a strong user base in the Tier 1 cities of the country. The company launched Public App, a location based social media app, two years ago. We believe that all of us want to remain connected to our locality as much as we want to remain connected to our friends and family. While many large platforms like Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat have been built for the latter, the problem of connecting to locality remains unsolved and Public is our attempt for the same, added Iqubal on the thought behind launching Public. Public has amassed a large user base in the Tier 2, Tier 3 cities of the country and is available in all regional languages. It has already overtaken Twitter in India (Source: Sensor Tower) and is the fastest growing app in the segment in India. In a significant move demonstrating its ambitious focus on inclusion and diversity and continued investment in the talent pool in India, Mars Wrigley today announced the appointment of three new women executives in its India Leadership Team and chose two executives from India to take up global roles critical to the companys growth strategy. GAMEXX Awards 2021 Early Bird Discount Extended Last Date - Wednesday, June 30, 2021 - ENTER NOW Richa Singh, Sunita Patnaik and Shahine Ardeshir have joined Mars Wrigley India Leadership Team as Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Director - Corporate Affairs, and Director - People and Organization (P&O) India, respectively, while Chirag Shah has been elevated as CFO of Natures Bakery, a Mars business in the US, and Hegeler Solomon promoted to Director of People and Organization, Mars Wrigley Asia. Making the announcement, Kalpesh R Parmar, General Manager, Mars Wrigley, India said, Fostering talent and building capability remain a cornerstone of Mars Wrigley and we are highly intentional in finding the best talent, building the right capabilities and creating an environment of inclusion and diversity. This is instrumental to our ability to deliver our growth legacy and navigate the challenges as well as capitalize on the opportunities that lay ahead as we remain steadfast on our long-term commitment to India. Aligned with this, I am pleased to welcome Richa, Sunita and Shahine to Mars Wrigley Indias leadership team. These appointments advance our commitment to bringing on board strong women leaders to position us well in our journey of purpose-led growth. Equally, I am very excited that Chirag Shah and Hegeler Solomon have been elevated to lead global positions within Mars. Both of them have been strong architects in Indias growth story for Mars Wrigley and have made significant contribution to the business. I am very proud of this move as it is a strong testament of our ability to nurture and export world-class talent from India for the company globally. Their unique experiences in a diverse and fastest growing market like India will help shape and contribute to the transformative growth strategy of the company across the markets. I wish all of them the very best as they begin their new assignments. Richa Singh joins as Chief Financial Officer. Richa Singh comes with a global experience of over two decades across consumer durables and FMCG companies, leading business accelerations and transformations, process optimizations, among others. She joins from Niine Pvt Ltd, a start up in feminine hygiene that she led for three years. Prior to Niine, she worked in Philips Healthcare @ Home, Philips Consumer, J&J Medical ASEAN, Coca-Cola and P&G across India, ASEAN, Australia and Japan. Sunita Patnaik has been appointed as Director Corporate Affairs. She comes with nearly two decades of experience in journalism, corporate affairs, communications, CSR and Sustainability. Sunita joins from Facebook India where she led content and programs policy communications. Prior to Facebook, Sunita was associated with Walmart India and Cargill India. In her current role, Sunita will be responsible for leading government relations, corporate communications, PR and advocacy efforts across all Mars Wrigley India brands and verticals. Shahine Ardeshir has been promoted to Director People & Organization. Shahine comes with a wealth of experience, a large part of it from within the company, having joined Mars in 2012. She has held a number of key roles within the leadership team, including most recently as Associate Relations (AR) Lead for the segment across India, Middle East and South Africa. She played an integral part in launching and stabilizing AR operations of the new People and Organization operating model, across a diverse region, supporting all segments including Mars Wrigley, Pet Nutrition and Royal Canin. Richa, Sunita and Shahine will be based in Gurugram. Richa replaces Chirag Shah who becomes CFO for Natures Bakery based out of the US. Natures Bakery offers wholesome and delicious snacks, and was recently acquired by Mars to extend Mars portfolio of businesses in the Health and Wellness space. Chirag will be relocating to the US shortly. Chirag joined the company in 2016 as CFO for erstwhile Mars Chocolate segment in India. He was later appointed as Finance Director for the Mars Wrigley integrated business in 2017 in India. Shahine replaces Hegeler Solomon who has been elevated as Director of People and Organization, Mars Wrigley Asia. Solomon will transition to his new role in September. Solomon joined Mars in May 2014 as People and Organization Business Partner for erstwhile Wrigley segment and subsequently moved as Director People and Organization for Wrigley South Asia. Later he was appointed as Director People and Organzation for the combined Mars Wrigley unit in India. During this stint, Solomon played the lead role in integrating the structure of the two different organizations and created an enabling culture which helped the company secure a Great Place to Work status in India. He also lead talent transformation and assembled a robust Leadership pipeline for the business. As the pandemic-hit world deliberates upon ways to reinvent youth skilling, in a significant step, online gaming major Zupee has launched a special e-skill training program under its flagship initiative Zupee Skilling Academy (ZSA) on the occasion of World Youth Skills Day 2021. The timing of the launch coincides with the Prime Minister Narendra Modis call for expediting skilling, re-skilling and up-skilling of people to meet the huge demand due to fast-changing technology. Declaring skill development of the new generation a national need, he called skilling the foundation of Aatmnirbhar Bharat. GAMEXX Awards 2021 Early Bird Discount Extended Last Date - Wednesday, June 30, 2021 - ENTER NOW The second leg of the Zupee e-Skills program is being conducted in the Zupee training center at Jogeswari East area of Mumbai. The program being implemented in collaboration with the Ekta Foundation, will train 60 youth from underserved sections of society in courses such as Foundation skills and domain-specific areas that are aligned with the QP (qualification pack) and NOS (National Occupation Standards) as specified by the Sector Skill Council. Under this pilot program, ZSA will train 30 candidates each in retail sales associate and social media executive domains. Speaking about the launch, Dr. Subi Chaturvedi, Chief Corporate and Public Affairs Officer, Zupee, said, Zupee is working to empower the youth of the nation with latest tech, know-how and non-tech life skills to make sure that they meet the requirements of the jobs of the future. Zupee Skills Academy is puting in efforts to proactively develop and implement new-age, sustainable skill development programs via interactive training sessions by integrating digital solutions for scalability. This is one of our efforts directed at answering the Prime Ministers call for skilling the youth for an Aatmanirbhar Bharat and helping the nation achieve the 5 trillion-dollar dream by 2025. She added With the onset of an ever-changing, fast-paced and tech-focused work environment, it has become increasingly critical to empower, stimulate and action the youth of today to become the workforce of tomorrow. Enabling and empowering the youth, so that they become agents of positive change lies at the very heart of Zupees e-skill development initiatives. The e-skill program is aimed to enhance the competency & employability of youth members to ensure that the skills most in demand like critical thinking and analysis, problem solving, self-management, working with people, technology, its use for good and development are inculcated. In this initiative, the training implementing partner Ekta Foundation will offer training on a hybrid model of online and offline classes considering present pandemic crisis with the help of e-learning modules. After completion of 2 months of training, followed by assessment, the trainees will be rewarded with certificate and placement opportunities under the program. Subrat Mishra, Trustee, Ekta Foundation said The increased penetration of smartphones and availability of Internet at an affordable cost has been instrumental in the adoption of online courses. With Zupee, we are now trying to reach the underserved youth, who need it the most. As schools and training institutions remain shit due to the pandemic, Zupee Skills Academy will be an important initiative to keep the momentum going. The learning cannot stop. The Zupee Skilling Academy (ZSA) is a continuous, sustained long-term project that intends to lead the biggest transformation in traditional education, learning and skilling. This program aims be the impetus the country needs to become the talent hub of the world for emerging technologies, as it has been for the IT and ITES companies in early 2000s preparing a workforce of the future and unlocking the potential of gaming for all, to claim Indias rightful place in the global value chain. Federal Department of Foreign Affairs Bern, 16.07.2021 - Switzerland is helping Tunisia to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. Swiss Humanitarian Aid dispatched 15 respirators and 60 oxygen concentrators to Tunis this Friday, with a total value of nearly CHF 335,000. It is Switzerland's fifth international delivery of this type in recent weeks. In view of the public health situation in Tunisia and in response to a request for assistance from the Tunisian authorities, Swiss Humanitarian Aid has decided to support the country in its efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. A Federal Air Transport Service plane left Dubendorf this Friday for Tunis. In addition to the 15 respirators provided free of charge by the Swiss Armed Forces Pharmacy, the shipment also includes 60 oxygen concentrators. The equipment will be received in Tunis by the local authorities and then transported to various sites. The Swiss representation in Tunisia is in close contact with the authorities to ensure that humanitarian goods are distributed fairly based on need, in accordance with humanitarian principles. The shipment to Tunisia is Switzerland's fifth international delivery of humanitarian goods in recent weeks. Swiss Humanitarian Aid, which is attached to the FDFA, has already sent equipment (respirators, oxygen concentrators) to Mongolia (12 July), India (6 May), Nepal (21 May) and Sri Lanka (7 June). Switzerland continues to monitor the global public health situation relating to COVID-19 and is ready to provide assistance wherever possible upon request. Address for enquiries FDFA Communication Federal Palace West Wing CH-3003 Bern, Switzerland Tel. Communication service: +41 58 462 31 53 Tel. Press service: +41 58 460 55 55 E-mail: kommunikation@eda.admin.ch Twitter: @SwissMFA Publisher Federal Department of Foreign Affairs https://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/home.html General Secretariat DDPS https://www.vbs.admin.ch/ MONTICELLO, Ill. Kids are swimming, kayaking, doing archery, learning about science and all the fun things they always do at 4-H Memorial Camp in Monticello. One big thing is different this year. As part of the pandemic protocol, which was tighter in Illinois this winter when Andy Davis, University of Illinois Extension camp director was planning this years event, the camp is not just for kids. Instead of bunking in the cabin with other kids, Mom, Dad and siblings hunker down together at night and enjoy activities together during the day. Each family gets their own cabin during the three-day, two-night summer camp located at a lake and surrounded by trees. All of the things that make camp great like outdoor adventures, hiking, boating, and swimming are just as fun socially distanced once we flipped to a family camp model, Davis said. The camp organizers have held family camps before, so they knew how to run it. The camp was closed in 2020. While minimal staff did repairs and maintenance, is was sad to see no campers, Davis said. Even though the camp is limited in size and arranged to suit pandemic protocol, it is alive with activity this year. Only 15 families participate in each camp. During this transitional pandemic year, there are also fewer camp weeks, fewer staff and fewer campers, but there is no shortage of fun and laughter. Even the odd scream can be heard as first-timers try out the zip line. Were all super excited to be here, said Bethany Wood, the camps special programs director. Eedition featured popular urgent Dougherty County bids farewell to retiring Larry Cook Alan Mauldin / Staff Photo: Alan Mauldin From left, Dougherty County Administrator Michael McCoy and Commission Chairman Chris Cohilas present a plaque to retired Public Works Director Larry Cook during a Thursday ceremony. Alan Mauldin / Staff Photo: Alan Mauldin Larry Cook, right, shares a hug with Dougherty County Administrator Michael McCoy. Alan Mauldin / Staff Photo: Alan Mauldin Larry Cook, left, greets Dougherty County Emergency Medical Services Director Sam Allen. ALBANY If there were any bodies buried at any Dougherty County construction sites, its a safe bet Larry Cook would know where they were. On Thursday, friends and colleagues bid adieu to the retiring Public Works director, who is leaving public service after 54 years, 29 of which were with the county and 25 with the city of Albany. Its a lifestyle change, Cook, who handed over the reins to longtime county employee Chuck Mathis on July 23, said. Ive been trying to prepare myself for it, and I am looking forward to the next chapter. Blake Raney, a retired county employee who worked with Cook both with the city and county, remembered his former boss as a friend and mentor. Hes a hands-on person from day one, Raney said during an interview following the ceremony. Hes always there to help anybody in need. Weve been out in the middle of the night so many times in storms and floods. Hes the first one out there and the last one to leave. During his tenure, Cook oversaw the completion of new structures to protect county equipment and a new shop building, Raney said, but one of his biggest contributions has been his dedication in bringing Radium Springs back from the brink. The historic casino, now demolished, at Radium Springs was damaged by two floods and a fire, and Cook was the driving force behind revitalizing the area, Raney said. In recent years the county has renovated the former ticket booth and gazebo at the site, added a memorial to the victims of a 2017 tornado that struck the area and embarked on a trail project that includes renovation of the Spring Run bridge. More recently the county has funded cleaning up the spring area and cleaning Skywater Creek of hydrilla. Radium Springs could have been scrapped altogether very easily, Raney said. Larry wouldnt let it go. He was out there tirelessly. Thats the kind of person he is, with every project he took on. He just found it in his heart to do that with every job. There will never be another one like him. During Thursdays ceremony, Cooks family presented him with a portrait of the spring. Cook and Raney, along with former Assistant Albany City Manager Phil Roberson, who retired in January 2020, were part of a new generation of leadership that took over from an older group of predecessors, Raney said. One change during Cooks tenure was the hiring of a more diverse workforce, Mathis told the audience. When Larry came, there were no people of color in our department, he said. There were no women except a few in the office. Larry took a look at that and said thats not right. During an interview after the ceremony Mathis said the department will operate much as it has under Cooks leadership. Weve got the vision that he and I used, he said. Were going to keep moving forward with this vision. Well look at other things to do to make the community better. Lake Charles, Louisiana (70615) Today Isolated thunderstorms during the morning becoming more widespread this afternoon. High 89F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%.. Tonight Thunderstorms. Low 74F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Lake Charles, Louisiana (70615) Today Scattered thunderstorms during the morning becoming more widespread this afternoon. High 89F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%.. Tonight Scattered thunderstorms early, then mainly cloudy overnight with thunderstorms likely. Low 74F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Due no doubt to a remarkable financial acumen that allowed him to stretch a career government officials salary to astounding lengths, a luxurious retirement on the Delaware shore worthy of any top-tier Goldman Sachs executive beckoned to former vice-president Joe Biden in 2019. But, attractive as it must have seemed, he declined to heed the call. As he saw it, an appointment with destiny awaited him, and it needed to be kept. Polls showed Biden as the only Democrat with a realistic chance of beating Donald Trump, so despite having lost two prior attempts at the nomination, and cognitive decline so apparent his deficiencies were painfully on display even during the most closely controlled of public appearances, he and those advising him viewed 2020 as his moment. But there was a time-bomb quietly ticking away in Bidens GHQ, and how much damage it would do upon detonation largely depended upon the success of this third presidential quest. His media sycophants employed their best suppressive talents to delay the explosion until after his election, but now that Joe has reached the pinnacle of his political career, it appears they can no longer prevent it from finally blowing. Had Biden stayed safely tucked away in Delaware, at worst this scandal would have made for a fairly interesting article in Vanity Fair. But now its a problem that threatens the highest reaches of the U.S. government. As the murky depths of Hunter Bidens bizarrely discarded laptop are finally plumbed and his fathers clear complicity in corrupt dealings becomes more apparent, it will finally dawn on most halfway intelligent people just how badly they were misled and how a little bit of truth parceled out at a few key moments could easily have spared us the unpleasantness that awaits. In the closing weeks of 2019, when the Communist Chinese were still assessing the most expedient means of generously sharing their deadly viral outbreak with the rest of an unsuspecting world, the Democrats were fully immersed in their efforts to plot a coup of similar, if not so lethal, brazenness: impeaching Donald Trump for the very same Ukraine-related offences of which Joe Biden openly and proudly bragged. Even back then, before the existence of Hunters laptop was public knowledge, it was strongly suspected that the Democrats were engaging in one of their familiar pastimes: projecting onto Republicans the wrongdoing they themselves routinely commit. One would almost be tempted to admire them for the unblinking nerve with which they undertake these outrageous gambits, until reminded of the invaluable assistance they receive from the news and social media outlets; aid that minimizes any risk of the political humiliation such shameless mendacity should justly reap. It seems, just when were finally ready to discard those hated masks, they may be necessary once again to help tolerate the stench that will surely emanate from Washington, D.C., as the information on Hunters computer slowly but conclusively reveals that it was his father as vice-president, and not President Donald Trump, who was the fitting subject of an abuse of power inquiry. So how might 2020 have unfolded differently? How might the American people have gone to the November polls armed with the full picture of the man who was supposed to restore honor, calm, and normalcy to the Oval Office? The January Senate impeachment trial of Trump proceeded to its foregone conclusion without a hint of the information contained on that true confession in hard-drive form. I suppose the first mistakes -- if you could accurately call them that -- were made by John Paul Mac Isaac, the nearly blind owner of the Delaware computer repair shop where Hunter reportedly dropped off the water-soaked machine. After viewing the contents, which contained what even to a layman such as he was evidence of criminal behavior, Mr. Mac Isaac naively trusted the FBI and DoJ to handle in a timely fashion the political hand grenade placed in their possession. A fateful mistake. Imagine if Mac Isaac, outraged at what he realized were baseless accusations against President Trump and knowing full well the exculpatory nature of the information in his possession, hadn't waited so long and instead promptly forwarded a copy to Trumps defense team? It is difficult to understand how Attorney General William Barr could sit and watch the Schiff/Nadler clown show play out in the Senate, knowing that his DoJ was in possession of material that proved what an utter sham the whole business was. Despite the criticism levelled at Barr -- some of it deserved -- I dont see him as a Deep State plant intent only on thwarting Trump. Rather, I tend to agree with the view of Andrew McCarthy, who explained many of Barrs difficulties in serving as Trumps AG due to the presidents incendiary language. Without disparaging Barrs integrity or good faith, I do believe that in his intense and justifiable desire to purge the political bias infecting the DoJ since the Obama years, he bent way too far backwards to keep the department sealed off from the 2020 impeachment, and the subsequent election fraud controversy resulting from Democrat rule-changing skullduggery. Another huge mistake, duplicated by the courts. Residing on that hard drive were things the public had a right to know -- and know quickly! To illustrate the point, its necessary to posit the counterfactual: Suppose the laptop that made its way into FBI hands had belonged to one of President Trumps sons and proved that the infamous phone conversation with President Zelensky forming the basis of Trumps impeachment was somehow a corrupt attempt to protect the no-show job and salary of that hypothetical son. In that case, Barrs refusal to hand over to House impeachment managers clearly incriminating evidence against the president would have placed him squarely in John Mitchell territory -- as an obstructer of justice, political hack, and possibly even an eventual target for his own prosecution. So why is withholding exculpatory evidence not judged by the same harsh standard? Im certain Barr and his subordinates were armed with a multitude of DoJ rules, guidelines, and procedures governing the discreet handling of sensitive evidence in an ongoing investigation (if indeed there is one) they could readily cite. But when the chief executive of the land is charged with seriously abusing his powers, is it really more in the interest of justice to keep the information secret merely in pursuit of the dubious goal of obtaining some tax evasion charges against a drug-addled Navy boot-out, wholl probably use his longtime addiction as the key to his defense? Unless the DoJ is developing a serious case of corruption against Joe Biden, and not just his pathetic son -- something I rather doubt under the stewardship of the reliably obedient Merrick Garland -- the American people were ill-served by Barrs reluctance to release the information he held. The country had a right to have confidence in its president fully restored, even if Trumps Senate acquittal was mathematically inevitable. Political damage, not conviction and removal, was the goal of the impeachers; and that was precisely what they achieved by dishonest means, helped along by William Barrs reticence. By keeping the laptop under wraps until the New York Post revealed the contents months later (and much closer to the election) Barr inadvertently condemned the electorate to making its vital choice largely ignorant of the nature of the man ultimately elevated to the presidency and laid the groundwork for a much more earthshaking scandal to come -- one the seemingly all-powerful liberal media, or even the FBI, wont be able to suppress or bury. And it all didnt have to be. Image: Shane McCoy To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here. As the forensic audit in Maricopa County, Arizona, winds down, expectations are rising that the defects of the 2020 election will finally be addressed. A recent poll reports that "more than half" of Republicans expect the audit to bounce President Biden out of office. That's not going to happen. And that's not a bad thing. Fixing the 2020 election requires more than Biden has to offer. Real reform requires going after the people who put Biden in office. If the goal is bouncing Biden, then, as a practical matter, at a certain point, we need to stop litigating the outcome of the 2020 election and focus on winning the 2024 election. That point is the end of next year, and while that seems like a lot of time, it isn't. To understand why, let's start with the Maricopa audit. It can't prove fraud. All it can do is show if the county conducted the election according to legal minimum standards. Given the long list of Election Day "anomalies" and "irregularities," it's an easy bet that the audit will show that Maricopa Country failed to meet those standards. A failed audit is where the fun begins. The Arizona state Legislature will have to conduct multiple investigations. One to decide if negligence or fraud caused the failure. A second investigation to decide how to prevent future failures. Finally, if fraud is proven, multiple criminal investigations, arrests, and trials will have to take place. That's a lot to get done in 18 months, and we still haven't discussed the how the Democrats will try to derail both the audit and investigations. First will come the politics of personal destruction, the Brett Kavanagh, Nick Sandmanstyle attacks intended to discredit the audit by destroying the auditors. As ugly as these attacks are, they're just the opening move, a feint intended to draw attention from the main line of attack. Spearheaded by Republican quislings to give it the facade of bipartisanship, Democrats will focus on obstructing the creation and running of the investigations. The goal is to delay the process until the results no longer matter. It took eight months to get the Maricopa audit up and running. Even if Arizona's 2020 election count is overturned, changing a single state's election results does not remove President Biden from office. Neither does revoking multiple state elections. The time to dispute election results is before the president is sworn into office. There is no precedent or framework for revoking Biden's Electoral College "win." If you're going to bounce Biden, it has to be by court order or impeachment. Neither of these is going to happen. Let's start with the courts. The High Court has an absolute right to refuse any case for any reason. Remember how the Supreme Court, like brave Sir Robin, bravely ran away from Texas v. Pennsylvania? Clearing this hurdle would require Chief Justice John Roberts, a man best known for bravely failing to meet his own low standards of excellence, to man up. Honestly, what are the odds? As for impeachment, multiple states revoking their election results due to systemic fraud would be grounds for impeachment. Just remember, no matter how strong the evidence, you're much more likely to see hell freeze over than see a corrupt Democrat Congress impeach a corrupt Democrat president. If the Republican Party takes control of Congress in 2022, and if Liz Cheney, Mitt Romney, and the other quislings can be kept from sabotaging the impeachment effort, you could have a trial by January 2023. But that's as far as you'll get. It still takes two thirds of the Senate to vote for conviction. A dozen of more Democrat senators would have to put country over party. Honestly, what are the odds? So bouncing Biden before 2024 isn't happening. This may not be a bad thing. Biden isn't the real threat to the Republic. The real threat is the network of local politicians who rig elections, national leaders who pay for the rigging, and the Democrat-controlled media who refuse to report the truth to the American people. Biden doesn't control these people. They control him. Bouncing Biden while leaving the network intact doesn't solve the problem. Dismantling the corrupt network that gave us President Biden is what solves the problem. (Not that we're letting Joe Biden off the hook. A republican Congress can release the contents of Hunter Biden's laptop and take other actions to bring old Joe to justice.) Not focusing electoral reform on Biden frees us from any deadlines. We can push the state-level inspections forward and run a national campaign at the same time. As long as we're willing to push through the obstruction, the truth can will come out. Pennsylvania, one of twenty states to send delegates to observe the Maricopa audit, is moving toward auditing three of its most corrupt counties. Every successful audit, every corrupt local official publicly identified by the post-audit investigations, makes the next audit easier and faster. When the investigations reach a point where the Democrat media can no longer hide the truth, and the public is free to act, we win; they lose. But winning can happen only if we quit trying to fix 2020 and focus on the people caught trying to fix the election. Image: Marc Nozell via Flickr, CC BY 2.0. To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here. Many bewildered parents send perfectly lovely children off to college only to have them return home for the holidays sullen, angry, and disrespectful Marxists. What we now know is Marxist education at college has seeped into grade, middle, and high school -- and it starts with the unions. You know something is wrong when a public-sector union head starts talking about history education in K-12 public schools and threatens legal action against parents who want to know what their childrens schools are teaching. Cultural warriors and Holocaust deniers, Ms. Weingarten says, are preventing teachers from teaching honest history, and some states, mostly Republican, are legislatively banning Critical Race Theory, causing teachers to be bullied and intimidated by parent groups. Critical Race Theory is taught in law schools, Ms. Weingarten goes on to say, and is not being introduced in K-12 public education, but if it has been introduced, it is the honest truth and her teachers union will initiate lawsuits against anyone trying to stop it. Goodness. Here are some actual honest truths: The first is that the American Federation of Teachers is rich with its members mandatory dues; is an arm of the Democratic Party; funds elected officials who do the unions bidding; mandates openings and closings unrelated to science and safety; supports teaching destructive propaganda; and declares war on many parents who send their children to public schools. The pandemic finally allowed parents to see what was going on. Just a few minutes sitting with their child watching the computer screen horrified many who saw that they were sending the children they adore to experimental educational laboratories regarding history and sex. The curriculum in many public schools is so out of control that Senator Rand Paul, of Kentucky, introduced a bill making it easier for parents to pull their children out of public schools immediately. From the resulting outcry, its clear the National Education Association and the American Federation of Teachers, the two huge unions associated with public education, fail to understand that parents, not teachers, are in charge of their childrens education. State governments can compel some years of education but cannot compel children to attend public schools. In Pierce v. Society of Sisters (1925), the Supreme Court said: The fundamental theory of liberty upon which all governments in this Union repose excludes any general power of the State to standardize its children by forcing them to accept instruction from public teachers only. The child is not the mere creature of the State; those who nurture him and direct his destiny have the right, coupled with the high duty, to recognize and prepare him for additional obligations. The second honest truth, then, is that school choice is the right and duty of parents and lawful guardians. Responsible parents want to know what their children are learning and they want that knowledge to be trustworthy and age-appropriate. Responsible parents who go to school board meetings to ask questions should not have to go through extended Freedom of Information Act requests, nor should these same parents fear that they might be arrested for trespassing when a school board chairperson ends a public meeting prematurely. These and other arrogant, over-the-top tactics are meant to say, we are in charge; we will do as we please; your children are not yours. The hubris in all of this is beyond breathtaking. Many parents may be unaware that the Supreme Courts Pierce ruling validates parental control in education. They may also be unaware that the Supreme Court has not deemed public education a fundamental, federal, constitutional right. In San Antonio Independent School District v. Rodriguez (1973), the Court ruled, Education is not among the rights afforded explicit protection under the Federal Constitution. Nor do we find any basis for saying it is implicitly so protected. In other words, childrens public education is a matter for states and for the localities that comprise a state, not for the federal government. Moreover, no state can force parents to send their children to public schools and there subject them to one theory after another of unproven veracity, or a sex education intended to sexualize a young child or any of the other woke agenda items that many public schools are feeding children every day. Parents have every right to see public (or private education for that matter) as a trust but verify proposition. The third honest truth is that American parents expect schools to reflect ageless and enduring values that help a child develop as a person and preserve our nation. If we understand that the social order for children begins in their families and extends to their schools and finally to their country, the transition from home to school should be essentially seamless for very young children and always positive. Enduring values are not found in destructive ideologies thrown around as current thinking or theories one finds in graduate school or law review articles that few take seriously. A theory is a conjecture, a supposition it is not fact. K-12 schools are supposed to teach objective information. In social studies and then civics, schools should teach events that actually occurred and introduce children to important people (some heroes) connected to those events so children understand the social order in which they are to grow and thrive. It must be taught in the affirmative. In each careful stage of childrens education, the context of these events and personalities can invite deeper thinking. America has a unique governing system that requires knowledgeable and virtuous citizen participation to perpetuate. Understanding, from childhood to adulthood, how our constitutional republic has evolved from Greek, Roman, and Judeo-Christian principles and observing how these principles have been applied over time, helps children develop the critical thinking skills so important to citizen-sovereigns. The purpose of this part of a childs learning can never be to destroy a childs respect and love of country. Dr. Carol Swain and the other members of the 1776 Commission have created an appropriate K-12 civics curriculum. It is not, as the New York Times says in pushing its 1619 Project, to Re-frame the countrys history [by placing] black Americans at the center of our national narrative. We do not need to re-imagine or re-frame American history. It would be dishonest to do so. Black Americans are already central to our narrative as is every other precious group that makes up our nation. We do not need required readings in schools that minimize, objectify, or degrade individuals or peoples that make up the American family. Likewise, while health and hygiene are one thing, encouraging a self-diagnosis of sex dysphoria in grade school, or assigning books that suggest such a thing, is quite another. What we do need: moral and model teachers, engaged and curious parents, and fearless and responsible educators whose mission is, in part, to pass on to the next generations of Americans a compendium of the enduring, structuring our way of life. If the AFT and the NEA do not want to be part of this paradigm perhaps they should cease to be part of the picture at all. In any regard, as the Supreme Court tells us, a child is not a mere creature of the state (or of teachers unions). It is up to parents to direct the destiny of their children. M. E. Boyds Apples of Gold Voices From the Past that Speak to Us Now is available at Amazon.com using both the title and subtitle. You may also visit her at www.missconstitution.com. IMAGE: Randy Weinstein Weingarten and her wife, edited in Pixlr. YouTube screen grab. To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here. Today in history, on July 16, 1212, an epic battle between Christians and Muslims took place -- one that the Islamic State still vows vengeance for -- presaging the demise of Islam in Spain, five hundred years after Muhammads followers first invaded and subjugated the European nation beginning in 711. From the start, a small pocket of Christian resistance remained in the northwest of Spain; from this mustard seed the Reconquista -- the Christian reconquest of Spain from Islam -- began. Century after century, the Christians made slow advances south, until they had reclaimed nearly the northern half of Spain. By the early thirteenth century, the Muslims, under Almohad caliph Muhammad al-Nasir, decided enough was enough. They marshalled one of the largest armies ever to march on Spanish soil, intent on extirpating Christianity by fire and sword. In a widely circulated letter attributed to the caliph himself, Muhammad declared that all Christians must submit to our empire and convert to our [sharia] law. Otherwise all those who adore the sign of the cross will feel our scimitars. Alarmed, Pope Innocent III proclaimed a crusade and called on the Christians of Spain to unite and face the coming storm, to fight against the enemies of the cross of the Lord who not only aspire to the destruction of the Spains, but also threatened to vent their rage on Christs faithful in other lands and, if they can -- which God forbid -- oppress the Christian name. Troubadours everywhere sought to rile Christians: Saladin took Jerusalem, they sang in verse, and now the king of Morocco announces that he will fight against all the kings of the Christians with his treacherous Andalusians and Arabs, who in their pride think the world belongs to them. The religious divide was heightened by a racial one: Firm in the faith, let us not abandon our heritage to the black dogs from oversea. On July 14, the Christian and Muslim armies finally reached and camped at Las Navas de Tolosa, where the fate of Spain would be decided. The army Caliph Muhammad headed was a very large, heterogeneous force, made up of Berbers, tough black slave warriors (the imesebelen, who were chained together as an unbreakable guard around the Almohad caliphs tent), Arabs, Turkic mounted archers, Andalusian Muslim levies... mujahidin (volunteer religious fighters -- jihadists -- from all over the Islamic world), and even Christian mercenaries and defectors. The two forces could not have looked any more different: most of the approximately twelve thousand Spaniards were heavily armored; knights carried three-foot-long double-sided swords. In comparison, most of the African Muslims were near naked, their shields made of hippo hides. But their numbers -- thirty thousand -- and unbridled ferocity made up for it. The Christians spent July 15, a Sunday, recuperating and preparing, including spiritually. On their knees, tearful men beat their chests and implored God for strength. Militant clergymen -- all of whom were determined to rip from the hands of the Muslims the land they held to the injury of the Christian name -- roamed the camp, administered the Eucharist, heard the confessions of and exhorted the crusaders to fight with all their might. Then, about midnight, the voice of exultation and confession sounded in the Christian tents and the voice of the herald summoned all to arm themselves for the Lords battle. Looking on the enemy hordes, Alfonso VIII of Castile, the supreme leader of the Christian coalition, became dismal: Archbishop, he addressed Rodrigo of Toledo, here we will die -- though a death in such circumstances is not unworthy. If it please God, Rodrigo responded, let it not be death, but the crown of victory; but if it should please God otherwise, we are all prepared to die together with you. With the crack of dawn, battle commenced on July 16. For long the battle was something of a stalemate: Those lined up in the first ranks discovered that the Moors were ready for battle, writes a contemporary: They attacked, fighting against one another, hand-to-hand, with lances, swords, and battle-axes; there was no room for archers. The Christians pressed on; the Moors repelled them; the crashing and tumult of arms was heard. The battle was joined, but neither side was overcome, although at times they pushed back the enemy, and at other times they were driven back by the enemy. Determined to penetrate the Muslim host, the Christians, Alfonso later wrote, cut down many lines of the enemy who were stationed on the lower eminences. When our men reached the last of their lines, consisting of a huge number of soldiers, among whom was the king of Carthage [Muhammad], there began desperate fighting among the cavalrymen, infantrymen, and archers, our people being in terrible danger and scarcely able to resist any longer. For every Muslim line the Christians broke through, others instantly formed -- so great were the ranks of Islam. At one point certain wretched Christians who were retreating and fleeing cried out that the Christians were overcome. When King Alfonso heard that cry of doom, he and his knights hastened quickly up the hill where the force of the battle was. Then we, Alfonso continues, realizing that the fighting was becoming impossible for them [retreating Spaniards], started a cavalry charge, the cross of the Lord going before [us] and our banner with its image of the holy Virgin and her Son imposed upon our device. They fought valiantly, but the Africans continued to close in on them. Then something of a miracle happened: Since we had already resolved to die for the faith of Christ, as soon as we witnessed... the Saracens attacking the cross and icons with stones and arrows, the furious crusaders broke their line with their vast numbers of men, even though the Saracens resisted bravely in the battle, and stood solidly around their lord. Christians in the rear saw the cross appear as if miraculously and remain aloft behind enemy lines. Inspired beyond hope, the native sons of Spain broke through the Muslim center, slaughtering a great multitude of them with the sword of the cross. Sancho VII, the giant king of Navarre, followed by his men, was first to bulldoze through and rout the African slave soldiers chained around the caliphs tent. Instantly mounting a horse, Caliph Muhammad turned tail and fled. His men were killed and slaughtered in droves, and the site of the camp and the tents of the Moors became the tombs of the fallen In this way the battle of the Lord was triumphantly won, by God alone and through God alone, concluded Alfonso VIII of Castile. Las Navas de Tolosa was seen as a miracle by pope and peasant. Not only was the full might of the hitherto unbeatable caliph decimated; but whereas tens of thousands of Muslims died, only some two thousand Christians -- mostly the warrior-monks of the military orders who were always wherever fighting was thickest -- perished. More importantly, it ushered in the liberation of Spain from Islam, as Muslim kingdoms in southern Spain came to fall one by one to the sword of the Reconquista, so that, by 1248, only the remote kingdom of Granada, at the southernmost tip of Spain remained to Islam -- and it was a tributary of Castile. Indeed, as an indicator of the importance of the Battle of Las Navas de Tolosa, for centuries thereafter, July 16 was celebrated as the Triumph of the Holy Cross in the Spanish calendar (until Second Vatican abolished it) in keeping with the spirit of the new age of forgetfulness. The above account was excerpted from the authors book, Sword and Scimitar: Fourteen Centuries of War between Islam and the West. Raymond Ibrahim is a Shillman Fellow at the David Horowitz Freedom Center; a Judith Rosen Friedman Fellow at the Middle East Forum; and a Distinguished Senior Fellow at the Gatestone Institute. Image: Cantigas de Santa Maria To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here. To the Orwellian agitprop media, some insurrectionists are more equal than other insurrectionists, so don't expect Congresswoman Joyce Beatty or any of her co-conspirators to spend a night in jail, much less face six months in solitary confinement after being arrested for mimicking the activities of many of those arrested on January 6, 2021. In fact, it appears that she was not jailed at all. But the facts are plain: she was an unauthorized intruder on U.S. Senate property, the Hart Office Building, trespassing and attempting to influence Senate functions in order to force a political goal. Of course, the agitprop media don't put it that way. ABC 6: Congresswoman Joyce Beatty, Ohio 3rd, was arrested Thursday by Capitol Police during a Day of Action Voting Rights demonstration on Capitol Hill. "We will not be turned around. We will keep walking. We will fight for freedom. We will fight for our right to vote!" Beatty said on Twitter. Beatty, the chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, was one of nine people who were arrested around 3:30 p.m. Thursday in the atrium of the Hart Senate Office Building. The crowd chanted "fight for justice" as Beatty and the others were taken away by police. U.S. Capitol Police said they were arrested for demonstrating in a prohibited area on Capitol grounds. Police said after officers arrived to the building, they were warned three times to stop. Those who refused to stop were arrested and taken to police headquarters for processing. Beatty's office said the demonstration was peaceful and was meant to raise awareness on the "ongoing attacks in the state legislatures across the country on American's right to vote." Rep. Beatty being zip-tied (YouTube screen grab). While we can expect the comparison to January 6 to be universally ridiculed by Democrats and their media, Rep. Beatty unintentionally conceded the similarity in order to play victim: Seven minutes after walking into a Senate office building, Congresswoman Joyce Beatty and 8 others were arrested while peacefully demonstrating in support of voting rights a stark contrast to the arrests that DIDN'T happen on January 6. "What we see is the disparity of treatment, we see the disparities when it comes to Black Americans and majority Americans," Beatty said. "The responses to the rules of engagement are different." And so are the punishments, unfairly exempting you, Rep. Beatty. Not long ago, Joe Biden's vice president, Kamala Harris, famously was dispatched to Guatemala to tell would-be illegal migrants: "Do not come, do not come." What's Biden doing now? He's telling U.S. Border Patrol agents he's opening the gates for them to come. According to the Washington Free Beacon: The Biden administration is telling immigration agents to prepare to process hundreds of thousands of migrant families and asylum claims as the White House moves to reverse Trump-era border and coronavirus policies, according to internal documents obtained by the Washington Free Beacon. A senior federal official who spoke with the Free Beacon expects Biden to end Title 42a law used by former president Trump's Centers for Disease Control to block migrants from entering the countrysometime this month. As part of the preparation for that policy reversal, senior Department of Homeland Security officials warned staff that they will have to process up to 1,200 family units a day. That number of family units works out to 312,000 a year, assuming the border does not see any future surges. Following their release from custody, those migrants are in effect free to stay, said one DHS official, because many immigrants skip their immigration court hearings sometimes scheduled two years after they are initially detained. In other words, get out the Huggies. The Biden administration is effectively saying Border Patrol agents should get ready to minister to illegal migrants, who will enter in their tens of thousands. Forget about all that fentanyl being smuggled in by cartels from out yonder. Here's the takeaway from a border agent quoted by the Beacon: "All of these people will become permanent residents. There's no political will from the Biden administration to deport families once they're already admitted. The White House knows that," a DHS official said. "The end of Title 42 will result in de facto open borders." Two things make that more shocking than it would ordinarily be. One: Biden's Homeland Security secretary, Alejandro Mayorkas, has stated that authentic Cuban refugees fleeing the dungeons and torture chambers of communist totalitarian Cuba, are not welcome here. According to CBS News: People fleeing Cuba and Haiti by boat will not be allowed to enter the U.S., even if they demonstrate fear of being persecuted or tortured in their home countries, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas warned on Tuesday. "Allow me to be clear: if you take to the sea, you will not come to the United States," Mayorkas said, highlighting the dangers of traversing the Caribbean Sea and the Florida Straits by boat. ...and... Mayorkas said those trying to reach the U.S. by sea will be intercepted by the Coast Guard and immediately returned to their home countries. Even if asylum-seekers manage to get interviews with U.S. officials, Mayorkas added, they will not be permitted to set foot on U.S. soil, regardless of the outcome of their screenings. "If individuals make, establish a well-founded fear of persecution or torture, they are referred to third countries for resettlement," Mayorkas said. "They will not enter the United States." So asylum is open to everyone out there except for people escaping communist Cuba. That sends quite a message about the state of U.S. asylum laws and the Bidenites' idea of having a claimed moral duty to take in people fleeing oppression. Two, the Bidenites elsewhere are sounding the alarm about COVID again, this time in its Delta variant. Biden himself made an alarmist speech about it a week ago and has since dispatched "community organizers" and NGO types to march door-to-door to supposedly persuade Americans to get vaccinated, a government invasion of privacy if there ever was one, except that there's an even worse plan to work with tech giants to police citizens' private SMS messages for "disinformation" about the vaccines that doesn't mesh with its claims about them. What's more, small children are being forced to mask up in filthy masks for the lengths of school days as well as keep three feet apart just to be able to go to school. With the variant a supposed mortal threat to the nation, it rather stinks to see that Biden is cynically opening the border to hundreds of thousands of unvetted illegal migrants, many of whom are prime spreaders of the disease. According to the Beacon: Agents on the southern border noted that the president and the CDC are warning about the COVID-19 Delta variant while the federal government ends critical policies that allowed law enforcement to ensure migrants who carry disease are not allowed entry into the country. That apparently matters nothing to Biden, whose real agenda, not his claimed one, is to dishonestly scrap and nullify U.S. immigration law in the interest of allowing millions of illegals into the country with absolutely no screening whatsoever, just massive needs for services once here, all to ensure that Democrats replenish their ever-diminishing voter base. This kind of cynicism is outrageous, and if this were a sane U.S., it ought to be downright impeachable, given Biden's sworn vow to faithfully uphold the laws of the U.S. He's instead encouraging illegal immigration while his shills say otherwise. Will he be held responsible for it? One can only hope that if Congress won't get him, the voters will. Image: U.S. Customs & Border Protection Service via Flickr, U.S. government work, public domain. To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here. From watching Texas Senate Democrats' reaction to Texas's S.B. 1 (Senate Bill 1), you'd think it's Jim Crow on steroids. As an election integrity measure, it's gotta be pure evil. Election integrity bills like S.B. 1 are so racist that they pose "the greatest threat to the nation since the Civil War," says our president. It must be so Jim Crow that Texas Senate Democrats had no choice but to break quorum and flee maskless on private jets. Any means are necessary to prevent a vote and passage of this legislative monstrosity. Upon arrival in D.C., these racial justice warriors rushed to microphones and began singing, "We Shall Overcome." Our vice president calls them "courageous." Media members echo her and vilify the Texas governor and his party and their voting integrity bill. What exactly will S.B. 1 do (other than re-institute Jim Crow and threaten every racial equality gain since the Civil War)? Let's see. S.B. 1 will: Ban paid ballot-harvesting. Require ID for mail-in ballots and allow voters without driver's licenses to verify ID with the last four digits of their Social Security numbers. Set uniform voting times for early voting while expanding weekend hours. Help increase accountability by allowing watchers to observe election workers. Strengthen the ban on unmonitored mail-in drop boxes and prohibit unsolicited distribution of mail-in ballot applications by public officials. Set uniform procedures for verifying the authenticity of mail-in ballots while allowing voters to correct mistakes. Require those assisting voters to verify their identity and take an oath that they will not try to influence voters. End the temporary emergency measures that were put in place solely because of the pandemic, such as drive-thru voting and 24-hour early voting. Clearly, S.B. 1 is one radically racist election integrity bill. Even though it will apply equally to all Texas voters, regardless of color or creed, it's deeply racist. Requiring IDs and last fours is an assault on voters "of color," particularly black Americans. It's Jim Crow, man. What does this silly battle say about Texas Senate Democrats' assessment of their black constituents? Do they think a significant portion don't have a driver's license? Do they imagine that, left to their own devices, they can't procure a ballot or fill it out correctly or make it to a polling place? Who are the racists here? To thoughtful, fair-minded American voters, there are only two possibilities for why Texas Democrats and Democrats nationwide push the voter-integrity-laws-are-Jim-Crow-racist myth. Either: 1. They hope that by hammering home this profoundly absurd notion through sheer repetition and sing-along theatrics, they can fool voters, which makes them seem deeply dishonest. Or: 2. They actually believe the nonsensical myth (one that most voters don't believe) that voter integrity bills like S.B. 1 are profoundly racist, which makes them seem deeply delusional. Democrat lawmakers in Texas aren't stupid. Nor are they crazy. In fact, they seem strategic and unified. They want to secure power, and the most effective way to do so is by winning elections. Freely and fairly? For a party that seems guided by a movable moral compass, this is a fair question. Meanwhile, Texas governor Greg Abbott threatens to arrest the runaway Democrats the moment they return to Texas and escort them back to the Senate building. If they refuse to do their jobs or run away again, he says he'll just keep calling special sessions even if he has to do so all the way to the 2022 midterms. Apparently, it's unconstitutional and against Texas state law for lawmakers to run away from legislative fights. If their cries of racism are motivated by political strategy, their tactics are unethical and may be criminal. If this is the case, feigning a fight against "Jim Crow" voter suppression by pushing a threadbare false equivalency is Machiavellian propaganda. On the other hand, if Texas Senate Democrats genuinely believe they're doing something courageous and needful, they're flirting with delusion. In any case, comparing Texas S.B. 1 to Jim Crowera laws is about as silly as comparing the January 6 riot to Pearl Harbor and 9/11. Both comparisons are cynical and delusional. They're also slaps in the faces of WWII veterans, firefighters, police officers, early responders, and genuine victims. Texas Democrats: Do better. Patrick graduated from the University of North Texas with a master's in journalism and advertising. His undergraduate degree is in English and photography. He lives in the Sierra Nevada of Northern California. Image via Public Domain Pictures. To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here. Culture is at the heart of any society. The American heart and heartland are under mighty and relentless assault. Here is a prime example: a couple of our cultural elites and leaders in my world, a prominent clergyman and a public schoolteacher, now sign their names with the addendums "he/his/him" and "she/her/hers." These are men and women we used to rely on to lead us in supporting and transmitting American values. No more. They lead the fight to destroy them. It seems on the surface innocuous enough a bit quirky, maybe just a passing fad, but it's not innocuous or passing. It is a basic attack on American civilization part of an intense, wide, cultural war we fight. The stakes are tremendous. This is part of a throwback, relentless attack on Western, Judeo-Christian values even on our view of reality. The name-amenders will argue the "he/his/him" stuff is just part of their Leftist Democrat Weltanschauung of peace, love, and kindness the same kind of love and peace they aim at our culture, history, and founders with things like the vile 1619 Project. It's the love and peace of destroying our liberties like free speech; the hate they show our girls with boys running around their shower rooms; the poison they spread with the racism of "black dorms" and Critical Race Theory. It's the kindness and tolerance they spew by trashing the Western notion of marriage, the nuclear family, defunding our police and military, destroying our borders, the plundering of our kid's futures with mountains of debt, and destroying the greatest wealth production machine in human history: capitalism. These "progressives" attempt to show solidarity with the Marxist lie that America is structured on the notion of oppressed against oppressor. The heterosexual, capitalist, Christian white man with a European heritage is the oppressor. The atheist, trans, beige-colored, socialist bisexual with a great-grandfather from El Salvador is the oppressed. And beneath the lie is the core of darkness that of radical, unabashed Marxism, out to tear apart this country from within and destroy every aspect of Western, American, Judeo-Christian civilization. These American Marxists flat-out reject the biblical City on the Hill the fact that America is structured not on oppressed vs. oppressor, black vs. white, rich vs. poor, gay vs. straight, but on liberty vs tyranny, good vs. bad, virtue vs. non-virtue, character vs. lack of, merit vs. non-merit, God-fearing vs. government-worshiping. So these signature addendums come from the same leftist poison that now gives us a president commanding we alter reality itself by calling women "birthing people" and demanding we fear and focus on 75 million nonexistent white supremacists so they may be rooted out by our now corrupt law enforcement institutions. Image: Ted Eytan. To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here. In Stanley Kubrick's 1964 black comedy Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb, the engine for the plot is Brigadier General Jack D. Ripper, a United States Air Force general, who goes completely off his rocker and launches a nuclear weapon at the Soviet Union. We may have our own, real-life General Ripper in the form of General Mark Milley, a product of the Ivy League and now chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. However, unlike General Ripper, who had the Russkies in his sights, General Milley is pretty sure that you are the enemy. Milley, 63, is not a graduate of America's military academies. Instead, he's an Ivy League product, having attended Princeton and Columbia. Apparently, at least as to Milley, the rot had already started to set in when he attended those institutions. For many of us, Milley entered our consciousness on June 23, when he insisted that West Pointers should study Critical Race Theory and that he, especially, wanted to understand "White rage." At that moment, when he openly embraced CRT, complete with its claims about White supremacy, systemic racism, and White privilege, Milley imposed upon himself an obligation immediately to resign from his position and to insist that someone Black anyone Black take his place. Until Milley walks away from his White privileged position, he's a very dangerous, virtue-signaling windbag. But that's not all Milley is. It's unclear why President Trump, in 2018, nominated Milley to serve as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. It was probably yet another bad piece of advice that Trump, who was wise to how the real world works but utterly naive about Washington, received from those "in the know" who were trying to destroy him. As it turned out, Milley was at the top of the list of those who despised Trump and all 7580 million of his supporters, and desperately wanted to see them destroyed. We know this thanks to a new book, not from The Daily Wire or Breitbart, but from a sympathetic outlet: two Washington Post reporters, Carol Leonnig and Philip Rucker. What you're about to read, which comes from the leftist, anti-American, anti-Trump AFP, is meant to be complimentary about Milley: The Pentagon's top general feared late last year that then-president Donald Trump would suspend the constitution to retain power in a move resembling Adolf Hitler's 1933 Reichstag takeover, according to a new book. Joint Chiefs Chairman Mark Milley saw Trump's refusal to accept defeat to Joe Biden in the November election as a possible sign that he intended to retain power by any means, according to excerpts from the book by Washington Post reporters Carol Leonnig and Philip Rucker that were reported by the Post and CNN Thursday. "This is a Reichstag moment... The gospel of the Fuhrer," Milley told Pentagon aides, the authors report. In 1933 Hitler took advantage of a suspicious fire at the Reichstag, the German parliament, to suspend civil liberties and concentrate authority in his government, setting the stage for the Nazi consolidation of power. When Trump called for a march on Washington by supporters in November, Milley, who had been appointed by Trump, expressed worries that he was deploying "brownshirts in the streets," the book says, referring to Hitler's violent followers. The same article reflects Milley's horror that Trump was claiming election fraud (AFP says "with no evidence," although we have plenty of evidence) and Milley's plan to counter Trump's alleged coup with a coup of his own. "They may try, but they're not going to f------ succeed," Milley told his aides, the book recounts. "You can't do this without the military. You can't do this without the CIA and the FBI. We're the guys with the guns," he said. Again, the AFP thinks this is a good thing. For those of us who believe in the constitutional chain of command, which makes Milley subordinate to the president, it's horrifying to read about his megalomaniacal view of his power and his deep hatred for half of America the half, moreover, that has always supported the military and that was the backbone of American values until around 2012. Tucker Carlson, as always, sums things up well, so I'll leave the last word to him: Tucker: Why is Mark Milley still in command of US military? | https://t.co/HlHxYluOMD Bookwormroom (@Bookwormroom) July 16, 2021 Image: Mark Milley testifies about CRT. YouTube screen grab. To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here. Joe Biden's claims of Jim Crow 2.0 cannot withstand a calm, rational, reasoned, and logical examination of the 2020 election's voting demographics. It's more of the same from the Democrats, using their same old tried-and-true playbook, and it doesn't add up. There are two rules of thumb to keep in mind when engaging in a discussion with liberals or leftists: They will heavily defend their high-value assets. When they believe you are a threat to one of their high-value assets, they will attack you personally. When they do attack, expect liberals and leftists to use their most favored and trusted weapons: Claims that their opponents are racist. Claims that their opponents are committing (or want to commit) egregious injuries against good, decent, and hardworking Americans. Claims that the issue at hand is an emergency; an existential threat; the worst we have ever seen. In his speech on Tuesday, 13 July in Philadelphia, Joe Biden made claims that the voting integrity bills that Republican-led legislatures are passing in states across the country are a rebirth of yesterday's Jim Crow laws and that the people's right to vote, and to have their votes counted, is under assault. If we ask a few simple, honest questions about his claims and the Democrat party's claims, they just don't add up. First, let's look at who voted and how. I searched the terms "Trump votes 2016 vs. 2020," and "2020 election demographics" to gather the information in this post. No matter the source liberal-leaning, Democrat party-favoring corporate media to conservative, Republican Partyfavoring media it was widely claimed and reported that 1) President Trump earned more votes in 2020 than in 2016; 2) that President Trump earned more votes among minorities in 2020 than in 2016; and 3) that the last time a Republican candidate earned such a high share of non-white votes was 60 years ago, when Richard Nixon received 32% of minority votes. An increasing share of the minority voters upon whom the Democrat party has historically relied did not vote for the Democrat candidate in either 2016 or 2020. So here is a simple, honest question: with Trump having made such advantageous gains among minority voters, why would these Republican state legislators want to make it harder for minorities to vote? There are also simple, honest answers: they don't, and they haven't. In much the same manner, we need to consider the fact that every time Trump or another Republican gives a speech or holds a press conference, Biden, the mainstream media, and other Democrats breathlessly report it as an example of racists assaulting the nation. These claims don't add up. All a discerning, intelligent American voter must do is critically examine Democrat claims and ask a simple, honest question: "Why?" The inconvenient truth for the Democrat party is that those states with Republican legislatures that are amending their voting laws have closely examined the Democrat party's questionable actions (to be generous and collegial) in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic to work around, outright ignore, and effectively subvert the Constitution and the normal voting process in the 2020 election. Those states now tidying up their voting laws are acting in a manner fully in keeping with their constitutional authority and with their states' laws. There is no voter suppression and no assault on voting rights. All elected Democrats consider the tactics used in the 2020 election to be their "high-value asset." Therefore, they will attack Republican efforts to reinforce voting integrity and preserve all voters' rights to make sure those voters are not disenfranchised by another's illegal vote. The Democrats' tactics are predictable: claims of racism, vote suppression, and every means necessary to incite an uproar over the existential threat. The difference is that, this year, they're worse than we've ever seen, and the White House is fanning the flames. The Democrat party intends never to lose another election, and those Republicans and conservatives demanding honest elections are a threat to this goal. Not only we, but the Constitution itself (which they detest but are claiming to defend) is under attack. The simple, honest truth is that the real "big lie" (a fascist phrase Biden used) is everything the Democrats say and do. With their "For the People Act," one must wonder if the Democrats' ultimate desire is to truly earn our votes ever again, or do they prefer to placate the masses and have us go through the motions toward a predetermined result so they can claim we are participating in their idea of "democracy." Image: Joe Biden accuses Republicans of Jim Crow 2.0. YouTube screen grab. To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here. It's starting to look bad for Tracy Stone-Manning, Joe Biden's nominee to run the Bureau of Land Management. The latest news is that she lied to Congress about her involvement in eco-terrorism; an Earth First! tree-spiking incident in Idaho's Clearwater National Forest in 1989. At the time, she wrote a profane threatening letter to "warn" loggers about the spikes and then told Congress she knew nothing about the whole thing and was merely an innocent college kid forced to do it to try to make sure nobody was "getting hurt." It didn't happen that way, according to various sources. Normally, a person with any such involvement, lying or not, would be exceptionally unfit to run the Bureau of Land Management, which oversees 245 to 247 million acres of public land, and has 9,000 employees. Putting her in charge of it would be like putting an embezzler in charge of the Federal Reserve. Yet incredibly, Joe Biden continues to stand by her, even as one bad thing after another about her activity now rolls out. The Biden administration said Thursday it "stands by Tracy's statements and written submissions." The White House also said it stands by her nomination, calling her a "dedicated public servant" who is "exceptionally qualified to be the next director of the Bureau of Land Management." A retired investigator in the incident, Michael Merkley of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Forest Service, reported that she blocked the investigation itself and testified only in exchange for immunity. Merkley wrote that Stone-Manning was among "the nastiest of the suspects" involved in the investigation and "vulgar, antagonistic, and extremely anti-government." She was not only a member of Earth First!, but also part of the Earth First! hierarchy "and wielded significant influence among its members." That's very different from what she told Congress earlier, which was that she was this innocent college student who was beset by this scary man who spiked trees who made her write her filthy-mouthed threat letter, which she did, but only to keep people from "getting hurt," being a humanitarian and all. "I was concerned that if I did not mail the letter, he would not, and I wanted to make sure that someone was aware of it so that no one would get hurt," she said in her reply to the committee. "I recall being disturbed with the whole situation and frightened of (Blount); I wanted nothing to do with it and did not want anyone to get hurt." Somehow, she never did what normal people do, which is call the cops. It gets worse. The eco-terrorist dirtbag she sent to jail with her testimony-in-exchange-for-immunity said she was in on the whole thing, too. According to Breitbart News: John P. Blount, who spiked trees in Idaho's Clearwater National Forest in 1989 and was later sentenced to 17 months in prison for it, said Stone-Manning was complicit in his act of ecoterrorism, E&E News reported Thursday. "She knew about it far in advance, a couple of months before we headed out," Blount said, according to the outlet. Stone-Manning belonged to the environmental extremist group Earth First! members of which committed acts of ecoterrorism during the 1980s and 1990s while she was a graduate student at the University of Montana in Missoula. And it gets worse still. Wall Street Journal columnist Kimberly Strassel did some digging and, in a July 8 column, found even more deception: Public documents obtained by the Journal tell the real story. According to that 1993 court transcript, Ms. Stone-Manning arrived in Missoula in 1988 and immediately moved into a house occupied by Earth First! members. This was the height of the wilderness wars, and Earth First! had by the mid-1980s defined itself as the tip of the fanatical spear. Its modus operandi was violence and terror, or what it called "monkeywrenching"spectacular arsons, equipment destruction, and most notably the deadly practice of tree spiking. She acknowledged in testimony that she helped edit an Earth First! newsletter. One 1989 edition highlighted an article entitled "Who Are the Real Terrorists?" It praises "the fine art of tree spiking." In testimony, Ms. Stone-Manning described the men who were ultimately convicted of spiking as co-inhabitants of her house as well as "friends." All of these testimonies from very diverse sources somehow come to the same conclusion that she was in deep and got away with what she did by playing innocent and calling herself a hero. What exactly is the tree-spiking she was involved with? According to a 1990 column by Jack Anderson and Dale Van Natta, this was the kind of thing she was involved with back in those palmy days of the Spotted Owl: George Alexander, a third-generation mill worker, was just starting his shift at the Louisiana-Pacific lumber mill in Cloverdale, Calif., when the log that would alter his life rolled down his conveyor belt toward a high-speed saw he was working on. It was May 1987, and Alexander was 23. His job was to split logs. He was nearly three feet away when the log hit his saw and the saw exploded. One half of the blade stuck in the log. The other half hit Alexander in the head, tearing through his safety helmet and face shield. His face was slashed from eye to chin. His teeth were smashed and his jaw was cut in half. Who was advocating this vileness? Earth First! "The purpose of tree spiking is not to hurt anybody; it's to keep trees from being cut," said Dave Foreman, co-founder of Earth First, the most radical arm of the environmental movement. He didn't care if it did, though. He published a book, "Ecodefense: A Field Guide to Monkeywrenching," and it is an underground best seller. He borrowed the term "monkeywrenching" from the late Edward Abbey, whose book, "The Monkey Wrench Gang," romanticized environmental sabotage. Foreman's book includes diagrams for tree spiking and instructions on how to cut down power lines, flatten tires, burn machinery, jam locks and set stink bombs. "This is where the ecoteur can have fun," Foreman wrote. And sure enough, Stone-Manning was in the "hierarchy" of that vile organization, one of the ringleaders. She has yet to renounce its activities, let alone her involvement, and she has yet to tell the truth about what she was up to, blocking an investigation for years until someone else started ratting out the network and she found herself on the hot seat, same as a Mafia lowlife looking for a plea deal to escape justice. Someone like this could easily turn America's forest land into an Antifa playground in the name of eco-justice, protecting her pals from real justice, for one. More to the point, she's a liar, so anything that goes on at BLM on her watch from corruption, to eco-mismanagement, to putting environmental terrorists into key spots in government will be something she's very likely to cover for. She's already demonstrating that she can't be trusted. This is one of the most unfit people ever nominated by the Biden administration, the equivalent of putting an Antifa member in charge of the Department of Justice. She's still got street cred among the environmental radicals for sure, and she belongs nowhere near a federal land management agency. If Congress doesn't scrap her nomination, she will be a disaster. Image: Wikipedia, logo, public domain. Some Chinese mills are seeking alternative scrap import suppliers due to expensive offers for Japanese heavy scrap (HS), sources said on Friday July 16. Bids were heard at $535 per tonne cfr northern China on July 16, which would be equivalent to $525 per tonne cfr eastern China, and no new offers were heard on July 16. Prior to that, the latest to come in was on July 14 at $580-590 per tonne cfr China. But some mill sources have recently received offers of Canadian scrap cargoes, they told Fastmarkets. The quality of the material is similar to the current grade of heavy scrap we have been using, which is acceptable to us, a mill source based in Hebei province said. Once we further confirm their scrap quality, it is highly likely we will book a trial cargo. The source was not willing to disclose the exact offer level for the Canadian scrap cargo but described it as a very favorable price. Japan has been Chinas most important scrap importer since China officially eased restrictions on scrap imports in January 2021. China imported 111,432 tonnes of ferrous scrap in May 2021, 71.2% of which originated in Japan. Steel scrap negotiations between Chinese buyers and Japanese sellers have been limited in recent weeks, however, due to large discrepancies between bids and offers. [There are a] very limited number of offers from Japan to China right now, a Japanese exporter source said. The Chinese buyers were showing little interest in booking cargoes from Japan, so many sellers stopped offering as well. Key market participants had believed that the maximum workable prices for buyers on July 16 would be about $540-550 per tonne cfr northern China, which would be roughly equivalent to $530-540 per tonne cfr eastern China. Fastmarkets daily price assessment for steel scrap, heavy recycled steel materials, cfr China, which takes into account prices at ports in eastern China, was $530-540 per tonne on Friday, unchanged from a day earlier. Taiwanese buyers have continued to pressure prices lower, securing containerized HMS 1&2 (80:20) materials from the United States' West Coast at $460 per tonne cfr Taiwan most recently. Taiwanese market sources continue to harbor bearish sentiments due to the lack of demand from other Asian countries. Additionally, the Vietnamese scrap import market remains in a state of almost "total shutdown" due to the worsening Covid-19 pandemic, a source in the country said. This has led to lockdowns and business closures in key commercial hubs, such as Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. Offers of bulk H2 cargoes were at $490-505 per tonne cfr Vietnam, while bulk HMS 1&2 (80:20) from Australia and the US were at $510-520 per tonne cfr Vietnam. There was low interest for imported cargoes. Decarbonization complicates an already complex marketplace. Our latest analysis, The true price of green steel, takes a deep dive into the ripple effects that overhauling the markets will have on the steelmaking process and supply base. Atotech in Trebur (bei Frankfurt am Main) stellt ein: Aufgaben Tatigkeitsbeschreibung In Ihrer Rolle als Application Engineer (m/w/d) sind Sie verantwortlich fur die Erprobung und Qualifizierung von neuen Produkten sowie das Erstellen von qualitativ hochwertigen Musterbearbeitungen fur unsere Kunden. Musterbearbeitung von internen und externen Kunden aus den Regionen inkl. Dokumentation Pflege und Instandhaltung von Geratschaften und Anlagen im Einsatzbereich Global Product Team Corrosion Resistant Coatings im Techcenter, Erarbeitung von Pruf- und Wartungsplanen Optimierung und Modifikation bestehender Systeme Erarbeitung und Dokumentation von Prozessparametern in Bezug auf Anlagentechnik und Produkte Erstellung von Trainings- und ggf. Anlagendokumentationen Einhaltung der Qualitatspolitik und -standards sowie aller Sicherheitsvorschriften Unterstutzung der Funktion Entwicklung, insbesondere beim up scale von Entwicklungsprodukten, in Langzeitversuchen und bei der Optimierung der Verfahrens- und Prozessparameter Inbetriebnahme von Neuanlagen sowie Durchfuhrung von Schulungen beim Kunden Enge Zusammenarbeit mit dem regionalen technischen Auendienst und dem Kundenservice sowie Trouble Shooting Anforderungen Fachliche bzw. personliche Voraussetzungen Ausbildung zum Chemielaboranten, Chemiekanten, Oberflachenbeschichter (m/w/d) oder eine vergleichbare Qualifikation Kenntnisse im Bereich Prozesstechnik und Application, idealerweise Korrosionsschutz, sind wunschenswert Gute Englischkenntnisse in Wort und Schrift, sehr gute EDV-Kenntnisse Ausgepragte Kommunikations- und Kooperationsfahigkeit, professionelles Auftreten sowie ein praziser Arbeitsstil Bereitschaft zu Dienstreisen ins In- und Ausland Was erwartet Sie bei Atotech? Vergutung Attraktive Vergutung im Rahmen des Tarifs fur die chemische Industrie + 13. Monatsgehalt + Urlaubsgeld + leistungsabhangiger Bonus Arbeitszeit Sie profitieren von einer flexiblen Arbeitszeitgestaltung in Gleitzeit, 30 Tage Jahresurlaub, Sonderurlaubstage und Flextage (Arbeitszeitausgleich). Mobiles Arbeiten ist nach Absprache moglich. Weiterentwicklung Bleiben Sie am Ball mit umfangreichem Onboarding, aktives Probezeit-Management mit regelmaigen Touchpoints, intensives Monitoring und diversen Karrierechancen im gesamten Unternehmen Allgemeine Vorteile Kostenlose Parkplatze, vielfaltiges Gesundheitsangebot, diverse Versicherungsangebote (bAV, BUV etc.) und viele exklusive Partnerangebote gehoren dazu Unternehmen Atotech (NYSE: ATC) ist ein fuhrendes Technologieunternehmen im Bereich der Spezialchemie und ein Marktfuhrer auf dem Gebiet der anspruchsvollen Losungen zur Oberflachenveredelung. Mit seinem integrierten System- und Losungsansatz bietet das Unternehmen Chemie, Anlagen, Software und Service fur innovative Technologieanwendungen. Atotechs Losungen werden in zahlreichen Endmarkten eingesetzt, darunter Smartphones und andere Verbraucherelektronik, Kommunikationsinfrastruktur und Computing, sowie in weiteren Industrie- und Verbraucheranwendungen, u.a. in den Bereichen Automobil, Schwermaschinen und Haushaltsgerate. Atotech mit Sitz in Berlin beschaftigt 4.000 Fachkrafte in uber 40 Landern und erwirtschaftet einen Jahresumsatz von 1,2 Milliarden US-Dollar (2020). Das Unternehmen betreibt Produktionsstandorte in Europa, Nord- und Sudamerika sowie Asien. Mit seiner Innovationskraft und der globalen TechCenter-Prasenz bietet Atotech seinen uber 9.000 Kunden weltweit bahnbrechende Produkte in Kombination mit beispiellosem Kundendienst direkt vor Ort. (Image source from: News18.com) 38,949 New Cases of Coronavirus reported in India:- A total number of 38,949 new cases of coronavirus are reported in the country in the last 24 hours. The total tally of coronavirus cases in India are now at 3,10,26,829. 40,026 people recovered from coronavirus in the last 24 hours and the total number of recoveries reached 3,01,83,876. The death toll saw a decline and 542 people passed away yesterday in India. The total death tally now reached 4,12,531 and there are 4,30,422 active cases of coronavirus in India. The total number of Indians who took the vaccination dose for coronavirus are said to be 39,53,43,767 and 38,78,078 got the vaccination shot in the last 24 hours. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) announced that the third wave of coronavirus will hit the nation in the last week of August. They warned the people to follow all the social distancing guidelines. Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with the Chief Ministers of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Odisha, Maharashtra, Kerala and he urged them to take proactive measures so that the country can battle hard against the third wave of coronavirus. The Supreme Court today asked the government of Uttar Pradesh to reconsider their decision about the Kanwar yatra. As per the reports from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the total samples that are collected on July 15th are 19,55,910 and the total samples that are tested in India in total are said to be 44,00,23,239. 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* (ANSA) - ROME, JUL 16 - Four people have been arrested in Peru in relation to the murder in April of Nadia De Munari, a 50-year-old Italian lay missionary, sources said Friday. The woman from the town of Schio, near Vicenza, died of her injuries on April 24 after being attacked on the night between April 20 and 21. The sources said two of the arrested people came from within the community De Munari worked for and the other two lived nearby. Rome prosecutors have opened an investigation into the case. (ANSA). ISTANBUL - A vessel with the Turkish Coast Guard allegedly shot warning shots at a ship of the Cypriot Coast Guard in waters off the port of Kato Pyrgos Tylliria, on the island's northwest, said Cyprus Mail. It said the episode took place at 3:30 am on Thursday during a routine naval patrol, as part of controls by Turkey against undocumented migration. According to a local police reconstruction, a three-seater boat of the Nicosia maritime police spotted the Ankara vessel 11 nautical miles off the coast, then trying to shelter in port it was followed by the Turkish Coast Guard, which allegedly fired four warning shots. The foreign minister of Nicosia was informed of the episode, local police said. Ankara authorities have not commented on the episode. The president of the local Cypriot community, Nikos Kleanthous, cited by Cyprus Mail, said the "serious provocation by a Turkish coastguard is part of the protection provided to the traffickers of illegal immigrants", and defined as "incomprehensible" the fact that there is a scarcity of vessels available to patrol the area, where only one small coast guard boat is operative. "For the moment we don't have details on the situation and we cannot comment on what took place, but, from a general point of view, we can say that every act of violence by anyone in the Mediterranean is deplorable," said a spokesperson with the EU External Action Service, in response to a question from journalists. "There is the strategic interest of having peaceful conditions in the Mediterranean and having relations that everyone can benefit from with Turkey". Boris Johnson has appointed a university friend to an independent sleaze watchdog that advises him on ethics in public life. The Government insists that the Prime Ministers decision to give Ewen Fergusson a seat on the Committee on Standards in Public Life was an open and fair competition. According to multiple reports, the pair know each other from their days at Oxford University, where both belonged to the Bullingdon Club, a notorious elite dining society of which former prime minister David Cameron was also a member at the same time. But Labour has criticised the appointment of the City lawyer, citing it as an example of Conservative cronyism. Mr Fergusson has spent most of his career at international law firm Herbert Smith Freehills and is a non-magistrate member of the Lord Chancellors advisory committee for south-east England, according to his official Government biography. He features in a famous 1987 picture of Bullingdon Club members wearing contrasting black and white three-piece suits and bow ties while at university, with Mr Johnson in the front row and Mr Cameron stood towards the back. The appointment by the Prime Minister, made on Thursday, will see his former university colleague take up one of the four independent posts, along with Oxford politics academic Professor Gillian Peele, on the committee currently chaired by Lord Evans, the former head of MI5. Mr Fergusson and Prof Peeles five-year terms start next month and they will be able to claim 240 for each day they work on committee business and for expenses incurred. Deputy Labour leader Angela Rayner has called for all correspondence with No 10 relating to Mr Fergussons appointment to the advisory committee to be published. David Cameron and Boris Johnson were Bullingdon members at the same time (PA) This is more of the same Conservative cronyism. This Prime Minister does not even care to hide it, said the shadow chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster. The Government must publish all the correspondence between the Cabinet Office, the panel and Downing Street relating to this appointment. If it does not, it will confirm the suspicion that they think there is one rule for them and another for everyone else. Labour would clean up politics, starting with a single ethics and integrity commission with the power to oversee and enforce anti-corruption and ethics laws and regulations. A Cabinet Office spokesman said: Mr Fergusson applied through open and fair competition, following the Governance Code for Public Appointments. His application was carefully considered on its merits by the Advisory Assessment Panel, which interviewed him and found that he was appointable. Downing Street has said it is highly unlikely that the NHS Covid app is leading to large numbers of people being pinged through the walls of their home. A report in the Telegraph said neighbours have been told to self-isolate because the contact tracing app has registered them as a close contact with a positive coronavirus case next door, despite not coming into face-to-face contact. But No 10 said the apps signal is unlikely to be strong enough to make such connections. The app sent 530,126 alerts in England and Wales during the first week of July, and industries are complaining of workforce shortages due to the number of people being told to quarantine. While it is only guidance, users who receive an alert to self-isolate by the NHS app are recommended to follow the advice to prevent spreading the virus. Asked about the possibility of neighbours being pinged through shared walls, a spokesman for the Prime Minister said: Were confident that that is not contributing to large numbers of individuals being asked to self-isolate. The app uses low-energy Bluetooth and its signal strength is significantly reduced through things like brick walls, so therefore it is highly unlikely that through brick walls would lead to an alert. No 10 said it would keep under review the sensitivity of the app but said the technology is doing what it is designed to do in alerting people to positive cases. It is designed to detect people youve been in close proximity to, it is designed to flag to you if they have received a positive test result, said the spokesman for Boris Johnson. Thats what it is designed to do, and thats what it is doing. (PA Graphics) With Covid cases soaring in the UK, with almost 50,000 cases being recorded daily, Downing Street said more people are expected to be asked to self-isolate. The Prime Minister has spoken about the fact that we are seeing case numbers increase, and obviously as a result you would expect to see the numbers of people being notified to self-isolate increase also, said Mr Johnsons spokesman. He said the Government would not speculate on whether it had predictions for how many people could be asked to quarantine at the peak of the current wave of infections. The Forever Purge creator James DeMonaco has spoken of how discord during Donald Trumps time in the White House informed the narrative of the film. The screenwriter, director and producer, who has written all five films in the dystopian horror series, said recent unrest in America had seeped into his work. The latest instalment in the Purge series sees the 12-hour purge, during which all crime including murder is temporarily legal, extended indefinitely by a group of insurrectionists. To view this content, you'll need to update your privacy settings. Please click here to do so. DeMonaco told the PA news agency it was inevitable that real-life events would influence his work. He added: I always say this, first and foremost Im trying to create just really horrifying horror films a great dystopian horror action thriller that can play to a wide audience. But the purge is a political theme. Its a socio-political theme. So the world at large, especially the American political landscape, inevitably seeps into everything I write and is unavoidable. The first part was written under the Obama administration. The new Purges have been written under the Trump administration. So all the discord that came up over the last couple of years specifically really came to the forefront, definitely informed this piece from beginning to end. DeMonaco said the decision to evolve the film from a 12-hour purge, like its predecessors, to a forever purge was initially made to develop the narrative. However, he suggested it ended up serving a metaphorical purpose. I had the idea we just continue the virus of violence and pent up anger, he said. We cant contain it any more, once you introduce it as a conceit into the body politic. What it now has become a reflection of is something else in the citizenry where there is a lot of anger. Referring to the Capitol insurrection of January 6, he added: Theres many different parts of society that are feeling fed up and it boiled over and as we saw on January 6, people are not feeling served by their government. And that anger I cant say that I intended the conceit to mirror the body politic at this present time. I wrote this two years ago, but it is really strange how its paralleling it. The Forever Purge is released in cinemas on July 16. The chief of Northern Irelands Human Rights Commission has said that UK Government proposals to ban prosecutions for Troubles offences raises profound issues about the veracity of the rule of law. The Government this week set out a package of measures to deal with legacy in Northern Ireland, including a statute of limitations on prosecutions and an end to civil actions and inquests. The proposals have been criticised by all Stormonts Executive parties, as well as the Irish Government and victims groups. Chief commissioner Les Allamby said: These proposals appear to disregard the requirements for an effective investigation under Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights. The decision to halt existing inquests and other civil actions also raises profound issues about the veracity of the rule of law. The Human Rights Commission has long advised that any legislation introduced by the UK Government regarding the investigation of violations and abuses of the right to life or freedom from torture, inhuman or degrading treatment that occurred during the conflict must not amount to a de facto amnesty. This includes any proposed introduction of a statute of limitations or other undue or insurmountable barriers to the prospect of prosecutions. Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights includes a requirement to ensure investigations which are thorough and secure meaningful accountability. He continued: We will scrutinise the proposals in full and will continue to advise the UK Government of its obligations to all the victims of the conflict and their families. We want to ensure that legislation, and any resulting mechanisms to deal with addressing the past in Northern Ireland are fully compliant with domestic human rights law and international human rights standards. Kenny Donaldson said there was universal opposition from victims to the Government legacy proposals (Liam McBurney/PA) Meanwhile, the spokesman for a victims organisation said there was universal opposition from within the sector to the Government proposals. Kenny Donaldson, from Innocent Victims United, was speaking after he met DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, part of a series of engagements the group has had with politicians over legacy. He said: Last Friday we met with the Secretary of State (Brandon Lewis) for over an hour and made it very clear to him that whatever has happened over the last quarter of a century in subverting the criminal justice system, there still exists the opportunity for justice for many people. Is this a negotiating position from the Government or is this their bottom line as a fair accompli? Time will tell over the coming days but there is obviously universal opposition to these proposals from within the victims and survivors community. On the face of it, publicly, there is opposition from the larger five political parties and also the Irish Government appear not to be happy. SDLP leader Colum Eastwood said he has received death threats after naming Soldier F in the House of Commons. The Foyle MP used parliamentary privilege to name the former British soldier accused of murdering two men during Bloody Sunday on Tuesday. The veteran cannot be named for legal reasons. Parliamentary privilege enables MPs to say whatever they wish in the House of Commons without fear of being sued for defamation. On Wednesday, the Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle said Mr Eastwood had broken no rules because his comments were made during consideration of legislation and therefore the sub judice rule did not apply. Sub judice, when in operation, aims to prevent MPs or Lords from referring to a current or impending court case to avoid possibly influencing the legal outcome of the case. On Friday, Mr Eastwood revealed he has received death threats online and via email. It is not nice, particularly when you have a family, he told the BBC. I did what I thought was right on behalf of the Bloody Sunday families. Those people have faced a whole lot worse than death threats. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has confirmed it is looking into the threats. A spokesman said: Police received a complaint that threatening and offensive comments had been made online yesterday, Thursday 15 July. Police enquiries are ongoing into this matter. Soldier F has been facing charges of murdering James Wray and William McKinney on Bloody Sunday in Londonderry in January 30 1972, when troops opened fire on civil rights demonstrators in the citys Bogside, killing 13 people. A legal challenge to the decision to withdraw proceedings against Soldier F is ongoing. 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 Marysville, CA (95901) Today A few clouds from time to time. High near 100F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight A mostly clear sky. Low 64F. Winds SSE at 10 to 15 mph. Online Access for Print Subscribers. Do you have a print subscription with the Argus-Press? If yes, then click here to enjoy complimentary access to our Online Content! We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Submit The warships are expected to visit the South China Sea region as part of the tour The British high commission in India said the carrier strike group (CSG) 2021, led by HMS Queen Elizabeth, has sailed into the Indian Ocean Region after transiting the Suez Canal. (AFP Photo) New Delhi: The UK's largest warship HMS Queen Elizabeth and its strike task group has sailed into the Indian Ocean and will carry out a mega wargame with the Indian Navy as the aircraft carrier began a 40-nation tour aimed at demonstrating Britain's commitment for an open and inclusive Indo-Pacific. UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said the deployment of the carrier strike group marks the start of "a new era of defence cooperation with allies in India and the Indo-Pacific." Indian military officials said a series of complex drills will be carried out as part of the wargame that is expected to take place around July 26. It is HMS Queen Elizabeth's first operational deployment. The warship has a fleet of F35B stealth fighter jets onboard and is accompanied by six Royal Navy ships, a submarine and 14 naval helicopters. The warships are expected to visit the South China Sea region as part of the tour. "By visiting 40 countries and working alongside our partners, the UK is standing up for democratic values, seizing new trading opportunities and tackling the shared threats we face together," Foreign Secretary Raab said. The British high commission in India said the carrier strike group (CSG) 2021, led by HMS Queen Elizabeth, has sailed into the Indian Ocean Region after transiting the Suez Canal. "Following a series of successful engagements and operations in the Mediterranean it is now sailing east across the Indian Ocean towards India. It will then meet with ships from the Indian Navy to conduct routine maritime exercises," the high commission said in a statement. It said the deployment represents the UK's commitment to deepening diplomatic, economic and security ties with India and in the Indo-Pacific region. "It demonstrates both the UK's support for the freedom of passage through vital trading routes and for a free, open and inclusive order in the Indo-Pacific," it added. UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said that described the deployment of the CSG as a "major moment" for the UK's defence. "The group is sailing the Indian Ocean and will shortly conduct exercises with the Indian Navy, building on our already strong partnership with an important ally and friend," he said. "The deployment illustrates the UK's enduring commitment to global defence and security, strengthening our existing alliances and forging new partnerships with like-minded countries as we face up to the challenges of the 21st century," Wallace was quoted as saying in the statement. British High Commissioner to India, Alex Ellis, said the deployment of the carrier strike group is a powerful demonstration of the UK's commitment to the security of India and the Indo-Pacific. "Its arrival follows the UK's first International Liaison Officer joining the Indian Navy's Information Fusion Centre-Indian Ocean Region in Gurugram," he said. "Today marks another step towards delivering the ambition set out jointly by our prime ministers in the 2030 Roadmap, bringing our countries, economies and people closer together," Ellis said. Last month, the UK posted a liaison officer at the Indian Navy's Information Fusion Centre (IFC) that has emerged as a key hub in tracking movements of ships and other developments in the Indian Ocean region. The UK joined a select group of countries such as the US, Australia, Japan and France to depute officials at the Gurgaon-based facility. The Indian Navy established the IFC-IOR in 2018 to effectively keep track of the shipping traffic as well as other critical developments in the region under a collaborative framework with like-minded countries. The offence was registered at D N Nagar police station in Andheri (West) The complaint was registered on the basis of the complaint lodged by the 30-year-old woman. (Photo: Twitter/@itsBhushanKumar) Mumbai: Mumbai police have registered a case against T-Series company's managing director Bhushan Kumar, son of music baron late Gulshan Kumar, for allegedly raping a woman on the promise of providing a job to her, an official said on Friday. The offence was registered at D N Nagar police station in Andheri (West) on the basis of the complaint lodged by the 30-year-old woman, he said. However, the police did not give details about when the alleged crime took place. As per the complaint, Bhushan Kumar allegedly raped the woman on the pretext of providing a job to her in some projects of his own company, the official said. The woman said she was cheated by him and hence she approached the police, he added. According to him, Kumar has been booked under IPC sections 376 (rape), 420 (cheating), 506 (criminal intimidation), T-Series is a music record label and film production company founded by Gulshan Kumar, also known as the 'Cassette king', who was shot dead in 1997 in Andheri. The standoff between Indian and Chinese troops at Hot Springs, Gogra Post and the Depsang Plains is still continuing New Delhi: Chinas Peoples Liberation Army is building permanent structures at a number of points at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh, Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim as it seems to be intending to put its troops in the forward areas for much longer period. These permanent structures will help the Chinese to consolidate their positions at the LAC and also help them to push their troops to forward areas at a much faster pace. A new Chinese camp is seen to be coming up a few kilometres inside Chinese territory opposite the Naku La area in northern Sikkim. This camp is just a short distance away from where the Indian and Chinese soldiers had clashed last year. Similar permanent structures have also come up at many forward positions in Ladakh where the PLA soldiers are already deployed. These will help Chinese soldiers to remain in these forward positions even during the harsh winter. The road infrastructure on the Chinese side is already well maintained. Following increased activity by the Chinese PLA in the eastern Ladakh sector this time, India has rushed additional troops to the area. Sources said nearly 20 companies (or 2,000 personnel) of the ITBP have been sent to eastern Ladakh to assist the already sizeable presence of armed forces there while more have been kept on standby. The Indian Army deployed over 50,000 soldiers in Ladakh to counter any threat from the Chinese Army. Tension at the LAC has been going on between Indian and Chinese forces in the Ladakh sector since last year. Security sources said they were closely monitoring the situation in eastern Ladakh and have already sent ITBP reinforcements. In addition, ITBP formations in Chandigarh, Himachal Pradesh and even Leh have been kept on standby. A detailed security review of the prevailing situation was being done on a regular basis at the highest governmental level. The sources claimed at present adequate security personnel were deployed in eastern Ladakh to deal with the situation and the activities of the Chinese PLA were being kept under constant check. As of now the situation is well under control though Chinese forces did try to advance into Indian territory. We rushed more reinforcements, but our security situation is being handled well by the commanders. Both the ITBP and the Army are coordinating their efforts well, a senior home ministry official remarked. The standoff between Indian and Chinese troops at Hot Springs, Gogra Post and the Depsang Plains is still continuing. Earlier this week, some Chinese nationals had protested against Indian villagers celebrating the birthday of the Dalai Lama at Demchok in Ladakh by displaying banners from across the Indus. In February this year, India and China had reached an agreement to disengage from the north and south banks of Pangong Tso to the pre-standoff positions. After both sides disengaged in Pangong Tso, further negotiations collapsed. China has so far shown no interest to further de-escalate the situation in other friction points, especially in the Depsang Plains, where it is blocking Indian troops from patrolling. San Angelo, TX (76909) Today Sunshine and clouds mixed. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 92F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight A few clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 69F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Support local journalism Now, more than ever, the world needs trustworthy reportingbut good journalism isnt free. Please support us by making a contribution. Athens, TX (75751) Today Thunderstorms likely. Rainfall will be locally heavy at times. High around 85F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 80%. Rainfall may reach one inch.. Tonight Thunderstorms likely this evening. Then a chance of scattered thunderstorms overnight. Low 71F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 60%. Share This: On July 14, a deserving Cleveland, OH, veteran experienced a life-changing event---the presentation of a vehicle to provide him independence and the ability to work---thanks to the National Auto Body Council (NABC) Recycled Rides program, along with car donors GEICO and Gerber Collision. The presentation was held in conjunction with BodyShop Business magazine, a Babcox Media publication, headquartered in nearby Akron. The presentation was held at the Public Square, Quicken Loans Stage, in downtown Cleveland. Some 75 leaders in the collision repair industry, who were attending Collision Week, gathered for the event. Several NABC members and supporters who are headquartered in Cleveland participated in the event, including Saint-Gobain and Genesis Rescue Systems. Cleveland Mayor Frank G. Jackson issued a proclamation recognizing the contributions of the NABC to the community. To date, NABC Recycled Rides has presented more than 30 vehicles to Cleveland residents in need. The American Legion Post 572 Color Guard from Parma, OH, presented the colors and U.S. Navy veteran Michele Wisniewski sang the National Anthem. The recipient, Victor Schwartz, received a 2017 Honda Civic donated by GEICO and refurbished by Gerber Collision & Glass of Westerville, OH. Schwartz served as a corporal in the U.S. Marine Corps, and today works as a security guard. His current vehicle is beyond affordable repair, so the gift of reliable transportation will allow him to get to work and doctors appointments. This is amazing. I cant say enough, this is more than I expected, said Schwartz. Its an honor for me to meet so many great people through this process. What you all do is greatly appreciated by me and other veterans. This will allow me to... ICE As is the case with many popular or spectacular new introductions, the Aston Martin Valhalla presentation hasnt been left unnoticed by the pixel masters of the automotive world. Case in point, Russia-based Aksyonov Nikita, who seems to enjoy the digital play on British supercars. So, his latest Behance work now also includes a CGI Valhalla Speedster, probably to bode well alongside his previous work on the virtual McLaren Artura Spider This quick render does not showcase the unofficial 2022 Aston Martin Valhalla Speedster from all angles, unfortunately. But even though it lacks the crucial rear-end perspective, its still quite enough to make up our opinion. We know were a tad biased towards all things open-top, especially considering the summer heat, but we really feel this sensational hybrid supercar would also look great with its top-down.That way it would be even easier for the driver and passenger to enjoy some spirited driving with the wind in the hair. Also, it would arguably become easier to hear the mid-mounted twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine (that has AMG GT Black Series DNA written all over it, even though Aston doesnt make any mentions of that) roar its 740 hp away as a possible swan song for thesupercar era.As for us, we really wouldnt mind the whisper of the two e-motors either, considering thats the proper way to unleash the full 937-horsepower stable that would bring the coupe Valhalla to 217 mph / 350 kph. Or you could also drive sustainable for just 15 km (nine miles) in eerie silence at up to 80 mph / 130 kph... You'd have to blame the 18.6-year Moon wobble for the floods. The phenomenon was first discovered in 1728, so it's not something new. However, according to a recent analysis from NASA's Sea Level Change Science Team at the University of Hawaii, the wobble's impacts on the Moon's gravitational pull (which has a major influence on the Earth's tides) will combine with the increasing sea levels caused by global warming.When they say that the stars align, it's usually a good sign, but when the Moon and Earth align with each other in specific ways, the gravitational pull that affects the oceans may lead to floods that occur every day or two."If it floods 10 or 15 times a month, a business can't keep operating with its parking lot under water. People lose their jobs because they can't get to work. Seeping cesspools become a public health issue.", explains Phil Thompson, an assistant professor at the University of Hawaii and the lead author of the new study.Currently, the Moon is in the stage of its cycle that amplifies the tides. However, sea levels along most U.S. coastlines have not risen to the point where, even with this lunar wobble, high tides regularly exceed flooding limits.This will be a different story the next time the Moon wobble comes around to amplify tides again, which will be around the mid-2030s. Together with rising global sea levels, flooding will increase dramatically throughout all U.S. coastlines, as well as in Hawaii and Guam. Because of long-term geological processes, only the far northern coastlines, including Alaska's, will be spared for another decade.In response to the alarming rising number of floods (which in 2019 rose to a record-setting 0.34 m (1.1 ft) compared to 1920 levels), NASA has created a "sea level portal," a high-tide flood tool that keeps track of sea level change and its causes from space. Having introduced us to a barn packed with pre-war Fords , Ryan of Iowa Classic Cars just went for a stroll through a huge car graveyard filled with iconic Detroit-made vehicles from the past. Sadly, most of them are beyond salvageable, but the place looks like an open-air car museum that stretches over at least 50 decades.It's doesn't matter if you're a Ford, a GM, or a Mopar guy. This field brings together vehicles from all Detroit-based brands. It's a mix of everything from 1930s Fords and 1950s land yachts to 1960s muscle cars and 1970s Malaise-era lemons.It takes a keen eye to spot the automotive gems hidden among hundreds of common American classics, but Ryan does his best to point them out. There's a Chevy Rally Nova early into the walkaround, while a 1960 Ford Fairlane rests its funky and almost horizontal rear fins nearby.A fan of the Volkswagen Beetle? You'll see at least a couple of them too. Or maybe you prefer the AMC Gremlin, America's take on the compact car. If you're more into muscle cars, there's a Ford Ranchero with a Ram Air induction hood waiting to be saved, while a Pontiac Grand Prix is hoping to get a new engine soon. I haven't spotted any rare Chevy Nomads in there, but there's a two-door Ford Ranch Wagon as a nice alternative.There's a Mercury Colony Park , the company's long-forgotten station wagon, hidden in there as well. I haven't seen one of these grocery-getters in one piece in ages, so this yard find serves as a reminder that they still exist.But things become even more interesting toward the end of the video, as Ryan gets to an area packed with old Chevrolet trucks, including a sexy Task Force, and a few cab-over haulers. There's even a rare Diamond T semi with a Cummins in there too. These are really hard to find. Ford pickups start popping up at the 13-minute mark, along with a Plymouth roadster from the 1920s.But my favorite car in this video is the Plymouth Savoy . It emerges around the 14-minute mark and you can't miss it due to its massive rear fins. Although the Savoy became a fleet vehicle in the late 1950s, they're difficult to find nowadays and most of them require a lot of work.So, what's your favorite field find here? Anything you'd take home and restore? Let me know in the comments. On July 16, 2021 (thats today), Mayer has a new studio album coming out. Its called Sob Rock and the name should probably give you a clue of the kind of music you should expect from it. In case it doesnt, let Mayer himself do it: hes offering a sample of it in a new Instagram teaser.The music is accompanied by cheesy visuals of him getting into his Porsche the 991.1 GT3 introduced at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show, by the looks of it popping in a cassette and driving off into the sunset. If you dont know what a cassette is and how its used to play music, youre not in the target demo for the album, either way. To complete the cheesy visual and the cliche of the rebel guy who drowns his sorrows away to the sound of the roaring engine, barely covered by the sound of sob rock music, shots of Mayer at the wheel were obviously shot against a green screen.That the video is cheesy is not a dig at Mayer or his car of choice a most impressive machine, with 469 hp, an acceleration time of 3.5 seconds, and a top speed of 325 kph / 202 mph. Its most certainly on purpose and very on brand for a guy who is the first to not take himself seriously.Its also on brand for him as a car enthusiast with a certain tough guy / mans man persona. Its Mayers personal magic touch, samples of which he also brought to the campaign for the 2020 Land Rover Defender 110 , which he was the face of.So, let Mayer show you how a mans man deals with whatever ails his manly heart Watching these out-of-the-box projects is quite inspiring. Because they make you realize the fun there is to be had in building something unique, crazy, and potentially inexpensive. Because even if you buy a rare muscle car, there are still going to be a lot more people out there that own something similar. But if you decide to go shopping on your custom-built, scooter-powered jet ski, it seems highly unlikely that you'll bump into someone else with a similar ride.Sure, there is the penalty of attracting a lot of attention, but if it is attention that you're seeking in the first place, then you can just sit back and enjoy the ride. The guys over at Bikes and Beards, a brand established in Pennsylvania , came up with this insane contraption, and I would certainly take it out for a ride if I was given the opportunity. The first step was to get a Bombardier Seadoo, which looks like an older model.The easiest way of converting this to have it street-legal was to get a scooter. That allows for easier integration with the hull of the jet ski. A 250cc Honda Helix was brought in for the job, but after dismantling part of the jet ski , the team realized that they might need a bit more grunt for the job. Because this is not going to have scooter weight figures at the end of the day.So a larger displacement, 600cc Honda Silverwing was brought in, and this way they should have enough power to cruise around town and even on the highway. It took them 5 days to build this Honda-powered jet ski, and I must say that the whole process looks fairly accessible to anyone with access to basic skills and tools. Taking to the streets, it looks like everything is working just fine, but I'm not sure how much they can lean on it without scraping the sides and potentially falling off.The team performed all sorts of tests with their creation, including going to the drive-thru, visiting a company that's into the boat business, delivering food with it, and also a bit of highway cruising. With its 600cc Honda engine, this thing was capable of reaching speeds of 75 mph (120 kph), and according to the builders, it could have gone faster than that still.In an attempt to find out how heavy it is, they took it to a scale. The result was about 800 lbs (362 kg), but the measurement was performed with the rider still on it, so it may be slightly lighter. To put things into perspective, that's about as much as Honda Goldwing.A 2021 Yamaha R1 only weighs in at 448 lbs (203.2 kg), so you can imagine that this isn't going to win any races anytime soon. It doesn't take long for the police to intervene and pull the rider over. But all efforts were made to ensure that this is a street-legal vehicle. And at the end of the day, no tickets were issued. kW kWh EV The brand announced we would see its concept version at the IAA Mobility 2021, which people will soon start calling the Munich Motor Show because it replaces the Frankfurt Motor Show. Codenamed HX11, the compact crossover is being developed over the SEA platform from Geely.Although it will be perfect for urban environments with around 4 meters in length, the smart electric crossover will have some premium features such as about 184(247 hp) and a battery pack of about 70. That is supposed to give it a range of 500 km, according to LArgus It will also present an 800V system, which implies speedy charging times. However, after BYD decided the Dolphin would also offer that kind of voltage for only $15,500, we cannot say that this is premium anymore: it seems 800V will become the new standard, making all vehicles with lower voltages turn obsolete.For the record, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and the Kia EV6 already offer this system for more affordable prices than the Porsche Taycan , the firstto reach the market with that capability.The new electric crossover will be made in China and will be sold there in the first place. According to the rumors, It should reach Europe in 2023, but we would rather believe it will arrive as a 2023 model year until the end of 2022 in that continent. It is doubtful that it will ever be sold in the US at this point.First of all, Geely and Daimler want to prove that the brand has what it takes to stay alive after the German brand almost killed it. If it does and the electric crossover proves to be popular, we may see another offensive toward the American market. AVAS SUV EV Nissans 2021 100% electric LEAF model is available in Europe starting now, which also marks the debut of its tailored-made Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (), called Canto. This is due to the recent European regulations effective from July 1st 2021, stating that all new electric vehicles in the EU must emit certain sounds when circulating at speeds below 12.4 mph (20 kph), for safety reasons.Nissan started developing its acoustic system back in 2017, under the lead of Marco Fioravanti, Regional Vice President, Product Planning at Nissan AMIEO. According to him, these types of sounds will soon become a common thing, as EVs are taking over. You wouldnt want a silentor heavy-truck creeping up on you, and thats exactly what these sound systems are for: to make all road users aware of incoming EVs.A lot of work went behind Canto. Developed by sound designers and engineers at Nissan Japan, it isnt a monotone sound, but capable of variations in tone and pitch, to signal whether the vehicle is accelerating, decelerating, or reversing.When travelling at speeds of up to 30 kph (18.6 mph), the alerting system is automatically activated. The objective was to make it easy to hear and distinguishable, without startling pedestrians and cyclists. Whether Nissan succeeded in doing that or not, you be the judge.Another interesting fact about Canto is that, after being developed in Japan, is was optimized for the European customer, and adapted to the specifics of the cities and streets in this part of the world.Whats certain is that the all-new Nissan LEAF now has a voice, besides its other safety and connectivity smart features. Available now, LEAF MY21 is part of Nissans ambitious carbon neutrality strategy, including EV36Zero, its flagshipHub in Sunderland, UK. Me getting some incredible news this morning around 11:30am Massive thank you to PC Edy and the Met!!!! ? pic.twitter.com/z7Xebyiecm Giles Coren (@gilescoren) July 16, 2021 The tracking company know where it is - its still pinging a signal - but wont tell me in case I put myself in danger. And the police wont go and look for it because they consider the case closed!!! What do I do???? Does it just sit by the side of the road and ROT??? Giles Coren (@gilescoren) July 15, 2021 I mean, fine, theyve got more important things to do. But why half an hour of questions when I could have been out looking for my own damned car because I actually want to get it back. Like I did last time. https://t.co/gb8uv4oWHc Giles Coren (@gilescoren) July 15, 2021 You dont have to be familiar with Giles Coren or his work (hes a celebrated journalist, food writer, TV and radio presenter, and hes incredibly funny on social media) for this story to be interesting. Its like every car owners worst dream come to life; its also like his most beautiful dream, when hes finally reunited with the stolen vehicle. This time, the latter part is yet to happen.Coren first made headlines in April, when his electric kitty got pinched from outside his London home. Thieves didnt even bother to disable tracking on the relatively-new Jaguar I-Pace , so he could see where it was as he was talking to the police on the phone and he was being told they could do nothing about it, because they had bigger crimes to solve. In the end, he drove to the place himself and practically stole back his own vehicle.In the time thats passed, Coren installed a new tracking system at Jaguars suggestion (3,000 / $4,140) and got to enjoy his car for a while longer. Yesterday, he found it had been stolen again and, in another fit of rage, he offered a million pounds to whoever found it. Coren obviously doesnt have this kind of money, or hed buy himself another kitty, so he did what he did the first time around as well.He called the police and filed a report, and was informed (in less than an hour) that his case was closed due to lack of information. This, despite the fact that the police knew the cars location, having been in contact with the tracking company. Neither the coppers nor the company would give Coren that info, lest he endangered himself again by retrieving it Not wanting to leave his Jaguar to ROT (in all-caps), the journo mounted his bike and, at his last update as of the time of writing, was pedaling to the location. Hed obtained the location from a policeman, after some persuading, but he didnt say what hed do once he got there. Hes yet to say if he found it or whether he received it, so take that, Hollywood!is how you do a proper cliffhanger!Hoping Coren is ok, well update this story when we know more.They found the car. Police picked up the search again, after closing the case, and located the I-Pace. The Reaper (named Predator B when it is equipped with weapons) is classified as a Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA). While it can already operate autonomously up in the air, the new ATCL capability also allows it to take-off and land on its own. Initially, pilots had to electronically designate reference points after the MQ-9 arrived at the airfield of operation and taxied down the runway.Using the new technology, the U.S. Air Force demonstrated that a specialized infrastructure is no longer needed. The 556th Test and Evaluation Squadron recently proved that by landing an MQ-9 equipped with ATLC at Creech Air Force Base (AFB) while under satellite control from Nellis AFB crews.The team put the new tech to the test on two different days. On the first day, the Reaper taxied to the runway and took off from the Creech AFB in Nevada, 55.6 miles (89 km) away from the crew that was controlling it.It flew to the Cannon AFB, New Mexico, where it landed, taxied, then took off again before returning to the Creech AFB, all while being under satellite control. In this case, the pilots used imagery in the cockpit to construct the automatic landing system's reference points.On the second day, the crew flew the Reaper to Holloman AFB in New Mexico, where they demonstrated the ATLC capability once more. This test made use of the targeting pod to survey the runway and provide the ATLC system with the data necessary to fly an airport traffic pattern.This new feature tested by the Air Force is crucial in enabling the MQ-9 agile combat employment. Together with the drones' next software upgrade and delivery of the portable aircraft control station, it will transform how it is used in theaters across the world. Palmdale, CA (93550) Today Sunny with gusty winds developing this afternoon. High 99F. SW winds at 5 to 10 mph, increasing to 20 to 30 mph.. Tonight Clear skies. Low 73F. SW winds at 15 to 25 mph, decreasing to 5 to 10 mph. The campaign committee for Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) has enlisted a crew of prominent Trumpworld figures as he seeks re-election amid scandal and possible legal jeopardy, records reviewed by Axios show. Why it matters: For a Republican in a party still dominated by the former president, little conduct could surpass fealty to Donald Trump in the minds of GOP voters. Newly released financial records show Gaetz, a steadfast ally of the former president, is leaning into that reputation amid scrutiny of his personal life. What's new: The Gaetz campaign committee's second-quarter filing with the Federal Election Commission shows sizable payments to a number of Trumpworld luminaries. Former Trump campaign adviser and surrogate Harlan Hill is by far Gaetz's largest vendor. His firm, the Logan Circle Group, was paid about $737,000 in Q2, itemized as "advertising" and "strategic campaign consulting." Gaetz's third-largest vendor was a consulting firm affiliated with Kash Patel, a former Trump Pentagon aide. The campaign's $120,000 in fundraising consulting payments to the firm, Trishul LLC, listed a D.C. address owned by Patel. That's not all. Gaetz's campaign has paid $20,000 this year to a Florida consulting firm called Drake Ventures LLC, which is run by Trump operative Roger Stone. The Justice Department recently accused Stone and his wife of using the company as a vehicle to evade taxes. The campaign also paid a little over $6,000 to a security company called Viking Executive Protection. It's the Florida division of the Colorado Security Agency, which ran security at Trump campaign rallies. CSA's vice president of business development is the former security supervisor at Trumps D.C. hotel. What they're saying: Asked about Stone's and Patel's work for the campaign, Hill sent a statement he requested be printed in full. "Four months into a fake scandal cooked up by a corporate media who should be and will be apologizing for their conduct towards Rep Gaetz, they are now reporting on financial expenses incurred as a result of their own smear campaigns. If we were them, wed be worried about our own financial liabilities having repeatedly libelled (sic) and lied. The big picture: Gaetz has employed that roster of Trump-adjacent companies and individuals while seeking re-election amid scrutiny of his ties to an admitted child sex trafficker. Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has launched an Iran policy review to be concluded before his first meeting with President Biden, which is likely to take place in late July, Israeli officials tell me. Why it matters: Bennett is in the process of shifting Israeli foreign policy on several fronts, with a particular focus on the Iran file. While Bennett and his predecessor Benjamin Netanyahu are both Iran hawks, Bennett is considering taking Israeli policy in a new direction. The primary debate is whether Israel is genuinely better off in the current scenario with no deal and with Iran accelerating its nuclear program than with both the U.S. and Iran returning to compliance with the 2015 deal, an Israeli official tells Axios: There are several questions in the discussions is the current treading water better or worse than a U.S. return to the deal, if and how Israel can influence the Biden administration, and what the current situation means for developing an Israeli military option." Driving the news: Bennett has already convened several meetings on Iran ahead of a wide-ranging policy review that includes the nuclear issue but also Israeli policy toward Irans regional behavior, Israeli officials say. Bennett's immediate priority was to get up to speed on the latest intelligence and developments, including on the technical aspects of the Iranian nuclear program, in order to be fully informed when discussing Iran with other world leaders, especially Biden. On Sunday, Bennett convened the first policy meeting on the Iran nuclear deal with Foreign Minister Yair Lapid, Defense Minister Benny Gantz and the heads of the security and intelligence services. Several additional meetings will take place in order to complete the review before the meeting with Biden. One change is already clear: Bennett wants to avoid a public clash with the Biden administration. Bennett believes the daylight between Netanyahu and Biden on Iran projected Israeli strategic weakness in the region and didnt serve any reasonable purpose, an Israeli official says. The big picture: The new Israeli government has already made several other initial foreign policy shifts. Bennett has been working to repair relations with Jordan, which were deeply damaged during the Netanyahu era, including by quickly approving a deal to provide Jordan with additional water. Bennett moved to block the transfer of cash from Qatar to Hamas after the latest fighting in the Gaza Strip and is insisting it be transferred via the UN, through banks or directly to people in need. The Gulf country has provided hundreds of millions of dollars since 2018 in an attempt to stabilize Gaza. Bennett quickly approved a vaccine deal with the Palestinian Authority that Netanyahu had held up for months. He was disappointed when the deal collapsed, Israeli officials say, because he'd seen a positive first step in relations. The PA called off the vaccine deal after determining the doses were too close to their expiration date. The latest: Bennett told a bipartisan delegation from the House Foreign Affairs Committee on Wednesday that a U.S. return to the 2015 nuclear deal would be a mistake and stressed Israel won't allow Iran to obtain a nuclear weapon. In any case Israel will know how to defend itself by itself," Bennett said. Whats next: Lapid will travel to Brussels next week, where EU foreign ministers will be gathering for a monthly meeting. His message will be that Israel wants to strengthen relations with the EU after years of tensions with Netanyahu. Four other local government officials were arrested earlier this month on different charges condemned by the bloc as politically motivated. The latest detainees run the Syunik communities comprising the towns of Goris and Sisian and surrounding villages. Goriss Arush Arushanian, was remanded in pre-trial custody after being charged with trying to buy votes ahead of the June 20 parliamentary elections. The Special Investigative Service (SIS) claims that Arushanian ordered the head of a village close to Goris to provide financial aid to local residents who will promise to vote for Hayastan. It says that the village chief, Lusine Avetian, refused to do that. Avetian herself was arrested about two weeks ago for allocating such aid from the community budget to several villagers in May. The SIS says that the cash handouts ranging from 100,000 drams to 220,000 drams ($200-$440) per person were vote bribes. Arushanian strongly denied the accusations when he spoke to journalists before a Yerevan court allowed investigators to arrest him. He said the poverty benefits approved by the local council were allocated on a regular basis and had nothing to do with the elections. The law stipulates that every year sums equivalent to 5 percent of our budget must be provided to socially vulnerable families, said Arushanian. According to Arushanians lawyer, Armen Melkonian, the charges brought against his client are based on Avetians contradictory testimony. Melkonian said he will challenge the Goris mayors pre-trial detention in Armenias Court of Appeals. The head of the Sisian community, Artur Sargsian, was detained overnight by another law-enforcement agency. The Investigative Committee charged him with abuse of power and forgery of official documents. One of the two other arrested Syunik mayors, Manvel Paramazian, ran the town of Kajaran, while the other, Mkhitar Zakarian, headed a larger community comprising the towns of Meghri and Agarak and nearby villages. Like Arushanian and Sargsian, they are senior members of Hayastan. The bloc led by former President Robert Kocharian finished second in the snap elections won by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinians party. It has condemned the arrests, saying that the Armenian authorities are trying to suppress the countrys leading opposition force. The arrested mayors were already charged with other crimes this winter. They were among the heads of more than a dozen Syunik communities who issued in December statements condemning Pashinians handling of the autumn war with Azerbaijan and demanding his resignation. Some of them encouraged supporters to disrupt Pashinians December visit to Syunik. The prime minister faced angry protests when he finally toured Goris, Agarak, Meghri and the provincial capital Kapan in May. During the election campaign Pashinian vowed to wage political vendettas against local government officials supporting the opposition. Colonel-General Sergei Istrakov, the deputy chief of the Russian militarys General Staff, and high-ranking Russian officers accompanying him arrived in Yerevan earlier this week for further staff negotiations between the armed forces of the two states. Istrakov held separate talks with Defense Minister Vagharshak Harutiunian and his Armenian opposite number, Lieutenant-General Artak Davtian, on Tuesday and Wednesday respectively. According to the Armenian Defense Ministry, he discussed with Davtian the agenda of the negotiations. The two generals also mapped out the scale and directions of the upcoming work, the ministry said in a statement. A Russian military delegation headed by Istrakov already held weeklong staff negotiations with the Armenian armys top brass in January. Harutiunian said afterwards the talks were aimed at assisting us in the reform and modernization of Armenias armed forces. A very serious emphasis was put on the military-technical component of the matter, the minister told the RIA Novosti news agency, referring to arms acquisitions. The Armenian government announced plans to further deepen Russian-Armenian military ties shortly after the six-week war in Nagorno-Karabakh stopped by a Russian-brokered ceasefire last November. Moscow has since deployed troops in Armenias Syunik province bordering districts southwest of Karabakh retaken by Azerbaijan during and after the hostilities. Yerevan requested additional Russian troop deployments along Armenias border with Azerbaijan after Azerbaijani forces reportedly crossed several sections of the frontier and advanced a few kilometers into Syunik and another Armenian province, Gegharkunik, in May. Pashinians press office said that the prime minister and Istrakov discussed, among other things, the situation on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border. It gave no details. A statement by the office said they also talked about regional security and the agenda of Russian-Armenian military cooperation praised by Pashinian. PHOENIX (3TV/CBS 5) - The story is the same at most Arizona hospitals and doctor's offices. New patients diagnosed with COVID-19 appear to have one thing in common. "It's almost strictly the people who are unvaccinated are the patients we are seeing in the emergency department," said Dr. Quinn Snyder. "We don't see the patients who are vaccinated in the ER at this point. We see them for other reasons, just not for COVID." COVID-19 cases are on the rise in Arizona, according to statistics from the Arizona Department of Health Services. On Wednesday, 1,945 new cases were reported, with 21 new deaths. It's the highest number since April. Health officials attribute the spike to a reporting issue that carried over cases from a few days ago, but other stats show a disturbing trend. In May, Arizona's positivity rate was around 5%. It jumped to 6% during the last week in June. So far this month, it's up over 9%. Dr. Ross Goldberg, with Valleywise Health, is the former president of the Arizona Medical Association. He said the main reason we're seeing more COVID-19 cases is the high number of people still unvaccinated. So far, roughly 50% of Arizonans have received at least one vaccine dose. It means, half the population is at risk and vulnerable to the even more contagious Delta variant, according to Goldberg. "That's what it's doing. It's finding hosts that are not vaccinated and don't have immunity and spreading," said Goldberg. "It's jumping from person to person because it can. The way to really stop it from doing that is to have some sort of immunity to block it from multiplying." Maricopa County urges vaccination, warns Delta variant spreading quickly The Delta variant now makes up 19% of cases sequenced in the county. "That's either a vaccine, which I advocate for, or getting it, which is not really the way you want to get immunity with all the issues that come along with COVID," said Goldberg. 'A specific fetish for forcing himself upon women': Prosecutors lay out expansive account of the case against Paul Flores Are the COVID surge and Delta variant putting Californias reopening at risk? What we know With new mask rules, LA County is asking the vaccinated to help the unvaccinated The outlook for Kern County's top crop has taken a turn for the better as a surge in exports sidelines worries about a possible oversupply. Robert Morris (1823-1882) has long been known as the second African-American lawyer in the United States. His deep involvement and leadership in African-American civil rights in the 1840s and 1850s, however, has been underestimated. This exhibit reveals Morriss essential role in the Massachusetts antislavery and civil rights efforts. This exhibit features books from Morriss personal library, generously loaned by the John J. Burns Library at Boston College. Along with a sampling of his papers from the Boston Athenaeum, these volumes help us see the many dimensions of Robert Morris--his ardent abolitionism, his leadership in the fight against segregated schools and militias, his devotion to his wife, his struggles with his faith, and his relationship with a young Boston College. The exhibit was curated by Laurel Davis, Curator of Rare Books, and Mary Sarah Bilder, Founders Professor of Law. It will remain on view into July 2017. Please come in and take a look! The exhibit catalog is also available to download. For more, see the curators' article "The Library of Robert Morris, Antebellum Civil Rights Lawyer & Activist," Law Library Journal 111, no. 4 (2019): 461-508. Bluefield, WV (24701) Today Cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy this afternoon. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 78F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Mostly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 61F. Winds light and variable. Bluefield, WV (24701) Today A mix of clouds and sun. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 78F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Mostly cloudy skies. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 62F. Winds light and variable. Jim McReynolds has been named the 2021 Ralph W. Steen Memorial East Texan of the Year. After graduating from Thomas Jefferson High School in Port Arthur, McReynolds received his Bachelors Degree in English from Abilene Christian University, a Masters Degree in history from Lamar University and his docterate in history from Texas Tech University. He also served honorably in the United States Marine Corps Reserve, attaining the rank of sergeant. McReynolds is also recognized as a board member of the Samaritan Counseling Center of East Texas, co-founder and board member of East Texas Community Health Services and a founder of Project Belize, a non-profit organization which supplied doctors and support staff to Central America to promote improvement of primary health care. In 1981 he started his own oil and gas company, Chaparral Energy. McReynolds served as a state representative for 14 years, representing the citizens of Angelina, Houston, San Augustine, San Jacinto and Trinity counties. Jim McReynolds is currently serving on the boards of Burke and the Family Crisis Center of East Texas. The Ralph W. Steen Memorial East Texan of the Year Award is name after the former president of Stephen F. Austin State University. The Better Business Bureau Serving Southeast Texas and the BBB Consumer Education Foundation (CEF) announced that the success of the Torch Awards in June have allowed the sponsorship of two more scholarchips. Grant Boudreaux, of Bridge City High School, and Hannah Peacock, of Newton High School, were able to join the 2021 list of four students that were already announced as recepiants. In the first year, BBB Southeast Texas awarded six individual $2500 scholarships. However, with the lack of live fundraising events in 2020 only 2 scholarships were provided. The honorees were selected by a team of independent judges representing an eight and a half county region. The designees will receive a one-time, $2500 scholarship payable to the college or university they will be attending in fall of 2021. Boudreaux will be attending Baylor University in the fall and is interested in pursuing a degree in business, medicine or law. Peacock will be attending Stephen F. Austin University in Nacogdoches for her first year while pursuing her Bachelors Degree in nursing. The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) has awarded the Port of Port Arthur the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for its 2020 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR). The report has been judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program, which includes demonstrating a constructive "spirit of full disclosure" to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the report. The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting. "The recognition is important, reflecting the dedication and professionalism of our port team. My sincere compliments to our Accounting Finance team members. This award is but one measure of our commitment to our community for continued transparency, professional management and a standard of excellence," Port Director and CEO Larry Kelley said in a statement. Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) advances excellence in government finance by providing best practices, professional development, resources and practical research for more than 21,000 members and the communities they serve. jacob.dick@beaumontenterprise.com twitter.com/jd_journalism LOS ANGELES (AP) For crimes he called vicious and frightening, a judge on Friday gave a death sentence to a man prosecutors called The Boy Next Door Killer for the home-invasion murders of two women and the attempted murder of a third. Victims' family members wept as Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Larry P. Fidler handed down the sentence to 45-year-old Michael Thomas Gargiulo. Everywhere that Mr. Gargiulo went, death and destruction followed him, Fidler said at the all-day hearing. Gargiulo's case received added attention because one of his victims was about to go on a date with actor Ashton Kutcher, who testified at the trial. The sentencing, delayed by procedural issues and the pandemic, came nearly two years after a jury convicted Gargiulo and recommended his execution. Gargiulo was found guilty of the 2001 murder of Ashley Ellerin, a 22-year-old fashion design student, in her Hollywood home as she prepared to go out with Kutcher. At the trial, Kutcher said that he was late to pick up Ellerin, who did not answer her door. He looked inside to see blood stains that he thought were spilled wine. Prosecutors used him in their closing arguments, suggesting Ellerin was killed by another man who was jealous of Kutcher. Ellerin was found with 47 stab wounds. Her father, Michael Ellerin, who had been visiting his daughter from Northern California hours before she was killed, was one of several victims relatives who spoke at the hearing of their suffering as they waited years for justice. He said he was tempted to imitate his wife Cynthias mournful scream and primal wailing after finding out that Ashley had been murdered. It marked the beginning of an altered, diminished, heartbreaking life, he said. Gargiulo was also convicted of the murder of 32-year-old Maria Bruno, a mother of four, in her home in El Monte, east of Los Angeles, in 2005. Bruno's breasts were cut off and her implants were removed. And he was found guilty of the attempted murder in 2008 of Michelle Murphy, who fought him off in her Santa Monica apartment, forcing him to flee and leave a trail of blood that also led to his eventual arrests for the other two killings. Murphy was the key witness at the trial. To this day, spending the night alone creates a world of fear in me, Murphy said in court before the sentencing. She cried as she talked about meeting the families of the two women who didn't survive their attacks. How is it fair that one persons actions can destroy the lives of so many? she said. Gargiulo is a former air conditioner and heater repairman, bouncer and aspiring actor whose nicknames from media outlets included The Chiller Killer and The Hollywood Ripper but was called The Boy Next Door Killer by prosecutors because he lived near the victims he stalked then attacked in their homes. He spoke before his sentencing, angrily complaining that his lawyers prevented him from taking the stand in his defense. Im going to death row wrongfully and unjustfully, said Gargiulo, who sat in court in orange jail attire and face mask and showed no visible reaction to his sentencing. I did want to testify and my fundamental choice was blocked. He is unlikely to be put to death anytime soon. California has not executed anyone since 2006 and Gov. Gavin Newsom has halted executions for as long as he is in office. But courts have been proceeding on the assumption that executions may one day resume. Gargiulo is now expected to be extradited to Illinois for the 1993 killing of Tricia Pacaccio in his Illinois hometown. Prosecutors in his California trial were allowed to present extensive evidence from that case as they sought to establish a pattern and present Gargiulo as a serial killer. Drone image: Guiseppe Barranco/The Enterprise The Department of Public Safety has released new details on Thursdays fatal crash that occurred on the Purple Heart Memorial Bridge near the Jefferson County line. Amanda Leger Griffin, 40 of Kountze, was killed in the crash DPS Spokesperson Lt. Chuck Havard said. Havard said Griffin was unable to stop in time to avoid crashing into the tractor-trailer. TEL AVIV - Israel's Ministry of Health on Monday began offering a third dose of the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine to severely immunocompromised adults in what health experts say could be the first phase of an experiment to provide coronavirus booster shots for older people and the most vulnerable. The recommendation, published Sunday by the ministry, said the goal of the new program was to raise antibody levels among immunocompromised citizens, including cancer patients, recipients of liver transplants, and others who have recently exhibited weakened vaccine protection, according to data. It said that it had still not made a decision on administering third shots for the general adult population. Globally, the push to introduce booster shots has prompted pushback from the World Health Organization (WHO) and rights groups, who say the focus should remain on getting first doses to the world's most vulnerable. The decision to offer some people third doses comes as Israel, which was among the fastest countries to vaccinate in the winter and then among the first to begin reopening in the spring, is experiencing a surge in new cases, spurred by the prevalence of the highly transmissible delta variant, first identified in India. Over the past month, infection rates in Israel have spiked from single digits to more than 400 a day. And on the same day, Pfizer officials met with top U.S. federal health officials to make their case for administering some Americans - particularly the elderly and the immunocompromised - a third dose six to 12 months after receiving the companies' two-shot regimen. That meeting came after the Department of Health and Human Services publicly rebuked Pfizer when it and the German company BioNTech announced last week they planned to seek an emergency use authorization for its booster shot. HHS said that fully vaccinated Americans do not need a booster for now. During the meeting on Monday, Pfizer officials provided U.S. health officials a similar briefing to one they gave the Europeans this month. The White House meeting was largely focused on the science and data Pfizer presented. The company cited data from Israel showing a rise in infections among the vaccinated population, as well as interim data from the company's trial of its booster shot showing a third dose stimulates a much stronger antibody response that is five to 10 times the level seen after the second dose of its vaccine. There were no decisions made about how to proceed, and officials acknowledged there is still a significant amount of data that has yet to be evaluated, according to a person with knowledge of the meeting. It remained unclear on Monday where U.S. officials stood on the need for a third shot for vulnerable Americans. While several senior officials believe it will be appropriate to recommend boosters for the elderly and immunocompromised, Pfizer still must receive emergency authorization from the Food and Drug Administration for its third dose and a CDC advisory panel must decide whether and to whom to recommend boosters. That process could take several weeks or months. Pfizer officials and some U.S. health officials are worried that if the U.S. government takes too long to make a decision on whether to begin administering another dose of the vaccine, the delta variant will cause another surge of the virus this fall among the unvaccinated and could infect the vulnerable who are vaccinated. An HHS spokesperson who spoke on the condition of anonymity to share information on an internal meeting said health officials are briefed routinely by manufacturers and others on the latest data on coronavirus vaccines. The spokesperson also reiterated that, "at this time, fully vaccinated Americans do not need a booster shot," but added that the administration is prepared for booster doses "if and when the science demonstrates that they are needed." But the discussion of booster shots has also raised concerns about the impact it could have on vaccine hesitancy, as well as questions about the ethics of providing fully vaccinated residents of wealthy countries a third shot when the majority of the world has yet to receive a single dose. The director general of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, in a statement Monday admonished vaccine manufacturers for seeking to push booster doses to wealthy countries when many places still do not have access to doses. "The global gap in vaccine supply is hugely uneven and inequitable," he said at a news briefing. In recent months, as a small number of relatively wealthy countries have pressed ahead with vaccination campaigns, the U.N. health agency, public health experts and advocates have warned of a widening global vaccine gap and urged governments to do more to share doses and increase supply. They argue that unequal distribution of doses is not only unethical but also could extend the pandemic by prolonging shutdowns and giving the virus room to spread and mutate in unvaccinated populations. "We will look back in anger, and we will look back in shame if countries use precious doses on booster shots, at a time when vulnerable people are still dying without vaccines elsewhere," Mike Ryan, head of the WHO's emergency program, said Monday. But Pfizer officials have pointed to worrisome data in Israel as a case study. Just weeks after lifting most covid restrictions, the government has reinstated the mask mandate for indoor spaces and public transportation. It is expected to introduce stricter quarantines for travelers returning from abroad and rapid testing stations for students, and to revive the recently retired "green pass" system granting vaccinated people broader access to such public events as concerts and movie showings. Pfizer and its partner BioNTech last year sold Israel millions of doses, which were delivered on cargo planes that were greeted with fanfare by then-Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at Ben Gurion Airport. Pfizer views Israel - with its small size, heterogenous population and meticulously digitized national health care system, which serves as the basis for a data-sharing agreement signed by the Israeli government and the pharmaceutical giant - as a test case for vaccine rollouts in the rest of the world. Recent studies show that the Pfizer vaccine remains effective against the delta variant in preventing hospitalizations and serious illness, though it also has shown declining effectiveness at preventing milder cases. The company expects to publish data from the current study on booster shots provided to at-risk adults in Israel. It said Thursday that it will ask U.S. and European regulators within weeks to authorize booster shots. Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett announced that he has coordinated a fast-tracked delivery of the next batch of Pfizer doses to arrive Aug. 1, to allow the country to replenish its dwindling supplies and continue its campaign to inoculate 12-to-15-year-olds. A Port Arthur man, who collected federal funds for a home authorities say he did not live in, has pleaded guilty Eastern District of Texas to hurricane-related fraud. Jose Luis Carrillo, 50, earlier this week pleaded guilty a fraud charge relating a major disaster or emergency benefits before U.S. Magistrate Judge Keith F. Giblin, according to Acting U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. Defrauding federal programs is always an egregious act, Ganjei stated in a news release from his office. Disaster relief fraud is even more serious because of the limited nature of the funds intended to assist people in their time of greatest need. According to court documents, on Sep. 21, 2017, Carrillo applied for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for a damaged dwelling located on Luis Drive in Port Arthur. Carrillo stated that he owned the damaged dwelling and that it was his primary residence, the release said. Carrillo received a total of nearly $23,620 in FEMA assistance for rental expenses and home repairs. The actual residents of the residence also submitted an application for funding, but were denied benefits, according to the court. An investigation revealed the homes true residents, and Carrillo admitted that he fraudulently represented the home was his primary residence to obtain FEMA funds. This investigation and resulting plea demonstrates our continued commitment to identify and investigate all allegations of fraud to protect the integrity of FEMA programs funded by the taxpayer, Department of Homeland Security Inspector General Joseph V. Cuffari stated. Theft of funds from DHS programs intended to help those in need will not be tolerated. Carrillo could face up to 30 years in federal prison. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after a presentence investigation is completed. This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachel Grove. meagan.ellsworth@beaumontenterprise.com twitter.com/megzmagpie Texas has seen some rough political battles, but the summer of 21 is shaping up to be one of the nastiest. The walkout by Democratic House members to prevent a quorum from voting on a bill that tightens election regulations has exposed the stark divide between the two parties. Democrats firmly believe that the bill is designed to suppress minority voters, who are growing in numbers every year. Yet right now, Republicans have the majorities in both chambers to force these bills through if House Democrats return for a quorum and a governor willing to sign them. Even though Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick did remove two objectionable items from the Senate version of this bill, theres almost no hope of further compromise here. Republicans wont want to change anything else, and Democrats say they cant vote for anything like the current measure. For the next few weeks, and possibly longer, the Legislature is locked in stalemate. To ratchet up the situation even more if thats possible Gov. Greg Abbott is threatening to arrest and forcibly return any Democratic lawmakers who have fled if he can locate them. House Speaker Dade Phelan of Beaumont has also suggested he might lock the House doors next time all Democrats are present so they cant break a quorum. The Democratic position is principled but underscored with irony. They are fleeing the Texas House (a type of a filibuster) to try to persuade Senate Democrats in Washington to end the filibuster there so that a federal voting-rights bill can be passed. Yet Senate Democrats dont seem to have the 50 votes they need to end the filibuster for that bill or any other. And if U.S. Senate Democrats are in the minority after the 2022 midterm elections a distinct possibility they will be glad the filibuster is in their toolkit. Back in Texas, Republicans insist they need to safeguard election security, their preferred term now, even though they did well in the November elections and very few voting problems were reported despite high turnout for both parties. Republican efforts to shove these bills through also overlook the point that many GOP voters like to vote by mail or vote early, two options that these bills would not expand. Democrats have tried walkouts before, but as dramatic as they are, they usually dont succeed in the long run. They have pledged to remain out of state until this special session ends on Aug. 8 but Abbott can call more special sessions which some Democrats have vowed to boycott too. Even if Democrats can claim the moral high ground now, at some point more and more Texans will want them to return to Austin and face the music. They were elected to serve and vote, and they cant do that out of state. The bottom line is that Republicans have a majority in both chambers and hold all other statewide posts, and in a democracy that gives them more influence than the other party. Whatever happens here, voters can show which party they support in the next election. If Republicans have over-reached, their slim majority in the House could be lost. But if the Democratic walkout ultimately proves to be unpopular, their party will suffer. Texas voters will have plenty of time to think about their option, because this tense gridlock wont be over soon. The effort to bring a hospital back to Orange County wont be completed this year and maybe next year as well. But this is one of those struggles where county residents should be prepared for the long haul. As long as it takes, they should keep plugging away until the county gets the kind of medical facility it needs and deserves. Public officials are doing their part by trying to make sure that the infrastructure for the hospital site is ready when a company is prepared to make a commitment. The Orange Economic Development Corporation and City Council approved $340,669 in additional funding to create the first phase of Eagle Point Boulevard and Medical Center Drive. That location will serve a complex of medical offices planned for the site. Thats not the first expenditure either. More than $1.4 million already had been approved for the project. Orange City Manager Mike Kunst said the project was split into phases due to a rise in material costs after the pandemic and demand in the construction industry. But the project is not just a dream. The EDC and City Council also approved an incentive agreement with NXO JV LLC, a new company registered in Delaware. According to documents submitted by its lawyers, the company would invest $15 million during the first phase of the project to create a 40,000 square-foot facility. The incentive agreement would require the company to get a certificate of occupancy for the facility by the end of March in 2023. Thats encouraging, and Orange County officials should make this project a priority. The county doesnt absolutely need a hospital to keep moving forward, but obviously, a facility like that would be a major practical and psychological boost for the county. Orange County lost its only hospital in 2015 when Baptist Hospital discontinued in-patient services and later shut down its emergency room. The county now has several private ER-type facilities, but many insurance companies and government programs wont compensate patients for care received there even though that care can be as good as anything in a public hospital. These clinics are still staffed by licensed doctors and nurses. Still, ambulances cant take patients to facilities like that. But a public hospital could serve more patients, and that will keep more health-care dollars in Orange County. If those dollars are spent in Jefferson or Hardin County, the region still benefits. But if those patients go to Houston, Southeast Texas loses out financially. In fact, the drive for this hospital underscores the need for more area residents to get their medical treatment here instead of in Houston, Louisiana or some other location. The more we patronize our health care providers, the better their bottom line. Just like any business, steady traffic encourages them to expand their facilities or hire more staff. Issues like this also represent another reason that the Texas Legislature should expand Medicaid access under Obamacare just as 38 other states have done. When that happens, hospitals get more reimbursement for the care of low-income residents instead of just treating them for free in the ER. Thats one of the reasons that so many hospitals have closed in Southeast Texas and the entire state in recent years. Orange County officials are trying to reverse that dismal trend, and they could use some help from their counterparts in Austin. A group of Papuan pro-independence protesters face off with police in Jakarta, Dec. 19, 2020. Indonesias parliament on Thursday approved a new special autonomy law for Papua that boosts central government funding for the troubled region, but the main separatist group there said it was drafted without addressing the Papuan peoples political and human rights. Jakarta granted special autonomy for Papua in 2001 to mollify desires for independence, but Indonesian security forces have been accused of human rights abuses during anti-insurgency operations in the far-eastern region. The new legislation, which follows the expiration of the 2001 special autonomy law and extends that status by two decades, will spur development in Papua, Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian said in parliament, about the region that comprises Papua and West Papua provinces. With the support of an increased special autonomy fund, oil and gas revenue and infrastructure funds, it is hoped that the Papuan government will be able to accelerate development, Tito said. Papua province rates lowest on the Human Development Index in Indonesia, right below West Papua. The index measures factors such as life expectancy, education and standard of living. Under the new legislation, the central governments fund for Papua and West Papua provinces has been raised to 2.25 percent of the total earmarked for the countrys 34 provinces, from the earlier 2 percent. Tito was also referring to a provision that says Papua is entitled to a lions share of proceeds from its natural resources, including 80 percent from the forestry and fisheries sectors, and 70 percent from oil and gas, for the next 20 years. However, the same provision existed in the 2001 special autonomy law. The new legislation also amended 18 articles and added two more to the earlier one. But a spokesman for the West Papua National Liberation Army, the armed wing of the separatist Free Papua Movement, said the autonomy law was not what the Papuans wanted. We reject it because the Special Autonomy Law is not a solution to the issue of the political status of the Papuan nation, Sebby Sambom, the groups spokesman, told BenarNews. We believe the Indonesian way is a human rights and legal violation. Sambom was referring to an independent political status for the Papua region, which was incorporated into Indonesia in 1969 after what locals and activists say was a sham vote because it involved only about 1,000 people. However, the United Nations accepted the result, which essentially endorsed Indonesias rule. In 1963, Indonesian forces invaded Papua which makes up the western half of New Guinea Island and annexed it. More recently the region was divided into two provinces. Sambom was also referring to the frequent arrests and charges of treason against pro-independence protesters, and the alleged mistreatment and racist statements denigrating Papuans. Papuan students and activists are regularly detained and prosecuted for raising the pro-Papuan independence flag or speaking about independence aspirations in public. In 2019, more than 40 people were killed in violent unrest across the Papuan region after police raided a dorm in Surabaya and arrested dozens of Papuan students amid allegations they had disrespected the Indonesian flag. Video circulated of the heavily armed police using racial slurs against the students. The Free Papua Movement has fought for independence for the mainly Melanesian, Christian region since the 1960s. Sambom said his group would keep fighting against Indonesian rule until we win political rights as the Papuan nation. Meanwhile, on Thursday, police arrested at least 40 people who rallied against the bill outside the parliament building in Jakarta, said Usman Hamid, executive director of Amnesty International Indonesia. The previous day, four students were injured and 23 others arrested during clashes with security personnel at a similar protest at Cenderawasih University in Jayapura, Usman said. Made in Jakarta, for Jakarta The new autonomy law was drafted without consulting Papuans, other than a handful of members of the Papuan elite in the Special Autonomy parliamentary committee, according to Sam Awom, coordinator of the Commission for Disappeared Persons and Victims of Violence (KontraS) in Papua. This is a form of policy coercion by the fascist regime, Awom told BenarNews. The bill was made by Jakarta, for Jakarta. Yan Mandenas, deputy chair of the parliamentary committee, said Papuans, including students, youth representatives and community leaders, were consulted in the deliberation of the bill. The fact that the amendments covered 18 articles instead of only three as originally drafted, showed that the government and the legislature had listened to Papuan peoples aspirations, Yan said. Not all the wishes could be fulfilled, but at least some were accepted. This shows that there was a commitment and a joint effort, he told BenarNews. The new law has made a change in the composition of legislative councils at the regency level, that is, at local councils. It stipulates that these councils include appointed indigenous representatives in addition to elected ones, instead of just the latter under the 2001 law. In addition, the new law also calls for prioritizing indigenous Papuans in jobs. Komarudin Watubun, chair of a special committee that deliberated the bill, said this special autonomy law offers greater benefits for native Papuans. The bill provides for privileges for indigenous Papuans in the fields of politics, education, health, employment, and the economy, as well as support for customary communities, Komarudin said in his speech in parliament. Critics like Cahyo Pamungkas, a researcher at the Indonesian Institute of Sciences, said the so-called privileges given to indigenous Papuans do not have a clear mechanism for implementation. Awom of Kontras also noted that in December, security minister Mohammad Mahfud MD had accused Papuan officials of corruption. Because funds funneled to Papua are huge, but because the elite there are corrupt, the people are left with nothing, Mahfud MD said at that time. Awom said Jakarta only talked about corruption but was not enforcing the law. Brunt of discrimination Maichel Telenggen, a resident of Jayapura, the capital of Papua province, expressed skepticism about the autonomy law, saying what Papuans needed most was respect for basic human rights. The problem is for a long time Papuans have borne the brunt of discrimination and human rights violations. Those are the basic things that must be addressed first, Telenggen told BenarNews. Clashes between rebels and government forces have intensified since December 2018, after rebels killed 20 people who worked for a state-owned construction company building a road in Papua. In April, President Joko Jokowi Widodo ordered security forces to step up efforts to eradicate the armed groups after separatist insurgents assassinated an army general. As part of the crackdown, the government declared the separatist rebels a terrorist group, raising alarm among rights activists who said the classification could lead to more human rights abuses and endanger civil society. Amnesty International Indonesias Usman urged the government to establish a mechanism to ensure that the rights of the Papuan people are fully protected. Although the previous law contains provisions that protect the rights of indigenous Papuans, the fact is the government has not been serious about implementing them, Usman said. On the contrary, for 20 years, those rights have been violated. Arie Firdaus in Jakarta contributed to this report. Four men bury an Eastern Indonesia Mujahideen militant who was killed by security forces earlier this week at a public cemetery in Palu, Central Sulawesi, July 14, 2021. Indonesian police said Friday that one of two suspected Eastern Indonesia Mujahideen (MIT) militants killed in a security raid in Central Sulawesi province this week was the groups second-most senior member who initially had been misidentified. The slain suspect was Muhammad Busra, or Qatar, not Ahmad Gazali, provincial police spokesman Didik Supranoto said. They [Gazali and Qatar] looked alike. After identification it was clear that one of the slain men was Qatar, Didik told BenarNews on Friday. A joint military and police task force killed Qatar and Rukli, the second suspect, during a raid in the mountainous jungle of Parigi Moutong regency on Sunday, reducing MITs strength to seven members. MIT is one of two pro-Islamic State groups operating in Indonesia, the worlds most populous Muslim-majority country. The other is Jemaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD), which authorities have blamed for terror attacks in the archipelago nation during the past five years. In May, police said MIT had split into two groups in an attempt to elude authorities, with one group led by Ali Kalora active in Sigi regency and the other under the leadership of Qatar operating in Poso. Now that Qatar is dead, the four-man MIT faction led by Ali Kalora can surrender, said Brig. Gen. Farid Makruf, deputy commander of the operation to hunt down MIT insurgents, codenamed Madago Raya. Now we just have to wait for the time when Ali Kalora and his friends decide to get out of their jungle hideout and surrender," Farid told BenarNews. In May, Ali and his followers wanted to turn themselves in to the authorities but feared reprisals after another the faction led by Qatar threatened to kill their families, Farid said. Didik said police would guarantee the safety of Ali, his followers and their families if they surrender. Farid said intelligence suggested that Ali and Qatar had been at odds since the death of MIT founder Santoso, who was killed by security forces in 2016. In the Sunday, July 11 gunfight, one of three Qatar followers was shot and wounded. We hope that the three of them will also be arrested soon, said Farid. Qatar and Rukli were buried in a public cemetery in Palu on Wednesday, police said. After the autopsies were completed, the bodies were immediately buried, said Didik, adding that police had taken DNA samples from them and notified their families in Bima. Meanwhile, Mohammad Affandi, a researcher on terrorism at the Ruang Empat Kali Empat think-tank, said claims that Ali and his men wanted to surrender should be taken with a grain of salt. It could be just a trick in the hope that people believe that the Poso problem can be resolved soon, Affandi told BenarNews. What about the families of the victims of the MITs terror? Will the government guarantee their security and welfare? How is the government going to protect and provide legal assistance to the families of people killed by task force members, he asked, referring to three people killed in two incidents in Poso last year, allegedly by police and military personnel taking part in the operation to hunt MIT militants. Health workers inject a man with AstraZenecas COVID-19 vaccine at an inoculation center at the World Trade Center, in Kuala Lumpur, May 5, 2021. Malaysia will talk to Thailand to ensure that the AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine it had ordered from a Thai manufacturer would be delivered on time, the science minister said Friday, following reports that Bangkok may limit vaccine exports. But Minister Khairy Jamaluddins statement that Malaysia might consider ordering more of Chinas Sinovac vaccine, if there was a shortfall in AstraZeneca shots, caused some confusion because of conflicting messages about the Chinese vaccine. A day earlier, the health minister said Malaysia would stop using Sinovac, but he did not specify a reason. We are closely monitoring the developments concerning AstraZeneca vaccine in Thailand following reports suggesting that the country may limit its export, Khairy, the science minister who is in charge of vaccinations, said at a weekly virtual meeting. We will discuss this issue bilaterally with our good neighbor Thailand to ensure that there is no disruption to the supply from AstraZenecas plant in Thailand to Malaysia. AstraZeneca Thailand delivered 586,700 doses of a contracted 6.4 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines directly to Malaysia on July 2, the company said earlier this month. But news reports earlier this week indicated that Thailand, which is in the midst of a huge spike in infections, may reduce exports of the AstraZeneca vaccine that local manufacturer Siam Biosciences has an agreement to produce. BenarNews contacted Thailands National Vaccine Institute to verify if it planned to reduce or suspend exports, but officials at the institute did not immediately respond. [W]e will negotiate with the company for adequate delivery proportional to the domestic outbreak, Nakorn Premsri, director of the institute, said at a press conference on Wednesday. Thailand had contracted to receive a third of doses the local producer makes, while Malaysia, Taiwan and reportedly the Philippines had also placed orders with the company. Last month, Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen was quoted as saying that Thailand was prioritizing the locally-made AstraZeneca shots for itself, thus delaying delivery to Taiwan. He said an order expected that month had not arrived. As of July 2, Malaysia had received a total of 2.14 million AstraZeneca doses, which included the Thai supply and donations and supplies from the World Health Organizations COVAX facility, AstraZeneca said in its statement earlier this month. As of Monday, Malaysia had received delivery of more than 19 million COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer, AstraZeneca and Sinovac, including those donated by the United States, Japan and China, Minister Khairy said. APEC pledges to share vaccines On Friday, Malaysia recorded 12,541 new COVID-19 infection cases the fourth consecutive day the country had recorded five-figure infection rates taking the total caseload to nearly 900,000. With 115 more patients dying from the disease Friday, total pandemic fatalities reached 6,728. Separately, leaders of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation trade bloc, or APEC, pledged on Friday to work together to expand the manufacture, supply and sharing of COVID-19 vaccines globally. The virtual APEC meeting, chaired by New Zealand, was attended by the leaders of Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, the United States, China and Russia, among other Pacific Rim countries. We recognize the role of extensive immunization against COVID-19 as a global public good, they said in a joint statement after the meeting. To that end, we will redouble our efforts to expand vaccine manufacture and supply, support global vaccine sharing efforts, and encourage the voluntary transfer of vaccine production technologies on mutually agreed terms. No issue with Sinovacs efficacy Meanwhile, Khairy dismissed speculation that the decision to stop using Sinovacs COVID-19 vaccines was due to concerns over the shots efficacy. Khairy said the country had ordered 12 million jabs of Sinovac from Pharmaniaga, and their delivery is set to be completed by the end of July. I wish to clarify once again that there is no issue with the Sinovac vaccines efficacy here because we are truly getting a completed delivery order of the vaccine from Pharmaniaga, Khairy said, adding that he had ordered an extra 3 million from the company, which would also be delivered by July-end or early August. In his comments on Thursday, Health Minister Adham Baba said Sinovac would no longer be part of the national COVID-19 immunization plan, but would only be given to those who had received that shot as their first one. Thailand and Indonesia recently announced that many of their citizens would get a non-Sinovac booster jab if they had received the Chinese shot, after some people in those countries died of the coronavirus despite being inoculated with two shots of the Chinese-made vaccine. A possible order of more Sinovac vaccines was a back-up plan, because Malaysian health care company Pharmaniaga already has an agreement with the Chinese company to fill and finish production of its vaccines in the country, Khairy said. Pharmaniaga knows that in any contingency, we may call on them to produce for the federal government, he said. Malaysia on Friday gave conditional approval for the private use of another Chinese vaccine, from Sinopharm, and for the single-dose Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, Khairy said. If there were low or no supplies of AstraZeneca shots from Thailand, Malaysia may even order Sinopharm vaccines for national use from local distributor Duopharma, the minister said. At the moment Sinopharm vaccine is meant for the private sector market but if there is any shortage of supply for the national immunization program, we may source the supply from Duopharma, Khairy said. Mean La, a Cambodian opposition activist living in Thailand, is photographed with her husband and their 1-year-old daughter. The coronavirus pandemic and related movement restrictions are impacting foreign tourists in Thailand and migrant-workers in very different ways. In response to the latest surge in infections, the Thai government in recent weeks announced new policies, including ones that affect foreigners who visit or work in the country as both are vital to the nations economy. In late June, authorities said they were shutting down camps for construction workers in and around Bangkok. This forced tens of thousands of mostly foreign migrant-workers to isolate indoors for at least a month. And in a bid to jumpstart an economy ravaged by the pandemic, particularly the lucrative tourism sector, the government announced it was re-opening Phuket Island exclusively to fully vaccinated tourists as a sandbox destination. Since then, the government has announced the opening of Koh Samui, another island popular with tourists, as a second sandbox. Here are vignettes that capture how some foreigners and locals are faring amid the new wave in the outbreak and resulting COVID-19 protocols: Composite photo from a video interview with Lin, a pregnant Laotian worker who lives in Bangkok. [Miss Lin/RFA] Lin, migrant worker from Laos A Lao woman who identified herself only by her nickname, Lin, works at a Bangkok market. She is eight months pregnant and tested positive for COVID-19 in early July. The baby is not moving regularly. For the last several days, its kicking my stomach only about nine times a day it normally kicks at least 15 times, she told Radio Free Asias Lao Service in an interview earlier this month. BenarNews is affiliated with RFA. Lin worried that her husband would test positive, too, because he was showing symptoms. She had to wait for five days before being admitted to a hospital in the Thai capital. Lins coronavirus diagnosis affected her time on the hospitals waiting list, a staffer at the Erawan Medical Center said. In this specific case, shes pregnant so she cannot go to makeshift hospital and she cant go to hospitals that treat only COVID-19 patients, the staffer said at the time. Shell need to go to a hospital where she can be properly taken care of because if something happens to her pregnancy, the treatment will be slowed further. On July 14, Lin was discharged from a hospital after overcoming the coronavirus, but her husband was still in the hospital. Once her husband is discharged, she intends to return to Laos to give birth to her baby, because they lack money to pay for a delivery at a hospital in Thailand. Mean La, a Cambodian opposition activist living in Thailand, is photographed with her husband and their 1-year-old daughter. [RFA] Mean La, Cambodian activist Mean La, an opposition activist from neighboring Cambodia, together with her husband and year-old daughter contracted COVID-19 on July 1 while hiding out near Bangkok after fleeing their country. They lacked enough to eat as well as access to health services, she told RFAs Khmer Service. Her family has received support from Cambodian migrant workers. Recent meals included dried food, canned fish and chicken eggs with fish sauce supplied by the migrants. Mean La said she was suffering from health issues tied to the coronavirus, but was most concerned for her daughter. My daughter is too small, she did not know anything. When I was in prison she was in prison with me, and when I was running from Cambodia she was fleeing with me, too, she said. Mean La said her family fled to Thailand in September 2020 to escape arrest over Facebook comments supporting Sam Rainsy, the interim leader of the banned Cambodia National Rescue Party. I do not dare to go out for fear of police making an arrest, she said. The family applied 10 months ago for political protection through the Thai office of the U.N.s refugee agency, UNHCR, but had not yet been granted refugee status. Abdulla Hussain, a tourist from Qatar, stands in front of the entrance to the I Pavilion Phuket Hotel in Phuket, Thailand, July 15, 2021. [BenarNews] Abdulla Hussain, tourist from Qatar I was driving in a car I cried. Is this Thailand? Is this Phuket? Before this, there were millions and millions of tourists now empty! said Abdulla Hussain, a tourist in Phuket. The Qatari businessman, 59, was among foreign travelers to arrive on the island famous for its paradisiacal beaches and five-star resorts days after the Thai government opened up this magnet for tourists as the first COVID-19 sandbox for fully vaccinated visitors from abroad. He landed here on July 10 and booked a room at a local hotel for two weeks, as required by Thai authorities. Under the sandbox scheme, tourists must stay on Phuket for a minimum of 14 days and in the same hotel, but they dont have to self-quarantine and can roam the entire island freely. Hussain said he came here because he fell in love with Phuket during previous visits. Before Thailand became the first country outside China to be hit with the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, the Qatari used to visit the Southeast Asian country at least three times a year. I like the weather. I like it while Im walking, Im getting healthier, he told BenarNews. Just to see the greenery, to see the mountains, to see Thai people who show respect by saying Sawasdee Krub (Thai for Hello!). They talk nicely. Ruchupon Noppakhun, manager of the I Pavilion Phuket Hotel, stands outside the hotel in Phuket, Thailand, July 15, 2021. [BenarNews] Ruchupon Noppakhun, hotel manager in Phuket Ruchupon, 52, who manages the hotel where Abdulla Hussain was staying, said he had suffered economic hardship earlier on during the pandemic when the island was shut down to tourists. Back then, there was no easy way to move around or meet with friends and relatives, he said. The I Pavilion Hotel, where he works, has 105 rooms. Soon after it reopened in July, 30 of the rooms were booked enough for his boss to cover the overhead costs, Ruchupon said. At first, he said, he was skeptical that the Phuket sandbox scheme would come to fruition because he anticipated foreign and local tourists would be afraid of travelling amid a global pandemic. But, so far, the business was doing quite well after re-opening its doors, he told BenarNews on July 15. He recalled bleaker times when all hotels on the island were shut down amid the pandemic. I could say all of Phukets revenues are from tourism. When tourists were gone, all hotels were shuttered, he said. BenarNews and the Laotian and Khmer services of Radio Free Asia (RFA) co-produced this report. Puttinee Nimpitakpong in Phuket, Thailand, contributed to it. 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. 'Boy Next Door Killer' gets death for murders of 2 women A Los Angeles judge gave a death sentence to a man prosecutors called The Boy Next Door Killer for the murders of two women and the attempted murder of a third President Joe Biden says the U_S_ will bolster security at its embassy in Haiti following last weeks assassination of that countrys president, but sending American troops to stabilize the country is not on the agenda. Trump opines on coup while rejecting fears about his actions Former President Donald Trump is insisting he's not into coups after a new book revealed the countrys top military leader feared Trump might try to stage one after losing the 2020 election In the dark on an early spring morning, students walked into a college building. They wanted places to live and eat, and study, where they could feel safe. They wanted a cultural center and ways to learn about the music and dance, history and politics, genius and leadership of their own people. They wanted an open conversation about how they were learning and wanted to learn. They wanted to be heard. And they were willing to risk their lives. At 4:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 5, 1969, some 34 students from the Williams College Afro-American Student Society occupied Hopkins Hall. On the anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.s assassination, as movements swept colleges across the country, Preston Washington, a young minister from Harlem, led his classmates into action. What is ALIEN/NATION? - With Michael Arden Get ready to take a journey through time and space with The Forest of Arden in "ALIEN/NATION," at the Williamstown Theatre Festival. Learn mor They felt isolated in a world that would not recognize them, he told The Williams Record at the time Its like being under a microscope, said Richard Jefferson, the group's vice president. Washington led the society into an open protest, and they found both support and stark hostility, said playwright Eric Berryman, an actor and creator based in New York and a member of the Forest of Arden theater company. He and his fellow company member and New York writer, Jen Silverman, and Forest of Arden will bring that time into the present in "Alien/Nation," a new work (in two parts) with the Williamstown Theatre Festival. "Alien/Nation" is really two intertwined works, both outdoors, one built around a walk through campus and one on a drive through town. The walking performance will explore historic events, Berryman said, and the driving tour, framed by the reported 1961 alien abduction of Betty and Barney Hill in New Hampshire, will follow similar themes into the present and future. The walking performance shows moments from those three days in 1969 from different perspectives, Berryman said. You might see a meeting between Preston and the provost, a conversation between Afro-society members not knowing if they were going to occupy and if thats the way, and the Provost and Preston speaking afterward and a scene thats timeless, that speaks to the emotional journey these characters are on. For three days that spring, the students debated with the college administration, until they reached an agreement in the small hours and emerged, tired and hungry mopped the building, cleaned the desks and walked back to their own rooms with the seeds of an Africana Studies Department and a cultural center. And the scenes from those days will unfold where they happened, Berryman said, or as close as the actors can come on the grounds where these people walked. Forest of Arden often creates work centered in the communities where they perform, said director Michael Arden, a founding company member and two-time Tony-nominated director. Theres something incredible about letting people explore history through art, Arden said, and 1969 was ripe with change, hope and pain the Vietnam war, the moon landing, Freedom movements across the country. The things that were happening at Williams during that time were things that were happening all over, Berryman said. I had family members that lived through this time. He feels a sense of recognition, when he finds records of Washington and his classmates talking about their experiences in their own words. This was something occurring on campuses all over, Berryman said, and potentially, unfortunately, is still occurring. What these students are feeling is still felt. I was a Black American on a college campus, not at a predominately Black school, so there are certain things that I understand where they were coming from and felt myself. The performance will vary from one scene to another, he said, sometimes storytelling and sometimes more abstract, like the difference between a still-life and an expressionist painting that gives a visceral understanding of the feeling of the time. Its dance-driven, Arden said, a kaleidoscope of moments told through movement. Arden and his team have primarily researched through sources from the time, he said they have reached out to alumni involved in the occupation, but the play draws mostly on records from the Afro-American society, letters and articles in local and college newspapers. Berryman sees Washingtons courage in them. I see him as such a product of his time in the most beautiful way, he said, doing something important because its the only thing you can do. He was fearless. And it took grit. When these student uprisings were happening, they were getting very violent, he said, and to go through this here and say we still have to go through with this people who are oppressed and feel alienated somethings got to be better than whats here, so Ill do anything to reach something better and something different, because I cant keep living like this anymore. Washingtons wife, Maria, was on campus with him, though Williams was still an all-male college the first women students would come as exchange students in 1970, and the first Black women students in 1971. Berryman wonders what she thought and felt, and what Preston felt for her. She was a reminder of what he was fighting for, and a support, he said. She was pregnant during the occupation. Im sure she was ever-present in his mind. Washington felt a responsibility, Berryman said, not only to the community at Williams he was leading, but to the larger Black American community, and as a soon-to-be-father. While this occupation was going on, the next generation was very real to him, Berryman said. He was going to be raising the next generation. When he was graduated in 1970, his son was eight months old. While these events play out on campus, people can watch a companion show from their cars a broader look into the future and human connection. An exploration of space and new worlds becomes an exploration of contemporary stories. The 1960s are also known for stories of aliens, Arden said, and these sightings inspired the company to think about what the idea of encountering people from another world can mean. In 1961, Betty and Barney Hill, an interracial couple in New Hampshire, told a story of an alien encounter the first to garner national attention. "A lot of the way we imagine aliens on film link back to this couple in 1961," Arden said. "And what caused them suffering was not that they were abducted, but that they were not believed." In this second performance, "Alien/Nation Driving," Forest of Arden has created a series of encounters and invited people to connect. They are looking into and challenging the word alien, Arden and Berryman said looking into themes of alienation, not being seen, wanting to be seen, not wanting to be alienated. People who have felt distanced, sometimes in the country theyre in or the country they came from, will tell their own stories: Immigrants, trans folk, queer folk, interracial folk Were challenging people to meet people, Arden said. Youll be hearing the stories of the performers you will see. Its a glimpse into their thoughts and desires and frustrations and day-to-day lives, he said: What happens when someone says, this is who I am, I am trans, I am an American, and they are not believed? BOSTON A federal jury has found a Pittsfield man guilty of drug trafficking and firearm offenses. Elvins Sylvestre, 43, was convicted Wednesday after a three-day trial, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Massachusetts. Prosecutors alleged that Sylvestre was found in possession of heroin, cocaine, a handgun and over 40 rounds of ammunition in November 2019. Due to a prior felony conviction, he was prohibited under federal law from having a firearm or ammunition. The jury returned guilty verdicts on charges of possession of heroin with intent to distribute, cocaine possession and being a felon in possession of a firearm and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking felony. Sylvestre is due to be sentenced by a federal judge on Nov. 19, and faces up to a lifetime in prison and a $1 million fine. If sentenced to less than life, he could be supervised for up to three years upon release. Acting U.S. Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Kelly D. Brady, special agent in charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division; Pittsfield Police Chief Michael Wynn and Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd E. Newhouse were recognized in the statement announcing the conviction. The property of the former Cork N Hearth restaurant is on the Lee-Lenox town line, and a sliver of it, including part of the entrance to the upper parking area and up to nine spaces there, is on the Lenox side. The documentary Searching for Mr. Rugoff follows the life and work of a cinema mogul whose outsized impact on the 1960s New York City cinema scene was largely forgotten by the later part of the 20th century. Ralph Gardner Jr. is a journalist whose work has appeared in the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times and The New Yorker. He can be reached at ralph@ralphgardner.com. The opinions expressed by columnists do not necessarily reflect the views of The Berkshire Eagle. Bill Cosby reportedly believes that he deserves compensation for his three years in jail. Cosbys representative, Andrew Wyatt, told NewsNation Now, Mr. Cosby was given an unwanted two-year and ten-month vacation that he never ask for. His constitutional rights were abolished, his due process was stripped away from him. Wyatt continued, Hes due millions and millions of dollars. As Mr. Cosby said to me today, I feel that this district attorney and Judge Steven ONeill and Kevin Steele [Montgomery County district attorney] should resign effective immediately. Wyatt did not specify how much the 84-year-old should be compensated. RELATED: Black Twitter Reacts To Bill Cosby's Sudden Release From Prison Cosby served more than two years of a three-to-10-year sentence at Philadelphia-area state prison. Previously, Cosby vowed to serve all 10 years rather than acknowledge remorse over the 2004 encounter with victim and accuser Andrea Constand. The 83-year-old was convicted of drugging and molesting Constand at his suburban home. In late 2015, he was charged when a prosecutor presented newly unsealed evidence. According to CBS News, in 2005, Cosbys team made a deal with former prosecutor Bruce Castor, who defended Trump at his second impeachment trial, to not pursue criminal charges, which was designed to prevent Cosby from invoking the Fifth Amendment and refusing to answer questions in civil court. However, this non-prosecution deal was never in writing, The Washington Post reports. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court said that testimony tainted the trial, even though a lower appeals court had found it appropriate to show a signature pattern of drugging and molesting women. Prosecutors didnt clarify if they would appeal or seek to try Cosby a third time. Jussie Smollett returned to a Chicago court for the first time in over a year due to a possible conflict of interest with his lawyer. According to USA Today, Nenye Uche, Smolletts attorney, is accused of previously talking to Abimbola and Olabinjo Osundairo, the brothers who are accusing Smollett of paying them to stage the hate crime. Its unclear what was allegedly said but the Osundairos claims it was about the case. The hearing was closed with no media allowed so its not known what was said in the courtroom. USA Today also reports denied talking to the brothers but a judge will decide if he can remain on the case. Gloria Schmidt Rodriguez, an attorney for the Osundairos, said in a statement, I think enough evidence and proof was laid out today to support our position. RELATED: Jussie Smollett Pleads Not Guilty To New Charges In Hate Crime Hoax Case Jussie Smollett was hospitalized briefly after an alleged racist and homophobic attack on January 29, 2019 near his Streeterville apartment in Chicago. Initially, authorities investigated the matter as a hate crime, but eventually their suspicions turned to Smollett, believing he staged the incident. The former Empire star was charged with 16 felony counts, but eventually all charges were dropped by Foxxs office. However, in February 2020, special prosecutor Dan Webb said in a statement that Smollett was charged with "making four separate false reports to Chicago Police Department officers related to his false claims that he was the victim of a hate crime, knowing that he was not the victim of a crime." As a result, the 38-year-old will face six counts of disorderly conduct. Jussie Smollett continues to maintain his innocence. Meghan Markles production company has announced its first animated Netflix series. Archewell Productions, the production company, founded by Prince Harry and Duchess Megan, announced Wednesday (July 14) that it is developing Pearl, a family series created by the Duchess of Sussex. Pearl will follow the adventures of a 12-year-old girl who is inspired by influential women from history. RELATED: Meghan Markle Shares Heartfelt Inspiration Behind Childrens Book The Bench In a press release, Markle said, Like many girls her age, our heroine Pearl is on a journey of self-discovery as she tries to overcome lifes daily challenges. Im thrilled that Archewell Productions, partnered with the powerhouse platform of Netflix, and these incredible producers, will together bring you this new animated series, which celebrates extraordinary women throughout history. David Furnish and I have been eager to bring this special series to light, and I am delighted we are able to announce it today. Markle will executive-produce the show alongside a team of Emmy-winning filmmakers. Pearl is her latest project announcement after her childrens book, The Bench, hit number one on the New York Times bestseller list. RELATED: Meghan Markles Childrens Book The Bench Tops New York Times Bestseller List Archewell Productions was founded last September, around the same time they landed a multi-year Netflix deal. Its first Netflix show, the docuseries Heart of Invictus, was announced last April and will follow competitors on their journey to the 2022 Invictus Games. The estate of Andrew Brown, Jr., the unarmed Black man who died April 21 at the hands of law enforcement, has filed a $30 million federal lawsuit against a North Carolina sheriff and his deputies over the shooting. Brown, 42, was killed in Elizabeth City, N.C., when an attempt was made to serve search warrants against him. According to Reuters, the suit alleges the Pasquotank County deputies violated Brown's Fourth Amendment rights by using excessive force. While much of the encounter was captured on the body cameras worn by some of the involved deputies, North Carolina laws restricted release of the footage. RELATED: Andrew Brown Jr.'s Family Says Police Shooting Was 'Unequivocally Unjustified' After Viewing Body Cam Footage The incident caused a number of news outlets and the family, the city and their sheriff all petitioned to permit the footage to be seen. The lawsuit filed Wednesday alleges that deputies used "intentional and reckless disregard of the life and safety of Brown," when they fired their weapons into his vehicle. The family has called the shooting an execution. "Anybody can see this was the unlawful killing of Andrew Brown," family attorney Harry Daniels told a news conference after the lawsuit was filed. A month after Brown was killed, Pasquotank County District Attorney Andrew Womble said the shooting was justified because Brown "recklessly" drove at officers while trying to flee. Sheriff Tommy Wooten said the three deputies who fired at Brown would be reinstated and retrained. One of them has since retired and the other two have rejoined the sheriffs office. RELATED: Andrew Brown Police Shooting Death Was Justified D.A. Says Last month, the North Carolina chapter of the NAACP met with officials in the Justice Department demanding the shooting be federally investigated. The DOJ however has not announced whether it will open a pattern-or-practice investigation. In addition, the FBI made its own announcement that it will conduct its own civil rights investigation. A Florida man accused of hiring a hitman to kill his ex-girlfriend and her family planned to accuse Black Lives Matter of the murders, federal officials say. 51-year-old Daniel Slater, of Jupiter, was arrested in 2020 on charges of murder for hire, possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and conspiracy to possess. According to NBC News, he is accused of soliciting an associate to help him kill his ex-girlfriend, her sister and her sisters husband in the foiled hit. Slater thought his girlfriends family had ruined their relationship as he offered to give his associate money and drugs for carrying out the crime, a criminal complaint alleges. Slater was arrested after the associate began working for the FBI. According to the Latin Times, authorities started investigating Slater in February 2020 after a 26-year-old womans body was found in Everglades National Park. She was identified as Brianne Slabaugh. The criminal complaint alleges Slater asked Slabaugh to conduct surveillance of his ex-girlfriend and her new boyfriend. Slater instructed her to become close with the boyfriend and then kill him, however she didnt go through with the crime. RELATED: Black Lives Matter Defends Co-Founder Patrisse Cullors Amid Financial Controversy The Sun-Sentinel reports that Slabaugh died from an accidental drug overdose. During a June 2020 meeting with the associate working with the FBI, Slater detailed how he wanted the associate to kill his ex-girlfriend. The associate was told to knock out the womans teeth, break her nose and throw acid on her face. The associate was also instructed to kill the ex-girlfriends sister and her husband, according to the complaint. "Slater pointed out a window in the home, explained how [the sister] and her [husband] sat in their living room at specific times, and told the [associate] to shoot the victims through the window during one of those times," the complaint reads. Slater told the associate to spray paint "Black Lives Matter" on the home after the planned murders to "make it appear as if members with that movement were responsible," the complaint said. The alleged plot was to play out during protests that were taking place nationwide following the death of George Floyd. Initially, Slater pleaded not guilty, however during a court hearing last week, he changed his plea to guilty as a part of a plea deal. A judge scheduled sentencing for September 16. On July 7, 2021, Haitian President Jovenel Moise was assassinated and his wife, Martine Moise, was also shot. The First Lady has now made her first statement since her husband was killed. While recovering at Jackson Memorial hospital in Miami, Florida, Martine Moiset tweeted, Thank you for the team of guardian angels who helped me through this terrible time. With your gentle touch, kindness and care, I was able to hold on. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! She also included a photo of her in a hospital bed. See below: A woman in South Florida has been reportedly arrested after the bodies of her two young daughters were discovered in a canal. According to CBS News, 36-year-old Tinessa Hogan was arrested Tuesday night on two counts of first degree murder. The bodies of 9-year-old Destiny Hogan and 7-year-old Daysha Hogan were found floating in a canal near Fort Lauderdale on June 22. Police say last month, residents in the area told investigators that Tinessa Hogan had offered to baptize people in the canal a day prior to the discovery of the girls bodies. RELATED: Tulsa Mass Grave Excavation Finds Five Coffins Thought To Be 1921 Massacre Victims Authorities say last month, the family lived near the canal, and that there were no records of child welfare workers responding to the home. Hogan had been named a person of interest since finding the young girls. U.S. Rep. Joyce Beatty was reportedly arrested by Capitol police Thursday after she marched to a Senate office building to demonstrate for voting rights legislation that aims to curb restrictions in red states. According to the Columbus Dispatch, the Ohio legislator and chair of the Congressional Black Caucus joined a coalition of Black women advocating for lawmakers to pass bills that proponents say would expand voting access and safeguard against racial discrimination. Democrats have rallied around proposals as states like Ohio, which is headed by a Republican governor and state legislature, seek to change voter identification rules and limit the use of ballot drop boxes. RELATED: John Lewis Voting Rights Act Measure Introduced by Rep. Jim Clyburn Beatty took to her Twitter account to post photos of her being arrested by Capitol Police. Thanks to a delay in her upcoming prison sentence, the mother of US Olympic Gymnast Jordan Chiles will be able to attend the Tokyo games to support her daughter in person. According to PEOPLE, a federal judge approved a 30-day delay in the start of Gina Chiles' prison sentence for wire fraud. The legal team asked for her to begin the sentence on Aug. 26, to give Jordan "some additional time to have her mother's emotional support and guidance during such a monumental time in her young life." Prosecutors did not object. RELATED: Richard Sherman Arrested On Burglary Domestic Violence Charge Court records claim Gina Chiles plead guilty after embezzling $1.2 million dollars from her clients and business partners through her commercial properties management business, Inspire Vision Property Management LLC. Karla Pearlstein is one such victim who alleges Chiles stole $945,00 from her. She said in a statement that she is unhappy with the prison delay, I think its absolutely ridiculous. The courts have given her break after break. This is not the first time that they have allowed her to travel or delayed for sentencing because Jordans Olympic trials or whatever, but its a real disservice to those of us who she victimized. And, Im not happy about it to be frank with you. Gina Chiles will serve one year and one day in federal prison. A judge ordered former San Francisco 49ers cornerback Richard Sherman released from jail without bail Thursday (July 15) following his domestic violence and burglary arrest. King County, Wash. District Court Judge Fa'amomoi Masaniai ordered that Sherman, 33, not have contact with his father-in-law, not use alcohol or nonprescription drugs, and not possess a weapon as conditions of his release. Masaniai called Sherman a pillar of his community, and noted that it was his first arrest. Masaniai found probable cause for misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor charges of second degree criminal trespass and third degree malicious mischief (with domestic violence designations), DUI, and resisting arrest., ESPN reports. Prosecutors did not ask for a finding on the burglary charge. RELATED: Operator On Richard Sherman 911 Call Facing Scrutiny Sherman was arrested early Wednesday (July 14) after he crashed his car in a construction zone east of Seattle and later tried to break into his in-laws home. According to police reports, Sherman had been drinking heavily, and had spoken of killing himself when he left his home in the Seattle suburb of Maple Valley late Tuesday night (July 13). In a statement after the hearing, Shermans wife Ashley said, I love and support my husband. I am committed to helping Richard get the support and care that he needs. Richard has always been a loving father and husband. And we are looking forward to seeing him at home with his family. Prosecutors did not ask the judge for a finding on the offense for which Sherman was initially booked, a felony residential burglary allegation. The prosecutors requested a $10,000 bail that was denied by Masaniai. RELATED: Richard Shermans Wife Says NFL Star Threatened To Kill Himself During 911 Call Shermans lawyer Cooper Offenbecher did not contest the probable cause for the arrest during Thursdays hearing. Offenbecher argued that Sherman should be released without bail, noting Shermans work with his Blanket Coverage Foundation, which provides low-income students with school supplies and clothes. Richard Sherman is among the best in our community. He is a good person and a good soul. He is taking these allegations very seriously, Offenbacher said. His next hearing is set for 2 p.m. PT on Friday. According to the King County prosecuting office, a charging decision is expected from the prosecutors as soon as Friday. Sherman had spent the past three seasons with the 49ers, but became a free agent during the off season. According to CBS Sports, with training camps beginning soon, he had been expected to sign with a team and the New Orleans Saints was one of the potential teams, along with a return to the Seattle Seahawks, where he played seven seasons. However, this latest episode has postponed any decisions. RELATED: Richard Sherman Arrested On Burglary Domestic Violence Charge Call ahead to confirm events. Due to COVID-19, many events have been canceled but hosting organizations might not have updated their entries. Email Blast Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. Daily News Headlines & Events Email Blast Would you like to receive a digest of each day's headlines & events from The Daily News by email? Signup today! The Amplifier Headlines & Events Email Blast Would you like to receive a weekly digest of headlines & events from The Amplifier by email? Signup today! Daily News Hosted Events The Daily News is a proud host of community enrichment events. Join our Daily News Events mailing list to learn about the next event we are planning. Sign up now. Manage your lists 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 The time is right for straight talk among Democrats Before we look at Demas, let me ask if you have ever worked side by side with someone and trusted them, only to have them forsake you when the going got tough. I have. Its one thing to have an enemy wrong you. But it hurts on a whole new level to have someone you trust forsake you when you need them most. Having someone forget your kindness is not new. Abraham looked out for his nephew Lot after Lots father passed away. But when their growing herds caused a turf war between their herdsmen, Abraham let Lot choose where he wanted to settle. Lot chose a prosperous city and the lushest pastureland, leaving his Uncle Abraham with the leftovers. Lot appears to have loved the things of this world more than he loved God. His choice brought devastating losses to Lot and his family. Yet the New Testament calls Lot a righteous man (2 Peter 2:7). Perhaps Demas is a New Testament Lot. At one time he ministered alongside such greats as the Apostle Paul and doctor Luke. Yet, like Lot, he forsook this company of believers to pursue the pleasures of this life. And he left when Paul apparently needed him most. Who Was Demas and Where Do We See Him in Scripture? We know Paul at one time trusted Demas. Paul included his name among such respected Christ-followers as Luke. Our dear friend Luke, the doctor, and Demas send greetings (Col. 4:14). But after serving with Paul and other great people of faith, Demas later forsook them. The Bible mentions Demas in three places. Two times Paul includes him in a place of honor as a fellow worker spreading the Gospel. Our dear friend Luke, the doctor, and Demas send greetings (Col. 4:14). Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. And so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas and Luke, my fellow workers (Philippians 23-34). However, while Paul awaited execution, his reference to Demas reveals a sad turn. Demas has deserted me because he loves the things of this life and has gone to Thessalonica (2 Timothy 4:10). Chronologically, that is the last biblical mention of Demas. Why Did Demas Turn Away from Paul and the Ministry? Paul said Demas deserted him because he loved this present world. He left Paul and headed to Thessalonica, a large, wealthy, cosmopolitan city. James warned that friendship with the world is hostility toward God (James 4:4). The desire to enjoy the pleasures of this world caused him to turn his back on his friend and mentor, and on the Lord. Perhaps the sacrifice of serving alongside Paul began to wear on him. He saw other men his age settling down and enjoying the pleasures of this life. Would it be so wrong to sample the good life? Then Demas looked at Paul, who had suffered so much for Christ. And what was his reward? Pending execution. Was that how God took care of His servants? We dont know the turmoil inside of Demas or how long he wrestled with his doubleminded loyalty before he caved into following the lure of this world. Neither do we know if he ever tired of the world and returned to serve Jesus. What we do know, is that Demas abandoned Paul while he was in prison awaiting execution. The biblical record shows Demas wasnt the first fellow missionary to desert Paul. On an earlier missionary journey with Barnabas, John, called Mark, broke trust with Paul when he left their mission team to return to Jerusalem (Acts 13:13). Later Mark experienced a change of heart. But Paul no longer trusted him. When Barnabas wanted to give Mark a second chance and include him in a later mission trip, Paul flatly refused. So, Paul and Barnabas separated. Barnabas set off with Mark, and Paul left with Silas (Acts 15:37-40). Years later, however, Paul had to acknowledge that Mark had proved trustworthy. In his letter to Timothy reporting Demass sad choice, Paul added, Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry (2 Timothy 4:11). I wonder if writing about Demas had reminded him of his disappointment with Mark so many years ago. Photo credit: Getty Images/Rawpixel What Can We Learn from This? A man in ministry once asked me if I ever tired of listening to sermons. His question startled me. Editing recorded sermons was part of his job. I got the idea hed confused listening to what other people received from their Bible and walk with God with nurturing his own relationship with God. I thought of that years later when I learned he and his wife had divorced and married friends. Did Demas substitute listening to Paul with following the Lord? Demas warns of the danger of substituting a relationship with strong believers for a growing relationship with Christ. Listening to Paul preach was wonderful. But Demas also needed to listen to Jesus and personally follow Him. I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing (John 15:5). My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me (John 10:27). Ministry activity cant replace loving the Lord. Hanging out with the spiritually committed is wise. But its no substitute for practicing the presence of Jesus ourselves. We need to individually protect and nurture our love relationship with the Lord. We must establish and protect such spiritual disciplines as reading and meditating on the Bible, prayer, practicing Gods presence, and fellowshipping with fellow believers. We need an eternal perspective. The pull of the world is very real. Spiritual warfare is also real. No one is immune to the schemes of the devil. If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall (1 Corinthians 10:12). An eternal perspective helped Moses walk away from a palace and safety to follow the Lord. It was by faith that Moses, when he grew up, refused to be called the son of Pharaohs daughter. He chose to share the oppression of Gods people instead of enjoying the fleeting pleasures of sin. He thought it was better to suffer for the sake of Christ than to own the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking ahead to his great reward (Hebrews 11:24-26). Yes, many of Gods saints like Paul suffer in this life for following the Lord. But as Paul, who was granted a vision of heaven, wrote, Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ (Philippians 3:8). Paul also wrote, Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later (Romans 8:18). Persevere to the End We are living in a world that has become increasingly hostile toward Christians and biblical values. Jesus said that in the world wed experience trouble. Expect it and hang in there. He offers peace now and a crown later for those who persevere to the end. Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them (1 John 2:15). Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that dayand not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing (2 Timothy 4:8). Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him (James 1:12). I hope Demas returned to the Lord as Mark did. But whether he did or not, may we learn from his weakness and strengthen ourselves in the Lord every day. Lets follow the path of Jesus, Paul, and Jamesnot Demas. Photo credit: Unsplash/Jude Beck Drawing from her walk with Christ, and decades as a Christian counselor, coach, and Bible teacher, Debbie W. Wilson helps women give themselves a break so they can enjoy the fruitful and satisfying life found only in Gods grace. She is the award winning author of Little Women, Big God, Give Yourself a Break, and Little Faith, Big God. She and her husband Larry founded and run Lighthouse Ministries, a nonprofit counseling, coaching, and Bible study ministry. She is an AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association) certified speaking and writing coach. Debbie enjoys a good mystery, dark chocolate, and the antics of her two standard poodles. Refresh your faith with free resources at debbieWwilson.com. Laodicea is one of seven first-century churches Jesus addressed in the book of Revelation. It is also the only church of the group which receives no praise from our Lord, only rebuke. Although the church existed in the first century, Jesus message is as much for us as it was for them. What Do We Know about the City of Laodicea? In the Greco-Roman world of the first century, the city of Laodicea dwelt in the Lycus River Valley located in Asia Minor, what is now the western region of modern-day Turkey. Within the Lycus River Valley, Laodicea shared a prosperous trade route with two other cities: Hierapolis and Colossae. The city received its name from Laodice, a wife in the Seleucid Dynasty in the 3rd century BC. In some regards, the city reflected the splendor of Rome, as it sat upon seven hills just as did the ancient capital of the world. It contained three marbled theaters, a vast wall encompassed the city, and several prosperous industries bolstered the economy which included banking, clothing manufacture, and a medical school (all three industries are referenced in Jesus rebuke). The surrounding land was rich and fertile due to the abundance of the water which flowed through the valley. Archeologists uncovered a system of aqueducts that entered Laodicea from the south to transport water from the local region. Apparently, the city did not have a useful water supply of its own to draw from like the other two cities. Hierapolis from the north boasted of its hot springs, said to have medicinal properties and Colossae from the south lay claim to cold water, ideal for drinking. The Roman historian, Tacitus recounts a great earthquake around 60 AD that destroyed the city of Laodicea. The proud, wealthy citizens took upon themselves the task to rebuild the city from their own means, refusing any financial aid offered from Rome. Why Was God Rebuking Laodicea? Jesus rebuke of the church at Laodicea revolves around the idolatry of wealth. The people clearly took pride in providing for themselves through their own material means. This pride was rooted in more than just providing for their basic needs to survive; it was rooted in a life of luxury (Revelation 3:17). Meanwhile, Jesus reveals the desolate spiritual state of the church. The people measured their success in terms of their financial well-being and failed to understand (or remember) true success is determined by our obedience to the Lord (Matthew 6:19-20). Godly obedience occurs when we conform our attitudes and practices to the commands in Scripture. God does not judge His saints by comparison of material gain, but rather He judges them based on how faithfully they live for Him (2 Corinthians 3:10-15; 1 John 2:28). Success will look different for every believer depending on the life and circumstances the Lord provides. Scripture offers no shortage of warning against the idolatrous pursuit of wealth (Matthew 19:23; 1 Timothy 6:10). The proud attitude of the Laodicean church which claimed, I need nothing, is a far cry from the lesson learned in the Lords model prayer, when He said, give us this day our daily bread. As believers, we have been enlightened and entrusted with the very truths of Gods Word (1 John 1:1-4). We have an obligation to God and a responsibility to the world to bear witness to the Gospel through the testimony of our lives. It is often the first thing the world notices. People observe our lifestyles and practices before they understand our doctrines. The Laodiceans were living a lie. God clearly tells us He is the true source of provision for our lives. Everything we have, including any wealth, comes from Him. Even the sunshine is a gift graciously given by our heavenly Father (Matthew 5:45). The Church exists to give Christ glory. The Gospel is not merely about God saving sinners from Hell; it is also a call to repentance where the sinner acknowledges Christ as Lord and strives for His kingdom, not their own. Everything a Christian does should revolve around the relationship they have with Christ. Tragically, the Laodiceans had taken their eyes off Jesus and looked to wealth as the fulfillment of their lives. In essence, they became like the world while bearing the name of Christ. This was blasphemous. When the Laodiceans turned their hearts toward wealth, they portrayed a distorted image of Christ to the world by their own worldliness. In doing so, they not only sinned against God, but they also destroyed their witness for the Gospel. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus warns us to be careful not to lose the effectiveness of our witness. He asks, if salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again (Matthew 5:13). The rhetorical response of course is it cant. Even if we graciously assume the Laodiceans were giving from their wealth to some extent, it is clear it had nothing to do with Christ. They may have even enjoyed regular fellowship, sharing their material blessing amongst each other, gaining favor with the community through their kind deeds. It doesnt matter. Humanitarian efforts detached from the Gospel do not bring glory to God. Jesus rebuked the church of Laodicea, calling their deeds lukewarm (Revelation 3:15-16). Some have incorrectly stated this description implies being average or lacking in zeal for God. Such a notion does not fit the context of the passage because it gives too much credit to the Laodiceans. Even when we are average or lacking zeal in our godly living, our actions may still have some use for the Lord. Hot and cold water both have their prospective uses; however lukewarm water is completely useless. In fact, lukewarm water is not merely useless, but it is also detestable. For this reason, Jesus warns the Laodiceans He is about to spew them out of His mount (Revelation 3:16). The literal translation of that phrase means to vomit. This is not just a statement to make the Laodiceans feel bad for making Jesus sick; it is a warning issued by our Lord that He is about to remove the Laodicean Church from their sphere of influence if they dont change. Jesus does command the Laodiceans to be zealous, but this is coupled with repentance. He is not asking them to put more pep in their step. He is commanding them to yield again to His lordship and restore their fellowship with Him (Revelation 3:19-20). How Can We Avoid Becoming like This Church? A regular dose of the complete Gospel message is vital to prevent the church from embracing the self-reliant attitude harbored by the Laodiceans. The Gospel is much more than just fire insurance. The Gospel makes the very core of a Christians life. It reveals Gods glory, love, and holiness. The Gospel shows us our relationship with the Lord far exceeds anything this world could ever offer; to pursue anything else above God is vain and foolish. The Gospel also reveals the truth of our sin nature, including our total depravity. Humans do not merely need a little help getting back on track. Scripture reveals our hearts are desperately wicked and deceitful (Jerimiah 17:9). Outside of Christ, we are incapable of doing anything good according to Gods perfect standard. Only the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit enables the Christian to live in a pleasing manner toward the Lord. Jesus tells us we can do nothing apart from Him (John 15:4-5). He is not saying we cant function in everyday activity if we dont abide in Him. Instead, Jesus teaches us we cant do anything godly apart from Him. It is essential for Christians to actively depend on the Holy Spirit to cleanse their hearts and minds and bless their actions to yield spiritual fruit in their lives. If we stop depending on the Lord, we will depend on other things. We live in a society that flaunts independence. People who dont need to ask for anything are exalted. Theres a place for independence in the church, and God gives all people a workload He expects them to carry (Galatians 6:5). However, we never lose our dependence on God, let alone replace Him with things we acquire through our own efforts. Many pastors make the mistake of confining their preaching to moralistic teachings. They will tell the congregation how to be a better person, but they will fail to remind the people of their complete dependence on the work of the Holy Spirit made possible through the atoning work of Christ. If youre like me, you forget things often and need reminders. Christians will never outgrow their need to be reminded of things they already learned. Much like checking the oil in a car or any other form of maintenance work, we need to be reminded of fundamental doctrines, so our lives dont drift away on the winds of false beliefs. Pastors who only emphasize moral living without stressing the Gospel or our dependence on God, inadvertently encourage a lifestyle built on self-righteous legalism. The people in the congregation may depend on their own efforts and moral behavior to produce their righteousness. Some people may find it cruel for a pastor to consistently remind them of their depravity and sin nature. Nothing could be further from the truth. Our sin nature poses the greatest threat to our relationship with God (Galatians 5:16-17). When a person is made aware of a danger which threatens their life, they immediately look for any available safety features to see them safely through. In a similar manner, the purpose of reminding people about their sin nature and depravity is to cause them to cling to God and look to Him alone for deliverance. The Gospel makes us aware of our sin, but it also gives us eternal hope. We have the good news Christ has redeemed us. There is nothing which can pluck us from His mighty hand. Furthermore, because of the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit, we can now delight our God by living a life that is pleasing to Him. All praise be to God for giving us the means to walk in the footsteps of our loving Savior. Photo credit: Robin Spielmann/Unsplash Stephen Baker is a graduate of Mount Union University. He is the writer of a special Scripture study/reflection addendum to Someplace to Be Somebody, authored by his wife, Lisa Loraine Baker (End Game Press Spring 2022). He attends Faith Fellowship Church in East Rochester, OH where he has given multiple sermons and is discipled by pastor Chet Howes. Have you ever thought about what it would be like to have your name listed in the Bible? Its fascinating to observe the many obscure names mentioned with almost no information attached. Abishag is one of them, yet she had a vital part in the story of King David and His sons. Her story, although brief is found in 1 Kings 1-2. Who Was Abishag and What Did She Do? Abishag was a young virgin chosen to keep King David warm in his bed during his last days. Lets paint the factual backdrop from which our imaginations run as the untold story full of drama and conspiracy unfolds. Abishags name starts us off with singular and curious meaning. Father of wandering, cause of wandering, or my father wanders hint at a dubious parentage. A young Jewish virgin, from the tribe of Issachar and the city of Shunem, Abishags beauty singled her out for the position of attendant or caregiver for the King. King David suffered from the effects of old age. Perhaps poor blood circulation kept him from keeping warm at night, but despite layers of royal blankets, the king felt cold. This prompted the search which eventually brought Abishag to the palace. So his attendants said to him, Let us look for a young virgin to serve the king and take care of him. She can lie beside him so that our lord the king may keep warm 1 Kings 1:2 NIV. Davids servants conducted a national search throughout Israel. The requirements seemed simple enough. She was to be a young virgin and beautiful. The job description is two-fold, to care for David and lie beside him to keep him warm. They chose the Shunammite Abishag and brought her to the king. Why Was Abishag Important to King David? Abishags job as bed companion to King David unveils only a small puzzle piece of a much bigger role. God made a covenant with David which promised an everlasting kingdom. Within this kingly line from which the Messiah would be born, a massive power struggle took place. Abishag became a silent pawn in it. We know several things from the text. She was very beautiful. She was a virgin. She nursed and waited on David. She had no sexual relationship with him. The decision to bring Abishag to the palace may have had medical, psychological, or political undertones. They may have thought the youth and vigor of a young maiden would transfer to the King. Perhaps there was sexual intent. We arent told. However, we are certain from Scripture that the prospect of simply easing Davids discomfort thrust this young woman into being a protagonist in an unforgettable story. For surrounding Abishag, the race for the throne swelled with conspirators. Bathsheba and Davids son, Solomon, had been promised the throne, but another son by a different mother wanted it. Without Davids knowledge, Adonijah attempted to grab the power. He proclaimed himself king with lavish festivities and celebrations. But not everyone got an invitation to the party. Solomon did not, nor did Nathan Gods prophet, or Benaiah, Davids loyal military commander. Nathan went to Bathsheba and apprised her of the situation. Solomons kingship was at stake and with an overthrow, Solomons life, and the lives of all loyal to him would be in great peril. So Bathsheba went to see the aged king in his room, where Abishag the Shunammite was attending him 1 Kings 1:15. David was aware of Adonijahs ambition but did not confront him for it. His lack of providing leadership was about to hit the fan (1 Kings 1:6). Abishag, in her mundane caregiving role, was in the room when Bathsheba entered. She likely witnessed the scene which changed the course of events and moved history in the direction God intended. Abishag found herself the silent observer of an attempted coup deetat by Adonijah. For God had chosen Solomon not Adonijah to succeed David. Bathsheba exposed Adonijahs deceit. My lord, you yourself swore to me your servant by the Lord your God: Solomon your son shall be king after me, and he will sit on my throne. But now Adonijah has become king 1 Kings 1:17-19 NIV. Nathan also came before the king. He confirmed Bathshebas words. David roused himself to action. I will surely carry out this very day what I swore to you by the Lord, the God of Israel: Solomon your son shall be king after me, and he will sit on my throne in my place 1 Kings 1:30 NIV. David called for Zadok the priest and Benaiah. The Kings instructions came fast and furious. Put Solomon on my royal mule and ride through the city. Let Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet anoint Solomon king over Israel. Blow the trumpet and shout, Long live King Solomon. Then the prophet Nathan accompanied Solomon to sit on the throne. When Adonijah heard the horn and loud rejoicing in the city, he thought it was for him. A messenger brought chilling news of Solomons coronation. Adonijah ran for safety. He took hold of the horns of the altar where he believed no one would dare to kill him. Let King Solomon swear to me today that he will not put his servant to death with the sword, he begged Solomons men.1 Kings 1:51 NIV Solomon replied, If he shows himself to be worthy, not a hair of his head will fall to the ground; but if evil is found in him, he will die 1 Kings 1:52 NIV. Why Was Abishag Coveted by David's Son? After King David died, Adonijah approached Bathsheba, as a mediator between himself and his half-brother Solomon. According to ancient Near Eastern customs Adonijah, the oldest son of the king was considered the rightful heir to the throne. Adonijah was the elder living son. He began by first stating to the Kings mother how all of Israel had set their sights on him to be king. Entwined within his coveted request lay his perception of the many injustices dealt him. Please ask King Solomonhe will not refuse youto give me Abishag the Shunammite as my wife 1 Kings 2:17 NIV. The handsome Adonijah set his eyes on the beautiful Abishag for his wife. Although Abishag is not specifically named as a concubine in Scripture, she would have had a similar standing and perhaps was considered the same. When the King died, like the remainder of Davids harem, she probably stayed within the palace household. Adonijahs request compromised Solomons kingship. Taking possession of a deceased kings harem would have signaled Adonijahs right to the throne. Surprisingly Bathsheba agreed to petition the King for their marriage. Scripture gives no indication if Abishag knew anything about Adonijahs plan. But a wise Solomon immediately saw past Adonijahs lovelorn desire to make Abishag his wife and understood the unions potential to usurp his throne. Adonijahs attempted power grab violated their agreement when Solomon spared Adonijahs life. if evil is found in him, he will die. Solomon put Adonijah to death that very day. 5 Important Things to Know about Abishag God chose and used Abishag for His purposes. Even though Abishag seemed to have little control over her life, God was in control. Abishags gift of outward beauty became part of Gods bigger plans. Although Abishags voice is silent and her task one of servitude, her contribution to the kingly line had significance. God protected Abishag despite the treachery and evil intent surrounding her. There is much we dont know about Abishag, yet within a story filled with injustice and incomprehensible actions of people and cultures, Gods Sovereignty reigns. Her story reminds us there is a true King above all earthly kings, Sovereign, just, and eternal. Photo credit: Getty Images/Fizkes Sylvia Schroeder loves connecting Gods Word with real life and writing about it. She is a contributing writer for a variety of magazines and online sites. Sylvia is co-author of a devotional book and her writing is included in several book compilations. Mom to four, grandma to 14, and wife to her one and only love, Sylvia enjoys writing about all of them. Her love for pasta and all things Italian stems from years of ministry abroad. Shed love to tell you about it over a steaming cup of cappuccino. Connect with Sylvia on her blog, When the House is Quiet, Facebook page or Twitter. This article is part of our People from the Bible Series featuring the most well-known historical names and figures from Scripture. We have compiled these articles to help you study those whom God chose to set before us as examples in His Word. May their lives and walks with God strengthen your faith and encourage your soul. The Bible Story of Elijah The Life of Ruth - 5 Essential Faith Lessons The Bible Story of Queen Esther The Greatest Villain - King Nebuchadnezzar The Bible Story of Mary Magdalene LOLO PASS - This Granite Pass Complex Fires are comprised of four fires burning on two National Forests near Lolo Pass. The Lolo Creek Fire is burning on the Missoula Ranger District in Montana and the BM Hill, Shotgun, and Boulder Creek Fires are on the Powell Ranger District in Idaho. All fires in the Granite Pass Complex are being managed under a full suppression strategy. As of Friday morning, July 16, the fires were estimated at a combined 1,532 acres with 0% containment after seeing 98 acres of growth since Thursday. These fires are believed to have been started by lightning. At this time, one residence, and one minor structure remain threatened. Complex Activity Yesterday, firefighters completed wrapping critical infrastructure and recreation sites/infrastructure. Wrapping involves putting a fire-resistant shield around valuable infrastructure to protect it from embers, heat and/or potential flames. Today, crews will continue structure protection and preparation working in coordination with local engines and resources from nearby protection areas. The Boulder Creek Fire has been added to the Granite Pass Complex and is currently 3 acres in size burning northwest of the Shotgun Fire on the Powell Ranger District of the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests. The Boulder Creek Fire is a hold over lightning strike fire, meaning it has been smoldering for the last week and produced enough smoke and heat yesterday to be detected and confirmed as a wildfire. Objectives of the Granite Pass Complex continue to be point/zone protection, structure protection, and protection of public and highway commerce. Crews will work to hold the fire west of Highway 12 when safely able to do so. BM Hill Fire The BM Hill Fire is located ten miles north of Powell Junction, and is burning on both the Nez Perce-Clearwater and Lolo National Forests. The fire was last estimated at 1,270 acres, after growing by approximately 32 acres since the previous update. The BM Hill Fire is now burning on the Missoula Ranger District/Lolo National Forest in Montana northwest of Highway 12. Fire behavior continues to be active with creeping, group torching and spotting. The fire is projected to spread to the north and east. It is expected to merge with Lolo Creek Fire in the coming days. Lolo Creek Fire The Lolo Creek Fire is located 1.5 miles northwest from the Lolo Pass Visitor Center and is burning on the Lolo National Forest. The fire was last estimated at 119 acres, which is a reported growth of 7 acres since the previous update. The Lolo Creek Fire continues to burn actively and is expected to merge with the BM Hill Fire in the coming days. Crews set up hose and sprinklers to protect structures at Lolo Hot Springs. Shotgun Fire The Shotgun Fire is located seven miles north of Powell Junction on both the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests. This fire is estimated to be 140 acres, growing approximately 6 acres since the last update. The Shotgun fire is burning in heavy dead and downed timber in steep terrain. Firefighters are assessing suppression options for this fire. Boulder Creek Fire The Boulder Creek Fire is located eight miles west of Lolo Pass Visitor Center and is burning on the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest. The fire is estimated at 3 acres. Firefighters are assessing suppression options for this fire. Closures The Lolo Pass Visitor Center is currently closed due to fire activity and an area closure for Powell Ranger District is expected in the coming days for forest lands in Idaho impacted by the Granite Pass Complex. The area closure remains in place on the Missoula District for National Forest lands in and around the Granite Pass Complex, including closure of the Lee Creek Campground. Please visit InciWeb for maps and closure orders: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7653/. Evacuation Information The Missoula County Sheriff's Office issued an Evacuation WARNING from the Idaho border to Lolo Hot Springs. Deputies will be notifying residents and visitors along Highway 12 of the Warning. Residents and visitors in the area should stay vigilant of the current situation and be ready to immediately leave the area if an evacuation ORDER is issued. Missoula County residents should sign up for emergency alerts, including evacuation notifications at www.smart911.com. If you are traveling along Highway 12 please do not stop for photos of the fire and adhere to the posted speed limits. First entrepreneurial alliance between the two universities to shape the next generation of entrepreneurs and further advance innovation and enterprise in Singapore and the region The National University of Singapore (NUS) and the Singapore University of Technology & Design (SUTD) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate in the areas of innovation and enterprise. NUS President Professor Tan Eng Chye and SUTD President Professor Chong Tow Chong signed the MOU during InnovFest, the official start-up event of Asia Tech x Singapore (ATxSG). The MOU underscores the two universities shared efforts to cultivate new ideas; nurture entrepreneurial, research translation and innovation talents; and create opportunities for technology commercialization and co-sharing of facilities and expertise. This is the first such partnership entered by both universities to collectively groom the next generation of talents to further build momentum in innovation and enterprise. Prof Tan said, For entrepreneurs to realize their full potential, it is essential for universities to provide support for a dynamic ecosystem, and help these budding entrepreneurs catalyse ideas and bring them to fruition. Both universities bring strengths to the partnership and NUS is delighted to partner with SUTD to create more opportunities for their students and professors to be exposed to innovation and entrepreneurship. By opening up our programmes, this collaboration will help to foster greater vibrancy in our start-up ecosystem and facilitate sharing of information, resources and access to technology innovation. Through this initiative, we hope to seed and nurture new ideas, groom talents in research translation, and advance innovation in Singapore and beyond. Prof Chong said, SUTD has partnered NUS in the past to establish education programmes such as the SUTD-NUS Joint PhD Programme and the SUTD DukeNUS Special Track. We are pleased to further deepen our educational, research and enterprise collaboration with NUS. The new partnership will help us develop the next generation of talents who have the technological know-how and business acumen to identify gaps, challenge the status quo, seize opportunities and chart the way forward for Singapore and the world using technology and design. Entrepreneurship education From Academic Year 2022/2023, SUTD students will be able to take credit-bearing entrepreneurship- and innovation-related electives offered by NUS Enterprise. SUTD undergraduates will also get to participate in the NUS Overseas Colleges programme to promote stronger cross-institutional start-up teams among NUS and SUTD students. Research and innovation SUTD faculty members will participate in translational research and commercialisation at the NUS Guangzhou Research Translation and Innovation Institute (NUSGRTII) in China. The Institute conducts research translation, pioneers technological innovations, incubates start-ups and offers education programmes to train R&D talents in Guangzhou and the Greater Bay Area. Venture creation Both universities will collaborate on the research translation and commercialisation of SUTDs technology and intellectual property through the NUS Graduate Research Innovation Programme, the Universitys flagship programme for producing deep tech start-ups. Facility and expertise sharing Both universities will leverage each others equipment and facilities for innovation and product development. In particular, SUTDs signature advanced rapid prototyping facilities and interdisciplinary maker spaces will provide good infrastructures for the NUS-SUTD enterprise ecosystem as well as undergraduate and postgraduate students. Caption: NUS President Professor Tan Eng Chye (left) and SUTD President Professor Chong Tow Chong (right) inked the first entrepreneurial alliance between the two universities to collaborate on innovation and enterprise Opinion | 16 July 2021 | Views We have tied up with a few solution providers to accommodate vaccine storage at -70 degrees How are you currently working with the vaccine manufacturers for effective distribution? We are worki...Read more Groups of residents in some parts of Brakpan have vowed to protect immigrant-owned shops. At a spaza shop in Langaville extension 4 belonging to Sharif Ahmed, originally from Bangladesh, there were long queues throughout the day on Wednesday. Sharif Ahmed has the only shop left in Langaville extension 4 thanks to a brave widow and a group of local residents. Photo: Kimberly Mutandiro Residents count cost as South Africa looting starts to die down A week of violence that has engulfed SA slowly began to ebb on Thursday, and people counted the cost of an orgy of arson and looting that has destroyed hundreds of businesses... It is the only shop in the area left unstripped, thanks to a brave widow and a group of local residents.People were buying bread, sugar, mealie meal, cooking oil and airtime. Takeaway business owners in the area, who makeand township-style sandwiches, were desperate for flour and bread. At 5:30pm, when Ahmed sold the last loaf of bread, there were still people in the queue.Protecting the shop were Sibusiso Dhlamini and his crew, looking out for any attempts at looting. They also have a shift system to guard Ahmeds landlady inside her home. She is a widow, and she has not dared to leave her home for days. She also did not want to be named in our article.Im not opening my door because Im afraid of people who threatened to kill me for protecting a foreigner thats what they called my tenant. I have my soldiers in here if anyone dares to be violent, she shouted to us from inside her house.As in much of Brakpan, the looting in Langaville began on Monday. The widow took a stand, vowing that no one would pass her gate. The looters at first came no further than the street corner. But on Tuesday morning, they started to throw stones on her roof and said they would torch her house. Ahmed called Dhlamini, who immediately mobilised a group of nine men.By then, Ahmeds other spaza shop had already been looted.Im happy that my South African brothers have come to my rescue, he said, smiling from inside his shop as he attended to his customers.The looters will go through me and my crew first before attacking shop owners. This is what happens when people target shops, we suffer, said Dhlamini. I doubt that such people [looters] even give themselves time to think about how this will affect the community.Dhlamini said people were now having to pay R34 return fare and queuing for hours to buy bread and a few basic commodities in Springs, 12km away.His crew also patrol the area at night, checking on various immigrant shop owners, even though their shops have been cleaned out by looters. We just check if they are ok, because thats what normal people do, Dhlamini said.In extension 6, would-be looters have been eyeing Minitotz Monta and his shop. Here too, residents have come together to protect him. Stanford Ntshane said, During the day we are sitting outside keeping watch. At night my son and his friends light a fire and keep watch until late and alert us if they see anything suspicious. We are sleeping with our ears open and we will teach those looters a lesson.Girma Sefa, from Ethiopia, who operates a shop in Extension 1, is struggling to walk after looters attacked him on the street on Tuesday. Community members came to his rescue, chased the attackers away, and called the police.Weve asked the community to blow a whistle if they see trouble They [looters] did not manage to go into the shop but they broke pipes, said resident Sphiwe Sebego.The group managed to stop an attempt to loot the shop on Tuesday night.Im happy that the community are helping me. Ive managed to use Sphiwes vehicle to take my stock to safety in Dunnottar, said Sefa.As we speak many people are struggling to get bread. What will our children eat if this looting does not stop? asked Sebego. With Mandela Day around the corner, a day celebrated annually on 18 July, the Nelson Mandela Foundation is calling on South Africans to honour Madiba this month by stepping up in this moment of great challenge for the country. Mandela Day is a global call to action that celebrates the idea that everyone has the power to transform the world and make a positive impact. Business, charity sectors collaborate on securing food aid for KZN Funded by businesses and charitable organisations in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, 40,000 loaves of fresh bread and 40,000 litres of milk were distributed... 'Unsustainable levels of rage' 'Alienation, privation and despair' "In this moment of great challenge and terrible danger for South Africa, it is imperative for everyone who calls this country home to be part of finding solutions and making a future that is liveable for all. The temptation at times like this is to become paralysed, or to look away, or to give up. Our call is to honour Madiba in this month of Mandela Day by stepping up," said the foundation in a statement released on Thursday, 15 July."We applaud those who are contributing to making peace in the hotspots of Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal. We applaud community members who are assisting law enforcement services with the protection of infrastructure and systems which serve them. And we applaud those who are mobilising support for relief, recovery and clean-up work. We are committed to supporting all such endeavour."If sustainable solutions to the wave of public violence and other acts of lawlessness which is sweeping parts of South Africa are to be found, then it is critical that we understand what is happening and why. This tidal wave has been a long time coming."For many years now the foundation has joined with others in alerting the country to the unsustainable levels of rage building within our communities. Despite paying lip service to reckoning with oppressive and traumatic pasts, since 1994 the state has overseen serial failures in ensuring reparation, restitution, redistribution and prosecution. Instead, those carrying deep wounds from those pasts have been left behind by macro policies and strategies which have favoured both White and Black elites but has disturbingly excluded an overwhelming majority of the Black working classes. Inequality has spiralled. The discarded and the despairing live their lives with conspicuous consumption in full view."Levels of violence have been growing at disturbing levels through the last two decades. The foundation believes that South Africa is best understood now as a violent democracy, a democratic polity in which high levels of violence are regarded as normal. From domestic violence to rape, from child abuse to murder, from injuries caused by drunken driving to school bullying, statistics for South Africa are shocking. The woundedness of our society is profound. And for too long the state has concentrated its efforts on bolstering law enforcement and the criminal justice system, neglecting violence prevention strategies (like having a vibrant and respected social work sector) and rehabilitation programmes."In the last 18 months, Covid-19 has added whole new layers of alienation, privation and despair. Since the first quarter of 2020 the numbers of South Africans unable to put a meal on the table have grown. Malnutrition, homelessness and depression have deepened alarmingly. There are too many people feeling discarded and in despair, too many people with nothing to lose, too many people who have seen political and other elites at all levels play fast and loose with the law, with impunity."All that was required to let destructive energy loose was a trigger. The willingness of those who call themselves supporters of former President Zuma to weaponise identities and invite mayhem became that earth tremor setting off the tidal wave."The consequences for individuals, communities and our country will be dire. The future will be a scary place if we dont all step up. In the long term, addressing deep-rooted sources of rage and despair will be critical. In the short-term, restoring the rule of law has to be a priority. And in the weeks and months ahead we can prepare ourselves for communities cut off from essential food and medical supplies as a result of the destruction of infrastructure and supply chains. Relief work, like the foundations Each1Feed1 campaign, for many will make the difference between surviving or not."Dont look away. Join us in making every day a Mandela Day," the organisation said. Africa recorded a 43% jump in Covid-19 deaths last week as infections and hospital admissions have risen and countries face shortages of oxygen and intensive-care beds, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said on Thursday. Funeral workers wearing personal protective equipment carry a casket during the burial of a Covid-19 victim, amid a nationwide coronavirus disease (Covid-19) lockdown, at the Olifantsvlei cemetery, south-west of Joburg, South Africa 6 January, 2021. Reuters/Siphiwe Sibeko Public fatigue Vaccine supply challenges The continent's case fatality rate - the proportion of deaths among confirmed cases - stands at 2.6% against the global average of 2.2%, WHO Africa said in its weekly briefing."Africa's third wave continues its destructive pathway, pushing past yet another grim milestone as the continent's case count tops six million," Matshidiso Moeti, WHO regional director for Africa, told the briefing.The surge in infections, which is partly driven by the presence of the highly transmissible Delta variant of the coronavirus in 21 African countries, is leaving a "brutal cost in lives lost" in its trail, she said.Deaths have climbed steeply for the past five weeks to 6,273 last week, just a percentage point shy of its weekly peak recorded in January."This is a clear warning sign that hospitals in the most impacted countries are reaching a breaking point," Moeti said.Namibia, South Africa, Tunisia, Uganda and Zambia accounted for the bulk of the fatalities, WHO said.Public fatigue with restrictions to daily life aimed at curbing the spread of the virus was also to blame for the surge, WHO Africa said, which has seen the continent record an increase of one-million cases in the shortest time so far in the pandemic.It took just a month for infections to increase by the latest one million, compared with the three months it took to rise to five million from four million, Moeti said.Monoclonal antibody therapies, which the WHO approved for treatment of Covid-19 patients last week, will be out of reach for many people in Africa due to their high price tag of about $2,000 per patient, she said."We are advocating for generics to be produced rapidly to make these products more affordable," she said.Africa was forced to pause its vaccine rollout due to supply challenges and only 53-million doses of Covid-19 vaccines have been administered so far, Moeti said, and only 18-million Africans are fully vaccinated. The continent's population is 1.3 billion."This clearly needs to urgently increase," she said, adding that deliveries from the United States, Europe and the global vaccine sharing Covaxscheme are expected to gather pace in the next few weeks. Goodleaf, Africa's CBD wellness brand has teamed up with popular philanthropist and business entrepreneur Maps Maponyane to launch 'The goodleaf Podcast'... The new, monthly podcast will feature familiar and influential personalities in business and popular culture, from leading thinkers, culture changers to industry experts. Maponyane will take a deep dive into the world of CBD, breaking the stigma around cannabis and exploring the power and potential of the plant in everyday life. You can expect honest conversations about success, failure, anxiety, coping mechanisms and self-care rituals. From the marvellous to the messy its an unfiltered look at how it feels to be human.Although Maponyane has enjoyed an illustrious career in broadcasting and is one of the most celebrated TV personalities in SA, this will be his first podcast series. As someone who is passionate about mental and physical wellbeing, its truly an honour to be hosting The Goodleaf Podcast and having the privilege of having open and honest conversations with highly sought after and recognisable leaders., says Maponyane.He further adds, Partnering with Goodleaf was a no brainer as our goals are perfectly aligned,. Our collective aim is to educate people about cannabis, its benefits, de-stigmatising the plant which is often misunderstood, sharing advice on balance and creating a platform where people can view Goodleaf as a companion on their wellness journey. I want people to become more acquainted and inspired by the conversation and provide an informed point of view on the benefits of including CBD into their daily lives.In the first episode, aptly named Planting The Seed For Change, Maponyane talks to Warren Schewitz, the founder and CEO of goodleaf as well as influential cannabis activist and founder of Hemporium, Tony Budden. The opening episode focuses on the origins of the cannabis industry in South Africa, current laws and legislation and the untapped potential for South Africa to become a world leader in cannabis cultivation and production.We created this platform to open the conversation around CBD, focusing on the positives and challenges that the sector faces. We are thrilled to be working with Maps Maponyane to drive these much needed, frank conversations on CBD says Schewitz.The first episode is currently available to stream on https://thedose.co.za/ Lillian Bususu, the graduate placement manager at IIE Rosebank College, shares her top job interview tips, including the different types of interviews you can expect, what goes into proper preparation, common questions asked as well as what to avoid... If there is one rule liberty minded people need to remember, it is that the establishment does not like losing control of the narrative. And when they do, noticeably weird things start to happen. For example, it is becoming painfully obvious that the narrative on the experimental mRNA vaccines has slipped right through the fingers of the Biden Administration, and as a consequence they are now in a scramble to get millions of vaccines injected into as many skeptical arms as possible before the public organizes for a full push-back against the agenda. It seems to me that they are in a bit of a panic. The issue became more evident since January when various government entities and the media began to openly complain about the number of vaccine doses that were being thrown in the garbage because of expiration. Why were the vaccines expiring before use? The media spin suggests that it was due to government mismanagement, while officials at the state level have admitted that it has been due to a significant drop in demand In the meantime, Biden has shipped over 500 million covid vaccine doses overseas in June while at the same time claiming that the US was on track to meet his 70% vaccination goal by July 4th. Needless to say this never happened. The Biden admin now claims that the US population is now 67% vaccinated, and if this was actually true then it would be very close to meeting Anthony Faucis original guidelines for herd immunity. So why all the frantic hype about unvaccinated people? Firstly, Fauci has continually moved the goal posts for herd immunity to the point that he is now telling the public to ignore herd immunity altogether and that the only option is to get EVERYONE vaccinated. Many of us in the liberty media said this is exactly what he would do, and he has proven to be incredibly predictable. Secondly, the CDC vaccination numbers seem to be inflated in order to create a manufactured consensus. While claiming an overall vaccination rate of 67%, CDC stats indicate a maximum of around 184 million Americans with at least one dose, then indicate 160 million people with a double dose. Yet, according to the Mayo Clinic data map , only four states have a vaccination rate of 67% or more, all in the Northeast. Even California and New York are well under 67%, and the vast majority of states are sitting at around 50% or less. Frankly, I dont believe the CDC vaccine numbers at all. New dosage numbers are plunging across the US according to state officials; anyone who hasnt been jabbed by now is not going to get jabbed unless they are forced to. There are no long lines for vaccines. No wait times. The CDC has even removed the wait time between doses. And still, CVS and Walgreens have been throwing away expired doses by the hundreds of thousands. If we look at the CDC stats for full vaccination we are closer to 51% of the total US population, which matches more accurately with the Mayo Clinic state statistics. There is no indication that this percentage will be growing beyond the 51% mark anytime soon, if the stats are accurate at all. This means that at least half the US population is in defiance of the program. This is probably why Fauci and Biden have become more aggressive in their vaccination agenda the past month. If they were getting the nearly 70% vax rates they claim, then they would not be stomping their feet indignantly over unvaccinated people. The stats show a HUGE number of Americans are refusing to take the jab Theres a vast army of us out there, and this is a good thing. Why? Because there is simply no reason to take the experimental mRNA vaccine. FACT: Covid-19 has a median IFR (Infection Fatality Rate) of 0.26% or less. Why take an experimental vaccine over a virus that 99.7% of the population outside of nursing homes will easily survive? In my home county, only 17 people died from covid in 16 months time, many of them in nursing homes. The majority of the population also stopped wearing masks and ended the lockdowns about three months after the initial outbreak when it became clear that covid was a nothing-burger. The so-called Delta variant is also prominent here, and neither deaths nor infections have increased in a noticeable way. Most people here have already had the virus, and it was essentially like a bad flu with an extra kick or extra brain fog. After around a week people recovered. Easy. I perfectly understand peoples concerns when the pandemic first started; we had no idea what we were dealing with. However, after a few months the reality was evident. The continued delusional fear and terror over Covid is just self indulgent paranoia at this point. FACT: Covid infections and deaths started collapsing LONG before the vaccines were widespread. The mainstream media continually suggests that the vaccines are the reason for the fall in infections, but this is a lie. Covid cases peaked in January of 2021 and then plunged precipitously . In February of 2021 only 5.9% of the US population had received at least one dose of the mRNA cocktail. In conservative states where mandates were lifted far ahead of blue states and vaccinations are lower, infections and deaths fell even faster. Vaccines have NOTHING to do with the lower infections. Nothing. FACT: At least 81% of people who have had covid are unlikely to be reinfected. Fauci continues to ignore the science on herd immunity and completely dismisses people who have had covid as being immune. Yet, this is the reality. If we count the large numbers of people that have had covid, then the US hit herd immunity many months ago. This is why infections and deaths dropped off a cliff, not because of vaccinations. FACT: The mRNA vaccines have NO long term testing data supporting them or proving their safety. Initial testing for the average experimental vaccine is 2-4 years, and then another several years of observation and further testing is required before approval. Overall, vaccines are supposed to be tested and retested for 10-15 YEARS before being released to the public. The covid mRNA vaccines were released to the public in a matter of months with no official FDA approval and no long term data, at least none that has been revealed openly. The bottom line is that we have no idea what the long term side-effects of these vaccines will be. Though, there are some experts that are sounding the alarm FACT: Multiple vaccine experts are warning about potentially dangerous autoimmune disorders and infertility caused by experimental mRNA vaccines, including the doctor that helped invent mRNA technology. We have received numerous warnings by virology and vaccine experts calling for caution when it comes to the covid vaccines. Former VP of Pfizer Michael Yeadon and many of his medical associates have published a call for vaccinations to stop until more testing can be pursued. Yeadon specifically warned of possible autoimmune disorders as well as infertility side effects. He has since been attacked relentlessly by the media. MRNA vaccine inventor Dr. Robert Malone spoke out on the dangers of mRNA gene therapy, specifically noting that the spike protein which the covid vaccine instructs your cells to manufacture could pose long term health risks, including blood clots and infertility in women. Malones interview has since been erased from YouTube and his accomplishments have been quietly removed from websites like Wikipedia. He is slowly being non-personed. Finally, in hospitals across the country 30% of medical professionals have refused to take the vaccines. Some have only taken the jab because their jobs were threatened. The controlled media argument against warnings like these from experts in the field is that they are crazy and should be dismissed. So, only the medical professionals that get a government paycheck and agree with the government mandates are somehow sane? Interesting When gaslighting doesnt work, the spin doctors (no pun intended) pull out some classic fuzzy logic, claiming that there is no evidence that the vaccines will cause any damage. Well, thats verifiably false as anyone doing a rudimentary search will see many people around the world have died or suffered health side effects right after taking the vaccine. But, of course, vaccine apologists then argue that this is not 100% proof that the vaccines are dangerous overall. Well, theres also NO EVIDENCE that the vaccines are safe. There is no long term safety data. And in medical science the rule is to err on the side of caution, not take reckless risks over a virus that is a non-threat to 99.7% of the population. So let me make this perfectly clear to the covid cult which does not understand basic medical science The burden of proof is ON YOU, on the government and on the pharmaceutical companies, not on on us. YOU must prove that the vaccines are safe, through long term testing. It is not for us to simply take the jab and become guinea pigs in the worlds largest medical experiment based on blind faith and empty opinions backed by zero data. Bidens Vaccine Strike Teams These facts and more are being digested by the American public and the results are clear Millions upon millions of us will not be taking the jab. Its not going to happen. We will fight rather than comply, and eventually we will win. The globalist Reset agenda demands total vaccination, vaccine passports and complete compliance . They arent getting it, so, the natural outcome will be an attempt to force unvaccinated people to accept the jab. Recently, Biden announced a plan to field survey teams across America which would go door-to-door, like census agents, to determine who specifically has taken the vaccines and who hasnt. These teams would also encourage people who are not vaccinated to take the jab at a nearby location. These surveys are, in my opinion, a ruse more than anything else. They could not possibly collect accurate counts because they have no way of knowing if people are telling the truth or not. The likely purpose of the surveys is to locate homes that refuse to talk to the teams on principle and mark them as problematic. Bidens press secretary let slip some interesting language on these teams, perhaps revealing their true intent when she called them strike teams . Is this to say that the initial goal will be to force people to take the jab on their own doorsteps? No, not right away. However, I believe the survey teams are the next step towards that very policy in the future. For now, the covid cult is using corporations to enforce medical mandates by demanding employees and even customers get vaccinated before they can have access to employment or services. This is unacceptable, as many of these corporations have enjoyed endless stimulus injections from the government and are therefor beholden to taxpayers. Their private property rights do not extend to control over our personal medical decisions or histories. Any corporation or business that demands proof of vaccination on behalf of the government or the globalists should be picketed and run into the ground. Any competing businesses that refuse to ask for vaccine passports should be supported by the public and protected from government retribution. My home state of Montana has made it illegal for companies to ask for vaccine passports, but many states have not. It is up to regular Americans at the local level to let businesses know you will not be tolerating medical tyranny. By extension, Bidens survey teams are a no-go. They are a precursor to door-to-door forced vaccinations and invasive pressure from the federal government on any number of other issues. This is called incrementalism, and they think we are too distracted to notice it. As the agenda continues to fall apart in the US, the establishment will get desperate. When the vaccine passport mandates by corporations fail (and they will), they will have to take violent action in the near term to get what they want. These teams should be kicked out of any community they show up in. They should not be allowed to go door-to-door. The liberty movement is gaining incredible ground in this fight, but this means that the elites will become more unhinged and more dangerous in their rhetoric and actions. When control freaks and psychopaths do not get what they want, they tend to throw epic temper tantrums. If you would like to support the work that Alt-Market does while also receiving content on advanced tactics for defeating the globalist agenda, subscribe to our exclusive newsletter The Wild Bunch Dispatch. Learn more about it HERE. With global tensions spiking, thousands of Americans are moving their IRA or 401(k) into an IRA backed by physical gold. Now, thanks to a little-known IRS Tax Law, you can too. Learn how with a free info kit on gold from Birch Gold Group. It reveals how physical precious metals can protect your savings, and how to open a Gold IRA. Click here to get your free Info Kit on Gold. Submit your letter to the editor for publication in the Bozeman Daily Chronicle. Letters should be no more than 300 words and must include the writer's first and last name (no initials), home address and daytime phone number. Submit 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. Louis Perlmutter 56, H95 Senior Advisor, Corporate Partners LLC Elected 1984 Chair, 1989-1995 Louis Perlmutter was one of the worlds leading investment bankers for more than 35 years. He is the retired Executive Managing Director of Lazard where he advised boards of directors, CEOs and finance directors of global corporations on capital raising, capital structures, strategy, mergers, acquisitions and divestitures. Prior to Lazard, he created and headed one of the first Wall Street merger and acquisition departments at White Weld, and then headed Merrill Lynchs world-wide activities in this area. He was the principal advisor in several of the worlds largest corporate transactions during his career. In addition, Mr. Perlmutter has over 30 years experience in Track 2 foreign policy dialogues involving public officials, institutions and individuals throughout the Middle East including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Iran, Israel and Palestine, as well as India and China. He currently serves on the boards of Harvard Medical School, American Jewish Committee where he is an honorary vice president, Blaustein Institute of Human Rights, Brandeis University and is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. Previously he served as Board Chairman of Brandeis University (the first alumni to so serve), American Jewish Congress, and the Transatlantic Institute, Chairman of the Executive Committee of the United Nations Association of the U.S.A., and Chairman of the Economic Advisory Council of the Middle East Project, Council on Foreign Relations. He also served on the Boards of Directors of the Revson Foundation, Harvard Medical International, the Phoenix House Foundation, the Friends of the World Federation of the United Nations Association, the Advisory Board of Foreign Affairs and the Board of Governors, State of the U.S.A. Mr. Perlmutter received a BA from Brandeis University, a JD from the University of Michigan Law School and an honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters from Brandeis University. He is also the recipient of the Brandeis University Alumni Achievement Award. WASHINGTON - Canada is getting ready to welcome the world again, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau quietly indicated late Thursday as his office disclosed a target of mid-August for when the border might reopen for fully vaccinated Americans. A truck crosses the Bluewater Bridge border crossing between Sarnia, Ont., and Port Huron, Michigan on Sunday August 16, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Geoff Robins WASHINGTON - Canada is getting ready to welcome the world again, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau quietly indicated late Thursday as his office disclosed a target of mid-August for when the border might reopen for fully vaccinated Americans. And if the vaccination rate remains on its current upward trajectory, fully vaccinated travellers from around the world could begin arriving by early September, Trudeau said during a COVID-19 status update with Canada's premiers. The news was all but buried in the final paragraphs of a readout of the call from the Prime Minister's Office a tactical show of modesty, perhaps, in a national capital where the scent of a looming federal election is in the air. "The prime minister noted that, if our current positive path of vaccination rate and public health conditions continue, Canada would be in a position to welcome fully vaccinated travellers from all countries by early September," it reads. "He noted the ongoing discussions with the United States on reopening plans, and indicated that we could expect to start allowing fully vaccinated U.S. citizens and permanent residents into Canada as of mid-August for non-essential travel." The statement makes no mention of whether eligible U.S. visitors will be required to show proof of vaccination, a touchy subject in a country where personal freedoms are sacrosanct. The White House has already ruled out the idea of a vaccine "passport." Trudeau also boasted that Canada is leading the G20 countries in vaccination rates, with 80 per cent of eligible Canadians having received at least one vaccine dose. More than half are fully vaccinated, Trudeau said. Pressure has been mounting on the federal government to continue to ease the restrictions at the border, which have been in effect since March of last year. Much of it, however, has been coming from south of the border in question. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is just one voice in a growing chorus of U.S. lawmakers, many of them from states and districts that border Canada, who have been calling of late for non-essential travel to resume for vaccinated people. And polls are beginning to show that the widespread opposition in Canada to easing the border restrictions, which peaked at the height of the COVID-19 crisis in the U.S., has finally started to melt. Indeed, the reopening process has already begun: last week, the Canada Border Services Agency began exempting fully vaccinated Canadian citizens and permanent residents from a 14-day quarantine requirement. The restrictions, imposed by mutual agreement in March of last year as the pandemic began to hit hard, have been renewed on a monthly basis ever since. They are next set to expire on Wednesday. "The prime minister indicated that ministers would share more details on these plans early next week," the readout says. It also says the first ministers expressed support for reopening, provided the process is accompanied by "clarity and predictability." They also discussed working "collaboratively" on some sort of vaccine credential and system to "enable Canadians to travel internationally with confidence." This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 15, 2021. VANCOUVER - British Columbia's mental health and addictions minister has announced a new policy that will expand access to safer prescription drugs for people at risk of overdose and death from toxic substances, without expecting them to enter treatment. Paramedic specialists Brian Twaites and David Hilder of B.C. Ambulance debrief after responding to a drug overdose in downtown Vancouver, Wednesday, June 23, 2021. British Columbia will provide safer prescription drugs to people at risk of overdose and death from toxic substances, without expecting them to enter treatment. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jonathan Hayward VANCOUVER - British Columbia's mental health and addictions minister has announced a new policy that will expand access to safer prescription drugs for people at risk of overdose and death from toxic substances, without expecting them to enter treatment. Sheila Malcolmson said Thursday that people who have been clinically assessed will get alternatives including oral opioids to replace illicit drugs that could be laced with potentially deadly fentanyl. "B.C. is leading the country as the first province to offer safe supply, and we have had to introduce prescribed safe supply carefully, responding to the urgent need for solutions," she said. There have been more than 7,000 fatal overdoses since a public health emergency was declared in the province in 2016, with the number of deaths hitting record levels during the pandemic. Alternatives to illicit drugs include fentanyl patches already being used, and for the first time fentanyl tablets, as well as expanded use of injectable and tablet hydromorphone in clinical settings and a doctor's referral won't be required. The changes are in line with the federal Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, which requires prescriptions for the alternative safer supply being offered in B.C., which has been lobbying Ottawa to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of drugs for personal use to reduce the stigma of substance use. "Once fully implemented, more people who use illicit drugs can be prescribed a broader range of safer alternatives, covered by PharmaCare, including a range of opioids and stimulants as determined by each program and prescriber," Malcolmson said. The approach will be phased in over three years. The program will be available through clinics that currently prescribe safer drugs, and more facilities are expected to be added after health authorities provide implementation plans by end of the month for the policy that Malcolmson said would include rigorous monitoring and an independent evaluation. "I thank the courageous doctors and nurse practitioners who work tirelessly to prescribe safe supply, who do this work already, and who back this policy," she said. Physicians reluctant to prescribe medications to substance users are expected to be provided with training, Malcolmson said in response to suggestions from drug users and Green party Leader Sonia Furstenau that not all doctors are willing to prescribe drugs as part of the safer supply policy. Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said implementing the policy included discussions with the B.C. College of Physicians and Surgeons and one of the revelations of the toxic drug-supply crisis is that there has been some inappropriate prescribing of opioids. Henry said protocols established at clinics through health authorities will allow the college to be aware of who is prescribing the alternative medications and doctors should feel supported that it's part of a harm-reduction model to save lives. The provincial coroners service said 851 people died of suspected drug toxicity between January and May, surpassing the previous high of 704 deaths reported for the same months in 2017 by almost 21 per cent. Henry said some safer-supply medications will be more widely available so people will no longer be required to pick up their alternative drugs daily at a pharmacy as the policy is phased in. "Fentanyl patches, for example, can be replaced every few days, and Fentora, which is a new medication, that's not been used in B.C. at all up until now, probably will need to have stronger restrictions in place at first until we understand the parameters of the drug," she of the fentanyl tablets. While medical-grade heroin has been prescribed for a limited number of people at one clinic in Vancouver based on a European model that began about 30 years ago, it is not part of B.C.'s new policy despite previous efforts for its wider adoption by former provincial health officer Dr. Perry Kendall. This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 15, 2021. BARRIE, Ont. - Residents whose homes were badly damaged or destroyed in a twister that tore through a southern Ontario city got a closer look at the wreckage Friday as they ventured back to retrieve key possessions, while the premier vowed to support the recovery efforts. Damage left after a tornado touched down in a neighbourhood of Barrie, Ont., on Thursday, July 15, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christopher Katsarov BARRIE, Ont. - Residents whose homes were badly damaged or destroyed in a twister that tore through a southern Ontario city got a closer look at the wreckage Friday as they ventured back to retrieve key possessions, while the premier vowed to support the recovery efforts. Premier Doug Ford toured the south Barrie neighbourhood where the tornado touched down and pledged to "step up" if insurance companies didn't cover the costs of repairs. "It's a shock, it's shocking, it's heartbreaking," Ford said as he stood on a street littered with debris, with several homes cordoned off. "These people, within minutes, literally, their lives changed. But we're going to get them back on their feet." Ford expressed relief, however, that no one had been killed in the disaster, calling it a "miracle." Uprooted trees, toppled fences, pieces of building insulation and roofing materials remained strewn on lawns and streets in the area where the tornado cut its path Thursday afternoon. Several people were injured as a result of the twister. For some residents, the brief return home to fetch medication, prized possessions or pets highlighted the extent of the damage and its fallout, Barrie Mayor Jeff Lehman said. "That's one of the real difficult things about this morning, is folks finding that their lives are gone, their possessions are gone or heavily damaged by the storm," he said in a video statement Friday morning. "But the cleanup efforts are beginning." Tyler Musgrove, his brother Jacob and their roommate Kelly Trinh were surveying what remained of their backyard Friday morning. What used to be their shed was reduced to a wooden foundation and a pile of debris, and there was nothing left of their gazebo. "This is the first time I'm seeing the damage," said Trinh, who had to stay with her boyfriend overnight because access to the home was blocked by the time she arrived Thursday evening. "It does not feel real," she said. Inside, the damage is "not that bad," Jacob Musgrove said. His window was broken by a two-by-four, which he's considering keeping as a memento, he said. Tyler Musgrove said he and his brother were the only ones home when the tornado hit. He recalled running out to close the door to the shed, which had been left open, and suddenly seeing "stuff flying" all around him. "The shed behind me started to break apart, it flew up and around me. Then I ran inside as fast as I could," he said. He had to get stitches on his arm after getting cut up by glass and wood shrapnel, he said. His arm was bandaged up Friday morning. The mayor said that 10 people were taken to hospital after the tornado, and all but two had been released as of Friday afternoon. He said none suffered life-threatening injuries. More than 100 people had been displaced, Lehman said, but the number could grow because some people went to stay with family and may not have reported their situation to the city yet. Environment Canada has given the tornado a preliminary rating of EF-2, meaning it had maximum wind speeds of 210 kilometres per hour. The damage path was about five kilometres long and up to 100 metres wide, the weather office said. Roughly 20 homes are considered uninhabitable, with two or three completely destroyed, fire Chief Cory Mainprize said. Crews were expected to start making some repairs Friday, including patching up roofs that weren't too badly damaged. Lehman, the mayor, said the community has already started coming together to support those who lost the most to the tornado. He noted it's a familiar scene to many long-time Barrie residents. A tornado killed eight people and injured more than a hundred others in the city in 1985. Hundreds of homes in the Allendale neighbourhood were destroyed. "The scenes today are reminiscent of it," Lehman said. "I lived in that neighborhood as a boy. I mean, it's shocking, you know, you never expected to see it again." Thursday's tornado brought back memories for 70-year-old Judy Arksey, too. "It was like deja-vu," she said. "I got one look at the sky and I knew what was coming." She was in her daughter's car in a driveway when the tornado ripped down the street. Her two grandkids aged six and 16 were with them. "I remember the horses being lifted up out of the racetrack during the other tornado, and I thought, here goes our car with my grandkids in it," Arksey said. As soon as she saw the sky, she said, she told them to look down so they wouldn't see what was coming. Luckily, she said, the car stayed on the ground despite taking a beating in the strong wind, and she and her family escaped injury. She said the community has come together in the wake of Thursday's destruction, just like it did 36 years ago. Arksey spent two weeks volunteering after the 1985 tornado, she said, helping out however she could at the church. "I'm too old to do that this time," she said. Barrie police thanked everyone who made donations to support those affected by the tornado, but said they can't accept any more at this time. This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 16, 2021. VICTORIA - The federal government says cruise ships will be allowed back in Canadian waters in November, but they must follow public health requirements. 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 VICTORIA - The federal government says cruise ships will be allowed back in Canadian waters in November, but they must follow public health requirements. Transport Minister Omar Alghabra said the prohibition on cruise ships because of COVID-19 will be lifted Nov. 1, eliminating a ban that was in place until the end of February 2022. In a news release Thursday, Alghabra said the $4-billion cruise industry generates about 30,000 jobs and is an important part of the country's domestic tourism sector. "As Canadians have done their part to reduce the spread of COVID-19, our government continues to work hard to safely restart our economy and build back better," he said in the release. Ian Robertson, CEO of the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority said the ban lifting earlier than planned was welcome news. "This is what we've been advocating for," he said in an interview. "For government to send a positive signal that cruise would be welcome back in 2022. It's a good day." Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps said the cruise industry is an important part of the economy of south Vancouver Island. "Our local economy has definitely taken a hit, but thanks to residents shopping local and supporting their friends and neighbours businesses, many businesses are still making it work," she said in the federal government release. British Columbia also wants the United States to lift legislation that allows ships travelling between Washington state and Alaska to sail past the province's ports without stopping. The amendment to the Passenger Vessel Services Act was a response to Canada's ban on cruise ships through next February. Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski, who was behind it, has said the law would only apply until Canada lifted its restrictions. Alaska welcomed back its first cruise ship since the 2019 season on July 9, said a news release from Murkowski, who joined state leaders and community members as the Royal Caribbeans Serenade of the Seas arrived in Ketchikan. Seventy-eight sailings are scheduled to take place in Alaska for the remainder of the 2021 season, it said. The legislation provided a "temporary fix" under the law for cruise ships to resume sailing between Washington state and Alaska, the release said. Canada's ban on cruise ships would not have allowed Alaska to restart its season because the law required the vessels to stop in a foreign country. Murkowski did not immediately return a request for comment on whether the amendment will be lifted. The B.C. Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure said in a statement that Thursday's announcement addresses concerns from Alaska and the cruise ship industry. Both Alaska and B.C. "mutually benefit" from the cruise ship industry, it said. "Premier John Horgan also met with Sen. Lisa Ann Murkowski to discuss the temporary bill," it said. "Both Alaska and B.C. want to see a resumption of cruise ship stops in B.C. once it's safe to do so." Robertson said Canada's announcement sends a clear signal that ships will be welcomed back. "I'm hoping that today's announcement maybe has thrown a little bit of cold water on that (legislation) and that the state of Alaska will see that they can plan ahead to 2022 in confidence." Utah Sen. Mike Lee has introduced three bills to repeal and reform the 135-year-old Passenger Vessel Services Act, saying in a statement this week that it's an "outdated, protectionist law" that benefits Canada and harms American jobs. Robertson said he is "concerned" that the legislation might become permanent. "I think government and industry did not take the original temporary waiver seriously and look what happened, it went through and it went through quite quickly," Robertson said. "We'll need to do what we can and come together at both the federal government, the provincial government and industry to do what we can to ensure that this bill is not passed." By Hina Alam in Vancouver This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 15, 2021. A lack of resources is forcing officials in British Columbia to triage the wildfire fight to focus on the blazes that threaten lives and safety. A wildfire burns in the mountains north of Lytton, B.C., on Thursday, July 1, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck A lack of resources is forcing officials in British Columbia to triage the wildfire fight to focus on the blazes that threaten lives and safety. Relentless heat has parched the province, fuelling more than 300 fires, which have forced residents in more than 2,800 properties to evacuate while 10,000 more are on alert and have been told to get ready to leave. Kurtis Isfeld, the deputy director of the BC Wildfire Service, said in a briefing Thursday the same issues impacting B.C., such as dry weather, are also problems in other provinces, leaving less resources to share. "With the current resource challenges we have, we're unable to commit to all new ignitions," he said. Isfeld said the fire conditions are more reminiscent of August. "Unfortunately there is little to no reprieve in the forecast," he said. "Particularly in the south, conditions will remain hot and dry for the summer months." Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth said in a statement the province is deploying all the necessary personnel and equipment to battle the fires, adding that the Canadian Armed Forces used aircraft to help some residents flee their homes, but he did not specify from which fire. Fires in the Okanagan and other Interior regions led to intermittent closures of Highways 1, 20 and 97 on Thursday. And officials with the Thompson-Nicola Regional District passed a motion Thursday night asking the province to declare a provincial state of emergency due to the wildfires. Meanwhile, warnings of smoky skies from Environment Canada affecting the eastern half of the province remain in place. Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said three-layer face masks can provide a reprieve from smoke, but she warned people to closely monitor high temperatures, which is often more dangerous to health than smoke. The community of 100 Mile House is under an evacuation alert, menaced by an 87-square-kilometre blaze that broke out last week, while alerts also covered the villages of Ashcroft, Cache Creek and Savona as a nearly eight-square-kilometre fire reported Monday remained uncontrolled. Mitch Campsall, the mayor of 100 Mile House, said residents are using lessons learned from a 2017 wildfire that forced evacuations. "People have got their to-go bag ready to go. They're ready to go at the drop of the hat," he said in an interview. Volunteer firefighters have also learned different tactics and trained on different equipment to fight fires as a result of what happened in 2017, Campsall added. The region has faced several moments of adversity in the past few years, including wildfires and a mill shutdown, Campsall said. "We've got fires all around us, we've got evacuations all around us, but as this community does so well, we're all working together and we're all helping each other," he said. Campsall said he's worried about what happens as the summer goes on. "We've just barely got into the fire season, what's coming up next? What's the next issue?" he said. Erin Bull, a fire information officer with the BC Wildfire Service, said some progress had been made against the Canim Lake fire, burning just north of 100 Mile House. More than 40 firefighters, along with structural protection teams, have been battling the blaze, Bull said. More than 1,760 square kilometres of land has burned in B.C. since the wildfire season began on April 1, and Environment Canada shows no end in sight for drought-like conditions, although forecasters say the central Cariboo could see a trace of rain by the weekend. In an effort to help limit the spread of fires, Farnworth urged residents in areas threatened by wildfires to prepare their properties, such as by trimming trees and clearing gutters. This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 15, 2021. OTTAWA - A long-established Muslim international relief charity says it will ask a federal court to overturn the national revenue agency's decision to suspend its ability to issue tax receipts following an audit. A sign outside the Canada Revenue Agency is seen on Monday, May 10, 2021 in Ottawa. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld OTTAWA - A long-established Muslim international relief charity says it will ask a federal court to overturn the national revenue agency's decision to suspend its ability to issue tax receipts following an audit. Ottawa-based Human Concern International says the Canada Revenue Agency's penalty is unwarranted and just the latest example of the agency's unfair targeting of Muslim charities for scrutiny. HCI, a registered charity since 1983, has provided humanitarian aid and development support to tens of millions of individuals and families around the world in its mission to save lives and move people from crises to sustainability. It has collected funds from some 50,000 Canadian donors and established partnerships with more than 1,000 organizations. In 2014, the revenue agency informed HCI it was initiating an audit for two fiscal years, from April 1, 2011, to March 31, 2013 triggering a lengthy process the charity considered aggressive and disruptive to its operations. As a result of the audit by the Analysis and Review Division of the revenue agency's charities directorate, concerns were expressed to HCI in 2018 about six initiatives. It accused the charity of improperly issuing donation receipts totalling more than $307,000 on behalf of organizations administering the six projects a practice known as third-party receipting. The initiatives included three education and health projects in India, education and skills development of orphans in Bangladesh, orphan support in Somalia and an education project in Kenya. HCI says the practice at issue is in fact "diaspora fundraising," widely used across the world by many Canadian charities at the time of the audit. Canadian charities often work with individuals and groups connected to the communities where the projects are taking place, HCI says. These diaspora groups collect funds on behalf of HCI, which then works with an implementation partner for projects that were vetted and approved by HCI. HCI says it has always been committed to maintaining direction and control of its overseas charitable projects and to ensuring that all such projects conducted through third-party intermediaries constitute HCI's own charitable activities. In a July 7 letter to HCI, the revenue agency disagreed with the charity's interpretation, saying it was unable to accept the assertion that the six unregistered organizations were third-party fundraisers acting on behalf of, and for the benefit of, HCI. It said the revenue agency was prepared to enter a compliance agreement with HCI related to other issues, such as bookkeeping practices, raised by the audit. However, the receipting concerns would result in a one-year suspension of HCI's ability to issue receipts to donors. HCI executive director Mahmuda Khan said the charity appreciates the revenue agency's usual emphasis on education to ensure compliance with the rules. "That would have been a reasonable approach," she said in an interview. "And this suspension was definitely unfair." The agency's decision "is going to send a very negative message to Canada's Muslim community that our charity work is not welcome," Khan said. HCI is urging the revenue agency's charities directorate to reconsider the suspension and is also pursuing the matter in the federal tax court, she added. A recently released report by the International Civil Liberties Monitoring Group said the revenue agency's Review and Analysis Division works with national security agencies to carry out its audits, with little accountability. From 2008 to 2015, 75 per cent of the organizations whose charitable status was revoked following division audits were Muslim charities, and at least another four have had their status pulled since then, the report said. It added that despite these revocations, not a single Muslim charitable organization or individual associated with one had been charged with a terrorist-financing crime. In response to the report, the revenue agency said it does not select registered charities for audit based on any particular faith or denomination, adding it is firmly dedicated to diversity, inclusion and anti-racism. Tim McSorley, national co-ordinator of the civil liberties monitoring group, said the audit and suspension of HCI unfortunately reflects the pattern the group has seen in the revenue agency's examination of other Muslim charities: unsupported allegations leading to drawn-out audits that result in penalties that are in no way linked to the initial reasons for investigation. "The timing of this decision is deeply concerning," McSorley said. Following the recent questions about the federal government's approach to auditing Muslim charities, and specifically the work of the Review and Analysis Division, "we would expect a period of reflection and review," he said. "Instead, one of the oldest and most established Muslim charities in Canada has seen its status suspended." Charities, non-profit organizations and supportive civil society voices flagged the concerns in a letter last month to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and several members of his cabinet. This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 16, 2021. FREDERICTON - New Brunswick's health minister says experts are working as quickly as possible to study a mysterious neurological disease that has killed six people and infected 48. FREDERICTON - New Brunswick's health minister says experts are working as quickly as possible to study a mysterious neurological disease that has killed six people and infected 48. But Dorothy Shephard said Friday there is no guarantee they will find answers rather than more questions. New Brunswick's provincial flag flies on a flagpole in Ottawa, Friday, July 3, 2020. New Brunswick's health minister says experts are working as quickly as possible to study a mysterious neurological disease that has killed six people and infected 48. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld "We might be lucky to get answers, but none of us can predict that," Shephard said in an interview. Shephard wrote a letter Thursday to inform the families of patients suffering from the unknown disease about the latest developments, including efforts to hire more full-time staff at the Mind Clinic in Moncton, N.B., where the study is underway. A social worker will be added in August and a clinical psychologist in November, she said. Shephard said the clinic now has 81 registered patients since it opened in the spring, although only the original 48 are being studied by an expert committee. "Those first 48 are going to help us determine the path we need to go forward with either a potential diagnosis or the potential of going forward with an unknown neurological syndrome," she said. Symptoms of the mystery syndrome include rapidly progressing dementia, muscle spasms, atrophy and a host of other complications. Families of each patient are being asked to complete a detailed questionnaire in an effort to find possible causes and common links. It's expected they will be completed by the end of the month and then the expert committee will need four months to conduct their clinical review. Twenty-six of the 48 surveys had been completed as of Friday. "This path is valid. It is methodical, and it is going to lead us where we need to go," Shephard said. But Steve Ellis, whose father is one of the patients, is critical of the pace of information coming from the minister and is asking the government to release more details. "I want her to release the number of people in each age bracket that have the syndrome and release the age bracket or brackets of those who have died," Ellis said in an interview Friday. Ellis said he didn't learn anything new from the minister's letter, but he said he was happy to see a commitment to public briefings. The clinical review is proceeding too slowly but filling the full-time positions at the Mind Clinic will help, he added. The provincial Health Department says the first case of the disease dates back to 2015, but a potential cluster of cases wasn't identified by federal officials until December 2020. The federal Creutzfeld-Jakob Disease Surveillance System spotted a pattern of symptoms among patients last year and then ruled out the possibility that the syndrome was a human prion disease like CJD. Many of the cases were identified in the Moncton area or the Acadian Peninsula, in the northeast of the province, but there has been no hard evidence to suggest the syndrome is linked to geography. In March, a researcher with the Public Health Agency of Canada said a potential cause could be some form of environmental exposure. Shephard said that at this point, the government doesn't have any new details about the cause of the disease. "It's important to go at it without bias," she said. "That's why these surveys are so important in helping us determine the next best path." This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 16, 2021. OTTAWA - New Brunswick Sen. Judith Keating has died. She was 64 years old. New Brunswick Sen. Judith Keating, shown in a handout photo, has died. Keating was 58. She was appointed to the Senate in January 2020 and sat with the Independent Senators Group. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO-Canadian Senate MANDATORY CREDIT Keating was appointed to the Senate in January 2020 and sat with the Independent Senators Group. She was a lawyer and constitutional expert who spent several decades as a senior civil servant in New Brunswick, including as a legal adviser to the premier. She was also the first woman to be the deputy minister of justice and attorney general in that province. In a statement, Senate Speaker George Furey called her a "tireless advocate." "Of her many contributions, Senator Keating will be remembered as a tireless advocate for the equal status of the English and French languages in New Brunswick, the equal and just treatment of women in the legal profession, and the promotion of Indigenous issues in her role as provincial chair of the Working Group on Truth and Reconciliation in New Brunswick," he wrote. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also expressed his condolences. He said in a statement that she "will be remembered as a distinguished legal and constitutional expert and as a champion for womens empowerment in the legal profession." He also said she "was an active member of her local community, and made many important contributions over her decades of public service in the Government of New Brunswick. Most notably, she worked tirelessly to advance language equality and promote reconciliation with Indigenous peoples in the province." Tributes flowed quickly on social media after news spread of Keating's death. Alberta Sen. Paula Simons says she is "gutted by the news." "Judith was so smart, so funny, so insightful, so hard-working," Simons said on Twitter, shortly after the news of Keating's death was made public. "Everything you would want in a senator, in a colleague, in a friend. Im so sorry her time in the Senate was as brief as it was. We needed more Judith Keating." Keating's biography on the Senate website says she lived in Fredericton and had two children. This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 16, 2021. Note to readers: This is a corrected story. A previous version said Judith Keating, who was named to the Senate last year, was 58 years old when she died. OTTAWA - The decision to send former chief of the defence staff Jonathan Vances criminal case to a civilian court highlights what experts say is a serious problem with the militarys justice system: its inability to hold Canadas top commander accountable. Jonathan Vance responds to a question during a news conference, Friday, June 26, 2020 in Ottawa. One of Canadas top military law experts says the decision to send former chief of defence staff Vances criminal case to the civilian justice system was not only the right call, it was the only real option.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld OTTAWA - The decision to send former chief of the defence staff Jonathan Vances criminal case to a civilian court highlights what experts say is a serious problem with the militarys justice system: its inability to hold Canadas top commander accountable. This gap was first identified by retired Supreme Court justice Morris Fish in report on the system Canadas military uses to discipline service members, which stated that it was impossible to court martial Canadas defence chief. In the report released last month, Fish noted courts martial involving senior officers require five-member panels, with one member of the panel outranking the accused an impossibility in Canada, where no one outranks the chief of the defence staff. The CDS is at all times the only active member of the Canadian Armed Forces holding the rank of general or admiral, Fish wrote. The senior member of the panel can never be of or above the rank of the CDS. The Canadian Forces National Investigation Service appeared to reference this shortcoming in announcing on Thursday that Vance was being charged with one count of obstruction of justice. Considering the specifics of the case and in the interest of justice with due regard to the limitations of the military justice system identified in the findings contained in the (Fish) report, the CFNIS decided to pursue the relevant criminal charge in the civilian justice system, it said. While Fish recommended creating a pool of officers for future tribunals, or allowing some flexibility in the required ranks, retired colonel Michel Drapeau said the need to satisfy the appearance of justice means civilian courts is the only acceptable venue for trying top brass. At the end of the day, more often than not, a civilian court is the most appropriate venue for dealing with criminal charges laid against very senior military personnel as it better satisfy the appearance of justice in deciding the defendants guilt or innocence at trial, said Drapeau, who is now a lawyer and one of Canada's top experts in military law. Court documents filed by the CFNIS allege Vance tried to obstruct the course of justice by repeatedly contacting Mrs. K.B. by phone and attempting to persuade her to make false statements about their past relationship to military investigators. The documents allege those phone calls were made between Feb. 1-3. Maj. Kellie Brennan told a parliamentary committee in April that she had turned over to military police recorded conversations of Vance instructing her to lie about their inappropriate relationship and threatening consequences if she didnt. Brennan has alleged the two started their relationship in 2001, and that it continued after he became Canadas top military commander in 2015. Then, Vance was publicly leading the charge on sexual misconduct in the Armed Forces. Global News, which first reported the allegations made by Brennan in February, has also reported that Vance allegedly sent a lewd email to a much more junior member in 2012. Vance has declined requests for comment from The Canadian Press, but Global has reported he denies any wrongdoing. None of the allegations have been proven in court. Retired lieutenant-colonel Rory Fowler, also now a lawyer specializing in military cases, noted that Vance has not been charged with having an inappropriate relationship while in uniform, which was the root of recent allegations against him. He suggested in a blog post Friday that was either because investigators did not feel there was enough evidence to lay such a charge in relation to the alleged relationship with Brennan or the alleged email or due to the gap in the military justice system. It was likely painfully obvious to the legal advisers to the CFNIS and perhaps even to the CFNIS investigators themselves that it was going to be practically impossible to prosecute retired general Vance for a Code of Service Discipline charge or charges relating to his alleged failure to declare his alleged personal relationship with Kellie Brennan, Fowler said. It would also have been practically impossible to prosecute any charge under section 129 of the (National Defence Act) for his alleged sexualized comment to an unnamed junior (non-commissioned member). This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 16, 2021. VANCOUVER - There would be few advantages to declaring a provincial state of emergency in the battle against wildfires in British Columbia as the province uses all of its available resources to fight them, Premier John Horgan said Friday. The sky glows orange as the Tremont Creek wildfire burns on a mountain in the distance behind St. Gerard's Catholic Church, in Ashcroft, B.C., on Thursday, July 15, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck VANCOUVER - There would be few advantages to declaring a provincial state of emergency in the battle against wildfires in British Columbia as the province uses all of its available resources to fight them, Premier John Horgan said Friday. Opposition politicians and the Thompson-Nicola Regional District, parts of which were under evacuation orders or alerts, have urged Horgan to declare an emergency. "If there was a state of emergency called today, it would have no impact on resources because they are already in place," Horgan said at a news conference. "We're putting all hands on deck and the state of emergency is not required to do that." More than 300 wildfires were burning in the province on Friday, affecting about 1,500 properties where residents were ordered to leave earlier this week and evacuation alerts remained in effect for many more, including the entire communities of 100 Mile House, Ashcroft and Cache Creek. Firefighters from Quebec and Mexico are en route to assist with local efforts, Horgan added. The Ministry of Public Safety said in a statement that 20 firefighters from Quebec are due to arrive Friday, while 100 firefighters from Mexico will arrive in Abbotsford, B.C., on July 24. The Quebec and Mexico crews will live and work in operational bubbles apart from local firefighters as a way to minimize COVID-19 risks. Horgan said the normal contingent of Australian firefighters won't be able to assist due to COVID-19 concerns, while fire crews from western U.S. states are busy with fire behaviour similar to that in B.C. "I'm confident based on briefings from the fire service ... that we have the resources in place to do what we can," he said. Horgan said he would declare a state of emergency only when told to by firefighters and Emergency Management BC. Brendan Ralfs of Emergency Management BC said during a media briefing on Thursday that a state of emergency would change little in the firefighting effort. "During this current event, a provincial declaration of state of emergency has not been necessary to provide assistance to people, to access funding, or to co-ordinate or obtain additional resources," he said, adding one would be called if it was required. Environment Canada says heat warnings for parts of the central and southern Interior have ended but wildfire smoke means air quality advisories were posted for most of the eastern half of B.C., with conditions not expected to improve through the weekend. Some parts of the Interior could see showers, but the weather office says any rain in the wildfire-ringed area of 100 Mile House over the next 24 hours could be accompanied by lightning. About 69 per cent of the active fires listed by the BC Wildfire Service on Friday were believed to have been started by lightning. This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 16, 2021. We are all committed to meaningful progress on reconciliation. The political showmanship of storming into someone elses press conference to bully a Minister who was sworn in only 10 minutes earlier does nothing to advance that reconciliation. #mbpoli "We are all committed to meaningful progress on reconciliation. The political showmanship of storming into someone elses press conference to bully a Minister who was sworn in only 10 minutes earlier does nothing to advance that reconciliation. #mbpoli" A soon-deleted tweet from the Manitoba PC Caucus on Thursday afternoon NDP Leader Wab Kinew just had one of the greatest moments of his political life. There in front of the Grand Staircase of the Manitoba legislature, Mr. Kinew interrupted Indigenous Reconciliation and Northern Relations Minister Alan Lagimodiere, who was making statements to the press regarding his take on residential schools. Only a few minutes earlier, Mr. Lagimodiere had been sworn into his new ministerial role, following the surprise resignation last Friday of former Indigenous and northern relations minister Eileen Clarke, who intimated this week that Pallisters recent comments about how colonists were only trying to "build Canada" made her job impossible. Based on the foot-in-mouth disease that has plagued Premier Brian Pallister regarding Indigenous relations in this province not only last week, but over the course of his time in office it would have behooved Mr. Lagimodiere to attempt to calm the waters. If he was attempting to do this, he certainly did not succeed. "The residential-school system was designed to take Indigenous children and give them the skills and abilities they would need to fit into society as it moved forward," Lagimodiere told reporters. "At the time, they really thought that they were doing the right thing. Im saddened by the fact that it took individuals so long to recognize that process wasnt working." Further, Mr. Lagimodiere who is Metis said that those running the schools realized they had made a mistake, but had intended to provide a useful education to Indigenous people. "They thought they were doing the right thing. In retrospect, its easy to judge." A video of the press conference shows that at this point, Mr. Kinew who is First Nations walked up to Mr. Lagimodiere to confront him, thus interrupting the press conference. "I cannot accept you saying what you just said about residential schools," Kinew said, further noting that officials had stated they wanted to use the schools to replace all Indigenous language and culture with European ways of life to "kill the Indian" out of the child. "Any right-minded person at the time should have known and would have known and many did know, and spoke up against it," Kinew said. For a good 90 seconds, the NDP leader schooled the new Indigenous reconciliation minister about exactly the kind of bumpy ride he will have trying to work with Indigenous communities if he is going to be an apologist for those who created and operated residential schools in this country. Without doubt, we witnessed a small battle of wills playing out in real time, one that is both reflective of a larger social discussion in our society that is threatening to spark further anger and outrage, as well as open prejudice. Mr. Lagimodiere did not come out the victor. The stories of hundreds of unmarked graves of Indigenous children found in former Indian Residential School properties in this country gave us a glimpse of the anger and resentment percolating within Indigenous communities in this country on Canada Day. And in response to that glimpse, we are now witnessing part of the pushback from non-Indigenous people who think they have done enough, and taken enough. The PC Caucus tweet Thursday afternoon attempted to paint Mr. Kinew as a bully who unfairly interrupted a newly minted minister without giving him the chance to bask in the glory of his new portfolio before trying to tear him down. But that assertion did not hold true one of the reasons, perhaps, that so many other Twitter users piled on with negative comments in response, forcing the party to remove the comment. Mr. Kinew spoke truth to power, and thus punctuated the fact that Mr. Lagimodiere was either unfit to take on the fiery portfolio he now has in his possession due to his own outdated beliefs, or remained ignorant of the reality faced by too many Indigenous people in this province. Mr. Lagimodiere expressed a belief during his press conference that he should take the time to learn from his predecessor, in this case Ms. Clarke, about the strengths and weaknesses in the department, and how best to move forward in the role. And later on Twitter, he tried to clarify his comments by saying he "misspoke" during the press conference, and admitted the schools were "tragic and designed to assimilate Indigenous children and eradicate Indigenous culture." He also committed to addressing the legacy of residential schools. We do hope that Mr. Lagimodiere takes this difficult moment to heart and learns from it, for we should not wish any minister to fail in their public roles. A poor minister can ruin any prior-built good will, and do a lot of damage to relations between government and Indigenous communities and organizations. No one needs that right now. But the Pallister government, in its actions and comments this month, has done significant damage to the Tory brand in this province. And as such, the wheel of fortune is rising in Wab Kinews favour. Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size Sheryn Omeri was six years out of law school when Australian legal legend Geoffrey Robertson casually suggested he might have some work for her in his London chambers. He didnt promise anything, but the mere possibility of working in the proximity of one of the worlds most renowned human rights lawyers was enough to see her pack her bags and leave home in Sydney to strike out in England. If he tells you to do something and you are a young law graduate full of idealism, you dont ask questions of Geoffrey, you just do it, she says. Sheryn Omeri says her successful case on behalf of Uber drivers in the UK captured what made her want to be a lawyer in the first place. Credit:Steven Siewert Omeri was no stranger to travel, having been born in Australia to a Kurdish father and Iranian mother, with relatives spread across 15 countries. She had also studied at the prestigious French university Sciences Po in Paris. The case Robertson had in mind for the young lawyer did not work out. But a suggestion from Robertson that she spend time in the legal library of his chambers, would ultimately open the door to a legal career that would see her fight a globally significant case. I was thinking, oh my gosh, Ive come all this way and now I cant work with Geoffrey. But as he was walking in front of me down the stairs at Doughty Street Chambers he said dont leave, things come up here all the time. And he was right. Lots of things came up. Omeri and I are having lunch at Bodhi Restaurant behind the Cook and Phillip Park Pool on College Street in Sydneys CBD. We had met two years earlier in London when she was preparing for a case against the ride-sharing app, Uber. The case became the defining moment of her career because it captured everything she cared about human rights and giving a voice to vulnerable immigrant workers. Advertisement The last time we had lunch we were at another vegan cafe called Redemption, in Notting Hill, where we chatted about the upcoming hearing in Britains Supreme Court, equivalent to the Australian High Court. Omeri and her colleague Jason Galbraith-Marten, QC, successfully argued that former Uber drivers James Farrar and Yaseen Aslam were workers entitled to rights including the minimum wage, holiday pay and whistleblower protection. The court delivered its judgement in February this year and found in favour of the Uber drivers in a landmark decision. Omeri believes the decision has implications for the gig economy in Australia because of the level of control Uber exercises over its workers. The company determines the price of rides, the terms of contracts and it can sack workers based on their performance on the app. Watch this space for Australian Uber litigation, Omeri says. The British ruling determined the Uber drivers were ultimately workers, who are entitled to some but not all of the employment rights that are afforded to employees. In Australia, workers are defined as either employees or independent contractors. A high level of control over a workers hours, pay and contractual obligations usually suggest they are employees and not contractors. Today at Bodhi we chat about how she became involved with the Uber case as we order a selection of yum cha dishes, including the dumplings with shiitake mushroom and truffle oil, ginger wontons, tofu rice paper rolls, pumpkin dumplings and BBQ bread buns. Yum Cha at Bodhi Restaurant in Sydney. Credit:Steve Siewert Omeri first discovered Bodhi as an arts/law student at Sydney University. After graduating, she bypassed the big commercial law firms where most of her classmates lined up to work. Instead, she cut her teeth at the Aboriginal Legal Service in Sydney. And it was while working there that she came to Robertsons attention. Advertisement Loading She looked up his email address and urged him to highlight the over-representation of Aboriginal people in prisons after she spotted an advertisement for his upcoming Hypotheticals program. The subject was what, if anything, had changed for Aboriginal people one year after Kevin Rudds apology in 2008. A few days later Robertson replied, saying he had been part of a group at Sydney University that had agitated for the establishment of the Aboriginal Legal Service in 1970, which suggested to Omeri that he had a genuine interest in the issues she had raised. More than a month, and a few more emails later, Omeri met Robertson in person at his book launch in Sydney. She bought a copy of The Statute of Liberty and joined a long queue for his signature. When I reached the head of the line I said: Hello Mr Robertson, Im Sheryn of the emails, and he remembered our correspondence. He has this frighteningly good memory, Geoffrey. He asked me if I was still intending to come to London and suggested he had some work for me to do at his chambers. Two days after arriving in London, still jet-lagged, Omeri went to see Robertson who then realised it would be politically unsafe for her to work on the international case hed had in mind. So Omeri took up his second suggestion and planted herself at the Doughty Street Chambers library where she picked up work doing legal research and drafting pleadings and advice for other barristers. The Doughty Street Chambers are home to high-profile human rights lawyers Amal Clooney, the wife of actor George Clooney, and Australian Jennifer Robinson, who has been handling the Julian Assange case. Omeri also trained and qualified to become a barrister in London and joined Cloisters Chambers in 2010. In the English summer of 2017, when senior barristers took their holidays leaving junior barristers to scoop up some big cases, she received an email from a colleague asking if she wanted to join his team representing Aslam and Farrar. The drivers had won a case in the employment tribunal the year before and Uber was now appealing that decision. Advertisement I almost dropped my phone as I was reading this email and making it bigger to make sure Id read it properly, she says. For a second my heart skipped a beat and I thought, this is exactly what I wanted. And thats where it began. Uber is one of the most rewarding pieces of work Ive been involved in my entire career. For a second my heart skipped a beat and I thought, this is exactly what I wanted. And thats where it began. Sheryn Omeri A month after the Supreme Courts decision in February this year, Omeri says Uber accepted it would apply to up to 90,000 drivers in Britain. While the Supreme Court found the drivers were workers, a case about how much backpay and holiday pay they are now owed is yet to be heard. It is scheduled for June next year and is expected to cost Uber millions of pounds. Omeri expects she will take part in that hearing remotely from Australia since the COVID-19 pandemic has allowed her to fulfil her professional dream of working in both Australia and England. After visiting family in Sydney just before the first COVID-19 lockdown in March last year, she travelled to London in July for the final Uber hearings. She returned to Sydney again in late November last year to be close to family during the pandemic. She has kept working on her British cases in Australia, doing more work than any previous year, while also establishing herself as a barrister in Sydney. I didnt want to be stuck very far away from my family. I went back to the UK because I was desperate to be there for the Uber case, she says. This was going to be the very last and most important stage of the litigation. So I was really keen to be there. Advertisement Since qualifying for the Australian bar, Omeri has represented Reem Yelda who received $200,000 in damages in April after she won an anti-discrimination case against Sydney Water. Dumplings at Bodhi Restaurant in Sydney. Credit:Steven Siewert After returning to Sydney, Omeri started trying out a number of vegan restaurants one by one and so far ranks Bodhi and Eden in Bondi among her favourites. As a child, she had instinctively felt that it was wrong to eat animals. But she had what she describes as an epiphany at the age of 16 at a relatives wedding reception when she cut into the chicken. It looked unusually pink. All of a sudden I was seeing meat as something that used to be living in a very real way. And it hit me that I didnt have to eat meat anymore, she says. Sheryn Omeri at one of her favourite vegan restaurants in Sydney. Credit:Steven Siewert The only child of a Kurdish father and Iranian mother, she developed a passion for learning French at primary school and needed little encouragement to do her homework. I always had a sense that education was important. I was genuinely fascinated to learn things, she says. Advertisement Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size Rose Byrne international movie star and FHM Australias 16th sexiest woman in the world (2006) has a terrible internet connection. It takes her two goes to join our Zoom, and from that point on shell freeze roughly every four minutes through our hour-long talk, get stuck in a vast range of facial expressions aghast, amused, evasive, perturbed, shocked, etc most of which would be deeply unflattering on a less beautiful woman. This is frustrating, while creating a degree of instant intimacy between us, because thats all any of us are now, isnt it? Film stars and journalists and politicians and Pilates instructors and formerly ferocious bosses alike: defined by our internet speeds and connections, similarly reduced by their inadequacies. Am I back? Byrne says, after freezing for a third time. She buries her head in her hands. Oh shit, Polly! Im so sorry, its this house. Its like a fortress, and the reception Ive tried every corner. Its a bit shit. Well get through it. Shes zooming from a rented house in Sydney, to which she and her family her partner, the actor Bobby Cannavale, and their two sons, Rocco, 5, and Rafa, 3 fled from their home in Brooklyn, New York, in the early stages of the pandemic last year. It was scary, trying to figure out how to get out and be safe, she says. And no one knew anything, right? We were all in this boat of, What is this? It was a very, very weird atmosphere in the city. Bobby and I went to see Girl from the North Country on Broadway, then, two days later, Broadway shut, and by that weekend it was awful. All of a sudden there was this tsunami, tidal wave, of this fearsome thing coming, then it just arrived and it was like, Whoa. Then people we knew started to get it. Bobby lost friends. Byrne, 41, was born and raised in inner-Sydneys Balmain, yet many film and TV watchers around the globe have only ever heard an American accent coming out of that face, given how many films she has made in the US in recent years. Many, in fact, only became aware of Byrne in about 2007, when she started playing the idealistic protegee Ellen Parsons to Glenn Closes ruthless lawyer boss Patty Hewes in the exceptional TV series Damages. They next saw her as the prissy, perfect, perfectly irritating Helen in Bridesmaids (the 2011 award-winning, box- office-demolishing comedy that made me laugh until my gut ached). Most recently, I got to know her as activist Gloria Steinem in the extremely classy Mrs America, the TV dramatisation of the feminist battle to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment to the US Constitution. On top of which, the day before our Zoom, Id binged the first three episodes of Physical, in which Byrne plays another American, Sheila Rubin, a depressed, suppressed 1980s housewife who becomes an aerobics sensation. Advertisement Rose Byrne as aerobics sensation Sheila Rubin in the dark comedy, Physical. Credit:Apple TV+ Physical is as brilliant as it sounds. Partly on account of its dark complexities: Sheilas unnamed, unrecognised eating disorder, her twisted relationship with her own body, and with other women all articulated through the downward-spiralling, deathly dark washing-machine churn of a voiced-over interior monologue. But also because of its aesthetic: Sheilas explosive perm and her workout looks. That Eric Prydz video meets the very best of Jane Fonda meets Jamie Lee Curtis in Perfect. What was it about Physical that made you say yes in the first place, I ask. It was the wardrobe, wasnt it? Ha ha, yes! she says. Clearly. I was like, I just want the highest-cut bodysuit, thats what I want in my next part. I dont know how, where, when, what, I just know. Loading That you want belted leotards with a gynaecological aspect? Exactly. Ha ha! And the fittings, oh my God, she says. Those leotards, they look like, oh, you just throw on a leotard. But it is [fitted] to within an inch of its life. It was like a Marvel movie [superhero suit]. An inch higher, an inch tighter, an inch more on the butt, an inch less around the groin. She changes pace, grows serious. The whole [show] to me was so interesting, she says. The two worlds, the duality; the duality of the aerobics world and her oppressive marriage, her illness, her terrible relationship with herself. And it felt almost like a companion piece to Mrs America, because it starts in 1981 while Mrs America finished in 1980, so it was a clear through line for me, of the disillusionment a lot of women felt after the womens movement. Leotards aside, its Sheilas interior monologue that gets me, I say, the harsh judgment she passes on other women; the harsher judgment she piles on to herself. While its awful to admit, its an extreme version of something familiar to me. Is destructive, self-destructive chat familiar to Byrne, too? Advertisement Oh, I mean, particularly as a young woman, of course. There is a destructive conversation youve had in this business as well, trying to be a young actress, because youre very much on display, and youre too this or youre not enough of that. What did Hollywood tell Byrne was wrong with her, I ask, but she freezes. Whos that girl trying to keep up with Glenn Close? Byrne with Close in the TV series Damages. Credit:Alamy Byrne started taking acting classes as a shy eight-year-old, discovered she was rather good at it, appeared in her first film 1994s Dallas Doll aged 15, then started travelling back and forth to Los Angeles when she was 18. How was that, I ask, when she eventually unfreezes. Its an overwhelming city, but I had friends. Heath [Ledger] was a good friend of mine. Wed done a film together [Two Hands in 1999] and he was incredibly generous. He would take me under his wing and help me out for those first few years, always getting me in, auditioning for his movies, putting me up at his house. I guess you were devastated when he died. I mean, listen, its obviously a tragedy. We had come over here together, then his career went like a freight train and its so sad. He had an electric kind of energy. Advertisement I ask if she wanted to be this famous when she started out, and she says: I was incredibly serious about acting. It was less about being famous and more about being a serious actress. Then I realised I think I might be better at being funny. Loading When did she first feel famous? Was it after Damages? No! It was more like, Whos that girl trying to keep up with Glenn Close? When, then? Was it after the movie Bridesmaids, the direct consequence of her conscious decision to do funny? I mean, what famous is now is beyond my comprehension. If I talk to a 15-year-old, they just talk about YouTube or gaming; these are things in their world that are phenomenally huge, and I dont know what theyre talking about. They wouldnt have watched anything Im in. Whos famous [apart from] Beyonce? Byrne in Bridesmaids with Kristen Wiig. Credit:Alamy This is a reasonable point, though its also typical of Byrnes capacity to masterfully, amiably sidestep my tougher questions, and to instead slip-slide into opaque, quasi-philosophical rationales, and avoid overly personal specifics. I ask how much money matters to her, for example, and she half-sings, Listen, lets talk about money. Come on, money! while shimmying, performing hypnotic luring-in motions with her hands, then doesnt actually talk about her relationship with money at all. And when I ask her about the real-life Gloria Steinems response to Mrs America she called it ridiculous Byrne distracts me by saying, Youve got a bit of a Gloria Steinem look happening, which is deeply flattering (totally what I was going for) but not the point. Miraculously, we dont freeze again before I press her further about Steinems response. Oh, shes entitled to her opinion. It must have been daunting to play someone still alive, I say. I believe I tried to get out of it at one point, she says with a laugh. Im glad you didnt, I say. Advertisement Loading Steinem might not have liked Mrs America, but I loved it. Not that it has stopped Byrne agreeing to play another living person since we spoke, it was announced that she will play the New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern in a film about the 2019 Christchurch mosque massacre, which has received criticism before it has even started filming, with claims it will focus on Ardern as a white saviour. Byrne has yet to comment. Byrne as Gloria Steinem in Mrs America. Credit:Alamy She is more forthcoming about her relationship with her partner, Bobby Cannavale. The two have been together since 2012, though they havent yet married. Will they? I keep going, Lets get around to it, lets do it. And then, you know, you have a baby, and then, oh, theres another baby, she says. It was kind of like that for us. I love weddings, and I know people [for whom] its an important thing, and I respect that totally. I guess for us its just been, we didnt do it, well do it, then no! Pandemic. With partner Bobby Cannavale. Credit:Getty Images She says they will go back to Brooklyn eventually: Brooklyn is home. When I ask what shes doing next meaning professionally she says, Im going to bed. Oh, Im sorry, I say. Am I keeping you up? Advertisement Supermarkets, cafes, Kmart stores and a medical centre are among a list of new COVID alerts for venues and transport routes released by NSW Health late on Saturday evening. Anyone who attended the following locations is a close contact and must get tested and isolate for 14 days since their last day at the site, regardless of the result: Belmore Raw Coffee Bar, 426 Belmore Rd from Wednesday 7th July to Friday to 16th July between 5am - 3pm Belmore Medical Centre, 479 Belmore Rd on Thursday 8 July between 2.50pm 3.10pm Anyone who attended the following venues at the times listed is a casual contact who must immediately get tested and isolate until a negative result is received: Fairfield Fruitmania at Fairfield Forum, 8-36 Station St on Friday 9 July between 12.20pm 12.35pm Coles, Fairfield Forum, 8/36 Station St on Sunday 11 July between 6.55pm 7.25pm Aldi Fairfield Forum, 8/36 Station St, on Saturday 10 July between 2.15pm 3.15pm Dulwich Hill IGA, 398-400 New Canterbury Road, on Friday 9 July between 8.55am 9.05am, and on Wednesday 14 July between 5.10pm 5.25pm Cabramatta Speedway Petrol Station, 267 John Street, on Saturday 10 July between 4.30pm - 4.35pm Roselands Kmart, Roselands Shopping Centre, 24 Roselands Drive on Sunday 11 July between 5.30pm to 5.45pm Wetherill Park Chemistworks, Stockland Wetherill Park Shopping Centre, 561 Polding Street on Wednesday 14 July between 8pm 8.15pm Greenway Supacenta, The Horsley Drive, Monday 12 July between 5.25pm 5.40pm Officeworks, Greenway Supacenta, The Horsley Drive on Monday 12 July between 5.35pm 5.40pm Hoxton Park Aldi, 510 Cowpasture Rd on Friday 9 July between 12.20pm 12.45pm Glebe Kmart Broadway, 1 Bay Street, on Thursday 8 July between 3.40pm 4.25pm, and Thursday 8 July between 6.45pm 7pm Belmore Metro Petroleum, 442A Punchbowl Road on Sunday 11 July between10am 11am Canley Heights Tobacconist & Gifts, Shop 1A, 238 Canley Heights Rd on Sunday 11 July between 9am 9.15am Kingsford IGA, 361 Anzac Parade, on Thursday 15 July between 11am 11.30am Prairiewood 7-Eleven, 485-487 Smithfield Road on Monday 12 July between 8.50am 9.25am Wakeley IGA, Cnr Lomond Street and Bulls Road on Tuesday 13 July between 6pm 7.15pm Greenfield Park BP, Lot 1, Cnr Greenfield Park Road and Mimosa Rd on Tuesday 13 July between 5.10pm 5.40pm Faulconbridge Coles Express, 575-581 Great Western Highway, on Wednesday 14 July between 12.55pm 1.05pm Rooty Hill Rooty Hill Supermarket Butchery, 29 Rooty Hill Road, on Wednesday 14 July between 1pm 1.15pm PharmaSave, Shop 1/3, 52 Rooty Hill Rd, on Wednesday 14 July between 1.20pm 1.25pm Glenfield Glenfield Station Fastfood & Delicatessen, 72 Railway Parade, Wednesday 14 July, 8.10am 8.25am Clemton Park Priceline Pharmacy, 13/60 Charlotte St, on Monday 12 July between 11.45am 12.10pm Merrylands Woolworths Stocklands, McFarlane Street, on Monday 12 July between 7pm 7.15pm, and on Wednesday 14 July between 12pm 12.15pm Ashbury 3 Tomatoes Cafe, 121 Holden Street on Monday 12 July between 6.50am 7.05am and 7.15am 7.30am, and on Wednesday 14 July between 7.20am 7.35am Colyton Shell Urbanista Cafe and Convenience, 88-90 Great Western Highway, on Tuesday 13 July between 6am 6.20am Marsden Park IKEA, 1 Hollinsworth Road, on Monday 12 July between 8am 4p Kareela Kareela Grocer, Shop T8 Kareela Village, Freya St on Thursday 15 July between 2.45pm 6.45pm Green Valley Woolworths, 187 Wilson Road, on Thursday 15 July between 2.45pm - 1pm Anyone who travelled on the following bus services at the times listed is a close contact and must immediately get tested and isolate for 14 days 800-308 bus from The Boulevarde at Polding St to Prairiewood T-Way, on Wednesday 7 July departed 12.40pm arrived 12.50pm bus from The Boulevarde at Polding St to Prairiewood T-Way, on Wednesday 7 July departed 12.40pm arrived 12.50pm 806-327 bus from Prairiewood T-Way to Victoria St opposite Wetherill Park Reserve on Wednesday 7 July departed 1.12pm arrived 1.21pm bus from Prairiewood T-Way to Victoria St opposite Wetherill Park Reserve on Wednesday 7 July departed 1.12pm arrived 1.21pm 813-449 bus from The Horsley Dr at Emerson Street to Horsley T-Way, Wednesday 7 July departed 2.19pm arrived 2.23pm bus from The Horsley Dr at Emerson Street to Horsley T-Way, Wednesday 7 July departed 2.19pm arrived 2.23pm 817-411 bus from Prairiewood T-Way to The Boulevarde before Kihilla St on Wednesday 7 July departed 2.32pm arrived 2.44pm from Prairiewood T-Way to The Boulevarde before Kihilla St on Wednesday 7 July departed 2.32pm arrived 2.44pm 800-308 bus from Fairfield Forum Shopping Centre, Cunninghame Street, to The Boulevarde at Kihilla Street on Thursday 8 July departed 4.19pm arrived 4.23pm from Fairfield Forum Shopping Centre, Cunninghame Street, to The Boulevarde at Kihilla Street on Thursday 8 July departed 4.19pm arrived 4.23pm 817-411 bus from The Boulevarde before Kihilla St to Smart Street before Spencer St on Thursday 8 July departed 2.48pm arrived 2.54pm bus from The Boulevarde before Kihilla St to Smart Street before Spencer St on Thursday 8 July departed 2.48pm arrived 2.54pm 800-310 bus from The Boulevarde before Kihilla St to Cunninghame St opposite Fairfield Forum Shopping Centre on Friday 9 July departed 3.34pm arrived 3.39pm bus from The Boulevarde before Kihilla St to Cunninghame St opposite Fairfield Forum Shopping Centre on Friday 9 July departed 3.34pm arrived 3.39pm 800-308 bus from Smart St before Nelson St to The Boulevarde at Kihilla St on Friday 9 July departed 4.33pm arrived 4.39pm bus from Smart St before Nelson St to The Boulevarde at Kihilla St on Friday 9 July departed 4.33pm arrived 4.39pm 33T3-11 bus (train replacement) from Sydenham Station to Lakemba Station on Saturday 10 July departed 2.45pm arrived 3.13pm bus (train replacement) from Sydenham Station to Lakemba Station on Saturday 10 July departed 2.45pm arrived 3.13pm 33T3-11 bus (train replacement) From Lakemba Station to Sydenham Station on Saturday 10 July departed 3.33pm arrived 4.02pm Anyone who travelled on the following train services at the times listed is a casual contact and must immediately get tested and self-isolate until a negative result is received: T4 Eastern Suburbs and Illawarra Line from Rockdale Station to Bondi Junction Station on Tuesday 13 July departed 7.19am arrived 7.52am T4 Eastern Suburbs and Illawarra Line from Bondi Junction Station to Rockdale Station on Tuesday 13 July departed 5.08pm arrived 5.40pm The full list of exposure sites can be found here. NSW Police have Sydney residents trying to travel to the regions this weekend in their sights, as it emerged on Friday that Deputy Premier John Barilaros daughter was fined over a jaunt from Queanbeyan to Sydney and back via Canberra last week. Police confirmed a very helpful and apologetic Domenica Barilaro, 20, was issued a $1000 fine for failing to comply with the public health order prohibiting travel between the regions and Greater Sydney. Domenica Barilaro, daughter of NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro, was fined for breaching the public health order over a trip from Queanbeyan to Sydney and back last week. Credit:Facebook In a statement, a spokesman for NSW Police said it was alleged she travelled from regional NSW to Sydney then to the ACT, before returning to her home in regional NSW last Friday, July 9. Asked about the breach during a press conference on Friday, NSW Deputy Police Commissioner Gary Worboys confirmed Ms Barilaro was spoken to by Queanbeyan police officers and was considerate of the investigation, was polite and forthcoming, and that infringement notice was issued [to] her. NSW reported 97 new COVID-19 cases on Friday, as the number of cases recorded in Sydneys current outbreak passed 1000. Of the 97 locally acquired cases, 63 are linked to a known case or cluster including 49 household contacts and the source of infection for 34 cases remains under investigation. Premier Gladys Berejiklian on Friday. Credit:James Brickwood Nearly half of the cases had recently been active in the community: forty-six cases were not in isolation throughout their infectious period, 29 of whom were in the community for two days or more. That number of people being infectious in the community keeps going up, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said on Friday. We really want to stress to everybody: please stay at home, follow the orders. Queensland is shutting its borders to Victoria from Saturday because of the growing outbreak there. Queensland has again held off on declaring the whole of NSW a hotspot, instead keeping greater Sydney a hotspot. Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the situation was moving rapidly, and she wished Victoria the best. Because of that lockdown, and the increase in the cases and restrictions there, we will be declaring Victoria a hotspot from 1am Saturday. Victorias business lobby says the joint federal-state lockdown rescue package announced on Friday will cover every worker and business affected by the latest shutdown, right across the state. But pressure is growing from regional businesses who must keep their doors closed despite being far away from known COVID-19 cases or exposure sites. Employees who have been stood down as a result of the states fifth lockdown, which began at midnight on Thursday, can claim a weekly payment of $600 or $375, to partially cover lost wages from the beginning of the lockdown regardless of where they live. Minister for Jobs Martin Pakula discusses details of the support package on Friday. Credit:Robert Cianflone/Getty Images Businesses affected by the shutdown can claim $3000, for pubs and other hospitality venues, or $2000 for other businesses as part of a $200 million extension of the states business support package rushed out during the two-week May-June lockdown which has now paid out $413 million. Butcher Zeeshan Ali was preparing for the Muslim festival Eid al-Adha earlier this week with a degree of certainty, ordering 100 goats and 100 lambs as he watched Victoria record day after day without new coronavirus cases in the community. But mid-week, things quickly changed. The sudden announcement of a five-day lockdown late on Thursday night will result in a significant financial hit for his business, with celebrations and gatherings for the traditional Islamic festival cancelled across the city. Zeeshan Ali, owner of AusPak Halal meat and groceries in Fawkner, said he is facing a significant financial hit due to the lockdown occurring at the same time as Eid al-Adha. Credit:Luis Enrique Ascui Mr Ali, who owns AusPak Halal meat and groceries in Fawkner, said the lockdown would be a huge blow for Melbournes Muslim community, who were also unable to celebrate Eid al-Adha together last year. We have many customers that come from more than five kilometres away, such as Caulfield, Carnegie, Craigieburn and even further. And when the lockdown hits, we lose all those customers. So, the financial impact has been really significant. One day we order, and then next day is a lockdown. We end up wasting our meat, and we lose our customers as well, he said. Dr Ruth Powell, an adjunct professor in the school of theology at Charles Sturt University, said she had heard many stories about people seeking connection from churches during the pandemic. She says pre-pandemic research she had conducted also showed that newcomers to churches tend to be younger adults who often belong before they believe. It takes a crisis sometimes to get someone to say Im not happy with how things are in my life and often thats a time when you consider faith. Dr Powell has observed two pandemic trends. One is people who havent been connected into community see that their local faith community is an option for them, she says. The other is rusted-on church-goers, who have found new options online. Using the Christian example, you can go to church anywhere in the world, you can visit the cathedral, you can visit the Pentecostal big mega church. Its been a disruption from that point of view as well. Dr Powell is the director of NCLS research, which surveyed 1300 Australians in December and found 45 per cent had drawn on spiritual practices during 2020. Of these, 15 per cent had drawn more on spiritual practices in 2020 compared to 2019, 24 per cent about the same and 6 per cent less. In March 2020 - when the World Health Organisation declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic - Jeanet Bentzen, an associate professor of economics at the University of Copenhagen, analysed daily data on Google searches in 95 countries. She found searches for prayer (relative to all Google searches) were at the highest level ever recorded. We pray to cope with adversity, Bentzen writes in the abstract of In Crisis, We Pray. Social researcher Mark McCrindle also surveyed more than 1000 Australians last year and found 35 per cent said they were praying more and 41 per cent were thinking about God more. Loading Adel Salman, from the Islamic Council of Victoria, believes the pandemic has highlighted the importance of the mosque in the lives of Muslims. He says the number of people attending Friday prayers the week before lockdown had bounced back to pre-pandemic levels at the mosque he attends in Melbournes northern suburbs. Mr Salman said some mosques were running multiple sessions to comply with COVID-19 restrictions. Theres a spiritual void if you are not able to go to the mosque for Friday prayers or significant events - it leaves a really big gap in peoples lives. Rabbi Gabi Kaltmann, from the ARK Centre in East Hawthorn, noticed a big difference between the first two and the second two lockdowns. After the first two, there were waiting lists to attend the synagogue. He would love to say they had found God or were there for his sermons, he quips, but they were coming for the camaraderie. But the second two lockdowns took their toll. The third and fourth lockdowns were detrimental to peoples morale, I am not going to say beliefs, because Jewish people are intrinsically believers. Rabbi Gabi says after each lockdown he has to start again to instil confidence in his congregation that it is safe to return to the synagogue. The Jewish New Year and Day of Atonement - the Grand Final of Jewish participation in synagogue services - are coming up in September. I am excited because we will see a huge up-tick in participation and hopefully will rebuild peoples morale and confidence and participation in synagogue life. One thing that strikes Australian Catholic Universitys Professor Bryan Turner, one of the worlds leading sociologists of religion, is that churches havent really offered a theological account for COVID-19. What is the meaning of 1000 deaths in England in one day in April 2020? German sociologist Max Weber argued that science was unequal to the task of meaning-making, he wrote in Is COVID-19 part of Historys Danse Macabre? Professor Turner told The Age he was still waiting for churches to come up with something that provides meaning to people. I think its difficult for the church to come up with something thats encouraging about what we are seeing but the Christian message is ultimately a message of hope. In the early 1980s Greg Vines had his first industrial job working on the construction of the Loy Yang Power Station in Victorias Latrobe Valley for the State Electricity Commission of Victoria. At the time half the Australian workforce were union members and Mr Vines remembers disputes on a daily basis with the traditional blue-collar workforce and their unions. Every day there was exciting, he says. Greg Vines, second from right, with colleagues at an ACTU conference in 1989. Credit:Brendan Read Now union membership has crashed to 14 per cent and the question is when, not if, the coal-fired Loy Yang station will shut down in an emblem of a global question: how to provide good jobs for workers whose livelihoods are eliminated by the relentless march of technology. Its in that environment the Australian government has nominated Mr Vines to lead the International Labour Organisation, which counts almost every country in the world among its members. Industrial Relations Minister Michaelia Cash is an enthusiastic backer of Mr Vines candidacy, declaring him extremely well-qualified. LOWER BUCKS >> Governor Tom Wolf on Friday visited Bristol and Andalusia in Bucks County to tour communities affected by severe weather and flash flooding. The governor was joined by local officials and legislators to visit damaged homes and speak to residents. Dear Reader, Business Standard has always strived hard to provide up-to-date information and commentary on developments that are of interest to you and have wider political and economic implications for the country and the world. Your encouragement and constant feedback on how to improve our offering have only made our resolve and commitment to these ideals stronger. Even during these difficult times arising out of Covid-19, we continue to remain committed to keeping you informed and updated with credible news, authoritative views and incisive commentary on topical issues of relevance. We, however, have a request. As we battle the economic impact of the pandemic, we need your support even more, so that we can continue to offer you more quality content. Our subscription model has seen an encouraging response from many of you, who have subscribed to our online content. More subscription to our online content can only help us achieve the goals of offering you even better and more relevant content. We believe in free, fair and credible journalism. Your support through more subscriptions can help us practise the journalism to which we are committed. Support quality journalism and subscribe to Business Standard. Digital Editor One of Indias oldest business families is witnessing yet another sibling rivalry with Sanjay Kirloskar, promoter of Kirloskar Brothers, moving the to enforce a family settlement signed in 2009. While the has adjourned the hearing to July 24, 64-year old Sanjay Kirloskar, who is in an ownership dispute with his brothers -- Atul and Rahul wants to move the Pune civil court for any dispute resolution instead of arbitration. At stake is a combined business empire valued at Rs 16,000 crore by market capitalisation. Of this, Sanjay Kirloskar-owned Kirloskar Brothers' market cap is Rs 3,800 crore, which has grown 88 per cent since 2017 when the brothers started the ongoing litigation (see chart). As of now, Atul Kirloskar, 65, runs KOEL and Kirloskar Ferrous Industries Ltd, while Rahul, 58, is managing Kirloskar Pneumatic Co Ltd. Their cousin brother, Vikram Kirloskar, 62, manages Toyota Kirloskar Motors Ltd. The group was founded by their great grandfather, Laxman Kirloskar in 1910 and most of the listed are now doing well financially. KBL reported sales of Rs 1,800 crore and a profit of Rs 93.2 crore in FY21. Kirloskar Oil Engines, chaired by Atul, reported sales of Rs 2,700 crore and a profit of Rs 170 crore and Kirloskar Ferrous reported sales of Rs 2,038 crore and a profit of Rs 302 crore in the same period. Kirloskar Pneumatic, chaired by Rahul, reported sales of Rs 823 crore and a profit of Rs 64 crore. The three brothers are among the fourth generation of the Kirloskar family who fought many battles with each other in the past. "The good is that all are doing well as demand for their products is rising. Both Rahul and Atul are now looking to diversify into other businesses and this dispute is dragging them down," said a Mumbai-based lawyer. Their mother is siding with the Rahul and Atul faction thus giving them an edge, he said. Legal Tangle The dispute between the siblings ignited after Rahul and Atul-led Kirloskar Oil acquired La Gajjar Machineries in June 2017 which competes with pumps made by Ltd. SAccording to Sanjay, the run by his siblings cannot compete with KBL, in line with a family settlement signed in 2009. Sanjay wants the dispute to be tried in a Pune civil court, but the sent the entire dispute to arbitration according to the family settlement agreement of 2009. In his submissions to the Bombay High Court, Sanjay said while he had complied with all the obligations of the family settlement, he was shocked to learn that the other family members ventured into a business which was competing and hence acted in breach of the non-compete agreement signed among the family members. The family settlement prohibits any party or any Kirloskar Group company under their control from competing with one another. On June 21, 2017, Sanjay said he learnt from media statements that Kirloskar Oil had acquired a 76% stake in La Gajjar Machineries -- which was manufacturing and selling electric submersible pumps in direct competition with his own business. The continued sale of such submersible pumps by La Gajjar was in contravention of the family settlement. Since the family members had agreed not to enter competing businesses as a matter of policy and tradition which has been formally recorded in the settlement, the other family members engaged in mala fide transactions to undermine the family settlement and had committed gross and fundamental violations of the settlement by systematically attempting to erode its basic tenets, Sanjay informed the court. In its submissions, the Rahul and Atul faction argued that the original agreement was in possession of late Gautam Kulkarni and his family which was produced in the court and therefore the matter may be referred to arbitration. They further said that mere filing of the suit cannot frustrate the arbitration clause and therefore the suit is required to be referred to arbitration. In its order pronounced on June 21, the observed that the has already held that the judicial authority is bound to refer the matter to arbitration once the existence of a valid arbitration clause is established. The High Court further said the finding of the Civil Judge, Pune, that the arbitration clause had expired along with the family settlement is erroneous. The court said as long as signatory entities to the agreement are operational, the family settlement would continue to govern the relationship between parties. In our view, in the facts at hand, the appellants (Rahul and Atul) have clearly established that a valid arbitration agreement exists. On the other hand, it is not possible to hold at this stage that the arbitration clause in the family settlement is invalid," the said and referred the disputes to arbitration. The matter is now pending in the SC. SoftBank-backed Indian digital payments startup has filed for an initial public offering (IPO) of up to Rs 16,600 crore ($2.23 billion), draft papers submitted to the country's market regulator showed on Friday. The will include an issue of new shares worth Rs 8,300 crore and an offer for sale worth Rs 8,300 crore, said Paytm, which is backed by investors including Berkshire Hathaway Inc, China's Ant Group and Japan's The Noida-based company, which is owned by One97 Communications Ltd, said it would use the proceeds to strengthen its payment ecosystem and for new business initiatives and acquisitions. One97 posted a consolidated net loss of 16.96 billion rupees for the year ended March 31, lower than the previous year's Rs 2,842 crore loss, according to the prospectus. Revenue slipped 14.6% to 28.02 billion rupees. Started a decade ago as a platform for mobile recharging, grew rapidly after ride-hailing firm Uber listed it as a quick payment option. Its plans come amid a pandemic-fuelled expansion in India's digital economy and an intensifying battle for market share with Alphabet Inc's Google Pay and Facebook Inc-owned WhatsApp Pay. Adoption of digital payments has risen since India's 2016 ban on high-value currency bank notes, helping expand its services to include insurance and gold sales, movie and flight ticketing, and bank deposits and remittances. The company was planning to raise $268 million in a pre-IPO funding round, a source told Reuters on Monday. Several Indian startups have spelt out plans to go public to cash in on liquidity brought in by foreign funds. A few of the closely watched ones include food delivery startup Zomato, Walmart Inc-owned e-commerce giant Flipkart, beauty brand Nykaa and ride-hailing service Ola. Paytm's $2.23 billion raise through the IPO would make it among India's biggest public listings after state-run miner Coal India in 2010 and Reliance Power in 2008. JPMorgan Chase, Morgan Stanley, ICICI Securities, Goldman Sachs, Axis Capital, Citi and HDFC Bank are the booking running managers for the IPO. ($1 = 74.5140 Indian rupees) (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 Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) on Friday told the Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT) that the board of directors of (PNB HF) had erred in approving the pricing for the preferential allotment of because it did not conform to the companys articles of association (AoA). The market watchdog was also critical of the valuation report furnished by the company, and said that it had merely indulged in a mathematical calculation of the floor price, without spelling out the valuation methodologies used to arrive at the price, which typically is the case when such an exercise is conducted by independent registered valuers. PNB HF had told the appellate tribunal it had carried out a valuation exercise that was certified by two accounting firms. The approval of the board of directors has consequences in law and is entitled to step in at this stage. If you place a particular pricing before shareholders during the extraordinary general meeting (EGM) please do it by your own articles of association. There is no repugnancy between the ICDR (Issue of Capital and Disclosure Requirements) and AoA provisions and Section 19 (2) of the AoA is operative, which makes the board resolution deficient, legal counsel representing argued before the tribunal. He added article 19(2) of the AoA, which requires valuation by an independent registered valuer, was brought in at the time of the companys listing. The extraordinary general meeting on June 22 was called to decide on a special resolution on the preferential allotment of to the Carlyle Group and other investors. It required the approval of 75 per cent of those present and voting to pass. The parties to the deal were Punjab National Bank, the largest shareholder, and private equity firms Carlyle, General Atlantic, and Ares SSG, which together own 85 per cent in The SAT admitted there was no repugnancy between section 19 (2) of the companys AoA and the ICDR, which prescribes a minimum floor price for the preferential allotment but does not prohibit higher pricing. alleged the valuation report furnished by the company merely certified the floor price arrived at under the ICDR, and did not spell out the valuation methodologies used to arrive at the price, which typically is the case when such an exercise is conducted by independent registered valuers. It further said that rule 13(1) of the (Share Capital and Debentures) Rules, 2014, was only an enabling provision and should not be availed of if the companys AoA said otherwise. The regulator also refuted the company's allegations that its second letter dated June 25 was a breach of natural justice. It said the report of the stock exchanges and the issues raised by Sebi were placed before the company and it was given ample time to respond. An absence of personal hearing did not invalidate the regulators actions, Sebi said. The SAT will hear the matter on Monday for arguments and rejoinder. had told the SAT on Monday that the regulator could not compel it to follow the AoA because it was just a contract. The preferential allotment was announced by PNB Housing in May. It was deemed unfair to public shareholders by proxy advisory firm SES. On June 18, Sebi directed the company to halt the allotment unless an independent valuer did the valuation. The mortgage lender then moved the SAT. In view of shortage of containers in amidst the pandemic, a special train carrying 180 shipping containers from Mundra port in Gujarat will arrive here on Saturday. This is for the first time that double-stack container train is arriving in Jaipur for the Inland Container Depot of Small Industries Corporation Limited (RAJSICO), an official said. The train has been flagged off from Mundra on Thursday and shall arrive on destination by Saturday. The train will be carrying empty containers for timely assistance for the local export-related businesses. The disruption caused by the COVID pandemic has resulted in a shortage of shipment containers in This has directly affected the exports. The double-stack train will help address the shortage issue. "Rajsico is working towards assisting small industries in the state with exports and with the commencement of the double stack train the process shall gain further momentum," Rajesh Sharma, managing director, RAJSICO, said. The Inland Container Depot at Jaipur releases nearly 150 containers in a month, the numbers have been affected by the pandemic situation and the shortage of containers further added up to the challenge of local exporters. Nearly 60 containers left the depot in the month of June 2021. However, as the situation improves the figures are expected to rise and the double-stack train will help in assuring the availability of empty containers for exporters, the official 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 national capital recorded 66 fresh COVID-19 cases, and one death due to the disease on Friday, while the positivity rate dropped to 0.09 per cent, according to data shared by the Health Department here. The single new fatality has pushed the death toll in the city to 25,023, according to the latest bulletin. On Thursday, Delhi had logged 72 cases and one death, with a positivity rate of 0.10 per cent. On Wednesday, Delhi had recorded 77 cases and one death, while on Tuesday the daily infection tally was 76 with two deaths. On February 16, ninety-four people were diagnosed Covid positive, while the daily tally was 96 on January 27, according to official figures. The infection rate, which reached 36 per cent in the last week of April, has come down to 0.10 per cent now. Last Friday, the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) had passed a colour-coded response action plan under which curbs will be implemented in accordance with the severity of the COVID-19 situation to deal with a possible third wave of the pandemic. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal last week had inaugurated a genome-sequencing laboratory at the ILBS hospital here and said the people of Delhi will highly benefit from the facility. He had said that these labs will detect the lethality of the coronavirus variants and help the government prepare accordingly. Despite the fall in daily cases in the last several days, Kejriwal had recently cautioned that the chances of the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic were quite real and that his government was preparing on a "war-footing" to combat it. Delhi was reeling under a brutal second wave of the pandemic that swept the country, claiming a massive number of lives daily, with the recent oxygen supply shortage issue at -hospitals, adding to the woes. Since April 19, both daily cases and single-day deaths count had spiralled up, with over 28,000 cases and 277 deaths recorded on April 20; rising to 306 fatalities on April 22. On May 3, the city registered a record 448 deaths, as per the official data. However, the number of cases have shown a downward trend and the positivity rate too has been shrinking in the last several days. The number of deaths per day, has also been showing a decline in the last couple of days. On May 15, Kejriwal had said, "The virus is reducing in Delhi slowly and steadily, and I hope it diminishes completely and does not rise again. However, we are not going to become negligent in anyway," while sounding a tone of caution. The had earlier announced reopening of restaurants with 50 per cent capacity and one weekly market per municipal zone from June 14. With close gathering of shoppers in markets and restaurants resuming business amid phased unlock in the national capital, doctors have cautioned that Delhi could face a "worse than second wave situation" of COVID-19 if people do not adhere to safety norms or lower their guards. A total of 76,459 tests, including 52,223 RT-PCR tests and 24,236 rapid antigen tests, were conducted a day ago, according to the health bulletin on Friday. The number of cumulative cases on Thursday stood at 14,35,419. Over 14 lakh patients have recovered from the virus. The number of active cases decreased to 657 on Friday from 671 a day before, as per the bulletin. The number of people under home isolation slightlly dropped to 228 from 230 on Thursday, while the number of containment zones dropped to 418 from 439 a day before, the bulletin 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 on Friday rejected the Delhi Police's proposal for appointing special public prosecutors to argue cases related to the riots that took place in the capital last year. According to a government statement, the Cabinet discussed recommendations of Lt Governor Anil Baijal to approve the appointment of police's lawyers in cases related to violence during a tractor rally by farmers on January 26 and last year's riots in northeast Delhi and rejected it. No reaction was immediately available from the LG office over the Delhi Cabinet's decision. "In a big decision today, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's Cabinet refused to allow Centre's lawyers from appearing in northeast Delhi riots Cases," stated the Delhi government statement. Communal clashes had broken out in northeast Delhi on February 24, 2020, after violence between the Citizenship (Amendment) Act supporters and its protesters spiralled out of control leaving at least 53 people dead and over 700 injured. In the northeast Delhi riots issue, the Cabinet asserted that the Delhi High Court and the trial courts had repeatedly raised "serious questions on the investigations" by the in several cases where special public prosecutors were appointed at the request of the force, the government statement said. Sources claimed the Cabinet decision has "little practical implication" because a panel of six special public prosecutors are already appearing in over 600 riots cases for one year. The Delhi government had in July last year also rejected the proposal of the for the appointment of special prosecutors in the riots cases. The LG had overturned the Delhi government's decision and directed the home department to grant approval to the Delhi Police's proposed panel of lawyers. Baijal had rejected the cabinet decision by exercising his special power under Article 239AA(4) of the Constitution by reserving the matter of appointment of public prosecutors, for consideration by the President of India. The Delhi Cabinet, in its meeting chaired by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, observed that the courts have "raised serious questions" on the "fairness" of the investigation carried out by the in the riots cases, the government statement said. "It had also observed that in such a situation, a free-and-fair trial of these cases would not be possible by a panel of lawyers selected by the city police itself," it said, adding that in one case related with the riots, the court had also fined the DCP (North-East) of Delhi Police for "miserably failing in statutory duties". The cabinet noted that the courts had "remarked" that the Delhi Police had conducted "dubious investigations" earlier in the cases where lawyers of their preference were appearing, added the statement. (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 capital of the United Arab Emirates has announced a sudden overnight lockdown over the pandemic, even as the rest of the country remains open for tourism. The state-run WAM news agency announced late Thursday the lockdown would begin Monday and last each day from 12 a.m. to 5 a.m. It comes just ahead of the long Eid al-Adha holidays in the UAE, which begins Monday as well. Abu Dhabi's Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee euphemistically described the lockdown as being part of the National Sterilization Program. The UAE, a federation of seven sheikhdoms, used the same term during lockdowns in 2020 amid the start of the pandemic. has struck a hard line after Dubai reopened for tourism a year ago, requiring PCR tests for those coming over the border. Dubai, like other emirates, have remained open to spur tourism and business even as daily reported new case remain around 1,500 a day despite a mass vaccination programme. (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.) Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa on Friday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to provide at least 1.5 crore doses of Covid vaccine to the state every month. Yediyurappa put forth the demand for vaccines during a virtual meeting chaired by Modi with the chief ministers of various states to review the COVID-19 situation, said a statement issued by his office. The Chief Minister explained that the COVID cases in Karnataka have declined to 1,900 a day. In Bengaluru, it has come down to about 400 cases a day. While the daily positivity rate is 1.42 per cent, the death rate too has come down to 1.25 per cent, he added. Stating that Karnataka has so far received 2.62 crore vaccines, the chief minister requested the Prime Minister to provide 1.5 crore doses of the vaccine with a targeted 5 lakh doses everyday, the statement read. Yediyurappa also told Modi that the district authorities have been authorised to impose sanctions depending on the positivity rate of COVID-19, the number of cases and the opinion of the Technical Advisory Committee. The district officials have also been told to initiate appropriate action against those not following the COVID-19 protocols such as social distancing, hand hygiene and wearing face mask. As the Prime Minister asked the state governments to gear up for the possible third wave, Yediyurappa said the government is enhancing the oxygenated beds, ventilator beds and pediatric ICUs in hospitals. The number of doctors, paramedics and lab technicians in the hospitals have been increased. In addition, a large number of tools for treating COVID are also being purchased and new RT-PCR laboratories and Genome Sequencing Laboratories are also being set up in the state, Yediyurappa told Modi. Yediyurappa requested funds under the PM CARES fund for increasing the allocation of vaccines and to set up 800 neonatal and pediatric ventilators. In addition, the Chief Minister urged Modi to allocate 40 PSA oxygen production units at Taluk hospitals and decentralisation of the distribution of liquid medical oxygen. He also appealed to increase the supply of amphotericin-B to treat Mucormycosis and increase the intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) distribution for children. During the video conference, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and senior government officials were present representing the Centre, while Deputy Chief Ministers Dr C N Ashwath Narayan and Govind Karjol, Revenue Minister R Ashoka, Home Minister Basavaraj Bommai and Health Minister Dr K Sudhakar were present. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India on Friday reported a net reduction of 1,619 in active cases to take its count to 430,422. Indias share of global active cases now stands at 3.44 per cent (one in 29). The country is sixth among the most affected countries by active cases. On Thursday, it added 38,949 cases to take its total caseload to 31,026,829 from 30,987,880 an increase of 0.1%. And, with 542 new fatalities, its Covid-19 reached 412,531, or 1.33 per cent of total confirmed infections. With 3,878,078 more Covid-19 vaccine doses being administered on Thursday, Indias total count of vaccine shots so far reached 395,343,767. The count of recovered cases across India, meanwhile, reached 30,183,876 or 97.28 per cent of total caseload with 40,026 new cured cases being reported on Friday. Now the sixth-most-affected country by active cases, third by deaths, second by total cases, and first by recoveries, India has added 273,879 cases in the past 7 days. India now accounts for 3.44% of all active cases globally (one in every 29 active cases), and 10.09% of all deaths (one in every 10 deaths). India has so far administered 395,343,767 vaccine doses. That is 1274.19 per cent of its total caseload, and 28.36 per cent of its population. Among Indian states, the top 5 in terms of number of vaccine shots administered are Uttar Pradesh (44373745), Maharashtra (42963334), Gujarat (32716177), Rajasthan (32263606), and Karnataka (29460952). Among states with more than 10 million population, the top 5 in number of vaccine shots per one million population are Delhi (546256), Kerala (530929), Gujarat (512211), Uttarakhand (503122), and J&K (442492). Backwards from here, the last 1 million cases for India have come in 24 days. The count of active cases across India on Friday saw a net reduction of 1,619, compared to the net addition of 2,095 on Thursday. States and UTs hat have seen the biggest daily net increase in active cases are Kerala (1316), Maharashtra (449), Manipur (348), Mizoram (239), and Meghalaya (69). With 39,130 new daily recoveries, Indias recovery rate stands at 97.28%, while fatality rate remained unchanged at 1.33%. The Indian states and UTs with the worst case fatality rates at present are Punjab (2.71%), Uttarakhand (2.15%), and Maharashtra (2.04%). The rate in as many as 15 is higher than the national average. Indias new daily closed cases stand at 40,568 542 deaths and 40,026 recoveries. The share of deaths in total closed cases stands at 1.35%. 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 551.8 days, and for deaths at 527.2 days. Overall, five states with the biggest 24-hour jump in total cases are Kerala (13773), Maharashtra (8010), Andhra Pradesh (2526), Tamil Nadu (2405), and Odisha (2110). Among states with more than 100,000 cases, the five with worst recovery rates at present are Kerala (95.68%) and Maharashtra (96.17%). India on Thursday conducted 1,955,910 to take the total count of tests conducted so far in the country to 440,023,239. The test positivity rate recorded was 2%. 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 (17.13%), Dadra & Nagar Haveli-Daman & Diu (14.63%), Maharashtra (13.8%), Sikkim (12.73%), and Kerala (12.54%). Five states with the highest TPR by daily numbers for tests and cases added are, Sikkim (20.76%), Manipur (14.73%), Nagaland (11.31%), Kerala (10.95%), and Mizoram (8.68%). 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 (1206033), J&K (797170), Kerala (696427), Karnataka (539218), and Uttarakhand (525168). The five most affected states by total cases are Maharashtra (6189257), Kerala (3117083), Karnataka (2878564), Tamil Nadu (2528806), and Andhra Pradesh (1932105). Maharashtra, the most affected state overall, has reported 8010 new cases to take its tally to 6189257. Kerala, the second-most-affected state by total tally, has added 13773 cases to take its tally to 3117083. Karnataka, the third-most-affected state, has reported 1977 cases to take its tally to 2878564. Tamil Nadu has added 2405 cases to take its tally to 2528806. Andhra Pradesh has seen its tally going up by 2526 to 1932105. Uttar Pradesh has added 70 cases to take its tally to 1707655. Delhi has added 72 cases to take its tally to 1435353. A special court here has said that there was sufficient material to show that the allegations against activist Anand Teltumbde, arrested in the Elgar Parishad-Maoist links case, were prima facie true. The court has also said it does not find the accusations against Teltumbde to be "inherently improbable" or "wholly unbelievable", and prima facie he was involved in furthering activities of a banned organisation. Special judge D E Kothalikar, presiding over matters probed by the Investigation Agency (NIA), made the observations while rejecting Teltumbde's bail application on July 12, although the detailed order was made available on Friday. "Upon perusal of the documents, including the exchange of e-mails and the statements of the witnesses relied upon by the prosecution, and after cross-checking the truthfulness of the allegations made against the applicane, this court does not find that the accusations are inherently improbable or wholly unbelievable, the court said. "On the contrary, I have no hesitation to conclude that there is sufficient material to enable the court reach to prima facie conclusion that the accusations made against the applicant (Teltumbde) are prima facie true," the judge noted. The court further said there is no hitch to record prima facie satisfaction that there is material against the applicant to show his complicity in the crime. It also noted that evidence and documents submitted by the prosecution prima facie indicate that the applicant was prima facie involved in furthering activities of the banned organisation. The NIA had earlier claimed that Teltumbde was an active member of CPI (Maoist) and propagated its activities. "I hold that there is prima facie ample material on record which would reveal active role and participation of the applicant," the court said. Among other grounds, Teltumbde's lawyer, had urged the court to consider the aspect that the probe in the crime has already been completed and the applicant is a well-qualified person. The court, however, cited a Supreme Court order and noted that the fact that that the chargesheet has been submitted against the applicant cannot be used in favour of the applicant, rather it would go against him. "As stated earlier, the courts considering the bail application are required to maintain a fine balance between the societal interest vis-a-vis personal liberty of the accused, by adhering to the fundamental principle of criminal jurisprudence. "In this background, the contention of the applicant that his educational qualification and social background, needs to be considered while deciding bail application, is liable to be discarded, the judge observed. Teltumbde, arrested by the NIA in April last year, had in January 2021 filed a bail application stating that the theory of the prosecution that he was "waging a war or attempting to wage a war or abetting others to wage a war or incite the public is humbug." Teltumbde is presently lodged in the Taloja prison in Navi 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.) Protesting farmers Friday issued a "Voters' Whip" to MPs through a letter, asking them to be present in parliament on all days of the and let no business transact till "the Union Government accedes to the farmers' demands on the floor of the Houses". They have asked the MPs to not stage a walkout and also return to the House even if they are suspended or removed so that the government does not "push through its business unhindered". The Samyukt Kisan Morcha, which is spearheading the protest against the Centre's three new agri-marketing laws, told the MPs the "Voters' Whip" overrides their party whips. "If you and your party defy this Voters' Whip, the farmers of India will be compelled to oppose you on every public stage just as we oppose the leaders, MLAs, MPs of the BJP and its allies," the SKM said. The letter will be handed or sent to the MPs on Saturday as a precursor to the farmers' protest outside parliament starting July 22, the SKM said. The agitating farmers have "directed" the MPs to raise their issues and ensure: "That you must, without fail, be present in the parliament for all the days of the beginning 19th of July 2021; That you and your party must, without break, raise the farmers' issues and support the above mentioned demands of farmers' movement on the floor of the house." It has demanded the MPs to not let "any other business" to be transacted in the House till "the Union Government accedes to the farmers' demands on the floor of the Houses". "That you or any other member of your party must not stage a 'walk out' that enables the ruling party to push through its business unhindered, that you must return to the House even if suspended or removed from the House," it demanded. The farmers' body has planned that around 200 farmers will hold protests outside parliament every day during the which would conclude on August 13. It also announced on Friday to issue I-cards to the farmers who will be protesting outside parliament. "Excitement continues to mount about Parliament protest march from July 22, ID card of marchers to be issued by SKM. A huge contingent of women farmers of Krantikari Kisan Union has joined the protesters at Singhu border," the SKM said in the statement. Besides Punjab and Haryana, a large number of farmers from Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha, West Bengal, Assam, Tripura, Manipur, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Rajasthan will participate in the protest, the SKM said. Thousands of farmers from across the country have been agitating at the Delhi borders against the three farm laws that they claim will do away with the Minimum Support Price system, leaving them at the mercy of big corporations. Over 10 rounds of talks with the government, which has been projecting the laws at major agricultural reforms, have failed to break the deadlock. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister said on Friday that the surge in Covid-19 cases in Europe, the US, and some of the neighbouring countries such as Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Thailand was a warning to the world as well as India that the was still amidst us. Taking stock of the Covid situation in six and the increasing number of cases in and Maharashtra, Modi said must take proactive measures to rule out any possibility of a third wave. Forty-seven districts in India reported more than 10 per cent test positivity rate for the week ended July 15. All of us are at a point where apprehensions about the third wave are continuously expressed. We need to continue with the strategy of test, track, treat and teeka (vaccination) while putting a special focus on micro-containment zones. Districts with large numbers should be focused on, the PM said. Modi was holding a meeting with the chief ministers of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Odisha, Maharashtra, and These six contributed 80 per cent to the total Covid infections and 84 per cent to the total deaths from Covid during the last week. He cautioned that similar trends were seen in January-February before the second wave. Initially, experts believed that states where the second wave originated will see normalisation first. However, increasing numbers in and are a cause for grave worry, he said. The world is moving towards a third Covid wave, officials said. Spain, for instance, has seen a 64 per cent jump in weekly cases while the Netherlands has witnessed a 300 per cent increase. Third wave is being discussed because we have not achieved herd immunity yet. Our population is still vulnerable. Our decline has slowed and this is a warning, said V K Paul, chairman of the Covid task force, during the health ministry briefing on Friday. He said that as vaccination would increase, it was possible to reach a safe zone. Next 100-150 days are very critical. We have to be alert, Paul added. Meanwhile, the prime minister said the visuals of people crowding in public places after the unlocking were of serious concern. We need to follow protocol and avoid crowding as many states have metropolitan cities with dense populations, he said. He asked the states to strengthen their IT systems, control rooms, and call centres so that citizens get access to resources and data in a transparent manner and patients are spared the hassle. Noting that out of the 332 PSA oxygen plants allocated to states represented in the meeting, 53 have been commissioned, the PM asked the chief ministers to expedite the completion of the plants. He pointed out that the central government had released an emergency Covid-19 response package of more than Rs 23,000 crore. The Friday said it will hear in August a plea seeking a direction to the to stop using electronic machine (EVM) and use ballot paper in the forthcoming polls in the country. When the matter was called out, the petitioner faced some technical glitches in the virtual hearing and a bench of Chief Justice D N Patel and Justice Jyoti Singh said it was giving one more chance to him to present the case and listed the petition for hearing on August 3. Petitioner advocate C R Jaya Sukin said many developed countries have banned the use of and have chosen to the ballot system of as these machines can be hacked while the ballot system is extremely safe. Article 324 of the Constitution of India states that elections conducted by need to be free and fair, and reflect the will of the voters. The must be replaced across India with traditional ballot papers. through ballot papers is a more reliable and transparent method for the electoral process of any country, the petition said. During the brief hearing, Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma submitted that similar matters were before the Supreme Court which has already disposed them of. Advocate Sidhant Kumar, appearing for the EC, said the Supreme Court and four different high courts have already decided the matter and the apex court has endorsed the system of the commission. The plea said, to save democracy, we must introduce the ballot paper system back in the electoral process in the country. have replaced the old ballot paper system in India, although many countries of the world; including England, France, Germany, Netherlands, and the United States have banned the use of EVMs. (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.) Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation (NHIDCL) - Photo: Website The Gauhati High Court Kohima Bench has upheld the decision of the NHIDCL in terminating the Rs 365 crore contract with a private company for construction of a portion of four-lane Highway connecting Dimapur and Kohima in The Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation (NHIDCL) on June 1 had terminated the contract with Gayatri Projects Ltd (GPL), which they had been awarded on April 22, 2016. At the time of signing of agreement, it was stated that the contract works would be completed in 3 years from the appointed date. The scheduled date had lapsed by more than 2 years. Following the termination of the contract on June 1, GPL had filed a writ petition (C) before the Gauhati High Court Kohima Bench, which was dismissed on Wednesday by Justice Songkhupchung Serto and Justice S Hukato Swu. The court observed that the extreme action of contract termination was taken only after the petitioner failed to keep the terms and conditions given therein. Meanwhile, Minister for Planning and Coordination, Land Revenue and Parliamentary Affairs, Neiba Kronu appreciated the NHIDCL for terminating the contract with Gayatri Projects Ltd. (GPL) from construction of 4-laning of Kohima-Dimapur road. "I want to congratulate and appreciate the NHIDCL for taking a timely decision on termination of the GPL EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction) Mode contract worth Rs 340 crore of the 4-laning Kohima-Dimapur road," said Kronu in a release issued here on Thursday. The minister also lauded the judgement on dismissal of the writ petition filed by the GPL against the termination of contract by the Gauhati High Court Kohima Bench. "This will also cement the public faith in the judiciary to mete out immediate redressal to the common masses," he said. Maintaining that the general public had suffered enough because of the irresponsible contractors in many ways, Kronu said enough is enough and the time has come for the people of to appreciate such decisions of NHIDCL and the Gauhati High Court Kohima Bench. (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 Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) on Friday said any population control measure should be considered keeping in mind that the dominance of Hindus remains intact in the country. Addressing the media, general secretary Milind Parande also said if there is just one child in a family, "the population of Hindus will be reduced by the Hindus themselves". "When we talk about population control, the dominance of the Hindu society must remain intact in the country. All the principles of politics, secularism and tolerance are being followed in the country because of the dominance of the Hindu population," he said when asked about the issue of population control. Hence, whatever is required to ensure that Hindus remain in the majority must be done, he added. "The Hindu society must think that there should be at least two children in a family. If there will be just one child in a family, the population of Hindus will be reduced by the Hindus themselves," Parande said. He was addressing the media ahead of a two-day meeting of the VHP's governing council and board of trustees, scheduled to begin in Faridabad on Saturday. Parande's comments on the issue came after the recently asked the Uttar Pradesh government to remove the one-child policy norm from its draft population control bill, saying it is likely to lead to furthering of the imbalance between different communities and contraction of the population as well. Sharing the agenda of the two-day meeting, the general secretary said government control over the management of a number of temples, illegal religious conversions and the post-poll violence in West Bengal are among the key issues for discussion. Elections for the VHP's new president and general secretary will also be held during the two-day meeting, he added. Vishnu Sadashiv Kokje, the current president of the VHP, was elected to the post in April 2018. Parande said temples should be managed by the society but a large number of temples are under the control of the government in several states. The two-day meeting will discuss how to free these temples from government control, he added. "From social awakening to knocking the doors of the Supreme Court to free temples from government control -- all these possible measures will be discussed at the meeting," the VHP leader said. He said the meeting will also discuss the issue of illegal religious conversions and the need for the enactment of a central law to put a check on such activities across the country. "Illegal religious conversions are being carried out by the Christian missionaries and the Islamic jihadi elements. It is a nationwide problem. We will discuss this matter at our meeting and come up with a proposal," Parande said. Replying to a question on RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's recent remark on Muslims, he said there is no difference in opinion between the RSS and the VHP. "The RSS chief has neither said anything new nor anything different. Our ideological line is still the same. There is no difference between us," he said. Urging Muslims not to get "trapped in the cycle of fear" about Islam being in danger in India, Bhagwat recently said those asking Muslims to leave the country cannot call themselves Hindus and those indulging in lynching people in the name of cows must know that they are against (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.) Pulitzer-winning Reuters photojournalist Danish Siddiqui, who was killed on Friday documenting Afghan- clashes near the Pakistan border, covered war zones and crises from Iraq to Hong Kong to Nepal. An alumnus of Delhis Jamia Millia Islamia, Siddiquis powerful photographs recorded the Rohingya refugee crisis, drew world attention to Indias devastating Covid second wave, and turned the lens on the communal violence in northeast Delhi in 2020. Heres a snapshot of his works. A health worker takes a break while waiting for people to collect samples for Covid-19 tests in New Delhi last year People supporting the new citizenship law beat a Muslim man during a clash with those opposing it in February 2020 in New Delhi A Rohingya refugee pulls a child as they walk to the shore after crossing the Bangladesh-Myanmar border by boat through the Bay of Bengal in September 2017 Authorities in have sought a ban on illegal killing of cows and camels on the occasion of Eid-ul-Adha in the Union territory scheduled next week. In a communication addressed to the divisional commissioners and IGPs of Jammu as well as Kashmir, the J-K Animal/Sheep Husbandry and Fisheries department has called for banning slaughter of cows, calves, and camels on the occasion of the Muslim festival during which sacrificing sheep, cows, calves and camels is an important ritual. Director Planning, J-K Animal/Sheep Husbandry and Fisheries Department, while citing an official letter dated June 25 from the Animal Welfare Board of India, Union Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, said a large numbers of sacrificial animals are likely to be slaughtered in the UT during Bakrid festival scheduled from July 21-23. The Animal Welfare Board of India, in view of animal welfare has requested for implementation of all precautionary measures to strictly implement the Animal Welfare Laws viz. Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960; Transport of Animal Welfare Rules, 1978; Transport of Animals (Amendment) Rules, 2001; Slaughter House Rules, 2001; Municipal Laws & Food Safety & Standards Authority of India directions for slaughtering of animals (under which camels cannot be slaughtered) during the festival, the communication reads. The Director said he has been given directions to request you to take all preventive measures as per the provisions of acts & rules referred above for implementation of the animal welfare laws, to stop illegal killing of animals & to take stringent action against the offenders violating animal welfare laws. The copies of the letter have also been sent to the chairman of Animal Welfare Board of India for information and all District Magistrates; Commissioners, SMC/JMC; Director, Animal Husbandry Department, Jammu/Kashmir; Director Sheep Husbandry Department, Jammu/Kashmir; Director, Urban Local Bodies, Jammu/Kashmir, and all Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs). (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.) More than 81,000 personnel of the paramilitary forces such as the and the have taken voluntary in the last decade, the maximum of over 11,000 in 2017 alone. According to the Union data, 15,904 personnel also resigned from their respective organisations between 2011 and 2020 -- the highest 2,332 in 2013. No specific study for ascertaining the reasons for such retirements or resignations has been conducted by the so far, but an analysis carried out by the forces themselves indicates that personal and family issues, health reasons and better career opportunities are some of the main causes, a ministry official said. The data pertains to six paramilitary forces namely the CRPF, BSF, ITBP (Indo-Tibetan Border Police), SSB (Sashastra Seema Bal), CISF (Central Industrial Security Force) and Assam Rifles. A total of 81,007 personnel of these forces have taken voluntary since 2011, according to the data. The highest among all forces -- 36,768 personnel -- have taken voluntary from the in the last decade, followed by the (26,164 personnel), the CISF (6,705), the Assam Rifles (4,947), the SSB (3,230) and the ITBP (3,193). According to the data, of the 15,904 personnel who have resigned in the 10 years, the highest was in the CISF (5,848), followed by the (3,837), the (3,366), the ITBP (1,648), the SSB (1,031) and the Assam Rifles (174). Among those who have taken the voluntary retirement, the highest 11,728 personnel made the move in 2017, followed by 11,260 personnel in 2011. The number was 10,859 in 2012, as many as 9,355 in 2013, altogether 5,931 in 2014 and 1,686 in 2015, and altogether 6,981 in 2016. In the last three years of the decade, 8,132 took VRS in 2018, a total of 7,611 in 2019, as many as 5,935 in 2020, Among the total 15,904 personnel who have resigned in the 10 years, the highest 2,332 personnel took the step in 2013, 2,026 in 2015, 1,931 in 2014, 1,768 in 2012, 1,673 in 2018, 1,535 in 2017, 1,364 in 2019, 1,144 in 2016, 1,122 in 2011 and 877 in 2020. The total strength of the six paramilitary forces is around 10 lakh. The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) is deployed for assisting in internal security, law and order, operations against militants in Jammu and Kashmir and the Northeast besides for anti-Naxal operations. The Border Security Force (BSF) is primarily deployed for guarding the India-Pakistan and India-Bangladesh borders besides in internal security duties. The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) is primarily deployed at vital installations like airports, metro services, atomic and key industrial plants and government buildings. The Indo-Tibetan Border Police is deployed for guarding the Sino-India border while the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) guards the India-Nepal and India-Bhutan borders. The Assam Rifles guards the India-Myanmar border and is deployed in anti-insurgent operations in the Northeast. (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 Surgeon General Vivek Murthy tore into dominant technology companies for enabling Covid-19 misinformation and urged them to redesign their recommendation algorithms and construct built-in "frictions" to slow the spread of "poison" on online social platforms. "Modern technology companies have enabled misinformation to poison our information environment with little accountability to their users", Murthy said at a White House briefing on Thursday. "We are asking them to step up, we can't wait longer for them to take aggressive action." Murthy on Thursday released a 22-page advisory highlighting a string of false claims that have driven people away from vaccines at a time when the pace of Covid-19 vaccinations has slowed throughout the US. Murthy's advisory lists recommendations across eight stakeholder groups. It calls on teachers to focus on media literacy, it asks journalists to debunk health misinformation without spreading it further. Murthy asks doctors to "listen with empathy, and when possible, correct misinformation in personalized ways." "Misinformation poses an imminent and insidious threat to our nation's health," Murthy said. "We must confront misinformation as a nation. Lives are depending on it." Striking a personal note, Murthy said he is "concerned" as a father of two young children who aren't yet eligible for the vaccine. Murthy said he has lost 10 family members to Covid-19 and wishes "each and every day" that they had had the opportunity to get vaccinated. Murthy is calling for a national effort across tech companies, health care workers, journalists and everyday Americans to do more to address an "urgent threat" to public health. The US has one of the highest vaccination rates in the world and yet, new Covid-19 infections have doubled over the past two weeks. CNN reported on Thursday that cases are rising in 47 states.ALos Angeles County, the most populous county in the US, reported its fifth straight day this week of more than 1,000 new cases. The US continues to have the world's highest Covid-19 toll. The virus has killed more than 608,000 in this country alone since it first arrived on the West Coast in January 2020. --IANS nik/pgh (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) general secretary Vadra arrived here on a two-day election-preparation visit to a rousing reception by party workers, and started with a silent protest before a Mahatma Gandhi statute against the BJP government in the state. The party's in-charge reached Lucknow's Chaudhary Charan Singh Airport in the afternoon and moved in a procession through the main roads of the state capital to the Hazratganj GPO Park Gandhi statue and garlanded it. After that, she sat on a silent protest before the statue against the Yogi Adityanath-led BJP government in the state. She was joined by her party leaders including state president Ajay Kumar Lallu. Lallu said, "Woman are not safe in the state. Priyankaji is sitting on a maun vrat (silent protest) at the feet of Mahatma Gandhi for ending this jungle raj and to uproot this dictatorial government." legislature party leader Aradhana Misra alleged widespread irregularities during the recent panchayat polls, especially flagging "the treatment given to women". "The party general secretary is sitting on the maun vrat against the sad state of affairs in the state," Misra said. Priyanka Gandhi's visit to the state comes as it prepares for the Assembly polls early next year. She faces an uphill task of reviving the party to a position of strength in the politically crucial state where the Congress was relegated to margins in the 2017 polls, swept by the BJP. As she moved through the roads of the city after her arrival at the airport, Congress workers warmly welcomed her, showering flower petals at various places. Ashok Singh, the Convenor of Media and Communication Department of Congress, said reached Hazratganj via Alambagh, Charbagh and Bapu Bhawan. He said she will hold a meeting with the state executive, office-bearers and district and city unit presidents on Friday at the Congress officer. After that, she will also meet with various farmer organisations. will also meet the block Congress presidents of Amethi and Rae Bareli on Saturday, the second day of her tour, and hold a meeting with the office-bearers of the 'Berozgar Manch', a body representing the unemployed. She will also hold a meeting with former MPs, ex-MLAs, former district and city presidents and former heads of frontal organisations and departments and members of zila panchayats and block heads. She is scheduled to return to Delhi Saturday evening, Singh 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.) Defence Minister on Friday met Congress leader AK Antony and NCP chief and is learnt to have briefed them about the border row with China in eastern Ladakh as well as the current situation in the region, people familiar with the development said. The former defence ministers were also provided with some details about India's military preparedness in the region during the meeting, which was also attended by Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat and Army Chief Gen MM Naravane, they said. The meeting is seen as an effort by Singh to reach out to the Opposition ahead of the Monsoon session of Parliament beginning July 19. However, there was no official comment about the meeting. Earlier in the day, Leader of House in Rajya Sabha Piyush Goyal also met opposition leaders, including Pawar and former prime minister Manmohan Singh. Congress has already indicated that it will raise the border row with China in the Parliament. While Antony served as India's defence minister from October 2006 to May 2014, Pawar held the post from June 1991 to March 1993. On Wednesday, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Dushanbe on the sidelines of a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). During the talks, Jaishankar firmly conveyed to Wang that prolongation of the existing situation in eastern Ladakh was visibly impacting the bilateral ties in a "negative manner" and rued that there was no forward movement since the disengagement in Pangong lake areas in February. At the meeting, the two foreign ministers agreed to hold the next round of military dialogue at the earliest to discuss all the remaining issues. There has been a stalemate in the disengagement process between the two militaries in the remaining friction points in eastern Ladakh after they withdrew troops and weapons from the Pangong lake areas in February following a series of military and diplomatic talks to resolve the standoff. The standoff at multiple friction points in eastern Ladakh began in early May last year. The two sides are now engaged in talks to extend the disengagement process to the remaining friction points. India has been maintaining that full restoration and maintenance of peace and tranquillity in border areas is essential for the development of overall ties between the two sides. (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.) All sentiments, including religious, are subservient to the Right to Life, the said on Friday and asked the government to inform by July 19 whether it would reconsider its decision to hold a symbolic Kanwar Yatra. The Uttarakhand government earlier this week cancelled the annual ritual that sees thousands of Shiva devotees called kanwariyas' travel mostly on foot to collect water from the Ganges and bring it back to their villages. is going ahead with a pared down symbolic version. A bench of Justices R F Nariman and B R Gavai said the Right to Life under Article 21 of the Constitution is paramount and asked the government whether it was willing to reconsider its decision to hold a yatra at all. We are of the prima facie view that this is a matter which concerns every one of us and this is at the heart of Article 21 of the Constitution. The health of citizenry of India and Right to Life is paramount and all other sentiments, including religious, are subservient to this fundamental right, the bench said. The apex court's direction came after the Uttar Pradesh government told the bench it has decided after relevant discussions to hold a symbolic Kanwar Yatra with appropriate Covid restrictions. Appearing for the Centre, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said state governments must not permit the yatra in view of the pandemic and arrangements should be made for water from the Ganges to be available through tankers at specified places. Considering age-old customs and religious sentiments, state governments must develop a system so devotees can collect holy Gangajal' it and offer it at the nearest Shiva temple, he said. The governments must also ensure this exercise of distribution of Gangajal' among devotees and the rituals takes place after adhering to Covid appropriate behaviour and Covid health protocols. The bench told Mehta, One thing is clear, we cannot allow the Uttar Pradesh government to hold Kanwar Yatra in view of Covid. Total ban on the yatra will be inappropriate, senior advocate C S Vaidyanathan, appearing for the Uttar Pradesh government, told the court. He said they have filed an affidavit stating that a symbolic yatra would be held with the minimum presence of devotees and also keeping in mind religious sentiments. Appropriate restrictions would be taken, he said Gangajal' will be supplied through tankers, Covid tests done and social distancing norms followed among other measures. The bench then told Vaidyanathan he may take instructions and apprise the court by July 19 (Monday) on whether to hold the yatra at all. Advocate Abhishek Atrey, appearing for Uttarakhand government, said they have filed an affidavit and taken a decision to ban the yatra due to Covid and it has been notified. On July 14, the top court took suo motu cognisance of media reports on the Uttar Pradesh government's decision to allow the yatra amid the Covid pandemic and sought responses from the state as well as the Centre "given the disparate political voices" on the matter. The top court had said it was a little disturbed to read that Uttar Pradesh has chosen to continue with the Kanwar Yatra, while Uttarakhand had decided against it. The Yogi Adityanath-led government on July 13 allowed the yatra from July 25 despite concerns raised in various quarters over the risk posed by such events in triggering a possible third wave of COVID-19. The chief minister said only a minimum number of people should participate and directed strict implementation of Covid protocol. The fortnight-long yatra, which begins with the onset of the month of Shravan by the Hindu calendar goes on till the first week of August, and sees a large gathering of Kanwariyas in Haridwar from neighbouring states, including Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Delhi. (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.) South Korean officials are pushing for tightened pandemic restrictions beyond the hard-hit capital area as they wrestle with a record-breaking surge in cases. Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum during a virus meeting Friday called for all local governments outside the greater Seoul area to simultaneously enforce four-person limits on gatherings after 6 p.m. to slow the viral spread. Permitted social bubbles are even smaller in Seoul and nearby Gyeonggi province and Incheon, where officials are enforcing the strongest Level 4 restrictions that prohibit gatherings of three or more people after 6 p.m., ban visitors at hospitals and nursing homes, and shut down nightclubs and churches. Lee Ki-Il, deputy minister of health care policy at South Korea's Health Ministry, said during a briefing that national government officials will discuss Kim's proposal with local governments later in the day and could announce a decision over the weekend. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency reported another new 1,536 cases, the 10th straight day of over 1,000, including a one-day record of 1,615 on Wednesday. The country's caseload is now at 175,046, including 2,051 deaths. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) restrictions on from issuing new cards will hit six banks and one non-banking finance company the most, as these lenders issue a large proportion of credit cards with the payment system operator. All the credit cards issued by YES Bank and RBL Bank are in the platform. Bajaj Finserv, has co-branded cards with RBL Bank and also issues cards with Mastercard as payment system operator. Read more Facebook Inc is making a big push to target businesses in India from small entrepreneurs to top global brands by leveraging its huge customer base with high engagement rates on its various social media platforms. According to data shared by the company for the first time, 416 million users in India access Facebook every month, out of which 234 million access it every day. Read more Now that almost 10 ministries have submitted a fresh list of their core assets, the government has realised it stands to make much more money from asset monetisation than previously thought. Two persons in the government said it stood to garner over 30 per cent more than the earlier estimates of Rs 2.5 trillion over the next four years under the Monetisation Pipeline. Read more Dear Reader, Business Standard has always strived hard to provide up-to-date information and commentary on developments that are of interest to you and have wider political and economic implications for the country and the world. Your encouragement and constant feedback on how to improve our offering have only made our resolve and commitment to these ideals stronger. Even during these difficult times arising out of Covid-19, we continue to remain committed to keeping you informed and updated with credible news, authoritative views and incisive commentary on topical issues of relevance. We, however, have a request. As we battle the economic impact of the pandemic, we need your support even more, so that we can continue to offer you more quality content. Our subscription model has seen an encouraging response from many of you, who have subscribed to our online content. More subscription to our online content can only help us achieve the goals of offering you even better and more relevant content. We believe in free, fair and credible journalism. Your support through more subscriptions can help us practise the journalism to which we are committed. Support quality journalism and subscribe to Business Standard. Digital Editor A separate drive will be undertaken to inoculate more than 2,000 persons in Mumbai who became the victims of bogus COVID-19 vaccination camps, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) told the on Friday. Senior advocate Anil Sakhre, the civic body's lawyer, said that of 2,053 people who were duped at these privately-organized camps, 1,636 were checked. "1,636 people reached out to us and we checked them. They were not found to have any side effects or health problems. Police report says saline water was given to them instead of a vaccine," he told the HC. "We have asked the Central Government to de-register the victims from the CoWin portal and re-register them. We will have a drive soon for vaccinating them," he said. A bench of Chief Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice G S Kulkarni was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by lawyer Siddharth Chandrashekhar through advocate Anita Castellino. The PIL sought greater access to vaccine doses and resolution of the problems faced by people while booking slots on the CoWin portal. On July 2, the had told the court that it had formulated draft guidelines to prevent fake vaccination camps. A racket which organized bogus vaccination at housing societies, private firms and educational institutions in the name of reputed hospitals came to light last month and several people were arrested. The court had asked the Maharashtra government to inform about the status of the police probe. Chief Public Prosecutor Aruna Pai said a charge sheet will be filed within two weeks in the first FIR which is related to the duping of a housing society in suburban Kandivali. "The corporation is expected to keep a vigil on all such drives in future. It must also ensure that vaccination for victims is not delayed," the HC 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.) parliamentary party leader V Vijayasai Reddy on Thursday informed that his party will raise the issues of of the Steel Plant (VSP) and special category status for during the monsoon session of the Parliament beginning July 19. Addressing a press conference on Wednesday after a meeting of the parliamentary party at the camp office of party president and Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, Vijayasai Reddy said: " Chief Jagan Reddy guided us on various issues to be mentioned in the house... We have been opposing the central government's decision of privatising the Steel Plant. Our Chief Minister has already written to the Prime Minister and suggested three alternatives against We will raise the matter in the parliament." "Many issues in Reorganisation Act are yet to be resolved by the central government. We will request the Centre to accord special category status and fulfill all other promises made in the Reorganisation Act," the Rajya Sabha MP added. The monsoon session of the Parliament will continue till August 13. Vijayasai Reddy said the party will raise the issue of funds due for the Polavaram project to the tune of more than Rs 50,000 crores which is yet to be reimbursed to the state by the Centre. "We will request the Parliament to approve the Rayalaseema lift irrigation scheme. It is the only way to get Krishna River waters for the Rayalaseema region. Telangana is playing foul that is causing huge loss to Andhra Pradesh. We will request the Centre to notify the limits of Krishna River Management Board (KRMB)," he said. Claiming that power worth Rs 6,112 crores was given to Telangana during the previous TDP regime, he said that the YSRCP will request the Centre to interfere as Telangana is not paying this amount. "The Centre has allocated Tribal University for Andhra Pradesh. The state government has allocated land. Now the Centre has to set up the university. We will request to speed it up," he said. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Central government on Thursday agreed to the Maharashtra government's demand of extending the cut-off date for enrolment of from July 15 to July 23 for 2021 under Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana. Maharashtra government had requested to extend the deadline of the PM's Crop Insurance scheme PMFBY till July 23. The last date for enrolment was July 15 In response to the letter by the Maharashtra government, Sunil Kumar, Secretary of Ministry of Agriculture and Welfare said : "l am directed to refer to an aforementioned letter received from State Government of Maharashtra on the subject mentioned above wherein State Government has requested to extend the cut-off date for enrolment of under PMFBY for Kharif 2021 season from July 15 to July 23 owing to challenges faced due to COVID19 pandemic and enclosed the consent of aforesaid all six concerned implementing General Insurance Companies." "The matter has been examined by this Department and the request of the state government of Maharashtra for extension of the cut-off date for enrolment of farmers from July 15, 2021, to July 23 2021 has been agreed to as a special case owing to COVID-19 Pandemic in the interest of the farming community of the state," Kumar stated According to the Maharashtra government, 46 lakh farmers have applied for the scheme till date but many of them are yet to complete formalities. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Indias largest garment hub Tirupur continues to reel from the effects of the pandemic, with almost 10 per cent of its orders for the upcoming season getting diverted to Bangladesh, Vietnam, Cambodia and China. The sector had seen a drop of about 9 per cent in exports during the first wave, but the impact is likely to be more this time, according to industry experts. Being one of the epicentres of Covid cases in the state, a majority of manufacturing units in the textile belt were closed for almost six weeks during the second wave. According to Tirupur Exporters ... India and have reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen the partnership and expanding multifaceted cooperation, and also emphasised on the need to resume activities on various joint mechanisms soon after the Covid scenario improves in both countries, officials said. Foreign Minister A.K. Abdul Momen and Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Thursday, in Uzbekistan capital Tashkent, discussed a range of issues including the bilateral and regional connectivity, Covid-19 and vaccination situation in both the countries. Jaishankar, during the meeting, expressed his happiness as the supply of vaccination to is back in track from diversified external source including under COVAX arrangement. They also discussed the issue of repatriation of the forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals temporarily staying in Bangladesh (the Rohingyas) as well as the cooperation of both countries in various international forum. Momen had held separate bilateral meetings with his counterparts from India, China and Tajikistan at the sideline of the International Conference on "Central and South Asia: Regional connectivity. Challenges and opportunities" on Thursday, in Tashkent. This was followed by Momen's meeting with Wang Yi, Foreign Minister of China. Both sides reciprocated their appreciation to each other for exchanging video messages by President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Hasina on the occasions of the joint programme of the 100th anniversary of the Father of the Nation, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and Golden Jubilee of Bangladesh's independence and the 100th anniversary of the Communist Party of China, respectively. Momen thanked the Chinese government for initiating the six-party Covid consultation and expressed Bangladesh's gratitude to the Chinese Government for standing by the people of Bangladesh at an extremely difficult time by generosity sending vaccine doses as gifts and also opening the commercial supply line. He reiterated his request to initiate vaccine co-production in Bangladesh with partnership from Bangladeshi and Chinese stakeholders. Wang Yi assured him of the Chinese government's support on this issue. Both the foreign ministers agreed to continue to work further towards the repatriation of the Rohingyas. They also underscored the need to resume the tripartite dialogue. During his meeting with the Foreign Minister of Tajikistan, Sirojiddin Muhriddin, Momen proposed to initiate a joint working commission to boost bilateral trade and investment. Muhriddin expressed his country's appreciation to Bangladesh for graciously hosting the persecuted Rohingya people and pledged to continue to support Bangladesh in its multidimensional efforts to repatriate the displaced Rohingyas. At the invitation of his Uzbek counterpart, Momen is leading a Bangladesh delegation comprising of Bangladesh ambassador to Uzbekistan and senior officials from Dhaka to the International Conference on "Central and South Asia: Regional connectivity. Challenges and opportunities". Momen will depart for Dhaka on July 18. --IANS sumi/int/pgh (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India, the world's third-biggest oil consumer, has conveyed to OPEC countries its concern over high that are threatening to impact the nascent economic recovery after the devastating pandemic. New Oil Minister has made phone calls to key OPEC nations to convey the desire for an affordable price for consumers. After calling his counterparts in Qatar and the UAE, he called Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) kingpin Saudi Arabia on Thursday evening. "Had a warm and friendly discussion with His Royal Highness, Prince Abdul Aziz bin Salman Al Saud, Minister of Energy of Saudi Arabia on strengthening bilateral energy partnership and developments in the global energy markets," Puri tweeted. Saudi Arabia, he said, is a central player in the international energy market. "I conveyed my desire to work with His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz to bring greater predictability and calm in the global oil markets, and also to see hydrocarbons become more affordable," he said. Saudi Arabia is the world's largest exporter of and India's second-biggest source after Iraq. The discussions focused "on strengthening bilateral energy partnership and developments in the global energy markets," he said. "Highlighted the crucial role of Saudi Arabia in rapidly growing energy needs of India in the coming years, and my strong desire to work with His Royal Highness to further diversify our bilateral strategic energy partnership beyond buyer-seller to see greater two-way investments." Concerned over the rising oil prices, India has been reaching out to key oil producers in the Middle East. Puri on July 14 called UAE Minister of Industry Ahmed Al Jaber, who is the chief executive of Abu Dhabi National Oil Co (ADNOC), seeking the UAE's support in lowering prices. The rebound in international from lows hit in May on the back of demand recovery has sent petrol and diesel rates to a record high in India. Petrol has crossed the Rs-100-a-litre mark in more than one and a half dozen states and union territories, while diesel is being sold at over Rs 100 a litre in Rajasthan and Odisha. India, which imports 85 per cent of its oil needs, has long pressed producers' cartel OPEC and its allies, called OPEC+, to phase out its production cuts and allow to come to reasonable levels that support growth. It wants OPEC+ to stop propping up prices with its output cuts. In March, Puri's predecessor Dharmendra Pradhan and Saudi Arabia's Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman had an unpleasant exchange over oil prices. To Pradhan blaming production cuts by OPEC+ members for the surge in oil prices, Prince Abdulaziz said India should take some of the crude out of the storage that it had purchased "very cheaply last year". Days later, Pradhan termed the statement an "undiplomatic response from a friendly nation". Since then, the petroleum ministry has asked refiners to look at sources outside of the Middle East for buying oil. Puri, a former diplomat, is widely expected to smoothen flared tensions with oil-producing nations in general and Saudi Arabia in particular. OPEC, Russia and several other allies in a production accord could not reach an agreement earlier this month on output quotas for August and possibly beyond. Expectations were that the alliance may agree to raise production by 500,000 to 700,000 barrels per day but the decision was postponed as the UAE differed on the baseline for such output increase. India is the world's third-largest consumer of crude and OPEC nations such as Saudi Arabia have traditionally been its principal oil source. But OPEC and OPEC+ ignoring its call for easing of supply curbs had led India to tap newer sources to diversify its imports. As a result, OPEC's share in India's oil imports has dropped to about 60 per cent in May from 74 per cent in the previous month. The two sides have somewhat patched up relations, with Saudi Arabia and the UAE supplying critical medicine, oxygen and equipment to help India battle its second wave of coronavirus infections. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) As India prepares for renegotiations and new trade negotiations with complementary markets including the UK, US, and European Union, a think tank paper has recommended establishing a new body of experienced trade negotiators with a designated trade representative within the ministry of commerce. Normally, India's trade negotiations are done by bureaucrats from the either through permanent representation in Geneva at the WTO or through a need-based swift move of other civil servants from relevant ministries, Ridhika Batra, a non-resident senior fellow at the Atlantic Council's South Asia Center and vice president of corporate affairs, Americas for the Mahindra group, said in a report on India-US trade relations released by the think tank. Inadequate resources and skill set can lead to a situation where officers work reactively instead of proactively on trade deals, she said underscoring that historically, India has been notorious in leading negotiations on behalf of developing countries at WTO or at GATT. Whether it was leading the developing nations during the Uruguay Round to resist expansion of issues under trade in services like agreements on trade-related investment measures (TRIMS) and property rights (TRIPs), or during the Cancun Round to counter agricultural and farm subsidies for developed nations, India managed to stay in the limelight with half a dozen bureaucrats voicing the opinion of the developing markets. There is not a dearth of talent in India, but an effort to mobilise a special unit of trade negotiators is required. A lateral movement of sector experts would bring in the necessary expertise, Batra said in the paper Looking Ahead: Strategies to Improve US-India Trade Negotiations', which is part of the report Reimagining the US-India Trade Relationship'. Observing that the Indian public and private sectors have had a global footprint for a decade, she said they have an active role in foreign-policy formulation that is reflected in international trade negotiations. Recruiting industry experts in the ministry may result in biases. A simple option would be to set up a body within the ministry of commerce that recruits fresh graduates and lawyers who are not yet associated with any private-sector entity but have the required qualifications for trade negotiations, Batra wrote. If such a body is established, then what is worth cloning from the USTR model is the appointment of a designated trade representative as the principal adviser to the commerce minister on trade policy and on the impact of other Indian policies on international trade, Batra said. This designated representative could be responsible for the trade policy graduates and lawyers, compensating for their lack of experience. The designated trade negotiator also could be responsible for coordinating trade policy with other agencies, states, and industry representatives, and act as the principal international trade policy spokesperson for the ministry of commerce, she wrote. By setting up a designated trade representative and trade wing, the ministry of commerce would have the capacitypurely dedicated to trade negotiationsto work actively toward new versions of deep trade agreements with tough negotiators, Batra argued. (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.) One of Narendra Modis first promises when elected Indias prime minister in 2014 was to revive the countrys manufacturing sector. India had been de-industrializing since the early part of the century and policy makers correctly argued that only mass manufacturing could create enough jobs for a workforce growing by a million young people a month. In his first major speech as prime minister, Modi invited the world to help: I want to appeal all the people world over [sic], Come, make in India, Come, manufacture in India. Sell in any country of the world but manufacture here. The Make in India slogan quickly developed into a full-fledged government program, complete with a snazzy symbol a striding lion made out of meshed gears. Government officials spoke at length about increasing foreign direct investment and improving the business climate to attract multinational companies. Careful targeting of the World Banks Ease of Doing Business indicators raised the country 79 positions in the five years after Modi took office. And, after all that, in 2019 the share of manufacturing in Indias GDP stood at a 20-year low. Most foreign investment has poured into service sectors such as retail, software and telecommunications. Make in India has failed, replaced by a government that never admits defeat with a call for self-reliance. Now, exactly 30 years after India turned away from central planning and liberated the private sector, the government is again handing out subsidies and licenses while putting up tariff walls. Modi shut down the 1950s-era Planning Commission when he took office. Yet the bureaucrats in New Delhi are back to picking winners and directing state funding to favored sectors. Theyre doing so through new production-linked incentive schemes, in which companies apply for and receive extra funding from the state for five years in return for expanding manufacturing in India. Such incentives were originally meant to support domestic mobile-phone production. Following energetic lobbying, the government began extending them blindly to all sorts of sectors, from batteries to food processing to textiles to specialty steel. Money is apparently no object: A government that has held off on income support during the pandemic has budgeted Rs. 2 trillion (roughly $27 billion) for these industrial subsidies. The only thing worse than socialism with central planning is with no planning at all. Theres no logical coherence to the sectors chosen, all of which seem to have been included for different reasons. Is the scheme supposed to supercharge job growth? Then why not focus on labor-intensive sectors such as apparel? Is India aiming for economic independence from China? Then subsidies should be limited to sectors where China dominates supply chains, as part of a broader, China-focused trade policy that partners with the United States, Australia and others. Is the goal to invest in cutting-edge sectors? Then the government should explain why bureaucrats would do a better job than the flood of private equity thats pouring into India. Instead, all the problems of Indias socialist-era past are returning, cunningly disguised. Excessive closeness between bureaucrats and the beneficiaries of Indias top civil servant recently called for an institutional mechanism that provides hand-holding for companies. Endlessly shifting targets? Companies that just began receiving subsidies are already asking the government to relax production quotas. It took decades for India to put its old, inward-looking and uncompetitive manufacturers out of business. Now the government is giving cash to new, inward-looking and uncompetitive companies to produce for the domestic market. Meanwhile, its hard-wiring into the economy the kind of connections between industrial capital and policy makers that are nearly impossible to disentangle. The governments defenders point out that its investor-friendly reforms werent answered; nobody came to And, they ask, hasnt China profited handsomely from subsidizing its own manufacturing sector? Such arguments miss the point. Modis manufacturing push never went much further than gaming the World Banks indicators. No investor believes structural reforms, particularly to the legal system, have gone deep enough. India has a large workforce but too few skilled workers. To top it all off, the rupee is overvalued. Rather than work at solving these interconnected and complex problems, politicians in New Delhi have decided to paper over them with taxpayer money. Perhaps picking winners has worked for China. What Indians know for certain is that it did not work here after decades of trying. Sure, public investment in sectors of vital strategic importance electricity storage, perhaps, or cutting-edge pharma is defensible. But when you start throwing money at every sector that you wish had developed on its own, then all youre announcing to the world is that youre out of ideas. Indias haphazard foray into is going to fail, just as Make in India did. And its likely to cost the country billions along the way. State-owned will seek shareholders' approval in its ensuing annual general meeting (AGM) next month to set off accumulated loss of over Rs 18,724 crore from the share premium account of the bank. The next AGM is scheduled for August 10, 2021 through audio/video means. The bank said it will seek shareholders' consent to set off the accumulated losses of Rs 18,724.22 crore as on March 31, 2021 by utilising the balance standing to the credit of share premium account of the bank as on date to set off and take the same into account during the current financial year 2021-22. "The bank is of the view that this it the most practical and economically efficient option available to the bank in the present scenario so as to present a true and fair view of the financial position of the bank," it said in a regulatory filing. said the setting off of accumulated loss would benefit the shareholders of the bank as their holding will yield better value. It will also enable the bank to explore opportunities to the benefit of the shareholders of the bank. It will also put the bank in a better position to achieve its turnaround plans in time-bound manner, the lender said. Share premium balance is a reserve that can only be used for the defined purposes. A share premium account reflects the difference between the face value of shares and the subscription price of the shares. (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.) Mastercard Inc has been told not to issue new cards in India. Its a move that underscores the urgent need of a US-led digital trade pact to set global standards for what sovereign states can and cannot do to firms that obtain and process data internationally. The Indian central bank pulled the plug on the U.S. payments network for alleged noncompliance with its controversial local data storage rules introduced three years ago. In April, the monetary authority imposed similar restrictions on American Express Co. and Discover Financial Services Diners Club cards. Existing customers are going to be fine in all three cases, but the harsh penalties will still reduce competition in the market. RBL Bank Ltd., whose shares fell Thursday following the regulators announcement, said it would take it up to 10 weeks to transition to Visa Inc., possibly affecting its monthly card-issuance target in the interim. Mastercard has a 33% share in India, compared with Visas 45%. Some other Indian banks and companies will also be hit, according to Nomura Research. Could this dislocation have been avoided? Globally, e-commerce, content and payment firms are in the crosshairs of regulatory action. While governments advance many reasons for insisting on local storage from checking money laundering to ensuring national security the burden of compliance falls disproportionately on international firms. Rivals that serve only one market have no trouble in meeting the requirements. That makes it a trade access issue. To plug this and several other gaps in cross-border exchange of data, President Joe Bidens team is working on proposals for a digital trade deal with economies in the Asia-Pacific, Bloomberg News reported this week. Decades of globalization have lowered tariffs and harmonized customs procedures in trade of goods. And although selling services like banking and insurance across borders is still messy, regional free-trade deals are at least trying to reduce the friction. When it comes to data capitalism, however, populous nation-states are increasingly aware of the value of the raw material at their disposal and loathe to share it with Localization requirements represent some of the most egregious curbs. From Russia and China to India and Indonesia, many governments are insisting on domestic data storage. Some are going further. China used a 2017 cybersecurity law to crack down on Didi Global Inc. just days after the popular ride-hailing app sold shares in the U.S. From September, things will get tighter still. Under a new data security law, Chinese firms will need the governments permission to share any information about their mainland operations with law enforcement officials overseas. India offers a more hospitable environment for now, but it, too, is considering legislation for safeguarding of personal data and processing of non-personal information. The compliance costs for businesses will be determined by the guidelines formulated under these new laws. As Amazon.com Inc. and Walmart Inc. are discovering, staying on the right side of idiosyncratic Indian rules can be a costly affair. Facebook Inc.s WhatsApp messaging service, which wanted a piece of the flourishing Indian card-less payments market, was restricted to an inordinately long beta trial. Even in that case, the showstopper was data localization. WhatsApp said it had met all the requirements, but by the time the National Payments Corporation of India and the central bank were convinced, the service had been delayed by almost three years. The wants data on Indian card payments to reside only on servers locally with no copies retained elsewhere. As more countries impose such data sovereignty requirements, the economic efficiencies from centralized storage and processing will go out the window. The data center market has a heavy concentration in five markets: Northern Virginia, Singapore, London, Sydney and Silicon Valley, according to a 2021 Cushman & Wakefield Plc study of projects in active development. Decisions on where to set up shop are taken on the basis of reliable 24x7 power, legal certainty, fiber connectivity and cloud availability from the three main providers Amazon, Microsoft Corp. and Alphabet Inc.s Google. But localization requirements are coming in the way. Mastercard even announced a $350 million investment in a data processing center in Pune, Maharashtra its first outside the U.S. to comply with the Indian regulation. Yet the RBI was clearly not impressed. Data is unlike any other commodity. Everything else, from oil to computer software, gets its value from well-defined property rights protected by legal systems. But as Columbia Law School Professor Katharina Pistor has argued, the tech industry has simply captured data as wild animals. Now, if states rush into the legal vacuum, and unilaterally assert rights over individual data, itll lead to more chaos. What consumers everywhere want is for their governments to bat for privacy and fair dealing by tech firms. Given the current climate of mutual mistrust, its doubtful that China and the U.S. can come to a shared understanding on accessing each others bits and bytes. For the rest of the world, a compelling digital trade deal from the Biden administration would help set norms. It would secure U.S. business interests globally and assure trading partners that letting information move freely under strong rules is better than trapping it in silos. The volume and granularity of data in a fully functioning 5G network will be much higher than now. Cloud computing resources will need to get more widely distributed to handle complex machines like self-driving cars. Trying to slow things down with localization requirements will be counterproductive. The US president has his work cut out. Afghan President on Friday expressed shock over the killing of Pulitzer Prize-winning Indian photojournalist Danish Siddiqui while covering the Taliban "atrocities" in Kandahar. In a message, Ghani reiterated his government's unwavering commitment to freedom of speech and protection of free media and journalists in "I am deeply saddened with the shocking reports that Reuters photojournalist Danish Siddiqui was killed while covering the Taliban atrocities in Kandahar," Ghani said. His message was released by the Afghan embassy in India. "While I extend my heartfelt condolences to Sidiqqui's family and also to our media family, I reiterate my government's unwavering commitment to freedom of speech and protection of free media and journalists," he said. Afghan Ambassador to India Farid Mamundzay said Siddiqui was killed in Kandahar on Thursday night while being on an assignment. "Deeply disturbed by the sad news of the killing of a friend, Danish Seddiqi in Kandahar last night. The Indian Journalist & winner of Pulitzer Prize was embedded with Afghan security forces. I met him 2 weeks ago before his departure to Kabul. Condolences to his family & Reuters," Mamundzay tweeted. In response to queries regarding Siddiqui's death in Afghanistan, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said the government is in touch with the photojournalist's family. "Our Ambassador in Kabul is in touch with Afghan authorities. We are keeping his family informed of the developments," he said. Afghanistan's Tolo News, quoting sources, reported that Siddiqui was killed during clashes in Spin Boldak district in Kandahar. It said fierce fighting has been underway in Kandahar, especially in Spin Boldak, for the last few days. witnessed a series of terror attacks in the last few weeks as the US withdrew the majority of its troops from the country and aimed to complete the drawdown by August 31, ending nearly two-decade of its military presence in the country. The Taliban was evicted from power by the US-led forces in 2001. Now, as the US is pulling back its troops, the Taliban fighters are attempting to gain control of various parts of the country. (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.) After Chinese premier described the bus blast in as a terror attack, Prime Minister (pictured) assured his counterpart that no effort would be spared to fully investigate the incident that killed nine Chinese nationals. Khan held a telephone conversation with the Chinese Premier Li Keqiang to express condolences over the loss of lives of Chinese nationals in Dasu area of Upper Kohistan district of the restive Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Wednesday. At least 13 people, including nine Chinese nationals, died and 39 others were injured when the bus carrying Chinese engineers and workers to the site of the under-construction Dasu Dam exploded. No hostile forces would be allowed to damage brotherly relations between and China, Imram said, according to an official statement. Khan assured Li that no effort would be spared to fully probe the incident, adding that security of the Chinese nationals, workers, projects, and institutions in was the priority of the government. Li asked Imran to take necessary action against the perpetrators of a terror attack, according to state-owned CGTN. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Challenges posed by the rise of an aggressive were discussed by US President and German Chancellor during their bilateral meeting at the White House. We talked about and there is a lot of common understanding that China, in many areas, is our competitor, Merkel told reporters at a joint news conference with Biden. The two leaders, she said, talked about the many facets of cooperation and also of competition with China, be it in the economic area, climate protection, military sector, and security. And obviously, there are a lot of challenges ahead, she told reporters. Trade with needs to rest on the assumption that we have a level playing field so that we all play by the same rules and have the same standards. That, incidentally, was also the driving force behind the EU-China agreement on trade that they abide by the core labour norms of the ILO, Merkel said. Merkel said the US and Germany will cooperate in developing state of the art technologies including chips. We want to trade together at a time of digitalisation where security issues loom very large on our agendas. We ought to have an exchange on this; we ought to talk about is; we ought to talk about norms, standards, govern the internet, whether we can agree on common norms, I think, particularly as regards to our relationship with China, Merkel said. We ought to coordinate our efforts. We do that in the European Union and we should do it with the United States. But we also have obviously, areas where American companies compete with European companies and we have to accept that, she said in response to a question. Basically, the rules as to how we deal with China ought to rest and do rest on our shared values, she added. On the Covid pandemic, the German chancellor further said getting everyone vaccinated was vital and companies manufacturing anti-coronavirus vaccines must be encouraged to increase production. We are trying to boost production. We are also trying to get as many people in our country vaccinated as possible. This opens us up to criticism from those countries that have not had the chance (to get vaccines) which is why we have invested a lot of money in COVAX and are encouraging our companies to increase their production of vaccines, said the German Chancellor. (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 in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia say the death toll in floods there has increased to 43, pushing the total number of fatalities in and above 100. Rescuers are scrambling to find survivors and rescue people trapped in houses at risk of collapse. Hundreds of people are still missing and thousands are homeless after days of heavy storms that caused flash floods across western and (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.) More than 120 people have died in devastating across parts of western and Belgium, officials said Friday, as search and rescue operations continued for hundreds more still unaccounted for or in danger. Authorities in the German state of Rhineland-Palatinate said 60 people had died there, including 12 residents of an assisted living facility for people with disabilities in the town of Sinzig who were surprised by a sudden rush of water from the nearby river Ahr. In neighbouring North Rhine-Westphalia state officials put the death toll at 43, but warned that the figure could increase. German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier said he was stunned by the devastation caused by the flooding and pledged support to the families of those killed and to cities and towns facing significant damage. In the hour of need, our country stands together, Steinmeier said in a statement Friday afternoon. It's important that we show solidarity for those from whom the flood has taken everything. Rescuers rushed Friday to help people trapped in their homes in the town of Erftstadt, southwest of Cologne. Regional authorities said several people had died after their houses collapsed when the ground beneath them sank suddenly. Aerial photos showed what appeared to be a massive sinkhole. We managed to get 50 people out of their houses last night, county administrator Frank Rock said. We know of 15 people who still need to be rescued. Speaking to German broadcaster n-tv, Rock said that authorities had no precise number yet for how many had died. One has to assume that under the circumstances some people didn't manage to escape," he said. Authorities said late Thursday that about 1,300 people in were listed as missing, but they cautioned that the high number could be due to duplicated reports and difficulties reaching people because of disrupted roads and phone service. After Germany, where more than 100 people have died, was the hardest hit by the that caused homes to be ripped away and roads to be turned into wild rivers. Belgian Interior Minister Annelies Verlinden told VRT network Friday that the country's official confirmed death toll has grown to 18. The number of missing is estimated at 19. Water levels on the Meuse river that runs from into the Netherlands remains critical, and several dikes are at risk of collapsing, Verlinden said. Authorities in the southern Dutch town of Venlo evacuated some 200 hospital patients due to the looming threat of flooding from the river. Flash this week followed days of heavy rainfall in Western which turned streams and streets into raging torrents that swept away cars and caused houses to collapse across the region. Thousands of people remained homeless in after their houses were destroyed or deemed at-risk by authorities, including several villages around the Steinbach reservoir that experts say could collapse under the weight of the floods. The governor of Germany's North Rhine-Westphalia state, Armin Laschet, called an emergency Cabinet meeting Friday. The 60-year-old's handling of the flood disaster is widely seen as a test for his ambitions to succeed German Chancellor Angela Merkel after the country's national election on Sept. 26. Malu Dreyer, the governor of Rhineland-Palatinate state, said the disaster showed the need to speed up efforts to curb global warming. She accused Laschet and Merkel's center-right Union bloc of hindering efforts to achieve greater greenhouse gas reductions in Germany, Europe's biggest economy and a major emitter of planet-warming gases. Climate change isn't abstract anymore. We are experiencing it up close and painfully, she told the Funke media group. Steinmeier called for greater efforts to combat global warming. Only if we decisively take up the fight against climate change will we be able to limit the extreme weather conditions we are now experiencing, he said. Experts say such disasters could become more common due to climate change. Some parts of Western ..received up to two months of rainfall in the space of two days. What made it worse is that the soils were already saturated by previous rainfall, World Meteorological Organization spokesperson Clare Nullis said. While she said it was too soon to blame the floods and preceding heat wave on rising global temperatures, Nullis added: Climate change is already increasing the frequency of extreme events. And many single events have been shown to be made worse by global warming. Defence Ministry spokesman Arne Collatz said the German military had deployed over 850 troops as of Friday morning, but the number is rising significantly because the need is growing. He said the ministry had triggered a military disaster alarm, a technical move that essentially decentralises decisions on using equipment to commanders on the ground. Italy sent a team of civil protection officials and firefighters, as well as rescue dinghies, to to help in the search for missing people from the devastating floods. The firefighters tweeted a photo of one team working in Tillf, south of Liege, to help evacuate residents of a home who were trapped by the rising waters. In the southern Dutch province of Limburg, which also has been hit hard by flooding, troops piled sandbags to strengthen a 1.1 kilometer (0.7 miles) stretch of dike along the Maas river and police helped evacuate some low-lying neighbourhoods. US President said on Thursday the US is only sending marines to bolster security at its embassy in but the idea of sending American troops into the Caribbean country was "not on the agenda". "We're only sending American Marines to our embassy," said Biden when addressing the situation in during a joint press conference at the White House with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Xinhua news agency reported. "The idea of sending American forces to is not on the agenda," Biden said. Haiti's interim government has asked the United States and the United Nations to deploy troops to the country to secure key infrastructure in the aftermath of the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise. Moise was shot dead early on July 7 at his Port-au-Prince home. The assassination took place more than two months before the country's presidential and legislative elections, which are scheduled for September 26. --IANS int/pgh (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Oil prices rose on Friday but remained on track for their biggest weekly drop since at least May after expectations of more supply spooked investors. was up 37 cents, or 0.5%, at $73.84 a barrel by 1000 GMT, heading for a 2.3% fall this week, marking its biggest weekly drop since May. U.S. crude for August rose 42 cents, or 0.6%, to $72.07 a barrel, on track for a 3.4% decline, its largest weekly drop since April. Saudi Arabia and the UAE reached a compromise this week, paving the way for OPEC+ producers to finalise a deal to increase production. OPEC+ - which groups the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries with Russia and other producers - had earlier failed to agree after the UAE sought a higher baseline for measuring its output cuts. "All signs indicate that OPEC+ is heading for a potential compromise agreement that will allow the UAE to secure a baseline adjustment," RBC Capital analysts said in a note. "Other producers will undoubtedly seek similar treatment and potentially prolong the deliberations heading into the August ministerial meeting. said on Thursday it expects world oil demand to increase next year to around levels seen before the pandemic, about 100 million barrels per day (bpd), led by demand growth in the United States, China and India. "[Markets] are growing increasingly concerned over a big rise in virus cases in the Asia Pacific region, which have triggered new lockdowns and could diminish demand for oil," ActivTrades analyst Ricardo Evangelista said. Prices found some support from a near 8 million barrel decline in U.S. crude stockpiles last week. JPM Commodities Research said it expects global demand for oil in July and August to be roughly 1.7% below 2019 levels. "We think sustainably recouping these final missing barrels of demand (the bulk of which is jet fuel) will still take time as colder weather sets in for the northern hemisphere and peak travel season is behind us," JPM said. (Additional reporting by Aaron Sheldrick in Tokyo and Florence Tan in Singapore; editing by Jason Neely) Pakistan Prime Minister on Friday evaded questions on Pakistan's role concerning the Taliban's actions in Afghanistan and sought to put blame on " ideology" for the talks stalled with India amid concerns over its support to cross-border terrorism. Khan, who is in Tashkent to attend Central-South Asian conference, was asked by ANI on the sidelines of the event if talks and terror can go together. "I can tell India that we are waiting for long that we live like civilised neighbours. But what can we do. The ideology of has come in the way," Khan told ANI. Khan did not take further questions even as a query was sought to be put to him about the relationship concerning the and Pakistan in the context of developments in Afghanistan. As walked further with his security detail, the ANI correspondent persisted with his question "Is not under your control... allegations are being levelled against you." India has repeatedly told Pakistan to take credible, verifiable and irreversible action against terrorist networks and proxies operating from territories under its control and conveyed that terror and talks cannot take place together. India has also said that it desires normal relations with all its neighbours including Pakistan and it was for Islamabad to create a conducive atmosphere through measures including taking "credible, verifiable and irreversible" action to not allow any territory under its control to be used for cross-border terrorism. Talks between the two countries have been stalled after a terror attack on the Pathankot Air Force base in 2016 by terror groups based in the neighbouring country. Afghan first Vice President Amrullah Saleh had on Friday slammed Pakistan over its denial of the presence of the on its soil. On Thursday, Saleh, who is critical to Pakistan's policies in Afghanistan, took to Twitter and said that the Pakistan Air Force is now providing close air support to the Taliban in certain areas. is on a two-day official visit to Uzbekistan at the invitation of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. (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.) and have signed an agreement for the construction of about 1,100-km gas pipeline from Port Qasim in Karachi to Lahore at an estimated cost of USD 2.5-3 billion by the end of 2023, according to a media report on Friday. The Heads of Terms (HoTs) of shareholders' agreement was signed on Thursday after four days of talks, the Dawn News reported. The two sides also signed minutes of the third meeting of the Russia- Joint Technical Committee (JTC) for implementation of the Pakstream commonly known as North-South Gas project. The two sides agreed over 74:26 per cent shareholding in the special purpose vehicle (SPV) for the project. This envisages both put option' and call option' to Russian side which means its entities can move out of the project if it is not found feasible or increase its shareholding to 49 per cent if it is able to provide attractive financing arrangements acceptable to In any case, Pakistani entities will maintain majority shareholding. The Russian side will arrange funding for foreign exchange components through suppliers' credit or typical project financing to cover imported items like steel, consultancies, pipelines and related products and materials not available in Pakistan. The concession agreement for the pipeline will remain effective for 25-30 years. The pipeline size was agreed at 56-inch diameter to cater for next 30-40 years of energy needs in the country that will ensure 700-800 million cubic feet per day (mmfcd) of free gas flow which can go up to 2,000mmcfd with compressors. The next steps will be the signing shareholders' agreement, financial agreement, gas transportation agreement and lenders agreement during which time the Russian side will complete the front end engineering design (FEED) and the Pakistani side will arrange dollar financing of local currency component against Rs321bn worth of Gas Infrastructure Development Cess. The two sides committed to expeditiously implement the project to meet the emerging energy security scenario of Pakistan to ensure investment commitments by coming LNG terminals, the Pakistani daily reported. At the signing ceremony in Islamabad, Pakistani side was led by Petroleum Division Secretary Arshad Mahmood while Deputy Director of Department of Foreign Economic Cooperation and Fuel Markets Development of Russian Ministry of Energy Alexander Tolparov led the visiting team. (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 situation in is deteriorating and the Chinese government is not keeping the commitment that it made, US President has said. The situation in is deteriorating and the Chinese government is not keeping the commitment that it made on how it would deal with Hong Kong, Biden told reporters on Thursday at a joint news conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel. The Biden administration is expected to issue a business advisory on on Friday. And so it is more of an advisory as to what may happen in Hong Kong. It's as simple as that and as complicated as that, he said in response to a question on the issue. Meanwhile, the Problem Solvers Caucus' on Thursday endorsed the bipartisan resolution condemning the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) 100 years of human rights abuses against its own people. Congressman Mike Gallagher had introduced the resolution ahead of the CCP's centenary on July 1, and has called on Speaker Nany Pelosi to bring the bipartisan resolution to the House floor for a vote. The resolution supports the inherent right of the Chinese people to self-determination and free political expressionism independent of one-party rule, and denounces the CCP's egregious record of human rights violations. The Chinese Communist Party brutally represses its own people from pro-democracy citizens in Hong Kong to Uyghurs and other religious minorities and has not been shy about trying to spread its influence beyond its borders, said Congressman Jared Golden. It's important that we stay vigilant and stand up to this authoritarian regime when necessary, and I'm glad to help lead members of Congress in coming together across party lines to condemn it, 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.) The is "not out of the woods yet" with the pandemic and the number of people hospitalised with the deadly virus could reach quite scary numbers" if the trend is sustained, England's Chief Medical Officer has warned. Professor Chris Whitty also said that people should approach the end of most restrictions from Monday with caution. Whitty said that the number of people in hospital with COVID-19 is doubling around every three weeks and could hit "quite scary numbers" if that trend is sustained. He urged the public to take things incredibly slowly as the so-called July 19 Freedom Day from legal lockdown restrictions approaches. "I don't think we should underestimate the fact that we could get into trouble again surprisingly fast," he told a webinar hosted by the Science Museum on Thursday. "We are not by any means out of the woods yet on this, we are in much better shape due to the vaccine programme, and drugs and a variety of other things. But this has got a long way to run in the UK, and it's got even further to run globally," he said. The senior medic, who appears by the side of British Prime Minister Boris Johnson during Downing Street briefings on to run through the statistics and medical analysis, said he expected most people will carry on taking precautions such as face masks in enclosed spaces even if they are no longer a legal requirement in England from next week. "If you look over what people have done, and in fact, if you look at what people intend to do now, people have been incredibly good at saying, 'I may be a relatively low-risk, but people around me are at high-risk, and I'm going to modify my behaviours'," he said. Professor Whitty predicted that in the medium term, could mutate into a "vaccine escape variant" that could take the "some of the way backwards" into the worst days of the pandemic. "The further out in time we go, the more tools we have at our disposal from science, the less likely that is but you can never take that possibility completely off the table," he said. "But you know, science has done a phenomenal job so far and it will continue to do so," he added. From Monday, all legal lockdown restrictions will end in England and most parts of the United Kingdom, with varying rules on face coverings and large gatherings in place across Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. On Thursday, the recorded 48,553 new infections and a further 63 deaths from coronavirus, figures that have been on the rise over the past few days. (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.) By Praveen Menon WELLINGTON (Reuters) -Leaders of the Asia-Pacific trade group APEC, including U.S. President Joe Biden, Russia's Vladimir Putin, and China's Xi Jinping, pledged on Friday to work to expand sharing and manufacturing of COVID-19 vaccines to fight the global pandemic. In a statement after a virtual meeting of the group chaired by New Zealand, the leaders, struggling to tame outbreaks that have been made worse by the Delta variant, said they would encourage the voluntary transfer of vaccine production technologies "on mutually agreed terms" as the region prepared for future health shocks. "The pandemic continues to have a devastating impact on our region's people and economies," they said in the joint statement. "We will only overcome this health emergency by accelerating equitable access to safe, effective, quality-assured, and affordable COVID-19 vaccines." The leaders met virtually to discuss collective actions to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic impacts. New Zealand, the revolving Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation host, said this week it would chair the extraordinary meeting ahead of a formal gathering in November, the first time such an additional meeting has been held. The meeting highlights growing concerns around COVID-19 which is raging in the region as countries including Indonesia, Thailand and Australia face new waves of infections. New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern stressed the importance of the 21-economy group working together to navigate a way out of the pandemic in a call with Biden ahead of the meeting. Putin told the group that global barriers to vaccine production and deliveries needed to be removed, and Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga expressed his resolve to fellow leaders to hold a safe and secure Olympics. Despite their show of resolve, there are tensions among members, most notably between the West and China over the origins of the coronavirus, trade, Xinjiang, Hong Kong and the South China Sea. A senior Biden administration official said the president planned to use the forum to demonstrate his commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. "As one of the first opportunities he has to engage with many of these leaders, he will make clear that the U.S. has an enduring commitment to the region. He will put forward a vision for the region that is based on our values," said the official. The grouping includes the world's three largest economies and impoverished nations such as Papua New Guinea, as well as members at vastly different points in the COVID-19 cycle, providing further challenges for building consensus. That consensus model of has been tested in recent years, with the group unable to agree on a communique at their 2018 meeting in Papua New Guinea, driven by differences between the United States, led by former President Donald Trump, and China. The 2019 APEC meeting in Chile was cancelled due to protests while the one in Malaysia last year was side-tracked as officials hastily organised a virtual meeting as the pandemic locked down the world. In June, APEC trade ministers agreed to review trade barriers and expedite the cross-border transit of COVID-19 vaccines and related goods, but stopped short of a broad commitment to remove tariffs which New Zealand was pushing for. There have been over 50 million cases of COVID-19 within APEC's borders, with over one million deaths. APEC-wide GDP contracted by 1.9% in 2020. (Additional Reporting by Jeff Mason and David Brunnstrom in Washington, Tom Allard in Jakarta, Yew Lun Tian in Beijing, Ben Blanchard in Taipei, Panu Wongcha-Um in Bangkok; Editing by Lincoln Feast and Nick Macfie) (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.) Nifty futures on Singapore Exchange traded 39.50 points higher at 15,961, indicating a firm start for the benchmark indices on Friday: Here are the top stocks that are likely to be in limelight today: Results Today: HDFC Asset Management Company, Den Networks, Just Dial and L&T Finance Holdings are among 19 companies that are slated to post their quarterly results today. Wipro: The IT major surpassed its revenue guidance for the first quarter, which it hailed as its best ever, as it reported a 35.7 per cent year-on-year (YoY) increase in consolidated net profit to Rs 3,243 crore. Revenue grew 22.3 per cent YoY to Rs 18,525 crore and was up 12.4 per cent sequentially. READ HERE L&T Infotech: The company reported a 19.3 per cent YoY rise in consolidated net profit to Rs 496.8 crore for the June 2021 quarter, and declared a special dividend of Rs 10 per share. Bandhan Bank: The lender witnessed an 8 per cent rise in its loans and advances to Rs 80,128 crore in the June quarter this fiscal, as per provisional data. Compared sequentially, it was down by 8 per cent. Its total deposits grew by 28 per cent YoY to Rs 77,336 crore, while the CASA deposits jumped by 48 per cent. Sona Comstar: The company has joined hands with Israel's IRP Nexus Group (IRP) to initiate a project to co-develop a new electric motor that would avoid usage of rare earth elements. Cyient: The company on Thursday reported a 41.3 per cent YoY rise in consolidated net profit to Rs 115 crore for the April-June quarter of this year. Pidilite Industries: Adhesive maker Pidilite Industries announced appointment of Sudhanshu Vats as the company's deputy managing director, effective from September 1, 2021. The company had registered a net profit of Rs 68.9 crore in the year-ago period. Capri Global Capital: Sebi on Thursday exempted J J R Family Trust from making open offer following its proposed acquisition of shares in Capri Global Capital. NMDC: The company proposed to offer up to 89 lakh shares to the eligible employees of the company at a price Rs 165.50 per share in an offer for sale from July 16 to July 18. Havells India: CARE Ratings has reaffirmed AAA rating to the companys long-term bank facilities. It has reaffirmed the A1+ rating to its short-term bank facilities and commercial paper. Gati: The company transferred its 69.79 per cent equity holding in Gati Kausar India to Mandala Capital AG Ltd, a leading private equity firm focused on investments across the food value chain. RPower: Reliance Power on Thursday said it has allotted 59.5 crore shares to Reliance Infrastructure. In a statement, Reliance Power said it has also allotted to its promoter company 73 crore warrants. Mindspace Business Parks REIT: CRISIL assigned 'AAA/Stable' to non-convertible debentures of Mindspace Business Parks REIT of upto Rs 175 crore. Xelpmoc Design and Tech: The company approved raising of funds by issuing up to 7,20,000 equity shares at an issue price of Rs 375 per share aggregating up to Rs 27 crore on a preferential allotment basis. Hindustan Unilever Ltd is quoting at Rs 2412, down 0.01% on the day as on 13:24 IST on the NSE. The stock jumped 3.32% in last one year as compared to a 46% rally in NIFTY and a 15.13% spurt in the Nifty FMCG index. Hindustan Unilever Ltd dropped for a fifth straight session today. The stock is quoting at Rs 2412, down 0.01% on the day as on 13:24 IST on the NSE. The benchmark NIFTY is down around 0.05% on the day, quoting at 15916. The Sensex is at 53112.35, down 0.09%.Hindustan Unilever Ltd has eased around 0.24% in last one month.Meanwhile, Nifty FMCG index of which Hindustan Unilever Ltd is a constituent, has increased around 0.03% in last one month and is currently quoting at 36182.95, up 0.03% on the day. The volume in the stock stood at 2.95 lakh shares today, compared to the daily average of 11.93 lakh shares in last one month. The benchmark July futures contract for the stock is quoting at Rs 2418, down 0.06% on the day. Hindustan Unilever Ltd jumped 3.32% in last one year as compared to a 46% rally in NIFTY and a 15.13% spurt in the Nifty FMCG index. The PE of the stock is 69.75 based on TTM earnings ending March 21. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Union Minister of Power and New and Renewable Energy, RK Singh while addressing the conference of Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) on Aatmairbhar Bharat - Self Reliance for Renewable Energy Manufacturing, stated that India had emerged as world leader in the Energy Transition. He said that India had one of the fastest rates of growth of Renewable Energy capacity in the world. R. K. Singh further added that India had pledged in COP-21 in Paris that by 2030; 40% of its power generation capacity will be from non-fossil fuel sources and had already reached at 38.5% and if the capacity under installation is added, it comes to 48.5%. The Minister said that India proposes to continue to be a world leader in the coming years as well and it has set a target of 450 GW of Renewable Energy capacity by 2030. The Minister pointed out that India had achieved universal access by connecting every village and every hamlet under Deen Dayal Upadhyay Gram Jyoti Yojana Scheme and connecting every household under Saubhagya Scheme. It was the fastest and the largest expansion of access in the world. This had also resulted in the demand for electricity going up rapidly. Singh informed that India has already touched 200 GW of demand even when the effects of COVID-19 was still there. The demand had crossed what it was during pre-COVID time and it is expected that electricity demand will continue to rise. This gives us the space for adding more Renewable Energy capacity. The Minister further said that Government is determined that the job creation due to this capacity addition must be located in India and that is why Aatmanirbhar Bharat is important. The Minister pointed out that some countries had been dumping solar cells and modules at very low price and harming our local industry. He said that to prevent dumping it was decided to impose customs duty on imported cells and modules so as to provide protection to Indian Industry from dumping. Minister said that India will also emerge as a leader in Green Hydrogen and Green Ammonia. Minister also informed that India proposes to green industry sectors to replace Grey Hydrogen (drawn from imported natural gas) with Green Hydrogen and for this it will come out with a Green Hydrogen Purchase Obligation for different sectors like petroleum and fertilizer. This will also provide huge demand for domestically manufactured solar and wind equipments as well as storage. He also informed that Government proposes to come out with Rules and Regulations providing for easier Open Access for those industries which want to become green i.e. which want to rely on green energy for their functioning. Industry will be able to either set up green energy manufacturing capacity itself or through a developer and draw power from it through open access. The surcharge on open access will also be rationalized so as to ensure that open access is not saddled with unfair levies. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Power stocks were trading in the negative zone, with the S&P BSE Power index falling 10.47 points or 0.39% at 2697.21 at 13:50 IST. Among the components of the S&P BSE Power index, Adani Power Ltd (down 1.44%), NTPC Ltd (down 0.96%),Adani Green Energy Ltd (down 0.62%),Siemens Ltd (down 0.54%),Tata Power Company Ltd (down 0.32%), were the top losers. Among the other losers were Indian Energy Exchange Ltd (down 0.26%), and ABB India Ltd (down 0.17%). On the other hand, Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (up 1.77%), Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd (up 0.59%), and Thermax Ltd (up 0.48%) moved up. At 13:50 IST, the S&P BSE Sensex was down 100.66 or 0.19% at 53058.19. The Nifty 50 index was down 24.9 points or 0.16% at 15899.3. The S&P BSE Small-Cap index was up 45.13 points or 0.17% at 26407.93. The S&P BSE 150 Midcap Index index was up 20.3 points or 0.25% at 8111.65. On BSE,1692 shares were trading in green, 1430 were trading in red and 152 were unchanged. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) On a consolidated basis, Tata Steel Long Products posted a 2.4% decline in net profit to Rs 331.6 crore on 9% rise in net sales to Rs 1687.64 crore in Q1 FY22 over Q4 FY21. The steel maker posted a net loss of Rs 131.3 crore in Q1 FY21. Net sales soared 158% in Q1 FY22 over Q1 FY21. The company posted a profit before tax of Rs 444 crore in Q1 FY22 compared with pre-tax loss of Rs 130 crore in Q1 FY21. Shares of Tata Steel Long Products were up 0.12% at Rs 1,120 on BSE. Tata Steel Long Products is one of India's largest merchant sponge iron manufacturers. The company is engaged in the production of sponge iron by direct reduction method of iron ore and power generation from waste heat. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A repressive state armed with a cultural policy can alienate more than it can include. Uddalok Bhattacharya sums up Aakar Patel: When it (the BJP) was not in power, when it had little hope of achieving power, the party stood for the rights of Indias citizens over those of the state. Today, when it is in control of the state, the BJP stands for the rights of the state over those of the individual. The state is tightening its control over what we read, watch, hear or laugh at, says Vanita Kohli-Khandekar. Why not facilitate our soft power instead of clamping down on its strengths? OUR EDIT SAYS: No point blaming private clinics for slow vaccination The last date to file your income tax return (ITR) for financial year 2020-21 has been extended till September 30, 2021. Keeping in mind the Covid-19 situation, the tax department has extended a few deadlines. For instance, as per the Income Tax Act, employers should issue Form-16 to the employee before June 15 of the assessment year--the 12-month period that follows the financial year for which your income is to be assessed for tax. Dear Reader, Business Standard has always strived hard to provide up-to-date information and commentary on developments that are of interest to you and have wider political and economic implications for the country and the world. Your encouragement and constant feedback on how to improve our offering have only made our resolve and commitment to these ideals stronger. Even during these difficult times arising out of Covid-19, we continue to remain committed to keeping you informed and updated with credible news, authoritative views and incisive commentary on topical issues of relevance. We, however, have a request. As we battle the economic impact of the pandemic, we need your support even more, so that we can continue to offer you more quality content. Our subscription model has seen an encouraging response from many of you, who have subscribed to our online content. More subscription to our online content can only help us achieve the goals of offering you even better and more relevant content. We believe in free, fair and credible journalism. Your support through more subscriptions can help us practise the journalism to which we are committed. Support quality journalism and subscribe to Business Standard. Digital Editor Deputy Chief Minister on Friday alleged that the Centre has been interfering with the work of the through the lieutenant governor, and described it as "murder of democracy". He said the city government has decided that its panel of lawyers will be public prosecutors in court matters related to the farmers' protest and it comes under the purview of the only. "The appointment of lawyers comes under the purview of the The LG can only give his opinion on the Delhi government's decision in rarest of the rare cases. "The Supreme Court has defined the use of this veto power by the LG. Doorstep delivery of ration and court matters related to farmers' protest are not the rarest of the rare cases. This power cannot be used left, right and centre. This is murder of democracy," he alleged at an online press conference. On Thursday, the Delhi government had accused the BJP-ruled Centre of putting pressure on it to replace its prosecutors appearing in cases related to the anti-farm laws stir with those of the Delhi Police. Lieutenant Governor (LG) Anil Baijal has "rejected" the panel of Delhi government lawyers appearing in the cases against the farmers protesting the Centre's three new farm laws at the city's borders, a statement from the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) had 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.) Leaders and workers of the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) Delhi unit staged a protest near Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's residence in the Civil Lines area here on Friday over the in the national capital. Led by Delhi chief Adesh Gupta, the protesters raised anti-government slogans. Gupta, Leader of Opposition in Delhi Assembly Ramvir Singh Bidhuri and others first gathered at the Chandgi Ram Akhara near Ring Road and then marched towards the CM's residence on Flagstaff Road. The protesters were stopped around 500 metres from the chief minister's house by police, a leader said. Addressing the gathering, Gupta alleged that schemes for water production and distribution announced in the last seven years have not yet started. The Delhi government is responsible for the in the city as it is in connivance with the tanker mafia, the leader claimed. The Delhi government, which came to power with the promise to finish the tanker mafia in the city, is now minting money in connivance with them. Piped water supply is not being given in Delhi colonies so that the tanker mafia could flourish," Gupta said. The Delhi government has been blaming Haryana for the shortage of water in the city over the last few days. Delhi Jal Board vice-chairman Raghav Chadha had alleged that the Haryana government was releasing less water than prescribed for the national capital, thereby creating a shortage in some parts of the city. (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 on Friday told the that the governor ought to accept the nomination of persons to the Maharashtra Legislative Council (MLC) submitted as per the aid and advice of the council of ministers irrespective of any political issues. Senior counsel Rafiq Dada, appearing for the state government, told a division bench of Chief Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice G S Kulkarni that the governor ought to have accepted the nomination irrespective of any political issues or issues he may or may not have with the chief minister. "The governor cannot just sit tight on the file. It has been a year since the posts (MLCs) are lying vacant. Is complete inaction open to the governor, Dada argued. The bench was hearing a petition filed by Nashik-resident Ratan Soli Luth seeking a direction to the governor to decide on the state government recommending 12 names in November last year. Dada said that the state government had sought that the governor take a decision on the same within a period of 15 days. The HC on Friday impleaded the Union government as a party respondent in the petition and directed Additional Solicitor General Anil Singh to do some research and assist the court on the issue. We would like to know what happens when there is inaction by the governor, the court said, and posted the matter for further hearing on July 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.) Amid speculation of leader likely to be named the Chief of Punjab Pradesh Committee (PCC), he will meet the party's interim President at her residence in Delhi today. The party's general secretary in-charge of Punjab, Harish Rawat will also meet along with Sidhu. According to sources, is all set to announce as the new Chief of Punjab Congress Committee (PCC) on Friday. "Sidhu will be appointed as the new PCC chief along with two working Presidents. Sunil Jakhar, who is currently heading Punjab Congress will be adjusted in AICC," said sources. A power tussle in Punjab Congress has been going on for almost a month where is openly rebelling against the state government by criticising the electricity crisis in the state. The Congress leadership had formed a three-member committee to resolve factionalism in the state amid differences between Sidhu and Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh. (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.) Union Home Minister on Friday said Prime Minister always ensures that all the projects undertaken by the government turn out to be "world-class" and set new benchmarks. Shah joined Modi virtually as the prime minister inaugurated a host of projects in Gujarat through video link. The projects included the revamped Gandhinagar railway station with a five-star hotel and new attractions at Science City in Ahmedabad. The main event was organized at the Gandhinagar railway station in the presence of Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister of State for Railways Darshana Jardosh, Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani and Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel. "It is a day of great joy for the people of entire Gujarat and especially those living in Gandhinagar Lok Sabha region. After 35 years, Gandhinagar railway station has been completely revamped and inaugurated by prime minister Narendra Modi," said Shah on the occasion. Many people were skeptical when the idea of building a hotel atop the railway station was mooted some years ago, he said. "But today, this project is complete....When Modi was chief minister of Gujarat, he made sure that all the projects turn out to be world-class," said Shah, who represents Gandhinagar in the Lok Sabha. "This is the reason why several such projects have become best in their class across the world and set new benchmarks," he said. Since Modi became prime minister, the railways has completed a number of projects in Gujarat including the recently commenced train service to the Statue of Unity in Narmada district, he said. Vaishnaw lauded the role of the railways in providing relief during the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic, noting that trains ferried medical oxygen across the country to save patients. "Today, a golden chapter is being added to the history of Indian Railways. This majestic new station building is a live example of India's aspirations and an embodiment of our prime minister's vision," he said. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Senior Congress leader on Sunday hit out at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over rising and unemployment, saying it is a result of the ruling party's mismanagement of the economy. While addressing a press conference here, he pointed out that there was no increase in before elections, but afterward, the price had been hiked 40 times. "The country's economy is reeling because of the Modi-led Central government. Many companies have started cutting wages and the fuel price has impacted the price of every other essential item. Mismanagement of the economy has lead to unemployment, even the demonetisation disaster. They never prepared for the economy," he said. He further said that 96 per cent of the hiked taxes were going to Delhi and demanded that a larger share be given to state governments. "Import duties on essential items like pulses and cooking oil have gone up under the NDA government. There has been a rise in GST. The government must reduce taxes and cess on fuel and give a larger share to states," he said. Parliament session is starting on Monday and issues such as the border situation with China, farmers agitation, Rafale deal, and mismanagement of the COVID-19 pandemic will be raised, the Lok Sabha MP further said. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Chief Minister Friday called on Prime Minister here and requested him to facilitate early implementation of some pending state works including the Mekedatu dam project. Yediyurappa, who is visiting the capital amid speculations about a leadership change in the state, sidestepped reporters' questions on the issue. "I don't know. You have to tell," he told the reporters with a smile. "I requested the PM to facilitate for early implementation of some state works. He has agreed for all." Asked if the Mekedatu dam project across the Cauvery river was also discussed, he said "all issues" came up. The CM said he would share the details of the meeting on Saturday before returning to Bengaluru. Before meeting the PM, the CM said he would call on some of the Center's key ministers including Amit Shah and Rajnath Singh on Saturday. He also told reporters before the meeting that the state has got every right to implement the Mekedatu project and will start the work. "They (TN) have been opposing us since the beginning but we have got our rights. I request them not to disturb us." He also assured Tamil Nadu that the implementation of the proposed project will not create any problem to them. "I have written to them (TN CM) about the matter, but they are not letting us (implement the project)." "There is no need to have confusion. I want to assure our state that we will cent percent implement the Mekedatu project," he added. On a likely Cabinet rejig in the BJP-ruled state, Yediyurappa said before meeting the PM, "I will tell you if any discussion (happens) with seniors over the restructuring or expansion of the Cabinet." No state minister is accompanying the chief minister during his trip. However, his son B Y Vijayendra has come. The Rs 9,000-crore Mekedatu balancing reservoir and drinking water project across the Cauvery river in Ramanagara district aims at utilising 4.75 TMC of water for drinking purposes in Bengaluru and neighbouring areas besides generating 400 MW power. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Chinese President on Friday spoke to Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih over phone and offered to provide more coronavirus vaccines besides pushing forward the (BRI) cooperation, official media here reported. China- ties which flourished under the previous pro-Beijing President Abdullah Yameen took a back seat after Solih, who pursued closer ties with India, reversed Yameen's hostile policies towards New Delhi. In his phone talks with Solih, Xi said China is ready to push forward its relations with the as next year will mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries. Recalling his 2014 visit to Maldives, Xi said China is willing to continue to provide vaccines and other support for the Maldives' fight against the virus, so as to help the country prevail over the disease, state-run Xinhua news agency reported. The Chinese side is ready to work with the to continuously push forward the Belt and Road cooperation, so as to bring more benefits to the people of both countries, Xi said. The BRI was launched by President Xi when he came to power in 2013. It aims to link Southeast Asia, Central Asia, the Gulf region, Africa and Europe with a network of land and sea routes. According to previous estimates Maldives debt to China stood at USD 3.4 billion raising concerns over its ability to pay it back especially after it was hit by COVID-19 pandemic. Maldives also depends on the inflow of a large number of Chinese tourists. Xi hoped that the Maldivian side would give attention to the safety and health of Chinese personnel in the Maldives. For his part, Solih extended congratulations on the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC), saying that the CPC, under Xi's strong leadership, has become an important force in promoting equality, prosperity and cooperation among countries across the world, the Xinhua report 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.) Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], July 16 (ANI/BusinessWire India): SVKM's NMIMS Deemed-To-Be-University, one of India's leading educational institutions with a 40-year legacy of academic excellence, is inviting applications from students who could not apply to NMIMS-CET (NMIMS Common Entrance Test), to give them another opportunity for pursuing their dream program at NMIMS. Candidates can now apply through non-NMIMSCET procedure for B.Tech. and MBA Tech. (B.Tech. + MBA Tech.) programs at NMIMS campuses in Mumbai, Shirpur, Navi Mumbai and Indore. Admissions for non-NMIMSCET applicants will commence after the conclusion of the NMIMSCET admission process, and will be based on Grade 12 marks as determined by the various school boards. Candidates passing grade 12 exams with minimum 50% aggregate marks (45% for Shirpur Campus) in Physics, Chemistry/Vocational Science and Mathematics in Grade 12 will be eligible for admissions to Mumbai, Navi Mumbai and Indore Campuses. Speaking about the programs, Dr. Sharad Mhaiskar, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, NMIMS said, "In the current pandemic, we have seen a growing interest in 'deep skilling' and acquiring comprehensive knowledge of futuristic technologies. Being forerunners in understanding the demands and interests of the industry and students, we introduce new specializations and courses every year. At the NMIMS University, we are committed to providing students the ability to choose from and specialize in new-age skills of their choice and leverage them to build their careers during these tough times." Dr. Alka Mahajan, Dean, NMIMS MPSTME further added, "Our B.Tech. and MBA Tech. programs are created to equip young students with the best of technical and managerial skills expected by the Industry and academia. The state-of-the-art curriculum is robust and our pedagogy ensures delivery of high-quality education, while simultaneously providing students with life and entrepreneurial skills. We inspire students to think differently, empower them to challenge things around them, and help them gain the confidence to push boundaries." Continuing the legacy of offering new-age, industry-relevant programs, this year, we have launched 4-year B.Tech. programs in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Mechanical and Automation Engineering, Artificial Intelligence and Data Science. New 5 year MBA Tech (B.Tech + MBA Tech) programs have also been introduced in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence. Students can also choose to specialize in various other demanding streams of Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Information Technology, Civil Engineering, Electronics & Telecommunication, Mechatronics, Data Science, Cyber Security, Artificial Intelligence, and Computer Science & Business System (in partnership with TCS). To know more, visit (https://engineering.nmims.edu) This story is provided by BusinessWire India. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/BusinessWire India) DISCLAIMER (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The benchmark indices failed to hold gains after hitting all-time highs in early trade amid profit booking in major sectors, barring pharma. BSE Sensex ended its two-day winning run and settled at 53,140, down 19 points. Its NSE counterpart Nifty50 closed the day 0.80 points lower at 15,923. Both Sensex and Nifty had hit record highs of 53,290.81 and 15,962.25, respectively in trade earlier. Nifty, meanwhile, snapped its 2-week losing run and rose 1.5%. HCL Tech, Infosys Bajaj Finserv and ICICI Bank turned out to be the worst losers in the Sensex pack, down between 1-3 per cent. Telecom major Airtel, Ultratech Cement, Tata Steel and PowerGrid emerged to best performers. Strong buying interest was seen in pharma shares ahead of Q1 results that are expected to be strong. Nifty Pharma hence clocked a 1.16% gain, followed by Nifty Realty and Nifty Metal that too added 1% each. IT stocks although witnessed heavy selling especially after a near 5% rally in the last two days. The Nifty IT index declined 1.07% today. Demand for mid-and small-cap stocks remained strong, pushing both the indices to record highs in trade today. The BSE Midcap closed 0.45% higher and BSE Smallcap 0.38%. On the stock-specific front, shares of Angel Broking soared 20 per cent to Rs 1,272.15 on the NSE after its net profit more-than-doubled to Rs 121.4 crore from Rs 47.3 crore posted in the year-ago quarter. Cyient too logged strong gains following its Q1 show. The company posted a 41 per cent YoY rise in consolidated net profit to Rs 115 crore in the June quarter following which the scrip closed 12 per cent higher on the BSE at Rs 1,061.70. Wipro ended flat at Rs 577.65 post its Q1 show although it did hit a fresh high of Rs 589 in the intra-day session. IRCTC jumped 6.97 per cent to Rs 2427 amid expectations of improved outlook. The stock has added nearly 20 per cent so far this month. Primary market remained abuzz as Paytm filed DRHP for Rs 16,600 crore IPO with Sebi. If approved, it could be India's biggest IPO in recent, beating Rs 15,200 crore issue by Coal India. Zomato IPO's subscription gathered pace as the issue received 38 times bids as of 4 pm on Day 3 while Tatva Chintan Pharma Chem, which opened today, already sailed through, with 4 times bids so far. Going into trade next week, market action would be dictated by stock-specific moves amid quarterly earnings by HCL Tech, Asian Paints, Bajaj Finance, Bajaj Auto, HUL, JSW Steel, ICICI Bank, ITC and HUL to name a few. Besides, shares of Clean Science and GR Infraprojects would list on bourses on Monday. With a slew of DRHPs being filed, more companies could hit Street to raise funds via IPO, keeping activity high in the primary market. Globally, shares held gains in European although Asian stocks ended largely weak. MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan lost 0.4%, weighed down by a 1.1% drop in China's blue-chip index and a 0.8% fall for Taiwanese shares. Britain's FTSE 100 meanwhile was up 0.4%. US futures advanced, indicating a strong opening for Wall Street. Videos Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos. The Shanghai Astronomy Museum opened Sunday to lines of visitors waiting to get inside its planetarium. The museum, which covers about 14 acres in the China Pilot Free Trade Zone in Shanghais Pudong New Area, comprises an observatory, garden, solar telescope and youth observatory base, making it one of the worlds largest planetariums Jul 19, 2021 03:31 PM St. Johnsbury, VT (05819) Today Showers early, then partly cloudy for the afternoon. High 78F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 40%.. Tonight Partly cloudy skies this evening will give way to occasional showers overnight. Low 62F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 40%. Become A Subscriber A subscription opens up access to all our online content, including: our interactive E-Edition, a full archive of modern stories, exclusive and expanded online offerings, photo galleries from Caledonian-Record journalists, video reports from our media partners, extensive international, national and regional reporting by the Associated Press, and a wide variety of feature content. remaining of Thank you for reading! This is your last free article before you will be asked to subscribe. Already have a paid subscription? Sign in * Username This is the name that will be used to identify you within the system. Choose wisely! * First name * Last name Your real name will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more! * Email Your e-mail address will be used to confirm your account. We won't share it with anyone else. * Password Create a password that only you will remember. If you forget it, you'll be able to recover it using your email address. Cape Carteret commissioners Monday night voted to endorse state legislation to place a referendum proposing a ban on use of gill nets and other entangling nets in coastal waters on a future statewide ballot. (News-Times photo) Emerald Isle commission agrees to lease site at McLean-Spell Park to water corporation for well Planes piloted by the U.S. Navy Blue Angels fly in formation during a past Cherry Point Air Show. The event, which will be headlined by the Blue Angels, is returning to Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point Saturday-Sunday, Sept. 25-26, after being canceled in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. (News-Times photo) Law enforcement officers and marchers in Graham on Oct. 31, 2020. Photo courtesy of Anthony Crider via Flickr. State Board of Elections Director Karen Brinson Bell, at a hearing in an N.C. Senate committee. (CJ photo by Maya Reagan) Offsite EOC is OK, for now: Budget constraints force closer look 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. In Ethiopia, Wegwa Odol Othow, called Owick, leads a team that is treating this pond with a larvicide to prevent development of the parasite that causes Guinea worm disease. The Carter Centers Guinea Worm Eradication Program reported just 27 human cases in six African countries in 2020, a dramatic 50% reduction from 2019. Guinea worm infections in animals also were down 20% from the previous year. The program remained 95% operational in 2020 despite the COVID-19 pandemic for two main reasons: First, it doesnt involve medications, so it was not affected by production and distribution interruptions that disrupted other programs. Second, Guinea worm surveillance and prevention rely principally on community volunteers, so international travel restrictions had little impact. Chad Only 12 human cases were reported in Chad, down 75% from the 48 reported in 2019. Animal infections fell 22%. The positive trend continued into the first months of 2021, as provisionally, only 86 infections in dogs were reported through March, compared to 436 a year earlier, an 80% reduction. The dramatic reductions weve seen in Chad may be an early indication that were turning a corner in the most Guinea worm-endemic country, said Dr. Kashef Ijaz, Carter Center vice president of health programs. Infections in Chad occur mainly along the Chari River. Carter Center-supported researchers believe animals become infected by eating fish, frogs, and discarded fish entrails that contain live copepods (tiny water fleas) that harbor Guinea worm larvae. The Chad Ministry of Health and The Carter Center are concentrating on teaching people the importance of tethering animals to keep them out of the water and not letting animals eat discarded fish guts. The programs public information efforts are working: 85% of Chadians surveyed knew of the availability of a cash reward for reporting a case of Guinea worm disease. More than 134,000 rumors of possible infections were investigated in 2020. Ethiopia Ethiopia reported 11 human and 15 animal cases in 2020 from a remote area. The human cases occurred after people drank unfiltered water from ponds. A broken borehole pump in the area has been repaired, giving residents renewed access to safe water. A new well also was installed in 2020 on a commercial farm where a contaminated pond was the source of an outbreak in 2017. Internal security challenges have forced large numbers of Ethiopians to relocate, both within the country and across the border in Sudan and South Sudan, but these movements have had little effect on the Guinea Worm Eradication Program, program director Adam Weiss said. Left photo: A health worker extracts a Guinea worm from the knee of a South Sudanese woman. Right photo: In Chad, Dollar Taissou (bottom right) pulls a Guinea worm from the leg of 2-year-old dog Martoussia. Controlling infections in animals is necessary to eradicate the disease. Mali One human and nine dogs were reported infected in Mali in 2020. To accelerate the countrys push to interrupt transmission, The Carter Center helped facilitate a workshop in September that included representatives of Malis Ministry of Health and authorities from districts where dogs likely become infected. Political stability and support will be key to completing elimination of the disease in Mali and attaining World Health Organization certification, said Dr. Donald R. Hopkins, the Carter Centers senior advisor for Guinea worm eradication. South Sudan South Sudan appears to be at the brink of interrupting transmission of Guinea worm disease, according to Makoy Samuel Yibi, director of South Sudans Guinea Worm Eradication Program. The country reported just one human case in 2020 and has not reported any animal infections since a single dog infection in 2015. The program screened over 280,000 people for the disease in 2020, investigated over 55,000 rumors, and found about 78% of people surveyed knew of its cash reward for reporting a case. Angola Angola was officially declared endemic in 2020 after reporting single cases in three consecutive years, all in the same province. In August, The Carter Center and the World Health Organization assisted Angolas Ministry of Health in officially starting surveillance by trained village volunteers in 54 at-risk villages. Cameroon Just one human case was reported in Cameroon in 2020. That was a child in the countrys Far North region, which borders Chad. The girl had spent time in Chad in 2019, and that is where it is believed she became infected. Cameroon reported six animal infections. Water sources in northern Cameroon are being treated with Abate larvicide (donated by BASF) as a precaution, 285 health workers are conducting community-based surveillance, and thousands of leaflets have been distributed and radio messages broadcast to publicize rewards for reporting infections. Learn more about the Carter Center's campaign to eradicate Guinea worm disease ATLANTA (July 15, 2021) The Carter Center calls on the Palestinian Authority leadership to reschedule Palestinian presidential, legislative, and municipal electionsideally within the next six monthsand to engage with political leaders to create an environment conducive to peaceful and genuine elections. Although the Israeli authorities actions in the Occupied Territories impede Palestinians fundamental rightsincluding their freedom of movement, assembly, and associationthe protracted internal political division between Fatah and Hamas has been the main obstacle to holding democratic elections for more than a decade. The two main Palestinian political parties could move forward with elections if they have the political will to do so. It is critical that credible polls are held to renew the democratic mandate of Palestinian elected officials and to ensure that elected officials represent Palestinians current needs and wants. The Palestinian Authority should immediately : Take steps to calm escalating tensions and ensure the creation of an environment conducive to competitive, inclusive, and genuine democratic elections. This includes full protection for Palestinians rights to freedom of assembly, expression, and personal security. Release jailed human rights activists, journalists, and political party representatives and implement additional measures to build confidence and create an environment conducive to an inclusive competitive campaign and democratic elections. Hamas authorities in Gaza also should release political prisoners and ensure the full protection of political rights and fundamental freedoms in Gaza. Repeal the recent law (which is currently frozen or suspended) that undermines civil society organizations by restricting their funding and obstructing their activities. Civil society activists in both Gaza and the West Bank must be allowed to fully participate in the electoral process, including by observing political and electoral processes, holding demonstrations, and disseminating public statements. Seek clear confirmation from Israel that it will allow Palestinian voters to cast ballots in their respective post offices in East Jerusalem and facilitate the inclusive conduct of the polls, as per Israels obligations under the Oslo Accords. If an agreement with Israel cannot be reached, Palestinian leaders and election officials should devise alternative methods to allow voters in East Jerusalem to participate in the polls. Representatives of the international community, particularly the U.S. government , should support Palestinian leaders in these efforts and should engage with both Palestinian and Israeli authorities to clarify steps to conduct elections across the territory. The two main political parties should re-engage immediately to finalize political agreements to outline additional concrete steps that will enable genuine elections and foster an environment that is fully conducive to political participation, including steps to: Define the appropriate roles and responsibilities of security forces in maintaining safety at demonstrations and campaign rallies without impeding voter and candidate participation. Ensure that the independence and impartiality of the Central Election Commission is maintained and that all required funding for elections is in place. Clarify any ambiguities in the legal framework for elections. Candidate requirements for president, including those that require candidates to recognize Palestinian Liberation Organization agreements, should be clearly defined. Political parties should implement transparent and democratic procedures for candidate selection and ensure the full participation of women and youth as candidates, reflecting recent agreements to implement a 30 percent quota for women and to lower the nomination threshold for candidates to 25 years of age. Implement the Cairo agreement to support the work of a specialized court that was established to consider challenges specific to the electoral process. Consider once again the formation of a technocratic or national unity government, as agreed by all major factions in Cairo, that would be responsible for ensuring conducive conditions and preparations for the elections. It could also oversee, on an interim basis, the rebuilding process in Gaza. Seek consensus on, and ratify a draft law for, elections to the Palestinian National Council, the legislative body of the Palestinian Liberation Organization. Leaders must define measures for voter registration and mechanisms for the conduct of elections or appointment of members outside of the Palestinian territory, as well as clarify which bodies will administer and oversee the polls. Background. Elections for president and the Palestinian Legislative Council were last held in 2005 and 2006, respectively. The protracted political impasse between Fatah and Hamas, and continual disagreements between the Gaza and West Bank governments on electoral modalities, have impeded periodic elections in Palestine. Although Palestinian Basic Law restricts the presidency to two consecutive four-year terms, President Mahmoud Abbas has remained in office since his mandate expired in 2009. The four-year mandate of PLC members expired in 2010; members stayed in their positions until 2018, when the legislative body was dissolved by presidential decree. Additionally, municipal elections, last held in 2017, were incomplete and largely non-competitive. Hamas boycotted the polls, and, citing Fatahs failure to implement reconciliation agreements between the two parties, did not allow for their conduct in Gaza. The four-year mandate of West Bank officials expired in May 2021. Many resigned, leading the PA to disband all elected municipal councils and reappoint them as acting authorities without setting a new date for elections. This leaves a vacuum that greatly impacts basic service delivery and local governance. The Central Election Commission has repeatedly demonstrated its ability and readiness to implement national elections in a transparent and democratic nature. The CEC has introduced online voter registration, and 93% of eligible voters are now registered, demonstrating that Palestinians yearn for elections. This is particularly true of younger Palestinians, the majority of whom have never had an opportunity to participate in national elections. ### Contact: In Atlanta, Soyia Ellison, soyia.ellison@cartercenter.org In Ramallah, Qais Asad, qais.assad@cartercenter.org Waging Peace. Fighting Disease. Building Hope. A not-for-profit, nongovernmental organization, The Carter Center has helped to improve life for people in over 80 countries by resolving conflicts; advancing democracy, human rights, and economic opportunity; preventing diseases; and improving mental health care. The Carter Center was founded in 1982 by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, in partnership with Emory University, to advance peace and health worldwide. Photo: Twitter South Africas army has begun deploying 25,000 troops to assist police in quelling weeklong riots and violence sparked by the imprisonment of former President Jacob Zuma. In one of the largest deployments of soldiers since the end of white minority rule in 1994, the South African National Defence Force has also called up all of its reserve force of 12,000 troops. Trucks, armored personnel carriers and helicopters are being used to transport soldiers to trouble spots in the Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal province. The violence erupted last week after Zuma began serving a 15-month sentence for contempt of court. At least 117 people have been killed in the violence, authorities said Thursday. In a show of strength, a convoy of more than a dozen armored personnel carriers brought soldiers into Gauteng province, South Africa's most populous, which includes the largest city, Johannesburg, and the capital, Pretoria. Protests in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal quickly escalated into a spree of theft in township areas, although it has not spread to South Africas seven other provinces, where police are on alert. More than 2,200 people have been arrested for theft and vandalism, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, acting minister in the presidency said Thursday. Many of those who died were trampled in chaotic stampedes when shops were being looted, according to police. Photo: Siberian Aviation Search and Rescue Center A small Russian passenger plane on Friday made a crash landing in Siberia after an engine failure, emergency officials said. All of its 19 passengers and crew survived. Soon after the An-28 plane disappeared in the Tomsk region in western Siberia, rescue helicopters spotted it lying in a field on its roof. Emergency officials said that the passengers and crew did not sustain any serious injuries and were being flown by helicopters to the city of Tomsk. The crew made an emergency landing after one of its two engines failed, Russian news reports said. The An-28 is a small short-range, Soviet-designed turboprop used by many small carriers across Russia and some other countries. The plane belongs to the local Sila airline and was flying from the town of Kedrovoye to Tomsk. The flight crew hadn't reported any problems before the plane disappeared, but the plane's emergency beacon activated during the flight, signaling that the aircraft had made a forced landing or crashed. The incident comes 10 days after another Russian plane crashed while preparing to land in bad weather on the Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia's Far East, killing all 28 people on board. The investigation into the crash of the An-26 plane is ongoing. Photo: The Canadian Press Produce is shown in a grocery store in Toronto on Friday, Nov. 30, 2018. Canada's agricultural ministers have given the country's grocers until the end of the year to propose measures to fairly regulate the industry. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette Canada's agricultural ministers have given the country's grocers until the end of the year to propose measures to regulate the industry, in a move lauded by Canadas second largest grocery retailer to promote fairness in the market. It comes after the ministers heard a report from a working group created to improve transparency and fair dealings in the grocery industry during a meeting Thursday. The working group had been established by the government in response to contentious fees being charged to suppliers by grocers Loblaw Companies Ltd. and Walmart Canada The set of findings shared today give all Ministers a solid basis of understanding of why an industry-led proposal to improve transparency, predictability, and respect for the principles of fair dealing would be beneficial for the agri-food sector and all supply chain partners, said federal minister of agriculture Marie-Claude Bibeau. We are urging industry to continue their constructive dialogue to develop a concrete proposal designed for the Canadian context that will improve fair dealing in retailer relationships with their suppliers. The ministers are scheduled to meet next in Guelph, Ont., in September. Calls for a code of conduct also came after Loblaw, Walmart Canada and Metro Inc. ended temporary pandemic bonus pay programs for employees when lockdown restrictions first eased and shopping behaviour normalized last year. The chief executive of Sobeys parent company Empire Co. Ltd., which reintroduced its pandemic bonus pay as provinces reinstated lockdowns, lauded the move toward a code for grocery chains. "We couldnt be happier with the announcement and the leadership from the FPT Agriculture Ministers," Michael Medline said in a statement. "Empire will continue to be an active voice for an enforceable code. Its time to move with velocity." Loblaw did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Metro declined to comment. In March, Walmart Canada said it didnt believe that a "complex, legislated, bureaucratic code is necessary." Photo: Photo via VPD Elkan Vyizigiro (known as Lavish or LK) featured left. Meaz Nour-Eldin (known as Streets) featured right. Vancouver Police believe underage girls were recruited and trafficked for several months and are asking witnesses to come forward. After an extensive investigation into the sexual exploitation and victimization of underage females, three men have been charged with human trafficking, explains a news release. Investigators believe underage girls were recruited and trafficked for several months, says Constable Tania Visintin, VPD. After becoming aware of the information in 2019, the Vancouver Police Counter Exploitation Unit launched an investigation surrounding the human trafficking operation. Elkan Vyizigiro (known as Lavish or LK), Meaz Nour-Eldin (known as Streets), 23, and a third young offender have been charged with trafficking a person under the age of 18 years and receive material benefit resulting from trafficking in a person under 18 years. Investigators believe there are witnesses out there with information relating to this investigation. We are strongly encouraging those people to come forward and speak to us, adds Constable Visintin. Anyone with information is asked to call VPD detectives at 604-717-0603 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477. Photo: File photo Firefighters from Mexico and Quebec are on the way to BC. A contingent of 100 Mexican firefighters and 20 Quebec firefighters are coming to assist the BC Wildfire Service with hundreds of raging fires. "We're deploying all available resources to respond to hundreds of wildfires across the province, and will continue to do everything possible to protect communities," said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. "We are grateful for firefighters from Mexico and Quebec who will help strengthen our wildfire response and protect British Columbians." The 20-person crew from Quebec is supposed to arrive today. The Mexican firefighters are expected to arrive in Abbotsford July 24, accompanied by one COVID-19 safety officer and two agency representatives. "We appreciate the firefighting assistance we're receiving from other Canadian provinces and from Mexico," said Katrine Conroy, Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development. "These crews are a welcome addition to our own firefighters and contractors, who are working extremely hard to help keep B.C. communities safe." The new arrivals will be deployed to work on wildfires in the Interior under the direction of the BCWF, with strict COVID-19 protocols in place. The Mexican firefighters will be tested for COVID-19 prior to leaving Mexico and again on their arrival in British Columbia. They will also be offered COVID-19 vaccinations before being deployed in B.C. The Quebec and Mexico crews will live and work in operational "bubbles" apart from B.C. crews to minimize COVID-19 risks. They will also remain in their own bubbles when away from the fire lines. British Columbians are urged to be especially careful and vigilant over the coming weeks as aggressive wildfires continue to burn in many areas of the province, due in part to hot and dry conditions caused by record-breaking temperatures earlier this fire season. The BC Wildfire Service also reminds people campfires and all open burning are prohibited throughout B.C. To report a new wildfire or an open burning violation, call 1-800-663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cellphone. Photo: The Canadian Press A sign opposing coal development is shown in the eastern slopes of the Livingston range southwest of Longview, Alta., Wednesday, June 16, 2021.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh The company behind a proposed open-pit coal mine in Alberta's Rocky Mountains has filed a request to appeal a decision by a review panel that rejected the project as being not in the public interest. Benga Mining Limited filed the request Friday with the Court of Appeal of Alberta in regard to its Grassy Mountain Coal Project. In the court filing, Benga says a June 17 decision by a joint federal-provincial review panel, including the Alberta Energy Regulator, contains errors of law and procedural fairness that warrant the granting of permission to appeal. In the June decision, the review panel said the significant adverse environmental effects on westslope cutthroat trout and surface water quality likely to be caused by the mine outweigh the low to moderate positive economic impacts of the project. Benga says the metallurgical coal mine in the Crowsnest Pass area of southwestern Alberta would create hundreds of jobs and produce up to 4.5 million tonnes of coal per year over a mine life of approximately 23 years. The application for the appeal is to be heard on Sept. 9. Three decapitated ducks were found in the middle of a road in a Honolulu neighborhood. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Texas Department of State Health Services confirmed on July 15 a case of human monkeypox in a U.S. resident who recently traveled from Nigeria to the United States. The person is currently hospitalized in Dallas. CDC is working with the airline and state and local health officials to contact airline passengers and others who may have been in contact with the patient during two flights: Lagos, Nigeria, to Atlanta on July 8, with arrival on July 9; and Atlanta to Dallas on July 9. Travelers on these flights were required to wear masks as well as in the U.S. airports due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, its believed the risk of spread of monkeypox via respiratory droplets to others on the planes and in the airports is low. Working with airline and state and local health partners, CDC is assessing potential risks to those who may have had close contact with the traveler on the plane and specific settings. Monkeypox is a rare but potentially serious viral illness that typically begins with flu-like illness and swelling of the lymph nodes and progresses to a widespread rash on the face and body. Most infections last 2-4 weeks. Monkeypox is in the same family of viruses as smallpox but causes a milder infection. In this case, laboratory testing at CDC showed the patient is infected with a strain of monkeypox most commonly seen in parts of West Africa, including Nigeria. Infections with this strain of monkeypox are fatal in about 1 in 100 people. However, rates can be higher in people who have weakened immune systems. Prior to the current case, there have been at least six reported monkeypox cases in travelers returning from Nigeria (including cases in the United Kingdom, Israel, and Singapore). This case is not related to any of these previous cases. In the United Kingdom, several additional monkeypox cases occurred in people who had contact with cases. Background on monkeypox in Africa Experts have yet to identify where monkeypox hides in nature, but its thought that African rodents and small mammals play a part in spreading the virus to people and other forest animals like monkeys. People can get monkeypox when they are bitten or scratched by an animal, prepare wild game, or have contact with an infected animal or possibly animal products. Monkeypox can also spread between people through respiratory droplets, or through contact with body fluids, monkeypox sores, or items that have been contaminated with fluids or sores (clothing, bedding, etc.) Human-to-human transmission is thought to occur primarily through large respiratory droplets. Respiratory droplets generally cannot travel more than a few feet, so prolonged face-to-face contact is required. Most monkeypox outbreaks have occurred in Africa. In addition to Nigeria, outbreaks have also been reported in nine other countries in central and western Africa since 1970. Monkeypox also caused a large outbreak in people in the United States in 2003 after the virus spread from imported African rodents to pet prairie dogs. CDC poxvirus experts have been supporting the investigation and response to Nigerias monkeypox flare-ups since 2017 when the disease re-emerged in Nigeria after a nearly 40-year stint with no reported cases. During 2017, CDC sent investigators to assist the Nigerian CDC and the National Veterinary Research Institute with tracing contacts of ill patients, providing diagnostic tests, training lab staff in country to safely test samples from suspect monkeypox cases, providing diagnostic tests and capturing small mammals to test for monkeypox (which would help identify which animals carry the disease in nature). Scientists at CDC labs in Atlanta have also provided laboratory testing, including specialized tests to identify people who may have had monkeypox and recovered, sequencing to trace outbreaks and phylogenetics to determine if clusters of cases were related. CDC continues to train Nigerian partners in how to collect wildlife to test for which animals carry the virus in nature, helping to improve the countrys ability to track monkeypox cases in people and interview community members about their interactions with local wildlife. CDC is also running trials in Democratic Republic of Congo to assess whether the smallpox vaccine Jynneos may help protect healthcare workers from contracting undiagnosed monkeypox infections from their patients. For more information about monkeypox, visit https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/index.html. Dear County and District Superintendents, Charter School Administrators, and School Principals: Schools as Voting Locations and Student Poll Workers The shortage of voting locations and poll workers is a challenge facing local elections officials in California every election day. We are asking for your help by making your campuses available as a polling location during the California Gubernatorial Recall Election on Tuesday, September 14, 2021. As you may know, your local elections official may ask your public school campus to be used as a polling location on Election Day, Tuesday, September 14, 2021. We hope that you can honor this request should you be asked to do so. The law allows you to decide how best to comply with the request and meet the needs of your own community. Three options are available under this law: 1) leave the school open and in session while a specific area of the school is designated as a polling location or vote center; 2) designate the day as a staff training and development day; or 3) choose to close the school to students and non-classified employees. Local elections officials are encouraged to make the request to use your school as a polling location or vote center early enough for your school board to consider their options before school calendars are printed and distributed to parents (Elections Code 12283). You may contact your local elections office to offer your school as a polling location or vote center. Another election day problem is a shortage of poll workers. According to many county elections officials, high school students are often the most helpful and enthusiastic poll workers. High school students who serve as poll workers report they learn about the importance of participating in an election despite not yet being eligible to vote. High school students who are at least sixteen years of age, are U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents, and are in good standing with a grade point average of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale can serve as poll workers. While serving as a poll worker qualifies as an excused absence, absences for the entire school day are not included in the average daily attendance used to generate apportionment funding. We hope that you will make every effort to adjust your calendars to accommodate the use of your campuses as polling locations for the Tuesday, September 14, 2021, California Gubernatorial Recall Election. In addition, we would be grateful if you would help your local elections officials by actively identifying high school students who can serve as poll workers for the upcoming election. This is a great opportunity for students to be civically engaged and assist with the elections process. We understand this is a busy time for our districts as you prepare for the upcoming school year. Our agencies and staff are available to support you in any way we can to honor this special request from your local election official. If you have any questions about this request, please contact Tamara Rasberry, Deputy Secretary of State of Voter Education and Outreach, at trasberry@sos.ca.gov or 916-698-0509, or Jennie Carreon, Deputy State Superintendent of Strategy, Planning, and Special Projects, at jcarreon@cde.ca.gov . Sincerely, Tony Thurmond State Superintendent of Public Instruction Shirley N. Weber, PhD California Secretary of State TT/SW:df Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription, or activate your access, to continue reading. Cembureau to engage on Fit for 55 legislative package 16 July 2021 CEMBUREAU, the association of the European cement industry, is ready to engage on the Fit for 55 legislative package published by the European Commission on 14 July. "Delivering deep emission cuts by 2030 is a major challenge. It requires a coherent package that boosts the take-up of low-carbon technologies while addressing the risk of carbon leakage, at a time when the EU is increasing its climate ambition," said Koen Coppenholle, CEMBUREAU Chief Executive. CEMBUREAU will engage constructively on the package and advocate in favour of a holistic and consistent approach to be taken towards the different pieces of legislation. The decarbonisation of industry requires very significant investments that need a facilitating regulatory framework with legal certainty and predictability at its core, says the association. As part of its Fit for 55 package, the European Commission proposes a review of the EU Emission Trading Scheme (ETS) and the introduction of a Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). Already today, cement companies are exposed to significant CO 2 costs, despite free allocation under the EU ETS, and have seen a rapid increase of imports from non-European countries in recent years. CEMBUREAU advocates for the full co-existence of free allocation and CBAM until 2030, to avoid industry being exposed to an untested mechanism and provide certainty for investments. It also calls for CBAM to ensure a fully comparable CO 2 cost basis and to include both direct and indirect emissions, as well as provisions on export rebates. "Whilst we welcome that the CBAM will seek to bridge the widening gap in carbon costs between EU and non-EU countries, the proposed phase-out of free allocation and the absence of export rebates would cause significant risks to investments," added Koen Coppenholle. "The decision not to include indirect emissions at this stage is also regrettable." Published under Buena Vista, CO (81211) Today Sunshine and a few clouds. High around 85F. Winds ENE at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight A few clouds. Low 52F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Buena Vista, CO (81211) Today Sunshine and a few clouds. High near 85F. N winds shifting to E at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Some clouds. Low 52F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Carrie Underwood is marking 11 years of marriage to her husband Mike Fisher, as she took to social media to say she cant wait to ring in many more anniversaries in the future. This service applies to you if your subscription has not yet expired on our old site. You will have continued access until your subscription expires; then you will need to purchase an ongoing subscription through our new system. Please contact The Chanute Tribune office at 620-431-4100 if you have any questions Chatham, VA (24531) Today Cloudy. Periods of rain this morning. High near 80F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%.. Tonight Partly cloudy early with increasing clouds overnight. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 62F. Winds light and variable. Chatham, VA (24531) Today Rain early. A mix of sun and clouds by afternoon. High near 80F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%.. Tonight Partly cloudy this evening with more clouds for overnight. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 62F. Winds light and variable. Homeland Security Chief Alejandro Mayorkas just issued a stern warning to anyone considering fleeing the communist nation of Cuba. What a contradiction that is to Joe Bidens removing the remain in Mexico policy of Donald Trump which has opened the flood gates from Central and South America. In contrast to whats actually happening in Texas, the apparently delusional Mayorkas said, the border is closed (Washington Post, March 21, 2021). Is it a coincidence the migrant caravans didnt get Mr. Mayorkas email? The Wall St Journal, in that same month, reported border agents were expelling about 5,000 a day and thats the ones they have caught. The Texas Tribune reported 178,622 were taken into custody in April with more in May. The coincidences just dont stop. Mayorkas is a Cuban American and rejecting Cuban immigrants would seem odd. Odd, that is until you understand those fleeing Cuba would certainly tell of communist oppression there. Mayorkas wouldnt want them describing their difficult life in a country progressives, including Bernie Sanders, often applaud. In Cuba, the communists took their cue from U.S. progressives and are blaming their woes on Trump. Mr. Mayorkas doesnt want fleeing Cubans saying otherwise. He also doesnt want anything obscuring his tale about Trump causing the flood of migrants now streaming into Texas that Mayorkas says isnt happening. Interviews of these migrants has revealed they are coming in massive numbers now because they believe Biden, unlike Trump, is welcoming them in (ABC This Week, Martha Raddatz, March 21, 2021). In the progressives world, Donald Trump is the cause of all problems and the Cubans represent a threat to that story. These are not coincidences, they are examples of an incompetent administration unable to deal effectively with either problem. Ralph Miller * * * Mr. Miller, These are not coincidences, these are actions out of fear. Trump carried nearly 70 percent of the Cuban-American vote. The white house does not want them here for the reasons you listed and the fact that they know how they will vote one day. The people of Cuba actually have an asylum claim and our government is refusing them safety. The disaster of the southern border will wreak havoc on our nation for years. Immigrants coming in at the pace we are seeing is not doable. We are doing an injustice not only to our own citizens but to the immigrants as well. The health issues alone (COVID-19) and the poor job situation is a lose-lose for everyone. We have a homeless issue in so many cities that we should find a real solution for before we open the border up. Bill Slack Don't know, Roy. But if you're going to venture into the supernatural, can what some see as a 'divine' act actually be evil divined? As in author Nora Robert's book, "Divine Evil?" Would a "peaceful, loving, compassionate" divinity really send a lighten bolt down to destroy the mural of a man hideously murdered before the eyes of the world just b'cuz? If so, would that make the act a divine evil? And not the works of a Divinity filled with love and compassion? Just askin'. Muslim women who had to stop wearing their hijabs for fear of being attacked or killed even. As for the Muslim interpreter? He was just lucky he likely got here long after Muslims were being openly targeted, chased from Walmart, attacked at most every opportunity, or as the Muslim truck driver who was critically wounded during a traffic stop in some small Tennessee town while America was hating heavily on anyone who dared looked Muslim, wore Muslim style clothing or had a Muslim sounding name.Muslim women who had to stop wearing their hijabs for fear of being attacked or killed even. He's just lucky the gears have been switched now to folks from south of the border, and other targets that are always targets have taken precedence. But that could all change at any given moment without notice, and he or anyone who looks like him could have themselves on the receiving end all over again. Doesn't take much to "stir up the crazies." Last, the CRT topic. That's a hot topic these days, but with so much wrong info floating around about it, it's doubtful anyone can really decipher what it's really about. However, I will say this; if you've ever been in a toxic classroom where young children were and the adult at the head of the class didn't want to be there, or didn't want to teach a certain curriculum, all I have to say is, personally I'd prefer they not teach it at all. I've seen the damage. The damage done to a young child can be irreversible and lifelong. No matter how educated or professional the individual at the head of the class, all humans derive from the same dysfunctional society and some come with lots of baggage even into the classroom. Not everyone is equipped to teach objectionably, professionally and without bringing their own personal issues or biases into the mix. Brenda Washington * * * Miss Washington, I know as so many try to profit and justify their feeling of oppression that it would be unthinkable that people of color are not capable of prejudice. As a white person growing up in Washington DC in the 60s and having to attend public schools, I know from personal experience the suffering of prejudice. Having to attend a junior high school that was 97 percent black, I know what it feels like to be called a white ______. I know what its like to be beat up and forced to give up my lunch money to someone who demanded it from me because of my skin color. Now I could justify my feelings of oppression and hang on to those for the rest of my life and claim victimhood, but I have chosen not to let my past govern my present and future. I find it interesting that those who are claiming victimhood and who are furthering CRT are turning out to be the true raciest now. Jay Reed The County School Board, still reeling from the unexpected resignation of Supt. Bryan Johnson just two days earlier, voted Thursday to begin accepting applications from Hamilton County School administrators who want to apply for interim superintendent. Six were in favor of the motion, while Rhonda Thurman was opposed and Karitsa Mosley Jones abstained. The interim would not be eligible to be chosen for the permanent superintendent, officials said. The applications are to be emailed to board administrative assistant Sherrie Ford by Monday at 8 a.m. The board will meet at 5 p.m. that day - first to name an interim and then to discuss steps toward hiring a permanent superintendent.. The board also accepted the resignation of Dr. Johnson, with several board members becoming emotional in thanking him for the progress made in the schools. He is to serve until Aug. 17, which is five days after school starts. Ms. Thurman made a motion to put off the interim decision, saying that District 9 is without a school board representative. The County Commission is set to fill that post on Aug. 4 after Steve Highlander left the school board to join the commission after Chester Bankston moved to Florida. Her motion did not get a second. Several board members said it was important to have District 9 represented, but more important to quickly get a new leader in place. Board member Jenny Hill said it was important for the board to make a quick selection after the names are in "before this becomes a circus or the knives come out." Ms. Jones said, "I don't want this to become a Netflix premiere." Ms. Thurman said the board did not have to name an interim or hire a search firm. She earlier said she favors naming Justin Robertson, who is chief operations officer, as the next superintendent. It is expected that the new District 9 school board member could be a key swing vote in the superintendent selection. Ms. Thurman pointed out that Dr. Johnson will have served just over a month longer than his initial first term. The board earlier gave him an extended contract and a raise. He has indicated that he is leaving education, but may stay in Chattanooga. Dr. Johnson did not make any statement regarding who he favored for interim superintendent or permanent superintendent. An administrative law judge has upheld a decision by the Tennessee Department of Children's Services to suspend the license of a facility for migrant children in Highland Park. The ruling against the Baptiste Group came after two staff members at the facility were charged with inappropriate sexual contact with children at the facility. It is located on Vance Avenue in a former Tennessee Temple University dorm. The facility is leased by the church that took over from Highland Park Baptist. The Tennessee Department of Education on Friday announced the approval of 29 new virtual schools for the 2021-22 school year, bringing the total number of virtual schools operating across the state to 57. As we head into the new school year, educators and school and district leaders throughout the state are focused on ensuring student achievement and serving the needs of all students in their communities, said Commissioner Penny Schwinn. Last school year, districts responded to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic by providing additional operating models and learning formats to ensure that families had options and students could continue learning with their classmates and teachers when out of school buildings. While research shows that students benefit most from in-person classroom instruction, districts are ensuring families who prefer a virtual education setting for their students have those options and can continue to make the best choices for their children. Beginning in 2011, the Tennessee Virtual Public Schools Act was passed and allowed local education agencies to create virtual schools to offer an alternative mode of instruction for students. Due to COVID-19 disruptions during the 2020-21 school year, in June 2020 the Tennessee State Board of Education promulgated an emergency rule to require school districts and public charter schools to develop Continuous Learning Plans that addressed how they would continue to provide instruction in a fully virtual environment. By the end of the 2020-2021 school year, all Tennessee offered in-person learning options, and in April 2021 the State Board passed a permanent rule which limits the ability for districts and public charter schools to utilize a CLP to provide remote instruction in the upcoming 2021-22 school year unless the Governor declares a state of emergency and the commissioner of education grants permission. As a result, families desiring that their students continue to receive a significant portion of their instruction remotely must enroll their students in a virtual school. For the 2021-22 school year, applications came from districts throughout the state working to implement a variety of instructional delivery modes that work best for the students, families and communities they serve. The 29 Tennessee newly approved virtual schools for the 2021-22 school year are as follows: School District School Name Grades Anderson County Schools Anderson County Innovation Academy 3-12 Bedford County Schools Bedford County Virtual School 3-8 Bristol Tennessee City Schools Tennessee Online Public School at Bristol K-5 Campbell County Schools North CumberlandOnline School 6-12 Cheatham County Schools Cheatham County Virtual Academy 9-12 Clarksville-Montgomery County School System CMCSS K-12 Virtual School K-12 Coffee County Schools Coffee County Virtual Academy 6-12 Collierville Schools Collierville Virtual Academy 3-12 Dickson County Schools Dickson County Distance Learning Academy 4-12 Germantown Municipal School District Germantown Online Academy of Learning 6-12 Greene County Schools Greene Online Academy of Learning K-12 Greeneville City Schools TennesseeOnline Public School at Greeneville K-12 Hawkins County Schools Hawkins County Virtual Academy K-12 Haywood County Schools Haywood County Virtual Academy K-8 Jackson-Madison County School System Jackson AcademicSTEAMAcademy K-12 Jefferson County Schools Jefferson Virtual Academy 1-12 Johnson City Schools Johnson City Virtual Academy 5-12 Knox County Schools KCS Virtual Elementary School 1-5 Knox County Schools KCS Virtual Middle School 6-8 Knox County Schools KCS Virtual High School 9-12 Lenoir City Schools TheiLearnInstitute at Lenoir City Schools K-12 Lincoln County Schools Lincoln CentralVirtualAcademy K-12 Marion County Schools Marion Virtual Elementary School K-5 Sevier County School System Sevier County Virtual Academy K-12 Sullivan County Schools Sullivan County Virtual Learning Academy 6-12 Tullahoma City Schools Tullahoma Virtual Academy 9-12 Warren County Schools Warren Connect 3-12 Williamson County Schools WCS Online K-8 K-8 Williamson County Schools WCS Online 9-12 9-12 Additionally, Houston County Schools application to create the Houston Virtual Academy serving grades 6-12 is pending and under review. In addition to these approvals, grade changes were approved for nine existing virtual schools, as indicated below: School District School Name Grades BristolTennessee City Schools Tennessee Online Public School 6-8*, 9-12 Davidson County Schools MNPS Virtual School 4*, 5-12 Hickman County Schools Hickman Learning Academy 3-5*, 6-12 Marion County Schools Marion Virtual High School 6-8*,9-12 Polk County Schools Polk Innovative Learning Academy K-11, 12* Rutherford County Schools Rutherford County Virtual Academy 3-5*, 6-12 Shelby County Schools Memphis Virtual School 6-8*, 9-12 Washington County Schools Tennessee Virtual Learning Academy 6-8*, 9-12 Wilson County Schools Barry Tatum Virtual Learning Academy K-3, 4-12 * Denotes grade addition to already established virtual school for 2021-22 school year. Denotes grade removal for 2021-22 school year. Bristol Tennessee City Schools has recognized the importance of a quality virtual learning option for families since Tennessee Online Public School launched in 2012, said Dr. Annette Tudor, director of Schools, Bristol City Schools. The flexible schedule and learning environment of our local virtual school is designed to meet the needs of all learnersthose whose extracurricular interests may not allow for a traditional school schedule as well as those whose learning needs may not be suitable to a traditional classroom environment. Our virtual school prepares students for college or career with challenging and engaging coursework, all taught by certified Tennessee teachers and all tuition-free. To open a virtual school, a school district is required to complete and submit annually by June 1 a Program and School Authorization Form. Upon receipt, the department reviews each submission to ensure all required materials have been provided and that the proposed virtual school complies with applicable laws and regulations. For more information about Tennessees Virtual Schools, visit this webpage or read the 2019-2020 Virtual Schools Report. Malia White from Below Deck Mediterranean continues to recover from her scooter accident and was finally able to hit the road for a quick jog. And although the bosun is still dealing with some broken toes, she managed to log an enviable time, even while running in the Florida heat. Malia White recovers from the scooter accident and is ready to go runinng White explained on Instagram that exercise is her release and she was ready to stretch her legs after being cooped up on a couch. Not too shabby a 5k time all considered! she shared on Instagram along with a photo. The temporary pain of running with some broken toes doesnt outweigh the mental instability I suffer from sitting on the couch going days without exercise. Below Deck Mediterraneans Malia White |Laurent Basset/Bravo Exercise has always been my release and without it I get very down & out, she continued. Im thankful things werent worse and I am recovering quickly! Today I find out how much longer until I can be back on deck! Just need this elbow to heal. White then shared her run time logged on her Apple Watch. She averaged just a little over an eight-minute mile, despite her injuries. Below Deck Meds Malia White often shares her workouts on Instagram Being sidelined without exercise had to be tough for White since she is clearly a fitness enthusiast. She often shares workouts on Instagram and works out with a trainer when shes home in Florida. She shared a workout she did in June before she returned to working on a boat. Last workout with my trainer @scottcamoin before heading back to my boat! Ill take a lot of these workouts with me to stay on track. Ill miss ya homie! Until next time! she captioned the impressive video. She posted another video of her workout to Instagram in May after being away for some time. After a long time away not doing much fitness Im back with my trainer @scottcamoin to help me get back in the swing of things! she wrote. The video shows almost her complete workout too. Malia White remained positive during her recovery from the scooter accident White took a different type of scooter ride at her local grocery store. She is still recovering so she rode the aisles on a motorized grocery cart scooter and shared a video on Instagram. Back on a bike in no time, she captioned the video. Get Buffalo sauce #priorities #buffalochickentacos. Shes wearing a loose-fitting skirt as the road rash on her legs was still raw and healing. White slowly drove the motorized grocery cart down an aisle stopped Get buffalo sauce, she said rising from the scooter. In late June, White was in a scooter accident while sightseeing in Spain with her crew. She stressed the importance of wearing a helmet in an Instagram post and shared photos of her injuries while she was hospitalized. RELATED: Below Deck Mediterranean: David Pascoe Says Working With Mzi Dempers and Lloyd Spencer Was Incredible and No Egos on Deck (Exclusive) Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex welcomed their daughter, Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor, on June 4, 2021. In a statement, the pair said: We were blessed with the arrival of our daughter, Lili. She is more than we could have ever imagined, and we remain grateful for the love and prayers weve felt from across the globe. Thank you for your continued kindness and support during this very special time for our family. Unlike her big brother Archie, Lili was born in California so her U.S. birth certificate is expected to look different than her siblings who was born in the U.K. However, royal commentators revealed that some key information about Meghan is missing from Lilis birth certificate. Meghan Markle looking on as she attends the Sentebale ISPS Handa Polo Cup | Anwar Hussein/WireImage How Meghans name was listed on Archies birth certificate On an episode of Access Hollywood narrator Charlie Lankston stated how Meghans full name was listed on her sons birth certificate. Archie was born in England while his parents were still members of the royal family. His birth certificate has his parents listed by their royal titles, Lankston said (per Express). Prince Harrys name appears as His Royal Highness Henry Charles Albert David Duke of Sussex. And Meghan as Rachel Meghan, Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Sussex. The royal commentator added that The couples occupation was also listed on Archies certificate as Prince and Princess of the United Kingdom. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle pose for a photo with their son, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, days after he is born | Dominic Lipinski / AFP via Getty Images How the duchesss name is listed on Lilibets birth certificate now Lankston explained that Lilibets certificate though is missing some information that Archies contains. Lilis document doesnt list any occupation for the pair, Lankston said. As for names on Lilis certificate, Harry is now listed as The Duke of Sussex with His Royal Highness as his last name. Meghan is listed by her birth name, Rachel Meghan Markle.' Lankston told viewers that Part of their agreement was that [the couple] would keep their HRH titles, but stop using them. The duo has since used more casual monikers in public. They often sign letters as Meghan and Harry.' Lilis name honors a few members of the royal family Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh raises his hat in his role as Captain General, Royal Marines | Yui Mok WPA Pool/Getty Images The name Meghan and Harry chose for their daughter honors a few members of the royal family. Her middle name, Diana, is of course after the Duke of Sussexs late mother Princess Diana. As for her first name, Lilibet, that is a personal nickname given to Queen Elizabeth II when she was a child by her grandfather King George V. The name stuck and relatives and close friends began to call her that. Because Harrys late grandfather, Prince Philip, was among those who called his wife Lilibet, its thought that the duke and duchess are honoring him as well by giving their daughter that name. Lili also has her great-grandfathers adopted surname included in her full name. RELATED: The Sweet Connection You Didnt Know Prince Harry and Meghan Markles Daughter Lilibet Has With Princess Charlotte In this Feb. 11 file photo, Dr. Lance Frye, then - interim commissioner of the Oklahoma State Department of Health, speaks during a news conference in Oklahoma City. Oklahoma health officials on July 9 urged more residents to get vaccinated amid an alarming spike in new cases and hospitalizations for COVID-19, particularly in northeast Oklahoma. Chickasha, OK (73018) Today Sun and clouds mixed. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 87F. Winds NE at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Clear skies. Low near 65F. Winds NNE at 10 to 15 mph. Half a dozen Canadian churches have been set on fire or burned down this summer. This arson has come at a time when multiple mass graves have been found across the nation on the grounds of now-defunct residential schools. Operated by multiple churches, including the Roman Catholics, Anglicans, Presbyterians, and United, the Canadian schools were part of a 20th-century government program to assimilate its First Nation community. The government forced students to attend, separating them from their families at a young age. Once there, they were forbidden from speaking their native language and punished severely if they ran away. Many died at the school from disease and suffered from hunger and physical abuse. The trauma brought on by these schools has carried on for generations. Much of it was shared during a Truth and Reconciliation Commission where survivors told stories of their time. Jimmy Thunder teaches indigenous ministry at Horizon College and Seminary in Saskatoon and is the founder of Reconciliation Thunder, a nonprofit focused on helping leaders respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Commissions 94 Calls to Action. Thunder joined global media manager Morgan Lee and executive editor Ted Olsen to discuss the Christian history of Canadian residential schools and learn how many First Nation people regard Christianity today. What is Quick to Listen? Read more Rate Quick to Listen on Apple Podcasts Follow the podcast on Twitter Follow our hosts on Twitter: Morgan Lee and Ted Olsen Learn more about Reconciliation Thunder Music by Sweeps Quick to Listen is produced by Morgan Lee and Matt Linder The transcript is edited by Bunmi Ishola Highlights from Quick to Listen: Episode #273 Before we talk about residential schools, what type of relationship did First Nation people have with Christianity, missionaries, and some of these denominations prior to the formation of the schools? Jimmy Thunder: I want to talk about how Christianity came into my family. Im from Sachigo Lake First Nation and originally, we had someone came to our First Nation and just share Christianity with us. The name has been passed down as Mr. Gaunett but being that we know that it was an Anglican missionary we think that the name is probably something closer to Mr. Garnett. That is how my great grandfather came to know Christ and that was passed onto my grandfather, my father, and now to our generation. The difference in this situation is, there was an invitation, there was a relationship and there was an understanding that we are equal in the eyes of God. The motivation was love and just a desire to share Christ. So, if we back up though, and we look at trying to answer the question to what does the relationship between Christianity and indigenous peoples look like? And I think that a lot of times we start with residential schools, but that wasn't really the start of the problem because it wasn't the start of the relationship. When we look at the Royal Commission report on Aboriginal peoples, which was given to us in 1996, it paints out our relationship in four broad stages. And I think that gives us a good framework to talk about it. In the first stage, we're separated by an ocean and we're just basically separate worlds unaware of each other. In the second stage, they call it peaceful nation-to-nation relationships. During this stage, you see cooperation, you see fair trade, you see treaties made between indigenous and non-indigenous peoples. A good example of that is the Two Row Wampum treaty that was made between the Haudenosaunee and the Dutch. In that treaty, there are two lines of beads, which represent two nations and two boats that are traveling together, respecting each other and not harming each other for as long as the sun shines, grass grows and rivers flow. The third stage talks about colonialism and respect, giving way towards domination, to use their words, and then fourth to use a modern vernacular word; reconciliation. Article continues below So, these four stages help us to understand. But when we look at specifically the Christian context, it's important for us to look back at where this came from. I think the problem could be drawn back earliest to the doctrine of discovery and terra nullius. And so, these came from these papal bulls that were issued by Pope Nicholas the V and Pope Alexander the V fifth around 1455 and 1493. When we think about that timeframe, those who are familiar with church history will know that that's shortly before the 95 theses and before the Reformation. If we think, what were the reasons for the Reformation? Why did we need to change? Well, part of it was because of this adjoining of church and state where you use Christian authority to get the will of the state met. So, this is where the doctrine of discovery and terra nullius come from because, during the Age of Discovery, when we're looking for reasons to defend taking these new lands they use Terra nullius and the doctrine of discovery. So, terra nullius, terra means land and nullius means void or empty. And so basically it was a teaching that if indigenous people were not Christian and they're not farming, then they're not really human and they can be considered as flora and fauna moving on over the land. And so, the land is free for discovery for the people that discovered it first. I think this teaching is the origin of all the problems that followed, for the 500 or so years that passed. Because if you move forward, it's really difficult for us even today to think of what the First Nations actually were. If we try to name one of the nations, I think most Canadians can't do it. It would be really difficult for them to name what these nations were or to describe how their governments work or the distinction between First Nation law and Aboriginal law; First Nation law being our own ways of governing ourselves and Aboriginal law being what laws Canadians use to govern Aboriginal people in Canada. All of that really stems from this idea that we were not people, we didn't have governments, we weren't self-determining and we were just flora and fauna moving in both the land and sea. Were the explorers going to their church leaders and essentially asking for justification, seeing as you were saying, there wasn't a separation of church and state? Were they looking to the church for this type of permission? Jimmy Thunder: Yeah, I think it's important to know that there's a mixture. I'm just describing where the problem is coming from overall, but yeah, in the same way that we have the Reformation, you do have Christians that are looking at this in the context of scripture, they're looking at the teachings of Jesus and saying, these motivations of our settler society are not in line with scripture. And you did have people that were whistleblowing and sounding the alarm and that kind of a thing. But largely the biggest problem is the status quo, the trust for leaders, the comfort of just going with the flow of settler society and that's why we see a lot of the problems that we see today. A good example is when Canada first became a nation, it began with four different provinces. Instead of becoming a unitary state, they chose to have a separation between the federal and provincial government. The reason was because Canada recognized the diversity that it had; Protestants, Catholics, you have different languages. And so, this separation was meant to preserve the self-determination of the different provinces and to provide a mechanism for it. Article continues below As Canada expands and as more provinces join, that mechanism protects the self-determination and the cultural preservation of all the different provinces that join. When you compare that with how it interacts with indigenous peoples, you have nations that are nations and not colonies. And you have the ability to do something very similar to preserve the language, to preserve the self-determination and the self-governance of those nations, which is exactly what the indigenous people understood the treaties to be doing, but we see something very different because even though self-determination and the preservation of language and culture was promised at the very same time, we see the Indian act that was unilaterally rolled out in 1876. And as we know today, residential schools are a part of the Indian Act. It's one of the policies of the Indian act and the purpose of residential schools was to assimilate. It was to kill the Indian in the child. It was to basically take all of these treaties and sort of erase them from the public record because if you assimilate each individual First Nation person one by one, then there's nobody that you really have to hold to your treaty obligations to. And so thats in a nutshell the big picture of why we are where we are today. So, from what I understand about all of this, the Canadian government reached out to these different denominations to operate the residential school system. Is that correct? And if so, why did the government do that? Jimmy Thunder: Yeah, they actually did, that is correct. The residential school system is actually a product of the United States. And in that case, there was a partnership between churches and government. And so, they were trying to implement that into Canada as well. It was sort of a case where Christians were willing partners in order for this to take place. And again, I think it's largely because the Christians of the day didn't really question the goals and beliefs of settler society against their Christian ideals and the scriptural teachings of Jesus. What do you think was going through the heads of these different Christian leaders as they were running these residential schools? Jimmy Thunder: I think that there's a variety of things because I think that we do have to recognize that when we're talking about the Christian involvement in those schools, there's a variety of different denominations, different people and so when we look at the harm that was caused you have a number of people that were causing the physical and sexual abuse, but those people did it again and again causing a huge amount of damage. So, you have those, and then you have other people that are maybe aware of what's going on; aware that these schools are being mismanaged and aware that they're underfunded and that children are not getting enough food. But they're not acting on it, and there are various degrees of their awareness of that. But still overall for whatever reason, they chose the status quo as just something that's more comfortable and then you have other people that are almost unaware of what's going on; hearing different things, but not questioning it. So, to ask what's going on in their minds and their hearts, I think it's really very similar to human nature. I think for a lot of Christians at the time what was going through their heads was that they were being told to do this but were not going to question it. They were not going to go step out of their comfort zone and question the status quo. And I think that as much as that was a problem then I think that we see some of that even happening today as well. Article continues below A few years ago, we had the truth and reconciliation process. Can you tell us a little bit about what is happening now in the last few weeks and months that we didn't know after the Truth and Reconciliation Commission? Was it that that ended and that we still didn't know where some of the children were buried? Is it that there's a new revelation with discovering some of these graves? Jimmy Thunder: Yeah, there's a couple of layers to that. I think that sometimes the easiest way to understand what's happening on a national level between nations is to think about how we process things as individuals and even in the context of a family. So sometimes as kids we will do something to cause harm to another child, but then we can apologize and we can say I am sorry, get forgiveness and then move on. But as we get older, there are much more severe and increasingly difficult challenges to get through and reconciliation between people can be incredibly challenging and incredibly complex. And if we think of something traumatic that can happen between individuals, even when something serious like murder takes place, it's a long process and it's not as easy. And when there's something really deep to go through, then sometimes a reminder of unresolved pain can be incredibly difficult and almost something that needs to be reworked through. Part of what we're seeing on the indigenous side is when we see the discovery of these unmarked graves in the one context starting with the 215 that were discovered in Kamloops, there are people alive who have been to residential schools and part of that is sort of triggering that memory all over again. Especially those people who had been searching and wondering what happened to the people that they went to school with that they haven't seen since then. Part of them were thinking well, maybe they're okay. Maybe they're alive somewhere. But to see 215 near a residential school, it's almost like confirmation that these individual people that I knew, that's probably where they are. And it's a revisiting of that feeling that they first felt when they had left. And so, when we discover this, the pain is just as real as if it just happened just that week. So, it's 250 in funerals because you know for sure where they are now and it's fresh, those people haven't aged a day, they're still that age and they will always be that age. So, recognizing that for them in that community. It triggers everybody who's been touched by that trauma and that legacy because the residential school system happened for almost as long as Canada has been in existence, from 1876 all the way to 1996 and residential schools existed before they were part of official Canadian policy. So, it hit a lot of people and the kinds of things that have happened in residential schools things that I'm hesitant to even mention here because they're triggering. But if you look at the Truth and Reconciliation Commissions final report and you look at what happened to children, it's unbelievable. It triggers all that emotion, all over again on the indigenous side. For the unindigenous people there, even though we have had this report since 2015, a huge number of Canadians have not read the executive summary of the report and a few of them have read the 94 calls to action or are familiar with it. So, for a lot of people, this is new information for non-indigenous people. It just raises questions for them on how to respond to this. What is the response that you're hearing from nonnative Canadians? Is there an eagerness to engage? As you have engaged Christians on this, through the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada and others, how much hunger are you hearing to engage this and how much are you having to draw people in and convince them that they need to pay attention to this? Article continues below Jimmy Thunder: When the Kamloops discovery first happened, I got a lot of phone calls and texts from a lot of people who knew that I was speaking to this issue, wanting to hear and asking how can they help or what can they do? I found that incredibly encouraging that out of something like this there is a significant group of Canadians and Christians that sincerely want to know what happened and what can I do about it? And so those are the people that I've really been paying attention and time to. I know that there's a lot of people out there that are still questioning the legitimacy of these discoveries and trying to downplay the need to look at our history and that kind of thing. But for me personally, I don't spend any time or energy on those people. What I am really encouraged by, and what I'd like to do is really engage with people that are solution-focused and who believe in a better Canada and want to really explore how the teachings of Christ can be applied at this time and at this stage. A lot of these schools were a part of a very ecumenical group, you have Catholic schools, Anglican schools, Presbyterian schools, the United Church. Obviously, you're working with the EFC, the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada and breaking in a number of Evangelical contexts. I'm wondering if evangelical Christians are engaging with this history and these revelations in different ways than non-evangelical Canadians? I'm wondering if there's some sort of Baptist being like, this is kind of their problem, but we have things we can do to heal wounds or do evangelical Christians feel implicated as well, even though they're kind of denominational families didn't run some of these schools. Jimmy Thunder: Yeah. I see, I see a mixture. I know that there's a lot of people that their default is to say things like, well, this wasn't my denomination and then they'll probably name another denomination that was, or they might say something really simple, such as the people that were running these residential schools, weren't actually Christians. So, this is an oversimplification of the problem, but then you also see other Christians that are openly saying it's the name of Christ that is implicated here. And even some of those newer denominations that weren't around yet say we're still involved in this and we still need to take ownership. We've all inherited this and we need to work together as Christians to solve the problem and to be Christ's hands and feet. I think what I'm seeing now is an increased interest in the evangelical community that I haven't really seen before. I've been doing this for a number of years so I find that particularly encouraging. Since we are talking about if Christians are engaging this issue, from what I understand about part of the settlement agreement, there are denominations that actually have responsibilities that they have to do as a result. Jimmy Thunder: For those who are not really familiar with the settlement agreement what happened was all of the residential school survivors got together and they filed a class-action lawsuit against the Canadian government. It was the largest class-action lawsuit in Canadian history. And it involved the Assembly of First Nations and a number of provincial-territorial organizations and residential school survivors. They won the case and as a result, the settlement provided five different elements to address the legacy of residential schools. Article continues below The first was the Common Interest Payment, which is eligible for all students of the Indian residential schools. There also was an Independent Assessment Process and that was a challenging process where residential school survivors had to recount their experiences in order to facilitate their compensation for the abuse they faced. Third was support for healing initiatives. And the fourth was commemorative activities, we heal by commemorating and we heal by remembering. The fifth was the establishment of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and I think that's a really big one because the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission was to travel all across Canada, collecting the stories of residential school survivors in order to document them and to provide a solution of how do we move forward together. I think that there's nothing more powerful than actually hearing that truth. When we go back to that analogy of reconciling between people who've experienced incredible wrongs, we looked at the truth and reconciliation model which comes from South Africa. In that situation you had the perpetrators and the victims actually in the same spaces, working things out together. In Canada, we can't really do that because the problem is so huge and so deep and a lot of the original perpetrators and victims are no longer with us, but the effects of what they did are still with us. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission gave us a final report for over 4,000 pages long. Recognizing that that's a lot for people to read they gave us an executive summary, which is about a 10th of that. Even then they said let's create 94 specific things that people can do in order to make this better. These 94 calls to action are meant for all segments of society, some for government, some for churches, some for the media, some for businesses. But the idea is that they're stepping away from the Royal Commission Report on Aboriginal Peoples that we had about 20 years later in which they had a 20-year plan, but it was all directed towards the government. The biggest problem at that time was that Canadians weren't aware of what was in that report and what the recommendations were, or that a 20-year plan even existed. So, 20 years came and went. So, this time around, they said, let's shift the focus to all of Canada and let's make reconciliation something that we all have to have a part of doing. We all have to learn about what happened and we have to learn about how we can fix things. And so today, as people are trying to process these discoveries and they're asking the questions of what we can do, the 94 calls to action are a great way to begin because these are 94 things that you can do now that are concrete, that will actually commit to change and moving towards reconciliation between indigenous and non-indigenous peoples. The media coverage still seems like it's largely framed in terms of government response. But I'm curious to know if evangelicals see some of those calls to action as personal calls to action or are people assuming that most of those calls to action are about government response and money that's not necessarily their money. Jimmy Thunder: Yeah, I think that is a common misconception that we're trying to break. One of the things that I'm doing with our organization; Reconciliation Thunder, we're partnering with another organization Circles for Reconciliation and in response to the Kamloops discovery, we've been posting one call to action per day for 94 days to try to get people to actually read each call. In doing that, you can actually see what these calls are and who they're directed towards. Part of the reason for the misconception is that there are calls to the government that are in there and a lot of them are right up at the front and so if you do a cursory skim or the first couple of calls, then you'll see we are calling on the government to do this or calling the federal government to do that. Article continues below Without reading all the way through you don't see the variety of the calls and who they're directed to and what the actions are. So, this is something that we're actively trying to change; to change that misconception that these are not calls exclusively to the government. There was a point when the Canadian government committed to executing all 94 of the calls to action which was a bit ironic, given that all of the calls to action are not aimed towards government. Can you give us an example of a call to action that a Christian without a lot of government power would have? What have they been called or asked to do? Jimmy Thunder: There's a couple of different ways. I could look at that. So, for example we've know that Christians are not just a Christian they have different jobs and work in different places in different parts of society. So, there are calls to action that are given just towards Christians. One of the calls, I think it's called Action Number 59 is for church leaders to have education strategies for the congregation for them to learn about the history and legacy of residential schools and to learn why apologies to survivors were necessary and to work towards reconciliation within their denominations. Education strategies are really important because without knowing what the history is, you can't understand the truth that's so necessary for us to move forward together. So, educate your congregation. There's a lot of terms and phrases that repeat themselves in the different sections. One of them is the reference to UNDRIP; the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. That document it's about 42/ 43 articles that set out the minimum standards for the survival, dignity and wellbeing of indigenous peoples worldwide, so teaching your congregation what that is and unpacking that from a Christian lens. So that's from a church base. Christians also do other things in society, so call to Action 92 is for the corporate sector. With my business background you can unpack that. Basically, it's about four or five different sub-points. Part of it is to look at the section of UNDRIP as it relates to resource development. Resource development can take place without the free prior and informed consent of the indigenous peoples who live in the area that you want to develop. So that's one component of 92. Another component is to provide cultural awareness training, anti-racism training and educating people on the history and legacy of residential schools. If you look at all the five different points in Call to Action 92, it's really just about you as a company, being a better manager, looking at your corporate social responsibility and just setting up your company in a way that facilitates reconciliation between indigenous and non-indigenous peoples. I want to talk a little bit about the First Nation community. What does the Christian community look like today? And how is it also wrestling with the legacy of residential schools? Jimmy Thunder: Yeah. I guess the indigenous Christian community is very varied. You have within the context of indigenous, you have First Nation, Metis, and Inuit. Within the context of First Nation, you have Cree, Oji-Cree, Dene, Soto Mohawk and so on. There's such a huge variety of what that is and what that looks like. That of course lends itself to its diversity of Christian traditions. I think that Christianity worldwide wherever Christianity exists, there's a little bit of a cultural reflection in terms of how Christianity presents itself in that culture and I think in indigenous cultures that's no exception. Article continues below In Canada, we have the North American Institute for indigenous theological studies and that's the leader in conceptualizing, in contextualizing the Christian faith into indigenous cultures. I say indigenous cultures, because again, there is that huge mix. There are different ways of taking different practices, different ceremonies, different spiritual understandings and you use that to contextualize the Christian faith. There is a huge variety because different people are comfortable with different things and so that's true between indigenous and non-indigenous Christians and it's true between indigenous Christians themselves. There is a variety of what people are comfortable with contextualizing and how they understand their Christian faith in the context of their cultural identity. Speaking more specifically with regards to your own community that you're a part of, how have you as a community been working through some of this most recent news coming up from the residential schools? Jimmy Thunder: In Sachiko Lake, we have the minister that I quoted earlier Mr. Guanet whom we assume is Mr. Garnett; he was an Anglican missionary, and we also had another missionary that came in; John Spellner, he was Pentecostal. We have a couple of different Christian traditions in the one community and it's really small. In that context, you see the sort of the diversity. There isn't always an alignment in terms of how we express ourselves but there is respect and I think that's the key thing, respecting each other's different journeys I think that's incredibly important. I'm currently working out of Winnipeg, Manitoba, and I'm working for Norway House Cree Nation. There is a lot of hurt in the community that I'm with right now in current events, a lot of revisiting of traumatic experiences, heavy hearts and but just pair that up with the recognition that people are listening and also recognizing that the former chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Murray Sinclair said that if it took us 150 years to get in the mess that we're in, it's probably going to take 150 years to get out. The reason for that is that there there's a lot to learn, there's a lot of work that needs to be done, there are some systemic shifts that need to happen in our government. And there's a recognition of having more Canadians understanding the solutions that have already been found and that exist. Within our Christian community, we have a diversity of different perspectives on how we express our ourselves spiritually, but all of us, I think, would be in alignment that our history is important and paired with our understanding of who God is and what God's sense of justice, the guiding of God's truth and God's love; those things together are going to be the path for us to get out of this and to move into right relationship with each other. One of the things that I just honestly struggle to comprehend when I read these accounts of the abuse and trauma that people experienced in residential schools is why there are still First Nation people that are Christians. Have you met any of those survivors who have still embraced their faith and what have they told you about why they've decided to remain committed to God? Jimmy Thunder: Yeah, my uncle is a residential school survivor. Aside from residential school survivors, there's also day school survivors and Sixties Scoop survivors and even just people who have been through the CFS system. There are commonalities in all of those different experience because in a large part, it's a government policy of assimilation and an attempt to remove our culture from who we are and to erase that sense of identity. Its cultural genocide found in all these different forms. In the case of my uncle, because of the trauma that he experienced he doesn't talk about it that openly. It's something that he really holds to himself. For a good portion of his life, he hasn't been dealing with it in a healthy way, but recently he's been able to overcome and get on his feet but a believer all the way through. What I've heard from him and from day school survivors is the recognition of who God is and who Jesus is, and this understanding that what was portrayed to them in the schools are not truly who God is. Article continues below And I think even for me personally I learned about the history a lot later in life, I learned about residential schools and really the depth of what happened, reading through the final report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in my twenties. It was a lot for me to process as well and I think for a lot of Christians even whether you're indigenous or not this understanding that Christians were involved in this, but also recognizing your personal relationship with Christ and who He is and who you understand God to be; those two things create a cognitive dissonance that is something that we all have to really work through. I've heard it explained that reconciliation needs to happen on a nation-to-nation level, but also group to group, person to person and intra-personal. And I think for us as Christians, we have to process we have to really struggle through that problem of recognizing that the church is made of imperfect people and there was an opportunity and a chance for us as Christians to do something different, but we didn't. But where do we go from here? And I think that part of it is just wrecking, recognizing the depth of the problem is the first piece, but also just trusting that God is just, God is love. And that you know, as we continuing to learn and to journey together and to listen to each other, there is a way out and we can reconcile this and we can fix this. It's going to take a lot of time, but we can do it. And I think that that hope is not only what, what allows us to remain Christians, but it helps us to deal with that huge amount of cognitive dissonance that so many people just want to just avoid. Ted Olsen: This is one of the big issues that we're wrestling with broadly, that we've always wrestled with that the church as an institution full of really broken people, being led by very broken leaders and often led poorly and that have lent themselves to abuse and the church also as the body of Christ Himself that this is somehow God's plan for the world. This is how He wants to act in the world. That to me is a constant mystery, it's both glory and shame in a lot of ways. I am interested in another version of the question that Morgan asked, which is how to have some of the First Nations Christians who experienced some of this they're not just committed to Jesus, the person, the God of the universe, but also remarkably to these institutions that have caused great abuse, pain scarring and have been the opposite of Jesus in some cases. But I'm wondering if there are special things that the First Nations experience has learned. We mentioned before that there's different views about kind of inculturation, but I'm wondering if there are certain theological focuses as it relates to the doctrine of the church or the doctrine of Jesus working through broken people that First Nations Christians are particularly talking about and are particularly bringing into conversations with groups like the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada and some of these groups? Article continues below Jimmy Thunder: I think thats a huge struggle for a lot of people problem of evil, how does God allow evil to happen in the world as a result of people's free will and also recognizing that the churches are institutions and I think that when we forget that churches are institutions and governed by people and that people make choices on how church governance structure works that's a huge problem. I think that we need to remember that God calls different people to ministry, but people make decisions and He lets people make decisions in terms of our governance and even how the church is run organizationally. Churches don't like to think of it, but you do need to have strong HR protocols. You need to have human resources, policies, and procedures to protect your people and in the absence of those, damage happens and that's true even when we're not talking about indigenous issues, but incredibly important when we are talking about indigenous issues, when you're talking about how your organization is run, you need to have a conflict resolution policy that recognizes that you can't just change things because someone's indigenous and you can't change things because we're talking about reconciliation and it makes you uncomfortable. You make a plan that you have your policies and procedures that reflect your biblical teachings and that holds you to that and when we forget to do those types of things, then it just opens the door for perpetuation of spiritual violence. And spiritual violence is something that is mentioned very specifically in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and in the 94 Calls to Action. A lot of times when people think of indigenous law, they just think of Canadian laws that govern indigenous people. But that's not what I'm talking about. I'm talking about the laws that existed pre-contact because we did have societies like a number of different societies, different government systems that we used to govern ourselves for thousands and thousands of years. And so, in these particular systems, we have different symbols and different things that give authority to our institutions in the same way that in the Canadian or American governments, you have strong symbols that sort of hold everything together. In Canada, you have the symbol of the monarchy and you have belief in God as creator, that is still one of those symbols that are there. And so, in indigenous law, you have this understanding of the Creator as the Sacred Creator that's present in your different laws and your institutions and so the sense of sacredness works its way into, into everything, including the law. An example of law is a treaty so when you're making a treaty between two different nations, the law is passed through the ceremony. So, for example, a pipe ceremony, that's when a pipe is passed around, as deep discussions take place. You burn the sacred tobacco and it's believed that the sacred tobacco carries that conversation up to the Creator. So, it's a tripartite agreement, between the creator and the two different parties. And it's also relationship-based. Its not liked our treaties where it's the written word on the paper and that exists for all time. Treaties are believed to take place for us all the time, but you revisit the terms. They are stored and commemorated on different objects, like the Two Row Wampum belt that I talked about or a feather or something else. And so, you just remember that as long as the relationship exists, you can revisit the terms, but it's the relationship that matters. Article continues below And it's held in place by the understanding of the sacredness of creator and its creators watching you implement these terms. When we think about it from that context it's impossible to really take advantage of someone using that legal system because its relationship-based and it's based off of a good relationship. When you bring that into our Christian faith and how we understand as Christians, how to do life well together, you borrow the idea of Christian covenants because we see that in the Old Testament where God creates covenants with people and people make covenants with each other and God's involved. And so, when we bring that idea into this relationship and into the church, we see a much more holistic picture of how to do life well together and there's a lot of blending and indigenous ways of seeing the world. There's not as spiritual and secular component it's all one seamless whole. And so, when we bring this together, then we see it becomes much easier to talk about solutions and goals because a lot of times, as Christians, we like to use the Bible as our compass for solving problems and not so much government tools and resources. We like to just check out the 94 calls to action and UNDRIP and those documents, and we leave them outside the church and talk about them later. But you need to look at those from your Christian lens. And I think that's something that indigenous Christian leaders do. And I can bring into the conversation that gives us a better way of more holistically integrating solutions to the problems we see in our daily lives. Jimmy, we started the show talking about these fires and it seems like there's been about half a dozen churches that have been set on fire or burned down. What has been your reaction to seeing this? What many people might believe is linked to these discoveries about these graves that are on the residential schools. And many people feel like the fires may be coming in from that place. What is your reaction when you see these churches go up in flames and then also see the reaction from activists and leaders? Jimmy Thunder: I would tend to join in with the indigenous leaders that are saying that this is not a healthy way for us to express our frustration and the very real pain that indigenous people are feeling. I think when you look for example at the top thing of the statutes that took place here in Winnipeg, I can understand completely the frustration of the people, I can understand the pain. And I also understand what they're trying to communicate. The problem is when you're dealing with symbols, like a symbol of the queen it's not going to be understood by the greater public because with Canada, we're a constitutional monarchy. And so, when you, when you attack a symbol, people will interpret that as you were attacking the very structure of the government and you're instigating some type of anarchy. But really for the people that I've spoken with, that are in favor of those types of things, it's a symbol of the legacy of colonialism and it's the residential school history and all of that is channeled toward that specifically, not the whole structure of what Canada is and who Canada is. In fact, it's the opposite, theyre trying to make Canada better. And so, you completely miss that entire message and so it makes it unhelpful and non-effective, and in fact, it gives fodder for those who would oppose the message and what we're trying to do. It just gives them a platform to maintain stereotypes against us as indigenous peoples. That carries true also for the church burnings as well. You understand the frustration, you understand the pain, you understand the depth of trauma that people are feeling. People died in residential schools and there's intergenerational trauma linked to that. Article continues below It's very real. And the frustration of people not listening to these stories and people not believing that we have these unmarked graves, we've been saying it from 2015 and way before that, the slowness of government, all of these different things. This frustration is expressing itself in these churches that are being burned. And I think that it's very unfortunate and I would join the leaders in saying that it's an unhealthy way to express that. But I also want to just really remind people that, interpret this as an expression of the frustration, of pain and let's all be solution-focused and not let it detract from these good conversations that we're having about how do you fix things and how do we reconcile together as especially as Christians, we should be giving space for us to express what needs to be expressed in healthy ways and in a church context. What do you think that the First Nation Christians have to teach those of us in the church who are not indigenous? Jimmy Thunder: A lot of what I mentioned before about just let's look at things holistically. Let's look at what our Creator believes should be done. What does reconciliation look like according to our God let's not separate things. Let's, let's look at our government reports, the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples, the Aboriginal Justice Inquiry, Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the missing and murdered indigenous women and girls panel report. Let's, let's look at these things, but let's bring them in then let's see how are our theology can guide us towards action, and let's not leave our history out of the equation. Let's work together. Let's look at what happened. Let's look at both historical records and the oral history that people bring, especially in the context of the treaties. Let's look at all these different things. Let's put it together and let's talk about doing life better together. Now two of the five Stans are becoming bigger fans ofor, as Gen Z would say, stanning forreligious freedom. In Kazakhstan, all denominations can freely follow their religion, said Yerzhan Nukezhanov, chairman of the Central Asian nations committee for religious affairs, and we will continue to create all necessary conditions for religious freedom. Speaking at the 2021 International Religious Freedom (IRF) Summit in Washington, DC, Nukezhanov signed a memorandum of understanding with Wade Kusack, head of the Love Your Neighbor Community. It sets a three-year roadmap that will train local imams, priests, and pastors in dialogue, culminating in the establishment of religious freedom roundtables in nine Kazakh cities. It is a front door approach in openness and transparency with the government, Kusack told CT. Mutual trust is built one relationship at a time. An ethnic Belarusian, Kusack is also the senior fellow for Central Asia at the Institute for Global Engagement (IGE), the American NGO which helped shepherd Uzbekistans efforts to improve its IRF standing. In 2018, top Uzbek officials pledged reforms at the first Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom, convened by the US State Department. Later that year, the State Department removed Uzbekistan from its list of Countries of Particular Concern (CPC) for the first time since 2005. Downgraded to Special Watch List status, by 2020 the nation had made enough progress to be delisted altogether. Recent developments in Kazakhstan were hailed as a proof of concept for the engagement model of IRF advocacy. Not listed as a CPC by the State Department, the nation has been recommended for watchlist status by the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) since 2013. Nukezhanov noted 2018 as the year his committee established a religious freedom working group specifically to demonstrate openness to American concerns. That same year, Nikolay Popov was fined $600 for sharing his Christian faithwithout a license. Popov, part of the Council of Baptist Churches in Kazakhstans Karaganda region, also failed to secure government approval of the religious literature he distributed. The administrative court of Balkhash, 380 miles southeast of the capital city Nur-Sultan (formerly Astana until 2019), found him guilty of illegal missionary activity. Kazakhstans 1995 constitution establishes a secular state that guarantees freedom of religion and belief. This includes the right to propagate ones religion. A 2011 law, however, added restrictions that in practice privileged the traditional religions of KazakhstanSunni Islam and Russian Orthodoxywhile requiring all faiths to register and operate according to a set of bureaucratically tedious restrictions. National registration requires 5,000 members, with 300 members in each of 14 regional districts. Regional registration requires two locations with 250 members each, while local registration must list the names and addresses of at least 50 founding members. The overall climate has led the Baptist churches to refuse registration in principle. Elijah Brown, general secretary of the Baptist World Alliance, called the new MOU a historic moment, hoping it will proceed to address the registrations, restrictions, and fines that leave Baptists and other religious minorities in Kazakhstan vulnerable to violations. The commitment of the Kazakhstan government to establish religious freedom roundtables is an important and significant step, he said. It is now essential that these roundtables intentionally include representatives of all faith traditions. Because Baptists are not the only ones experiencing difficulty. In 2017, 20 Muslims were taken to court and fined for saying aloud the word Amen during prayers at their mosque. The actionallegedly associated with Islamic extremismviolates the code of the Association of Muslims of Kazakhstan. All mosques must register with the association, which appoints their local imams. Now, faith leaders will be meeting together. Where there is no equal and open dialogue, stereotypical thinking can lead to a violation of citizens rights to freedom of religion, said Alexander Klyushev, chairman of the Association of Religious Communities of Kazakhstan, a grouping of evangelical churches. Most often this affects the rights of religious minorities, or religious communities that are seen as a potential fifth column in the country. Klyushev was part of the early working group that interacted with Kazakh officials and American sponsors. In November 2019, the Kazakh ambassador to the US and the Ministry of Information and Social Development, which oversees religious affairs, held the first Religious Freedom Roundtable in Shymkent, the nations third largest city. Four gatherings have now been held in total, in four different cities. Since then, Kazakhstan has dropped plans to amend the 2011 law to further strengthen control of the state. And USCIRF has noted positively that the number of administrative prosecutions for religious offenses has continued to decline, falling from 284 in 2017 down to 160 in 2019. And in 2020, Thomas Schirrmacher, now general secretary of the World Evangelical Alliance, met with Kazakhstans grand mufti and the president of its Catholic bishops conference. The government made a concerted effort to improve its record on religious freedom, stated USCIRF in its latest report prior to this weeks IRF summit and MOU signing, working to design and implement reforms in conversation with US counterparts. While USCIRF is concerned by elements of current draft reforms, the commission is very encouraged by Kazakhstans willingness to engage in open dialogue and believes this will result in positive outcomes for religious freedom, commissioner Nadine Maenza told CT after the MOU was signed. Kusack argues that religious freedom liberates believing communities to serve their nation. When no one gets in the way of religious practice, such people usually become the most positive and effective members of the local society, he told CT. They contribute to the development of charity, adhering to the values of service to ones neighbor. But winning the right to do so takes time. Kusack first interacted with Kazakh religious leaders in 2010, and engaged governmental figures in 2013. Contacts continued steadily, and last yeardespite the COVID-19 pandemiche conducted 36 meetings with 146 Kazakh officials. The roadmap calls for the multifaith religious leader retreat to take place next month, on August 15. And by February next year, participants will join law enforcement officials in a certificate course on religion and the rule of law, designed by Brigham Young University. This will make [officials] look more professional and win opportunities to communicate with the outside world, he said. Such certification can serve as a social elevator. Graduates will be invited to co-chair the nine city roundtables, expected to be established by the end of 2022. Tomas Thomassov, pastor of the local religious association of Pentecostals called Joy Church, attended the earlier preliminary roundtable meetings and was encouraged. Officials promised to listen to and look into Pentecostal complaints. Dialogue took place between the religious organizations themselves, as well as with the state, he said. We felt a fresh breeze, and it gave us hope. Kazakhstans traditional religious groups were similarly positive with the balance represented. One harmful stereotype has already been abandoned in Kazakhstanthat the state should withdraw from the religious sphere. This would untie the hands of destructive religious organizations, said Bishop Gennady of the Kaskelen diocese and manager of affairs for the Kazakh branch of the Russian Orthodox Church. But similar [in harm] is unjustifiably tight control, he said. The more the state cooperates with traditional faiths which have proved their peace position, the less extremists will have a breeding ground. Like elsewhere in Central Asia, fear of Islamic terrorism has led to state oversight of Muslim communities. But Kusack anticipates the non-registered Ahmadiyya sect of Islam will be included in the roadmap. While Wahhabi-influenced Muslims will not be included initially, he hopes that over time the nonviolent among them can be drawn in. Despite the progress, what has yet to take place is widespread communication about these developments. At the time of the first working group roundtable meetings, only 12 out of 3,328 registered Kazakh media publications mentioned anything at all about religious freedom. Even if the reality is that this is only for a formal report or for propaganda purposes, said Kusack, people of different religions gather at these venues. He described the changed attitudes of religious leaders since the roundtables began, such as when a Baptist pastor showed him a bouquet of flowers sent by a Muslim imam for the Easter holiday. This relationship was established at the meetings, at which the imam confessed he previously considered Baptists to be evil people who were always indignant about something, but now see them as normal individuals who love their country. When we break down stereotypes, we turn to universal values, said Kusack. And these evoke a response in the hearts of people, regardless of their religion. Prior to this weeks signing, Klyushev agreed as he held out hope that the meetings would produce more than just warm relations. The role of government is crucial, and cooperation is just getting started. Public administration always plays a very important role in interreligious harmony, he said, and the tolerant attitude of different religions to one other. This years IRF summit in Washingtonconvened by civil society rather than the earlier ministerials convened by the US governmentfeatured many examples of traditional name-and-shame advocacy. China, Nigeria, and India were frequent targets. But there was also an increase in engagement-based strategies. Kusack believes it may be a new model. We are elevating religious freedom to new levels, he told summit participants from the main stage. This framework can be replicated throughout Central Asia, and beyond. Biden official touts administration's religious freedom record at DC summit Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment A Biden White House official addressed this week's International Religious Freedom Summit and touted the administration's record on advancing religious freedom, praising the bipartisan support for promoting the fundamental human right. Melissa Rogers, the director of the White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, spoke before an audience of religious freedom advocates Wednesday, making her one of several Biden administration officials to speak at the event described as the first civil society-led religious freedom ministerial. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and USAID administrator Samantha Power addressed the IRF Summit via video messages. In her speech, Rogers reiterated President Joe Bidens belief that ensuring freedom of religion is as important now as it has ever been. She said that President Biden, a person of deep faith, certainly understands the importance of religious belief and practices in the lives of so many. Rogers shared a quote from the president asserting that, the work of protecting religious freedom for people of all faiths and none is never finished. We must be vigilant against the rising tide of targeted violence and hate at home and abroad and work to ensure that no one feels afraid to attend a religious service, school, community center or walk down the street wearing the symbols of their faith. Rogers highlighted a few steps the Biden-Harris administration is taking to protect and advance religious freedom for all. She specifically praised the administration for upholding the United States moral obligation to protect refugees, noting that as the number of refugees and other displaced persons has reached an alarming [rate] and historic high of more than 82 million people worldwide, the president has raised our annual refugee admissions cap to 62,500 for this fiscal year. Additionally, she announced his plans to double the refugee ceiling to 125,000 next year. The U.S. is committed to upholding its long tradition as a leader in refugee resettlement that provides a beacon of hope for persecuted people around the globe, Rogers added. She also remarked that on his first day in office, President Biden revoked orders and proclamations prohibiting certain individuals from entering the United States first from primarily Muslim countries and later from marginally African countries. Rogers slammed the actions taken by the Trump administration to restrict immigration from terror-prone countries as a stain on our national conscience and inconsistent with our long history of welcoming people of all faiths and no faith at all. She echoed Bidens analysis characterizing the discriminatory bans on entry into the United States as an example of the country turning its back on its values. Rogers also spotlighted Blinkens affirmation that the Peoples Republic of China is committing genocide and crimes against humanity against Uyghurs and other ethnic and religious minorities in Xinjiang. She recalled how In March, Canada, the European Union, the U.K., and the U.S. took coordinated action to impose sanctions on PRC officials for these human rights abuses, she recalled. At the recent G7 Summit, the worlds leading democracies stood united for religious freedom and against forced labor, including in Xinjiang and committed to ensuring that global supply chains are free from the use of such labor. Our administration has translated these commitments into a series of actions imposing import and export restrictions on PRC companies for their use of forced labor from Xinjiang. The Biden administrations characterization of Chinas treatment of the Uyghurs as genocide received praise from David Curry, the director of the religious freedom advocacy organization Open Doors USA, who reacted favorably to the courageous move in an interview with The Christian Post. Curry expressed gratitude that the Executive Branch was making the Uyghur genocide a subject of discussion with China, adding, I dont think thats easy and its a good step. Curry told CP that the Trump administration deserved an A+ on religious liberty and how they dealt with that, and maintained that while Blinken is setting a good tone and saying the right things, the Biden administration has a lot of work to do to catch up to them on this subject. He stressed that overall, he was not discouraged about the Biden administrations approach thus far. In her address at the IRF Summit, Rogers also profiled the U.S. governments strong stance in support of democracy and human rights in Burma. According to Rogers, As the Burmese military accelerated violence against civilians in the wake of the February coup, the administration provided emergency support for various members of ethnic and religious minority groups at a time when many found themselves facing military prosecutors for actions as simple as praying for peace. Rogers also looked forward to a Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom in her speech, promoting what we hope will be the first post-pandemic in-person ministerial to be hosted by the United Kingdom in London next summer. She vowed that in the coming weeks, the president would nominate an ambassador-at-large for International Religious Freedom, which has remained vacant since Sam Brownback, who co-chaired the IRF Summit, stepped down from that position after Biden took office. While Rogers spent most of her speech touting the Biden administrations actions on the issue of religious freedom, she also spoke of the role of civil society in advancing international religious freedom and human rights more broadly, characterizing the work as vital in the effort to uphold the values spelled out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. She concluded her speech by rejoicing that there is so much common ground on international religious freedom issues among the two political parties. The common ground on international religious freedom issues was on full display this week in the U.S. Senate as the chamber unanimously passed a bill banning the sale of all products made using forced Uyghur labor in the United States. The Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act still awaits a vote in the House of Representatives, which must approve the bill before it can head to the presidents desk for a signature. Investigators to question New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo over sexual harassment allegations Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo will face questioning on multiple allegations of sexual harassment on Saturday, according to a recent report. Former federal prosecutor Annemarie McAvoy told NBC's New York affiliate WNBC that investigators will "probably talk to him about what they've learned thus far. See what his reaction is." You do try to get as much information beforehand, so it would make sense this is going toward the tailed. But they may still go back and talk to some of the women again based on what he tells them, she added. Cuomo advisor Rich Azzopardi said in a statement quoted by NBC that "the governor doesnt want to comment on this review until he has cooperated, but the continued leaks are more evidence of the transparent political motivation of the attorney generals review. In February, former Cuomo staffer Lindsay Boylan posted an essay online detailing allegations that the governor engaged in sexual harassment against her and other female personnel. These allegations include a reported plane trip in October 2017 in which Cuomo sat too close to her and made a crude remark. On another occasion, she alleges that he kissed her on the lips. Cuomo has created a culture within his administration where sexual harassment and bullying is so pervasive that it is not only condoned but expected, wrote Boylan. His inappropriate behavior toward women was an affirmation that he liked you, that you must be doing something right. He used intimidation to silence his critics. And if you dared to speak up, you would face consequences. Cuomo's Press Secretary Caitlin Girouard released a statement soon after the essay was published, claiming that Boylan's allegations are quite simply false." In Ms. Boylan's latest blog post, she opens up with a story about a plane trip in October 2017 [however], there was no flight where Lindsey was alone with the Governor, a single press aide, and a NYS Trooper, stated Girouard. The statement did not specifically address other accusations by Boylan, including the claim that Cuomo would go out of his way to touch me on my lower back, arms and legs or that he once gave her an unwanted kiss on the lips. Cuomo has also faced allegations of mishandling the states response to the COVID-19 pandemic by placing people who tested positive for the virus in nursing homes. Critics believe that the move led to hundreds if not thousands of deaths, as reports indicate that the Cuomo administration did its best to downplay the severity of the situation. At a press conference in March, New York State Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay announced his intention to file impeachment proceedings against Cuomo. Barclay said there had been one bombshell after another regarding the governor, namely the sexual harassment allegations and his handling of the coronavirus pandemic. We had the AG report, came out saying that the governor was underreporting nursing home deaths by as much as 50%, Barclay added at the time. We had that secret political meeting where he had his top aides say they werent reporting the nursing home deaths because theyre worried about a Department of Justice investigation. We had the bullying and the harassing of sitting members of the state Legislature, he continued. Then we had five courageous women come forward to talk about their abuse, sexual harassment, and other abuse at the hands of the governor. Nigerian priest fears more persecution after Boko Haram leader's death: 'Time bomb waiting to explode' Cleric says Islamic State is 'gathering and absorbing' Boko Haram groups Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment WASHINGTON A Nigerian priest is warning that the religious persecution in his home country is a time bomb waiting to explode," adding that the death of the Boko Haram leader during a battle with the Islamic State could worsen the situation. Among many attendees at this week's International Religious Freedom Summit, was Father Joseph Bature Fidelis, who leads the Human Resource and Skill Acquisition Center for Trauma Care for people displaced by Boko Haram in northeast Nigeria. Since speaking with The Christian Post during his visit to Washington in early 2020, he told CP on Thursday that the situation in Nigeria has become worse. It hasnt improved significantly, he said. From 2020 to date, there have been various attacks on Christian communities, attacks on roads, attacks on soft targets, and many people have died, many have also been abducted. Fidelis summarized the religious freedom violations taking place in Nigeria are "a time bomb that will explode." "Because nowhere have you found such form of persecution in recent times in magnitude, the intensity, the number of people killed the brutality involved," he said. The United Nations estimates that the Boko Haram insurgency in the Borno state has led to the displacement of over 2 million people in Nigeria. Formed in 2002, Boko Haram split in 2016 after a splinter faction pledged allegiance to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria. The two groups became rivals who've wreaked havoc on civilian populations in northeast Nigeria. In June, the Islamic State West Africa Province claimed that the notorious Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau, was dead after detonating an explosive device to avoid being captured by ISWAP fighters during battle. Boko Haram later confirmed his death. Fidelis suggested that the death of Shekau would worsen the persecution of Christians in Nigeria. The priest alleged that ISWAP is gathering [and] absorbing the Boko Haram groups, a development that he likened to jumping from [the] frying pan to fire. Such a larger global networking does not spell good for the country, for the region," he feared. "Yes the news is that he has been killed. That is not a good sign for us." Fideliss organization works to support those fleeing the violence. That center is helping to bring healing and psychological healing from trauma from abuse, from torture, especially for women and girls, he explained. We are trying to help a lot of these women, girls, people who have been abused tortured trying to bring them hope, healing and to build their future for them. Fidelis agreed with a speaker at the conference, Open Doors USA CEO David Curry, who described the situation in the African country as the most overlooked religious freedom issue in the world today. Some say its a failed state or a state about to fall, so many things," Fidelis stressed. "Everyones agreeing: somethings happening. But do something about it? No. So, hes right, [its] overlooked. Curry told CP that the nexus between the Fulani [radicals] and Boko Haram in northern Nigeria is bleeding over into Burkina Faso, into Niger, to Cameroon [and] Chad." The advocate warned: This has the potential to be a caliphate like ISIS. Fidelis rejoiced that a very significant portion of this summit concentrated on Nigeria. We appreciate the fact that there are so many countries around the world [and] Nigeria was given that emphasis. As the interview concluded, Fidelis reflected on his time at the International Religious Freedom Summit. My experience at this summit has been a wonderful moment of learning, of listening because I listened to so many speakers," he said. "And I see the passion of many people. Its the first time for me, as an individual, seeing such a large number of people from various countries across divides. You had various groups here, people agreeing on one thing: that we need to stand together to promote religious freedom ... for everyone everywhere every time," he added. "And I think that is a beautiful humanity: bipartisan, people from different sides. This is evil against humanity." While he commended the United States for working to promote religious freedom and advocate for groups that are persecuted, Fidelis argued that as a force to reckon with, the country can do more to help Nigerians and other victims of religious persecution. He urged the religious freedom advocates who attended the summit to keep to your word to help those in need. The U.S. State Department recognizes Nigeria as a "country of particular concern" for engaging in or tolerating severe violations of religious freedom. Open Doors USA ranks Nigeria as the ninth-worst country in the world when it comes to Christian persecution. In addition to Boko Haram and ISWAP in the northeast, Fulani radicals have attacked predominantly Christian farming villages in Nigeria's Middle Belt. It has been reported that thousands of people have been killed in recent years by Fulani radicals. In May, a Nigerian Christian pastor and his three-year-old son were killed by Fulani herdsmen who invaded their home, and dozens of children were massacred in a brutal attack on a Christian village. First Amendment is on our side: Va. teacher punished for criticizing trans pronoun policy speaks out Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment A school teacher in Virginia fighting punishment from a school district for criticizing a proposed policy that would force teachers to use trans-identified students' preferred pronouns has stated that the First Amendment is on our side. Bryon Tanner Cross, a physical education teacher at Leesburg Elementary School, was suspended by Loudon County Public Schools for speaking against the proposed policy during a school board meeting in May. Cross, who a judge ordered to be reinstated days before the end of the school year through a temporary injunction, is in an ongoing legal battle with the school district and will return to court for a final ruling in September. In a recent interview with Fox News, Cross explained that it felt great to be reinstated and that he got a warm welcome from students, parents and faculty at his school. When asked if he is worried about losing his job or being suspended again, Cross responded that he is not worried and that the First Amendment is on our side. We care about our students, and we just hope that everybodys viewpoint is looked into so that we all can be an inclusive environment and just educate children the correct way, he said. I believe that there are other teachers. I know for a fact that there are teachers that feel the same way that I do, and this is convicting them, too. On May 25, the Loudon County School Board held a meeting to debate a proposed policy known as Policy 8040 that would require staff and students to use the chosen pronouns of trans-identified students or those that identify as gender-expansive. LCPS staff shall allow gender-expansive or transgender students to use their chosen name and gender pronouns that reflect their gender identity without any substantiating evidence, regardless of the name and gender recorded in the students permanent educational record, reads a draft of the policy from May. Inadvertent slips in the use of names or pronouns may occur; however, staff or students who intentionally and persistently refuse to respect a students gender identity by using the wrong name and gender pronoun are in violation of this policy. During the meeting, Cross argued that as a Christian, he is unable to affirm that a biological boy can be a girl and vice versa. My name is Tanner Cross, and I am speaking out of love for those who suffer with gender dysphoria, stated Cross at the time. I love all of my students, but I will never lie to them regardless of the consequences. Two days after the board meeting, Cross was put on administrative leave with pay and prohibited from going onto any school properties unless given expressed permission to do so. In response, Cross filed a complaint against LCPS and was represented by the Alliance Defending Freedom, a conservative legal nonprofit that handles religious liberty cases. In June, Judge James E. Plowman of the 20th Judicial Circuit of Virginia gave Cross a temporary injunction against the school board's decision, which will expire in December. Plowman wrote that putting Cross on leave was extreme and an unconstitutional action since the teachers words, even if controversial, were nevertheless permissible. The Court agrees with Plaintiffs analysis and concludes that Defendants actions to suspend the Plaintiff, as well as the additional restrictions placed upon him, adversely affected his constitutionally protected speech, wrote the judge last month. Here, it was clear that the Plaintiff was speaking as a citizen, not in his official capacity. His speech was not conducted at his usual place of employment, occurred during non-working hours and at a forum where public comment was invited. In response to the injunction, LCPS appealed the judges decision, claiming that Cross comments were harmful. LCPS respectfully disagrees with the Circuit Courts decision to issue the injunction, and it is appealing this ruling to the Supreme Court of Virginia, stated LCPS. Many students and parents at Leesburg Elementary have expressed fear, hurt and disappointment about coming to school. Addressing those concerns is paramount to the school divisions goal to provide a safe, welcoming and affirming learning environment for all students. The school district went on to state that while it respects the rights of public school employees to free speech and free exercise of religion, those rights do not outweigh the rights of students to be educated in a supportive and nurturing environment. During the Fox News segment, ADF attorney Tyson Langhofer said that "no public school teacher should ever be punished simply for sharing their beliefs in a public forum, where the school board invited comment." "They retaliated against him simply for sharing his position on these proposed policies," the lawyer said. said. "And that's a violation of both his free speech rights under the Virginia Constitution and his free exercise of religion. I am really puzzled at their decision to appeal this to the Virginia Supreme Court because the district court's decision was very well reasoned, based on longstanding constitutional law that the government cannot punish people simply for expressing their beliefs in a public forum ..." Langhofer said that "there is no timetable" for the Virginia Supreme Court. "We will likely hear something from them in the next 30 days," he explained. "We actually have a trial scheduled before the district court for a final decision in early September." Email Whatsapp Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment I love the Cuban people. It has been my privilege to serve alongside Cuban Christians on ten different mission trips to their island over more than two decades. Their churches amaze and encourage me every time I am with them. The Cuban ministries with whom we partner truly manifest New Testament Christianity. With very few resources and in the face of escalating pressure and persecution, they are serving Jesus in courageous and transformative ways. My love for the Cubans and their beautiful island makes the news of recent days especially personal for me. A fact that is relevant to every nation Thousands of people in cities and towns across Cuba took to the streets this past week to call for an end to their countrys decades-old dictatorship and to demand food and vaccines. They are responding to ongoing shortages of basic necessities and soaring cases of COVID-19. My friends in Cuba report that food and other essentials have been especially difficult to find in recent months. Long food lines are a daily fact of life. In addition, the Cuban government decided to make its own COVID-19 vaccine rather than buying shots from other countries, but plans to immunize the population have been plagued by delays. Cuba has not seen an uprising like this since protests in 1994 that were brief and limited to the area of Havana. By contrast, last Sunday saw at least twenty-five protests in different locations across the island. My Cuban friends are some of the most brilliant, industrious, and creative people I have ever met. They deserve a government that works for them, not against them. The ongoing crisis in their country illustrates a fact that is powerfully relevant to every nation and culture: ideas matter. Dirt floors and a water faucet The capitalist idea is that individuals should compete for profits. The communist idea is that a central government should control property and determine wages, prices, and production goals. To see the consequences of the two ideologies, you need only to travel 90 miles from Florida to Cuba. When Fidel Castro and his brother Raul took power in Cuba in January 1959, he originally positioned himself as a nationalist. Before long, however, he was courting the leaders of the Soviet Union, an alignment that led to the failed Bay of Pigs invasion in 1961 and the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. From then until today, Cuba has been constitutionally defined as a Marxist-Leninist socialist state guided by the political philosophy of Karl Marx and others. The communist ideology that governs Cuba is enormously repressive. Amnesty International reports that civil and political rights continue to be severely restricted by Cuban authorities. Many government critics are imprisoned; many report that they were beaten during arrest. The government controls and curtails freedom of assembly and association. I have seen many Cuban families living in shacks with dirt floors and a water faucet rising out of the ground for plumbing. Electricity is sporadic; hot water even in the hotels is a luxury. Basic medicines such as aspirin are difficult to obtain. Traveling to Cuba is like stepping back centuries in time. H. G. Wells observed, Human history is, in essence, a history of ideas. The malignant denial of truth Yesterday we discussed the assault on truth and biblical truth going on in our culture today. It has become conventional wisdom in our postmodern culture that all truth is personal and subjective. This claim that there are no absolute truths is itself an absolute truth claim, of course. And it fails not just logically but practicallyif all truth is subjective, how is the rule of law to be enforced? What makes one ideology (such as radical jihadism) wrong and another right? Nonetheless, this malignant denial of objective truth is metastasizing through the body of our society. It renders the Bible a diary of religious experiences that Christians have no right to force on others. It makes life from conception to death whatever we determine it to be, fueling the drive for elective abortion and euthanasia. It makes sexuality whatever we determine it to be, fueling the drive for LGBTQ acceptance and celebration. And it makes evangelism the intolerant imposition of our values on others. If I were Satan, I would follow precisely this strategy in separating American culture from the biblical worldview upon which our nation was founded and the biblical morality that is essential to our flourishing. Itching ears and four transforming priorities Paul predicted that the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths (2 Timothy 4:34). In such times, what should we do? The apostle continued: As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry (v. 5). These instructions are preserved in Gods word not just for Timothy but for us as well. Always be sober-minded in the Greek means to be self-controlled in every situation. Endure suffering can be translated bear affliction and distress patiently. Do the work of an evangelist is a present-tense imperative to share the Gospel with every person we can in every way we can. The more people reject Gods grace, the more they need Gods grace. Fulfill your ministry means to accomplish your assignment from God. As fallen people, we cannot fulfill these priorities in our abilities. But as Spirit-filled followers of Jesus (1 Corinthians 3:16), we can do all things through the One who strengthens us (Philippians 4:13). If you were more self-controlled, patient, evangelistic, and missional than you are today, what would change? Originally published in the Denison Forum. Billy Graham's family home up for sale to help pay for granddaughters medical treatments Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment The original home of the late evangelist Billy Graham and his wife, Ruth, is now for sale as their daughter is raising funds to pay for her daughters medical treatments. The original home of the Grahams, a wooden cottage, is on the market for the first time. The house is listed at $599,000. The cottage, still owned by the family, was where the renowned minister lived with his wife and children while Graham traveled to share the Gospel in the most pivotal years of his ministry. The charming cottage has a storied history it was the familys residence during the time the evangelist became a household name," a press statement reads. "Located at 198 Mississippi Road, the four-bedroom, two-bath home is being marketed exclusively by Brian Etheridge of Premier Sothebys International Realtys Asheville office." The couple's daughter Ruth said her parents purchased the home in the late 1940s. It was selected because it was right across the street from my grandparents, the younger Ruth Graham said in a statement shared with The Christian Post. I was born during the time my family lived in the house. The Los Angeles Crusades and [my fathers] tour of England happened during those years. it is where it all began. The Grahams moved from the house in 1957 but remained in Montreat, Ruth Graham told the Ashville Citizen-Times. She said she is selling the home to help pay for her daughters medical costs as she suffers from Lymphangioleiomyomatosis. The multisystem disorder affects different areas of the body, such as lungs, kidneys and the lymphatic system. My youngest daughter was diagnosed with a very rare disease that attacks women of childbearing age and there will be some significant medical bills in her future," she said, according to WCNC Charolette. I am so grateful that I have this provision that I can make like any mother who would move Heaven and earth when your child needs you. The third of the reverend's five children revealed that her daughter had the diagnosis for about three or four years." "And they say from that time forward, you have six to eight years," she explained. "So the time is growing close." Ruth Graham, who owns the home, reportedly notified her siblings of the sale and asked them first if they wanted to buy the house. She did not speak with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. But a spokesman for the organization told The Citizen-Times that the Graham siblings love each other deeply and support each other. The home has been used as a vacation rental in recent years. Guests of the home were given access to experience the Grahams' young family life through the cottages original furnishings, books, photos and mementos. The two-story home is still in pristine condition and is surrounded by several picturesque walking trails and streams. Several offers have already been received. SBA list slams House Democrats for forcing taxpayers to fund abortion by advancing spending bill without Hyde Amendment Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Pro-life lawmakers and advocacy groups are slamming House Democrats for taking the first step in passing a federal budget without a guarantee that taxpayer funds will not be used to fund abortions. The House subcommittee on Health and Human Services, and Related Agencies approved a spending bill for the Department of Health and Human Services Monday that did not include Hyde Amendment protections that prevent federal tax dollars from paying for abortions. The bill passed the subcommittee via a voice vote, which was expected in light of the Democratic majority. Shortly before its passage, Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn., chair of the influential House Appropriations Committee as well as the subcommittee, proclaimed that this bill advances equal treatment for women not only by increasing funding for the range of health services including family planning covered by Title X, but also by repealing the discriminatory Hyde Amendment. DeLauro acknowledged that this is an issue on which many of us disagree but regardless of the original intent of Hyde, it has disproportionately impacted women of color and it has ultimately led to more unintended pregnancies and later, riskier and more costly abortions. She alleged that allowing the Hyde Amendment to remain on the books is a disservice not only to our constituents but also to the values we espouse as a nation. We are finally doing what is right for our mothers, our families, our communities by striking this discriminatory amendment once and for all, she added. While the elimination of the Hyde Amendment was enthusiastically supported by DeLauro and her Democratic colleagues, her Republican colleagues lamented the elimination of the longstanding conscience protection. Rep. Kay Granger, R-Texas, who serves as the ranking member of the House Appropriations Committee, expressed concern that in addition to scrapping the Hyde Amendment, the HHS appropriations bill removes language carried in the last 16 years that protects American doctors and nurses from being forced to participate in abortions. Granger warned that this shift in policy could actually destroy decades of bipartisan work. Unless this longstanding compromise protecting human life is restored, this bill should not move forward. My colleagues and I are going to have to strongly oppose it because its out of step with the views of most Americans, it is just that simple, she added. Granger maintained that restoring language that protects the lives of unborn children and protects Americans from being forced to participate with their tax dollars [in] what they believe to be the taking of innocent life is a necessary prerequisite for the appropriations bills passage. Rep. Tom Cole, R-Okla., the ranking member of the subcommittee, echoed Grangers concerns, asserting that the longstanding provision allowing medical professionals to refuse to perform abortions is an essential right of every American. According to Cole, Its removal is a danger to us all. Even President Bidens budget did not propose the removal of that important language, he said. Everyone in this room knows this bill will never pass the United States Senate without their inclusion and the majority of the American people support that inclusion. While Cole shared his disapproval of many aspects of the bill, he guaranteed that the removal of the language that protects the lives of unborn American children and the rights of Americans to freely exercise their conscience will never see the presidents desk as written. The leaders of pro-life advocacy groups shared congressional Republicans displeasure with the HHS appropriations package. In a statement released Monday, Marjorie Dannenfelser, the president of the pro-life group Susan B. Anthony List, slammed Biden-Pelosi Democrats for scrapping decades of bipartisan consensus to force taxpayers to fund abortion and doubling down on extremism to appease an increasingly radical base. Additionally, she characterized the bill as too extreme to pass the Senate and a major political liability for pro-abortion Democrats. As Dannenfelser and congressional Republicans have suggested, the appropriations bill has a more difficult path to passage in the U.S. Senate. Democrats have a 50-50 majority in the upper chamber, with Vice President Kamala Harris casting the tie-breaking vote. However, Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., who serves on the evenly divided Senate Appropriations Committee, told Bloomberg News last month that he was going to support Hyde in every way possible, raising questions about Democrats ability to pass a bill without Hyde Amendment protections. The bills approval by the House Appropriations Labor, Health and Human Services, and Related Agencies Subcommittee comes after President Joe Biden released a budget proposal that did not include Hyde Amendment protections and House Democrats made it clear that they would work to eliminate the Hyde Amendment if Democrats gained complete control of the federal government. Last year, DeLauro indicated that while the Labor/HHS/Education bill has carried the Hyde Amendment every year since 1976, this is the last year. Democrats hold a narrow majority in the House and pro-life groups are already working to ensure the defeat of the bill in the full House. The pro-life group Democrats for Life of America held Mobilize for Hyde rallies at the offices of 12 House Democrats who had previously supported Hyde or have identified themselves as pro-life Democrats in the past, noting that based on the current makeup of the chamber, We only need 5 of them to commit to save it. Mobilize for Hyde rallies took place Friday at the local offices of Reps. Sanford Bishop, D-Ga., Brendan Boyle, D-Pa., Matt Cartwright, D-Pa., Troy Carter, D-La., Jim Cooper, D-Tenn., Henry Cuellar, D-Texas, Mike Doyle, D-Pa., Marcy Kaptur, D-Ohio, Conor Lamb, D-Pa., Jim Langevin, D-R.I., Steve Lynch, D-Mass., and Tim Ryan, D-Ohio. None of the aforementioned lawmakers serve on the aforementioned subcommittee. The failure of the fiscal year 2022 appropriations package for the Department of Health and Human Services to include Hyde Amendment protections is not the first time that congressional Democrats have snubbed the longstanding ban on taxpayer funding for abortions this year. The coronavirus stimulus package passed earlier this year failed to include Hyde Amendment protections for its funding streams that fall outside of existing limits on abortion funding. Fiscal year 2021 concludes on Sept. 30 and a budget for fiscal year 2022 must pass before midnight on Oct. 1 to avert a government shutdown. If the two chambers of Congress cannot come to an agreement, lawmakers might elect to pass a continuing resolution to fund the government at existing levels by approving a package funding most of the federal government for a short period of time. Cornel West resigns from Harvard U over 'spiritual rot,' blasts 'superficial diversity' Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Notable academic and progressive African American philosophy professor Cornel West has announced his resignation from his position at Harvard University in Massachusetts, citing what he called spiritual rot. West posted a copy of his letter of resignation to his official Twitter account on Monday, getting 70,000 likes and more than 13,000 retweets as of Tuesday morning. This is my candid letter of resignation to my Harvard Dean. I try to tell the unvarnished truth about the decadence in our market-driven universities! Let us bear witness against this spiritual rot, tweeted West, the grandson of a Baptist minister and democratic socialist civil rights activist. In the June 30 letter, West cited numerous issues he had with Harvard Divinity School. Those include the disarray of a scattered curriculum, the disenchantment of talented yet deferential faculty, and the disorientation of students. With a few glorious and glaring exceptions, the shadow of Jim Crow was cast in its new glittering form expressed in the language of superficial diversity, he wrote. West also cited alleged anti-Palestinian bias, a dispute over whether to give him tenure and an inadequate response from the Ivy League institution to the passing of his mother. His comments about the disrespect for the pro-Palestinian movement likely stem from a recent report by The Harvard Crimson that the school invests approximately $200 million in companies said to be tied to Israeli settlements in Palestinian territory. In March, West had already openly expressed his plans to leave Harvard for Union Theological Seminary of New York City due to the dispute over granting him tenure. There are wonderful people at Harvard; we know that, West told The Boycott Times in an interview at the time. But I discovered that I can only take so much hypocrisy. I can only take so much dishonesty. Harvard has actually done very well in terms of bringing different peoples of different colors and gender at a high level into the administration. But it does not yet translate on the ground in terms of faculty. West was previously a tenured professor at Harvard but left the school in 2002 and returned to a non-tenured position with Harvard in 2017. A prolific author and philosopher, West is known for his public debates and dialogue with conservative Catholic political philosopher and Princeton University law professor Robert P. George. The two are an "ideological odd couple" that have teamed up to promote tolerance in an increasingly divided America. They have spoken out against efforts to silence free speech on college campuses. Last November, the two spoke during a Museum of the Bible event in Washington, D.C., centered on the issue of showing honesty and civility, even during times of intense political polarization. During his remarks, given virtually, West discussed the importance of loving enemies, noting that even the biggest gangsters among us know to show tender loving care for their loved ones. I try to remind people of that in terms of brother [Donald] Trump himself, said West. What looks like so often he just doesnt have this love, and he doesnt have this empathy, doesnt have this concern, doesnt have this sensitivity. Yes, I believe there is a lot of evidence for that. Thats why I have called him a gangster. But I was a gangster before I met Jesus," West continued. "And now I am a redeemed sinner with gangster proclivities. Because he, like me, made in the image of the same God and therefore has the possibility of going another way. Critics fear Biden plan to extend public education by 4 years could be 'developmentally damaging' Biden plan would add 2 years of preschool, 2 years of community college Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment President Joe Biden announced his Build Back Better plan, which would guarantee four additional years of free public education, fulfilling his campaigns platform to begin investing in American children from birth. However, conservatives fear the initiative promotes more government control while overstepping the role of the family. The plan extends two years of "universal, high quality" preschool for children as young as 3 and two years of free community college. The fact is 12 years of education is no longer enough to compete in the 21st Century, Biden tweeted. Thats why my Build Back Better Agenda will guarantee four additional years of public education for every person in America two years of pre-school and two years of free community college. The fact is 12 years of education is no longer enough to compete in the 21st Century. Thats why my Build Back Better Agenda will guarantee four additional years of public education for every person in America two years of pre-school and two years of free community college. President Biden (@POTUS) July 7, 2021 Many conservatives fear the plan would expand the federal governments influence and involvement in public school education while undermining the family's influence. Rebecca Friedrichs, former public school teacher and founder of For Kids and Country, an organization seeking to restore the education system to the excellence, morality and patriotism intended by the Founding Fathers, sent an email statement to The Christian Post comparing Bidens Build Back Better education plan to socialism. "The Biden-Harris administration's 'Build Back Better' plan is a pleasant-sounding cover for their socialist agenda for our children, Friedrichs wrote. Guaranteeing two years of 'universal, high-quality' free preschool and two years of free community college equates to four more years of indoctrination, a scheme to promote more government control over our children's lives while undercutting the family structure, she continued. 'Free' education is nothing more than a power grab to get more families dependent on the government." Friedrichs was the lead plaintiff in a 2016 Supreme Court case, Friedrichs v. California Teachers Association, seeking to free public sector employees from paying annual union dues. Max Eden, a research fellow who focuses on education reform at the nonpartisan think tank often associated with conservativism American Enterprise Institute believes this program could do more harm than good. "The Biden administration is seeking to turn Americas K-12 [public] education system into a standardized pre-K-14 system," Eden wrote to CP. "At the higher education level, the investment is somewhat redundant as community college is already largely free for low income students," he continued. "For the earlier years, though, this proposal runs a very serious risk of building out a public pre-k system that could, in balance, prove more developmentally damaging than supportive." Biden campaigned on the Build Back Better platform, seeking to reimagine and rebuild the American economy. One of the policies areas of the plan focuses on education. First lady Jill Biden worked in education for over 30 years, making education essential to the Biden policy agenda. In order to maintain our competitiveness, our current system of kindergarten through 12th grade education is essential but no longer sufficient, Bidens education platform states. "Roughly 6 out of 10 jobs in the United States require education beyond a high school diploma. And, too many parents dont have access to the resources and support they need to support and ensure their children are developing healthily." The Biden campaigns education platform also promises to build an education system that begins investing in our children at birth to help all students receive "some education past a diploma. The campaign promised that as president, Biden would work with states to offer high-quality, universal pre-kindergarten for all three- and four-year-olds. This investment will ease the burden on our families, help close the achievement gap, promote the labor participation of parents who want to work, and lift our critical early childhood education workforce out of poverty, the platform states. In 2019, then-Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., proposed a bill that would extend the school day at hundreds of schools to 10 hours a day, keeping children in school until 6 p.m. to help parents with childcare. Called the Family Friendly Schools Act, the bill's goal was to align the school day with the work day." About 44 states already offer some form of public preschool, but their policies vary, according to the National Institute for Early Education Research at Rutgers University. Six states do not offer state funding for preschool. Biden's plan seeks to provide prekindergarten to all 3 and 4-year-olds. Under the proposal, the federal government will provide states with funding to create programs that expand the pre-K offerings, according to The Wall Street Journal. Additionally, states would have to put up some of their own funding and meet standards. Among critics of the plan are Republican politicians, including Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey. A spokeswoman for Ivey told the newspaper that the governor opposes the universal pre-K proposal, calling it "a top-down approach [that] would simply not be beneficial to us. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, warned that the proposal sounds like an attempt to "hijack the state and local governments entirely and operate everything out of Washington, D.C." "I would be very skeptical of that," he said, according to WSJ. Democrat politicians, on the other hand, are more supportive of the proposal. This [is an] issue that families and employers alike are clamoring for additional support on, and so I do suspect that we would be able to find common ground, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said, according to WSJ. And I can tell you I would be motivated to lead those efforts. The U.S. public education system has been the subject of a lot of contention lately due to parents standing up to critical race theory and sex education being taught in classrooms in various localities and states. Parents and teachers have also objected to the push to affirm transgender identities in some school districts. Email Whatsapp Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment An old story tells of a big, successful store with a plaque in the employees lounge which read: Rule 1: The customers always right. Rule 2: If you ever think the customer is wrong, reread Rule 1. I bring this up because the public-school education establishment (to be distinguished from the rank-and-file teachers, many of whom are dedicated public servants), often treat their customers as if theyre wrong, and as if the education elites know better than the parents. School choice is the ultimate answer to Americas educational crisis, and there ought to be bipartisan agreement on it. School competition makes education better, and gives all parents more options for their children. Even though the Left opposes it adamantly, some newspaper outlets surprisingly spoke out recently in favor of school choice. Foxnews reports: The liberal Washington Post editorial board on Thursday broke rank with the left and pondered why Democrats are so opposed to giving poor children a choice in schooling. The Washington Post opined, "For 17 years, a federally funded K-12 scholarship program has given thousands of poor children in D.C. the opportunity to attend private schools and the chance to go on to college. And for many of those 17 years, the program has been in the crosshairs of unions and other opponents of private school vouchersTheir relentless efforts unfortunately may now finally succeed with House Democrats and the Biden administration quietly laying the groundwork to kill off this worthy program." What a tragedy. And who will suffer the most? Inner-city families. The Left is all about power. But true public service is always about empowering others, regardless of their socio-economic background, so that people can fulfill their God-given destiny. The pandemic over the past year and a half showed how the teachers unions held hostage many schools from re-opening. During the shutdown, many parents discovered the option of homeschooling. In an interview for Christian television, Mike Donnelly of the Home School Legal Defense Association told me, The U. S. census bureau issued a report recently that showed that homeschooling households doubled from about 5 and a half percent, before the virus, to over almost 12%. Homeschooling is not as radical as it sounds. Many of our founding fathers and key American leaders, like Abraham Lincoln, were home-taught. In August 2020, Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council, observed, If there was one positive outcome I could point to from the Coronavirus Pandemicwas the fact that public schools were shut down and kids were at home. Parents were to a larger degree involved in what their kids were learningAnd Ive heard from a number of parents, who are now rethinking education in terms of how theyre going to go about it post-Coronavirus pandemic. Fast forward to the present time and we see many parents revolting against some of what the educational establishment is trying to cram down their throats, such as Critical Race Theory (CRT); a racist set of doctrines disguised in anti-racist garb. CRT is a Marxist attempt to destroy America from within by teaching that white people always oppress minorities. Always. When parents learn about CRT-type curricula in their schools, they have spoken out against it. Even many minority parents and parents in heavily Democratic areas have opposed it. It certainly flies in the face of the goals of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., that America becomes color-blind and judge people according to the content of their character not the color of their skin. But the major teachers unions have not backed down from the teaching of CRT. With the unions blessing, about 5000 teachers recently pledged to teach CRT, even if its illegal. For example, President Randi Weingarten, the president of the American Federation of Teachers, promises to legally defend members of their union who teach CRT, even if in that particular school district it is illegal. CRT has different manifestations in our schools. Gary Bauer notes in his End of Day: For example, at least 25 school districts around the country are using a book called Not My Idea. Here's how Amazon describes the book: Not My Idea is the only children's picture book that roots the problem of racism in whiteness and empowers white children and families to see and dismantle white supremacy. School choice seems to be the best answer to our educational crisis, of which CRT is just the latest manifestation. And yet the Democrats are trying to shut it down, as in the poor sections of the District of Columbia. Ironically, those who claim to champion choice, by which they mean killing pre-born babies, want a one-size-fits-all approach to education in a diverse country like America. I think the teachers unions need to reread Rule 1. Click here to read the full article. Mika Brzezinski, Nicolle Wallace and Jonathan Capehart are among the MSNBC anchors taking on new programming duties but not on MSNBC. MSNBC will expand its streaming-video channel, renamed The Choice From MSNBC, by adding several hours of new daily programming to the entity, and developing new shows. The Choice is found on Peacock, and the move represents the latest effort by one of the nations big TV-news outlets to gain new traction with viewers gravitating toward on-demand sessions with streaming venues. Im so proud that today on MSNBCs 25th anniversary we are expanding our footprint and investing in even more robust streaming programming on Peacock, said Rashida Jones, president of MSNBC, in a prepared statement. Jones hinted earlier this week that the company would have announcements regarding The Choice. Starting Thursday, The Choice will add a new program to its lineup. MSNBC Perspectives, slated to air at 5 p.m. weekdays, collects analytical segments from across MSNBCs morning, primetime and weekend programming. NBCU has been experimenting with highlights shows. NBC News Today recently launched Today in 30, a show that aims to recap each weekdays four hours of Today morning programming for mobile audiences. MSNBC is walking a tightrope upon which many other mainstay TV-news organizations must tread. The networks want to use the anchors and correspondents who show up regularly on their most-watched outlets to lure audiences to streaming. But theres concern about cannibalizing the audiences already tuning in to see the news in linear fashion. More news outlets are ramping up the amount of programming they provide for streaming outlets. ABC News is making special programs tied to the latest headlines for Hulu. Fox News Channel recently agreed to make available its popular primetime shows from Tucker Carlson, Sean Hannity and Laura Ingraham via its Fox Nation streaming service the morning after the programs aired on its mainstay cable outlet. MSNBC will provide other streaming programing as well. Weekend anchor Jonathan Capehart will launch a weekly program for The Choice in August that ties MSNBC more closely with The Washington Post. The Washington Posts First Look with Jonathan Capehart will feature debriefs with Post journalists, with the anchor also moderating a roundtable discussion with opinion writers and columnists from the news outlet. The hour is also expected to include newsmaker interviews. MSNBC is developing three other series that will be exclusive to the streaming outlet. Michael Beschloss, who serves as a presidential historian for MSNBC, will host Fireside History with Michael Beschloss, in which he will use footage from the NBC News archives as well as live interviews to offer perspective on issues in the news, such as voting rights, as well as news stories from the past. On Morning Mika, slated to debut later this year, Brzezinski will talk with newsmakers, experts and Washington insiders on the biggest stories of the day. Nicolle Wallace, who hosts MSNBCs late-afternoon show Deadline: The White House, will host a series, with details to be released at a later date. MSNBCs Morning Joe team Joe Scarborough, Mika Brzezinski and Willie Geist will continue to host commentary and analysis programming tied to major events for The Choice. Sign up for Varietys Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer It's been a long time coming for Texas' beloved Luby's chain, but new life finally seems to be in reach. It was announced in June that the entire Fuddruckers franchise would be sold to Black Titan Franchise Systems in an $18.5 million deal. While this means a lot for the community, it means even more to Nicholas Perkins who is now the first African American to oversee the burger chain's 92 locations. Rain doesn't just bring floods and flowers. It apparently also awakens creatures that appear to come from the depths of hell. Big Bend National Park in Texas shared a photo this week of a visitor near a campsite: A vinegaroon, a sort of ungodly land lobster that can shoot acid from its tail. HIDE YOUR ORCHIDS: Houston man writes hilarious post after burglar steals his plants And, apparently, this vinegaroon is on the hunt for "food and love." Aren't we all? Vinegaroons are also known as "whip scorpions" and hunt other insects for food. They can also shoot a "well-aimed" spray of 85% acetic acid (or, vinegar, hence the name) from their tails as a defense mechanism. And if they weren't already terrifying enough, they also have large pincers. The park said in its post that the summer rains lure vinegaroons from their burrows. Luckily, you probably won't see any around Houston. Vinegaroons are most commonly found in west Texas but have been spotted in the Panhandle and in south Texas, according to Texas A&M's Field Guide to Common Texas Insects. WHY?: 5 things Houston needs more than another golf course inside the Loop If you do happen to be out in the desert and spot a vinegaroon, you're probably going to be fine "unless you happen to annoy them." While they aren't poisonous, they can still pinch. And you'll have to deal with the lifelong psychological effects of coming into contact with one. As with most demonic arachnids, it's best to leave them be. Photo by Rafa Elias/Getty Images The latest alcohol sales report from the state of Texas shows that travelers have returned in force to a reopened world. More alcohol was sold from the three Pappas restaurants inside Hobby Airport's central concourse than anywhere else in Houston for the entirety of June and it's by a long shot. LEVELLAND, Texas (AP) Authorities captured the suspect late Thursday following an hourslong police standoff where one officer was killed and four others were wounded in a small West Texas city. Omar Soto-Chavira, 22, was injured when he was taken into custody around 11:30 p.m. at a home in Levelland, police Chief Albert Garcia told reporters. The suspect was being transported to a hospital in Lubbock for treatment, Garcia said. The extent of the suspect's injuries was not disclosed. Authorities used robots to enter the home, then deployed gas which drew Soto-Chivara out of the residence, Lubbock County Sheriff Kelly Rowe said at the briefing. The standoff between the suspect and law enforcement had begun at the home around 1 p.m. after someone reported a man as possibly armed along the residential street in Levelland, about 30 miles (50 kilometers) west of Lubbock. The confrontation escalated quickly, gunfire erupted as the suspect barricaded himself inside a house, and a standoff ensued. Three of the wounded officers were taken to a Lubbock hospital. Sgt. Josh Bartlett of the Lubbock County Sheriffs Office was taken to Covenant Health Levelland hospital and died of his wounds, according to a sheriffs office statement. Bartlett was the commander of the sheriffs tactical unit. Levelland police Sgt. Shawn Wilson was in critical but stable condition in University Medical Center in Lubbock after surgery, said Garcia. The other three officers were treated for minor injuries and had been discharged from the hospital, he said. Hockley County Sheriff Ray Scifres had said the suspect had a history of contact with police. He also said Bartlett, leader of the Lubbock County Sheriffs Offices SWAT command, was a nine-year veteran of the department who had served overseas in the U.S. Army. Josh was a true servant, Rowe said. He personified the true professional in law enforcement, especially here in Texas law enforcement. It was not immediately clear what prompted the man to open fire or to barricade himself in the house. However, the standoff capped a string of events that began at 11:17 a.m. Thursday as a state trooper was conducting a traffic stop, Garcia said. During that traffic contact, he had a separate individual that was driving recklessly, and as he reported to us, appeared to be trying to bait him into some type of confrontation, Garcia said. At 1:12 p.m. Thursday, Levelland police received a report that the complainant's neighbor was acting strange and was walking around with what appeared to be a large gun, Garcia said. Arriving officers determined the neighbor's pickup truck matched the description that the trooper provided of the vehicle with the apparently provocative driver at the wheel. Garcia said investigators believed the man was alone in the house. Concerned about the report that the man was armed, a police negotiator tried to open talks with the suspect, who was hostile and did not want a discussion, Garcia said. Moments later, the suspect opened the front door to the house and opened fire on the Levelland officers. We did return fire, but it did not appear that we struck the suspect at that time, the chief said. Backup was called from the Lubbock County Sheriff's Office tactical squad and the Hockley County Sheriff's Office. It wasn't long thereafter that we had additional shots fired, and we had officers that were injured, Garcia said. The hospital where the Lubbock County deputy died, Covenant Health Levelland, is situated less than a mile from the standoff scene and placed itself on lockdown to ensure the safety of our patients, caregivers, and visitors and has deployed additional security officers to the hospital. Media outlets at the scene reported gunfire was ongoing throughout the standoff, and nearby residents were urged to leave their homes. Some who declined to leave were advised to stay at the rear of their houses and stay low, Garcia said. Police, deputies and other emergency crews from throughout the region responded to the incident, along with the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Texas Rangers, the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and other federal agencies, Garcia said. The Rangers would lead the investigation after the standoff concluded. Levelland is the Hockley County seat and a local oil, cotton and cattle center that is home to about 13,500 residents. ___ This story has been corrected to attribute a quote to Lubbock County Sheriff Kelly Rowe, not Hockley County Sheriff Ray Scifres. The story was previously corrected to show that the deputy died at a Levelland hospital. A Lubbock Sheriffs Deputy is dead and four other law enforcement officials from Levelland and Lubbock were injured during a standoff with a shooter in Levelland on Thursday. Sgt. Josh Bartlett, commander of the Lubbock County Sheriffs Office SWAT Team, lost his life in the line of duty. First off, lets just say Josh was a true servant, said Lubbock County Sheriff Kelly Rowe. Bartlett was a veteran of the United States Army who completed several overseas tours before coming back to the states and getting involved with Lubbock Countys tactical operations and SWAT. I cant even begin to suggest what that kind of loss means to us at this point in time, Rowe said. Levelland Police Chief Albert Garcia said a member of his team, Sgt. Shawn Wilson, was also injured and transported to UMC in Lubbock where he underwent surgery and was listed in critical condition Thursday night. He noted other injured officers had been treated and released. Hours before, a Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper was in the process of conducting a traffic stop down the highway around 11:17 a.m. when a reckless driver attempted to allegedly tried to bait the trooper, Garcia said. The Trooper described the vehicle as a white Chevrolet pickup. Hockley County Sheriff Deputies and the Levelland Police Department were notified and began a search but were unable to locate the reported vehicle. About 1 p.m., dispatch received a call from a Levelland resident reporting their neighbors strange behavior. The individual was reportedly armed. Upon arrival, the same pickup reported earlier was located in the driveway. Because we didnt have information about whether this weapon was real or not, we took precautions, Garcia said. Local law enforcement agencies made contact and attempted to start negotiations. It became clear the suspect was not interested in talking with Levelland PD and minutes later, the suspect fired at the responding officers. The officers returned fire and called in for support from Hockley County and the Lubbock County SWAT Team. The latter of which arrived within 24 minutes and began to set up command, Garcia said. Officers were injured during the next round of gunfire a short while later. The neighborhood where the standoff occurred was immediately evacuated as the situation began to unfold. Those who refused to evacuate were instructed to lay low and use caution. By about 9 p.m., Levelland citizens were still being instructed to stay away from the area. The scene remained active as of about 9:20 p.m. when the multi-agency press conference wrapped. Garcia said multiple agencies from across the south plains including Hale County Sheriffs Office showed up in Levelland to assist. He also noted the presence of Levelland PD, Lubbock County SO, Texas Department of Public Safety, Lubbock PD, Hockley County SO, ATF, Homeland Security, FBI and US Marshals Office, and law enforcement officials from Littlefield, Lynn County and Brownfield, to name a few. Im sure Im missing a few other agencies, Garcia acknowledged. Hockley County Sheriff Ray Scifres, who spoke briefly during the press conference, said the agencies intentionally did not release the name of the suspect on Thursday until after the standoff came to an end. During an address to media at 9 p.m., Scifres noted that the individual has had prior contact with local law enforcement agencies. It was also noted that the suspect seemed to be monitoring social media. Law enforcement officials gave another update just before midnight and released the name of the suspect, who was in custody at that point. Omar Soto Chavira, 22, was taken into custody with injuries. Rowe said Chavira was taken into custody with the help of special robotic technologies used by law enforcement to get into the residence. It was noted that Chavira was the only individual in the residence and the only one arrested. The Texas Rangers will take over the investigation when the situation is resolved and more details regarding how the situation unfolded could be released in the next few days, said Rowe. On Thursday, area law enforcement was focused on supporting their fellow officers and getting the standoff resolved. Around 8:30 p.m., videos surfaced across social media of the countless law enforcement and civilian vehicles escorting Sgt. Bartlett back to Lubbock. Obviously its a bad day for us, said Rowe. WICHITA, Kan. (AP) A 3-year-old Nevada boy has drowned in an above-ground pool located in the backyard of a rural Kansas home, authorities said. The Sedgwick County Sheriff Department identified the child as Chasson Carver of Las Vegas. He died at the scene, the sheriff's department said Friday in a news release. Deputies were dispatched to a drowning at 3:46 p.m. Thursday at a residence located about 19 miles west of Wichita. During the investigation, deputies learned the child got into the pool without the knowledge of his guardians. The sheriff's office says circumstances of the drowning are under investigation. ISLAMABAD (AP) Afghan government forces battled Friday to retake a border crossing with Pakistan from Taliban insurgents, and the Reuters news agency said one of its photographers was killed in the area. The Taliban had overrun the Spin Boldak crossing earlier in the week. On Friday, witnesses on the Pakistan side of the border said they saw intense fighting and reported seeing bodies. Afghan Interior Ministry spokesman Tariq Arian later tweeted that the government had retaken control of Spin Boldak. Reuters said Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer Danish Siddiqui, who was embedded with the Afghan special forces, was killed as the commando unit sought to recapture Spin Boldak. The agency said Siddiqui and a senior Afghan officer were killed in what they described as Taliban crossfire. "We are urgently seeking more information, working with authorities in the region, Reuters President Michael Friedenberg and Editor-in-Chief Alessandra Galloni said in a statement. Siddiqui was an Indian national. Afghanistan's ambassador to India, Farid Mamundzay, tweeted his condolences. The Taliban have overrun dozens of districts in Afghanistan since the start of the final phase of the withdrawal of U.S. and NATO troops, after a 20-year military presence. The U.S. says its withdrawal is 95% complete. The fighting at Spin Boldak was confirmed by Fawad Aman, Afghanistans deputy defense ministry spokesman. The Associated Press also obtained footage of fighters, apparently Taliban, receiving treatment in a hospital in the Pakistani border town of Chaman. In an interview with The Associated Press, U.S. peace envoy for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad expressed surprise at the Talibans rapid sweep through swaths of Afghanistan, and said that a long-term comprehensive cease-fire may have to wait for the two sides to reach a political deal. Still, he said he will press for a reduction in violence on the ground. I did expect some increased Taliban hold on territories that they were surrounding but had not yet captured, but the speed with which and the amount of territory that they have acquired is unexpected, Khalilzad said, speaking to the AP on the sidelines of an international conference Friday in neighboring Uzbekistan. The gathering focused on the situation in Afghanistan. But I believe that there is no military solution despite the progress that the Taliban have made," Khalilzad added. For the war to end there has to be a political agreement. The United States will not recognize a government imposed by force. The Taliban will not be treated as a normal, legitimate player if there isnt a political settlement," the U.S. envoy also said. And the likely scenario of an attempt to impose by force a government will be Taliban isolation and a long war for Afghanistan. The three countries that had recognized the Taliban government during their rule Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have all said they would not recognize another Taliban government that comes to power by force. Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan are fraught with suspicion. Afghanistan routinely accuses Pakistan of giving safe haven to the Afghan Taliban, whose leadership is headquartered in Pakistan's southwestern Baluchistan provincial capital of Quetta. The Chaman border crossing opposite Spin Boldak is also in Baluchistan province. Afghanistan and the United States have criticized Pakistan in the past for allowing Taliban fighters to cross into Pakistan to receive medical treatment. Nearly 2 million Afghan refugees also live in Pakistan, having fled decades of war in their homeland. Pakistan has used its influence over the Taliban to press the insurgents into talks with the U.S. and the Afghan government. In the latest round of accusations, Afghanistan's vice-president, Amrullah Saleh, tweeted that Pakistan's air force warned the Afghan army and air force against trying to dislodge Taliban from Spin Boldak, an accusation Pakistan dismissed. In response, Pakistan issued a statement saying 40 Afghan soldiers slipped across the border to Pakistan during the Taliban takeover of the crossing earlier this week. The soldiers were returned to Afghanistan with respect and dignity, said the statement, which added that Pakistan also offered Afghanistan's security force any logistical support it needed. ___ Associated Press writer Rahim Faiez in Kabul, Afghanistan, and AP videojournalist Mstyslav Chernov in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, contributed to this report. BOISE, Idaho (AP) Anti-government activist Ammon Bundy has asked a judge to throw out his conviction for trespassing at the Idaho Capitol and acquit him instead because he says the state's trespassing law should not be applied to public property. Idaho's courts, like many states, allow defendants to ask the judge for an acquittal within several days of a jury verdict. The move is seldom made, however, and rarely successful. It stems from Bundy's arrest on Aug. 25, 2020, after he refused to leave an auditorium in the Statehouse after officials ordered it to be cleared. Officers also said he went limp and refused to stand up and put his hands behind his back. Officers ultimately wheeled him out of the Capitol building on a swivel chair. The arrest came during a special session of the Idaho Legislature that was called so lawmakers could address issues related to the coronavirus pandemic. Bundy was among dozens of demonstrators many of them members of his People's Rights organization who attended the special session to protest because they were angry about coronavirus-related restrictions. During one of the protests, unmasked protesters joined by Bundy forced their way into a House gallery with limited seating, shattering a glass door. Bundy's arrest came the next day in an auditorium that was being used for lawmakers considering a measure on coronavirus-related liability. The meeting was halted and switched to another room after more than 100 protesters shouted down the lawmakers. Most attendees then left, but Bundy and some others decided to stay even after officers told them the room was closed to the public. In court documents filed Thursday, Bundys attorney, Seth Diviney, asked the court to toss the guilty verdict returned July 1 and acquit Bundy of misdemeanor trespassing and misdemeanor resisting or obstructing officers. Diviney contends that Idahos trespassing law is unconstitutionally vague, saying reasonable visitors to the Statehouse wouldnt know whether the auditorium is open or closed to the public during normal business hours. Bundy was sentenced to three days in jail but credited for time already served. Fourth District Magistrate Judge David Manweiler also ordered Bundy to complete 48 hours of community service and pay a $750 fine. Bundy also filed two statements from Idaho lawmakers supporting his claims. Rep. Judy Boyle and Sen. Christy Zito both Republicans who testified on Bundy's behalf at trial say the Legislature never intended the trespassing law to be applied to public property. During the trial, witnesses, including state House Speaker Scott Bedke, testified that the auditorium sometimes is open to the public, like during legislative hearings, but closed when it is not in use or when legislative leaders determine that shutting it is necessary to maintain decorum and order. Bedke also noted that parts of the Statehouse are generally closed to the public at times, including lawmakers' offices. Shortly after the jury returned the guilty verdict, Bundy tweeted that he had no intention to appeal, saying, The people of Idaho have spoken and I will serve my sentence as ordered. Bundy garnered international attention when he led a group of armed activists in the 2016 occupation of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in Oregon to protest federal control of public lands. He and others were eventually arrested, ending the 41-day occupation. An Oregon jury later acquitted Bundy of all federal charges in that case. In 2014, Bundy, several of his brothers and his father led an armed standoff in Nevada with Bureau of Land Management agents who tried to confiscate his fathers cattle for grazing on public land without a permit. He spent almost two years in federal custody before the judge later declared a mistrial. Ammon Bundy is running to be Idaho's next governor as a Republican in a crowded race. He moved to the state shortly after the occupation at the wildlife refuge but acknowledged at his trial that he has never registered to vote in Idaho. WASHINGTON (AP) President Joe Biden is nominating former New Mexico Sen. Tom Udall to serve as his ambassador to New Zealand and Samoa. Udall, a Democrat, retired in 2021 after two terms in the Senate representing New Mexico. He spent five terms in the House and served as New Mexico's attorney general. He comes from a family well known for public service: his father Stewart Udall served as interior secretary, his uncle Mo Udall was a congressman from Colorado and his cousin Mark Udall was a senator from Colorado Having dedicated my life to public service and having served as a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee focusing on policies that promote democracy, international development, and conservation, I am honored to be nominated by President Biden to this next role serving our great country," Udall said in a statement. Udall is the third former Senate colleague that Biden has tapped for an ambassadorial position. He's also nominated Ken Salazar, a Democrat who represented Colorado and served as Interior secretary in the Obama administration, to serve as ambassador to Mexico, and Jeff Flake, an Arizona Republican who endorsed Biden's 2020 run, to serve as ambassador to Turkey. Biden is also expected to nominate Democratic fundraiser Jane Hartley to serve as his ambassador to the United Kingdom, according to a person familiar with the decision who was not authorized to comment publicly. It was not immediately clear when the White House would formally announce the appointment of Hartley, who served as ambassador to France and Monaco during the Obama administration. She was a significant fundraiser for Biden's 2020 run for the White House. The White House declined to comment about Hartley's pending nomination, which was first reported by the Washington Post. Hartley served as chief executive of the economic and political advisory firm Observatory Group, director of congressional relations for the Department of Housing and Urban Development and in the Carter administration. She is married to Ralph Schlosstein, chief executive of investment bank Evercore. The UK ambassadorship is one of the most high profile diplomatic postings and often comes with an expectation that the nominee can foot the bill for entertaining on behalf of the United States. Former President Donald Trump turned to New York Jets owner Robert Woody Johnson for the London posting. Barack Obama turned to businessman Matthew Barzun and lawyer Louis Susman during his time in office. Robert Tuttle, a Californian who made his money in the car dealership business, held the post under George W. Bush. Biden is also considering nominating Democratic fundraiser George Tsunis, founder and CEO of Chartwell Hotels, to serve as ambassador to Greece, according to two people familiar with the White House deliberations. Tsunis was nominated by Obama in 2013 to serve as ambassador to Norway, but gave up on consideration after a difficult Senate confirmation hearing. Tsunis acknowledged during the hearing that he had not visited Norway and mistakenly referred to the countrys head of government as president rather than prime minister. The White House is weighing Tsunis at the urging of Sen. Robert Menendez, a New Jersey Democrat, according to two people familiar with the administration's deliberations. Menendez, as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has important influence over the pace of confirmation hearings for the ambassadorial nominees. The White House also announced Friday that Biden was nominating three career foreign service officers to ambassadorships: Caryn McClelland to Brunei Darussalam, Michael Murphy to Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Howard Van Vranken to Botswana. ___ Madhani reported from Chicago. ATLANTA (AP) Atlanta's mayor is proposing a $70 million effort to reduce violent crime in the city, including hiring 250 more police officers, working to alter violent behavior and tracking repeat offenders to make sure they're convicted. Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms on Friday also proposed installing 10,000 more streetlights, cracking down on illegal after-hours clubs, and adding 250 license plate reader cameras. The Atlanta City Council would have to approve the spending. Bottoms, who has said she isn't running for a second term this year, said those are the recommendations of her Anti-Violence Advisory Council. The mayor had announced some of the plans previously in March. Crime looms as the top issue in Atlanta city elections this fall. Bottoms wants the effort to be coordinated by a new office of violence reduction in the mayor's office. She said the crime prevention office would coordinate efforts across multiple departments. The plan includes expanding work by a group called Cure Violence citywide. The group tries to intervene to prevent retaliatory shootings, meeting with people on the street and in hospitals. It also tries to encourage people prone to violence to change their behaviors and encourage non-violent norms in the entire community. Bottoms said a Cure Violence pilot program in neighborhoods just south of downtown Atlanta showed meaningful results. Bottoms said $50 million would come from public funding, while the city would try to raise $20 million from private sources. Bottoms told local news outlets that government spending would have to be shifted from other departments. The city has a roughly $2 billion budget, but only about a third of that is part of the general fund and easily shifted. Atlanta already spends more than $200 million a year on police. People will have to understand that for us to implement these recommendations, we are going to have to cut somewhere else, Bottoms said. But she said the spending is needed because when our communities arent safe, or when they dont feel safe, nothing else really matters. The mayor's plan comes before a state legislative hearing planned Monday on what state government should do to reduce violence in Atlanta and a day after Gov. Brian Kemp blamed Bottoms for the increase in Atlanta crime rates. A lack of elected leadership in our capital city is creating an anti-police, soft on crime environment, which is allowing violent crime to skyrocket and (which) endangers the safety and security of families across the metro Atlanta area, WSB-TV reported Kemp said Thursday after meeting with the leadership of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Republican state elected officials have focused almost exclusively on crime in the city of Atlanta even though other Georgia areas have seen increases in violent incidents, including Augusta, Columbus, Macon and Savannah. A number of other cities nationwide have also seen spikes in shootings and homicides. Bottoms repeated her contention that Atlantas crime wave rose from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, a claim Kemp has rejected. Because our state was open, and there were many people coming into our city, we were starting to see an uptick in crime before many other major cities, and unfortunately what we saw was just not something happening in Atlanta, Bottoms said Friday. Atlanta Police Chief Rodney Bryant said Friday that police have slowed the rate of increase in violent crime. He said police department morale has improved after last year, when protesters repeatedly confronted officers in the streets following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis and Rayshard Brooks, who was shot outside a fast food restaurant in Atlanta. After Officer Garrett Rolfe was criminally charged in Brooks' death, many Atlanta officers protested by not showing up to work. The morale of our police officers was tremendously low, Bryant said. We are beginning to see that tide turn." LAKE OZARK, Mo. (AP) A confrontation between rival motorcycle gangs in a popular Lake of the Ozarks tourist spot has left one man dead and four people injured. Dan Field, a spokesperson for the city of Lake Ozark, told The Kansas City Star that authorities can't yet say which motorcycle clubs were involved in Thursday night's confrontation. The victims had not been identified Friday. ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) With New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo set to be questioned Saturday, investigators appear close to finishing an investigation into the sexual harassment and misconduct allegations that have shadowed him for months. As Cuomo faces potential impeachment over his behavior, lawmakers who have been reserving judgment on his political future are awaiting a report on the investigations findings. The probe overseen by state Attorney General Letitia James, a fellow Democrat, is not a criminal inquiry but it could have significant influence on an impeachment inquiry in the state legislature that could result in the third-term Democrat's removal from office. Any findings from the investigation that corroborate the allegations could sway impeachment proceedings or add to already sizable pressure for Cuomo to leave voluntarily. Cuomo will be questioned in Albany, the states capital, near the end of a four-month process that has included interviews with many of the governors accusers and the turning over of documents. Cuomos accusers gave sworn depositions to investigators, meaning they were under oath and faced the possibility of perjury charges if they lied. Andrew G. Celli Jr., an attorney who was chief of the civil rights bureau in the attorney generals office from 1999 to 2003, said he expects that Cuomo will be questioned under the same conditions. Im sure it will be respectful but it will be rigorous. It will be detail oriented. It will not be a conversation or a chat or a discussion. It will be this question and answer format. Its very much unlike a press conference," said Celli, who is now at the firm Emery Celli Brinckerhoff Abady Ward & Maazel LLP. Though the investigation is not criminal in nature, Celli said Cuomo can assert his Fifth Amendment right and refuse to answer questions he feels may incriminate him. The timing of Cuomos interview with investigators was confirmed Thursday to The Associated Press by two people familiar with the investigation. They were not authorized to speak publicly about the case and did so on condition of anonymity. Cuomo, in office since 2011, has rebuffed those calls and is moving forward with plans to run for a fourth term next year. Rivals, though, see a Cuomo weakened by scandal as politically vulnerable. Cuomo raised $2.3 million from January through June down from $4 million in the second half of 2020, according to campaign finance filings released late Thursday. James, who is independently elected and does not report to the governor, hired former Acting U.S Attorney Joon Kim and employment discrimination attorney Anne Clark in March to lead the inquiry. Their findings will go in a public report. Several women have accused Cuomo of unwanted kisses, touches and groping and inappropriate sexual remarks. Former aide Lindsey Boylan said Cuomo once suggested a game of strip poker aboard his state-owned jet. Another former aide, Charlotte Bennett, said Cuomo made sexual advances by making unwelcome comments, including asking if she ever had sex with older men. Cuomo initially apologized and said he learned an important lesson about his behavior around women and would fully cooperate" with the investigation. Since then, he's denied that he did anything wrong and questioned the motivations of accusers and fellow Democrats who have called for his resignation. Cuomo's spokesperson, Rich Azzopardi, on Thursday claimed without evidence that leaks about Cuomo's interview were more evidence of the transparent political motivation of the attorney generals review. Debra Katz, Bennett's attorney, said the governor is deflecting from his own conduct by trying to attack the attorney general and the investigation. It suggests hes trying to give himself an out if he doesnt like what they come up with, Katz said. There is no deadline for completing the investigation. A 2010 probe Cuomo oversaw as attorney general into his predecessor, Gov. David Paterson, lasted about five months. The state Assemblys Judiciary Committee, which is conducting the impeachment inquiry, also has the power to subpoena documents and witness testimony. It could rely on work done by the attorney generals team of investigators, or gather its own evidence. The scope of its inquiry goes beyond Cuomos conduct with women. The governor is also under fire for his handling of the COVID-19 crisis in the states nursing homes. The committees work could result in the drafting of articles of impeachment against Cuomo, though that outcome is far from certain. Cuomos campaign has paid $285,000 in legal fees to a firm representing him as he faces the sexual misconduct allegations. Taxpayers are on the hook for nearly $760,000 in legal fees to a law firm representing the governors executive chamber as federal prosecutors probe how the Cuomo administration reported coronavirus deaths of nursing home residents, according to the campaign finance filings. ___ Sisak reported from Port St. Lucie, Florida. Associated Press writer Michael Balsamo contributed from Washington, D.C. BERLIN (AP) Emergency workers in western German and Belgium rushed Friday to rescue hundreds of people in danger or still unaccounted for as the death toll from devastating floods rose to more than 120 people. Authorities in the German state of Rhineland-Palatinate said 63 people had died there, including 12 residents of an assisted living facility for disabled people in the town of Sinzig who were surprised by a sudden rush of water from the nearby Ahr River. In neighboring North Rhine-Westphalia state officials put the death toll at 43, but warned that the figure could increase. RELATED: Recovery effort at collapsed Florida building could end soon German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier said he was stunned by the devastation caused by the flooding and pledged support to the families of those killed and to cities and towns facing significant damage. In the hour of need, our country stands together, Steinmeier said in a statement. Its important that we show solidarity for those from whom the flood has taken everything. Rescuers sought to save people trapped in their homes in the German town of Erftstadt, southwest of Cologne. Regional authorities said several people had died after their houses collapsed when the ground beneath them sank suddenly. Aerial photos showed what appeared to be a massive sinkhole. We managed to get 50 people out of their houses last night, county administrator Frank Rock said. We know of 15 people who still need to be rescued. Speaking to German broadcaster n-tv, Rock said authorities had no precise number yet for how many had died in the flash floods that turned roads into wild raging torrents, ripping up cobblestones, collapsing homes and flipping parked cars into piles of rubble. One has to assume that under the circumstances some people didn't manage to escape," he said. Authorities were still trying to account for hundreds of people listed as missing, but cautioned that the high number could be due to duplicated reports and difficulties reaching people because of disrupted roads and phone service. After Germany, where more than 100 people have died, Belgium was the hardest hit by the floods that caused homes to be ripped away. Belgian Interior Minister Annelies Verlinden told the VRT network Friday that the country's official confirmed death toll had grown to 20, with 20 other people still missing. Water levels on the Meuse Rriver that runs from Belgium into the Netherlands remains critical, and several dikes were at risk of collapsing, Verlinden said. Authorities in the southern Dutch town of Venlo evacuated 200 hospital patients due to the looming threat of flooding from the river. Flash floods this week followed days of heavy rainfall in Western Europe. Thousands of people remained homeless in Germany after their houses were destroyed or deemed at-risk by authorities. The governor of North Rhine-Westphalia, who is hoping to succeed Chancellor Angela Merkel as the nation's leader after Germany's election on Sept. 26, said the disaster had caused immense economic damage to the country's most densely populated state. The floods have literally pulled the ground from beneath many peoples feet, Gov. Armin Laschet said at a news conference. "They lost their houses, farms or businesses. Federal and state officials have pledged financial aid to the affect areas, which also includes the state of Rhineland-Palatinate, where at least 60 people died and entire villages were destroyed. Malu Dreyer, the governor of Rhineland-Palatinate state, said the disaster showed the need to speed up efforts to curb global warming. She accused Laschet and Merkels center-right Union bloc of hindering efforts to achieve greater greenhouse gas reductions in Germany, Europes biggest economy and a major emitter of planet-warming gases. Climate change isnt abstract anymore. We are experiencing it up close and painfully, she told the Funke media group. Steinmeier, the German president, echoed her calls for greater efforts to combat global warming. Only if we decisively take up the fight against climate change will we be able to limit the extreme weather conditions we are now experiencing, he said. Experts say such disasters could become more common in the future. Some parts of Western Europe ... received up to two months of rainfall in the space of two days. What made it worse is that the soils were already saturated by previous rainfall, World Meteorological Organization spokesperson Clare Nullis said. While she said it was too soon to blame the floods and preceding heat wave on rising global temperatures, Nullis added: Climate change is already increasing the frequency of extreme events. And many single events have been shown to be made worse by global warming. Defense Ministry spokesman Arne Collatz said the German military had deployed over 850 troops to help with flood effeorts but the number is rising significantly because the need is growing. He said the ministry had triggered a military disaster alarm. Italy sent a civil protection officials, firefighters and rescue dinghies to Belgium to help in the search for missing people from the devastating floods. In the southern Dutch province of Limburg, which also has been hit hard by flooding, troops piled sandbags to strengthen a 1.1-kilometer (0.7 mile) stretch of dike along the Maas River and police helped evacuate low-lying neighborhoods. Caretaker Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said the government was officially declaring flood-hit regions a disaster area, meaning businesses and residents are eligible for compensation. Dutch King Willem-Alexander visited the region Thursday night and called the scenes heart-breaking. Meanwhile, sustained rainfall in Switzerland has caused several rivers and lakes to burst their banks. Public broadcaster SRF reported that a flash flood swept away cars, flooded basements and destroyed small bridges in the northern villages of Schleitheim und Beggingen late Thursday. Erik Schulz, the mayor of the hard-hit German city of Hagen, 50 kilometers (31 miles) northeast of Cologne, said there had been a wave of solidarity from other regions and ordinary citizens to help those affected by the floods. We have many, many citizens saying I can offer a place to stay, where can I go to help, where can I registered, where can I bring my shovel and bucket?, he told n-tv. The city is standing together and you can feel that." ____ Associated Press writers Geir Moulson and Emily Schultheis in Berlin, Raf Casert in Brussels, Nicole Winfield in Rome, Angela Charlton in Paris, Mike Corder in The Hague and contributed to this report. ALEXANDRIA, Va. (AP) A former senior NASA employee who cheated the government out of nearly $275,000 in pandemic-related financial assistance has been sentenced to 18 months in prison. The sentence imposed Thursday on Andrew Tezna, 36, of Leesburg, Virginia, was roughly in line with the 21-month sentence sought by federal prosecutors in Alexandria. Tezna's lawyer had asked for a sentence of home detention. DENVER (AP) A Colorado father was convicted Friday of second-degree murder and child abuse resulting in death in the 2012 disappearance of his 13-year-old son. Mark Redwine, 59, was indicted in 2017 in connection with the disappearance of Dylan Redwine, who was reported missing on Nov. 19, 2012, while on a court-ordered Thanksgiving visit to his fathers home outside the city of Durango. Redwine did not show any reaction when the verdicts were read as he stood with his hands clasped in front of him. Dylan Redwines remains were found a few miles from his fathers home in 2013, and hikers found his skull in 2015. Prosecutors argued that Redwine killed Dylan in a fit of rage after they argued over embarrassing photos of Redwine wearing womens lingerie and eating feces from a diaper. Dylans older brother testified that Dylan discovered the photos before he went missing. Redwine, who didnt testify at trial, told investigators he left Dylan alone at home to run errands and returned to find him missing. Defense attorneys suggested the photos have no connection to Dylan Redwines death and that the boy ran away and may have been killed by a wild animal. The case drew national attention when Redwine and the boys mother, Elaine Hall, leveled accusations at each other during appearances on the syndicated Dr. Phil television show in 2013. This has been an extremely difficult case for everybody involved, Judge Jeffrey Wilson said before the verdict was read. Its been difficult for the parties, for the attorneys, for their staff. Its been difficult for the families, the entire community. Jurors delivered their verdict after less than a day of deliberations. Hall testified at trial that she sent Dylan to his fathers house on Nov. 18, 2012, learned he was missing the next day and immediately drove six hours to southwestern Colorados La Plata County to search for her son. Hall said she had no knowledge of her son confronting his father about the photos. Hall almost immediately suspected her ex-husband wasnt telling the full truth about their sons disappearance, text messages introduced as evidence suggested. Two hours after learning Dylan was missing, Hall texted Mark Redwine. He wouldnt just leave, she wrote. He would have called me. I am so suspect of you right now. How could he just disappear? Public defender Justin Bogan suggested that her account was tainted by a contentious divorce and custody battle with Redwine. Bogan also suggested that Halls appearance on national TV turned public opinion against her ex-husband and influenced the direction of the police investigation. Hall insisted she spoke with media and attended a protest at Mark Redwines house in an effort to bring Dylan home. I figured he was safe because he was with his dad, and I was devastated that no one knew where my son was, she said. Throughout the trial, prosecutors doubled down on the compromising photos of Redwine, arguing the father-son relationship was in decline long before Dylans disappearance. Prosecutors also focused on comments Dylan made to family and friends about dreading the court-ordered visit. Public defender John Moran said during his opening statements that Dylan ran away from home and suggested he could have been attacked by a bear or a mountain lion. He referred to an injury on Dylans skull as a tooth mark. A forensic anthropologist, Diane France, testified that Dylan suffered a fracture above his left eye. Two marks on the boys skull were likely caused by a knife or sharp tool at or near the time of death, France said. Meanwhile Redwines defense said in closing arguments that expert testimony had showed Dylans skull was still in a peri-mortem state in 2015. He said that means it retained elasticity and wetness, making it susceptible to environmental factors like animal scavenging for three years before it was discovered. Bogan called the investigation biased and sloppy because of evidence destruction by an expert who broke off a piece of Dylans skull during their examination and a scientist who revealed in court that the prosecution gave police reports to them before their testimony. Fred Johnson, special deputy district attorney, told jurors that investigators found traces of Dylans blood in Redwines living room and that a cadaver-sniffing dog alerted them to the smell of human remains in the back of Redwines truck and on his clothing. But Moran said the infinitely small amount of blood found in the living room is likely to be found in anyones house. He also referred to the use of the dog as junk science. Redwine was arrested in Bellingham, Washington following a grand jury indictment in 2017. At the time, prosecutors said compromising photographs were a point of contention between Redwine and Dylan. They didnt elaborate. Redwines sentencing hearing is scheduled for October. ___ Nieberg is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on under-covered issues. TORONTO (AP) Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Thursday Canada could start allowing fully vaccinated Americans into Canada as of mid-August for non-essential travel and should be in a position to welcome fully vaccinated travelers from all countries by early September. Trudeau spoke with leaders of Canadas provinces and his office released a readout of the call. He noted that if Canadas current positive path of vaccination rate and public health conditions continue the border can open. Canada would be in a position to welcome fully vaccinated travelers from all countries by early September, the readout said. He noted the ongoing discussions with the United States on reopening plans, and indicated that we could expect to start allowing fully vaccinated U.S. citizens and permanent residents into Canada as of mid-August for non-essential travel. Trudeau noted Canada continues to lead G20 countries in vaccination rates with approximately 80% of eligible Canadians vaccinated with their first dose and over 50% of eligible Canadians fully vaccinated. He said case numbers and severe illness continue to decline across the country as vaccination rates continue to increase. In the early days of the pandemic, the U.S. and Canadian governments closed the more than 5,500-mile (8,800-kilometer) border to nonessential traffic. With increasing vaccination rates and dropping infection rates, some were annoyed the two governments hadnt laid out detailed plans to fully reopen the border. Canada began easing its restrictions earlier this month, allowing fully vaccinated Canadians or permanent legal residents to return Canada without quarantining. But among the requirements are a negative test for the virus before returning, and another once they get back. Pressure has been mounting on Canada to continue to ease the restrictions at the border, which have been in effect since March of last year. Providing exemptions for travel into Canada amid the pandemic is politically sensitive and Trudeau is expected to call a federal election next month. Trudeau said his ministers would share more details on the border early next week. Commercial traffic has gone back and forth normally between the two countries since the start of the pandemic. Canadians are able to fly into the United States with a negative COVID-19 test. The U.S. Travel Association estimates that each month the border is closed costs $1.5 billion. Canadian officials say Canada had about 22 million foreign visitors in 2019 about 15 million of them from the United States. Tom Webb, a 63-year-old retired US navy pilot from Orchard Park, New York, said he's seriously thinking of selling his cottage in Georgian Bay, Ontario after not being to access it for almost two years. He is vaccinated. I am beyond frustrated, he said. Canadian officials have said they would like 75% of eligible Canadian residents to be fully vaccinated before loosening border restrictions for tourists and business travelers. The Canadian government expects to have enough vaccine delivered for 80% of eligible Canadians to be fully vaccinated by the end of July. The U.S. only allowed for exports of vaccines into Canada in early May. Major League Baseball and the Toronto Blue Jays are hoping to win an exemption to allow for home games to be played in Toronto starting July 30. Allowing unvaccinated players into the country remains a sticking point but protocols will be put in place. The Blue Jays played home games during the shortened 2020 season in Buffalo, New York and started this season in Dunedin, Florida, before moving to Buffalo. The Canadian government didnt allow the team to play at home in Toronto because of the risk of spreading COVID-19, citing frequent travel required in the U.S. during a baseball season. SUWANEE, Ga. (AP) Georgia's largest school district is bringing one of its own home to take over as superintendent after board members ousted a longtime leader. The Gwinnett County Board of Education voted 5-0 Thursday to name Calvin Watts as its sole finalist to become the district's superintendent. Watts has been superintendent of the 26,000-student Kent, Washington, school district since 2015. But before that, Watts worked for 13 years in Gwinnett County as the district sprawled to its current 177,000 students, rising from assistant principal at an elementary school to assistant superintendent for school improvement and operations. I proudly accept this opportunity to serve as your next superintendent, Watts told school board members during a Thursday night meeting via videoconference. I look forward to seeing you and working with you very soon. The board must wait 14 days by state law before it can confirm its choice of Watts. He would be the first Black superintendent in Gwinnett County. Watts would follow Alvin Wilbanks, who has led the district for 25 years. Board members voted in March to fire Wilbanks a year earlier than he had planned to retire, after a new majority took over the school board. Wilbanks will now leave on July 31, although the board will keep paying him his $621,000 in salary and other compensation through June 2022. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that 27 people applied during the search, which was run by the Georgia School Boards Association. That's fewer than the number of people who applied to be superintendent in Buford, DeKalb County and Atlanta in recent years. Wilbanks' ouster has underlined tensions in a district that was once overwhelmingly white but is now 33% Hispanic, 32% Black, 19% white, 11% Asian and 4% multiracial. The district grew into a powerhouse under Wilbanks leadership, opening school after new school and creating a principal training program to cultivate its own leaders. Its reputation has been a magnet for new residents. The county developed a homegrown curriculum and homegrown exit exams under Wilbanks, imposing requirements beyond the state for students to graduate. Gwinnett also launched a merit pay system for teachers that drew complaints that it was harder for teachers who work in high-poverty schools to earn top pay. Wilbanks and other district leaders faced criticism that they were out of step with the diverse population. In 2019, for example, some protested racial disparities in school discipline. Some teachers also protested last year when the district, like most in Georgia, pushed forward with in-person classes in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. Like many other school districts nationwide, Gwinnett has also seen clashes in recent months over whether masks should be required and what teachers should tell students about race. Some of those clashes sparked complaints to accrediting agency Cognia, which is investigating and supposed to issue findings next month. ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) Gloria Richardson, an influential yet largely unsung civil rights pioneer whose determination not to back down while protesting racial inequality was captured in a photograph as she pushed away the bayonet of a National Guardsman, has died. She was 99. Tya Young, her granddaughter, said Richardson died in her sleep Thursday in New York City and had not been ill. Young said while her grandmother was at the forefront of the civil rights movement, she didn't seek praise or recognition. She did it because it needed to be done, and she was born a leader," Young said. Richardson was the first woman to lead a prolonged grassroots civil rights movement outside the Deep South. In 1962, she helped organized and led the Cambridge Movement on Maryland's Eastern Shore with sit-ins to desegregate restaurants, bowling alleys and movie theaters in protests that marked an early part of the Black Power movement. I say that the Cambridge Movement was the soil in which Richardson planted a seed of Black power and nurtured its growth," said Joseph R. Fitzgerald, who wrote a 2018 biography on Richardson titled The Struggle is Eternal: Gloria Richardson and Black Liberation. Richardson became the leader of demonstrations over bread and butter economic issues like jobs, health care access and sufficient housing. Everything that the Black Lives Matter movement is working at right now is a continuation of what the Cambridge Movement was doing," Fitzgerald said. In pursuit of these goals, Richardson advocated for the right of Black people to defend themselves when attacked. Richardson always supported the use of nonviolent direct action during protests, but once the protests were over and if Black people were attacked by whites she fully supported their right to defend themselves, Fitzgerald said. Richardson was born in Baltimore and later lived in Cambridge in Maryland's Dorchester County the same county where Harriet Tubman was born. She entered Howard University when she was 16. During her years in Washington, she began to protest segregation at a drug store. In 1962, Richardson attended the meeting of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee in Atlanta and later joined the board. In the summer of 1963, after peaceful sit-ins turned violent in Cambridge, Gov. J. Millard Tawes declared martial law. When Cambridge Mayor Calvin Mowbray asked Richardson to halt the demonstrations in exchange for an end to the arrests of Black protesters, Richardson declined to do so. On June 11, rioting by white supremacists erupted and Tawes called in the National Guard. While the city was still under National Guard presence, Richardson met with U.S. Attorney General Robert Kennedy to negotiate what became informally known as the Treaty of Cambridge. It ordered equal access to public accommodations in Cambridge in return for a one-year moratorium on demonstrations. Richardson was a signatory to the treaty, but she had never agreed to end the demonstrations. It was only the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 that began to resolve issues at the local level. She was one of the nation's leading female civil rights' activists and inspired younger activists who went on to protest racial inequality in the late 1960s and into the 1970s. Richardson was on the stage at the pivotal March on Washington in 1963 as one of six women listed as "fighters for freedom on the program. However, she was only allowed to say hello before the microphone was taken. The male-centric Black Power movement and the fact that Richardson's leadership in Cambridge lasted about three years may have obscured how influential she was, but Fitzgerald said she was well-known in Black America. She was only active for approximately three years, but during that time she was literally front and center in a high-stakes Black liberation campaign, and shes being threatened," Fitzgerald said. "Shes got white supremacist terrorists threatening her, calling her house, threatening her with her life. Richardson resigned from Cambridge, Maryland, Nonviolent Action Committee in the summer of 1964. Divorced from her first husband, she married photographer Frank Dandridge and moved to New York where she worked a variety of jobs, including the National Council for Negro Women. She is survived by her daughters, Donna Orange and Tamara Richardson, and granddaughters Young and Michelle Price. HONG KONG (AP) Hong Kongs national security police on Friday raided the office of a university student union after student leaders last week commemorated a man who killed himself after stabbing a police officer. Police raided the office at the University of Hong Kong and cordoned off the area around it. No students were in the office at the time. It was not clear if any arrests were made. Police confirmed that they are investigating the student union with cooperation from the university and that they collected evidence Friday under a search warrant. They did not release any further details. Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam earlier this week urged the university and police to take action after student leaders passed a motion expressing deep sadness and appreciating the sacrifice of the man who attacked the police officer. The man, identified as Leung Kin-fai, was described by police as a lone wolf domestic terrorist who was politically radicalized. On July 1, Leung stabbed a police officer with a knife before turning the weapon on himself. Leaders of the student union later apologized for passing the motion and stepped down from their posts. Despite the apology, the university issued a statement saying it no longer recognized the student union and would investigate the incident and take action against the students concerned. Beijing imposed a sweeping national security law in Hong Kong last year after months of anti-government protests in 2019 that included violent clashes between student-led protesters and police. Over a hundred pro-democracy activists have been arrested under the law, which outlaws subversion, secession, terrorism and foreign collusion to interfere in the citys affairs. Critics say the law has been used to stifle dissent in Hong Kong and restricts freedoms promised to the former British colony for 50 years that are not found on the mainland. Eds: This story was supplied by The Conversation for AP customers. The Associated Press does not guarantee the content. Kristina M. Lee, Colorado State University (THE CONVERSATION) City vehicles in Chesapeake, Virginia, will soon be getting religion. At a meeting on July 13, 2021, city councilors unanimously voted in favor of a proposal that would see the official motto of the U.S., In God We Trust, emblazoned on every city-owned car and truck, at an estimated cost to taxpayers of US$87,000. Meanwhile, the state of Mississippi is preparing to defend in court its insistence that all citizens, unless they pay a fee for an alternative, must display the same four-word phrase on their license plates. Gov. Tate Reeves vowed last month to take the issue all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court should we have to. In God We Trust became the national motto 65 years ago this month. But over the past few years a string of bills and city ordinances has sought to expand its usage and presence. Such efforts include legislation requiring or encouraging the motto be displayed in government buildings and schools, on license plates and on police vehicles. The rise of bills across the country at this time is no coincidence. It fits with a concerted effort by Christian nationalists who view the motto as a tool to help legitimize an agenda of passing legislation that privileges conservative Christian values. Christian nationalism is a political ideology that fuses conservative religious beliefs with a usually white American identity. Christian nationalists assume that the laws of the land should be based on Christian morals. As a scholar of religious and political rhetoric, I have observed how Christian nationalists are using what I call theistnormative legislation government-endorsed policies, rituals, laws and symbols that use vague religious references, such as God to encourage people to view the United States as a theistic collective that is to say, as a nation of believers in God. From coins to national motto Christian nationalists played a key role in getting In God We Trust put on coins during the Civil War and ever since have attempted to use the motto as proof that the United States is a Christian nation. Early Christian nationalists criticized the Founding Fathers for failing to recognize the United States as an explicitly Christian nation in the Constitution. An early Christian nationalist organization, The National Reform Association, pushed for a Christian Amendment that would correct what they called the original sin of not recognizing Jesus Christ in the Constitution. Their efforts failed. But Christian nationalists had better success in getting the more ambiguous motto In God We Trust put on coins in 1864. It followed a report to the U.S. Treasury by the director of the U.S. Mint, James Pollock, an active member of the National Reform Association, in which he asked: We claim to be a Christian Nation why should we not vindicate our character by honoring the God of Nations in the exercise of our political Sovereignty as a Nation? Amid fears of atheistic communism during the Cold War a century later, Christian nationalists in the U.S. again tried and failed to pass a Christian Amendment. But they again found success in advocating for legislation that used vague religious references, culminating in the adding of under God to the pledge of allegiance and making In God We Trust the national motto on July 30, 1956. Since it became the national motto, conservative Christians have used In God We Trust to justify opposing abortion rights and same-sex marriage by suggesting that they violate the principles embedded in the motto. Earlier this year, Mississippi state Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith justified legislation that would ban voter registration on Sundays by holding up a dollar bill and saying, This says, The United States of America, in God we trust. In Gods word in Exodus 20:18, it says remember the Sabbath and keep it holy. While most Christian nationalists claim to support religious freedom which would seemingly apply to all faiths most believe Christianity, specifically white conservative Christian values, should be privileged in the public sphere. 'Project Blitz Christian nationalists have increasingly turned to In God We Trust bills as a way to further legitimize their agenda. This is particularly evident in the Project Blitz initiative, led by the Congressional Prayer Caucus Foundation, which states its aim as restoring Judeo-Christian principles to their rightful place. Project Blitz started in 2015 with the purpose of blitzing the country with legislation advancing Christian nationalism. As David Barton, a leader in the initiative, explained in a 2018 conference call with state legislators: Its kind of like whack-a-mole for the other side; itll drive em crazy that theyll have to divide their resources out in opposing this. One such success in Project Blitz was in Chesapeake, where the Congressional Prayer Caucus Foundation is based. The organization successfully pushed for the motto In God We Trust to be displayed at the City Hall. After Project Blitz generated negative publicity in 2018, it was misleadingly rebranded as Freedom for All. During a recorded strategy meeting that was later circulated by the social justice think tank Political Research Associates, Lea Carawan of the Congressional Prayer Caucus Foundation explained, As soon as we understood that they knew they were on to us, we changed the name; shifted things around a little bit [] weve renamed and moved on but its moving just as strong and just as powerfully. Up to 2018, the initiative had helped more than 70 bills relating to their agenda get proposed. The group continues to have successes in getting legislation not only proposed, but also passed. According to BlitzWatch, a group tracking Project Blitz initiatives, this includes bills that support Bible readings in schools and policies that allow adoption and foster agencies and health care providers to deny services based on religious grounds. But it is the In God We Trust bills that have seemingly been the most successful for Project Blitz. Pushing Americas 'Christian heritage According to the initiatives 2020-2021 playbook which was obtained by the religion news website Religion Dispatches In God We Trust bills aim to recognize the place of Christian principles in our nations history and heritage. While those behind Project Blitz claim the bills are not about converting people to Christianity, they also argue that the U.S. should be a Christian nation whose laws and policies reflect Judeo-Christian or biblical values and concepts. As such, In God We Trust bills set the foundation for more explicitly conservative Christian legislation. The playbooks suggest In God We Trust bills can shore up later support for other governmental entities to support religious displays to help America accept its Christian heritage. The Congressional Prayer Caucus Foundation also recommends legislators push for other types of bills including, as stated in their 2018-2019 playbook, a resolution to establish policy favoring intimate sexual relations only between married, heterosexual couples. The risk of opposing What makes In God We Trust bills so successful is that they often receive bipartisan support. In Louisiana, for example, it was a Democratic governor who signed the 2019 bill requiring the motto be displayed in all schools. Politicians who do oppose In God We Trust bills run the risk of being labeled as anti-faith. Despite its being the national motto for only 65 years, Christian nationalists have framed In God We Trust as part of the U.S.s founding tradition. Moreover, the motto has become an important rhetorical weapon for Christian nationalists using it to advance their belief that governments and people are to trust in God, and more specifically their perception of a conservative Christian God. [Explore the intersection of faith, politics, arts and culture. Sign up for This Week in Religion.] The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts. The Conversation is wholly responsible for the content. CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) The Hubble Space Telescope should be back in action soon, following a tricky, remote repair job by NASA. The orbiting observatory went dark in mid-June, with all astronomical viewing halted. NASA initially suspected a 1980s-era computer as the source of the problem. But after the backup payload computer also failed, flight controllers at Maryland's Goddard Space Flight Center focused on the science instruments bigger and more encompassing command and data unit, installed by spacewalking astronauts in 2009. Engineers successfully switched to the backup equipment Thursday, and the crucial payload computer kicked in. NASA said Friday that science observations should resume quickly, if everything goes well. A similar switch took place in 2008 after part of the older system failed. Congrats to the team! NASA's science mission chief Thomas Zurbuchen tweeted. Launched in 1990, Hubble has made more than 1.5 million observations of the universe. NASA launched five repair missions to the telescope during the space shuttle program. The final tuneup was in 2009. NASA plans to launch Hubble's successor, the James Webb Space Telescope, by year's end. ___ 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. BAGHDAD (AP) A year later, Iraqi police arrested the shooter in the killing of a prominent public commentator whose slaying sent shockwaves through the country, officials said Friday. Iraq's prime minister declared that with the arrest, his government has fulfilled its promise to bring the perpetrators to justice. Hisham al-Hashimi was gunned down last July outside his home in Baghdad in a drive-by shooting that involved two attackers on a motorcycle. He was a well-connected security analyst who appeared regularly on Iraqi television and whose expertise was sought out by government officials, journalists and researchers. The killing of the 47-year-old al-Hashimi whose shooting was captured on a surveillance camera contributed to a prevailing atmosphere of intimidation and fear among activists in Iraq and highlighted the governments struggle to bring armed groups into line. Two security officials told The Associated Press that one of the men on the motorcycle, the shooter, was arrested two weeks ago and confessed to the crime before an investigative judge. The man was connected to a militia group, they said, but did not name which one. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to reporters. Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi tweeted the development: We promised to arrest the killers of Hisham al-Hashimi. We fulfilled the promise." Later Friday, state Iraqiya TV station broadcast footage of the alleged suspect, showing him confessing to his purported crime. The man identifies himself in the video as Ahmed Hamdawi Al-Kinani, a police officer with the rank of first lieutenant in the Interior Ministry. According to Iraqi law he will be sent to trial for sentencing following his confession. He did not implicate any militia group in his confession. It is not unusual that officers and officials in Iraq have connections to militias working without or with the state's endorsement. The government has struggled to reign them in, partly because they are so entrenched within the state structure. Security forces are still looking for at least six other individuals connected to the shooting, some of them believed to be abroad, the two officials told the AP. In his confession, al-Kinani said he had worked with four other accomplices. Killings of activists are pervasive in Iraq, with many blaming Iran-backed militias. Al-Hashimi, who had worked on a report about Iran-backed groups within Iraq's establishment before he was killed, had reportedly received threats from such groups. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) An Albuquerque married couple who pleaded guilty in 2019 but then failed to appear for sentencing in an $11 million fraud case involving a firm that provided guardianship and other services to people with special needs now face years in prison. A federal judge on Thursday sentenced Susan K. Harris to 47 years in prison and William S. Harris to 15 years and also ordered them to pay restitution to victims. BOSTON (AP) A man who says he was beaten by transit police in 2018 has filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against the MBTA and three of its officers. Anthony Watson, who was homeless when he was allegedly beaten on a Red Line train in Dorchester and held in jail for seven hours, is seeking compensation for physical and emotional harm, his attorney, Jeffrey Wiesner, told The Boston Globe for a story pubished Friday. 3 1 of 3 Nueces County ESD 2- Flour Bluff Fire VFD Show More Show Less 2 of 3 Nueces County ESD 2- Flour Bluff Fire VFD Show More Show Less 3 of 3 The suspected missing swimmer at Padre Island National Seashore has been found safe and alive in an unexpected place. According to 3News, Dale Scott, Fire Chief at Nueces County ESD No. 2, confirmed the man was found around 7 a.m. Friday ... when he showed back up to his hotel room. MEADVILLE, Miss. (AP) Friends and relatives gathered Thursday in a tiny town in southwestern Mississippi to dedicate a new state historical marker honoring two young Black men who were kidnapped and killed by Ku Klux Klansmen 57 years ago. Investigators found the remains of college student Charles Eddie Moore and lumber mill worker Henry Hezekiah Dee in a backwater of the Mississippi River in July 1964. It happened as officers were searching for three civil rights workers who had disappeared from central Mississippi the previous month. Military veteran Thomas Moore, 78, said Thursday that the new marker helps ensure his brother and their friend and high school classmate, Dee, will be remembered and that they won't just be footnotes in the history of what the FBI called the Mississippi Burning case the Klan killings of Michael Schwerner, James Chaney and Andrew Goodman. Moore, who lives in Colorado Springs, Colorado, told people Thursday under the hot summer sun in Meadville that while Black Lives Matter is a theme now, they mattered back then, too. James Ford Seale and Charles Marcus Edwards briefly faced state murder charges in the deaths of Dee and Charles Eddie Moore in 1964, but the charges were dismissed because local law enforcement officers were in collusion with the Klan, federal prosecutors said in 2007. Prosecutors said Seale was with a group of Klansmen in May 1964 when they abducted the two 19-year-olds from a rural stretch of highway, took them into the woods and beat and interrogated them about rumors that Black people in the area were planning an armed uprising. The victims were thrown in the trunk of a car, driven across the Mississippi River into Louisiana and then were weighted down and dumped into the water while still alive. Many people thought Seale was dead until 2005, when Thomas Moore and a Canadian broadcaster, David Ridgen, found him found living in a town near where the teens were kidnapped. Federal authorities opened a case, and Edwards became the governments star witness after he was promised immunity from prosecution. When jurors were out of the courtroom one day during Seale's 2007 trial, Edwards apologized to the victims' families. That released me from the cell I had locked myself in, Thomas Moore said Thursday, recalling the apology. A federal jury in Jackson, Mississippi, convicted Seale of kidnapping and conspiracy. He died in federal prison in 2011. Shannon Sieckert of Walnut Creek, California, has worked for a civil rights education organization and helped Thomas Moore apply for the Mississippi historical marker. The state needed to officially recognize these two men, that their lives mattered, that they were important, Sieckert said. Dunn Lampton, the U.S. attorney who prosecuted Seale, died in 2011 after being injured in a crash. His twin brother, Dudley Ford Lampton Sr., said Thursday that the prosecutor developed a bond of trust with Thomas Moore because both served in the military. Dudley Ford Lampton Sr. said his brother told him: 'If I can convict Mr. Seale, I believe justice will be done.' During the ceremony, Thomas Moore led about two dozen people in singing a gospel song: I will trust in the Lord til I die.... Im going to treat everybody right til I die.... Im going to stay on the battlefield til I die. ____ Follow Emily Wagster Pettus on Twitter at http://twitter.com/EWagsterPettus. WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) The Navajo Nation on Thursday reported 22 new COVID-19 cases and one more death. The figures released by the Navajo Department of Health brought the total number of cases on the vast reservation to 31,154 since the pandemic began. The death toll now is at 1,364. ELY, Minn. (AP) The Forest Service has announced new temporary travel restrictions in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness over concerns that large wildfires burning in Canada could spread across the border. The new closures include travel, campsites and portages along and near Iron and Crooked lakes along the Canadian border north of Ely, as well as some smaller lakes north of Gun Lake. The new closures, which take effect Saturday and will remain in place for at least a week, Minnesota Public Radio News reported. PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) Former President Jean-Bertrand Aristide returned to Haiti on Friday after a nearly a month in Cuba, thrilling hundreds of supporters who gathered at the airport at a time of tensions over the recent assassination of the country's leader. Aristide, a charismatic yet divisive figure in Haiti who was receiving unspecified medical treatment in Cuba, arrives back in a country simmering with tension over the July 7 assassination of President Jovenel Moise as new details about the investigation emerged. Colombian Police Chief Gen. Jorge Luis Vargas on Friday accused a former Haitian government official of ordering ex-Colombian soldiers to kill Moise. He said Joseph Felix Badio told Colombians Duberney Capador and German Rivera that what they have to do is kill the president of Haiti. Vargas said Badio gave that order roughly three days before the assassination during a meeting in Haiti with the two Colombians, who had been in the country since May 10. Capador was killed in a shootout with Haitian police hours after Moise was slain. Rivera remains detained in Haiti while police are still searching for Badio, who previously worked for Haitis Justice Ministry and then the governments anti-corruption unit until he was fired in May. More than 20 suspects accused of direct involvement in the slaying have been arrested, the majority of them former Colombian soldiers. At least three other suspects were killed, and police have said they are still looking for at least seven others. Colombias government has said only a small group of Colombian soldiers knew the true nature of the operation and that the others were duped. Marta Lucia Ramirez, Colombia's vice president, said Friday that the government is preparing a consular mission who will arrive in Haiti to help the detained suspects and repatriate the bodies of those killed. Also on Friday, Police Chief Leon Charles said 24 police officers that form part of the president's security detail have been invited for questioning. He did not say how many of them were on duty the night Moise was killed. Charles said a fifth high-ranking police official has been placed in isolated detention with four others, although none have been named as suspects. Interim Prime Minister Claude Joseph said the government will continue to bring those responsible to justice. We will continue to pose questions, he said. Officials also announced that Moise's funeral would be held July 23 in the northern city of Cap-Haitien. They added that his wife, Martine, who was critically injured in the attack and remains hospitalized in Miami, would attend. Meanwhile, the investigation continues. Tickets for most of the former soldiers, at least, were purchased through a Florida-based company, Worldwide Capital Lending Group, Vargas said Friday. Officials earlier said they had been bought by another Florida company, CTU Security, which allegedly recruited the men. Worldwide issued a statement Thursday saying it helped provide a loan to CTU, but said it was meant to help finance infrastructure projects sought by Christian Emmanuel Sanon, a Haitian physician and pastor who has been arrested in the plot. At no time during any meeting or conversation with Dr. Sanon or with any of his representatives was there any mention, discussion or suggestion of an assassination plot against President Moise or the intention to use force to bring about a change of leadership in Haiti, the company said. Meanwhile, throngs of Aristide supporters cheered when they saw the former president arrive. They had arrived a couple of hours before the plane landed, holding pictures of the former priest, some saying, The king is back! Aristide was taken home in an ambulance that made its way through the crowd. Some touched the vehicles windows before being pushed away by police. Some supporters lingered outside after the ambulance entered Aristides home, but the former leader did not come out and speak. Joel Edouard Pacha Vorbe, an executive committee member of Aristides Fanmi Lavalas party, told The Associated Press that Aristide is completely recovered, although he didn't have details about his condition. Neither Aristide nor the government have described the health issue. Aristides return adds a potentially volatile element to an already tense situation in a country facing a power vacuum. Aristide has long been one of Haitis most polarizing politicians and is still popular with many. Aristide became a global figure of resistance when, as a slum priest known for fiery oratory, he led a movement that ousted the hated dictator Jean-Claude Baby Doc Duvalier in 1986. He was elected president in 1990, forced out in a military coup a year later and restored to power by the U.S. military in 1994 to serve out the remainder of his term. As a champion of the poor and advocate of leftist liberation theology, he was deeply hated by members of the elite. Reelected in 2000, he was ousted four years later following student protests and a rebellion led by former supporters, opponents with ties to the elite and the old Duvalierist regime. Aristide spent seven years in exile in South Africa before returning in 2011. He has largely kept a low profile, except when campaigning for his party's unsuccessful presidential candidate in 2016. Joseph is currently governing Haiti with the backing of police and military, although he faces growing challenges to his power. While Haiti's government has asked for military help, U.S. President Joe Biden said Thursday that sending troops was not on the agenda." However, he said U.S. Marines would be deployed to boost security at the U.S. Embassy. Mathias Pierre, Haiti's elections minister, said he believes the door is still open for potential U.S. military assistance, noting that the country is in a fragile situation and requires a secure environment to hold elections in upcoming months. ___ Suarez reported from Bucaramanga, Colombia. AP journalists Fernando Llano and Pierre Richard contributed to this report. PRINEVILLE, Ore. (AP) A journeyman jockey who rode thoroughbreds and quarter horses around the Pacific Northwest was killed Wednesday at the Crooked River Roundup Horse Race in Prineville, officials said. The Jockey Guild said Eduardo Gutierrez-Sosa, 29, was based primarily out of Grants Pass, The Bulletin reported. He was married and had three children who were known to greet him after his races. The COVID-19 comeback across the U.S. is putting pressure on hospitals at a time when some of them are busy just trying to catch up on surgeries and other procedures that were put on hold during the pandemic. With the highly contagious delta variant spreading rapidly, cases in the U.S. are up around 70% over the last week, hospital admissions have climbed about 36% and deaths rose by 26%, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Friday. Some hospitals are reporting record or near-record patient volumes. But even for those that aren't, this round of the pandemic is proving tougher in some ways, hospital and health officials said. Staff members are worn out, and finding traveling nurses to boost their ranks can be tough. I really think of it as a war and how long can you stay on the front line," said Dr. Mark Rosenberg, president of the American College of Emergency Physicians. And how many times do you want to go back for another tour of duty. Eventually you just dont want to do it. Also, many hospitals were busy even before the surge began, dealing with a backlog of cancer screenings, operations and other procedures that were put off during the winter surge to free up space and staff members, according to health care leaders. Eventually you have to pay the piper, and those things have now built up, said Dr. James Lawler of the Global Center for Health Security at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha. The fear now at some hospitals is that they will have to postpone non-COVID-19 care again and risk the potential health consequences for patients. Dr. Laura Makaroff, senior vice president for prevention and early detection for the American Cancer Society, said cancer screenings dropped during the outbreak and have yet to return to normal levels in many communities. She warned that delays in screenings can result in cancers being detected at more advanced stages of the disease. COVID-19 deaths and newly confirmed infections across the U.S. are still dramatically lower than they were over the winter. But for the first time since then, cases are rising in all 50 states. And the nation's vaccination drive has slowed to a crawl, with only about 48% of the population fully protected. CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky warned that the outbreak in the U.S. is becoming a pandemic of the unvaccinated because nearly all hospital admissions and deaths are among those who hadnt been immunized. One of the most overwhelmed areas of the country is Springfield, Missouri, where public health officials begged the state this week to convert a dormitory, hotel or another large space for the care of less seriously ill COVID-19 patients so that the city's two hospitals can focus on the sickest. Mercy Springfield and Cox South have seen a sevenfold increase in coronavirus patients since late May, with Mercy treating pandemic-high numbers and Cox expected to break its own record next week. In Florida, UF Health Jacksonville is talking about setting up tents in the parking lot to help with the overflow after the number of COVID-19 in-patients doubled to 77 over the past couple of weeks. Chad Neilsen, director of infection prevention, said the hospital expects to surpass its January high of 125 COVID-19 in-patients in the next few weeks. Before the rise, the hospital had begun a push to bring back patients who had delayed care amid the pandemic. Now it is discussing canceling procedures, Neilsen said. To be telling someone, Sorry, we have to delay your hip surgery or your procedure because we have too many COVID patients who are largely unvaccinated, it is just not what we signed up to do in health care," he said. In Georgia, Augusta University Medical Center is busting at the seams as it handles medical procedures postponed because of the pandemic and deals with a spike in respiratory illnesses that usually hit in the wintertime, said Dr. Phillip Coule, chief medical officer. COVID-19 hospitalizations also have started inching up to around eight or 10 patients, from lows of one or two a day. While the numbers still remain far below the peak of 145 in January, Coule said he is watching the situation closely. In some ways I feel like we are a lot better off than we were before, he said, noting that the staff is safer because of vaccinations. In other ways, it worries we if we have to defer routine care again what the outcome will be. In California, Los Angeles County will again require masks indoors, even in people who have been vaccinated. Over the past three weeks, COVID-19 cases have doubled across Kaiser Permanentes 36 California hospitals, to more than 400. Dr. Stephen Parodi, who helped develop the surge plans for Kaiser Permanentes hospitals, said he is confident they can handle the influx, noting that the total is still less than 20% of the January peak. But he said the hospitals already were busy with people showing up at emergency rooms with more severe illnesses than they would have had if the problems had been detected sooner. At some point, illness doesnt wait for us, he said. The ability to defer additional care when you have already deferred for a year, year and a half, is just simply not an acceptable option. SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) The State Auditor's Office says New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham's spending from her contingency fund for items such as food and alcohol apparently didn't violate the law but said lawmakers should consider tightening up on what spending is allowed. The office's report released Wednesday said state law is unclear concerning on particular expenses are directly connected with the governor's duties or are privileges or allowances for state employees, the Santa Fe New Mexican reported. PHOENIX (AP) State wildlife officials and conservationists are offering up to $2,500 in reward money for information leading to the arrest and conviction of a suspect or suspects in the recent poaching of a desert bighorn sheep at Gillespie Dam southwest of Phoenix. The illegal harvest of the ram occurred the evening of July 10 south of Buckeye, the Arizona Game and Fish Department said Friday. Investigators said a group of five Asian males seen leaving the scene at approximately 8:30 p.m. in a gray sedan and a black sport utility vehicle that may have been involved. HOLLAND TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP) A marijuana shop in western Michigan has been pushed off its foundation after a Lexus sedan slammed into it. A 26-year-old motorist failed to negotiate an intersection about 2:30 a.m. Friday in Holland Township, left the roadway and struck the building, according to the Ottawa County sheriffs office. UNITED NATIONS (AP) The United Nations chief warned Friday that a hurricane of humanitarian crises around the world has left civilians in conflict areas paying the highest price and is compounded by a relentless wave of attacks on humanitarian and medical workers. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said humanitarian needs are outpacing the ability of the United Nations and aid organizations to meet them, turbocharged by the COVID-19 pandemic. We are in uncharted waters, he said in a speech to the U.N. Security Council read by Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed. The sheer scale of humanitarian needs have never been greater, Guterres said. The United Nations and our partners are seeking to reach 160 million people with assistance this year -- the highest figure ever. He cited Ethiopias Tigray region, Afghanistan, Yemen and Syria as examples of the bloody surge in humanitarian crises. From Tigray, he said, the U.N. has heard credible reports in the past few months of executions of civilians, arbitrary arrests and detentions, sexual violence against children and forced displacement on a massive scale. In Afghanistan, brutal attacks killed at least 24 civilians, including five health workers, during just one week in June, he said. Civilian casualties in the first quarter of this year increased by 29% compared to last year; the increase for women was 37%. The secretary-general said in Yemen, at least five civilians are killed or injured every day on average, 20 million people are in dire need of humanitarian aid, and five million are face-to-face with famine. And in last months attack on one of the largest hospitals in northern Syria, which killed 19 civilians including three children, one missile reportedly hit the emergency room and another hit the delivery room, he said. Guterres urged the Security Council to take strong and immediate action to support its resolutions on protecting civilians, humanitarian and health care workers, as well as hospitals, schools, water facilities and other humanitarian space. Around the world, he said, security incidents affecting humanitarian organizations including shootings, assaults, sexual violence, kidnappings and raids have increased tenfold since 2001. In Tigray, 12 aid workers have been killed since the conflict started in November 2020 and many more have been intimidated, harassed and detained, he said. So fair this year, Guterres said, the World Health Organization has recorded 568 incidents affecting the delivery of medical care in 14 conflict zones including shootings, shelling, threats, equipment removals, and the militarization of medical facilities causing 114 deaths of health care workers and patients. The secretary-general said it is becoming more difficult to provide aid to people in need, citing restrictions imposed by governments or parties to conflicts on the movement of humanitarian goods, long visa and customs procedures, delays at checkpoints, and high taxes and fees on supplies. He urged governments to support aid rather than blocking it, and to make sure their counterterrorism operations do not undermine humanitarian operations. Guterres also urged an end to practices that politicize humanitarian action including frequent attempts to interfere in humanitarian organizations selection of aid recipients and aid partners, counterterrorism legislation criminalizing humanitarian and medical activities and conversely politicians and military members portraying aid as part of their counterterrorism agenda. He also urged action to foster greater respect for international humanitarian law including training militaries, to hold accountable those responsible for attacks on humanitarian workers and to ensure that governments protect the ability of aid organizations to engage with all parties to conflict, including armed groups. The secretary-general called on the Security Council to use its influence to ensure that attacks against schools and hospitals cease immediately, and that these facilities and their personnel are protected. Robert Mardini, director-general of the International Committee of the Red Cross, echoed Guterres concern at the increasing gap between humanitarian needs and the ability to respond "because of the compounded crises and overlap of armed conflict, the consequence of climate change (and) increase of COVID cases in many places from Afghanistan to Tigray. Humanitarian budgets are under increasing pressure, he said, so we are dealing with these terrible dilemmas to be able to set priorities where the most pressing needs are. Mardini told the council meeting, which focused on protecting civilians and preserving humanitarian space, that humanitarian workers must be able to work in close proximity to those in need, and conflict-affected people and communities must be able to reach aid in a safe and dignified way. When there is no humanitarian space, he said, there is a dire lack of protection and assistance for those who need it most and humanitarian workers are put in mortal danger, far too many of them traumatized, missing, maimed or killed. He highlighted three ICRC concerns: the politicization and manipulation of humanitarian aid, countries insisting on armed escorts to ensure safety for those delivering aid often resulting in less safety and more security incidents, and the growing negative impact of sanctions and counter-terrorism measures on humanitarian aid. Mardini said divisions in the Security Council, notably on access to populations in need, are increasing suffering on the frontlines." France's Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian, whose country holds the council presidency and chaired the meeting, called the shrinking of humanitarian space extremely worrisome. He said the Security Council must raise awareness and reiterate the principles of humanitarian law, including to armed forces that are parties to conflict and to armed groups. The secretary-general said he has asked the new U.N. humanitarian chief to appoint a special adviser on the preservation of humanitarian space and access to strengthen negotiations on these issues. Le Drian announced that during Frances presidency of the European Union during the first half of 2022 it plans to organize a humanitarian conference along with the European Commission. PHOENIX (AP) U.S. officials say the number of migrant families they encountered at the border in June increased by 25% from the previous month even as summer temperatures rise in the deserts and mountain terrain of the southwestern borderlands. According to new numbers released Friday, U.S. Customs and Border Protection tallied 55,805 members of families with children in June, compared with 44,746 in May. While a large increase, the figure is far below the high of 88,587 in May 2019. Overall, officials say they saw 5% more encounters with migrants trying to cross the border in June compared with May but attributed much of that increase to repeated attempts by people trying to get into the United States. Pandemic-related powers that the government uses to rapidly expel most migrants from the country without allowing them to seek asylum has led to a larger-than-average number of migrants trying to cross multiple times, which means the numbers somewhat overstate how many are arriving at the border, Customs and Border Protection said in the monthly report. Being expelled carries no legal consequences, so many people try to cross multiple times. The Trump administration issued the public health order in March 2020 to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, and President Joe Biden has largely kept it in place. The new numbers show slightly more than a third of the 188,829 people encountered at the border in June had unsuccessfully tried to cross at least one other time in the previous 12 months. The CBP last month expelled 104,907 people under the pandemic powers. The Centers for Disease Control and Protection since October has offered an exception to that order for children traveling alone and announced Friday it would allow the exception to stand following a review, allowing those minors to avoid deportation. The CDC said it determined there is sufficient infrastructure in place to protect the children, caregivers, and local communities in the U.S. from the virus. The number of single adults encountered at the border fell in June, but they were the largest group of people trying to cross. Encounters with children traveling alone increased by 8% last month, to 15,253, compared with 14,137 in May. June's figure is still well below the high of 18,663 unaccompanied children encountered in March by the Border Patrol, which began publishing numbers in 2009. The number of children in CBP custody fell to 832 on June 30 from 5,767 at its peak on March 29. Although most border-crossers traditionally have been from Mexico and Central America, authorities have been noting growing numbers of migrants from other countries, including Ecuador, Venezuela, Brazil and Cuba. CBP officials in recent weeks have been expressing concerns about the dangers migrants face crossing through remote borderlands without water at the height of summer. We are in the hottest part of the summer, and we are seeing a high number of distress calls to CBP from migrants abandoned in treacherous terrain by smugglers with no regard for human life, CBP Acting Commissioner Troy Miller said in Friday's report. The bodies of an unusually large number of migrants who died in Arizonas borderlands are being recovered amid record temperatures in the sun-scorched desert and rugged mountains. An increase in migrant deaths also has been noted in Texas, and rescues are up throughout the border with Mexico. The nonprofit group Humane Borders, which maps the recoveries of bodies in Arizona using data from the Pima County Medical Examiners Office in Tucson, said 43 sets of human remains were found in the states border region last month the hottest June on record for Phoenix. Forecasters say highs in Phoenix, where temperatures last month regularly soared above 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43 Celsius), tend to be similar to those in Arizonas Sonoran Desert north of Mexico. Courtesy of U.S. Attorney's Office District of Columbia The FBI's presentation of Matthew Carl Mazzocco's social media bread crumb trail led him to plead guilty to his involvement in the January 6 Capitol riots. Mazzocco, 37, pled guilty to one count of parading, demonstrating or picketing in a Capitol building, according to plea deal documents put forward by his attorney Robbie Ward on July 2. Mazzocco was arrested in January. A. Fill the pool and build pickleball courts. That makes sense next to the tennis courts already there. B. Refurbish the pool and deed it back to the Beverly Hills Civic Association. C. Do away with the pool and build a fountain to bring people and families to the park. D. Fill the pool and construct a pavilion to enhance the community. Vote View Results Criminal inadmissibly what it is, why it matters, and how to overcome it. Canadian guide for international truck drivers with criminal records Criminal inadmissibly what it is, why it matters, and how to overcome it. Canadian guide for international truck drivers with criminal records Criminal inadmissibly what it is, why it matters, and how to overcome it. Canadian guide for international truck drivers with criminal records Criminal inadmissibly what it is, why it matters, and how to overcome it. Michael Schwartz Matt Hendler Aa Accessibility Font Style Serif Sans Font Size A A Canadas international trade depends on trucking, and Canadian trucking requires drivers a lot more, in fact. There are currently an estimated 20,000 vacant trucking jobs in the country. The need for labour is so great, for example, that Saskatchewan has created a specific long-haul truck drivers immigration stream. After the outbreak of coronavirus, Canada deemed international truckers essential workers. This status has exempted them from many of the main COVID19-related travel restrictions. Contact a criminality expert at the Law Firm of Campbell Cohen Trucking companies have an interest in hiring workers who can move between countries without any issues. A would-be trucker will want to make sure they are admissible to Canada. The same applies for truckers already employed: a recent offence can affect future travel. If you are currently employed as a truck driver or looking for a job, you will want to show you are eligible to enter Canada. A criminal record can pose problems to entry. Fortunately, there are potential solutions. How to Overcome Inadmissibility to Canada Overcome inadmissibility by clicking here: https://www.canadavisa.com/immigration-inadmissibility.html?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=Video&utm_campaign=CrimV Inadmissibility to Canada can arise from several factors. The most common, though, is a criminal past. Criminal inadmissibility will depend on the kind of crime and the sentence received. The most frequent offence seen amongst people who wish to come to Canada is driving under the influence (DUI). This term is sometimes known as driving while intoxicated or impaired (DWI). Canada takes DUI very seriously. In fact, since October 17, 2018, a person who drives under the influence can face up to ten years in prison. The DUI law applies to alcohol, cannabis, or any other restricted substance. If a person is convicted outside of Canada for a DUI that occurred after that date, they are inadmissible to Canada on the grounds of serious criminality. This status means, in theory, that the person is inadmissible to Canada forever. Other more serious offences, such as a felony in the US, can pose greater risks on entry to Canada due to the severity of the crime. However, there are solutions available to truck drivers. The right one will depend on each individuals situation. The Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) makes a person admissible to enter Canada for a set amount of time. The TRP may last for a single day or up to three years. A TRP may be valid only for one entry, or for multiple ones. A traveler such as a truck driver, may be able to show a need to enter Canada repeatedly over a period of time. Work that requires repeatedly crossing the border is ideal when applying for a TRP. This need will make applicants more likely to receive a longer permit, that also allows multiple entries. An individual can apply for a TRP in advance through a Canadian consulate or at a port of entry (POE). The POE path is only for American citizens or permanent residents. Also, it is typically discouraged for truck drivers. Being denied entry while transporting goods can affect future travel to Canada and employment. The process of applying at the consulate allows the applicant to obtain their TRP or at least find out whether or not they will get one in advance of a scheduled trip. Criminal rehabilitation is a process that can make people who were criminally inadmissible to Canada admissible again. Eligibility depends on factors such as the crime committed, the sentence and how much time has passed since the sentence was completed. Rehabilitation clears your past criminal record, for Canadian immigration purposes. If you have been convicted of a crime in a foreign country, and more than five years have passed since you completed your sentence, you are likely eligible to apply. In some cases the rehabilitation will be automatic. In others, though, you will have to prove why you deserve it. An approval means you would not require a TRP for entry. Criminal rehabilitation is also a permanent solution: unlike a TRP, rehabilitation never requires renewal. A legal opinion letter is another option. A Canadian immigration lawyer can draft a legal opinion letter with details concerning the persons charge and the lawyers legal conclusions on the situation. The purpose of the letter is to clarify the legal matter, identify risks and relevant Canadian law, and explain why the person should be deemed admissible to Canada. Contact a criminality expert at the Law Firm of Campbell Cohen CIC News All Rights Reserved. Discover your Canadian immigration options at CanadaVisa.com. Capabilities such as zero downtime and reliable performance are table stakes for true transformation, and organizations striving to succeed in the current landscape must focus on gaining agility, customer centricity, and actionable insights. Mastering them requires adopting a business model that allows enterprises to run and reinvent at the same time, leveraging their existing IT investments and resources while embracing more automation, artificial intelligence, and machine learning functionality. The Autonomous Digital Enterprise (ADE) future-state business framework is one such model for success. IDC recently hosted a webinar with Gur Steif, president of the digital business automation product line at BMC Software and Steven Elliot, program vice president for management software and DevOps at IDC, to talk about the current IT environment and where BMC customers are on their journey to becoming an ADE. Here are some key takeaways from their conversation. The changing role of IT and customers Steif set the stage by talking about the evolution of IT itself to this new digital path. Technologywent from something that only a select few in the data center understand to something that is prevalent. Now, you find IT-like job titles outside of the traditional IT organization. IT is no longer in a position to just tell people how to do things. They're a service provider. [And] customers have a solid understanding of technology, [too], he shares. [Years] ago, we'd have a few power users at every company [who] knew everything there was to know about our product and how to leverage everything out of it. Now, in every company, we have some of those, but we also have occasional users [and] Ive got to provide them access in a very self-service waythat is convenient for them to consume. It's a very different type of environment from an organizational perspective. [That] informed BMC as we came up with the Autonomous Digital Enterprise. Every company today needs to be a digital corporation or a digital enterprise. It always starts with a Transcendent Customer Experience, but to [do that], many things need to be in place. In the digital business automation business at BMC, [we] really help with three very important tenets of the ADE: Automation Everywhere, Enterprise DevOps, and the Data-Driven Business. And those are key for companies going through a digital transformation. Just to round out ADE, Adaptive Cybersecurity [is] key to everything that we do and any digital profit process. According to Elliot, those ADE tenets strike a common chord. At IDC, we're seeing many of those same themes at the C-suite. The role of automation [is] increasingly critical in driving business outcomes and really driving scale. As the last couple of years have showed, business agility and resiliency have become top of mind. And you really can't do that without automation, he says. Transformation during the pandemic Steif highlighted the business success of BMC customer Tampa General Hospital, which automated essential functions with Control-M at the height of the pandemic. One of the challenges around a pandemic is you have to know what's actually going on. Tampa General Hospital was able to use Control-M, our flagship product in the digital business automation business, to really drive information for the state, he explains. We're automating the dashboard that ended up on the desk of the Secretary of State and the Department of Health and everybody else [and it] truly helps the state of Florida understand what's going on. They were able to bring together more than 50 hospitals across six healthcare systems and [into] one dashboard in a matter of hours. Elliot points out that the implementation was an ideal example of reverse engineering to meet customer and business goals. With the business of healthcare, you start with patient care and build back from that in terms of the key business outcomes, patient outcomes, [and] quality of care outcomes that can be delivered through that great technology architecture, he says. Predicting and preventing failure with Control-M According to Steif, meeting KPIs and reducing mean time to repair (MTTR) alongside serving the customer needs and improving the customer experience is integral to BMCs mission, and that was achieved for another customer. Navistar [has] been around for over a hundred years. They make tractors, trucks, [and] farm equipment, not exactly the type of business that comes to mind [when you think about] digital, but they were able to completely reinvent their business, he says. Every piece of equipment you buy from them has hundreds of sensors and monitors, so it's really about the Internet of Things (IoT). Now they're using Control-M to collect information for all those different sensors, across tens, hundreds of thousands of equipment, farming equipment, trucks, etc. And they collect all that, bring it all into a big data lake, and spin it all in the cloudnot only from the IoT, but from their SAP system and from the mainframe about parts, inventory, the dealer network, and everything else. They're able to predict, based on IoT information, whether or not a particular [piece of] farm equipment or a truck is going to experience a failure. Because of that, they were able to reduce vehicle [and equipment] downtime by more than 40 percent [and] unplanned repairs by more than 80 percentand deliver IoT information five times faster. They're driving uptime of trucks [and] farm equipment, which are revenue-producing assets for their customers. And that's the beauty of what the Autonomous Digital Enterprise can accomplish. Communicate, communicate, communicate Elliot says its important to communicate and level set when coming up with the right transformation plan. So many of our customer conversations are around the people, process, technologythe applicability of automation across those swim lanes, [and recognizing that] it's best to put a strategy together, he shares. Automation is a two-way street. Work with your vendor to really drive that strategy. [Put] it down on paper. From a CIO perspective, it's a cross-team initiative. [Have] the conversations and you'll actually optimize your return on investment in those business projectsand optimize the teams and how they think about the role of automationfor these digital transformation projects. It's not just about the technology. [The] vendor and the customer have to come together, have great conversations, do the planning, set the KPIs and business outcomes early, and then execute. If you skip one [step], you just expose yourself to more business risks. Turning to SaaS Earlier this year, BMC expanded its Control-M offering to include the BMC Helix Control-M software-as-a-service (SaaS) solution, and Steif explains that customers are using both solutions. [BMC Helix Control-M] is just a perfect solution for some of those systems of innovation [and] smaller teams that are looking to really hit the ground running and start leveraging Automation Everywhere, the Data-Driven Business, and Enterprise DevOps in a very quick way [where] time to value is measured in minutes, explains Steif. A lot of customers are telling us, We're going to continue using on-prem Control-M for our on-prem data centers for our systems of record, and we're going to use BMC Helix Control-M SaaS for systems of innovation and systems of engagement, then for development teams that want more control and want to be able to innovate. Our commitment to SaaS, to continue to enhance, is helping customers. There's tremendous value for any company that continues their evolution to an ADE. They are able to better serve their customers. Looking ahead As tech has ascended in its business importance, more stakeholders have emerged across organizations. "DevOps teams, the system engineer teams, and every CEO now realize their company is dependent on a technology architecture and the organizational capabilities that they have, says Elliot. Tying it back to the communication and collaboration of teams, thinking about how these digital services are delivered, [they understand that] the role of automation and analytics [in] driving efficiencies from team collaboration is just so critical to their business, the revenue growth, the profitability, and their customer experiences. Being able to integrate existing applications with brand new innovations is really, really cool. We're in the middle of this great conversation between the more traditional IT [operations teams] and the developers and data scientists who are looking to leverage automation and really drive a Data-Driven Business, explains Steif. And that is innovation that we at BMC believe is going to drive tremendous value for customers for years and years to come. The full webinar is available here. Dupa o luna de la lansarea paginii unde puteti contribui pentru continuarea proiectului CIVIC.MD s-au gasit doar 6 persoane gata sa ne sustina. In aceasta luna ne-au vizitat 26 092 persoane. Asteptarile erau mai mari https://www.patreon.com/portalcivic The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) said on Wednesday it has sued Amazon.com Inc to force the retailer to recall hundreds of thousands of hazardous products that it had distributed on its platform. By a 3-1 vote, the CPSC voted to file an administrative complaint saying the Seattle-based e-commerce giant was legally responsible to recall the products as they posed a serious risk of injury or death to consumers. The products included 24,000 carbon monoxide detectors that failed to go off, nearly 400,000 hair dryers that lacked required protection against shock and electrocution, and numerous childrens sleepwear garments that could catch fire, according to the CPSC. We must grapple with how to deal with these massive third-party platforms more efficiently, and how best to protect the American consumers who rely on them, CPSC Acting Chairman Robert Adler said. The regulator added that Amazon had taken unspecified actions for some of the products, but it was not enough. (https://refini.tv/2UOb7SV) Amazon said in a statement it was unclear why the CPSC rejected its offer to expand its recall program, including for products sold by third parties, or sued to force actions almost entirely duplicative of what it had taken. The company said it had removed the vast majority of the products in question from its store and provided full customer refunds. (Reporting by Chavi Mehta in Bengaluru and Jonathan Stempel in New York; Editing by Shounak Dasgupta) WASHINGTON, DC, April 22, 2021 -- At the Leaders Summit on Climate hosted by President Biden, the U.S. government announced today that it is resuming and strengthening its commitment to the United Nations Foundations Clean Cooking Alliance. The pledge includes support to help countries achieve their climate ambitions through expanding access to clean cooking. Approximately 2.8 billion people still lack access to clean cooking solutions, costing trillions of dollars a year in damage to health, the climate, and local economies. Changing the way families cook their food, by using clean fuels and stoves, will help slow climate change, drive gender equality, reduce poverty, and provide enormous health benefits. The United States is announcing that it will resume and strengthen its commitment to the United Nations Foundations Clean Cooking Alliance, said Michael S. Regan, Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The U.S. government will work with the Clean Cooking Alliance, other country governments, and partners at every level of government to reduce emissions from home cooking and heating that contribute to climate change and directly affect the health and livelihoods of almost 40 percent of the worlds population. Ten years ago, the United States took a leading role in shining a light on the far-reaching impacts of household air pollution through the formation of the Clean Cooking Alliance (CCA), committing to changing the way millions of people cook. Since then, more than one billion people have gained access to clean cooking, according to the World Health Organization. We commend the U.S. government for reaffirming its global leadership on clean cooking, said Dymphna van der Lans, CEO of the Clean Cooking Alliance. 2021 is a critically important year for energy and international development. Through the Leaders Summit on Climate, the upcoming United Nations High-Level Dialogue on Energy, and the 26th UN Climate Conference, world leaders can make momentous progress on climate protection, health, the environment, and womens empowerment by focusing on clean cooking. CCAs leadership for the past decade has helped build a foundation for transformative change in the lives of those most affected by the issue. It has also helped drive private sector innovation, accelerate investment, develop international standards, establish enabling policies, and expand the evidence base of the benefits of clean cooking technologies and fuels. The Netherlands is pleased to see the U.S. government rejoining our efforts to address the hidden tragedy of traditional cooking practices, said Esther Reilink, Senior Policy Advisor, Directorate-General for International Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Netherlands. We are not on track to reach our 2030 goal of universal access to clean cooking. This is the year to be crystal clear that we prioritize clean cooking in our development plans, our joint response to climate change, and our recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Household air pollution from traditional stoves and dirty fuels is a major issue for the people of Nepal, said Madhusudhan Adhikari, Executive Director of the Alternative Energy Promotion Centre, Government of Nepal. U.S. government support for this work will be critical for ongoing efforts to achieve clean cooking in Nepal and other countries by 2030. UN Climate Change gladly welcomes the re-engagement of the government of the United States on clean cooking, said James Grabert, Director, Mitigation Division, UN Climate Change. The work of the Clean Cooking Alliance is essential, particularly ahead of the 26th UN Climate Conference, at a time when Parties to the Paris Agreement need to present their revised Nationally Determined Contributions: no tool and no means can be left aside for the world to deliver on the temperature and climate neutrality goals it set itself in 2015. Providing clean energy to households is critical to achieving global climate and sustainable development goals, said Helena Molin Valdes, Head of the Climate and Clean Air Coalition Secretariat. Smoke from fireplaces, cook stoves, and lighting is responsible for more than half of human-made black carbon emissions and millions of premature deaths from household air pollution. The Climate and Clean Air Coalition partners welcome the U.S. governments re-engagement in the issue and look forward to cooperating to put in place solutions that improve lives and protect the planet. As the 2020-21 school year came to a close, students and families embraced the many opportunities to celebrate with more traditional milestone events. Some of the events were rethought and refreshed in light of the pandemic. The focus was on bringing on as many people together as possible to SHOREWOOD [mdash] Robert J. Horan, age 85, of Shorewood, IL, formerly of Preston, IA, passed away Monday, July 12, 2021 at Salud Wellness Nursing Home, in Joliet, IL. A graveside funeral service will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, in Preston, IA on Saturday, July 17, 2021 at 2pm. A Pictured are 25 of the 80 scholarship winners and Clinton National Bank Trust staff. Pictured are, back row from left: Jahkiah Evans, Haley Dash, Madison Anglese, Nathan Moeller, Max Lemke, Kaiden Muhl, Wyatt Sailer, and Aaron Schoon; middle row from left: Dave Helscher of CNB, Zach Bohle, Jaiden Goodman, Emily Dodd, Carolyn Graham, Makenzie Cooley, Molly Shannon, Viviana Rodriguez, Heather Dash, Hannah Dash, and Mary Kay Wik of CNB; and front row from left: Ryann Hubbart, Gage Ruden, Ciera Krogman, Emma Ketelsen, Kami Zeimet, Bailey Klinkhammer, Paige Suessmith, Keaton Zeimet. (CNN) We've all heard it said over and over again: We're now in the phase of the pandemic when it's a race between vaccinations and the variants. It has been neck and neck for a while, and honestly, I was ready to cheer a vaccine victory. We nearly dropped to an average of fewer than 10,000 new cases a day, an important number because, according to President Joe Biden's chief medical adviser Dr. Anthony Fauci, that number moves the country into "containment" -- a time when we would finally get our arms around the spread. We came tantalizingly close: 11,299 cases in late June. But, then the variants caught some speed, and the vaccine started to fall behind; we are now at an average of 23,472 new cases a day as of Tuesday, and all indications point to that number rising. There are many countries around the world that now are seeing case rates increase against a backdrop of sparse vaccine supply. Here in the United States, we have plenty of vaccine available, a precious commodity almost every country around the world wishes they had. We have the means to distribute vaccines and have even made them totally free of charge. I believe most of us also fundamentally understand the best way to get a handle on the pandemic and return fully to life as we know it is to vaccinate enough people. What we are lacking is the will. It may be that some parts of the country really haven't gotten the memo on the importance of vaccines -- or even worse, they are receiving another far more insidious message: that it's the vaccines themselves that are the problem. They aren't the problem. They are our best shot at being rescued from this ongoing pandemic. Research from the Commonwealth Fund estimates the COVID-19 vaccines have already saved about 280,000 lives and averted up to 1.25 million hospitalizations in the United States. A vaccine protects not only the person getting it but those around them as well -- including children under the age of 12, for whom the current coronavirus vaccines are not yet authorized, or those who have weakened immune systems that prevent their bodies from generating a strong immune response after vaccination. That is the very definition of herd immunity: providing a ring of protection around the vulnerable. In order to get there, around 70% of people need to be fully vaccinated. That level of immunity will make it so that we are no longer such willing hosts to the virus and put us on a path to eventually run it out of town. The vaccines also directly protect us from future variants; mutated versions of the virus that emerge in infected people and can be more contagious than the original strain. Right now, it's the Delta variant that is wreaking havoc in the United States and elsewhere, but the more the virus spreads, the higher the chances another variant of concern will take its place. Vaccinations slow these mutations from happening because if a person doesn't get infected in the first place, their body can't possibly become a breeding ground for a mutation. A look at the numbers US President Joe Biden set what initially appeared to be an attainable goal: have 70% of the adult population with at least one COVID-19 vaccine shot by July 4th. But after months of steady vaccine progress, the numbers began to dwindle and the goal was missed. Currently about 59% of the US population has at least one dose and 48% is fully vaccinated, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But that doesn't tell the full story. The United States cannot be painted with a single brush stroke, and nowhere is that more true than with this pandemic. As things stand now, the top five states have 60% or more of their population fully vaccinated versus less than 36% for the bottom five states. According to a CNN analysis of data from Johns Hopkins University and the CDC, states that have fully vaccinated more than half of their residents reported an average of 2.8 new Covid-19 cases per 100,000 people each day last week, compared to an average of about 7.8 cases per 100,000 people each day in states that have vaccinated fewer than half of their residents. That's almost a three-fold difference. It's in those states with the highest vaccination rates where you can see the vaccines truly work their magic. It's not just cases decreasing, but more importantly, hospitalizations and deaths plummeting as well. The vaccines accomplished exactly what they were designed to do. Early data from a number of states suggests that 99.5% of those COVID-19 deaths during the first six months of the year have been in unvaccinated people. Just consider that if a patient in the United States is hospitalized or dies of Covid, 99 times out of 100 they are unvaccinated. Dying at this stage in the pandemic is almost like a soldier dying after a peace treaty has been signed. Heartbreaking and largely preventable. CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky called any suffering or death from COVID-19 "tragic," and noted that available vaccines mean that "the suffering and loss we are now seeing is nearly entirely avoidable." "We have seen the successes of our vaccination program over the last eight months with cases, hospitalizations and deaths far lower than the peaks we saw in January," she said. "And yet on the other hand, we are starting to see some new and concerning trends." One of those trends is the falling rate of vaccination. An average of 282,143 people are reaching "fully vaccinated" status each day -- one of the lowest daily rates since the end of January, when vaccination efforts were just picking up steam. And it's almost a 50% drop from last week, when an average of about 535,000 people became fully vaccinated each day. At our peak in mid-April, an average of nearly 1.8 million people -- more than six times as many -- were becoming fully vaccinated every day. The wrath of Delta Another new and concerning trend involves the rise of the Delta variant, which is believed to be much more contagious; it now makes up more than 50% of COVID-19 cases in the US -- and in some places, that number tops 80%. Its dominance is making the vaccination issue even more pressing. Fauci called it "a real bad actor virus" on CBS earlier this week. The Delta variant, first identified in India, is likely behind the current uptick in cases. The US is now averaging more than 23,000 new COVID-19 cases each day, according to Johns Hopkins University, almost double two weeks ago. The average number of daily cases is rising in 46 states. And we're seeing 261 new Covid-19 deaths each day -- a 21% increase from last week. Again, deaths that are largely preventable. How contagious is the Delta variant? If you remember back to the start of the pandemic, we measured how infectious a communicable disease is using a mathematical term called R0 (R-nought), also called the reproduction number. It basically estimates the average number of people one infected individual will go on to infect. If the R0 number falls below 1, the disease eventually dies out. According to estimates, the original virus found in Wuhan, China had an R0 between 2.4 and 2.6. The Alpha variant, which had been the dominant variant and was first identified in the United Kingdom, was between 4 and 5. The Delta variant's reproduction number is estimated to be somewhere between 5 and 8. That means the Delta variant is estimated to be two to three times more contagious than the original virus first seen in Wuhan, Dr. Peter Hotez, dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine, said via email. What does that look like in real life? Unforgiving. A remarkable look at CCTV footage from Australia revealed a simple encounter between two people passing each other at an indoor shopping area that resulted in two separate instances of transmission. The encounter was brief. The premier of New South Wales, where the incidents occurred, even called it "scarily fleeting." That is why the rise of the Delta variant coupled with low vaccination areas is really worrying public health experts, just as they were ready to start looking at COVID in the rear view mirror. A new data analysis by researchers at Georgetown University has now identified 30 clusters of counties with low vaccination rates and significant population sizes that are vulnerable to surges in COVID-19 cases and could become breeding grounds for even more deadly COVID-19 variants. The five most significant clusters are sprawled across large swaths of the southeastern United States and a smaller portion in the Midwest. No surprise, most are already seeing increases in Covid-19 cases. "We can't have it both ways; we can't be both unmasked and unvaccinated. That won't work," Dr. Jonathan Reiner, a CNN medical analyst and professor of medicine and surgery at George Washington University, said Monday. Or as Dr. Barney Graham, deputy director of the Vaccine Research Center at the NIAID and one of the developers of the Moderna vaccine, told me: The country will no longer be split into vaccinated and unvaccinated; it will simply be split into vaccinated and infected. That's where this road leads. How to unstick the stuck vax rate The simple answer is: Get vaccinated. You know that by now, and again, most people do. The doctors, nurses and health care teams recommending this are not political, but I can understand why you might think otherwise lately. During the Conservative Political Action Conference's summer gathering in Dallas last weekend, attendees cheered author Alex Berenson when he pointed out that the Biden administration fell short of its vaccination goal. At least 34 states as of June have introduced bills that would limit requiring someone to demonstrate their vaccination status or immunity against COVID-19 in certain areas such as workplaces or government buildings, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures; 13 of those bills have passed into law. That includes at least seven states -- Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Indiana, Montana, Oklahoma and Utah -- that enacted legislation this year that would restrict public schools from requiring either coronavirus vaccinations or documentation of vaccination status. And in Tennessee Dr. Michelle Fiscus, a pediatrician who has served as the state's medical director of the vaccine-preventable diseases and immunization for two years, says she was fired after she shared information about a decades-old state policy that allowed some teens to be immunized without parental consent. Vaccine benefits outweigh risks It's true that there have been a few concerning possible side effects associated with the vaccines. They include reports of a rare neurological condition called Guillain-Barre syndrome developing in some who received the Johnson & Johnson's vaccine as well as reports of rare blood clots in others; and heart inflammation in a small number of people who received Pfizer/BioNTech or Moderna vaccines. While these are all serious conditions, it's important to remember these events are very, very rare occurrences out of the almost 185 million people who have received at least one shot in this country. And it's reassuring to know that in the vast majority of cases, those who developed these side effects recovered. The same can't be said for COVID-19, which has killed more than 607,000 people in this country, caused almost 34 million infections, and can cause symptoms that linger long after the person has "recovered." It's also true there have been breakthrough cases of COVID-19 among the fully vaccinated, but that is to be expected. Even if an infection occurs, the important thing to remember is that the vaccines offer excellent protection against severe disease and death -- the two most important outcomes. And that's true even for the Delta variant, according to recent data from Israel and the United Kingdom. Some progress is being made. A new poll released Tuesday by the Kaiser Family Foundation found that about 20% of Americans who were initially hesitant about or squarely against getting the COVID-19 vaccine have since gotten their shots. Of course, seen from the glass-half-empty perspective, that means 80% haven't. Convincing most unvaccinated Americans to get their shots will take more time than initial phases of vaccinations, White House COVID-19 chief Jeff Zients told reporters at a COVID-19 response team briefing earlier in the month. "Each person in this phase will take longer to reach, but that makes them no less important. And the spread of the Delta variant, which poses a particular threat to our young people, only strengthens our resolve to reach everyone," he said. That's an effort I am 100% behind. This story was first published on CNN.com, "Dr. Sanjay Gupta: The importance of being vaccinated." Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 16) President Rodrigo Duterte repeated his call for equitable access to safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines before fellow world leaders present in the virtual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Informal Leaders' Retreat on Friday. "The Philippines reiterates its call for equitable access to safe and effective vaccines. Global economic recovery hinges on the efficient and effective mass inoculation worldwide," Duterte said in his speech. "How can nations have stockpile of weapons that can destroy us all, but not have ready reserves of life-saving vaccines and medical supplies for sharing that can save us all?" he added. Duterte also said countries must strengthen collaboration in development, manufacturing, and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, especially with the emergence of new variants. The President encouraged the 20 other APEC member economies to resist imposing barriers to the free movement of vaccines and make them more affordable to developing countries. "COVID-19 will not be the last disruptive event that humanity will face. Yet, our global and domestic mechanisms remain inadequate to address systemic shocks of great magnitude," Duterte said. "It is our collective obligation to future-proof our region...by harnessing technology and innovation through enhanced multilateralism." Aside from the Philippines, the other APEC members are Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, The Russian Federation, Singapore, Chinese Taipei, Thailand, United States, and Vietnam. Duterte also made a similar call during his September 2020 speech before the UN General Assembly. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 16) Vaccine czar Carlito Galvez identified new areas to be prioritized in the deployment of limited COVID-19 vaccines. These are Bataan, Pangasinan, Iligan, Tacloban, Ormoc, Isabela, Butuan, Samar, Bicol, Negros, Mimaropa including Palawan, Davao de Oro, Tarlac, Aurora, and Quezon. "We must continue to maintain our focus as we ramp up our vaccine deployment and administration strategy," Galvez told an online forum hosted by the Department of Health. "But we must also face the reality that our procured and donated vaccine supplies are still insufficient. This is why we have to be strategic and efficient in allocating these life-saving vaccines to the most vulnerable areas of the country," he added. The bulk of the country's vaccine supply was originally earmarked for Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Rizal, Pampanga, Batangas, Metro Cebu, and Metro Davao - collectively known as NCR+8. In June, the government added 10 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. These are Bacolod, Iloilo City, Cagayan de Oro, Baguio, Zamboanga, Dumaguete, Tuguegarao, General Santos, Naga, and Legazpi. A total of 16,790,240 vaccine doses will be flown to the Philippines this July and another 16,570,000 next month, Galvez said. The country has already administered around 14.4 million COVID-19 vaccines - 10.1 million as first shots and 4.3 million as second doses, as of July 15, according to Galvez. The government is aiming to inject 10 million doses in July, Galvez added. He said over 3.7 million doses were already given this month alone. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 16) A group decried what it says was the lack of consultations with residents affected by the planned 174-hectare reclamation project in Dumaguete City. Atty. Golda Benjamin, member of #NoTo174Reclamation, told CNN Philippines that Dumaguete Mayor Felipe Antonio Remollo failed to talk to the people despite the potential environmental damage the project will cause, like the burying of three marine protected areas where thousands of residents source their livelihood. Quarrying needed to build the island will "potentially flatten mountains" and dredging from the sea will also bury corals, she added. Benjamin said Remollo needs to "face the people" before starting the reclamation project, or risk facing possible legal action. "We are doing massive protests in the city so he will hear us. We are just asking the mayor to talk to his people right now. Huwag munang mag-first step (Do not make the first step for now)," Benjamin said, noting that instead of holding talks, the mayor is already moving to start the construction. "He wants to take the first step to apply for a permit or a license at the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA) and then consult the people. Mali naman ata 'yan (That's not right)," she said. According to reports, the proponent EM Cuerpo Inc. is planning to construct a 23-billion "smart city" in Dumaguete. This will include building of coastal wastewater treatment facility, shoreline slope, wave protection, esplanade, a marina, a modern ferry port, and an open area for other facilities. But Benjamin pointed out that the deal may have been "badly negotiated" since the project will cover 85% of the city's coastline, which is only 8.5 kilometers long. In terms of net sharing, the city will only get 25% while 75% will be for the company. "It is correct that it is the company that will bear the cost of 23 billion but we are talking about three marine protected areas, hundreds of hectares of irreversible damage to corals, death of the fish. These are the risks we cannot afford in our city," Benjamin said. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 16) The PDP-Laban national council opened the nominations for a new set of leaders ahead of the formal election during the ruling party's national assembly this weekend. The move was carried out during the council's meeting held Friday in Pampanga, led by party vice chairman Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi. Nomination will be open until 10 a.m. on Saturday. Members can submit names to the newly-formed poll body chaired by former Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre. In an earlier interview with CNN Philippines, PDP-Laban secretary general Melvin Matibag confirmed the party will start the nomination process during the meeting, which was attended by over 100 members. While the move can be seen as a way to unseat Senator Manny Pacquiao as party president, Matibag noted the boxer-turned-lawmaker can still be nominated in his absence. Pacquiao is currently abroad to prepare for his upcoming match in August. "I don't know (if he will be nominated) because he has his own group. If they will be attending, hindi ko alam ano gagawin nila but hopefully dumalo sila para whatever issues we have mapag-usapan sa national assembly," Matibag said. [Translation: I don't know if he will be nominated because he has his own group. If they will be attending, I don't know what they will do there but hopefully they will attend so that whatever issues we have can be discussed in the national assembly.] Over the past months, party chairman President Rodrigo Duterte and Pacquiao have been engaged in a word war after the senator accused the President of leading a corrupt government. Pacquiao who is being floated as a presidential candidate for next year's polls also criticized Duterte for his soft stance against China on the West Philippine Sea issue. Duterte is expected to grace Saturday's assembly at around 3 p.m., Matibag earlier said. 'Void' expulsion order Matibag, Cusi, and PDP-Laban membership committee head Astra Naik were earlier "expelled" by the Pacquiao-led faction for allegedly violating the party's constitution a move Cusi's group does not recognize. READ: Pacquiao-led faction expels Cusi, 2 others from PDP-Laban During the meeting, the national council declared the so-called expulsion order "null and void." Cusi also called for an end to the hostilities within the party. "I ask all members, do not divide this party. Do not burn bridges," Cusi said during his opening remarks. "There are no factions in PDP-Laban. We all belong to one united and cohesive PDP-Laban. I call for party unity." CNN Philippines Correspondent Eimor Santos contributed to this report. With Penn State conducting a lengthy search for President Eric Barrons successor and planning a post-pandemic return to in-person classes this fall, its easy to wonder where university-wide procedures and decisions originate. Much of the universitys policy is instigated and passed by its Board of Trustees, a governing body of predominantly white appointed and elected members. There is just one student trustee position on the board, and its held by Janiyah Davis, a junior in the College of the Liberal Arts. Penn States Board of Trustees is not a holistic representation of the universitys countless diverse voices. Its members, aside from Davis and the boards single academic trustee, professor of sociology Nicholas Rowland, are not privy to Penn State campuses day-to-day heartbeats. Since 1855, the university has established that the board must consist of exactly 38 members. The various trustees are selected by the Pennsylvania governor, alumni, agricultural society delegates and other board members. While this process has been set in place for decades, there needs to be greater motivation to change the norm of who gets selected for these positions. The board should include voices from more diverse student groups, faculty, staff and alumni those who can directly recount majority opinions, raise necessary concerns and provide honest feedback. These groups of people, the ones affected by the boards policies, are not adequately represented in administrative decision-making. Its ignorant to assume a governing body largely removed from whats actually going on is most fit to determine the best direction to lead the university. Structural processes in which trustees are selected for the board should be evaluated and reflected upon moving forward one student and one academic trustee can easily be drowned out by a majority board who may uphold dissenting opinions. It may be difficult, concedingly, to integrate more students, faculty or staff into a big administrative body like the Board of Trustees due to the legacy of its existence. Though coronavirus brought with it a new host of emails and surveys sent to the Penn State community throughout virtual learning, the upped effort continues to feel passive, as it is unknown as to what degree of importance responses are considered in the decision- and change-making processes. Responses to Barrons recent anonymous vaccination status survey, for instance, will be used to help determine what, if any mitigation strategies will be implemented for the fall semester, according to the mass email. However, the survey does not provide an open-ended feedback response box for additional comments at its end. Instead, it inquires if the respondent will be taking in-person classes in the fall and at which campus, if the respondent is an undergraduate or graduate student, the respondents vaccination status and intended future plans for vaccination, and if the respondent has uploaded proof of vaccination to myUHS. While gathering this data is essential, the university couldve offered employees and students those inhabiting campus daily the opportunity to give more comprehensive feedback relating to in-person coronavirus comfortability and safety for consideration in possible fall mitigation policies. Penn State should also consider sharing the statistics procured from the vaccination survey with those who participated to explain and reinforce any action taken as a result. Shortly after the pandemics onset in May 2020, Penn State released a survey to gauge select students thoughts on a possible return to in-person fall instruction specifically, it was sent to only 17,000 of the institutions around 89,000 students across all commonwealth campuses. Even though surveys werent restricted following this, there should be no gatekeeping on the amount of people surveyed in the future, and all students should be given the choice and opportunity to respond. In May 2020, the Penn States Return to Work task group surveyed faculty and staff but allegedly failed to consult with faculty, staff and graduate employees perspectives when final plans were created for the fall semester. In response, an open letter written to administrators demanding more say in the universitys decision making was penned and signed by more than 1,600 people. Additionally, protestors from the Coalition of Graduate Employees gathered on July 20, 2020 to participate in a die-in, where members laid on the ground for 13 minutes to represent the over 130,000 nationwide coronavirus deaths at the time and allege the university hadnt considered the full ramifications of reopening. Ultimately, it appears that many of the universitys subsequent mass emails were instigated from an instance of criticism directed toward the university. Its necessary to acknowledge, though, that surveys are arguably the best way to gauge community responses efficiently, and the universitys only option to reach the entirety of its employees and students was through email and email reminders which are effective for forgetful minds during the pandemic. Those who allege Penn State needs to make a greater effort to hear its many voices need to actively respond in return when prompted by emails, for example, instead of not caring or having the time to reply to yet another email-based survey. By actively soliciting more voices in administrative decision processes, more people will want to call Happy Valley their home because they will feel valued and validated in their opinions and desire for change. The only change or action taken by Penn State currently is a direct result of reactions from the institutional community to already-implemented courses of action. Any complaints or pushback following decision-making is the best driving factor for the university to act in accordance with public consensus. Penn State cannot continue to cater to its administrative voices as opposed to its tuition-paying and working students, faculty and staff. More widespread and diverse representation needs to be seen in rooms where these decisions and university-wide procedures originate as plans are drawn for the fall semester and the search for the next president takes off. Daily Collegian News Editor Megan Swift can be reached at mfs5761@psu.edu. Colorados Republican Party is decrying a proposed rule change to election-related meetings by Secretary of State Jena Griswold's office. The secretary of states election division last month filed an amendment to a state election rule governing how the states Bipartisan Election Advisory Committee meets. Currently, the committee, which is tasked with making recommendations to the secretary of state's office regarding election matters, must meet no fewer than three times annually, according to the Rule 23.1.3. Under the proposed rule change, the secretary of state would set the time and location for the commission to meet. The Colorado Republican Party took issue with the proposed rule change in a statement Monday. At a time when we need to be building up transparency and trust in our elections, Jena Griswold is changing rules to limit bipartisan input, Colorado GOP Chairwoman Kristi Burton Brown said in a statement. She has now unilaterally decided that the Bipartisan Election [Advisory] Committee will meet only if she says so. All Coloradans, regardless of their political party, need to have faith in our electoral system, Burton Brown added. By limiting bipartisan feedback on our elections, Jena Griswold has undermined that trust and contributed to increasing partisanship in Colorado. The secretary of states office told The Center Square in an emailed statement that the proposed rule change would give our office more flexibility to schedule these meetings with a diverse set of stakeholders and we welcome any and all public feedback to our proposed rule changes. Additionally, we meet with Republican and Democratic party lawyers and officials frequently to ensure we are hearing feedback and providing information often, the office added. The proposed rule change was part of a slew of other rule changes included in a notice of rulemaking the office announced on June 30. The amendments are scheduled for a public hearing on Aug. 3. Griswolds office last month issued emergency rules barring third party groups from having access to voting equipment in an attempt to prevent sham audits, citing election audits in Arizona and other states. Burton Brown said in a statement at the time that Griswolds partisan decisions consistently undermine the states electoral system. The Center Square is a nonprofit media outlet that reports on state politics. Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. The Missourians Opinion section is a public forum for the discussion of ideas. The views presented in this piece are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Missourian or the University of Missouri. If you would like to contribute to the Opinion page with a response or an original topic of your own, visit our submission form DANVILLE - Jane Thurston Hahne, of Danville, passed in her home surrounded by loved ones on July 3, 2021 at the age of 92. Jane was born on March 11, 1929 in Boston, Massachusetts. Jane will forever be known for the diehard Boston Red Sox and Ohio State fan she was. Along with raising her se Indian photojournalist Danish Siddiqui killed during clashes in Afghanistan Danish Siddiqui, an Indian photojournalist based in Afghanistan was killed while covering a clash between Afghan security forces and Taliban fighters in Spin Boldak district of Kandahar city. He was on a reporting assignment embedded with the Afghan Special Forces. As a photojournalist, Siddiqui covered a wide range of issues across the world. Photo courtesy: Twitter/@_YogendraYadav Celebrities, politicians, diplomats, senior journalists and activists were among those who condoled his passing on social media. Danish Siddiqui, a Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist, had started his career as a television news correspondent and later switched to photojournalism. He was a photojournalist with international news agency Reuters. Farid Mamundzay, the Afghanistans Ambassador to India, tweeted, "Deeply disturbed by the sad news of the killing of a friend, Danish Seddiqi in Kandahar last night. The Indian Journalist & winner of Pulitzer Prize was embedded with Afghan security forces. I met him 2 weeks ago before his departure to Kabul. Condolences to his family & Reuters." "My condolences to the family and friends of Danish Siddiqui. I appeal to GOI to facilitate bringing his mortal remains back home at the earliest," COngress leader Rahul Gandhi tweeted. As a photojournalist, Siddiqui covered a wide range of issues across the world. Some of his major works include covering the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, Rohingya refugees crisis, COVID wave in India, Hong Kong protests and Nepal earthquakes. In 2018, Danish Siddiqui and his colleague Adnan Abidi had won the Pulitzer Prize for Feature Photography for documenting the Rohingya Refugee Crisis as part of the Reuters team. 07/16/2021 Photo (c) damircudic - Getty Images Coronavirus (COVID-19) tally as compiled by Johns Hopkins University. (Previous numbers in parentheses.) Total U.S. confirmed cases: 33,980,758 (33,951,558) Total U.S. deaths: 608,432 (608,152) Total global cases: 189,126,795 (188,565,395) Total global deaths: 4,069,936 (4,061,263) Cities in California told to put their masks back on With an increase in cases of COVID-19 spiking nationwide, two California cities are telling residents to wear masks when they are in public indoor spaces. Officials in Los Angeles and Sacramento say the order applies to everyone, even those who have been vaccinated. Los Angeles County Public Health Officer Dr. Muntu Davis said the move is a response to the surge in cases that is occurring across the country. Were seeing the rates go up too high. We all need to do our part to try and prevent the need to do something else. The order goes into effect at noon on July 17. WHO: U.S. should be concerned about variant spread Two weeks after Independence Day gatherings were held across the country, the coronavirus is spreading in just about every state. The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that the U.S. should remain vigilant against the Delta variant, which spreads more easily. The New York Times Tracker shows that the U.S. average case count on Wednesday was 26,513, an increase of 111% from two weeks ago. Health officials say infections are occurring in both vaccinated and unvaccinated people, though symptoms usually dont manifest in vaccinated people. Despite the increase in cases, hospitalizations remain low. More states resist mask and vaccination mandates In recent weeks, eight states have passed laws barring schools from requiring vaccinations or requiring unvaccinated students to wear masks in the classroom. Supporters of these laws insist that these decisions should be left up to individuals and families. Many colleges and universities have already enacted policies requiring students and staff to be vaccinated before returning to campus. Health officials say banning these policies will only result in more infections. Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Montana, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Utah have outlawed the vaccination requirement. Three of these states -- Arizona, Arkansas, and Oklahoma -- have outlawed the required use of masks in schools. Around the nation 07/16/2021 Photo (c) CHUYN - Getty Images Earlier this month, Tropical Storm Elsa made its way up the East Coast of the U.S. to devastating effect. The storm produced heavy rainfall and intense winds, and early estimates project that it will lead to $290 million in insured losses based on damage done to residential, commercial, and industrial properties and vehicles. In the aftermath, consumers who live in states that are frequently ravaged by hurricanes may be considering moving to a new area to put them out of harms way. But a recent analysis of review-based data at ConsumerAffairs suggests that doing so may not reduce your overall risk. Data researcher James Li recently conducted a word frequency analysis of ConsumerAffairs reviews that mention natural disasters like hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, and tornadoes, among others. He found that moving to an area to avoid one natural disaster may very well increase your chances of being affected by another one of a different type. The main point here is that no matter where you decide to move to avoid the specific natural disaster of hurricanes, you will almost always be at risk for a different natural disaster, he said. Trading one natural disaster for another Li points out that residents living in coastal areas tend to be more concerned with hurricanes -- and for good reason. Consumers living in coastal states were 1.7 times more likely to use the word hurricane in reviews left at ConsumerAffairs when compared to the national average. Florida led the way with the most mentions, at 4.7 times above the national average. It was followed by North Carolina (2.7), Hawaii (2.6), New Hampshire (2.2), Louisiana (2.2), South Carolina (1.6), New Jersey (1.5), and Texas (1.4). However, Li says moving away from these states could potentially lead to a whole host of other problems. He cites California as a prime example. Although consumers submitting reviews from that state mentioned the word hurricane at 0.1 times the national average, the word earthquake was mentioned 4 times more often than the national average, and wildfire was used 2 times more often. Further inland, consumers in Nevada and Illinois mentioned the word hurricane just as often as those living in California. However, they mentioned terms like earthquake and flooding 5.7 times and 2.2 times more often, respectively. Protect yourself and your home Since moving to any state in the U.S. will increase your risk for some kind of natural disaster, what should consumers do? Li says the best option is to make sure youre protecting your home and your property with available insurance options. In most circumstances, it is simply not worth uprooting ones life in a community solely out of concern for a natural disaster. Moreover, it is difficult to completely avoid being at risk for natural disasters, he stated. Except in the most extreme circumstances, when a home is constantly damaged by natural disasters, the optimal route would instead be to ensure that ones home is properly insured against damage caused by natural disasters. On a fundamental level, insurance for ones home is designed to spread the risk of a sudden, one-time financial hit into smaller, more predictable payments over time, he added. Consumers who want to learn more about the best home insurance options should check out ConsumerAffairs guide here. The year is 1773, and tensions are escalating between the American colonists and the British. Actions like the Boston Massacre of 1770 had increased tensions, and while full-blown war would not start until 1775, aggressions and acts of defiance had become commonplace. In protest of the Tea Act, which monopolized the American tea trade, American Patriots would take on the British team imports. This is, of course, referring to the famous Charleston Tea Party. Oh, you were thinking of something else? Yes, the Boston Tea Party was the most famous attack on British tea in the American Revolution, but it was not the only one. Charleston, South Carolina, was home to two Tea Parties, and the first one occurred before Bostons assault on tea. The First Charleston Tea Party took place on December 3, 1773, two weeks before the Boston Tea Party. Tea from the British East India Company, the only company that could sell tea in the colonies, arrived in South Carolina. More than 200 chests full of tea were involved, and rather than dramatically throw the chests into the harbor, the people of Charleston simply confiscated the tea and stored it away without paying for it. This is why the Charleston Tea Party does not have the historical staying power that the more famous Boston counterpart has. The Boston Tea Party was this almost legendary event where American rebels disguised themselves and tossed tea into the harbor. It was the sort of action that made effective propaganda and inspired others to join the revolutionary cause. Charlestons act of tea-related rebellion was a bit too tame to serve that purpose. Library of Congress They poured the tea into water It was just boiling and in a kettle at home. Continue Reading Below Advertisement Charleston had a second chance, though, in November of 1774. With the Boston Tea Party as the precedent for how British tea imports should be treated, the Second Charleston Tea Party did end with tea in the harbor. During the Second Charleston Tea Party, a ship from the British East India Company arrived at Charleston. Apparently, no one from the company had learned anything in the past year, and they were still trying to import tea to the American colonies. The knowledge that the ship arrived angered the South Carolinians, and a committee met to decide what should be done. Samuel Bell Jr., the ships captain, admitted to having seven chests of the mischievous Drug on the ship, but it was added to the cargo without his knowledge. In the end, it was decided that the tea would be tossed into the water. It was done peacefully as an offering to Neptune. Spoiler: This, too, did not leave an impact similar to the Boston Tea Party. Top Image: Nathaniel Currier Since its origin as a joke in 2013, Dogecoin has found itself a rising, memetic star in the world of cryptocurrency. Boasting the undying love of Elon Musk and a market cap of an estimated $54 billion dollars, surpassing several well-established companies including Philips, eBay, Ferrari, and even Twitter, according to a recent report from Forbes, Doge has become a crypto staple, revered by some finance enthusiasts. Yet even with this astounding success and the unwavering support of the Tesla CEO, who has been known to send stock prices skyrocketing with a single tweet, not everyone is feeling very wow about the crypto. Earlier this week, one tech icon took to social media to speak out against the meme-tastic currency and boldly compare crypto as a whole to a Ponzi scheme the co-founder of Dogecoin himself, Jackson Palmer. His thesis? Rich people ruin everything, even the crypto he helped invent. After years of studying it, I believe that cryptocurrency is an inherently right-wing, hyper-capitalistic technology built primarily to amplify the wealth of its proponents through a combination of tax avoidance, diminished regulatory oversight and artificially enforced scarcity, wrote Palmer on Wednesday as a part of a broader thread dissecting why he would not be returning to crypto. Part of this problem, he argues, is because the industry is full of rich people and is controlled by a powerful cartel of wealthy figures," as Palmer calls them. Despite claiming crypto is decentralized, he asserts, these wealthy people have evolved to incorporate many of the same institutions tied to the existing centralized financial system they supposedly set out to replace. Continue Reading Below Advertisement The cryptocurrency industry leverages a network of shady business connections, bought influencers and pay-for-play media outlets to perpetuate a cult-like get rich quick funnel designed to extract new money from the financially desperate and naive, he elaborated in a later post. While he acknowledged that these types of financial dealings have existed for quite some time, he says that cryptocurrency is different, as it is almost purpose [sic] built to make the funnel of profiteering more efficient for those at the top and less safeguarded for the vulnerable." Cryptocurrency is like taking the worst parts of today's capitalist system (eg. corruption, fraud, inequality) and using software to technically limit the use of interventions (eg. audits, regulation, taxation) which serve as protections or safety nets for the average person, he continued. Every time I think the Purdue Pharma bankruptcy couldn't get crazier, it does. The latest development is that some of the Sacklers (the Raymond branch) are seeking sanctions against five of the holdout non-consenting states for allegedly false statements in the states' proofs of claim. It's a blatant litigation tactic. The clear motivation for this motion is to bully the non-consenting states into dropping their opposition to the plan (and the release of the Sacklers) in exchange for the Sacklers dropping the sanctions motion. Its absolutely outrageous. The sanctions motion hasn't actually been docketed, but it was sent out to a wide distribution list. The motion states that it: will not be filed with, or presented to, the Court unless, within 21 days after service of the motion, the States fail to withdraw or appropriately correct the unsupported factual contentions identified below. In other words, the non-consenting states have until four days before the confirmation hearing to make nice with the Raymond Sacklers or face a sanctions motion. Beyond being a crass and transparent litigation tactic, the motion strikes me as poorly thought through. First, I think its clear that the motion was not brought in good faith. I hope the non-consenting states consider filing a countermotion for sanctions. The best evidence that the motion was not brought in good faith is that the Sacklers are only seeking to sanction the non-consenting states. The same allegedly false allegations appear in the proofs of claim of many of the consenting states, yet not one has been asked to amend its proof of claim as far as I can tell. The only states the Sacklers are going after are ones that havent buckled. That alone shows that this is brought in bad faith. Second, the alleged misstatements do not appear in any way material to the proofs of claim. For example, the first allegation the Sacklers make is that California has mischaracterized the nature of Marianna Sacklers involvement in Purdue Pharma. Lets assume that the Sacklers are correct. So what? The precise nature of Marianna Sacklers involvement with Purdue has absolutely zero relevance to Purdues liability to California. Its immaterial to the proof of claim. Its relevant to Marianna Sacklers liability to California, but Marianna Sackler isnt a debtor. The Sacklers cant have it both waysif theyre not going to go through the bankruptcy crucible, they cannot complain about supposed factual inaccuracies about them in proofs of claim against the debtor. Third, theres a real risk that the states will call the Sacklers bluff and say bring it. Do the Sacklers really want to have a trial to resolve these motions? That would mean getting deposed and being forced to testify under oath. I cannot imagine that the Sacklers want to risk that for a second. For example, I would think that my home state attorney general would love to have the chance to try whether: David, Jonathan or Richard Sackler participated in, directed, or were in any sense architects of Purdue marketing during the Relevant Period. That just opens the door to trying the role of the Sacklers in managing Purdue. Not the issue the Sacklers want before any court. And if the Sacklers push this, it might result in a delay of the confirmation hearing. Indeed, this just underscores that the Sacklers aren't serious about this sanctions motion; it's just a tactic to try to coerce a settlement. Fourth, I am not even sure that the Sacklers have the law on their side. The Sacklers present precious little evidence that misstatements in a proof of claim are grounds for sanctions. The only case they cite from the Southern District of New York was about a mortgage claim in a consumer 13 where there was no chain of title on the mortgage, but the attorney signed the proof of claim indicating that he had reviewed it. In other words, there was a problem that went to the underlying validity of the proof of claim. Theres no such problem here. To wit, imagine that the proof of claim included a statement that it rained last Tuesday, when in fact it was sunny. Even if that statement was knowingly false when made, I have trouble seeing it as grounds for sanctions. Theres a duty of candor to the courts, but I think it has to be tempered with a materiality requirement. This kind of strong arm crap might work in a squabble between hedge funds, but its a different matter when dealing with state attorneys general, and the Sacklers attorneys are not doing them any favors with this latest move. Im not sure the Sacklers or their attorneys fully understand the public dimension of this case or the outrage that the Sacklers dont seem in the least bit contrite for their role in the opioid crisis. It may seem strange at first, but if we want to know who the Gentiles are, we need to begin by understanding the identity of the Jews. Jews are those who trace their heredity and lineage back to Abraham. They are Gods chosen nation, holy and dearly loved. They live in covenant relationship with God; they worship at the Temple; they have a prime place in Gods salvation plan. Even Jesus affirmed that salvation is from the Jews (John 4:22). Much of the Bible describes Gods loving interaction with his chosen people. In contrast to the Jewish people, there are the Gentiles, or better yet, everyone else. Simply put, Gentiles are not Jewish. They are people who cannot trace their familial line back to one of the 12 tribes of Israel. Greeks, Romans, Barbarians, Scythians, Americans, and Canadians if you are not an Israelite, you are a Gentile. Originally, Gentile was not a derogatory term. Gentile is simply the translation of the Hebrew word goy or the Greek word ethnos both meaning nation, ethnicity, or people. The definition appears simple and straightforward. A non-Jewish person was, by definition, a Gentile someone from a different nation. Of course, human pride and sin inevitably transformed this term into an insult. Gentile became synonymous with sinful (Galatians 2:15). Yet is this how God views the Gentile people? Instead of simply defining Gentiles by who they are not, perhaps it is better to think about who they are. After all, when we look at Gods dealing with Gentile people, we do not always see a clear distinction between them and the Jews. In fact, Gentiles often play a significant role in salvation history. When we define Gentiles simply as not-Jewish, we miss important truths about the Gentile people. So, who are the Gentiles? Below are three things we should remember. Gentiles Are Loved by God The act of choosing is often seen to be exclusive. Choosing one means not choosing the other. Thus, we assume that Gods choice of Israel as the people of God necessarily involves the exclusion of the Gentiles. When we look at Scripture, however, we see that the Gentiles have always had a place in Gods loving heart. This goes back to the covenant that God made with Abraham. God promised that Abraham would be the father of many nations (Genesis 17:4) and that these nations would be more numerous than the sands on the shore (Genesis 22:17). This is not merely a reference to the future 12 tribes. Gods desire was for the entirety of humanity to exist in loving relationship with him. It was for this purpose that Israel was chosen. As Gods chosen people, Israel was to be a light of Gods love to the nations (Isaiah 60:1-3). Instead of pridefully touting their privilege, Israel was to be a serving people, blessing others and testifying to the greatness of God. An example of this is Gods instruction to leave the borders of their fields untouched. Israel was to provide for the needs of the wandering Gentile. Leviticus reads, When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field, or gather the gleanings of your harvest. Leave them for the poor and for the foreigner residing among you (Leviticus 23:22). Israel was to be an agent of Gods love in the world. Faithfulness to God, and life in the Promised Land, necessarily included care and provision for the Gentiles. From this, we can conclude that the Gentiles were never excluded from Gods love or care. God loves all people, regardless of national or ethnic origin. Gentiles Had a Place in the Temple Each year, millions of people would journey to Jerusalem to partake in one of the major festivals and pray at the Temple. Along with the multitude of faithful Jews, numerous Gentiles converts would also make this journey. A Gentile convert was someone who had forsaken the idols of their home nation to embrace the God of Israel. They were known as God-fearers (Acts 10:22). The inner courts of the Temple, however, were not open to Gentiles. Thus, one of the outer courts was specifically named the court of the Gentiles. This was the only place a Gentile convert could pray at the Temple. Scholars point out that it was the court of the Gentiles that became filled with the money changers. When Jesus drives out the money changers from the Temple, he is not merely upset at the denigration of a place of prayer, but also at the usurpation of the only location within the Temple reserved for Gentile worship. In filling the court of the Gentiles with the money changers, Gentile converts were effectively excluded from the Temple. Jesus rebukes the money changers with the cry, My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations (Mark 11:17). He is justifiably angry about the flagrant lack of care and respect for the Gentile worshipers. This limiting of Gentile worship is in direct contrast to Gods purpose for the Temple. Jesus lament is a quotation from the prophet Isaiah. Here, God declares that the Gentile people would have a place within Gods house. Isaiah reads: And the foreigners who join themselves to the Lord, to minister to him, to love the name of the Lord, and to be his servants, everyone who keeps the Sabbath and does not profane it and holds fast my covenant these I will bring to my holy mountain and make them joyful in my house of prayer (Isaiah 56:6-7). The temple was never a place to be exclusively enjoyed by Israelites alone. Even Solomons prayer of dedication of the original Temple contained a petition for the blessing of the Gentiles (1 Kings 8:41-43). Worship at the temple was always to include an opportunity for Gentile people to meet the living God. Gentiles Are Included in Gods Promises When we refer to the Gentiles as simply not Jewish, the assumption can be made that Gentile people do not enjoy the promises of God. This is not true. God continually includes the Gentile people in the promises of faith. While we see hints of this in the Old Testament (primarily through people such as Rahab, or Ruth), this becomes a major theme in the New Testament. Gentiles are fully adopted into the people of faith; there is not one of Gods promises that does not apply. Peters interaction with Cornelius is a great example of this. Peter initially believes that fellowship with Gentile people is prohibited. Yet in a vision, Peter is told that the old classifications of clean vs. unclean do not hold true in the resurrection (Acts 10:15). Guided by the Spirit, Peter journeys to Cornelius home where the Holy Spirit is poured out upon Cornelius and the other Gentile Christians. The descent of the Spirit is a clear indication that God shows no favoritism but accepts people from every nation (Acts 10:34). The Gentile people are included in the promise of faith. This descent of the Spirit upon the Gentiles is a fulfillment of Gods promise made through the prophet Joel. Joel prophecies that the day of the Lord will be met with a pouring out of Gods spirit on all people (2:28). Joel makes clear that the day of the Lord will involve the gift of the Holy Spirit to the Gentiles. The Holy Spirit is available to all. The inclusion of Gentiles in the people of faith, however, goes beyond the reception of the Spirit. Receiving the Spirit is a sign of ones inheritance in eternal life. Scripture makes clear that there is no difference between Jew and Gentile when it comes to salvation. Paul declares that the mystery of God, revealed in Christ, is that Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 3:6). As Gentiles are full members of the people of God on earth, they are full members of the people of God in the heavenly realms. In fact, this is one of the most profound elements of Johns vision in the Book of Revelation. John receives a vision of heaven that includes Gentile people! As John is guided through his vision, he sees a great multitude in white robes from every nation (ethnos), tribe, people and language (Revelation 7:9). All stand before the throne of God, worshiping the mighty Lamb. What is intriguing about this vision is that the attire attributed to the Gentile multitude is the very attire that would have been associated with the Jewish priesthood. Not only does John see Gentile people in heaven, but Gentiles serve the risen Lamb in the most intimate and priestly of manners. The point is this: Heaven contains the Gentiles. Gentiles enjoy fellowship with God in the most intimate of ways. Gentiles are wrapped in Gods loving delight for all eternity. What Does This Mean? We make a grave mistake whenever we simply define the Gentiles by who they are not. Doing so ignores the vast scriptural testimony regarding Gods love and care for the Gentile people. Biblical examples abound. God uses Rahab to save the Israelite spies, Ruth becomes the great grandmother of King David, God longs for the salvation of Nineveh; Jesus frequently ministered to Gentile men and women; Paul, Peter, Lydia, and Philip are specifically tasked to spread the gospel to the Gentile world. We cannot read the scriptures without uncovering Gods blessing upon the Gentile people. No, the Gentiles are not simply non-Jews. Gentiles are loved by God and redeemed by Jesus. Gentiles are people filled with the Holy Spirit and commissioned to proclaim the good news of the resurrection. More than anything, Gentiles are heirs of the promise of salvation, and co-heirs with Christ. This is what God sees when he looks at a Gentile person. Thus, if you are a Gentile person, this is how God sees you. Photo Credit: SparrowStock Reverend Kyle Norman is the Rector of the Anglican Parish of Holy Cross in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. He has a doctorate in Spiritual Formation and is often asked to write or speak on the nature of the Christian community, and the role of Spiritual disciplines in Christian life. His personal blog can be found here. Are we moving towards a cashless society? If we are, does a cashless society mean we are moving into the end times? With all the headlines about cryptocurrencymany Christians are questioning whether or not its a sign that we are moving deeper into the book of Revelation when Christ will make His return. It is often assumed that in order for the Antichrist or the beast to control all sales, a cashless society is a sign that the tribulation is near. It is assumed that so long as we are still using cash, we are not living in the end of days; but if we move towards a cashless society where all transactions become electric, then every transaction can be controlled and monitored by the beast (Revelation 3:17). Cash, cryptocurrency, or no cash, we are living in the end of days. Jesus resurrection and ascension marked the beginning of the end of days' over 2,000 years ago. Many interpret the book of Revelation as a way to know when the end is near when the Antichrist or the beast control all buying and selling during the tribulation. However, a cashless society is not necessary to fulfill the meaning of Revelation 13:17. What Is a Cashless Society? A cashless society might sound like something out of a science fiction movie but its already on its way thanks to some governments and financial service companies vying for the new era. However, no society on this planet has gone completely cash-freedespite the rise of cryptocurrency. A cashless society is an economic concept where all goods, services, and sales are executed in an electronic format rather than cash. Items like electronic cards or devices will be used for all transactions. It can be in the form of what we use today: credit cards, debit cards, or mobile wallets. Other examples are widely used today such as Venmo, PayPal, Apple Wallet, and Amazon Go. What Are the End Times or End of Days? How we understand Eschatology (the study of what the Bible says about what will happen during the end of days) has an impact on our lives here and now and what we are to expect to occur. The End of Days is prophesied by many events that will occur. These events can be categorized as political signs, spiritual signs, natural signs, and sociological signs. The Bible tells if that if many of the signs are present, we can know for sure we are living in the end times. Jesus ascension after His crucifixion and resurrection marked the beginning of the End of Days. Luke 21:11 also lists some of the natural signs as a sign of the times that will occur before Jesus second coming: There will be great earthquakes, famines, and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven. Jesus called these things birth pangs in Matthew 24:8 but that does not mean we are to interpret every natural disaster as a sign of the end times. Matthew 24:6-7 predicted that nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. Wars and rumors of wars are definitely characteristic of this present age and what we witness in the news. Along with the signs God will use in the natural and spiritual realms, society will continue to decline in immorality. 2 Timothy 3:13 tells us evildoers and imposters will go from bad to worse. We will be lovers of ourselves and doing right in our eyes (2 Timothy 3:1-4). This moral decline and a cashless society will supposedly usher in the Antichrist who will control all buying and selling by forcing people to take the mark of the beast. Some believe it could be a microchip while others currently believe it means the use of credit cards. Some believe the church will be raptured as Christ comes in the clouds to snatch away all those who trust in Him (1 Corinthians 15:52). The dead in Christ will be resurrected and taken to heaven too. Then the Antichrist will rise as he gains worldwide control with promises of peace and he will be aided by a false prophet (2 Thessalonians 2:7-8, 13:1; Revelation 13:1; 19:20; Daniel 9:27). Those who are left behind after the Rapture will be faced with an unbearable choiceaccept the mark of the beast in order to buy and sell goods to survive, or face starvation and horrific persecution by the Antichrist and his followers. Does the Bible Say Anything about a Cashless Society? There are two references about a cashless society, but the Bible does not specifically contain the phrase, cashless society. Revelation 13:16-18 says, Also it causes all, both small and great, both rich and poor, both free and slave, to be marked on the right hand or the forehead, so that no one can buy or sell unless he has the mark, that is, the name of the beast or the number of its name. This calls for wisdom: let the one who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man, and his number is 666. Isaiah 55:1-13 says, Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food. Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may live; and I will make with you an everlasting covenant, my steadfast, sure love for David. Behold, I made him a witness to the peoples, a leader and commander for the peoples. Behold, you shall call a nation that you do not know, and a nation that did not know you shall run to you, because of the Lord your God, and of the Holy One of Israel, for he has glorified you. Does a Cashless Society Point to End Times? We are currently living in the end times, cash or no cash. However, the conditions described in Revelation 13:17 existed without a cashless society. If a tradesman wanted to sell his goods, he needed to be a member of the trade association or guild. Each association had a patron deity and in order to trade, each craftsman had to be willing to worship the deities. If a follower of Christ refused to worship a deity, they were not allowed to buy or sell goods. In modern communist countries, Christians have been barred and banned altogether from buying or selling goods. Some authorities make it clear no one is to buy or sell to Christ-followers in countries like China or Iran today. Should Christians Embrace a Cashless Society if It Comes to That? According to the latest research, 86% of Americans are paperless when it comes to financial transactions. 29% of Americans never purchase with cash and 52% state they only occasionally purchase goods and services with cash. These days, there are virtually dozens of ways to pay for goods and services without using cash. From Venmo to debit cards to credit cards and even cryptocurrency, we are slowly moving towards a cashless society. Many view a cashless society as an imminent threat because they believe it will usher in the Antichrist and make it easier for the government to track us and therefore control useventually giving the Antichrist the ability to implement the mark of the beast. However, when the Antichrist does come, he will have the power to declare cash as worthless. He will have the power to require a new form of cash and require individuals to take the mark of the beast and pledge their allegiance in order to acquire this new way of buying and selling goods. But even in a cashless society, there are ways around the system. Bartering will always exist. A cashless society will not usher in the Antichrist, nor is it ungodly or antibiblical. Should a cashless society happen, Christians should not fear it. Instead, Christians should have faith in God. Faith and trust that He will provide for all of their needs. Ultimately, we need to remember God is the one who provides our jobs and He is the one who supplies all of our needs. The rapture could occur at any moment. The good news is that its not too late to choose eternal life. Its not too late to study Gods Word and get to know Him better. Its not too late to trust He will take care of all your needs. All that is required is faith in Gods free gift of grace through His Son, Jesus Christ. One thing is certain, you will be trading the worlds riches for eternity. Photo Credit: Unsplash/Jonas Leupe Heather Riggleman is an award-winning journalist and a regular contributor for Crosswalk. She calls Nebraska home with her three kids and a husband of 22 years. She believes Jazzercise, Jesus, and tacos can fix anything and not necessarily in that order! She is author of I Call Him By Name Bible Study, the Bold Truths Prayer Journal, Mama Needs a Time Out, and a contributor to several books. You can find her at www.heatherriggleman.com or on Facebook. President Joe Biden speaks about COVID-19 on the North Lawn of the White House on Tuesday, April 27, 2021, in Washington. Yes, it should be raised a little bit. It should be increased significantly. No, it should not be raised. Vote View Results Under pressure to halt ongoing and highly damaging ransomware attacks from Russian criminal groups, the Biden administration yesterday announced a flurry of defensive initiatives to deal with the crisis. These announcements come one week after President Biden issued a stark warning to Russian President Vladimir Putin to deal with the ransomware threat groups in his country or else the US will take action to dismantle the threat. First, the State Department announced that its Rewards for Justice program, which the Diplomatic Security Service administers, will give a $10 million reward to anyone offering information that leads to identifying state-sponsored threat actors. Specifically, rewards will be given to those who supply information that leads to the identification or location of any person who, while acting at the direction or under the control of a foreign government, participates in malicious cyber activities against US critical infrastructure in violation of the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA). The Rewards for Justice (RFJ) program has set up a Tor-based dark web reporting site to protect the safety and security of potential sources. Additionally, the RFJ program works with interagency partners to enable the rapid processing of information and the possible relocation of and payment to sources. Second, the Treasury Departments Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) announced it would convene a FinCEN Exchange in August 2021 focused on ransomware concerns. The Exchange will be composed of financial institutions, other key industry stakeholders, and federal government agencies. The goal of the meeting is to inform FinCENs next steps in addressing ransomware payments. The announcement stops short of saying that the new group would examine how to disrupt payments to ransomware actors, one widely touted solution to the ransomware problem. FinCENs Acting Director Michael Mosier said that since this extortion threatens our collective safety, it is critical that we collaboratively gather to confront this threat together and determine the best way to increase our collective resilience to these malicious attacks. Further, the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Securitys Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) announced the launch of a new educational website focused on ransomware called StopRansomware.gov. CISAs newly installed leader Jen Easterly called the site a new one-stop location with tools and resources for organizations of all sizes today. White House inter-agency task force will coordinate ransomware measures The White House has formed a previously unannounced inter-agency government task force to coordinate government measures against ransomware. According to reports, the task force oversees efforts to create more resilient federal networks, halt ransomware payments to threat actors, and coordinate with US allies. The group is also tracking efforts of the anti-ransomware initiatives. The White House ransomware task force differs from the ransomware task force formed by the Institute of Security and Technology (IST) earlier this year. That task force, representing more than 60 public and private organizations, also includes government agencies such as the FBI, CISA, and the Secret Service. The Administration has seemingly only just started with its multi-pronged approach to tackling ransomware. White House officials have said they are also exploring partnerships with cyber insurance companies and critical infrastructure players so that the government can receive more information about ransomware attacks. New initiatives take place against the backdrop of ongoing US-Russia talks These developments are taking place even as an informal US-Russian working group meets to hammer out a solution to the problem. The latest meeting of the working group was on Wednesday. Those talks are part of the ongoing engagement that has been occurring at the expert level since the President met with [Russian] President Vladimir Putin, White House press spokesperson Jen Psaki said during a press briefing Thursday. No one meeting is necessarily decisive. Its about having a continued discussion about our expectations and the steps that need to be taken to address ransomware attacks and cyberattacks. One missing component from the Administrations announcements is a clear and specific articulation of the need for the US to collaborate with other nations in taking down ransomware actors. Earlier this week, INTERPOLs Secretary General Jurgen Stock said during a speech at the INTERPOL High-Level Forum on Ransomware that although individual nations are working to curb ransomware, effective solutions require international collaboration on the level used to fight terrorism and human trafficking. Despite the severity of their crimes, ransomware criminals are continuously adapting their tactics, operating free of borders and with near impunity, he said. First small steps on a long road Reaction to the spate of initiatives seems cautiously optimistic. Senator Angus King (I-ME), the co-chair of the congressionally chartered Cyberspace Solarium Commission, said on Twitter hes impressed with the Administrations approach, but more work is needed. Ive been impressed by the Administrations steps to address ransomware, starting with [President Biden] confronting Putin to hammer home that attacks on US networks will bring a response. Theres much more work to do, but were headed in the right direction. Megan Stifel, global policy officer and capacity and resilience program director with the Global Cyber Alliance and co-chair of ISTs ransomware task force, likewise praises the White House efforts but thinks more action is required. I think these are strong first steps, she tells CSO. Some of the resources that were made available today, particularly Stopransomware.gov, make more accessible the steps that particularly vulnerable users can take. Matthew Rojansky, director of the Wilson Centers Kennan Institute, concurs with Stifel. These are the first small steps on a long road, he tells CSO. As a defensive measure, we as a country are trying to turn the tide on this. Broader, global toolkit needed but is years away Rojansky agrees with INTERPOLs Stock that a global response to ransomware is necessary for the long run. We are going to need a better, broader global tool kit for dealing with the problem of ransomware, he says. One could argue that its not that different from any other kind of global criminal activity. Weve had to deal with trafficking, weve had to deal with terrorism, weve had to deal with all kinds of global bad actors. However, the kind of collective, multilateral action needed to address cybersecurity is a very long-term proposition. These things take years and years to come together, Rojanksy says. Im not overly optimistic thats our go-to resource. More emphasis on robust security practices needed Shawn Kanady, director of threat fusion and hunt at Trustwave SpiderLabs, wishes the White House would emphasize the need for more robust security practices as a first-line defense against ransomware attackers. There isnt anything that is terribly novel in how ransomware is deployed, he tells CSO. Unfortunately, it has been too easy for attackers to infiltrate companies. There are too many sectors that are using legacy solutions and architecture and are not able to react quick enough, let alone be proactive in their cybersecurity approach. Kanady is also skeptical of the State Departments $10 million rewards. I think this is a good-faith effort in getting information, but I would be curious to know how well this has worked historically as it relates to cybercrime. Shadow operations and undercover cyber ops are probably the way to get to the source of who the attackers really are and how they operate. After several hours of debate that showed the partisan divide over how lawmakers think Connecticut should respond 16 months into coronavirus pandemic, the General Assembly voted Wednesday to extend Gov. Ned Lamonts emergency powers until Sept. 30. This is the fifth extension of the states public health and civil preparedness emergencies, which have been in place since March 2020. After concurrent debate in both chambers, the House voted 73-56 and the Senate 19-15 to continue Lamonts powers. Thirteen Democrats nine representatives and four senators joined Republicans in voting no, a sign that support is waning among members of the governors own party over his authority. The vote came as Connecticuts positivity rate of new COVID-19 tests reached more than 1 percent for the first time in nearly six weeks. I appreciate the legislature giving me a little bit of discretion so we can respond quickly enough to respond if this delta variant gets more dangerous, Lamont said after the vote. Democrats said the presence of more highly contagious variants of the virus and the fact the vaccine is not available to kids under the age of 12 show there are still risks to public health. A year ago, the positivity rate was lower than it is today, said Sen. Matt Lesser, D-Middletown. There is still community spread. It is still killing people in the state of Connecticut, still infecting people. No Republican supported the extension, with many arguing with the state reopened, a successful vaccination campaign well underway, and low infection, hospitalization, and death rates theres no reason that Lamont needs to retain control over the states response to the pandemic. We believe it is nothing short of a blatant reach for power Senate Republican Leader Kevin Kelly, R-Stratford, said. Ahead of the Senate debate, Kelly, flanked by his Republican colleagues, stood in front of a map of the United States showing where emergency declarations are still in place. If this is not an emergency in New York City, how is it an emergency in the state of Connecticut? he said. Connecticut and Rhode Island are the only two states in the Northeast that still have emergency orders in place. Across the country, these orders are in place in 25 states. Delawares governor was latest to lift the state of emergency, letting it expire Tuesday. Lamonts powers have significantly narrowed since the height of the pandemic, when he issued more than 300 executive orders, to the 11 that will continue. The remaining executive orders relate to access to federal funding, granting more time for landlords and tenants to access rental relief money, vaccine distribution and the states mask mandate, which is required for residents who are unvaccinated. These orders are still needed to protect the public and continue critical measures to provide health care access and economic relief and respond to evolving changes, Lamont wrote in a letter to legislative leaders last week. But some Democrats disagreed with Lamont that a public health emergency is needed at this point in order for state to respond effectively to the pandemic. Even though we are a part-time legislature, we are full-time representatives, Mr. Speaker. We are willing to come in and work and do the will of the people to extend precautions, to meet the threat of emergencies as they come up, said Rep Anne Hughes, D-Easton, was among the Democrats who voted no. Sen. Saud Anwar, D-East Windsor, a doctor who specializes in the treatment of lung disease, said those currently being infected, hospitalized and dying due to COVID-19 are unvaccinated. The extension of emergency powers is not going to be able to address that problem, said Anwar, who also voted against the extension. Its not to question the extension, its more recognizing the emergency is essentially almost over from a decision making and management point of view. The states mask mandate is the remaining pandemic-related restriction that has direct impact on residents daily lives. With it, Lamont retains control over whether to require kids to wear masks in school. The governor said Wednesday his administration would likely make a decision in the coming weeks on whether to require masks in school this coming school year. Republicans such as state Rep. Holly Cheeseman, R-East Lyme, said municipalities and local school boards should make the decision over what safety precautions should be instituted in schools and other public places. Republicans, and some Democrats, also balked at Lamonts argument that federal funding could be in jeopardy if the state isnt in a declared emergency, citing examples of other states that have found workarounds. Wisconsin, for example, worked out an agreement with the federal government to allow a declaration from the states health secretary to suffice. Another Democrat who voted no, Rep. Robyn Porter, D-New Haven, whose had disagreements with Lamont administration and members of her own caucus, said she was told those who voted no would face ramifications from the governors office. I want it on the record because I am voting no today and I will not be bullied. I will not be threatened, Porter said on the House floor. She did not immediately return a request for further comment Wednesday. Paul Mounds, the governors chief of staff, said Porters statement was extremely concerning and that no one from the governors office provided any threatening comments regarding the vote on the extension. julia.bergman@hearstmediact.com LOS ANGELES (AP) Los Angeles County residents will again be required to wear masks indoors, regardless of their vaccination status, while the University of California system said that students, faculty and staff must be inoculated against the coronavirus to return to campuses. The announcements Thursday came amid a spike in COVID-19 cases, most of them the highly transmissible delta variant that has proliferated since California fully reopened its economy on June 15 and did away with capacity limits and social distancing. The vast majority of new cases are among unvaccinated people. The rapid and sustained increase in cases in Los Angeles County requires restoring an indoor mask mandate, said Dr. Muntu Davis, public health officer for the countys 10 million people. The public health order will go into effect just before midnight Saturday. This is an all-hands-on-deck moment, Davis said during a virtual news conference. He didnt fully detail what would be some exceptions to the mask rule but said, for example, people could still take off their masks while eating and drinking at restaurants. Davis said officials will focus on education rather than enforcement. Handing out citations to people who dont comply is not something we really want to have to do, he said. Los Angeles County has been recording more than 1,000 new cases each day for a week, and there is now substantial community transmission, Davis said. On Thursday, there were 1,537 new cases, and hospitalizations have now topped 400. The next level is high transmission, and thats not a place where we want to be, he said. It comes after a winter where Los Angeles County experienced a massive surge in infections and deaths, with hospitals overloaded with COVID-19 patients and ambulances idling outside, waiting for beds to open. Now, hospitalizations in California are above 1,700, the highest level since April. More than 3,600 cases were reported Thursday, the most since late February, but a far cry from the winter peak that saw an average of more than 40,000 per day. Other counties, including Sacramento and Yolo, are strongly urging people to wear masks indoors but not requiring it. The drastic increase in cases is concerning as is the number of people choosing not to get vaccinated, Sacramento County Public Health Officer Olivia Kasirye said. The Los Angeles County decision came within hours of the University of Californias announcement that students, faculty and staff must be vaccinated for the upcoming semester. UC President Michael V. Drake said in a letter to the systems 10 chancellors that unvaccinated students without approved exemptions will be barred from in-person classes, events and campus facilities, including housing. Vaccination is by far the most effective way to prevent severe disease and death after exposure to the virus and to reduce spread of the disease to those who are not able, or not yet eligible, to receive the vaccine, Drake wrote. He said the decision came after consulting UC infectious disease experts and reviewing evidence from studies on the dangers of COVID-19 and emerging variants like the delta strain. In San Francisco, cases are rising among the unvaccinated. Black and Latino people are getting shots at a lower rate than others, and Mayor London Breed urged them to get the vaccine. She said Thursday that every person hospitalized with COVID-19 at San Francisco General Hospital is unvaccinated and most are African American. San Francisco Supervisor Shamann Walton said the highest number of cases are in the Bayview district, a largely Black neighborhood, because we are not doing everything we can to protect each other. This is a cry to my community. ... We need you to get vaccinated. San Francisco has one of the highest overall vaccination rates in the nations most populated state. At least 83% of residents 12 and older have received at least one dose. Meanwhile, north of San Francisco, at least 59 residents at a homeless shelter have tested positive for the virus. Of those infected at the Santa Rosa shelter, 28 were fully vaccinated, Dr. Sundari Mase, Sonoma Countys health officer, said Wednesday. Officials were reviewing an additional 26 possible positive cases. Of those with confirmed infections at Samuel L. Jones Hall, nine were hospitalized, including six who were fully vaccinated and had multiple, significant underlying health conditions, including diabetes and pulmonary disease, health officials said. Fewer than half of the shelters 153 residents had received at least a partial vaccination, officials said, and they dont know if the outbreak started with a vaccinated or unvaccinated resident. We know congregate settings are at much higher risk, Mase said. We also know there is a very high proportion of unvaccinated individuals that were in this setting. Most of the 69 vaccinated residents had received the single-shot Johnson & Johnson dose, but Mase said it was hard to determine whether that was a factor in the outbreak. Vaccines decrease the severity of the illness, reduce hospitalizations and decrease the risk of death. Clinical trials showed that a single dose of the J&J vaccine was 72% effective against moderate to severe COVID-19 in the United States, compared with 95% for the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. A Food and Drug Administration analysis cautioned that its not clear how well the vaccines work against each variant. So-called breakthrough cases among the fully vaccinated are unusual. Between Jan. 1 and June 30, California identified 8,699 such cases out of the more than 20 million who have received the vaccine. ___ Associated Press writer Olga R. Rodriguez and Jocelyn Gecker in San Francisco contributed to this report. NEW LONDON A city man who federal authorities said was released from prison due to the COVID pandemic is headed back behind bars for allegedly violating the terms of his supervised release. Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer sentenced 38-year-old Anthony Whitley to 18 months in prison on Thursday in New Haven federal court. Whitley was arrested March 3, 2017, after a court-authorized search of a New London apartment he was associated with led investigators to 14 grams of heroin, 27 grams of cocaine, 150 grams of crack cocaine, items used to process and package drugs for street sale, a semi-automatic handgun, ammunition and $9,180, federal prosecutors said. In that case, Whitley pleaded guilty. He was sentenced on Oct. 23, 2018, to serve 60 months in prison, followed by four years of supervised release. Whitley, who had been in custody since his March 2017 arrest, was released from prison on Sept. 24, 2020, after Meyer granted his motion for compassionate release because of factors related to the COVID-19 pandemic, prosecutors said. Whitleys sentence was modified to time served and four years of supervised release. On March 15, New London police arrested Whitley and charged him with interfering with officers/resisting arrest, prosecutors said, adding that the charge stemmed from Whitley running from officers after an alleged controlled purchase of narcotics from him. Whitley has been detained since May 5, when his supervised release was revoked, prosecutors said. Beyond his prior federal conviction, prosecutors said Whitley has eight previous state convictions, including on felony drug and gun offenses. 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. ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) The Walt Disney Co. said Thursday it planned to build a new regional campus in central Florida to house at least 2,000 professional employees who will be relocating from Southern California to work in digital technology, finance and product development. In a letter to employees, Josh D'Amaro, chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, said the move would allow creative and business teams to be better integrated. The company already has a theme park resort, Walt Disney World, that is the size of the city of San Francisco, located outside Orlando, Florida. NORWICH The Roman Catholic Diocese of Norwich which is facing lawsuits relating to abuse alleged to have occurred at the Mount Saint John School has filed a bankruptcy petition, according to a message from Bishop Michael Cote. Cote wrote on the dioceses website that the institution had filed the petition Thursday. The filing is seeking Chapter 11 bankruptcy. OLD SAYBROOK The Estuary Council of Seniors recently broke ground on a grounds project that will help older adults and the general public achieve better health and well-being, according to a statement. Two years ago, the Estuary Council started the process of working to maximize the space behind the existing senior center, to take advantage of the gorgeous views of North Cove and create an outdoor haven for furthering wellness. Landscape Architect Anne Penniman was hired to design a space that would help fulfill the Estuarys mission of promoting healthy, independent aging. The design of the wellness park will be accessible and focused on overall wellness with a walking path, an adult fitness area, a marsh boardwalk, an outdoor dining patio, and a programming area for activities like yoga, tai chi, and painting. The Estuary Council has always sought to improve the health and wellness of older adults. Studies continue to show that nature and being outdoors improves mood and sleeping, reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, and increases socialization, according to the statement. It also helps to keep seniors active and independent which reduces the risk of extended hospital and rehab stays. This is an exciting project which will have many benefits for our seniors and the community for years to come, said executive director Stan Mingione. This new project complements the Estuary Councils mission and its focus on maximizing existing space, expanding services, improving accessibility, and promoting public access. The plan is for the new wellness park to be completed in November. Naming opportunities for benches, viewing platforms, and more are still available so anyone interested in learning more is encouraged to call the Estuary Councils Director of Development and Outreach, Heather Milardo, at 860-388-1611 ext. 210. The Estuary Council of Seniors is a 501(c)3, non-profit organization. For almost 50 years, they have provided programs and activities to keep seniors healthy, vibrant, and independent. The organization includes a Senior Center in the heart of Old Saybrook which serves adults over the age of 50 living the nine town estuary region of Chester, Clinton, Deep River, Essex, Killingworth, Lyme, Old Lyme, Old Saybrook and Westbrook as well as being the sole provider of Meals on Wheels for those nine-towns. In addition to providing necessary nutrition, the Estuary also provides daily activities, outpatient medical transportation, free health screenings and services, fitness programs, support groups, a Thrift Store, and more. Road closures for Citizens Bank Road Race The annual Citizens Bank 5K Road Race will be held July21, 6-9 p.m., resulting in several road closures in the downtown area, according to Traffic Unit Supervisor Sgt. Michael Inglis. Main Street will be closed between Dingwall Drive and Court Street from 3-9 p.m. From 6-8 p.m., the following roads will be closed: Main Street between Dingwall Drive and Union Street, High Street between Church Street and Washington Street, Vine Street, William Street, Knowles Avenue, and Washington Terrace. Cross Street will be closed between Long Lane and Pine Street. Roadways will be reopened to traffic after participants pass. Many streets will be barricaded and officers or volunteers will be at fixed posts on the route. All motorists are strongly encouraged to use alternate routes to avoid delays. Churches collecting supplies for housing program Faith Lutheran will be joining forces with three other area churches: Shiloh Christain Church, South Church and Vox Church, to support St. Vincent de Paul's Supportive Housing Program. The Supportive Housing Program at St. Vincent de Paul's helps secure housing and provides case management services to individuals experiencing homelessness throughout our community. Most of their clients come into the program with very limited possessions and need our community support. There is a family that St. Vincent de Paul's has secured housing for that will be able to begin their move into their new home within the next couple weeks. For this family, Faith Lutheran has been asked to help by donating Cleaning Supplies. See the 'Wish List' of suggested Cleaning Supplies provided by St. Vincent de Paul's on behalf of the family. Grocery gift cards are also appreciated. To donate cleaning supplies or a gift card, call or email the office. Needed are laundry detergent, dryer sheets, dish soap, multipurpose cleaner, air fresherns, mop, broom, dustpan, a mop bucket, scrubbing and kitchen sponches, a laundry basket, toilet cleaner and a vacuum. Donationcan be dropped off at the Church in the Connector on Sundays before 9 a.m. worship, and during church hours, Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Or, if you have access to the building, drop off donations at any time. Donations are due by July 22. Records to be destroyed DURHAM/MIDDLEFIELD - The Student Services and Special Education Department of Regional School District 13 will destroy any and all special education/504 records of students who graduated or would have graduated with the Class of 2015. These records may be helpful or necessary for future referrals to social security and other state services. These records will be destroyed on August 13, 2021. If any student, as described above, would like his/her special education/504 records, he/she must submit a written request for a copy of the records no later than Aug. 12. Forward all requests to Jennifer Keane, Director of Student Services and Special Education, Regional School District 13, 135A Pickett Lane, PO Box 190, Durham, CT 06422. Please also call the office of the Student Services and Special Education to confirm receipt of request at 860-349-7208 no later than Aug. 12. In case anyone thought Connecticut could avoid the latest culture war, the Unmask Our Kids signs popping up in every corner of the state tell us otherwise. The coronavirus is about the upend its third consecutive school year. With vaccinations available, this year should present fewer complications than the last two. Given the tenor of the times, we shouldnt count on anything being easy. Some of the push behind the signs, which urge residents to call their local school boards or health departments and demand an end to mask mandates, is purely political. Its activists hunting around for an issue to attack incumbents. But theres fertile territory in people who dont trust public health dictates, who want masks off and also shun the COVID vaccine. Thats where the danger arises. In the classroom, there are mixed reports on what last years start-and-stop, in-and-out hybrid model meant for students. Some no doubt fell behind, but there are signs the deficits were not as severe as initially feared. And we should take seriously the concerns of parents who are still, at this late date, worried about a full, in-person return. The best course is vaccination, which is free, effective and available to anyone 12 and up. Connecticut has one of the strongest records in the nation on that measure, which meant that recent CDC guidance urging full reopening of schools this fall should have been welcomed. But there are still questions that need answering. The under-12 crowd cant be vaccinated yet, and middle schools, where children are in the 10-14 range, pose some of the hardest questions. There will be pressure to keep local mask mandates in place, and plenty of push-back. Other states have been all over the place. California initially said masks would be required at all K-12 schools this fall before backtracking and saying it would be up to individual districts. Others have banned mask mandates altogether. Connecticut is likely to err toward the former approach. In a sign of the issues potency, mask questions featured heavily at a recent rally against Gov. Ned Lamont in Hartford. The ostensible issue was an extension of the governors emergency powers a reasonable complaint but a host of other topics were thrown into the mix, including masks and vaccines. Expect that fervor to grow as school approaches. The attacks on Lamont lately feel like the work of a party adrift. The governor looks formidable in advance of next years election, and potential opponents have been looking for anything that might stick. One minute its rising crime, the next its gas prices. Mask mandates sound like just another potential target. What it means for politicians is one thing, but kids who are supposed to be what matters here may not care as much as we think. I worried last year about my children having to wear masks for hours at a time, but found their response to potentially lifting the requirement was to shrug. Wearing a mask is just part of their day at this point. If the mandates stay in place, children will mostly go along without complaint. That shouldnt settle the issue one way or the other, but we should think carefully about who were trying to protect. And another winter without the usual round of head colds doesnt sound so bad. The danger from COVID has never been solely about children, and recent data confirms that cases in young people have been uncommon. The worry was more that children would pass the virus to each other and then to people at home, some of whom were health compromised. That explains why some have wanted to keep children home even as overall numbers improved. Vaccinations should solve that, but hesitancy remains an obstacle. Numbers will vary by district, and in places where vaccine rates remain low, a mask mandate is far from the worst option. Schools should have the ability to keep them in place. What we dont need to do is call a mask mandate child abuse. Its not. The national mood on this issue is in danger of running toward hysteria. We dont have to follow along. Hugh Bailey is editorial page editor of the New Haven Register and Connecticut Post. He can be reached at hbailey@hearstmediact.com. Authorities said Friday they have suspended search and recovery efforts for the night for two Plainville teens who were reported missing after they went swimming in the Farmington River on Thursday. A spokesperson for the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection said the search for the missing teens will resume Saturday morning. Capt. Keith Williams, head of the state Environmental Conservation Police marine unit, said the teens went swimming on the east side of the Farmington River near the dams shortly after 1 p.m. Thursday. He said they were reported missing when they didnt return home when they were supposed to at 5 p.m. Once it was learned where the boys had been, Plainville police contacted law enforcement in Avon. Units responding to the area, which Williams said is frequented by swimmers on hot and humid days every summer, found one of the teens vehicles parked nearby. Williams said first responders also found clothing and two cellphones that belonged to the boys on the shore. He said the missing teens are friends. Soon after, search efforts were underway Thursday night, bringing in units from the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, Connecticut State Police, Avon police and fire and Burlington fire to search throughout the night. Farmington Police Lt. Timothy McKenzie said the departments regional team sent out drone operators to help with the search around 10 p.m. Thursday. Williams said the search was suspended around midnight Friday when conditions on the river became too dangerous for first responders to continue to look for the missing teens. Its very difficult to tell a family that you have to suspend a search for the night, Williams said. Search-and-recovery efforts picked up again around 8 a.m. Friday. Williams said a helicopter was brought in from New Milford to help search. State and Environmental Conservation police dive teams have also responded to the river, but Williams said the water levels and dangerous currents are making those efforts a bit more difficult than usual, thanks to recent rainfall. Thats kind of hampering a little bit of the search efforts, Williams said. Williams said the rivers current temperature is likely in the low 60s. There are no lifeguards or law enforcement that patrol the river. Individuals swim at their own risk there. The conditions are dangerous, Williams said. Hypothermia sets in very quickly and you can get swept downstream very quickly. Its a very dangerous time with the water level being the height that it is. Williams said the Army Corps of Engineers is working to drop the water level from the Colebrook Reservoir to about half its current level. He said that process, which began around 8 a.m., can take up to six hours. The area of the river where the teens were believed to have been swimming is about 10 to 15 feet deep, officials said, and gets a bit more shallow in surrounding areas. Williams said first responders are focusing their efforts on about a two- to three-mile stretch of the river. Williams said he has been in constant communication with the teens families. Obviously, these situations are never easy, Williams said. Their hopes are high. They also know the possibilities. Theyre struggling right now. Their loved ones are missing and its a difficult time for them. Were doing everything we can. Williams said officials are also asking that members of the public not show up to help search Friday. To have other people come down and search, that puts them at risk, he said. With the river level being the way that it is, we just dont want to risk the general public getting hurt and have another search and rescue mission going on. In terms of warning others who might head out to that area of the Farmington River in the coming days, Williams urged people to know their limits and always wear a life jacket or other type of flotation device. Staff Writer Peter Yankowski contributed reporting. AP ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK, Colo. (AP) An off-duty police officer in Colorado died in a 200-foot (70-meter) fall while hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park this week. Park rangers responded Thursday to Mount Lady Washington, about 70 miles (110 kilometers) northwest of Denver. The rangers were helped in their search by a helicopter crew assigned to a wildfire near Steamboat Springs. SURFSIDE, Fla. (AP) A South Florida courtroom observed a moment of silence Friday to remember the dozens of people who died in the collapse of 12-story condominium complex near Miami. Then it returned to the business of considering what should become of the property. That decision may be weeks or months from being made as families grapple with difficult decisions over personal and financial losses, including whether to rebuild, place a memorial on the site or accommodate both. Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Michael Hanzman said he was open to all options, but no decision came at a hearing Friday. The judge appeared pleased that discussions were underway to raise the financing necessary, perhaps from the government, to buy the property for a memorial. All options are being explored, Hanzman said, according to the Miami Herald. No options are being removed from the table. On Wednesday, Hanzman ordered the start of the process to sell the site of Champlain Towers South, which court records say could fetch $100 million to $110 million. The news of the financing effort came from the court-appointed receiver, Michael Goldberg, who also shared that the propertys insurer would be paying out $31 million in insurance money, according to WPLG. Goldberg acknowledged the differing opinions over what to do with the property in Surfside. Some people want it sold and the proceeds immediately distributed, some want to rebuild on the property. And some believe this is hallowed ground and that it should be forever a memorial, Goldberg said, according to WPLG. Miami-Dade County authorities said at least 97 people died from the June 24 collapse of a portion of the condominium complex. As of Friday, 94 of those victims had been identified, with potentially at least one more person buried in the rubble. One of those identified Friday was 51-year-old Brad Cohen. His daughter, 12-year-old Elisheva Cohen, made headlines after Surfside Mayor Charles Burkett found her alone staring at the rubble a few days after the collapse, consoling herself with a collection of Psalms. Her teenage brother was just days into his kibbutz in Israel and rushed home as soon as he heard about the collapse. President Joe Biden comforted the girl when he visited the site on July 1 and spoke privately with grieving families. Brad Cohens long-time mentor, Rabbi Yakov Saachs, said the popular orthopedic surgeon had a love for Jewish teachings and instilled that in both his children. He has kids and hell have grandkids and great grandkids, a world of people that are fulfilling Gods wishes and Gods word, Saachs said. A funeral for Brad Cohen was scheduled for Monday and will be open to the public, according to his wife Soriya Cohen. She shared a photo of him and Elisheva, with him wearing a floral shirt Soriya Cohen said was her favorite. His mother bought it early in Brad and Soriya's marriage. If I could have only one piece of clothing from him, it would be that shirt, Soriya Cohen said. Shortly after Fridays hearing began, a resident of the complex asked the judge for a moment of silence. Afterward, the resident, Oren Cytrynbaum, reflected on the tragedy. Each day gets a bit easier. You are not sure whats gonna happen but everyone is helping each other, he told Miamis CBS4 News. Weve been getting close with our neighbors and the community and everyones been helping each other. It just seems like youre going from a very dark place to a bright light of hope down the end of the road. That pain has opened debate among grieving families over the matter of whether it is appropriate to rebuild on the site or whether it should be turned into a memorial. Some family members have suggested the government buy the property for use as a memorial, saying the blood spilled on the site made it inappropriate for commercial development. But other survivors want the structure rebuilt so they can move back in. On Thursday, the mayor of neighboring Miami Beach proposed setting aside an area of a park in his city to erect a memorial for the victims of the Surfside tragedy. So many in my community knew or were one degree of separation from the victims of this unthinkable tragedy, Mayor Dan Gelber wrote in a letter to the judge. The judge has fast-tracked the lawsuits that have been filed as a result of the disaster and has authorized Goldberg to begin disbursing insurance money to the victims and families. Much of Fridays hearing focused on establishing an organizational structure to help guide future proceedings. Cullman, AL (35055) Today Scattered thunderstorms during the morning becoming more widespread this afternoon. High 79F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Locally heavy rainfall possible.. Tonight Variable clouds with scattered thunderstorms. Low 69F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 60%. Elizabeth City, NC (27909) Today Showers and thundershowers likely. High near 75F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Rainfall possibly over one inch.. Tonight Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm this evening, then some lingering showers still possible overnight. Low 69F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 70%. 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. File/Daily Citizen-News Whitfield County Engineer Kent Benson has been named interim county administrator by the Board of Commissioners. Benson will serve as administrator until a hire is made for the position. Current County Administrator Mark Gibson leaves on Wednesday to be chief operations officer for Whitfield County Schools. The following items are based on information provided by officials in law enforcement and the criminal justice system. Jackie Bailey, 80, of Westwood, Kentucky, died peacefully Saturday morning, July 17th, at her home while under hospice care. Jackie was born February 10, 1941 in Boyd County, Kentucky. She, and her late husband Earl Bailey, were the owners and operators of the former Bailey's Texaco Station You are the owner of this article. The Kennett Brewfest will return to being an in-person event, and will be held Oct. 2 Going anywhere fancy for your holidays, are you? Maybe youre one of those whove given up in despair and youre dusting off the deckchairs, hoping the sun shines. Jeff Bezos is taking a trip on Tuesday. Hes going into space and hes using his own rocket. Thats what Sir Richard Branson did last Sunday. Elon Musk is planning one, too, and hell be using Bransons rocket plane. How very thrilling for them and, if they are to be believed, for the rest of us, too. Because they say theyre blazing a trail for us all. Opening up the exciting prospect of space tourism. Theres one slight snag. Bezos is the richest man in the world, Musk isnt far behind him and Branson has the odd billion stashed away on his very own tax haven island in the Caribbean. Not that you need billions. If things go according to plan, youll soon be able to book a flight for a trifling 200,000. Thats for a return trip, youll be relieved to hear. It works out at roughly 18,000 a minute. Richard Branson, pictured, was blasted to the edge of space last Sunday and returned safely to earth Fellow billionaire Jeff Bezos, pictured, is planning to go to space in his own rocket, Blue Origin, which he claims is better than Branson's as it can go higher The Musk flight is a bit pricier. They auctioned the spare seat on Tuesdays flight a while back and the anonymous winner snapped it up for a modest $28 million. But he pulled out on Thursday after an apparent diary clash and an 18-year-old boy is taking his place. Lucky lad. Bezos says his rocket (Blue Origin) is superior to Bransons because it goes higher. It gets above the Karman Line, the 62-mile mark that is internationally recognised as the boundary of space. But whos measuring? You still get a magnificent view of our planet in all its breath-taking glory. Rather more to the point, who cares? Lets try to swallow our envy that billionaires get to cruise the cosmos while most of us cant even manage a week in Crete. If they choose to engage in a game that only billionaires can play, why should people like me get all sarcastic about it? Its their money, isnt it? Well maybe it is, but its our world. And thats why I care. Remember what Neil Armstrong did in July 1969? Of course, you do. He became the first human truly to slip the surly bonds of earth and fire the imagination of the entire world by setting foot on the moon. Like most of us of a certain age I can remember precisely what I was doing: waiting for my lovely daughter Catherine to be born in a hospital in Cardiff. The matron (they really were fearsome figures in those days) gave me a choice. I could either wait for the caesarean section to take place or I could go to the pub next door to watch the moon landing. No chance of the husband being at the birth back then. Her strong recommendation was the pub. So I did. Catherine swears shes never held it against me. Nor did her mother. Lets try to swallow our envy that billionaires get to cruise the cosmos while most of us cant even manage a week in Crete. If they choose to engage in a game that only billionaires can play, why should people like me get all sarcastic about it? Its their money, isnt it? Well maybe it is, but its our world. And thats why I care But who will remember the dawn of the age of so-called space tourism? Only, I suspect, that tiny group of people rich enough to benefit from it. But thats not the reason for my cynicism over the Branson/Bezos caper. And, yes, thats what it is. A caper. An utterly pointless exercise in inflating egos that already dwarf the size of the average planet. And dont believe their boasts. It advances the cause of space exploration not one jot. True, the passengers will get a wonderful view of our planet, but we are already blessed with the greatest space photograph ever. It was taken by the crew of Apollo 17 when they were 18,000 miles from Earth and has probably been reproduced more than any other image in history. Fifty years later, it is impossible to see it without a deep sense of awe. I doubt we will learn anything from these 11-minute jaunts that we did not learn decades ago. And we are finding out more all the time from increasingly powerful space telescopes. Voyager 1 entered interstellar space almost exactly ten years ago. It is an unimaginable 14 billion miles away and is still transmitting data back to Earth. This is an utterly pointless exercise in inflating egos that already dwarf the size of the average plane But let me correct myself. We will learn something if, God forbid, the grotesque notion of space tourism succeeds. It will provide yet more proof of the arrogance and skewed priorities of mankind. Let me offer you one terrifying example of that from this past week. Scientists confirmed on Wednesday that the Amazon rainforest is now emitting more carbon dioxide than it is able to absorb. A billion tons a year. It doesnt get much more serious than this. For millions of years the Amazon has been a vital carbon sink, absorbing emissions that are now threatening the very existence of our precious planet. But for decades, humans have been deliberately destroying the forest, felling its ancient trees and setting fires to clear land to grow cheap beef or soya. That vast and wonderful forest that has been helping protect us since the dawn of civilisation has now become a threat to us. Jeff Bezos, trying desperately to whip up enthusiasm for his space jaunt, has said to see the earth from space changes your relationship with humanity. Really? You dont need to go to space to see the Amazon burning. That should tell us all we need to know about our relationship with humanity. Perhaps I am too cynical. Many applaud those scientists who assure us that if we redouble our efforts we can ultimately colonise another planet somewhere out there. That is simply nonsense. It took billions of years to create the biomes that make this planet the perfect environment for millions of different forms of life to exist and enable us humans not just to survive but to thrive. It is also profoundly immoral. We show our gratitude for this gift by saying: Umm we seem to have screwed up this planet but, not to worry, well find another one so we can screw that one up too. In my wilder fantasies I imagine a colony of ants, the lowliest of species, discussing the behaviour of humans in whatever language ants employ. Ants have been around for 160 million years and will doubtless survive despite whatever we do to this planet. Odd, isnt it, they will say, humans seemed to be so much smarter than us but And then theyll go to work on another anthill. The ancient Greeks, as ever, had a word for it. Hubris. It means excessive pride or arrogance. And in Greek drama it was inevitably followed by nemesis. Or downfall. And yet there is hope. The polls tell us young people especially are distinctly unimpressed by space exploration. In a recent survey in the States, it came 25th out of 26 priorities. They want scientists to concentrate on climate change. Bezos would do well to contemplate that as he blasts off in a few days and contaminates our fragile atmosphere with yet more carbon. Even the richest man on the planet needs a home to return to. I've got a secret fortune... if only I knew where it was! Come to think of it, I may have made a big mistake attacking Bezos. I am on the verge of serious wealth myself. All Ive got to do is find the stamp album I lost 50 years ago. I was reminded of it by the news this week that the worlds rarest stamp is returning to Britain to go on display in London. Its the British Guiana 1 cent Magenta and its described as the Mona Lisa of the stamp world. Stanley Gibbons paid 6.2 million for it at auction last month, which makes it the most valuable manufactured item ever: 2.5 million times more valuable than 24-carat gold. The reason Im pretty confident is that I bought lots of stamps from Stanley Gibbons in my collecting days. You could get a whole bag of them for a pound, no small sum when my income as a paper boy was fifteen shillings a week. Most were rubbish, but there were one or two that earned a place in my album and I distinctly remember some from British Guiana. So if youre reading this, Jeff, Im prepared to give you first option. Now where the hell did I put that album ? It has been a long time coming but so-called 'Freedom Day' July 19 when Britain emerges from the shackles of life under Covid restrictions is almost upon us. And yet, as I write, hundreds of thousands of people around the country are placing themselves back in lockdown. By that I mean they are victims of the 'pingdemic' and have, in recent weeks, been 'pinged' by the NHS Covid-19 app. As a result they must isolate for ten days because they are deemed at risk of infection having come in to contact with a known infected individual. But what is isolation but lockdown by any other name? The irony is that the many of those now stuck at home are healthy. It has been a long time coming but so-called 'Freedom Day' July 19 when Britain emerges from the shackles of life under Covid restrictions is almost upon us, writes PROFESSOR DAVID PATON. Pictured: Up to 1million people were asked to self-isolate last week, data suggests. But that figure could hit 5.6million by the end of the month, if cases spiral by 75 per cent every week (right), according to MailOnline analysis They will have had at least one Covid vaccination and are likely to be symptom-free and at reduced risk of transmitting the virus, yet they are effectively prisoners in their homes. The consequences are far reaching as the Mail reported yesterday. In the first week of July, 900,000 alerts were issued in England and Wales more than 500,000 pings and the remainder issued by NHS contact tracers. Businesses throughout the country are being hit by escalating staff shortages with factories cutting shifts or on the verge of closing, and hospitality venues having to shutter up barely months after they had reopened. Meanwhile, hospitals that were just starting to deal with the backlog caused by Covid are cancelling operations and closing beds because clinical staff are unable to come into work. Food shortages as manufacturers are forced to limit production and suppliers crippled by lack of drivers for delivery to supermarkets are forecast. Of the 1.8million people who were forced to self-isolate last week, 194,000 tested positive, 520,000 were 'pinged' by the app and almost 340,000 who were contacted directly by Test and Trace. A further 750,000 were schoolchildren sent home The situation may well get worse before it gets better. The Health Secretary himself, Sajid Javid, has warned that cases may rise to 100,000 a day by next month which would extrapolate to half-a-million people a day having to self-isolate. It will have a devastating impact on an already faltering economy. So surely it is time to rethink the use of current test and trace rules? Before introducing a radical new policy there are two issues that any government will normally take into consideration: what benefit it brings and how much it costs. And when it comes to the much-trumpeted NHS Test and Trace system the answer to that last question is an eye-watering 22billion the budget allocated to run it for just one year, to say nothing of the billions lost to business from staff having to isolate unnecessarily. The benefits are harder to ascertain. Despite what appears to be ministers near slavish devotion to the system, it's not absolutely clear what it has achieved in terms of limiting spread of the coronavirus. Compulsory isolation following notification of close contact with an infected individual was introduced last September. Butit failed to prevent cases soaring throughout the autumn and winter. Nor was it able to avert two further lockdowns before and after Christmas. That doesn't mean the system had no effect at all. But you don't have to be an economist to see that by any calculation, Test and Trace is not a good use of resources: it's monstrously expensive and has limited impact. All the more so when you consider that thousands of people, many of them frontline NHS workers, are now deleting the Covid app to avoid being pinged. Indeed 20 per cent of adults have done this at the last count, rising to a third among the 18-30s the age group among whom case numbers are rising most dramatically. This perfectly illustrate the lunacy of the system. NHS staff know that being double jabbed or a recent Covid infection dramatically reduces their chances of serious illness and of transmission, and that staff shortages on the NHS frontline is a serious risk to national wellbeing at this stage. And yet still the pings ring out from mobile phones up and down the land, emanating from a system that is both astonishingly sensitive pinging anyone who comes with a two-metre radius of a person infected with Covid for fifteen minutes or more, even if you are standing on the other side of a brick wall from them but is not sensitive enough to consider everyone's myriad individual circumstances. Or those of the nation. Earlier this week, Richard Walker, the boss of frozen food chain Iceland, wrote of how he had to close stores something he hadn't done even at the height of the pandemic because so many staff had been pinged by the app. In understandably Anglo-Saxon language, he labelled it a 's*** show for business'. And he's right. Businesses need staff and they also need certainty and confidence to function well. Office for National Statistics (ONS) data based on random swab testing of thousands of people the number of people infected with the virus in the week ending July 10 was 577,7000, up 73.5 per cent in a week At the moment, they are short on both and things are looking likely to get worse. We must face up to the reality that the 'freedom' that beckons from Monday is underpinned by a system that is keeping millions of responsible, healthy citizens at home, missing days of work, important family occasions and long awaited holidays. Increasingly, it is hard not to feel that this is lockdown by the back door, the preferred option of terrified ministers and their scientific advisers who do not have the courage of either their convictions or confidence in the vaccine programme in the face of rising Covid case numbers. Hence, the ongoing confusion over mask-wearing and distancing responsibility for which they have also passed on to businesses. I do have some sympathy with the Government, who have faced huge pressure from all sides of the political spectrum, as well as the public, to row back on easing all restrictions. Yet this ongoing fudge is categorically not the answer. Nor is their announcement earlier this week that the NHS Covid-19 app could be 'tweaked' to ensure that those who have been double jabbed will be less likely to be pinged. I fear it will not be sufficient to stem the 'pingdemic' raging across the land. I have a different suggestion. Instead, why not aim for what I call 'voluntary compliance': make the Test and Trace system more advisory in nature, providing information and guidance as opposed to requiring people to isolate although isolation is not a legal requirement following notification from the app, which many people do not seem to realise. After all, most of us would like to know if we've been in the vicinity of someone infected with Covid. I believe the majority of Britons are responsible and want to do their bit to reduce the risk. The irresponsible will do what they like regardless. The rest of us must be trusted to do the right thing. David Paton is Professor of Industrial Economics at Nottingham University Business School. When the G7 world leaders gathered in Cornwall in June, Andrew Marr was there and feeling on top of the world. The BBC's political inquisitor was in his element, broadcasting his Sunday morning show live from St Ives. As an enthusiastic painter and art lover, the icing on the cake for him was that their makeshift TV studio was in the 'fabulous' Tate St Ives art gallery. 'If I go anywhere new there are two things I like to do,' he says. 'I find out if there's any art to look at and if there's beer to drink. I've loved Barbara Hepworth's sculptures since I was a teenager, so I managed to get to her studio in St Ives and I also found a very nice pub. We were by the seaside too, and the sun came out, so what was not to like?' Andrew Marr (pictured) caught Covid at last month's G7 summit. Here he tells how it knocked him for six, but could have been so much worse But after a glorious midsummer weekend he returned home to London only to fall seriously ill. Four days after his show went out he was confined to his basement, knocked sideways by an illness which in his understated way he says felt 'pretty bloody'. Although he'd had two Pfizer Covid-19 vaccinations and taken all the sensible precautions, he'd contracted the Delta variant and it floored him. Andrew, who'll turn 62 later this month, had a brush with death when he had a stroke in 2013, and he's since had cancer ('it was the kidney, and it was dealt with brilliantly and very fast'). He's not one to over-dramatise matters, but this latest sickness was serious enough for him to want to share an urgent message. 'I'm still here and I was not hospitalised, so by that definition I'm a vaccine success,' he says. 'If I hadn't been vaccinated I might well have been carking it in hospital, or at least on a ventilator. So I'm not saying this is a failure of the vaccines, far from it, what I'm saying is just be careful. Even if you're double-vaccinated, you don't have superpowers, you can still get ill. 'Like government ministers I'd been using that glib phrase "mild to moderate symptoms" when talking about people who'd been double-vaccinated getting Covid, but it can be really, really horrible. 'We have to open up and get the economy moving again, but we also have to realise that this Delta strain is far more infectious than the earlier one, and even if you've had two jabs you're not protected against serious illness. If I had a single thing to say to people it would be not to think you're invulnerable, to carry on taking the precautions that feel right for you.' Although Marr (pictured in his studio) has almost fully recovered, he still worries about long Covid Sitting with him on the terrace of his house in Primrose Hill, north London, where he and his wife Jackie Ashley moved after his stroke, it's not immediately obvious it still affects him, except that he cradles his left arm and wears slip-on shoes because he can no longer do up his laces. It did mean, though, that he'd been given both vaccinations by the end of March. 'I was called early, either because of the cancer or because of my stroke, which affected the left side of my body and means that my left lung doesn't work as well as it ought to.' Although he's done a huge amount of walking during lockdown, it's clearly still not that easy. 'I walk very slowly, it's more like a drunken lurch. My left leg can't really support my full weight, so I'm still quite unstable. One of my early symptoms of Covid was sneezing a lot, and I actually have to be careful when I do a big sneeze that I don't blow myself over,' he laughs. When Covid hit him fully after the early symptoms though, it was certainly no laughing matter. His scare began on the morning of Friday 11 June when he travelled down to Cornwall. 'It turned into a very long day. I went by train, wearing a mask and not surrounded by people. But when we were approaching it was clear that Extinction Rebellion protestors had more or less cut off St Ives. We got off the train at St Erth and had to sit around for about two and a half hours waiting to get a bus into St Ives, which is only about five miles away. 'It was a long day but I was feeling fine. We were by the seaside and there were lots of colleagues from the BBC and Sky there, so it was very genial. Andrew Marr was looked after by his wife Jackie (pictured together in 2009) 'But it's very stressful pulling together a live show. All the next day, the Saturday, I was talking to my team trying to book guests while also hovering around briefings. We'd been told by French President Emmanuel Macron's team that it was pretty likely he'd do the show. It was the same with Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, but they both pulled out, deciding to stay inside their ring of steel. I'm not sure if that was because of Covid, or that they were worried about demonstrators. Then there was another big blow. We'd been told we'd have Dominic Raab live in our studio and he pulled out as well, so we had to interview him down the line, not in person. 'On the Sunday I was up at 4am to start reading and preparing for the show. Later that day we had the same problems getting out of St Ives again, and I didn't get back home to London until half past midnight. I felt shattered on the Monday, but that was no surprise after the weekend I'd had. 'By Tuesday I thought I was coming down with a summer cold. I was sneezing, had a bit of a sore throat and a slight headache. I was certainly not feeling great, but there was a lot of pollen around, so I didn't really think anything of it. And anyway, these early symptoms were not what I expected of Covid. I now think they need to change the guidance about early symptoms, to warn people. 'Because then on the Wednesday morning it hit me, and I started to feel seriously ill. I'd followed the rules and done about four lateral flow tests while in St Ives [taking swabs from the nose and the throat], and then I took two more lateral flow swab tests on Wednesday all were negative. I still felt I had a cold but I carried on with the stuff I needed to do, like shopping and taking paintings to the exhibition of my work I was having in a gallery in Bermondsey in south London. 'I knew I had meetings coming up though, and I was aware that at least two of the team I work with at the BBC are younger and hadn't been vaccinated, so I agreed with my editor that I should take a PCR test [the more accurate laboratory test]. I drove to a test centre in a huge car park opposite the Hindu temple in Neasden, which was empty except for me. The 62-year-old warns that even if you're double-vaccinated, you don't have superpowers, you can still get ill. Pictured: Andrew talking to Dominic Raab at the G7 'I was starting to feel worse and worse so it was no surprise when I was pinged on my phone on Thursday at 8am, telling me I had Covid and I must isolate and not leave my house for ten days from when I first had symptoms. The fact I'd taken six lateral flow tests that were all negative, when during some of that period I was certainly positive, makes me wonder what the point of them is. If we'd put all our effort into making PCR tests even more available and forgotten about lateral flow tests, would we have been in a better position? 'By then I had a nasty, vice-like headache, with pain behind the eyeballs that wouldn't go away. I felt queasy and started to get shivers and shakes with my temperature going up and down all over the place, together with muscle ache and tiredness and a general feeling of malaise. The last time I'd felt like that was 25 years ago when I had hepatitis. I'M ALL FOR FREEDOM ...BUT BE CAREFUL With more restrictions about to be lifted, Andrew urges caution on everybody's part. 'We're going into a really strange period now with all the restrictions being lifted, which I think they should be as we have to get back to normal some time. But as a result there'll be a big spike in infections and a lot of people will fall ill. And of course the real danger is there'll be a further mutation or variant. 'Until now we've been ordered about by the government with restrictions and fines, and told how many people we can have at weddings and funerals that mattered a lot to me because my dad died last June and we could only have ten people including the minister at his funeral in Scotland. 'For a lot of people that was beginning to feel oppressive. But in the next phase we'll all have to take more responsibility for our own health. Many will continue to wear masks and will decide not to go to a concert or a crowded restaurant, others will feel differently. I can see tensions growing between people who remain worried and those who flaunt their freedoms. 'Nobody knows everything about this, it is a developing disease. Boris Johnson has talked about everybody who's been double-vaccinated being able to do what they want, but I'm not sure. I think there are bumpy times ahead.' Advertisement 'If the worst moment of my stroke was finding myself lying on the bedroom floor unable to get up, the worst moment of this came halfway through my period of self-isolation. The previous day I'd had a really bad throat and terrible sweats, going from really cold to really hot, then I improved and I thought, "That's a relief." But the next day I went downhill again. I was worried then that it would continue to go up and down, that maybe I'd get long Covid, and I was anxious about whether I was going to recover properly. 'All the time I was doing virtually nothing. I read obsessively, but I was too ill to read what I would call 'serious' books, I'd start them but I just couldn't focus so I had to put them down. I didn't want to watch TV and wasn't even that interested in the news. I managed to draw a little, otherwise I was lying down listening to music, including a lot of Benjamin Britten. 'I kept gingerly getting up and trying to sit at my desk or on the sofa, but then I'd find myself having to creep back into bed again for another rest. I was slightly chesty, and I was aware of my damaged left lung, but luckily that never developed into me being unable to breathe or being hospitalised. I've done my time in hospitals, I wasn't looking forward to going into one again. I was genuinely surprised how ill I was though. 'Jackie looked after me brilliantly she'd bring coffee and food downstairs and leave it for me. I thought I was tough, and I'm someone who tends to shake things off quite quickly. But I didn't shake this off I needed my full ten days in isolation. 'My sense of smell and taste also went. Like a lot of vain old men I use aftershave, Acqua di Parma in my case which is pretty strong, and I couldn't smell it at all. I also always open a canister of coffee in the morning and have a good sniff to wake myself up but I couldn't smell or taste that.' Although he thinks he's now almost fully recovered, his concern about long Covid continues. 'I'm monitoring myself all the time for brain fog, but there's no sign of it yet. I know of one person who says she reads but can't take anything in and remember it. And she has a high-powered job, so that's worrying. The cognitive effects worry me constantly.' Andrew wasn't at the beach barbecue thrown by Boris Johnson on the Saturday night near St Ives which was criticised for its lack of masks and social distancing, and no one else in his team came down with the illness. He remains unsure how and where he caught it, though he does believe it was some time during the G7 summit. His stroke came from over-exercising on a rowing machine, so might trying to pack too much in have been a contributory factor in him falling ill this time? 'It could certainly be stress-related, I was working very hard that weekend,' he says. 'Jackie went through with me hour by hour what I'd done in St Ives. 'Tot it up and it's too much,' she told me, 'You've got to put your foot on the brake a bit.' I got a good talking-to and I'm trying to be very quiet at the moment.' Andrew's ebullience and determinedly glass-half-full attitude continue when it comes to his work though, and he's just signed a new contract for his BBC1 Sunday morning show. 'I think politics will be even more turbulent and interesting in the next ten years than it's been in the last ten, and I haven't lost any appetite for it.' As he heads out to walk up the road to buy his newspapers the message is clear. And the chances of his slowing down seem pretty slim. 'I'm impulsive and have a butterfly mind,' he says. 'That won't change and I'll continue to work hard because it's really boring to just sit around. I have an absolute horror of boredom.' Andrew Marr's latest book Elizabethans is out now in paperback. For his artwork visit andrewmarrart.co.uk A five-star hotel has become the first in the UK to offer in-room facial aesthetic treatments for guests. The Lowry Hotel in Salford, Manchester, has announced its new partnership with cosmetics clinic DermAssure, which allows guests to enjoy aesthetic treatments from the comfort of their bedrooms. Prices rage from 70 to 500 for both facial and non-facial aesthetic procedures - including underarm Botox to stop excessive sweating - as well as skincare treatments. Guests of the hotel are able to book in advance via the DermAssure website or call the spa at The Lowry Hotel and will receive a consultation upon arrival for their stay. The Lowry Hotel in Salford, Manchester, become the first in the UK to offer in-room facial aesthetic treatments for guests. Pictured, one of the rooms where treatments are available Guests pose outside the five-star Lowry Hotel in Salford which recently announced their new partnership with cosmetics clinic DermAssure However beauty fans can also arrange spur of the moment treatments if there is availability in the spa during your stay. Non-booked appointments will also require a consultation. The DermAssure clinical team predict the most popular treatments with guests will be the anti-wrinkle and dermal fillers, plus non-invasive skin care peels. A particular favourite among their clients is the Red Carpet Peel a Hollywood loved method which provides accelerated exfoliation using different types of acids to even the skin tone and minimise fine lines. Along with dermal filler, guests can also undergo dermaplaning treatment for 70, which removes peach fuzz and dead surface skin with the gentle scrape of a fine scalpel. Prices rage from 70 to 500 for both facial and non-facial aesthetic procedures - including underarm Botox to stop excessive sweating - as well as skin care treatments. Pictured, the hotel foyer Others available treatments include glycolic peels, usually used to treat acne prone skin, which use glycolic liquid to remove dead skin cells and make skin seem smoother. A milder alternative on offer is the milk peel, which uses lactic acid found dairy products to work on the epidermal layer of the skin and unclog pores, making skin appear brighter with less fine lines. The clinic also offers PROFHILO treatments, an injectable treatment which adds hydration rather than volume to the skin and requires two sessions with a four-week interval. What treatments can you receive in your hotel room and how much will they cost? Botox - 1 Area 120; 2 Areas 170; All 3 Areas 220 Dermal Filler - starting from 120 PROFHILO - 280 or two sessions for 500 Glycolic Peel - 80 Milk Peel - 75 Dermaplaning - 70 Red Carpet Peel - 95 Underarm Botox - Starting from 370 Advertisement And for those who simply need a little bit of TLC, celebrity adored, IV vitamin drips are available to help boost your skin and immune system through an infusion of vitamins and minerals. Tanya Andrews, Spa Manager from The Spa at The Lowry Hotel said: 'We are delighted to be working with the DermAssure team who can offer our customers a whole new skin experience. 'DermAssure's team will be on hand to ensure our customers and hotel guests are feeling and looking their best as we remerge into normal life following lockdown.' 'Our guests will have peace of mind and feel safe in the knowledge that they are receiving treatments from a medical professional. Jessica Craven, Operations Manager from DermAssure Aesthetic added: 'At our new Manchester home, we want guests and customers alike to feel comfortable visiting our hotel location and hope it may be less daunting that visiting an aesthetic clinic for some. 'We have created an intimate environment within The Lowry Hotel Spa which focuses on clinical excellence and personalised care alongside education and one-to-one attention for a truly exceptional experience. 'With a choice of pampering experiences, therapies to help problem skin and a variety of anti-wrinkle treatments available, there's something for everyone.' Marks & Spencer has delighted fans by launching a new flavour of their cake in a jar range for just 4. The upmarket retailer has left shoppers overjoyed after unveiling the latest flavour in its cake jar range, which is filled with layers of madeira sponge, Percy Pig flavour buttercream, raspberry jam and fruity raspberry jelly pieces. The cake is finished with a Percy Pig sweet and freeze-dried raspberry pieces and shoppers are able to purchase one from all UK stores, alongside the other three delicious flavours in the range. Fans of the retailer were thrilled by the news, saying the treat looks 'incredible' and predicting they may have a new favourite flavour of M&S cake. Marks & Spencer has delighted fans by launching a new flavour of their cake in a jar range for just 4. The cake is filled with layers of madeira sponge, Percy Pig flavour buttercream, raspberry jam and fruity raspberry jelly pieces 'I need one of these for my treat day,' wrote one user. 'Nooo way!!! I need one right now! So far my favourite is the millionaires but thats just about to be knocked off top spot. @marksandspencer with this Percy pig you really are spoiling us #PercyPig #M&S', said another. A third user agreed: 'Oh my god!! These look incredible - I can't wait to try one'. 'Really bummed I live in the States right now. I miss all things Percy', said one US-based user. Fans of the retailer were thrilled by the news, saying the treat looks 'incredible' and predicting they may have a new favourite flavour of M&S cake The first three flavours were launched in April this year, with the classic Colin the Caterpillar version featuring layers of rich chocolate sponge, Belgian chocolate sauce, chocolate ganache, milk and white chocolate chips and finished with a Colin white chocolate face. Meanwhile, the Raspberry Ripple version includes layers of madeira sponge, sweet raspberry jam, creamy vanilla buttercream and freeze-dried raspberry pieces. The Trillionaire's cake jar features layers of madeira sponge with salted caramel sauce, chocolate ganache, milk chocolate shortcake balls and fudge pieces. Available in three delicious flavours including a fruity raspberry ripple (right) indulgent trillionaire's (left) and chocolatey Colin the Caterpillar these out-of-this-world Cake Jars are a cult-classic in the making. Beautifully packaged in a re-usable and recyclable jar, foodies can simply dig in with a spoon and enjoy the ultimate treat. Natalie Tate Lead Product Developer for M&S Cakes told FEMAIL upon the range's release: 'These cake jars are absolutely delicious and are perfect for picnics, lunches on the go or pretty much whenever you need a sweet fix. 'Gone are the days of picking a cake to suit all tastes you can now mix and match to suit everyone. 'Much like an indulgent ice cream tub there is something about diving straight in with a spoon that make the experience all the more delicious. 'I LOVE the Trillionaire's, it is the ultimate in indulgent, chocolatey caramel goodness a must try! But of course, all are delicious'. Accused pedophile Josh Duggar's wife Anna is reportedly 'going to stick by him no matter what' even as he set to go on trial on two child pornography charges later this year. Josh, 33, was indicted on federal charges in April stemming from a 2019 raid that turned up a trove of images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children, and on November 30 he is set to face those charges in court. But despite the horrific nature of the alleged crimes and the seemingly damning evidence from investigators, who say his computer was equipped with a dark web browser that could have let him anonymously search for the illegal content a Duggar family friend told Fox News that pregnant Anna, 33, has no intention of taking the kids and leaving. Loyal to a fault: Accused pedophile Josh Duggar's wife Anna is reportedly 'going to stick by him no matter what' even as he set to go on trial on two child pornography charges Disgusting: Josh, 33, was indicted on federal charges in April stemming from a 2019 raid that turned up a trove of images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children 'Divorce is never going to be a first option [for Anna]. It's going to be a last, last resort,' the source said. 'That is the kind of wife she is, and the kind of person she is and the kind of family that they are.' Turning to divorce is not 'how she was raised,' the source said, adding: 'It's what she was taught in her relationship with God.' 'She and his family are going to stick by him no matter what,' the friend continued. 'They obviously won't agree with some things he's done in the past and don't know what's happening with what's going on right now but they're always going to love him and stand by him and want the best for him, and want him to do things right. They're never going to be different than that.' Josh and Anna met at a homeschooling convention in 2006, with Josh waiting until Anna's 20th birthday to propose. They married at Buford Grove Baptist Church in Hillard, Florida on September 26, 2008, sharing their first kiss at the altar. Trapped for life: Anna, 33, reportedly has no intention of leaving, because turning to divorce is not 'how she was raised' Made to procreate: Josh and his wife Anna have six kids: Mackynzie, 11, Michael, 9, Marcus 7, Meredith 5, Mason, 3, and Maryella, 1 Together, they have six children Mackynzie Renee, 11, Michael James, 10, Marcus Anthony, 7, Meredith Grace, 5, Mason Garrett, 3, and Maryella Hope, 19 months and Anna is pregnant with their seventh. Josh has been out on bail since May 8, though he is not allowed to return home to his family. Instead, he is staying with a third party, family friends LaCount and Maria Reber, and wears an ankle monitor. In court documents, his lawyers had argued that he 'poses no flight risk' because of his 'deep roots' in the community and his 'widely recognizable face.' Josh is still allowed to see his children with supervision, and Anna has reportedly taken them for visits. '[Josh] has seen [his] children with Anna there. She has to be there,' an insider told People in May. That source also claimed Anna will stay by Josh's side, adding remarkably: 'She thinks Josh is innocent.' The Sun also reported on Anna's intention to stand by Josh, with a source telling the outlet that the soon-to-be-mother-of-seven is in 'denial' and blames Josh's parents, Jim Bob and Michelle. Can't fault that logic! His wife, Anna, reportedly thinks he is innocent and blames his parents for his arrest Out: Josh was released on bail while he awaits trial, which is scheduled to being November 30 Smart choices: He is staying with family friends LaCount and Maria Reber, who agreed to take him in Guess the President's not a 19 Kids and Counting fan! Anna 'also thinks that this case is a conspiracy theory against her husband set up by the Biden administration' 'Jim Bob is telling people she is defending Josh and no longer speaking to most of the family,' the source said. 'Jim Bob said she blames him and wife Michelle for Josh's arrest. Anna feels it all stems from how they dealt with his previous molestation scandal after he assaulted his sisters.' She is also pointing a finger at the President. 'She also thinks that this case is a conspiracy theory against her husband set up by the Biden administration,' the source said. 'She believes that if Donald Trump was still in power this would not be happening, and refuses to believe he's done anything wrong.' None of this should come as a surprise to those who have followed the family over the years, as Anna also stuck by Josh through sexually deviant behavior in the past. In 2015, an unearthed police report revealed that Josh had sexually abused four of younger siblings, as well as a fifth minor, when he was a teenager. Josh had gone to a faith-based rehab facility in Little Rock, Arkansas in 2003 after his parents learned of the molestation, and spent three months in the facility, which was owned by the Institute in Basic Life Principles (IBLP), a Christian ministry and training program founded by Bill Gothard. Can do no wrong in her eyes! Anna, who married Josh in 2008, has stuck by him through sexually deviant behavior in the past All's forgiven! Josh famously admitted to molesting four of his younger sisters and a fifth child when he was a teenager The abuse was kept a secret until 2015 and just months after it came to light, Josh was discovered to be using the adultery website Ashley Madison. Josh confessed to being unfaithful and having an 'addiction' to pornography, and went away for several months to a $7,500-per-month Christian treatment center for addiction. By then, he had been married to Anna for seven years, but betrayed no hint that she considered leaving him. 'It was definitely hard, and I think it is such a betrayal for a spouse to go through what were walking through,' she in a 2015 episode of Counting On. 'It was hard to realize that it was such a public [ordeal].' 'Here we were as a Christian couple, everyone was able to see us get married and vow before God to be loyal to each other, and that loyalty was broken. For my heart it was just like, "How could this happen in our marriage?" Josh is my first love, my one and only,' she went on. Despite her heartbreak, she intended to keep her marriage vows. 'In my heart, when I got married, I vowed to God first and then to Joshua, "For better or for worse, 'til death do we part." I pray that through all of this that I would be an extension of God's love to Joshua, that I would love him and forgive him and wait patiently and allow God to work through our hearts. Role models: Her parents urged her to stay when he was unfaithful, with her dad reportedly defending Josh by pointing out that King David had an affair with Bathsheba in the Bible 'My prayer and my heart's desire is for our marriage to be restored,' she said. Anna was praised by Josh's family for her steadfastness, with Josh's younger sister Joy Anna saying, 'I'm really amazed by the strength that God has given Anna and just how she's going through all of this and having a good attitude about it all even though it's so hard and you know it hurts really bad.' Her own parents, Mike and Suzette Keller, also urged her to stay, telling her 'divorce is not an option,' according to People. In fact, Mike reportedly defended Josh by pointing out that King David had an affair with Bathsheba in the Bible. While some viewers suggested Anna was 'trapped' she has no formal education, no work experience, and several children already by that point some of her own siblings encouraged her to leave. According to People, Anna's younger sister reportedly texted Anna saying, "Please let me buy you and the kids plane tickets, and you stay with us for a little while," but Anna refused to take her up on it. Her brother Daniel also reportedly offered to help her, and wrote on Facebook at the time: 'I wont stop trying to get that pig out of our family, he wrote on Monday.' Gross: Duggar is alleged to have downloaded child sexual abuse material online back in 2019 on May 14, 15, and 16 In 2016, Anna wrote about moving forward in a blog post, saying: '2015 was the most difficult year of my life. Yet, amazingly Ive found that in my own life crisis God has drawn near to me ("Hes near to the brokenhearted Psalms 34:18) and my faith has been more precious to me than ever before.' For some time after, Anna refrained from posting pictures of Josh on Instagram, but with time, she was back to including him on social media. Like it never happened! Anna shared effusive praise for her husband on his 31st birthday and mentioned his 'redemption' less than four years after he admitted he was unfaithful 'Redemption is a beautiful thing!' she told a fan who commented on Josh's presence in Instagram photos. On his birthday one year, Anna also wrote an effusive Instagram post singing his praises, saying: 'Your gratitude for redemption through JESUS and striving to please HIM above all!' She continued: 'Joshua, YOU are a TREASURE and I look forward to growing old TOGETHER.' She also clearly forgave him privately. In 2017, they welcomed a son named Mason, followed by a daughter named Maryella in 2019. They are now expecting their seventh. As recently as a week before his arrest, Anna was even taking to Instagram to defend her husband against critics. When an Instagram commenter asked, 'How do you afford all those kids? Does Josh even work?' Anna shot back: 'Yes, my husband is a diligent worker and provides well for our family.' These days, of course, Josh is on house arrest and not working at all and he could be sentenced to up to 40 years in prison if found guilty. 'In my heart, when I got married, I vowed to God first and then to Joshua, "For better or for worse, 'til death do we part,"' she previously said The charges came after a raid at his Arkansas dealership Wholesale Motorcars, in 2019 According to the indictment, he is alleged to have downloaded child sexual abuse material online in May 2019. When the raid was carried out and before Josh knew what authorities were investigating, he had allegedly asked agents: 'What is this about? Has someone been downloading child pornography?' Josh was asked about having child porn in his possession and he allegedly responded: 'I'd rather not answer that question.' Some of the material he is accused of possessing shows children under the age of 12, and Homeland Security special agent Gerald Faulkner described some of the content as 'in the top five of the worst of the worst that I've ever had to examine.' His computer was reportedly equipped with a dark web browser that could have let him anonymously search for child porn. The Tor browser would have allowed the him to bypass anti-porn software called Covenant Eyes that Anna installed to monitor what her husband downloaded. The files were first flagged by a detective in Little Rock before allegedly being traced to Josh's car dealership. The IP address of the computer was also linked to Josh's dealership. A paramedic and mother has shared her simple 'squish test' for identifying choking hazards, and she promises being familiar with it could save your child's life. Advanced life support paramedic and CEO of the Australian parenting organisation Tiny Hearts Education, Nikki Jurcutz, said choking is the number one thing she gets asked about by new parents. While choking is dangerous and can be deadly, you can get on top of what to do and how to prevent it with a few simple rules. Scroll down for video A paramedic and mother has shared her simple 'squish test' for identifying choking hazards, and she promises being familiar with it could save your child's life (Nikki Jurcutz pictured) The first thing Nikki said you need to know about with choking is the 'squish test', which basically determines whether a finger food you're about to give your child is safe (pictured) 1. The 'squish test' The first thing Nikki said you need to know about with choking is the 'squish test', which basically determines whether a finger food you're about to give your child is safe. To try the squish test for yourself, Nikki recommends you simply 'pinch the food between your pointer fingers and thumb'. 'This mimics the pressure of a toothless little one's gums,' Nikki said on the Tiny Hearts website. 'If the food squishes easily, it means it's safe and bub will be able to chew. 'If it doesn't squish easily, you should cook, grate or mash it, so that it becomes soft enough to pass the test.' Nikki demonstrated how the test works in reality, with common foods you might want to try with your baby, including avocado, cheese, boiled egg, apple and cucumber. While softer items like banana, egg and avocado mash easily to the touch, foods like apple and cucumber do not break down no matter how hard you press. 'This is such great information for helping with solids,' one person commented underneath Nikki's video. The second hack Nikki swears by is the 'choke check hack', which is another good way to see if something is suitable for your child aged 0-3 to eat (pictured) 2. The 'choke check hack' The second hack Nikki swears by is the 'choke check hack', which is another good way to see if something is suitable for your child aged 0-3 to eat. To try this, Nikki recommends you drop various items through a hole that you create with your index finger and thumb. The foods she drops down through the hole include a cherry, popcorn, a grape, a $1 coin and other toys. 'This is how I check to see if food or small items may potentially be a choking hazard for my bubs,' Nikki wrote. 'The circle is approximately the size of a child's airway aged 0-3. If anything can fit in this hole, then it's a choking hazard.' Nikki said there are three food types that are more likely to cause choking than others: round, slippery and firm items, and these need to be modified so they are safe (pictured) 3. The 'consistency test' Finally, the paramedic likes to use something often called the 'consistency test'. Nikki said there are three food types that are more likely to cause choking than others: round, slippery and firm items. If you have something that isn't right, you can grate it (pictured) or put it in quarters 'Think grapes, cherry tomatoes, blueberries, nuts, raw carrot, apple, popcorn, chewing gum, coins, marbles and batteries,' she said. 'The greater the roundness, firmness or slipperiness of an object, the greater the choking risk.' To prevent a risk of choking, Nikki said you can modify foods by making items that are round less round and foods that are slippery less slippery. For example, you could cut grapes into quarters or lengthways or roll slippery food like avocado in fine breadcrumbs and cook carrot to make it less firm. You should also always make sure your child is in a safe eating environment, so that they are seated safely and securely in a highchair within arm's reach at all times. The facts on choking and what to do revealed Choking is what happens when something gets stuck in a person's throat or windpipe, partially or totally blocking the flow of air to their lungs. In adults, choking usually occurs when a piece of food enters the windpipe instead of the food pipe. Babies and young children can choke on anything smaller than a D-size battery. Sometimes the windpipe is only partially blocked. If the person can still breathe, they will probably be able to push out the object by coughing forcefully. Be careful not to do anything that will push the blockage further into the windpipe, like banging on the person's back while they are upright. If the object cuts off the airway completely and the person cannot breathe, it's now a medical emergency. The brain can only survive for a few minutes without oxygen. The symptoms include clutching the throat, difficulty breathing and blue lips. With children and adults over one year and choking, you should try to keep the person calm. Ask them to cough to remove the object and if this doesn't work, call triple zero (000). Bend the person forward and give them up to 5 sharp blows on the back between the shoulder blades with the heel of one hand. After each blow, check if the blockage has been cleared. If the blockage still hasn't cleared after 5 blows, place one hand in the middle of the person's back for support. Place the heel of the other hand on the lower half of the breastbone (in the central part of the chest). Press hard into the chest with a quick upward thrust, as if youre trying to lift the person up. After each thrust, check if the blockage has been cleared. If the blockage has not cleared after 5 thrusts, continue alternating 5 back blows with 5 chest thrusts until medical help arrives. Source: Health Direct Advertisement This warning comes after a mother issued a warning to all parents after her three-year-old daughter 'nearly died' from eating popcorn (Cheree Lawrence's daughter Sophie pictured) This warning comes after a mother issued a warning to all parents after her three-year-old daughter 'nearly died' from eating popcorn. Cheree Lawrence, 34, from Brisbane, said her little girl Sophie was rushed to the emergency room after she started 'choking' in front of the TV. 'I didn't think twice about give my three-year-old popcorn... She had eaten popcorn before; all my kids have grown up having popcorn in their lunchbox,' Cheree told FEMAIL. 'I had no idea how dangerous it is for young children to aspirate on, or that children under five shouldn't have popcorn at all.' By the time the concerned mother and daughter got to the hospital, Cheree said Sophie's wheeze was becoming 'quite scary'. 'She also had a high-pitched whistling sound when breathing,' she said. The mother said her daughter's symptoms persisted for weeks but they were sent back home with steroids, antibiotics and Ventolin. Five weeks later, Sophie was taken into emergency surgery, where the piece of popcorn that she had aspirated was removed. 'The popcorn had caused some damage to her lung because it sat there for five long weeks and slowly started breaking down,' Cheree said. 'To this day, Sophie [who's now five years old] still has asthma associated with the popcorn and is on two types of medication to assist her.' To find out more about Tiny Hearts, you can visit the website here or follow the organisation on Instagram here. A genius baking hack helping home cooks perfect their cakes every time has taken off again as lockdown baking takes off across Australia. The simple trick is to fold or crumple the baking paper to get it to fit your pan. In the newest version of the hack Australian mum of two, Belinda, who goes by the savvy mumma on Instagram, simply takes the crumpled piece of paper and runs it under her tap for a few seconds. Scroll down for video A genius baking hack helping home cooks perfect their cakes every time has taken off again as lockdown baking takes off again In the newest version of the hack mum of two, Belinda, who goes by the savvy mumma on Instagram, simply takes the crumpled piece of paper and runs it under her tap for a few seconds 'Wet the baking paper and rinse,' the mum explained in the video. When the paper sat nicely in the pan she said 'voila'. 'We are done here, no tears in the paper, no greasy butter and no chance the batter will stick to the 'non-stick' tins,' she said. And the trick left hundreds amazed with her followers calling her clever and admitting they had never heard of the trick before. 'Even just crunching it in a ball without the water can help,' one person said on the post. Last year a baking enthusiast took the internet by storm when she shared a very similar trick she said insured she always used the right amount of paper. The mum crumples the baking paper and then rinses it under water The result was a piece of paper which fit nicely in place Australian cooking enthusiast Mon Mack posted on TikTok, where she explained how she cuts a circle of baking paper to fit the bottom of her tin by following a simple 'life hack', and you can do it too. Demonstrating how she does it in a short video, Mon said she first cuts a piece of baking paper, which she then folds it into a square, and then a triangle. A foodie originally took n the internet by storm after she shared a clip revealing how she makes sure she has the perfect amount of baking paper in her cake tin every time (pictured doing it) Australian cooking enthusiast Mon Mack posted on TikTok, where she explained how she cuts a circle of baking paper to fit the bottom of her tin by following a simple 'life hack' (steps pictured) Following this, she folds the triangle again to turn it into a point shape, and then she puts the tip directly in the centre of a circular cake tin to measure it. Then, all you need to do is cut away the excess baking paper from around the outside and expand what is left. You should be left with the perfect circle inside your cake tin. After you have folded the paper into a triangle and then a point, cut away the excess baking paper from around the outside and expand what is left (pictured) Since the clip was shared, more than five million have watched it and thousands have expressed how much they wish they had known this trick their entire lives (pictured) Since the clip was shared, more than five million have watched it and thousands have expressed how much they wish they had known this trick their entire lives: 'That is so cool, definitely giving it a go,' one person said. 'I have been doing this for six months and it honestly saves me so much time,' another added. A third posted: 'They teach this in culinary school and it's a game changer'. Some asked what Mon would do about the sides of the baking tin, to which she said she usually just adds a little excess butter and then uses a knife to gently ease the cake out of the tin at the end of baking. Others highlighted that this hack is derived from the French cartouche cooking technique. This sees chefs create a round piece of parchment or baking paper to cover the surface of a stock, sauce, stew or soup, which helps to reduce evaporation, keep ingredients submerged and prevent a skin from forming on the top. If you have a square baking tin, Mon said you can also ensure you also have the right amount of baking paper using just one piece (pictured in process) Many were impressed and said they would also try the trick with the square tin (pictured in action) If you have a square baking tin, Mon said you can also ensure you also have the right amount of baking paper using just one piece. To do this, she said in another TikTok video, all you need to do is cut a piece of baking paper that is bigger than your tin, sit it underneath the tin and then cut in a straight line up to the tin so that you have four flaps. Fold all of these in to the centre of the piece of paper, before folding it back out and folding down the flaps. Then, all you need to do is gently slide it into your square tin, where the sheet should also cover the sides as well as the base. Mon has gained a huge following on TikTok due to her food-related videos. For more information, please click here. A group of Australian mums have created a range of natural skincare products to assist children fighting agitating skin conditions, including eczema, acne and cradle cap. Co-founder of Bubba Organics Kerri Chadwick knows how being a new mum is a beautiful experience that can be stressful at times, particularly when your child is dealing with ongoing skin issues. But after releasing the Kakadu Plum and Marshmallow massage oil, the brand has received dozens of testimonials and positive feedback from mums who have noticed drastic changes to their children's skin. The Bubba Organics Australian Kakadu Plum & Marshmallow range includes a bath and body wash, skin-loving lotion, massage oil and gift boxes Melbourne mum-of-one Tahlia Strattan was concerned about her infant's head, as he seemed to be suffering from cradle cap - a skin condition that occurs if the baby's skin produces too much oil, resulting in a pale-yellow scale or crust. 'My little one was suffering from persistent cradle cap and dry skin on his head and face,' she said. 'Nothing worked until I came across Bubba Organic's natural, Australian made products. 'After just a few days of using the oil on his cradle cap and the Bubba organics moisturiser on his face, his skin is glowing. Signs of all cradle cap and dry skin have vanished.' Melbourne mum-of-one Tahlia Strattan was concerned about her infant's head, as he seemed to be suffering from cradle cap (before and after pictured). But after using the 'miracle' oil, the cradle cap and dry skin had vanished 'After just a few days of using the oil on his cradle cap and the Bubba organics moisturiser on his face, his skin is glowing,' mum Tahlia said Bec Ley also turned to Bubba Organics while searching for answers to cure her son's severe eczema that covered his back. 'Bubba Organics Australian Goats Milk Bottom Cream was recommended to me and it worked like magic overnight. It gave him instant relief and wasn't itchy on his skin at all. I cannot believe how well this product worked on his eczema,' she said. Before and after images reveal how bad her son's eczema was impacting his skin after an evening bath. Bec Ley also turned to Bubba Organics while searching for answers to cure her son's severe eczema that covered his back After applying the cream before he went to bed, the redness was almost gone the following morning. All products are proudly made in Melbourne with a blend of 100 per cent natural and vegan-friendly ingredients, including native, wild harvested Kakadu Plum. The products are believed to work well as they lack hidden or known irritants and are only made with natural ingredients with no added water. Brand co-founder Kerri Chadwick also used the products to banish her eldest child's acne and blemishes (pictured) 'The fact that we are seeing results like this is an incredible added bonus. We've even had adults report results on themselves,' said Kerri. The Australian Kakadu Plum & Marshmallow range includes a bath and body wash, skin-loving lotion, massage oil and gift boxes. Prices range from $24.95 for the bath and body wash and up to $82.95 for the new luxury essentials gift box, which includes all three products. The Kakadu Plum & Marshmallow Range is available now, shipping worldwide from our online store or shop with leading stockists across Australia. Advertisement As Australians obsess over Amazon Prime's new real estate reality show Luxe Listings Sydney, an interior expert has revealed the best ways to make your home look a million bucks without breaking the bank. Winston Tu, the founder of Australia's largest boutique furniture store Luxo Living, has put together an affordable guide of how to style your own space similar to the prestigious properties on the show. And while the price tags of the multi-million dollar properties are out of the realm of possibility for almost all of us, Mr Tu said there are simple and easy upgrades that can make your home appear 'expensive'. Amazon Prime's new Selling Sunset-inspired reality show Luxe Listings Sydney has captivated Aussies over the past few weeks. Now, an interior expert has revealed the best ways to make your home look a million bucks without breaking the bank. Pictured left of the Wingadal Place in Point Piper. You can recreate the space with a Cameron sideboard buffet (right) for $329 For a cheap and effective room, Mr Tu suggested incorporating bold seating like a velvet tufted accent chair, or if you prefer texture over colour, boucle adds warmth as well as style 'Simple ways to update a space include replacing a small rug in your room with a larger oversized rug as this will fit everything inside nicely and also define the space,' Mr Tu told Daily Mail Australia. 'For a cheap and effective room, swap accent pieces such as cushions and throws for seasonal colours and trends. Incorporate bold seating like a velvet tufted accent chair, or if you prefer texture over colour, boucle adds warmth as well as style. 'Re-purposing furniture is an exciting way to upgrade furniture on a budget - a little sanding and painting to refresh an old timber table, paired together with modern seating dining chairs, will elevate the style of your dining space.' For homeowners looking for affordable ways to improve their property, he suggested DIY painting or wallpaper. 'Painting or utilising wallpaper is a cost-effective way to transform the mood of your home, especially if you do it yourself. For example, for your living areas, choose crisp whites or sage greens for a fresh and modern look,' he said. Raleigh Street, Dover Heights property with a spectacular view overlooking Sydney Harbour: Australians can style their dining room to make it appear luxurious like the show with Elly velvet dining chairs (right) for $299 for a set of two And while the price tags of the multi-million dollar properties are out of the realm of possibility for almost all of us, Mr Tu said there are simple and easy upgrades that can make your home appear 'expensive' like adding a seasonal throw or cushions Rivers Street, Bellevue Hill: Recreate a luxurious living space with an Astrid four-seater fabric sofa (right) for just $1,029 Revealed: Top five tips on styling a home on a budget CREATE A MOOD BOARD: Before you go out and spend any money, determine your budget. Then, compile your style and material ideas into a visual mood board by hand with physical cutouts for inspiration and various textures that you wish to include in your space. Feel free to get creative and include paint, fabric, and flooring swatches to get an overall feel for your vision. CHOOSE BIGGER FURNITURE ITEMS FIRST: It's easy to get carried away and add a number of mismatched items to your cart at the start of your journey. To avoid this, you first need to decide on your style and vision for your home - will it be Scandinavian, Hamptons, Industrial, Art Deco, French Provincial or even a mixed style? Once you've finalised this, invest in the bigger furniture pieces first. Soft furnishings can be decided on later, such as a mirrors, rugs or side tables, as you will source inspiration from these bigger pieces. RANK PIECES BY PRIORITY: Rank each item in order of priority and then decide how much you could realistically spend on it. Keep this list handy as you may acquire more money down the track and you could purchase that piece of artwork or bar stool you had your eye on. GO BOLD WITH KEY FURNITURE ITEMS: Each room typically has a key furniture piece that attracts the most attention, for example, a couch, dining table, or bedhead. If you choose bold colours, textures, shapes, curves or fabrics for these pieces, the room will feel instantly elevated. FIND PIECES THAT HAVE MULTIPLE PURPOSES: If you're short on budget or even storage space, it's an excellent idea to find items that have more than one use. For example, an ottoman will not only act as a centrepiece but you can keep your spare throws or cushions so your room doesn't get cluttered. Advertisement A simple way to make your home look luxurious is to update your light fixtures. 'People often overlook lighting, but it can completely transform a room. Look into pendant lights for your dining room or beautiful lamps for your living or bedroom spaces,' Mr Tu explained. Incorporating layers of texture can take the space to another level. 'People often decide on their style, colours and pieces, but they often fail to think about texture,' he said. 'Simply put, it means creating visual interest and diversity in your space through layering, opposing materials, colours and fabrics. Texture can be created either through touch or the display of objects and has the ability to make your space feel luxurious.' Thompson Street, Tamarama: Aussies looking for affordable ways to improve their home can style their living space with a stylish Nordmela Scandinavian-style rug (right) for just $99 One of the biggest mistakes people make when styling their home is buying furniture pieces that are too large or too small for their space without measuring it out beforehand. 'An ideal way to determine the layout is to place tape on the ground and map out where the furniture will be placed,' he said. 'Another thing is failing to consider the size and proportion of pieces in their home. It's important for the space to include furniture and objects of varying heights and proportions, which creates a well balanced and interesting space.' While trending pieces are nice, Mr Tu said the pieces you choose should 'feel special', so that your space is a 'true reflection of your personality'. 'Rather than basing your decision on new styles and trends, one must consider: "How they would like their space to make them feel?",' he said. A Texas woman was stunned to discover that the man sitting next to her on a plane was complaining about how fat she was to his girlfriend via text message. Landen Ewing, a baker from Amarillo, Texas, was flying home from Nashville a month ago when she glanced over at the phone screen of the man sitting next to her. The man was holding his phone 'way out in front of him' making it easy for Landen to see that he was moaning about the 'fat a**' sitting next to him, going so far as to joke that Landen was so heavy that the plane wouldn't even get off the ground. Surprise! Landen Ewing, a baker from Amarillo, Texas, was flying home from Nashville a month ago when she glanced over at the phone screen of the man sitting next to her No way! She was stunned to discover that he was complaining about how fat she was to his girlfriend via text message 'She's asking him how the flight's going, just casual conversation like that,' Landen recalled. 'And he says, "Too small with this fat a** next to me,"' she said Landen shared her story on TikTok, where her video is going viral with 1.2 million views in three days. 'About a month ago, I was on a plane coming back from Nashville, and I was sitting on the plane and this guy sits next to me,' she began. 'And it's just me and him and the row. We weren't sitting next to anyone. It was just me and him. And he has his phone out, like way out in front of him, where I can see it,' she said. She didn't have to look to closely to see what was on his screen, and she noticed that he was texting his girlfriend. 'She's asking him how the flight's going, just casual conversation like that,' Landen recalled. 'And he says, "Too small with this fat a** next to me,"' she said. 'Like, he was talking about me!' Rude! She didn't have to look to closely to see what was on his screen, and said there wasn't anyone on his other side 'Ill be alright; dont think well get off the ground,' the man later said Landen who has showed off her tiny waist in crop tops on Instagram was clearly shocked by the rude text messages. She kept reading as the man's girlfriend responded, saying he should 'tell her about keto.' 'Ill be alright; dont think well get off the ground,' the man texted back. Landen managed to snap a stealth photo of the man's phone, and said he went on to complain about 'how fat I was,' that it was awful, and how he 'hates being on small flights with fat people.' 'I lowkey think he wanted me to see that,' she later added. 'So if you're his wife or girlfriend and you see this, your boyfriend sucks!' she concluded. TikTok commenters were both horrified on Landen's behalf and suspicious of the man, with one writing: 'Yea, you're gorgeous. Sounds like he's been in trouble with his GF before and that had nothing to do with you. But I'm sorry you had to read that.' Busted2462053TikTok commenters were both horrified on Landen's behalf and suspicious of the man 'If you're his wife or girlfriend and you see this, your boyfriend sucks!' she concluded 'He totally thought you were hot and did not want his gf to know he was sitting next to someone attractive... yikes,' wrote another. 'No sis he thought you were beautiful and his gf is so insecure that she doesn't trust him,' said a third. Landen followed up with another video to assure viewers that she wasn't actually offended by what she saw. 'I'm OK, I'm not upset. I honestly didnt spend more than an hour thinking about it,' she said. 'I thought it was funny. I texted my family and was like, "Look at what this guy said" and we were laughing about it,' she said. However, she said it's 'sad' that she could have been someone who would have been more affected by the comments. 'Like imagine if it would have been someone who was super insecure, or dealing with a lot of body image stuff, and they saw him text that about them. That could have ruined their whole day, week, year.' 'It's just one of those things, just a reminder to be kind and really think about the things you say,' she said. Advertisement Three women are traveling the country together while living in an old school bus after discovering that they were all dating the same cheating man. Late last year, Morgan Tabor, 21, of Boise, Idaho figured out that her boyfriend was cheating on her with at least six other women, most of whom also thought they were dating him exclusively. Two of his other girlfriends were Abi Roberts, 19, of Salt Lake City, Utah, and Bekah King, 18, also of Boise, and it wasn't long before the three women bonded over their shared interests and decided to hit the road together in a vehicle they've dubbed the BAM Bus after each of their first initials. Best case scenario: Three women are traveling the country together in a renovated school bus after discovering that they were all dating the same man Cheater: Morgan Tabor, 21, Abi Roberts, 19, and Bekah King, 18, all thought they were in exclusive relationships with the same guy Tabor told the Washington Post that she had dated her unnamed ex-boyfriend, a 20-year-old college student who lived on the same street as her parents in Boise,, on and off since 2018. But the pair were supposedly exclusive, when, in December 2020, Tabor grew suspicious that he wasn't being faithful. Concerned that he was texting other women and leaving comments on their social media posts, Tabor investigated, and soon found that one woman had countless photos of their shared boyfriend on Instagram. Tabor continued digging. eventually finding Roberts, who also thought she was in an exclusive relationship with the man she had met around Halloween 2020. 'When Morgan contacted me, it was the most insane feeling ever,' she told the Washington Post. 'This guy had literally slept at my house the night before, kissed me goodbye, and said he was driving back to Boise [from Utah] to visit his family.' His loss! They discovered the truth after Tabor grew suspicious and did some digging but the trio quickly bonded Inspiration: While trading stories, they realized he had told all of them that he wanted to travel the country in a VW bus It was bad luck for him that he was actually going to see Tabor and pulled up outside of her house just as she and Roberts were FaceTiming about him. Tabor said she told him, 'Hey, look here. Ive made some new friends,' adding to the Washington Post: 'Watching his face drop when he saw who I was talking to on FaceTime was the most cinematic moment ever.' More digging turned up at least six women he was seeing at the same time, including King, who also started dating him last year. Naturally, all three broke up with him. Despite being caught red-handed, the shameless ex insisted to the Post that 'there are two sides to everything.' 'I really dont want anything to do with them anymore,' he told the outlet. 'I think the best thing right now is to say nothing.' The women, however, kept talking, and in January they met up for a weekend and became fast friends. 'While we were doing that healing, we started realizing we all have really similar interests. The guy really has a type, I think,' Roberts told the Salt Lake Tribune. DIY: They pooled their money and bought an old school bus, which they renovated themselves 'It all kind of came together after our lives had fallen apart,' Roberts said Amazing! The women are now traveling around together and documenting their trip online The trio eventually realized that the guy had told all of them how much he wanted to travel the country in a VW bus so they decided to do something similar without him. They spent a few thousand dollars purchasing a 30-year-old school bus, which they spent two and a half months renovating with a little help from King's dad and some on-the-go learning from YouTube. They added new floors, insulation, beds, a roof deck, and homier touches, like a bookshelf, plants, and wall art. 'It all kind of came together after our lives had fallen apart,' Roberts said. Last month, they were ready to take off, first driving through scenic parts of Idaho. 'We started in Boise, Idaho, where the whole build-out took place, and then we traveled east through Idaho,' Roberts told Good Morning America. 'We went to some really cool hot springs through Ketchum, which is a beautiful area there. And then we went through the Grand Tetons, which was so much fun. And then we went through Jackson, through Yellowstone. We were just in Bozeman, Montana, and now we're back near Yellowstone.' 'I think more than anything this was some sort of weird blessing,' King said I think sometimes, at face value, a lot of people think were just doing this out of spite [to our ex], but no,' Roberts added 'This is very authentically us following our dreams and taking opportunities and were excited about it. What were doing is so not for revenge,' she said 'We're winging it a little bit,' said Tabor. 'Like we have a rough draft route, but we're open to not following it. Kind of just opportunities and people we meet, we'll go from there.' Right now they're spending time hiking in Bozeman, Montana, and have been documenting their travels on Instagram. 'I think more than anything this was some sort of weird blessing,' King told the Tribune. 'I think sometimes, at face value, a lot of people think were just doing this out of spite [to our ex], but no,' Roberts added. 'This is very authentically us following our dreams and taking opportunities and were excited about it. What were doing is so not for revenge.' Celebrity chef Adam Liaw has shared his simple cooking tricks for stretching takeaway leftovers into a second meal. The 2010 MasterChef Australia winner said he usually over orders his family's dinnertime pizzas so there's leftovers for the next day's breakfast or lunch. And the cookbook author revealed other leftover takeaway orders that can be reheated, revived or turned into a completely new dish - including soggy chips, steamed rice, naan bread and even roast chicken bones. Australian celebrity chef Adam Liaw (pictured) has shared his simple cooking tricks for stretching takeaway leftovers into a second meal SOGGY CHIPS To save soggy chips, the food writer said the best and quickest solution was to 'stir fry' them in a quarter cup of vegetable oil. In a wok or fry pan, simply stir fry the chips until they're crispy, golden and crunchy. 'You'll need to season them with a bit more salt afterwards, but they'll be almost as good as freshly fried,' Liaw told Good Food. STEAMED RICE When ordering Chinese or Thai food, he suggested getting extra steamed rice. 'A few left over servings of steamed rice sets the stage for fried rice the next day, where day-old refrigerated rice is key,' he said. NAAN BREAD Liaw said naan bread 'freezes exceptionally well' so it's always handy to order extra so you can serve with your own homemade curry down the track. To reheat naan bread, he suggested brushing them with melted butter and placing it in a fry pan or on a barbecue. ROAST CHICKEN He said leftover roast chicken bones can be used to make a flavoursome stock while leftover garlic bread can be turned into chicken stuffing. SAUCES And if you have leftover sauces like McDonald's iconic Sweet 'N Sour, Liaw suggested saving them so you can serve with homemade or frozen chicken nuggets. 'Young kids will be genuinely ecstatic,' he said. When ordering Chinese or Thai food, he suggested getting extra steamed rice, which can be turned into fried rice (stock image) Three ingredients every household should always keep in pantry Adam Liaw revealed the ingredients every household should always keep in the pantry amid coronavirus - including dried mushrooms, polenta and eggs. Liaw said dried mushrooms should be a staple in your pantry at all times. 'They add a big punch of umami and a meaty texture to dishes, and reconstituting them in water gives you an instant mushroom stock,' he told Good Food. For vegetarians or vegans, Liaw said dried shiitake is perfect for grating over pasta dishes. Liaw suggested keeping a few dozen eggs in the pantry if you do end up in isolation because you could create different savoury or sweet foods such as fried rice, cakes, omelette, boiled or scrambled eggs and even mayonnaise. 'Eggs are quite possibly the most versatile food in the world,' he said. Another ingredient he suggested is polenta, in which he described it as a 'very underrated apocalypse food'. 'What I like about it is that is that it's a different meal every day,' Liaw said, adding that polenta can be served as a hot porridge, baked, fried, or grilled. Advertisement His tips comes after Liaw offered his guide to home cooking - including meal planning, simple ingredient swaps, and using offcuts to prevent food wastage. The food writer said you can substitute a missing ingredient in your dish with other alternatives so you don't have to return to the supermarket - as millions of Australians stay at home to minimise the risk of spreading coronavirus. Whether you need a sweet, salty or sour ingredient, Liaw said you can recreate the flavours just from what you already have in the pantry. 'If you don't have sugar, use honey. If you run out of soy sauce, use a bit of salt. No lemon juice? Try vinegar instead,' Liaw said in a piece for The Good Food. Rather than stockpiling, Liaw said the best way to make the ingredients stretch further is to 'throw out less'. 'If you have some odds and ends of vegetables, chop them up and throw them into that quarantine bolognese. Turn bones and offcuts into stock,' he said. Liaw encouraged people to ignore 'use-by' and 'best before' dates - and instead use your nose to check whether the product has gone off. According to the Food Standards of Australia and New Zealand, most foods can be safely consumed after the best before dates but they may have lost some quality. Liaw said there are two distinct smells to avoid if you are sussing out foods that have just edged past its use-by or best-before dates. 'The first is putrefaction - the sour, disgusting and quite unmistakable smell of something that has gone off. Avoid,' he said. 'The second is rancidity. Rancid, oxidised oils have a waxy smell and while they might not make you sick immediately, they can be unpleasant tasting.' As states and cities struggle to deal with a surge of COVID-19, health officials are finding that the majority are cooccurring among unvaccinated people. More than 90 percent of active COVID-19 cases in Mississippi are among unvaccinated people, Governor Tate Reeves, a Republican, said at a news conference on Wednesday. He also stated that 90 percent of hospitalized patients in the state were unvaccinated. Mississippi has the lowest vaccination rate of any state in the country, with only 38 percent of residents having received at least one dose of a COVID vaccine. Meanwhile in Los Angeles County, health officials announced that all hospitalized patients at county-run hospitals were unvaccinated. Mississippi Gov Tate Reeves encourages his state's residents to get vaccinated, as 90 percent of active COVID cases are among the unvaccinated Incidence rate of the Detla variant in Mississippi. The variant accounts for 13 percent of cases in the state, down from where it was weeks before 'Let me be clear, there is no question that a majority of new cases that were reported today and have been reported over the last week or so have been the Delta variant,' Reeves said. 'It appears to be highly contagious and there appear to be bad outcomes.' Data from Outbreak.info shows that the Indian 'Delta' variant, a highly contagious variant that originated in the south Asian nation, accounts for 13 percent of cases in the state. Reeves urges his state's residents to get vaccinated in order to protect them from the virus. 'I continue to encourage my fellow Mississippians to get vaccinated, we have worked exceptionally hard back in January and February to make the vaccine available and readily accessible for any Mississippian who wanted it,' he said. He still stands against vaccine mandates, though, and did not say if he was going to offer incentives - like a vaccine lottery - to get more residents vaccinated. 'I also believe in an individual's right to make a choice from their health care perspective if they for whatever reason believe that the risk associated with getting the vaccine is greater than the risk associated with not getting it, that's a decision that each individual has to make.' Cases in the state have grown by 87 percent in the last two weeks, from 193 new cases a day on July 1 to 657 new cases a day to July 15. The unvaccinated population of Los Angeles is getting hammered as well. All patients hospitalized with COVID-19 in Los Angeles County are unvaccinated, according to county officials Incidence rate of the Delta variant in Los Angeles County. The variant accounts for 40 percent of new cases in the county 'To date, we have not had a patient admitted to a DHS hospital who has been fully vaccinated with either the J&J, Pfizer or Moderna vaccine,' said Dr Christina Ghaly, director of the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services, said during a news briefing on Tuesday. 'Every single patient that we've admitted for COVID has been not yet fully vaccinated.' She also said that the Delta variant was primarily responsible for new cases in the county. Around 40 percent of cases in the state are of the Delta variant, per Outbreak.info. Cases have spiked in the country over the past two week, growing by 256 percent from 302 on June 30 to 1,077 on July 14. Across the country, the unvaccinated have been hammered by COVID-19 while vaccinated people remain relatively safe. In May, 99 percent of COVID deaths in the United States were among unvaccinated people. Cases in the country are beginning to rise once again, especially in unvaccinated pockets of the U.S. south and Midwest. In the United States, cases have surged by 84 percent over the last two weeks, from 12,540 average new cases a day on June 30, and 23,151 new cases on July 14. Currently, 68 percent of American adults have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, and 59 percent are fully vaccinated. An independent panel of experts will meet next week to determine whether COVID-19 vaccine booster shots should be available for people with weak immune systems. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices will discuss the issue on July 22 and send recommendations to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This will affect between two and four percent of immunocompromised Americans who live with conditions including HIV/AIDS, cancer, diabetes or certain genetic disorders. Studies have shown that some people with weakened immune systems are less likely to develop the same level of antibodies as others, leaving them potentially vulnerable to the virus. No matter the recommendation made by the committee, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration will need to eventually approve a third dose of the vaccine. Some health officials have said that there is no need for the third dose, though. A CDC advisory panel will meet later this month to advise on whether a third dose of a COVID-19 vaccine should be recommended to immunocompromised people Albert Bourla, CEO of Pfizer - the developer of the most commonly used vaccine in the U.S. - has repeatedly said a third dose of the vaccine may be needed for all Americans in the near future. He has even suggested that COVID-19 vaccines may be administered annually like a flu shot. Derrick Rossi, co-founder of Moderna, said that a third dose will 'almost certainly' be needed as well. However, earlier this week, though, Dr Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said there is not enough data to suggest fully vaccinated Americans need booster shots. The same may not hold true for those with compromised immune systems. Cancer patients do not develop antibodies at the same level as others, and around ten percent barely develop antibodies at all after receiving the vaccine a study from May found. A separate study last month among organ transplant recipients - who developed lower antibody levels from the initial doses of the virus - found that the third shot of the vaccine increased their antibody levels up to 687-fold. Some organ transplant recipients did not develop antibody responses at all to the third dose, though. Immunocompromised people are also at an increased likelihood to suffer from hospitalization or death from the virus, making immunity from the virus even more crucial to them. People with diabetes, for example, account for 40 percent of COVID-19 deaths despite only making up ten percent of the population. Officials from the CDC want to make sure that a third dose of the vaccine will not increase the likelihood for adverse reactions, though. Both Pfizer and Moderna have launched clinical trials for a third dose of their vaccine. The National Institute of Health is also testing whether mixing vaccines for the third dose - giving someone who received Pfizer for their first two doses the Moderna for their third - could be an option, or potentially even preferable, for a third dose. Currently in America, 48 percent of the total population and nearly 60 percent of adults are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Around three percent of Americans fall into the category of being 'immunocompromised' and will be effected by the decision made by the panel's nine members. Advertisement COVID-19 cases are rapidly rising throughout the country as the Indian 'Delta' variant continues to spread. On Thursday, the U.S. recorded 28,412 new cases with a seven-day rolling average of 26,079, a 135 percent increase from the 11,067 average recorded two weeks ago. Nearly every state and the District of Columbia have seen infections rise in the last week, according to a DailyMail.com analysis of Johns Hopkins data. What's more, about 40 states have seen their infection rates increase by at least 50 percent with some of the biggest rises seen in hotspots such as Arkansas, Louisiana and Missouri. The White House also said on Friday that Florida has accounted for one in five cases of COVID-19 this week. Officials blame a mix of low vaccination rates and the spread of the Delta variant, which now makes up about 60 percent of all new cases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). With cases doubling every two weeks, this means the U.S. could see 50,000 cases per day by the end of July and 100,000 per day at the end of the month. Even with deaths being a lagging indicator, fatalities are unlikely to rise by as much or a quickly due to vaccinations. It comes as CDC director Dr Rochelle Walensky said the COVID-19 outbreak in the U.S. is becoming 'a pandemic of the unvaccinated.' She said that the majority of coronavirus cases, hospitalization and deaths are now occurring among people who haven't gotten two shots of the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccine or the one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine. SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO The U.S. recorded 28,412 new cases with a seven-day rolling average of 26,079, a 135% increase from the 11,067 average recorded two weeks ago With cases doubling every two weeks, this means the U.S. could see 50,000 cases per day by the end of July and 100,000 per day at the end of the month Nearly every state and the District of Columbia have seen infections rise in the last week CDC director Dr Rochelle Walensky said the virus is becoming 'a pandemic of the unvaccinated' during a press conference on Friday Missouri continues to be one of the nation's COVID-19 epicenters with average cases rising by 83 percent from 1,029 per day to 1,892 per day in the last two weeks. Perhaps unsurprisingly the state's vaccination rate is behind the national average with 46 percent of residents having received received at least one dose, and 40 percent fully vaccinated. Comparatively, 55.8 percent of the U.S. has received at least one dose and 48.3 percent are fully vaccinated. Dr Francis Collins, director of the National Institutes of Health, recently admitted that the federal health agency is more concerned about Missouri than any other state 'When I look at the map Missouri actually jumps out as the place that I'm most worried about because there's a lot of cases now happening very rapidly,' he told McClatchy. 'The chances of getting infected in Missouri are getting really high and that means potentially serious illness or even death.' The outbreak is being driven by the Delta variant, which makes up more than 97 percent of cases in the state, especially spreading like wildfire in the southwest. Missouri continues to be one of the nation's COVID-19 epicenters with average cases risen by 83% from 1,029 per day to 1,892 per day in the last two weeks In nearby Arkansas, cases have risen from an average of 515 per day two weeks ago to 1,444 per day on Thursday, a 185% increase In Louisiana, COVID-19 cases have risen by 466% from 299 per to 1,695 per day over the last 14 days In Springfield, the two hospitals, CoxHealth and Mercy Springfield, are currently treating more COVID-19 patients now than at any time during the pandemic. CoxHealth says 16 patients have died in the last week alone. . 'We went from virtually zero patients to about 100-plus in about seven months in the first couple waves, and in this wave we went from, at least at Cox, about 14 patients seven weeks ago to about 130 today,' CoxHealth CEO Steve Edwards said at a news conference on Wednesday. 'So the ramp up time has been accelerated, almost triple.' In nearby Arkansas, cases have risen from an average of 515 per day two weeks ago to 1,444 per day on Thursday, a 185 percent increase, the DailyMail.com analysis found. Only 35.1 percent of the population is fully vaccinated as infection double every 10 day according to Dr Cam Patterson, Chancellor of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. Arkansas Gov Asa Hutchinson (R) has been pleading with residents to get vaccinated and has attended community events across the state in an attempt to boost vaccination rates. Meanwhile, the chairman of the Democratic Party of Arkansas said he believes mask mandate should be reinstated due to the surge of cases. 'Yeah it was a bad idea,' Michael John Gray told KATV in reference to a March law that restricts the return of mask mandates. 'I don't like it, I don't like things shut down, I don't like capacity, but if that's what we have to do to make sure we're all year this time next year.' In nearby Louisiana, cases have risen by 466 percent from 299 per to 1,695 per day over the last 14 days. Dr Frank Courmier, the medical director for pulmonary and critical services at Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center in Lafayette, told CNN that the COVID-19 patients admitted to his hospital are in their 30s and 40s, much younger than in previous waves. 'We're getting people in their third and fourth decades, otherwise healthy with no real preexisting conditions coming in, unvaccinated and very sick, very fast,' he said. 'We see almost no vaccinated patients.' Louisiana has one of the lowest COVID-19 vaccination rates of the country with about 36 percent fully vaccinated, CDC data show. The low rate shows. In a release on Tuesday, the Louisiana Department of Health revealed that 94 percent of the state's 19,200 cases in May were among people who did not complete their vaccine series. The data are very clear,' said Dr Joseph Kanter, Louisiana's State Health Officer, in the release. 'COVID-19 cases among unvaccinated people in Louisiana are surging. COVID-19 hospitalizations, percent positivity and COVID-19 outbreaks are all on the rise. 'All people in Louisiana, especially those who are not yet vaccinated, should know they are now at increased risk of exposure to COVID-19 due to the more transmissible Delta variant, and they should consider their personal risk and their family's risk.' Meanwhile, the White House said on Friday that Florida has accounted for one in five new COVID-19 cases in the U.S. over the last week. According to data from the CDC, there were 7,011 new cases reported on July 14 with the seven-day rolling average currently sitting at 5,621. Despite the growing number of cases, Florida Gov Ron DeSantis vowed not to enact any mandates or orders. 'No mandates for anything, these are individual choices,' DeSantis said at a press conference on Tuesday. 'I made comments at the end of April or beginning of May, I said "Look, this is a seasonal pattern" We knew it was going to be low in May and it was low, and we knew when we got to the end of June, July, it was going to go up, and it was because that's what it did last year and it's not unique just to Florida.' Israel once led the entire world in the vaccine race, vaccinating 61% of its population with the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine but now the country is dealing with a surge in cases The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is 'weaker' against the Indian 'Delta' variant than health officials had hoped, a new report from Israel says. On Friday, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett held a discussion about the coronavirus with his Cabinet at the Kirya in Tel Aviv. Israel once led the entire world in the vaccine race, vaccinating 61 percent of its population with the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine but now the country is dealing with a surge in cases. As of June 6, the vaccine provides 64 percent protection against infection from the variant, according to the Israeli government At the moment, there is an idea that is spreading to the effect that the protective ability of the existing vaccines against the Delta mutation is weaker than what we had hoped,' Bennett said. 'We do not know exactly to what degree the vaccine helps, but it is significantly less. We are all hoping to see a slowdown but the facts at the moment are that there is no slowdown, not here and not in the world.' The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will decide on full approval of Pfizer-BioNTech's COVID-19 vaccine for those aged 16 and older no later than early next year. Currently, the two-dose shot is only authorized for emergency use in Americans aged 12 and up. However, the FDA granted Priority Review to Pfizer-BioNTech's application, meaning all overall attention and resources are directed at reviewing data on the vaccine. According to a press release from the two companies on Friday, the federal health agency's goal date for a decision is by January 2022. If approved, the vaccine will be the first fully approved COVID-19 shot and could help ease vaccine hesitancy among some Americans due to the longer-term data required for full FDA approval. As of Friday, more than 186.5 million shots of the vaccine have been administered in the U.S., according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will decide on full approval of Pfizer-BioNTech's COVID-19 vaccine for ages 16 and older is January 2022. Pictured: Fully approval requires at least six month of follow-up data rather than the two months required for emergency use authorization. Pictured: Respiratory therapist Robert Blas (left) administers the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine in Los Angeles, July 2021 Because Pfizer's vaccine is currently approved for use on an emergency basis, it is still considered somewhat experimental despite data showing it safe and effective. Additionally, emergency use authorization requires less clinical trial data, with the FDA only requiring two months of follow-up before approving the shot for those 16 and older in December 2020. The designation is also intended to be temporary. If and when the shot is fully approved, companies and schools may feel more comfortable requiring employees and students to get it. The decision would also allow the vaccine makers to market their shots directly to the general public. According to the press release, Pfizer and BioNTech completed the rolling submission of data to the FDA in May 2021. It includes data from the Phase III trial completed last year and six months of follow-up data rather than two months. Although the shot is currently approved for use in teenagers and adults, the full approval would only be for those aged 16 and older because emergency authorization for Americans aged 12 to 15 only occurred in May. The companies plan to apply for full approval in teens as well, but only after six months of follow-up data is available, the press release states. Health experts are hopeful that full FDA approval will boost COVID-19 vaccine uptake and ease vaccine hesitancy. Health experts hope full approval will boost COVID-19 vaccine uptake with daily shots falling below one million per day 'Many people who are lower risk understandably ask if the benefits justify taking a medication that has not received the full and traditional FDA stamp of approval,' wrote former U.S. Surgeon General Dr Jerome Adams in an op-ed for The Washington Post in April 2021. 'Further studies...will help show skeptics that the authorized COVID vaccines are safe.' Moderna Inc has also filed for full approval from FDA for its COVID-19 vaccine, announcing the news on June 1. The Cambridge, Massachusetts-based company said it will continue to submit data to the FDA on a rolling basis over the coming weeks with a request for a priority review. The decision to fully approve Moderna's vaccine will likely come after the Pfizer decision due to Moderna submitting its application later. A man whose family believed he died from a COVID-19 vaccine actually died from heart disease, an autopsy has revealed. Tim Zook, 60, from Orange, California, passed away on January 9, four days after he received the second dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. At the time, his wife, Rochelle, implied to the Orange County Register that her husband's death had something to do with the vaccine. However, an autopsy report from the Orange County Coroner released on Wednesday confirmed that Zook, an X-ray technician, died from cardiovascular disease that led to heart failure. Tim Zook's (left) death was attributed to heart disease by an Orange County coroner. His wife, Rochelle (right) implied the vaccine he received days earlier was the cause of his death Tim Zook, 60, excitedly posted about receiving the second does of his Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine on January 5. He died four days later Zook's official cause of death was listed as 'hypertensive and athersclerotic heart disease with severe cardiomegaly and heart failure,' reported the OC Register. This means he had a buildup of plaque in his coronary arteries and heart conditions caused by high blood pressure. What's more, Zook's heart was described as dilate, very enlarged and thicker than normal. The report does mention COVID-19 vaccines as playing a role in his death. When he got his second shot on January 5, Zook posted photos of a band-aid on his arm and a picture of his vaccination record card. 'Never been so excited to get a shot before. I am now fully vaccinated after receiving my 2nd Pfizer dose,' he wrote on his Facebook page. Rochelle said that her husband 'believed in vaccines' and was 'sure he would take that vaccine again, and he'd want the public to take it,' according to the OC Register. His condition allegedly started spiraling the day after he received the vaccine, according to his wife. 'When someone gets symptoms 2.5 hours after a vaccine, that's a reaction,' she told the newspaper. 'What else could have happened? We would like the public to know what happened to Tim, so he didn't die in vain. 'Severe reactions are rare. In reality, COVID is a much more deadly force than reactions from the potential vaccine itself.' She continued: 'The message is, be safe, take the vaccine - but the officials need to do more research. 'We need to know the cause. The vaccines need to be as safe as possible. Every life matters.' Rochelle also said she did not want to point the blame for her husband's death at Pfizer or another pharmaceutical company. 'Our immediate thoughts are with the bereaved family,' Pfizer told Fox News in January. 'We closely monitor all such events and collect relevant information to share with global regulatory authorities. Based on ongoing safety reviews performed by Pfizer, BioNTech and health authorities, BNT162b2 retains a positive benefit-risk profile for the prevention of COVID-19 infections. 'Serious adverse events, including deaths that are unrelated to the vaccine, are unfortunately likely to occur at a similar rate as they would in the general population.' Zook was an X-ray technician who worked at South Coast Global Medical Center in Santa Ana, California. His death was placed under investigation by the Orange County Coroner's office to determine the real cause of death. The coroner's office determined that heart disease was the true cause of death for Zook. The Pfizer vaccine was the first to receive emergency use authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in mid-December. It is the most commonly used vaccine in the United States so far, having been administered more than 186 million times. The vaccine has been deemed safe an effective by the FDA and health experts across the world, though there have a been a few negative side effects tied to it. Myocarditis, heart inflammation, has been found in a small percentage of young males who received the vaccine. In total, 56 percent of Americans have received at least one shot of any COVID-19 vaccine, and 48 percent of people are fully vaccinated. The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is 'weaker' against the Indian 'Delta' variant than health officials had hoped, a new report from Israel claims On Friday, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett held a discussion about the coronavirus with his Cabinet at the Kirya in Tel Aviv. Israel once led the entire world in the vaccine race, vaccinating 61 percent of its population with the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine - but is now dealing with a surge in cases. On Thursday, the test positivity rate was 1.52 percent, which is the highest number since March. As of June 6, the vaccine provides 64 percent protection against infection from the variant, according to the Israeli government 'At the moment, there is an idea that is spreading to the effect that the protective ability of the existing vaccines against the Delta mutation is weaker than what we had hoped,' Bennett said. 'We do not know exactly to what degree the vaccine helps, but it is significantly less. We are all hoping to see a slowdown but the facts at the moment are that there is no slowdown, not here and not in the world.' Israel says the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is 'weaker' against the Indian 'Delta' variant as the country deals with a new surge in infections New data from the Israeli government show the two-dose shot provides just 64% protection against infection. Pictured: A medical worker prepares to dilute a vial of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, March 2021 The Delta variant has been labeled as a 'double mutant' by India's Health Ministry because it carries two mutations: L452R and E484Q. L452R is the same mutation seen with the California homegrown variant and E484Q is similar to the mutation seen in the Brazilian and South African variants. Both of the mutations occur on key parts of the virus that allows it to enter and infect human cells. Bennett also addressed the crises in the UK and the US, both of which are using the Pfizer vaccine and are overrun with the Delta variant. On Thursday, the U.S. recorded 28,412 new cases with a seven-day rolling average of 26,079, a 135 percent increase from the 11,067 average recorded two weeks ago. Nearly every state and the District of Columbia have seen infections rise in the last week, according to a DailyMail.com analysis of Johns Hopkins data. What's more, about 40 states have seen their infection rates increase by at least 50 percent with some of the biggest rises seen in hotspots such as Arkansas, Louisiana and Missouri. With cases doubling every two weeks, this means the U.S. could see 50,000 cases per day by the end of July and 100,000 per day at the end of the month. Meanwhile, Britain's daily coronavirus cases hit 50,000 on Friday for the first time since the depths of the second wave in January. Figures from the Department of Health show that the number of positive tests, which sits at 51,870, has risen by 45 percent in a week. Hospitalizations and deaths are now both rising steadily following the ferocious surge in cases, which top experts blamed on the relaxation of restrictions and Euro 2020. It comes as the Delta variant overtakes Irsral, making up more than 80% of all new infections 'At the moment, the Delta mutation is leaping forward around the world, including in vaccinated countries such as Britain, Israel and the US,' Bennett said. 'In Britain, in recent days, we have seen a jump in the number of children who are being hospitalized on a daily basis. This is a development that we are aware of; we are dealing with it rationally and responsibly.' 'On the one hand, the vaccines are effective against the virus; therefore, we are seeing to the necessary continuity of vaccinations and inventories. 'Whoever hoped that the vaccines alone would solve the problem, they are not. What is necessary is a strategy that brings as many vaccines as possible on the one hand and, on the other, also understands the limits of the vaccine.' A man in Dallas, Texas, has been hospitalized with monkeypox, a rare condition similar to smallpox, according to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The unnamed man was returning from a trip in Lagos, Nigeria, and had stopped in Atlanta, Georgia, on his way home. Health officials are working to find who may have been in contact with the man as he traveled. This is the first case of the virus ever reported in Texas, according to the Dallas Morning News. A man from Texas traveling back in the United States from Nigeria has been confirmed to be infected with monkeypox. Pictured: Skin lesions, which are are a common symptom of monkeypox Monkeypox can be caught from various mammals including monkeys and rats and causes skin spots which then turn to blisters and can take weeks to clear up (stock image) Health officials are working to find who may have been in contact with the man as he traveled while infected with monkeypox, first discovered in the crab-eating macaque (pictured) The man arrived at Dallas Love Field Airport on July 9. He was placed into isolation at a nearby hospital in stable condition. No other cases of the virus have been detected since. Incubation of the virus generally takes between one to two weeks to incubate, and last around two to four weeks. People with more serious cases of the virus will often develop skin lesions, among other symptoms like rash and fever. The virus spreads via respiratory droplets in the air, and, fortunately, people on the planes the man rode were required to wear masks due to COVID-19 protocols. MONKEYPOX IS A RARE DISEASE THAT CAUSES RASH AND FEVER Monkeypox is a rare viral disease which causes a blistering skin rash and feverish, flu-like symptoms. The virus responsible for the disease is found mainly in the tropical areas of west and central Africa. Monkeypox was first discovered in 1958, with the first reported human case in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1970. Human cases were recorded for the first time in the US in 2003 and the UK in September 2018. It is found in wild animals but humans can catch it through direct contact with animals, such as touching monkeys, squirrels rats or other mammals, or eating badly cooked meat. The virus can enter the body through broken skin or the eyes, nose or mouth. It can pass between humans via droplets in the air, and by touching the skin of an infected individual, or touching objects contaminated by them. Symptoms usually appear within five and 21 days of infection. These include a fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, chills and fatigue. The most obvious symptom is a rash, which usually appears on the face before spreading to other parts of the body. This then forms skin lesions that scab and fall off. Monkeypox is usually mild, with most patients recovering within a few weeks without treatment. Yet, the disease can often prove fatal. There are no specific treatments or vaccines available for monkeypox infection, according to the World Health Organization. Advertisement 'Laboratory testing at CDC showed the patient is infected with a strain of monkeypox most commonly seen in parts of West Africa, including Nigeria,' the CDC wrote in a news release on Friday. 'Monkeypox is a rare but potentially serious viral illness that typically begins with flu-like illness and swelling of the lymph nodes and progresses to a widespread rash on the face and body,' according to the CDC. 'Most infections last two to four weeks. Monkeypox is in the same family of viruses as smallpox but causes a milder infection.' 'We have confidence in the federal, state and local medical professionals who are working to ensure that this virus is contained and that the patient is treated with the utmost care,' Eric Johnson, mayor of Dallas, said in a statement on the matter. Around 10 percent of cases of monkeypox end in death, though the strain the man has is less severe, and often has a one percent chance of death. Six previous cases of monkeypox from around the world have been tied to travelers returning home from Nigeria. Experts are not sure of the true origin of 'monkeypox'. The virus was first discovered in 1958 in crab-eating macaque monkeys. The first ever case detected in humans was in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It has since been discovered in many central and western African nations. It is believed that the virus transmits from animals to humans when the animal bites of scratches a person. It can also spread person-to-person by respiratory droplets in the air - similar to the way humans spread COVID to each other. The disease has largely vanished, until a 2003 flare-up in the United States saw the virus return to humans. The identity of the man who contracted the virus has not been revealed, and his case is not related to any other case of human monkeypox detected in recent years. There are no specific treatments or vaccines available for the virus, though the smallpox vaccine is believed to have helped make it a non-problem in humans for many years. Antiviral agents against the disease are currently being explored, though, according to the World Health Organization. Other cases of monkeypox were detected in Wales last month, when at least two people came down with the virus in the northern part of the country. The first ever cases of monkeypox in the United Kingdom were detected in 2018. At first glance, the Citroen C3 Aircross SUV looks a bundle of fun. It certainly stands out. And unlike many modern cars, it won't break the bank. The two-tone colour scheme reminded me of a Mini Cooper; mine was a bright Voltaic Blue with a Polar White roof. The model I was driving was the top-of-the- range petrol PureTech 130 with a six-speed automatic gearbox in Shine Plus trim. Bag a bargain: Citroen's quirky C3 Aircross SUV is a good example of a car to haggle over It's powered by a frugal, but efficient, 1.2 litre three-cylinder turbocharged direct injection petrol engine that enables it to accelerate from rest to 62 mph in 9.7 seconds, but it feels quicker. Top speed is 121 mph, which is more than adequate. There's also the choice of a less powerful PureTech 110 petrol and a diesel BlueHDi 110, both with six-speed manual gearboxes. The car I drove had an on-the-road price of 23,080, but was loaded with nearly 2,500 of extras which bumped the total cost up to 25,580. That included a glorious almost full-length panoramic glass roof (1,030), the front half of which opens. The range itself starts at 17,320 for the Puretech 110 six-speed manual. The Puretech 130 is powered by a frugal, but efficient, 1.2 litre three-cylinder turbocharged direct injection petrol engine that enables it to accelerate from rest to 62 mph in 9.7 seconds Engine options: Citroen offers a choice of a less powerful PureTech 110 petrol and a diesel BlueHDi 110, both with six-speed manual gearboxes The range itself starts at 17,320 for the Puretech 110 six-speed manual. The full-length panoramic glass roof option costs 1,030 It's very comfortable for cruising and on twisty country lanes and there's a 'sport' button if you want or need to tighten up the sinews, but frankly I only tried it for effect. My main issue was with the six-speed automatic gearbox handle. I found it clunky to move from 'park' into 'drive' and 'reverse'. It always took me a few goes to slot it directly into place. Ray found the C3 very comfortable for cruising and on twisty country lanes and there's even a 'sport' button if you want or need to tighten up the sinews Practicality: There's plenty of space in the boot and the rear seats fold down to give you more room if required Running costs: Road tax for the C3 is low; 220 in the first year and 155 standard rate after that. And it promises up to 47.3mpg fuel economy with CO2 emissions of 142g/km There's plenty of space in the boot and the rear seats fold down to give you more room if required. Road tax is low; 220 in the first year and 155 standard rate after that. And it promises up to 47.3mpg fuel economy with CO2 emissions of 142g/km. If you're keen on one, haggle hard with dealers. It's a fun and practical car, but not without quirks. So fight for a deal. Students' solar powered car on UK tour Here comes the sun. And just as well we're in for a welcome post-lockdown sunny spell as enterprising pupils at two schools take their pioneering solar powered car which has made an epic trip across Australia on a UK summer tour. The zero-emissions experimental vehicle dubbed the 'Basking Beasty' is a collaboration between private Ardingly College in Haywards Heath, Sussex, and nearby state school Ifield Community College (ardinglysolar.com). The 'Basking Beasty' solar-powered car is a collaboration between private Ardingly College in Haywards Heath, Sussex, and nearby state school Ifield Community College Tomorrow, it'll be on Madeira Drive, Brighton seafront, as part of the London to Brighton Electric Vehicle Rally celebrations (londontobrighton electricvehiclerally.com). From August 2 to 11, it travels from John O'Groats, Scotland to Haywards Heath. Light speed: The Basking Beauty on its epic trip across Australia. From August 2 to 11, it will travels from John O'Groats, Scotland to Haywards Heath The project is supported by the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) and is raising funds for the motor industry charity BEN. The vehicle will be at the British Motor Show at Farnborough, August 19 to 22 (thebritishmotorshow.live). Fintech is the great new hope for the post-Brexit City. It is terrific that in recent weeks the profitable payments specialist Wise made a strong debut on the London Stock Exchange, and JP Morgan showed its confidence by snapping up online asset manager Nutmeg. But there is a danger that investors become too hung up on tech breakthroughs. Potential weak spots at online payday lender Wonga, Wirecard in Germany and, more recently, Greensill were overlooked by financial backers. Regulators were caught up in the excitement of little understood models. Fintech champion: Banking App Revolut is headquartered in London but its banking licence, which it is using to passport itself into other parts of Europe, has been granted by Lithuania One trusts the lessons of these flops have been learned and the next generation of fintech is being closely scrutinised for risk and vulnerabilities. Even so, the 24bilion valuation placed on Revolut at its latest fund raising this week, placing a value of 577million on the stake of Russian founder Nikolay Storonsky, is cause for pause. The backing of Softbank, known in the UK for its shrewd purchase of Arm Holdings, ought to provide reassurance. Softbank also placed its faith in Lex Greensill. The first port of call for anyone trying to understand what Revolut does, and how it is going to make its future profits after making a pre-tax loss of 207,875 in 2020, is the annual report. A comforting aspect is the line-up of directors, which includes former Standard Life Aberdeen chief executive Martin Gilbert as chairman and ex-Goldman Sachs dealmaker Michael Sherwood. Both offer deep experience of finance. Slightly more worrying is that Revolut's banking licence, which it is using to passport itself into other parts of Europe, has been granted by Lithuania. With due respect to the Baltic nation, it is not known as one of Europe's leading financial centres. Encouragingly, the firm is audited by BDO, not a top four audit firm, but at least on the second tier. The value in Revolut comes from explosive growth. At the start of 2021 it was conducting 150m transactions per month for 15m retail customers and 500,000 business customers, and had operations in more than 35 countries. So what precisely does it do? There are three main sources of revenue. The Revolut card, which brought in 95million of revenue; foreign exchange and wealth, responsible for 80million; and a service called subscriptions, which brought in 75million. The fastest growing sector is forex and wealth where income soared 150pc last year. We know from Wise how fintech is revolutionising access to foreign currency by displacing the clunky systems used by the big commercial banks and eliminating the 'turn' on exchange rates. The wealth aspect of Revolut looks fascinating. Crypto-currency dominates this part of the business and the annual report is dotted with the world 'crypto' which appears almost 90 times. There is also involvement in trading precious metals. Crypto had an amazing run in 2020 but this year has generated regulatory scrutiny. UK regulator the Financial Conduct Authority has warned neophyte investors of the dangers of being too exposed to bitcoin and the like because of extreme volatility. That's before one even considers how the Wild West of crypto has become a fiefdom for scammers and money launderers. Revolut's subscription service, administered by an app, is a good tool. In an age when we are all loading down subscriptions, sometimes inadvertently, the device keeps track and offers one stroke cancellation. As useful as this may be, as commercial banks adjust to the online world, it won't be difficult for them to add a similar service, including instant cancellation. For most established financial players, adding one or two new products a year and getting the model right may be considered sufficient innovation. Revolut is much more ambitious. It lists one dozen new products added in the last year, ranging from gold and silver trading to four new crypto currencies. All this is amazingly dynamic but it must be a nightmare for Lithuanian and other regulators seeking to keep track of what is happening under the bonnet. The accounts show Revolut holds a safety net of 538million of cash for regulatory capital and liquidity purposes. Moreover, some 5billion of 'restricted cash' is in the safeguarded accounts of central banks and other banks. Customers should be grateful for small mercies. Celebrity model Kendall Jenner's campaigns with Burberry helped lift the luxury retailer's sales in the past few month, new figures reveal. Burberry said its latest collections and campaigns had attracted 'new, younger luxury customers', with items like coats, shoes and bags selling particularly well. Last month, Burberry shares plummeted after its boss Marco Gobbetti, credited with reviving the British fashion champion, announced his shock resignation. Savvy marketing: Burberry's collections alongside celebrities like Kendall Jenner have proved a hit with shoppers In its latest update for the first quarter, Burberry said its sales had returned to pre-pandemic levels, despite some restrictions for Covid-19 still lingering. Bosses said the boost has come from them selling more products at full price, relying less on discounts, and seeing rich Asian and American shoppers spending in local stores rather than travelling on holiday to Europe to snap up the latest trench coat. In the 13 weeks to 26 June, sales hit 479million, against 257million during the same period a year ago, when the pandemic was at its peak. In mainland China, Burberry said sales were up over 55 per cent and Korea up more than 90 per cent, versus pre-pandemic levels. The company said: 'This was driven by new, local, young customers buying across our core categories.' Sales in Europe remained down 38 per cent on pre-Covid levels, while its US and Asia Pacific operations saw sales 34 per cent and 7 per cent higher than before the pandemic respectively. New customers: Burberry said its latest collections and campaigns had attracted 'new, younger luxury customers' The group said that around 35 per cent of its stores were currently operating with reduced opening hours as tourists continue to stay away. Three per cent of the company's shops remain temporarily shut as a result of the pandemic. The retailer's wholesale arm is expected to increase 60 per cent year-on-year due to a stronger order book, but unfavourable currency rates are expected to hit sales 114million this year. The group also today confirmed its position to become 'Climate Positive' by 2040. Since the end of the first quarter, the group has opened a new flagship store in Sloane Street, London, and three more flagships look set to open over the coming year. Outgoing boss Marco Gobbetti, said: 'We saw strong growth across our strategic categories, in particular leather goods and outerwear, and exited markdowns in digital and mainline stores. 'We continued to roll out our new store concept that will transform how customers experience our brand and product in a uniquely British luxury setting. 'Despite the continuing challenging external environment, we are very pleased with the progress against our strategy. With the company firmly set on a path of growth and acceleration, we are confident of achieving our medium-term goals.' Shares in FTSE 100-listed Burberry are currently down 3.67 per cent or 76.00p to 1,994.00p. A year ago, the group's share price was 1,435.50p. Richard Hunter, head of markets at Interactive Investor, said: 'Overall, it seems that at least some of the globally accumulated consumer savings seem to have made their way towards Burberry products, mitigating some of the lost income from a lack of international travel, and resulting in retail revenues spiking 86 per cent. 'The share price has also recovered to pre-pandemic levels, having risen by 41 per cent over the last year, as compared to a hike of 12 per cent for the wider FTSE100. 'Indeed, given the strength of the start to the new year, the long-standing market consensus of the shares as a hold could even be subject to some upgrades.' Susannah Streeter, an analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, said: 'A big obstacle waiting to trip up the company on this catwalk of recovery is the departure of CEO Marco Gobbetti. 'He has been seen as the turnaround Czar for Burberry and investors are questioning the companys ability to keep driving through the strategic turnaround without him in the front row. Finding the right replacement to fit his large shoes wont be an easy task.' The worlds largest private equity firm has made its second swoop in a matter of weeks on a FTSE 250 property company. Blackstone has teamed up with Dutch pension fund manager APG Asset Management to buy student halls operator GCP Student Living for 969million. GCP has accepted the deal and has urged shareholders to get behind it too. Private equity firm Blackstone has teamed up with Dutch pension fund manager APG Asset Management to buy student halls operator GCP Student Living for 969m FTSE 250 St Modwen Properties, which builds houses and owns lucrative warehouses, agreed a 1.3billion takeover from New York-based Blackstone in late June. GCPs shares surged 12.5 per cent, or 24p, to 216p last night slightly above the 213p offer price. Blackstone is led by billionaire Stephen Schwarzman, who has a 22billion fortune. He founded Blackstone with Peter Peterson, who died in 2018, in 1985. GCP confirmed earlier this month that it was in talks about a deal with funds backed by Blackstone and APG, which is GCPs largest shareholder. If the takeover goes through, APGs division Scape Living will get five sites including buildings in Shoreditch and Bloomsbury in London, and Guildford in Surrey. IQ, which is controlled by Blackstone, will get six in places including Greenwich and Mile End in London, and Brighton. This will give APG around 61 per cent of the group and Blackstone 39 per cent. A spokesman for GCPs board said the deal had come at a good moment because, while the Covid vaccine rollout would likely boost university attendance in the next academic year, there were still challenges ahead. Blackstone has previously focused much of its attention in the UK on leisure companies. Earlier this year it bought Bourne Leisure, the owner of Butlins and Haven, thought to be worth 3billion. GlaxoSmithKline boss Emma Walmsley has made her boldest move yet in her battle to fend off a US hedge fund and hold on to her job. Less than a month after announcing plans to split in two, the UK drugs group has unveiled a project to build one of Europe's largest biotechnology campuses in Stevenage. It is hoped the 400million project will go some way to silencing New York-based investor Elliott, which has questioned whether Walmsley is the right person to lead the company. US hedge fund Elliot has questioned whether Emma Walmsley (pictured) is the right person to lead GlaxoSmithKline The project will create 5,000 UK jobs over the next five years and the campus will sit next to GSK's existing site. The company expects to select a development partner later this year and work will start in 2022. GSK senior vice president Tony Wood said: 'Our goal is for Stevenage to emerge as a top destination for medical and scientific research by the end of the decade.' The project is a major boost for the town, which is also home to the Airbus space technology centre. Walmsley has faced growing pressure from Elliott. Two weeks ago the ruthless money manager questioned whether the 52-year-old should remain in charge as GSK plans to split into two next year. Walmsley wants to stay on after the separation and run the drugs business but Elliott say she lacks the experience or the skills. The hedge fund is also unhappy that it has taken GSK two years to plan the split and the uncertainty has caused the share price to slide. But for now GSK's chairman and the company's top investors have backed Walmsley, with Royal London, M&G and Jupiter Asset Management all throwing their weight behind her. It is understood that top shareholders do not want Walmsley to allow Elliott to distract the company from its existing strategy. But GSK has received criticism during the pandemic for failing to develop a coronavirus jab of its own. Goldman Sachs boss Richard Gnodde has sounded a rallying cry to the City by saying that he expects his workers back in the office on Monday morning. Gnodde, the head of Goldman Sachs International, estimates around 70 per cent of staff will return to work over the next few weeks after Covid restrictions are relaxed in England on Monday. Dubbed 'Freedom Day', virtually all rules around socialising and mask wearing will be dropped. Back to the office: Richard Gnodde, the head of Goldman Sachs International, estimates around 70 per cent of staff will return to work over the next few weeks Firms have taken different approaches to mask rules and Gnodde said employees would need to wear masks in Goldman's London office, off Fleet Street, 'when not at their desk'. But, unlike some businesses, it will not require staff to be fully vaccinated if they want to come back in. The investment bank has around 6,000 people in London. Gnodde said: 'The centre of gravity for our workforce is going to be in our buildings and it will be in this building. 'We believe it's really important to have our people together.' He added: 'Our focus is very much on securing a safe workplace. People will still be wearing masks in the building. 'We will not force them to come in. Our focus is going to be on creating a safe environment where people feel comfortable.' When asked about some employees' reluctance to return and whether it would lead to hardline measures, he said: 'We'd look to understand the issues and what your concerns were and we'd see if we could address them.' Goldman has taken a tough stance on working from home for several months. In February, global chief executive David Solomon slammed it as an 'aberration' and shot down the idea of it being the 'new normal'. Solomon who enjoys DJ-ing under the name of D-Sol in his spare time said it did not suit a work culture such as Goldman's. But the investment bank is at odds with many of its peers in London, which are opting for a more cautious approach. JP Morgan will require face masks and keep staff on a rotating schedule with a 50 per cent occupancy limit at its UK offices. And Bank of America expects only a few hundred to come back in out of a London workforce of 4,500. Gnodde's comments come as figures from landlord giant Landsec found more than 70 per cent of London's white-collar workers have already started working one day per week back in the office while around a third are back to pre-Covid routines. Some firms, such as digital payments app Revolut have switched to permanent 'flexible' working that will see its people alternate between home and the office. Critics of flexible working claim it could hammer productivity and spell the death knell for businesses in cities such as bus and train firms, restaurants, bars and shops that rely on commuters. They say it's better out than in, but that may not be true for cows. They release methane - a greenhouse gas - every time they burp, and that can be as often as once a minute. Greenhouse gases, such as methane, contribute to climate change. Even though cows are responsible for just two per cent of the UKs greenhouse gas emissions, given Britains love of milk, its clear that finding a way to reduce the amount of methane they produce could lessen their environmental impact. But how do you go about altering a cows burp? That is a question Tesco is working to answer, along with its dairy farmers and suppliers. Together with scientists from the University of Nottingham and as part of its partnership with WWF, Tesco is trialling a natural new supplement in cows' feed that could help reduce their environmental impact by as much as 30%. 'As cows complex digestive systems break down the plant materials they eat, they produce methane,' explains Tom Atkins, Agricultural Manager at Tesco 'Cows are ruminants and have four stomachs, so as their complex digestive systems break down the plant materials they eat, they produce methane,' explains Tom Atkins, Agricultural Manager at Tesco. 'While they are a relatively small contributor to total greenhouse gases, representing less than two per cent of all the UK's emissions, the dairy farmers we partner with at Tesco are working hard to further reduce their herds environmental impact.' Every day, Tesco customers buy 2.65m litres of Tesco-branded milk, so even a small improvement in how the milk is produced can have a big impact on the environment. That is why the supermarket set up the Tesco Sustainable Dairy Group in 2007, to help build better partnerships with its dairy farmers and to create a forum for them to share ideas around how to produce milk more sustainably. Fighting emissions, burp by burp As part of this, and in partnership with WWF, Tesco has been working with some farmers in the Tesco Sustainable Dairy Group to explore new ways to reduce methane emissions. This forms part of the supermarket's ambition to halve the environmental impact of the average shopping basket. Together with WWF, Tesco tasked Professor of Dairy Science Phil Garnsworthy, from the University of Nottingham, to test an all-natural supplement which has been shown in a lab to reduce methane. Prof Garnsworthy and the team help to keep a 360-strong dairy herd in a state-of-the-art cow shed with cutting-edge technology His team helps keep a 360-strong dairy herd in a state-of-the-art cow shed with the cutting-edge technology needed for the trial. The herd has been split into two groups with only half being fed the supplement whereas the other half go without. All their methane emissions are monitored every day and compared. Prof Garnsworthy explains: 'Each cow has a tag, or a Radio Frequency ID (RFID) System, which is a round disc in her ear like an earring. As part of the trial we need to know how much food each cow has eaten so we use special feed bins that can identify each individual cow through emitting a radio signal which picks up the cows RFID ear tag. 'The gate to the feeder emits a radio signal and if the cow is allowed in, the gate opens. Each feed bin gate can identify each individual cow. 'The feeding bins continuously weigh the feed, so we know exactly how much each cow has eaten from each bin.' The amount of methane the cows produce is being measured by a clever addition to the milking machine in the high tech cow shed. 'The supplement changes normal processes in the cow's digestive system. It's more like eating a live yoghurt to improve your gut microbes but this supplement discourages the bacteria in the cow's gut from producing methane,' says Prof Garnsworthy. 'There have been a couple of trials on farms and some trials in the past have shown a reduction of up to 30%, but we're doing a carefully controlled trial to actually prove it.' Cows are prone to belching - on average about once a minute and occasionally from the other end - and each one of these contains methane An opportunity to transform the dairy industry If the supplement works, it could be rolled out to other Tesco Sustainable Dairy Group farmers. Tesco's Tom Atkins says: 'We hope that by trialling and supporting innovative sustainable technologies like this supplement, we're getting closer to finding new ways of producing quality food for our customers that is also sustainable and affordable.' Five years ago Mia decided she wanted to be Aboriginal. She is white and does not have any Indigenous ancestors. Mia ticked a box to say she was Aboriginal at the last Census and has kept on ticking, filling out every government form that asked the question in the affirmative ever since. 'I am a box-ticker,' she told Daily Mail Australia. 'I now identify as an Indigenous Australian when doing the Census and other paperwork.' Mia, who did not want her full name published, said the change in identity made her feel 'more connected' with the land and Aboriginal people and better about herself. 'Every Australia Day, we are made to feel uncomfortable for being Australian,' she said. 'I no longer feel sorry for being born in the country I love and cherish.' Mia is a 'box-ticker' who identifies as Indigenous when she has no Aboriginal ancestry. She says pretending to be Aboriginal makes her feel more connected with the land and Indigenous people. Stock image 'Every Australia Day, we are made to feel uncomfortable for being Australian,' Mia said. 'I no longer feel sorry for being born in the country I love and cherish.' Protesters are pictured at An Invasion Day rally in Brisbane on January 26 this year Mia claims to be one of a growing number of Australians who falsely identify as Indigenous. 'I did have a giggle after the last Census when my local council mentioned more Aboriginals living in the area,' she said. 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. 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. Part of the increase can be attributed to Australians discovering a previously unknown forebear, or a late acceptance of a once-shunned Aboriginal ancestry. The vast majority was attributed to births - 72.7 per cent - but 21.4 per cent were deemed unexplainable. Many of these respondents are box-tickers, whose motives can only be guessed. Some are likely to be moved by a belief it is unfashionable to be white in modern Australia or that identifying as Aboriginal might lend claimants a greater connection to the land. 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. Protesters are pictured in Brisbane on Australia Day this year 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?' Others who take their claims of Aboriginality further and attempt to access programs and services meant for real Indigenous Australians are ripping off their disadvantaged fellow citizens. Mia contacted Daily Mail Australia following a story about box-tickers and engaged in a string of correspondence. When pressed about her bona fides she disabled her email account. How the Census counts Indigenous Australians A person's Indigenous status in the Census 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 She made no claim to discovering some long lost forebear and there was no financial advantage for her to pretend to be Aboriginal. 'I adopted this change because I didn't want to feel sorry to be an Australian,' Mia wrote in one email. 'I love this country so much and feel deeply connected to the land I live on. 'I empathise with Indigenous Aboriginals and feel this is a way of also showing support to them. 'The greater their number, the more funding and acknowledgement they are likely to receive.' What box-tickers like Mia are doing is skewing government data which determine where resources should be allocated to Indigenous Australians. 'I was really surprised as I thought I was the only person who ticks those boxes,' Mia said. 'I was horrified to read that some people do it to receive financial advantage, that is not my intent or motivation at all.' Mia claimed she was a successful professional in her early 50s who left a career in Melbourne 20 years ago and bought farmland in regional Victoria where she set up a mini wildlife sanctuary. 'As a passionate wildlife warrior and caretaker of Australian land, I feel very connected to this ground and believe it's sacred and preserved for generations to come,' she said. 'I embrace feeling more connected to this soil through expressing myself as Indigenous. 'While I know it's not inherently correct, it helps me feel less sorry for being born in the land I love so much. 'It helps me feel more connected to the Aboriginals, and I hope to further their cause by ticking that box.' Mia had apparently ingratiated herself with elders and even sought advice on how she might be accepted by real Indigenous Australians as being Aboriginal. 'Over the years, I have discovered aboriginal artefacts on the land and handed them to the local cultural centre for safekeeping,' she said. 'Talking to local elders, I asked them if there was a DNA test to prove one's status as an Aboriginal or what the process was to become classed as native Australian. Mia said she would tick the Aboriginal box at the next Census on August 10 and thought her bogus claim of Aboriginality showed solidarity with Indigenous people 'I was told there was no blood test or DNA test used but you could become recognised as Aboriginal by gaining approval through talking with an elder in your local community.' Mia said most Australians who identified as Aboriginal had ancestors born overseas and she was just as Australian as them. She would tick the Aboriginal box at the next Census on August 10 and thought her bogus claim of Aboriginality showed solidarity with Indigenous people. 'The more connected we are to each other, the less we feel separated and divided,' she said. 'It is my honest hope and intention that bridging the divide brings harmony between what separates us all. 'Why can't we all embrace being Australian and share the love for this remarkable and diverse country?' How the government assesses whether someone in Aboriginal 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 A spokeswoman for the Australian Bureau of Statistics said the vast majority of respondents filled out the Census truthfully and it was important that they did. 'The Australian Bureau of Statistics asks that people complete the questions on the Census form accurately to help us produce high quality statistics,' she said. 'This is important because Census data helps community groups, businesses and governments make important decisions and to plan for the future. 'For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders there are additional data needs for Closing the Gap strategies.' 'In assessing Census data the ABS undertakes an extensive range of quality controls and confronts the aggregate data with other sources. 'As well, the ABS engages an Independent Assurance Panel of eminent Australians to advise the Statistician on the quality of the data and its fitness for purpose.' There were already fears a nation accustomed to home-working would turn their back on suits and ties. Now the pandemic could see office workers allowed to wear T-shirts and shorts, to enable better ventilation in the workplace. It could also see staff permitted to don woolly jumpers or hoodies in the winter. Leading engineers have suggested dress codes in the office could become far less strict because of the new post-Covid importance of keeping windows open, which makes air conditioning potentially less effective, so that workplaces are warmer. The authors of a report on curbing infection within buildings, commissioned by Chief Scientific Adviser, Patrick Vallance, champion opening windows while advising against some aggressively advertised air-cleaning devices. They say building owners need more guidance on ventilation, and have also called for more investigation into whether hand driers increase the risk of infection. Workers in England could be told to ditch formal office wear, so they can cope with windows being open all year round to limit transmission of Covid Record 500,000 Brits are sentenced to self-isolation as union warns factories are 'on verge of shutting' with 900 Nissan workers told to stay at home A record half-a-million Brits were told to self-isolate by NHS Covid app last week, amid mounting concerns over the chaos triggered by the 'pingdemic'. Unions have warned factories across the country are on the 'verge of shutting' down, with tens of thousands of workers urged to quarantine at home by the app. Up to 900 workers at car giant Nissan's flagship plant in Sunderland are being made to self-isolate, it was claimed today. Around 10 per cent of staff working at the Japanese car firm's manufacturing site in Sunderland were pinged by the app. People told to isolate by the app are under no legal requirement to do so because their identity is not tracked by the software. But fears have been raised that the software could cripple the nation's already fragile economy this summer when restrictions are completely lifted. Businesses demanding a re-think of the rules have warned supermarket shelves may be left empty if tens of thousands of workers are told they must self-isolate in the coming weeks. There are also fears piles of rubbish may pile up in the street some bin collections in Liverpool have already been cancelled from next week because too many staff are isolating to run the service. Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick today admitted No10 was 'concerned' about the number of people who may have to self-isolate because of the app. Official figures released today show the contact-tracing app sent out 520,000 self-isolation alerts last week. Advertisement Professor Shaun Fitzgerald, director of research at Centre for Climate Repair, Cambridge University, and one of the authors of the report, told journalists: This is really important, that you encourage dress codes for not just winter, but to adapt to the environment that youre in. Because if you allow people to dress, for example, even in shorts and T-shirts in the summer, what that can do is it can therefore make an environment more pleasant. Unfortunately one of the temptations, certainly in buildings that have got opening windows and these split air conditioning units, is that if you want a nice comfortable environment in a heatwave, is to close the windows and turn the air conditioning on. Thats not what we recommend. We recommend in a pandemic situation to have bountiful amounts of fresh air, as much as you can tolerate, and actually that will mean that the air conditioning system wont be that effective, and therefore youre going to be looking at different ways of keeping comfortable and cool. Dr Hywel Davies, technical director of the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers, who also contributed to the report, suggested staff might wear woolly jumpers or hoodies in the winter, or be seated away from open windows. Lockdown rules in England are due to end on Monday, with many employees expected to return to the office. That makes the report on healthy buildings conducted by a National Engineering Policy Centre working group, led by the Royal Academy of Engineering and the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE), timely. Professor Peter Guthrie, vice president of the Royal Academy of Engineering, said attention to ventilation had been lax in a majority of buildings. Part of the problem is that people worried about coronavirus may be more reassured by seeing hand sanitiser stations, one-way systems and clean surfaces than hearing that an invisible ventilation system is working well - despite its importance in stopping airborne spread of the virus. The report warns that technological solutions are not a silver bullet, with a lack of evidence for some air-cleaning solutions, which may put chemicals into the air that can cause respiratory and skin infections. However touch-free doors and lift buttons may be useful, as well as digital apps and carbon dioxide monitors which can help to understand how well ventilated a building is. Engineers looked at hospitals, care homes, hospitality, schools and public transport, and want companies to be incentivised for improving ventilation, which could mean reducing VAT. Key recommendations are that the Government should work out the skills needed, commission research to understand risks in buildings better, and balance climate change targets like Net Zero with the importance of infection control. Dr Davies said: Clear communication on ventilation is essential - we need to support owners and operators with clear and simple guidance, emphasising the importance of improving ventilation while maintaining wider good practice on infection control. Facebook said on Thursday it had taken down about 200 accounts run by a group of hackers in Iran as part of a cyber-spying operation that targeted mostly U.S. military personnel and people working at defense and aerospace companies. The social media giant said the group, dubbed 'Tortoiseshell' by security experts, used a social engineering campaign to trick their targets into clicking malicious links that would infect their devices with spying malware. In order to do so, the hackers made 'sophisticated fake online personas' to contact the targets, according to a press release from the social media giant. According to Forbes, the hackers believed to be operating our of Tehran 'posed as recruiters, employees of defense contractors and young, attractive women on Facebook.' Facebook confirmed to DailyMail.com that the hackers had posed as young, attractive women - among other personas. 'These fictitious personas had profiles across multiple social media platforms to make them appear more credible,' the press release from Facebook reads. 'These accounts often posed as recruiters and employees of defense and aerospace companies from the countries their targets were in. Other personas claimed to work in hospitality, medicine, journalism, NGOs and airlines.' Facebook said on Thursday it had taken down about 200 accounts run by a group of hackers in Iran as part of a cyber-spying operation According to Forbes, the hackers believed to be operating our of Tehran 'posed as recruiters, employees of defense contractors and young, attractive women on Facebook' Facebook's investigations team said in the press release that 'this activity had the hallmarks of a well-resourced and persistent operation, while relying on relatively strong operational security measures to hide who's behind it.' DailyMail.com has reached out to Facebook for more information and additional comment about the hackers. Microsoft-owned LinkedIn said it had removed a number of accounts and Twitter said it was 'actively investigating' the information in Facebook's report. Facebook said the group used email, messaging and collaboration services to distribute the malware, including through malicious Microsoft Excel spreadsheets. A Microsoft spokesperson said in a statement to Reuters that it was aware of and tracking this actor and that it takes action when it detects malicious activity. Alphabet Inc's Google said it had detected and blocked phishing on Gmail and issued warnings to its users. Workplace messaging app Slack Technologies Inc said it had acted to take down the hackers who used the site for social engineering and shut down all Workspaces that violated its rules. The hackers also used tailored domains to attract its targets, Facebook said, including fake recruiting websites for defense companies. The hackers also set up online infrastructure that spoofed a legitimate job search website for the U.S. Department of Labor. Facebook said the hackers mostly targeted people in the United States, as well as some in the United Kingdom and Europe, in a campaign running since mid-2020. The social media giant declined to name the companies whose employees were targeted but its head of cyber espionage Mike Dvilyanski said it was notifying the 'fewer than 200 individuals' who were targeted. The campaign appeared to show an expansion of the group's activity, which had previously been reported to concentrate mostly on the I.T. and other industries in the Middle East, Facebook said. The investigation found that a portion of the malware used by the group was developed by Mahak Rayan Afraz (MRA), an I.T. company based in Tehran with ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Reuters could not immediately locate contact information for Mahak Rayan Afraz and former employees of the firm did not immediately return messages sent via LinkedIn. Iran's mission to the United Nations in New York did not immediately respond to a request for comment. MRA's alleged connection to Iranian state cyber espionage is not new. Last year cybersecurity company Recorded Future said MRA was one of several contractors suspected of serving the IRGC's elite Quds Force. Iranian government spies - like other espionage services - have long been suspected of farming out their mission to a host of domestic contractors. Facebook said it had blocked the malicious domains from being shared and Google said it had added the domains to its 'blocklist.' Some of the domains included spoofs of news websites including Reuters, The Guardian, CNN and the BBC. Other spoofed domains included fake domains for the Trump Organization. News of the Iranian hackers comes after months of cyber-security threats including ransomware targeting companies within the United States. The U.S. government on Thursday unveiled an online hub for the victims of ransomware attacks, saying it will make it easier for companies and municipalities to find resources and get assistance if they are targeted by cyber hackers. The website, www.StopRansomware.gov, is an initiative led by the Justice and Homeland Security departments. Many of the resources and information that organizations need to deal with ransomware attacks have historically been scattered across multiple websites, which increased the 'likelihood of missing important information,' the Justice Department said in a statement. The new website is 'the first central hub consolidating ransomware resources from all federal government agencies,' it said. The launch of the site comes on the heels of a ransomware attack earlier this year against the Colonial Pipeline Co. that led to widespread shortages at gas stations along the East Coast of the United States. The Justice Department was later able to help Colonial Pipeline recover some $2.3 million in cryptocurrency ransom it paid to hackers. About $350 million in ransom was paid to cyber criminals in 2020, a more than 300% increase from the previous year, the department said. 'The Department of Justice is committed to protecting Americans from the rise in ransomware attacks that we have seen in recent years,' Attorney General Merrick Garland said. The government is also offering rewards of up to $10 million for information that can identify or locate malicious cyber actors working at the behest of a foreign government to target critical U.S. infrastructure. The U.S. State Department said in a statement that 'certain malicious cyber operations targeting U.S. critical infrastructure may violate the CFAA (Computer Fraud and Abuse Act)' and that it has 'set up a Dark Web (Tor-based) tips-reporting channel to protect the safety and security of potential sources.' The United States government has a plan in place in the event of a mass exodus of Cubans fleeing the Communist island for the Florida shores, according to a senior Biden administration official. The official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to Reuters on Thursday, said the U.S. will have a 'robust presence' in the Florida Straits if it encounters an increase of Cuban migrants escaping on boats. Under current policy, Cubans who make it to the Florida area on rafts or boats or other means will be turned away to their home country. The policy is in stark contrast to what's happening on the southern U.S. border, where record numbers of people from Central America and Mexico are trying to cross into the U.S.: Under many circumstances, if those people claim asylum and have family in the U.S., they can be reunited with them in America while their immigration cases play out. For Cubans who might make it to American shores, they won't be so lucky. It comes as residents in the Caribbean island nation have held demonstrations since Sunday over the lack of basic goods, limits on civil liberties and the mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic. On Monday, U.S. Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas warned them, 'If you take to the sea, you will not come to the United States.' The U.S. government has warned Cubans that they will not be allowed to enter the country if they decided to abandon Cuba on rafts as a senior Biden official said Thursday that there is already a plan in place to encounter a mass exodus of migrants across the Straits of Florida Cubans being to sail on a makeshift boat and head from Havana, Cuba, across the Straits of Florida on September 13, 1994. At least 35,000 Cubans made it to the United States on rafts between August and September Still image from a video recorded by a bystander in Cuba shows a man lying on the ground after he was beaten by the police during a protest this week Just days after the never-before-seen uprising against the Communist regime that has been in power 62 years, five Cuban men were spotted on video jumping out of a diesel-powered vessel on the shores of Hallandale Beach in Hallandale Beach, Florida, last Tuesday after overcoming the dangerous conditions posed by Tropical Storm Elsa. On Saturday, the U.S. Coast Guard announced it was concluding the search for nine Cubans who were reported missing after the vessel they were sailing on capsized 26 miles southeast of Key West last Tuesday, a day after they had fled Cuba. However, the Coast Guard managed to save the lives of 13 people. Under President Bill Clinton's 'wet foot, dry foot' 1995 policy which revised the 1966 Cuban Adjustment Act, Cubans who entered United States soil were allowed to stay and were eligible to become residents within a year. The United States government has a plan in place in the event of a mass exodus of Cubans fleeing the Communist island for the Florida shores, according to a senior Biden administration official. The official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to Reuters on Thursday, said the U.S. will have a 'robust presence' in the Florida Straits if it encounters an increase of Cuban migrants escaping on boats A group of Cubans wait to embark aboard a boat to U.S. shores at the port in Mariel Harbor, 20 miles west of Havana, Cuba, in May 1980. The exodus began from Cuba after President Fidel Castro agreed to let Cubans leave the Communist island to start a new life in the United States A Cuban man is saved by the U.S. Coast Guard in the sea off Florida's coast on July 6 after a boat capsized. At least 13 of the 22 people who had fled Cuba were rescued However, President Obama pulled the plug on what was viewed as a liberal immigration policy. The January 12, 2017 executive decision stopped the longstanding immigration policy that granted permanent residency to Cubans reaching the U.S. Cubans caught in the sea by U.S. authorities are returned to Cuba or the country from where they originally departed under United States policy. Despite Obama's undoing of the 'wet foot, dry foot' immigration policy, Cubans continue to put their lives at risk in search of freedom from the Communist country. According to U.S. Coast Guard data, 536 Cubans have been stopped in the middle of the sea since October 1, 2020, the start of the current fiscal year which runs until September 30, 2021. The totals are the highest since 1,468 people were interdicted in fiscal year 2017. Still image of a video filmed outside a home in Cuba shows a portrait of Fidel Castro in flames. The Cuban government has attempted to quell demonstrators by blocking the access to the internet. On Thursday, Florida Republican Governor Ron DeSantis called on the White House to help antigovernment protesters regain access Riot police walk the streets after a demonstration against the government of President Miguel Diaz-Canel in Havana, Cuba, on Monday Members of the Cuban police arrest an antigovernment demonstrator during a rally in Havana, Cuba, on Sunday as thousands took the streets to protest shortages of basic goods, limitations on civil liberties and a rise in the COVID-19 pandemic Demonstrators shout their solidarity with the Cuban people against the communist government on Thursday in Hialeah, Florida The Coast Guard intercepted 259 Cuban migrants in fiscal year 2018 and 313 the following year. At least 49 Cubans were stopped in fiscal year 2020. This week, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio raised concerns that the Cuban government would lift travel restrictions, referencing the 1980 Mariel boatlift that allowed some 125,000 people to reach the U.S. The Cuban-American, a Republican representing Florida, also brought up the 1994 exodus of about 35,000 Cubans who reached the U.S. on rafts. For now, Cubans continue to test their luck by leaving their country for Central and South America and then trekking northward through Mexico, or traveling there directly, before crossing the United States-Mexico border. On Saturday, the U.S. Coast Guard announced it was concluding the search for nine Cubans who were reported missing after the vessel they were sailing on capsized 26 miles southeast of Key West last Tuesday, a day after they had fled Cuba. However, the Coast Guard managed to save the lives of 13 people According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Border Patrol agents have encountered more than 22,000 Cubans between October 1, 2020 the start of this fiscal year and May 31. The number of apprehensions are the highest in more than a decade. Nearly two-thirds of all Cubans who were stopped for illegally crossing the U.S.-Mexico border were sent back to Mexico under Title 42- a pandemic-related health order in December 2020, President Donald Trump's last full month in office. The tune changed with President Biden taking over at the White House as 96% of Cubans got the green light to come into the country and reunited with their U.S.-based family members while waiting their asylum process. It's a stark comparison to the 576,985 individual adults arriving from Central America and Mexico who were sent back across the border. The current crisis drove Florida's Republican Governor Ron DeSantis to petition Biden to restore internet access to people in Cuba after the government cut off its access. In a letter penned to President Biden on Wednesday, DeSantis pointed out, 'The Cuban people have lost their ability to communicate with one another, and many Floridians born in Cuba have no information on the safety of their loved ones. Equally as important, the world has also lost the ability to see what is happening on the ground as the Cuban people rise in support of freedom.' Biden on Thursday announced he would seek how to reinstate access to social media networks, which dissidents have used to share images of protests. Footage which was somehow uploaded to social media Thursday showed police officers chasing after a man and pummeling him to the ground. Cuban exile Anaylin Blanco, 20, also shared a video with DailyMail.com that shows her friend William Echeverria Sayus, 23, being snatched away by the police after he participated in Sunday's protest. Blanco said that Echeverria Sayus and her other pal, Enmanuel Hernandez, 26, are in police custody, but that their family members and friends have no information on their whereabouts. While the Communist-run government agreed Wednesday to lift customs restrictions on food, medicine and hygiene products that travelers can take with them, Yoani Sanchez, who runs news website 14ymedio, was quick to tweet that such concessions would not be enough. 'We do not want crumbs, we want freedom, and we want it nowwwww,' she wrote. 'The streets have spoken: we are not afraid.' Wikipedia can no longer be trusted as a source of unbiased information since the online encyclopedia's left-leaning volunteers cut out any news that doesn't fit their agenda, according to the sites co-founder. Larry Sanger, 53, co-founded Wikipedia in 2001 alongside Jimmy Wales, said the crowdsourcing project has betrayed its original mission by reflecting the views of the establishment. He said he agreed with the assessment that teams of Democratic-leaning volunteers remove content that isnt to their liking, including information about scandals linked to President Joe Biden and his son, Hunter Biden. When asked by Unherd.com if Wikipedia can be trusted, he replied: You can trust it to give a reliably establishment point of view on pretty much everything. Wikipedia can no longer be trusted as a source of unbiased information since the online encyclopedia has left-leaning volunteers cut out any edits meant to provide balance, according to the sites co-founder, Larry Sanger (above) Sanger, 53, co-founded Wikipedia in 2001 alongside Jimmy Wales (seen above in 2017), said the crowdsourcing project has betrayed its original mission by reflecting the views of the establishment Sanger said he agreed with the assessment that teams of Democratic-leaning volunteers remove content that isnt to their liking Can you trust it to always give you the truth? Well, it depends on what you think the truth is. DailyMail.com has reached out to Wikipedia seeking comment. Sanger cited the entry on Joe Biden, which he says is a sanitized version that doesnt include arguments from a GOP perspective. The Biden article, if you look at it, has very little by way of the concerns that Republicans have had about him, Sanger said. So if you want to have anything remotely resembling the Republican point of view about Biden, youre not going to get it from the article. And there is a paragraph - and it is quite a long article so there should be at least a paragraph - about the Ukraine scandal. Very little of that can be found in Wikipedia. Sanger added: What little can be found is extremely biased and reads like a defense counsels brief, really. Sanger cited the entry on Joe Biden, which he says is a sanitized version that doesnt include arguments from a GOP perspective The Wikipedia passage in question that Sanger cites as biased in favor of Biden reads: In September 2019, it was reported that Trump had pressured Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky to investigate alleged wrongdoing by Biden and his son Hunter Biden. Despite the allegations, as of September 2019, no evidence has been produced of any wrongdoing by the Bidens. The media widely interpreted this pressure to investigate the Bidens as trying to hurt Bidens chances of winning the presidency, resulting in a political scandal and Trumps impeachment by the House of Representatives. The passage continues: Beginning in 2019, Trump and his allies falsely accused Biden of getting the Ukrainian prosecutor general Viktor Shokin fired because he was supposedly pursuing an investigation into Burisma Holdings, which employed Hunter Biden. Biden was accused of withholding $1 billion in aid from Ukraine in this effort. In 2015, Biden pressured the Ukrainian parliament to remove Shokin because the United States, the European Union and other international organizations considered Shokin corrupt and ineffective, and in particular because Shokin was not assertively investigating Burisma. The withholding of the $1 billion in aid was part of this official policy. In a blog post, Sanger noted that the entry on Biden doesnt include any mention of the fact that Hunter Biden received $600,000 per year to serve on the board of a Ukrainian energy firm, Burisma, from 2014 until 2019. Hunter Biden was appointed to the board despite not having any experience in the energy sector. The Joe Biden entry on Wikipedia also makes no mention of Hunter Bidens laptop. The presidents son forgot his 2017 MacBook Pro laptop at a computer repair shop in Wilmington, Delaware in April 2019. The contents of the laptop were released, though the Bidens and other Democrats claimed it was part of a Russian disinformation campaign. The contents of the laptop were authenticated by a cyber forensics expert commissioned by DailyMail.com. The laptop surfaced publicly in October when The New York Post reported on emails that it said had come from Hunter Bidens laptop and that it said it received from Rudy Giuliani, Trumps personal lawyer. Social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook did not allow users to share links to the Post story, prompting accusations that they were engaged in censorship motivated by a pro-Democrat bias. On October 14, the New York Post ran a front-page story with the headline: BIDEN SECRET EMAILS. Inside they published a few emails relating to Hunter's business dealings in the Ukraine and alleged links to his father. Joe and Hunter Biden have denied any impropriety. In a blog post, Sanger noted that the entry on Biden doesnt include any mention of the fact that Hunter Biden received $600,000 per year to serve on the board of a UKrainian energy firm, Burisma, from 2014 until 2019 The Joe Biden entry on Wikipedia also makes no mention of Hunter Bidens laptop. The presidents son forgot his 2017 MacBook Pro laptop at a computer repair shop in Wilmington, Delaware in April 2019. The contents of the laptop were released, though the Bidens and other Democrats claimed it was part of a Russian disinformation campaign. The images above were found on the laptop Even when Tony Bobulinski, a former US Navy serviceman and ex-wrestling champion who was Hunter's business partner, went on Trump-supporting Fox News to confirm he had emails verifying those on the laptop, the story was largely ignored. Sanger said that plenty of Republicans use Wikipedia and would be eager to go into articles and make editors to bring a semblance of balance to the stories. But the site wont allow it, he claims. There are a lot of people who would be highly motivated to go in and make the article more politically neutral but theyre not allowed to, Sanger said. Its quite remarkable considering that the neutrality policy is still in place. Sanger added: If only one version of the facts is allowed then that gives a huge incentive to wealthy and powerful people to seize control of things like Wikipedia in order to shore up their power. And they do that. Sanger said that Wikipedia is similar to many media entities in that it seems to assume...that there is only one legitimate defensible version of the truth on any controversial question. Of course, thats not how Wikipedia used to be. The business executive fined for sailing from Sydney into Brisbane to watch the rugby last week with three mates - breaking the lockdown in NSW - was cashed up after a huge share sale of his tech empire this year. Business records reveal Jeromy Young, 44, in February sold down a large portion of shares in Atomos the company he co-founded in 2009. Mr Young, who remains an executive director of the global video technology firm, on February 22 informed the ASX he had sold 10 million shares, returning a cool $10.2 million, according to the Daily Telegraph. He is currently in mandatory isolation in Queensland after being fined $4135 for filing false border declarations along with his personal assistant from Melbourne. The superyachts Gold Coast-based skipper, 54, and engineer, 55, are also in mandatory isolation in the Sunshine State. Business executive Jeromy Young (pictured) sailed into Queensland to watch the rugby last week with three mates - despite the current lockdown in NSW The group sailed on the superyacht Dreamtime (pictured) from Newport on Sydney's northern beaches to Southport - despite the lockdown in NSW The group boarded the superyacht from Newport on Sydney's northern beaches before illegally sailing to Queensland. The development comes as Queensland government says there is no practical way to means test coronavirus fines for the rich. Last week Young and the three others in the group boarded the 34.5-metre super yacht Dreamtime, which costs $15,000 to charter overnight, and sailed from Sydney to Southport in defiance of Queensland's ban on arrivals from Sydney. The group then went to the Wallabies versus France rugby international in Brisbane at Suncorp Stadium. Mr Young and the three others on the vessel have since copped individual fines worth $4100. But social media users have chimed in, pointing out a fine of that size is small change for the wealthy. Deputy Premier Steven Miles says there's not much he can do to ensure financial penalties correlate to people's bank balances. 'I don't think there is a way to means test penalties, which is what you'd need to be able to do to make the penalty an appropriate deterrent in those circumstances,' he said. He said $4,000 was still a pretty big fine 'for most of us'. 'Certainly that would be a deterrent for me,' Mr Miles added. 'And you've also got to remember, these people are now going to have to spend two weeks in hotel quarantine and as much as we try to make hotel quarantine as comfortable as possible, it's certainly nothing like sitting on a super yacht.' There have been no positive coronavirus tests associated with the super yacht. Atomos has issued a statement saying Mr Young stepped down as CEO in February and his trip to Queensland was 'a personal matter'. The ASX website still lists Mr Young as an executive director of the company. 'Atomos fully supports appropriate measures to maintain Covid-19 safety,' the company posted on its Facebook page. Atomos sells monitors used by video professionals enabling them to produce high quality content for social media, YouTube, TV or cinema. The company is based in Melbourne with global offices in the USA, Japan, China, the UK and Germany. Dark Emu author Bruce Pascoe is under fire from members of Indigenous community for collaborating on a new boutique beer that uses a Dreamtime story on the side of the can. Pascoe's book, which argued Aboriginal people were agriculturalists, baked food and invented democracy, sold 250,000 copies in Australia, won multiple awards and was taught in academic courses. But the bearded author's involvement with Sailors Grave Brewing on a boutique dark beer called Dark Emu Dark Lager has raised the ire of some Aboriginal people. Dark Emu author Bruce Pascoe is under fire from members of Indigenous community The beer, which features native grass seeds grown on Mr Pascoes Victorian farm, comes in a tin decorated with the Dreamtime story of Baiame, the giant creator emu, which left the earth and rose into the sky to became part of the Milky Way. In a Facebook comment on the Bega District News story about the beer's release, Yuin community leader Warren Ngarrae Foster remarked: 'The book's one thing but naming GROG after one of our SACRED STORIES IN THE NIGHT SKY just goes to show [he's] in it for the money. 'SHAME ON YOU Bruce WTF.' The Sailors Grave Dark Emu Lager, with the Baiame Dreamtime story depicted on the side of the can Mr Foster said the story depicted on the can was sacred to the Yuin people. The brewer said the dark lager will be made 'whenever enough grain can be gathered to make the beer'. 'Were not making a commodity were telling a story about place, people and time,' it said. It claimed Mr Pascoe was not being paid for his involvement in the project and said a percentage of the proceeds from the sales of the beer would go to support the studies of local Aboriginal students at Orbost, Mallacoota and Eden. The brewer had worked for six months with Ms Pascoe to develop the beer. 'First Nations people have been making fermented beverages both here in Australia and across the world for thousands and thousands of years, we are just the conduit for this particular story in what is just a blip in time,' Sailors Grave Brewing claimed. Mr Pascoe's 2014 book was an Australian publishing phenomenon but its claims that ancient Aboriginal people lived in villages with stone huts, farmed, and built dams and irrigation systems, had been widely challenged by historians and other Indigenous people. The cover of Bruce Pascoe's 2014 book, Dark Emu, which had sold around 250,000 copies in Australia as of mid-2021 Conservative writer Peter O'Brien, in particular, attacked Mr Pascoe's claim that pre-settlement Indigenous people were not simply nomadic. His 2019 book Bitter Harvest described Ms Pascoe's claims as 'either false or misrepresented'. 'As purported history, Dark Emu is worthless. Even worse, it promotes a divisive, victim-based agenda that pits one Australian against another,' he wrote. The beer can be purchased online for $8 a can or $22 for a four-pack. The nation's largest county is reinstating its indoor mask mandate regardless of vaccination status due to a rapid and sustained increase in COVID-19 cases. Los Angeles County officials announced that the order will go into effect at 11.59pm on Saturday, July 17. 'This is an all-hands-on-deck moment,' Dr Muntu Davis, Los Angeles County Health Officer said at a virtual press conference, on Thursday. Davis didn't go into full detail what he said would be some exceptions but said for example, people could still go out to eat and take off their masks only while eating and drinking. The move comes following the county recording more than 1,000 COVID-19 cases every day for the last seven days. The rise in cases is despite nearly 70 percent of residents in the county above age 16 receiving at least one vaccine dose, according to health department data. It comes amid the spread of the Indian 'Delta' coronavirus variant, which has been sweeping across California and now makes up nearly three-quarters of all new infections in Los Angeles. SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO Los Angeles County is reinstating its indoor mask order for everyone, regardless of vaccinations status a month after California dropped its mask mandate. Pictured: Basketball fans during a playoff game between the LA Clippers and the Utah Jazz, June 2021 Dr Muntu Davis, health officer for the county, said the order will go into effect at 11.59pm on Saturday during a press conference on Thursday (above) Cases have risen from about 400 per day in mid-June to more than 1,000 per day and the test positivity rate has risen from 0.5% to 3.79% Requirements for mask swill be similar to the rules that were in place before California relaxed its rules on June 15. Since then, the average number of cases has risen 150 percent from about 400 per day to more than 1,000 per day, the highest numbers seen since March. The test positivity rate has also increase from 0.5 percent to 3.79 percent. Hospitalizations are also trending upward, doubling from an average of 200 COVID-19 patients hospitalized to around 400 patients. 'We took a chance in terms of lifting the physical distancing requirements as well as the capacity limits. We changed the masking at the time,' Davis said. 'We felt it was reasonable to do given the level of community transmission that we had at that moment. But this is not the same situation. We're in a very different situation. This is not the same as what it was June 15.' Currently. 69.4 percent of Los Angeles County residents aged 16 and older have received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose and 61 percent are fully vaccinated. However, daily vaccinations have fallen from an average of more than 86,000 per day in early April to around 2,000 per day in July, health department data show. What's more, vaccinations for those between ages 12 and 17 slightly ticked up in mid-May after Pfizer-BioNTech's vaccine was approved for teenagers, but daily rates have been declining since late June. 'We're not where we need to be for the millions at risk of infection here in Los Angeles County, and waiting to do something will be too late, given what we're seeing,' Davis said. Meanwhile, in Northern California, at least 59 residents at a homeless shelter have tested positive for the virus, half of whom were vaccinated, health officials said. Of those infected at the shelter in Santa Rosa, 28 were fully vaccinated, Dr Sundari Mase, Sonoma County's health officer, said Wednesday. Health officials blame the spread of the Indian 'Delta' variant, which makes up about 70% of all samples sequenced, according to health officials Health department data show 69.4% of residents aged 16 and older receiving at least one shot and 61% fully vaccinated, but daily vaccinations have fallen from 86,000 per day to 2,000 per day Officials were reviewing an additional 26 possible positive cases. Of the 59 people with confirmed infections at Samuel L Jones Hall, nine were hospitalized, including six who were fully vaccinated and had 'multiple, significant' underlying health conditions, including diabetes and pulmonary disease, health officials said. Four have since been discharged, and five remain hospitalized. Officials said that fewer than half of the 153 residents had received at least partial vaccination and they do not know whether the outbreak started with a vaccinated or unvaccinated resident. 'We know congregate settings are at much higher risk,' Mase said. 'We also know there is a very high proportion of unvaccinated individuals that were in this setting.' Most of the 69 vaccinated residents had received the single-shot Johnson & Johnson dose but Mase said it was hard to determine whether that was a factor in the outbreak. The outbreak is only the second time the coronavirus has been detected at Sam Jones. There was a smaller cluster of cases in January during the peak of the pandemic, said Jennielynn Holmes, head of homelessness services at Catholic Charities in Santa Rosa, which manages the shelter. The shelter first became aware of the most recent outbreak on July 2, when it reported 20 positive cases. 'Something is different. This is different than what weve seen the entire pandemic,' Holmes said. Holmes and city officials had said last week the outbreak was caused by the delta variant, which is far more contagious than the original strain of the virus. County officials said they had not confirmed that and need more time to review the infections. Clarissa Millarker, a Sam Jones resident since March, said that prior to the outbreak, shelter staff had been lax in enforcing health protocols, particularly masking. 'I feel like it's entirely likely that I'm going to turn up infected,' Millarker, who is vaccinated, told The Press Democrat of Santa Rosa. Millarker said staff have since ramped up sanitation, been more vigilant about masks and started testing every few days. Still, there is confusion and anger over how the situation was handled by shelter operators, she said. 'People are upset, and they're right to be,' she said. A grinning Daniel Andrews brushed aside a heckler after they interrupted him during a press conference to tell him how much she loved him and hated Rupert Murdoch. The Victorian premier fronted media on Thursday to announce the latest five-day snap lockdown across the state. Mr Andrews was addressing a question posed to him by a journalist when the heckler shouted over him. 'Love your work Dan,' the heckler yelled. 'Thank you health care workers, and f*** Murdoch.' Mr Andrews grinned at the heckler before responding: 'I'm not sure whether, um... I didn't hear the last bit of that. A grinning Daniel Andrews brushed aside a heckler after they interrupted him during a press conference to tell him how much they loved him 'Love your work Dan,' the heckler yelled. 'Thank you health care workers, and f*** Murdoch' 'You all seem amused by that.' Mr Andrews quickly brushed off the comment before carrying on with the press conference. NewsCorp has come under fire in the past for its coverage of the Victorian premier during the Covid-19 pandemic. Its publications, which include The Australian, Daily Telegraph and Sky News, have been critical of his hardline tactics. Mr Andrews has plunged the state into lockdown five times since the start of 2020, forcing businesses to close up shop - some never reopening - and costing the state billions of dollars in revenue. In September, Sky News published the headline: ''Dictator Dan' is trying to build a 'Covid Gulag'.' The Australian also published a column urging the public to, 'Force Daniel Andrews to bear the costs of the damage he wreaks.' Its coverage drew criticism from media and politics expert Emeritus Professor Rodney Tiffen who labelled it an 'unrelentingly critical and negative campaign'. Former prime minister Kevin Rudd ramped up the attacks on NewsCorp after launching a petition demanding a royal commission into Murdoch and his media empire in October 2020. Mr Rudd, who came to power with Murdoch's backing in 2007, accused the media giant on playing favouritism with the Liberal and National parties. Mr Andrews has plunged the state into lockdown five times since the start of 2020, forcing businesses to close up shop - some never reopening - and costing the state billions of dollars in revenue (pictured, Melbourne resident walking a deserted street during the latest lockdown on Friday) NewsCorp publications, which include The Australian, Daily Telegraph and Sky News, have been critical of his hardline tactics (pictured, worker wearing face mask in locked-down Melbourne on Friday) 'In Queensland, a state which swings federal election results, virtually every single newspaper is owned by Murdoch,' he said. 'When this mob, this syndicate, this protection racket for the Liberal and National Party backs the Liberal and National Party 95 per cent of time, it becomes a cancer on the democracy.' Speaking at a parliamentary federal inquiry into media diversity in February 2021, Mr Rudd claimed Murdoch only cared about money, minimum regulation and power. He claimed the newspapers spread a 'culture of fear' that were the product of a media tycoon who held 'enormous influence' over the political future of the country. Mr Rudd said politicians were afraid of Murdoch and of facing a 'systematic campaign', such as the one against former prime minister Julia Gillard, which 'bordered on misogyny'. Mr Rudd was deposed as leader by Ms Gillard in 2010 before regaining the prime ministership from her in 2013. Family, friends and clients of a young mum and cafe owner who died suddenly after being bullied have remembered her as 'fun-loving', 'cheeky' and 'a beautiful soul'. Karlie Cassidy, 32, who ran the Teaspoons and Aprons cafe in the Beaudesert Fair shopping centre, south of Brisbane, is believed to have taken her life in early July. Her mother, Sharene Cassidy, wrote an online post claiming Karlie was subjected to bullying ever since opening her cafe on Father's Day in August 2019. Karlie Cassidy, a young mum of three sons, is believed to have faced bullying since opening her cafe in the Beaudesert Fair shopping centre (pictured) in 2019 'This town holds three people, who bullied her, gossiped about her and trampled her heart and soul,' Mrs Cassidy said, according to the Courier Mail. She said her daughter was so upset by being picked on that she took a week off working in her cafe, adding that the small-town bullies eventually 'broke' her daughter. 'Please beautiful people of this town, be careful who you trust and who you talk to as they will be looking for their next victim.' Karlie also faced considerable pressure trying to build up her clientele during a pandemic, but was well-liked by her customers. Sharene and Dave Cassidy paid tribute to their daughter with a moving statement. 'It brings Dave and I so much sorrow and our hearts have been broken to announce that our beautiful daughter Karlie has quietly passed away,' she wrote. Karlie Cassidy (pictured) has been remembered as a caring and fun-loving young woman 'We wish that your remember her as the fun-loving and always ready with a smile a cheeky grin and sometimes a little pinch on the bottom. 'She was and always will be a light in our hearts and memories. Her beautiful children are being well cared for and are safe with the family. 'Our loved for our wonderful daughter will never fade.' Ms Cassidy's friend Shinade Harper launched a GoFundMe page to raise money for her three young sons. Friends and customers of her cafe also paid tribute on social media. 'I'm so sorry for the lost of your beautiful daughter,' one woman wrote. 'She helped me at my low time in life, I wish I could have helped her.' 'She was and always will be such a beautiful soul, the love she spread will always stay with those she touched, so thankful for the memories I have with her,' another wrote. 'Karlie has always been a cheeky bundle of joy and she will be missed,' one man said. 'Yesterday, we ventured down to Coles to do our weekly shop again but noticed the cafe was closed. There were so many flowers at the front door with some beautiful words written,' another woman wrote. 'If only Karlie knew how much she was loved by so many different people, even people that didn't know her personally. 'You just never know the heartache some people are going through, it gets hidden behind a beautiful smile.' If you or anyone you know is experiencing mental health issues contact Lifeline on 13 11 14. Expats have branded a tongue-in-cheek Facebook joke about coronavirus vaccines by Australia's Thai embassy as 'insulting' and 'ridiculous'. Australia's embassy in Thailand has published a Facebook post saying mRNA vaccines stand for 'M - Meat Pie, R - Rocky Road, N - Neenish Tart' and 'A - Avocado Toast'. 'While the acronym could mean different things for different people, here's what our page see what mRNA stands for and that's the Australian much-loved food and snacks,' the post on Wednesday read. A Facebook post (pictured) by 'Australian Embassy, Thailand' has angered expats living in Thailand, poking fun at a coronavirus vaccine acronym as they struggle to be vaccinated themselves Sam Needham, a schoolteacher from Adelaide living in Bangkok, said the post was frustrating and inconsiderate. 'It angered me as it's a very touchy situation. We are living in a global pandemic, which is stressful in itself,' he told AAP. 'There are over 9000 cases per day in Thailand at the moment and as an Australian, we haven't received any support or even a 'we're inquiring about getting our citizens vaccinated'.' Mr Needham said he was lucky enough to be vaccinated through the private school where he taught. Another expat, Steve Pettman, said Australians had been left to their own devices to source vaccines. 'I, and I'm sure others, have felt that post by the embassy was insulting and ridiculous,' he said. Australian's living abroad are insulted, as they are struggling to get support or a vaccination, as the country continue to record 9,000 cases a day 'It is very frustrating here in Thailand with the total lack of support offered by (Australia's) embassy.' Mr Pettman is a former South Australian paramedic living with his partner in Phuket. He has received his first vaccine through the Thai government as part of a program to revamp tourism in the area. 'It is such a different story for Aussies living anywhere but in Phuket,' Mr Pettman said. 'Most Australian friends I know here have done all the leg work themselves to try and get on a vaccinated list or register.' Some have taken it into their own hands, and are doing their best to get on a vaccination list or register, while Australia's ambassador in Thailand, Allan McKinnon said that he has been 'reassured repeatedly at various levels that Australians in Thailand will be covered under their vaccine rollout' Australia's ambassador in Thailand, Allan McKinnon, said the post sought to showcase the 'Aussie sense of humour'. In a Facebook video, he said the joke was based on Thai social media posts about possible acronyms for mRNA. But the ambassador acknowledged some Australians may have thought the embassy was making light of the pandemic or vaccine situation. He said the embassy had no access to vaccines for citizens abroad, but he was pressing for Australians to be given across to jabs under Thailand's rollout. 'I have been reassured repeatedly at various levels that Australians in Thailand will be covered under their vaccine rollout,' the ambassador said. President Joe Biden promised an answer in the 'next several days' on when the U.S. will lift restrictions that ban most non-U.S. citizens from traveling to the United States from most of Europe. Biden was asked about the travel ban, which has been in place since March 2020, the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, during a Thursday evening press conference alongside German Chancellor Angela Merkel. 'It's in the process of being how soon we can lift the ban, it's in process now, and I'll be able to answer that question to you within the next several days, what is likely to happen,' Biden said. President Joe Biden (right) said at a press conference Thursday with German Chancellor Angela Merkel (left) that he'll have an answer in the 'next several days' on when the U.S. might lift its travel ban with most Europeans During the press conference, Biden (right) noted that Merkel (left) actually brought up the travel ban, which doesn't allow Germans to visit the U.S. and has been in place since March 2020 COUNTRIES ON THE US RESTRICTED LIST UK Brazil Ireland China Austria Belgium Czech Republic Denmark Estonia Finland France Germany Greece Hungary Iceland Italy Latvia Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Malta Netherlands Norway Poland Portugal Slovakia Slovenia Spain Sweden Switzerland India Advertisement Biden said Merkel had brought up the issue during their meetings Thursday afternoon at the White House. Merkel added, 'I did raise the issue, yes.' 'And got the same answer that the president gave you just now,' she told reporters through a translator. She talked about how the Indian Delta variant is a 'new challenge' for both leaders. 'And obviously before such a decision, one has to reflect, and it has to be a sustainable decision,' Merkel continued. 'It is certainly not sensible to have to take it back after only a few days, so I have every confidence in the American COVID team.' Biden has been facing mounting pressure to lift the ban - including from travel industry groups and lawmakers in his own party. The US border remains closed to 26 European countries, the UK, Iran, China, South Africa, Brazil and India because of COVID-19 concerns. Some of the border bans - such as the ones imposed on the EU, UK and China - have not been updated since they were put in place back in March 2020 when the pandemic first took hold. Since then, COVID-19 vaccinations have accelerated and deaths and hospitalizations from the virus have drastically declined. While the Indian delta variant is now spreading rapidly, vaccines still appear to be highly effective in preventing deaths and hospitalizations. The EU reopened its borders to American tourists last month just in time for summer travel. Some experts argue that there is a lack of consistency with the current bans given Americans - as well as some visa holders - are allowed to travel freely to most parts of the world and return back to the US. 'It's time to lift the blanket bans across the globe,' Steve Shur, who is president of the Travel Technology Association, told DailyMail.com earlier this month. Shur, whose organization partners with travel agents, airlines and hotels, said the blanket ban is no longer relevant and should be 'risk-based' instead. 'It has to be based on risk a country level risk assessment. Blanket bans aren't appropriate at this stage,' he said. 'Given the rapid pace of vaccine rates, we think it's reasonable and feasible to ease some of the restrictions in parts of the world.' Members of the U.S. swimming team arrive in Tokyo Wednesday for the Olympic Games. Biden was asked Thursday when visitors from a number of banned countries will be allowed back in the U.S. The US border remains closed to 26 European countries, the UK, Iran, China, South Africa, Brazil and India because of COVID-19 concerns. Some of the border bans have not been updated since they were put in place back in March 2020 when the pandemic first took hold He argued that the ban between the US and the UK should be quickly lifted because both countries have similar vaccination rates. Shur added that proof of vaccination, negative COVID tests and mask mandates are among the ways in which authorities can feasibly and safely lift travel bans for certain countries. 'Whatever is appropriate for the risk factor for each country in place of the blanket bans that are in place today,' he said. 'The lack of clarity from the administration on this topic has delayed the rollout of international travel. I know the administration is working on it but it's too late. The industry is really hoping for a road map.' Other experts say choosing which countries to add to the travel restriction list based on current outbreaks is nonsensical because the virus, including the delta variant, is likely already spreading throughout the country. India, South Africa and Brazil were only added to the travel ban list when variants of COVID-19 started to spike in those countries in recent months. Those bans weren't put in place until weeks after variants of the virus started spreading in countries such as the UK. The White House has repeatedly refused to answer questions about when the ban might be lifted. The head of America's second-largest teacher's union walked back her criticism of Florida's governor less than 24 hours after she said 'millions' would die because of his COVID-19 'ignorance.' Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, retweeted a Washington Post article about anti-Dr. Anthony Fauci merchandise being sold on the Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis's official website. 'Disgusting. Millions of Floridians are going to die for Ron DeSantis ignorance and hes choosing to profit from it. He doesnt care about Floridians; he cares about furthering his own cruel agenda,' Weingarten tweeted. After facing backlash for her comments, she backpedaled and said in a new tweet, 'You are all probably right I shouldnt have said millions.. I should have just said DeSantis was wrong to do this. 'Fauci is an amazing public servant. He shouldnt be mocked. But I shouldnt engage in that kind of hyperbole either. My bad' Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, walked back her comments ripping Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis Among the anti-Fauci items being sold on DeSantis' website are beer koozies and t-shirts mocking Fauci's coronavirus restrictions. The red koozies have the words: 'How the hell am I going to be able to drink a beer with a mask on?' along with blue koozies imprinted with the words: 'Don't Fauci my Florida.' The phrase is a jab at the Chief White House medical adviser, who has become the butt of jokes for Republicans due to his preventative approach to the deadly coronavirus and mask-wearing. While DeSantis didn't publicly engage with Weingarten on Twitter, his press secretary, Christina Pushaw, did. 'Floridas COVID death rate is lower than the national average, and unlike the Governor of New York, we dont fudge the numbers. Meanwhile, Randi Weingarten ruined the education of millions of kids by keeping them out of school for more than a year based on a conspiracy theory,' Pushaw tweeted. The 'conspiracy' Pushaw mentioned was former Florida data scientist Rebekah Jones, 30, who claimed she was fired for refusing to fudge the state's covid infection numbers. Pushaw tweeted a May 25 National Review story with the headline 'Randi Weingarten Endorses Debunked Rebekah Jones Claim That Florida Manipulated COVID Data.' Florida was among the first states to completely reopen schools during the pandemic. In total, there have been about 2.3 million total COVID-19 cases in the state and more than 38,000 COVID-related deaths. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is pictured here listening to a news conference following a round table on Cub on July 13 Christina Pushaw, DeSantis' press secretary, tweeted this in response to Weingarten's criticism DeSantis is gaining in popularity among the conservative and Republican crowd, especially in light of his strong stances on people's right to choose to get vaccinated or wear a mask and his handling of the building collapse in Miami. Over the weekend, DeSantis garnered 21percent of the votes cast in the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Texas to be the 2024 GOP presidential candidate. He trailed only Donald Trump, who got 70percent, and was the only candidate to get more than 1percent. A TikTok comedian who has accurately predicted the number of new Covid cases in NSW three days in a row claims he's been sent threatening messages by followers who believe he is related to Gladys Berejiklian's new partner. Jon-Bernard Kairouz, a comedian from western Sydney, has gained a huge social media following through his spot-on predictions of new coronavirus cases. Late on Thursday night, he correctly predicted that NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian would announced 97 new cases on Friday morning. Speaking to Nova's Fitzy & Wippa on Friday morning, Kairouz said he had received anonymous, 'threatening' phone calls since he started predicting Covid cases. 'Look, I'm doing the community a favour and it's not like I'm doing anything wrong or unethical, it's just maths and cold hard numbers,' he told the breakfast radio duo. Ms Berejiklian was asked directly about Kairouz's predictions during her Covid update on Friday morning, and whether she was worried about information being leaked from NSW Health. 'All we can do is focus on the job at hand,' she replied. 'I know at the moment a lot of people have, or [are] alleged to have, various bits of information and advice but what is important for us as a team - team New South Wales - is to focus on what is necessary and that is to lead our state during the most challenging of times.' Comedian Jon-Bernard Kairouz said he was 'doing the community a favour' with his predictions of daily Covid cases in Greater Sydney Kairouz told Nova's Fitzy & Wippa he had been accused of being a relative of the NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian, or her new boyfriend (pictured together) Kairouz said his new-found fame had given rise to various conspiracy theories. 'Honestly there's rumours and conspiracy theories flying around that I'm related to Gladys or her nephew or related to her new boyfriend, that's not the case,' he told the show. 'It's numbers, mate, that's all I can say, it's a solid formula.' Ms Berejiklian, who is notoriously private about her personal life, is believed to be dating the man who represented her during a corruption inquiry into her former boyfriend and disgraced MP Daryl Maguire. The Premier's relationship with high-profile barrister Arthur Moses was seemingly confirmed in June through a loved-up Instagram post shared by her sister. Daily Mail Australia is not suggesting Mr Moses is related to Kairouz, or the source of his Covid information. Kairouz shut down theories he has a connection to Gladys Berejiklian or an inside source at NSW Health, insisting 'it's numbers mate, it's a solid formula' Kairouz's lighthearted approach to the lockdown was first revealed when he posted a video to TikTok last week poking fun at Ms Berejiklian urging Sydney residents to 'not browse' while shopping. In the video the comedian is seen sprinting into the Clemton Park Coles and grabbing a trolley, before pushing it through the aisles at a breakneck speed grabbing items. Kairouz said he and his brothers employed a 'Kairouz probability algorithm' in order to predict the cases. He also revealed when he first realised his talent for predictions, which bears an uncanny similarity to the plot of Academy Award-winning film Good Will Hunting. 'To be honest I work at a college as a janitor and sometimes I'll see an equation on a whiteboard and I can just finish it. 'I feel like I'm smarter than most of the kids there!' Kairouz's TikTok video from last week poking fun at the NSW Premier urging Sydney residents to 'not browse' while shopping Kairouz appeared on Studio Ten shortly after Ms Berejiklian's press conference to call her response to his predictions a 'non-answer'. 'I mean, just be honest and upfront with the reporters,' he said. 'Its simple calculation on my end and the maths doesnt lie, what can I say.' The sudden celebrity was also asked what tomorrow's numbers would be. 'Im going to have to crunch the numbers in the old equation and see how I go,' he replied. 'Theres no reason for people to doubt me, thats three in a row and perfect numbers like perfect men are very rare, so Ill guess well see.' President Joe Biden on Thursday appeared to rule out the possibility of sending U.S. troops to Haiti to stabilize the Caribbean nation following the assassination of President Jovenel Moise. Haiti's Acting Prime Minister Claude Joseph has requested troops from both the United States and the United Nations to help secure its airport and other infrastructure. Biden said the United States was sending Marines to guard the U.S. Embassy in capital Port-Au-Prince to make sure 'nothing is out of whack' and it is secure. 'But the idea of sending American forces to Haiti is not on the agenda at this moment,' Biden told reporters at a news conference at the White House. President Joe Biden (left) said Thursday, during a press conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel (right), that sending troops to Haiti is 'not on the agenda' The prospect of U.S. soldiers on Haitian soil had received a cool response from civil society groups and former Haitian military figures. The United States, however, continues to assist in the investigation into the murder of Moise, and a large number of former Colombian soldiers are suspects. Colombian President Ivan Duque on Thursday said many of the former Colombian soldiers accused of involvement in Moise's killing went to Haiti to work as bodyguards, but others knew a crime was being planned. Haitian authorities have said Moise was shot dead at his home on July 7 by a group of assassins including 26 Colombians and two Haitian Americans. Eighteen Colombians have been detained and three others were killed by police. 'There was a big group that were taken on a supposed protection mission, but within that group, there's a smaller group, which were those who apparently had detailed knowledge of what was to be a criminal operation,' Colombian President Ivan Duque told La FM radio. 'Does that excuse the rest of the group? Unfortunately no, because they are also participating in the situation.' Activists with Black Alliance For Peace hold a rally against U.S. intervention in Haiti in the wake of the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise, outside the U.S. State Department Thursday A 'small number' of the detainees had received U.S. military training in the past while serving as active members of the Colombian military, Pentagon spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Ken Hoffman said on Thursday. He did not give further details. Colombia is one of the strongest U.S. military partners in Latin America, receiving billions of dollars in security aid and training focused on countering Marxist guerrilla groups that are funded by drug trafficking, extortion and kidnapping. Charges could be brought in the United States against those who killed Moise, a senior U.S. administration official said on Thursday. Moise's assassination has pitched the already-troubled nation into chaos, coming amid a surge in gang violence that has displaced thousands and hampered economic activity in the poorest country in the Americas. The New York Times reported on Thursday that the head of security for the presidential palace, Dimitri Herard, was detained and is being questioned about why the attackers did not meet more resistance at the president's home. The largest ever donation to a prison charity will quadruple the number of offenders getting job training to help turn their lives around. The Clink Charity, which gives hospitality industry training to inmates, has been handed 6million by the Julia and Hans Rausing Trust. The donation, part of a 12million programme, will mean the charity can increase the number of prisoners taking catering qualifications from 500 annually to 2,000 by the end of next year. There are currently 11 Clink Kitchen projects, and by the end of next year they are due to be operating at 70 prisons. Christopher Moore, chief executive of The Clink, said the donations were a game-changer that will help cut reoffending dramatically. The charitys schemes help reduce the number of victims of crime and provide trained staff for the hospitality industry, which currently has more than 280,000 vacancies. Hans and Julia Rausing (pictured) gave 8 million to save youth centres from permanent closure due to the pandemic In 2019 we had 500 students and by the end of next year we should be able to increase that to 2,000, at a time when the hospitality industry is in real need of staff, said Mr Moore. It does an amazing job in reducing the chance of our students reoffending in fact it reduces reoffending by more than 65 per cent. To scale that up takes huge investment and the Rausings have generously put up half the funding. Its a game-changer. The charity already runs restaurants, staffed by prisoners, inside or near jails where the public can eat. The new initiative, Clink Kitchens, will place a specialist chef trainer in prison kitchens to help inmates who cook for fellow prisoners to gain City and Guilds National Vocational Qualifications, or NVQs. Offenders nearing the end of their sentences will also get help from support workers to draw up a CV, open a bank account and find somewhere to live, to make it easier to get a job. Julia and Hans Rausing said: We are pleased to be able to support the Clink Charity as it rolls out its Clink Kitchens programme across so many more prisons. 'The charity has built a brilliant track record over the last 11 years providing people with new opportunities and qualifications that can genuinely turn their lives around and in turn reduce reoffending rates. Other philanthropists including Sandy and Sue Arbuthnot and the Porticus organisation have also contributed to the three-year project. Mr Rausing, whose Swedish grandfather Ruben founded food packaging firm Tetra Pak, and wife Julia also donated 1million to the Mail Force campaign set up by this newspaper last year to provide PPE to NHS frontline staff. Clink Kitchens have already been set up at jails including Brixton in south London, Bristol, Styal in Cheshire and Downview in Surrey. One Clink student, who took part in the course at Cardiff jail, said: It gives people skills. It gives people a work ethic, something I had never had. Queensland has recorded one new locally acquired case of Covid-19 with Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk bizarrely referring to the virus variant as the 'Delta Sydney strain'. The new infection is the mother of a 12-year-old boy that was listed as a confirmed case on Thursday. The premier revealed the cases had been detected while the family were quarantining at home after flying in from Sydney, adding there was 'zero' risk to the community. She confirmed it was the highly infectious Indian Delta strain of the virus and all three members of the family, including the boy's father, have now tested positive. 'This is exactly the type of news we wanted to hear today,' she said on Friday. 'This was the family that came out of hotel quarantine in Sydney and flew to Queensland and it has been confirmed that it is that Indian Delta strain, that Sydney strain that is circulating in Sydney at the moment.' Ms Palaszczuk meanwhile announced the whole state of Victoria would be declared a hotspot from 1am on Saturday. Queensland has recorded one new locally acquired case of Covid-19 with Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announcing the state will shut its borders to Victoria The borders will be slammed shut to Victoria and any returning Queenslanders will have to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival back in their home state. 'I just think that the clear message to Queenslanders is definitely do not go to New South Wales and do not go to Victoria during this period of time,' Ms Palaszczuk said. The decision was made after Victoria was thrown into a five-day lockdown after a new outbreak emerged which has been linked to removalists from Sydney. There were six new infections recorded on Friday with the total number of active cases in the southern state now reaching 36. Queensland health authorities confirmed the infected boy returned from the United States and completed a stint in hotel quarantine in Sydney with his mother before flying to Brisbane on Qantas flight 544 on last Friday, July 9. Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young said NSW authorities will now have to determine how the 12-year-old became infected during quarantine. Dr Young says 62 contacts of that family have been identified. Meanwhile, there are fears of an outbreak related to a worker at Brisbane International Airport, who completed three night shifts on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, while she was infectious and was also very active in the community. Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced the sunshine state would close its borders to Victoria from 1am on Saturday The worker, who is fully vaccinated, was a supervisor at the boarding gates and has tested positive. So far 45 close and casual contacts of that airport worker have been identified, and they are being closely monitored and are isolating. Dr Young said Queensland is now dealing with two entirely new outbreaks that are not linked to the cases that sent southeast Queensland and Townsville into a snap three-day lockdown just over a fortnight ago. Ms Palaszczuk has told residents of the southeast that masks will help keep them out of what would be a fourth lockdown this year. Masks will be mandatory for another week, until Friday, July 23. Meanwhile, there are fears of an outbreak related to a worker at Brisbane International Airport, who completed three night shifts on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, while she was infectious and was also very active in the community Queensland is now dealing with two outbreaks of the virus linked to an airport worker and a family of three (pictured Australian swimmer Ariarne Titmus receives a Covid test) Queensland Health has listed new exposure sites linked to the latest three cases. In the case of the airport worker they include the Brisbane International Airport, and the Woolworths and Chemist Warehouse at Annerley, In the case of the boy and his father, the sites include Qantas flight 544 last Friday, the Aspley Medical Centre where the child was tested, and the father's workplace, Rowland Financial Advisory Service, at Cotton Tree on the Sunshine Coast. A limousine driver was fined $4,135 on Thursday after he was caught trying to enter Queensland from NSW with a false border declaration pass. The driver and his passengers have been forced into hotel quarantine. The wife of State of Origin's first Muslim player has revealed a heavy police presence in multicultural south-west Sydney during the lockdown has made her anxious. The NSW Police Force has been criticised by some in the community for sending 100 extra officers on July 9 to suburbs, including Fairfield and Bankstown, where an overwhelming majority of people are migrants and have English as a second language. The same heavy law and order presence wasn't initially last month deployed in Bondi and surrounds, despite the Australia's first case of the more contagious Indian Delta strain of Covid spreading from the eastern suburbs. Arwa Abousamra, the first wife of Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs legend Hazem El Masri, said the sight of police officers throughout her area of Sydney made her and her three children particularly fearful. Arwa Abousamra (pictured), the first wife of Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs legend Hazem El Masri, said the sight of police officers throughout her area of Sydney made her and her three children particularly fearful 'I can tell you, the level of anxiety within me, and I speak English fluently,' she told the ABC's Q&A program by Skype on Thursday night. 'I still have to have a conversation with my children that put them at ease that, "What are we going to do if we get stopped by police? Do we have a right to be outside? 'What are our rights when we interact with police?".' Ms Abousamra, an Arabic interpreter based in Bankstown, said the heavy police presence even made her nervous to take her children to school outside of her local government area, to pick up home learning resources. 'It's actually been very difficult managing that,' she said. 'The levels of anxiety in the community have been quite high.' The writer and former journalist of Palestinian heritage also criticised police for targeting migrants, who were simply confused about the ever-changing public health order messages. 'It was demonising a community for not having access to that information,' she said. The New South Wales Police Force has been criticised for sending 100 extra officers on July 9 to suburbs, including Fairfield and Bankstown (pictured), where a majority of people are migrants and have English as a second language Her Lebanese-born husband, who she reunited with in 2017, made history in 2007 as the first Muslim player to don a Blues jersey for New South Wales in the State of Origin. El Masri famously kicked three sideline conversions from three attempts, and also scored a try in NSW's 18-4 victory against Queensland. He played for the Bulldogs from 1996 until his retirement in 2009, being a rarity among rugby league players who only played for one club. He is considered one of the National Rugby League's best-ever goal kickers, and once in the 2003 NRL season landed 35 consecutive kicks. A day before the deployment NSW Police announced that on Friday, July 9th, 100 police officers would be deployed to south-west Sydney, touting how dogs, police helicopters and the highway patrol would be sent. The same heavy law and order presence wasn't initially last month deployed in Bondi (pictured on June 25, the day before Sydney went into lockdown) and surrounds, despite the Australia's first case of the more contagious Indian Delta strain of Covid spreading from the eastern suburbs Her Lebanese-born husband Hazem El Masri (left), who she reunited with in 2017, made history in 2007 as the first Muslim player to don a Blues jersey for NSW in the State of Origin. The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs legend famously kicked three sideline conversions from three attempts, and also scored a try in NSW's 18-4 victory against Queensland Mal Lanyon, the Deputy Commissioner of the Police Force's Metropolitan Field Operations, said the circumstances of the Covid outbreak justified the strong action. 'Our police will be targeting the people who think the rules don't apply to them,' he said. 'Those people are putting everyone's lives at risk, including their own families, and working to prolong the lockdown.' The vast majority of infectious cases are in south-west Sydney with 97 new Covid cases recorded overnight, 29 of which were infectious in the community. Pictured is Premier Gladys Berejiklian delivering the news on Friday Police Minister David Elliott, who was born and raised in Bankstown, has rejected any suggestion law enforcement had particularly targeted multicultural communities in south-west Sydney. The vast majority of infectious cases are in this part of the city 97 new Covid cases recorded overnight, 29 of which were infectious in the community. People in these areas are also more likely to work in service jobs that stop them being able to work from home, with taxi drivers and construction site labourers among the most common jobs in Fairfield, Census data showed. Investigators are expected to question New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo this weekend about sexual harassment allegations against him in a sign that the state's probe may be reaching its final stages, it has been reported. The state hired two outside lawyers, Joon H. Kim and Anne L. Clark, to lead the investigation into Cuomo - which is being overseen by Attorney General Letitia James, The New York Times reported. Kim and Clark are expected to interview Cuomo, 63, in Albany on Saturday four months after investigations into him began, sources told the outlet. Investigators were always expected to speak with Cuomo, who said at the start of the probe in March that he would 'fully cooperate.' Cuomo is also facing an impeachment inquiry in the state assembly. Kim and Clark have gathered testimony from several of the women who have accused Cuomo, a Democrat who has held the office since 2011, of inappropriate touching and offensive remarks. Investigators are expected to question New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo this weekend relating to sexual harassment allegations levied against him The investigation is being overseen by Attorney General Letitia James, pictured Cuomo initially apologized and said he 'learned an important lesson' about his behavior around women, though he's since denied he did anything wrong and questioned the motivations of accusers. He has also rebuffed calls to step aside over the allegations. 'We have said repeatedly that the governor doesn't want to comment on this review until he has cooperated, but the continued leaks are more evidence of the transparent political motivation of the attorney general's review,' Cuomo senior advisor Richard Azzopardi said. Azzopardi's statement Thursday was the second time that Cuomo's top spokesperson has claimed that James, also a Democrat, and her probe were politically motivated. In April, Azzopardi blasted James for confirming that her office was also investigating whether Cuomo broke the law by having members of his staff help write and promote his recent memoir American Crisis: Leadership Lessons From the Covid-19 Pandemic. 'Both the comptroller and the attorney general have spoken to people about running for governor and it is unethical to wield criminal referral authority to further political self-interest,' Azzopardi said at the time. Some of Cuomo's top allies in the state legislature have called on the public to await the results of James' investigation and not to undermine her integrity. State Sen. Gustavo Rivera, a Bronx Democrat, said he trusts the independent investigators selected by James, and said that 'their credibility and professionalism can't be questioned.' Lindsey Boylan, a former Cuomo aide, came out in December with allegations against him she further detailed her experience in a February post to Medium Charlotte Bennett, 25, accused Cuomo of propositioning her in his office last June 'There was a sense from people early on that because the governor was so instrumental in helping her become AG that she would then become responsive to his political needs,' Rivera, who chairs the state senate's health committee said, 'Now she's proven over and over again that she's responsible to the people of the state of New York.' Sen. John Liu, Majority Assistant Whip in the state Senate, said that Azzopardi's statement is the 'typical Cuomo playbook.' 'Those kinds of comments, trying to run interference, trying to deflect, trying to implicate at least politically my read of it is that folks in the governor's circle including the governor are at least nervous and at most running terrified,' said Liu, a Democrat who's called on Cuomo to resign. 'Obviously, Cuomo's trying to undermine the AG,' Liu said. 'I think because he is in a precarious situation, he'd be trying to undermine anybody who is investigating him.' This year's legislative session has concluded, but lawmakers could return later in the summer or fall if the probe winds up. 'I don't have a sense of a clear timeframe,' Liu said. 'I think Tish James is being as thorough as she can, knowing that no matter what she will be accused of politics. But I I think she's conducting a thorough investigation and looking at all the facts, and I look forward to her conclusions and recommendations.' The state assembly's judiciary committee has launched its own probe into whether there are grounds to impeach the governor on issues from sexual misconduct to his $5 million book deal. It's also unclear when the Assembly probe will wrap up, but it's likely that it won't be before James' investigation concludes. Alyssa McGrath said Cuomo ogled her body, called her and her co-worker 'mingle mamas' and asked about her lack of a wedding ring as well calling her beautiful in Italian She also claimed Cuomo looked down her shirt to compliment her on her necklace during a meeting with him Anna Ruch has accused Cuomo of inappropriate behavior Karen Hinton (left), a press aide, and Jessica Bakeman accused Cuomo of inappropriate actions At least one accuser has said she only wants to speak with investigators in the attorney general's probe rather than sit through two separate interviews. 'The AG's report is going to be critical,' Liu said. 'The attorney general's report and recommendations will carry a great deal of weight.' Cuomo's first accuser, 36-year-old Lindsey Boylan, claims he kissed her and asking her to play strip poker. 'It was all so normalized particularly by Melissa DeRosa and other top women around him that only now do I realize how insidious his abuse was,' Boylan wrote. Since Boylan and Bennett made their allegations, at least six other women have made claims of inappropriate behavior by Cuomo. Anna Ruch, the third accuser, came forward in early March and claimed Cuomo put his hands on her bare back and asked her if he could kiss her during a wedding reception in September 2019. Fourth accuser, Ana Liss, served as a policy and operations aide to Cuomo from 2013 to 2015. She claimed that Cuomo called her 'sweetheart' and kissed her on the hand. The state hired two outside lawyers, Joon H. Kim, left, and Anne L. Clark, right, to lead the investigation into Cuomo. Kim and Clark are expected to interview Cuomo, 63, in Albany on Saturday four months after investigations into him began New York state Sen Alessandra Biaggi (right) branded Andrew Cuomo (right) a 'monster' as politicians on both sides of the aisle turn their backs on the governor after he was accused of sexual harassment by a second former aide Biaggi, chair of the Senate Ethics and Internal Governance Committee, led lawmakers in condemning Cuomo on Saturday The same day that Liss came forward as an alleged victim, Karen Hinton - a former press aide for Cuomo - claimed he was physically 'aroused' when he allegedly hugged her more than two decades ago, becoming his fifth accuser. The seventh accuser, Jessica Bakeman formerly worked for Politico New York and claimed Cuomo took her hand and did not let go after shaking it, and in another incident put his arm around her shoulder while telling stories to her colleagues. Eighth accuser Alyssa McGrath, 33, said Cuomo ogled her body, called her and her co-worker 'mingle mamas' and asked about her lack of a wedding ring. The governor has said he 'never touched anyone inappropriately' and 'never made any inappropriate advances' but has apologized for making anyone feel 'uncomfortable.' Julia Gillard has been grilled by a frustrated Australian citizen unable to fly home from the UK due to the nation's international arrivals cap. Gillard, who served as Prime Minister from 2007-2010, was speaking at an event at London's Royal Over-Seas League when she was asked the tricky question. A woman only known as Eleanor, 31, took aim at the Australian Government's decision to halve flight caps and asked her whether she would do things differently. Despite losing a loved one recently, the earliest available flight for the Melbourne resident from the UK was September 4. 'If you were still in government or in opposition, what would you be doing about freedom of travel for compassionate reasons?' Eleanor asked, according to the Sydney Morning Herald. Former prime minister Julia Gillard (pictured) was grilled by an Australian resident unable to fly home due to current limitations as a result of the pandemic - she was asked her hypothetical thoughts if still involved in parliament Gillard's response left the audience feeling flat after she declared personally she also aimed to fly home before Christmas. The 59-year-old said she decided to abandon her plan to get home by August and delayed her flight so that she 'wouldn't displace someone who needed that place more than me'. She acknowledged 'the hard circumstances' many Australians were facing as they tried to return home, before meekly adding she was 'sorry' about the woman's personal situation. Former politician Alexander Downer won back the room when he declared every Australian had a 'basic human right' to be able to return to their own country. 'The Australian Government should make sure that you're able to do so [and] not lock you out because it suits a broader agenda, which is an absurd agenda - to eliminate Covid from Australia altogether, that's not a sustainable policy,' he said. He added he was 'shocked' that federal and state governments were not already allowing home quarantine as an option for citizens who are fully vaccinated. As it stands, Australia is only willing to accept close to 3000 returnees per week from overseas destinations. More than 35,000 residents abroad have flagged their desire to return home. Sydney's exposure sites surged past 400 as New South Wales recorded 97 new Covid cases on Friday. Premier Gladys Berejiklian held crisis talks about tightening Sydney's lockdown restrictions after 29 of those cases were out in the community for the entire time while infectious. NSW Health said 49 of the infections are household contacts and 14 are close contacts. Sixty-seven (69 per cent) of the new cases were found in south-west Sydney. Health officials also found 14 cases of Covid-19 in south-east Sydney in the 24 hours to 8pm on Thursday night and nine in the city's west. There are now 18 patients suffering from the virus in intensive care wards across NSW and five of them are on ventilators. The new locally-acquired cases mean the state's outbreak of the highly-contagious Delta variant that began on June 16 in Sydney's eastern suburbs has now reached 1,026 infections. Sydney and the surrounding Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Wollongong and Shellharbour regions will have been in lockdown for three weeks on Saturday. The stay-at-home orders were due to end on Friday but will continue for at least another two weeks until July 30. Ms Berejiklian said about three-quarters of the new infections were found in the Fairfield local government area in Sydney's south-west. She urged anyone in the region who has had even an extended family member or fleeting social contact test positive to the virus to get swabbed for Covid-19 immediately. Scroll down for video New South Wales has recorded another 97 cases of Covid-19 overnight. Pictured is a masked pedestrian at Bondi Beach on Friday Pictured: Pedestrians in Centennial Park on Friday. The stay-at-home orders for Greater Sydney will continue for at least another two weeks until July 30 The new locally-acquired cases mean the state's outbreak of the highly-contagious Delta variant has now reached 1,026 infections 'We have already asked anyone who needs to work outside the house from that local government area to also get tested every three days,' she said. 'Now we are also asking that if you have anyone in your extended family, extended social circle or workplace that has the virus, go and get tested regardless.' There are now more than 400 venues in NSW potentially exposed to Covid-19 after 12 supermarkets, several chemists, and a doctors surgery were added to the list of exposure sites on Thursday night. Ms Berejiklian though refused to toughen the stay-at-home orders by closing non-essential retail stores or enforcing a time-limit on exercise, despite reports that officials were considering tightening restrictions. Officials held late-night meetings on Thursday to discuss whether they should harden restrictions as the latest NSW outbreak surged past 1,000 local infections, 9News reported. The premier meanwhile refused to say whether a data leak at NSW Health had allowed a Sydney TikTok comedian to correctly guess how many new cases there would be for each of the past three days. Western Sydney-based Jon-Bernard Kairouz accurately predicted there would be 97 community cases on Wednesday, 65 on Thursday and 97 again on Friday - sparking rumours he had an inside source in the state government feeding him information. 'I know at the moment a lot of people have or allege to have various bits of information and advice,' she said. 'What is important for us as a team, team New South Wales, is to focus on what is necessary and that is to lead our state during the most challenging of times.' USE DAILY MAIL AUSTRALIA'S TRACKER TO FIND THE LATEST EXPOSURE SITES NEAR YOU Pictured: A pedestrian wearing a mask in Bondi Junction on Friday. There are now more than 400 venues in NSW potentially exposed to Covid-19 SYDNEY'S LOCKDOWN: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW UNTIL JULY 30 Those living in Greater Sydney, the Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Shellharbour and Wollongong must abide by the following: Masks are mandatory in all indoor settings outside the home, including offices and apartment buildings 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 are capped at 10, weddings are banned - No car pooling with other households when going out for exercise There is no curfew but a stay at home order applies, with only four reasons to leave your home Schools are closed with at-home learning in place, but no child will be turned away if they need to attend in person The new rules are in addition to the stay-at-home orders already in place until July 30, 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 People in Fairfield, Liverpool or Canterbury in Sydney's southwest are advised to stay home, unless: *shop for essential items (one person only) *give care and compassionate reasons (one visitor only) *For work unless it is an essential service, such as health workers. Businesses must give employees the option of working from home. * Any essential employees who are permitted to leave their suburbs for work are subject to the same restrictions previously in place, namely receiving a negative Covid test every three days. The rest of NSW (including regional areas) is subject to the following restrictions: Dance and gym classes are limited to 20 people per class and masks must be worn No more than five visitors (including children) allowed in homes Masks are compulsory in all indoor non-residential settings The four-square-metre rule is back for indoor and outdoor settings and drinking while standing at indoor venues is not allowed Dancing will not be allowed at indoor hospitality venues or nightclubs, but dancing is allowed at weddings for the wedding party (no more than 20 people) When does the lockdown end? Stay at home orders apply to Greater Sydney including the Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Wollongong and Shellharbour until 11.59pm on Friday, July 30, 2021 Advertisement Premier Gladys Berejiklian on Friday as she announced her state's latest Covid-19 figures. She refused to say whether a data leak at NSW Health had allowed a Sydney TikTok comedian to correctly guess how many new cases there would be for each of the past three days Western Sydney social media star Jon-Bernard Kairouz has correctly guessed how many new Covid-19 cases there would be in NSW over the past three days Overnight, it emerged a doctor, a nurse and a pregnant patient at two of the city's biggest hospitals had caught the virus, as more than 70 paramedics were forced into isolation. A pregnant woman tested positive on Wednesday after having a cesarean at Liverpool Hospital the day before. She spent most of the day in the hospital in southwest Sydney and may have visited several areas of the facility. A doctor at the hospital has also tested positive, although it's unclear whether he had contact with the woman. The hospital has suspended all non-urgent surgery and is deep cleaning all of its operating theatres. Meanwhile, a fully vaccinated nurse who worked at Westmead Hospital's Covid-19 ward - the busiest in Australia - also tested positive. Cleaners there are refusing to enter the Covid unit, claiming they have been denied access to personal protective equipment. Pictured: A surfer sits on his surfboard a Sydney's Bondi Beach. The epicentre of the Sydney outbreak has shifted to the city's south-west A fully vaccinated nurse who worked at Westmead Hospital's Covid-19 ward also tested positive. Pictured: Westmead Hospital in western Sydney Health Services Union NSW Secretary Gerard Hayes said the workers were told by NSW Health they would not be given PPE, including booties and hairnets. There are delays getting properly fitted masks. The workers were also apparently told they can't shower at the hospital before going home, possibly increasing their risk of contracting spreading Covid-19 to their loved ones and the broader community. 'Our members are asking for basic health and safety provisions. The fact their requests have been denied is incomprehensible,' Mr Hayes said. Health Minister Brad Hazzard has spoken to hospital management to resolve the issue. A pregnant woman tested positive on Wednesday after having a cesarean at Liverpool Hospital (pictured) the day before About 70 paramedics are reportedly in isolation after one tested positive in south-west Sydney. Pictured: Paramedics in Brisbane in January Three paramedics at Liverpool Ambulance station have also tested positive, forcing at least 70 paramedics identified as close contacts into isolation. The station is being deep cleaned. An aged care home has also been hit by the virus after a cleaner tested positive. Minchinbury Manor in Rooty Hill, west Sydney confirmed on Thursday night a contract cleaner at the facility had been diagnosed, prompting the centre to close. Covid-19 is affected Sydney's health system. Pictured: A cleaner earlier in the pandemic 'We have isolated all residents and staff throughout the facility and our outbreak management plan has been implemented,' a spokesman said. Residents and staff will be tested daily, and five close contacts of the cleaner have been identified and sent into isolation. About 90 per cent of staff and residents had been vaccinated, and those who remain unvaccinated are expected to be offered a jab in the coming days. Testing clinics in south west Sydney have been packed this week after essential workers from the Fairfield local government area were ordered to get tested every three days if they work outside the area. From Friday, around 12,000 teachers, school staff and aged care workers will be prioritised by NSW Health for vaccination at a new hub at the Prairiewood Youth and Community Centre. The venue was changed from the Fairfield showground, which is being used as a Covidtesting site. Meanwhile, fears are growing 6.7 million Victorians could be forced to endure strict coronavirus restrictions long beyond the planned five-day lockdown, as a Covid outbreak which began in Sydney wreaks havoc across Melbourne. The city recorded six more cases on Friday morning, taking the outbreak total to 24. Up to four footy fans have already been found to have caught the virus at the MCG on Saturday from a man who lives in an infected north-west Melbourne apartment block, with one of the stadium's busy bars now feared to be a super-spreader site. With spread through 'fleeting contact' a feature of the Indian Delta strain, the lavish Percy Beames Bar at the MCG (pictured) could be the site of super-spreader event with hundreds potentially exposed Sources close to the Andrews government said that officials were aiming to tighten restrictions, not go back into lockdown, until they found out people had caught the virus from strangers at the stadium. The stay-at-home order came into effect on Thursday, July 15 at 11.59pm as public health officials try desperately to keep a lid on the latest outbreak, which has since jumped to 18 cases. But even if the outbreak is contained and the lockdown ends as planned on Tuesday, millions of Victorians face strict restrictions that could last weeks. Pictured: Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews announcing new lockdown The lockdown rules around hospitality, masks and the number of visitors in homes are likely to be slowly wound back over time rather than removed immediately. In a welcome reprieve, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced a newly-introduced $600 relief payment from the Federal Government for hard-hit Victorians. The highly infectious Indian Delta strain is feared to already be spreading throughout Melbourne after the Percy Beames bar at the MCG was flagged as a Covid exposure site, sending hundreds from all over Victoria into self-isolation. Already, 6,500 Victorians are in lockdown, including a complete 14-day isolation for residents of the Ariele Apartments in Melbourne's north-west, where infected Sydney removalists first spread the virus. Exposure sites have since popped up in Frankston, in Melbourne's southeast and Hastings on the Mornington Peninsula, indicating the five-day circuit breaker may not be enough to contain the rapid spread and that the stay-at-home orders will inevitably be extended past Tuesday. Mr Andrews made the call to shut down the state after Sydney's surging outbreak spread to Melbourne last week, when the team of infected removalists travelled to Victoria under essential work permits. Health workers are seen at a Melbourne Covid Testing Site at Albert Park in Melbourne on Thursday (pictured), with a spiralling list of close and casual contacts EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT VICTORIA'S NEW LOCKDOWN - The lockdown is scheduled to run from Thursday July 15 at 11:59pm until Tuesday July 20 at 11:59pm. - There will be only five lawful reasons to leave home 1. Essential shopping 2. Two hours of daily exercise within a 5km radius 3. To seek or provide medical care 4. Work or study that cannot be done from home. 5. To go and get vaccinated. - Face masks will be mandatory indoors and outdoors - Schools will return to online learning - 5km travel limit for essential tasks, including shopping and exercise - If your business was closed during the last lockdown, they must close this lockdown - Hospitality open for takeaway only - General retail is closed, as well as all non-essential businesses - Visitors to the home are banned - Funerals capped at ten people, while weddings are banned - Professional sport can proceed but with no crowds - Outdoor parks and play areas are open, but those indoors must close Advertisement Prime Minister Morrison has since declared $600 disaster relief payments would be made available to workers who have been hit hard by the lockdown. But while some residents see the draconian restrictions as a necessary measure to contain the virus, hundreds of anti-lockdown protesters took to the streets in protest demanding Mr Andrews' resignation. The Sydney removalists had the appropriate permits to enter the state despite the Harbour City's spiraling number of Covid cases, which has now surpassed 900. The three-man team arrived at a home in Craigieburn on the northern outskirts on of Melbourne July 8, where they dropped off furniture. A Craigieburn family of four who had recently returned from NSW have since tested positive, before breaking their red permit rules and infected a stranger at a nearby Coles. Later that same day the removalists travelled to Maribyrnong in Melbourne's west, to the Ariele Apartment complex. A significant variation in Covid vaccination rates across the country can be revealed today. As little as 30 per cent of adults are double-jabbed in inner cities versus three quarters in rural areas and towns, figures show. It has prompted calls by GPs for the Government to take urgent action in areas with low rates and in cities with large student and ethnic minority populations. Vaccine rates across Britain vary widely with eight out of ten of the lowest uptake are in London Areas with low vaccination rates tend to have a younger population, large numbers of students and ethnic minority communities Latest Government figures show the lowest rates of double-jabbed residents in England are in Tower Hamlets, east London, where just 32.1 per cent are fully vaccinated. Of the ten worst areas, eight are in the capital, along with Oxford on 37.6 per cent and Cambridge on 37.9 per cent. Nottingham is the worst large provincial city, with a double jab rate of 40.8 per cent, followed by Manchester on 42.6 per cent. Englands best borough is North East Derbyshire, where 77.6 per cent of people are fully vaccinated. Over three quarters of adults are also fully vaccinated in areas including Craven in North Yorkshire, Chesterfield in Derbyshire and West Devon. The best UK rate is in Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, covering the Outer Hebrides, where 86.4 per cent have had both doses. Areas with low vaccination rates tend to have a younger population, large numbers of students and ethnic minority communities. Professor Martin Marshall, chairman of the Royal College of GPs, said: It is always concerning to see data showing variation in uptake of any health intervention based on geography, as this potentially indicates widening health inequalities. It continues to be important to identify patient groups with lower than average uptake, and for the Government to tailor communication campaigns about the safety and effectiveness of vaccinations to these communities. In eight London boroughs, fewer than 60 per cent have had their first vaccine with Westminster worst at 55.2 per cent Research by the UK Household Longitudinal Study in January found 72 per cent of black people and 42 per cent of Bangladeshi and Pakistani people were unlikely or very unlikely to have the jab. Eastern European communities were also less likely to have the jab than white British people. In eight London boroughs, fewer than 60 per cent have had their first vaccine with Westminster worst at 55.2 per cent. Outside London, the worst places for first vaccination rates were Oxford with 61.7 per cent, Manchester at 62.2 per cent, Cambridge on 62.3 per cent and Nottingham with 63 per cent having had a first dose. Englands best-performing district for first jabs was Eden, Cumbria, where 90 per cent of people had received one vaccine dose. The Government has delayed plans to unveil a costly new green policy that would ban new gas boilers by 2035. The move comes as ministers scramble to come up with new ways to ease crippling costs for households. The heat and buildings policy, set for release last week, is now not expected to be published until the autumn, The Telegraph reported. Along with banning new gas boilers by 2035, the strategy includes proposals to review the cost difference between gas and electricity as greener options like heat pumps can be more expensive to run than boilers. Heat pumps can cost as much as 10,000, plus insulation and retrofits. Government may also follow in the EU's footsteps by beginning to make plans to introduce a carbon tax on gases from heated buildings, according to The Telegraph. Another idea under consideration is offering a payout to lower-and-middle-income families to cover the switch to green heating. The Government has delayed plans to unveil a costly new green policy that would ban new gas boilers by 2035. The move comes as ministers scramble to come up with new ways to ease crippling costs for households [Stock image] However there is disagreement about whether such a move would be affordable, with the Treasury reportedly hesitant that a spending commitment could prompt a backlash from Conservative MPS, according to The Telegraph. 'No 10 is trying to bounce the Treasury into something a bit more populist,' the paper reported 'an industry source' as saying. The delay comes after the release of a green transport plan, which could create a national road pricing scheme as public money from fuel duty would be lost as more drivers go green. Funds from vehicle excise duty could also decrease if people find they can no longer afford to run a car as the UK strives to reach net zero emissions by 2050. The heat and buildings policy, set for release last week, is now not expected to be published until the autumn, The Telegraph reported [Stock image] Electric cars are exempt from road tax but this may not last as it has been suggested owners should start paying from 2025. The Telegraph reported that the release of the Treasury's review of where costs will fall has been repeatedly delayed amid concern that it was too negative. The paper reported Conservative backbencher Steve Baker as saying Government needed to 'come clean with the public if they don't want a political disaster later'. 'The Government must tell the pub- lic openly, transparently and fully the cost of net zero and just how substantially our lives will be changed,' the paper reported him as saying. A spokesman for the Government told the paper that it had 'always said' plants to decarbonise heat and buildings would be set out this year. 'Decarbonising our homes and buildings in a fair and affordable way for consumers and the taxpayer is a key element of our strategy to achieve this goal,' he said. The Government is being taken to court over ministers using encrypted messaging apps such as WhatsApp and Signal to discuss key policy decisions. Boris Johnson and several cabinet ministers are said to have downloaded both onto their phones and used them to organise much of the pandemic response. But transparency campaigners have argued such apps are unlawful due to a feature that allows users to set messages to disappear. Boris Johnson and several cabinet ministers are said to have downloaded both Signal and WhatsApp onto their phones and used them to organise much of the pandemic response They fear the function is being used to evade accountability as, once deleted, it is impossible to recover the messages. On Wednesday, campaigners filed court papers for a judicial review claiming those using the apps are breaching transparency laws by failing to retain vital public records. Nine cabinet ministers, including Boris Johnson, Rishi Sunak and Priti Patel, are all reportedly using the privacy-focussed Signal. It is not known whether any of those using the apps have turned on the disappearing messages feature. Foxglove, one of the campaign groups behind the legal action, questioned how it would be possible to scrutinise the government if crucial decision making was deleted. Director Cori Crider told the Mail: When most of us send a midnight text on WhatsApp, its no-ones business. When the prime minister WhatsApps the health secretary about the governments response to a pandemic, its history. Transparency campaigners complained that messages sent over encrypted networks such as WhatsApp could be deleted instead of being stored for future research For hundreds of years, British governments have had rules about how to keep key records safe for the next generation. Government by WhatsApp, with messages that vanish into thin air instead of being put in the prime ministers red box, threatens the backbone of our democracy. Its also against the law. Recent revelations about senior ministers and aides using both Whatsapp and Signal have inflamed concerns over whether official Government business is being conducted on personal messaging services. The PMs ex-chief adviser Dominic Cummings embarrassed his former employer in June after revealing screenshots from Whatsapp in which they discussed lockdown plans. Campaigners believe using these apps could be in breach the Public Records Act of 1958. This requires legal checks to be made on all such messages in case they need to be kept for the public interest. Unlike automatic deletion of emails, where there is a period that a deleted email can be recovered, for example, to answer a Freedom of Information request, when WhatsApp or Signal messages are deleted they are gone for good. It is being backed by Professor Sir Richard Evans, who said it was vital for the messages to retained for future historians. Apps such as Signal can instruct a message to be deleted - preventing it from being placed on the official record The Regius Professor Emeritus of History at the University of Cambridge said: Without them, we would be as much in the dark about the history, say, of the Covid-19 pandemic in this country in 2020-21 as we would have been about the origins of the First World War if we relied on copies of official German documents without the Kaisers belligerent marginal scribblings. Clara Maguire, director of campaign group the Citizens, which is jointly bringing the action, said: With government by WhatsApp and Signal, you run the risk of vital evidence disappearing off the face of the earth. If this country is ever to move on from the terrible events of the last two years, the British public must have complete faith in any public inquiry that includes access to all evidence. Thats going to be impossible if the messages in which key decisions were made have been deleted. We are determined to take all necessary steps to prevent this. City solicitor Ewen Fergusson, 55, has been appointed to the Committee on Standards in Public Life, the government body that advises the Prime Minister's office on ethics in public life Boris Johnson has handed a university friend who was also a member of Oxford's exclusive Bullingdon Club an advisory role at an independent government watchdog. City solicitor Ewen Fergusson, 55, has been appointed to the Committee on Standards in Public Life, the government body that advises the Prime Minister's office on ethics in public life. He will join the Committee alongside Professor Gillian Peele from August 1. The role will hold no formal powers and is strictly advisory. Fergusson, who spent much of his career as a partner at law firm Herbert Smith Freehills, was photographed behind Mr Johnson and near to ex-Prime Minister David Cameron in the 1987 Bullingdon Club picture. The Committee on Standards in Public Life - established in 1994 by John Major - can initiate inquiries, make recommendations to the Prime Minister and assess government policies and practice. Former committee chair Sir Alistair Graham slammed the 'pathetic' appointment and pointed to the 'chumocracy' label hurled at the Government earlier this year. He told the Times: 'It really is desperate if you have to be a university mate of Boris Johnson to qualify to sit on the committee that is supposed to examine sleaze. Future PM Boris Johnson during his time at Oxford University in the mid-1980s 'I doubt that the experience of the Bullingdon would provide any of the right qualifications. It seems like a completely inappropriate appointment.' A Cabinet Office spokesperson told the Times of Fergusson's appointment: 'The application was carefully considered on its merits by the advisory assessment panel, which interviewed him and found he was appointable'. At present, Fergusson works as a non-magistrate member of the Lord Chancellor's advisory committee and spends his time producing independent film projects. Fergusson was educated at Rugby's independent boarding school and met Mr Johnson while studying at Oriel College, Oxford. The pair were snapped together in formal attire alongside former Prime Minister David Cameron at a Bullingdon Club event in 1987. But their relationship extended beyond their university years, with Fergusson present at a 2008 fundraising event for Mr Johnson's run at London Mayor. The Bullingdon Club was an exclusive male-only dining club at the University of Oxford that became known for its lavish banquets. Texas GOP House Speaker plans to charter a plane that will be on standby in Washington, DC, on Saturday so that Democratic lawmakers can return to Austin after skipping out on a key vote on election reform. I am demanding all of our colleagues in DC to contact my staff immediately in order to secure their seat on the plane and return to Austin in order to do the state's business, Dade Phelan said in a statement on Thursday. The State of Texas is waiting. Phelan on Thursday sacked a Democratic lawmaker, Rep. Joe Moody of El Paso, from his position as speaker pro tempore of the House. The move was done in retaliation for Democrats busting a quorum and fleeing to the nations capital in order to prevent the Texas state legislature from passing controversial election bills. On Wednesday, Phelan called on the 'runaway' Democrats to return their $221-a-day allowances after they fled the state on Monday. Phelan also said they should be stripped of the per diem until they returned to their jobs. 'While these Texas Democrats collect taxpayer money as they ride on private jets to meet with the Washington elite, those who remain in the chamber await their return to begin work on providing our retired teachers a 13th check, protecting our foster kids, and providing taxpayer relief,' Phelan said in a statement. Dade Phelan, the Speaker of the House in Texas, has demanded that the Democrats who fled his state to avoid voting on a bill be stripped of their $221-a-day allowance. He also announced on Thursday that he plans to charter a plane that will be 'on standby' in Washington, DC on Saturday so that the Democratic lawmakers can return home It took at least 51 House Democrats walking out for them to break quorum. According to the Texas Tribune, 58 representatives and nine senators are now in Washington, meaning there are now 67 in total, receiving $14,807 per day. If each of them have been there since Monday, the total is now $44,421. Chris Turner, the chair of the House Democratic Caucus, then said he expects his colleagues will decline receiving those payments. 'Those per diems are paid out at the end of the month, so that would be several weeks away,' Turner said on Wednesday. 'I anticipate members are going to decline them.' The Texas Ethics Commission states: 'The Texas Supreme Court has interpreted this constitutional per diem as being a compensation payment to a legislator in consideration for all services rendered throughout his or her term. 'Accordingly, legislators are entitled to a per diem for each day of session, regardless of how many days were actually attended. Similarly, legislators are not required to provide evidence of actual expenditures to receive this per diem.' Phelan is pictured on Wednesday in the half-empty chamber in Austin, Texas Turner reiterated the Democrats' insistence that taxpayer money was not being spent on the trip, saying it was being paid for by fundraising. He spoke after Texas Senator Ted Cruz tore into Vice President Kamala Harris for comparing the runaway Texas Democrats to Selma marchers and other civil rights leaders. 'It's actually pretty ridiculous,' he said on Fox News Channel Wednesday. 'Last I checked, the heroic civil rights protesters on the Edmund Pettus Bridge were not in a private chartered jet, they didn't have a case of Miller Lite next to them.' Sen. Ted Cruz appeared on Fox News Channel Wednesday and said it was 'ridiculous' for Vice President Kamala Harris to compare the runaway Texas Democrats to civil rights leaders Vice President Kamala Harris compared the runaway Texas Democrats to civil rights leaders, something that was mocked Wednesday by Republican Sen. Ted Cruz Texas Democrats are still receiving a $221 per diem despite fleeing to Washington. They were photographed Tuesday morning in front of the Washington Plaza Hotel, an older property that was recently renovated and boast a large, outdoor swimming pool The Texas Democrats are staying at the Washington Plaza Hotel, an older property that was recently renovated and boasts an impressive outdoor pool. The room rate is currently $199 a night, which is higher than average for the hotel The group insists no taxpayer money has been spent on the $100,000 to charter two private jets to get from Austin to D.C. They are pictured on Monday, flying to Washington The bills were passed by the state Senate on Tuesday. The lawmakers say they are prepared to stay in D.C. until the end of the 30-day special session called by Texas Republican Governor Greg Abbott, which still has 26 days remaining. Currently, the group is staying at the Washington Plaza Hotel in Northwest Washington, D.C., where rooms are going for $199 a night - higher than average for the older property. The hotel was built in 1962 close to D.C.'s Thomas Circle, was recently renovated and boasts a large outdoor pool. Trey Martinez Fischer, one of the runaway Democratic representatives, said Tuesday that Texas Democrats, through campaign funds and other private fundraising efforts, are fully paying for the trip. The group insists no taxpayer money has been spent on the $100,000 to charter two private jets to get from Austin to D.C. or the several thousand dollars per night to stay at the hotel. Also on Tuesday, several of the lawmakers said they are not worried about threats that they will be arrested once stepping foot back in Texas. On Wednesday, Cruz repeated that threat on Fox News Channel. 'And if these House Democrats continue pulling this stunt, they're going to be arrested,' Cruz said. 'And the Texas Constitution gives ample authority to arrest legislators who are trying to shut down the operation of government and to forcibly make them present on the House floor so that the wheels of government can continue to turn.' 'So when their stunt is over, the legislature will do its job,' the Texas Republican added. Cruz also predicted that the Democrats would 'fail.' 'Look, these are partisan Democrats playing a political stunt and they're desperate for media attention. They're getting it. The Biden administration wants to play politics, and so they're doing that,' he said. 'But this is going to fail. They're going to eventually have to come home.' 'And when they come home, the governor has rightly said he will continue to call special sessions until Texas passes voter integrity law to protect the integrity of elections,' Cruz said. The group met with one of Cruz's Democratic colleagues, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, on Capitol Hill Wednesday and some towed their children along with them. At least two Texas House members brought their children with them when fleeing Austin to the nation's capital this week. A young girl joined her mother as the group was pictured speaking with Warren on Capitol Hill Wednesday afternoon. At one point she was being held by her mother, and then was pictured sitting on the floor and looking at a picture book with a puppy on the cover. While none of the lawmakers were wearing face coverings, the young girl was. The FDA has not approved emergency use for the vaccine for children under 12-years-old. On Tuesday morning, while leaving Washington Plaza Hotel for a press conference on Capitol Hill, a representative was seen walking hand-in-hand with her masked-up grade school-age son. It is unclear how many children came along for the ride with their lawmaker parents or if they will also remain in Washington for that full time. Texas Democratic lawmakers met with Senator Elizabeth Warren on Capitol Hill on Wednesday One lawmaker brought to the Capitol her young daughter, who at one point sat on the ground to look at a picture book with a puppy on the cover Progressive Senator Warren speaks to Texas state representatives in Washington D.C. one woman can be seen holding her daughter during the visit On Tuesday night, Abbott slammed President Joe Biden for 'spreading disinformation' with a speech he delivered earlier that day in Philadelphia saying GOP voting bills are 'the most significant threat to democracy since the Civil War.' 'Biden has a pattern of spreading misinformation & he's at it again today,' Abbott said in a tweet. 'The [Texas Legislature] is passing a law that EXPANDS early voting hours & prevents mail-in ballot fraud. Texas is making it EASIER to vote & harder to cheat,' he added. The Texas Senate bill would allow voting from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. an increase of three hours on weekdays and 10 hours on Sundays and would lower the population threshold from 100,000 to 30,000 for counties to open the polling booths for at least 12 hours in the week before Election Day. Mail voters would also be asked to verify their identities with a state ID number or the last four digits of their Social Security number in a bid to get rid of signature verification that accounts for a higher number of rejected ballots. 'Once again, President Biden ignores the facts,' Abbott said in a video attached to his Tuesday evening tweet. 'The fact is that Texas is passing a law that expandsnot reducesthe hours of early voting. Texas' Republican Governor Greg Abbott late on Tuesday slammed President Biden for 'spreading disinformation' with his speech saying GOP voting bills are 'the most significant threat to democracy since the Civil War' 'That's more than many states, including President Biden's home state of Delaware, which has zero hours of early voting,' Abbott added. Biden has upped his rhetoric claiming the allegedly 'restrictive' voting bills, which are being proposed and passed across the country, are an 'un-American' throwback to Jim Crow laws. The White House and Capitol Hill Democrats are using the latest stunt from Texas Democrats to push for the expansion of voting rights and access in the passage of H.R. 1, the For the People Act. Democrats argue the law would increase access and expand the right to vote for minority and poor communities, while Republicans argue it opens the way for a slew of fraud especially since the bill does include requiring identification in the form of government-issued ID to cast a ballot. The Texas state Senate approved their version of the election reform bill on Tuesday, but the legislation has been stalled because the House Democrats broke the quorum of having two-thirds of lawmakers present by fleeing. Texas Democrats believe the two bills passing through the state legislature would make it harder to vote and fled the state in two private jets and headed to Washington D.C. to block Republicans getting it through The House voted on Tuesday that the runaways would be arrested on their return to the state, but the group has vowed to stay in Washington, D.C. until the 30-day session is up. At best, the Democrats fleeing to the nation's capital from Austin on two private jets chartered at $100,000 on Monday is just a delay tactic or PR stunt. After the special session is up on August 7, Abbott can just call another one. Biden on Tuesday launched an assault on attempts by Republican-controlled states to change voting rights laws, blasting them as a 'threat to democracy' and vowing to protect 'free and fair elections.' 'This is election subversion. It is the most dangerous threat to voting in the integrity of free and fair elections in our history,' he said, speaking at the historic National Constitution Center in Philadelphia. Republicans say their new laws protect election security and argue the federal government shouldn't be involved in a state issue. Democrats claim the state laws will make it harder to vote, particularly for minority groups, which tend to vote Democratic. In a 25-minute speech that traced the history of the voting rights movement, Biden veered between attacks on Donald Trump and Republicans who are undermining confidence in American elections and defending his own administration's work on the voting rights. His speech came as faces criticism from Democrats, including some of his faithful supporters, that he has not done enough on the issue amid fears his party could lose control of the House and Senate in next year's midterm election. Biden called on Congress to pass Democrats' two key voting rights legislation, which are being held up by GOP lawmakers. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell has called them 'a craven political calculation' that shows 'disdain for the American people.' But, in his remarks, Biden offered few solid ideas on how to counter the new round of state laws. He did not mention the Senate filibuster, which many of his Democratic allies want to be removed as an obstacle to federal voting rights legislation. 'I'm not filibustering now,' Biden said after his speech, when reporters asked him about the issue. Biden spoke at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, just steps from Independence Hall where the Declaration of Independence was signed President Biden spoke with supporters after his speech Biden targeted Trump in his speech even as he did not mention his predecessor by name. But he made it clear who he was referring to as he denounced the 'big lie' along with the 'bullies and merchants of fear and peddlers of lies.' 'The Big Lie is just that - a big lie,' he said, referring to Trump's false claim that he won the 2020 election. Trump called Biden's victory 'the big lie' and falsely claimed to be the victim of voting fraud. The crowd - nearly 300 people made up of local elected officials, national and local civil rights leaders, voting rights advocates, labor leaders and other officials - burst into applause. 'In America, if you lose, you accept the results, you follow the constitution,' Biden said, referring to Trump's continual attempts to cast doubt on the 2020 results. 'You try again. You don't call facts fake, and then try to bring down the American experiment just because you're unhappy. That's not statesmanship. That's selfishness,' he added. He also blasted a litany of events that he said hurt Americans' right to vote, including poll taxes, literacy tests, terrorizing voters in the 1950s and 60s, and even a recent Supreme Court decision that weakened the Voting Rights Act. Biden made the case that the right to vote is the most essential, fundamental one to America's democracy. 'Perhaps the most important of those things, the most fundamental of those things, is the right to vote freely, the right to vote fairly, the right to have your vote counted,' he said. 'It's up to all of us to protect that right. This is a test of our time,' he declared. 'Time and again we've had further threats to the right to vote, free and fair elections, and each time we found a way to overcome,' he said. He blasted the spate of state laws that have been passed restricting voting rights. As of June 21, 17 states enacted 28 new laws that restrict access to right to vote, according to the Brennan Center for Justice. 'Republican members of the state legislatures are trying to pass 21st century Jim Crow laws,' the president said in remarks at the National Constitution Center. 'They want to make it so hard and inconvenient they hope people don't vote at all. That's what this is about,' he noted. 'Have you no shame?,' he asked those Republican state legislatures. He described the laws as 'odious' and 'vicious.' He praised civil rights groups that are challenging them in courts. And he called the state laws the most significant threat to democracy since the Civil War, adding that not even the Confederate Army breached the U.S. Capitol building, unlike the MAGA supporters on January 6th, who attempted to disrupt the certification of the 2020 election. 'We're facing the most significant test of our democracy since the Civil War. Confederate back then never breached the Capital as insurrectionists did on January 6th. I'm saying not this to alarm but because you should alarmed,' he said. President Joe Biden greets people as he arrives to deliver his speech on voting rights There were nearly 300 people in attendance and the audience as made up of local elected officials, national and local civil rights leaders, voting rights advocates, labor leaders and other officials President Joe Biden talks with the Rev. Al Sharpton after his speech The voting rights battle across the US: Republicans and Democrats go head-to-head on way elections are run with new bills Republicans and Democrats have gone to battle over how elections should be run at the state and federal level since the chaotic 2020 vote. The Democrats are trying to pass the H.R.1 For The People Act, which expands voter registration, early voting, mail-in voting and introduces restrictions on campaign finance. The GOP believes this would amount to a federal takeover of elections and has responded with a series of bills aimed at protecting voter integrity and security of elections at the state level. In March, GOP Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell called H.R.1 an 'unparalleled political grab' that would consolidate Democratic power. Donald Trump has called the bill a 'monster' that cannot be allowed to pass and former vice president Mike Pence said it would 'increase opportunities for election fraud, trample the First Amendment and further erode the confidence in our elections'. In the legislation proposed and passed in GOP-controlled states including Texas, Wisconsin and Georgia, voters would have to provide a valid drivers license or the last four digits of their social security in order to cast their ballot. Voters would also have to fill out paperwork if taking someone who is not a relative to vote in person. The regulations would also prevent election officials from sending mail-in ballots to voters who haven't asked for them. Republicans claim that expanded hours for voting, wider access to mail-in ballots, and other accommodations made for the pandemic led to extensive voter fraud. Democrats say there is no evidence for that, and that the GOP, after losing the White House and Senate in the November vote, simply want to make it harder for many people. The party believes the new measures would make it harder for African-Americans, Native Americans and others who tend to support Democrats, to participate in elections. The fight over the restrictions has drawn comparisons with decades ago when laws were drawn up across the south to prevent black Americans from voting. In 1965, the Voting Rights Act was signed, and prohibited racial discrimination in voting by outlawing literary tests and poll taxes. Two weeks ago, the Supreme Court upheld two provisions in Arizona that discarded votes cast at the wrong precinct on Election Day and made it illegal for an absentee ballot to be collected by anyone other then a postal worker, election official, voter caregiver, family member or household member. The changes Republicans are pushing include: Many states have permitted citizens, if not already registered to vote, to do so on election day with simple evidence of their residency in the state. But the new legislation in some states demands they register early and do so with an official ID card like a driver's licence. Democrats and civil liberties groups claim the ID requirements hit the poor more than others, and can result in a 2-3 percent fall in voter turnout. The legislation in Florida would also stop people from going door-to-door to drum up votes. Mail-in voting: Many states expanded voting by mail in 2020 to address the challenge of the coronavirus, but Republicans believe this lead to fraud. In the 2020 election the number of people who voted by mail more than doubled from four years earlier, resulting in many ballots being delivered late and not counted until days after election day. It caused chaos in the aftermath of the November vote, with states including Arizona, Georgia, Pennsylvania not finishing their count for days and Joe Biden not being called the winner for almost a week. Georgia cut in half the time allowed to obtain a mail-in ballot. Arizona proposed to require that every mailed ballot be post-marked five days before an election. Colorado and other states send mail-in ballots to every registered voter. In June Wisconsin's Republican legislature voted to require anyone wanting a mail-in ballot to formally request it in writing, with a copy of their ID. Georgia and other states have moved to limit the availability of drop-boxes for mail ballots. Early voting limits: Early in-person voting was expanded during the pandemic because of social distancing and to avoid lines at the polls on election day. Legislators in some states are shortening the number of days and the hours for early voting. Democrats say it makes it difficult for people who work long hours to be able to vote and disproportionately impacts poor communities and minorities. Help for voters: On election day in Georgia last year voters in largely Democrat, African-American districts had to wait in line for hours. To help them with the long wait volunteers handed out water and snacks. Georgia has banned people from providing snacks. Republicans also want to prevent people from delivering ballots to election offices for those who cannot do so themselves. The Democrats believe this is tactic is being used to stop Native Americans who live on reservations from voting. A new law in Montana bans organized ballot collection on reservations. Democrats' desire Democrats in Washington D.C. want to see federal legislation enacted to protect voting rights. Their 'For the People' Act would create a national automatic system for registering voters and established national standards for mail-in and absentee ballot. In June, Senate Republicans blocked the legislation from moving forward in that chamber after the House approved it. That June failure increased focus on the Senate filibuster, which requires any legislation to have 60 votes in order to move forward. If left in place, odds of the Democrats' two voting rights measures - For the People Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act - becoming law are slim. Many Democrats, including some Biden allies, have expressed frustration with the lack of White House push to reform the filibuster. 'I'm not filibustering now,' Biden said in Philadelphia after his speech, when he was asked about the issue. Some Biden supporters point out he was elected with broad support from black voters, who are at most risk from the new state voting restrictions. House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn, a longtime Biden ally, urged this week that the filibuster be modified for voting rights legislation. Clyburn told Politico if the Democrats' two voting laws don't pass Congress: 'Democrats can kiss the majority goodbye.' The Democrats' second bill, the John Lewis Voting Rights Act, would: Create a pathway for citizens or the federal government to challenge new voter laws in the courts, particularly if parties can show the new law infringes on minority voting rights. Require public notice for any changes made to voting laws in a state or political subdivision. Provide new rules for polling places on Indian reservations that require states to pay for polling places at no cost to tribes. Require many categories of changes in state or local election procedures to go through a process called 'preclearance' essentially, approval from the Justice Department's civil rights division before being implemented. Advertisement Biden's speech was intended as a call to arms as Democrats worry not enough is being done to counter the new state voting laws ahead of the midterm election. Democrats fear the new spate of voting rights laws will harm them at the voting booth in the 2022 contest, costing them control of the House and Senate. When it comes to voting rights, Biden is fighting a two-prong battle: on the state level where Republican-controlled legislatures are passing restrictive measures and on a national level, where he doesn't have the numbers in the Senate to pass federal legislation. Many of those states passed the measures after Biden's victory in the 2020 election, when former President Donald Trump falsely claimed he won and was the victim of voter fraud. Trump slammed Biden's remarks, mocking Biden for saying in his speech that 150 million people voted. Nearly 158.4 million Americans cast ballots in 2020 with 81 million for Biden, 74 million for Trump and the rest for third-party contenders. 'Biden just said 150 people voted in the 2020 Presidential Election (Scam!). On the assumption that he meant 150 million people, and based on the fact that I got 75 million+++, that would mean that Biden got 75 million votes, which is 6 million votes less than what they said they got. So what is that all about? Are they already conceding 6 million votes?,' Trump said in a statement late Tuesday. And Republican Sen. Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania, who is retiring, defending the new state voting laws: 'Suggesting that election integrity measures such as voter ID and prohibitions on ballot harvesting are reminiscent of Jim Crow is false, offensive, and trivializes a dark period of actual systemic racism in parts of America. President Biden knows that the state laws he has attacked are in many cases less restrictive than that of his own home state of Delaware.' The location of Biden's speech on Tuesday has deep symbolic meaning. The Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were both signed at Independence Hall, just steps away from the National Constitution Center. The center is also the location of where Barack Obama gave his famous 'A More Perfect Union' speech during his 2008 campaign, where he tackled the issue of race, America and a 'more perfect union.' On voting rights, Biden is balancing his struggle with the states with his own limitations in passing legislation on a national level. His administration is using other tools at its disposal. The Justice Department is suing Georgia for its new voting rights law, which critics say makes it harder for black people to vote. Attorney General Merrick Garland has hinted there may be more action to come. House Democrats, meanwhile, passed a sweeping voting rights bill in June but it failed in the 50-50 Senate, where all Republicans united to block it from moving forward. The massive election overhaul bill was aimed at protecting and expanding voting rights and reforming campaign finance laws. That June failure increased focus on the Senate filibuster, which requires any legislation to have 60 votes in order to move forward. If left in place, odds of the Democrats' two voting rights measures - For the People Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act - becoming law are slim. Many Democrats, including some Biden allies, have expressed frustration with the lack of White House push to reform the filibuster. Some Biden supporters point out he was elected with broad support from black voters, who are at most risk from the new state voting restrictions. House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn, a longtime Biden ally, urged this week that the filibuster be modified for voting rights legislation. Clyburn told Politico if the Democrats' two voting laws don't pass Congress: 'Democrats can kiss the majority goodbye.' Biden met with civil rights activists at the White House last week but his focus has been on fighting the COVID pandemic, increasing the vaccination rate and passing a massive infrastructure bill. Donald Trump continues to push the false claim he won the election and sow seeds of doubt about election integrity in the United States Texas Democratic State House members hold a press conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday, July 13, 2021 Trump blasted Biden's Philadelphia trip in a bizarrely worded statement on Tuesday where he focused on an attempt by a lone Republican state lawmaker in Pennsylvania who is trying to audit the 2020 election. 'Philadelphia was a cesspool of corruption, which will soon be revealed by the audit. Why are they so concerned that a President, who never goes anywhere, would hop onto beautiful Air Force One and head to Philadelphia if it were an honest election?,' Trump said. Multiple audits in multiple states have confirmed Biden's election victory and shown no evidence of voter fraud. While Biden pushing the issue in Philadelphia, the birthplace of democracy, he'll have help in his public pressure campaign from a group of Texas Democrats, who fled their state on private jets Monday to keep the state legislature from passing new restrictive voting laws. The group of Texans were on Capitol Hill Tuesday to lobby for national voting legislation. Meanwhile Republicans in the Texas State House voted 76-4 to arrest the wayward Democrats but, by crossing state lines, they have escaped jurisdiction of Texas law enforcement. Texas House rules allow the sergeant-at-arms to arrest members who are not present at the Capitol for a vote and the show of disapproval Tuesday could result in the lawmakers' arrest when they land back in the Lone Star State. The Tuesday vote doesn't hold much weight as long as the Democrats remain in Washington since by crossing state lines they have escaped jurisdiction of Texas law enforcement. 'If there are any House Sargent at Arms looking for me... I'm definitely in the Texas Capitol building, somewhere,' one Democratic state representative tweeted in taunting his colleagues back in Texas on Tuesday. Gene Wu continued: 'Keep looking. Don't stop.' Shortly after, he followed up with another tweet saying: 'Getting warmer' He was slammed by critics on Twitter who claim he is making light of the situation and basking in the attention from the fleeing stunt. Despite the avoid tactic from Democrats, Governor Abbott can just call another session whenever they set foot back in Texas and make sure they attend by having law enforcement appointed by the Sergeant at Arms bring them to the State House. Vice President Kamala Harris met with the group of lawmakers on Tuesday evening. It is not immediately clear if President Joe Biden plans to meet with them, but White House Deputy Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said, when asked if he supports their decision: 'He applauds their courage.' A young father whose two-year-old son died after falling from a quad bike he was driving on a rural property has appeared in court charged with culpable driving. Christopher Browne, 31, briefly appeared at Wodonga Magistrates Court on Thursday to face the charge after the Christmas Day 2020 tragedy at the family's Barnawartha North property near the Victoria-New South Wales border. His wife was believed to be at the court to support Mr Browne during his appearance. His son Lincoln Browne was a passenger on the quad bike being driven on the property about 11.50am on Christmas Day last year when he fell from the vehicle and was pinned underneath. Two-year-old Lincoln Browne was killed after falling from a quad bike on a Barnawartha North property near the Victoria-New South Wales border on Christmas Day 2020 Police pictured at the scene on the private property on Moss Road, Barnawartha North on Christmas Day, 2020 The toddler was freed by witnesses, who performed CPR but were unable to revive him. A Gofundme page set up to help the family with funeral costs has now raised $53,102, far surpassing its $10,000 goal, as the shocked local community rallied around as a result of the tragedy. Mr Browne remains in the community on bail and will appear again at the Court on October 14. A man who was fined for breaching Covid-19 restrictions and hosting a street party in Sydney has denied he did anything wrong and that it was a 'marketing strategy'. NSW Deputy Police Commissioner Gary Worboys said the young man had hosted a pop-up party from his van at Manly, in Sydney's northern beaches, on Thursday. Officers were tipped off to the party by the public before they intervened and ordered it be shut down. The man, whose name has since been revealed to be Andrew Riis, runs a business called, 'Hello, Stranger'. Commissioner Worboys said he denied to officers he was breaching Covid-19 restrictions. NSW Deputy police commissioner Gary Worboys said the young man had hosted a pop-up party from his van at Manly, in Sydney's northern beaches, on Thursday Officers were tipped off to the party by the public before they intervened and ordered it to be shut down 'When spoken to, the young man tried to convince officers it was some sort of marketing strategy or exercise strategy when clearly, clearly, it wasn't,' he said. 'The people who contacted police described it as a party in the street.' Officers issued a $1,000 infringement notice and warned the host not to hold any more similar events. Footage of the party was uploaded to social media and shows two men standing on top of a van with a bubble machine and loud speaker playing music. Children are seen dancing and skipping while one parent happily claps along. Social media users have been quick to swoop in and praise the man for spreading some joy in the community. 'No different to exercise,' one person wrote. 'Not hurting anyone. Let's be kind to one another'. Another person wrote a tongue-in-cheek comment: 'People smiling and having fun, definitely against the rules!' Mr Riis has taken to Facebook to reiterate he did not believe he was breaking any restrictions. Officers issued a $1,000 infringement notice and warned the host not to hold any more, similar events The man, whose name has since been revealed to be Andrew Riis, runs a business called, 'Hello, Stranger' 'This is my van and my project,' he wrote. 'Can confirm this is my job and is not breaking any Covid policy. 'It's also not a protest nor any form of political statement. And to the lady who thought my shirt was a message about vaccines, it literally says "no worries".' He has also shared a series of videos on his Instagram page to defend his actions. Commissioner Worboys said the man was just one of 164 people caught breaching Covid-19 restrictions in the last 24 hours. 'Over 200 warnings and advice were given to people about breaching the public health orders or getting close to breaching public health orders,' he said. Sydney's outbreak of the Delta Covid strain is not yet under control despite three weeks of lockdown and cases dipping under 100 four days in a row. A graph of all the new cases over the past week and the updated daily averages illustrates that infections are still on the rise. And the infection rate has seen Australian Medical Association Omar Khorshid claim NSW will need to go harder - or face an 'indefinite' lockdown. This is despite the number of new daily cases appearing to peak on July 12 at 112, with cases hovering between 65 and 97 in the four days since. Premier Gladys Berejiklian has repeatedly said numbers will continue to 'bounce around' as contact tracers work to stay on top of the virus' spread. However, she ominously said she would use tougher restrictions should the case rate continue to remain stubbornly high, she would impose tighter restrictions. If Kerry Chant says we need to introduce to reduce mobility that is what we will do,' she said. But with the daily average increasing by about 10 each day over the last week alone, it's clear to see that authorities are struggling to keep up. A graph of all the new cases over the past week and the updated daily averages illustrates that infections are still on the rise Sydney's outbreak of the Delta Covid strain is not yet under control despite three weeks of lockdown and daily cases dropping under 100. Pictured: People exercising in Rushcutters Bay It's unlikely Ms Berejiklian and chief health officer Kerry Chant will even consider easing Sydney's lockdown until these figures stabilise and drop. Pictured: Police issuing fines in Bondi It's unlikely Ms Berejiklian and chief health officer Kerry Chant will even consider easing Sydney's lockdown until these figures stabilise and drop. Sydney has been in lockdown for three weeks and the premier has already announced a two-week extension - but there are concerns stay-at-home orders will remain in place well beyond the expected date. On Friday, New South Wales recorded a further 97 cases with 29 in the community for their entire infectious period. Ms Berejiklian said that critical second number needs to be as close to zero as possible in order for the lockdown to end. While the number is still below this week's peak, which occurred on Monday, Ms Berejiklian still expressed concerns that contact tracers still weren't on top of the outbreak. Premier Gladys Berejiklian has repeatedly said numbers will continue to 'bounce around' as contact tracers work to stay on top of the virus' spread More than 77,000 people got tested for Covid overnight. The key to ending lockdown is still vaccination. Pictured: A vaccination centre at Sydney Olympic Park Sydney has been in lockdown for three weeks and the premier has already announced a two-week extension. Sydneysiders are free to leave their homes to exercise in pairs The vast majority of cases on Friday were in the Fairfield council area, in the city's south west. New South Wales has now recorded 1,026 Covid cases since the state's latest outbreak began on June 16. Less than a week ago on July 10, the daily average was 32.5 new cases. But in just six days, that number has more than doubled to 83.8 new cases by Friday. Average cases appear to be trending up by about 10 each day. Dr Chant said on Friday she is 'not pleased' that transmission of the virus 'appears to be ongoing'. 'We need to disrupt the cycle, our mobility and other interactions,' she said. Ms Berejiklian has vowed to impose tougher restrictions on Sydneysiders if Dr Chant recommends doing so. Sydneysiders are free to leave their homes to exercise. Pictured: A woman stretching on Bondi Beach The vast majority of cases on Friday were in the Fairfield council area, in the city's south west The Delta variant of the virus shows no signs of abating in Sydney and case numbers will continue to rise for at least a few days, according to experts 'Please know that every time Dr Chant gives us proposals, we act within hours as we did,' she said. 'We will take whatever decision is required to have this lockdown go for as short shorter period as possible.' Professor Emma McBryde, a disease modeller at James Cook University, said Sydney's best case scenario is the lockdown will lift in about three to four weeks' time - probably the latter. Prof. McBryde said the Delta variant of the virus shows no signs of abating in Sydney and case numbers will continue to rise for at least a few days. Sydney's outbreak of the Delta Covid strain is not yet under control despite three weeks of lockdown and daily cases dropping under 100 There have been complaints that Sydney's lockdown is too lax The Burnet Institute's Professor Mark Stoove has warned there was a two week lag between Victoria introducing harsh Stage Four restrictions and case numbers finally falling. Pictured: A man exercising in Rushcutters Bay Authorities will then have to determine when the virus has peaked 'and then you have to start chasing those numbers down to zero'. 'Probably four weeks from now, would be a minimum,' she said - or about August 9. Even then, the restrictions will ease only slowly. The Burnet Institute's Professor Mark Stoove has warned there was a two week lag between Victoria introducing harsh Stage Four restrictions and case numbers finally falling. Melbourne's strict lockdown successfully brought the virus to heel but went further than Sydney's current suite of restrictions. Melbourne's strict lockdown successfully brought the virus to heel but went further than Sydney's current suite of restrictions Deputy Premier John Barilaro's daughter has been fined for breaching NSW Covid rules. Domenica Barilaro, 20, travelled from Queanbeyan in southern NSW to Sydney and then through the ACT back to her home town last week. She arrived back in Queanbeyan last Friday and was fined $1,000 by officers from the Monaro district. Under NSW public health orders, regional residents cannot travel to Sydney unless they have a 'reasonable excuse' such as getting vaccinated or attending a funeral. Domenica Barilaro (pictured) allegedly travelled from Queanbeyan in southern NSW to Sydney and then to Canberra last week Police sources said Domenica (left with a friend) arrived back in Queanbeyan last Friday and was fined $1,000 for illegally leaving Sydney's lockdown Deputy Commissioner Gary Warboys told reporters on Friday: 'A young lady from down at Queanbeyan was spoken to by police from Queanbeyan police station. 'That young lady was considerate of the investigation, was polite and forthcoming and that infringement notice was issued to her.' A NSW police spokesman said: 'Officers from Monaro Police District have issued a Penalty Infringement Notice (PIN) for failing to comply with direction under the Public Health Act after an alleged breach by a 20-year-old woman. 'It's alleged the woman travelled from regional NSW to Sydney then to the ACT, before returning to her home in regional NSW last Friday (9 July 2021). 'She was very helpful and apologetic with police. She has since been issued with the $1000 PIN.' Daily Mail Australia has contacted Mr Barilaro for comment. University student Domenica is the deputy premier's middle daughter between lawyer Alessia, 24, and five-year-old Sofia. Domenica (right) is Mr Barilaro's middle daughter between Alessia (left), 24, and five-year-old Sofia (centre with mum Deanna) Meanwhile, Sydney's exposure sites surged past 400 as New South Wales recorded 97 new Covid cases on Friday. Premier Gladys Berejiklian held crisis talks about tightening Sydney's lockdown restrictions after 29 of those cases were out in the community for the entire time while infectious. NSW Health said 49 of the infections are household contacts and 14 are close contacts. Sixty-seven (69 per cent) of the new cases were found in south-west Sydney. Pictured: Pedestrians in Centennial Park on Friday. The stay-at-home orders for Greater Sydney will continue for at least another two weeks until July 30 The new locally-acquired cases mean the state's outbreak of the highly-contagious Delta variant has now reached 1,026 infections Health officials also found 14 cases of Covid-19 in south-east Sydney in the 24 hours to 8pm on Thursday night and nine in the city's west. There are now 18 patients suffering from the virus in intensive care wards across NSW and five of them are on ventilators. The new locally-acquired cases mean the state's outbreak of the highly-contagious Delta variant that began on June 16 in Sydney's eastern suburbs has now reached 1,026 infections. Sydney and the surrounding Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Wollongong and Shellharbour regions will have been in lockdown for three weeks on Saturday. The stay-at-home orders were due to end on Friday but will continue for at least another two weeks until July 30. Ms Berejiklian urged anyone in Fairfield who has had even an extended family member or fleeting social contact test positive to the virus to get swabbed for Covid-19 immediately. The co-owner of a popular pet-friendly pizza restaurant in Sydney's inner-city has been charged with supplying a menu of party drugs including magic mushrooms. Andrew 'Hamo' Hamilton, from Surry Hills, opened Brooklyn Crispy at Potts Point a week before Christmas, with offbeat offerings including pizzas for dogs. It was a bold move into the hospitality industry for the 35-year-old private school graduate after a career in public relations working for global firms. While early trade for Brooklyn Crispy was strong and reviews positive, Hamilton was allegedly running a side business selling magic mushrooms, cocaine, ecstasy, ketamine and LSD. Andrew Hamilton, the co-owner of a popular pet-friendly pizza restaurant in Sydney's inner-city, has been charged with supplying a menu of party drugs including magic mushrooms. Hamilton is pictured at Brooklyn Crispy at Potts Point Hamilton, opened Brooklyn Crispy at Potts Point a week before Christmas, with offbeat offerings including pizzas for dogs. It was a bold move into the hospitality industry for the 35-year-old private school graduate after a career in public relations working for global firms Located in the heart of Kings Cross on Springfield Avenue, Brooklyn Crispy has an on-site meat smoker and leafy courtyard, but is most distinctive for welcoming pets. A dog holding a pizza box is pictured on the restaurant's Facebook page Hamilton, whose Facebook profile says he is 'sillier than most', was arrested at his home in Fitzroy Street on June 4 by the Surry Hills proactive crime team. Police allegedly found 17 grams of cocaine, 43.7 grams of ecstasy, and 8 grams of ketamine, a sedative which induces a trance-like state and is used medically for anaesthesia. They also allegedly located a commercial quantity (413 grams) of psilocybin, known as magic mushrooms, and 3.4 grams of lysergic acid, or LSD, along with $12,450 in cash. The St Ignatius's College Riverview old boy was taken to Surry Hills police station and appeared before Parramatta Bail Court the next day when he was remanded in custody. He was charged with two counts of supplying a commercial quantity of a prohibited drug, two counts of supplying an indictable quantity of drugs, supplying drugs and dealing with the proceeds of crime. Hamilton opened Brooklyn Crispy with a partner who has more than 20 years' hospitality experience, and an accomplished executive chef. 'Brooklyn Crispy was born from a desire to deliver quality crispy pizza to the people,' its website states. 'Somewhere along the line, people started to take pizza a bit too seriously' The quirky menu includes 'caffeinated cow' (coffee and cola brisket topped with corn and potato salad), and 'yes it says pineapple get over it' (ham/salted pineapple/mustard) pizzas 'Andrew's grandmother Sue Preme, actually was a pizza,' Hamilton's biography on the company website states. 'So the magic of pizza is in his DNA. 'Like everyone else, Andrew was getting fat during COVID-19, and after failing to find a quality crispy-base pizza in his area, decided it was time to solve this serious culinary problem.' There is no suggestion anyone else involved with the eatery knew of Hamilton's alleged drug dealing or that it was being conducted through the restaurant, which continues to trade. Located in the heart of Kings Cross on Springfield Avenue, Brooklyn Crispy has an on-site meat smoker and leafy courtyard, but is most distinctive for welcoming pets. 'Brooklyn Crispy was born from a desire to deliver quality crispy pizza to the people,' the eatery's website states. 'Somewhere along the line, people started to take pizza a bit too seriously. 'We're here to remind you that when you think about it, it's just dough, cheese, and a few toppings. We're not going to change your life, but we may change your day!' Hamilton, whose Facebook profile says he is 'sillier than most', was arrested at his home in Fitzroy Street on June 4 by the Surry Hills proactive crime team. Hamilton is pictured Hamilton was recognised in 2013 by B&T magazine, the leading publication for Australia's advertising, marketing and PR industries, as one of its 30 young stars under 30 The quirky menu includes 'caffeinated cow' (coffee and cola brisket topped with corn and potato salad), and 'yes it says pineapple get over it' (ham/salted pineapple/mustard) pizzas. The dog pizza menus features 'skippy's nightmare' (kangaroo bacon/beef mince/mozzarella) and 'get clucked' (poached chicken/carrot), which can be washed down by bottled bone broth known as 'puppy vino'. 'I'm reasonably certain we're the only place in Australia doing dog pizzas,' Hamilton told Good Food in February. 'Do I think there's a market for it? I don't think people would be travelling an hour in the rain to come here and try it if there wasn't.' The dog pizza menus features 'skippy's nightmare' (kangaroo bacon/beef mince/mozzarella) and 'get clucked' (poached chicken/carrot), which can be washed down by bottled bone broth known as 'puppy vino'. Brooklyn Crispy is pictured on Friday Hamilton was recognised in 2013 by B&T magazine, the leading publication for Australia's advertising, marketing and PR industries, as one of its 30 young stars under 30. At the time he was Sydney account director for the American public relations and consultancy giant Edelman and was named in the marketing/PR category. He had previously run his own his own company, Pirate Communications, providing services for businesses in the education and finance industries. Hamilton states on his Linkedin profile he has volunteered with St Vincent de Paul Society's Night Patrol for more than seven years, helping feed the homeless in the city. He will appear at Central Local Court next month. Hamilton's business partner told Daily Mail Australia he hoped to keep the restaurant open. Police bodycam footage has revealed the dramatic moment a man pulled over for a random breath-test shot an officer with a home-made taser. Queensland Police stopped the motorist when he was driving a white Mitsubishi SUV on Nicklin Way, in Minyama, on the Sunshine Coast on Thursday night at 8pm. In the the video, a motorcycle patrolman can be seen conducting a drug driving test, before telling the driver he would be detained after the result showed a positive reading for meth and cannabis. He was then informed there was a warrant for his arrest as he placed his personal items on the roof of the SUV. Queensland Police stopped Aaron Jay Keep, 36, driving a white Mitsubishi SUV on Nicklin Way, Minyama on the Sunshine Coast on Thursday night at 8pm Driver was then informed there was a warrant out for his arrest as he placed his personal items on the roof of his car He then attempted to flee from the scene and was tackled by the senior constable. While on the ground, he attempted to shock the officer with what police described as a 'home-made' device similar to a taser. Incredibly, he looked to flee again before he himself was tasered and taken into custody. He is facing charges on multiple offences, including two counts of possess dangerous drugs and one count each of serious assault police, unlawful possession of weapons and obstructing police. He was also charged with possession of a knife in a public place and possess utensils. He was refused bail and appeared in the Maroochydore Magistrates Court on Friday. He will remain in custody until his next court mention on September 3. The officer was not seriously injured in the incident. Ian Benjamin Rogers, 45 Two California men have been charged with plotting to blow up the Democratic Party's headquarters in Sacramento in a bid to overthrow the government following Trump's 2020 election loss. Ian Benjamin Rogers, 45, and Jarrod Copeland, 37, both of the Bay Area, each face multiple charges. They are accused of planning to use explosives in multiple attacks they hoped would spark a movement to overthrow the government. The federal indictment, unsealed Thursday, says the men allegedly threatened to go to 'war' after Trump lost the 2020 election, the Associated Press reported. Rogers and Copeland used different messaging apps after the election to plan attacks on targets they associated with Democrats and they attempted to gain support from an anti-government militia group, the U.S. Attorney's Office said in a statement. Rogers is accused of using an encrypted messaging app to tell Copeland that he would use Molotov cocktails and gasoline to attack Democratic targets, including the Governors Mansion and the Democratic headquarters in Sacramento, gooddaysacramento.com reported. Bombing of the John L. Burton Democratic Headquarters in Sacramento was meant to be the first in a series of politically motivated attacks, prosecutors said. In January, law enforcement officers raided Rogers' home and seized a cache of weapons, including 45 to 50 firearms, thousands of rounds of ammunition, and five pipe bombs Their bombing of the John L. Burton Democratic Headquarters in Sacramento was meant to be the first in a series of politically motivated attacks Pipe bombs, ballistic masks, guns and thousands of bullets are just a few of the things FBI officials say they confiscated from suspected Napa extremist Ian Rogers Rogers and Copeland are accused of using messaging apps to discuss targeting Democratic buildings Authorities raided Rogers' home and seized a cache of weapons, including 45 to 50 firearms Rusty Hicks, chair of the California Democratic Party, called the apparent scheme 'extremely disturbing.' 'We are relieved to know the plot was unsuccessful, the individuals believed to be responsible are in custody, and our staff and volunteers are safe and sound,' Hicks said in a statement. 'Yet, it points to a broader issue of violent extremism that is far too common in today's political discourse.' In January, law enforcement officers raided Rogers' home and seized a cache of weapons, including 45 to 50 firearms, thousands of rounds of ammunition, and five pipe bombs, prosecutors said. Authorities say Rogers was also in possession of a 'White Privilege Card,' which referenced Trump numerous times. The card says 'Trumps Everything' and has the number of '0045' repeated four times like a credit card number, a nod to Trump being the 45th president. It lists the cardholder as being a member since birth and until death. Copeland is accused of attempting to destroy evidence of the plan after Rogers' January arrest. Copeland was arrested Wednesday. The two men texted about their plans. 'I want to blow up a democrat building bad,' Rogers told Copeland, according to the indictment unsealed Thursday in San Francisco federal court. Copeland responded, 'I agree' and 'Plan attack,' the indictment says. Rogers (pictured) and Copeland used multiple messaging apps after the election to plan attacks on targets they associated with Democrats and they attempted to gain support from an anti-government militia group Authorities say Rogers (pictured) was also in possession of a 'White Privilege Card,' which referenced Trump numerous times Rogers also had a 'White Privilege Card,' which referenced former President Trump numerous times In late December 2020, Copeland told Rogers he contacted an anti-government militia group to gather support for their movement. In one exchange, Rogers texted Copeland: 'after the 20th we go to war,' which meant they would initiate acts of violence after President Biden's inauguration on Jan. 20, 2021, the court papers say. Rogers and Copeland each face multiple charges including conspiracy to destroy by fire or explosive a building used or in affecting interstate commerce, prosecutors said. Rogers was charged with possession of unregistered destructive devices, and three counts of possession of machine guns while Copeland is charged with an additional count of destruction of records. Copeland is scheduled to appear in court again July 20 for a detention hearing. According to prosecutors, Copeland was in the military in 2013 then arrested for desertion; he had an "other than honorable" discharge in 2016. Rogers, who owns British Auto Repairs in Napa Valley and has been in custody since his arrest in January, is scheduled to appear in court July 30 for a status conference. If convicted on all charges, each defendant faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, officials said. Advertisement Jeff Bezos was pictured dining with girlfriend Lauren Sanchez at Nobu in Malibu on Wednesday ahead of his Blue Origin spaceflight next week. The Blue Origin founder was spotted wearing aviator sunglasses and a polo shirt tucked into jeans while arriving at the restaurant. Sanchez, who will not be joining Bezos on the spaceflight, was seen wearing a slim white dress with jewelry. Bezos, 57, received approval Monday from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to carry humans on the New Shepard rocket into space on July 20. The company was required to verify the rocket's hardware and software worked safely during a test flight and the FAA confirmed it met regulatory requirements. Jeff Bezos was pictured dining with girlfriend Lauren Sanchez at Nobu in Malibu on Wednesday Bezos was pictured arriving at Nobu, left, with his girlfriend Lauren Sanchez, right, just six days ahead of his Blue Origin launch Bezos was pictured arriving at Nobu with his girlfriend Lauren Sanchez and her children just six days ahead of his Blue Origin launch The Blue Origin founder was spotted wearing aviator sunglasses and a polo shirt tucked into jeans while arriving at the restaurant Lauren Sanchez is seen putting her hands on Bezos as the couple walks into the restaurant Bezos is pictured walking past the restaurant's valet stand after arriving Bezos, 57, received approval Monday from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to carry humans on the New Shepard rocket into space on July 20 Bezos and his girlfriend were pictured arriving at the restaurant Bezos is pictured dining at Nobu with Lauren Sanchez ahead of the Blue Origin launch Bezos was pictured smiling while in conversation at dinner on Wednesday The spaceflight will include Bezos, his brother Mark, aviation pioneer Mary Wallace 'Wally' Funk and three other passengers who are now set to liftoff from West Texas and travel just beyond the edge of space. Funk, 82, is an 'honored guest' as one of the last surviving members of the Mercury 13 mission. The Mercury 13, or First Lady Astronaut Trainees, were a group of 13 female pilots who qualified to go to space but were excluded due to their gender. She will become the oldest person to launch into space and surpass former Senator John Glenn who took a space shuttle flight in 1998 at the age of 77. While in training, Funk scored higher than Glenn - who was one of the Mercury 7 astronauts chosen to fly on Project Mercury in the 1960s - on some astronaut testing. One of the six passengers will be a teen from the Netherlands who will become the youngest astronaut ever and first paying space tourist on a U.S. commercial space flight after his father placed the second place bid for the seat. Oliver Daemen, 18, is the son of financier Joes Daemen, the founder and CEO of Dutch private equity firm Somerset Capital Partners who placed the second place bid. The younger Daemen, a physics student, will join the flight after the anonymous $28 million winning bidder deferred to a later flight due to undisclosed scheduling conflicts, Blue Origin said. Jeff Bezos girlfriend Lauren Sanchez and her kids are seen leaving Nobu after dinner in Malibu Sanchez will not be joining Bezos for the maiden voyage of the Blue Origin flight The spaceflight will include Bezos, his brother Mark, aviation pioneer Mary Wallace 'Wally' Funk and three other passengers Sanchez is pictured with her children leaving the restaurant A Blue Origin spokesperson told DailyMail.com they are not disclosing the price paid for Daemen's seat, but confirmed he participated in the auction. 'He was a participant in the auction and had secured a seat on the second flight,' the spokesperson said via email. 'We moved him up when this seat on the first flight became available.' The company said Daemen 'has been fascinated by space, the Moon and rockets since he was four.' 'I am super excited to go to space,' Daemen said in a video message. 'I've been dreaming about this all my life and I will become the youngest astronaut ever because I'm 18 years old. I am super excited to experience zero G. Daemen is now on his way to Texas, where the launch will take place on Tuesday. 'At 18-years-old and 82-years-young, Oliver Daemen and Wally Funk represent the youngest and oldest astronauts to travel to space,' Blue Origin said in a statement. Blue Origin said on Thursday that 18-year-old physics student Oliver Daemen will take the place of the anonymous bidder to fly to space Joes Daemen, the Dutch financier, paid for the ticket and is letting his son fly in his place GeekWire reported that Oliver graduate from high school last year and took a gap year before continuing working towards his private pilot's license in Spain. He is due to begin a degree in physics and innovation management at the University of Utrecht in September. Pictures on Oliver's Instagram account show him surfing, diving and wakeboarding, as well as posing with Dutch DJ Martin Garrix and Belgian-Dutch Formula One driver Max Verstappen. Oliver's mother, Eline Daemen Dekker, is an ambassador at Somerset Capital Partners Foundation and volunteers with a program to combat loneliness among the elderly. She previously worked as a cabin crew member for KLM for five years. Blue Origin's rocket will launch just over a week after Richard Branson reached the edge of space aboard Virgin Galactic's first fully crewed flight on Sunday. Bezos chose July 20 as the launch date to honor the 52nd anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing. The launch site for Blue Origin's first human flight will be in a remote location north of Van Horn, Texas, where the firm has launched New Shepard for previous flights. Jeff Bezos, founder of Blue Origin, at New Shepard's West Texas launch facility Blue Origin's New Shepard is pictured in a photo New Shepard, which stands 60 feet tall, was specifically designed for Blue Origin's space tourism venture and has successfully completed 15 test launches, with the latest on April 14. The capsule that rides atop New Shepard seats six passengers and is equipped with reclining seats. Each of the seats has a window that are said to the 'the largest to fly into space.' Cameras line the interior, allowing travelers to share their memories that are truly out of this world. The crew is set to travel 62 miles above Earth's surface, where they will experience weightlessness due to the zero gravity and see the curve of the planet with the darkness of space as the backdrop. Funk is an 'honored guest' for the mission, one of the last surviving members of the Mercury 13 mission. At the age of 82, Funk will become the oldest person to launch into space and surpass former Senator John Glenn who took a space shuttle flight in 1998 at the age of 77 Blue Origin's maiden voyage will, however, travel farther than Branson's who reached an altitude of 53.5 miles over the New Mexico desert before gliding safely back to Earth. It is not clear how long they will spend just beyond the edge of space, but Blue Origin has stated in the past that paying customers will spend as much as 10 minutes in zero gravity before returning to Earth. If successful, this mission will put Bezos in the billionaire space race ahead of SpaceX CEO Elon Musk and just behind Branson. However, Musk has secured a seat on Branson's Virgin Galactic for a price rumored to be $250,000. An electrician who removed the genitalia of two men at their request kept some body parts in his home freezer after the amateur surgical procedures. Ryan Andrew King was sought out by the men after advertising castration services although his only medical qualification was an advanced first aid certificate, a Brisbane court heard on Friday. The 28-year-old offered the services through a eunuch website for people interested in the modification of male genitalia. Ryan Andrew King was charged with grievous bodily harm with intent to maim in July 2020 after he cut off a man's testicle at a backpackers in Brisbane Both men wanted the surgery, but it was not available to them in any lawful way, the Brisbane District Court was told. One of the men said the procedure benefited his health and well-being as he had suffered from genitalia dysphoria. 'I am eternally grateful to Ryan for enabling me to enjoy life,' the 65-year-old said in a statement handed to the court. King wasn't paid, but filmed one procedure - with the man's consent - on the basis he could publish the video on the same site. One amateur surgery took place in a motel in Loganholme south of Brisbane in February 2019 when King removed the 65-year-old man's testicle. The pair had met the previous year when King removed his penis and other testicle, but that procedure was performed in Victoria so it is not the subject of charges in Queensland. King performed the second procedure on a 26-year-old Chinese national, who wanted to be gender neutral, in a Brisbane backpackers hostel in July last year. The man flushed the testicle down a toilet - so it could not be retrieved and re-attached - after the one-and-a-half hour surgery. Both men were treated for bleeding in hospital afterwards, but that was part of the plan, the court was told. 'The desire was ... that they be taken by the defendant beyond the point of no return ... so they could not be repaired,' defence barrister Christopher Wilson said. The older man told health authorities at that time he had performed the surgery himself. But the foreign man contacted King to help stem the bleeding after discovering he wasn't eligible for Medicare. King called paramedics and then admitted to police he had performed the surgery. Ryan Andrew King (pictured) met another man online and arranged to meet up with him in person at a backpacker's hostel to perform a bizarre castration fetish fantasy Officers searched King's house finding medical equipment and the older man's genitalia in a freezer. Mr Wilson said at the time of his arrest King was unaware consent did not exonerate him, although that was no defence. 'He has not acted in deliberate defiance of the law,' he added. Judge Richard Jones said a psychiatric report handed to the court described King's history and conditions from which he suffers. 'There was little doubt you had an extremely troubled childhood,' he said. King who had no previous criminal history pleaded guilty to both charges of committing malicious acts with intent. The plea was 'reflective of remorse and no doubt the level of shame' King feels about what he has done, Judge Jones said. Ryan Andrew King offered castration services despite is only medical qualification an advanced first aid certificate But King must have known his actions were against the law. 'You were clearly not authorised or even qualified to perform what you did,' he told King in handing down his sentence. General deterrence was important in sentencing King. 'The message must be sent to people in the community that you cannot do things like this,' Judge Jones added. He sentenced King to three-and-a-half years behind bars, but ordered he be released immediately on probation. King has been in custody since his arrest in July last year. A Sydney tradie who stabbed to death his friend after becoming jealous of him and his ex-partner has been jailed for at least 15 years and nine months. Nathan Chatimba, 34, was found guilty by jury of murdering Peni 'Ben' Apikotoa, who bled to death on a St Clair home doorstep in western Sydney in August 2018, following six stab wounds. Chatimba had not intended to kill his scaffolding colleague and friend 'Benny', but did want to inflict serious bodily harm, Justice Robertson Wright said in the NSW Supreme Court on Friday. Nathan Chatimba (pictured), 34, was found guilty by jury of murdering Peni 'Ben' Apikotoa on Friday That evening Chatimba had been visiting his ex-partner Cassie Sanders, when Mr Apikotoa, who had been drinking at a nearby pub, called her mobile phone. This caused Chatimba to become jealous, and a number of 'angry telephone calls and attempts' followed, Justice Wright said. Mr Apikotoa told friends nearby that he 'believed a female was in trouble and getting beaten up,' and asked to be driven over, having previously intervened in similar circumstances, the court was told. 'He was coming to protect her,' the judge said. Chatimba later told police he picked up a knife off a pile of rubbish near the house, held it 'in a defensive pose hoping to ward off' Mr Apikotoa but 'to his surprise' the man kept advancing in a 'menacing fashion'. However, a neighbour gave evidence that he saw the offender 'charging' at a man in fluoro who was running backwards with his hands up defensively. His blood trailed around wheelie bins towards a nearby home where an ambulance was called, while Chatimba also asked someone to call emergency services. The judge accepted Chatimba had come to appreciate what he had done but did not render any other assistance to his dying friend. His defence submitted that Chatimba had been provoked by Mr Apikotoa's words to the effect 'do you want to have a go,' or 'have a crack' but the judge dismissed any provocation occurred. Cassie Saunders (left) was being assaulted by her ex boyfriend Peni 'Ben' Apikotoa (pictured right) before he was stabbed in the chest by his mate Nathan Chatimba Chatimba's intention to hurt was impulsive, not well thought out and happened over a relatively short period of time, the judge said. Mr Apikotoa was described as a beautiful son and brother, open, gentle, supportive and loyal, and ready to assist someone in need. His unnecessary death in such distressing circumstances had devastated his family. The pair had been friends for some years with Mr Apikotoa assisting Chatimba with work in the scaffolding industry. The Zimbabwean-born Chatimba had experienced a traumatic childhood and suffered from PTSD, the court was told. Victim Mr Apikotoa and his murderer Chatimba had been friends for many years meeting through their work in the scaffolding industry He displayed genuine remorse in letters written to the court and his former friend's family in which he expresses in 'heartfelt terms of sorrow,' about the pain and suffering he has caused. 'It was and still is a regrettable day, for I relive it in my dreams. I struggle to go by daily thinking of what I could have done different,' one letter read. 'I just wish I can go back and change things. My mate would still be here. His family wouldn't be in the room with me like this.' Justice Wright sentenced Chatimba to a maximum term of 21 years in prison. He will first be eligible for parole on May 10, 2034. An upstate New York district attorney's office is facing a lawsuit, after it allegedly shared child pornography images of a teenage influencer as well as footage of her being horrifically murdered. The family of Bianca Davis, 17, is suing the Oneida District Attorney's Office after it released child pornography of Devins to the press in violation of federal law, the federal suit, filed in the Northern District of New York, states. Bianca Devins was found dead in July 2019, after her boyfriend, Brandon Clark, 23, butchered her in his SUV after a concert. The family of Bianca Davis, (left) 17, is suing the Oneida District Attorney's Office after it released child pornography of Devins to the press in violation of federal law, the federal suit, filed in the Northern District of New York, states Bianca Devins was found dead in July 2019, after her boyfriend, Brandon Clark, 23, butchered her in his SUV after a concert Clark slit Devins' throat after he filmed the two having sex, then posted photos of her lifeless body on Instagram where it remained for nearly a day before it was removed. In a Utica court room in February, Clark apologized to the judge, saying that Devins 'didnt deserve what happened to her.' 'I think I need to realize what I did I can't undo, as much as I want to,' Clark said. 'I have to face it.' Clark continued: 'I apologize to all the people that knew and loved her. Clark was later prosecuted by the Oneida District Attorney's Office, which used the videos and images as their primary evidence to prompt a guilty plea from him last year. Clark (pictured) allegedly slit Devins' throat after he filmed the two having sex, then posted photos of her lifeless body on Instagram where it remained for nearly a day before it was removed. Bianca's mother, Kimberly Devins, had continuously been concerned with the gruesome video of her daughter's final moments being released and going viral online, the lawsuit states. Devins later discovered Oneida prosecutors shared the footage with multiple media outlets after they assured her videos would never be released, the suit says. In addition, the DA's office also shared nude images of Bianca taken from her phone after it was seized from the murder scene. 'Our family is forced to live the violence over and over on social media because of what the murderer posted. It's unbearable that the ones who were supposed to protect Bianca the DA's Office are instead engaging in child pornography as if she has no right to privacy,' Kimberly told The New York Post. 'The DA's office has been reckless and casual with who they provide my daughter's private images and last living moments with; meanwhile they refuse to let her own family see the evidence.' In February 2020, Clark entered a plea deal with the understanding he could face 25 years to life behind bars. Clark, whose sentencing was scheduled for April 2020, initially pleaded not guilty. In February, Clark admitted that he 'sliced' Devins' throat multiple times after he witnessed her kissing another man. Bianca's mother, Kimberly Devins, had continuously been concerned with the gruesome video of her daughter's final moments being released and going viral online, the lawsuit states. After Kimberly and her attorney confronted the DA's office about the released footage, they informed her New York's child porn laws didn't apply to Bianca Devins because she was 17 at the time of the murder The DA's office said they didn't release the content pursuant to freedom of information law, which indicates they willingly handed it over, the lawsuit claims. Attorneys for Bianca Devins' estate claim the Oneida DA's office shared the footage to curry favor after they were portrayed negatively in an unrelated case that was the subject of an NBC Dateline feature. 'Upon information and belief, the DA's Office saw the murder of Bianca Devins as the perfect opportunity for redemption in the media, and as a result, courted the press and documentary makers [by] enthusiastically turning over illegal evidence to them that exploited Bianca's privacy and rights, not to mention federal child pornography laws,' the suit alleges. After Kimberly and her attorney confronted the DA's office about the released footage, they informed her New York's child porn laws didn't apply to Bianca Devins because she was 17 at the time of the murder. The DA's office said they had the right to publicize Bianca's nude images and sex video. In addition, Bianca was already a victim of child pornography when she was 15 a crime that sparked Clark's jealousy which supposedly led to her murder. Carrie Goldberg, the attorney representing Bianca Devins' estate, told The Post Oneida prosecutors 'must be held responsible for distributing snuff films and child pornography featuring Bianca.' 'It hurts my heart and confuses my brain that a 17-year-old murder victim would be further abused by authorities who gave no damn about her privacy. Bianca will be vindicated here,' Goldberg, whose law firm focuses on sexual privacy violations, said. The criminal justice system's response to rape allegations 'often lacks focus, clarity and commitment', with a 'blame culture' between police and prosecutors, a bombshell watchdog report has found. A root and branch examination by the HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services and HM Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate identified that there 'needs to be an urgent, profound and fundamental shift in how rape cases are investigated and prosecuted'. In particular, it identified 'finger pointing' and a 'deep division' between agencies over dismal conviction rates. The latest CPS figures for 2019-20 show 1,439 suspects were convicted of rape or lesser offences in England and Wales last year - the lowest level since records began, and down from 1,925 the previous year, despite reports of adult rape to police almost doubling since 2015-16. There are an estimated 128,000 victims of rape and attempted rape a year, but only 1.6 per cent of reported cases result in a charge. The report said: 'At a national level, there is a lot of activity to improve the response to rape. But beneath the surface of these joint structures, we were told of continuing underlying tensions between the police and the CPS, and a desire on both sides to blame the other for low charge and conviction rates.' The criminal justice system's response to rape allegations 'often lacks focus, clarity and commitment', with a 'blame culture' between police and prosecutors, a bombshell watchdog report has found (stock) It added: 'Until this blame culture is eradicated, a real shift in attitudes seems unachievable.' The report also identified a more 'cautious' attitude towards investigating and prosecuting rape cases than other alleged offences. It said: 'While we found examples of effective individuals and teams in every force and CPS area, the criminal justice system's response to rape offences too often lacks focus, clarity and commitment. We also found that it fails to put victims at the heart of building strong cases.' It made a range of recommendations, including a change in how the CPS and police work together, and 'high-quality and consistent wrap-around care for those who report rape'. Her Majesty's Inspector of Constabulary Wendy Williams and HMCPSI deputy chief inspector Anthony Rogers said: 'It is sadly not news to anyone that rape victims are too often denied justice. A root and branch examination by the HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services and HM Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate identified that there 'needs to be an urgent, profound and fundamental shift in how rape cases are investigated and prosecuted' (stock) 'Many initiatives and reviews are in place to improve this, but their success will depend on joint ownership of the problems and the solutions by police and the CPS at national and local levels. 'We found some excellent examples of this - but also evidence of police and prosecutors blaming each other for low prosecution rates, and pointing to different data sets to support their positions. 'Successful cases rely on police and prosecutors working as a team. They must stop this finger pointing and start working together to ensure victims receive better support and justice is served.' The report, which involved 39 interviews and 29 focus groups with police and prosecution staff, as well as reviewing more than 500 case files, highlighted the CPS's insistence on communicating through email 'for case audit purposes', which caused 'frustration' and was 'another example of a barrier to effective communication'. Ms Williams said that funding was also important, but added: 'You can have all the funding available, but if the two agencies continue to work - and I hesitate to say it - in silos, if they can't establish those effective working relationships, that calls for a change in mindset.' The report follows the Government's rape review, published last month, in which it apologised for 'failing' rape victims and set out plans for a 'system and culture change'. Advertisement Congressional Black Caucus chair Joyce Beatty tweeted in defiance after she was arrested by Capitol Police on Thursday afternoon for leading pro-voting rights protesters into a Senate office building. 'You can arrest me. You cant stop me. You cant silence me,' she tweeted. Officers had moved in as Beatty, 71, and a handful of other activists, including Women's March co-founders Linda Sarsour and Tamika Mallory, chanted, 'Fight for justice,' and, 'End the filibuster.' Capitol Police later said they had arrested nine people for 'demonstrating in a prohibited area on Capitol Grounds.' Beatty said her arrest was just the start. 'I stand in solidarity with Black women and allies across the country in defense of our constitutional right to vote,' she said in a statement. 'We have come too far and fought too hard to see everything systematically dismantled and restricted by those who wish to silence us. Be assured that this is just the beginning. This is our Power, our message. Rep Joyce Beatty, chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, has her hands zip-tied behind her back while she continues to shout pro-voting rights slogans in the atrium of the Hart Senate Office Building in Capitol Hill Beatty tweeted in defiance after she was arrested by Capitol Police on Thursday afternoon for leading pro-voting rights protesters into a Senate office building. Beatty is led away as Capitol Police arrest nine protesters in the Hart Senate Office building. 'We will fight for freedom. We will fight for our right to vote,' she wrote before being arrested Before being arrested the protesters chanted, 'Fight for justice,' and 'End the filibuster' The protesters linked arms and chanted as police officers stood by ready to make their move U.S. Capitol Police said they warned the protesters three times to end their demonstration or face arrest It comes as voting rights disputes divide the country between left and right: Republicans are devising tighter restrictions, with ID requirements and limited postal, while former President Trump continues to blame fraud for his defeat - which Democrats see as an attempt to suppress turnout and make it harder for minorities to vote. Beatty laid out her stance in a string of tweets before she was arrested. 'Black women are demanding OUR right to vote! Were marching to the Senate to send a strong message,' she posted before setting off. Then at 3:42pm she added: 'We will not be turned around. We will keep walking.' 'We will fight for freedom. We will fight for our right to vote!' About 20 Black activists joined lawmakers for the protest. Her office earlier said the event was in protest at new laws restricting voting across the country, as well as Republican refusal to consider drafting federal legislation to ensure equal rights and access to the ballot box. 'Fifty-six years after the passage of the Voting Rights Act, Americans right to vote is still under attack as state legislatures work overtime to dilute our power,' she said in a statement. 'So, as chair of the Congressional Black Caucus - but more importantly as a Black woman - I join with the chorus of individuals demanding justice, change, and the guarantee that my vote counts just like everybody elses vote counts.' Last week President Joe Biden condemned attempts by Republican-controlled states to change voting laws, describing them as a 'threat to democracy.' 'This is election subversion,' he said at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia. 'It is the most dangerous threat to voting in the integrity of free and fair elections in our history.' He urged Congress to pass the For the People Act, which bans partisan gerrymandering, makes voting easier and tries to make political donations more transparent. But Democrats argue that the Senate filibuster - which requires at least a 60-vote majority - effectively ties their hands in passing legislation that would protect voting rights in the face of attacks by Republican states. The nationwide split was highlighted this week when Texas Democrats fled the state to deprive Republicans of a quorum, halting progress of a bill they say would restrict voting. The protesters took aim at Senate Republicans and the filibuster, which they say is preventing passage of federal voter protections that would head off states from imposing restrictions Civil rights activist and Women's March co-founder Linda Sarsour is led away by a police officer after being arrested Sarsour was among 20 black women civil rights leaders and lawmakers who made the noisy protest against the filibuster and new laws tightening restrictions on voting U.S. Capitol Police said they arrested two men and nine women during the disturbance. 'After officers arrived on the scene, they warned the demonstrators three times to stop,' police said in a statement Their secret flit prompted Governor Greg Abbott to accuse Biden of 'spreading misinformation' as he defended laws he said would expand early voting hours. 'Biden has a pattern of spreading misinformation & he's at it again today,' he said in a tweet. 'The [Texas Legislature] is passing a law that expands early voting hours & prevents mail-in ballot fraud. Texas is making it easier to vote & harder to cheat. The Texas Senate bill would allow voting from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. an increase of three hours on weekdays and 10 hours on Sundays and would lower the population threshold from 100,000 to 30,000 for counties to open the polling booths for at least 12 hours in the week before Election Day. Mail voters would also be asked to verify their identities with a state ID number or the last four digits of their Social Security number in a bid to get rid of signature verification that accounts for a higher number of rejected ballots. The Texas state senate approved its version of the election reform bill on Tuesday, but the legislation then stalled because the absence of House Democrats meant the two-thirds quorum of of lawmakers could not be achieved. The Texas Democrats say they will stay in Washington D.C. until the current session of the state legislature ends, while Abbott said he will keep calling sessions until the legislation passes. Protesters had their hands zip-tied before being led away. Voting rights are dividing the country along left-right lines Protesters wore 'Protect our voting rights' T-shirts as they made their point in the atrium of the Hart Senate Office Building That leaves a long hot summer of voting rights protests. Among the organizers of Thursday's protests were Tamika Mallory, founder of Unit Freedom, and Dr. Johnetta Cole, chair of the National Council of Negro Women. Before entering the Hart Senate office building, LaTosha Brown, cofounder of Black Voters Matter, said it was wrong that a small group of people in the Senate could impose their will on voters. 'Every day there are decisions being made in this place that are impacting our children, that are impacting our families, that are impacting our community, and you have a responsibility to stand for what it is you believe in,' she told the Black News Channel. In a statement on Thursday, Capitol Police said: 'This afternoon, nine people were arrested for demonstrating in a prohibited area on Capitol Grounds. 'At approximately 3:30pm, the United States Capitol Police responded to the Atrium in the Hart Senate Office Building for reports of illegal demonstration activity. 'After officers arrived on the scene, they warned the demonstrators three times to stop. Those who refused were arrested for D.C. Code 22-1307.' The demonstration was held two days before the one-year anniversary of the death of veteran civil rights campaigner Rep. John Lewis. After her arrest, Beatty reprised one of his most famous expressions by tweeting simply '#goodtrouble.' A record number of Australians were vaccinated against Covid-19 on Thursday, with 175,002 lining up to get jabbed. Almost 2million vaccines have now been administered in July, taking the total to 9.8million across the nation. It means 34.48 per cent of over 16s have had a first dose and 12.95 per cent have had both doses. Teachers and education staff arrive at a new vaccination hub at Prairiewood Youth and Community Centre in Sydney on Friday Speaking after a National Cabinet meeting with state premiers, Mr Morrison said: 'Each month we are seeing the rate of vaccinations increase'. He said the country was on track to offer all over 16s a vaccine by the end of the year. Currently only over 40s are eligible for the Pfizer jab but those under 40 are expected to be offered it in September or October when supplies increase. Under 40s can get the AstraZeneca vaccine now through their GP if they chose. Mr Morrison said the premiers also discussed increasing vaccination rates at weekends by upping the number of GPs and clinics that are open. The leaders also talked about administering more AstraZeneca vaccines in state-run hubs after it the move proved successful in Victoria. The meeting came after Victoria introduced a five-day state-wide lockdown over 24 cases of Covid-19 and locked-down Sydney recorded another 97 cases, taking its outbreak total to 1,026. Sydney residents are enduring their third week of lockdown with at least another two to go Mr Morrison urged Australians to follow the stay at home orders to help get lockdowns over as soon as possible. 'The target here is to reduce as far as possible to zero the cases that are infectious in the community,' he said. The Prime Minister said Australia would continue to seek answers on how the pandemic began after the boss of the World Health Organisation said a leak from a high-security laboratory in Wuhan, China couldn't be ruled out. 'Australia has always wanted to know for the purpose of world health,' Mr Morrison said. 'There's no politics in this. What happened and how can we prevent it from happening again?' Mr Morrison said he doesn't 'have a view either way' about whether the virus came from the lab or spawned in animals in the wild. 'I'm not in a position to make that judgement,' he said. 'The world needs answers to this and the world deserves answers to this... and Australia will continue to ask to get those answers.' The Chinese government has said that attempts to link the origins of Covid-19 to a lab are politically motivated and has suggested the outbreak started abroad. At WHO's annual meeting of health ministers in the spring, China said that the future search for Covid-19's origins should take place in other countries. This aerial view shows the P4 laboratory on the campus of the Wuhan Institute of Virology in Wuhan in China's central Hubei province. It is not known if the virus leaked from the lab Most scientists suspect that the coronavirus originated in bats, but the exact route by which it first jumped into people - via an intermediary animal or in some other way - has not yet been determined. It typically takes decades to narrow down the natural source of an animal virus like Ebola or SARS. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that 'checking what happened, especially in our labs, is important' to nailing down if the pandemic had any laboratory links. 'We need information, direct information on what the situation of this lab was before and at the start of the pandemic,' the WHO chief said, adding that China's cooperation was critical. 'If we get full information, we can exclude (the lab connection).' Tonight Mr Morrison will dial into a video call with Pacific leaders to talk about Covid and regional security. US President Joe Biden, his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and Russian President Vladimir Putin will be on the call. New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern will chair the meeting Friday of the 21-member Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum. Ministers are considering whether to put France on the UK's red travel list in what would be a massive blow for UK holidaymakers. The move would force Brits returning from or transiting through the country into mandatory hotel quarantine on their return, even after July 19. Scientists are currently reviewing data from across the channel amid a surge in the South African or beta variant of the disease. France is currently on the UK amber list, meaning that from Monday, double-jabbed Brits would be allowed to holiday there without having to isolate on their return. But that would not apply to travel to red list countries, which currently include India, Pakistan, Brazil and Turkey. The summer holiday plans of thousands lie in ruins this morning, with people cancelling their planned trips to the Balearic Islands after they were axed from the green list while the cost of flights back from Ibiza, Majorca and Menorca soared nine-fold after last night's announcement The move would force Brits returning from or transiting through the country into mandatory hotel quarantine on their return, even after July 19. Pictured: La Bouillabaisse beach in San Tropez Pingdemic app will not be scrapped - minister The NHS Covid app will not be scrapped despite creating a pingdemic that has left factories on the bring of closure and forced hospitals to ask medics to cancel holidays because of a chronic lack of staff. Minister Lucy Frazer admitted the Government recognises the 'significant impact' it is having, but said it remained an 'important tool' in the fight against Covid-19. The Solicitor General's comments came after more than half a million users in England and Wales received an alert in the seven days to July 7, the highest seven-day total since data was first published in January. Last night a senior union leader said the epidemic of self-isolation could force factories to close from today. Unite's Steve Bush told Newsnight: 'I believe we're hours not days or weeks away from our first temporary closure of sites.' And the Meat Processors Association chief executive said abattoirs would have to 'rationalise' product lines, stopping those requiring the most butchery, in order to keep food on shelves. Nick Allen told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'We were struggling with skilled labour anyway, and now on top of this you have got them being pinged and told to stay at home for 10 days. 'So it's quite a critical point and it is not really a numbers game. It's if you get critical people in the production line pinged and having to stay at home that can cause as much of a problem as sheer numbers.' But Ms Frazer said firms would have to wait until August 16 for the isolation requirement to go. 'It (the app) is an important tool because it is important that you do isolate if you do come into contact (with a positive case), but I know this is something the Government is looking at,' she told Sky News. 'In addition to the changes in mid-August, the Government is also carrying out a number of pilots to see whether instead of isolating when you get pinged, you could take a test. 'The Government is looking at this very carefully, recognising the significant impact this is having on businesses.' Advertisement The Telegraph reported that the move was discussed at a meeting this week that saw the Balearic Islands moved from the green to amber list. Scientists have been ordered to take a 'deep dive' into data from France before such a serious decision can be taken. A decision could be taken as early as Monday. But Boris Johnson has previously refused to red list France due to the high level of cross-Channel goods traffic that could potentially be disrupted. Yesterday air industry bosses today blasted the Government's 'on and off again' decision-making after Ibiza, Majorca and Menorca were axed from the green list, despite having lower Covid rates than the UK. The move by Transport Secretary Grant Shapps to demote the Balearic Islands to the amber list of foreign destinations on Wednesday sparked fury from travel experts, MPs and holidaymakers. EasyJet CEO Johan Lundgren accused ministers of a 'double standard where (foreign) travel is treated differently to the domestic economy'. Pointing out that Covid cases in the UK are rising while most of Europe's remain lower, he added: 'We cannot understand why the Government is going to allow people to go to a nightclub - without a mask or social distancing - and yet is not comfortable with people going to the beaches of Europe, where the infection rates are lower than in the UK.' Jet2 CEO Steve Heapy told BBC Radio 4's Today programme he did not understand the decision to axe the Balearic Islands from the green list - calling the move 'disappointing'. Henry Smith, Tory chairman of the All-Party Future of Aviation Group, said the move is 'creating huge uncertainty in the sector and for the millions of people desperate for a summer holiday' as he slammed what he called on again, off again' decision-making. Speaking to MailOnline, he warned of a jobs bloodbath in the autumn, arguing that the move to strike popular holiday destinations off the so-called green list 'is likely to create huge trouble for the industry, and could lead to significant unemployment in the coming weeks and months'. It came as it was revealed holidaymakers are facing a 'shambolic' lottery when choosing Government-approved coronavirus tests with travellers telling of lengthy delays, appalling customer service and high prices. A Daily Mail analysis of 15 firms found that, in some cases, true prices were up to three times more expensive than stated on the Government website. And one company even charged up to 525 for a single bespoke test service. Dozens of firms were also attacked in customer reviews, with travellers demanding some be 'shut down' due to tests being delayed or not arriving at all. At least four companies were only incorporated within the last 12 months, according to Companies House records, raising concerns about their suitability to meet growing demand. And two listed their headquarters as 'virtual' office spaces meaning none of their staff are physically based there in affluent areas of London and other cities. Last night, Labour MP Ben Bradshaw, who sits on the Commons transport committee, described the Government's traffic light system for travel as an 'expensive mess'. 'The UK Government maintains a hideously complex and expensive system of testing and quarantine, which is a nightmare for the public and a cash cow for unscrupulous testing companies,' he said. 'This is needlessly destroying thousands more British jobs in the travel sector.' Currently, passengers arriving into England from amber countries must take a Covid-19 test before travel and book tests for days two and eight of a ten-day quarantine on arrival. These rules will continue for arrivals not yet fully vaccinated. But, from Monday, double-jabbed Britons will only be required to take two tests one pre-return and another post-arrival by day two and will not have to quarantine. Passengers travelling into the country from green list destinations must take a Covid test before travelling and then another on or before day two of arrival. The Mail looked at private firms recommended by the Government offering 'day two' test kits. Prices range from a 2.49 'self-swab' from 1010 Labs to a 525 test from Harley Street Dr, which is administered by a professional at a place of the customer's choosing. Another firm, 123tests.co.uk, is listed as offering green list home testing kits for 26. The only 'day two' testing kits available yesterday were priced at 75. And the company, which was only incorporated in February, has been blasted by customers with one review on Wednesday saying that a day two test had still not arrived by the eighth day of quarantine. 'I don't know how they are on a Government website but they should be taken off and shut down,' the reviewer added. Similarly, Expert Medicals, which offers a home testing kit for 28, was rated as 'bad' by 87 per cent of its Trustpilot reviews. Tim Alderslade, CEO of trade body Airlines UK, has called on ministers to 'get a grip'. And Labour transport spokesman Jim McMahon blasted the fiasco as 'nothing short of shambolic'. He added: 'People are having to fork out for seemingly substandard tests from private companies and the Transport Secretary appears to have no idea what is actually available.' It comes amid further travel confusion for Croatia and Bulgaria, which will be upgraded to the green list from Monday. But yesterday the Foreign Office was still advising against 'nonessential' trips to both countries. Chris Whitty warns Britain could be forced to consider new lockdown within weeks as UK records 63 deaths in highest daily toll since MARCH and cases soar, especially in Englishmen after Euros Britain could 'get into trouble again surprisingly fast' and be forced into another lockdown within weeks, Chris Whitty warned last night as deaths surged to their highest daily toll since March. The chief medical officer warned doctors across the country could soon be faced with 'scary numbers again' and that more people could be fighting the disease in hospital 'in five, six, seven, eight weeks' time'. England's chief medical officer told an event at the Science Museum: 'Of course, if we get into a situation where it is unacceptable and we do need to put back further restrictions, then that of course is something the Government will look at.' Professor Whitty said the vaccine roll out which has got at least one dose to nearly nine in ten Britons had put the country in 'much better shape' than last year. However, he warned there was still the risk of jab-dodging variants emerging that could take the UK 'some of the way backwards'. Professor Whitty added the country was 'not by any means out of the woods yet'. But Solicitor General Lucy Frazer said today it was still the right time to unlock, although further restrictions could be put in place 'if we get into a situation where [the daily figures] are unacceptable'. Britain yesterday registered another 63 deaths from the virus in the highest daily toll since March, with the nation moving closer to breaching the 50,000 daily infections barrier. Experts have warned the easing of restrictions is to blame for the rise and some have said Euro 2020 is behind the surge. Public Health England data yesterday showed 10,267 more young men than women were infected over the last two weeks, with the gender gap having widened since the football tournament kicked off. Cases have remained roughly the same between men and women throughout the pandemic. But they began to diverge after June 13, when England beat Croatia 1-0 in their first match. England is set to lift most remaining restrictions after 'Freedom Day' on July 19, in the final stage of Boris Johnson's roadmap out of lockdown. The Prime Minister has said the easings are 'irreversible', but this week he sounded a more cautious note calling on people not to 'go wild' when measures are eased next week. Professor Chris Whitty has warned that England could be plunged into another lockdown amid a surge in cases across the nation Public Health England data showed 10,267 more young men than women were infected over the last two weeks, with the gender gap having widened since the tournament kicked off Slide me More than nine in ten areas across England saw their Covid infections rise last week. But in many places this surge was slower than during the previous seven-day period Spiralling Covid cases come after fans clumped together to watch the Euros at Wembley Stadium (above) where they were pictured without masks and with scant regard for social distancing, and in pubs and homes across the country Professor Whitty said: 'Currently this epidemic is doubling. It's doubling in cases. It is also doubling in people going to hospital, and it's doubling in deaths.' 'We've still got over 2,000 people in hospital, and that number is increasing. If we double from 2,000 to 4,000, from 4,000 to 8,000, to 8,000 and so on, it doesn't take many doubling times till you're into very very large numbers indeed.' He continued: 'I don't think we should underestimate the fact that we could get into trouble again surprisingly fast. We are not by any means out of the woods yet on this, we are in much better shape due to the vaccine programme, and drugs and a variety of other things. 'But this has got a long way to run in the UK, and it's got even further to run globally.' Professor Whitty said the key on July 19, the nation's 'Freedom Day', was 'to take things incredibly slowly', adding that he fully expected most people to continue to take precautions. 'If you look over what people have done, and in fact if you look at what people intend to do now, people have been incredibly good at saying, ''I may be a relatively low risk, but people around me are at high risk, and I'm going to modify my behaviours'',' he said. The chief medical officer added that in the medium term, the virus could mutate into a 'vaccine escape variant' that could take the UK 'some of the way backwards' into the worst days of the pandemic. He said: 'The further out in time we go, the more tools we have at our disposal from science, the less likely that is but you can never take that possibility completely off the table. But you know, science has done a phenomenal job so far and it will continue to do so.' He added that people should not be 'mesmerised' by the anti-vaxx and anti-lockdown movements. 'Although people who think this is not a big problem and make a lot of noise and get on quite a lot of news channels, actually they are a very, very small minority of the population,' he said. Ms Frazer told Sky News it was the right time to ease restrictions, although these could be put back into place later. 'I think the Health Secretary has been very clear, as has the Prime Minister, that we will see infections rise,' she said. 'But the reason why restrictions are being taken away is because of the vaccination programme, which will protect people when those infections do rise. 'Of course, if we get into a situation where it is unacceptable and we do need to put back further restrictions, then that of course is something the Government will look at. 'But we are going into the summer, a large number of people have been vaccinated, we've had a really tough time, we're still asking people to take responsibility and we do need to ask ourselves, if we don't open up now, when will we be able to open up?' Some scientists have already blamed the football tournament for driving a ferocious surge in cases, after people crowded together in pubs and homes to watch the matches and tens of thousands of fans packed inside Wembley for England's six home games in London. Experts have also speculated England's cases could start to fall after the national team's dramatic defeat to Italy on penalties in the final last Sunday. Scotland saw its outbreak start to fall when it crashed out of the competition early. PHE's weekly surveillance report also revealed cases are now at their highest levels since the pandemic began among teenagers, who are likely to have only had one dose of the vaccine. Rates were highest in the North East and Yorkshire, which have become the biggest hotspots for the Indian variant since the third wave took off. Separate data from Test and Trace showed infections surged 43 per cent last week after another 194,005 people tested positive for the virus. And Britain today recorded another 48,553 Covid cases in the biggest daily surge since January. There were also another 63 deaths, the most since March. Despite the daily metrics pointing towards a growing epidemic, one surveillance study today suggested the third wave may have already peaked. King's College London scientists behind the symptom study estimated 33,118 people were catching the virus daily in the week ending July 10, compared to 33,723 in the previous seven-day spell. Professor Tim Spector, who leads the study, said infections may now be beginning to 'plateau' but the rate of decline was slower than during the second wave. The study also found almost half of all cases are now among people who have received at least one dose of the Covid vaccine, which Professor Spector said may have happened because the virus was 'running out' of un-vaccinated people without previous immunity to infect. This does not mean the jabs do not work. Scientists have always been honest that they are not perfect and millions will still be vulnerable to infection even after getting both doses. It comes after a study last night suggested elderly Brits given AstraZeneca's vaccine are less likely to have Covid antibodies than those who had Pfizer's. Rigorous trials also showed the British-made jab was slightly weaker. Two regions of England are recording their highest rate of new Covid-19 cases since comparable figures began in summer 2020, when mass testing was first introduced across the UK. The North East recorded 835.8 cases per 100,000 people in the week to July 11, while Yorkshire and the Humber recorded 462.7 per 100,000, according to the latest Covid-19 surveillance report from PHE. All other regions are recording their highest rate since January. Case rates are also rising for all age groups, with 20 to 29-year-olds recording the highest rate of 747.3 cases per 100,000 people. It is the highest rate for this age group since the week to January 10. Both five to nine-year-olds (297.3 cases per 100,000) and 10 to 19-year-olds (729.1) are recording their highest rates since comparable figures began. The Eiffel Tower has reopened to visitors today for the first time in nine months following its longest closure since World War II due to the coronavirus pandemic. The lifts of the 'Iron Lady' are set to whir back into life, transporting tourists to its 1,000-foot summit, ending a long period of inactivity caused by the pandemic. The world's most-visited paid monument, which attracts some 7 million tourists each year, will be accepting visitors on a limited basis. The world's most-visited paid monument, which attracts some 7 million tourists each year, will be accepting visitors on a limited basis Daily capacity is set to be restricted to 13,000 people, however, about half of the normal level, in order to respect social distancing. And from Wednesday next week, visitors will need to show either proof of vaccination or a negative test, in line with recent government-imposed requirements. 'Obviously it's an additional operational complication, but it's manageable,' the head of the operating company, Jean-Francois Martins, told AFP. After a final round of safety checks by staff, he announced that the 'lady is ready'. Early reservations for tickets during the summer holiday period underline how the tourism industry in Paris has changed due to travel restrictions. Martins said there was an 'almost total absence' of British ticket holders, while only 15 percent were Americans and very few are from Asia. The Eiffel Tower has reopened to visitors for the first time in nine months following its longest closure since World War II due to the coronavirus pandemic Half of visitors are expected to be French, while Italians and Spanish make up a higher proportion than usual. The long closure has caused havoc with the finances of the operating company, Sete, which runs the monument on behalf of Paris city authorities. It is set to seek additional government aid and a fresh 60-million-euro cash injection to stay afloat, having seen its revenues fall by 75 percent to 25 million euros in 2020. The masterpiece by architect Gustave Eiffel has also been hit by problems linked to its latest paint job, the 20th time it has been repainted since its construction in 1889. Work was halted in February because of high levels of lead detected on the site, which poses a health risk to labourers. Tests are still underway and painting is set to resume only in the autumn, meaning a part of the facade is obscured by scaffolding and safety nets. A Melbourne based food blog reportedly asked the regional Victorian restaurant for free meals An Instagram influencer has reportedly asked a lockdown-hit restaurant in Victoria for free food in exchange for social media posts. A screenshot shared on Friday afternoon by The Australian appears to show messages from secreteatsmelbourne to Gippsland-based restaurant Farmer's Daughters. 'We would love to collaborate with you,' the message from secreteatsmelbourne says. The restaurant then asks what exactly they mean by collaborate - to which secreteatsmelbourne gives an astonishingly blunt response. 'We usually exchange a post and story for a meal for two,' they wrote. The restaurant then replied explaining Victoria had gone into lockdown and they felt being asked for free meals was not appropriate. 'Thanks for reaching out but we literally just went into lockdown 5.0 at the time you sent the message. More than happy for you to book a table and dine with us but it's not the right time to be asking a restaurant in Melbourne for contra.' People commenting on the message exchange said the offer was disrespectful to the state's struggling hospitality industry. 'The cheek of this,' one person wrote. 'These people make me cringe,' another said. 'This happens to us regularly. It's a shame some of these influencers are only thinking of themselves,' one restaurant added. A previous post on secreteatsmelbourne's page - which has more than 12,100 followers - encourages people to buy from small businesses to support them. The exchange shared on Instagram on Friday was reportedly between secreteatsmelbourne and the Farmer's Daughters restaurant in Gippsland (pictured) Other restaurants such as the Sparrow's Nest said the practice was common in the industry and they were constantly asked for favours by influencers (pictured: one of their meals) Victoria recorded 10 new COVID-19 cases on Friday, the first day of a statewide five-day lockdown, including four infections previously reported. There are now 26 cases associated with the outbreak, which originated in NSW. The new cases include a man in his 20s from Point Cook, who attended an AFL match between Carlton and Geelong at the MCG on Saturday and was seated in the MCC Members' Reserve. Victorians who have lost work due to the lockdown will be eligible for weekly payments, jointly funded by the state and Commonwealth governments. Hard hit business particularly in the hospitality sector will also be eligible for government assistance. Two posts which appeared on the Instagram account for secreteatsmelbourne with one urging followers to support small business and another asking for restaurants that 'want a shout out' Some 90,000 businesses and sole traders that received support during the fourth lockdown last month will be automatically eligible for state government payments of $2000 or $3000. The rules applied during last month's lockdown were reimposed overnight, including the five reasons to leave home, a 5km travel limit for exercise and shopping and compulsory mask-wearing indoors and outdoors. Daily Mail Australia has contacted secreteatsmelbourne for comment. ** Has your business been hit by the 'pingdemic'? Email: tips@dailymail.com ** Advertisement Factories are now on the verge of shutting and small businesses have already been forced to close because so many workers are having to self isolate across Britain in the 'pingdemic'. Nearly 900,000 alerts telling people to quarantine were issued in the first week of this month alone after contact with a coronavirus victim. It is causing chaos for families and firms, prompting business leaders to demand changes on the NHS Covid-19 app to avoid a 'self-inflicted economic wound'. In retail and hospitality a third of staff are self-isolating in the worst-hit areas, forcing thousands of venues to shut. People are pinged by the app and told to self-isolate for ten days after coming into contact with an infected person. There is no legal requirement to self-isolate if pinged by the app - however, it is illegal to disobey an order to self-isolate in a phone call from NHS Test and Trace. Marie Peacock (left), chief executive at Yorkshire's Brain Tumour Charity in Leeds; and Amy Baker (right), who owns a beauty salon in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, have both been speaking to MailOnline about the problems caused by the app Test and Trace system is 'woefully inadequate' with small businesses suffering 'crippling' effects, says consultant An HR and training consultant blasted the Test and Trace system as 'woefully inadequate' saying that for many small businesses - especially in the hospitality, events and retail sectors - it is 'crippling'. Kate Underwood, who runs an HR and training consultancy firm in Southampton Kate Underwood, who runs the Kate Underwood HR and Training consultancy in Southampton, said some of her small business clients 'could have more than 75 per cent of their staff off at a time that when they need to be pulling out all the stops and starting to recover financially from this pandemic'. She told MailOnline today: 'I have been asked advice on what to do from many clients and my advice is still the same - use common sense - talk to your teams and get them to make the decision on whether to trust the app. Put in extra Health and Safety measures yourself like doing a lateral flow test prior to any shift. 'From working in hospitality for 15 years, the passion from those that work in the industry is starting to get frazzled - they have been on furlough for months, now they get pinged to say they can't work and furlough payments have dropped.' Advertisement Plans to make the NHS Covid app less sensitive, meaning fewer people would be pinged, have been delayed as concerns mount over rising infection rates. And businesses around Britain have today been revealing the problems caused by the 'pingdemic'. The boss of a brain tumour charity in West Yorkshire told MailOnline today how the 'pingdemic' was causing the organisation a 'real headache'. Marie Peacock, chief executive at Yorkshire's Brain Tumour Charity in Leeds, said: 'Our fundraising income has been decimated and we are just starting to see some opportunities to begin to bring in the money we need to keep our support going, and guess what? The pings are going bonkers.' She said the charity was attending the Great Yorkshire Show over four days this week, but lost half of their planned staff and volunteer cover due to self-isolation, even though they were testing daily and were showing no signs of symptoms.' Ms Peacock added: 'I have had to move work and resources around, close our charity shop and try to cover the best way possible. 'It is costing the charity additional time and money that we can ill afford. I will always support and encourage my team to follow the advice, but have to admit the app has been deleted from my phone.' An HR and training consultant blasted the Test and Trace system as 'woefully inadequate' saying that for many small businesses - especially in the hospitality, events and retail sectors - it is 'crippling'. Kate Underwood, who runs the Kate Underwood HR and Training consultancy in Southampton, said some of her small business clients 'could have more than 75 per cent of their staff off at a time that when they need to be pulling out all the stops and starting to recover financially from this pandemic'. She told MailOnline today: 'I have been asked advice on what to do from many clients and my advice is still the same - use common sense - talk to your teams and get them to make the decision on whether to trust the app. Put in extra Health and Safety measures yourself like doing a lateral flow test prior to any shift. 'From working in hospitality for 15 years, the passion from those that work in the industry is starting to get frazzled - they have been on furlough for months, now they get pinged to say they can't work and furlough payments have dropped.' Timpson's founder Sir John Timpson (left) and Imran Hussain (right), director of Harmony Financial Services mortage advisory firm , have also told of the problems with the system Rolls-Royce boss Torsten Muller-Otvos said a complete shutdown of operations at its factories could not be ruled out Businesses across the country are 'only one ping away from a whole world of financial pain', says independent coffee firm owner The co-founder of a coffee business told MailOnline that businesses across the country were 'only one ping away from a whole world of financial pain'. Craig Bunting, co-founder of BEAR in Derby Craig Bunting, co-founder of BEAR, a Derby-based independent coffee brand which has five stores in the UK, said not legalising the isolation requirements from the Test and Trace app 'shows that the Government doesn't trust its own technology and systems, so why should we, as small business owners?' He added: 'We have stores that have closed, meaning lost revenue, and others on a permanent knife edge. You're only one ping away from a whole world of financial pain. 'Despite this, and as much as I might personally want to, we don't advise our staff to ignore the app, as we have a duty of care and responsibility as a brand to follow the guidance. 'We see evidence that more staff are making their own decision to remove the app or turn off contract tracing altogether. As a result, the Government are losing or have already lost the trust of the public.' Advertisement Meanwhile, the owner of a beauty salon said she has suffered from having to self-isolate when her children 'have the slightest cough'. Amy Baker, who owns and runs Halo Beauty and Holistic Therapy in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, said she and her husband have both had hospital appointments and surgical procedures over the past year - each time having to have a Covid test 72 hours prior to the procedure, along with all the household. And she told MailOnline: 'If my children have the slightest cough, they too have had to take a Covid test and again (that) has meant that I have also had to isolate with them. 'Unfortunately because these are not informed by the app and because we get child tax credits via Universal Credit, we are not eligible to receive the 500 isolation payment. 'Being self-employed in the beauty industry in the 72 hours I have lost income massively due to this. If I started getting constant track and trace pings and have to cancel people's appointments, I fear I could lose customers.' The director of a mortgage advisory company criticised the NHS app as a 'disaster pretty much from the start' and said trust from the public is 'paper thin'. Imran Hussain, from Harmony Financial Services in Nottingham, told MailOnline: 'The Government not legislating that isolation is necessary if pinged does show a lack of faith from the Government in its own app, which has cost however many millions to create. 'We don't ever advise our team to ignore the app if pinged; as easy as it may be, I feel we have a responsibility to ensure we follow the guidance so we can all return to some normality as soon as possible. There's no doubt that trust from the public is paper thin currently.' As for bigger businesses, the chief executive of Rolls-Royce said the car maker was on the 'edge of a critical situation' after a large proportion of his UK staff were told to self-isolate. Torsten Muller-Otvos said a complete shutdown of operations at its factories could not be ruled out, telling the Daily Telegraph: 'Cases have gone through the roof and it is causing havoc.' He declined to say how many of its staff had been pinged by the NHS Covid-19 app, but told how the company is now looking at having to combine staff from both shifts into a single shift. NHS England data showed a record 520,000 alerts were sent by the app last week, telling people they had been in close contact with someone who tested positive And the number of alerts sent out in relation to venues also more than doubled in seven days 'I'm livid', says brewery owner who has six of his pubs shut due to staff shortages as he blasts Test and Trace as a 'joke' William Lees-Jones, the owner of J.W. Lees, a brewery and pub chain, currently has six of his 150 pubs shut because of staff shortages. William Lees-Jones, the owner of J.W. Lees He said: 'I'm livid. It is frustrating at a time when we're trying to recover. It's one thing after another. Test and Trace has been a joke since it launched.' The Manchester-based chain which was founded in 1828 has 42 managed pubs, inns and hotels - and also lets a further 105 venues to its pub partners. At the start of July, Mr Lees-Jones said the number of his staff being asked to self-isolate by the NHS app had tripled in the previous few weeks from about 20 to more than 60. He said most were not ill or did not test positive for Covid-19. Mr Lees-Jones has described Test and Trace as a 'nightmare' and is furious at how it appears hundreds of thousands of people are having to isolate despite not being ill. Advertisement It comes after the firm said it had been 'religious' about social distancing in its factories during the pandemic. The company has more than 22,000 employees across seven sites in the UK, in Bristol, Rotherham, Birmingham, Derby, Nottingham, Washington in Tyne and Wear and Inchinnan in Scotland. The Timpson's shoe repairs business has been badly affected by the 'pingdemic,' with more than 100 staff forced to isolate by the Test and Trace app. Sir John Timpson, founder and owner of the chain, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme earlier this week: 'We are 140 people down... many due to isolation, which is people who have got to be home to look after children or people forced to isolate due to the Test and Trace app.' The firm, which also runs three gastro pubs and restaurants in north Wales, also lost around 10,000-a-day when one - the Oyster Catcher, in Anglesey - was forced to close for similar reasons. Sir John added: 'We have three busy pubs and, one of those on Anglesey, we had 24 people isolating. We had to shut the pub, costing us 10,000 a day in turn over, the pub was shut for 10 days, it's a real problem.' His son, James, apologised for 'a dip in the level of service' in their shops. 'Like many schools and businesses, we are struggling because so many colleagues are isolating after being 'pinged' by Test and Trace,' he said. 'We also have 120 colleagues who have had to stay at home to care for children sent home from school.' Meanwhile car manufacturer Nissan is among the larger businesses hit by the 'pingdemic', with up to 900 staff at its plant in Sunderland said to be self-isolating. The Japanese company, which employs 6,000 people at the major UK site, has had to make changes to how its factory is run due to the high number of employees being pinged by the app. A Nissan spokesman said: 'Production in certain areas of the plant has been adjusted as we manage a number of staff being required to self-isolate following close contact with Covid-19. 'The wellbeing of our team is our number one priority and we remain confident in the rigorous safety controls we have on site.' ** Has your business been hit by the 'pingdemic'? Email: tips@dailymail.com ** Giles Coren was left fuming after police closed the case on his stolen 65,000 eco-Jag after just 47 minutes - forcing him to get on his 'b*****d' bike to try and find it using the car's tracking system for the second time in just three months. The TV presenter, 51, shared his north London ride from Kentish Town to Camden with Twitter followers last night after the vehicles maker Jaguar Land Rover informed him of the location it was last 'pinged' near his home. But the furious columnist failed to find his vehicle when he eventually arrived. This is now the second time the journalist has been forced to turn detective after his beloved Jaguar I-Pace was stolen from outside his home in April. At the time, the Met Police were similarly as reluctant to help, telling him they didn't have the 'manpower to investigate'. In April, Coren was able to reunite with his stolen car after it was spotted abandoned in Highgate. However now, just three months later, he has suffered the same fate despite following instructions from the manufacturer and paying out 3,000 for a new tracking system. His frustration was then compounded when he received an email from police - just 47 minutes after he was given a crime reference number and told the theft would be investigated - that the case had been closed. The force told MailOnline there were no witnesses and a lack of CCTV in the area, meaning they had to 'prioritise our resources to be able to cope with the demand'. Mr Coren then claimed to have 'tricked' an officer into revealing the location of the car after it was still pinging a signal somewhere in Camden. Despite apparently being warned not to go hunting for the car for his own safety, the food critic decided to jump on his bike last night in a desperate attempt to track it down. He told followers in a video: 'Heading off now, down into Camden to the housing estate where the car was last pinged. It's probably been stashed in the car park there. 'I'm travelling on my bicycle with the added incentive of course that if I don't find my f***ing car, I'm going to be travelling around on this b*****d for the rest of my life.' The food critic told MailOnline today he didn't have any joy when he got to the housing estate and that he was trying to arrange a hire car so he and his family can get around. Jaguar Land Rover has been approached for comment on its tracking system. The food critic told MailOnline he was trying to arrange a hire car so he and his family can get around after his vehicle (pictured) was stolen Despite apparently being warned not to go hunting for the car for his own safety, the food critic decided to jump on his bike last night in a desperate attempt to track it down His frustration was compounded when he received an email from police - just 47 minutes after he was given a crime reference number and told the theft would be investigated - that the case had been closed Keyless car thefts and how to prevent them Keyless theft, also known as 'relay theft' occurs when a device is used to fool the car into thinking the key is close by. This unlocks the car and allows the ignition to be started. Police warn that every make and model of car which can start 'keylessly' is susceptible to a relay attack. While this might put drivers on edge, there are easy steps you can take to stop you becoming the next victim of a relay theft. Certain metals are capable of blocking key signals, which means if you store your fob with one of these metals around it, criminals won't be able to pick them up and steal your vehicle. The most simple and most ingenious is a metal can. The aluminum in a drinks can will stop radio signals being transmitted from your key and stop burglars in their tracks. Some experts have suggested keeping your keys in the fridge, as the material on the inside will block signals too. If you're looking for a low-cost option, some people wrap their fobs in tin foil - although this isn't endorsed by security firms. Keeping your keys in a small metal box however can work efficiently. Special faraday pouches cheap wallets which shield the key's radio signal from being transmitted are also useful for storing your keys when you're away from home - in motorway service stations and public car parks. Experts also encourage drivers to keep them at least 5m away from their front door, to give thieves the worst chance of being able to relay a signal. But some security specialists advise against hiding your car keys too obscurely in your house because if serious criminals truly want to steal your car, they will break in and do anything to find the keys. Physical barriers such as steering wheel locks and even wheel clamps are all suggested as additional safety measures. Advertisement Mr Coren said: 'It was nicked from outside my house again. 'This time I had the keys in lead boxes and everything as I was supposed to make it impossible to steal the signal. 'Then I woke up this morning and saw the tracking company had texted to say it had been nicked. 'Apparently police followed the signal to a location given them by the tracker but there was no car. So case closed. 'There's so little point in these trackers. Last time it was nicked they just tore it out and when I found it I had to pay 3K for a new one - and new keys - because you can't have the car without the built in tracker. 'But it literally does nothing to inconvenience the thieves or make the car easier to retrieve. 'It's a massive pain in the a***.' Mr Coren furiously shared emails, seemingly from the Met, with followers last night, claiming that the case had been closed, just 47 minutes after he received a crime reference number and a pledge to investigate the theft. The message read: 'An investigator from the Metropolitan Police has looked carefully at your case and we are sorry to say that, with the evidence and leads available, it is unlikely that it will be possible to identify those responsible. We have therefore closed this case.' A Met Police spokesman said: 'Police were called at approximately 07:47hrs to reports of the theft of a motor vehicle on Lady Somerset Road, NW5. 'Police were given a location from the Tracking Company and officers were deployed to search the area. Unfortunately, at that time there was no trace of the vehicle. 'Investigating officers confirmed with the victim that there is no CCTV at the venue where the vehicle was stolen from and no witnesses. Enquiries with the local authority also confirm the lack of CCTV in the area. 'Following the enquiries made by officers, the initial decision was made to close the case until further investigative opportunities become available. 'A report has been placed on the Police National Computer so the vehicle registration will be picked up on automatic number plate recognition cameras on the streets and in police vehicles. 'Officers are always expected to pursue every viable line of enquiry when handling a crime report. 'This will often include taking witness statements, and making CCTV and community enquiries and identifying forensic opportunities where appropriate. 'However, in some cases there may not be the evidence available to identify or prosecute a suspect. 'There have been no arrests. If further lines of enquiry come to light the report will be reopened. 'We must prioritise our resources to be able to cope with the demand so our officers are available to respond to incidents and continue to keep the public safe.' It comes just three months after Mr Coren documented his hunt for the car, which had its tracker disabled within three minutes of it being stolen on an evening in April. While setting out to locate it, the journalist posted: 'I suppose I'm rather hoping the crims [criminals] themselves are not still in the vehicle?' The battery-electric crossover SUV had been left on the street for two days with 'no suspects present' and all officers on duty in the area at the time were 'assigned to ongoing incidents so unable to attend', said the Met Police. The food critic began: 'Last night the c***s stole my new Jaguar I-Pace. So F*** them, f*** the environment and f*** any sort of giving a shit about cars. 'I'm buying a six year old diesel f***ing Skoda and everyone can just f*** off.' He then shared a screenshot of his Jaguar tracker app which had notified him of a theft alert, captioning: 'This is the really useful Jaguar tracker app that tells you where your car is in all circumstances EXCEPT WHEN IT HAS BEEN STOLEN.' Giles Coren (pictured above) has had his beloved Jaguar I-Pace stolen for the second time in three months Mr Coren had followed instructions from the manufacturer and paid out 3,000 for a new tracking system for his car (pictured being towed) Mr Coren with his vehicle after tracking it down in April. Upon its discovery, he said the thieves had 'slung the seat back' into the 'gangster position', adding: 'I guess [they] just had a hell of a ride' The TV presenter tweeted that he 'got his electric kitty cat back' after the Met Police texted him its location but didn't have the 'manpower to investigate' However, in a turn of events, he later wrote: 'Well now this is exciting. Had an SMS from the Met saying that my car has been spotted and giving me the address where it was last seen. 'They don't have the manpower to investigate themselves so I'm heading off alone on foot to see if my car is there' Mr Coren then shared images while walking under a bridge and along a street before finally locating the vehicle. Upon its discovery, he said the thieves had 'slung the seat back' into the 'gangster position', adding: 'I guess [they] just had a hell of a ride'. A spokesperson for the Met Police told MailOnline regarding the initial theft: 'We are aware of a series of posts on social media relating to a vehicle stolen on Friday, 9 April that has now been recovered. 'At around 14:00 on Sunday, 11 April, police received a call from a member of the public reporting a suspected abandoned vehicle on a street in Highgate, N6. 'Records showed the vehicle had been reported stolen. Three of Mr Coren's tweets, pictured above. All officers on duty in the area at the time were 'assigned to ongoing incidents so unable to attend', said the Met Police 'The vehicle had been at the location for two days and there were no suspects present. 'All officers on duty in the area at the time were assigned to ongoing incidents so were unable to attend. 'The registered keeper was contacted and informed that his vehicle had been located. 'He told police that he would make his way to the location and was encouraged to call back if, on arriving, he was concerned for his safety or became aware of anything suspicious. 'He attended the location without incident later the same afternoon and retook possession of his vehicle.' Advertisement The proportion of over-80s dying from Covid in England and Wales has plunged following the launch of Britain's vaccine drive, figures show. At the peak of the first wave, the elderly made up to 68 per cent of all coronavirus deaths. But last month only 40 per cent of people succumbing to the illness were aged 80 or above. Experts say the vaccine roll-out is responsible for the turnaround, with SAGE figures showing that 95 per cent of over-80s have been fully immunised. But they warned the trend will shift back to how it was earlier on in the pandemic as the jab drive continues as more younger people are protected against the virus. This could be further exacerbated by restrictions easing next week, with infections predicted to skyrocket to over 100,000 every day. The third wave began in younger people, skewing death figures slightly - but now infections are ticking upwards in older people too, who still face a greater risk of dying. It comes after Britain yesterday recorded 63 Covid deaths in the highest daily toll since March. The link between people getting infected and being admitted to hospital and dying has been weakened by the vaccine but not completely severed. At the peak of the first wave last March, more than two thirds of Covid deaths in England and Wales were among the over-80s. But since the beginning of the year, the proportion of people in the age group dying from the virus has been trending downwards, making up as little as 40 per cent of deaths in recent weeks This graph shows the proportion of people who catch Covid that are dying from the disease by age group. At the beginning of the pandemic, the risk was around 10 per cent (0.10) for over-75s, but was as low as 2 per cent (0.02) for those aged 65 to 74. The rate has fallen markedly among older people since the vaccine roll-out began in January, but the risk of dath is still higher for over-65s The number of people dying daily from Covid jumped 63 yesterday, an 80 per cent jump from the 35 recorded seven days ago and the highest daily rise since March. Despite the uptick in deaths, they are still significantly lower than levels recorded in the first and second waves, when infections were at the same level as they are now. Latest Government figures show 87.5 per cent of all over-18s in the UK have received one dose, while 67.1 per cent of the population are fully immunised. A total of 46million first doses have been administered in the UK, while 35.3million people have received both doses The above table shows the risk of dying from Covid after catching the disease at the peak of the second wave in January, first column, and now after more than half of all people in Britain have received two doses of the Covid vaccine, second column. The estimates were calculated by Cambridge University scientists and are for England only. Overall for all age groups one in 90 (1.1 per cent) of those who caught the virus died from the disease in the darkest days of January. For comparison, fewer than one in 1,000 (0.085 per cent) of infected individuals were dying in June. Among over-75s only 2.1 per cent of those who caught the virus died from it in June, compared to 17 per cent in January. But for children and teenagers there risk of dying from the virus has barely changed between January (0.0015 per cent) and June (0.0011 per cent) SAGE estimates predict that double-jabbed Brits are up to 91 per cent less likely to be admitted to hospital with the virus, and 96 per cent less likely to die from Covid. And separate Cambridge University researchers say the overall death rate for the virus has plunged to one in 1,000 compared to one in 100 during the darkest days of the first wave. But the death rate is still high among the elderly, with 2.2 per cent of over 75s infected expected to die. The success of the vaccine rollout is reflected in ONS figures of the number of people who have died from the virus. At the beginning of the pandemic last March, around half of all Covid deaths were recorded in the over-80s and four in 10 occurred among people in their 70s. Meanwhile, just one per cent of deaths were among people aged under 40. But this year, the rate of death recorded in the over-80s dropped to around 50 per cent, while the percentage of deaths recorded in people aged 40 to 60 has increased. In the six weeks up to July 2, the death rate dropped even lower, with people in that age group making up just four in 10 Covid deaths. Dr Jamie Hartmann-Boyce, a senior researcher in evidence-based medicine at the University of Oxford told MailOnline: 'The vaccines have been a huge success in preventing Covid deaths. 'And one of the many ways in which this is evident is that the proportion of people dying from Covid is less in older age groups than it was in previous waves. 'Currently, older age groups are more likely to have had both vaccination doses. 'As the UKs vaccination programme continues to roll out, eventually a high proportion of British adults will have had both doses, regardless of age. 'At this point, we may return to seeing a larger proportion of overall Covid deaths in older age groups. 'The best thing that anyone can do to protect themselves is have both doses of a Covid vaccine when offered.' Latest Government figures show 87.5 per cent of all over-18s in the UK have received one dose, while 67.1 per cent of the population are fully immunised. A total of 46million first doses have been administered in the UK, while 35.3million people have received both doses. Despite the uptick in deaths, they are still significantly lower than levels recorded in the first and second waves, when infections were at the same level as they are now. Since the beginning of the pandemic, 128,593 deaths have been linked with the virus. Solicitor General Lucy Frazer warned today that lockdown restrictions will need to be reimposed if the third wave hit 'unacceptable levels'. Meanwhile, Chris Whitty warned at a Science Museum even yesterday Britain is 'not out of the woods yet' but is in 'much better shape' due to the vaccine programme and Covid drugs. Kim Jong Un appears to have moved one of his favourite music bands into his Pyongyang palace as 'a reward for their loyalty'. The North Korean dictator is said to be a fan of the Band of the State Affairs Commission (SAC) and their propaganda-laden music which promotes faith in the ruling party. Now it appears Kim is so enamoured with the band that he has allowed them to live in two of his luxurious palaces in Pyongyang, which feature prominently in their music videos, according to analysis by NK News. Kumsusan Guesthouse in east Pyongyang, built to accommodate Chinese leader Xi Jinping during a visit two years ago, appears to have been featured in at least one of the band's music videos. The sprawling estate, which features a lake and scores of palace buildings, was also where Kim met the band on July 11, according to the news site. Kim Jong Un appears to have moved in one of his favourite music bands into his Pyongyang palace as 'a reward for their loyalty'. In one of the band's music videos, it appears it was filmed at the Kumsusan Guesthouse The green floor lights and white decorations in the music video matches those seen during a visit by Xi Jinping in 2019 The North Korean dictator is said to be a fan of the Band of the State Affairs Commission (SAC) and their propaganda-laden music which promotes faith in the ruling party. Pictured: The band appears to be playing outside the Paekhwawon Guesthouse in one music video Their analysis of pictures from the meeting shows the interior, which includes red sofas and paintings, are the same during Jinping's stay there in 2019. In a further four new music videos released by the band, the musicians are seen playing at the nearby Paekhwawon Guesthouse, where the presidents of South Korea and Cuba stayed in 2018. They can be seen in the footage playing in the palace's luxurious halls and rooms as well as in the grounds in front of a large fountain and private lake. The band members have also been pictured relaxing and writing music together in the palace grounds. The Kumsusan Guesthouse, which features a lake and scores of palace buildings, was also where Kim met the band on July 11 The interior shown in the music video appears to match the interior of the Kumsusan Guesthouse when Kim met Xi Jinping in 2019 King Jong Un has previously met with the band and other musicians at the palace This comes mere months after Kim Jong Un warned that North Korea is facing a great famine which he compared to a 1990s famine thought to have killed up to 3.5million North Koreans. The videos and pictures suggest the band lives in the palaces or the equally luxurious Samjiyon Theatre as 'a reward for their extraordinary loyalty', according to NK News. While the band could have been granted access to the palaces solely to shoot their music videos, their meeting with Kim at the Kumsusan Guesthouse suggests it is more permanent as he would not meet guests at the palace for just a photoshoot. 'The band could have been granted long-term residence of seasonal access to these places as a gift from the state,' the outlet said. The musicians are an important tool for Kim and his ruling party to spread their propaganda and increase the loyalty for the dictator. A music video released by the band shows the musicians inside the Paekhwawon Guesthouse The music video matches the interior of the Paekhwawon Guesthouse seen during the South Korean President Moon Jae-in's visit in 2018 This comes at a time when loyalty to Kim is key after he warned that North Korea is facing a great famine. North Korea is a mountainous nation, meaning suitable land for farming is in short supply and many of its farmers lack access to tools such as tractors, combine harvesters and threshers. It is thought that North Korea relies on foreign imports and aid to feed around a third of its population, but 2017 UN report concluded that two fifths of the population are undernourished - meaning they don't have access to the number of calories needed per day to maintain a healthy weight. A third of North Korea children are also thought to be stunted, meaning they did not get enough calories during the early years of their life. Last year, Kim Jong Un declared that pet dogs are a symbol of capitalist 'decadence' and ordered that dogs in Pyongyang be rounded up - but many suspect this was a ploy to try and stave off the nation's food shortages. Google Maps has been criticised for suggesting 'potentially fatal' routes up Ben Nevis and for directing people over a cliff edge in the Scottish highlands. The John Muir Trust, which looks after the UK's highest mountain and the Munros of the Highlands, says the routes suggested by the tech giant would be extremely difficult for skilled mountaineers - let alone your average walker or hiker. The Scottish charity said certain suggested paths direct users to the car park nearest the summit as the crow flies, and then indicate a walking route that is 'highly dangerous, even for experienced climbers'. Nathan Berrie, Nevis conservation officer for the trust, said: 'The problem is that Google Maps directs some visitors to the Upper Falls car park, presumably because it is the closest car park to the summit. 'But this is not the correct route and we often come across groups of inexperienced walkers heading towards Steall Falls or up the south slopes of Ben Nevis believing it is the route to the summit.' Ben Nevis (pictured) is the UK's tallest mountain, standing at 1,345 metres, and is a favourite for hikers and climbers - but walking routes suggested by Google Maps have been branded 'potentially fatal' by mountaineering experts This route up Ben Nevis suggested by Google Maps is 'highly dangerous' for any climber, the John Muir Trust warned Heather Morning, Mountaineering Scotland's mountain safety adviser, said even experienced climbers would have trouble with the suggested route. 'For those new to hillwalking, it would seem perfectly logical to check out Google Maps for information on how to get to your chosen mountain,' she said. 'But when you input Ben Nevis and click on the 'car' icon, up pops a map of your route, taking you to the car park at the head of Glen Nevis, followed by a dotted line appearing to show a route to the summit. 'Even the most experienced mountaineer would have difficulty following this route. 'The line goes through very steep, rocky, and pathless terrain where even in good visibility it would be challenging to find a safe line. 'Add in low cloud and rain and the suggested Google line is potentially fatal.' The charity said Google also directs users into 'life-threatening terrain' for other Munros. It said for An Teallach in the north-west Highlands, a walking route suggested by the search engine would take people over a cliff. Ms Morning added: 'It's all too easy these days to assume that information on the internet is all good stuff, correct, up to date and safe. The safe route atop Ben Nevis (pictured left), and a 'very dangerous' alternative offered by Google Maps (pictured right) Mountaineering Scotland warned this route by Google Maps up An Teallach, in the north-west Highlands, would take people over a cliff edge 'Sadly, experience shows this is not the case and there have been a number of incidents recently where following routes downloaded off the internet have resulted in injury or worse.' Mountaineering Scotland and The John Muir Trust said they have appealed to Google to consult with them. They recommended climbers cross-check information on a map or consult a local guide. A Google spokeswoman said: 'We built Google Maps with safety and reliability in mind, and are working quickly to investigate the routing issue on Ben Nevis. 'In addition to using authoritative data and high definition imagery to update the map, we encourage local organisations to provide geographic information about roads and routes through our Geo Data Upload tool.' A TikTok comedian who has accurately guessed the number of new Covid cases in NSW for three days in a row says the state's health department has asked him to cease posting his 'calculations' online, but it hasn't stopped him from making his predictions for Saturday. In a video uploaded to Twitter on Friday evening, Jon-Bernard Kairouz teased his latest prediction of 111 cases for Saturday, despite his claims he received a stern phone call from a NSW Health representative demanding he refrain from posting further videos. 'He said we would have to cease giving out the numbers because we're compromising the public health system,' Kairouz told news.com.au on Friday afternoon. The NSW Health employee reportedly said it would be in his 'best interest' to cease making any more videos, and if he didn't there could be 'consequences' for health staff. The TikTok star claimed he told the worker he simply used maths to calculate his predictions and did not have a source in the department. Many people on social media are speculating Mr Kairouz has an informant after he correctly predicted the number of new Covid-19 cases in NSW for three days in a row. Mr Kairouz has uploaded a video to Twitter on Friday evening predicting 111 Covid cases for Saturday, despite claims NSW Health has warned him to stop making the calculations Mr Kairouz has repeatedly denied the accusations, claiming he uses data based on the previous day's results to arrive at his predictions. The 25-year-old says he comes up with his answers by using a Casio scientific calculator and 'simple maths', based on cases infectious in the community, the diameter and circumference of hotspot areas and population areas. Mr Kairouz maintained he would continue sharing his calculations despite the warning. The TikTok star says he has received threatening messages from people who believe he is related to NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian's new boyfriend 'I'm not going to be intimidated, it's a bit of fun at the end of the day,' he said. Daily Mail Australia has contacted NSW Health and is awaiting confirmation of Mr Kairouz's claims. The development comes as the TikTok star said he had received threatening messages from followers who believe he is related to Gladys Berejiklian's new partner, leading lawyer Arthur Moses. The comedian from western Sydney, has gained a huge social media following through his spot-on predictions of new coronavirus cases. Late on Thursday night, he correctly predicted that NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian would announced 97 new cases on Friday morning. Speaking to Nova's Fitzy & Wippa on Friday morning, Kairouz said he had received anonymous, 'threatening' phone calls since he started predicting Covid cases. Kairouz told Nova's Fitzy & Wippa he had been accused of being a relative of the NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian, or her new boyfriend Arthur Moses (pictured together) 'Look, I'm doing the community a favour and it's not like I'm doing anything wrong or unethical, it's just maths and cold hard numbers,' he told the breakfast radio duo. Ms Berejiklian was asked directly about Kairouz's predictions during her Covid update on Friday morning, and whether she was worried about information being leaked from NSW Health. 'All we can do is focus on the job at hand,' she replied. 'I know at the moment a lot of people have, or [are] alleged to have, various bits of information and advice but what is important for us as a team - team New South Wales - is to focus on what is necessary and that is to lead our state during the most challenging of times.' Kairouz said his new-found fame had given rise to various conspiracy theories. 'Honestly there's rumours and conspiracy theories flying around that I'm related to Gladys or her nephew or related to her new boyfriend, that's not the case,' he told the show. 'It's numbers, mate, that's all I can say, it's a solid formula.' Ms Berejiklian, who is notoriously private about her personal life, is believed to be dating the man who represented her during a corruption inquiry into her former boyfriend and disgraced MP Daryl Maguire. The Premier's relationship with high-profile barrister Arthur Moses was seemingly confirmed in June through a loved-up Instagram post shared by her sister. Daily Mail Australia is not suggesting Mr Moses is related to Kairouz, or the source of his Covid information. Kairouz shut down theories he has a connection to Gladys Berejiklian or an inside source at NSW Health, insisting 'it's numbers mate, it's a solid formula' Kairouz's lighthearted approach to the lockdown was first revealed when he posted a video to TikTok last week poking fun at Ms Berejiklian urging Sydney residents to 'not browse' while shopping. In the video the comedian is seen sprinting into the Clemton Park Coles and grabbing a trolley, before pushing it through the aisles at a breakneck speed grabbing items. Kairouz said he and his brothers employed a 'Kairouz probability algorithm' in order to predict the cases. He also revealed when he first realised his talent for predictions, which bears an uncanny similarity to the plot of Academy Award-winning film Good Will Hunting. 'To be honest I work at a college as a janitor and sometimes I'll see an equation on a whiteboard and I can just finish it. 'I feel like I'm smarter than most of the kids there!' Kairouz's TikTok video from last week poking fun at the NSW Premier urging Sydney residents to 'not browse' while shopping Kairouz appeared on Studio Ten shortly after Ms Berejiklian's press conference to call her response to his predictions a 'non-answer'. 'I mean, just be honest and upfront with the reporters,' he said. 'It's simple calculation on my end and the maths doesn't lie, what can I say.' The sudden celebrity was also asked what tomorrow's numbers would be. 'I'm going to have to crunch the numbers in the old equation and see how I go,' he replied. 'There's no reason for people to doubt me, that's three in a row and perfect numbers like perfect men are very rare, so I'll guess we'll see.' Mountain goats who took over a Welsh seaside town are being relocated to England after their numbers boomed during the pandemic. The Kashmiri goats frequently venture down into Llandudno in search of something to eat when food is scarce in Spring. But they have recently flocked in record numbers after not getting their contraception injections due to coronavirus. Now 30 will be moved to Bristol and Bournemouth with Conwy Council hoping the relocation will keep the population at a 'sustainable level'. Mountain goats who took over a Welsh seaside town are being relocated to England after their numbers boomed during the pandemic The goats' fame spread after being pictured roaming the empty streets of Llandudno during the first lockdown. However, numbers spiked when the pandemic meant contraceptive jabs could not be administered to the goats as usual. As they ventured further into the town, there were fears some could be hit by cars as restrictions were eased. The goats have now been rounded up, with some given contraceptive injections to make sure the numbers in Llandudno remain stable, the council said. The 19 female goats given a birth control hormone will stay in Llandudno. And a further 30 animals have been sent to Bristol and Bournemouth to be part of 'conservation grazing projects'. The Kashmiri goats frequently venture down into Llandudno in search of something to eat when food is scarce in Spring Now 30 will be moved to Bristol and Bournemouth with Conwy Council hoping the relocation will keep numbers at 'sustainable levels' The aim is for the goats to eat invasive and aggressive plant species allowing rarer plants to grow through. A count of goat numbers in Llandudno is due to take place later this year during the mating season but the number remaining in the town is thought to be over 100. Councillor Greg Robbins said it was not the first time goats from the area had been relocated to other areas. 'We've relocated groups of goats to other parts of the UK on several occasions since 2001, as part of managing the herd size,' he told the BBC. A count of goat numbers in Llandudno is due to take place later this year during the mating season but the number remaining in the town is thought to be over 100 The goats have now been rounded up, with some given contraceptive injections to make sure the numbers in Llandudno remain stable, the council said 'The Animal and Plant Health Agency, who administer the injection, and also monitor and advise on population management, were happy with the outcome. 'The goats are wild animals, but several organisations have an interest in them due to land ownership, conservation or animal welfare: the council, Mostyn Estates Ltd, Natural Resources Wales and the RSPCA Aberconwy branch.' The goats are due to be given the jabs again in three years time. Advertisement Health experts are warning the elderly and vulnerable to stay out of the sun this weekend, with a heatwave expected to bring scorching temperatures of 88F. Today was the hottest day of the year in both Scotland and Northern Ireland, with 79F recorded in Aberdeen and 80F in Killowen. The highest temperature anywhere in the UK today was in Pershore, Worcestershire, where it reached heights of 82.8F - just shy of the year's current record, 85.5F in London's Bushy Park on June 14. And meteorologists predict Britain will sizzle even further on Sunday and Monday in particular, but the mercury is likely to remain around the 77F mark for the rest of the month. The soaring temperatures are created as a result of an extension of the Azores high - an African plume of heat that is making its way across Europe over the coming days. Heatwave thresholds vary by area but are likely to be met in parts of Northern Ireland, southern and eastern Scotland, then increasingly across England and Wales. It is the latest chapter in Britain's rollercoaster year of weather, with April being the sunniest on record, swiftly followed by the wettest May for 50 years. While millions will flock to beaches and parks around the country to soak up the sun, Public Health England (PHE) has issued a heat-health warning, urging the public to take measures to keep cool and support those who may be at risk in the warm weather. But not everyone was able to enjoy the searing sun, as thousands of drivers were stuck in two-hour queues on the M4 in stifling 83F heat after a lorry fire forced the closure of the major motorway in both directions. Holidaymakers hoping for a prompt getaway ahead of the weekend were met with misery as traffic came to a standstill near Swindon earlier today. Sunseekers flock to the beach at Woolacombe in North Devon as a spell of scorching weather forecast to last across the country through the weekend begin A sunseeker relaxes in the sunshine and warm weather in Battersea park, London, this morning at the start of a weekend of scorching temperatures A graphic shows how a sweltering African plume of heat will make its way across the continent this weekend, bringing high temperatures to much of the UK Sunseekers in Brighton soak up the rays this morning at the start of what is expected to be a sweltering weekend across the UK Crowds flock to Bournemouth beach in Dorset on Friday afternoon at the start of a sizzling weekend across the UK Dr Owen Landeg, scientific and technical lead at PHE, said: 'Much of the advice on beating the heat is common sense and for many people spells of warmer weather are something they very much enjoy. 'However, for some people, such as older people, those with underlying health conditions and young children, the summer heat can bring real health risks. 'That's why we're urging everyone to keep an eye on those you know who may be at risk. 'If you're able, ask if your friends, family or neighbours need any support. Also take water with you when travelling and keep up to date with weather forecasts. 'It's also worth remembering the practical steps to keep homes cool during the day as this can aid sleeping at night and give the body time to recover from the heat.' Will Lang, head of civil contingencies at the Met Office, added: 'Across most parts of the UK we're expecting to see temperatures building, reaching heatwave thresholds across the majority of England over the weekend. 'High temperatures will remain a feature of the forecast until Tuesday, when fresher conditions arrive curtailing heatwave levels.' Alex Burkill, a meteorologist at the Met Office said the level two heat-health alert covers every part of England excluding parts of the North East, the North West and London and is due to last until Tuesday. He said the highest temperatures will be 'widespread across the bulk of the UK as we go through the end of the week and into the weekend'. Thousands of drivers were stuck in two-hour queues on the M4 in stifling 83F heat after a lorry fire forced the closure of the major motorway in both directions Dorset and Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service arrived at the scene to douse the lorry which had been ripped apart by flames Holidaymakers hoping for a prompt getaway ahead of the weekend were met with misery as traffic came to a standstill near Swindon earlier today Swimmers cool off in the Serpentine in Hyde Park, London today as weather forecasters predict a very warm and dry weekend Crowds flock to Treyarnon bay, Cornwall today ahead of the school summer holidays and a scorching weekend of weather Youngsters Freddie, 4, (wearing sunglasses) and Charlie, 3, have fun building sandcastles in the glorious sunshine at Sandhaven Beach in South Shields, South Tyneside this morning People enjoying the sunshine on Wimbledon Common as forecasters predict warm temperatures to reach over 30C this weekend Crowds flock to Treyarnon bay, Cornwall today ahead of the school summer holidays and a scorching weekend of weather People out punting early on the river Cam in Cambridge with temperatures set to get into the high 20s and 30s over the weekend Sunseekers in Brighton soak up the rays this morning at the start of what is expected to be a sweltering weekend across the UK Crowds flock to Treyarnon bay, Cornwall today ahead of the school summer holidays and a scorching weekend of weather Met Office Operational Meteorologist Andy Page added: 'The extension of the Azores high is the principal reason behind the UK's current weather pattern, which will see much of the UK reach heatwave thresholds over the weekend and into early next week. 'High temperatures will remain in the forecast well into next week, but there's a risk of isolated heavy showers in the south of the UK on Monday and Tuesday, although it should be largely fine for most areas.' PHE suggested the public should look out for those who may struggle to keep cool and hydrated, such as older people, those with underlying health conditions and those who live alone. Ways to stay safe in the heat including keeping homes cool, closing curtains, drinking plenty of fluids and staying out of the sun between 11am and 3pm when UV rays are strongest. The bookies are certainly expecting it to be a warm one, with Ladbrokes making it odds-on that the weekend will see the hottest day of the year so far recorded. With highs of at least 30C expected, the bookies make it just 1/3 that the thermometer notches up a new record, 5/1 says the mercury hits a whopping 35C, while it's also only 6/4 that this month enters history as the hottest ever July. Jessica O'Reilly of Ladbrokes said: 'It looks like the thermometer's only going to keep rising as the weekend goes on, easily seeing the hottest day of the year recorded.' Meanwhile, the London Opthalmology Centre (LondonOC) is urging people to look after their eyes properly during the heatwave and take a few simple precautions. Research studies show that the cataract is associated with increasing level of sun exposure, and countries which are hotter, and have more prolonged sun, have higher rates of cataracts compared with the UK. Here, cataracts are more prevalent in people over the age of 60 but there are anecdotal reports that high rates in younger people are more common in hotter, sunnier climates. UV Light is also associated with eye cancers, sunburned eyes and growths on or near the eye. Snowblindness can also develop following exposure to harsh reflections off snow, ice sand and water. Commuters wearing summer clothes cross London Bridge this morning on a sunny start to the day in the English capital Sunseekers flock to the beach at Woolacombe in North Devon as a spell of scorching weather forecast to last across the country through the weekend begin A peloton of cyclists travel past Sefton Park, in Liverpool, Merseyside, as the sun begins to rise on what is expected to be the hottest day of the year so far People out punting early on the river Cam in Cambridge with temperatures set to get into the high 20s and 30s over the weekend Crowds flock to Treyarnon bay, Cornwall today ahead of the school summer holidays and a scorching weekend of weather Londoners enjoy the sunshine in Battersea Park this morning at the start of what is expected to be a sizzling weekend Commuters make their way across London Bridge on a sunny morning in the capital, with temperatures expected to remain high throughout the weekend A peloton of cyclists travel past Sefton Park, in Liverpool, Merseyside, as the sun begins to rise on what is expected to be the hottest day of the year so far People out punting early on the river Cam in Cambridge with temperatures set to get into the high 20s and 30s over the weekend Londoners enjoy the sunshine in Battersea Park this morning at the start of what is expected to be a sizzling weekend Commuters make their way across London Bridge on a sunny morning in the capital, with temperatures expected to remain high throughout the weekend A peloton of cyclists travel past Sefton Park, in Liverpool, Merseyside, as the sun begins to rise on what is expected to be the hottest day of the year so far A commuter makes his way across London Bridge on a sunny morning in the capital, with temperatures expected to remain high throughout the weekend Londoners enjoy the sunshine in Battersea Park this morning at the start of what is expected to be a sizzling weekend A peloton of cyclists travel past Sefton Park, in Liverpool, Merseyside, as the sun begins to rise on what is expected to be the hottest day of the year so far Commuters make their way across London Bridge on a sunny morning in the capital, with temperatures expected to remain high throughout the weekend Londoners enjoy the sunshine in Battersea Park this morning at the start of what is expected to be a sizzling weekend Vik Sharma is the Clinical Director, London OC, and is a Consultant Ophthalmologist, Cataract and Glaucoma Specialist at the Royal Free NHS Hospital, London. He said; 'The cornea, the outermost part of the eye's lens, partly filters sunlight, but high wavelength light can penetrate the cornea. 'That means that some ultraviolet radiation goes through the lens to the optic nerve possibly causing damage. You would never look at the sun directly, and you would apply sun block to your skin, but we need to get people thinking about protecting their eyes in the same way. 'Especially as heatwaves are predicted to become more commonplace over the next half century.' Looking ahead to next week, temperatures are expected to dip slightly from Wednesday and there's an increasing chance of rain and thunderstorms in the forecast. Actress Ruth Madeley has claimed a taxi driver took her wheelchair from her following an argument outside a London train station. The Bafta nominee, who starred in BBC One drama Years And Years, said the man refused to drop her outside Euston Station's accessible entrance because heavy traffic made it 'too difficult' and it would 'take too long'. The 33-year-old, who has spina bifida, said the driver told her he had seen her stand up and 'knew I could walk' before demanding the fare, despite the journey being pre-paid. During the dispute, Madeley said he took her wheelchair, put it in the boot of his car and refused to give it back. She wrote on Instagram: 'HE TOOK MY WHEELCHAIR from behind me without warning & carried it away to put in the boot of his taxi, leaving me on the side of the road. Actress Ruth Madeley (pictured), who starred in BBC One drama Years And Years, said a taxi driver refused to drop her outside Euston Station's accessible entrance because heavy traffic made it 'too difficult' and it would 'take too long' The 33-year-old, who has spina bifida, said the driver told her he had seen her stand up and 'knew I could walk' before demanding the fare, despite the journey being pre-paid. Pictured, on Years and Years 'When I asked for it back, he refused.' She added that she was travelling with her mother who was able to recover the chair from the driver, 'although he tried his best to stop her'. Transport for London described the incident as 'utterly appalling' and said it would investigate. Graham Robinson, TfL's general manager for taxi and private hire, said in a statement: 'This sounds like an utterly appalling incident. 'We have contacted Ruth for more details so we can carry out a full and urgent investigation.' Madeley said she had reported the incident to the Metropolitan Police but was told it was not a 'hate crime'. 'I was shut down and made to feel as though I was making a fuss over nothing,' she added. The Metropolitan Police said no investigation was ongoing. Madeley said she had reported the incident to the Metropolitan Police but was told it was not a 'hate crime' The incident occurred last month on the day it was announced that Madeley would star in BBC Two's factual drama Independence Day? How Disabled Rights Were Won, co-written by Bafta-winning screenwriter and playwright Jack Thorne. Screenwriter Russell T Davies, TV presenter Lucy Alexander and actress Anna Nightingale were among those who shared messages of support. Richard Kramer, chief executive of disability charity Sense, said: 'What has happened to Ruth is shocking and should be investigated. 'Sadly, we hear far too often from disabled people that have experienced discrimination. 'We must commit as a society to tackling inequality and create a more inclusive society, removing the barriers that disabled people face.' Advertisement Kevin Spacey has been spotted enjoying a stroll in Milan with a composer friend as he prepares to feature in a 'comeback' movie fours years after he was accused of sexual assault. The American film producer, 61, who came out as gay in 2017, was seen taking in the Piazza Duomo and browsing the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, where they bought a couple of books. Spacey and Clark then completed the local tradition of stepping on the bull's testicles within the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Spacey was seen chatting to some children before heading towards the Duomo, after speaking to the uniformed traffic police for a few minutes. The actor has recently filmed the Italian movie 'L'uomo Che Disegno Dio - or 'The Man Who Drew God' in which he plays a man wrongly-accused of being a paedophile. Actor Kevin Spacey has been spotted enjoying a stroll in a Milan with classical music composer and conductor Anthony Blake Clark and completed the local tradition of stepping on the bull's testicles within the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II Spacey donned a bright patterned face mask while Clark opted for a simple black covering while out together in Milan Spacey and Clark were seen taking in the Piazza Duomo and browsing the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, where they bought a couple of books Actor and film producer Kevin Spacey was seen talking animatedly to some children in Milan before heading towards the Duomo Spacey stepped out in a pair of black Under Armour shoes and bright red shorts alongside Clark who opted for jeans and a short sleeved purple shirt It comes after Spacey's career collapsed following a string of sexual misconduct claims were made by underage men. The plot sees Nero himself play a blind artist, who is able to use people's voices to draw their exact physical features. But as his fame and popularity grows, he wrongly becomes accused of sex abuse. Spacey had been one of Hollywood's biggest stars but faced scandal after claims he sexually assaulted Star Trek actor Antony Rapp, who was 14 at the time. It sparked accusations by other men about his behaviour but none have ever reached court and have been denied. Rapp's public comments about him prompted Spacey to come out as gay in 2017. He said he did not remember such an encounter with Rapp but apologised if the allegations were true. Spacey has recently filmed the Italian film 'L'uomo Che Disegno Dio - or 'The Man Who Drew God' - his first film role since sexual assault allegations surfaced nearly four years ago Spacey and Clark then completed the local tradition of stepping on the bull's testicles within the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II Spacey was seen out in Milan with British-trained conductor Clark, who has worked with some of the best ensembles in the world Spacey has compared his fall from grace to the coronavirus pandemic, and complained about losing his job following the accusations Spacey was seen chatting to some children before heading towards the Duomo, after speaking to the uniformed traffic police for a few minutes Last year Spacey compared his fall from grace to the coronavirus pandemic, and complained about losing his job following the accusations. Spacey described his 'painful' journey three years after he was accused of assault by a string of men and said he could relate to workers who had been laid off during the Covid-19 spread. In comments for an interview for the Bits & Pretzels podcast, said: 'I don't think it will come as a surprise for anyone to say that my world completely changed in the fall of 2017. 'My job, many of my relationships, my standing in my own industry were all gone in just a matter of hours.' Not only did he get fired from Netflix hit House Of Cards, he was also removed from the completed movie All The Money In The World, which was reshot with actor Christopher Plummer in his role. Spacey, who has not appeared in a professional movie or series since the accusations were made, said: 'I don't often like to tell people that I can relate to their situation because I think it undermines the experience that they may be having which is their own unique and very personal experience.' Spacey added: 'But in this instance I feel as though I can relate to what it feels like to have your world suddenly stop. 'And so while we may have found ourselves in similar situations, albeit for very different reasons and circumstances, I still believe that some of the emotional struggles are very much the same. 'And so I do have empathy for what it feels like to suddenly be told that you can't go back to work or that you might lose your job and that it's a situation that you have absolutely no control over.' According to his website, Clark is currently music director at Baltimore Choral Arts. A British trained conductor, he has worked with some of the best ensembles in the world including the Rundfunk Chor Berlin, CBSO Chorus and London Symphony Chorus. Spacey, 61, who came out as gay in 2017, and British-trained composer Clark were seen enjoying the tourist sites of Milan on a rainy day Actor Kevin Spacey enjoyed a low-key day out in Milan's city center with British-trained composer Anthony Blake Clark Spacey has recently filmed the Italian film 'L'uomo Che Disegno Dio - or 'The Man Who Drew God' - his first film role since sexual assault allegations surfaced nearly four years ago Spacey's latest film was shot in Italy earlier this year and is now in postproduction. In it, he plays a police detective who investigates a man wrongly-accused of being a paedophile Staff at a major NSW hospital have been issued with an urgent coronavirus alert as a convenience store popular with workers was exposed. Wollongong Hospital staff have been told they must immediately get tested for Covid and isolate if they visited a nearby 7-Eleven store. 'URGENT: If anyone went to the 7/11 near the hospital on July 6 or July 7 between the hours of 7.30am and 2pm you need to have a Covid test and self-isolate until a negative result is obtained,' a message sent to staff on Friday and seen by The Daily Telegraph reads. 'This must be done ASAP. Thank you.' The 7-Eleven store in Wollongong is expected to be added to the NSW Health venue exposure list on Friday night. Workers at Wollongong Hospital (pictured) have been told they need to urgently get tested for Covid if they visited a nearby convenience store popular with those on long shifts Premier Gladys Berejiklian on Friday (pictured) announced another 97 Covid cases in NSW A raft of new venues have already been revealed as Covid exposure sites in Sydney on Friday including an IKEA, a number of supermarkets, a busy pharmacy, and a popular fast food restaurant. The state recorded 97 new local virus cases in the 24 hours to 8pm on Thursday, with at least 46 out in the community for part or all of their infectious period. Five venues have been added to the list of close contact sites including the Marsden Park IKEA store where an infected staff member worked on July 12 and 13. The Woolworths at Lennox Shopping Centre in Emu Plains and a Coles in Hurstville were also visited by a confirmed case. A worker at a Lakemba butcher has also tested positive for Covid and worked his shift on July 10 and July 11. While another positive case attended the Service NSW office at Liverpool in south-west Sydney on July 12 from 10am to 10.30am. Anyone who was at these sites when a confirmed Covid case was also present must immediately get tested and isolate for 14 days regardless of the result. A number of casual contact exposure sites were also revealed on Friday night by health officials including a KFC at Fairfield where a staff member worked on June 25 and June 26. An infected staff member worked at the IKEA at Marsden Park (pictured) on July 12 and 13 Fairfield is one of the most concerning areas for authorities with essential workers in the LGA being told they must be tested for the virus every three days. Hanson Concrete at Greenacre is also a venue of concern with a Covid infected worker working for seven straight full days from July 1 to July 7 while contagious. Coles supermarkets at Hurstville and Fairfield have also been listed as casual contact exposure sites. Anyone who visited these sites when a case was also present must immediately get tested and isolate until they receive a negative result. The vast majority of NSW cases on Friday were in the Fairfield council area, in the city's south west (pictured: workers in Sydney in masks on Friday) Confirmed Covid cases also recently visited as number of locations in Sydney's east where the current outbreak first began in mid-June. The Chemist Warehouse and the Coles at Bondi Junction were visited by a person with Covid on July 14. While in Coogee two supermarkets have also been exposed - the Woolworths Metro at Coogee Bay Village and Maloney's Grocer both on July 12. The outbreak has passed 1000 cases since it began on June 16. Premier Gladys Berejiklian on Friday said she expected the number of daily infections to surge again over the weekend, adding lockdown won't end until the number of infectious people in the community nears zero. Two pedestrians walk along the Bondi Beach boardwalk on Wednesday. Lockdown restrictions are in place across Greater Sydney, the Blue Mountains, the Central Coast and Wollongong The KFC at Fairfield (pictured) has been listed as an exposure site by NSW Health on Friday night She also stressed the NSW government 'will not hesitate to go harder' on current restrictions to further reduce mobility, should it be required. The Australian Medical Association on Friday called for a harder NSW lockdown, including the closure of all non-essential retail and business activity. It also wanted stronger limits on travel distances from home. But Ms Berejiklian said any new restrictions should have a clear health benefit. 'We need to make sure that any decisions we take will have the desired effect of reducing those numbers,' Ms Berejiklian told reporters. 'The worst thing we could do is put in additional measures which don't have the desired effect ... that is why it is important for us to focus on the data.' Three quarters of the new cases were recorded in the Fairfield local government area, which has become the epicentre of the outbreak. More than 77,000 tests were recorded on Thursday - a new record. Pictured: A resident grabs a coffee in Elizabeth Bay in Sydney as the city endures lockdown NEW EXPOSURE SITES IN NSW RELEASED ON FRIDAY NIGHT Anyone who was at the following venues at these times is a close contact and must immediately get tested and isolate for 14 days regardless of the result. Woolworths Lennox Shopping Centre at Emu Plains on July 10 from 4pm to 4.45pm Service NSW at Liverpool on July 12 from 10am to 10.30am Al Sultan Butchery at Lakemba on July 10 from 9am to 8pm and July 11 from 1.30pm to 8pm Coles at Hurstville on July 10 from 11.40am to 12.30pm and July 12 from 9.15am to 6.15pm IKEA at Marsden Park on July 12 from 12pm to 7.30pm and July 13 from 12pm to 4pm Anyone who was at the following venues at these times is considered a casual contact and should immediately get tested and isolate until they receive a negative result. KFC at Fairfield on June 25 from 3.30pm to 11pm and June 26 from 3.30pm to 11pm Hanson Concrete at Greenacre on July 1 through to July 7 for the whole day each day KFC at Fairfield on July 6 from 3pm to 9pm, on July 10 from 3.30pm to 11.30pm and July 11 from 9am to 8.30pm Costco Wholesale at Casula on July 7 from 12.50pm to 4pm Hungry Jacks at East Greenacre on July 8 from 7.40pm to 8.10pm Coles at Hurstville on July 8 from 9.15am to 4pm and July 13 from 10am to 3pm Tobacconist and Gifts at Canley Heights on July 11 from 9am to 9.15am BP at Bellfield on July 11 from 12.25pm to 12.45pm I-Juice Plus at Lakemba on July 11 from 4.25pm to 4.40pm Coles Fairfield Forum on July 11 from 3.30pm to 3.45pm BWS at Fairfield Neeta City on July 11 from 6pm to 6.10pm 7-Eleven at Prairiewood on July 13 from 7.45am to 7.50am Anyone who attended the following venues at the times listed must monitor for symptoms and if they appear get tested immediately and self-isolate until you receive a negative result. Wolli Creek Woolworths on July 8 from 1pm to 1.40pm Casula Costco Wholesale on July 9 from 1.35pm to 2.10pm Hurstville Woolworths on July 12 from 3.05pm to 3.25pm Coogee Maloney's Grocer on July 12 from 5.35pm 6pm Coogee Woolworths Metro Coogee Bay Village on July 12 from 5.40pm to 6pm Hurstville Coles on July 12 from 3.35pm 3.45pm Tuesday 13 July 3.25pm 3.35pm Wednesday 14 July 10.30am 11am Revesby West Metro Petrol 10-12 Milperra Road Tuesday 13 July 5.30pm 5.40pm Hurstville Station Meat Westfield Hurstville, 12/225 Forest Rd Wednesday 14 July 10am 10.20am Bondi Junction Chemist Warehouse 133-135 Oxford St Wednesday 14 July 8am 8.30am Bondi Junction Coles 500 Oxford Street Wednesday 14 July 8am 8.30am Advertisement Sydney's outbreak of the Delta Covid strain is not yet under control despite three weeks of lockdown and cases dipping under 100 four days in a row. A graph of all the new cases over the past week and the updated daily averages illustrates that infections are still on the rise. And the infection rate has seen Australian Medical Association Omar Khorshid claim NSW will need to go harder - or face an 'indefinite' lockdown. This is despite the number of new daily cases appearing to peak on July 12 at 112, with cases hovering between 65 and 97 in the four days since. A graph of all the new cases over the past week and the updated daily averages illustrates that infections are still on the rise Premier Gladys Berejiklian has repeatedly said numbers will continue to 'bounce around' as contact tracers work to stay on top of the virus' spread. However, she ominously said she would use tougher restrictions should the case rate continue to remain stubbornly high, she would impose tighter restrictions. 'If Kerry Chant says we need to introduce to reduce mobility that is what we will do,' she said. But with the daily average increasing by about 10 each day over the last week alone, it's clear to see that authorities are struggling to keep up. Sydney's outbreak of the Delta Covid strain is not yet under control despite three weeks of lockdown and daily cases dropping under 100. Pictured: People exercising in Rushcutters Bay It's unlikely Ms Berejiklian and chief health officer Kerry Chant will even consider easing Sydney's lockdown until these figures stabilise and drop. Sydney has been in lockdown for three weeks and the premier has already announced a two-week extension - but there are concerns stay-at-home orders will remain in place well beyond the expected date. On Friday, New South Wales recorded a further 97 cases with 29 in the community for their entire infectious period. While the number is still below this week's peak, which occurred on Monday, Ms Berejiklian still expressed concerns that contact tracers still weren't on top of the outbreak. More than 77,000 people got tested for Covid overnight. The key to ending lockdown is still vaccination. Pictured: A vaccination centre at Sydney Olympic Park EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT NEW RESTRICTIONS: THE UPDATED RESTRICTIONS IN GREATER SYDNEY, BLUE MOUNTAINS, CENTRAL COAST, WOLLONGONG AND SHELLHARBOUR: - Outdoor public gatherings limited to two people (excluding members of the same household) - People must exercise within 10km of their home - No carpooling with members of other households - Browsing at shops is prohibited, and only one person per household per day may leave the home for shopping - Funerals limited to 10 people from July 11. THE FOUR REASONS TO LEAVE HOME UNDER LOCKDOWN: - Shopping for food or other essential goods and services (one person per household per day) - Medical care or compassionate needs (only one visitor can enter another residence in circumstances of compassionate needs) - Exercise with no more than one other person (unless members of the same household) - Essential work or education where you cannot work or study from home. Advertisement 'Please know that every time Dr Chant gives us proposals, we act within hours as we did,' she said. 'We will take whatever decision is required to have this lockdown go for as short shorter period as possible.' Professor Emma McBryde, a disease modeller at James Cook University, said Sydney's best case scenario is the lockdown will lift in about three to four weeks' time - probably the latter. Prof. McBryde said the Delta variant of the virus shows no signs of abating in Sydney and case numbers will continue to rise for at least a few days. There have been complaints that Sydney's lockdown is too lax (pictured Bondi on Friday) Authorities will then have to determine when the virus has peaked 'and then you have to start chasing those numbers down to zero'. 'Probably four weeks from now, would be a minimum,' she said - or about August 9. Even then, the restrictions will ease only slowly. The Burnet Institute's Professor Mark Stoove has warned there was a two week lag between Victoria introducing harsh Stage Four restrictions and case numbers finally falling. Melbourne's strict lockdown successfully brought the virus to heel but went further than Sydney's current suite of restrictions. Rare navigation sheets which provide a gripping blow-by-blow account of the Dambusters raid in World War Two have come to light 78 years after the RAF's most famous mission. They were filled in by Sergeant Vivian Nicholson who was a navigator on one of the 19 Lancaster bombers that took part in Operation Chastise on May 16, 1943. His aircraft, piloted by Flight Sergeant David Maltby, finished the job off after a separate bouncing bomb weakened the wall of the Mohne Dam in Germany. As well as jotting down technical information such as wind speeds and directions, Sgt Nicholson used short phrases to offer a 'real-time' commentary of the highly-dangerous mission. They describe the nerve-shredding approach to Germany's Ruhr Valley as they were fired on by the enemy before dive-bombing their target at 60ft. Rare navigation sheets which provide a gripping blow-by-blow account of the Dambusters raid in World War Two have come to light The 20-year-old, from Sherburn, County Durham, scribbled down 'bomb dropped, wizard' as it bounced along the surface of the reservoir before exploding against the dam wall. Sergeant Vivian Nicholson (pictured) was a navigator in Operation Chastise The notes read: 'IFF on - Test Spotlight - IFF off - Bomb Fused - Evasive Action - Leader Turns - GEE Jammed something chronic - Flak fired at aircraft evasive action taken - Turning Point Identified Evasive Action - Switch on VHF Contact OK - Circling - Flak not too light - Receive OK - Flak - Bomb Dropped Wizard - Evasive Action - GEE still no dice - Flak North Coast and Searchlight - GEE faint but workable - Orange Colour of Day - Landed base.' Wing Commander Guy Gibson led the raid as the Mohne and Edersee dams were breached using Barnes Wallis' 'bouncing bomb', striking a huge psychological blow against the Germans. It came at a huge personal cost as 53 out of the 133 men involved were killed. Sgt Nicholson's documents are part of an archive relating to 617 'Dambusters' Squadron which has emerged for sale with auctioneers Antony Cribb, of Newbury, Berks, for 7,000. It also features photos of the squadron's heroes and the aftermath of the damage inflicted by the raid on the German industrial region. A couple of images show the burst dam, while others capture the devastation from above (pictured) The log sheet, used for each operation, recorded routes taken, changes in bearing and other key details such as times of fixes. It also features photos of the squadron's heroes and the aftermath of the damage inflicted by the raid on the German industrial region. A couple of images show the burst dam, while others capture the devastation from above. Antony Cribb said: 'Sgt Nicholson was the navigator on J-Johnny which was piloted by Flt Lt Maltby, one of 19 Lancasters which took part. 'Most navigation sheets are very matter of fact, with details on wind speeds and directions, but he was given a much more detailed description of the raid. Sergeant Nicholson is circled. He used short phrases to offer a 'real-time' commentary of the perilous mission 'Reading it makes the hair stand up on the back of your neck. 'It's incredible that the handwriting is so neat considering they were dive-bombing at 60ft while being shot at. 'The medals of Dambusters heroes always sell for serious money but they were awarded after the event. 'These sheets were on the plane and made it to and back from Germany.' Sgt Nicholson was awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal for his exploits during Operation Chastise, which he received at Buckingham Palace. But the seven-man crew of his plane was killed four months later when the aircraft crashed into the North Sea in heavy fog while returning from an aborted Tallboy bombing raid on the Dortmund-Elms Canal in the North Rhine. Sgt Nicholson's body was never found. As a teenager Sgt Nicholson worked as an apprentice in his family's joinery business before volunteering to join the RAF at the outbreak of World War Two. The sale takes place on July 20. A chartered quantity surveyor lost his job after telling colleagues their company had HIV and he had been brought in to stop it before it became full blown AIDS, a tribunal heard. Geoffrey Madawho, 48, heralded his arrival at Kent County Council-owned Gen2 Properties by declaring there was a 'new sheriff in town. But after the HIV comment and subsequently being told to dial things down a notch, he resigned after just seven days. He then launched a claim of racial discrimination and harassment but this was dismissed by an employment tribunal after the judge said his behaviour was an example of him acting out what he has heard in TV court room dramas and lacks any credibility. Madawho, a highly qualified chartered quantity surveyor from Nigeria with more than 20 years experience in the construction industry, was appointed as Associate Quantity Surveyor, a senior management position at Gen2's Maidstone office with a salary of 83,000 per annum. He was only there for seven days before his employment suddenly terminated in June 2019. He claimed he was dismissed because of his African ethnicity but the tribunal found he had voluntarily resigned. The company he worked for was owned by Kent County Council, whose HQ is pictured here The tribunal held in Croydon, London heard Mr Madawho was rude and abrupt with staff, that he upset the team and failed to show leadership and diplomacy; essentially from the start of employment he was like a bull in a china shop. He told the tribunal he felt like John Wayne, and also likened himself to Tom Cruise in Mission Impossible. He said I want to hit the ground running no parachute, that he was passionate about being a chartered surveyor and thought he had found a company which had appreciated that. With two or three days of his employment, members of staff told bosses they were worried by Mr Madawhos reference to him being there to deal with the mess the company was in and he had said he was the new sheriff in town. The complaints were that his manner was bullish, rude or aggressive. He heralded his arrival at Kent County Council-owned Gen2 Properties by declaring there was a 'new sheriff in town. On one occasion he likened the company to having HIV and claimed he had been brought in to stop it before it became full blown AIDS When he was asked by Head of Projects Joanne Taylor about toning down his approach to staff, she mentioned she had been working there since 2001. He then commented: Youve been in post a very long time. In fact, I was sucking on my mums tits still when you must have started here. When Ms Taylor was affronted by the comment he replied that he was sorry if his language had upset her, but that it was our culture and this is how we speak. At a senior management meeting on Friday 31st May 2019 Executive Chairman Paul Jones saw Mr Madawhos interaction with the team, with whom he was abrupt and told them how they had been doing things wrong. After the meeting he asked Mr Madawho to tone things down with members of staff. Employment Judge Anita Richardson said Mr Jones had to act after hearing Mr Madawho had so upset a colleague she was crying and said she wanted to resign. He added: He needed to tell [Mr Madawho] he was going about the things the wrong way. Mr Jones called a meeting later that day where he again told Mr Madawho about things he needed to improve on but Mr Madawho quit, saying: I knew you were going to sack me, so Im going to resign. While Mr Madawho had claimed he was sacked because of his race, the judge said: There is nothing racist in Mr Joness conduct. It was the conduct of a concerned manager dealing with a newly recruited senior manager who seemed to have completely misunderstood his role and the appropriate way to lead his new team. Mr Jones would have treated in exactly the same way another recruit to the same post, holding the same qualifications and experience as the claimant, being similar to the claimant in all respects except for being white, and who had acted in the same way as the claimant. Mr Madawho told the tribunal he had been recruited to do Mr Joness dirty work and that he was the fall guy and Mr Jones would not be able to do it, he got me to do it, dirty Harry, Mission impossible. He also said: Because white people arent treated so unfavourable - its easier to get a black person to do the dirty work and so I was the fall guy. But the judge concluded this was an example of him acting out what he has heard in TV court room dramas and lacks any credibility. The tribunal dismissed his claims of race discrimination and harassment and also his claims of wrongful dismissal and unlawful deduction from wages. An ex-policeman has been jailed over a 336,000 cannabis factory on his farm that he protected with a 'ring of steel' of rifles, knives and a crossbow. David Allen, 68, who also spent 24 years in the Army, serving in Northern Ireland, Bosnia, the Gulf and Afghanistan, began growing the drugs in his retirement on his smallholding by a primary school in Penrith, Cumbria. The farm was guarded by a cache of 'strategically positioned' weapons, ready to protect his illegal enterprise. The ex-copper, who served in Northumbria from 1993 and 1997, was caught when officers smelt cannabis and searched his premises in July 2020. Allen - hailed a national 'hero' by his lawyer for his Army career - admitted producing cannabis and was jailed for three years and seven months. David Allen - hailed a national 'hero' by his lawyer for his Army career - admitted producing cannabis and was jailed for three years and seven months Prosecutor Alaric Walmsley said a detective described the operation as 'one of the most carefully constructed and sophisticated set-ups' ever seen. The search revealed a 'professional grow' of 80 plants using high end, specialist equipment designed to maximise yield. The plants were nearing full maturity, and contained within a fully insulated room with sophisticated timed lamps, heaters and ventilation system. There was also a substantial drying area including a large, insulated tent, drying racks and vacuum-packing machinery. Seven crops could have been produced, during a 140-week period, 42kg of cannabis worth up to 336,000. Mr Walmsley added: 'A search of the defendant's farmhouse revealed further equipment and packaging for the cannabis. 'Notes and manuals of how to grow cannabis and operate the machinery; cash; and weapons - knives, a crossbow and air rifles in strategic positions ready to protect the cannabis farm if required.' Plain-clothed officers visiting the property were confronted by Allen who initially tried to fob them off. Mr Walmsley said: 'The officers identified themselves and asked the defendant if he knew anything about a cannabis grow in the area. 'He said that he did not, and said something like 'I wouldn't know where to start with that'. 'He then started talking about his previous careers in the military and in the police force. 'Due to the way he was talking, police suspected he was trying to change the subject and distract them.' Prosecutor Alaric Walmsley said a detective described the operation as 'one of the most carefully constructed and sophisticated set-ups' ever seen While under investigation, Allen made 'arrangements to leave the country'. He let slip to an estate agent in November he was 'packing' and 'off to retire in the sunshine' in Asia and may not be coming back. A financial probe of his finances identified 'unexplained cash deposits totalling over 425,000, together with regular transfers of money to the Philippines'. Two passports handed over by Allen to police featured different dates of birth. Michael Davies, defending, stressed his client - through his army service - was a 'national hero' who had 'stooped to commit this offence'. Mr Davies said that none of the legally-held weapons were loaded and that Allen began using cannabis to self-medicate for a bad back. He added the 'real story' was 'a soldier who served his country, so well and for so long at such personal cost, has stooped to commit this offence.' Allen also admitted possessing 12,000 in criminal cash found in a set of bedroom drawers. Jailing Allen, Recorder Kate Bex QC said: 'I'm satisfied you directed and organised the production of cannabis on a commercial scale.' Afghanistan's vice-president has accused Pakistan of providing 'close air support' for the Taliban as the Islamist insurgents continue their offensive. Amrullah Saleh claimed the Pakistani military had warned Afghanistan that they would be 'faced and repelled' by Pakistan's Air Force if they tried to attack the Taliban in Spin Boldak to retake the key border crossing between the two countries. The vice president claimed that Afghanistan's aircrafts were warned to back off from Spin Boldak or 'face air to air missiles'. It comes as Reuters news agency said Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer Danish Siddiqui, who was embedded with the Afghan special forces, was killed as the commando unit sought to recapture Spin Boldak. Reuters said Siddiqui and a senior Afghan officer were killed in what they described as Taliban crossfire. Amrullah Saleh claimed the Pakistani military had warned Afghanistan that they would be 'faced and repelled' by Pakistan's Air Force if they tried to attack the Taliban in Spin Boldak to retake the key border crossing between the two countries. Pictured: Afghan security forces Reuters news agency said Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer Danish Siddiqui (pictured), who was embedded with the Afghan special forces, was killed as the commando unit sought to recapture Spin Boldak 'Pakistan air force has issued official warning to the Afghan Army and Air Force that any move to dislodge the Taliban from Spin Boldak area will be faced and repelled by the Pakistan Air Force,' Saleh tweeted on Thursday. 'Pak air force is now providing close air support to Taliban in certain areas.' He added: 'Afghan aircrafts as far as 10 kilometres from Spin Boldak are warned to back off or face air to air missiles. Afghanistan is too big to be swallowed.' Pakistan has strongly denied the claim, with a foreign ministry statement saying the country 'took necessary measures within its territory to safeguard our own troops and population'. Afghanistan's vice-president Amrullah Saleh has accused Pakistan of providing 'close air support' for the Taliban 'We acknowledge Afghan government's right to undertake actions on its sovereign territory,' Pakistan's foreign ministry added. But Saleh dismissed Pakistan's denials as false and said on Friday: 'On Pakistani denial: For over twenty years Pakistan denied the existence of Quetta Shura [militant organisation with Taliban leaders] or presence of Taliban terrorist leaders in its soil. 'Those familiar with this pattern, Afghan or foreign, know exactly that issuing a statement is just a pre-written paragraph.' The war of words comes as Afghan forces clashed Friday with Taliban fighters in Spin Boldak after launching an operation to retake the key border crossing with Pakistan. Dozens of wounded Taliban fighters were being treated at a Pakistan hospital near the border after fierce overnight fighting, AFP correspondents at the scene reported. 'We have suffered one death and dozens of our fighters have got injured,' Mullah Muhammad Hassan, who identified himself as a Taliban insurgent, told AFP near Chaman in Pakistan, about five kilometres (three miles) from the border. Reuters news agency said Friday one of its photographers had been killed in the Spin Boldak fighting, citing an Afghan army commander. The war of words comes as Afghan forces clashed Friday with Taliban fighters (pictured: file) in Spin Boldak after launching an operation to retake the key border crossing with Pakistan A member of Afghan Special Forces sits on the rooftop of his humvee as he arrives at the base after heavy clashes with Taliban on July 13 Reuters news agency said Friday one of its photographers, Danish Siddiqui, had been killed in the Spin Boldak fighting Danish Siddiqui, an Indian national, was part of a team that shared a Pulitzer Prize in 2018 and had been embedded with Afghan special forces, the agency said. 'We are urgently seeking more information, working with authorities in the region,' Reuters President Michael Friedenberg and Editor-in-Chief Alessandra Galloni said in a statement. 'Danish was an outstanding journalist, a devoted husband and father, and a much-loved colleague. Our thoughts are with his family at this terrible time.' Siddiqui told Reuters he had been wounded in the arm by shrapnel earlier on Friday while reporting on the clash. He was treated and had been recovering when Taliban fighters retreated from the fighting in Spin Boldak. Siddiqui had been talking to shopkeepers when the Taliban attacked again, the Afghan commander said. Reuters photographer Danish Siddiqui covers the monsoon floods and landslides in the upper reaches of Govindghat, India in 2013 Danish Siddiqui, right, takes photographs while helping a flood-affected woman who is being evacuated from the upper reaches of Govindghat in India in 2013 A Reuters photographer since 2010, Siddiqui's work spanned covering the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, the Rohingya refugees crisis, the Hong Kong protests and Nepal earthquakes. Afghanistan's ambassador to India, Farid Mamundzay, tweeted his condolences. The fight for the border comes as the Taliban close in on the stronghold of long-time foe Abdul Rashid Dostum, with the insurgent group's spokesman saying the warlord's militia forces had fled Sheberghan, capital of Jowzjan province. The group had 'captured the gate' of the city, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said in a WhatsApp message, adding: 'Dostum's militia left the city and fled towards the airport.' The deputy governor of Jowzjan confirmed that the Taliban had reached the gates of the provincial capital, but said government forces were pushing back against the militants. For years, Dostum has overseen one of the largest militias in the north, which garnered a fearsome reputation in its fight with the Taliban in the 1990s - along with accusations that his forces massacred thousands of insurgent prisoners of war. A rout or retreat of his fighters would dent the Kabul government's recent hopes that militia groups can help bolster the country's overstretched military. Residents of Spin Boldak, which fell to the Taliban on Wednesday, said the insurgents and the army were battling in the main bazaar of the border town. 'There is heavy fighting,' said Mohammad Zahir. The border crossing provides direct access to Pakistan's Balochistan province, where the Taliban's top leadership has been based for decades, along with an unknown number of reserve fighters who regularly enter Afghanistan to bolster their ranks. As fighting continued, Pakistan said Thursday it would hold a special conference on Afghanistan in Islamabad at the weekend, although Taliban officials had not been invited. There were signs too that official talks in Doha - which have stalled for months - could stutter back to life. An aide to Afghan President Ashraf Ghani told local media his government had asked for the Islamabad conference to be postponed as negotiators were already heading to Qatar. The Taliban have capitalised on the last stages of the withdrawal of foreign troops to launch a series of lightning offensives across the country, capturing a swath of districts and border crossings, and encircling provincial capitals. Foreign troops have been in Afghanistan for nearly two decades following the US-led invasion launched in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks. They have appeared largely out of the picture in recent months, but fears are growing that government forces will be overwhelmed without the vital air support they provide. The speed and scale of the Taliban onslaught have caught many by surprise, with analysts saying it appears aimed at forcing the government to sue for peace on the insurgents' terms or suffer complete military defeat. An Afghan official said Thursday a local ceasefire with Taliban leaders had been negotiated for Qala-i-Naw, the Badghis provincial capital that saw fierce street fighting last week. 'The ceasefire was brokered by tribal elders,' Badghis governor Hesamuddin Shams told AFP. A cactus business owner who operates out of a phone box has been left stunned after his unique premises was put up for auction for a staggering 35,000. Simon Ward, 53, opened Simply Cactus inside the iconic red phone kiosk with friends Timo Malagori, 43, and Dani Tagliaferra, 36, in Tombland, Norfolk, just last month. But he now fears for the future of his business after the owner of the box put it up for auction - and it could sell by tomorrow 'if the right price is reached'. Mr Ward told EveningNews24: 'I'm shocked, I only found out when someone came along to take photos of the phone box saying it was up for sale. 'I leased it for six months but after that, it looks like the cactus shop will be homeless. 'It's attracted a lot of attention since I opened although the weather hasn't been good for cacti. (Left to right): Dani Tagliaferro, 36, Timoteo Malagoli, 43 and Simon Ward, 53, at their Simply Cactus shop in Tombland, Norfolk Simply Cactus (pictured) operates out of a phone box in Tombland, Norfolk, which has now been placed on auction with a guiding price of 35,000 'It's been a lot of fun but I don't know what I'm going to do.' According to local reports, the guide price of 35,000 for the 3ftsq box is more than a two-bedroom holiday home currently for sale in nearby Hemsby. Mr Ward pays just 3,000 per year to rent the tiny space, which is wired with electricity and measures 8ft3 tall. The 'K6 Jubilee' phone box was designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott to commemorate the silver jubilee of the coronation of King George V. The late designer's portfolio includes the Battersea Power Station in London and the former Bankside power station, which is now the Tate Modern. Mat Harris, of Bidx1, selling the kiosk on behalf of Brighton-based owners RKC Estates, said: 'Own an iconic piece of British heritage located in busy pitch in Norwich with the added benefit of already having planning permission for retail use. 'You own the kiosk and can resell at any point, but it is a heritage site, so you cannot remove them or alter the exterior. 'The kiosk is registered as a listed building at Historic England.' It comes after BT sold off the red kiosks for as little as 1 to communities which wanted to convert them into defibrillators or other beneficial installations. This current home of Simply Cactus is for sale in a livestream auction with no extra service charges or ground rent to pay. Those wanting to operate a business from the box must obtain a licence. Simon Ward, 53, who runs the Simply Cactus business with two others, said he 'does not know what he will do' if the phone box he operates from is sold 'Open dry days, Fridays and Saturdays': Sign reads on phone box which is home to Simply Cactus business while (right) a selection of the cacti on offer While there is another phone box next to Mr Ward's business, it is not up for sale. Bids for the premises of Simply Cactus are currently being taken and it could be sold as early as 'tomorrow' if the right price is reached. While other phone boxes are on sale for around 2,750, the 35,000 being requested for the kiosk in Tombland is not unheard of. Earlier this year a phone box in London was placed on the market for 45,000. The 100-year-old kiosk in the City of London was advertised on Rightmove as a business space, despite covering just nine square feet. Phone boxes are said to fetch high values because of planning permission, which this one has, and also because of the potential business use. It comes after 25-year-old entrepreneur Tayyab Shafiq set up the 'world's smallest takeaway' after opening a curry house in a disused box on Uxbridge High Street in London last year. Anxiety among older people doubled during the first Covid lockdown, research suggests. A study of 380,000 people found the pandemic caused the biggest blow to 60 to 80-year-olds' mental health. People in that age group reported the greatest increase in anxiety and depression, as well as getting less sleep. Isolation from family and friends and worries about being most at risk from the virus is likely to blame, according to the researchers. They said there is 'cause for concern' about both younger and older peoples' mental health, but the disproportionate impact on older people has been 'overlooked', so they should be prioritised for support. But the study also found that the lockdown had a positive impact on some peoples' mental health, with participants experiencing more spare time and a greater sense of community. When the UK was in lockdown last year, older people had the biggest concerns about their health and were less likely to say they were less stressed than before the pandemic. Meanwhile, younger people were more likely to say their life was disrupted, teenagers and people in their early 20s scored higher for increased conflict at home This graph shows the change in participants' responses before and during the pandemic. The largest difference was for anxiety, with the number of people reporting feeling anxious or on edge several times a week increasing from 24 to 33 per cent, while the number of people responding that they never feel anxious decreased from 18 to 8 per cent. But other aspects of mental health showed modest improvements during the pandemic, with people having less trouble concentrating and less likely to feel depressed Britain WILL 'of course' face a new lockdown if Covid third wave hits 'unacceptable' levels of hospitalisations, minister warns Britain will 'of course' face a new lockdown if Covid's third wave hits 'unacceptable' levels, a minister warned today after Chris Whitty admitted the country may have to face new restrictions within weeks. Solicitor General Lucy Frazer suggested it was the right time to open up because of the success of the vaccination drive which has reached 90 per cent of Britons. But with cases continuing to soar, hospital admissions tracking above some of SAGE's worst-case projections, and deaths having hit a four-month high, she warned that No10 may be left with no choice but to consider reimposing tough restrictions. Ms Frazer said: 'Of course, if we get into a situation where it is unacceptable and we do need to put back further restrictions, then that of course is something the Government will look at.' England's chief medical officer last night cautioned the UK could still 'get into trouble again surprisingly fast' and hospitals may face 'scary numbers' within a matter of weeks. Making it clear the country was not on an irreversible path to freedom despite No10 pushing ahead with step four of the roadmap to normality on Monday, Professor Chris Whitty said: 'We are not by any means out of the woods yet.' Boris Johnson has already dropped all mention of the final unlocking being 'irreversible'. The Prime Minister has resorted to caution, calling on people not to 'go wild' and immediately rush to take advantage of the final easing which includes lifting work-at-home orders and reopening nightclubs. Cases have spiralled over the past few weeks, with scientists blaming the easing of restrictions and young men gathering to watch England's Euro 2020 campaign for the uptick. Office for National Statistics (ONS) data released today estimated one in 95 in England had Covid last week, with infections rising 73.5 per cent to 577,7000. Advertisement Researchers said their study, which was published today in the journal Nature Communications, is the largest of its kind and found 'wide-ranging positive and negative effects' on the UK population's mental health and wellbeing. The participants, around 90 per cent of whom live in the UK, completed a questionnaire on their mental health in January 2020, followed up by another in May and June 2020. The report is a collaboration between Imperial College London, King's College London, the University of Cambridge, the University of Southampton, the University of Chicago, and NHS foundation trusts Southern Health and Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. The number of over-80s who said they experienced anxiety daily and several times a week more than doubled, researchers found. Around 14 per cent more people over 80 reported feeling depressed during lockdown than they did before it. Older adults also reported having the highest health concerns compared to other age groups. Among all the participants, the biggest change was seen in anxiety levels, with the proportion of people feeling anxious or on edge several times a week rising from 24 per cent to 33 per cent. The proportion of people who said they never felt anxious fell from 18 per cent to 8 per cent. But the number of participants saying they felt depressed, had low energy, trouble concentrating decreased overall. Healthcare workers showed large differences to the broader population, such as having less free time, being less likely to feel more relaxed and more likely to report greater work engagement. People living with their parents or small children reported having more conflicts at home. But the researchers said a 'surprising proportion' of people experienced substantial positives during the first lockdown, such as greater sense of community, improved environment, connection with loved ones, reduced commute times and more spare time for family and pursuits. Disabled people and shielders had some of the most negative perceptions, reporting little benefit from positives others identified. On average, younger people indicated higher anxiety and depression scores than older adults prior to the pandemic, and these remained higher during the first lockdown. The researchers said there is cause for concern about the mental health of younger and older people, but while considerable attention has been drawn to the former, the disproportionate impact on older people has been 'overlooked'. Dr Adam Hampshire, a reader at Imperial's department of brain sciences, said: 'Although anxiety levels increased across all ages, older people were disproportionately affected, also showing higher levels of depression, and getting fewer hours of sleep. 'There are multiple reasons why this may be the case, including isolation from loved ones and the worries that come with being the most at risk to the virus. 'I believe this older demographic has not received enough attention and must be prioritised for care and mental health interventions, especially those who are clinically vulnerable and may feel left behind as we move out of lockdown.' The survey is still available to the public, and researchers will contact respondents to see how they are adapting later on in the pandemic and in its aftermath. Dr Hampshire told MailOnline that their still to be published follow-up study found 44 per cent of all adults were 44 per cent more anxious in January 2021 than they were one year earlier. Liam Gallagher's youngest son and Ringo Starr's grandson will stand trial in March next year for allegedly attacking and racially abusing Tesco workers as they tried to buy drink in a shop near their Hampstead homes. Gene Gallagher, 20, Beatles drummer Starr's grandson Sonny Starkey, 19, and IMG model Noah Ponte, 20, are accused of fighting in a Tesco Express in Hampstead, north London on May 17, 2019. Ponte is accused of stealing a can of beer at midnight after the shop had stopped selling alcohol, an earlier hearing was told. Liam Gallagher's youngest son Gene Gallagher (left) and Ringo Starr's grandson Sonny Starkey (right) will stand trial in March next year for allegedly attacking and racially abusing Tesco workers Gallagher, Starkey, and IMG model Noah Ponte (pictured) are accused of fighting in a Tesco Express in Hampstead, north London on May 17, 2019 The 20-year-old is also said to have told a South Asian worker: 'You bloody Indians. Go back to where you came from. You're not wanted here.' Gallagher, Starkey, and Ponte are charged with affray, while Gallagher and Ponte are also accused of racially aggravated assault. Ponte is also charged with theft and assault by beating, Wood Green Crown Court was told today. Starkey is facing two charges of assault by beating two Tesco workers. A judge at Wood Green Crown Court today set a trial date for the trio for March 28 next year. None of the defendants were present in court for the brief hearing. Alexander Agbamu, prosecuting, told an earlier hearing: 'Factually it's a very straightforward case, much of the incident was captured on CCTV, that which isn't is described by eyewitnesses, by those who are described as the alleged victims.' Health bosses in the UK's current Covid hotspot have pleaded with frontline staff to cancel their holiday plans to fight the third wave. Bosses at South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust are also offering medics a 250 bonus if they agree to work an extra week of overtime over the next six weeks. Directors at the trust warn they are facing 'extreme pressure' from a surge in Covid cases. There are currently about 80 infected patients being treated on wards across its three hospitals, compared to just two exactly a month ago. 'The Trust is currently under extreme pressure due to a surge in Covid cases,' bosses said in a leaked memo sent to staff. 'Many people are seriously ill and receiving intensive care support.' The memo also included a plea for staff to cancel their holidays and take on extra shifts to help with the pressure. 'If you are due to take annual leave but feel able to postpone this to help support the Trust's Covid response, please talk to your line manager ASAP,' it read. Health bosses offered staff the bonus to take on additional shifts but also warned them they may have to work outside of their normal area to help care for Covid patients. South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust has seen its number of Covid patients increase eight-fold since the end of June Directors at the trust say they are facing 'extreme pressure' from a surge in Covid cases. Pictured: Sunderland Royal Hospital The leaked note also warned of a 'difficult period ahead' and urged staff to look after both themselves and each other after already having worked incredibly hard over the last year. 'Thank you all for your continued hard work and incredible support to keep our patients safe,' it reads. 'It certainly feels like we are entering a very difficult period, especially after the long slog of the past year.' As of 8am on 13 July, the most recent data available, there were 78 confirmed Covid patients occupying beds at South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust. Two of these patients were on mechanical ventilation, meaning their condition was so serious that a machine is needed to help them breathe. In a statement the trust outlined how staff being forced to self-isolate after encountering someone with Covid was compounding the issues caused by rising cases. Four fifths of NHS hospitals in England are now seeing a spike in Covid patients being admitted, official data has shown as the third wave of the pandemic continues to take its toll ahead of 'Freedom Day' on Monday 'The surge in cases of Covid in hospital has also coincided with a large number of staff having to self-isolate and relentless pressure on the Trust's Emergency Departments which are seeing well in excess of 600 attendances every single day as well as pressures on GP and primary care services,' it reads. South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust medical director Dr Shaz Wahid said he was immensely grateful for the work of staff adding they were only asking them to cancel their holiday plans voluntarily. Covid hospital admissions are rising in FOUR FIFTHS of trusts in England Four-fifths of NHS hospitals in England are now seeing a spike in Covid patients being admitted, official data has shown as the third wave of the pandemic continues to take its toll ahead of 'Freedom Day' on Monday. MailOnline analysis of NHS England data show how the number of infected patients needing medical treatment has soared by four-fold in some of the worst-hit parts of the country. And hospitalisations have doubled in 29 of the 123 NHS trusts across England that are capable of treating the infected. But the proportion of beds occupied by infected people in Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust currently the worst-hit NHS facility in the country is still only 9.25 per cent, with trusts not yet swamped with virus patients. For comparison, hospitals in Kent saw nearly 45 per cent of all beds occupied by Covid-infected Brits during the darkest days of the second wave in January. Sandwell and West Birmingham had the highest Covid bed occupancy in the country. Fifty-three of the trust's 573 beds were taken with Covid patients on July 13. It was followed by trusts in Gateshead (9.15 per cent), Bolton (8.25 per cent) and Southport (8.04 per cent). Regionally, the North West had the highest rate in the country at 4.35 per cent, while at the other end of the scale came the East of England (1.17 per cent). Admissions rose quickest in Whittington and Berkshire, which both saw more than four times as many Covid patients on July 13 as the week before. And the highest number of beds in use by people infected with the virus was in Manchester University Hospitals Trust, in which 111 of 1,853 beds were taken six per cent of its capacity. Twenty six trusts saw their number of Covid patients drop including trusts in Buckinghamshire, East Kent and Cambridge. Advertisement 'We continue to review the situation on a daily basis and have robust contingency plans in place, but have also asked our staff to be flexible and to postpone leave only where they are happy and able to do so,' he said. Dr Wahid also urged the public to do their part in reducing Covid pressures. 'We are urging the public to continue supporting us by wearing a mask, washing your hands and social distancing in all of our hospital and community buildings,' he said. 'If you haven't already had your Covid jab I would also urge you to get one as soon as possible.' Sunderland and South Tyneside are two of the worst-hit regions in the UK in terms of total Covid cases according to the Government's latest data. They are among the seven areas in the UK to receive a 'black' rating on Government maps tracking the pandemic, meaning the Covid case rate in the area had exceeded 800 cases per 100,000 people. South Tyneside is top of the group with 2,111 cases spotted in the week ending July 10, a 68 per cent increase compared to week before and equating to 1,398 cases per 100,000 people. Sunderland follows in with the second worst Covid case rate in the country with 2,653 cases, a 36 per cent increase since 3 July and equating to 955.3 cases per 100,000 people. In a sign of concern about rising cases in the community South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust made the 'difficult but important decision' to suspend all visiting for its adult inpatient wards on Wednesday. Patients receiving end of life care can still receive visitors 'at the discretion of the nurse in charge' as well as patients who require a carer. News of the pressures at Sunderland came after NHS chiefs warned that the number of 'pings' sent out was making it 'increasingly difficult' to deliver routine care and that hospitals were now scrapping operations because so many workers were having to self-isolate. And the National Care Association said care homes had 'real staffing issues' because of the app. Business leaders have also voiced their concern over the 'pingdemic' and have warned that supermarket shelves may be left empty if tens of thousands of workers are told they must self-isolate in the coming weeks. Unions have also warned that factories across the country are on the 'verge of shutting' down. Figures yesterday revealed 900,000 alerts telling people to quarantine were issued in the first week of this month following contact with a coronavirus victim. The NHS app heralded as a way to halt the spread of the virus uses Bluetooth to estimate how close a user has been to a Covid positive patient and for how long. This information allows it to determine whether someone is at risk of catching the virus and if they should self-isolate. Everyone who gets alerted is advised to self-isolate for ten days, even if they have had both doses of the vaccine or a negative test. A young couple who suffered serious burns to their faces in a gas explosion on the Gold Coast early on Friday morning have been identified as James Rutland and Jessica Horsley. The couple were in the midst of planning the opening of their new business, Local Harvest Cafe Robina, with Ms Horsley sharing her excitement in an Instagram story just hours before the blast occurred. 'Sweet treats in the making' read the post, which shared a video from the inside of the cafe's kitchen. Rutland, 26, and Horsley, 23, had been gleefully posting a countdown to the grand opening on social media, with the devastating explosion occurring just weeks before they planned to open its doors. Jessica Horsley and James Rutland were setting up for the grand opening of their Local Harvest Cafe in Robina on the Gold Coast on August 2nd For the past week the couple had been eagerly advertising the cafe's August 2nd opening date with daily updates and a free coffee promotion posted to social media. '19 days and counting until we open! Who will be us on open day?' a recent post read. The latest update shared to the Instagram was made a day ago with Ms Horsley celebrating the arrival of the cafe's new logo. 'Local Harvest Cafe finally have its own fresh look' the post reads. Ms Horsley made another heartbreaking post moments before the tragic incident happened. In an Instagram story, the couple hinted they were in the process of preparing baked treats, posting a video of baking ingredients and tagging her chef partner from the cafe's kitchen. An Instagram story (pictured) was posted to the couple's Local Harvest Cafe Instagram page just hours before the devastating blast The couple sustained significant burns to their faces, limbs and abdomens after the gas explosion on Friday Paramedics were called to the scene at around 12.15pm after a gas bottle set off an explosion while the couple were testing equipment. Mr Rutland and Ms Horsley were rushed to Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital in a serious but stable condition, suffering significant burns to the face, limbs and abdomen. 'A 26-year-old male and a 23-year-old female were ... setting up the kitchen within [a] new coffee shop,' Queensland Ambulance Service spokesperson Andre Gollop said. 'When they were testing the gas system, theyve had a flash explosion occur and both the male and the female occupants have sustained pretty significant burns to their arms, legs, their torso, and their faces.' The gas explosion at the Robina cafe (pictured) saw the pair rushed to hospital at about 12.15pm on Friday The couple were said to be testing gas equipment when the blast occurred Witness Josh Waddell works in the same estate as the cafe formerly known as Otve, and told Daily Mail Australia the two people inside appeared to be badly burnt. 'Everyone immediately ran out and tried to attend to them,' he said. 'Lucky the [Robina] police station is directly across the road,' he said. 'They came quickly to cover them with towels.' Mr Waddell said the cafe had recently been taken over and he has seen the new owners preparing over the past two weeks for the grand opening as Local Harvest cafe. 'We were all evacuated down the road.' A Toll courier said he'd been about to enter the cul-de-sac to deliver a package to the building next door to the cafe when he heard the explosion. 'It was just this incredibly loud bang and then the sound of glass hitting the concrete outside,' he said. The injured couple have significant burns to their faces, limbs and abdominal area, the Queensland Ambulance Service said Valerie De Jersey heard the explosion and saw the windows of the cafe explode while dropping off her friend at a nearby business. Pictured: Cops at the scene A maintenance worker checks mains next door to the yet-to-open Local Harvest Cafe at Robina on the Gold Coast Sergeant Matt Howard from the neighbouring police station told media that officers had run across the road to enter the cafe and turn off the gas bottle. Valerie De Jersey heard the explosion and saw the windows of the cafe explode while dropping off her friend at a nearby business. 'It happened as we drove in,' Ms De Jersey told The Courier Mail. 'I just pulled up here and the window just blew out, literally just blew out. They (the cafe owners) ran out screaming for help and I ran over to see what I could do to help. 'The police ran across and put towels and water on them. They were pretty badly burnt and shaken.' Another witness who was in a neighbouring building told the Gold Coast Bulletin: 'A man came out covered in burns, his arms looked like a mess. Another person came out covered too.' Police remain at the scene as maintenance workers checked nearby connections to ensure there were no further leaks. Advertisement Manchester was today crowned the Indian 'Delta' variant hotspot of the country by official data. Public Health England figures revealed the Northern city has identified the most cases of the mutant strain 7,032 infections since it first arrived on Britain's shores in April. It was followed by Bolton (6,059), which was a hotspot for the variant when it started to take off in the country, and Leeds (5,790), which has also seen a major spike in cases. Official figures also showed the Indian variant is still behind almost every single Covid infection in the country. Over the week to July 7, the latest available, PHE surveillance found 36,800 of 37,256 cases checked for mutant variants were the Indian strain. The only other variants spotted were the previously dominant Kent 'Alpha' variant which sparked the second wave, 453 cases, and the mutant strain with no known origin, three cases. But this does not mean other mutant strains have disappeared because high case numbers at more than 40,000 a day have left officials only able to screen a small number for mutant strains. The South African 'Beta' variant, which sparked surge testing and makes vaccines slightly less effective, could still be circulating in the country alongside others. There are warnings France could be slapped on the 'red list' today because of surging cases of this variant. The Indian Covid variant sparked Britain's third wave of the pandemic, and became the most common strain just two months after arriving on this country's shores in April. It carries key mutations that scientists say make it the most transmissible variant to date, allowing it to rapidly take over from other types as it spreads between countries. Boris Johnson faced warnings to delay allowing people to again dine indoors on May 17, when it became clear the strain was spreading rapidly. But the Prime Minister steamed ahead with easing restrictions because estimates suggested the strain would not lead to a rapid spike in hospitalisations. By the end of May, the Indian mutation caused 77.7 per cent of cases across England, while the once-dominant Kent strain was responsible for just 21.8 per cent The Indian 'Delta' variant is now dominant in more than 300 areas of England, MailOnline's analysis of testing data reveals. Figures show the ultra-transmissible strain had overtaken the formerly dominant Kent variant in 303 local authorities by June 12 just two months after it was seeded in the country The Indian variant is now responsible for almost all Covid cases in the country, with the most recent estimates from the Sanger Institute stating that 99.3 per cent of all cases in the two weeks up to July 3 were caused by the more infectious mutation Top ten areas for cases of the Indian 'Delta' variant The below areas have identified the most Indian 'Delta' variant cases in the country. PHE only sequences a small proportion of all Covid cases detected, meaning the actual number of infections is likely to be much higher. Manchester, (7,032 cases) Bolton, (6,059 cases) Leeds, (5,790 cases) Birmingham, (5,180 cases) Blackburn (3,972 cases) County Durham, (3,785 cases) Wigan, (3,657 cases) Salford, (3,149 cases) Liverpool, (3,108 cases) Newcastle, (2,879 cases) Advertisement PHE checks a certain number of cases each week for mutant variants in order to keep track of which ones are already present in the country. In May, when cases tumbled to 20,000 a week, they were able to check around half for variants. But now as infections surge past more than 40,000 a day only a small proportion can be examined. Variants carry different mutations on their spike proteins used by the virus to invade cells which make them either more infectious or better able to avoid vaccine-triggered immunity. These are detected by PHE and used to identify which variant an infection represents. It comes after a Government minister warned today that Britain could face another lockdown if Covid rises to an 'unacceptable' level. Solicitor General Lucy Frazer suggested it was the right time to open up because of the vaccination drive which has reached 90 per cent of Britons. But with cases continuing to soar, hospital admissions tracking above some of SAGE's worst-case projections, and deaths having hit a four-month high, she warned that No10 may be left with no choice but to consider reimposing tough restrictions. Ms Frazer said: 'Of course, if we get into a situation where it is unacceptable and we do need to put back further restrictions, then that of course is something the Government will look at.' England's chief medical officer last night cautioned the UK could still 'get into trouble again surprisingly fast' and hospitals may face 'scary numbers' within a matter of weeks. Making it clear the country was not on an irreversible path to freedom despite No10 pushing ahead with step four of the roadmap to normality on Monday, Professor Chris Whitty said: 'We are not by any means out of the woods yet.' Mr Johnson has already dropped all mention of the final unlocking being 'irreversible'. The Prime Minister has resorted to caution, calling on people not to 'go wild' and immediately rush to take advantage of the final easing which includes lifting work-at-home orders and reopening nightclubs. Cases have spiralled over the past few weeks, with scientists blaming the easing of restrictions and young men gathering to watch England's Euro 2020 campaign for the uptick. Vaccines have already saved thousands of lives since the third wave began, drastically slashing the proportion of infected patients who are left seriously ill. But jabs aren't perfect, and admissions have been tracking upwards for a fortnight. Almost 560 infected patients are being admitted to NHS wards each day now, compared to fewer than 100 before the Indian Delta variant took off in mid-May. The current trend in figures is above some of the gloomiest estimates from SAGE, who warned hospitalisations could breach 4,000 a day in August. It comes after health chiefs yesterday posted another 63 deaths, in the highest daily rise since March, and 48,553 cases. Now France could go on the RED list: Ministers consider expensive hotel quarantine for returners Ministers are considering whether to put France on the UK's red travel list in what would be a massive blow for UK holidaymakers. The move would force Brits returning from or transiting through the country into mandatory hotel quarantine on their return, even after July 19. Scientists are currently reviewing data from across the channel amid a surge in the South African or beta variant of the disease. France is currently on the UK amber list, meaning that from Monday, double-jabbed Brits would be allowed to holiday there without having to isolate on their return. But that would not apply to travel to red list countries, which currently include India, Pakistan, Brazil and Turkey. The Telegraph reported that the move was discussed at a meeting this week that saw the Balearic Islands moved from the green to amber list. Scientists have been ordered to take a 'deep dive' into data from France before such a serious decision can be taken. A decision could be taken as early as Monday. But Boris Johnson has previously refused to red list France due to the high level of cross-Channel goods traffic that could potentially be disrupted. Advertisement England's Covid hotspots where up to one in every 33 people are infected: Interactive map shows virus is most prevalent in Manchester as official data says cases jumped by 75% in a week across nation - with almost 580,000 people now carrying illness By Joe Davies for MailOnline One in 95 in England had Covid last week, official data revealed today amid warnings from ministers the country will face another lockdown if third wave doesn't stop spiralling soon. Office for National Statistics (ONS) data based on random swab testing of thousands of people estimated the number of people infected with the virus in the week ending July 10 was 577,7000, up 73.5 per cent in a week. Rates were highest in the North East of England, where up to one in 40 were thought to be infected, and among 18- to 24-year-olds, with up to one in 35 young adults carrying the virus. Around 60,000 people in Scotland had the virus, while 8,400 people in Wales and 6,300 in Northern Northern Ireland were thought to be infected. Meanwhile, SAGE today estimated England's R rate which measures how quickly the outbreak is growing is between 1.2 and 1.4, slightly down from last week's figure of between 1.2 and 1.5. It means, on average, every 10 people with the virus will infect between 12 and 14 other people. The North East and Yorkshire and South East have the highest R rates between 1.2 and 1.6 while it is lowest in the North West, where it is between one and 1.3. The figures come as a minister today warned the country would 'of course' face a new lockdown if infections hit 'unacceptable' levels. Solicitor General Lucy Frazer suggested it was the right time to open up because of the vaccination drive which has reached 90 per cent of Britons. But with cases continuing to soar, hospital admissions tracking above some of SAGE's worst-case projections, and deaths having hit a four-month high, she warned that No10 may be left with no choice but to consider reimposing tough restrictions. Cases have spiralled over the past few weeks, with scientists blaming the easing of restrictions and young men gathering to watch England's Euro 2020 campaign for the uptick. Vaccines have already saved thousands of lives since the third wave began, drastically slashing the proportion of infected patients who are left seriously ill. But jabs aren't perfect, and admissions have been tracking upwards for a fortnight. Almost 560 infected patients are being admitted to NHS wards each day now, compared to fewer than 100 before the Indian Delta variant took off in mid-May. The current trend in figures is above some of the gloomiest estimates from SAGE, who warned hospitalisations could breach 4,000 a day in August. Office for National Statistics (ONS) data based on random swab testing of thousands of people the number of people infected with the virus in the week ending July 10 was 577,7000, up 73.5 per cent in a week In a more positive sign, SAGE today estimated England's R rate is between 1.2 and 1.4, down from last week's figure of between 1.2 and 1.5 Rates were highest in the North East of England, where up to one in 40 were thought to be infected, and among 18- to 24-year-olds, with up to one in 35 young adults carrying the virus Covid hospitalisations are above the levels estimated by SAGE for mid-July, at 559 on average. SAGE says there could be 2,000 a day in August when they think the second wave will peak Covid hospital admissions (red dots) are tracking the estimates by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. They had three models estimating how hospitalisations would rise if Britons took a long time to go back to pre-pandemic behaviours (blue line), a moderate amount of time (green line) or went back to normal just after 'Freedom Day' (red line) Britain's Covid vaccine drive-out has slashed death rate among over-80s The proportion of over-80s dying from Covid in England and Wales has plunged following the launch of Britain's vaccine drive, figures show. At the peak of the first wave, the elderly made up to 68 per cent of all coronavirus deaths. But last month only 40 per cent of people succumbing to the illness were aged 80 or above. Experts say the vaccine roll-out is responsible for the turnaround, with SAGE figures showing that 95 per cent of over-80s have been fully immunised. But they warned the trend will shift back to how it was earlier on in the pandemic as the jab drive continues as more younger people are protected against the virus. This could be further exacerbated by restrictions easing next week, with infections predicted to skyrocket to over 100,000 every day. The third wave began in younger people, skewing death figures slightly - but now infections are ticking upwards in older people too, who still face a greater risk of dying. Advertisement In other Covid news: Figure showed the proportion of over-80s dying from Covid in England and Wales has plunged following the launch of Britain's vaccine drive; France could be moved to the 'red list' amid a surge of South African 'Beta' variant cases that scientists fear could make vaccines less effective; Britons fully-vaccinated with AstraZeneca's Covid jab may be up to three times more likely to suffer symptoms of the virus than those who got Pfizer's, according to SAGE estimates Test and Trace app pings neighbours through walls if their phones are too close despite people having no face to face contact Thousands of independent shops are set to disappear from the High Street after debt soars five-fold to 2billion because of the pandemic; Bridgerton series two filming is halted after crew member tests positive for Covid, according to reports. Ms Frazer said: 'Of course, if we get into a situation where it is unacceptable and we do need to put back further restrictions, then that of course is something the Government will look at.' He comments came as after England's chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty last night cautioned the UK could still 'get into trouble again surprisingly fast' and hospitals may face 'scary numbers' within a matter of weeks. Making it clear the country was not on an irreversible path to freedom despite No10 pushing ahead with step four of the roadmap to normality on Monday, Professor Whitty said: 'We are not by any means out of the woods yet.' Boris Johnson has already dropped all mention of the final unlocking being 'irreversible'. The Prime Minister has resorted to caution, calling on people not to 'go wild' and immediately rush to take advantage of the final easing which includes lifting work-at-home orders and reopening nightclubs. The R rate figure of between 1.2 and 1.5 revealed today is no longer as crucial in monitoring the pandemic as it once was. If the figure the average amount of people every infected patient passes the virus on to is below one, it means infections are shrinking. The R rate is, however, a lagging indicator and does not reflect the situation currently. Instead, it paints a clearer picture on how quickly the virus was spreading three weeks ago. Ministers once put the R rate at the heart of their Covid battle plan. But it is now less crucial because experts care more about hospitalisation and death rates, given the country's massively successful vaccination roll-out. Lucy Frazer warned Britain could be pushed into another lockdown if cases continue to rise. But she hinted that now was still the right time to lift restrictions. And Professor Chris Whitty (right) says restrictions could be reimposed in weeks Public Health England data showed 10,267 more young men than women were infected over the last two weeks, with the gender gap having widened since the tournament kicked off Fears 'pingdemic' will bring Britain to its knees: Bosses warn factories will shut and there could be food shortages Factories could be forced to start closing today and consumers could see shortages of some foods because of the pingdemic caused by the NHS Covid app, ministers were warned today. Hospitals are also under pressure because huge numbers of staff are being forced to self-isolate, with one asking staff to delay holidays to keep services running. Nissan was among businesses that have flagged serious issues, after around 900 workers at its flagship plant in Sunderland were forced to isolate after they were pinged by the app. NHS England data showed a record 520,000 alerts were sent by the app last week, telling people they had been in close contact with someone who tested positive But despite a deluge of warnings from across England a junior minister today said the software device will not be scrapped. Solicitor General Minister Lucy Frazer admitted the Government recognises the 'significant impact' it is having, but said it remained an 'important tool' in the fight against Covid-19. Her comments came after more than half a million users in England and Wales received an alert in the seven days to July 7, the highest seven-day total since data was first published in January. Analysis by the Guardian suggests that 1.6million people are currently self isolating, once children and those who actually have Covid are factored in. Last night Unite's Steve Bush told Newsnight: 'I believe we're hours not days or weeks away from our first temporary closure of sites.' And the Meat Processors Association chief executive said abattoirs would have to 'rationalise' product lines, stopping those requiring the most butchery, in order to keep food on shelves. Advertisement Saying restrictions should be eased on July 19, Ms Frazer told Sky News: 'I think the Health Secretary has been very clear, as has the Prime Minister, that we will see infections rise. 'But the reason why restrictions are being taken away is because of the vaccination programme, which will protect people when those infections do rise. She added: 'We are going into the summer, a large number of people have been vaccinated, we've had a really tough time, we're still asking people to take responsibility and we do need to ask ourselves, if we don't open up now, when will we be able to open up? 'It is really important that we get the balance right between ensuring that we keep this virus under control and we take the necessary clinical measures to do that, but that we also recognise that there are consequences of not opening up and not allowing people to go about their daily lives.' Professor Whitty warned yesterday that Britain is 'not out of the woods yet' and could face another lockdown within weeks. Speaking at a Science Museum event, he said: 'I don't think we should underestimate the fact that we could get into trouble again surprisingly fast. We are not by any means out of the woods yet on this,. '[But] we are in much better shape due to the vaccine programme, and drugs and a variety of other things.' He called on Britons to 'take things incredibly slowly' after July 19, amid warnings from transport operators across the country that they will still ask people to wear face masks next week. 'If you look over what people have done, and in fact if you look at what people intend to do now, people have been incredibly good at saying, ''I may be a relatively low risk, but people around me are at high risk, and I'm going to modify my behaviours'',' he said. Professor Whitty also warned the country was running the risk of seeing 'vaccine escape variants' that could push the UK 'some way backwards' into the worst days of the pandemic. Modelling released by SAGE showed they were expecting fewer than 500 hospitalisations due to Covid at this time. But official figures reveal the country is already recording more hospitalisations than were predicted by experts at Imperial College London and Warwick, which advised No10's top scientists. But hospitalisations are still level with those predicted by experts at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, which tends to have the gloomiest estimates. Some scientists have already blamed Euro 2020 for driving a ferocious surge in cases, after people crowded together in pubs and homes to watch the matches and tens of thousands of fans packed inside Wembley for England's six home games in London. Experts have also speculated England's cases could start to fall after the national team's dramatic defeat to Italy on penalties in the final last Sunday. Scotland saw its outbreak start to fall when it crashed out of the competition early. The world's oldest whiskey distilled 250 years ago has been sold at auction for $137,000 - more than six times its initial estimate. The Old Ingledew Whiskey was bottled in the 1860s, but the liquid inside is believed to be a century older, and once belonged to famous financier J.P. Morgan. 'This Bourbon was probably made prior to 1865 and was in the cellars of Mr. John Pierpoint Morgan from whose estate it was acquired upon his death,' reads a label on the back of the bottle. Experts believe JP Morgan bought the bottle himself around 1900. It was later passed on to his son, who gave it to South Carolina Governor James Byrnes between 1942 and 1944 The 19th-Century bottle sold for 137K. It was bottled at a general store in Lagrange, Georgia Two sister bottles are thought to have been given to former presidents Harry Truman and FDR After leaving office in 1955, former South Carolina Gov. James Byrnes passed the unopened bottle to friend and English naval officer Francis Drake, who saved it for three generations Auction house Skinner Inc. estimated the bottle would fetch between $20,000 and $40,000. But the bottle was sold to The Morgan Library, a museum and research institution in midtown Manhattan, for $137,500, in an auction that ended on June 30. The approximately 750ml vintage was corked by Evans & Ragland in Lagrange, Georgia, in the 1860s. It is thought to be the only surviving bottle out of a set of three kept in Morgan's cellar. It is unlikely the over two-century-old liquor will still be drinkable, as whiskey tends to last about 10 years if unopened. 'It is a fascinating story,' Joseph Hyman, Skinner's rare spirits expert, said in an interview with Barron's. 'The whiskey was not bottled at a distillery destroyed in the war, it is actually bottled by a general store, which is the same way the Scottish whiskey Johnnie Walker started.' Experts think Morgan purchased the bottles himself on a trip to Georgia in the 1900s, before his son Jack Morgan gifted one to former South Carolina Governor James Byrnes between 1942 and 1944. Two sister bottles are thought to have been given to former presidents Harry Truman and Franklin Roosevelt, a distant cousin of Morgan's, at around the same time. After leaving office in 1955, Byrnes then passed his unopened bottle on to close friend and English naval officer Francis Drake, who safeguarded it for three generations because his family only drank Scotch. Auction house Skinner Inc. thought the bottle would only fetch between $20K and $40K Data evaluated by the University of Glasgow says there's a 53 percent chance it was produced between 1763 and 1803, placing it in the context of the Revolutionary War Rex Woolbright sold it after he discovered the antique years later while rummaging through the belongings of his late uncle Logan Drake, Francis' son, in his estate in Newberry, South Carolina. Carbon 14 dating conducted in 2021 with the University of Georgia indicated it is most likely the liquid was produced between 1762 and 1802. The data was evaluated by the University of Glasgow and the whiskey was determined to be Bourbon with a 53 percent probability of being produced between 1763 and 1803. This places it in the historical context of the Revolutionary War of the 1770s and the Whiskey Rebellion of the 1790s. In this period, it was standard practice to age spirits in oak barrels before storing them in glass demijohns (bulbous bottles with a narrow neck). Grocer and merchant Evans & Ragland was active in the 1860s to 1870s, and the bottle is consistent with glass manufacture circa 1840 and 1870. Advertisement Up to one in every 33 people are infected with Covid in the worst-hit parts of England, official figures suggested today amid warnings from ministers the country will face another lockdown if third wave doesn't stop spiralling soon. Office for National Statistics (ONS) data based on random swab testing of thousands of people estimated the number of people infected with the virus in the week ending July 10 was 577,7000, or one in 95 people. It was up 73.5 per cent on last week's figure. Rates were highest in Manchester, where as many as one in 33 people were thought to be infected, and among 18- to 24-year-olds, with up to one in 35 young adults carrying the virus. Around 60,000 people in Scotland had the virus, while 8,400 people in Wales and 6,300 in Northern Northern Ireland were thought to be infected. Meanwhile, SAGE today estimated England's R rate which measures how quickly the outbreak is growing is between 1.2 and 1.4, slightly down from last week's figure of between 1.2 and 1.5. It means, on average, every 10 people with the virus will infect between 12 and 14 other people. The figures come as a minister today warned the country would 'of course' face a new lockdown if infections hit 'unacceptable' levels. Solicitor General Lucy Frazer suggested it was the right time to open up because of the vaccination drive which has reached 90 per cent of Britons. But with cases continuing to soar, hospital admissions tracking above some of SAGE's worst-case projections, and deaths having hit a four-month high, she warned that No10 may be left with no choice but to consider reimposing tough restrictions. Cases have spiralled over the past few weeks, with scientists blaming the easing of restrictions and young men gathering to watch England's Euro 2020 campaign for the uptick. Vaccines have already saved thousands of lives since the third wave began, drastically slashing the proportion of infected patients who are left seriously ill. But jabs aren't perfect, and admissions have been tracking upwards for a fortnight. Almost 560 infected patients are being admitted to NHS wards each day now, compared to fewer than 100 before the Indian Delta variant took off in mid-May. The current trend in figures is above some of the gloomiest estimates from SAGE, who warned hospitalisations could breach 4,000 a day in August. Office for National Statistics (ONS) data based on random swab testing of thousands of people the number of people infected with the virus in the week ending July 10 was 577,7000, up 73.5 per cent in a week In a more positive sign, SAGE today estimated England's R rate is between 1.2 and 1.4, down from last week's figure of between 1.2 and 1.5 Covid hospitalisations are above the levels estimated by SAGE for mid-July, at 559 on average. SAGE says there could be 2,000 a day in August when they think the second wave will peak Covid hospital admissions (red dots) are tracking the estimates by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. They had three models estimating how hospitalisations would rise if Britons took a long time to go back to pre-pandemic behaviours (blue line), a moderate amount of time (green line) or went back to normal just after 'Freedom Day' (red line) Britain's Covid vaccine drive-out has slashed death rate among over-80s The proportion of over-80s dying from Covid in England and Wales has plunged following the launch of Britain's vaccine drive, figures show. At the peak of the first wave, the elderly made up to 68 per cent of all coronavirus deaths. But last month only 40 per cent of people succumbing to the illness were aged 80 or above. Experts say the vaccine roll-out is responsible for the turnaround, with SAGE figures showing that 95 per cent of over-80s have been fully immunised. But they warned the trend will shift back to how it was earlier on in the pandemic as the jab drive continues as more younger people are protected against the virus. This could be further exacerbated by restrictions easing next week, with infections predicted to skyrocket to over 100,000 every day. The third wave began in younger people, skewing death figures slightly - but now infections are ticking upwards in older people too, who still face a greater risk of dying. Advertisement In other Covid news: Figure showed the proportion of over-80s dying from Covid in England and Wales has plunged following the launch of Britain's vaccine drive; France could be moved to the 'red list' amid a surge of South African 'Beta' variant cases that scientists fear could make vaccines less effective; Britons fully-vaccinated with AstraZeneca's Covid jab may be up to three times more likely to suffer symptoms of the virus than those who got Pfizer's, according to SAGE estimates Test and Trace app pings neighbours through walls if their phones are too close despite people having no face to face contact Thousands of independent shops are set to disappear from the High Street after debt soars five-fold to 2billion because of the pandemic; Bridgerton series two filming is halted after crew member tests positive for Covid, according to reports. Ms Frazer said: 'Of course, if we get into a situation where it is unacceptable and we do need to put back further restrictions, then that of course is something the Government will look at.' He comments came as after England's chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty last night cautioned the UK could still 'get into trouble again surprisingly fast' and hospitals may face 'scary numbers' within a matter of weeks. Making it clear the country was not on an irreversible path to freedom despite No10 pushing ahead with step four of the roadmap to normality on Monday, Professor Whitty said: 'We are not by any means out of the woods yet.' Boris Johnson has already dropped all mention of the final unlocking being 'irreversible'. The Prime Minister has resorted to caution, calling on people not to 'go wild' and immediately rush to take advantage of the final easing which includes lifting work-at-home orders and reopening nightclubs. ONS data estimated Manchester had the highest infection rate in England last week, with 3.24 per cent (one in 33) people carrying the virus. It was followed by Blackburn with Darwen, Chorley and Bolton, which all had 3.11 per cent infected, Burnley Hyndburn, Pendle, Rossendale and Bury (3.01 per cent) and South Tyneside, Sunderland and Gateshead (2.97 per cent). For comparison, rates were lowest in Kingston upon Hull in Yorkshire (0.3 per cent), Medway in Kent (0.33 per cent) and Ashford, Dartford, Gravesham, Maidstone, Sevenoaks, Folkestone and Hythe, Tonbridge and Malling and Tunbridge Wells (all 0.34 per cent). The ONS' weekly report is considered the best Covid surveillance project by ministers because of how in-depth its coverage is. The figures have accurately predicted peaks and troughs throughout the pandemic. Lucy Frazer warned Britain could be pushed into another lockdown if cases continue to rise. But she hinted that now was still the right time to lift restrictions. And Professor Chris Whitty (right) says restrictions could be reimposed in weeks Public Health England data showed 10,267 more young men than women were infected over the last two weeks, with the gender gap having widened since the tournament kicked off Fears 'pingdemic' will bring Britain to its knees: Bosses warn factories will shut and there could be food shortages Factories could be forced to start closing today and consumers could see shortages of some foods because of the pingdemic caused by the NHS Covid app, ministers were warned today. Hospitals are also under pressure because huge numbers of staff are being forced to self-isolate, with one asking staff to delay holidays to keep services running. Nissan was among businesses that have flagged serious issues, after around 900 workers at its flagship plant in Sunderland were forced to isolate after they were pinged by the app. NHS England data showed a record 520,000 alerts were sent by the app last week, telling people they had been in close contact with someone who tested positive But despite a deluge of warnings from across England a junior minister today said the software device will not be scrapped. Solicitor General Minister Lucy Frazer admitted the Government recognises the 'significant impact' it is having, but said it remained an 'important tool' in the fight against Covid-19. Her comments came after more than half a million users in England and Wales received an alert in the seven days to July 7, the highest seven-day total since data was first published in January. Analysis by the Guardian suggests that 1.6million people are currently self isolating, once children and those who actually have Covid are factored in. Last night Unite's Steve Bush told Newsnight: 'I believe we're hours not days or weeks away from our first temporary closure of sites.' And the Meat Processors Association chief executive said abattoirs would have to 'rationalise' product lines, stopping those requiring the most butchery, in order to keep food on shelves. Advertisement Meanwhile, SAGE revealed the North East and Yorkshire and South East have the highest R rates between 1.2 and 1.6 while it is lowest in the North West, where it is between one and 1.3. An R rate figure of between 1.2 and 1.5 revealed today is no longer as crucial in monitoring the pandemic as it once was. If the figure the average amount of people every infected patient passes the virus on to is below one, it means infections are shrinking. The R rate is, however, a lagging indicator and does not reflect the situation currently. Instead, it paints a clearer picture on how quickly the virus was spreading three weeks ago. Ministers once put the R rate at the heart of their Covid battle plan. But it is now less crucial because experts care more about hospitalisation and death rates, given the country's massively successful vaccination roll-out. Saying restrictions should be eased on July 19, Ms Frazer told Sky News: 'I think the Health Secretary has been very clear, as has the Prime Minister, that we will see infections rise. 'But the reason why restrictions are being taken away is because of the vaccination programme, which will protect people when those infections do rise. She added: 'We are going into the summer, a large number of people have been vaccinated, we've had a really tough time, we're still asking people to take responsibility and we do need to ask ourselves, if we don't open up now, when will we be able to open up? 'It is really important that we get the balance right between ensuring that we keep this virus under control and we take the necessary clinical measures to do that, but that we also recognise that there are consequences of not opening up and not allowing people to go about their daily lives.' Professor Whitty warned yesterday that Britain is 'not out of the woods yet' and could face another lockdown within weeks. Speaking at a Science Museum event, he said: 'I don't think we should underestimate the fact that we could get into trouble again surprisingly fast. We are not by any means out of the woods yet on this,. '[But] we are in much better shape due to the vaccine programme, and drugs and a variety of other things.' He called on Britons to 'take things incredibly slowly' after July 19, amid warnings from transport operators across the country that they will still ask people to wear face masks next week. 'If you look over what people have done, and in fact if you look at what people intend to do now, people have been incredibly good at saying, ''I may be a relatively low risk, but people around me are at high risk, and I'm going to modify my behaviours'',' he said. Professor Whitty also warned the country was running the risk of seeing 'vaccine escape variants' that could push the UK 'some way backwards' into the worst days of the pandemic. Modelling released by SAGE showed they were expecting fewer than 500 hospitalisations due to Covid at this time. But official figures reveal the country is already recording more hospitalisations than were predicted by experts at Imperial College London and Warwick, which advised No10's top scientists. But hospitalisations are still level with those predicted by experts at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, which tends to have the gloomiest estimates. Some scientists have already blamed Euro 2020 for driving a ferocious surge in cases, after people crowded together in pubs and homes to watch the matches and tens of thousands of fans packed inside Wembley for England's six home games in London. Experts have also speculated England's cases could start to fall after the national team's dramatic defeat to Italy on penalties in the final last Sunday. Scotland saw its outbreak start to fall when it crashed out of the competition early. Now France could go on the RED list: Ministers consider expensive hotel quarantine for returners Ministers are considering whether to put France on the UK's red travel list in what would be a massive blow for UK holidaymakers. The move would force Brits returning from or transiting through the country into mandatory hotel quarantine on their return, even after July 19. Scientists are currently reviewing data from across the channel amid a surge in the South African or beta variant of the disease. France is currently on the UK amber list, meaning that from Monday, double-jabbed Brits would be allowed to holiday there without having to isolate on their return. But that would not apply to travel to red list countries, which currently include India, Pakistan, Brazil and Turkey. The Telegraph reported that the move was discussed at a meeting this week that saw the Balearic Islands moved from the green to amber list. Scientists have been ordered to take a 'deep dive' into data from France before such a serious decision can be taken. A decision could be taken as early as Monday. But Boris Johnson has previously refused to red list France due to the high level of cross-Channel goods traffic that could potentially be disrupted. Yesterday air industry bosses today blasted the Government's 'on and off again' decision-making after Ibiza, Majorca and Menorca were axed from the green list, despite having lower Covid rates than the UK. The move by Transport Secretary Grant Shapps to demote the Balearic Islands to the amber list of foreign destinations on Wednesday sparked fury from travel experts, MPs and holidaymakers. Advertisement Covid hospital admissions are rising in FOUR FIFTHS of trusts in England - but proportion of beds taken up by virus patients is still only 9% in the worst affected area in Birmingham Four-fifths of NHS hospitals in England are now seeing a spike in Covid patients being admitted, official data has shown as the third wave of the pandemic continues to take its toll ahead of 'Freedom Day' on Monday. MailOnline analysis of NHS England data show how the number of infected patients needing medical treatment has soared by four-fold in some of the worst-hit parts of the country. And hospitalisations have doubled in 29 of the 123 NHS trusts across England that are capable of treating the infected. But the proportion of beds occupied by infected people in Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust currently the worst-hit NHS facility in the country is still only 9.25 per cent, with trusts not yet swamped with virus patients. For comparison, hospitals in Kent saw nearly 45 per cent of all beds occupied by Covid-infected Brits during the darkest days of the second wave in January. The figures come with Britain on the brink of breaching the 50,000 daily cases mark as infections close in on levels seen at the start of the year. Hospitalisations are also rising in line with surging cases, with NHS England data showing 486 Covid admissions on July 13 the latest date regional data is available for. For comparison, the week before the figure stood at 383. Mounting pressure on the health service is being fuelled by the 'pingdemic', with huge numbers of NHS staff being forced to self-isolate. Health bosses in Sunderland have already asked staff to postpone holidays as the trust came 'under extreme pressure' due to a surge in coronavirus cases. Staff at South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust dealing with one of the highest infection rates in the country are seeing hospital cases doubling week-on-week. Four fifths of NHS hospitals in England are now seeing a spike in Covid patients being admitted, official data has shown as the third wave of the pandemic continues to take its toll ahead of 'Freedom Day' on Monday Hospital asks staff to postpone holidays Health bosses in Sunderland have asked staff to postpone holidays as the trust came 'under extreme pressure' due to a surge in coronavirus cases. Staff at South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust - dealing with one of the highest infection rates in the country - are seeing hospital cases doubling week-on-week. In an internal note to staff earlier this week, bosses said there were 80 Covid-19 patients receiving hospital treatment compared with just two exactly a month before. The message started: 'The Trust is currently under extreme pressure due to a surge in Covid-19 cases. 'Many people are seriously ill and receiving intensive care support.' The surge in cases and rapid spread in the community meant the trust has had to ask for staff's help, the memo said. It asked for staff to work additional shifts, with a 250 bonus for staff who could work an extra week of overtime spread over the next six weeks. They were told they would need to be flexible and might need to work outside their normal area. And they were asked: 'If you are due to take annual leave but feel able to postpone this to help support the Trust's Covid-19 response, please talk to your line manager ASAP.' Advertisement The NHS England data revealed Sandwell and West Birmingham had the highest Covid bed occupancy in the country. Fifty-three of the trust's 573 beds were taken with Covid patients on July 13. It was followed by trusts in Gateshead (9.15 per cent), Bolton (8.25 per cent) and Southport (8.04 per cent). Regionally, the North West had the highest rate in the country at 4.35 per cent, while at the other end of the scale came the East of England (1.17 per cent). Admissions rose quickest in Whittington and Berkshire, which both saw more than four times as many Covid patients on July 13 as the week before. And the highest number of beds in use by people infected with the virus was in Manchester University Hospitals Trust, in which 111 of 1,853 beds were taken six per cent of its capacity. Twenty six trusts saw their number of Covid patients drop including trusts in Buckinghamshire, East Kent and Cambridge. It comes after MailOnline revealed four out of 10 patients hospitalised with the Indian Covid variant in England may have been admitted for something else. 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'. But despite hope the surge in cases won't result in more hospitalisations, England's Chief Medical Officer yesterday admitted the country may have to face new restrictions within weeks. Professor Whitty said Britain is 'not out of the woods yet' and could face another lockdown within weeks. Speaking at a Science Museum event, he said: 'I don't think we should underestimate the fact that we could get into trouble again surprisingly fast. We are not by any means out of the woods yet on this,. '[But] we are in much better shape due to the vaccine programme, and drugs and a variety of other things.' He called on Britons to 'take things incredibly slowly' after July 19, amid warnings from transport operators across the country that they will still ask people to wear face masks next week. Slide me PHE figures also showed Covid infections have now surged to their highest levels since the pandemic began among teenagers, and in the North East and Yorkshire and the Humber. Cases are spiralling in 90 per cent of areas across the country 'If you look over what people have done, and in fact if you look at what people intend to do now, people have been incredibly good at saying, ''I may be a relatively low risk, but people around me are at high risk, and I'm going to modify my behaviours'',' he said. Professor Whitty also warned the country was running the risk of seeing 'vaccine escape variants' that could push the UK 'some way backwards' into the worst days of the pandemic. He warned that the number of people being treated in hospital with Covid-19 could reach quite scary levels within weeks. The Royal College of Anaesthetists and the Faculty of Intensive Care Medicine issued a joint call to exempt double-jabbed NHS staff from isolation over close contacts. 'The risk of patients contracting Covid from vaccinated healthcare staff is minimal compared to the damage that patients could suffer by having their treatment delayed,' a statement said. 'Without this exemption in place, the NHS will not be able to address the waiting lists. We encourage the Government to not wait until August to free vaccinated healthcare workers from the isolation rules we need this to happen now.' Chris Hopson, the chief executive of NHS Providers, said the hospital trusts the organisation represents are increasingly concerned over dealing with the care backlog 'with large numbers of staff unable to work'. 'We know that national leaders are working hard to find a solution to this problem. The key is that this solution is delivered as a matter of urgency,' he added. A Nevada woman has been arrested, accused of burglarizing the dental office where she worked as an assistant and extracting 13 teeth from a patient - despite the fact that she is not a licensed dentist. Laurel Eich, 42, from Reno, was being held in the Washoe County jail on Friday on $20,000 bond. Eich has been charged with two counts of burglary and one count each of grand larceny, conspiracy to commit burglary, and perform surgery on another without a license. She also faces three counts of violation of probation or condition of a suspended sentence. Dental assistant Laurel Eich, 42 (left and right), is accused of performing 13 tooth extractions without a license and burglarizing her workplace. The burglary took place in May at Desert Valley Dental, where nearly $23,000 in cash and checks was stolen According to the Washoe County Sheriffs Office, patrol deputies responded to an after-hours burglar alarm at a dental office on Sun Valley Boulevard May 3, and found the door ajar and a back window broken. Inside, the deputies discovered that $22,861 in cash and checks had been stolen from a drawer. During the investigation, detectives identified Eich, who worked at the office as a dental assistant, as a person of interest in the burglary, and also learned that she performed 13 tooth extractions on one patient at an earlier date, according to the sheriff's office. Eich allegedly admitted to pulling 13 teeth from a patient and using anesthetic disposed of by the dental office. She now faces seven charges, six of them felonies Authorities said Eich admitted to multiple people, including detectives, that she performed the medical procedure and used anesthetic disposed of by the dental office. The sheriff's office said she did the teeth extractions 'on her own time' but did not elaborate on the incident or the 'patient' involved. Eich was interviewed Wednesday, and arrested on six felony counts and one gross misdemeanor count of conspiracy to commit burglary. Although the sheriff's office has not disclosed Eich's place of employment, her LinkedIn page indicates that she worked at Desert Valley Dental on Sun Valley Boulevard. Ghislaine Maxwell was mocked for having 'total amnesia' after claiming in a deposition that she couldn't recall taking a single flight with Jeffrey Epstein accuser Virginia Roberts Giuffre - even though flight logs show Maxwell traveling with Giuffre more than 23 times on the pedophile's private jet, newly unsealed court documents reveal. Dozens of files were unsealed overnight by a federal judge in New York in relation to Maxwell's ongoing sex trafficking case. The majority of the 52 files are related to a long-settled defamation lawsuit filed in 2016 by Epstein accuser Virginia Roberts Giuffre after Maxwell called her a liar. Giuffre, who is now 37, has long claimed that Maxwell and Epstein recruited and then trafficked her when she was 17. Among the documents that were unsealed overnight was Maxwell's efforts to quash requests from Giuffre's attorneys to obtain her financial records after Giuffre sued her for $50 million. The majority of the 52 Ghislaine Maxwell files that were unsealed overnight are related to a prior defamation lawsuit filed by one of Jeffrey Epstein's accusers The majority of the 52 files are related to a long-settled defamation lawsuit filed in 2016 by Epstein accuser Virginia Roberts Giuffre after Maxwell called her a liar. Maxwell is pictured on the right with a black eye from inside prison Giuffre's attorneys argued that obtaining Maxwell's records were relevant to show a financial link to Epstein. In court documents, Giuffre's attorneys said Maxwell was malicious due to 'extraordinary lack of memory about her involvement in the abuse'. 'For instance, (Maxwell) cannot even recall a single flight on Epstein's private jet with Ms Giuffre, even though flight logs show that (Maxwell) had 23 flights with Ms Giuffre while Ms Giuffre was underage,' the attorneys said, according to the court documents. Her attorneys also went on to argue that Maxwell could not recall the circumstances under which a photo was taken of her, Giuffre and another person whose named was redacted from the court documents. 'Based on (Maxwell's) convenient and near total amnesia about documented incriminating events alone, a reasonable jury could find that she acted deliberately and maliciously when she arranged for false and defamatory statements about Ms Giuffre to be transmitted literally around the globe,' the lawyers argued, according to court documents. The court documents were among those unsealed overnight in New York after Judge Loretta Preska ruled last month that files - some of which included Maxwell's personal affairs - should be made public. Maxwell told lawyers that she never remembered being on Epstein's private plane with Virginia. But flight logs show the pair flew together at least 23 times when Virginia was underage. Maxwell was shown to have flown on the plane more than 300 times, according to flight logs. Those involving Virginia, who is identified by her maiden name Roberts, are shown in blue The judge ruled that unsealing the documents would not impact Maxwell's right to a fair trial in November as her lawyers have claimed. Maxwell's lawyers were opposed to the move. A number of the unsealed court documents related to Giuffre's attempts to obtain emails that Maxwell had exchanged with the likes of Epstein and his attorney and friend Alan Dershowitz. Giuffre's attorneys accused Maxwell of refusing to hand over the emails. In court court documents, they noted that Maxwell had previously claimed she had a 'practice of deleting emails after they have been read'. The attorneys alleged that Maxwell had intentionally deleted emails from Epstein and requested permission to forensically examine Maxwell's computers and emails to access any relevant data. Responding to those requests, Maxwell's lawyers argued in a separate court document that some of the email were protected under attorney-client privilege because they also included their legal teams and discussions about the defamation lawsuit. Maxwell is pictured above in a court sketch from an April hearing in Manhattan Federal court related to her sex trafficking case Maxwell's attorney argued the argument to forensically search her computer and emails was 'meritless'. The documents are part of a tranche of material that has been gradually released since the start of the year. The British socialite is charged with procuring four teenage girls for Epstein to sexually abuse between 1994 and 2004. She is also charged with perjury over testimony she gave during a July 2016 deposition in the defamation case involving Giuffre. Giuffre claims Maxwell recruited her when she was 16 and took her to Epstein to be repeatedly raped and abused, including by Prince Andrew, which he denies. The defamation case was settled in 2017 but after requests from the media organization the documents are gradually being unsealed. Maxwell was arrested in July last year has pleaded not guilty to the charges. Up to a fifth of workers in companies are having to self-isolate after receiving a notification from the NHS Covid app, threatening cuts in production of goods. Firms are being hit by big staff shortages, with UKHospitality reporting 20 per cent of staff in its industry have been pinged - equating to 400,000 employees. Concerned business groups and unions warned that the so-called 'pingdemic' has escalated in recent days, leading to pleas for the Government to step in. Nearly 900,000 alerts telling people to stay at home were issued in the first week of this month following contact with a coronavirus victim. Some 1.6million people are now self-isolating, once children and those who actually have Covid are factored in. The is causing chaos for families and firms, prompting business leaders to demand changes on the app to avoid a 'self-inflicted economic wound'. A message to self-isolate with one day of required isolation remaining is displayed on the NHS coronavirus contact tracing app on a mobile phone in East London yesterday UKHospitality estimates one in five hospitality staff are currently having to self-isolate after being pinged by the Covid app. Pictured: A worker wears a mask at a pub in London's Mayfair Covid cases grew in England by 74 per cent last week according to the Office for National Statistics, with nearly 580,000 people infected on any given day. Changes to sensitive Covid-19 app delayed Plans to make the NHS Covid-19 app less sensitive so fewer people get pinged have been delayed as concerns mount over rising infection rates. The change may not be introduced until mid-August when people who have had two jabs will no longer need to isolate. Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick said yesterday ministers are 'concerned' about the growing number of people off work after being pinged. Thousands of businesses and services are suffering as staff are ordered to quarantine after being told to isolate by the app. But this figure is likely to soar once social distancing and mask restrictions are removed from Monday. Mr Jenrick told the radio station LBC: 'It is important that we have the app, that we take it seriously, that when we do get those messages we act accordingly. But we are going to give further thought to how we can ensure it is a proportionate response.' Advertisement Analysis by MailOnline suggests that in a worst-case scenario around six million adults could be in isolation by the end of July, including those being pinged. One in 95 people in England had Covid last week according to the ONS data based on swab tests. But because the app 'pings' all those who have been in close contact with them, the number of people self-isolating at home at any one time is far higher. Nissan is among the businesses that have flagged serious issues, after around 900 of its 6,000 workers at its Sunderland plant had to isolate after being pinged. And the British Meat Processors Association told how abattoirs will have to 'rationalise' product lines, stopping those requiring the most butchery, in order to keep food on shelves. A spokesman for Young's pubs told MailOnline it has a workforce of 5,000 and nearly 10 per cent were pinged this week - a similar figure to the previous week. He added that PCR test results thereafter showed 97 per cent of them were negative for Covid. West Midlands Railway has warned of delays after its number of staff having to self-isolate has quadrupled in recent weeks. And online fashion retailer Asos has revealed its staffing levels are suffering with 'a lot of test and trace pinging' at its London head office and Barnsley distribution hub. Chief executive Nick Beighton told the Guardian: 'It is very frustrating for staff and for us. Even people who have been double jabbed are having to self-isolate.' Some 275 staff at the University Hospitals Birmingham were off work yesterday either self-isolating or had Covid-19, out of a total of 1,091 absentees there. Dozens of elective surgeries at the hospital have been cancelled amid a shortage of care beds. The National Police Chiefs' Council told MailOnline its total current absence rate is at 6 per cent, which includes those in self-isolation who cannot work from home. NHS England data showed a record 520,000 alerts were sent by the app last week, telling people they had been in close contact with someone who tested positive And the number of alerts sent out in relation to venues also more than doubled in seven days The Unite union said some sites in the automotive industry have hundreds of staff off work at the moment, with app pings causing 'havoc' on UK production lines. Downing Street has insisted the app is working as it was 'designed', and rejected mounting calls to act to prevent a surge in workers being forced into self-isolation. Test and Trace app pings neighbours through walls if their phones are too close despite the people having NO face-to-face contact The NHS Test and Trace app is 'pinging' neighbours through walls if their phones are in close proximity to each other, it was claimed last night. Neighbours are being forced into quarantine for ten days despite never coming into contact with a positive case of the virus because the bluetooth signal used by the app is known to be strong enough to penetrate walls. This means the technology will occasionally send an order to quarantine to people because their next-door neighbour with whom they share a wall may have tested positive, sources told The Telegraph. Sources have said issues concerning the sensitivity of the app were raised when it was initially created and are now in the process of being tweaked. A source told the Daily Telegraph: 'We are hearing of anecdotal cases and we do know that it is possible for the signal to travel through walls, although it is weakened.' Dr Fiona Sampson, a senior research fellow in emergency and urgent care at the University of Sheffield, told The Daily Telegraph: 'My partner got pinged and rang 111 to find out when the contact was. However, he hadn't left the house on the day of the alleged contact. 'We later realised he had been working with his phone on the table, less than two metres away from our neighbour.' Meanwhile Jason Delaney, 39, a bar owner from Alton, Hampshire, told the newspaper he too was informed he had come into contact with a Covid case despite not having met with anyone on the day in question. NHS guidance says the app's bluetooth signal is reduced through walls but not blocked entirely, with people on the other side 'less likely' to receive an alert. A Government spokesman said the number of people 'pinged' through walls was not large enough to be considered 'an issue', adding: 'But we wouldn't say that this never happens.' Advertisement There are calls to bring forward the August 16 date where the fully vaccinated will not have to self-isolate if they come into contact with someone with Covid-19. The number of people notified by the app in England and Wales recently passed 500,000 in a single week. Stephen Phipson, chief executive of manufacturing organisation Make UK, said: 'This is a problem that has escalated significantly over the last week with more and more companies being affected by isolation, with not just an impact on production but a hit to actual shipments of goods going overseas. 'This is an increasingly serious issue affecting companies of all sizes and sectors. 'There is now an urgent priority for Government to bring forward the August date given the likely impact of restrictions being lifted next week.' Nissan has been affected at its main plant and it is believed that other carmakers, including Rolls-Royce could also have to make changes to production schedules to deal with the problem. A spokesman for the British Meat Processors Association said: 'We're hearing reports from some members that between five and 10 per cent of their workforce have been 'pinged' by the app and asked to self-isolate. 'This is on top of the desperate shortage of workers that the industry is already suffering. As a result, companies are having to simplify down their range of products to compensate for key skills being removed from their production lines. 'If the UK workforce situation deteriorates further, companies will be forced to start shutting down production lines altogether. 'It's for this reason that we've been calling on the Government for months to add butchers to the Shortage Occupation List, which would allow the industry to temporarily fill these growing vacancies with overseas workers until the current crisis has passed.' Frances O'Grady, general secretary of the Trades Union Congress, said: 'Staff shortages will only get worse unless people are kept safe at work. 'The Government urgently needs to toughen its confusing and inadequate back-to-work safety guidance starting with making masks a legal requirement on public transport and in shops. 'If we are to stop Covid-19 ripping through workplaces, workers must be able to afford to self-isolate. Government must urgently raise sick pay to the level of the real living wage and make sure everyone can get it.' The Rail, Maritime and Transport union warned that the surge in people being pinged with self-isolation instructions will increase on Monday due to the Government's 'confused and conflicting' messaging on wearing masks on transport services. General Secretary Mick Lynch said: 'RMT warned earlier this week that the Government's botched handling of continuing Covid protection measures on public transport from Monday would have dire consequences and the sheer incompetence of those calling the shots will see a surge in workers pinged with a self-isolation instruction next week. 'Even at this late stage the Government, the train operators and the bus companies should issue a clear, legally backed instruction that levels up the rest of the UK up to the safety standards that will remain in force in Wales and Scotland.' Mike Hawes, chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, said, 'Like many other sectors of the UK economy, automotive manufacturers and suppliers are being impacted by the growing number of coronavirus cases as restrictions are eased. UK self-isolation 'pingdemic' numbers 400,000 : Estimated number of hospitality staff self-isolating, according to UKHospitality : Estimated number of hospitality staff self-isolating, according to UKHospitality 10% : Meat workers self-isolating, say British Meat Processors Association : Meat workers self-isolating, say British Meat Processors Association 900 : Nissan workers at Sunderland plant who are now self-isolating : Nissan workers at Sunderland plant who are now self-isolating 500 : Staff at Young's pubs pinged this week, similar to last week : Staff at Young's pubs pinged this week, similar to last week 97% : Proportion of those Young's staff who had a negative PCR test : Proportion of those Young's staff who had a negative PCR test 500 : How many staff some hospital trusts have had isolating at a time : How many staff some hospital trusts have had isolating at a time 300% : Rise in recent weeks in West Midlands Railway staff isolating : Rise in recent weeks in West Midlands Railway staff isolating 100 : Timpson's staff self-isolating : Timpson's staff self-isolating 6% : National Police Chiefs' Council total current absence rate, which includes those in self-isolation who cannot work from home 900,000 : Alerts telling people to stay at home were issued in the first week of this month : Alerts telling people to stay at home were issued in the first week of this month 1,600,000: People self-isolating, once children and those who actually have Covid are factored in People self-isolating, once children and those who actually have Covid are factored in 580,000 : Number of people infected on any given day last week, says Office for National Statistics : Number of people infected on any given day last week, says Office for National Statistics 74% : How much coronavirus cases grew by last week, according to ONS : How much coronavirus cases grew by last week, according to ONS 6,000,000 : Worst-case scenario of how many adults could be in isolation by the end of the month, according to MailOnline analysis : Worst-case scenario of how many adults could be in isolation by the end of the month, according to MailOnline analysis 1 in 95 : How many people in England had Covid last week : How many people in England had Covid last week August 16: Date when the fully vaccinated will not have to self-isolate if they come into contact with someone with Covid-19 Advertisement 'The industry has taken every step to make premises Covid safe, but with transmissions rising outside the workplace, and self-isolation rules preventing staff from working, staff shortages are putting production at risk and undermining the sector's recovery. 'Urgent action is needed to mitigate this impact, such as a change to the sensitivity of the NHS Test and Trace App or bringing forward the 16 August target date for exempting fully vaccinated adults from self-isolation.' NHS chiefs have warned the system was making it 'increasingly difficult' to deliver routine care. Another 48,553 Covid cases were reported yesterday, the highest total since January, with 63 more deaths. Health Secretary Sajid Javid warned daily Covid infections were likely to top 100,000 after restrictions are lifted on Monday. That could force around half a million a day to self-isolate. The chief executive of Rolls-Royce said the car maker was on the 'edge of a critical situation' and a complete shutdown could not be ruled out. 'Cases have gone through the roof and it is causing havoc,' Torsten Muller-Otvos told the Daily Telegraph. A major engine supplier said it was so far behind on orders it was considering moving work permanently to China. Last night it was reported that filming of the second series of Bridgerton ground to a halt after a member of the production team tested positive, forcing cast and crew into isolation. Filming of the new Mission Impossible movie also had to be halted for a second time after an outbreak, The Sun reported. The National Care Association said care homes had 'real staffing issues' because of the app, while in Liverpool so many bin men are self-isolating that the council has told households their rubbish will not be collected until August. Bin rounds were also missed this week in Sutton Coldfield because of outbreaks of Covid. Some hospital trusts have had up to 500 staff isolating at a time, forcing them to close beds and cancel operations. In retail and hospitality a third of staff are off self-isolating in the worst-hit areas, forcing thousands of venues to shut. The British business owners on the brink of 'ping-demonium': Small firms to big business are on the verge of complete SHUTDOWN due to staff being forced into isolation after 'ping' from NHS Test and Trace app Nearly 900,000 alerts telling people to quarantine in first week of this month In retail and hospitality a third of staff are self-isolating in the worst-hit areas People across UK are being pinged by app and told to self-isolate for ten days ** Has your business been hit by the 'pingdemic'? Email: tips@dailymail.com ** ** Has your business been hit by the 'pingdemic'? Email: tips@dailymail.com ** Advertisement Factories are now on the verge of shutting and small businesses have already been forced to close because so many workers are having to self isolate across Britain in the 'pingdemic'. Nearly 900,000 alerts telling people to quarantine were issued in the first week of this month alone after contact with a coronavirus victim. It is causing chaos for families and firms, prompting business leaders to demand changes on the NHS Covid-19 app to avoid a 'self-inflicted economic wound'. In retail and hospitality a third of staff are self-isolating in the worst-hit areas, forcing thousands of venues to shut. People are pinged by the app and told to self-isolate for ten days after coming into contact with an infected person. There is no legal requirement to self-isolate if pinged by the app - however, it is illegal to disobey an order to self-isolate in a phone call from NHS Test and Trace. Marie Peacock (left), chief executive at Yorkshire's Brain Tumour Charity in Leeds; and Amy Baker (right), who owns a beauty salon in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, have both been speaking to MailOnline about the problems caused by the app Test and Trace system is 'woefully inadequate' with small businesses suffering 'crippling' effects, says consultant An HR and training consultant blasted the Test and Trace system as 'woefully inadequate' saying that for many small businesses - especially in the hospitality, events and retail sectors - it is 'crippling'. Kate Underwood, who runs an HR and training consultancy firm in Southampton Kate Underwood, who runs the Kate Underwood HR and Training consultancy in Southampton, said some of her small business clients 'could have more than 75 per cent of their staff off at a time that when they need to be pulling out all the stops and starting to recover financially from this pandemic'. She told MailOnline today: 'I have been asked advice on what to do from many clients and my advice is still the same - use common sense - talk to your teams and get them to make the decision on whether to trust the app. Put in extra Health and Safety measures yourself like doing a lateral flow test prior to any shift. 'From working in hospitality for 15 years, the passion from those that work in the industry is starting to get frazzled - they have been on furlough for months, now they get pinged to say they can't work and furlough payments have dropped.' Advertisement Plans to make the NHS Covid app less sensitive, meaning fewer people would be pinged, have been delayed as concerns mount over rising infection rates. And businesses around Britain have today been revealing the problems caused by the 'pingdemic'. The boss of a brain tumour charity in West Yorkshire told MailOnline today how the 'pingdemic' was causing the organisation a 'real headache'. Marie Peacock, chief executive at Yorkshire's Brain Tumour Charity in Leeds, said: 'Our fundraising income has been decimated and we are just starting to see some opportunities to begin to bring in the money we need to keep our support going, and guess what? The pings are going bonkers.' She said the charity was attending the Great Yorkshire Show over four days this week, but lost half of their planned staff and volunteer cover due to self-isolation, even though they were testing daily and were showing no signs of symptoms.' Ms Peacock added: 'I have had to move work and resources around, close our charity shop and try to cover the best way possible. 'It is costing the charity additional time and money that we can ill afford. I will always support and encourage my team to follow the advice, but have to admit the app has been deleted from my phone.' An HR and training consultant blasted the Test and Trace system as 'woefully inadequate' saying that for many small businesses - especially in the hospitality, events and retail sectors - it is 'crippling'. Kate Underwood, who runs the Kate Underwood HR and Training consultancy in Southampton, said some of her small business clients 'could have more than 75 per cent of their staff off at a time that when they need to be pulling out all the stops and starting to recover financially from this pandemic'. She told MailOnline today: 'I have been asked advice on what to do from many clients and my advice is still the same - use common sense - talk to your teams and get them to make the decision on whether to trust the app. Put in extra Health and Safety measures yourself like doing a lateral flow test prior to any shift. 'From working in hospitality for 15 years, the passion from those that work in the industry is starting to get frazzled - they have been on furlough for months, now they get pinged to say they can't work and furlough payments have dropped.' Timpson's founder Sir John Timpson (left) and Imran Hussain (right), director of Harmony Financial Services mortage advisory firm , have also told of the problems with the system Businesses across the country are 'only one ping away from a whole world of financial pain', says independent coffee firm owner The co-founder of a coffee business told MailOnline that businesses across the country were 'only one ping away from a whole world of financial pain'. Craig Bunting, co-founder of BEAR in Derby Craig Bunting, co-founder of BEAR, a Derby-based independent coffee brand which has five stores in the UK, said not legalising the isolation requirements from the Test and Trace app 'shows that the Government doesn't trust its own technology and systems, so why should we, as small business owners?' He added: 'We have stores that have closed, meaning lost revenue, and others on a permanent knife edge. You're only one ping away from a whole world of financial pain. 'Despite this, and as much as I might personally want to, we don't advise our staff to ignore the app, as we have a duty of care and responsibility as a brand to follow the guidance. 'We see evidence that more staff are making their own decision to remove the app or turn off contract tracing altogether. As a result, the Government are losing or have already lost the trust of the public.' Advertisement Meanwhile, the owner of a beauty salon said she has suffered from having to self-isolate when her children 'have the slightest cough'. Amy Baker, who owns and runs Halo Beauty and Holistic Therapy in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, said she and her husband have both had hospital appointments and surgical procedures over the past year - each time having to have a Covid test 72 hours prior to the procedure, along with all the household. And she told MailOnline: 'If my children have the slightest cough, they too have had to take a Covid test and again (that) has meant that I have also had to isolate with them. 'Unfortunately because these are not informed by the app and because we get child tax credits via Universal Credit, we are not eligible to receive the 500 isolation payment. 'Being self-employed in the beauty industry in the 72 hours I have lost income massively due to this. If I started getting constant track and trace pings and have to cancel people's appointments, I fear I could lose customers.' The director of a mortgage advisory company criticised the NHS app as a 'disaster pretty much from the start' and said trust from the public is 'paper thin'. Imran Hussain, from Harmony Financial Services in Nottingham, told MailOnline: 'The Government not legislating that isolation is necessary if pinged does show a lack of faith from the Government in its own app, which has cost however many millions to create. 'We don't ever advise our team to ignore the app if pinged; as easy as it may be, I feel we have a responsibility to ensure we follow the guidance so we can all return to some normality as soon as possible. There's no doubt that trust from the public is paper thin currently.' As for bigger businesses, the chief executive of Rolls-Royce said the car maker was on the 'edge of a critical situation' after a large proportion of his UK staff were told to self-isolate. Torsten Muller-Otvos said a complete shutdown of operations at its factories could not be ruled out, telling the Daily Telegraph: 'Cases have gone through the roof and it is causing havoc.' He declined to say how many of its staff had been pinged by the NHS Covid-19 app, but told how the company is now looking at having to combine staff from both shifts into a single shift. Rolls-Royce boss Torsten Muller-Otvos said a complete shutdown of operations at its factories could not be ruled out 'I'm livid', says brewery owner who has six of his pubs shut due to staff shortages as he blasts Test and Trace as a 'joke' William Lees-Jones, the owner of J.W. Lees, a brewery and pub chain, currently has six of his 150 pubs shut because of staff shortages. William Lees-Jones, the owner of J.W. Lees He said: 'I'm livid. It is frustrating at a time when we're trying to recover. It's one thing after another. Test and Trace has been a joke since it launched.' The Manchester-based chain which was founded in 1828 has 42 managed pubs, inns and hotels - and also lets a further 105 venues to its pub partners. At the start of July, Mr Lees-Jones said the number of his staff being asked to self-isolate by the NHS app had tripled in the previous few weeks from about 20 to more than 60. He said most were not ill or did not test positive for Covid-19. Mr Lees-Jones has described Test and Trace as a 'nightmare' and is furious at how it appears hundreds of thousands of people are having to isolate despite not being ill. Advertisement It comes after the firm said it had been 'religious' about social distancing in its factories during the pandemic. The company has more than 22,000 employees across seven sites in the UK, in Bristol, Rotherham, Birmingham, Derby, Nottingham, Washington in Tyne and Wear and Inchinnan in Scotland. The Timpson's shoe repairs business has been badly affected by the 'pingdemic,' with more than 100 staff forced to isolate by the Test and Trace app. Sir John Timpson, founder and owner of the chain, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme earlier this week: 'We are 140 people down... many due to isolation, which is people who have got to be home to look after children or people forced to isolate due to the Test and Trace app.' The firm, which also runs three gastro pubs and restaurants in north Wales, also lost around 10,000-a-day when one - the Oyster Catcher, in Anglesey - was forced to close for similar reasons. Sir John added: 'We have three busy pubs and, one of those on Anglesey, we had 24 people isolating. We had to shut the pub, costing us 10,000 a day in turn over, the pub was shut for 10 days, it's a real problem.' His son, James, apologised for 'a dip in the level of service' in their shops. 'Like many schools and businesses, we are struggling because so many colleagues are isolating after being 'pinged' by Test and Trace,' he said. 'We also have 120 colleagues who have had to stay at home to care for children sent home from school.' Meanwhile car manufacturer Nissan is among the larger businesses hit by the 'pingdemic', with up to 900 staff at its plant in Sunderland said to be self-isolating. The Japanese company, which employs 6,000 people at the major UK site, has had to make changes to how its factory is run due to the high number of employees being pinged by the app. A Nissan spokesman said: 'Production in certain areas of the plant has been adjusted as we manage a number of staff being required to self-isolate following close contact with Covid-19. 'The wellbeing of our team is our number one priority and we remain confident in the rigorous safety controls we have on site.' ** Has your business been hit by the 'pingdemic'? Email: tips@dailymail.com ** Rescuers pulled a family, including a baby, to safety after they were trapped on the roof of their SUV that had been caught in a wash in Tucson, Arizona Strong storms and flash floods are causing chaos across the Southwest Advertisement Terrifying video captured the moment a family was rescued from atop their SUV after it was stranded in a flash flood in Arizona. On Wednesday afternoon firefighters were called to rescue a man and his two daughters, one of whom was a baby, after their car got caught in a wash in Tucson. It was one of several recent water rescues in the region where strong storms and flash floods are causing chaos across the Southwest. Flooding, which is expected to continue throughout the weekend as the area continues to battle its monsoon season, has taken the lives of at least three individuals in the last month, with the most recent being a person who died on a Grand Canyon rafting trip on Thursday. Crews are also facing clean-up after three people were injured during a train derailment resulting from flooded railways in Utah on Thursday night. Officials remind citizens to avoid flooded streets and high waters as the rain continues to fall. A father and his two daughters, one of whom is a baby, are rescued from the roof of their SUV after it was trapped by flash flooding in Tucson, Arizona The water carried the family roughly 20 yards before rescuers could help them. Officials say all three passengers were rescued without injury Golder Ranch Fire District spokesman Capt. Adam Jarrold told Tucson.com that the family in the rescue video was traveling eastbound when their vehicle was swept by fast moving waters. The water carried the family roughly 20 yards before rescuers could help them. Rescuers say the family exited their SUV through the vehicle's sunroof. Video shows firefighters helping the children and father off of the roof, one-by-one, and carefully walking each person to dry land. According to Tucson.com, all three passengers were rescued without injury. It is unclear at this time what the extent of damage to the SUV is. Now, Jarrold is issuing a message to all residents as the threat of strong storms lingers. 'Our message, telling everybody, be patient, especially here in the desert,' he said. 'The water comes up quick, but it also goes away quick.' Meanwhile, in Utah, clean-up efforts are underway after rising flood waters caused a cargo train to derail in Iron County, leaving three people injured, the Gephardt Daily reports. The derailment occurred near the town of Lund at 10.10pm Thursday after heavy rain fell throughout southern Utah earlier that day. Much of the area was under a flash flood watch. Officials believe water had been covering the tracks before the locomotive fell off the railway and landed on its side. Clean-up efforts are underway after rising flood waters caused a cargo train carrying approximately 95 cars (above) to derail in Iron County, Utah, leaving three people injured The derailment (above) occurred near the town of Lund at 10.10pm Thursday after heavy rain fell throughout southern Utah earlier that day. Officials believe water had been covering the tracks before the locomotive fell off the railway and landed on its side The three people occupying the train were injured during the incident, but are currently in stable condition. Police say the train was carrying approximately 95 cars with unknown cargo/freight The three people occupying the train were injured during the incident, but able to exit and get on the locomotive's upper side. However, due to the rising waters, they were not able to evacuate off the top of the derailed train. These same waters made it difficult for rescuers to reach the individuals. Around 12.50am Friday, first responders were able to make contact with the victims and transfer them off of the train. They were taken to an area hospital for treatment and evaluation in stable condition. Police say the train was carrying approximately 95 cars with unknown cargo/freight. The public is asked to avoid the area while crews work to remove the train. The entire Southwest (Flagstaff, Ariz. on July 14 pictured above) has been hammered lately with storms and more rain is in the forecast as the area's annual monsoon season During this time the region (Flagstaff, Ariz. on July 14 pictured above) sees anywhere from 30 to 60-percent of its annual rainfall, which often results in floods and high waters. At least one person has died as a result of the monsoon storms that inundated Arizona this week. Officials say the individual who went missing from a Colorado River rafting trip in the Grand Canyon during the flash flooding was found dead in frigid waters on Thursday. A second person was found alive. Authorities believe the pair was participating in a motorized trip operated by Arizona Raft Adventures that was scheduled to last more than a week when they were swept into the river. According to Grand Canyon spokeswoman Joelle Baird, a torrent of water rushed through a slot canyon and washed away the camp where the two commercial rafts holding 30 passengers pulled off the river to stay Wednesday evening. Rescuers found the deceased in the water neat text to the flooded, abandoned camp. The other individual was found nearby. Officials say the monsoon storms that inundated Arizona this week resulted in the death of a rafter in the Grand Canyon (pictured is the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon on July 15). The rafter was found dead in frigid waters on Thursday after likely being swept into the river after a torrent of water rushed through a slot canyon Two paramedics went into the river late Wednesday to treat and stabilize injured rafters after receiving a satellite phone call from someone on the trip asking for help. Seven passengers who were injured were airlifted out of the canyon. The extent of their injuries is unknown at this time. Baird adds that park authorities will help other rafters who want to cut their trip short and get off the river. John Dillon, the executive director of the Grand Canyon River Outfitters Association that represents the outfitters permitted in the canyon, says that while the outfitters were pleased to hear one rafter was found, they're saddened by the death of the other. 'Our hearts our broken that people on the trip lost somebody, people at home lost somebody,' he shared. 'That matters more than anything else.' Several communities, including Flagstaff's Greenlaw neighborhood (pictured above), are experiencing flash flooding At least two other people have died this year on Grand Canyon rafting trips. James Crocker, 63, of Colorado died after he fell into the river at the top of a rapid in June. Members of his private boating groups pulled him out of the water but couldn't revive him. Deborah Ellis, 60, of Idaho died after the commercial raft she was on hit rapids and flipped in late April. The autopsy report revealed that she drowned. The entire Southwest has been hammered lately with storms and more rain is in the forecast as the area's annual monsoon season, which runs from June through September, is underway. During this time the area sees anywhere from 30 to 60-percent of its annual rainfall, which often results in floods and high waters. In fact, video shared on social media by a resident of Flagstaff, Arizona's Upper Greenlaw neighborhood, demonstrates how intense flooding in that area can get. River-like waters are shown filling the residential streets, dragging dirt, debris and full-sized cars along with it. 'This is the craziest flooding Ive ever experienced in the city,' Taylor Landy, of Greenlaw, said on Facebook. She says that many residents are experienced damages as a result of extreme flooding. Landy, who claims the Greenlaw area has seen several tragedies over the past three years, established a GoFundMe account to support community members impacted by the severe weather. The threat of flash flooding through next week, the National Weather Service said, though the coverage will be more scattered than widespread. The National Weather Service says flash flooding is expected to continue this weekend and reminds citizens to be careful. The NWS says, with the exception of heat-related deaths, more fatalities occur from flooding than any other weather hazard Officials warn residents to be cautious during this time as, with the exception of heat-related deaths, more fatalities occur from flooding than any other weather hazard. Although the number of weather related deaths can vary dramatically from year to year due to conditions, the National Weather Service reports the 30-year average for flood deaths in the United States is 88. That compares with a 30-year average of 41 deaths for lightning, 68 for tornadoes and 45 for hurricanes. Data also shows that nearly half of all flash flood deaths are vehicle-related. Officials remind citizens that whether you are walking or driving, if you come to a flooded road you should immediately 'turn around, don't drown!' Airbnb hosts have been left stunned after their guests allegedly ordered bags of 'crystal meth' to their rental property. The Scottish hosts phoned in police after discovering the suspicious substance in a package sent to the holiday home in Prestwick, East Ayrshire. Photos shared online show two small plastic bags filled with a white crystalised substance and the shiny black plastic envelope they arrived in. The owners, who have remained anonymous, claimed the drugs were destined for two guests who rented the property from June 21 to 26 - but that they arrived after they checked out. While Airbnb reportedly said it was investigating the case, one of the owners said 'police can't do anything' because the holidaymaker 'has not handled it [the drugs] in any way'. In a post online the host said: 'Well it's confirmed by police that this is a controlled drug. The shocking find was discovered by Airbnb hosts in picturesque East Ayrshire, in Scotland The two bags of 'crystal meth' (left) came to the Prestwick property in a shiny black envelope (right), claimed the Airbnb hosts in an online post 'It was sent to our address for a guest who left before it arrived. 'The police can't do anything because he has not handled it in any way. I wanted it off the streets and disposed of properly.' The visitors had allegedly told the hosts that they were getting an SD card delivered to the property during their stay. The pair then checked out on Saturday, June 26, but their package still hadn't arrived. When the hosts went to clean the property they were shocked to find white powder and stains across the sofa as well as a pungent smell in the living room that lurked for weeks afterwards. The owners said a small package came in the post, which they opened to discover small bags filled with white powder they believed to be crystal meth. The package was then reported to police who allegedly believe it to be a 'controlled drug.' One of the anonymous owners said today: 'We think it's crystal meth, we asked an expert friend and the Police said it's likely to be a controlled drug. 'The drugs were delivered at lunchtime on Saturday [June 26] after they had left. 'The guest came to us on the Wednesday saying they had sent an SD card to this address and we let him know that this wasn't usually allowed. 'Two bags of a white substance were sent to our home, the address and his name was typed rather than written. 'He said it was going to be a camera SD card, we opened it along with lots of mail not realising. 'The situation gave us a fright, the police are not investigating because he did not handle the drugs so he just needs to deny it. The owners claimed in an online post that police told them the packages delivered to their property contained a 'controlled substance' In a screenshot alleged to be from Airbnb, the company says it is investigating the guest's account 'But they have made a note of his name against it if something similar comes up again. 'The police didn't put the drug through a lab but made some sort of presumptive test they called it.' They continued: 'There were stains on the sofa where they did not use the bedding on the sofa bed. 'He did try to tidy up but it took more than a week to get rid of the smell and we will need to repaint. 'We also had to find alternative accommodation for the next guest. It was mainly the smell ingrained in all the fabrics and upholstery. 'The smell was more than pot, it was chemically and heavy and there was white powder left around the living room.' 'I complained to Airbnb who said I could claim for cleaning and they would 'review' his account. 'He has since messaged to apologise so they must have said something to him, but I haven't replied.' Police Scotland said: 'We were called to a property on Ardayre Road, Prestwick on the June 28 regarding concerns for a parcel that had been delivered. 'A small amount of controlled drugs were recovered and disposed off.' The federal prosecutor investigating Hunter Biden's taxes waited until after the election to seek search warrants or issue grand jury subpoenas, a new report revealed Friday, out of fears his probe would become public and affect the presidential contest. Delaware's U.S. Attorney David Weiss decided to delay taking any actions that could flag the probe for the public, Politico reported, so that the investigation wouldn't become a campaign issue in the contest between Joe Biden and Donald Trump. Weiss began his probe of President Joe Biden's son in 2018 and, by last summer, was ready to issue the warrants and subpoenas but decided to hold off. 'It was a close call,' a person with knowledge of the situation told Politico. 'That case has way more credibility now.' Hunter announced on December 9, after his father was declared the winner over Trump, that he was under federal investigation over a tax matter. He has denied any wrong doing. The original federal investigation into Hunter began with questions about his work with the Ukraine and China, including possible money laundering and violations of the Foreign Agents Registration Act. It came to focus on whether he's paid all his taxes. The federal prosecutor investigating Hunter Biden 's taxes waited until after the election to seek search warrants or issue grand jury subpoenas, a new report revealed Friday. Hunter ,holding his son Beau, stands with Joe Biden and Jill Biden in 2020 on the night Joe Biden was declared the winner of the 2020 presidential election The scenario had shades of similarity to the 2016 presidential contest. In October 2016, then-FBI director James Comey announced his agency was reopening a probe of Hillary Clinton's emails from the time she was secretary of state. Trump promptly turned it into a campaign issue and Comey's move is credited with helping Clinton lose the election. The probe came to naught and found no evidence of wrong doing. Comey later told ABC News that he revealed the probe because he thought 'that shes going to be elected president and if I hide this from the American people, shell be illegitimate the moment shes elected, the moment this comes out.' Weiss, a Republican, was appointed to his Justice Department position by Trump in February of 2018. Biden has left him in place. Weiss did not comment to Politico for the piece but friends in the article describe him as a 'straight shooter' and a 'very private person.' Hunter Biden has been a political hot potato for his father's White House. Republicans have called for a special prosecutor in the case to shield it from any influence by the Biden administration. President Biden, however, has said repeatedly the Justice Department is an independent agency and he will not interfere in any of its investigations. Hunter Biden plays no formal role in his father's White House yet officials have had to defend him on a number of matters, including his most recent controversy - his art show. It was the White House that established the arrangement that would allow Hunter to sell his artwork for tens of thousands of dollars without knowing the identity of the purchaser. Delaware's U.S. Attorney David Weiss (above center) decided to delay taking any actions that would risk making public the existence of the Hunter Biden probe so it would not become an election issue Officials said it was done out of potential ethical concerns surrounding his sales. Under the arrangement, a private art gallery owner will set prices for Hunter's work and will handle all bidding and sales, but will not share any information about buyers or prospective buyers with Hunter or anyone in the administration. The deal could see Hunter pocket as much as $500,000 for a painting. 'After careful consideration, a system has been established that allows for Hunter Biden to work in his profession within reasonable safeguards,' said White House press secretary Jen Psaki earlier this month. '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.' Republicans and other critics charged Hunter with using his father's job to line his pockets - a repeated slam against Hunter, who became a campaign issue in the 2020 contest for his work in the Ukraine. Hunter announced on December 9, after his father was declared the winner over Trump, that he was under federal investigation over a tax matter. He has denied any wrong doing Trump repeatedly attacked Hunter on the stump. Trump charged Hunter made millions of his consulting work in the Ukraine, which began when Biden was vice president, and insinuated wronging on both Hunter and Joe's behalf. No charges have been filed against either Biden on any issue dealing with Hunter's work in the Ukraine. Hunter has denied any wrong doing and severed his ties to the Ukrainian energy company. He has not disclosed how much money he made. Six Extinction Rebellion protesters have been let off with a slap on the wrist and a 150 fine after blockading a national newspaper printing press in a demonstration that cost publishers more than 1million. The activists stopped 3.5million newspapers reaching readers when they used bamboo structures to block trucks from leaving the Newsprinters printing works in Broxbourne, Hertfordshire, on September 4. Caspar Hughes, 49, of Exeter; Elise Yarde, 32, of Walthamstow; Amir Jones, 39, of London; Laura Frandsen, 30, of London; Charlotte Kirin, 51, of Bury St Edmunds; and Hazel Stenson, 56, of Bury St Edmunds all appeared at St Albans Magistrates' Court on Friday. The demonstrators were convicted of obstructing the highway, with Judge Sally Fudge adding that while the demonstration was 'peaceful' it had a significant impact on the ability of businesses to function. All six defendants, apart from Frandsen, were given a conditional discharge for 12 months and ordered to pay 150 to the court and a 22 surcharge. Frandsen, who has two previous convictions for similar offences, was ordered to pay a financial penalty of 150, and to pay the court 150 with a surcharge of 34. The court heard around 50 XR members used vehicles and bamboo structures, used as lock-ons, to deny access to or from the Broxbourne site. The protest lasted 14 hours and those involved were targeting certain parts of the print media who, according to the defendants, 'failed to accurately report on the climate crisis and are guilty of corruption'. Today's convictions weren't the first for the printworks protest, with several other activists being let off with conditional discharges or small fines. Caspar Hughes, 49, of Exeter; Elise Yarde, 32, of Walthamstow; Amir Jones, 39, of London; Laura Frandsen, 30, of London; Charlotte Kirin, 51, of Bury St Edmunds; and Hazel Stenson, 56, of Bury St Edmunds all appeared (pictured) at St Albans Magistrates' Court on Friday In October, two Extinction Rebellion protesters pleaded guilty to their part in the protest. Eleanor McAree, 26, of Brentwood, was also in breach of a nine-month conditional discharge imposed in December 2019 for an Extinction Rebellion protest in London. The second defendant, Will Farbrother, 39, of Walthamstow, also pleaded guilty. McAree, who earns 41,000 a year as a project manager, was fined 500 for the Broxbourne obstruction, plus 105 costs, 50 victim surcharge and 150 for breaching the conditional discharge. Farbrother, who is giving up his 39,000 a year job as a civil servant to work with refugees in Athens, was of previous good character. He was given a six-month condition discharge and was ordered to pay 105 costs and a 22 victim surcharge. The Newsprinters presses publish the Rupert Murdoch-owned News Corp's titles including the Sun, Times, Sun On Sunday and Sunday Times, as well as the Daily Telegraph and Sunday Telegraph, the Daily Mail and Mail On Sunday, and the London Evening Standard. Six defendants are currently being tried at a time in the case. Today's verdict was expected last month but Ms Fudge agreed to postpone the trial to await the outcome of a Supreme Court judgment, which on June 25 overturned the convictions of four protesters who had locked themselves together outside an arms fair in 2017. The four demonstrators were found to have been exercising their rights to free speech and assembly and had a lawful excuse. The court heard around 50 XR members used vehicles and bamboo structures, used as lock-ons, to deny access to or from the Broxbourne site Judge Fudge concluded that the police had acted proportionately in arresting the protesters, adding: 'The level of disruption caused by the protest was high, and the obstruction of the highway went on for a very long time. 'It is accepted that the impact of their protest would have been lessened had they been located to the side of the highway, such that the deliveries could continue to take place as normal, but the view of Superintendent Wells, who made the decision to arrest, was that by the time he arrived, the protest had been ongoing for around four-and-a-half hours. 'In my view the protestors had, up until the point of arrest, been able to exercise their article 10 and 11 rights with little, if any, interference from the state, and that part of the protest had already had some impact on Newsprinters' ability to conduct its business in the usual way. The protest lasted 14 hours and those involved were targeting certain parts of the print media who, according to the defendants, 'failed to accurately report on the climate crisis and are guilty of corruption' The judge said this led to a 'loss of business revenue valued at over 1 million', adding: 'It had an impact akin to a ripple-effect, with the distributors of the newspapers at the heart who bore the brunt of the disruption, through to the individual consumer at the outside who could not buy their preferred newspaper that day experiencing some inconvenience.' During the trial, the court heard how Home Secretary Priti Patel made multiple calls to commanding officers about the protest and requested to 'expedite' their removal. Raj Chada, defending, said an independent review of the incident, commissioned by Hertfordshire Constabulary, found officers were placed under 'significant political pressure'. However, Judge Fudge said she found police had 'maintained their operational independence' and that Ms Patel's conversations with senior officers had not influenced decisions taken on the ground. From left to right: Liam Norton, James Ozen, Morgan Trouland, Ellenor Bujak, Tim Spears and Sally Davidson were tried previously Sentencing the defendants, Ms Fudge said: 'This was a peaceful protest with no suggestion of damage caused by anybody and no abuse or obstruction of officers. You all spoke in your defence with passion and clarity and it was obvious that you had thought carefully about what you were doing.' Extinction Rebellion said it is considering an appeal against the convictions. In a statement after the hearing, an XR spokesperson said: 'We are astonished that Judge Fudge ruled there was no political interference in the police operation, despite overwhelming evidence. 'As floods devastate Europe, another heat dome is building in the United States, and environmental defenders across the world are being silenced, XR will continue to demand that the press tell the truth about the climate and ecological emergency.' Previously Liam Norton, 36, of Esplanade Gardens, Scarborough; Sally Davidson, 33, of Byards Croft, Streatham, south London; and James Ozden, 35, of The Avenue, London, were each given a 12-month conditional discharge and ordered to pay prosecution costs of 150 and a statutory victim surcharge of 22. Eleanor Bujak, 28, of Bracey Street, Finsbury Park, London and Morgan Trowland, 38, Massie Road, Hackney, east London, were both fined 150 and told to pay costs of 150, plus a victim surcharge of 34. Timothy Speers, of Rosswyld Lodge, Waltham Forest was fined 200 and ordered to pay 150 prosecution costs and a victim surcharge of 34. The pilots of a Russian passenger plane have been hailed as heroes after they saved all 19 people on board after they were forced to crash land in Siberia. The Antonov An-28 aircraft with four children on board had disappeared from radars on a one hour 20 minute flight in the Tomsk region in western Siberia earlier on Friday. A major rescue operation was launched and the badly damaged plane was spotted from the air. Rescuers reported that all on board were alive. Pilots Anatoly Prytkov, 56, and Faruh Khasanov, 32, were credited with saving all the lives after a crash landing in rough terrain. 'The site of the plane's hard landing was discovered. They see living people,' Russia's emergencies ministry said in a statement. Pilots Anatoly Prytkov, 56, (left) and Faruh Khasanov, 32, (right) were credited with saving all the lives after a crash landing in rough terrain The Antonov An-28 (file image) had gone missing during the flight but reports said the plane had been located from the air and there were survivors at the crash site Three emergency Mi-8 helicopters were scrambled to search for the plane which was later found, officials said. Now the survivors will be airlifted from the crash site after the pilots managed to found a spot to land amid swamps, said reports. The An-28 is a small, short-range, Soviet-designed turboprop used by many small carriers across Russia and some other countries. The plane belonged to the local Sila airline and was flying from the town of Kedrovoye to the city of Tomsk in a journey which usually takes one hour 20 minutes. The flight crew had not reported any problems before the plane disappeared, officials said, but the plane's emergency beacon activated, signalling that it had a forced landing or crashed. 'Communication was lost to the An-28 plane from the company Siberian Light Aviation,' said an emergency services spokesman. Earlier reports said there were 17 or 13 on board but reports from the crash site said there were 19. The incident comes 10 days after another Russian plane crashed while preparing to land in bad weather on the Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia's Far East, killing all 28 people on board. The Antonov An-26 plane, carrying 22 passengers and six crew, had been on its descent into the village of Palana around 3pm Tuesday when it suddenly lost radio contact with ground crews. Rescue teams were scrambled before discovering this scene on cliffs around 10 miles south of the airport several hours later. It is thought the plane, which was operated by Kamchatka Aviation Enterprise, struck the top of the cliff amid low-lying cloud and broke apart. There were no survivors. This is the scene of a plane crash in eastern Russia which is thought to have killed all 28 passengers on board after the aircraft hit a clifftop while coming in for landing The plane had taken off from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky airport around 1pm and was descending into Palana around 3pm when it suddenly lost radio contact with the ground Part of the plane's stabiliser was found on top of the cliff, Russian media reported, while sections of its tail were found on rocks that drop down into the Sea of Okhotsk. Other parts of the wreckage were found floating in the ocean including the plane's radio distress beacon, which is what naval crews tracked to find the crash site. Several senior officials from Palana village are said to have been on board the flight, including mayor Olga Mokhireva, 42, head of the mobilization department Alexander Andreikin, and his wife Olga Andreikina, who heads the financial department. The pilot was named as Dmitry Nikiforov, and the co-pilot Alexander Anisimov, 27. An investigation into the crash is underway, as inspectors say the 39-year-old plane had a certificate of airworthiness and passed pre-flight checks when it took off from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky airport two hours before the crash. The pilots had not reported any faults during the flight. Aleksey Khrabrov, the head of Kamchatka Aviation Enterprise, confirmed the wreckage had been found but would not give more details. It is thought the An-26 plane (file image) hit the clifftop in low-lying cloud before breaking apart, with parts of the wreck dropping into the sea Russian prime minister Mikhail Mishustin ordered a special commission to find out what had happened. A criminal case was also launched into its fate, a normal measure when a plane goes missing or crashes in Russia. The investigation into the crash of the An-26 plane is ongoing. A near-identical crash happened on the same section of cliffs back in 2012, when an An-28 plane carrying 14 people from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky to Palana hit treetops on the cliffs in poor visibility and crashed. Ten people, including both pilots, were killed in the wreck which happened around 10 miles south of Palana. It was later discovered that both pilots had alcohol in their blood, they had approached the airfield too low and along the wrong flight path, and had given false position readings to ground control crews. Russia, once notorious for plane accidents, has improved its air traffic safety record in recent years. But poor aircraft maintenance and lax safety standards still persist, and the country has seen several deadly air accidents in recent years. The last major air accident took place in May 2019, when a Sukhoi Superjet belonging to the flag carrier airline Aeroflot crash-landed and caught fire on the runway of a Moscow airport, killing 41 people. In February 2018, a Saratov Airlines An-148 aircraft crashed near Moscow shortly after take-off, killing all 71 people on board. An investigation later concluded that the accident was caused by human error. Flying in Russia can also be dangerous in the vast country's isolated regions with difficult weather conditions such as the Arctic and the Far East. The vanished plane was produced in 1982 and was owned by Kamchatka Aviation Enterprise, said local transport officials. It has a valid certificate of airworthiness, they said. Stephen Hugueley died three days after the state filed a motion to set his execution date A 'suicidal' Tennessee death row inmate who fatally stabbed a prison counselor while serving a life sentence for killing his own mother was found dead in his cell early Friday morning, three days after the state filed a motion to set his execution date. However, Stephen Hugueley appears to have died from natural causes, according to a statement from Tennessee Department of Correction spokesperson Dorinda Carter. The 53-year-old was pronounced dead at Riverbend Maximum Security Institution at 2:35am. The exact cause of his death is still pending an investigation. Hugueley's attorney Amy Harwell said she received a call just before 6am Friday from a prison chaplain notifying her of her client's death. 'He had been suicidal for years,' Harwell said of Hugueley. 'But TDOC (Tennessee Department of Correction) is telling me they do not think it was suicide.' Hugueley was sentenced to death in 2003 for fatally stabbing prison counselor Delbert Steed 36 times at the Hardeman County Correctional Complex the previous year. Hugueley had been serving a life sentence since August 1986 after he was convicted of shooting his mother, Rachel Waller of Dyer County, with a shotgun and dumping her body into the Forked Deer River. Riverbend Maximum Security Institution (pictured), where Hugueley was found dead while serving a life sentence for multiple murders, including a prison counselor and his own mom The gravestone for Delbert Steed, the prison counselor who Hugueley stabbed to death while incarcerated back in 2002 Hugueley spent the last 18 years in solitary confinement In 1991, Hugueley killed a fellow inmate while he was incarcerated at the West Tennessee High Security Prison. Six years later, Hugueley stabbed another inmate at the states maximum security prison at the time, Brushy Mountain. Hugueley was later moved to the Riverbend Maximum Security Institution in Nashville. Harwell issued a statement, saying Hugueley 'entered the Tennessee Department of Correction as a profoundly damaged individual who, from his 12th birthday to today, spent less than two years outside of an institutional setting.' He spent the last 18 years in solitary confinement 'where he had severely limited interaction with other humans and was systematically denied access to treatment and basic health care,' Harwell said. 'Years of this kind of abuse took a tremendous physical and mental toll upon Stephen. That Stephen withstood this treatment for so long is a testament to the strength of his spirit.' Huguely had sued the Correction Department in federal court over his solitary confinement. In a statement sent to the court Tuesday, he accused the department of using the threat of impending execution to either 'compel me to commit suicide, like my father,' or to 'coerce me into settling for less than I want.' The state moved to set his execution date the same day. Have you been caught up in the traffic chaos? Please email: tips@dailymail.com Advertisement This is the shocking moment a Waitrose lorry caught fire on a busy motorway, causing thousands of drivers to be stuck in two-hour queues in stifling 83F heat. Holidaymakers hoping for a prompt getaway ahead of this weekend's anticipated 88F heatwave endured lengthy queues on the motorway after the lorry's cab caught fire, leaving the authorities with no choice but the close both the east and westbound carriageways. In the 20-second clip, the driver and several other motorists slowly approach the blazing remains of the vehicle, after there were several explosions from gas cylinders on board. The lorry's entire cab and front end of the trailer is entirely engulfed in flames and plumes of black smoke can be clearly seen bellowing out. As the driver reaches the front of the HGV, the raging flames can be seen crawling up to five metres high. There were no reported injuries. In the 20-second clip, the driver and several other motorists slowly approach the blazing remains of the vehicle. The lorry's entire cab and trailer is entirely engulfed in flames and plumes of black smoke can be clearly seen bellowing out Dorset and Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service arrived at the scene to douse the lorry which had been ripped apart by flames Thousands of holidaymakers were met with misery as traffic came to a standstill near Swindon earlier today after a lorry fire forced the closure of the M4 in both directions. Both the eastbound and westbound carriageways between J14 and J15 were closed following the lorry blaze. Travellers were seen getting out of their cars and sitting with their boots open or on the central reservation amid the standstill - despite advice from authorities. In an incident report posted after the fire, Dorset & Wiltshire Fire Service reported there were 'several explosions from gas cylinders on board' the lorry. Millions of people are expected to head to beaches and parks this weekend, with experts predicting sizzling temperatures that could peak at 88F on Sunday and Monday. A Level two-heat health alert has been issued across the majority of England, with Public Health England urging people to keep cool and support those at risk. Thousands of drivers have been stuck in two-hour queues on the M4 in stifling 83F heat after a lorry fire forced the closure of the major motorway in both directions Holidaymakers hoping for a prompt getaway ahead of the weekend were met with misery as traffic came to a standstill near Swindon earlier today After reports of the lorry inferno spread, Highways England took to Twitter to say: 'Please approach the area with caution and if you are in the stopped traffic please do not leave your vehicles. 'Due to the nature of the fire and the contents of the lorry we are looking to start installing full closures of the M4 in both directions between J14 and J15. 'If you are in the trapped traffic please bear with us, we will work to get you moving soon.' In one of the latest updates, at 3.55pm, traffic monitoring site Inrix said: 'M4 in both directions closed, queueing traffic due to lorry fire between J14 A338 (Hungerford) and J15 A346 Marlborough Road (Swindon East). Sunseekers flock to the beach at Woolacombe in North Devon as a spell of scorching weather forecast to last across the country through the weekend begin A sunseeker relaxes in the sunshine and warm weather in Battersea park, London, this morning at the start of a weekend of scorching temperatures A graphic shows how a sweltering African plume of heat will make its way across the continent this weekend, bringing high temperatures to much of the UK Health experts are warning the elderly and vulnerable to stay out of the sun this weekend, with a heatwave expected to bring scorching temperatures of 88F. Today was the hottest day of the year in both Scotland and Northern Ireland, with 79F recorded in Aberdeen and 80F in Killowen. The highest temperature anywhere in the UK today was in Pershore, Worcestershire, where it reached heights of 82.8F - just shy of the year's current record, 85.5F in London's Bushy Park on June 14. And meteorologists predict Britain will sizzle even further on Sunday and Monday in particular, but the mercury is likely to remain around the 77F mark for the rest of the month. The soaring temperatures are created as a result of an extension of the Azores high - an African plume of heat that is making its way across Europe over the coming days. Youngsters Freddie, 4, (wearing sunglasses) and Charlie, 3, have fun building sandcastles in the glorious sunshine at Sandhaven Beach in South Shields, South Tyneside this morning Crowds flock to Bournemouth beach in Dorset on Friday afternoon at the start of a sizzling weekend across the UK Sunseekers in Brighton soak up the rays this morning at the start of what is expected to be a sweltering weekend across the UK While millions will flock to beaches and parks around the country to soak up the sun, Public Health England (PHE) has issued a heat-health warning, urging the public to take measures to keep cool and support those who may be at risk in the warm weather. Will Lang, head of civil contingencies at the Met Office, added: 'Across most parts of the UK we're expecting to see temperatures building, reaching heatwave thresholds across the majority of England over the weekend. 'High temperatures will remain a feature of the forecast until Tuesday, when fresher conditions arrive curtailing heatwave levels.' Alex Burkill, a meteorologist at the Met Office said the level two heat-health alert covers every part of England excluding parts of the North East, the North West and London and is due to last until Tuesday. He said the highest temperatures will be 'widespread across the bulk of the UK as we go through the end of the week and into the weekend'. Thousands of drivers have been stuck in two-hour queues on the M4 in stifling 83F heat after a lorry fire forced the closure of the major motorway in both directions Highways England has since suggested that normal traffic conditions will not return until after 5pm (lorry aftermath pictured) 'Both carriageways have been closed for safety reasons. Police are working to release trapped traffic from the scene. 'Diversion - Eastbound traffic is diverted via Eddington towards Newbury. Westbound traffic is diverted via Marlborough towards Swindon.' Dorset and Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service also said: 'We are currently dealing with a lorry fire on the M4 eastbound between J15 Swindon & J14 Hungerford.' Highways England has since suggested that normal traffic conditions will not return until after 5pm. It comes as temperatures across the UK began hotting up with some areas reaching stifling highs of 83F. The UK could see the hottest day of the year so far with temperatures predicted to reach 87F this Sunday in parts of the UK - making it warmer than Ibiza. Have you been caught up in the traffic chaos? Email: tips@dailymail.com A female Royal Navy sailor has been dismissed for sexually assaulting three male colleagues after a drinking session during a cold weather survival expedition in Norway. Able Seaman Jodie McSkimmings, 31, straddled one sailor and pinned him on a bed before groping him and two others during a drunken 'spree', a court martial heard. McSkimmings committed five offences over the space of five hours after drinking at least six cans of beer and a bottle of wine. It saw her demand kisses from male colleagues, refusing to take no for an answer and then trying to undress them. As well as the three sexual assaults, she also tried to sit on a Sergeant's lap before hitting him and then punched a Corporal full in the face while holding a beer can. AB McSkimmings was based at HMS Neptune, the shore establishment at HMNB Clyde, when she was deployed with the 45 Commando Royal Marine Regiment to Norway in 2020. Prosecutor Lieutenant Colonel Michael Culver said her first victim saw her 'swigging from a bottle of wine' before inviting him into one of the bedrooms during the deployment. LtCol Culver told Bulford Military Court, Wilts: 'After about five minutes of normal talking she then began to repeatedly and explicitly seek not just a kiss but also sexual relations with him. Able Seaman Jodie McSkimmings, 31, (pictured) straddled one sailor and pinned him on a bed before groping him and two others during a drunken 'spree', a court martial heard Able Seaman McSkimming at Bulford Military Court which heard details of her drunken night Judge Advocate Alistair McGrigor said it had been a fairly depressing case as he dismissed her 'He said to her repeatedly that he refused and said she was drunk. 'She nonetheless proceeded to straddle him, using her body weight to pin him on the bed. She kissed his mouth and put her hand inside his t-shirt to try to unbutton his trousers. 'She placed his hand on her buttock. He objected several times and then she did stop but proceeded to hurl abuse at him.' The court heard she later invited another male colleague into the same room where the first sexual assault happened. LtCol Culver added: 'He declined but she was insistent and he complied with her request in order to keep her calm. 'Again she asked initially for a kiss, he said no and that he had a girlfriend. 'She repeated and was persistent in demanding kisses. 'She said 'it's only me and you here and nobody needs to find out'. He said 'that's not the point, I don't want to'. She had previously been stationed at HMNB Clyde at Faslane in Scotland 'He said he was going to leave and she placed her left hand on his crotch. 'He said 'what are you doing' and asked her to get off him and she left the room muttering after that, leaving him shocked.' Later that evening, at about 7.30pm, AB McSkimmings was taking part in a quiz in the mess hall. The court heard she tried to sit on the lap of Sergeant Scott Mitchell but he told her he 'wasn't impressed'. LtCol Culver added: 'Sgt Mitchell describes a punch at 100 per cent force to his lower back. He asked her what was that and she said 'I will fucking do you in, you are taking the piss out of me'.' The officer told her to calm down but she then turned her attention to Corporal Stewart Duggans, who was also on their quiz team. The court heard: 'She stared at him for two seconds and punched him in the face with a hand in which she was holding a beer can. 'She punched him with enough force to completely crush the beer can, dispensing beer over his face and clothes.' Later that evening, at about 9pm, AB McSkimmings entered the room of another male colleague. LtCol Culver added: 'She started trying to unzip his trousers and he objected, saying he had a girlfriend. 'He pushed her hand away and she attempted to grab his zip a further two more times. 'He felt shocked, confused and uncomfortable. She eventually stopped and stood up, walked out the room and as she did so she said 'f**K you then'.' She admitted three charges of sexual assault, a charge of battery and a charge of using violence against a superior officer. Mitigating, James Cassels said AB McSkimmings was in a 'head on' car crash in December 2019 so was 'vulnerable' when she joined the 45 Commandos in Norway in January 2020. He outlined a history of mental health issues including depression and said she was still struggling with this at the time of the incidents due to suffering 'misogynistic bullying' from colleagues. He said: 'This is a fairly depressing case for me to dealt with and I have dealt with many. 'She was the only female out and about with them... she felt isolated... she felt she was put down. 'People were sexually abusive, verbally and misogynistic and this undermined her confidence to such an extent that she felt totally isolated.' He explained she had been on a museum trip that morning and had had about six beers before heading back to camp, where she drank a bottle of wine and the incidents began. Sentencing her, Judge Advocate Alistair McGrigor said: 'Over a period of five hours you were, and remained, so intoxicated that you had no recollection of the events. 'These are very serious matters, both of a sexual and violent nature. We accept that challenging behaviour by your male colleagues took place that significantly impaired your mental health. 'You say you drank to block out the misery you found yourself in but you did so voluntarily.' She was dismissed from the Royal Navy and ordered to do 120 hours of unpaid work and 20 rehabilitation days. Two thugs who recorded themselves torturing and slashing two terrified victims have been caged for a total of 12 years and eight months. George Murray, 33, and Scott McClymont, 22, turned on Ryan Murray and a 15-year-old boy at a flat in Springburn, Glasgow, just days after Christmas last year. Harrowing mobile phone footage of the attack was shown at the High Court in Glasgow. The crime at 23 year-old Ryan's home was so gruesome blood seeped down into the flat below. The pair pleaded guilty to attempting to murder Ryan and assaulting the boy to his severe injury, permanent disfigurement and to the danger of his life. Murray was locked up for six years and eight months while McClymont received six years. Both men were also given a two-year extended sentence. George Murray, 33, (left) and Scott McClymont, 22, (right) turned on Ryan Murray and a 15-year-old boy at a flat in Springburn, Glasgow, just days after Christmas last year Judge Lord Mulholland today said: 'I said on the day of the conviction that you behaved like savages. 'I maintain what I said then - you behaved like savages. 'The footage showed you striking the victims with a large knife to the head and body while they were badly hurt and bleeding profusely. 'They were pleading for you to stop and spare them more violence and their pleas fell on deaf ears. 'How you could do that to human beings disgusts me. 'You only stopped because the police were contacted by a downstairs neighbour who saw blood seep from her ceiling. 'The police forced open the door and rescued the victims. 'These were crimes of the uppermost gravity and you will pay the price for what you did.' During the nine-minute clip, both victims begged for mercy as they were repeatedly 'chopped' on the head and body with blades. One of the attackers taunted: 'Dance for me, dance for me...' Ryan is seen drenched in blood as he stood frightened in a bath. Harrowing mobile phone footage of the attack was shown at the High Court in Glasgow (pictured) The 15-year-old had pulled his hood up as he cowered while trying to avoid being repeatedly hit. Amid hysterical laughing by the thugs, McClymont stated: 'You better die slowly. See if you grass us up.' One of the pair moaned about the blood-marks on his hand. As the onslaught continued, a voice can be heard: 'Give him one more (strike) for luck... f*****g give him two more. 'Yes, that's how you do it.' The court heard how Murray and McClymont struck after mistakenly believing they had been 'set up' at the flat last December 28. There was initially a scuffle with both shouting: 'How do people know we are here?' Murray, of Maryhill, and McClymont, of Coatbridge, then each armed themselves with a knife. Prosecutor Lindsey Dalziel said: 'Murray began attacking the 15-year-old by striking him on the head. 'McClymont then joined in and both began attacking the boy and Ryan Murray with the knives.' The teenager was brutally set up in the kitchen for around 15 minutes. Another boy in the flat could hear the victims 'pleading' with the thugs to stop and that they had not set anyone up. A downstairs neighbour had meantime had gone to bathroom during this. Miss Dalziel: 'She shouted on her friend to come through. 'They both saw what they thought was blood dripping through the ceiling onto the bath and floor below.' Police were alerted and initially found Ryan's flat in darkness when they eventually got in. Ryan was discovered covered in blood before the 15 year-old was found in a bedroom with a towel around his head. Both refused to say what had happened as thugs Murray and McClymont were also still there. Murray later claimed he had been punched and 'blacked out' but his and McClymont's actions was later revealed when officers were handed the sick footage. It is thought to have been recorded on the 15 year-old's mobile which was given to police after the attack. The court heard Ryan suffered 15 head wounds causing skull and nose fractures. He also had hand and wrist injuries. The 15-year-old needed 28 staples for multiple scalp wounds. His knee and arm were also badly hurt following his ordeal. The hearing was told Murray and McClymont already had convictions for violence. Brian Fitzpatrick, defending Murray, told the sentencing: 'From watching the footage, he finds it difficult to believe he could act that way and accepts full responsibility for his behaviour.' Euan Dow, defending McClymont, said: 'On showing him the footage, he was appalled, shocked, ashamed and embarrassed by his conduct.' McClymont will begin his latest jail term after he completes 100 days of a previous sentence. The headlines will be about global cooperation between world leaders on tackling the global coronavirus pandemic. But on Friday, President Joe Biden used a meeting of the Asia Pacific trade group APEC to issue a warning to China's Xi Jinping to rein in his South China Sea ambitions with a clear declaration of U.S. commitment to a 'free and open Indo-Pacific.' After the meeting, the leaders issued a statement committed to accelerating access to COVID-19 vaccines. But any sense that tensions with Beijing had evaporated were overtaken when Washington announced fresh sanctions on China over its Hong Kong crackdown. It illustrates the difficulty of bringing together disparate leaders, incuding Russia's Vladimir Putin, to tackle the global pandemic. So although a White House readout of the meeting said Biden welcomed the chance to talk with the other leaders, it made clear that the U.S. would remain engage in the Indo-Pacific for generations to come. 'President Biden emphasized the importance of multilateral cooperation and reiterated his commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacificm,' it said. 'He put forward a vision for the region that is affirmative, values-based, and transparent.' President Biden. 'emphasized the importance of multilateral cooperation and reiterated his commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific,' according to a readout of the meeting from the White House. Although world leaders found agreement on COVID-19 vaccines the line shows the tensions that remain between China and the West Xi Jinping of China was among the world leaders at the virtual meeting of Asia Pacific trade group APEC. The main issue of discussion was tackling the COVID-19 pandemic The USS Benfold (pictured) on Monday entered the disputed waters near the Paracel Islands, which China claims as its own territory The US Navy said the Benfold asserted navigational rights and freedoms in the vicinity of the Paracel Islands consistent with international law The barbed remark comes amid friction between China and the West on multiple fronts. This week China claimed it drove a U.S. Navy warship out of its territorial water. The claim was disputed by the U.S. which said the U.S.S. was conducting a 'freedom of navigation' operation in international waters around the disputed Paracel Islands in the South China Sea. A day earlier, Secretary of State Antony Blinken had described freedom of the seas as an 'enduring' interest of all nations as he marked the fifth anniversary of an international ruling that found in favor of the Philippines, against China's maritime claims. 'Nowhere is the rules-based maritime order under greater threat than in the South China Sea,' he said. 'The People's Republic of China continues to coerce and intimidate Southeast Asian coastal states, threatening freedom of navigation in this critical global throughway.' At the same time there remain lasting questions about the origins of the coronavirus and whether China has done enough to help the international response. And Friday offered a reminder of another source of tension between China and the U.S., as the State Department announced sanctions on seven Chinese individuals connected with Hong Kong. Blinken said the U.S. would continue to stand up for the rights and freedoms of people in Hong Kong which were guaranteed in the deal that returned the British colony to China in 1997. 'Over the past year, Peoples Republic of China (PRC) and Hong Kong officials have systematically undermined Hong Kongs democratic institutions, delayed elections, disqualified elected lawmakers from office, and forced officials to take loyalty oaths to keep their jobs,' he said. 'Since protests began in 2019, local authorities have arrested thousands for speaking out against government policies with which they disagreed, including for their social media posts and for attending vigils.' Coronavirus is another source of tension. Biden has asked the intelligence community to redouble their efforts to find out whether it might have escaped from a Chinese lab. And last month he made clear he was unimpressed by the level of co-operation shown by Beijing to World Health Organization investigators. 'China is trying very hard to project itself as a responsible and very, very forthcoming nation, and they are trying very hard to talk about how they're helping the world in terms of COVID-19 and vaccines,' Biden said during a news conference in Geneva after a summit with Putin. 'Look, certain things you don't have to explain to the people of the world, they see the results. Is China really actually trying to get to the bottom of this?' For its part, the WHO is proposing a second phase of investigations, including audits of laboratories in Wuhan, and demanding greater transparency from Chinese authorities. Director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus presented the plan to members states on Friday. 'Finding the origins of this virus is a scientific exercise that must be kept free from politics,' he said,' according to Reuters. 'For that to happen, we expect China to support this next phase of the scientific process by sharing all relevant data in a spirit of transparency.' APEC leaders issued a statement after a virtual meeting chaired by New Zealand. With the world struggling with fresh waves of COVID-19 infections, exacerbated by the spread of the Delta variant, they said they would encourage the voluntary transfer of vaccine production. 'The pandemic continues to have a devastating impact on our regions people and economies,' they said. 'Our efforts to diagnose and treat COVID-19 continue to be essential. But we will only overcome this health emergency by accelerating equitable access to safe, effective, quality-assured, and affordable COVID-19 vaccines.' A Ponzi schemer who says he was conned out of $100 million by Jeffrey Epstein claims the dead pedophile moved in intelligence circles and was introduced to Ghislaine Maxwell's father Robert by a British arms dealer. The claims made by Steven Hoffenberg, who is a former business partner of Epstein, were published by Rolling Stone on Thursday. Hoffenberg served 18 years in prison after pleading guilty back in 1995 for bilking investors out of more than a $450 million when he was running Towers Financial. Epstein worked for Hoffenberg at Towers Financial as a paid consultant in the 1980s. He made the claims about Epstein in an interview with British journalist Vicky Ward back in 2002 while he was serving that prison sentence in Massachusetts. Ponzi schemer Steven Hoffenberg claimed pedophile Jeffrey Epstein moved in intelligence circles starting in the 1980s and that he was introduced to Ghislaine Maxwell's father by a British arms dealer Among the allegations that he made was that Epstein ran in intelligence circles and that one of his mentors was a British defense contractor named Douglas Leese. Leese, who died in 2011, was an arms dealer, according to Hoffenberg. Leese's son denies that but did say that his father was a mentor to Epstein back in the 1980s. Hoffenberg, who also claimed to know Leese, alleged the defense contractor introduced Epstein to Ghislaine Maxwell's late father Robert Maxwell, aristocratic Europeans and people in the arms business. Four separate sources, ranging from former arms dealers to ex-spies, said that Epstein went on to work for various governments, including the Israelis, through his arms dealing work, according to Ward's Rolling Stone report. Ward, who has a documentary coming out about Ghislaine, reports that Robert Maxwell introduced Epstein to Israeli leaders and used him as part of an influence campaign. Robert Maxwell was a disgraced British newspaper baron and notorious fraudster who died in suspicious circumstances after falling off his mega yacht in 1991. After his death, he was revealed to have stolen $623 million from employee pension funds. Steven Hoffenberg served 18 years in prison after pleading guilty back in 1995 for bilking investors out of more than a $450 million when he was running Towers Financial. Epstein worked for Hoffenberg at Towers Financial as a paid consultant in the 1980s It has long been claimed that Robert Maxwell was a Mossad spy but it has never been proven. Unsubstantiated claims that Epstein and Ghislaine were also spies have also been made in the past. Hoffenberg claimed Epstein had told him he worked with Robert Maxwell on various projects, including solving his debt issues. He also alleged that Epstein told him he was involved in 'national security issues' through his work with with Robert Maxwell and Leese. Hoffenberg claimed that Epstein was introduced to Robert Maxwell (above) by a British defense contractor and arms dealer named Douglas Leese Hoffenberg claims that work involved 'blackmail, influence trading, trading information at a level that is very serious and dangerous'. When asked back in 2002, Epstein reportedly denied having ever met Leese or Robert Maxwell. People who know Epstein and Ghislaine have claimed in court documents that they met after her father's death. But an investigative podcast released last year claimed that Ghislaine was introduced to Epstein by her father in 1988 - three years before he died. Ghislaine went on to become Epstein's alleged madame and has since been charged with procuring four teenage girls for Epstein to sexually abuse between 1994 and 2004. Maxwell was arrested in July last year has pleaded not guilty to the charges. Epstein killed himself in prison in 2019 awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges dating back almost 20 years. After being released from prison in 2015, Hoffenberg filed a lawsuit against Epstein alleging that the billionaire pedophile was involved in the same Ponzi scheme that landed him in prison. Hoffenberg claimed that Epstein fleeced him of $100 million while working for him and that the billionaire pedophile worked with US prosecutors against him. Advertisement One of England's biggest hospitals has been forced to cancel all scheduled operations for 48 hours because it has ran out of beds, in another sign that the third wave of Covid is beginning to pile pressure on the NHS. All spaces in Birmingham's Queen Elizabeth Hospital's intensive care unit were taken up, forcing it to call off dozens of routine operations such as liver transplants and cancer surgery yesterday and today. One of the trust's bosses blamed the move on a 'flood' of patients with the coronavirus, with hospitalisations now starting to spiral across the country following a ferocious surge in cases. Analysts tracking the health service's battle with the virus say the current figures are already outpacing some of SAGE's worst-case scenarios, which warned of more than 2,000 infected patients being admitted for treatment every day later this summer. It comes as South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust - which is dealing with one of the highest infection rates in the country - begged staff to cancel holidays so they could cope with demand. The trust offered staff a 250 bonus if they could cram a week's worth of overtime over the next six weeks. Meanwhile, MailOnline analysis today revealed four-fifths of NHS hospitals in England are seeing a spike in Covid patients being admitted. The number of infected patients needing medical treatment soared by four-fold in some of the worst-hit parts of the country, while hospitalisations have doubled in 29 of the 123 NHS trusts across England that are capable of treating the infected. The worrying trend comes ahead of Freedom Day on Monday, which will see most remaining legal restrictions - like social distancing and wearing face masks - come to an end in England. Data released by NHS England earlier this month revealed the health service was already facing record demand at the end of May, with waiting lists for routine care reaching 5.3million and A&E units seeing their busiest ever month. Experts say any up-tick in admissions will jeopardise patient care, forcing hospitals to make space to treat the infected. Tens of thousands of routine operations were cancelled in the first and second waves. Latest Government figures show 717 patients were admitted to hospital on Monday, a week-on-week rise of 43.4 per cent. Daily cases hit 51,870 - a jump up of 35 per cent compared to seven days earlier - and 49 people died within 28 days of testing positive. Meanwhile, 46.1million people have now had one jab and 35.5million are fully immunised Hospital asks staff to postpone holidays Health bosses in Sunderland have asked staff to postpone holidays as the trust came 'under extreme pressure' due to a surge in coronavirus cases. Staff at South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust - dealing with one of the highest infection rates in the country - are seeing hospital cases doubling week-on-week. In an internal note to staff earlier this week, bosses said there were 80 Covid-19 patients receiving hospital treatment compared with just two exactly a month before. The message started: 'The Trust is currently under extreme pressure due to a surge in Covid-19 cases. 'Many people are seriously ill and receiving intensive care support.' The surge in cases and rapid spread in the community meant the trust has had to ask for staff's help, the memo said. It asked for staff to work additional shifts, with a 250 bonus for staff who could work an extra week of overtime spread over the next six weeks. They were told they would need to be flexible and might need to work outside their normal area. And they were asked: 'If you are due to take annual leave but feel able to postpone this to help support the Trust's Covid-19 response, please talk to your line manager ASAP.' Advertisement The lack of beds in Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham's intensive care unit forced it to cancel all operations for two days because some patients may require them after surgery. It comes after Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospital sent a message to staff yesterday, warning some treatment was being cancelled so the hospital had capacity for urgent care. Leeds Teaching Hospitals also cancelled operations earlier this month. Ian Sharp, deputy medical director at the University Hospitals Birmingham, told the Independent: 'The pressure at the front door, whether its people who should be able to access care elsewhere, or people with Covid, or people with other acute issues, flooding our front door makes it very difficult to function effectively. 'We don't wish to cancel any operations, certainly not on the day of surgery or the day before, and especially not cancer operations, but the reality is that we have to sometimes reconsider cases that require ITU or a certain high level of post-operative care.' NHS staff in Sunderland were asked to postpone holidays as the trust came 'under extreme pressure' due to a surge in coronavirus hospitalisation, which are doubling every week. In an internal note to staff earlier this week, bosses said there were 80 Covid patients receiving hospital treatment compared with just two exactly a month before. The message started: 'The Trust is currently under extreme pressure due to a surge in Covid cases. Many people are seriously ill and receiving intensive care support.' The surge in cases and rapid spread in the community meant the trust has had to ask for staff's help, the memo said. It asked for staff to work additional shifts, with a 250 bonus for staff who could work an extra week of overtime spread over the next six weeks. They were told they would need to be flexible and might need to work outside their normal area. And they were asked: 'If you are due to take annual leave but feel able to postpone this to help support the Trust's Covid response, please talk to your line manager ASAP.' It comes as latest Government figures show 717 patients were admitted to hospital on Monday, a week-on-week rise of 43.4 per cent. Daily cases hit 51,870 - a jump up of 35 per cent compared to seven days earlier - and 49 people died within 28 days of testing positive. Meanwhile, 46.1million people have now had one jab and 35.5million are fully immunised. Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham (top) was forced to cancel all operations on Thursday and Friday after it ran out of beds in ICU, with hospital staff blaming a surge in people being hospitalised with Covid and other acute issues. Meanwhile, South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust (bottom) - dealing with one of the highest infection rates in the country - begged staff to cancel holidays so they could cope with demand. The trust offered staff a 250 bonus if they could cram a weeks worth of overtime over the next six weeks Meanwhile, a MailOnline analysis today laid bare how Covid is beginning to pile pressure on hospitals across the country. But the proportion of beds occupied by infected people in Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust currently the worst-hit NHS facility in the country is still only 9.25 per cent, with trusts not yet swamped with virus patients. For comparison, hospitals in Kent saw nearly 45 per cent of all beds occupied by Covid-infected Brits during the darkest days of the second wave in January. Mounting pressure on the health service is being fuelled by the 'pingdemic', with huge numbers of NHS staff being forced to self-isolate. Four fifths of NHS hospitals in England are now seeing a spike in Covid patients being admitted, official data has shown as the third wave of the pandemic continues to take its toll ahead of 'Freedom Day' on Monday It comes after MailOnline revealed four out of 10 patients hospitalised with the Indian Covid variant in England may have been admitted for something else. 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'. But despite hope the surge in cases won't result in more hospitalisations, England's Chief Medical Officer yesterday admitted the country may have to face new restrictions within weeks. Professor Whitty said Britain is 'not out of the woods yet' and could face another lockdown within weeks. Speaking at a Science Museum event, he said: 'I don't think we should underestimate the fact that we could get into trouble again surprisingly fast. We are not by any means out of the woods yet on this,. '[But] we are in much better shape due to the vaccine programme, and drugs and a variety of other things.' He called on Britons to 'take things incredibly slowly' after July 19, amid warnings from transport operators across the country that they will still ask people to wear face masks next week. Slide me PHE figures also showed Covid infections have now surged to their highest levels since the pandemic began among teenagers, and in the North East and Yorkshire and the Humber. Cases are spiralling in 90 per cent of areas across the country 'If you look over what people have done, and in fact if you look at what people intend to do now, people have been incredibly good at saying, ''I may be a relatively low risk, but people around me are at high risk, and I'm going to modify my behaviours'',' he said. Professor Whitty also warned the country was running the risk of seeing 'vaccine escape variants' that could push the UK 'some way backwards' into the worst days of the pandemic. He warned that the number of people being treated in hospital with Covid-19 could reach 'quite scary' levels within weeks. The Royal College of Anaesthetists and the Faculty of Intensive Care Medicine issued a joint call to exempt double-jabbed NHS staff from isolation over close contacts. 'The risk of patients contracting Covid from vaccinated healthcare staff is minimal compared to the damage that patients could suffer by having their treatment delayed,' a statement said. 'Without this exemption in place, the NHS will not be able to address the waiting lists. We encourage the Government to not wait until August to free vaccinated healthcare workers from the isolation rules we need this to happen now.' Chris Hopson, the chief executive of NHS Providers, said the hospital trusts the organisation represents are increasingly concerned over dealing with the care backlog 'with large numbers of staff unable to work'. 'We know that national leaders are working hard to find a solution to this problem. The key is that this solution is delivered as a matter of urgency,' he added. Advertisement Britain's daily coronavirus cases breached 50,000 today for the first time since the depths of the second wave in January, amid warnings that another lockdown could be just around the corner. Department of Health figures show the number of positive tests (51,870) has risen by 45 per cent in a week. Hospitalisations and deaths are now both rising steadily following the ferocious surge in cases, which top experts blamed on the relaxation of restrictions and Euro 2020. Fatalities jumped by two-thirds in a week as another 49 victims were added to the Government's official toll. And admissions have hit their highest level since March, with 717 infected patients needing medical treatment on July 12, the most recent day figures are available for. But there are signs that pressure on hospitals may be slowing down even though the crisis is still unfolding, with the week-on-week growth having fallen slightly for five days in a row. However, pressure on the NHS will continue to get worse over the next few weeks as cases have yet to show any signs of slowing. Analysts tracking the health service's battle say the current figures are already outpacing some of SAGE's worst-case scenarios. Vaccines have already saved thousands of lives since the third wave began, drastically slashing the proportion of infected patients who are left seriously ill. But jabs aren't perfect, and admissions will continue to track upwards in line with infections. Major hospitals have already had to cancel operations to cope with the third wave, while one in South Tyneside the country's Covid hotspot has begged staff to cancel holidays and offered a 250 bonus in order to fight the impending summer crisis. Office for National Statistics data based on swab testing of thousands of people released today revealed an estimated one in 33 people were infected with the virus in Manchester last week. The rate nationally stood at one in 95. With cases still surging across the country, there are fears the 'pingdemic' chaos will only get worse. MailOnline analysis suggests in a worst-case scenario around six million adults could be in isolation by the end of the month. And a minister today warned Britain will 'of course' face a new lockdown if Covid's third wave hits 'unacceptable' levels. Solicitor General Lucy Frazer said it was the right time to open up because of the success of the vaccine drive which has reached 90 per cent of Britons. But with cases continuing to soar, she warned No10 may be left with no choice but to consider reimposing tough restrictions. Ms Frazer said: 'Of course, if we get into a situation where it is unacceptable and we do need to put back further restrictions, then that of course is something the Government will look at.' The 'pingdemic' IS on course to paralyse England: Up to SIX MILLION people could be told to stay at home every week by end of July NHS England data showed a record 520,000 alerts were sent by the app last week, telling people they had been in close contact with someone who tested positive England could be economically paralysed within weeks without action to halt the Covid app 'pingdemic' forcing hundreds of thousands of workers to stay at home. Analysis by MailOnline suggests that in a worst-case scenario around six million adults could be in isolation by the end of the month. Ministers were warned that factories could be forced to start closing today and consumers could see shortages of some foods because there are not enough staff to carry out key functions amid skyrocketing coronavirus infection rates. Office for National Statistics (ONS) data released this morning estimated the number of people infected with the virus in the week ending July 10 was 577,700, up 73.5 per cent in just a week. One in 95 people in England had Covid last week according to the official data based on thousands of swab tests. But because the Bluetooth phone app 'pings' all those who have been in close contact with them, the number of people self-isolating at home at any one time is far higher. Unlike those people contacted by phone, it is not a legal requirement to self-isolate after being pinged by the app. But Downing Street today made it clear it expects people to do so. It raises the prospect of the economy grinding to a halt due to a chronic last of available workers, even after the lockdown is supposed to have ended on Monday. Business leaders and trade unionists from across all sector of the economy lined up to warn the Government that a major rethink is needed today, because the current situation is not sustainable. A fifth of all private sector workers are currently having to self-isolate, according to industrial analysis. Meat workers are in talks with the government about emergency exemptions for their workers who are pinged by the app but as of this afternoon no deal had been announced. There were also a series of warning from NHS representatives who warned that the pingdemic is taking a toll on medical services across the country - with one trust asking staff to postpone their holidays. Advertisement In other Covid news: France could be moved to the 'red list' amid a surge of South African 'Beta' variant cases that scientists fear could make vaccines less effective; Britons fully-vaccinated with AstraZeneca's Covid jab may be up to three times more likely to suffer symptoms of the virus than those who got Pfizer's, according to SAGE estimates Test and Trace app pings neighbours through walls if their phones are too close despite people having no face to face contact Thousands of independent shops are set to disappear from the High Street after debt soars five-fold to 2billion because of the pandemic; Bridgerton series two filming is halted after crew member tests positive for Covid, according to reports. The Department of Health data released today showed cases are soaring across the country but particularly in the North East. Infection rates were as high as 1,375 per 100,000 people in south Tyneside, the worst affected area in the country on July 11 the latest date regional data is available for. It was followed by Harltepool (992), Sunderland (969) and Middlesborough (964). But despite the soaring figures, Ms Frazer insisted restrictions should be eased on July 19. She told Sky News: 'I think the Health Secretary has been very clear, as has the Prime Minister, that we will see infections rise. 'But the reason why restrictions are being taken away is because of the vaccination programme, which will protect people when those infections do rise. She added: 'We are going into the summer, a large number of people have been vaccinated, we've had a really tough time, we're still asking people to take responsibility and we do need to ask ourselves, if we don't open up now, when will we be able to open up? 'It is really important that we get the balance right between ensuring that we keep this virus under control and we take the necessary clinical measures to do that, but that we also recognise that there are consequences of not opening up and not allowing people to go about their daily lives.' It came after chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty last night cautioned the UK could still 'get into trouble again surprisingly fast' and hospitals may face 'scary numbers' within a matter of weeks. Making it clear the country was not on an irreversible path to freedom despite No10 pushing ahead with step four of the roadmap to normality on Monday, Professor Whitty said: 'We are not by any means out of the woods yet.' Boris Johnson has already dropped all mention of the final unlocking being 'irreversible'. The Prime Minister has resorted to caution, calling on people not to 'go wild' and immediately rush to take advantage of the final easing which includes lifting work-at-home orders and reopening nightclubs. Almost 560 infected patients are being admitted to NHS wards each day now, compared to fewer than 100 before the Indian Delta variant took off in mid-May. The current trend in figures is above some of the gloomiest estimates from SAGE, who warned hospitalisations could breach 4,000 a day in August. Professor Whitty warned yesterday that Britain is 'not out of the woods yet' and could face another lockdown within weeks. Speaking at a Science Museum event, he said: 'I don't think we should underestimate the fact that we could get into trouble again surprisingly fast. We are not by any means out of the woods yet on this,. '[But] we are in much better shape due to the vaccine programme, and drugs and a variety of other things.' He called on Britons to 'take things incredibly slowly' after July 19, amid warnings from transport operators across the country that they will still ask people to wear face masks next week. 'If you look over what people have done, and in fact if you look at what people intend to do now, people have been incredibly good at saying, ''I may be a relatively low risk, but people around me are at high risk, and I'm going to modify my behaviours'',' he said. Professor Whitty also warned the country was running the risk of seeing 'vaccine escape variants' that could push the UK 'some way backwards' into the worst days of the pandemic. Up to 1million people were asked to self-isolate last week, data suggests. But that figure could hit 5.6million by the end of the month, if cases spiral by 75 per cent every week (right), according to MailOnline analysis. Separate projections based on a growth rate of 40 per cent - similar to what Test and Trace reported last week - still says the number of people self-isolating could hit 3million a week. But the true figure will be much lower because many people who are told to self-isolate end up testing positive, and some people will be flagged down by both NHS Test and Trace and the app Around 1.8million people were asked to self-isolate last week in England, data suggests. That includes 194,000 people who tested positive, 520,000 who were 'pinged' by the app, almost 340,000 who were contacted directly by Test and Trace, and 750,000 schoolchildren Office for National Statistics (ONS) data based on random swab testing of thousands of people the number of people infected with the virus in the week ending July 10 was 577,7000, up 73.5 per cent in a week In a more positive sign, SAGE today estimated England's R rate is between 1.2 and 1.4, down from last week's figure of between 1.2 and 1.5 England's Covid hotspots where up to one in every 33 people are infected: official data says cases jumped by 75% in a week across nation Office for National Statistics (ONS) data based on random swab testing of thousands of people estimated the number of people infected with the virus in the week ending July 10 was 577,7000, up 73.5 per cent in a week Up to one in every 33 people are infected with Covid in parts of England, official data revealed today amid warnings from ministers the country will face another lockdown if third wave doesn't stop spiralling soon. Office for National Statistics (ONS) data based on random swab testing of thousands of people estimated the number of people infected with the virus in the week ending July 10 was 577,7000, up 73.5 per cent in a week. One in 95 had Covid across the country, the data revealed with Manchester the worst affected area. Rates were highest in the North East of England, where up to one in 40 were thought to be infected, and among 18- to 24-year-olds, with up to one in 35 young adults carrying the virus. Around 60,000 people in Scotland had the virus, while 8,400 people in Wales and 6,300 in Northern Northern Ireland were thought to be infected. Meanwhile, SAGE today estimated England's R rate which measures how quickly the outbreak is growing is between 1.2 and 1.4, slightly down from last week's figure of between 1.2 and 1.5. It means, on average, every 10 people with the virus will infect between 12 and 14 other people. The figures come as a minister today warned the country would 'of course' face a new lockdown if infections hit 'unacceptable' levels. Solicitor General Lucy Frazer suggested it was the right time to open up because of the vaccination drive which has reached 90 per cent of Britons. But with cases continuing to soar, hospital admissions tracking above some of SAGE's worst-case projections, and deaths having hit a four-month high, she warned that No10 may be left with no choice but to consider reimposing tough restrictions. Cases have spiralled over the past few weeks, with scientists blaming the easing of restrictions and young men gathering to watch England's Euro 2020 campaign for the uptick. Vaccines have already saved thousands of lives since the third wave began, drastically slashing the proportion of infected patients who are left seriously ill. But jabs aren't perfect, and admissions have been tracking upwards for a fortnight. Almost 560 infected patients are being admitted to NHS wards each day now, compared to fewer than 100 before the Indian Delta variant took off in mid-May. The current trend in figures is above some of the gloomiest estimates from SAGE, who warned hospitalisations could breach 4,000 a day in August. Advertisement Modelling released by SAGE showed they were expecting fewer than 500 hospitalisations due to Covid at this time. But official figures reveal the country is already recording more hospitalisations than were predicted by experts at Imperial College London and Warwick, which advised No10's top scientists. But hospitalisations are still level with those predicted by experts at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, which tends to have the gloomiest estimates. Some scientists have already blamed Euro 2020 for driving a ferocious surge in cases, after people crowded together in pubs and homes to watch the matches and tens of thousands of fans packed inside Wembley for England's six home games in London. Experts have also speculated England's cases could start to fall after the national team's dramatic defeat to Italy on penalties in the final last Sunday. Scotland saw its outbreak start to fall when it crashed out of the competition early. ONS data estimated Manchester had the highest infection rate in England last week, with 3.24 per cent (one in 33) people carrying the virus. It was followed by Blackburn with Darwen, Chorley and Bolton, which all had 3.11 per cent infected, Burnley Hyndburn, Pendle, Rossendale and Bury (3.01 per cent) and South Tyneside, Sunderland and Gateshead (2.97 per cent). For comparison, rates were lowest in Kingston upon Hull in Yorkshire (0.3 per cent), Medway in Kent (0.33 per cent) and Ashford, Dartford, Gravesham, Maidstone, Sevenoaks, Folkestone and Hythe, Tonbridge and Malling and Tunbridge Wells (all 0.34 per cent). The ONS' weekly report is considered the best Covid surveillance project by ministers because of how in-depth its coverage is. The figures have accurately predicted peaks and troughs throughout the pandemic. Meanwhile, SAGE today estimated England's R rate which measures how quickly the outbreak is growing is between 1.2 and 1.4, slightly down from last week's figure of between 1.2 and 1.5. It means, on average, every 10 people with the virus will infect between 12 and 14 other people. The North East and Yorkshire and South East have the highest R rates between 1.2 and 1.6 while it is lowest in the North West, where it is between one and 1.3. PHE's weekly surveillance report yesterday revealed cases are now at their highest levels since the pandemic began among teenagers, who are likely to have only had one dose of the vaccine. Rates were highest in the North East and Yorkshire, which have become the biggest hotspots for the Indian variant since the third wave took off. Separate data from Test and Trace showed infections surged 43 per cent last week after another 194,005 people tested positive for the virus. Despite the daily metrics pointing towards a growing epidemic, one surveillance study today suggested the third wave may have already peaked. King's College London scientists behind the symptom study estimated 33,118 people were catching the virus daily in the week ending July 10, compared to 33,723 in the previous seven-day spell. Professor Tim Spector, who leads the study, said infections may now be beginning to 'plateau' but the rate of decline was slower than during the second wave. The study also found almost half of all cases are now among people who have received at least one dose of the Covid vaccine, which Professor Spector said may have happened because the virus was 'running out' of un-vaccinated people without previous immunity to infect. This does not mean the jabs do not work. Scientists have always been honest that they are not perfect and millions will still be vulnerable to infection even after getting both doses. It comes after a study yesterday suggested elderly Brits given AstraZeneca's vaccine are less likely to have Covid antibodies than those who had Pfizer's. Rigorous trials also showed the British-made jab was slightly weaker. Two regions of England are recording their highest rate of new Covid cases since comparable figures began in summer 2020, when mass testing was first introduced across the UK. The North East recorded 835.8 cases per 100,000 people in the week to July 11, while Yorkshire and the Humber recorded 462.7 per 100,000, according to the latest Covid-19 surveillance report from PHE. All other regions are recording their highest rate since January. Case rates are also rising for all age groups, with 20 to 29-year-olds recording the highest rate of 747.3 cases per 100,000 people. It is the highest rate for this age group since the week to January 10. Both five to nine-year-olds (297.3 cases per 100,000) and 10 to 19-year-olds (729.1) are recording their highest rates since comparable figures began. It comes amid reports France could be moved to the 'red list' in a massive blow for UK holidaymakers. The move would force Brits returning from or transiting through the country into mandatory hotel quarantine on their return, even after July 19. Scientists are currently reviewing data from across the channel amid a surge in the South African or beta variant of the disease. France is currently on the UK amber list, meaning that from Monday, double-jabbed Brits would be allowed to holiday there without having to isolate on their return. IS THE US SOON TO FOLLOW THE UK? NEW COVID-19 CASES INCREASE 135% IN LAST TWO WEEKS COVID-19 cases are rapidly rising throughout the country as the Indian 'Delta' variant continues to spread. On Thursday, the U.S. recorded 28,412 new cases with a seven-day rolling average of 26,079, a 135 percent increase from the 11,067 average recorded two weeks ago. Nearly every state - aside from Florida - and the District of Columbia have seen infections rise in the last week, according to a DailyMail.com analysis of Johns Hopkins data. What's more, about 40 states have seen their infection rates increase by at least 50 percent with some of the biggest rises seen in hotspots such as Arkansas, Louisiana and Missouri. Officials blame a mix of low vaccination rates and the spread of the Delta variant, which now makes up about 60 percent of all new cases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). With cases doubling every two weeks, this means the U.S. could see 50,000 cases per day by the end of July and 100,000 per day at the end of the month. Even with deaths being a lagging indicator, fatalities are unlikely to rise by as much or a quickly due to vaccinations. With cases doubling every two weeks, this means the U.S. could see 50,000 cases per day by the end of July and 100,000 per day at the end of the month Advertisement Covid hospitalisations are above the levels estimated by SAGE for mid-July, at 559 on average. SAGE says there could be 2,000 a day in August when they think the second wave will peak Covid hospital admissions (red dots) are tracking the estimates by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. They had three models estimating how hospitalisations would rise if Britons took a long time to go back to pre-pandemic behaviours (blue line), a moderate amount of time (green line) or went back to normal just after 'Freedom Day' (red line) Public Health England data showed 10,267 more young men than women were infected over the last two weeks, with the gender gap having widened since the tournament kicked off At the peak of the first wave last March, more than two thirds of Covid deaths in England and Wales were among the over-80s. But since the beginning of the year, the proportion of people in the age group dying from the virus has been trending downwards, making up as little as 40 per cent of deaths in recent weeks This graph shows the proportion of people who catch Covid that are dying from the disease by age group. At the beginning of the pandemic, the risk was around 10 per cent (0.10) for over-75s, but was as low as 2 per cent (0.02) for those aged 65 to 74. The rate has fallen markedly among older people since the vaccine roll-out began in January, but the risk of dath is still higher for over-65s South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust has seen its number of Covid patients increase eight-fold since the end of June By the end of May, the Indian mutation caused 77.7 per cent of cases across England, while the once-dominant Kent strain was responsible for just 21.8 per cent The Indian 'Delta' variant is now dominant in more than 300 areas of England, MailOnline's analysis of testing data reveals. Figures show the ultra-transmissible strain had overtaken the formerly dominant Kent variant in 303 local authorities by June 12 just two months after it was seeded in the country The Indian variant is now responsible for almost all Covid cases in the country, with the most recent estimates from the Sanger Institute stating that 99.3 per cent of all cases in the two weeks up to July 3 were caused by the more infectious mutation But that would not apply to travel to red list countries, which currently include India, Pakistan, Brazil and Turkey. The Telegraph reported that the move was discussed at a meeting this week that saw the Balearic Islands moved from the green to amber list. Scientists have been ordered to take a 'deep dive' into data from France before such a serious decision can be taken. A decision could be taken as early as Monday. But Boris Johnson has previously refused to red list France due to the high level of cross-Channel goods traffic that could potentially be disrupted. Yesterday air industry bosses today blasted the Government's 'on and off again' decision-making after Ibiza, Majorca and Menorca were axed from the green list, despite having lower Covid rates than the UK. The move by Transport Secretary Grant Shapps to demote the Balearic Islands to the amber list of foreign destinations on Wednesday sparked fury from travel experts, MPs and holidaymakers. EasyJet CEO Johan Lundgren accused ministers of a 'double standard where (foreign) travel is treated differently to the domestic economy'. Covid hospital admissions are rising in FOUR FIFTHS of trusts in England - but proportion of beds taken up by virus patients is still only 9% in the worst affected area in Birmingham Four-fifths of NHS hospitals in England are now seeing a spike in Covid patients being admitted, official data has shown as the third wave of the pandemic continues to take its toll ahead of 'Freedom Day' on Monday. MailOnline analysis of NHS England data show how the number of infected patients needing medical treatment has soared by four-fold in some of the worst-hit parts of the country. And hospitalisations have doubled in 29 of the 123 NHS trusts across England that are capable of treating the infected. But the proportion of beds occupied by infected people in Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust currently the worst-hit NHS facility in the country is still only 9.25 per cent, with trusts not yet swamped with virus patients. For comparison, hospitals in Kent saw nearly 45 per cent of all beds occupied by Covid-infected Brits during the darkest days of the second wave in January. The figures come with Britain on the brink of breaching the 50,000 daily cases mark as infections close in on levels seen at the start of the year. Hospitalisations are also rising in line with surging cases, with NHS England data showing 486 Covid admissions on July 13 the latest date regional data is available for. For comparison, the week before the figure stood at 383. Mounting pressure on the health service is being fuelled by the 'pingdemic', with huge numbers of NHS staff being forced to self-isolate. Health bosses in Sunderland have already asked staff to postpone holidays as the trust came 'under extreme pressure' due to a surge in coronavirus cases. Staff at South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust dealing with one of the highest infection rates in the country are seeing hospital cases doubling week-on-week. Four fifths of NHS hospitals in England are now seeing a spike in Covid patients being admitted, official data has shown as the third wave of the pandemic continues to take its toll ahead of 'Freedom Day' on Monday Hospital asks staff to postpone holidays Health bosses in Sunderland have asked staff to postpone holidays as the trust came 'under extreme pressure' due to a surge in coronavirus cases. Staff at South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust - dealing with one of the highest infection rates in the country - are seeing hospital cases doubling week-on-week. In an internal note to staff earlier this week, bosses said there were 80 Covid-19 patients receiving hospital treatment compared with just two exactly a month before. The message started: 'The Trust is currently under extreme pressure due to a surge in Covid-19 cases. 'Many people are seriously ill and receiving intensive care support.' The surge in cases and rapid spread in the community meant the trust has had to ask for staff's help, the memo said. It asked for staff to work additional shifts, with a 250 bonus for staff who could work an extra week of overtime spread over the next six weeks. They were told they would need to be flexible and might need to work outside their normal area. And they were asked: 'If you are due to take annual leave but feel able to postpone this to help support the Trust's Covid-19 response, please talk to your line manager ASAP.' Advertisement The NHS England data revealed Sandwell and West Birmingham had the highest Covid bed occupancy in the country. Fifty-three of the trust's 573 beds were taken with Covid patients on July 13. It was followed by trusts in Gateshead (9.15 per cent), Bolton (8.25 per cent) and Southport (8.04 per cent). Regionally, the North West had the highest rate in the country at 4.35 per cent, while at the other end of the scale came the East of England (1.17 per cent). Admissions rose quickest in Whittington and Berkshire, which both saw more than four times as many Covid patients on July 13 as the week before. And the highest number of beds in use by people infected with the virus was in Manchester University Hospitals Trust, in which 111 of 1,853 beds were taken six per cent of its capacity. Twenty six trusts saw their number of Covid patients drop including trusts in Buckinghamshire, East Kent and Cambridge. It comes after MailOnline revealed four out of 10 patients hospitalised with the Indian Covid variant in England may have been admitted for something else. 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'. But despite hope the surge in cases won't result in more hospitalisations, England's Chief Medical Officer yesterday admitted the country may have to face new restrictions within weeks. Professor Whitty said Britain is 'not out of the woods yet' and could face another lockdown within weeks. Speaking at a Science Museum event, he said: 'I don't think we should underestimate the fact that we could get into trouble again surprisingly fast. We are not by any means out of the woods yet on this,. '[But] we are in much better shape due to the vaccine programme, and drugs and a variety of other things.' He called on Britons to 'take things incredibly slowly' after July 19, amid warnings from transport operators across the country that they will still ask people to wear face masks next week. Slide me PHE figures also showed Covid infections have now surged to their highest levels since the pandemic began among teenagers, and in the North East and Yorkshire and the Humber. Cases are spiralling in 90 per cent of areas across the country 'If you look over what people have done, and in fact if you look at what people intend to do now, people have been incredibly good at saying, ''I may be a relatively low risk, but people around me are at high risk, and I'm going to modify my behaviours'',' he said. Professor Whitty also warned the country was running the risk of seeing 'vaccine escape variants' that could push the UK 'some way backwards' into the worst days of the pandemic. He warned that the number of people being treated in hospital with Covid-19 could reach quite scary levels within weeks. The Royal College of Anaesthetists and the Faculty of Intensive Care Medicine issued a joint call to exempt double-jabbed NHS staff from isolation over close contacts. 'The risk of patients contracting Covid from vaccinated healthcare staff is minimal compared to the damage that patients could suffer by having their treatment delayed,' a statement said. 'Without this exemption in place, the NHS will not be able to address the waiting lists. We encourage the Government to not wait until August to free vaccinated healthcare workers from the isolation rules we need this to happen now.' Chris Hopson, the chief executive of NHS Providers, said the hospital trusts the organisation represents are increasingly concerned over dealing with the care backlog 'with large numbers of staff unable to work'. 'We know that national leaders are working hard to find a solution to this problem. The key is that this solution is delivered as a matter of urgency,' he added. Bianca Chambers (pictured) filmed a Facebook Live video of herself confronting a teen suspect she accused of stealing her Mercedes Benz in Detroit Wild video captured the moment a Detroit woman tracked down a man she accused of stealing her Mercedes Benz and dragged him out of a barber shop before performing a citizen's arrest. Bianca Chambers, the owner of a local boutique, recorded the video via Facebook Live on Wednesday, two days after she claimed her car was stolen by a 19-year-old man. She said she decided to take matters into her own hands after the Detroit Police Department refused to help her get it back. However on Friday, Detroit Police Department 2nd Deputy Chief Rudy Harper explained to DailyMail.com that officers responded to each of Chambers calls about the stolen vehicle, which he said belonged to an associate of hers. Chambers told FOX 2 she tracked the stolen vehicle across the Greater Detroit area for two days before she moved to confront the suspect herself. According to the video she posted online, the tracking system showed the car parked outside of a barbershop. The video shows her arriving at the salon and asking the unnamed suspect: 'Excuse me, you got that Benz out there?' He answers 'yeah,' to which she replies: 'You stole my s**t' before grabbing onto his dreadlocks in an attempt to pull him out of the shop. Video shows Chambers grabbing the unnamed teen suspect by his dreadlocks and attempting to pull him out of a barber shop after finding what she said was her stolen car parked outside 'At that point, I was likeI'm not letting this man walk again,' Chambers explained. Customers at the barbershop helped Chambers make a citizens' arrest and held the suspect until police could take over. Harper advised against civilians confronting suspects on their own in his interview with DailyMail.com. 'It is dangerous. It isn't worth it to take this type of action,' he said. Prior to confronting the suspect, Chambers reportedly slashed the tires on the car in effort to prevent him from fleeing. 'I slashed all the tires and I thought that he was gonna take off and I didn't know how long it was going to take for the police to pull up. And I refused to let him pull off again,' she told FOX 2. Chambers says she tracked the stolen vehicle (pictured above) across the Greater Detroit area for two days before deciding to confront the suspect. Chambers said she tracked the vehicle's location to a barbershop where she confronted the alleged thief (pictured above) and dragged him out by his dreadlocks Customers at the barbershop helped Chambers make a citizens' arrest and held the suspect until police could take over, as seen in the image above Chambers claims she called 911 several times to alert police of the stolen vehicle's location and no one responded. However, police who say the stolen Mercedes Benz did was not actually Chambers' car but instead belongs to her boyfriend, sent officers each time she called. According to Detroit Police Department dispatch records, officers responded to four locations where Chambers claimed the vehicle was. The Mercedes was not found at any of the locations. During her last 911 call, which was made at 1.05pm on Wednesday indicating that the car was at the barbershop, officers were responding to a kidnapping call nearby. Officers arrived on scene at 1.45pm. Chambers began her Facebook Live from outside the barbershop at 1.29pm. The suspect, 19, was not arrested at the barbershop. Harper said a warrant request has since been sent to the Wayne County Sheriff's Office. His identity will not be released until an arrest warrant is issued. Police say the man opted not to press charges against Chambers for the physical altercation. FOX 2 reported that the suspect has a history of car thefts, however police would not confirm that information. The situation remains under investigation. Police say they responded to all of Chambers' 911 calls reporting the stolen vehicle (pictured) but when they arrived it wasn't at the location she indicated. They also note that the Mercedes actually belongs to her boyfriend The incident also comes the Detroit Police Department, like most forces nationwide, is facing staffing shortages. A survey published by the National Police Foundation in 2020 revealed that 86-percent of America's police forces have reported a shortage of sworn officers. Currently, the department is holding a 12-week hiring event that began on June 18 in an effort to find new recruits. According to Harper, there are more than 100 positions within the Detroit Police Department and openings in every department. However, Harper reiterated that staffing shortages did not impact the incident involving Chambers. 'We're no different than any police department across the country right now,' he said. 'Of course [the shortage] impacts response times when you have Priority 4 calls. But Priority 1 calls, we are getting to those.' Priority 1 calls include major crimes such as kidnappings or homicides. Chambers' calls were considered Priority 4. In a dramatic shift from breathless 'if true...' coverage of damaging leaks and rumors during Donald Trump's presidency, the mainstream US media remains notably silent after a British newspaper claimed to reveal documents proving a Russian plot to support Trump. The Guardian on Thursday published an explosive report based on the purported Kremlin documents, but nearly all US outlets have refrained from covering the story, aside from commentary expressing skepticism about the documents. More than 24 hours later, the New York Times, CNN, MSNBC, ABC, NBC and CBS all remain silent on the left-leaning British newspaper's claims. Perhaps unsurprisingly, conservative-leaning outlets including Fox News and the New York Post have also largely shied away from the story. But after years of exuberantly hyping every whisper that could be damaging to Trump, the left-wing media's caution signaled their quiet doubts about the report. The Guardian on Thursday published an explosive report (above) based on the supposed Kremlin documents, but nearly all US outlets have refrained from covering the story The Guardian report cited documents supposedly leaked from the Kremlin, showing that Vladimir Putin personally ordered a top-secret multi-agency spy operation to help a 'mentally unstable' Trump win the 2016 election and sow discord in the US Major US outlets that did cover the Guardian report included Business Insider, Forbes, and the New York Daily News. The Washington Post and Fox News also carried commentary expressing doubts about the newspaper's claims. The Guardian report cited documents supposedly leaked from the Kremlin, purportedly showing that Vladimir Putin personally ordered a top-secret multi-agency spy operation to help a 'mentally unstable' Trump win the 2016 election and sow discord in the US. Trump's spokeswoman called the report a 'hoax' and Putin's spokesman Dmitri Peskov dismissed the story as 'great pulp fiction' and 'utter nonsense', saying the documents are not authentic. The document also references, but does not reveal the nature of, supposed 'compromising material' on Trump gathered during visits to Russia, echoing the salacious, still unverified claims of British ex-spy Christopher Steele's 'dirty dossier'. The Guardian did not reveal the source of the documents, or even whether it knew who the source was, saying only that the papers 'seem to represent a serious and highly unusual leak from within the Kremlin.' A spokesperson for the newspaper told DailyMail.com in a brief statement on Friday: 'Independent experts believe the documents to be genuine. We stand by our reporting.' The spokesperson declined to answer detailed questions about the context of the documents. In one of the few US articles addressing the Guardian's claims, Washington Post commentator Philip Blum wrote that 'it's hard not to be skeptical of the document' Writing for Esquire, veteran reporter and political commentator Charles P. Pierce also expressed his hesitation about the Guardian's reporting On Friday, the websites of the New York Times, CNN, MSNBC and NBC News carried no mention of the Guardian's explosive report In one of the few US articles addressing the Guardian's claims, Washington Post commentator Philip Blum wrote that 'it's hard not to be skeptical of the document, for a number of reasons.' 'First and foremost, it's very neat. As described by the Guardian, it reads like one of those viral Twitter threads from a guy with 4.4 million followers whose bio describes him as resister-in-chief,"' wrote Blum. Trump tears into 'disgusting, fake news' Guardian report Asked for comment, former President Donald Trump tore into the report in comments to DailyMail.com by spokeswoman Liz Harrington. 'This is disgusting. It's fake news, just like RUSSIA, RUSSIA, RUSSIA was fake news. It's just the Radical Left crazies doing whatever they can to demean everybody on the right,' the former president said. Trump then defended his own record on Russia, and touted sanctions his administration slapped on Moscow. 'It's fiction, and nobody was tougher on Russia than me, including on the [Nord Stream 2] pipeline, and the sanctions. At the same time we got along with Russia. Russia respected us, China respected us, Iran respected us, North Korea respected us.' 'And the world was a much safer place than it is now with mentally unstable leadership,' he said, ripping a term from the purported Kremlin documents and using it on his successor. Advertisement 'There's no telling why a secret government document might emerge at any particular time, but it is odd that this document, so closely related to the national discourse over the past five years, only emerged now,' Blum wrote. 'It was purportedly leaked from within the Kremlin, but that happened only now? Or it only trickled down to the media now, when so many other things emerged more quickly? It's curious,' he added. Writing for Esquire, veteran reporter and political commentator Charles P. Pierce also expressed his hesitation about the Guardian's reporting. 'First of all, as the story itself admits, the Kremlin doesnt leak, at least not without a purpose, and the purpose behind this leak is still pretty vague,' he wrote. 'Frankly, my impulse is to believe what The Guardian reported,' added Blum. 'But my innate caution against leaping to conclusions based on leaks from intelligence services of any kind makes me cautious about this being a conclusive Eureka moment.' Fox News media critic Howard Kurtz also expressed skepticism, writing: 'these documents, of which The Guardian has screenshots, seem written to match a liberal fantasy.' 'Im skeptical, in part because its hard to imagine who would risk leaking in a regime that seeks to poison and assassinate its opponents,' he wrote. Blum and others also raised questions, delicately, about the credibility of the lead reporter behind the Guardian's scoop. In 2018, Guardian reporter Luke Harding published another bombshell exclusive claiming that Trump's former campaign chair Paul Manafort had met with Julian Assange in London prior to the release of stolen DNC emails on WikiLeaks. 'It, too, was a massive allegation but one that was never substantiated. The evidence was thin at the outset, and it was not corroborated in [Robert] Muellers research or in subsequent reporting,' wrote Blum. 'It was quickly embraced for how tightly it tied Trumps campaign to the Russian effort, but its hard to assume that its accurate. No correction or retraction was offered, so the Guardian clearly stands by it,' Blum noted. Philadelphia Inquirer columnist Will Bunch expressed similar concerns in a tweet, writing: 'There's a bombshell report about Putin and the 2016 election, but - while I used to consider the Guardian a highly trusted source - the lead reporter was behind a bizarre surely-wrong scoop about Manafort, Assange.' 'I'd to wait to see if anyone else more credible has the papers,' he added. Outside the world of journalism, analysts and intelligence experts are also expressing doubts about the documents. Chris Krebs, the former director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency who was fired by Trump for disputing his election fraud claims, tweeted that the leaked document 'reeks' of disinformation. 'This is far too convenient, he noted, adding 'It could all be individually or collectively true and at the same time planted & fake.' A trainee jockey has been jailed today after being found guilty of brutally murdering his former girlfriend in an attack that began in front of her three-year-old son. Charles Jessop, 30, was ordered to serve a minimum of 30 years in prison by Judge Martyn Levett who described him as a 'violent, controlling, selfish bully'. Ipswich Crown Court heard how he attacked Clare Nash, 33, on her doorstep after lying in wait for her to return home in Newmarket, Suffolk. He continued the 'vicious and cowardly' attack as her three-year-old son yelled: 'It's Charlie, he's got a knife, and he's going to chop my mum's head off'. The judge said Jessop was 'a violent, controlling, selfish bully which he'd always been and probably always would be' Miss Nash ended up being dragged into her downstairs toilet by knife-wielding Jessop after she told him: 'Not in front of the child.' She was then stabbed multiple times before Jessop's knife broke and he strangled her behind the closed door on January 16 last year. Jessop of Newmarket had denied murder but was found guilty in May after an eight week trial. Judge Levett told him that Miss Nash would still be alive today were it not for his 'selfish, narcissistic obsession' with her private life. The court also heard that he bombarded his ex with 'relentless' calls and messages before her death, sending her 95 texts on Christmas Day in 2019 and another 174 over the next four days, threatening to kill himself if he did not see her. She called police three times in the six weeks before her death to report that he was threatening her, but she declined to make a statement against him. Ipswich Crown Court heard how Jessop attacked Clare Nash, 33, on her doorstep after lying in wait for her to return home in Newmarket, Suffolk A police constable gave her safety advice on the morning of January 16 and assessed that she was at 'medium risk' of domestic violence, said prosecutor Mark Cotter. Judge Levett said he had allowed his jealousy to 'overspill and take over' after she had ended their relationship and had harassed and manipulated her before brutally stabbing and strangling her as his 'quarry'. He added that domestic violence as a 'real problem' with more than 100,000 people in the UK being at high risk of being murdered or seriously injured. The judge described how seven women a month were murdered by a partner or former partner, and added: 'No-one owns their partners or spouses or girlfriend.' Jessop had tried to blame his actions on his mental health and his habit of snorting anti-depressant medication which he claimed put him in 'a psychotic rage'. But the judge said it had nothing to do with the murder, saying Jessop was 'a violent, controlling, selfish bully which he'd always been and probably always would be'. Jurors at Jessop's trial heard a harrowing 999 call made by her housemate Peter Claringbold who had been looking after her son. Mr Claringbold held his phone up to the toilet door so call handlers could hear Jessop scream, 'You are going to die' as he stabbed Miss Nash. The trial heard how he had become enraged after she refused to go back to him and started a relationship with another man. Jessop was arrested at her home within minutes of the attack as Miss Nash lay dying and repeatedly told officers: 'I have won'. The court was told how he shouted out in a pub two days earlier: 'I am going to slit her throat because if I can't have her, no one will. I will go to prison and do time for it.' Jessop was said to have cycled to her home with a kitchen knife later in the day and lay in wait for her. He was described in the trial as an 'unbelievably dangerous' man and 'a ticking time bomb' with previous convictions for violence against women Miss Nash cried out that she was pregnant during the attack in a desperate attempt to make him stop, but he mocked her by imitating her plea for mercy as he was arrested. A post mortem revealed that she had not been pregnant, but was unable to conclude whether she died of blood loss or strangulation. The court heard how Jessop and Ms Nash started seeing each other in the second half of 2019, but the relationship began to break down in the December and she started a new relationship with bar manager George Petrie in the New Year. There was evidence of Jessop behaving 'in an obsessive and controlling way' over several months. Miss Nash called police on December 4, 2019, and told an officer who attended that Jessop had slapped her in the face, but she did not want to a make a complaint. She called police again a week later on December 11 during an argument with him in Soham, Cambridgeshire, but her phone battery run out. The court heard how Ms Nash then ran into an Indian restaurant, saying: 'He's going to kill me. Call the police.' She rang police for a third time on January 14, 2020, to say she had received repeated threatening calls from him. Police on Brickfields Avenue in Newmarket, Suffolk, where the brutal attack took place on January 16, 2020 Officers were unable to see her immediately due to 'resourcing issues', but she was given safety advice over the phone and she said that the calls had stopped. An officer tried to see her the next day, leaving a voicemail message and a note at her address when she was not at home. She was then spoken to on the morning of January 16, but did not wish to pursue a complaint. Senior Investigating Officer Detective Inspector Matthew Connick of Suffolk Police said: 'Charles Jessop was a violent offender who undertook the premediated murder of Clare Nash. 'I am pleased with the length of sentence as it reflects the cruel nature of his actions. As was the case at conviction our thoughts remain with the family.' An MP who sparked a backlash with a Twitter post about the Nazi party has today apologised, admitting his comments were 'highly insensitive'. SNP politician Peter Grant, 60, faced widespread criticism after tweeting that 'murdering babies' was 'not on the Nazi manifesto' until after they came to power. The MP, for Glenrothes, Fife, made the comment while replying to a Twitter post from veteran broadcaster Andrew Neil about the murder of a Jewish toddler, who was gassed by the Nazis in 1944. Mr Grant's was criticised for his comments, including by The Board of Deputies of British Jews president Marie van der Zyl. Ms van der Zyl also debunked Mr Grant's claim, saying Hitler had written about gassing Jewish people in his book Mein Kampf in 1925 - several years before his Nazi party came to power. Today Mr Grant, who has held his seat for the SNP since 2015, apologised for his comments in a Tweet, saying: 'I want to apologise unreservedly for a highly insensitive tweet I posted. SNP politician Peter Grant (pictured), 60, faced widespread criticism after tweeting that 'murdering babies' was 'not on the Nazi manifesto' until after they came to power Mr Grant's was criticised for his comments, including by The Board of Deputies of British Jews president Marie van der Zyl (pictured) Today Mr Grant, who has held his seat for the SNP since 2015, apologised for his comments in a Tweet (pictured) which said: 'I want to apologise unreservedly for a highly insensitive tweet I posted' What was Adolf Hitler's book Mein Kampf? Mein Kampf - translated as 'My Struggle' is an anti-Semitic autobiographical manifesto written by Nazi Party leader Adolf Hitler. Hitler began writing the book while in prison in 1923 after being arrested for his failed Munich Putsch - in which his supporters attempted to stage a coup. In the book he describes how he becomes increasingly anti-Semitic and militaristic. He then blames the struggles of Germany on Jewish people, along with Marxists and the Social Democrats. Historians widely regard the punishing terms of the post First World War peace treaty for Germany's struggles in the 1920s and 1930s. In Mein Kampf, Hitler also says of his desire to 'exterminate the international poisoners of our people' and how thousands of Jews should have been 'subjected to poison gas'. The book was published in 1925, though became more popular after the Nazi party's rise to power in 1933. Hitler's Nazi party would systematically murder some six million across German-occupied Europe between 1941 and 1945 in what is now known as the Holocaust. Advertisement 'While I strongly believe we must always be vigilant to the seeds of racism, anti-Semitism, and fascism, I deeply regret how I made that point and I have deleted the tweet.' The MP had replied to GB News chairman Mr Neil, who had shared a Tweet from the Auschwitz Memorial. The tweet highlighted the murder of Robert Blau, a toddler from Hungary who was murdered by the Nazis in 1944, before his first birthday. Mr Neil, retweeting the post, wrote: 'As accusations of fascism are bandied about today like confetti by the ignorant, ludicrously devaluing the word of any meaning, a reminder of what real fascism can do. And of its unconscionable evil.' It prompted a response by Mr Grant, who In a now-deleted tweet, wrote: 'You're more right than you care to admit. Murdering babies wasn't on the Nazi manifesto. 'Not until they'd been in power several years & stoked up fear & hatred against innocent citizens. Then, and only then, did they show their true colours.' Mr Grant, who was previously the SNP's Brexit spokesman, came under fire for his comments, including from Ms van der Zyl, who has urged MPs to be careful with their language. Marie said: 'We are disturbed by the suggestion from some MPs that Nazism only gradually revealed its true aims. 'In reality, Hitler was always open about his aims - in 1925, well before the Nazis came to power, he had already written in Mein Kampf about the need to 'exterminate the international poisoners of our people' and how thousands of Jews should have been 'subjected to poison gas'. 'The overwhelming majority of comparisons to the Nazis are extremely inappropriate, and we would urge people, particularly Parliamentarians, to choose their words with far more care.' Scottish Conservative chief whip Stephen Kerr said: 'For an elected SNP MP to post this was hugely offensive as well as being completely inaccurate. 'It beggars belief that any elected representative would think this sort of language was appropriate as part of a political debate. It has absolutely no place in civil discourse. 'This was a warped tweet and gave a worrying insight into what this SNP MP believes. Peter Grant must urgently apologise and reflect on this shameful behaviour.' Lib Dem MP Alistair Carmichael said: 'The horrors of what the Nazis did are of a level that comparisons are rarely acceptable. 'Peter Grant's comments and implied comparison are nowhere near acceptable or appropriate. 'If he is to remain in the SNP then he should withdraw his comments, apologise and undertake to get some proper education on the Holocaust.' Mr Grant has been part of the Scottish nationalist party since 1992, when he was elected as a councillor in Glenrothes, before later becoming a council leader. He became the area's MP in 2015 after defeating the defending Labour candidate in the General Election. He held the seat for the SNP in 2017 and 2019. The Bishop of Winchester has resigned after an unprecedented rebellion which led clergy and worshippers tabling a no confidence motion against him. Dr Tim Dakin said in a statement that he would be handing over his responsibilities before officially retiring in February. He has been in his post since 2011. In June, clergy and worshippers accused the Right Rev Tim Dakin of 'poor behaviour and mistreatment' as he became the first bishop in history to face a no confidence motion. The calls for him to go were sparked by a financial crisis and the sacking of more than 20 clergy and other staff. The Bishop of Winchester Dr Tim Dakin has resigned after an unprecedented rebellion which led clergy and worshippers tabling a no confidence motion against him In a message sent in May, it was announced that Bishop Dakin would be stopping his duties for an initial period of six weeks to 'focus on discussions about future leadership and governance reform in the diocese'. But in a video message released today, he confirmed he would be stepping away permanently. 'The painfully difficult financial decisions made over the last year have caused real anguish,' he said. 'In trying to secure a sustainable future for the growth of the Diocese, it is clear that I've not done enough to acknowledge what we have lost in this process. 'To those I've hurt or let down, I am sorry.' Staff who left their roles under Bishop Dakin's direction were required to sign legally binding 'confidentiality clauses' which banned them from making 'adverse or derogatory comments' about him or the diocese. He said in a statement that he would be handing over his responsibilities before officially retiring in February. He has been in his post since 2011. In June, clergy and worshippers accused the Right Rev Tim Dakin of 'poor behaviour and mistreatment' as he became the first bishop in history to face a no confidence motion. Above: Winchester Cathedral Bishop Dakin holds one of only five senior roles in the Church of England which are automatically given a seat in the House of Lords. He is the fifth most senior bishop in the church after the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell, Bishop of London Sarah Mullally and Bishop of Durham Paul Butler. One critic of Bishop Dakin had previously branded Winchester the 'North Korean diocese' because of the allegedly autocratic style imposed there. Bishop Dakin is the most senior bishop in the church after the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby (pictured) and his counterpart in York, Stephen Cottrell The no-confidence motion which was tabled against him said the Church nationally was committed to 'fostering a culture that is open and transparent'. It added: 'We do not have confidence in the diocesan bishop to set this culture or to lead by example, due to allegations of poor behaviour and mistreatment on his part of a number of individuals.' It also alleged that since his appointment, the 'governance and financial management' of his diocese had become 'unfit for purpose'. The Bishop of Southampton, Debbie Sellin, will continue to fulfil the bishop's duties until he officially retires next year. Advertisement The Western U.S. and Canada are bracing for yet another heat wave with temperatures expected to reach 106 degrees in Montana and dry conditions that will continue to fuel raging wildfires. During what will be the fourth heat wave in the span of five weeks, at least 16 million people will swelter in triple-digit temperatures, with the most intense heat in the central and northern Rockies, the Washington Post reported. The heat wave, expected to develop over this weekend and peak around Monday, will hit areas where multiple wildfires have flared up, worrying firefighters who are working round the clock to extinguish fast spreading flames. The 10-day outlook calls for temperatures in most of the western United States to remain above average An aircraft makes its way through the plumes of smoke caused by the Bootleg Fire on Thursday Hight temperatures in the western United States are expected to rise over the weekend during another heatwave Daniel Swain, a climate scientist at the University of California, Los Angeles, told the Wall Street Journal that the way heat waves are coming one after another with no time in between this year is unprecedented and has exacerbated drought and fire conditions. 'There really is no historical precedent for this magnitude of recurrent, record-breaking heat in the same part of the western U.S.,' Swain said. 'We've known for a long time this is where things were headed because climate change is dramatically increasing the likelihood of unprecedented, extreme heat events like we're seeing right now.' Many western states are gearing up for extreme heat this weekend. Spokane, Washington, is expected to hit 100 degrees Sunday, while Eureka, Montana could hit 101 degrees Monday. In eastern Montana, an excessive heat watch is in effect from Saturday afternoon through Wednesday, when temperatures can reach 106 degrees with nighttime lows struggling to fall below 70, the Post reported. Heat warnings also cover much of south central Canada in the provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Satellite image shows the nation's largest burning wildfire, The Bootleg Fire, burning out of control in Oregon Temperatures in the western United States are expected to surpass 100 degrees during an unprecedented heatwave this weekend The Bootleg Fire is only 7 percent contained as of Friday as it continues to burn through Oregon Satellite images during a historic heatwave set to bring record-breaking temperatures to the western U.S. The Bootleg Fire, the largest wildfire burning in the U.S., has torched more than 377 square miles and crews had little control of it The current heat wave could bring temperatures that meet or exceed daily records in parts of Montana and Idaho over the weekend and into early next week, according to Julie Malingowski, an emergency response meteorologist with the National Weather Service. In late June, a historic heat wave crippled the Pacific Northwest and more than 230 people died in four days in Canada; 220,000 people faced blackouts in Oregon and Washington when temperatures surpassed a record 121 degrees. Temperatures soared due to a high-pressure 'heat dome' that grew over the upper northwestern United States and Canada, the NWS said, and punished California and U.S. Southwestern states as well. The 'heat dome' is caused by static high-pressure hot air which traps heat in one location. At the time, 12 million people were under an excessive heat warning in parts of Oregon, Washington, the Northern Great Basin and Northern Idaho, as well as portions of northwest Nevada and northern California. The Bootleg Fire, the largest wildfire burning in the U.S., has torched more than 377 square miles and crews had little control of it. It has stymied firefighters for nearly a week with erratic winds and extremely dangerous fire behavior, AP reported. Early on, the fire doubled in size almost daily, and strong winds from the south Thursday again pushed the flames rapidly to the north and east. Authorities ordered a new round of evacuations Thursday amid worries the Bootleg Fire, which already has destroyed 21 homes, could merge with another blaze from the same fire that also grew explosively amid dry and blustery conditions. Seventy-one active large fires and complexes of multiple fires have burned nearly 1,553 square miles in the U.S., mostly in Western states, according to the National Interagency Fire Center. The sweltering temperatures are being caused by a heat dome of static high-pressure hot air which traps the heat in one location In the Pacific Northwest, firefighters say they are facing conditions more typical of late summer or fall than early July Extremely dry conditions and heat waves tied to climate change have swept the region, making wildfires harder to fight. Climate change has made the American West much warmer and drier in the past 30 years and will continue to make weather more extreme and wildfires more frequent and destructive. In the Pacific Northwest, firefighters say they are facing conditions more typical of late summer or fall than early July. A wildfire threatening more than 1,500 homes near Wenatchee, Washington, grew to 14 square miles by Thursday morning and was about 10% contained, the Washington state Department of Natural Resources said. About 200 firefighters were battling the Red Apple Fire near the north-central Washington city, renowned for its apples. The fire also was threatening apple orchards and an electrical substation, but no structures have been lost, officials said Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz's campaign spent thousands of dollars on lawyers, publicists and consultants as he deals with the fallout from his sex scandal, his latest campaign finance report shows. Gaetz, 39, spent $25,000 on defense attorney Marc Fernich, whose past clients include Jeffrey Epstein, convicted drug lord Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman and the recently convicted head of the NXIVM sex cult, Keith Raniere. The Florida congressman also spent over $825,000 on the public affairs firm Logan Circle Group, which has handled his media strategy since The New York Times reported he was under federal investigation as to whether he paid an under aged girl for sex. Finally there was a payment of $20,000 in four installments to Roger Stone for 'strategic consulting.' Stone, a longtime ally of Donald Trump who was pardoned by the former president, is a Florida resident and was convicted of lying to Congress. Rep. Matt Gaetz's campaign spent thousands of dollars on lawyers, publicists and consultants as he deals with the fallout from his sex scandal Gaetz's campaign made a payment of $20,000 in four installments to Roger Stone for 'strategic consulting' The Gaetz campaign paid Stone's company, Drake Ventures, in four separate chunks of $5,000. The first payment came about a week before the story broke on the federal pay-for-play investigation. The Justice Department alleges Stone and his wife used Drake Ventures as an 'alter ego' in an attempt to 'shield their personal income from enforced collection and fund a lavish lifestyle.' 'They used Drake Ventures to receive payments that are payable to Roger Stone personally, pay their personal expenses, shield their assets, and avoid reporting taxable income to the IRS,' the Justice Department noted in a legal complaint. Gaetz is spending more than he raised. He brought in $1.44 million in the second fundraising quarter but burned through $1.95 million between April 1 and June 30. 'Our FEC filings speak for themselves,' a Gaetz spokesperson told CNBC. 'Despite an endless stream of lies from the media, Congressman Gaetz continues to be among the most prodigious fundraisers in Congress and is the only Republican who doesn't accept donations from federal lobbyists or PACs. He thanks his tens of thousands of donors and promises to always fight for them.' In March, the New York Times reported Justice Department was investigating whether Gaetz had a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old girl and paid for her travels with him. Gaetz's campaign paid $25,000 to defense attorney Marc Fernich, whose past clients include Jeffrey Epstein, convicted drug lord Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman and the recently convicted head of the NXIVM sex cult, Keith Raniere Matt Gaetz associate Joel Greenberg, seen above with Roger Stone (left) and Gaetz (center), pleaded guilty in May to multiple charges and is cooperating with prosecutors Gaetz's former associate Joel Greenberg pleaded guilty in May to sex trafficking of a minor and five other charges, among the nearly three dozen he faced. His plea agreement with prosecutors requires continued cooperation with the ongoing probe. Gaetz was not mentioned in Greenberg's plea agreement. But Greenberg's cooperation could play a role in an ongoing investigation into Gaetz's supposed pay-for-sex relationship with a 17-year-old girl. While not mentioning Gaetz by name, in his plea deal Greenberg said he 'introduced the minor to other adult men, who engaged in commercial sex acts.' Gaetz, a close ally of former President Donald Trump, has denied any allegations of wrongdoing and has said repeatedly he will not resign from Congress. No charges have been brought against Gaetz. Pc Wayne Couzens, who admitted to the kidnap, rape and murder of Sarah Everard, has been sacked from the Metropolitan Police. Scotland Yard said that a misconduct hearing on Friday found that the actions of 48-year-old Couzens breached the standards of professional behaviour in respect of discreditable conduct. The hearing, chaired by Assistant Commissioner Helen Ball, dismissed Couzens - who was attached to the Met's Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Command - without notice, the force added. Scotland Yard said that a misconduct hearing on Friday found that the actions of 48-year-old Couzens breached the standards of professional behaviour in respect of discreditable conduct Five members of Miss Everard's family were joined by Met Police Commissioner Dame Cressida Dick in court to watch as Couzens, head bowed and shaking, entered his whispered plea by video link from Belmarsh prison Met commissioner Dame Cressida Dick (pictured) said that she had told the Everard family 'how very sorry I am for their loss, for their pain and their suffering' Ms Ball said: 'Couzens has betrayed everything we, the police, stand for and following his guilty pleas and convictions I have dismissed him today. 'All of us in the Met are horrified, sickened and angered by this man's crimes. 'Sarah was a young woman who had her life cruelly snatched away from her. I know she is sorely missed by so many people and our thoughts remain with her loved ones. 'We are so profoundly sorry.' The force said it held an accelerated hearing as quickly as possible following Couzens' guilty plea and conviction on July 9. Pressure is now mounting on Met chief Dame Cressida Dick to resign in the wake of the case. Questions surround as to explain why Couzens was not kicked out of the force and why he became an armed member of the elite Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection squad at the time of Miss Everard's killing despite reports of previous bad conduct. Couzens, who kidnapped, raped and murdered the marketing executive while she walked home from a friend's house in Clapham in March, was reported to bosses for allegedly slapping a female colleague's bottom at Bromley police station in 2018 - just weeks after he joined the force. Shortly after starting at Bromley in South London, the married killer allegedly stopped a female motorist and said her tax and insurance were out of date before making a note of her address so he could later pull up outside her house and leer at her, the Sun on Sunday reports. Couzens, whose former colleagues at the Civil Nuclear Constabulary allegedly nicknamed him 'The Rapist' because of how he is said to have made female colleagues uneasy, is also accused of parking his patrol car by schools so he could watch mothers and sixth-formers. A Metropolitan Police spokesman told MailOnline that it has no record of the allegations being passed to the Directorate of Professional Standards, and will assess any new allegation it receives 'appropriately'. The force previously told the Sun on Sunday: 'We are not able to respond to queries such as this while proceedings are ongoing.' CCTV footage of Sarah Everard captured earlier on the night she was kidnapped in south London in March this year Shortly after starting at Bromley in South London, the married killer allegedly stopped a female motorist and said her tax and insurance were out of date before making a note of her address so he could later pull up outside her house and leer at her, the Sun on Sunday reports Couzens seen in a court sketch during a previous hearing relating to the case. He pleaded guilty at the Old Bailey to the murder of the marketing executive on Friday A source told the Sun on Sunday newspaper: 'It is frightening when you think about what happened to poor Sarah. If someone had been doing their job properly three years ago then none of this would have happened.' After Couzens pleaded guilty to murder at the Old Bailey, the Independent Office for Police Conduct revealed that his former force Kent Police received a complaint from a male motorist that he allegedly drove around Dover naked in 2015 - three years before he joined the Met. Couzens had been accused of indecent exposure three times before he abducted Miss Everard in Clapham, south London, on March 3. He pleaded guilty at the Old Bailey to the murder of the marketing executive on Friday, having previously admitted her kidnap and rape on Friday, July 9. Five members of Miss Everard's family were joined by Met Police Commissioner Dame Cressida Dick in court to watch as Couzens, head bowed and shaking, entered his whispered plea by video link from Belmarsh prison. During the 20-minute hearing Lord Justice Fulford discussed the possibility of a whole-life order as he adjourned sentencing until September 29. Dame Cressida spoke to the family before making a statement on the steps of the Old Bailey. She said that she had told the Everard family 'how very sorry I am for their loss, for their pain and their suffering', adding: 'All of us in the Met are sickened, angered and devastated by this man's crimes - they are dreadful. Everyone in policing feels betrayed.' The IOPC has launched an investigation into alleged failures by Kent Police to investigate the indecent exposure allegation against Couzens dating back to 2015. An IOPC probe is also ongoing into alleged failures by the Met to investigate two allegations of indecent exposure linked to Couzens in London in February this year, with two officers under investigation for possible breaches of professional standards. A British pensioner has lost her dream home in the sun over a decade-long legal dispute over a boundary wall with her neighbours, whose family have now taken over the property. Margaret Townley, 75, claims she has been the victim of a miscarriage of justice after being forced to walk away from the house on which she has spent more than 300,000 (257,347). The retired social worker, from Bath, has handed the keys to her neighbour after a vicious 13-year legal battle. Margaret Townley, 75, claims she has been the victim of a miscarriage of justice after being forced to walk away from the house Townley and her Chilean husband Roberto had first purchased their plot above Salobrena on the Costa Tropical in Granada in 2002 She said she believes corruption and fraud has caused the loss of her retirement home in Salobrena, Granada. Her nightmare began after she got into a legal battle with her builder neighbour over a dodgy collapsed boundary wall, which led to a judge ordering the house to be sold at a closed auction. To add insult to injury it was bought 'under value' by the family of the very builder responsible for the collapsed wall. Townley and her Chilean husband Roberto had first purchased their plot above Salobrena on the Costa Tropical in Granada in 2002. Conveniently they hired a local builder, who lived next door, to build the house and a boundary wall at a cost of 18,500 (15,869). All went well until in 2008 a section of the wall collapsed after a winter of heavy rains and it emerged it had been built without proper foundations and drainage. 'We carried out technical surveys which determined that the wall had not been built to the specifications agreed and attempted to seek legal redress for him to replace it or pay compensation,' said Townley. But the builder died, and his wife then sued Townley for the damage caused to her fruit trees when the wall collapsed. Incredibly, she was successful when Motril court ruled that she was responsible for repairing the wall to avoid further collapses and appointed a technical architect whose report quoted a rebuild cost of 117,000 (100,352). 'It was an absurd amount and as the ruling didn't say we had to actually follow that plan we instead forked out 30,000 on a new wall that was given approval by Salobrena town hall,' said Townley. The case was referred up to the Provincial Court in Granada where a judge ruled that it had no jurisdiction as it was not a criminal case but acknowledged that she had suffered 'a gross injustice'. Her nightmare began after she got into a legal battle with her builder neighbour over a dodgy collapsed boundary wall, which led to a judge ordering the house to be sold at a closed auction All went well until in 2008 a section of the wall collapsed after a winter of heavy rains and it emerged it had been built without proper foundations and drainage But it was ordered to return to the judge at Motril Court 2 for yet another technical report for the Town Hall. However, despite evidence put to the court by technical architects that the fixed wall was adequate, the judge ruled that the debt was outstanding. He ordered the house be sold at auction and the proceeds used to build the new wall. 'It went under the hammer in a sale that took place when travel restrictions meant I couldn't even fly into attend it,' said Townley. 'It was sold to a company owned by the son of the builder and bought for the hugely under-the-market value price of 65,000 (55,757.),' she said. The neighbouring family who now own it will most likely not rebuild the wall but enjoy the fruits of their 'swindle and fraud' to use her lawyer's words. 'The only conclusion I can come to is that either the judge simply hasn't done her job properly and read the notes or she is corrupt and in collusion with the family next door,' said Townley. 'I never, ever believed it would come to this because the level of injustice and corruption is so enormous, but it has,' she said. Police in Missouri have identified the dismembered body found buried on the property of a sex abuse suspect this week as a 32-year-old Texas woman who had been missing since October 2020, with court records alleging that she was choked to death and then cut up with a chainsaw as part of a sexual fantasy. Investigators were led on Wednesday to the remains of Kensie Aubry, from Pearland, Texas, by a teenage girl who accused the owner of the property near Grain Valley of molesting her. The teenager told police she learned that 40-year-old Michael Hendricks had killed a woman and hidden her body. She also was shown photos of a womans dismembered body, the girl told investigators. Independence police announced on Thursday that the remains were positively identified as Aubry, who was last heard from in October 2020. They found the remains on the property in the 4000 block of South Buckner-Tarsney Road near Grain Valley. Identified: Police in Missouri have positively identified missing Texas woman Kensie Aubry, 32, as the victim whose dismembered remains were found on Wednesday on a suspected child molester's property Michael Hendricks, 40 (left), faces charges related to child abuse along with his girlfriend, Maggie Ybarra, 30 (right). Aubry's remains were found on Hendricks' property The remains were found on the property in the 4000 block of South Buckner-Tarsney Road near Grain Valley amid a missing person investigation As of Friday, Hendricks has not been charged in connection with Aubry's murder, but he has been jailed on $500,000 bond stemming from accusations of sexually abusing the girl who reported the body to the police. Hendrick's girlfriend, 30-year-old Maggie Ybarra, faces the same charges as her boyfriend, including two counts of enticement or attempted enticement of a child less than 15 years old, third-degree child molestation of a child less than 14, two counts of first-degree sexual misconduct and four counts related to tampering with evidence. The case began unfolding in April, when the unnamed teen, who is in the foster care system, told police that Ybarra had shown her photos on her phone of a naked, bound and gagged woman. Police were led to the scene by a teenage girl, who told them that she heard from Ybarra that Hendricks had choked a woman to death, dismembered her body and buried it The body found near Grain Valley has not been identified and police have not named the missing person Other images were said to have depicted dismembered human remains. Ybarra allegedly told the teen that she and Hendricks 'killed the female and disposed of the body,' according to a probable cause statement cited by KSHB. The woman allegedly went on to reveal that she and her boyfriend were in a sexual relationship with the victim in the photos, and that Hendricks 'choked her to death' before stuffing her body in the freezer, then cutting it up and burying it. Police have not revealed the exact nature of Ybarra's relationship with the girl, but the court document stated that the teen was removed from her care as a child stemming from allegations of sexual abuse by one of the woman's ex-boyfriends. The teen reconnected with Ybarra last fall and began visiting her every week. The girl claimed that Hendricks, the married father-of-two owner of a small aviation company, once kissed her on the knee in a sexual manner, and another time touched her inappropriately after Ybarra had her put on lingerie. FBI agents are seen on the scene assisting with the investigation into the dismembered body On that occasion, the girl said Hendricks told her 'it turned him on when people died' as all three of them were in bed together watching a horror film. Ybarra and Hendricks began having sex and asked the teen if she wanted to know what it felt like, according to the records. The next day, the woman allegedly told the girl she and Hendricks wanted to have a sexual relationship with her. Earlier this week, another witness told police that Ybarra had confided in them that Hendricks had expressed a desire to 'kill someone while having sex.' That witness was also allegedly shown photos of Aubry after her death, with some of her body parts missing. Hendricks allegedly confessed to cutting up the woman's body with a chainsaw in the basement of his home, stuffing the remains in a box and burying them in a septic tank, according to court documents cited by The Kansas City Star. When police executed a search warrant on Hendricks' property in May, they allegedly found a circular saw that tested positive for DNA that matched Aubry's relative. Aubry was last heard from on October 7. A witness told police they were later shown photos of the 32-year-old part-time sex worker after her death The search also turned up photos showing a naked woman wrapped in barbed wire and bleeding. Forensic experts detected traces of blood that had been cleaned up in the basement of Hendricks' home, according to the documents. Family members, including Aubry's mother, last heard from her on October 7. The records stated that the victim, who occasionally worked as a sex worker, was contacted by Ybarra, who invited her over Facebook to meet with her and Hendricks. Aubry's mother, Cindy Aubry, told the station KSHB that her daughter was a 'good girl' whose life had gotten derailed by drug addiction and bad company. 'My daughter didnt deserve to die like that,' she said. Hendricks and Ybarra are scheduled to appear in court on July 20 for a pre-trial hearing. A mother rescued her son in a terrifying incident, pulling him from a kidnapper's car through the window after he was brazenly snatched from a sidewalk in Queens. A complete stranger man was captured on surveillance video randomly grabbing 5-year-old Jacob off the street in the Richmond Hill neighborhood, before the child's mother came to the rescue. 'I said "oh my God my kids, oh my God my boy,"' said 45-year-old Dolores Diaz Lopez. Dolores Diaz Lopez was walking in the Richmond Hill neighborhood of Queens when someone tried to grab her five-year-old son Jacob from the sidewalk. The woman noted that the stranger who grabbed her son did not say anything as he put him in the car - and she had never seen him before. In an interview with ABC7NY, Diaz Lopez said she and her children were on their way to visit their father around 8pm Thursday, on Hillside Avenue in the New York City borough when the man popped out of a parked maroon sedan and ran at them. Investigators said there is no evidence that the suspects knew the boy's mother. Surveillance video from the scene shows a man in a white T-shirt and gray shorts scoop up the five-year-old boy and place him in the backseat. Jacob initially sits down in the car, but when his older brother approaches, pleading with the suspect to release the boy, Jacob gets up and Diaz Lopez is able to pull him out. A mother was walking with her children on Hillside Avenue in Queens on Thursday evening when her five-year-son became the victim of a brazen attempted kidnapping A man in a white T-shirt emerges from a maroon sedan and runs up to the family, who apparently did not know him Surveillance video shows the man scoop up the five-year-old boy and carry him to the car. The recording released by the NYPD does not have audio Then, the victim's mother is seen on video rushing toward the car and, after a brief struggle, pulls Jacob through the front passenger window. According to the police, the boy was not injured. The suspect in the botched child abduction and another man are seen on the video fleeing south on Hillside, before turning west onto Jamaica Avenue. The suspect stuffs the boy into the back seat of the sedan while being pursued by the boy's family The mother jumps into action, grabs her son through the front passenger window and pulls him out of the car Police say the boy was not harmed during the thwarted kidnapping Police are looking for these two man in connection with the botched abduction in Queens Police are now asking for the public's help identifying the suspects and the getaway vehicle. The man who grabbed the boy is described as in his 30s with a goatee and arm tattoos. He was last seen wearing a white T-shirt, gray shorts and dark-colored sneakers. The man who was caught on video grabbing the boy is described as a male in his 30s with a goatee and tattoos on his arm The second suspect is a man between 50 and 60, with eyeglasses. He was last seen an orange T-shirt, blue jeans and black shoes. They were in an older, maroon sedan. The chilling incident comes as crime rates in New York continue to soar, with gun violence surging and attacks on the city's subway systems and in the streets becoming increasingly common. Anyone with information on the thwarted kidnapping in Queens is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). Advertisement A collection of new photos taken from space show recent unsettling changes to California's water resources over a period of four months. Just four years after emerging from a severe multi-year drought, California has once again descended into dry conditions not seen since 1976-1977. On the West Coast, 89 percent of the region is in a drought and 25 percent in a state of exceptional drought, the US Drought Monitor reports. The photos, released by NASA Thursday, reveal the effects the drought is having on the Golden State's mountain snow, which is a crucial source of water for the region. The NASA photos show the snow progressively vanishing from the Sierra Nevada Mountains on March 31, May 18 and July 7. 'Gulp, the Sierra snowbank a key source of water in the US West is short on funds,' the NASA Earth Observatory tweeted on Thursday. 'Mountain snow melted away nearly a month ahead of schedule, leaving reservoirs without their usual inflow of freshwater.' NASA satellite images compare the Sierra Nevada mountain range on March 31, May 18 and July 7 showing progressively less mountain snow in each photo A side-by-side comparison of California's Shasta Lake in July 2019 and June 2020. The tan fringes, known as 'bathtub rings,' are areas of the lakebed usually underwater when reservoirs are filled closer to capacity Lake Oroville (pictured here in 2021) has seen a precipitous drop as well. From June 2019 to June 2021, the water level fell 190 feet, from 895 to 705 feet above sea level. The record low is 646 feet, set in September 1977 This June 2019 photo of Lake Oroville shows a much fuller river basin as well as far lusher green forests and woodlands than compared to the above photo from June of this year Exceptional drought means the region is experiencing widespread crop and pasture losses, fire risk and water shortages that result in water emergencies, according to the National Centers for Environmental Information. Much of the West Coast was drought free just over 14 months ago, however drought conditions began developing around May 2020. But record heat and the drought have West Coast residents bracing for an even bigger 'mega-drought,' which is an extraordinarily dry period that could last years and sometimes even decades, according to a 2020 study by the Science journal. The satellite photos also captured eye-opening before-and-after images of California's Shasta Lake and Lake Oroville. A side-by-side comparison of Shasta Lake from July 2019 to June 2021 shows extreme water loss as drought conditions wreak havoc on the region. The tan fringes in the 2021 photo are areas of the lakebed that are underwater when the reservoirs are filled closer to capacity. The phenomenon is often referred to as a 'bathtub ring.' Photos of Lake Oroville show a precipitous drop in water levels as well. From June 2019 to June 2021, the water level for the state's second largest reservoir fell 190 feet, from 895 to 705 feet above sea level, with the record low being 646 feet, set in September 1977, according to the Associated Press. An aerial view of Hensley Lake shows far-below-average water levels as soaring temperatures and drought continue to affect livestock and water supplies in Madera, California Another photo of Hensley Lake, with lower water levels A lone abandoned boat sits perched on a mound near Hensley Lake Weather scientists believe human-generated climate change has caused about half of the drought conditions, MSN reports. Jay Lund, the co-director of the Center for Watershed Sciences at the University of California, Davis, said that the Golden State has not seen a year this dry since the drought of 1976-1977, while cautioning about economic impacts mega-drought can bring. 'I think were going to see some substantial economic loss for agriculture in parts of the state,' said Lund. 'The major concern for drought management this year is to make sure were well-prepared in case next year is also dry.' The drought conditions, above-average temperatures and record low levels of rain also contributed to the state's ongoing and increasing wildfire crisis. The Friant-Kern canal is seen on Wednesday near Friant, California. Authorities are predicting the driest year on record for the Kern River, carrying only about a quarter of the average Sierra snowmelt water to Lake Isabella The Friant-Kern canal on Wednesday showing severe water loss amidst the region's ongoing drought In an aerial view, a barren landscape is seen after burned trees were cut down following the Creek Fire, which began on September 4, 2020 and was fully contained on December 24, on July 15, 2021 near Shaver Lake California On Friday alone, the state deployed more than 17,000 firefighters to combat wildfires, according to the National Interagency Fire Center. 'The wildfires that weve had associated with droughts, made worse by drought, have been bringing damages far greater than what weve seen with previous droughts,' Lund added. USA Today reports that last week, California Gov. Gavin Newsom requested residents and businesses in the state to voluntarily reduce their water use by 15 percent, while adding nine California counties to an emergency drought proclamation, which now includes 50 of the state's 58 counties. A bodyguard accused of assassinating Haitian president Jovenel Moise rang a radio station shortly after the brutal murder claiming he and his colleagues were innocent. Moise was shot dead at his home in Port-au-Prince on July 7 after a team of mercenaries stormed the leader's residence without encountering his team of bodyguards. Immediately, authorities suspected an inside job as none of the slain president's security team were injured or killed by the assassination squad. Haitian President Jovenel Moise, pictured, was assassinated at his official residence in Port-au-Prince on July 7. Haitian police believe Moise's security detail was involved in the murder Police investigating the murder were suspicious because Moise's chief bodyguard and his three colleagues were not wounded while trying to defend their client Moise's wife Martine was rushed to hospital and is being kept under armed guard after she was shot and wounded during the attack Haitian police arrested Moise's chief bodyguard and three other members of the team. According to CNN, a translator working with the president's security detail rang a local radio station 'something terrible happened... there's loss of life but we didn't do it'. A photograph circulating on social media identifies two suspects -- both later arrested -- meeting former Haitian opposition senator Joel John Joseph, who is wanted by police. According to Haitian national police director Leon Charles, the picture was taken as the trio were in the Dominican capital plotting to kill Moise, whose body was found riddled with bullets. 'They met in a hotel in Santo Domingo,' Charles told reporters. 'Around the table there are the architects of the plot, a technical recruitment team and a finance group. The United States has sent members of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), State Department, Justice Department, National Security Council and Department of Homeland Security to Haiti 'Some individuals in the photo have already been apprehended, such as Dr. Christian Emmanuel Sanon and James Solages,' Charles added. The assassination, which came during a period of heightened gang violence and political instability, has plunged Haiti into confusion and raised fears of an explosion in Covid-19 cases. Authorities in Port-au-Prince had requested military assistance from the United States amid the crisis, but President Joe Biden on Thursday ruled out sending US troops to Haiti, saying it was 'not on the agenda,' though security would be bolstered at the US embassy. The United States has sent members of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), State Department, Justice Department, National Security Council and Department of Homeland Security to Haiti. On Thursday, the FBI took part in a search of Moise's home, removing at least one computer and several boxes. Police say Solages, a Haitian-American, coordinated with Miami-based Venezuelan security firm CTU as part of the plot. 'The head of the firm, Antonio Emmanuel Intriago Valera, is in the picture,' said Charles. 'He entered Haiti several times to plan the assassination.' Florida-based financial services company Worldwide Capital Lending Group funded the attack, Charles said, adding that its boss Walter Veintemilla also appears with the plotters. Two Americans of Haitian descent and 26 Colombians allegedly took part in the assassination. Three Colombian mercenaries have been killed and 18 arrested by Haitian police. Those in custody maintain they were contracted to capture Moise and hand him over to the US Drug Enforcement Administration, Colombian police helping with the investigation said Thursday. The Pentagon confirmed Thursday that some of the suspects were trained by the US military Colombia's police chief Jorge Vargas said the Colombians believed the initial idea was 'to plan the arrest of the president and make him available... to the DEA.' 'There was a group of four (mercenaries) who were already in the country. The others entered on June 6. They went through the Dominican Republic. We traced the credit card that was used to buy the plane tickets,' said Charles. 'They are former Colombian special force operatives. They are experts, criminals. This was a well-planned attack,' the police chief added. Among the four presidential security officials placed in solitary confinement at the police headquarters were Dimitri Herard, the head of Moise's personal security detail and three others. Another 24 were subject to inquiries, Charles said. Haiti has called on the United States -- which has trained Colombian forces in the past -- for help in shedding light on who was behind the assassination. The Pentagon confirmed Thursday that some of the suspects were trained by the US military. 'A review of our training databases indicates that a small number of the Colombian individuals detained as part of this investigation had participated in past US military training and education programs, while serving as active members of the Colombian military forces,' said Pentagon spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Ken Hoffman. Hoffman said the review was 'ongoing.' Meanwhile, the first images of Moise's wounded widow, who was evacuated to Florida for medical care after the attack, were posted Thursday. 'Thank you for the team of guardian angels who helped me through this terrible time,' 47-year-old Martine Moise said on Twitter, alongside a photograph of her in hospital with a heavily bandaged arm. 'With your gentle touch, kindness and care, I was able to hold on. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!' Anthony Bourdain's estranged ex-wife Ottavia Busia-Bourdain (above together in 2015) spoke publicly about their relationship for the first time in the new documentary Roadrunner Anthony Bourdain's estranged ex-wife has revealed how she watched him take a dark turn after they separated and said she wishes she'd kept a closer eye on him before his suicide in 2018. MMA fighter Ottavia Busia-Bourdain spoke out about her relationship with Bourdain for the first time in the new documentary Roadrunner, which takes a deep dive into the final year of the famed chef's life. Describing her husband of nearly a decade after the pair separated in 2016, Busia-Bourdain said: 'He was not the same person. 'Something changed and became really heavy but he started going to therapy at a certain point and I thought: 'I can take a step back, I don't have to be like you know always so worried about him.' With tears streaming down her face she added: 'I feel like that is something that I will always ... I should have kept an eye on him more.' Busia-Bourdain (right) revealed how she watched Bourdain (left) take a dark turn after they separated in 2016 and said she wishes she'd kept a closer eye on him Busia-Bourdain, pictured with Bourdain and their daughter, says her husband of nearly a decade 'was not the same person' after their split Throughout the film released on Friday, Busia-Bourdain shared the emotional evolution of their love story beginning with how the couple was first introduced by chef Eric Ripert, their separation in 2016 and everything in between. Busia-Bourdain explained that their lifestyles took a toll on their family, saying that Bourdain seemed to always want the 'idyllic picture of family and ordinary life' and that when he got that, it 'wasn't enough anymore'. The couple, who never legally divorced, separated after nine years of marriage, but continued to co-parent their daughter, Ariane. Busia-Bourdain said she is so grateful for their child and all the memories the family shared together, noting that she chooses to remember Bourdain in that light instead of focusing on his death. Roadrunner was released in theaters on Friday. A poster for the film is shown above 'I think this is the last time I'll ever talk publicly about it because that's not the way I want to remember him,' she said. 'I want to remember when we were together, all the amazing things that we'd done and the amazing person that he was.' Bourdain died by suicide at the age of 61 on June 8, 2018, while away in France with Ripert, who was reportedly his best friend. Roadrunner features videos of the star himself interspersed with interviews from those who knew him best, including Busia-Bourdain. The film also depicts his whirlwind romance with Italian actress Asia Argento, which began in 2017, and talks about his first marriage to Nancy Putkosi. According to USA Today, although Busia-Bourdain appears in interviews throughout the film, Roadrunner director Morgan Neville chose not to speak with Argento due to the 'complicated nature' of her relationship with Bourdain. Argento and Bourdain dated for two years and are said to have experienced 'very high high and low lows' that allegedly made 'Bourdain sometimes manic and unpredictable at work'. Those who knew him say Bourdain (pictured above eating an ice cream cone) struggled with mental health issues for several years Bourdain began a whirlwind romance with actress Asia Argento after his split from Busia-Bourdain. Argento and Bourdain are pictured together in April 2018 It highlights his family life, career and takes a look at the sad truth behind his struggle with his mental health. 'The fact of the matter is, his life was full of darkness, always,' Neville told the New York Times earlier this week. The academy-award winner says he wanted to show both sides of Bourdain's life. 'What I felt like I had to do was figure out how to reconcile these two sides of Tony,' he explained. 'Because I think when he died, the overwhelming thought that I heard from people was, 'How the hell does somebody like Anthony Bourdain kill himself?' Because he had such an amazing life.' Roadrunner: A Film About Anthony Bourdain is in theaters now. Call the toll-free 24-hour hotline of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-900-273-8255); TTY: 1-900-799-4TTY (4889). Pope Francis cracked down Friday on the spread of the old Latin Mass, reversing one of Pope Benedict XVI's signature decisions in a major challenge to traditionalist Catholics who immediately decried it as an attack on them and the ancient liturgy. Francis, 84, reimposed restrictions on celebrating the Latin Mass that Benedict relaxed in 2007, and went further to limit its use. The pontiff issued a new law requiring individual bishops to approve celebrations of the old Mass, also known as the Tridentine Mass, and newly ordained priests needing to receive permission from bishops in consultation with the Vatican. Francis said he was taking action because Benedict's reform had become a source of division in the church and been exploited by Catholics opposed to the Second Vatican Council, the 1960s meetings that modernized the church and its liturgy. The restrictions went into immediate effect with its publication in Friday's official Vatican newspaper, L'Osservatore Romano. Critics said they had never before witnessed a pope so thoroughly reversing his predecessor. Pope Francis, 84, issued a new law requiring individual bishops to approve celebrations of the old Mass and newly ordained priests needing to receive permission from bishops in consultation with the Vatican Under the new law, bishops must also determine if the current groups of faithful attached to the old Mass accept Vatican II, which allowed for Mass to be celebrated in the vernacular rather than Latin. These groups cannot use regular churches; instead, bishops must find alternate locations for them without creating new parishes. In addition, Francis said bishops are no longer allowed to authorize the formation of any new pro-Latin Mass groups in their dioceses. Francis said he was taking action to promote unity and heal divisions within the church that had grown since Benedict's 2007 document, Summorum Pontificum. He said he based his decision on a 2020 Vatican survey of all the world's bishops, whose 'responses reveal a situation that preoccupies and saddens me, and persuades me of the need to intervene.' The pope's rollback immediately created an uproar among traditionalists already opposed to Francis' more progressive bent and nostalgic for Benedict's doctrinaire papacy. 'This is an extremely disappointing document which entirely undoes the legal provisions,' of Benedict's 2007 document, said Joseph Shaw, chairman of the Latin Mass Society of England and Wales. While Latin celebrations can continue, 'the presumption is consistently against them: bishops are being invited to close them down,' Shaw said, adding that the requirement for Latin Masses to be held outside a parish was 'unworkable.' 'This is an extraordinary rejection of the hard work for the church and the loyalty to the hierarchy which has characterized the movement for the Traditional Mass for many years, which I fear will foster a sense of alienation among those attached to the church's ancient liturgy,' he said. Benedict had issued his document in 2007 to reach out to a breakaway, schismatic group that celebrates the Latin Mass, the Society of St. Pius X, and which had split from Rome over the modernizing reforms of Vatican II. Pope Benedict XVI (above) had issued his document in 2007 to reach out to a breakaway, schismatic group that celebrates the Latin Mass But Francis said Benedict's effort to foster unity had essentially backfired. The opportunity offered by Benedict, the pope said in a letter to bishops accompanying the new law, was instead 'exploited to widen the gaps, reinforce the divergences, and encourage disagreements that injure the Church, block her path, and expose her to the peril of division.' Francis said he was 'saddened' that the use of the old Mass was accompanied by a rejection of Vatican II itself 'with unfounded and unsustainable assertions that it betrayed the Tradition and the `true Church.'' Christopher Bellitto, professor of church history at Kean University, said Francis was right to intervene, noting that Benedict's original decision had had a slew of unintended consequences that not only created internal divisions but temporarily roiled relations with Jews. 'Francis hits it right on the head with his observation that Benedict's 2007 loosening of regulations against the Latin rite allowed others to use it for division,' he said. 'The blowback proves his point.' Some of these traditionalists and Catholics already were among Francis' fiercest critics, with some accusing him of heresy for having opened the door to letting divorced and civilly remarried Catholics receive Communion. Rorate Caeli, a popular traditionalist blog run out of the U.S., said Francis' 'attack' was the strongest rebuke of a pope against his predecessors in living memory. 'Francis HATES US. Francis HATES Tradition. Francis HATES all that is good and beautiful,' the group tweeted. But it concluded: 'FRANCIS WILL DIE, THE LATIN MASS WILL LIVE FOREVER.' Messa in Latino, an Italian traditionalist blog, was also blistering in its criticism. 'Mercy always and only for sinners (who are not asked to repent) but no mercy for those few traditional Catholics,' the blog said Friday. For years, though, Francis has made known his distaste of the old liturgy and cracking down on religious orders that celebrated the old Mass exclusively. Traditionalists have insisted that the old liturgy was never abrogated and that Benedict's 2007 reform had allowed it to flourish. They point to the growth of traditionalist parishes, often frequented by young, large families, as well as new religious orders that celebrate the old liturgy. The Latin Mass Society claims the number of traditional Masses celebrated each Sunday in England and Wales had more than doubled since 2007, from 20 to 46. President Biden said social media platforms such as Facebook were 'killing people' as the White House on Friday doubled down on the danger of COVID-19 misinformation. He spoke to reporters minutes after the issue dominated a White House press briefing, with reporters asking whether the administration was spying on American citizens by flagging misleading, dangerous information. As he left for a weekend at Camp David, Biden was asked if he had a message for social media companies like Facebook. 'Theyre killing people. I mean it really,' he said. 'Look, the only pandemic we have is among the unvaccinated. 'And theyre killing people.' President Biden told reporters social media companies were killing people with the spread of misinformation. 'Look, the only pandemic we have is among the unvaccinated,' he said as he left the White House on Friday afternoon for a weekend at Camp David Biden and the White House defended its actions after it emerged that officials were flagging 'problematic' messages on Facebook. Critics said they were breaching the First Amendment Jen Psaki, White House press secretary, was asked repeatedly about how the White House could justify flagging social media posts about COVID-19 to Facebook It marked Biden's angriest words yet for Big Tech, which is already under intense pressure for the power it wields. Facebook hit back at Biden's comments, saying more than three million people had used its vaccine finder service. 'We will not be distracted by accusations which arent supported by the facts,' said Facebook spokesperson Dani Lever. 'The fact is that more than 2 billion people have viewed authoritative information about COVID-19/vaccines on FB.' A day earlier the White House confirmed it had stepped up COVID-19 misinformation tracking as it tried to tackle slowing rates of vaccination and surging infections across the nation, flagging misleading posts to Facebook for removal. Psaki said about 12 people were responsible for 65 percent of anti-vaccine misinformation on social media platforms. 'All of them remain active on Facebook, despite some even being banned on other platforms, including... ones that Facebook owns,' she said on Thursday as she spelled out the action being taken. She added: 'You shouldnt be banned from one platform and not others for providing misinformation.' On Friday, White House press Jen Psaki was quizzed repeatedly about the practice of flagging posts. Fox News' Peter Doocy asked: 'For how long has the administration been spying on peoples Facebook profiles looking for vaccine misinformation?' 'That was quite a loaded and inaccurate question,' responded Psaki, insisting that the White House had similar conversations with news companies to keep the record straight. The row erupted as officials react to a rise in COVID-19- cases, hospitalizations and deaths across the U.S. The U.S. recorded 28,412 new cases on Thursday as the numbers tick back upward in what CDC director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said was a 'pandemic of the unvaccinated' Nearly every state and the District of Columbia have seen infections rise in the last week Fox News' Peter Doocy accused the administration of spying on people's Facebook profiles, one of series of tough questions in a noisy briefing room on Friday The most recent seven-day average of new cases was 26,300, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a jump of almost 70 percent. The cases are concentrated among people who have not been vaccinated, triggering a fresh push to ensure that accurate information is available. 'Our point is that there is information that is leading to people not taking the vaccine and people are dying as a result. We have a responsibility as a public health matter to raise that issue,' said Psaki. And she insisted the social media platforms were free to do as they pleased with the information supplied by the administration. 'We don't take anything down,' she said. 'We don't block anything. 'Facebook, and any private sector company, makes decisions about what information should be on their platform.' The danger was too big to ignore, she said. 'It is life and death,' she said. 'It is a public health issue.' But she also took a dig at social media companies, suggesting they should be doing more. HOW LIKELY ARE YOU TO GET COVID-19 AFTER BEING FULLY VACCINATED? So-called 'breakthrough' COVID-19 cases occur when people contract the disease 14 days or more after receiving their second dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccine or the Johnson & Johnson one-shot jab. Clinical trials have shown that Pfizer-BioNTech's vaccine is 95% effective in preventing symptomatic disease and the Moderna vaccine is 94.5% effective. Meanwhile, real-world data showed the Pfizer jab is 91% effective against all disease for at least six months and the Moderna vaccine is 90% effective. This means that fully vaccinated people are between 90% and 95% less likely to develop COVID-19 than unvaccinated people. In addition, Johnson & Johnson's vaccine trials showed 72% efficacy in the U.S., meaning those who got the one-shot jab are 72% less likely to contract the disease. When comparing fully vaccinated people who did and did not get sick, the risk is even lower. The most recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data show that 10,262 of at least 133 million Americans who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 later contracted the disease. This translates to 0.00716% of people who have completed their vaccine series have gone on to test positive. It also represents the true odds of getting COVID-19 after full vaccination: less than 0.01%. What's more, fully vaccinated people who test positive have mild illnesses, and are very unlikely to be hospitalized or die. The CDC states that 99.5% of all deaths occur in unvaccinated people. That means, if the figure applies to the 3,165 Americans who've died in July 2021 so far - as of July 13 - about 3,150 deaths would be among unvaccinated people and 15 deaths among fully vaccinated people. Advertisement 'Obviously there are steps they have taken. They're a private sector company,' she said. 'There are additional steps they can take. It's clear that there are more that can be taken.' She faced repeated questions about how the administration could be sure that today's facts are not tomorrows falsehoods and vice versa. Journalists cited the example of how statements linking the coronavirus to a lab leak had once been flagged as misinformation, but were now being reevaluated. The contentious briefing followed the announcement a day earlier that the Biden administration had been flagging problematic posts. 'We are in regular touch with the social media platforms and those engagements typically happen through members of our senior staff and also members of our COVID-19 team given as [Surgeon General Vivek] Murthy conveyed this is a big issue, of misinformation, specifically on the pandemic,' Psaki said on Thursday. The admission triggered Republican condemnation. Sen. Josh Hawley accused the White House of imposing a COVID speech code. 'I think its really scary to have the federal government of the United States, the White House, compiling lists of people, organizations, whatever, and then going to a private company that, by the way, is a monopoly, Facebook, and saying, "You need to censor. You need to do something about this."' he told Fox News. Journalist Glenn Greenwald wrote a long Twitter thread condemning the practice. 'If you don't find it deeply disturbing that the White House is "flagging" internet content that they deem "problematic" to their Facebook allies for removal, then you are definitionally [sic] an authoritarian.' But the impact of unvaccinated populations were spelled during the White House COVID-19 briefing on Friday, which revealed the surge in cases. 'We are seeing outbreaks of cases in parts of the country that have low vaccination rates because unvaccinated people are at risk,' said Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, who called it a 'pandemic of the unvaccinated.' The result, she added, was likely to be deaths that could have been prevented. 'The good news is that if you are fully vaccinated, you are protected against COVID hospitalization and death and are even protected against the known variants, including the Delta variant circulating in this country,' she said. 'If you are not vaccinated, you remain at risk.' Andrew Cuomo has used $285,000 of campaign funds to pay legal bills in his fight against the sexual harassment allegations brought by multiple women, a new report claims. Documents filed Friday with the state Board of Elections, and seen by the New York Post, reveal the New York governor paid lawyer Rita Glavin $111,774 on May 3 for 'professional services' after hiring her to defend him in the scandal. One month later on June 2, the governor paid out another $173,098 in campaign cash to her law firm - the very same day Cuomo told reporters political donations were not going toward his legal costs 'at this time'. Cuomo hired Glavin to represent him as claims of sexual harassment, misconduct and inappropriate behavior started to mount against him earlier this year. The release of the documents comes ahead of a weekend where the governor is expected to be questioned for the first time over the flurry of allegations. During the early days of the pandemic, Cuomo was lauded for his handling of the crisis in the virus epicenter of the world, with his daily press briefings even earning him an Emmy. But the governor's reputation has unraveled in recent months as nine women have now come forward to accuse him of sexual harassment and inappropriate behavior. Cuomo has repeatedly denied the allegations saying he 'never touched anyone inappropriately' and 'never made any inappropriate advances' but has apologized for making anyone feel 'uncomfortable.' Meanwhile, he has also been rocked by the COVID-19 nursing home deaths scandal and pointed questions have arisen over the writing of his controversial memoir and the alleged special treatment afforded to his friends and family in the early days of the pandemic. Andrew Cuomo (pictured on Wednesday) has used $285,000 of campaign funds to pay his legal bills in his fight against the sexual harassment allegations brought by multiple women, according to a report Documents filed Friday with the state Board of Elections reveal the New York governor paid lawyer Rita Glavin $111,774 on May 3 for 'professional services' and another $173,098 on June 2 Cuomo's first accuser Lindsey Boylan, 36, retweeted a post from New York Times journalist Luis Ferre-Sadurni Friday, featuring a screengrab of the expenses and detailing the distinction between what the governor said at the time and what the filings show. The two payments are listed as paid by 'Andrew Cuomo for New York, Inc.' and paid to 'Glavin PLLC.' Boylan wrote alongside the post: '*pretends to be shocked*.' The payments are listed only as 'professional expenses' with no other details provided. Glavin, a former US Justice Department official, first represented Cuomo when the first current aide in his office went on the record with allegations against him. The aide, Alyssa McGrath, told The New York Times Cuomo had flirted with her, looked down her shirt and commented on her appearance by calling her 'beautiful' in Italian. In the June 2 press conference, Cuomo denied hiring private counsel to represent him in the various investigations he is facing. The governor said it was standard practice for investigations into a state official to be paid for by the state. 'The Executive Chamber has retained the counsel and that is a state expense,' he told reporters. Cuomo hired Glavin (pictured) to represent him as claims of sexual harassment, misconduct and inappropriate behavior started to mount against him earlier this year One of Cuomo's accusers Lindsay Boylan retweeted a post from New York Times journalist Luis Ferre-Sadurni, writing '*pretends to be shocked*' 'That has been in every investigation. So that's where we are now.' When asked if he was using or planned to use campaign funds for personal legal expenses, he responded: 'Not at this time.' DailyMail.com has reached out to the governor's office for comment. Investigators are expected to question Cuomo this weekend about the sexual harassment allegations against him in a sign that the state's probe may be reaching its final stages. The state hired two outside lawyers, Joon H. Kim and Anne L. Clark, to lead the investigation into Cuomo - which is being overseen by Attorney General Letitia James, The New York Times reported. Kim and Clark are expected to interview Cuomo in Albany on Saturday four months after investigations into him began, sources told the outlet. Investigators were always expected to speak with Cuomo, who said at the start of the probe in March that he would 'fully cooperate.' Cuomo is also facing an impeachment inquiry in the state assembly. Kim and Clark have gathered testimony from several of the women who have accused him as part of the investigation. Cuomo initially apologized and said he 'learned an important lesson' about his behavior around women, though he's since denied he did anything wrong and questioned the motivations of accusers. He has also rebuffed calls to step aside over the allegations. 'We have said repeatedly that the governor doesn't want to comment on this review until he has cooperated, but the continued leaks are more evidence of the transparent political motivation of the attorney general's review,' Cuomo senior advisor Richard Azzopardi said. The investigation is being overseen by Attorney General Letitia James, pictured Azzopardi's statement Thursday was the second time that Cuomo's top spokesperson has claimed that James, also a Democrat, and her probe were politically motivated. In April, Azzopardi blasted James for confirming that her office was also investigating whether Cuomo broke the law by having members of his staff help write and promote his recent memoir 'American Crisis: Leadership Lessons From the Covid-19 Pandemic'. 'Both the comptroller and the attorney general have spoken to people about running for governor and it is unethical to wield criminal referral authority to further political self-interest,' Azzopardi said at the time. Some of Cuomo's top allies in the state legislature have called on the public to await the results of James' investigation and not to undermine her integrity. State Sen. Gustavo Rivera, a Bronx Democrat, said he trusts the independent investigators selected by James, and said that 'their credibility and professionalism can't be questioned.' Lindsey Boylan, a former Cuomo aide, came out in December with allegations against him she further detailed her experience in a February post to Medium Charlotte Bennett, 25, accused Cuomo of propositioning her in his office last June 'There was a sense from people early on that because the governor was so instrumental in helping her become AG that she would then become responsive to his political needs,' Rivera, who chairs the state senate's health committee said, 'Now she's proven over and over again that she's responsible to the people of the state of New York.' Sen. John Liu, Majority Assistant Whip in the state Senate, said that Azzopardi's statement is the 'typical Cuomo playbook.' 'Those kinds of comments, trying to run interference, trying to deflect, trying to implicate at least politically my read of it is that folks in the governor's circle including the governor are at least nervous and at most running terrified,' said Liu, a Democrat who's called on Cuomo to resign. 'Obviously, Cuomo's trying to undermine the AG,' Liu said. 'I think because he is in a precarious situation, he'd be trying to undermine anybody who is investigating him.' This year's legislative session has concluded, but lawmakers could return later in the summer or fall if the probe winds up. 'I don't have a sense of a clear timeframe,' Liu said. 'I think Tish James is being as thorough as she can, knowing that no matter what she will be accused of politics. But I I think she's conducting a thorough investigation and looking at all the facts, and I look forward to her conclusions and recommendations.' The state assembly's judiciary committee has launched its own probe into whether there are grounds to impeach the governor on issues from sexual misconduct to his $5 million book deal. It's also unclear when the Assembly probe will wrap up, but it's likely that it won't be before James' investigation concludes. Alyssa McGrath said Cuomo ogled her body, called her and her co-worker 'mingle mamas' and asked about her lack of a wedding ring as well calling her beautiful in Italian She also claimed Cuomo looked down her shirt to compliment her on her necklace during a meeting with him Anna Ruch has accused Cuomo of inappropriate behavior Karen Hinton (left), a press aide, and Jessica Bakeman accused Cuomo of inappropriate actions At least one accuser has said she only wants to speak with investigators in the attorney general's probe rather than sit through two separate interviews. 'The AG's report is going to be critical,' Liu said. 'The attorney general's report and recommendations will carry a great deal of weight.' Boylan was the first woman to accuse the governor in social media posts back in December. She worked for Cuomo's team from March 2015 to October 2018. Boylan claims the governor kissed her on the lips and suggested they play a game of strip poker. The governor has denied these allegations. After she came forward with the accusations, the governor's office released her personnel records which included disciplinary recommendations against her and allegations of bullying. Boylan has said her personnel material was leaked in an effort to smear her. Since she came forward, at least eight other women have accused the governor of sexual harassment or inappropriate behavior. The state hired two outside lawyers, Joon H. Kim, left, and Anne L. Clark, right, to lead the investigation into Cuomo. Kim and Clark are expected to interview Cuomo, 63, in Albany on Saturday four months after investigations into him began New York state Sen Alessandra Biaggi (right) branded Andrew Cuomo (right) a 'monster' as politicians on both sides of the aisle turn their backs on the governor after he was accused of sexual harassment by a second former aide Biaggi, chair of the Senate Ethics and Internal Governance Committee, led lawmakers in condemning Cuomo on Saturday Meanwhile, the sex pest probe is just one in a ballooning number of investigations into the embattled governor. The governor is being investigated over claims he covered up COVID-19 deaths in the state's nursing homes after it emerged the numbers released to the public showed only half the number of fatalities. A separate inquiry is also underway in relation to his memoir book to determine whether Cuomo unlawfully abused state resources, including staffers, to draft and promote it. Cuomo's office has insisted staffers who worked on the book did so voluntarily. Investigators are also looking into whether Cuomo misused public resources by giving his family preferential COVID-19 testing in the early days of the pandemic when testing was not widespread. Advertisement Video captured the moment wildlife officers helped remove a bucket that was stuck - for a week - on the head of a bear in Denver. Colorado Parks and Wildlife posted video of the rescue to Facebook on Thursday, calling it a 'wildlife rescue success story.' The bear spent a whole week running around the foothills west of Boulder with a chicken feeder stuck on its head but when residents reported it, wildlife officers were able to track her down. Scroll Down for Video: Video captured the moment wildlife officers helped remove a bucket that was stuck on the head of a Denver bear for a week Colorado Parks and Wildlife posted video of the rescue on Thursday, calling it a 'wildlife rescue success story.' The rescue was set in motion by Boulder residents Drew McConaughy and his friend Dave Sherman who spotted the bear while working on a cabin in the foothills, The Denver Channel reported. 'We were just sitting having lunch around noon and we heard a rustle down in the woods, so we went down to investigate, and we saw the bear running through the woods, the one with the bucket on its head,' McConaughy told the Channel. Once they saw what turned out to be a chicken feeder covering the animal's entire head, they called Colorado Parks and Wildlife. 'We figured that the bear was probably in distress,' McConaughy said. They chased the bear and cornered it until it climbed a tree, then they did all they could to keep it there until wildlife officials arrived. It is unclear how old the bear is. When they arrived, officers used McConaughy's ladder to get to the bear, then tranquilized it so they could safely remove the bucket. Video showed the sedated bear laid out on the ground while a wildlife officer cuts the bucket off its head. The bear had spent a whole week running around the foothills west of Boulder with a chicken feeder stuck on its head and when residents reported it, wildlife officers were able to track the bear down When they did arrive, wildlife officers used ladders to get to the bear and tranquilized it so they could safely remove the bucket 'We rely on the public a great amount to help us, reporting activity and in this case helping us to locate this bear,' Colorado Parks and Wildlife spokesman Jason Clay told the Denver Channel. Once the chicken feeder was removed, the bear returned to the mountains, Colorado Parks and Wildlife said. 'A bear naturally should be afraid of humans. The case in point of how this bear got into that situation in the first place is that it broke into someone's chicken coop and got that feeder stuck on its head,' Clay said. The wildlife center said it's crucial residents lock up anything that could attract bears to avoid another situation like this. But although the bear is back in the wild, it made an impression on one of the neighbors who helped get with its rescue. 'This bear has a positive light from here on out,' McConaughy said. One day in January last year, an Albanian entrepreneur who had made his home in suburban Surrey took an unexpected business call. A very unusual business call. That the person rang him from the far side of the world did not make it noteworthy; Ndrek Prenga had any number of foreign contacts. Rather, it was the circumstances in which the call took place. And, perhaps most of all, the business deal that was then presented to him. His caller was a drugs baron, convicted double murderer and armed robber who was speaking on an unauthorised mobile phone from his prison cell in Quito, the capital of the South American state of Ecuador, almost 6,000 miles away. Prenga received the call on his own illegal handset in his own jail cell in the UK, where he was serving an eight-year sentence for drugs trafficking offences. Albanian gangster Gramoz Dritan Rexhepi, pictured, was in jail in Ecuador when he called rival mobster Ndrek Prenga who was in prision in England. Prenga's gang had been accused of stealing a multi-million pound shipment of cocaine. As a result, Rexhepi's gang kidnapped Prenga's brother in Albania in revenge Jak Prenga, a carpenter, was kidnapped on January 17, 2020 in Albania by the gang. He was murdered by the gang during his abduction The transaction that the South American convict a fellow Albanian had to offer Prenga was brutally straightforward. The Kompania Bello syndicate of which the caller was boss, wanted the immediate return of several million pounds worth of cocaine that one of Prengas brothers had stolen from them after it had been smuggled into the UK earlier that month. In exchange, the drugs baron said, a third Prenga brother who unknown to Ndrek had just been snatched off a street in Albania, would be released alive. The hostage was a carpenter who led a quiet life and had no part in his brothers criminal activities in Britain. But business is business. And when it comes to Albanian cocaine cartels, a very brutal business it can be, too. Last week, the Home Secretary Priti Patel spent two days in the Albanian capital Tirana, where she signed a historic agreement with the government to strengthen existing arrangements to deport Albanian nationals who have no right to be in the UK. Chief among this target group are Albanian criminals, who by country of origin now make up the largest number of foreign national offenders in UK prisons 16 per cent of the total according to Home Office statistics. 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, Patel declared in Tirana. The Albanian gang were involved in importing massive amounts of cocaine into the UK 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. The Home Office claims that since April this year the state has removed 254 Albanian criminals from the UK as well as 85 other Albanian nationals without permission to be here. Albanian sources told the Mail as many as six investigators from the UKs National Crime Agency (NCA) dedicated to fighting serious organised crime now work out of the British embassy in Tirana. Yet there remains scepticism both in Albania and at home that, for all Ms Patels bellicosity, the UK will commit sufficient resources and determination to take the fight to the tight-knit Albanian drug syndicates which now operate across several continents the UK being one of their most lucrative markets. Their operations have contributed to a spike in knife crime on our streets and the extension of the Class A drugs trade from the larger cities to the rural provinces via the so-called county lines network. And there are few better demonstrations of their ruthlessness and reach than the disappearance of Jan Prenga. This cocaine was seized by the US DEA and is believed to be part of a consignment controlled by Rexhepi who is establishing supply routes from South America to Europe Using Albanian police and court documents and other sources, we can tell the extraordinary and chilling story of an innocent man who was very likely murdered in the Balkans over a drugs deal in the UK he knew nothing about, masterminded from a prison in the Andes. Like so many of their compatriots, the five Prenga brothers left Albania in the late 1990s when the poorest country in Europe was suffering economic collapse and widespread lawlessness following decades of totalitarian rule. The eldest, Jan, migrated with his wife Marija to Greece, but later returned to Tirana where he set up a furniture-making business. The couple had three children. His other four brothers headed for the UK, where they eventually gained British citizenship. Anton Prenga went into legitimate business here, as did another brother who does not play a role in this story. But two of the fraternity, Ndrek and Veri (not his real name, for legal reasons) became involved with serious criminal networks within the Albanian diaspora. Perhaps the most remarkable character Ndrek came across in this underworld was a man called Dritan Gramoz Rexhepi. The pair reportedly spent time in Italian custody together. Rexhepi is serving a 20-year jail term in Ecuador Originally from the port city of Vlora, Rexhepi has committed significant crimes across continental Europe, being convicted of cocaine trafficking in Italy and armed robbery in Belgium. But he usually managed to stay one step ahead of the law, escaping from prison or police custody in three different countries. He appeared on a Scotland Yard most wanted list in 2013, when it was believed he was hiding in the UK. That same year he was convicted in absentia in Albania of the murder of a police officer and another man and the wounding of a third, in a 1998 shooting. But by then Rexhepi was most likely in South America, on his way to becoming the undisputed capo of Kompania Bello, which he developed into one of the most successful and innovative drug cartels operating in Europe. The syndicate reportedly comprised 14 Albanian criminal organisations. Rexhepi oversaw the operation from Ecuador, a country that was described in 2019 as one of the worlds cocaine superhighways. It has long been a favoured seaborne embarkation point for much of the narcotics from neighbouring Colombia, the worlds biggest producer of cocaine, on its way to the U.S. and European markets. According to Europol, what set Rexhepis syndicate apart from others was the way in which it controlled the entire supply train, from exporting at source, to wholesale, to selling on the European street, rather than specialising in one link. He employed sophisticated communication technology and a money transfer system based on cash and mutual trust, which while primitive left no electronic trace of transactions. Perfect for laundering. It hardly seemed to matter, businesswise, that in 2014 Rexhepi himself was arrested in Quito and sentenced to 13 years for trafficking. Europol believes these two men, brothers Altin and Emiljan Hajri were involved in the kidnapping of the innocent carpenter He merely carried on his global empire from his cell, negotiating with Colombians and sending a growing number of tonnes of cocaine to Europe each year. The sometime law student claimed to have been forced into drug trafficking by the unjust and rotten justice system in Albania, which had wrongly he said accused him of murder. As a wanted man, narcotics trading was his only chance to do something else with my life, he told an Albanian journalist last year. The interview was carried out by phone from his Ecuadorian prison cell. Rexhepi had a handset connected to the highly encrypted Encrochat network, much used by criminals until it was infiltrated by a recent Franco-Dutch police investigation. It was probably the same phone Rexhepi used to call the brother of Jan Prenga. The train of events that led to Jan Prengas kidnapping and presumed murder began in September 2019 in the Ecuadorian port of Guayaquil, when a cargo ship carrying bananas set sail for the UK. But besides the fruit, one of the containers held 260kg of cocaine, worth 15-20 million. The vessel docked in Portsmouth, Hampshire in late December. Albanian prosecution case documents and police interview transcripts seen by the Mail state that Veri Prenga and two associates were hired by British and Iranian-born intermediaries to recover the drugs from the port on behalf of two Albania-based criminal gangs. They did so successfully in early January. But then they switched the plan, with fatal consequences. The Albanian couriers and the intermediaries had allegedly fallen out over a previous payment. Festim Bexhdilli, pictured, has been charged with kidnapping and dumping the body of Jak Prenga. Maybe the couriers simply got greedy when they opened the container. Whatever the motive, Veri Prenga and several of his associates decided to retain the cocaine and divide it up among themselves. Albanian sources suggest they might not have known at that point that the drugs were connected to the notorious Dritan Rexhepi. A week after the drugs were taken, Veri Prenga was called by a senior member of one of the Albania-based crime gangs. He wanted his cocaine back. Three days later the man called again, saying Do not make a mistake. The drugs belong to me and they must be returned. Shortly after this, Rexhepi made his first phone call to Ndrek Prenga in his UK prison cell. According to prosecution papers, the drug lord, who introduced himself as Gramoz from Vlora told Ndrek Do not play about with these things (the drugs), because they are our things. To no effect. Communication continued over several days until Veri Prenga was called by one of a Kompania Bello gang boss in Albania and told they had given up on this kind of negotiating. Given the men and the amount of money involved, this could only be regarded as ominous. On the morning of January 17, 2020, Jan Prenga, 49, had coffee with his wife and afterwards went to run errands, a trip that took him along London Street in the city of Kamza. According to witnesses, his abduction there was carried out with extreme violence by four masked men, leaving a trail of blood as he was bundled into a stolen white Range Rover and driven off. Several hours later, the police informed his wife. As we know, his brother Ndrek was informed of the development by Dritan Rexhepi from Ecuador. You have my word, your brother will be freed (if) Veri returns the cocaine, the capo allegedly told him. After Anton Prenga was told of what had happened, he met his brother Veri in a London cafe. In a later statement to Albanian police, Anton said Veri told him the reason for the kidnapping was that he had taken a cocaine shipment. Some of the drugs he had already sold, Veri admitted. The following day Anton flew to Albania. The recovery of his brother was a delicate matter as far as the police were concerned. After all, it concerned a dispute over a huge amount of cocaine. But in Albania there is another way of dealing with such problems the kanun. This is a medieval code of Albanian law, based on the concept of besa personal honour. It sets out what can or should be done for reparation in the event of theft and murder. The blood feud, a legitimate concept under the kanun code, is very similar to the Italian vendetta and is said to have caused thousands of deaths since the 1990s, when the states own rule of law broke down. Anton told police he met with relatives of the Albanian gang bosses and began negotiating via a kanun mediator. But back in the UK the hostage stand-off seemed to have already come to an end. According to Antons police statement, on January 22, Veri and an Albanian associate handed over 106kg of cocaine their share of the stolen drugs to Polish intermediaries sent by the drug cartel. They also paid 700,000, which covered the drugs they had already sold. The same day, Rexhepi called again from Ecuador to tell the Prenga brothers that Jan would be released within two hours. But he wasnt. More calls took place between South America and Europe. The drug lord assured the Prengas that Jan was healthy and about to be freed. Again he wasnt. Eventually Rexhepi phoned Ndrek Prenga and told him the men who had taken Jan had not kept their word and as a matter of besa, he was obliged to give the Prenga family the names of the kidnappers, so that they may do with them what they wished. Which he did. Or at least the names of men whom he said were involved. Meanwhile the Albanian police helped by NCA personnel had been making progress. Through CCTV footage and other evidence they traced the journey of the Range Rover from London Street to the underground car park of the Golden Resort an enormous luxury wedding venue on the Adriatic coast 30 minutes away. Further CCTV footage from the car park showed a large black bag being transferred from the stolen car to a minivan. Men could be seen loading shovels and picks and wiping blood traces from the scene. The minivan then drove off to an unknown location. The Range Rover was later found burnt out. Police believe the black bag contained the body of the unfortunate Jan Prenga and that he had been fatally injured probably unintentionally given that he was a bargaining counter in the initial kidnapping. A spokesman for the Albanian police said: Our investigation has concluded that Mr Prenga was hit hard and died due to loss of blood. The kidnapping took place after Mr Prengas brother was involved in criminal activities in the UK. Anton Prenga told police: We as a family and my other brothers have no problems with any other citizen. The incident of my brother Jan Prenga being abducted came only as a result of my brother Veri Prenga stealing narcotics in England. A flurry of arrests were made. But eighteen months later, no one has been convicted of the kidnap and killing of Jan Prenga. Only one man, allegedly seen holding a shovel in the underground car park, remains in custody. Jans wife Marija told the Mail this week she is very disappointed by the way the authorities pursued the case. And with the absence of a body she is torn between grieving and hope that somehow he is still alive. Last year Europol announced that after a five-year Italian-led multinational police operation, Rexhapis Kompania Bello has been smashed. There had been more than 100 arrests in countries across Europe, the Middle East and South America, including the UK. No one involved in the Albanian justice system is sanguine enough to believe other organisations will not take its place. The Albanian authorities believe it was Rexhepi, 42, who ordered the kidnapping from his Ecuadorian prison cell. He denies any part in the affair. I call on anyone who knows where the victims body is hidden to notify the authorities so that his family can have some comfort from their pain, he said in his Encrochat interview. When he has served his sentence in South America, he is likely to be extradited to Albania to serve his murder term. The Italians also want him for drugs-related killings. Does the King of Escapers have another trick up his sleeve? Albanian security sources say that Ndrek Prenga has been released from jail and remains in the UK. He is a British citizen now. It will not be easy to throw him out, said a source in Tirana. A National Crime Agency spokesman said last night: We are aware of this shipment and Jan Prenga, and believe his death to be a result of a drugs dispute. We continue to work with Albanian authorities in respect of this incident. We are unable to confirm or deny the arrest of his brother Veri. Priti Patel has her work cut out. Once upon a time, when the police wanted to address a troublesome crowd, they would deploy the tried and tested loudhailer. This being the woke 2020s however, officers dealing with a hippy group in Cornwall agreed to use a talking stick holding it in the air when they wanted permission to speak. Talking sticks are used by indigenous peoples such as Native Americans. Having the stick gives the holder the right to speak uninterrupted and to be listened to with respect. Last night critics accused Devon and Cornwall Police of forfeiting its authority by submitting to the groups demand to use the stick. The incident took place near Blisland on Bodmin Moor, where some 100 members of the Rainbow Family of Living Light had set up an illegal encampment. The group camped on ancient woodland, a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest, last month and were subsequently ordered to leave. Devon and Cornwall Police's attempts to move the hippy ggroup on descended into farce when officers gave in to demands on how to address them - by agreeing to use a 'talking stick' But attempts to move them on descended into farce when officers gave in to demands on how to address them. Onlookers watched agog as police waited for the campers to engage in a group chant before providing an answer. Officers dismissed the bizarre situation as the nature of modern policing. The group has been accused of causing serious damage to the area, having dug up the ground for its sacred bonfires and campsite. Camping is also prohibited under SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) by-laws. Talking sticks are used by indigenous peoples such as Native Americans. Having the stick gives the holder the right to speak uninterrupted and to be listened to with respect Rupert Hanbury-Tenison, chairman of the Bodmin Moor Commons Landowners Association, said: The officer was not allowed to address the group of about five people representing the gathering unless he took and held up a talking stick which gave him permission to speak. After each question or request he then had to wait while the five joined hands, chanted at length and then eventually each gave an individual response to what had been asked. It took him about 45 minutes to get a sensible answer. We said to him that by agreeing to take the stick and only talk while holding it he had forfeited any authority he had as an officer of the law. He replied saying that was the nature of modern policing. 'What infuriated me is that if any of us commoners or landowners had behaved in the same way then we would have been prosecuted. They were also accused of illegally burying a cow after finding a heifer which had died during a breach birth. Landowner John Holman said: This is supposedly a group which prides itself on not straying on to private land and accuses humanity of destroying the environment. 'They had their so-called sacred fire at the centre of the encampment which started off quite small but ended up much bigger with the ground for about 40 metres around completely trampled. Farmer John Holman said: This is supposedly a group which prides itself on not straying on to private land and accuses humanity of destroying the environment They thought they were helping by digging up the turf there and placing it elsewhere but the ground underneath has been damaged, the lifted turf has died and the ground it was laid on has also been killed off. About nine out of ten of these hippies were perfectly polite and amiable but there was a hardcore who were abusive and intimidating. A clean-up operation took place as the campers finally left last weekend. The Rainbow Family was born out of free love and anti-Vietnam war protests in the US in the 1960s and early 1970s. Practitioners say their beliefs are based on Native American traditions and they have a strong desire to care for the Earth. A Devon and Cornwall Police spokesman said: Officers were respectful and keen to engage with all. The key principles of policing have not changed. Wesley Charles Martines, 32, was taken into custody in the San Jose neighborhood of Campbell on Tuesday night after police received reports that he was prowling around a parking lot A California man has been arrested after police found assault rifles, bullets inscribed with 'Cop Killer' and a racist manifesto stashed in his pickup truck. Wesley Charles Martines, 32, was taken into custody in the San Jose neighborhood of Campbell on Tuesday night after police received reports that he was prowling around a parking lot. A business owner called 911 after spotting a suspicious man on surveillance cameras looking into cars and a nearby storage shed. When police pulled Martines over a short time later, they found a cache of weapons inside his truck. Among the weapons were two AR-style rifles, a Glock 9 mm handgun, throwing knives and a pipe bomb filled with pellets but no explosive materials inside. They also found ammunition that had been inscribed with phrases such as 'Cop Killer', 'To a widow from the Grim Reaper,' and 'A Good Start'. Martines allegedly had a handwritten manifesto on him when he was arrested that said he wanted to wipe out black, Hispanic and Jewish populations. Among the weapons found inside his truck were two AR-style rifles, a Glock 9 mm handgun, throwing knives and a pipe bomb filled with pellets but no explosive materials inside Police also found body armor, heroin and methamphetamine in his truck The journal also included a plan to go to sporting goods store, dress up as an employee and tie everybody up. Police also found body armor, heroin and methamphetamine in his truck. When he was taken into custody, Martines denied any suspicious activity, police said. He was arraigned on charges of possession of assault weapons, multiple silencers, drugs, and the makings of a pipe bomb. A judge on Tuesday remanded him on $300,000 bail. He is scheduled to face court again on July 21 and, if convicted, faces more than five years in prison. 'Once again, law enforcement saved lives before the blood and tears flowed,' Santa Clara District Attorney Jeff Rosen said following his arrest. 'All of us have a role in stopping the next mass shooting, suicide, or domestic violence murder.' A Colorado father has been found guilty killing of his son after the boy found pictures of him wearing a red bra and eating feces from a diaper. Mark Redwine, 59, was convicted by a unanimous jury on Friday and was found guilty on charges of second-degree murder and child abuse resulting in the 2012 death of his son Dylan Redwine. He faces up to 48 years in prison for the murder conviction and his sentencing hearing has been set for 9 a.m. on October 8. Redwine was indicted in 2017 in connection with the disappearance of Dylan, 13, who was reported missing on Nov. 19, 2012, while on a court-ordered Thanksgiving visit to his father's home outside the city of Durango. A Colorado father has been found guilty killing of his son after the boy found pictures of him wearing a red bra and eating feces from a diaper Mark Redwine, 59, was convicted by a unanimous jury on Friday and was found guilty on charges of second-degree murder and child abuse He faces up to 48 years in prison for the murder conviction and his sentencing hearing has been set for 9 a.m. on October 8 Family and friends of Elaine Hall wait in the courtroom to hear the verdict on Mark Redwine Rob Robertson, a close family friend to Elaine Hall, becomes emotional in the courtroom after Mark Redwine was convicted of second-degree murder and child abuse Friends of Elaine Hall, become emotional in the courtroom after Mark Redwine was convicted of second-degree murder and child abuse resulting in the death of his son Dylan Redwine The boy's father did not show any visible reaction when the verdicts were read as he stood with his hands clasped in front of him. Before the verdicts were read, Redwine had nervously fiddled with his tie while sporting a black button-down shirt. 'This has been an extremely difficult case for everybody involved. It has been difficult for the parties, for the attorneys, for their staff, and difficult for the families and the entire community,' the judge said before the verdict was read. 'This case has taken a lot of resources from the entire state as well as La Plata County. The planning to get this case to go as well as it did was extensive.' The judge added: Emotions are running very high from both sides, however this is a court of law. I expect everyone in this courtroom to behave appropriately. Dylan Redwine's partial remains were found a few miles from his fathers home in 2013. His skull was not found until 2015 when it was discovered by hikers. Prosecutors argued Redwine killed Dylan in a fit of rage after they argued over embarrassing photos of him wearing women's lingerie and eating feces from a diaper. Dylan's older brother testified in June that Dylan found the photos a year before he went missing. The boys had accidentally discovered the pictures on their father's computer during a road trip in 2011 and looked at them in a locked bathroom while their father slept. Dylan's brother Cory Redwine took his own photos to save on his phone. He said during cross-examination that he sent copies of the compromising photos to his father in August 2012, while Dylan and Mark Redwine were alone on a trip together. An evidence photo posted to the Colorado Judicial Branch's website purports to show one of the images the boys found A Colorado father has been found guilty killing of his son after the boy found pictures of him wearing a red bra and eating feces from a diape Mark Redwine, 59, (left) has been convicted for the murder of his 13-year-old son Dylan (right), who disappeared near their home in Colorado's La Plata County in November 2012 Dylan knew about the photos and was not harmed on that trip, despite the texting confrontation between Cory and Mark Redwine. Cory called his father a '(expletive)-eating coward' and said 'you are what you eat,' according to text messages revealed in court in June. In response, Mark Redwine texted back 'not to hurt Dylan,' public defender John Moran said. Mark Redwine also called Cory a thief for taking the photos and said he was 'trying to hurt him' just like his mother, with whom he was then in a contentious custody battle. Cory had testified that the accidental discovery of photos ruined Dylan's relationship and image of his father. 'Dylan lost any reason for him to look up to Mark that day,' Cory Redwine said. He told the court his younger brother was 'pretty disgusted' and said he wanted to use the photos as leverage in an argument with his dad a year later. 'Hey send me those poop pics of Papa because he gave me a speech about you guys being a bad example and I want to show him who he really is,' said Dylan Redwine in a text to his older brother in August 2012, according to court documents. Dylan's skull was found by hikers in 2015 about a mile from the initial location According to indictment, forensic anthropologists discovered the skull had injuries consistent with blunt force trauma at two locations The home of Mark Redwine is pictured after the boy's disappearance Redwine, who didn't testify at trial, told investigators he left Dylan alone at home to run errands and returned to find him missing. Defense attorneys suggested the photos have no connection to Dylan Redwine's death and that the boy ran away and may have been killed by a wild animal. Public defender John Moran referred to an injury on Dylan's skull as a tooth mark. A forensic anthropologist, Diane France, testified that Dylan suffered a fracture above his left eye. Two marks on the boys skull were likely caused by a knife or sharp tool at or near the time of death, France said. Meanwhile Redwine's defense said in closing arguments that expert testimony had showed Dylans skull was still in a peri-mortem state in 2015. He said that means it retained elasticity and wetness, making it susceptible to environmental factors like animal scavenging for three years before it was discovered. Public defender Justin Bogan called the investigation 'biased' and 'sloppy' because of evidence destruction by an expert who broke off a piece of Dylan's skull during their examination and a scientist who revealed in court that the prosecution gave police reports to them before their testimony. Fred Johnson, special deputy district attorney, told jurors that investigators found traces of Dylans blood in Redwines living room and that a cadaver-sniffing dog alerted them to the smell of human remains in the back of Redwines truck and on his clothing. But Moran said the 'infinitesimally small' amount of blood found in the living room is likely to be found in anyones house. He also referred to the use of the dog as 'junk science.' The case drew national attention when Redwine and the boys mother, Elaine Hall, leveled accusations at each other during appearances on the syndicated 'Dr. Phil' television show in 2013. Hall testified at trial that she sent Dylan to his fathers house on Nov. 18, 2012, learned he was missing the next day and immediately drove six hours to southwestern Colorados La Plata County to search for her son. Hall said she had no knowledge of her son confronting his father about the photos. Hall almost immediately suspected her ex-husband wasnt telling the full truth about their sons disappearance, text messages introduced as evidence suggested. Two hours after learning Dylan was missing, Hall texted Mark Redwine. 'He wouldnt just leave,' she wrote. 'He would have called me. I am so suspect of you right now. How could he just disappear?' Bogan suggested her account was tainted by a contentious divorce and custody battle with Redwine. He also suggested that Hall's appearance on national TV turned public opinion against her ex-husband and influenced the direction of the police investigation. Hall insisted she spoke with media and attended a protest at Mark Redwines house in an effort to bring Dylan home. 'I figured he was safe because he was with his dad, and I was devastated that no one knew where my son was,' she said. Throughout the trial, prosecutors doubled down on the compromising photos of Redwine, arguing the father-son relationship was in decline long before Dylans disappearance. Prosecutors also focused on comments Dylan made to family and friends about dreading the court-ordered visit. Redwine was arrested in Bellingham, Washington following a grand jury indictment in 2017. At the time, prosecutors said 'compromising photographs' were a point of contention between Redwine and Dylan. They didn't elaborate. A woman wanted in connection with a March murder in Oklahoma was arrested after she commented on the police's 'Weekly Most Wanted' post which asked if anyone knew of her whereabouts. Tulsa Police had put out the request for information about Lorraine Graves, 24, who was wanted as an accessory to murder in the homicide of Eric Graves, 30. It is unclear if the two are related in any way. On Wednesday, Lorraine responded to the police post by asking, 'Where's the reward money at?' She was arrested and charged within 24 hours. Bond was set at $500,000. Lorraine Graves was arrested a day after commenting on the police department's Facebook post about her Lorraine Graves' mugshot after she was processed on Thursday Tulsa Police Department's Facebook post on Friday announcing the arrest Lorraine Graves commenting on Tulsa Police Department's Facebook post about her Eric Graves was shot in an apartment on March 13, allegedly by two brothers - 19-year-old Jayden Hopson and 20-year-old Gabriel Hopson. According to court documents, police found over a dozen bullets in the apartment. Another victim suffered a gunshot wound to his arm. Before the shooting, video recorded the Hopson brothers, Eric Graves and an unidentified woman going into the apartment complex where Eric Graves was later gunned down, according to an affidavit obtained by Tulsaworld.com. Not long after, the video catches the Hopson brothers and the woman leaving and going to a dumpster behind the complex, 'as though they were hiding something,' according to the affidavit. In a police interview, the wounded victim reportedly told officers that Jayden Hopson was upset that the unidentified woman in the video liked Eric Graves, and overheard the Hopson's plan to ambushing Eric Graves, according Tulsaworld.com. Tulsa police have not released any other information about what Lorraine is accused of, or her relationship to the victims or the other suspects. Jayden Hopson and Gabriel Hopson have already been arrested and charged with murder, Tulsa police say. DailyMail.com called Tulsa police for further comment. Gabriel (left) and Jaydon (right) Hopson, brothers, were already in custody and charged with murder of Eric Graves in March Bill Cosby has said that he believes he is entitled to 'millions and millions of dollars' for the more than two years he spent in jail. A representative for Cosby did not state how much specifically the 84-year-old should receive nor where the funds should come from. 'Mr. Cosby was given an unwanted two-year and ten-month vacation that he never asked for. His constitutional rights were abolished, his due process was stripped away from him,' Andrew Wyatt, Cosby's representative, told NewsNation Now, 'He's due millions and millions of dollars. As Mr. Cosby said to me today, "I feel that this district attorney and Judge Steven O'Neill and Kevin Steele (Montgomery County district attorney) should resign effective immediately."' Bill Cosby's publicist, pictured with his publicist, Andrew Wyatt, right has said he will seek compensation for his prison time Bill Cosby is pictured in handcuffs at Montgomery County jail in Pennsylvania in September 2018 following his three-to-10-year sentencing Cosby served more than two years of a three-to-10-year sentence at a Philadelphia-area state prison, but he had vowed to serve all ten years rather than acknowledge remorse over the 2004 encounter with him victim and his accuser Andrea Constand. Cosby was convicted of drugging and molesting Constand at his home. He was charged in late 2015 when a prosecutor unsealed new evidence. 'We are looking at what recourse, what legal recourse we can take against the state of Pennsylvania,' Wyatt told The Domenick Nati Show last week. 'We are looking at all legal angles for those things right now.' 'He's owed money. It's a lot of owed money. Our attorneys are filing the paperwork now. He is owed a lot of money,' Wyatt added. Bill Cosby stands next to his spokesman Andrew Wyatt and lawyer Jennifer Bonjean outside Cosby's home after Pennsylvania's highest court overturned his conviction on June 30 In February, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf, a Democrat, proposed paying anyone wrongly convicted $50,000 for every year spent in prison. Previously, Pennsylvania did not offer compensation to former inmates who were wrongfully convicted. Cosby's release came because former prosecutor Bruce Castor had promised him that he wouldn't be charged in 2005, which the court said led him to incriminate himself in a later civil trial. However, the deal was only a verbal agreement, according to The Washington Post. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court said that testimony tainted the trial, even though a lower appeals court had found it appropriate to show a signature pattern of drugging and molesting women. Dozens more women have accused him of sexual assault and harassment but their claims were not criminally prosecuted because they fell outside of the statutes of limitations in the states where the offenses allegedly took place. Prosecutors have not clarified if they will appeal or seek to try Cosby for a third time. Exclusive DailyMail.com photos show the actor sitting on his bed in his prison uniform Earlier this week, the lead prosecutor in Cosby's sex assault case said he believed the Pennsylvania Supreme Court overstepped its power in reversing the comedian's conviction. Chief Justice Max Baer accused prosecutors of a 'reprehensible bait and switch' in arresting Cosby in 2015 despite what he called the certain existence of a 2005 non-prosecution agreement. 'There was no controversy whatsoever that the deal was made. It was memorialized in emails, it was memorialized in news conferences,' Baer told WHTM-TV in Harrisburg. However, the existence of the agreement has been hotly debated, both before and after the two criminal trials that ended with Cosby's conviction in 2018. And there was no mention of it in writing until 2015. The ex-prosecutor who said he made the promise in 2005 waited until the case was reopened a decade later to tell the victim or anyone in his office about it, according to their testimony. By then, the defense lawyer to whom Castor said he made the promise had died. Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele said earlier this week he is reviewing the Supreme Court decision to see if he might challenge it. He believes the state's high court revisited the facts of the case, which he called the job of the trial judge. The appellate courts are tasked with reviewing legal rulings. U.S. District Judge Andrew Hanen sided with a group of states suing to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program A U.S. federal judge in Texas on Friday blocked new applications to a program that protects immigrants who were brought to the United States as children from deportation. U.S. District Judge Andrew Hanen sided with a group of states suing to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, arguing it was illegally created by former President Barack Obama in 2012. Hanen found the program violated the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) when it was created but said that since there were so many people currently enrolled in the program - nearly 650,000 - his ruling would be temporarily stayed for their cases until further court rulings in the case. 'To be clear,' the judge said, the order does not require the government to take 'any immigration, deportation or criminal action against any DACA recipient.' President Joe Biden, who was vice president when Obama created the program, has said he wants to create a permanent pathway to citizenship for DACA recipients, known as 'Dreamers.' A U.S. federal judge in Texas on Friday blocked new applications to a program that protects immigrants who were brought to the United States as children from deportation. DACA protesters march in Washington DC on June 24, 2021 Biden issued a memorandum on his first day in office directing the secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to take 'all actions he deems appropriate' to 'preserve and fortify' the program, which former President Donald Trump, a Republican, tried to end. The U.S. Supreme Court last year blocked a bid by Trump to end DACA, saying that his administration had done so in an 'arbitrary and capricious' manner. Immigrants and advocates urged Democrats and President Joe Biden to quickly act on legislation to protect young immigrants after the Friday decision. Calling the ruling a 'blaring siren' for Democrats, United We Dream Executive Director Greisa Martinez Rosas said they would be solely to blame if legislative reform doesn't happen. 'Until the president and Democrats in Congress deliver on citizenship, the lives of millions will remain on the line,' Martinez Rosas said. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, in a statement Friday evening, vowed that Democrats will continue to push for passage of the DREAM Act, and called on Republicans 'to join us in respecting the will of the American people and the law, to ensure that Dreamers have a permanent path to citizenship.' Biden has already proposed legislation that would provide a pathway to citizenship for the estimated 11 million people living in the U.S. without authorization. He also ordered agencies to make efforts to preserve the program. Supporters of DACA, including those who argued before Hanen to save it, have said a law passed by Congress is necessary to provide permanent relief. Hanen has said Congress must act if the U.S. wants to provide the protections in DACA to recipients commonly known as 'Dreamers,' based on never-passed proposals in Congress called the DREAM Act. The House approved legislation in March creating a pathway toward citizenship for 'Dreamers,' but the measure has stalled in the Senate. Immigration advocates hope to include a provision opening that citizenship doorway in sweeping budget legislation Democrats want to approve this year, but it's unclear whether that language will survive. Suing alongside Texas were Alabama, Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nebraska, South Carolina, and West Virginia states that all had Republican governors or state attorneys general. They argued that Obama didn't have the authority to create DACA because it circumvented Congress. The states also argued that the program drains their educational and healthcare resources. The Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund and the New Jersey Attorney General's Office, which defended the program on behalf of some DACA recipients, argued Obama did have the authority and that the states lacked the standing to sue because they had not suffered any harm due to the program. Thomas Saenz, president of MALDEF, said Friday that plaintiffs will file an appeal. 'Today's decision then once more emphasizes how critically important it is that the Congress step up to reflect the will of a supermajority of citizens and voters in this country. That will is to see DACA recipients and other young immigrants similarly situated receive legislative action that will grant them a pathway to permanence and citizenship in our country,' Saenz said. While DACA is often described as a program for young immigrants, many recipients have lived in the U.S. for a decade or longer after being brought into the country without permission or overstaying visas. The liberal Center for American Progress says roughly 254,000 children have at least one parent relying on DACA. Some recipients are grandparents. Todd Schulte, president of FWD.us, a progressive organization, expressed disappointment at Friday's ruling, saying in a statement that DACA has been a big success that has transformed many lives. 'Today makes absolutely clear: only a permanent legislative solution passed by Congress will eliminate the fear and uncertainty that DACA recipients have been forced to live with for years. We call on each and every elected office to do everything within their power so that DACA recipients and their families and communities can live free from fear, and continue to build their lives here,' Schulte said. U.S. District Judge Andrew Hanen sided with a group of states suing to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, arguing it was illegally created by former President Barack Obama in 2012 The decision comes on the day the new Customs and Border Protection figures revealed that 188,829 migrants were stopped at the southwest border in June, the sixth monthly increase since the start of 2021. It was also another increase on the 180,641 who were apprehended in May. These statistics just account for the apprehensions, and doesn't include the migrants who cross undetected. According to reports that is up to 1,500 people every day. It is still not immediately clear where exactly these asylum seekers and illegal crossers are being sent after they are transferred out of federal immigration agencies' custody. The June numbers mean that almost 1.2 million migrants could have already entered the US since the beginning of the year and more than 2.3 million people could cross into the US by the end of 2021, if the pace of apprehensions and those who avoid detection remain the same. There also appears to be no available statistics on how many immigrants who are encountered and taken into custody are sent back to Mexico, or their origin countries, compared to those who are put in an alternatives to detention programs or otherwise released into the U.S. Each day, Mohammadi sits alone in her mud-walled room on the edge of the Afghan capital Kabul asking herself the same question: Will Britain rescue me before the Taliban come for me? The wife of a former Afghan translator for the British forces, she is terrified she is a target for the Talibans killers. She has so far been unable to join him in Britain and accused the UK Government of cruelty and denying her the right to live with her husband. It is heartbreaking, the 34-year-old said. I am suffering from deep depression. I know that the Taliban is growing stronger and with it the threat against me becomes greater. My life is nothing without my husband. Britain is a country which believes in the rights of women and hears the voice of women but it is denying me the basic right of living with my family. Mohammadi is one of a dozen wives of ex-Afghan interpreters to have begun unprecedented legal action against the British Government to allow them to join their husbands in this country. She told our newspapers award-winning Betrayal of the Brave campaign how she fears being left behind to face Taliban revenge attacks when UK and US forces withdraw from Afghanistan by September 11. The wives accuse the Home Office of endangering their lives and unreasonably denying them the right to a family life. They are caught in a loophole because they were engaged but not yet married to their husbands when the men were granted sanctuary in the UK. This means they must apply under normal immigration and asylum rules, one requirement being that they must speak English. Had they been married at the time of relocation, the wives would have been able to join their husbands in the UK. Mohammadi (right) is one of a dozen wives of ex-Afghan interpreters to have begun legal action against the British Government to allow them to join their husbands After being allowed to live in Britain, the translators returned to Afghanistan to marry. They are now in the UK but their attempts to bring their wives to live with them have been rejected. Now lawyers for the wives have written to the Home Office giving notice that they will seek a judicial review of the decision, highlighting both the exceptional circumstances of the cases with the growing threat from the Taliban and their denial of the right to a family life. Writing on Mohammadis behalf, barrister Celia Record said: There is a risk to the family members of the interpreters who live in Afghanistan. The risk is the same whether married before relocation of the husband or afterwards. Mohammadi said: The dangers to me because of my husbands work for the UK are very clear. They will punish him by punishing me. I live in a room in hiding and fear. I submitted my request to come to England more than two years ago and was told it would take eight weeks. Two months ago, I was told it was rejected. Her husband Ahmad, 37, worked for 11 years on the frontline with the SAS and SBS. He was injured when an armoured vehicle was blown up and came to Britain in September 2016. He returned to marry Mohammadi in Afghanistan the following July. Since then, they have been battling to be together in the UK. He said: We are deeply depressed about being apart, it is so cruel after all our sacrifices. He added the Home Office was reviewing his wifes case but it would take at least three months. Sara de Jong, of the Sulha Alliance which has campaigned for translators, said: For the handful of resettled interpreters who were engaged according to cultural custom, but who couldnt marry officially before coming to safety in the UK, we need a generous arrangement to bring their wives to the UK. The inability to protect their families back in Afghanistan takes a psychological toll on the interpreters. With the Taliban gaining in strength every day, and little time left till the US and Nato withdraw, these families should be urgently reunited, to protect wives and children against revenge from insurgents. A government spokesman said: We have so far relocated over 1,500 locally employed Afghan staff and their families to the UK, with thousands more to follow in the coming months. Each application is considered on a case by case basis and handled sympathetically. Our time is running out Brekhnas marriage to Salim who spent five years on the frontline in Helmand was delayed because the Taliban kidnapped his brother. They were engaged when Salim, 31, arrived in the UK in 2016 and he returned to marry the following year. But her application to join him was rejected, with language being a major barrier. Brekhnas marriage to Salim who spent five years on the frontline in Helmand was delayed because the Taliban kidnapped his brother Brekhna, 21, said: I worry if I will ever see my husband again. I am so depressed. I am apart from my husband for more than a year, I ask him why he married me if we cant be together. It is unfair and sometimes I wonder if it is worth going on. Salim said: I have appealed to the Government for help. It is impossible for her to learn English, there are no language schools where the family live and for a woman at these times to learn English makes her a target. I have only a few months to bring my wife here. After that, it will be very hard as the Taliban will be in government and she becomes a target. I'm pregnant and trapped The wives must apply through the normal channels to move to the UK and one requirement is they have to speak English. But Rahimi says this is impossible. She is expecting her first child with her husband Fahim after he visited her for the first time in years but her application to join him was refused six weeks ago. Rahimi, 22, said its impossible to learn English at school so she is trapped there. Rahimi, 22 applied to join her husband Fahim in Britain but was rejected six weeks ago Fahim, 30, said the Taliban just does not allow it [learning]. But she is trying hard to learn from YouTube. Fahim said: These are truly exceptional circumstances the Home Office should recognise. He worked on the frontline for nearly four years and moved to the UK in 2017. Tucked away on the South-West Cornish coast, St Mawes has long had its admirers. It's the home of a trio of high-end hotels and has been voted one of the UK's hippest communities by website TravelSupermarket. Former F1 team owner Frank Williams has a home there and the place is a favourite of royalty and politicians. Hotspot: The average house in St Mawes on the Roseland Peninsula is 994,000 If that's not enough, this tiny community of 800 people is now Britain's property hotspot where house prices have soared an eye-watering 48 per cent in a year, according to the Halifax index. This makes it one of the UK's most expensive areas, alongside the likes of Sandbanks in Dorset and the second-home haven of Salcombe in Devon. Not hard to see why. First, it's in a beautiful stretch of Cornwall on the Roseland Peninsula, separated from much of the rest of the county by the River Fal. The rolling countryside, sheltered coves and pretty beaches are a sharp contrast to the craggy coastline of North Cornwall. And, as it's a hefty six-hour drive from London or the Midlands, it exudes a sense of isolation and peace. St Mawes is on the Roseland Peninsula, separated from the rest of the county by the River Fal Second, the village itself is understated and charming. The 19-room Idle Rocks hotel, owned by another ex-F1 team owner David Richards and his wife Karen is an elegant seafront building. Stroll up the hill past the vintage Shell petrol pumps that have been preserved outside a former garage, and past the St Mawes Hotel, also owned by the Richards and you reach the pristine whitewashed Hotel Tresanton. This is run by Olga Polizzi, daughter of catering tycoon Lord Forte; it's a favourite of Prince Charles and Tony Blair. Then there are St Mawes's houses. They are not cheap, with an average price of 994,000 according to Zoopla. It's not only the picture-postcard location that makes them valuable: they also tend to be much larger than those found in most Cornish ports. Instead of converted fishermen's cottages, you will find a mix of old and new houses, often detached on large plots. But the most striking thing in St Mawes is that it has little of the tourist frenzy found in Cornwall's honeypots such as St Ives, Padstow, Newquay or Truro. Instead, it's generally quiet with a few tourist galleries, a butcher's shop and a Co-op. And there's a real upmarket Continental vibe. 'Since the first lockdown there's been a trend of second homeowners moving down, often permanently. 'There are actually fewer holiday homes here than a year ago, many who own them now stay here full-time, or at least most of the time,' says Mark Wilson, director of estate agency H. Tiddy, which has a 50 per cent market share of sales in the village. He says that across the Roseland Peninsula he's sold about 40 million of homes this year alone. But not everyone is happy. There are campaigns across Cornwall to limit the number of second homes and cut back on Airbnb short-lets to reserve the maximum number of homes for local people. 'St Mawes in the summer is like the South of France,' according to one local Peter Green, one of the fishermen in the recent BBC Two series This Fishing Life, says of his hometown: 'St Mawes in the summer is like the South of France. Come here in winter and see the contrast, see the empty houses, see the dark roads where there are no lights on anywhere.' Meanwhile, some staff working in the village's pubs and restaurants complain that they have to live in Falmouth (a 40-minute scooter ride away) to find affordable homes to rent. So will the end of the maximum stamp duty holiday and the relaxing of Covid restrictions change the picture? 'I'm contacted by potential buyers every day, undeterred by the end of the main duty holiday and wanting to work from here rather than London,' says Mark Wilson. St Mawes, it appears, for good or for bad, is firmly on the map. More than 600 tons of dead, rotting fish are currently littering beaches in Tampa bay, Florida due to the toxic red tide plaguing the coast that has been made worse by climate change. A red tide is a large 'bloom' of toxic algae that appears on Florida's Gulf Coast about once a year, but these natural events are becoming even more rampant with warmer surrounding waters, which allows the microscopic alga population to flourish. Researchers first spotted fish washing up on shore in early June, which they believe was a result of powerful winds created by Tropical Storm Elsa pushing the dead vertebrates inland. 'The bay is really hurting right now,' Maya Burke, who lives in Pinellas County, told NPR. 'It's significant numbers of dead fish all up and down the food chain, from small forage fish all the way up to tarpon, manatees, dolphins. If it's swimming in the bay, right now it's washing up dead.' Scroll down for videos More than 600 tons of dead, rotting fish are currently littering beaches in Tampa bay, Florida, due to a toxic red tide plaguing the coast A red tide occurs when certain types of algae called Karenia brevis plant-like organisms that live in the watergrow out of control. The name 'red tide' comes from the fact that overgrowth of algae can cause the color of the water to turn red, as well as green or brown. City officials say this is the worst red tide they have seen since the event in 2018, which saw a bloom spread nearly 145 miles along the coast and killed larger animals like manatees and dolphins. Since the 1990s, there have only been four summertime blooms in the area: one in 1995, another a decade later in 2005 and, most recently, in 2018. Researchers first spotted fish washing up on shore in early June, which they believe was a result of powerful winds created by Tropical Storm Elsa pushing the dead creatures inland A red tide is a large 'bloom' of toxic algae that appears on Florida's Gulf Coast about once a year, but these natural events are becoming even more rampant with climate change warming surrounding waters this allows the microscopic alga population to flourish Water samples from Pinellas county, which includes St. Petersburg and Clearwater, show concentrations of red tide up to 17 times greater than the level considered 'high' 'This is not normal,' Richard Stumpf, an oceanographer at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, explained to NPR. 'The fact that it's been three years since the last one is not good.' Water samples from Pinellas county, which includes St. Petersburg and Clearwater, show concentrations of red tide up to 17 times greater than the level considered 'high', but scientists have yet to find a 'smoking gun' for the unusual blooms, said Burke. Officials have cleaned up an 600 tons of dead fish, much of it from the St. Petersburg area, but are still working to remove more - and say 'there's no end in sight.' Officials have cleaned up an 600 tons of dead fish, much of it from the St. Petersburg area, but are still working to remove more - and say 'there's no end in sight 'We scrape the beaches,' said St. Petersburg's emergency manager Amber Boulding during a news conference. 'We get it cleaned up, but as soon as those tides change, we have fish right back in. We don't know the end of it' 'We scrape the beaches,' said St. Petersburg's emergency manager Amber Boulding during a news conference. 'We get it cleaned up, but as soon as those tides change, we have fish right back in. We don't know the end of it.' As tons of fish are washing on the shore in Florida, hundreds of manatees have already died this year due to algae blooms destroying seagrass beds they eat to survive. The Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission reported that 841 manatee deaths were recorded between January 1 and July 2, breaking the previous record of 830 that died in 2013 because of an outbreak of toxic red tide. Microsoft's much-hated paperclip mascot Clippy, which frustrated users with his unwarranted advice, is coming back as an emoji. Clippy, a friendly anthropomorphic paper clip, was introduced as a 'virtual office assistant' in Microsoft Office back in 1997. The digital mascot was designed to help Microsoft Office users carry out a number of tasks by offering advice and tutorials. But it became loathed by many as a distraction and an annoyance for frequently popping up on screens unprompted and the firm killed him off in 2007. Now, Microsoft is bringing him back but not in his previous capacity as an over-eager helper. Microsoft has tweaked designs for its more than 1,800 emojis on Office, by making them more 'fluent' and three-dimensional. This includes replacing its current long, flat paperclip emoji in its suite of Office software with Clippy. The new Clippy emoji (right) will replace a pretty boring, long, flat paperclip emoji (left) in Office Microsoft is promising - or threatening, depending on how you look at it - to bring back Clippy as an emoji WHO IS CLIPPY? In 1997, Microsoft introduced its virtual assistant, Clippy, to users of Microsoft Office. The anthropomorphic paper clip would appear on-screen to help users carry out a number of tasks and provide advice. Eventually, after coming to be loathed by many, Clippy suffered its ultimate blow and was killed off by Microsoft entirely in 2007. The legacy of Clippy, however, has endured in memes, parodies, and most recently, a deleted sticker pack in Microsoft Teams. Advertisement Microsoft tweeted an updated emoji-fied photo of Clippy on Thursday with the words: 'If this gets 20k likes, well replace the paperclip emoji in Microsoft 365 with Clippy.' As of Friday morning, the tweet has nearly 163,000 likes, so the firm will have to keep its promise. Once the like count surpassed 20,000, one Twitter user replied to the company, 'Microsoft, you playin?' Microsoft tweeted back coyly: 'Wait and find out'. But Claire Anderson, art director and 'emojiologist' at Microsoft, has already confirmed his comeback in on the Microsoft Design blog post, which she used as an opportunity preview updated designs of some of its more than 1,800 emoji in total. Clippy's return comes ahead of World Emoji Day on Saturday (July 17), which often heralds emoji-themed announcements from tech companies. These refreshed designs from Microsoft, which better support 'the new landscape of work', will roll out in 'over the coming months', Anderson said in the blog post. 'We opted for 3D designs over 2D and chose to animate the majority of our emoji. 'We had to use this opportunity to make a change that only we could truly make so long flat, standard paperclip, and hello Clippy! Pictured, the original Clippy. Eventually, after coming to be loathed by many, Clippy suffered its ultimate blow and was killed off by Microsoft entirely in 2007 'Sure, we may use fewer paper clips today than we did in Clippys heyday, but we couldnt resist the nostalgic pull.' Clippy has already made a very brief comeback fairly recently in 2019, he made an appearance in a sticker pack for Microsoft's unified communications platform, Teams, and then later in the company's official Github page for Office developer. But just as easily as Microsoft brought the virtual personality back, the company's 'brand police' its marketing department took him away almost immediately. According to Adobes 2021 Global Emoji Trend Report, which also coincides with World Emoji Day, the most popular emoji worldwide is Face with Tears of Joy. Face with Tears of Joy is the favourite emoji of global emoji users around the world, according to Adobes 2021 Global Emoji Trend Report Rounding out the top five global emoji are Thumbs Up, Love Heart, Face Blowing a Kiss and Crying Face. For the report, Adobe surveyed 7,000 people in the US, the UK, Germany, France, Japan, Australia, and South Korea. It also found 55 per cent of global emoji users are more comfortable expressing emotions through emojis than phone conversations. A pregnant man and a gender neutral person wearing a crown are among the emoji set to be approved this September and coming to smartphones next year. Emojipedia, which is part of the Unicode Consortium, the central bank of all approved emoji, has revealed draft candidates for the next emoji release, Emoji 14.0. The pregnant man and pregnant person recognise that 'pregnancy is possible for some transgender men and non-binary people', Emojipedia says. The gender neutral person wearing a crown, meanwhile, comes in a range of different skin tones, as do 15 new handshake combinations. Also among the emoji are new variations of the distinctive circular yellow face Melting Face, Saluting Face, Dotted Line Face and Face Holding Back Tears. The 'version 14.0' list also includes a motorcycle tyre, a slide, a disco ball, a troll with a club, coral, kidney beans and a low battery. The 'version 14.0' list of new emoji also includes a motorcycle tyre, a slide, a disco ball, a troll with club and several different versions of a royal member wearing a crown, which vary by skin colour. MAKING NEW EMOJI The working list of emoji are determined by the California-based Unicode Consortium. Third parties can make applications in support of new emoji. Candidates must work well at emoji sizes, convey new meaning and must appear to be in demand. Patterns of existing emoji usage are used to help guide the uptake of new additions to the Unicode Standard. Advertisement The new additions have been detailed by Emojipedia prior to World Emoji Day this Saturday (July 17). 'As this is only a draft emoji list, each emoji is subject to change prior to final approval in September 2021,' Emojipedia says in a web post. 'Expect to see more about this later in the year when the final version of Unicode 14.0 and Emoji 14.0 is released on September 14.' Companies including Apple, Google and Microsoft apply stylised versions of the consortium's designs to their own operating systems. No release dates have been confirmed for the emoji on different operating systems, but they will likely be seen on all platforms by June 2022, Emojipedia says. 'Designs shown here are Emojipedia Sample Images, just one way in which these emojis might look,' it explains. 'Actual vendor designs will vary from those released by major vendors, and Emojipedia's own sample images may also be updated when Emoji 14.0 final is released.' From left: Melting Face, Face with Open Eyes and Hand Over Mouth, Face with Peeking Eye, Saluting Face, Dotted Line Face, Face with Diagonal Mouth and Face Holding Back Tears. All are among the emojis likely to be approved in September 2021 Emoji 14.0 should be approved this year by the Unicode Consortium before being rolled out next year Emojipedia has all the Emoji 14.0 designs listed with their names on its website, as well as old emojis included in previous installments. This includes all 217 emoji for version 13.1, which was finalised in September last year and is now generally available on iOS 14.5, Google Pixel devices and Twitter. Version 13.1 includes a heart on fire, a face exhaling and a face in the clouds, as well as 'couples kissing' and 'couples with heart' in more variations of skin tones and genders. Prior to this, version 13.0 introduced in 2020 added a transgender flag, a gender-neutral alternative to Santa Claus and the famous extinct dodo. According to Adobes 2021 Global Emoji Trend Report, which also coincides with World Emoji Day, the most popular emoji worldwide is Face with Tears of Joy. For the report, Adobe surveyed 7,000 people in the US, the UK, Germany, France, Japan, Australia, and South Korea. It names the three emojis that make you most likeable when chatting online with a prospective date and the three that make you the least likeable, including the highly suggestive aubergine emoji. Face with Tears of Joy is the favourite emoji of global emoji users around the world, according to Adobes 2021 Global Emoji Trend Report It also found 55 per cent of global emoji users are more comfortable expressing emotions through emojis than phone conversations. And 89 per cent of respondents agreed that emojis make it easier for them to communicate across language barriers. Also revealed prior to World Emoji Day is that Clippy, Microsoft's virtual paperclip assistant, is being brought back as an emoji on Microsoft Office. A 2,000-year-old Roman fort, and treasure trove of artefacts belonging to its inhabitants has been uncovered in Yorkshire by a team of archaeologists. Among the haul uncovered by the team excavating parts of Dere Street in Catterick, North Yorkshire, was what the experts say is Britain's earliest known pistachio. More than 62,000 objects have been recovered from the town as part of the 400 million Highways England upgrade of the A1 Leeming to Barton road. This has provided rare insights into the town, which during Roman Britain was called Cataractonium, including the civilian and military population of the time. The nut has been dated by radiocarbon dating to between AD24128, and they found it at the bottom of a well, with the shell of the nut unopened but broken up. A 2,000-year-old Roman fort, and treasure trove of artefacts belonging to its inhabitants, has been uncovered in Yorkshire by a team of archaeologists The area was likely occupied by Romans from about the first to the 5th century CE and as well as more about the known settlements, they have found evidence of previously unknown Roman locations within the area around Catterick. The finds include many rare and exotic items imported from the Mediterranean and North Africa, including incense burners, ivory bracelets, and a carnelian intaglio depicting Hercules and the lion that would have been set into a finger ring. A carved phallus on a reused bridge stone, a brooch depicting a hare and even an Anglo-Saxon dog burial were uncovered by the archaeologists digging up the site. Among the haul uncovered by the team excavating parts of Dere Street in Catterick, North Yorkshire, was what the experts say is Britain's earliest known pistachio A carved phallus (pictured) was found on a reused bridge stone by the researchers CATARACTONIUM: A ROMAN FORT Cataractonium is a fort and settlement from Roman Britain that evolved in the town of Catterick in North Yorkshire. It likely took its name from the Latin word Cataracta which means waterfall. There is evidence of pre-Roman activity in the surrounding area including those dating back to the bronze age. Theatrical masks have been found on the site, suggesting it may have had a theatre or small amphitheatre. A unique 'fist and phallus' pendant has also been found dating back to the first century in the grave of an infant. Most of the area the settlement occupied is covered by Catterick Racecourse and A1 road. Advertisement Dere Street is one of Britain's oldest roads, running for 226 miles from York and stretching up into Scotland. It was first built by the Romans. Its original Roman name has been lost to history, as the modern name is linked to the Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Deira through which the first part of the road lies. Work excavating the road was completed in 2018 and this is the result of years of research into the findings from the site, including tonnes of material. Liam Quirk, Highways England project manager of the A1 Leeming to Barton project, said the aim was to ensure that knowledge of our history is conserved. It also ensures 'our understanding of the past is enhanced and the archaeological findings are available for everyone now and in the future.' The team excavating the road site and areas surrounding it ahead of the new road being laid found 2.8 tonnes of animal bone and 2.5 tonnes of pottery. Northern Archaeological Associates (NAA) have been working to investigate remains exposed during construction over the past three years. They say their work has shed light not only on previously known Roman sites, but also revealing unknown ones, such as a roadside settlement at Scurragh House. This was found about two miles to the north of the Cataractonium settlement, together with the remains of its agricultural hinterland, and a nationally important Roman contact-period site at Scotch Corner. Dere Street is one of Britain's oldest roads, running for 226 miles from York and stretching up into Scotland. It was first built by the Romans A brooch depicting a hare (pictured) was also among the items discovered within the site Despite being a Roman development, a later Anglo-Saxon dog burial were uncovered by the archaeologists digging up the site At Cataractonium, the finds represent the civilian and military components of the town, according to the team including experts from Highways England. Analysis of these objects, along with the deposits from which they were recovered, have been used to tell the story of this important area which was likely occupied by Romans from the AD70s until the late 4th or early 5th century. Helen Maclean, Technical Director for Archaeology at AECOM, the company responsible for the road redevelopment, said this was the end of 17 years work. The area was likely occupied by Romans from about the first to the 5th century CE and as well as more about the known settlements, they have found evidence of previously unknown Roman locations within the area around Catterick A number of pieces of art and other objects have been uncovered by the digging up of the A1 BRITAIN'S OLDEST KNOWN PISTACHIO The nut was found in 2017 during construction of a over bridge across the A1 road near Carrick. The nut has been dated by radiocarbon dating to between AD24128, which is the timeframe it would have been picked rather than eaten. It was found in the bottom of a well, and was associated with Roman pottery of a type that demonstrates the nut had been deposited (dropped in) soon after AD100. The nut was around 2000 years old and was unopened when it was found. The shell was broken so it could be positively identified as a pistachio nut. During the time these nuts were extremely rare in Britain, with only a few other known examples. Because of the early date of collection and the date of the context it was recovered, this is the oldest known example of a pistachio in Britain. Advertisement 'Working with both the engineering and construction teams, we have designed the scheme to minimise impacts on the archaeology where possible, with excavation where it wasnt,' Maclean explained. 'There have been some fantastic discoveries during the archaeological work, which have greatly enhanced our archaeological knowledge.' Dr Jonathan Shipley, AECOM Principal Heritage Consultant, said the archaeological works undertaken at Cataractonium represent some of the most significant excavations undertaken of a Roman town. He said it has 'hugely increased our understanding of the development of the site.' The remains also tell the story of the people who lived in and around the town that developed alongside the Roman fort, and represents a wonderful link with the modern-day settlement that has developed because of the military camp. 'The works have also added to our understanding of the Roman road known as Dere Street, which the A1 follows in this area,' said Dr Shipley. They found 'evidence of Roman improvements to the road network mirroring current commitments of Highways England to improve this key piece of infrastructure.' The finds from the excavations are held by the Yorkshire Museum in York, where the artefacts will be kept, displayed, and available for future research and learning. The ebook Cataractonium, and other volumes associated with the A1 Leeming to Barton excavations, are available without charge from the Archaeology Data Service. Various artefacts found suggest the site was used by both military and civilians during the first century CE As well as larger objects, small rings were uncovered by the team digging up the road Advertisement A recent expedition to the Titanic has uncovered new images of the famed shipwreck, 12,500 feet beneath the surface of the North Atlantic, including the frame of a stained-glass window. Oceangate Expeditions announced Tuesday it completed the first of numerous dives to the Titanic's hull aboard Titan, a next-generation carbon-fiber-and-titanium submersible. Company president Stockton Rush called last week's dive 'the result of years of purposeful and persistent effort'. 'We had to overcome tremendous engineering, operational, business, and finally COVID-19 challenges to get here, and I am so proud of this team and grateful for the support of our many partners,' Rush said in a statement. The five-person submersible also recorded fragments of floor tile and other debris from the luxury liner, which collided with an iceberg and sank during its maiden voyage on April 15, 1912 around 11.40pm ship's time, taking the lives of more than 1,500 passengers and crew. The dive was the first of many planned to the Titanic over the next month and then annually 'to record the ship's rate of decay, study the marine life found on this artificial reef, and draft a GIS map of the artifacts found there', according OceanGate's statement. The company hopes to create a 3-D image of what remains of the ship using 4K video and cutting-edge sonar and laser technology. A frame of stained glass window belonging to the Titanic was among the finds during the recent maiden dive of Titan, Oceangate Expedition's deep-sea submersible A select number of 'aspiring mission specialists' can pay up to $150,000 to join the crew as they continue their research and documentation. The guests spend about a week aboard the Titan's support vessel, the Horizon Arctic, and get a chance to participate in a dive, GeekWire reported. One civilian participating in the venture called the six-figure price tag a bargain, relatively speaking 'Somebody paid $28million to go with Blue Origin to space, not even the moon,' Renata Rojas, of Hoboken, New Jersey, told The Columbian. 'This is cheap in comparison.' Titan also found fragments of floor tile from the Titanic in the first of many dives planned for the coming months Titan, a five-person submersible, is composed of a special titanium-and-carbon-fiber hull designed to withstand the pressures at Rojas, 53, has been fascinated by the Titanic her whole life. 'I kind of need to see it with my own eyes to know that it's really real,' she told the paper. An earlier iteration of the Titan's hull didn't pass muster with experts, who raised concerns it might not stand up to the extreme pressure on the ocean floor. OceanGate's engineers developed a new hull with guidance from NASA, according to GeekWire. Oceangate hopes to create a 3-D model of what remains of the Titanic using cutting-edge sonar and laser technology The company raised more than $18million from investors to develop the vessel and bring the expedition to fruition. The Titan 'is a superb demonstration that innovation and safety can go hand-in-hand,' said mission specialist P.H. Nargeolet, a former French naval commander and veteran submersible pilot. 'I have completed two deep dives in the Titan submersible: the first to 1,700 meters [5,600 feet] and then to the Titanic at 3,840 meters [12,600 feet]. I have tremendous confidence in this submersible and the professionalism of the OceanGate Expeditions crew.' Owned by the White Star Line, the Titanic sank on April 10, 1912, during its maiden voyage from Southampton, England, to New York. Pictured: an illustration of the Titanic's grand staircase But continued trips to the world's most famous shipwreck have stirred controversy: experts believe salvage missions and other expeditions over the decades including filmmaker James Cameron's famed dive in 2001 have further weakened the integrity of the 108-year-old hull. The landing of craft on the wreck has caused substantial deterioration to the promenade deck, with some of the more significant damage caused by Cameron's expedition, during which a submersible collided with the ship's hull. A rendering of Titan's encounter with the iconic shipwreck According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the hull of the Titanic is likely to collapse within the next 40 years. Experts worry repeated expeditions and salvage trips will only hasten that demise TIMELINE OF THE TITANIC DISASTER THAT KILLED 1,500 ON ITS MAIDEN VOYAGE IN APRIL OF 1912 Ned Parfett, the 'Titanic paperboy', outside of the White Star Line offices in London April 10, 1912 (12:00): The Titanic sets sail from Southampton to New York, calling at Cherbourg and Cork en route. April 14 (09:0022.30, ship's time): Marconi Company radio officers on the Titanic received a total of six warnings of ice in the vicinity, not all of which were passed on to the crew. April 14 (23:39): Lookout Frederick Fleet, in the crow's nest, spots an iceberg dead ahead of the ship. Turning to port, the vessel managed to avoid a direct collision, but suffered a 'glancing blow' instead. April 15 (00:05): Captain Edward Smith orders abandon ship and has radio operators issue distress signals. April 15 (02:05): The Titanic's final lifeboat is launched. Ten minutes later, the liner's angle in the water increased rapidly, ultimately reaching over 30 degrees, as water reached previously unflooded parts of the ship through deck hatches. April 15 (02:20): The Titanic finally disappeared beneath the waves, some two hours and forty minutes after striking the iceberg. Advertisement According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the hull and structure of the ship is likely to collapse within the next 40 years. In addition, private expeditions have removed artifacts of archaeological significance from the wreck and its surroundings without consulting historians. The wreckage which lies some 12,500 feet beneath the ocean's surface had previously been afforded a 'basic level of protection' by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. But its resting place in international waters had meant it was not previously covered by explicit legislation. In 2020, RMS Titanic Inc., which currently owns the sole salvage rights to the Titanic, announced plans to use three underwater robots to tear off of the ceiling to grab the ship's Marconi wireless radio. 'In the next few years the overhead is expected to collapse, potentially burying forever the remains of the world's most famous radio,' according to a document seen by The Daily Telegraph. RMS Titanic says it wants to preserve the relics before they are lost forever. Reportedly, the company would put the wireless on display at the Luxor casino in Las Vegas before taking it on a global tour. A landmark treaty gives both the US and UK the power to grant or deny licenses to companies to enter the remains of the ship and remove artifacts. The treaty was signed by the US in 2003, but was only ratified by former US secretary of state Mike Pompeo in November 2019. UK Maritime Minister Nusrat Ghani said the agreement will ensure the Titanic is treated with the 'sensitivity and respect' the ship and her passengers deserve. But RMS Titanic says it's ignoring the treaty because it has 'no teeth' and can't be enforced in US courts. At the time, Gavin Robinson, DUP MP for Belfast East, where the Titanic was built, called the plan to retrieve the wireless an attempt to 'pilfer and pillage' a historic wreck. 'I think it's important that we get behind the government and make sure that there are robust efforts in place that would frustrate the efforts of those who want to simply profiteer,' Robinson told The Telegraph. 'The idea that a vested connection would warrant pilfering and pillaging what is essentially a tomb to the sacrifice to those who were aboard Titanic, I think it's entirely misguided. 'If the detail of this agreement is not sufficiently robust to frustrate their efforts, I think that's where we need to place our attention now.' NASA has successfully performed a 'very risky' maneuver to switch the Hubble Space Telescope to its backup computer, which could pave the way for it to resume full operations soon. In an update on Friday, the US space agency said the switch 'was performed to compensate for a problem with the original payload computer that occurred on June 13 when the computer halted, suspending science data collection'. The switch, which started on Thursday, involved bringing the backup Power Control Unit (PCU) online, as well as the backup Command Unit/Science Data Formatter (CU/SDF) on the other side of the Science Instrument and Command & Data Handling (SI C&DH) unit. The PCU brings power to the SI C&DH components, while the CU/SDF sends and formats commands and data. NASA added that other pieces of hardware on the Hubble were also switched to alternate interfaces to connect to the backup SI C&DH. NASA successfully switched the Hubble Space Telescope to its backup computer, which could allow it to resume full operations soon The backup payload computer was then turned on, loaded with software and normal operations mode. Prior to Thursday's events, the backup payload computer had not been powered on since it was installed in 2009 during Hubble's last servicing mission. Safely switching to a backup unit was a 'very risky process,' NASA previously said. Between 1993 and 2009, astronauts visited Hubble five times to replace limited-life items such as batteries, gyroscopes and electronic boxes, and to install state-of-the-art science instruments. NASA said it is examining the hardware to make sure everything is in working order, including bringing the telescope's science instruments out of safe mode. This process could take more than a day to ensure everything is stable, as well as making sure the instruments are at 'stable temperatures.' Once those checks have been performed, the Hubble will then resume 'normal science operations.' Earlier this week, NASA identified the source of the problem that took the Hubble offline on June 13 a faulty power regulator in the computer's PCU. The switch involved bringing the backup Power Control Unit online, as well as the backup Command Unit/Science Data Formatter and Command & Data Handling unit. Other hardware pieces on the Hubble were also switched to alternate interfaces The backup computer was then turned on and normal operations mode started The backup computer had not been powered on since it was installed in 2009 Hubble, a joint project of NASA, the European Space Agency and the Canadian Space Agency, has been observing the universe for over three decades. Since its launch in April 1990, it's taken more than 1.5 million observations of the universe, and over 18,000 scientific papers have been published based on its data. It orbits Earth at a speed of about 17,000mph (27,300kph) in low Earth orbit at about 340 miles in altitude, slightly higher than the International Space Station (ISS). On June 14, flight controllers at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland tried to restart the computer after they noticed it stopped working on June 13, but they ran into the same issue and could not get it to operate normally. Launched in April 1990 from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Hubble is showing more and more signs of ageing, despite a series of repairs and updates by spacewalking astronauts during NASA's shuttle era. Hubble, a joint project of NASA, the European Space Agency and the Canadian Space Agency, has been observing the universe for over three decades The telescope is named after famed astronomer Edwin Hubble who was born in Missouri in 1889 and discovered that the universe is expanding, as well as the rate at which it is doing so. The Hubble recently marked its 31st anniversary in space, doing so with an image of a giant star that is 'on the edge of destruction'. The US space agency is going to replace the Hubble with $10 billion James Webb Telescope, however it has run into delays recently. Earlier this month, said it would delay James Webb because the European Space Agency-funded Ariane 5 rocket to launch it isn't ready. A NASA spokesperson told DailyMail.com last month the launch of the successor to the Hubble Space Telescope will happen 'no earlier than October 31.' It is still expected to launch for space this year and James Webb will spent at least 30 percent of its first year studying exoplanets. Earlier this month, the space agency had to dismiss fears from former NASA space shuttle pilot Clayton C Anderson that Hubble is 'beyond repair' or would be decommissioned due to the issue. The 2019 revelation that methane was found on Mars sent shockwaves throughout the scientific community, as almost all of the gas on Earth is produced by life. Now, scientists believe they have located the source and it's almost exactly where NASA's Curiosity rover is. Researchers at the California Institute of Technology used modeling techniques to determine that of the six methane spikes discovered since May 2017, the most recent is roughly a 'few dozen miles' from Curiosity, Space.com notes. Scientists believe they have located the source of methane on Mars, roughly a 'few dozen miles' from where NASA's Curiosity rover is They took the methane gas particles, split them into different groups, took wind speed, direction and traced them back to approximately where the six points of emission came from. '..[O]ur back-trajectory modeling for atmospheric transport strongly supports surface emission sites in the vicinity of the Curiosity rover in northwestern Gale crater,' researchers wrote in the study. 'This may invoke a coincidence that we selected a landing site for Curiosity that is located next to an active methane emission site.' Curiosity landed inside the Gale Crater on August 6, 2012, at a point now known as Bradbury Landing, named after famed science fiction writer Ray Bradbury. The rover made its first successful test drive on August 22, sixteen days later. So far, it has traveled over 16 miles and spent 3,179 sols (Martian days) on its mission, snapping over 800,000 pictures. Curiosity landed inside Mars' Gale Crater on August 6, 2012 at a spot now known as Bradbury Landing This view shows the first successful test drive of Curiosity on August 22, 2012 at Bradbury Landing NASAs Curiosity rover first measured a strong signal of the molecule on June 15, 2013. But, some experts questioned the reliability of the discovery. The six methane spikes were discovered by Curiosity's Tunable Laser Spectrometer (TLS), which is able to find small amounts of methane at less than one-half part per billion (ppb). One definite detection of about 15 ppb was discovered, while the others registered around 10 ppb. In 2019, both the Curiosity rover and the ESA's Mars Express spacecraft confirmed the presence of the unexpected discovery. The measurement from Curiosity found 21 parts per billion of methane in the air, three times what was found during a 2013 measurement. NASA has made sure that the methane is not from the rover itself, with the team operating it checking extensively. According to Scientific American, between 90 and 95 percent of the methane in Earth's atmosphere is 'biological in origin,' with much of it stemming from cows, goats and yak burps. Other sources include termites, rice paddies, swamps and natural gas leakage and photosynthetic plants. It's unclear if an organism burping is causing the methane detections from Curiosity, but it provides researchers with a better place to look for the gas. 'This would make this site interesting to visit, or other similar sites that could have the same properties,' Hakan Svedhem, the project scientist for the European Space Agencys Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO) said in an interview with New Scientist. On Earth, methane has a detectable life span of 330 years and then it is completely destroyed by sunlight exposure. Its presence, however, is not a definitive sign of life. As such, whatever is producing the methane may still be around, whether it's biological or geological in nature. The TGO has had trouble confirming the presence of the colorless, odorless gas in Mars' atmosphere, but that may be due to the fact it is looking during the day, whereas the Curiosity rover has detected it at night. The study was published June 3 on the preprint server Research Square and has not yet been peer-reviewed. In May, NASA said the Curiosity rover may have discovered organic, or carbon-containing, salts on Mars, which the agency said could be chemical remnants of organic compounds. Archaeologists have discovered a 19th century road while looking for unmarked graves from the Fredericksburg National Cemetery near the Battle of Fredericksburg, one of the bloodiest during the Civil War, in Virginia. The discovery, made by the Northeast Archeological Resources Program, is in addition to a brick-lined culvert, that was also unearthed at Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania County Battlefields National Military Park in northern Virginia. The road is believed to have led to the spot where a monument for the Civil War cemetery was 'proposed during the early design of the cemetery,' officials said, according to the Charlotte Observer. However, the monument was never put up and the road was eventually 'buried.' Archaeologists have discovered a 19th century road while looking for unmarked graves from a cemetery near the Battle of Fredericksburg in Virginia The road is believed to have led to the spot where the monument for the Civil War cemetery (pictured) was 'proposed during the early design of the cemetery.' However, the monument was never put up and the road was eventually 'buried' The discovery was made using radar and magnetometer surveys while the researchers were looking for unmarked graves, though none were found, the agency said in a Facebook post announcing the find. The culvert was found when the research equipment indicated 'an unknown feature' buried nearby. The excavation at Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania County Battlefields National Military Park in northern Virginia started in late June. To date, no graves of unmarked soldiers have been found, the officials added. This map created by the US Geological Survey in 1934 shows Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania County Battlefields Memorial National Military Park This map of the Battle of Fredericksburg shows the majority of the Union Army situated across the Rappahannock river, as they awaited the construction of a pontoon bridge. After they crossed, they were met with heavy opposition from Confederate soldiers who were in the hills to the west and south of the area In October of 1862, General Robert E. Lee reorganized his Army of Virginia into two corps. After being promoted to lieutenant general, Jackson took command of the second corps, leading them to a decisive victory at the Battle of Fredericksburg. At the battle, Union Army crossed over the Rappahannock River on a pontoon bridge. After they crossed, they were met with heavy opposition from Confederate soldiers who were in the hills to the west and south of the area. The Fredericksburg National Cemetery was created in July 1865 by Congress in an effort 'to honor the Federal soldiers who died on the battlefields or from disease in camp,' according to the National Park Service. More than 15,000 US soldiers are laid to rest there, most of which died in the Civil War, though there are about 100 20th century soldiers and a couple spouses. Although Fredericksburg National Cemetery has not taken in a burial since the 1940s, officials are looking for one more burial spot. According to the NPS, the new grave will house the remains of Union soldiers that were found in 2015 'near the RoweGoolrick House, which served as a hospital during the Battle of Fredericksburg,' the park said in a June 30 Facebook post. Russian archaeologists in Iraq have uncovered what they believe are the remnants of a 4,000-year-old settlement that rose from the ashes of the Babylonian empire. The 'lost city' was found June 24 in Iraq's Dhi Qar governorate, once the heart of the ancient Sumerian empire, considered one of the first civilizations in the world. 'The discovered city is an urban settlement in Tell al-Duhaila, located on the banks of a watercourse,' Alexei Jankowski-Diakonoff, a researcher at the St Petersburg Institute of Oriental Manuscripts and head of the excavation, told Al-Monitor. The team uncovered numerous artifactsincluding a rusted arrowhead, traces of tandoor stoves and clay camel statues dating back to the early Iron Age. They also found the remains of a temple wall about seven feet tall and 13 feet wide and an ancient port where both river and sea vessels would have anchored. 'This recent discovery is of paramount importance because it introduces the world to one of the Sumerian cities overlooking the seaports,' Gaith Salem, a professor of ancient history at Al-Mustansiriya University, told Al-Monitor. 'Most cities used to have a view to the sea but have turned today into a vast desert.' Russian archaeologists in southern Iraq have uncovered evidence of a settlement from 4,000 years ago, including a temple wall and an ancient port for ships to anchor Tell al-Duhaila is home to hundreds of historically important sites, including the Great Ziggurat of Ur, and has withstood the mass vandalism, looting, and intentional destruction of ancient sites in Iraq that started in the early 1990s. It's also near the city of Eridu, where, according to Sumerian legend, all life began. Jankowski-Diakonoff's team began its research in the region in 2019, with the actual field work starting in April 2021. 'The city could be the capital of a state founded following the political collapse at the end of the ancient Babylonian era,' Jankowski-Diakonoff speculated, around the middle of the second millennium BC. Researchers are still trying to create a timeline for the city's occupation: Land surveys date habitation in the site to the ancient Babylonian era, but it might go back further, to the Sumerians, given pottery pieces and statues found at the excavation 'Researching the cities of southern Mesopotamia at the end of the ancient Babylonian era and the Tell al-Duhaila site in particular opens the secret of an unknown page in the history of the oldest civilization on the planet,' he said. The site appears to offer evidence of the earliest agricultural use of silt in Mesopotamia, predating the emergence of the Sumerian civilization. Silt is granular soil left behind on riverbanksits presence allowed crops to be grown in the dry, arid region eventually known as the Fertile Crescent. Because the site has been left untouched all this time, Jankowski-Diakonoff told Al-Monitor, he expects to find cuneiform documents 'in an undisturbed archaeological context'. The 'lost city' was found June 24 in Iraq's Dhi Qar governorate, once the heart of the ancient Sumerian empire, considered one of the first civilizations in the world Jankowski-Diakonoff said based on the design and the huge blocks used to create the wall, it was most likely built during the ancient Babylonian era. 'It mainly reflects slave culture,' he said. 'The Neolithic period and Early Copper ages.' Dhi Qar antiquity director Amer Abdel Razak said land surveys date habitation on the site to the ancient Babylonian era, but it might go back further given the pottery pieces and statues the Russian mission found. An international consortium of experts from universities and museums will descend on Dhi Qar in October. Salem urged resources continue to be devoted to archaeological work in the region, 'to unearth the treasures of history, which are not important only to Iraq, but all humanity'. Scientists have long known that humans, Neanderthals and Denisovans share some DNA, but new findings suggest that just a tiny portion of a person's genome is shared with other humans. Between 1.5 and 7 percent of the modern human genome is 'uniquely human,' according to the new study, and not shared with our ancient ancestors, putting scientists firmer in the camp that the three species are not so different at all. 'That's a pretty small percentage,' University of California computational biologist and co-author of the new paper Nathan Schaefer told the Associated Press. 'This kind of finding is why scientists are turning away from thinking that we humans are so vastly different from Neanderthals.' The research looked at DNA from 279 people around the world and fossilized extracts from two 'high-coverage' Neanderthal genomes, as well as one 'high-coverage' Denisovan genome that date back to around 40,000 or 50,000 years ago. Scientists already know that modern people share some DNA with Neanderthals, but different people share different parts of the genome. One goal of the new research was to identify the genes that are exclusive to modern humans. It's a difficult statistical problem, and the researchers 'developed a valuable tool that takes account of missing data in the ancient genomes,' said University of Wisconsin-Madison paleoanthropologist John Hawks, who was not involved in the study. The research was published Friday in the journal Science Advances. This Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2003 file photo shows a reconstructed Neanderthal skeleton (right) and a modern human skeleton on display at the Museum of Natural History in New York. According to a new study, just 7 percent of the human genome is uniquely shared with other humans To come up with their findings, the researchers used gene editing tools ancestral recombination graph (ARG) inference, an ARG-based algorithm known as SARGE (Speedy Ancestral Recombination Graph Estimator) The research looked at DNA from 279 people around the world and fossilized extracts from two 'high-coverage' Neanderthal genomes, as well as one 'high-coverage' Denisovan genome that date back to around 40,000 or 50,000 years ago Over the past 600,000 years, researchers found that adaptive changes specific to modern humans include brain development and function. To come up with their findings, the researchers used gene editing tools ancestral recombination graph (ARG) inference, an ARG-based algorithm known as SARGE (Speedy Ancestral Recombination Graph Estimator). They also used brain models to understand neural functions 'to determine what was selected in our human ancestors after divergence from our most closely related, extinct relatives.' The smaller fraction of the genome, 1.5 percent, is both unique to modern humans and shared among people currently walking the planet. It's possible that tiny fraction of the DNA genome could have a significant impact on what differentiates modern humans. 'We can tell those regions of the genome are highly enriched for genes that have to do with neural development and brain function,' study co-author and University of California, Santa Cruz computational biologist Richard Green told the AP. In February, researchers found that three genes inherited from Neanderthals, OAS1, OAS2 and OAS3, reduced the risk of severe complications from COVID-19 by 22 percent. Previous research has found eight genetic locations spread across five chromosomes (3, 6, 12, 19 and 21) which are 'associated with risk of requiring intensive care upon SARS-CoV-2 infection'. However, the new analysis shows only those found at chromosome 3 and 12 come from Neanderthals (pictured). Chromosome 12 contains three genes which help fight Covid and slash risk of severe infection by 22% In 2010, Green helped produce the first draft sequence of a Neanderthal genome. In 2014, geneticist Joshua Akey co-wrote a paper showing that modern humans carry some remnants of Neanderthal DNA. Since then, scientists have continued to refine techniques to extract and analyze genetic material from fossils, including the 2018 discovery that DNA tests showed humans and Neanderthals interbred 'many times' over a period of 35,000 years. Pictured is a map showing how humans, Neanderthals and Denisovans might have migrated from Africa and eventually interbred WHEN DID HUMAN ANCESTORS FIRST EMERGE? The timeline of human evolution can be traced back millions of years. Experts estimate that the family tree goes as such: 55 million years ago - First primitive primates evolve 15 million years ago - Hominidae (great apes) evolve from the ancestors of the gibbon 7 million years ago - First gorillas evolve. Later, chimp and human lineages diverge A recreation of a Neanderthal man is pictured 5.5 million years ago - Ardipithecus, early 'proto-human' shares traits with chimps and gorillas 4 million years ago - Ape like early humans, the Australopithecines appeared. They had brains no larger than a chimpanzee's but other more human like features 3.9-2.9 million years ago - Australoipithecus afarensis lived in Africa. 2.7 million years ago - Paranthropus, lived in woods and had massive jaws for chewing 2.6 million years ago - Hand axes become the first major technological innovation 2.3 million years ago - Homo habilis first thought to have appeared in Africa 1.85 million years ago - First 'modern' hand emerges 1.8 million years ago - Homo ergaster begins to appear in fossil record 800,000 years ago - Early humans control fire and create hearths. Brain size increases rapidly 400,000 years ago - Neanderthals first begin to appear and spread across Europe and Asia 300,000 to 200,000 years ago - Homo sapiens - modern humans - appear in Africa 50,000 to 40,000 years ago - Modern humans reach Europe Advertisement 'Better tools allow us to ask increasingly more detailed questions about human history and evolution,' said Akey, who is now at Princeton and was not involved in the new research. He praised the methodology of the new study. DailyMail.com reported in June that DNA discovered in a Siberian cave suggested early modern humans lived alongside Denisovans and Neanderthals at least 44,000 years ago. A similar discovery was made in a Tibetan cave in October 2020, showing Denisovan DNA. However, Alan Templeton, a population geneticist at Washington University in St. Louis, questioned the authors' assumption that changes in the human genome are randomly distributed, rather than clustered around certain hotspots within the genome. The findings underscore 'that we're actually a very young species,' said Akey. 'Not that long ago, we shared the planet with other human lineages.' In February 2020, researchers concluded that a 'super-archaic' human mated with the primitive ancestor of Denisovans and Neanderthals, 700,000 years ago, the earliest known episode of interbreeding between the species. In August 2020, researchers revealed that DNA from an unknown ancient ancestor of humans that bred with Denisovans is still around today. Adidas have been forced to correct an embarrassing error on their latest Manchester United kit launch, after Red Devils star Millie Turner pointed out how she had been misidentified as 'Amy Turner'. The United defender, who has been at the club for three years and an adidas athlete for two of those, appeared less than impressed as she highlighted the club's kit suppliers' error on Thursday. The 25-year-old was a part of the club's new home kit launch and was seen modelling the iconic red shirt and white shorts to promote it. Manchester United's Millie Turner was misidentified in adidas' kit launch for the club In adidas' 'never forget where you came from' kit launch campaign, Millie Turner was identified as her former United team-mate 'Amy Turner' However, an eagle-eyed Turner, who is a household name in the Women's Super League, spotted the glaring error before bringing the sportswear giants corrected their mistake over social media. The picture of Millie had the name 'Amy Turner' displayed along the side of it, and the screenshot was accompanied by a message to her 32,400 Twitter followers, saying: 'Considering I've been at Manchester United for three years and an adidas athlete for two... You'd like to think adidas would get my name right.' That was followed by a 'hand over face' emoji . Turner appeared less than impressed as she highlighted adidas' error over Twitter on Thursday The 25-year-old's fellow defender Amy Turner also played for United for the past three years, before joining Orlando Pride last month. While the error of misidentifying one of your own athletes is fairly embarrassing, the irony of the campaign's tagline 'never forget where you came from' takes it to another level. Adidas quickly amended the mistake on their website soon after it was pointed out to them by the United defender before issuing an apology in a response to her initial tweet. Adidas responded: 'Millie, we messed up and were gutted. You're part of the adidas family and we want to make amends. Lets get some new shirts out to your biggest fans. Let us know who and well deliver.' The sportswear giants wanted to make up for the mistake after it was pointed out to them However, past and present players, including Amy Turner and Jess Sigsworth, condemned adidas for the glaring error Turner's original tweet went viral with a number of past and present players commenting on the post. Former United player Jess Sigsworth wrote: 'Outstanding player, outstanding person and they still can't get her name right. That would only happen to female players #MustDoBetter' The player who adidas mistook Turner for, Amy Turner, mocked the company, writing: ''NeVeR FoRgEt WhErE yOu CaMe FrOm' We must do better!' And Blackburn Rovers star Natasha Fenton wrote: 'It's like big brands are just going through the motions to 'support' and 'promote' female athletes. It comes across as if they are doing it just because society says so. Shame on you adidas.' Manchester United are reportedly close to finalising a sensational double swoop to strengthen their defence with the signings of Raphael Varane and Kieran Trippier. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has identified his back four as the weakest area of his squad but may have finally found his ideal defensive partner for Harry Maguire in the Real Madrid centre-back, Varane. England's Euro 2020 hero Trippier is also expected to join from Atletico Madrid, which according to the Sun will cost the Red Devils around 68million for the duo. Raphael Varane (left) and Kieran Trippier are reportedly set for Manchester United moves The 68million move for the pair would see Ole Gunnar Solskjaer bolster his United defence Varane is expected to make up 50million of the cost as he enters the last year of his contract at Real, who will be keen not to lose him on a free transfer following the exit of his centre-back partner Sergio Ramos this summer. Ramos had been a stalwart of the Madrid side since 2005 but was allowed to leave on a free transfer to join Paris Saint-Germain following the expiry of his contract. The Express claim United's personal terms with Varane are 'all but agreed', leaving United 'hopeful' that they can complete a move for the 28-year-old by the end of next week. Varane would slot into centre-back to partner England international Harry Maguire Should the deals go through it would take United's summer spending to over 140million pending the expected 73million arrival of Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund It will be a move long in the waiting at Old Trafford with Sir Alex Ferguson having tried to sign the France star 10 years ago, before Madrid pipped him to his signature, while they also made a bid in 2018. Trippier is also keen to move to Old Trafford following two successful years at the Wanda Metropolitano where this summer he won LaLiga title with Atletico. The former Tottenham right-back is pushing for a move back to the Premier League though and he gives Solskjaer many options given the 30-year-old's ability to play left-back too as well as wing-back. Trippier's arrival would raise doubts over the future of Aaron Wan-Bissaka whose ball distribution and defending from crosses has marked him as a potential weak link at right-back. Trippier would join United having just won LaLiga title with Atletico Madrid However, Solskjaer is keen to explore the possibility of moving Wan-Bissaka into a back-three and more central role. Should both moves go through it would take United's summer spending to well over 140million pending the expected arrival of Jadon Sancho as they look to build on their runners-up finish last term to Manchester City, and launch a title challenge for the upcoming season. Trippier's international team-mate is expected to be confirmed a United player in the coming days having agreed a five-year-deal, with the 73m transfer from Borussia Dortmund set to be announced following a medical. But he could displace Aaron Wan-Bissaka who could be moved centrally into a back three Meanwhile, Atletico are ready to join the race to sign Jesse Lingard if United decide to let him go this summer according to reports. The 28-year-old has reported back for pre-season training at Old Trafford amid doubts over his future, following a successful loan spell at West Ham last term. West Ham are still keen on signing Lingard, with the England star keen to move in the search of regular game time. Rachael Blackmore has been rushed to hospital after the Grand National hero injured her leg following a horror fall on Friday. The 32-year-old crashed to the turf after falling off 11-10 favourite Merry Poppins during a race at Killarney racecourse in Ireland on Friday. Her mount stumbled over a hurdle and fell heavily on the trailblazing jockey, who had to be taken to hospital because of her injuries. Blackmore has made a huge splash over the last 12 months, having won at the Grand National and also being crowned top jockey at the Cheltenham Festival. Rachael Blackmore (circled) suffered a nasty fall while riding Merry Poppins on Friday The 32-year-old's mount fell heavily on her leg during Friday's races at Killerney (not pictured) 'Rachael Blackmore is being taken to Tralee Hospital for further assessment on an upper leg injury following a fall in Race 4 at Killarney,' a statement from Dr Richard Downey, who was at the race track, said. 'She is fully conscious.' Racing TV reporter Kevin Ryan said: 'Rachael has been moved into the ambulance and taken to hospital with an upper leg injury. 'She is fully conscious and can move everything. She had to be stabilised by the on-course medics before she could be moved.' Blackmore had won a race just 35 minutes before her accident, winning by a nose with 8-1 Baltinglass Hill. She was unable to continue racing for the day following the fall. Blackmore won the Grand National earlier this year and was named top jockey at Cheltenham Racing punters have wished Blackmore a speedy recovery after Friday's incident, with no update made as to the condition of the horse as of yet. One fan wrote on Twitter: 'Nasty fall for Rachael Blackmore at Killarney. Hope she is okay.' Another said: 'Pretty horrible fall for Merry Poppins and Rachael Blackmore at Killarney, fingers crossed.' One comment read: 'Hope she is OK! The high and lows of racing. Sending her well wishes for a speedy recovery.' Kyle Richards and Betsy Brandt are currently set to star in the upcoming Peacock original movie The Real Housewives of the North Pole. The reality television personality, 52, and the Breaking Bad actress, 48, will fill the lead roles in the forthcoming Christmas-themed feature, which is set to make its debut later this year. The film will also serve as Peacock's very first original holiday movie after the streaming service made its debut in July 2020. Holiday spirit: Kyle Richards and Betsy Brandt are set to costar in the upcoming Peacock original movie The Real Housewives of the North Pole; Kyle seen in June The feature will follow friends Trish and Diana, who serve as the Christmas Queens of North Pole, Vermont, and have won their town's Best Holiday House decorating competition for nine years straight. When a friendship-ending argument drives the two apart, a major divide in the town occurs regarding supporters of the former pals. Their situation is only exacerbated when a reporter picks up on the story and begins writing an expose on the pair entitled 'Real Housewives of the North Pole.' The upcoming feature will be helmed by director Ron Oliver from a script written by Tippi, Neal and Spyder Dobrofsky. Making history: The forthcoming feature is set to serve as the Peacock streaming service's very first original holiday movie; Brandt is seen in 2019 Storyline: The film will be centered on two friends whose dispute threatens to drive a town apart; Richards is seen at the 2021 MTV Movie & TV Awards The project initially entered development with the intention of turning it into a series, although the producers later changed the concept to adapt the story as a film. Physical production on The Real Housewives of the North Pole will begin later this month in Utah. The forthcoming feature is currently set to be released later this year, although an exact debut date has not been determined as of yet. On Thursday, Richards shared a photo of a custom folding chair that featured both her name and her character's to her Instagram account. Behind the scenes: On Thurday, Richards shared an image of a custom folding chair that featured both her name and the name of her charater The reality television mainstay expressed that she was 'so excited about this new project' in the photo's caption. In a separate post, she noted that she was 'happy to be working' with Brant, whom she described as 'incredible.' The Real Housewives franchise has proven to be one of the most successful on the streaming service, with many of its shows having been made available in the year since its initial launch. An upcoming spinoff from the franchise, which will be focused on various Housewives vacationing together, will premiere on Peacock in the near future. Serious business: The Real Housewives franchise has proven to be wildly successful on Peacock, where a vacation-themed spinoff of the reality television empire is set to premiere in the near future Development on the program was initially announced this past winter, with numerous cast members from the franchise, including Teresa Giudice, Kenya Moore and Richards, set to appear. The series was filmed in Turks and Caicos earlier in the spring, and various castmates shared snaps from their tropical getaway during the show's filming process. Bravo will closely monitor the reception of the forthcoming program to see if any similar crossover concepts would be welcomed by audiences. The upcoming Real Housewives spinoff series does not currently have a release date. Josh O'Connor, who has won widespread acclaim for his portrayal of the Prince of Wales in The Crown, said there was a 'special beauty' about the love scenes in his new film, Mothering Sunday, because they were shot during the pandemic, at a time when simply touching another person felt illicit. The actor, who has just been nominated for an Emmy award for his Charles, appears alongside Odessa Young (a blazing new screen artist) in Mothering Sunday. In the picture, set six years after the Great War, he plays Paul Sheringham, a young man racked with survivor's guilt and the trauma of losing siblings and friends on the battlefield. Young, a 23-year-old Australian based in Brooklyn, plays Jane, a housemaid who goes on to become a literary giant with whom Paul embarks on a passionate affair, while engaged to another woman. Josh O'Connor, who has won widespread acclaim for his portrayal of the Prince of Wales in The Crown, said there was a 'special beauty' about the love scenes in his new film, Mothering Sunday, because they were shot during the pandemic, at a time when simply touching another person felt illicit The actor, who has just been nominated for an Emmy award for his Charles, appears alongside Odessa Young (a blazing new screen artist) in Mothering Sunday 'He can be totally naked physically, but also emotionally, with Jane; vulnerable in a way he can't be with anyone else,' the 31-year-old told me at a penthouse apartment in Cannes, a stone's throw from where the picture premiered the night before. The safety protocols on the film, directed by Eva Husson and produced by Elizabeth Karlsen and Stephen Woolley, were stringent. 'You're tested and they go: 'You've got three hours . . . let's go! Let's do a sex scene'.' O'Connor said one of the worst aspects of Covid was the fact that touching a hug, a kiss became verboten. 'So the beauty of being able to touch and be intimate was so special for the film and for us, the actors. I really love those scenes.' Unusually for nowadays, there was no 'intimacy advisor'. O'Connor, Young and director Husson mapped out the scenes themselves. O'Connor said one of the worst aspects of Covid was the fact that touching a hug, a kiss became verboten The safety protocols on the film, directed by Eva Husson and produced by Elizabeth Karlsen and Stephen Woolley, were stringent. Above: Sope Dirisu as Donald (left) and Young as Jane Ms Young's character is seen with Colin Firth as Mr Niven, as O'Connor sits behind Olivia Colman also stars in the film, as Mrs. Niven (pictured above with Young's Jane Fairchild 'There's not that much sex,' he said. 'It's either post coital, or there's a lot of nudity . . . with them just existing, naked, in the same space, which is really sad and vulnerable.' There's not much dialogue in those scenes; and yet they are tremendously eloquent. Lest you think, by the way, that O'Connor only plays posh young men, he appears as a former drug addict, opposite Letitia Wright, in another film, Aisha, being sold to distributors in Cannes. The actor will soon begin working on the first of three pictures he'll shoot in North America over the next 12 months two of them in New York. Another project involves Francis Lee, who directed O'Connor's breakthrough film God's Own Country. O'Connor's portrayal of a young Prince Charles in The Crown has received plaudits Another project involves Francis Lee, who directed O'Connor's breakthrough film God's Own Country Lee has written the screenplay for the untitled film, about which O'Connor would say little, apart from the fact that it's seasonal, and 'requires a lot of snow'. He's now left Cannes, bound for a break in Mexico before filming in the U.S. and a possible premiere at the Telluride Film Festival for Mothering Sunday. While in Mexico, he told me he plans to start writing his first film, which he's developing with the British Film Institute. It's inspired by, but not about, his grandmother, to whom he was close. Having not seen her during lockdown, apart from on Zoom, he was allowed to see her a few weeks ago, through a window at her care home. She died two days later. 'She was really magic; a special person,' he said. Yes I Cannes, says Little Miss Sunshine The capacity audience inside the Grand Theatre Lumiere in Cannes stirred in anticipation as they watched Matt Damon's progress on the red carpet outside on a giant screen. Accompanied by Camille Cottin (the breakout star of French comedy-drama Call My Agent!) and other cast members of his new movie Stillwater, Damon headed slowly up the steps and into the auditorium. The buzz, though, was all along the lines of: Who is that blonde goddess in the emerald green gown? People (like me) did a double take when they realised it was Abigail Breslin, Oscar nominated at the age of nine for her role as Olive, the girl who wanted to be a junior beauty pageant queen, in Little Miss Sunshine. (I remembered seeing her when it opened at the 2006 Sundance Film Festival). In Stillwater Breslin plays Allison, a French-language student from Oklahoma, who was studying in Marseille but is now in jail for murdering her girlfriend though she insists she's innocent. At the Grand Theatre Lumiere in Cannes, as cast members of new movie Stillwater headed up the steps into the auditorium, the buzz was all along the lines of: Who is that blonde goddess in the emerald green gown? People (like me) did a double take when they realised it was Abigail Breslin Damon plays Bill, her bull-in-a-china-shop father; a man way out of his depth as he takes on the local judicial authorities, in an attempt to free his daughter. Damon is superb. So is Cottin and Lilou Siauvaud, who plays her daughter. But my eye kept being drawn to Breslin. In one particular scene she's on a day release from jail. She and her dad are walking along Marseille's rocky shoreline. And then Allison begins to speak of how humiliated and hurt she felt during the intense relationship she had with the dead young woman. I keep replaying that moment in my head, because Breslin is breathtaking. When I told her this, she laughed and said the reason she's emotional in the shot isn't just because of director Tom McCarthy's visceral screenplay. Breslin was Oscar nominated at the age of nine for her role as Olive, the girl who wanted to be a junior beauty pageant queen, in Little Miss Sunshine In Stillwater Breslin plays Allison, a French-language student from Oklahoma, who was studying in Marseille but is now in jail for murdering her girlfriend though she insists she's innocent The truth is: she was desperate to get to the bathroom. 'I really had to pee! And that helped me cry,' she admitted when we met a few days later in a suite at the swanky JW Marriott hotel with its sweeping, two-storey marble staircase and Riviera views. 'Also, I was talking about how humiliated Allison had been feeling and everybody can relate to that feeling of being so hurt.' Breslin spent two and a half months filming in the French port city, and (like her character) often felt isolated, though her boyfriend did manage to fly in for visits. Her French in the film is impeccable. Breslin smiled and said that when offered the part, she was asked if she could drive, swim and speak French like a native. 'I can swim!' she replied. But intensive language lessons began immediately at her home in Los Angeles, and continued overseas on location. Matt Damon plays Bill, her bull-in-a-china-shop father; a man way out of his depth as he takes on the local judicial authorities, in an attempt to free his daughter. Damon is superb. So is Cottin and Lilou Siauvaud, who plays her daughter. Above: Breslin with Siauvaud, Damon, Camille Cottin and director Tom McCarthy 'I worked with a tutor in France every night, saying the lines over . . . and over.' At the premiere, she feared she'd be rumbled. 'This whole French audience is going to be like: 'Stupid American!' ' But not a bit of it. 'She's the real deal,' Damon said, admiringly, of his co-star, when we chatted briefly. The film's a thriller of sorts, but also an astute study of the dysfunctional American family, forced against its will into action. Breslin noted that Americans can sometimes cling to the familiar 'because it's scary to take a risk and step out of our comfort zone'. Breslin starred as the youngest member of the Hess family in 2002 film Signs 'Over here (in Europe), they're more willing to experience new things. Whereas in America, we like to stay a little bit more in our bubble.' Not Breslin, though. She has just shot a film called Slayers, which she described as a 'self-aware horror comedy' about social media influencers . . . and vampires. She's also written and directed a television comedy called Hitbaby. And, under her rock music alias Sophomore, she has released a new single called Steve McQueen. 'I can't ever stick with doing one thing at a time,' she said. I reckon she may have to fit in a busy awards season, too. Stillwater is in cinemas on August 6. Night Honor discovered that mum Tilda is an alien There was something enormously touching in the sight of Honor Swinton Byrne queuing up, in Cannes, to watch a Classics screening of Peter Wollen's 1987 sci-fi marvel Friendship's Death, starring Fleabag's Bill Paterson . . . and her mother, Tilda Swinton. Paterson plays a war reporter in conversation with an extra-terrestrial(that would be mum, left) in the film, which has been painstakingly restored by the British Film Institute. Earlier, I had seen mother and daughter playing mother and daughter in Joanna Hogg's The Souvenir: Part II. There was something enormously touching in the sight of Honor Swinton Byrne queuing up, in Cannes, to watch a Classics screening of Peter Wollen's 1987 sci-fi marvel Friendship's Death, starring Fleabag's Bill Paterson . . . and her mother, Tilda Swinton (above) For me, that picture (a follow-up to 2019's cult hit The Souvenir) is one of the year's best so far; and the energy the pair project is heaven for film fans. 'I made Friendship's Death long before I had Honor,' Tilda told me. 'But I was around the same age Honor is now, maybe a couple of years older.' Swinton is 60, while her daughter is 23; and she and I calculated that we'd known each other since her earliest days, making films with Derek Jarman. 'It all brings together the history of our lives and of cinema,' she declared, of the fact that both titles were being shown at the festival. All of which was going through my head as I watched The Souvenir: Part II, which pays homage to artists such as Jarman, Orson Welles, Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger. Tilda was in Cannes with four other films, including Mark Cousins's great documentary The Storms Of Jeremy Thomas (about the legendary British producer); Wes Anderson's The French Dispatch and Apichatpong Weerasethakul's Memoria. Earlier, I had seen mother and daughter playing mother and daughter in Joanna Hogg's The Souvenir: Part II Now Noemie's a lady on fire with a camera French actress Noemie Merlant, who won acclaim at the Cannes Film Festival in 2019 for the arthouse hit Portrait Of A Lady On Fire, strode up a flight of wooden steps in her Christian Louboutin heels and designer shorts to a rooftop terrace with a stunning view of the clear blue sky and verdant mountains. She had two friends in tow: Gimi Covaci, a young Romanian-born but Paris-based actor, and Sanda Codreanu, who studied drama with Merlant in Paris a decade ago. They were wearing seriously impressive designer trainers. The kind you have to take out a mortgage for. The trio sipped espressos and smoked Marlboros as we chatted about Merlant's film Mi Iubita, Mon Amour. The first part of the title means 'My Love' in Romanian. French actress Noemie Merlant, who won acclaim at the Cannes Film Festival in 2019 for the arthouse hit Portrait Of A Lady On Fire, strode up a flight of wooden steps in her Christian Louboutin heels and designer shorts to a rooftop terrace with a stunning view of the clear blue sky and verdant mountains The movie, Merlant's first as a feature director, grew out of her friendship with Covaci, whom she met when both were working on a short film she directed called Shakira in Paris a couple of years ago. He invited her and three of her girlfriends to his family's home in Romania for a summer of fun; and Merlant decided to turn the trip into a film shoot. She developed a story about four women from Paris who are rescued by a young man who allows them to stay at his Roma family's home when their car breaks down. The girls share one room and for a few days become part of the family. Which is pretty much what happened in real life. Merlant explained that in the story, 'there are no gender and cultural barriers... it's just about sharing emotion'. 'We are all the same men and women,' she declared. We agreed to continue that conversation one day, over lunch in Paris. Bumped into my old friend (we didn't start out that way) Sean Penn at a midnight soiree over at the Martinez Terrace, following the premiere of his latest film Flag Day. It stars his daughter Dylan . . . playing his daughter (there's definitely a familial theme here this year). By this time he'd discarded his black tie and was dressed down, in denim. I asked him what he was doing next, meaning projects. 'I'm getting myself drunk, which is what I'm doing next,' he responded merrily. Didn't see Dylan at the bash. But I'd certainly like to see her in more movies. He may be one of Hollywood's most desirable men, but it seems even Hugh Jackman is not immune to getting stood up. The X-Men star, 52, was trolled on Thursday when he shared a photo to Instagram of himself sitting at a cafe in New York City, with an empty chair in front of him. He jokingly asked his followers in the caption what they thought had happened, writing: 'A) got stood up? B) got the date wrong?' It was Ryan Reynolds, wasn't it?' Hugh Jackman, 52, was trolled on Thursday after getting 'stood up' at a cafe in New York City 'It was Ryan Reynolds, wasn't it?' one fan responded, while another commented: 'Has that Ryan Reynolds let you down again?' Others said it must have been option B, with one asking: 'Who in their right mind would ever bail on you?' However, the general consensus was that Ryan, 44, was the culprit given the longstanding joke feud between the two actors. Riddle: The X-Men star, 52, shared a photo to Instagram of himself sitting at a cafe with an empty chair in front of him asked his followers what they thought had happened Frenemies: The general consensus was that Ryan Reynolds (pictured) was the culprit given the longstanding joke feud between the two actors The men often make jokes at each other's expense on social media, which they've done for years since starring together in X-Men Origins: Wolverine. Hugh returned to America at the beginning of last week after his trip to Australia was cut short by Sydney's Covid outbreak. On Wednesday, The Prestige star visited New York's The Edge observation deck - the highest of its kind in the Western Hemisphere. On top of the world: Hugh returned to America at the beginning of last week after his trip to Australia was cut short by Sydney's Covid outbreak. On Wednesday, The Prestige star visited New York's The Edge observation deck - the highest of its kind in the Western Hemisphere 'Yesterday, I went on a journey to The Edge,' Jackman said in a video as he marvelled at the stunning view of the New York skyline. He also showed his followers another attraction, the Vessel, which is a structure that features hundreds of flights of stairs built in a honeycomb shape. In the video he abruptly turned to his wife, Deborra-Lee Furness, telling her they should walk it and do a 'stairs workout'. Gigi Hadid beamed in an all-white ensemble while strutting through Manhattan's SoHo neighborhood on Thursday. The 26-year-old IMG Model - who relies on stylist Mimi Cuttrell - looked sophisticated in a snug blouse tucked into matching pleated pants, and off-white heels. Gigi (born Jelena) also accessorized her daytime attire with a patterned purse, red belt, several necklaces, and orange rectangular gradient sunglasses. Summer shade: Gigi Hadid beamed in an all-white ensemble while strutting through Manhattan's SoHo neighborhood on Thursday Hadid styled her red-tinged locks in middle-parted waves and she applied a pink shade on her lips for her solo outing. The half-Jordanian, half-Dutch American shares a $5.8M three-bedroom apartment in NoHo with her babydaddy Zayn Malik and their 10-month-old daughter Khai. Gigi's last major modeling gig was storming the runway for the Marc Jacobs FW/21 presentation at the New York Public Library on June 28. On Thursday, Hadid announced she narrated Paxton Hall-Yoshida's (Darren Barnet) thoughts in the third episode - titled '... opened a textbook' - of the 10-episode second season of Netflix's Never Have I Ever. Friendly wave: The 26-year-old IMG Model - who relies on stylist Mimi Cuttrell - looked sophisticated in a snug blouse tucked into matching pleated pants, and off-white heels All in the details: Gigi (born Jelena) also accessorized her daytime attire with a patterned purse, red belt, several necklaces, and orange rectangular gradient sunglasses Natural beauty: Hadid styled her red-tinged locks in middle-parted waves and she applied a pink shade on her lips for her solo outing Family-of-three: The half-Jordanian, half-Dutch American shares a $5.8M three-bedroom apartment in NoHo with her babydaddy Zayn Malik and their 10-month-old daughter Khai In demand: Gigi's last major modeling gig was storming the runway for the Marc Jacobs FW/21 presentation at the New York Public Library on June 28 'Had the BEST time getting to narrate a new episode of @neverhaveiever - I got your back, Pax!' the Malibu-born beauty - who boasts 83.6M social media followers - wrote. 'Check out Season 2, NOW on @netflix! Big love to @mindykaling & the whole NHIE team!' Gigi replaced disgraced influencer Chrissy Teigen in the voiceover role after she dropped out on June 5 over her cyberbullying scandal. 'Now streaming!' On Thursday, Hadid announced she narrated Paxton Hall-Yoshida's (Darren Barnet) thoughts in the third episode - titled '... opened a textbook' - of the 10-episode second season of Netflix's Never Have I Ever The Malibu-born beauty - who boasts 83.6M social media followers - wrote: 'Had the BEST time getting to narrate a new episode of @neverhaveiever - I got your back, Pax!' 'Chrissy Teigen has decided to step away': Gigi replaced disgraced influencer Chrissy Teigen (R) in the voiceover role after she dropped out on June 5 over her cyberbullying scandal 'Chrissy Teigen has decided to step away from a guest voiceover role in one episode of the upcoming second season of Never Have I Ever,' a spokesperson told EW in a statement at the time. 'The role is expected to be recast.' The coming-of-age dramedy about a modern-day first generation Indian American teenage girl was inspired by co-creator Mindy Kaling's own childhood in Boston. Filming for series two of Netflix hit Bridgerton has reportedly been halted after a crew member 'tested positive for Covid'. Production on the show is said to have immediately ground to a halt, with all cast and crew tested while bosses staged a crisis meeting to determine when it is safe to continue work. The case is said to have worried Netflix bosses who are about to start work on another one of their grand productions, The Crown. 'It's a logistical nightmare': Bridgerton series two filming has been 'halted after a crew member tested positive for Covid' (pictured: show star Phoebe Dyvenor as Daphne Bridgerton) A TV insider told The Sun that the vast cast and crew needed for the period dramas has caused 'a logistical nightmare in terms of trying to keep staff safe, prevent an outbreak or contain one when it's been identified. 'It's also a headache for producers because removing cast or crew and putting them into isolation means they have to be replaced at short notice, and that's not always possible. 'Netflix have gone to great lengths to ensure all the relevant measures are in place on Bridgerton... That doesn't bode well for filming of The Crown.' MailOnline has contacted Netflix for comment. Hard at work: Production for season two of raunchy hit Bridgerton was first seen getting underway at the historic Old Naval College at the University of Greenwich in May Back in January, show star Phoebe Dyvenor expressed her concerns about filming series two amid the pandemic. 'I cant imagine how it would be possible to film under these circumstances,' she told Deadline. 'There are so many extras and so many crew members, and its a very intimate show. It just baffles me how we would film it under COVID rules unless there was a vaccine beforehand.' Production for season two of raunchy hit Bridgerton was first seen getting underway at the historic Old Naval College at the University of Greenwich in May. Take a break: Production on the show is said to have immediately ground to a halt, with all cast and crew tested while bosses staged a crisis meeting to determine when it is safe to continue work (pictured: Rege Jean-Page as the Duke of Hastings and Phoebe) Bridgerton is Netflix's most-watched series ever, as more than 82million households tuned in to watch after its release on Christmas Day last year. The first season focused on the romance between Daphne Bridgerton, played by Phoebe, and Simon, Duke of Hastings, the role which Rege-Jean Page bade farewell to in April to the dismay of his many fans. Bridgerton has been renewed for a second, third and fourth season with Netflix, and the next season is based on Julia Quinn's second Bridgerton novel The Viscount Who Loved Me. The second season will shift the focus to Daphne's brother Anthony Bridgerton (Jonathan Bailey), who will go on the hunt for a suitable bride when he meets sisters Kate (Simone Ashley) and Edwina (Charithra Chandran) Sheffield, renamed Sharma for the show. While he tries to pursue Edwina he finds himself becoming attracted to Kate instead, despite the fact they are often at odds with each other. A release date has yet to be announced. Addison Rae had an unlikely run-in with former president Donald Trump over the weekend as the pair each attended the star-studded UFC 264 fight in Las Vegas. The 20-year-old TikTok star seemingly approached the 75-year-old businessman-turned-politician as he watched the fight ringside with his posse, as per footage captured by he YouTube channel NELK. 'Hi! I'm Addison. Nice to meet you,' said Addison politely, after appearing to tap on Trump's shoulder to get his attention. Unlikely pairing: Addison Rae (pictured left on Saturday) had an unlikely run-in with former president Donald Trump (pictured right on Saturday) over the weekend as the pair each attended the star-studded UFC 264 fight in Las Vegas After shaking hands with the former president of the United States, the social media star told him that she just 'had to say hi' and that it was 'so nice to meet you.' The clip of Addison's run-in with Trump, once uploaded to NELK's YouTube channel, went viral across multiple social media platforms. It drew mixed reactions from the TikTok superstar's devout fanbase, with a few fans speculating about her political affiliation - a topic that was first brought up and shutdown by the star early in her career. Back in 2019, Addison clarified in the comment section of one of her TikTok videos that she was 'not registered and never have been registered before' to vote in her home state of Louisiana, after a TikTok went viral claiming she 'had allegedly voted Republican in 2014, 2016 and 2018 in Tarzana, California,' as per PopBuzz. Introduction: The 20-year-old TikTok star seemingly approached the 75-year-old businessman-turned-politician as he watched the fight ringside with his posse, as per footage captured by he YouTube channel NELK 'This isn't real hahahaha. First I'm from Louisiana, second I'm not even registered to vote and never have been I'm actually doing it for the first time with someone important and I'm excited to do so. This is fake,' she wrote at the time. 'why would she want to say hi?? It aint adding up,' read one critical tweet, who suggested that Addison's support of the Black Lives Matter movement and other social justice movements contradicts her apparent desire to meet Trump during Saturday's fight. Another shocked fan condemned 'all these people trying to defend [Addison] when that man [Trump] is an evil person that she does not need to be associated with ?? 'like why the f**k would she want to introduce herself if she didnt like who he is,' the tweet concluded. Excuse me: 'Hi! I'm Addison. Nice to meet you,' said Addison politely, after appearing to tap on Trump's shoulder to get his attention After shaking hands with the former president of the United States, the social media star told him that she just 'had to say hi' and that it was 'so nice to meet you.' Viral: The clip of Addison's run-in with Trump, once uploaded to NELK's YouTube channel, went viral across multiple social media platforms One Twitter user described the clip as 'disgusting' and that they were put off by Addison 'casually saying hi and fangirling over a racist piece of sh**' Coming to Addison's defense, one fan asked those angered by the clip to explain exactly 'what is wrong with' her introducing herself to Trump, adding: 'You kids need to grow up and realize folks can agree to disagree and still show respect.' Reiterating the same stance, another Twitter user wrote that they 'dont like trump but seeing a former president in front of ur eyes hell imma say hi too wtf.' 'I love Addison Rae now,' tweeted out one Twitter user, seemingly impressed with Addison's conduct. Mixed: It drew mixed reactions from the TikTok superstar's devout fanbase, with a few fans speculating about her potential political affiliation - a topic that was first brought up and shutdown by the star early in her career Disgusted? One Twitter user described the clip as 'disgusting' and that they were put off by Addison 'casually saying hi and fangirling over a racist piece of sh**' Not adding up: 'why would she want to say hi?? It aint adding up,' read one critical tweet, who suggested that Addison's support of the Black Lives Matter movement and other social justice movements contradicts her apparent desire to meet Trump during Saturday's fight Others moved past the outrage and, instead, wondered just how Addison was able to seemingly make it past Trump's team of secret service agents. 'How does a random person just walk walk up and touch a person with secret service protection?' read one concerned tweet, with another writing: 'Is nobody surprised how she casually just scrolled up on the former president and tapped his shoulder where the secret service at?' Addison has yet to address the her now viral Trump interaction, but she has continued to post on social media as usual, with her most recent post being a series of backyard portraits. A new fan: 'I love Addison Rae now,' tweeted out one Twitter user, seemingly impressed with Addison's conduct What's the big deal? Coming to Addison's defense, one fan asked those angered by the clip to explain exactly 'what is wrong with' her introducing herself to Trump, adding: 'You kids need to grow up and realize folks can agree to disagree and still show respect' How? Others moved past the outrage and, instead, wondered just how Addison was able to successfully make it past Trump's secret service agents Mia Fevola has announced she is taking a break from social media after causing a stir over her 'tone-deaf' post amid Melbourne's latest Covid lockdown. The 21-year-old stepdaughter of AFL great Brendan Fevola had complained about the restrictions on Thursday, saying she would be heading off to her family's beach house to ride it out. But after facing backlash for her 'entitled' attitude, the model and influencer apologised on Friday and said she would be staying off Instagram for the time being. Stepping back: Mia Fevola, 21, has announced she is taking a break from social media after causing a stir over her 'tone-deaf' post amid Melbourne 's latest Covid lockdown Mia, who is dating rising footy star Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, told her followers she had 'woken up to a mess'. 'I wanted to say I'm sorry to those I offended with my story yesterday,' she said. 'I didn't think before I posted and had no intention of portraying it the way it came across.' Mia added that she wasn't 'complaining' about the lockdown in her post on Thursday, but was just feeling 'frustrated'. Tone-deaf: The stepdaughter of AFL great Brendan Fevola (right) had complained about the restrictions on Thursday, saying she'd be heading off to her family's beach house to ride it out 'I in no way meant to sound like I was complaining about going to our holiday house; I was merely frustrated going into a fifth lockdown,' she said. 'I understand people are struggling financially, mentally, and haven't seen their families and it was insensitive of me. 'I'm going to be quiet on here for a little while, but I wanted to apologise before I do so.' Apology: after facing backlash for her 'entitled' attitude, the model and influencer apologised on Friday and said she would be staying off Instagram for the time being Mia's initial comments about spending lockdown at her family's beach house were not well-received, with one follower sarcastically commenting: 'A minute's silence for Mia Fevola please. Thank you.' Another troll wrote: 'I hope it rains and floods your holiday house.' 'Must be hard trying to live your life when you're so tone-deaf,' a third added. Backlash: Mia's initial comments about spending lockdown at her family's beach house were not well-received, with one follower sarcastically commenting: 'A minute's silence for Mia Fevola please. Thank you.' Pictured: Mia (second from right) with her stepfather Brendan (left), mother Alex (second from left) and boyfriend Jamarra Ugle-Hagan (right) 'Sending likes and prayers for her while my business literally disintegrates,' a fourth commented. Mia's divisive Instagram post read: 'Here we go again. This [one is] hitting hard for me, going to stay with my family at the holiday house.' 'Why can't people just do the right thing?' she concluded, presumably referring to Aussies not complying with stay-at-home orders. Awkward: Mia's divisive Instagram post read: 'Here we go again. This is hitting hard for me, going to stay with my family at the holiday house. Why can't people just do the right thing?' One critic noted the irony, pointing out that Mia was 'presumably' leaving her own suburb to go to her holiday house. As the backlash grew, Mia tried to stem the tide of criticism by clarifying she and her family had 'been living at our holiday house for [the] majority of this year'. 'We haven't escaped down here, our home is being renovated so we are actually living here,' she said. Can I Improve My Memory? Rating: Warning: You are about to learn something dangerous you cannot erase from your brain. It's a foolproof trick for fixing people's names in your mind. And as the five celebs on Can I Improve My Memory? (C4) discovered, it's laughably easy . . . quite literally. All you do is invent a ludicrous pun on the name, and visualise it being acted out. The ruder, the better. As an example, a memory expert held up a photo of a woman called Lucy, and suggested we picture her with a 'loo seat' round her neck. Nothing can go wrong, unless you call her 'Toilet-head'. Many years ago, I learned this technique from a book and was delighted by it. Never again would I suffer the embarrassment of fumbling for a name. A couple moved in across the street and, as they unpacked the van, introduced themselves as Nick and Wendy. One morning a week later, seeing them again, I greeted them perhaps too eagerly. Strictly's Len Goodman (left) was one of five celebrities on Channel 4's Can I Improve My Memory? The bloke clearly couldn't remember ever speaking to me before. Surprised, he asked how I knew their names. So I explained about the wonderful memory trick. 'Your wife is Wendy,' I said, 'so I imagine the pair of you living in a Wendy house. And then I'm pretending all your furniture is nicked.' He never spoke to me again. Mind you, I haven't forgotten their names. Taken to extremes, this method enables 'grandmaster of memory' Ed Cooke to shuffle a deck of cards and memorise their order in 90 seconds. He gave the celebs longer they had a week to learn hundreds of facts on semi-obscure subjects. Love Island winner Amber Rose Gill got to grips with British birds, a childish prank by the producers that allowed lots of jokes about 'great tits'. Boxer Chris Eubank filmed before the sad death of his son Sebastian last week studied dinosaurs and former EastEnders actress Nina Wadia tackled the human skeleton. The toughest task went to Strictly's Len Goodman, who had to learn about rap stars of the 1990s. But he surprised himself, scoring maximum marks as he recited the titles of hits by Notorious B.I.G. and the gang names of the Wu-Tang Clan. 'My wife'll pickle her walnuts when I tell her,' he chortled. Eubank fared less well but, ineffably elegant as ever and sporting a sheriff's star on his suit, he declared himself content: 'It has enabled me to better the way I pronunciate my voice.' Because viewers haven't been given weeks to memorise the subjects, the quiz segments don't work well. The answers are unguessable: what is the name of Neptune's fifth moon, what is the highest volcano on Mars called? Anna Richardson reeled them off: Larissa, and Olympus Mons. Those memory techniques really work. Our NHS: A hidden history Rating: Historian David Olusoga was tickling the memories of hospital veterans in Our NHS: A Hidden History (BBC1), as he explored the vital part played by Commonwealth immigrants in establishing the health service. This one-off documentary did not shy away from the racism faced by some of the arrivals. But what shone through was their shared commitment to making the NHS a success. Historian David Olusoga was tickling the memories of hospital veterans in Our NHS: A Hidden History (BBC1), as he explored the vital part played by Commonwealth immigrants in establishing the health service Prof Olusoga bewailed the 'brain drain' of the 1960s that saw many British doctors quit Britain to work elsewhere. What he neglected to say was that this was directly caused by Labour's sky-high taxes. He was better at coaxing subjects to reminisce on the sheer fun of their youth. Nurse Maire Duckett remembered how she unwound after tough shifts in the 1950s: 'I went to every blooming dance hall in London!' Naomi Campbell paid tribute to her close friend Gianni Versace as she marked the 24th anniversary of his death on Thursday. The fashion designer was murdered outside his palatial beachfront home in Miami on July 15 in 1997. 'I love you Gianni Versace,' wrote the supermodel, 50, as she shared a photo of her baby girl in a Versace print baby grow . Tribute: Naomi Campbell commemorated the 24th anniversary of Gianni Versace's murder on Thursday as she shared a photo of her baby girl in a Versace print baby grow Naomi announced at the end of May that she'd welcomed a baby girl by sharing a picture on social media. And her daughter looked cosy in the multi-coloured Versace onesie as she lay in her cot. Naomi acted as Gianni's muse and the pair developed an extremely close friendship while working alongside one another in the fashion industry. Speaking to Vogue Italia in a previous interview, Naomi revealed Gianni had saved her life multiple times. Icons: Naomi acted as Gianni's muse and the pair developed an extremely close friendship while working alongside one another in the fashion industry (pictured in 1995) New mom: Naomi announced at the end of May that she'd welcomed a baby girl by sharing a picture on social media The supermodel revealed: 'I can hear him in my mind, telling me dont do this, get out of this situation. And I obey. I owe it to him that I am still alive.' Naomi was one of the high profile models dubbed Gianni's Girls as they exclusively walked the catwalk for him. She told Vogue: 'He was the first to recognise our individuality and to pay us accordingly. 'He was also the first to introduce the concept of exclusivity: you flew to Milan or Paris, and you would walk only for him.' 'I owe it to him that I am still alive': Naomi revealed to Vogue Italia in a previous interview that Gianni had saved her life multiple times (pictured in 1995) Gianni was killed outside his Miami mansion by Andrew Cunanan, a former male prostitute-turned-serial killer. Andrew shot and killed the 50-year-old renowned couturier on the front steps of his gilded mansion on July 15, 1997. Curious tourists pose every day for pictures outside the imposing wrought-iron gate where Versace was shot twice in the head at point-blank range. Eight days after the assassination, Andrew , who also was wanted for the murders of four other gay men from Minnesota to New Jersey, killed himself with the same gun he used to slay Versace. She's the leading lady in her new play ANNA X. And Emma Corrin certainly commanded the stage as she posed in a quirky ensemble after opening night on Thursday. The actress, 25, joined her co-stars for snaps at the Harold Pinter Theatre in London as they celebrated the show's debut. Quirky: Emma Corrin donned a quirky knitted jumper and scarlet flares at the Harold Pinter Theatre on Thursday after sharing posts about non-binary awareness week Emma caught the eye in a navy knitted jumper with a bold pattern designed to look like a double breasted blazer. She layered the garment over a wide necked white shirt, and injected some colour with a pair of scarlet flares featuring a waterfall hem. The Emmy-nominated actress completed the look with a pair of extreme pointed black boots. Turning heads: She's the leading lady in her new play ANNA X. And Emma certainly commanded the stage as she posed in a quirky ensemble after opening night Bold look: Emma caught the eye in a navy knitted jumper with a bold pattern designed to look like a double breasted blazer Lady in red: She layered the garment over a wide necked white shirt, and injected some colour with a pair of scarlet flares featuring a waterfall hem Emma was joined on the stage by theatre director Daniel Raggett, producer Sonia Friedman, co-star Nabhaan Rizwan and playwright Joseph Charlton. She stars in the production as a socialite called Anna. The show is inspired by the Anna Sorokin case - a Russian-born fraudster who pretended to be a wealthy German heiress in order to defraud banks, hotels, and wealthy acquaintances. Fantastic five: Emma was joined on the stage by (L-R) theatre director Daniel Raggett, producer Sonia Friedman, co-star Nabhaan Rizwan and playwright Joseph Charlton Delightful duo: The actress, 25, joined her co-stars for snaps at the Harold Pinter Theatre as they celebrated the show's debut Leading lady: Emma stars in the production as a socialite called Anna. The show is inspired by the Anna Sorokin case Anna was only released from prison in March this year. Sorokin was paid $320,000 by Netflix to consult on its new series about her. She used some of the money to pay off her victims, and is now looking for more work. The website for the theatre writes: 'Immersed in an addictive world of front-row fashion shows, private views, and endless parties, Anna and Ariel find themselves struggling to keep up with New Yorks dazzling social elite. How far will two outsiders go to construct the identities they want? And at what price?' Emma will appear in the show for a four-week run. Inspired: The show is inspired by the Anna Sorokin case - a Russian-born fraudster who pretended to be a wealthy German heiress in order to defraud banks and wealthy pals Who is Anna Sorokin? Anna Sorokin posed as a billionaire heiress in New York and conned her way to the top of high society as a wealthy German heiress. She worked under the name Anna Delvey in order to defraud banks, hotels, and wealthy acquaintances. She was found guilty in 2019 of theft of services and grand larceny, having scammed more than $200,000 (145,000) from banks and luxury hotels. Anna was only released from prison in March this year. During her trial prosecutors told how Sorokin pretended she was worth about $60m with a trust fund in Europe. Maintaining the scam for several years, Sorokin used her phony persona to facilitate a luxury lifestyle where she lived in a lavish New York hotel and ate out at stylish restaurants. Advertisement Earlier in the day, Emma shared a post about non-binary awareness week on her Instagram Story as well as a post on the definition of non-binary people after recently adding 'they' to her chosen pronouns. Emma changed her pronouns to she/they on her Instagram bio - meaning she is happy to be addressed by either. Shortly afterwards she was spotted holding hands with Ibrahim 'Ibby' Njoya. Information: Emma recently shared a post about non-binary awareness week on her Instagram Story as well as a post on the definition of non-binary people Pronouns: Emma changed her pronouns to she/they on her Instagram bio - meaning she is happy to be addressed by either It is thought that the duo have gotten close lately, with a source telling The Sun: 'It is early days for Emma and Ibby but they appear to get on very well. 'He understands the world Emma is in and have plenty in common. They are very low key at the moment but she seems very happy.' Emma has kept tight-lipped on any talk surrounding her sexuality and dating life. Emma soared into the spotlight last year with her breakout role as Princess Diana in Netflix's The Crown. The British star plays the late Royal in the fourth series of the drama, in a role which has won her widespread critical acclaim. Reflecting on the release of the fourth series, Emma has now revealed she had to have 'tunnel vision' in order for her to stay grounded. The acting talent said things 'got a bit crazy' when her season of The Crown dropped on Netflix and she feels it is extremely important for her, in situations like that, to come home and 'drown out' the success and frenzy surrounding her. Close: It comes after Emma was pictured holding hands with Ibrahim 'Ibby' Njoya in a leafy part of London on Monday Breakout role: Emma soared into the spotlight last year with her breakout role as Princess Diana in Netflix's The Crown 'Stuff got a bit crazy when the show came out. I had to have a bit of tunnel vision... you do your job, you come home, and then like try and drown out the rest,' she told the Daily Telegraph. 'I think its a really important mindset to have, especially if stuff starts quickly and youre young. Because the rest of it is scary.' Despite the glitz and glamour that come with her success, Emma insisted that her life is very 'unglamorous' compare to the showbiz events she is usually seen attending. 'I cannot express how unglamorous it is,' she teased of her life away from the camera. ' I live with flatmates that Ive lived with for five years who have nine-to-five jobs. We all go to work, come home, cook dinner and theres no shenanigans. Youre still trying to sort out weird rashes and trying to book doctors appointments or being like, "oh f***, I forgot to buy butter."' Royal appearance: She stars alongside Josh O'Connor who appears as Prince Charles in series three and four of the show Speaking about playing the role of Princess Diana previously, Emma said she was "terrified" to take on the iconic royal. 'I remember when I got the part, I did feel that insane sense of responsibility, also playing Diana as well, it's kind of terrifying,' she confessed. Emma admitted that she wasn't supposed to play the Princess of Wales at first and was hired on set to help other actresses. 'It was a mental process, but I'll try to keep it short. I was sort of working, jobbing, trying to earn money in London and also, manically running around auditioning for anything that I could,' she explained. Emma was originally drafted in by those casting the fourth series to help with the chemistry reads they were holding for those auditioning for the role of Camilla Parker-Bowles. Camilla is played by Emerald Fennell in the series, while Josh O'Connor stars as Prince Charles, Olivia Colman as Queen Elizabeth and Gillian Anderson as former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. She is a Grammy-winning songbird set to take the stage at an iconic outdoor concert venue this weekend. And ahead of those performances, Christina Aguilera made an appearance at a SoulCycle location in West Hollywood, California on Thursday, to surprise fans taking an Xtina Soul class. The Beautiful hitmaker, 40, showed up at the exercise venue in a bright white and grey ensemble, looking positively gleeful as she was cheered on by the SoulCycle practitioners on their bikes. Look who it is: Christina Aguilera made an appearance at a SoulCycle location in West Hollywood on Thursday, to surprise fans taking an Xtina Soul class Christina wore chic grey sweatpants with the brand Vetements written in a Gothic font down one leg. She paired these with a tight scoop neck white top, over which she donned a long white jacket that hung to her ankles. The Genie in a Bottle songstress strutted along in heeled sandals that revealed her colorful magenta pedicure. She had her platinum blonde hair up in a high ponytail, with tendrils hanging down each side of her face. Surprise guest: The Beautiful hitmaker, 40, showed up at the exercise venue in a bright white and grey ensemble Christina wore chic grey Vetements sweatpants: She paired these with a tight scoop neck white top, over which she donned a long white jacket that hung to her ankles Aguilera sported rounded black sunglasses and a silver crucifix pendant necklace. She also held onto a lovely white leather purse that looked to feature a crucifix as well. Christina had on a microphone close to her mouth as she entered the workout studio to urge the group of SoulCycle students to work harder. Attitude: Aguilera sported rounded black sunglasses and a silver crucifix pendant necklace This Friday and Saturday, the mother of two will take the stage at the Hollywood bowl in Los Angeles alongside the LA Philharmonic. Christina has been working with LA Phil conductor Gustavo Dudamel to put together a showstopping setlist that is sure to take an innovative approach to some of her iconic hits from over the course of her 30-year music career. She posted a photo of the fabulous poster for the concerts to her Instagram last Saturday. This Friday and Saturday: The mother of two will take the stage at the Hollywood bowl in Los Angeles alongside the LA Philharmonic; poster for the shows seen here on her Instagram And also on Thursday, Christina posted a snap of her and Gustavo poring over musical notes leading up to showtime. 'Final touches,' Aguilera wrote in the caption. 'Collaborating with @gustavodudamel & the @laphil is a dream, and I cant wait for you all to see what we have been working on! @hollywoodbowl tomorrow & Saturday!' Also on Thursday: Christina posted a snap of her and Gustavo poring over musical notes leading up to showtime Karlie Kloss and her husband, Joshua Kushner, took in the sights and sounds of Paris with their infant son. The 28-year-old former Victoria's Secret model and her 36-year-old husband perused the city of lights with Levi Joseph, four months in Instagram snaps shared on Thursday. The happy parents have been together for nearly a decade and have been loving their newfound status as parents ever since their son arrived in March. Doting parents: Karlie Kloss and her husband, Joshua Kushner, took in the sights and sounds of Paris with their infant son In one of her first mother-son snaps, Kloss wore a loose-fitting and striped button-up shirt that covered up much of her shapely frame. She sported a pair of chic beige slacks and stayed comfortable wearing a set of near-matching sneakers. Her luscious blonde locks fell onto the nape of her neck with a dramatic part to the side. The supermodel also wore a white facial covering to keep herself protected from COVID-19 during her time in the museum. Comfy mom: Kloss donned a loose-fitting striped shirt and beige pants while showing her son around an art museum Fresh air: Kloss also shared a video of Kushner pushing their little one around in a stroller through the streets of Paris Kloss was seen holding Levi Joseph close to what appeared to be a white mouse sticking out of a wall in another one of her snaps. Later in the day, she shared a video of Kushner pushing their little one around in a stroller as they made their way along Paris' walkways. The investor kept it casual in a light yellow button-up shirt worn underneath a black zip-up jacket. He changed things up a bit and was later seen wearing a dark sweater above a white T-shirt for a picture-perfect moment in front of the Eiffel Tower. Happy couple: The supermodel planted a kiss on her husband's cheek as they stood in front of the Eiffel Tower In another one of her shots, Kloss spent some time with her pal Katy Perry as they dined at an ornately decorated restaurant. The supermodel donned a sleek black dress that contrasted perfectly with her near-golden locks for the outing. She also sported a crossbody bag with a gold chain, as well as a matching bracelet. Perry opted for an eye-catching floral-printed dress while hanging out with the former Victoria's Secret Angel. Night out: The former Victoria's Secret Angel was also pictured with her pal, Katy Perry, as they dined at an ornately decorated restaurant Kloss spoke about how living with Levi has impacted her lifestyle during an interview with Paper, during which she noted that she was grateful for her child's presence. She noted: 'everything in my life has changed. My whole world really revolves around my son now, and it's so cliche, but it's so true. I never knew I could feel such a deep love and adoration for anything.' The supermodel went on to note that she had come to understand the situation of mothers all over the world and expressed that she was happy to be one. 'It's so inspiring, but also humbling. I have so much respect for every woman on this planet. It's truly the most rewarding, but also challenging, job. I'm enjoying every second of it,' she said. Being honest: Kloss recently stated that 'everything in my life has changed' following the birth of her child during an interview with Paper The normally fashion-minded Kloss also pointed out that her sense of style became much more toned-down after she welcomed her son, as she had come to prefer comfortable clothing. Specifically, she noted that getting dressed up was 'the last thing on my mind. It's a little bit more functionality above all and convenience.' The fashion industry mainstay went on to state that she had become much more comfort-minded, as she was busy focusing on her son. 'I get dressed in the morning because I want to feel my best...I appreciate pieces that are just easy to grab and go. That's kind of all I have time for these days,' she said. She recently made her return to the modelling world. And Lara Worthington (nee Bingle) took part in a fashion shoot in Sydney this week. In a series of posts on Instagram Stories on Thursday, the 34-year-old model proved that not even Sydney's lockdown could put a dampener on the photo shoot. COVID safe? Lara Worthington (nee Bingle) shared photos of herself at a recent fashion shoot in Sydney Under current NSW Health guidelines, only essential workers are able to leave their homes for employment. Despite this, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian and her government have so far refused to define what qualifies as an 'essential worker'. They have instead urged the community to employ 'common sense' after Sydney recorded another 97 cases of the highly contagious Delta variant on Friday. 'It is so, so difficult to have a precise rule for every single thing,' Berejiklian said at the daily press conference on Tuesday. At work: In a series of posts on Instagram Stories on Thursday, the 34-year-old model proved that not even Sydney's lockdown could put a dampener on the photo shoot Behind the scenes: Lara also included other photos from the shoot, including a pair of black crocodile skin cowboy boots, her 'vegan' lunch and the Sydney city skyline 'That's why we rely on common sense [and why] we rely on people to respect the intent of the health orders as well as the letter of the health orders.' In a photo posted to Instagram Stories, a beaming Lara stood in an oversize brown check coat. She'd paired the coat with a camel-coloured pantsuit and fluro yellow sneakers. In lockdown: Under current NSW Health guidelines, only essential workers are able to leave their homes for employment Home sweet home: In an interview with The Daily Telegraph in April, Lara said she was relishing being back home in Australia While Lara didn't caption the post, it appeared to have been taken behind the scenes of a shoot. The reflection of a woman with a face mask on while taking Lara's photo could be seen in a mirror positioned behind her. Lara also included other photos from the shoot, including a pair of black crocodile skin cowboy boots, her 'vegan' lunch and the Sydney city skyline. 'If I can steal a moment I love an early morning or night ocean swim, as the sun goes down,' she said of being back home in Australia Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Lara's representatives for comment. It was revealed in May that Lara and her husband of seven years, Sam Worthington, had sold their home in LA after moving back to Australia in January. The couple sold their Hollywood Hills home for $8.2million after relocating to Australia with their three young sons, Rocket, five, Racer, four, and River, one. Moving back: It was revealed in May that Lara and her husband of seven years, Sam Worthington, had sold their home in LA after moving back to Australia in January In an interview with The Daily Telegraph in April, Lara said she was relishing being back home in Australia. 'If I can steal a moment I love an early morning or night ocean swim, as the sun goes down,' she said at the time. 'Also spending time with my family at the beach is something I am cherishing. These moments at the beach are special and remind me of my childhood.' A judge has allowed Britney Spears to hire a lawyer of her choosing at a hearing in which she broke down in tears after describing the 'cruelty' of her conservatorship. Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Brenda Penny approved Spears hiring former federal prosecutor Mathew Rosengart, who called on Spears' father to immediately resign as her conservator. 'We will be moving promptly and aggressively for his removal,' Rosengart said outside the courthouse on Wednesday. A judge has allowed Britney Spears to hire a lawyer of her choosing at a hearing in which she broke down in tears after describing the 'cruelty' of her conservatorship 'The question remains, why is he involved?' Britney Spears, taking part in the hearing by phone, told the judge she approved of Rosengart after several conversations with him. She then asked to address the court, but asked that the courtroom be cleared. As Rosengart began to argue for a private hearing, Spears interrupted him to say 'I can talk with it open.' 'I would like to charge my father with conservatorship abuse,' she said, speaking so rapidly she was at times difficult for the court reporter and journalists in the courtroom to understand. She said she wanted the conservatorship to end immediately but not if it required going through any more 'stupid' evaluations. 'If this is not abuse, I don't know what is,' Spears said as she described being denied things as basic as coffee, her driver's licence and her 'hair vitamins' by the conservatorship. James Spears would not be stepping down as Rosengart challenged, his lawyer Vivian Thoreen said in court, adding he has only ever had his daughter's best interests in mind. Thoreen said Britney Spears had many inaccurate beliefs, among them that 'her father is responsible for all the bad things that have happened to her.' 'Whether it's misinformation, lack of correction, or being wrongly advised, I don't know,' Thoreen said, emphasising that for nearly two years James Spears has had no say over his daughter's life choices, only her money. Spears has been under court supervision, with her father and a team of lawyers controlling her life and finances, since February 2008. She was in the midst of a public meltdown at the time and her family sought the conservatorship for her protection. Spears has had throughout the proceedings a court-appointed lawyer to represent her interests, Samuel Ingham III, but he resigned after a dramatic hearing three weeks ago in which the pop star told Penny: 'I just want my life back.' Fans from the FreeBritney movement outside the courthouse cheered the decision to appoint Rosengart, then cheered Rosengart himself when he walked out. The June 23 hearing was the first time Spears openly addressed the court, telling Penny she was being forced to take medication and use an intrauterine device for birth control, said she was not allowed to marry her boyfriend, and said she wanted to own her own money. At that hearing, Spears had more measured criticism for Jodi Montgomery, the court-appointed professional who serves as conservator of her person, overseeing her life choices. Montgomery denied that Britney Spears was prevented from marrying or forced to use birth control. She lashed back at James Spears, saying that Britney Spears has expressed no desire to oust her as she has with her father. Montgomery said she is committed to staying on the job and is putting a care plan in place to help end the conservatorship, something she said James Spears has expressed no desire to do. Emily Blunt could hardly contain her joy ahead of her appearance on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert on Thursday afternoon. The 38-year-old actress had a huge smile on her face, while interacting with and signing autographs for fans outside of the late-night show's studio in NYC. Blunt has been busy promoting Disney's Jungle Cruise, an action-adventure film inspired by the classic Disneyland attraction. Beaming: Emily Blunt could hardly contain her joy ahead of her appearance on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert on Thursday afternoon Emily looked radiant with her brunette hair styled into a chic bun secured with a silver clip. The A Quiet Place star slipped her fit frame into a navy blue top and pant set, which featured cut-outs on the chest and trendy flared bottoms. Giving the ensemble a sporty edge, Blunt rocked a pair of white lace-up sneakers. As for makeup, Emily's go-to makeup artist Jenn Streicher created a monochromatic look with a wash of peach blush and matching shadow on the lids. Chic: Blunt slipped her fit frame into a navy blue top and pant set, which featured cut-outs on the chest and trendy flared bottoms All for the fans: The 38-year-old actress had a huge smile on her face, while interacting with and signing autographs for fans outside of the late-night show's studio in NYC Streicher gave fans a closer look at Emily's made up face in a selfie uploaded to her Instagram page, with the artist writing: 'This look lasted a whole plane ride not too shabby!' Streicher, as well as hairstylist Laini Reeves and stylist Jessica Paster, have been the trio behind the actress' recent looks as she works tirelessly to promote Disney's Jungle Cruise. Jungle Cruise, which also stars Hollywood heavyweight Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, hits theaters on July 30. Radiant: Emily looked radiant with her brunette hair styled into a chic bun secured with a silver clip Sporty: Giving the ensemble a sporty edge, Blunt rocked a pair of white lace-up sneakers Monochromatic: As for makeup, Emily's go-to makeup artist Jenn Streicher created a monochromatic look with a wash of peach blush and matching shadow on the lids And Blunt got back into character to shoot some themed promotional footage for the highly-anticipated adventure film on Wednesday, July 15. With the help of stylist Jessica Paster, Emily slipped into two dueling ensembles inspired by Jungle Cruise's early 20th century setting. Blunt first appeared on Paster's Instagram in a pair of beige wide-legged accordion pants by designer Alberta Ferretti. Closer look: Streicher gave fans a closer look at Emily's made up face in a selfie uploaded to her Instagram page, with the artist writing: 'This look lasted a whole plane ride not too shabby!' They were styled with a printed silk blouse, which was left partially unbuttoned and tucked into the A Quiet Place star's waistband. She slipped her feet into a pair of brown suede Christian Louboutin boots. As for accessories, Paster fastened a single braided gold chain around Emily's neck and fastened some coordinating drop earrings to her ears. Vintage vibes: Emily Blunt got back into character on Wednesday to shoot some promotional footage for Disney's Jungle Cruise Sneak peek: With the help of her stylist Jessica Paster, the 38-year-old actress slipped into two dueling ensembles inspired by Jungle Cruise's early 20th century setting Fans were able to get a closer look at Emily's jewels, as well as her sleek hair and natural makeup, in a selfie snap uploaded to her makeup artist Jenn Streicher's page. The Devil Wears Prada star's second look consisted of a matching two-piece set, complete with dramatically flared trousers and a blouse with bows up the front. Her once flowing hair was swept up into a romantic bun in order to keep the focus on her blouse's elaborate detailing. Coming soon! She stars as Dr. Lily Houghton in Disney's Jungle Cruise, which hits theaters on July 30 For the glamorous Instagram shots, Blunt posed in front of a Jungle Cruise-themed set, complete with a wrecked boat and tropical greenery. Jungle Cruise, inspired by the classic Disneyland ride, follows Dr. Lily Houghton (played by Blunt) who enlists the help of skipper Frank Wolff (played by Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson) to take her down the Amazon in search of an 'ancient tree that holds the power to heal -- a discovery that will change the future of medicine.' Jungle Cruise, like many films, had its release date delayed due to COVID-19, with it originally scheduled to hit theaters in July of last year. Worth the wait: Jungle Cruise, like many films, had its release date delayed due to COVID-19, with it originally scheduled to hit theaters in July of last year; Emily pictured with costar Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson Thankfully, fans will finally be able to see Jungle Cruise in all its glory on June 30. A red carpet premiere is slated for Saturday, July 24, which will take place at the Disneyland park in California. Back in May Blunt was finally able to celebrate the release of the highly-anticipated sequel to 2018's A Quiet Place, which her husband John Krasinski directed. Like Jungle Cruise, A Quiet Place Part II faced several theatrical delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with it finally being released in theaters and VOD in late May. Longtime coming: Back in May Blunt was finally able to celebrate the release of the highly-anticipated sequel to 2018's A Quiet Place, which her husband John Krasinski directed; Emily and Jon pictured in 2019 Tammin Sursok is back in Australia to film a movie, You, Me and the Penguins, in Queensland. And on Tuesday, the actress shared a laugh and a very animated conversation with her co-stars during a break from work. The 37-year-old was dressed for her part in a brown trench coat over a white top and red leather trousers. What's going on here? Tammin Sursok did some bizarre hand gestures near her crotch as she enjoyed a VERY animated chat with her co-stars during a break filming her new movie in Queensland In character: The 37-year-old was dressed for her part in a brown trench coat over a white top and red leather trousers Her character's look was accessorised with a colourful silk scarf and tinted sunglasses. At one point, the brunette beauty appeared to be telling quiet the compelling story and had her hands were awkwardly positioned in front of her crotch area. Among the co-stars joining Tammin for the break was former Neighbours star Madeleine West, Nic Hardcastle and Jason Wilder. Friends on set: Among the co-stars joining Tammin for the break was former Neighbours star Madeleine West (left), Nic Hardcastle (second right) and Jason Wilder (in black dressing robe) Two hair and makeup stylists also joined the group, as one of them did up to Madeleine's hair. You, Me and the Penguins is currently being shot in Brisbane with Tammin playing an outreach manager at the Animal Discovery Institute in San Diego. Tammin's character is forced to travel to Australia's Crystal Bay Penguin Sanctuary when its threatened with closure. Ready to film: Tammin stars in the movie alongside Madeleine (left) and Martin Dingle-Wall (centre). In the film, the former Home and Away star plays an outreach manager at the Animal Discovery Institute in San Diego who is forced to travel to Australia The story arc gets its thrust when she gets heated with the head zoologist, played by Jason, after the pair are forced to work together. Tammin relocated from Los Angeles back to Australia to work on the film after the role was offered to her. The South African born star travelled Down Under with her husband Sean McEwen and their daughters - Phoenix, seven, and Lennon, two. She may be stuck at home in Sydney's lockdown. But WAG Clementine McVeigh is doing her best to make it a stylish affair. The 37-year-old New Zealand-native, who is known for her incredible fashion posts, modelled a pretty floral two-piece ensemble on her Instagram page on Friday. Flirty in floral! WAG Clementine McVeigh showed off her cleavage and toned tummy in plunging crop top and matching skirt during an impromptu photo shoot during Sydney's lockdown on Thursday The brunette beauty showed off her cleavage and toned tummy in plunging cropped top and a matching skirt by Sydney brand Kivari The Label. She accessorised with a pair of Louis Vuitton hoop earrings, a Dior necklace and tortoiseshell sunglasses. Clementine flaunted her flawless complexion in minimal makeup and tied her locks back in a low bun. Expensive accessories: She accessorised with a pair of Louis Vuitton hoop earrings, a Dior necklace and tortoiseshell sunglasses Low-key: Clementine flaunted her flawless complexion in minimal makeup and tied her locks back in a low bun After her impromptu modelling session, the mother-of-two took her daughters out for a bike ride. The stunner lives in Sydney with her husband, Sydney Swans star Jarrad McVeigh and their two daughters, Lolita, eight, and Florence, three. Life hasn't always been easy for the couple who lost their first daughter Luella to a heart condition when she only a month old in 2011. 'People say time heals all wounds... I'm just not sure about that,' Clementine wrote on Instagram on what would have been Luella's 8th birthday in July 2019. 'Time definitely does dull the pain and the tears are few and far between, but for me over the past 8 years it just seems to hit me harder every year.' Clementine married Jarrad in 2010. Stylish stunner: Clementine is known for incredible fashion posts Fuller House alum John Stamos puckered up to his dear friend Josh Peck at the Turner & Hooch premiere inside LA's Westfield Century City Mall on Thursday. The 57-year-old Cali native and the 34-year-old native New Yorker played father and son in Fox sitcom Grandfathered between 2015-2016. 'At the premiere of #TurnerandHooch! So proud of @shuapeck - he's so damn good in this show!' John gushed on Instagram. PDA alert! Fuller House alum John Stamos (R) puckered up to his dear friend Josh Peck (L) at the Turner & Hooch premiere inside LA's Westfield Century City Mall on Thursday 'Check it out July 21st on my fav @disneyplus!' Last month, Stamos told Collider that Josh 'was a big inspiration in my recovery' and he probably 'wouldn't be alive' had he not met him. 'Right around that time, I was going down the wrong path and I had to straighten out. And then, I'm on this show with this guy who was then in recovery for many, many years, playing my son,' the eighties heartthrob marveled. 'That part was meant to be. I wouldn't be alive, if I hadn't straightened up, and he was certainly part of it. So, that's what I think about with that show.' Just like family: The 57-year-old Cali native (R) and the 34-year-old native New Yorker (L) played father and son in Fox sitcom Grandfathered between 2015-2016 John gushed on Instagram: 'At the premiere of #TurnerandHooch! So proud of @shuapeck - he's so damn good in this show! Check it out July 21st on my fav @disneyplus!' 'I was going down the wrong path': Last month, Stamos told Collider that Josh 'was a big inspiration in my recovery' and he probably 'wouldn't be alive' had he not met him The eighties heartthrob marveled: 'I had to straighten out. And then, I'm on this show with this guy who was then in recovery for many, many years, playing my son. That part was meant to be. I wouldn't be alive, if I hadn't straightened up, and he was certainly part of it' May-December duo: John - wearing a khaki suit - was joined on the AstroTurf carpet by his second wife Caitlin McHugh who, at 35, is 22 years younger than him John - wearing a khaki suit - was joined on the AstroTurf carpet by his second wife Caitlin McHugh who, at 35, is 22 years younger than him. Peck - who first found fame starring in Nickelodeon's Drake & Josh - dressed down in a short-sleeved striped button-up with slim black pants and matching shoes. Supportively waiting on the sidelines was the former child star's wife of four years - DP/editor Paige O'Brien - with whom he has a two-year-old son Max. In Turner & Hooch, Josh plays the ambitious, buttoned-up US Marshal son of the late Detective Scott Turner (Tom Hanks) and inherits a French mastiff from him. Man of the hour: Peck - who first found fame starring in Nickelodeon's Drake & Josh - dressed down in a short-sleeved striped button-up with slim black pants and matching shoes Dimpled blonde: Supportively waiting on the sidelines was the former child star's wife of four years - DP/editor Paige O'Brien - with whom he has a two-year-old son Max Legacy: In Turner & Hooch, Josh plays the ambitious, buttoned-up US Marshal son of the late Detective Scott Turner (Tom Hanks) and inherits a French mastiff from him Woof! McG and Matthew Nix's 12-episode continuation of Roger Spottiswoode's 1989 K-9 buddy cop comedy premieres July 21 on Disney+ McG and Matthew Nix's 12-episode continuation of Roger Spottiswoode's 1989 K-9 buddy cop comedy premieres July 21 on Disney+. Glee alum Becca Tobin went strapless in a $3,095 LBV wool crepe jumpsuit and matching black stilettos selected by stylist Natalie Hoselton. The 35-year-old triple-threat's chic onesie featured a structured bodice and hip drape. Becca's 'hot date' for the night was Jane Lynch's niece Megan Doyle, who used to work as a production assistant on the Fox musical series. Werrrk! Glee alum Becca Tobin went strapless in a $3,095 LBV wool crepe jumpsuit and matching black stilettos selected by stylist Natalie Hoselton Glam: The 35-year-old triple-threat's chic onesie featured a structured bodice and hip drape BFFs: Becca's 'hot date' for the night was Jane Lynch's niece Megan Doyle, who used to work as a production assistant on the Fox musical series On-set snap: In Turner & Hooch, Tobin portrays Scott Turner II's ex-girlfriend, a federal prosecutor called Brooke Mailer In Turner & Hooch, Tobin portrays Scott Turner II's ex-girlfriend, a federal prosecutor called Brooke Mailer. Also enjoying the festivities was Reginald VelJohnson, rocking a two-tone button-up, black pants, and slip-on loafers. The 68-year-old Family Matters alum was the only actor from the original movie to reprise his role as Scott Turner's partner turned Mayor David Sutton. They made sure to pose for a group shot with castmates Lyndsy Fonseca, Jeremy Maguire, Vanessa Lengies, Brandon Jay McLaren, Anthony Ruivivar, co-creator Matt Nix, producer Michael Horowitz, and co-star Cristina Rosato. Cheshire grin: Also enjoying the festivities was Reginald VelJohnson, rocking a two-tone button-up, black pants, and slip-on loafers Throwback! The 68-year-old Family Matters alum (R) was the only actor from the original movie to reprise his role as Scott Turner's partner turned Mayor David Sutton Smile! They made sure to pose for a group shot with (from L-R) castmates Lyndsy Fonseca, Jeremy Maguire, Vanessa Lengies, Brandon Jay McLaren, Anthony Ruivivar, co-creator Matt Nix, producer Michael Horowitz, and co-star Cristina Rosato Desperate Housewives alum Lyndsy Fonseca - who plays Scott Turner's sister Laura - certainly stood out in a blue ensemble featuring a massive rose ruffles. Vanessa Lengies - who plays Scott Turner's love interest Erica Mouniere - showed a little leg in a mustard-shaded pencil dress. Cristina Rosato - who plays Oakland cop Olivia - took the plunge in a black pantsuit selected by stylist Kelly Brown. Also from the ensemble cast were Anthony Ruivivar and Brandon Jay McLaren, who play James Clark and Xavier Watkins, respectively. Baby blues: Desperate Housewives alum Lyndsy Fonseca - who plays Scott Turner's sister Laura - certainly stood out in a blue ensemble featuring a massive rose ruffles Blake Lively lookalike! Vanessa Lengies - who plays Scott Turner's love interest Erica Mouniere - showed a little leg in a mustard-shaded pencil dress HBIC: Cristina Rosato - who plays Oakland cop Olivia - took the plunge in a black pantsuit selected by stylist Kelly Brown Married At First Sight's Hayley Vernon has had her fair share of health woes in recent weeks. And the 33-year-old has now suffered yet another blow. From her bedroom at her Gold Coast home, the OnlyFans porn star told her Instagram followers that was 'still really sick' and was dribbling because of ulcers in her mouth. Heath update: Hayley Vernon has revealed she is now losing her teeth after her infected inking on her buttocks turned septic In addition to poorly eating due to her swollen mouth, Hayley lost her tooth. 'I literally soaked a piece of bread in some soup... put it on the right side of my mouth where I can just chew - I went to chew and I felt something hard,' she explained. She continued: 'So when I went over to the sink and spat it out, and I lost my full root canal on a soggy piece of bread - go figure.' Oh dear: From her bedroom at her Gold Coast home, the OnlyFans porn star told her Instagram followers that was 'still really sick' and was dribbling because of ulcers in her mouth Hayley's run of bad luck comes ahead of a planned trip to New Zealand in the next couple of weeks. 'If this tooth starts playing up, while I've got my mouth going on, while I've got my body infection, while my tattoo has basically god knows growing off it. I don't know what I'll do,' she lamented. Later in the video, she said: 'god gives challenges to his strongest people... and here we are.' Scary: Hayley's health update comes after she revealed details of her traumatic health battle after an infected tattoo on her buttocks turned septic Hayley's health update comes after she revealed details of her traumatic health battle after an infected tattoo on her buttocks turned septic. Earlier this week, she was rushed to hospital after she felt seriously ill when she discovered her inking had 'blistered' and 'opened up the tattoo wound'. Following an initial diagnosis of cellulitis, Hayley confirmed on Thursday that she's now battling sepsis - a potentially life-threatening condition which is caused by the body's response to infection. Ouch: Earlier this week, she was rushed to hospital after she felt seriously ill when she discovered her inking had 'blistered' and 'opened up the tattoo wound According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, without timely treatment sepsis can rapidly lead to tissue damage, organ failure and in some cases, death. In a worrying Instagram post, Hayley said that she can barely speak due to mouth ulcers caused by heavy medication and hasn't been able to eat solid food for three days. 'Cellulitis went septic and a quick chain of events followed. Very grateful for everyone who told me to go to hospital immediately,' Hayley said. Nightmare: Following an initial diagnosis of cellulitis, Hayley confirmed on Thursday that she's now battling sepsis - a potentially life-threatening condition which is caused by the body's response to infection Hayley, who is now recovering at home, confirmed she is taking the opioid Endone for the pain and has had 'seven drip-line antibiotic bags in hospital' for the infection. 'As a side effect, severe ulcerations to my mouth and tongue to the point I'm talking with a lisp and haven't been able to eat a solid in three days,' she said. 'Managed four soups and two bottles of water since I went to emergency - bye bye gains. 'My glands are the size of cherries and you can see them popping under my jaw, black eyes, dry lips, sweats... this week has been f**king brilliant!' Horror: Before her hospital dash, Hayley had documented her declining health in a series of worrying updates on Instagram Stories Earlier this week, Hayley confirmed she had rushed to hospital and had been diagnosed with cellulitis - a bacterial skin infection that can be life-threatening without treatment. Before her hospital dash, Hayley had documented her declining health in a series of worrying updates on Instagram Stories, noting that her infected tattoo was causing her difficulties to sit down. 'The second skin made me blister, opening up the tattoo wound. Last night I found myself shivering non stop then getting severe hot flushes. 'My body is aching and I feel beyond ill.' Hayley added that she had received 'copious inboxes saying the same thing', before concluding: 'I'll never use this product again.' It's unclear which product Hayley was referring to. Hayley then shared another video of herself looking distressed as she sat in her hospital bed in the early hours of Tuesday morning. The heavily tattooed reality star had filmed herself getting her latest tattoo - a floral design spread across both buttocks - on the Gold Coast on July 6. Josh Peck opened up on former Drake & Josh co-star Drake Bell's legal problems, after Bell earlier this week pleaded guilty in Ohio to attempted child endangerment and disseminating matter harmful to juveniles. 'It's upsetting and it's an unfortunate situation,' Peck, 34, told reporters Thursday at the Los Angeles premiere of Turner & Hooch, his new Disney+ adaptation, Variety reported. 'It's disappointing.' The New York native stated his opinion on the situation surrounding Bell, who is mandated to remain on probation for two years and complete 200 hours of community service time. The latest: Josh Peck, 34, opened up on former Drake & Josh co-star Drake Bell's legal problems, after Bell, 35, earlier this week pleaded guilty in Ohio to attempted child endangerment and disseminating matter harmful to juveniles Bell, 35, had initially entered a not guilty plea in the case, as he faced as many as two years in custody stemming from an incident involving an underage girl who he first made acquaintance with online, with authorities saying the communications were 'at times sexual in nature.' The victim in October 2018 reported Bell to authorities, who turned their probe over to police in Cleveland, where Bell and the victim, then 15, had crossed paths after he performed in the area in 2017. Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office spokesperson Tyler Sinclair said that Bell had 'developed a relationship' with the victim online and had sent 'inappropriate social media messages.' Bell was arrested June 3, and later let go on a $2,500 personal bond stipulating no contact with the victim. Peck said of his former co-star's case, 'It's upsetting and it's an unfortunate situation' Dog days: Peck fills the shoes once occupied by Tom Hanks in the adaptation of the 1989 film Prior to his sentencing in a Zoom hearing, Bell told the court, 'I accept this plea because my conduct was wrong. I'm sorry the victim was harmed. It was not my intention. 'I have taken this matter very, very seriously. And again, I just want to apologize to her and anyone else who may have been affected by my actions.' In the hearing, the victim said Bell initially began grooming her at the age of 12, and that his chats with her turned 'blatantly sexual' three years later. Bell was arrested June 3, and later let go on a $2,500 personal bond stipulating no contact with the victim 'I was definitely one of his biggest fans,' the victim said in the hearing. 'I would have done anything for him.' The victim said that she and Bell had sexual contact multiple times and had exchanged explicit images. Bell's lawyer Ian Friedman denied the accusations to the AP, saying that was not reflected in the case officials brought against his client. Peck also appeared on Nickelodeon's The Amanda Show alongside Bell, who he shared the screen with on Drake & Josh from 2004 until 2007, as well as two TV films in the franchise. Caitlyn Jenner has flown into Australia ahead of the new season of Big Brother VIP. The 71-year-old reality star, who recently announced plans to run for Governor of California, touched down in Sydney earlier this week, reports The Advertiser. While Seven hasn't commented on the casting, her salary is believed to be at least $500,000, as this was the fee offered another high-profile American celebrity. Revealed: Caitlyn Jenner has flown into Australia for the new season of Big Brother VIP. The 71-year-old, who is running for Governor of California, touched down in Sydney earlier this week Caitlyn, who has started her 14 days of mandatory hotel quarantine, is no stranger to reality TV, having appeared on Keeping Up with the Kardashians since 2007. Big Brother VIP is the second celebrity-themed Big Brother format to air in Australia, after a first season was made back in 2002. Daily Mail Australia has contacted Channel Seven for comment. Veteran: Caitlyn, who has started her 14 days of mandatory hotel quarantine, is no stranger to reality TV, having appeared on Keeping Up with the Kardashians since 2007. Caitlyn is pictured on the far left, when she was known as Bruce Jenner and living as a man Big Brother VIP begins filming at Sydney Olympic Park in the coming weeks and will air on Channel Seven later this year. Sonia Kruger is returning as host. The last two seasons of Big Brother were filmed at a warehouse in Manly, but producers were forced to relocate after being served an eviction notice by the National Parks and Wildlife Service. Caitlyn was last pictured in the U.S. on Tuesday when she visited her local Starbucks in Malibu ahead of a busy day of meetings regarding her gubernatorial campaign. The Republican hopeful was spotted chatting to prospective voters while wearing a white 'Caitlyn for California' T-shirt. New location: Big Brother VIP begins filming at Sydney Olympic Park in the coming weeks. The last two seasons of Big Brother were filmed at a warehouse in Manly (pictured), but producers were forced to relocate after being served an eviction notice Leading lady: Sonia Kruger is returning as host of Big Brother VIP There's no word yet on how her involvement with Big Brother VIP will affect her political ambitions stateside. It was previously reported that she planned to embark on a statewide bus tour in the month before the September 14 recall. Caitlyn, a former Olympic decathlete who has never run for political office before, announced her bid for governor on April 23. She is running on a platform of making California a more pro-business state with lower taxes and less regulations, as well as closing the border, leading the Covid recovery, and addressing affordable housing and the homelessness crisis. Three stars from the worlds of TV and film have teamed up to recreate an iconic 102-year-old photograph and highlight Britain's lack of progress towards ending experiments on animals. Back in 1919, three women from the feminist-led British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection protested in Parliament Square as the Dogs (Protection) Bill was being debated in Parliament. Now their places are taken by Harry Potter star Evanna Lynch, Downton Abbey's Lesley Nicol and Lucy Watson from Made In Chelsea, but the message remains exactly the same. This week, Home Office statistics revealed that almost 2.9 million procedures were carried out on animals last year with 86,395 classified as 'severe,' meaning the animals endured intense and protracted pain, suffering, or distress. Now: Harry Potter star Evanna Lynch, Downton Abbey 's Lesley Nicol and Lucy Watson from Made In Chelsea recreate the photo in Parliament Square from 102 years ago Then: In 1919, three women from the feminist-led British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection protested in Parliament Square as the Dogs (Protection) Bill was being debated in Parliament Campaign groups say the number of experiments has fallen by just one per cent a year in the past decade, meaning it would take yet another century for it to be phased out. While mice topped the list of animals experimented on, the Home Office list included 4,340 procedures on dogs, 10,790 on horses, 11,336 on rabbits and 146 on cats. All these represented an increase on the previous year and the figures also showed a 77 per cent increase in experiments on monkeys to 2,393. Lesley Nicol, who played Mrs Patmore in Downton Abbey, said: 'It's horrifying to know how many animal experiments take place each year in the UK. To know that so many are unnecessary breaks my heart. 'In the 1900s people were fighting for animal experiments to stop and fast forward 118 years, here we are again So why hasn't a change been made? With modern science evolving, it's beyond my comprehension that scientists, universities and brands haven't made more of an effort to replace animal experiments.' The successor organisation to the British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection, Cruelty Free International are one of three groups now calling on the Government to adopt a Target Zero campaign. They have set up a petition they hope will force the issue back onto the agenda. Their analysis shows that (discounting this year's unusual drop) the overall number of animal experiments has only fallen by 1% annually over the past 10 years Evanna Lynch, who played Luna Lovegood in the Harry Potter series, said: 'The UK carries out more animal experiments than most countries in Europe, but this doesn't have to the be case. Lucy Watson (left) Evanna Lynch (middle) and Lesley Nicol (right) are supporting the campaign 'We can and should be leaders in paving the way for ethical, effective experiments that don't cruelly exploit animals. I hope that the comparisons drawn between the 1900s and present day demonstrates the urgent need to rethink how we treat animals in science.' And Made In Chelsea star Lucy Watson added: 'It's shocking to think that so many animal experiments are unnecessary, yet they still occur and cause a great deal of distress and harm for helpless animals. 'Very few people know the extent of the problem, so I really hope that this campaign helps to draw attention to the issue. The more it's talked about, the more likely things will change.' The Home Office statistics showed that experiments were carried out on animals as diverse as birds, fish, pigs and rats. Of the experiments conducted on dogs, 115 were to satisfy plant protection product legislation, likely to include pesticide testing, as well as nine experiments to satisfy industrial chemical legislation. Michelle Thew, Chief Executive Officer of Cruelty Free International, said: 'We're very grateful to Evanna, Lucy and Lesley for helping us recreate this image from 100 years ago. 'Whilst we of course welcome any drop in the number of experiments on animals, this year's reported drop can be attributed to the impact of national lockdowns on laboratories not because the government has been doing more to end this cruelty. 'We must now build on this decrease and make sure the number never goes back up again. That's why we're supporting the Target Zero petition so the British public can express their support for ending this cruelty once and for all.' Carla Owen, Chief Executive Officer of Animal Free Research UK, one of the three groups behind the petition, said: 'If Britain is to become a science superpower it must lead by example. We have human and human-relevant scientific techniques at our disposal that were recently in the realm of science fiction, that hold the key to reversing decades of failure and turning research into successful human therapies and cures. 'The UK government must, therefore, act to fully embrace this modern science, accelerate the use of animal free research and aim for target zero animal experiments, starting today.' Rebecca Lobie has had fans on the edge of their seats with her expected debut on OnlyFans. And on Friday, ahead of her highly-anticipated debut, the mother-of-two, 33, shared a racy teaser. The blonde bombshell - who is said to be estranged from her cousin Bindi Irwin - posted a photo of herself in a raunchy school girl-inspired outfit. A little teaser! On Friday, Steve Irwin's 'hot niece' Rebecca Lobie flaunted some underboob in a raunchy school girl outfit ahead of her OnlyFans debut She wore a grey sweatshirt, cropped to show off an eyeful of underboob and her toned torso. The Instagram sensation, who boasts more than 115,000 followers, teamed her look with a plaid mini skirt with long socks. 'It's your story babe, feel free to hit them with a plot twist whenever you want,' she penned in the caption. On her Instagram story, she shared another racy photo of herself - this time in a skin tight one-piece - and hinted at her upcoming surprise: 'Will let you all in on my secret tonight. Are you ready?' 'Are you ready?' On her Instagram story, she shared another racy photo of herself - this time in a skin tight one-piece - and hinted at her upcoming surprise: 'Will let you all in on my secret tonight. Are you ready?' Raunchy! Rebecca all but confirmed news of her debut on OnlyFans - an adults only website where creators can sell explicit photos and videos for a monthly fee - on Wednesday Rebecca all but confirmed news of her debut on OnlyFans - an adults only website where creators can sell explicit photos and videos for a monthly fee - on Wednesday. She told fans on Instagram she's been 'working on something really exciting for a little while now'. 'You're going to love it, you're not going to want to miss out on this announcement,' Rebecca added. Content ranges from something as innocent as a suggestive selfie all the way to hardcore porn. Teaming up? Her OnlyFans creator pal Lahnee Pavlovich had mentioned Rebecca in an Instagram Q&A after a follower asked her to name someone she'd like to 'collaborate' with on OnlyFans Coming soon! Rebecca re-shared a post by her OnlyFans creator pal Lahnee Pavlovich, that hinted she was set to join the subscription-based adult website Rebecca recently hinted she was set to join the subscription-based adult website by re-sharing post by her OnlyFans creator pal Lahnee Pavlovich. Lahnee had mentioned Rebecca in an Instagram Q&A after a follower asked her to name someone she'd like to 'collaborate' with on OnlyFans. 'Rebecca Lobie [fire emojis, love-heart eye emoji]', the self-proclaimed sex educator responded, uploading a raunchy photo of Rebecca. Rise to social media fame: Rebecca rose to prominence in September 2019, thanks to her sexy social media photos and connection to the Irwin family Rebecca rose to prominence in September 2019, thanks to her sexy social media photos and connection to the Irwin family. She's the daughter of Steve Irwin's sister Joy and her husband, Frank Muscillo. Rebecca was previously the managing director of the Irwin family's Australia Zoo, but left in December 2015. An upcoming documentary spotlighting the potentially unethical practices used in Cambodian adoptions will explore again whether Angelina Jolie's son Maddox 'may have been stolen from his birth family'. Jolie, 46, adopted Maddox from Cambodia in 2002 with the help of adoption agent Lauryn Galindo, who was jailed in 2004 for 'falsifying documents to obtain US visas for orphans'. 21-year-old filmmaker Elizabeth Jacobs - whose parents also used Galindo to facilitate their child's adoption from Cambodia - will revisit the claim that 'poor Cambodian families are preyed on by baby recruiters' in her forthcoming documentary, The Stolen Children. Documentary: An upcoming documentary spotlighting the potentially unethical practices used in Cambodian adoptions will explore whether Angelina Jolie's son Maddox 'may have been stolen from birth family' (Jolie pictured with daughter Zahara and son Maddox in 2020) The Sun has revealed that Jacobs, who is a film and marketing student at the University of Massachusetts, is determined to uncover the truth about Galindo's adoptions. The paper further reports that between 1997 and 2001 half of adoptions from Cambodia to the US - approximately 800 out of 1600 - went through Galindo. At the time, Galindo and her sister Lynn Devin ran an adoption agency called Seattle International Adoptions, and shortly after Jolie adopted her son Maddox, Galindo and Devin faced criminal charges. Devin faced a $150,000 fine while Galindo was jailed for falsifying names, birth dates and places of birth of Cambodian children she helped to place with US families two years after Jolie and her then-husband Billy Bob Thornton took full custody of Maddox. Adoption: Jolie, 46, adopted Maddox from Cambodia in 2002 with the help of adoption agent Lauryn Galindo, who was jailed in 2004 for 'falsifying documents to obtain US visas for orphans' (pictured 2003) When the scandal was exposed, the U.S. government and several other countries shut down adoptions from Cambodia, with Jolie saying she knew nothing of the illegal trade. There is no evidence Maddox was not an orphan. Jolie insisted at the time that she went to 'great lengths to ensure Maddox did not have a living birth-mother in Cambodia' and that she would 'never rob a mother of her child.' Galindo told The Sun in a recent statement that she would be happy to answer any questions Jacobs may have, but insisted the young filmmaker has not reached out to her yet. Great lengths: Jolie insisted at the time that she went to 'great lengths to ensure Maddox did not have a living birth-mother in Cambodia' and that she would 'never rob a mother of her child' (pictured 2002) Jolie (pictured right holding Maddox) visited the village of Samlaut with Mounh Sarath (pictured middle). Sarath, 53, later claimed that he was the father of Maddox Jolie-Pitt on the boy's adoption papers in order to speed up the process of passing him into Jolie's care During the visits, Jolie purchased houses, cows and a well for landmine victims and was also guest of honour at the wedding of one of the victims Saas Mean (a man is seen holding baby Maddox) Jolie's private compound in north west Cambodian province of Battambang is pictured She denied that any of her practices had ever been illegal, hailing herself as 'a champion of children'. Galindo added she has 'no reason to believe' that Maddox's adoption was unethical and seemingly confirmed that she had worked with Jolie on the process, saying she 'knew' that Angelina was in Namibia at the time filming Beyond Borders and adding that there was 'no interference' by Jolie. Jacobs also spoke to the paper, saying she is concerned Galindo's practices were fraudulent, and is 'determined' to talk about the 'scandal' surrounding adoptions in Cambodia. Filmmaker Elizabeth Jacobs, 21, (pictured) - whose parents also used Galindo to facilitate their child's adoption from Cambodia - will revisit the claim that 'poor Cambodian families are preyed on by baby recruiters' in her forthcoming documentary, The Stolen Children Jacobs' parents Karen, 60, and Erich, 56, kept their adoption documents, however only looked through them last year (they are pictured arriving in the US with Jacobs and her brother Ben) When the couple looked at the papers, they found discrepancies and discovered Galindo's name stamped across papers (pictured is Jacobs as a baby with her Cambodian nanny) Another picture shows a receipt for a 'Cambodia Orphanage Donation' that Jacobs' mum Karen gave to Galindo, with Galindo's signature and the date 18 July 2000 Jacobs, who is a film and marketing student at the University of Massachusetts, is determined to uncover the truth about Galindo's adoptions (pictured as a child with her mom's Cambodian driver while she picked her up, who is also said to have been Galindo's personal driver) According to Jacobs, the documents show discrepancies, with orphanage papers showing one birth date and government documents showing another (pictured with her Cambodian nanny) MailOnline has reached representatives for Jolie and Jacobs for comment. Jacobs' parents Karen, 60, and Erich, 56, kept their adoption documents, however only looked through them last year, discovering Galindo's name stamped across papers. According to Jacobs, the documents show discrepancies, with orphanage papers showing one birth date and government documents showing another. Karen insists Galindo never disclosed any information to her regarding Jacobs' real parents, telling Karen they perished in a flood. Restrictions: At the time of Maddox's adoption, the US had imposed tougher restrictions on adopting children from Cambodia due to trafficking fears (pictured: 2004) Joint custody: Jolie and her ex-husband Brad Pitt share joint custody of their six children, twins Vivienne and Knox, 12, Shiloh, 15, Maddox, 19, Zahara, 16, and Pax, 17 (pictured together with Maddox in 2016) Jolie and her ex-husband Brad Pitt share joint custody of their six children, twins Vivienne and Knox, 12, Shiloh, 15, Maddox, 19, Zahara, 16, and Pax, 17. Maddox was adopted from an orphanage in Cambodia, while Jolie adopted Zahara in Ethiopia and Pax in Vietnam. In 2017 a Cambodian aid worker claimed the documentation Jolie used to adopt her eldest son contained false information. Mounh Sarath, 53, wrote that he was the father of Maddox Jolie-Pitt on the boy's adoption papers in order to speed up the process of passing him into Jolie's care in 2003. Despite the claims there is no suggestion that Jolie nor her then husband, Billy Bob Thornton, who adopted Maddox too, knew that Sarath did as he alleges. Jacobs' mum Karen insists Galindo never disclosed any information to her regarding Jacobs' real parents, telling Karen they perished in a flood (Jacobs' is pictured at the airport in Phnom Penh bound for the US) A baby Jacobs is seen playing at the Phnom Penh hotel where her mom Karen was staying ahead of retuning to the US Galindo told The Sun in a recent statement that she would be happy to answer any questions Jacobs (pictured as a baby in Cambodia) may have, but insisted the young filmmaker has not reached out to her yet The filmmaker is seen in another picture from her time in the Cambodian orphanage Karen and Erich only recently discovered Galindo's name was on the papers relating to their daughter's adoption papers (they are seen holding their daughter as a baby) Jacobs' is pictured sitting in the arms of her older brother Ben Karen insists Galindo never disclosed any information to her regarding Jacobs' real parents, telling Karen they perished in a flood (Jacobs is seen with her grandfather) At the time of Maddox's adoption, the US had imposed tougher restrictions on adopting children from Cambodia due to trafficking fears. That same year, the actress directed First They Killed My Father, a movie about the 1975 to 1979 genocide of 1.7 million Cambodians during communist dictator Pol Pot's regime. Most died from either starvation, disease or were killed in mass executions, and Jolie admitted making the film had made her better understand her son's country of birth. She said: 'This country means a great deal to me, this country has been through so much. This war affected every single individual here, and I wanted to understand myself. 'I don't know much of Maddox's birth parents, but I believe they would have gone through this war.' She sparked wedding rumours with her beau Travis Barker after her hairstylist hinted at a very romantic weekend in Sin City. But Kourtney Kardashian brushed aside marriage speculation as she flaunted her figure in a skintight co-ord while posing for racy Instagram snaps on Thursday. The reality star, 42, wowed as she slipped into a nude Jean Paul Gaultier top and leggings while posing on the floor of her vast dressing room. Sizzling: Kourtney Kardashian brushed aside marriage speculation as she flaunted her figure in a skintight co-ord while posing for racy Instagram snaps on Thursday Kourtney appeared very taken with her new outfit as she posed from different angles, with one snap highlighting her peachy posterior as she shot a picture in her mirror. The mum-of-three flashed a hint of skin just above her behind as she knelt barefoot on the floor while thanking the fashion house for her new clothes. Kourtney also took to her Instagram grid were she modelled a white tank top and jeans while promoting sister Khloe's Good American range. Work it: The reality star, 42, wowed as she slipped into a nude Jean Paul Gaultier top and leggings while posing on the floor of her vast dressing room The eldest Kardashian sibling looked sensational as she sat in a make-up chair while showing off the casual outfit. Kourtney appeared in a playful mood as she pulled faces and smiled into her compact mirror in the snaps. The stunner wore her sleek raven tresses loose while she highlighted her features with a glam palette of make-up. Pose: Kourtney also took to her Instagram grid were she modelled a white tank top and jeans while promoting sister Khloe's Good American range Gorgeous: The eldest Kardashian sibling looked sensational as she sat in a make-up chair while showing off the casual outfit Fun times: Kourtney appeared in a playful mood as she pulled faces and smiled into her compact mirror in the snaps Stunning: The stunner wore her sleek raven tresses loose while she highlighted her features with a glam palette of make-up Kourtney recently returned from a whirlwind trip to Las Vegas where she painted the town red with the Blink 182 drummer. Her go-to hairstylist Glen Coco (AKA Oropeza) sparked gossip when he shared several snapshots of the couple's romantic trip to Sin City. 'NOWWW I understand why ppl tie the knot in Vegas. There's nothing like love and a good time,' Coco wrote in his caption, prompting fans to think Kravis had tied the knot. Interesting: Her go-to hairstylist Glen Coco (AKA Oropeza) sparked gossip when he shared several snapshots of the couple's romantic trip to Sin City Celebrate: Travis's 15-year-old daughter, Alabama, seemed to echo the news when she shared photos of the couple with 'So happy for you guys' written across the top Adding to the intrigue, Kourtney shared similar shots to her account over the weekend and wrote: 'What happens in Vegas...' Travis's 15-year-old daughter, Alabama, seemed to echo the news when she shared photos of the couple with 'So happy for you guys' written across the top. The cute couple put on an amorous display at UFC 264 when live cameras caught them in a passionate tongue kiss before the fight at the T-Mobile Arena. Jack Fincham, 30, and Frankie Sims, 26, have reportedly split. The couple, who started dating in April, are said to have parted ways after fighting, with insiders telling OK!: 'Jack and Frankie have split. They've had a couple of rows and have unfollowed each other on Instagram.' News of the break-up comes a day after Jack's ex and fellow Love Island victor Dani Dyer was left heartbroken when she split from her partner Sammy Kimmence after he was sentenced to three years in prison for a 34k fraud on Wednesday. Sad: Jack Fincham, 30, and Frankie Sims, 26, have reportedly split In May, Jack and Frankie confirmed their romance, sharing romantic snaps after being spotted passionately embracing after a night out. They later shared a photograph from their first ever date, on April 11 at Jin Bo Law Skybar in London. When their romance went public, there were concerns Frankie's feud with her love rival Chloe Brockett, 20, would reignite as it was rumoured at the time that Chloe had been dating Jack in recent months. However TOWIE's Chloe insisted that she's completely fine with her nemesis Frankie Sims and ex beau Jack striking up a romance, when she took to Instagram to reassure fans there are 'no bad feelings' and to wish the new couple 'all the best'. Chloe and Jack had been rumoured to be dating over recent months, while the brunette beauty had previously fallen out with her co-star Frankie over Harry Lee. Besotted: The couple, who started dating in April, are said to have parted ways after fighting, with insiders telling OK!: 'Jack and Frankie have split. They've had a couple of rows and have unfollowed each other on Instagram' MailOnline has contacted Jack and Frankie's representatives for comment. Away from Jack's romantic woes, Dani has been left heartbroken. Jack and Dani won Love Island in 2018, walking away and splitting the 50k prize however their relationship ended in 2019 after nine months together. The former pen salesman went on to have a daughter called Blossom with his long-term good friend and ex Casey Ranger, in January 2020, while Dani reunited with her pre-villa ex Sammy and they welcomed their son Santiago in January. Sad times: News of the break-up comes after Jack's ex-girlfriend and fellow Love Island victor Dani Dyer was left heartbroken when she split from her partner Sammy Kimmence after he was sentenced to three years in prison for a 34k fraud on Wednesday (Dani and Sammy are pictured together in March) It was revealed on Thursday that Dani broke up with Sammy after he lied to her about his crimes before being sentenced to three years in jail. Speaking exclusively to MailOnline, a source revealed that the heartbroken star, 26, is working on life as a single parent with their son Santiago, seven months, after her boyfriend was jailed for a 34k scam. They said: 'She is absolutely floored by what's happened with Sammy. She knows she has to make massive changes in her life and she's so distraught... His love: In May, Jack and Frankie confirmed their romance, sharing romantic snaps after being spotted passionately embracing after a night out. They later shared a photograph from their first ever date, on April 11 at Jin Bo Law Skybar in London 'All she knows is that her baby boy Santiago is the only thing that matters now and she is trying to work out how best to look after him as a single parent.' Sammy, 25, duped Peter Martin, 91, and Peter Haynes, 81, by persuading the vulnerable pensioners to let him to invest their money for them and then splashed out on expensive restaurants, hotels and clothes. The source went on: 'She needs time to think it through. Sammy completely downplayed the court case every step of the way'. It has been revealed that she was misled over the severity of the crimes which saw Sammy groom pensioners to fund his lavish lifestyle. Sweet: Jack and Dani won Love Island in 2018, walking away and splitting the 50k prize however their relationship ended in 2019 after nine months together (pictured on the show) The source said: 'He led her to believe he hadn't done anything too serious and that he would get a suspended sentence now she knows the full horror of the crime... 'She is broken. She feels desperately sorry for the two men he scammed and whose lives he ruined.' Speaking about how she is feeling now, they said: 'She feels utterly stupid for ever believing him and she is totally overwhelmed... 'The little dream family she thought she had has been smashed apart and she is now trying to work out how best to pick up the pieces. She has been busy promoting a number of films at the Cannes Film Festival. And Tilda Swinton put on a stylish display as she attended the photocall for Memoria at the event in France on Friday. The actress, 60, showed off her quirky sense of style by wearing a floaty white blouse that was adored with colourful feathers on one side and green trousers. Stunning: Tilda Swinton showed off her quirky sense of style in a colourful blouse and green trousers as she posed for the Memoria photocall at Cannes Film Festival on Friday Tilda's blouse featured a silver ring that was stitched into the fabric and gave her shirt and asymmetrical look. She added a pop of colour to her ensemble by boosting her statuesque figure in a pair of bright orange heels. The Grand Budapest Hotel star styled her cropped golden locks in a tousled hairdo, and she embraced her natural beauty by wearing a light palette of make-up. Style: Tilda's floaty white blouse was adored with colourful feathers on one side and it featured a silver ring that was stitched into the fabric Chic: Tilda added a pop of colour to her ensemble by boosting her statuesque figure in a pair of bright orange heels Natural beauty: The Grand Budapest Hotel star styled her cropped golden locks in a tousled hairdo, and she embraced her natural beauty by wearing a light palette of make-up Memoria is the actress' first project with Thai director Apichatpong Weerasethakul, who is a previous recipient of the festival's prestigious Palme d'Or. The internationally co-produced drama film tells the story of a Scottish woman (Tilda) who begins to experience a bizarre sensory syndrome while shes travelling through the Colombian jungles. Apichatpong told La Tempestad last year: 'I wrote this movie with [Tilda Swinton] in mind knowing that she is an actress who needs no explanation. 'In fact, it was she who showed me this character. The experience was very significant and I really appreciate that.' Cast: Tilda was joined by Memoria director Apichatpong Weerasethakul (centre) and co-stars (L-R) Elkin Diaz, Jeanne Balibar and Juan Pablo Urrego Collaboration: Memoria is the actress' first project with Thai director Apichatpong, who is a previous recipient of the festival's prestigious Palme d'Or One to watch: Memoria tells the story of a Scottish woman (Tilda) who begins to experience a bizarre sensory syndrome Tilda, who's real name is Katherine Matilda Swinton, is known for her portrayal of the White Witch in The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe - and its two sequels. Other faces starring alongside Tilda in Memoria include Juan Pablo Urrego, Elkin Diaz and Jeanne Balibar. The film will be officially released later on this year following Thursday's premiere. Also in attendance: Tilda's The French Dispatch co-star Bill Murray was also out at the Cannes Film Festival, and did an interview for New Worlds: The Cradle of Civilization She's been bringing the glamour to the Cannes Film Festival this year. And Kat Graham looked incredible yet again as she stepped out in the South of France on Friday wearing a purple mini dress. The Vampire Diaries star, 31, looked every inch the style queen putting on a leggy display in the thigh-split number. Wow! Kat Graham looked incredible yet again as she stepped out in the South of France on Friday wearing a purple mini dress She silk shirt dress featured buttons down the front and showed off her stunning figure. Kat completed the look with pastel green high heels and carried a large nude leather bag with her full of all the essentials. The beauty wore her brunette tresses in a slicked back style and opted for typically glamorous makeup while donning statement gold earrings. Beauty: The Vampire Diaries star, 31, looked every inch the style queen putting on a leggy display in the thigh-split number Work it: She silk shirt dress featured buttons down the front and showed off her incredible figure While Kat has been wearing her hair straight in Cannes, she said earlier this year that she has 'finally learned to accept' her natural curly tresses. 'I've really learned to accept my curls, my 'fro and my African roots,' she told Du Jour magazine. She explained that as a child, her white mother didn't know how to handle her textured hair and recalled being dropped off alone to a black-run hair salon by her desperate mother when she was only six. Lovely: Kat completed the look with pastel green high heels and carried a large nude leather bag with her full of all the essentials Glowing: The beauty wore her brunette tresses in a slicked back style and opted for typically glamorous makeup while donning statement gold earrings All smiles: Kat looked sensational as she beamed for the camera while wearing her purple outfit The beauty shop visits left a lasting impression on the actress, who felt 'rejected' in a way. 'My mum would just drop me off at the salon. Emotionally, it felt like I was being rejected because my parent couldn't really handle it,' she explained. She began to value more 'manageable' locks, associating them with success in her personal and professional life. But now she's come to embrace her natural beauty. 'Whether you're black or not, we all struggle with self-acceptance,' she said, 'and we all have our own individual journeys.' House Rules star David Clarson has revealed how he walked over 40 kilometres in the hope of finding help after becoming stranded in remote Western Australia. David, who appeared alongside wife Chiara on the Channel Seven show in 2018, was missing for two days, with a massive search launched when the fly-in, fly-out worker failed to arrive at the Mineral Resources' Windarling site on Monday where he was to begin a two-week stint. Speaking to The West on Friday, the former reality star says his four wheel drive became stuck after hitting a ditch about 140kn north of Southern Cross, and when he realised he was out of phone range and help wasn't coming, he took off on foot. Breakdown: House Rules star David Clarson has revealed how he walked over 40 kilometres in the hope of finding help after becoming stranded in remote Western Australia. Pictured recovering in hospital But first, he wrote letters to his wife and three children in case the worst came true. 'I was a man on a mission, I wasn't going to get stuck in the bush and never see my kids again,' he told the paper. David, who had very little water and just half a block of chocolate to eat, walked 20 kilometres per day before he spotted a familiar road. Hard: Speaking to The West on Friday, the former reality star says his four wheel drive became stuck after hitting a ditch about 140kn north of Southern Cross, and when he realised he was out of phone range and help wasn't coming, he took off on foot 'My motto at the moment is one day at a time, one step at a time, and I just kept thinking of my kids and just kept pushing. Every step I took I was in excruciating pain,' he said. He finally was able to find phone service near Windarling airport and called for help. According to Perth Now, the forker made contact with his employer on Wednesday and was transported to Southern Cross Hospital. Tears: He wrote letters to his wife and three children in case the worst came true. 'I was a man on a mission, I wasn't going to get stuck in the bush and never see my kids again,' he told the paper. Pictured with wife Chiara Long way: 'My motto at the moment is one day at a time, one step at a time, and I just kept thinking of my kids and just kept pushing. Every step I took I was in excruciating pain,' he said According to the publication, his wife had been told his GPS system had taken him the wrong way to the work site and his car ended up in a ditch. The report added the reality star managed to walk between 40km and 60km before finding help. David was found in the Aurora Range before being taken to the mine site and transferred via ambulance to hospital where he was treated. Australians have expressed outraged after learning that American reality star Caitlyn Jenner has flown into Australia to star on the new season of Big Brother VIP. The 71-year-old touched down in Sydney earlier this week, according to a report in The Advertiser. The international arrival has resulted in anger from locals who are currently prohibited from leaving the country, many of whom have been separated from loved ones who are overseas since the start of the pandemic. In town: Australians have expressed outraged after learning that American reality star Caitlyn Jenner (pictured) has flown into Australia to star on the new season of Big Brother VIP. The 71-year-old touched down in Sydney earlier this week, according to a report in The Advertiser Scores more Australians are trapped overseas and unable to return home, with arrival caps recently slashed. Many see the government as having one set of rules for wealthy celebrities, who appear to move in and out of the country freely, and another set of rules for stranded Australians at home and abroad. Dozens of Australians posted of their rage to social media on Friday, with an outpouring of anger on Instagram. Rage: The international arrival has resulted in anger from locals who are prohibited from leaving the country, many of whom have been separated from loved ones since the start of the pandemic. Dozens of Australians posted of their rage to social media on Friday One person commented: 'I thought Australian borders were shut to all but returning citizens. I've never been more furious.' Another wrote: 'Ah yes and my grandparents that I haven't seen in years can't come here, even though they're fully vaccinated and want to move here and buy a house'. Someone else chimed in: 'Pretty rude. When many people are trying to get home to our open air prison fortress Australia, celebs, business and sporting people jumping the queues and for what? It is very clear there is another set of rules going on here.' One person chimed in: 'Pretty rude. When many people are trying to get home to our open air prison fortress Australia, celebs, business and sporting people jumping the queues and for what? It is very clear there is another set of rules going on here' One more commented: 'Yet so many of us are separated from our partners, de factos, spouses because of international border closures. Yeah, thanks'. Another said: 'Yes the Federal Government really wants to bring Aussies home and reunify families! This is BS, all these entitled overseas "stars" should be last in, after people wanting to come home are able to.' Someone else added: 'Seeing red over this. My sister in limbo about her flight to come back and see our terminally I'll dad. This is f***ed'. Someone else added: 'Seeing red over this. My sister in limbo about her flight to come back and see our terminally I'll dad. This is f***ed' While Channel Seven hasn't commented on the casting, Caitlyn's salary is believed to be at least $500,000. Caitlyn, who has started her 14 days of mandatory hotel quarantine, is no stranger to reality TV, having appeared on Keeping Up with the Kardashians since 2007. She also recently announced plans to run for Governor of California, Filming: Big Brother VIP begins filming at Sydney Olympic Park in the coming weeks and will air on Channel Seven later this year. Sonia Kruger (pictured) is returning as host Big Brother VIP is the second celebrity-themed Big Brother format to air in Australia, after a first season was made back in 2002. Daily Mail Australia has contacted Channel Seven for comment. Big Brother VIP begins filming at Sydney Olympic Park in the coming weeks and will air on Channel Seven later this year. Sonia Kruger is returning as host. Veteran: Caitlyn, who has started her 14 days of mandatory hotel quarantine, is no stranger to reality TV, having appeared on Keeping Up with the Kardashians since 2007. Caitlyn is pictured on the far left, when she was known as Bruce Jenner and living as a man The last two seasons of Big Brother were filmed at a warehouse in Manly, but producers were forced to relocate after being served an eviction notice by the National Parks and Wildlife Service. Caitlyn was last pictured in the U.S. on Tuesday when she visited her local Starbucks in Malibu ahead of a busy day of meetings regarding her gubernatorial campaign. The Republican hopeful was spotted chatting to prospective voters while wearing a white 'Caitlyn for California' T-shirt. Regina King cut a stylish figure as she attended the Kering Women In Motion talk on day 11 of the 74th Annual Cannes Film Festival on Friday. The actress, 50, flashed her flat midriff as she wore a 300 cropped grey and pink graphic tee by Gucci with rainbow lettering and a 1,300 skirt from the fashion house with a drawstring waist and monogrammed pattern. She donned kooky accessories with the ensemble as she made a showstopping appearance at the event amid the annual festival. Looking good: Regina King, 50, cut a stylish figure as she attended the Kering Women in Motion talk at Cannes Film Festival on Friday The Hollywood star looked youthful as she opted for a knitted baby pink beret perched wore atop her head which created a 00s vibe to the look. Her curly raven locks were swept back into a low ponytail and she highlighted her natural beauty with subtle eyeshadow and a slick of lip gloss. She elevated her height by sporting red heeled sandals. She accessorised with trendy silver hoops and a classic gold watch as she posed on some wooden steps. Fashion forward: The actress flashed her flat midriff as she wore a cropped grey and pink graphic ringer T-shirt by Gucci with rainbow lettering on it The event the If Beale Street Could Talk star attended was to highlight women's efforts in the film industry. Women In Motion partnered with the festival in 2015, and the events give women a platform to highlight opinions on the industry. Regina gave a speech at the event in the French city, expressing her thoughts and experiences. Gorgeous: The Hollywood star looked youthful as she opted for a knitted baby pink beret perched wore atop her head which created a 00s vibe to the look She revealed in the talk that she was not told until the day before that she would be opening the Oscars' 2021 ceremony. Continuing her speech, she spoke candidly about the gender pay gap for female and male directors. She commented that the same doesn't exist for actors and actresses, although she commented that women tend to do a lot more at home on top of working on set, which may go unnoticed. The actress-turned-director's next project will be the adaptation of the graphic novel Bitter Root. Caitlyn Jenner has insisted that her appearance on Celebrity Big Brother in Australia will not interfere with her bid for California governor. Jenner took to Twitter to defend her trip Down Under on Friday afternoon after reports emerged that she arrived in Sydney earlier this week, just two months before California's election to recall Governor Gavin Newsom on September 14. 'My campaign team is in full operation as am I. I am in this race to win for California, because it is worth fighting for,' the 71-year-old reality star wrote. While Channel Seven, which broadcasts Australia's Big Brother franchise hasn't commented on the casting, her salary is believed to be at least $500,000 ASD ($372,500 USD), as this was the fee offered to another high-profile American celebrity, The Advertiser reported. Jenner was last pictured in the US on Tuesday when she visited her local Starbucks in Malibu ahead of a busy day of meetings for her gubernatorial campaign. The Republican hopeful was spotted chatting to prospective voters while wearing a white 'Caitlyn for California' T-shirt. Sources close to Jenner told TMZ that she intends to stay in Australia for three weeks total - spending the first two in mandatory coronavirus quarantine at a hotel. That means she should return roughly a month before the election. The sources said that Jenner committed to Big Brother before announcing her bid for governor in April and insisted that it will not interfere with her political ambitions stateside. It was previously reported that she planned to embark on a statewide bus tour in the month before the election. Representatives for Jenner did not immediately respond to DailyMail.com's requests for comment. Revealed: Caitlyn Jenner has flown into Australia for the new season of Big Brother VIP. The 71-year-old, who is running for Governor of California, touched down in Sydney earlier this week Jenner took to Twitter to defend her trip Down Under on Friday afternoon Jenner, a former Olympic decathlete who has never run for political office before, announced her bid for governor on April 23. She is running as a Republican on a platform of making California a more pro-business state with lower taxes and less regulations, as well as closing the border, leading the COVID-19 recovery, and addressing affordable housing and the homelessness crisis. Sources close to Jenner told TMZ that she intends to stay in Australia for three weeks total - spending the first two in mandatory coronavirus quarantine at a hotel and the third week filming the show Her reported trip to Australia threatens to throw a wrench in her already long-shot bid for the governorship. A major May poll showed Jenner ranked fourth among GOP hopefuls with just 6 percent of support. In that poll, conducted by the Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies, Jenner trailed behind Republicans Kevin Faulconer, the former mayor of San Diego; John Cox, a former candidate for governor in 2018; and Doug Ose, a former congressman. The poll also showed that only 36 percent of voters support recalling Newsom, suggesting that he has a good chance of keeping his seat. Jenner, however, dismissed the results of the poll as 'outdated'. 'Honestly, I'm not concerned about the polling,' she said, according to Politico. 'I guarantee you that I am in the lead.' 'I have a tremendous advantage, obviously because of name recognition,' she added. Jenner, who has started her 14 days of mandatory hotel quarantine in Sydney, is no stranger to reality TV, having appeared on Keeping Up with the Kardashians since 2007. Big Brother VIP is the second celebrity-themed Big Brother format to air in Australia, after a first season was made back in 2002. Daily Mail Australia has contacted Channel Seven for comment. Rumored housemates include Vanderpump Rules star Jax Taylor, The Bachelorette's Jamie Doran and Angela Clancy from last year's season of Big Brother. Jenner (pictured at a campaign event on July 9) has dismissed poor polling results which showed she is trailing behind three other Republican candidates in the gubernatorial election Veteran: Caitlyn, who has started her 14 days of mandatory hotel quarantine, is no stranger to reality TV, having appeared on Keeping Up with the Kardashians since 2007. Caitlyn is pictured on the far left, when she was known as Bruce Jenner and living as a man Big Brother VIP will begin filming at Sydney Olympic Park in the coming weeks and will air on Channel Seven later this year. Sonia Kruger is returning as host. The last two seasons of Big Brother were filmed at a warehouse in Manly, but producers were forced to relocate after being served an eviction notice by the National Parks and Wildlife Service. Past seasons have seen anywhere between 12 and 26 contestants live in the same home for several weeks - at least 24 days and at most 101 days. Jenner has yet to publicly acknowledge the news of her trip to Australia and it remains unclear when she is slated to return. Her international arrival has resulted in anger from Australians who are currently prohibited from leaving the country, many of whom have been separated from loved ones who are overseas since the start of the pandemic. Scores more Australians are trapped overseas and unable to return home, with arrival caps recently slashed. Many see the government as having one set of rules for wealthy celebrities, who appear to move in and out of the country freely, and another set of rules for stranded Australians at home and abroad. Dozens of Australians posted of their rage to social media on Friday, with an outpouring of anger on Instagram. One person commented: 'I thought Australian borders were shut to all but returning citizens. I've never been more furious.' Another wrote: 'Ah yes and my grandparents that I haven't seen in years can't come here, even though they're fully vaccinated and want to move here and buy a house'. Someone else chimed in: 'Pretty rude. When many people are trying to get home to our open air prison fortress Australia, celebs, business and sporting people jumping the queues and for what? It is very clear there is another set of rules going on here.' Rage: The international arrival has resulted in anger from locals who are prohibited from leaving the country, many of whom have been separated from loved ones since the start of the pandemic. Dozens of Australians posted of their rage to social media on Friday New location: Big Brother VIP begins filming at Sydney Olympic Park in the coming weeks. The last two seasons of Big Brother were filmed at a warehouse in Manly (pictured), but producers were forced to relocate after being served an eviction notice Who is challenging Gavin Newsom? Caitlyn Jenner, a construction titan and a former San Diego mayor seek to seize the governorship Newsom, 53, has been governor of California since January 2019. His handling of the pandemic has caused him to become only the second governor in history to face a recall vote. Here are his Republican challengers - there is no significant Democrat opponent: John Cox Cox, 65, has made his fortune through construction. He challenged Newsom in 2018 and lost in a landslide. Caitlyn Jenner The Olympic athlete, 71, and reality TV star has insisted that she is running to reform California on a pro-business, pro-police ticket. She has never held elected office and maintains limited support. Kevin Faulconer The former mayor of San Diego from 2014-20, Faulconer, 54, is considered an establishment Republican candidate. Advertisement Newsom, 53, a Democrat, is only the second governor in California's history to face a recall election, after a move in 2003 to recall and replace Governor Gray Davis with Hollywood superstar Arnold Schwarzenegger, a Republican. The 2003 election was a circus-like campaign that featured more than 130 candidates, including a porn star and a bounty hunter. Newsom's recall is the result of a petition that received more than 1.7 million signatures amid a political uprising largely driven by angst over state coronavirus orders that shuttered schools and businesses and upended life for millions of Californians. The election in the nation's most populous state will be a marquee contest with national implications, watched closely as a barometer of the public mood heading toward the 2022 elections, when a closely divided Congress again will be in play. Yet recent opinion polls showed Newsom had favorable job approval ratings - a rise driven in large part by Californias emergence from the COVID-19 pandemic and an economy on the upswing. The date was set on July 1 by Lt Gov Eleni Kounalakis, a Democrat, after election officials certified that enough valid petition signatures had been turned in to qualify the election for the ballot. 'Although the window of time from which I could select a date was narrow, I believe we have chosen a fair and reasonable date for this election to take place,' Kounalakis said in a statement released Thursday. 'It has always been my intention to choose an election date that gives election officials and the public ample time to ensure a smooth election with broad participation.' The announcement set off a furious, 10-week burst of campaigning through the California summer - a time when voters typically are ignoring politics to enjoy vacationing, backyard barbecuing and travel. Many voters have yet to pay attention to the emerging election, while polls have shown Newsom would beat back the effort to remove him. Republicans haven't won a statewide race in heavily Democratic California since 2006, when Arnold Schwarzenegger was re-elected. Schwarzenegger was first elected in 2003 in the first recall election in state history, to replace a Democrat, Governor Gray Davis. Republican candidates have depicted Newsom as an incompetent fop, while Democrats have sought to frame the contest as driven by far-right extremists and supporters of former President Donald Trump. Meredith Salenger and Patton Oswalt looked happy on the blue carpet for the premiere of season two of the hit TV series Ted Lasso on Thursday. The stars put their arms around each other as they posed away at the event held at the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood, California. It has been four years after they tied the knot following the tragic death of his first wife Michelle McNamara in 2016. Still good: Meredith Salenger and Patton Oswalt looked happy on the blue carpet for the premiere of season two of the hit TV series Ted Lasso on Thursday It's love: The stars put their arms around each other as they posed away at the event held at the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood, California Meredith looked lovely in a long black dress that flattered her curves; she also had her brunette hair down and wore a Gucci purse crossbody style. Delicate necklaces added glam as did stud earrings and her wedding rings. The Hollywood vet added white sneakers for comfort. Patton looked stylish in a blue and white print shirt, blue denim jeans and red sneakers with tinted glasses as he stayed close to his wife. Also at the event were Jason Sudeikis, Sophia Bush and Kesha. Four years in: It has been four years after they tied the knot following the tragic death of his first wife Michelle McNamara in 2016. In 2019 Oswalt admitted there was 'some weirdness' when he remarried 18 months later giving his daughter Alice a stepmother, according to People. 'When Michelle was Alices mom, Alice .... was still a little kid,' he told Kevin Nealon on Hiking With Kevin on YouTube. 'Then I marry Meredith. Now Alice is 10 and both Meredith and I are like, You have responsibilities, you have some chores. Were treating her like a 10-year-old.' Gucci gal: Meredith looked lovely in a long black dress that flattered her curves; she also had her brunette hair down and wore a Gucci purse crossbody style The comedian and actor acknowledged that Alice sometimes tries to play her two moms off each other. 'Theres been times where she goes, "With Mommy, I didnt have to do this,"' he explained. He went on that he tells his daughter: Well, thats because you were five, and if Mommy were here, youd be doing all this same stuff - probably even more.' Oswalt also talked about how he sometimes struggles with his only child growing up so fast and how he still wants her to be his little girl. Bling it on: Delicate necklaces added glam as did stud earrings and her wedding rings Alice's mom Michelle McNamara, whom he had married in 2005, died unexpectedly in her sleep in April 2016 from an undiagnosed heart condition combined with prescription medication. Oswalt announced his engagement to Meredith Salenger in July 2017 and the two tied the knot a few months later in November. At the time, Alice was eight years old. Adjustment: His first wife passed away in 2016. And Patton Oswalt admits there was 'some weirdness' when he remarried 18 months later giving daughter Alice a stepmother (pictured in June 2015) Tragic: McNamara, pictured with Oswalt in December 2011, died unexpectedly in her sleep in April 2016 from an undiagnosed heart condition combined with prescription medication After the couple went public with their romance, they faced some criticism on social media, with some questioning how Oswalt could move on so quickly after the death of his wife. Salenger responded, explaining that they had the support of McNamara's family and friends. She added: 'I think for Patton, having met and found love after over a year of intense therapy and openly grieving and dealing with his painI am grateful to be the one who helps him climb out of the depths of grief and find some joy again. And most of all Alice is happy and feels loved.' Salenger continued: 'I have waited 47 years to find true love. Creating our family unit while honoring the brilliant gift Michelle has given me will be my life's goal and happiness. I am deeply in love with both Patton and Alice and very much looking forward to a beautiful happy life having adventures together.' Stepmom: Alice was seven when her mom Michelle McNamara passed away. They're pictured July 2018 They found love in the no-touching, no-kissing, no-romping Too Hot To Handle villa. And season two stars Christina Carmela, 30 and Robert Van Tromp, 29 have proved their relationship has lasted the test of the outside world with their recent outing. The pair went on a glamorous double date with their co-stars and friends Emily Miller, 27 and Cam Holmes, 24 on Thursday evening. Double trouble! Too Hot To Handle's and Robert Van Tromp, 29, Christina Carmela, 30, went on a double date with Emily Miller, 27 and Cam Holmes, 24 on Thursday evening (pictured left to right) The two couples headed out to the luxe Meraki Greek restaurant in London, dressing up in fancy threads for the occasion. Both ladies showcased their toned pins in short-shorts - with the half-Italian, half-Portuguese Christina donning an all-black ensemble and British Emily wearing a chocolate leather co-ord. Model-come-pilot Christina stepped out in a black long-line blazer which she paired with an impressive pair of matching knee high boots. Wow! The half-Italian, half-Portuguese Christina donned an all-black ensemble for the occasion Bad girl vibes: Model-come-pilot Christina stepped out in a bad-girl-worthy black long-line blazer which she paired with an impressive pair of matching knee high boots She accessorised with a small black handbag which featured a gold chain and styled her shoulder-length raven locks in subtle waves. Her counterpart, Emily, who Christina said she wanted to kiss on the show, sported a strapless leather crop top with a tie-back fastening and matching shorts. She paired the earthy co-ord with a pair of daring bright orange gladiator heels which she matched to her long claws. Gorgeous: Her counterpart, Emily sported a strapless leather crop top with a tie-back fastening and matching booty shorts Bold: She paired the earthy co-ord with a pair of daring bright orange gladiator heels which she matched to her long claws The social media star styled her luscious tresses in loose curls which she wore down to her waist and modelled a healthy glow on her visage. She carried her essentials in a small white quilted purse with gold strap The girls were pictured smiling as they walked hand-in-hand alongside their beaus. Their partners Robert and Cam also scrubbed up nicely for the date - with Cam showing his eccentric style in a leopard print over shirt and Robert donning a cream ensemble. Eccentric: Cam showed his eccentric style in a leopard print over shirt as he modelled a pair of black slacks and a matching black vest Cam flashed his winning smile as he modelled a pair of black slacks and a matching black vest. He was sure to add a touch of bling with his glitzy chain, watch, earrings, rings and nose ring. His pal Robert looked suave in his cream pinstripe shirt, which he left slightly open across his chest. He matched his dinner date look with light khaki trousers and white trainers. He sported a smart short back and sides haircut, leaving enough length on the top to style a chic quiff. Suave: His pal Robert looked suave in his cream pinstripe shirt, which he left slightly open across his chest Their outing comes after Christina and Robert revealed to MailOnline that they're in an official relationship. The South African pilot said her and Robert are very much in love and their intimacy is stronger than ever. Speaking in her first UK interview, Christina told the news site earlier this month she believes producers ended her time on Too Hot to Handle early because they grew tired of her and Robert's 'canoodling', and claims that much of their relationship wasn't shown on the final edit. She said: 'We still can't keep our hands off each other. I'm really open about sex and obviously he has the nicest penis I have ever seen. He's got big d*** energy already but he doesn't have to show it off.' 'Besides the show and everything else he is the kindest human I have ever dated. He is so considerate, he wants to do everything to make me happy, and I used to walk over someone like that but he just keeps me entertained.' TikTok superstar Addison Rae's fans have launched a campaign to cancel her after she excitedly greeted Donald Trump at the star-studded UFC 264 fight in Las Vegas last weekend. In footage uploaded by YouTube channel NELK earlier this week, Rae was seen approaching the former president as he watched the UFC bout between Conor McGregor and Dustin Poirier from his ringside seat on July 10. Rae is seen tapping Trump on his shoulder before introducing herself and shaking his hand. 'Hi! I'm Addison. Nice to meet you. I have to say hi, hello. So nice to meet you,' she says in the footage. It's not clear what Trump said to her in return. The greeting caused a stir on social media, fueling speculation among Rae's devout fanbase about her political affiliation - a topic first brought up in 2019 when she was accused of registering to vote as a Republican. Rae shot to fame in 2019 uploading dance videos to popular songs on TikTok. Now, she has almost 82 million followers and is worth around $5million. In footage uploaded by YouTube channel NELK earlier this week, Rae was seen approaching the former president as he watched the UFC bout between Conor McGregor and Dustin Poirier from his ringside seat Rae is seen tapping Trump on his shoulder before introducing herself and shaking his hand 'Hi! I'm Addison. Nice to meet you. I have to say hi, hello. So nice to meet you,' she says in the footage. It's not clear what Trump said to her in return Footage of the encounter divided opinion on social media with the woke Twitter mob calling for the 20-year-old star from Louisiana to be canceled while others leaped to her defense. Several Twitter users slammed Rae over the greeting, with comedian and YouTuber Chris Klemens saying she had revealed her political affiliation, writing: 'Oopsies Addison your Republican is showing.' In a follow-up post, he quipped: 'Word on the street is Addison Rae's song Obsessed is about Donald Trump actually.' Others called for her to be canceled with some reveling in the idea. '#addisonrae whatttttttt [hand covering mouth, face screaming in fear emojis] I feel like she's gonna get canceled again I would bet my five dollars on this,' one person tweeted. 'addison rae getting cancelled for shaking donald trumps hand is in my top 10 moments of 2021,' added another. Many took issue with her public support of Black Lives Matter and other social justice movements which they said was at odds with her desire to meet the former president. 'not Addison Rae being one of the biggest performative activists last summer and now her willingly going up to Trump to introduce herself and talk to him,' one person wrote. Addison Rae (pictured left on Saturday) had an unlikely run-in with former president Donald Trump (pictured right on Saturday) over the weekend as the pair each attended the star-studded UFC 264 fight in Las Vegas Trump is pictured at the UFC fight between Conor McGregor and Dustin Poirier Saturday Another agreed: 'Miss Addison Rae how you stealing from black creators and shaking hands with trump and saying 'it's so nice to meet you' ermmm the math ain't mathing.' Rae has come under fire on TikTok for failing to give black dancers due credit when recreating their work. In March, she performed several viral TikTok dances on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, including Savage, Corvette Corvette, and Laffy Taffy, without crediting any of the creators of the dances - who were black. However, several fans shot to the defense of the popular TikTok star and slammed the people who took issue with the brief encounter. One Twitter user wrote: 'Addison Rae being cancelled for saying hello to trump is why people vote trump. Far left American is just as ridiculous as right.' Another person agreed, chiming in: 'if you care that addison rae said hi to trump then you are probably a loserr.' 'As much I dislike Addison rae, she shouldn't get cancelled for saying hi to president Trump,' added another. 'In my top 10 moments of 2021': Many users took to Twitter to react to the brief meeting as some even believed that Addison would be 'cancelled' over it 'Oopsies Addison your Republican is showing': Comedian Chris Klemens had one of the most popular reactions on social media as he believed she had revealed her political affiliation 'As much I dislike Addison rae, she shouldn't get cancelled for saying hi to president Trump': There were several, however, who came to the defense of the popular TikTok star One Twitter user pretended to be shocked by Rae greeting Trump 'Couldn't be me': Many users sounded off on the brief encounter Mixed: It drew mixed reactions from the TikTok superstar's devout fanbase, with a few fans speculating about her potential political affiliation - a topic that was first brought up and shutdown by the star early in her career Some fans questioned 'what is wrong with' Rae introducing herself to Trump while others disagreed that it indicated any sort of political allegiance. 'You kids need to grow up and realize folks can agree to disagree and still show respect,' the person added. Another Twitter user wrote that they 'dont like trump but seeing a former president in front of ur eyes hell imma say hi too wtf.' 'I love Addison Rae now,' tweeted out one Twitter user, seemingly impressed with Addison's conduct. While the footage of the brief introduction sparked fierce debate among many, other people expressed bemusement over how Rae appeared to have made it past Trump's team of secret service agents. 'How does a random person just walk walk up and touch a person with secret service protection?' one person asked. 'Is nobody surprised how she casually just strolled up on the former president and tapped his shoulder where the secret service at?' added another. Disgusted? One Twitter user described the clip as 'disgusting' and that they were put off by Addison 'casually saying hi and fangirling over a racist piece of sh**' Not adding up: 'why would she want to say hi?? It ain't adding up,' read one critical tweet, who suggested that Addison's support of the Black Lives Matter movement and other social justice movements contradicts her apparent desire to meet Trump during Saturday's fight A new fan: 'I love Addison Rae now,' tweeted out one Twitter user, seemingly impressed with Addison's conduct What's the big deal? Coming to Addison's defense, one fan asked those angered by the clip to explain exactly 'what is wrong with' her introducing herself to Trump, adding: 'You kids need to grow up and realize folks can agree to disagree and still show respect' How? Others moved past the outrage and, instead, wondered just how Addison was able to successfully make it past Trump's secret service agents We need answers! 'How does a random person just walk walk up and touch a person with secret service protection?' read one concerned tweet, with another writing: 'Is nobody surprised how she casually just scrolled up on the former president and tapped his shoulder where the secret service at?' Rae has not addressed her meeting with the former president or the uproar. Instead, she has continued to post on social media as usual, with her most recent post being a series of backyard portraits. This isn't the first time Rae has come under fire from her fanbase when it comes to politics. While the TikTok star has never publicly disclosed her political preferences, speculation has been rife that she is a Republican. Back in 2019, a TikTok user shared a video claiming to show her voting record. It showed she had allegedly voted Republican in 2014, 2016 and 2018 in Tarzana, California. Rae slammed the video as fake, said she had not registered to vote and that her home state was Louisiana - not California. 'This isn't real... First I'm from Louisiana, second I'm not even registered to vote and never have been I'm actually doing it for the first time with someone important and I'm excited to do so. This is fake,' she wrote at the time. The legal voting age in the US is 18 so Rae would not have been able to vote in 2014 or 2016. How Addison Rae went from living in a trailer to earning MILLIONS as a TikTok star: Inside very modest beginnings of Kourtney Kardashian's 20-year-old pal who now boasts lucrative brand deals, a Netflix movie role - and even a debut spread in Vogue TikTok star Addison Rae could well serve as the poster child for 'overnight success,' having shot to global fame at least among her fellow Gen Zers in a matter of months after securing her status as one of the video app's most popular users. Less than two years after uploading her first post on the platform, the 20-year-old has gone from an unknown Louisiana teen to burgeoning social media star to celebrity 'It Girl,' complete with A-list pals like Kourtney Kardashian, lucrative brand deals, a Netflix movie role, and a spread in the latest issue of Vogue, cementing her status as a true Hollywood star. As quickly as her star as risen, so have her earnings, with Addison whose full name is Addison Rae Easterling being named as TikTok highest-paid star, pulling in an estimated $5 million in earnings in just one year. But long before she made it big on social media, moved her family out to live the high life in LA, and started palling around with the likes of the Kardashian family, Addison was an aspiring dancer whose family struggled to make ends meet and even had to live in a one-room camper that was loaned to them. Superstar: Addison Rae Easterling, 20, has more than 80 million TikTok followers, a debut single, and an upcoming movie, among other lucrative projects in the works Support system: The influencer is close with her parents, Sheri Nicole Easterling and Monty Lopez, and her younger brothers, Enzo and Lucas Mentor: Addison has developed a close friendship with Kourtney Kardashian, who has taken her under her wing Hitting the big time: The former college student landed her first spread in Vogue this month, which sees her modeling high-fashion designs while opening up about her new-found fame Addison was born in Lafayette, Louisiana, to parents Sheri Nicole Easterling and Monty Lopez on October 6, 2000. She opened up about the ups and downs of her childhood last summer on the first episode of her Spotify podcast, Mama Knows Best, which she co-hosts with her mom. Sheri Nicole had just turned 21 and was dating her now husband Monty when they welcomed Addison, their first of three children. They married in 2003 but divorced about a year later, making Sheri Nicole a single mom. Addison said she didn't spend much time with her dad between the ages of three and six, though Sheri Nicole noted she would see him every once in a while. The influencer explained her parents had an 'on-and-off' relationship throughout her childhood. Addison was six when her mother got pregnant with her brother, Enzo, after reuniting with Monty. This was also the age that she started dancing and traveling across the country for competitions. A year after Enzo was born, the family was living in a camper with 'one main room and a bunkbed,' Addison recalled. She explained that the trailer business her father worked for allowed them to borrow an RV because they 'didn't have anywhere to live.' Memories: Addison, who was born in Lafayette, Louisiana, has been candid about her humble beginnings and growing up with hardly any money Hard times: Her parents divorced when she was three and had an 'on-and-off' relationship throughout her childhood Separated: Sheri Nicole was a single mom when Addison was between the ages of three and six. The rising singer said she didn't see her dad a lot during this time Tight quarters: Addison and her family shuffled between Louisiana and Texas, and at one point, they lived in a camper with 'one main room and a bunkbed' 'It was so hard to shower in an RV,' she recalled, noting: 'It was not an RV because RVs are super luxurious. This was like a camper.' When she was in fifth grade, her family briefly moved to Texas, where they lived for two years. Sheri Nicole and Monty, who were still divorced, welcomed their youngest son, Lucas, during that time. (Both of Addison's brothers have taken their father's last name, Lopez, though she continues to use her mother's maiden name.) After Monty got a job offer he couldn't refuse, the family returned to Louisiana this time the northern part of the state when Addison was about to start eighth grade. The social media star said they moved into an apartment and had 'pool chairs' in their living room in place of furniture. 'It was a really hard time for me,' explained Addison, who was bullied throughout her childhood. She recounted one instance in which the kids at her new school in Louisiana teased her for wearing a secondhand pair of Bearpaw boots instead of higher-priced Uggs. Talented: Addison was six when she started dancing and traveling across the country for competitions Tough time: Addison said she was bullied as a kid, recalling on instance when she was teased in middle school for having secondhand Bearpaw boots instead of higher-price Uggs Happy times: Addison eventually made friends and became a member of her high school cheerleading team. Her parents remarried in 2017, two years before she graduated Rejection: Addison skipped her senior prom to try out for the Louisiana State University dance team known as the Tiger Girls, but she ended up getting cut 'They literally bullied me, like, "You can't afford real Uggs, like that's embarrassing,' she said, recalling how she came home crying. Even though the family couldn't afford it, her mom took her to the store that day and charged a $200 pair of Uggs with the hope that Addison would stop getting picked on. Addison eventually made friends and became a member of her high school cheerleading team. Her parents got remarried in 2017, and she graduated two years later. The teen, who had been dancing most of her life, had her sights set on joining the Louisiana State University dance team known as the Tiger Girls. She was so dedicated to her dream that she missed her senior prom to attend tryouts. 'It was kind of a priorities thing at that point,' she explained on an episode of her podcast last August. 'I obviously would love to have gone to prom and I just never did, but it was really important for me to make this tryout and try my best to hopefully become a Tiger Girl.' While she made it past the first round, she was eventually cut, which broke her heart and made her briefly reconsider attending LSU. She ultimately decided to go to the school, and her family moved to Baton Rouge with her to save money on room and board but she wasn't there for long. TikTok sensation: Addison made the life-changing decision to join TikTok in July 2019, the summer before she entered her freshman year at LSU, recording videos from her bedroom Low key: Like many other teenagers, Addison began filming herself in her home in Louisiana - but unlike others, her posts racked up millions of views On the rise: The then-teenager's videos began getting serious traction on the app, and just a few days after joining TikTok, Addison already had 300,000 followers Moving on: The TikTok star dropped out of college a few months into her freshman year and moved to Los Angeles with her family to pursue her career in entertainment Addison made the life-changing decision to join TikTok in July 2019, the summer before she entered her freshman year at LSU, where she studied broadcast journalism. She remembers the exact date she reached one million followers, telling Forbes it was October 27, 2019. By that point, people were starting to recognize her on campus thanks to her videos, which mostly showed her dancing and lip-syncing. 'My name would be called out when I was walking to class, which was pretty mind-blowing,' she recounted. A month later, she dropped out of school. Around the same time, she shared her first sponsored content post for the online retailer Fashion Nova. By December 2019, she had moved to Los Angeles to turn her budding fame into a lucrative career. She befriended other TikTokers and helped form Hype House, a content creator collective that calls an LA mansion of the same name home base. As her star continued to rise, she scored branded merchandise and sponsored content deals. Forbes reported last year that she made an estimated $5 million from June 30, 2019, through June 30, 2020, with the two revenue streams counting for two-thirds of her estimated earnings. Big deal: As her star continued to rise, she scored branded merchandise and sponsored content deals, including a partnership with American Eagle last year The next Kylie? Addison, who has her own clean makeup brand, ITEM Beauty, made an estimated $5 million between June 30, 2019, through June 30, 2020 Close as can be: Addison's meteoric rise to fame led to her friendship with Kourtney, 42, whose son Mason was a fan of the TikToker's videos Getting grilled: The two have gotten so close that Kourtney's sister Kim actually questioned in a recent episode of Keeping Up With the Kardashians if they were romantically involved Mentor: Addison has credited Kourtney with helping her to navigate the pitfalls of fame, including dealing with trolls and criticism Superstar: The TikTok star's friendship with Kourtney led to her modeling in a campaign for Kim Kardashian's brand Skims In January 2020, Addison signed with the WME talent agency, which also represents her parents. That same year, she was named a global spokesperson for American Eagle and was featured in the brand's digital and print campaigns as well as TV spots. She also launched her new clean makeup brand, ITEM Beauty, which is a joint venture with the startup Madeby. Over the past year and a half, Addison has been spotted hanging out with her close friend and mentor Kourtney Kardashian, who knows a few things about being famous for being famous. The two have gotten so close that Kourtney's sister Kim actually questioned in a recent episode of Keeping Up With the Kardashians if they were romantically involved, which Addison denied. 'I think they meant it lightheartedly!' she told Vogue of the awkward confrontation. Addison, 42, described Kourtney as being 'motherly,' saying she introduced her to everything from her famous avocado smoothie to handling public scrutiny. 'She knows firsthand how to really handle all of this,' she said. Moves: Addison recently performed TikTok dances on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, but she faced backlash after she failed to credit the black creators behind the routines Goals: The aspiring singer dropped her debut single Obsessed in March. She is currently working on her first album Ready for the big screen: Addison is set to star in He's All That, a Netflix remake of hit 90s flick She's All That. The movie will premiere on the streaming site in August Strike a pose: Addison showed off her figure in a barely-there top at the MTV Movie & TV Awards red carpet on Sunday Unforgettable: Addison and her He's All That co-star Tanner Buchanan sent sparks flying when they locked lips while presenting Best Kiss at the awards show In the past few months alone, Addison has released her debut single Obsessed and appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, where she taught the host viral TikTok dances. However, the segment sparked backlash and accusations of cultural appropriation after she failed to credit the black creators behind the dances. Addison addressed the issue in an interview with TMZ days after the segment, saying: 'I think they were all credited in the original YouTube posting, but it's kinda hard to credit during the show. 'But they all know that I love them so much and I mean, I support all of them so much. And hopefully one day we can all meet up and dance together. They deserve all the credit because they came up with these amazing trends.' The entertainer is now working on her debut album and awaiting the release of her first film He's All That, a redo of the 1999 teen film She's All That starring Freddie Prinze Jr. and Rachael Leigh Cook. Most recently, she celebrated her first interview with Vogue, sharing images from the high-profile shoot on Instagram Monday. 'Pinch me!! This is so surreal,' she wrote. 'My first time being photographed for @voguemagazine Vogue!! In the June/July issue on stands soon. Thank you so much to everyone involved. I will never get over this feeling.' Courtney Stodden has urged people to 'just be nice' after Chrissy Teigen admitted she feels 'lost' in a social media post about being canceled. The model, 26, who identifies as non-binary, has taken to TikTok to share their thoughts on Chrissy's post, as they shared a video of themselves superimposed in front of a screenshot of Teigen's Instagram account. Previously, the Lip Sync Battle star apologized for being a 'troll' following bullying accusations from Courtney - who claimed the 35-year-old beauty used to message them to tell them to take their own life. Taking aim: Courtney Stodden has urged people to 'just be nice' in a TikTok post in response to Chrissy Teigen admitting she feels 'lost' in a social media post about being canceled Chrissy admitted she felt 'lost' and 'depressed' after becoming a part of 'cancel club' in a lengthy Instagram post this week. She wrote on Instagram: 'Iiiii don't really know what to say here...just feels so weird to pretend nothing happened in this online world but feel like utter s*** in real life. 'Going outside sucks and doesn't feel right, being at home alone with my mind makes my depressed head race. But I do know that however I'm handling this now isn't the right answer. 'I feel lost and need to find my place again, I need to snap out of this, I desperately wanna communicate with you guys instead of pretending everything is okay. I'm not used to any other way!' Coming home to roost: Courtney's 'be nice' response came after Chrissy shared a lengthy message on Instagram about struggling to be apart of 'cancel club' following her bullying scandal Courtney took a screen shot of the Instagram message - which included a photo of Teigen's legs lounging on the couch in ripped jeans - and shared it to TikTok with the words 'just be nice.' The bullying scandal has seen Chrissy step back from her and Kris Jenner's cleaning supplies company, Safely, as well as face other repercussions and she admitted being a part of 'cancel club' has been a learning experience, though it also 'sucks'. She continued in her post: 'Cancel club is a fascinating thing and I have learned a whollllle lot. Only a few understand it and it's impossible to know til you're in it. 'Cancel club is a fascinating thing and I have learned a whollllle lot. Only a few understand it and it's impossible to know til you're in it.' 'And it's hard to talk about it in that sense because obviously you sound whiney when you've clearly done something wrong. It just sucks. There is no winning. But there never is here anyhow.(sic)' Teigen was not the only one guilty of bullying Stodden over the years on social media. American Pie actor Jason Biggs sent Courtney a message of apology over some mean tweets aimed at them from his past. Jason, 43, took to Twitter to send a message to the model in which he said sorry for making jokes at her expense in the past and insisted he is now 'living a clean and sober life to make good and healthy decisions'. Making things right: Teigen was not the only one guilty of bullying Stodden over the years on social media and American Pie actor Jason Biggs recently sent Courtney a message of apology over some mean tweets aimed at them from his past In sharing their message from Jason, Courtney indirectly cast the spotlight on Chrissy, who Stodden implied they have not received a personal apology from, for nasty social media comments Teigen wrote a decade back. They penned: 'This is what a personal apology looks like. Everyone makes mistakes but not everyone takes real accountability. Jason, I felt this. I wish you love and immense success to you and your family @JasonBiggs.' Despite Chrissy's bid to reconcile with Courtney and rehabilitate her image, on Thursday, Courtney simply penned: 'This is what a personal apology looks like' in an apparent swipe at the model for her own apology.' Teigen has publicly apologized for her treatment of Stodden and has said she would privately apologize, however, according to Courtney it has yet to happen. He is a master of transformation on the big screen. And off screen, Robert Downey Jr. loves to experiment with fashion, as evidenced by his latest unique ensemble which the actor showed off earlier this week in Brentwood, California. As the 56-year-old actor met with friends for lunch in the upscale Los Angeles neighborhood, he turned heads with his quirky outfit which consisted of brown wide-leg pants and a green pinstripe blazer with brown sleeves. Eccentric: We take a look back at Robert Downey Jr.'s fashion statements over the years after the actor stepped out in another unique look on Thursday Under his jacket, the Iron Man star wore a matching green T-shirt with a circle pendant around his neck. He also accessorized with some brown tinted sunglasses with metallic trim. His latest look got fans speculating that the star was dressed for a new movie role, however, it's not the first time the Dolittle star has had tongues wagging over his fashion choices. Dailymail.com is taking a look back at the star's most interesting red carpet looks over the years from the actor who has never been afraid of bright colors or bold patterns. 1988: The young actor - around 23 here -wears an oversize plaid suit as he heads to a fundraiser in Los Angeles 1989: The actor, seen here with girlfriend Sarah Jessica Parker, teamed a striped jacket with some Capri pants at the Ghostbusters II premiere 1994 and 1995: The actor was fond of mixing formal pieces with more relaxed layers 1998: Robert chats to Jared Leto while sporting a sheer shirt and silver suit 2005: The Sherlock Holmes star is pictured leaving the Late Show with David Letterman in NYC missing citrus orange and green 2006: During press events in Park City the star injected lots of color into his outfits Meanwhile, Robert is set to star in The Sympathizer adaptation. The 56-year-old actor will take on a supporting role in the new series from HBO and A24, which is based on the 2015 novel from Vietnamese American professor Viet Thanh Nguyen, which won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction. The Wrap reports that a worldwide casting search is underway for the Vietnamese lead role. Downey Jr. will play multiple supporting roles, including those of a congressman, a CIA operative and a Hollywood film director. As well as acting in the series, Downey Jr. will also take on the role of executive producer. 2007: Here the Iron man star is seen experimenting with a blond look 2010: Robert opted for a futuristic goth look at the Guys Choice Awards in Los Angeles 2013: Robert showed up to a photo call for Iron Man 3 in a Lederhosen-inspired outfit 2013: The actor showed off a clean-cut look with power blue pinstripe jacket Park Chan-wook will direct, executive produce and serve as co-showrunner with Don McKellar. The Sympathizer novel follows a half-French, half-Vietnamese man, who is serving as a spy for the Communist forces in the final days of the Vietnam War. The novel is written as a confession by the narrator to a mysterious commandant, who is holding him prisoner. A sequel, titled The Committed, was published on March 2, 2021. The Sympathizer is one of Downey Jr's first big projects since he wrapped up his role as Iron Man / Tony Stark in Marvel's Iron Man and Avengers movie franchises. Gemma Collins revealed on Friday that she is set to travel to Israel with boyfriend Rami Hawash for their first holiday together. While she did not specify when she will be travelling to the green-list country, or for how long, the former TOWIE star, 40, took to Instagram to sing a song about Tel Aviv with Rami, 45, gushing that she was 'so excited' to travel to the city. Sharing pictures of the country, Gemma wrote: 'I'm so excited to go to Israel. So excited to go to Tel Aviv, Madonna went now it's time for me...' 'I'm so excited to go, Madonna went now it's time for me!' Gemma Collins revealed on Friday that she is set to travel to Israel with boyfriend Rami Hawash She also asked fans if they had any recommendations for 5 star hotels that she and Rami could stay in during their holiday. While Israel is a green-listed country, there are a number of requirements for travelling there that vary depending on a traveller's vaccination status. All travellers are required to take a PCR test no more than 72 hours before their flight, and they will also have to take another PCR test upon arrival at Ben Gurion International Airport. It is also a requirement for travellers to fill in an entry statement form 24 hours before their departure, where they must give all their personal information, check their health declaration, and provide information on their Covid-19 vaccine status. Can't wait: While she did not specify when she will be travelling to the green-list country, or for how long, Gemma gushed that she was 'so excited' to travel to the city Delighted: Gemma took to Instagram to sing a song about Tel Aviv with Rami, 45 How can Gemma travel to Israel during the Covid pandemic? Israel is a green-listed country, meaning Gemma can travel to the country, but there are a number of requirements for travelling there that vary depending on a traveller's vaccination status. All travellers are required to take a PCR test no more than 72 hours before their flight, and they will also have to take another PCR test upon arrival at Ben Gurion International Airport. It is also a requirement for travellers to fill in an entry statement form 24 hours before their departure, where they must give all their personal information, check their health declaration, and provide information on their Covid-19 vaccine status. If a person is fully vaccinated, and received both doses outside of Israel, they are still required to enter self isolation for 24 hours or until they have received the results of the COVID-19 serologic test they must take on arrival in the country. However, if a person has not been fully vaccinated they must enter isolation for a minimum of 14 days. There is an option of shortening this period if a person has received two negative PCR tests, the second of which has to be taken on the seventh day in isolation. Advertisement If a person is fully vaccinated, and received both doses outside of Israel, they are still required to enter self isolation for 24 hours or until they have received the results of the COVID-19 serologic test they must take on arrival in the country. However, if a person has not been fully vaccinated they must enter isolation for a minimum of 14 days. There is an option of shortening this period if a person has received two negative PCR tests, the second of which has to be taken on the seventh day in isolation. It is unclear if Gemma has been fully vaccinated. MailOnline has contacted her representatives for further comment. Requirements: All travellers are required to take a PCR test no more than 72 hours before their flight, and they will also have to take another upon arrival at Ben Gurion International Airport Rules: If a person is fully vaccinated they are still required to enter self isolation for 24 hours or until they have received the results of their COVID-19 test, if not they have to isolate for 14 days Superstar: Gemma shared her excitement about travelling to Israel because pop legend Madonna (pictured) had previously been to the country On Thursday, Gemma gave her fans an insight into her jam-packed calendar when she took to Instagram to document highlights of her day, including her need to squeeze in a pamper session at Harrods between meetings. Gemma and her boyfriend Rami later enjoyed a romantic dinner at London hotspot the Chiltern Firehouse, with the blonde bombshell leaving the upscale restaurant hand-in-hand with Rami while looking fabulous in a floral top and skinny jeans. Gemma spent Thursday morning in back-to-back meetings, sharing clips of herself rushing around the capital during the day. Date night: On Thursday, Gemma and her boyfriend Rami enjoyed a romantic dinner at hotspot the Chiltern Firehouse after her hectic day in London Holding hands: Gemma left the upscale restaurant hand-in-hand with Rami while looking fabulous in a floral top and skinny jeans She began by saying that her 2.2million followers are used to seeing the 'glitz and glam', whilst filming herself taking off a full-face of makeup. While at Harrods, the TOWIE star thanked staff at the luxury department store for their assistance before posing for a snap with beau Rami, revealing she had not even managed to wash as she had been so busy. She said: 'Where Mark has had me up and at them, confession! I've not had time to wash today, although I only had a shower at 5 o'clock yesterday... Comfort: Gemma rocked an oversized pair of bejewelled sunglasses and opted for comfort in open-toe sandals Manicure: Gemma was sporting an immaculate red manicure and clutched three Harrods bags in her hand Dapper: Rami looked dapper in a navy T-shirt teamed with distressed jeans when he stepped out with Gemma 'But I just wanted to show you the reality of being a very busy woman! So thank you to everyone in Harrods that's rallied around so I can freshen up for my next meeting'. The media personality, after removing her makeup, shared a video of her fresh hair-do. 'Thank you to the lovely staff at Harrods for understanding the importance of a wash!' she joked. Giggling away: Gemma and Rami shared a joke, with the blonde bombshell unable to hide her laughter Next meeting: The TOWIE star, who spent Thursday morning in back-to-back meetings shared a vlog with fans from Harrods With her blonde bouncy locks on full display, she posed for a selfie with her hairdresser before she was later spotted enjoying her evening with Rami and friends. As they left the Chiltern Firehouse, Gemma rocked an oversized pair of bejewelled sunglasses and opted for comfort in open-toe sandals. The TV personality was sporting an immaculate red manicure and clutched three Harrods bags in her hand. Preview: The former TOWIE star said to her fans that they're used to seeing 'the glitz and the glam' but this is 'reality of being a very busy woman' Pleased: The media personality, after removing her makeup, shared a video of her fresh hair-do Rami looked dapper in a navy T-shirt teamed with distressed jeans. Back in April, the reality star first sparked rumours she was engaged to Rami again after she was seen out with a diamond ring on. Rami had originally proposed to Gemma by placing the ring in a Christmas pudding when they first dated more than seven years ago, and she wore it again in 2017. Four weeks later however, Gemma had called off the engagement and the star was spotted not wearing the ring at the National Television Awards in January. Last week, reality star Gemma confirmed she'd rekindled her romance with ex-fiance Rami as she revealed their plans to try for a baby. On again: Last week, reality star Gemma confirmed she'd rekindled her romance with ex-fiance Rami as she revealed their plans to try for a baby (pictured in 2013) She got back together with the businessman after she split from fellow former TOWIE star James Argent earlier this year, and previously insisted they were 'just having fun'. A source told MailOnline: 'Gemma has been seeing Rami again in secret for the last six months. 'The pair have enjoyed spending time together and getting reacquainted during date nights in London and Essex. 'Gemma suffered a lot of stress and trauma during her relationship with Arg, which has been on and off for years but she's finally putting herself first and moving forward with her life.' Gwyneth Paltrow, 48, has an enviable figure thanks to eating whole organic foods and working out every day with the help of trainer Tracy Anderson. And on Thursday the Oscar-winner's husband Brad Falchuk, 50, proved that he is in top shape as well. The American Horror Story producer flashed his ripped torso and sculpted arms as he went for a jog in Los Angeles. Lucky Gwynnie! Gwyneth Paltrow has an enviable figure thanks to eating whole organic foods and working out every day with the help of trainer Tracy Anderson. And on Thursday the Oscar-winner's husband Brad Falchuk proved that he is top shape as well Brad was seen wearing a pair of knee-length camp shorts with deep pockets and a white drawstring as he added sneakers with black socks. The star held a white T-shirt crumpled up in his hand as he wore his wedding band. Brad - who is a prolific producer who has worked on Glee and The Assassination of Gianni Versace - also held his cell phone in his hand, which he glanced at several times. The new Brad Pitt: The American Horror Story producer flashed his ripped torso and sculpted arms as he went for a jog in Los Angeles. Falchuk may feel the pressure to keep his body in great shape as his wife Gwyneth looks fantastic with lean legs and a flat belly. And Paltrow has a history of being with handsome men: she was engaged to Brad Pitt and also dated Ben Affleck. The siren was also wed to Coldplay rocker Chris Martin, who now dated Dakota Johnson, daughter of Melanie Griffith and Don Johnson. In it to win it: Falchuk may feel the pressure to keep his body in great shape as his wife Gwyneth looks fantastic with lean legs and a flat belly. And Paltrow has a history of being with handsome men: she was engaged to Brad Pitt and also dated Ben Affleck Paltrow met Falchuk in 2010 when she appeared on the hit television musical series Glee, which he co-created and produced. They would reconnect in the latter part of 2014, after her split from first husband Martin, and eventually go public with their relationship in April 2015. Palrow and Falchuk went on to tie-the-knot in September 2018. Chris and Gwyneth have remained close and friendly as they co-parent their daughter Apple, 17, and son Moses, 15. This sighting comes after Paltrow went makeup free as she has said it feels more 'natural.' While in Europe this month, the Sliding Doors actress turned GOOP founder went without the glitz. The Emma actress was seen with a fresh face as she posed with some pals in Paris. She stays lean but not mean: The blonde wellness expert seen at the beach this year The star smiled from ear to ear as she was makeup free with her blonde hair pulled back. She added layers of chunky necklaces; one of the pendants had an A for daughter Apple and a M for son Moses. The women with her beamed as well. 'A very special afternoon with @amygriffin @ateliersheilahicks @suzannedemisch in a hidden corner of #paris,' said the Iron Man actress in her caption. Amy shared another image of Paltrow with the caption: 'Pinch me moment with @ateliersheilahicks in Paris. Begged our way into the studio of this Midwestern girl turned world renowned artist. 'She dares to live in bright color and bold textures and uses her hands to make magic. Her stories and creations will inspire generations to come. Lets go back @gwynethpaltrow.' Ateliersheilahicks is artist Sheila Hicks. Also seen was Suzanne Demisch. Zero paint: Gwyneth went makeup free for a selfie taken in Paris earlier this month. She was with artist Sheila Hicks as well as friends Amy Griffin and Suzanne Demisch Another look: Amy shared another image of Paltrow with the caption: 'Pinch me moment with @ateliersheilahicks in Paris. Begged our way into the studio of this Midwestern girl turned world renowned artist. She dares to live in bright color and bold textures and uses her hands to make magic' She was also seen visiting Dr Dray, a cosmetic dermatologists who often gives women lip fillers. 'No stop to Paris complete without a visit to the maestro Dr Dray,' said the daughter of Blythe Danner. He is popular for his 'lip refresh,' which is an aesthetic treatment that 'consists of injections of a fluid, non-volumizing and vitamin E, which smooth out lines around the mouth, and rehydrate and redefine the lips,' according to his website Drdray.co.uk. In March the siren said that she was 'open' to getting injectables: 'I think its nice when women share, because theres a lot of shame around surgery or injectables or fillers, and it would be nice if people felt confident about the choices they were making. But if they want to have a beauty secret, thats okay, too. I'm an open bookI've shared what works for me, because that's how I've always learned.' No makeup vs makeup: On the left Paltrow is bare faced while on the right she has on plenty of paint in hushed pink tones in 2019 This year she was signed as the spokeswoman for Xeomin, an FDA-approved anti-wrinkle injection for frown lines between the eyebrows. Gwyneth has talked in the past about going makeup free. In 2020 she told UsWeekly she was 'embracing looking natural.' And she added: 'I never want to do anything where I dont look like myself. I dont want to look younger. Thats not the thing. I just want to look rested, vibrant. I want to look good for my age.' A stop: She was also seen visiting Dr Dray, a cosmetic dermatologists who often gives women lip fillers. 'No stop to Paris complete without a visit to the maestro Dr Dray,' said the daughter of Blythe Danner Last week she and husband Falchuk appeared to be delighted to play 'tourists' as they took in the sights around Florence, Italy. The Shakespeare In Love actress showed off her sun-kissed skin as she held up her iPhone to capture the perfect selfie with the historic Ponte Vecchio in the background. Gwyneth captioned the sweet snap with her husband of nearly three years: 'Tourists at long last.' This comes just days after Italy opened its borders to travelers after a nearly 15-month closure due to the global COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. No carbohydrate was left uneaten on their tour of Italy as they stopped by Massimo Masselli's Osteria Del Cinghiale Bianco. She shared a photo from the popular restaurant with the caption: 'Ask to sit up in the birds nest.' Amore: Paltrow appeared to be delighted to play 'tourists' with husband Brad Falchuk as they took in the sights around Florence, Italy Gigi Hadid has a new job: summer intern at Carlo's Bakery. The 26-year-old supermodel clocked in for work at the famous New Jersey bakery to learn some frosting techniques from the Cake Boss himself, Buddy Valastro, as part of her new Harper's Bazaar cover story. A long time fan of the King of confections, Gigi endearingly lost her cool and was the ultimate fan-girl, calling the gig a 'dream come true.' Delicious: Gigi Hadid clocked in for work at Carlo's Bakery to learn some frosting techniques from the Cake Boss himself, Buddy Valastro, as part of her new Harper's Bazaar cover story 'I have been waiting for [what feels like] my whole life for my first day at @carlosbakery,' Gigi penned on social media. The model and the baker filmed a 12 minute Instagram video for Harper's where they decorated two blank canvas cakes with a variety of piping and frosting techniques that Buddy taught along the way. Buddy seems to be bouncing back nicely from a terrifying freak accident that severely injured his hand in 2020 and almost derailed his career. He was able to expertly teach Gigi how to pipe, frost and paint a variety of edible flowers that were used to adorn each of their small white cakes. What an honor! A long time fan of the King of confections, Gigi endearingly lost her cool and was the ultimate fan-girl, calling the gig a 'dream come true' 'I have been waiting for [what feels like] my whole life for my first day at @carlosbakery,' Gigi penned on social media. Cake decorating, Buddy explained, is more of a 'creative art' versus baking the cakes themselves which he said is a bit more like science 'When I found out you were a fan, I was honored,' Buddy said. Gigi is a big lover of Buddy and his long-running TLC show Cake Boss. She's also a foodie who loves cooking, baking and entertaining at home so took to the confectionary challenge like a duck to water. The catwalker revealed that she often sits online and watches frosting videos on Instagram which she finds 'very soothing.' Impressive: The model and the baker filmed a 12 minute Instagram video for Harper's where they decorated two blank canvas cakes with a variety of piping and frosting techniques that Buddy taught along the way Well done! Gigi is a big lover of Buddy and his long-running TLC show Cake Boss. She's also a foodie who loves cooking, baking and entertaining at home so took to the confectionary challenge like a duck to water 'When I found out you were a fan, I was honored,' Buddy said. 'Listen, you tell me what you wanna learn and I'll teach you,' Buddy told the beauty. 'I wanna learn everything!' exclaimed Gigi. First, Buddy taught Gigi two different techniques for piping out frosting flowers. 'Oh my god, they're terrible,' Gigi said when she tried it out herself. 'That looks pretty good, Gi,' Buddy encouraged. 'Thank you, Bud,' the model responded. During the video Hadid opened up about what baking means to her and told an emotional story about baking her Oma (grandmom) a scratch made carrot cake for her last birthday before passing away. Hadid decorated the meaningful cake with daisies and her Oma told her it was the best cake she'd ever eaten. 'Listen, you tell me what you wanna learn and I'll teach you,' Buddy told the beauty. 'I wanna learn everything!' exclaimed Gigi Opening up: During the video which was filmed for Harper's Hadid opened up about what baking means to her and told an emotional story about baking her Oma (grandmom) a scratch made carrot cake for her last birthday before passing away Meanwhile, Buddy shared that Carlo's Bakery's famous lobster tails are the one dessert that is the most meaningful to him after learning how to make them from his father. The complicated cream filled flakey pastry, similar to the Italian sfogliatelle, is not only a top seller at Carlo's but it is what Buddy said he would have if he was 'going to the electric chair.' At the end of the video, Gigi managed to create a stunning floral cake that didn't look remotely amateur, even next to Buddy's. 'I recently had the pleasure of spending some time in the kitchen with @gigihadid The August cover star of @harpersbazaarus To go over some cake decorating techniques,' Buddy wrote of the experience on social media. 'I recently had the pleasure of spending some time in the kitchen with @gigihadid The August cover star of @harpersbazaarus To go over some cake decorating techniques,' Buddy wrote of the experience on social media. Adding: 'Gigi really wins over my heart telling me about all of her favorite #CakeBoss moments!' It's been a long road of recovery for Buddy who has been rehabilitating his right hand following a horrific incident last year. In September of 2020, the 43-year-old celebrity baker impaled his right hand in a freak accident with the pin mechanism of his at-home bowling alley machine and suffered severe tendon and nerve damage. A one-and-a-half inch metal rod pierced his hand three times between his ring finger and middle finger. His sons Buddy Jr. and Marco had to use a saw to free their father from the machine and he was hospitalized for treatment, undergoing multiple surgeries. By April he had told Rachael Ray that he'd regained about 75% usage of his right hand again and Buddy appeared to have no issues while working with Gigi. The Kid Laroi has finally landed his first No. 1 single on Australia's ARIA charts. This week, his new collaboration with Justin Bieber, titled Stay, topped the chart. 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. Top spot! The Kid Laroi has finally landed his first No. 1 single on Australia's ARIA charts. This week, his new collaboration with Justin Bieber, titled Stay, topped the chart Immediately after its release, Stay topped multiple Spotify charts around the world and is currently climbing up the Australian iTunes charts. In the music video, 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: In the music video, 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. Bella Hadid was spotted on Friday arriving at JFK Airport in New York City after a holiday in the South Of France. The 24-year-old supermodel, who followed her big sister Gigi's footsteps into the fashion industry, was dressed casually in a black jacket and blue jeans with a NY cap. This comes after claims she has been dating her beau Marc Kalman for the past year. Globetrotter: Bella Hadid was spotted this Friday arriving at JFK Airport in New York City after a holiday to the South Of France On Friday she was seen in a pair of loose-fitted blue denim jeans and a white top, warding off the summertime rays with a NY Yankees cap. Bella wrapped herself in a dark anorak as she headed through an airport and wore a salmon-colored mask that matched her Goyard purse. Her sighting at JFK comes three days after she posted a sizzling Instagram album in which she flaunted her enviably trim figure. In a string of smoldering pictures she could be seen posing up a storm with her friends on a boat gliding over the Mediterranean. Supermodel: The 24-year-old, who followed her big sister Gigi's footsteps into the fashion industry, was recently holidaying with her beau Marc Kalman in Cannes During her trip she also enjoyed a steamy lunch date with her beau Marc Kalman where they were seen passionately kissing. She only went public with the romance last week when she posted a picture of her and Marc locking lips at Cannes. 'Time of my life. Healthy, Working and Loved,' captioned Bella whose romantic history includes The Weeknd. However a Page Six source claimed that the relationship began last July and that the model and the art director 'hid it well' in the intervening time. A place in the sun: Her sighting at JFK comes three days after she posted a sizzling Instagram album in which she flaunted her enviably trim figure Fab: In a string of smoldering pictures she could be seen posing up a storm with her friends on a boat gliding over the Mediterranean They are said to have carried on the romance in New York amid the coronavirus pandemic while assiduously making sure they never got caught together. 'If they went out, he would come out first, get the car, and then she would get into the car. They would drive to a location, and hed drop her off but not get out and go park the car. They were very diligent about not being seen on a public street at the same time,' the insider dished to Page Six. A source claimed that when they went out together 'most of the time they were with other people, which of course made it difficult to prove that they were dating.' Looking fab: She only went public with the romance last week when she posted a picture of her and Marc locking lips at Cannes To hear this insider tell it Marc's Porsche was parked by Bella's apartment 'overnight multiple times' leading to conjecture about the nature of their relationship. MailOnline has contacted Bella's representative for further comment. During their recent trip to the South Of France they stayed at the famous Hotel Du Cap Eden Roc in Antibes - a hot spot for the A-list during the Cannes Film Festival. Coronation Street's Mollie Gallagher filmed gripping court scenes on Friday following the murder of her on screen boyfriend. Mollie's character Nina Lucas will attend the court trial for the hate crime that killed Seb Franklin, which left her hospitalised with serious injuries on the soap. The actress, 24, was seen laughing in the sunshine as she enjoyed a break outside the court house. Upbeat? Coronation Street's Mollie Gallagher laughed in the sunshine as she enjoyed a break from filming gripping court scenes on Friday following the murder of her on screen boyfriend Mollie cut a gothic figure in a long black lace dress which she teamed with a pair of chunky Dr Martens boots. She sported her character's signature makeup of pale foundation and deep purple lipstick. And the actress kept herself upbeat between filming harrowing scenes as she toted a pair of pink headphones for listening to music. The aftermath of Seb's death saw Nina, who survived the gang attack, turning to alcohol and plot revenge on the attacker Corey Bent. Survivor: Mollie's character Nina Lucas will attend the court trial for the hate crime that killed Seb Franklin, which left her hospitalised with serious injuries on the soap Respite: The actress kept herself upbeat between filming harrowing scenes as she toted a pair of pink headphones for listening to music Mollie was joined on set by Michael LeVell, 56, as his character Kevin Webster also attended the trial. Michael didn't hesitate to make the most of his lunch break and basked in the summer sun as he sat on a chair outside the court house. The actor cut a stylish figure in a long-sleeved grey polo top and kept things covid safe with a black protective face mask. The soap star then had a costume change into tan coloured combat shorts and a white polo top with red piping details. Co-star: Mollie was joined on set by Michael LeVell, 56, as his character Kevin Webster also attended the trial Relaxed: Michael didn't hesitate to make the most of his lunch break and basked in the summer sun as he sat on a chair outside the court house Dapper: The actor cut a stylish figure in a long-sleeved grey polo top and kept things covid safe with a black protective face mask. He was followed closely out of the court house by long-term star David Neilson, 72, who has played Roy Cropper since 1995. David wowed onlookers as he swapped out of an all white ensemble into a stylish electric blue shirt and a grey flat cap. The dapper actor paired the shirt with a light grey jacket and well-fitted jeans as he stepped out on set. The soap star then had a costume change into tan coloured combat shorts and a white polo top with red piping details. Soap icon: He was followed closely out of the court house by long-term star David Neilson, 72, who has played Roy Cropper since 1995 Chic! David wowed onlookers as he swapped out of an all white ensemble into a stylish electric blue shirt and a grey flat cap Soap star: The dapper actor paired the shirt with a light grey jacket and well-fitted jeans as he stepped out on set Jimmi Harkishin, 56, who plays Dev Alahan on the much-loved soap looked ready for action as he headed home from work with his motorbike helmet in his hand. He grinned back at his co-stars as he bid his farewells in a indigo T-shirt and jeans with sunglasses on his head. The actors are filming the trial of Corey Bent and Kelly Neelan, who are at risk of being locked up for their role in the death of Seb Franklin [Harry Visinoni]. Seb and his girlfriend Nina Lucas were attacked in harrowing scenes, which aired on May 5. The attack was carried out by Corey and his gang of thugs with Nina ending up in hospital. Done for the day: Jimmi Harkishin, 56, who plays Dev Alahan on the much-loved soap looked ready for action as he headed home from work with his motorbike helmet in his hand Corey told Kelly to keep quiet about the attack but she later changed her mind and revealed her intention to cooperate with the police. Corey's father advised his son to get their first leading Corey to pointing the finger at Kelly, claiming she was the one who instigated the vicious assault. Kelly was later charged with Seb's murder with Corey admitting to get rid of Seth's blood-soaked clothes but claimed he was trying to help him and later panicked. He was released on bail but was later taken away in handcuffs after breaking the bail conditions. Fans have hit out at Kim Kardashian after a clip emerged of the reality star talking about her fear of leaving her house amid the coronavirus pandemic. The newly released bonus clip from the 20th and final season of Keeping Up With The Kardashians shows Kim, 40, talking to sister Khloe about her 'agoraphobia' and 'high anxiety' after months of quarantining at her $60 million Hidden Hills mansion. It wasn't long before fans flocked to criticize the makeup mogul, noting that she repeatedly flouted the COVID-19 guidelines and traveled throughout 2020, including her infamous 40th birthday trip to Tahiti with about 50 of her friends and family. Agoraphobia: Fans have hit out at Kim Kardashian after a clip emerged of the reality star talking about her fear of leaving her house amid the coronavirus pandemic 'Oh brother! You never stopped traveling or partying. What anxiety????? Rich people problems!' wrote one twitter user in response to the clip. 'They literally traveled all of quarantine' came another comment. 'She didn't have anxiety taking a birthday trip with 5000 people though' another person commented. In the video, Kim and Khloe, 37, enjoy the scenic view from their $120 million Malibu vacation rental as Kim recalls a recent outing to Nobu with husband Kanye West. 'I have not left my house since quarantine,' she says. 'I was so freaked out. People were trying to come up to Kanye and talk to him, and come up to me and ask for photos, and I was like, "Absolutely not, get away, this is my first time out. Im not comfortable with you coming a step closer."' What anxiety? It wasn't long before fans flocked to criticize the makeup mogul for repeatedly flouting the COVID-19 guidelines to travel throughout 2020, including her luxurious 40th birthday trip to Tahiti with about 50 of her friends and family What a location: In the video, Kim and Khloe enjoy the scenic view from their $120 million Malibu vacation rental as Kim recalls a recent outing to Nobu with husband Kanye West, where she didn't feel safe 'High anxiety on another level': Dailymail.com can confirm that Kim was photographed, without a mask, at Nobu on June 29. The first time she had been seen out since the start of quarantine in March 'People were asking for a selfie and I was like, "No, no, no, unless you have a selfie stick and do it 6 feet away,"' she continues. 'It was, like, high anxiety on another level.' The clip appears to have been filmed in July 2020 after some restrictions in Los Angeles were lifted for the first time, allowing limited activities and outdoor dining to resume. Dailymail.com can confirm that Kim was photographed at Nobu on June 29, the first time she had been seen out since the start of quarantine in March. The clip appears to have been filmed in July 2020 after restrictions in Los Angeles were lifted for the first time, allowing some activities and outdoor dining to resume Day of filming: Kim is pictured here in the same outfit on July 2020 During the outing, Kim opted to go maskless as she was seen leaving the sushi hotspot with her rapper husband, who tied a sweater around his face for protection. Kim goes on to tell Khloe that she suffered from agoraphobia after the Paris robbery in 2016 when $10.8 million worth of jewelry was stolen from her at gun point. She explains that she was just beginning to get comfortable going out again- but now feels like 'such a freak' who 'never wants to leave her home all over again.' 'I feel like I had agoraphobia, definitely, after the robbery in Paris. I definitely would stay in, hated to go out, I didn't want anyone to know where I was or be seen. I just had such anxiety.' she tells Khloe. After the new clip emerged, fans were quick to point out that Kim and her family experienced a very different pandemic to most, thanks to their privileged lifestyle. 'I feel like I had agoraphobia, definitely, after the robbery in Paris. I definitely would stay in, hated to go out, I didn't want anyone to know where I was or be seen. I just had such anxiety.' she tells Khloe Bash: The makeup mogul threw a party for her grandmother Mary Jo at the Malibu mansion in July In July, Kim and her family threw a birthday party for her grandmother MJ, who turned 86. 'We got her best friends tested and driven up from San Diego' Kim said of the bash which was held at the Malibu mansion. The KKW Beauty founder also took trips with Kanye and her kids, including a short getaway to Wyoming for marriage crisis talks when the couple were going through a rough patch during the summer. In October Kim caused outrage when she flew out 50 friends and family, via private jets, to Tahiti to celebrate her 40th birthday. It was at a time when there was a government advisory against non-essential travel. The KKW Beauty founder also took trips with Kanye and her kids, including a short getaway to Wyoming for marriage crisis talks when the couple were going through a rough patch during the summer. Seen here on July 27 Privilege: In October Kim caused outrage when she flew out 50 friends and family, via private jets, to Tahiti to celebrate her 40th birthday. It was at a time when there was a government advisory against non-essential travel The mother-of-four shared photos of her luxurious getaway on social media along with a tone-deaf caption which angered some of her fans. 'Before COVID, I dont think any of us truly appreciated what a simple luxury it was to be able to travel and be together with family and friends in a safe environment. After 2 weeks of multiple health screens and asking everyone to quarantine, I surprised my closest inner circle with a trip to a private island where we could pretend things were normal just for a brief moment in time. 'We danced, rode bikes, swam near whales, kayaked, watched a movie on the beach and so much more. I realize that for most people, this is something that is so far out of reach right now, so in moments like these, I am humbly reminded of how privileged my life is.' What pandemic? The mother-of-four shared photos of her luxurious getaway on social media along with a tone-deaf caption which angered some of her fans David Tennant has cemented himself as one of the top earners in British television as accounts for his company show he has more than 2million in the bank. The Doctor Who star, 50, posted accounts on Companies House for his directing company No Mystery Ltd on Thursday. The company, which he runs with his wife Georgia Moffett, 36, handles his earnings from his acting gigs as well as his property interests. Kerching! David Tennant has cemented himself as one of the top earners in British television as accounts show he has more than 2million in the bank (pictured with wife Georgia) Accounts made up to November 30, 2020, showed the business, which was founded in November 2017, had 2,806,266 in the bank. Even after costs, the bank balance showed 2,446,546 in capital and a big jump up of 726,247 on the previous year. David's career went from strength to strength in 2020 after he gained high praise for his portrayal of murderer Dennis Nilsen in the three-part ITV series Des, which aired in September. The show saw friendly-faced Tennant transformed into Nilsen, who went on a five-year killing spree in the UK. Spooky: David's career went from strength to strength in 2020 after he gained high praise for his portrayal of murderer Dennis Nilsen Known as the 'kindly killer', Nilsen killed 15 young men from 1978 to 1983, before he was finally caught. Before the show aired, David revealed that he had often been told he looks like Muswell Hill killer. The Broadchurch actor added that his resemblance to Nilsen could be why he was keen to play him on screen in an interview with The Radio Times. He said: 'Its always the kind of thing that people would point out, so maybe that was one of the reasons why I thought, "Maybe theres a story to tell".' He was also a hit in the four-part Channel 4 crime drama Deadwater Fell and the BBC comedy drama There She Goes. Top earner: The company, which he runs with his wife Georgia Moffett, 36, handles his earnings from his acting gigs as well as his property interests (pictured together) David's wife Georgia is also an actress and the daughter of Peter Davidson, the fifth Doctor in the Doctor Who franchise. The pair met on the set of Doctor Who in 'The Doctor's Daughter' episode, in which she played the character's genetically engineered daughter. They tied the knot on December 30, 2011, and have five children together, Olive, ten, Wilfred, eight, Doris, five, Birdie, nine months, and Georgia's son Ty, from a previous relationship who David later adopted. Ty has shown an interest in following his parents footsteps after starring in several productions including Tolkein and the television adaptation of War of the Worlds. Advertisement It's the hottest ticket in town during the Cannes Film Festival. And Sharon Stone, 63, appeared to be in great spirits as she put on an animated display chatting with Orlando Bloom at their table and proudly posed with her son Roan, 21. The Basic Instinct actress - who earlier in the day was named a Commander of the Order of Arts and Letters - was glowing as she posed in her sensational lilac ensemble and made the most of the glitzy evening. The amfAR gala is one of the world's most successful benefit events and the most coveted ticket in town during the Cannes Film Festival, boasting an exclusive dinner, auction, multiple performances and a fashion show. What a night! Sharon Stone, 63, appeared to be in great spirits as she proudly posed with her son Roan, 21, at the star-studded amfAR Gala during the Cannes Film Festival on Friday Looking at snaps of Daisy? The actress was later seen gazing at Orlando Blooms's phone during the charity dinner after taking to the stage as host for the evening and slipping into a slinky black dress During the night, Sharon rocked three outfits - a lilac ballgown, white shirt and semi-sheer midi skirt and a slinky black dress. In snaps taken inside the event, the beauty is seen making the most of the evening and catching up with other A-Listers who have flown out to Cannes for the infamous event in the social calendar. Joining her for the festivities was her son Roan, who she shares with ex-husband and American journalist Phil Bronstein, 70. The couple ended their relationship in 2003. For her first look of the night, Sharon donned a divine dress which boasted a fitted bodice and sparkling crossover straps at the front, while the length of its skirt incorporated feathers. The Hollywood icon accessorised her gown with a pair of statement floral drop-earrings, while paring back her hair and make-up. A vision! As she made her way into the gala in her stunning gown, Sharon posed up a storm on the steps in her beautiful purple gown Jaw-dropping: She teamed the dress with chunky silver earrings as she posed playfully on the steps outside the gala Beaming: Inside she was seen rubbing shoulders with dapper Orlando after changing into a plunging black sequinned dress Fun: The pair were in high spirits as they chatted at their table during the lavish charity event Sweet: Rachel Brosnahan was accompanied by her husband Jason Ralph, with the couple appearing to be in good spirits Also seen inside the venue was Bella and her hunky Italian fiance Benjamin who looked very cosy while taking their seats and enjoying the meal. Bella, 23, put on a busty display in an eye-catching white gown made of shimmering sequin material. The strapless frock boasted a cut out centre to allow for some of her toned midriff to be on display, while a black strip appeared to hold the chest section together. Elsewhere at the event, Stella Maxwell oozed sex appeal as she made a glamorous arrival in an edgy black frock with a long sheer skirt over a luxe patterned material. The Victoria's Secret star posed confidently in her unique floor-length dress, which featured a daring split to allow one of her her toned pins to be on display. Sweet: Both Bella and her husband-to-be continued to pose for a slew of loved-up snaps after arriving for the event together Here she is! Sharon was also seen alongside German businesswoman Caroline Scheufele once she arrived for the gala Time to party! Regina King, Darren Criss, Sharon and Rachel Brosnahan all posed for a group snap at the glitzy gala event Putting on a show: As well as providing dinner, the gala features a fashion show, auction and performances (pictured: Sharon, Carine Roitfeld, Candice Huffine, Miss Fam, Jordan Barrett, Stella Maxwell and models) Slinky: Host of the night Sharon sizzled in a black dress with a very low cut neckline while entertaining on the stage Stunning: Several models took to the catwalk for the good cause, with Sharon posing in the middle of them all Grand entrance: Sharon appeared on stage alongside models who took part in the fashion show during the event Wow! Inside the dinner, Stella also took to the runway to showcase her model prowess in a grand fashion show Amazing: She looked utterly stunning in a sheer black gown as she took to the catwalk for the star-studded fashion show Grand spectacle: During the star-studded gala evening, guests were treated to a fashion show, with models taking to the runway in an array of different looks Picture time: Jordan Barrett, Stella Maxwell, Ines Rau and Marjan Jonkman worked their best angles for the cameras Stella lead the models on the catwalk, showcasing her sensational figure in a sheer black skirt worn over a corset in the fashion show. She looked utterly stunning in the gown and wore her blonde locks down, letting them cascade over her shoulders as she showed off her modelling prowess. In one fun moment during the show, Stella was seen spinning around for the cameras and almost flashing her pert posterior as she held onto her flowing skirt. What a night: Elisabetta Marra, Lara Leito, Giacomo Cavalli and Solange Smiths shared a table for the delicious meal Second look: Sharon swapped her lilac ballgown for a white shirt as the evening got into full swing Outfit change: Sharon later slipped into a semi-sheer midi skirt and oversized white shirt for her hosting duties Presentation time: A framed picture was held up by two men while Sharon spoke on the microphone She looks amazing! Sharon's incredible outfit choice highlighted every inch of her ageless physique as she presented the star-studded gala evening Helping hand: The two men held onto Sharon's hands while on the stage and wearing white gloves Screen star: Sharon commanded the stage in her eye-catching ensemble as she took to the stage to host the annual charity event Gorgeous: The Hollywood icon accessorised her gown with a pair of statement floral drop-earrings, while paring back her hair and make-up, as she made a stylish arrival at the start of the night Glorious: The Basic Instinct actress - who earlier in the day was names named a Commander of the Order of Arts and Letters - was glowing as she posed in her sensational ensemble Cute! Sharon proudly posed with her son Roan, 21, on the grey carpet at the event Family outing: The actress' son looked smart in a black tux and leather shoes Glowing: Sharon held up her coordinated purple face mask (left) before showcasing her impressive full skirt Wow! Sharon defied her years in a feathered lilac gown as she joined Stella Maxwell, 31, and Bella Thorne, 23, in leading the glamour at the 27th amfAR Gala in France on Friday Stella drew attention to her seemingly endless less by slipping into a pair of stilettos with wraps up to her knee. The Belgian-born Northern Irish-New Zealand model stunned with her blonde tresses styled into bouncy, brushed out curls. Bella Thorne also ensured she stood out in an eye-catching white gown made of shimmering sequin material, putting on a very public display of affection for photographers with her beau Benjamin. Stunning: Belgian-born Northern Irish-New Zealand model Stella stunned with her blonde tresses styled into bouncy, brushed out curls Dramatic: The Victoria's Secret star posed confidently in her unique floor-length dress, which featured a daring split to allow one of her her toned pins to be on display Posing up a storm: The model showed off her posing talents as she showcased her incredible black dress which flaunted her toned figure ahead of the glitzy event Splash of colour: The blonde beauty's dress featured a printed section across the bodice with flashes of gold and blue Loved-up: The Twilight actress attended the gala with her hunky Italian fiance Benjamin Mascolo, with the pair putting on a very public display of affection for photographers Loved-up: The beauty and her beau could not keep their hands off each other as they larked around at the star-studded event Kiss kiss: Bella and Benjamin kissed each other as photographers snapped away Stunning: She could not contain her smiles while laughing and joking with hunky Benjamin Hofit Golan, 35, opted for fairytale glamour, in a gown which wouldn't be out of place in a Disney's Frozen event. The socialite's jaw-dropping frock featured an enormous skirt emblazoned allover with sparkling silver flashes. amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research, makes a return to its spectacular live events programme this evening. The amfAR gala is one of the world's most successful benefit events and the most coveted ticket in town during the Cannes Film Festival. Alicia Keys headlined the evening which includes an exclusive dinner, auction, multiple performances and a fashion show curated by Carine Roitfeld, while Sharon hosted the event. Work it! Kat Graham, 31, dazzled in a silver sequin strapless frock with revealing cut-out sides that highlighted her hourglass figure Sizzling: The beauty added even more sparkle to her look with a pair of drop earrings and a large diamond ring Eye-popping! Kat had her ample assets on show in the deeply plunging silver gown Dapper: Orlando Bloom cut a very sharp figure in his tuxedo and bow tie as he graced the red carpet on Friday Sharp: The actor looked incredibly hunky in his tailored ensemble and ensured he was impeccably groomed Bold: Hana Cross opted for a classic black look, but gave it a modern twist by slipping into a high-waisted skirt with daring side-slits and wearing a coordinating bralet Looking good: Rachel Brosnahan stepped out in a pretty peach ballgown, but added a dramatic twist with slicked back hair and heavy eye-makeup Va-va-voom! Amy Jackson, 29, upped the raunch appeal at the gala as she arrived in a semi-sheer gown, which also boasted a plunging neckline Stunning: The Liverpudlian beauty was preened to perfection with a wet hair look and smokey eye make-up Incredible! Once inside the gala, Amy continued to pose in her sparkling black gown with a plunging front All white! Kimberley Garner, 30, looked angelic in a sleek white gown Jaw-dropping: Julianne Hough sizzled in a satin dress with a curved cut-out across her toned torso and stunning train Black and white: The actress posed with Nina Dobrev, who rocked her figure-hugging black dress Sharon jetted to Cannes to host the annual glitzy AmfAR benefit gala, which supports AIDS research. The actress has been a key figure for amfAR since the 1990s the death of her dear friend and acting coach Roy London. This years event was held outdoors at Villa Eilenroc on Friday evening and featured various entertainments, dinner and an auction. Earlier on Friday, Sharon was named a Commander of the Order of Arts and Letters. Commanding attention: Nina's dress flashed her toned thighs with a racy slit and also accentuated her ample assets Wow! Nina flaunted her cleavage in a plunging gown styled with black heels and a small clutch bag Making an entrance: Hofit Golan, 35, opted for fairytale glamour, in a gown which wouldn't be out of place in a Disney's Frozen event Intricate detail: The socialite's jaw-dropping frock featured sparkling silver flashes emblazoned all over The Basic Instinct actress got emotional as she received the highest French arts honour at the 74th Cannes Film Festival in France, on Friday. Sharon shed a tear as the green silk ribbon with the gold medal, which represents the Commandeur des Arts et Lettres, was placed around her neck. Sharon looked incredible chic in a powder pink trouser suit and a sleek navy blue blouse as she was awarded the honour by Cannes Film Festival director Thierry Fremaux. Actor Bill Murray, 70, was there to congratulate the actress, who wasted no time in planting a loving kiss on his cheek. Having fun? Rose Bertram seemed to be in great spirits as she giggled and posed for some snaps Bringing the rainbow! Sofia Resing (left) and Zita Vass (right) went bold in red gowns while Rose Bertram (middle) opted for a colourful skin-tight number Red hot: Lara Leito shimmered in a sequinned rouge dress and silver heels Pretty in pink: Sean Penn's daughter Dylan also looked stunning in a baby pink ensemble with a fringed skirt and thin straps The duo became firm friends after they starred alongside each other in 2005 film Broken Flowers. Cannes Film Festival President Pierre Lescure was also there for Sharon's special moment. The Ordre des Arts et des Lettres is an order of France established on 2 May 1957 by the Minister of Culture Andre Malraux. Its supplementary status to the Ordre national du Merite was confirmed by President Charles de Gaulle in 1963. Its purpose is the recognition of significant contributions to the arts, literature, or the propagation of these fields. Sharon, who was nominated for the Best Actress Oscar for Casino in 1996, joins an illustrious line-up of recipients. Making a statement: Regina King went all out in an eye-catching black and white ballgown with a full skirt and tight bodice Glam: The star completed her look with a stunning slick of makeup and mismatched earrings Quirky: Cindy Bruna donned a blazer dress with billowing white skirt and styled with lace-up heels on Friday Stealing the show! Jessica Wang commanded attention in a bold ballgown with a huge skirt and structured bodice top Elegant: Julia Restoin cut a stunning figure in a fitted gown with a thigh-high slit and one long sleeve Star-studded: Sharon shook hands with glamorous Mj Rodriguez who rocked a teal dress with a cut-out and thigh split Sharing a moment: The two women stared at each other and looked a little emotional in one sweet moment on the big night Sweet: Actor Bill Murray, 70, was there to congratulate Sharon after she was named Commander of the Order of Arts and Letters on Friday Quick photo beforehand: Sharon sat on her hotel bed with son Roan to pose for a snap before leaving for the star-studded event U2 singer Bono received the honour in 2013. Earlier recipients include T.S. Eliot, Bob Dylan, Clint Eastwood, David Bowie and Leonardo Dicaprio. Aside from her remarkable career, Sharon has three teen sons - 21-year-old Roan, 16-year-old Laird and 15-year-old Quinn. The stunning actress was previously married to screenwriter Michael Greenburg from 1984-1987, and newspaper editor Phil Bronstein from 1998-2004. She's also been in notable romances with celebs including actor Christian Slater, country singer Dwight Yoakam, businessman Angelo Boffa, actor David DeLuise and late philanthropist Steve Bing. George Clooney once sent a luxury car to pick Shailene Woodley from a '*sh**y' hostel in Milan, Italy. The actress, 29, remembered the time her The Descendants co-star, 60, invited her to visit his Lake Como home while she was backpacking around Italy while talking to The Hollywood Reporter for their latest issue. Though Woodley and a friend were roughing it between trains and cheap hotels, they got a treat when Clooney sent a professional chauffeur to fetch them in a 'beautiful Lincoln Town Car.' Friends in high places: Shailene Woodley told a story about George Clooney sending a luxury town car to pick the actress up from a 'sh***y' Milan hostel years ago in a new interview with The Hollywood Reporter 'We're staying in some sh**ty hostel in the middle of Milan, and he was like, "Send me your address. I'll send a car,"' she recalled. 'I was like, "No, we'll just get a train." He was like, "Give me your f***ing address." So I gave him the address and we come outside, it's this beautiful Lincoln Town Car and these scraggly, dirty women with our backpacks.' Clooney purchased his 18th century Lake Como villa in 2002 and spends much of his time living there with wife Amal and their children. The Big Little Lies Woodley actress said she was 'grateful' for all the experiences being a young actress granted, telling THR: 'That was a sweet, funny moment in life where I got to experience so many different worlds from such a young age, the really big lives and the really small lives.' 'I feel so f***ing grateful that the perspectives that I've been given now as an adult have all come through my desire as a young person to not spend all of my time in L.A. trying to pursue a career or to be something that I wasn't.' Shailene previously praised George back in 2014, calling him like a 'second dad' in an interview with Splash Magazine. Co-stars: The duo starred in 2011's The Descendants together, seen in at the 64th Annual Directors Guild Of America Awards in 2012 together above Fancy: Clooney purchased his 18th century Lake Como villa in 2002 and spends much of his time living there with wife Amal and their children 'Hes like my second dad. Hes got my back,' Woodley said. 'Ive never met somebody in the industry whos more grateful, who pays it forward without talking about it in the press or speaking about it to anyone else.' Shailene also opened up about her personal life to THR, revealing how she and fiance Aaron Rodgers waited 'months and months' to announce their engagement. 'When we announced that we were engaged, we wanted to do that only because we didn't want someone else to do it before we did,' she told THR of the big reveal, which happened while Aaron was accepting his MVP award in February. 'And we didn't do it for months and months after we had become engaged.' Even after sharing the news, the couple continued to be coy about their romance. Shailene said: 'The reaction to it was really a lot, and so we were like, "Let's just politely decline [to talk about the relationship] for a little while and live in our little bubble." Emily Ratajkowski has hit out at negative commenters on her social media after being told she's a 'sh***y mother' by trolls. Taking to Instagram stories, the 30-year-old model compared herself to Britney Spears, whose parenting skills were criticized in the media when she became a mother in her 20s. 'We are all reflecting back on shaming Britney and calling her a bad mom when she drove with her baby in her lap. We talk about how we have to 'do better' as a culture.' Emily began in her post. Speaking out: Emily Ratajkowski is hitting out at criticism she has been receiving online about her parenting skills 'Meanwhile my comments are filled awful remarks about how I don't deserve to be a mom. Shame on you all.' she continued. 'I don't care if you hate me or hate celebrity (or just hate women) but it's incredibly scary to become a parent and nobody deserves to be told by strangers that they're a sh***y mother.' Last month Emily got backlash for photos showing her holding her son Sylvester, who she welcomed with husband husband Sebastian Bear-McClard in March, in an awkward way while posing in a bikini. 'Bday eve with the dream vacation partner,' she wrote. Online trolls accused the Blurred Lines video girl of caring more about how she looks than the safety of her baby. 'My comments are filled awful remarks about how I don't deserve to be a mom. Shame on you all.' Emily wrote Last month Emily was criticized for photos she shared of herself on a vacation when people picked on how she held her baby 'Thats not how you hold a baby @emrata - and your millions of followers shouldnt be encouraged to do the same. Happy to give you some tips if you need them.' Piers Morgan tweeted at the time after the snaps invited scrutiny. After the backlash Emily turned off the comments in her post. Meanwhile, ahead of becoming a mom, the swimwear model revealed she felt 'really lucky' to be expecting a baby. She said: 'I've never really understood what it would be like to make a family and growing a family is an amazing eye opening experience and I feel really lucky. 'I don't know what motherhood is going to be like of course because this is my first time and everyone has such different experiences and perspectives. So, the best thing to do is just trust in the process and take each day at a time and then see where this ride takes me.' Doting parents: The model is seen with husband Sebastian Bear-McClard, son Sly and dog Colombo, in NYC June However, Emily also previously admitted she found pregnancy 'lonely'. She explained: 'My husband likes to say that "we're pregnant". I tell him that while the sentiment is sweet, its not entirely true. I resent that his entire family's DNA is inside of me but that my DNA is not inside him. ""It just seems unfair," I say, and we both laugh. Its kind of a joke, but there is truth behind it. Pregnancy is innately lonely; its something a woman does by herself, inside her body, no matter what her circumstances may be. Despite having a loving partner and many female friends ready to share the gritty details of their pregnancies, I am ultimately alone with my body in this experience.' In 2015, Ridgefield Police Lt. Craig Worsters 15-year career in law enforcement was in jeopardy. Worster faced sexual harassment allegations for allegedly telling female officers sex-related stories, displaying explicit material and unwelcome touching. An internal police department investigation was underway over the allegations and nearing its conclusion. But the day after being interviewed by internal investigators, Worster resigned citing family matters, according to a news report at the time. The probe reached no formal disposition and no punishment was given. Four years later and about 500 miles away, Worster became the police chief for the Millinocket Police Department, a woodsy hamlet of 4,300 people in Northern Maine. A year after taking the job, Worster was again accused of sexual harassment this time by the Millinocket departments female deputy chief. That led Millinocket to fire Worster in December 2020, triggering a torrent of controversy that culminated in the town disbanding its tiny police force. Worsters termination was later overturned, a decision the town is now appealing. Worsters saga, however, is not unique, a Hearst Connecticut Media Group investigation has found. Instead, his case underscores a national issue of police officers who land in trouble at one department, resign while under investigation or are fired, and then move on to another department. In some cases, such officers are again accused of misconduct after switching departments. There is no complete tally of how many such officers there are nationwide. But a recent study found that, in the state of Florida alone, about 800 officers in any given year over a recent three-decade period had found new police jobs after being fired from other departments for misconduct. Researchers who headed the study said that was likely an undercount of such so-called wandering officers in part because there is no comprehensive national database of police misconduct, which hampers departments efforts to track misconduct by other officers. Activists have pushed for such a database as a critical reform that would help departments identify and avoid hiring officers with prior serious misconduct. Other cases of officers getting new law enforcement jobs despite troubled pasts have been documented around the country, including in New York, Ohio and Worsters case in Maine. Hearst Connecticuts investigation also took a deeper look into two additional examples of local officers who resigned while under internal investigation or were fired by their departments for misconduct and later hired by another police department in the state. There may well be other Connecticut cases; uncovering examples is challenging because internal police records about officer misconduct are not publicly available, and obtaining them often requires formal requests under the state Freedom of Information law, which can be a slow and inconsistent process. Hearst Connecticuts investigation exposes gray areas in Connecticut hiring rules and procedures that have allowed officers to land new jobs at local police departments despite problematic pasts. Dan Barrett, legal director of the Connecticut Chapter of the ACLU, said the system for hiring police officers in Connecticut is not foolproof. He said its common for officers to resign during an internal investigation and then move on to another police job. Thats why they do it, Barrett said. It makes good business sense. It stops the investigation cold and prevents the conclusion that they broke a rule. They are free to get another cop job. Police officials, meanwhile, defended the hiring standards set for departments statewide. Danbury Police Chief Patrick Ridenhour, president of the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association, said departments try diligently to follow those requirements and hire quality officers. We do the best we can to speak with internal affairs divisions and get the records from other departments as part of the background investigation, Ridenhour said. I dont think any department wants someone elses problem. Ridenhour said Connecticut has taken steps to avoid problems that wandering officers have created in other states. I think Connecticut has tried successfully to address that, Ridenhour said. We have to disclose any adverse information. You cant say No, you are not getting their files. I dont think you see that in Connecticut like in other places. Town of Millinocket, Maine Plainville case In August 2020, the Plainville Police Department hired Justin Cullen, a former Manchester officer who resigned weeks earlier during an internal investigation into alleged off-duty sexual misconduct. Cullen was accused of engaging in non-consensual sex while off duty in Southington, according to a lawsuit filed on Cullens behalf in state Superior Court. The court documents note the allegation was referred to Southington police, which closed an investigation into the matter after the alleged victim refused to pursue it. Manchester determined Cullen should be terminated as a probationary employee and he was offered the option of resigning in lieu of termination, the court documents state. That decision to resign left Cullen with a problem regarding his new job with Plainville. Under Connecticut law, an officer who resigns or retires during an internal investigation for malfeasance or serious misconduct -- or is fired for the conduct -- cannot be hired by another department unless the officer was later exonerated of the conduct. When hiring an officer, police departments must complete a background check, obtain past disciplinary reports if the applicant previously worked as an officer, and detail any offenses that disqualify the applicant from being hired. A form containing that information is sent for review and approval to the state Police Officer Standards and Training (POST) Council, which provides a final check on whether an officer can be hired and certifies officers essentially providing the license to work in law enforcement. In November 2020, the POST Council rejected Cullens request for certification to work for Plainville, citing the fact that he resigned while under investigation for malfeasance or other serious misconduct. Cullen administratively appealed the POST Council decision and filed an appeal with the state Superior Court, according to court records. The case highlights a potential problem with the state law that regulates police hires and guides POST Council approval or rejection - what exactly constitutes malfeasance or serious misconduct? The Cullen case showed those terms can be open to interpretation and are not well defined. The rules that govern hiring an officer are primarily established through laws passed by the state Legislature. New hiring standards were put in place last year through a sweeping Police Accountability Act passed by the state Legislature. Those rules are interpretated and administered by the POST Council, whose membership was expanded under the Police Accountability Act. During a hearing before the POST Council, Plainville and Cullens lawyers argued the alleged misconduct did not fit the definition of, or rise to the level of, malfeasance or serious misconduct, according to minutes of the proceeding. The appeal Cullens lawyers filed, which included the arguments made before the POST Council, was dismissed on the grounds the court lacked jurisdiction. Lawyers representing Cullen in Superior Court, declined to comment, as did several lawyers representing Plainville and Manchester police. In the wake of the Cullen case, the POST Council has been discussing how to more clearly define malfeasance or serious misconduct, minutes show. State lawmakers earlier this year failed to pass a bill that sought to provide a more specific definition for the terms malfeasance or serious misconduct. The bill did not change or alter rules for hiring an officer or the criteria that an applicant must meet. Milford Police Chief Keith Mello and chairman of the states POST Council defended Connecticuts hiring practices. There has been a lot of really good things [done to prevent] hiring people involved in serious misconduct and malfeasance, Mello said. But, Howard Friedman, a Boston civil rights lawyer and member of the National Police Accountability Project, said even carefully-crafted hiring procedures can produce questionable results and Connecticut is an example of that. Sometimes the system does not always work, he said. Fairfield case Another local case reviewed by Hearst Connecticut happened earlier this year when Fairfield police hired Dan Loris as an officer. Loris was fired in 2020 by the Shelton Police Department for ethics and sexual harassment violations and misconduct while on duty. That termination resulted from an internal investigation into photos of officers changing their clothes in the department parking lot that were posted on social media. Loris was involved, but its unclear exactly what role he played in the matter. Loris filed a grievance to appeal his firing. According to a federal lawsuit filed in June on behalf of Loris and five other officers also fired by Shelton last year, the officers actions were meant to illustrate the impact of the closure of police headquarters bathrooms to officers in April 2020. There were no hand-washing stations or any place to change your clothes other than in the parking lot, the suit states, calling the conditions unsanitary, humiliating, and unsafe. Michelle Holmes, a lawyer who represents Loris the other officers, said the officers should have never been fired and pointed out that only Loris has been able to find a new job. Its highly likely the terminations in my case will be overturned by an arbitrator because they were retaliatory, said Holmes. Not every fired officer, such as Dan Loris and the five other Shelton officers I represent, are fired for just cause. Holmes said state law disregards the possibility that a termination could be overturned by the state Board of Mediation and Arbitration, which settles union labor disputes. The POST legislation just assumes the terminations are just but in this case they were not, Holmes said, referring to state law that sets police hiring rules. I understand the reasoning behind the legislation, but I believe it needs serious consideration and revamping. Shelton officials have defended their actions regarding Loris. The lawsuit is not based on any facts, Shelton Police Chief Shawn Sequeira told the Shelton Herald in June, a Hearst Connecticut Media publication. The facts and circumstances support those disciplined and terminated were based on just cause. We continue to hold our officers accountable as the majority do their job, Sequeira said. Police officers are held to a specific standard supported by the police accountability bill. Robert Kalamaras, Fairfields police chief, said Loris met the requirements to hire him as an officer. Officer Loris was hired by Fairfield as a state certified police officer through the Police Officer Standards and Training Council, Kalamaras said. During his thorough background investigation, he has fulfilled all of the state requirements necessary to assume the duties and responsibilities of a police officer and I fully support the decision of the previous chief, said Kalamaras, pointing out he did not personally hire the officer. Linda Coan O'Kresik / Bangor Daily News From Ridgefield to Maine In addition to the two examples where officers moved between departments in-state, Hearst Connecticut closely researched the case of Craig Worster, the officer who resigned amid an internal investigation in Ridgefield and wound up later facing more accusations of misconduct at another job in Maine. Although Worsters resignation from Ridgefield in 2015 effectively ended the internal investigation into his conduct without any disciplinary action, the investigative report Hearst Connecticut obtained under state Freedom of Information law details a pattern of misconduct and says his behavior was pervasive and that any reasonable person would conclude that Lt. Worster[s] actions form a pattern of hostile and abusive behavior. According to the report, Worster allegedly would often touch female officers on the shoulder, stand uncomfortably close to them and tell them stories about sex he had with different women. An unidentified female officer told investigators that Worster massaged her shoulders without asking. He just walked away without saying anything, the report quoted the officer as saying. One female officer told investigators Worster played a video clip of men and women showering together that contained sexual comments and noises, according to the report. He also allegedly discussed with female officers whether a woman pulled over for a traffic stop had fake breasts, the report said. While a female suspect blew into a tube during a breath test to determine alcohol level, Woster allegedly remarked that I bet shes good at that or shes good at that, the report said. Five years later, Worster, then the chief of Millinocket Police in Maine, faced more accusations. Millinocket Deputy Chief Janet Theriault filed a sexual harassment complaint against Worster. Details of the complaint have not been made public. The accusations prompted the town to fire Worster in December 2020. Weeks later, the small Millinocket police department was disbanded and neighboring East Millinocket was given an 18-month contract to take over the towns policing duties. In February 2021, the Millinocket Personnel Appeals Board overturned Worsters termination. The town appealed the ruling, and the issue remains pending. Worster was not reinstated as chief, according to news reports in Maine. The town manager who hired Worster, John Davis, was fired after the accusations against Worster surfaced. Nick Sambides Jr. / Bangor Daily News Millinocket was not Worsters first policing job in Maine. After leaving Ridgefield, Worster was hired in 2016 by the Wiscasset Police Department, a small town in Southern Maine. He resigned in 2018 following an internal investigation that still has not been made public, according to various news reports. News reports in Maine show that Worsters case prompted considerable discussion there about the need to strengthen the transparency of police disciplinary records and the overall hiring process. Attempts to reach Worster for comment were unsuccessful. An attorney for Worster in Maine did not respond to messages. Ridgefield Police Chief Jeffery Kreitz did not respond to questions about whether Maine officials asked his department for Worsters disciplinary records and other details of his employment. Millinocket officials did not respond to a request for comment on Worsters employment and termination. A national problem A 2020 study published in the Yale Law Journal closely examined police hiring trends in Florida and, in that state alone, found hundreds of working officers who had been fired from previous police jobs. In any given year over the last three decades, an average of roughly 1,100 full-time law-enforcement officers in Florida walk the streets having been fired in the past, and almost 800 having been fired for misconduct, not counting the many who were fired and reinstated in arbitration, the study said. But the studys authors said they were likely undercounting the number of wandering officers in Florida because there is no database that tracks police misconduct. Such a tool could help agencies avoid hiring wandering officers who saunter in from other states, wrote researchers Ben Grunwald, a professor at the Duke University School of Law, and John Rappaport, a University of Chicago Law School professor. The study, however, did not detail the types of misconduct that led to firing an officer or an officers resignation. We are not able to identify the specific nature of the misconduct, such as excessive force, embezzlement, substance abuse, and so on, the authors noted. The study, which also referenced several other examples of wandering officers around the country, added that departments do not always list the actual misconduct that led to a dismissal or pushed an officer to resign. Still, the study found that wandering officers tend to move to smaller departments which have difficulty recruiting officers, enjoy fewer resources and do not always conduct background checks. Even when well-intentioned as a second chance for a hardworking cop hiring a wandering officer is risky business, the authors wrote. Wandering officers are also more likely to be fired from their second job, receive complaints for moral character violations and violent or sexual misconduct, the study said. Such officers are riskier, by our measures, than even officers hired as rookies, noted the study. Worse yet, the study said, wandering officers may infect other officers upon arrival, causing misconduct to metastasize to the farthest reaches of the law-enforcement community. Hiring wandering officers can even bring deadly consequences, as evidenced by a highly publicized case in Cleveland. In November 2014, 12-year-old Tamir Rice was shot and killed in a park by a Cleveland police who mistook a fake gun the boy was holding for a real one. Authorities later learned that the officer, while working at the Independence, Ohio police department, had been deemed emotionally unstable and unfit for duty, a fact he did not disclose on his application to join the Cleveland police. The Cleveland department did not review his personnel file before hiring him, according to a variety of media reports and the study published in the Yale Law Journal. Efforts for reform Amid concern over such serious outcomes, lawmakers in some states have taken steps to strengthen hiring practices and track police misconduct. For example, last year, Pennsylvania enacted a law requiring police departments to retain the reason why an officer was fired or resigned. Those records are to be stored in a confidential database that other departments in the state can access when hiring new officers. Under the new law, if an agency chooses to hire an officer despite prior discipline, the department must publicly post a report explaining its decision. Meanwhile, activists are also pushing for national solutions, including the creation of a national database of police misconduct so departments can readily obtain records of officers who were decertified meaning their license to be a cop was taken away or resigned during an internal investigation to avoid punishment or were fired for misconduct. But the effort so far has not produced a comprehensive national or state database of police misconduct. Unlike many other regulated professions, states often lack the ability to track prior disciplinary action taken against officers, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. The National Decertification Index provides a list of officers who lost the right to work in law enforcement. The database contains records on 30,172 officers, including officers from Connecticut. Connecticut is among 11 states that publicly report decertified officers by posting a list on the POST Councils website. However, experts say that database is flawed, in part because participation, which is voluntary, is spotty. And the database omits misconduct not serious enough to draw decertification. In many states Connecticut is not among them only a felony conviction is sufficient to decertify an officer. In Connecticut, disqualifying offenses include a felony conviction; resigning or retiring during an internal investigation for malfeasance or serious misconduct -- or being fired for the conduct; lying on application forms; serious use of force violations and behavior that undermines public confidence in law enforcement on the job and off the job. On the other hand, the National Practitioners Data Bank, which under federal law mandates reporting of misconduct by health care professionals, is far more comprehensive, containing information on malpractice judgements, lost hospital privileges and medical board discipline. Lynda Garcia, senior director of the policing program at The Leadership Conference, is working on a national database called Accountable Now. The data tool so far includes information from five major cities: Indianapolis, Ind, New Orleans, Baltimore, Austin, and Dallas. For almost a decade, civil rights advocates have been pushing for a national database on police use of force to bring greater transparency and accountability to our law enforcement system, Garcia said. Accurate data is critical to revealing the disproportionate impact police violence has on communities of color, Garcia said. To fix a problem, you need to know how extensive it is. LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) Former White House press secretary Sarah Sanders' campaign on Thursday said she had raised another $4.2 million for her bid for Arkansas governor. Sanders' campaign said the latest figures over the past three months mean she has raised $9 million total since launching her bid in January for the state's top office. Sanders campaign reported having $6.3 million cash on hand at the end of June and spent $1.8 million during the quarter. She is running against Attorney General Leslie Rutledge for the Republican Party's nomination. Rutledge raised more than $216,000 during the quarter and had $1.1 million cash on hand. Rutledge has raised $1.4 million total since launching her bid last year. She reported spending more than $125,000 during the quarter. The majority of Sanders' contributions so far have come from out of state, while more than $3 million has come from nearly 9,000 Arkansas donors, her campaign said. Its clear Arkansans want a leader who will defend our freedom and stand up to the radical left, grow our economy and create jobs, and increase access to quality education and opportunity for a brighter, more prosperous future," she said in a statement. Meantime, Rutledge said the majority of her contributions came from in-state sources. I am always humbled by the continued financial support from voters all across the state of Arkansas and am extremely proud that 80% of my donors are Arkansans, Rutledge said. Four Democrats are also running for governor in the predominantly Republican state. One of the Democratic hopefuls, Chris Jones, last month said he raised more than $575,000 in the two weeks after he launched his campaign with a video that gained national attention. The candidates are running to succeed Republican Gov. Asa Hutchinson, who is barred by term limits from seeking reelection next year. Sanders left the White House as former President Donald Trumps chief spokeswoman in 2019. She launched her bid for governor in January with an online video that prominently featured the former president and echoed his rhetoric, promising to fight the radical left in the solidly red state. DARIEN Tara Ochman has her sights set on becoming the towns first Democrat first selectman in more than a decade. Ochman, former Board of Education chairwoman, joined supporters in front of Town Hall Thursday to announce her candidacy for the seat that has been held for the past decade by Republican Jayme Stevenson. Last month, Stevenson announced she will not seek reelection. This election is about choices ... we can choose to stagnate, to complain, to put off difficult decisions, or we can choose to innovate, invest and build for our future, Ochman said. With strong leadership and energy, we can do better. We can do the hard work necessary to ensure that Darien is a competitive, desirable 21st-century town ... a place where people will choose to come to raise their families, Ochman added. Ochman will be heading the Democrat ticket, with incumbent Sarah Neumann and Mike Burke running for selectmen. I am excited for this opportunity, said Ochman, a Board of Education member who served as chair from 2017 to 2020. I love our small town. We have amazing talent in this town I plan to leverage that talent to improve our town. While Darien has long been considered a Republican stronghold, Ochman said there are more registered Democrats now than in previous years. But in the end, she feels her message goes beyond party politics it is one of unity for the betterment of the town and its residents. We have people that have moved into town I think they are looking for a first selectman with the best interests of the town at heart they dont care about party, Ochman said, adding that she has received positive reactions from people across the political spectrum about her candidacy. Tara Ochman is the most experienced and qualified candidate from any party to run for first selectman in a generation, Darien Democratic Town Committee Chairman David Bayne said. Bayne credited Ochman for leading the Board of Education a panel with a budget and headcount far exceeding the Board of Selectman through tumultuous times, including the first year of COVID-19. She did so with a degree of professionalism and grace that has not been seen from a Darien leader in decades, Bayne said. Darien is extremely lucky that Tara has decided to dedicate her time and energy to serve the town as its next first selectman. Ochman said, while the town has enjoyed success in recent years, she believes allowing more voices in the process will improve the operations. She said her focus would initially be to improve the towns infrastructure mainly roadways, beaches and parks; modernizing the emergency response plan; and upgrading technology community-wide to "honor our workers and step up and make access to town services easier for all. Ochman said her goal is to make Dariens downtown a destination center, highlighting the multiple and incoming dining establishments and retail. We need to promote our businesses, Ochman said. We do a lot right here, need to let people know all the positive things happening in the community. Ochman, married with three children, has spent years in public service. Besides the Board of Education, she has served as a board member at St. Lukes Parish School; the Darien Library Board of Trustees; and the Council of Darien School Parents. She was also appointed in 2019 to the Connecticut Advisory Council for School Administrator Profession Standards a board that reports to the governors office, the state Board of Education and the Legislature Education Committee. Ochman was elected three times as chairwoman of the Board of Education as a Democrat on a predominantly Republican board. During her time as chairwoman, she worked with three superintendents and led the process for bringing in an interim before hiring a permanent superintendent, Alan Addley. I have always believed in public service I was taught it was my responsibility to give back to the community, something I hope I am instilling to my children, Ochman said. I love Darien. Ive been there for Darien when Darien needed me. I want to continue to be there. brian.gioiele@hearstmediact.com 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. Dr N. Satyanarayana asked the officials to maintain a register of saplings distributed in wards, colonies and divisions under Pattana Pragathi. Representationa Image (DC Image) Karimnagar: Dr N. Satyanarayana, the commissioner and director of municipal administration, on Thursday directed officials to render services to the people as envisaged by the New Municipal Act. During his tour of Karimnagar district, Dr Satyanarayana inspected a nursery at the Lower Manair Dam, Pattana Prakruthi Vanam and Alkapuri park and later chaired a review meeting with Mayor Y. Sunil Rao, collector K. Shashanka, municipal commissioner V. Kranthi and officials of municipalities in the district. Dr Satyanarayana told officials that immediate steps would be taken to resolve any issue pertaining to assessment, mutation, TSbPass and permissions about building construction. He asked the officials to maintain a register of saplings distributed in wards, colonies and divisions under Pattana Pragathi. He recommended planting different kinds of saplings in Prakruthi Vanams and under Haritha Haram programme and take steps to protect them. He said planting tamarind, Ayurvedic herbs, sandalwood, red sandalwood and bamboo would generate income to the municipalities. Officials must make the Haritha Haram programme a grand success by planting huge numbers of saplings in various wards, colonies and divisions and must make the towns and cities green. Construction works of integrated vegetable and non-vegetarian markets in the municipalities should be taken up. He said all public health workers must be paid their salaries between the first and fifth of every month. Providing PPE kits and aprons was vital. Major crops like paddy were sown on 2.34 lakh hectares against the targeted area of 15.99 lakh hectares. Representational Image (PTI) Vijayawada: Rainfall under the influence of southwest monsoon in the last few days is helping farmers take up sowing of various crops in a brisk manner during the present kharif season in Andhra Pradesh. AP received average rainfall of 180.6mm against the normal 154.2mm, it going up by 17.1 per cent from June 1 to July 14. Districts like Anantapur, Chittoor and Kadapa received excess rainfall of 60 per cent while Kurnool got it in excess by 20 per cent to 59 per cent. Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Visakhapatnam, East Godavari, West Godavari, Krishna, Guntur and Prakasam reported normal rainfall and Nellore reported deficit rainfall. The state government had aimed at raising crops on 38.13 lakh hectares against the normal area of 37.35 lakh hectares for the kharif season. So far, the total area sown was at 5.66 lakh hectares, with a 15 per cent coverage. Major crops like paddy were sown on 2.34 lakh hectares against the targeted area of 15.99 lakh hectares. With regard to total food grains, out of the targeted area of 21.73 lakh hectares, sowing was done on 2.91 lakh hectares for cultivation of several varieties of crops. Meanwhile, the agriculture authorities maintain that, based on preliminary reports, paddy nurseries as also standing crops and other crops were inundated in parts of the Godavari districts. The river is swollen following heavy inflow of water due to rainfall in its catchment areas. Farmers had raised paddy and other crops in island villages along the river, they were also inundated. Ground crop also suffered inundation in some parts of Kurnool district. Agriculture and horticulture authorities have called for preliminary reports on the extent of inundation of crops due to the rainfall and also due to overflowing of canals, drains and tanks, to assess the extent of crop damage or loss from all the districts. Farmers depending on water from Srisailam and Nagarjuna Sagar projects for cultivation of crops located in their command areas in parts of Rayalaseema region including Kurnool and coastal districts like Krishna, Guntur and Prakasam have not taken up sowing on a large area in the absence of release of water through canals so far. This was because the Telangana government drew huge quantities of water from these two reservoirs as also from the Pulichinthala project in the last few days, for generation of power. The state government had aimed at raising horticulture crops on 17.48 lakh hectares for the kharif season and the department says crops like vegetables and banana were inundated in parts of Godavari districts. They maintain that, if such crops are inundated in flood waters for two to three days, they would perish. AP farmers federation president Nagendra Nath said, The rainfall is beneficial to farmers for taking up cultivation of crops. An agriculture official said, The rainfall is more useful to farmers for raising crops in a brisk manner. We have called for reports from districts on inundation of crops. Once the water recedes, we will come to know about the extent of damage or loss to crops. Madhava Reddy said that they had arrested the six persons while one accused Ch. Rajendra Prasad was at large. (Representational Image: PTI) Kakinada: Six persons, claiming to be reporters, were arrested on Thursday by Ravulapalem police for obstructing a rice load vehicle and demanding a bribe of Rs two lakh from the property owner, while threatening them that the rice belonged to Public Distribution System (PDS). Amalapuram DSP Y.Madhava Reddy told the media here on Thursday that Akondi Veera Venkata Satyanarayana Murthy, Chirra Nagaraju, Ayinavilli Vijayababu, Undurthi Ravi Kumar, Palivela Raju, Ummidisetty Venkateswara Rao and Ch.Rajendra Prasad claiming that they were reporters working for print and electronic media and stopped a lorry that which was carrying rice to Kakinada port from Komerapudi in Sattenapalli mandal of Guntur district on the early hours of Wednesday near Ravulapalem. They directed the driver to get down from the lorry and show the way-bills. When the driver showed the bills, they told him that the rice belonged to PDS. They rang up the clerk of the property owner and demanded a bribe of Rs. two lakh, failing which the lorry would be seized and the owner sent to jail. The property owner P. Gangadhara Reddy lodged a complaint with Ravulapalem police. Madhava Reddy said that they had arrested the six persons while one accused Ch. Rajendra Prasad was at large. He said that four mobikes and seven mobile phones were seized from the accused. Ravulapalem additional sub-inspector R.B.Raju said that during interrogation, the accused confessed and pointed out that they had committed three such offences. The agriculture operations are brisk and the farmers are busy with the cultivation process. Representational Image (PTI) Kakinada: The agricultural operations are in full swing in both upland and delta areas of East and West Godavari districts as the recent rains are helping farmers to carry forward with their cultivation. They are preparing for sowing paddy and other crops and some farmers are also in a mood for transplantation of paddy. According to agricultural officials, paddy sowing has been completed on 1.13 lakh hectares including 61,000 hectares in East Godavari and 52,000 hectares in West Godavari district. The Agriculture department has also planned to promote red-gram on the bunds of fields and have supplied the seeds to mandal headquarters, which will supply them to Rythu Bharosa Kendras. The red-gram seed will be supplied with a cent per cent subsidy to farmers at the rate of one kilo per hectare. In East Godavari district, farmers have completed sowing of paddy on 19,087 hectares in the Central Delta, 37,500 hectares in the Eastern Delta, 5,163 hectares in the upland area and 73 hectares in the agency area. The officials said the work on the nurseries has been completed on 7,300 hectares and other crops such as cotton, maize, sugarcane etc are being cultivated on 2,917 hectares so far. In West Godavari district, paddy sowings have been completed on 52,000 hectares out of two lakh hectares during this Kharif. The other crops like cotton on 800 hectares and sugarcane on 6,500 acres are being cultivated this kharif. West Godavari district joint director of agriculture Gouse Begum said 5 per cent excess rainfall is recorded in the West Godavari district in this season. The agriculture operations are brisk and the farmers are busy with the cultivation process. However, she said the poor drainage canal system has damaged the fields under Nidadavolu and Chagallu areas and farmers having cultivation on nearly 10,000 hectares are getting worried. The water from the four main canals is reaching in one drainage which is clogged with weeds. Desilting work has not been done. She visited the fields of Chagallu mandal and interacted with the farmers. The farmers told her that weeds are resulting in blocks in water flow in drains. If the government spends Rs4 crore to modernise the drain, the problem can be solved, they said. Begum advised the farmers to discuss the matter with the Village Agriculture Advisory Board and make resolutions and send them to the government through a proper channel. Meanwhile, she advised other farmers cultivating the fields to till their land. The bench on May 7 had ordered the immediate release of prisoners who were granted bail or parole last year. (Photo: PTI/Representational Image) New Delhi:The Supreme Court on Friday ordered that prisoners, who were released by the high powered committees (HPCs) of states during the second wave of COVID-19 following its direction, will not be asked to surrender until further orders. A special bench headed by Chief Justice N V Ramana also asked the HPCs of states to file within five days the norms being adopted by them in implementing its May 7 orders on release of prisoners for decongesting jails. The top court also asked the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) to file a report after getting details from states' HPCs about the norms followed by them. Taking note of the "unprecedented surge" in COVID-19 cases, the bench on May 7 had ordered the immediate release of prisoners who were granted bail or parole last year. It had observed that the decongestion of prisons housing around four lakh inmates across the country is a matter concerning "health and right to life" of prisoners and police personnel. All those who were allowed to go out on bail in March last year by the high-powered committees of states and Union Territories be granted the same relief without any reconsideration to avoid delay, the top court had said. During the meeting held at the camp office on Thursday, the CM advised the MPs to raise the Rayalseema Lift Irrigation Scheme(RLIS) issue before the Union Government. (PTI) Vijayawada: The YSR Congress would raise issues of water disputes, violation of KRMB norms by the Telangana government, the Polavaram funds, the Visakhapatnam steel plant, pending electricity arrears, as also the delay in grant of Special Category Status for AP in the Monsoon sessions of Parliament. Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy presided over the YSRC parliamentary party meet here on Thursday. He discussed strategies to be followed in the monsoon session and asked MPs to raise the states issues and seek their early resolutions. During the meeting held at the camp office on Thursday, the CM advised the MPs to raise the Rayalseema Lift Irrigation Scheme(RLIS) issue before the Union Government. Speaking to media after the meeting, YSRC MPs Mithun Reddy, Magunta Srinivasulu Reddy, Mopidevi Venkataramana, V. Vijayasai Reddy and others said that they would raise the issue of investment clearance of Rs55,656 crore for the revised estimated cost of the Polavaram project. This has been pending for 29 months, he said, and added that they would request the Centre to quickly release Rs33,000 crore related to Relief and Rehabilitation works of the project. YSRC MPs said they would raise Telangana state's illegal usage of water from inter-state irrigation projects and said the AP government has moved the apex court seeking handover of the operation and maintenance of such projects, including Srisailam and Nagarjuna Sagar, to the Centre. He said the YSRC MPs would urge the central government to notify the tribunal's judgement on the Vamsadhara project. They affirmed that the MPs will oppose privatization of Visakhapatnam Steel Plant. The MPs said the Telangana State has pending electricity dues of `6,112 crore to be paid to the AP government. We would ask the central government to intervene and solve the issue. They said there are some imbalances in the National Food Security Act due to which AP is bearing a loss and this issue would also be raised in Parliament and before the central government. We would demand release of the pending arrears of Rs5,056 crore related to ration rice, MGNREGS arrears of `6,750 crore, approval for the Disha Act and assistance for development of infrastructure facilities in 17,000 layouts. YSRC MPs said they would seek approval for the setting up of a Tribal University in Saluru constituency and Special Category Status to the state. They would also mention the effective Covid management of the state government in Parliament. Visakhapatnam: The state government on Friday officially released the Andhra Pradesh Information Technology Policy for 2021-2024 for addressing the current needs of the states IT sector. The previous policy, developed by the TD government, ended in March 2020. The policy would be valid retrospectively from 1 April 2021 till 31 March 2024. Principal secretary Jaya Lakshmi said the Indian market for the IT and IT-enabled services was as huge as $191 billion (Rs 14.3 lakh crores) in year 2019-20 and this size is expected to increase to $350 billion (Rs 26.2 lakh crore) by 2025, driven by growth from tier-2 and tier-3 cities. The AP Electronics and Information Technology Agency (APEITA) will be the nodal agency for implementing the policy. It plays a key role in aspects like incentive approvals, land, and plug and play space allotment to companies. In view of generating large scale employment in the IT sector, the state government evolved a holistic policy framework to compete with other states," Lakshmi said. Currently, the state is home to more than 45,000 employees in the IT sector, forming a major portion of the IT workforce in the country. A functionary at an IT company at Vizag said the new policy is better, compared with the previous one, but the government must act without any delay in issuing the clearances for new incentives. Since, chief minister Jaganmohan Reddy is keen on developing Vizag as the IT capital, the new policy would be apt for all categories such as start-ups to giant IT firms across the globe, said the CEO of an IT company in the city. Some of the objectives of the policy include creating an industry-ready talent pool and fulfilling the demand for skilled IT manpower, facilitating the creation of co-working space and satellite centers to enable seamless start of operations for IT units, and encouraging adoption of latest global trends in IT business models such as Work from Home. HYDERABAD: Chief Justice of India N.V. Ramanas observations on enforcement of sedition law, that it was time for the government to drop it from the statutes, have been welcomed by several persons who have faced, or continue to face, charges under the law. However, they said they were not sure if the government would act on the Chief Justice views and wondered if the government would keep using the sedition laws as has been the case with Section 66A of the Information Technology (IT) Act which, despite being struck down, was still used to slap cases on people. Some of the prominent persons from Telangana booked under Sedition Act are octogenarian poet-activist Varavara Rao, Osmania University professor Chintakindi Kaseem, and student leaders. They were booked under sedition and other stringent laws like Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and Public Security Act (PSA). Speaking to this newspaper senior journalist N. Venugopal, the nephew of Varavara Rao, said, "Varavara Rao was incarcerated in jail for more than two years because of the sedition Act. On the same day, when the Chief Justice was making the remarks, farmers were booked under the sedition law on the borders of Delhi in Haryana state." He said that even if the Supreme Court did strike down the law, we still did not know how strictly it would be implemented. Citing the example of Section 66A of Information Technology (IT) Act, he said, "The Section 66A of IT Act has been struck down in 2015. However, the cases were booked under the same section even after six years. The government has an excuse that the striking down of section 66A is included in a footnote so many law enforcement officials did not notice it and implemented it." More than the sedition Act, UAPA and Public Security Act are threats to democratic nations. Under UAPA, the person having an opinion of his own is wrong, added Venugopal. Prof. Kaseem, who was booked under sedition law, said, "From the comments of Chief Justice Ramana, I am hopeful that the law would be struck down. I had to spend almost six months in jail and my bail was rejected several times because the sedition charge was slapped against me. Many of them would have the preoccupied notion that if a person is booked under sedition charges, he is an anti-national and working towards dethroning the government, but it is not that case." He added that a university professor like him had to undergo such a tough time due to the sedition law. Imagine the students and the tribals who were booked under these stringent laws, he added. A student leader who was booked under sedition Act on the condition of anonymity, said, "My whole life was spoiled by just one law. In other words, they killed me. The Indian government has to justify their actions of how a sedition case is booked against Indians. It is a barbaric law which was implemented by British rulers against Indians." Expressing the struggle he faced after being slapped by the sedition Act he said, "After we were booked under sedition law, society had looked at us differently like untouchables and socially ostracised. Even in jail I was looked at differently and had to spend a year within the four walls of a special cell. As the court rejected the bail several times, it had a huge psychological stress on me." He further added that if fighting for the depressed classes and questioning the power was a crime, the government would have stated the same and booked me under sedition charges. "I would have undergone the jail term, without any regret. But the police booked me under a false case and on top of it, they slapped the sedition Act. My precious life had been destroyed in one shot. How will I get a job now and lead a respectful life," said the students leader. Telangana and Andhra Pradesh coordination committee member of Human Right Forum (HRF) S Jeevan Kumar said, "Sedition law which was brought in the colonial period is barbaric and should be struck down immediately. It is a threat to the voice of democratic people and being used to curb the voice of the voiceless." It is pertinent to note that the Chief Justice of India observed that "the enormous power of the sedition Act is like giving a saw to the carpenter to cut a piece of wood to make an item. But he uses it to cut entire forests." The SCCL is spread over Old Adilabad, Karimnagar, Warangal and Khammam districts. (Representational Photo:AFP) ADILABAD: All the major parties the TRS, the BJP, the Congress and the CPI are focusing attention on the upcoming elections for the recognised trade union in the Singanreni Collieries Corporation Limited (SSCL). The politically high voltage SCCL elections will cover nearly 30 Assembly and three Lok Sabha constituencies in Telangana state. The labour department had postponed the elections in view of the Covid situations. The SCCL is spread over Old Adilabad, Karimnagar, Warangal and Khammam districts. News is that the Congress is projecting Mulugu MLA Seethakka as honorary president of INTUC so that she will fight the poll against Kalvakuntla Kavitha of TBGKS. A few days ago, Kengarla Mallaiah of BMS joined the TBGKS in the presence of TRS working president KT Ramarao. Mallaiah was president of the TBGKS but joined the BMS due to infighting in the former. Congress leaders feel Seethakka would boost the winning chances of the INTUC in these elections as she has a good network in the coal belt area and personal relations with trade union leaders for a long time. BJP leaders are trying their best to strengthen the BMS in Singareni, which was no force there all these years, and win the trade union elections. This will also help the saffron party spread its influence on the families of Singareni workforce in the four districts. Former Peddapalli MP Gaddam Vivek is working hard to strengthen the BMS since many coal belt areas fall under this Parliament constituency. Reports are that TPCC president Revanth Reddy and Seethakka will tour the coal belt to strengthen the INTUC. A senior INTUC leader in Srirampur said, Seethakka would be made honorary president of INTUC since she has strong influence among the Singareni workers. The AITUC affiliated to CPI is trying its best to regain its base among the Singareni workers and lead the recognised trade union in SCCL. Kavitha as honorary president of TBGKS is holding meetings with its leaders and planning strategies to face the SCCL elections. While I am not an expert on population concerns, I am intrigued by the recent obsession of the ruling authorities in Uttar Pradesh, Assam and Lakshadweep with limiting families to two children. Theyre considering measures, including legislation, to incentivise parents who adhere to the two-child norm whilst penalising those who dont. Is this a hint their prospects of development are so poor that our much-vaunted demographic dividend is in danger of transforming into a disaster? Or have they become converts to a cause Sanjay Gandhi championed during the Emergency over 45 years ago? Uttar Pradeshs draft Population (Control, Stabilisation and Welfare) Bill 2021 is the best example of what is proposed. The penalties include debarment from government-sponsored welfare schemes, contesting local authority elections, applying for state government jobs and promotion in government service. Also, ration cards will be limited to four persons. The fact that some of this would deny constitutional or legislative rights hasnt been addressed. The incentives include a three per cent increase in the employers contribution to pensions, two additional increments during the entire service tenure, subsidies to help purchase plots of land or build houses, soft loans and rebates on utilities such as water, electricity and house tax. There are also special benefits for the children of parents who only have one child. These include free healthcare and insurance upto the age of 20, free education upto graduation, preferential admission in educational institutions, including IIMs and AIIMS, and assistance in securing government jobs. I find this package particularly strange because children who are denied these benefits are being disadvantaged for what their parents did or, rather, refused to do. How on earth do you justify that? Now, I first asked myself, whats the need for all of this? Justice A.N. Mittal, chairman of the UP Law Commission, who proposed the bill, says: Resources are already over-stretched due to the increasing population. Be it medical facilities, foodgrains and jobs, everything is under stress due to the rising population. But is this Malthusian anxiety justified or contrary to well-known facts? The truth is that Indias census data confirms our population growth is slowing. The decadal growth rate declined to 17.7 per cent in 2001-2011 from 21.5 per cent in 1991-2001. In fact, the year when India will surpass Chinas population has been pushed back by the UN from 2022 to 2027. More important, the national Total Fertility Rate (TFR), which is the number of children likely to be born to a woman in her lifetime, is down to 2.2, just above the replacement level of 2.1. In fact, in 25 out of 28 states and six out of eight Union territories its already down to 2.1 or less. In 18 states its at 1.8 or lower. In Sikkim its just 1.2. So, the next question is: do we have a specific problem in Uttar Pradesh, Assam and Lakshadweep? Again, the facts suggest not. The TFR in Lakshadweep is 1.4 and, according to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), in Assam its 1.9. This is well below the replacement level of 2.1. In fact, in these two states, the populations are shrinking. At first Uttar Pradesh seems different. According to NFHS-4 its TFR is 2.7. However, Im told the 2019-20 NFHS-5 figure for UP -- which is yet to be released -- is 2.5. More important, population projections done by the National Commission on Population, a part of the health ministry, says UPs TFR will be 2.1 by 2025. The conclusion seems obvious -- UPs TFR may be high but its steadily falling. Theres no need for drastic measures. So, if secular facts dont justify what these governments are proposing, are they, surreptitiously, targeting a particular community? Actually, thats pretty obvious in Lakshadweeps case because 96 per cent of the archipelagos population is Muslim. The answer is equally clear when you come to Assams 34 per cent Muslim minority. The states chief minister has admitted to PTI that one of his aims is to check the growth of (the) Muslim population. Ironically, UPs Yogi Adityanath has been guarded in admitting this. Every section of society has to be associated with the awareness of the campaign, he has said. I assume thats code for the states 19 per cent Muslims. Now, finally, lets come to the moral issue and then ask whether such incentives or penalties work. How many children parents choose to have is, I believe, their prerogative. My grandparents had ten, my parents four, my sisters two each and one. I have none. We werent pushed towards a particular number. We decided for ourselves. And so it should be. Except in critical situations, the State has no business to influence this decision. And as I have just shown, far from a crisis, the situation is steadily and significantly improving. And not just nationwide but specifically in Assam and Lakshadweep, whilst its heading in the right direction in UP. In these circumstances the Population Foundation of India (PFI) believes the proposed incentives and penalties might well lead to undesirable outcomes. Several states have tried something similar but failed to bring down the fertility rates. Instead, they saw a rise in sex-selective and unsafe abortions, men divorcing wives so they could stand for elections and families giving children for adoption to avoid penalties. If there really is a need to reduce the fertility rate, PFIs executive director Poonam Muttreja suggests that India could learn from Sri Lanka as well as Indonesia and Bangladesh, two Muslim countries. They reduced theirs by increasing the age of marriage, ensuring high levels of female education and greater employment opportunities and, of course, a bigger basket of contraceptive choices. Incidentally, the Assam chief ministers statement that Muslims must adopt decent population control measures is belied by the facts. Ms Muttreja points out that the use of modern contraception is the highest among married Muslim women. Its 49 per cent. For Christians its 45.7 per cent and for Hindus 42.8 per cent. So, if encouraging contraception is his intention, it seems he has the wrong community in mind! Before I end, let me mention one other matter. This time its a genuine problem: the sex ratio at birth. After improving to 909 in 2013, its fallen to 899 in 2018. As Ms Muttreja sums up: Indians want less children now but want them as sons. Thats a very different problem to the one UP, Assam and Lakshadweep are intending to address. In fact, what they propose could make it worse. The writer is a television commentator and anchor A Bangladeshi national staying illegally in the city was recently caught by the Kumaraswamy Layout police. The arrested Shohag Monsural Shaikh is a resident of Rajajinagar and hails from Jessore district in Bangladesh. On July 12, police sub-inspector Dada Hayath received a tip-off from an informant that Shaikh had procured an Aadhaar card and other identity proof illegally and was roaming around suspiciously near Hotel Dwaraka Grand in Kumaraswamy Layout. Hayath and his team of policemen went to the spot along with the informant, who was able to identify Shaikh. The police party intercepted the suspect and questioned him about his identity. Shaikh showed the policemen his Aadhaar card and voter ID. It didnt take long for the police to realise the documents were fake. Shaikh was bundled off to the police station, where he admitted during interrogation that he came to India illegally a year ago. Shaikh did not divulge how he sourced the Aadhaar card. Since he cheated the Government of India and procured the documents illegally, he has been booked under the Foreigners Act and for forgery and cheating. Worried over reports of violence against Indian-origin people in South Africa, New Delhi on Wednesday reached out to President Cyril Ramaphosas government, which assured it that the attacks were not racially motivated. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke to South African Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor over phone. Sanjay Bhattacharya, secretary at the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), also had a meeting with the High Commissioner of South Africa to India, Joel Sibusiso Ndebele, in New Delhi. Jaishankar discussed with Pandor the reports about Indians and Indian-origin South Africans being targeted in Durban, Johannesburg and several other cities in her country. Read | Looting, violence spreads in South Africa as grievances boil over The unrest was triggered by protests and counter-protests over-incarceration of Ramaphosas predecessor Jacob Zuma, who recently started serving a 15-month-long prison term for defying a court order and refusing to testify in connection with a probe into alleged corruption during his stint in the office of the President of South from 2009 to 2018. Over 70 people were killed and a large number of shops and houses were burned and looted across South Africa. South Africa assured India that the Ramaphosa was doing its utmost to enforce law and order and asserted that early restoration of normalcy and peace was its overriding priority, a source in New Delhi said. Regarding reports of arson and looting against Indians and Indian-origin South Africans, the South African side conveyed that opportunistic elements were taking advantage of the situation to engage in looting and violence. They emphasized that the ongoing events were criminal in nature and not political or racially motivated. The CPN-UML's faction led by ousted former prime minister K P Sharma Oli on Friday decided to vote against newly-appointed Nepal Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba when he seeks a vote of confidence in the House of Representatives. This was decided at a standing committee meeting of the party held in Kathmandu. It also decided to remain in the Opposition bench in Parliament, according to a statement issued by the party. The meeting, chaired by Oli, also endorsed the 10-point proposal forwarded by the party's task force formed to resolve intra-party disputes. Also Read | A wrong righted, but Nepals crisis continues However, leaders close to dissident party leader Madhav Kumar Nepal boycotted the high-level meeting. The UML (Unified MarxistLeninist) dissident leaders are likely to vote in favour of Deuba during the vote of confidence. UML's support will be crucial for the survival of Prime Minister Deuba. Nepal commands 23 UML Lawmakers, who put their signatures when Deuba staked claim for premiership before the President Bidya Devi Bhandari a couple of months ago. A five-member Constitutional Bench of the Supreme Court led by Chief Justice Cholendra Shumsher Rana on Monday reinstated the dissolved House of Representatives for a second time in five months. The bench issued a mandamus to appoint then 75-year-old Opposition Leader and Nepali Congress chief Deuba as the Prime Minister and also ordered a new session of the House of Representatives on July 18. Also Read | Deuba: Nepal's fifth time lucky prime minister Deuba took the oath of office and secrecy on July 13 along with four new ministers - two each from Nepali Congress and CPN-Maoist Centre. He has replaced 69-year-old Oli, who has accused the apex court of "deliberately" passing the verdict in favour of the Opposition parties. Deuba is required to seek a vote of confidence from the House of Representatives within 30 days of his appointment as the Prime Minister, as per the constitutional provisions by August 12. He needs 136 votes in the 275-member lower house as there are only 271 members presently. His party has only 61 seats in the House. Deuba has intensified talks with leaders of various political parties to secure his position when he seeks a vote of confidence in the Parliament. On Wednesday, Deuba went to the residence of dissident leader of CPN-UML Nepal at Koteshwor on the outskirts of Kathmandu to seek his support. Agitating farmers on Friday issued a voters whip to all opposition Members of Parliament, threatening to boycott them and their respective parties at every public forum if they failed to raise the demand for repeal of farm laws during the monsoon session. in exercise of our sovereign right, we direct that you must not allow any other business to be transacted in the House till the Union Government accedes to the farmers demands on the floor of the Houses, the voters whip issued by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha said. It asked MPs to remain present, without fail in Parliament every day of the monsoon session beginning July 19 and must raise the issues and demands of the farmers movement on the floor of the House. The group of farmers, under the banner of Samyukta Kisan Morcha, have been camping on Delhis borders since November 26 last year demanding repeal of three farm laws. Government had held 11 rounds of talks with the farmers, who rejected the offer to amend the farm laws to accommodate their concerns and insisted on repealing the laws. Also Read | Tomar urges farmers to take benefit of govt's Agri-reforms; launches Kisan Sarathi app The stalemate between the government and the farmers has continued since January, when the 11 rounds of talks ended. The farmers have also asked MPs not to stage a walkout in Parliament as it would allow the ruling party to push through its business unhindered. ...you must return to the House if suspended or removed from the House, the voters whip said. This may be treated as the Voters Whip that overrides the Whip issued by your party. If you and your party defy this Voters Whip, the farmers of India will be compelled to oppose you on every public stage just as we oppose the leaders, MLAs, MPs of the BJP and its allies, it said. The agitating farmers have been mobilising support from across the country and plan to march to Parliament everyday from July 22 to push for their demand for repeal of the farm laws. Newly-appointed leader of Rajya Sabha and Union Minister Piyush Goyal on Friday held consultations with former PM Manmohan Singh, NCP chief Sharad Pawar, and senior Congress leader Anand Sharma ahead of the Monsoon Session of Parliament beginning July 19 for which the government has also convened an all-party meeting on July 18 to reach out to Opposition parties for smooth conduct of legislative business. Goyal also met NCP chief Sharad Pawar at his residence. Pawar later had a meeting with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Centre's initiatives to reach out to the Opposition has begun amid the possibility of a larger Opposition meeting on Parliamentary issues in the next few days. "An all parties leaders meeting is convened by the government on the eve of the Monsoon Session 2021," a government release said. Congress has entrusted its leader in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge to rope in other Opposition parties to work out common strategies on issues like Covid-19 and price rise on which it wants to corner the government. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who had earlier given a call for an Opposition meeting, is also likely to visit the national capital this month. The NCP boss had on July 14 stated that he was not in the race for contesting 2022 Presidential polls and nor had any discussion so far regarding 2024 Lok Sabha polls. Both speculations had gained traction after Pawar last month held a meeting with some leaders of Opposition parties and some like-minded eminent persons at his residence in New Delhi at the behest of the Rashtriya Manch an organisation floated by Yashwant Sinha, the former Finance Minister and currently a Vice President in Trinamool Congress. It got a further lease of life when poll strategist Prashant Kishor, who had met Pawar thrice in past, had a two-hour-long meeting with Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi in the national capital this week. Check out DH's latest videos: Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla and America's Permanent Representative to UN Ambassador Linda Thomas Greenfield have discussed enhancing multilateral cooperation between the United States and India, including at the Security Council. Thomas-Greenfield met here Thursday with Shringla, who is on an official visit to New York from July 14-16 to participate in high-level meetings of the Security Council being held under the French Presidency this month. Shringlas visit comes as India prepares to assume the Presidency of the powerful 15-nation Security Council for the month of August. Great meeting today with Indian Foreign Secretary @harshvshringla to discuss how the United States and India can tackle our shared challenges and priorities at the UN, Thomas-Greenfield tweeted. US Mission to the UN Spokesperson Olivia Dalton said in a statement that Thomas-Greenfield and Shringla "discussed enhancing multilateral cooperation between the United States and India, including at the Security Council, as the two countries deepen their strategic partnership." "The Ambassador also expressed the need for continued coordination between the two countries to combat the global pandemic, it said. Earlier in the day, Shringla called on UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the two exchanged views on regional situations, including Afghanistan and Myanmar, climate change, Security Council reforms and the COVID-19 situation around the world. Shringla congratulated Guterres on his reappointment as chief of the world organisation for a second tenure. Foreign Secretary briefed Secretary-General about Indias priorities for the Security Council during its Presidency in August, namely maritime security, peacekeeping and counter-terrorism, a press release issued by the Ministry of External Affairs said. Views were exchanged, inter alia, on regional situations, including Afghanistan and Myanmar, on climate change, International Solar Alliance, UNSC reforms and on the COVID-19 situation around the world, it said. The release added that Guterres expressed solidarity with the Government and people of India in their efforts against the recent wave of COVID-19 pandemic. He appreciated the positive role India is playing in the UN Security Council as well as Indias robust contribution to UN peacekeeping, the release said. Guterres also wished India the best for its upcoming Presidency of the UNSC. Shringla participated in the High-Level Security Council briefing on the "Situation in Libya chaired by the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France Jean-Yves Le Drian. On the sidelines of the UNSC high-level meeting, Shringla also called on the French Foreign Affairs Minister and briefed him on Indias August UNSC Presidency initiatives. He extended him External Affairs Minister S Jaishankars invitation to attend the high-level meetings that would be chaired by India next month. Shringla also held meetings with other senior officials of the United Nations, including Under Secretary General, Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA) Rosemary DiCarlo, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Administrator Achim Steiner, Chef de Cabinet to the Secretary-General Maria Viotti, UN Women Executive Director Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka and High Representative for Least Developed Countries & Small Island Developing States Courtenay Rattray to discuss the entire gamut of Indias engagement with the UN system and its agencies, the release said. Recent history is repeating itself in Nepal, with the Supreme Court reinstating parliament for the second time in five months. However, unlike the judicial verdict of February, this time the apex court has also ordered the appointment of Nepali Congress leader Sher Bahadur Deuba as the countrys 43rd prime minister. Back in May, Deuba had presented the signatures of 149 legislators to President Bidya Devi Bhandari as evidence of support for a government led by him. But Bhandari had rejected Deubas claim under Article 76(5) to form a government and, on the advice of Oli, dissolved parliament and called for fresh elections. The SC has righted that wrong now by not only declaring Bhandaris decision to be unconstitutional but also appointing Deuba as prime minister under Article 76(5). The SC verdict puts Nepals constitution, which suffered a series of debilitating blows over the past year, back on track. Some have criticised the verdict as an example of judicial activism, but the verdict was aimed at ending the political impasse. Oli, who tried every trick in the book to cling to power, has finally been ousted. He has no one but himself to blame. When he took charge as PM, he enjoyed unprecedented support; the Nepal Communist Party (NCP) enjoyed a two-thirds majority. But poor governance, his insatiable greed for power, and arrogance contributed to his fall. Deuba finds himself in the PMs chair now not because of electoral success but because his predecessor messed things up so badly. He takes charge at a time when Nepal is facing multiple crises. Democratic institutions are declining, and the administration has been in a state of paralysis for over a year. The Covid-19 pandemic has hit Nepal hard. Additionally, the economy is in a crisis. While these issues require Deubas immediate and focused attention, he will be distracted by the vote of confidence his government is due to face in a month. It is unclear at this point whether he will win that vote as those who backed him in May might not do so now. Oli may be sitting in the opposition now but he still heads the largest party in parliament and can be expected to woo not only CPN-UML dissidents but also Deubas opponents in the NC. To win the vote of confidence, Deuba will therefore need to not only hold his flock in the NC together but also ensure that the Rajendra Mahato faction of the Janata Samajbadi Party, which voted with Oli during the trust vote, supports the new government. People living with HIV are more likely to become severely ill with Covid-19 and more likely to die if hospitalised than others infected with the coronavirus, according to a large new study. Nearly half of HIV-infected men older than 65 who are hospitalised for Covid-19 may die, the study found. The results, released before an AIDS conference in Berlin, suggest that people with HIV should be first in line for vaccines, along with older adults and others with weak immune systems, scientists said. The data is especially pressing because many countries with high numbers of people with HIV are battling surges of the coronavirus, fuelled by the contagious delta variant and a dearth of vaccines. About 95% of the people with HIV included in the analysis were from sub-Saharan Africa, which is home to two-thirds of HIV cases worldwide. SPECIAL CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE ONLY ON DH The strength of this analysis is that we report data from the continent where the HIV burden actually is occurring, said Dr. Silvia Bertagnolio, an HIV researcher at the World Health Organization who led the study. Bertagnolio and her colleagues analysed anonymized clinical data for 268,412 people hospitalised with Covid-19 that was reported to the WHO from health facilities and national health registries in 37 countries from January 2020 to April 2021. Of that group, the researchers had data for 15,522 people from 24 countries who were also infected with HIV. They had an average age of 45.5 years, and 37% were male. Nearly 92% were being treated with antiretroviral drugs. And many of the HIV-infected patients, like others hospitalised for Covid-19, had other conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity. More than one-third of patients with HIV were severely ill at the time of admission, and nearly 1 in 4 of those who were hospitalised for Covid-19 died. The risk of death in those older than 65 was higher still, and highest for older men. Also Read | Why Covid-19 can't be treated like the flu After adjusting for age, sex, disease severity and the presence of other conditions, the researchers estimated that HIV infection increases the odds of dying from Covid-19 by 30%. The result contradicts findings from several smaller studies earlier in the pandemic that suggested that HIV infection has no bearing on a persons risk of severe illness or death from the coronavirus. But the new study is more biologically plausible than that earlier research, given HIVs ability to disrupt immune defences, experts said. HIV knocks out all the brakes on the immune system, and as a consequence you get this inflammatory response thats robust and sustained and now you got Covid on top of that, said Dr. Steven Deeks, an HIV expert at the University of California, San Francisco. I would be surprised if HIV was not associated with progression of Covid-19. Deeks disagreed with the study researchers decision to adjust the calculations for the presence of other conditions such as obesity because HIV infection itself can cause many of those illnesses. For 25 years, weve been arguing that a history of HIV infection is an independent risk factor of progressing to heart disease, cancer, ageing, he said. Without that statistical adjustment, he said, the increased risk of death for these patients would have most likely been higher than the 30% reported by the study. Many earlier studies had a bias that might have masked some of the risk: Doctors are more likely to admit Covid-19 patients with HIV to the hospital, out of an abundance of caution, leading to patients who are less sick, and more likely to survive, compared with those who do not have HIV. That larger pool of patients would make HIV infection appear to be less of a problem than it is, said Dr. Matthew Spinelli, an infectious disease physician at San Francisco General Hospital. Also Read | Dispiriting setback: Covid-19 deaths, cases rise again globally Early studies may have led people down the wrong track on this question, he said. The new studys findings are more in line with large, population-based studies from South Africa and England showing that HIV infection doubles the risk of dying from Covid-19, and from a similar study in New York state, he added. The new findings should prompt doctors to provide people with HIV swift access to monoclonal antibodies or antiviral drugs to treat Covid-19, Deeks said. The data also underscores the need to understand how HIV infection affects a persons response to a Covid vaccine and whether some people with HIV need boosters as many immunocompromised people do. AIDS activists successfully fought for inclusion of people with HIV in clinical trials of coronavirus vaccines, but the data is limited. A clinical trial in South Africa showed higher efficacy for the coronavirus vaccine made by Novavax when the analysis excluded people with HIV, suggesting that HIV infection undermines the immune response to vaccines. Out of 100 countries that have released information, 40 have listed people living with HIV as a priority group for Covid-19 vaccination, said Dr. Meg Doherty, who directs HIV programmes at the WHO. Were hoping in the future that we can make sure that HIV is considered one of those potential risk factors for prioritisation in all countries, she said. A 19-year-old man has been handed a suspended prison sentence for assaulting his ex-partner on two separate occasions. Daniel Coyle, of Stoneburn Place in the city, admitted two counts of common assault on February 1 and March 24, 2021. A Public Prosecution Service (PPS) representative told Derry Magistrates Court that a 999 call was received on February 1 when it was reported that a man had assaulted his partner in the Currynierin area of the city. The injured party was located and she told officers that Coyle threw her to the ground causing a cut and swollen lip. During police interview Coyle said it was a verbal argument and denied a physical altercation. He didnt know how the injured party ended up with a cut lip, the PPS representative explained. According to the public prosecutor, the same victims mother rang police on March 24 saying Coyle assaulted her daughter after accusing her of flirting with other males. A PPS representative said the 19-year-old threw his girlfriend to the floor and bit her nose. Males present at the time were not willing to provide a statement. Coyle again denied that any altercation took place. The court was told that the defendant had no previous criminal record at all. Defence solicitor Seamus Quigley said the defendant and his ex-partner are young people who fell out every time alcohol was taken and often fought like cat and dog. He explained that in the past his client has made counter allegations that were never proceeded with. Mr Quigley described Coyle as a vulnerable adult who attended a special school and as such has intellectual difficulties. Ten days spent in custody would be a fairly sobering experience for the 19-year-old who has never been in that environment before, he added. Deputy District Judge McCourt gave the defendant a three month prison sentence suspended for two years. Coyle was advised that if he stays out of trouble in that time he will not serve any custodial sentence but if hes back before the court in the next two years for any further offences the term can be activated on top of any new sentence. 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. A 32 year old man has been arrested following a burglary which occurred at commercial premises in Moneymore on Thursday July 15. At around 2:20am, it was reported that entry was gained to a pharmacy located in the Smith Street area. It is believed that a quantity of prescription drugs were taken during the incident. "A male was arrested on suspicion of burglary and has been released on police bail pending further enquiries," said a police spokesperson. "Police would like to take this opportunity to appeal to the public to be vigilant and to ensure they do not put their health at risk by purchasing medication from an illicit source. "Anyone who finds prescription medicine, or who is offered prescription medication for sale, should contact police immediately. "Police continue to appeal for information in relation to this incident and urge anyone with information to contact police on 101 quoting reference number 172 15/07/21. "You can submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/ makeareport/ . You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/." Shilpa Shetty refused some major offers from Hollywood, says settling in Los Angeles 'not my cup of tea' During her 14 year-long sabbatical from Hindi films, actor Shilpa Shetty Kundra says she was approached to star in a major Hollywood project, which she turned down because she was unwilling to change gears "so drastically". Shilpa's last full-fledged Bollywood film was in 2007, with filmmaker Anurag Basu's "Life in a Metro" and the Dharmendra-starrer "Apne". The same year, she also emerged as the winner of the British reality TV series "Celebrity Big Brother" season five, which made her a global figure. Though her Hindi film appearances became few and far between -- with cameos in films like "Om Shanti Om" and "Dostana" -- the actor said she kept getting "really good parts", including an offer from Hollywood. Shilpa, who has been more active on television as a judge on dance reality shows like "Nach Baliye" and presently "Super Dancer", said refusing the project from Los Angeles wasn't a particularly hard decision as settling down in the US was not her "cup of tea". "My son was extremely upset with me because I was offered some major stuff even in Hollywood, but I said no to it. To just shift base from Mumbai and settle in Los Angeles is really not my cup of tea," the 46-year-old actor told PTI in an interview. Shilpa is married to businessman Raj Kundra and they have two children, son Viaan (nine) and daughter Samisha (one). Though the actor views it as a "great opportunity lost", she is content working in the Hindi film industry for now, and would switch to the other side if she gets an opportunity after her kids are of a certain age. "I'm clear about what I want. I love doing work here. It's a great opportunity lost, but I'm so happy with whatever I have. I'd be so unhappy to just leave my family and shift gears so drastically. "It's too much to give and I don't think I was ready for that. Maybe once my kids are 15, then I would (consider) if I still look this way!" she added. Shilpa is set to return to the silver screen with her latest comedy feature, "Hungama 2". Directed by Priyadarshan, the film is scheduled to be released on Disney+ Hotstar on July 23. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Shilpa Shetty Kundra (@theshilpashetty) Having made her debut at the age of 17 with the 1993 Abbas-Mustan thriller "Baazigar", the actor said it was a conscious decision to cut down on work. "I had reached a saturation point, which happens to a lot of artistes. After 'Life in a Metro' and 'Apne', people started offering me the same kind of roles. They were not really interesting and I stayed away and took that sabbatical," she said. What also pushed her towards taking a break was her personal life. Shilpa said she was excited to start a new phase of her life in the late 2000s and had decided she won't work for some time when she has children. "Soon after, I had Viaan. I had decided when I would have my first child, I would dedicate all my time to the baby. I was told the first seven years of a child is extremely important, they are highly impressionable. So I made that time. My family was, is and will continue to be my first priority." The actor, whose film credits include "Dhadkan", "Phir Milenge" and "Dus", said she now has carefully designed shooting schedules. "That's why it has taken me 14 years to say yes (to a film). My son is now nine, I feel he doesn't need me as much. My daughter does. But I'm thankful to be in a position to say yes to only those few things that I really want to do and be in a position to balance my personal and professional life," she added. "Hungama 2" also stars Paresh Rawal, Meezaan, and Pranitha Subhash. Subscriber content preview By FRANK BAJAK AP Technology Writer BOSTON The State Department will offer rewards up to $10 million for information leading to the identification of anyone engaged in foreign state-sanctioned malicious cyber activity, including ransomware attacks, against critical U.S. infrastructure. A task force set up by the White House will coordinate efforts to stem the ransomware scourge. The Biden administration is also out with a website, http://www.stopransomware.gov, that offers the public resources for countering the threat and building more resilience into networks, a senior administration official told reporters. . . . Subscriber content preview MIAMI (AP) Norwegian Cruise Line is challenging a new Florida law that prevents cruise companies from requiring passengers to show proof of vaccination against the COVID-19 virus. The lawsuit, filed Tuesday in Miami federal court, contends that the law jeopardizes safe operation of cruise ships by increasing risk of contracting the virus. Norwegian intends to restart cruises from Florida ports Aug. 15 with vaccinations required for all passengers. . . . Subscriber content preview SEATTLE B(r)auhaus Day, a celebration of the friendship between Germany and Seattle through beer, will take place this Saturday from 2-5p.m. at Lowercase Brewing in Georgetown. Admission is free. Commemorating the release of B(r)auhaus, a Munich-style Helles brewed by LowercaseAs John Marti, B(r)auhaus Day will feature free beer classes from Seattle Beer School, surprise activities, German-inspired food from Kaffeeklatsch, and a live set from KEXP's DJ Sharlese of Mechanical Breakdown. . . . Subscriber content preview HONOLULU (AP) U.S. authorities launched an investigation and fined Louisiana tourists honeymooning in Hawaii after a video on social media showed a woman touching an endangered Hawaiian monk seal. The couple were deeply sorry, a man identified as Stephen told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser for a story Tuesday. We love Hawaii and the culture. We didnt mean to offend anyone. . . . Subscriber content preview Photo by Brian Miller [enlarge] The hostel appears to be closed, while the building looks to be in good shape. The landmarked William Tell building, at 2327 Second Ave. in Belltown, has sold for just under $4.4 million, according to King County records. The seller was William Tell Investors LLC, associated with Gibraltar's Kurt Fisher and Gerry Pigotti, which acquired the property in 2008 for $3.1 million. . . . RBI bars Mastercard from new card issues for failure to comply with data rules Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed restrictions on Mastercard Asia / Pacific Pte Ltd (Mastercard) from on-boarding new domestic customers (debit, credit or prepaid) onto its card network from 22 July 2021 for failing to comply with the central banks directions on Storage of Payment System Data. RBI said Mastercard failed to comply with its directive despite the lapse of considerable time and adequate opportunities being given. While the order will not impact existing customers of Mastercard, RBI has directed Mastercard to advise all card issuing banks and non-banks to conform to the new directions. Mastercard is a Payment System Operator authorised to operate a card network in the country under the PSS Act. In terms of RBI circular on Storage of Payment System Data dated 6 April 2018, all system providers were directed to ensure that within a period of six months the entire data (full end-to-end transaction details / information collected / carried / processed as part of the message / payment instruction) relating to payment systems operated by them is stored in a system only in India. They were also required to report compliance to RBI and submit a board-approved System Audit Report conducted by a CERT-In empanelled auditor within the timelines specified therein. Foreign payment services firms, including Mastercard and Visa, have been opposing RBIs directive and have been lobbying aggressively saying the rules would increase their infrastructure costs and hit their global fraud detection platforms, but the RBI did not relent. The move against Mastercard comes less than three months after the RBI barred American Express and Diners Club International, owned by Discover Financial Services, from issuing new cards due to similar violations. Indian shipping companies to get govt subsidy in global tenders The government has approved a scheme under which it would provide Rs1,624 crore over five years as subsidy to Indian shipping companies participating in global tenders floated by the ministries and central public sector enterprises (CPSEs), for import of government cargo. The union cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the scheme for promotion of flagging of merchant ships in India by providing subsidy support, as part of the `Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. For a ship which is flagged in India after 1 February 2021 and is less than 10 years at the time of flagging in India, the subsidy support would be 15 per cent of the quote offered by the L1 foreign shipping company or the actual difference between the quote offered by the Indian flag vessel exercising ROFR and the quote offered by the L1 foreign shipping company, whichever is lower. For a ship which is flagged in India after 1 February 2021 and which is between 10 to 20 years old at the time of flagging in India, the subsidy support would be 10 per cent of the quote offered by the L1 foreign shipping company or the actual difference between the quote offered by the Indian flag vessel exercising ROFR and the quote offered by the L1 foreign shipping company, whichever is lower. The rate at which the above subsidy support is extended would be reduced by 1 per cent every year, till it falls to 10 per cent and 5 per cent, respectively, for the two categories of ships. For an existing Indian flagged ship, which is already flagged and less than 10 years old on 1 February 2021, the subsidy support would be 10 per cent of the quote offered by the L1 foreign shipping company or the actual difference between the quote offered by the Indian flag vessel exercising ROFR and the quote offered by the L1 foreign shipping company, whichever is lower. For existing Indian flagged ship which is between 10 and 20 years old on 1 February 2021, the subsidy support would be 5 per cent of the quote offered by the L1 foreign shipping company OR the actual difference between the quote offered by the Indian flag vessel exercising ROFR and the quote offered by the L1 foreign shipping company, whichever is less. The provisions of this subsidy support would not be available in case where an Indian flagged vessel is the L1 bidder. The budgetary support would be provided directly to the ministry/department concerned. The subsidy support would be extended only to those ships which have bagged the award after the implementation of the scheme. The scheme would have flexibility in allocation of funds for expenditure from one year to another and within the various ministries/departments. Ships older than 20 years would not be eligible for any subsidy under the scheme. In view of the enlarged scope of the scheme this ministry would seek allocation of additional funds from the Department of Expenditure as may be required. The scheme would be reviewed after 5 years. In order to address the cost disadvantage suffered by Indian ships, finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman had, in the Union Budget for financial year 2021-22, announced a scheme providing an amount of Rs1,624 crore over five years to promote flagging of merchant ships in India by providing subsidy support to Indian shipping companies in global tenders floated by the various ministries and CPSEs. Registration of ships can be done online within 72 hours like the world's best ships registries. This will make it easy and attractive to register ships in India and thereby aid in boosting the Indian tonnage. In addition to this, it is intended to provide 30 days to any in-flagging vessel to replace the crew on board with Indian crew. Similarly, steps are also being taken to rationalise the manning requirements on the ships by aligning them with international standards. The scheme has laid out a detailed monitoring framework and also provides for effective monitoring and review of the scheme. For this, a 2-layer monitoring system which includes an Apex Review Committee (ARC) and a Scheme Review Committee (SRC). The implementation schedule as well as the year-wise breakup assuming the maximum outgo at 15 per cent of proposed subsidy to be paid has also been estimated. This will result in a larger and healthy Indian fleet, which will enable greater training and employment opportunities for Indian seafarers besides enhancing Indian companies' share in global shipping. The scheme has immense potential to generate employment. Increase in Indian fleet will provide direct employment to Indian seafarers since Indian ships are required to employ only Indian seafarers. Cadets wishing to become seafarers are required to obtain on-board training on ships. Indian ships will therefore provide training slots for young Indian cadets - both boys and girls. It would also enhance the share of Indian seafarers in global shipping. Further, increase in Indian fleet will generate indirect employment in development of ancillary industries such as shipbuilding, ship repair, recruitment, banking, etc and contribute to the Indian GDP. 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 Two local Dundalk men are set to take part in a 3000-mile rowboat race across the Atlantic Ocean late next year, with plans to sail from the Canary Islands to Antigua. Eugene and Frankie Mohan will be part of a team of 9 who will take part in the Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Challenge, a two-month-long rowing competition that stretches 300-miles across the entire Atlantic Ocean. Their team, Row Hard or Go Home, will leave the Canaries in December 2022, with four men in one boat and five in the other. Eugene and Frankie will be joined by Gearoid O Briain and Oisin McGrath in the four-man boat. Eugene, who lives in Blackrock, while his brother lives in Knockbridge, say that theyll be undertaking the challenge for charity, but that they have not yet settled on who it will be for. Speaking to the Democrat, Eugene Mohan said that the idea to undertake the challenge came from being a set of friends who like to challenge one another. This is just taking it to the next level, said Mr Mohan, with all men currently undergoing intense training 17 months out from the competition kicking off. According to Mr Mohan, the group first began their training 6 months ago, working on practice 24-hour row shifts with their trainer, John Belton. The challenge itself will force contestants to row their boats all day and night, with two people actively rowing at any one time. The rowing will be done in shifts, while one pair is rowing, the others will be able to rest or get some sleep. One of the big challenges of the race according to Mr Mohan, is the unpredictability of how long rowers could be at sea. He says that the race could take between 40 and 70 days to complete, or go higher depending on weather conditions at sea. It is quite a big event, in terms of the toll it is going to take on us It could take anything from 40 to 50, 60, 70 days to get across, said Mr Mohan. Some of it can be a roll of the dice with bad weather that may end up causing the trip to be longer. Theres nothing you can do, sometimes you just have to battle through it and try row through it and then theres other times where the weather will just be too severe that you have to batten down the hatches and stay in the cabins and ride out the storm. According to Mr Mohan, the group will be taking part in other events in the lead up to the race, including a rowing challenge to go from Carlingford to the Isle of Man. When asked about what his family thinks, Mr Mohan said that their first thoughts were that he was mad. They think were mad in the head, to be honest.. definitely at the initial stages it was like, are you guys crazy or what is wrong with ye, said Mr Mohan. They have kind of come around a little bit but it does come up in conversation sometimes, like what are ye doing. Theyre on board for sure, and theyre fully supporting us now, which is great. Mr Mohan also said that it will be tough on the families of the rowers, as they could be gone from anywhere from 5 to six weeks to over two months, depending on weather conditions. For Mr Mohan, he says that the first week of the race will be the toughest, with both mental and physical challenges as the team has to adapt to the next several months on a small rowboat. They do say that the first seven days are probably the worst. Youre getting your body used to the seasickness, the sleep deprivation and the physical exertion. The main concern of Mr Mohan and his team is around becoming injured during the race, as he says nobody in the group wants to be left unable to perform while theyre racing. However, he doesnt have any other major concerns, saying that they have the training to be able to check and mitigate and solve problems, alongside a well-balanced team who each have their own strengths and weaknesses. People can follow the groups progress and training in the lead up to the Atlantic Challenge by visiting the teams website, rowhardorgohome.com. 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 Claremont, NH (03743) Today Becoming partly cloudy after some morning light rain. High around 75F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 80%.. Tonight Mostly clear. Low near 60F. Winds light and variable. North Andover, MA (01845) Today Cloudy this morning. A few showers developing during the afternoon. High around 70F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 30%.. Tonight Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 62F. Winds light and variable. By the Staff of The News Last updated 7/17/2021 at 1:36pm PORTALES Police in Portales are investigating a shooting in which a 17-year-old male was injured. Chief Chris Williams said the shooting was reported around midnight on Thursday and followed a complaint about a reckless driver in the area of Confer Park. The victim was transported to a Lubbock hospital. Ninth Judicial District Attorney Andrea Reeb said Friday she had learned the teen was released from the hospital after treatment. No arrest had been made as of Friday evening, Reeb said. Cork Airport has been allocated 1.4 million in funding to help compensate for the damage caused by Covid to airport business last year. The announcement was made today by Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Hildegarde Naughton. Last November as part of an 80 million package of supports that was announced for Irish aviation, the Government gave a commitment to securing EU approval for a 26 million scheme to help compensate airports for the damage caused by Covid. Of this amount, 20 million is being provided to State airports Cork, Dublin and Shannon in line with a measure under Article 107(2)(b) of the Treaty of the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU). This measure is compensating airports for a portion of the damage caused by Covid to airport business in the period April 1, 2020 to June 30, 2020. The remaining 6 million is being provided, in two phases, to the airports of Ireland West (Knock), Kerry and Donegal under sections 3.1 and 3.12 of EUs Temporary Framework for State aid measures to support the economy in the current emergency of Covid-19. Almost half of this amount, which relates to losses in 2020, is being announced today. The remainder is set to be disbursed in December following an assessment by the Department of Transport of eligible losses in the current year to end 2021. Announcing this funding, Minister of State Naughton said: I am pleased to be in a position to announce a total of 20m in funding to our State airports Dublin, Cork and Shannon. "The funding has been allocated on a pro-rata basis with reference to passenger numbers in 2019. "This important funding is being provided ahead of a return to international travel on July 19. "I am hopeful that this funding will go some way towards aiding the recovery process in the aviation sector. "As travel restrictions begin to lift, I am also hopeful that this funding may assist in restoring connectivity by affording our State airports greater flexibility in their capacity to offer route incentives, in consultation with airlines." She added that Cork and Shannon airports are also eligible for funding under the Covid-19 Regional State Airports Programme, with a total budget of over 32 million in 2021. "In fact, earlier this week, as part of this Programme, I announced 10 million in Exchequer funding for a significant runway reconstruction project at Cork Airport," she said. The headline in the Detroit News on July 15th read Michigan election critic says hes running for attorney general. Matthew DePerno is no mere election critic. He is one of the lawyers responsible for propagating the Big Lie and is suing Antrim County in an effort to overturn the election results in Michigan. Two weeks ago, the Republican-led Michigan Senate Oversight Committee put out a report indicating that there was no systematic fraud with regard to the November 2020 General election. They went further, however, to recommend that the Attorney General investigate those who have exploited the concern around the November election for personal gain. Attorney General Dana Nessel recently said that she would be conducting an investigation but did not specifically call any one person or organization out. I submit that Matthew DePerno must be one of the people who would be at the center of any such investigation, as he opened a legal defense fund and has been encouraging his followers to contribute all in the name of promoting these baseless election conspiracies. Perhaps he thinks that by running for Attorney General, AG Nessel will be less likely to investigate him. But his efforts did not stop with his attacks on Antrim County. On July 14th, he authored a cease and desist letter that was addressed to a state-wide vendor aimed at stopping local and county clerks from having their tabulators cleaned for fear that somehow election information from eight months ago would be disturbed. Never mind that pursuant to Michigan Election Law and federal regulations, poll books are retained for 2 years and ballots are safely retained for 22 months after certification and applications to vote are retained for six years after Federal Elections. Pursuant to the standard election retention schedule that clerks at the local and county level use, ballots, applications to vote, and poll books are all retained. Oh, and by the way, the preventative maintenance that is being done (cleaning, dusting, changing batteries) does not erase information from the tabulators. AND the ICX machines that are being cleaned are not even tabulators, but rather ballot marking devices for those that need assistance (visually impaired, mobility issues, etc.) or prefer the use of the touchscreen. Disclosure: I felt compelled to correct the record on those claims. Then, as if peddling conspiracy theories was not enough, he felt compelled to try to mansplain my job to me, as if I did not have 9 years and 28 elections as County Clerk under my belt. I understand elections administration quite well, and some might even consider me an expert after numerous accreditation and continuing education courses, and a national certification. And he also made comments about how much he likes my picture. Careful, Matt Voters know a creep when they see one. I am worried that our democracy is at risk. Gone seem to be the days when the losing candidate would shake the winning candidates hand and move on. Good Americans are buying into these conspiracies. The line in the sand has been drawn. I can no longer look the other way and expect others to counter such false election conspiracies. I will continue to stand up and speak out in support of the integrity of our elections and those dedicated election administrators who are working hard on the frontline to carry out democracy. Christian coy on future David Christian has refused to confirm whether or not he'll contest a seat in September's House of Keys election. The leader of Douglas Council is stepping away from local authority politics after more than 30 years. He counts improvements in housing, reducing the size of the council and regeneration of Douglas as some of his biggest achievements. Speculation is mounting Mr Christian may now be targeting a role in central government - however he's remained tight-lipped on his future. He spoke to Local Democracy Reporter, Chris Cave: Media Christian Coy Manx Government honoured by UK Minister of Defence for support for the Armed Forces 140 organisations, including the Isle of Man Government, have received the Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award for their outstanding support towards the Armed Forces community, UK Defence Minister Leo Docherty announced today. Representing the highest badge of honour, Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Awards are awarded to those that employ and support those who serve, veterans and their families. This years awardees brings the total number of Gold holders to 493. To win an award, organisations must provide 10 extra paid days leave for Reservists and have supportive HR policies in place for veterans, Reserves, and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers, as well as spouses and partners of those serving in the Armed Forces. Organisations must also advocate the benefits of supporting those within the Armed Forces community by encouraging others to sign the Armed Forces Covenant and engage in the Employer Recognition Scheme. The Hon. Howard Quayle MHK, Chief Minister, said: On behalf of the Isle of Man Government, I would like to extend my thanks to the Ministry of Defence for their recognition of our organisations commitment to supporting our Armed Forces community. We are thrilled that our dedication to these valued members of society, through policy, financial support and events, has been honoured with such a prestigious award. We will continue to uphold our key values, and aim to continuously develop our policies to maintain an excellent level of support. The Hon. Juan Watterson, Speaker of the House of Key, said: The Gold Award is the pinnacle of recognition as an advocate for the employment of reservists and support for the Armed Forces. Since becoming the Island's first Armed Forces Champion in 2013, Gold has always been the target and I'm delighted that we have achieved that. Many thanks must go to the officers and volunteers around Government who continue to support this initiative and make us a Forces Friendly organisation. I hope that it will prove to be a further attraction to talented reservists and service leavers who may be contemplating moving to the Island. This is not the end of the journey, but an ongoing commitment to support our servicemen, regular and reservist, veterans, cadets, and those that support them. Amendments made to Loan Agreements to support Isle of Man Businesses Two loan agreements which support Manx businesses that have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic by providing access to working capital, have been amended to allow greater flexibility for businesses and partner banks. The Disruption Loan Guarantee Agreement (DLGA) provides up to 60 million through five of the Islands commercial banks, 80% of which is underwritten by the Isle of Man Government. The Working Capital Loan Agreement (WCLA) provides credit facilities of up to 10 million, 100% of which is underwritten by the Isle of Man Government, which acts as a further safety net for those businesses who cannot access working capital via their banks or do not qualify for assistance via the Disruption Loan Guarantee Arrangement. Both agreements have been amended to provide the ability to consolidate existing (COVID) business debts, being crown debts, utilities, suppliers but not directors loans/unregulated lending/other bank debts etc. and only those debts accumulated since 1st March 2020. It will also ensure that the banks have the ability to refinance internally existing loans made by themselves to their customers under the DLGA and WCLA where they are approached for additional working capital assistance/or debts under the above thereby providing their client with a single new loan incorporating the existing loan and adding in the new working capital element/additional debt and basically allowing the new loan to start again and further ease cash flow. These changes will be made shortly and further information will be made available at: https://covid19.gov.im/businesses/funding-support/ Treasury Minister Alfred Cannan, commented: These arrangements have so far supported 102 businesses with loans totalling 5.5m and supporting over 900 jobs. The purpose of these amendments is to recognise that businesses need a longer period over which to fund accumulated cash flow pressure arising from Covid-19. Cav forced to wait in bid to break Eddy Merckx's record Manx cyclist Mark Cavendish has missed out on breaking the all time record of Tour de France stage wins. Slovenian Matej Mohoric claimed a solo victory at Stage 19 - his second win of this year's race. Christophe Laporte and Casper Pedersen finished in second and third. Cavendish will have another opportunity on the final race day on Sunday to overtake the record. Impossible Foods will debut plant-based chicken nuggets this fall, the company told Bloomberg on Friday. As with its past releases, the startup plans to first sell the food to restaurants, with supermarket availability to follow later. But before all that, it will debut them at a trade show next week. One thing that will distinguish the nuggets from Impossibles past products is the absence of heme , a molecule the company says is what makes meat taste like meat. But the problem with Impossibles heme is that the company makes it with genetically engineered yeast . Thats something that has prevented Impossible from selling its burgers and sausages in China and throughout Europe. But when it comes to real chicken, there isnt a lot of heme in the white meat of the animal. We found in a nugget format, which is breaded and has some seasoning, it really wasnt that necessary. Laura Kilman, a flavor scientist with Impossible, told Bloomberg. The formula the company eventually settled on mostly makes use of soy protein and sunflower oil. Compared to Beyond Meat , Impossible Foods is late to offer a chicken alternative. Weve been busy with other things, Dennis Woodside, the companys president, told Bloomberg. To that point, Impossible introduced a pork substitute at CES 2020 . Just in time for World Snake Day, Razer has released a pair of slippers that feature the companys adorable Sneki Snek mascot. For $49.99, they come with slip-resistant soles and plush inner lining that the company says will keep your feet snug and warm during long gaming sessions. Theyre also made from recycled materials. Before you dismiss the slippers as just another oddball product from Razer, well point out that theres a cool story behind them. The slippers are part of Razers growing Sneki Snek lineup. It all started with a doodle one of the companys designers drew for their newborn child. As these things usually go, Razer fans took to the mascot and started using it in memes. Some even got tattoos of Sneki Snek. It all eventually led to where we are today, with Razer releasing one Sneki Snek product after another. Early in the process, the company decided to work with Conservation International to donate part of the proceeds from each Sneki Snek sale towards saving forests. The company claims each purchase will help save 10 trees in countries like Costa Rica, Madagascar and China. Razer hopes to help save 1 million trees eventually. With each 100,000 milestone, the company has released a new Sneki Snek product. Previous releases include an adorable plushie optimized for cuddles and a head pillow that fits most gaming chairs. You can buy the Sneki Snek Slippers on Razers website. With the US back in the Paris climate accord, President Joe Biden has the lofty goal of decarbonizing the US power grid by 2035. As part of that plan, the Department of Energy (DoE) has announced that it's rolling out a new tool that will make it much easier and faster to get a permit for a rooftop solar installation. The cost of solar has plunged 90 percent over past decade, but permit-related costs can take up to a third of the price of a rooftop installation. On top of that, with solar permitting varying widely around the US, some customers must wait months to get approval, the DoE wrote. The Solar Automated Permit Processing (SolarAPP+) platform will supposedly solve those issues, becoming the standard portal for local governments to process permit applications. It automatically checks codes to ensure safety while generating a standardized inspection checklist that installers and inspectors can use to verify compliance in the field. We have 3 million households today that have solar on their roofs, but the potential is so much greater. The government piloted the SolarAPP+ program in four communities around Arizona and California: Tucson and Pima County in Arizona, and Menifee and Pleasant Valley in the California. "In Tucson, for example, SolarAPP+ reduced permitting reviews from approximately 20 business days to zero," according to the DoE. "We have 3 million households today that have solar on their roofs, but the potential is so much greater," DoE's solar energy director told Reuters. "Having streamlined processes and an automated permitting platform that can make it faster, easier and cheaper for homeowners to go solar promises to really help expand the residential solar sector." Local governments and installers can now sign up to get started with the app, or attend webinars listed on the DoE's blog. All of that is part of the DoE's Summer of Solar campaign which includes research by the agency aimed at lowering soft costs (design, siting, permitting, installation, etc.) associated with rooftop solar power. Virginia will use $700 million in American Rescue Plan funding to expedite broadband buildouts in underserved communities throughout the state, Governor Ralph Northam announced on Friday. With the investment, Virginia says its on track to become one of the first states in the US to achieve universal broadband access. An estimated 233,500 homes and businesses throughout the Commonwealth fall under what the Federal Communications Commission would consider an underserved location. They dont have an internet connection that can achieve download speeds of 25Mbps down. The state estimates the additional funding will allow it to connect those places to faster internet by the end of 2024, instead of 2028, as previously planned. Whats more, the majority of those connections will be completed within the next 18 months. Its time to close the digital divide in our Commonwealth and treat internet service like the 21st-century necessity that it is not just a luxury for some, but an essential utility for all, Governor Northam said. Xiaomi is now a true heavyweight in the smartphone arena. Canalys estimates that the Chinese tech giant became the world's second-largest phone brand in the second quarter of 2021, surging 83 percent year-over-yer to claim 17 percent of the market. The company not only overtook Apple (14 percent) to claim the second spot, but blew past its BBK-owned Chinese rivals Oppo and Vivo, both of which held 10 percent. Samsung held on to its lead at 19 percent, but there's clearly not much of a gap. The key, as you might guess, was price. Xiaomi's average selling prices are well below those of Samsung (40 percent) and Apple (75 percent), and even flagships like the Mi 11 are relatively affordable. That may have helped Xiaomi's strong international expansion, including a 300 percent jump in Latin America, a 150 percent spike in Africa and a 50 percent gain in Western Europe. And unlike its fallen competitor, Huawei, Xiaomi doesn't have a US blacklisting to cloud its future. It's not certain that Xiaomi will hold on to its position. The second quarter is historically weak for Apple as it reaches the tail end of a given iPhone's release cycle. Canalys also notes that Oppo and Vivo aren't staying still they have their own dreams of world dominance. And if Xiaomi hopes to escape its low-cost reputation, it needs phones like the Mi 11 Ultra and Mi Mix Fold to resonate with the public. Even a temporary second-place position would be notable, though. While Xiaomi has long had a major presence in its native China, the company has had a much tougher fight for international recognition. Now, it's large enough to battle with behemoths like Samsung and Apple it's just a question of whether or not Xiaomi can become the frontrunner. The services celebrating and honoring the life of Paul Ashby, of Enid, are pending under the direction of Brown-Cummings Funeral Home. Condolences and special memories may be shared online at www.Brown-Cummings.com. FILE - In this Oct. 14, 2020, file photo, housing activists erect a sign in Swampscott, Mass. A federal freeze on most evictions is set to expire soon. 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. The Department of the Air Force is implementing the remaining four rights for housing tenants living in privatized base housing, like these duplexes at Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Carole Chiles Fuller) Joe Exotic will reportedly be resentenced following his initial charges in 2019. This week, a judge for Oklahoma's 10th District Court vacated Exotic's sentence after the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals found out that a lower court made a mistake. According to the authorities, the unmentioned court failed to group both murder-for-hire convictions together during Exotic's sentencing. Exotic appealed that the court made an error when it allowed Carole Baskin to attend the full trial proceeding despite the fact that she was listed as a government witness. "Although the district court apparently thought that the two murder-for-hire plots shared a common criminal objective, it mistakenly (although quite understandably) thought that grouping would not be proper unless they were also part of the same course of conduct," the document said. Thus, the error reportedly needs a reversal. Initially, his sentencing guidelines became 362 to 327 months from the original 210 to 262 months. Although it was vacated, they clarified that the convictions against him will be maintained. The court filing added that he will be resentenced at a later date. The case has been sent back to the Oklahoma City Judge for resentencing. What Happened to Joe Exotic? In 2019, Exotic -- whose real name is Joseph Maldonado-Passage - received the conviction for the first time. He allegedly plotted to kill his rival Baskin and committed several animal cruelty deeds. His infamous story even became the main subject of the hit Netflix documentary, Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem, and Madness." Following the resentencing news, his appeals attorney Brandon Sample assumed that his client could receive a lower sentence soon. READ ALSO: Princess Diana Would Be Proud of Prince William & Prince Harry Because of THIS, Claims Sarah Ferguson His other attorney, John M. Phillips, expressed their desire to seek a new trial. He added that the team would file motions where they will include undisclosed and new information related to the case. Furthermore, they warned to reveal the government's misconduct. "People should know what they saw on television isn't the full truth. It isn't even the tip of the iceberg. It was snowflakes on the tip of the iceberg, largely manufactured by those who wanted to see Joe Exotic in jail for their own benefit," he said, as quoted by Associated Press. Apart from the murder-for-hire charges, Joe Exotic was also sentenced for falsifying wildlife records and harming the lives of five tigers, among others. READ MORE: Jaquan Yulee Dead: Former Linebacker's Final Message Before Horrific Car Accident Revealed Megan Fox clarified that she was not siding nor defending former president Donald Trump during an appearance on "Jimmy Kimmel Live." The actress felt the need to do so after being bashed for her comments about the mogul turned president. Megan Fox, whose stories of late revolved around her relationship with Machine Gun Kelly, felt compelled to take to her Instagram Stories on Wednesday July 14, to explain her recent comments about the President Donald Trump, particularly about sitting in the same row as him at the UFC 264. She first claimed that people misunderstood her and that personally, she would not or prefer not to align with any politicians. Earlier this week, it can be remembered that Megan told Arsenio Hall (who was replacing Jimmy Kimmel in the meantime) that she had been in Las Vegas for the weekend to enjoy the fight, where she noticed that Justin Bieber and Trump were seated in the same section as her. She revealed how surprised she was by the secret service, but claimed that many people appeared to be very excited to see the former president. "He was a legend. That arena was very supportive of Trump when he came in," she said, before saying that instead of being excited, she was worried. She thought that Donald Trump can easily be attacked at the event, and she would be a casualty in the case that happened, because she was seated close to him. ALSO READ: 'Marrying Millions' Star Bill Hutchinson Pleads Not Guily to Sexual Battery Charges; Lawyer Reveals Loopholes "I don't know how I feel about it, because if someone is a target, then I'm like, 'I could be harmed,' because I was adjacent to where he is. So, I was worried about my own safety," she shared. But whatever she said about him, only the "he is a legend" statement stuck with most viewers, and many decided to bash her for it. This is why on this recent IG post, she clarified, " "I do not align myself with any political party or individual politicians. I never said Donald Trump is a legend. I said he was a legend... in that arena (key part of that sentence). The arena was filled with UFC fight fans. Many of them clearly Republican, based off the insane reaction he received walking into the T-Mobile venue. That was an observable fact. Not my opinion." After she was done explaining her side, she also decided to call out the torment she had to go through before deciding to write this post. ""Really loving this un-educated, mid-evil [sic], pitch fork carrying, burn a witch at the stake mentality though. The world needs more of that," she wrote with heart and kissing emojis. It's not really that surprising for Fox to defend herself though. She has always been vocal when she was being dragged into certain issues or being criticized. Case in point, when she was heavily criticized for dating Machine Gun Kelly because he was younger than her, she clapped back hard in an Instyle profile. ALSO READ: Priyanka Chopra Acting Petty on Behalf of BFF Meghan Markle? Fans Noticed Weird, Rude Behavior! Scientists from Cambridge University and NTU Singapore have found that when carbon, trapped in ocean floor rocks, gets drawn deep into the Earth at subduction zones, it tends to stay deep and less of it pops back out again through volcanoes than previously thought. They used ID27 to study this process. Their results are published this week in Nature Communications. One of the solutions to tackle climate change is to find ways to reduce the amount of CO 2 in Earths atmosphere. Studying how carbon behaves in the deep Earth is an important part of the entire lifecycle of carbon of Earth, from atmosphere to oceans to as deep as Earths core. With these aims, scientists study the carbon cycle on Earth, which starts in the atmosphere, then goes to the oceans, then the deep Earth and back in the atmosphere. Carbon (as CO 2 ) in the atmosphere gets incorporated into carbonate minerals via weathering processes in rivers and in the oceans, when silicate minerals weather chemically (from rivers flowing through mountains) and react with CO 2 in river water to form carbonates and bicarbonate. When the water reaches the oceans, more of the dissolved carbon is used to make carbonate shells of organisms (seashells and micro-organisms with shells this is what makes chalk rocks). Most of the sediments, along with the carbonated ocean floor crustal volcanic rocks that form in places like the mid-Atlantic ridge and mid-Pacific rise, are then transported (on geological time scales, i.e. hundreds of millions of years) to the edges of the oceanic plates. In places like the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean, they are drawn down beneath other tectonic plates that they collide with, and fall into Earths mantle, called subduction. As they are drawn down into Earths mantle, the carbonate minerals in the sediments and volcanic rocks that form the part of the subducted oceanic crust begin to dissolve. The dissolved carbonate-rich fluid then rises into the overlying rocks above the subducted slab and causes them to melt. This results in volcanoes that form above the subducted slab. Examples of these volcanoes can be found in Indonesia, or the Aleutian Islands, and the volcanoes surrounding the Pacific in the ring of fire. The volcanoes emit lava, but also steam (from the water that was released at depth) and CO 2 (from the carbonate minerals). How much carbon returns to the atmosphere in the form of CO 2 depends on how much these carbonates dissolve in subduction zones, where they are present with fluids. A team of scientists from Cambridge University, United Kingdom, and NTU Singapore have used the ESRF to study different carbonate minerals under the conditions of the subduction zones that sit beneath the volcanoes of the Pacific rim of fire. They found that about one third of the carbonate dissolves in the fluid they are soaking in, but the remaining two thirds sinks into the deep Earth, in contrast to earlier suggestions that what goes down mostly comes back up. White headed black arrows indicate carbonate flux and blue arrows water flux. Blue shaded areas indicate water-rich regions. The melting of carbonated igneous oceanic crust is not shown as it starts at depths of 300 km22. The image is to scale, apart from the thickness of oceanic sediments that has been exaggerated. Credits: Farsang S, et al, Nature Communications. There is increasing evidence that the subducted carbonate, which is mainly the same sort of calcium carbonate that makes chalk, becomes less calcium-rich and more magnesium-rich as it is drawn deep into the Earth at the edges of subducting oceans. The results show that the solubility of magnesium-rich carbonate minerals is much less than the calcium carbonates, and so the reactions to form magnesium rich carbonates, going from minerals like calcite to ones like dolomite, means that the carbon gets locked into the rock. The consequence of this decreasing solubility is that only one third of the subducting slab carbonates will dissolve in subduction zone fluids, while the rest will sink to the deep mantle and much of it will likely become diamond. Reproducing the conditions of a subduction zone The team went to ID27s beamline, where they carried out an experiment using in-situ X-ray fluorescence. Simon Redfern, Dean of the College of Science at NTU Singapore and corresponding author of the paper, explains: When a metal carbonate mineral dissolves in water in the conditions of the subduction zone, it releases metal atoms into the fluid. ESRF has the ability to measure very low concentrations of these metals in the water at the very high pressure and temperature conditions of interest to us. This is a key part of putting the whole picture together, and the team at ID27 of ESRF have world-leading facilities and expertise that we needed to get our results. This was a very challenging experiment, recalls Angelika Rosa, scientist at the ESRF and co-author of the study. Because we needed very low energy, we had to use an anvil cell with a very thin diamond, as below 5keV most of the X-rays are absorbed in a regular diamond anvil cell, she adds. EBS will make this kind of experiments much easier, as well have more flux and we will be able to work at lower energies. There is still a lot of research to be done in this field, explains Stefan Farsang, who carried out this work as part of his PhD. In the future, we aim to refine our estimates by studying carbonate solubility in a wider temperature, pressure range and in several fluid compositions, he says. Towards negative emissions? The processes that the team has studied are important for understanding carbonate formation and stability more generally. Our results show that these minerals are very stable and can certainly lock up CO 2 from the atmosphere into solid mineral forms that could result in negative emissions, says Redfern. The team have been looking in to the use of these sorts of methods for future draw down of atmospheric CO 2 into rocks and into the oceans. These results will also help us understand better ways to lock carbon into the solid Earth, out of the atmosphere. If we can accelerate this process faster than nature handles it, it could prove a route to help solve the climate crisis concludes Redfern. On a more general level, these findings allow scientists to understand how the Earth system regulates its environment through processes like plate tectonics and volcanism. Ironically, the processes that gave rise to the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami are, at the same time, those that are responsible also for the development of a liveable environment on Earth, says Redfern. Reference: Farsang, S. et al, Nat Commun 12, 4311 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-021-24533-7. Text Montserrat Capellas Espuny Feature Article Laboratory, partners secure $4.7 million in DOE funding Private-sector partnerships will accelerate bringing promising energy technologies, solutions to the commercial market DOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory The Terrestrial Energy-Efficient Long-Range Network (TERN) for Remote Monitoring of power transmission lines in real time was one of five Los Alamos projects to secure Department of Energy funds. (Credit: Los Alamos National Laboratory) Los Alamos, N.M., July 14, 2021 - Los Alamos National Laboratory and private-sector partners have secured a total of $4.7 million in Technology Commercialization Funds from the Department of Energy (DOE) to accelerate bringing cutting-edge energy technologies and solutions to the marketplace. "These partnerships are an example of what Los Alamos does best, fostering innovation in science and technology to meet the nation's toughest energy challenges," said Laboratory Deputy Director for Science, Technology, and Engineering John Sarrao. "We are advancing promising innovations for fuel-cell technology; remote, real-time monitoring of power lines; the use of machine learning on massive geothermal datasets; and more." The DOE awarded more than $65 million in public and private funding to 68 projects in late June to commercialize promising energy technologies from Los Alamos and other national laboratories, to help achieve President Biden's goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. "We need to work with our nation's savviest entrepreneurs to fast-track solutions from DOE's National Labs into commercial-ready technologies," said Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm in a statement. "These projects will help us deploy game-changing innovations that position us to win the clean energy race, while creating jobs and opportunity across every pocket of the country." The Los Alamos projects and funding amounts are as follows: Actinide-Molten Fluoride Salt Property Measurement and Low-Level Detection with Kairos Power of Alameda, Calif., $1.5 million Additive Manufacturing of Carbon-Carbon Composites with Tailored Thermal Transport Properties with Northrup Grumman Corp. of Elkton, Md., $1.4 million DME as a Renewable Hydrogen Carrier: Innovative Approach to Renewable Hydrogen Production with Oberon Fuels of San Diego, Calif., $1.5 million Terrestrial Energy-Efficient Long-Range Network (TERN) for Remote Monitoring with a partner, $125,000 Unsupervised Physics-informed Machine Learning of Complex Natural and Engineered Geoscience Processes with Julia Computing Inc. of Newton, Mass., $250,000 Actinide-Molten Fluoride Salt Property Measurement and Low-Level Detection Los Alamos, in partnership with Kairos Power (KP), will study molten salt as a coolant for safer, next-generation nuclear power--in support of the KP Fluoride-Salt-Cooled High-Temperature Reactor (FHP). A bath of molten salt with low fuel inputs and waste outputs could give nuclear energy a place in the renewable world. The Los Alamos molten salt team has expertise in actinide chemistry, materials science, and engineering. The team has demonstrated success in multiple molten salt reactor-related research and development efforts. In this project, the Laboratory and Kairos Power will work together to develop new technologies for the study of chemical reactions within, and thermophysical properties of, uranium- and plutonium-containing molten fluoride salt. Additive Manufacturing of Carbon-Carbon Composites with Tailored Thermal Transport Properties Los Alamos and Northrup Grumman Corp. will use additive manufacturing processes for carbon-carbon manufacturing to address the problem of thermal management of complex systems. Almost all engineering systems require heat to perform work; however, heat loss to adjacent components that may be thermally sensitive creates complexities in designing efficient systems. This project features a unique approach to thermal management by channeling heat away from reactor locations that are sensitive to high temperature, while keeping the heat in locations most desirable to generating electricity, which is most efficient at high temperature. DME as a Renewable Hydrogen Carrier: Innovative Approach to Renewable Hydrogen Production The Oberon Fuels and Los Alamos partnership will accelerate Oberon Fuels' innovative approach to advancing fuel-cell technology by developing renewable hydrogen (H2) from hydrogen-rich dimethyl ether (DME) molecules produced from waste and/or renewable resources. DME as a renewable hydrogen carrier provides the most economical and technical realizable pathway to store and transport hydrogen required for fuel-cell vehicles. This effort directly aligns with DOE's Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technologies Office's funded initiatives of H2@Scale, Hydrogen Storage and the Million Mile Fuel Cell Truck consortium. Terrestrial Energy-Efficient Long-Range Network (TERN) for Remote Monitoring Los Alamos and a partner will seek to provide real-time monitoring of power transmission lines, which is of paramount concern during extreme weather events such as the recent megafires, hurricanes, and tornados. Field operations to identify downed lines over the power grid are required to generate actionable information for utilities, and state and local government authorities. The Laboratory will use its award-winning Long-Range Wireless Sensor Network technology, an adaptive network of sensing nodes, to yield datasets with respect to GPS location and local weather conditions, such as wind speed and air temperature, to boost the data-to-actionable information collection timeframes from hours to seconds. The Lab plans to partner with the Cornell Lab of Ornithology/Center for Conservation Bioacoustics. Unsupervised Physics-Informed Machine Learning of Complex Natural and Engineered Geoscience Processes Los Alamos and Julia Computing will apply the Laboratory's novel, machine-learning software suite SmartTensors to identify patterns in massive geothermal and oil/gas datasets to discover hidden features by finding intrinsic similarities among the data elements. The team will develop a commercial framework for SmartTensors tailored toward natural and engineered geoscience applications that will facilitate extracting hidden signatures in geothermal and oil/gas datasets. These hidden signatures will improve the understanding of geothermal and hydrocarbon extraction processes from field data at regional sites received from geophysical, satellite, and geothermal sources. The commercial SmartTensors framework also will be applicable to perform machine-learning analyses related to other areas including climate, wildfires, and watershed hydrology. ### As an open-source platform, SmartTensors will be available to the community and industry to also analyze datasets at JuliaHub, a collaborative cloud computing service developed by Julia Computing. About Los Alamos National Laboratory Los Alamos National Laboratory, a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security, is managed by Triad, a public service oriented, national security science organization equally owned by its three founding members: Battelle Memorial Institute (Battelle), the Texas A&M University System (TAMUS), and the Regents of the University of California (UC) for the Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration. Los Alamos enhances national security by ensuring the safety and reliability of the U.S. nuclear stockpile, developing technologies to reduce threats from weapons of mass destruction, and solving problems related to energy, environment, infrastructure, health, and global security concerns. Feature Article What if we could give viruses a one-two punch? Researchers design virus-fighting molecules that could treat herpes and COVID-19 DOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory Natalia Molchanova preparing antiviral peptoid samples at the Molecular Foundry Our bodies' very own virus-fighting machines are powered by antimicrobial peptides, which are among the most powerful biochemicals of the human immune system. For decades, researchers have wanted to leverage these peptides' natural virus-combat skills into new drug therapies. But peptides are vulnerable to enzymes that rapidly break them down in a way that robs them of their therapeutic properties. "Because of their vulnerability to enzymatic breakdown, peptides are not ideal drugs. They're expensive to produce, and yet they must be given in large doses because they disintegrate so quickly in the body," said Annelise Barron, an associate professor of bioengineering at Stanford School of Engineering. But now, Barron and a team of scientists, including researchers at Berkeley Lab's Molecular Foundry, have created peptide-like molecules called "peptoids" that can inactivate viruses. The researchers believe that the technology could make possible an emerging category of antiviral drugs that could treat everything from herpes and COVID-19 to the common cold. Although years of development and testing remain before these peptoid-based antiviral drugs can be commercialized, the researchers say that their results, which they recently published in the journal Pharmaceuticals, are extremely encouraging. A drug-discovery disruptor Peptoids are among a class of biochemicals known as "biomimetics," or molecules that mimic the behavior of biological molecules. They were invented at the East Bay biotech company Chiron more than 30 years ago by a team of scientists, which included Berkeley Lab's Ron Zuckermann. "Peptoids were originally developed as a drug-discovery engine to help small pharmaceutical startups," said Michael Connolly, a principal scientific engineering associate in the Molecular Foundry's Biological Nanostructures facility and a leading expert in peptoid science. Connolly led the team of scientists working to synthesize peptoids for Barron's study at the Molecular Foundry. The Molecular Foundry's user program grants researchers like Barron free access to its world-class facilities, including the automated peptoid synthesis and characterization facilities managed by Connolly, and an opportunity to collaborate with top scientists across a wide range of scientific disciplines, including computer modeling and electron microscopy. Testing peptoids' virus-fighting potential Unlike natural peptides, which are easily dissolved in the body by enzymes called proteases, peptoids are engineered for durability. For the current study, Barron and her team focused on the herpes virus, which is most notable for causing cold sores around the mouth, sexually transmitted infections, and even certain forms of blindness. If contracted later in life, herpes can be particularly devastating to its host. Herpes virus brain infections also are associated with Alzheimer's disease, an active area of research. The team designed and synthesized a small library of 120 peptoids. Based on preliminary experiments, they narrowed these to 10 promising candidates, which Natalia Molchanova, a scientific engineering associate in the Molecular Foundry's Biological Nanostructures facility, synthesized just before Berkeley Lab shut down last March, at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Molchanova estimates that she produced hundreds of milligrams of the antiviral peptoids for Barron's study. "We were among the few scientists at Berkeley Lab who were still on-site during the early days of the pandemic. It was really helpful from a mental health perspective to do something important," she said. Before joining Berkeley Lab full time in May 2020, Molchanova had worked with Barron as a postdoctoral researcher at the Molecular Foundry. Barron's current study is the latest in a body of work that began in the late 1990s, when she became a Stanford professor and an academic user at the Molecular Foundry. "In our work, we're using advanced materials that not only mimic elements of the human innate immune system but are also safe in the body," Barron said. "We couldn't have done this work during the pandemic without the resources available at the Molecular Foundry." Added Molchanova: "As a former Molecular Foundry user, I can say that this study would not have been possible without the Foundry's capabilities. Without the Foundry's robotic synthesizers and other equipment, all of the chemicals we have on hand, or the speed at which everybody worked, nothing like this would have been possible." Once Molchanova had completed a batch of peptoids, Barron shipped them to collaborators, including Gill Diamond at the University of Louisville. There, Diamond and Barron tested peptoids not just for their effectiveness against the herpes virus, but also for their effect on healthy human epithelial cells from the exterior surface of the mouth. They found that two types of peptoids can neutralize the herpes virus without harming epithelial cells. In fact, one of the peptoid candidates showed complete effectiveness against the virus. The finding, the researchers believe, suggests that peptoids have great potential for treating herpes and other membrane-bound viruses. Breaking barriers The peptoids work by disrupting the virus's encapsulating outer membrane. This protective bubble is key to any virus's ability to insinuate itself into healthy tissues and distribute its harmful DNA into human cells, leading to infection. "Peptoids destroy the membranes, not just of herpes but of other viruses as well. This should give them wide applicability, perhaps even against certain deadly viral infections that currently have no cure," Barron said. Barron has since sent samples of the peptoids made by Molchanova to infectious disease labs around the world, asking them to test these new antivirals against a host of virulent strains, most notably the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19, but also influenza viruses and rhinovirus, which causes the common cold. "This might not be the last pandemic, so having a broad-spectrum antiviral drug would be a good thing to have in your toolkit," said Connolly. "The early reports from my collaborators are very encouraging," Barron said. "Because our peptoids mimic a very specific human broad-spectrum antiviral peptide - the cathelicidin LL-37 - we weren't surprised that they work, but are still absolutely delighted to see these results coming in from all around the world." She added, "But what I also found exciting is how the Foundry scientists and I really came together like a family for this paper. We all worked together as a team in really challenging times." ### Adapted from a Stanford Engineering news release by Andrew Myers. Additional co-authors were Gill Diamond, Natalia Molchanova, Claudine Herlan, John A. Fortkort, Jennifer S. Lin, Erika Figgins, Nathen Bopp, Lisa K. Ryan, Donghoon Chung, Robert Scott Adcock, and Michael Sherman. The Molecular Foundry is a DOE Office of Science nanoscience user facility at Berkeley Lab. This study was supported by Maxwell Biosciences, U.S. Public Health Services, and the National Institute on Aging. Operation of the Molecular Foundry to conduct this research was supported in part by the U.S. Department of Energy's National Virtual Biotechnology Laboratory, a consortium of DOE national laboratories with core capabilities relevant to the threats posed by COVID-19, and funded under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Founded in 1931 on the belief that the biggest scientific challenges are best addressed by teams, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and its scientists have been recognized with 14 Nobel Prizes. Today, Berkeley Lab researchers develop sustainable energy and environmental solutions, create useful new materials, advance the frontiers of computing, and probe the mysteries of life, matter, and the universe. Scientists from around the world rely on the Lab's facilities for their own discovery science. Berkeley Lab is a multiprogram national laboratory, managed by the University of California for the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Science. DOE's Office of Science is the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States, and is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. For more information, please visit energy.gov/science. Researchers from National University of Singapore and Stanford University published a new paper in the Journal of Marketing that investigates how rural consumers in India shift their expenditures towards branded consumption when they migrate to urban areas. The study, forthcoming in the Journal of Marketing, is titled "The Economic and Social Impacts of Migration on Brand Expenditure: Evidence from Rural India" and is authored by Vishal Narayan and Shreya Kankanhalli. With Covid-19 disrupting work patterns and increased investment in rural employment, many of India's 450 million internal migrants are returning to their villages. Consumer goods companies view this as an opportunity to grow their presence in rural markets, with migrants serving as unofficial brand ambassadors to home communities. This new study investigates how rural consumers in India shift their expenditures towards branded consumption when they migrate to urban areas. In many developing economies like India, the majority of rural consumer spending goes to unbranded products that are affordable, albeit less flashy. However, once migrants gain exposure to brands in cities, "they are likely to seek the same brands even when they return to rural areas," Suresh Narayanan, chairman at Nestle India, told The Economic Times. In line with these insights, the researchers suggest that migration can affect brand expenditures through two major pathways. First, migrants who obtain better economic opportunities might send money or goods in-kind to the sending household. These "economic remittances" can increase the rural families' ability to consume more expensive products that increase their social status in their village. Second, as migrants become more settled in their new destinations, they can share information on urban lifestyles, aspirations, and behaviors with their families back home. This form of information diffusion, termed "social remittances," can be powerful in overcoming rural households' uncertainty and persuading them towards brands. The researchers conducted a large-scale field survey of 434 rural families across 30 villages in India and found quantitative evidence supporting both of these pathways. They discovered that economic remittances have a positive and significant impact on household consumption of branded products. This impact is greater for poorer households, for whom brands may be one of the only means of increasing social status. Moreover, consistent with the idea of social remittances, results show that migration has a significantly greater impact for households that own mobile phones--devices that enable regular communication with the migrant. On the other hand, migration has a much smaller impact for households that own televisions (which substitute for social remittances in exposing households to brands) and those that sent migrants more recently. A final discovery is that migration has a significantly greater impact on households located in more populous villages where the retail infrastructure is better developed and branded products are available. These findings have practical implications for brand marketers allocating marketing resources in large developing economies, such as across the 650,000 villages of India. Conversations with several marketing managers who focus on rural Indian markets confirmed that resource allocation is usually based just on village population and household income. Both of these statistics are available at the village level from census reports. Narayan says that "We demonstrate if managers used migration data for predicting brand expenditure, this would lead to a large improvement in salesforce effort allocation, even when primary data on other household descriptors, such as TV ownership, is available." The research also applies to the resource allocation problem for door-to-door sales agents in rural communities--a business model that has received attention for increasing female empowerment. Results suggest that when selling to households within a village with similar income levels, these agents can be more successful if they target households who have sent migrants in the distant past and own a TV. Shreya Kankanhalli adds, "To expand on this idea, we create a dashboard that estimates migration effects for 20 identifiable consumer segments in rural India. The dashboard illustrates substantial heterogeneity across households in their propensity to consume brands, implying that the 20 identifiable segments require differing levels and types of sales efforts." Finally, the research provides insights to stakeholders interested in increasing adoption of branded services in rural areas, such as higher-quality private schools. Managers of rural private schools should consider investing in areas with a high incidence of long-term migration (i.e., migrants who left the village over a year ago) and high levels of remittance receipts. This could mean opening more schools in such areas and/or allocating more teaching and monetary resources to existing schools in such areas. Meanwhile, for greater inclusion, policymakers could target education subsidies at households not sending migrants or those who have recently sent migrants. Such households are much less likely to send their children to higher-quality private schools. Migration is a major phenomenon across developing economies. Marketers and policymakers should harness the power of migrants' remittances--both economic and social. ### Full article and author contact information available at: https:/ / doi. org/ 10. 1177/ 00222429211021992 About the Journal of Marketing The Journal of Marketing develops and disseminates knowledge about real-world marketing questions useful to scholars, educators, managers, policy makers, consumers, and other societal stakeholders around the world. Published by the American Marketing Association since its founding in 1936, JM has played a significant role in shaping the content and boundaries of the marketing discipline. Christine Moorman (T. Austin Finch, Sr. Professor of Business Administration at the Fuqua School of Business, Duke University) serves as the current Editor in Chief. https:/ / www. ama. org/ jm About the American Marketing Association (AMA) As the largest chapter-based marketing association in the world, the AMA is trusted by marketing and sales professionals to help them discover what is coming next in the industry. The AMA has a community of local chapters in more than 70 cities and 350 college campuses throughout North America. The AMA is home to award-winning content, PCM professional certification, premiere academic journals, and industry-leading training events and conferences. An international research team led by YAO Zhonghua from the Institute of Geology and Geophysics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (IGGCAS) has explained the cause of Jupiter's X-ray aurorae, a mystery that has puzzled scientists for 40 years. The findings were published in Science Advances on July 9. It is the first time planetary researchers have described the entire causality chain for Jupiter's X-ray auroral flares. The mechanism in producing X-ray auroral flares at Jupiter may have potential applications in X-ray astronomy. The X-ray auroral spectra tell us these aurorae are produced by heavy ions with energies in the mega electron volt range. But how they are formed and why these ions enter Jupiter's atmosphere was previously unknown. To understand the energetic processes associated with Jupiter's polar emissions, researchers organized, over the last four years, a series of paradigm-shifting observation campaigns from Earth in tandem with in situ measurements by ESA's flagship X-ray observatory, XMM-Newton, and NASA's Juno spacecraft. These efforts included the most extensive X-ray campaign and the most extensive Hubble Space Telescope campaign ever conducted for Jupiter. Using these tools, the researchers were able to probe the physics behind the phenomenon and reveal the processes that lead planets to produce X-ray aurorae. "These are strikingly similar to the processes of producing ion aurorae on Earth, suggesting that ion aurorae share common mechanisms across planetary systems, despite temporal, spatial and energetic scales varying by orders of magnitude," said YAO Zhonghua, first author of the study. "What we see in the Juno data is this beautiful chain of events. We knew that the auroral ions are stored in the magnetosphere, originated from the volcanic activities of Jupiter's moon Io. In the magnetosphere, now we see the magnetic compression happen, the electromagnetic ion cyclotron wave triggered, the ions, and then a pulse of ions traveling along the field line. A few minutes later, XMM sees a burst of X-rays," said William Dunn from University College London, who co-led the study. It is noteworthy that Jupiter's X-ray auroral flares are often correlated with ultraviolet auroral flares, which are the most common auroral form. Indeed, the study of the latter may benefit from the wealth of Hubble Space Telescope data acquired through this research. "The discovery of Jupiter's X-ray processes may have implications for our understanding of stunning ultraviolet auroral flares," said Denis Grodent from the University of Liege, a co-author of the study. ### LOS ALAMOS, N.M., July 15, 2021-- Using a D-Wave quantum-annealing computer as a testbed, scientists at Los Alamos National Laboratory have shown that it is possible to isolate so-called emergent magnetic monopoles, a class of quasiparticles, creating a new approach to developing "materials by design." "We wanted to study emergent magnetic monopoles by exploiting the collective dynamics of qubits," said Cristiano Nisoli, a lead Los Alamos author of the study. "Magnetic monopoles, as elementary particles with only one magnetic pole, have been hypothesized by many, and famously by Dirac, but have proved elusive so far." They realized an artificial spin ice by using the superconducting qubits of the quantum machine as a magnetic building block. Generating magnetic materials with exotic properties in this way is ground-breaking in many ways. Their process used Gauss's law to trap monopoles, allowing the scientists to observe their quantum-activated dynamics and their mutual interaction. This work demonstrates unambiguously that magnetic monopoles not only can emerge from an underlying spin structure, but can be controlled, isolated and studied precisely. "It was shown in the last decade or so that monopoles can emerge as quasiparticles to describe the excitation spin ices of various geometries. Previously, the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory's Pulsed Field Facility here at Los Alamos was able to 'listen' to monopole noise in artificial spin ices. And now, utilizing a D-Wave quantum annealing system, we have enough control to actually trap one or more of these particles and study them individually. We saw them walking around, getting pinned down, and being created and annihilated in pairs of opposite magnetic charge. And we could thus confirm our quantitative theoretical predictions, that they interact and in fact screen each other," said Nisoli. "D-Wave's processors are designed to excel in optimization, but can also be used as quantum simulators. By programming the desired interactions of our magnetic material into D-Wave's qubits, we can perform experiments that are otherwise extremely difficult," said Andrew King, director of Performance Research at D-Wave and an author on the paper. "This collaborative, proof-of-principle work demonstrates new experimental capabilities, improving the power and versatility of artificial spin ice studies. The ability to programmatically manipulate emergent quasiparticles may become a key aspect to materials engineering and even topological quantum computing; we hope it will be foundational for future research." Nisoli added, "We have only scratched the surface of this approach. Previous artificial spin ice systems were realized with nanomagnets, and they obeyed classical physics. This realization is instead fully quantum. To avoid leapfrogging we concentrated so far on a quasi-classical study, but in the future, we can really crank up those quantum fluctuations, and investigate very timely issues of decoherence, memory, quantum information, and topological order, with significant technological implications." "These results also have technological consequences particularly relevant to DOE and Los Alamos, specifically in the idea of materials-by-design, to produce future nanomagnets that might show advanced and desirable functionality for sensing and computation. Monopoles, as binary information carriers, can be relevant to spintronics. They also contribute significantly to Los Alamos D-Wave investments," noted Alejandro Lopez- Bezanilla of Los Alamos, who works on the D-Wave processor and assembled the team. Nisoli, moreover, suggests that beside fruitful applications, these results could perhaps also provide food for thought to fundamental physics. "Our fundamental theories of particles are parametrized models. One wonders: what is a particle? We show here experimentally that not only particles but also their long-range interactions can be a higher-level description of a very simple underlying structure, one only coupled at nearest-neighbors. Could even 'real' particles and interactions that we consider fundamental, such as leptons and quarks, instead be construed as an emergent, higher-level description of a more complex lower-level binary substratum, much like our monopoles emerging from a bunch of qubits?" ### The paper: Qubit Spin Ice, Science First Release (online), 15 July, 2021. Andrew King, Cristiano Nisoli, Edward D. Dahl, Gabriel Poulin-Lamarre, Alejandro Lopez-Bezanilla. DOI 10.1126/science.abe2824 The funding: This project was funded under a Los Alamos National Laboratory Directed Research grant. About D-Wave Systems Inc. D-Wave is the leader in the development and delivery of quantum computing systems, software and services and is the world's first commercial supplier of quantum computers. Our mission is to unlock the power of quantum computing for the world. We do this by delivering customer value with practical quantum applications for problems as diverse as logistics, artificial intelligence, materials sciences, drug discovery, scheduling, cybersecurity, fault detection, and financial modeling. D-Wave's systems are being used by some of the world's most advanced organizations, including NEC, Volkswagen, DENSO, Lockheed Martin, USRA, USC, and Los Alamos National Laboratory. With headquarters near Vancouver, Canada, D-Wave's US operations are based in Palo Alto, CA. D-Wave has a blue-chip investor base including PSP Investments, Goldman Sachs, BDC Capital, NEC Corp., and In-Q-Tel. For more information, visit: http://www. dwavesys. com . About Los Alamos National Laboratory Los Alamos National Laboratory, a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security, is managed by Triad, a public service oriented, national security science organization equally owned by its three founding members: Battelle Memorial Institute (Battelle), the Texas A&M University System (TAMUS), and the Regents of the University of California (UC) for the Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration. Los Alamos enhances national security by ensuring the safety and reliability of the U.S. nuclear stockpile, developing technologies to reduce threats from weapons of mass destruction, and solving problems related to energy, environment, infrastructure, health, and global security concerns. LA-UR-21-26585 Berkeley Lab Pushes Its Energy-Saving Windows into the Market By Julie Chao Windows make up 7% of the envelope area of a home but can account for 47% of the envelope heat loss. High-performance windows thus represent a significant opportunity for consumers to be more comfortable and save money - and help reduce energy demand and greenhouse gas emissions while doing so. Now Berkeley Lab is teaming up with the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA), the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), and other organizations to create the Partnership for Advanced Window Solutions (PAWS), with the aim of accelerating nationwide adoption of highly efficient windows, storm windows and shading systems. "Berkeley Lab's core mission is more on the research side, but of course, we're always looking at bringing the technology to the market," said Berkeley Lab windows researcher Robert Hart. "In this case, PAWS is going to build on the R&D basics that we have been working on for 40 years, but it's going to bring in a lot of new partners who are more market-oriented." The decades of windows research at Berkeley Lab sponsored by the Department of Energy's Buildings Technologies Office and the California Energy Commission has led to low-emissivity (or low-E) coatings now found in more than 80% of windows sold, and even more efficient products such as thin-triple glazing which has just been brought to market by multiple major U.S. manufacturers. Now the Berkeley Lab team is working with PAWS and PNNL to conduct field demonstrations of high-performance windows and window attachments and support manufacturers and utility companies with new analysis, tools, and ratings. "Buying new windows for a home can be expensive, but if you're going to be replacing them anyway, the incremental cost of going for a highly insulating window is not that much," said Stephen Selkowitz, now a retired affiliate in Berkeley Lab's Energy Technologies Area (ETA). "In addition to saving energy, these high-performance windows add comfort, have health benefits such as reducing the risk of condensation, and add resilience to buildings in the face of climate extremes." Microbial Fingerprints for Cities By Ashleigh Papp Vibrant cities around the world are made up of a unique blend of cultures, languages, cuisines, and - as scientists recently revealed - microbes. Nearly 1,000 scientists from around the world, including three from Berkeley Lab, collected and analyzed microbial samples from public transit stations across 60 global cities. They probed ticket kiosks, benches, and rails to see what tiny organisms like bacteria, viruses, and archaea were in residence. The team found that in most cities, the same four bacteria phyla - Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, and Bacteroidota - are most abundant, but more interestingly, they discovered that each location also has its own distinct set of microbes. Nikos Kyrpides, head of the DOE Joint Genome Institute (JGI) Microbiome Data Science group, along with Russell Neches, a postdoctoral researcher, and David Paez-Espino, a research scientist, used an extensive JGI database to investigate viruses detected in the samples. The JGI scientists took the nearly 5,000 viral genome samples collected by the larger consortium of scientists involved in this work, known as the International Metagenomics and Metadesign of Subways and Urban Biomes, or MetaSUB, and compared them to the database. Neches and Kyrpides then set out to map the diversity and global distribution of the viruses. "The integration of all these data in a single database is a key resource for the research community which provides a reference point for comparing viruses identified from new samples," Kyrpides said. In addition to mapping microbial signatures, scientists discovered over 10,000 new viruses and bacteria, hinting at the vast world of microbes that is yet to be understood. Public health officials can now use these microbial maps to keep track of virus and bacteria levels over time. "It's like a census," Neches said. "This can inform on where public health resources can best be allocated to benefit all of us." Read the Cornell Press Release HERE Scientists Discover How Oxygen Loss Saps a Lithium-Ion Battery's Voltage Adapted from a SLAC news release by Glennda Chui Lithium-ion batteries work like a rocking chair, moving lithium ions back and forth between two electrodes that temporarily store charge. Ideally, those ions are the only things moving in and out of the billions of nanoparticles that make up each electrode. But researchers have known for some time that oxygen atoms leak out of the particles as lithium moves back and forth. The details have been hard to pin down because the signals from these leaks are too small to measure directly. Now, in a study published in Nature Energy, a research team co-led by SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Stanford University, and Berkeley Lab has measured this process with unprecedented detail, showing how the holes, or vacancies, left by escaping oxygen atoms change the electrode's structure and chemistry and gradually reduce how much energy it can store. Using COSMIC, a multipurpose X-ray instrument at Berkeley Lab's Advanced Light Source (ALS), the research team scanned across samples of electrode nanoparticles, making high-res images and probing the chemical makeup of each tiny spot. This information was combined with a computational technique called ptychography to reveal nanoscale details, measured in billionths of a meter. At SLAC's Stanford Synchrotron Lightsource, the team shot X-rays through entire electrodes to confirm that what they were seeing at the nanoscale level was also true at a much larger scale. Comparing the experimental results with computer models of how oxygen loss might occur, the team concluded that an initial burst of oxygen escapes from the surfaces of particles, followed by a very slow trickle from the interior. Where nanoparticles glommed together to form larger clumps, those near the center of the clump lost less oxygen than those near the surface. The results contradict some of the assumptions scientists had made about this process and could suggest new ways of engineering electrodes to prevent it. "Previously, researchers were not able to access the length scales needed to study oxygen release in batteries from the primary particle to the electrode level. COSMIC's ability to achieve few-nanometer spatial resolution with chemical specifity across a wide field allowed us, for the first time, to study the influence of microstructure on this phenomenon." said co-senior author David Shapiro, who is the lead scientist for COSMIC's microscopy experiments. Shapiro also leads the ALS Microscopy Program. Scientists Uncover a Different Facet of Fuel-Cell Chemistry By Lori Tamura Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are a promising technology for cleanly converting chemical energy to electrical energy. But their efficiency depends on the rate at which solids and gases interact at the devices' electrode surfaces. Thus, to explore ways to improve SOFC efficiency, an international team led by researchers from Berkeley Lab studied a model electrode material in a new way - by exposing a different facet of its crystal structure to oxygen gas at operating pressures and temperatures. "We began by asking questions like, could different reaction rates be achieved from the same material, just by changing which surface the oxygen reacts with?" said Lane Martin, a faculty scientist in Berkeley Lab's Materials Sciences Division. "We wanted to examine how the atomic configuration at specific surfaces of these materials makes a difference when it comes to reacting with the oxygen gas." Thin films of a common SOFC cathode material, lanthanum strontium cobalt ferrite (LSCF), were synthesized to expose a surface that was oriented along a diagonal crystallographic plane. Electrochemical measurements on this atypical surface yielded oxygen reaction rates up to three times faster than those measured on the usual horizontal plane. To better understand the mechanisms underlying this improvement, the researchers used Berkeley Lab's Advanced Light Source (ALS) to probe the "new" surface at high temperatures and in varying pressures of oxygen. The results revealed that different crystallographic planes stabilize different surface chemistries, even though the chemistry in the bulk of the films is unchanged. "Exposing different surfaces to air can lead to completely different structures, chemistries, and defect concentrations to a point where these surfaces almost look and act like different materials," said Abel Fernandez, a graduate student in Materials Science and Engineering at UC Berkeley and co-first author of the study. "Taking our results into consideration can allow manufacturers a relatively simple way to enhance the reactivity of LSCF-based cathodes without the groundwork typically necessary for utilizing new materials chemistries." ### A team of astronomers has released new observations of nearby galaxies that resemble colourful cosmic fireworks. The images, obtained with the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope (ESO's VLT), show different components of the galaxies in distinct colours, allowing astronomers to pinpoint the locations of young stars and the gas they warm up around them. By combining these new observations with data from the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA), in which ESO is a partner, the team is helping shed new light on what triggers gas to form stars. Astronomers know that stars are born in clouds of gas, but what sets off star formation, and how galaxies as a whole play into it, remains a mystery. To understand this process, a team of researchers has observed various nearby galaxies with powerful telescopes on the ground and in space, scanning the different galactic regions involved in stellar births. "For the first time we are resolving individual units of star formation over a wide range of locations and environments in a sample that well represents the different types of galaxies," says Eric Emsellem, an astronomer at ESO in Germany and lead of the VLT-based observations conducted as part of the Physics at High Angular resolution in Nearby GalaxieS (PHANGS) project. "We can directly observe the gas that gives birth to stars, we see the young stars themselves, and we witness their evolution through various phases." Emsellem, who is also affiliated with the University of Lyon, France, and his team have now released their latest set of galactic scans, taken with the Multi-Unit Spectroscopic Explorer (MUSE) instrument on ESO's VLT in the Atacama Desert in Chile. They used MUSE to trace newborn stars and the warm gas around them, which is illuminated and heated up by the stars and acts as a smoking gun of ongoing star formation. The new MUSE images are now being combined with observations of the same galaxies taken with ALMA and released earlier this year. ALMA, which is also located in Chile, is especially well suited to mapping cold gas clouds -- the parts of galaxies that provide the raw material out of which stars form. By combining MUSE and ALMA images astronomers can examine the galactic regions where star formation is happening, compared to where it is expected to happen, so as to better understand what triggers, boosts or holds back the birth of new stars. The resulting images are stunning, offering a spectacularly colourful insight into stellar nurseries in our neighbouring galaxies. "There are many mysteries we want to unravel," says Kathryn Kreckel from the University of Heidelberg in Germany and PHANGS team member. "Are stars more often born in specific regions of their host galaxies -- and, if so, why? And after stars are born how does their evolution influence the formation of new generations of stars?" Astronomers will now be able to answer these questions thanks to the wealth of MUSE and ALMA data the PHANGS team have obtained. MUSE collects spectra -- the "bar codes" astronomers scan to unveil the properties and nature of cosmic objects -- at every single location within its field of view, thus providing much richer information than traditional instruments. For the PHANGS project, MUSE observed 30 000 nebulae of warm gas and collected about 15 million spectra of different galactic regions. The ALMA observations, on the other hand, allowed astronomers to map around 100 000 cold-gas regions across 90 nearby galaxies, producing an unprecedentedly sharp atlas of stellar nurseries in the close Universe. In addition to ALMA and MUSE, the PHANGS project also features observations from the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope. The various observatories were selected to allow the team to scan our galactic neighbours at different wavelengths (visible, near-infrared and radio), with each wavelength range unveiling distinct parts of the observed galaxies. "Their combination allows us to probe the various stages of stellar birth -- from the formation of the stellar nurseries to the onset of star formation itself and the final destruction of the nurseries by the newly born stars -- in more detail than is possible with individual observations," says PHANGS team member Francesco Belfiore from INAF-Arcetri in Florence, Italy. "PHANGS is the first time we have been able to assemble such a complete view, taking images sharp enough to see the individual clouds, stars, and nebulae that signify forming stars." The work carried out by the PHANGS project will be further honed by upcoming telescopes and instruments, such as NASA's James Webb Space Telescope. The data obtained in this way will lay further groundwork for observations with ESO's future Extremely Large Telescope (ELT), which will start operating later this decade and will enable an even more detailed look at the structures of stellar nurseries. "As amazing as PHANGS is, the resolution of the maps that we produce is just sufficient to identify and separate individual star-forming clouds, but not good enough to see what's happening inside them in detail," pointed out Eva Schinnerer, a research group leader at the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy in Germany and principal investigator of the PHANGS project, under which the new observations were conducted. "New observational efforts by our team and others are pushing the boundary in this direction, so we have decades of exciting discoveries ahead of us." ### More information The international PHANGS team is composed of over 90 scientists ranging from Master students to retirees working at 30 institutions across four continents. The MUSE data reduction working group within PHANGS is being led by Eric Emsellem (European Southern Observatory, Garching, Germany and Centre de Recherche Astrophysique de Lyon, Universite de Lyon, ENS de Lyon, Saint-Genis Laval, France) and includes Francesco Belfiore (INAF Osservatorio Astrofisico di Arcetri, Florence, Italy), Guillermo Blanc (Carnegie Observatories, Pasadena, US), Enrico Congiu (Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile and Las Campanas Observatory, Carnegie Institution for Science, Atacama Region, Chile), Brent Groves (The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia), I-Ting Ho (Max Planck Institute for Astronomy, Heidelberg, Germany [MPIA]), Kathryn Kreckel (Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany), Rebecca McElroy (Sydney Institute for Astronomy, Sydney, Australia), Ismael Pessa (MPIA), Patricia Sanchez-Blazquez (Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain), Francesco Santoro (MPIA), Fabian Scheuermann (Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany) and Eva Schinnerer (MPIA). Go to the ESO public image archive to see a sample of PHANGS images. ESO is the foremost intergovernmental astronomy organisation in Europe and the world's most productive ground-based astronomical observatory by far. It has 16 Member States: Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom, along with the host state of Chile and with Australia as a Strategic Partner. ESO carries out an ambitious programme focused on the design, construction and operation of powerful ground-based observing facilities enabling astronomers to make important scientific discoveries. ESO also plays a leading role in promoting and organising cooperation in astronomical research. ESO operates three unique world-class observing sites in Chile: La Silla, Paranal and Chajnantor. At Paranal, ESO operates the Very Large Telescope and its world-leading Very Large Telescope Interferometer as well as two survey telescopes, VISTA working in the infrared and the visible-light VLT Survey Telescope. Also at Paranal ESO will host and operate the Cherenkov Telescope Array South, the world's largest and most sensitive gamma-ray observatory. ESO is also a major partner in two facilities on Chajnantor, APEX and ALMA, the largest astronomical project in existence. And on Cerro Armazones, close to Paranal, ESO is building the 39-metre Extremely Large Telescope, the ELT, which will become "the world's biggest eye on the sky". Links * PHANGS website - https:/ / sites. google. com/ view/ phangs/ home * MUSE instrument - https:/ / www. eso. org/ public/ teles-instr/ paranal-observatory/ vlt/ vlt-instr/ muse/ * Photos of the VLT - http://www. eso. org/ public/ images/ archive/ category/ paranal/ * Photos of ALMA - https:/ / www. eso. org/ public/ images/ archive/ category/ alma/ * For journalists: subscribe to receive our releases under embargo in your language - https:/ / www. eso. org/ public/ outreach/ pressmedia/ #epodpress_form * For scientists: got a story? Pitch your research - http://eso. org/ sci/ publications/ announcements/ sciann17277. html Contacts Eric Emsellem European Southern Observatory Garching bei Munchen, Germany Tel: +49 89 3200 6914 Email: eric.emsellem@eso.org Eva Schinnerer Max Planck Institute for Astronomy Heidelberg, Germany Tel: +49 6221 528 294 Email: schinner@mpia.de Kathryn Kreckel Astronomisches Recheninstitut, Zentrum fur Astronomie, Universitat Heidelberg Heidelberg, Germany Email: kathryn.kreckel@uni-heidelberg.de Francesco Belfiore INAF Osservatorio Astrofisico di Arcetri Florence, Italy Email: francesco.belfiore@inaf.it Barbara Ferreira ESO Media Manager Garching bei Munchen, Germany Tel: +49 89 3200 6670 Cell: +49 151 241 664 00 Email: press@eso.org Cells, like many of us, fend off germs with cleaning products. Researchers have discovered that a molecule made throughout much of the body wipes out invading bacteria like a detergent attacking an oily stain. This killer cleaner, a protein known as APOL3, thwarts infections by dissolving bacterial membranes, Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator John MacMicking and his colleagues report in the journal Science on July 15, 2021. His team tested the protein on the food-poisoning bacteria Salmonella and other similar microbes. The work offers new insight into how human cells defend themselves against infection, a process termed cell-autonomous immunity. While scientists knew that cells could attack bacterial membranes, this study uncovers what appears to be the first example of a protective intracellular protein with detergent-like action. MacMicking hopes the findings could one day aid efforts to develop new treatments for infections. "This is a case where humans make their own antibiotic in the form a protein that acts like a detergent," says MacMicking, an immunologist at Yale University. "We can learn from that." Breaching barriers When it comes to defending the human body, the specialized cells of the immune system act as a crew of cellular bodyguards. But the same alarm signals that mobilize these cells can also activate average citizens. A signal called interferon gamma, for instance, cranks up protein production in non-immune cells that compose our tissues and organs. But scientists know little about how such proteins help cells fight pathogens. The researchers infected some of these non-immune cells with a strain of Salmonella, which invades cells' watery interiors. Salmonella belongs to a class of bacteria bounded by two membranes. The outer bacterial membrane acts like armor, protecting the inner bacterial membrane from threats like antibiotics. The team found that the interferon gamma alarm signal could prevent Salmonella from taking over human cells, but the researchers didn't know which proteins came to the rescue. MacMicking's team screened more than 19,000 of the human cells' genes, looking for ones that might encode protective proteins. That work led the researchers to discover APOL3, which receives assistance from a second molecule, GBP1, and probably others. Using high-resolution microscopy and other techniques, the team pieced together the mechanism: GBP1 damages a bacterium's outer membrane, allowing APOL3 through so it can break apart the inner membrane -- the "coup de grace" that kills the bacterium, MacMicking says. Like a laundry detergent, APOL3 possesses parts attracted to water and parts drawn to grease. Instead of removing dirt from fabric, these components remove chunks of the bacterial inner membrane, which is composed of greasy molecules called lipids. This process must be highly selective, MacMicking says, since APOL3 needs to avoid attacking membranes of the human cell itself. The team found that APOL3 avoids cholesterol, a major constituent of cell membranes, and instead targets distinctive lipids favored by bacteria. A new defender APOL3 appears likely to be in the toolbox of many cells. MacMicking's team showed it defends cells within the blood vessels and gut. Because APOL3 appears in a variety of body tissues, the scientists believe it offers wide protection. The discovery of this detergent-like molecule within non-immune cells "adds more evidence to the view that any cell in the body can be part of the immune system," says Carl Nathan, who studies host-pathogen interactions at Weill Cornell Medical College, and who was not involved in this research. "It also adds a new example of one of the limited ways living things kill each other," he notes. Whether perforating, poisoning, or starving a pathogen, the immune system has developed several methods for killing threatening cells. APOL3 joins the group of mechanisms already known to fatally break down membranes, Nathan says. Researchers are still a long way from being able to apply this discovery to therapies for infections. But deciphering the body's defenses could give humanity new tools against microbes that are increasingly evolving ways to thwart conventional antibiotics. Dialing up cellular detergents and other devices the body uses to kill bacteria, for instance, could help supplement the natural immune response, MacMicking says. ### Citation Ryan Gaudet et al. "A human apolipoprotein L with detergent-like activity kills intracellular pathogens." Science. Published online July 15, 2021. doi: 10.1126/science.abf8113 New research published in Nature Medicine reveals willingness to get a COVID-19 vaccine was considerably higher in developing countries (80% of respondents) than in the United States (65%) and Russia (30%). The study provides one of the first insights into vaccine acceptance and hesitancy in a broad selection of low- and-middle income countries (LMIC), covering over 20,000 survey respondents and bringing together researchers from over 30 institutions including the International Growth Centre (IGC), Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA), WZB Berlin Social Science Center, the Yale Institute for Global Health, the Yale Research Initiative on Innovation and Scale (Y-RISE), and HSE University (Moscow, Russia). Personal protection against COVID-19 was the main reason given for vaccine acceptance among LMIC respondents (91%), and concern about side effects (44%) was the most common reason for vaccine hesitancy. Health workers were considered the most trusted sources of information about COVID-19 vaccines. The study comes at a critical juncture when vaccine shipments are still slow to arrive to the majority of the world's population, and COVID-19 cases are surging in many parts of Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The findings suggest that prioritizing vaccine distribution to low- and middle -income countries should yield high returns in expanding global immunization coverage. "As COVID-19 vaccine supplies trickle into developing countries, the next few months will be key for governments and international organizations to focus on designing and implementing effective vaccine uptake programs," said Niccolo Meriggi, Country Economist for IGC Sierra Leone and study co-author. "Governments can use this evidence to develop communications campaigns and systems to ensure that those who intend to get a vaccine actually follow through." The researchers, who conducted the surveys between June 2020 and January 2021, point out that vaccine acceptance may vary with time and with the information that people have available to them. While the evidence on the safety and efficacy of available COVID-19 vaccines has become more clear in the last six months, severe, but rare, side effects may have undermined public confidence. Saad Omer, Director of the Yale Institute of Global Health and study co-author, said: "What we've seen in Europe, the US, and other countries suggests that vaccine hesitancy can complicate policy decisions, thereby hindering rapid and widespread vaccine uptake. Governments in developing countries can start engaging trusted people like health workers now to deliver vaccine messaging about side effects that is accurate, balanced, and easily available to the public." "Across countries, we observe that acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines is generally somewhat lower than for other vaccines, perhaps because of their novelty. However, the consistently pro-vaccine attitudes we see in low and middle income countries give us reason to be optimistic about uptake," said Alexandra Scacco, Senior Research Fellow at the WZB and study co-author. "We hope that evidence from our study can help inform strategies to expand global COVID-19 vaccination." ### JULY 15, 2021, NEW YORK - A Ludwig Cancer Research study has found that inducing random chromosome instability (CIN) events in mice for as little as one week is enough to trigger harmful chromosomal patterns in cells that spur the formation of tumors. "We show that you don't need chronic, lifelong chromosomal mistakes to produce tumorigenesis at a quite respectable frequency," said Don Cleveland, Member of the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, San Diego, who led the study with Floris Foijer of the University of Groningen, in The Netherlands. "A very transient exposure would likely be sufficient to drive a very substantial increase in tumorigenesis." The finding, detailed this week in the journal Genes & Development, confirms a nearly 120-year-old hypothesis by the German biologist Theodor Boveri that aneuploidy--an abnormal number of chromosomes--and tumorigenesis are linked. "Boveri hypothesized that there would be specific combinations of gains and losses of chromosomes that could lead to cancer. We've now tested that and shown that not only was he right, but that even a short burst of chromosome instability is enough to induce these combinations," said Ofer Shoshani, a postdoctoral researcher in Cleveland's lab and the study's first author. In the study, Shoshani and his colleagues overexpressed the gene polo-like kinase 4 (Plk4) in mice. Plk4 is a master regulator that controls the number of centrosomes present inside a cell. Centrosomes play an important role in cell division by helping separate replicated chromosomes into two daughter cells. Normally, two centrosomes are present inside a cell during division, one at each pole of the cell. "However, when you overexpress Plk4, you have more than two, and this leads to chromosome missegregation, whereby the chromosomes are not being pulled correctly and the daughter cells inherit an unequal number of chromosomes," Shoshani explained. The scientists overexpressed Plk4 in the mice for either one week, two weeks or four weeks, and found that one week was enough to cause the formation of aggressive T cell lymphomas. Whole genome sequencing of the mouse tumors revealed an increased recurrence of a particular chromosome pattern early in the tumor formation process. This "aneuploid profile" involved triple occurrences of chromosomes 4, 5, 14 and 15 (cells normally contain only two copies of each chromosome). Scientists have long known that certain cancer types are associated with specific chromosome gains--for example, breast cancer often involves a gain of chromosome 1. "What our work potentially shows is that when you induce a transient pulse of chromosome instability, you accelerate the formation of such a recurrent aneuploidy profile," said Shoshani. "We identify the profile originating very early in the formation of cancer, either at, or very close to, the formation of the cell that generates the tumor." Moreover, the researchers found that transient CIN events can drive tumorigenesis regardless of whether p53--a major tumor suppressor gene and the most commonly mutated gene in human cancer--is inactivated. "This tells you that transient CINs will enhance tumorigenesis independent of whether you have other genetic issues that might predispose you to cancer," Cleveland said. The findings could be especially relevant to cancer patients undergoing anti-cancer therapy, particularly those being treated with chemotherapeutic agents known as aneugens, which work by driving chromosome instability and aneuploidy. "Our work suggests that cancer patients who undergo therapy using aneugenic drugs might develop secondary cancers down the road," said Shoshani. "Of course, this would need to be further investigated, in both human patients and by using experimental models in the lab." ### This study was supported by Ludwig Cancer Research, the US National Institute of Health, the Dutch Cancer Society, and the Nora Baar, K.F. Hein and Jo Kolk Foundations. In addition to his Ludwig post, Don Cleveland chairs the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine and is a professor of Medicine, Neurosciences and Cellular and Molecular Medicine at UC San Diego. About Ludwig Cancer Research Ludwig Cancer Research is an international collaborative network of acclaimed scientists that has pioneered cancer research and landmark discovery for 50 years. Ludwig combines basic science with the ability to translate its discoveries and conduct clinical trials to accelerate the development of new cancer diagnostics and therapies. Since 1971, Ludwig has invested nearly $3 billion in life-changing science through the not-for-profit Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research and the six U.S.-based Ludwig Centers. To learn more, visit http://www. ludwigcancerresearch. org . For further information please contact Rachel Reinhardt, rreinhardt@lcr.org. The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency is funding a team of Rochester Institute of Technology imaging scientists to study the limits of spectral remote sensing imaging systems. Led by principal investigator John Kerekes, a professor in the Chester F. Carlson Center for Imaging Science, the team received a grant of up to $1 million to conduct fundamental research on imaging systems over the next two to five years. Spectral remote sensing imaging systems use instruments capable of detecting bands of light far beyond what the human eye can see mounted on aircraft or satellites to study the Earth below. These systems have been around since the 1960s and have a variety of uses, including helping farmers assess crop productivity, aiding environmentalists to map deforestation, identifying military targets, and more. The researchers hope to develop a tool that can quantitatively predict how well a spectral remote system can accomplish a given task. "RIT's imaging science program is uniquely qualified to do this because we teach everything from the source of energy to how it propagates through a system," said Kerekes. "We study how a signal is collected by a sensor, how it's analyzed, and even how it's visualized by a human. I think the NGA recognized that we were in a distinctive position to study this very difficult and challenging problem." Kerekes believes the tool they are developing for this project will provide a complement to the RIT-developed Digital Imaging and Remote Sensing Image Generation (DIRSIG) model. DIRSIG is a popular physics-driven synthetic image simulation capability for government agencies and contractors to conduct system engineering research. He said the new tool will provide a compatible analytical model to help NASA, the defense and intelligence communities, and other users design new systems to better understand under what conditions a given data collection system can accomplish a specific task. The haziness of the atmosphere and the angle of the sun are just a few examples of factors he expects the new tool can account for. Researcher/Engineer Scott Brown and Assistant Professor Emmett Ientilucci are the project's co-PIs and the funding will support a Ph.D. student as well. For more information about RIT's remote sensing research, go to the Digital Imaging and Remote Sensing Laboratory website. For more information, contact Luke Auburn at 585-490-3198, luke.auburn@rit.edu, or on Twitter: @lukeauburn. ### The Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS, President: SATOMI Susumu) and the National Institute of Informatics (NII, Director General: KITSUREGAWA Masaru), have announced the public release of "Japan Data Catalog for the Humanities and Social Sciences" (JDCat), a system for searching research data in the humanities and social sciences. JDCat is a product of JSPS's Program for Constructing Data Infrastructure for the Humanities and Social Sciences (*1). It was created based on the repository software WEKO3 developed by the NII's Research Center for Open Science Infrastructure (*2) (RCOS, Center Director: YAMAJI Kazutsuna, Professor, NII Digital Content and Media Sciences Research Division), and it enables cross-disciplinary searches of data in a variety of humanities and social sciences publications by affiliated research institutions and that provides access to the published data of each institution. Research data in fields of the humanities and social sciences are a means of capturing human activities and societal phenomena, and are used in various forms of societal decision-making, including policy formulation based on objective evidence. These data include individual data from social surveys, statistical tables from official statistics, texts of historical materials, image data, and many other types of data. In other countries, infrastructures are being actively developed to make data in the humanities and social sciences available to the public and share them with societies. JDCat is a cross-disciplinary search system for research data maintained at present by the five research institutions selected by JSPS via an open call for proposals. These are the Institute of Economic Research, Hitotsubashi University; Center for Social Research and Data Archives, Institute of Social Science, The University of Tokyo; Panel Data Research Center at Keio University; JGSS Research Center at Osaka University of Commerce; and Historiographical Institute, The University of Tokyo. At the time of this release, the JDCat system targets research data in the social sciences, with plans to add research data in the humanities around October this year. The information used to describe the research data (metadata) handled by JDCat conforms to the Data Documentation Initiative (*3), an international standard in the social sciences. The system is designed to enable searches in both Japanese and English. In addition to general text searches, it supports advanced and faceted searches (*4). JDCat provides an intuitive and easy-to-use search environment for a wide range of users who are interested in research data in the humanities and social sciences. It is expected that the research data provided by this system will be utilized in various fields such as collaborative research, education, and policy planning. Comments from HIROMATSU Takeshi, Director of JSPS's Center for Constructing Data Infrastructure for the Humanities and Social Sciences: "JDCat is a data catalogue created by JSPS as a part of the Program for Constructing Data Infrastructure for the Humanities and Social Sciences. It gives open access to everyone. During past three years, preparatory works were carried out that laid the foundations for this launching of the JDCat system. They started with surveying the state of data archives in other countries and selecting and translating the controlled vocabulary in their metadata schema. Then, we decided what functions should be installed in JDCat, test-operated the system, and made refinements to it. JDCat has four main operational objectives based on FAIR Date Principles (*5). These are (1) making it easy to identify data, (2) optimizing interoperability both in and outside Japan, (3) making possible access to Japan data in English, and (4) creating a data infrastructure that facilitates the automatic collection metadata from foreign countries. Technologically, these objectives are realized by (1) assigning digital object identifiers to data, (2) mapping the schema in the Data Documentation Initiative (DDI) and Japan Consortium for Open Access Repository (JPCOAR), (3) maintaining metadata in both Japanese and English, and (4) providing open access to metadata through "Creative Commons licenses zero" (CC0) (*6). At the present stage, the information provided by JDCat covers only the above-described five research institutions, and its scope and types are limited. Both of data scope and types are expected to expand as the usership of the JDCat will increases. As one of staff members involved in this Program, I hope that "what is starting out as something small will be nurtured into something big", and it will have big impacts." (*1) Program for Constructing Data Infrastructure for the Humanities and Social Sciences: This program was established by JSPS in April 2018 with an aim of promoting the humanities and social sciences. By building a comprehensive infrastructure for sharing and utilizing data related to humanities and social science research across disciplines and countries, the project aims to encourage researchers to share data together and promote joint research, both domestically and internationally. See https:/ / www. jsps. go. jp/ english/ e-di/ index. html for details (*2) Research Center for Open Science and Data Platform: In response to the global momentum toward open science, this research center was established within NII in April 2017 to develop and operate an academic platform to serve as an infrastructure for open science. It is expected that, through the wide sharing of academic papers and research data in academia and society, and a wide range of research activities being carried out openly, research activities will be accelerated, problem solving based on close cooperation with society will be promoted, and that this will push academic activities to a new dimension (open science). See https:/ / rcos. nii. ac. jp/ en/ for details (*3) Data Documentation Initiative: The Data Documentation Initiative is an international metadata standard for describing data obtained through observation such as surveys and experiments in the fields of social, behavioral, economic, and health sciences. It has been adopted by data archives in other countries, such as ICPSR and UKDS, and is being used in the operation of search systems. See https:/ / ddialliance. org/ for details (*4) faceted searches A navigation system in which the search system prepares search conditions in advance and the user can narrow down the search target by selecting the search conditions. JDCat adopts faceted search for some items such as "distributor", aiming to create an environment where first-time researchers who do not know specialized keywords can easily search for data. (*5) FAIR Date Principles (FAIR) These are principles that create an international standard for the data creation and sharing. FAIR is an abbreviation of Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable, which gives expression to an appropriate method of providing public access to data. International momentum is gaining for creating standardized data based on these principles. For more information on FAIR as a standard for sharing data, see https:/ / DOI. org/ 10. 18908/ a. 2018041901 (*6) Creative Commons licenses zero (CC0) CC0 is a type of copyright licenses that have been released by Creative Commons in order to allow for the free distribution and reuse of copyrighted material under certain conditions, while retaining copyright. CC0 indicates 'no rights reserved' and that anyone can use the work in any way. For more information, see the Creative Commons Japan website: https:/ / creativecommons. jp/ licenses/ ### About the National Institute of Informatics (NII) NII is Japan's only academic research institute dedicated to the new discipline of informatics. Its mission is to "create future value" in informatics. NII conducts both long-term basic research and practical research aimed at solving social problems in a wide range of informatics research fields, from fundamental theories to the latest topics, such as artificial intelligence, big data, the Internet of Things, and information security. As an inter-university research institute, NII builds and operates academic information infrastructure essential for the research and educational activities of the entire academic community (including the Science Information Network) as well as developing services such as those that enable the provision of academic content and service platforms. https:/ / www. nii. ac. jp/ en/ About the Research Organization of Information and Systems (ROIS) ROIS is a parent organization of four national institutes (National Institute of Polar Research, National Institute of Informatics, the Institute of Statistical Mathematics and National Institute of Genetics) and the Joint Support-Center for Data Science Research. It is ROIS's mission to promote integrated, cutting-edge research that goes beyond the barriers of these institutions, in addition to facilitating their research activities, as members of inter-university research institutes. People with five or more symptoms in first week of infection more likely to develop long COVID The presence of more than five symptoms of COVID-19 in the first week of infection is significantly associated with the development of long COVID, irrespective of age or gender, according to a new review published by the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine. The review by the University of Birmingham-led Therapies for Long COVID (TLC) Study Group, summarises current research on symptom prevalence, complications and management of long COVID. Pooled prevalence data in the review highlights the ten most common symptoms of long COVID. These are fatigue, shortness of breath, muscle pain, cough, headache, joint pain, chest pain, altered smell, diarrhoea and altered taste. The researchers identified two main symptom clusters of long COVID: those comprising exclusively of fatigue, headache and upper respiratory complaints; and those with multi-system complaints including ongoing fever and gastroenterological symptoms. Lead author Dr Olalekan Lee Aiyegbusi, Deputy Director at the University of Birmingham's Centre for Patient Reported Outcomes Research (CPROR), said: "There is evidence that the impact of acute COVID-19 on patients, regardless of severity, extends beyond hospitalisation in the most severe cases, to ongoing impaired quality of life, mental health and employment issues. People living with long COVID generally feel abandoned and dismissed by healthcare providers and receive limited or conflicting advice. More than one-third of the patients in one of the studies included in the review reported they still felt ill or in a worse clinical condition at eight weeks than at the onset of COVID-19." Dr Shamil Haroon, Clinical Lecturer in Primary Care and co-Principal Investigator of the University of Birmingham NIHR/UKRI funded TLC Study, further commented: "Neither the biological or immunological mechanisms of long COVID, nor the rationale for why certain people are more susceptible to these effects, are yet clear, limiting development of therapies. It is essential we act quickly to address these issues." In a comparison with other coronaviruses, the researchers suggest that in the longer term, patients with long COVID may also experience a similar disease trajectory to that of patients who had SARS or MERS, pointing to analysis showing that six months after hospital discharge, approximately 25% of patients hospitalised with SARS and MERS had reduced lung function and exercise capacity. TLC Study's Co-Principal Investigator Melanie Calvert, Professor of Outcomes Methodology at the University of Birmingham and NIHR Senior Investigator, said: "The wide range of potential symptoms and complications patients with long COVID may experience highlights the need for a deeper understanding of the clinical course of the condition. There is an urgent need for better, more integrated care models to support and manage patients with long COVID to improve clinical outcomes." ### Researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine and Rady Children's Institute for Genomic Medicine have produced a stem cell model that demonstrates a potential route of entry of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, into the human brain. The findings are published in the July 9, 2021 online issue of Nature Medicine. "Clinical and epidemiological observations suggest that the brain can become involved in SARS-CoV-2 infection," said senior author Joseph Gleeson, MD, Rady Professor of Neuroscience at UC San Diego School of Medicine and director of neuroscience research at the Rady Children's Institute for Genomic Medicine. "The prospect of COVID19-induced brain damage has become a primary concern in cases of 'long COVID,' but human neurons in culture are not susceptible to infection. Prior publications suggest that the cells that make the spinal fluid could become infected with SARS-CoV-2, but other routes of entry seemed likely." Gleeson and colleagues, who included both neuroscientists and infectious disease specialists, confirmed that human neural cells are resistant to SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, recent studies hinted that other types of brain cells might serve as a 'Trojan horse.' Pericytes are specialized cells that wrap around blood vessels -- and carry the SARS-CoV2 receptor. The researchers introduced pericytes into three-dimensional neural cell cultures -- brain organoids -- to create "assembloids," a more sophisticated stem cell model of the human body. These assembloids contained many types of brain cells in addition to pericytes, and showed robust infection by SARS-CoV-2. The coronavirus was able to infect the pericytes, which served as localized factories for production of SARS-CoV-2. These locally produced SARS-CoV-2 could then spread to other cell types, leading to widespread damage. With this improved model system, they found that the supporting cells known as astrocytes were the main target of this secondary infection. The results, said Gleeson, indicate that one potential route of SARS-CoV-2 into the brain is through the blood vessels, where SARS-CoV-2 can infect pericytes, and then SARS-CoV-2 can spread to other types of brain cells. "Alternatively, the infected pericytes could lead to inflammation of the blood vessels, followed by clotting, stroke or hemorrhages, complications that are observed in many patients with SARS-CoV-2 who are hospitalized in intensive care units." Researchers now plan to focus on developing improved assembloids that contain not just pericytes, but also blood vessels capable of pumping blood to better model the intact human brain. Through these models, Gleeson said, greater insight into infectious disease and other human brain disease could emerge. ### Co-authors include: Lu Wang, David Sievert and Sangmoon Lee, UC San Diego and Rady Children's Institute for Genomic Medicine; Alex E. Clark and Aaron F. Carlin, UC San Diego; Hannah Federman, UC San Diego, Rady Children's Institute for Genomic Medicine and Rutgers University; and Benjamin D. Gastfriend, Eric V. Shusta and Sean P. Palecek, University of Wisconsin-Madison. A UC San Francisco study has found that the antibiotic azithromycin was no more effective than a placebo in preventing symptoms of COVID-19 among non-hospitalized patients, and may increase their chance of hospitalization, despite widespread prescription of the antibiotic for the disease. "These findings do not support the routine use of azithromycin for outpatient SARS-CoV-2 infection," said lead author Catherine E. Oldenburg, ScD, MPH, an assistant professor with the UCSF Proctor Foundation. SARS-CoV-2 is the virus that causes COVID-19. Azithromycin, a broad-spectrum antibiotic, is widely prescribed as a treatment for COVID-19 in the United States and the rest of the world. "The hypothesis is that it has anti-inflammatory properties that may help prevent progression if treated early in the disease," said Oldenburg. "We did not find this to be the case." The study, which was conducted in collaboration with Stanford University, appears July 16, 2021, in the Journal of the American Medical Association. The study included 263 participants who all tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 within seven days before entering the study. None were hospitalized at the time of enrollment. In a random selection process, 171 participants received a single, 1.2 gram oral dose of azithromycin and 92 received an identical placebo. At day 14 of the study, 50 percent of the participants remained symptom free in both groups. By day 21, five of the participants who received azithromycin had been hospitalized with severe symptoms of COVID-19 and none of the placebo group had been hospitalized. The researchers concluded that treatment with a single dose of azithromycin compared to placebo did not result in greater likelihood of being symptom-free. "Most of the trials done so far with azithromycin have focused on hospitalized patients with pretty severe disease," said Oldenburg. "Our paper is one of the first placebo-controlled studies showing no role for azithromycin in outpatients." ### Co-authors included Jessica Brogdon, MPH&TM; Cindi Chen, MS; Kevin Ruder; Lina Zhong; Fanice Nyatigo; Catherine A. Cook, MPH; Armin Hinterwirth, PhD; Elodie Lebas, RN; Travis Redd, MD, MPH; Travis C. Porco, PhD, MPH; Thomas M. Lietman, MD; and Benjamin F. Arnold, PhD, MPH, all of UCSF; senior investigator Thuy Doan, MD, PhD, with the UCSF Proctor Foundation, and Benjamin A. Pinsky, MD, PhD, of Stanford University. The trial was supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (INV-017026). Azithromycin and matching placebo were donated by Pfizer, Inc. (New York, NY). Thuy Doan was supported in part by a Research to Prevent Blindness Career Development Award. The authors had no conflicts of interest. About UCSF: The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is exclusively focused on the health sciences and is dedicated to promoting health worldwide through advanced biomedical research, graduate-level education in the life sciences and health professions, and excellence in patient care. UCSF Health, which serves as UCSF's primary academic medical center, includes top-ranked specialty hospitals and other clinical programs, and has affiliations throughout the Bay Area. UCSF School of Medicine also has a regional campus in Fresno. Learn more at ucsf.edu, or see our Fact Sheet. Follow UCSF ucsf.edu | Facebook.com/ucsf | YouTube.com/ucsf New research led by the University of Cambridge suggests that autism can be detected at 18-30 months using the Quantitative Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (Q-CHAT), but it is not possible to identify every child at a young age who will later be diagnosed as autistic. The results are published today in The BMJ Paediatrics Open. The team at the Autism Research Centre in Cambridge conducted a prospective population screening study of nearly 4,000 toddlers using a parent-report instrument they developed, called the Quantitative Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (Q-CHAT). Toddlers were screened at 18 months and followed up at 4 years. The Q-CHAT is a revision of the original CHAT first published by the same authors in the 1990s. It retains the key items but includes additional items that examine language development, repetitive and sensory behaviours, as well as other aspects of social communication behaviour. Each of the 25 items contains a range of response options, allowing for the endorsement of a reduced rate of key behaviours. In effect, this 'dimensionalises' each item (using a five-point scale of frequency), allowing for variability in responses and a better understanding of the distributions across the specific traits. The revision was motivated by trying to improve on the accuracy of screening toddlers for autism. In the new research, in phase one, 13,070 caregivers were invited to complete the Q-CHAT about their child at 18-30 months. 3,770 caregivers returned the Q-CHAT, of whom 121 were invited for an autism diagnostic assessment. In phase two, the sample was followed up when the children were 4, using the Childhood Autism Screening Test (CAST), and a checklist enquiring whether any of the children had been referred or diagnosed with any developmental conditions, including autism. Autism assessments were made using internationally recognized methods. The sensitivity (the proportion of autistic children correctly identified by the Q-CHAT as being autistic) of the Q-CHAT in predicting autism at phase two is 44%, and the specificity (the proportion of children who are not autistic and who are correctly identified by the Q-CHAT as not being autistic) is 98%. Results also showed that the 'positive predictive value' (the proportion whose screened positive on the Q-CHAT who were found to be autistic) is 28%. This study demonstrates that early detection and diagnosis of autism is possible using the Q-CHAT, since all 11 children who were classified as autistic scored at or above the cut-point of 39. The Q-CHAT did not identify all children during toddlerhood who were later diagnosed with autism at age 4. This likely reflects that some autistic children do not show symptoms of sufficient severity until later in childhood. In other studies the team have found some autistic people do not receive a diagnosis until their teens or even adulthood, perhaps because family support cushions the need for a diagnosis until social demands increase, for example at transition to secondary school or transition to adulthood. Dr Carrie Allison, Director of Research Strategy at the Autism Research Centre, and who led the study, said: "This study tells us that autism can be detected during the toddler years, and that other children may only be identified as autistic later. Repeat screening and surveillance across development may be a better approach rather than relying on a single time-point." Professor Tony Charman, Professor of Clinical Child Psychology at Kings College London, and a member of the team, said: "Screening for autism in infancy means that children can be fast-tracked into early intervention, which we know can lead to better outcomes for many children. This is an exciting advance because most other autism screening measures in toddlers have not been subject to rigorous population studies of this kind." Professor Sir Simon Baron-Cohen, Director of the Autism Research Centre and a member of the team, said: "25 years ago our team was the first to show autism could be screened and diagnosed as young as 18 months of age. This new study shows how our original screening instrument - the CHAT - has been revised into a better instrument - the Q-CHAT, which can pick up children who need an autism diagnosis. Early detection means happier, healthier, children and families because they can be targeted with support." ### Reference Allison, C., Matthews, F.E, Ruta, L., Pasco, G., Soufer, R., Brayne, C., Charman, T., & Baron-Cohen, S. Quantitative Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (Q-CHAT). A population screening study with follow-up: the case for multiple time-point screening for autism. BMJ Paediatrics Open Although the risk of a child being admitted to hospital due to COVID-19 is small, a new UK study has found that around 1 in 20 of children hospitalised with COVID-19 develop brain or nerve complications linked to the viral infection. The research, published in The Lancet Child and Adolescent Health and led by the University of Liverpool, identifies a wide spectrum of neurological complications in children and suggests they may be more common than in adults admitted with COVID-19. While neurological problems have been reported in children with the newly described post-COVID condition paediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome temporally associated with SARS-CoV-2 (PIMS-TS), the capacity of COVID-19 to cause a broad range of nervous system complications in children has been under-recognised. To address this, the CoroNerve Studies Group, a collaboration between the universities of Liverpool, Newcastle, Southampton and UCL, developed a real-time UK-wide notification system in partnership with the British Paediatric Neurology Association. Between April 2020 and January 2021, they identified 52 cases of children less than 18 years old with neurological complications among 1,334 children hospitalised with COVID-19, giving an estimated prevalence of 3.8%. This compares to an estimated prevalence of 0.9% in adults admitted with COVID-19. Eight (15%) children presenting with neurological features did not have COVID-19 symptoms although the virus was detected by PCR, underscoring the importance of screening children with acute neurological disorders for the virus. Ethnicity was found to be a risk factor, over two thirds of children being of Black or Asian background. For the first time, the study identified key differences between those with PIMS-TS versus those with non-PIMS-TS neurological complications. The 25 children (48%) diagnosed with PIMS-TS displayed multiple neurological features including encephalopathy, stroke, behavioural change, and hallucinations; they were more likely to require intensive care. Conversely, the non-PIMS-TS 27 (52%) children had a primary neurological disorder such as prolonged seizures, encephalitis (brain inflammation), Guillain-Barre syndrome and psychosis. In almost half of these cases, this was a recognised post-infectious neuro-immune disorder, compared to just one child in the PIMS-TS group, suggesting that different immune mechanisms are at work. Short-term outcomes were apparently good in two thirds (65%) although a third (33%) had some degree of disability and one child died at the time of follow-up. However, the impacts on the developing brain and longer-term consequences are not yet known. First author Dr Stephen Ray, a Wellcome Trust clinical fellow and paediatrician at the University of Liverpool said: "The risk of a child being admitted to hospital due to COVID-19 is small, but among those hospitalised, brain and nerve complications occur in almost 4%. Our nationwide study confirms that children with the novel post-infection hyper-inflammatory syndrome PIMS-TS can have brain and nerve problems; but we have also identified a wide spectrum of neurological disorders in children due to COVID-19 who didn't have PIMS-TS. These were often due to the child's immune response after COVID-19 infection." Joint senior-author Dr Rachel Kneen, a Consultant Paediatric Neurologist at Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust and honorary clinical Senior Lecturer at the University of Liverpool said: "Many of the children identified were very unwell. Whilst they had a low risk of death, half needed intensive care support and a third had neurological disability identified. Many were given complex medication and treatments, often aimed at controlling their own immune system. We need to follow these children up to understand the impact in the long term." Joint senior-author Dr Benedict Michael, a senior clinician scientist and MRC Fellow at the University of Liverpool said: "Now we appreciate the capacity for COVID-19 to cause a wide range of brain complications in those children who are hospitalised with this disease, with the potential to cause life-long disability, we desperately need research to understand the immune mechanisms which drive this. Most importantly- How do we identify those children at risk and how should we treat them to prevent lasting brain injury? We are so pleased that the UK government has funded our COVID-CNS study to understand exactly these questions so that we can help inform doctors to better recognise and treat these children." ### Neurological manifestations of Covid-19 infection in UK hospitalised children and adolescents: a prospective national cohort study, The Lancet Child and Adolescent Health, can be found here: http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanchi/article/PIIS2352-4642(21)00193-0/fulltext A team of researchers from the University of Maryland has 3D printed a soft robotic hand that is agile enough to play Nintendo's Super Mario Bros. - and win! The feat, highlighted on the front cover of the latest issue of Science Advances, demonstrates a promising innovation in the field of soft robotics, which centers on creating new types of flexible, inflatable robots that are powered using water or air rather than electricity. The inherent safety and adaptability of soft robots has sparked interest in their use for applications like prosthetics and biomedical devices. Unfortunately, controlling the fluids that make these soft robots bend and move has been especially difficult - until now. The key breakthrough by the team, led by University of Maryland assistant professor of mechanical engineering Ryan D. Sochol, was the ability to 3D print fully assembled soft robots with integrated fluidic circuits in a single step. "Previously, each finger of a soft robotic hand would typically need its own control line, which can limit portability and usefulness," explains co-first author Joshua Hubbard, who performed the research during his time as an undergraduate researcher in Sochol's Bioinspired Advanced Manufacturing (BAM) Laboratory at UMD. "But by 3D printing the soft robotic hand with our integrated fluidic transistors, it can play Nintendo based on just one pressure input." As a demonstration, the team designed an integrated fluidic circuit that allowed the hand to operate in response to the strength of a single control pressure. For example, applying a low pressure caused only the first finger to press the Nintendo controller to make Mario walk, while a high pressure led to Mario jumping. Guided by a set program that autonomously switched between off, low, medium, and high pressures, the robotic hand was able to press the buttons on the controller to successfully complete the first level of Super Mario Bros. in less than 90 seconds. "Recently, several groups have tried to harness fluidic circuits to enhance the autonomy of soft robots," said recent Ph.D. graduate and co-first author of the study Ruben Acevedo, "but the methods for building and integrating those fluidic circuits with the robots can take days to weeks, with a high degree of manual labor and technical skill." To overcome these barriers, the team turned to "PolyJet 3D Printing," which is like using a color printer, but with many layers of multi-material 'inks' stacked on top of one another in 3D. "Within the span of one day and with minor labor, researchers can now go from pressing start on a 3D printer to having complete soft robots - including all of the soft actuators, fluidic circuit elements, and body features - ready to use," said study co-author Kristen Edwards. The choice to validate their strategy by beating the first level of Super Mario Bros. in real time was motivated by science just as much as it was by fun. Because the video game's timing and level make-up are established, and just a single mistake can lead to an immediate game over, playing Mario provided a new means for evaluating soft robot performance that is uniquely challenging in a manner not typically tackled in the field. In addition to the Nintendo-playing robotic hand, Sochol's team also reported terrapin turtle-inspired soft robots in their paper. The terrapin happens to be UMD's official mascot, and all of the team's soft robots were printed at UMD's Terrapin Works 3D Printing Hub. Another important benefit of the team's strategy is that it's open source, with the paper open access for anyone to read as well as a link in the supplementary materials to a GitHub with all of the electronic design files from their work. "We are freely sharing all of our design files so that anyone can readily download, modify on demand, and 3D print - whether with their own printer or through a printing service like us - all of the soft robots and fluidic circuit elements from our work," said Sochol. "It is our hope that this open-source 3D printing strategy will broaden accessibility, dissemination, reproducibility, and adoption of soft robots with integrated fluidic circuits and, in turn, accelerate advancement in the field." At present, the team is exploring the use of their technique for biomedical applications including rehabilitation devices, surgical tools, and customizable prosthetics. As Sochol is a faculty affiliate of the Fischell Department of Bioengineering as well as a member of both the Maryland Robotics Center and the Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, the team has an exceptional environment to continue advancing their strategy to address pressing challenges in biomedical fields. ### The A. James Clark School of Engineering at the University of Maryland serves as the catalyst for high-quality research, innovation, and learning, delivering on a promise that all graduates will leave ready to impact the Grand Challenges of the 21st century. The Clark School is dedicated to leading and transforming the engineering discipline and profession, to accelerating entrepreneurship, and to transforming research and learning activities into new innovations that benefit millions. A new way of producing coherent light in the ultra-violet spectral region, which points the way to developing brilliant table-top x-ray sources, has been produced in research led at the University of Strathclyde. The scientists have developed a type of ultra-short wavelength coherent light source that does not require laser action to produce coherence. Common electron-beam based light sources, known as fourth-generation light sources, are based on the free-electron laser (FEL), which uses an undulator to convert electron beam energy into X-rays. Coherent light sources are powerful tools that enable research in many areas of medicine, biology, material sciences, chemistry and physics. This new way of producing coherent radiation could revolutionise light sources, as it would make them highly compact, essentially table-top size, and capable of producing ultra-short duration pulses of light, much shorter than can be produced easily by any other means. Making ultraviolet and X-ray coherent light sources more widely available would transform the way science is done; a university could have one of the devices in a single room, on a table top, for a reasonable price. The group is now planning a proof-of-principle experiment in the ultraviolet spectral range to demonstrate this new way of producing coherent light. If successful, it should dramatically accelerate the development of even shorter wavelength coherent sources based on the same principle. The Strathclyde group has set up a facility to investigate these types of sources: the Scottish Centre for the Application of Plasma-based Accelerators (SCAPA), which hosts one of the highest power lasers in the UK. The new research has been published in Scientific Reports, one of the Nature family of journals. Professor Dino Jaroszynski, of Strathclyde's Department of Physics, led the research. He said: "This work significantly advances the state-of-the-art of synchrotron sources by proposing a new method of producing short-wavelength coherent radiation, using a short undulator and attosecond duration electron bunches. "This is more compact and less demanding on the electron beam quality than free-electron lasers and could provide a paradigm shift in light sources, which would stimulate a new direction of research. It proposes to use bunch compression - as in chirped pulse amplification lasers - within the undulator to significantly enhance the radiation brightness. "The new method presented would be of wide interest to a diverse community developing and using light sources." In FELs, as in all lasers, the intensity of light is amplified by a feedback mechanism that locks the phases of individual radiators, which in this case are "free" electrons. In the FEL, this is achieved by passing a high energy electron beam through the undulator, which is an array of alternating polarity magnets. Light emitted from the electrons as they wiggle through the undulator creates a force called the ponderomotive force that bunches the electrons - some are slowed down, some are sped up, which causes bunching, similar to traffic on a motorway periodically slowing and speeding up. Electrons passing through the undulator radiate incoherent light if they are uniformly distributed - for every electron that emits light, there is another electron that partially cancels out the light because they radiate out of phase. An analogy of this partial cancelling out is rain on the sea: it produces many small ripples that partially cancel each other out, effectively quelling the waves - reducing their amplitude. In contrast, steady or pulsating wind will cause the waves to amplify through the mutual interaction of the wind with the sea. In the FEL, electron bunching causes amplification of the light and the increase in its coherence, which usually takes a long time - thus very long undulators are required. In an X-ray FEL, the undulators can be more than a hundred metres long. The accelerators driving these X-ray FELs are kilometres long, which makes these devices very expensive and some of the largest instruments in the world. However, using a free-electron laser to produce coherent radiation is not the only way; a "pre-bunched" beam or ultra-short electron bunch can also be used to achieve exactly the same coherence in a very short undulator that is less than a metre in length. As long as the electron bunch is shorter than the wavelength of the light produced by the undulator, it will automatically produce coherent light - all the light waves will add up or interfere constructively, which leads to very brilliant light with exactly the same properties of light from a laser. The researchers have demonstrated theoretically that this can be achieved using a laser-plasma wakefield accelerator, which produces electron bunches that can have a length of a few tens of nanometres. They show that if these ultra-short bunches of high energy electrons pass through a short undulator, they can produce as may photons as a very expensive FEL can produce. Moreover, they have also shown that by producing an electron bunch that has an energy "chirp", they can ballistically compress the bunch to a very short duration inside the undulator, which provides a unique way of going to even shorter electron bunches and therefore produce even shorter wavelength light. ### The research collaboration also involved the University of Manchester, Pulsar Physics in the Netherlands and the STFC ASTeC group at Daresbury Laboratories. The study has received funding from the EPSRC (Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council), to support a project named Lab in a Bubble. Researchers at Tsukuba University develop a new scheduling algorithm to help maximize the efficiency of automated biology labs that work with cells and perishable biomolecules, which may help optimize biotechnology and other industrial processes Tsukuba, Japan - A team of scientists led by Associate Professor Haruka Ozaki of the Center for Artificial Intelligence Research at the University of Tsukuba in collaboration with Dr. Koichi Takahashi from RIKEN used mathematical algorithms to optimize the schedule of automated biology laboratory robots. By analyzing the needs of time-sensitive samples that require investigation using multiple instruments, the researchers were able to maximize the number of experiments that can be performed within time and laboratory resource constraints. This work may help in the design of future automated biology labs and other workspaces. Biology laboratories have seen increasing automation because many tasks, like pipetting solutions or moving cells from one instrument to another, can be performed by robots. Controlling the schedule for these machines to get the most experiments done is complicated by the fact that living cells and perishable reagents often come with their own special time constraints. Previous scheduling algorithms did not focus on "time constraints by mutual boundaries," in which there is a limited time allowed between the start or end of an operation with the boundary of another. These types of constraints occur frequently in biology, where, for example, a protein will become denatured or degraded if not processed right away. Now, researchers at the University of Tsukuba have developed a new mathematical framework that takes into account these time constraints, along with the possibility of resource conflicts, such as limited instrument capacity. "We call our approach 'S-LAB,' which stands for 'scheduling for laboratory automation in biology,' to emphasize the special time limitations encountered in these types of facilities," author Associate Professor Ozaki says. Even in an age of multipurpose robots, several different types of laboratory instruments, such as thermal cyclers or evaporators, are required to execute even simple biology experiments. The robots must be programmed to shuttle the samples back and forth without the cells becoming exposed to the elements for too long. "By using the proposed scheduling method, automated laboratories can improve the efficiencies in a wide range of life science experiments," Associate Professor Ozaki says. This research may also be applied to other industrial processes that involve perishable materials that cannot be left out indefinitely. ### The work is published in SLAS Technology as "Optimal scheduling for laboratory automation of life science experiments with time constraints" (DOI: 10.1177/24726303211021790). The bodies of ten native American children who were buried on the grounds of what was once the Carlisle Indian Industrial School in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, were returned to their tribes. Friday, July 16, 2021 Prouty's experience with military presidential protection duties Allegation #6: "I have worked with military presidential protection units." Here is an excerpt from Prouty's book. Fletcher Prouty, JFK: The CIA, Vietnam, and the Plot to Assassinate John F. Kennedy, p. 294 "I had worked on what is called, 'Presidential Protection." Here is the paragraph from Prouty's introduction to Mark Lane's book, Plausible Denial: Prouty Introduction, Plausible Denial by Mark Lane, page xv. Here are some excerpts from Fletcher Prouty's testimony to the ARRB: [emphasis added] Gunn: For the office at Fort Myer: was that some -- is that headquarters for Army or some other form of intelligence, or is that something like liaison with the Secret Service? I'm not understanding what the office oversees. Prouty; My feeling is, and it never occurred to me to ask them in detail -- because I didn't have any reason to -- is that it was an Army function, and that it was done in conjunction with [the] Secret Service. I assume [the] Secret Service would have been considered the senior party when the two work together; but that's purely by function. Quite frankly, other than knowing that Presidential protection existed, that's about all I was required to know. Because if they called for something, they'd want me to know who the hell they were. And that was very, very rare. The only time I was ever personally involved -- and I think that was just for familiarization early in my assignment in this work -- was when I went to Mexico City [in 1955]. And that was pretty complete. I was quite amazed, personally, because I didn't realize they'd go down weeks ahead of time, set up things ahead of time, worked the route with the Mexicans ... [it was a] very involved, a very detailed thing. That was my first and last course with them -- Mexico City. ... Wray: You said that -- in your book at one point -- that you had worked with these units in the past. I'm just trying that to what you said now. [Do] you mean -- when you'd worked with them in the past -- this is like, your contact with the people at Fort Myer, as opposed to actually working with them in an operational sense.? Prouty: No, what I meant was the trip to Mexico City. Wray: Oh, the trip to Mexico City. Prouty: That was the only one I ever went on. And I wanted to go -- and they wanted me to go -- to see what the system was. So I actually got the airplane and I flew the airplane to Mexico City for them. Prouty is asked if there were military protection units or personnel on this flight. Wray: On the trip to Mexico City, you made it clear that you worked with Secret Service people on the advance there. Were military protection people -- like, from these military protection units -- were they along on that trip as well? Prouty: You know, that -- again, is a good point. The only person I knew on it was a Secret Service man. No, I didn't know this ... he never talked about the military at all, that I can recall. Of course, that was ... my God, that was ... a good long time ago ... the object he .... what they had when they said take [me] down was, he said, they wanted me to know what they do. Period. And I went down there. Result or conclusion by ARRB: It appears from Prouty's statements during the interview that the extent of his experience is one trip in 1955. Previous Relevant Posts on Fletcher Prouty Fletcher Prouty Talks to the ARRB A summary document of his interview with the ARRB Fletcher Prouty and Army Intelligence in Dallas Another summary document from the ARRB about Prouty's allegations and army intelligence. Was Fletcher Prouty an Antisemite? Prouty had some very unsavory relationships with antisemitic groups. Fletcher Prouty's Interview with the ARRB, Part One Was Fletcher Prouty's Trip to Antarctica Unusual? Fletcher Prouty's Interview with the ARRB, Part Two Regarding Christchurch, New Zealand and The Christchurch Star Fletcher Prouty's Interview with the ARRB, Part Three Regarding the 112th Intelligence Corps (INTC) Group and/or the 316th INTC Detachment Fletcher Prouty's Interview with the ARRB, Part Four Did Prouty Keep the notes from his supposed phone call about army intelligence? Railroad Commission Chair Christi Craddick owes Texans an explanation. Two-thirds of Texans experienced power outages, and 30 percent saw storm damage to their homes during the February Freeze, according to a University of Houston poll. Yet Craddick gave a full-throated defense of the states natural gas industry, which she is supposed to regulate, so we have the energy we need. Some media outlets would have you believe that natural gas producers and frozen transmission pipes caused the power shortage across the state, but I sit before you today to state that these operators were not the problem - the oil and gas industry was the solution, Craddick told lawmakers in March. Any issues of frozen equipment or delays in process restoration could have been avoided had the production facilities not been shut down by power outages. But Texass natural gas producers definitely were the problem, according to a new report from 12 University of Texas at Austin faculty members. And Craddicks Railroad Commission could have done more to prevent blackouts. TOMLINSONS TAKE: Texas lawmakers make a big deal about nothing to prevent blackouts The data indicate that natural gas output started to decline rapidly before the electricity forced outages (load shed) began early on February 15, with production declining about 700 million cubic feet per day from February 8-14, the Energy Institute researchers discovered. This decline is likely due to weather-related factors and not a loss of power at natural gas facilities. The more we learn about how and why the grid failed, the more apparent our state regulators failure becomes. The three-member Public Utility Commission, which Gov. Greg Abbott recently replaced, gave the researchers access to confidential reports, documents and communications. The PUC has refused to release that information to the public. The picture painted by the professors is damning. The vast majority of Texans are served by a grid operated by the nonprofit Electric Reliability Council of Texas, known as ERCOT. The grid is not connected to the rest of the country. Generators are lightly regulated and only get paid for electricity the grid uses. Most of the year, Texas has more generating capacity than customers need. But when the weather turns extremely hot or cold, ERCOT relies on expensive, quick-start natural gas plants to meet peak demand. Wind and solar are essential sources of power, but they are not what ERCOT depends on in an emergency. Februarys winter storm triggered an entirely preventable emergency. The National Weather Service provided ample warning, and the PUC, the Railroad Commission and the governors office started preparing for the polar vortex days in advance, according to the UT report. Then-PUC Chair DeAnne Walker made more than 100 calls to discuss the need for natural gas supply, according to phone logs obtained by industry publication E&E News. Walker alerted Abbott, Craddick and lawmakers to an impending natural gas shortage four days before the blackouts. I contacted Chairman Craddick about the gas curtailment concerns. I also advised the leadership in the House and Senate about the gas curtailment information, Walker wrote in a recounting of events. West Texas natural gas has a lot of water in it, which can freeze at the wellhead and block the flow. The commission has repeatedly ignored calls to require well operators to prepare for freezing temperatures. By the time the wells were freezing in February, the Railroad Commission could do little but watch the dominoes fall. Texas lost 85 percent of its non-oil-related natural gas production by the second day of the blackouts. Two-thirds of natural gas processing plants in the Permian Basin experienced an outage, the UT report states. Natural gas power plant operators couldnt get enough fuel. But some contributed to the crisis with their lack of preparedness. TOMLINSONS TAKE: CEO of San Antonio electric utility fighting price-gouging for all Texans Some power generators were inadequately weatherized; they reported a level of winter preparedness that turned out to be inadequate to the actual conditions experienced, the UT report said. The outage, or derating, of several power plants occurred at temperatures above their stated minimum temperature ratings. When the power plants shut down, transmission line operators shut off electricity flowing to other natural gas wells because the operators had failed to apply for critical load status. The more wells went offline, the more power plants shut down. Craddicks testimony in March sounded to me like cheerleading for the industry that finances her campaigns, not a defense of Texas consumers who cast ballots. She has since vociferously opposed proposals that would prevent future blackouts at the industrys expense. The Texas Legislature needs to invite Craddick back to explain what shes learned since March. In light of the UT report, she needs to clarify whether she intends to continue blocking new consumer protections. Tomlinson writes commentary about business, economics and politics. twitter.com/cltomlinson chris.tomlinson@chron.com Touted as San Antonios first cocktail bar, downtowns SoHo Wine & Martini Bar is pulling up its River Walk stakes and heading to Castle Hills, where it will be first true bar in that small city. During a July 13 meeting of the Castle Hills City Council, a special use permit was unanimously approved allowing H&F Management, which does business as SoHo, to transform a former Starbucks location at 8055 West Ave. into the bars new home. SoHo co-owner Ronnie L. Herrera said the new SoHo location will continue the bars longstanding tradition of refined craft cocktails and add a small food menu of snacks and appetizers. Herrera said theyre aiming to open Sept. 1. SoHo will continue operating at its downtown location through the last week of August, Herrera said. The main reason were moving is due to all that COVID taught us, Herrera said. The only places that could operate and do well during that type of situation are places that have outdoor patios. I wish we could stay downtown, but we just dont have an outdoor space. Were just trying to be proactive to our changing world. Herreras landlord, hotel developer and The Esquire Tavern owner Chris Hill, said he hopes to launch a new hospitality industry business in the property in the future. Weve been brainstorming on some ideas with that space, Hill said. Its way too early to spill any beans, but it will be an exciting venue and add to the experience along the San Antonio River Walk downtown. On ExpressNews.com: Popular San Antonio cocktail bar enters bankruptcy The new SoHo will have about 1,500 square feet of indoor seating and an additional 1,500-square-foot patio and ample parking in the sprawling Castle Oaks Village shopping center. Castle Hills Mayor JR Trevino celebrated the permit approval in a July 13 Facebook post reading, Tonight was one of the shortest council meetings Ive ever presided over as mayor. Ironically, it was one of the most monumental as we approved $3 million dollars in essential drainage and street improvements. Oh yeah, we also approved Castle Hills first bar. SoHo Wine & Martini Bar is leaving downtown and is moving to the Hills! While other establishments sell alcohol in Castle Hills, all of them operate primarily as restaurants. Herrera said he believes the move to Castle Hills will help fill a geographic void in the greater San Antonio areas cocktail scene, which is clustered in the downtown area or along Loop 1604. SoHo has earned numerous accolades from its current home at 214 W. Crockett St. over the past 15 years, including two nods as one of the citys best bars in the Express-News Top 100 Dining & Drinks guide. The business filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization in 2019 but has remained open. pstephen@express-news.net | Twitter: @pjbites | Instagram: @pjstephen As a new school year approaches, Texas social studies teachers are preparing for a new crop of students, renewed uncertainty about the pandemic and a new state law that prescribes, sometimes in minute detail, what they can and cant discuss in the classroom. Teachers in the San Antonio area, with full support from the largest education unions in the country, say they have no plans to change the way they teach U.S. history despite the passage of House Bill 3979, which critics say threatens to whitewash the social studies curriculum. The bill, passed along party lines and signed into law by Gov. Greg Abbott in June, thrusts teachers and students into the middle of the nations culture wars and a contentious reckoning over the legacy of slavery. Champions of HB 3979 say its a way to blunt the intrusion of liberal orthodoxies into public education and protect students from progressive brainwashing. On ExpressNews.com: Legislature passes bill to keep critical race theory out of schools Teachers, however, view the law as an attempt at micromanagement that will stifle classroom discussion and sugarcoat uncomfortable truths about the countrys origins and history. HB 3979 says public school teachers cannot be compelled ... to discuss current events or widely debated and currently controversial issues of public policy or social affairs. If they choose to introduce such topics, they must present diverse and contending perspectives without giving deference to any one perspective. The law further says public schools cannot teach that an individual, by virtue of his or her race or sex, bears responsibility for actions committed in the past by other members of the same race or sex. Nor can students be taught that slavery and racism are anything other than deviations from, betrayals of or failures to live up to the authentic founding principles of the United States. Jessica Phelps /San Antonio Express-News Teach both sides Teachers say the law could stand in the way of candid discussions about the Constitution, secession, the Civil War and Jim Crow. They say it could force them to dance around the fact that many of the nations founders owned slaves and that the Constitution they wrote perpetuated slavery. On ExpressNews.com: Texas law promoting patriotic education raises concerns about whitewashing history Part of the law is that you should teach both sides. So now, do you have to make the case that the Confederates had their reasons and that they are equal to the betrayal of the founding principles? said Tom Cummins, president of the Bexar County Federation of Teachers, which represents about 800 teachers in the North East and South San Antonio Independent School Districts. Theres all sorts of contradictions in here; theres language that is vague; there are concerns that things that teachers do teach might be out of bounds now, said Cummins, who taught at Brackenridge Elementary School. San Antonio history teachers say following the new law would prevent them from presenting an honest, accurate and complete account of American history, which would be especially harmful in a city where a majority of public school students are people of color. Knowing the truths of slavery and colonialism is not divisive: It will give us all the understanding needed to abolish systemic inequities and to bring us together, reads a statement from the TEACH Coalition, a group of hundreds of Texas educators, parents, students and community members who have denounced HB 3979. Armed with knowledge and truth, we can all work in community for a better future. Proponents of the bill, including Abbott, say it targets the teaching of critical race theory, an academic concept that holds that racism and white privilege are deeply, even unconsciously, embedded in the countrys government and legal systems. The theory has become a favorite target of conservatives but is not mentioned by name in the bill. It has never been part of the Texas social studies curriculum. I dont teach critical race theory in the classroom, said Adrian Reyna, a U.S. history teacher for San Antonio ISD. Republican legislators have created this problem thats a dog whistle for (their) base when theres no problem to solve, he said. Were going to continue to have critical conversations, and were going to continue to learn about things that are relevant to the students. Teaching the truth Required Reading: Get San Antonio education news sent directly to your inbox Although the bill says the new teaching guidelines go into effect at the start of the school year, teachers have countered that the laws requirements do not apply to them until the State Board of Education reviews them and officially makes them part of the state curriculum, known as Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills. The board has until Dec. 31 to adopt the revised curriculum. Theres been no guidance from (the Texas Education Agency) and no curriculum put out, said Adonis Schurmann, a middle school social studies teacher and president of the North East Education Association, which represents hundreds of teachers in North East ISD. Are there certain topics you cant teach? We dont know that yet, Schurmann said. Right now, its all talk. The National Education Association and the American Federation of Teachers the two largest teachers unions in the country have expressed support for members who choose to teach history accurately and comprehensively amid attempts in several states to limit classroom discussion of certain topics. NEA has pledged to host a virtual listening tour to educate members about the tools needed to defend honesty in education, according to a statement released at the unions annual convention early this month. AFT leaders have committed about $5 million to a legal defense fund for members who are punished or sued for teaching the truth, AFT president Randi Weingarten said. Alejandra Lopez is president of the San Antonio Alliance of Teachers and Support Personnel, the largest employee union in San Antonio ISD. We are committed to working with our educators to ensure that they continue to teach the truth in the classroom, she said. We know that we have the backing of our state and national unions in this fight. All eyes are on us On ExpressNews.com: Ed Department OKs Texas plan for school stimulus funds, gives $4 billion more to state Cummins, of the Bexar County Federation of Teachers, said: Our position as a union is that if a teacher is punished for teaching the facts of history, then yes, we will defend them. And if we need to get attorneys to do that, we will. Local teachers and union leaders said their school districts have not yet provided any new guidance for teaching history. Barry Perez, spokesman for Northside ISD, said only that teachers are expected to follow curricula approved by the state. Laura Short, spokeswoman for San Antonio ISD, said the districts existing classroom guidance for teachers, which calls for culturally responsive instruction and a neutral framework for responding to current events, already aligns with the requirements of HB 3979. Reyna said he thinks that eventually the state could threaten to punish school districts whose teachers dont follow the updated curriculum guidelines. But for now, teachers and their unions have made clear that they are willing to fight for the right to teach an accurate account of the countrys history, as disquieting as parts of it may be. All eyes are on us, Reyna said. Weve got to step up. andy.picon@hearst.com | Twitter: @andpicon Blue Origin has completed the roster for next weeks first crewed flight, which will simultaneously set records for the youngest, oldest and richest person in space. The company announced Thursday that 18-year-old Oliver Daemen will be the fourth passenger on its launch Tuesday from West Texas. Daemen is the son of Joes Daemen, CEO and founder of Somerset Capital Partners investment firm in the Netherlands. Related: Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos' space race is heating up, and Texas gets a front-row seat I have been dreaming about this all my life, Oliver Daemen said in a video posted on Twitter by Bright, which is part of RTL Netherlands media group. I am super excited to experience zero-g and see the world from above. The flights other occupants are Blue Origin founder Jeff Bezos, who is the worlds richest man, his brother Mark and 82-year-old female aerospace pioneer Wally Funk. Funk will become the oldest person to launch into space. Sixty years ago, Funk volunteered for a privately funded program that tested women for astronaut fitness. She was one of 13 women, called the Mercury 13, who successfully underwent the same physical and mental tests as the seven male astronauts that NASA selected for its first human spaceflight program. The Mercury 13 never went into space. One of the original Mercury seven men, John Glenn, the first American to orbit the Earth, also holds the current record for oldest person in space. The astronaut-turned-senator flew on the space shuttle in 1998 when he was 77 years old. Daemens seat was initially reserved for the winner of a live auction Blue Origin held on June 12. However, the person who bid $28 million is now slated to fly on a subsequent New Shepard mission due to scheduling conflicts. Blue Origin did not identify the auction winner. Joes Daemen was a participant in the auction and had secured a seat for his son on the second flight. Oliver Daemen got moved to the first flight when the seat became available. Oliver Daemen graduated from high school in 2020 and took a gap year before continuing his studies to obtain his private pilots license. In September, he will attend the University of Utrecht to study physics and innovation management, according to a Blue Origin news release. These four individuals will take an 11-minute ride to space and back on New Shepard. The 63-foot-tall suborbital rocket system consists of a reusable rocket booster and crew capsule. It has flown 15 times without people. The booster and capsule launch together. After the boosters engine shuts off, the capsule will separate and coast above the Karman line 62 miles above the Earth. The booster returns for a controlled, rocket-powered vertical landing. In the spacecraft, which descends more slowly, occupants will have several minutes of weightlessness and see the curvature of the Earth. Parachutes slow it down and then, right before landing, a retro-thrust system creates an air cushion for the capsule. The $28 million from Blue Origins live auction is being donated to Club for the Future, the companys foundation focused on STEM education. It announced Wednesday that Club for the Future would offer $1 million grants to 19 space-based nonprofits. These include Space Center Houston, the visitor center for NASAs Johnson Space Center, and SciArt Exchange, a Houston organization that offers contests and events to bring together art, technology and science. We thank the auction winner for their generous support of Club for the Future and are honored to welcome Oliver to fly with us on New Shepard, Bob Smith, CEO of Blue Origin, said in the news release. andrea.leinfelder@chron.com twitter.com/a_leinfelder Eleven county court-at-law judges have agreed to begin or continue hearing misdemeanor family violence cases in an effort to address a mounting backlog of cases, county officials announced. Previously, two judges among the 15 county courts-at-law were responsible for handling most family violence cases, which officials said wasnt sustainable given the large volume. Last year, seven additional judges began handling some of the cases in an effort to alleviate the backlog. But over the last month, some of the judges reversed course indicating privately they no longer wanted to handle the cases due to issues in how the countys IT system is distributing the workload and a growing realization of how difficult and time-consuming it is to handle family violence cases. In an effort to get matters back on track, Commissioner Trish DeBerry introduced a resolution last week encouraging all misdemeanor court judges to step up. The Commissioners Court also committed to providing additional resources to the District Attorneys Office in an effort to address the backlog. Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales lauded the decision by the 11 judges to help. My concern was trying to spread them out among all the judges or the judges who are willing to take more cases on in an effort to alleviate the backlog, Gonzales said. This makes me very excited that we will hopefully be making some progress on this issue. Only two judges declined to hear the cases: Judge Yolanda Huff, who also oversees a Mental Health Court, and Judge Gloria Saldana of County Court 9. The addition of new judges is the latest move by county officials to address a pileup that worsened after the COVID-19 pandemic largely halted in-person hearings and jury trials. On ExpressNews.com: Five additional judges to begin hearing family violence cases in Bexar County - the latest effort to address a rising backlog Last year, when the seven additional judges began handling some cases, there were 5,302 misdemeanor family violence cases pending, according to the Texas Office of Court Administration. As of June 30, there were 6,299 a 19 percent increase. (Statistics from the county put that figure at 23 percent, due to differences in the way the data is collected and tracked.) A majority of those cases are concentrated in County Court 7 and 13, which were established in 2007 and 2009 to exclusively handle misdemeanor family violence cases. The two courts are overseen by judges trained in the complex dynamics of domestic violence, a crime often entangled in love and intimacy, making it difficult to prosecute. The idea was to sharpen the focus on this type of crime so victims might be better supported and more suspects held accountable. But in recent years, the specialization has created bottlenecks in which two judges and four to six prosecutors have struggled to handle thousands of cases filed each year. The pandemic and an uptick in cases made the backlog even worse, officials said. The Bexar County District Attorneys Office said there has been a 78 percent increase in cases filed with its office since 2015. Officials have worried the backlog and subsequent delays could leave victims in jeopardy. It also could violate the suspects due process rights for a quick and speedy trial. This is about the safety of the most vulnerable in this community, DeBerry said. This resolution is just the beginning; but it sends a message that we hear them, they are not forgotten, and those who committed the crimes will be held accountable. Another concern: That the backlog could prompt prosecutors and judges to offer more plea deals or dismissals in an effort to quickly get the cases resolved. The judges cant dismiss one of those cases after two months of trying when we have seven and 13 holding on to cases from 2015, 2016, 2017, because theyre still trying to prosecute the case, said Judge Rosie Speedlin Gonzalez of County Court 13. Case distribution unequal Bexar County uses an antiquated case management system also commonly referred to as The Wheel to distribute cases among the judges. For years, it hasnt worked as intended, sources said. After the seven judges agreed to handle some cases on the misdemeanor side, Bexar Countys IT department designed a mechanism to assign one-third of new cases to County Court 7, one-third to County Court 13, and the remaining cases evenly among all participating judges. But it hasnt always worked out at that way, eight sources familiar with the matter said. They said an issue in the countys IT system didnt assign the cases equally leaving some judges struggling to handle the workload. In addition to their normal duties, some judges also have specialty courts like the Mental Health Court, programs that provide intensive treatment, supervision and support to identify the root causes of criminal behavior. Other judges help with additional dockets. District Court Judge Ron Rangel, an administrative judge, said judges on the felony side have experienced similar problems with case distribution. For years, some administrators manually checked caseloads every month and redistributed cases to make sure it was equitable. There is always some little kink or bug that exists that doesnt distribute cases equally, Rangel said. We had that same problem last year with the District Courts. Weve been told that the county knows there are bugs, but theres nothing that can be done to fix them. On ExpressNews.com: Domestic violence case backlog plagues Bexar County courts-at-law Case in point: Judge Mary Roman of County Court 8 was assigned 74 family violence cases in June, according to data obtained by the Express-News. Judge Tommy Stolhandske of County Court 11 was assigned 65. If the cases were distributed equitably, they should have each gotten around 25. We have not been getting an equitable distribution, Speedlin Gonzalez said during Commissioners Court. Weve been told that we dont know what the glitch is where one court gets a boatload of cases appointed one month, and another court doesnt. In March, some judges brought up the issue with the countys IT Department, sources said. In June, after the issues still werent fixed, the judges told administrators they could no longer handle the workload prompting Commissioner DeBerry to introduce Tuesdays resolution. Thomas Peine, a spokesman for Bexar County, said the system has been working as it was designed. He said the judges asked for a change in the distribution method in April, which is still being finalized. Peine said the IT department was not in a position to comment on figures that show the inequitable distribution. We can only reiterate that the current system works as intended and without error, Peine said. Additional resources Moving forward, officials say more resources are needed to support judges and prosecutors many of whom dont have the bandwidth to handle the additional family violence cases. For most family violence cases, prosecutors and judges are required to review hours of body-worn camera footage before they are ready to go to trial. Already afraid and vulnerable, victims need a guiding hand to lead them through the court system support that prosecutors dont always have time to provide. DeBerry said she has identified funding that would allow the Bexar County District Attorneys Office to hire a victims advocate for each court that has agreed to handle family violence cases. She plans to bring it up during upcoming budget discussions. A victims advocate acts as a liaison between a crime victim and the criminal court system, helping guide the victim through the complicated, mazelike process. They can also offer emotional support, victims rights information, and help in finding other resources. On ExpressNews.com: Bexar County District Attorney's Office to hire more family violence prosecutors, resolving clash over $1 million We very clearly in this county still have a problem associated with domestic violence, and that is a long-term solution on how we get to that, DeBerry said. But short term, what we can do as a court, is we can come together and work with the DAs Office to really make sure that we are moving the docket forward in order to clear these cases. Speedlin Gonzalez and Judge Melissa Vara, of County Court 5, said additional training on the complex dynamics of family violence is also needed for judges and prosecutors. These are complicated cases, Speedlin Gonzalez said. It wasnt that long ago that this type of behavior wasnt even a chargeable offense. Fast forward to today, weve learned that these offenses are actually complicated relationships, the judge said. If those courts are going to accept family violence cases, the judges will need additional training. eeaton@express-news.net Jurors in the capital murder trial of Otis McKane were shown video from police body cameras that captured a frantic scene as San Antonio police officers responded to a call that one of their own had been shot in front of police headquarters. I have an officer down at headquarters, screamed the audio from videos shown to Bexar County jurors on Thursday, the fourth day of testimony in the countys first capital murder trial involving a law enforcement officer in nearly six years. If convicted, McKane faces the death penalty. Benjamin Marconi, a 20-year-police veteran, was a detective in the special victims unit but was working an overtime patrol shift on Sunday, Nov. 20, 2016. He was shot at 11:38 a.m. as he sat in his patrol car outside Public Safety Headquarters, writing a traffic citation. Numerous witnesses recalled seeing a man driving a Mitsubishi Galant park behind a stopped squad car. They said the man ran in a crouched position toward the car with a gun and fired at Marconi. He drove away after crashing through traffic barriers in the parking lot of police headquarters. Marconi was shot twice in the head, once in the left cheek and once in the left rear side of his head, prosecutor Tamara Strauch said in her opening statement Monday. Defense attorneys Raymond Fuchs, Joel Perez and Daniel De La Garza did not provide an opening statement. At the time of McKanes arrest, he told officers he was frustrated with a child custody issue and lashed out at the first police officer he saw that day. Jurors first saw the video captured by the camera of SAPD Bike Patrol Officer Gustavo Segura. His labored breathing and the accelerated pace of his bike as he weaved between cars and dodged pedestrians from the 200 block of East Commerce toward headquarters at 315 South Santa Rosa appeared to captivate the courtroom. Billy Calzada /Staff photographer Once at headquarters, Segura raced to the squad car where he saw a policeman in uniform down on the ground with a bloody wrap around his head as several officers frantically attended to him. He described the scene to the jury as frantic, but controlled. The fact that it was one of our own, seeing a patrolman in uniform lying face down with blood all over his head, was very emotional, Segura said. Segura testified that those working on the officer did not know who he was, and several could be heard yelling, who is it? Prosecutors Strauch, Jessica Schulze and Mario Del Prado introduced Seguras video, as well as that of Officer Frances Ochoa. I got in my patrol car as fast as I could, Ochoa said. Ochoa could be heard saying Oh my God, oh my God, as she raced lights and sirens on to headquarters from Central Station on South Frio, about two miles away. She saw a wounded officer on the ground, she testified, her voice trembling. I didnt know who it was, but it was one of us. Ochoa, a 17-year veteran and a family assistance officer for law enforcement families, worked to find out the identity of the wounded officer. Once she saw his badge number, she ran to her patrol vehicles computer and waited for a picture to come up. What! Its Ben Marconi, she cried alone in her vehicle. I saw him the other day. Ochoa knew Marconi. She said they worked West Patrol together for about two years, and for some months in the Special Victims Unit where he was assigned while she was injured. She alerted officers at the scene to his identity. The courtroom was filled Thursday with members of the Marconi family and his SAPD family as well. At least a dozen police officers and Bexar County Sheriffs deputies sat in the gallery Thursday. Testimony resumes Friday morning before Judge Ron Rangel in the 379th District Court. The trial is expected to last about three weeks. ezavala@express-news.net | Twitter: @elizabeth2863 If eating tacos is your true calling, then McCormick & Company wants you to be their eyes and ears. McCormick is on the lookout for its first-ever "director of taco relations to help the Maryland-based spice and hot sauce maker develop innovative and delicious taco recipes. The company says its looking for anyone ready to take their love for this versatile dish to the next level. Yes, its a real job. The part-time gig pays $100,000 for four months of work starting in September. It also can be remote, meaning anyone over 21-years-old can apply. To apply, applicants need to submit a two-minute or less video touting their love of tacos and marketing and social media skills by Tuesday. Job duties include keeping tabs on taco trends to develop content for a Taco Tuesday series on the companys social media accounts to keep everyone taco-ing about tacos. The company also wants your content to highlight the latest taco trends to help fans master recipes at home and debate the ultimate controversial taco topic: soft or hard shell taco. As the company's director of taco relations, you will work with the McCormick brand team to develop recipes using McCormick's taco seasoning mix. You will also travel across the United States to visit famous taco restaurants and chefs as well as visit McCormick's global headquarters and kitchens. This position is open to all experience levels and while a previous taco-related job is not a prerequisite to apply, a deep appreciation for all things tacos is required. Applicants are encouraged to get creative in their submission video and highlight why they deserve the chance to be the first director of taco relations. Applicants should share their best taco tidbits, including but not limited to their go-to and unique taco recipes, taco-themed trivia and knowledge, and any additional experiences, qualifications and skill sets they want to provide. On ExpressNews.com: 2 new podcasts celebrate San Antonio greats Mi Tierra, Los Barrios, Burnt Bean in Seguin and more McCormick said the creation of this role stems from company research that found Americans eat roughly 4.5 billion tacos a year. "McCormicks Director of Taco Relations will ultimately honor and support the millions of Americans that rely on our taco seasoning every day while keeping McCormick at the forefront of the tacos of tomorrow," McCormick chief marketing officer Jill Pratt said in a press release. Timothy.Fanning@express-news.net The highlight of Day Four of the trial of accused cop-killer Otis McKane: bodycam video from two San Antonio police officers who raced toward Public Safety Headquarters after they heard an ominous alert on their radios: I have an officer down at headquarters. McKane, 36, is charged with fatally shooting Detective Benjamin Marconi, 50, a 20-year veteran of the police department, on the morning of Nov. 20, 2016. Marconi was working overtime on a Sunday and had just made a traffic stop. He was shot twice in the head while he sat in his patrol car, writing a citation. Here are five things you need to know from Thursdays testimony in McKanes capital murder trial: Do yall know who this guy was? What happened? SAPD Bike Patrol Officer Gustavo Segura asked several officers once he reached the scene of the slaying. Hed heard that a patrol officer had been shot dead while in his squad car which, tragically, turned out to be true. Segura wanted to know who the suspect was. I ran out and started telling everyone, because no one knew who he was, said Officer Frances Ochoa. Shed run the dead officers badge number through her computer to identify him. Once the picture came up, she saw it was Ben Marconi. I didnt detect a pulse, said Mark Bisset, a deputy sheriff from Colorado and an Army veteran who spent 10 years in special forces. He was visiting San Antonio that weekend and stopped to help out when he saw the commotion around Marconis squad car. We just tried to do everything we could to establish an airway, said SWAT Officer Francisco Ruiz, a tactical medic, describing efforts to revive Marconi. I saw blood dripping down, said SAPD Crime Scene Investigator Juan Enriquez. He took detailed photographs of the floor in the rear passenger area of Marconis car. It had pooled with his blood. Testimony resumes this morning before Judge Ron Rangel in Bexar Countys 379th District Court. If McKane is convicted, the jury will decide whether to sentence him to death. The South Side's only bookstore is again asking the community to help keep its business open. Kenneth and Melissa Johnson, a married couple who own Dead Tree Books, said they are looking for a smaller location and need book sales to increase soon. Their current location at 5645 S. Flores St. is too big and too expensive and will shut down by July 30, they said. "To survive, we must downsize, and we need your help," the book store tweeted Wednesday. Hundreds have shared the tweet and offered their support. The book store opened in 2016 and sells used books for a few dollars, but has struggled to make ends meet, the Johnsons said. "We haven't been making money for the last five years, and we need to change that," Kenneth Johnson said. Wednesday was not the first time the bookstore owners have turned to San Antonians for help. In 2019, they received overwhelming support when they announced they were about to close for good because they were having trouble paying their rent. The community's response gave them a lifeline. Now, the Johnsons are in need of help again. They are hoping to keep the bookstore open by moving into a place that is about 1,000-square feet, half the size of their current location. As of Thursday, they still have not found a place. "We prefer to stay on the South Side. This is our home, and where we'd like to remain," Melissa Johnson said. Historically, the South Side has struggled to keep a successful book store. In 1998, a campaign called "Books in the Barrio" was created to help raise awareness about the lack of bookstores in the area. The campaign turned into a grassroots organization that still exists today. In 2004, Waldenbooks opened a location in South Park Mall but closed in 2010 due to poor performance and downsizing by its parent company, Borders, according to an Express-News article. April Monterrosa, the editor-in-chief of Live from the Southside magazine, grew up in the area and was one of the organizers of the first free South Side Book Fair that took place in May. The fair included about 20 authors and dished out free books to underserved children through the The Scooby Van of San Antonio. "Children were just so excited to get free books," Monterrosa said. "The West Side and the South Side parents can't afford to be buying books because they can be expensive." Places like Dead Tree Books, however, offer literature for a fraction of the cost at a major chain. Still, Monterrosa said the area hasn't always seen the value book stores bring to a community, but is hopeful that mindset is changing. "The South Side culture, growing up, you really didn't see a lot of interest in reading and the arts," she said. "They dream bigger, they have goals, that's what a bookstore can do to (the children) in our community." Kin Man Hui /Staff photographer Smaller, family owned bookstores also have to contend with a shift toward digital formats. A Pew Research Center study said 65 percent of adults still prefer physical copies of books but audio and e-books continue to grow in popularity. The Johnsons are hoping those who enjoy the print version of books will help clear their shelves. Melissa Johnson said they need to get rid of lots of books in order to fit into a smaller location. "We definitely need books to leave the store in large quantities because we're already overstock," she said. "We already have too many books in this place." The quicker they sell the books, the faster the Johnsons will be able to open a new spot if they find something they can afford. "We're grateful for what the San Antonio community has given us throughout this whole endeavor," Kenneth Johnson said. "We hope to continue to serve the South Side." The store is open noon to 7 p.m. every day except for Tuesday, when they are closed. Their books are also sold on four online marketplaces. Malak.Silmi@express-news.net The presidency of George W. Bush may have been the high point of the modern Christian rights influence in America. White evangelicals were the largest religious faction in the country. They had a president who claimed to be one of their own, he had a testimony, talked in evangelical terms, said Robert P. Jones, chief executive of the Public Religion Research Institute and author of the 2016 book The End of White Christian America. Back then, much of the public sided with the religious right on gay marriage. In 2004, if you had said, Were the majority, we oppose gay rights, we oppose marriage equality, and the majority of Americans is with us, that would have been true, Jones told me. Youthful megachurches were thriving. It was common for conservatives to gloat that they were going to outbreed the left. Activists imagined a glorious future. Home-schoolers will be inordinately represented in the highest levels of leadership and power in the next generation, Ned Ryun, a former Bush speechwriter, said at a 2005 Christian home-schooling convention. Ryun was director of a group called Generation Joshua, which worked to get home-schooled kids into politics. The name came from the Old Testament. Moses led the chosen people out of exile, but it was Joshua who conquered the Holy Land. But the evangelicals who thought they would take over America were destined for disappointment. Thursday, PRRI released new polling data showing how much ground the religious right has lost. PRRIs 2020 Census of American Religion, based on a survey of nearly half a million people, shows a precipitous decline in the share of the population identifying as white evangelical, from 23 percent in 2006 to 14.5 percent last year. (As a category, white evangelicals isnt a perfect proxy for the religious right, but the overlap is substantial.) In 2020, as in every year since 2013, the largest religious group in the United States was the religiously unaffiliated. One of PRRIs most surprising findings was that in 2020, there were more white mainline Protestants than white evangelicals. This doesnt mean Christians are joining mainline congregations the survey measures self-identification, not church affiliation. It is, nevertheless, a striking turnabout. In addition to shrinking as a share of the population, white evangelicals were also the oldest religious group in the United States, with a median age of 56. Its not just that they are dying off, but it is that theyre losing younger members, Jones told me. As the group has become older and smaller, Jones said, a real visceral sense of loss of cultural dominance has set in. White evangelicals once saw themselves as the owners of mainstream American culture and morality and values. Now they are just another subculture. From this fact derives much of our countrys cultural conflict. It helps explain not just the rise of Donald Trump but also the growth of QAnon and even the escalating conflagration over critical race theory. Its hard to overstate the strength of this feeling, among white evangelicals in particular, of America being a white Christian country, said Jones. This sense of ownership of America just runs so deep in white evangelical circles. The feeling that its slipping away has created rage, resentment and paranoia. QAnon is essentially a millenarian movement, with Trump taking the place of Jesus. Adherents dream of the coming of what they call the storm, when the enemies of the MAGA movement will be rounded up and executed, and Trump restored to his rightful place of leadership. Its not unlike a belief in the second coming of Christ, Jones said. That at some point God will reorder society and set things right. I think that when a community feels itself in crisis, it does become more susceptible to conspiracy theories and other things that tell them that what theyre experiencing is not ultimately whats going to happen. The fight over critical race theory seems, on the surface, further from theological concerns. There are, obviously, plenty of people who arent evangelical who are anti-CRT, as well as evangelicals who oppose CRT bans. But the idea that public schools are corrupting children by leading them away from a providential understanding of American history has deep roots in white evangelical culture. And it was the Christian right that pioneered the tactic of trying to take over school boards in response to teachings seen as morally objectionable, whether that meant sex education, secular humanism or evolution. TONY CENICOLA /NYT Jones points out that last year, after Trump issued an executive order targeting critical race theory, the presidents of all six seminaries of the Southern Baptist Convention came together to declare CRT incompatible with the Baptist faith. Jones, whose latest book is White Too Long: The Legacy of White Supremacy in American Christianity, could recall no precedent for such a joint statement. As Jones notes, the Southern Baptist Convention was formed in 1845 after splitting with abolitionist Northern Baptists. He described it as a a denomination founded on the defense of slavery denouncing a critical read of history that might put a spotlight on that story. Then again, white evangelicals probably arent wrong to fear their children are getting away from them. As their numbers have shrunk and as theyve grown more at odds with younger Americans, said Jones, that has led to this bigger sense of being under attack, a kind of visceral defensive posture, that we saw President Trump really leveraging. I was frightened by the religious right in its triumphant phase. But it turns out that the movement is just as dangerous in decline. It didnt take long for the cocky optimism of Generation Joshua to give way to the nihilism of the Jan. 6 insurrectionists. If they cant own the country, theyre ready to defile it. It's not easy to run a hideous dictatorship and still have fans and defenders in fashionable quarters, but the Castro regime has managed it for decades. The mass, spontaneous protests that broke out all over the country last weekend are yet another sign that the Cuban government lacks legitimacy. In Cuba, it is the government versus the people, and lo, all these years, Castro's apologists have been with the government. They have romanticized Fidel Castro, the founder father of Cuba's junta. They have swallowed its propaganda. They have made excuses for it. They have looked away from its crimes. And they have blamed America for its manifest failures. If the protests continue in Cuba, there will be an existential struggle between people in the streets displaying American flags and chanting for freedom and an organized crime syndicate that rules by force and has long held the affection of American left. During his presidential primary campaign last year, Bernie Sanders wouldn't back off of his supportive statements about the Castro regime over the years yes, the government should be less authoritarian, but it has done so much good. Filmmaker Michael Moore made a popular movie extolling the Cuban health care system. Upon Fidel's death in 2016, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed his "deep sorrow" at the death of "Cuba's longest-serving president" (when a president jails his opponents, he can indeed stay in office a long time). Cuba's regime has long benefited from the romantic image of violent Latin American revolutionaries (Che Guevara is a ubiquitous progressive mascot), the fact that it is a left-wing, rather than right-wing dictatorship, and that it has always fed off anti-American sentiments. The rationalizations offered for the regime are tinny and misleading. We are supposed to believe that Cuba was sunk in medieval illiteracy until enlightened Communists came to power who cared above all about social progress and just happened to jail, torture and kill lots of people in the course of teaching kids to read. It's not true, though, that Cuba was markedly illiterate prior to the advent of the Castro dictatorship. In 1960, the literacy rate was about 80percent, high by the standards of the time. Nor is it correct that Castro had benevolent intentions with his literacy campaign; the point was to make it easier to stuff the Cuban people with Communist propaganda. It has proven entirely possible, by the way, for Latin American countries to achieve steep increases in literacy without running gulags. What about advances in health care and on other metrics? The economic historian Brad DeLong has noted that, in 1957, Cuba had lower infant mortality than many European countries, more doctors and nurses per capita than Britain or Finland, and as many vehicles per capita as Italy or Portugal. After decades of misrule, its per capita GDP ranks with Mongolia and Bhutan, according to CIA figures. This suggests, correctly, that Castro took over a country in pretty good shape and wrecked it, rather than the other way around. The government's failures are always blamed on the U.S. embargo, without which, supposedly, Cuba would be the one Marxist economy in the world able to deliver plenty to its people. Actually, shortages are endemic because of the inefficiencies inherent to command-and-control economies. The U.S. embargo is unilateral, and the Cuban government has long been expert at evading it. There is little keeping Cuba from trading with other advanced Western countries and buying their goods, if the artificially impoverished country could afford them (its characteristic way of doing business is to buy on credit and then never pay up). All of this has always been plain enough, but now even more so. There is a revolutionary movement afoot in Cuba, one that is courageous, inspiring and one hopes truly democratic. It is the ordinary people of Cuba attempting to vindicate their rights against the left's favorite dictatorship. In late August 1776, the British redcoats routed George Washingtons Continental Army in the Battle of Brooklyn, capturing, wounding and killing more than 2,000 American troops. Washington and his remaining soldiers were surrounded by the Brits with the East River to their backs. Had he continued to fight or surrendered, the American Revolution would have been over less than two months after the signing of the Declaration of Independence. But with amazing stealth, Washington led 9,000 troops across the river and into Manhattan. New York City would be under British control through the end of the war, but because of the retreat, Washington and his men lived to fight until independence was won. In Selma, on March 9, 1965, two days after Bloody Sunday in which marchers led by John Lewis and Hosea Williams were beaten by Alabama state troopers on the Edmund Pettus Bridge, Martin Luther King Jr. led a march to the foot of the bridge. Blocked by troopers, King knelt and led the 2,000 marchers in prayer before turning around. King was derided as a coward, but there was an injunction against the march and had he violated it, had he not retreated, King would have endangered lives and the cause for voting rights. Less than two weeks later, King led the five-day march to Montgomery, which would culminate Aug.6 with President Lyndon B. Johnsons signing of the Voting Rights Act. The Selma campaign in 1965 was a continuation and culmination of what began with the American Revolution in 1776. Two brilliant tacticians Washington and King understood that sometimes you must retreat to keep fighting. Its something understood by the more than 50 Texas House Democrats who last week retreated from their posts in Austin to prevent Texas from becoming the 18th state this year in which a Republican-led statehouse passed suppressive voting bill, which experts say disproportionately hurts Black and Latino voters. Like their walkout in May, which kept the legislation from passing during the regular session, this walkout only delays the inevitable. They dont have the numbers to defeat the measures, and while they may be able to run out the clock in this special session, Gov. Greg Abbott can continue calling 30-day special sessions until the Democrats must return. By denying a quorum in which the House can conduct business, they used the only remaining weapon in their arsenal. Most important, they went to Washington to pressure President Joe Biden and Democratic senators, saying the multistate assault on voting rights can only be stopped by passage of the For the People Act, a sweeping federal elections bill, and the John Lewis Voting Rights Act, a critical section of the Voting Rights Act gutted by the U.S. Supreme Courts Shelby County v. Holder decision in 2013. But their passage is impossible if the filibuster exists because it requires 60 votes for passage of a bill instead of a simple majority. Bidens impassioned speech July 13 on voting rights may have been the best of his young presidency, but he didnt lay out how he and the Democratic majorities will protect those voting rights. He never mentioned filibuster. Still, the Texas House Democrats may make this work. By dramatically seizing the national stage on voting rights and relentlessly lobbying Democratic senators such as Joe Manchin of West Virginia, they may yet shame them into carvinh out an exception to the filibuster when it comes to voting rights, an idea to which Manchin is open. Protecting democracy and stopping a Big Lie-fueled encroachment on voting rights should be a bipartisan mission. But its not. In retreating to Washington and prolonging the fight to preserve what we thought was won and secured in Selma, Texas House Democrats are continuing the march across that bridge. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, whose move to cancel a discussion of the book Forget the Alamo at the state history museum last month drew national attention and possibly made it a bestseller, now wants a panel of experts to debate the historical bona fides of the work. Patrick announced Thursday that he had asked the University of Texas to host an expert panel to debate Forget the Alamo: The Rise and Fall of an American Myth, a book he's frequently disparaged since its release last month. It is time that these writers are asked tough questions by serious historians about their research and thesis, Patrick said in a statement. I have asked the University of Texas if they would host a panel with the Forget the Alamo authors alongside history experts to explore the scholarship of this book, debate the facts and get to the truth. One of the authors, Houston Chronicle business columnist Chris Tomlinson, said Patrick is the only one who would get schooled. Hes clearly not read the book, otherwise he would know the states top historians are already in the book, Tomlinson said of Patrick, a Republican. I think hes being called out for promising to defend freedom of speech in his emails, then canceling our event hours later. I think hes feeling pressure from the ACLU and our letter demanding that they reinstate our event. Patricks spokesman did not respond to a request for comment Thursday. The event suggestion comes just weeks after Patrick acknowledged directing the Bullock Texas State History Museum on a few hours notice to call off a virtual book talk with Tomlinson and one of his co-authors, Bryan Burrough. Jason Stanford is the third co-author. As a member of the Preservation Board, I told staff to cancel this event as soon as I found out about it, Patrick tweeted a day after the event was scratched. Patrick said that this fact-free rewriting of TX history has no place @BullockMuseum. BACKGROUND: Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick admits he told state museum to cancel 'Forget the Alamo' book event The book challenges the common narrative about the Battle of the Alamo that 180 Texan rebels died defending the state in its war for independence from Mexico and makes the case that its less-often-discussed cause was also a desire to preserve slavery. If Patricks goal was to discourage readership of the book, the opposite has occurred. The book has shot up to No. 10 on the New York Times Non-Fiction Bestseller list since the Patrick debacle. Prior to the flap, the book hadnt yet surfaced on the list at all, Tomlinson said. The ACLU in a letter sent Wednesday to Bullock director Margaret Koch and the Texas State Preservation Board, on which Patrick sits, likened the silencing of the authors to censorship imposed by repressive regimes. ALSO READ: Phil Collins' $15 million collection of Alamo artifacts is flashy, but how much of it is real? The cancellation of this event not only strikes at the very heart of the Museums mission, but also violates core constitutional principles, the letter states. Simply put, the government cannot suppress peoples speech based on their viewpoint. In cancelling this event, the Bullock Museum has done just that. Critics have noted that Patricks intervention came as he has pushed a social media censorship bill in the Texas Legislature. Though Patrick said the university has agreed to host such an event in the coming weeks, Tomlinson said he and his co-authors have not received an invitation. Spokespersons for the university did not immediately respond to a request for comment. As long as a UT panel is not some kind of kangaroo court, well be happy to participate in that event, in addition to a do-over at Bullock, Tomlinson said. I want the museum event restored as planned, he said. That was a violation of my rights, and nothing else is going to make up for it. taylor.goldenstein@chron.com Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush did not play a role in the process that left Houston and Harris County without any federal aid for flood mitigation projects, according to a top disaster official with the General Land Office who defended the agencys scoring criteria during testimony to a congressional committee Thursday. Bush, who is challenging incumbent Attorney General Ken Paxton in the upcoming Republican Party primary, has received bipartisan backlash over the GLOs allocation of $1 billion in flood project funds tied to Hurricane Harvey, none of which went to the 14 projects sought by the city or county. Bush since has announced that he will ask the U.S. Housing and Urban Development Department to direct $750 million to the county. For the record, the Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush was by design recused from the scoring committee and the scoring process, Heather Lagrone, the GLOs deputy director of community development and revitalization, told members of a House Financial Services subcommittee. The commissioner was informed of the competition result only after the projects had been through eligibility review and scored in accordance with the federally approved action plan. U.S. Rep. Al Green, a Houston Democrat who chairs the subcommittee, accused the GLO of using a rigged formula to distribute the relief money, defining the process as the hijacking of a federal mitigation appropriations process. I think that the time has come for a course correction, Green said. The $1 billion in relief is part of a $4.3 billion package Congress awarded to Texas in early 2018 to pay for projects aimed at tempering the effect of future storms. Because there were not enough funds to cover every project sought in the 49 eligible Texas counties, the GLO held a competition and developed scoring criteria to find the best applicants. Lagrone defended the agencys scoring criteria, including a metric that measured the percentage of an applicant city or countys population that would be aided by a proposed project. Officials from Harris County, which has more than 20 watersheds and a population of more than 4.5 million, have argued they had little chance to score competitively under that category even when a proposed project would have served more than 500,000 residents. One would think that when you have a higher population to serve, that that denominator would be a bigger number, Lagrone said. We thought by putting together a formula that allocated funds based on population served, we were accounting for the larger population areas. Local officials also have criticized a metric that considered the per capita property value of the entire applicant, not just the area that would be affected by the project, meaning Houstons more expensive neighborhoods counted against projects proposed in low-income communities such as Sunnyside and Fifth Ward. Lagrone said HUD officials made clear to the Land Office that they could not consider damage previously suffered by an applicant city or county in awarding the funds, meaning Harveys toll on Houston could not be used as a metric. Under questioning from U.S. Rep. Tom Emmer, a Minnesota Republican and ranking member of the subcommittee, Lagrone also cited the slow pace of the citys housing recovery program, which the GLO has said was a factor in the scores received by city flood control projects. However, the federal rules that govern the use of the aid which also apply to a number of other states did not require the GLO to adopt the metrics that penalized urban areas, none of which were replicated in other states. While coastal communities bore the brunt of Harvey, the GLO disproportionately sent the $1 billion in aid to inland counties that suffered less damage and, by the states own measure, are at a lower risk of natural disasters, a Houston Chronicle investigation found last month. Houston Public Works Director Carol Haddock noted during the committee hearing that the GLO declined to award a penny in mitigation funds to Aransas and Nueces counties, where Harvey made landfall, nor to Jefferson County, which saw the heaviest rainfall during the storm, nor to Houston and Harris County, which saw the most damage from the storm. The Texas General Land Offices process for allocating granted zero dollars to all of these localities, and it was only after bipartisan political pressure that the GLO retroactively requested $750 million for Harris County, Haddock said. Mayor Sylvester Turner did not appear before the committee, though he submitted written testimony bashing the GLO. This clown car must be stopped, Turner wrote. Rather than rectifying this nonsensical result, the GLO has doubled down and is actively misleading the public regarding their flawed process. In January 2020, city officials sent the GLO a letter warning that the proposed metrics for scoring flood project applications would effectively penalize urban areas for having large populations. Haddock said the GLO stuck with those metrics even after input and warnings from multiple communities and their leaders. Bush, in announcing the $750 million request for Harris County, blamed the situation on red tape requirements and complex regulations that he described as a hallmark of President Joe Bidens administration. He blamed the delay in distributing Harvey funds on the Housing and Urban Development Department, which did not publish rules regulating the use of the money until two years after Harvey all of which happened under the administration of former President Donald Trump. During the hearing Thursday, Green read part of Bushs statement aloud before asking Lagrone, Isnt it true that the Biden administration was not in place when you initially worked on your action plan? That is correct, Lagrone responded. In his written testimony, Turner questioned how the GLO arrived at the $750 million figure, none of which is going to the city. Under what basis, guideline or criteria did the GLO decide to direct $750 million to Harris County? The GLO is transparently attempting to salvage their willful display of incompetence by randomly awarding an arbitrary figure to Harris County, while setting the city of Houston completely adrift. jasper.scherer@chron.com A rally organized by Texas faith leaders on Thursday drew more than 500 people to Austin to protest state Republicans proposed voting bills and commend House Democrats for decamping to Washington, D.C., to avoid a vote. The fate of the bills is in limbo as the 57 caucus members say theyre committed to staying away as long as it takes, and Gov. Greg Abbott has vowed to call consecutive special sessions until they return. The sweeping legislation touches on many areas of election law and would eliminate drive-thru and 24-hour voting; ban mailing of unsolicited mail ballot applications; expand the access of partisan poll watchers; create new ID requirements for mail ballots; and add new requirements for assistants of voters with disabilities, among other provisions. Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and the bill authors have said the legislation is necessary to ensure election integrity. As the hot summer sun beat down, the south grounds of the Texas Capitol were transformed into a preachers pulpit, as myriad well-known religious leaders and activists took to a microphone, surrounded by a tightly packed crowd. Their speeches punctuated by call-and-response affirmations common to Black churches: Thats all right! Yes sir! rally-goers would cry out. Guest featured speaker the Rev. William J. Barber II, a North Carolina pastor who helped start the Moral Mondays national protest and the Martin Luther King Jr.-inspired Poor People's Campaign, referred to a Scripture: Isaiah 10. Woe unto those who legislate evil and rob the poor of their rights and make women and children prey, Barber II said. There is a robbery going on in Texas and 40 other states and in the United States Congress. Barber emphasized that the bills would not only affect Black Texans but all Texans, especially the poor. Rallygoers pointed to limitations on voting hours proposed in the bill that would make it harder for workers with night shifts to find a time to vote. Now way back yonder, the first moves to keep people from voting (were) targeted at white people, to keep them from uniting with the cause of abolition, he said. We got to look at this through the lens of race and class. Because James Crow, Esquire, isnt just interested in robbing Black folk. James Crow, Esquire, wants to rob anybody and anybodys voice who will stand up for whats right. Prior to speeches, attendees of the Prayer and Justice day marched around the Capitol, praying for Texas in the buildings rotunda and visiting lawmakers offices. One church alone, Friendship West Baptist Church in Dallas, reportedly sent five buses full of people to Austin. Jane Hamilton, one of the organizers of the event and co-founder of the Barbara Jordan Leadership Institute, a nonpartisan nonprofit focused on fostering and recruiting Black women leaders, said the groups involved in planning the rally had three main messages they wanted to get across. Like the escaped Texas Democrats, they want to see Congress pass the For the People Act, a sweeping federal elections bill, and the John Lewis Voting Rights Act, which would re-establish a practice known as pre-clearance that required some states to get approval from the U.S. Department of Justice to enact new voting rules. The Supreme Court ended that practice, which targeted Texas and other Southern states with a history of discrimination, in a ruling in 2013. Thirdly, they want to see an end to the filibuster in the U.S. Senate so the bills could pass with a simple majority vote. We are really motivating the base and helping them amplify their voices, Hamilton said. Were all asking for the same thing, and we live in all different parts of Texas, but we are united as African Americans across this state. We are joining our Texas Democratic Leadership and asking Congress to act today. Stephanie L. Harris, who came equipped for the weather with portable mini-fans worn on a neck band, sat at the edge of the crowd in a folding chair and held a neon yellow sign. Shed written on it: 61 years old, and still going through this? #voting. Harris and a couple of friends drove in from Houston that morning. When they (Texas House Democrats) left the second time, I thought, I have got to go to Austin to support this, she said. If you have a drivers license, youre driving. If you have a voter registration card, you should be able to vote. The restrictions on hours particularly concerned her for elderly Texans like her parents. What if the only time shes able to take them to vote ends up being at a time when early voting hours are restricted by the bill, she worried . The bill also prevents local officials from sending out mail ballot application forms if they are not requested; the method is extremely popular with the 65 and over population that is within the small group of Texans permitted to do so. Karen Sterling drove in from Bastrop, about 30 miles southeast of Austin, early on Thursday morning to fight for what she called our civil rights movement of today. She held a handmade sign reading, If voting wasnt important, they wouldnt be trying to stop us! This is an absolutely existential right that we cannot lose, she said. It took 100 years to get this right: blood, sweat, tears, people lost their lives, were beaten half to death, and now were clawing it back. For no reason. Sterling and others said they also came to show Democrats who went to D.C. that they were thankful for their actions. I wish the Democrats in D.C. had one quarter of the commitment, Sterling said. While the flight of Texas Democrats to Washington, D.C., has left the House at a standstill, the GOP-led Senate has been charging ahead with conservative priorities this week. In the four days since House Democrats broke quorum over a controversial voting bill, the Senate has passed legislation to expand the use of cash bail, target social media companies that block users for their political views, and bar transgender student-athletes from competing on sports teams aligning with their gender identity. And theyve also advanced legislation that has clear bipartisan support, including additional pay for retired teachers. Republican Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, the head of the Senate, has sent a flurry of news releases after the passage of each bill, each containing identical language: Final passage of this bill into law will require House Democrats who have fled the state to return to Texas for a quorum. If they do not, this bill will die, but the Senate will pass (it) over and over until the House finally has a quorum. Patricks pledge reflects the dueling messages playing out during the standoff, with House Democrats depicting their walkout as a principled stand for voting rights and Republicans suggesting theyre failing to conduct the peoples business. A handful of Democrats in the upper chamber also headed to the nations capital this week, but four stayed behind, giving the Senate the numbers they needed to move forward with the special session agenda. They left in protest of the elections bill, which would restrict some voting methods and polling hours across the state. The Senate passed it along party lines on Tuesday. Senate committees have also been busy, taking up bills to enact more abortion restrictions and restore the legislative funding that Gov. Greg Abbott vetoed following the House Democrats May walkout over a similar elections bill. On Thursday, senators heard hours of testimony on a measure that would further limit the way teachers can discuss systemic racism in the classroom. A similar version of the bill passed during the regular session, but Democrats had tacked on requirements to teach certain writings by women and people of color. Senate Republicans objected to those additions, and the latest version would eliminate those mandates. As senators prepared to leave on Wednesday, Patrick said the chamber had passed all but two of Abbotts special session agenda items. Lawmakers will pass another on Friday and the final one next week, he said. The Senate will have done its work in three and a half days, and I thank all 22 members who have been here, Patrick said. He has since called for a change in quorum requirements in the state Legislature, advocating for a simple majority plus one instead of the two-thirds requirement laid out in the Texas Constitution. That would allow Republicans to bypass future quorum breaks by Democrats. Patrick has previously altered rules in his own chamber to ensure the GOP can advance its priorities. After Republicans lost their supermajority in the Senate last fall, Patrick lowered the threshold to bring legislation to the floor to 18 members the new number of seats held by GOP lawmakers. Beyond the public debate over the conservative priority bills passed by the Senate so far, another fight has been brewing over more bipartisan measures. The exodus of House Democrats doesnt only kill the voting legislation it also jeopardizes bills with broad support, including a bill to give retired teachers an extra paycheck and another to require that middle and high school students learn about dating violence prevention. Both bills were considered during the regular session, but the extra funding for teachers died in April in the GOP-controlled calendars committee. And Abbott vetoed the dating violence prevention measure, objecting to the fact that it did not allow parents to opt their children out of those lessons if they desired. Republicans have hammered Democrats for tanking those measures and others including the restoration of funding for the legislators and more than 2,100 staffers for the two year budget starting Sept. 1. The legislation has been approved by a Senate committee and is eligible for a floor vote. It is unconscionable that Texas Democrats have chosen to abandon their constitutional duty to represent their constituents in favor of an all-expenses-paid vacation to Washington, state Rep. Jim Murphy, R-Houston and chair of the House Republican Caucus, said in a statement Wednesday. We have a unique opportunity to provide teachers with a much-needed pay boost, but House Democrats are nowhere to be found. The bipartisan measures have largely led Republicans public messaging about the walkout. Gov. Greg Abbott launched a Missing Democrats campaign on Thursday, promising to place ads in competitive House districts railing the lawmakers for their exit. Instead of staying in Texas and representing their constituents during the special session, Texas Democrats have fled from property tax relief, funding to support law enforcement, funding for children in foster care, and funding for retired teachers, Abbott said in a release, declining to mention the elections and bail reform bills that prompted his call for a special session. Democrats have pushed back on that narrative, accusing their colleagues of only embracing agreeable legislation, including the 13th check for retired teachers, to distract from an elections bill that they believe is aimed at suppressing the vote. Democrats have long supported this bipartisan measure, but Gov. Abbott did not consider this a priority item during the regular session that ended in May, state Rep. Rafael Anchia, D-Dallas, said in a press release. Instead, they prioritized hyper-partisan legislation while the 13th check and cost-of-living adjustment died a slow death. cayla.harris@express-news.net Sterling, VA (20165) Today Sun and clouds mixed. High 89F. Winds light and variable.. Tonight Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 63F. Winds light and variable. Sterling, VA (20165) Today Partly cloudy. High 89F. Winds light and variable.. Tonight Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 63F. Winds light and variable. FCPS students fight for more womens history to be taught in schools ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo is expected to be interviewed Saturday as the state attorney general's office winds down its investigation into sexual harassment and misconduct allegations that upended his national reputation and threatened his hold on power as he gears up to run for a fourth term next year. The timing of the interview in Albany, the states capital, was confirmed Thursday to The Associated Press by two people familiar with the investigation. They were not authorized to speak publicly about the case and did so on condition of anonymity. Investigators were always expected to speak with Cuomo, who said at the start of the probe in March that he would fully cooperate." Cuomo is also facing an impeachment inquiry in the state assembly. Saturday's interview signals that investigators are nearly done with their work, which has included interviews with the governor's accusers, though they may need some time to tie up loose ends before a report is issued. Several women have accused Cuomo, a Democrat, of unwanted kisses, touches and groping and inappropriate sexual remarks. Cuomo initially apologized and said that he learned an important lesson about his behavior around women, though he's since denied that he did anything wrong and questioned the motivations of accusers and fellow Democrats whove called for his resignation. Cuomo, in office since 2011, has rebuffed calls to step aside over the allegations. Cuomos popularity has dipped this year: about 62% of voters said Cuomo should resign or not seek re-election in a late June poll by Siena College. Still, supporters point out that 61% of Democrats in that poll said they have a favorable opinion of him. A message seeking comment was left with Cuomo's lawyer, Rita Glavin. A Cuomo spokesperson said Thursday he had no comment. The state attorney general's office declined comment. We have said repeatedly that the governor doesnt want to comment on this review until he has cooperated, but the continued leaks are more evidence of the transparent political motivation of the attorney generals review," Cuomo senior advisor Richard Azzopardi said. The scheduled interview with Cuomo was reported first by The New York Times. Former aide Lindsey Boylan accuses Cuomo of having harassed her throughout her employment and said he once suggested a game of strip poker aboard his state-owned jet. Another former aide, Charlotte Bennett, said Cuomo once asked her if she ever had sex with older men. Bennett's lawyer, Debra Katz, said Bennett met via Zoom for more than four hours with investigators and also provided them with 120 pages of records to corroborate her accusations. A message seeking comment was left with Katz and lawyers for Boylan and another Cuomo accuser, aide Alyssa McGrath. The investigation into the allegations against Cuomo is being overseen by the state's independently elected attorney general, Letitia James, who named former federal prosecutor Joon Kim and employment discrimination attorney Anne Clark to conduct the probe and document its findings in a public report. Azzopardis statement Thursday was at least the second time that Cuomos top spokesperson has claimed James, also a Democrat, and her probe were politically motivated. Azzopardi didn't provide evidence Thursday that the attorney general had leaked information. In April, Azzopardi blasted James for confirming her office was also investigating whether Cuomo broke the law by having staff help write and promote his recent memoir, American Crisis: Leadership Lessons From the Covid-19 Pandemic." Both the comptroller and the attorney general have spoken to people about running for governor and it is unethical to wield criminal referral authority to further political self-interest, Azzopardi said at the time. Some of Cuomos top allies in the state Legislature have called on the public to await the results of James investigation and not to undermine her integrity. Sen. Gustavo Rivera, a Bronx Democrat, said he trusts the independent investigators selected by James, and said their credibility and professionalism cant be questioned. There was a sense from people early on that because the governor was so instrumental in helping her become AG that she would then become responsive to his political needs, Rivera, Senate health committee chair, said. Now shes proven over and over again that shes responsible to the people of the state of New York. Manhattan Assemblymember Richard Gottfried, Democrat and Assembly health committee chair, agreed: Tish James is not going to let anyone undermine her." Sen. John Liu, majority assistant whip, called Azzopardis statement the typical Cuomo playbook. Obviously, Cuomos trying to undermine the AG, Liu said. Those kinds of comments, trying to run interference, trying to deflect, trying to implicate, at least politically my read of it is that folks in the governors circle including the governor are at least nervous and at most running terrified, said Liu, a Queens Democrat who, like Gottfried and Rivera, has called on Cuomo to resign. This years legislative session has concluded, but lawmakers could return later in the summer or fall if the probe winds up. I think Tish James is being as thorough as she can, knowing that no matter what she will be accused of politics," Liu said. The state Assembly's judiciary committee has launched its own probe into whether there are grounds to impeach the governor on issues from sexual misconduct to his administration's reporting of COVID-19 deaths among nursing homer residents. Its also unclear when the Assembly investigation will wrap up, but its likely it'll be after James' investigation concludes. Boylan has said she only wants to speak with investigators in the attorney general's probe. Liu said the AGs report and recommendations will "carry a great deal of weight with lawmakers. ___ Balsamo reported from Washington, D.C. Sisak reported from Port St. Lucie, Florida. IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) Two childhood friends named by defense lawyers as alternate suspects in the killing of University of Iowa student Mollie Tibbetts said Friday they had nothing to do with the crime. Lawyers for Cristhian Bahena Rivera, the man convicted of killing Tibbetts, named Gavin Jones and Dalton Hansen as perhaps responsible for Tibbetts 2018 stabbing death in court filings this week. They made that assertion after inmate Arne Maki came forward in May to say Jones told him that Jones and Hansen killed Tibbetts after she was kidnapped and briefly held at a home used for sex trafficking. Jones ex-girlfriend came forward independently the same day to say that Jones, 21, also told her that he killed Tibbetts. A prosecutor said in court Thursday that theres zero evidence to substantiate Jones alleged confessions and that there should be no doubt Bahena Rivera killed Tibbetts. Reached by phone separately Friday by The Associated Press, Jones and Hansen said they had no involvement in Tibbetts disappearance from her hometown of Brooklyn, about 50 miles (80 kilometers) west of Iowa City, or her violent death. They said they hadnt spoken with investigators but were eager to do so in order to clear their names. The cops havent talked to me. No one has talked to me. You are the first person that has called me, said Jones, of Oskaloosa. I wasnt involved in anything. I have alibis and everything. I am just waiting for someone to come talk to me. He ended the interview without answering whether he had made prior statements about Tibbetts' death. The 24-year-old Hansen, of Sigourney, said allegations that he was involved in Tibbetts death are crazy" and starting to spread online. I have no clue why my name even got brought up with this, Hansen said. Jurors convicted Bahena Rivera in May after a two-week trial during which prosecutors argued that the 27-year-old farmhand stalked and approached Tibbetts while she was out for an evening run. They said he killed her after she threatened to call police and dumped her body in a cornfield. Bahena Rivera claimed in his courtroom testimony that two masked men broke into his trailer and forced him to drive them around at gunpoint. He said they came upon Tibbetts, and that one of them stabbed her to death and loaded her body in his car's trunk before instructing him to dispose of it. Maki and Jones' ex-girlfriend came forward later that day to tell authorities about Jones' alleged confessions, which Maki thought were bluster until hearing Bahena Rivera's testimony. The defense argues that their testimony could have changed the guilty verdict, and Judge Joel Yates agreed to delay Bahena Rivera's sentencing while he considers whether to order a new trial. Yates on Friday denied the defense's request to order prosecutors to turn over information about prior sex trafficking investigations in the area, saying that would be nothing more than a fishing expedition. Hansen said he and Jones grew up together in the small town of Sigourney and were friends off and on until about two years ago. He said that like Jones, he was housed at the Keokuk County jail at the same time as Maki but didnt know him well. Hansen and Jones both said that they'd never heard of a 50-year-old man who defense lawyers have suggested may have also been involved in the case. Bahena Rivera attorney Chad Frese said he wasn't surprised by the denials and noted that Jones and Hansen have criminal records involving other violent crimes. They aren't going to stand up and say they did it, he said. A roundup of some of the most popular but completely untrue stories and visuals of the week. None of these are legit, even though they were shared widely on social media. The Associated Press checked them out. Here are the facts: ___ DNC anti-misinformation push doesnt involve reading private texts CLAIM: The Democratic National Committee is working with the Biden administration to monitor private citizens SMS communications in a move to crack down on anti-vaccine text messages. THE FACTS: The DNC has no ability to access or read peoples private text messages and is not working with any government agency (including the White House) to try to see personal text messages, according to Lucas Acosta, a senior spokesperson for the committee. Conservative lawmakers and social media users this week advanced the false claim that the DNC and other Biden allies were planning to spy on personal text messages in order to identify and dispel vaccine misinformation. So now the Biden Administration wants to get into peoples text messages to force vaccine compliance and who knows what else, Missouri Republican Sen. Josh Hawley tweeted. Arizona Republican Rep. Paul Gosar also picked up the false claim, tweeting, The Biden Administration in partnership with the DNC, plans to monitor the private text messages of American citizens who question experimental, mRNA, emergency authorized, non-FDA approved vaccines. The false claim evolved online after Politico reported on Monday that the DNC and other Biden allies were planning to engage fact-checkers more aggressively and work with SMS carriers to dispel misinformation about vaccines. Social media users and conservative websites interpreted Politicos report to mean the DNC would monitor private text messages in order to crack down on misinformation, but one of the reporters of the piece, Politico White House Correspondent Natasha Korecki, clarified on Twitter that this wasnt true. No, Korecki tweeted Monday in response to a question about whether the government would be reading personal texts. Outside groups are attempting to flag to SMS carriers false information campaigns that are driving misinformation on vaccines. Acosta explained to The Associated Press that the DNC isnt infiltrating personal texts, nor is it working with mobile phone carriers like Verizon or T-Mobile to dispel misinformation. Instead, Acosta said, the DNC is simply notifying SMS aggregator companies, like Twilio and Bandwidth, when it believes a political mass text is fraudulent or violates the companys messaging policies. The only texts reviewed are those distributed en masse to American citizens through broadcast text platforms and reported to the DNC. The White House declined to comment on the record. Associated Press writer Ali Swenson in Seattle contributed this report. ___ Online reports mislead on vaccination door-knocking efforts CLAIM: President Joe Bidens administration introduced a door-to-door campaign to offer COVID-19 vaccines as a way to confiscate guns or Bibles. THE FACTS: False information is circulating on social media around the Biden administration's plan to drive up COVID-19 vaccination rates with a door-to-door campaign. Despite the delta variant of the coronavirus surging, only 48% of the U.S. population is fully vaccinated and many parts of the country are lagging behind. 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 who need to be vaccinated, Biden said on July 6. Some posts online falsely claim the campaign would force vaccines on people while others suggest the Biden administrations initiative has a hidden agenda that will lead to guns or Bibles being confiscated. The Biden Administration wants to knock on your door to see if youre vaccinated, Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan tweeted. Whats next? Knocking on your door to see if you own a gun? North Carolina Rep. Madison Cawthorn echoed such claims during the Conservative Political Action Conference last week. Think about the mechanisms they would have to build to be able to actually execute that massive of a thing, Cawthorn said. "They could then go door to door and take your guns. They could go door to door and take your Bibles. But the vaccine campaign does not involve federal workers, it relies on local officials, private sector workers and volunteers to go into areas where there are lower vaccination rates and provide information on where to access the vaccine. Furthermore, federal law prohibits creating a national gun registry. White House press secretary Jen Psaki countered some of the false claims in a press conference on July 9. This is grassroots volunteers, this is members of the clergy, these are volunteers who believe that people across the country, especially in low-vaccinated areas, should have accurate information, should have information about where they can get vaccinated, where they can save their own lives and their neighbors lives and their family members lives, Psaki said. An example of this approach is playing out in North Carolina. We are employing numerous outreach strategies including door knocking across the state to ensure that people have the information that they need about vaccinations and can easily and conveniently get vaccinated, Bailey Pennington, a spokesperson with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, told The Associated Press in an email. The grassroots component of the U.S. vaccination campaign has been in operation since April and was funded by Congress in the $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill passed in March, the AP reported. ___ Knocking on doors to promote vaccines doesnt violate health privacy law CLAIM: President Joe Bidens initiative for a door-to-door campaign to encourage vaccination for COVID-19 is a violation of the federal law that restricts the release of medical information. THE FACTS: Biden pitched a door-knocking campaign as a way to get vaccine information and assistance to more people, not probe Americans about whether they have been vaccinated. But even if officials or volunteers did ask people that question, it wouldnt be a violation of federal health privacy laws, according to experts. Nevertheless, social media users and political candidates have spread false claims that the campaign infringes on the federal health privacy law known as HIPAA. How about the government stay the heck out of our business!? Texas Republican congressional candidate Monica De La Cruz-Hernandez wrote in a Facebook post. What ever happened to PRIVATE health decisions? Seems like giving these door knockers our vaccination status would a HIPPA violation. Another Facebook user wrote, Coming to my door to seek personal medical info is a violation of HIPAA laws & my constitutional rights." In fact, HIPAA doesnt block anyone from asking another person about their health status, according to Alan Meisel, law professor and bioethics expert at the University of Pittsburgh. What it does is prohibit certain health care entities from revealing certain health information about patients, Meisel told the AP in an email. If someone does come to your door to encourage you to get the COVID-19 vaccine, you have no obligation to tell them whether you have been vaccinated, said Kayte Spector-Bagdady, lawyer and associate director for the Center for Bioethics and Social Science in Medicine at the University of Michigan Medical School. HIPAA does not apply to public health outreach volunteers, and it doesnt apply to information you offer to tell, Spector-Bagdady said in an email to the AP. If you are uncomfortable, just dont open the door - or do and just get some information without giving any in return! Ali Swenson ___ Pennsylvania did not initiate an election audit CLAIM: Pennsylvania initiated a full audit of the rigged November 2020 election. THE FACTS: The state of Pennsylvania did not initiate an election audit. Last Wednesday, Pennsylvania state Sen. Doug Mastriano said he was launching a forensic investigation and issued letters to officials in three counties, requesting sweeping elections-related information. The letters threatened counties with subpoenas if they dont respond affirmatively by Julys end, according to reporting by The Associated Press. In the wake of Mastrianos request, social media users took to Facebook and spread misinformation about the source and nature of the request, and about the integrity of Pennsylvanias 2020 presidential elections. One popular social media post said, Pennsylvania initiated a FULL audit of the RIGGED election. But the state did not initiate an audit. The state has not initiated anything, said Wanda Murren, communications director at the Pennsylvania Department of State, which oversees the states election process. There is also no evidence that the election was improperly administered or poorly managed. Critics say an election audit is duplicative, given the legal requirements for each county and the state to review election results for accuracy and investigate any discrepancies. Pennsylvania counties, despite a convergence of difficult circumstances, ran a free, fair and accurate election in 2020, Murren said in a prepared statement last Wednesday. The majority of Pennsylvanians and Americans are satisfied with that truth. Associated Press writer Terrence Fraser in New York contributed this report. ___ Posts understate infrastructure funding in American Jobs Plan CLAIM: Less than 5 cents of every dollar of the $4 trillion infrastructure bill actually goes to infrastructure. THE FACTS: While infrastructure can be defined in numerous ways, the claim that Bidens initial plan is made up of less than 5% true infrastructure funding is decidedly false. The amount of real infrastructure funding in Bidens $2.3 trillion American Jobs Plan has been a topic of political debate for months, with Republicans criticizing the presidents pitch as a Trojan horse for Democratic policies and tax hikes. A conservative-backed nonprofit resurrected the criticism on Facebook this week, falsely claiming in a widely shared video that less than 5 cents of every dollar of the $4 trillion infrastructure bill actually goes to infrastructure. First, it should be noted that Bidens $4 trillion plan is actually made up of two distinct bill proposals: the American Jobs Plan and the American Families Plan. The former is a $2.3 trillion package for hard infrastructure items, while the latter is a companion bill of roughly equal size for soft infrastructure items like investments in child care, family tax credits and other domestic programs. Whether or not you count the companion bill as part of Bidens so-called infrastructure plan, items widely agreed upon to count as infrastructure make up more than 5% of the total, according to Marc Goldwein, senior vice president of the nonpartisan Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget. Goldwein said looking at just the American Jobs Plan, somewhere between a third and two-thirds of the proposal consists of projects squarely in the infrastructure category, such as repairing roads and bridges, replacing water pipes, enhancing the electrical grid, investing in airports and improving coastal ports. Looking at the entire $4 trillion proposal, Goldwein said, infrastructure items would still make up at least one-fifth of the total. Its not just roads and waterways, Goldwein said. But these are things that we think are pretty indisputably infrastructure. Critics of the proposal may have come up with a 5% figure by only including improvements on roads and bridges in their definition of infrastructure, according to Garrett Watson, a senior policy analyst at the Tax Foundation. Only about $154 billion in the American Jobs Plan went to those items, he said. Indeed, a caption on the video shared widely on Facebook this week accurately stated that less than a nickel on every dollar in Bidens set of proposals totaling $4 trillion would go towards filling potholes or repairing bridges. However, Goldwein said, items like broadband, water systems and other transportation infrastructure are widely considered infrastructure by both Democrats and Republicans, and those items together with repairing roads and bridges make up a larger portion of the plan. Bidens American Jobs Plan is no longer the prevalent infrastructure proposal in Congress. In June, the president endorsed a scaled-back nearly $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure proposal that supporters hoped would have enough Republican support to pass in the Senate. That bipartisan proposal, which would involve about $579 billion in new spending, allocates about $109 billion nearly 19% of the total to roads, bridges and major projects, according to the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget. Add in other types of transportation infrastructure, such as airports, public transit and ports and waterways, and infrastructure makes up more than half of the bipartisan proposal. Ali Swenson ___ False claims tie patents to COVID-19 vaccines CLAIM: People who received COVID-19 vaccines are now legally patented and no longer have human rights. This is because a 2013 U.S. Supreme Court ruling in the case of Association for Molecular Pathology v. Myriad Genetics, Inc. said that if a human genome is modified by mRNA vaccines then the genome can be patented. THE FACTS: An Instagram post circulating online falsely claims that mRNA vaccines against COVID-19 alter DNA, allowing humans to be patented and have their rights taken away. But COVID-19 vaccines, including those made by Pfizer and Moderna that rely on mRNA technology, do not change a persons genetic makeup. The false post cites the 2013 U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Association for Molecular Pathology v. Myriad Genetics, Inc. to back up its claim, but the ruling makes no mention of mRNA vaccines. Nor does the ruling say vaccinated humans can be patented. In fact, it has been a longstanding rule that anything found in nature, including people, cannot be patented, said Lara Cartwright-Smith, associate professor in the department of health policy and management at George Washington University. The case before the Supreme Court looked at whether Myriad Genetics, Inc. could patent the sequences of gene mutations that can lead to breast cancer. The companys test created cDNA, which is a clone or copy of the DNA, to test for the mutations. The Supreme Court ruled that the company could patent synthetically created cDNA because it was not natural, but could not patent the isolated human genes. Natural DNA is not patentable, said Cartwright-Smith. The copy that they made is patentable. Cartwright-Smith said the post online that cites the court ruling is nonsensical. The conclusion that it would somehow affect the status of the person is also completely false, she said. Associated Press writer Beatrice Dupuy in New York contributed this report. ___ Solar storm is not heading toward Earth CLAIM: A solar storm is heading toward Earth and could impact cell phone signals and cause blackouts. THE FACTS: False claims are swirling about a possible solar storm that could hit this week, but experts are not seeing a storm in sight. Posts online began claiming Tuesday that the storm would cause massive disruption on Earth that would extend into the week. Some posts sharing the false claim referred to the supposed event as solar storm 2021 and shared pictures of a fiery sun. But Bill Murtagh, program coordinator for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrations Space Weather Prediction Center, told The Associated Press that there is no solar storm predicted for this week. A solar flare, which is a kind of solar storm, did take place on July 3. Solar flares occur when magnetic fields build up on the sun in the form of sunspots. When the magnetic fields get twisted and build up energy, they may violently release that energy in a flash of light, said Alex Young, solar physicist at NASA. The July 3 event was the first big flare of this solar cycle and the brightest in four years. We typically get 150 of them over an 11 year cycle, Murtaugh said about solar flares. Fortunately, we are 93 million miles away from the sun so we have Earths magnetic field and atmosphere which protects us from the harmful emissions from these eruptions. The July 3 solar flare did interfere with some high frequency communication, but Young said the impact was less than it could have been. This was really very slow and it was not fully directed at Earth, Young said. We dont have any expectation of seeing any impact on Earth. Beatrice Dupuy ___ Find AP Fact Checks here: https://apnews.com/APFactCheck ___ Follow @APFactCheck on Twitter: https://twitter.com/APFactCheck Angelo Lopez walks to say goodbye to relatives Thursday after he was sentenced to three years in DOC custody for shaking and injuring his infant son in January 2018. District Judge Kurt Krueger is on the bench in the background. Smoke from the Goose fire visible from the start of the road to Cliff, Wade, and Hilltop campgrounds which are all closed due to the fire on Tuesday, July 13, 2021. A continued tight supply of cattle coming onto the market in the short term could support farmgate prices over the coming months, according to a new report. Hybu Cig Cymru Meat Promotion Wales (HCC) has highlighted the importance of beef supply, as well as demand, when forecasting the future of the sector. Domestic supplies of beef have been tight during the last 12 months, with the size of the Great British herd decreasing for the second consecutive year. Industry figures suggest that this is likely to continue in the short term; the number of cattle under 30 months of age is relatively stable on the year, but has dropped by 1.4% since 2019. In contrast, British Cattle Movement Service (BCMS) figures indicate that cattle aged under 12 months are up 1% since last year, inevitably leading to greater supply in the future. Whilst supply is a key factor, the report also sheds light on a number of other complex external factors that could drastically change the outlook in the long-term. These vary from post-Brexit changes in trade patterns and the Covid-19 pandemic to consumer influences and worldwide trends. HCC data analyst Glesni Phillips said that two years ago, there was serious industry concern about low farmgate prices. "An increased domestic supply and trading patterns put pressure on farmgate prices, combined with subdued consumer confidence and demand due to Brexit," she said. Since then, some hope was restored with the outcome of the Brexit deal. The pandemic, combined with successful marketing campaigns, has led to strong sales of beef to consumers across the country and firm farmgate prices for prime and cull cattle. The peak deadweight price for steers reached an average of 372.0p/kg by the end of November 2020, which was almost 30p higher than the five-year average. "Five months later, in April 2021, store cattle prices in England and Wales hit a milestone of 4 per kilo the highest on record in a while, she said. The beef sector has seen a gradual decline in cattle numbers for many years. On 1 April 2021, there were 7.77 million head of cattle on the ground in Britain. This represents a significant drop of 2.7 percent, or 217,100 head, since the same period in 2019. As a result, the numbers sent to slaughter across the UK also fell by 3.5%, or 1.1 million head, between January and May 2021 compared to last year. This is the lowest level since 2015 But a continued tight supply of cattle coming onto the market in the short term could support farmgate prices over the coming months. Ms Phillips said: "Figures released by BCMS for April indicate a 2.5% drop in the number of cattle on the ground aged between 12 and 30 months - especially if the demand for locally-sourced beef at retail stays relatively firm. Strong global demand for protein has soaked up additional beef supplies on the worldwide market and also helped to support prices during the last 12 months or so. A declining herd size is common across the European Union, also leading to a tight supply and strong prices. This is affecting the quantities available to import to the United Kingdom, including from Ireland, the dominant supplier. Ms Phillips added that it was difficult to predict how long these trends would continue given the uncertainties of Covid-19 and international trade. "The introduction of new free trade agreements with beef-exporting nations adds another layer of complexity and competition in the global and UK market," she said. Some industry reports predict that beef may not maintain the high retail sales seen in recent months with demand shifting back to foodservice and pre-Covid consumer trends. "However, it may still be above levels seen in 2019. Growing consumer interest and awareness of provenance, health, sustainability and animal welfare provides vital opportunities. 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. Gov. Jim Justice, somewhat belatedly, has come around to admit that the states vaccination effort has hit a wall and that, at its current pace, we will not reach herd immunity anytime soon. We're always interested in hearing about business news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form Fountain Hills, AZ (85268) 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 around 100F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Mostly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 83F. Winds light and variable. Its Katrina Kaifs birthday today and social media is abuzz with wishes for the superstar. Shes one of the most loved celebrities in the industry and has a massive social media following that constantly looks forward to getting a glimpse into her life. Treating her fans to a beautiful picture today, Katrina shared a click from her day at the pool. Smiling big for the camera, Katrina can be seen wearing a red swimsuit as she enjoys the blue water. She captioned the picture with a grateful message, thank u so much everyone for all the love always. On the work front, Katrina has a very busy year ahead. Releasing next is her long due film with Akshay Kumar, Sooryavanshi, after which there is Phone Bhoot followed by Tiger 3 with Salman Khan. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 15, 2021) - Raindrop Ventures Inc. (CSE: RAYN) (FSE: RV0) ("Raindrop" or the "Company") reminds shareholders that the Company's annual general meeting of shareholders (the "Meeting") will be held on Friday, July 16, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. (Pacific Standard Time) at 588 - 580 Hornby Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6C 3B6. The Company is offering shareholders the opportunity to participate in the Meeting by way of teleconference. Registered shareholders, or duly appointed proxyholders, participating at the Meeting by way of teleconference will be considered present in person at the Meeting for the purposes of determining quorum. Shareholders wishing to participate by teleconference may do so by dialing the following teleconference dial in: Teleconference Dial In: 1-800-201-7439 Access Code: 823072 Shareholders who do not hold their common shares in their own name should note that only registered shareholders as of the record date or their duly appointed proxyholders are permitted to vote at the Meeting. If you are a non-registered shareholder who has not duly appointed themselves as proxyholder, you will be able to attend the Meeting as a guest, but will not be able to participate or vote at the Meeting. About Raindrop Ventures Inc. Raindrop is led by a noted leader in mining and mineral exploration and was founded with the express purpose of acquiring and exploring mineral properties in the current resource commodity cycle. Raindrop is exploring its grassroots Clover Mountain gold property in Idaho and recently acquired six early-stage gold exploration projects in Nevada from Liberty Gold. The Company has a Boise, Idaho-based technical team that is well positioned to conduct exploration in Idaho and Nevada. Raindrop has a well-planned capital structure with 40,542,938 common shares issued and outstanding and a significant team and insider ownership. For more information, please visit www.raindropventures.ca. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Alexander Kunz President and Chief Executive Officer FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: Alexander Kunz President, Chief Executive Officer and Director Raindrop Ventures Inc. 1507 - 1030 West Georgia Street Vancouver, BC, V6E 2Y3 Telephone: (604) 428-6128 Facsimile: (604) 428-6430 Email: alex@dkunzassoc.com Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Information This news release contains "forward-looking statements" or "forward-looking information" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on the assumptions, expectations, estimates and projections as of the date of this news release. Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements contained herein. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Raindrop disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether because of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable securities laws. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/90426 WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Endo International plc (ENDP) said Thursday that on July 13, 2021, the Tennessee Supreme Court denied Endo's requests for discretionary review of trial court's default judgment order and the trial court's separate order permitting the substitution of new plaintiffs in the case. The Tennessee Court of Appeals Thursday declined to hear Endo's appeal as of right from the default judgment order, stating in its ruling that the default judgment order cannot presently be appealed because it is not a final judgment. Separately, the Tennessee Court of Appeals denied Endo's renewed request for a stay of the trial court proceedings. Endo continues to believe that the trial court's default judgment order is meritless and is exploring all of its legal options. As originally filed in the Circuit Court for Sullivan County, Tennessee, the Staubus case involved allegations by three Tennessee District Attorneys General and an individual plaintiff that Endo's sale of prescription opioid medications violated Tennessee's Drug Dealer Liability Act or DDLA. In December 2020, the Tennessee Supreme Court unanimously ruled that Tennessee's District Attorneys General lack standing to bring claims under the DDLA. On April 5, 2021, the trial court permitted seven Tennessee counties to substitute into the case in place of the District Attorney General plaintiffs, and two additional counties and eighteen municipalities have subsequently joined the lawsuit. On April 6, 2021, the trial court entered a default judgment against Endo on liability as a sanction for alleged discovery improprieties. That order did not award any damages to the plaintiffs. The trial court has scheduled a trial on damages to begin on July 26, 2021. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX ENDO-Aktie komplett kostenlos handeln - auf Smartbroker.de Menlo Park, California; Vancouver, British Columbia; and Boulder, Colorado--(Newsfile Corp. - July 15, 2021) - Intellabridge Technology Corporation (CSE: INTL) (OTC Pink: CRBTF) (FSE: 98AA), a blockchain technology company, is pleased to announce that it has entered into a securities purchase agreement for a private placement of its common shares ("Common Shares") and warrants to purchase Common Shares ("Warrants") with institutional investors for gross proceeds of approximately CAD$10 million (the "Private Placement"). Pursuant to the Private Placement, the Company will issue 8,064,517 Common Shares and Warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of 8,064,517 Common Shares at a purchase price of CAD$1.24 per Common Share and associated Warrant. Each Warrant will entitle the holder to purchase one Common Share at an exercise price of CAD$1.55 per Common Share for a period of three years following the issuance date. H.C. Wainwright & Co. is acting as the exclusive placement agent for the Private Placement. The net proceeds of the Private Placement will be used by the Company for business operations, expansion of its business and for general working capital purposes. The Company has applied to list the Common Shares issued in the Private Placement and the Common Shares issuable upon the exercise of the Warrants on the Canadian Securities Exchange ("CSE"). No securities were offered or sold to Canadian residents in connection with the Private Placement. The Private Placement is expected to close on or about July 20, 2021, subject to satisfaction of customary closing conditions. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. The securities referred in this news release have not been, nor will they be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or any U.S. state securities laws, and such securities may not be offered or sold within the United States or to any U.S. person absent registration under U.S. federal and state securities laws or an applicable exemption from such U.S. registration requirements. "United States" and "U.S. person" have the respective meanings ascribed to them in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act. /NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES/ About Intellabridge Technology Corporation Intellabridge Technology Corporation (CSE: INTL) (OTC Pink: CRBTF) (FSE: 98AA) is a fintech blockchain neo-bank that provides retail and institutional investors with access to decentralized financial applications with additional layers of cybersecurity, consumer protection and customer service. Intellabridge offers depositors self-custody services to empower them with complete transparency and control over their accounts through its institutional-grade platform. The Kash product features DeFi interest-bearing savings vaults, stablecoin checking, fiat-crypto exchange, synthetic stock, ETF and commodity trading, and other DeFi banking services, with plans to offer debit cards, virtual cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay. The Kash platform is currently in private Beta and available on web and mobile for customers on the waitlist. For more information on Kash visit www.kash.io. To get on the waitlist for Kash, sign up for a Kash account at app.kash.io. For more information on Intellabridge, visit www.intellabridge.com. To contact Intellabridge: Website: intellabridge.com Phone: +1-303-800-5333 Email: maria@intellabridge.com The CSE does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as, "expects", "is expected", "anticipates", "intends", "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements include those relating to the Private Placement including closing of the Private Placement and the use of net proceeds from the Private Placement. Forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of future performance and are based upon a number of estimates and assumptions of management in light of management's experience and perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors that management believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances. Actual results, performance or achievement could differ materially from that expressed in, or implied by, any forward-looking statements in this press release, and, accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements and they are not guarantees of future results. Forward-looking statements involve significant risks, assumptions, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual future results or anticipated events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, Intellabridge undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/90431 The fund manager starts an international tender to select a strategic investor for the construction of the assets LONDON, July 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Quercus Real Assets Limited (Quercus) has started an international tender managed by Greenhill, the leading independent investment bank focused on providing financial advice globally on significant mergers and acquisitions, who are very active in the energy and infrastructure sector. The process aims at selecting a strategic investor for the construction and operation of the 800 MW Spanish PV portfolio that Quercus has acquired and developed since 2020. The portfolio is currently one of the largest in the European renewables market. Bidders are likely to be among the major industrial and financial investors in the sectors, who are often the most interested parties in large portfolios, particularly in the Spanish market, one of the most active solar markets in Europe. Quercus, since inception, invested in the construction and operation of solar and wind infrastructures, successfully completing more than 1 billion in gross investments in five European countries in just one decade. Following the first ten year chapter, in 2019 the investment manager stirred its strategy to adjust to the ever-evolving renewables market and undertook investment in the permitting process which would lead to the construction of new renewable energy assets. This new strategy lead to the decision to dispose of the portfolios, all generating positive performance and in aggregate a return for investors higher than 8% at the date of the sale. This not only demonstrated the ability of the manager to navigate through the challenges of the many regulatory changes in Europe but also confirmed its commitment to deliver a successful result to international investors, who continue to welcome and support the new strategy. For further information, please visit www.quercusrealassets.com About Quercus Real Assets: Quercus Real Assets is an impact investment firm specialising in energy transition investments regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the UK. Since creation in 2010, our strategies have been founded on the belief that the creation of long-term environmental and social capital underpins and strengthens investors' and shareholders' returns. We are committed to investing responsibly for sustainable income and capital returns while contributing to a carbon-neutral future. Quercus' founders, Diego Biasi and Simone Borla, also established a Luxembourg Fund which grew to be one of the top 10 largest European independent funds specialized in utility scale renewable energy investments. The Fund successfully completed over 1bn in gross investments since inception in five different strategies all of which has generated positive performance and in aggregate a return for investors higher than 8% at the time of the disposal in October 2019. The sale has marked the largest Pan-European renewables transaction in that year. For Quercus, the sale completed a 10-year Phase One of its European investment strategy. In January 2020, Quercus' Chairman, Diego Biasi, embarked on Phase Two, with a revised investment strategy following the evolution of the market environment and also joined forces with Marco D'Arro, founder of the Real Asset Group, a capital advisory firm having advised and arranged 3.6bn of gross investments since its inception in 2013 and became Quercus Real Assets. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1575175/Diego_Biasi_Quercus.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1575176/Quercus_Real_Assets_Limited_Logo.jpg Acquisition of allnex reflects GC's "Chemistry for Better Living" commitment to strengthen the sector while improving people's quality of life and becoming a more sustainable business. GC will further strengthen allnex's market access in the Asia Pacific region. region. Together, GC and allnex deliver unwavering support to sustainability through investments in innovative and green technologies. BANGKOK, July 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- PTTGC International (Netherlands) B.V. ("GC Inter B.V."), a wholly owned subsidiary of PTT Global Chemical Public Company Limited ("GC"), has signed an agreement with Allnex Holdings S.a.r.l and Allnex S.a.r.l, funds advised by Advent International ("Advent"), to acquire industrial coating resins producer Allnex Holding GmbH ("allnex"). The acquisition is a steppingstone for GC Group to diversify its business portfolio into specialty chemicals and further strengthen its leading position in the chemicals business by combining environmentally friendly innovations with advanced technologies. GC will act as a long-term strategic partner to further improve allnex's market access to the Asia Pacific (APAC) region and expand its presence in emerging markets through future investments. allnex is the leading global producer of industrial coating resins, offering a broad range of coating polymers and additives including powder coating resins, energy curable resins, crosslinking resins, and additives for use on all types of substrates such as wood, metal, and plastic. With approximately EUR2bn in revenue and an EBITDA margin of 17-19%, as well as a global production network of 33 state of-the-art manufacturing sites in 18 countries, 23 research and technology facilities, and approximately 4,000 employees worldwide, allnex boasts leading positions in all key industrial coating segments including industrial metal, automotive, and packaging. The company has a strong legacy of pioneering sustainable innovations for the coating industry for over 70 years, with its most recent rebranding to allnex in 2013. Dr. Kongrapan Intarajang, CEO of GC, said, "In line with our vision to be a leading global chemical company for better living, as well as our core Step Out (continued investment in high value businesses and expanding GC footprint internationally) and Step Up (sustainable leadership in line with leading ESG goals) strategies to drive new enduring growth opportunities, we are pleased to announce our expanded investment into allnex, the world's number one producer of industrial coating resins with outstanding innovation, history, and promise, to establish a stronger position internationally." "As the global market leader in industrial coating resins, with its broad portfolio, stable profit, and leading green technologies, allnex is ideally positioned to benefit from three trends shaping the industry: increasing demand for high performance coating resins; a continued shift of growth to emerging markets, and a trend towards green coatings solutions. We look forward to working with the team at allnex to leverage our shared growth potential, as we continue to reinforce our business strengths and create shared value for society by supporting communities and the environment." Miguel Mantas, allnex CEO, commented, "We are proud of the success we have in building allnex into a global player and look forward to working with GC to take the next step in our company's development. With GC's resources, industrial network, and expertise in Asia Pacific, we will continue to invest in innovative technologies and look to expand our presence in the region." Ronald Ayles, Managing Partner and Head of Advent's Global Chemicals and Materials Practice, said, "As one of the most experienced investors in the global chemical industry, Advent has supported allnex's management team over the last eight years to help transform the company from a corporate carve-out into the number one global producer of industrial coating resins as it more than doubled its number of employees, production sites, R&D centres, and customers. With GC, we have now found the ideal partner to support allnex's next phase of growth and continue its success story." The sale of allnex to ("GC Inter B.V.") is expected to close in Q4 2021, subject to regulatory approvals. About PTT Global Chemical Public Company Limited PTT Global Chemical Public Company Limited, or GC, was registered as a public company limited on October 19, 2011, to serve as PTT Group's chemical flagship operation. GC's heritage in the industry originated from the merger of several major companies including National Petrochemical Co., Ltd. in February 1984. Since its founding, GC has dedicated itself to being a leader of the sector and has combined olefins and aromatics capacity of 11.65 million tons per year, together with a refining capacity of 280,000 barrels per day of crude oil and condensate. The company's core businesses consist of the Group Performance Center - Refinery & Shared Facilities; Group Performance Center - Aromatics; Group Performance Center - Olefins; Polymers Business Unit; EO-Based Performance Business Unit; Green Chemicals Business Unit; Phenol Business Unit; and Performance Materials & Chemicals Unit. GC is Thailand's largest integrated petrochemical and refining business and a leading corporation in the Asia-Pacific region, both in size and product variety www.pttgcgroup.com About allnex allnex is the leading global producer of industrial coating resins and additives for architectural, industrial, protective, automotive and special purpose coatings and inks. allnex is recognized as a specialty chemicals pioneer and offers an extensive range of products including innovative liquid resins and additives, radiation cured and powder coating resins and additives, and cross linkers for use on wood, metal, plastic and other surfaces. Today, allnex has a strong global presence with 4000 employees worldwide, 33 manufacturing sites, and 23 research and technology support facilities. www.allnex.com About Advent International Founded in 1984, Advent International Corporation is one of the largest and most experienced global private equity investors. The firm has invested in over 375 private equity transactions in 42 countries, and as of December 31, 2020, the firm had EUR62 billion (US$76 billion) in assets under management. With 14 offices in 11 countries, Advent has established a globally integrated team of over 240 private equity investment professionals across North America, Europe, Latin America and Asia. The firm focuses on investments in five core sectors, including business and financial services; health care; chemicals and industrial; retail, consumer and leisure; and technology. Advent has invested in over 30 companies in the chemicals industry over recent years. Examples include Rohm, one of the global market leaders in methacrylate chemicals, allnex, a global leader in resins for the paints and coatings industry, and Oxea, a leading supplier of oxo alcohols and oxo derivatives. In addition, Advent has invested in companies including VIAKEM, a leading manufacturer of fine chemicals, and GTM, a transnational distributor of chemical raw materials in Latin America. After 35 years dedicated to international investing, Advent International Corporation remains committed to partnering with management teams to deliver sustained revenue and earnings growth for its portfolio companies. www.adventinternational.de Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1575484/gc_final.jpg Lead value drivers are 100% ownership of NCX 470 and NCX 4251 in the U.S . , E urope and Japan VYZULTA and ZERVIATE prescriptions in the U.S. increased by 21 % and 712 % respectively in Q2 20 21 compared to Q2 2020 C ash of 36.5 million on June 3 0 , 20 2 1 sufficient for the Company to meet its current requirements for the next twelve months July 16, 2021 - release at 7:30 am CET Sophia Antipolis, France Nicox SA (Euronext Paris: FR0013018124, COX), an international ophthalmology company, provided business and financial highlights for Q2 2021 for Nicox SA and its subsidiaries (the "Nicox Group") as well as an update on its strategy and key expected value-inflection milestones today. "Nicox has made strong progress in the second quarter of 2021, with timely completion of the in-patient part of the NCX 4251 Mississippi Phase 2b trialandcontinued clinical progress on NCX 470 wherethe first Phase 3 resultsareexpected in the second quarter of 2022.Our strategy remains to retain the full revenue potential from our fully-owned, product candidatesNCX 470 and NCX 4251 in the U.S. and Europe.We believe that this offers a higher potential return than licensing them to third parties and leaves multiple value-creating options open, including organic growth and corporate transactions. We will seek collaborations for NCX 470 and NCX 4251 in other key regions, including Japan,following the Mont Blanc and Mississippi trial results, respectively," said Michele Garufi, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Nicox. "Regarding our partnered commercial products, VYZULTA and ZERVIATE, we have seen significant prescription growth in both cases. While revenue growth has not yet caught up due to pricing and reimbursement mechanisms commonly experienced in the US market in the first years of launch, we expect to see that follow through shortly." added Gavin Spencer, Chief Business Officer of Nicox. Pipeline Update and Strategy NCX 470 0.1% ophthalmic solution: Nicox's lead clinical product candidate, NCX 470, a novel nitric oxide (NO)-donating prostaglandin analog (PGA), is currently in two multi-regional Phase 3 glaucoma clinical trials, with top-line results from the first Phase 3 clinical trial, Mont Blanc, expected in Q2 2022. Results from the second Phase 3 trial, Denali, are expected in 2023. Our objective with these two Phase 3 clinical trials is to demonstrate statistically superior efficacy for the lowering of intraocular pressure (IOP) with once-daily dosed NCX 470 0.1% ophthalmic solution over latanoprost ophthalmic solution 0.005% (first marketed as Xalatan), the most prescribed PGA in the U.S. No monotherapy has previously achieved approval in the U.S. based on trials demonstrating clinical proof of superior efficacy to a PGA, which, if achieved, would clearly differentiate NCX 470 from all other monotherapy products available on the market. In the Dolomites Phase 2 clinical trial, NCX 470 0.065% ophthalmic solution, a lower dose than the one being tested in Phase 3, already demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in IOP lowering compared to latanoprost. We believe that the higher dose of 0.1% NCX 470, under evaluation in the ongoing Phase 3 trials, has the potential to demonstrate an even greater efficacy than that already observed in the Dolomites trial. Our ongoing Phase 3 program, planned and executed together with our Chinese partner, Ocumension Therapeutics, is expected to support NDA submissions in the U.S. and China, and will also provide data for countries accepting the same package for approval. Our market research suggests peak net sales potential for NCX 470 in the U.S. of over $500 million, if approved and depending on the results of the Phase 3 clinical trials, due to its unique efficacy and safety profile, as well as the choice of latanoprost as a comparator in these trials. NCX 4251, our novel patented ophthalmic suspension of fluticasone propionate nanocrystals, is currently being tested in the Mississippi Phase 2b clinical trial which evaluates a once-daily 0.1% dose versus placebo for the treatment of acute exacerbations of blepharitis. The in-patient part of the trial has been completed, and top-line results are expected in September 2021. The next steps and timelines in the development of NCX 4251, which are not currently financed, will be announced following an End-of-Phase 2 meeting with the U.S Food and Drug Administration, expected to take place at the beginning of 2022. SecondQuarter 2021 and Recent Operational Highlights Innovative pipeline Over 443 out of the 670 patients planned to be included in the NCX 470 Mont Blanc Phase 3 clinical trial have been randomized, and 318 patients have completed the 3-month efficacy evaluation. Mont Blanc Phase 3 clinical trial have been randomized, and 318 patients have completed the 3-month efficacy evaluation. Results from the Dolomites Phase 2 trial on NCX 470 in glaucoma were presented by Dr. David Wirta, one of the clinical investigators in the trial, at the World Glaucoma Congress 2021 (June 30 - July 3 2021). in glaucoma were presented by Dr. David Wirta, one of the clinical investigators in the trial, at the World Glaucoma Congress 2021 (June 30 - July 3 2021). All patients have completed the treatment phase in the NCX 4251 Mississippi Phase 2b blepharitis clinical trial. Commercial products The number of prescriptions 1 for VYZULTA in the U.S. increased by 21% in the second quarter of 2021 compared to the second quarter of 2020. The corresponding revenue increase has been lower due to pricing considerations in reimbursement. VYZULTA has been launched in Taiwan, and also approved in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. VYZULTA is now commercialized by Nicox's exclusive worldwide partner Bausch + Lomb in the U.S. (2017), Canada (2019), Argentina (2020), Mexico (2020), Hong Kong (2020), and Taiwan (2021), and is now approved in six other territories - Brazil, Colombia, Qatar, South Korea, United Arab Emirates and Ukraine. The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has determined that three U.S. composition of matter patents covering latanoprostene bunod, commercialized as VYZULTA (latanoprostene bunod ophthalmic solution), 0.024%, are eligible for patent term extension, potentially through to 2030. The USPTO has also issued a Notice of Allowance for the U.S. patent covering the use of latanoprostene bunod for the treatment of normal tension glaucoma. The number of Z ERVIATE U.S. prescriptions 1 increased by 712% in the second quarter of 2021 over the second quarter of 2020. for in the U.S. increased by 21% in the second quarter of 2021 compared to the second quarter of 2020. The corresponding revenue increase has been lower due to pricing considerations in reimbursement. Nicox entered into an exclusive license agreement with Laboratorios Grin, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lupin Limited, for the registration and commercialization of ZERVIATETM (cetirizine ophthalmic solution), 0.24% for the treatment of ocular itching associated with allergic conjunctivitis in Mexico. Grin is a Mexican specialty pharmaceutical company engaged in developing, manufacturing and commercialization of branded ophthalmic products. Corporate Nicox received $2 million from Ocumension in full advance payment of the future development and regulatory milestones for ZERVIATE in China in consideration of amendments made to certain rights under non-financial clauses of the agreement. in China in consideration of amendments made to certain rights under non-financial clauses of the agreement. The Company added two new members to its Glaucoma Clinical Advisory Board, Robert N. Weinreb, M.D., Distinguished Professor and Chair, Ophthalmology and Director, Shiley Eye Institute, University of California San Diego, and Sanjay G. Asrani, M.D., Professor of Ophthalmology, Duke University. SecondQuarter 2021 Financial Highlights As of June 30, 2021, the Nicox Group had cash and cash equivalents of 36.5 million as compared with 42.0 million at March 31, 2021 and 47.8 million at December 31, 2020. The cash at June 30, 2021 is sufficient for the Company to meet its current requirements for the next twelve months. Net revenue2 for the second quarter of 2021 was 0.7 million (including 0.6 million of net royalty payments). Net revenue2 for the second quarter of 2020 was 0.6 million (entirely composed of net royalty payments). As of June 30, 2021, the Nicox Group had financial debt of 18.0 million consisting of 16.0 million in the form of a bond financing agreement with Kreos Capital signed in January 2019 and a 2 million credit agreement with Societe Generale and LCL, guaranteed by the French State, and granted in August 2020 in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Only the figure related to the cash position of the Nicox Group as of December 31, 2020 is audited; all other figures in this press release are non-audited. Notes Bloomberg data, comparing the period of the weeks ending 9 April 2021 to 25 June 2021 with the period of the weeks ending 10 April 2020 to 3 July 2020 Net revenue consists of revenue from collaborations less royalty payments, which corresponds to Net profit in the consolidated statements of profit and loss Utrecht, 16 July 2021 Aalberts N.V. has reached a definitive agreement to acquire 100% of the shares of Premier Thermal Solutions LLC (PT), based in Lansing (Michigan, USA). PT operates nine locations across the industrial Midwest in Michigan, Wisconsin, Indiana and Ohio, generating an annual revenue of approximately USD 60 million with 250 FTE. PT provides surface technologies and related services to achieve metallurgical specifications for its various industrial customers. As leading aluminium treatment provider in North America, PT is serving the light and heavy truck, electrical vehicles, agriculture, defense and aerospace end markets. For steel treatments, PT also offers ferritic nitrocarburising processes. PT invented NitroSteel, a more durable and sustainable alternative to chrome plated steel products. This ferritic nitrocarburised steel bar is wear-resistant and corrosion-resistant, providing outstanding durability for cylinder rods. PT is active in the industrial Midwest region of the USA, where Aalberts surface technologies already has core activities in the Northeast and Southeast region. The specialised technology portfolio is complementary to Aalberts surface technologies. The combination of Aalberts' surface technologies business with PT's technologies and footprint creates a stronger business with significantly increased scale, a wider surface technologies offering to our customers, expanded geographical footprint and enhanced growth prospects throughout the North American market. PT has a promising project funnel, mainly in the electrical vehicles, light and heavy truck, agriculture and industrial end markets. Critical NADCAP and OEM certifications allow Aalberts surface technologies to further penetrate the defense and aerospace markets in North America. The experienced management team of PT, under the leadership of Steven Wyatt, will continue to develop the business, driving the many business opportunities. The results of PT will be consolidated after finalising all necessary formalities. The acquisition will directly contribute to the earnings per share and will be financed from existing credit facilities. Please visit premierthermal.comfor additional information. contact +31 Attachment AD HOC ANNOUNCEMENT PURSUANT TO ART. 53 LR 16 JULY 2021 STRONG TRADING FOR THE FIRST QUARTER ENDED 30 JUNE 2021 CHANGES TO BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND SENIOR EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Highlights Compared to the first quarter ended 30 June 2020: Strong start to the financial year with Group sales up by 129% at constant exchange rates and 121% at actual exchange rates Sales up by triple digits in almost all regions, channels and business areas, confirming the enduring appeal of the Group's Maisons Outstanding performance of the Jewellery Maisons and the Specialist Watchmakers, with sales growth of 142% and 143%, respectively, at constant exchanges rates, and 132% and 136%, respectively, at actual exchange rates Strong sequential improvement compared to the quarter ended 31 March 2021 Compared to the first quarter ended 30 June 2019: Sales up by 22% at constant exchange rates and by 18% at actual exchange rates, exceeding pre-pandemic levels in most business areas, channels and regions Solid double-digit sales increases in the Americas, Asia Pacific and Middle East and Africa Robust double-digit sales growth in online and offline retail sales (73% of Group sales) Performance led by the Jewellery Maisons (+43% and +38% at constant and actual rates) The Board of Directors approves changes to the Board and Senior Executive Committee to support the strong, sustainable development of its Maisons and businesses April-June 2021 2020 2019 % change vs prior year % change 2021 vs 2019 m m m constant rates actual rates constant rates actual rates By region Europe 905 436 1 072 +108% +108% -15% -16% Asia Pacific 1 933 1 013 1 423 +95% +91% +40% +36% Americas 955 277 698 +276% +245% +47% +37% Japan 240 112 298 +138% +114% -14% -19% Middle East and Africa 364 155 249 +154% +135% +55% +46% By distribution channel Retail 2 421 1 052 1 851 +138% +130% +35% +31% Online retail 809 506 648 +67% +60% +29% +25% Wholesale & royalty income 1 167 435 1 241 +178% +168% -3% -6% By business area Jewellery Maisons 2 515 1 083 1 827 +142% +132% +43% +38% Specialist Watchmakers 849 359 823 +143% +136% +6% +3% Online Distributors 637 356 612 +86% +79% +8% +4% Other 440 204 493 +124% +116% -7% -11% Inter-segment eliminations -44 -9 -15 +425% +389% +204% +193% Total 4 397 1 993 3 740 +129% +121% +22% +18% Review of trading in the three-month period ended 30 June 2021 versus the prior year, at constant exchange rates Versus the prior year period, which was severely affected by the pandemic, all regions, channels and business areas saw sales progress at triple digit rates, with the exception of Asia Pacific, Online Distributors and online retail where sales grew by double digits. The 129% increase in sales was led by the Jewellery Maisons and Specialist Watchmakers with growth of 142% and 143%, respectively. The Other business area, mostly composed of our Fashion & Accessories Maisons, also performed strongly, recording 124% sales growth. The Americas generated the strongest regional performance, with sales increasing by 276% driven by strong local demand, followed by the Middle East and Africa with sales up by 154%. Wholesale and retail led channel growth, with sales progression of 178% and 138%, respectively. Given the magnitude of the impact of the pandemic on our operations in the three-month period ended 30 June 2020, additional comments compared to the three-month period ended 30 June 2019 are provided below for a more comprehensive view of our current trading. Review of trading in the three-month period ended 30 June 2021 versus the three-month period ended 30 June 2019, at constant exchange rates In the period under review, sales exceeded pre-Covid levels. Sales growth of 22% was driven by strong double-digit increases in the Americas, Asia Pacific and the Middle East and Africa. Sales in Europe contracted by 15%, as robust demand from local clientele could not offset the halt in tourist sales. In Asia Pacific, sales increased by 40%, with good momentum across most markets, particularly in mainland China, Macau SAR (China) and South Korea. In the Americas, sales rose by 47%, supported by buoyant domestic demand and thriving retail sales. Sales in Japan declined by 14%, due to renewed public health protection measures and a halt in tourism. The Middle East and Africa posted the strongest regional performance with 55% sales growth, reflecting solid domestic and tourist spending, notably in Dubai and Saudi Arabia. The online and offline retail channels recorded strong double-digit sales growth. Retail sales, up by 35%, delivered the strongest relative channel performance, supported by double-digit growth at the Jewellery Maisons and Specialist Watchmakers. Retail sales were particularly strong in the US, Russia and Saudi Arabia. Online retail sales rose by 29%, with sustained demand across regions. Sales in the wholesale channel were 3% lower, notwithstanding notably higher sales in the US and Russia. Sales growth of 43% at the Jewellery Maisons was driven by both strong jewellery and watch sales at Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels. Sales progressed in most regions and across all channels. The Specialist Watchmakers' sales increased by 6%, driven by online and offline retail sales and growth in most regions. At the Online Distributors, sales grew by 8%, and Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) increased by 9%. The Group's Other business area recorded a 7% decline in sales, partly reflecting persistent challenges in the wholesale channel, particularly in travel retail. The Group's net cash position at 30 June 2021 was 3.6 billion (2020: 1.8 billion), reflecting strong trading. Board of Directors and Senior Executive Committee The Nominations Committee and Board of Compagnie Financiere Richemont (the 'Company') have undertaken a review of the Group's governance model in light of the ongoing pandemic and the continued acceleration of 'new retail'. To further capitalise on our Group's agility and momentum, the Senior Executive Committee will focus solely on strategic direction, capital allocation, governance, and the provision of central and regional functions for the benefit of our Maisons and businesses. Similarly, the executives in charge of our Maisons and businesses will focus exclusively on the sustainable development of their respective entities, ensuring a customer-centric approach and the continued success of digital initiatives. Taking these revised responsibilities into account, Cyrille Vigneron, President & Chief Executive of Cartier, and Nicolas Bos, President & Chief Executive of Van Cleef & Arpels, will step down from the Senior Executive Committee and will not seek re-election to the Board of Directors at the Group's Annual General Meeting ('AGM') on 8 September 2021. They will continue to report directly to Johann Rupert, Chairman. Philippe Fortunato, CEO of Fashion and Accessories, Emmanuel Perrin, Head of Specialist Watchmakers Distribution, and Frank Vivier, Chief Transformation Officer will step down from the Senior Executive Committee. They will continue to report to Jerome Lambert, Group Chief Executive Officer. Johann Rupert, Jerome Lambert and Burkhart Grund, Chief Finance Officer, will remain on the Senior Executive Committee and will stand for re-election to the Board of Directors at the AGM. These changes will take effect 8 September 2021. In addition, Alan Quasha, Non-executive Director of the Company and its predecessor companies since the Group's foundation in 1988, has indicated that he will not seek re-election to the Board of Directors in September. Commenting on the proposals, Johann Rupert, Chairman, said: "The continual evolution of our corporate governance structures reflects our commitment to meet the changing demands of our operating environment most efficiently and align with best practice. While the enlarged SEC structure proved effective in the early stages of our transformation journey and in navigating one of the most trying times in recent history, the time is ripe for a more streamlined structure as we embark on the next stage of our development. The outstanding development of Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels, in particular, means that these businesses have reached a size and scale that require the full attention of their leaders and support of the Group to continue on their remarkable trajectory. Throughout the pandemic, agility and well-informed rapid decision making have been essential. Decisions must be made as close as possible to customers. These governance changes will allow Maison and business executives to focus exclusively on their customers, colleagues, partners and the sustainable development of their entities at a time when the world is changing rapidly and growing in complexity. I am grateful to be able to rely on the deep experience and expertise of Cyrille, Nicolas, Philippe, Emmanuel and Frank as well as their strong sense of collegiality. Finally, I would like to thank Alan Quasha for his valued contributions over the past 33 years. We have benefited from his broad understanding of the Group, and his astute perspectives will be missed". Corporate calendar The annual general meeting will be held on Wednesday 8 September 2021 in Geneva. About Richemont At Richemont, we craft the future. Our unique portfolio includes prestigious Maisons distinguished by their craftsmanship and creativity, alongside Online Distributors that cultivate expert curation and technological innovation to deliver the highest standards of service. Richemont's ambition is to nurture its Maisons and businesses and enable them to grow and prosper in a responsible, sustainable manner over the long term. Richemont operates in four business areas: Jewellery Maisons with Buccellati, Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels; Specialist Watchmakers with A. Lange & Sohne, Baume & Mercier, IWC Schaffhausen, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Panerai, Piaget, Roger Dubuis and Vacheron Constantin; Online Distributors with Watchfinder & Co., NET-A-PORTER, MR PORTER, THE OUTNET, YOOX and the OFS division; and Other, primarily Fashion & Accessories Maisons with Alaia, AZ Factory, Chloe, Delvaux, dunhill, Montblanc, Peter Millar, Purdey and Serapian. Find out more at www.richemont.com. Richemont 'A' shares are listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange, Richemont's primary listing, and are included in the Swiss Market Index ('SMI') of leading stocks. Richemont South African Depository Receipts are listed in Johannesburg, Richemont's secondary listing. Investor/analyst and media enquiries Sophie Cagnard, Group Corporate Communications Director James Fraser, Investor Relations Executive Investor/analyst enquiries: +41 22 721 30 03; investor.relations@cfrinfo.net Media enquiries: +41 22 721 35 07; pressoffice@cfrinfo.net; richemont@teneo.com Disclaimer The financial information contained in this announcement is unaudited. This document contains forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. Richemont's forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations and assumptions regarding the Company's business and performance, the economy and other future conditions and forecasts of future events, circumstances and results. Our retail stores are heavily dependent on the ability and desire of consumers to travel and shop and a decline in consumer traffic could have a negative effect on our comparable store sales and/or average sales per square foot and store profitability resulting in impairment charges, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. Reduced travel resulting from economic conditions, retail store closure orders of civil authorities, travel restrictions, travel concerns and other circumstances, including disease epidemics and other health-related concerns, could have a material adverse effect on us, particularly if such events impact our customers' desire to travel to our retail stores. As with any projection or forecast, forward-looking statements are inherently susceptible to uncertainty and changes in circumstances. Actual results may differ materially from the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside the Group's control. Richemont does not undertake to update, nor does it have any obligation to provide updates of or to revise, any forward-looking statements. Appendix 1: Foreign exchange rates Average exchange rates against the euro April-June 2021 April-June 2020 United States dollar 1.21 1.10 Japanese yen 132 118 Swiss franc 1.10 1.06 Renminbi 7.78 7.80 Actual exchange rates for the period are calculated using the average daily closing rates against the euro. In terms of sales at constant exchange rates, average exchange rates for the year ended 31 March 2021 are used to convert local currency sales into euros for the current three-month period and comparative figures. Exchange rate translation effects are thereby eliminated from the reported sales performance. Compagnie Financiere Richemont SA 50, Chemin de la Chenaie | Case Postale 30 | 1293 Bellevue | Geneva | Switzerland Telephone +41 (0)22 721 3500 www.richemont.com Tikehau Capital implements a future-facing management organisation as it enters a new phase of growth and development Cecile Cabanis will oversee the Group's Human Capital, ESG/CSR, Communications and Brand Marketing functions Regulatory News: Tikehau Capital (Paris:TKO), the global alternative asset management group, today announces the appointment of Cecile Cabanis as Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Group. In this newly created position Cecile Cabanis will oversee the Human Capital, ESG/CSR, Communications and Brand Marketing functions of the Group. She will also coordinate the Group's efforts to develop Tikehau Capital's global network with corporates and further develop Tikehau Capital's franchise. Cecile Cabanis will report to Antoine Flamarion and Mathieu Chabran, the co-founders of Tikehau Capital, and will work alongside Henri Marcoux, Deputy CEO of Tikehau Capital in charge of Finance and Risks, Technology and Transformation as well as Operations, and Thomas Friedberger, CEO of Tikehau IM, who, in his capacity as Co-Chief Investment Officer of the Group, will also take up the position of Deputy CEO of Tikehau Capital. The appointment of Cecile Cabanis aims to strengthen Tikehau Capital's managerial organisation and is fully in line with the Group's new growth and development phase following the approval of its future-facing and simplified organisation at the General Meeting of shareholders of 15 July 2021. Cecile Cabanis will take up her position on 1 September 2021. Cecile Cabanis joins Tikehau Capital from Danone Group where she was Executive Vice-President in charge of Finance, Strategy, Information Systems, Purchasing, Cycles and Sustainable Resource Development, a member of the Executive Committee and sponsor of inclusive diversity. Cecile Cabanis began her career in 1995 at L'Oreal in South Africa before joining the mergers and acquisitions department of Orange in 2000. She joined Danone in 2004, where she held various key positions such as Corporate Finance Director, Development Director and then Finance Director of the Fresh Products entity within the Finance department. Cecile, 49 years old, is an agricultural engineer and a graduate of the Institut National Agronomique Paris-Grignon. Antoine Flamarion and Mathieu Chabran, co-founders of Tikehau Capital, said: "We are delighted to welcome Cecile to Tikehau Capital. Her extensive experience in key positions at large international corporates, in addition to her in-depth knowledge of the economy and business issues, will prove invaluable to us at Tikehau Capital. We have been committed to deploying a pioneering approach to impact across all our asset classes for several years and Cecile's values and convictions in this area are perfectly aligned with those of the Group. Her vision of CSR issues will also be essential for the future development and success of Tikehau Capital." ABOUT TIKEHAU CAPITAL Tikehau Capital is a global alternative asset management group with 29.4 billion of assets under management (as of 31 March 2021). Tikehau Capital has developed a wide range of expertise across four asset classes (private debt, real assets, private equity and capital markets strategies) as well as multi-asset and special opportunities strategies. Tikehau Capital is a founder led team with a differentiated business model, a strong balance sheet, proprietary global deal flow and a track record of backing high quality companies and executives. Deeply rooted in the real economy, Tikehau Capital provides bespoke and innovative alternative financing solutions to companies it invests in and seeks to create long-term value for its investors, while generating positive impacts on society. Leveraging its strong equity base (2.8 billion of shareholders' equity as of 31 December 2020), the firm invests its own capital alongside its investor-clients within each of its strategies. Controlled by its managers alongside leading institutional partners, Tikehau Capital is guided by a strong entrepreneurial spirit and DNA, shared by its 607 employees (as of 31 March 2021) across its 12 offices in Europe, Asia and North America. Tikehau Capital is listed in compartment A of the regulated Euronext Paris market (ISIN code: FR0013230612; Ticker: TKO.FP). For more information, please visit: www.tikehaucapital.com DISCLAIMER: This document does not constitute an offer of securities for sale or investment advisory services. It contains general information only and is not intended to provide general or specific investment advice. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future earnings and profit, and targets are not guaranteed. Certain statements and forecasted data are based on current forecasts, prevailing market and economic conditions, estimates, projections and opinions of Tikehau Capital and/or its affiliates. Due to various risks and uncertainties. actual results may differ materially from those reflected or expected in such forward-looking statements or in any of the case studies or forecasts. All references to Tikehau Capital's advisory activities in the US or with respect to US persons relate to Tikehau Capital North America. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210715006039/en/ Contacts: PRESS CONTACTS: Tikehau Capital: Valerie Sueur +33 1 40 06 39 30 UK Prosek Partners: Henrietta Dehn +44 7717 281 665 USA Prosek Partners: Trevor Gibbons +1 646 818 9238 press@tikehaucapital.com SHAREHOLDER AND INVESTOR CONTACT: Louis Igonet +33 1 40 06 11 11 shareholders@tikehaucapital.com The new production line will enable the Taiwan-based manufacturer to produce larger and more powerful modules.Taiwanese solar cell and module manufacturer TSEC has started trial production with a new 500 MW solar cell line at its Yuanjing factory in Taiwan. The line, deployed at the end of March, is currently operating with an annual capacity of 400 MW, the company said. The manufacturing facility will be able to produce cells with wafers measuring between 8 to 12 inches, which would allow the manufacturer to produce more powerful modules with a power output of up to 700 W. TSEC invested TWD 900 ... 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 15 of July, AB Linas Agro Group has completed one of the largest business acquisitions in the history of Lithuania: it has acquired controlling stakes from shareholders in AB Kauno Grudai, AB Kaisiadoriu Paukstynas, AB Vilniaus Paukstynas, and the related companies, acting together as KG Group. The amount of the transaction cannot be disclosed as per agreement of the parties. Following this transaction, AB Linas Agro Group acquired a controlling stake in a total of 34 companies operating in the fields of poultry business, grain, flour, instant products production, feed and premix production, and trade in veterinary products. The companies are registered and operate in Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Poland, Belarus, Russia, and the Netherlands. To finance the transaction, AB Linas Agro Group has received the syndicated loan from three banks - Luminor, Swedbank and SEB Bank. Meanwhile, a third of the transaction amount was financed using the company's resources. "In July this year, we are celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Group, therefore, it is very symbolic that we are starting the new decade with two times stronger forces and twice as many staff. Our group of enterprises is complemented by strong companies and professional teams working in them. We aim to create and implement positive changes in agriculture and the food industry, ensure greater stability for farmers in the Baltic States and compete much more effectively in the open EU market. We are now in a period of transition, which, we believe, will be smooth and both groups, which have been competitors so far, now will work as one team", notes Darius Zubas, the Chairman of the Board of AB Linas Agro Group. Following this acquisition, AB Linas Agro Group becomes a vertically integrated group of agricultural and food production companies in the Baltic region, operating the entire production chain and producing products from the field to the table. The group's projected annual revenue could reach about 1.3 billion and EBITDA of around 50-60 million. The number of employees will increase from 2,100 to 6,000. After the transaction, AB Linas Agro Group will have 76 subsidiaries. "This merger is a big and important step, uniting two strong organizations of similar type and way of thinking. Over the decades, the KG Group has developed and grown successfully. I am grateful to the team for what we created and achieved together during that time. I believe that after joining forces of Linas Agro Group and KG Group, the work I have started will be successfully continued, while the companies will further grow stronger and, even in the conditions of active competition, will create success stories of Lithuanian products in both local and foreign markets", says Tautvydas Barstys, the founder of KG Group. According to D.Zubas, after the transaction, the activities of all acquired companies will be continued with the teams of employees working in them so far. "The first step we will strive to implement in the shortest possible time is to exploit the potential for synergies by consolidating purchases and increasing export volumes. We will seek such synergies in the poultry and grain export businesses," notes D. Zubas. During the implementation of this acquisition, the law firm Motieka & Audzevicius represented and advised AB Linas Agro Group on legal issues and together with the lawyers of Ellex Valiunas and Partners provided legal advice on concentration issues. One of Europe's largest economic consulting companies, Copenhagen Economics, were acquisition advisers on economic and concentration issues, while the Swedbank investment banking team provided financial advice. Financial and tax inspections of acquired companies were performed by EY specialists. About AB Linas Agro Group AB Linas Agro Group, together with its subsidiaries, is a group of companies established in 1991, operating in four countries - Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and Ukraine. The companies of the group produce, prepare and sell agricultural raw materials and food products, supply goods and services to farmers. The group is one of the largest Lithuanian and Latvian grain exporters and has a network of 13 grain elevators. It is also one of the leaders in the supply of agricultural inputs (certified seeds, fertilizers, plant care products and agricultural machinery) in Lithuania, also has a seed preparation plant. The group owns 7 agricultural companies in Lithuania and is a large milk producer. It is also the largest poultry producer in Latvia, where it owns 4 poultry companies. AB Linas Agro Group consolidated revenue for the 9 months of the financial year 2020/2021 amounted to 712 million, gross profit was 29.2 million. Consolidated earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) amounted to 17.1 million. For more information please contact: Andrius Pranckevicius Deputy Chairman of the Board of AB Linas Agro Group Mob. +370 687 71 19 E-mail a.pranckevicius@linasagro.lt (mailto:a.pranckevicius@linasagro.lt) Mazvydas Sileika Finance Director of AB Linas Agro Group Mob. +370 619 19 403 E-mail m.sileika@linasagro.lt (mailto:m.sileika@linasagro.lt) LONDON (dpa-AFX) - DS Smith Plc. (SMDS.L), a packaging company, announced Friday the proposed sale of its De Hoop paper mill in the Netherlands to De Jong Packaging for 50 million euros or about 43 million pounds in cash. Completion of the sale is subject to customary closing conditions including works council consultation. The deal is expected to take place in the second quarter of fiscal 2022. As part of the agreement, DS Smith will continue to purchase from and supply to the paper mill a certain amount of containerboard and fibre in support of a smooth and orderly transition. The mill produces around 370 thousand tonnes of mainly heavier grades of recycled paper per annum. DS Smith said the sale supports its strategy to have a 'short paper' position in Northern Europe where there is a greater amount of external paper capacity available to the company. It further aligns the company's internal paper production with priorities in light-weight fibre-based packaging solutions for FMCG and e-commerce customers. The proceeds from the sale will be used to partly offset this year's enhanced investment in packaging capacity, with new greenfield corrugated box plants in Italy and Poland. It will also be used for a significant expansion of Arnstadt packaging facility in Germany. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX DS SMITH-Aktie komplett kostenlos handeln - auf Smartbroker.de LONDON (dpa-AFX) - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Advisory Committee voted against approval of roxadustat for the treatment of anemia caused by chronic kidney disease in both non-dialysis and dialysis adult patients, AstraZeneca Plc (AZN, AZN.L) said in a statement. The FDA does not have to follow the recommendations of its advisory committees on approval but usually does. The FDA's Cardiovascular and Renal Drugs Advisory Committee has voted 13 to 1 that the benefit-risk profile of roxadustat does not support approval for the treatment of anaemia in chronic kidney disease (CKD) in non-dialysis dependent (NDD) adult patients. The Committee has also voted 12 to 2 that the benefit-risk profile of roxadustat does not support approval for the treatment of anaemia in CKD in dialysis-dependent adult patients. Mene Pangalos, Executive Vice President, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, said, '.. Although we are disappointed by today's outcome, we will continue to work closely with our partner FibroGen and the FDA to determine the path forward for roxadustat.' AstraZeneca and FibroGen are collaborating on the development and commercialisation of roxadustat for the potential treatment of anaemia in the US, China and other countries in the Americas, Australia and New Zealand, as well as Southeast Asia. Astellas and FibroGen are collaborating on the development and commercialisation of roxadustat for the potential treatment of anaemia in Japan, Europe, Turkey, Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States, the Middle East and South Africa. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX ASTRAZENECA-Aktie komplett kostenlos handeln - auf Smartbroker.de LONDON, July 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- On July 6th, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) released a Concluding Statement on the impact of the pandemic on the Federation of St Kitts and Nevis' economy. The Statement, which consists of preliminary findings from an official visit to the nation, determined the essential role the Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programme played in providing capital and keeping the country afloat during a global lockdown. The Statement also detailed Prime Minster Timothy Harris' government's timely actions that kept domestic infections in 2020 the lowest in the Western Hemisphere. The IMF noted that after quick closures of borders to protect the nation's population, the government also introduced tax waivers, deferrals and incentives, and provided unemployment benefits to affected insured workers to mitigate the pandemic's impact effectively. Most notably, CBI helped fund the Poverty Alleviation Programme (PAP). PAP gave low-income households a monthly stipend of $500 and has supported thousands of families across the islands. "St Kitts and Nevis entered the Covid-19 pandemic from a position of fiscal strength following nearly a decade of budget surpluses. A significant part of the large CBI revenues were prudently saved, reducing public debt to below the regional debt target of 60 percent of GDP and supporting accumulation of large government deposits," the report said. CBI is a programme that allows foreign investors and their families second citizenship in return for a contribution to St Kitts and Nevis' economy. The revenue generated is used to develop social initiatives like healthcare and education and saved for a crisis like environmental disasters. The IMF concluded the Statement with the encouragement to further optimise the CBI sector: "[CBI] savings would allow reducing public debt to around 40 percent of GDP and rebuilding deposits to close to a quarter of GDP by the end of the decade, which would provide a significant buffer against both macro-economic and natural disaster shocks." Applicants who pass the CBI Unit's criminal and financial checks are granted citizenship for life and are awarded the right to live and work in St Kitts and Nevis. They are also eligible to apply for the country's coveted passport, allowing holders visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to nearly 160 destinations. Under St Kitts and Nevis' Agreement with the IMF, the IMF has the mandate to exercise surveillance over its members' economic, financial and exchange rate policies to ensure the effective operation of the international monetary system. Contact: pr@csglobalpartners.com, www.csglobalpartners.com LONDON (dpa-AFX) - Software product company Micro Focus International plc. (MFGP, MCRO.L), in an update on its ongoing patent litigation with Wapp Tech, said that it has reached a settlement with Wapp for payment of $67.5 million for complete resolution of the dispute without admission of liability. As per the settlement, the Company has been granted a fully paid-up, worldwide, irrevocable licence for the patents asserted by Wapp for current and future Micro Focus products and services, covering the Company as well as its customers. In July 2018 Wapp brought a claim against Micro Focus in the Eastern District of Texas, accusing the company of infringing three patents in connection with Micro Focus' manufacture and sale of certain products in the ADM product line, including LoadRunner and Performance Center. 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. DEXION EQUITY ALTERNATIVE LIMITED (IN VOLUNTARY LIQUIDATION) (THE "COMPANY") Second and final distribution announcement (Redemption Portfolio) As all assets have now been realised and the liquidation is substantially complete, the Liquidator announces the intention to make a final distribution (the "Final Distribution") in respect of the Redemption Portfolio of: GBP 0.029700 per ordinary Sterling share issued The Final Distribution will be effected pro rata to the holdings of ordinary Sterling shares on the register at the close of business on 12 July 2021 (the "Record Date"). The Final Distribution will be paid by way of Sterling cheques drawn upon a UK clearing bank posted on Monday 19 July 2021 to the shareholder's registered address as at the Record Date. Enquiries: The Liquidator Dexion Equity Alternative Limited (in voluntary liquidation) Glategny Court Glategny Esplanade St Peter Port Guernsey GY1 1WR Tel: 01481 721 000 restructuring-ci@kpmg.com Washington, D.C., July 16, 2021 - (ACN Newswire) - Dr. Sindhu Bhaskar, the Chairman and Founder of EST Global Inc. has sponsored CryptoNite Evening Reception during Government Blockchain Week.CryptoNite, one of the 3 Evening Receptions during Government Blockchain Week, will take place on the rooftop of the International SPY Museum. On Wednesday, September 29, CryptoNite will be a cryptocurrency party with a James Bond twist. What better way could there be to network with the finance and crypto leaders than to engage in espionage while dressed like a movie star? During a week of everything blockchain, CryptoNite will be one night you won't want to miss, and transformative innovators like EST Global Inc. are making it all happen.EST Global Inc. is leading the way in the banking and financial sector by developing tools that encompass every segment of banking. From digital wallets, to identity, investment, and digital asset management, EST Global is making banking united, sovereign, and secure. With EST, banking is as intuitive as unlocking your phone with your fingerprint. The EST Ecosystem is solving today's biggest problems in the existing financial system.Dr. Sindhu Bhaskar is the Chairman and CEO of EST Group. He has achieved global leadership by transforming the financial ecosystem through digital evolution, fintech revolution, and financial inclusion. He is now leading an initiative to impact a majority of the world's population in the rural and farming sector, with an initial beginning in India.Government Blockchain Week, hosted by the Government Blockchain Association (GBA) will be live in Washington DC September 27- October 2, 2021. Six days of symposiums, a pitch competition, Annual Achievement Awards, and an Art Show with NFT's, will finish with 2 days at the Congressional auditorium of the US Capitol. All day events are free with the purchase of an Evening Reception TICKET.Source: EST Global Inc.Copyright 2021 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved. MoneyTV with Donald Baillargeon television program, Copyright MMXXI, all rights reserved. MoneyTV does not provide an analysis of companies' financial positions and is not soliciting to purchase or sell securities of the companies, nor are we offering a recommendation of featured companies or their stocks. Information discussed herein has been provided by the companies and should be verified independently with the companies and a securities analyst. MoneyTV provides companies a 3 to 4 month corporate profile with multiple appearances for a cash fee of $6,950.00 to $11,995.00, does not accept company stock as payment for services, does not hold any positions, options or warrants in featured companies. The information herein is not an endorsement by Donald Baillargeon, the producer, publisher or parent company of MoneyTV. 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. Premier of South Australia the Hon Steven Marshall MP has launched Agilex Biolabs' new $1.5m vaccine and immunobiology laboratory. ADELAIDE, AUS, July 14, 2021 - (ACN Newswire) - Agilex Biolabs, Australia's largest and most technologically advanced regulated bioanalytical laboratory for clinical trials today announced that the Premier of South Australia the Hon Steven Marshall MP has launched its new $1.5m vaccine and immuno-biology laboratory. The facility, the most sophisticated in APAC, will attract biotechs and pharma from around the world for advanced clinical research.Over the past 2 years, Agilex Biolabs has invested more than $3.5m in technology and systems at the APAC headquarters in Adelaide.Premier of South Australia, Steven Marshall launched the new facility today, thanking Agilex Biolabs for investing in the State and creating jobs in this important sector."South Australia is the most liveable city in the country, and the third in the world and investment such as this continues to build on this," Premier Marshall said."This new facility certainly puts South Australia firmly on the global map for high-tech clinical research.""We have seen significant advances in vaccines and immunobiology in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and now the Agilex Biolabs' state-of-the-art facility offers the very latest in technology to support the further development of these new and emerging therapies targeting infections, cancer and genetic conditions."Minister for Trade and Investment Stephen Patterson who attended the launch with the Premier said the State Government had an ambitious plan to grow SA's Health and Medical Industries sector's contribution to the state's economy."As a government, we're working collaboratively with industry to more than double the HMI economic contribution to SA from $2.3 billion to $5 billion by 2030."South Australia is open for business and at the forefront of world-leading capabilities, bio-tech precincts and an academic research ecosystem that makes it the ideal place to invest and do business."Agilex Biolabs CEO Jason Valentine said the new laboratory focuses on new and emerging areas of therapeutic interest, including RNA vaccines, siRNA/miRNA clinical targets and gene therapy studies."This new facility adds digital droplet quantitative RT-PCR analysis for RNA, siRNA and miRNA clinical trials, including vaccines and gene therapy trials," he said."We are also installing an EliSPOT/FluoroSPOT multi-spot reader for vaccine studies to enable extrapolation of recall immune responses, which coupled with our state-of-the-art BD FACSymphony 5 laser, 20 colour flow cytometer, offers unparalleled sensitivity for immunology and vaccine trials."This Agilex Biolabs facility adds to the recent expansion of the small molecule/novel chemical entity laboratory and implementation of the latest 6500+ Sciex LC/MS/MS platforms to enable the development and validation of the highest sensitivity assays in the region for regulated bioanalysis.The laboratory will be completed in the next few months with international clients already booked to access the advanced technology and scientific excellence.Agilex Biolabs has more than 130 staff which includes 85 dedicated laboratory staff, and supports client pharma and biotech companies from US, Europe and APAC.The company offers services for both small molecules and biologics for PK, immunogenicity (PD) and biomarker bioanalysis utilising the two platforms of LC-MS/MS and Immunoassay.South Australian clinical research has remained open for business and Agilex Biolabs is a designated essential service so clients can be assured of study continuity.Book a confidential briefing with our scientists before you start your next clinical trial. https://calendly.com/agilexbiolabs/15minAbout Agilex Biolabs https://www.agilexbiolabs.com/Agilex Biolabs, Australia's leading bioanalytical and toxicology laboratory, has more than 24 years' experience in performing regulated bioanalysis, including quality method development, method validation and sample analysis services. It has successfully supported hundreds of preclinical and clinical trials from around the world where customers choose Australia for the streamlined regulatory process and access to the world's most attractive R&D rebate of more than 40% on clinical trial work conducted in Australia.Agilex Biolabs has the leading certifications including OECD GLP Recognition with NATA (Australian Government OECD GLP Compliance monitoring authority) and ISO 17025 Accreditation for global recognition. The company has recently acquired TetraQ biolabs and toxicology, and also expanded its main labs by more than 30% to accommodate biotech demand from APAC and the USA. Watch the new lab video walkthrough at https://youtu.be/WNdPGkdr9FA.Agilex Biolabs specialises in bioanalysis of small molecules and biologics for PK, immunogenicity, biomarkers and immunological pharmacodynamics assessments utilising LC-MS/MS, immunoassay (Mesoscale, Gyrolab, Luminex) and flow cytometry (BD FACSymphony A3, 20 colour cell analyser).Agilex offers pharmacodynamics services that include immunobiology services using the latest state-of-the-art technology to support immunology, cell biology and mode of action assays, including:- Immunophenotyping- Receptor occupancy- Cytokine release assays (whole blood or PBMC stimulation assays) and cytokine/biomarker profiling- PBMC assays and cellular mechanism of action assaysAgilex Biolabs Media Contact:Kate NewtonMedia@AgilexBiolabs.comSource: Agilex BiolabsCopyright 2021 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved. - ITPR marks 100 days under new management by opening for business in Manchester MANCHESTER, England, July 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- ITPR , the specialist B2B technology PR consultancy, today announces that it marked 100 days under new ownership by opening for business in Manchester, UK. This expansion gives businesses in the North West easier access to one of the most recognised and longest standing independent PR consultancies in the UK B2B technology sector. David Beesley, Managing Director at ITPR, commented, "I've spent over a decade in ITPR building a reputation for creating data-driven digital PR campaigns that measure impact using the latest website analytic tools, and now I want to expand our services to B2B Tech companies in the North West." Earlier this year Beesley completed a management buyout (MBO) of ITPR from digital business consultancy, Huble Digital, becoming the principal shareholder of one of the most recognised and longest standing independent PR consultancies in the UK B2B technology sector. ITPR will retain its presence in London, however, as part of a strategic development plan, ITPR has set its sights on growing a client base in the North West of England. Beesley continues, "The opportunities for growth in Manchester are huge considering the announcement of a major new digital and technology hub by 2025 and the City being included as one of the world's top locations to start and scale up a FinTech company. Setting up an office in Manchester is an exciting next step in our own future growth strategy." The PR consultancy is on the lookout for talent in the North West as it looks to strengthen its capacity to provide digital PR media engagement, Content Creation and Market Research services. About ITPR - www.itpr.co.uk ITPR is a UK-based B2B technology PR consultancy with offices in London and Manchester. It supports business growth through measurable PR campaigns that build brand awareness and drive sales leads. The ITPR client portfolio consists of global enterprise software providers, large UK SMEs and scale-ups. ITPR delivers services including content creation, message development, market research, media engagement, social media management, blogging, and international media relations. ITPR's B2B Technology PR campaigns use website analytics to measure how PR activity impacts the overall performance of a business' marketing, supporting lead generation and customer acquisition, providing measurable ROI to its clients' C-level executives. Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1575650/ITPR_Logo.jpg BRUSSELS/FRANKFURT/PARIS (dpa-AFX) - U.K. stocks were modestly higher on Friday ahead of Britain lifting all remaining lockdown restrictions in England from Monday. The government today said there had been 36,800 new cases of the Delta variant in the week to July 14, compared to 54,268 new cases reported the previous week. The benchmark FTSE 100 rose 25 points, or 0.4 percent, to 7,037 after declining 1.1 percent in the previous session. Luxury group Burberry slumped 4 percent despite the company announcing that sales have returned to pre-pandemic levels. Intercontinental Hotels Jumped 3.7 percent, EasyJet rallied 2.5 percent and British-Airways owner IAG climbed 3.4 percent after U.S. President Joe Biden said the United States is reviewing when it can lift the COVID-related travel ban for European citizens. Anglo-Australian mining giant Rio Tinto was down about half a percent after reporting a 12 percent fall in quarterly iron ore shipments. DS Smith, a packaging company, was losing 0.7 percent after it announced the proposed sale of its De Hoop paper mill in the Netherlands to De Jong Packaging for 50 million euros or about 43 million pounds in cash. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. LONDON, July 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- From 17 July until 7 November 2021 Japan House London has the honour of hosting a selection of works by Tokolo Asao. Tokolo's work with patterns and geometric shapes is presented through a variety of 2-D and 3-D media including ceramics, urushi (lacquer), woodwork, Edo kiriko cut glass and canvas prints, many created in collaboration with expert Japanese craftspeople. [CONNECT] Individual and Group, which begins as an encounter with his geometric shapes in the building's windows and continues onward through installations on each floor, presents a selection of pieces and ideas from Tokolo's work over the past 20 years. Brought into the spotlight as the designer of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games' Harmonized Chequered Emblem, Tokolo Asao is a trained architect, with a connection to London having studied at the Architectural Association, and works within the interdisciplinary fields of art, architecture and design to create striking patterns. His design for the emblem is made up of three specific rectangles that connect at every corner and can fill a circle perfectly. At first glance the simplicity and elegance is deceptive as further inspection reveals that the complexity of the arrangements is rooted in intricately thought-out logic. This design can be created with two simple tools: a compass and a ruler. Since 11 September 2001, Tokolo has focused on exploring the idea of 'connection'. His connected patterns are displayed in a variety of ways, across media such as recycled plastic, ceramics, wood and textiles, often produced in collaboration with skilled Japanese craftspeople in a variety of fields. Guests to Japan House are able to see, for example, his work incorporated into ceramic dishes and tiles from the renowned porcelain town of Arita in Saga Prefecture. In collaboration with ceramists in Arita, he has produced unusually shaped decahedron cups - practical, everyday items with a twist. For the majority of his designs in this exhibition, Tokolo makes us of ai - Japanese indigo. Used heavily in dyeing since the Edo Period (1603-1868 CE), the colour is durable, weather-resistant and stays true over time. Later in the run, workshops and talk events are set to take place alongside the display, offering visitors the chance to experience first-hand the creation process involved in designing patterns and creating geometric shapes. About Tokolo Asao Tokolo Asao (b.1969) studied architecture from a young age and now works in the interdisciplinary fields of art, architecture, and design. Since 11 September 2001, Tokolo has been producing patterns to the theme of 'connecting'. Tokolo has been a lecturer at the University of Tokyo Faculty of Engineering since 2016 and a lecturer at the University of Tokyo College of Arts and Sciences since 2018. About Japan House Japan House London is a cultural destination offering visitors the opportunity to experience the best and latest from Japan. Located on London'sKensington High Street, the experience is an authentic encounter with Japan, engaging and surprising even the most knowledgeable guests. Presenting the very best of Japanese art, design, gastronomy, innovation, and technology, it deepens the visitor's appreciation of all that Japan has to offer. Part of a global initiative led by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, there are two other Japan Houses, one in Los Angeles and the other in Sao Paulo. Rapid test for reliable detection of Delta and Epsilon variants now CE marked NG Biotech presents Ninonasal, the COVID-19 antigen self-test that's detecting Delta and Epsilon variants. Ninonasal has obtained the CE mark and can now be marketed across Europe. The highly sensitive Ninonasal self-test is performed on nasal samples. Ninonasal's superior user friendliness supports the comfortable onsite testing, providing reliable results within minutes before leaving home. It even allows the testing of children under the supervision of adults. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210716005156/en/ NG Biotech presents Ninonasal, the COVID-19 antigen self-test that's detecting Delta and Epsilon variants. @NG Biotech Different from many other rapid tests, Ninonasal already confirmed its ability to detect the most important variants of concerns clinically in European hospitals. Its unique test design allows the detection of the Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta and Epsilon variants. Therefore, Ninonasal represents a precious and widely accepted tool for easy and frequent testing to detect positive cases and interrupt infections chains. Obtaining CE marking The Ninonasal rapid test already proofed its performance since April 2021 under the special approval for home use from the French health authority. Now, with its CE mark for home use provided by a German notified body, it can be deployed in Europe within the framework of international distribution agreements. In France, Ninonasal is assembled into kits and distributed by Boiron Laboratories in order to strengthen its "fully made in France" character. Milovan Stankov-Puges, CEO of NG Biotech, says: "Facing non-standardized local registration processes and products of doubtful quality and origin, distributors and public institutions across Europe were approaching us for help. With Ninonasal, we did not just launch another rapid antigen test. It's a solution for all those who understood that there is finally nothing more expensive than a cheap COVID test About NG Biotech Founded by a pioneer of the rapid test industry in 2012, NG Biotech is a French family owned company designing and manufacturing innovative in vitro diagnostic tools suitable for decision making in medical emergencies, in the laboratory and at the bedside. NG Biotech innovation capabilities are powered by an expert R&D team backed by public-private scientific collaborations e.g. with the CEA (the French key player in technological research) and with multiple hospitals across Europe. NG Biotech proposes rapid tests in three main areas: Antimicrobial Resistance, Infectious Disease (COVID-19 tests) and Women's health (blood pregnancy self-tests). Our products are available in more than 70 countries, including Europe, USA and China. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210716005156/en/ Contacts: Press: Name: Armelle LENA E-mail address: communication@ngbiotech.com Tel: 0033749268856 https://ngbiotech.com/ General Atlantic, a leading global growth equity firm, announced today the formation of BeyondNetZero ("BnZ"), a new venture targeting growth equity investments related to climate change. BnZ is being established in partnership with Lord (John) Browne of Madingley, Senior Advisor to General Atlantic, who will serve as Chairman of the venture. BnZ combines General Atlantic's significant growth equity expertise, along with a new team of proven climate investors and industry executives, to create a unique capability to identify growth climate investment opportunities. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210716005063/en/ Members of the BeyondNetZero Team (Photo: Business Wire) The BnZ team will identify and scale innovative solutions that focus on meeting and exceeding Net Zero emissions targets. The venture will leverage an extensive global network across the General Atlantic and BnZ teams to source, execute and support investments in high-growth businesses that ultimately have the potential to combat climate change at scale. Collectively, the team brings decades of experience in both addressing climate-focused problems and building pioneering growth companies. The BnZ team is led by Lord Browne as Chairman and includes those with significant relevant expertise in investing, operating and building companies. This senior team includes four Managing Directors and two Principals across the U.S. and Europe, with plans for further team expansion in the coming months. The venture will also benefit from the insights and support of a diverse and respected team of strategic advisors around the world with expansive academic, scientific and business experience. As part of its commitment to help companies achieve impact beyond Net Zero, the venture has secured an exclusive strategic partnership with SYSTEMIQ, an independent consultancy, think tank and investment firm, that will help develop a proprietary approach to measuring, reporting and driving emissions reductions. BnZ will take a thematic approach to identifying opportunities, focusing on: Decarbonization - of supply chains, industrial processes and products - of supply chains, industrial processes and products Energy efficiency solutions that contribute to energy efficiency and conservation solutions that contribute to energy efficiency and conservation Resource conservation reducing waste and the resource-intensity of economic activity reducing waste and the resource-intensity of economic activity Emissions management measurement, management, storage and removal of emissions BnZ will seek to identify entrepreneurs with technologies poised to be deployed at commercial stage; established technologies; and those offering solutions for companies that are looking to pivot away from unsustainable models. This focus on asset-light and technology-driven business models will draw upon the BnZ team's strategic partnerships, dedicated research capabilities and significant understanding of market dynamics. Bill Ford, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of General Atlantic, commented: "Addressing global climate change requires both a systemic transformation of the energy economy and scale of investment never seen before. Technology, innovation and entrepreneurship will play a vital role in this monumental transition. Growth equity is uniquely positioned to drive this shift and support founders in deploying innovative solutions at scale. With the BnZ team, we believe we can create meaningful progress by harnessing our long-held belief in the ability of global entrepreneurship to shift the paradigm." Lord Browne of Madingley (John Browne), Chairman of BnZ and Senior Advisor to General Atlantic, was from 1995 to 2007 Group Chief Executive of BP. He was the first energy industry leader to recognize publicly the risks of climate change and pledge action. He has significant experience in investment in and leadership of renewable energy and climate related technologies. He commented: "Climate change is the biggest threat to life, as we know it. The actions we need to take affect almost all aspects of production and consumption a new fast-evolving industrial revolution of enormous scale. I am delighted that the specific expertise of the BnZ team will be combined with General Atlantic's focus on working with growing businesses in rapidly changing sectors. This combination will create a distinctively differentiated approach to energy, industry and the consumer." BnZ's diverse team of investment experts and strategic advisors includes: Investment Professionals Eli Aheto Eli Aheto is a Managing Director on the BeyondNetZero team. Before joining BeyondNetZero, Aheto led investments in renewable energy, mobility and agricultural technology at Virgo Investment Group. Aheto began his career at Goldman Sachs and General Atlantic before joining Anchorage Capital Group to lead the firm's energy investments. Michael Bevan Michael Bevan is a Managing Director on the BeyondNetZero team. Bevan has over 25 years of investment experience exclusively focused on sustainable growth investing. Previously, Bevan was a General Partner with Element Partners, a firm dedicated to growth equity investing in environmental businesses. Prior to Element, he was a Partner at Advent International and helped co-manage a dedicated fund focused on minority growth equity transactions into companies focused on sustainability. He also worked at EnerTech Capital, a venture capital fund focused on alternative energy technology investing. Rhea Hamilton Rhea Hamilton will be joining the BeyondNetZero team as a Managing Director in August. Hamilton brings nearly two decades of investing experience focused on climate and sustainability. Before joining BeyondNetZero, she was a Managing Director for OGCI Climate Investments, where she led the venture and growth equity investments globally. Prior to this, Hamilton headed private equity transactions focused on sustainable technology and clean energy, both for a large European family office as well as for a pioneer in sustainable investing, RobecoSAM. Emmanuel Lagarrigue Emmanuel Lagarrigue is a Managing Director on the BeyondNetZero team. Before joining BeyondNetZero, Lagarrigue was a Member of the Schneider Electric Executive Committee, serving first as Chief Strategy Sustainability Officer and then Chief Innovation Officer. Lagarrigue led the company's strategy and technology investments in sustainability, energy transition and digital transformation. He previously held multiple general management positions at Schneider Electric in multiple regions including the U.S., Asia, Europe and South America. Wilson Bowen Wilson Bowen is a Principal on the BeyondNetZero team. Before joining BeyondNetZero, Bowen was a Principal at Blackstone Growth focused on technology investments. Prior to that, he worked at TPG and Morgan Stanley. Matthew Powell Matthew Powell is a Vice President on the BeyondNetZero team and will serve as the Head of ESG Reporting for the venture. Before joining BeyondNetZero, Powell was the Chief of Staff at L1 Energy. Advisors Enass Abo-Hamed Enass Abo-Hamed serves as an Advisor to the BeyondNetZero team. She is the Co-Founder and CEO of H2GO Power Ltd., an award-winning spin-out company from the University of Cambridge that develops energy storage technologies. Currently, she is also a Royal Academy of Engineering Enterprise Fellow and a technology expert consultant to European Commission (REA). With more than a decade of research and business experience in hydrogen production storage, catalysis, renewable energy and energy storage, Abo-Hamed is passionate about climate entrepreneurship, multidisciplinary engineering and clean energy technology policy. Ajay Banga Ajay Banga serves as an Advisor to the BeyondNetZero team. He is the Executive Chairman of Mastercard, after serving 11 years as its CEO. He is a global leader in technology, data, financial services and innovating for inclusion. Banga is a co-founder of The Cyber Readiness Institute, Chairman of the International Chamber of Commerce and a trustee of the United States Council for International Business. As an advisor to governments, companies and organizations of all kinds, he has advocated for partnership and systems that deliver on profit and purpose. Diana Fox Carney Diana Fox Carney serves as an Advisor to the BeyondNetZero team. She is a Senior Advisor at Eurasia Group, where she advises clients on environmental issues and climate transition. Previously, she worked at think tanks in Canada and the UK and was executive director at Pi Capital. Fox Carney also sits on the boards of the Shell Foundation and ClientEarth USA. Sir Suma Chakrabarti Sir Suma Chakrabarti serves as an Advisor to the BeyondNetZero team. Previously, he was President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) from 2012 to 2020. Under his leadership, EBRD achieved record investment levels and policy outcomes in emerging markets, including in climate finance, focused particularly on the private sector. He has also led UK Government departments, and currently advises emerging market leaders and chairs a global think tank. Steven A. Denning Steven A. Denning serves as an Advisor to the BeyondNetZero team and is also Chairman Emeritus of General Atlantic. Denning helped build General Atlantic with a vision of supporting entrepreneurs as they work to grow their businesses. For over four decades, Denning has helped General Atlantic become a leading global growth investment firm, today with 14 offices around the world. Denning also served on the Board of Trustees of Stanford University from 2004 to 2017, including as its Chairman from 2012 to 2017, and was a member of The Nature Conservancy Board of Directors from 2007 to 2016, including as Co-Chair from 2013 to 2016. Before joining General Atlantic, Denning worked at McKinsey Company and served for six years in the U.S. Navy. J. Erik Fyrwald J. Erik Fyrwald serves as an Advisor to the BeyondNetZero team. Fyrwald is currently CEO of Syngenta. He previously served as CEO of Univar from 2012 to 2016. Previously, following a 27-year career at DuPont, he joined Nalco Company, serving as Chairman and CEO until 2011, when Nalco merged with Ecolab Inc. Following the merger, he served as president of Ecolab. Fyrwald currently serves on the boards of directors of Syngenta, Bunge Limited, CropLife International, Eli Lilly and Company, the Swiss American Chamber of Commerce and the UN World Food Program Farm to Market Initiative. Mark Gainsborough Mark Gainsborough serves as an Advisor to the BeyondNetZero team. Gainsborough is the former head of Shell New Energies, with a strong track record of investments in renewables, energy storage, hydrogen, biofuels and nature-based solutions. He currently serves on the boards of companies developing low carbon technologies and is the Co-Founder of Low Carbon Advisors, helping CEOs and boards to navigate the path to Net Zero carbon emissions. Lynn Gladden Lynn Gladden serves as an Advisor to the BeyondNetZero team. She is Professor of Chemical Engineering at the University of Cambridge. Gladden is a Fellow of the Royal Society and Royal Academy of Engineering and a foreign member of the U.S. National Academy of Engineering. She is also the Chair of the Judging Panel of the Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering. Rachel Kyte Rachel Kyte, CMG, serves as an Advisor to the BeyondNetZero team. She is the fourteenth Dean of The Fletcher School at Tufts University. Previously, she served as Special Representative of the UN Secretary General, CEO of Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) and a World Bank Group Vice President and special envoy for Sustainable Development and Climate Change. She currently advises international organizations, firms and governments on transitions and climate action. Elizabeth Littlefield Elizabeth Littlefield serves as an Advisor to the BeyondNetZero team. Littlefield previously served as President and CEO of OPIC, now known as the U.S. International Development Corporation (DFC), during the Obama Administration. Prior to this role, she was the CEO of CGAP, the microfinance policy center housed at the World Bank, and was the Managing Director of JPMorgan's emerging markets capital markets business. She currently chairs the board of M-KOPA, the leading pay-as-you go solar company in Africa. Littlefield is also a senior adviser at Albright Stonebridge Group and serves on the boards of several environmental and mission-driven organizations operating in developing countries. John Thornton John Thornton serves as an Advisor to the BeyondNetZero team. He is Executive Chairman of Barrick Gold Corporation, Non-Executive Chairman of PineBridge Investments, and a director of Ford Motor Company and SparkCognition, a leader in industrial artificial intelligence. Thornton was formerly President of Goldman Sachs and Chairman of the Brookings Institution. He is currently Co-Chairman of Asia Society, Vice Chairman of Morehouse College and is an International Advisory Board member of Tsinghua University School of Economics and Management and School of Public Policy and Management. About General Atlantic General Atlantic is a leading global growth equity firm with more than four decades of experience providing capital and strategic support for over 400 growth companies throughout its history. Established in 1980 to partner with visionary entrepreneurs and deliver lasting impact, the firm combines a collaborative global approach, sector specific expertise, a long-term investment horizon and a deep understanding of growth drivers to partner with great entrepreneurs and management teams to scale innovative businesses around the world. General Atlantic currently has over $65 billion in assets under management and more than 175 investment professionals based in New York, Amsterdam, Beijing, Hong Kong, Jakarta, London, Mexico City, Mumbai, Munich, Palo Alto, Sao Paulo, Shanghai, Singapore and Stamford. For more information on General Atlantic, please visit the website: www.generalatlantic.com. For more information on BeyondNetZero, visit www.beyond-net-zero.com. About SYSTEMIQ SYSTEMIQ is a B Corp created in 2016 to drive achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement by transforming markets and business models across three areas: land use, circular materials and energy. Working with partners across sectors, SYSTEMIQ aims to unlock economic opportunities that benefit business, society and the environment. To learn more, visit www.systemiq.earth. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210716005063/en/ Contacts: Media Contacts Mary Armstrong Emily Japlon media@generalatlantic.com Last year's newly installed PV capacity comes from 2.8 GW of ground-mounted PV and 596 MW of rooftop installations. Sustained growth is expected in 2021.From pv magazine Spain According to new statistics released by Spanish photovoltaic association UNEF, 2020 was the second-best year ever in terms of newly deployed PV capacity in Spain. The association reports that 3.4 GW was installed last year, of which 2.8 GW came from ground-mounted PV plants and 596 MW from rooftop solar arrays. In 2019, the best year in the photovoltaic history of Spain so far, 4,201 MW were installed on the ground and ... 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. KRYLBO, SWEDEN / ACCESSWIRE / July 16, 2021 / Regarding Petroteq Energy Inc. ('Petroteq' or the 'Company') (TSX-V:PQE) (OTC:PQEFF) (FSE:PQCF), Uppgard Konsult AB ('Uppgard' or the 'Company') announces that on July 7, 2021 the Client signed an engagement letter with a renowned international law firm based in Canada with proven experience in the field of mergers and acquisitions as well as in the energy sector in general and oil & gas in particular. The scope of the work is to assist with regards to takeover bid / tender offer for shares in Petroteq Energy Inc. in Canada. We are looking into further strengthening the team and bringing in another consulting firm that has extensive experience and knowledge in the North American markets. To further earn shareholder confidence, the Client provided Uppgard Consult AB with a hard proof of fund for 120 million Euro to demonstrate the financial resources necessary to support the proposed acquisition and the future development of the technology and expansion of the business. Uppgard Konsult AB has permission to disclose the proof of funds to shareholders interested in the takeover offer Uppgard Konsult AB has made an official offer to purchase up to 200 million shares of Petroteq Energy Inc. at 0.50 Euro per share cash from it's shareholders, subject to Uppgard Konsult AB's terms and conditions. It's expected and anticipated to complete a his offer by September 30, 2021. For further information please visit the website of the German Federal Gazette: https://www.bundesanzeiger.de/pub/en/start?2 (https://www.bundesanzeiger.de/pub/en/start?2) and/or contact Uppgard Consult AB at: email: info@uppgardab.com tel.: + 46 (8) 465 026 18 Upon clicking on the link and searching for 'Uppgard' or 'Petroteq' select under Business Disclosures the latest offer from the 06/29/2021 'Freiwilliges offentliches Kaufangebot an die Aktionare der Petroteq Energy', Amendment of publication of 04/16/2021, the purported offer can be reviewed in the German language. The purchase offer is subject to Uppgard Konsult AB's terms and conditions. The German federal gazette the 'Bundesanzeiger' , is the official publication of the Federal Department of Justice and Consumer Protection, of the Federal Republic of Germany and the official proclamation and announcement organ for legally mandated announcements by the private sector in Germany. Please note that this is not investment advice or an offer to purchase investments. We strongly recommend that all investors consult with their own financial representatives or investment advisors before making any decisions. Safe Harbor Statement This press release contains statements that the Company believes to be 'forward-looking statements' within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than historical facts, including, without limitation, statements regarding the investment offerings and the terms thereof, are forward-looking statements. When used in this press release, words such as we 'expect', 'intend', 'plan', 'estimate', 'anticipate', 'believe', 'should', or the negative thereof or similar terminology are generally intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, such statements. Investors should not place undue reliance upon forward-looking statements. The Company disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. SOURCE: Uppgard Konsult AB View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/655815/Uppgard-Konsult-AB-Update-on-its-Share-Purchase-Initiative-for-Petroteq-Energy-Inc-TSX-VPQE-OTCPQEFF-FSEPQCF CALGARY, AB / ACCESSWIRE / July 16, 2021 / Prospera Energy Inc. ("Prospera" or the "Company") (TSX-V:PEI)(FRA:OF6A) announces the summary of the private placement that commenced May 28, 2021 and was completed July 7, 2021. The Company has announced the completion of the non-brokered private placement of the secured convertible debenture units raised proceeds of $1,506,000. The debentures will bear interest of 8% per annum for a term of two years and be convertible into common share units of the Company at a conversion price of $0.05 in the first year and $0.10 in the second year. Each of these units consists of one common share and one common share purchase warrant. Each warrant is exercisable at $0.075 for a period of two years from the date of closing subject to acceleration provisions. Company may accelerate the expiry of the warrants in the event that the shares trade at $0.30 for ten consecutive business days. Applicable interest will be payable in cash or shares, at the option of the Company. An insider has participated in this private placement which results in this being a Related Party Transaction pursuant to TSXV Policy 5.9 and MI 61-101. The Company is relying upon exemptions under those policies in respect to minority approval and valuation requirements in that such participation is less than 25% of the Company's market capitalization. The Company paid finders fees to a qualified finder totaling of $48,300 in cash and issued 966,000 in brokers warrants with an exercise price of $0.05. The number of issued and outstanding shares for Prospera is 105,122,273. Proceeds will be used for payment of debt, working capital and continuing capital programs, including the optimization of production on all its properties and general working capital. About Prospera Prospera is a public oil and gas exploration, exploitation and development company focusing on conventional oil and gas reservoirs in Western Canada. Prospera will use its experience to develop, acquire and drill assets with potential for primary and secondary recovery. For further information: Sandra Lee-Chong, Corporate Liaison Tel: (403) 454-9010 Email: admin@prosperaenergy.com Website:www.prosperaenergy.com FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This news release contains forward-looking statements relating to the future operations of the Corporation and other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as "will", "may", "should", "anticipate", "expects" and similar expressions. All statements other than statements of historical fact, included in this release, including, without limitation, statements regarding future plans and objectives of the Corporation, are forward looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Although Prospera believes that the expectations and assumptions on which the forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements because Prospera can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks. These include, but are not limited to, risks associated with the oil and gas industry in general (e.g., operational risks in development, exploration and production; delays or changes in plans with respect to exploration or development projects or capital expenditures; the uncertainty of reserve estimates; the uncertainty of estimates and projections relating to production, costs and expenses, and health, safety and environmental risks), commodity price and exchange rate fluctuations and uncertainties resulting from potential delays or changes in plans with respect to exploration or development projects or capital expenditures. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of Prospera. As a result, Prospera cannot guarantee that any forward-looking statement will materialize, and the reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward- looking information. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release, and Prospera does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the included forward- looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by Canadian securities law. 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. SOURCE: Prospera Energy Inc. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/655772/Prospera-Energy-Inc-Announces-Summary-of-the-Private-Placement WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Retail sales in the U.S. unexpectedly increased in the month of June, according to a report released by the Commerce Department on Friday. The Commerce Department said retail sales climbed by 0.6 percent in June after plunging by a revised 1.7 percent in May. The rebound surprised economists, who had expected retail sales to fall by 0.4 percent compared to the 1.3 percent slump originally reported for the previous month. Excluding a steep drop in sales by motor vehicle and parts dealers, retail sales jumped by an even stronger 1.3 percent in June following a revised 0.9 percent decrease in May. Economists had been expecting ex-auto sales to increase by 0.4 percent compared to the 0.7 percent drop originally reported for the previous month. 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. 16 July 2021 ANANDA DEVELOPMENTS PLC ("Ananda" or the "Company") ISSUE OF EQUITY Ananda announces that 96,890 ordinary shares of 0.2p each in the Company ("Ordinary Shares") have been issued following the exercise of warrants at 0.45p per share. The proceeds receivable by the Company will be used for general working capital purposes. Application will be made for the new Ordinary Shares to be admitted to trading on the Access segment of the AQSE Growth Market and admission is expected to become effective on Thursday, 22 July 2021. Following this issue, the Company has 794,501,216 Ordinary Shares in issue, each share carrying the right to one vote. This figure of 794,501,216 Ordinary Shares may be used by shareholders in the Company as the denominator for the calculations by which they will determine if they are required to notify their interest in, or a change to their interest in, the share capital of the Company under the FCA's Disclosure and Transparency Rules. -Ends- The Directors of the Company accept responsibility for the contents of this announcement. ANANDA DEVELOPMENTS PLC Chief Executive Officer Melissa Sturgess Investor Relations Jeremy Sturgess-Smith +44 (0)7717 573 235 ir@anandadevelopments.com PETERHOUSE CAPITAL LIMITED Corporate Finance Mark Anwyl Allie Feuerlein Corporate Broking Lucy Williams Duncan Vasey +44 (0)20 7469 0930 Market Abuse Regulation (MAR) Disclosure The information contained within this announcement is deemed by the Company to constitute inside information. Upon the publication of this announcement via a Regulatory Information Service, this inside information is now considered to be in the public domain. The cell was used to build two perovskite solar modules with a size of 5x5cm and 10x10cm, respectively, and with efficiencies of 15.62% and 11.80%.Researchers at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (OIST) in Japan have fabricated a perovskite solar cell with an electron transport layer (ETL) based on high-quality large-area tin oxide (SnO2) films by using a chemical bath deposition (CBD) process with the addition of potassium permanganate (KMnO). The scientists explained that potassium (K) ions present in KMnO are able to diffuse into the perovskite material to ... Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. VANCOUVER, BC, RIVERVIEW, FL and LITTLE ROCK, AR, July 16, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ostara Nutrient Recovery Technologies Inc. ("Ostara") and Bruce Oakley, Inc. ("Oakley") announced today the completion of the previously announced purchase (the "Acquisition") by Ostara of Oakley's fertilizer granulation facility and certain related assets (the "Facility") located on the Mississippi River at Oakley's St. Louis, Missouri warehousing and logistics terminal (the "Terminal"). The Acquisition and recently announced financing completed by Ostara further accelerates the scale up Ostara's production capacity of its Crystal Green brand of sustainable, phosphorus-based, slow-release fertilizer products. Oakley will also provide long-term, full-service Terminal support for Ostara, including bulk storage, inbound and outbound logistics services via truck, rail and barge, and raw materials supply. Ostara has completed the design and engineering work to upgrade the Facility and has selected a general contractor, allowing for construction activities to be initiated immediately. Ostara anticipates production to commence approximately 12 months after the closing of the Acquisition. Once fully optimized, Ostara expects that output from the Facility will increase Ostara's current aggregate production capacity by a multiple of approximately 10x. "This acquisition is a major step in our plan to scale up the production of Crystal Green, allowing us to respond to growing demand with significant new capacity in a central location to our North American customer base," said Dan Parmar, Ostara's President and CEO. "We are also extremely pleased to partner with Bruce Oakley, Inc., an industry-leading logistics operator with world-class infrastructure, services and logistics to support us during this period of rapid growth for Ostara." "Oakley is excited to support Ostara, and Dan and his team have been a pleasure to work with. We are pleased to see the granulation plant repurposed ?to produce an environmentally friendly and agronomically beneficial fertilizer. Crystal Green is a fantastic ?slow-release ?phosphate product and we're proud to play a?n important role in helping Ostara accelerate the growth of Crystal Green in the North American market," said Justin Oakley, Vice President of Oakley. ____________________ About Ostara:Ostara's Crystal Green and Crystal Green Pearl fertilizers are the first granular slow-release phosphorus fertilizers to release nutrients in response to plant demand; these Root-Activated granules are proven to increase yield, enhance soil health and significantly reduce phosphorus tie-up and runoff, thereby improving food security while protecting local waterways from nutrient pollution. In addition to our Crystal Green fertilizer the Company's Pearl water treatment technology recovers phosphorus and nitrogen from industrial, agricultural, and municipal water streams, and transforms these nutrients into its premium, sustainable Crystal Green Pearl fertilizer which is sold into the agriculture and turf sectors through a network of established distributors in North America and Europe. To learn more about Ostara's revolutionary technologies, please visit ostara.com| crystalgreen.com. About Oakley: Bruce Oakley, Inc. led by Dennis and Justin Oakley, was founded by Bruce Oakley in 1968 in El Paso, Ark. and has grown into a diverse bulk commodity transportation and distribution company serving customers throughout North America. www.bruceoakley.com Media Contacts: Ostara Nutrient Recovery Technologies Inc. | Koert VandenEnden | kvandenenden@ostara.com Attachments Christie Brinkley and BMW Also Hosting the "Hottest" Event in the Hamptons Plus Internationally Known Hosts Such as BMW North America, Turks & Caicos Tourism and Sotheby's Realty Are Also Sponsoring the Polo Match & Event NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / July 16, 2021 / Green Stream Holdings Inc. (OTC PINK:GSFI) ("the Company") (https://greensolarutility.com), an emerging leader in the solar utility and finance space, which recently announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary Chuck's Vintage (https://chucksvintageoriginal.com), an iconic brand and retail location renown among celebrity elite and fashion enthusiasts alike, that has opened a new retail location in New York City at 173 East 91st Street, Basement, New York, NY 10128 as of 5/21/2021, which recently announced that it will be a sponsor for the Polo Hamptons Polo Match and Event and also announced that it will be in good company, with the other sponsors of the Match & Event. On July 24, the event will be hosted by fashion icon Christie Brinkley and includes BMW North America, Turks & Caicos Tourism and Sotheby's Realtyand more. The Company and its staff are ready and in-place to promote both Solar and Chuck's Vintage to an audience composed of fashionistas, journalists, celebrities, buyers and potential partners for both the Company's divisions. This match and event are produced each summer in the Hamptons by Social Life Magazine, the Luxury Magazine for the Hamptons, the top luxury publication in the world-renowned Hamptons. The Polo Match & Cocktail Party will be held in Bridgehampton, at 900 Lumber Lane, on July 24, 2021 https://sociallifemagazine.com. CEO James DiPrima said: "The clientele attending will include some of the world's most important influencers and the owners of international trend setting fashion houses and as a sponsor, the Company's representatives will have the opportunity to gain new inroads for the company in both the Chuck's Vintage and the Company's cutting-edge solar technologies." About Chuck's Vintage: Chuck's Vintage provides its clients an all access pass to historical fashion. Accessories, garments and complete ensembles from a bygone era, lest we forget its beauty. It seems only fitting that Chuck's Vintage would open its doors during a pandemic that is most closely associated with the plague that befell Los Angeles in 1924. In these times of uncertainty, and ever-changing business regulations and restrictions, Chuck's Vintage is doing its best to provide clients with a white glove experience. Established in 2006, Chuck's Vintage is a store unlike any other; a true American original. The moment you step over the threshold at 16618 Marquez Ave, Pacific Palisades 90272, you find yourself amid abundant treasure. The selection of vintage denim has to be seen to be believed. The blue jeans in her store range from Strongholds found in the California Gold Rush mines to World War II-Era Levi's, Lees, and Wranglers, as well as 1960's ladies high-waisted and groovy deadstock Levi's bells. Come to Chuck's for the denim, but stick around and complete your look with the founder's sampling of vintage American workwear: rugged military and work boots, buttery leather bomber jackets, and soft, perfectly worn-in vintage 70's rock tees. Classic American Cool. Chuck's Vintage was founded by GSFI former CEO Madeline Cammarata (fka Madeline Harmon), who hailed from an illustrious background in fashion. Her career began as a fashion model, where she was soon discovered by the iconic and provocative fashion photographer Helmet Newton, launching Cammarata to the runways of Europe. Returning to the US, Madeline found a powerful niche in the high fashion world of denim, where she was instrumental in providing fabric development for powerful brands like 7 For All Mankind and provided thousands of pieces to celebrity and business elites from Steve Jobs to Morrisey and everywhere in between. ?About Green Stream Finance, Inc. Green Stream Finance, Inc., a solar utility and finance company with satellite offices in Malibu, CA and New York, NY, is focused on exploiting currently unmet markets in the solar energy space, and is currently licensed in California, Nevada, Arizona, Washington, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, New Mexico, Colorado, Hawaii, and Canada. The Company's next-generation solar greenhouses constructed and managed by Green Rain Solar, LLC, a Nevada-based division, utilize proprietary greenhouse technology and trademarked design developed by world-renowned architect Mr. Antony Morali. The Company is currently targeting high-growth solar market segments for its advanced solar greenhouse and advanced solar battery products. The Company has a growing footprint in the significantly underserved solar market in New York City where it is targeting 50,000 to 100,000 square feet of rooftop space for the installation of its solar panels. Green Stream is looking to forge key partnership with major investment groups, brokers, and private investors in order to capitalize on a variety of unique investment opportunities in the commercial solar energy markets. The Company is dedicated to becoming a major player in this critical space. Through its innovative solar product offerings and industry partnerships, the Company is well-positioned to become a significant player in the solar space. Forward-Looking Statements: This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and is subject to the safe harbor created by those sections. This material contains statements about expected future events and/or financial results that are forward-looking in nature and subject to risks and uncertainties. That includes the possibility that the business outlined in this press release cannot be concluded for some reason. That could be as a result of technical, installation, permitting or other problems that were not anticipated. Such forward-looking statements by definition involve risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Green Stream Finance, Inc. to be materially different from the statements made herein. Except for any obligation under the U.S. federal securities laws, Green Stream Finance, Inc. undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. All Inquiries Contact: +1 (424) 280-4096 president@greenstreamfinance.com Websites: chucksvintageoriginal.com and https://greensolarutility.com Instagram: chucksvintageoriginal Phone number: (646) 669-7007 SOURCE: Green Stream Holdings Inc. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/655791/Chucks-Vintage-A-Wholly-Owned-Subsidiary-of-Green-Stream-Holdings-Inc-Announces-That-Its-Staff-Is-Ready-and-in-Place-to-Promote-Company-Chucks-Vintage-Is-Sponsoring-Polo-Hamptons-Match-Event-2021-on-July-24th-Along-With-Internationally-Known Bradenton, Florida--(Newsfile Corp. - July 16, 2021) - 808 Renewable Energy Corporation (OTC Pink: RNWR) ("808" or the "Company"), today releases additional photos of its first entry-level electric trike vehicle "Orca Roadster", which it is a product of international cooperation and supply chain program and will be rolling out to hit the North America market in Q-4 this year, along with a photo of its 2nd roadster model and additional new models to be followed for the next two years. According to Mr. Peter Chen, CFO of the company, "Our second convertible roadster is getting its 3-D scanning done for the mold production at the moment, it is also a 100% plug-in pure electric reverse trike as our first model - Orca Roadster. We are testing a new, bigger and more powerful electric power-train system which is about three times more powerful than the first system on the Orca Roadster, we are very excited about this new development. We believe this will be a very strong and competitive product to challenge the market leader "Slingshot" from Polaris, and our price will be extremely affordable and competitive, therefore we will create a unprecedented market demand once it rolls out into the market. We are working on becoming the electric fun and recreational Tesla in our reverse-trike industry, and we are quite confident in achieving this goal with the international supply-chain network which we have built." SilverLight's Second Roadster Model is getting 3-D Scanned ( 07-15-2021 ) To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/7841/90404_885e0fa714d0f84b_001full.jpg There is a short video here: https://youtu.be/NMs67ARe77I Cannot view this video? Visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMs67ARe77I SilverLight To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/7841/90404_885e0fa714d0f84b_002full.jpg 808 Renewable Energy is now putting together a very aggressive marketing campaign for an official launch of its Orca Roadster in Q-4, a team of marketing professionals with Master and MBA degrees has been recruited to handle this exciting project. A very aggressive Christmas Shopping Season promotion campaign is being worked on at the moment to have our products appear on all major e-Commerce platforms in the country. e-Commerce Platforms To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/7841/90404_885e0fa714d0f84b_003full.jpg SilverLight will roll out six different models over the next two years (2022-2024) To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/7841/90404_885e0fa714d0f84b_004full.jpg Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this news release may contain forward-looking information within the meaning of Rule 175 under the Securities Act of 1933 and Rule 3b-6 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and are subject to the safe harbor created by those rules. All statements, other than statements of fact, included in this release, including, without limitation, statements using the words "hope," "anticipate," "may" and statements regarding the potential growth of the Company, and future plans and objectives of the Company and SilverLight, are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Technical complications, which may arise, could prevent the prompt implementation of any strategically significant plan(s) outlined above. The Company undertakes no duty to revise or update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this release. SilverLight International Group SilverLight Aviation, LLC is one of the only two autogyro (gyrocopter) aircraft manufacturers in the U.S. and it is based in Zephyrhills, Florida, specializing in the design and manufacture of gyroplane aircraft in the form of kits or ready to fly aircraft. Its sister company - SilverLight Electric Vehicles Inc. is an electric reverse-trike vehicle and low-speed EV manufacturer (WMI # 4S9 & NHTSA # 20744) based in Lakewood Ranch (Bradenton), Florida. Investor Contact : David Chen, President - (631) 397-1111 (email: davechen.global@gmail.com) The Company's electric vehicle division website is currently under construction at the moment, it will be completed by the end of next month: https://silverlightev.com/ To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/90404 Todd Shapiro asked to Moderate Panel with Other Psychedelic Industry Leaders on July 20, 2021 Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - July 16, 2021) - Red Light Holland Corp. (CSE: TRIP) (FSE: 4YX) (OTC Pink: TRUFF) ("Red Light Holland" or the "Company"), an Ontario-based corporation engaged in the production, growth and sale of a premium brand of magic truffles to the legal, recreational market in the Netherlands, is pleased to announce that its CEO and Director, Todd Shapiro, will be participating at the upcoming Psytech Summit. Todd will showcase his expert hosting skills, as he will moderate a panel session titled "Setting up Shop: Geo-opportunities and Challenges in Building a Psychedelic Company," featuring Compass Pathways President, Chief Business Officer and Co-Founder Lars Wilde, and MindMed CEO Robert Barrow. Later during the Summit, Todd will have a candid interview with Red Light Holland's Chief Technology and Innovation Officer, Sarah Hashkes, in a fireside chat on "The Role of Technology and Education in Decriminalizing Nature & Providing Responsible Access to Psilocybin." Bruce Linton, Chair of the Company's Advisory Board and expected Chairman of the HighBrid Lab board of directors will also take part in a session titled "Mergers, Funding, and Valuations: Analysis and Prediction in Psychedelic Markets." "It's an honour to be asked to moderate other Industry Leaders," said Todd Shapiro, CEO and Director of Red Light Holland. "As you know, I've always considered our company to be the most progressive in the space with our approach to provide natural-occurring access now, via technology, education, information and responsible use. Psytech will be a great place for us to share this 'rec and tech' vision, update the world on Red Light Holland's progress to date, while having healthy discussions about the future of the sector as a whole." Information on Psytech Summit can be found at https://psytechglobal.com/summit/. or on Red Light Holland's verified Twitter account www.twitter.com/RedLightHolland where a special promo code will be shared for savings on premium access to the event. About Red Light Holland Red Light Holland is an Ontario-based corporation engaged in the production, growth and sale (through existing Smart Shops operators and an advanced e-commerce platform) of a premium brand of magic truffles to the legal market within the Netherlands. For additional information on the Company: Todd Shapiro Chief Executive Officer & Director Tel: 647-204-7129 Email: todd@redlighttruffles.com Website: https://redlighttruffles.com/ Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE") nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Such forward-looking information and forward-looking statements are not representative of historical facts or information or current condition, but instead represent only the Company's beliefs regarding future events, plans or objectives, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of the Company's control. Generally, such forward-looking information or forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or may contain statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "will continue", "will occur" or "will be achieved". The forward-looking information and forward- looking statements contained herein include, but are not limited to: information regarding the Company's ability, including Todd Shapiro, Sarah Hashkes, and Bruce Linton to show up to the Psytech Virtual Conference due to unforeseen circumstances, such as technical difficulties, illness like COVID-19 or other unforeseen issues, information regarding the Company's ability to complete the previously announced merger with Creso Pharma, the ability of the Company to accelerate its growth profile following the completion of the merger with Cresco Pharma, the anticipated benefits and synergies of the merger with Creso Pharma. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements, including but not limited to: the ability of Red Light Holland to continue as a going concern; the risks associated with the psychedelics industry in general such as operational risks in growing, competition, incorrect assessment of the value and potential benefits of various transactions; failure to obtain required regulatory and other approvals, Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list is not exhaustive. Readers are further cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which they are placed will occur. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement and reflect our expectations as of the date hereof, and thus are subject to change thereafter. Red Light Holland disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/90444 DUBAI, UAE, July 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ --The cryptocurrency sector is growing even in an unfavorable climate. Although Bitcoin is trading nearly 50% below its all-time high reached in May, institutional investors are showing little interest in buying it and are instead looking for other opportunities. "The cryptocurrency market is constantly changing. What is happening now is a simple story that is often repeated in this industry and fear of risks is not worth it. However, I believe that the market is a great opportunity for projects and companies involved in this sector to step back from their commitments and focus on developing new products and development strategies." - Boris Smitski says. The Golden Cash was originally designed to increase sales in the jewelry industry. The platform connects jewelry brands, producers and buyers to facilitate their interaction. At the same time, token holders get the opportunity to increase their investments. Boris Smitski said that tokens will not meet any competition in the jewelry industry. This will ensure interest in the payment system and thus demand and profit. He also mentioned that tokens have evolved from utility tokens or security tokens to exchange, governance and liquidity pool tokens. It is necessary to keep in mind that tokens are volatile, just like the entire cryptocurrency market. If cryptocurrencies were not volatile, no one would want to deal with them and trade them. The motivation to work with this niche would disappear. It is vital for the market to remain cyclical and stay as far away from centralization or regulation as possible in accordance with what is called "civilized behavior". The crypto market has a lot of room to grow, and volatility will be the key impetus for this division!", - Boris Smitski assured. Boris Smitski is an international businessman with vast experience in investment, consulting and banking. He is known for investing in gold production and mining, as well as founding an international jewelry brand Golden Cash. He was one of the first to invest in Bitcoin. He also consulted the PaPa Coin project during its launch. The Golden Cash platform ensures a networking environment to connect key players in the jewelry industry and ensure their seamless interaction. Its main goal is to build a powerful and mutually beneficial community for producers, brands and sellers. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1560192/Boris_Smitski_CEO_Golden_Cash.jpg DGAP-Ad-hoc: Steinhoff International Holdings N.V. / Key word(s): Miscellaneous Steinhoff International Holdings N.V.: 16-Jul-2021 / 15:45 CET/CEST Disclosure of an inside information acc. to Article 17 MAR of the Regulation (EU) No 596/2014, transmitted by DGAP - a service of EQS Group AG. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. DISCLOSURE OF INSIDE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO ART. 17 OF THE EU MARKET ABUSE REGULATION (EU 596/2014, MAR) STEINHOFF INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS N.V. - UPDATE ON SETTLEMENT IMPLEMENTATION PROGRESS AND AN INCREASED SETTLEMENT PROPOSAL Steinhoff International Holdings N.V. ("SIHNV" or the "Company", together with its subsidiaries, "Steinhoff" or the "Steinhoff Group") is providing its stakeholders with updates on two important matters. As previously, this offer does not constitute an admission of liability by any member of the Steinhoff Group, or its directors, officers or employees in respect of any legal claims or litigation proceedings. Increased Settlement Proposal Since the announcement of the original Steinhoff global settlement proposal on 27 July 2020, the Group's underlying businesses have shown resilient financial and operational performance and an increase in the value of a number of its investments, notwithstanding that they continue to face challenging markets. As a direct consequence of these developments, positive currency movements and improved outlook, SIHNV and SIHPL have concluded that they will increase the settlement offer as follows: - An additional EUR 243m is to be contributed by SIHNV and allocated proportionately among SIHNV claimants (both SIHNV Market Purchase Claimants and SIHNV Contractual Claimants) and SIHPL Market Purchase Claimants, on top of which a separate EUR 26m pro rata increase will be paid to Hemisphere CPU creditors. - As a result the total settlement offer to SIHNV Contractual Claimants and SIHPL and SIHNV Market Purchase Claimants will increase from EUR 370m to EUR 613m (a 66 per cent increase). The total settlement amount now available to SIHINV and SIHPL Market Purchase Claimants is estimated to be approximately EUR 442m. - As previously, the precise level of distribution to such claimants will depend on the final level of accepted claims made by the applicable bar date under the scheme plans, since the settlement sum will be applied for the benefit only of those SIHNV Contractual Claimants and SIHNV and SIHPL Market Purchase Claimants that establish their claims by that date. - SIHNV and SIHPL will retain their option to provide settlement consideration in respect of any claim in cash, or, 50 per cent in cash and 50 per cent in Pepkor Holdings Limited ("PPH") shares (at R15 per share). - SIHPL will pay for the increase in the SIHPL Market Purchase Claims on a deferred basis by increasing the new loan note issued by SIHPL payable to SIHNV (secured by SIHPL on a second ranking basis as described in the original settlement proposal) to an estimated value of approximately EUR 166m. - In respect of claims against SIHPL that are not Market Purchase Claims, no additional consideration will be payable. A summary term sheet setting out a summary of the improved terms can be found at: https://www.steinhoffinternational.com/settlement-litigation-claims.php. Following this announcement SIHNV and SIHPL will seek further approval from the South Africa Reserve Bank and the necessary consents of their respective financial creditors to support the proposed increase of the settlement proposal. Intention to progress implementation of the global settlement proposal As previously announced, SIHNV has been granted Dutch suspension of payments proceedings (the "SoP") on 15 February 2021 following which the District Court of Amsterdam (the "Amsterdam Court") appointed Mr. F. Verhoeven and Mr. C.R. Zijderveld as administrators ("Administrators"). On the same date, the Company submitted its composition plan (the "SoP Proposal") to the Amsterdam Court. SIHNV announces the following updates with respect to recent disputes: - As previously announced, an application has been filed in the Western Cape High Court in South Africa for a South African provisional liquidation of SIHNV by parties related to the previous owners of the Tekkie Town businesses (the "Tekkie Town Parties") acquired by Steinhoff in 2016. As part of the technical amendments made to the SoP Proposal on 15 June 2021, SIHNV confirmed that the SoP Proposal does not seek to compromise "in rem" claims, hence the Tekkie Town Parties will not be precluded from pursuing their claim for restitution of those businesses against SIHNV and/or PPH. - As also previously announced, the Western Cape High Court handed down a judgment on 2 July 2021 (the "S.45 Judgment"), finding that financial assistance rules had been breached and held that the resolution of the SIHPL board authorising entry into the SIHPL contingent payment undertaking issued in 2019 (the "SIHPL CPU") and the SIHPL CPU itself were void. SIHPL has been notified that a number of financial creditors with interests in the SIHPL CPU have appealed against the S.45 Judgment. In addition, those financial creditors have also asserted continuing debt claims and restitutionary claims against SIHPL which are independent of the determination of the appeal of the S.45 Judgment. SIHPL has considered the S.45 Judgment and its consequences. The overall net effect on SIHPL following the S.45 Judgment is that SIHPL now faces greater uncertainty and further claims and, in absence of a successful appeal, a long and complicated series of multi-jurisdictional legal disputes. Accordingly, SIHPL intends to apply for leave to appeal the S.45 Judgment before the time for doing so expires and believes that it has reasonable prospects of success on appeal. Steinhoff continues to assess the settlement implementation timetable. It remains Steinhoff's objective to give claimants (or in the SoP their representatives) the opportunity to vote on its proposals and, if approved, to obtain sanction of those proposals by the relevant courts. The section 155 process is capable of addressing the legacy claims and outstanding disputes including in relation to the S.45 Judgment and, with sufficient support, it can achieve a binding compromise of those claims and disputes. Accordingly, SIHNV and SIHPL will continue to work towards a co-ordinated global settlement based on the increased settlement proposal detailed above. The Company has a primary listing on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange and a secondary listing on the JSE Limited. Stellenbosch, South Africa 16 July 2021 Contact: Steinhoff International Holdings N.V. Investor Relations Phone: +27 21 808 0700 E-mail: investors@steinhoffinternational.com Rye Brook, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - July 16, 2021) - Here To Serve Holdings Corp. (OTC Pink: HTSC) (the "Company") is pleased to announce that its corporate advising arm Executive Industries has been retained by Firma Holding Corp. (OTC Pink: FRMA) for corporate advising and marketing services. The contract is for one year starting July 15, 2021 and provides the Company with 2.5 million shares of common stock of FRMA. According to Paul Riss, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, "We are pleased to work with FRMA, which has several projects that focus on creating a sustainable future. We believe their carbon-neutral products are valuable and socially responsible. We expect the FRMA stock will become another asset in our portfolio that will achieve significant value." About Here To Serve Holding Corp. Here to Serve Holding Corp. is a holding company that hunts for undervalued assets in the mining, real estate, and securities industries. In additional to mineral rights, holdings in public company securities and a 15% interest in Kaiyon Biotech Inc., it has two wholly owned subsidiaries. ICF Industries Inc. offers corporate advisory, consulting, and marketing services to both public and privately-owned companies. It helps entities with corporate strategy, negotiation, corporate structure, marketing, and executive management decisions. Fortune Nickel and Gold Inc. is dedicated to the global acquisition, exploration, and development of mining properties in prolific jurisdictions. Fortune recently acquired mining projects known as the Gowan and Beck- Ottaway properties located in the Timmins mining camp in Ontario, Canada. The Timmins mining camp lies at the heart of the Abitibi greenstone belt, which contains some of the world's largest deposits of gold, silver, copper, zinc, nickel, platinum-group metals, and industrial minerals such as talc. Fortune believes its projects have substantial gold and nickel potential. For more information: Please call Investor Relations with any questions at 855-4NICKEL (855-464-2535) extension 1. The information contained herein includes forward-looking statements. These statements relate to future events or to our future financial performance, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as "may," "should," "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "predicts," "potential" or "continue" or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements since they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which are, in some cases, beyond our control and which could, and likely will, materially affect actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. Any forward-'looking statement reflects our current views with respect to future events and is subject to these and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to our operations, results of operations, growth strategy and liquidity. We assume no obligation to publicly update or revise these forward-looking statements for any reason, or to update the reasons actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available in the future. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/90449 QINGDAO, CHINA / ACCESSWIRE / July 16, 2021 / China will provide new development opportunities for multinational companies, according to Gu Xueming, director of the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation at the second Qingdao Multinationals Summit. The second Qingdao Multinationals Summit attracts global guests in Qingdao, Shandong province on July 15. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn] The second Qingdao Multinationals Summit opened in the eastern coastal city of Qingdao, Shandong province on the evening of July 15. The summit, jointly held by the Ministry of Commerce and the Shandong provincial government, focuses on the position of multinationals in the global industrial chain system and the symbiotic relationship between multinationals and the Chinese market. Attendees included 390 Fortune Global 500 companies and 517 industry leaders. Liu Jiayi, Party chief of Shandong province delivered a speech at the opening ceremony, expressing his willingness to share new development opportunities with multinationals in terms of new national strategic platforms, new blueprints for building a strong province, new deep-sea industrial promotions, and new breakthroughs in institutional mechanisms, aiming to achieve mutual benefits and win-win results. By 2020, 219 Fortune 500 companies in Shandong from 23 countries and regions had invested and established 812 enterprises in all cities throughout the province, with total investment valued at $80.9 billion. According to the organizing committee, agreements for 96 foreign-funded projects worth $11.85 billion were signed at the summit. Amin Nasser, president of Arabian petroleum and natural gas giant Saudi Aramco, said the summit's impact is growing thanks to China's rapid development and high-level opening-up. Kuniharu Nakamura, CEO of Japanese general trading company Sumitomo Corporation, acknowledged the summit's positive effect on the market environment of Shandong province, China, and the world. A signing ceremony of the second Multinationals Summit is held on July 16 in Qingdao, Shandong. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn] A research report titled 'Multinationals in China: New opportunities arising from a new paradigm' by the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation was released at the ceremony. The report lists in detail the new achievements and new space occupied by multinationals in the development of a new paradigm, analyzes new opportunities that the new development paradigm will create for multinationals, and puts forward new expectations for multinationals under the new paradigm. The report said that global foreign direct investment has entered a new stage, and the roles of developed and developing economies in attracting FDI are changing. The share of FDI flows into developing economies has increased steadily, from 27.6 percent in 2007 to 47.3 percent in 2019 and 66.3 percent in 2020. In recent years, FDI flows into Asia have shown a fluctuating upward trend. The continent's share of global FDI exceeded 50 percent in 2020. The manufacturing and service industries have been equally prominent in the absorption of FDI. Seventy percent of global manufacturing FDI flows to capital-intensive and technology-intensive industries, while 70 percent of FDI in global services flows to the producer services industry. Under these circumstances, multinationals are contributing more to the construction of a new development paradigm. Multinationals play a strong role in developing the high-tech industry in China. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, from 2015 to 2019, the actual use of foreign investment in China's high-tech industry increased from $16.58 billion to $39.06 billion, with an average annual growth rate of 25.9 percent. Its proportion in China's actual national use of foreign investment increased from 13.1 percent to 28.3 percent. Multinationals are a driving force behind the growth and increased quality of China's foreign trade. China has been the world's second largest receiver of FDI for the past four years. From 2015 to 2020, imports and exports of foreign-invested enterprises accounted for about 40 percent of China's total imports and exports. In 2019, imports and exports of high-tech products of foreign-invested enterprises to total imports and exports of foreign-funded enterprises accounted for about 60 percent of all national imports and exports of high-tech products. Contact: Max Du Tel: +86189 1102 1021 Country: China SOURCE: Reachpartner Communication View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/655826/Multinationals-to-Have-New-Opportunities-in-China WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Individuals taking common cholesterol-lowering drugs, known as statins, prior to hospitalization for coronavirus (COVID-19), were exposed to substantially reduced risk of death and severe COVID-19, particularly in those with history of comorbid health conditions such as heart disease or high blood pressure, according to a study published in the journal Public Library of Science ONE or PLOS One. The study examined the relationship between use of medications to control cholesterol or blood pressure levels, and the risk of death among people who were hospitalized due to COVID-19. The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic which is causing worldwide morbidity and mortality. Statins have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects that may reduce the severity of COVID-19, in which organ dysfunction is mediated by severe inflammation. According to the study, statins and anti-hypertensive medications were not only found to be safe, but they can actually be protective in patients hospitalized for COVID, especially among those with a history of hypertension or cardiovascular disease. It was associated with 32 percent lower odds of death among such patients. The study results have encouraged people prescribed with cholesterol and/or blood pressure medicines to continue taking these medications during the duration of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In an analysis of more than 10,000 hospitalized COVID-19 patients across the United States, the use of such drugs, prior to hospitalization, was associated with a more than 40 percent reduction in in-hospital death, and a greater than 25 percent reduction in the risk of developing a severe outcome. The analysis compared similar patients who did and did not use statins or anti-hypertensive medication, among those both with and without these underlying comorbid health conditions. This study used data from the American Heart Association's COVID-19 Cardiovascular Disease Registry. The results of the study are consistent with most prior studies, though most of these have been small or regional. A single-center U.S. observational study of 170 subjects found a 50 percent reduction in severe COVID-19 among patients with statin use prior to hospitalization, consistent with these findings. A larger, regional study from Hubei Province, China described an approximately 40 percent reduction in mortality with statin use. Similarly, a study based on a U.S. hospital claims database that covered 21,676 hospitalizations with any COVID-19 diagnosis across 276 hospitals, found that in-hospital statin use was associated with a 46 percent reduction in in-hospital mortality. A few studies have failed to find an association between statin use and COVID-19 severity. However, these were either very small studies, or based upon administrative data which can be less granular. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de The Tourist Office of the Tarn Valley & Monts de l'Albigeois, the Town Hall of Assac and CGN Europe Energy will organize this summer 2 visits accessible to the general public dedicated to the discovery of the wind farm of Assac PARIS, July 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- On July 30th and August 27th, the Tourist Office of the Tarn Valley & Monts de l'Albigeois, the Town Hall of Assac and CGN Europe Energy, European actor in green energies, invite the general public to discover the wind farm of Assac. In total, visitors will be able to walk 6km of educational trail, named "From wind turbines to windmills". The 10 wind turbines are 85 meters high, with their blades of 45 meters, totaling an electricity production of 30,000 megawatts in 2020, enough to supply 6,500 homes, or about 14,000 inhabitants. The three players have been working together for several months to develop this "industrial tourism" project. It is a strong asset in the community's development strategy. An innovation to protect biodiversity In order to protect biodiversity, CGN Europe Energy has set up an innovative system in the heart of the park. Indeed, motion detectors and loudspeakers for sound scaring have been installed to detect animals when the risk of impact is identified. In concrete terms, a very short sound signal is projected to divert the bird from its trajectory and thus avoid the danger of any impact. Benefits for the community In addition, this wind farm is also an asset for the farmers operating in the vicinity, who say they are satisfied with this park. "We are sensitive to renewable energy because we had to find something to be less dependent on fossil fuels. So, wind turbines are a good way to make up for these resources," says Louis Cabot, owner of the Bontemps farm. VISIT DATES: Friday, July 30 and Friday, August 27, 2021. 3 visit slots are proposed, each limited to 20 people: 10:30 am, 11 am and 11:30 am. FREE - reservation required 05 63 55 39 14 www.valleedutarn-tourisme.com About CGN Europe Energy With a total generating capacity of 2.4 gigawatts, CGN Europe Energy is one of the leading suppliers of green energy in Europe. The company's activities focus on the research, construction, operation and production of so-called clean and renewable energies, such as wind turbines and photovoltaic panels. In 2020, CGN Europe Energy supplied 5 billion kWh of green energy for 2 million European homes, making a contribution to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to that of creating 13,000 square hectares of woodland. Video - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1575665/CGN_Europe_Energy.mp4 PHOENIX, AZ / ACCESSWIRE / July 16, 2021 / Hiru Corporation (OTC PINK:HIRU), a Georgia corporation ("HIRU" or the "Company"), has completed the acquisition of Salome Water and Ice, LLC, a Nevada limited liability company ("Salome Water and Ice"), which owns and operates a full-service ice manufacturing and water purification facility located in Salome, Arizona which has been in production since 2006. The Company acquired Salome Water and Ice pursuant to an equity exchange agreement executed on Wednesday, July 14, 2021 ("Agreement"). Pursuant to this Agreement, the Company acquired all outstanding equity of Salome Water and Ice, making it a wholly owned subsidiary, in exchange for 25,000,000 shares of Common Stock (Restricted) of the Company. Ms. Kathryn Gavin (President and CEO the Company), states" We are pleased to announce that we have closed our second acquisition, Salome Water and Ice. While it is not as large a facility as AZ Custom Bottled Water, it is a good example of the type of facility we are looking to acquire as part of our industry roll up plan in the State of Arizona and the Southwest. It has been in operation for 15 years, has a steady local and business client base, and did over $600,000 USD in revenues the last fiscal year. Salome Water and Ice is the only pure water and ice facility within 75 miles of its location and also serves seasonal harvest in its immediate vicinity. Again, it met our simple acquisition criteria: seasoned operations, cash flow positive financials, and in a high growth industry- consumer bottled water and ice market in the Southwest United States." Salome Water and Ice is an ice manufacturing and water purification business. The main operational building, which also houses 24-hour water and ice vending machines, is located on 3 land parcels in the heart of Salome, Arizona (Western Arizona). The building site also includes living quarters for the on-site management team. The internal operations include two (2) 10-ton ice machines and a state-of-the-art commercial water purification system. They also operate several refrigerated trucks to supply ice to over sixty merchandisers in the area of Salome. Ms. Gavin further stated" I would like to follow up and inform the investing public that we amended our articles of incorporation with the State of Georgia today lowering our authorized capital shares to two billion (from five billion) as previously announced. In passing, I would also like to make a commitment to our shareholders that the Company will not conduct a reverse split of its common stock for a period of three years or at such time we break annual revenues of $20,000,000 USD and are required to do so as part of a planned Uplist to a National Market Exchange. We are trying to be proactive and make smart, strategic decisions that are focused on maximizing shareholder value in the long term." Disclaimer Regarding Forward Looking Statements Certain statements that we make may constitute "forward-looking statements" under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include information concerning future?strategic objectives, business prospects, anticipated savings, financial results (including expenses, earnings, liquidity, cash flow and capital expenditures), industry or market conditions, demand for and pricing of our products, acquisitions and divestitures, anticipated results of litigation and regulatory developments or general economic conditions.? In addition, words such as "believes," "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "estimates," "projects," "forecasts," and future or conditional verbs such as "will," "may," "could," "should," and "would," as well as any other statement that necessarily depends on future events, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees, and they involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. ?Although we make such statements based on assumptions that we believe to be reasonable, there can be no assurance that actual results will not differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements.? We caution investors not to rely unduly on any forward-looking?statements. ABOUT US Hiru Corp. is a Georgia corporation, is a public quoted Pink Sheet issuer under the ticker symbol 'HIRU' (the "Company"). The Company reports as an alternative reporting issuer with OTC Markets Group, Inc. and is current in its mandatory required filings (e.g., Pink Sheet Current). Currently, the Company has two wholly owned, operational subsidiaries, AZ Custom Bottled Water, Inc., a Nevada corporation, which owns and operates a commercial water bottling and labeling facility based in Phoenix, Arizona and Salome Water and Ice, LLC, a Nevada limited liability company, which owns an ice manufacturing and water purification business in Salome, Arizona. CONTACT: 3331 North 35th Avenue Phoenix, Arizona 95107 Web Site: www.waterandiceshop.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/hirucorp Phone: 928-408-4486 Email: info@waterandiceshop.com Contact: Kathryn Gavin, CEO SOURCE: Hiru Corp. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/655769/HIRU-CORPORATION--Acquisition-of-Salome-Water-and-Ice NOIDA, India, July 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- A comprehensive overview of the Clean Hydrogen market is recently added by UnivDatos Market Insights to its humongous database. The Clean Hydrogen market report has been aggregated by collecting informative data of various dynamics such as market drivers, restraints, and opportunities. This innovative report makes use of several analyses to get a closer outlook on the Clean Hydrogen market. The Clean Hydrogen 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 Clean Hydrogen market at the global and regional levels. Clean Hydrogen market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 15.7% from 2021-2027 to exceed US$ 2.5 billion by 2027. Market Overview Key factors influencing the growth of this market include increasing awareness about carbon alternatives among people. There is a tremendous increase in greenhouse gases production globally, especially due to industrialization. This leads to the emission of the greenhouse gases like methane, carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide which are responsible for the rising global temperatures. Since the last century, the global temperature of the planet has gone up by 1%.The highest carbon emitters include United States, China, The European Union, and Russia, which together account for 65% of the total carbon emissions. With the advent of Hydrogen Gas, it is the alternative to many applications that currently rely on fossil fuels including transportation, power generation, building, industry, and waste. All these make clean hydrogen a good alternative to fossil fuels soon and thus its expected market growth. Request To Download Sample of this Strategic Report@https://bit.ly/36ERuz9 COVID-19 Impact The recent covid-19 pandemic in 2019 took the world by storm. The pandemic brought the world to a standstill. All industries have suffered some form of loss due to the pandemic. In addition to this, the pandemic has also cost many lives. Most nations around the world were affected by the pandemic which not only took lives but also took away jobs. The pandemic caused a huge economic burden all around the world with most industries bearing some form of loss. The Clean Hydrogen industry also saw a slowdown during the pandemic as the industries were shut and production was affected. Clean Hydrogen 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 Alkaline Electrolyzer PEM Electrolyzer SO Electrolyzer The PEM Electrolyzer segment generated revenue of US$ XX million in 2020 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of XX% during the forecast period to reach a market valuation of US$ XX million by 2027F. By End-User, the market is primarily segmented into Transport Power Generation Industrial Amongst end-user, the Transport segment of the Clean Hydrogen market 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. Ask for Price & Discounts @ https://bit.ly/36ERuz9 Clean Hydrogen Market Geographical Segmentation Includes: North America Europe Asia-Pacific Rest of the World Based on the estimation, the North America region dominated the Clean Hydrogen market with almost XX% revenue share in 2020. North America also saw the highest CAGR of XX% in the forecast period due to the technological advancements and government policies supporting the market growth. The major players targeting the market includes Linde plc Air Liquide Engie Uniper SE Siemens Energy Air Products Inc Green Hydrogen System Cummins Inc Toshiba Energy System & Solution Corporation Nel ASA Competitive Landscape Ask for Report Customization @ https://bit.ly/36ERuz9 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 Clean Hydrogen 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 Clean Hydrogen Market? Which factors are influencing the Clean Hydrogen Market over the forecast period? What are the global challenges, threats, and risks in the Clean Hydrogen Market? Which factors are propelling and restraining the Clean Hydrogen Market? What are the demanding global regions of the Clean Hydrogen 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/36ERuz9 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 message may contain confidential or privileged Information and is intended only for the use of the addressee named above. If you are not the intended recipient of this message, you are hereby notified that you must not use, copy, disclose or take any action based on this message or information herein. If you have received this message by error, please advise the sender immediately and delete this message. The publication is for information purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy or subscribe for securities. Past performance is not a reliable indicator or guarantee of future results, prices of shares and the income from them may fall as well as rise and investors may not get back the amount originally invested. The investor must be aware of the investment risk and personal risk ability. Some information quoted was obtained from external sources HBM considers to be reliable. HBM cannot guarantee the adequacy, accuracy, timeliness or completeness of or be held responsible or liable for errors of fact regarding such data and information obtained from third parties, and this data may change with market conditions. 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. AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS / ACCESSWIRE / July 16, 2021 / Ratio Finance, a Solana-based DeFi protocol, has announced it has raised $2.25 million in funding from Rarestone Capital Alameda Research, CMS, Divergence Ventures, New Form, Solana, Raydium, and other investors. Ratio Finance was incubated by Rarestone Capital as part of Rarestone Labs, the fund's DeFi-focused accelerator. Ratio Finance is helping to unlock and provide additional liquidity to the Solana ecosystem by allowing Solana users to earn yield, take out collateralized loans, and realize the full potential of their capital, all from a user-friendly interface. This is done by leveraging USDr (Ratio USD), the company's collateralized stablecoin, with the collateralization rates determined by the riskiness of the LP pool. Users will be able to mint USDr by depositing various LP tokens for select Raydium (and other Solana DEX) pools, opening a world of possibilities. USDr will be freely tradeable and can be used as a stable asset for traders. Following the minting of USDr, users can then choose to allocate USDr to one of Ratio's vaults and use the yield generated from those vaults to either pay off their debt over time, lock more liquidity, or mint more USDr. To retrieve collateral, users just need to pay back their original loan amount. Shimon Newman, a core contributor to Ratio Finance, says, 'We are excited to have the support of our investors and the Solana ecosystem in a shared vision to help bring maximum flexibility to Solana liquidity providers through the use of Collateralized Debt Positions and an innovative risk assessment protocol'. Samiar Tehrani, another core contributor, explains that 'being able to bring innovative traditional financial risk modelling into DeFi will allow a new influx of users, while mitigating the risk of legacy DeFi users'. Charles Read, Co-Founder of Rarestone Capital, says, 'Ratio Finance has the team and vision to be an important part of the Solana ecosystem and overall DeFi movement, especially as more entrants look for easy to use and robust solutions for yield generation.' Ratio Finance is targeting an IDO later in Q3 to bring its governance token to market. Ratio's governance token will be used for controlling/adjusting the collateralization and liquidation levels of the USDr vaults. More details will soon follow. Social Links Telegram: https://t.me/ratiofinance Twitter: https://twitter.com/ratiofinance Medium:https://medium.com/@ratiofinance Discord: https://discord.gg/5v8AYva8nU Media Contact Company: Ratio Finance Contact: Diana Freeman Email: team@ratio.finance Website: https://www.ratio.finance/ SOURCE: Ratio Finance View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/655858/Ratio-Finance-Raises-225-Million-to-Unlock-Liquidity-on-Solana-with-Collateralized-Debt-Positions CALGARY, AB / ACCESSWIRE / July 16, 2021 / Canadian Overseas Petroleum Limited (the "Company") (CSE:XOP) & (LSE:COPL), announces its application for an extension to the management cease trade order (the "MCTO") originally granted by the Alberta Securities Commission on May 18, 2021 has been accepted. The MCTO is in respect of the Company's unaudited interim financial statements and the applicable CEO and CFO certifications in respect of such filings for the period ended March 31, 2021. The MCTO will now expire on July 26, 2021. Under the terms of the MCTO and in accordance with National Policy 12-203 - Management Cease Trade Orders ("NP 12-203"), the Company will continue to provide bi-weekly status reports while the MCTO is in effect. About the Company COPL is an international oil and gas exploration, development and production company actively pursuing opportunities in the United States through the acquisition of Atomic Oil and Gas LLC with operations in Converse County Wyoming, and in sub-Saharan Africa through its ShoreCan joint venture company in Nigeria, and independently in other countries. For further information, please contact: Mr. Arthur Millholland, President & CEO Canadian Overseas Petroleum Limited Tel: + 1 (403) 262 5441 Cathy Hume CHF Investor Relations Tel: +1 (416) 868 1079 ext. 251 Email: cathy@chfir.com Charles Goodwin Yellow Jersey PR Limited Tel: +44 (0) 77 4778 8221 Email: copl@yellowjerseypr.com Forward-looking statements This press release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking information" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that discusses predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "believes" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. In making the forward-looking statements contained in this press release, the Company has made certain assumptions. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that the expectations of any forward-looking statements will prove to be correct. Known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this press release. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in assumptions, changes in factors affecting such forward-looking statements or otherwise. The securities of the company have not been registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements. This release is issued for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of any securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. The Canadian Securities Exchange (operated by CNSX Markets Inc.) has neither approved nor disapproved of the contents of this press release. SOURCE: Canadian Overseas Petroleum Limited View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/655871/Canadian-Overseas-Petroleum-Limited-Announces-Management-Cease-Trade-Order-has-been-extended-to-July-26-2021 TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / July 16, 2021 / AI/ML Innovations Inc. (CSE:AIML)(OTCQB:AIMLF) ("AIML" or the "Company"), a company committed to acquiring and advancing Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning technologies that address urgent societal needs, reports that effective immediately, John Cook has resigned from the Board of Directors due to health concerns. The Company thanks Mr. Cook for the significant contributions he made during his tenure, and wishes him a full and successful recovery. About AI/ML Innovations Inc . AI/ML Innovations Inc. has realigned its business operations to capitalize on the burgeoning fields of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), with an initial investment focus on emerging digital health and wellbeing companies that leverage AI, ML, cloud computing and digital platforms to drive transformative healthcare management solutions and precision support delivery across the health continuum. Through strategic partnerships with Health Gauge, Tech2Health and other planned accretive investments, the Company continues to capitalize on expanding growth areas, to the benefit of all the Company's stakeholders.AI/ML's shares are traded on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol "AIML" and on the OTCQB Venture Market under "AIMLF". On behalf of the Board of Directors Tim Daniels, Executive Chairman For more information about AI/ML Innovations : For detailed information please see AI/ML's website at https://aiml-innovations.com/ or the Company's filed documents at www.sedar.com. For further information: Blake Fallis at (778) 405-0882 or info@aiml-innovations.com. Presentations: Investor slidedeck: https://aiml-innovations.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/AIML-mini-1-21.pdf Corporate video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2QSjo7clXc&feature=youtu.be Official YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCfOj2P_Fu3TOK6Jl1G9vEQ Neither the CSE nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary and Forward-Looking Statements Certain information in this news release may contain forward-looking statements that involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the control of the Company, including but not limited to, the uncertainty of competition by other industry players, the impact of general economic conditions, industry conditions, dependence upon regulatory approvals and the ability to raise additional capital as may be needed in the future. Readers are cautioned that the assumptions used in preparing such information, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove imprecise and undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this press release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, and the Company undertakes no obligations to update publicly or to revise any of the included forward-looking statements, whether because of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable securities law. SOURCE: AI/ML Innovations Inc. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/655764/AIML-Innovations-Announces-Board-Resignation Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - July 16, 2021) - KWG Resources Inc. (CSE: KWG) (CSE: KWG.A) (FSE: KW6) ("KWG") ("KWG" or the "Company") has been requested by staff ("Staff") of the Ontario Securities Commission ("OSC") to publish clarification of certain matters following an issue-oriented review by Staff of the OSC of KWG's continuous disclosure record. Economic Projections: The Company has filed a number of technical reports in accordance with NI 43-101. They include technical reports for the Big Daddy deposit dated May 27, 2011 and November 12, 2014. The May 2011 technical report is a preliminary economic assessment based on the deposit's estimated resources described therein. The November 2014 technical report is an update (and increase) in respect of the deposit's estimated resources; however, it is not an update of the economic assessment for those resources and does not include information necessary to support disclosure of a preliminary economic assessment in respect of the estimated resources described in the November 2014 technical report. The May 2011 technical report is no longer current and should not be relied upon. At the request of Staff following their review of KWG's continuous disclosure record, KWG has determined to retract the economic projections referred to in the Company's website based on the May 27, 2011 technical report which had been completed in 2011 in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 - Standards for Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") and filed on sedar at that time. Prior to January 2018, the Company had referred to various projects in the Ring of Fire and to the Ring of Fire as a whole and in respect thereof had confirmed to Staff that the Company would make no further references in its public disclosure materials to estimates of the value of mineral resources until completion and publication of applicable preliminary economic assessments, pre-feasibility studies or feasibility studies to support such estimates (please see the Company's news release dated January 9, 2018). At the request of Staff, the Company has also removed references and links to certain websites, papers, studies, analysts' reports and newspaper articles - including (i) a paper presented by Barnes, Muinonen and Lavigne to the CIM Metallurgical Society, (ii) the Rail vs Road Trade-off Study dated February 11, 2013 by Tetra Tech, (iii) the Pope & Company analyst report, 2013, and (iv) the article from the Greenstone Times-Star dated January 2010 - as those materials should not be relied upon. In respect of the Rail vs Road Trade-off Study dated February 11, 2013 by Tetra Tech, the Company retracts any parts thereof which may be interpreted as implying economic feasibility and advises that such study should not be relied upon as a feasibility study within the meaning of NI 43-101. In Situ Value: Within the Company's website were some statements from a newspaper article and some links to websites of newspapers and other companies that referred to in-situ or gross metal values. In-situ and gross metal values are governed by restricted disclosure provisions in section 2.3 of NI 43-101. At the request of Staff following their review of KWG's continuous disclosure record, KWG has determined to retract certain statements from that newspaper article and to remove references and links to certain websites as those materials do not appear to be based on an acceptable method of valuation, omit material information and do not appear to have an acceptable relationship to economic viability, value or potential return to investors and, accordingly, such materials - including a Mineralfields monthly newsletter from May 2010 and a Middelkoop analyst report from February 9, 2009 - should not be relied upon. Similarly, a statement by the Chief Operating Officer of the Company's wholly owned subsidiary, Canada Chrome Corporation ("CCC"), in a newspaper several months ago referring to an estimated value of the minerals in the Ring of Fire is retracted and should not be relied upon. Exploration Target: Within the Company's website in respect of its Black Horse chromite deposit there was a statement regarding tonnage of deposits which the Company regarded as a forward-looking statement regarding a potential reconstruction of the deposits and their resources. At the request of Staff following their review of KWG's continuous disclosure record, KWG has determined to retract that statement. That tonnage was not a mineral resource within the meaning of CIM definitions and was not described as an exploration target with a range of tonnage and grade with required cautionary language in accordance with NI 43-101. The Company has also determined to remove references to the reconstruction potential; that statement should not be relied upon. Rail Transportation Corridor: Within the website of the Company's wholly owned subsidiary, Canada Chrome Corporation, (the "CCC website") was a statement regarding the staking of that route by the Company and the reasons therefor. At the request of Staff following their review of KWG's continuous disclosure record, KWG has determined to retract that statement and remove from the CCC website references to the reasons for staking those claims; those statements should not be relied upon. Canada Chrome Website: Within the CCC website, there were references to some of the matters being retracted and removed from the Company's website. All such matters which appeared in the CCC website are similarly being retracted and have been removed from the CCC website. About KWG: KWG is the Operator of the Black Horse Joint Venture after acquiring a vested 50% interest through Bold Ventures Inc. which is carried for 10% (20% of KWG's equity in the JV) by KWG funding all exploration expenditures. KWG also owns 100% of CCC which staked mining claims between Aroland, Ontario and the Ring of Fire. CCC has conducted a surveying and soil testing program to assess the prospects for the engineering and construction of a railroad along that route between the Ring of Fire and Aroland, Ontario. KWG subsequently acquired intellectual property interests, including a method for the direct reduction of chromite to metalized iron and chrome using natural gas. KWG subsidiary Muketi Metallurgical LP is prosecuting two chromite-refining patent applications in Canada, India, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey, and USA. The national phase filings are under review in each of those jurisdictions. For further information, please contact: Bruce Hodgman, Vice-President: 416-642-3575 ~ info@kwgresources.com Forward-Looking Statements: Information set forth in this news release may involve forward-looking statements under applicable securities laws. The forward-looking statements contained herein are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements included in this document are made as of the date of this document and KWG disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable securities legislation. Although management believes that the expectations represented in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy any securities that may be described herein and accordingly undue reliance should not be put on such. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/90489 PEWAUKEE, WI / ACCESSWIRE / July 16, 2021 / FIRSTIME DESIGN LIMITED (OTC PINK:FTDL) today announced financial results for the second quarter period ending June 30, 2021. First quarter highlights include: Q2 2021 over Q2 2020 net sales and EPS growth of 23% and (91)%, respectively Q2 2021 over Q2 2019 net sales and EPS growth of 77% and (33)% respectively The Company began to roll out its new Spring 2021 product assortment which is the largest in Company history Financial Results Summary Income Statement Summary Second Quarter Period Year to Date Period 6/30/2021 6/30/2020 6/30/2021 6/30/2020 Net Sales $ 5,305,000 $ 4,305,000 $ 12,614,000 $ 7,645,000 Sales Growth % 23.2 % 43.4 % 65.0 % 24.3 % EBITDA $ 187,000 $ 523,000 $ 886,000 $ 667,000 Margin % 3.5 % 12.1 % 7.0 % 8.7 % Net Income $ 43,000 $ 463,000 $ 668,000 $ 564,000 Margin % 0.8 % 10.8 % 5.3 % 7.4 % Earnings per Share $ 0.04 $ 0.40 $ 0.58 $ 0.49 EPS Growth % -90.7 % 568.3 % 18.4 % 52.6 % Wtd. Avg. Shares Out. 1,154,651 1,154,651 1,154,651 1,154,651 Balance Sheet Summary Year to Date Period 6/30/2021 6/30/2020 Net Tangible Working Capital $ 11,870,000 $ 4,199,000 Net Debt $ 6,133,000 $ 1,437,000 Total Shareholder's Equity $ 9,727,000 $ 4,897,000 Operational Results Summary Chairman and CEO, Christopher D. Bering, said "we continue to be proud of the Company's results in this challenging operating environment. Fortunately, I have been managing the vicissitudes of consumer-based markets for over 20 years and in my time, I have seen it all. This time is no different. Though the market remains healthy and the consumer's appetite for our product assortment is strong, upward cost pressure has begun to creep into the market through increased product and shipping costs which impacted this quarter's profitability. We have already taken swift action to remain strong and nimble including managing operating expenses, raising product prices where we can, and making sure we have plenty of inventory on hand as we prepare for the fast-approaching holiday season." Mr. Bering continued, "when we restructured the business in the 2017 to 2019 period to accelerate our growth plans, we deliberately created a flexible operating structure so we could successfully manage through all kinds of market environments. We remain committed to adhering to this philosophy paired with aggressive new product rollout plans. To that end, the Spring 2021 product rollout is the biggest in the Company's history and we have a very large pipeline of new products to be rolled out over the next twelve months. Over market cycles, we continue to believe we will grow our market share in the very large and fragmented online domestic home decor market." Andrew Bass, Chairman of the Capital Allocation Committee said that "we reported Q2 2021 growth over Q2 2019 growth to show how we analyze the business over multi-year periods. In Q2 2020 we began to see the direct impact that COVID-19 had in accelerating the consumers push to shopping online which will continue to create difficult year over year comparisons through the balance of the year as the world reopens. Regardless, as we take a longer-term view of the business, we remain optimistic in our business model and our ability to increase per-share intrinsic value." About FirsTime Design Limited FirsTime Design Limited is an industry-leading designer, marketer, and distributor of home goods and sleep environment products, which are sold through multiple, national retailers as well as through a vast network of eCommerce channels. More information can be found at www.firstime.com or www.otcmarkets.com/stock/FTDL/quote. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This document contains certain forward-looking statements about FirsTime and its general business outlook. When used in this document, the words "anticipates", "can", "will", "look forward to", "expected" and similar expressions and any other statements that are not historical facts are intended to identify those assertions as forward-looking statements. Any such statement may be influenced by a variety of factors, many of which are beyond the control of FirsTime, that could cause actual outcomes and results to be materially different from those projected, described, expressed, or implied in this document due to several risks and uncertainties. Potential risks and uncertainties include, among others, the possibility that the anticipated continued growth of FirsTime may not be achieved, general economic conditions in regions in which FirsTime does business, and the possibility that FirsTime may be adversely affected by other financial, business, and/or competitive factors. Accordingly, no assurances can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, or if any of them do so, what impact they will have on the results of operations or financial condition of FirsTime. The Company's results are preliminary and unreviewed and are subject to change once FirsTime posts its financial results for the year ended 2020. SOURCE: FirsTime Design Limited View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/655847/FirsTime-Design-Limited-Announces-Second-Quarter-2021-Results Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - July 16, 2021) - Sensor Technologies Corp. (CSE: SENS) ("Sensor") is pleased to that it has negotiated various debt conversion agreements (collectively, the "Debt Agreements") with four (4) creditors (collectively, the "Creditors"), all of which are arm's length parties to the Corporation. Pursuant to the terms of the Debt Agreements, the Corporation has agreed to issue an aggregate of 25,000,000 common shares ("Debt Shares") to the Creditors in exchange for the cancellation of $500,000 in debt owing to the parties. The Debt Shares issued pursuant to the debt conversion are subject to a statutory four (4) month hold period. About Sensor Sensor develops non-intrusive asset health monitoring sensor systems for the oil and gas market to help operators track the thinning of pipelines and refinery vessels due to corrosion/erosion, strain due to bending/buckling and process pressure and temperature. Sensor's FT fiber optic sensor and corrosion monitoring systems allow cost-effective, 24/7 remote monitoring capabilities to improve scheduled maintenance operations, avoid unnecessary shutdowns, and prevent accidents and leaks. For further information, please contact: Jay Vieira, President, Director 905.338.0220 jay@fox-tek.com The CSE has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Note regarding Forward-looking Statements This news release includes certain information and forward-looking statements about management's view of future events, expectations, plans and prospects that constitute forward-looking statements. These statements are based upon assumptions that are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Because of these risks and uncertainties and as a result of a variety of factors, the actual results, expectations, achievements or performance may differ materially from those anticipated and indicated by these forward looking statements. Although the Corporation believes that the expectations reflected in forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurances that the expectations of any forward-looking statement will prove to be correct. Except as required by law, the Corporation disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in assumptions, changes in factors affecting such forward looking statements or otherwise. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/90506 M1 Finance, a Chicago, IL-based finance app offering automated investing, borrowing, and banking products, raised $150m in Series E funding round. SoftBanks Vision Fund 2 led the round, which valued the company at $1.45 Billion, with participation from existing investors. The company intends to use the funds to expand products and features, platform innovation, enhanced customer service, and hire talent. Led by founder and CEO Brian Barnes, M1 Finance is a finance app, which helps people manage and grow their money with control and automation. With over $4.5 billion in assets under management, M1 provides hundreds of thousands of self-directed investors with open accounts, investing, digital checking, and portfolio lines of credit. Last December, the company launched Smart Transfers, allowing M1 Plus clients to automate financial goals based on pre-set rules. In February of this year, it released Custodial Accounts, giving M1 Plus parents or guardians the ability to invest in portfolios for younger generations. In June, M1 launched Send Check, which allows M1 Plus clients to send physical checks from their M1 Spend Plus checking accounts. FinSMEs 16/07/2021 Tampa, FL (33646) Today Partly to mostly cloudy with a chance of thunderstorms. High near 90F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.. Tonight Cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy after midnight. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 74F. Winds light and variable. Apple often offers great education discounts for college and school students when purchasing their products. It is back to school time right around now, and Apple has a rather interesting Education Offer for these students free Airpods when purchasing select models of the MacBooks, iMacs and iPads. The eligible list of products include: MacBook Air MacBook Pro iMac Mac Pro Mac mini iPad Pro iPad Air When purchasing any of these products, customers will get a free pair of AirPods (wired charging). For those interested in the more premium AirPods, Apple will offer the AirPods Wireless charging for Rs. 4,000 or to AirPods Pro for Rs. 10,000. Along with free AirPods, Apples annual Education Offer also includes: 20% off AppleCare Education discount on Apple Pencil and Keyboard Apple Music Student Plan for 49/month which includes free Apple TV+ Apple Arcade free for 3 months, then 99/month The offer will be available to current and newly accepted college/university students, parents buying for them, and teachers and staff at all levels. Check out the offer in the special education section of the Apple Store Online. Yes, he deserved it No, that was way too much money The city needs to provide more details about this situation Vote View Results The Growing Alabama Tax Credit Program has approved an additional 5.5 million dollars to be invested in the South Alabama Mega Site. This brings the total private investment to $12.5 million. This money will go towards an on-site rail spur which will connect the site to the existing CSX rail line. The state program is overseen by the Growing Alabama Commission who must approve the private investments. CSX, Regions Bank and Alabama Power have all contributed toward the project and will receive a dollar-for-dollar tax credit from the state. Shovel ready is how the Baldwin County Mega Site is being marketed. This latest money will redefine what that means. A prior investment of $7 million was used to build a 200-acre building pad and the rail bed for the spur. The hope is that making the property rail-ready will put it at the head of the list of Mega Sites in the southeast. Getting that rail spur built to our pad site is critical, said head of the Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance, Lee Lawson. It saves not only time but money and then gives companies the confidence that you can deliver rail service to the site ahead of their schedule. The 7,000-foot rail spur could speed up development timelines by more than a year. Time and money is something Baldwin County has invested in the 3,000-acre property. Originally purchased in 2012 for $32 million, the hope is that a manufacturer who would need a site of this size will bring with it a thousand or more good paying jobs. We want the first anchor tenant here to be impactful and have a large economic impact and weve competed for some of those and are competing for some of those and our hope is to have an announcement very soon but thats what were working towards and thats why youve seen the site enhancements that weve done, Lawson explained. The site is just north of Bay Minette off Hwy. 287. Many of its residents and business owners like Pamela Ganey have been hearing talk of Mega Site prospects for several years. She said shell believe it when she sees it but remains hopeful. I feel like its taken forever in the making and you know, I guess once it finally gets here, well see but I think it would be good for the community, Ganey said. As for who is interested and how soon the next company will be looking at the site, officials arent allowed to say because of non-disclosure agreements. UPDATE: The victim as been identified as Jaylun Cassino, 19. MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) -- Police detectives in Mobile are searching for clues in yet another homicide case. The Mobile Police Department said that at about 8:46 p.m. Thursday officers were dispatched to the Speed Stop gas station at 1891 Government St. after receiving a report that someone had been shot. Upon their arrival, officers discovered a male who had been shot. Police said the adult male victim died as a result of his injuries. At the scene, FOX10 News observed officers placing down evidence markers as bystanders looked on. One witness said an individual ran from a vehicle and that person was later found behind the Speed Stop a short time later. Police ask anyone who has information pertaining to the case to contact the Mobile Police Department at 251-208-7211. 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 Gainesville, TX (76240) Today Thunderstorms during the morning hours, then skies turning partly cloudy during the afternoon. High 89F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%.. Tonight Mostly clear. Low 69F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph. Gainesville, TX (76240) Today Rain showers this morning with some sunshine during the afternoon hours. High 89F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.. Tonight Mostly clear. Low 69F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph. Galveston, TX (77553) Today Partly cloudy early followed by scattered thunderstorms this afternoon. High around 90F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 40%.. Tonight Scattered thunderstorms this evening becoming more widespread overnight. Low 77F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Galveston, TX (77553) Today Thunderstorms likely, especially this morning. High near 90F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 40%.. Tonight Scattered thunderstorms early, then mainly cloudy overnight with thunderstorms likely. Low 77F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Still, with many aspects of life returning to normal, the pandemic is not behind us. Cases have increased in states with lower vaccination rates, such as Arkansas, Oklahoma, Missouri and Montana. New variants may continue to emerge among the unvaccinated, particularly in colder months. The United Kingdom offers a cautionary tale. Almost two-thirds of the country has received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine just under half the country is fully vaccinated and yet the number of cases per day has returned to levels seen in February. The same variant causing such problems there is now gaining traction here. Experts estimate it accounts for one in five infections nationwide. This risks derailing the downward trend in cases, hospitalizations and deaths for the unvaccinated. Preempting that risk relies on federal, state and local governments regardless of political party increasing vaccine access and confidence, reducing barriers and hesitancy, and improving equity. This must be done using strategies and messages that bridge divides and increase vaccine acceptance. Two areas, in particular, must be addressed. This year is gonna be a good year because everyones been locked up so dang long, Bakke said. He had some positive things to say about the way the fair is organized and maintained, too, calling it the cleanest fair you can go to. Another nearby vendor, Jensen Taueu of Dezines by Tau, said that he missed the chance to come out and showcase his art. He and his wife make gorgeous acrylic paintings, along with banners and bracelets and jewelry, all inspired by Hawaiian culture. Everything with these tribal lines has a meaning, Taueu, who was born on the island of Maui, said. He showed off one piece with two sea turtles circling one another, each with unique designs. Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} The male carried on his back a traditional fishhook, called a makau, which signifies tribal leadership. The hook had shark teeth laid into it, a symbol of bravery and protection. The female carried tidal patterns that symbolize the ocean and the changes that one must overcome in life. Taueu says he chose the sea turtles, or honu, because they are a key cultural symbol for Hawaiians. He drew a male and female to show how, through all lifes trials and journeys, hes got her back. It was a fitting piece to highlight given that he makes all the designs with his wife. He draws the lines while his wife, Nicky, does the coloring. Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office tape blocks a road near the scene of a fatal police shooting involving a man who allegedly stabbed a woman to death on Wednesday, July 7, 2021, in Tesuque, N.M. Details in an unrelated June 23 fatal police shooting were revealed this week in video obtained by a local TV station. (AP Photo/Cedar Attanasio) Acumen Research and Consulting, a global provider of market research studies, in a recently published report titled Digital Lending Platform Market Global Industry Analysis, Market Size, Opportunities and Forecast, 2021-2028 LOS ANGELES, July 15, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Global Digital Lending Platform Market is expected to grow at a CAGR of around 16.8% from 2021 to 2028 and reach the market value of over US$ 20.5 Bn by 2028. Asia Pacific to witness fastest growing CAGR for the digital lending platform market in the coming years India is expected to ride the digital lending platform with the highest peak in the Asia Pacific region during the forecast period. This is primarily due to the fact that new age fintechs in India are at the forefront of disrupting the digital lending platform market. According to sources, there are currently approximately 1,000 fintechs operating in India, and their digital models have assumed a broader scope and coverage. Second, the increasing prevalence of digitalization and consumer behavioral patterns have seen a drastic shift, which is responsible for the growth of digital lending platforms in this region, ultimately contributing to the growth of the global digital lending platform market. DOWNLOAD SAMPLE PAGES OF THIS REPORT@ https://www.acumenresearchandconsulting.com/request-sample/2716 Europe, on the other hand, is expected to have the second largest market share in the digital lending platform market. Through regulatory support, digital lending has taken a turn in many countries. As a result of this, Europe has seen the most rapid growth in the global digital lending platform market. For example, European Unions Second Payments Services Directive went into effect in January 2018, providing lucrative opportunities for European markets by allowing consumers to pay directly from their accounts rather than through third-party channels using credit or debit cards. The digital lending platform market is dominated by North America. The high influx of startups, such as fintechs, and the hub for established players have gained significant market importance. For example, Kabbage, a company based in the United States, has been using proprietary technology to offer loans directly to small businesses and consumers via automated credit processes. Another company, OnDeck, offers business loans of up to US$250,000 in a single day. Currently, OnDeck has made over US$7 Bn in loans to small businesses in the United States, Canada, and Australia. VIEW TABLE OF CONTENT OF THIS REPORT@ https://www.acumenresearchandconsulting.com/digital-lending-platform-market COVID-19 impact on global digital lending platform market According to an OECD report, the corona virus pandemic has resulted in widespread loss around the world. The OECD's Economic Outlook for June 2020 projected a 6% drop in global GDP, and a 7.6% drop in the case of a second wave by the end of 2020. COVID-19, on the other hand, had a significant impact on the global digital lending platform market. Several banks are focusing on improving their digital lending service offerings to a large consumer base through the introduction of digitalization in order to achieve a higher profit matrix. Segmental Outlook The global digital lending platform market is segmented as solution, service, deployment, and end-use. Based on solution, the market is segmented as business process management, lending analytics, loan management, loan origination, risk & compliance management, and others. Further, service segment is segmented as design & implementation, training & education, risk assessment, consulting, and support & maintenance. By deployment, the market is bifurcated into on-premise and cloud. By end-use, the market is segmented as banks, insurance companies, credit unions, savings &loan associations, peer-to-peer lending, and others. Browse Upcoming Market Research Reports@ https://www.acumenresearchandconsulting.com/forthcoming-reports Competitive Landscape The prominent players of digital lending platform involve KreditBee, Kissht, PolicyBazaar, Loanboox GmbH, Credible, Tyro Payments Limited, Fundbox, On Deck Capital, Funding Circle, and among others Some of the key observations regarding digital lending platform include: In February 2021, KreditBee, announced raising of US$ 75 Mn. KreditBee a leading startup with a large portfolio of loan products, this investment will definitely assist to take positive steps towards achievement of of large capital markets. The main focus of raising the investment by KreditBee is to help underserved population to offer maximum lending platform options. In April 2019, Fundbox, announced partnership with Synchrony Business Center. With implementation of successful partnership, Synchrony Business Center small business merchants who are involved for application of credit for business can conveniently access the Fundbox service through Synchrony Business Center. INQUIRY BEFORE BUYING@ https://www.acumenresearchandconsulting.com/inquiry-before-buying/2716 BUY THIS PREMIUM RESEARCH REPORT - https://www.acumenresearchandconsulting.com/buy-now/0/2716 Would like to place an order or any question, please feel free to contact at sales@acumenresearchandconsulting.com | +1 407 915 4157 For Latest Update Follow Us: https://twitter.com/AcumenRC https://www.facebook.com/acumenresearchandconsulting English Lithuanian On 15 of July, AB Linas Agro Group has completed one of the largest business acquisitions in the history of Lithuania: it has acquired controlling stakes from shareholders in AB Kauno Grudai, AB Kaisiadoriu Paukstynas, AB Vilniaus Paukstynas, and the related companies, acting together as KG Group. The amount of the transaction cannot be disclosed as per agreement of the parties. Following this transaction, AB Linas Agro Group acquired a controlling stake in a total of 34 companies operating in the fields of poultry business, grain, flour, instant products production, feed and premix production, and trade in veterinary products. The companies are registered and operate in Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Poland, Belarus, Russia, and the Netherlands. To finance the transaction, AB Linas Agro Group has received the syndicated loan from three banks - Luminor, Swedbank and SEB Bank. Meanwhile, a third of the transaction amount was financed using the company's resources. "In July this year, we are celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Group, therefore, it is very symbolic that we are starting the new decade with two times stronger forces and twice as many staff. Our group of enterprises is complemented by strong companies and professional teams working in them. We aim to create and implement positive changes in agriculture and the food industry, ensure greater stability for farmers in the Baltic States and compete much more effectively in the open EU market. We are now in a period of transition, which, we believe, will be smooth and both groups, which have been competitors so far, now will work as one team, notes Darius Zubas, the Chairman of the Board of AB Linas Agro Group. Following this acquisition, AB Linas Agro Group becomes a vertically integrated group of agricultural and food production companies in the Baltic region, operating the entire production chain and producing products from the field to the table. The groups projected annual revenue could reach about 1.3 billion and EBITDA of around 50-60 million. The number of employees will increase from 2,100 to 6,000. After the transaction, AB Linas Agro Group will have 76 subsidiaries. "This merger is a big and important step, uniting two strong organizations of similar type and way of thinking. Over the decades, the KG Group has developed and grown successfully. I am grateful to the team for what we created and achieved together during that time. I believe that after joining forces of Linas Agro Group and KG Group, the work I have started will be successfully continued, while the companies will further grow stronger and, even in the conditions of active competition, will create success stories of Lithuanian products in both local and foreign markets, says Tautvydas Barstys, the founder of KG Group. According to D.Zubas, after the transaction, the activities of all acquired companies will be continued with the teams of employees working in them so far. "The first step we will strive to implement in the shortest possible time is to exploit the potential for synergies by consolidating purchases and increasing export volumes. We will seek such synergies in the poultry and grain export businesses, notes D. Zubas. During the implementation of this acquisition, the law firm Motieka & Audzevicius represented and advised AB Linas Agro Group on legal issues and together with the lawyers of Ellex Valiunas and Partners provided legal advice on concentration issues. One of Europe's largest economic consulting companies, Copenhagen Economics, were acquisition advisers on economic and concentration issues, while the Swedbank investment banking team provided financial advice. Financial and tax inspections of acquired companies were performed by EY specialists. About AB Linas Agro Group AB Linas Agro Group, together with its subsidiaries, is a group of companies established in 1991, operating in four countries Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and Ukraine. The companies of the group produce, prepare and sell agricultural raw materials and food products, supply goods and services to farmers. The group is one of the largest Lithuanian and Latvian grain exporters and has a network of 13 grain elevators. It is also one of the leaders in the supply of agricultural inputs (certified seeds, fertilizers, plant care products and agricultural machinery) in Lithuania, also has a seed preparation plant. The group owns 7 agricultural companies in Lithuania and is a large milk producer. It is also the largest poultry producer in Latvia, where it owns 4 poultry companies. AB Linas Agro Group consolidated revenue for the 9 months of the financial year 2020/2021 amounted to 712 million, gross profit was 29.2 million. Consolidated earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) amounted to 17.1 million. For more information please contact: Andrius Pranckevicius Deputy Chairman of the Board of AB Linas Agro Group Mob. +370 687 71 19 E-mail a.pranckevicius@linasagro.lt Mazvydas Sileika Finance Director of AB Linas Agro Group Mob. +370 619 19 403 E-mail m.sileika@linasagro.lt Reference is made to the earlier information provided about the ongoing financial process with lenders, the latest in a press release dated 14 July 2021 in relation to Prosafe SE's and Prosafe Rigs Pte. Ltd.'s ("PRPL") applications for leave of the Singapore Court to convene meetings of its creditors to vote on proposed schemes of arrangement pursuant to section 210(1) of the Singapore Companies Act in HC/ OS 711/ 2021 and HC/ OS 712/2021 (the "Convening Applications"). The Singapore Court has today provided the following directions in relation to the Convening Applications as follows: 1 - By no later than 4pm (Singapore time) on Friday, 23 July 2021 Any party who objects to the Convening Applications shall file an affidavit. All affidavits are to be served by email followed by service on eLitigation. 2 - By no later than 4pm (Singapore time) on Tuesday, 27 July 2021 Prosafe SE and PRPL shall file and serve their reply affidavit(s), if any. 3 - By no later than 4pm (Singapore time) on Thursday, 29 July 2021 The following are to be tendered to the Singapore Court, (a) submissions and bundle of authorities which are also to be exchanged between the parties; (b) an attendance list of all who wish to attend the hearing, indicating whether the party attending is supporting or opposing the Convening Applications; and (c) a time bank setting out the allocation of time for oral submissions by each who wishes to address the Court at the hearing, on the assumption that the hearing will take no more than 1 hour altogether . 4 - 11.30 am (Singapore time) on Monday, 2 August 2021 Convening Applications hearing before the Honourable Justice Pang Khang Chau. Creditors who wish to attend the Convening Applications hearing (either in person or through their solicitors) should inform the solicitors of Prosafe SE and PRPL of their intention to do so, by emailing Prosafe.Queries@CliffordChance.com with their details before 4pm (Singapore time) on Wednesday, 28 July 2021, indicating (a) whether they support or oppose the Convening Applications and (b) the time they will require for oral submissions. Prosafe SE and PRPL will make the appropriate announcements as and when there are any further material developments on the financial process and the matters above. Please monitor Prosafe SE's website for any announcements or update on the process. Prosafe is a leading owner and operator of semi-submersible accommodation vessels. The company is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange with ticker code PRS. For more information, please refer to www.prosafe.com Stavanger, 16 July 2021 Prosafe SE For further information, please contact: Jesper K. Andresen, CEO Phone: +47 51 65 24 30 / +47 907 65 155 Stig Harry Christiansen, Deputy CEO and CFO Phone: +47 51 64 25 17 / +47 478 07 813 This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 the Norwegian Securities Trading Act English Danish The annual general meeting of Bang & Olufsen a/s will be held on Thursday 19 August 2021 at 4 p.m. CEST at Bang & Olufsen a/s, Bang og Olufsen Alle 1, 7600 Struer, Denmark. Please see attached file for further details. For further information, please contact: Director, Investor Relations, Martin Raasch Egenhardt, phone: +45 5370 7439. Attachment Pune, India, July 16, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global 3D printing market size is expected to reach USD 68.71 billion by 2028, exhibiting a stellar CAGR 24.0% during the forecast period. The growth of the market is attributable to increasing demand from the automotive sector and advancement in technology across the globe. Fortune Business Insights publishes this information in its report, titled 3D Printing Market, 2021-2028. The report further mentions that the market was worth USD 12.57 billion in 2020. Request a Sample Copy of Report: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/request-sample-pdf/3d-printing-market-101902 3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is a type of process that produces three dimensional solid objects from a digital object. The objects are created by adopting additive processes that involve placing down successive layers of material until the printer creates the object. These layers are perceived as a thin horizontal cross-section of the desired object. The adoption of this type of advanced technology enables the companies to manufacture complex objects using a minimal number of materials than the traditional manufacturing processes. List of Key Players in 3D Printing Market: 3D Systems Corporation (Carolina, United States) The ExOne Company (Gersthofen, Germany) voxeljet AG (Friedberg, Germany) Materialise NV (Leuven, Belgium) Hoganas Holding AB (Skane, Sweden) Optomec, Inc. (New Mexico, United States) Made in Space, Inc. (Carolina, United States) Envisiontec, Inc. (Gladbeck, Germany) Stratasys Ltd. (Minnesota, US) HP, Inc. (Carolina, United States) General Electric Company (GE Additive) (Massachusetts, United States) Autodesk Inc. (Carolina, United States) Report Scope & Segmentation Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 2021 to 2028 Forecast Period 2021 to 2028 CAGR 24% 2028 Value Projection USD 68.71 Billion Base Year 2020 Market Size in 2020 USD 12.57 Billion Historical Data for 2017 to 2019 No. of Pages 130 Segments covered Component, Technology, Application, End User and Geography Growth Drivers Increasing Demand from the Automotive Sector to Promote Growth Heavy Investments in 3D Printing Projects to Drive Market Utilization of 3D Printing in Medical Devices to Encourage Market Amid Coronavirus Enhanced Productivity Benefits to Boost Additive Manufacturing Market Growth Pitfalls & Challenges High Initial Investments to Restrict the Market Growth Click here to get the short-term and long-term impact of COVID-19 on this Market. Please visit: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/industry-reports/3d-printing-market-101902 COVID-19 Impact : The emergence of COVID-19 has brought the world to a standstill. Intermittent factory shutdowns in prominent countries such as China, Southeast Asia, the United Kingdom, Germany, and others have disrupted this industry manufacturing sites as well as supplier operations, culminating in dire straits constraints. By the end of July 2020, industrial output was expected to be restored to normal levels. According to a research performed by the Society of Manufacturing Engineers,' 25% of businesses in the United States plan to modify their supply chains as a result of the epidemic. Market Segments : The market has been split into hardware, software, and services based on components. The market has been divided into FDM, SLS, SLA, DMLS/SLM, Polyjet, Multi Jet Fusion, DLP, Binder Jetting, EBM, CLIP/CDLP, SDL, and LOM based on technology. Automotive, aerospace and defense, healthcare, architecture and construction, consumer items, education, and others have been categorized based on end user. The market has been broken down into five primary regions: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa. What does the Report Include? The market report includes a detailed assessment of the various market drivers and restraints, opportunities, and challenges that the market will face during the projected horizon. The report provides comprehensive research into the regional developments of the market, affecting the market growth. The report includes information sourced from the advice of expert professionals from the industry by our research analyst using several research methodologies for the market. In addition to this, the competitive landscape offers further detailed insights into the strategies such as product launches, partnerships, merger and acquisition, and collaborations adopted by the companies to maintain market stronghold between 2021 and 2028. Speak To Our Analyst: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/speak-to-analyst/3d-printing-market-101902 DRIVING FACTORS Increasing Demand from the Automotive Sector to Promote Growth Technological advancement has gripped the automotive sector largely by opening up exciting opportunities for the manufacturers to innovate their designs. The adoption of 3D printing technology enables them to produce stronger, robust, and safer products. Furthermore, the manufacturers are adopting the technology to expedite manufacturing processes, build reliable prototypes, reduce operational costs, and improve flexibility. Increasing adoption of advanced technology to cater to the evolving demands of the consumers is expected to drive the global 3D printing market growth in the forthcoming years. REGIONAL INSIGHTS Increasing Investment by Major Companies in North America to Bolster Growth Among all regions, the market in North America stood at 4.84 billion in 2020. The region is anticipated to witness exponential growth while holding the highest position in the global 3D printing market share during the forecast period. This is attributable to increasing investment by the companies in developing innovative technologies in the region. Additionally, rapid growth in industries such as automotive, healthcare, and aerospace that adopt 3D type of printing technology will bode well for market growth in the region. The market in Asia-Pacific will witness considerable growth during the projected horizon. This is ascribable to factors such as the growing demand for customized products and the adoption of modern technologies by the manufacturers in the region between 2021 and 2028. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE Fictiv Collaborates with Jabil to Strengthen Product Portfolio In July 2020, Fictiv, a digital manufacturing services provider, announced that it is collaborating with Jabil Inc., a manufacturing solutions provider, to streamline its 3D printing prototyping by adopting a unique digital thread. The innovative digital thread is designed to streamline and de-risk the supply chain through transparency, quality, flexibility, and speed. Jean Olivieri, COO of Fictiv said, With years of manufacturing experience, we are well aware that the move from an idea to the consumption of volume is difficult, although the products have potential. Our collaborations with Jabil support the end-to-end product lifecycle that involves prototyping to production without involving any risk. Quick Buy - 3D Printing Market Research Report: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/checkout-page/101902 Key Development : July 2019: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) presented a 73.7 million contract to a US-based engineering and manufacturing company, Made In Space. The company will produce 3D-printed spacecraft products of a small spacecraft - Archinaut One Major Table of Contents: Introduction Definition, By Segment Research Methodology/Approach Data Sources Key Takeaways Market Dynamics Macro and Micro Economic Indicators Drivers, Restraints, Opportunities and Trends Impact of COVID-19 Short-term Impact Long-term Impact Competition Landscape Business Strategies Adopted by Key Players Consolidated SWOT Analysis of Key Players Global 3D Printing Key Players Market Share Insights and Analysis, 2020 Key Market Insights and Strategic Recommendations Companies Profiled (Covered for key 10 players only) Overview Key Management Headquarters etc Offerings/Business Segments Key Details (Key details are subjected to data availability in public domain and/or on paid databases) Employee Size Key Financials Past and Current Revenue Geographical Share Business Segment Share Recent Developments Annexure / Appendix Global 3D Printing Market Size Estimates and Forecasts (Quantitative Data), By Segments, 2017-2028 By Component (Value) Hardware Software Services By Technology (Value) FDM SLS SLA DMLS/SLM Polyjet Multi Jet Fusion DLP Binder Jetting EBM CLIP/CDLP SDL LOM By Application (Value) Prototyping Production Proof of Concept Others By End User (Value) Automotive Aerospace and Defense Healthcare Architecture and Construction Consumer Products Education Others By Region (Value) North America Europe Asia Pacific Middle East & Africa Latin America North America 3D Printing Market Size Estimates and Forecasts (Quantitative Data), By Segments, 2017-2028 By Component (Value) Hardware Software Services TOC Continued! Ask for Customization of this Report: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/customization/3d-printing-market-101902 Have a Look at Related Research Insights: Artificial Intelligence Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Component (Hardware, Software, and Services), By Technology (Computer Vision, Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing, and Others), By Deployment (Cloud, On-premises), By Industry (Healthcare, Retail, IT & Telecom, BFSI, Automotive, Advertising & Media, Manufacturing, and Others) and Regional Forecast, 2020-2027 Internet of Things Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Component (Platform, Solution & Services), By End Use Industry (BFSI, Retail, Government, Healthcare, Manufacturing, Agriculture, Sustainable Energy, Transportation, IT & Telecom, Others), and Regional Forecast, 2021-2028 Virtual Reality in Gaming Market Size, Share & Covid-19 Impact Analysis, By Component (Hardware, Software and Content), By Device (Mobile, Console/PC and Standalone), and Regional Forecast, 2020-2027 Cryptocurrency Market Size, Share and COVID-19 Impact Industry Analysis, By Component (Hardware, Software), By Type (Bitcoin, Ether, Litecoin, Ripple, Ether Classic, Others), By End-use (Trading, E-commerce and Retail, Peer-to-Peer Payment, and Remittance), and Regional Forecast, 2020 2027 Cloud Based Contact Center Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Component (Solutions and Services), By Deployment (Public, Private, and Hybrid), By Organization Size (Large Organizations, Small and Medium-Sized Organizations), By Vertical (Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance, ITES, IT and Telecom, Government, Healthcare, Consumer Goods and Retail, Travel and Hospitality) and Regional Forecast, 2020-2027 About Us: Fortune Business Insights delivers accurate data and innovative corporate analysis, helping organizations of all sizes make appropriate decisions. We tailor novel solutions for our clients, assisting them to address various challenges distinct to their businesses. We aim to empower them with holistic market intelligence, providing a granular overview of the market they are operating in. Contact Us: Fortune Business Insights Pvt. Ltd. 308, Supreme Headquarters, Survey No. 36, Baner, Pune-Bangalore Highway, Pune - 411045, Maharashtra, India. Phone: US: +1 424 253 0390 UK : +44 2071 939123 APAC : +91 744 740 1245 Email: sales@fortunebusinessinsights.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fortune-business-insights Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FortuneBusinessInsightsPvtLtd Twitter: https://twitter.com/FBInsightPvtLtd Dublin, July 16, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Flexible Plastic Packaging Global Market Report 2021: COVID-19 Growth and Change" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global flexible plastic packaging market is expected to grow from $143.79 billion in 2020 to $151.92 billion in 2021 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.7%. This report focuses on flexible plastic packaging market which is experiencing strong growth. The report gives a guide to the flexible plastic packaging market which will be shaping and changing our lives over the next ten years and beyond, including the markets response to the challenge of the global pandemic. The growth is due to the increasing e-commerce industry in emerging economies and the increasing demand from food and beverage industry. The market is expected to reach $182.04 billion in 2025 at a CAGR of 4.6%. Major players in the flexible plastic packaging market are Constantia Flexibles, Amcor Limited, Berry Global Inc, Clondalkin Group Holdings BV, ProAmpac, Coveris, Bemis Company Inc, Bischof + Klein Se & Co Kg, Aluflexpack Ag, Cosmo Films Limited, C-P Flexible Packaging, Novolex - Carlyle Group, Swiss Pac, and Ultimate Packaging. The flexible plastic packaging market consists of sales of flexible packaging by entities (organizations, sole traders, and partnerships) that manufacture flexible plastic packaging. Flexible packaging is economical and convenient way to package, preserve, and distribute food items, pharmaceuticals, cosmetic & personal care items, consumer storage and other consumables. Flexible plastic packaging involves various types of plastic material used for packaging different products such as snacks, beverages, vegetables, and others. Plastic materials used in flexible plastic packaging include polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, and polyvinyl chloride among others. Roll stock consists of laminated film in one long, continuous sheet with a sturdy central cardboard having a highly usable structure. Gusseted bags have extra semi-oval shaped indents on both sides of the pouch forming a square or rectangle base, which increases the space of the bag allowing it to accommodate more items. Wicketed bags are stacked plastic bags which are arranged on a wire wicket and held together with rubber washer or a chipboard header. Wraps are tightly fitted flexible plastic used to cover a number of items. The technologies used in flexible plastic packaging includes flexography, rotogravure, digital printing and others. The flexible plastic packaging is used to pack a variety of items such as food, beverage, pharms & health care, personal care & cosmetics. Rise in environmental concerns limited the growth of the flexible plastic packaging market during the historic period. Non-recyclable plastic bags have become a leading source of pollution globally. There are concerns about plastic in waste and in marine litter. Heaps of plastic litters have been found on several beaches across the world, clogs city sewers and fuels a massive flow of plastic waste, killing wildlife including sea animals. In response, many countries have instituted stringent rules to control the use of plastic bags. China, for example, has issued complete bans on plastic bags. These concerns proved to be a challenge to the flexible plastic packaging industry. The increasing consumption of processed and packaged food is drove the growth of the flexible plastic packaging market in the historic period. Packaged foods are food products that have been frozen, canned, cooked, packaged, or changed in nutritional composition and are preserved or fortified in different ways. Food brands are adopting flexible plastic packaging it consists of different types of packages that are easily molded. Therefore, high consumption of processed and packaged food propelled the demand for flexible plastic packaging during the period. The launch of innovative packaging to attract more customers and expand the customer base of the company is a key trend in flexible plastic packaging. The companies operating in the flexible packaging market are focusing on manufacturing innovative and sustainable packaging solutions for end-users. For example, in February 2021, FreeForm Packaging AB, a Sweden-based packaging company launched one-sided stretchable paper laminate which is based on 85% paper. Stretchable paper laminate has two layers of fiber form, a thin layer of polyethylene is present on one of the layers which protects packaging and content. The countries covered in the flexible plastic packaging market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, and USA. Key Topics Covered: 1. Executive Summary 2. Flexible Plastic Packaging Market Characteristics 3. Flexible Plastic Packaging Market Trends and Strategies 4. Impact Of COVID-19 On Flexible Plastic Packaging 5. Flexible Plastic Packaging Market Size and Growth 5.1. Global Flexible Plastic Packaging Historic Market, 2015-2020, Billion 5.1.1. Drivers Of The Market 5.1.2. Restraints On The Market 5.2. Global Flexible Plastic Packaging Forecast Market, 2020-2025F, 2030F, Billion 5.2.1. Drivers Of The Market 5.2.2. Restraints On the Market 6. Flexible Plastic Packaging Market Segmentation 6.1. Global Flexible Plastic Packaging Market, Segmentation By Type, Historic and Forecast, 2015-2020, 2020-2025F, 2030F, Billion Stand-Up Pouches Flat Pouches Rollstock Gusseted Bags Wicketed Bags Wraps Others 6.2. Global Flexible Plastic Packaging Market, Segmentation By Technology, Historic and Forecast, 2015-2020, 2020-2025F, 2030F, Billion Flexography Rotogravure Digital Printing Others 6.3. Global Flexible Plastic Packaging Market, Segmentation By Application, Historic and Forecast, 2015-2020, 2020-2025F, 2030F, Billion Food Beverage Pharms & Health Care Personal Care & Cosmetics Others 7. Flexible Plastic Packaging Market Regional and Country Analysis 7.1. Global Flexible Plastic Packaging Market, Split By Region, Historic and Forecast, 2015-2020, 2020-2025F, 2030F, Billion 7.2. Global Flexible Plastic Packaging Market, Split By Country, Historic and Forecast, 2015-2020, 2020-2025F, 2030F, Billion Companies Mentioned Constantia Flexibles Amcor Limited Berry Global Inc Clondalkin Group Holdings BV ProAmpac Coveris Bemis Company Inc Bischof + Klein Se & Co Kg Aluflexpack Ag Cosmo Films Limited C-P Flexible Packaging Novolex - Carlyle Group Swiss Pac Ultimate Packaging For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/ttdcub HOUSTON, July 16, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Great Place to Work and Fortune magazine have honored Transwestern as one of the 2021 Best Workplaces for Millennials. This is Transwesterns fourth time being named to this prestigious list, and it is the only full-service commercial real estate firm that received the recognition. Earning a spot means that Transwestern is one of the best companies to work for in the country. The Best Workplaces for Millennials award is based on analysis of survey responses from more than 5.3 million current employees. In that survey, 92% of Transwesterns employees said Transwestern is a great place to work. This number is 33% higher than the average U.S. company. Transwesterns culture of empowerment, inclusion and innovation fuels a collaborative work environment, one that respects a healthy work/life balance, supports the community and nurtures professional growth, said Tom Lawyer, President of Transwestern Real Estate Services. This recognition is an honor for everyone in the firm. Our younger professionals demonstrated outstanding teamwork and fortitude throughout the pandemic, and we are proud to support them in serving clients and advancing their careers. The Best Workplaces for Millennials list is highly competitive. Great Place to Work, the global authority on workplace culture, selected the list using rigorous analytics and confidential employee feedback. Companies were only considered if they are a Great Place to Work-Certified organization. Great Place to Work is the only company culture award in America that selects winners based on how fairly employees are treated. Companies are assessed on how well they are creating a great employee experience that cuts across race, gender, age, disability status, or any aspect of who employees are or what their role is. The Best Workplaces for Millennials treat their employees like people, not just employees said Michael C. Bush, CEO of Great Place to Work. These companies foster caring and respect for one another, at every level of the organization. The result is millennial employees who say they look forward to coming to work and as our research says are 50 times more likely to stay a long time. Earlier this year, Great Place to Work recognized Transwestern as one of the Best Workplaces in Texas and Best Workplaces in Chicago. Read Transwesterns Great Place to Work overview at http://reviews.greatplacetowork.com/transwestern. About Great Place to Work Great Place to Work is the global authority on workplace culture. Since 1992, they have surveyed more than 100 million employees worldwide and used those deep insights to define what makes a great workplace: trust. Their employee survey platform empowers leaders with the feedback, real-time reporting and insights they need to make data-driven people decisions. Everything they do is driven by the mission to build a better world by helping every organization become a great place to work For All. Learn more at greatplacetowork.com and on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. About Transwestern Real Estate Services Transwestern Real Estate Services (TRS) adds value for investors, owners and occupiers of all commercial property types through a comprehensive perspective and by providing solutions grounded in sound market intelligence. Part of the Transwestern companies, the firm applies a consultative approach to Agency Leasing, Asset Services, Tenant Advisory + Workplace Solutions, Capital Markets, and Research & Investment Analytics. The privately held Transwestern companies have been delivering a higher level of personalized service and innovative real estate solutions since 1978. Through an integrated, customized approach that begins with good ideas, the firm drives value for clients across commercial real estate services, development, and investment management. Operating from 33 U.S. offices, Transwestern extends its platform capabilities globally through strategic alliance partners whose unique geographic, cultural, and business expertise fuels creative solutions. Learn more at transwestern.com and @Transwestern. Attachments Hong Kong, China, July 16, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Readen Holding Corp. (OTC Pink: RHCO), a Venture Capital Corporation, today announced that they have signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) for acquiring majority shares of Ecoolex to have controlling interests. The acquisition will boost OkeApp to a flying start, as Ecoolex will instantly bring in existing merchants and partners, which include major network platforms, online travel agencies (OTAs) and financial institutions. As a cross-border consumer services and multi-channel provider, Ecoolex ( www.ecoolex.com ) has innovated traditional virtual card / voucher and cross-border payment and created a cross-border consumer financial services platform with transactions of hundreds of millions RMB through global financial institutions and network platforms. Ecoolex has signed multiple contracts with major players in retail, travel and fintech industries as strategic partners, namely Ctrip ( www.ctrip.com ) and UnionPay ( www.unionpayintl.com ), etc., creating various discount and voucher programs for cross-border and overseas customers. These collaborations will be fully supported in OkeApp and OkePay, as both voucher and payment systems will be seamlessly integrated in a complete solution to benefit both Consumers and Merchants. OkeApp, the revolutionary super app launched by RHCOs wholly owned subsidiary Oke Partners, is a totally unique solution for Consumers and Merchants. As the Consumers will gain notable discounts using the OkeApp, no direct payment fees are applied to the participating Merchants. The Merchants will reap the benefits of online and offline marketing campaigns provided by the OkeApp. In addition, the OkePartners who contribute to recruiting Consumers, will get cash rewards with any transactions made by such Consumers through the OkeApp with the participated Merchants. RHCO has originally forecast to sign between 8,000 and 10,000 new Merchants on the OkeApp platform within the next twelve months in Hong Kong, which will eventually bring 4 million payment transactions per month. With the acquisition and the joining force of Ecoolex, OkeApp will be enhanced to welcome cross-border consumers from Mainland China and other countries and paving the way for OkeApp to expand to other regions. The acquisition will also further optimize the utilization of OkePay, a comprehensive back-end Payment Platform operated by RHCO, which accepts standard credit and debit cards, such as Visa, MasterCard, AMEX, UnionPay, along with Alipay, WeChat Pay and other mobile wallets and e-vouchers. The LOI outlines RHCOs offer to take over 51% of Ecoolex shares with total investment accounts to US$5.45 million, which includes 45 million restricted shares of RHCO, along with a cash funding injection of RMB 10 million (approx. US$1.54 million) into Ecoolex. Richard Klitsie, CEO of RHCO stated, this acquisition is an exciting and excellent strategic move for RHCO, as OkeApp will be instantly benefited by Ecoolexs existing clients, merchants and partners. We are looking forward to work with Ecoolexs management team and I believe the joint force will definitely realize OkeApps potential to achieve an even higher level, boosting OkeApp to worldwide markets at a higher speed. The newest version of OkeApp will be available for download from Apple App Store and Google Play Store in the coming week. Readen Holding Corp. ( www.readenholdingcorp.com ) is a publicly traded Venture Capital Corporation, with major holdings in the Fintech Industry and has been increasing its investment in E-commerce and E-payment sectors, such as; www.okepay.biz www.readies.biz www.oktoken.biz www.okepartners.com www.neckermanndirect.eu www.twopercent.hk www.fligrofood.com RHCO is a diversified holding company, with an operating history of over 30 years, which seeks opportunities to acquire and grow businesses that can generate long-term sustainable free cash flow and attractive returns, in order to maximize value for all shareholders. RHCO has subsidiaries and liaison offices in Europe and Asia. For further information please contact RHCO at info@readenholdingcorp.com or +852 3950 5911 The RHCO corporate email address is info@readenholdingcorp.com The RHCO corporate website can be accessed at www.readenholdingcorp.com The RHCO Twitter account can be accessed at https://twitter.com/readenrhco This press release contains certain 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, which are intended to be covered by the safe harbors created thereby. Investors are cautioned that, all forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including without limitation, the ability of Readen Holding Corp. to accomplish its stated plan of business. Readen Holding Corp. believes that the assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements contained herein are reasonable, any of the assumptions could be inaccurate, and therefore, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking statements included in this press release will prove to be accurate. In light of the significant uncertainties inherent in the forward- looking statements included herein, the inclusion of such information should not be regarded as a representation by Readen Holding Corp. or any other person. Contact Readen Holding Corp. info@readenholdingcorp.com +852 3950 5911 Attachments BERLIN and DENVER, July 16, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Print management expert ThinPrint will support Microsoft's new Windows 365 Cloud PC with its ezeep cloud printing solution. Companies can thus ensure that their hybrid work approach does not miss the mark on printing. Microsoft unveiled its response to hybrid work, the Windows 365 Cloud PC, at Microsoft Inspire. The new Microsoft solution provides users with their own Windows desktop in the cloud in the simplest way possible individually configured and available at any time, usable with any end device, and ideal for constantly changing work locations. The announced support of the Cloud PC by ThinPrint's cloud printing solution ezeep ensures that this flexibility does not end when it comes to printing. The Cloud PC will be available in two versions, enterprise and business. While the enterprise variant integrates with the corporate network via a hybrid AD, the business variant is hosted entirely in the Azure Cloud via the Azure AD. ThinPrint's cloud printing solution ezeep supports both versions and adds many key printing features to the Microsoft Windows 365 Cloud PC, including: Cloud management of printers no need for cumbersome logon scripts, policies, etc. User Self Service Portal also for printers reduces helpdesk tickets, results in more satisfied and productive users. Optimized speed and print quality. Local printer support for Cloud PC in the browser working from any device won't fail because of lack of printing. Network printers for Cloud PC business even smaller environments can efficiently connect printers in offices instead of managing printing individually per user. Network printers outside of the Active Directory printers can thus be connected not only in home offices but also at any location, for example, on-site with a customer. Local printing support for Chromebooks and iPads. Native Windows printer driver support for Macs - far better support for printer features and models especially for low-cost, efficient printers. Zero trust printing via ezeep Hub in network and home offices work and personal data remain securely separated even in the home office as print data is not routed through users' private devices. Using ezeep ensures that the hybrid work approach of Windows365 doesn't fail due to printing. ThinPrint also offsets the amount of CO 2 for each printout its customers make by supporting the justdiggit.org initiative. "Printing continues to play an important role in everyday work-office life. That's why it's important that hybrid work doesn't fail because of printing," said Charlotte Kuenzell, CEO at ThinPrint. "With the new Cloud PC and ezeep's cloud printing, companies are well prepared for the new hybrid work era." More information on printing with ezeep for the Windows 365 Cloud PC will be available to interested parties in a webinar held on August 11. Information and registration: https://www.ezeep.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-windows-365-and-cloud-pc/ About ezeep: The future of printing is ezeep. With ezeep, printing is dramatically simplified, enabling any device to print to any printer whether with the ezeep printer driver from PC or Mac, via app for smartphones and tablets or even by web-based drag & drop for the occasional user. Consumers print unlimited and naturally free-of-charge to their own printers and, depending on the provider, free or at a cost to external printers. This makes printing as easy as making a phone call, eliminating the need for any user support. Companies can lower the infrastructure demands on their printer setups in branch offices worldwide, thanks to ezeep, drastically simplifying their administration. With this, the total costs for deploying printers is significantly reduced. Coworking spaces, universities, exhibition grounds, train stations, airports and kiosks can not only make their printers publicly available with just a single click, but also charge for printing with ease. The same applies to private users or cafes which want to share their printers with others. Printers are thereby transformed into sources of income, not costs. Open interfaces enable integrations with existing solutions, such as for user and resource management, cost control or compliance monitoring for maximum cost savings via automation. A constantly growing ecosystem of standard integrations by development partners makes these benefits also available to non-technical users. By reducing costs and removing all technical requirements, whilst providing the ability to use third-party printers at any time, ezeep ensures that in the future people will be able to print from almost every location quickly and easily, for whatever reason they might have. ezeep is committed to minimizing the CO2 footprint of printing and ensuring that printed paper can be a meaningful, productive and responsible alternative to screen-based information consumption. For more information, please visit: www.ezeep.com . Media Contacts: North America: Kendra Westerkamp, VisiTech PR Phone: +1-303-752-3552, email: CT@visitechpr.com Rest of World: Silke Kluckert, Public Relations Manager Phone: +49 30 39493166, email: press@cortado.com WASHINGTON, July 16, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cuban American comedians, activists and content creators Los Pichy Boys are in Washington, DC as of Friday, July 16th ahead of the planned peaceful rally at the White House slated for Saturday, July 17 at 5 PM. The rally is a continuation of the marches taking place all over South Florida, US and international cities following the historic uprisings of the Cuban people throughout the island over the last week. The cousins, Alex Gonzalez and Maikel Fernandez, have continued their pressure against the brutal Communist regime led by Cuban Dictator Miguel Diaz Caneles Bermudez by spearheading rallies in Miami in solidarity with Cubans on the island. Cubans across the island nation are actively taking to the streets in an unprecedented show of desperation demanding their freedom. Through their global social media audience of over one million+, the creators are calling for American intervention in the crisis that has unfolded in Cuba a mere 90 miles from the US border. Action is being demanded from the White House and the Biden administration directly. For their part, the Cuban-American exile community in Miami has gathered by the thousands in support and calls for action. Cuban artists, politicians and influencers have joined the cause asking for intervention to help the Cuban people across the island. FOR LIVE & DIGITAL INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES IMMEDIATELY REACH OUT TO THE TEAM LISTED IN THE CONTACT DETAILS Social channels: IG: https://www.instagram.com/lospichyboys/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/lospichyboys/ YT: https://www.youtube.com/user/kamikazy305 CONTACT: Cristy Clavijo-Kish Talento Unlimited (305) 299-3477 cristy@talentounlimited.com PUNE, India, July 16, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Global Nuclear Imaging Equipment 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. Nuclear imaging equipment market size was estimated to be US$ 3.65 billion in 2020 and is expected to reach US$ 5.9 billion by 2031 at a CAGR of 4.5%. Nuclear imaging technique alludes to a non-intrusive, easy indicative assessment that permits specialists to analyze the ailment of patients. To give pictures of how tissues and organs work, nuclear imaging uses radioisotopes that are embedded into the blood circulation system, gulped, or breathed in. For imaging, nuclear imaging hardware utilizes radioactive materials/tracers. These photos help the recognizable proof and forecast of the illness by specialists and clinicians. Because of atherosclerosis, PET imaging may identify dynamic vascular macrocalcification along with the radioactive component 18F-sodium fluoride. Growth driving factors of Global Nuclear Imaging Equipment Market Aspects driving business sector income development are fixated around customized drugs and innovative technology in radiotracers. Besides, development is postulated to improve by extension of drug enterprises and rising predominance of ongoing illnesses like malignant growth, namely, tumor and cancer. As articulated by a World Health Organization (WHO) study, continual sicknesses for a long period of time represented around 3/4 of all deaths internationally in 2020. View the Entire report with Table of Contents: https://www.insightslice.com/nuclear-imaging-equipment-market Individuals perform normal registration to test for sickness related signs, bringing about a quick demand for instrumentation for nuclear imaging. In the coming years, oncology screening techniques upheld by clinical imaging gear are relied upon to prompt considerable development. The cardiology market segment is postulated to see critical development during the projected period. This is owing to the expanding number of individuals experiencing cardiovascular disorders, expanding consciousness of heart issues, expanding unhealthy lifestyle choices, the intensifying evolution of infection is relied upon to develop fundamentally throughout the next few years. Nuclear imaging innovation head ways have been displayed to give productive patient care to tumor diagnosis along with accuracy of imaging techniques for clinical preliminaries. For instance, at the World Molecular Imaging Congress, in September 2018, in Seattle, Bruker divulged a preclinical PET/CT Si78 scanner for entire body atomic imaging. Micro-Computed Tomography (CT) and Positron Emission Tomography (PET) advances, just as the imaging programming interface ParaVision 360, are consolidated in a solitary scanner. In any case, significant expense of nuclear imaging gear, expanding use and complexity of assembling and hardware methodology, and the absence of qualified experts to work such innovation are the main considerations that will restrict the market's development partially during the forecast period 2021-2031. Access Sample Pages of this Report: https://www.insightslice.com/request-sample/717 Restricted radio pharmaceutical endurance, high support expenses, and shortage of radionuclide Tc99m that is technetium 99 additionally present difficulties to showcase improvement. Tc99m is a radioisotope that is frequently utilized in nuclear medication scans to picture the patient's body. The leading market segments of Global Nuclear Imaging Equipment Market The Single Photon-Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) imaging models represented the biggest income share in the worldwide market during 2020 because of its lesser cost when contrasted with crossover PET (Positron Emission Tomography) imaging models. The oncology segment is anticipated to enlist a critical CAGR during the forecast period of 2021-2031 because of rising event of tumors and cancers worldwide. The medical clinics segment represented the biggest income share among end client segments in the worldwide market in 2020 because of huge extent of approvals and usage of cutting edge nuclear imaging models. North America is relied upon to rule the worldwide the nuclear imaging gear market during 2019, while the Asia Pacific province is postulated to enlist the most elevated CAGR during the forecast period. The high development in this district can be credited to the expanding rate of persistent illnesses, rising attentiveness to the advantages of early and prompt sickness determination, along with improvement of medical services models in the area. Related report: Global Deep Brain Stimulation Devices Market: https://www.insightslice.com/deep-brain-stimulation-devices-market Global Scoliosis Management Market: https://www.insightslice.com/scoliosis-management-market Global Sickle Cell Disease Treatment Market: https://www.insightslice.com/sickle-cell-disease-treatment-market Besides, in the Asia-Pacific province, a huge CAGR rate over the standard time span will be exemplified. The development can be ascribed to the raised commonness of disease combined with vital approaches and demand in the medical care sector. The process of nuclear medication in Japan is profoundly best in class, with a critical spike in the quantity of half-and-half SPECT/CT tests in recent years. Besides, the developing clinical travel for medical purposes, are significant aspects influencing the development of the province. In 2018, Regal Philips belonging to the Netherlands and Local Health District (Australia) and Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District (Australia) went into two 20-year arrangements for Managed Equipment Services, where Philips has consented to give, overhaul, convey, upgrade, supplant, and offer upkeep administrations for all significant clinical imaging arrangements in Australia and the Asia Pacific province. The key players of the Global Nuclear Imaging Equipment Market are: Siemens Healthineers, Koninklijke Philips N.V., GE Healthcare, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation, Neusoft Medical Systems Co., Ltd., Mediso Medical Imaging Systems Co., Ltd., CMR Naviscan Corporation, Digirad Corporation, SurgiEye GmbH, and Positron Corporation, and others. Buy This Report: https://www.insightslice.com/buy-now/717 Global Nuclear Imaging Equipment Market Key Segments: Based on Type SPECT Imaging Systems PET Imaging Systems Planar Scintigraphy Imaging Systems Others. Based on Application Type Neurology Oncology Cardiology Others Based on End user Type Hospitals Imaging Centers Academic & Research Centers Others By Region North America U.S. Canada Rest of North America Europe Germany UK France Spain Italy Rest of Europe Asia Pacific Japan China India Australia Rest of APAC Middle East & Africa UAE South Africa Saudi Arabia Rest of MEA South America Brazil Rest of South America 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 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. Over the last two months, Max Verstappen has been piling pressure onto Lewis Hamilton. Until this weekend's British Grand Prix, the seven-time World Champion hadn't topped a qualifying session for over two months. An emotional Hamilton reflected on his sprint race pole. Hard work Red Bull Racing are on a hot winning streak. Verstappen won back-to-back races in Austria, as well as victory in the French Grand Prix. Hamilton has been working hard to close the gap. "So overwhelming. We've been working so hard I am telling you. We've been putting so much effort in, here at the track, back at the factory, on the simulator. Really trying to stay centred to get everything we can out of this car," Hamilton told Sky Sports. Verstappen topped FP1 by some distance. The Dutchman was almost eight tenths faster than Hamilton. "They [Red Bull] were so quick this morning, it was not worrying, but disappointing seeing such a big gap. But I was just hopeful, made some changes and the car felt great in qualifying. I knew it was good, but he was still four-tenths faster in Q1," Hamilton added. Work left to do Hamilton's P1 doesn't mean he'll start from pole position in Sunday's British Grand Prix. A 100km dash in Saturday's race will determine the grid for the race. The 36-year-old still has plenty of work left to do. "Now we have a lot of work to do tomorrow. With my head up and all guns blazing. I need to bring out the lion tomorrow. We have the long run practice in P2 tomorrow. We will see," Hamilton added. Charles Leclerc has rubbished "gossip" suggesting his management has been in touch with Red Bull. The reports said the 23-year-old, who is widely regarded as Ferrari's number 1 driver, is disappointed with the Maranello marque's progress and exploring his options for the future. "It's just rumours - gossip," Leclerc is quoted by Italy 24 News. "I think someone just got bored and decided to come up with something. I believe in the people I work with, I believe in Ferrari - in our project. "Next season we will all start from scratch with new regulations, and I will enter this era behind the wheel of a Ferrari," insisted the Monegasque, who is under contract until 2024. (GMM) 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 Thirteen companies and one university have signed agreements with NASAs Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) projects National Campaign to continue work towards integrating air taxis, cargo delivery aircraft and other new air vehicle concepts into the national airspace system. Joby Aviations all-electric prototype. The partners will participate in the first full phase of testing of the National Campaign (NC-1) by flying their innovative vehicles, developing future airspace system capabilities, or providing key infrastructure related capabilities. NC-1 will include flight demonstrations and simulations at test sites around the country over several months. The following industry partners were chosen: Flight partners for demonstrations: Reliable Robotics Corporation and continued work with Wisk Aero LLC and Joby Aviation. Infrastructure partners for demonstrations: AURA Network Systems, Raytheon Company, Robust Analytics Inc., SkyGrid, and The University of North Texas. AURA was also chosen for additional communications, navigation, and surveillance flight testing activities. Airspace partners for simulations: ANRA Technologies Inc., ARINC Incorporated, Avision Inc., Metron Aviation Inc., OneSky Systems Inc., SkyGrid, and Unmanned Experts Inc. Reliable Robotics demonstrates remotely operated aircraft. These partners were chosen for a non-reimbursable Space Act Agreement to work alongside NASA in a mutually beneficial opportunity. Wisk Aeros self-flying eVTOL aircraft system. After solicitations opened in February, several local governments across the US also signed agreements in May to help accelerate Advanced Air Mobility. Additional partnerships are anticipated with industry in support of NASAs Advanced Air Mobility initiatives. Background. NASAs vision for the Advanced Air Mobility Mission is that it: Is safe, sustainable, accessible, and affordable aviation for transformational local and intraregional missions. Includes the transportation passengers and cargo as well as aerial work missions, such as infrastructure inspection or search and rescue operations. Includes local missions of about 50-mile radius in rural or urban areas, and intraregional missions of up to a few hundred miles that occur between urban areas, between rural areas, or between rural and urban areas. The AAM National Campaign series is designed to: Promote public confidence in AAM safety. Give prospective vehicle manufacturers and operators, as well as prospective airspace service providers, insights into the evolving regulatory and operational environment. Facilitate community-wide learning while capturing the publics imagination. The AAM National Campaign will bring together aircraft manufacturers and airspace service providers to identify maturity levels for vehicle performance, safety assurance, airspace interoperability, etc., and to develop and demonstrate integrated solutions for civil use. Working with industry partners, NASA will develop testing scenarios that: Address key safety and integration barriers across AAM vehicle and airspace systems. Emphasize critical operational challenges towards commercial viability and public confidence in AAM operations. Identify requirements for AAM system development. The first set of AAM National Campaign tests, NC-1, will enable participants to demonstrate integrated operations in relevant scenarios that include: Two-way network flight plan communications. Beyond visual line-of-sight operations. Simulated vehicle and operations contingencies. Dynamic traffic avoidance and trajectory management. Approach and landing to landing areas in the presence of real structures (e.g., buildings in an urban environment) and associated mechanical turbulence. NC-1 will be based on safety scenarios for initial commercial operations proposed by industry for low-density, low-complexity environments. Japan-based Chiyoda Corporation has been awarded a $2.7-billion engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract by PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI)a mineral mining company affiliate of US-based Freeport-McMoRan (FCX) and MIND ID Indonesias Mining Industryfor a copper smelter in Gresik, East Java, Indonesia. The new plant will include smelting and converting furnaces, an electro-refinery, wastewater treatment, and ancillary equipment. The plant will produce copper cathodes from up to 1.7 million tonnes of copper concentrate a year, supplied by PTFIs Grasberg mine in Papuaone of the largest copper and gold mines in the world. PTFI is currently mining the final phase of the Grasberg open pit, and is working on several projects in the Grasberg minerals district related to the development of its large-scale, long-lived, high-grade underground mines. In aggregate, these underground mines are expected to produce large-scale quantities of copper and gold following the transition from the Grasberg open pit. Copper mining and production. Source: European Copper Institute. PTFI had been in discussions with Chinas Tsingshan Holding Group for the construction of the new smelter, but could not reach an agreement with the China-based company. Chiyoda delivered Indonesias first large copper smelter plan and continues to provide maintenance and inspection service there. Demand for copper has doubled in the last 25 years and is projected to go up further. A recent report from McKinsey Global Institute predicts that copper consumption will rise by 43% by 2035likely to be partly driven by green technologies, such as solar and wind power and electric vehicles. Renewables are expanding quickly but not enough to satisfy a strong rebound in global electricity demand this year, resulting in a sharp rise in the use of coal power that risks pushing carbon dioxide emissions from the electricity sector to record levels next year, according to a new report from the International Energy Agency. After falling by about 1% in 2020 due to the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, global electricity demand is set to grow by close to 5% in 2021 and 4% in 2022, according to the latest edition of the IEAs semi-annual Electricity Market Report released today. The majority of the increase in electricity demand is expected to come from the Asia Pacific region, primarily China and India. More than half of global growth in 2022 will occur in China, the worlds largest electricity consumer. India, the third-largest consumer, will account for 9% of global growth. Based on current policy settings and economic trends, electricity generation from renewablesincluding hydropower, wind and solar PVis on track to grow strongly around the world over the next two yearsby 8% in 2021 and by more than 6% in 2022. But even with this strong growth, renewables will only be able to meet around half the projected increase in global electricity demand over those two years, according to the new IEA report. Global changes in electricity generation, 2015-2022. Data: IEA. Source: Electricity Market Report - July 2021 Fossil fuel-based electricity generation is set to cover 45% of additional demand in 2021 and 40% in 2022, with nuclear power accounting for the rest. As a result, carbon emissions from the electricity sectorwhich fell in both 2019 and 2020are forecast to increase by 3.5% in 2021 and by 2.5% in 2022, which would take them to an all-time high. Renewable growth has exceeded demand growth in only two years: 2019 and 2020. But in those cases, it was largely due to exceptionally slow or declining demand, suggesting that renewables outpacing the rest of the electricity sector is not yet the new normal. Renewable power is growing impressively in many parts of the world, but it still isnt where it needs to be to put us on a path to reaching net-zero emissions by mid-century. As economies rebound, weve seen a surge in electricity generation from fossil fuels. To shift to a sustainable trajectory, we need to massively step up investment in clean energy technologiesespecially renewables and energy efficiency. Keisuke Sadamori, the IEA Director of Energy Markets and Security In the pathway set out in IEAs recent Roadmap to Net Zero by 2050, nearly three-quarters of global emissions reductions between 2020 and 2025 take place in the electricity sector. To achieve this decline, the pathway calls for coal-fired electricity generation to fall by more than 6% a year. However, coal-fired electricity generation is set to increase by almost 5% this year and by a further 3% in 2022, potentially reaching an all-time high, according to the Electricity Market Report. Gas-fired generation, which declined 2% in 2020, is expected to increase by 1% in 2021 and by nearly 2% in 2022. The growth of gas lags that of coal because it plays a smaller role in the fast-growing economies in the Asia Pacific region and it faces competition from renewables in Europe and North America. Since the IEAs last Electricity Market Report in December 2020, extreme cold, heat and drought have caused serious strains and disruptions to electricity systems across the globe in countries ranging from the United States and Mexico to China and Iraq. In response, the IEA is establishing an Electricity Security Event Scale to track and classify major power outages, based on the duration of the disruption and the number of affected customers. The Texas power crisis in February, where millions of customers were without power for up to four days because of icy weather, was assigned the most severe rating on this scale. Monday was a busy day for the Green River Fire Department. Firefighters dealt with two fires that day, which includes one in Jamestown. The fires are under investigation. According to a media release from the city, a grass fire took place behind Living Hope Church. Assistant Fire Chief Larry Erdmann said the fire was extinguished by 12:30 p.m. and was limited to a small area. The department was dispatched to a second fire at 11:24 p.m. to an address on Johnson Street in Jamestown. A home and two sheds were on fire when firefighters arrived and their efforts contained the flames to those three structures. No injuries were reported from either fire. Purchase expected to close in August An 80-year-old Wyoming tire company will be purchased by a newcomer to the state that had opened its first tire center in 2019. Les Schwab Tire Centers announced Monday its intent to purchase Pains Tire Company for an undisclosed sum. The sale is anticipated to close in August and encompasses the nine stores Plains Tire operates in the state, including two locations in Green River and Rock Springs. Plains Tire has operated in Wyoming since 1941. The Plains Tire owner Larry Nicholls said the Oregon-based Les Schwab is the right buyer at the time rime. Plains Tire is strong because our hard-working employees provide the excellent service our customers rely on, Nicholls said. Being part of Les Schwab, a company consistently rated the best in the tire industry, will create even more opportunity for our people, and I know our employees, customers and communities will be well cared for. I dont believe I could have found a better partner than Les Schwab to sell our familys company to, and Im excited to watch these stores grow and flourish, Nicholls said in a press release. Les Schwab CEO Jack Cuniff said the company planned to expand its footprint in Wyoming after the 2019 opening of its first Wyoming location in Rock Springs. He said adding a strong company like Plains Tire allows Les Schwab to speed up its expansion into the state. Dale Thompson, Les Schwabs chief marketing officer, said the purchase is a great fit for Les Schwab as both companies started as small-town tire shops. Les Schwab started in Oregon in 1952. The purchase has been in the works for the past several months according to Thompson. The purchase creates a situation in Rock Springs where the company will own two tire shops, which Thompson said would operate as they have following the sales closure. A press release from Les Schwab states there will not be any immediate changes to the Plains Tire locations as Les Schwab evaluates how to integrate the two companies. Dale said Les Schwab wants to keep all of the employees from Plains Tire as well. We want to keep every single one of them ... we hope they stay on and take advantage of what we can offer them, Thompson said. Les Schwab operates more than 500 locations in 10 western states and employs more than 7,000 workers. Corey Parks, Les Schwabs chief administrative officer said the company is looking for other opportunities to purchase existing companies. We believe we are an outstanding partner for well-run, highly respected tire dealers who want to see their employees, customers and business well taken care of, and want to grow together with our company, Parks said in a press release. Wednesday evening, amongst the stalls of vendors hawking produce and merchandise at the Green River Farmers Market, volunteers from Golden Hour Senior Center hosted their weekly bake sale. The centers wares are always popular amongst shoppers and within half an hour, a bountiful collection of baked goods was reduced to a few packages of handmade Rice Krispies Treats and a couple of loafs of bread. It wouldnt take long for them to sell out completely. Jackie Grubb, director of the center for the past three years, said as she continues to research the history of the center as it celebrates its 50th year, Golden Hour has hosted fundraisers of some sort throughout its years of operation. These days, bake sales and similar fundraisers bring in $8,000-$10,000 for the center each year, needed income as the center continues to deal with reduced funding from both the Sweetwater County Commissioners and other funding sources. Grubb said the center received a 31% reduction in funding from the county this year, being reduced from $218,150 last year to $150,000 this year, amounting to $68,150 fewer dollars. Young at Heart in Rock Springs received a less severe cut, dropping from $281,337 to $224,800, or $56,537 fewer dollars. During the 2007-2008 fiscal year, the oldest budget available on the countys website, the county budgeted $337,211 for under a line item titled Green River Senior Citizens, while Rock Springs Senior Citizens received $313,566 in that budget. Grubb said the first year she was the director, the centers funding was on solid ground, but in subsequent years, has fallen across the board. This includes funding from the Wyoming Senior Services Board, which comes directly from Gov. Mark Gordons budget. That has taken a hit during this last funding cycle, Grubb said. She said discussions with the county commissioners have focused on them wanting Green Rivers municipal government to step up and provide more funding to the center. Grubb said the city funding for Golden Hour amounts to approximately $20,000 a year. While those state and county sources of funding diminish, the center is providing more meals and services to Green Rivers senior population. Grubb said the center served more than 40,000 meals in 2020, an increase of 10% from the previous year and has had more seniors taking advantage of programs and other services offered by the center as COVID-19 restrictions have eased. This does mean the center receives additional funding from the federal government, but as funding from the county and state specifically funds positions at the center, Grubb is making decisions that she expects will impact the services provided at the center. She said she has already cut one kitchen position as a result of reduced funding, but has seen more demand for meals from the center since then. An office aide position will open later this summer and Grubb says she has no plans to fill it in a bid to save money. It is hard and I know Im asking a lot from (employees,) she said. Grubb is thankful for the staff she does have and admits that while she is unable to provide wages or benefits comparable to private employers or other nonprofits and government jobs, Golden Hour is an enjoyable place to work and many seniors have stepped up to volunteer their time to support the center. Volunteers have formed a history club to research the center and its activities for the upcoming 50th anniversary. Another volunteer creates the activity packets distributed to the home delivered meal recipients. Grubb said other initiatives still need volunteers such as the home delivered meal program, which Grubb said only takes one hour a week. We couldnt even provide that service without them, she said. As the year continues, one thing remains certain for Grubb, seniors are in need of social interaction as they begin to leave their homes since the pandemic first started. Grubb said the increased volume of people coming to the center comes from word-of-mouth referrals and a desire to socialize. To help facilitate this, Grubb said the center is engaging in new activities to entice more participation, saying while there isnt a senior that will take part in all of the offerings, shes certain all of the seniors in Green River would at least be interested in something the center hosts. Grubb said the center has also installed a shuffleboard table and a chess and checkers table to provide more social opportunities for seniors. Were trying to become a place where theyre not alone, Grubb said. Grubb said the center will continue to fundraise too, saying whatever the center earns will help keep the programs and staffing levels consistent at Golden Hour. For the first time in decades, Campbell County will not send excess revenue to the states School Foundation Program, the primary statewide school fund. The countys shift from a recapture to an entitlement district reveals changing economic dynamics among state communities. It also underscores the risk inherent in Wyomings reliance on mineral extraction to provide equitable and adequate funding for each district, no matter its local economic health. I think it says a lot about the state of Wyoming, Wyoming Education Associations Government Relations Director Tate Mullen said. Some historically mineral-rich counties are generating less revenue for a statewide school funding model that depends on coal, oil and natural gas extraction to serve students across the state. It has implications for what the future of Wyoming is going to look like, or at least what should be taken into account when were considering the economics of education funding, Mullen said. Wyoming relies primarily on property taxes to fund the bulk approximately 75% of school operations. About half of that comes from property taxes assessed on minerals at the county level, according to the Wyoming Department of Education. That means Campbell County, historically flush with coal, oil and natural gas production, has contributed more dollars to statewide school operations than any other county to the tune of nearly $1 billion since 1984, according to Campbell County School District 1 officials. But the county took a major hit in 2020. On top of steadily declining coal production, the pandemic temporarily ground oil and gas drilling to a halt and depressed oil prices for most of the year. The toll was recently revealed in the countys annual assessed valuation, which is down by about $850 million, a decrease of 20% from 2020 to 2021. Campbell Countys Assessors office confirmed that the decline was driven by lower mineral production and prices. School officials in Campbell County say its unclear whether the district will return to recapture status beyond the 2021-22 budget year, resuming its long tradition of sharing excess mineral wealth with school districts across the state. Typically, Campbell County supports other districts, and thats not the case this year, Campbell County School District Fiscal Budget Manager Shelly Haney said. Aside from its heavy reliance on revenues from mineral extraction, Wyomings education funding model is designed to meet a series of legal criteria established by the Wyoming Supreme Court. The state must provide equitable and adequate funding for each school district based on a number of factors, the biggest of which is student enrollment from the previous year. That means no matter how much a particular county or district contributes to the statewide School Foundation Program, it is guaranteed a block grant that represents equitable, student-needs-based funding. Some districts contribute revenues to the statewide funding pool that are less than their block grant guarantee while others contribute more, making them either an entitlement or recapture district. Districts in five counties were categorized as recapture for the 2020-21 budget year: Campbell, Converse, Lincoln, Sublette and Teton. For all but Teton County, which shifted to a recapture district in 2018, mineral extraction accounts for their ability to help balance funding for school operations statewide. As Campbell County shifts from a recapture to an entitlement district for the 2021-22 budget year, it will be held harmless, still guaranteed its equitable block grant from the School Foundation about $136 million, according to CCSD 1 officials. Districts in Sublette County, typically in the recapture category due to robust oil and gas development, could also shift to entitlement in coming years, according to the Wyoming Department of Education. There are some school districts that flip-flop between recapture and entitlement because of the volatility of energy, Department of Education Communications Director Linda Finnerty said. Historically, those local economic ups and downs have demonstrated the strength of the statewide school funding model, officials say. It really showcases how our funding system works, WDEs Chief Operations Officer Trent Carroll said. We provide equitable funding across the state to ensure that level of education occurs. We have these triggers in place where the funding can remain constant; when local revenues drop, the state system guarantees that funding will stay at that level. It automatically triggers the state to contribute more, and so we dont have disparities in education like we did decades ago. Today, however, Wyomings school funding model also contains a fundamental flaw: If mineral revenue drivers Campbell, Converse, Sublette and Lincoln counties all slip into the entitlement category, then the state risks running afoul of meeting the legal requirement of adequate education funding. The answer is not to change Wyomings model of equitable distribution among districts, Wyoming Education Associations Mullen said. Rather, the state must expand its sources of revenue to fund education. We got to start with the tax structure, Mullen said. Residents, businesses and prospective businesses alike all value Wyomings high quality of education, he said. The question is whether Wyoming, politically, can find its way toward expanding its revenue base. Lawmakers have in recent years stepped past decades-long inertia to at least discuss measures such as an income and corporate tax in response to the prospect of permanent declines in fossil fuel extraction. We hope that momentum continues, Mullen said. For now, some districts in mineral-dependent communities are seeing declines in student enrollment corresponding to a downturn in energy development. Enrollment at Campbell County School District 1, for example, is down by about 400 students over the past couple of years, Associate Superintendent for Instructional Support Dennis Holmes said. That means the districts guaranteed block grant from the state will also decrease. Our request is just to maintain and sustain adequate funding, Holmes said. We just need to have adequate funding. WyoFile is an independent nonprofit news organization focused on Wyoming people, places and policy. CASPER The University of Wyoming on Tuesday proposed sweeping changes at the institution, including budget cuts that would lay off 75 positions some tenured, a reorganization of a slew of academic departments, and the formation of a school of computing among other additions. The proposal must be approved by the universitys board of trustees, which meets all this week in Torrington. If approved, it would still require a formal public review for 120 days, a process mandated by the universitys regulation 2-13. Trustees are expected to hear much of this proposal Wednesday, but that body was primed months ago for these kinds of changes by university administrators. The plan offers both dramatic cuts and significant additions to Wyomings sole public 4-year university. The cuts include discontinuing more than a dozen degree programs, largely for low-enrollment advanced degrees. Every program proposed for elimination has low enrollment or has had admissions suspended for several years. Here are those cuts, according to a supplemental document from the university: Bachelors programs: German, French, secondary education, and Spanish/French/German language education degrees. Advanced programs: Sociology, philosophy, political science, international studies, architectural engineering, entomology, family & consumer sciences, statistics and MBA programs in finance and energy. Four departments are proposed for elimination as well: computer science, electrical and computer engineering, chemical engineering and the School of Counseling, Leadership, Advocacy and Design. The degree programs for each department would be preserved and consolidated into new colleges, according to the university. The staff positions proposed for elimination will result in layoffs of tenured and nontenured employees. At least 10 of those positions are department heads, according to the release. The faculty positions being considered for elimination are filled by real people who work hard for this university, and the magnitude of what we are proposing is, as far as we can tell, unprecedented in the universitys modern history, university executive vice president Kevin Carman said in the release. But, the situation we face as a university, with a 25 percent drop in state funding in recent years and a need to respond to changing times, necessitates a reconsideration of the way were structured and what we offer. The layoffs may be unprecedented, but the university is focusing on how it plans to replace what may be lost. In its Tuesday release, the school led with how the reconfiguration will make room for new initiatives, namely a new school of computing, a Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, and a Wyoming Outdoor Recreation, Tourism and Hospitality Initiative. Making way for the additions will require a sweeping reorganization of the institutions remaining offerings, which is expected to affect employees in various university departments. A variety of departments would be merged or moved under the plan. For example, the College of Engineering and Applied Science would become the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences. Programs in chemistry, geophysics, mathematics, statistics, physics and astronomy would move into this college. The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources would become the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, and would absorb botany, zoology, physiology and life sciences from Arts and Sciences. The College of Arts and Sciences would become the College of Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts, giving students a more focused liberal arts education, according to the university. Faculty from existing departments that are discontinued, reorganized, consolidated, or reduced and who are qualified and have discipline specific expertise will be considered for open and funded positions, reads the document outlining these changes. Programs that arent discontinued or reorganized will also see a 3% budget cut, including UW-Casper. The world, Wyoming and higher education are in the midst of major changes; UW must respond. In order to better serve our students and our state amid a significant decline in state funding, we must restructure to put UW on a sustainable path for the future, President Ed Seidel said in the release. The university has already absorbed $42 million in state cuts to its biennium budget but must find more ways to save amid the decline in fossil fuels. The proposed reductions will free up roughly $13 million, according to the release. The proposed discontinuations, reorganizations (and) reductions account for just over $4 million of those savings, according to a spreadsheet uploaded to the trustees webpage following the universitys announcement. Another $1.2 million comes from the 3% across-the-board cuts to other academic programs. The remaining nearly $8 million in cuts come from administrative and non-academic efficiencies and consolidations, though the spreadsheet is vague about what those measures entail. The university began a program review early this year that Interim Provost Anne Alexander told trustees could result in $20 million in cuts at the end of that work. In addition to the program review, the university in February finalized plans to end nearly a dozen low-enrollment degree programs and eliminate 80 unfilled positions. Administrators at the time warned Trustees those cuts were only the beginning. All the while, the universitys strategic planning committee has been meeting to determine a new way forward for a public university that has lost its reliable funding source. Those recommendations were presented to trustees in May and included plans for new degree and enrichment programs, including the new school of computing and the innovation and entrepreneurship hub. A hit piece is an article, documentary, etc. that deliberately tries to make somebody/something look bad by presenting information about them that appears to be true and accurate but actually is not. -- Oxford Learners Dictionary On June 25, 2021 The New York Times published a hit piece that tried to make my good name look bad. The content was unfamiliar to me. Wyomings press reported stun and dismay as they ran with it; fury in social media turned up the volume. This attempted character assassination targeted me and also affected my friends, family and colleagues. Malice invaded the climate of civil discourse in Wyoming. What appeared to be true and accurate was actually neither true nor accurate. There are no grounds for the supposed, conjectured and alleged legal or ethical trespasses insinuated by two Times journalists. This is much ado about nothing -- like a hamburger that makes your mouth water, but when you pick it up for a bite, you discover that the bun is empty. Its a nothingburger. And as we all know, anything without substance doesnt exist. Anyone can be targeted, including you. Truth is irrelevant, no problem. Bits of facts, real or fabricated, are taken out of context and inserted into a script that serves the purpose of the propagandist. Then the story is broadcast by an authoritative source such as New York journalists. Those are the three elements in disinformation. With bits of fact, a script, and an authoritative source, a story can appear to be true and accurate even if it is actually not. We need to be aware of these deceptive tactics, protect ourselves from them, and counter them. Never answer the devil is good advice. An innocent husband rightly remains silent when asked, When did you stop beating your wife? Its easy to accuse and stir up trouble. It doesnt matter if you came to Wyoming yesterday. What matters is the sort of person you choose to be. As far as I know the Shoshoni were first. My folks came in the 1850s to 1880s. My mother grew up on a ranch near Evanston. I have relatives, children and grandchildren in Wyoming. I am not from out of state. I am here to stay. I will continue to back good policy that protects the spirit of Wyoming and the intentions of Wyomings people. God knows we need truth, not lies! Stand up and speak the truth. Wyoming needs you. 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. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) A federal freeze on most evictions that was 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, has been the only tool keeping millions of tenants in their homes. Many of them lost jobs during the coronavirus pandemic and have fallen months behind on their rent. Landlords successfully challenged the order in court, arguing that 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 rent. As of June 7, roughly 3.2 million people in the U.S. said they would face eviction within 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 South Dakota: WHATS THE STATUS OF EVICTION MORATORIUMS IN THE STATE? South Dakota does not have its own eviction moratorium, leaving only the CDC moratorium. WHATS BEING DONE TO HELP PEOPLE FACING EVICTION? South Dakota has received $360 million in federal funds to help tenants with outstanding rent, utility payments and other expenses. The money can go toward 15 months of rent and other expenses, including internet access. Renters who pay 30% of their income toward rent and earn 80% or less of their area's median income qualify. So far, only a small fraction of the funds have been sent to renters. The South Dakota Housing Development Authority, which oversees the funds, estimates that it has distributed about $10.7 million to 1,475 tenants. Brent Thompson, the executive director of East River Legal Services, said there is a lack of awareness about the federal assistance available for renters facing evictions. HOW ARE THE COURTS HANDLING EVICTION ACTIONS? Thompson said during the CDC moratorium that courts have halted many eviction actions or landlords have decided not to file them. Eviction filings have dipped during the pandemic. According to the state court system, evictions decreased by about 10% after the pandemic hit in March 2020. This year, evictions filings have been even lower, decreasing by about 22% from pre-pandemic levels. HOW AFFORDABLE ARE THE STATES MAJOR RENTAL MARKETS? South Dakota's rental housing market has tightened, partly due to the strong economy and a shortage of affordable housing. From 2015 through 2020, rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Sioux Falls, the state's largest city, increased by 17%, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The state's vacancy rate was about 7% before the pandemic, which roughly matched the national average. Data on rental housing during the pandemic hasn't been released yet. But lawmakers have sounded the alarm about a run on affordable housing during the pandemic and formed a special committee to try to find solutions to the problem. Republican Rep. Roger Chase, who also works as a realtor, said this month that the housing market is as tight as he's seen in over 30 years. ARE EVICTIONS EXPECTED TO CREATE A SURGE IN HOMELESSNESS? Its hard to say how much homelessness will increase in South Dakota. Thompson, of East River Legal Services, expects evictions and eviction-related lawsuits to spike after the CDC's moratorium ends. One indication of the scope of the problem is census data estimating that there are 21,500 adults in the state who are not confident they will be able to pay next month's rent. Thompson feared the moratorium's end would create a crisis event in evictions, and his legal clinic is bracing for a surge in people facing evictions or owing multiple months of rent. Housing was already a very serious problem and you are adding literally a natural disaster that is a worldwide pandemic, he said. Its just the perfect storm. PHOENIX (AP) A U.S. prosecutor trying to send a Phoenix driving school owner to Iraq to face charges in the 2006 killings of two Iraqi police officers acknowledged Thursday that statements made by people claiming to have witnessed the crimes contained inconsistencies but still urged a judge to sign off on the request. Prosecutor Todd Allision said documents provided by the Iraqi government in its extradition request establish probable cause to support the two murder charges against Ali Yousif Ahmed Al-Nouri, an Iraqi native who came to the United States as a refugee in 2009 and became a U.S. citizen in 2015. Ahmed is accused of participating in the two attacks on the streets of Fallujah as the leader of an al-Qaida group. Ahmed has denied being involved in the killings and being a member of a terror group. Ahmeds attorney, Jami Johnson, said some people who gave investigators information didnt witness the shootings and learned about them secondhand. Johnson also said a man in Iraqi police custody who claimed to be a member of the terror group once told investigators that Ahmed took an officers gun during one of the killings, while saying another time that someone else made away with the weapon. U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael Morrissey, who is expected to rule later, will determine whether there is probable cause to support each charge and if so, certify the extradition request. Ultimately, the decision on whether to send Ahmed to Iraq will be up to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinkens office. Johnson has said Ahmed wouldnt get a fair trial amid the corruption in the Iraqi criminal justice system and would likely face execution if he were forced back to his native country. The defense attorney has questioned why it took more than a decade for Iraqi authorities to formally accuse her client and criticized accounts of the killings from informants who had everything to gain by delivering the Trump administration a supposed terrorist refugee in an election year. The Trump administration had sharply criticized the Obama-era settlement program, questioning whether enough was done to weed out those with terrorist ties. Nearly three months ago, a judge in Northern California refused to allow the extradition to Iraq of Omar Abdulsattar Ameen, who was accused of committing a killing for the Islamic State group. The judge said cellphone evidence shows Ameen, who received refugee status in the U.S. in 2014 on the grounds he was a victim of terrorism, was in Turkey at the time of the slaying. In Ahmed's case, in the first shooting hes charged with, authorities say an attacker held a gun to a witness head, while another attacker started to fire on a police officer but had a malfunction with his gun. Another attacker then killed police Lt. Issam Ahmed Hussein. The witness later identified Ahmed, who wasnt wearing a mask, as the groups leader, according to court records. Four months later, Iraqi authorities say Ahmed and other men fatally shot Officer Khalid Ibrahim Mohammad as he was sitting outside a store. A person who witnessed the shooting recognized Ahmed, whose mask had fallen off, as one of the assailants, according to court records. Ahmeds attorneys said the violence and turmoil in Iraq prompted their client to flee to Syria, where he lived in a refugee camp for three years before moving to the United States. Authorities said Ahmed spent time in a Syrian prison, though they couldnt determine what landed him behind bars. Defense attorneys say Ahmed volunteered in Phoenixs refugee community and worked as a cultural adviser to the U.S. military, traveling to bases in other states to help military personnel as they prepared to deploy to the Middle East. He bought a home on the northwestern edge of metro Phoenix and operated a driving school serving largely Middle Eastern immigrants. Prosecutors have questioned Ahmeds credibility, saying he gave conflicting explanations about how he suffered gunshot wounds while in Iraq. They said the criticism of the Iraqi criminal justice system and what Ahmed might face if he were sent back to Iraq dont have bearing on whether Ahmed can be extradited. BANGKOK (AP) An American journalist detained in Myanmar told his lawyer he believes he has COVID-19, but prison authorities deny he is infected. Danny Fenster was detained at Yangon International Airport on May 24 as he was trying to board a flight to go to the Detroit area in the United States to see his family. He is the managing editor of Frontier Myanmar, an independent online news outlet based in Yangon, Myanmars biggest city. Fenster has been charged with incitement for which he could be sentenced to up to three years imprisonment. The military-installed government that took power in February has tried to silence independent news media by withdrawing their licenses and by arresting dozens of journalists. The U.S. government and press freedom associations have been pushing for Fenster's release. Fenster is being held in Insein Prison as Myanmar faces a coronavirus surge it is ill-equipped to fight, with a public health system in tatters due to the political turmoil that arose in reaction to the militarys ouster of the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi. It has a very small supply of COVID-19 vaccines. Health authorities on Thursday reported 4,188 new cases of the coronavirus, bringing Myanmars official total since the pandemic began last year to 212,545. There were 165 deaths recorded, bringing the total to 4,346. Fensters lawyer, Than Zaw Aung, said his client told him during a video hearing that he is infected with the coronavirus and has not received medicines he requested. Insein Prison began a two-week lockdown on July 8 due to the virus surge. Fenster participated in Thursday's brief pretrial hearing from the prison, while the lawyer took part from a township court. The court ordered Fenster held until another hearing on July 28, his lawyer said. It is unclear when his actual trial will begin. Than Zaw Aung said last month that Fenster is charged in connection with his work at a previous job, as a reporter and copy editor for another online news site, Myanmar Now. Myanmar Now, along with several other media outlets, had its license revoked in early March, banning it from publishing on any platform. However, it has continued its operations. Fenster resigned from Myanmar Now in July last year and joined Frontier Myanmar a month later, so it is unclear why he was arrested, his lawyer said. Danny should never have been arrested and we are disappointed that he has not yet been freed. On top of that, he is now also at risk of being infected with COVID-19, Frontier Myanmar editor-in-chief Tom Kean said in a text message Thursday. There is no point in holding Danny any longer the authorities should release him immediately so he can go home to his family. Chan Aye Kyaw, a spokesman for Insein Prison, said Fenster was not infected with the virus. He said that since Fenster is a foreigner, the prison provides up-to-date information on his condition. If the virus was found in him, we will report it. But now Daniel does not have the disease, he said. Chan Aye Kyaw said every prisoner is tested for the virus when police bring them in. If they were found positive, we keep them in a dormitory for positive patients and they will be provided with medical care. There are more than 30 patients at the positive dormitory. They are separated from other prisoners, he said. Leaders of Asian Pacific nations agreed on Friday to step up COVID-19 vaccination sharing as China said it has pledged $3 billion in international aid to support coronavirus response efforts in developing countries. The virtual retreat for Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation leaders including U.S. President Joe Biden, Chinese Prime Minister Xi Jinping, Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and Russian President Vladimir Putin was held as the delta variant is spurring a spike in infections around the globe. There were two things that came through very strongly from the leaders. One was that this pandemic has a while to run and that there is significant work by all of us to be done, and it needs to look beyond our domestic borders, said New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, who hosted the informal retreat. The second strong theme was agreement and acceptance ... that this will not be the last pandemic we experience and that preparedness is critical. Xi told leaders in a pre-recorded message played during their private session that Beijing would spend $3 billion to help poorer countries respond to COVID-19 over the next three years, according to Chinas official Xinhua News Agency. China reports it has provided more than 500 million vaccine doses to other developing countries. Vaccine sharing has proven to be a divisive issue among members of the forum, which says its primary goal is to support sustainable economic growth and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region. The Biden administration has fallen short of its goal of delivering 80 million vaccine doses to the rest of the world by the end of June due to a host of logistical and regulatory hurdles that have slowed the pace of U.S. efforts. Biden told leaders during the meeting that he was committed to delivering more than 500 million vaccine dose to countries around the globe, according to the White House, which said the administration's "singular goal remains saving lives. He made clear that the United States is donating our vaccines, not selling them, and underscored the importance of not attaching any political or economic conditions to the provision of vaccines, the White House said in a statement. Taiwan, an APEC member that China claims as a renegade territory, has accused Beijing of tying the delivery of coronavirus vaccines to political demands. The government of the self-ruled island says China has intervened to block vaccine deliveries to Taiwan from fellow APEC members Japan and the United States. China, meanwhile, has accused Australia of interfering in the rollout of Chinese vaccines in former Australian colony Papua New Guinea. Both Australia and Papua New Guinea are also members of APEC. The leaders also pledged to move forward on action to lower costly tariffs that complicate the movement of vaccines across borders ahead of an APEC meeting set for November. Vials, syringes and packaging frequently face significant tariffs, which Ardern described as a very real problem that APEC economies have the ability to remove. Biden had planned to use the retreat to talk to fellow leaders about his administrations efforts to serve as an arsenal of vaccines to the world and discus how members of the alliance can collaborate to bolster the global economy, according to a senior Biden administration official who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to comment publicly. The U.S. has shipped more than 53 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines to more than 30 countries and territories, with plans to ship at least 30 million more as soon as recipient countries sort out regulatory and logistical hurdles. They mark the Biden administrations down payment on a plan to buy and donate 500 million more doses for the world over the coming year. The U.S. has donated 4.5 million vaccine doses to Indonesia, 2 million to Vietnam and 1 million to Malaysia, and 3.2 million doses will soon be delivered to the Philippines. The White House says donations to Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Papua New Guinea will soon be delivered. Laos and Cambodia are the only countries among those eight vaccine recipients that are not APEC members. The important meeting came at a critical time as the world is facing a resurgence in COVID-19 infection numbers and international cooperation against the pandemic had entered a new stage, said Chinas Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian. We hope all parties can uphold the vision of an Asia-Pacific community with a shared future, carry forward the Asia-Pacific partnership, send a positive message of fighting the coronavirus with solidarity and deepen economic recovery and cooperation, Zhao said. APEC nations lost more than 80 million jobs during the pandemic as the global economy lilted amid restrictions and lockdowns. The Biden administration has put a premium on tending to relations with allies in the Pacific early in his administration. One of his first high-profile acts of diplomacy as president was hosting a virtual summit with fellow leaders of the Quad Australia, India and Japan a group central to his efforts to counter Chinas growing military and economic power. And he hosted Suga and South Korea President Moon Jae-in for the first in-person foreign leader meetings of his presidency. South Korea is a APEC member, and India is the only country in the Quad that is not. ___ Associated Press writers Mari Yamaguchi in Tokyo and Zeke Miller in Washington contributed to this report. SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (AP) Missouri Gov. Mike Parson said the state will probably provide funding for a site to help handle the overflow of COVID-19 patients in Springfield, where hospitals are struggling to keep up with a surge driven by the delta variant and vaccination hesitation. The Republican governor suggested that federal stimulus money also could help pay for the alternative care site health leaders in the southwestern Missouri city requested. Parson, who was in Springfield on Thursday for an unrelated bill signing, told the Springfield News-Leader that the state will for the most part probably" fulfill the request. Were in the process of kind of going through that right now to see what we can deliver and what we cant, he said. Those are things weve done before, so I think well be able to do (the funding). The fast-spreading delta variant has led to a surge in hospitalizations throughout southwestern Missouri. Springfield's hospitals are already seeing patient counts topping the previous peak in mid-winter. As of Friday, 228 people with COVID-19 were hospitalized there. Three weeks ago, the daily average patient count was fewer than 120. CoxHealth, which operates six hospitals in southwestern Missouri, was treating 170 patients at the winter peak of the virus, CEO Steve Edwards said in an interview. It has surpassed that now, and Edwards expects at least 240 daily COVID-19 patients within two weeks if there's room. There's a difference this time around compared to January. Younger, sicker, quicker is the way I characterize it," Edwards said. We have many, many younger patients. Pediatric patients hospitalized. Many in their 20s. A good number of pregnant women that weve had to do emergency C-sections to save the baby and to save mom. Katie Towns, the interim director of the Springfield-Greene County Health Department, said the alternative care site would provide transitional care for patients stabilized enough to be released from hospitals. She told The Associated Press that options include places such as dorms and hotels. Such makeshift treatment areas were common in Missouri and throughout the country during the winter. Parson told the News-Leader that some of the cost of setting up the site could be covered by federal stimulus money provided to Springfield and Greene County for pandemic relief. Theres a lot of federal funding on the local level, so there may be ways we can partner with the counties and the cities and the hospitals, and theyll be able to do their part, you know, to come in and help with that, Parson said. The governor also told the newspaper that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention halted the state's plan to implement an incentive program to encourage vaccinations. Only 45.8% of Missourians have initiated vaccination, which is 10 percentage points below the national average. The CDC didnt accept our plan, which is just totally ridiculous that they would turn us down with Missouri in the situation were in right now. So, I think its just another obvious problem with the CDC," Parson said. Parson's spokeswoman, Kelli Jones, said Friday that the CDC wanted to limit funding incentives to $25 per vaccinated person, and we do not feel this figure will be enough to significantly increase vaccine uptake in Missouri." Jones said the governor was weighing a variety of other potential options. The agency reviewed the plan and returned it to the state because it didnt meet CDCs guidelines for use of the specific federal funds the state wanted to draw from for this project, a CDC official said. COVID-19 cases are rising sharply across Missouri. The state health department on Friday reported 1,834 newly confirmed cases and seven additional deaths. Hospitalizations continued to rise, reaching 1,357, including 425 people who were in intensive care units. Nearly half of ICU patients 203 were in southwestern Missouri. A day after the St. Louis Metropolitan Pandemic Task Force leader encouraged masks in crowded settings, health leaders in the Kansas City area issued an advisory on Friday that stopped short of recommending mask use but urged even the vaccinated to be cautious in public places such as restaurants, bars and fitness centers. Currently, only 40% of Missourians are fully vaccinated, the advisory stated. Please assume that 1 in 2 people in any crowd or gathering may be unvaccinated. If you do not know the vaccination status of those around you, resume social distancing of at least 6 feet. WASHINGTON (AP) Sheltered in a downtown D.C. hotel, the Democratic lawmakers who left Texas to block a restrictive voting bill are living a life of stress and scrutiny. After bolting the state Monday in order to sabotage the bill by denying a quorum in the Texas House of Representatives, the more than 50 state legislators find themselves balancing a punishing schedule of political lobbying, outside work and family obligations, all under a national spotlight. Many have left young children behind; most have other professional obligations back in Texas. All seem to be operating on minimal sleep. "It's surreal," said Rep. Gene Wu of Houston. I can't even describe to you how weird it has been. Wu said he realized just how big a story their exodus had become when they arrived via private plane at Dulles airport on Monday. He overheard a group of German tourists talking in the airport about the fugitive Texas legislators. Their goal is to hold out until the end of their special legislative session on Aug. 7, but Republican Texas Gov. Greg Abbott can call another special session 30 days after that. Abbott has also threatened the legislators with arrest the moment they return to Texas. In the meantime, they're working the Capitol and the White House, seeking some sort of federal voter-protection move that would supersede any state-level laws. The Texas State Legislature is a part-time body with an annual salary of $7,200. So the vast majority of the delegates have other primary jobs back in Texas that they abruptly left behind. The lawmakers describe 16-hour days of essentially operating in shifts, with some working the Capitol and doing media interviews, while others carve out four hours or so to handle their other jobs. We have a number of attorneys. Weve had several folks doing Zoom hearings, said Rep. Erin Zweiner of Austin. The Covid-19 pandemic weirdly turned out to be an unexpected training ground, she said, since everybody is already practiced in teleworking. Without that cultural shift, a lot of peoples ability to earn a living would be severely hindered, she said. And not everyone has a job or a business they can handle via Zoom. Weve got a lot of practice during the pandemic, said Rep. John Bucey of Austin. But several, he said, are here at the total expense of their careers. Bucy came to Washington with his 17-month old daughter Bradley and his wife Molly, who is 27-weeks pregnant. The trio actually drove 23-hours straight rather than fly with the other representatives because Bradley is too young to wear a facemask on a plane. It's really hard, he said. There's no childcare here. My wife works. I work. Zweiner came to Washington with her three-year-old daughter Lark, for both practical and sentimental reasons, she said. Her husbands work schedule didnt allow him to solo-parent and Zweiner said the idea of being away from her daughter for weeks was heart-wrenching. Now Lark is a low-key Twitter star: the toddler attended a group meeting with New York Democratic Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand; she watched the movie Frozen on an iPad sitting on a Gillibrand staffers lap and Gillibrand gave her a U.S. Capitol coloring book. Zweiner said Lark has been an absolute champ, but acknowledged Thursday that By day 4, shes getting a little grumpy with the process she needs some kid time. The balancing act is not just causing family sacrifices. Some Democrats are already paying a price back home in the Legislature, as Speaker Pro Tempore Joe Moody was stripped of his leadership position Thursday. It is only one of the ways the Texas GOP is trying to turn up the heat just days into the showdown. Republican House Speaker Dade Phelan said he would have a plane ready in Washington this weekend to bring Democrats back home, while Abbott began running targeted campaign ads against absent lawmakers in likely competitive House districts in 2022, putting absent Democrats faces on milk cartons. There is no excuse for their PR stunt, and I join thousands of Texans in demanding that these Democrats get back to work, Abbott said. The non-stop meetings have been a mixed bag so far. On Thursday the Texas lawmakers huddled with Sen. Joe Manchin, a moderate West Virginia Democrat. Manchins vote is pivotal to pass the stalled voting-rights legislation through Congress, which would preempt much of the measure that Texas Republicans are advancing in their legislature. Very good meeting, Manchin said after exiting the gathering. But approving the bill, known as the For the People Act, also hinges on weakening a procedural rule called the filibuster, which requires 60 votes to advance most legislation in the Senate. Senate Republicans used the rule last month to block debate on the measure. And Manchin, whose vote would also be required, has rejected the idea. Texas state Sen. Nathan Johnson, said after the meeting that Manchin, described (the For the People Act) as aspirational. The Texas governor has accused the legislators of hanging out on a taxpayer-paid junket but the representatives defended their decision to leave the state, saying the move had already partially succeeded by shining a national spotlight on the issue. We are not here on vacation, state Sen. Jose Menendez Id much rather be home with my family. We are here to do a job. Representatives say they're currently too busy go out to dinner, take their kids to a museum or any of the other typical Washington-visitor activities. I think we will get to a normal routine and a more reasonable baseline, Zweiner said, something where it's down to just 12-hour work days." The decision to hole up in Washington is aimed at ratcheting up pressure on President Joe Biden and Congress to act on voting at the federal level. The day after they arrived, Biden delivered a speech in Philadelphia calling Republican-led efforts to curtail voting accessibility un-American and un-democratic. About 20 of the state legislators held a press conference Wednesday, joined by a handful of Democratic Texas state senators who had flown in to offer support. Outside the downtown D.C. hotel where the contingent is living and working, about a dozen demonstrators held signs with messages like Do your job! and Who paid for the private jet? The accusation that they're wasting public money particularly rankles. The delegation had maintained that the entire trip is being funded by donations through the state's Democratic Caucus. They're also in the midst of a public debate as to whether to decline their $221 per diems. Some pointed out that their presence in D.C. was a personal financial disaster because of the jobs they left behind. Wu, an attorney with two young children, said he worried about making his next mortgage payment. Our mission here, in Washington, is to use this time in this legislative session between now and Aug. 7 to say to the U.S. Senate that we need to pass federal voting rights legislation. And we need it now, said Rep. Chris Turner of Arlington, the leader of the Texas House Democrats. And were going to get into some good trouble, as best we can, while were doing it. ___ AP reporters Brian Slodysko in Washington and Paul Weber in Austin contributed to this story. ___ Follow Khalil on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ashrafkhalil Realme working on a MagSafe alternative of its own, it's called MagDart A recent EUIPO (European Union Intellectual Property Office) filing reveals that Realme is readying an alternative to Apple's MagSafe of its own and unsurprisingly, which will be called MagDart. The documents are filed by Realme's chief company, Oppo. The document doesn't reveal much but it does confirm that the MagDart product includes wireless charging pads for smartphones. It just doesn't get more obvious than this. The MagDart charger itself is still undergoing a certification process, though. In addition, it's probably safe to assume that other companies under the BBK Electronics umbrella will introduce similar products shortly after. Via If you were wondering what kind of software support to expect from Sony's latest flagship smartphone, the Xperia 1 III, we have the answer for you and you may not like it. According to Sony Netherlands, the Xperia 1 III is getting one major Android update and two years of monthly security updates. That's it. We really hope this is a mistake - that someone in Sony's team in the Netherlands was misinformed or something, because otherwise this is pretty ridiculous. We've seen a bunch of Android device manufacturers left and right increase their software support windows at least for the flagships - Samsung, OnePlus, Oppo, and so on. Even Google is rumored to up the number of years it's supporting Pixels starting with the Pixel 6 generation coming this fall. And during all this, Sony seems to be in an entirely different universe. Let's hope the Japanese company will soon issue a statement saying this was all a misunderstanding or something like that. Because if it doesn't, you may want to think twice about shelling out 1,299 for a phone that will get the same number of major Android updates as a 200 OnePlus Nord N-series handset. Source (in Dutch) TSMC is responsible for about 28% of the world's chip manufacturing and its portfolio of hardware ranges from consoles and smartphones to PCs and cars. Despite the ongoing chip shortage the company manages to report an impressive growth year-over-year. The latest financial report reads $13.3 billion in sales, which is a hefty 20% jump compared to the same quarter last year. The company's CEO, however, warns that the chip shortage will continue throughout the whole year, though car manufacturers will feel the pressure being gradually released. With TSMC leading the market, the company will invest about $100 billion into expanding its production over the next two years. And hopefully, the tech giant will be able to meet its customers' high demand for chips. The semiconductor maker has already invested about $12 billion into its new facility in Arizona while it continues to improve and expand its operations in China. Source Have any questions? Please give us a call at 520-625-5511 A look at GCPS superintendent finalist Calvin Watts Current Position: Superintendent, Kent School District, in Kent, Wash.; 2015-present Education: Bachelor's degree in English from Howard University; master's degree in administration and supervision from the University of West Georgia; doctorate in educational leadership from Argosy University; teacher certification in secondary education from Western Washington University Georgia Educational Certification: Leadership Field, Level 7, Educational Leadership System-level (Expires June 30, 2026) Previous GCPS Experience: Assistant Superintendent for School Improvement and Operations (July 2008 until May 2015) Principal at Trickum Middle School (July 2007 until June 2008) Area Director of Human Resources Staffing (November 2005 until June 2007) Principal at Annistown Elementary School (July 2003 until October 2005) Assistant Principal at Bethesda Elementary School (August 2001 until June 2002) Other Employment: Principal at St. Peter Claver Regional Catholic School, Archdiocese of Atlanta (July 2002 until June 2003) Assistant Principal at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Schools, Archdiocese of Atlanta (July 2000 until July 2001) Teacher at Carrollton Junior High School, Carrollton City Schools (July 1995 until June 2000); also a middle school cross country and high school junior varsity and varsity soccer coach for Carrollton City Schools during this time Teacher at Inman Middle School, Atlanta Public Schools (July 1994 until June 1995) Teacher at South Shore Middle School, Seattle (Wash.) Public Schools (September 1992 until June 1994) Haiti - FLASH : Report #5 on political instability and the situation of insecurity (OCHA) This humanitarian situation report #5 from the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) covers the period from July 1 to 14, 2021 and is based on the information and data available. The next report will be published around July 9. Overview of the situation : During the night of 6-7 July, the Haitian President, Jovenel Moise, was assassinated at his private residence in Port-au-Prince, during an attack in which the First Lady, Martine Moise, was also severely injured. https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34162-haiti-flash-president-jovenel-moise-assassinated-by-mercenaries-official-updated-7am-+-video.html The next morning, Claude Joseph announced his leadership as Interim Prime Minister and issued an executive order instating a state of siege https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34168-haiti-flash-the-state-of-siege-is-declared-in-haiti.html for 15 days, as well as a national mourning from 8 to 22 July https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-34182-icihaiti-assassination-of-president-moise-15-days-of-national-mourning-text-of-the-decree.html . He also declared the application of article 149 of the constitution that states that the Council of ministers ensures the continuity of the state https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34165-haiti-assassination-of-jovenel-moise-what-says-the-constitution.html [...] At the same time, Mr. Ariel Henry, appointed by Jovenel Moise https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34163-haiti-flash-closure-of-the-airport.html prior to his passing as the incoming Prime Minister, also presented himself as leader of the government. Engagements between Henry and Joseph are ongoing to identify a solution to the current political situation. The international airport Toussaint Louverture, public and private institutions, commercial banks and other businesses were all closed on 7 and 8 July. During the day of July 7, shootings, burning tires and roadblocks were reported in several parts of the country, including Petion-Ville, the commune where the president was assassinated. On 8 July, the Dominican Republic closed its borders to Haiti. https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34179-haiti-dr-decisions-of-the-security-council-for-the-strengthening-of-the-border-with-haiti.html While the situation has been relatively calm, the security situation remains precarious. Ongoing gang violence is a persistent concern. Tensions and shootings in the metropolitan area of Port-au-Prince have resurfaced. On 10 and 11 July, two separate gang-related incidents took place in Fontamara and Bas Delmas, resulting in the injury and death of an unconfirmed number of people and new displacements. Delivery of key commodities, such as available fuel stocks from ports to gas stations, is hindered by the continued gang-related insecurity https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34142-haiti-news-zapping.html Pursuant to the current situation, increases in food prices, the availability of fresh produce in the markets, and the impact on the supply chain of goods, i.e. shortages of gasoline and diesel have worsened. The closure of the Dominican Republic border with Haiti following the presidents assassination further exacerbated the situation. Meanwhile, the resurgence of COVID-19 remains a threat to the population. According to the Ministry of Health (MSPP), as of 6 July, 19,374 cases have been officially reported with 487 associated deaths since the beginning of the pandemic https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34240-haiti-diaspora-covid-19-daily-bulletin-482.html . Although the number of positive cases related to the third wave is slowly starting to decrease and a slight decrease in the number of hospitalizations is reported, the capacity to detect and treat COVID-19 cases remains limited, and is sometimes restricted by movement restrictions due to ongoing gang violence and insecurity. Delays in reporting new cases are also expected due to technical problems with testing supplies [...] Key figures : 1.5M people affected : 1.1M Martissant, Bas-Delmas, Saint-Martin, BelAir, Cite Soleil 400K in southern departments 1.1M people in need of assistance : 15.5K IDPs since June 2021 1.1M people without access to essential services in Martissant, Bas-Delmas, Saint Martin, BelAir, Cite Soleil 214K targeted for emergency assistance : 5.3K IDPs in organized sites 2.5KIDPs in spontaneous sites 206.2K people without access to essential services in Martissant, Bas-Delmas, Saint Martin, BelAir, Cite Soleil areas 19K internally displaced : BelAir: 1,242(IOM, Aug 2020)from Tabarre Issa: 2,160 (IOM, Mar 2021) Since June 2021: Toussaint Brave: 413 (IOM) Carrefour (Sports Centre): 855 (IOM) Eglise Saint Yves: 1,110 (IOM) Delmas 103: 315 (IOM) Delmas 2 (Salvation Army): 1357 (tbc) Delmas 2 (Ecole Komiked): 1,000 (tbc) Delmas 4: 1,500 (tbc) Saint Martin/Delmas 2: 2,500 (tbc) Miragoane: 32 (tbc) People separated from families: 940 (IOM) Others: 5,110 (estimates within host families and other departments) Cite Soleil: 450(tbc) See also : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34240-haiti-diaspora-covid-19-daily-bulletin-482.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34210-haiti-flash-arrest-of-one-of-the-intellectual-authors-of-the-assassination-of-president-moise-and-an-attempted-coup.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34168-haiti-flash-the-state-of-siege-is-declared-in-haiti.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34165-haiti-assassination-of-jovenel-moise-what-says-the-constitution.html https://www.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 https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34154-haiti-insecurity-more-than-18-000-haitians-have-fled-their-homes-because-the-armed-clashes.html https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-34147-icihaiti-social-the-disabled-victims-of-the-arson-at-the-lapiste-camp-supported.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34142-haiti-news-zapping.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34139-haiti-armed-violence-ocha-humanitarian-situation-report-4.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34069-haiti-flash-8-550-people-fled-the-combat-zones.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34065-haiti-flash-1-3-of-port-au-prince-serves-as-a-battlefield-for-nearly-95-gangs.html https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-34074-icihaiti-insecurity-faes-and-taiwan-help-displaced-people.html HL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - Vaccination : More than 900 solar refrigerators to keep vaccines cold In order to accelerate the next vaccination campaign against Covid-19, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) is working tirelessly to improve transport, increase mass communication and strengthen the cold chain throughout the Haitian territory. In almost all health centers in Haiti, UNICEF teams have installed solar refrigerators, more than 900 in total, to keep vaccines at the right temperature https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34237-haiti-covid-500-000-vaccines-in-haiti-75-of-haitians-do-not-want-to-be-vaccinated.html Recall that the US Government has delivered a donation of 500,000 doses of vaccine from the Moderna laboratory against COVID-19 hhttps://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34237-haiti-covid-500-000-vaccines-in-haiti-75-of-haitians-do-not-want-to-be-vaccinated.html, as part of the COVAX mechanism and also provided to the Ministry of Health $3 million in financial support and equipment in order to improve its logistical capacity for the storage and distribution of the vaccine and to create means of communication in order to address the question of the reluctance of the population to be vaccinated. "In the context of Haiti where reluctance to immunize is high, reaching communities with doses of vaccine does not guarantee that they want to be vaccinated," warned Ms. Jean Gough, Regional Director of UNICEF for Latin America and the Caribbean. According to the preliminary results of a UNICEF-supported perception study conducted by the University of Haiti in June, only 22% of all Haitians would agree to be vaccinated. UNICEF, in collaboration with the Haitian authorities, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and other partners, has pledged to make additional efforts to meet the need for vaccines in Haiti until the groups the most vulnerable of the population are protected against Covid-19. "As the vaccines hit the tarmac at Port-au-Prince airport, our most difficult work on the ground has only just begun," said Ms. Gough warning "Unless each of those 500,000 doses make it through quickly and safely to the Haitian people, the Covid-19 vaccines will not help save Haitian lives and curb the spread of the pandemic in the Americas." See also : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34237-haiti-covid-500-000-vaccines-in-haiti-75-of-haitians-do-not-want-to-be-vaccinated.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34240-haiti-diaspora-covid-19-daily-bulletin-482.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34003-haiti-flash-no-vaccines-in-the-country-before-july.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-33941-haiti-covid-19-japan-grants-$2mm-to-strengthen-the-cold-chain-for-vaccination-in-haiti.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-33780-haiti-news-zapping.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-33765-haiti-flash-haiti-accepts-astrazeneca-vaccine-proposed-by-who.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-33702-haiti-covid-19-dr-pape-wants-the-government-to-reconsider-its-position-on-the-astrazeneca-vaccine.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-33495-haiti-covid-19-the-refusal-of-the-astrazeneca-vaccine-donation-could-cost-haiti-millions-of-dollars.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-33448-haiti-health-the-minister-of-health-wants-another-vaccine-than-astrazeneca.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-33423-haiti-flash-haiti-refuses-a-donation-of-756-000-doses-of-the-who-astrazeneca-vaccine.html HL/ S/ HaitiLibre Haiti - News : Zapping... Colombia demands access to Colombian detainees This week Colombia reiterated its call on Haiti to facilitate access to its consular agents to the 18 ex-military detained for their alleged involvement in the assassination of President Moise. Bogota also wishes to have a date for the repatriation of the bodies of the Colombians killed. Lamothe calls on the UN for the establishment of a Special Tribunal for Haiti "I am very concerned about the deceptive manipulation resulting from this investigation into the death of the President. For this reason and to ensure justice for jovenel, I ask the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres to set up a Special Tribunal for Haiti similar to Lebanon but better !" said former Prime Minister Laurent Lamothe. Monitoring of the Drouet hydropower plant Nader Joiseus, the Minister of Public Works, visited this week at the Drouet hydropower plant (Liancourt commune). With a capacity of 3 MW, this plant, whose rehabilitation works are 90% complete and those of the network construction at 60%, will supply the municipalities of St Marc, Verrettes, Liancourt, Petite Riviere de L'Artibonite, L'Estere, Grande Saline and surrounding areas. From the end of July, several of these municipalities will be electrified before the celebration of their patronal festivals. Register of condolences and tributes Consulate General of Haiti in New York : The Consulate General of Haiti in New York advises the general public and the Haitian community of New York in particular that, following the tragic death of the President of the Republic, Jovenel Moise, a register of condolences has been opened in his office, located at 815 2nd Avenue New-York, NY 10017, from Thursday July 15 to Thursday July 22, 2021, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm Embassy of the Russian Federation : The Representative of the Embassy of the Russian Federation paid tribute to the President of the Republic, His Excellency, Mr. Jovenel Moise, by expressing the sympathies and solidarity of the Russian people to the government and to the Haitian people in this period of mourning. Embassy of the State of Kuwait : In this period of mourning, the representative of the Embassy of the State of Kuwait paid tribute to the President of the Republic, His Excellency, Jovenel Moise, expressing the sympathies and solidarity of the Kuwaiti people to the Government and people of Haiti. HL/ HaitiLibre Published on 2021/07/15 | Source Actress Lee Re is starring in "Hometown". Advertisement OCN's new drama "Hometown", which is scheduled to air in the second half of this year, is a mystery thriller that explores the secrets of the case against Choi Hyeong-in, a detective chasing a bizarre murder case in a small town, and Jo Jeong-hyeon, who has to find her missing nephew. Director Park Hyeon-seok, who directed tvN drama "Secret Forest 2", will take the megaphone. In the role of Choi Hyeong-in the detective is Yoo Jae-myung, Han Ye-ri plays Jo Jeong-hyeon and the mysterious life-prisoner Jo Kyeong-ho is Um Tae-goo. Meanwhile, Lee Re recently starred in the KBS 2TV drama "Hello, Me!" and film "Peninsula". Not so fast, Joe. Last week, President Biden spoke words that Americans have waite The Hill County Commission approved an amendment to a contract in their weekly business meeting Thursday that will allow the Hill County Health Department to hire a congregate living coordinator and additional staff to address the next surge of COVID-19, which the department director anticipates will come this fall. Hill County Public Health Director and Health Officer Kim Berg said the congregate living coordinator would monitor infections in places like long-term care and assisted-living facilities, Montana State University Northern's dorms, Havre Day Activity Center and the Hill County Detention Center. The job would include tracking things like COVID-19 in these areas where infection can spread very quickly, and make sure high-risk populations in particular are cared for properly. Berg said the money to hire this person comes from the state's emergency preparedness fund which recently received some additional support from the federal government and was able to allocate more money to local health departments. She said the allocation to Hill County will support the position for two years but they are hoping for longer. She said the funds received will also allow the department to hire more staff to address the surge of COVID-19 and influenza in a few months. "In the fall we're anticipating an increase in COVID-19," Berg said. The commission also approved Hill County Justice of the Peace Audrey Barger's request to obtain an American Sign Language interpreter for someone who will need it in upcoming court proceedings. Both of these requests along with a number of budget amendments were approved 2-0 as Hill County Commissioner Diane McLean was absent. Sue King, the new pastor of three United Methodist Churches in the area, has only been back in the area a short while, but she's already given her first service and is seeking to re-establish and increase her connections with the community. She is pastor for Van Orsdel United Methodist Church in Havre, Chester United Methodist Church and Big Sandy United Methodist Church. A native of Wisconsin, King met her husband, Jim Duffy, who King said was from Great Falls, when the two were in graduate school in Madison, Wisconsin before they moved back to Montana. The two will be living at the church parsonage in Havre. King said she has plans for increasing her connections. "I think the most important thing is to focus on relationships, because people want to know that you care about them, that you genuinely hear them and their stories, and that you authentically care about them. So that's my first task is to re establish relationships with people I haven't seen for a while and to grow new ones," King said "In the United Methodist Church, they start appointments on July 1. So that technically is my first day here. And I did preach at all three churches that I serve on July 4, so that was like our first Sunday," she added. King keeps a busy schedule by also serving at Chester United Methodist Church at 9 a.m. before a service at the Van Orsdel church in Havre at 11 a.m. She then takes a break for lunch before doing a service later in the day at Big Sandy United Methodist Church. King said the service she does in Big Sandy has been moved to 5 p.m. for the summer. King said she is in her fourth year as a pastor and is also finishing up seminary part-time. She said she is 25 credits away from obtaining a Master of Divinity degree. Prior to joining the ministry, King's first career was in science. She earned a bachelor's degree and then her doctorate in water chemistry. "I did a lot of research in environmental chemistry, I did work in the Florida Everglades, I did work in Yellowstone Park. My research was related to trace metals, especially mercury in the environment," King said. She said she also served as adjunct faculty as an assistant research professor at Montana State University in Bozeman for several years. She became involved with the Methodist church in Bozeman, which she said eventually led to her being called to the ministry. King went with volunteers on a mission trip to Angola, a trip she said also included Dr. Carley Robertson of Havre. King said she wanted to do something where her background in water would be helpful and she did a lot of water testing while there in addition to meeting people through Angola churches. After coming back to Bozeman, King said she was asked to help start a student chapter of Engineers Without Borders at MSU and was one of the chartering faculty. The website for Engineers Without Borders-International says its mission is "to be the beating heart of the engineering movement for sustainable global development, building and evolving engineering capacity throughout the world." The MSU chapter's areas of focus include water projects, sanitation projects, fundraising and leadership. "That was really sort of that sense of I wanted to do more to help people in the world with the problems that they have. And that really was the beginning of a sense of calling into ministry. And I have more than once worked for United Methodist churches, both in California and Nevada and one in Montana and Wyoming," King said. "But I've also taught in between there and done research. I also taught at Aaniiih Nakoda College out at Fort Belknap, so I'm familiar with this area, and have friends here in Havre. and in Harlem, and Chinook and all along Hi-Line, so I was really excited to be able to come back and be a pastor here as well," she added. King said she loves the area all along the Milk River and the Hi-Line, adding it feels like home and has felt that way since she first moved to the area in 2015. "It doesn't feel strange in any way, but just really welcoming. I like the Hi-Line. I like its rich cultural history of the tribes who live up here, very interested in archaeology, and this is a fantastic place for someone who's interested in the past. But I'm also interested in the future and the well-being of all the people up here on the hi-line," King said. North Central Senior Citizens Center July 19-23 Senior center is now open Menu Monday Chicken-fried steak, mashed potatoes and gravy, peas, poor man bars Tuesday Salad, spaghetti with meat sauce, garlic bread, green beans, pineapple cake Wednesday Sweet-and-sour pork, rice, spring rolls, fruit Thursday Barbecued chicken, twice-baked potatoes, salad, Tollhouse crumbcake Friday Soup, salad bar, chefs choice, dessert, The Senior Centers doors are open to the public, 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 10 a.m. 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 Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. 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 be limited. We will seat only four guests to a table. When they came in they kept mask on until they began eating. Meals were served at their table. Our new hours for the Senior Center will now be Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Transportation: The Senior Center will provide senior transportation Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.. Friday is medical transportation only and you must give 24-hour notice. Shopping trips are still: Call Ahead for Walmart on the first Thursday of the month, 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. From Carla Jenewein Chinook Red Cross blood drive coordinator Right now, blood donations are leaving the shelves faster than they're coming in. That means patients are at risk for delayed surgeries or treatment. Please hurry to book your next appointment. The Chinook community will host a community blood drive with the American Red Cross Tuesday, July 20, from noon to 6 p.m. at Wallner Hall, 330 Ohio, behind the Methodist Church, the door is facing Fourth Street. The Red Cross highly recommends appointments, however walk-in donors are welcome. There will be additional Red Cross staff available to accommodate any walk-in donors. To make an appointment to donate you may sign up online at redcrossblood.org. In regards to our previous drive in May, we had 51 presenting donors with 49 viable units collected on a goal of 47. We had several milestones with Darla Ortner reaching one gallon, Fay Friede reaching three gallons, Charles Wasser reaching 11 gallons, and Don Ranstrom reaching 17 gallons. Door prizes were provided by the ladies of the Methodist Church and the North Central Montana Cattlewomen, and awarded to Mark Weber, Tandi Molyneau, Royce Houtzel, Fay Friede, Brooke Elliot, Rodney Johnson and Wilma Melville. The canteen was hosted by the ladies of the Methodist Church. The site for the drive was compliments of the United Methodist Church and Pastor Jack Mattingly, check in was assisted by Judy Johnson, Roxanne Townsend and Linda Thompson, cleanup was provided by Chrissy Downs and the JUMP youth group. It was a great turnout all due to our wonderful donors and volunteers. Lets do it again on July 20 See you there. Rose Shennum, 91, went home to be with the Lord on February 25, 2021. Her desire to be at home in her final hours surrounded by her children, loved ones and friends was fulfilled. Rose lived independently until she fell, fractured her hip, then passed away from complications of hip surgery. A celebration of life will be held at the Messiah Lutheran Church, 417 20th St, Havre at 2:00 p.m. on July 31. Cremation has taken place and arrangements have been made by the Wilderness Funeral Home. Rose was born in El Paso, Texas, to Edwardo and Sara Pinoda. She was the second of four children. Her mother later remarried and the kid's were adopted by Christo "Nick" Nickola, who was an officer in the U.S. Army. As a teenager, Rose loved to go to the dances at the officers club. She met her soulmate, John Shennum Jr., who was stationed at Fort Bliss, on a horseback riding date. They fell in love and were married in 1946, moving to Scobey, MT, to live on the family farm. That was quite a challenge for a city girl. What a shock! She met living on the farm with determination, a few trips back to El Paso to see her family and talking John into moving into town. In 1956, Rose and her family moved to Havre, where they raised their five children, Barbara, David, Lois, Jody and John III. Rose considered it an honor and a privilege to be a stay at home wife and mother. She was an excellent cook and baker. Rose was a devoted wife and mother putting her family first at all times. She held high standards for her children and led by example. She was strict and never compromised her values or standards. Her family attended the Methodist church every Sunday faithfully and later years the Assembly of God. She was the glue of her family and held a special place in her heart for her children and grandchildren. Rose was an excellent seamstress, she was an avid bowler, bowling on a house wives and mixed league with her husband and sons, where she won many trophies and awards. She was a jack of all trades and mastered everything she attempted to do. Quitting was never an option for her. Rose was a hard worker and instilled those ethics to her children. Rose had a vivacious personality that was bigger than life. She was not afraid to speak her mind and would let you know if you were on her list. Her humor and wit kept everyone laughing. Her zest for life was infectious. Her independence was inspiring. She lived her life with courage, perseverance, integrity and got her strength from God and her own tenacity. Rose moved to Colorado in the mid '80s to be with family. She made many lifetime friends. There she worked at Continental Air Lines in the food service. Rose always went dancing. She was an excellent dancer. She did the Dutch hop, polka, waltz, fox trot, two step, jitterbug, even winning a twist contest at Cripple Creek. In 2013, she moved back home to Havre to be near family. In 2016, she started dialysis and developed a close friendship with her kidney specialist, Dr. Paramb, and her chiropractor, Hugo Gibson. Rose kept a positive attitude throughout many difficult treatments of dialysis, bone on bone in both knees and arthritis. Rose loved talking on the phone for hours, often leaving it off the hook when she was done, much to her children's dismay. She loved shopping, old Country music, old Westerns, scary movies, going to the theater, her yard in the summer with all her flowers, especially roses and her Christmas tree that was decorated with many ornaments she had collected over the years. Dancing was her greatest passion. If there was music playing, she was dancing, which earned her the name "the dancing queen." She could be seen at Pepin Park or Town Square enjoying the music and getting the dancing started. She taught us all we needed to know except how to live without her. Mom, we love you always and forever. We will cherish all the wonderful memories of you until we meet again in Heaven. Los Angeles County, the nation's most populous county, will reinstate its mask mandate starting 11:59 p.m. Saturday night amid a rise in coronavirus cases and hospitalizations. The order will require masking indoors regardless of vaccination status, Los Angeles County Health Officer Dr. Muntu Davis said in a news conference Thursday. "We share our deepest condolences with those of you who have lost friends, loved ones, and family during this difficult time," Davis said in a news release from county health officials. "We expect to keep masking requirements in place until we begin to see improvements in our community transmission of COVID-19. But waiting for us to be at high community transmission level before making a change would be too late." According to the news release, there were 210 new coronavirus cases reported June 15. On Thursday, more than 1,500 were reported, the highest total of new cases since mid-March, officials said. The daily test positivity rate in Los Angeles County has risen to 3.7%, from around 0.5% on June 15, the news release said. About 4 million county residents are not vaccinated, officials said. Los Angeles County has reported a total of 24,566 coronavirus deaths and 1,262,578 cases. The Census Bureau estimates that as of July 2019, 10,000,000 people lived in the county. Bay area officials recommend masks for all Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. People throughout the San Francisco Bay Area should wear face coverings in indoor public places regardless of vaccination status, health officials recommended Friday. The Bay Area recommendation covers nearly 7 million residents living in San Francisco, Santa Clara, Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Mateo and Sonoma counties as well as the City of Berkeley. Combined with a similar recommendation in Sacramento and Yolo counties and the mask mandate in Los Angeles, almost half of California's 40 million residents are advised to wear a face covering while in indoor public spaces. San Francisco -- which has one of the highest vaccination rates in the state with 83% of residents inoculated with at least one dose -- has seen an eightfold increase in daily coronavirus cases, due in part to the highly contagious Delta variant. "The Delta variant is spreading quickly, and everyone should take action to protect themselves and others against this potentially deadly virus," said Alameda County Health Officer Dr. Nicholas Moss. Businesses in the region are being urged to implement universal masking requirements to provide better protection to their employees and customers, according to a joint news release sent on behalf of the Bay Area counties. Health officers expect to keep the recommendation in place for weeks, but will reevaluate when new data is available. The-CNN-Wire & 2021 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. Note: We've recently updated our online systems. If you can't login please try resetting your password. You must login with an email address. If you don't have an email associated with your account email customercare@heraldandnews.com for help creating one. FILE - In this file photo provided by Bryan Fenster shows his brother Danny Fenster in September of 2019 in Krakow, Poland. A court in Myanmar on Thursday, July 1, 2021, extended the pretrial detention of Fenster, a U.S. journalist employed by an online news magazine in the military-led Southeast Asian nation who was arrested in May on an incitement charge that carries a penalty of up to three years imprisonment. You will receive full, ad-free access to HeraldChronicle.com as well as full access to the Electronic Edition of the newspaper. ONLY $2.99 per month for the first 3 months! Only $3.99 per month after promotional period. Or ONLY $33.99 per year for the 1st year Only $37.99 per year after promotional period. Provo, UT (84601) Today A few isolated thunderstorms developing this afternoon. High near 90F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 30%.. Tonight Cloudy skies this evening will become partly cloudy after midnight. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 66F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph. Provo, UT (84601) Today Cloudy this morning followed by isolated thunderstorms this afternoon. High 91F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 30%.. Tonight Cloudy early with some clearing expected late. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 67F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph. 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 Scientists using CRISPR or gene-editing technology have proven successful in human cell experiments, especially in the multiplication of COVID-19 in already infected cells. One of the ways to stop the takeover of SARS-CoV-2 is to find a way to lessen the chance of overcoming cells. This was announced by the researchers that shows promise for more treatments. COVID-19 is becoming a concern for studies that are looking for a way to stop the duplication or spread of infection. Australian researchers who did the gene-editing procedure reveal that under controlled lab conditions, they are able to stop the replication of the viral machinery inside an already expose cell. Normally when SARS-CoV-2 takes a hold of the cell, it would be the replication of it CRISPR stopped it, said Nature Communications. The next step in the study is to see how well the process would do in actual animal trials coming soon. What is CRISPR? This process is used by scientists to make changes on the DNA helix that will affect how genes work. It has already been applied to certain diseases like fixing the proteins in genetic coding that will determine the development of cancerous cells, reported Sciencealert. Used in the study is an enzyme identified as a CRISPR-Cas13b that was able to bind to the RNA of the coronavirus. It was observed to lessen the effect of a particular gene that the virus needs to create copies inside the cell for a hostile hijacking of a cell. The lead of the study, Sharon Lewin from Australia's Peter Doherty Institute, spoke to France 24 and said the gene-editing tool that will recognize the coronavirus. Read also: Epsilon Variants and Their Changes That Enable COVID-19 to Develop Evasive Measures Against Antibodies According to the researcher, the CRISPR enzyme has detected the virus that will start destroying it. Particular parts of the coronavirus were chosen to be targeted by the enzyme. These are the stable and constant structures and the one alterable parts, which allowed it neutralizing the virus. CRISPR gene-editing technology has proven successful in human cell experiments using the enzyme. When used on sample variants going around and infecting many, this method was able to stop making copies of it. Vaccines are already made and getting distributed, but there a few therapies available and mostly partly effective. According to Lewin, the gene-editing method will not be ready in months, more likely in years instead. She added that CRISPR is another option in dealing with COVID-19, and ways to treat people sick with it. She added that options are slim and getting the chances of reducing fatal infections is only 30 percent. One of the best alternatives is an orally given antiviral medicine that should be given to anyone tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 immediately. Should anyone diagnose with COVID be treated in such a way, then the problem of providing care for patients will not be such as difficult. Using gene editing is the same as getting a pill that will kill COVID-19 that is both good options for everyone. One of the authors, Mohamed Farah from Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre said that this tool might be used for other deadly viral diseases. He added this is better because it is versatile, flexible for the researchers' objectives. Gene-editing technology has proven successful in human cell experiments based on the results of the lab, but more tests on actual animals are needed to verify it fully. Related article: SARS-CoV-2 Lambda Variant With Evolved Spike Proteins Compared to Other Strains May be a Threat, But Still Not Verified @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The cosmic impact with the asteroid that killed the dinosaurs created a giant tsunami almost a mile high, which further caused devastation. Its force sent a giant wave that sloshed parts of the globe that was very far, then left evidence of the cataclysmic deluge. Evidence shows that 66 million years ago, this splashdown came with killing the dinosaurs and the wave even reached North America too. The remains of mega ripples were confirmed by scientists studying this ancient event. A gigantic wave was sent crashing into the earth's surface, and those lines were hidden in sediments over time. In central Louisiana, the particular pattern was discovered using seismic imaging, in a study by the University of Louisiana, in Lafayette A tsunami of gigantic proportions Scientists have been investigating for decades, to search for definitive proof of the asteroid's catastrophic impact. It plowed in Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, including discovering indicators of the scaring aftermath on the earth's surface, reported the Daily Mail. The giant tidal waves that traveled for more than a thousand miles where the asteroid hit, was also the presence of wildfires as far as a thousand miles. Another effect was a gargantuan dust plume kicking up that covers the earth, blocking sunlight as well. They investigated the dirt which was about five thousand feet underground, as the surface built up. They catch the point of impact using seismic imaging carried out by a petroleum company in the area. An accidental discovery of the fossilized ripples were half a mile apart and 50 feet high. As the wave pushed out from the asteroid's original impact zone, the water even affected the bottom of the seafloor which causes remnants on the sediment when it settled. This created a giant tsunami almost a mile high unheard of in modern times. Read Also: Early Earth Was Regularly Struck by City-Size Asteroids for a Few Billion Years After Its Formation What happened next The force of the tsunami was scraped as far as 200 feet deep on the sea floor on its way to land. It literally caused havoc on the sea and land reptiles. When the tidal waves struck the shore, the height was immense causing mega flooding on the coastlines. When the direction of the ripples at 5,000 feet under central Louisiana is as predicted, the giant wave moved over the sea and land. A clear line from the peak of these ripples headed to the Chicxulub crater is almost 1,000 miles away from the place surveyed by seismic imaging. This suggested that the spot was excellent for preserving ripples that otherwise would be covered under sediment. The study lead, Gary Kinsland spoke to Science, who added that the ocean was really deep, that even regular storm waves cannot alter what has been changed down on the seafloor once the tsunami had receded. There are more effects of the tsunami like earthquakes caused by the hit which is more than 11 on the Richter scale. It would be near extinction in regions with washed animals on the land which caused them to drown. This would be another cataclysmic extinction event, leaving few animals surviving. The tsunami would cause major change on the land and sea and would be moving to and fro for days until it settles. These findings are posted on the journal Earth & Planetary Science Letters. Related Article: Early Earth Was Regularly Struck by City-Size Asteroids for a Few Billion Years After Its Formation @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. An alligator hunter gets the tables turned when the reptile lurched from the water to crush his arms. The predator was able to get away but managed to bite him. The victim remembered how lucky he got. Instead of his arms being ripped off, his bones were crushed. But he said that the animal was just protecting itself. After the episode in the water, the doctors were able to save his limbs that were subjected to the strong bite of the alligator. Alligator goes ballistic literally into a boat Carsten Keiffer, employed as a firefighter, was in Lake Jesup with his friend's hunting for gators when it happened, reported Press From. The group was able to spot one in the water and hook the reptile to pull it in. However, it turned out to be a reversal of roles when the gator did something unexpected. Not expecting what will follow next, the firefighter remarked in surprise how the animal they were trapping became desperate. He remarked it had lurched from the bottom to the top of the water like a rocket. It almost landed on the boat he was in. What happened next gator assault! Keiffer was interviewed by Newsweek where he said that it was trying to protect itself, because they may have wounded it. He said that it was just a protective reflex of the alligator. When the reptile lurched from the water to crush his arms, it was a complete surprise. Read also: Chicago Sets Loose 1,000 Feral Cats to Control Increasing Rat Infestation Launching into the air, the alligator caught its teeth on the boat's railings, it only got barely inside the boat. But somehow his arm got caught in the animal's jaws that was really bad. The hunter recalled what happened in the last few seconds. His skin was partially ripped open. Next, he heard a chomp that crushed his bones and sinew. His friends were frantic, and had to force open the tightly closed jaw, slamming a metal rod in the clamped down to pry it open. But when the firefighter's arm goes limp, it let go. Keiffer mentioned that he thought of his career, and his future with his kids, who were 11 and 6 years old. But while his arm was trapped by the powerful bite, he was thinking about how to let the alligator off without killing or hurting it. But though death was coming next, he cannot do anything else. Surviving the attack He is now excited about what he'll do at work, in his job for the last 11 years. Although with condition, it won't be easy after he survived with one arm left. For treatment of his crushed arm, the doctors at Level One Trauma Center worked on saving him. For eleven days, the surgeons reconstructed his arm with two plates and many screws to hold the crushed limb. Parts were replaced by getting bone marrow, a skin graft, and muscle to fix the damaged arm. Lastly, it was rehabbed after the accident. He woke up and survived with what was left of his arm. One of his doctors at the medical center, Dr. Karan Desai specializes in hand and upper extremities said that it was his first time to deal with an animal-related injury, cited Web MD. Related Article: Louisiana Alligator Gets Washed Up 400 Miles Away to South Texas Beach, Park Rangers Are Stumped @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. In his first address since leaving office, former US Vice President Mike Pence encouraged President Joe Biden to keep up the pressure on China, criticizing the Democratic government for "already rolling over" for Beijing. Pence asked Biden on Wednesday to delist Chinese companies that violate US accounting rules, strengthen the readiness of America's navy to preserve freedom of passage in the Indo-Pacific area, and insist that China come open about the coronavirus' origins, among other things. "China may not yet be an evil empire, but it is trying hard to become one," he said, adding that the Chinese leadership regards America as an opponent and poses the biggest danger to American wealth, security, and values. Pence says Biden should follow Trump's approach to China Speaking at an event, Mike Pence urged that the Biden administration builds on the tough approach taken by the Trump administration in the area. Pence, who led the White House coronavirus task group, blasted China for its lack of transparency in the outbreak's origins, claiming data clearly implies the coronavirus leaked out of a Chinese laboratory. He also attacked the Biden administration's early moves, such as rejoining the World Health Organization and withdrawing from the Paris Climate Agreement, both of which the Trump administration had criticized for favoring China and withdrew from. Per Big News Network, Pence urged the United States to stop financing Chinese research facilities with public and private funds, warning that doing so would make America complicit in any human rights violations perpetrated with American-funded technologies. The former vice president also advocated for a more active separation of US economic interests from Chinese industry, saying that failing to do so will result in a greater reliance on Chinese goods. He also advised Biden to seek a trade agreement with Taiwan, whose status is a subject of contention between the United States and China. Pence underlined the importance of a strong Navy in the Indo-Pacific area to counter Chinese aggression. Though Pence commended Trump in 2018 for establishing a good personal connection with China's president, which he claimed might lead to a thaw in U.S.-China ties, he was a leader in the Trump administration's attempts to depict China as a pernicious danger. Pence blasted China on Wednesday as a greater threat than the Soviet Union was during the Cold War, as well as American business executives who, he said, preach social justice at home but don't criticize China while profiting from slavery overseas. Read Also: What Is Behind Joe Biden's Changing Face? Experts Predict He Had Plastic Surgeries Former VP slams China over COVID-19 origin probe Pence urged Congress and Biden to eliminate all agriculture subsidies for foreign-owned land, limit Chinese investment in key infrastructure, and prohibit Chinese nationals from working for American technological businesses. The former vice president also appeared to target the Wuhan Institute of Virology, the facility at the core of the COVID-19 origin investigation, which had previously received money from the National Institutes of Health via the nonprofit EcoHealth Alliance. While some hoped that a change in administration would help to alleviate tensions between Beijing and Washington, the Biden administration has failed to do so, as per USA Today. A public spat erupted during the first high-level meeting between the US and Chinese officials in March, and Yang Jiechi, the Chinese Communist Party's foreign affairs chief, criticized American democracy in a lengthy lecture. According to Pence, China's "brazenly hostile tone" during the meeting demonstrated China's perceived weakness in the Biden administration. China's growing desire to dominate Hong Kong and Taiwan has sparked international alarm. China should not claim control of resources in the South China Sea, according to Secretary of State Antony Blinken. The US would have to meet its "mutual defense responsibilities" if China attacked Philippine civilian boats, planes, or armed forces in the South China Sea, Blinken said. Along with reaffirming America's support for the people of Taiwan and Hong Kong, Pence stated that China must understand the "western hemisphere is off-limits," Newsweek via MSN reported. Related Article: Pence Unveils Plans for 2024 Presidential Run Following Reports He's Not Included as Trump's Pick @YouTube @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. United States President Joe Biden and German Chancellor Angela Merkel met face to face in Washington on Thursday to discuss key global issues in what would most likely be the European official's last appearance before stepping down from her position this fall. The U.S. and Germany have recently been in dispute regarding Nord Stream 2, a Russian gas pipeline. The nations' two leaders discussed the main issue and several other topics in the Oval Office on Thursday, the Democrat said. U.S.-German Relations During a press conference with Merkel, Biden noted that he has previously expressed his concerns about Russia's Nord Stream 2. The Democrat added that he and the German chancellor were united in the notion that Russia must not be allowed to take advantage of energy as a means to control or threaten other nations. Biden continued by saying the gas pipeline has been on construction since before he was president, and by the time his administration took office, it was about 90% complete. He said that it did not make sense anymore to simply impose sanctions. The American president said he and Merkel have cooperated with their teams to discuss practical measures that the two nations can take together regarding Europe's energy security in determining what the effects of Russia's pipelines actually are. Read Also: US Senate Passes a Bill that Bans Products from China's Xinjiang Region A White House official said that the two leaders also talked about other global issues, including Russia's cyber attacks, the coronavirus vaccines, climate change, Ukraine, and the two countries' democracies, CNN reported Merkel's visit to the White House comes only three months before the German chancellor steps down from her position in October. The official has served her country for more than 15 years, and elections that would determine her role will be conducted in September. During the press conference, Biden praised Merkel for her apparent "strong, principled leadership." The Democrat noted how the German chancellor always continued to defend human dignity during her administration. But despite Biden's apparent praise for Merkel, the two leaders discussed contentious issues when they had a private one-on-one meeting previously. Controversial Global Issues Some of the most controversial issues included fears of the American government that Russia's Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline would give Moscow leverage against Europe. As a response, Merkel said Ukraine had the right to serve as a "transit country" for natural gas. However, she noted the nation also that it had the right to its territorial sovereignty, similar to other countries in the world, USA Today reported. Biden also gave his farewell to Merkel in anticipation of the German chancellor's stepping down from her post later this year. The Democrat said he would miss seeing the European leader during international summits. Merkel, who previously showed her troubled relationship with former President Donald Trump, appeared to have been more relaxed during her meeting with Biden. She continued to refer to the Democrat as "Dear Joe." The German chancellor remained diplomatic when asked to compare her relationships with Biden and Trump, saying it was the interest of her country's leaders to work with every American president. While smiling, Merkel noted her apparent last visit at the White House involved a friendly exchange, the Associated Press reported. Related Article: Bush on US Troops Withdrawal From Afghanistan: Wrong Move As They Will Be Slaughtered @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently reached out to China in an attempt to get the Asian country to cooperate with international efforts to investigate the origins of the coronavirus pandemic that has spread worldwide. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the head of the international organization, said China needs to provide more access and transparency to its data. In February, WHO's first phase of investigations regarding the origin of the deadly virus ended. Calling for China's Cooperation The organization's analysis concluded that the notion of the COVID-19 virus leaking from a human laboratory in Wuhan, China, was highly unlikely. Researchers noted that the most possible source of the infection was bats. On Thursday, the WHO head said the international organization needed to have access to raw patient data shortly before the start of the pandemic to accurately determine the source. However, the Chinese government refused to provide the necessary information regarding the virus. Ghebreyesus noted that China also did not cooperate with the organization during its first investigation. The official also urged China to provide clear information regarding the Wuhan laboratory, arguing that he was aware of the possibility of accidents happening from time to time, BBC reported. Read Also: COVID-19 Vaccine Misinformation War: Biden Administration Prepares To Fight Back The WHO head's statements are the clearest signs that the international organization is still considering the lab leak theory as a possible origin story of the COVID-19 pandemic. The speculations that the virus started from the Wuhan Institute of Virology, which is one of China's top virus research labs, were spread last year, primarily supported by former President Donald Trump. Continued Threat of the COVID-19 Virus Ghebreyesus revealed that he is scheduled to discuss with WHO member nations regarding phase two of the international organization's investigations into the COVID-19 virus. He also urged other countries to pressure China into cooperating with the analyses by providing much needed data from the beginning of the health crisis, Forbes reported. German Health Minister Hens Spahn also urged Chinese officials to allow investigations into the COVID-19 virus' origins to continue. During a visit to the WHO headquarters in Geneva, Spahn announced a $413 million donation that would support the international organization's ACT-Accelerator Program. The program aims to distribute sufficient COVID-19 vaccines to all countries worldwide, ABC reported. And as more and more people globally are starting to become complacent despite the risks posed by the pandemic, Ghebreyesus warned citizens that the health crisis is not yet over. The statement comes as deadly variants of the COVID-19 virus are emerging and are observed to be more transmissible than the original strain. Committee chairman Didier Houssin said the organization was continuing to go after the virus and that the pandemic was still going strong. In Africa, deaths related to the coronavirus have surged by 43% in the last week, which is primarily a result of intensive care beds and oxygen in the country running dangerously low, the WHO said. All these issues follow growing doubt over WHO's capability to properly investigate the origins of the coronavirus pandemic. Related Article: SARS-CoV-2 Lambda Variant With Evolved Spike Proteins Compared to Other Strains May be a Threat, But Still Not Verified @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. In a preliminary investigation into a bus blast that killed 13 people, including nine Chinese nationals, Pakistan said on Thursday that traces of explosives were "verified" and that an act of terrorism could not be ruled out. Fawad Chaudhry, the Minister of Information and Broadcasting, made his remarks a day after Pakistan and China, the all-weather allies, presented opposing viewpoints on the potential causes of the tragic accident. While China described the incident as a bombing, Pakistan said the explosion was caused by a gas leak. The event occurred on Wednesday in the Dasu region of the restive Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province's Upper Kohistan district, where Chinese engineers and construction workers are assisting Pakistan in the building of a dam as part of the USD 60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Pakistan bus blast killed 13, injured 36 When a bus bringing Chinese engineers and employees to the site of the under-construction Dassu Dam burst, at least 13 persons were killed and 39 others were injured, including nine Chinese nationals and two Frontier Corps soldiers. Following the explosion, the bus crashed into a steep ravine. China said on Thursday that it will send a special team to Pakistan to investigate the incident. Pakistan said on Thursday that traces of explosives were discovered during an early inquiry into a bus blast, adding that a terrorist attack could not be ruled out. Beijing first claimed it was a bomb attack; but then, they backtracked and said it would send a team to assist with the investigation, Gulf News reported. Pakistan first blamed a technical breakdown, but Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry tweeted on Thursday that "Initial investigations... have now confirmed traces of explosives. Terrorism cannot be ruled out." In Pakistan, China is a key friend and significant investor; and anti-Pakistani government terrorists have previously attacked Chinese projects. The Chinese employees killed on the bus were workers at the Dasu hydropower project, a part of the $65 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which aims to connect western China to the southern Pakistani port of Gwadar. Read Also: Kim Jong Un, Family Spotted Enjoying Party Boat with Waterslides Amid North Korea's Food Crisis China called the incident an "attack" Engineers and construction workers from China are assisting Pakistan in the construction of a dam in Kohistan. When the tragedy occurred, the Pakistani and Chinese construction workers were on their way to the project site, according to Arif Javed, a deputy district commissioner. The incident was described as an "attack" by the Chinese Embassy in a statement. According to AP News, road accidents are prevalent in Pakistan, as drivers frequently ignore traffic regulations and safety standards and drive on damaged roads, especially in the north's mountainous terrain. Per SCMP, Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated that if the incident was a terrorist attack, the criminals should be apprehended right away. He also suggested that security measures for China-Pakistan cooperation projects be beefed up. However, as US forces withdraw from Afghanistan, Pakistan faces a greater threat of terrorist strikes. Analysts say China's close ties with Pakistan, the location of many CPEC projects in troubled areas of the country; and its widely criticized policies toward Uygur Muslims in Xinjiang have made its citizens and projects targets for both the al-Qaeda-linked Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Balochistan rebels. The majority of assaults have been carried out by militant Baloch separatists who have been at odds with Pakistan's government since 2006. By 2017, a force of 60,000 Pakistani militaries looked to have destroyed the split Baloch separatists; but they have subsequently resurfaced and joined forces under the Baloch Raaji Ajoi Sangar banner (Bras). Related Article: Taliban Fighters Raise Flag Above a Key Border Post Between Afghanistan and Pakistan @YouTube @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Historic rain that resulted in serious flooding has led to numerous fatalities in western Europe. As of Thursday, several people are still missing. Over 60 fatalities have been recorded. Such severe flooding turned streets and streams into ravaging torrents that resulted in the the collapse of houses and sweeping away of vehicles. Among the fatalities were two firefighters participating in rescue efforts throughout the region and nine residents of an assisted living facility for people with disabilities. Unusual Heavy Rainfall Unusual heavy rains inundated the Netherlands, Luxembourg, and Belgium. The latter had at least four reported fatalities. Such individuals were ordered to flee a riverbank in one city. Four people in the three such European nations were reported dead and people were ordered to vacate a riverbank in one city. Since the World War II, Germany is currently experiencing one of the worst weather disasters. Distressed residents went up to their hourses' roofs while rescue helicopters circled above. During her visit to Washington, German Chancellor Angela Merkel symphatized with the victims of the flooding. Merkel added her thoughts were with all people who lost their loved ones or are still abiding by rescue operations as she spoke alongside United States President Joe Biden at the White House. On Thursday, Dutch authorities commanded 10,000 residents of adjacent villages in Maastricht City to flee homes along the river of Maastricht as rainy weather prevailed in western Europe. The weather is also dubbed as the low pressure zone "Bernd." Read Also: Western Canada Heat Wave Most Extreme in History, Aggravated by Climate Change King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima paid a visit to the devastated town of Valkenburg. It is located east of Maastricht. This was where floodwaters had swamped businesses and houses, reported DW. The latest storms throughout parts of western Europe made reservoirs and rivers burst their banks. This resulted in flash floods overnight following the saturated soil not being able to soak up water, reported CBC. When the water began dwindling, stunned residents in the worst affected towns looked over what was left of their neighborhoods and houses. Houses in Schuld were reduced to piles of broken beams and scraps. Roads were barred by fallen trees and wreckage. On puddles of water, fishes flapped. Aklaus Radermacher, a resident in Schuld for 60 years, said, "We have had two or three days of constant rain. Or maybe four, I lost track. I saw the pizza store getting flooded, half an hour later the bakery was flooded. There is a camping ground up there so caravans and campervans came floating past, gas tanks," reported Business Times. Search operations were hindered by phone and internet outages and barred roads across the Eifel, which is a volcanic region. A number of villagers were diminished to rubble as timber houses and old brick could not resist the abrupt rush of water. Such water often carries trees and other debris. Related Article: Some US States Set Records as Heat Wave Ignites Major Safety Concerns; Monday Marks the 3rd Day of 100-Plus Degrees @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. After the Myanmar military junta conducted a coup in February, ousting the elected government from their position, the country is now facing a surging COVID-19 pandemic and is struggling to cope as doctors accuse army officials of hoarding oxygen supply. Amid the allegations, the Delta variant of the coronavirus continues to spread across the country, quickly becoming the dominant strain in the region. The military has ordered to deny private clinics access to lifesaving oxygen, medical workers alleged. Hoarding Oxygen Supply The affected clinics are staffed primarily by doctors who have openly opposed the military's authority since the February coup. Dr. Min Han, a doctor at a private clinic, said the military has turned providing basic medical care for COVID-19 patients into a criminal act. Additionally, the military stopped people from purchasing oxygen supplies from producers, arguing they are committing price-gouging. The situation has forced desperate family members to oppose the military junta just to secure lifesaving supplies for their loved ones. The military has also stopped charities from donating oxygen to patients who need it, said witnesses and charity workers, the New York Times reported. Read Also: Mike Pence Says China Becomes an "Evil Empire," Urges Biden Administration to be Aggressive Yangon city soldiers also fired their guns this week into a crowd waiting in line to buy oxygen tanks, witnesses alleged. Doctors in Myanmar are accusing the military of hoarding oxygen supply to distribute to military hospitals that prioritize army families. Medical workers argue that the military has caused hundreds of untimely deaths by limiting access to oxygen. They added that the junta is adding a political issue to the ongoing health crisis in the country. Doctors said that thousands of citizens are at risk of losing their lives due to the COVID-19 infection. The military is also accused of storing the majority of the country's vaccine supply for its officials. Desperation of Citizens Desperate citizens are seen in photographs that showed long queues in Yangon city, one of the biggest regions in Myanmar, trying to refill their oxygen supplies. In the Insein district, one resident said she rented a cylinder to have it refilled and give back to her father, whose supply has dwindled, Reuters reported. The 24-year-old was worried that her father would die if she was unable to procure any of the limited supply of oxygen. Another resident said some people were now forced to use oxygen cylinders from the welding industry amid the shortage. Ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who has been detained by the military since February 1, expressed her worries about the worsening situation in Myanmar, her lawyers said. One resident, Soe Win, said waiting in line for oxygen supply was taking a long time because of the number of people queuing. He noted he waited from five in the morning until 12 in the afternoon but has not yet gotten his supply. Myanmar observed a massive surge of coronavirus infections in mid-May, leaving many residents at greater risk of the virus. The shortage of oxygen supply has also caused worry among residents, especially people such as Soe Win's grandmother, who desperately needed the supply, the Associated Press reported. Related Article: COVID-19 Vaccine Misinformation War: Biden Administration Prepares To Fight Back @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The US Navy were surprised when a Swedish diesel submarine sank a powerful US carrier, USS Ronald Reagan in wargames. Furthermore, the sub maneuver stealthily without getting detected by ships in the carrier strike group. In 2005, the world's powerful warship with the best defensive ships ever devised for sea combat were all defeated like what the German U-Boats did in prior wars. Sinking the US carrier represented weaknesses that were revealed. In contrast, the Ronald Reagan cited by 19Forty Five cost $6.2 billion for all its systems, getting sunk by a cheaper sub was not acceptable for the USN. The HSMS Gotland always triumphed It was the same result over and over again for two years of wargames that ended with US ships and nuke subs dying via virtual attacks. In all that time, the Swede sub won on all occasions prompting a rethink of US naval strategy, reported the Business Insider. It was a mere drill when the carrier was sunk, but the circumstance of the HSMS Gotland victory took the US by surprise. A small Swedish sub powered by diesel is at a mere 1,600 tons that is able to outsmart what the best-equipped navy that was never detected once. According to naval expert and analysts, Norman Polmar, the feat of one sub winning over a carrier strike group gave US antisubmarine specialists an education that would have been costly in real combat. When the Swedish diesel submarine sank a powerful US carrier, it virtually caused concern. Read Also: Light Carrier Studies Show Advantages They Have for the US Navy David versus Goliaths To be exact, the USN was curious how the Gotland was able to bypass all the ships and sensors looking for it. Another is how a diesel sub attacked and succeeded to sink ships. By contrast, the US had no diesel subs in service since 1990, noted TakTikz. Submarines driven by diesel engines used to be limited by the need to run noisy, air-consuming engines, which necessitated that they could only stay underwater for several days before requiring to surface. When a submarine surfaces, that is when it's most defenseless and could be easily detected, also when using the snorkel. Nuclear-powered submersibles can stay submerged longer, and the air is not a problem. They can stay underwater for months, and move faster in water. The secret of the Gotland which is relatively small at 200-feet long that served first in 1996 which had the first Air Independent Propulsion system or Stirling engine. The engine is used to power the 75-kilowatt battery with liquid oxygen to move it in the water. Using the Stirling engine, the Swedish sub can stay submerged for two weeks and keep a steady 6-mph speed, or travel faster at 23-mph but it runs down the batteries faster. When it's above the waves, it uses a snorkel. It lacks the equipment to make it less detectable to other sub hunters and ships. But the Swedish sub has good maneuverability due to the x-type rudder, allowing it to make tight turns and hug the sea bottom. It has 27 magnets on the hull to scramble metal detectors, rubber buffer inside to lessen sonar returns. The success of this AIP power sub as the first Swedish diesel submarine sank powerful US carrier has encouraged its use by other naval forces. Designs are getting better to threaten American carriers. Related Article: US Navy Tests and Detonates a 40,000lb bomb Close to New US Aircraft Carrier to Shock Test its Superstructure @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Although Congress is unlikely to authorize another batch of stimulus checks, this does not rule out the possibility of additional payments. Today is the first day that the increased child tax credit (CTC) will be deposited into bank accounts. Furthermore, individuals who overpaid their unemployment payments taxes will receive a second stimulus check, this time, in the form of a refund. The IRS stated on Tuesday that people who overpaid unemployment benefits last year will get refunds this week. According to the agency, about four million tax refunds would be issued. The $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act, passed in March this year, exempted up to $10,200 in unemployment compensation from the computation of taxable income in 2020. However, many individuals submitted their 2020 tax returns before the bill was signed into law. How much will be the tax refund? As a result, taxpayers who submitted their return before March and paid too much because of the exclusion will be entitled to a refund. This stimulus payment will be refunded to these taxpayers, or they can be applied to other unpaid taxes or any other federal or state debt. Per CNET, the refunds are part of the American Rescue Plan, which made the first $10,200 in unemployment benefits for 2020 or $20,400 for married couples filing jointly nontaxable income. Approximately 13 million taxpayers may be entitled to the adjustment since they submitted their taxes before the measure was approved and overpaid. According to the IRS, the average refund is $1,265. The IRS says there is no need to take any additional action because this modification affects between 10 and 13 million Americans. This is because qualified individuals will have their tax returns automatically updated, as per The Sun. If you haven't already completed your tax return, you should include this reduction in unemployment income on Form 1040. This will help the agency to accurately compute your taxes. It's crucial to note, however, that the exemption is solely for federal income taxes. It does not apply to state-level tax returns. You may wait for the letter that the IRS sends to people whose returns are being amended to find out the status of your refund and if it has been granted. These letters are sent out within 30 days after a correction is made, and they will notify you whether you will receive a refund or whether the money was used to pay off debt. The deadline for filing tax returns was May 17; and if you haven't done so already, you should do it right now. Read Also: Stimulus Check Roundup: Here's How Much Your Family Will Get With All Federal Aids During The Pandemic IRS tax refunds remain delayed The National Taxpayer Advocate's annual report showed 35 million tax returns are still being held for manual assessment as of two weeks ago. So you're not alone if you're waiting for your tax refund. The majority of the backlog, according to the report, is due to the impact of pandemic preventing staff access to IRS premises, implying that IRS employees are working from home. The IRS has been delivering stimulus checks, calculating various tax credits, and refunding overpayments of taxes on 2020 unemployment benefits in addition to dealing with all of the tax returns. The IRS received 167 million calls during the filing season, which is a new high. According to the National Taxpayer Advocate, just 7% of those who called got through to a live person. The National Taxpayer Advocate is a non-profit organization that provides free assistance to taxpayers. You can get in touch with them if you need help finding your return, WGAL8 reported. Related Article: IRS Says Millions Will Receive Unemployment Tax Refunds. When Will You Receive Yours? @YouTube @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki's announcement was met with flat disapproval after revealing that the Biden administration is coordinating with Facebook to flag posts that spread COVID-19 disinformation. This was in response to a question regarding the Biden administration's appeal for tech companies to be more assertive when overseeing misinformation. Psaki has reportedly escalated the conservative war with Big Tech. There has been rising hatred among conservatives against social media companies' efforts to stifle content they find unfavorable under the guise that it is a result of noble and consistent policy. An example is to avoid provoking of violence. How the US Government is Ramping Up Efforts Against Disinformation She stated the federal government has bolstered its disinformation detection and research. For identifying and suppressing content deemed factually incorrect surrounding the COVID vaccine, she discussed four key steps the Biden administration is taking to hold Facebook and other social media giants responsible. The Biden administration is regularly in touch with social media platforms to handle the situation, disclosed Psaki. She expounded, "We are in regular touch with the social media platforms and those engagements typically happen through members of our senior staff and also members of our COVID-19 team -- given, as Dr. Murthy conveyed, this is a big issue, of misinformation, specifically on the pandemic," reported Fox News. Criticism The concern is double standards as it can be recalled that the former President Donald Trump was banned from using Twitter. The micro-blogging site explicitly cited "the risk of further incitement of violence." However, Twitter has still enabled Iran supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to use the platform to provoke violence. During the latest conflict in Gaza, one instance was when he egged on Hamas to fire rockets in Israel, reported National Review. Read Also: Singer Olivia Rodrigo Visits White House, Talks With Joe Biden to Help Promote Vaccination to Young People The call for censorship and the admission of the White House press secretary of government involvement reportedly follows flip-flops from health officials who contradicted themselves during the pandemic. They disagreed on issues involving censorship that later gained credibility, including the theory that novel coronavirus originated from a Chinese lab and mask efficacy, reported New York Post. According to Fox News contributor Katie Pavlich, Psaki stated the White House has been flagging "problematic posts" on Facebook they tout to be coronavirus misinformation. She added as a reminder that Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation's leading infectious disease expert, worked with Facebook to dismiss the lab leak theory. She said it was fact-based for over a year. The matter holding conservatives back from entirely embracing ideas including suing Big Tech companies on antitrust grounds or blowing up Section 230 liability shielding for social media companies is that they have been internally split up. The issue has turned the traditional small-government conservatives, who are reserve to target private companies in decision-making regarding the running of their businesses, and MAGA-friendly conservatives, who are earnest to wield government power in order to get their favorable outcomes into becoming adversaries. Related Article: New York City Mayoral Candidate Eric Adams To Meet With Joe Biden; Adams Says Feeders of Crime Need to Be Stopped @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Former President Donald Trump touted a new report claiming that Russian spy agencies were commanded to help him win the 2016 presidential election as "disgusting." According to documents leaked from the Kremlin, Vladimir Putin personally commanded the top secret spy operation to help him as a "mentally unstable" competitor. The Russian leader reportedly held a meeting with his senior ministers and spy chiefs in January 2016 wherein they agreed to back Donald Trump. He was then competing to be the Republican nominee to achieve the initiatives of Moscow of wearing out the American presidency and sowing "social turmoil" in the United States. "Most Promising Candidate" The report alleged Putin believed that the accession of Trump to the White House would weaken the US. It claims that Trump was being tapped as the most promising competitor. The British newspaper indicated that according to Kremlin documents, the Russian leader authorized the plan in a furtive security meeting estimated to be 10 months before the US Election Day. It based its reporting on what it deemed what appeared to be a genuine classified report, reported Daily News. Through spokeswoman Liz Harrington on Twitter, according to Trump, "This is disgusting. It's fake news, just like RUSSIA, RUSSIA, RUSSIA was fake news. It's just the Radical Left crazies doing whatever they can to demean everybody on the right." President Donald J. Trump on the Fake News story in the Guardian: This is disgusting. Its fake news, just like RUSSIA, RUSSIA, RUSSIA was fake news. Its just the Radical Left crazies doing whatever they can to demean everybody on the right. (1/3) Liz Harrington (@realLizUSA) July 15, 2021 The former president then defended his record on Russia, touting penalties his administration imposed on Moscow. He added, "It's fiction, and nobody was tougher on Russia than me, including on the [Nord Stream 2] pipeline, and the sanctions." He continued that the US got along with Russia and that Russia respected the US. China, Iran, and North Korea also respected Trump's country. reported Daily Mail. Read Also: Trump Org CFO Allen Weisselberg Dismissed From Senior Positions But Will Remain in the Company Putin allegedly commanded the secret spy agency to find "practical" backing for Trump in his bid for presidency during a January 22, 2016 meeting at the Kremlin. The documents indicate a psychological evaluation of the former president as an impetuous, unbalanced, and emotionally unstable person with an inferiority complex. Trump added that the world was a much safer place than it is currently with "mentally unstable leadership." He denoted the term from the purported documents from Kremlin and used it on President Joe Biden. One decree bearing Putin's signature commanded the three agencies of Russia to find ways to back the former Republican frontrunner who advised the use of all probable force to affirm that Trump becomes the 45th US president. The Kremlin documents were reportedly shown to Western intelligence officials. Such officials thought they were factual. However, a Kremlin spokesperson denied the allegations and depicted the report as "pulp fiction." The report suggested Russia had possibly compromising materials regarding Trump, and it was described as "No 32-04 \ vd." Related Article: What to Know About Trump Organization Indictment for Running 15-Year Scheme to Defraud Tax Authorities @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. A Food and Drug Administration (FDA) official said on Thursday that emergency authorization for the coronavirus vaccines to be used on children under 12 years old could come as early as midwinter. The decision could help bring relief to many families who are struggling to keep their children safe from the health crisis. The FDA is looking to quickly get full approval for the age group to be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccines. COVID-19 Vaccines for Children However, many families are still hesitant to get the COVID-19 vaccines, with the majority of which argued that the current treatments are only approved to be administered under emergency use authorization, the official said. The full approval of the vaccines could help alleviate the concerns of many families nationwide. In the United States, only residents aged 12 and older have been allowed to receive vaccinations against the coronavirus infection and no brand has been given full approval yet. In March, Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech conducted trials for their COVID-19 vaccines for children under 12 years old. The companies are expected to release results in the fall, which would then prompt the FDA to review the vaccines' applications for full approval, NBC News reported. United States President Joe Biden and his administration have continued to emphasize the importance of getting vaccinated against the coronavirus infection. On Thursday, Vivek Murthy, the U.S. Surgeon General, personally urged Americans to get inoculated, revealing that 10 of his family members have lost their lives to the disease. Read Also: Mike Pence Says China Becomes an "Evil Empire," Urges Biden Administration to be Aggressive The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released data that showed about 65% of Americans aged 12 and up have been at least partially vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus. It also showed that 56% of the same age group have been fully vaccinated. In the age group of 18 years and up, nearly 68% of Americans have received at least one dose of the vaccine, and about 59% are fully vaccinated, The Hill reported. Full Approval of the Treatments While children are less likely to develop severe symptoms from the COVID-19 virus, the possibility is still there. Across the country, health care workers have observed children of all ages become infected and end up admitted to the ICU. They recalled some cases where young kids have died from the disease and the complications it caused. Some infections in young children have also caused multisystem inflammatory syndrome or MIS-C several weeks or months after the first signs of symptoms. The issue has caused families to worry about long-term health issues of the coronavirus disease. Many experts agree with the notion that schools should not allow children to participate in in-person learning until all school-aged children have been fully vaccinated. They noted that it was crucial to reduce local transmission between children to a minimum. Health experts recommend continued mask mandates and social distancing to reduce the chances of being infected or spreading the infection to other people. Dr. Teresa Murray Amato, chair of emergency medicine at Long Island Jewish Hospital, has urged parents to discuss with the pediatricians regarding their child receiving the coronavirus vaccine. She noted that the decision would help in reducing the number of young children suffering from the infection, Healthline reported. Related Article: Bush on US Troops Withdrawal From Afghanistan: Wrong Move As They Will Be Slaughtered @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Indian officials moved to ban Mastercard from accepting new customers in the country after the company allegedly violated the nation's data storage regulations. Mastercard will not be allowed to issue new debit, credit, or prepaid cards starting next Thursday, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The agency did not reveal, however, how long the financial service company would be restricted for. Data Storage Violation The central bank issued a statement on Wednesday where it said that Mastercard (MA) was given "considerable time and adequate opportunities" to address the issue with a 2018 mandate. The measure required all payment providers to use locally based servers when storing data on Indian users and transactions. Authorities gave some companies six months to comply with the new legislation. When asked why the decision to ban Mastercard was only happening now, the RBI did not immediately provide an answer. The agency said in its Wednesday order that Mastercard would have to direct all card-issuing banks "to conform" to the mandate. Despite this order, existing customers of the company would not be affected. Mastercard did not respond to questions of how many users it currently has in India, CNN reported. However, the company said that its current operations in the country were not affected by the new restrictions. Officials added that Mastercard was fully committed to following the legal and regulatory obligations within the region they are operating in. The company said it was coordinating with the central bank in the last three years to comply with the requirements. Read Also: Mike Pence Says China Becomes an "Evil Empire," Urges Biden Administration to be Aggressive Mastercard accounted for 33% of all card payments in India, PPRO, a London-based payments start-up, said. The firm announced a massive billion-dollar investment in the five years starting from 2019 to fund future expansions in the country, BBC reported. Company officials said that while the result of the decision was disappointing, they are still working with Indian authorities to resolve the concerns. The ban on Mastercard is not the first time that Indian authorities have issued similar restrictions. Restrictions on Mastercard The RBI implemented restrictions on American Express (AXP) in April regarding the same issue of data storage violations. At the time, American Express said it had been in constant communication with Indian officials and showed their progress in complying with the regulation. However, the major difference between the two issues is that Mastercard has already been partnered with many Indian banks that offer cards using the company's payments network. The decision also comes as many local competitors such as Rupay have become increasingly supported by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In 2018, Mastercard officials argued that New Delhi's protectionist policies were hindering foreign payment companies from conducting operations within the region, Reuters reported. Data privacy concerns are on the rise worldwide, such as China's action against electric vehicle manufacturer Tesla (TSLA). A new facility set up in the Asian country is under criticism for allegedly using its vehicles to spy within the nation. Didi, a Chinese vehicle for hire company, is also under attack by Chinese officials with allegations of mishandling sensitive data information about its users in the country. Related Article: What Is Behind Joe Biden's Changing Face? Experts Predict He Had Plastic Surgeries @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Canada may begin accepting Americans into the nation for recreational or tourism purposes in mid-August, according to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's office. Since March 2020, when the Covid-19 pandemic imposed travel restrictions, the border has been closed to most Americans. The reopening date is contingent on Canada's vaccination rollout continuing at its current accelerated pace and new, confirmed Covid-19 cases remaining at some of the lowest levels in the developed world, according to a statement released following a teleconference between Trudeau and Canada's provincial and territorial leaders. Trudeau said that Canadian and US officials are in talks about reopening their 5,500-mile land border to tourists and that Canada may be able to begin allowing fully vaccinated US citizens and permanent residents into Canada for nonessential travel as early as mid-August. Canada loosens Covid-19 restrcitions Per Daily Mail, Canada began loosening its rules earlier this month, enabling fully vaccinated Canadians and permanent legal residents to return to the country without having to undergo quarantine. However, they must pass a virus test before returning, as well as another after they have returned. Exemptions for travel into Canada during the pandemic are politically sensitive, and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced that a federal election would be held next month. Trudeau's ministers will offer more details on the border early next week, he said. Since the onset of the pandemic, commercial traffic between the two nations has been usual. Canadians with a negative COVID-19 test can fly into the United States. According to the US Travel Association, each month the border is closed costs $1.5 billion. Officials in Canada estimated that around 22 million international visitors visited the country in 2019, with over 15 million of them coming from the United States. Trudeau is set to call elections next month, and overseas travel in Canada during the pandemic has become a contentious political issue. However, the most recent polling data suggests that Canadians overwhelmingly accept their leader's cautious stance. According to an Angus Reid Institute survey issued on Thursday, almost half of Canadians approve of Trudeau's handling of the pandemic. Trudeau's positive evaluations outnumbered his negative ones for the first time since January, as per The Independent via MSN. Read Also: Kim Jong Un, Family Spotted Enjoying Party Boat with Waterslides Amid North Korea's Food Crisis When will Canada allow vaccinated foreigners other than the US? The poll showed around 69%of respondents backed a ban on non-essential travel until 75% of Canadians had been properly vaccinated. The government's decision to relax quarantine regulations for fully vaccinated Canadian citizens was supported by about 54% of the participants. By early September, the Prime Minister said the government may allow fully vaccinated foreigners. When speaking with the leaders of Canada's provinces, Trudeau stated that the border may open if the country's favorable trend in vaccination rates and public health conditions continues. He went on to add that talks with the US were underway to let fully vaccinated US nationals and permanent residents into Canada for non-essential travel by mid-August. Canada extended its ban on passenger flights from India and Pakistan last month, citing an increase in incidents in both countries. The Canadian Minister of Transport, in a notice to airmen (NOTAM), opined that prohibiting both scheduled and non-scheduled flight operations from India or Pakistan is "essential" for aviation safety and the protection of the public. Private and charter aircraft are likewise subject to the prohibition, although cargo and ferry flights are exempt. The ban does not apply to planes that make technical stops in India or Pakistan, Republic World reported. Related Article: Canada Indigenous Group Discovers Hundreds of Unmarked Graves in Former Residential School; Second Time in a Month @YouTube @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Reports say that China goad the Falklands Islands to raise tensions with Great Britain in 1982. There was a short-lived conflict that Britain won during the era of Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. An alleged Chinese academic reminds Argentina that a final resolve to use for is needed to end the dispute. The Falklands Islands debate has never ended despite military engagement, but the tension has resurfaced recently after so many years. An issue of who owns the disputed isles still exists that it is a flashpoint for both nations. The Islands are ours! Calls to finally end the question of who does the Falklands belong to has been ignored by Britain, practically not acknowledging Argentina who wants a final decision to be given, reported the Express UK. Despite this, the Argentinians have presented all their arguments that they should control the Isles telling the United Nation. Part of this effort is the trip by Felipe Sola and Daniel Filmus to New York city to get favorable support from member countries in the UN's Decolonisation Committee. It is not sure if anyone bothers to heed their plea, but China was interested enough to back them up in the meeting. Beijing has shown interest in the Falklands claim in recent years. China enters the fray Cui Hongjian, the director of the Department of European Studies, from the Chinese Institute of International Studies, made a critical comment about the standoff. He said that no option is left but to rely on strength to end, once and for all. It seems that China goad the Falklands Islands into claiming what is theirs rightfully. Read Also: Chinese Spymaster Dong Jingwei Allegedly Escapes China Bringing Evidence of Covid-19 Lab Leak from Wuhan Institute One of the mouthpieces used by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), said that arrogant London should be dealt with strong pushback. Cui even dared to comment that the UK would rather use power politics in international law and the rules-based order. He adds that a rise in power politics in the international community is upsetting international rules. Also, London will be stronger after they did Brexit recently. Remarked that Argentina pushes its claim further and presents its case to the UN. Now the Falklands is placed in a colonial situation since 1965. He said only force can deal with the UK. Cui reminded Buenos Aires to beware and be ready after London's exit from the EU like it can add more troops in the Falklands, stressing that vigilance is needed, more than ever. Beijing has not said that Argentina should attack in an overt manner. The Chinese regime has criticized what it called western colonialism. China has been penalized by the United Kingdom for violations of human rights targeting Muslims living in the western province of Xinjiang. Also, the restrictions on free speech in the former British colony of Hong Kong noted SCMP. Beijing's permanent delegate to the United Nations, Geng Shuang, delivered a speech to the UN's review panel on decolonization. It is stated that to enter in dialogue and negotiation, it may lead to the islands getting handed over. China has always maintained that territorial disputes among countries must be resolved properly, following the UN Charter's values and objectives. Britain's alleged claim to the islands is justified by the 3,000 people who live there and wish to stay British. Related article: Lone Foreign Bat Disease Scientist in Wuhan Lab Says COVID-19 Leak is Not Impossible @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Absolutely it needs to be known if hes even eligible to be a state rep. No, the Legislature should let it play out in the legal system I hope at least theres a thorough investigation and isnt just let go. Vote View Results Anchor / Producer I grew up at Indian Lake and am no stranger to Lima and West Central Ohio. After graduating from the University of Findlay, I spent years working in local radio in Bellefontaine, Ottawa, Findlay and of course Lima. Multimedia Video Journalist Buffalo native trying to get her news on! Im a Multimedia Journalist here at Your Hometown Stations and I love what I do. Have a cool story idea? Im in! Just email me at ashelton@wlio.com or message my Facebook page. Now Open 16 July 2021 Best Western Hotels & Resorts has announced the opening of a new upscale hotel in Vietnam, located on the waterfront overlooking Ha Long Bay, the iconic UNESCO World Heritage-listed ecological and geographical wonder. Best Western Premier Sapphire Ha Long, starts welcoming guests on July 15th 2021, a brand-new 31-story property in the heart of Ha Long city, located on the waterfront of Hong Gai overlooking Ha Long Bay. Moments away from the beach, shopping malls, theme park, pagodas, international cruise terminal and waterpark, water music theatre, island tours. Blending timeless Vietnamese style and hospitality with international services, the hotel offers the perfect place to stay to both, travelers visiting Ha Long for leisure as well as for business. Guests have 1,008 spacious rooms and suites all with private balconies, spacious rooms 34 to 68 m2, King, twin and triple rooms complemented by luxury bedding, amenities and toweling. All rooms include complimentary Wi-Fi, extensive IPTV channel selection, large windows offering panoramic views of the bay or city views. A selection of two-bedroom suites provide spacious long stay opportunities to family short stays, each room has two bedrooms and on suite bathroom, spacious living room, large private panoramic balconies. The hotel features heated indoor pool and seasonal outdoor swimming pool suitable for lap swimming or family fun. A fully equipped fitness center, spa (2022) and kids' club. With two restaurants and a lobby bar offering a selection of culinary delights including Vietnamese, Asian, sea food and international cuisine can be enjoyed. An executive lounge, business center and meeting facilities with video conferencing available provides additional professional services to all guests. Cat Bi International Airport is just 50 km away, Van Don International Airport is 45 km away, both offering connections throughout Vietnam, and the Vietnamese capital, Hanoi, can be accessed in 2.5 hours via the high speed expressway. Appointment 15 July 2021 Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Media City has appointed Emile Saadeh as Head of Sales for the 246-key property. In his new role Emile, originally from Lebanon will play an important part in achieving targeted goals and drive maximum revenue for the hotel, strengthen the team and to further grow the hotel's presence in the market. A highly-experienced sales leader, Emile's sales career spans over 16 years in the hospitality industry with several management and cluster roles in cluding IHG, his last position before joining Radisson Blu Hotel, Media City being Group Director of Sales for City Seasons Hotel. Appointment 16 July 2021 Brian Barker has been appointed the first endowed Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion professor of FIU's Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management. The new position is part of the school's ongoing commitment to DEI within its curriculum and addressing inequities in the hospitality industry. In his new role, Barker will be focused on development of DEI curriculum and content, expansion of the mentoring program, establishing Chaplin School as a resource for DEI and change in the hospitality industry, and building and leading a multi-institutional alliance. The alliance is a bold, new initiative among higher learning institutions, industry associations and top hospitality brands to address gaps and create pathways for Black, Hispanic, Women and underrepresented talent in hospitality management. Barker brings his hospitality education and hotel experience background into his new role at the second-largest hospitality school in the country. FIU Chaplin School, a top 10 U.S. public hospitality school, is also a leader in diversity with over 70% women and 74 countries represented. FIU Hospitality graduates more undergraduate Black and Hispanic students than any other school. Barker's endowed faculty chair for DEI was established through generous seed funding from Southern Glazer's Wine and Spirits. Barker has over 13 years of industry experience. He started his career at the Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts (FSHR) as an operational manager at FSHR Philadelphia, followed by FSHR Miami, where he successfully led the Miami property to their first attainment of the coveted AAA-Five Diamond Award status as front office manager. Most recently, Barker was at DePaul University's School of Hospitality Leadership. Professor Barker attained his Master of Arts in Communications from DePaul University in Multi-cultural and Organizational Communication (2011), a dual degree program. He also attained his Certified Hospitality Educator (CHE) certification from American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (2013). He is currently a full-time Ph.D. Candidate at Iowa State University. Author Susie Ellis is the co-founder, chair and CEO of the Global Wellness Summit, the foremost gathering of international business, academic and government leaders in the $4.5 trillion global wellness economy, now in its 14th year. She is also chair and CEO of the nonprofit Global Wellness Institute, considered the industry's leading global research and educational resource. Ms. Ellis is the former president of Spafinder, where she established the first wellness trends reports, and sits on numerous academic and industry boards. Ellis holds an MBA from the University of California, Los Angeles. Author Yong Shen is CEO of Swiss Education Group (SEG), an alliance of four internationally-celebrated schools specializing in business, hospitality, and culinary arts. These include Cesar Ritz Colleges Switzerland, Culinary Arts Academy Switzerland, Hotel Institute Montreux and Swiss Hospitality Management School. With nearly 40 years of experience rooted in the Swiss tradition of hospitality, Swiss Education Group equips tomorrows professionals with the leadership and entrepreneurial skills highly sought after in the hospitality industry and beyond. Press Release 16 July 2021 London, UK: The restart of international travel could be seriously delayed without worldwide reciprocal recognition of all approved COVID-19 vaccines, says the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). Advertisements The global tourism body, which represents the global private Travel & Tourism sector, has issued its warning following concerns tourists face being turned away at the borders because countries dont have a common list internationally recognised and approved COVID-19 vaccines. This comes just days after a number of British holidaymakers, who had been administered the Indian Covishield batch of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine, were rejected entry into Malta despite the drug being chemically identical to the UK-made vaccine. Over the past few weeks reports of holidaymakers facing obstacles to entry have been on the rise, with some even being prevented from boarding their flights to destinations. WTTC believes that once again, the lack of international coordination to agree on a list of approved vaccines, is creating yet another major stumbling block for the restart of international travel. This comes despite most vaccines have secured the approval of the World Health Organisation (WHO) or Stringent Regulatory Authorities (SRAs), such as the UKs the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and the Food and Drug Administration in the US, and the European Medicines Agency (EMA). Reports of travellers being turned away because they have the wrong vaccine batches or unrecognised vaccines have fueled concern from consumers, deterring them from booking and thereby damaging the already struggling Travel & Tourism sector. The plea for reciprocal recognition for all vaccines and vaccine batches forms part of WTTCs four new guidelines which are aimed at safely resuming international mobility and save the millions of jobs and livelihoods which depend on this sector, while kick-starting the global economic recovery. Virginia Messina, Senior Vice President WTTC, said: Reciprocal recognition of all vaccine types and batches is essential if we are to avoid any further unnecessary and damaging delay to restarting international travel. The failure of countries to agree on a common list of all approved and recognised vaccines is of huge concern to WTTC, as we know every day travel is curbed, more cash-strapped Travel & Tourism businesses face even greater strain, pushing ever more to the brink of bankruptcy. We can avoid this by having a fully recognised list of all the approved vaccines - and vaccine batches - which should be the key to unlocking international travel, not the door to preventing it. It will also give holidaymakers and travellers the confidence they need to book trips, flights and cruises, confident in the knowledge that their fully-vaccinated status will be internationally recognised. WTTC says the restoration of safe international travel can be achieved by following its four guidelines. Through a combination of COVID-19 testing, vaccination, digital health travel passes and the use of health and safety protocols, such as wearing face masks, safe international mobility can resume while at the same time saving millions of jobs and livelihoods which depend on the sector and kick-starting the global economic recovery. WTTCs fundamental guidelines to restore international mobility while safeguarding public health include: Appropriately reduced protocols for vaccinated travellers, including no need for testing or quarantine for those fully vaccinated. Global recognition for international travel of all vaccines authorised for use and deemed safe and effective by the WHO or by the WHO recognised SRAs. A data driven, risk-based and internationally harmonised approach to re-establishing freedom of movement, that is consistent across countries, easy to communicate and clearly understood by travellers. Global adoption of digital health passes which enable travellers to easily obtain and verify their vaccination status, negative COVID test result or natural immunity from a previous infection. These must work with existing border control and travel operator systems accepted by all countries. Digital verification of a travellers COVID status prior to travel will avoid lengthy and unsafe queues in transport hubs and terminals. Continued implementation of high-quality health and safety standards throughout all areas of the Travel & Tourism sector, including continued adoption of the WTTCs Safe Travel Protocols and Safe Travel Stamp, with the continued wearing of face masks in crowded and enclosed areas as well as on all forms of public transport. WTTC advocates the full implementation of these proportionate and responsible guidelines for travel during over the next few months, as many travel restrictions begin being eased as major travel markets begin to reopen. This is against the backdrop of a successful vaccination roll out, with a subsequent decrease in deaths, cases, and hospitalisations in many countries. However, variants will continue to be cause of concern as the world struggles to emerge from the effects of the pandemic. Download the press release. Press Release 16 July 2021 Las Vegas Sands (NYSE: LVS) announced continuation of its multi-year partnership with Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth (NPHY) with a donation of $300,000 to aid Southern Nevada's most vulnerable youth. The Sands Cares funding will help NPHY strengthen services and pursue long-term solutions to help make the incidence of youth homelessness rare, brief, non-recurring and equitably addressed, as outlined in the Southern Nevada Plan to End Youth Homelessness. Advertisements Commemorating NPHY's 20th anniversary in 2021 and its outstanding track record of leadership in the fight to end youth homelessness, Sands' investment focuses on expansion and support of key NPHY programs, resources to increase organizational capability and the addition of housing capacity for youth experiencing homelessness. Since prioritizing youth homelessness as a primary Sands Cares initiative in 2015, Sands has donated more than $1,770,000 to NPHY. The 2021 Sands Cares cumulative donation includes $100,000 designated to close out the NPHY Housing Expansion Campaign, which will enable NPHY to offset rising real estate costs to acquire the planned transitional housing facility. This funding is critical in helping NPHY address changing market conditions that had created a shortfall with the campaign's original funding goal. Sands previously donated $100,000 as a seed investor in NPHY's Housing Expansion Campaign in 2019 and engaged the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation as the other seed partner with the establishment of a $100,000 matching grant from the foundation to encourage the community's participation in the capital campaign. The remainder of the 2021 Sands Cares donation is earmarked for production of the Southern Nevada Youth Homelessness Summit; expansion of NPHY's nighttime staffing model for its Safe Place, emergency shelter and transitional housing programs; and infrastructure support for critical operational areas such as grants administration, finance and facilities management. Current Sands Cares funding areas build on strategic initiatives established over the course of the partnership with NPHY, which have included helping NPHY kick off the Movement to End Youth Homelessness, establishing and co-presenting the annual Southern Nevada Youth Homelessness Summit and being a primary funder of the resources to facilitate and develop the Southern Nevada Plan to End Youth Homelessness. Sands also has consistently supported NPHY's core offerings such as its emergency shelter, drop-in center and transitional housing program. According to NPHY, this long-term commitment has enabled the organization to grow exponentially and expand service offerings in multiple areas, including increasing drop-in center hours, doubling emergency shelter beds and strengthening wraparound services such as therapy and educational support for young people experiencing homelessness. The partnership has enabled NPHY to directly impact the lives of more than 1,900 individual youth through critical services supported by Sands. "Without Sands, we would not have been able to establish the Movement and Summit yet Sands' involvement as a catalyst behind expansion of our offerings is much deeper than these most visible programs," said Arash Ghafoori, executive director of NPHY. "Sands has helped us grow our back-end infrastructure to sustainably support program expansion - a crucial component to successful nonprofit management that is often overlooked. The company has served as a true partner in the fight to end youth homelessness in Southern Nevada, not only as a donor, but as an investor and thought partner in our work to move the needle on this devastating issue in our community." Another facet of Sands' long-term engagement with NPHY is the organization's participation in the invitation-only Sands Cares Accelerator, a signature Sands Cares initiative that supports rising nonprofits in expanding their capability to make greater impact in the community. NPHY will graduate from the three-year Sands Cares Accelerator at the end of 2021 having achieved future sustainability through growth and refinement of its operational infrastructure; diversification in offerings, especially in the area of advocacy and awareness; and initiation of a strategic planning process to crystallize the organization's future makeup. Last year, Sands Cares provided NPHY with $200,000 in essential funding during the height of the pandemic to maintain operations as well as accommodate emerging needs as NPHY worked to establish stop-gap measures for youth without a safety net from family, school, employers and other support systems that were suspended or diminished because of COVID-19. The Sands Cares funding was also critical as NPHY faced intense operational impact with the loss of in-person volunteers and increased volatility of donor support and other resources affected by the pandemic. "We are deeply committed to impacting the incidence of youth homelessness in the Las Vegas Valley, and NPHY has been our strategic and valued partner in leading that charge," said Ron Reese, senior vice president of global communications and corporate affairs at Sands. "Our continued investment is representative of the tremendous results we've seen NPHY achieve for our community's vulnerable youth, as well as its leadership in developing long-term solutions to address the issue. This partnership has been one of the most impactful Sands Cares initiatives we've undertaken." About Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth NPHY is the most comprehensive service provider for the thousands of homeless youth in Southern Nevada, serving hundreds of youth through our core programs and touching the lives of thousands more through outreach each year. NPHY's programs stabilize homeless teens' lives, meeting their immediate needs and providing a safe, supportive environment and a path to self-sufficiency. Through our work with homeless youth, NPHY creates productive, healthy adults who contribute to society. Strengthening and complementing our high-quality direct services for homeless youth, NPHY is dedicated to advocating with and for the Vegas Valley's homeless youth population and serves as a leader in systems-level efforts to eliminate homelessness among Nevada's youth. For more information or to support our life-changing work for homeless youth, please visit www.nphy.org. Opinion Article 16 July 2021 Your hotel website design tells guests how much you care about them and their experiences. Branding and images are the cornerstones of how you communicate your hotel to guests and inspire them to book, along with revenue and offers. If your branding is from the 80s, or your hotel website is littered with unappealing images, your website will tell guests that your hotel couldnt care less about delivering the best experiences to them. What does your hotel website tell guests about what you have to offer? The best way to answer this question is to put yourself into the position of online visitors to your hotel website. Is your Hotel Website Design Reaching your Guests? Although online travel searchers typically use OTAs to browse and price-shop through accommodation options, research by Fuel & Flip shows that 87% will generally visit a hotels website before booking a hotel stay, and with good reason. Compare a Booking.com listing with a Hotel Website. There is no doubt that the hotel website better portrays both the personality of the property and the experiences the destination has to offer. For the dreaming, yet discerning traveler (and we know most of them are), the hotel website will give visitors the first proper glimpse of your property, and be the final point of reference to make an informed buying decision. Photo: GuestCentric Systems Furthermore, now, more than ever, guests are reaching out to hotels directly, via the hotel website and other direct channels, following a series of catastrophic refund experiences with OTAs and intermediaries at the start of the Covid-19 crisis. Consequently, hotel direct bookings have been the most resilient throughout the duration of the pandemic and recovering faster with the pent-up travel demand. Therefore, its hardly surprising that the majority of Hoteliers surveyed in our Monthly Hotelier PULSE Report consistently rank the Hotel Website as the most important Sales & Marketing tool to bolster recovery and long-term business growth. However, Google research also shows that an average of 18 websites via multiple devices before completing a hotel booking. Therefore, you must ensure your hotel website stands out from the competition and generates business. If online visitors are still abandoning your website or your website is generating low levels of direct bookings, you need to ask yourself: Is your Hotel Website designed to Attract Guests? Consider the 5 cornerstone website components below and what they say about your hotel: 1. Rich Media (Photos & Video) The Fuel study shows that images are considered the number 1 decision-making factor for guests visiting a hotel website. In todays busy online travel world, photos and video create a unique emotional connection with people that plain text simply cannot replicate. Look at the two images below with the eyes of a guest. Which one inspires you to book a hotel stay? Exhibit 1 - Hmmm, not exactly a palace is it? Photo: GuestCentric Systems Exhibit 2 - Dreamy... Photo: GuestCentric Systems 2. Straightforward Navigation & Clean Design The ultimate reason people visit your website is to find information about your hotel. If your hotel website is cluttered or messily designed that visitors are unable to get what they want quickly, the chances of them bouncing are very high. Are your hotels address, contact details, and other crucial information easy to access, or do you find yourself treasure-hunting? 3. Unique Value & Best Prices A hotel website that showcases unique value helps travel shoppers understand why they should book. Do you want to highlight an amenity you provide to your guests? Are you located in an amazing destination with a story to tell? Do your prices, offers, or promotions incentivize guests to book directly on your website? If you answered yes to the above, then your website is the best place to show off this unique value through both attention-grabbing visuals and clear 4. This brings us to our next point, Clear Content You have to make sure your website provides the main information visitors are looking for. They are not looking for literature, but they do want to know about you. Most importantly, content should be up-to-date. Does your website clearly tell guests what is amazing about your property and why they should book? 5. Last but not least, Branding In fact, branding might be one of the most underrated pieces of hotel communication. Your brand is far more than your name or logo. It encompasses everything from the personality and the values of your hotel to your customers perceptions, notions, and experience. It represents who you are, and can make or break consumer trust. Is your brand strongly represented on your hotel website? Would you trust your hotel brand if you were simply an online visitor considering booking a stay? Exercise Take a Look at the Two Logos Below: Photo: GuestCentric Systems Now, look at the two pictures below. Were sure you can easily tell which hotel bedroom belongs to which hotel logo: Exhibit 1 Wow! Hello home away from home. Photo: GuestCentric Systems Exhibit 2 Hmmm, a bed fit for..no one! Photo: GuestCentric Systems Thats the power of good branding. Now ask yourself, in which property would you rather spend the night? If you want to effectively lead visitors to your hotel website and convert them into bookings, your website needs to have the wow factor. It should be so appealing that when potential customers land on it they will get the best impression of your hotel and will want to share it, bookmark it for future trips, or best case scenario, book a stay immediately. So, How do you Make Your Hotel Website Stand Out from the Competition? Hotels that win more direct bookings tend to have websites that reflect the most enticing experience and values of the brand and property. To put it simply, your website should transport guests to your hotel, giving them the true look and feel of your property, which in turn, inspires them to book. Because people are so busy these days, you only have a couple of seconds to attract someones attention and transmit your message. An outdated or messy website design can wipe out any chance of online business success for your property. Hotel Website Design 4 Must-Haves: If you want to convert online visitors into guests, you need to make sure your hotel website clearly shows off why they should book a stay. Below are 4 Must-Haves for your Hotel Website Design: 1. Must Connect Emotionally with your Guests, Increasing their Desire to Book Directly on your Website In the words of Jay Baer, author of the New York Times bestselling book Youtility, Online business success is largely driven by pictures, not words. This statement may seem obvious, but you would be amazed how many great hotels overlook the power of good quality visuals to showcase the best features of the hotel via the website. According to a survey by HospitalityNet, the decision to book a hotel is 39% rational and 59% emotional. Visuals inspire an emotional reaction, which can move in the direction of a booking or abandonment. Consider the two images of the same hotel below and how they make you feel on an emotional level: Exhibit 1 My Cholesterol is protesting already Photo: GuestCentric Systems Exhibit 2 Bonn Appetit! Photo: GuestCentric Systems Your visuals should not only sell your hotel(s) to customers but also your destination. Following the same exercise above, this time considering two images of the exact same summer holiday destination, which one makes you dream of an escape to the sea and sunshine? Exhibit 1 OMG! I want to dive inright now! Photo: GuestCentric Systems Exhibit 2 Seriously? A Zombie Invasion during my Downtime? No thank you! Photo: GuestCentric Systems 2. Must Shout About Your Special Offers & Remind Guests Why They Should Book Direct Research by Skift shows that 44% of global travelers consider special offers important to the booking process. If you want to win direct bookings over the likes of major OTAs that offer an array of attractive packages and competitive rates, it is absolutely crucial that you shout about your special offers across ALL areas of your website: Does your property have the most famous restaurant in town? Offer a discount on dining, only for direct bookers. Is your hotel spa top-notch? Show it off on your website, and clearly let visitors know they will receive a complimentary wellness perk for booking directly on your website. Be sure to highlight your special offers across all areas of your hotel website: Home page scroll, special offers teasers, and descriptions, and booking engine loading area. And of course, it goes without saying that price is an important factor in the decision-making process. So remember to highlight that your rates beat the competition, and are exclusive to visitors who book directly on your hotel website. 3. Must Have Simplified Navigation and Make Important Information Easy To Find Research by Millennial Impact shows that 65% of millennials claim looking for missing or unavailable information is one of the biggest pet peeves when booking a journey. Your website is a place travel shoppers go to learn more about your hotel. Useful information, such as nightly rates or directions, should be easily accessible and found. Information that you know is highly important and/or popular with your travel shoppers and guests should always be placed somewhere on the first page of your website. 4. Must Provide Detailed Content, Without Overdoing It But before providing detailed content, it is crucial to know who your target guest is and what will inspire them to visit your hotel. Do you have a beach resort? Then talk about how close you are to the beach (walking distance, parking), your activities, kids park, etc. Are you a corporate business hotel? Talk about your conferences rooms, wifi policy, and other perks. Research by Leonardo shows 92% of travelers are more likely to book accommodations that post detailed property descriptions and photos. Its important to be detailed with your website content, so be sure to include detailed photos and descriptions of all of your propertys amenities and features. However, dont include too much information that your hotel website becomes cluttered, messy, and confusing. Although some things on your website should be text, such as address and contact info, online travel shoppers will not be satisfied with a website that is text-heavy and overloaded with too much information. Overall, the better your website design teases guests with the dream getaway, the more likely it will be that online travel searchers book directly on your hotel website. Indeed, hotels that win more direct bookings have a solid strategy, which starts with the hotel website design. In Closing, Never Overlook the Booking Process According to our research of over 1,000 hotel websites within our portfolio, a whopping 97% of online visitors abandon a hotel website during the booking process. Although its crucial to ensure your website design allows visitors to visually experience your hotel before booking a stay, it will all be for nothing if the booking process is not optimized. Before you go, take a look at your hotels online booking engine, and see if it ticks the boxes below: 1. Does it Stimulate Shopping Behaviour? Special offers, promotions, and alerts all create a sense of urgency and inspire visitors to book. Does your online booking engine include Shopping Activation/Recovery Widgets? Photo: GuestCentric Systems 2. Does it provide Rates & Availability in Real-Time? In the age of abundant options, if your hotel website does not deliver an efficient booking process, most visitors will simply move to a competitor. Providing rates and availability in real-time (and on the same web page) is a really effective way to make the booking experience more efficient. Photo: GuestCentric Systems 3. Does it reinforce why guests should book directly on your website? In addition to price, you should also showcase amenities or exclusive offers for guests who book directly on your hotel website. Photo: GuestCentric Systems Think of your hotel websites homepage as your business card. A professional website design can provide that extra engagement needed to inspire visitors to book directly on your website. However, you also need to deliver a seamless booking experience to reduce abandonment rates at the transaction stage. *Disclaimer: The images used in this article are fictional demonstrations of good vs bad practice in terms of hotel website design. Opinion Article 16 July 2021 No business sector was hit harder by the pandemic than hospitality. And none has experienced such a meteoric rebound. Its a testament to how vital travel and the hospitality industry are to our lives and relationships. Now the new challenge is how to staff up to meet traveler demand without sacrificing the guest experience. Advertisements Leisure and hospitality jobs have been rebounding since April in the U.S. Mays jobs report showed 5.5 million hospitality and leisure jobs returning since the pandemic. With New York State and California now reopen as of June, hospitality jobs are being created much faster than they can be filled. Its like were going from one crisis to another. While much commentary has focused on the factors affecting lower-rung job vacancies, higher up the hospitality career ladder, jobs have also been challenging to fill. Well-trained hospitality professionals possess some of the most in-demand skill sets across all industries. Over the past year, many have been recruited to other sectors. Theyre now providing resort-style experiences in luxury continuing care retirement communities or managing relationships and assets for high-net-worth individuals. There are many positions needing the same talents as those called upon to fill a five-star luxury resort, deliver VIP guest experiences, or feed groups from 40 to 400. Compared to last year, the situation has changed dramatically. Whereas a year ago our students were struggling to find internships that were few and far between in the hospitality sector, they have the luxury of choosing this year. We are receiving calls from our business and industry partners who have a huge appetite to find talent. In addition to leadership and entrepreneurial skills, hospitality business educations emphasize soft skills, which are beneficial even in the most technical careers like software engineering. A landmark report came out of Google in 2013. The global technology giant surveyed the skills most associated with career success among its engineers. Google found that the eight most important qualities were classic soft skills, not technical skills. Amazing coding or data analysis abilities were not as crucial as strong communications and listening, emotional intelligence, empathy, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, among others. The transferable skills we teach in our schools are very focused on customer and human interfaces which are highly valued. This is one of the reasons that our Hotel Institute Montreux offers a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with a Swiss hospitality angle. The program is delivered in partnership with Northwood University, a private university in Midland, Michigan. Students must choose one of five industry-endorsed specializations, including luxury brand management, financial analysis and wealth management, human capital and development, senior living industry, and franchise business management. These specializations have a very natural link to hospitality and a focus on the customer and soft skills that only hospitality studies can bring. The soaring demand for highly trained hospitality management graduates has created a sense of urgency for our team of educators across our alliance of four top-ranked schools. We are Switzerlands largest private educator, with nearly 40 years of experience in hospitality, business, and culinary education and 6,000 students. To meet the moment in the U.S. and to prepare for the wave of workforce hiring sweeping across the rest of the world, our focus remains on leadership and entrepreneurial skills. We already offer an accelerated three-year degree program, which helps our students and the industry find and get talent into positions faster. Were working closely with industry recruiters and promoting openings to our North American alumni network. Our emphasis on hands-on, real-world experience, requiring at least two internships in all of our undergraduate degree programs, ensures that our graduates can also contribute immediately from the moment theyre hired. While many of our internships have been at Swiss hospitality operations, we can work with employers in North America to place students who are eager for international experiences. Our student body is international, drawn from over 100 countries with a majority beyond proficient in English, which is our language of instruction. As a global leader providing hospitality business educations to thousands of eager and qualified students every year, the urgency my colleagues and I feel in 2021 to produce the next generation of hospitality and culinary leaders has never been higher. For you, as employers and recruiters, please know that the worlds hospitality educators have your backs. We are ready, willing, and available to collaborate with you to help meet this moment. NEW DELHI (AP) It began in February with a tweet by pop star Rihanna that sparked widespread condemnation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modis handling of massive farmer protests near the capital, souring an already troubled relationship between the government and Twitter. Moving to contain the backlash, officials hit Twitter with multiple injunctions to block hundreds of tweets critical of the government. Twitter complied with some and resisted others. Relations between Twitter and Modi's government have gone downhill ever since. At the heart of the standoff is a sweeping internet law that puts digital platforms like Twitter and Facebook under direct government oversight. Officials say the rules are needed to quell misinformation and hate speech and to give users more power to flag objectionable content. Critics of the law worry it may lead to outright censorship in a country where digital freedoms have been shrinking since Modi took office in 2014. Police have raided Twitter's offices and have accused its India chief, Manish Maheshwari, of spreading communal hatred and hurting the sentiments of Indians. Last week, Maheshwari refused to submit to questioning unless police promised not to arrest him. On Wednesday, the company released a transparency report showing India had submitted most government information requests -- legal demands for account information -- to Twitter. It accounted for a quarter of worldwide requests in July- December last year. It was the first time since Twitter started publishing the report in 2012 that the U.S. was displaced as the top global requester, it added. Indias plans for the internet appear to be like that of a closed ecosystem like China, said Raheel Khursheed, co-founder of Laminar Global and Twitter Indias former head of Politics, Policy and Government. Twitters case is the basis of a touchstone on how the future of the internet will be shaped in India. Tech companies are facing similar challenges in many countries. China has been aggressively tightening controls on access to its 1.4 billion-strong market, which is already largely sequestered by the Communist Party's Great Firewall and by U.S. trade and technology sanctions. India is another heavyweight, with 900 million users expected by 2025. Any internet company knows that India is probably the biggest market in terms of scale. Because of this, the option of leaving India is like the button theyd press if they had no options left, said tech analyst Jayanth Kolla. The new rules, in the works for years and announced in February, apply to social media companies, streaming platforms and digital news publishers. They make it easier for the government to order social media platforms with over 5 million users to take down content that is deemed unlawful. Individuals now can request that companies remove material. If a government ministry flags content as illegal or harmful it must be removed within 36 hours. Noncompliance could lead to criminal prosecutions. Tech companies also must assign staff to answer complaints from users, respond to government requests and ensure overall compliance with the rules. Twitter missed a three-month deadline in May, drawing a strong rebuke from the Delhi High Court. Last week, after months of haggling with the government, it appointed all three officers as required. Twitter continues to make every effort to comply with the new IT Rules 2021. We have kept the Government of India apprised of the progress at every step of the process, the company said in a statement to the Associated Press. Apar Gupta, executive director of the Internet Freedom Foundation, says he worries the rules will lead to numerous cases against internet platforms and deter people from using them freely, leading to self-censorship. Many other critics say Modis Hindu nationalist government is imposing what they call a climate of digital authoritarianism." If it becomes easier for user content to be taken down, it will amount to the chilling of speech online, Gupta said. The government insists the rules will benefit and empower Indians. Social media users can criticize Narendra Modi, they can criticize government policy, and ask questions. I must put it on the record straight away . . . But a private company sitting in America should refrain from lecturing us on democracy" when it denies its users the right to redress, the ex-IT minister, Ravi Shankar Prasad, told the newspaper The Hindu last month. Despite the antagonisms between Modi and Twitter, he has been an enthusiastic user of the platform in building popular support for his Bharatiya Janata Party. His government has also worked closely with the social media giant to allow Indians to use Twitter to seek help from government ministries, particularly during health emergencies. Bharatiya Janata Party's social media team has meanwhile been accused of initiating online attacks against critics of Modi. Still, earlier internet restrictions had already prompted the Washington-based Freedom House to list India, the world's most populous democracy, as partly free instead of free in its annual analysis. The law announced in February requires tech companies to aid police investigations and help identify people who post mischievous information. That means messages must be traceable, and experts say this it could mean end-to-end encryption would not be allowed in India. Facebooks WhatsApp, which has more than 500 million users in India, has sued the government, saying breaking encryption, which continues for now, would severely undermine the privacy of billions of people who communicate digitally. Officials say they only want to trace messages that incite violence or threatening national security. WhatsApp says it cant selectively do that. It is like you are renting out an apartment to someone but want to look into it whenever you want. Who would want to live in a house like that? said Khursheed of Laminar Global. The backlash over online freedom of expression, privacy and security concerns comes amid a global push for more data transparency and localization, said Kolla, the tech expert. Germany requires social media companies to devote local staff and data storage to curbing hate speech. Countries like Vietnam and Pakistan are drafting legislation similar to Indias. In Turkey, social media companies complied with a broad mandate for removing content only after they were fined and faced threats to their ad revenues. Instead of leaving, some companies are fighting the new rules in the courts, where at least 13 legal challenges have been filed by news publishers, media associations and individuals. But such cases can stretch for months or even years. Mishi Choudhary, a technology lawyer and founder of Indias Software Freedom Law Center, says that under the rules, social media platforms might lose their safe harbor protection, which shields them from legal liability over user-generated content. Courts have to decide that on a case-by-case basis, she said. And their legal costs would inevitably soar. You know how it is in India. The process is the punishment, Choudhary said. And until we get to a place where the courts will actually come and tell us what the legal position is and determine those legal positions, it is open season for tech backlash. There is a distinct aroma wafting through the offices of Bayou City Hemp, where the skunky odor of cannabis mixes with the sweet smell of optimism. One of the first and largest hemp processing plants in Texas, the two-year-old company is planting the seed for a legal cannabis industry its founders say is sure to come. Until then, Bayou City is focusing on clean forms of extraction of cannabidiol CBD oils from the hemp plant, turning it into items such as edible gummies, drinkable mixers and inhaleable vape pens. Products it manufactures can put you to sleep, ease your pain and even get you high. Ben Meggs and Jeromy Sherman were friends and colleagues working in the oil and gas industry before forming Bayou City Hemp in 2019. The business is meant to fill a void in the budding Texas market regulators legalized the industry in 2019 as a way to help farmers squeezed by Americas trade war with China. Once they started planting and harvesting, the farmers needed a place to process the raw hemp. On HoustonChronicle.com: Hemp or marijuana? After a year in the dark, Harris County prosecutors will finally know. We saw the bottleneck in the industry was going to be on the processing side, Sherman said. We created the company we couldnt find. House Bill 1325, enacted two years ago, made it legal to manufacture, distribute and sell consumable hemp products in Texas in an emerging industry now regulated by the Texas Department of State Health Services. The legislation followed passage of the federal Farm Bill in December 2018, which redefined hemp as a low-THC cannabis product with (0.3 percent or less THC) and removed it from the definition of marijuana in the Control Substances Act. While by law hemp differs from its cousin marijuana by THC content they are the same species of cannabis plant nature often doesnt draw a clear line. If hemp grows to be too high in THC, federal regulators require it be destroyed. The legalization of hemp ushered in a new wave of production and brought an end to a gray area in which retailers had previously operated. Hemp is now used as an ingredient in everything from drink mixers to shampoo. Trade publication Hemp Industry Daily projects retail hemp sales in the U.S. will reach $3.9 billion this year, an increase of $1.6 billion over last year. Retail sales are expected to reach nearly $6.3 billion in 2022. But farmers have so far struggled to launch the crop in Texas, where the climate differs from that of northern states from which they order seeds. Last summers harvest was the first in Texas, and since then Bayou City has processed hemp from a half-dozen farmers and expects to add to that list as more figure out better seed sourcing and how to grow under Texas conditions. Godofredo A. Vasquez, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer Getting off the ground Self-funded, and with investments from friends and family (they declined to say just how much), Sherman and Meggs brought on Karen Trotter, who previously worked financing oil and gas startups as the companys chief financial officer to make sure they had the capital they needed to hit the ground running. More than two dozen people now work at the company, ranging from chemists and equipment operators to marketing and accounting professionals. The partners started outfitting their Park Row lab last summer and started seeing product in September. Were still in startup mode, Trotter said. To that end, Bayou City is helping Texas farmers source more successful seeds, advising them on how to grow and helping them with testing in addition to the eventual extraction and processing. Theres no playbook for this, Sherman said. Its an industry that didnt exist before, Meggs said. Texas hemp farmers have struggled so far to yield full harvests, citing poor seed genetics and issues with insects and mold. Hemp prices also crashed in 2019 as farmers clamored to plant the newly legal cash crop and overproduction reigned. Texas Inc.: Get the best of business news sent directly to your inbox The bottom fell out as soon as we were ready to go to market, said Scott Meiers, co-owner and president Texas Premium Hemp Producers in Brenham. Meiers, a cattle farmer, said he almost gave up on hemp last year because it was so challenging to grow and difficult to make a profit. His mind changed when he saw how CBD gummies helped his nephew, who is autistic and, until that point, nonverbal. He came up and patted me on the back and said, Good job while I was barbecuing, Meiers recalled. I about cried. It really, really changed his life. When Meiers decided to give it another go, Bayou City Hemp helped him better source his seeds and supplied him with hemp products to sell on the farm to help make ends meet until he could sell his own hemp. Meiers said he expected to harvest his first crop next month. Calvin Trostle, an agronomist with Texas A&M, said in a recent university publication the hemp industry in Texas will take time to research and perfect. And costs will need to come down in order for it to take off as a cash crop. As an alternative crop, the hemp industry in Texas is still in its infancy, Trostle said. There is a massive amount of education going on, but were still trying to determine what varieties are adaptive so that we can help producers avoid headaches. Godofredo A. Vasquez, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer The high road When it came to building the lab, Sherman and Meggs said they took the high road, outfitting it according to the good manufacturing practices standard in the medical industry and creating an internal system that scans and tracks every batch of CBD oil it creates. We wanted to plan for FDA regulation, said Sherman, who recruited an extraction expert with 40 years of experience with Dow Chemical to be chief operating officer as well as a general manager with more than a decade of experience in cannabis extraction in other states. Bayou City also opted to use a carbon dioxide process as a cleaner way to extract hemp oil from the plant. Less expensive ethanol-based methods used in the industry yield hazardous waste, they said, while extracting with carbon dioxide leaves behind plant matter still high in protein that research pending may be used as cattle feed. Our COO uses it in his garden and he says his broccoli has never been bigger, Trotter said. Growing pains Extracting CBD oils from the hemp plant is a multi-step process. The first is removing stems from the hemp flower and putting it through a grinder, yielding a fine powder. Then, staff at Bayou City heat it to activate the cannabinoids inside, readying them for extraction. Fats and waxes get separated in the lab, resulting in an oil they then distill three times to increase potency and remove impurities, ending up with a purity of around 80 percent. In a reactor room, they prepare an isolate that is 99 percent pure. For those that prefer some THC in their CBD, they leave it in, labeling it as a full-spectrum oil. For others, they remove it and label it a broad-spectrum oil. Some want the cannabis-like effects, so they convert it to what is known as delta-8 THC, an intoxicating molecule similar to the THC in marijuana but with a different atomic structure. On HoustonChronicle.com: Largest-yet expansion of Texas medical marijuana program advances in Legislature Kristen Nichols, editor of Hemp Industry Daily, said delta-8 appears to bind less readily to cannabinoid receptors in the brain, producing milder results than the type of THC that is illegal federally and regulated only by state cannabis laws. Nichols said she at first considered delta-8 a cheap knock-off, a loophole people are exploiting. I have since had my mind changed, she said. There are folks who want an in-between. Full cannabis extraction would be a welcome pivot for the business, Meggs said, as the product is less expensive to work with and they can sell it for about three times more than CBD. But first, Texas needs to go the route of its neighbors and legalize it. Were excited for that day, Meggs said. But for now, were living in CBD world. amanda.drane@chron.com Twitter.com/amandadrane Panama President Laurentino Cortizo Cohen on Thursday urged Port Houston officials to pursue the $1 billion project to widen and deepen the Houston Ship Channel and build on the growth in international trade that has followed the expansion of the Panama Canal five years ago. The expansion of the canal, which provides a shortcut between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, opened new markets in Asia, and contributed to a surge in both exports and imports at Port Houston. Cortizo Cohen referenced the $5.25 billion project, which took nearly a decade to complete, encouraging local officials to forge ahead with widening and deepening the Houston Ship Channel so it can accommodate more and bigger ships. The canal expansion, which faced with construction delays and other snags, added a third lane and doubled the canals capacity. It wasnt easy, Cortizo Cohen said of the Panama Canal expansion, but it was smart. Cortizo Cohen arrived in Texas on Monday, paying visits to the Houston Chamber of Commerce, the University of Texas, his alma mater, and the Greater Houston Partnership before visiting the port. His goal he said, was to build on the relationships between Panama, Houston and Texas. On HoustonChronicle.com: Panama president's visit marks how Panama Canal expansion cemented Port Houston's global status Four out of ten vessels that go through the Panama Canal go to Houston, Cortizo Cohen said, And Id like it to be more. Port Houston estimates that trade moving through the Houston Ship Channel generates nearly 1.4 million jobs in Texas and $339 billion in economic activity. Last year, the Houston Ship Channel was ranked the busiest waterway in terms of tonnage by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The port launched the ship channel expansion, known as Project 11, in May. It will widen the ship channel from 530 feet to 700 feet and deepen it to 46.5 feet, to make it safer and more efficient for vessels to navigate the waterway. It is expected to be completed between 2025 and 2026. The ship channel was last widened and deepened in 2005 before the Panama Canal expansion got underway. The expansion of the Houston Ship Channel would also benefit the Panama Canal, said Roger Guenther the executive director of Port Houston. Having another port that can take more ships will make it more attractive for companies involved in Asia-Pacific trade to use the canal and avoid congested ports along the West Coast. For them its revenue to pay off the cost to pay off the canal (expansion) Guenther said. They are promoting ships to come to canal whether its to the Gulf Coast or East Coast through Asia. Texas Inc.: Get the best of business news sent directly to your inbox Both Cortizo Cohen and port officials also said they need to continue joint marketing efforts to show the benefits of shipping through their waterways. Our priorities are the same, Guenther said. We want ships to come to Houston and we want them to come here through the Panama Canal, verses going to another port. becca.carballo@chron.com Fran Ruchalski/The Enterprise Houston liquefied natural gas company Cheniere Energy said Thursday it has entered into a long-term agreement with Tourmaline Oil Corp., the largest natural gas producer in Canada, to supply gas to a planned expansion at Chenieres Corpus Christi LNG export plant in Corpus Christi. Under the agreement, Tourmaline will sell 140,000 metric million British thermal units per day of natural gas to Cheniere for a term of 15 years beginning in early 2023. The LNG associated with this gas supply, about 0.85 million tons per year, will be marketed by Cheniere. No one likes to work for free. But Emily Garcia says that has been the unfortunate reality at Birria Los Primos for the last four months. Garcia, 26, manages the family-owned Mexican restaurant owned by her father Oscar, and says ever since the business opened its first storefront location in March, they haven't seen a check from Uber Eats. After looking over their records, she said they've taken about 700 orders averaging around $30 each, which amounts to a loss of nearly $21,000. They opened up about it on Instagram, calling on their followers to share their experiences, and even called the delivery service "a scam," in the comments. "It adds up," Garcia said. "Weekends are very busy with the Houston weather; its been raining for well over a month. People order through these apps a lot more. Were wasting hours preparing food that were not getting paid for and I dont know if well be paid for." SURGING DEMAND: Lyft and Uber prices soar amid driver shortages Garcia said the business already had an account with UberEats for their food truck concept and didn't have any issues. When they opened at the Underground Food Hall, they simply wanted to update their business name, address and hours, but keep the same bank account on file. They didn't notice an issue until April, she said, and since then it's been a constant back and forth exchange with customer service. First she was told the process involved paperwork that couldn't be done over the phone. So she emailed everything and awaited a response. "A week turned into 2 weeks, 3 weeks," she said. After several calls, Garcia made no progress and said she emailed back asking for a confirmation, but didn't hear back until May 11. "Every time I would call it was something different, they couldnt find the email, they couldnt find the address," she said. "Now theyre saying it has to do with a fraud alert that was put on our account because we tried to update our info too many times. If thats the case how come its taken 4 months for them to let us know." She has now given up on calling and will only communicate via email. "I want everything documented," she said. Javier Correoso, a representative for Uber, told the Chronicle that the company desires to pay the owners of Birria Los Primos, but all they need is further verification to do so. Periodically, Uber needs to request basic information from our merchant partners (including D.O.B., legal name) in order to satisfy legal and regulatory requirements of payment processing. This is part of our Merchant Terms and Conditions. We have spoken and emailed with the owners of Birria Los Primos this week to clarify the information needed to verify their account and process their payment immediately; they have declined to provide this information. We will continue to make every attempt to resolve this issue. But Garcia and her father, Oscar, took issue with the need for personal information to verify a business bank account, something she said they've never had to do with third party vendors. "Theyve never asked for personal information, theyve always asked for business information to verify the account," she said. "I find that very weird. They can verify all of that just through the IRS forms. I dont need to give out my date of birth or my place of birth. Thats where it doesnt make sense. Im not against it I just want to know why. Its just us being safe with our information." Food delivery providers handle verification differently. Jenna DeMarco, a spokesperson with Grubhub, told the Chronicle that they do not ask for personal information such as date of birth or legal name. "It's all business to set up a direct deposit," she said. "We ask for proof of a voided check." For DoorDash it's a combination of both. A spokesperson told the Chronicle its onboarding process requires merchants to provide basic business information such as its tax identification, name of business, and bank account information to validate that a business is real as part of its fraud prevention efforts. Then if there's any further inquiry, they request more personal information. Correoso said Uber Eats' commission rates vary depending on the market and are negotiated with a sales representative, but restaurants have some flexibility with how frequenty they are paid. "Restaurants are currently paid weekly and have the ability to opt-in to daily payout if they choose," he said. "The earnings of the previous week are calculated on Monday and payments are sent to the banks to be processed, and it usually takes about 2 to 3 business days to process those transactions." Garcia said they paused Uber Eats orders in June, and although they've still been busy, the delivery sales deficit still takes a toll on the small family-owned business. Were very lucky that we have such support from the community, but ever since weve paused Uber I want to say Uber orders were making up about 60 to 70 percent of all third party orders," she said. "Its a lot of money that we are missing out on because we no longer work with them. Were lucky that even without them were still constantly busy. But the money they do owe us, we can use it to make updates to our business, hire more staff. We are understaffed at the moment and were a small family business, so an amount like that can make a huge impact." SAVING ALFREDA'S: How a Third Ward restaurant mainstay survived COVID, an explosion and heartache Garcia is certain their relationship with Uber Eats is over. "As soon as we get that money were deactivating the account," she said. "We're really going to start pushing for our own direct pickup option on our site that goes directly to us, so were not having the outrageous commission fees and the tips that customers leave go directly to our employees." Each week, Chronicle reporters field questions about COVID-19, safety precautions and vaccines. In this weeks COVID Help Desk, we tackle smell recovery for longhaul COVID patients, breakthrough infections, whether the vaccine is lowering the number of severe COVID cases and hospitalizations and the Lambda variant. For many people who contracted the virus, a loss or change of smell was one of their first symptoms. Dr. Tran Locke, assistant professor of otolaryngology at Baylor College of Medicine, said theres no clear answer yet as to whether all COVID survivors or longhaulers will regain their sense of smell. On HoustonChronicle.com: 'Smell therapy' from Baylor doctors might be an on-the-nose treatment for COVID recovery Locke sees at least two patients a week who have had smell loss as a result of COVID-19. Some patients have had their smell return completely; others say they often smell something rancid. A subset of her patients can recognize smells, like vanilla, but its not quite like it was before. With other patients who experience smell loss, either from brain injuries or non-COVID viral infection, Locke said what they can smell at one year post-infection is typically their new normal. COVID survivors can also experience parosmia, a distortion of smell when in presence of that odor, Locke said. Some people say oranges or coffee can smell or taste like rotten meat or dirty socks, she said. This can last for months, and the thought process is that the smell nerve is recovering and can sometimes get rewired, making the wrong connection in the brain which distorts the smell. However, patients who report rancid smells have had better outcomes with spontaneous smell recovery, Locke said. Some Houston COVID survivors have begun smell training, which incorporates essential oils like lemon, eucalyptus, clove and rose into their every day smell routine, she said. Through smell therapy, more than 90 percent of patients who experienced smell loss for non-COVID reasons regained that sense after six months though it may have been different than it was before, she said. People take smell and taste for granted until its gone, Locke said. From a safety standpoint, not being able to smell is dangerous and longterm loss can lead to depression. It seems minor but it makes a big impact. What is a breakthrough infection? Breakthrough infections happen when a person contracts a virus or disease two weeks or longer after full immunization, said Katelyn Jetelina, an epidemiologist with UTHealth School of Public Health in Dallas. It can happen with any vaccine, Jetelina said. Our vaccines efficacy is amazingly high, but theyre not 100 percent. We expect breakthroughs to happen unfortunately. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported more than 157 million Americans have been fully vaccinated as of July 6. In Texas, 12.3 million are fully vaccinated. Asymptomatic infections among vaccinated people will occur, and theres evidence that vaccination may make illnesses less severe for those who do have symptoms, the CDC reported. Between Jan. 1 and April 30, the CDC reported that out of 3,880 breakthrough infections, 2,725 people were asymptomatic, 995 were known to be hospitalized (but its unclear if it was for COVID or another medical issue), and 160 people died. On RenewHouston.com: Men die at a higher rate from COVID than women. So why are they less likely to take the vaccine? Vaccines protect most people from severe cases that lead to hospitalization or death, Jetelina said. The less efficacious the vaccine, though, the more likely the person could have a breakthrough infection, she added, which explains why people who have received a vaccine in a different country with a lower efficacy rate could be more vulnerable to a breakthrough COVID infection. But that doesnt mean it will automatically be a severe infection. By far, the best protection you can have is the vaccine, Jetelina said. There is a small risk if you come in contact with someone who is unvaccinated who is carrying the disease that you may get it. Its a small risk, but the risk is still there. It doesnt hurt to layer protection, such as a face mask, especially when indoors or in close quarters with people who are not in your household, she added. Since vaccines are widely available, how severe are positive COVID cases that lead to hospitalization? COVID hospitalizations at two Houston hospitals have doubled in the last two weeks, and health officials are attributing it to a rise in Delta variant cases. Houston Methodist sequences for specific variants, and models estimate the Delta variant will make up 92 percent of all new infections in the coming weeks. More than 40 percent of new COVID hospitalizations since mid-June are Delta cases, according to spokesperson Lisa Merkl. Dr. David Callender, president and CEO of Memorial Hermann, said the system is seeing the effect of the fast-moving variant because of a drastic increase in positive cases coming into the emergency departments. But he said they dont test for specific variants because treatment is the same. Out of 55 positive cases identified Monday in Memorial Hermanns emergency rooms, 35 were sent home to isolate and 20 were admitted to the hospital because their symptoms were severe enough to warrant it, Callender said. On HoustonChronicle.com: Thanks, COVID. Young adults living with their parents has reached a historic high. Callender said the vaccines are certainly holding, which means few of the new hospitalized patients are vaccinated. By and large, the people were seeing are not vaccinated, he said. Should we be concerned about the lambda variant? The CDC routinely monitors viral mutations and variants through sequencing positive COVID-19 tests and then classifies them as a variant of interest, variant of concern and variant of high consequence. Variants of interest are more transmissible than the original strain, have caused outbreaks in multiple countries, and could cause more severe illness, but have limited prevalence in the U.S. or other countries, according to the World Health Organization. Variants of concern show evidence of increased transmissibility, more severe disease, significant reduction in neutralization by antibodies generated during previous infection or vaccination and reduced effectiveness of treatments or vaccines. As of Tuesday, U.S. variants of concern were listed as B.1.1.7 (alpha), B.1.351 (beta), B.1.617.2 (delta) and P.1 (gamma). C.37, or the lambda variant, is listed as a variant of interest in the U.S., although its spreading quickly in South America. The earliest cases were found in Peru in December, and now lambda accounts for 90 percent of Peruvian infections, according to the countrys health ministry. Renew Houston: Get the latest wellness news delivered to your inbox Researchers will continue to monitor the spread of lambda because of a specific mutation in its spike protein that may increase the virus infectiousness, said Dr. Pei-Yong Shi, professor of biochemistry and molecular biology at UTMB. The mutated virus shows little improvement when treated with monoclonal antibodies through convalescent plasma therapy, Shi said. Once you have that mutation, it confers resistance to several monoclonal antibodies, including those approved by the FDA to treat coronavirus symptoms, Shi said. Its something that needs to be closely monitored, but Im not aware of it being more transmissible (than the original virus). CDC data suggests vaccines authorized for use in the U.S. Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson protect against most variants currently circulating in the country. The strain has been located in 29 countries states so far, according to National Geographic. However, variants will cause some vaccine breakthrough cases, the CDC reported. julie.garcia@chron.com Twitter.com/reporterjulie BERLIN (AP) In one flooded German town, the ground collapsed under family homes. In another, floodwaters swept through an assisted living center, killing 12. Rescue workers across Germany and Belgium rushed Friday to prevent more deaths from some of the Continent's worst flooding in years as the number of dead surpassed 125 and the search went on for hundreds of missing people. Fueled by days of heavy rain, the floodwaters also left thousands of Germans homeless after their dwellings were destroyed or deemed to be at risk, and elected officials began to worry about the lingering economic effects from lost homes and businesses. Elsewhere in Europe, dikes on swollen rivers were at risk of collapsing, and crews raced to reinforce flood barriers. Sixty-three people perished in the German state of Rhineland-Palatinate, including 12 residents of an assisted living facility for disabled people in the town of Sinzig who were surprised by a sudden rush of water from the nearby Ahr River, authorities said. German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier said he was stunned by the devastation and pledged support to the families of those killed and to cities and towns facing significant damage. In the hour of need, our country stands together, Steinmeier said in a televised statement. Its important that we show solidarity for those from whom the flood has taken everything. By Friday evening, waters were receding across much of the affected regions, but officials feared that more bodies might be found in cars and trucks that were swept away. A harrowing rescue effort unfolded in the German town of Erftstadt, southwest of Cologne, where people were trapped when the ground gave way and their homes collapsed. Fifty people were rescued from their houses, county administrator Frank Rock told German broadcaster n-tv. Aerial photos showed what appeared to be a massive landslide at a gravel pit on the towns edge. One has to assume that under the circumstances some people didnt manage to escape, Rock said. Authorities cautioned that the large number of missing could stem from duplicated reports and difficulties reaching people because of closed roads and disrupted phone service. After Germany, where the death toll stood at 106, Belgium was the hardest hit. The country confirmed the deaths of 20 people, with another 20 still missing, Belgian Interior Minister Annelies Verlinden told the VRT network Friday. Several dikes on the Meuse Rriver that runs from Belgium into the Netherlands were at risk of collapsing, Verlinden said. Authorities in the southern Dutch town of Venlo evacuated 200 hospital patients due to the river's looming threat. Utility companies reported widespread disruption of electricity and gas service that they said could last for days or weeks. The governor of North Rhine-Westphalia, who hopes to succeed Chancellor Angela Merkel as the nation's leader after Germany's election on Sept. 26, said the disaster had caused immense economic damage to the country's most populous state. The number of dead in North Rhine-Westphalia stood at 43. The floods have literally pulled the ground from beneath many peoples feet, Gov. Armin Laschet said at a news conference. "They lost their houses, farms or businesses. Manfred Pesch, a hotel owner in the small village of Gemuend, recounted how the floods came suddenly and rose to 2 meters (over 6 feet). Our hotel needs to be rebuilt, he said. We need a lot of help. Wolfgang Meyer, owner of a painting business in Gemuend, said his family escaped the rising water, but his business was swamped. The machinery, equipment, the entire office, files, records ... everything is gone actually," he said. "Were going to have some work to do there. Malu Dreyer, the governor of Rhineland-Palatinate state, said the disaster showed the need to speed up efforts to curb global warming, which experts say could make such disasters more frequent. She accused Laschet and Merkels center-right Union bloc of hindering efforts to achieve greater greenhouse gas reductions in Germany, Europes biggest economy and a major emitter of planet-warming gases. Climate change isnt abstract anymore. We are experiencing it up close and painfully, she told the Funke media group. Steinmeier, the German president, echoed her calls for greater efforts to combat global warming. Only if we decisively take up the fight against climate change will we be able to limit the extreme weather conditions we are now experiencing, he said. The World Meteorological Organization said some parts of Western Europe have received up to two months of rainfall in the space of two days. "What made it worse is that the soils were already saturated by previous rainfall, WMO spokesperson Clare Nullis said. She said it was too soon to blame the floods and preceding heat wave on rising global temperatures but added: Climate change is already increasing the frequency of extreme events. And many single events have been shown to be made worse by global warming. The German military deployed over 850 troops to help with flood efforts, and the need for help was growing, Defense Ministry spokesman Arne Collatz said. He said the ministry had triggered a military disaster alarm. Italy sent civil protection officials, firefighters and rescue dinghies to Belgium to help in the search for missing people. In the southern Dutch province of Limburg, which also has been hit hard by flooding, troops piled sandbags to strengthen a 1.1-kilometer (0.7 mile) stretch of dike along the Maas River, and police helped evacuate low-lying neighborhoods. Caretaker Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said the government was officially declaring flooded regions disaster areas, making businesses and residents eligible for compensation. Dutch King Willem-Alexander visited the region Thursday night and called the scenes heartbreaking. Meanwhile, heavy rain in Switzerland caused several rivers and lakes to burst their banks. Public broadcaster SRF reported that a flash flood swept away cars, flooded basements and destroyed small bridges late Thursday in the northern villages of Schleitheim und Beggingen. Erik Schulz, the mayor of the hard-hit German city of Hagen, 50 kilometers (31 miles) northeast of Cologne, said a wave of other regions and ordinary citizens were offering to help. We have many, many citizens saying I can offer a place to stay. Where can I go to help? ... Where can I bring my shovel and bucket? he told n-tv. The city is standing together, and you can feel that." ____ Associated Press writers Geir Moulson and Emily Schultheis in Berlin, Raf Casert in Brussels, Nicole Winfield in Rome, Angela Charlton in Paris and Mike Corder in The Hague, Netherlands, and contributed to this report. HELENA, Mont. (AP) Smoke from wildfires across the U.S. West has wafted over large swaths of western Montana on Friday, leading to unhealthy air quality in Missoula and Frenchtown. The Montana Department of Environmental Quality recommends that active children, adults and people with asthma and other respiratory diseases avoid prolonged outdoor exertion amid unhealthy air quality. Conditions were classified as unhealthy for sensitive groups in Helena, Great Falls, Cut Bank, Seeley Lake, Hamilton, Butte and Bozeman, where the department recommends limiting outdoor exertion for sensitive groups. Dense smoke from wildfires in Oregon is causing poor air quality in Montana, said Leeann Allegretto, meteorologist with the National Weather Service. She said the smoke is expected to linger at least through the weekend, with visibility ranging from 3 to 6 miles (5 to 10 kilometers) in Missoula. With large fires burning in British Columbia, California, Oregon and Idaho, Allegretto said she did not expect a major reprieve from smoky skies above Missoula in the coming days, even with storms expected to move into the area next week. Missoula could also experience above-average heat this weekend, with temperatures possibly exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 Celsius), though heavy smoke could keep the air from reaching full heat potential. Climate change has made the West much warmer and drier in the past 30 years, and scientists have long warned that the weather will get wilder as the world warms. Special calculations are needed to determine how much global warming is to blame, if at all, for a single extreme weather event. Meanwhile, extreme fire risk remains in much of Montana. The Alder Creek Fire has burned more than 5 square miles (13 square kilometers) west of Butte, leading to the evacuation Thursday of all 17 homes in Alder Creek, NBC Montana reported. Two people were charged Friday in the May shooting death of a 29-year-old man in southwest Houston, police said. Qiriathiam Phillips, 25, and Consetta Rao, 24, are each charged with murder in the 339th District Court of Harris County, according to court records. Prosecutors also charged Rao with felon in possession of a weapon. At the time of the killing, Phillips was out on surety bonds for seven felony charges stemming from two arrests last year, one in January and the other in April, according to court records. The charges from both incidents are two counts of possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, two counts of felon in possession of a weapon, evading arrest, tampering with evidence and aggravated assault, records show. INVESTIGATIONS: As killings tied to defendants out on bond rise in Houston, crime data reveals a crisis in courts Phillips' case comes on the heels of another case in which the defendant was out on seven bonds at the time of a homicide. Over the past year, public safety leaders have voiced concerns about defendants on multiple bonds who go on to allegedly commit new crimes. A recent Houston Chronicle investigation found 221 people who were charged with murder while out on bond from 2013 to 2020. The majority was out on only one bond, and the majority was also out on cash surety bonds. The length of time between bonding out and a homicide increased over time -- pointing to a startling backlog in the courts that has slowed down justice for defendants and victims. Republicans in the Texas Legislature are now trying to pass a bill that would namely limit the offenses for which defendants may not be released on cashless personal bonds. Phillips' case would not likely not apply under the new bill, because he was on surety bonds and paid cash for his release. Phillips bonded out of jail on a combined total of $105,000 in surety bonds for the three charges linked to a January shooting, according to court records. In March, he was arrested in Fort Bend County for unlawful possession of a weapon and was released the next day on $5,000 bond. Authorities later revoked and raised his bond to $55,000, which Phillips posted. The next month, Phillips was placed back in Harris County jail after authorities arrested him on multiple drug and weapons charges. He filed motions to reduce and reinstate his bond that were granted by a judge last summer. In July, Phillips was released from custody on $337,500 in surety bonds for all seven charges related to the two incidents, according to court records. The defendant's criminal history extends years back. Phillips was convicted in 2012 in Harris County court of failing to identify himself to a peace officer and unlawfully carrying a weapon, records show. In 2013, he was convicted and sentenced to two years for aggravated assault for threatening someone with a gun. In 2017, Phillips was convicted and sentenced to two years confinement on multiple drug and weapons charges. Rao, the other murder suspect, was convicted of assault in 2018 and sentenced to 30 days confinement. In 2016, she was convicted of robbery causing bodily injury and sentenced to three years confinement, according to court records. The fatal shooting happened around 3:15 on May 25 at an apartment complex located at 9502 Woodfair Drive in the Westwood neighborhood, according to Houston police. Phillips and Rao stand accused of fatally shooting of Tevin Watson. Authorities have released no motive or details about the circumstances of the daytime shooting. Officers who responded to the shooting scene found two children in the apartment. Watson had been shot at least one time and was taken to a hospital where he died, police said. Roughly a month after the fatal shooting, Phillips was taken into custody in late June on charges related to weapons, drugs and evading police, according to court records. He was already in custody on those charges when prosecutors filed the murder charge against him. Rao was arrested Thursday. Both murder suspects are scheduled to appear in court Monday morning. Samantha Ketterer contributed to this article. The Harris Health Systems COVID-19 ward was down to just one patient at the beginning of July. Anxious to hit zero COVID-19 patients, Dr. Esmaeil Porsa, the hospital systems CEO, purchased and stored a bottle of Martinellis sparkling grape juice fake champagne in his refrigerator. If the COVID ward emptied out, he would drive to Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital, one of the systems two medical centers, to celebrate with doctors and nurses. Instead, the numbers went the opposite direction. As of Friday morning, nurses were treating 14 COVID patients at LBJ Hospital. We really had the opportunity to have this darn thing beaten, Porsa said. COVID-19 infections are climbing upward again in Houston and Texas as vaccine rates lag, the delta variant spreads and people return to their normal lives. On HoustonChronicle.com: A fully-vaccinated Houston wedding led to 6 Delta variant cases. Did certain vaccines save lives? Most of the patients admitted to hospitals for COVID-19 are unvaccinated or have received just one dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, Porsa said. None of the 119 people who have died from COVID-19 at Harris Health since January were fully vaccinated. If that is not reason enough for us to change our attitudes toward a simple, accessible, proven safe and proven effective prevention Im just losing my mind, Porsa said. Hospitalizations across the state have increased by more than 75 percent in recent weeks: On June 27, 1,428 hospital beds were filled; by July 15, the number had reached 2,519. But even as COVID cases climb in Houston, the number of coronavirus tests conducted at city facilities continues to trend downward. While the Houston Health Department tested an average of 5,500 people per day for COVID-19 in January, the height of the most recent surge, it has averaged closer to 660 cases per day in recent weeks. This dip in rates may indicate fewer symptomatic infections: If people dont feel sick, they wont go in for a test, so a lower number of tests does not paint a full picture of the virus prevalence in Houston, said Dr. David Persse, the chief medical officer of the Houston Health Department. Still, even with fewer tests being administered, positivity rates are rising, from 3.3 percent two weeks ago to 4.9 percent last week, Persse said. Wastewater samples, which usually run ahead of testing figures and four weeks ahead of hospitalizations, currently point to an upswing of the virus in the community. What to expect Medical experts are split in terms of whether this recent increase will bring about a full-fledged surge. The numbers dont indicate an unmanageable increase yet, said Dr. David Lakey, a member of the Texas COVID-19 Expert Vaccine Allocation Panel. We have more admissions, more folks in the ICU, Lakey said. But not anywhere near where we were in January. In Texas, more than 12 million, or 51 percent, of people 12 and older are fully vaccinated; in Harris County, that number hovers around 2 million, or 53 percent, of those 12 and older, according to Texas Department of State Health Services data. And while breakthrough symptomatic infections have occurred at outdoor weddings and church camps, theyre still exceedingly rare, experts said. Just three of 92 people at a Houston-area wedding developed severe disease, one of whom died and it solidifies the vaccines efficacy rate against serious illness. Younger people are less likely to be vaccinated for COVID-19 but more likely to come down with the virus as they go back out into the world, Persse said. Federal data shows that 18- to 29-year-olds make up 20 percent of COVID cases nationwide. Rachel Flores, a 29-year-old teacher in Houston, is part of that statistic. After coming down with flu-like symptoms July 5, she tested positive for COVID on July 8. Her case was mild fatigue, one night of fever and chills but more than a week later, she still feels draggy. Now Im definitely going to get vaccinated, she said. This wasnt fun at all. As many as one in three young adults could be diagnosed with severe COVID, according to a University of California at San Francisco study. Younger patients may be at high risk for lingering COVID symptoms and unknown symptoms down the road, though. Researchers theorize there could be long-term neurological effects as a result of a COVID infection. I dont anticipate we will see an increase in hospitalizations that parallels the increase in infections like we have seen before, Persse said. Porsa, on the other hand, thinks Houston is on the cusp of another surge. Case rates have remained low since the winter holidays, but the fatigue of isolation is settling in. COVID-19 outbreaks are overwhelming states where there are low vaccination rates, particularly in the South. In Arkansas, for instance, the state health department reported fewer than 200 infections per day in early June. Now, the average tops more than 1,000 per day. The delta variant, a strain of SARS-CoV-2 thought to be 60 percent more transmissible than the original virus, is one potential driver of the increase in rates. Combined with slowing vaccination rates and hostility from those who are vaccine hesitant, health care workers worry infection rates will not stay low for long. At some point, we will run out of luck, Porsa said. Officials in major metropolitan areas are already rethinking their public health guidelines. In Travis County, Austin Public Health moved the city and county back to Stage 3 on Thursday, meaning people at high risk of COVID-19 complications should avoid traveling and gathering unless necessary, and wear masks wherever needed. In Los Angeles, local authorities reissued a mask requirement for indoor settings. Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo has yet to announce any rollbacks for the region. There is no conceivable reason why a single additional hospital bed in our healthcare system should be filled with someone who is sick from COVID-19 when vaccines are readily available and free, said Rafael Lemaitre, a spokesperson for Hidalgos office. Vaccination rates plateaued in late April amid high hesitancy rates and difficulty accessing immunization sites. In recent months, health officials piloted financial incentives such as scholarships to encourage younger people to sign up for an appointment. COVID HELP DESK: When do we sign up for a shot if I want my kid to be fully vaccinated when they go back to school? Porsa thought the pandemic would eventually become endemic, meaning the virus would still be present in the population but would not cause surges of infections. He hoped by this point, nearly a year-and-a-half into the COVID-19 crisis, infection rates would subside enough that fewer people would die. Indeed, the death rate is down significantly from the beginning of the year. At its peak in January, more than 30 people were dying per day of COVID-19 in Harris County. Since May, fatality rates averaged fewer than 10 people per day, according to state data. The day that we close down our COVID unit would be a big mental victory, but to have a COVID unit again? Porsa said. I don't even want to think about it. The celebratory sparkling grape juice will stay in Porsas refrigerator for now. gwendolyn.wu@chron.com twitter.com/gwendolynawu Staff Writer Lisa Gray contributed to this report. A Harris County district court judge on Friday raised bail to $8 million for a defendant accused of killing his ex-girlfriend and wounding their 1-year-old son while he was on bonds for five felonies and two misdemeanors. The jurists decision came on the same day authorities charged another man in a homicide which occurred two months ago while he was on bonds for seven felonies. The two men are among the latest defendants this year to be out on multiple bonds while accused of committing murder, a subset of cases which has already reached 70 and is set to surpass last years numbers. Such cases of late have infuriated public safety officials and family members of those killed . They also coincide with efforts in the Texas Legislature to reform parts of the states bail policies, especially in restricting cashless releases for defendants charged with violent offenses. Neither of the two recent defendants would qualify, because they posted surety bonds and paid thousands in cash to be released while awaiting trial. The men did, however, exceed the number of prior bonds for any defendant charged with murder between 2013 and 2020, according to a recent Houston Chronicle analysis. Those numbers of prior bonds are rising over time, alongside climbing case backlogs in the Harris County misdemeanor and felony courts. Records from the Harris County District Attorneys Office showed that in 2020, 18,796 defendants were charged with new felonies and misdemeanors while out on bond, a number that has tripled since 2015. Of those cases, 555 were out on between five and seven bonds and 74 were out on more than seven bonds. Bail increased to $8 million Monte Bach / Staff Zacchaeus Gaston, on bonds for five felony and two misdemeanor charges, on Friday struggled with deputies as they escorted him into Judge Natalia Cornelios courtroom. I dont wanna go in here bro, he said, trying to get away from the grip of two law enforcement officers. At least six deputies then removed Gaston from the courtroom, where he was represented by his attorney, Jeanie Ortiz. She has not returned requests for comment. Gaston, 27, was arrested late Wednesday in Houstons Alief area after a two-week manhunt in the death of 24-year-old Layla Steele. A magistrate in probable cause court set bail at $1 million in the murder case and $500,000 related to the wounding of 1-year-old Zeus amounts that Cornelio said were insufficient. During the probable cause hearing, Gaston had also spoken out of turn and was ordered to leave the courtroom. Out on bond Zacchaeus Gaston was out on surety bonds for the following cases: Sept. 3, 2019, Assault of family member, Bond: $50,000 (felony) Nov. 8, 2019, Failure to register as sex offender, $20,000 (felony) Feb. 10, 2020, Possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, $50,000 (felony) Sept. 16, 2020, Assault, $500 (misdemeanor) Oct. 14, 2020, Evading arrest, $1,000 (misdemeanor) Oct. 14, 2020, Felon in possession of a weapon, $25,000 (felony) April 4, 2021, Evading arrest, $30,000 (felony) See More Collapse Cornelio on Friday raised bail to $5 million for the murder charge, and $3 million for the aggravated assault charge on Gastons son. That amount still wasnt enough for some in the law enforcement community. Why was he even given a bond? said David Cuevas, president of the Harris County Deputies Organization. No criminal thats a threat to public safety should ever be given bond. Defendants have a right to non-excessive bail under the Eighth Amendment, and judges in Texas are limited in denying bail. They can only do so for capital murder defendants, defendants who violated bond conditions related to a victims or communitys safety, and defendants who violated an order related to the safety of a victim involving family violence. In a handful of other instances, a person can only be held without bail for 60 days. Steeles killing spurred outrage among her family, especially because of Gastons criminal record of three convictions and one open violent felony case. Prosecutors had requested numerous times over almost two years that Gastons bail be revoked or denied, but he kept paying cash to get out of jail. State attorneys had also noted that Gaston had contacted Steele, whom the court prohibited him from seeing because he allegedly assaulted her. Cornelio, who took over the case from former District Judge George Powell, held a bail review hearing in April, according to court records. During Gaston's court appearance Friday, Cornelio said she had previously kept bail the same because Steele testified on Gastons behalf. Another case of charges In a separate case, two people were charged Friday in the May shooting death of a 29-year-old man in southwest Houston. Authorities have released no motive or details about the circumstances of the May 25 shooting of Tevin Watson at an apartment complex located at 9502 Woodfair Drive in the Westwood neighborhood. Two children were in the apartment at the time. Qiriathiam Phillips, 25, and Consetta Rao, 24, are each charged with murder, according to court records. Prosecutors also charged Rao with felon in possession of a weapon. At the time of the killing, Phillips was out on surety bonds for seven felony charges stemming from two arrests last year, one in January and the other in April. The charges are two counts of possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, two counts of felon in possession of a weapon, evading arrest, tampering with evidence and aggravated assault, records show. Phillips bonded out of jail on a combined total of $105,000 in surety bonds for the three charges linked to a January shooting, according to court records. In March, he was arrested in Fort Bend County for unlawful possession of a weapon and was released the next day on $5,000 bond. The next month, Phillips was placed back in the Harris County Jail after authorities arrested him on multiple drug and weapons charges. He filed motions to reduce and reinstate his bond that were granted by a judge last summer. In July, Phillips was released from custody on $337,500 in surety bonds for all seven charges related to the two incidents, according to court records. Debate over cashless bonds Some law enforcement advocates have pointed to deaths such as Steeles and Watsons as reasons why they feel the Legislature should pass the proposed bill restricting cashless bonds for alleged violent offenders. Gaston and Phillips were never released by that method, however. The Republicans bill includes a provision that bars charitable organizations from posting bond for defendants accused or previously convicted of a violent crime; an expanded list of offenses for which defendants may not be released on cashless personal bonds; and a public safety report that requires judges and magistrates to consider criminal history when they consider setting bail. A recent Houston Chronicle investigation found 221 people who were charged with murder while out on bond from 2013 to 2020 - encompassing 231 deaths. The review found that such cases climbed as Harris Countys case backlog rose reaching more than 95,000 criminal cases in June, compared with 38,000 before Hurricane Harvey in 2017. The length of time between bonding out and a homicide also increased over time, pointing to the startling backlog being at the root of the issue, experts said. Gaston is scheduled to appear in court again on Tuesday, when Cornelio said she would review prosecutors bond motions on his prior cases. Both Rao and Phillips are scheduled to appear in court Monday morning. Nicole Hensley and Hannah Dellinger contributed to this report. samantha.ketterer@chron.com anna.bauman@chron.com Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan on Thursday removed state Rep. Joe Moody, D-El Paso, from his position as speaker pro tempore, the first sign of retribution for House Democrats after they fled the state earlier this week to block Republicans elections bill. Moody, one of more than 50 Democrats in the lower chamber who are camped out in Washington, D.C., was first appointed speaker pro tempore under former speaker Dennis Bonnen, a Republican, in 2019. He was appointed for a second term in January by Phelan, R-Beaumont. A largely ceremonial position, the speaker pro tempore is tasked with performing the duties of the speaker in their absence. The speaker pro tempore also presides over the House when it considers certain noncontroversial bills. Phelan did not issue a statement to accompany his order removing Moody from the post. Moody responded in a tweet, The most important titles in my life will never change: Dad, Husband, El Pasoan. Nothing political has ever even cracked the top three, so nothing has changed about who I am or what my values are. In a joint statement, state Reps. Rafael Anchia, Chris Turner, Nicole Collier and Garnet Coleman slammed the decision. We know first hand that Speaker Pro Tem Joe Moody has done more than any other member on the House Floor to protect our Chamber and the institution of the Texas House, the Democratic lawmakers said. Its unfortunate that Speaker Phelan has been unable to do the same. Without any way to compel Democrats to return to Texas, Phelan has demanded the lawmakers who broke quorum return their $221 per diem, and on Thursday released a list of members who he said had not started the process of returning their daily pay to the state. Phelan also said he would charter a plane that will be on standby in Washington, D.C. Saturday, an effort to further compel House Democrats to return to the State of Texas. Some House Republicans have questioned whether Democrats could be removed from their committee leadership roles in response to their decision to break quorum, a move that Gov. Greg Abbott said he supports. Phelan said House rules prevent chairmen from being stripped of their positions. jasper.scherer@chron.com Houston ISD expects to spend almost $1.2 billion in federal relief funds shoring up academic losses from the pandemic under a wide-ranging plan that would target accelerated instruction to kids who have fallen behind, bolster tutoring and after-school services, and seek to retain and recruit teachers with $2,500 stipends. Superintendent Millard House II sent an email addressed to Team HISD Thursday evening with a 54-slide presentation attached about how the district expects to use the money during the next two to three years, according to a copy obtained by the Chronicle on Friday. The plan outlined 11 areas needing attention, including tutoring, college and military readiness, wraparound programs, special education, student engagement and classroom technology. The money comes from $122 billion for Elementary and Secondary School Education Relief funds included in the American Rescue and Relief Plan Act, passed by Congress in March. HISD has been awarded $804 million from that. The district was allocated $358 million from an earlier round of funding this month. According to the plan distributed by House, nearly $130 million will be aimed at reversing learning losses in reading, math, science and social studies. About $76 million would be spent on before- and after-school programs, $50 million would go to special education, $53 million for college and military readiness, and $60 million would be directed at social and emotional learning, including the hiring of up to 150 additional counselors and social workers. It was not clear if the plan is final. A district spokesperson referred a reporter to Houses letter. Over the past several months, we have taken feedback from our students, teachers, staff members, parents, and community members on how these funds should be allocated, House said in the e-mail to staff. We have determined a plan on how to move forward, finding the places where that extra money will have the biggest impact. The deadline for school districts to submit plans to the Texas Education Agency for spending the federal funding is July 27. The district submitted an application for its $804 million allotment Thursday, TEA confirmed Friday. The presentation also included results from the 2020-21 school year, which ended with half of the districts students learning remotely. Among them: Approximately 41,000 students are expected to need interventions in reading, math and behavior starting this fall; More than 4,000 fewer students in the districts gifted and talented program performed at or above benchmarks in grades 1 through 12; Roughly half of the students designated as English language learners, who account for a third of the districts overall student population, did not meet passing standards on the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness grades 3-8 reading assessment. The plan calls for $30 million to be allocated for such learners and to be used for additional resources, tutors and 11 additional multilingual specialists. Additionally, the plan calls for every campus library to be brought to state standards and for the expansion of programs to address an increase in students needing urgent intervention in early literacy and reading. In his e-mail, House said the district plans to host an informational virtual meeting next week to share the details of the plan with our parents, guardians, community members, and the public at large, and provide an opportunity to hear from our stakeholders. The district previously had announced 15 days would be added to the 2021-2022 school calendar. Under the plan, teachers would receive yearly $2,500 recruitment and retention stipends to be paid in two installments, in addition to the $2,500 pay increases approved by the districts board in June. All returning employees also would receive a $500 retention stipend paid annually in September. Adeeb Barqawi, who founded the nonprofit ProUnitas and had not yet seen the presentation, said the money should be spent to start programs to help children while remaining cognizant it is a one-time investment. Like tutoring services, re-hiring or utilizing retired teachers, a lot of investment in our existing teachers to retain them those would definitely come as one of the first things that I think about when it comes to using this money, Barqawi said. I would love the idea if there was a fund for basic needs, rental assistance and so on where existing wraparound resources and counselors would be able to use that fund for immediate needs that are going to come as students come back to school. The plan also calls for $34 million to be spent on upgrading school heating and air conditioner filtration systems, which the district cited as critical for combating communicable diseases. Houston Federation of Teachers President Jackie Anderson, leader of the districts largest employees union, said it appeared House had a clear plan outlined and lauded the stipends for teachers but said more of the money should be allocated to educators. He needs to make sure that he is using the funds in a way that is going to optimize student success, said Anderson, who added she had to get a copy of the presentation from an educator, but includes teachers. alejandro.serrano@chron.com The Carnival Vista, a 1,100-foot-long cruise ship carrying more than 2,800 passengers, returned to Galveston last Saturday to close out a seven-day Caribbean trip with no masks or social distancing required onboard for most guests. The trip was made possible by CDC regulations permitting cruise operators to sail with reduced COVID-19 measures if they ensure 98 percent of crew members and 95 percent of passengers are fully vaccinated. The remaining 5 percent of passengers consist of children under 12 and others who cannot be vaccinated. The sailing order replaces the agencys March 2020 ban on voyages after cruise ships suffered some of the first coronavirus outbreaks. The CDCs limitations on the cruise industry have faced mounting opposition in some states. Floridas attorney general sued the agency in federal court and in June won a preliminary injunction prohibiting the CDC from enforcing its order in Florida starting on July 18. The agency is appealing the decision. A Florida law effective July 1 prohibits businesses from demanding proof of vaccination, causing a standoff with the cruise industry. Some cruise lines threatened to stop serving Florida ports. Norwegian Cruise Line has sued to challenge the ban. By Aug. 1, Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean Cruises will require unvaccinated passengers in Florida to obtain travel insurance covering medical expenses and emergency medical evacuation. But in Texas, where Gov. Greg Abbott has signed into law a ban on vaccine passports, operators including Carnival and Royal Caribbean are still requiring vaccines thanks to an exemption allowing businesses to comply with public health guidelines such as the CDC order. I think what Gov. Abbott did in Texas was in support of the cruise lines, said Rodger Rees, director and CEO of the Port of Galveston, which has averaged about 300 voyages per year from Carnival, Royal Caribbean and seasonal operators. We have that one exception, which has allowed us to start first, he said, referring to cruise lines being able to require vaccines in Texas. The Carnival Vistas July 3 excursion from Galveston marked Carnival Cruise Lines first U.S. voyage since the pandemic began. Under the CDCs sailing order, cruise lines that agree to a vaccinated crew and passengers can bypass the agencys requirement for simulated voyages to test COVID-19 protocols. Even with a successful test run, passengers must remain masked and socially distanced, leading many cruise lines to opt for requiring vaccines. The current CDC requirements for cruising with a guest base that is unvaccinated will make it very difficult to deliver the experience our guests expect, said Carnival president Christine Duffy in a June 7 press release. Our alternative is to operate our ships from the U.S. during the month of July with vaccinated guests. Rees said the CDC order gave vaccinated passengers on the Vista the near-normal experience they crave. If you get on a cruise ship, you dont want to wear a mask when theres fresh air out at sea, he said. They were ecstatic. The cruise industry normally brings 1 million visitors per year to Galveston who stay in hotels, eat at restaurants and purchase long-term parking, making cruises vital to the islands economy. On HoustonChronicle.com: Cruises return to help Galvestons economic recovery along In turn, Galveston is a favorable location for the cruise industry to restart, in part because 70 percent of passengers drive to the port rather than fly in, according to Rees. Passengers who test positive for the coronavirus and are turned away from boarding can drive home for treatment, simplifying the passenger care arrangements cruise lines must make with public health agencies, hospitals and hotels, Rees said. Not all passengers are pleased with the cruise lines vaccine requirements, with some taking to social media to protest the CDC order while others defended their decision to be vaccinated. I think the requirement is ridiculous, said Dawn Darden, a northeast Texas resident who has cruised out of Galveston and New Orleans. I just spent three days crammed into Schlitterbahn with thousands of people with no masks, no vaccines, and no problems. I will wait until I can do the same on a cruise, she said. On HoustonChronicle.com: COVID Help Desk: Can we take cruises again? Customers individual qualms with vaccines have not reduced business, Rees said. So far, three Carnival cruises have departed Galveston, each at over 70 percent occupancy, with Royal Caribbean planning to restart in August. That demand is good news for an industry that had expected this years voyages to be half full at most, said Rees, who forecasted 2022 will be the industrys best year on record based on ticket pre-sales. But cruise lines are still grappling with uncertainty over state laws and the fate of the CDC order, set to expire on Nov. 1, said Rees. If Texas were to ban vaccine requirements outright, cruise lines would likely adopt similar measures for unvaccinated passengers as in Florida, he said. Still, no matter what happens, there are enough loyal cruisers that are more than willing to go through the protocols needed to get back in the ships, Rees said. We understand the risk, were willing to take those risks, we just want to get back to cruising, he said. Rebecca Carballo contributed to this report. charlie.zong@chron.com A federal judge in Houston on Friday ordered the U.S. government to block new DACA applicants and said the program is illegal. The ruling puts added pressure on President Joe Biden and Democrats to safeguard protections for undocumented immigrants who were brought to the U.S. as children, known as Dreamers. U.S. District Judge Andrew Hanen ruled in favor of Texas and other Republican-led states challenging the program. Hanen said in the order that the Obama Administration did not have the legal authority in 2012 to establish the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program , which protected some undocumented immigrants who were brought to the U.S. as children from deportation and provided work permits. It makes me mad because I feel like Im missing opportunities that others got, said Cesar Hernandez, a 19-year-old Cypress resident who said this year he was set to apply for DACA status. Since Hernandez sisters became DACA recipients, he said theyve enjoyed privileges he never has: having jobs, owning cars and buying houses. I was hoping for the same opportunities as them he said at a press conference organized by FIEL Houston an immigrant rights group. The ruling will likely impact tens of thousands of teenagers and young adults who immigrated to the U.S. from securing legal protections. Though the federal government will continue to accept applications, the ruling prevents it from approving any more unless the higher courts permit it. There are currently more than 616,000 people enrolled in DACA.. Hanen wrote that current recipients would not be immediately affected. He left the decision about the future of current recipients up to the higher courts. The uncertainty about the future is a burden, said Susie Lujano, a DACA recipient who lives blocks away from the federal courthouse in Downtown Houston where the decision was made. I felt sick to my stomach, she said of learning the news. Its dehumanizing, she added at the news conference Lujano, three months pregnant, broke down in tears, saying she feared for her familys future. Even with DACA, theres no certainty, she said. Recipients must reapply every two years. This is a really big fear of mine, she said of the threat of her family being torn apart. Cesar Espinosa, executive director of FIEL Houston, called on Democratic lawmakers to hastily make a permanent pathway to citizenship for all immigrants. Weve seen some improvements with the Biden administration, but we need permanent change, he said. Hanens decision limits the immediate ability of Biden, who pledged during his campaign to protect DACA, to keep the program or something similar in place. His ruling is the second by a federal judge in Texas stopping Bidens immigration plans, after a court barred enforcement of Bidens 100-day stay on most deportations. The program has been challenged in court since former President Barack Obama instituted it in June 2012. In Fridays ruling, Hanen wrote that the states proved the hardship that the continued operation of DACA has inflicted on them. He continued: Furthermore, the government has no legitimate interest in the continuation of an illegally implemented program. Biden has already proposed legislation that would provide a pathway to citizenship for the estimated 11 million people living in the U.S. without authorization. He also ordered agencies to make efforts to preserve the program. Supporters of DACA, including those who argued before Hanen to save it, have said a law passed by Congress is necessary to provide permanent relief. Hanen has said Congress must act if the U.S. wants to provide the protections in DACA to recipients commonly known as Dreamers. The House approved legislation in March creating a pathway toward citizenship for Dreamers, but the measure has been stalled in the Senate. Immigration advocates hope to include a provision opening that citizenship doorway in sweeping budget legislation Democrats want to approve this year, but its unclear whether that language will survive. Hanens ruling came after a nearly 3 1 / 2 hour court hearing Dec. 22 on DACAs fate. The states argued that Obama never had the authority in 2012 to create DACA because it circumvented Congress. The states also argued that the program drains their educational and healthcare resources. Suing alongside Texas were Alabama, Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nebraska, South Carolina, and West Virginia states that all had Republican governors or state attorneys general. The Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund and the New Jersey Attorney Generals Office, which defended the program on behalf of a group of DACA recipients, argued Obama did have the authority and that the states lacked the standing to sue because they had not suffered any harm due to the program. Hanen rejected Texas request in 2018 to stop the program through a preliminary injunction. But in a foreshadowing of his latest ruling, he said he believed DACA as enacted was likely unconstitutional. If the nation truly wants to have a DACA program, it is up to Congress to say so, Hanen wrote in 2018. The Associated Press contributed to this report. hannah.dellinger@chron.com Texas Southern University has partnered with the Smithsonians National Museum of African American History and Culture to strengthen archives and create a pipeline of new museum employees. The Houston university announced in a release this week that it is one of five historically Black colleges to participate in the national museums five-year project, which will work to improve the care of HBCU archives and help share the stories of African Americans and their role in American history around the world. The project also aims to educate students from underrepresented groups on the various positions within the museum industry from archivists, art conservators and curators to directors and designers. The consortium also includes Clark Atlanta University, Florida A&M University, Jackson State University and Tuskegee University. Texas Southerns University Museum, which was founded in 2000 with the vision of renowned artist John Biggers and the universitys first president, Raphael OHara Lanier, is home to thousands of African and African American artworks that celebrate the African diaspora. This Smithsonian collaboration provides for us an unprecedented platform to give our students these incredible opportunities with major institutions. The NMAAHC is such a visionary place, said Dr. Alvia Wardlaw, director and curator of TSUs museum. They have all these role models and going to the national museum and seeing Black curators and Black conservators will do nothing but inspire. The national museums strategic partnership office will lead the initiative, creating a pipeline of museum archive specialists, curators and educational experts through internships, fellowship programs and training for underrepresented groups. The office will also help digitize HBCU collections, creating an archive thats more accessible for scholars and the public. A traveling exhibition, including archives from the various HBCUs, will also allow people around the world to view each institutions unique collections, which are chock full of African American art and culture. Staff and experts from the Smithsonian will also work directly with TSU students, participate in workshops and help assess each universitys collections. The program comes at an opportune time, Wardlaw said. Its something that we always wanted to do, but in the past, we did not have the staff to devote to working specifically on our collections and making them available in different ways to the public like other small museums, Wardlaw said. On HoustonChronicle.com: For KTSU, its 50th anniversary celebrations start now The partnership will also help enrich TSUs museum studies minor, which is set to launch this fall, and will educate students on the various possibilities in the world of art, museums and curation. And though diversity within the museum industry appears to be increasing a survey by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation showed that 35 percent of the staff hired at 332 American museums in 2018 were people of color, up from 26 percent in 2015 Wardlaw said theres still work to do. Many positions within the countrys museums still do not reflect the diversity of communities, and the institutions themselves are often isolated, resulting in lack of knowledge about their opportunities, she said. Our students dont think those opportunities are there because people dont share them or have that relationship, Wardlaw said. As a result, TSU has attempted to keep students abreast of opportunities within the museum industry, often in an informal way, and has successfully enrolled students into the Mellon Undergraduate Curatorial Fellowship. But the partnership with NMAAHC will take these efforts to a new level, allowing the university to provide more education, mentorship and opportunities to students, and what Wardlaw hopes to be a fruitful collaboration among HBCUs. Its going to be a rich exchange, she said. brittany.britto@chron.com The world is in a race against time to slow the warming of the planet before climate change does irrevocable damage to the nearly 8 billion people who call it home and America is behind. An idea that has been floating around Congress for years, but with much greater urgency and bipartisan support lately, could help change that if only President Biden would ignore many loud voices within his own party and embrace a carbon tax. On Wednesday, the European Union pulled into the lead with an ambitious proposal to aggressively reduce carbon emissions among its 27 member nations. The detailed plan, on top of strong laws already in place, aims to reduce carbon emissions there by 55 percent from 1990 levels by 2030. President Biden in April committed America to reducing its emissions by 43 percent by then and immediately business interests and others who hold sway in a gridlocked U.S. Senate protested under the banner of gradualism, as if Earth itself werent running out of time. Both sets of goals are aimed at moving the world closer to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, the drop-dead date most scientists agree will give Earth at least a fighting chance to survive the accelerating climate changes that threaten our coasts, our cities and many of our lives. Neither will be easy to reach, not the just-announced EU goals nor even the more tepid pace Biden has set. Especially in Houston, the nations energy capital, the inevitable shift away from fossil fuels will involve new costs and choices for consumers and industry alike, and they will require sometimes painful trade-offs. Thats true even though there are also enormous opportunities. The United States is also falling behind China in the race to sell the expertise and infrastructure to reduce carbon emissions. Representatives of the Houston area, where a highly trained workforce stands ready to help develop green products, should be advocating for a mix of regulation and incentives so companies based here lead the next energy revolutions. Its about jobs, and Americas ability to promote democratic values in the face of Chinas growing dominance in renewable technology. The EU plans will add taxes to some products and regulate others out of existence. One eye-raising example? Tighter emissions standards will effectively outlaw new sales of gas- and diesel-powered automobiles by 2035. The EU will also seek to impose tariffs on goods imported from other nations, including the United States, that are not aggressively seeking to reduce their own carbon footprint. After years of proclaiming how unfair the world will be if the United States unilaterally reduced its carbon footprint while India and China continue to pollute at alarming rates, policymakers in Washington should now reflect on the fact that the EU is making the same argument about this country. We're going to ask a lot of our citizens. We're also going to ask a lot of our industries, but we do it for good cause, EU climate policy chief Frans Timmermans told Reuters. We do it to give humanity a fighting chance. The path ahead for Europe will be bumpy. Already France is warning about a return of the yellow-vested protesters in Paris and across the continent, if higher taxes on heating fuels are enacted. In addition, nations like ours affected by the tariffs may well allege protectionism before the World Trade Organization, and companies with vested interests in the status quo will fight back. But all these challenges notwithstanding, what Europe has and America lacks is a broad consensus among voters, companies and governments that climate change is a dire even existential threat that requires aggressive response, changed behaviors and new energy sources. Despite Bidens promise in April, theres little to show for it. Congress latest budget outlines include massive spending on social and physical infrastructure as well as a carbon tariff of our own but little detail and many crucial votes ahead. Biden should seize the moment and adopt the carbon tax idea that Democrats have been fighting for on and off for decades and which now has the blessing of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the American Petroleum Institute and a growing, if still too-small, list of Republican lawmakers. At its core, a carbon tax would impose a fee on coal, natural gas and petroleum, including gasoline and other products, based on how much carbon is released when they are burned. That tax would in most cases be passed onto consumers, and to varying degrees among the rival bills awaiting hearings in Congress consumers would be paid a check each year to offset those higher costs. As carbon-emitting options get more expensive, consumers will vote with their wallets for cleaner ones and pocket the savings that come through the rebate. Consumers who keep using the more heavily polluting products, perhaps out of necessity, can use their rebates to partially offset their higher costs. As opposed to outright bans on drilling, a carbon tax would extend a lifeline to fossil fuel companies leaving open options for reducing emissions including carbon sequestration, utilization and storage. So whats the problem? Environmentalists who have Bidens ear offer two reasons why the carbon tax should remain on the shelf. First, they say, with the need so dire, the administration must focus on more aggressive changes such as the ones proposed by the EU and actively push Americans away from fossil fuels. Attaching a tax to carbon will, they argue, legitimize a continued place for fossil fuels in our economy. On the second point, they note that support by industry should be a warning sign, not a reason to cheer. The carbon tax in principle is easy to love it only gets tough when its a big enough tax to actually change consumer and industry behavior alike. On both points, the environmentalists make sense. No, a carbon tax is not enough to make America a leader in the worlds race to avoid climate catastrophe. And yes, the support from sources such as the American Petroleum Institute and Big Oil mean little until they put muscle behind specific, meaningful bills. And recent leaked conversations with former Exxon lobbyists who claimed the companys much ballyhooed support for a carbon tax was simply a public relations ploy do nothing to ease those concerns. Still, these objections risk making the perfect the enemy of the good. The EU already has a carbon-pricing mechanism that has helped reduce emissions, and its latest proposals would build on that. America can do the same, even after it passes a carbon tax. As for the concern that the API, the Chamber and other business-friendly voices are hiding behind generalities and have no interest in supporting reform with teeth well, there is only one way to find out. Biden has the bully pulpit and his party leads both chambers in Congress. He should use his fragile advantage to put America back in this race. The clock is ticking. Since last Novembers general elections were conducted during the upheaval of a global pandemic, our sacred right to vote has been a frequent topic of discussion and sometimes heated debate. Gov. Greg Abbott added election integrity on the call for our current special session to allow all legislators the opportunity to discuss and improve our elections codes, a process that is not uncommon, and one that has continually been done over the years in our state. Its understandable that a debate on voting practices has provoked a passionate response. Its regrettable that much of the discussion this summer has been based on misconceptions and hyperbole and its disheartening to see a number of my fellow colleagues in the House leave the state rather then fully participate in the democratic process of our Legislature. Despite being portrayed as a partisan issue, the integrity of our elections is an issue all Texans can agree upon. Texans of all political affiliations should be encouraged by the recent renewed emphasis on preserving our free and fair elections and our fundamental right to vote. As lawmakers, we want to ensure an equal opportunity for all Texas voters to have their voices heard. That's why I filed House Bill 3, the Election Integrity Protection Act of 2021, during the 87th legislative special session currently underway in Austin, which seeks to create statewide standards for the equitable conduct of elections while preserving the validity of each and every ballot. Last year, we bore witness to unprecedented events that exposed shortcomings across many aspects of our society. Unfortunately, elements of our election process were caught up in the general confusion, with voting regulations sometimes differing from one area of the state to the next as individual counties created ad hoc voting measures outside of Texas' election code. House Bill 3 would provide for uniformity and consistency of our state's election laws across all 254 counties, a policy that ensures that all Texans receive a fair and equal opportunity to vote. Rather than overhauling our election system or disenfranchising voters, this election integrity bill protects legal voters and does not impair Texans' current right to vote. By filing this omnibus piece of legislation, I intended for all my House colleagues to come together and consider all facets of our election process. Importantly, this bill also seeks to clear up the confusion that arose during the past election cycle. It establishes definitive time frames (6 a.m. to 10 p.m. on early voting weekdays) and an expanded minimum of at least nine hours of availability for weekday early voting for most jurisdictions. The bill also preserves the level of local flexibility that we have come to expect by allowing jurisdictions to decide when their polls will be open for minimum hour requirements within standardized time frames. Having uniformity during the two weeks of early voting afforded to all Texas voters certainly allows them to better plan their schedules to visit the polls. The bill also aligns the identification requirements of ballots by mail with those already in statute for in-person voting by requiring applicants for mail-in ballots to provide identifying information such as a driver license number, state issued identification number or the last four digits of their social security number. Should an error or omission occur during this process, the voter is expressly provided with opportunities to cure. For example, when a voter fails to sign the carrier envelope for his or her mail-in ballot, voting officials will return the envelope or contact the voter via telephone or email to allow the voter the opportunity to correct the defect. As a matter of good policy, House Bill 3 takes steps to reduce the likelihood of fraud in our electoral process by, among other things, ensuring that a person registering to vote is providing his or her own information, criminalizing vote harvesting, and clarifying the handling of electronic election records and materials. Moreover, overt steps have been made to promote voter access and ensure that voters with disabilities participate at the ballot box, including mechanisms for voter registrars to automatically forward registrations to a voters new home county, express protections for voters in line for early voting when the polls close, clarifications that assistance is allowed for voters unable to read, and codification of federal law protecting an employees ability to take time off to vote early. The bill also requires courts to prioritize election-related lawsuits during the period leading up to an election so that a timely resolution of disputes is achieved, preserving voters confidence in election returns and fairness to all candidates and political parties. After filing House Bill 3, I contacted my House colleagues letting them know it had been filed and asking for input early in the process. I remain ready, willing and hopeful that my colleagues will return to Austin and engage in productive discussions with this diverse body representing Texans across the state to pass important election reforms. I look forward to the collaborative and significant work of creating a uniform voting process that will preserve confidence in our states elections and protect all Texans equal opportunity to cast their ballots. Murr is a state representative for Texas House District 53 (Junction) and a Republican. Courtesy Random House In March 1965, peaceful demonstrators set about a march from Selma to Montgomery, Ala., to show the world the need for voting rights. They were met violently by state troopers in a brutal, shameful scene that would become infamously known as Bloody Sunday. America watched the scenes play out in shocked silence. Enough was enough. President Lyndon Johnson demanded a law to guarantee voting rights for all Americans and he got it. That summer, Johnson invited me to Washington, and I was in the U.S. Capitol where he signed the Voting Rights Act into law on Aug. 6, surrounded by Democrats and Republicans alike who supported the bill by an overwhelming majority. I was not unfamiliar with the political tactic of disenfranchisement here in Texas. Texas used a poll tax to suppress voting as late as 1963, and as speaker of the House, I helped repeal the poll tax statewide. But the Voting Rights Act brought sweeping reform, including identifying areas that had a long, documented history of racial discrimination in voting and requiring the Department of Justice to approve any change to the voting laws prior to their enactment otherwise known as preclearance. Five years following the enactment of the Voting Rights Act, almost as many Blacks registered to vote in the South as in the entire century before. A homeopathic doctor in California is the first person to face federal charges for selling fake COVID-19 vaccination cards, the authorities said. The doctor, Juli A. Mazi of Napa, California, also sold COVID-19 immunization pellets to patients, federal prosecutors said. She was arrested Wednesday and charged with one count of wire fraud and one count of false statements related to health care matters, according to a criminal complaint. Mazi faces up to 20 years in prison and hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines, the authorities said. Mazi sold pellets for $243 that she said contained a very minute amount of the coronavirus that would trigger an immune response and provide lifelong immunity to COVID-19, the complaint said. To encourage customers to purchase the pellets, prosecutors said, Mazi falsely told them that the three COVID-19 vaccines authorized for use in the United States contained toxic ingredients. She also offered homeopathic immunizations for childhood illnesses that she falsely claimed would satisfy immunization requirements for California schools, according to the complaint. Mazi could not immediately be reached for comment. It was not immediately clear if she had a lawyer. She describes herself on her website as a naturopathic doctor who received her doctorate from the National University of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon. She is trained in traditional medical sciences and ancient and modern modalities that use nature to heal, the site says. She also offers classical homeopathy, a medical system developed more than 200 years ago in Germany. It uses the theory that a disease can be cured by a substance that produces similar symptoms, and the notion that medications are more effective at minimum dosages, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. There is little evidence to support homeopathy as an effective treatment for illnesses, the center said, citing a 2015 assessment by Australias National Health and Medical Research Council. A number of concepts in homeopathy are not consistent with fundamental scientific concepts, the center said. Authorities began investigating Mazi after someone filed a complaint in April saying that relatives had purchased the COVID-19 immunization pellets from her and that they had not received any of the approved COVID-19 vaccinations. In addition to the pellets, prosecutors said, Mazi also sent the family COVID-19 vaccination cards that listed Moderna. She instructed them to mark the cards to falsely state that they received the vaccine on the date they ingested the pellets. Its unclear how many people purchased COVID-19 immunization pellets from Mazi, but she received more than $200,000 through Square, a digital payment processing company, from January 2020 to May 2021, the complaint said. A majority of the transactions did not indicate the purpose of the payments, but 25 transactions amounting to more than $7,500 were noted to indicate that they were for COVID-19 treatments, according to the complaint. This defendant allegedly defrauded and endangered the public by preying on fears and spreading misinformation about FDA-authorized vaccinations, while also peddling fake treatments that put peoples lives at risk, Lisa Monaco, deputy attorney general, said in a statement. She added that the use of false vaccination cards allowed people to circumvent efforts to contain the spread of the disease. Steven Ryan, special agent in charge of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, said the department would continue to investigate fraudsters who mislead the public. This doctor violated the all-important trust the public extends to health care professionals at a time when integrity is needed the most, he said in a statement. In May, authorities in California arrested the owner of a bar on charges that he had sold fake COVID-19 vaccination cards at his business. There are also concerns that people sharing photographs of their vaccination card, complete with their name and birth date, could make themselves vulnerable to identity theft or scams. This article originally appeared in The New York Times. 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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Columbia-Greene Media has recently teamed up with the US Postal Service to provide same-day delivery of your local newspaper with your mail. Our expanded daily delivery of your local news reaches into the following areas: Hudson, NY (12534) Today Cloudy early with peeks of sunshine expected late. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 78F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Mostly clear. Low 62F. Winds light and variable. And on Sunday, Lafond will be painting on Spring Street as part of the Williamstown Cultural District's first Summer Sundays event of 2021. Williamstown's Summer Sundays Return with Focus on Arts WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. Artist Bob Lafond does not mind people bothering him when he works. "Earlier this year, I was painting for a while on the streets of North Adams," Lafond said this week. "People became familiar with me, and they would wave or say, 'I love your stuff' and things like that. Eventually they would have the courage to come up and ask a question. "I just keep painting away." And on Sunday, Lafond will be painting on Spring Street as part of the Williamstown Cultural District's first Summer Sundays event of 2021. He is one of three artists who will be creating work on the street -- and welcoming questions from passers-by -- from 3 to 6 p.m. as part of a program chock full of art, music, dance and sidewalk vendors. "I don't know when the last summer Summer Sundays was," said Williamstown Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Sue Briggs. "It went through a couple of iterations. "This is definitely more art and culture driven, trying to bring in not only artist vendors but also art demos as well as music and dance performance artists." The event is the first of two Summer Sundays planned this year. The second will be Aug. 22. Briggs said the local cultural district received a grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council to fund the events, which have been in the works since the end of March. "We had a vision of it in the winter," Briggs said. "We really wanted to do something to bring the community together, but at that time the state was still very much in lockdown. We didn't know what the event would look like, but we knew it needed to be outdoors. "With the turnout we had for the Fourth of July [parade and fireworks], I think the community will be ready and interested even if it's a short-term, pop-up kind of event." The street fair is being held in conjunction with the Williamstown Cultural District's ongoing public art show, "Coming Into the Light." This Sunday's event will feature live music from a jazz trio led by Michael Junkins, solo pianist Felix Sun and ethnomusicologist Tendai Muparutsa, who co-directs the Kusika and the Zambezi Marimba Band at Williams College. Also planned are dance performances by Berkshire Dance Theatre and dysFUNKcrew, a local dance troupe made up of Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts Dance Company alumni. There will be activities provided by the Print Shop, the Clark Art Institute and the Williams College Museum of Art and local vendors like artists Anna Moriarty Lev and Nate Hempill, publisher New Europe Books and Spring Street retailer Where'd You Get That?! Summer Sunday will be capped by Images Cinema's screening of "Spider-Man: Homecoming" as part of its Family Flicks Under the Stars series at sundown. Fine art will be on display at Spring Street's Greylock Gallery and the Poker Flats Gallery on nearby Water Street. And practicing artists scheduled to demonstrate their skills live include Sally Sussman, Trevor Murphy, Ghetta Hirsch and Lafond. Spring Street will not be closed to traffic, but part of Walden Street will be closed, and the event will use Morgan Lawn at the top of Spring Street and the lawn at the Williams Inn, Briggs said. "I think I'm going to show up at 3 and find a spot," Lafond said. "I don't think the sun is going to be shining too much, so we won't have to worry about that. Hopefully, it won't be raining. "I've done Spring Street before, but I'm always looking for an excuse to set up on the sidewalk. Probably no one will pay attention to me, or they may come up and ask questions. I don't mind people coming up and talking to me." And, having taught classes in painting, Lafond is used to discussing art as he creates it. "Generally, plein air painters like to paint by themselves or with other plein air painters in remote locations where nobody bothers them," he said. "But in this situation, I have no problem with that. "Usually people just ask for permission, 'Can I look?' Someone will always say, 'I paint, too,' and I come back and ask them why they aren't out here painting. It's not too often that you get a technical question like, 'What kind of red do you use?' or something like that. They're just curious. It's not common to see a painter on the street." Sometimes, the questions delve a little deeper. "I've painted in France on the streets, and a couple of years ago in Nice a whole class of students came by," Lafond said. "One said to me that he was having a hard time starting a painting. I pulled out my sketch book to show him how I start with the composition. He was pretty interested in that." UK fishermen accuse Boris of 'burnishing green credentials' and killing fishing grounds by Joe Barnes July 16,2021 | Source: Express Fishermen in the United Kingdom have warned that wind farm projects risk leaving them displaced and have "enormous scope" to disrupt the industry. The Governments decision to rapidly expand areas of the sea covered by wind turbines would further reduce their fishing opportunities, they fear. The National Federation of Fishermens Organisations said the colossal scale of expansion is hard to comprehend and would encroach extensively on customary fishing grounds. Downing Street wants to create 60,000 jobs in offshore wind by 2030 by expanding capacity from 22 gigawatts to 154 gigawatts. A similar shift to renewable energy is being planned by French President Emmanuel Macron as he hopes to lead the way in the global fight against climate change. Barrie Deas, chief executive of the NFFO, said: Weve already seen displacement effects of fishing boats by wind farms already in place, and this is a massive expansion. In a briefing with journalists yesterday, he stressed that both wind farms and the seabed cables connecting them to the grid were shrinking fishing grounds. Modern turbines are now five times larger than when they were first deployed and are now being constructed over 100km from shore in waters over 50 metres deep. Mr Deas also accused the Government of burnishing its green credentials by creating 40 marine protected areas. He said the changes had forced Dutch trawlermen into pristine areas that have never been fished before. The NFFO has called for more time to examine what fishing methods were compatible with the environmental goals of such protected areas. Environmentalists have disputed the fishing lobbys approach, insisting that the Governments decision to enforce marine protected areas are welcome and long overdue. Charles Clover, executive director of Blue Marine Foundation, said 60 percent of scientifically assessed UK stocks are still being overfished. He told the FT: Not all fishing methods are likely to be banned in these offshore protected areas anyway only the carbon-emitting, habitat-destroying dinosaurs, the dredgers and trawlers that NFFO mostly represents a large proportion of which are foreign-owned. Fishermen have been warned they are facing a decades-long "war of attrition" with Brussels over post-Brexit fishing rights. The industry warned it expects EU-UK relations to turn "toxic" over access to British coastal waters. 2021 Express Newspapers Theme(s): Post Harvest Technology and Trade. Africas fisheries sector threatened by subsidies Experts July 16,2021 | Source: The Independent The growth of the fisheries industry in Africa is in jeopardy amid subsidies from rich economies that have encouraged unfair competition and exploitation of the resource that harms the marine ecosystem in the continent, experts said in Nairobi on Wednesday. Rashid Sumaila, a Nigerian scholar and professor of Ocean and Fisheries at the University of British Columbia in Canada said that the multilateral trading regime should abolish subsidies that are a threat to artisanal fishing in Africa. There is a need for rich nations to end subsidies in the fisheries sector that have often worked against Africas coastal communities that depend on fish as a primary source of food and income, said Sumaila. He said that African countries should have a bigger say on negotiations for fisheries subsidies that commenced at the World Trade Organization (WTO) two decades ago to ensure the interests of artisanal fishermen are factored in. Sumaila noted that subsidizing industrial fishing threatens the livelihoods of Africas coastal communities already reeling from negative impacts of climate change, poverty and marine pollution. He called for pan African collaboration to protect the indigenous fisheries sector, combat illegal fishing and strengthen conservation of marine ecosystems in order to achieve food security and enhance climate resilience. Beatrice Gorez, coordinator and spokesperson of the Coalition for Fair Fisheries Arrangement said that regulated fishing combined with the development of clean water, power, sanitation, and roads as opposed to subsidies is key to transform the livelihoods of Africas coastal communities. 2021, The Independent. All Rights Reserved Theme(s): Fisheries Development and Aquaculture. Thousands of tonnes of sardines and other marine life wash up on Mexico's Baja coast July 16,2021 | Source: Mexico News Daily Thousands of tonnes of dead sardines as well as other fish and marine life washed up on the northern Pacific coast of Baja California Sur over the weekend in an event described by local environmentalists as the states worst ever marine ecological tragedy. Massive quantities of sardines as well as smaller amounts of other fish such as combers and anchovies along with sea cucumbers and lobsters, some of which were still alive, washed up on beaches on Sebastian Vizcaino Bay, located off the northwest coast of the municipality of Mulege. According to local media reports, about 15 kilometers of coastline were covered with dead sardines that attracted hungry seagulls and even coyotes. Locals told the newspaper El Sudcaliforniano that the event was unprecedented in terms of its magnitude. Fernando Garcia Romero, an official with the Baja California Sur Ministry of Fisheries, said the die-off was caused by high ocean temperatures. The hotter than usual temperature of the water caused hypoxia inadequate oxygen supply in the deceased fish and marine life, he said. Locals who returned lobsters to the sea noted that the water was much hotter than normal and a cloudy brown color, indicating a lack of oxygen. Local fishing union leader Benito Emeterio Lopez attributed the die-off to climate change and a current of hot water that originated in Japan. The temperature of the water off the Baja California coast is normally 18-22 C but reached 30 C in the area where the dead sardines washed ashore, according to local fishing cooperatives. The temperature has since returned to normal. The newspaper Milenio reported that the discovery of the thousands of tonnes of dead fish was described by several local environmentalists as the biggest ecological tragedy recorded on the coast of Baja California Sur. Local fishermen said that there was a possibility that large quantities of other marine species, such as clams, mussels and sea snails, were also killed, even though they didnt wash up on beaches. There is also concern that abalone stocks upon which the livelihoods of hundreds of families depend may have been adversely affected by the high water temperature. Jesus Camacho, former president of the Mexican Confederation of Fishing Cooperatives, said that a similar hot water phenomenon occurred on the Pacific coast in 1992, causing the deaths of marine creatures including abalone and enormous economic losses. Fishermen and environmentalists said that high levels of contamination in the water may have also been a factor in the recent incident. Anibal Lucero, leader of a fishing cooperative, said there was concern among fishermen that a similar event could happen on other stretches of the Pacific coast. When a hot water current arrives, history shows that it kills most of the marine creatures in its path, she said. 2021 MND Media Theme(s): Others. Ghana fisheries observers under threat as rampant illegal fishing gains pace by Shem Oirere July 16,2021 | Source: SeafoodSource Monitoring of illegal trawl fishing activities in Ghana has increasingly become a risky assignment for fisheries observers recruited by the countrys Fisheries Commission due to increasing incidents of bribery, threats, and abuse at sea, especially on the Chinese-owned, but Ghana-flagged industrial trawlers. An investigation by the Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF) reveals observers are working in unsafe environments that make it nearly impossible for them to take stock of activity on Chinese-controlled industrial trawlers, including their involvement in saiko. Saiko is a form of illegal fishing where industrial trawlers illegally target small pelagic fish, the staple catch of small-scale canoe fishers, and sell this catch back to coastal communities for profit. EJF has urged Ghana, which was recently yellow-carded for the second time by the European Commission for failing to take effective steps to end illegal fishing, to safeguard the fisheries observers working environment and end rampant illegal fishing in Ghanas waters. The EJF investigations discovered cases of fisheries observers who had been threatened with metal bars and knives by the Chinese crew, preventing observers from recording fishing activities or documenting violations of regulations by the trawlers. The mysterious disappearance of one of the fisheries observers in July 2019 Emmanuel Essien, who was aboard the Chinese-owned vessel Meng Xin 15 has caused panic and fear among his colleagues, with one telling EJF, we are raising issues [but] there is no difference at all. Up till now absolutely nothing has been done. At the time Essien disappeared, EJF estimates saiko fish made up to 50 percent of the catch on the voyage that he signaled had been engaged in catching under-sized fish and in illegal trans-shipment forcing him to send a note saying, I humbly plead with the police to investigate further. According to EJF findings, more than 90 percent of Ghanas industrial fishing fleet is linked to Chinese ownership despite operating under the Ghanaian flag. The recruitment of fisheries observers in each and every industrial trawler on Ghanas waters was previously launched under a USD 55 million (EUR 42.2 million) World Bank project with the objective of enabling collection of data and reporting of illegal fishing activities. Unfortunately, Ghanas previous official statements on government commitment to end the saiko fish business has not been followed by action. Ghanas fisheries are at the point of collapse, and the effective monitoring and enforcement of the largely Chinese-owned trawl fleet is desperately needed, EJF said. The organization blames the laxity of the Ghanaian government for the now rampant lawlessness and illegal fishing that has placed fisheries observers in harms way, as no action is taken on their reports. Ghanaian authorities need to act urgently, with determination, ending the threats and bribery and bringing wage structures under government control, EJF said. Going forward, the Ghanaian government must follow up on the multiple reports of illegal fishing, engaging a fair and transparent process to secure prosecutions, convictions and meaningful deterrent sanctions. 2021 Diversified Communications. All rights reserved. Theme(s): Fishing Craft, Gear and Fishing Methods. Lagos empowers youths, women in fish cage culture Lagos State Government has empowered 190 youth and women in Afowo Community, Badagry in the fish cage culture system to further drive youth and women empowerment in order to help them to make positive changes. The State Commissioner for Agriculture, Ms. Abisola Olusanya who made this known at the symbolic stocking of the cages in Badagry explained that each of the cages would be stocked with 1,000 juveniles of both tilapia and catfish. She added that each of the beneficiaries would also be given 20 bags of fish feeds, medication, as well as a monthly stipend of N15,000 for four months before the fish is harvested. We thank you for the opportunity given to us as Lagos State Government to come to Afowo Community here in Badagry to empower the youth specifically in this area. The idea for Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu is to drive youth empowerment to levels such that in different Communities, the youth there are fully empowered to begin to make positive changes and make impacts in and around where they live. We had 60 cages here before. Now you have 190 in total. Majority of the 130 new beneficiaries are the youth. We did not want political interference of any sort, so we allowed the youth in the area to help us in selecting the beneficiaries for this project. We called the youth amongst you that have been successful in this project to help us pick people who are serious about wanting to get into the cage and pen culture so that at least, with the little that you get from here, you will also be able to support your families. We have built cages for you. Each of the cages will be stocked with 1,000 juveniles of both tilapia and catfish. In addition, you all will be given bags of fish feed, medication, as well as N15,000 for 4 months before your fish is harvested. It is now left to you to turn all of these to a profitable business, the Commissioner noted. She disclosed that the fish would be organic to a large extent since they would be reared in their natural habitat which usually makes them taste better; as such, it would be easier to get off-takers to buy the fish off their hands once they are ready for harvest. Olusanya enjoined the beneficiaries to learn from those who were there before them and have been successful as well as government officials who are on ground to help such that at the end of the day, they would be able to get a harvest of good size table fish, sell them, restock and grow the business. Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. Hakeem Adeniji congratulated the beneficiaries and the community as a whole for allowing such a revolutionary project in their domain adding that the project was already generating interest from private sector investors who would like to tap into the many benefits of the fish cage culture. He urged the beneficiaries to take the fish cage culture as their passion and strive to produce massive-sized fishes for harvest by ensuring that they feed their fish properly, monitor them closely and call for help if and whenever they get stuck. Once again I congratulate all the beneficiaries. To add to what the Honorable Commissioner has said, what we have started here is like a revolution; already this experiment has been generating interest from private sector investors and they have approached us to allocate a place for them so they can replicate what is here. You all should count yourselves very lucky. The community as well is blessed and I commend you for being receptive to this idea and making it become a reality, Adeniji asserted. Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr. David Aladeotan appreciated the State Government and everyone else who have put in efforts to make sure that the cage culture system of fishing is a success especially in Afowo, Badagry. He, therefore, assured the State Government that each of the beneficiaries would fully maximize all that have been given to them in order to help them build a business form it thereby increasing fish production in the State. 2021 P.M. News Theme(s): Fisheries Development and Aquaculture. Local fishing voices are left out of offshore wind discussions in Morro Bay, California by KAREN GARCIA July 16,2021 | Source: New Times The waters off the shore of Morro Bay in California. the United States, have been the focal point of a potential wind farm development site since 2015. Between 2015 and 2017, a state intergovernmental task force that evaluated offshore wind power for the state of California was established, and its members included the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), the Morro Bay mayor and a City Council member, and regional state representatives. However, the fishing industry was largely left out. At the time, the community engaged with the task force through public hearings to learn about the project's blueprintsalthough its potential impacts weren't shared. The project was halted in 2018 because the then-designated area conflicted with naval operations. Public conversations about offshore wind regained steam in 2021 for two reasons. U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-Santa Barbara) led an effort to work with the U.S. Department of Defense to reduce the project development area to 399 square milesenough to produce 3 gigawatts of energy. Morro Bay Commercial Fishermen's Organization President Tom Hafer said he believes there's also a renewed interest in this type of energy generating project because of the new presidential administration. He characterizes it as a wind turbine gold rush. One of President Joe Biden's first actions in office included issuing an executive order that called on the nation to build new American infrastructure and a clean economy in an effort to create millions of new jobs. It went hand in hand with his goal of eliminating greenhouse gas emissions from power plants by 2035. This executive order commits to expanding opportunities for the offshore wind industry by producing 30 gigawatts (30,000 megawatts) of offshore wind by 2030. Meeting the 2030 goal aims to trigger a $12 billion per year capital investment in projects on both the west and east coasts, employing more than 44,000 workers in offshore wind by 2030, and adding nearly 33,000 other jobs in communities supported by offshore wind activity. "We're just a little blown away at this whole thing. How we're being left out of this process, and we're the ones that are directly affected," Hafer said. He said the proposed area contains prime deepwater rock cod fishing, and it's also used to catch sablefish, albacore, tuna, deepwater salmon, prawns, and swordfish. "People have said, 'Well you can just fish somewhere else.' But you can't fish anywhere else because that's where the fish are," Hafer said. While fishermen could fish in other parts of the ocean, it could cause overcrowding and overfishingcatching too many fish at too high of a rate to allow the breeding population time to recover. Every fishery area has catch limits and other regulations. "It's really helped with the fisheries, and that's because of the last 20 years of conservation that the [California Department of Fish and Wildlife] have put forward to sustain our fisheries," he said. On top of these regulatory policies, fishermen have also worked around marine protected areas, which were once highly trafficked fishing areas. According to Fish and Wildlife, there are 29 protected areas in the region, covering 204 square miles, about 18 percent of Central California state waters. These protected areas include waters off the shores of San Mateo, Santa Cruz, Monterey, SLO, and Santa Barbara counties. Areas where the fishermen are allowed to fish are becoming smaller and smaller. New Times reached out to BOEM for comment but did not hear back before press time. Although several developers have expressed interest in the area near Morro Bay, only one company, Castle Wind, has collaborated with the fishing industry for the past three years. Castle Wind proposes creating a floating offshore wind farm with 1,000 megawatts of energy capacity. According to the company's website, the proposed project would be located 30 nautical miles offshore from Point Estero at a 2,600- to 3,600-feet water depth. Castle Wind sought to minimize impacts to migrating whales and other marine life by siting the project outside of known whale migration corridors. Castle Wind has engaged with organizations and leaders within the fishing community, but there's no guarantee that it will be the project developer. Annie Hawkins, executive director for the Responsible Offshore Development Alliance (RODA), said that proactive engagement is needed from all agencies involved. RODA was established and worked on the East Coast because there were concerns about the exclusion of fishing voices during offshore wind project discussions. Their first project was Block Island off the coast of Rhode Island, which is a five-turbine wind farm. The East Coast farms were constructed in a different way than those off the West Coast will need to be built. On the East Coast, the turbines are anchored to the ocean floor and have a jacket foundationa steel lattice-type structure fixed to the seabed. West Coast projects are slated to be floating and anchored to the seafloor. Both projects lacked involvement from the fishing community during the early phases, she said. "[Developers, federal agencies, etc.] will reach out to fishermen, but there's always a very strong power imbalance, and it's always on the guise of 'we'll provide you with the information, and you can react to it,'" Hawkins said. The state of Rhode Island decided to involve the impacted communities by creating the Rhode Island Ocean Special Area Management Plan, a federally recognized coastal management and regulatory tool. Hawkins said the state worked on fishing vessels with captains and crews to do cooperative research that generated a lot of partnerships with fishermen. "When there's an effective upfront planning process and fishermen are really listened to and know that if they bring something forward people are going to honestly consider that, then you see different outcomes," she said. For now, the fishing associations, organizations, and individuals that want to voice their concerns can only do so after BOEM public meetings are adjourned; there's a short break, and the public is allowed to make two-minute comments. Mike Conroy, director of Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen's Associations, said that questions posed to BOEM by the fishing community remain unanswered. He said fisheries are used to working with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Fish and Wildlife, and others to establish sustainable fishing methods and simultaneously protect the ocean. The lack of collaboration with BOEM, Conroy said, has been frustrating. At this point, he and others have a lot of questions about the project and its potential impacts: What are the true ecological impacts of wind turbines? Could these structures change the migratory pattern of marine mammals? There isn't another floating wind farm in the state, so how confident are the developers that the project isn't going to backfire? "If there is a perception that we are opposed to the thought of offshore wind, sure there are some fishing representatives who are, but for the most part we're not opposed to a well-thought-out, well-planned source of renewable energy," he said. The fishermen would rather a developer ask them questions and give them more information about the proposed project. "We've never been approached, 'Hey we're thinking about putting in an offshore wind farm, where can we put it to best minimize impacts to you guys?' In reality it feels like, 'Here's where it's going to go, deal with it.' That's the impression we're getting," Conroy said. 2021 NEW TIMES SAN LUIS OBISPO Theme(s): Communities and Organisations. We've recently updated our online systems. If you can't login please try resetting your password. You must login with an email address. If you don't have an email associated with your account email circulation@idahopress.com for help creating one. Note: We've recently updated our online systems. If you can't login please try resetting your password. You must login with an email address. If you don't have an email associated with your account email circulation2@journalnet.com for help creating one. Foxconn and TSMC to donate 10m covid vaccines to Taiwan Tech manufacturing giants Foxconn and TSMC have joined forces to donate 10 million coronavirus vaccine doses to Taiwan, as reported by CityAM. Foxconn, which is well-known for producing Apple devices, and semiconductor firm TSMC have signed a 252 million deal that will see each firm purchase 5 million doses of the BioNTech coronavirus vaccine for Taiwan. Foxconn and TSMC will donate the covid-19 vaccines to the Taiwanese government, which will then be responsible for circulating the vaccines across its population. In the past few months, the Taiwanese government claims that it attempted to acquire doses straight from Germany-based BioNTech, but claims the Chinese government intervened and stopped a deal from taking place. China refutes these claims. Google slapped with 500m fine Google must pay a 500m fine after Frances antitrust regulator determined that the firm had failed to participate appropriately in copyright discussions with French news organisations, as reported by the Guardian. French news companies have accused the US tech giant of failing to show good faith in talks about how it can fairly compensate them for online news content. The tech firm now has just two months to propose how it can pay news producers for using their content. French regulators could fine Google up to 900,000 per day should it fail to comply with the ruling. Google said in a statement: We have acted in good faith throughout the entire process. The fine ignores our efforts to reach an agreement, and the reality of how news works on our platforms. The news comes as Alphabet, the parent company of Google, prepares to appeal against a 4.34 billion antitrust fine issued by the EU in 2018. According to a report by Reuters, Google will attempt to get the hefty fine quashed at a five-day legal proceeding that will take place in September. EU regulators issued the mega fine in 2018 after ruling that Google leveraged the dominant market position of Android, its mobile operating system, to put competitors at an unfair disadvantage. Microsoft staff get a $1500 pandemic bonus Microsoft is rewarding the hard work of its non-executive employees throughout the pandemic with a bonus of $1500. It explained to the BBC that the bonus is in recognition of everything its employees have done during a uniquely challenging year. The US tech giant went on to say it is proud to recognise our employees with a one-time monetary gift." As reported by The Verge, Microsoft will present the pandemic bonus to both full-time and part-time staff members who were working at the firm before March 31st 2021. However, Microsoft employees who work as a vice-president or in a different executive role will miss out on the bonus. Like many other large tech companies, Microsoft has thrived during the pandemic as people spend more time on their devices for working, studying and staying entertained at home. In fact, it saw $14.8 billion of profits at the start of 2021. Over the past year, other US tech giants, including Google, Amazon and Facebook, have also provided their staff with bonuses to support and thank them for their services during the pandemic. Elon Musk hates being Tesla CEO American tech tycoon Elon Musk this week admitted that he doesnt enjoy running electric car company Tesla. As reported by Sky News, Musk stated during a court appearance earlier in the week that he rather hates his role as CEO of Tesla: "I rather hate it and I would much prefer to spend my time on design and engineering. The court case will determine whether the worlds second-richest man coerced the Tesla board of directors into greenlighting a $2.6bn acquisition of SolarCity, a solar energy firm founded by two of Musks cousins. Musk denies these claims, arguing that he achieved no financial benefits through the multi-billion dollar deal and simply prevented SolarCity from becoming bankrupt. He said during the hearing: Since it was a stock-for-stock transaction and I owned almost exactly the same percentage of both there was no financial gain. If the court sides with the Tesla board and finds Musk guilty of wrongdoing, he could be ordered to pay a $2.6 billion settlement. This would allow Tesla to recoup the costs of the SolarCity acquisition. EU delays digital tax The European Union has announced itll delay a bloc-wide digital tax aimed at ensuring US tech giants like Amazon and Google pay their fair share of tax, as reported by Euronews. By pausing plans for a European digital tax, the EU hopes to focus its efforts on working with the US and other countries to finalise the international tax reforms that were first discussed at the G7 summit last month. One of the proposals is a global minimum corporate tax rate of 15% that will ensure firms meet their tax obligations on a global level. G20 finance ministers approved the measures at the weekend. A spokesperson for the European Commission confirmed the move on Monday, saying: "Successfully concluding this process will require a final effort, a final push by all parties, and the Commission is committed to focusing on that effort. For this reason, we have decided to put on hold our work on a proposal for a digital levy." Security roundup Small and medium-sized enterprises have been lucrative targets for cybercriminals throughout the coronavirus pandemic, according to new research from Atlas VPN. It found that 41% of Europe-based SMEs experienced phishing attacks during this period, while 40% have been impacted by web-based cyber attacks. Other common cyber threats faced by SMEs include general malware (39%), malicious insiders (19%) and denial of service attacks (12%). The vast majority of organisations (84%) have been hit by phishing and ransomware-type attacks over the past year, according to a new survey from Trend Micro. But despite increased threat, 50% of respondents admitted that theyre not effective at handling phishing and ransomware incidents. Following a technical preview for its US users in January, Ring, the smart home device maker owned by Amazon, has announced its deploying video end-to-end encryption for users of its connected doorbells around the world. Iranian hackers pretended to be British academics working at the University of Londons School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) as part of a phishing attack that attempted to harvest credentials from experts with potential intelligence of importance to the Iranian Government, according to an investigation by cybersecurity firm Proofpoint. The hackers, who work for an advanced persistent threat group labeled by Proofpoint as TA453, targeted experts in Middle Eastern affairs such as think tank employees, journalists and senior professors by sending emails containing a registration link to a fake online conference. To make it look genuine, the hackers breached the legitimate website of the SOAS radio station and used it for providing custom credential harvesting pages. Dubbed SpoofedScholars, the campaign has been active since January 2021. New research from Positive Technologies shows that cyber attacks have grown by 17% since the first quarter of 2021, with most (77%) being targeted attacks. Meanwhile, cyber attacks targeting individuals represented just 12% of incidents. Positive Technologies claims that hackers are increasingly targeting governments, industrial companies, scientific organisations and educational institutions with the aim of stealing personal data, credentials and commercial secrets. M&A roundup US tech giant Microsoft has announced its set to acquire cybersecurity company RiskIQ in a deal thought to be valued at $500 million, according to a report by Bloomberg. The acquisition will enable Microsoft to boost its product portfolio with a range of security offerings from RiskIQ. ZoomInfo, which provides go-to-market software, data and intelligence, has acquired conversation intelligence specialists Chorus.ai for $575 million in a bid to expand its platform with more actionable insights. Internet chat service Discord is to acquire Sentropy Technologies, which develops artificial intelligence-driven software for identifying and removing online abuse. Industrial technology giant Fortive is to purchase ServiceChannel, which offers facility management software, in a $1.2 billion cash transaction. The deal, expected to close by the third quarter, will enable Fortive to expand its portfolio of facility and asset lifecycle workflow products. Motorola Solutions, a specialist in mission-critical communications and analytics, has announced plans to acquire cloud-based mobile access control provider Openpath Security. Motorola Solutions said the deal is expected to conclude by the end of July, but has not disclosed terms. Sir Richard Branson blasts off to space Sir Richard Branson, the billionaire founder of the Virgin Group, has successfully blasted off to space aboard his very own space plane. As reported by the BBC, the 70-year-old British tech entrepreneur made the journey to the edge of space in a Virgin Galactic space plane that had been in development for 17 years. In the VSS Unity, Branson and his crew ascended above the US state of New Mexico, reaching an altitude of 85km at the flights peak, and returning to earth an hour later. Reflecting on the journey, Branson called it an experience of a lifetime. He said in a statement during a press conference: "I have dreamt of this moment since I was a kid, but honestly nothing can prepare you for the view of Earth from space. Branson hopes to pioneer space tourism with the VSS Unity space plane. Operated by Virgin Galactic, it provides capacity for six passengers and two pilots. So far, around 600 people have paid up to $250,000 to reserve a seat on future trips aboard Bransons space plane. Tech billionaires like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos also have ambitions to cultivate space tourism through their respective companies, SpaceX and Blue Origin. But unlike Branson, they have yet to travel to space on one of their spacecraft. This may change, however, as Bezos has a space flight planned on July 20. Unbuckled driver of SUV that blew through stop sign, hit and killed by semi in Royal City The Ethiopian media regulator suspended the license of popular English-language online news website, the Addis Standard, on Thursday, 15 July, for allegedly advancing the agenda of a terrorist group. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) condemned the suspension as a grave threat to media freedom and called on the Ethiopian authorities to revoke the decision. According to a statement issued by the Ethiopia Media Authority (EMA) the media has been a platform to advance the terrorist groups agenda in what is considered to be a likely reference to the Tigray Peoples Liberation Front (TPLF). The Ethiopian Government designated the TPLF as a terrorist organisation in May. The publisher of the Addis Standard, JAKENN, said it is deeply disturbed by the regulators decision to suspend the medias license. The founder of the Addis Standard, Tsedale Lemma, told Reuters News Agency that they have plans to mount a legal defence against the suspension. The IFJ has recently expressed its dismay over the escalation of aggressions against media and journalists. IFJ General Secretary, Anthony Bellanger, said that the deteriorating state of the media in Ethiopia is very worrying. The Addis Standard is suspended by the regulator because of its critical articles about the Government. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed must do more to defend media freedom and freedom of expression which are key pillars in every democracy. The Ethiopian government must demonstrate tolerance against critical voices and put an immediate end to the persistent harassment and aggression that are designed to silence independent media." The IFJ calls on the Ethiopian regulator to immediately revoke its decision and to allow the Addis Standard to restart publication. It calls on the government for the immediate and unconditional release of all journalists and media workers who have been unfairly arrested and an immediate halt to the systematic repression of Ethiopian media in the interest of democracy and good governance. EastWest Banks Komo takes another step in changing the way banking works for Filipinos through the Bank Certificate request feature. Do you ever find yourself sighing in frustration whenever you need to fulfill the long list of requirements for a loan, visa application, or set up your business? Though this doesnt come often, we all can agree that the over-all process of requesting for a bank certificate takes just as long as any bank errand day. With that experience in mind, the thought of simply requesting for a bank certificate and receiving it in minutes sounds like a relief. A few weeks ago, Komo just launched the Generate Bank Certificate feature on the app. Now, Komo customers can easily request for a bank certificate in a few taps: Tap the Bank Certificate button on the menu bar (upper left) Tap Generate Bank Certificate Choose the purpose of the request Enter the recipient entitys address and details Tap on Generate Request And done! Your bank certificate will be generated in real time and is sent to the Komo customers verified email address. For added security, the bank certificate is password protected and is duly signed by an authorized signatory. The Komo app keeps track of all bank certificates requested, and the customers can review, re-download, and/or re-send the email with the attached bank certificate anytime. Apart from convenience, the bank certificate from Komo is as secure and credible as the ones acquired from bank branches because: It serves as confirmation that the customer has an account with Komo Other details such as account number, opening date of the account, and the account balance as of the date of request An added plus is that there is no limit in the number of Bank Certificates the customer can generate, but the app limits resending and redownload of each certificate by up to 20 times per day. Adapting to the needs of our customers, given the way the times have challenged us, has been one of our priorities. As one of our widely requested features, were glad to finally launch this given that we prioritize listening to our customers feedback, explained by Isabelle Yap, Komos business lead. Experience safe and seamless transactions with Komo by downloading the app, from PlayStore, App Store, or Huawei App Gallery. You can apply with just one valid ID and the debit card will be automatically delivered to your chosen address. Will Zell likes to solve problems. The latest issue he's tackled: A new venture fund that opens up investment in early-stage companies, which traditionally has been available only to wealthy individuals, to nearly anyone in the U.S. Back in 2009, while he was running a real estate company, Zell was debating starting another business. Attorneys told him his fund idea was impossible due to regulatory issues, so he turned his attention to other ventures. He finally returned to the problem in 2019 and started work on what became the Columbus, Ohio-based Zell Capital, which launched in June. The fund requires a minimum investment of just $1,000, and is not limited to accredited investors (usually those with more than $1 million in net worth or $200,000 in annual income). That policy "is actually pretty revolutionary" says Elizabeth Yin, general partner and co-founder of San Francisco-based Hustle Fund. Zell Capital is part of a push in the venture world to make investing more accessible and dodge the accredited investor hurdle and other legal challenges, Yin adds. Zell says he essentially "threaded a needle" to clear all the requirements and create what he calls an Access fund. Zell Capital will manage this network of investors, who Zell hopes will help founders with support, mentorship, and free marketing, and plans to look for businesses from all over the country when the fund begins investing this month. "When I think about my life and what I want to do with it, everything boils down to building a platform to positively impact communities I'm engaged in and causes I believe in," Zell says. Zell started early trying to make an impact, running for a city council seat in his hometown of Bellefontaine, Ohio, at 17. He lost, but says the campaign helped him develop skills and motivation that have spurred his entrepreneurial career. After college, he worked at a church in the area and later started a side gig in real estate flipping houses that steadily grew into a full-time business. In 2011, he attended a conference about entrepreneurship and was inspired by the speakers there. He thought: How much would I pay to get 30 minutes one-on-one with a high-profile person I admire, like the type who might give a talk at a conference? The following year he launched Huddlewoo, a platform where users would pay to have conversations with celebrities. Also in 2012, he co-founded another venture to attack what he saw a big problem: The inability of local news to compete with large social media platforms. He started by purchasing and rebranding a newspaper in nearby Marysville, Ohio, as ConnectToHome, an advertiser-funded, digital platform where community organizations could publish positive stories or notices. Ohio investors said it was too localized to scale, while Silicon Valley investors would consider it only if he moved to the Bay Area. Ultimately the lack of capital forced Zell to shut down ConnectToHome in 2014. He shuttered Huddlewoo in part for similar reasons the following year. By then he was also scaling down the real estate business, though he still has a few rental properties today. "A lot of the pain of that time is what fuels me for Zell Capital," he says. Finally, the serial entrepreneur found success with Nikola Labs. Zell co-founded the company in late 2014 out of Ohio State University to provide wireless power for charging mobile devices and industrial sensors. The Federal Communications Commission approved the first wireless power device in 2017, but Zell and his co-founders struggled to create a commercially viable product within the regulatory landscape. They instead took one of their other innovations to market, a sensor with extra-long battery life that detects when machines are going to break so they can be fixed without disrupting manufacturing schedules. The company grew its annual recurring revenue by 11 times in 2020 and is on its way to growing six times in 2021, Zell says. The difference for this venture? The university connected Zell with Ikove Capital, a "venture development company" focused on Midwestern businesses that in turn connected Nikola Labs with investors. Zell says that more than 90 percent of the company's funding has come through the firm's network. Nikola Labs and Zell Capital are based in Columbus, but Zell still lives just outside of Bellefontaine. His wife runs a coffee shop and bakery that he advises on informally, and he's been involved with main street revitalization efforts for years. That's a lot of businesses, but Zell is ceaselessly energized by entrepreneurship. A Black Widow actor has made a bold claim about their appearance in the new film. After a year of delay, Natasha Romanoffs standalone adventure was unveiled earlier this month, showing what happened to Scarlett Johanssons characters between the events of Captain America: Civil War and Avengers: Infinity War. The film introduces us to her estranged Russian family, including sister Yelena (Florence Pugh), mother Melina (Rachel Weisz) and father Alexei (David Harbour), formerly known as the superhero Red Guardian. *Minor spoilers follow you have been warned* In the film, she teams up with Yelena to break their super-strength father out of prison, where he spends his days beating his fellow convicts at arm-wrestling. When a bodybuilder opponent sits opposite him, Alexei pretends to be afraid before breaking his arm, beating him with ease. It turns out this characters name is Ursa Major, which you might not know is the name of a famous Marvel character and now, the actor who plays him, Olivier Richters, says his appearance marks an MCU first. Dutch actor Richters, who is seven feet, two inches, wrote on Instagram on Thursday (15 July): Marvel Black Widow is out! After two years I can finally tell who my character is: Ursa Major: the first mutant (X-Men) to appear in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Dutch bodybuilder Olivier Richters says his Black Widow character is MCUs first X-Men character (Instagram @thedutchgiant) He added: Ursa is part of the Winter Guard, noted for being Russias answer to the Avengers. His power transforms him into an incredible bear, transcending The Hulk in size. Ursa appears many times in the comics fighting Wolverine and The Hulk. Richter claims his mutant status was confirmed by the production team, writing: When [they] told me who I really was in Black Widow, I let [out] some tears in my hotel room, because my movie dream became true: being an official comic superhero. I can only hope Marvel will bring back Ursa in full form. Black Widow is in cinemas now and is also available to watch on Disney Plus via Premier Access. Vince Staples is the antithesis of the modern-day mainstream rapper. He is stoic, self-effacing and decidedly unshowy. Whereas stars such as Drake, Lil Baby, and Tyler, The Creator are visible never far from a red carpet or promotional gimmick Staples prefers to lay low, letting his music speak for itself. I blend into the background, and I think thats a big misconception about artists, that they cant, he says over Zoom from his home in Long Beach, California. You can build your own world. I dont have to have security, I dont have to live in a gated community, I dont have to go to parties. I just create and I live within the world that Ive tried to create for myself. I appreciate being able to have that kind of reality. Today, the reality is that Staples is tired and his webcam is off. But his breezy star quality is still palpable. Since the start of the 2010s, when his single Norf Norf marked out his blunt, claustrophobic style (and went gold without charting), he has garnered attention for being a witty, tell-it-like-it-is entertainer who is uninterested in the fame game. His Twitter account is hilarious (a recent Tweet: I aint know about salmon till the iPhone came out. We was a red snapper household) and, such is his comic timing in interviews, his fans often clamour for him to do stand-up. It turns out hes been listening, and his new album this week comes with news of a forthcoming Netflix show (the details of which are yet to be revealed). His humour is a counterbalance to his music, which often details his childhood spent on the north side of Long Beach among gangs, poverty and street warfare. Hes also divisive, a contrarian who ruffles the feathers of hip-hop elders with his unswerving observations of the music industry and the genres evolution. In 2015, a video by Time magazine titled Rapper Vince Staples explains why the 90s are overrated drew ire from some corners of hip-hop. In it, the rapper said that the only reason the Nineties is called the golden era of hip-hop is because of the late, great Biggie and Tupac. Famed rapper-turned-podcaster NORE deemed Stapless comments idiot statements from someone who we hardly know. But Staples rises above it all, because hes one of the most engaging storytellers of his generation. The 28-year-old has led the life of someone twice his age, both personally and professionally. Before his rap career took off, he spent his teenage years in gangs, and his music explores the reality of that lifestyle. He never glamourises it, however: he wipes away the thrill of the streets, instead showcasing the inner and outer conflict, paranoia and sleepless nights that dominate an individual who is living a dangerous existence. Its far from the flashy picture of hood culture that gangsta rap has painted since the days of NWA; its bleaker, more nihilistic. Staples told The Guardian in 2015 that he started gangbanging because I wanted to kill people. I wanted to hurt people. Theres no reason: its a bloodthirst. Today, he says that his experiences have given him perspective and that rapping was a crucial escape. Coming from where I come from and what I was doing prior to music, and what a lot of my family and friends are subjected to, he says, with typical candour, I can only be grateful [for music]. Stapless world was chaotic from the start. He was born in Compton, the youngest of five siblings, and his father was in and out of jail while his mother brought up the family. His elder sister was shot before the family made the move to Long Beach when Staples was still a child. Surrounded by the daily pressures of inner-city California, he soon got into trouble as a member of the infamous Crips gang something he has said was down to his fathers absence. Hes the reason I dont do drugs or drink and I never will, he told radio show The Breakfast Club in 2017. Hes the reason why I think all this gang s**t is played out. This downward spiral was halted when Staples found kindred spirits in Los Angeles Odd Future collective, a crew of alternative rap misfits like Frank Ocean, Earl Sweatshirt, Syd, and Tyler, The Creator. His path was redirected. After a slew of mixtapes and collaborations with Earl, hip-hop heavyweight Common and the late Mac Miller, Staples released his debut Summertime 06 in 2015, a double album offering a glimpse into the gang life he once led. In it he told stories about being racially profiled by the police (Lift Me Up), dealing drugs (Dopeman) and the angst of waking up each day to the possibility that its your last. His sound, meanwhile, utilised the G-funk offshoot of hip-hop that is native to the west coast (and immortalised by Nineties legends Dr Dre and Snoop Dogg), but Staples wasnt one to stay in a lane: his music doesnt stick to straight-up hip-hop and his second album, 2017s Big Fish Theory, was more inspired by house and Detroit techno than any emerging rap trends, with tracks produced by dance-music heads like James Blake and the late Sophie. Instead of courting big-name rap collaborations, hes teamed up with alt-pop artists like Gorillaz and Santigold. He leverages the quirkiness of his sound with his sometimes jaded, sometimes animated, always incisive vocal tone, although he is typically breezy about how he decides what sounds to rap over. If I like it, I like it; I just go with what feels good, he says. Vince Staples: I just go with what feels good (Tyree Harris) Another curveball release, 2018s FM!, was a vibrant framing of a radio station anchored by recurring skits by Big Boy, a veteran of LAs rap radio scene for as long as Staples has been alive. But now hes back with a fourth album that seems as if hes starting a fresh chapter. Its self-titled and tells a lot of my story, says Staples, in a way thats more descriptive than anything before it. A brief 22-minute affair, the album transports us back to Long Beach, clearly addressing the daily pressures Staples encountered not just in living, but in psychologically negotiating his position as a young man who, in spite of his surroundings, became successful. On every corner, he is reminded of the distrust he has in people, triggered by his gang past, and of being forced to keep his wits about him in case that past catches up with him. The interludes come courtesy of his mother, who details her anger issues, while Lakewood Mall sees one of his friends tell a story of narrowly avoiding a house party that ended with a homicide. Enjoy unlimited access to 70 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music Sign up now for a 30-day free trial Sign up The albums subdued production from Kenny Beats bringing it a little closer to G-funk and its obsession with sampling old soul records than the wilful experimentation of his previous releases places an exclamation mark on his strife. On songs like Sundown Town, Staples reminisces about making money by selling drugs: We was in the hood, rent was late, aint had Section 8, with the .38, and the eighth, moved on 68th. Meanwhile, his paranoia and reclusiveness bleeds out on Law Of Averages, when he says: Count my bands, all alone at home, dont you call my phone, everyone that Ive ever known asked me for a loan. The unswerving way in which he analyses his experiences might seem unsettling to some, but they are his. He raps in a conversational tone, as if these events happened very recently. But he is unapologetic about them, because they are part and parcel of his existence. Im just looking at life, says Staples with an audible shrug. Every song is just how I feel that day. I try to make sure my music speaks to my current state. I dont dwell on the past. Vinces casual nature flies in the face of mainstream hip-hops current climate, where many artists go to substantial extremes to prove themselves as people to be feared. Take the cautionary tale of the controversial NYC Soundcloud rapper Tekashi 6ix6ine, for example a young man whose entire gimmick and appeal relied on his affiliation with a real-life gang, the Nine Trey Gangster Bloods, which he actually had very little to do with. Or YMW Melly, the Florida-based artist tipped for stardom after releasing the single Murder On My Mind in 2018, before being arrested and charged for the real-life murder of his best friend. Staples blames the environment around 6ix9ine, Melly and others for their desire to project a hardcore image. This is a business where we monetise peoples struggles, pain, death and murder, he says. If youre a kid from a situation, and you feel the only way that you will get out of the situation where theres immense poverty or bad home life or low self-esteem is by doing this thing that everyone is selling, youre going to try to sell that thing. Weve seen people market and distribute death and destruction within our communities for decades; they do these things because it gets attention. What do we really expect when we give people millions of dollars to say theyre tough? Theyre gonna say theyre tough. Its common sense. You could argue that theres increased visibility of these rappers due to social media which heightens the sensationalism around marketing their toughness, real or imagined, to wider audiences but Staples thinks theres too much focus on bad boy role models everywhere at the moment. These people who do the wrong thing are always brought up [by the media], but no one whos done the right things has been mentioned, says Staples, drawing on Will Smiths musician son as an example. Jaden Smith gives food to the homeless and has a water company Ive never heard anyone say his name in an interview. I just create and I live within the world that Ive tried to create for myself (Tyree Harris) The inner workings of rap, and how it rewards destructive behaviour, are part of a wider societal issue, but Staples hopes the genre continues to serve as a chance for black people to express themselves and, in cases such as his, save themselves from a darker destiny. As long as rap continues to be a medium to help people get their families out of poverty, get their stories heard and filter through their creativity to their emotions, he says, thats all I want. Thats all I care about. I dont care what the next sound is going to be, only if the next kid is able to change their life. Staples proves to be incredibly perceptive, both of himself and of the world around him. Seeing things for how they are has kept him grounded, while not playing to the rules of the music industry has kept him focused on what is important. A mansion isnt it, as he screams in new album track The Shining. Hes the last person to read the reviews of his releases, or worry about success. I dont look at things commercially or critically, he concludes. If Im able to take care of my family, then Im grateful. Vince Staples is out now on Blacksmith Recordings/Motown Records/EMI Records Thousands of baby flamingos have died in Turkey from a drought that environmentalists say is caused by the climate crisis and agricultural irrigation. Drone footage of a large saline lake in the central province of Konya showed dead chicks partially buried in dried mud. Lake Tuz, where up to 10,000 chicks are born every year, is one of the birds largest natural breeding colonies in the world. Nature lovers blame farming practices along with climate change for the drought, which caused demand for water in the area outstrip supply by nearly 50 per cent last year. Wildlife photographer Fahri Tunc said water from a canal that normally feeds the lake were being redirected for farming. This is the irrigation canal that comes from Konya. It needs to deliver water to Lake Tuz. As you can see, the water is not coming through. It stopped, he said. Only 5,000 eggs hatched in the colony this year, Mr Tunc said, and most of the chicks had died for lack of water on the partially dried lake. It is a sin we are all committing, he said. Lake Tuz is a specially protected area, a designation that aims to protect biological diversity, natural and cultural resources. Head of Turkish organisation the Nature Association, Dicle Tuba Kilic, said the only way to prevent mass flamingo deaths was to change the agricultural irrigation methods in region. Last year, the annual water reserve in the basin was 4.5 billion cubic metres, but consumption reached 6.5 billion cubic meters, according to a local environmental foundation. Turkey is a big nesting ground for flamingos (Getty Images) Turkish agriculture minister Bekir Pakdemirli said around 1,000 birds were thought to have died, but denied that agriculture was to blame. With less water and increased concentration ratio in the water, we observed deaths of flaminglets that were unable to fly, he said. I want to stress that there is no direct or indirect connection between this incident and the wells in the area or the agricultural irrigation. He said necessary measures had been taken, without elaborating. Germany and Belgium have been hit by record rainfall this week, with at least 120 people killed and hundreds more missing as rivers burst their banks, buildings collapsed and cars were swept away by flood water. Most fatalities occurred in Germany, with the worst-affected states being North Rhine-Westphalia and Rhineland-Palatinate but the Netherlands, Luxembourg and Switzerland have also been hard-hit by torrential summer downpours as flood warnings are issued and thousands of people are evacuated. The disaster comes in the same week that passengers were forced to wade through waist-high dirty water to access the New York City subway and whole swathes of London were left underwater by unseasonable extreme weather, leading many to conclude that the climate crisis is to blame. Heres a collection of some of the most extraordinary images from this weeks devastating storms. Germany An aerial photograph showing the severe flooding in Hagen, North Rhine-Westphalia (AFP/Getty) Hagens flooded city centre (AFP/Getty) Fire engines and a car are parked on a flooded road in Hagen (Alex Talash/DPA/AP) Houses are submerged by the overflowing river banks in Erdorf, Rhineland-Palatinate (AP) Flooding destroys the village of Schuld in Ahrweiler (EPA) Local residents inspect the damage in Schuld (EPA) Belgium Emergency workers wade through the water in Ensival (EPA) A man wades through the water to reach cars submerged by the heavy rains in Ensival (EPA) Cars piled up at a roundabout in Verviers (AFP/Getty) A car floats in the Meuse River in Liege (AP) A police officer watches as water from the Meuse breaches a barrier at the crossing with the Ourthe in Liege (Anthony Dehez/AFP/Getty) Netherlands Flood waters rush through the centre of Valkenburg aan de Geul (Sem Van Der Wal/AFP/Getty) Image taken with a drone shows caravans and campers under water at the De Hatenboer campsite in Roermond (Rob Engelaar/EPA) Switzerland The village square of Stansstad in the canton of Nidwalden on Lake Vierwaldstaettersee is covered with flood water in Switzerland (Urs Flueeler/EPA) London A flooded ground floor flat near Portobello Road on Tuesday (Getty) High water outside Euston Station (Network Rail) A car struggling along Turnpike Lane in north London (PA) Floodwaters submerge cars in Raynes Park in Wimbledon (Twitter) United States A person wades through the flood water near the 157th Street metro station (Reuters) Close Angela Merkel visits flood-hit area in Germany The death toll across Germany and Belgium topped 180 on Sunday after rescue workers dug deeper into debris left by receding waters. Some 155 people have been confirmed dead in Germany while 27 have died in Belgium. After a visit to the flood-ravaged Rhineland-Palatinate region on Sunday, Chancellor Angela Merkel called the floods terrifying and pledged short-term relief to the victims, which she said would be launched on Wednesday. It is shocking - I can almost say that the German language doesnt have words for the destruction thats been wreaked, she said. Germanys finance minister Olaf Scholz has said that officials must begin setting up a rebuilding programme which is likely to cost billions. He said he would propose a package of immediate aid, totalling at least 300 million euros (257 million), at a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday. Some 65 people were evacuated from their homes in Germanys Berchtesgaden area after the Ache River swelled. At least one person was killed. The floods have begun to spill over into Austria, where a flash flood swept through the town of Hallein late Saturday, although no casualties have been reported. The military has been deployed to help aid the search and rescue mission and was seen using armoured vehicles to clear away cars and trucks overwhelmed by the floodwaters in Erftstadt, a town southwest of Cologne where the ground in a neighbourhood gave way. More than 100 people have died in the floods that have devastated Germany and Belgium, while authorities desperately try to trace over 1,000 missing people in one German district alone. In Germany alone, more than 90 people have died in what is the countrys worst mass loss of life in years. That number was feared to rise further as more houses collapsed, while in Belgium media said the death toll was at least 14. More than 1,000 people were unaccounted for and more houses were destroyed in flood-stricken regions in western Germany and Belgium. Entire communities lay in ruins after swollen rivers swept through towns and villages in the German states of North Rhine-Westphalia and Rhineland-Palatinate and Belgium. In the southern Netherlands, it was reported Friday evening that thousands of people had fled their homes as rising waters broke through a dyke and swamped cities. Prime Minister Mark Rutte declared a national disaster in the southern province of Limburg, which is sandwiched between badly flooded areas in western Germany and Belgium. There is a large hole in the dyke ... Immediately leave your home and get to safety, emergency services in Meerssen said in an online alert. Families were told to turn off their electricity and gas supplies. It is the worst mass loss of life Germany has suffered in years, and the numbers are expected to climb further still. Authorities in Ahrweiler, a district in the north of Rhineland-Palatinate, south of Cologne, said that as many as 1,300 people remain missing, while collapsed mobile phone networks in the flooded regions make it near impossible for loved ones to find each other in the chaos. The extreme weather has also left at least 11 dead in neighbouring Belgium, according to media reports. Entire communities lie in ruins after rivers burst their banks and obliterated towns and villages following days of torrential downpour. On Friday morning, rescue crews in Erftstadt, near Cologne, were struggling to reach stranded people who had returned to their houses despite warnings. Speaking at the White House during a visit to Washington, chancellor Angela Merkel said it was it a day characterised by fear, by despair, by suffering, and hundreds of thousands of people all of a sudden were faced with catastrophe. My empathy and my heart goes out to all of those who in this catastrophe lost their loved ones, or who are still worrying about the fate of people still missing, she said, adding that many in Luxembourg and the Netherlands were also badly affected by the extreme weather. Ms Merkel said the German government was doing its utmost to help [people] in their distress. US president Joe Biden offered his sincere condolences for the tragedy. The catastrophic event has been directly attributed to the climate crisis, with German interior minister Horst Seehofer saying the country must prepare much better in future and that this extreme weather is a consequence of climate change. Germany has experienced a volatile pattern of high temperatures and dry weather followed by episodes of heavy rainfall in recent weeks. Scientists have said the extreme weather is being exacerbated by the climate crisis, with Friederike Otto from the Environmental Change Institute at the University of Oxford telling Deutsche Welle that the intensity of the weather is being strengthened by climate change and will continue to strengthen further with more warming. Malu Dreyer, the governor of Rhineland-Palatinate state, told the regional parliament: There are people dead, there are people missing, there are many who are still in danger We have never seen such a disaster. Its really devastating. Meanwhile, the North Rhine-Westphalia parliament is due to hold an emergency meeting on Friday. Water levels in the Rhine river could keep rising dangerously as the rain is expected to continue, leading to fears that a dam could break. Authorities in the Rhine-Sieg county in North Rhine-Westphalia have ordered the evacuation of several villages below the Steinbach reservoir in response. Mr Seehofer said that the federal government aimed to provide financial support for the affected regions as soon as possibl Defense attorneys for men charged in the slaying of Ahmaud Arbery are asking a Georgia judge to keep reporters out of the courtroom when lawyers question potential jurors to determine if they have biases in the widely publicized case. Greg McMichael and Travis McMichael a white father and son, are charged with murder in the February 2020 killing of Arbery, a 25-year-old Black man who was chased and shot after the McMichaels spotted him running in their neighborhood outside the coastal port city of Brunswick. A neighbor who joined the pursuit, William Roddie Bryan, was also charged with murder. Jury selection in the three men's trial is scheduled to begin Oct. 18. Defense attorneys for the McMichaels filed a legal motion Wednesday that proposes three main steps. Jury pool members would first answer a written questionnaire. Then they would be brought one at a time into the courtroom for questioning by the judge and lawyers. Finally, potential jurors would face additional questions in groups of 12. The legal filing by the McMichaels' attorneys requests that no press will be permitted to be present when potential jurors are questioned individually about what they've heard about the case and whether issues with race or other matters might make it hard for them to be fair and impartial. Superior Court Judge Timothy Walmsley has not weighed in on the request. Neither have prosecutors. Under Georgia law, court proceedings including jury selection are presumed to be open to the press and the public, though judges can restrict access in rare circumstances. Arbery's killing sparked a national outcry last year amid protests over racial injustice. The McMichaels armed themselves with guns and pursued Arbery in a pickup truck when they spotted him running in their neighborhood Feb. 23, 2020. Bryan joined the chase and took cellphone video of Travis McMichael shooting Arbery three times at close range with a shotgun. All three defendants have said they committed no crimes. Defense attorneys say the McMichaels had a valid reason to pursue Arbery, thinking he was a burglar, and that Travis McMichael shot him in self-defense as Arbery grappled for his shotgun. Whether an impartial jury can be seated in coastal Glynn County, where the killing occurred 70 miles (112 kilometers) south of Savannah, remains a major question. In their court motion, defense attorneys say it's critical that potential jurors feel as comfortable as possible answering questions about race and other sensitive topics to ensure the McMichaels are tried by an impartial jury. We must create the best environment for jurors to share their true thoughts, beliefs, biases, and prejudices about very sensitive subjects, Jason Sheffield, an attorney for Travis McMichael, said in an email Thursday. Having the media blast their answers all over the nation will undoubtedly have a chilling effect on the truthfulness of their answers to our questions. The motion to exclude reporters from a key part of jury selection clashes with decisions by the U.S. Supreme Court as well as the Georgia Supreme Court that heavily favor public access to court proceedings, said Gerry Weber, a constitutional and civil rights attorney who's a former legal director for the American Civil Liberties Union of Georgia. A judge has limited authority to clear a courtroom, such as to allow a potential juror to answer specific questions that might deal with private or confidential information, Weber said, but that requires an individual assessment each time a courtroom is closed. There cant be a blanket rule that individual questions are going to be secreted from the public, Weber said. The way that its framed as a blanket rule, I dont think a judge would approve that. The judge has scheduled a hearing with attorneys next Thursday to discuss pretrial motions and jury selection. Venom from one of the world's deadliest spiders could be used to help heart attack victims recover and extend the life of hearts used for transplants, according to a new study. A potential drug developed from a molecule found in the venom of the Fraser Island (Kgari) funnel web spider can prevent damage caused by a heart attack, researchers say. Funnel web spiders, common in eastern Australia, are predators that build webs around their burrows and wait for their prey to get stuck. Their poisonous venom can kill a human. The drug study was conducted by a team led by Professor Peter Macdonald from the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute in Sydney, New South Wales and Dr Nathan Palpant and Professor Glenn King from The University of Queensland (UQ) in Brisbane, Queensland. "This will not only help the hundreds of thousands of people who have a heart attack every year around the world, it could also increase the number and quality of donor hearts, which will give hope to those waiting on the transplant list, Prof MacDonald said. Dr Palpant, from UQs Institute for Molecular Bioscience (IMB), said the drug candidate worked by stopping a death signal sent from the heart in the wake of an attack. After a heart attack, blood flow to the heart is reduced, resulting in a lack of oxygen to heart muscle, Dr Palpant said. The lack of oxygen causes the cell environment to become acidic, which combine to send a message for heart cells to die. Despite decades of research, no one has been able to develop a drug that stops this death signal in heart cells, which is one of the reasons why heart disease continues to be the leading cause of death in the world. Dr Palpant tested a protein called Hi1a, using beating human heart cells exposed to heart attack stresses to see if the drug improved their survival. The Hi1a protein from spider venom blocks acid-sensing channels in the heart, so the death message is blocked, cell death is reduced, and we see improved heart cell survival. Prof MacDonald, who is also a senior cardiologist at St Vincents Hospital in Sydney, added: The survival of heart cells is vital in heart transplants treating hearts with Hi1a and reducing cell death will increase how far the heart can be transported and improve the likelihood of a successful transplant. Usually, if the donor heart has stopped beating for more than 30 minutes before retrieval, the heart cant be used - even if we can buy an extra 10 minutes, that could make the difference between someone having a heart and someone missing out. For people who are literally on deaths door, this could be life-changing. The study builds on previous research carried out by Prof King, who identified a small protein in the venom of the Fraser Island funnel-web spider that was shown to markedly improve recovery from stroke. We discovered this small protein, Hi1a, amazingly reduces damage to the brain even when it is given up to eight hours after stroke onset, Prof King said. It made sense to also test Hi1a on heart cells, because like the brain, the heart is one of the most sensitive organs in the body to the loss of blood flow and lack of oxygen. For heart attack victims, our vision for the future is that Hi1a could be administered by first responders in the ambulance, which would really change the health outcomes of heart disease. The protein has been tested in human heart cells and the team is aiming for human clinical trials, for both stroke and heart disease, to begin within two to three years, the researchers added. This research was published in Circulation and funded by The University of Queensland, the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council and the National Heart Foundation of Australia. A year later, Iraqi police arrested the shooter in the killing of a prominent public commentator whose slaying sent shockwaves through the country, officials said Friday. Iraq's prime minister declared that with the arrest, his government has fulfilled its promise to bring the perpetrators to justice. Hisham al-Hashimi was gunned down last July outside his home in Baghdad in a drive-by shooting that involved two attackers on a motorcycle. He was a well-connected security analyst who appeared regularly on Iraqi television and whose expertise was sought out by government officials, journalists and researchers. The killing of the 47-year-old al-Hashimi whose shooting was captured on a surveillance camera contributed to a prevailing atmosphere of intimidation and fear among activists in Iraq and highlighted the governments struggle to bring armed groups into line. Two security officials told The Associated Press that one of the men on the motorcycle, the shooter, was arrested two weeks ago and confessed to the crime before an investigative judge. The man was connected to a militia group, they said, but did not name which one. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to reporters. Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi tweeted the development: We promised to arrest the killers of Hisham al-Hashimi. We fulfilled the promise." Later Friday, state Iraqiya TV station broadcast footage of the alleged suspect, showing him confessing to his purported crime. The man identifies himself in the video as Ahmed Hamdawi Al-Kinani, a police officer with the rank of first lieutenant in the Interior Ministry According to Iraqi law he will be sent to trial for sentencing following his confession. He did not implicate any militia group in his confession. It is not unusual that officers and officials in Iraq have connections to militias working without or with the state's endorsement. The government has struggled to reign them in, partly because they are so entrenched within the state structure. Security forces are still looking for at least six other individuals connected to the shooting, some of them believed to be abroad, the two officials told the AP. In his confession, al-Kinani said he had worked with four other accomplices. Killings of activists are pervasive in Iraq, with many blaming Iran-backed militias. Al-Hashimi, who had worked on a report about Iran-backed groups within Iraq's establishment before he was killed, had reportedly received threats from such groups. Americas hasty retreat from Afghanistan has destabilized the region and worsened the terrorist threat, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told a conference of world powers and Afghanistan's neighbors Friday as they sought a common path toward resolving the country's escalating violence. Participants gathering in the Uzbek capital of Tashkent traded stinging criticisms and finger-pointing over the rapidly deteriorating situation in Afghanistan. Taliban forces have surged in recent weeks, capturing dozens of districts and key border region from the faltering Afghan security forces and military as the U.S. and NATO complete their withdrawal. The conference had originally been intended to discuss building better transportation links across Central and South Asia, but that agenda was trumped by the Taliban advances. All the participants including the U.S., Russia, China and many of Afghanistans neighbors have hands in the Afghan conflict. Few want an outright Taliban takeover in the country, but the conference's early tone pointed to the difficulty of finding common ground over how to salvage a peaceful settlement. Regrettably, we have witnessed a quick degradation of the situation in Afghanistan in the last few days, Lavrov told the gathering, pointing to the hasty withdrawal of the U.S. and NATO contingents. The crisis in Afghanistan has led to the exacerbation of the terrorist threat and the problem of illegal drug trafficking that has reached an unprecedented scale, he said. There are real risks of instability spilling into neighboring countries." Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova derided a call by EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell for collective efforts to help a peaceful settlement in Afghanistan. First, they create a problem and then search for those responsible and call for collective efforts, she wrote on her channel on a messaging app. In recent weeks, the Taliban have chalked up dozens of wins and now hold key border crossings with Iran, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Pakistan The insurgents say they are not seeking an outright military victory over the Afghan government, but peace efforts have long been stalled and without a deal, the country risks an all-out civil war for power among all its many armed factions. Speaking to the conference, Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan said his country wants a peace settlement. He pointed out the Pakistan already hosts more than 2 million refugees from decades of war in Afghanistan and cannot handle a new surge that is likely if violence escalates. We will always be against a military solution to the conflict in Afghanistan, Khan was quoted as saying by Russian state RIA-Novosti news agency. He also rejected allegations of Pakistans support for the Taliban as extremely unfair, saying Pakistan has done more than any other country to help put the Taliban at the negotiations table." Afghan President Ashraf Ghani in turn, took the opportunity in speaking to the conference to further denounce what he calls Pakistan's fomenting of violence in Afghanistan. He said more than 10,000 jihadi fighters from Pakistan and other places in the past month have come to Afghanistan, without offering evidence. Relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan are plagued by deep, long-time suspicions. Kabul continually accuses Islamabad of providing safe havens for the Taliban and treating wounded insurgents at hospitals in Pakistan. On Friday in Pakistan's southwestern border town of Chaman, Afghan Taliban were reportedly treated for injuries received in battle with Afghan security forces and military across the border in Afghanistan's Spin Boldak. The Taliban had taken the border town earlier this week, and Afghan elite forces were waging a counter-attack to retake it. Pakistan has also accused Afghanistan of harboring the Pakistani Taliban, known as the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, who have stepped up attacks in Pakistan, killing several army personnel a week in recent months. America's Homeland Security was represented at the conference, as was the U.S. peace envoy for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad, who has been pressing for a peace deal and a cease-fire. A senior Afghan government delegation was travelling to Qatar on Friday to meet Taliban leaders who have a political office in Doha, the capital there. The meeting is headed by Abdullah Abdullah, the head of the country's national reconciliation council making it the highest level delegation yet to meet the Taliban. The Central Asian states, Russia and the U.S. have all expressed a hope that a peaceful Afghanistan that included the Taliban working with, instead of against, the Afghan security forces could tackle militant groups like the Islamic State group and the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan. In some parts of Afghanistan, the Taliban have fought IS at times, helping degrade its capabilities. With the final deadline for the last U.S. soldier out of Afghanistan by Aug. 31, America is also looking to heightened its intelligence and capability to fight terror threats in the region. The five Central Asian States had a separate meetings Thursday with Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall, President Joe Bidens assistant for homeland security. Afghanistan figured prominently in their talks, which centered on ways to cooperate on regional security. ___ Gannon reported from Islamabad, Isachenkov from Moscow. A Metropolitan Police officer has appeared in court charged with misconduct in public office with two teenage girls. PC Adnan Arib, 44, appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court on Friday following two separate allegations of wilful misconduct with two girls, aged 15 and 16 respectively, who cannot be named for legal reasons. The court heard Mr Arib, of Harts Lane, Barking, messaged and propositioned the 16-year-old girl between March and May 2019. He is also accused of questioning the 15-year-old without a parent present and instructing her to lie during a police interview in July 2019. Prosecutors allege he also arranged to meet her for non-policing purposes without an adult present. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said it conducted an investigation following a referral from Scotland Yard in July 2019. It said he had been charged with two counts of misconduct in relation to allegations of inappropriate contact he had with two teenagers he met through the course of his duties. Mr Arib, who is based at the Central East Command Unit, appeared at court in person on Friday morning wearing a pink shirt and black face mask and was joined by a supervising welfare officer. The Metropolitan Police said he is is currently suspended from duty. He will next appear at Southwark Crown Court on 13 August after being granted bail. Dangerous people are going free because rapes are not being prosecuted, a damning watchdog report has found. An inspection found that police and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) do not have the capacity or specialist capability to properly investigate rising numbers of cases. In the time period covered by the report, under 3 per cent of rapes recorded by police resulted in successful prosecution - 1,439 out of 56,000. A joint probe by HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and HM CPS Inspectorate warned of a vicious cycle where a more cautious approach is taken to rape than other crimes, causing long delays to investigations and making victims drop out of cases. Successful prosecutions of rape are at an all time low, lead inspector Wendy Williams said. It can mean that dangerous people remain free and theres no doubt that the current service provided to victims of rape simply arent good enough. A report published on Friday found said there needs to be an urgent, profound and fundamental shift in how rape cases are investigated and prosecuted. It warned that too many investigations focused on finding weaknesses, rather than on building strong cases, and that suspects were often not subjected to the same scrutiny as victims who face unnecessary trawls of their phones, sexual history and medical records. The report comes weeks after the government announced that it would introduce performance scorecards following an end-to-end review of rape cases. Ministers aim to return rape prosecutions to the figures seen before numbers started plummeting in 2016. Dame Vera Baird, the Victims' Commissioner for England and Wales, said there had been a dearth of accountability for the failings. There is an abysmal cultural position where they dont believe rape victims and they are not interested in taking risks to support them, she told The Independent. Its a profound cultural issue. Boris Johnson blames mobile phone data recovery issues for rape cases not going to court Ms Williams said that although many officers and staff are dedicated to securing justice, police and CPS resources cannot currently meet the demand and investigators dont always have the right training and experience. Ms Williams said austerity had led both agencies to restructure and deal with matters in a different way, and that there was a current shortage of both prosecutors and detectives. I would not understate the importance of effective funding and resourcing, she added. Police cuts over the past decade caused an exodus of older officers, and the report warned of the consequences of putting police without adequate training or experience on rape cases. If a trained officer isnt available there is the possibility of losing vital opportunities to capture evidence in the form of CCTV, house to house enquiries, to secure the right sort of support for a victim of rape, Ms Williams said. Forces with specialist teams tend to perform better. Of more than 56,000 rapes reported in the year to March 2020, only 4,181 were referred to the CPS for a charging decision and only 2,325 were charged. Only 1,439 cases, under 3 per cent of the rapes reported, resulted in a successful prosecution. The inspectorate report took aim at a blame culture seeing the police and CPS pointing figures at each other over plummeting prosecutions, rather than taking ownership of the issues causing them. The CPS has been highlighting the falling number of cases formally referred for charging decisions, while police have accused prosecutors of making unrealistic and unnecessary demands for evidence that they cannot meet. UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 18 July 2021 A view of spectators by the 2nd green during day four of The Open at The Royal St George's Golf Club in Sandwich, Kent PA UK news in pictures 17 July 2021 Cyclists ride over the Hammersmith Bridge in London. The bridge was closed last year after cracks in it worsened during a heatwave Getty UK news in pictures 16 July 2021 The sun rises behind the Sefton Park Palm House, in Sefton Park, Liverpool PA UK news in pictures 15 July 2021 Sir Nicholas Serota watches a short film about sea monsters as he opens a 7.6 million, 360 immersive dome at Devonport's Market Hall in Plymouth, which is the first of its type to be built in Europe PA UK news in pictures 14 July 2021 Heidi Street, playing a gothic character, looks at a brain suspended in glass at the worlds first attraction dedicated to the author of Frankenstein inside the Mary Shelleys House of Frankenstein experience, located in a Georgian terraced house in Bath, as it prepares to open to the public on 19 July PA UK news in pictures 13 July 2021 Rehearsals are held in a car park in Glasgow for a parade scene ahead of filming for what is thought to be the new Indiana Jones 5 movie starring Harrison Ford PA UK news in pictures 12 July 2021 A local resident puts love hearts and slogans on the plastic that covers offensive graffiti on the vandalised mural of Manchester United striker and England player Marcus Rashford on the wall of a cafe on Copson Street, Withington in Manchester Getty Images UK news in pictures 11 July 2021 England's Bukayo Saka with manager Gareth Southgate after the match Pool via Reuters UK news in pictures 10 July 2021 Australias Ashleigh Barty holds the trophy after winning her final Wimbledon match against Czech Republics Karolina Pliskova Reuters UK news in pictures 9 July 2021 England 1966 World Cup winner Sir Geoff Hurst stands on top of a pod on the lastminute.com London Eye wearing a replica 1966 World Cup final kit and looking out towards Wembley Stadium in the north of the capital, where the England football team will play Italy in the Euro 2020 final on Sunday PA UK news in pictures 8 July 2021 Karolina Pliskova celebrates after defeating Aryna Sabalenka during the women's singles semifinals match on day ten of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships in London AP UK news in pictures 7 July 2021 The residents of Towfield Court in Feltham have transformed their estate with England flags for the Euro 2020 tournament PA UK news in pictures 6 July 2021 A couple are hit by a wave as they walk along the promenade in Dover, Kent, during strong winds PA UK news in pictures 5 July 2021 Alexander Zverev playing against Felix Auger-Aliassime in the fourth round of the Gentlemen's Singles on Court 1 on day seven of Wimbledon at The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club PA UK news in pictures 4 July 2021 Aaron Carty and the Beyonce Experience perform on stage during UK Black Pride at The Roundhouse in London Getty for UK Black Pride UK news in pictures 3 July 2021 Englands Jordan Henderson celebrates after scoring his first international goal, his sides fourth against Ukraine during the Euro 2020 quarter final match at the Olympic stadium in Rome AP UK news in pictures 2 July 2021 Dan Evans serves against Sebastian Korda during their mens singles third round match at Wimbledon Getty UK news in pictures 1 July 2021 Prince William, left and Prince Harry unveil a statue they commissioned of their mother Princess Diana, on what would have been her 60th birthday, in the Sunken Garden at Kensington Palace, London AP UK news in pictures 30 June 2021 Dancers from the Billingham Festival and Balbir Singh Dance Company, during a preview for the The Two Fridas, UK Summer tour, presented by Billingham International Folklore Festival of World Dance in collaboration with Balbir Singh Dance Company, inspired by the life and times of female artists Frida Kahlo and Amrita Sher-Gil , which opens on July 10 at Ushaw Historic House, Chapel and Gardens in Durham PA UK news in pictures 29 June 2021 A boy kicks a soccer ball in front of the balconies and landings adorned with predominantly England flags at the Kirby housing estate in London AP UK news in pictures 28 June 2021 Emergency services attend a fire nearby the Elephant & Castle Rail Station in London Getty UK news in pictures 27 June 2021 People walk along Regent Street in central London during a #FreedomToDance march organised by Save Our Scene, in protest against the governments perceived disregard for the live music industry throughout the coronavirus pandemic PA UK news in pictures 26 June 2021 A pair of marchers in a Trans Pride rally share a smile in Soho Angela Christofilou/The Independent UK news in pictures 25 June 2021 Tim Duckworth during the Long Jump in the decathlon during day one of the Muller British Athletics Championships at Manchester Regional Arena PA UK news in pictures 24 June 2021 A member of staff poses with the work 'The Death of Cash' by XCopy at the 'CryptOGs: The Pioneers of NFT Art' auction at Bonhams auction house in London EPA UK news in pictures 23 June 2021 Bank of England Chief Cashier Sarah John displays the new 50-pound banknote at Daunt Books in London Bank of England via Reuters UK news in pictures 22 June 2021 Actor Isaac Hampstead Wright sits on the newly unveiled Game of Throne's "Iron Throne" statue, in Leicester Square, in London, Tuesday, June 22, 2021. The statue is the tenth to join the trail and commemorates 10 years since the TV show first aired, as well as in anticipation for HBO's release of House of the Dragon set to be released in 2022 AP UK news in pictures 21 June 2021 Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon receives her second dose of the Oxford/AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 20 June 2021 Joyce Paton, from Peterhead, on one of the remaining snow patches on Meall aBhuiridh in Glencoe during the Midsummer Ski. The event, organised by the Glencoe Mountain Resort, is held every year on the weekend closest to the Summer Solstice PA UK news in pictures 19 June 2021 England appeal LBW during day four of their Womens International Test match against India at the Bristol County Ground PA UK news in pictures 18 June 2021 Scotland fans let off flares in Leicester Square after Scotland's Euro 2020 match against England ended in a 0-0 draw Getty UK news in pictures 17 June 2021 Members of the Tootsie Rollers jazz band pose on the third day of the Royal Ascot horse racing meet AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 16 June 2021 A woman and child examine life-size sculptures of a herd of Asian elephants set up by the Elephant Family and The Real Elephant Collective to help educate the public on the elephants and the ways in which humans can better protect the planets biodiversity, in Green Park, central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 15 June 2021 Hydrotherapists with Dixie, a seven-year-old Dachshund who is being treated for back problems common with the breed, in the hydrotherapy pool during a facility at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home's in Battersea, London, to view their new hydrotherapy centre PA UK news in pictures 14 June 2021 Scotland's David Marshall in the net after Czech Republic's Patrik Schick scored their second goal at Hampden Park Reuters UK news in pictures 13 June 2021 Raheem Sterling celebrates with Harry Kane after scoring Englands first goal of the Euro 2021 tournament in a match against Croatia at Wembley Reuters UK news in pictures 12 June 2021 Oxfam campaigners wearing costumes depicting G7 leaders pose for photographers on Swanpool Beach near Falmouth, Cornwall EPA UK news in pictures 11 June 2021 Members of the Vaxinol team, who are commercial, industrial and residential cleaners specialising in disinfection and decontamination, use electrostatic spray systems to deep clean the Only Fools Bar in Liverpool PA UK news in pictures 10 June 2021 A woman walks her dogs as the incoming tide begins to wash away the heads of G7 leaders drawn in the sand by activists on the beach at Newquay, Cornwall AP UK news in pictures 9 June 2021 Adam Chamberlain, 45, general manager of Big Tree pub in Sheffield, has put up over 500 flags, taking 36 hours, in preparation for Euro 2020, which kicks off this weekend Tom Maddick / SWNS UK news in pictures 8 June 2021 REUTERS UK news in pictures 7 June 2021 A pedestrian wearing a face covering walks over Westminster Bridge near the Houses of Parliament in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 6 June 2021 Isobel Salamon, founder of the Edinburgh Cinema Club, poses alongside the Leith Trainspotting murals in Quality Yard, Leith, Edinburgh, for the programme launch of the Cinescapes Festival which starts on July 4 with a Trainspotting 1 and 2 double bill PA UK news in pictures 5 June 2021 A long exposure photograph captures the rotation of the earth as the stars blur into circles over Knowlton church ruins in Dorset Nick Lucas/SWNS UK news in pictures 4 June 2021 Balloonists take flight during the opening of the Midlands Air Festival in Alcester, Warwickshire PA UK news in pictures 3 June 2021 Members of the Household Cavalry during the Major General's annual inspection of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment in Hyde Park, London PA UK news in pictures 2 June 2021 Hannah Vitos of the Blenheim Art Foundation, poses for a photograph next to artist Ai Weiwei's Gilded Cage (2017) sculpture in the grounds of Blenheim Palace in Woodstock, Britain Reuters UK news in pictures 1 June 2021 People swim in the Sky Pool, a transparent swimming pool bridge across two exclusive residential blocks standing next to the US Embassy in Nine Elms, in London, Tuesday, June 1, 2021 AP UK news in pictures 31 May 2021 People enjoy the hot weather at Brighton beach Reuters UK news in pictures 30 May 2021 People venture into the sea as they enjoy themselves during a hot day on Brighton Beach AP Ms Williams said the relationship between the police and CPS needed fundamental improvement, including joint training and improved communication. She also called for better data-gathering to show the reasons that rape cases are dropped at different stages, as a third are ended with the label victim does not support action. Ms Williams said it was not clear if victims had never supported a prosecution or dropped out because of excessive intrusion or delays, adding: We saw cases where victims might have proceeded if they had been given better support. The inspectorates carried out in-depth assessments of more than 500 case files, which found there was an average wait of 456 days between reporting rape and the CPS deciding to take no further action. They made 13 recommendations, including improved joint working between the CPS and police, improved data collection and better support for victims. The cycle that leads to low conviction rates must be broken once and for all, Ms Williams said. The second phase of the investigation, looking at what happens after rapes are charged, will be published later in the year. The National Police Chiefs Council lead for rape, temporary chief constable Sarah Crew, said: We are committed to improving the police response to rape and get victims the justice they deserve. Together with the CPS we are implementing a joint action plan which aims to increase the number of cases being taken to court and the number of offenders being sent to prison. Our plan is wide ranging and we are making good progress, but we all know there is much more to do. Sue Hemming, CPS director of legal services, said a new agreement had drawn up on closer collaboration with police on rape cases. We agree closer collaboration and communication with police from the outset of a rape complaint is essential to driving up the number of strong prosecutions, she added. Every case is different, which is why our prosecutors work closely with the police from the outset, offering early advice to build strong cases. This work is already beginning to make a difference, with more cases being referred to us and a higher proportion being charged. Some 40 species of shark are thought to inhabit the waters surrounding the UK. Many only visit in the warmer months, though according to the Shark Trust charity there are 21 permanent resident species roaming beneath the waves off the British coast. Most of the full-time fish more than half of which are on the IUCN Red List of threatened species are of the smaller variety. But sharks of great size are not uncommon off these shores. The second largest fish known to humans, the basking shark, can be seen near the coast between May and October every year. While sharks have long been widely feared, the Shark Trust said there was no reason to worry in Britain at least as no species known to be dangerous to humans has ever been reported in UK waters. Below,The Independent has compiled a map showing the largest shark species and where they can be found. Read on for further facts about each species. View more Blue shark This torpedo-like shark can be spotted around 10 miles off the southwest coast of England in summer months. They can grow up to 12ft (3.8m) long and are known to give birth to as many as 50 live pups in one litter. (Getty) The blue shark feed mainly on small fish and squid near the surface, but have been recorded feeding on the seabed at depths of 350m, according to the Wildlife Trust. They are listed as Near Threatened by the IUCN. Porbeagle shark Found around all UK coasts from June to October, this deepwater shark is known for its large dorsal fin and large black eyes. They are known as known as strong swimmers, one porbeagle tagged in Irish waters was later found as far away as Newfoundland in Canada. (Alamy) Porbeagles are sometimes mistaken for great white sharks but can only grow to half the size. They are listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN. Smooth hammerhead A very rare sight off the British coast, the smooth hammerhead would appear hard to misidentify. But there are really nine different types of hammerhead, with this variety notable for having a smoother and more rounded head. (Alamy) Hammerhead sharks have 360-degree vision and is an exceptional hunter. The smooth hammerhead is listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN. Shortfin mako This mackerel shark is thought to be the worlds fastest fish, capable of swimming at speeds exceeding 40mph and known as the cheetah of the ocean. (jidanchaomian via Flickr Commons) They are rarely spotted near Britain but could become more common due to rising sea temperatures. Overfishing of this species led to it being listed as Endangered by the IUCN in 2019. Thresher The unique tail of the thresher lands it higher up the shark size rankings than its body would suggest. The thresher has been observed using its tail to separate fish from shoals when hunting to make them more vulnerable. (Getty) They spend most of their time deep under the sea and rarely stray into coastal waters. To survive in these colder depths, they have evolved to be able to moderate their body temperature to keep in higher than the surrounding water. They can be seen around the UK in summer months. They are listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN. Greenland shark Scientists recently discovered that this extraordinary fish was the longest-living vertebrate on earth. One female in the north Atlantic was found to be 400 years old. As National Geographic recently noted, this means the Mayflower ship could have sailed over its head as it ferried the first English settlers to America. (Hemming) They prefer colder arctic seas and deep water but have been found off the northern UK shores. They are listed as Near Threatened by the IUCN. Great white Perhaps the most famous of all shark species, the possibility of a great white sighting in the UK is hotly discussed in the media. But the closest one is known to have got is around 168 miles off the coast when a female was captured in the Bay of Biscay in 1977. (Getty) But experts think it likely they have been much closer as UK waters are more suitable than other parts of the world where they have been spotted. They are listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN. Basking shark This 6-tonne behemoth is only outsized by one other fish, the whale shark. Basking sharks swim slowly through the depths of the ocean with their giant mouths wide open to catch zooplankton. In the UK they are mostly found off the western coastline, where they arrive in summer months. (Getty) They are common during this period and there is even a small tourism industry built around their arrival in the north of Scotland. They are listed as Endangered by the IUCN and are a priority species in the UK governments conservation plan. Former Commons speaker Betty Boothroyd has blasted Boris Johnson for shirking his responsibilities at his weekly prime minister's question time. Speaking ahead of the 60th anniversary of the first formal PMQs, Baroness Boothroyd said Mr Johnson's obfuscation amounted to contempt of parliament. The former MP, who was Speaker from 1992 to 2000, also turned her fire on Conservative backbenchers, who she accused of asking soft "fluff" questions. In an interview with Times Radio the nonagenarian elder stateswoman said PMQs had deteriorated a great deal in the last few years", adding: "Its not the quality that it used to be. The baroness, who recently underwent open heart surgery, said the president Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle had "had to call the prime minister to account here to say look, it's contempt of parliament - you're not answering the question, not even attempting to answer the question". She added: "The prime minister is there to answer questions about what the government is doing, why it is not doing it. "I don't say prime ministers have got the answer to every question. Of course they haven't. But at least they've got to have a stab and it and make an attempt and it is not [happening] these days." Baroness Boothroyd believes the current speaker Sir Lindsay should call Mr Johnson out (Getty) Sir Lindsay himself slammed Mr Johnson last year over his alleged contempt for parliament telling the prime minister the government had shown "total disregard" in its handling of Covid-19 regulations. PMQs is held every Wednesday lunchtime when the Commons is sitting, barring special circumstances. UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 14 July 2021 Heidi Street, playing a gothic character, looks at a brain suspended in glass at the worlds first attraction dedicated to the author of Frankenstein inside the Mary Shelleys House of Frankenstein experience, located in a Georgian terraced house in Bath, as it prepares to open to the public on 19 July PA UK news in pictures 13 July 2021 Rehearsals are held in a car park in Glasgow for a parade scene ahead of filming for what is thought to be the new Indiana Jones 5 movie starring Harrison Ford PA UK news in pictures 12 July 2021 A local resident puts love hearts and slogans on the plastic that covers offensive graffiti on the vandalised mural of Manchester United striker and England player Marcus Rashford on the wall of a cafe on Copson Street, Withington in Manchester Getty Images UK news in pictures 11 July 2021 England's Bukayo Saka with manager Gareth Southgate after the match Pool via Reuters UK news in pictures 10 July 2021 Australias Ashleigh Barty holds the trophy after winning her final Wimbledon match against Czech Republics Karolina Pliskova Reuters UK news in pictures 9 July 2021 England 1966 World Cup winner Sir Geoff Hurst stands on top of a pod on the lastminute.com London Eye wearing a replica 1966 World Cup final kit and looking out towards Wembley Stadium in the north of the capital, where the England football team will play Italy in the Euro 2020 final on Sunday PA UK news in pictures 8 July 2021 Karolina Pliskova celebrates after defeating Aryna Sabalenka during the women's singles semifinals match on day ten of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships in London AP UK news in pictures 7 July 2021 The residents of Towfield Court in Feltham have transformed their estate with England flags for the Euro 2020 tournament PA UK news in pictures 6 July 2021 A couple are hit by a wave as they walk along the promenade in Dover, Kent, during strong winds PA UK news in pictures 5 July 2021 Alexander Zverev playing against Felix Auger-Aliassime in the fourth round of the Gentlemen's Singles on Court 1 on day seven of Wimbledon at The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club PA UK news in pictures 4 July 2021 Aaron Carty and the Beyonce Experience perform on stage during UK Black Pride at The Roundhouse in London Getty for UK Black Pride UK news in pictures 3 July 2021 Englands Jordan Henderson celebrates after scoring his first international goal, his sides fourth against Ukraine during the Euro 2020 quarter final match at the Olympic stadium in Rome AP UK news in pictures 2 July 2021 Dan Evans serves against Sebastian Korda during their mens singles third round match at Wimbledon Getty UK news in pictures 1 July 2021 Prince William, left and Prince Harry unveil a statue they commissioned of their mother Princess Diana, on what would have been her 60th birthday, in the Sunken Garden at Kensington Palace, London AP UK news in pictures 30 June 2021 Dancers from the Billingham Festival and Balbir Singh Dance Company, during a preview for the The Two Fridas, UK Summer tour, presented by Billingham International Folklore Festival of World Dance in collaboration with Balbir Singh Dance Company, inspired by the life and times of female artists Frida Kahlo and Amrita Sher-Gil , which opens on July 10 at Ushaw Historic House, Chapel and Gardens in Durham PA UK news in pictures 29 June 2021 A boy kicks a soccer ball in front of the balconies and landings adorned with predominantly England flags at the Kirby housing estate in London AP UK news in pictures 28 June 2021 Emergency services attend a fire nearby the Elephant & Castle Rail Station in London Getty UK news in pictures 27 June 2021 People walk along Regent Street in central London during a #FreedomToDance march organised by Save Our Scene, in protest against the governments perceived disregard for the live music industry throughout the coronavirus pandemic PA UK news in pictures 26 June 2021 A pair of marchers in a Trans Pride rally share a smile in Soho Angela Christofilou/The Independent UK news in pictures 25 June 2021 Tim Duckworth during the Long Jump in the decathlon during day one of the Muller British Athletics Championships at Manchester Regional Arena PA UK news in pictures 24 June 2021 A member of staff poses with the work 'The Death of Cash' by XCopy at the 'CryptOGs: The Pioneers of NFT Art' auction at Bonhams auction house in London EPA UK news in pictures 23 June 2021 Bank of England Chief Cashier Sarah John displays the new 50-pound banknote at Daunt Books in London Bank of England via Reuters UK news in pictures 22 June 2021 Actor Isaac Hampstead Wright sits on the newly unveiled Game of Throne's "Iron Throne" statue, in Leicester Square, in London, Tuesday, June 22, 2021. The statue is the tenth to join the trail and commemorates 10 years since the TV show first aired, as well as in anticipation for HBO's release of House of the Dragon set to be released in 2022 AP UK news in pictures 21 June 2021 Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon receives her second dose of the Oxford/AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 20 June 2021 Joyce Paton, from Peterhead, on one of the remaining snow patches on Meall aBhuiridh in Glencoe during the Midsummer Ski. The event, organised by the Glencoe Mountain Resort, is held every year on the weekend closest to the Summer Solstice PA UK news in pictures 19 June 2021 England appeal LBW during day four of their Womens International Test match against India at the Bristol County Ground PA UK news in pictures 18 June 2021 Scotland fans let off flares in Leicester Square after Scotland's Euro 2020 match against England ended in a 0-0 draw Getty UK news in pictures 17 June 2021 Members of the Tootsie Rollers jazz band pose on the third day of the Royal Ascot horse racing meet AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 16 June 2021 A woman and child examine life-size sculptures of a herd of Asian elephants set up by the Elephant Family and The Real Elephant Collective to help educate the public on the elephants and the ways in which humans can better protect the planets biodiversity, in Green Park, central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 15 June 2021 Hydrotherapists with Dixie, a seven-year-old Dachshund who is being treated for back problems common with the breed, in the hydrotherapy pool during a facility at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home's in Battersea, London, to view their new hydrotherapy centre PA UK news in pictures 14 June 2021 Scotland's David Marshall in the net after Czech Republic's Patrik Schick scored their second goal at Hampden Park Reuters UK news in pictures 13 June 2021 Raheem Sterling celebrates with Harry Kane after scoring Englands first goal of the Euro 2021 tournament in a match against Croatia at Wembley Reuters UK news in pictures 12 June 2021 Oxfam campaigners wearing costumes depicting G7 leaders pose for photographers on Swanpool Beach near Falmouth, Cornwall EPA UK news in pictures 11 June 2021 Members of the Vaxinol team, who are commercial, industrial and residential cleaners specialising in disinfection and decontamination, use electrostatic spray systems to deep clean the Only Fools Bar in Liverpool PA UK news in pictures 10 June 2021 A woman walks her dogs as the incoming tide begins to wash away the heads of G7 leaders drawn in the sand by activists on the beach at Newquay, Cornwall AP UK news in pictures 9 June 2021 Adam Chamberlain, 45, general manager of Big Tree pub in Sheffield, has put up over 500 flags, taking 36 hours, in preparation for Euro 2020, which kicks off this weekend Tom Maddick / SWNS UK news in pictures 8 June 2021 REUTERS UK news in pictures 7 June 2021 A pedestrian wearing a face covering walks over Westminster Bridge near the Houses of Parliament in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 6 June 2021 Isobel Salamon, founder of the Edinburgh Cinema Club, poses alongside the Leith Trainspotting murals in Quality Yard, Leith, Edinburgh, for the programme launch of the Cinescapes Festival which starts on July 4 with a Trainspotting 1 and 2 double bill PA UK news in pictures 5 June 2021 A long exposure photograph captures the rotation of the earth as the stars blur into circles over Knowlton church ruins in Dorset Nick Lucas/SWNS UK news in pictures 4 June 2021 Balloonists take flight during the opening of the Midlands Air Festival in Alcester, Warwickshire PA UK news in pictures 3 June 2021 Members of the Household Cavalry during the Major General's annual inspection of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment in Hyde Park, London PA UK news in pictures 2 June 2021 Hannah Vitos of the Blenheim Art Foundation, poses for a photograph next to artist Ai Weiwei's Gilded Cage (2017) sculpture in the grounds of Blenheim Palace in Woodstock, Britain Reuters UK news in pictures 1 June 2021 People swim in the Sky Pool, a transparent swimming pool bridge across two exclusive residential blocks standing next to the US Embassy in Nine Elms, in London, Tuesday, June 1, 2021 AP UK news in pictures 31 May 2021 People enjoy the hot weather at Brighton beach Reuters UK news in pictures 30 May 2021 People venture into the sea as they enjoy themselves during a hot day on Brighton Beach AP UK news in pictures 29 May 2021 Swimmers at the Stonehaven Open Air Pool in Aberdeenshire, which reopens after lockdown restrictions were eased PA UK news in pictures 28 May 2021 Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson gestures as he meets Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban at Downing Street in London REUTERS UK news in pictures 27 May 2021 White Pelicans in the sunshine in St James's Park, London PA UK news in pictures 26 May 2021 Boats are seen at Southsea Moorings in Portsmouth Reuters Mr Johnson has repeatedly been found to have made false statements at PMQs. In April he refused to apologise after wrongly claiming Keir Starmer had voted against the government's EU trade deal. In March he made a false claim about opposition MPs voting against a pay rise for nurses, leading the Speaker to brand him "dishonourable" for failing to correct his mistakes. Boris Johnsons government has come under pressure to urgently reconsider its plan to end Covid restrictions in England on Monday, as international scientists warned that the move poses a danger to the world. More than 1,200 scientists from around the globe have condemned the prime ministers decision to forge ahead with so-called freedom day on 19 July, describing it as unscientific and unethical. Some of the experts convened an emergency summit on Friday, warning that the UK governments decision to lift its rules on social distancing and masks amounted to a murderous policy of herd immunity by mass infection. The group of scientists who all signed a recent letter to The Lancet warning against the plans fear next weeks reopening in England will allow the Delta variant to spread rapidly around the world. The warning comes as more than 50,000 cases were recorded on Friday, the highest figure since mid-January. A further 49 deaths within 28 days of a positive test were also reported bringing the UKs total death toll from the pandemic to 128,642. The latest data from the Office for National Statistics suggests that 1 in 95 people in England had Covid last week, with 67.5 per cent of the adult population now fully vaccinated and 87.6 per cent having received their first jab. Professor Michael Baker, a member of the New Zealand governments Covid advisory group, said his colleagues were amazed and astounded that the UK had decided to lift curbs when transmission of the virus was rising so rapidly in the country. Official advisers to the governments of New Zealand, Israel and Italy all expressed alarm at the UK governments strategy. Professor Baker claimed the UK had started the pandemic with an approach of herd immunity ... rapidly identified as unacceptable. He added: It seems now, strangely, that the UK is going back to that approach. To find out what others are saying and join the conversation scroll down for comments section or click here for our most commented-on articles Professor Stephen Duckett, Australias former health secretary, said the UK and other governments should make sure transmissions were under control and the population was protected through vaccination before lifting restrictions. If you open up when either one of those is not the case, you are doomed to an exponential rise in [Covid] cases, Prof Duckett said, adding that it defied logic to open up when the virus was spreading rapidly. Professor Jose M Martin-Moreno, from the University of Valencia in Spain, said: UK policy affects not only UK citizens, it affects the world. We cannot understand why this [unlocking] is happening. The public-health professor claimed Spain had already made the mistake of allowing transmission to rise by ending compulsory face coverings. Our prime minister in Spain decided to remove on 26 June the mandatory use of masks outdoors It is an experiment in disaster to remove the tools to contain transmission. The international experts were joined by some of the scientists from the UKs Independent Sage group, which has urged Downing Street to rethink the end of restrictions. Professor Christina Pagel, a member of the group, said: Because of our position as a global travel hub, any variant that becomes dominant in the UK will likely spread to the rest of the world. She added: We saw it with the Alpha variant. Im absolutely sure that we have contributed to the rise of the Delta variant in North America and Europe. UK [government] policy doesnt just affect us it affects everybody. Speaking at the online summit, she said: What Im most worried about is the potential for a new variant to emerge this summer. When you have incredibly high levels of Covid, which we have now in England and its not going to go away any time soon and a partially vaccinated population, any mutation that can infect vaccinated people better has a big selection advantage and can spread. William Haseltine, an eminent US scientist renowned for his work on HIV/Aids and cancer at Harvard University, said: We have always looked to the UK for good, sensible policies. Unfortunately that has not been the case for the Covid pandemic. It is leading to disaster as we can see in the numbers. I follow the numbers daily in the UK and I am extremely dismayed to see the very rapid rate of increase in infections in a population which is vaccinated like we are. He added: I believe that the strategy of herd immunity is actually murderous: I think thats a word we should use, because that is what it is; it is knowledge that you are doing something that will result in thousands, and in some cases tens of thousands of people dying. It is a disastrous policy, its been clear that thats been the case for some time, and to continue to espouse that policy is unconscionable. Professor Chris Whitty has said the UK could get into trouble again surprisingly fast (PA) And Professor Walter Ricciardi, president of the World Federation of Public Health Associations, warned: This is becoming international, because from England and the UK the virus is spreading all over the world: there are flights from London every day in Europe; we have already seen in the past that from the UK the virus spreads all over Europe. The warning comes as Professor Chris Whitty, Englands chief medical officer, conceded that the number of people in hospital with Covid in the UK is currently doubling about every three weeks and could reach quite scary numbers soon. Speaking on Thursday evening, Prof Whitty said: I dont think we should underestimate the fact that we could get into trouble again surprisingly fast. Prof Whitty has said there is no clear evidence that delaying the next step of Englands road map out lockdown would make a difference in reducing the spread of Covid transmission. But Lancet editor-in-chief Richard Horton said Prof Whitty was wilfully misrepresenting scientific opinion with claims that there was widespread support for the prime ministers approach. Boris Johnsons government could consider reimplementing Covid restrictions in England if the spread of the virus becomes unacceptable, according to a senior minister. The comment comes despite the prime minister regularly stating he wanted the removal of legal measures on 19 July to be irreversible. Tory MP Lucy Frazer, the governments solicitor general, told Sky News the government was well aware that we will see infections rise this summer. The reason why restrictions are being taken away is because of the vaccination programme, which will protect people when those infections do rise. Ms Frazer added: Of course, if we get into a situation where it is unacceptable and we do need to put back further restrictions, then that of course is something the government will look at. It follows a warning from Professor Chris Whitty, Englands chief medical officer, that the number of people in hospital with Covid is currently doubling about every three weeks and could reach quite scary numbers soon. Speaking at a webinar hosted by the Science Museum on Thursday evening, Prof Whitty said: I dont think we should underestimate the fact that we could get into trouble again surprisingly fast. Prof Whitty said he hoped the public would take things incredibly slowly despite the end of legal restrictions on 19 July. He was speaking after UK Covid case numbers jumped to almost 50,000 in just 24 hours. Ministers are facing growing criticism over confused guidance given to shoppers, businesses and commuters over the wearing of masks from 19 July. The government said it expects people in England to wear a face covering in enclosed spaces, despite ditching the legal requirements. Englands regional mayors have urged ministers to keep masks compulsory across all public transport services to avoid a ridiculous mismatch of rules from the beginning of next week. Mr Johnson is said to have gotten cold feet over the end of legal restrictions in recent days, but decided it was too late to reverse his decision to go ahead with step four of the roadmap, according to The Spectator. Defending the governments decision to lift remaining curbs from Monday, Ms Frazer said: Weve had a really tough time, were still asking people to take responsibility and we do need to ask ourselves, if we dont open up now, when will we be able to open up? Millions of people are expected to be pinged by the Covid app in weeks ahead (PA) Questions continue to be raised about the NHS Covid app which is reportedly telling neighbours to self-isolate after pinging people through walls. It comes after more than 500,000 alerts were sent through the app last week the highest number so far raising fears of a pingdemic. Unions have warned that factories struggling with serious staff shortages could be forced to close within days. Ms Frazer claimed the app remained an important self-isolation tool and said there were no plans to bring forward planned changes to self-isolation rules allowing the fully-vaccinated to avoid quarantine from 16 August. Referring to plans to look at the sensitivity of the app, the minister said: The government is looking at this very carefully, recognising the impact it is having on businesses. The Northern Ireland Assembly is to hold and emergency sitting next week to discuss the UK government's plans for an amnesty on Troubles prosecutions. Stormont will abruptly return from summer recess on Tuesday after a petition for it to convene was signed by 30 members of the legislative assembly (MLAs). The power sharing legislature will debate a motion calling for victims and survivors to have a "full, material and central role and input into the content and design of structures to address the legacy of the past". The major parties in Northern Ireland all oppose the UK government's plan for a statute of limitations on the prosecution of Troubles crimes, which would apply to paramilitaries and British soldiers. The policy would end prosecutions for crimes committed before the 1998 Good Friday Agreement. The move is drive by UK government's promise to end prosecutions of members of the UK armed forces. Boris Johnson told the House of Commons on Wednesday that the idea should be given a fair wind. "The people of Northern Ireland must, if we possibly can allow them to, move forwards now, the prime minister told MPs. But on Friday Northern Ireland's political leaders held "robust conversations" with Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis over the proposals. Following the multilateral meeting, DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson said: "It was a fairly robust conversation. Each of us outlined our views on the way forward in relation to legacy. We recognise that these are very difficult and sensitive matters. "This morning I have been meeting with some of the groups here representing innocent victims from across Northern Ireland. They are very concerned by the Government's proposals for what they believe amounts to some form of amnesty. "They believe passionately that the opportunity for victims and families to pursue justice should not be closed off and that view was replicated in the comments made by party leaders this morning." SDLP leader Colum Eastwood said there was "a strong consensus among party leaders that the British Government proposal for an amnesty for those involved in serious conflict-related crimes cannot be allowed to proceed". "It is pathetic that Boris Johnson and Brandon Lewis pushed ahead with this announcement before the consultation and engagement process with political parties and victims had begun in any serious way," he said. "This process cannot have a predetermined outcome that fails to deliver truth, justice, accountability and acknowledgment that victims and survivors need." Sinn Fein MLA Gerry Kelly accused the British Government of trying to bring forward a "fait accompli", adding: "I doubt if you can tell me one person outside of Brandon Lewis who has actually defended this. Everyone is against it, right across the sector. "Nobody believes what the British Government are saying, they are talking about a process and nobody believes that there is a process, they believe that the British [Government] are trying to bring forward a fait accompli and what we need to do is to fight it." UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 16 July 2021 The sun rises behind the Sefton Park Palm House, in Sefton Park, Liverpool PA UK news in pictures 15 July 2021 Sir Nicholas Serota watches a short film about sea monsters as he opens a 7.6 million, 360 immersive dome at Devonport's Market Hall in Plymouth, which is the first of its type to be built in Europe PA UK news in pictures 14 July 2021 Heidi Street, playing a gothic character, looks at a brain suspended in glass at the worlds first attraction dedicated to the author of Frankenstein inside the Mary Shelleys House of Frankenstein experience, located in a Georgian terraced house in Bath, as it prepares to open to the public on 19 July PA UK news in pictures 13 July 2021 Rehearsals are held in a car park in Glasgow for a parade scene ahead of filming for what is thought to be the new Indiana Jones 5 movie starring Harrison Ford PA UK news in pictures 12 July 2021 A local resident puts love hearts and slogans on the plastic that covers offensive graffiti on the vandalised mural of Manchester United striker and England player Marcus Rashford on the wall of a cafe on Copson Street, Withington in Manchester Getty Images UK news in pictures 11 July 2021 England's Bukayo Saka with manager Gareth Southgate after the match Pool via Reuters UK news in pictures 10 July 2021 Australias Ashleigh Barty holds the trophy after winning her final Wimbledon match against Czech Republics Karolina Pliskova Reuters UK news in pictures 9 July 2021 England 1966 World Cup winner Sir Geoff Hurst stands on top of a pod on the lastminute.com London Eye wearing a replica 1966 World Cup final kit and looking out towards Wembley Stadium in the north of the capital, where the England football team will play Italy in the Euro 2020 final on Sunday PA UK news in pictures 8 July 2021 Karolina Pliskova celebrates after defeating Aryna Sabalenka during the women's singles semifinals match on day ten of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships in London AP UK news in pictures 7 July 2021 The residents of Towfield Court in Feltham have transformed their estate with England flags for the Euro 2020 tournament PA UK news in pictures 6 July 2021 A couple are hit by a wave as they walk along the promenade in Dover, Kent, during strong winds PA UK news in pictures 5 July 2021 Alexander Zverev playing against Felix Auger-Aliassime in the fourth round of the Gentlemen's Singles on Court 1 on day seven of Wimbledon at The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club PA UK news in pictures 4 July 2021 Aaron Carty and the Beyonce Experience perform on stage during UK Black Pride at The Roundhouse in London Getty for UK Black Pride UK news in pictures 3 July 2021 Englands Jordan Henderson celebrates after scoring his first international goal, his sides fourth against Ukraine during the Euro 2020 quarter final match at the Olympic stadium in Rome AP UK news in pictures 2 July 2021 Dan Evans serves against Sebastian Korda during their mens singles third round match at Wimbledon Getty UK news in pictures 1 July 2021 Prince William, left and Prince Harry unveil a statue they commissioned of their mother Princess Diana, on what would have been her 60th birthday, in the Sunken Garden at Kensington Palace, London AP UK news in pictures 30 June 2021 Dancers from the Billingham Festival and Balbir Singh Dance Company, during a preview for the The Two Fridas, UK Summer tour, presented by Billingham International Folklore Festival of World Dance in collaboration with Balbir Singh Dance Company, inspired by the life and times of female artists Frida Kahlo and Amrita Sher-Gil , which opens on July 10 at Ushaw Historic House, Chapel and Gardens in Durham PA UK news in pictures 29 June 2021 A boy kicks a soccer ball in front of the balconies and landings adorned with predominantly England flags at the Kirby housing estate in London AP UK news in pictures 28 June 2021 Emergency services attend a fire nearby the Elephant & Castle Rail Station in London Getty UK news in pictures 27 June 2021 People walk along Regent Street in central London during a #FreedomToDance march organised by Save Our Scene, in protest against the governments perceived disregard for the live music industry throughout the coronavirus pandemic PA UK news in pictures 26 June 2021 A pair of marchers in a Trans Pride rally share a smile in Soho Angela Christofilou/The Independent UK news in pictures 25 June 2021 Tim Duckworth during the Long Jump in the decathlon during day one of the Muller British Athletics Championships at Manchester Regional Arena PA UK news in pictures 24 June 2021 A member of staff poses with the work 'The Death of Cash' by XCopy at the 'CryptOGs: The Pioneers of NFT Art' auction at Bonhams auction house in London EPA UK news in pictures 23 June 2021 Bank of England Chief Cashier Sarah John displays the new 50-pound banknote at Daunt Books in London Bank of England via Reuters UK news in pictures 22 June 2021 Actor Isaac Hampstead Wright sits on the newly unveiled Game of Throne's "Iron Throne" statue, in Leicester Square, in London, Tuesday, June 22, 2021. The statue is the tenth to join the trail and commemorates 10 years since the TV show first aired, as well as in anticipation for HBO's release of House of the Dragon set to be released in 2022 AP UK news in pictures 21 June 2021 Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon receives her second dose of the Oxford/AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 20 June 2021 Joyce Paton, from Peterhead, on one of the remaining snow patches on Meall aBhuiridh in Glencoe during the Midsummer Ski. The event, organised by the Glencoe Mountain Resort, is held every year on the weekend closest to the Summer Solstice PA UK news in pictures 19 June 2021 England appeal LBW during day four of their Womens International Test match against India at the Bristol County Ground PA UK news in pictures 18 June 2021 Scotland fans let off flares in Leicester Square after Scotland's Euro 2020 match against England ended in a 0-0 draw Getty UK news in pictures 17 June 2021 Members of the Tootsie Rollers jazz band pose on the third day of the Royal Ascot horse racing meet AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 16 June 2021 A woman and child examine life-size sculptures of a herd of Asian elephants set up by the Elephant Family and The Real Elephant Collective to help educate the public on the elephants and the ways in which humans can better protect the planets biodiversity, in Green Park, central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 15 June 2021 Hydrotherapists with Dixie, a seven-year-old Dachshund who is being treated for back problems common with the breed, in the hydrotherapy pool during a facility at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home's in Battersea, London, to view their new hydrotherapy centre PA UK news in pictures 14 June 2021 Scotland's David Marshall in the net after Czech Republic's Patrik Schick scored their second goal at Hampden Park Reuters UK news in pictures 13 June 2021 Raheem Sterling celebrates with Harry Kane after scoring Englands first goal of the Euro 2021 tournament in a match against Croatia at Wembley Reuters UK news in pictures 12 June 2021 Oxfam campaigners wearing costumes depicting G7 leaders pose for photographers on Swanpool Beach near Falmouth, Cornwall EPA UK news in pictures 11 June 2021 Members of the Vaxinol team, who are commercial, industrial and residential cleaners specialising in disinfection and decontamination, use electrostatic spray systems to deep clean the Only Fools Bar in Liverpool PA UK news in pictures 10 June 2021 A woman walks her dogs as the incoming tide begins to wash away the heads of G7 leaders drawn in the sand by activists on the beach at Newquay, Cornwall AP UK news in pictures 9 June 2021 Adam Chamberlain, 45, general manager of Big Tree pub in Sheffield, has put up over 500 flags, taking 36 hours, in preparation for Euro 2020, which kicks off this weekend Tom Maddick / SWNS UK news in pictures 8 June 2021 REUTERS UK news in pictures 7 June 2021 A pedestrian wearing a face covering walks over Westminster Bridge near the Houses of Parliament in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 6 June 2021 Isobel Salamon, founder of the Edinburgh Cinema Club, poses alongside the Leith Trainspotting murals in Quality Yard, Leith, Edinburgh, for the programme launch of the Cinescapes Festival which starts on July 4 with a Trainspotting 1 and 2 double bill PA UK news in pictures 5 June 2021 A long exposure photograph captures the rotation of the earth as the stars blur into circles over Knowlton church ruins in Dorset Nick Lucas/SWNS UK news in pictures 4 June 2021 Balloonists take flight during the opening of the Midlands Air Festival in Alcester, Warwickshire PA UK news in pictures 3 June 2021 Members of the Household Cavalry during the Major General's annual inspection of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment in Hyde Park, London PA UK news in pictures 2 June 2021 Hannah Vitos of the Blenheim Art Foundation, poses for a photograph next to artist Ai Weiwei's Gilded Cage (2017) sculpture in the grounds of Blenheim Palace in Woodstock, Britain Reuters UK news in pictures 1 June 2021 People swim in the Sky Pool, a transparent swimming pool bridge across two exclusive residential blocks standing next to the US Embassy in Nine Elms, in London, Tuesday, June 1, 2021 AP UK news in pictures 31 May 2021 People enjoy the hot weather at Brighton beach Reuters UK news in pictures 30 May 2021 People venture into the sea as they enjoy themselves during a hot day on Brighton Beach AP UK news in pictures 29 May 2021 Swimmers at the Stonehaven Open Air Pool in Aberdeenshire, which reopens after lockdown restrictions were eased PA UK news in pictures 28 May 2021 Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson gestures as he meets Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban at Downing Street in London REUTERS Alliance Party leader Naomi Long said her party would "not provide cover for anything that amounts to an amnesty", while Ulster Unionist leader Doug Beattie said the "made clear at the meeting that we would not be supporting a statute of limitations". He added that this had "always been our consistent position because it was always going to inevitably lead to an amnesty for terrorists". The Irish government is also opposed to the proposals. More than 3,500 people died most of them civilians during Troubles, which involved involving Irish republican and British loyalist paramilitaries, as well as the UK armed forces. Boris Johnson is backing plans for a new tax to fund long-overdue reforms to social care in England, according to reports. Downing Street is comfortable with some sort of tax to cover universal social care, a government source told The Times. The reforms could also include a cap on how much people have to pay for their own care, it reported. Mr Johnson promised he had a plan to fix the crisis in social care in July 2019. The government also pledged it would publish its long-awaited proposal to fix the system by the end of the year. But new health secretary Sajid Javid said last week he could not put an exact date on the commitment. He said he hoped his department could reveal a general sense of direction soon. According to The Times, the plans for social care reforms are still being finalised but there are huge efforts from No10 to get the thing over the line. As well as a new tax to pay for the reforms, the proposals reportedly include extra funding to ensure more people get help and better bay for staff. The prime minister, Mr Javid and chancellor Rishi Sunak are understood to be pushing to agree the terms of a package by as early as next Thursday, before the summer recess, The Telegraph reported. Mr Johnson is thought to be keen to have something to present to the public before the second anniversary of his arrival at No 10 next weekend. Caroline Abrahams, the charity director of Age UK, warned the government it could not offer a penny pinching response to the social care crisis. She said: If a credible package of social care refinancing and reform requires a tax rise, so be it, provided its fair. It would be worth it for the reassurance and dignity we all gained in return. Andrew Dilnot, who led a major review into social care funding a decade ago, warned earlier this year that the system could remain unfixed until after the next general election if plans were not revealed in the upcoming spending review. If we dont make decisions this year, its very hard to see how they can be implemented before the next election, he said. Kenyas president has condemned the killing of a conservationist who was a steadfast champion of the countrys Kiambu forest after she was shot by unknown assailants this week. Uhuru Kenyatta said in a statement that Joannah Stutchbury was attacked at her home in Kiambu county on Thursday and authorities were working to pursue and apprehend those behind the killing. We will not allow a few misguided individuals to continue shedding the blood of innocent people working hard to make Kenya a better place for all of us, Mr Kenyatta said, according to the local newspaper The Star. Those are cowardly enemies of our country. He added: It is very sad, unfortunate and regrettable that bad people have senselessly taken away the life of Joannah Stutchbury in such a senseless manner. "For the longest time, Joannah has been a steadfast champion for the conservation of our environment and is remembered for her relentless efforts to protect Kiambu forest from encroachment." Stutchbury lived in Kiambu county to the north of Kenyas capital (Facebook) Ms Stutchbury was a third-generation Kenyan whose grandfather was one of the founders of the Muthaiga country club, a popular club in Nairobi for colonial British settlers during the early to mid 20th century, according to TheStar. Her murder is the second killing of a conservationist in recent years after a Kenya-based American conservationist, Esmond Bradley Martin, was found stabbed to death in his Nairobi home. Mr Martin was known for his investigations into the elephant ivory and rhino horn trades which were seen as critical in efforts to protect the threatened species. His killing remains unsolved more than three years after his death. Additional reporting by agencies Two men have been arrested in connection with a 2020 plot to blow-up Democratic headquarters in Sacramento, California. Ian Benjamin Rogers, 45, and Jarrod Copeland, 37, are facing multiple charges including conspiracy to destroy by fire in connection with an alleged plan that sought to target Democrats in the wake of Donald Trumps election defeat to Joe Biden. The pair allegedly planned to attack the John L. Burton Democratic Headquarters in the state capital, with prosecutors stating that the pair hoped the attack would be the first of many. According to the indictment, the defendants planned to use incendiary devices to attack their targets and hoped their attacks would prompt a movement, a statement, from the US Attorneys Office said. Mr Rogerss home was raided by police on 15 January, where authorities found five pipe bombs, up to 50 firearms and thousands of rounds of ammunition, prosecutors said. Following Mr Rogerss arrest, Mr Copeland is accused of attempting to destroy evidence of the plan. It wasnt known on Thursday evening whether the men have attorneys who could speak on their behalf. According to an indictment unsealed on Thursday in San Francisco federal court, Mr Rogers wrote: I want to blow up a democrat building bad. Mr Copeland responded, I agree and Plan attack, the indictment said. In late December 2020, Mr Copeland told Mr Rogers he contacted an anti-government militia group to gather support for their movement, according to court documents. In one exchange, Mr Rogers wrote to Mr Copeland, after the 20th we go to war, meaning that they would initiate acts of violence after Joe Bidens inauguration on 20 January, 2021, the court papers say. Rusty Hicks, chair of the California Democratic Party, called the accusations extremely disturbing. We are relieved to know the plot was unsuccessful, the individuals believed to be responsible are in custody, and our staff and volunteers are safe and sound, Mr Hicks said in a statement. Yet, it points to a broader issue of violent extremism that is far too common in todays political discourse. Mr Copeland was arrested Wednesday and made an initial court appearance Thursday. He is scheduled to appear in court again on July 20 for a detention hearing. Mr Rogers is scheduled to appear in court July 30 for a status conference. If convicted on all charges, each defendant faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, officials said. Additional reporting by Associated Press The New York Police Department has released footage of the moment a cyclist was gunned down in broad daylight outside a shop in Brooklyn. Footage of the shocking incident, which took place on Wednesday, 14 July, at 2.20pm, shows a man talking on his phone before pulling a gun out of his bag and shooting at a man on a Citi bike who is right in front of him on Clarkson Avenue and East 53rd Street. The cyclist, who has been identified as 21-year-old Pierrot Simeon, from Brooklyn, was rushed to Kings County Hospital with multiple gunshot wounds to his torso. He was later pronounced dead. Police are searching for the shooter, who fled the scene immediately after firing the shots, and released the disturbing footage on Thursday in a bid to find him. The shooting comes amid an uptick in shootings in the city, and on the same day that Eric Adams, the Democratic nominee for New York City mayor, pledged to tackle gun crime. My son wont grow up in a city that I grew up in, Mr Adams said at a meeting with New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and clergy at the Lenox Road Baptist Church in Brooklyn, reported ABC7. That is not going to happen. We had a 13-year-old boy assassinated in the Bronx in broad daylight in what appears to be a retaliatory shooting. And no one wants to talk about that. Its unacceptable. No one is going to come back to our multi-billion tourism industry if 3-year-olds are shot in Times Square. Its just not going to happen. A victim of a surgeon whose crimes inspired the upcoming NBC television drama Dr Death believes there could be more potentially dangerous medical professionals still working in hospitals. Kenneth Fennell, 78 was a patient of Christopher Duntsch, a surgeon who worked throughout the Dallas area. Mr Fennell went under Duntschs knife to rectify his back pain. He was operated on by Duntsch twice. During the first procedure, Duntsch operated on the wrong part. The second time, Duntsch removed a section of his femoral nerve and he was temporarily paralysed. Now, he can walk again, only in short bursts without needing to sit down again. People in the same profession are trying to police their profession, trying to protect themselves and protect their own, Mr Fennell told the Daily Beast. Part of what it took here, with the medical board in Texas, were doctors calling in personally, going down and seeing the board members trying to get [Duntsch] stopped. It took them two years to do that. The lawyer representing 14 of Duntschs victims agreed with the assessment that within hospital administrations, there were too many people concerned with protecting themselves over the patients. It seems to be the custom and practice, Kay Van Wey said in court during the proceedings. Kick the can down the road and protect yourself first, and protect the doctor second and make it be somebody elses problem. It took six months for anyone to register a complaint with the medical board after he had caused injuries to multiple people. The investigation process took a year. During that time, Duntsch was allowed to work as a surgeon. According to court documents after his arrest in 2015, the conduct in the operating room dates back years. Christopher Duntschs criminal conviction for his surgeries provided the basis for a true crime podcast and series (Dallas County Jail via AP) During the 14 months between Mr Fennells surgeries, Duntschs work led to the death of two women, Floella Brown and Kellie Martin. Another person had a surgical sponge left inside her, which led to an infection. Duntsch was convicted of aggravated assault in 2017. This made him the the first surgeon to be successfully tried in a court of law concerning work done on an operating table. The charge related to an elderly woman, whose pain made her scream out loud in the recovery room. Now, she is wheelchair-bound. The story provides the basis for the upcoming television show, which is based on the true crime podcast Dr Death, a Wondery production of the same name. Mr Fennell collaborated a great deal with the production of the show because hopefully it will keep him in jail, he told the Daily Beast. Dr Death arrived on the streaming network Peacock on 15 July. It stars Joshua Jackson, Alec Baldwin, Christian Slater, AnnaSophia Robb and Grace Gummer. Dozens of documents relating to Jeffrey Epsteins alleged madam Ghislaine Maxwell have been unsealed after she lost the fight for them to stay secret. The 52 documents were unsealed overnight in the ongoing sex-trafficking proceeding and mostly concern a previously settled defamation lawsuit. The lawsuit came from one of the most outspoken accusers of Epstein and Ms Maxwell Virginia Roberts Giuffre. Epstein was a convicted sex offender who died in a jail cell in August 2019. The medical examiner determined that the death was a suicide. Finally we are getting some transparency. There is hope. We must maintain vigilant in order for the truth to see the light of day, Ms Giuffre tweeted after the announcement that Manhattan federal judge Loretta Preska had decided to release the documents. Ms Giuffre has alleged that she was forced to have sex with powerful men, such as Prince Andrew, when she was 17 years old. Shes now in her 30s. Prince Andrew has denied any allegations of wrongdoing. Other documents pertain to a protective order filed by Ms Maxwells lawyers to restrict the information they would be forced to hand over about her finances. The documents unsealed include part of the deposition of Rinaldo Rizzo, who previously served as a private chef for hedgefund manager Glenn Dubin. Mr Rizzo claimed that Epstein and Ms Maxwell brought a confused 15-year-old Swedish girl to Mr Dubins home. The chef added that the girl was left sitting on a barstool in the kitchen as he and his wife cooked that nights meal. She proceeds to tell my wife and I that, and this is not this is blurting out, not a conversation like Im having a casual conversation, a transcript quotes him as saying. That quickly, I was on an island, I was on the island and there was Ghislaine, there was Sarah, she said, They asked me for sex, I said no. He said the girl didnt know how she had got from the island to Mr Dubins home. I said this is nuts, do you have a passport, do you have a phone? Mr Rizzo said and added that the girl proceeded to tell him that her passport had been taken. Mr Dubin and his wife Eva Andersson Dubin, who previously dated the disgraced financier, have said that they werent aware of Epsteins criminal behaviour. The 59-year-old Ms Maxwell is charged with lying under oath and recruiting young girls for Epstein to sexually abuse from the 1990s until 2004. She has pleaded not guilty but could face up to 40 years in prison if shes convicted. The trial is scheduled to start in November after being delayed from its initial start date in July. One of the documents unsealed shows a handwritten record of messages left for Epstein in the early 2000s, according to a Fox News review. Many of these messages were from Ms Maxwell. Several messages referred to massage appointments. Would be helpful to have [redacted] come to Palm Beach today to stay here and help train new staff with Ghislaine, one undated message reads. A message from 27 February 2005 from a caller whose name has been redacted says: Please call her back. She wanted [to] make sure you know that she is going to meet Ghislaine and go with her to the Ranch. Another message that appears between entries dated between July and August 2005 states: She doesnt want to come to the movies, but call her if you want a massage before or after the movie. During Ms Maxwells deposition, she was often asked about massages, but her lawyers told her not to answer most of those questions. A message from 4 September 2005 states: Cancelled [redacted]. She would like to speak to you. I [believe] about college [redacted]. Should I schedule anyone else? One of the documents shows parts of Ms Maxwell 2016 deposition in the defamation case. At one point, Ms Giuffres former lawyer David Boies asked Ms Maxwell if she was aware of how old the girls giving massages to Epstein at his Florida mansion were. The ones that I did recognise were roughly my age, she said. The ones I dont know, I wouldnt have a clue. A Nevada woman was arrested for breaking into a dental office for stealing cash and pulling out more than a dozen teeth from an unwitting patient, police said. Laurel Eich, who is not a dentist, allegedly told the Washoe County sheriffs office that she extracted 13 teeth of an unwilling patient by using anaesthetic her employer had discarded. She said she broke into the dental office where she used to work. The incident came to light as police were investigating a 3 May break-in at a dental office on Sun Valley Boulevard. Officers found a broken window and an open door at the site of the burglary, with $22,861 in cash and checks stolen, the sheriffs office said in a news release. After the investigation, she told the detectives that she also broke in to perform the tooth extractions. The 42-year-old woman was arrested on Wednesday and charged with two counts of burglary and one count each of grand larceny, conspiracy to commit burglary and perform surgery on another without a medical license. The woman had allegedly performed illegal tooth extractions before the break-in on a different date, according to the release. It is not known what she did with the teeth or why she pulled them out. NYPD officers were filmed using a stun gun on a Black man who allegedly had held open a subway emergency exit door for a fellow passenger, allowing them to avoid paying the fare. The man who was tased during the incident on 6 July has been identified by an NYPD spokesman as 29-year-old David Crowell from the Bronx. Police said he opened an emergency gate at the 116th Street Station in Manhattan to allow a man to enter. Two videos show the interaction between Mr Crowell and a group of NYPD officers one filmed by a bystander that included the moment the stun gun was used, and bodycam footage released by the NYPD that showed officers interact with Mr Crowell before he was tased. The police body-camera footage shows an annoyed and agitated Mr Crowell in a subway car as an officer tries to speak with him from the station platform. I paid, Mr Crowell says several times. He subsequently swears at the officers. F*** the police. What do my back say? Mr Crowell says and turns around and pulls up his shirt to show his back, seemingly to display a tattoo. You bust that s***, Im going to run you. I promise you, he told the officers, appearing to threaten them. Police said Mr Crowell resisted arrest, refused to leave the train, and threatened NYPD officers. The video filmed by a bystander shows several officers enter a train car and surround Mr Crowell. I paid. I paid, he says again to the officers. Other passengers appealed to the police that Mr Crowell had paid his fare. Shortly after a female officer moves towards Mr Crowell to place him in handcuffs, he starts to flail and struggles with officers as they try to hold on to him. Thats when one of the officers shoots Mr Crowell in the back with a stun gun. Mr Crowell falls and screams in anguish. Police said Mr Crowell was arrested on several charges, including resisting arrest, obstructing governmental administration, and disorderly conduct. The NYPD added that when confronted by officers, the man Mr Crowell had allowed to enter through the emergency gate then paid his fare. A police spokesman declined to identify the officer who used the stun gun, NBC News reported. The attorney representing Mr Crowell, Bethany Bonsu, told Gothamist: The charges levied against Mr Crowell are legally insufficient. There was no reason for almost ten NYPD officers to corner Mr Crowell on the subway and tase him. Insults alone dont faze us, but when they cross over into threats of violence, we need to take action, the president of the New York City Police Benevolent Association Pat Lynch said in a statement, according to NBC New York. If this individual felt bold enough to threaten a group of uniformed cops, what is he going to do to those straphangers once the train doors close? Look, first of all, Ill state the obvious: Fare evasion is not acceptable," New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said on Thursday. Whether you do it yourself, or you help someone else, its not acceptable, and, you know, from the what I understand of the NYPD body camera footage, the individual involved was very aggressive, and in some ways, even threatening towards police, thats just not acceptable either. The goal is to de-escalate. Clearly here we did not end up with a de-escalated situation. So, this needs to be looked at carefully to see what can be done differently going forward, the mayor added. The head of security at Haitis presidential palace has been taken into custody, officials here said Thursday, as the investigation continued into the assassination last week of President Jovenel Moise. Haitian Police Director General Leon Charles confirmed that presidential security chief Dimitri Herard has also been removed from his position. It was unclear, however, whether Mr Herard was facing any charges in relation to the killing or if his removal was permanent. Mr Herard has been the target of growing anger from Haitians who demanded to know how a team of alleged assassins appeared to easily infiltrate Mr Moises residence early on the morning of 7 July. Bed-Ford Claude, a Haitian prosecutor, told The Washington Post that the countrys justice system wants [Mr Herard] to answer questions. President Joe Biden said Thursday that he had mobilised Marines to bolster security at the US Embassy in Port-au-Prince but ended consideration that other military personnel would be sent. Haitian officials had requested help to secure infrastructure.The idea of sending American forces to Haiti is not on the agenda, he said. More than a week after Mr Moises assassination, many questions remain unanswered. Police have arrested more than 20 people in the killing, including a Haitian man with long-standing ties to Florida, two Haitian Americans and several former Colombian soldiers. In a radio interview Thursday, Colombian President Ivan Duque said some of the former soldiers appeared genuinely to believe they were in Haiti to serve as bodyguards. But among the soldiers was a smaller group that apparently had detailed knowledge of what was to be a criminal operation, Mr Duque told La FM radio. Separately, the Pentagon confirmed Thursday that some of the former Colombian soldiers had previously received US military training, raising more questions about US links to the plot. A review of our training databases indicates that a small number of the Colombian individuals detained as part of this investigation had participated in past US military training and education programs, while serving as active members of the Colombian Military Forces, Lieutenant Colonel Ken Hoffman, a Pentagon spokesman, said in a statement to The Post. Haitian officials have rejected allegations that current government officials were involved in the assassination. Mr Charles flatly denied a Colombian news report that suggested interim prime minister Claude Joseph was behind the plot. The story was a lie, Mr Charles told reporters. He said Haitian police were aware of propaganda creating a diversion. The Washington Post Facebooks top executives Mark Zuckerberg and Sheryl Sandberg have made a point of appearing together in public after the release of an excerpt from a book that painted a turbulent picture of their professional relationship. Mr Zuckerberg and Ms Sandberg took what appeared to be a casual stroll around the grounds of Sun Valley Lodge in Idaho, which is hosting an annual tech conference, resulting in pictures of them walking together chatting amicably as they walked steadily past a pack of reporters. In an excerpt from their forthcoming book published in the New York Times on Thursday, reporters Sheera Frenkel and Cecilia Kang detail how the two executives came under strain as they navigated the fallout from the 2016 election and the ever-rising pressure on Facebook during the Trump administration. As the authors tell it, the early Trump years saw the Facebook leadership struggle not only to steer the company through the rough waters it had hit, but also to divide up the job among themselves. Mr Zuckerberg and Ms Sandberg continued to drift further apart, write Ms Frenkel and Ms Kang, who cover technology for the Times. He was critical of her handling of public relations related to election interference and another scandal in March 2018, when it was revealed that Cambridge Analytica, a political consulting firm working for Mr Trump, had used data harvested from Facebook users to target voters. Both were breaches that technically stemmed from his side of the business products but she was in charge of dealing with the publics anger over the episodes. One of her primary roles had been to charm Washington on Facebooks behalf, and protect and burnish its image. Neither project was going particularly well. The Times excerpt homes in on the fallout from one particularly infamous Facebook-related incident during the Trump administration, in which a video of Nancy Pelosi doctored to slur her speech went viral across the platform. The authors write that despite outrage in the speakers office, on Capitol Hill and more widely, the Facebook leadership were conflicted about what to do when the video began spreading (it was even shared as fact by Rudy Giuliani) and it ultimately took 48 hours until Mr Zuckerberg decided the clip should be kept online. According to the authors, Ms Sandberg did not try to explain, or justify, the decision to Ms Pelosis staff. In another passage, the article printed in the Times recounts the debacle of Mr Zuckerbergs 2019 speech at Georgetown University in Washington DC, in which he described Facebook as the fifth estate and appeared to reject responsibility for limiting disinformation. He warned against shutting down dissenting views, write the authors. The cacophony of voices would, of course, be discomfiting, but debate was essential to a healthy democracy. The public would act as the fact checkers of a politicians lies. Immediately after the Georgetown address, civil rights leaders, academics, journalists and consumer groups panned the speech, saying political lies had the potential to foment violence. At an event of her own just days later, Ms Sandberg was apparently humiliated by the intense questioning about the companys behaviour. According to Ms Frenkel and Ms Kang, Mr Zuckerberg and Ms Sandberg still meet at the start and end of each week and remain personally close to some extent, but the 6 January insurrection and the need to stop violent extremist groups organising on the platform has cast a long shadow over the company. The book excerpt has been released just after Donald Trump launched legal action against Mr Zuckerberg, Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey and Google, claiming that by banning him from their platforms, they have breached his First Amendment rights. These companies, Mr Trump said, have been coopted, coerced, and weaponized by government and by government actors to become the enforcers of illegal, unconstitutional censorship. The legal action is not expected to succeed, and some have described it as a tactical move designed to distract from the legal peril he himself faces, as his company and its CFO have been indicted for tax fraud. The son of an American-Iranian dissident kidnapped by the Iranian authorities and not seen in public for a year, has called on the international community to speak out saying he increasingly fears for his ailing fathers wellbeing. Days after Iran was accused of plotting to kidnap New York City-based reporter Masih Alinejad, and even researching making use of a speedboat to spirit her away from Brooklyn, the son of Jamshid Sharmahd said it was vital to speak out over the fate of his father, who was seized a year ago in a manner only sightly less unlikely. I would just say, Dont be keep silent, we have to speak up. Now is definitely the time, said 33-year-old Shayan Sharmahdsaid, who urged Iran to release his father. And that goes out not just to all the people, but to all the governments, and the organisations. It affects everybody. He said that had also been his fathers message. He said the only to get rid of the regime was to make the public aware, by exposing what it was doing- by fighting back with the same force it is fighting. His father, a 66-year-old software engineer who left Iran four decades ago and was the spokesman for a group seeking to overthrow the Iranian government, was seized in July 2020, apparently from a hotel close to Dubai International Airport, in the United Arab Emirates. It is unclear precisely what happened, but the tracking device on Mr Sharmahdsaid s cell phone showed it moving from Dubai, to the city of Al Ain, and then crossing the border into of Oman. The last signal came from Sohar, a port on the coast of the Gulf of Oman. Just days later, Iranian authorities announced they had seized Mr Sharmahdsaid in a complex operation, and showed him blindfolded on state television, confessing to a terror attack on the Iranian city of Shiraz that killed 14 people and wounded more than 200. Mr Sharmahd, who has German citizenship but lives in California and was in Dubai while returning from India on business, was spokesman for a group, the Kingdom Assembly of Iran, that advocates getting rid of the Islamist movement that came to power in the 1979 Iranian revolution. It wants to replace it with the system of monarchy that had existed before. Amnesty International, which has highlighted Mr Sharmahds case and said it feared for his life, pointed out the group for which he was a spokesman and produced weekly broadcasts, had previously claimed responsibility for explosions in Iran, aimed against the government. His family say he was never involved in any of the violence the authorities have accused him of. Unlike some Iranian opposition groups, the Kingdom Assembly of Iran was not considered a terror group by the United States. (In 1953 the US and UK installed a monarch, or Shah, and ousted Irans elected prime minister in a coup.) Author and critic of Iranian regime reacts to arrest of four Iranians for kidnap plot Mr Sharmahd said it was unclear where his father was being held, the precise charges against him, or if there was a date for a trial. He said his family was fearful for his father, who suffers from Parkinsons disease, because in 2019 the authorities lured to Iraq 42-year-old dissident Ruhollah Zam, who was accused of corruption on Earth, and then executed in December 2020. The accusation, for which no evidence was presented, is reportedly used in cases of alleged attempts to oust the government. Mr Sharmahd, who is Parsi or Zoroastrian, called for the replacement of the government, and accused it of misusing the Koran to abuse the Iranian people. Mr Sharmahd said he had been able to speak to his father once every two months or so. Their last conversation was in May and lasted 15 minutes. He said he father sounded reasonably well and that it appeared he was cooperating with the authorities. He said the Iranian government had assigned his father two lawyers, one of whom had allegedly demanded $250,000 from the family. He said the second had previously represented Mr Zam, the dissident who was hanged last year. Mr Sharmahd said he believed the Iranian government was seeking to intimidate all dissidents. It feels a bit like desperation, like theyre backed into a corner, he said. The world is slowly waking up to the fact the regime running the country which the people of Iran dont like are just bullying everybody around the world. Masih Alinejad has been a journalist for 20 years (Getty Images,) The focus on Irans efforts to silence dissidents comes as the US government is preparing to restart talks that would see the country rejoin the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, or the Iran Nuclear Deal, that saw sanctions against Tehran lifted in exchange for verifiable guarantees over its nuclear programme. The historic deal was brokered during the administration of Barack Obama. Donald Trump denounced it while running for president, and withdrew Washington from it in May 2018. He also reimposed harsh economic and financial sanctions, and set in motion a propaganda campaign designed to lead to the collapse of the Iranian government. In June, Iran held elections which saw the conservative former chief justice, Ebrahim Raisi, win the presidency. Other members of the Iran deal Russia, China, France, Britain, Germany and the European Union have been holding talks with Iran to try and revive the agreement, which was famously denounced by then-Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu. One factor causing concern for many parties is whether the US can be trusted not to pull out again, with a change of president in the future. We want to make sure that what happened when Trump pulled out of the deal will not be repeated by any other American president in the future, Irans deputy foreign minister Abbas Araqchi told Al-Jazeera. The familys US lawyer, Jason Poblete, claimed Iran had been kidnapping people for four decades. It was doing so to get money, obtain political leverage, and to send a message, he claimed. They tried to assassinate Mr Sharmahd in 2009, he said. The Iranians have done this a lot of times. The US State Department directed The Independents inquiries to the German government, given Mr Sharmahd had been traveling on a German passport. There was no immediate response from Germans foreign ministry, or the foreign ministry of Iran. Karim Sadjadpour, an Iranian-American policy analyst at the Carnegie Endowment, a Washington DC think tank, said he did not believe the plot to seize Ms Alinejad, which authorities revealed this week, was related to the ongoing nuclear talks, given its hatching took place while Mr Trump was president. Rather it was related to Irans profound insecurity and lack of confidence about their own confidence. I dont think it will impact the Bidens administrations efforts to try and revive the nuclear deal, he said. But if a deal is reached, it will be a tougher sell, trying to justify providing the Iranian government with tens of billions of dollars in sanctions relief while they are actively trying to kidnap US citizens in Brooklyn, and potentially execute them. President Joe Biden has labelled Cuba a failed state and decried communism as a universally failed system amid protests in the Caribbean nation that remains under US sanctions. Speaking at a news conference on Thursday, Mr Biden downplayed the prospect of reestablishing US to Cuba remittances the process allowing American to wire money to Cuban relatives as he said funds would likely be confiscated by the government. Cuba is unfortunately a failed state and repressing their citizens. There are a number of things that we would consider doing to help the people of Cuba, but it would require a different circumstance or a guarantee that they would not be taken advantage of by the government, Mr Biden said. For example, the ability to send remittances back to Cuba. We would not do that now because the fact is its highly likely the regime would confiscate those remittances or big chunks of it, he added. The US president said the government is looking into restoring Cubas internet access, saying that it is considering whether it has the technological ability to do so. Cuban authorities shut down internet connections earlier this week as thousands took to the streets on Sunday against issues including food and medicine shortages and power cuts. Protesters have also rallied against the governments response to the pandemic and state repression. Cuban president Miguel Diaz-Canel said US sanctions were to blame for the nations economic conditions. He has described the embargo as a cruel and genocidal policy that limits what Cuba can achieve. However, Mr Diaz-Canel also recognised the shortcomings of his own government. We also have to make a critical analysis of our own problems so we can act, so we can overcome, and prevent them from repeating themselves, so we can transform situations, he said during a speech on Wednesday. Asked about his views on communism during the Thursday press conference, Mr Biden condemned it as a universally failed system, adding that he doesnt see socialism as a very useful substitute. The Caribbean country, which is the first Latin American nation to develop a successful Covid-19 vaccine, approved its three-dose Abdala jab for emergency use last week. Some 17 per cent of Cubans are fully vaccinated, according to figures from Our World in Data, as the country battles a rapidly rising tide of coronavirus infections and deaths. Mr Biden said he was prepared to send Covid-19 vaccines to Cuba, but the nation has not joined the international vaccine coalition, Covax. Id be prepared to give significant amounts of vaccine if in fact I was assured an international organisation would administer those vaccines and would do it in a way that average citizens would have access to those vaccines, he said. Oxfam has called for the US to end its embargo, underlining that Cuba is the only nation in the world blocked from accessing the means needed to address the pandemic. The US blockade was wrong before the pandemic, and its even worse during the pandemic, said Elena Gentili, Oxfam representative in Cuba. Its an unjust policy that has only achieved human suffering, separated families and exacerbated inequalities over the last sixty years, with particular negative impacts for Cuban women. During his time in office, Donald Trump toughened up sanctions against Cuba that had been liberalised by his predecessor Barack Obama, including imposing the strictest economic measures in decades and reinstating travel bans. For 29 consecutive years, the UN has voted for in favour of a resolution demanding the end of the US economic blockade on Cuba, with just the United States and Israel voting against in 2021. Netflix has reportedly fired three senior film marketing executives for venting about upper-level management on Slack,The Hollywood Reporter has said. Sources purportedly told the outlet that those dismissed represent about half of the streaming giants staff at that level. Netflix reportedly told The Reporter that messages werent critical of marketing leadership. The company declined to comment further when contacted by The Independent. A webpage on Netflixs official jobs website outlines how employees are expected to only say things about fellow employees that you say to their face under the subheading integrity. This attribute is one of the hardest for new people to believe and to learn to practice, the company writes on the page. In most situations, both social and work, those who consistently say what they really think about people are quickly isolated and banished. In this circumstance, The Reporter said that a whistleblower discovered months' worth of messages from the marketing executives and reported them. Their culture is all about transparency and giving feedback, a source told the outlet. It would make sense that there should be no need for private conversation. Nearly two weeks have passed since the mysterious disappearance of Summer Wells, a 5 year old from Hawkins County, Tennessee. Investigators have been searching for the girl, but rumours, an apparent lack of suspects, and zealous tipsters have complicated the rescue effort. Summer's mother, Candus Bly, appeared on WJHL, a local broadcaster, to discuss her daughter's disappearance. Ms Bly told reporters that she, her mother, her daughter Summer and her sons were planting flowers on the day the little girl disappeared. I walked [Summer] all the way over to the porch, and I watched her walking into the kitchen where the boys were watching TV. I told the boys, I said watch Summer, I'll be back and within two minutes I came back. And I asked the boys where their sister was, and they said she went downstairs, Mom, to play with her toys in the playroom, she said. Ms Bly said she called for her daughter, who did not answer. After the little girl did not answer, she claims she went into the basement to look for her little girl, but found she was not there. I feel in my heart that somebody has came up here and took her ... has lured her away from here, Ms Bly said. She made a direct plea to the alleged kidnappers. Whoever has my daughter, I pray they haven't harmed her and they bring her back to us safe and sound, she said. It is unclear why Ms Bly believes someone lured her out of the house, as she has thus far presented no evidence to suggest anyone else was at or outside her home at the time her daughter disappeared. I'm just scared that somebody's hurting her and there's nothing I can do about it. And it it smothers me, she said. Don Wells, the girl's father, shares Ms Bly's belief that a kidnapper snatched his daughter. On Monday, he said he believed that a kidnapper came down a nearby hill by their home, threw her into a car, and drove away. As with Ms Bly's theory, Mr Wells presented no evidence to back up that claim. Though Ms Bly apparently did not see anyone, there are plenty of people who claim they know something about the little girl's disappearance; more than 650 tips have been received by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation regarding the girl's disappearance. Many of these appear to be dead ends or idle speculation, however, as the investigatory agency has asked that people only submit credible information to the tips lines to help authorities avoid wasting time sifting through rumours. Sharing speculation or rumours only makes the process more difficult for law enforcement by increasing the number of non-credible tips, the agency said in a tweet. Investigators said they have been frustrated by both the lack of credible suspects and the rugged, mountainous terrain where the alleged abduction took place. Mr Wells and Ms Bly both addressed rumours circulating on social media that there was a red truck present at the time of the girl's abduction. There's always going to be haters, you know, and they are always going to be that way in this world, he said. We'll just want to focus on the good friends and Christian people that are trying to help us and praying for us and praying for Summer. He said they didn't know anything about ... no red truck, a reference to a vehicle that witnesses said they saw in the area around the time that Summer is believed to have been abducted. Police have insisted that the driver is not a suspect, but is being sought as a possible witness to whatever happened to the little girl. Ms Bly also addressed the truck, but said she did not know anyone who drove a red Toyota pickup. It's really strange that I've never seen this truck, she said. And I've never heard of it until just recently, but I wish they would come forward and explain themselves. If you're not a suspect, at least come forward and say what you've seen. TBI has asked for the public's help in locating the child. The agency does not appear to be treating the parents as suspects at this time. Both Mr Wells and Ms Bly have criminal history outside of Tennessee. Mr Wells was convicted of multiple violent felonies and has served time in prison for his convictions that include drug charges, burglaries and parole violations in Arkansas, Utah and Texas. Mr Wells was arrested last October after Ms Bly accused him of domestic assault. Deputies found him drunk in his vehicle attempting to drive up his own driveway when he was arrested. She dropped those charges less than a week later. Ms Bly has a record in the state of Wisconsin, most recently a guilty plea on misdemeanour domestic abuse charges from 2003. Evidence of a criminal record is not sufficient evidence to suggest any sort of guilt or complicity on the part of Summer's parents, however. This is not Ms Bly's first time dealing with the mysterious disappearance of a loved one; in 2009, her sister, Rose Marie Bly, disappeared from her home in St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin. I dont know all of what happened or what did happen, but I hope that they find [Rose Mary Bly], too, Ms Bly said. It makes no sense at all, how can people just vanish and not be heard from or seen without a trace? Its very devastating. Rescue efforts in the area are being scaled back, though Church Hill Rescue Squad, which is coordinating the search, said that the reduction was not an indication that they were giving up the search. Just because we may not be seen as such a large presence in and throughout the area, rest assured that we have not quit and wont quit until we find Summer Wells, the group said in a statement. Arizona county election officials have identified fewer than 200 cases of potential voter fraud out of more than 3 million ballots cast in last year's presidential election, undercutting former President Donald Trump s claims of a stolen election as his allies continue a disputed ballot review in the state's most populous county. The 182 cases represent instances where problems were clear enough that officials referred them to investigators for further review. So far, only four cases have led to charges, including those identified in a separate state investigation. No one has been convicted. No person's vote was counted twice. While it's possible more cases could emerge, the numbers illustrate the implausibility of Trump's claims that fraud and irregularities in Arizona cost him the state's electorate votes. In final, certified and audited results, Biden won 10,400 more votes than Trump out of 3.4 million cast. AP's findings align with previous studies showing voter fraud is rare. Numerous safeguards are built into the system to not only prevent fraud from happening but to detect it when it does. The fact of the matter is that election officials across the state are highly invested in helping to ensure the integrity of our elections and the publics confidence in them, said Arizona Secretary of State Katie Hobbs, a Democrat. And part of that entails taking potential voter fraud seriously. Arizona's potential cases also illustrate another reality: Voter fraud is often bipartisan. Of the four Arizona cases that have resulted in criminal charges, two involved Democratic voters and two involved Republicans. AP's review supports statements made by many state and local elections officials and even some Republican county officials and GOP Gov. Doug Ducey that Arizonas presidential election was secure and its results valid. And still, Arizona's GOP-led state Senate has for months been conducting what it describes as a forensic audit of results in Phoenix s Maricopa County The effort has been discredited by election experts and faced bipartisan criticism, but some Republicans, including Trump, have suggested it will uncover evidence of widespread fraud. This is not a massive issue, said Adrian Fontes, a Democrat who oversaw the Maricopa County election office during the 2020 election and lost his re-election bid. It is a lie that has developed over time. Its been fed by conspiracy theorists. The AP tallied the potential cases after submitting public record requests to all Arizona counties. Most counties 11 out of 15 reported they had forwarded no potential cases to local prosecutors. The majority of cases identified so far involve people casting a ballot for a relative who had died or people who tried to cast two ballots. In addition to the AP's review of county election offices, an Election Integrity Unit of the state attorney generals office that was created in 2019 to ferret out fraud has been reviewing potential cases of fraud. A spokesman for Attorney General Mark Brnovich told the AP in April that the unit had 21 active investigations, although he did not specify if all were from last fall. A month later, the office indicted a woman for casting a ballot on behalf of her dead mother in November. A spokeswoman declined to provide updated information this week. Maricopa County, which is subject to the disputed ballot review ordered by state Senate Republicans, has identified just one case of potential fraud out of 2.1 million ballots cast. That was a voter who might have cast a ballot in another state. The case was sent to the county attorney's office, which forwarded it to the state attorney general. Virtually all the cases identified by county election officials are in Pima County, home to Tucson, and involved voters who attempted to cast two ballots. The Pima County Recorders Office has a practice of referring all cases with even a hint of potential fraud to prosecutors for review, something the states 14 other county recorders do not do. Pima County officials forwarded 151 cases to prosecutors. They did not refer 25 others from voters over age 70 because there was a greater chance those errors typically attempts to vote twice were the result of memory lapses or confusion, not criminal intent, an election official said. None of the 176 duplicate ballots was counted twice. A spokesman for the Pima County Attorneys Office, Joe Watson, said Wednesday that the 151 cases it received were still being reviewed and that no charges had been filed. Pima Countys tally was in line with previous elections, but there were some new patterns this year, said deputy recorder Pamela Franklin. An unusually high number of people appeared to have intentionally voted twice, often by voting early in person and then again by mail. In Arizona, where nearly 80% of voters cast ballots by mail, its not unusual for someone to forget they returned their mail-in ballot and then later ask for a replacement or try to vote in person, she said. But this pattern was new. Franklin noted several factors at play, including worries about U.S. Postal Service delays. In addition, Trump at one point encouraged voters who cast their ballots early by mail to show up at their polling places on Election Day and vote again if poll workers couldnt confirm their mail ballots had been received. The results in Arizona are similar to early findings in other battleground states. Local election officials in Wisconsin identified just 27 potential cases of voter fraud out of 3.3 million ballots cast last November, according to records obtained by the AP under the state's open records law. Potential voter fraud cases in other states where Trump and his allies mounted challenges have so far amounted to just a tiny fraction of Trump's losing margin in those states. The Associated Press conducted the review following months of Trump and his allies claiming without proof that he had won the 2020 election. His claims of widespread fraud have been rejected by election officials, judges, a group of election security officials and even Trumps own attorney general at the time. Even so, supporters continue to repeat them and they have been cited by state lawmakers as justification for tighter voting rules across the country. In Arizona, Republican state lawmakers have used the unsubstantiated claims to justify the unprecedented outside Senate review of the election in Maricopa County and to pass legislation that could make it harder for infrequent voters to receive mail ballots automatically. Senate President Karen Fann has repeatedly said her goal is not to overturn the election results. Instead, she has said she wants to find out if there were any problems and show voters who believe Trump's claims whether they should trust the results. Everybody keeps saying, Oh, theres no evidence and its like, Yeah well, lets do the audit. And if theres nothing there, then we say, Look, there was nothing there, Fann told the AP in early May. If we find something, and its a big if, but if we find something, then we can say, OK, we do have evidence and now how do we fix this? Fann did not return calls this week to discuss the AP findings. Aside from double voting, the cases flagged by officials mostly involved a ballot cast after someone had died, including three voters in Yavapai County who face felony charges for casting ballots for spouses who died before the election. In Yuma County, one case of a voter attempting to cast two ballots was sent to the county attorney for review. Chief Civil Deputy William Kerekus told the AP that there was no intent at voter fraud and the case was closed without charges. Cochise County Recorder David Stevens found mail-in ballots were received from two voters who died before mail ballots were sent in early October. Sheriffs deputies investigating the cases found their homes were vacant and closed the cases. The votes were not counted. ___ Cassidy reported from Atlanta. Belarusian authorities on Friday widened their crackdown on independent media, raiding media offices and journalists' homes across the ex-Soviet nation. The Belarusian Association of Journalists said the authorities searched apartments and offices of at least 21 journalists in the capital of Minsk and cities of Brest, Gomel, Grodno and Pinsk. The authorities are using an entire arsenal of repressions against journalists intimidation, beatings, searches and arrests, said the association's head, Andrei Bastunets. Among those targeted Friday were journalists who cooperated with the Belsat TV channel funded by Poland and the U.S.-funded RFE/RL broadcaster. RFE/RL journalist Aleh Hruzdzilovich was detained after the search, his wife Maryana said in a telephone interview from Minsk. Nine people broke into our apartment, seized all the equipment and took Aleh away in handcuffs, she told The Associated Press. The authorities also broke down the door of the RFE/RL's Minsk office to search it. The new raids continue a sweeping clampdown on independent media and non-government organizations in the country. Earlier this week, law enforcement officers raided the homes of 10 workers of the Viasna human rights center, as well as its offices in Minsk and other cities. They also searched a number of other Belarusian NGOs and journalists. The action came after the countrys authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko promised to deal with non-governmental organizations that he accuses of fomenting unrest. Belarus was rocked by months of protests after Lukashenkos August 2020 election to a sixth term in a vote that the opposition and the West saw as rigged. Belarusian authorities responded to opposition demonstrations with a massive crackdown, including police beating thousands of demonstrators and arresting more than 35,000 people. Leading opposition figures have been jailed or forced to leave the country, while independent media outlets have had their offices searched and their journalists arrested. Overall, 32 Belarusian journalists are currently in custody, either serving their sentences or awaiting trial, according to the Belarusian Association of Journalists. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya Lukashenkos main challenger in the August 2020 election, who was forced to leave Belarus under official pressure immediately after the vote, tweeted Friday that the regime destroys every media that dares to tell the truth about the situation in Belarus. The European Union's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell denounced the crackdown in a statement issued Thursday. This new wave of repression is yet another proof that the Lukashenko regime is waging a systematic and well-orchestrated campaign with the ultimate aim to silence all remaining dissident voices and suppress civic space in Belarus, Borrell said. The severe violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms come at a price. The EU is ready to consider further restrictive measures in line with its gradual approach. President Joe Biden said social media companies like Facebook where disinformation related to the Covid-19 crisis and vaccinations has proliferated are killing people as the nation sees a rise in infections among unvaccinated Americans. Asked for his message to platforms like Facebook as he left the White House on 16 July, the president said: Theyre killing people. The only pandemic we have is among the unvaccinated, and thats theyre killing people, he said. Earlier on Friday, White House press secretary Jen Psaki repeatedly underscored the gravity of vaccine skepticism and hostility amid a concerning rise in infections, while platforms like Facebook have allowed prominent users and pages to promote baseless medical claims. Were dealing with a life-or-death issue here and so everybody has a role to play in making sure theres accurate information, she said. Theyre a private sector company. Theyre going to make decisions about additional steps they can take. Its clear there are more that can be taken. She pointed to persistent false claims that vaccines are unsafe or may cause infertility as part of a troubling but a persistent narrative that we and many have seen, and we want to know that the social media platforms are taking steps to address it. That is inaccurate, false information, she said. The White House is regularly making sure social media platforms are aware of the latest narratives dangerous to public healths that we and many other Americans are seeing across all of social and traditional media, she said. Once those claims spread among users, its hard to put that back in a box, she said. Recent analysis using the social media tool CrowdTangle shows that within the last month, nine of the top 15 top-performing Facebook posts about vaccines have promoted false or alarmist claims, and were shared hundreds of thousands of times. The vaccine-related post with the most engagement with more than 130,000 shares and 4 million views was a video published by right-wing personality Candace Owens. Roughly 68 per cent of the nations adult population has received at least one dose of three approved vaccines , while roughly 59 per cent are fully inoculated from the virus, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Daily vaccinations have significantly dropped from the rates of more than 3 million per day as they became more widely available earlier this spring. One month ago, they averaged roughly 1 million per day. Now, that figure stands at fewer than 500,000. The highly contagious delta variant accounts for more than half of all new infections in the US, with an average of 28,000 new daily cases, up from 11,000 daily cases less than a month ago, according to the CDC. Meanwhile, vaccine hesitancy among Republicans has grown into hostility, amplified not just on social media but by right-wing media that once cheered Donald Trumps Operation Warp Speed investments to create the vaccines as the former president continues to demand credit for them but now rejects the Biden administrations outreach attempts and vaccination goals. At this months Conservative Political Action Conference, prominent GOP officials and media figures spread baseless claims about the public health crisis, including suggesting that the rise in delta infections is a hoax, while crowds cheered declining vaccination rates. Dont come knocking on my door with your Fauci ouchie, said US Rep Lauren Boebert, who lashed out at the hypothetical door-to-door efforts to help tell people how they can get vaccinated. You leave us the hell alone. In Tennessee, health officials have ordered an end to all youth vaccine outreach not only for Covid-19 but for flu, HPV and other vaccines under pressure from Republican lawmakers, according to The Tennessean. On Thursday, US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy issued an official warning about the spread of false information and appeared at the daily White House press briefing to identify social media platforms as a major hub for false claims about Covid-19 and vaccines. Almost every death were seeing now from Covid-19 could have been prevented, he said. Today we live in a world where misinformation poses an imminent and insidious threat to our nations health. The Independent has requested comment from Facebook. In a statement shared with NBC News, the company said: We will not be distracted by accusations which are not supported in facts. The company said more than 2 billion people have viewed authoritative information about Covid-19 and vaccines on the platform, and that more than 3.3 million Americans have used its vaccine finder tool to locate where and how to get vaccinated. The facts show that Facebook is helping save lives. Period, a spokesperson said. Watergate reporter Carl Bernstein was furious during a recent cable news appearance after reading an upcoming book in which members of Donald Trump's inner circle said he acted like a fascist. Mr Bernstein appeared on CNN on Tuesday, where he discussed a passage from Carol Leonnig and Philip Rucker's upcoming book "I Alone Can Fix It: Donald J Trump's Catastrophic Final Year." In the book, the authors paint a dramatic portrait of General Mark Milley, who allegedly spent the months in the aftermath of the 2020 election trying to ensure Mr Trump could not carry out a coup to stay in office. According to the book - which complies interviews with at least 140 individuals including Trump administration officials - General Milley frequently compared Mr Trump to Hitler and his supporters as "the same guys we fought in World War II." Mr Bernstein was incensed that people with the knowledge of what was happening inside the administration did not come forward sooner as whistleblowers. "And yet his party the people around him in the White House they did not go public, including some of the people who are quoted in these books. Why the hell did they sit still instead of warning the American people out loud, instead of just talking to us? We have a lot of questions to answer as we know in an expanded way finally what has occurred in this terrible, terrible, awful period of our history," Mr Bernstein said. In the upcoming book, General Milley reportedly felt that Mr Trump's claims of election fraud were the foundation for en eventual attempt to seize power as a dictator. This is a Reichstag moment, General Milley told his aides, according to the book. The gospel of the Fuhrer. The book claims that General Milley spent the final months of Mr Trump's presidency assuring lawmakers and other concerned parties that checks were in place to stop Mr Trump from trying to seize power. One of those lawmakers, House Majority Leader Nancy Pelosi, reportedly called General Milley in the aftermath of the 6 January insurrection to ensure Mr Trump could not unilaterally launch a nuclear warhead and start a war, allowing him to claim emergency powers and stay in office. This guys crazy, Ms Pelosi said of Trump, according to the book. Hes dangerous. Hes a maniac. General Milley assured her that there were "checks and balances in the system." Mr Trump, responding to the allegations in the book, said he never considered enacting a coup to stay in power, but said if he did it would not have involved the general. I never threatened, or spoke about, to anyone, a coup of our Government, Mr Trump said. If I was going to do a coup, one of the last people I would want to do it with is General Mark Milley. After reading the excerpts from the book, Mr Bernstein questioned how US politics could allow for someone who could be described as "Hitlerian" to run the country. "We need to take this moment and say, how did we get to a place where the leader of the American military compared the president of the United States to Hitlerian fascism?" Mr Bernstein said. "We didn't say it. He did. This is a moment. That is that's the importance of this book and perhaps the importance of some of the other books. We are finally getting behind the scenes as to what our leaders were saying and knew about Trump." The director of the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has said that Covid-19 is becoming a pandemic of the unvaccinated as the White House revealed one in five of all cases in the country are occurring in Florida During a White House coronavirus briefing on Friday, Doctor Rochelle Walensky said: There is a clear message that is coming through. This is becoming a pandemic of the unvaccinated. She continued: We are seeing outbreaks of cases in parts of the country that have low vaccination coverage because unvaccinated people are at risk. Communities that are fully vaccinated are generally faring well, Dr Walensky said. The doctor explained that counties with low vaccination rates have seen hiked transmission over the last month. It was during the same briefing that Jeff Zients, White House Covid-19 Response Coordinator, revealed that one in five of all cases in the country is occurring in Florida alone. The state has seen more than two million cases of the novel coronavirus and almost 40,000 deaths. According to Our World in Data, around 47 per cent of people in Florida have been fully vaccinated. In fact, just four states accounted for more than 40 per cent of all cases in the past week, Mr Zients said. The increase in cases comes amid the spread of the more transmissible Delta variant, which Dr Walensky has previously warned may soon become the dominant strain in the US. While infection rates have dropped to low levels across the US in recent weeks prompting a number of states to fully re-open their economies, the Delta variant is causing spikes in concentrated areas. A CNBC analysis published this week showed 463 counties across the United States with high rates of infection and that the majority of those counties had (80 per cent) have vaccinated less than 40 per cent. Spikes have also been witnessed in more rural areas of the country, including Kansas and Missouri. The latest CDC data show Missouri currently has the highest percentage of the variant at 74.6 per cent. The CDC director said that the evidence of rising transmission as a result of Delta made the need for Americans to get vaccinated all the more clear, urging those who have not to get their shots. While we are in a far better position than we were in January through April this increase [in transmission] is giving us all a reason to double down and get more people vaccinated, Dr Walensky said. The variant, which was first detected in India, has been ruled a variant of concern by the CDC and is thought to be between 40 per cent and 80 per cent than the previous dominant strain in the US known as Alpha. One day after meeting with a group of Democratic lawmakers from Texas on voting rights legislation, US Senator Joe Manchin among the chief Democratic holdouts on federal legislation to expand ballot access will travel to the state for a fundraiser with wealthy Republican donors. The conservative Democrat from West Virginia and chair of the Senates Energy and Natural Resources Committee was set to join a fundraiser hosted by several Texas oil and gas giants with connections to GOP officials on Friday, according to an invitation obtained by The Texas Tribune. Senator Manchins office did not respond to The Independents request for comment. An invitation viewed by The Texas Tribune encourages donors to contribute $5,800 to the senators reelection campaign and $5,000 to his leadership PAC. Many of the events hosts are prolific GOP donors who have contributed to Donald Trump, Republican organisations and candidates in Texas and congressional campaigns. The event follows the senators meeting with a contingent of Democratic lawmakers from Texas who have left the state in a last-ditch effort to block legislation that they say would undermine voting access in the state. They are lobbying members of Congress to pass critical legislation including the For The People Act and a revival of the Voting Rights Act to serve as an antidote to the wave of GOP-supported voting legislation in statehouses across the US in the wake of 2020 election losses and the former presidents persistent lie that the results were stolen from him. Senator Manchin does not support the For The People Act, as currently written, and he also is among Democrats who have opposed reforming filibuster rules that allow Senate Republicans to obstruct Democrats agenda. He has put his support behind the Voting Rights Act restoration, which GOP minority leader Mitch McConnell has also pledged to block. Texas State Senator Roland Gutierrez told The Independent that Mr Manchin was surprised to know about some of the harsher elements of the Texas legislation. So part of the meeting was informative and then the second part obviously was to ask him not just for his advice but to ask him to have Congress help us in some way shape or form, Mr Gutierrez said. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley reportedly told Donald Trump he was "gonna have a f****** war" if he attacked Iran in the final months of his presidency. The exchange is detailed in an upcoming book by The New Yorker's Susan Glasser and The New York Times' Peter Baker next year. The pair interviewed nearly 200 people about Mr Trump's time in the White House. The book claims that Gen Milley repeatedly cautioned Mr Trump against provoking Iran, warning him that taking action against the nation particularly after the 2020 election. The authors claim that Iran was a frequently discussed topic in White House meeting in the aftermath of the election. Mr Trump was reportedly "willing to do anything to stay in power. Mr Trump's interest in launching a military strike on Iran's primary nuclear site was the subject of a November New York Times story and appears to have been the culmination of these meetings. Ultimately, Mr Trump was talked out of launching the strike. According to the book, a meeting that did not involve Mr Trump occurred in which his officials were contemplating attacking the country. Gen Milley allegedly asked "why they were so intent on attacking the country. Former Vice President Mike Pence reportedly replied "because they are evil. Three days before the Capitol riot, Mr Trump apparently participated in a meeting to discuss the latest nuclear activities in Iran. Gen Milley; Robert O'Brien, the national security adviser; and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo reportedly advised that attacking Iran was not an option. Mr Trump apparently finally got the message and stopped considering a potential strike. Gen Milley envisioned two "nightmare scenarios" that Mr Trump would enact as a means to stay in power. The first was by deploying the military to "prevent the legitimate, peaceful transfer of power. The second was to create an external crisis by striking Iran, allowing Mr Trump to declare emergency powers and stay in power in the event of a war. Gen Milley told his aides it was Mr Trump's "Reichstag moment," comparing the threat to Adolf Hitler's strategy of creating a crisis to seize power. Mr Trump has responded to the allegations that he was planning a coup by saying he "never threatened, or spoke about, to anyone, a coup of our Government. If I was going to do a coup, one of the last people I would want to do it with is General Mark Milley, Mr Trump said. The former president has issued a blanket denial on the myriad books that are being published on his administration, even though Mr Trump sat for interviews for many of the projects. During his time in office, Mr Trump heightened tensions with Iran, primarily through his 2015 decision to rescind the Iran nuclear deal. His administration also enacted harsh new economic sanctions against the nation with the hopes it would force Iran to accept a more restrictive nuclear deal. That strategy ultimately failed. Following the sanctions, Mr Trump approved of an airstrike that killed Iran's top general, Qassem Soleimani. That move nearly set off a war between the countries. Ultimately, Iran responded by launching a military strike against US troops in Iraq that injured dozens. Tensions de-escalated following the retaliatory attack, though the relationship between the US and Iran remain rocky at best. Former Vice President Mike Pence purportedly refused to get into a vehicle with secret service agents amid the 6 January riots out of fear there was a conspiracy to vindicate the insurrection. The claims come in an extract of Washington Post journalists Carol Leonnig and Philip Ruckers new book I Alone Can Fix It: Donald J Trumps Catastrophic Final Year, released this week. According to the journalists, Mr Pence refused to evacuate the Capitol a number of times on 6 January as pro-Trump rioters stormed the building in a bid to prevent the certification of the 2020 election results. Amid the riots Mr Pence was evacuated from the Senate chamber to his ceremonial office, where he remained protected by secret service agents alongside members of his family, the books account recalls. However, his security reportedly thought Mr Pence was vulnerable because the second-floor office had windows that could be breached. Tim Giebels, the lead special agent in charge of the former vice presidents protective detail, reportedly twice asked Pence to evacuate the Capitol to which Mr Pence refused, The Post said. Im not leaving the Capitol, he reportedly told Mr Giebels. The last thing the vice president wanted was the people attacking the Capitol to see his 20-car motorcade fleeing. That would only vindicate their insurrection. As the chaos continued to unfold, Mr Pence was said to have been ordered to leave the office and was escorted to a subterranean area that rioters couldnt reach and towards an armoured limousine. Mr Pence then reportedly outright refused to get into the vehicle, saying his security detail would ignore his demand not to leave the building and would instead take off against his wishes. Im not getting in the car, Tim, Mr Pence replied. I trust you, Tim, but youre not driving the car. If I get in that vehicle, you guys are taking off. Im not getting in the car. According to RawStory, MSNBC host Nicolle Wallace said that sources with knowledge of the day said Mr Pence feared a conspiracy, feared that the Secret Service would aid Trump and his ultimate aims that day. She added: This is the most harrowing version of Mike Pences day Ive seen reported. During the insurrection, Mr Pence was made a target of rioters fury following inflammatory statements by Donald Trump, with many heard shouting Wheres Mike Pence? and Hang Mike Pence. Mr Trump and his supporters were angry at the vice president for refusing to block the electoral certification, a power he did not possess. Mr Trump called on Mr Pence to overturn the results only hours before their certification saying: All Mike Pence has to do is send them back to the States, AND WE WIN. Do it Mike, this is a time for extreme courage! On the afternoon of 6 January the former president Tweeted: Mike Pence didnt have the courage to do what should have been done to protect our Country and our Constitution. Mr Pence and the other lawmakers who had been evacuated later returned to the Senate chamber to see out the certification of the election results. The Independent has contacted Mr Pences political advocacy group, Advancing American Freedom, for comment. Fox News host Tucker Carlson joined far-right radio show host Jesse Kelly on Thursday in mocking Kamala Harris, including laughing at a lewd comment about the American vice president. Mr Carlson dedicated the segment to discussing how the vice presidents staffers are allegedly terrified she will become president and invited his shows guest Mr Kelly to talk about the worst boss in Washington. Replying in the affirmative, Mr Kelly referred to a past relationship she had with Willie Brown, the former speaker of the California state assembly, and said Ms Harris was his bratwurst bun. Ms Harris spoke about her relationship with Mr Brown in 2003. She likened Mr Brown to an albatross hanging around my neck, according to a report from that year by SF Weekly. Its the most predicable thing in the world, Tucker. Everybody watching you right now has worked for or worked with somebody who has ambition just dripping off of their pores, and thats Kamala Harris, he said. Those types of people will do anything to get ahead. They treat their bosses like a crap. They treat their employees like crap. Thats why she knifed Joe Biden in the debate with all that race nonsense. There was no need to do that, he added. Mr Carlson can be seen laughing at Mr Kellys comments. Mr Kelly made lewd remarks about Ms Harris's relationship with Mr Brown in the early 1990s. The two made public appearances as a couple at that time, according to Reuters. Ms Harris had been appointed to state board positions early in her career. Its the same reason she cackles like a dead hyena (sic) every time shes asked an uncomfortable question. Its the same reason she started our her political career as Willie Browns bratwurst bun. Kamala Harris will do anything to get ahead, he said. Mr Carlson laughed over the crass reference and described her as false people (sic) as she is terrified of being exposed. "If Kamala thought her political ambitions would do better on the right, she would be to the right of Barry Goldwater, Mr Kelly said. Mr Brown in 2019 claimed to have helped Ms Harris in her first race for district attorney in San Francisco adding that he also helped other Democrats, including Nancy Pelosi, Gavin Newsom and Dianne Feinstein. Mr Carlson has repeatedly attacked Ms Harris on his show in recent months, calling her fake last month and suggested that she got special treatment in the media because of how she looks. His discussion about the work environment in Ms Harriss office came after a Politico report. Aides and administration officials complained of bad communication and low morale at her office, according to the report. Larry Sanger, the man who co-founded Wikipedia, has cautioned that the website cant always be trusted to give people the truth. He said it can give a reliably establishment point of view on pretty much everything. Can you trust it to always give you the truth? Well, it depends on what you think the truth is, said Mr Sanger, who co-founded Wikipedia in 2001 alongside Jimmy Wales. He told Lockdown TV that if only one version of the facts is allowed then that gives a huge incentive to wealthy and powerful people to seize control of things like Wikipedia in order to shore up their power. And they do that. He said it (Wikipedia) seems to assume that there is only one legitimate defensible version of the truth on any controversial question. Thats not how Wikipedia used to be. Wikipedia is visited by millions every day and is the first online repository of information for many. Mr Sanger cited the example of an article about US President Joe Biden and says it doesnt include information from the Republicans perspective. The Biden article, if you look at it, has very little by way of the concerns that Republicans have had about him. So if you want to have anything remotely resembling the Republican point of view about Biden, youre not going to get it from the article, he said. He argued that there should be at least a paragraph about the Ukraine scandal but there is very little of that. Very little of that can be found in Wikipedia. What little can be found is extremely biased and reads like a defence counsels brief, really, he said. The Wikipedia founder also said there are companies that hire paid writers and editors to go in and change articles. Maybe theres some way to make such a system work, but not if the players who are involved and who are being paid, are not identified by name they actually are supposed to be identified by name and say we represent this firm if they are officially registered with some sort of Wikipedia editing firm, he said. But they dont have to do that because there is no requirement of real names. As I say it is a very complex sort of game ... there are all sorts of tricks that people can play to win it, he added. He cautioned that Wikipedia is known now by everyone to have a lot of influence in the world. So theres a very big, nasty, complex game being played behind the scenes to make the article say what somebody wants them to say. The wife of the assassinated president of Haiti has spoken out from her hospital bed in Miami, Florida, posting two images of herself as she recovers from gunshot wounds to her arms and leg. I still dont believe that my husband has gone like this before my eyes without saying a last word to me. This pain will never pass, Martine Moise wrote in a translated message. Ms Moise was taken to the US for treatment following the assassination of her husband, President Jovenel Moise, on 7 July. They had been married for 25 years. The 47-year-olds entire right arm was covered in bandages in the images. In a post written in English, she added: Thank you for the team of guardian angels who helped me through this terrible time. With your gentle touch, kindness and care, I was able to hold on. The Haitian first lady also released an audio statement on 10 July in which she said mercenaries had killed her husband with a hail of gunfire. You have to be a notorious criminal without guts to assassinate a president like Jovenel Moise with impunity without giving him the chance to speak. You knew who the president was fighting against, she said. The investigation has led to 23 arrests so far, with three suspects having been killed. Who ordered the presidents murder and why remains unclear. Former Colombian commandos make up about 20 of the suspects. The New York Times reported that Haitian authorities believe that the suspects met in Florida and the Dominican Republic during the months leading up to the assassination to plan how to rule the nation after the president had been killed and his power dissolved. The Pentagon has stated that some of the Colombian individuals were once trained by the US armed forces. Lt Col Ken Hoffman said on Thursday that a small number of the Colombians involved in the assassination had been trained by the US military when they were members of the Colombian armed forces. The former soldiers trained by Americans have not been identified, and what kind of training they received, or how many they were, has not been disclosed. Haitian officials have claimed that doctor and pastor Christian Emmanuel Sanon who spent his time in Florida and Haiti worked with the other suspects to take power once Mr Moise had been murdered. In this image taken on 23 May, 2018, Haitian President Jovenel Moise and First Lady Martine Moiseare are seen at the National Palace in Port-au-Prince. (AP) Mr Sanon is in custody after a raid of his residence where law enforcement found six holsters, around 20 boxes of bullets, and a Drug Enforcement Administration cap. The hitmen who attacked the presidents residence in the capital of Port-au-Prince posed as members of the US agency. But Haitian authorities havent specified how Mr Sanon was planning to seize power once the president was dead. Haitian authorities are also investigating if the presidents own security detail were part of the conspiracy. They detained the head of security at the presidential palace on Thursday. Colombian authorities have said the security chief often visited their country on his way to other nations in the lead-up to the assassination. A comment by President Joe Biden is encouraging airlines to hope that travel between the United States and Europe could be expanded in time for last-minute, late-summer vacation trips. At a news conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel Biden was asked about ending restrictions that bar most European visitors from entering the United States. Biden said Thursday that a team that is advising him on the pandemic brought that subject up. Its in the process of (considering) how soon we can lift the ban ... and I will be able to answer that question to you within the next several days. An official with the U.S. Travel Association, a trade group for the broader tourism industry, praised Biden's comments. The science says we can safely reopen international travel now, particularly for countries that have made considerable progress toward vaccinating their citizens," said Tori Emerson Barnes, the travel group's executive vice president of policy, citing studies that concluded there is a low risk of transmitting the virus during flights. Each day that outdated restrictions on travel exist wreaks economic damage on our nation." Airlines for America a trade group representing major U.S. carriers, said the time for action is now" to reopen to international visitors. The group noted that the U.S. allows travel to and from Mexico, where less than one-third of the population is vaccinated, while severely restricting travel from Canada and the United Kingdom, two countries with relatively high vaccination rates. The rise and prevalence of COVID-19 variants in Europe, especially the delta mutation that is also spreading throughout the U.S., has caused the Biden administration to tread slowly about increasing transatlantic travel. Last month, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the administration was anxious to restore travel as fully and quickly as possible, but said he couldn't put a date on reopening the country. "We have to be guided by the science, by medical expertise. Most of continental Europe has relaxed restrictions on Americans who are fully vaccinated, although the United Kingdom still requires quarantines for most visitors arriving from the U.S. Airlines say, however, that the lack of two-way travel is limiting the number of flights they can offer and seats they can sell. In recent months, U.S. airlines have started new service to European countries that are open to American visitors. Delta launched new or resumed service to Greece Iceland and Croatia, which opened early to vaccinated foreigners. In some cases, Americans who tested negative for the virus were able to skip quarantine requirements that were in place for other visitors. Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian said this week that bookings by Americans surged when those countries reopened and others followed. The problem is, there are only Americans that we are carrying in (to Europe) and carrying out," Bastian told The Associated Press. With most Europeans unable to enter the U.S., Delta has been forced to keep its transatlantic capacity at around half the level it was before the pandemic, he said. ___ David Koenig can be reached at www.twitter.com/airlinewriter Hungary prime minister said on Friday an infringement action by the EU amounts to legalised hooliganism in a fresh escalation of the row with Brussels over the rights of LGBT people. Viktor Orban told state radio on Friday the EU action was legalised hooliganism... The European Commissions stance is shameful. On Thursday, the EU took legal action in reaction to a new law which bans schools from using materials deemed as promoting homosexuality or gender change, which Orban has described as a child-protection issue. The law also forbids sharing any data with under 18s that the government could deem as promoting homosexuality or gender change. In explaining the official stance, a Hungarian government spokesperson said after passing the law: There are contents which children under a certain age can misunderstand and which may have a detrimental effect on their development at the given age, or which children simply cannot process, and which could therefore confuse their developing moral values or their image of themselves or the world. On the same day, the European Unions executive also opened a case against Poland after some of its regions and municipalities declared themselves LGBT-ideology free zones. Orban said the debate offered Hungarians a glimpse into European life - into what went on in schools in Germany, reiterating that Hungary would not let LGBT activists march up and down in schools promoting what he called sexual propaganda. Rights groups have rallied against the legislation, which the Commission head Ursula von der Leyen has called a disgrace. Hungary and Poland have two months to respond, failing which the Commission may refer them to the EUs Court of Justice. The EUs legal action could also have an impact on the EUs post-pandemic funding for Budapest. Orban on Friday also predicted another clash, which have been withheld by Brussels but which he said Hungary would eventually get. On Friday, Orban challenged Brussels over EU recovery funds, saying that there will be debate about the EU funds, but We will get those funds in the end. The Hungarian national assembly has passed the new legislation by 157 votes to one after the ruling Fidesz party guaranteed the backing of the far-right Jobbik party to pass the law. The anti-LGBT campaign, which Orbans government has stepped up over the past year, looks likely to feature prominently on his political platform ahead of a potentially tough national election next year. In the past two weeks, huge blue billboards have appeared across Hungary bearing slogans such as: Have you been annoyed with Brussels? and Are you afraid your children will face sexual propaganda? Orban, a nationalist who has repeatedly crossed swords with Brussels since he took office in 2010, said EU authorities were trying to impose their will on Hungary over how children should be raised. The campaign was widely seen during an EU summit in June as a cultural battle, with leaders voicing concerns over the effect of Orbans political ambitions on the EU cohesion, European values and the respect of the LGBT persons rights. Additional reporting by Reuters The European Commission launched legal action against Hungary on Thursday over measures it said discriminated against LGBT people. The move could have an impact on the EUs post-pandemic funding for Budapest. On the same day, the European Union's executive also opened a case against Poland after some of its regions and municipalities declared themselves "LGBT-ideology free zones". The infringement actions are the start of legal proceedings meant to force member states to comply with EU law. Hungary and Poland have two months to respond, failing which the Commission may refer them to the EU's Court of Justice. The Commission said, Equality and the respect for dignity and human rights are core values of the EU and it will use all the instruments at its disposal to defend these values." The Hungarian prime ministers chief of staff, Gergely Gulyas, said on Thursday that debates about the new law should not interfere with the handing out of Hungary's recovery funds. But many of Viktor Orban's critics in the EU want the Commission to put maximum pressure on Budapest to scrap the law by threatening the disbursement of billions of euros in post-pandemic EU stimulus funds. The EU's action against Hungary follows a law by Orban that bans schools from using materials deemed promoting homosexuality. Orban argued that the law is not aimed at homosexuals but is about protecting children whose parents should play the main role in educating them about sexuality. Rights groups have rallied against the law, and the Commission head Ursula von der Leyen has called it a "disgrace". There was no immediate reaction from Orban, who said the LGBT issue is a matter of national sovereignty. A few weeks back, he also accused the Dutch leader Mark Rutte of a moral supremacy rooted in the countrys colonial past. Ahead of a tough election in April 2022, Orban has grown increasingly radical to defend what he says are traditional christian values from Western liberalism. The European Commission said it acted against Poland over LGBT-free zones because it it had not received sufficient information about the zones from Warsaw and it was concerned they may violate EU laws. Poland's government has denied having laws that discriminate against people based on their sexual orientation. But the right-wing governing Law and Justice Party (PiS) says gay rights threaten traditional lifestyle in one of the most Catholic countries in Europe. Includes reporting by Reuters Bulgaria has banned UK travellers from entry just days after being upgraded to the UKs green list for travel. The country announced that the UK would be added to its red zone list, along with Cyprus, Spain, Fiji and Kuwait. Bulgarias health minister Stoicho Katsarov issued the order on Friday, with changes coming into effect on 19 July the same date that Bulgaria officially joins the UKs green list. The move from the government in Sofia coincided with the Foreign Office lifting its warning against all but essential travel to Bulgaria. People from red zone countries are not allowed into Bulgaria barring a handful of exemptions, such as medical professionals and seasonal workers. It means that holidays there are off the cards again, just after travellers hopes were raised when UK transport secretary Grant Shapps added the Balkan nation to the green list in his 14 July review. Green countries currently have the lightest restrictions for returning passengers: arrivals to the UK have no need to quarantine and must take two Covid tests, one pre-departure and one post-arrival. However, the same lighter restrictions will apply to fully vaccinated Britons and accompanying under-18s arriving into Britain from amber countries from 19 July. Prior to the latest announcement, the UK was on Bulgarias amber zone list, meaning travellers were permitted entry if they could show proof of full vaccination, previous recovery from Covid or a negative PCR test taken within the 72 hours prior to arrival. Bulgaria has a similar traffic light system to the UK, with countries classified as green, amber or red according to risk and assigned restrictions to match. Its red list is now comprised of 40 destinations in total: India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar (Burma), Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Maldives, South Africa, Botswana, Tanzania, Seychelles, Namibia, Zambia, Tunisia, Oman, Malaysia, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Mongolia, Colombia, Chile, Uruguay, Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Bolivia, Peru, Surinam, Panama, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Spain, Kuwait, Fiji, Cyprus and the UK. Data and Covid expert Tim White commented on the UKs downgrade to the red zone: More chaos for travel agencies. British holidaymakers favourites Dubai and Turkey will remain on the UKs red list. In the latest review to its traffic light system for international travel, the government announced the revised green, amber and red lists, which dictate the severity of restrictions faced by arrivals upon entering the UK. Brits returning from red countries are subject to the harshest rules, and must pay for an 11-night package at a mandated quarantine hotel, at a cost of 1,750 per solo traveller. While it was hoped that some destinations might move from red to amber in the latest reshuffle, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), both beloved by British travellers, remain stuck on red. The red list has now grown to 60 countries, with reports suggesting countries including Indonesia and Myanmar have swollen its ranks. While most places end up on the red list due to spiralling Covid infection rates and/or a high prevalence of virus variants of concern, some destinations, such as the UAE, are classified as red purely because they are international aviation hubs. With thousands of travellers passing through the UAE daily on connecting flights, the UK government has argued it would be nigh on impossible to determine whether arrivals had originated from a red list country. Amber list arrivals still face onerous restrictions: theyre required to quarantine at home for 10 days and pay for a package of two PCR tests. Those in England may pay for an extra test from day five of self-isolation onwards which, if negative, allows them to cut short their quarantine. However, from 19 July, fully vaccinated travellers will be able to skip quarantine when arriving from amber-listed countries, although they will still be required to take a test. Meanwhile, the Balearics slid to the amber list in the latest traffic light update, which will prompt a stampede back before the changes come into effect on 19 July. Hong Kong and Bulgaria were added to the green list in the latest update, while Croatia and Taiwan joined the green watchlist. Green list travellers must simply take one PCR test within two days of arrival as well as a pre-departure lateral flow test. Less than 60 hours before international travel is due to become easier for vaccinated British travellers, France is to be left out of the scheme. Hundreds of thousands of travellers who were hoping for quarantine-free travel back from France have had their hopes dashed. Fears about the beta variant of coronavirus have led ministers to create a new category for incoming travellers: amber plus. Unlike the regular amber list, from 4am on Monday arrivals from France must quarantine in their own accommodation for 10 days and complete two PCR tests, regardless of vaccination status. The health secretary, Sajid Javid, said: We have always been clear that we will not hesitate to take rapid action at our borders to stop the spread of Covid-19 and protect the gains made by our successful vaccination programme. With restrictions lifting on Monday across the country, we will do everything we can to ensure international travel is conducted as safely as possible, and protect our borders from the threat of variants. The UK Health Security Agency chief executive, Dr Jenny Harries, said: As we ease restrictions and begin making our way back to a normal life, its more vital than ever that we listen to the data and act decisively when it changes. While vaccines are helping us turn the tables against this virus, we need to continue to proceed cautiously. That means maintaining our defences against new variants and protecting our hard won progress through the exceptional vaccination rollout. France is second only to Spain in terms of British visits, and is home to hundreds of thousands of UK expatriates and property owners. Many people booked trips to France after the government announced on 8 July that vaccinated travellers need not self-isolate for arrivals from amber list countries from 4am on 19 July. The reversal of that policy for France has caused dismay for cross-Channel operators and airlines, who were hoping to cash in on demand for school holiday trips and family visits. This will ruin summer for many people, said John Keefe of Eurotunnel, which runs the Shuttle operation for cars between Folkestone and Calais. It is disappointing that the government has cancelled the option of quarantine-free travel for double-vaccinated parents and their families so close to the school holidays and so soon after they had confirmed that travel to France was safe. The chief executive of easyJet, Johan Lundgren, said the governments traffic light system for international risk management was falling apart. He accused the government of making it up as they go along and causing confusion and uncertainty. Mr Lundgren said: It is not backed up by the science or transparent data and this move pulls the rug out from under our customers who have already travelled to France or who are booked to travel there and so it is them I feel for. A spokesperson for Abta, the travel association, said: This announcement will undoubtedly dent consumer confidence in overseas travel just as we are about to see many amber-listed countries opening up for UK visitors in time for the summer holidays. Continuing changes to travel restrictions will delay any meaningful recovery for the industry. It may be that other popular destinations, perhaps including Cyprus and some other Mediterranean islands with high infection rates, are moved to the same amber-plus category. The alternative considered by ministers was for France to be assigned to the red list but it is believed the system of hotel quarantine would not have been able to cope with the numbers of arriving travellers. Travellers from France who are fully vaccinated by the NHS were expecting the need to quarantine to end at 4am on 19 July in line with the relaxation of international travel rules that day. Instead, self-isolation will continue to be mandatory for arrivals from France, and costs for travellers will increase with an extra PCR test required on day eight of quarantine. These are the key questions and answers. A reminder of the traffic light system? Arrivals from high-risk countries on the red list must go into 11 nights of hotel quarantine at their expense. Nations include India, the UAE, Turkey, South Africa and every country in South America. From amber list locations which include the vast majority of popular holiday destinations, including France, Italy, Greece, Portugal, mainland Spain and the US the requirement is 10 days of self-isolation. Quarantine-free admission to the UK is allowed only from a handful of green list locations, including Bulgaria, Croatia, Gibraltar, Iceland, Malta and Madeira. When the transport secretary, Grant Shapps, announced the system on 12 May, he said: While the number of countries on the green list is initially low, I anticipate it will grow over time as the situation improves globally. Instead, a new category, green watchlist, was introduced between green and amber. And now amber plus has been created for a single country: France. The system now goes, from best to worst: green, green watchlist, amber, amber plus, red. What had travellers to France been expecting? On 8 July the UK government announced that people who had been fully vaccinated by the NHS would no longer need to quarantine when returning from amber list countries. A large majority of popular nations are in this category, including France, Spain, Italy, Greece and the United States. The idea was that from Freedom Day, 19 July, anyone who had been immunised would be regarded as low risk and able to avoid quarantine along with under-18s, who have generally not been vaccinated. Such a policy is common around Europe and the world. Arrivals from France, as well as Italy, Spain and Greece, were all set to benefit. Bookings to many amber list destinations soared as the prospect for quarantine-free holidays loomed for tens of millions of fully jabbed travellers and their children. What has happened now? Less than 60 hours before international travel is due to become easier for vaccinated British travellers, the government announced France is to be left out of the scheme. Fears about the beta variant of coronavirus have led ministers to create a new category for incoming travellers: effectively, amber plus. Unlike the regular amber list, from 4am on Monday arrivals from France must quarantine in their own accommodation for 10 days and complete two PCR tests, regardless of vaccination status. France is second only to Spain in terms of British visits, and is home to hundreds of thousands of UK expatriates and property owners. Hundreds of thousands of travellers who were banking on quarantine-free travel back from France have had their hopes dashed. Why wasnt France put on the red list? That was an alternative considered by ministers, requiring hotel quarantine from all arrivals. But it is believed the managed quarantine system would not have been able to cope with the numbers of arriving travellers. Will there be an almighty rush home? No, because effectively for travellers from France, the rules simply stay as they are there is no deadline to beat. Anyone travelling over the weekend from France to a neighbouring country such as Belgium, Italy or Spain will not benefit. The test is: have you been in France in the past 10 days? If so, then you must self-isolate for 10 days though travellers arriving in England can pay for an extra test on day five and leave quarantine if it proves negative. Is there any way to avoid quarantine? You could travel from France to a lower-risk country such as Spain and spend 10 days there to launder your French visit. I have a holiday booked in France. What are my rights? Many people made late bookings for summer holidays in France because it appeared to be a safe, quarantine-free location for vaccinated British travellers. Legally, travel firms can say they are able still to offer the holiday as booked; the fact that travellers must self-isolate is not their problem. In practice, airlines, ferry firms and tour operators are likely to offer flexibility with the chance to postpone the trip, but will stop short of giving full refunds. What about travel insurance? The Foreign Office does not warn against travel to France, which means standard travel insurance policies will still be valid. But it is most unlikely that insurers will pay out for the additional costs involved from extra tests to lost wages. Can I avoid quarantine if I travel through France without stopping? Motorists passing through France in transit to the UK from Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany or anywhere else will be regarded as arriving from France, and be subject to self-isolation when they reach Britain. Eurostar rail passengers from Brussels, Rotterdam and Amsterdam to London St Pancras International will be unaffected. The train passes through France without stopping. Changing planes at Paris? Many travellers have booked trips on Air France via Paris CDG. But spending any time at all at Charles de Gaulle airport on your way back will consign you to quarantine. It may be possible to re-route via Amsterdam on Air Frances sister company, KLM. What if I still want to go to France? The good news is that, starting on 18 July, British visitors who have been fully vaccinated need not test before departure to France. The French Embassy in London said: if you have not been vaccinated you must present a negative PCR or antigen test less than 24 hours old to travel to French territory from the UK. If you have been fully vaccinated you will therefore no longer have to present a test in order to enter French territory. Vaccines are now deemed to have become effective just a week after the second dose and there is also an allowance for people who have had a previous infection and one dose. To allay concerns that some have expressed about versions of the AstraZeneca vaccine manufactured in India, known as Covashield, the French Embassy said: France recognises the AZ-Covishield vaccine, so it is possible to travel to France with this type of vaccine if you have been fully vaccinated. Will other countries join the amber-plus category? Almost certainly. The government is probably wishing it had thought of the medium-high-risk classification earlier, since it allows mandatory self-isolation to continue without obliging all arrivals to go into expensive and arduous hotel quarantine, but while limiting the risk to public health in the UK. The data analyst Tim White said it had been a huge mistake not to have a category between amber and red, or make it clear old amber would stay for some. He said: Luxembourg is finding the Brazilian variant (gamma) is becoming dominant. We await new data from Luxembourgs neighbours, Belgium and Germany. Both countries are seeing rising infections now, a little later than most of their neighbours and from a low base. Sequencing data wont be available for at least another week from current infections. But I would not be surprised if the governments advisory committee is looking closely at the situation there. The Netherlands shares borders with Belgium and Germany. Its had some of the strongest Covid-19 growth weve ever seen. The Dutch infection rate is now more or less level with the UKs and still rising. Ive seen no evidence that Spain or Greece are affected by new or dangerous variants. But the sometimes random way this government has acted regarding travel, does not inspire me with confidence. It is also possible that some of the 60 countries on the red list could be moved to the less-onerous amber plus category. What does the travel industry think? There is universal fury at the move. This will ruin summer for many people, said John Keefe of Eurotunnel, which runs the Shuttle operation for cars between Folkestone and Calais. It is disappointing that the government has cancelled the option of quarantine-free travel for double-vaccinated parents and their families so close to the school holidays and so soon after they had confirmed that travel to France was safe. Willie Walsh, director-general of the International Air Transport Association (Iata), said: The UK has no coherent policy on international travel. The government is flip-flopping and making life impossible for people who are desperate to see friends and family. They promised freedom on the back of a successful vaccine programme and now pull the rug out from people at the eleventh hour. The UK is entrenching itself as an outlier in its confused approach to travel. This, in turn, is destroying its own travel sector and the thousands of jobs that rely on it. How does the government respond? The health secretary, Sajid Javid, said: We have always been clear that we will not hesitate to take rapid action at our borders to stop the spread of Covid-19 and protect the gains made by our successful vaccination programme. With restrictions lifting on Monday across the country, we will do everything we can to ensure international travel is conducted as safely as possible, and protect our borders from the threat of variants. Ireland will reopen to fully vaccinated British visitors from Monday 19 July with no quarantine or Covid tests required in either direction. But unvaccinated adults travelling from Great Britain will need to provide a negative PCR test certificate and quarantine in the republic for at least five days, while children aged 12 to 17 must show a negative PCR test on arrival. No tests are required from under 12s. For the past 16 months, the republic has had stringent restrictions on visitors from Great Britain, though cross-border travel from Northern Ireland has continued. Niall Gibbons, chief executive of Tourism Ireland, said: The Covid pandemic has been tough on everyone and these changes will afford many people an opportunity to reconnect with family and friends in a way that hasnt been possible for a long time. British visitors will need to complete an online passenger locator form in advance. On arrival in Ireland, they will need to have proof of full vaccination by showing an NHS app Covid Pass, a vaccination status letter or their NHS vaccine paper card. Indoor hospitality in Ireland will recommence on 26 July, and initially will be open only to those who are fully vaccinated or who have proof of recovery from Covid-19 in the past six months. The UK has never required testing, quarantine or proof of vaccination for any arrivals from the Common Travel Area, which includes Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. As a result, Ireland will be the only nation in the world that immunised British citizens can visit without the need for any Covid tests into or out of the country. Bulgaria has banned travellers from the UK just days after being added to the governments green list in the latest traffic light reshuffle. The UK joins Cyprus, Spain, Fiji and Kuwait, along with 35 other destinations, on the Balkan nations red zone list. Travellers from red zone countries are not allowed into Bulgaria, barring for a handful of exemptions, such as medical professionals and seasonal workers. The UK was previously on Bulgarias amber list, but goes red as of 19 July - the same day that Bulgaria officially joins the UKs green list. Elsewhere, there are tentative hopes that travel to the US could soon be possible again after Joe Biden said that an end date for the European travel ban could be revealed within days. The President said that his Covid-19 team is actively assessing the situation throughout Europe and that his administration will announce when the ban on travel from Europe will be lifted in the days ahead. We brought in the head of our Covid team, because the chancellor brought that subject up, Mr Biden said, referring to a conversation hed had with German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Its in the process of [seeing] how soon we can lift the ban. Its in process now. And Ill be able to answer that question to you within the next several days, what is likely to happen. Im waiting to hear from our folks, from our Covid team, as to when that should be done. The USs borders have long been shut to most international travellers. The Foreign Office advice states: It is not possible for most British nationals to enter the USA if they have been in the UK, Ireland, Schengen zone, Iran, Brazil, China, South Africa or India within the previous 14 days. Follow below for the latest travel updates: The state government will not impose tracking requirements on home-sharing and other short-term property rentals following Governor Dan McKees recent rejection of proposed legislation on the issue. Officials in local towns also expressed skepticism at whether such a registry would actually be functional or simply become another revenue-generator for the state by imposing a registration fee on property owners. State officials admit there is no staff to do compliance checks. I think it is good that they are leaving it up to the community, said Jamie Gorman, building official and zoning enforcement officer for the Town of South Kingstown. Do you believe that regulation and potential taxation of short-term rental properties should be left to local municipalities instead of having a statewide policy in place for such properties? Let us know in this weeks poll question below: You voted: Send to Email Address Your Name Your Email Address Post was not sent - check your email addresses! Email check failed, please try again Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. 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. Urdu satirist Mushtaq Ahmad Yusufi survived several dictatorial regimes in Pakistan without compromising on his wit and humour. Many people find solace in his writings and get inspired to face the toughest phases of their lives with a determined heart and a smiling face. Reading Yusufi, while being subjected to physical and mental torture by the sleuths of Mumbai (Anti-Terrorism Squad) ATS, has perhaps kept the hope and resolve alive in Abdul Wahid Sheikh, one of the 13 accused in 2006 Mumbai blasts case. At least 209 people were killed and more than 700 hundred were officially declared injured in a series of seven blasts that took place in Mumbai Suburban Railway on July 11, 2006. BCCL Abdul Wahid was cleared of all the terror charges and released in 2015 after the Mumbai ATS failed to produce any evidence of his involvement in the deadly bombings. He, however, believes that other accused - who were convicted by the same court - are also innocent and have been framed in the case. In his book, Begunah Qaidi which reveals the entire investigation of the case from an accuseds perspective first released in Urdu and Hindi, Wahid recalls what the accused had to face in the case. It talks about how the proofs were fabricated to suit the narrative of the security agencies. This book contains several details on how some professionals like lawyers and doctors work closely with the ATS to forge evidence to build up a particular case against anyone. The 504-page book is now available in English as Innocent Prisoners. The book also covers case studies of German Bakery blasts 2010, Malegaon Blasts 2006, Aurangabad Arms Haul case 2006, Akshardham attack 2002 and the Indian Mujahideen plank used by the security agencies. Pharosmedia.com Wahid spoke to Indiatimes about his book, his life in and outside the jail, and his efforts to ensure that other innocent prisoners come out of jail and live as a free citizen of the country. More innocent than me Wahid, who had to spend more than nine years of his life in Mumbais Arthur Road Jail, says that others, who are still in jail in this particular case, are the victims of the Mumbai ATS that was working under pressure to solve the case. You will be writing about me and my story, thats not enough. There are others who have been framed in the case like me. But they too are innocent. More innocent than me, pleads Wahid. He was first arrested in 2001 when the Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) was banned by the government and many of its members were nabbed by the security agencies on various terror charges. Wahid was working as a primary school teacher at Mumbais Anjuman Islam School. His was reinstated after getting a clean-chit in the case. BCCL They booked me as a SIMI member under the UAPA, but couldnt find anything against me. In 2003, I got married and started a new life with a scar of being arrested on terror charges. However, my wife supported me all the while. When I was picked up in 2006 after the blasts, she was the one who informed every one, therefore, the police could not plant fake evidence at my home, he recalls. In September 2015, court found twelve people guilty for the blast. In its 1839-page verdict, the court awarded five of these convicts the death sentence, and the rest were handed life terms. Only Wahid was let off. Others could not understand the intentions of the police initially, they thought it was just an interrogation. Meanwhile, police planted false proofs against them, which proved that they were guilty. But police know very well what they have done to all of us, says Wahid, adding that it was easy for the police to pick them because they had their names in police records. They had nothing to do with the train blasts, he reiterated. "I am out, that's fine, but a part of me is still languishing in jail with the eleven accused, who are also innocent." How Advocate Shahid Azmi helped disseminating the message The idea of writing a book didnt come to Wahid all of a sudden. He had been contributing articles to Urdu dailies on current issues. Even when I was in jail, I used to write for Urdu newspapers. I am thankful that they published my work at that time. In 2007, we thought of making an annual report of what the ATS was doing in the case. We did it for the nest two years and were forced to stop it in 2009, he says. BCCL Late advocate Shahid Azmi used to translate our reports in English and share it with human rights activists and lawyers. Police used to snatch and destroy some parts of it. We had to stop doing this in 2009, but the idea of writing a book came during that time. I wanted it to be a document for all those who are the victims of this system. Azmi was assassinated by a gunmen at his office in Mumbai in February 2010. When Mumbai ATS explained its logic You are Muslims, Muslims support Pakistan, Pakistan sends RDX, RDX can only be used by Muslims, Hindus cant carry out blasts in India. Wahid says that the Mumbai ATS had only presented this explanation, whenever they were asked about the reasons for making the 13 people accused in this case. It is clear that we were targeted because of our Muslim identity. The majority of police officers we have come across believe that Muslims are responsible for terrorist activities. I have learnt it during my stay in jail. If you are a Muslim, you will be a scapegoat, laments Wahid. BCCL When asked if he ever thought of giving up his religious identity because of which he was targeted, he replied, Never, the realisation that we were targeted because of our religious identity brought us closer to our faith. We never stopped praying. It gave us strength to withstand all the atrocities. Disappointment with judiciary Despite being let off by the court, Wahid feels that judiciary is not doing its work properly. He says that if the judiciary works in without preconceived notions, security agencies cant fake the proofs easily. Judiciary is meant for justice, not for toeing the dominant politics. Over the years we have seen that many cases are decided to suit the dominant political and security narrative. It breaks my heart to see judiciary behaving in such a way. It has resulted in injustice for many innocent people, he says. Prose, poetry and hopes of better times While suffering mental and physical torture, Wahid says, he did not give up on small moments of joy with inmates as they all knew they were innocent and were hoping to come out of prison sooner rather than later. Whenever we were not interrogated or beaten up, we would sit and read poetry by Mirza Ghalib, Faiz Ahmad Faiz and Iqbal. We would recite romantic poetry too. That made us forget our mental and physical scars, he says. I am a huge fan of humourist Mushtaq Ahmad Yusufi. I read his four books while I was in jail. We all used to read and discuss what he has written. Wahid hopes that like him, other innocent prisoners across the country will get justice and their misery will end soon. "I have travelled across India with my book. I tell people our stories. I know others are not guilty, police have told us privately that they are innocent. One day, i hope and pray, they will also be released." Following in the footsteps of Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Odisha and Jharkhand, the national capital Delhi has also launched a free pneumococcal vaccines drive. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said the vaccines will be administered for free at Delhi government-run hospitals and dispensaries in the national capital. BCCL Priced between Rs 1,500-6,000 These vaccines protect children from pneumonia, meningitis and sepsis among other diseases and cost between Rs 1,500 to 6,000. CM @ArvindKejriwal launches Pneumococcal Vaccination in Delhi Pneumococcal vaccine will be administered to children for pneumonia, meningitis, sepsis etc. The vaccine, which is very costly in Private Hospitals, will be available for Free in all Govt Hospitals & Dispensaries pic.twitter.com/b9cez9W9o7 AAP (@AamAadmiParty) July 15, 2021 Flagging off the Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccination Programme at the Aam Aadmi Polyclinic at Paschim Vihar in Delhi, Kejriwal encouraged parents to get their children vaccinated. "Till now, children in Delhi were administered vaccines for 12 diseases. From today, we are administering vaccines against pneumonia. pneumonia, meningitis, sepsis Pneumococcal vaccine pic.twitter.com/R2azMPkuhY Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) July 15, 2021 "Earlier those under the age of five were gravely affected by pneumonia in some cases even leading to death. This vaccine will protect children against death. Not only pneumonia, but the vaccine will also protect children from diseases like meningitis and sepsis," he said. BCCL These vaccine jabs will be administered for free at the Delhi government's health facilities and each child will get three doses at specified time periods, the statement said. "This is a very expensive injection... It is generally unaffordable for the common public. So, the Delhi Government will provide it for free at its centres. This a step forward toward Delhi government's resolve to improve and strengthen the healthcare system and infrastructure of the national capital," the chief minister said. With the third wave of COVID-19 around the corner, which many fear will affect children more than in the first two waves, several states have been in a rush to provide the vulnerable population from infection. As COVID-19 vaccinations are not yet available for children, experts believe that giving them protection from pneumonia and similar bacterial diseases would reduce the complications if the fears of the third wave affecting children more come true. After being granted bail by the Dominica High Court, fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi has traveled back to Antigua and Barbuda where he had taken citizenship and had been hiding since he fled India. Choksi who was granted bail on medical grounds went back to Antigua where he will be receiving medical treatment locally and will report to the Dominican authorities on his condition and every time he leaves his home. AP The issue of his return was brought before the Cabinet under Prime Minister Gaston Browne while it was in session. Probe on The Cabinet observed that Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda will continue to investigate the claims of Choksi's kidnapping and cases of revoking his citizenship and his extradition will continue in the courts there. The 62-year-old who mysteriously disappeared from his home in Antigua in May reemerged in the neighbouring island where he was caught for illegal entry. ANI Since then the PNB-scam accused have claimed that he did not flee Antigua, but was abducted by Indian agencies. "I am back home but this torture has left permanent scars on my psychology and physically, rather permanent scars on my soul. I couldn't imagine after closing all my business and seizing all my properties, kidnapping attempt would be made on me by Indian agencies," he told ANI. Evading Indian investigators Choksi who has been evading the Indian investigators claimed that he told probe agencies to visit Antigua to interrogate him as he was unable to travel. "Many times, I told agencies to visit here to interrogate me as due to health issues, I was not able to travel anymore. I was always available for co-operation with the agency but this inhuman abrasion kidnapping was never expected by me," he said. BCCL He even went on to claim that he was considering traveling to India to cooperate with the probe, but after what happened in May, is concerned about his safety. "Though till now, I have been seriously considering to return to prove my innocence in India. My medical condition is very bad and it has worsened like anything in the last from the last 50 days of my kidnapping and I am seriously apprehensive about my safety in India. Don't know if I'll be back in normal physical or mental state," he added. The Telegraph Choksi along with his nephew Nirav Modi and others are accused of defrauding the PNB to the tune of Rs 13,500 crore through fraudulent LoUs. While Nirav Modi and his family fled to the UK, Choksi made his escape to Antigua, where he had purchased citizenship through the 'citizenship by investment scheme. While the news of Pulitzer Prize winning photographer Danish Siddiqui's death - while he was on an assignment in Afghanistan - has shocked his Indian and international colleagues and friends, it has also broken the hearts of many aspiring photojournalist who looked up to his work for inspiration. Siddiqui, who worked for Reuters news agency, has been killed in Afghanistan while covering the fierce fighting between Afghan troops and the Taliban militants in Kandahar. He was covering the situation in Kandahar over the last few days. His work was keenly followed by many as he was able to capture the sufferings of the people caught up in communal violence, mass murders as well as natural disasters. Recently, he captured the images of mass cremation of dead bodies of COVID-19 victims. His images of Communal riots in Delhi, protest against CAA/NRC went viral on the internet. His coverage of the plight of Rohingya people in Myanmar was rewarded with Pulitzer Prize. In an interview with Indiatimes after winning the award, Siddiqui said, "This was perhaps the toughest assignment, I have been a part of. I have covered wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, natural calamities in India in Uttrakhand and Nepal, but Rohingya crisis was the toughest to cover because I could see their world being destroyed with fire just the across the river," He considered his job to be that of a historian as well. In a way, I am a historian as well, thats why I have saved all those emotions exhibited by the people in front of my camera for documentation, he told Indiatimes. Graduated from Jamia Millia Islamia in Economics and get a degree in Mass Communication from the AJK Mass Communication Research Centre at Jamia in 2007. Siddiqui started his career as a television news correspondent, switched to photojournalism, and joined Reuters as an intern in 2010. Take a look here some of the best shots taken by Danish Siddiqui: BCCL Citing the fear of a third Covid wave, the SC said the Yogi-government nod for a 100 per cent physical yatra is not advisable and asked it to reconsider the decision. "We are prima facie of the view that this is a matter concerning every citizen and all other sentiments, including religious are subservient to right to life of citizens," a bench of Justice RF Nariman and Justice BR Gavai said. Read more Below are the top stories making headlines today from across the world. Danish Siddiqui, Pulitzer Prize-Winning Indian Photojournalist Killed In Afghanistan danish siddiqui kashmir photo Danish Siddiqui, an Indian photojournalist working with Reuters news agency has been killed during clashes in Afghanistan, where he was gone for reporting. According to Afghan media, Siddiqui was killed in clashes in Spin Boldak district in Kandahar on Thursday night. He was reportedly embedded with the Afghan forces who had clashed with Taliban fighters in Spin Boldak after an operation was launched to retake the vital border crossing with Pakistan on Friday. Read more Heavy Rains And Waterlogging Brings Mumbai To A Halt; Traffic Hit AFP As the monsoon continues to gain strength across India, heavy rains lashed parts of Mumbai and its suburbs since early morning on Friday, leading to water-logging on tracks at a few places and affecting the local train services. Water-logging was reported from chronic spots of Dadar, Parel, Wadala, Sion, besides low-lying areas in Malad, Santacruz, Dahisar. Read more Delhi University Admissions 2021 To Begin From August 1 BCCL A massive relief for Class XII passout students as Delhi University (DU) is likely to begin the process of its 2021 admissions for undergraduate programmes in August. DU will also begin admissions into postgraduate programmes in July. Just like last year, the process of admissions will be completely online. The registration for postgraduate students is likely to begin on July 26 while undergraduate admissions are likely to begin between August 1-3. Read more Back In Antigua, Fraudster Mehul Choksi Repeats Claim Of Kidnapping By Indian Agencies AP After being granted bail by the Dominica High Court, fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi has traveled back to Antigua and Barbuda where he had taken citizenship and had been hiding since he fled India. Choksi who was granted bail on medical grounds went back to Antigua where he will be receiving medical treatment locally and will report to the Dominican authorities on his condition and every time he leaves his home. Read more Bhavna and Vishal Patel and their one-year old daughter, Aishani, were killed last month as the 12-storey South Champlain Towers condominium complex, where they lived, collapsed. Trisha Devi, Bhavnas best friend, told India-West the Indian American familys bodies were cremated July 15, and their ashes will be scattered in the Atlantic Ocean. (Trisha Devi/Facebook photo) New COVID-19 cases in Virginia and Northern Virginia have more than doubled in the past month and are now at their highest levels since late May, according to new data from the Virginia Department of Health. While the average number of daily cases statewide is still less than half the level of July 2020, cases are rising as rapidly as they have at any point during the pandemic. Health officials have attribute the recent rise in cases to a significant slowdown in vaccinations and the spread of the Delta variant, which is more contagious that earlier strains of the COVID-19 virus. The state began tracking the Delta variant (B.1.617.2) in mid-June and has reported 158 cases through Friday, nearly doubling the number a week earlier. Of those, 38 are in the Northern region, up from 23 a week earlier. Not all positive samples are tested for variants, so the actual number of cases is higher. A new dashboard from the state health department also tracks the numbers and percentages of cases among unvaccinated versus vaccinated individuals. It shows that since May 1, only about 2.5% of new cases statewide - and less than 2% in Northern Virginia - are among fully vaccinated residents. The pace of vaccinations statewide has stabilized at about 12,000 a day, according to the state's vaccination dashboard. However, that's the slowest pace since early January, just weeks after the vaccines began to be administered. Over 9.21 million vaccine doses have been administered to Virginians, with 63.9% of the adult population and 52.9% of the total population now fully vaccinated. Statewide, new reported cases have increased about 67% in just the past week and now stand at an average of 336 a day, the highest since May 31. The state reported more than 400 cases Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, the first time that has happened since May 13-15, more than two months ago. Northern Virginia has also seen a pickup in cases over the past week, with a seven-day average of 68.4 cases a day, more than double the average just a week earlier. The region's number fell as low as 16.9 a day on June 15 before beginning to rise. The region reported over 100 new cases Friday, the first time that's happened since May 20. Despite the recent increase in cases, the Virginia Department of Health is pulling back on the amount of information it provides about the pandemic. The health department has stopped providing facility-specific information about outbreaks of COVID-19, including outbreaks in schools, because legislation that required it to do so expired with the end of Virginia's state of emergency on June 30. In addition, the health department said that effective Sunday, it will stop updating the case numbers on weekends and will do so only Mondays through Fridays. The department has been providing seven-day-a-week updates online since the very first days of the pandemic. Hospitalizations for treatment of the virus have been relatively stable since the July Fourth holiday weekend, according to the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association, which has been providing the data since early April 2020. They stood at 256 as of Friday, one fewer than on July 9. In Northern Virginia, only 33 patients were being treated in hospitals as of Thursday, the most recent number available. The region's hospitalizations peaked at 818 on April 30, 2020, and fell as low as 32 on July 5 this year. The number of deaths statewide from COVID-19 has likewise stabilized, with 29 reported this week. However, deaths tend to be a lagging indicator and can often take several weeks to verify and report; throughout the pandemic, deaths have begun to increase three to four weeks after an increase in cases. In Northern Virginia, a net of seven new deaths were reported this week: five in Fairfax County, two in Prince William and one in Alexandria. Fairfax City's death total was reduced by one. Meanwhile, the average positivity rate of diagnostic COVID-19 tests continues to increase statewide - as would be expected with the increase in cases - and rates in Northern Virginia also have gone up significantly in the past week. However, overall positivity rates are still well below 5%, the level at which experts believe the spread of the virus is under control. LATEST COVID-19 DATA New Cases/Deaths (Seven days ending Friday, July 16) Northern Virginia: 479 new cases (up from 224 prior week); 7 new deaths (up from 3 prior week) Statewide: 2,352 new cases (up from 1,402 prior week), 29 new deaths (up from 25 prior week) Statewide Testing: 62,384 PCR diagnostic test results (up from 52,922 prior week) Overall Totals Northern Virginia: 185,519 cases, 2,402 deaths Statewide: 684,499 cases, 11,477 deaths Statewide Testing: 7.83 million PCR diagnostic tests (10.42 million when including antibody and antigen tests) Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) cases: 77 (including 14 in Fairfax, 10 in Prince William, two in Loudoun and Alexandria and one in Arlington). *Provided by Virginia Department of Health. The health department's COVID-19 data is updated each morning by 10 a.m. and includes reports by local health agencies before 5 p.m. the previous day. Statewide Hospital and Nursing Home Data Hospitalizations: 256 (down from 257 on July 9) Peak Hospitalizations: 3,209 reached Jan. 13 Patients in ICU: 73 (up from 63 on July 9) Patients Discharged: 57,460 (105 this week) *Provided by Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association For updated national and international COVID-19 data, visit the Johns Hopkins University coronavirus dashboard. Editor's note: InsideNoVa is providing regular COVID-19 updates every Friday. For daily reports, visit the Virginia Department of Health COVID-19 dashboard. 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 New York man has been arrested for insurance fraud in the second degree following a year-long criminal investigation. On January 28, 2020, the Ellenville Fire Department requested the Ulster County Fire Investigation Unit to respond in Wawarsing, New York, to investigate the origin and cause of a house fire. The fire investigation unit identified incendiary fire indicators and suspicious circumstances which resulted in a criminal investigation by law enforcement. At the time of the fire, the house had been condemned by the town of Wawarsing and a stop work order was placed on the residence for suspected illegal renovations. Following the fire, the defendant, Yevganiy Ilyayev, submitted a fraudulent claim to Travelers Insurance seeking $478,000 as restitution for the loss of the house. This defendant falsified claim records hoping to obtain a fraudulent insurance payout, said Ulster County Director of Emergency Services Everett Erichsen in a New York Department of Financial Services (DFS) press release. Ulster Countys Emergency Services and Fire Investigations Unit have zero tolerance for anyone who puts lives of our first responders at risk for their own financial gain and will diligently investigate every suspicious fire in our communities. Ilyayev turned himself in at the Ulster County Sheriffs Office on Monday, July 12. He was charged with insurance fraud in the second degree, a class C felony, and was released with an appearance ticket returnable to the town of Wawarsing Justice Court on July 30, 2021. The Ulster County Fire Investigation Unit and DFS Criminal Investigation Unit were assisted by the Ulster County Sheriffs Office and Ulster County District Attorneys Office. Source: New York State Department of Financial Services Topics Fraud New York BENGALURU Indian digital payments leader Paytm, which counts Ant Group and Softbank among its backers, is seeking regulatory approval to raise up to 166 billion rupees ($2.23 billion) in one of the biggest stock market listings in the country. The offering, which values the company at up to $25 billion according to sources, comes at a time of a pandemic-fueled boom in Indias digital economy and an intensifying battle for market share with Alphabet Incs Google Pay and Facebook Inc-owned WhatsApp Pay. The company, formally known as One97 Communications Ltd, will sell new shares worth 83 billion rupees while existing investors will sell another 83 billion rupees in stock in the offering, the homegrown fintech startup said in a regulatory filing on Friday. Companies within the digital space have good growth potential because of the increase in the number of internet users and wide access among the youth, said Ajit Mishra, vice president of research at Religare Broking in Noida. The offering from Paytm, whose backers also include Berkshire Hathaway Inc, is expected to kick off a wave of IPOs by local fintech firms that are looking to tap capital markets for expansion plans. Founded by entrepreneur Vijay Shekhar Sharma, 43, the company was thrust into the spotlight in 2016 during Indias shock ban on high-value currency bank notes, which led to a surge in digital payments. It helped Paytm expand its services to insurance and gold sales, movie and flight ticketing, and bank deposits and remittances. Paytm has said it will use the funds from the IPO to strengthen its payment network and for acquisitions. Several Indian startups have flagged plans to go public as they cash to cash in on growing investor interest from foreign funds. On Friday, a $1.3 billion stock offering by Indian food delivery startup Zomato, backed by Ant Group was oversubscribed by nearly eight times Others in the pipeline include a blockbuster IPO by Walmart Inc-owned e-commerce giant Flipkart, beauty brand Nykaa and ride-hailing service Ola. Consolidated net loss for One97 shrank to 16.96 billion rupees for the year ended March from 28.42 billion rupees a year earlier, according to the prospectus. Revenue fell 14.6% to 28.02 billion rupees. One97 said it may consider a further issue of shares worth up to 20 billion Indian rupees ahead of the IPO. JPMorgan Chase, Morgan Stanley, ICICI Securities, Goldman Sachs, Axis Capital, Citi and HDFC Bank are advising on the IPO. ($1 = 74.5140 Indian rupees) (Reporting by Vishwadha Chander, Chris Thomas and Shivani Singh in Bengaluru; editing by Subhranshu Sahu, Anshuman Daga and Saumyadeb Chakrabarty) Topics InsurTech Funding Startups Chancellor Angela Merkel pledged swift help backed by all the power of the state for people affected by devastating flooding in western Germany, where at least 42 people have died and dozens are missing. Following heavy rain Wednesday night into Thursday, floods also swamped parts of Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Belgium, where at least four people have died. Merkel interrupted her trip to Washington to make a somber statement, in which she called the floods in the regions of North Rhine-Westphalia and Rhineland-Palatinate a catastrophe and a tragedy that she said was difficult to describe in words. Read more: Storms Cause Heavy Flooding Across Parts of Western and Central Europe I am shocked by the reports I am getting from areas that are completely under water, added the chancellor, who [held talks with U.S. President Joe Biden on Thursday]. There are many who we must still be worried for and everything will be done to find those who are missing, Merkel said. The federal government will discuss how it can help with reconstruction once the task of saving lives has been completed. The floods are among the most devastating in the region in decades. Residents climbed onto rooftops and into trees after houses were inundated or collapsed. Thousands of homes were without electricity. Heavy rains are expected to continue over the next few days, with the storm moving south toward southern Germany and Switzerland on Friday. Extreme weather events such as floods, drought and heatwaves are expected to increase as the planet warms, scientists warn. Large parts of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) were hit by heavy, continuous rain in the night of 14 July, resulting in local flash floods that destroyed buildings and swept away cars. epa / Friedemann Vogel #Hagen #floods #hochwasser #starkregen #epaphotos pic.twitter.com/0BtVZ9HehP european pressphoto agency (@epaphotos) July 15, 2021 The amount of rain that usually falls over the space of two months fell in just twelve hours in some parts of eastern Germany and northwestern France, said Frederic Nathan, a forecaster with Meteo-France. The land was already wet and water levels in rivers and lakes high due to precipitation in previous days, which contributed to the flooding, Nathan said. Its an incredible amount of precipitation in a very small amount of time, he said. It fell in places that were already totally saturated, so that increases the risk of overflowing. EU Rescue Team Parts of Luxembourg, Belgium, the Netherlands and Switzerland are on flood alerts as lakes and rivers burst their banks following torrential rains over the past two days. In Liege, one of Belgiums largest cities, people were asked to evacuate homes in the city center as the Meuse River is expected to rise further. The floods halted parts of the countrys train network and flooded road tunnels in Brussels. The European Union sent a flood rescue team and helicopter from France to assist in rescue efforts around Liege.The EU is ready to help, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Twitter. Affected countries can call on the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. In Germany, Armin Laschet, premier of North Rhine-Westphalia and the conservative candidate to succeed Merkel as chancellor after Septembers election, echoed Merkels promise of aid during a visit to Hagen, one of the worst-affected places. Water began sweeping through the center of the city Wednesday night, inflicting serious damage on houses, roads, bridges and other infrastructure. Germanys Bundeswehr armed forces dispatched about 200 soldiers and armored vehicles to help evacuate residents. The DWD weather service said more rainfall may hit the region Thursday night. The effects of this catastrophe will surely be felt for weeks, said Juergen Pfoehler, administrator for the Ahrweiler district in Rhineland-Palatinate. Joerg Asmussen, managing director of the German Insurance Association (GDV), said the prevalence of storms, floods, heavy rain and hail in Germany this year could make it one of the most damaging since 2013. Heavy rain and hail in June caused an estimated insurance loss of 1.7 billion euros ($2 billion), he said by email. It takes time and scientific analysis to determine whether a specific meteorological event is linked to climate change. Though the intense precipitation seen in west Germany in July does have precedence, its not common, Nathan said. Global warming tends to bring more extreme precipitations, he said. We have seen five or six cold spells since the beginning of June, which is something quite rare for this time of the year that we have certainly not seen in recent times. With assistance from Stephan Kahl, Aoife White, Laura Millan Lombrana and Kevin Whitelaw. Photograph: Debris in a street after flooding in Schuld near Bad Neuenahr, western Germany, on July 15, 2021. Photo credit: Bernd Lauter/AFP/Getty Images. Copyright 2021 Bloomberg. Topics Carriers Catastrophe Claims Flood Germany N26 GmbH is holding discussions with investors to raise several hundred million dollars in a fundraising that could value the German fintech at about $10 billion, according to people familiar with the matter. The firm, backed by billionaires Peter Thiel and Li Ka-Shing, is working with advisers to seek fresh money at a far higher valuation than previous funding rounds. This could be the final time it raises cash before an initial public offering, said the people, who asked not to be named as the information isnt public. A spokesman for N26 declined to comment. Discussions are preliminary and the final valuation will depend on investor demand and could range from around $8 billion to $11 billion, the people said. Its potential value compares to a market capitalization of $8.3 billion for Commerzbank AG, Germanys second largest lender, and Deutsche Bank AG with $25.4 billion. The company, which offers digital retail banking services, could join European fintechs including Revolut Ltd. and Wise Plc that have commanded multibillion-dollar values in recent transactions. Others including Nutmeg and Tink AB have attracted takeover interest from global finance giants on the hunt for new sources of growth. However, many fintechs face the same issues as traditional banks in generating returns from customer deposits. [Editors note: In addition to banking services, N26 also offers on-demand electronics, travel and phone insurance. In the pipeline are bike, home and pet insurance.] UK digital banking rival Revolut raised $800 million from investors including SoftBank Group Corp.s Vision Fund 2 at a $33 billion valuation, making it the UKs most valuable startup. The new money will be used to fund the London-based firms expansion into new products and markets including the U.S. and India, according to a statement Thursday. N26 reported net losses of 110 million euros for its most recent financial year, citing investment in new products and staff. The firm, founded in 2013, said in January it had 7 million customers in the U.S. and Europe. The bank has also faced regulatory headwinds including in Germany, where it was told to improve money laundering controls, and the UK, where it blamed Brexit complications when it withdrew from the market last year. Photograph: A man uses mobile phone in this photo by Kiyoshi Ota/Bloomberg. Copyright 2021 Bloomberg. Topics Carriers InsurTech Wisconsins governor has signed into law legislation creating new cybersecurity requirements for protecting data collected by the insurance industry. Governor Tony Evers signed Act 73, which is based on model legislation developed by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) incorporating input from all participating state insurance commissioners, industry stakeholders, and consumer representatives. Wisconsins Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI) worked under the administrations of both Gov. Evers and former Gov. Walker to develop a version of this model law that would best serve Wisconsinites. From ransomware to data breaches, insurers and consumers are at an increasing risk of experiencing a serious cybersecurity incident, Insurance Commissioner Mark Afable said in a media release. The new consumer protections in this Act will help protect personal data and keep Wisconsin insurance companies secure. With some exceptions, this law will require anybody licensed with OCI, including insurers and agents, to develop an information security program that protects its systems and data. Within one year, they must also conduct a risk assessment and address any areas that put their consumers data or their IT systems at risk. The law also requires insurers to develop an incident response plan and provide notice in a timely manner to consumers affected by a data breach. Source: Wisconsin OCI Topics Cyber Wisconsin An international group of 27 climate scientists have concluded that the recent heat wave in the Pacific Northwest was virtually impossible without human-caused climate change. National Weather Service reports show that in late June Seattle, Wash., reached all-time high temperature of 108 degrees F, while Portland, Ore. hit 116 F, also an all-time high. The heat landed far outside the range of historically recorded temperatures, according to the scientists in a report released by World Weather Attribution. The scientists also note that the heatwave occurred a full month before the climatologically warmest part of the year, making them particularly exceptional. In the most realistic statistical analysis the event is estimated to be about a one-in-1,000 year event in todays climate, the report states. The scientists warn that as global warming continues, such events will become far less rare. Our results provide a strong warning: our rapidly warming climate is bringing us into uncharted territory that has significant consequences for health, well-being, and livelihoods, the report states. Adaptation and mitigation are urgently needed to prepare societies for a very different future. Adaptation measures need to be much more ambitious and take account of the rising risk of heatwaves around the world, including surprises such as this unexpected extreme. Swiss Re Swiss Re has published new research on practical measures needed to mitigate climate risks focused on the importance of carbon removal. Swiss Re argues in its research that carbon removal/capture and storage will be a crucial part of the solution to reach the Paris Accord goals of zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 as well as President Joe Bidens recent pledge to slash emissions by 2030. The world will need to remove up to a quarter of the CO2 now emitted globally equal to 10 billion tons of CO2 per year by 2050. This would require increasing carbon removal capacity by 60% every year over the next three decades. The main barrier to carbon removal is lack of business case. In the absence of carbon pricing in many parts of the world, society disposes of carbon into the atmosphere at will. The report states that insurers can help in three ways. They can improve the bankability of removal projects by providing standard engineering and insurance, as institutional investors insurers can provide financing for removal projects and infrastructure, insurers can be early buyers of carbon removal certificates to balance their own footprint. NOAA The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says record high-tide flooding washed over U.S. coasts in the past year, and rising sea levels are expected to send the deluges into streets, homes and businesses even more frequently over the next decade. NOAA in an annual report covered in a Bloomberg article in Insurance Journal said the surges, which are often referred to as sunny day floods, are increasingly becoming a reality as sea levels continue to rise. That means the damaging flooding that used to occur primarily during storms now happens during regular events such a full-moon tide or with a change in prevailing winds. NOAAs tide gauges show that 80% of locations where we collect date along the Southeast Atlantic and Gulf coasts are seeing an acceleration in the number of flood days, said Nicole LeBoeuf, director of the National Ocean Service. According to NOAA, flood records were set in Texas, Florida, South Carolina, and Georgia, while Galveston and Corpus Christi, Texas, along with Bay Waveland, Miss., had a record 20 days with high-tide flooding from May 2020 to April 2021. Twenty years ago these locations would typically only flood two or three days a year, according to the department. Moodys Moodys has launched a tool it says will generate environmental, social, and governance scores for millions of public and private small- and medium-sized enterprises. The ESG Score Predictor provides financial institutions with quantitative data for portfolio and risk management, and helps companies monitor ESG risk across their global supply chains, according to the firm. ESG reporting continues to become more popular. American International Group Inc. released its first ESG report, which AIG President and CEO Peter Zaffino said is part of the companys commitment to transparent ESG leadership is a central part of our global corporate citizenship agenda. Moodys said that assessing a companys exposure to ESG risks requires comparable and standardized metrics, which are limited in company disclosures that continue to affect data quality and company coverage, especially in the SME space. The ESG Score Predictor leverages state-of-the-art advanced analytics to provide 56 ESG scores and sub-scores for any given company using location, sector, and size, Moodys said in an announcement. Customers can access approximately 140 million company ESG scores on Moodys Orbis database, Procurement Catalyst and Credit Catalyst platforms, via an application programming interface (API), or leverage the ESG Score Predictor model with their in-house data to score their portfolios. Moodys ESG Solutions Group is a business unit of Moodys Corp. Past columns: Topics USA Climate Change The Biden administration intends to crack down on the use of cryptocurrencies in ransomware attacks through more rigorous tracing of proceeds paid to hackers behind the disabling of companies, government agencies and organizations, according to people familiar with the matter. The U.S. strategy will also involve bounties of as much as $10 million for information that leads authorities to cyberattackers, a senior administration official said. The official, in a briefing with reporters on Wednesday, said the White House had formed a task force and that the administrations strategy included efforts to disrupt ransomware operations, confront the use of cryptocurrencies in the assaults and work with allies to encourage other nations not to harbor attackers. The Treasury and State Departments will be working together to foster norms for crytocurrencies and foster improved restrictions on money-laundering. The Treasurys Financial Crimes Enforcement Network plans to convene other government agencies along with financial institutions and third-party providers to discuss the ransomware threat. Some members of Congress who took part in a briefing with Deputy National Security Adviser Anne Neuberger on Wednesday said they were less than impressed. One lawmaker, who was granted anonymity to discuss the briefing, said there was no discussion of a new government entity to lead the counterattack against ransomware operatives and that much of the discussion focused on defense of businesses and critical infrastructure. Neuberger pointed out that there was no cybersecurity standard for private industry and that Congress would have to establish one for that to happen, the people added. The official who briefed reporters did not share any updates on the REvil ransomware gang, which suddenly vanished from the dark web on Tuesday. The outfit, linked to Russia, has been accused of a series of recent assaults, on giant meat supplier JBS SA, which eventually paid an $11 million ransom. The disappearance came just days after President Joe Biden said he had pressed Russian President Vladimir Putin to act against hackers in his country blamed for recent ransomware attacks. Top Photo: A person types at a backlit keyboard arranged in Danbury, U.K., on Thursday, Jan. 7, 2021. In the spring, hackers managed to insert malicious code into a software product from an IT provider called SolarWinds Corp., whose client list includes 300,000 institutions. Photographer: Chris Ratcliffe/Bloomberg Copyright 2021 Bloomberg. In the wake of massive protests last year focused on racial equity and social justice, insurers are among the many industries confronting the need to incorporate more diversity into their hiring and business practices. There are many different ideas in play, however, about how to get the job done. In other words, one size does not fit all. That became clear at a number of panel discussions on June 29 and 30 during the 2021 Global Insurance Symposium in Des Moines, where not everyone was on the same page about the issue. CEOs, regulators and experts addressed the topic in their respective panels with differing ideas about how to bring diversity, equity and inclusion to their respective office environments and interactions with the public. For them, diversity appeared to translate into many different ideas in terms of execution and approach. Regulators: Slow and Steady, Carving Their Own Path David Altmaier, Florida insurance commissioner and current NAIC president of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, said the NAICs efforts to pursue its ongoing race and insurance initiative are in an early stage of development. Weve got a lot of work ahead of us, Altmaier said. Were viewing this as a very long-term effort. Altmaier, speaking during a panel looking at various insurance regulatory issues, said the group is still finalizing what individuals and committees will work on related issues and processes. After that: transparent and open dialogue as the process unfolds. Panelist and Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready said that his state addresses the issue on its own terms. I have always focused on ensuring our department is representative of our state, Mulready said, adding that the effort includes an annual review. That is about all I would [say]. We have been focused on how we represent our state, rather than trying to hit some arbitrary number. Jon Godfread, a panelist and North Dakotas insurance commissioner, said his approach is similar to Mulreadys. At the same time, he emphasized that they all collectively are pursuing the same goals. It is important for stakeholders to remain engaged, Godfread said. The NAIC took time to wrap its arms around this to see how this will look. Were all pushing for the same direction, [but] it is how we get there that is going to be critically important. Dana Popish Severinghaus, a panelist and acting director of the Illinois Department of Insurance, said her department has a diversity and equity/inclusion committee that is looking at issues such as job recruitment and how letters are framed to address consumer complaints. Were going through and sorting things to see how we can make an impact, Popish Severinghaus said. We have an industry liaison on our committee [and] are looking forward to having discussions and seeing what people can bring to the table and how we can all move forward together. CEOs: A Broad Approach During a separate CEO panel, executives stressed they are pursuing multiple approaches toward diversity in the workplace. Panelist Jack Kudale, founder and CEO of the insurtech Cowbell Cyber, said that the lack of diversity and inclusion in general is so big. He noted that the racial and social protests and upheaval of 2020 amplified awareness but also actions taken. At Cowbell, a two-year-old startup, the company only hires from an employee network, and its diversity and inclusion framework is posted around the company. Kudale said this early focus on diversity and inclusion has greatly helped the company, an MGA that provides cyber insurance and related services to small and medium-sized businesses. it was diversity and inclusion that has helped us out in the market today, Kudale said. We believe this will become a snowball effect and it will grow. Panelist Jessica Snyder, president and CEO of specialty insurer GuideOne Insurance, said that her company has created similar employee diversity groups. The insurer, whose core clients are churches, also reaches out to universities and has expanded its products into different locations outside of its traditional Des Moines base. Additionally, GuideOne has a womens group with heavy participation from men acting as allies, and half of its board is female, Snyder noted. Diversity is in our DNA, Snyder said. I encourage every person, security guard, cafeteria worker, CFO everybody has a voice. We want different people from different backgrounds. Diversity Experts: Securing Collective Support During a panel discussion focused specifically on diversity and inclusion in the industry, an expert from Nationwide said that the insurer has diversity goals in multiple levels of the company. It is shared accountability, not just the top or the C-suiters, said Angela Bretz, a Nationwide senior vice president and Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer. They all have diversity objectives. Part of the focus on reaching these goals, she said, is looking at demonstrated behaviors rather than just metrics. Metrics are nice, but we really want to make sure leaders truly understand the value of diversity and inclusion, she said. Panelist Miriam Harris Lewis, Chief Inclusion Officer at Principal Financial Group, said her company, by contrast, has a diversity index with 17 metrics that drives progress in hires, turnover, supplier diversity and even corporate bonuses. If you cant sustain the work, you probably shouldnt take on the work, she said. Additionally, the companies have incorporated unconscious bias training into their diversity work. Last year weve become even more intentional by having all of our associates take unconscious bias training to unleash greater potential, Bretz said, noting that the insurer works to acknowledge in the first place that everyone has unconscious bias. Having unconscious bias is the point of being human, Bretz explained. But [we] also equip employers to have tools to talk about it [because] at the end of the day, we can do better. Harris Lewis agreed. It is extremely important to raise awareness but also to refresh our policies so we can mitigate those biases in real time, she said, adding that unconscious bias training at Principal empowers our employees to call out biases in real time. Expert: The Danger of Leaving People Out George Nichols III, president and CEO of The American College of Financial Services, addressed ways that insurers could bridge the diversity gap. Among the keynote speakers bigger recommendations: making sure white males are actively engaged in the discussion. You must engage and incorporate white males in the solution, Nichols said. If you dont get white males engaged and committed you will fail. The reason why: Nichols observed that white male employees sit in the seats where executives are making hiring decisions. With that in mind, he criticized the notion of diversity programs focused on while male employees as the devil or the problem. If that happens, he said, a company-wide effort to improve diversity can easily fail without everyone on board. Additionally, Nichols said that tokenism hiring a token employee just to fill a diversity slot is also not the way to go. Dont be focused on color when you know you need competency. Dont just hire anybody, Nichols said. If you do that, youre setting yourself up for failure, them up for failure and setting up your whole effort for diversity for failure. The reason why: Employees hired to diversify a company must also be a cultural fit, he noted, so they can succeed in their own work while helping a company improve and grow. As well, Nichols cautioned companies that announce diversity plans to consider whether they are going to create new jobs to make that happen. If you dont grow and youre not creating new jobs, for you to create a new, diverse [team], that means there are people that are going out the door, Nichols said. He explained that this sends a message that people will be fired to achieve diversity, which in turn creates another mode of conflict at the company and makes the process harder to achieve. I ask that when you make these bold statements, I [have to] know where your organization is and where you want to go. Nichols said. Republished from CarrierManagement.coms coverage of the 2021 Global Insurance Symposium. Topics Market Diversity In 2006, when Jean Patterson, executive director of the Texas Surplus Lines Association, was marking her 25 years with the organization, she said her relationships with the wonderful members of TSLA are what keeps her coming to work each and every day. That comment continues to ring true as this year Patterson celebrates her 40th anniversary with the association and the Texas House of Representatives has taken notice. On June 16, TSLAs board of directors presented Patterson with a framed resolution that was filed and unanimously approved by the Texas House of Representatives in honor of her 40th year with TSLA. The resolution was filed by State Rep. Gene Wu, and was signed by the Speaker of the House Dade Phelan and Rep. Wu. Both are friends of TSLA. On June 17, the resolution was entered into the TSLA board minutes. Patterson said she was completely surprised and overwhelmed by this honor. She thanked the TSLA Board, and especially Keith Strama and Lisa Garcia of Beatty Navarre Strama, for their help in requesting the resolution in her honor. A fourth generation native of Austin, Texas, Patterson began working for TSLA in 1981 as an administrative assistant. While the list of duties required to keep TSLA running smoothly is expansive, Patterson told Insurance Journal in 2006 that, in a nutshell, I manage the day-to-day operations of TSLA. Her responsibilities include managing committees and committee volunteers; planning and implementing two conventions and four quarterly board meetings a year; revising and improving on a yearly basis the product guide and membership roster; marketing TSLA to agents and prospective members; and assisting TSLA members with questions and concerns. Topics Texas A local government in Georgia agreed Tuesday to pay $500,000 to settle a lawsuit brought by the family of a Hispanic man who died in a struggle with police officers 2017. Columbus Council members met in closed session and approved the settlement with the family of Hector Arreola, news outlets reported. Council decided that it was in the best interest of everyone involved, to include the Arreola family, the law enforcement personnel involved, the citizens of Columbus, Georgia, Mayor Skip Henderson told WRBL-TV after the vote. It gives us an opportunity, maybe to begin some healing on this. Council member Walker Garrett, an attorney who made the motion to settle the suit, said the settlement is unrelated to any criminal case that a district attorney might pursue against the officers. We think that the judge had made a pretty emphatic statement about the fact that there was precious little evidence to warrant a murder charge in this instance, Garrett said. We are focused now on the civil aspect, and it allows the family to begin the healing process. An attorney for the Arreola family, Mark Post, released a statement saying the family considers the civil case closed, the Ledger-Enquirer reported. The Arreola family is pleased that this matter has been resolved and hopes that this resolution can provide a measure of healing for the community, Post said. Arreolas father, Rodrigo Arreola, signed the settlement agreement July 9. It says $490,000 will go to the guardian of Hector Arreolas young child, and $10,000 will go to his estate, as managed by Rodrigo Arreola. The agreement maintains the police officers did nothing wrong, and says the city offered the settlement without the officers consent. The officers expressly deny any and all liability, responsibility and potential liability, and the settlement shall not be construed as an admission of liability, the agreement states. NAACP leaders in Columbus have likened Arreolas death to that of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Columbus NAACP branch President Wane Hailes has said Arreola said 16 times that he couldnt breathe as an officer sat on him for more than two minutes while Arreola was handcuffed. The officers were put on administrative leave during an investigation, but have returned to duty. In June, U.S. District Judge Clay Land ruled that he would not halt the wrongful death lawsuit against officers Michael Aguilar, Brian Dudley and Aaron Evrard, despite their concerns that the district attorney is seeking to indict them on criminal charges. Land said he doesnt believe they can be successfully prosecuted for a crime. The officers sought a postponement in the civil case after Muscogee County District Attorney Mark Jones named private attorney Christopher Breault as a special prosecutor investigating Arreolas death. Jones said he hoped Breault would be ready to present the case for possible indictment during the current court term, which ends in August. The officers attorneys argued the criminal investigation hampered their defense in the civil suit, saying they could testify if they werent compelled to use their Fifth Amendment right to avoid self-incrimination. Arreola died during an arrest for disorderly conduct. The Georgia Bureau of Investigations initial autopsy report found that he died from methamphetamine toxicity. But the agency amended the report last year to say Arreola died by homicide. The amendment changed the cause of death to sudden cardiac death following a struggle with law enforcement including prone position restraint complicating acute methamphetamine toxicity. The lawsuit alleged the cardiac arrest resulted from brain damage caused by the force the officers used in restraining him. Land wrote that the statute of limitations has run out on all possible state charges except murder, and that the evidence he has seen shows its unlikely that prosecutors could prove that officers acted with premeditated malice or that they killed Arreola while committing a separate felony. Those are the grounds for murder under Georgia law. Jones last month said he respects Lands ruling, but that the criminal case should be heard by a grand jury. Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Law Enforcement Georgia A Florida judge on Wednesday approved the sale of the oceanfront property where a collapsed Florida condominium building once stood, with proceeds intended to benefit victims of the deadly disaster. At a hearing, Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Michael Hanzman ordered that the process begin to sell the site of the Champlain Towers South, which could fetch $100 million to $110 million according to court records. The court-appointed receiver handling finances related to the condo, attorney Michael Goldberg, said the judge wants the sale to move quickly. He want us to start exploring a potential sale, Goldberg said of the judge in an email. He did say he wants the land to be sold and the proceeds to go directly to the victims as soon as possible. Goldberg said the decision did not necessarily preclude a buyer from turning at least a portion of the site into a memorial, as some people have advocated. Other survivors want the structure rebuilt so they can move back in. Hanzmans ruling came as part of a series of lawsuits filed in the wake of the June 24 collapse, which left at least 95 people dead and others still missing. A cause has not yet been pinpointed, although there were several previous warnings of major structural damage at the 40-year-old building. The judge put the lawsuits on a fast track and authorized Goldberg to begin disbursing Champlain Towers insurance money to the victims and families. The judge also approved returning $2.4 million in deposits that some Champlain condo owners had already made toward an assessment to pay for $15 million in planned major repairs. In nearby Miami Beach, residents of an 82-year-old, two-story apartment building were ordered to evacuate because of concrete deterioration. The city ordered the evacuation of Devon Apartments on Monday and is giving residents until next Monday to leave the building, city spokeswoman Melissa Berthier said in an email Wednesday. The apartment building is about 2 miles (3 kilometers) from Champlain Towers South. After the collapse, Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava ordered an audit of all buildings over 40 years old. A condominium in nearby North Miami Beach also was ordered evacuated over safety concerns shortly after that audit started. During a news conference Tuesday, Levine Cava said the number of people considered missing in the collapse has dwindled as authorities work to identify everyone connected to the building. The mayor said 14 people remain unaccounted for, which includes 10 victims whose bodies have been recovered but not yet identified _ leaving potentially four more victims to be found. Its a scientific, methodical process to identify human remains. As weve said, this work is becoming more difficult with the passage of time, Levine Cava said, adding that it is truly a fluid situation. The collapse left officials around the county grappling with concerns about older residential buildings. Manny J. Vadillo, an attorney who represents the owners of the Devon Apartments, told WTVJ that they have worked diligently with the city since deciding in May to demolish the building by December. He said they have started to vacate the building in an orderly fashion, adding that 14 people remained inside. He said the owners are helping residents move. My clients are extremely sensitive to safety and, in fact, visited the property several times since last week to speak with tenants when communications started with the city to ensure tenants were not caught by surprise, Vadillo said. Some tenants have been there many years. Resident Esmart Romero told WSVN that he was not surprised the city deemed the building unsafe. If you look at the condition of this apartment, its not good, Romero said. You get what you pay for. Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Legislation Florida Property Albuquerques former police chief is accusing top city officials of violating open record laws and a state statute meant to protect whistleblowers. Michael Geier and his former assistant, Paulette Diaz, filed a complaint against the city in state district court late Wednesday. It specifically references Mayor Tim Keller and Chief Administrative Officer Sarita Nair, saying they micromanaged the police department and undermined Geiers efforts to address crime and comply with federal mandates related to police reforms. After Geier was forced to resign last September, Kellers administration defended the decision, saying the chief wasnt doing his job. Geier disputed that claim and leveled his own accusations in an interview with the Albuquerque Journal weeks after he was dismissed. Many of those concerns were outlined in the lawsuit, which seeks damages that include back pay as well as lost wages and benefits. A message seeking comment was left with city officials early Thursday. The complaint comes as Keller faces growing criticism for the citys crime problem. The Democrat is running for reelection. Albuquerque was pushed into the national spotlight in 2020 when then-President Donald Trump announced the city would be one of several across the U.S. where federal agents would be sent to help tackle violent crime. Although auto thefts and other property crimes have decreased in the last couple years, homicides and violent crimes have remained high. Albuquerque had 80 homicides in 2019, which was more than any other year in memory. There were almost as many in 2020. This year, the city is on track to shatter that record, having logged more than 60 in just the first six months of 2021. Its a trend elsewhere too, as dozens of other cities have reported increases in their homicide rates over the last year. During a recent online town hall, members of the Albuquerque Police Departments command staff said the nexus for homicides, particularly shootings, seems to involve drugs as well as parties where theres drinking involved. Geiers lawsuit says he had instituted several programs aimed at reducing the citys crime rate and that he had tried to increase the departments compliance as it worked with a federal monitor on sweeping reforms that were part of a 2014 consent decree with the U.S. Justice Department. The agreement stemmed from a string of excessive force cases that predated Geiers tenure. Geier also tried to recruit more officers to the understaffed department, but the lawsuit mentions misconduct at the police academy, incidents of discrimination against some cadets and resistance to implementing the reforms. According to the lawsuit, Geier said his efforts were stymied by Keller and Nairs interference. The complaint states that the two had personal involvement with the selection of personnel for police department positions, tactical operations, crowd control measures, and social media posts published in Geiers name without his consent. Nair denied that the Keller administration was making tactical decisions for the department when asked by reporters last year. The lawsuit also talks about conversations with Keller and Nair in which they told Geier he needed to resign. The fruits of Keller and Nairs actions are echoed upon the city of Albuquerque with unprecedented violent crime rates and a police department on the verge of actual collapse, the lawsuit states. Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Lawsuits Law Enforcement Mexico Washington Gov. Jay Inslee declared a statewide drought emergency because of hot, dry conditions that have plagued the region and water supply. Citing recent record temperature that killed at least 91 people in the state, increased wildfire activity and drought, Inslee called it the summer of climate change. This is not political hyperbole, Inslee said. It is a scientific consensus that is jarring the life of every Washingtonian in some way. A drought emergency declaration is issued when water supply is projected to be below 75% of average, and poses a hardship to water users and the environment. The declaration allows expedited emergency water right permitting and allows the state to aid state agriculture, protect public water supplies and boost stream flows to safeguard fish. The cities of Seattle, Tacoma and Everett areas are not included in the drought declaration, with the governors office saying that those areas have enough water storage to get through the summer. The Department of Ecology said that drinking water supplies are holding up, but that the Department of Health is monitoring closely. Laura Watson, director of the state Department of Ecology, said that the drought came as a surprise to many of them because of robust snowpack in the Cascade Mountains. That led us to believe the water supplies would be adequate, she said but said that the second driest spring since 1895 plus Junes record-shattering heat wave changed all that. This is a grim reminder that water supplies do face an increasingly uncertain future because of climate change. Last week, Inslee 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. This summers fire season is likely to be the worst of the last five years, said Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz. She implored the public to abide by the burn bans. She said that statewide, there have already been more than 900 fires with an estimated 219 square miles burned, just shy of the total land burned in all of 2019. If our new normal brings months without a drop of rain and one extreme heat wave after another, theres no technology or amount of resources that will be able to match the on-the-ground reality our firefighters are facing, she said. Scientists have long warned that the weather will get wilder as the world warms. Climate change has made the West much warmer and drier in the past 30 years. But special calculations are needed to determine how much global warming is to blame, if at all, for a single extreme weather event. Nearly 60% of the U.S. West is considered in exceptional or extreme drought, the two highest categories, according to the University of Nebraskas Drought Monitor. Thats the highest percentage in the 20 years the drought monitor has been keeping track. Less than 1% of the West is not in drought or considered abnormally dry, also a record. More than 95% of Washington is either abnormally dry or in official drought with 52.7% of the state being in severe, extreme or exceptional drought, according to the U.S. Drought monitor. Rain and snow in Washington from April to June was third-lowest in 127 years of recordkeeping with only 3.7 inches, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Both NOAA and NASA show soil moisture levels down to some of the lowest recorded levels for much of the West. Most of California, Oregon, Washington, Nevada, Arizona, Utah and Idaho are drier than in 99% of other years. AP Science Writer Seth Borenstein contributed to this report from Washington, D.C. Topics Washington Another 17 defendants were arraigned for their alleged involvement in an organized auto insurance fraud ring in California in which dealers reportedly purchased damaged vehicles and then filed inflated claims and even staged thefts, costing insurers a roughly $822,000 loss. Four people were already sentenced in the multi-agency investigation, dubbed Operation Dealers Choice, and 32 defendants were charged or prosecuted in total. The case was investigated by the San Diego County Organized Automobile Insurance Fraud Task Force made up of the California Department of Insurance, San Diego District Attorneys Office and California Highway Patrol. Operation Dealers Choice began after the San Diego District Attorneys Office received a consumer call claiming the ring was purchasing vehicles at local auto auctions and filing fraudulent total damage or theft claims to receive unearned payouts from insurance carriers. The investigation determined the ring purchased vehicles at auction that were already damaged, had high mileage, or both, at a significantly reduced cost. Once the vehicle was purchased, registered and insured by a carrier, the suspects filed a total damage or total theft claim and the ring shared the profits. Investigators discovered 45 possible fraudulent auto insurance claims were filed over a four-year period, involving approximately 56 vehicles. Numerous vehicles purchased by the suspects reportedly had the vehicles odometer mileages rolled back in order to increase the value of the vehicle before it was damaged or reported stolen. Other vehicles reportedly had significant damage prior to being insured that was not disclosed to the carrier, or are believed to be damaged by the group after being insured. Investigators believe that ring members staged collisions in which they would purposely damage vehicles to the point of a total loss to collect an insurance claim check for the damage. Suspects also staged thefts to get insurance payouts. In some cases, suspects filed claims shortly after taking out an insurance policy, collected a check for their reported loss, then let the policy lapse without paying the premium. The ring reportedly victimized 12 insurance carriers, including Nationwide, Stonewood, USAA, California Casualty, Allstate, State Farm, Liberty Mutual, Esurance, GEICO, Kemper, Wawanesa, and AAA. The San Diego County District Attorneys Office is prosecuting this case. Defendants who have been sentenced: Michael Cusi Jr., 34, of San Diego Sentenced to two years in prison and to pay $139,253 in restitution. Mylipsa Santos, 24, of San Diego Sentenced to 180 days custody, two years formal probation and 160 hours community service. Daniel Santos, 64, San Diego Sentenced to five years in prison, 30 months mandatory supervision and to pay $140,017 in restitution. Felipe Cardona Villareal, 27, of Tampa, Florida Sentenced to 180 days custody, two years formal probation and 160 hours community service. Defendants who have been arraigned: James Cabal, 32, of Chula Vista Vandarell Bonus, 30, of San Diego Ana Maria Gutierrez-Herrera, 40, San Diego Cesareo Martinez, 37, of San Diego Ralph Leonardo, 28, of San Diego Betsy Matteotti, 37, of San Diego Erick Meza Garcia, 34, of Tijuana, Mexico Jackalynn Gutierrez-Herrera, 20, of San Diego Malive Parker, 28, of Lemon Grove Araceli Perez, 27, of San Diego Cashalerie Sanchez, 26, of Vista Mark Payumo, 34, of National City Sebastian Torres, 29, of San Diego Dulce Jasmin Hernandez-Ramirez, 23, of San Diego Floyd Roberto Shaver, 58, of Tijuana, Mexico Vincent Rodriguez, 25, of Chula Vista Jayson Muncal, 32, of San Diego Additional suspects who have been charged: Luis Cardona Jr., 27, of National City Jesus Herrera, 36, of Spring Valley Betsy Guadalupe Matteoti, 37, of San Diego Jessica Herrera, 38, of Imperial Beach Fugitives: Ramon De Jesus Hernandez, 58, of San Diego Francisco Javier Rodriguez, 34, of Chula Vista Martin Urquidez-Perez, 22, of Mesa, Arizona Art Deleon, 55, of San Diego Luis Alberto Velasco, 25, of San Diego Julio Mojica Jr., 26, of San Diego Juan Carlos Quinonez-Arreola, 31, San Diego Topics California Auto Fraud The Irish economy grew by an even greater extent in the first quarter than first thought, new official figures show, suggesting the rebound from the Covid crisis will be exceptionally strong this year. The CSO said it had revised upwards GDP growth to 8.6% for the first three months of the year compared with the previous quarter. It also increased its GDP estimate for GDP growth last year to almost 6%. The figures confirm the huge role multinationals are again playing as the sectors dominated by the likes of Pfizer, Apple, and Google have boomed during the crisis. The reality is vastly different for Irish-owned firms, including distribution, transport, and hotels, as well as construction, that have faced lockdowns. And the economy contracted in the first quarter when the effects of the foreign-owned multinationals are excluded, alternative CSO measures show. The figures also point to the likelihood that forecasters such as the Economic and Social Research Institute which sees a 11% surge in GDP this year will likely be shown to be right. The Department of Finance, in its summer economic statement, this week projected GDP will grow by 8.75% this year. Economists said the new figures also show the huge gulf between households employed by multinationals, who have been largely untouched by the Covid economic crisis. Their fortunes contrast with the hundreds of thousands of people who have been pushed out of work through no fault of their own because of the lockdown restrictions. EU Commissioner Mairead McGuinness has revealed a personal interest in the Brexit disruption in the all-Ireland dairy industry, but has warned that the rules of origin behind the disruption are not currently a priority for the Commission. The Commissioner for Financial Stability, Financial Services and the Capital Markets Union said her late father supplied milk that went into the manufacture of Baileys Irish cream liqueur, one of the products now potentially affected by the Brexit rules of origin disruption, in industries such as alcohol and dairy. Already, this disruption has made the sale of Irish dairy products more difficult in areas such as south-east Asia. And some drinks companies have stopped sending products across the border to be bottled, thus reducing co-operation between the islands two main distilleries, one in the north and one in the south. All-island produce As an all-island product with milk from farms all over Ireland, and huge export sales worldwide, cream liqueur is one of the foremost products which can be affected by Brexit and rules of origin. Already, drinks industry representatives say Irish whiskey with Northern Irish inputs, or processing no longer qualifies for zero or reduced tariffs in markets such as South Africa, Switzerland, Serbia, South Korea, Colombia, Vietnam, and Botswana. Drinks industry representatives have warned that Irish goods may yet have to be labelled from the State of Ireland, from the State of Northern Ireland, or produced on an all-island basis, with the latter product being subject to tariffs in many countries. Products resulting from cross-border supply chains which have been in place for decades, and which became more important after the Good Friday Agreement, lost their EU originating status due to Brexit on January 1, and therefore lost their access to lower or zero tariffs in certain EU trade agreements. In addition, mixed origin dairy products, manufactured in Ireland, lost their access to EU market support measures such as intervention and private storage aid. What most of the affected products have in common is that they are produced primarily in Ireland but contain some level of Northern Irish inputs or processing. Whiskey In the case of Irish whiskeys, those which have lost their EU originating status incur an import tariff of 154 cents/litre in South Africa, for example, compared to a zero tariff on Irish whiskey deemed to be of EU origin. In South Korea, it is a 20% tariff, compared to zero. As a result, a southern distillery that buys malt whiskey from the North is hit by a tariff on exports to South Africa, for example (a major market for Irish whiskey). Or the many whiskeys tankered across the Border, to be matured in the other jurisdiction, are similarly affected. Up to recently, there have been 23,000 truck movements of alcohol across the border each year (due to, for example, insufficient bottling capacity in the North). Among the milk companies most affected is Lakeland Dairies, which buys approximately half of the milk produced in Northern Ireland. Export industries are hardest hit; 96% of whiskey from the island of Ireland is exported, and 90% of dairy products. Of these, more than 10% is blended Irish whiskey, containing ingredients from distilleries on both sides of the border, and up to 4 billion litres of milk goes into mixed products. Some other beverage, machinery and electrical sectors with significant cross-border input may also be affected. EU recognition Ironically, the EU recognises an Irish whiskey geographic indication on an all-island basis. And products produced in Northern Ireland must adhere to EU standards, with free movement facilitated by the Northern Ireland Protocol. The matter is further complicated by the insufficient milk processing capacity within Northern Ireland for all the milk produced (about one-third of the milk produced in Northern Ireland goes south). Industry sources say segregation of milk from north and south has never been needed, and would be extremely difficult for dairy and specialised nutrition companies to achieve. With the European Commission ruling out revisiting rules of origins in more than 70 existing trade agreements, the affected industries have proposed that the Commission consider new rules of origin, but have found Brussels unwilling to address this. For example, in the current EU-Australia free trade negotiations, the Commission has proposed the same rules of origin of the past 40 years. In contrast, the UK government has moved to protect their exports with EU inputs, in trade agreements Changing the rules of origin is problematic, said Commissioner McGuinness, when she recently addressed the Seanad Special Select Committee on the Withdrawal of the UK from the EU. We will continue to deal with problems arising from Brexit for decades because you cannot have been together for decades, as the UK and the European Union were, and unpick without problems. There is a dairy industry that is all-island and it worked really well. Brexit disrupted that. "That is a tragedy for the industry, for farmers and their families and workers. Politically, we have to find solutions and ways of engaging. She warned changes might have other consequences that might not suit us. She said the Brexit priority for the EU Commission at the moment is implementing the EUUK Trade and Cooperation Agreement and the withdrawal agreement. Other issues such as rules of origin may be dealt with in time. The affected industries have warned that failure to update rules of origin undermines the all-island economy by making cross-border supply chains unviable, and have called on the Irish Government to be the champion for reform of rules of origin. Gardai are monitoring an ongoing demonstration taking place in Phoenix Park in Co Dublin protesting against the government's handling of the coronavirus. The large crowd has gathered to demonstrate near the President of Ireland's residence, Aras an Uachtarain. There is estimated to be around 1,000 protestors in attendance at the mass gathering. Speakers have railed against public health regulations and government plans to introduce vaccine certificates. Opposition was also raised to government restrictions on the hospitality industry. Social media posts in support of the demonstration have called for an end to "medical tyranny". Gardai have said in a statement that they are aware the protest is taking place and that it is being monitored. "Gardai are aware of a protest currently taking place in the Phoenix Park, Dublin 8. "The situation is being monitored, at this time," the spokesperson said. Delayed reopening A delayed return to indoor dining as part of the government's phased exit from January's lockdown has met fierce criticism. The Oireachtas is currently debating new government legislation to facilitate the complete reopening of hospitality from next week with domestic Covid certificates. The Covid certificate will be available for people who are fully vaccinated or have recovered from Covid-19 six months ago. Claims of discrimination have met the new proposed legislation from the opposition however as well as resistance from industry groups to the new regulations. The Tanaiste Leo Varadkar has described the proposals as "imperfect" but better than opening the industry without restrictions or partially open indefinitely. He said he does not see the involvement of the gardai to enforce the legislation. The Russian Embassy has dismissed as propaganda foreign media reports that Ireland, along with a number of other countries, is being targeted by Russia for the construction of military satellite navigation systems. The reports contained in a magazine linked to a US think tank are based on anonymous sources in unnamed Western intelligence agencies. The Newlines Magazine article says Russia is preparing to introduce a new generation of its satellite navigation system, called Glonass, which is comparable to the US GPS system. The magazine says the Glonass system currently comprises 24 satellites and a number of ground stations that offer accurate positioning for both the Russian military and commercial users. It says Russia is launching new satellites and expanding its ground stations, with a plan to set up 48 stations in 35 countries. Among the list of target countries are several EU and Nato member states, such as Denmark, Ireland [EU, not Nato, member state], Bulgaria and the three Baltic nations, the US, China, India, Fiji and Nauru, the article says. The article said its investigation was jointly conducted by Newlines, Delfi.ee in Estonia and Respekt magazine in the Czech Republic. The magazine is an initiative of the Newlines Institute for Strategy and Policy (formerly the Center for Global Policy) a think tank in Washington DC focused on US foreign policy and global geopolitics. Statement by Russian embassy In a statement to the Irish Examiner, a spokeswoman for the Russian Embassy in Ireland said: Any unbiased reader would have to conclude that the article Western Intelligence Fears New Russian Sat-Navs Espionage Capabilities is nothing more than propaganda exercise by 'Western intelligence agency'. It is obviously designed to create just another piece of defamatory and openly Russophobic picture, in this case portraying Glonass system as a threat. The spokeswoman said Glonass is a completely transparent mechanism, designed to facilitate navigation, communication and geolocation for any person in the world as GPS does for a while now. She added: We would be welcoming potential parties to cooperate on this project on equal basis without any prejudice whatsoever. Andy Scollick, a Cork-based security and defence consultant, said he was particularly concerned at the reported plans to build ground measurement stations for the Glonass global satellite navigation system. He said such stations allow the Glonass system to accurately position various assets. Ground measurement or positioning stations are essential for the accuracy of the Glonass system, he said. Increase the accuracy of missiles He said the new-generation satellites are estimated to significantly increase the accuracy of missiles or smart weapons. He said the system was dual use, with both civil and military applications with it being used for ground-based missiles and submarine-launched missiles. He said it was also used to guide cruise missiles fired by Russian jets, including the Tu-95MS Bear and Tu-160M Blackjack bombers, both of which, he said, have flown sorties west of Ireland. Mr Scollick said without independent inspection and verification of any such ground station, there was no way of knowing what signals it may be designed to relay. For example, a Glonass station in Ireland would give the military signal additional accuracy to adapt the trajectory of a cruise missile launched either from a Russian submarine or bomber platform somewhere west of Ireland, he said. It is known that Russian submarines and bombers have undertaken practice drills for cruise missile pre-launches against targets including Royal Navy bases in Plymouth (Devonport) and Portsmouth in the UK. Asked for a comment, Garda HQ stated: An Garda Siochana does not make any public comment in relation to matters relating to policing and / or security operations impacting the security of the State based on unconfirmed sources of information. It added: An Garda Siochana, as Irelands national policing and security service, works in partnership and liaison with international law enforcement agencies / partners in respect of concerns relating to policing / security matters in the protection of the States interests. The Defence Forces declined to comment and the Department of Foreign Affairs has yet to respond to queries. Ross Outram, who was jailed for life for the murder of 90-year-old Paddy Lyons, has lost his appeal against conviction. The Court of Appeal said that his suggestion that an elderly man who had sustained a serious beating resulting in a brain injury, then independently and unconnected to that assault, sustained a fatal fall, stretched credulity beyond rational limits. Outram (30) of Ferryland, Waterford Road, Clonmel in Co. Tipperary, was found guilty in 2019 by a Central Criminal Court jury of murdering Mr Lyons at Loughleagh, Ballysaggart, Lismore, Co. Waterford, at a time unknown between February 23 and 26, 2017. He was the oldest man in his village. His Central Criminal Court trial heard that the farmer's body was discovered slumped in his armchair at his home, with blood smeared down his face. Mr Lyons had suffered multiple blows to his head and neck from a blunt weapon and had fractures of his hip joint, jawbone and ribs. The hip fracture was given as the cause of death. He had lived alone on his farm, with no running water, and had "trusted everyone", the court heard. However, he became the victim of what trial judge Justice Paul Coffey described as a "truly shocking and outrageous" attack by Outram, who had previous convictions for burglary and assault. Mr Lyons' home help, Mary Fennessy, who knew him for over 20 years said that "if anyone deserved a place in heaven it's Paddy". "He was happy with simple things, had a great love for life and loved meeting people. He was a well-known, well-respected man of our community and he is greatly missed," she said in a victim impact statement. The three-week trial heard medical evidence that Mr Lyons suffered a stiffness or fusion of his right shoulder during childbirth and could only keep it in one position. However, Outram told gardai in interviews that he had fought back after Mr Lyons hit him with a walking stick and shovel. He had lied in his first six interviews. His barrister, Michael OHiggins, argued that he had acted in self-defence and that he could not be made liable for "a fall" which saw Mr Lyons break his hip if it was unconnected to the original injuries inflicted on him by the defendant. Mr Justice Coffey told the jury that in order to convict Outram of murder it must be satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that Mr Lyons fall and the fracture of his hip was either directly caused by the multiple blows inflicted on him or it was reasonably foreseeable that it was a natural consequence of these blows. The jury found him guilty and he was sentenced to life in prison. However, he appealed his conviction to the Court of Appeal earlier this year. Mr OHiggins again argued that there was no proof that he caused the injury that led to the pensioner's death. He said there was no basis for the jury to find beyond a reasonable doubt that the hip fracture was caused by the assault and not by an accidental fall after his client had left the scene. He summarised the evidence of Assistant State Pathologist Dr Margot Bolster, saying she noted three categories of injury. These included a brain injury, which was not life-threatening, lacerations to the head, which would "probably" have caused death if left untreated, and the "shattering of the hip bone", which Mr O'Higgins said was the most significant injury. Hip injury Dr Bolster had suggested that the hip injury could have been caused by a fall and there was blood pooling in various areas around the house that suggested Mr Lyons was mobile after the beating. While Dr Bolster had suggested that Mr Lyons could have fallen because he was dizzy or nauseous as a result of the beating, Mr O'Higgins said she accepted she could not be sure. Mr O'Higgins said that there was another possibility, which was that he had tripped or fallen in a spontaneous event, independent of the attack. It was unfortunate, it was an accident, he said. Mr O'Higgins said that if a version of events favourable to the accused is reasonably possible then the jury must accept that version as the prosecution had failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt. Mr O'Higgins also argued that the jurors should not have been allowed to carry out their own, independent examination of Mr Lyons's hat in circumstances where they were told no forensic examination of the hat had been carried out. He had asked for the jury to be discharged on this issue but was refused by the trial judge. Mr O'Higgins also sought to introduce new evidence gained since the trial that scientists at the Forensic Science Laboratory had found no blood on the hat. John O'Kelly SC for the Director of Public Prosecutions said there is no evidence of a fall and even if there were, the jury was entitled to find that the fall was connected to the beating he had received from Outram. He also noted that Dr Bolster had said the injuries to the head contributed to his death. Justice Isobel Kennedy, who sat with Justice John Edwards and Justice Patrick McCarthy, delivered a written judgement today. Today's judgment We cannot agree with Mr OHiggins suggestion that it is not only necessary for the prosecution to prove that the appellant violently assaulted the deceased, but that the State must also prove that the appellant caused the deceased to fall, thus shattering his hip, they wrote. Mr Lyons had lived in his home for many years, it would certainly be quite remarkable if on the very night he was assaulted he spontaneously and independently of the attack suddenly fell over obstacles in a familiar environment." They said that the possibility that he was able to move in the aftermath did not relieve the appellant of criminal responsibility. To suggest that an elderly man who had sustained a serious beating resulting in a brain injury, and then independently and unconnected to that assault, sustained another injury, stretches credulity beyond rational limits, they added. Dr Bolster emphasised that the hip fracture was not the sole cause of death. She did not accept that it was so significant a cause as to overwhelm the other contributing factors. The court did not agree with the appellants submission that the judge had invited the jury to speculate on matters that contributed to the fall. In fact, on the contrary the judges charge was not only a model of clarity and good sense, but in fact on occasion was most favourable to the defence, they wrote. The trial judges charge was a model of fairness and clarity, they added. When the issue arose regarding the hat and the absence of evidence concerning the presence or absence of blood on it, the judge dealt with the matter in a fair and balanced way. They accordingly dismissed the appeal. Former Journalist Ian Bailey has had the appeal of his drug driving conviction adjourned until October. At a sitting of the appeals court in Skibbereen today State Solicitor Malachy Boohig told Judge Helen Boyle that they were not in a position to proceed with the hearing of the appeal. The case was adjourned until October 6 next at Bantry District Court. Mr Bailey was not required to be in court for the call over of the list this morning. In May of this year Mr Bailey was disqualified from driving for one year and fined 700 after being convicted of drug driving at a hearing in Bantry District Court following his arrest near Schull in West Cork nearly two years ago. The 64-year-old had faced four charges arising out of his arrest on August 25, 2019. Mr Bailey, of the Prairie, Lisscaha in Schull in West Cork had been charged with and pleaded not guilty to possession of cannabis in his car, possession of cannabis at Bantry Garda Station, driving while cannabis was in his system, and allowing his car to be used for possession of cannabis. He was convicted of three charges with the dismissal of the charge of possession of cannabis in his car. Mr Bailey was found with a small tin of cannabis on his person following his arrest at a garda checkpoint in West Cork. He was arrested on suspicion of drink driving, having failed a roadside breath test, but he then passed the evidenzer test at Bantry Garda Station. The court heard that Mr Bailey had failed an oral fluid test and that blood samples taken by a doctor at Bantry Garda Station later tested positive for the presence of cannabis. 'Personal use' Mr Bailey said that the cannabis found on his person was for "personal use" and that a search of his car should not uncover any more of the drug. However, gardai said they found three other joints in the car after they searched the vehicle. Emmet Boyle, Defending Barrister, raised a number of issues in relation to the case. These included how gardai came to uncover the cannabis both on the person of his client Mr Bailey and in his car. The Junior Counsel also mentioned other aspects of the garda probe including including why the arresting garda allegedly retained his client's car keys after his release on the night of his arrest, then took the car and parked it at the garda station overnight before searching it the following morning. Insp Ian O'Callaghan, prosecuting, defended the garda procedures. He said the roadside procedures were "totally correct" and that once cannabis had been found on Mr Bailey in the search, an experienced officer had correctly formed the opinion that Mr Bailey may have been driving under the influence of a drug. He said it was "entirely logical" to deduce this and "the Sgt's opinion was proved correct", referring to the results of the subsequent analysis. Insp O'Callaghan said it was "standard practice" that prisoners be searched at a garda station. He said "at all times" the keys to Mr Bailey's car were in garda custody and that "it is the state's view that all procedures were done correctly. The blood sample taken from Mr Bailey showed a reading of 2.7ng/ml for D9 Tetrahydrocannabinol (cannabis) where the limit is 1ng/ml and 19.5ng/ml for 11-nor-9-carboxy-D9-tetrahydrocannabinol (cannabis) where the limit is 5ng/ml. The drug seized was also confirmed as cannabis by the Forensic Science Laboratory. Conviction Last May, at Bantry District Court, Judge John King dismissed the charge of possession of cannabis in Mr Bailey's car stating that gardai had not observed the statutory requirements in detaining the car. However, he convicted Mr Bailey on the other three charges. Judge King said Mr Bailey had been adequately informed regarding the search of his person at the garda station. Barrister for Mr Bailey, Emmet Boyle, said that that driving disqualification faced by his client would "weigh heavily on him" given that he lived in rural setting. He said that Bailey's earnings were of a "lower order" and told the court that his client was on social welfare. Judge King convicted Mr Bailey of drug-driving and fined him 400. On possession of cannabis he convicted him and fined him 300. Recognisance for an appeal was set at Mr Bailey's own bond of 200. An appeal was lodged. Sophie Toscan du Plantier. Mr Bailey last year successfully fought extradition to France after he was convicted in absentia of the murder of Sophie Toscan du Plantier. Mr Bailey never travelled to France to give evidence with his legal team deeming it to be a show trial. The Law graduate has always protested his innocence in relation to the murder of the French woman. Over 16,000 and 3,000 in cash has been seized by the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) during an operation in Dublin on Wednesday this week. CAB searched two properties in Dublin 1 and Dublin 15, as well as businesses in Meath and Dublin. An ongoing investigation into gardai in the Limerick area has been described as a witch hunt, rather than a legitimate investigation by the head of a Garda representative body. In a circular sent to members of the Garda Representative Association (GRA) in the Limerick division, the groups president, Frank Thornton, noted that there was plummeting morale due to the investigation which was causing trauma and mental torture to rank and file members in the city and surrounding counties. The investigation began in the autumn of 2018 as a corruption probe into whether some officers had links with organised crime but quickly morphed into examining the cancellation of fixed charge notices for motoring offences. Four serving gardai and a retired superintendent are before the courts charged with perverting the course of justice in relation to fixed-charge notices. Five other rank-and-file gardai have been suspended since last November as part of the probe. The National Bureau of Criminal Investigation is currently interviewing up to 150 gardai, many under caution, as part of their inquiries. Mr Thorntons circular, seen by the Irish Examiner, states that it is intended to keep you informed of developments surrounding the appalling treatment of members subjected to what we perceive as a witch hunt rather than a legitimate investigation. It goes on to criticise different aspects of the investigation, including the length of time that it is taking to complete. Our efforts are to avoid any unnecessary delay which will inevitably prolong the stress and anxiety for members ... the pace at which this investigation is progressing is unacceptable given that our colleagues are suspended, and the entire membership of the Limerick division are operating in an intolerable environment. The GRA has approximately 600 rank-and-file members in the Limerick division. The circular also notes that the association recently wrote to the Garda commissioner raising the anger the Association has in relation to leaks to the media concerning the suspension of GRA members in the Southern Region". Of particular concern to the association is the fact that on May 14, 2021, an RTE journalist was on the RTE Radio News at One stating that four gardai and a private citizen were to be charged as part of a two-year Garda investigation into alleged corruption in the south of the country. This breaking news story was aired in advance of any charges being preferred against these members, which did not occur until the afternoon of the same date. When contacted, Mr Thornton said the circular was a private correspondence to the associations members but he stands over it 100%". "Its true and accurate," he said. Asked if the commissioner had any comment to make on the circular a spokesperson said An Garda Siochana does not comment on correspondence with representative associations. The serial conman who conned a London Irish rugby official out of 7,610 for non-existent Six Nations rugby tickets deserves "an honours certificate" for the homework and research he put into the scam. That is according to the latest victim of fraudster, Patrick Sheedy (52) of Cliona Park, Moyross, Limerick, who was this week sentenced to nine months in jail for the deception. In an interview, International Ticket Co-Ordinator with London Irish Amateur club, Peter Whiteside, described Sheedys scam as something like out of a movie. Mr Whiteside said I am angry at myself for being suckered by Sheedy. He said: I didnt see it coming." The 79-year-old native of Dublin - who has had a long career in the oil trading business in London - said: "I got conned by a con artist - I hadnt been conned by a con artist ever in my life and I have been around the houses. I havent come down in the last shower and I know what a con man and a scam is. Mr Whiteside joins a list of unsuspecting victims of Sheedy whose criminal life of deception stretches back 32 years to when he first appeared at Limerick District Court on a forgery charge in February 1989 at the age of 19. He has 63 previous convictions under the Theft and Fraud Offences Act Sheedy has been described previously by Judge Patrick Durcan as a master of deception and at Ennis District Court on Wednesday, Judge Mary Larkin said that one of the aggravating factors in the case was Sheedys recidivism and as his latest offences were committed on bail, the nine-month sentence was added to the three-and-a-half year term Sheedy is currently serving at Portlaoise Prison. The Cork Con connection Speaking from London in the aftermath of Sheedys conviction, Mr Whiteside recalls how he received a phone call from a man purporting to be a member of Cork Constitution rugby club in late 2019 who recommended over the phone that a Patrick Sheedy was a good contact for rugby tickets. Mr Whiteside said that "the Cork Con man told me Patrick Sheedy is associated with World Rugby and he has surplus tickets for the England/Ireland match at Twickenham as the Japanese rugby delegation has decided to cancel. Mr Whiteside spoke to a friend in London who told him that he "knows the Cork Con man very well and that he is a sound man and if he says this Patrick Sheedy ticket source is genuine, you should have no problem. Of course, I now believe that it was Patrick Sheedy impersonating the Cork Con man over the phone. Mr Whiteside then made contact with Patrick Sheedy to arrange the eventual purchase of 48 tickets for the February 2020 Ireland v England match that London Irish Amateur Club would then sell on as corporate packages to help finance the club for the year. He said: After I had made contact with Sheedy, the man from Cork Con phoned me back and asks me are you happy with Patrick Sheedy?' And I told him, 'it is all going very well at the moment' and he told me Peter, he is a sound man and you can trust him." Mr Whiteside said that Sheedy had carried out his research into him. He said: He knew I was from Dublin, that I was a member of Portmarnock. He even said to me that his son was coming over for a Munster/Saracaens match in London and could I find a hotel for him and chat, chat, chat - it all glued together. Mr Whiteside transferred the monies to a Kilrush post office account in Mr Sheedys name and arranged a rendezvous with Mr Sheedy at a London hotel in January 2020 to collect the tickets. Mr Whiteside recalls: "Five minutes before he was due to arrive, Sheedy phones me to say that his niece had committed suicide and he has fly back from London to Dublin in a hurry. He told me that he had the tickets and that he would DHL the tickets to me. It was at that moment that Mr Whitesides suspicions were raised and he phoned the rugby officer at Cork Con who had recommended Sheedy. Mr Whiteside - who emigrated from Dublin to London over 55 years ago in 1965 - said that the man from Cork Con told him: "Peter, I have never spoken to you in my life before, I dont know who you are. The TCD economics graduate said that Sheedy "had gone to great lengths to convince everyone he was kosher". "Sheedy probably doesnt show the shape of a rugby ball" He asked: "Why did the guy waste so much time and done so much research for 7,000? He was very efficient. He would answer his mobile after three rings. He would answer an email by return. He must have made a 100 phone calls to me. Fifty emails. I have got a file two inches thick. Mr Whiteside said that gardai were alerted after it was obvious that Sheedy - who engaged in scams to fund a gambling addiction - didnt have the tickets and Mr Whiteside said the gardai have been absolutely fantastic. Mr Whiteside said that he agrees with the comments made by Sheedys solicitor, Daragh Hassett, in court that Sheedy is a very bright individual. Mr Whiteside said: "I think Sheedy is incredibly intelligent. He is not stupid. He is a bit naive. If he had taken a different direction in life, he would have been a very successful PR man. He talks the talk. Mr Whiteside rang around to check that Mr Sheedy was legitimate before transferring the monies. He said: "Every time I rang someone to check his credentials it was all wishy washy. There were no flashing lights. I dont know how he managed to remain under the radar for so long." The long-time member of London Irish Amateur club says that he is angry that Sheedy targeted a non-profit organisation for his gain. He said: I cant believe that he decided to go after the rugby community and an amateur club." Mr Whiteside said: Sheedy probably doesnt show the shape of a rugby ball but when it came to rugby tickets, he knew what he was talking about. The legislative proposals for the soon-to-be-directly-elected mayor of Limerick amount to a filleting of what was originally proposed, which is shocking news but not surprising. Under this legislation, Limericks directly-elected mayor will amount to little more than a well remunerated, chauffeured lobbyist. It is disappointing, but typical of the spirit of nearly all reforms of local government in the last three decades. As an elected councillor for over two years, I can tell you that local government in this country is a bit of a sham as a county councillor, as neither I nor my 39 colleagues have much in the way of real power. We cannot decide on and implement our own housing and land use policy with an accompanying funding model, and we have no control over refuse, water, or other ancillary services. We have absolutely no control over the transport strategy for our city; we have been waiting years for a policy that has to come from the National Transport Authority in Dublin to decide how our public transport and active travel modes are delivered. As a result, we cannot deliver more cycle lanes for increasing numbers of people that want to cycle. We continue to wait as the climate emergency gathers pace and our city remains clogged with traffic and smog from vehicular traffic. I have lost track of the number of decisions we have had imposed on us either by national bodies or by way of executive' functions which in laymans terms amounts to something that is the decision of the chief executive, meaning councillors can sound off about it but cannot actually do anything to change it. For instance, last year, plans to temporarily pedestrianise parts of Limerick City were scaled back on foot of lobbying by a number of traders and, as a result, the original plan was never implemented. It was scaled back significantly because it is a executive' function and democratically elected councillors do not need to be consulted for their consent. Too many central government agents deliver services or dictate policy at a local level. What is Custom House afraid of? Do they really not trust the people of Limerick to elect a competent individual with the necessary acumen to run the city and county or do they think Dublin-based bureaucrats know better than the people of Limerick themselves? Our system of local government is the weakest in Europe. Across the EU, 23.1% of public spending occurs at local government level compared to a measly 8% in Ireland. Local authorities have few or no functions around social services such as education, health, or employment. The Governments Land Development Agency Bill 2021 seeks to strip us of one of the few remaining powers we have, which is to block the transfer of State lands in this case to the Land Development Agency without a vote from the democratically elected councillors. In recent weeks, we have seen the Land Development Agency commit to all its developments in Dublin and Cork delivering 100% social and affordable housing, but not in Limerick. In Limerick, its capped at a maximum of 50% affordable housing, which is insufficient and, under the heads of legislation being put forward by the Government for the office of directly elected mayor, our supposed all-powerful first citizen would not be able to do a thing about it. That is not acceptable. Irish local Government has a significant democratic deficit and every time the legislature seeks to reform it, the process always invariably involves removing more power from locally elected politicians and handing it to national bodies or unelected officials. Far too much power in this country is concentrated in the hands of too few in Dail Eireann. The implementation advisory group for the directly-elected mayor of Limerick, ably chaired by Tim OConnor, consulted widely to produce a comprehensive report for the establishment of a directly elected mayor with executive powers. That the Government is considering implementing something that does not even capture the spirit of the report is an insult to all of us who campaigned for a directly-elected mayor. There are too many jurisdictions to list with a directly-elected mayor with real executive power in areas such as housing, health, policing, and transport. They include areas as diverse as West Yorkshire and Paris, where people like Tracy Brabin and Anne Hidalgo are making important decisions locally, delivering much-needed social and economic capital for their citizens. Instead, here in Ireland, we have TDs and top-ranking civil servants that are afraid or unwilling to cede any of the power that they have. The forthcoming directly-elected mayor must have the power and responsibility to deliver for the people of Limerick. We do not need another expensive ribbon cutter or another lobbyist. We need someone with the authority and power to deliver for our region and the only way the mayor will have the required power is if the office is properly financially resourced and comes with meaningful executive power. Unless the directly-elected mayor can set their own budget for the administration of the city, fund and implement their own housing policy in full, have the tools to reverse the economic misfortunes so many of our citizens face, and jettison the blight of having eight of Irelands employment blackspots within our county, then there is little point in having a directly elected mayor. The people voted to take back control from Dublin, they did not vote for a fudge. However, at the most basic level, this is about power the power that Dublin has accumulated over the years through various reforms of local government. Power and influence that they are unwilling to give up without a fight. Those within Government who made the case for the establishment of this office now need to come off the fence and fight for real autonomy for this important role. With the directly-elected mayor election, we were promised the ability and resources to deliver our own local services and infrastructure. The legislative proposals from Government do not give the directly-elected mayor this power and are disrespectful to local government, elected councillors, and, most significantly, to the people who voted to have a directly elected mayor in 2019. It is time the Government trusted the people of Limerick to manage our own affairs; we did not vote for a pig in a poke, we knew what we voted for in 2019 and it must be delivered. Conor Sheehan is a Labour Party councillor on Limerick City and County Council. More than 60 people have died and dozens of people are missing in Germany and neighbouring Belgium after heavy flooding turned streams and streets into raging torrents, sweeping away cars and causing buildings to collapse. Storms across parts of western Europe in recent days caused rivers and reservoirs to burst their banks, resulting in several flash floods overnight as rain-soaked soil failed to absorb any more water. I grieve for those who have lost their lives in this disaster, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said during a visit to Washington, expressing shock at the scope of the flooding. We still dont know the number. But it will be many. She pledged everything would be done to find those still missing, adding: Heavy rain and flooding doesnt capture what happened. Authorities in North Rhine-Westphalia state said at least 30 people have died while 28 deaths were reported in Rhineland-Palatinate state to the south. Belgian media reported eight deaths in the country. A man walks by damaged cars in a flooded street in Mery, Province of Liege, Belgium. Picture: AP Photo/Valentin Bianchi) Among the worst-hit German villages was Schuld, where several homes collapsed and dozens of people remained unaccounted for. Rescue operations were hampered by blocked roads and phone and internet outages across the Eifel, a volcanic region of rolling hills and small valleys. Some villages were reduced to rubble as old brick and timber houses could not withstand the sudden rush of water, often carrying trees and other debris as it gushed through narrow streets. Karl-Heinz Grimm, who had come to help his parents in Schuld, said he had never seen the small Ahr River surge in such a deadly torrent. This night, it was like madness, he said. Dozens of people had to be rescued from the roofs of their houses with inflatable boats and helicopters. Hundreds of soldiers were deployed to assist in the rescue efforts. There are people dead, there are people missing, there are many who are still in danger, the governor of Rhineland-Palatinate state, Malu Dreyer, told the regional parliament. We have never seen such a disaster. Its really devastating. A damaged house is seen at the Ahr river in Insul, western Germany. Picture: AP Photo/Michael Probst Across the border in Belgium, the Vesdre river broke its banks and sent masses of water churning through the streets of Pepinster, close to Liege, its destructive power bringing down some buildings. Several homes have collapsed, mayor Philippe Godin told RTBF network. It was unclear whether all inhabitants had been able to escape unhurt. Major highways were inundated in the south and east of Belgium, and the railway service said all traffic was stopped. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen pledged to help those affected. My thoughts are with the families of the victims of the devastating floods in Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg and the Netherlands and those who have lost their homes, she tweeted. The EU is ready to help. The full extent of the damage across the region was still unclear after many villages were cut off by floodwater and landslides that made roads impassable. Videos posted on social media showed cars floating down streets and houses partly collapsed in some places. Many of the dead were discovered after floodwaters began to recede again. Police said four people died in separate incidents after their basements were flooded in Cologne, Kamen and Wuppertal, where authorities warned that a dam threatened to burst. Light posts along a pathway of the Meuse river as it rises during flooding in Liege, Belgium/ Picture: AP Photo/Valentin Bianchi) Authorities in the Rhine-Sieg county south of Cologne ordered the evacuation of several villages below the Steinbachtal reservoir amid fears the dam there could also break. Two firefighters died during rescue operations in North-Rhine Westphalia, Germanys most populous state. Governor Armin Laschet paid tribute to them and pledged swift help for those individuals and businesses affected by the floods. We dont know the extent of the damage yet, but we wont leave the communities, the people affected alone, he said during a visit to the flood-hit city of Hagen. German weather service DWD predicted the rainfall would ease on Thursday, although there might still be localised storms and water levels on the Mosel and Rhine rivers would continue to rise in the coming hours. Authorities in the southern Dutch town of Valkenburg, close to the German and Belgian borders, evacuated a care home and a hospice overnight amid flooding that turned the tourist towns main street into a river, Dutch media reported. The Dutch government sent some 70 troops to the southern province of Limburg late on Wednesday to help with transporting evacuees and filling sandbags as rivers burst their banks. And a section of one of the Netherlands busiest highways was closed due to rising floodwaters threatening to inundate the road. Unusually intense rains have also inundated a swathe of northeast France this week, downing trees and forcing the closure of dozens of roads. A train route to Luxembourg was disrupted, and firefighters evacuated dozens of people from homes near the Luxembourg and German border and in the Marne region, according to local broadcaster France Bleu. The equivalent of two months of rain has fallen on some areas in the last day or two, according to the French national weather service. With the ground already saturated, the service forecast more downpours on Thursday and issued flood warnings for 10 regions. Meanwhile, high temperatures of 30C (86F) or higher were expected on Thursday in parts of northern Europe. Overnight between Wednesday and Thursday was the hottest in history, the Finnish weather service company Foreca said, with the mercury reaching 24.2C (75.6F). Greta Thunberg, the climate activist, tweeted that the extreme weather of recent days should not be regarded as the new normal. Were at the very beginning of a climate and ecological emergency, and extreme weather events will only become more and more frequent, she wrote. Burma Myanmar Junta Arrests NLD Lawmaker and His Wife in Yangon Detained NLD lawmaker U Aung Kyaw Kyaw Oo after his arrest (left) and before his arrest (right). Myanmars military junta last Saturday arrested a Lower House lawmaker from the National League for Democracy (NLD), accusing him of leading a township civilian defense force. U Aung Kyaw Kyaw Oo, a member of Parliament who was re-elected in the November 2020 election representing Yangons Hlaing Township, was detained on July 10, a junta-controlled newspaper reported on Friday. NLD former Lower House lawmaker U Aung Kyaw Kyaw Oo from Hlaing Township is a leader of the Peoples Security Committee (PSC), which focuses on sabotage activities and killing in Yangon Region and the key supporter of bomb blasts and killings in Hlaing and explosions in Mingaladon. Following the military coup in February, and junta forces brutal crackdowns on peaceful anti-regime protesters, people have taken up armed resistance against military rule. Civilian defense forces have been formed in various townships since April, and are growing in numbers. His arrest came after an NLD youth member from Hlaing Township was arrested in Mingaladon; the man was accused of being a Peoples Defense Force (PDF) member from Hlaing on July 10. On the same day, the junta detained a total of seven people from Hlaing, including U Aung Kyaw Kyaw Oo and his wife, Daw Khin Moe Myint Hlaing, and seven others from Mingaladon. It detained a resident of Thaketa Township on July 12. The junta said it arrested U Aung Kyaw Kyaw Oo and his wife with a 9mm pistol, a magazine and 25 bullets, as well as a fake ID card. He is also accused of ordering others to acquire pistols and magazines. The Hlaing Township PDF is accused of staging six attacks in the township since last month, including blasts at the electricity office and attacks on two ward administrators. It is also accused of killing a civilian alleged to have been an informant. The junta accused the men from Mingaladon of using handmade mines to cause blasts at a school and the township electricity distribution office, and of attacking a ward administrator. The junta also arrested seven youths with a 9mm pistol and bullets, two drones and materials to make explosive devices on June 26 and 28 in Karen States Myawaddy, a border town across from Thailands Mae Sot. Junta crackdowns linking NLD members and former lawmakers with destructive actions led by the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH) and the civilian National Unity Government are not new. On July 7, the junta also arrested 10 men in Myingyan Township, Mandalay Region with two plastic grenades and 9mm bullets, and accused former NLD Upper House lawmaker U Aung Myo Latt of Myingyan constituency of supporting the men. Since the militarys takeover on Feb. 1, the junta has killed 912 people and arrested nearly 6,800 people, including the ousted civilian governments ministers, activists, NLD members and lawmakers. More than 5,000 people including State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and President U Win Myint are still detained, according to the advocacy group Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP). You may also like these stories: Myanmar Junta Putting Lives of Political Prisoners at Risk in COVID-19 Prison Outbreaks Banning the NLD Wont End Resistance to Military Rule Myanmar Junta Jails Activists Wife and Daughter for 3 Years Burma Myanmar Junta Putting Lives of Political Prisoners at Risk in COVID-19 Prison Outbreaks Political prisoners released on June 30 from Insein Prison in Yangon / The Irrawaddy The military regime has imposed a lockdown in three prisons because of spiking COVID-19 cases, raising fears for the fate of the thousands of political prisoners detained by the junta, but the number of infected detainees remains unknown. Insein Prison in Yangon was locked down on July 8. Taungoo Prison in Bago Region and Myaungmya Prison in Ayeyarwady Region were locked down in the last week of June. Prisons in Myanmar are ill-equipped to treat COVID-19 patients, with only Insein Prison having the facilities to treat coronavirus cases. Some infected prisoners have been transferred to outside hospitals. U Nyan Win, a detained central executive committee member of the National League for Democracy (NLD) party and Daw Aung San Suu Kyis long-time personal lawyer, was sent to Yangon General Hospital on July 11 after the 79-year-old was infected with COVID-19. Dr. Maw Maw Oo, a doctor detained in Insein Prison, is also receiving treatment for coronavirus at Yangon General Hospital. U Nyan Win is responding well to treatment. U Maw Maw Oo can be discharged from the hospital tomorrow. And there are no new infections, U Aye Chan Kyaw, the Correctional Department spokesperson, told The Irrawaddy on Thursday. The spokesperson denied reports that ousted Yangon Region minister U Naing Ngan Lin and other political prisoners who took care of U Nyan Win in Insein Prison have also caught the virus. American journalist Danny Fenster, managing editor of local news outlet Frontier Myanmar, is also being held in Insein Prison after being detained at Yangon Airport on May 25. Fenster has COVID-19 symptoms but has received no medical treatment, his family were quoted by the BBC as saying. He is not receiving any treatment and hasnt been diagnosed. We are very disappointed and extremely worried, said Fensters brother. Thomas Andrew, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, has expressed particular concern for people detained in Myanmars overcrowded prisons, as he urged the international community to provide emergency assistance to the country. Myanmars prison population, including the thousands of political prisoners who have been arbitrarily detained since the coup, are in grave danger. Prisoners, particularly those with underlying conditions, could see their detention become a death sentence, he warned. 5,269 people were detained by the Myanmar military between Feb. 1 and July 15, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners. The regime released over 2,200 political prisoners across the country on June 30, but lawyers estimate that around 3,000 political prisoners remain in Insein Prison. Around 30 prisoners are still receiving treatment in Insein Prison. An infected prison worker and his family are reported to be recovering in Myaungmya Prison. The lockdown in Taungoo Prison has now been lifted and all infected prisoners discharged from hospital, according to U Aye Chan Kyaw. Most infected persons found in prisons are newly-arrived detainees. They are tested for coronavirus on arrival and only those who test negative are accepted, said U Aye Chan Kyaw. However, there are concerns about the potential for mass COVID-19 outbreaks due to prison overcrowding. Lawyers acting for detainees and those who have recently been released said some detainees in Insein Prison were displaying symptoms similar to those of coronavirus and flu. One lawyer helping the detainees suggested releasing political prisoners on bail to reduce prison overcrowding. Some of the detainees, including NLD senior leaders, have been behind bars since the military launched its Feb. 1 coup. This is a deadly pandemic and they [the junta] should not approach it only from a political perspective, but focus on the lives of the detainees and think about what relaxation [of the rules] can be made, said the lawyer. The National Unity Government (NUG), a shadow government formed to rival the military regime, has accused the junta of acting deliberately so that political prisoners die from COVID-19. The NUGs national-level COVID-19 committee has called for the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners, in response to the rising number of coronavirus infections and deaths in prisons. The regime will be responsible for all consequences and harsh action will be taken in accordance with the wishes of the people and law for these inhuman acts, said NUG minister Dr. Zaw Wai Soe. You may also like these stories: Banning the NLD Wont End Resistance to Military Rule Myanmar Junta Jails Activists Wife and Daughter for 3 Years Myanmar Junta Says it Cant Cope With Rising COVID-19 Cases Editorial Amid COVIDs Third Wave, Myanmar Descends Into State Failure Bodies are lined up to be cremated at Yeway Cemetery on July 12, 2021. / Supplied It is sad, depressing and terrifying to see Myanmar facing a third wave of COVID-19. People are dying and crematoriums are overflowing in Yangon and elsewhere. It is a double blow to people in Myanmar, as they have been extraordinarily brave in resisting the attempted coup since February. This week, several charity groups said the huge surge in infections and a shortage of oxygen to treat patients have sent the daily death toll climbing so quickly they are struggling to keep up with funeral arrangements, and crematoriums are in nonstop operation. Our reporters are seeing hundreds of bodies being brought every day to cemeteries in Yangon. (People are also dying in the provinces and countryside but details are sketchy and precise information unavailable. Any numbers released by the health officials are unreliable and numbers of deaths are much higher than we have seen in the regimes bulletins.) Myanmars heath care system has collapsed and hospitals are in chaos as vaccination and testing campaigns have fallen apart. Since February, hundreds of thousands of Myanmar people have taken to the streets to protest against the coup. Doctors, nurses, teachers, charity members and youth have also joined the anti-coup protests and the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM). The regime has fired physicians and nurses and detained and tortured them, as well as charity workers. Some have even been tortured to death. The regime forces have also raided charity offices and arrested volunteers who were on the frontline of fighting the pandemic under the previous government of de facto leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. The regime has also evicted thousands of public-sector workers from government housing after they joined anti-coup protests or the CDM. They have been living in crowded conditions since. Now the regime has little collaboration from the people, who feel deep mistrust and hatred toward the military. With the arrival of the Delta variant, the countrys illegitimate rulers are finding the battle is hard to win. People in Myanmar do not trust the regimes parroting and confusing statements on efforts to counter and control the pandemic. The irony, as many have said, is that the regime has huge resources to buy more weapons and bullets to kill people, but they have no intention of assisting patients or of fighting COVID-19. In fact, the regime leaders including Min Aung Hlaing have given orders to shoot to kill anti-coup demonstrators in recent months and weeks. So people ask why they should trust him and the regimes empty promise to fight COVID-19. They would rather stay home and die at home, the many interviews we have conducted reveal. Over recent months, the coup maker has been busy putting down the uprising, sending elite lethal forces, helicopters and jet fighters to execute people and civilian fighters throughout Myanmar. Recently, he was also in Russia for a week attending an international security forum and visiting factories to purchase more military hardware. Since the coup, the regimes delegations have also made several clandestine and unpublicized trips to Russia, Serbia and Belarus for arms procurement. However, the country doesnt have enough vaccine and preparedness to combat the third wave. Indeed, coup maker Senior General Min Aung Hlaing announced in his five-point road map that the regime will continue COVID-19 preventive measures, including vaccination and support for businesses affected by COVID-19. With the arrival of COVID-19 the regime has shown little preparation and coordination. This week, the junta chief said on television, Actually, we have enough oxygen, but then he also said it was true the country was a little short of oxygen supplies, but blamed people for panic-buying tanks. He accused people with malicious intentions towards our countrys politics of spreading fake rumors that the military was cutting off oxygen supplies to the people. It is important not to seek political advantage out of this. This is a social and health issue, a matter of life and death and not political. It is important not to create trouble, said the coup leader. Confusing enough. Military spokesperson Zaw Min Tun previously said that restrictions had been put in place for private-owned oxygen plants, to prioritize supplying hospitals over individuals. It is true that some patients have been turned away by hospitals; many people have to rely on treatment at home, including finding their own medical oxygen. This has no doubt caused panic buying and shortages of oxygen cylinders. On the ground, many COVID-19 patients accuse the regime of killing the people without using bullets and said, They are doing it deliberately. Many patients and family members find home remedies and treat themselves at home, waiting to die in protest against the coup. They are inhumanmany people in Yangon echo this sentiment when asked about the regimes intention and its plan to combat the COVID-19 third wave. Many volunteers who were active in the past under the previous government are staying away from the regime, not to mention the rich and middle class people who overwhelmingly donated to and supported the fight against the pandemic throughout the country last year. In fact, soldiers and military family members are also dying from the pandemic but news of the spread of the pandemic in military quarters is banned. Learning of the outbreak, detained leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has expressed her grave concern over the COVID situation. Under her government, she put the countrys Health Ministry in COVID-19 alert mode in early January 2020 and vowed that no one would be left behind; free treatment was provided to all COVID-19 patients with the help of partners. In her weekly updates to the people, she offered soothing messages, urging people to neither panic nor downplay the virus, while warning them to strictly follow health guidelines, as public participation is the most essential factor in getting through the health crisis. Even though the disease was not brought fully under control, Myanmar seemed to be coping well. The WHOs representative in Yangon said in June 2020 that Myanmar had done extraordinarily well up to that point. The reason for its relative success up to that point was that the country started its preparedness and surveillance, particularly at border crossing points, just one day after it was notified by the WHO and others about the appearance of unexplained pneumonia cases in Wuhan, China. Daw Aung San Suu Kyis demonstration of handwashing on TV was also very important in ensuring that the right set of messages reached as many people as possible. Effectively using Facebook, she invited guests including experts, health workers and representatives from different sectors to a teleconference to discuss the pandemic. It was successful. A majority of Myanmar people believed she was doing precisely what a leader should do in such circumstances but her political opponents including military and proxy parties criticized Daw Aung San Suu Kyis public health efforts as an attempt to manipulate the pandemic to win votes. Hundreds of thousands of volunteers, health workers, rich and poor and people from across the regions and states contributed to the governments efforts. But the regime since coming into power has raided several foundations quarantine centers, confiscating facilities and equipment. Some well-known charity workers, entrepreneurs and businessmen have been investigated as to the source of donations and income. Today, the military has crushed peoples hopes for the future. Due to the state-sponsored violence and systematic suppression unleashed weeks after the coup, today Myanmar faces political upheaval, economic collapse and the pandemic. Myanmar citizens now say that along with the coup Min Aung Hlaing brought hell to the country. Where is the way out? They imagine how Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and her government, if allowed to serve their second term, would have reacted to the pandemic and treated patients. Their efforts would surely have been far better than those of coup maker Min Aung Hlaing and his bloodstained generals. You may also like these stories: Myanmar Junta Arrests NLD Lawmaker and His Wife in Yangon Myanmar Junta Putting Lives of Political Prisoners at Risk in COVID-19 Prison Outbreaks Banning the NLD Wont End Resistance to Military Rule Guest Column Banning the NLD Wont End Resistance to Military Rule An anti-coup protester holds Daw Aung San Suu Kyis portrait in Yangon on Feb. 8. / The Irrawaddy Myanmars generals may be delusional if they believe that their moves to ban the National League for Democracy (NLD) will put an end to the pro-democracy, anti-military movement. The NLD is not and never was just a political party among many. Our party grew out of the people so it will exist as long as people support it, its leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi said when she appeared in court on May 24, and then speaking through one of her lawyers, U Khin Maung Zaw, as she was not allowed to make any public statements on her own. That reminded me of what Daw Aung San Suu Kyi told me the first time I met her in Yangon in February 1989. She and an NLD delegation from party headquarters had just returned from a trip down to the Irrawaddy Delta where among the towns they visited was one that was accessible only by river boat. I was so surprised when we got there, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi said, because the first thing the people wanted to show us was the local, newly opened NLD office. And we didnt even know that there was an NLD office in that town. Inside the officeonly a room in a smallish concrete buildingthey were met by the local chairman, a middle-aged man who was seated behind a tattered wooden desk. A peacock flagthe symbol of the NLDhung on the wall behind him beside framed portraits of Daw Aung San Suu Kyis father, General Aung San, and Thakin Kodaw Hmaing, the poet and writer who played an important role in fostering the movement for independence from Britain in the 1920s and 1930s. And that is how the NLD was born, out of the August-September 1988 uprising for democracy and then, in the states and regions, often without any assistance from the center in Yangon. It embodied the peoples desire for a better, democratic future. Therefore, it didnt matter who the NLDs candidates were when it contested its first election in May 1990 and scored a landslide victory. The assembly that had been elected was never convened and NLD members and activists were hunted down, imprisoned and torturednot to extract information, but as punishment for opposing military rule. At least 20 MPs-elect fled to Thailand and India and formed a government in exile called the National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma (NCGUB). The problem, though, was precisely that the names of candidates and others were not important. Only Daw Aung San Suu Kyis was and still is. She may have been vilified internationallybut not at home in Myanmarfor her stand on the alleged genocide of the Muslim Rohingya, which she denies, and for being weak on minority rights in general. And the media did not have an easy time when the NLD was in government from 2016-2021. But without her, there would never have been such a strong pro-democracy movement in Myanmar; she and she alone has come to personify the desire of the people to live in a society free from oppression and underdevelopment. All that in turn leads to an even bigger problem: She turned 76 in June and may not be able to be that symbol for much longer. And she has, her domestic critics say, neglected to let a second generation of leaders rise to prominence in the NLD. She micromanages party matters surrounded by people who seldom if ever provide her with suggestions and useful, constructive criticism. She has fallen out with several people who were once close to her, which does not bode well in a situation where unity and teamwork should be of utmost importance. Perhaps in an attempt to take advantage of those less-than-complimentary assessments of her personality, the junta is now telling foreigners, especially Japanese and other Asians, that she is stubborn and unwilling to compromise. No one questions the fact that she is stubborn; that has in some difficult situations been her strength, because she has refused to surrender to the demands of the Tatmadaw (Myanmars military). But it is gross hypocrisy for the leaders of the Tatmadaw, who have never hesitated to open fire on peaceful demonstrators asking for political reforms, to accuse her of being unreasonable and uncompromising. In a more constructive manner, many younger people especially are searching for a way forward, and that is not a return to old ideas of a third force that mysteriously would emerge as an alternative to Daw Aung San Suu Kyis NLD and the military. As independent researcher Mon Mon Myat pointed out in this publication on June 17, the third force argument was first put forth by Dr. Kyaw Yin Hlaing more than 10 years ago. In an essay titled Political Impasse in Myanmar, he said that the people must look beyond Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and her NLD to achieve democracy and, instead, work within the system. That sounded reasonable and could have worked in other authoritarian states. But, as Mon Mon Myat also pointed out, not in Myanmar. The effort failed miserably because of the militarys unwillingness to compromise and inability to listen to voices other than its own. And those advocating the third-force argument ended up being called military stooges by other pro-democracy activists. Significantly, a breakaway faction from the NLD called the National Democratic Force (NDF), which tried to be a third force and took part in the 2010 election, won a meager 12 seats in both assemblies. The NDF split shortly afterwards and did not win a single seat in the 2015 election. Another attempt at forging a third force was made in 2018 by Ko Ko Gyi, a former political prisoner and a veteran of the 1988 uprising for democracy, who together with some fellow longtime activists founded the Peoples Party. But it was equally unsuccessful in challenging the NLD. The Peoples Party split after the coup when Ko Ko Gyi, to the dismay of many, made the fateful decision of participating in a junta-organized meeting in May to prepare for elections within two years, as Senior General Min Aung Hlaing promised when he seized power and ousted the democratically elected government. The bitter truth is that there never was, and still is, no room for a third force in Myanmar party politics. Past experience shows that it would be necessary to look beyond Myanmars rather peculiar brand of party politics. The NLD without Daw Aung San Suu Kyi would not be a viable force for democracy, and the party may be banned anyway, with its leader ending up behind bars on trumped-up charges of corruption and breaching colonial-era national security laws. But the generals have also failed to realize that banning the NLD or, as they did in the 1990s and early 2000s, shutting down its offices and arresting local and national leaders, is not going to kill Myanmars pro-democracy movement. It will only take other forms and shapes. The decade before this years coup gave birth to what is called Generation Zsocial media- and internet-savvy young people who organized the first waves of protests against the coup. For them, it is not only, and not even primarily, about the NLD and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, but how the coup has deprived them of the freedom of expression and the lifestyle they enjoyed after the country opened up to the outside world in 2012. Using internet resources, they continue to stay in touch and expose police as well as military brutality. Just as many activists did in the wake of the bloody suppression of the 1988 uprising, some have gone to the border areas where ethnic rebels are providing them with military training. But in another parallel with 1988, the likelihood of a military victory over the much better armed Tatmadaw seems an impossible dream. The events of 1988 and the 1990 election also led to the formation of an alternative government, the NCGUB. This time, a similar entity, the National Unity Government, is fighting a very similar uphill battle for recognition. Old-timers like myself feel a sense of deja vu when we observe such post-coup developments. We have seen it before, and how it failed. But there is hope. Generation Z may be without any known leaders, but those participating in the movement have shown remarkable strength, endurance and determination to achieve political change. They are younger, fresher and certainly more innovative than the aging leadership of the NLD. A decade of freedoms, which Myanmar had not experienced since the early 1960s, also led to the emergence of a nascent but thriving civil society consisting of journalists, womens rights campaigners, youth activists and NGO workers. They have been forced underground since the coup, or are in hiding in safe houses or in areas controlled by the ethnic rebels. But they are still full of energy and eager to do whatever can be done under military rule. New leaders could emerge from within those ranks, as they did when Aung San and his young comrades founded the independence movement in the 1930s, or during the 1988 uprising when another generation of activists came to the fore along with the original, spontaneously formed NLD. Ko Ko Gyi may have lost his former popularity but there are others, like Min Ko Naing and Mya Aye, who are still well-respected members of the pro-democracy movement. But for such a movement to succeed, there would have to be a similar development among younger military officers who would dare to oppose the dinosaurs in their leadership. Sadly, however, there has so far been no sign of the emergence of a faction of officers who realize that Myanmar society has changed irrevocablyand that gunning down protesters in the streets is not the way to run a country. Nonetheless, if such dissent within the ranks does not materialize, Myanmar will once again, as it did after the 1988 uprising, be facing years of rule by officers who are more interested in protecting their privileges and positions of absolute power than seeing the country prosper. You may also like these stories: Myanmar Junta Jails Activists Wife and Daughter for 3 Years Myanmar Junta Says it Cant Cope With Rising COVID-19 Cases No Security Present When Myanmar Military Raided Daw Aung San Suu Kyis House Specials Uncertainty Over Whether Suu Kyi Will Attend Martyrs Day Event State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi at the 69th Martyrs' Day ceremony at the Martyrs' Mausoleum in Yangon on July 19, 2016. / The Irrawaddy Myanmar marks Martyrs Day on July 19 and it is unknown if detained State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi will be allowed to mark the assassination in 1947 of her father General Aung San and eight colleagues from the independence movement. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi was put under house arrest for the first time on July 20, 1989, under the 1975 State Protection Act. She spent 15 years under house arrest between 1989 and 2010, with brief periods where she was released, under the State Law and Order Restoration Council and its successor the State Peace and Development Council, but was allowed by military dictator Than Shwe to attend Martyrs Day events. It was often the only time citizens saw the democratic leader on television, wearing a light-colored, long-sleeve blouse, dark longyi and shawl, hurriedly laying a wreath at the Martyrs Mausoleum in Yangon. Then she would be taken back to 54 University Avenue Road in Bahan, where she was confined. In 2011, a year after her release from house arrest, pictures of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi attending Martyrs Day were first published in the state-run newspapers. The event was only attended by ministers or Yangons mayor under military rule. A state-level ceremony was held under the quasi-civilian government in 2012 for the first time in five decades, presided over by a vice-president. The Martyrs Day event was attended for the first time by the president in 2019, three years after the National League for Democracy took office in 2016. In 2016, military chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and wife Daw Kyu Kyu Hla were present when Daw Aung Suu Kyi offered meals to monks in remembrance of her father and his colleagues on July 19 at her home in Yangon. It was the first visit of a military chief to her house since then Senior General Saw Maung attended the wake for her mother Daw Khin Kyi in 1988. In the years that followed, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and the military-appointed vice-president laid wreaths with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the president on Martyrs Day. During the Feb. 1 coup, U Win Myint and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi were detained and military-appointed Vice-President U Myint Swe handed power to Min Aung Hlaing that day. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, now being detained in an unknown location in Naypyitaw, faces up to 75 years in jail on multiple charges. It remains to be seen if dictator Min Aung Hlaing, who was handpicked by Than Shwe, will allow Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to attend the coming 74th anniversary of Martyrs Day on July 19. You may also like these stories: Myanmars Electricity Sector Crippled Since Military Coup US Urges ASEAN to Hold Myanmar Accountable to Jakarta Consensus Myanmar Junta Failing to Control COVID-19 Outbreaks in Rakhine State International Cuban artists, many of them related to the Cuban government, have spoken in support of the protests that are taking place on the island and have been cynical of the repression against protesters, reports the website 14ymedio , the media outlet run by activist and journalist Yoani Sanchez. Version en espanol. Musicians Leo Brouwer and Chucho Valdes, who in the past have supported the Cuban government, have been among the artists who criticize what is happening in the country. "What pain, what sadness, the abuse of power is reached!" Brouwer posted on Facebook. "I never imagined that Cuban police and elite forces would attack ordinary and peaceful Cubans are. When dealing with the Cubans protesting, there is no doubt the use of political and military power has been excessive," adding: "How can they live in peace?" The members of the famous pop group Los Van Van also spoke via their social networks. "The Van Van of Cuba exists thanks to our Cuban people; therefore we will always support the people, whoever they are. "We support the thousands of Cubans who demand their right to freedom, we must be heard. Let's say no to violence and outrage, let's call for peace in our streets." Chucho Valdes and Haydee Milanes use the same tone. "I am very sad about what my people are suffering, including my family," Valdes wrote on his official channels. "Enough of deceit and lies! International humanitarian aid is essential." Milanes, said that the Cuban people "have peacefully taken to the streets with their demands" and added that the Government has" the obligation to listen" Milanes said it is inadmissible, "that the authorities are calling for a confrontation between Cubans. Enough of the repression, enough of the violence!" So far, there are no official figures of deaths, injuries, and detainees. According to 14ymedio, the government has to date, only recognized one fatality; a 36-year-old man who was among those protesting in the La Guinera, neighborhood in the outskirts of la Havana. Civil organizations have reported some 5,000 residents who have been arrested or investigated since the uprising started Sunday, July 11. been among the artists who criticize what is happening in the country today. "What pain, what sadness, that the abuse of power is reached!" Brouwer writes on Facebook. "I never imagined that the forces of order in Cuba were going to attack ordinary and peaceful people like we Cubans are. When Cubans protest, there is no doubt that politics or, rather, political and military power has been exceeded," and asks: "How can they live in peace?" The members of the famous Van Van orchestra also speak via social networks. "The Van Van of Cuba exists thanks to our Cuban people, therefore we will always support the people, whoever they are, whatever they think, defend the ideology they defend, always with the utmost respect," they publish. "We support the thousands of Cubans who demand their rights, we must be heard. Let's say no to violence and outrage, let's call for peace in our streets." Chucho Valdes and Haydee Milanes spoke in the same direction. "I am very sad about what my people are suffering, including my family," Valdes wrote in his official networks. "Enough of deceit and lies! International humanitarian aid is essential." Milanes, who sided with the artists who on November 27 achieved, with a peaceful demonstration, a dialogue with the Vice Minister of Culture, Fernando Rojas, stated on Monday that the Cuban people "have peacefully taken to the streets with their demands "and that the Government has" the obligation to listen to him. " It is inadmissible, he asserted, "that the authorities are calling for a confrontation between Cubans. Enough of the repression, enough of the violence!" So far, there are no official figures of deaths, injuries, and detainees, as indicated by 14ymedio on its website. The government has only recognized one deceased so far, a 36-year-old man who participated in a protest on Monday in the marginal neighborhood of La Guinera, in Havana. Civil organizations have about 5,000 arrested or investigated since July 11, including 120 activists and journalists. Around the world millions of people seek to replicate what Key Biscayners enjoy the sun and a beach. These people are eager for the opportunity to hop on a plane, car, or train to be able to feel that sand in between their toes. And perhaps island residents also want to visit some other beaches, lets say to compare! And many of those beach visits generate beautiful pictures, many of which end up as social media post. Well, after analyzing over 26 million Instagram hashtags, the website Money.co.uk comprised a list of the most beautiful beaches worldwide, based on the number of Instagram photos posted and a formula to account for the size of the beach. Bal Harbour Beach, South Florida, best known for its breathtaking sunrises, was the only mainland US beach ranked, coming in at #18, with 239 photos per meter posted The most photographed and posted beach in the world? Kelingking Beach in the Bali peninsula Nusa had over 338,000 hashtags and over 4,200 per meter. Kelingking Beach is best known for its cliff formation in the shape of a Tyrannosaurus Rex. It has become a hot spot for tourists as it is the perfect photo opportunity. The most popular beach in the US, and 6 worldwide, is Hanauma Beach in Hawaii, with 345 pictures posted per meter. The Most Beautiful Beaches In The World Kelingking Beach, Nusa Penida, Bali - 4,227 pictures per meter Bondi Beach, Sydney, Australia - 1,776 pictures per meter Railay Beach, Krabi, Thailand - 587 pictures per meter Tropea Beach, Calabria, Italy - 424 pictures per meter Navagio Beach, Zakynthos, Greece - 403 pictures per meter Hanauma Beach, Hawaii, USA - 345 pictures per meter Tenby North Beach, Pembrokeshire, Wales - 342 pictures per meter Praaia do Camilo, Lagos, Portugal - 325 pictures per meter Boulders Beach, Cape Town, South Africa - 323 pictures per meter Blue Point Beach, Ungasan, Bali - 287 pictures per meter Cala Saona, Formentera, Spain -282 pictures per meter Margate Beach, Kent, England - 265 pictures per meter Cala Goloritze, Baunei, Italy - 248 pictures per meter Freedom Beach, Phuket, Thailand - 247 pictures per meter Cala Gat, Cala Rajtada, Spain - 246 pictures per meter Kitsilano Beach, Vancouver, Canada - 246 pictures per meter Lanikai Beach, Vancouver, Canada -246 pictures per meter Bal Harbour Beach, Miami, Florida, USA - 239 pictures per meter Durdle Door, Dorset, England - 232 pictures per meter Sitges Beach, Barcelona, Spain - 175 pictures per meter Though Australia is known for its beautiful beaches its only beach is the spectacular Bondi Beach at number two on this list. Railay Beach in Thailand took the third spot in the list and is extremely unique because you can only get there on a boat. Almost half of the list is comprised of beaches in Europe. Italys Tropea Beach ranked 4th best, with Greeces Navagio Beach ranking 6th and Wales Tenby North Beach coming in at 7th. With twenty of the most beautiful beaches in the world they are just waiting for visitors to be taking millions of photos of every inch of the beach. Next time you feel like the sand you are standing in and the sea water you swim in, perhaps one of Key Biscaynes beaches, is worth sharing with the world, dont forget to give it a hashtag! Details on each of the beaches: Kelingking Beach, Nusa Penida, Bali 80 meters, 4227 pictures per meter As the most beautiful beach in the world, Kelingking Beach in Bali covers 80 metres. If you couldn't see it yourself then you can catch a glimpse of its beauty through the 4,227 pictures of every single metre. Bondi Beach, Sydney, Australia 1,00 meters, 1776 pictures per meter Bondi Beach is one of the biggest attractions in Australia for tourists and locals. This beautiful crescent-shaped sand beach is conveniently close to the Sydney Central business Business District. It got its name from the Abroginal word Bondi'' which means water breaking over rocks. This beach attracts locals and tourists to enjoy the stunning scenery and add to the overall vibe of the city. Railay Beach, Krabi. Thailand 450 meters, 587 pictures per meter Before becoming a tourist destination, Krabi was a small quaint fishing village, and now it is a magical getaway known around the world. It is a beach cut off by the mainland because of a row of steep hills. It is only accessible by boat, creating a truly secluded experience. The landscape of momentous cliffs, crystal clear water, white beaches and full of spirit Railay Beach is worth the trip. Tropea Beach, Calabria, Italy 115 meters, 423 pictures per meter Tropea Beach is a part of a classic italian resort exemplifying charm. It is located on the Tyrrhenian Sea, also known as the Costa degli Dei, which means the Coast of the gods. Tourists and locals swarm this beach. The beach is surrounded by magnificent cliffs and the historic town center. Navagio Beach, Zakynthos, Greece 182 meters, 403 pictures per meter Also known as Shipwreck Beach, Navagio Beach got its name from a ship smuggling cigarettes that washed up on the beach in 1983. Its surrounding crystalline water and huge cliffs is what brings in so many people to take in its beauty. Hanauma Bay, Hawaii, USA 570 meters, 345 pictures per meter This beach is known to be the most popular tourist destination on the Island of Oahu in the Hawaii Kai neighborhood East of Honolulu. This beach resembles Disneys Moana or Lilo and Stitch. Hanauma Bay not only appeals to the eyes of tourists and locals but to their hearts. This was the first Marine Life Conservation district, in hopes to re-establish its pristine marine ecosystem. Tenby North Beach, Pemrbokeshire, Wales 770 meters, 343 pictures per meter This stunning beach was awarded the Blue Flag Beach as a result for their work in environmental, educational, safety-related and access-related activities. This little beach is a sliver of all Welsh can offer. It is surrounded by pastel-hued townhouses and rugged cliffs. The weather is enjoyables as the beach faces the east side. Praia do Camilo, Lagos, Portugal 770 meters, 343 pictures per meter One of Algarves most iconic beaches, Praia do Camilo with its golden sand and crystal azure waters. This beach is perfect for your instagram feed. To get to the beach, you take a magical 200 wooden steps down to the beach. Boulder Beach, Cape Town, South Africa 420 meters, 323 pictures per meter What makes this beach so spectacular and unique is its friendly neighbors, a colony of African penguins. People are constantly in awe with these cute little animals. There are 6000 people that come every year to visit the penguins. Blue Point Beach, Unfasan, Bali 105 meters, 287 pictures per meter This beach is a huge part of a coral beach. Hidden away in a secret path engulfed by cliffs when getting to this beach it feels like you are about to find the treasure. You can take a dip in the natural pools and get up close with wildlife like rays. For the foodies, alongside the coast there are tons of restaurants to choses from with the view of the cities. Cala Soana, Formentera, Spain 140 meters, 282 pictures per meter Ever imagine going into a European postcard, well if you want to Cala Soana is the place. The sun doesn't set until 9 so their days are full of tanning and being on the beach. To end the evening with a mojito and the sparkling pink sunset. Margate Beach, Kent, England 200 meters, 265 pictures per meter This beach is a British seaside resort brought to life. Not only is the beach timeless there are tidal pools, fun fair rides, and amusement arcades. It is popular with all generations who just plan to enjoy the day and the shore. Cala Goloritze, Baunei, Italy 166 meters, 248 per meter Hidden under a deep ravine, this small beachs water glistens with green and blue. Snorkeling is extremely popular here and is encouraged to fully enjoy the spectacular water. Freedom Beach, Phuket, Thailand 300 meters, 247 pictures per meter If you want to be submerged in a turquoise tranquil sea you need to see Freedom Beach. Its nickname the Pearl of Phuket, this beautiful beach is hidden away in a cove and completely surrounded by a tropical jungle. There are two little restaurants where you can eat Pad Thai while you enjoy the crystal blue waters. Cala Gat, Cala Ratjada, Spain 40 meters, 246 per meter This beach sits on the outskirts of Cala Ratjada. Cala Gat is the second smallest beach on this list. Yet its size doesn't deter from its beauty. It is surrounded by a mix of tree cliftops, with clear blue water and golden sand. It is the dream location to pop in a picture for Instagram. Kitsilano Beach, Vancouver, Canada 473 meters, 246 pictures per meter The locals call it Kits Beach, but tourists call it a stunning escape. This beach is welcoming to everyone and all sorts of activities. It is the kind of beach you can sunbathe and then jump right into an extreme watersport. Most likely you will find the swimmers there, as it is designated for them, while enjoying the Vancouver skyline and mountain line. Lanikai Beach, Hawaii, USA 804 meters, 246 pictures per meter This beach is a little out of reach for many tourists, as it is a hidden gem to the locals. Consider yourself lucky if you are one of the tourists able to experience the powdery sand, crystal clear water, and the Mokulua Islands in the background. There is even a chance you can see sea turtles swimming alongside you. Bal Harbour Beach, Florida 1,360 meters, 239 pictures per meter This beach is a tucked away enclave from the hustle and bustle of the Magic city. Locals love it for its beautiful sunrise to start their beach days. It is also key to take the scenic beach path for more views and a taste of Bal Harbours many brunch spots. Durdle Door, Dorset, England 1,040 meters, 239 pictures per meter Durdle Door is most known for its magnificent stone arch that constantly attracts tourists. It is one of the most photographed spots in the Jurassic Coast. Instead of a sandy beach, this beach is unique with a mix of pebbles and shingles. Its unique settings and sand make it one of the coolest instagram spots you can find. Sitges Beach, Barcelona, Spain 253 meters, 175 pictures per meter This beach calls the attention of families everywhere as it is known for being a family-friendly beach, from its soft sand to calm waters. It also has an incredible atmosphere as it is located in a cove alongside the town giving tourists and locals a taste of serenity and a lively town with bars and restaurants being in walking distance. At a Thursday press conference in Miami, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and other officials on Thursday called on President Joe Biden to take immediate action on restoring Internet access to the people of Cuba. The request follows shutdowns of Internet service on the island and protests in Miami and elsewhere against Cubas Communist government. DeSantis said Floridas effort to provide Internet to Cuba through satellites isnt an easy process, which he said would require some infrastructure on the ground. Were happy to do whatever we can on the state level, DeSantis said. We do have some Florida companies and those satellites; there are certain things that we would require there. DeSantis also suggested that the U.S. Embassy could be utilized to offer Internet services. There are just a variety of things. Our view is lets just turn it all on and lets get moving. It isnt as easy as just saying this satellite can just be put over there but it can be done, we just need the support. Overall, DeSantis said, We need President Biden to step up to make this happen. Mr. President, nows the time to stand up and be counted. The one thing that communist regimes fear the most is the truth. One of the members of the Federal Communications Commission, Brendan Carr, said at the press conference that they are waiting on the green light from the Biden administration to authorize Internet access to Cubans who are fighting for freedom. Millions of people in Cuba are fighting for freedom and its important for officials to act now to offer Internet assistance, Carr said. According to FCCs website, Carr was nominated to the FCC by former President Donald Trump. Carr explained that the technology exists in the United States to assist Cuba with the Internet, including the use of satellites, and improving communications infrastructure but said the Biden administration should approve the authorization by today. U.S. Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar, a South Florida Republican, was also present at the news conference and agreed that the U.S. has the technological capability to offer assistance. We need some authorizations and clearances from the Biden administration, Carr said. One way that we can do that is to bolster the ability of the Cuban people to speak back to the world, to send us their photos, to send us their videos. Meanwhile, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said in a Wednesday press briefing that the protests in Cuba have largely stopped because of the regimes violent crackdown and retaliatory measures against Cubans exercising their fundamental and universal rights. Of course, we will continue to call for a change in approach, and we will continue to review our own policies about what is possible and work with our partners around the world in a coordinated fashion as well, Psaki said. In a letter Wednesday, Gov. Ron DeSantis also urged President Biden to support the people of Cuba who are standing up against Communist oppression and give them a voice after decades of suffering from under the yoke of cruel dictatorship. To see the entire press conference, click here. This report first appeared on the website of the Florida Phoenix, a nonprofit news organization dedicated to coverage of state government and politics from Tallahassee. The States Newsroom, Washington, D.C bureau, contributed to this report. Enjoy a fantastic video of Jupiter and its largest moon Ganymede! The NASA Juno probe got a close-up view of the icy orb and the gas giant, offering a dramatic space show in full HD. Jupiter, in particular, featured amazing colors of blue, orange, greyand white--straight out of Van Gogh's "The Starry Night." On June 7, NASA's Juno spacecraft flew over Jupiter's moon Ganymede and explored a territory no other spacecraft has entered in over two decades. Afterward, it did its 34th flyby on Jupiter's atmosphere and traveled pole to pole in less than three hours. The spacecraft used its JunoCam--a unique camera capable of taking pictures in a spinning direction--to capture the moment. It used a "push-frame" design and developed one image strip at a time as it passed through the field of view. The mission team rendered these images, animated them to a "starship captain" point of view, and uploaded the video on their official YouTube channel. JunoCam Imager Captures Biggest Moon in the Solar System According to NASA, the 3:30 minute video of Juno's adventure featured the spacecraft passing within 645 miles (1,038 kilometers) of Ganymede's surface at a relative velocity of 41,600 mph (67,000 kph). The imagery captured the moon in both its dark and light regions, with the darker areas believed to result from ice sublimating in the surrounding vacuum. The video also captured the largest and brightest crater scar on Ganymede called "Tros." Afterward, Juno traveled 14 hours and 50 minutes (a few seconds on the video) across the 735,000 miles (1.18 million kilometers) distance between Ganymede and Jupiter. The camera then captured the view within 2,100 miles (3,400 kilometers) above Jupiter's spectacular cloud tops. Some notable features for Jupiter werethe circumpolar cyclones at the north of the planet. There were also eight massive storms rotating counter clockwise in the southern hemisphere that appear like white ovals, popularly referred to as the gas giant's "string of pearls." Space exploration has reached a new, beautiful and deep level of imagery and videography. Thanks to Juno's advanced technology, researchers could animate the space experience in a way that lets people explore the solar system firsthand. Read Also: Perseids Meteor Shower 2021: How to Watch Epic Cosmic Event Online Anywhere in the World NASA Jupiter Photos and Mission Update Juno still has a lot to offer in the coming years. Launched in 2011, Juno has the mission to unlock all of Jupiter's secrets. It studied Jupiter's atmosphere (and measured composition, temperature, cloud motions, and other similar properties). According to JPL, "Juno is part of NASA's New Frontiers Program, which is managed at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, for the agency's Science Mission Directorate in Washington. Lockheed Martin Space in Denver built and operates the spacecraft." Juno has a live tracker online, where curious space explorers can interact with the spacecraft. The live tracker also shows Juno's space activities and flight patterns. More details for Juno Spacecraft online simulation tools is available in this article. Related Article: NASA Hubble Telescope Major Problem Found; But Fix Success Not Guaranteed The call for a fourth stimulus check continues, and it is getting a lot louder. The ongoing petition is asking for $2000 monthly recurring payments for the duration of the crisis. With the Delta variant spreading, families need financial aid to stay resilient and pay their ongoing debts. Newsweek got in touch with the Denver restaurant owner Stephanie Bonin who created a change.org petition in 2020. Her online petitioned calls for the US House of Representatives and Senate to provide families with "$2,000 payment for adults and a $1,000 payment for kids immediately, and continuing regular checks for the duration of the crisis." This online petition has already gained a lot of support. People agreed to her letter that "We need immediate checks and recurring payments so that we can keep our heads above water. Congress needs to make sure that we won't be left financially ruined for doing our part to keep the country healthy." Online Petition for $2000 Fourth Stimulus The online petition is aiming for 3 million signatories. More than 2.6 million people have signed as of time of writing, with about 85,000 new supporters in the past week alone. After a year since its first call, the petition is less than 400,000 signatures away from its goal. This fourth stimulus check is undoubtedly getting momentum together with its supporters. An earlier report already mentioned how the House of Ways and Means Committee wrote a letter to the white house supporting a fourth stimulus check. Senators also called for financial aid to help families "put food on their table." Hitting the 3 million goal will make this petition one of change.org's "most signed" category. Supporters are anxiously waiting on the White House response to this petition. Read Also: Amazon Satellite Internet Coming? Elon Musk's Starlink Facing New Threat as Expansion Continues When Will It Hit 3 Million Signatures? Bonin is reportedly confident that at its current pace, the petition could complete its goal by late August. She told Newsweek that "The most common reason [people sign] is that uncertain feeling. We're still in uncertain times ... And it's times like this that it feels like people go back into a fear-based life." She also said, "We all are incredibly resilient if we know the tools we have to be resilient with. $1,000 a month, $800 a month, it isn't enough to pay all the monthly bills. But if I know I just have that I can figure out what I do from there." The ongoing pandemic that has caused many Americans to lose their jobs continues to spread until this day. Bonin created the petition to propose that a fourth stimulus check would help suffering families from falling into poverty. Unfortunately, the White House has neither denied nor acknowledged the online petition. Supporters might have to wait out the petition's completion before getting their desired response. While waiting on it, American residents can also try checking their eligibility for the Child Tax Credit. Similar to the fourth stimulus check petition, this is a $300 monthly payment currently approved by the government. Related Article: Tax Refund Schedule for July 2021: How to Use 'Where's My Amended Return?' Tool, File for Form 1099-G to Know Your Payment Huntsville, TX (77320) Today Partial cloudiness early, with scattered showers and thunderstorms during the afternoon. High 91F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%.. Tonight Scattered thunderstorms early, then mainly cloudy overnight with thunderstorms likely. Low 74F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 70%. The media release from the Shadow Ministers today, was yet another example of misguided political point-taking in the overseeing of the NBN. Their media release was on the topic of bonuses and the lack of bonuses paid to those on the front-line in NBN. As an ex-employee of NBN Co, I've had direct experience with this topic. At one point I had 26 direct reports, some being paid bonuses, others not. I believe that most NBN employees in the categories the Shadow Ministers are talking about, are likely employed under enterprise employment agreements, negotiated by Unions, such as the one they site with the CEPU. Full-time permanent employees that are paid bonuses, are employed under direct individual employment contracts. As I recall, these enterprise agreements do not have a bonus component. They do have other benefits, not afforded to employees on direct contracts. Those covered by enterprise employment agreements, for example, are guaranteed year-on-year pay increases. Those on direct contracts pay increases are not guaranteed, impacted by NBNs and the individuals performance. Pay increases to these staff sometimes aren't awarded. If bonus's were important, the unions could well have asked for these to be included, but they would have had to trade-off other beneficial conditions, such as guaranteed year-on-year pay increases. Generally, for the unions certainty of conditions is probably preferable to less certain 'at risk' employment conditions. The bonuses are assigned based on: the percentage of at risk component within their employment contract; the performance of the company against the weighted company targets, as set by the board, and; the individual's assessed performance during the year. I found the system fair, with clear guidelines for a manager to assign their particular share of the bonus pool to their bonus earning reports. The individuals that I assigned bonuses to were all deserving of them, as they had all provided clearly demonstrable value to NBN. The media release by the shadow ministers is clearly a political beat-up by the opposition. However, Mr Rue could have addressed the Senator's question better. If some of the above points had been made by Rue it would have nullified the oppositions argument. I'm not totally biased towards NBN and its management, read the article I wrote on the NBN purpose, here. I do feel that most of the blame of what NBN has become is driven by its stakeholder, the Government, mismanaging and prioritising political driven imperatives, such as the wasted capital on the implementation some components of the Multi-technology Mix. If NBN had not been such a political vehicle it would be in a much better place. Instead it has been pushed into technology choices by unqualified politicians, with some other questionable regulatory decisions made by the ACCC. As a wholesaler it should not be a prominent brand in the consumer telecommunications market. Do electricity consumers know who produces and distributes their electricity? No, most only know their retailer. The only reason that the NBN is so front of mind for consumers, is due to its political positioning by Government and Opposition parties. It would be great if the politicians, on both sides of floor, stop using NBN as a point of difference and let it get on with being a good economic multiplier providing value to the Australian people. I don't envy the leadership at NBN, most have inherited this politically created mess. It is a business that is marginal, where huge investment still needs to be made to fix many poor, politically made, technology decisions. TPG Telecom has announced three group executive appointments as it looks to maximise the growth potential of the company across its three strategic priorities of owned infrastructure, enterprise and households. All three roles report to the Chief Executive Officer: Craig Levy (above) is moving to the newly created role of Group Executive New Business Development with responsibility for the groups on-net strategy, including fixed wireless. Global technology executive, Jonathan Rutherford (above), will join TPG Telecom on 27 July as Group Executive Enterprise and Government. Ana Bordeianu (above) is taking on the newly created role of Group Executive Customer Operations and Shared Services with responsibility for customer service operations across the group. TPG Telecom CEO Inaki Berroeta said the appointments leverage the specialised talent and expertise within the TPG Telecom group and its global shareholders. As we focus on our strategic priorities of driving growth in enterprise, households and NBN alternatives, the appointments will build on the significant momentum already underway in these key opportunity areas, Berroeta said. Now that we have completed our foundational year following the merger, these are strategic changes to ensure we have the best people in the roles which will take the company forward into the future. Mr Berroeta said Mr Levy will lead the groups on-net strategy to bring more customers onto the companys owned infrastructure, with a focus on product innovation. Craig has played a leading role in launching our 5G home internet product last month and the rapid growth in our 4G home wireless offering, he said. He will be responsible for leading the increased focus on this significant opportunity area and driving continuous innovation to meet customers needs in a rapidly changing environment. Mr Berroeta said Mr Rutherford will be responsible for driving growth in the business, enterprise and government segments for the group. Jonathan is known for building high-performance, customer-focused teams across the UK and Europe, and I welcome him to TPG Telecom, he said. The Enterprise team is making good in-roads in the market, and Jonathans twenty years of experience will enable him to step into the role and build on this momentum. Mr Rutherfords appointment follows the recent appointment of senior enterprise leader, Christine Russo, to the role of General Manager Enterprise & Government Customer Sales and Strategy. Mr Berroeta said Ms Bordeianu will lead an integrated customer operations function to better meet customer needs across our brands. Ana has a strong track record in delivering exceptional customer service, including driving Vodafones low complaints rate, and will now have responsibility for ensuring a consistent customer experience across our brands, he said. Working closely with Group Executive Consumer Kieren Cooney, Ana and her team will work to drive household growth with an enhanced end-to-end customer journey. Mr Levy and Ms Bordeianus roles are effective Monday 19 July. E-commerce platform Warrp says it has seen an increase in new signups and even landed the top 100 Shopping Apps in Australia within a month. Warrp attributes this success to its partnership with mobile app marketing agency, Studio Mosaic. Warrp has observed a 138% spike in new signups and ranked in the top 100 store category within a month thanks to a partnership with Studio Mosaic, Warrp says. Warrp co-founder and CEO Matthew Ng says the partnership with Studio Mosaic would enable the platform to achieve its preliminary Australian user engagement goal of 100,000 active users by the early half of 2022. We are excited to have an agency onboard to help drive the companys app optimisation strategy, Ng says. Ng adds: Our iOS App ranking has passed the top 100 Shopping Apps in Australia, which is an amazing feat achieved only after a few months for a start-up within the Australia market. Ng reports they have surpassed larger and more valuable brands in the Shopping Apps category, which, he says, highlights the strength of a focused app strategy versus big spend above-the-line marketing. Ng says Warrp is aiming to stand ground in the Australian Shopping Apps top 20 before the end of this year. This, according to him, will provide a strong foothold when the company decides to expand in other international markets. Our constant and immediate focus is still on Australia as we aim to develop Warrp into the nations number one independent marketplace platform, providing the safest and fairest pre-owned items trading avenue for a variety of consumer goods, Ng says. Warrp will focus on electronics, clothes, cars, pieces of furniture, and collectables. Designer wear and branded items will soon come with an option to authenticate whether theyre genuine when theyre listed. Studio Mosaic is also tasked with driving Warrps Android and web platform launch in August 2021, providing the Australian market with access and engagement to Warrps in-built services such as escrow payments and dynamic price Warrping. Warrp co-founder and chief technology officer Roman Granovskyi says the competitive online marketplace space meant Warrp opted for a specialist app marketing company over a standard digital agency. The Studio Mosaic team operates around the clock and their support will help Warrp optimise its reach nationally, and later globally, claims Granovskyi. Granovskyi concludes: E-commerce is a huge industry in Australia with 82% of all Australian households shopping online in 2020, so its about being the first choice for consumers when theyre ready to buy or sell. 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. Extend the moratorium past the current one, scheduled to end Oct. 2021. Lower the student loan rates. Cancel a portion of borrowers' student loan debt. Cancel all borrowers' student loan debt. Do nothing. Borrowers need to get back to paying their student loan debt. I don't know. I have another idea that's not listed here. Vote View Results Donate Now As a public service during this pandemic, the Jewish News is providing free, unlimited access to all articles. Jewish News is a nonprofit publication that is owned by the community and relies on community support. Mike has reported on the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem's wildlife, wildlands and the agencies that manage them since 2012. A native Minnesotan, he arrived in the West to study environmental journalism at the University of Colorado. Carrying Equity in COVID-19 Vaccination Forward: Guidance Informed by Communities of Color One-size-fits-all vaccination campaign strategies wont be successful and ignore opportunities for systems change Interview by Lindsay Smith Rogers | July 16, 2021 Seven months into the COVID-19 vaccination campaign in the U.S., nearly 50% of Americans have been vaccinated. This is notable, but a significant amount of work remains to be done. CommuniVax, a national rapid research coalition of social scientists, public health experts, and community advocates, released a report, Carrying Equity in COVID-19 Vaccination Forward: Guidance Informed by Communities of Color, with recommendations for state and local officials to better serve groups with persistently low vaccine coverageparticularly low-income persons and communities of color. Since January 2021, local research teams have worked with Black and Hispanic/Latino communities in Alabama, California, Idaho, Maryland, and Virginia. The teams assessed community infrastructure; listened to community members, public health officials, and government leaders; and coordinated engagement activities to understand how to best promote awareness of, access to, and acceptability of COVID-19 vaccines. Co-chair of CommuniVax and co-author of the report, Monica Schoch-Spana, PhD, MA, of the Center for Health Security breaks down some of the reports key points in this Q&A. The report points out that its problematic to blame low vaccine coverage entirely on hesitancy. Why is that? First, hesitancy is a simple explanation for a complex set of circumstances, and if we do not accurately identify the problem, then we cannot apply the most appropriate solution. Vaccine hesitancyin its popular senseinvolves a range of concerns about vaccines that can vary in detail and severity from person to person. In speaking with 10 people, it is possible to hear 10 very different types of concerns that, even when similar, differentially influence the decisions of the persons expressing them. One-size-fits-all communication strategies wont have their intended effect in these circumstances. Vaccine hesitancy, too, is often considered an either-or prospect, but in the local research, individuals routinely related the dynamic nature of their decision-making. Their assessments of vaccination changed over time as they were exposed to new informationaccurate or not. For some individuals, their evaluation of COVID-19 vaccines continued even after they were vaccinated. For example, some expressed regret for receiving the Johnson & Johnson vaccine following the pause, and others, frustration at learning about the possibility that vaccinated persons could still contract COVID-19. Sustaining peoples confidence in COVID-19 vaccines is important. Second, and even more seriously, mischaracterizing the causes for low vaccination rates within particular groups can conceal issues of access, including those due to structural racism. This can result in a failure to fix the real problems as well as instances of victim-blaming. Since the very beginning of the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, access to vaccines has been a significant barrier for many marginalized groups. The same socioeconomic and structural obstacles that have contributed to the uneven impacts of COVID-19 by socioeconomic status and by race/ethnicity have also kept people from getting vaccinated. Barriers identified in the local research included a lack of transportation to vaccination sites (especially in rural areas), limited hours at vaccination sites, and inability to take time off work for vaccination appointments or to take time off if vaccination resulted in sickness. In Hispanic/Latino communities, additional barriers included a lack of multilingual speakers at call centers and vaccination sites. These are practical hurdles that require reconfiguring vaccine delivery and communication strategies, rather than overcoming perceived deficits in a persons feelings, thinking, or even moral fiber. Another critical error is assuming that all communities of color face the same circumstances. What are some suggestions for correcting this harmful misperception? We should all resist the urge to generalize about the end users of COVID-19 vaccination, in the interest of expedient, easy answers to more complicated realities. For instance, regarding public health communication about COVID-19 vaccines, no single message can reach all white individuals; the same holds true for all other demographic groups, including Black and Hispanic/Latino persons. Characteristics other than racial and ethic identity also shape a persons interactions with and understandings of the world around them, including age, gender, political identity, religious identity, attachment to place, education, and socioeconomic status. At the same time, certain commonalities can exist, which vaccination planners should also account for. Black and Hispanic/Latino persons share the burden of racial inequalities, although their experiences of racism may differ due to factors such as language, culture, and historical experiences with certain institutions (e.g., immigration and law enforcement). Vaccine promoters should pause and think about real people and how their lives are organized: For instance, where might young Hispanic/Latino congregate in their free time, and how can we reach them as a group there and with what information? Regardless of race/ethnicity, what barriers to access do essential workers working at grocery stores or as caretakers for children/elders face when trying to get vaccinated? As vaccination becomes more widespread, new outbreaks are occurring in ever smaller and more local clusters such as particular communities within cities or counties. The report found that hyperlocal responses actually work better than blanket national campaigns. How can groups respond quickly and in a targeted way to prevent new outbreaks? To reverse the COVID-19 vaccination campaigns current slowdown and persistent unevenness in vaccine coverage, it should support more peer-led and neighborhood-based opportunities for community conversation and for convenient vaccine access. Health systems and health departments should develop and/or strengthen their collaborations with community-based organizations (CBOs), faith-based organizations (FBOs), and community health workers (CHWs) and, importantly, commit to maintaining these relationships after the COVID-19 pandemic subsides. CBOs, FBOs, and CHWs should play a key role in identifying reasons for low vaccination coverage and should be involved in developing interventions to address those issues, such as providing vaccines at locations community members perceive as safe, familiar, and convenient. CBOs, FBOs, and CHWs who have roots in specific underserved communities and who have common life experiencesboth ups and downshave the local knowledge and trusted inroads into the community that can help make the campaign more personal and its delivery and communication strategies more precise. The report says that humanizing delivery and communication strategies is crucial for vaccines, and cites collaborations between health systems and the communities they serve as an example of this. Can you talk about what that might look like, or give an example of a successful campaign? Community partnerships have been used with great success throughout the pandemic. In the Mission District of San Francisco, for example, the Latino Task Force was instrumental in organizing a community hub for food distribution and other wraparound services. The Task Force, in an alliance with Unidos en Salud, the University of California San Francisco, and the public health department, went door-to-door to promote COVID-19 testing, which resulted in 70,000 tests overall, and provided a platform for the communitys eventual vaccination efforts. By late June, 67% of the Hispanic/Latino population in San Francisco had been vaccinated. COVID-19 vaccinations provide opportunities for people to come into contact with public health systems they might otherwise never consider. How can these encounters be maximized so that people are getting not just vaccines, but perhaps access to other needed services? Vaccines cannot stand on their own as an intervention to stop COVID-19s direct and indirect effects. Public agencies, hospitals and health systems, nonprofit social service providers, CBOs, FBOs, and CHWs should align themselves around a whole person model of pandemic recovery to multiply the benefits of each vaccination encounter. COVID-19 vaccinations and culturally and linguistically appropriate information about them should be provided alongside other critical goods and services, such as food, housing, and job opportunities. Vaccination sites could be resource centers, or hubs, in partnership with CBO and FBO staff to provide holistic support. This type of wraparound service approach provides the sense of safety and security that is essential for informed health decision-making. Also, treating peoples well-being holistically can generate trust in health and governmental systemsthese institutions are proving themselves as trustworthy by caring about whole persons and not just vaccination rates. The pandemic has opened up all sorts of conversations around health equity. How could COVID-19 vaccine campaigns lend themselves to larger, systems-level changes to address gaps? Humanizing delivery and communication strategies for COVID-19 vaccines can lead to broader vaccine coverage in groups with high rates of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths; jumpstart ongoing and consistent delivery of services that improve the health and well-being of underserved populations; and begin the work of repairing the structural and interpersonal racism experienced with medical, public health, and governmental systems. Anchoring COVID-19 vaccination for hard-hit areas in a holistic recovery process can enhance health and wellness among the worst-off survivors of the pandemic now, and it can prompt advances in the social determinants of health that strengthen quality of life as well as community resilience to extreme events. A more highly evolved COVID-19 vaccination campaign can accelerate development of a national immunization program to protect people throughout the life course. It can enable broader coverage for COVID-19 vaccines and the 13 other vaccines urged for some or all adults, and it can raise immunization rates for racial/ethnic minority adults whose vaccination rates trail those of white adults. The community health workforce is essential to the COVID-19 vaccinations campaign efforts, particularly among low-income communities of color. Greater efforts to formalize and sustainably finance CHWswho advance goals of disease prevention, health promotion, and social justicecan lead to better health outcomes, improvements in the social conditions of health, and communities having control over the trajectories of their own health and wellness. Monica Schoch-Spana, PhD is a senior scholar at the Center for Health Security and a senior scientist in Environmental Health and Engineering. (June 21, 1952-July 7, 2021) Paula Marlene Woods of Crestline, Kansas, passed away peacefully at 5:15 p.m. on Wednesday, July 7, 2021 at the Via Christi hospital in Pittsburg, Kansas, following a period of ill health. Paula was born June 21, 1952 in Oswego, Kansas, to Adrian and Margaret (Wa FILE In this Jan. 27, 2021 file photo, Missouri Gov. Mike Parson delivers the State of the State address in Jefferson City, Mo. Federal officials are pushing back after Parson said he doesnt want government employees going door-to-door to urge people to get vaccinated. Missouri asked for help last week from nearly formed federal surge response teams as it combats an influx of cases thats overwhelming some hospitals. Karen Martin receives a COVID-19 vaccine at a vaccination clinic hosted Monday by James River Church West Campus in conjunction with Jordan Valley Community Health Center in Springfield, Mo. COVID-19 cases have doubled over the past three weeks, driven by the fast-spreading delta variant, lagging vaccination rates in some states and Fourth of July gatherings. The Springfield News-Leader 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." Town Reporter Adam joined the JI in November 2020. He graduated in 2019 from the University of Connecticut. He enjoys reading, playing soccer and basketball, as well as piano and drums. He is a fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Penguins, and Pirates. Today Showers early with isolated thunderstorms arriving for the afternoon. High 79F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%. Tonight Cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 62F. Winds light and variable. Tomorrow Cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 82F. Winds light and variable. July 14 would have been the 90th birthday of Seni Sise, the late father of Ousman Koro Ceesay, a former Finance Minister in The Gambia who was murdered in June 1995. Sise passed away in 2014. But on July 14 this year his familys 26-year wait for justice finally bore fruit. We wish our parents, Mr. Seni Sise and Mrs. Fatoumatta Sise were here to witness this before they passed. However, we hope they are looking down and are grateful for this day, said Sises family in a statement issued after Yankuba Touray was found guilty of the murder of Ousman Koro Ceesay and handed a death sentence. Although it has taken more than two decades, we know Allahs timing is perfect. Today, the court has shown us that no one is above the law. In June 1995, Yankuba Touray was one of the senior members of the Military Council of the junta that had taken power in Gambia in July 1994. He was Minister of Local Government, while Edward Singhateh was vice-president of the Council, led by Yahya Jammeh. Koro [Ceesay] was a man of discipline, integrity, and service, with a fantastic sense of humor and love for his family. Today marked the beginning of a new dawn with one conviction. We trust that by the grace of God, the rest of the people who took part in the murder will be brought to justice, said the victims family statement. A high scheme conspiracy The evidence led by the prosecution shows that there was a high scheme conspiracy hatched by Edward Singhateh, [his brother] Peter Singhateh and the accused person to kill the deceased, said Justice Ebrima Jaiteh on July 14 in the High Court of Banjul, Gambias capital city. Alagie Kanyi [a former soldier] gave evidence of how they met at the house of Edward Singhateh and were briefed by Mr. Singhateh that they were going to get rid of the deceased. His evidence shows that they drove to the residence of the accused person which at the time was empty as there was no guard or family member of the accused person in the said house, the judge continued. From the foregoing reasons, the above pieces of evidence and circumstances clearly show that the accused person was involved in beating the deceased with a pestle at his residence. It is also clear from the evidence that after the deceased was struck with a pestle on many occasions, his body was placed in his official car. Furthermore, the accused person together with Edward Singhateh and Peter Singhateh left with the body of the deceased after he was killed in the residence of the accused person. Additionally, the evidence of Pa Abibu MBaye [a retired police officer who was the crime management coordinator at the time of Ceesays murder and was dismissed soon after] shows that the vehicle of the deceased and that of Edward Singhateh were seen heading towards the Sukuta-Jambur Highway at around 1am of 24th June 1995. From a careful study of the evidence on record, it is apparent that the above evidence did not only show that the accused person actually took part in the crime of killing Ousman Koro Ceesay by hitting him with a pestle, he has also taken part in the scheme to dispose of the body of the deceased by burning the body beyond recognition with a view to conceal the crime, and this I shall hold as fact. A historic moment for our justice system After Ceesay was killed, no official investigation was launched by the authorities despite preliminary conclusions of possible foul-play reached by police officers familiar with the case and security officials, including former Interior Minister and army chief Babucarr Jatta. The question that begs an answer is why no investigation was launched into the death of the deceased by the accused person and his cabinet colleagues if they dont have anything to hide from the public? Why were the people who started investigating the case dismissed from the services of the police? The obvious answer is that if the accused person had nothing to hide about the death of the deceased, investigations would have been allowed to go on without any form of intimidation towards the investigators or their dismissal as in the case of Pa Abibu MBaye. It is our submission that the above pieces of evidence corroborate the evidence of Alagie Kanyi and inextricably link the accused person to the death of the deceased, ruled Justice Jaiteh. Yankuba was sentenced to death. There is a moratorium on death penalty in the Gambia since 2012 but capital punishment remains in the law of the land. For a decade, it has systematically been commuted to life imprisonment. It was the first time Gambians could see a verdict livestreamed and as they have been doing with public hearings before the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC) in the past two and a half years they went to several social media sites to watch it. The rule of law has taken its course on Yankuba Touray. And it is quite a great day for justice. It is a historic moment for our justice system, said Sheriff Kijera, chairman of the Center for Victims of Human Rights Violations, an organization supporting Jammehs victims. Gambians were able to follow the verdict in the Yankuba Touray case live on the internet for the first time. Mustapha K. Darboe Whats in the verdict for Edward Singhateh and his brother Yankuba Tourays trial for the murder of Ceesay started in November 2019 and it is the direct result of the work of the TRRC. It was prompted by Tourays refusal to testify before the TRRC on June 26, 2019, on claims that he has constitutional immunity. His uncooperative behavior with the TRRC prompted a national outcry. The Commission ordered his arrest on charges of contempt. And the then Justice Minister Abubacarr Tambadou asked that he be charged with murder. In January this year, the Supreme Court ruled that Touray had no immunity from prosecution for the murder of Ceesay. A lot of the evidence in the case was first detailed before the TRRC. Former vice-president Edward Singhateh himself appeared before the TRRC in October 2019. He denied any knowledge of the murder, while his orderly and his driver, Lamin Marong and Lamin Fatty, said they had dropped him at Tourays house on the night of the murder. Singhateh assured, to the contrary, that he was at home. He said Marong and Fatty had been kicked out of his house, suggesting they have a motive to lie against him. But Jangom, the guard commander at Tourays house, also said that after returning from their patrol, he saw Singhateh at Tourays house, smoking. Singhateh retorted that he does not smoke, suggesting Jangom was also a liar. The Gambian law does not provide for secondary participation in criminal matters, which means that if one willingly takes part in the commission of an offence, he or she is a principal player. For many legal commentators, if a charge stands against Yankuba Touray, the Singhateh brothers may have a tough fight to fend it off if they are charged in turn. Waiting for the Truth Commission recommendations For Gambias rights activists, the verdict is a signal that the time has come to pursue criminal justice for other crimes. This verdict is a huge relief for victims that the road to justice may be long but it shall come to pass one day. It gives hope that ultimately all perpetrators, especially those unrepentant and remorseless such as Yankuba Touray himself as well as Edward Singhateh and Yahya Jammeh, will face justice for their heinous crimes, Gambias leading human rights activist Madi Jobarteh told Justice Info. While I do not support the death penalty, the ruling however is significant in the quest to give victims and survivors the last laugh. Gambia is about to move into a post-Truth Commission era. The TRRC is expected to submit its final report to President Adama Barrow before the end of the month. And the report should include recommendations for the prosecution of a number of individuals. Touray is the most high-profile member of the former junta to be sentenced for a crime committed under Jammeh. But many other former officials and perpetrators appeared before the TRRC and it doesnt protect them from prosecution, even when they cooperated. Tourays verdict comes in a context of a pre-campaign for presidential elections where there are many thorny questions about the current governments political will in ensuring justice for Jammeh-era crimes. Debates on what to do with the transitional justice process once the TRRC has finished its work are ongoing. Tourays trial may foretell how controversial the situation may look like in the coming year when it comes to post-TRRC prosecutions. Attacks against the judge in the case who was himself victimized under Jammeh and a witness before the TRRC last May are another sign of the political tension surrounding such trials. For victims rights activist Kijera, however, the verdict handed down on Yankuba Touray has reinforced the commitment of victims to pursue justice for others. The Irish government on Friday rejected UK plans to halt prosecutions linked to past bloodshed in Northern Ireland, demanding a joint approach that prioritises the relatives of victims. Britain this week promised a statute of limitations to end prosecutions over unrest dating from The Troubles, whether blamed on paramilitaries or on UK security forces, angering all sides of the conflict. Our view is very strongly that unilateralism doesnt work in terms of the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement, Irish prime minister Micheal Martin told reporters, referring to the 1998 peace pact. There has to be a consensus-based approach, and all of the parties in Northern Ireland are united in their opposition to the decision that has been taken, and I think the British government need to reflect on that and on the process. Britains Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis on Wednesday said the legislation would apply to all Troubles-related incidents and was needed as current prosecutions were far from helping, and are in fact impeding, reconciliation in the UK-run province. Former soldiers, veterans groups and their supporters have been sharply critical of continuing prosecutions with defendants now well into old age, and evidence from the time sketchy or now deemed legally unreliable. The leader of the pro-UK Democratic Unionist Party, Jeffrey Donaldson, called the move offensive for ruling out prosecutions of those cowardly terrorists who hid behind masks. But pro-Irish nationalists were also angered, along with relatives of people who died at the hands of British troops or police in Northern Ireland during the three decades of conflict. John Teggart, whose father was one of 10 people killed during unrest in the Ballymurphy area of west Belfast in 1971, said Londons proposal was a cynical plan to bury its war crime. Martin said the views of victims relatives should be uppermost in our minds. They feel betrayed now, they feel let down, he said, speaking alongside the visiting president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen. The plan has compounded tensions between London and Dublin with the two sides also at loggerheads over a special protocol governing post-Brexit trade in Northern Ireland. Von der Leyen insisted the European Union had shown flexibility and pragmatism in applying the protocol while also protecting Northern Irelands peace accord. The protocol is important, the Good Friday Agreement is paramount, and therefore I cannot imagine our British friends will not show the same flexibility that we have shown, she said. But the UK has been maintaining a hard line and plans to submit new proposals about the protocol before its parliament breaks up for the summer on July 22. Beijing refused to allow US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman to meet with her Deputy Secretary of State, thus neglecting the United States. Plan to visit China This will be the first high-level contact since the intense negotiations in Alaska. According to four people familiar with the matter, the United States suspended Shermans plan to go to Tianjin after China refused to agree to a meeting with her colleague Le Yucheng. China offered to meet with Xie Feng, the fifth official of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in charge of US affairs. The Biden administration has been negotiating the first high-level contact since their first meeting in Alaska, and a public quarrel broke out between U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Brinken and Chinas top foreign policy official Yang Jiechi. Although the State Department did not say that Sherman will go to China, she plans to visit Japan, South Korea, and Mongolia. Chinas snub follows a similar The two armies face offEarlier this year, China rejected several requests from the US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin to meet with Chinas top military official, General Xu Qiliang. But China refused to contact, having previously offered to meet with the defense minister who is lower in its system. Maybe they tried to punish the U.S. for not showing enough respect for Anchorage Evan Medros, an expert on China at Georgetown University, said that China is playing a game because the history of the diplomatic conference shows that Sherman should meet with the second official of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Chinas move is dangerous. In an already stressful period, it increases the risk of mistrust, tension and misjudgment, Medeiros said. China originally suggested that Sherman could also have a video call with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi during his visit to Tianjin. Last month, Kurt Campbell, the top White House official in Asia, said the United States was frustrated by Chinas refusal to arrange meetings with officials close to Xi Jinping. He said that even Yang and Wang are not far away from the inner circle of advisors trusted by the Chinese president. The deadlock happened four months later Alaska Conference, Which also ends with a sharp note. At the end of the two-day meeting, Yang told Brinken privately that he welcomed a follow-up meeting in China, and the Secretary of State expressed thank you for this. When Yang asked whether this meant he would visit, Brinken replied Thank you is thank you, which clearly shows that the United States is not prepared to hold another meeting that will anger China. Bonnie Glaser, a China expert at the German Marshall Foundation, said: Maybe they are trying to punish the United States for not showing enough respect for Anchorage. Or Beijing may just be testing the Biden administration and will eventually propose a higher level. Officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this visit may be added to Shermans itinerary. Respected Ryan Hass, a former State Department expert on China who now works at the Brookings Institution, said it was common for the United States and China to negotiate agreements at the beginning of the new administration in Washington. Newly appointed US officials usually want to protect the level of etiquette their offices have traditionally been accepted by the Chinese authorities, and vice versa, Hass said. These types of agreement chaos are often-but not always-resolved on their own when senior officials arrive. A senior State Department official stated that the United States will continue to explore opportunities to engage with Chinese officials. Like all overseas trips, we only announce onceifwe determine that a visit is likely to be substantial and constructive for our purposes. A US official stated that the State Department is conducting on-going possible visits with Beijing. discuss. The United States believes that Shermans visit may be a stepping stone to Brinkens visit to China, which will lay the foundation for President Joe Bidens first meeting with Xi Jinping at the G20 summit in Italy in October. The Chinese Embassy did not respond to a request for comment. follow Dmitry Sevastopoulo On twitter Hollywood producer Dillon Jordan is accused of running an international prostitution ring with the help of a British lady. Jordan made films such as Skin, Children and Kindergarten Teacher and was charged in the Southern District on Thursday. new York. 2 Dillon Jordan accused of operating an international prostitution ring Credit: Getty 2 Prosecutors claim that the producers used two front companies for scams Credit: Agence France-Presse The U.S. Attorney in Manhattan, Audrey Strauss, said that Jordan runs a wide-ranging and far-reaching prostitution business, using an alleged event planning company and a film production company to conceal his gains from exploiting women. . Now the party is over, the movie is over, she added. Federal prosecutors claimed that Jordan ran the sex circle with the help of a British lady, but her identity was not disclosed in court documents. According to reports, Jordan and his wife will share and recommend customers. The indictment alleges that the controlling filmmakers maintain a roster of women living across the United States who have sex with clients in exchange for compensation. The indictment alleges that the producer was suspected of raising funds from the prostitution program through two front companies-an event planning company and a film production company. The indictment alleges that Jordan was accused of operating the operation with his wife between 2010 and May 2017. He was accused of communicating with customers via email, sending photos of women, and discussing prices for different services. He apparently opened several bank accounts to accept payments for prostitution services and manage business expenses. The indictment alleges that Jordan sometimes concealed the nature of payments to women by depicting them as model fees, appearance fees, consulting fees, massage treatment fees, and house party fees, etc.. Jordan founded his company PaperChase Films in 2013. The producer has not issued a public statement on these allegations. When the Philadelphia School District posted an incomplete list of the new school years start time on its website last week, many parents were confused and upset. By Monday afternoon, the list had been deleted. On Thursday, the school district gave it another chance to publish Revised timetable Across Palumbo College and William H. Ziegler Elementary School. The district spokesperson Monica M. Lewis confirmed to PhillyVoice that the revised list is final. The school district initially planned to reduce the 28 start times to three levels7:30 in the morning and 8:15 in the morning. And at 9 a.m., most schools will start at one of these three times.But the final timetable shows that 25 schools start at six other times, including 7:45 a.m., 8 a.m., 8:30 a.m., and 8:45 a.m. Some schools may need time outside the three opening hours, Lewis told Philadelphia Voice. The transportation service department in the area will review the proposed timetable on a case-by-case basis. The timetable shows that 62 schools will start at 7:30 in the morning, another 74 schools will start at 8:15, and the other 76 schools will start at 9 in the morning. Most high schools in the district are scheduled to start at 7:30 in the morning, but 23 The school will start later. On Wednesday morning, in a virtual forum, the head of the school, Evelyn Nunez, told parents that a few high schools will have different opening times for various reasons, but did not elaborate. These reasons. Early on, it conflicted with the guidelines of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the American Academy of Pediatrics, the latter It is recommended that both junior high school students and high school students start class at 8:30 in the morning or later It is beneficial to their physical and mental health, safety and academic achievement. The long-term goal of the school district is to transition to a cross-school timetable to reflect what science has clearly shown to be most beneficial to student learning, said Danielle Floyd, general manager of the Department of Transportation. Both she and Nunez said that with the implementation of the new bell schedule, the school district will seek feedback from the community. The district will begin preparations for the 2022-23 school year at the end of September. According to Nunez, before the COVID-19 pandemic disrupts face-to-face learning in 2020, the school district is working on a tiered bell schedule. Due to resignation and retirement resulting in a serious driver shortage, Nunez said that only three start times can best meet the educational (and) social/emotional needs of all our students while effectively satisfying our operational needs. She added: The school district is aware that we have no personnel to operate at the pre-pandemic level without significantly increasing student travel time. Nevertheless, many participating parents expressed dissatisfaction with the plan because the plan caused problems for parents who started working at 9 am, and most of the students who were picked up by the school district school bus did not go to school. Most of the 41,000 students transported by the school district attended charter schools and private schools. According to Freud, only 13,580 of these students attended district schools. Freud said school districts are required by law to transport students in grades 1-6 who live more than 1.5 miles from their school.For students in grades 7-12, the district provides SEPTA fare card. Starting this year, between 5:30 in the morning and 8 in the evening, a maximum of 8 taps on buses, trolleybuses and subways are allowed each school day Pennsylvania Law School districts are not required to provide transportation services to their students. If school districts provide transportation services, state law requires them to provide the same services to students attending private schools. The law also requires school districts to transport eligible charter school students. Nunez said that some families also expressed concern about the need for high school students to send their siblings to elementary school. If they are already in class, this is impossible. Nunez said the school district is working hard to determine where it needs to expand pre- and after-school programs. She told parents: You will get more information about the pre- and after-school programs provided by schools directly from school leaders. In terms of what the school will provide, this information should be released in August. Nunez said the school district has been working very closely with the principal to develop a new three-tier clock schedule. However, Robin Cooper, chairman of the Commonwealth Association of School Administrators, stated, Tell WHYY last week The principals union was excluded from the discussion. The school district made this decision unilaterally and the principals should implement it. This created an atmosphere of mistrust between the community and school leaders, said Cooper, who was distributed by his union. Distrust petition Confronted with Superintendent William Haight in September last year. Jerry Jordan, President The Philadelphia Teachers Federation told PhillyVoice that the school districts approach to changing timetables was contrary to their past practices, which resulted in a lot of confusion. They didnt take measures at the school level, but took district-wide measures, Jordan said. We have a short time to pass the information to the construction representative, even though we did. We work hard to ensure that the SDP/PFT joint committee hears and resolves disputes in a timely and fair manner, and in fact, we are still working hard Solve problems in individual schools. The school district has scheduled an additional virtual forum on the schedule change at 5 pm on July 21. As the strain spread rapidly in other parts of Southeast Asia, more transmissible variants of COVID-19 were discovered. The Philippine Ministry of Health said on Friday that the Philippines has confirmed the first locally transmitted case of the more contagious variant of the Delta Coronavirus, and one person has died of the disease. The Deputy Minister of Health Maria Rosario Virgil said at a press conference that of the 16 new COVID-19 cases found to be infected with the Delta variant, 11 were marked as local infections. Vergeire said that one of the patients with the variant died after being taken to a hospital in the capital Manila on June 28. Five of the people who tested positive were Filipinos returning from the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and the United Kingdom. The Philippine authorities have been working hard to prevent this variant from spreading in the community after causing a surge in infections in the area. This variant was first discovered in India and is believed to be a key factor in the surge in cases, not only in other parts of India. Asia-Pacific But also in the UK. The fortune teller behind the Simpsons apparently predicted that Sir Richard Bransons flight would reach the edge of space in a commercial rocket plane seven years ago. On Sunday, the Virgin Groups tycoon and five crew members traveled over the VSS Unity in New Mexico and made history. 6 The Simpsons seem to have summoned Sir Richard Branson into space seven years before he actually accomplished this feat. Credit: Fox 6 On Sunday, Branson and five crew members made history, exploding 50 miles above the earth, then turned around and glide back safely Credit: Reuters They were strapped to a carrier plane, separated and exploded 50 miles above the earth, then turned around and glide back safely. This feat is obviously very similar to the 2014 episode of The Simpsons, The Battle of Art. An art forger named Klaus Ziegler (voiced by the late Max von Cido) told Lisa that his forgeries have brought fun to people all over the world. One of the admirers of the forgers artificial art is Branson, who appeared in a cameo, floating on a spaceship, gazing at a painting. Simpson fan Aditya Kondawar first posted a tweet Associate incredible similarities with episodes. how come The Simpsons The show predicts every damn thing? He wrote. Then Bransons company Virgin Atlantic posted the same picture on its official TwitterAnd commented: The Simpsons predicted it. The billionaire who founded Virgin Galactic 17 years ago said that he was satisfied to see the earth from the window of the spacecraft-not a fake art-more beautiful than he thought. Ive always dreamed of this since I was a kid, and what surprised me was that it was more extreme than my dreams. He told the sun. Riding is extreme, but it should be-riding in space is always the case. Matt Groenings animated sitcoms predict a series of events long before they actually happen, which amazes audiences and fans alike. After pro-Donald Trump supporters rushed through the U.S. capital of Washington, D.C. on January 6, many people pointed out The Simpsons thought of it a few years ago. Back to the seventh season, the 18th episode of the show is titled The day the violence died, The characters attacked the Capitol with guns and even bombs. hundreds of Pro-Trump supporters stormed into the U.S. Capitol Just when Vice President Mike Pence and members of Congress met to vote and prove the results of the election and announced President-elect Joe Biden as the winner. As early as 2000, the show compiled an episode of Donald Trump who will become the President of the United States. In this episode, Lisa mentions inherited considerable budgetary austerity from President Trump. There is even a scene Trump walked down the stairwell and waved to his supporters -In 2015, when he announced his candidacy for president, he was almost completely placed in real life. The 2016 episode even made fun of Ivanka 2028 Running for public office. They are also considered to be many years ahead of real life. Tom Hanks promoted the New Grand Canyon as a salesman and claimed that the US government has lost its credibility. He said on the show: This is what Tom Hanks said. If you see me with your own eyes, please leave me. Tom Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson are the most famous faces who contracted Covid-19 during their trip to Australia. Fourteen years before the construction of the Shard in London began, a skyscraper was discovered in an episode of Simpsons reconstruction of the London skyline and in the episode of Big Ben and London Bridge. In 2003, the beating of Roy Horn by a seven-year-old white tiger named Mantecore seemed to mimic the plot of the show in 1993, when the German magic duo came to Springfield and was attacked by the white tigers. Roy suffered multiple injuries, including spinal fractures and crush injuries. As early as 1997, The Simpsons played a short video of a school dinner at Springfield Elementary where the ladies chewed on horse meat. This story will restart in 2013, when it was discovered that horse meat was being provided to British school children. The headline of The Suns front page titled The Horse at School Dinner discussed the governments investigation of school dinners. Some people think that the Simpsons somehow predicted the tragedy of 9/11. In this episode, Lisa appeared on the front page of a newspaper that aired in 1997. Theorists believe that this newspaper with the headline New York $9 a day-the number 9 displayed in bold next to the Twin Towers, similar to the number 11, is an early warning of the 2001 New York attack. The crystal ball mind behind the cartoon even imagined that Canada would legalize marijuana in 2005. In this episode, Ned Flanders is provided by his other Canadian self with a reeferino-cannabis joint gibberish. Thirteen years later, this country has become a herbivore. This video is very similar to the scene called The Battle of Art in The Simpsons in 2014, which is the 15th episode of the 25th season of the show. In the animation show, the art counterfeiter Klaus Ziegler told Lisa that his forgeries brought fun to people all over the world, and then showed how to watch the works of art in different places. people. 6 The billionaire who founded Virgin Galactic 17 years ago said that he was satisfied to see the earth from the window of the spacecraft-not a fake art-more beautiful than he thought. Credit: Reuters 6 The show predicted Trumps presidency in 2000 Image Credit: 20th Century Fox 6 An episode of 2016 teased Ivanka 2028 running for office Credit: Fox 6 Going back to the seventh season, the 18th episode of the show Day of Violent Death, the characters attacked the Capitol with guns and even bombs. Credit: Fox Prime Minister Justin Trudeau condemned the Cuban authorities for the first time on Thursday for using violence to suppress the protests that have erupted in the country in recent days. He also admitted for the first time that the protests were a political demand for freedom and democracy, not merely because of complaints about material shortages. We are deeply concerned about the Cuban regimes violent suppression of protests. We condemn the arrest and suppression of peaceful demonstrations by the authorities, he said at a public event in Montreal. As always, we stand with the Cuban people who desire democracy, freedom and respect. One Preliminary statement The government once called on all parties to exercise restraint and encourage all parties involved in the crisis to engage in peaceful and inclusive dialogue. The statement did not mention democracy, nor did it condemn the governments use of force to disperse demonstrations. It described the Cuban crisis as a COVID-related issue related to food and medicine shortages, echoing the Cuban Communist Partys view of the incident. OToole convenes other parties Trudeaus transition comes as his party prepares for the election, and the Conservative Party has expressed a clear support for the Cuban protesters. Before Trudeaus speech today, Conservative Party leader Irene OToole accused the leader of a Canadian left-wing party of being indifferent to the plight of Cubans. These brave Cubans are facing brutal suppression by the communist regime while calling for the basic democratic freedoms we enjoy in Canada-and the so-called political leadership in Canada doesnt seem to care, he wrote. I condemn the actions of the Cuban Communist regime and call on Justin Trudeau, Jagmit Singh, Yves-Francois Blanchett and Annami Paul to do the same. The silence of these people, some of whom have previously praised the brutal dictator of the Cuban regime, speaks for it. Good first step The Cuban Canadian activist Ernesto Perez Alfonso is a software engineer in Toronto. He came to Canada through the Skilled Worker Program 12 years ago. He said that Trudeau Zhou Sis speech is a good first step. This is not enough, but for now, this is the best result we can get. Since last November, a series of human rights violations have occurred, especially San Isidro Movement with January 27 sports. But no condemnation [from] The Canadian governmentuntil today did not deal with these violations. The two groups were formed to protest Cuban Decree No. 349, which requires artists to obtain government permission before creating works of art. Following a rare protest outside the Ministry of Culture on January 27, several people were detained, harassed or interrogated.Cuban government Condemned them as mercenaries. The New Democratic Party echoes the Cuban governments line Perez Alfonso said that although the Trudeau government has improved its public stance, the New Democratic Party is closer to the line advocated by the Cuban regime. The statement issued by the New Democratic Party foreign affairs commentator Jack Harris mainly talked about ending the US embargo against Cuba. Cuban democracy activists differed in their views on the embargo. Many people believe that they blamed their own mistakes on external sanctions, thus helping the Communist Party to maintain power. But Cubans outside the ruling party rarely argue that the countrys severe shortage is actually the result of the embargo, which has made food and medicine tax-free since 2000. Perez Alfonso said that the New Democratic Partys statement disappointed Cuban Canadians. He said: They condemned the embargo and made no mention of the recent repression of the Cuban people. The Quebec Group did not condemn Cubas repression, even though it has loudly Call for an end to sanctions. The Green Party is very concerned about its own internal issues and has not yet issued a statement on the matter. Perez Alfonso said that Cuban Canadians will continue to urge all political parties to take a clear stand and demand that Cuba return to democracy. Cuba held its last free election in 1948. We hope to get the support of the second party at least in 1948. Canada, the official opposition party. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Thursday that Canada can allow vaccinated Americans to enter the country for non-essential travel from mid-August, and should be able to welcome vaccinated Americans from all countries by early September. Vaccinated travelers. Trudeau spoke with provincial leaders on Thursday, and his office released the announcement of the conference call. He pointed out that if Canadas current positive path of vaccination rates and public health conditions continues, the border can be opened. By early September, Canada will be able to welcome fully vaccinated travelers from all countries, the readout said. Trudeau noted that discussions with the United States on the reopening plan were ongoing, and stated that we are expected to allow fully vaccinated US citizens and permanent residents to enter Canada for non-essential travel from mid-August, it added. Trudeau said Canada continues to lead the G20 countries in terms of vaccination rates, with approximately 80% of eligible Canadians receiving the first dose of vaccine, and more than 50% of eligible Canadians fully vaccinated. He said that as the vaccination rate continues to increase, the number of cases and severe cases across the country continue to decline. Since the first few months of the pandemic, unnecessary entry into Canada by Americans and others has been restricted. Seoul, Korea South Korea is developing a new type of artillery and short-range rocket defense system modeled on the Israeli iron dome to further upgrade its military hardware on the peninsula, which is still technically at war. The South Korean government said last month that it plans to invest approximately US$2.5 billion in R&D and deployment of new systems by 2035. The Korean War of 1950-53 ended with an armistice rather than a peace treaty. Since then, the North and South have established armies and armaments along the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) that separates the two countries. North Korea has also developed nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles in recent years. Although the envisaged South Korean defense system cannot defend against these weapons, it can target artillery and short-range rockets. It is estimated that North Korea has excavated 10,000 artillery pieces, including rocket launchers, north of the DMZ, less than 100 kilometers (62 miles) from the Greater Seoul area and its 25 million inhabitants (half of South Koreas population). South Koreas new system is designed to use interceptor missiles to protect the South Korean capital, its core facilities, and critical military and security infrastructure from potential North Korean bombing. But South Koreas artillery interception system needs to be much stronger than the Israeli system. Iron Dome occasionally reacts to rockets fired by militant groups such as Hamas and irregular forces, said Colonel Suh Yong-won, a spokesperson for the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), in June. There will be similarities in some parts of the system, but the system we are going to build is designed to intercept North Koreas long-range artillery. Given the current security situation, this requires a higher level of technology. He said this is why the cost of the Korean system is expected to be much higher than that of the Israeli system. Military experts also pointed out that Israel needs to shoot down far fewer projectiles than South Korea may need. In the most recent conflict in Gaza, Hamas launched approximately 4,300 rockets in 10 days. But according to a recent report, North Korea uses more advanced sighting systems, artillery, and rocket launchers, and initially can fire about 16,000 rounds of bullets per hour. report Han Nationality Daily reported. This is an extremely challenging task, said Ankit Panda, a senior researcher at Stanton, a nuclear policy program at the Carnegie Foundation for International Peace. no choice Nevertheless, experts seem to believe that South Korea will be able to develop an effective missile defense system to counter North Korean artillery and rockets. The problem is the price. For many countries, national security, especially military budgets, challenge traditional cost-benefit analysis. South Korea has no choice or no alternative, said Cho Dongjun, director of the Center for Korean Studies at Seoul National University. South Korea is worried that North Korea can fire long-range artillery without fear of retaliation. The motivation to develop this system came from 2010, when North Korea Shelling the border of Yanping Island And killed four people. According to the Korean National Daily, after the Yanping incident, the South Korean authorities had considered introducing the iron dome system, but ultimately deemed it inappropriate. Their focus at the time was to destroy the source of the incoming fire. To this end, South Korea last year deployed a new South Korean tactical surface missile, KTSSM, a so-called cannon killer with a range of 100 kilometers (62 miles), specifically designed to destroy North Korean artillery. Joe said he also specializes in nuclear strategy. But South Koreas KTSSM needs time to target and destroy sources of fire artillery and rocket launchers which may give Pyongyang enough time to strike and destroy key facilities in Seoul. South Koreas new Iron Dome system will defend against this threat, and the Patriot and Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) anti-missile defense system has been deployed to defend North Koreas ballistic missiles. North Korea has been upgrading its arsenal and military hardware, and demonstrated what it calls the most powerful weapon in the world at the military parade in January. [File: KCNA via Reuters] Prevent nuclear escalation Some experts believe that by defending North Koreas artillery and rockets in the demilitarized zone, limited provocations will be contained, and it is unlikely that they will escalate into a larger conflict involving North Koreas nuclear weapons. North Koreas escalation ladder is now very high-to nuclear weapons, Joe explained, adding that South Korea must be able to respond specifically to the artillery threat or impose a greater risk of provoking an escalation. The development of nuclear weapons by North Korea has brought many strategic challenges beyond the weapons themselves. The threat of using them makes Pyongyang more bold and puts Seoul at a disadvantage, even though Seoul has extremely superior conventional power and is allied with the United States. North Koreas possession of nuclear weapons is the reason for the breakdown of the strategic balance The missile defense has slightly adjusted this imbalance, explained Gao Mingxuan, a researcher at the Asan Policy Research Institute. However, anti-missile and anti-artillery defense is regarded as a relatively expensive undertaking, involving years of research and development, and its benefits are questionable. The expenditure of the defense system can be compensated by deploying more offensive missiles to overcome the defense system, and the cost will be lower. Carnegies Panda said: Any attacker, whether it is North Korea or Hamas, is always cheaper to get more offensive missiles than defenders continue to purchase defensive interceptors. The resources South Korea will spend There are opportunity costs elsewhere, how much South Korea can spend on offensive weapons. At the same time, South Koreas booming military-industrial complex can benefit greatly from the project, beyond the initial research, development, and deployment of South Korea. A system like this may be very attractive as a potential export product, Panda said. dialogue However, some people strongly oppose the plan, believing that South Koreas increasing military spending-now close to 50 billion U.S. dollars a year-is driving an arms race between South Korea and North Korea. Long-range artillery is a threat, but South Koreas military and weapon deployment are also a threat to North Korea, said Park Jong-un, secretary general of the famous South Korean non-governmental organization Peoples Unity in Democracy. South Korea has been upgrading its military hardware in many areas, including the development and deployment of advanced naval destroyers, its own artillery, rocket and missile systems, and the F-35 joint strike fighter, which are several generations ahead of North Korea. Coras weapon system. It is this imbalance in conventional power that prompted Pyongyang to adopt an alternative strategy. The increase in armaments ultimately prevented North Korea from making other choices to focus on asymmetric weapons such as nuclear weapons and weapons of mass destruction, Park said. Park Geun-hye, who has been engaged in peace activities for 15 years, said that the spending of South Korean democratic leadership even exceeds that of conservatives. Democrats want to avoid criticism of weakness and to appease troops that are not so enthusiastic about peace initiatives. There are corporate motives behind approving such an expensive project. This may be a way to feed integrated defense companies such as Samsung or Hanwha for unrealistic military defense, Park said. One of the criticisms of the Iron Dome is that it prevents the Israeli government from solving the long-term root cause of the problem through diplomatic means. Park Geun-hye made the same evaluation of South Korea. Instead of Iron Dome, I think we need to pay more attention to dialogue. The death toll from devastating floods in western Germany and parts of Belgium rose to more than 90 on Friday, as the search for hundreds of unaccounted persons continues. Authorities in the German state of Rhineland-Palatinate state that 50 people have died there, including at least 9 residents of assisted living facilities for the disabled. In the neighboring state of North Rhine-Westphalia, the official death toll was set at 30, but warned that this number may rise further. According to reports, about 1,300 people are still missing, but the authorities said that efforts to reach them may be hindered by the interruption of roads and telephone connections. Local authorities and the media reported earlier on Friday that in interim statistics, the death toll in Belgium has risen to 12, and 5 people are still missing. This weeks flash floods occurred after a few days of heavy rains, which turned streams and streets into torrential torrents, washed away cars and caused houses in the area to collapse. On Thursday evening, at a press conference held at the White House, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and US President Joe Biden expressed their grief for the victims. The long-time German leader who is bidding farewell to Washington said she fears that the full extent of this tragedy will only become apparent in the next few days. Rescuers rushed to help people trapped in their homes in the town of Erftstadt in southwest Cologne on Friday, where several houses were in danger of collapsing as the foundations were destroyed by floods. Late Thursday, the three were rescued from the Ulm River in Heinsburg County. Army deployment The governor of North Rhine-Westphalia, Armin Laschet, held an emergency cabinet meeting on Friday. The 60-year-olds handling of the flood disaster is widely regarded as a test of his ambition to succeed Merkel as chancellor in the German national election on September 26. The German army has deployed 900 soldiers to assist in rescue and clean-up work. On Friday, a police car parked in the center of Kilheim, Germany, to prevent robbery. (Jonas Guettler/dpa/Associated Press) Thousands of people are still homeless after their houses were destroyed or deemed in danger by the authorities, including several villages around the Steinbach Reservoir, which experts say may have collapsed under the weight of the flood. On the other side of the Belgian border, most drowning people have been found near Liege, where the rain is the heaviest. The sky in eastern Belgium is basically cloudy, and people are increasingly hopeful that the worst disaster has passed. The President ordered an investigation into allegations that some intelligence officials knew and met with those responsible for the 2019 bombings. Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has ordered an investigation into the allegations that some members of the relevant national intelligence agencies knew and met with the perpetrators of such criminal activities. Easter Sunday bombing A government official said that more than 260 people died in 2019. The Catholic Church of Sri Lanka sent a letter to the president on Tuesday expressing concerns about the governments handling of suicide bombings and asking it to investigate suspected links between intelligence personnel and the organization that carried out the attack. Two local Muslim groups that declared their allegiance to the Islamic State of ISIL (ISIS) allegedly carried out six coordinated attacks on churches and major tourist hotels, resulting in 269 deaths. Another man did not carry out a planned attack at the fourth tourist hotel, but later committed suicide by detonating a bomb in a different location. A group of bishops and priests led by the Archbishop of Colombo, Malcolm Ranjith, the National Catholic Judicial Council wrote to the victims of the Easter Sunday attacks, calling on the president to follow the presidents advice to the former president Maitri Pala Report of the Commission of Inquiry into Legal Action for Maithripala Sirisenas negligence. The Sirisena government has been severely criticized for failing to act on near-specific foreign intelligence warnings of impending attacks. Media Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said on Wednesday that all the findings of the committee have been transferred to the relevant authorities. There are a lot of things coming in, and the best thing the president can do is to submit them to the relevant authorities, Lambakwela said. The President has transferred them all to the relevant authorities for further action. The ecclesiastical group also stated that it should investigate former prime minister Raniel Wickle Masingha because the report concluded that his soft attitude towards Islamic extremism led to the attack. The letter also stated that the authorities have not yet taken legal action against 11 police officers, two justice ministers and two Muslim politicians named by the committee. Several lawmakers delivered speeches in Parliament, citing witnesses who appeared before the committee as saying that members of the National Intelligence Agency met with men who had withdrawn from the initial attack and then committed suicide. The letter from a church official quoted a speech from the parliament, stating that intelligence agents allegedly released a suspect who was detained by the police. The report of the Presidential Council has not been released to the public. A volume is provided to the legislator, and the entire report is submitted to the Attorney Generals Department for prosecution. Finalists 2021 Healthcare Design Showcase CallisonRTKL partnered with the Evangelical Community Hospital (ECH) in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania to revitalize the existing community hospital with a new landmark bed tower. Through the Ward Improvement, Modernization and Enhancement (PRIME) project, we have created a modern space that uses natural light to define wayfinding through a series of courtyards and openings, guiding users through the new tower to the existing hospital. The ECH PRIME Tower represents an opportunity to modernize the facility and bring the community back to the hospital with a new brand and patient experience. The goal is to seamlessly connect the new tower with existing facilities, provide expanded patient services, and establish a long-term relationship between the community and the hospital. The new tower is connected to the existing hospital at two locations to connect to the existing traffic, while the remaining footprint is preserved to create a courtyard along the main promenade. The narrow floor allows the light to penetrate deeper into the patients floor, reach the clinical support core, and connect the staff to the outside. Choose light colors, neutral colors and reflective colors to make the light penetrate deeper into the core support area of ??the floor and increase the ambient lighting. Wood was introduced to compliment the view of the landscape courtyard along the large glass windows along the ground floor promenade and public facility spaces. The black steel details of the entire facility refer to the environment of central Pennsylvania and are used as wayfinding points for tourists. Colors are introduced through the selection of furniture and large custom wall graphics along the promenade, patient floor, and treatment space. The underlying graphics are a unique artist interpretation of the local landscape commissioned specifically for the project. The graphics on the patient floor are selected by the nurses who serve the unit and provide a unique identification for each department. In the new building, the landscape of the existing campus has been carefully selected to maintain a familiar frame of reference for the community. The movement through the new space is arranged and enhanced through strategically placed openings and landscaped courtyards to experience the fusion of the old and the new. In order to provide future flexibility, a switchable negative pressure chamber was added near the isolation room during construction. This creates several rooms that can be activated as demand increases in emergency surge conditions. The lobby and conference center are also very flexible in design and used to host community events focusing on population health and wellness. Adaptive design is now playing a very important role as a mass vaccination spot in the community. Item category: New General Manager: Kendra A. Aucker, President and CEO of Evangelical Community Hospital the company: Carlison RTKL, www.callisonrtkl.com design team: CallisonRTKL (architecture, medical planning, interior design, medical equipment planning, construction management) Total construction area (square feet): 130,000 Construction cost/square foot: $427 (new); $300 (renovated) Total construction cost (excluding land): US$51.2 million (new); US$3.6 million (renovation) fully: September 2020 Source link It's only fair to share... Pinterest Linkedin email Print Former Haitian Justice Department official Joseph Felix Badio could have ordered Assassinate The Colombian police chief, General Jorge Vargas, said on Friday that the statement of Haitian President Jovenel Moise (Jovenel Moise). On July 7, an assassin armed with an assault rifle attacked Moises private residence on the hill above Port-au-Prince and was shot dead. Vargas said in an audio message sent by the police to the news media that the Haitian and Colombian authorities, together with Interpol, investigated the murder of Mois and found that Badio appeared to have ordered the assassination three days before the attack. Badio could not be reached immediately for comment. His whereabouts are unknown. According to Vargas, the investigation revealed that Badio had ordered former Colombian soldier Dubni Cappado and German Rivera (who originally signed a contract to perform security services) to kill Mois. A few days ago, obviously three days ago, Joseph Felix Badio, a former official of the (Haiti) Ministry of Justice, told Cappadore and Rivera that they must assassinate the President. The anti-corruption division of the General Intelligence Agency works. Haiti, Vargas said. Vargas did not provide evidence or provide more details about the source of the information. The Haitian authorities strongly opposed reports that current government officials participated in the July 7 killing of Haitian President Jovenel Moise, calling it a lie [Joseph Odelyn/AP Photo] A few hours after Moise was killed, Cappado was killed in a gun battle with the Haitian police. Rivera is still detained in Haiti, and the police are still looking for Badio. He worked in the Haitian Ministry of Justice and the governments anti-corruption department until he was fired in May. More than 20 suspects who were directly involved in the killing have been arrested, most of them Former Colombian soldier. At least the other three The suspect was killed, The police say they Still looking There are at least seven other people. The Colombian government stated that only a small group of Colombian soldiers knew the true nature of the operation, and everyone else was deceived. Also on Friday, Police Chief Leon Charles said that when the presidents residence was attacked, 24 police officers were on guard.He said they have been interrogated and the fifth senior official Police officer They were detained in solitary confinement with the other four, but no one was listed as a suspect. Interim Prime Minister Claude Joseph stated that the government will continue to bring the perpetrators to justice. We will continue to ask questions, he said. Vargas said on Friday that at least most of the tickets for former soldiers to Haiti were purchased through Worldwide Capital Lending Group, a Florida-based company. Officials said earlier that they were acquired by another Florida company, CTU Security, which allegedly recruited these people. Worldwide issued a statement on Thursday that it helped provide a loan to CTU, but said it was designed to help fund the foundation sought by the Haitian doctor and pastor Christian Emmanuel Sanon who was arrested for the conspiracy. Facilities project. In meetings or conversations with Dr. Sanon or any of his representatives, there has never been any mention, discussion or suggestion of the assassination of President Moise or the use of force to change the intentions of the Haitian leadership, the company said. Supporters of former Haitian President Jean-Bertrand Aristide celebrate his arrival from Cuba [Fernando Llano/AP Photo] At the same time, former President Jean-Bertrand Aristide returned to Haiti on Friday after spending nearly a month in Cuba, exciting the hundreds of supporters gathered at the airport. Aristide, a charming but divisive figure in Haiti, is receiving unspecified medical treatment in Cuba. The return of Aristide has added a potentially destabilizing factor to the already tense situation in a country facing a power vacuum. Aristide has long been one of the most polarized politicians in Haiti and is still welcomed by many people. He was elected president in 1990, was forced to step down in a military coup a year later, and was returned to power by the US military in 1994 to complete his remaining term. As a supporter of the poor and an advocate of liberation theology on the left, he is deeply hated by the elite. MORE than 90 people have died and up to 1,300 are feared missing after apocalyptic rains ravaged Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium, sparking deadly floods. Residents have been ordered to evacuate as swollen rivers are forecast to rise even higher tonight as more extreme weather is on the way with further torrential rain forecast to hit the deluged region. 25 The unprecedented weather has wreaked havoc across Western Europe Credit: Reuters 25 Parts of western Germany are under water after being hit by a freak rain storm Credit: AP 25 Residents being saved in Liege, Belgium Credit: Zuma Press 25 A five-car pile-up in Verviers, Belgium 25 A woman wading through floodwater in Liege Credit: Rex 25 Cars in flooded water in Ensival, Belgium 25 Water shoots out of the outlet of the hydroelectric power station below the Ruhr dam near Heimbach, Germany Credit: AP The death toll from devastating floods across parts of western Germany and Belgium rose above 90 today, as the search continued for hundreds of people still unaccounted for. About 1,300 people were missing in the Ahrweiler district south of Cologne, the district government said on Facebook. Mobile phone networks have collapsed in some of the flood-stricken regions, which means that family and friends were unable to track down their loved ones. Authorities in the German state of Rhineland-Palatinate said 50 people had died there, including at least nine residents of an assisted living facility for people with disabilities. In neighbouring North Rhine-Westphalia state officials put the death toll at 30, but warned that the figure could rise further. Belgian broadcaster RTBF reported at least 12 dead in the country. CATASTROPHE The devastating storm dumped 148 litres of rain per square metre within 48 hours, which usually sees 80 litres during the whole of July. Regional interior minister Roger Lewentz told broadcaster SWR: When you havent heard for people for such a long time you have to fear the worst. The number of victims will likely keep rising in the coming days. German Chancellor Angela Merkel dubbed the dire weather a catastrophe ahead of a meeting in Washington with US President Joe Biden. She told a press conference: Heavy rainfall and floods are very inadequate words to describe this it is therefore really a catastrophe. Flooding has also reached Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands, while several regions in Switzerland, France and the Czech Republic also on high alert. Authorities have warned to expect more flooding downstream after a dam near Heimbach, Germany overflowed last night The number of victims will likely keep rising in the coming days Regional interior minister Roger Lewentz The unprecedented weather has created a perilous situation in Western Europe, seeing thousands forced to evacuate as homes collapse and cars are swept away by floodwaters. At least 58 people have died in Germany while another nine fatalities were reported in Belgium including a 15-year-old girl. Police have asked people to share footage and pictures of the floods to help them locate the missing as hundreds of soldiers were deployed to aid authorities. Now, Germanys DWD meteorologists are predicting further extreme storms in the western and central parts of Germany, with peak rainfall possibly reaching 200 litres per square meter. FURTHER EXTREME STORMS France, Italy, and Australia have sent a flood rescue team to assist overwhelmed Belgian authorities, as the government of the countrys Wallonia region granted 2.5 billion in emergency aid. Residents who live near the banks of the Meuse and Sambre rivers in Namur, Belgium and those in the city of Liege have been urged to evacuate as waters continue to rise. In the Ahrweiler district of Germanys Rhineland-Palatinate, at least 28 people have died 19 of which were killed after the Ahr river burst its banks, destroying six houses. At least another 30 died in the North Rhine-Westphalia state, with 15 deaths being reported in the district of Euskirchen. 25 25 At least 70 people have died in Western Germany as a result of the flooding Credit: AP 25 Up to 1,300 are feared to be missing Credit: AFP 25 The strong currents are proving difficult for rescue teams to navigate Credit: Rex 25 Belgian residents evacuated their homes amid fears the waters are set to rise even further Credit: Getty 25 There has been major damage done to roads and houses Credit: AP German police have said up to 70 people are missing in the Schuld municipality after homes sat along a river collapsed. In Cologne, a 72-year-old woman and a 54-year-old man died when their basements flooded while another drowned in his cellar in Solingen. Two German firefighters also died during rescue operations in the North Rhine Westphalia towns of Altena and Werdohl, with one drowning and another dying of a heart attack, the Telegraph reports. In Leverkusen, 468 people were evacuated from a hospital after floods cut off power, according to the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung. Expressing her dismay on Twitter, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said: I am shocked by the disaster that has affected so many people. My condolences go out to the relatives of the dead and missing. I thank the many tireless helpers and emergency services from the bottom of my heart. North Rhine Westphalia leader Armin Laschet, who is running to succeed Merkel in September elections, cancelled a party meeting in Bavaria to survey the damage in his state, which is one of Germanys most populous. We will stand by the towns and people whove been affected, Laschet, clad in rubber boots, told reporters in the town of Hagen. THOUSANDS EVACUATED Large chunks of Rhineland-Palatinate and North Rhine Westphalia are under water while villages in Belgiums Liege and Wallonia provinces were being evacuated due to rising river levels. Belgium news outlet VRT NWS quoted the mayor of Pepinster, a small town of around 10,000 people in the Liege province, who said dozens of houses collapsed along the Vesdre River that flows through the area. In the town of Chaudfontaine, daily Le Soir reported that nearly 1,800 people had to evacuate while 250 people in Moelingen were forced to leave their homes overnight. The emergency services advised us not to wait until tomorrow morning and to get out immediately one woman told Belgian TV station VTM News. The house is completely full of water. VRT NWS also confirmed that the body of a 50-year-old man was found in the basement of his house in Aywaille, while the BBC confirmed five others have died. Alexandre de Croo, the Belgian prime minister, tweeted: Belgium faces unprecedented rainfall. We assure all those affected as well as the local authorities our full support. All emergency services are mobilized with the help of the Ministry of Interior and Defense. Belgium receives international support. Meanwhile, 433 homes are without electricity and a number of care homes have been evacuated in the southern Dutch province of Limburg, which borders Germany and Belgium, due heavy rainfall, according to DutchNews.nl. Local news footage showed small rivers of water flowing through the scenic city centres streets and at least one care home had been evacuated. Its a catastrophe! There are dead, missing and many people still in danger. Malu Dreyer Meanwhile the Luxembourg government set up a crisis cell to respond to emergencies triggered by heavy rains overnight as Prime Minister Xavier Bettel reported several homes had been flooded and were no longer inhabitable. Back in Germany, homes in the Ahrweiler district are reportedly in danger of suddenly collapsing, while six have already crumbled, local police said Thursday morning. Residents have been seen using shovels and excavators to clear mounds of stones and earth from main roads. In neighbouring North Rhine Westphalia, at least 13 people are confirmed dead with bodies found scattered in several places across the Eifel valleys. Four of the dead were in the municipality of Schuld south of Bonn where six houses were swept away by floods, a police spokesman in the city of Koblenz said. Flooding has caused major damage to properties and forced authorities to close off large portions of motorways leading in and around the inundated areas. 25 The river Ahr burst its banks, killing at least 19 people in Germanys Rhineland-Palatinate Credit: EPA 25 A destroyed car lies in the Ahr river after heavy flooding in Schuld, Germany Credit: EPA 25 Authorities are urging people to stay away from flood waters Credit: EPA 25 Damaged cars and buildings in Hagen, Germany 25 Thousands of people have been forced to evacuate Credit: EPA 25 German army tanks pulls a truck from the mud in Hagen 25 An Envisal resident looks out of her door 25 The fire brigade evacuate people from their homes in South Limburg, the Netherlands A police spokesman in Koblenz, Rhineland-Palatinate, said that up to 70 people are missing, Bild reports. Some 50 people trapped on their roofs have been rescued, a local police official said. The situation in the rural area of Eifelkreis Bitburg-Prum has been described as extremely dangerous after 15 deaths were reported. A family of five was reportedly stranded in their home while being surrounded by rising water with rescue attempts proving unsuccessful. Residents were seen climbing onto the roofs of their homes in a desperate attempt to be rescued by helicopters. HEAVY RAIN FORECAST FOR FRIDAY Rescuers have also become trapped in some parts due to the strong current of floodwaters. There are many places where fire brigades and rescue workers have been deployed. We dont yet have a very precise picture because rescue measures are continuing, a police spokesperson said. Rhineland-Palatinate premier Malu Dreyer declared the floods a catastrophe. Its a catastrophe! There are dead, missing and many people still in danger, he said. All of our emergency services are in action round the clock and risking their own lives. I extend my sympathies to the victims of this flood catastrophe. The Germany Weather Service issued an extreme weather warning for three states this week and said rains over the past 24 hours had been unprecedented. Heavy rain is forecast across the region on Friday, raising concerns more fatalities could be recorded. The city of Hagen declared a state of emergency after the banks of the Volme river burst, leaving around 190,000 households without power. Rail and road transport has been disrupted by the torrential downpours and hundreds of soliders have been called in to help with evacuations. More storms are expected to hit southwestern Germany today and could last until tonight, forecasters said. The country was hit by heavy rains caused by a low-pressure weather system that meteorologists have dubbed Bern. 25 A state of emergency was declared in the North Rhine Westphalia city of Hagen Credit: EPA 25 Firefighters move sandbags to fight off the Duessel, which flooded large parts of Duesseldorf Credit: EPA 25 Heavy rain is also forecast for Friday Credit: EPA 25 Rescue operations remain ongoing as many more are feared dead Credit: AP Environment official Bernd Mehlig told WDR: We see this kind of situation only in winter ordinarily. Something like this, with this intensity, is completely unusual in summer. According to 2019 figures on statista.com, North Rhine Westphalia is the most populated region in Germany with 18million of the countrys 83million inhabitants and consists of cities such as Dortmund, Dusseldorf and Cologne. MORE than a 100 people have died in Germany and up to 1,300 are missing after one of the worst floods in its history unleashed raging floods and landslides. Emergency workers are in a race against time as they try to rescue hundreds of people in danger or still unaccounted for amid mounting concerns of a fresh disaster as more freak rain storms are forecast. 33 Rescuers were rushing today to help people trapped in their homes in the town of Erftstadt, southwest of Cologne Credit: AP 33 The same scene before the flood shows just how much damage has been wreaked Credit: Google Maps 33 Schuld: The village in the district of Ahrweiler is largely destroyed and flooded after the storm with high water Credit: Boris Roessler / Avalon 33 The unprecedented weather has wreaked havoc across Western Europe Credit: Reuters 33 Residents being saved in Liege, Belgium Credit: Zuma Press 33 A five-car pile-up in Verviers, Belgium German media has dubbed the national disaster a flood of death with at least 103 dead so far across the states of North-Rhine Westphalia and Rhineland Palatinate. Entire communities lay in ruins after swollen rivers swept through towns and villages in the German states of North Rhine-Westphalia and Rhineland-Palatinate, Belgium and the Netherlands. About 1,300 people were missing in the Ahrweiler district south of Cologne, the district government said. Mobile phone networks have collapsed in some of the flood-stricken regions, which means that family and friends were unable to track down their loved ones. The devastating storm dumped 148 litres of rain per square metre within 48 hours, which usually sees 80 litres during the whole of July, in the worst deluge for 200 years. Meanwhile, authorities in Rhine-Sieg county south of Cologne ordered the evacuation of several villages below the Steinbach reservoir because they fear the dam there could break. I fear that we will only see the full extent of the disaster in the coming days German Chancellor Angela Merkel One dam close to the Belgium border, the Rurtalsperre, was flooded overnight while another, the Steinbachtalsperre, is on the brink of collapsae Regional interior minister Roger Lewentz told broadcaster SWR: When you havent heard for people for such a long time you have to fear the worst. The number of victims will likely keep rising in the coming days. Chancellor Merkel dubbed the dire weather a catastrophe ahead of a meeting in Washington with US President Joe Biden. She told a press conference: Heavy rainfall and floods are very inadequate words to describe this it is therefore really a catastrophe. I fear that we will only see the full extent of the disaster in the coming days. Flooding has also reached Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands, while several regions in Switzerland, France and the Czech Republic also on high alert. Authorities have warned to expect more flooding downstream after a dam near Heimbach, Germany overflowed last night MORE EXTREME STORMS ON WAY The unprecedented weather has created a perilous situation in Western Europe, seeing thousands forced to evacuate as homes collapse and cars are swept away by floodwaters. Police have asked people to share footage and pictures of the floods to help them locate the missing as hundreds of soldiers were deployed to aid authorities. Now, Germanys DWD meteorologists are predicting further extreme storms in the western and central parts of Germany, with peak rainfall possibly reaching 200 litres per square meter. France, Italy, and Australia have sent a flood rescue team to assist overwhelmed Belgian authorities, as the government of the countrys Wallonia region granted 2.5 billion in emergency aid. Residents who live near the banks of the Meuse and Sambre rivers in Namur, Belgium and those in the city of Liege have been urged to evacuate as waters continue to rise. 33 33 Dozens of people are missing in Germany after heavy flooding turned streams and streets into raging torrents, sweeping away cars and causing some buildings to collapse Credit: AP 33 A woman wading through floodwater in Liege Credit: Rex In the Ahrweiler district of Germanys Rhineland-Palatinate, at least 28 people have died. Nineteen of them were killed after the Ahr river burst its banks, destroying six houses. At least another 30 died in the North Rhine-Westphalia state, with 15 deaths being reported in the district of Euskirchen. In Sinzig, twelve people with disabilities perished when floods hit their care home. 33 Water shoots out of the outlet of the hydroelectric power station below the Ruhr dam near Heimbach, Germany it is feared it could burst at any minute Credit: AP 33 Weather maps show an area of low pressure which is set to unleash more heavy rain Credit: WX CHARTS 33 Damaged cars pile up on a street after flooding in Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler Credit: EPA 33 Large parts of Western Germany were hit by heavy, continuous rain Credit: EPA 33 A destroyed caravan and other debris lie next to a railway track in Altenahr, Germany Credit: AP 33 Walporzheim, Germany, after flood waters swept through Credit: Rex German police have said up to 70 people are missing in the Schuld municipality after homes sat along a river collapsed. In Cologne, a 72-year-old woman and a 54-year-old man died when their basements flooded while another drowned in his cellar in Solingen. Two German firefighters also died during rescue operations in the North Rhine Westphalia towns of Altena and Werdohl, with one drowning and another dying of a heart attack, the Telegraph reports. In Leverkusen, 468 people were evacuated from a hospital after floods cut off power, according to the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung. 33 The warnings were made by DWD which is the German Meteorological Service 33 People are being evacuated in a tractor trailer in a flooded street on July 15, 2021 in Valkenburg, Netherlands Credit: Getty 33 Up to 1,300 are feared to be missing Credit: AFP 33 The strong currents are proving difficult for rescue teams to navigate Credit: Rex Expressing her dismay on Twitter, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said: I am shocked by the disaster that has affected so many people. My condolences go out to the relatives of the dead and missing. I thank the many tireless helpers and emergency services from the bottom of my heart. North Rhine Westphalia leader Armin Laschet, who is running to succeed Merkel in September elections, cancelled a party meeting in Bavaria to survey the damage in his state, which is one of Germanys most populous. We will stand by the towns and people whove been affected, Laschet, clad in rubber boots, told reporters in the town of Hagen. 33 Belgian residents evacuated their homes amid fears the waters are set to rise even further Credit: Getty 33 There has been major damage done to roads and houses Credit: AP Large chunks of Rhineland-Palatinate and North Rhine Westphalia are under water while villages in Belgiums Liege and Wallonia provinces were being evacuated due to rising river levels. Belgium news outlet VRT NWS quoted the mayor of Pepinster, a small town of around 10,000 people in the Liege province, who said dozens of houses collapsed along the Vesdre River that flows through the area. In the town of Chaudfontaine, daily Le Soir reported that nearly 1,800 people had to evacuate while 250 people in Moelingen were forced to leave their homes overnight. The emergency services advised us not to wait until tomorrow morning and to get out immediately one woman told Belgian TV station VTM News. The house is completely full of water. THOUSANDS EVACUATED VRT NWS also confirmed that the body of a 50-year-old man was found in the basement of his house in Aywaille, while the BBC confirmed five others have died. Alexandre de Croo, the Belgian prime minister, tweeted: Belgium faces unprecedented rainfall. We assure all those affected as well as the local authorities our full support. All emergency services are mobilized with the help of the Ministry of Interior and Defense. Belgium receives international support. Meanwhile, 433 homes are without electricity and a number of care homes have been evacuated in the southern Dutch province of Limburg, which borders Germany and Belgium, due heavy rainfall, according to DutchNews.nl. Local news footage showed small rivers of water flowing through the scenic city centres streets and at least one care home had been evacuated. Its a catastrophe! There are dead, missing and many people still in danger. Malu Dreyer Meanwhile the Luxembourg government set up a crisis cell to respond to emergencies triggered by heavy rains overnight as Prime Minister Xavier Bettel reported several homes had been flooded and were no longer inhabitable. Back in Germany, homes in the Ahrweiler district are reportedly in danger of suddenly collapsing, while six have already crumbled, local police said Thursday morning. Residents have been seen using shovels and excavators to clear mounds of stones and earth from main roads. In neighbouring North Rhine Westphalia, at least 13 people are confirmed dead with bodies found scattered in several places across the Eifel valleys. Four of the dead were in the municipality of Schuld south of Bonn where six houses were swept away by floods, a police spokesman in the city of Koblenz said. Flooding has caused major damage to properties and forced authorities to close off large portions of motorways leading in and around the inundated areas. 33 The river Ahr burst its banks, killing at least 19 people in Germanys Rhineland-Palatinate Credit: EPA 33 A destroyed car lies in the Ahr river after heavy flooding in Schuld, Germany Credit: EPA 33 Authorities are urging people to stay away from flood waters Credit: EPA 33 Damaged cars and buildings in Hagen, Germany 33 Thousands of people have been forced to evacuate Credit: EPA 33 German army tanks pulls a truck from the mud in Hagen 33 An Envisal resident looks out of her door 33 The fire brigade evacuate people from their homes in South Limburg, the Netherlands A police spokesman in Koblenz, Rhineland-Palatinate, said that up to 70 people are missing, Bild reports. Some 50 people trapped on their roofs have been rescued, a local police official said. The situation in the rural area of Eifelkreis Bitburg-Prum has been described as extremely dangerous after 15 deaths were reported. A family of five was reportedly stranded in their home while being surrounded by rising water with rescue attempts proving unsuccessful. Residents were seen climbing onto the roofs of their homes in a desperate attempt to be rescued by helicopters. HEAVY RAIN FORECAST Rescuers have also become trapped in some parts due to the strong current of floodwaters. There are many places where fire brigades and rescue workers have been deployed. We dont yet have a very precise picture because rescue measures are continuing, a police spokesperson said. Rhineland-Palatinate premier Malu Dreyer declared the floods a catastrophe. Its a catastrophe! There are dead, missing and many people still in danger, he said. All of our emergency services are in action round the clock and risking their own lives. I extend my sympathies to the victims of this flood catastrophe. 33 A state of emergency was declared in the North Rhine Westphalia city of Hagen Credit: EPA 33 Firefighters move sandbags to fight off the Duessel, which flooded large parts of Duesseldorf Credit: EPA 33 Heavy rain is also forecast for Friday Credit: EPA 33 Rescue operations remain ongoing as many more are feared dead Credit: AP The Germany Weather Service issued an extreme weather warning for three states this week and said rains over the past 24 hours had been unprecedented. Heavy rain is forecast across the region on Friday, raising concerns more fatalities could be recorded. The city of Hagen declared a state of emergency after the banks of the Volme river burst, leaving around 190,000 households without power. Rail and road transport has been disrupted by the torrential downpours and hundreds of soliders have been called in to help with evacuations. The country was hit by heavy rains caused by a low-pressure weather system that meteorologists have dubbed Bern. Environment official Bernd Mehlig told WDR: We see this kind of situation only in winter ordinarily. Something like this, with this intensity, is completely unusual in summer. According to 2019 figures on statista.com, North Rhine Westphalia is the most populated region in Germany with 18million of the countrys 83million inhabitants and consists of cities such as Dortmund, Dusseldorf and Cologne. Fans of Good Morning Britain were taken aback this morning because the rarely seen host Pip Tomson started the show. Pretty brunette turned on breakfast show today instead of ordinary news reader Sean Fletcher -Let people ask Who is she? on Twitter 2 Good Morning Britain today introduced a rare host to kick off the breakfast show 2 Pip opens at 6 am, and regular anchors Charlotte Hawkins and Kate Garraway take over at 6.30 am point Aired at 6 am, 46-year-old regular anchor Charlotte Hawkins (Charlotte Hawkins) and Kate Garaway, 53, took over at 6.30 in the morning. Because Pips existence cannot be explained, the audience is confused. An audience member said: Welcome to Pip, not sure where you are from, but everyone is starting somewhere for the first time. Good luck. Another fan typed: Pip? Who is Pip?! One more share: Pip Thomson? Wow?! Pip revealed that she was present on Friday and wrote on Instagram: I will be in the studio tomorrow (Friday). Wake you up from your deep sleep and bring you headlines on GMB starting at 6 am. Kate and Charlotte start at 6:30 am. Please join us. There are many discussions, including the imminent freedom day. Kenya celebrated its two anniversary last week. Fifty-two years ago, this country experienced a terrible tragedy-the 38-year-old Minister of Economic Planning and Development Tom Mboya was assassinated. Even at that young age, Mboya was already a living legend in Kenya and elsewhere. In his 20s, he was one of Africas top anti-colonial leaders and helped establish and organize the union movement across the continent. In his 30s, he participated in the negotiation of Kenyas independence and did a lot of work to determine the future development direction of the country. On July 5, 1969, he was murdered by the country he established and served. In his heyday, the ambitious Mboya left a mixed legacy, and the country is still accepting it. His personal talent, charisma and speech skills are unparalleled in Kenyan political history. The opportunity he provided for a generation of Kenyans to study in the United States made the country the first black president and awarded Kenya the first Nobel Peace Award winner. However, as Kenyas first Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, he was also primarily responsible for the destruction of the independent constitution, and submitted the amendment to the Parliament, thus creating thousands of people who would eventually devour him not only. Fellow monsters. The amendment concentrated power in the hands of the president, weakened and eventually abolished decentralized local government, and turned the judiciary and legislature into the executive branch. Less than three months before his murder, the parliament consolidated all the changes proposed by him and his successors and announced a new constitution in which the imperial president Jomo Kenyatta ruled unrestricted . It was this president who had lost his favor at the time, and he would give the green light to Mboyas killing. Even before independence, Mboya made it clear that he had no time [the governing party] Canu. He ordered the banning of newspapers because they did not highlight Kenyatta and threatened to restrict freedom of speech and press after December 12, 1963. He warned the opposition that if, as he said, it would face strict legal services, without any useful purpose, it is a luxury that we will not tolerate. We cant afford it. It is said that he is the driving force behind the one-party state, which will become the millstone on the necks of Kenyans. He adopted this idea from Kwame Nkrumah in Ghana and put it in his briefcase. It was brought to Kenya. This brings us to our second anniversary. Almost 21 years after Mboya was assassinated, on July 7, 1990, which was named Saba Saba (7/7), at least 39 people were killed, 69 people were injured, and more than 5,000 people were arrested. Heralded a 20-year resistance movement aimed at overthrowing the country he helped build. At that time, it was a public rally calling for the resumption of the multiparty politics of the Mboya era. The states violent response hardly eased the momentum of change. The reaction that day triggered a wave of mass protests and civil disobedience, which eventually turned into a tsunami that swept down KANU 12 years later, and finally passed a new constitution in 2010, which canceled many of Mboyas amendments . These two anniversaries are particularly noteworthy this year, just a few days after the Kenyan governments oral debate on an appeal against a high court ruling that blocked its attempt to amend the constitution. Drawing lessons from the misfortune of the independent constitution in the hands of Mboya and his followers, the judges essentially ruled that President Uhuru Kenyatta and his rival Raila Odinga, who had become friends, could not In doing so, the 2010 document passed their much-touted Bridge Building Initiative. The appellate courts decision on whether to uphold the ruling will be made in approximately seven weeks. As history has shown, Kenyas stakes cannot be higher, and lives may actually be up in the air. But in another sense, even if the battle is won, the government has already lost the war. Marilyn Kamuru, a Kenyan writer and public policy adviser, said the High Courts ruling has changed peoples perceptions. Even if the appeal is overturned, it will not be overturned at that moment. This moment is similar to the historic decision that the Supreme Court announced four years ago that Kenyatta won the presidential election. Despite the intimidation campaign and subsequent false elections and the resettlement of him, the people have seen that the constitution they fought for makes it possible and will not ignore it. The impact has spread outside Kenya. For example, Malawis Constitutional Court is unlikely to also cancel the re-election of President Peter Mutharika last year. The Kenyan government doesnt like to commemorate Mboyas killing or Saba Saba. They are not public holidays, nor are they officially recognized. It was not until 42 years after his death that a statue was erected for Mboya a few meters from where he was shot. However, its heartening that ordinary Kenyans still need time to remember, and there are very few Saba Saba Days, when the country did not use tear gas and brutal treatment of peaceful protesters as it did in the past 31 years. Before playing the role of oppressor. At this time, when the country threatens to return to the dark days of unbridled dictatorship, it is important for Kenyans to constantly remind themselves that freedom is always the product of struggle, and a large part of it is the struggle to preserve memory. The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial stance. Prince of Wales recalls first parachute The Prince of Wales recalled his first parachute landing in Dorset nearly 50 years ago, Initially it was inverted and my legs were on the rigging line. Charles, 72, showed a new color to the parachute regiment at a ceremony held at Merville Barracks in Colchester, Essex. On July 29, 1971, when the prince landed from an Andover plane to Studland Bay in Dorset and completed his first parachute landing, he was only 23 years old. At that time, he received training as a jet pilot during a four-month internship in the Royal Air Force. In 1977, he was appointed as the colonel of the parachute regiment, and in 1978 he asked to participate in the parachute training course of the British Royal Air Force Britz Norton. Speaking to soldiers, veterans and family members on Tuesday, he said: I can hardly believe that I have been your colonel for 44 years, and it has been almost 50 years since I landed on a parachute for the first time. At first, my legs were inverted. The rigging line entered Studland Bay in Dorset, where I was pulled out of the water by the Royal Marines. American scientist William Haseltine said that I think the herd immunity strategy is actually fatal because the UK is preparing to lift most of the restrictions on public gatherings, businesses and nightclubs. British government plans to cancel Daily pandemic restrictions International experts have warned that next week will be reckless and unscientific in England, and some people think it amounts to a premeditated murder. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said this week that although the delta virus is spreading out of control, it is very likely that the most severe period of the coronavirus pandemic will have passed as he continues to reopen on Monday. He once said that the UK can reopen because now two-thirds of adults are vaccinated, but Englands chief medical officer Chris Whitty warned that the infection rate is expected to reach very scary levels. International scientists, including other government advisers, made cruel remarks against Johnson. American scientist William Haseltine said after an urgent discussion among experts on the British plan: I once wrote that I think the herd immunity strategy is actually deadly. He said that targeting herd immunity means implementing a policy knowing that it will cause thousands of deaths. As a policy, this is a disaster, he added. On Friday, the UK reported its highest number of new COVID cases in more than six months. Government data shows that there are 51,870 new coronavirus cases, up from 48,553 on Thursday, and the highest daily total since January 15. The number of new deaths reported within 28 days of testing positive for COVID was 49, down from 63 on Thursday, bringing the total for this measure to 128,642. The data shows that 67.5% of British adults have received two doses of the vaccine, while 87.6% of adults have received at least one dose. Most people who have not been vaccinated are young people who have only recently received the vaccine. During the COVID-19 pandemic in London, people wearing protective masks walk along the platform of the Oxford Circus Underground Station [File: Henry Nicholls/Reuters] The government stated that it would not pursue a herd immunity policy by letting the Delta variant be destroyed, but admitted that the daily infection rate may soar to 100,000 in the next few weeks, which will put further pressure on hospitals. Whitty said on Thursday: I dont think we should underestimate the fact that we may get into trouble again at an alarming rate, and he urged the public to process things at an incredible speed as restrictions relax. Starting on Monday-called Freedom Day by some media-the government will Lift most restrictions At public gatherings in England, nightclubs and other businesses are allowed to reopen. As Johnson promotes a new approach to personal responsibility, the rules for covering masks and working from home will be removed, although he also urges people not to follow the wind. University of Bristol professor Gabriel Scally (Gabriel Scally) said, but this is exactly what Johnson adopted to allow the spread of the virus policy, infect people, make them sick, and make them die. He said that the governments announced approach to lift control of respiratory diseases before the winter surge was characterized by moral emptiness and epidemiological stupidity. The Scottish and Welsh governments have formulated their own health policies and will comply with legal requirements for wearing face masks in enclosed spaces such as shops and public transport. Northern Ireland seems to follow suit. From Monday-called Freedom Day by some media-the government will remove most restrictions on public gatherings [File: Henry Nicholls/Reuters] Dr. Suhayl Essa was treated at the Hillbrow Clinic in Johannesburg city centre on Sunday, in which a 6-month-old baby was shot in the head in the crossfire. Later that day, four foreigners arrived within half an hour. They were stabbed in the chest for suspected xenophobic violence. Then a man was hit by a rubber bullet, his eyeballs almost hanging in his eye sockets. I feel that the citizens of this country have lost their humanity to their compatriots, said 28-year-old Esa. During his 14-hour shift, Essa could hear the crackling of gunfire outside. After each salvo, a new wave of patients comes inmany of them are drunk and violent. Essa: I do feel that I have a good reason to get up every day and go to work to do my job [Courtesy Suhayl Essa] Nothing can prepare me for what is about to happen, he told Al Jazeera on Thursday. Its like a complete war zone. Since the imprisonment of former President Jacob Zuma last week, the deadly unrest in parts of the country has put pressure on the health system that is already responding to the continents worst COVID-19 crisis-a crisis that has caused more than 65,000 People died. In Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal provinces affected by the riots, ambulances, pharmacies and health centers were ransacked. Because commuting has become too dangerous, many health workers are unable to go to work. Others sleep in the workplace, worrying about violence in the community. Due to roadblocks, some morgues could not clear the dead. Hospital resources have been pushed to the limit. Essa said: To be honest, I dont understand how the health sector responds to this new wave of patients, whether its militiamen arresting and beating looters, or people being caught by police trying to contain these rioters. We are already understaffed. We are almost out of oxygen. There are not enough beds. Due to the pandemic, we have COVID patients waited in the hospital corridor for two days to be admitted. 3. The team had to use our armored ambulance Mfezi to respond to the call to transfer patients and staff last night. We beg the community to stop attacks on caregivers and EMS vehicles so that we can provide services to those in desperate need. pic.twitter.com/MK32C6XnU6 Official_GautengEMS (@GautengEMS) July 12, 2021 The death toll may increase Health authorities have described the violent acts that led to at least 117 deaths and more than 2,200 arrests in two provinces as super spreaders. But Tulio de Oliviera, director of the KRISP laboratory in KwaZulu-Natal province, who is responsible for sequencing about half of the coronavirus genome in Africa, said it is too early to tell whether this is the case. Massive robbery may be a super-spreader incident. But at the same time, many people have been staying quietly at home. At present, to be honest, we dont know what impact it will have on the spread of the virus, he said. All we know is that it [the unrest] Disrupted vaccination sites and diagnostic laboratories. It also disrupted many medical services and oxygen transportation in hospitals, so we wouldnt be surprised if we see a rapid increase in deaths. South Africa has been trying to roll out the vaccine fast enough, even before Zuma was imprisoned in the early hours of July 8. Due to the riots, many state-run and private vaccination centers were temporarily closed, which further increased the difficulty. Earlier this week, President Cyril Ramaphosa warned: Our vaccination program has been severely disrupted while gaining momentum. This will help us consolidate what we have been in the economic recovery. The ability to see some progress has a lasting impact. The South African economy contracted by 7% in 2020, largely due to COVID-19 restrictions and falling external demand. The rising number of cases forced the government to enter a level 4 lockdown last month, banning all gatherings-adding another illegality to the current riots. The unemployment rate is at a record 32.6%, one of the countries with the highest inequality rate in the world. For many communities already plagued by poverty and food insecurity, the period of COVID-19 is particularly devastating. What the COVID lockdown does is to increase inequality, Lizette of the Institute of Security Research in Pretoria Lancaster said. If we look at many areas where robbery and general violence occur, these places are traditionally vulnerable to public violence-shops are often looted or foreigners are targeted. Communities in these areas are particularly vulnerable when tensions increase. Hot spots shouldnt shock many people. South African firefighters are suspected of robbers walking around outside a vandalized mall in Voslorus, a suburb of Johannesburg [File: Marco Longari/AFP] The economic losses caused by the recent unrest will further exacerbate the impact of the pandemicespecially for some of the least affluent countries in South Africa. Ramaphosa said on Monday: Although these may be opportunistic predatory behavior driven by difficulties and poverty, the poor and marginalized are the first to suffer the damage that is currently taking place. help others The number of soldiers deployed to quell the unrest has reached 25,000, and reserve personnel have been called to reach this number. Until their tasks are completed, health workers will continue to work on the cutting edge. In the painful experience of the clinic, Esa recalled two patients who had arrived at the same time, both of whom were bleeding heavily. They brought me a person who was almost dead and another person who was stabbed in the chest but I thought could be saved. I dont think I have time to resuscitate those who have left. Esa had to tell the news to the family of the deceased. They quickly pointed their fingers at the young doctor, tried to rush to him, and were stopped by security. The brother of the deceased then broke into the treatment room and caught a glimpse of the corpse, angering the others who were waiting for treatment. A battle ensued, and the two sides beat each other, blood splattered. The clinic was in chaos. The overwhelmed police did not arrive within one and a half hours???????????? Essa was eventually escorted out of the clinic by the police, and although he showed signs of post-traumatic stress disorder, he has returned to work. In a weeks time, his determination gradually recovered. Yes, we have riots. Yes, we have thugs. But I do think I have a good reason to get up every day to go to work and do my job. This is because there are still outstanding South Africans who need my help, He says. San Diego-From the northern county all the way south to the U.S.-Mexico border, Thursday was an eventful time for San Diego County firefighters as they fought multiple fires. Fire officials said that this is only a sign of the future. On Friday, officials from San Diego County, the California Fire Department, and other public safety partners in the area plan to announce wildfire preparation plans and more information about how San Diego prepares families. We do everything we can on an individual basis to ensure that we are not the ones who fired, said Thomas Tells, Captain of California Fire San Diego. But we only need people to realize that we obviously cannot control the actions of others. We need to be prepared to take action and evacuate immediately upon notification. The biggest local fire on Thursday Coming to the west of the Tecate port of entry The downed electrical wires from Mexico passed through the United States, setting off a fire that scorched 30 acres of land and threatened buildings in the community. As of 7pm, the fire had been approximately 50% under control, but it is expected that staff will stay in the area all night to build the containment line. It actually burned down several buildings, a residential trailer, outbuildings, and a horse trailer, the shooting said. When staff were fighting the fire at the border, Cal Fire said that a small one-acre fire broke out in the Deer Springs area, called the Gopher Fire. Even an acre of fire requires a lot of resources, Shoots said. We are still bringing in engines, bulldozers, crews, helicopters and planes. And its closer to the city, The I-8 entrance ramp is closed near the old town And San Diego fire rescue personnel are dealing with a bush fire burning near the highway. We are at a time when we see these fires every day of the year, Shoots said. U.S. Rep. Andy King helped clean up the U.S. Capitol after the January 6 uprising and assisted cleanup personnel late at night. Now, the blue suit he wore that day is heading to the Smithsonian Museum. The Democratic congressman representing New Jerseys third congressional district said that the museum contacted him because it was looking for items to commemorate the event. uprising. Jin donated this suit earlier this month. more news Here is how Philadelphia residents provided input on three Benjamin Franklin Park Avenue redesign proposals Six Flags insists on safety first after the recent roller coaster closure Two men arrested in Atlantic Countys largest ever drug trafficking case The American History Museum confirmed that it has received the lawsuit, but it has no plans to display it immediately. gold Tell NBC He originally purchased the J. Crew suit to attend the inauguration of President Joe Biden.Instead, he ended up wearing it because he Clear the debris of the Capitol -An act that has attracted national attention. This suit means a lot of different things to me, Kim told NBC. This was originally a suit I bought for celebration I am very happy to wear a new suit on such a big occasion. Then this suit has a different meaning. I cant help but see the January 6th The tragedy then turned into a suit, and I began to see it in the people of this country. From that day on, they saw a sense of hope and tenacity in it. in a Twitter topic, King said he wanted to make sure people remember the rebellion that former President Donald Trumps supporters undermined the certification of the election results. King said that this lawsuit kept bringing back the horrible memories of that day, and he was unable to separate the lawsuit from what happened. Nevertheless, he still sees it as a form of resilience and hope. Like my suit, what I did on its face on January 6th was not compelling, Kim wrote. I saw a mess and clean it up. I want to correct the mistakes that day as quickly and as practically as possible. Neither my suit nor my actions are memorable, but the story does not end there. Kim wore this suit again when he voted to impeach Trump on January 13. He said there was still dust left by the uprising on its knees. Then he vowed never to wear it again. I even considered throwing it away, Kim wrote. It only brings back terrible memories. I will never be able to distinguish that suit from the events of January 6. I put it in my closet because I never want to see it again. . But when he received thousands of cards from people who had seen photos of him cleaning up the wreckage of the Capitol, he realized that it gave them hope. So when the Smithsonian asked for it, he said yes. In the rare demonstrations in the island country, at least 100 people were arrested and 1 person was killed. Michelle Bachelet, the head of UN human rights affairs, called on Cuba to release the protesters and several journalists arrested in the rare demonstrations in Caribbean countries, and condemned the excessive use of force by security personnel. In a statement on Friday, five days later The protesters took to the streets first Bachelet condemned the governments response in the context of shortages of basic goods, restrictions on civil liberties, and riots caused by the governments handling of COVID-19. Since the beginning of the mass protests on Sunday, one person has died and at least 100 people have been reportedly arrested. Bachelet said in a statement: It is particularly worrying that these people include those who are allegedly in solitary confinement and those whose whereabouts are unknown. All persons detained for exercising their rights must be released immediately. Bachelet called for an independent, transparent and effective investigation of the death, and the accountability of those responsible. She also urged the Cuban authorities to ensure that Internet access was fully restored after a few days of being cut off earlier this week. During the protest, the use of social media and messaging services was also restricted. Although Cuban leaders stated that the riots were instigated and funded by the United States, they accused the United States of using social media to take advantage of the difficulties caused by U.S. sanctions, but President Miguel Diaz-Canel on Wednesday First confession The governments shortcomings also played a role. He said that the government must make a critical analysis of our problems in order to take action and overcome them to avoid repeating the same mistakes. At the same time, Prime Minister Manuel Marrero announced on Wednesday that the government will exempt passengers entering customs from customs fees and size restrictions for food, medicine and other necessities. This is obviously a slight for protesters. concession. BATON ROUGE, La. Preliminary data for June 2021 released today by the Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS) shows promising signs that Louisianians are getting back to work. Louisiana gained 6,700 jobs in total nonfarm employment from the May 2021 estimate of 1,832,200. The state has also gained 68,800 jobs since June 2020 for a total of 1,838,900, up from 1,770,100. Louisianas seasonally adjusted total private sector employment showed strong gains both over the month and over the year. The June 2021 estimate of 1,529,000 shows an increase of 8,700 jobs from the May 2021 revised figure of 1,520,300. The series has added 67,300 jobs from the June 2020 figure of 1,461,700. Since June 2020, the number of seasonally adjusted employed individuals increased by 153,610 from 1,772,157 to 1,925,767 in June 2021. When compared to May 2021, the number of seasonally adjusted employed individuals increased by 2,408. Since June 2020, the number of not seasonally adjusted unemployed individuals decreased by 39,533 from 182,860 to 143,327 in June 2021. When compared to May 2021, the number of seasonally adjusted unemployed individuals decreased by 3,370. The June 2021 seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 6.9 percent shows a decline both over the month and over the year. The rate dropped 0.2 percentage points from the revised May 2021 rate of 7.1 percent, and 2.5 percentage points from the June 2020 rate of 9.4 percent. There are thousands of opportunities out there for people looking for work, and we know businesses are hiring, said Louisiana Workforce Commission (LWC) Secretary Ava Cates. Weve made a lot of progress in getting Louisianians back to work, and were not about to slow down our efforts. As Louisianas economy continues to show signs of improvement, LWC is connecting employers and future employers with a statewide job fair on August 4 as part of the newly launched Back to Work Louisiana campaign. Job seekers can click here to find their nearest location. There are also over 50,000 of jobs listed on the HiRE site, which allows individuals to file for unemployment benefits and search for available jobs in their area. Industries that showed the largest gains for seasonally adjusted jobs from June 2020: Leisure and Hospitality gained 27,900 jobs from June 2020. Professional and Business Services gained 12,800 jobs from June 2020. Education and Health Services gained 13,000 jobs from June 2020. Trade, Transportation, and Utilities gained 9,300 jobs from June 2020. Among Louisianas MSAs in June 2021, seasonally adjusted data shows: Alexandria (59,800 jobs) showed no change from May 2021, but gained 1,700 jobs from June 2020. Baton Rouge (385,900 jobs) added 100 jobs from May 2021 and gained 16,400 jobs from June 2020. Hammond (45,600 jobs) showed no change from May 2021, but gained 1,600 jobs from June 2020. Houma (82,900 jobs) added 200 jobs from May 2021 and gained 3,900 jobs from June 2020. Lafayette (192,100 jobs) added 1,300 jobs from May 2021 and gained 7,100 jobs from June 2020. Lake Charles (92,500 jobs) lost 300 jobs from May 2021 and lost 1,400 jobs from June 2020. Monroe (74,300 jobs) lost 100 jobs from May 2021, but gained 2,100 jobs from June 2020. New Orleans (524,600 jobs) added 1,200 jobs from May 2021 and gained 19,000 jobs from June 2020. Shreveport (170,500 jobs) added 3,600 jobs from May 2021 and gained 7,500 jobs from June 2020. Not Seasonally Adjusted Data Since June 2020, not seasonally adjusted nonfarm employment increased by 76,200 jobs from 1,770,000 to 1,846,200 in June 2021. When compared to May 2021, not seasonally adjusted nonfarm employment increased by 7,500 jobs. Since June 2020, not seasonally adjusted private sector employment increased by 73,200 jobs from 1,465,200 to 1,538,400 in June 2021. When compared to May 2021, not seasonally adjusted private sector employment increased by 15,100 jobs. Louisianas not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for June 2021 is 7.4 percent, a decrease of 2.9 percentage points from the June 2020 not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 10.3 percent. The rate shows an increase of 0.7 percentage points from the May 2021 rate of 6.7 percent. Since June 2020, the number of not seasonally adjusted employed individuals increased by 162,778 from 1,773,461 to 1,936,239 in June 2021. When compared to May 2021, the number of not seasonally adjusted employed individuals increased by 3,842. Since June 2020, the number of not seasonally adjusted unemployed individuals decreased by 48,142 from 203,300 to 155,158 in June 2021. When compared to May 2021, the number of not seasonally adjusted unemployed individuals increased by 15,440 individuals. June metropolitan statistical area (MSA) and parish unemployment rates will be released on July 23, 2021. The 2021 state and MSA data release dates schedule is now available, to view please click here. Seasonally Adjusted vs. Not Seasonally Adjusted Data Jobs and employment trends data are often difficult to understand because there are two different ways to look at the data, seasonally or non-seasonally adjusted data. Seasonal adjustment works to measure and remove the influences of predictable seasonal patterns to reveal how employment and unemployment figures change from month to month. Not seasonally adjusted data retains seasonal employment trends. Over the course of a year, the labor force size, available jobs and employment rates undergo predictable fluctuations due to seasonal changes in weather, harvests, major holidays, and school schedules. Seasonal adjustment reduces the impact of these changes, making it easier to understand trends. Seasonally adjusted data is best utilized when comparing several months of employment and jobs data, while not seasonally adjusted data is best used to compare over-the-year trends. Seasonally adjusted data are useful for comparisons among states and the nation. The Louisiana Workforce Commission primarily uses seasonally adjusted data because it provides a more useful and telling picture of Louisianas jobs and employment situation. To view all available employment data, visit Louisianas employment homepage at http://www.laworks.net and select Labor Market Information from the top-right menu. Then, select LOIS (Louisiana Occupational Information System) and select Employment and Wage Data listed under Data Trends. To view the BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics for the state, visit http://data.bls.gov/pdq/querytool.jsp?survey=la. For BLS nonfarm employment data, click here: http://data.bls.gov/pdq/querytool.jsp?survey=sm. Data Considerations All data published from the Bureau of Labor Statistics is preliminary and is subject to revision on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis. Revised numbers for previous months are available from the BLS databases located on bls.gov. The revised numbers are available upon release of new data. Resources for Employers and Job Seekers Job-seekers can explore careers, apply for top-rated jobs and connect with local training providers using Louisiana Star Jobs, the LWCs free career tool, at http://www.laworks.net/Stars/. Employers looking for workers should visit Louisianas employment homepage at http://www.laworks.net. Click on HiRE (Helping Individuals Reach Employment) and create an account allowing access to qualified job seekers. BATON ROUGECEO of the Pelican Institute, Daniel Erspamer released the following statement after the announcement of the veto override session: We applaud the decision of the legislature to allow this veto-override session to proceed. While there will be much talk about the historic nature of this session, the people of Louisiana care more about results than record books. House Bill 38, the school district fiscal transparency bill by Representative Rick Edmonds, received support of large majorities of the legislature during its journey through the 2021 session. School district transparency is among the most popular issues to Louisianans, with support from 95% of people across this state. While the governor called the bill unnecessary and unaffordable, we believe that fiscal transparency is of the utmost importance and is never unnecessary. With schools across the state set to receive $3.9 billion in MFP dollars this year and an additional $4 billion in federal dollars, transparency has never been more important. A potential cost of several thousand dollars per district is worth the investment to ensure taxpayers can see where their money is being spent. We urge the legislature to vote to override the veto of this important and popular piece of legislation. If this veto is left to stand, taxpayers will be left to wonder: what are they hiding?" JEFFERSON CITY, MO (AP) -- A local prosecutor on Friday filed a total of 63 felony criminal charges against three employees over a July 2018 tourist boat accident on a Missouri lake that killed 17 people. Federal charges dismissed in 2018 Missouri duck boat sinking that killed 17 A federal court has dismissed a 47-count indictment against the captain and two managers cha The charges were filed in Stone County against the captain, the general manager and the manager on duty the day of the accident for the Ride the Ducks attraction on Table Rock Lake near the tourist mecca of Branson. 2 more duck boat workers indicted in sinking that killed 17 A federal grand jury has indicted two more employees of a company that owns a duck boat that sank on a Missouri lake last summer, killing 17 people. The charges were announced by County Prosecuting Attorney Matt Selby and Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt. 1 year later: An account of the Branson duck boat sinking The morning of July 19, 2018, had that feel Midwesterners are familiar with: That still, sticky air hinting a stormy day ahead. The charges against captain Kenneth Scott McKee, of Verona, general manager Curtis Lanham, of Galena, and manager on duty Charles Baltzell, of Kirbyville, came seven months after a federal judge dismissed charges filed by federal prosecutors, concluding that they did not have jurisdiction. New attraction opens up in place of Ride the Duck in Branson The company that owns a duck boat that sank on a Missouri lake last summer, killing 17 people, announced Thursday that it won't operate the vessels this year because of the ongoing investigation and will instead open a replacement attraction in the tourist town of Branson. McKee faces 29 charges, including 17 charges of first-degree involuntary manslaughter. An affidavit from a Missouri Highway Patrol sergeant accuses him of failing to exercise his duties as a licensed captain by taking his amphibious vehicle onto the lake during a thunderstorm. Baltzell and Lanham face 17 charges each of first-degree involuntary manslaughter. They are accused of failing communicate weather conditions and failing to cease operations during a severe thunderstorm warning. Duck boat operators criticize attorney general's lawsuit The operators of a Missouri duck boat that sank in July, killing 17 people, say in a court filing that a lawsuit from Missouri's attorney general is "irresponsible" and "littered with factual inaccuracies and innuendo." The dead included nine members of one family from Indianapolis. Other victims were from Missouri, Illinois and Arkansas. When neighbors in Grain Valley woke up this morning, they witnessed several agencies searching the outside of a home on Buckner Tarsney Road in connection with a missing persons case out of Independence. tvN's fantasy-romance series My Roommate is a Gumiho finale aired, and here are the things you should know in case you missed the much-anticipated episode! Because of his desire to become human, Shin Woo Yeo (Jang Ki Yong) experienced an unexpected journey and even found the purpose of his existence when he met Lee Dam (Hyeri). Now that "My Roommate is a Gumiho" closed its curtains, let's look at how our main leads changed their fate to have the happy ending they deserve. Shin Woo Yeo Disappears after Saving Lee Dam In My Roommate is a Gumiho finale, Shin Woo Yeo is slowly disappearing because of his fate. Knowing that he might be gone soon, he wanted to stay by Lee Dam's side and spend more time with her. After he sent Lee Dam home, Shin Woo Yeo visited Yang Hye Sun (Kang Han Na) and asked to look after Lee Dam. Meanwhile, Lee Dam already had an instinct that Shin Woo Yeo might disappear because of the signs he had been telling her earlier. She immediately ran to go to his place, when a truck suddenly appeared. The next thing she knew, Shin Woo Yeo saved her from the accident. Lee Dam was about to come closer to the gumiho but he suddenly disappeared. This was the start of her lonely and miserable life. Do Jae Jin and Yang Hye Sun's Secrets to Each Other Do Jae Jin (Kim Do Wan) went to Yang Hye Sun's place to give her wine since it's her favorite drink. On that night, he also found out that she doesn't have a family, so he promised himself that he would protect her no matter what. When he arrived home, he was surprised to receive the military letter, signaling that he would enlist soon. He was hesitant to tell Hye Sun since she might break up with him. My Roommate is a Gumiho finale also showed Yang Hye Sun struggling to keep her secret. She didn't want to tell Do Jae Jin she was a gumiho since Do Jae Jin is scared of ghosts and gumiho. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: 'My Roommate is a Gumiho' Episode 15: Kim Do Wan and Kang Han Na Kiss in front of Oh Jung Se Shin Woo Yeo Reborn as a Human Being Hours, days, and weeks passed, and yet Lee Dam was still waiting for the male gumiho to come back. One morning when she woke up, a familiar voice called her name. Lee Dam couldn't contain her happiness when she saw Shin Woo Yeo behind her. He already became a human because he had experienced living and love like a real human when he was still a gumiho. Lots of sacrifices made him become a real human being. Yang Hye Sun was happy to know that her friend had fulfilled his lifelong dream. On the other hand, she told Do Jae Jin about her past life as a gumiho. And in exchange, Do Jae Jin said he's going to the military. Yang Hye Sun promised she'll wait until he finishes his service. My Roommate is a Gumiho finale proved that the characters changed their fate according to their decisions in life. What can you say about My Roommate is a Gumiho finale? 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 Song Hye Kyo has been showing off her support to celebrity friends, including Go Hyun Jung. The "Dear My Friends" star is thrilled to receive a coffee truck on the set of her upcoming K-drama "Reflection of You." Song Hye Kyo Surprised Go Hyun Jung with a Coffee Truck for her Upcoming Drama Go Hyun Jung's agency, IOK Company took to social media a series of snaps flaunting the special gift from the Hallyu queen. Despite covering her face with a face mask, the 50-year-old actress expressed her gratitude through a delightful expression as she posed in front of the mobile truck. Wearing an oversized red shirt and black trousers paired with white sneakers, the veteran South Korean actress appears to be thrilled to receive a thoughtful gift from her fellow actress. In addition, she was even caught taking a selfie alongside a commemorative photo. "On the set of JTBC's 'Reflection of You," actress Song Hye Kyo sent this message. The coffee truck has arrived. Thanks for your support. Rumor has it that the filming site was full of energy," the caption reads. The forthcoming K-drama "Reflection of You" is Go Hyun Jung's comeback on the small screen, following her 2019 KBS series "My Lawyer, Mr. Jo 2: Crime and Punishment" alongside "Lovers in Paris" star Park Shin Yang. Amid the filming session, the JTBC drama is set to premiere on September 1, airing every Wednesday and Thursday. READ MORE: Go Hyun Jung Flaunts Her Ageless Beauty With Recent Selca K-Drama "Reflection of You" Details "Reflection of You" follows the story of a woman named Jung Hee Joo, played by Go Hyun Jung. in the drama, she is described as a successful painter, essay writer, and a devoted wife. Despite her achievements and almost perfect family, Jung Hee Joo feels like she is wasting her time meaninglessly. Moreover, the drama also centers around betrayal, marital issues, corruption, and revenge. Apart from the award-winning actress, "Reflection of You" cast also includes Kim Jae Young, Choi Won Young, and "Hospital Playlist 2" actress Shin Hyun Bin. The upcoming K-drama is helmed by Im Hyun Wook and penned by veteran screenwriter Yoo Bo Ra. Song Hye Kyo Receives Coffee Truck from Park Hyung Sik On the other hand, Song Hye Kyo recently shared a surprise present from Park Hyung Sik. In May, the Hallyu queen showed off a heartwarming gift from the ZE: A member alongside a delightful note. On Song Hye Kyo's Instagram, she revealed that the "Strong Woman Do Bong Soon" star sent her a coffee truck; she then shared a photo with a message that says, "Thanks, Hyung Sik." Meanwhile, the coffee cup sleeves had a thoughtful message saying, "I support Hye Kyo nuna and the 'Now, We Are Breaking Up' team!" In addition, the mobile food truck also has a banner that reads, "Please enjoy and cheer up," while one banner has an encouraging phrase that says, "Now, I Am Rooting For You." This is to support Song Hye Kyo's comeback in K-drama, following her 2018 series "Encounter." In "Now, We Are Breaking Up," the South Korean A-lister works alongside casts Girl's Day's Yura, Choi Hee Seo, Kim Joo Heon, EXO's Sehun, and "My Roommate Is a Gumiho" star, Jang Ki Yong. IN CASE YOU MISSED: Song Hye Kyo Instagram Update: Hallyu Star Shares Unseen Photos of her Childhood KDramastars owns this article. Written by Geca Wills "Vincenzo" fans must be thrilled - some of the megahit K-Drama's cast members just had a reunion! The Oh My Consigliere President Lim Chul Soo, a.k.a Mr. An, is now labelmates with his "Vincenzo" co-stars Song Joong Ki and Yang Kyung Won! History D&C Proudly Welcomes Lim Chul Soo on Board! On July 16, the home agency of Song Joong Ki and Yang Kyung Won, History D&C officially announced on their Instagram post that multi-talented actor Lim Chul Soo is now part of their family. According to History D&C, "We have signed an exclusive contract with actor Lim Chul Soo. Please look forward to his future activities." Lim Chul Soo was known for his wide range of acting, specifically when it comes to comedy, his sense of humor and natural talent never fail to entertain the viewers. His previous drama "Vincenzo" which became one of the popular crime-comedy series in the first half of 2021, had left a big impression on many, not just locally but also overseas. Particularly his bromance with actor Song Joong Ki became a trending topic when the drama was still airing. The chemistry of their characters was evident on screen which made the viewers enjoy the series even more. After "Vincenzo" ended its broadcast, Lim Chul Soo shared in one of his interviews that he really was a fan of Song Joong Ki before, because of his acting and he was thankful enough to share a screen with him through the drama "Vincenzo." In Case You Missed It: Lim Chul Soo Opens up on His Adorable Chemistry with Song Joong Ki in 'Vincenzo' Lim Chul Soo's Acting Journey Starting from Plays to Making it to the Mainstream Meanwhile, Lim Chul Soo made his acting debut in the play "The Seagull" way back 2004. Because of his performance, he left a deep impression on people and his solid acting was recognized which made him do more projects back and forth between stage and on screen activities. Lim Chul Soo also stands out with his portrayal in the 2020 romance drama "Crash Landing on You," as Park Su Chan, a life insurance manager of Yoon Se Ri (Son Ye Jin). He was lauded by the viewers for realistically portraying the desperation of a living-type office worker. Now that Lim Chul Soo is already in the same company with his "Vincenzo" co-stars, many netizens are already looking forward to their project collaborations soon. On the other hand, Lim Chul Soo will be appearing in the suspense series "Voice 4." What can you say about the mini reunion of the "Vincenzo" cast? 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. UPDATE: 7/16/21 10:45 PM -- Fire officials say the containment of the Bootleg Fire has increased to 22% after fire crews were successful in laying fire lines. The acreage of the fire has also increased up to 273,582 acres. Klamath County Office of Emergency Management says the Bootleg Fire has burned 67 homes and 117 outbuildings in Klamath County and not all burned areas have been surveyed yet. Oregon State Fire Marshal's Office / Facebook Oregon State Fire Marshal's Office / Facebook BEATTY, Ore. For the fourth day in a row, firefighters were forced to fall back before the onslaught of the Bootleg Fire as wild winds continued to drive it east and north. By Friday morning, the fire's size was estimated at 241,497 acres with containment still at 7 percent. Fire officials said that a large pyrocumulus cloud above the fire's eastern edge "collapsed" in the late afternoon on Thursday, showering areas to the east of the main fire with burning embers. Authorities expanded evacuation zones deeper into Lake County for the communities of Summer Lake and Spring Lake, as crews worked to build dozer lines around spot fires over the 34 Road on the fire's southeastern edge. On the north side, crews fought to contain "very active surface fire" that was spotting up to a half mile ahead of the main fire, pushed by dry southern winds. The Bootleg Fire perimeter is more than 200 miles long thats an enormous amount of line to build and hold. said Rob Allen, Incident Commander for the Pacific Northwest Area Incident Management Team 2. We are continuing to use every resource from dozers to air tankers to engage where its safe to do so especially with the hot, dry, windy conditions predicted to worsen into the weekend. Containment efforts were more promising on the west and south sides of the massive fire. On the southern edge, winds pushed the fire back onto itself. To the west, firefighters held containment lines and patrolled for hotspots. Fire officials said that crews will be working to protect and wrap houses near Paisley and Summer Lake as a precaution ahead of more potential fire growth toward those communities. There are more structural firefighters slated to arrive on the east side to assist on Friday. According to the latest from fire officials, the Bootleg Fire has destroyed 11 homes and 35 other buildings based on initial damage assessments. Another three homes and one outbuilding structure have been damaged. With evacuations changing rapidly over the day, fire officials recommend that area residents consult the interactive evacuation map here. Evacuation shelters are located at the following locations: Klamath County Fairgrounds, La Pine Middle School, and a shelter will be available later tonight at the Daly Middle School Auditorium, 220 South H Street. Incident commanders decided Monday to split the firefight into two zones to the north and south. The Oregon Department of Forestry's Incident Management Team 1 took control of the fire's southern zone. Pacific Northwest Team 10 remains in command of the northern zone, while a team from the Oregon State Fire Marshal's office will continue to focus on protecting homes and structures, with almost 2,000 considered threatened. SALEM, Ore. Governor Kate Brown's office on Thursday announced the five young winners of a $100,000 scholarship through the "Take Your Shot, Oregon" vaccine incentive drawing. One of the winners is a 15-year-old from Grants Pass who said that she would have gotten the shot regardless of the potential reward. Brown announced the incentive campaign in May, outlining a series of rewards to be chosen at random from people who received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine one adult winner of $1 million, thirty-six $10,000 winners drawn from each county, and five winners of a $100,000 Oregon College Savings Plan scholarship between the ages of 12 and 17. The $1 million winner was announced on July 9, with the prize going to Chloe Zinda of McMinnville, a student at Oregon State University. An announcement of the five younger winners went out on Thursday, and the prizes went to 14-year-old Joshua Greco of Damascus, 14-year-old Maya Kolaric of Portland, 15-year-old Nola Miller of Portand, 15-year-old Laney Myers of Grants Pass, and 12-year-old Mia W. of Tigard. Im incredibly grateful for our scholarship winners, and all the young Oregonians who took their shot to get vaccinated and protect themselves and their families from COVID-19, said Governor Kate Brown. If you have been waiting to get vaccinated and still have questions, call your family doctor or health care provider and get your questions answered today. Myers gave a statement to state officials, explaining why she got the vaccine. I got the vaccines to be better protected against COVID because Im exposed by my parents who work in health care and I also want to help prevent spread in my community, Myers said. Myers also told officials that the drawing had little to do with her decision to get vaccinated. I would have gotten the vaccines regardless," she said. "I talked to my mom about the scholarship right after I got my second shot. We talked about what an amazing opportunity that would be for someone, but I never thought I would win. The scholarship prizes came from a partnership between the Governors Office, the Oregon State Treasury, the Oregon College Savings Plan, the Oregon Health Authority, and the Oregon Lottery. The Treasury will oversee the college savings prizes by placing them into accounts with the parent or guardian serving as the account owner, and the youth designated as the beneficiary. Funds can be used for post-secondary education, including trade school, public and private colleges and universities, community college, and apprenticeships. GRANTS PASS, Ore. The Grants Pass School District board met on Thursday in a public hearing to consider whether two North Middle School educators should have their employment terminated after they launched a campaign to reshape gender identity policy at Oregon schools. By the end of the day, both women were dismissed. North Middle School assistant principal Rachel Damiano and science teacher Katie Medart posted a video on YouTube at the end of March, heralding the launch of their "I Resolve Movement" by outlining their responses to policies on gender identity in schools. Both educators were placed on paid leave by the District in April. According to a statement from the District, a third-party investigator was previously hired by officials to examine complaints that Damiano and Medart violated District policies. The school board scheduled two special meetings for July 15 public at the educators' request to consider if they should dismissed. Termination of their employment was the recommendation of Superintendent Kirk Kolb. Damiano and Medart each had separate hearings to argue their cases against dismissal before the board, and members of the board were given opportunities to ask questions of the educators and Grants Pass School District administration. The third-party investigative report had not yet been made public at the time of the hearings on Thursday. The administration cited some aspects of the report, which found that Damiano and Medart had used school resources to launch the campaign and failed to make clear that they did not represent GPSD or their school with their opinions, though neither educator named their workplace in the video. In her hearing that began at 3 p.m., Damiano argued that the administration's allegations rely on a definition of "political campaigning" that does not align with district policy or Oregon statute. She also asserted that she and Medart did not use substantial work time or resources to work on the project a line of argument that the administration pushed back on, saying that any amount of school resources used to this end is an inappropriate use. The GPSD administration also underlined that Damiano is a probationary employee, claiming that she had failed the test of that probation. Under district policy, probationary teachers can be dismissed by the board for any argument reason deemed to be made in "good faith." When the board came to a vote, there was some brief confusion and apparent difficulties with the in-room audio. Board member Cliff Kuhlman, who has served since 1986, did not immediately seem to grasp the context of the vote. When the dust settled, four board members had voted in favor of her dismissal including Kuhlman with three against. Her employment was terminated. Medart's hearing began at 5 p.m., soon after the conclusion of Damiano's. After a series of similar arguments albeit ones that lingered longer on the First Amendment and how it may or may not apply to the matter at hand the board first voted on whether to rebuff the Superintendent's recommendation. A majority voted against the motion. Then, taking up the issue of whether to approve the recommendation, the board voted in favor of terminating Medart's employment along the same lines as Damiano's. The 'I Resolve Movement' In the original video produced by Damiano and Medart, the two express consternation about the apparent inconsistency of gender identity guidelines that started at the Oregon Department of Education and have been implemented in slightly different forms at local districts, and go on to make clear their own opinions of what those guidelines should be. "We recognize that, excepting very rare scientifically-demonstrable medical conditions, there are two anatomical gender presentations, male and female," Damiano and Medart's resolution begins. Under the resolution, public school restrooms and locker rooms should be changed from "boys" and "girls" to "anatomically-male or anatomically-female and may "only be used by persons matching the anatomical designation of the spaces." "What that then is referencing is what, in essence, what genitalia do you have? Because they're designed in form and function, both of those facilities, for anatomical anatomy," said Medart in the video. Under the resolution, students uncomfortable with the anatomically-labeled spaces can request access to a private restroom or locker room, if available, although there is no stipulation that those requests be granted. Transgender students wishing to go by a "a derivative of their legal name" not a name of their choice or preferred pronoun can do so with parent permission, and other students or staff are free to either accept or ignore the request. "If a student's name was Jessica Smith . . . if Jessica was on the journey of their gender identity, and they wanted to identify as male, they could then change their name to Jess," Medart said. "Jess, Jessie, Smith," agreed Damiano. "Anything that's a derivative, and again, that's to focus on the gender identity piece of it and that journey, not necessarily on name, because I think that can be . . . be a rabbit trail." Damiano and Medart have filed a federal lawsuit accusing the District of violating their rights under the First Amendment. They are represented by Ray Hacke of the Pacific Justice Institute. MEDFORD, Ore. -- A suspect is in custody after fleeing from police and barricading himself inside his home on Roberts Road, according to Medford Police. A citizen called police earlier today reporting a man assaulting a female passenger in a vehicle in the 2200-block of Roberts Road. Officers located the vehicle on East Jackson and a vehicle pursuit ensued. The pursuit ended when the suspect encountered road construction at a new roundabout at Cedar Links Drive and Spring Brook Road. "The suspect drove into the construction area, endangering workers, and then fled on foot," Medford Police said. The suspect was later observed running into his home on Roberts Road, where MPD said that he refused to surrender. Detectives obtained a search warrant and then spent multiple hours trying to convince the suspect to come out of his home. SWAT officers used an explosive to breach the suspect's front door, where he ultimately surrendered. According to Medford Police, the suspect is known to officers, and has a concerning history. The victim, who knew the suspect, was determined to be have been assaulted. This case remains under investigation and will be updated as more information unfolds. A large headline in the July 8 issue reads Johnson: Climate change is bull." Instead, the Kenosha News should focus on the conclusions 97% of climate change scientists have reached in studying climate records and trends, and publicize those as the most important news for those who still arent aware of the climate extremes our country and world have been experiencing. Earlier in July in the Pacific Northwest, temperatures were sweltering. This is not normal. Most people there dont have air conditioning due to the normally temperate climate. In Oregon recently, the temperature reached 118 degrees, which is 45 degrees above the normal high for June. Over 100 people died due to the heat wave. Crops died in the fields and orchards. Maybe Johnson needs to leave his air-conditioned office and gain some personal experience with the extreme temperatures other people have been dealing with this summer. Or maybe he should take a look at the data that he is in denial about. Our politicians have a responsibility to take action to improve the lives of their fellow citizens. But Johnson doesnt want to solve problems. He would rather cover up problems like climate change. Ketchikan, AK (99901) Today Mostly cloudy. High 69F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Increasing clouds with showers arriving sometime after midnight. Low around 55F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 40%. An excerpt from An Eschatological Isolation. At 12:11 p.m., the overhead speaker announced: Code Blue, Three West. She repeated, Code Blue, Three West. Shit. I started my stopwatch and saved the patient note I was writing in the back office of Three West, the intensive care unit of a community hospital in Tampa Bay. Already wearing a sealed N95 mask, I grabbed my glasses, goggles, face shield, and gown and opened the office door to a rush of providers running down the central hallway; I joined the scurry. Inside the room laid a 47-year-old woman. She had been admitted to the ICU for severe COVID pneumonia. CPR had been started; I looked at my timer: one minute and 27 seconds had passed since her heart had stopped beating. The respiratory therapist stood at the head of the bed; two nurses alternated chest compressions. Nurses in the hallway mixed vital medications and passed them carefully into the room. The door was shut to limit exposure of aerosolized virus. The attending physician stood outside the glass, giving specific orders every minute. Three minutes give first dose epi, he shouted through the glass another three minutes passed with continued CPR. Pulse check Dose epi Continue CPR. The cycle went on. I think its a pulmonary embolism, my attending muttered to himself. her lips are blue. The novel coronavirus has been shown to increase a persons risk of blood clots; a pulmonary embolism can be a life-threatening blood clot within the lungs. Order tPA! STAT! Mix it on their way! he shouted at me. I turned to the nearest computer and inputted his exact orders while pulling out the phone to call the pharmacy. The charge nurse kept a record of every medication given at what time. In a low tone, she stated, We have to save her shes me! She pointed at others in the hallway, Shes you! She is all of us! Shes a teacher in her 50s. I looked over her shoulder; her clipboard quivered in her grip; it had been nearly 17 minutes. 17 minutes without a heartbeat. A pharmacist appeared, running down the hallway with tPA medication in hand, premixed in a small glass bottle. She handed it carefully through to the nurses within the room. We all watched as Mike, a tattooed and pierced nurse I had met that morning, hung the tPA on the IV pole next to an indistinguishable number of medications, attached it to tubing, let the blood clot-busting medication drip into our patients arm. CPR continued amongst rounds of epinephrine pushes and pulse checks. At the thirty-minute mark, my attending called it, Time of death, 13:41. Her heart monitor flatlined, and the beeping of her many monitors was silenced one by one. The respiratory therapist covered her exposed body, but not before I saw her bright red chest, rubbed raw from chest compressions. I knew her chest and breasts would turn blue over the subsequent hours as blood settled around ribs broken by CPR. Her fingers and toes were purple from lack of oxygen. Her face was swollen, with open sores along her cheekbones marking the pressure points of the ventilator mask she wore for two weeks. Mike closed her eyes just as I heard her family arrive on the floor. Seeing our expressions, her husband shouted in agony as he collapsed onto the floor in the middle of the hallway. Visitors had not been allowed into the hospital since the first wave of coronavirus except for the end of life. Every staff member had been pre-fitted with special masks and gowns to ensure our safety inside COVID+ patients rooms; the same cannot be done for guests, who under no circumstances were allowed into patients rooms. Our patients daughter ran past her father, now pounding his fists on the ground, and slammed her body against the door of her mothers room. She shouted at her mother to wake. She shouted at the nurses to let her inside. She begged, and swore, and cried to feel her mother one last time. Tears streaming down his face, Mike held the glass door closed from the inside, intent on not letting this virus infect even one more person. I walked down the hallway. A technician had approached the husband, attempting to scoop him off the floor in an embrace. I sunk into the back office, closing the door on the sorrow which had enveloped our ICU floor, and reopened my patient note. I had five more patients to check in with, medication lists to review, billing to complete. Typing away ICD codes, I barely noticed my coffee had gone cold. July 17th had been the fifth day in a row our hospital ICU had a morning code blue for a COVID patient whose heart stopped beating. Some of them were young, like this patient or younger. Some of them were older. Most had been on ventilators. All had COVID pneumonia, and all of them died. Every single patient who had been on a ventilator for COVID pneumonia had died. My patient was one of 128 Floridians to die of COVID on July 15th, with nearly 14 thousand new confirmed cases and nearly 9 thousand hospitalizations throughout the state. Ammura Hernandez is an internal medicine resident and author of An Eschatological Isolation. Image credit: Shutterstock.com Local featured DOUBLE STANDARD? BLM activists question equal exercise of Florida protest law Photos by ROB ONEAL/The Citizen Maritza Morfii flies the Cuban flag Wednesday evening as the Gran Caravana (Big Caravan) of supporters of the Cuban people parade past the San Carlos Institute on Duval Street. A contingency of vehicles started the Keys-wide journey in Key Largo at 5 p.m., picked up more supporters in Marathon and entered Old Town around 8 p.m. with a police escort. ROB O'NEAL/The Citizen Yosnel Acosta rallies the crowd gathered at the CVS Pharmacy on Stock Island on Wednesday before parading through Key West. ROB ONEAL/The Citizen A portion of the intersection of South and Whitehead streets is closed briefly Tuesday for a demonstration in support of the Cuban people at the Southernmost Point. The parade and street closure was fully permitted through the city by Arnolds Towing, whose Cuban flag was flown from the extension arm of the companys Conchzilla mega-tow truck. Some Black Lives Matters activists say a double standard is being used as people blocked busy roadways in Florida this week in support of anti-government demonstrations in Cuba, with limited action taken by law enforcement despite a new law enhancing penalties against disruptions by protesters. Cuba's leader lays some blame for protests on his government HAVANA Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel for the first time is offering some self-criticism while saying that government shortcomings in handling shortages and other problems played a role in this weeks protests. Gov. Ron DeSantis signed into Florida law a measure earlier this year that boosts penalties against demonstrators who turn violent and creates new criminal penalties for those who organize demonstrations that get out of hand. Provisions of the law also make it a felony to block some roadways and give immunity to people who drive through protesters blocking a road. The bill was introduced after last summers protests for racial justice during which some Black Lives Matter protesters were met by police with tear gas and arrests when they took to the streets for days at a time. While there were no reports of blocked roadways or violence in the Florida Keys, a caravan of supporters of the anti-government demonstrators in Cuba made its way Wednesday from Key Largo to Key West along the island chains sole roadway, U.S. 1. Upon arriving in the Southernmost City, which lies 90 miles north of Cuba, the vehicles traversed Duval Street for more than a half-hour without incident. Local law enforcement worked with caravan organizers to keep traffic flowing after being notified of the groups plans. The Gran Caravana, as it was labeled by organizers, followed a gathering Tuesday night of what was estimated to be more than 100 people at the Southernmost Point buoy. The peaceful protest was designed to show the areas support for the demonstrations in Cuba. A city permit was pulled to stage the demonstration at the intersection of South and Whitehead, according to Arnolds Towing, which hoisted a large Cuban flag while leading a group from the San Carlos Institute to the buoy. Waving the island nations flags, hundreds of protesters on Wednesday demonstrated at a busy intersection outside one of Miamis most famous Cuban restaurants, Versailles. Miami spokesman John Heffernan confirmed that the city approved a permit to close down five blocks along Calle Ocho in the Little Havana neighborhood Wednesday. Many of the protesters dispersed, though, when it started raining at the start of the demonstration. That is counterproductive, we shouldnt be doing that, Rafael Penalver, president of the San Carlos Institute in Key West, said of the demonstration in Miami. Show our concern, yes. But lets do it in a right and respectful way. Demonstrators in Tampa and Orlando temporarily blocked busy roads this week, chanting support for the Cubans who had taken to the streets in the communist nation Sunday to air grievances about poor economic conditions and other issues. In Tampa, two men were being held on charges related to the states new anti-riot law. Julian Rodriguez-Rodriguez, 30, and Maikel Vazquez-Pico, 39, were among those arrested as a group of protesters attempted to take over an exit ramp at Interstate 275 and Dale Mabry Highway, which is a major thoroughfare in Tampa. Both were arrested on charges that include battery on a law enforcement officer, resisting law enforcement and taking part in an unlawful assembly that blocked streets or sidewalks, records show. When they protest for regime change, which aligns with the governors political viewpoint ... you see no enforcement from law enforcement, said Michael Sampson, who co-founded the Jacksonville Community Action Committee, one of many groups that sprung up under the banner of the Black Lives Matter movement. I think its just downright hypocrisy were seeing from the governor, and even law enforcement in how theyre applying this law. It goes to show how our fears that we had earlier that it will be used against Black people fighting for equal rights, he added. On Wednesday, the ACLU of Florida filed a motion in federal court in Tallahassee to block the law immediately, asserting that it could criminalize peaceful protests and shield people who injure protesters in roadways from civil penalties, as well as cast a chilling effect on peaceable protests. The ACLU had filed a lawsuit on behalf of several Black-led organizations in May seeking to overturn the new law on grounds it violates the First Amendment and targets certain racial justice advocacy groups. During a visit to Miami on Tuesday, DeSantis said the demonstrations in South Florida were fundamentally different than what we saw last summer. The governors spokesperson, Christina Pushaw, took to her personal Twitter account Wednesday bashing the Left and aligned corporate media, asserting that they love authoritarianism. Therefore, they are FURIOUS that the Governor of Florida didnt personally drive 500 miles down the state to arrest people for protesting (not rioting) against the communist regime in Cuba, she tweeted. In an email to The Associated Press, Pushaw said the governor had signed the law to empower law enforcement to protect and serve the people of Florida. The legislation protects First Amendment freedoms, while ensuring that law enforcement professionals are empowered to use their discretion to maintain public safety, Pushaw said. The Governor has always urged all Floridians exercising their right to protest, to make their voices heard peacefully and lawfully. Pushaw pointed out that blocking roadways without a permit was illegal long before the new law, and law enforcement agencies around the state have discretion to enforce the law in a way to ensure public safety. Information from The Associated Press was used in this report. BY DAMALI MUKHAYE The Minister of Education, Ms Janet Museveni will this morning release the 2020 primary leaving examination results at State House Entebbe. A total of 749,761 candidates out of which 395,855 (53 per cent) female and 353,957 (47 per cent) registered for PLE from 14,300 centers. The Principal Public Relation officer of Uganda National Examination Board (Uneb), Jenipher Kalule said that performance of pupils who sat for these exams under covid-19 restrictions is comparable to that of the previous years. Jenipher says that todays release of exams will be a hybrid of both physical and online exercise due to covid-19 lockdown and restrictions. Parents will be able to access the results of their children through text messages. According to the procedure, a parent will Type PLE leave space, Insert full index number of their children and send to 6600 on all mobile telecoms. By Ritah Kemigisa Anti-graft bodies have doubted the competence of former lands minister Betty Kamya to serve as the Inspector General of Government (IGG). Kamya was named the new IGG by the president last evening, replacing Justice Irene Mulyagonja. The executive director of Transparency International Uganda, Peter Wandera says Kamya lacks a legal mind which is key for the operations of the Inspectorate of Government. Wandera now warns that Kamyas deputy, Anne Muhairwe will suffer the burden. Muhairwe is the current president of the Uganda Christian Lawyers fraternity. Wandera is meanwhile questioning Kamyas authority as an NRM cadre to bring to book members from her party including the president. The Inspectorate of Government is an independent institution charged with the responsibility of eliminating corruption, abuse of authority and of public office. The powers as enshrined in the Constitution and IG Act include to; investigate or cause investigation, arrest or cause arrest, prosecute or cause prosecution, make orders and give directions during investigations. By Ritah Kemigisa The Civil society is demanding for a thorough explanation from the president as to why he is pegging his decisions in the interest of the public. This comes after he retired seven senior civil servants in his latest permanent secretary reshuffle citing public interest. The retired include; Kintu Guwatudde from the Office of the Prime Minister who is still battling charges related to irregularities in the procurement of the Covid-19 relief food during last years Covid lockdown. The others are Pius Wakabi(Ministry of Agriculture), Amb Patrick Mugoya(Foreign Affairs), David Ebong, Benn Mutambi and Kivumbi Lutaaya and Jane Kibirige the former clerk to Parliament. Speaking to KFM, Sarah Bireete, the Center for constitutional governance Executive director says the presidents move is questionable. Its a new development for a president to put this in writing, an explanation is needed because its causing questions about the named people, said Ms Bireete. A similar demand has been made by former Aruu county MP Odonga Otto. There are people who have been deleted by the public accounts committee as dangerous Permanent secretaries and they should not be given further appointment because of misusing the consolidated fund but they are appearing top on the list, those are the people who should be removed on public interest, said Mr Otto. Bireete is meanwhile challenging the new permanent secretaries to ensure efficient service delivery if they are to earn the trust of Ugandans. By Ritah Kemigisa The newly appointed Ministry of Finance Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury Ramathan Ggoobi has pledged to prioritize ensuring proper accountability of all public funds. Ggoobi who has thanked the President for appointing him to this noble office says he believes in economics that works and hates accountability without results. According to Ggoobi, it is possible for Uganda to transform into a middle-income country if things are done right. He however says the challenge has been with the deployment of resources and execution of projects. Ggoobi warns as he assumes office that no accounting officer will bypass the auditing level. By Ritah Kemigisa The Operation Wealth Creation (OWC) has refuted claims that they illegally acquired a deal to supply relief food during last years lockdown and after inflated the food prices. Many Ugandans have since questioned how this office that is coordinated by president Musevenis brother, Gen Salim Saleh got the deal and yet it only deals in agricultural inputs and not produce. However, addressing journalists, the OWC director of operations Sylvia Owori says the deal was a special procurement from the OPM adding that they sourced the food supplies from their existent network of about 2 million small household farmers. We came in to save the situation, people were going to die and yet we knew where to get good quality food, she said. She adds that the farmers contributed 4M kgs of maize Flour worth shs 10billion and 1.8M Kgs of beans with shs 1.8 billion totaling to shs 18.1 billion and not shs 81.1 billion as reported. Owori meanwhile argues that for the first time, the small farmers had a share of the money away from the big shots. The fight is between the big producers who exploit the small farmers, for example the farmers sold to us Posho at shs 2400 and yet OPM had given shs 2500, we used the shs as operation cost, she said. By Damali Mukhaye Inmates from Luzira Upper prison school have passed with flying colours in the 2020 Primary Leaving Examinations whose results were released today. According to the Uganda National Examinations Board, 53 inmates showed up for exams out of 58 who registered for the same. The boards Executive Secretary Daniel Odongo says that out of those who sat for exams, 5 passed in D1, 23 in D2, 11 in D3 while 11 passed in D4. Only 3 inmates are ungraded. It is worth noting that this is not the first time inmates have posted a good performance in national examinations. By Damali Mukhaye The Uganda National Examination Board (UNEB) has withheld Primary Leaving Examination results for 2,220 candidates pending completion of investigations into allegations of examination malpractice. The largest numbers of withheld results are from districts in the Rwenzori region, especially Bundibugyo and Kasese. Releasing the 2020 PLE exams at State House Entebbe afternoon, the UNEB Executive Secretary Daniel Odongo said schools whose results are withheld will be notified through their District Inspectors of Schools. He adds that all candidates whose results have been withheld will be accorded a fair hearing by the Boards Examinations Security Committee. Odongo explains that when the hearings are concluded, the Board will publish in the media, a list of schools and districts from which results will have been cancelled. He also says security operatives arrested some distributors in the districts of Nakasongola, and the Greater Masaka areas who were entrusted with delivering the examination papers to examination centres, but tried to access the contents of the consignments during transportation. A total of 513,091 candidates sat for the 2020 PLE exams, 53% of these being male while 47 were female. Weather Alert ...THUNDERSTORMS TO BRING POTENTIAL FOR NEW FIRE STARTS MONDAY NIGHT THROUGH WEDNESDAY MORNING... .Two rounds of lightning are expected this week. The first will bring isolated thunderstorms late Monday night into Tuesday morning. The second round arrives from late Tuesday night into Wednesday morning with a higher probability of scattered thunderstorms. ...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 1 AM TUESDAY TO NOON PDT WEDNESDAY FOR THUNDERSTORMS FOR THE IDAHO PANHANDLE (ZONE 101) AND PALOUSE AND SPOKANE AREA (ZONE 674)... The National Weather Service in Spokane has issued a Red Flag Warning for thunderstorms, which is in effect from 1 AM Tuesday to noon PDT Wednesday. The Fire Weather Watch is no longer in effect. * Affected Area: Fire Weather Zone 101 Northern and Central Idaho Panhandle (Zone 101) and Fire Weather Zone 674 East Washington Palouse and Spokane Area (Zone 674). * Thunderstorms: Isolated thunderstorms late Monday Night and Tuesday morning. Scattered thunderstorms late Tuesday Night and Wednesday morning. Brief rain expected with thunderstorms. * Outflow Winds: Gusty outflow winds are possible near thunderstorms. * Impacts: Thunderstorms containing only light rain amounts may lead to several new fire starts. Breezy winds may lead to fire spread of any new or existing fires especially on Wednesday. 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. && Fine Gael TD Deputy John Paul Phelan has welcomed an increased investment to 21 million for upgrade works on non-public roads to homes and farms in rural communities. The announcement doubles the original 10.5m budget which had been allocated for investment under the 2021 Local Improvement Scheme (LIS). Deputy Phelan said it will improve access to rural homes and farms across Carlow and Kilkenny, as well as outdoor amenities in the region, such as lakes, rivers, mountains and beaches. The focus of the scheme is to support the continued improvement of rural roads and laneways that are not normally maintained by local authorities but which represent a vital piece of infrastructure for rural residents, Deputy Phelan explained. Over 10,000 landowners and residents in rural Ireland have benefitted since the Scheme was launched in 2017 and there is strong demand across Carlow and Kilkenny. Local Authorities are responsible for identifying and prioritising roads for improvement works under the scheme, in consultation with residents/landowners. The works must be completed before the end of the year. The funding provided by the Department of Rural and Community Development will be complemented by a local financial contribution from landowners/householders, as well as Local Authority resources. There will be a cap of 1,200 on the amount that any individual householder or landowner will be asked to contribute towards the cost of repairs to their road. A mother-of-two who stabbed a man in the arm with scissors and later produced a knife during an attempted robbery has been jailed for four years. Claire Burke (31) who first approached a man and offered to sell him grass, then stabbed him in the wrist after he prevented her attempt to walk off after she received the money. Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that while she was on bail for this offence, she entered a garage, produced a knife which she pointed at an employee and told them to give her all the money in the till. Burke originally from Co Kilkenny and with an address Seville Place, Dublin 1, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm at Temple Lane South, Dublin 2, on November 12, 2018. She also pleaded guilty to attempted robbery and production of an article in the course of a dispute at Ninth Lock Road, Clondalkin, on June 27, 2020. She has 14 previous convictions, including convictions for theft and begging. After hearing evidence of the more recent offence on Wednesday, Judge Melanie Greally said Burke had her chance and did not take it. She said Burke had committed a very serious offence when given her chance and remanded her in custody. Passing sentence yesterday (Thursday), Judge Greally said Burke has unfortunately lapsed into a cycle of drug addiction, homelessness and associated offending. She said Burke is currently engaging with the Anna Liffey project. Judge Greally said defence counsel has strongly advocated that his client has turned over a new leaf. She said she was not convinced there has been the type of transformation that has been presented to the court. She sentenced Burke to two years imprisonment for the assault in November 2018. She also sentenced Burke to four years imprisonment for the latter offences in June 2020 and ordered that this sentence run consecutive to the former. Judge Greally suspended the final two years of the latter sentence on strict conditions, for an effective operative sentence of six years imprisonment with the final two years suspended. At a previous sentencing hearing in March 2020, Garda David Dineen told Antonia Boyle BL, prosecuting, that on the night in question, Burke and another woman approached a man walking home with a bicycle. Burke told the man that she could sell him grass for 15. When he handed over the money, the woman began walking away and replied What money? when the man asked for his money back. The man stopped her by putting a hand on her shoulder. Burke took a pair of scissors out of her top and stabbed the man in his left wrist. She also tried to stab him in his right leg, but he moved out of the way. During the assault, the other woman encouraged another man to steal the injured party's bike. This man was later arrested by gardai and the bike was recovered. Gda Dineen agreed with Luigi Rea BL, defending, that his client was living on the streets at the time of the incident and that the offence was an attempt to raise funds to purchase drugs. He agreed that Burke was now entirely clean of drugs. After hearing evidence in March 2020, Judge Greally said it is a very nasty offence indeed. She said she proposed to release Burke on bail and that she was giving Burke an opportunity to demonstrate she can build on the progress made in prison. At a sentence hearing on Wednesday, Garda Patrick Fallon told Gerardine Small BL, prosecuting, that in June 2020 while Burke was on bail for the previous offence, she entered a garage in Clondalkin and pulled a knife out of her trousers. Gda Fallon said Burke pointed the knife at an employee and told her to open the till and give me all the money out of it. The employee explained she could not open the till, but Burke said she could and told her to give her the money or I'm going to stick this in you. Burke tried to run around the counter to the till, but a male employee shouted to press the panic alarm and the accused woman left the shop. Gardai who were responding to the crime encountered Burke en route, who immediately made admissions and said a man had made her do it. Gda Fallon agreed with Mr Rea that his client has stabilised a good deal compared to where she was when she was committing offences. He agreed she was in the throes of crack cocaine addiction at the time and had an underlying heroin problem, but was now stable on methadone. Many parents and children struggled with remote learning throughout the pandemic. Samantha Lucero had a very different experience with one of her kids. "When the pandemic first hit, online school was a bit messy for everyone," Lucero, a stay-at-home mother from Colorado Springs, told CNN Business. "But my older daughter did so well with it. She started participating more with teachers and became more comfortable than when she was in a school setting. Her grades were amazing." Her daughter, 13, is on the autism spectrum and diagnosed with sensory processing disorder, conditions that often make it harder for children to communicate, socialize and adapt to environmental changes, such as distracting noises in the classroom. When the Colorado Springs School District announced plans earlier this year to launch a permanent online school option, called the Spark Online Academy, starting in August, Lucero spoke to her daughter about taking that alternative route and then signed her up for it. "She was very excited," said Lucero. After more than a year of pandemic living, the frustrations and downsides of online learning are well-known to countless households. A study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found 25% of parents whose children received virtual instruction or combined instruction reported worsened mental or emotional health in their children, compared to 16% of parents whose children received in-person instruction. They were also more likely to say their children were less physically active, spent less time outside and spent less time with friends. In addition, virtual instruction contributed to emotional distress for parents. But as many school districts forgo virtual learning options and bring students back to classrooms this fall, in line with recent CDC guidance to make it a priority, some parents like Lucero are seeking out remote-only options from new and existing schools. The decision to pull students from traditional classrooms into digital ones varies among families, with factors ranging from flexibility and ongoing concerns about Covid-19 to better supporting children with different learning needs who thrived during home learning. At the same time, continuing remote learning is a privilege that typically requires one or more parents who stay at home or work remotely. It also requires that households have broadband and appropriate devices, though some programs loan resources such as a tablet or a computer to students. For those families interested in online school, the options appear to be growing and gaining popularity. A spokesperson for another virtual public school option called Stride K12, which works with school districts in 30 states and Washington DC, said the percentage of currently enrolled families who have indicated they are returning in the fall is at a multi-year high. Last year, it added hundreds of teachers, scaled up its curriculum to serve more students and stocked up on computers. In Lucero's home state, applications for online multi-district certification -- meaning virtual schools that can enroll students in counties across Colorado -- have jumped from one or two in a typical year to six so far this year, according to Jeremy Meyer, director of communications for the Colorado Department of Education. Julie Johnson, principal of the Spark Online Academy, said the virtual school was created because many families in the Colorado Springs School District reported similar success with online classes during the pandemic. "We heard from parents who were frustrated with the negative narrative around online learning because that hadn't been their experience," she said. "Those generalizations dismiss what has worked for so many families --- and that population does matter." The virtual classroom lives on The Spark Online Academy currently has 200 students enrolled in kindergarten through eighth grade and is "growing like crazy," according to Johnson, who said the school is open to students across Colorado. Enrollment is limited to 25 students for each grade level and one teacher. "A common misconception about online learning is that you can squeeze a whole bunch of kids into a virtual classroom, but that's not good for anyone," she said. While some instruction will be in front of a screen, the school will also provide hands-on materials for projects or independent practice. Classes may meet periodically in person for optional activities, such as organized sports, cooking lessons or a field trip to the area's neighboring Pikes Peak mountain. It'll also set up studio spaces where students can meet with teachers in person or conduct science projects, participate in robotics or have a quiet place to learn outside of the home. They're drawing on lessons from a year-plus of virtual learning during the pandemic. "The teachers that I saw experiencing the highest levels of stress and exhaustion were trying to replicate a traditional model in a virtual environment," she said. "We're thinking of it like a school without walls," Johnson added. "We didn't want to purchase canned curricular products where kids are marching through modules. We learned this past year that you absolutely have to start with relationship building with students by focusing on that social and emotional aspect to make sure that kids feel like they are connected and belong to a community." Bill Kottenstette, director of Colorado's School of Choice office, the state's education department that provides information on public school choice options, said the pandemic pushed schools and districts to expand their capacity for online learning and has prompted some to "create formal online schools moving forward." "As students and parents become more familiar with virtual learning and how students can be successful in a virtual environment -- and as the 'system' gets better at providing more effective virtual learning options -- there will be more students from brick-and-mortar environments choosing a virtual option," he said. Not for everyone Some parents who opted to enroll their children in pre-existing online learning services during the pandemic, such as The Connections Academy, have decided to keep them there. The Connections Academy, which has been in business for 20 years, works with 40 public schools in more than 29 states, providing students with the curriculum, tech support and trained teachers. Students take online classes with peers through their school districts but can also attend in-person activities, ranging from meet-and-greet kickoff parties, field trips and clubs to prom and graduation ceremonies. Tracy Colmenero, who lives in a rural Texas town, registered her two sons for Connections Academy's gifted program for the 2020-2021 school year when their local school struggled to get set up with virtual learning. It allowed her 11-year-old son Zachary to pursue professional acting as a passion. "I don't know how we would have done all of the auditions and filming at the same time as an in-person school," said Colmenero, noting he's been able to do lessons in the car or listen to recordings later in the day. Her other son, Anthony, 9, overcame a fear of public speaking by presenting to his class more often behind a computer and improved typing skills and test taking without the stress of the classroom. "We decided to continue with the school this fall, especially with all of the activities they're doing," Colmenero said. "If they want to go back to the local school, they can but they've been really happy with it so far." Meanwhile, according to Johnson, about 20% of parents who have enrolled their children in Spark Online Academy said they "aren't ready to have their kids go back yet because of lingering concerns with the virus." Neha Chaudhary, a child and adolescent psychiatrist at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, worries some parents may "disregard what their child truly needs out of fear" of future variants. But she also echoes parents and online educators who say what works for one child may not work for another. "I think the majority of kids will likely benefit from in person learning but there are certainly kids who thrive at home and do better in the remote environment," Chaudhary said. "It goes to show that the public health recommendations are really never a one-size-fits-all; they're meant to cater to the majority but that doesn't mean it will suit with every kid." In Lucero's case, there's not even a one-size-fits-all approach for her two kids. While her older daughter will attend virtual classes this fall, her 11-year-old daughter -- who struggled with the lack of social interaction during the pandemic -- will resume classes at her local traditional school. The-CNN-Wire & 2021 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. ROCHESTER, Minn. - Med City leaders are weighing up an offer to buy the space formerly occupied by Dooley's Pub. Since drinks stopped flowing at Dooley's, the notoriously bustling retail space below the Third Street Ramp has been silent. However a recent $1.4 million bid from Rochester-based Powers Ventures could turn the lights back on at 255 1st Ave. "This is an incredible opportunity for us to be a part of the revitalization of downtown Rochester," said Nick Powers, president of Powers Ventures. "At the center of our citys downtown dining scene, this location is a critical piece in connecting historic 3rd street and 1st avenue. We are confident our plans will not only revitalize this area, but further enhance our resident and guests downtown experience." If his purchase of the parcel pulls through, Powers' plans for the property could cater to many in the Med City. "The future of this site will be spearheaded by our partner and experienced restaurant operator Heather McCullough, whose most recent collaborations were with Blue Plate Restaurant Group and Nova Restaurant Group based out of the Twin Cities and Rochester area. The concept will offer a family-friendly atmosphere, relaxed and casual, with quality food and service and a fun unique dining experience. An extensive renovation will take place before opening its doors sometime this year," Powers told KIMT. The City of Rochester, which owns the property, says its yet to see any viable interest in leasing the space despite attempts to attract a new tenant. While agreeing Powers' concept would make downtown more vibrant, city staff acknowledge the deal's negotiated price tag is likely below the unit's value. "Staff estimates that a conventional sale would be approximately $2-2.5M," read a briefing on the deal prepared for members of the Rochester City Council. "However, there are some mitigating impacts to valuation including the fact that the property is integral to the ramp, it is a condo space, we need to contemplate future demolition, we are requesting use restrictions and are interested in encouraging the activation of the space and returning it to a tax generating use that is current on payment." Other strings attached to the agreement include assurances the city will have an opportunity to repurchase the space if it is sold in the future, as well as a structured repurchasing plan if the Third Street Ramp is demolished. The Rochester City Council will decide whether to approve the deal at its next meeting next Monday. SIOUX FALLS, SD - A southern Minnesota man is going to federal prison for dealing drugs in South Dakota. Ojulu Omot of Austin pleaded guilty to possession with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. His plea agreement says Omot began dealing meth at an undefined time and continued to do so until February 2020. Omot was arrested in Austin in October 2020 on a federal warrant. He was sentenced Friday in South Dakota Federal Court to 11 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release. Authorities say that when Omot was arrested in Austin he was found with 53.94 grams of marijuana. Mower County prosecution for that has been delayed while Omot's federal case was underway. MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. Another prison sentence is handed down for a Rochester-area drug ring. The U.S. Attorneys Office for the State of Minnesota says Deja Lee Benton, 27 or Rochester, was been given seven years in federal prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Her prison sentence will then be followed by eight years of supervised release. Investigators say Benton operated as a sub-distributor of meth that was supplied to her by John Willis Netherton. Benton was also accused of helping Netherton collect debts and aiding in the assault of another co-conspirator over an unpaid drug debt. Other members of the drug sentenced so far include: - John Willis Netherton, 260 months imprisonment followed by eight years of supervised release - Jacob Paul Williams, 180 months imprisonment and five years of supervised release - Andrew Robert Berndt, 102 months imprisonment and five years of supervised release - Miguel Angel Cuevas Zamora, 120 months imprisonment and two years of supervised release - Jason Edward Hoffman, 132 months imprisonment and five years of supervised release Joshua Alexander Sazo, Nicholas John Hanson, and Kayleigh Rea Todd have also pleaded guilty in this case and are awaiting sentencing. This prosecution is the result of an investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Rochester Police Department, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, the Southeast Minnesota Violent Crimes Enforcement Team, the Olmsted County Sheriffs Office, the South Central Drug Investigation Unit, and the Minnesota State Patrol. CHARLES CITY, Iowa - Two years ago, a tornado ripped through the Floyd County Fairgrounds, destroying buildings and scattering debris. Since that time, the fairgrounds have been rebuilt, though the tornado threat Wednesday evening did put some fairgoers on edge. FFA advisor Bret Spurgin was on site at the time the tornado began to head east through Floyd County, and was able to see a rope like cloud beginning to twist. When warnings were issued, fairgoers were sheltered inside the Youth Enrichment Center. Fortunately, the tornado that was on the ground off to the northwest lifted well before it could even reach the fairgrounds. "We got nervous when the weather started rolling in. All these new buildings after the fairgrounds were hit by a tornado two years ago made us nervous." As part of the rebuilding after the 2019 tornado, a concrete enforced shelter is being constructed in a new building, something Spurgin says was needed. "That will definitely be helpful and beneficial. We were lucky two years ago with nothing going on at the fairgrounds. It's good that we have that for the future." MITCHELL COUNTY, Iowa - Human remains were found this week in Mitchell County, and authorities are asking anyone with information to contact them. The remains were found near the Greenbelt trail near Mitchell, Iowa, on Monday. "Further investigation continues with assistance from the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and the Office of the Iowa State Medical Examiner. Identification of the remains is ongoing, but law enforcement can say with certainty that it is not Jodi Huisentruit, missing from Mason City, Iowa, since June of 1995. Law enforcement is asking the public to call 641-732-4740 with any information they may have," authorities said. ALBERT LEA, Minn. - A guilty plea is entered over the burglary of a vacant home. Keng Hang, 31 of Albert Lea, was arrested in June 2020 and accused of second-degree burglary and third-degree possession of methamphetamine. Authorities say Hang illegally entered a vacant home on Stevens Street in Albert Lea and stole many personal items, including checkbooks, clothing, and jewelry. Albert Lea police say the burglary was discovered when luggage was found at Motel 6 containing the stolen property. Investigators say Hang was identified as a person seen with the luggage, which was also found to hold 10.7 grams of meth. Hang pleaded guilty Friday to third-degree burglary and is scheduled to be sentenced on August 20. FLOYD COUNTY, Iowa - Tornadoes across Iowa on Wednesday left behind paths of destruction, particularly in the central and eastern portions of the state. As the threat has passed, teams from the National Weather Service are assessing the strength and severity of the twisters, including in North Iowa. An assessment by a team from the agency's La Crosse office confirmed that the tornado that touched down in Floyd County was rated an EF1 with wind speeds estimated at 90 mph. The assessment found that a majority of the tornado's 11-mile path was EF0 damage, but there was a farmstead that sustained low-end EF1 type damage. The tornado touched down around 5:35 p.m. just north of Rockford and tracked to the east through rural areas in the county before dissipating around 6:00 p.m. just northwest of Charles City. Dan Baumgardt with the National Weather Service says there are several key factors in measuring tornado strength and damage. "We're looking at the damage and associating that with known structures and how they're damaged by certain wind speeds, and that's done by structural engineers. They associate a wind speed with a certain amount of damage to certain buildings. We will look at the makeup on how they were constructed, if they were poor or good construction, and estimate what kind of winds did the damage to those structures. We'll look at vegetation, trees, homes, buildings, power poles, all those different things to forensically piece together the picture of the tornado and the track and how strong it was." Though it has been some time since our area has seen significant tornado action, Baumgardt says we are likely due for one, though there are currently none forecasted in the short or long term. "The big tornadoes aren't very frequent, thank goodness. I would say the area of Northeast Iowa is probably due for a larger tornado. It has been a quieter period for EF3, 4 and 5, which is great. It's always important to stay vigilant and weather aware." A team also evaluated damage from a tornado in the Oelwein area. Reports there are finding that tornado damage was limited mainly to corn fields, though there was also some light tree and house damage in the aforementioned community. ALBERT LEA, Minn. - A second person is pleading guilty for a fatal crash in Freeborn County. Joseph Amarosa III, 17 of Albert Lea, died on August 27, 2020, when Dominik Boots-Ringeon went out of control driving south on 795th Avenue by the Glenville Pool and hit a tree. The crash also seriously injured Cameron Michael Cunningham, 15 of Twin Lakes. Boots-Ringeon, 19 of Albert Lea, has pleaded guilty to criminal vehicular homicide operating a motor vehicle in a grossly negligent manner. His sentencing has not been scheduled. Another passenger in Boots-Ringeon's vehicle has now pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting criminal vehicular homicide. Authorities say Shelby Luv Watkins, 20 of Alden, admitted to letting Boots-Ringeon drive her vehicle the night of the deadly crash despite knowing he had a DWI conviction and did not have a valid driver's license. Watkins is set to be sentenced on August 3 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. Tiptons food truck concert series at the Tipton County Courthouse is shown on Thursday, July 23, 2020. Attendees could get food at several different food trucks on the east side of the courthouse and the Dave and Rae band played on the north side of the courthouse. Residents use rubber rafts to evacuate after the Meuse River broke its banks during heavy flooding in Liege, Belgium, on July 15. Pocatello, ID (83201) Today Partly cloudy this morning, then becoming cloudy during the afternoon. High near 90F. Winds WSW at 10 to 20 mph.. Tonight Cloudy early with some clearing expected late. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low near 65F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Millennials and Gen Zers in the United States may not think the "laughing" emoji is cool anymore, but a majority of emoji users around the world disagree, according to a new study. The "laugh out loud" face is officially the world's most popular emoji, according to researchers from Adobe who surveyed 7,000 users across the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Japan, Australia, and South Korea. The "thumbs up" emoji came in second, followed by the "red heart" emoji. The flirtatious "wink and kiss" and "sad face with a tear" emojis respectively rounded out the top five. The software maker on Thursday released the findings from its 2021 Global Emoji Trend Report ahead of World Emoji Day on Saturday. Of course, TikTok users have had it out over the "laugh out loud" emoji, which Gen Zers argued is cliche and uncool. "I use everything but the laughing emoji," 21-year-old Walid Mohammed told CNN Business earlier this year. "I stopped using it a while back because I saw older people using it, like my mom, my older siblings and just older people in general." Adobe's latest Emoji Trend report also examined the three most misunderstood emojis in the world. The "eggplant" symbol edged out the "peach" and the "clown" emojis respectively as the most confusing for users. The vast majority of emoji users (90%) believe the modern-day hieroglyphs make it easier for them to express themselves. Eighty-nine percent of respondents said emojis simplify communicating across language barriers. And 67% said they think people who use emojis are friendlier, funnier and cooler than those who don't. A slight majority of respondents said they are more comfortable expressing emotions through emojis than talking on the phone or in-person. More than half of global emoji users (55%) said using emojis in communications has positively impacted their mental health. Seventy-six percent of those surveyed said emojis are an important communication tool for creating unity, respect and understanding. And 88% said they feel more empathetic toward people who use emojis. "I am encouraged by this particular statistic," Adobe typeface designer and font developer Paul D. Hunt wrote in a blog post about the study. "Emoji sometimes get criticized for being overly saccharine, but this sweetness is key when it comes to diffusing some of the heaviness of online communication." The-CNN-Wire & 2021 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. 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 Gov. Asa Hutchinson in Texarkana Thursday night answering questions from Arkansans about the coronavirus and the COVID-19 vaccine. (Photo: KATV) HELENA, Mont. (AP) Biologists are set to begin capturing grizzly bears in the Custer Gallatin National Forest south of Gallatin Gateway as part of ongoing population monitoring required under the Endangered Species Act. The Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team will begin field captures July 20 and continue through the end of August. Areas where capture activities are underway are marked with warning signs. Wildlife officials are warning the public to heed these signs and not venture into areas where they are posted. In order to attract bears, biologists use natural food sources such as recently road-killed deer and elk. Potential capture sites are baited with these natural foods. If there are indications of grizzly bear activity in the area, culvert traps or foot snares are used to capture bears. Baiting and capture operations are done in partnership with the U.S. Geological Survey and the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks. Monitoring grizzly bear distribution and activities are vital to ongoing recovery and management of grizzly bears in the greater Yellowstone ecosystem, according to officials. FLORENCE, Mont. - On a mission to spread cheer and inspire others to do the same, one western Montana crossing guard is already getting ready for the upcoming school year. Crossing guard Katie Houston dresses up every Friday afternoon as a way to end her students' week right. Now, she's on the hunt for even more costumes to add to her collection. It started as a way to cheer up students after a particular tough week last winter. Now, it's known as Dress-Up Fridays. Students anxiously wait to see what the next costume is going to be, asking for hints and making guesses all week long. The crossing guard shared getting a reaction from her shyer students is pretty special. "On Friday, if I can get him to crack a little grin, that just made it all worth it," Houston said. "I don't mind making a fool of myself then." Senior Jeron McNair said the costumes confused him at first, but now it's something he looks forward to. "It's a good feeling," McNair said. "I like seeing the kids who are maybe having a bad day and they walk out to their parents and they see this and you know, end the week on a high note... it's pretty good to see." As insignificant as Dress-Up Friday may be, Houston shared, she hopes it makes a difference in the community she loves. "I hope people see the world is a wonderful place, that there are wonderful people out there, and we just need to try and life each other up and be there for each other," Houston said. "That's really all it is." Looking ahead, she would like to eventually have a whole closet of costumes to choose from. If you have a costume, or would like to donate to a costume-fund, reach out to Katie on Facebook. GENOA, JUL 16 - Genoese police on Friday said they had uncovered more than 1,500 basic-income cheats - people who got the government's 'citizenship wage' subsidy without meeting the necessary criteria. Most of the alleged cheats were non-EU citizens who did not meet two criteria: residency in Italy, and having lived in Italy for 10 years. The alleged cheats caused financial damage to social security and pensions agency INPS estimated at over three million euros, police said. The citizenship wage (RdC) was a flagship policy pledge of the populist 5-Star Movement (M5S). A majority of RdC cheats live in southern Italy and earn more than the low income required to apply for the benefit. Overall, there are more RdC recipients in Campania, the region around Naples, than in the whole of the north of Italy. (ANSA). PALERMO, JUL 16 - Italian police on Friday made three arrests for illegal waste management in Sicily. The managers of three waste collection and disposal firms near Palermo - at Partinico, San Giuseppe Jato and San Cipirello - were placed under house arrest. Police said those arrested were linked to the Sicilian Mafia. As well as illegal waste management, they are accused of fraudulent bankruptcy, issuing invoices on non-existent transactions, and money laundering. Some 2.5 million euros in assets were seized in the operation. The municipal councils in the three towns have been dissolved for Mafia infiltration. (ANSA). ROME, JUL 16 - The Cannes Film Festival is paying tribute to cult Italian engage director Marco Bellocchio with a three-day event culminating in the presentation of a lifetime achievement award on Saturday, when the 74th edition of the iconic festival ends. On Thursday Bellocchio, 81, had a wide-ranging interview at a Cannes Rendez-Vous encounter, on Friday his new film Marx puo aspettare (Marx Can Wait) will be screened, and on Saturday evening he will be given the rare accolade. Speaking at the Rendez-Vous, Belocchio said about his directorial journey: "I made some errors, but I'd probably make the exact same ones if I had to start again from zero. When I was 20, I wanted to be a poet. Then a painter, but for that I would have had to go to Rome, and I had been assured that it was a corrupt city. I did not want to make films like Woody Allen, to save myself from madness. Cinema is a blend of imagination and reality that has to be confronted through others. That's the challenge that has always a source of passion for me. There are obviously a lot of repetitive elements in this profession. But you have to accept it and make an effort because it's really very wonderful and fills you with a lot of energy." On his work with actors: As a child I wanted to be an actor. Fortunately I didn't become one. That would have been a catastrophe. Then I was lucky enough to film really good actors. If you don't choose the right ones, it's a problem! I'm someone peaceful on set. I don't like to scream. Michel Piccoli, for example, immediately understood his character and was able to provide a masterful interpretation. I didn't have anything more to say to him during filming. Mastroianni was able to express an entire page in only a few gestures. When an actor doesn't understand something, that can also be the fault of the director. But it's better if he immediately understands what he has to do. On his experience with Ennio Morricone and on the music of his films: I got to know Morricone thanks to a producer. He did the music for Fists in the Pocket (I pugni in tasca). At the time, as was the case with most films, the sound and the dubbing of the actors were added during editing. I was a little like a child face-to-face with a major composer. He composed music that was very original and I accepted it. He was someone really precise. He composed for one scene, and not for another. And when someone took music from one scene and stuck it on another, he didn't like that. Directors can be egotistical. They prefer to work with young composers who will be available throughout the process rather than with a great musician who will compose and then move on to another project. I don't know much about music. But I believe that I understand when a musical suggestion is appropriate for such and such a scene. There are filmmakers who always use the same composer. On Michelangelo Antonioni and Robert Bresson: I wrote a thesis on how Antonioni and Bresson directed actors. Bresson took actors who were not professionals and demanded of them perfect memory. The text had to come out automatically. Antonioni had a lot more distance, taking a step back from his actors. He almost treated them as objects that he moved around to his liking. He was, in fact, criticized for that. Some actors rebelled against him, like Mastroianni, who sometimes followed his own path. Or like Jeanne Moreau, who was extremely disappointed with her encounters with him. Some actors like being directed closely. Others less so. 'Marx puo aspettare' attempts to make sense of his twin brother's suicide at the age of 29. Through this film with its enigmatic title, the filmmaker attempts to understand, humbly and retrospectively, his twin brother's suicide at the age of 29. A family tragedy that he has never really recovered from, both a source of guilt and inspiration. Blending excerpts from his films and conversations with people close to him, Bellocchio investigates this fraternal figure that never ceases to haunt his filmography. Bellocchio is to to get a career Palme d'Or at this year's Cannes Film Festival on July 17, joining Jodie Foster as this year's two recipients of the honour. Bellocchio, 81, whose films include Fists in the Pocket, The Prince of Homburg, The Nanny, The Religion Lesson, Win, Dormant Beauty and The Traitor, will receive the award along with Foster on the final evening of the fest. The cult and engage director will also present his latest work, Marx Can Wait, in the Cannes Premiere section of the fest. A friend of late cinema great Pier Paolo Pasolini, Bellocchio's other films include China is Near (1967), Sbatti il mostro in prima pagina (Slap the Monster on Page One) (1972), Nel Nome del Padre (In the name of the Father - a satire on a Catholic boarding school that shares affinities with Lindsay Anderson's If....) (1972), Victory March (1976), A Leap in the Dark (1980), Henry IV (1984), Devil in the Flesh (1986), and My Mother's Smile (2002), which told the story of a wealthy Italian artist, a 'default-Marxist and atheist', who suddenly discovers that the Vatican is proposing to make his detested mother a saint. In 1991 he won the Silver Bear - Special Jury Prize at the 41st Berlin International Film Festival for his film The Conviction. In 1995 he directed a documentary about the Red Brigades and the kidnapping of Aldo Moro, entitled Broken Dreams. In 2003, he directed a feature film on the same theme, Good Morning, Night. In 2006 his film The Wedding Director was screened in the Un Certain Regard section at the 2006 Cannes Film Festival. In 2009 he directed Vincere (Win), which was in the main competition at the Cannes Film Festival. He finished Sorelle Mai, an experimental film that was shot over ten years with the students of six separate workshops playing themselves. He was awarded the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement at the 68th Venice International Film Festival in 2011. His 2012 film Dormant Beauty was selected to compete for the Golden Lion at the 69th Venice International Film Festival. Bellocchio condemned the Catholic Church's interference in politics after the premiere of his latest controversial film, which was about a high-profile euthanasia and right-to-die case, involving Eluana Englaro. (ANSA). ROME, JUL 16 - All workers in the Whirlpool group in Italy will stage an eight-hour strike on July 22 to protest lay-offs at its Naples plant, trade unions said Friday. Unions accused the US multinational of "arrogance" in ignoring union and government pleas to put the workers on CIG lay-off pay instead of dismissing them. Workers from Whirlpool's Naples plant on Thursday blocked access to the departures area of the city's Capodichino airport, preventing passengers from checking in for around 30 minutes. The protest followed the decision by the home-appliance multinational to start the procedure to fire its 320 workers at the plant. (ANSA). VATICAN CITY, JUL 16 - Pope Francis on Friday banned the celebration of Mass in Latin and according to rites predating the Second Vatican Council from parish churches across the Catholic world. Latin Masses where the priest stands towards the altar rather than towards the faithful will henceforth be banned in those churches, the pope said in a Motu Proprio order. Francis wrote to the world's Catholic bishops saying the situation with old-style, pre Vatican II rites "pains and concerns me". He said the "pastoral intentions of my predecessors, aimed at a desire for unity, were often gravely flouted". (ANSA). ROME, JUL 16 - President Sergio Mattarella paid tribute on Friday as Antonio Megalizzi, an 29-year-old Italian journalist who died after being shot in the head during the December 2018 terrorist attack in Strasbourg, was awarded a posthumous honorary degree in his home city of Trento. Megalizzi, who was covering a European Parliament plenary session for the Europhonica radio network, was among five people killed in the attack by an Islamist extremist. "Europe was not just a something of interest to Antonio, it was a desire, an attitude, a project to understand and help people understand," Mattarella said. "He was aware of the importance of the critical spirit of opinions and this attitude was directed in particular towards the European Unions, towards this great historic process that is taking place and is putting Europe in a unique position in a world of peace and cooperation, of protection of rights and democracy, which is the foundation, the soul of the European Unions". . (ANSA). ROME, JUL 16 - The Bank of Italy said Friday that it has raised its forecast for Italy's GDP growth this year to 5.1%, up from the 4.9-5% predicted in June. Governor Ignazio Visco had forecast growth of around 5% two weeks ago. The central bank said it expected the Italian economy to grow by 4.4% next year and by 2.3% in 2023. "These projections depend on the hypotheses that the improvement of the national and global health situation is consolidated and that the decisive support of budget policy continues," the bank said. It said growth growth should accelerate "in a significant way from the third quarter". It said Italy's GDP should return to its pre-pandemic level in the second half of 2022. (ANSA). ROME, JUL 16 - Hospital admission are to weigh more than the number of cases in gauging COVID risk from now on, Health Minister Roberto Speranza said Friday. "In a phase marked by a major level of vaccination it is reasonable that in the changes of colour and the consequent containment measures more weight should be given to the rate of hospitalisations than to other indicators," Speranza said. Piedmont's health pointman, Luigi Genesio Icardi, said earlier that the regions agreed that contagion data should be eliminated as a parameter for classifying COVID risk under the government's colour scheme. (ANSA). ROME, JUL 16 - The CTS panel of experts advising the government on its policy to combat COVID-19 has said it is "absolutely necessary" for Italy's pupil's to be physically in class at the start of the new school year in September, rather than having all or some of their lessons via distance learning, ANSA sources said Friday. Responding to questions from the education ministry, the panel said this was necessary not just for educational reasons but also for the psychological development of the young people, the sources said. It stressed the importance of making sure as many teachers, school staff and pupils are vaccinated for the coronavirus as possible, the sources said. It also said physical distancing should be respected as much as possible and pupils should wear facemasks inside school. (ANSA). ROME, JUL 16 - Italian firefighters said Friday they had rescued 40 people in at Tillf south of Liege in Belgium from devastating flooding that has killed at least 126 people, mostly in Germany. They said they were continuing their search and rescue operations in the area. The Belgian flood death toll currently stands at 23. (ANSA). ROME, JUL 16 - A Rome court on Friday released the explanation of its May decision to give two young American men, Finnegan Lee Elder and Christian Gabriel Natale Hjorth, life in prison for the homicide of Carabinieri police officer Mario Cerciello Rega in July 2019. Elder killed Cerciello Rega with 11 stab wounds inflicted by a combat knife he had brought over from the US while Natale Hjorth assaulted the slain officer's partner at the end of a chain of events sparked by a drugs deal that went wrong. Cerciello Rega , 35, had recently returned from his honeymoon when he was killed. The judges said the personality of the defendants was "alarming, despite their young age". The explanation talked of the "disconcerting perpetration of serious criminal acts in an disturbing escalation of illegality". It said they upheld "deviant models of behaviour" with the "glorification of drugs, the ostentation of weapons and money as symbols of success, as documented by the photos found on mobile telephones" and said this highlighted "the clear criminal capacity of both". The judges also explained why they had given life sentences to both of the defendants. "Both Elder and Natale acted according to a premeditated plan in which the lethal event was a predictable, probable consequence of the conduct actively adopted by the two," the explanation said. (ANSA). LAKE OZARK, Mo. Authorities believe the fatal shooting on Thursday night on the Bagnell Dam Strip was gang-related, LakeExpo has learned. The Missouri State Highway Patrol is investigating. Lake Ozark Mayor Dennis Newberry confirmed with LakeExpo that investigators currently believe the shooting was likely gang-related. One male is confirmed dead and four others were injured by the gunfire that happened just before 8 p.m. on Thursday. The city of Lake Ozark emphasized this was an isolated incident and the public does not need to be concerned about their safety. Newberry added, Im sad for our community and for the loss of life. We have several in custody and the investigation will be handled by the MO State Hwy Patrol. This is the second shooting incident on the Strip and the fourth in the area this summer, including a shot fired at a convenience store in June, a man who fired shots into the woods along the Strip while standing in the middle of the street in April, and a fatal shooting at Lazy Gators in late May. It has some concerned about the safety of very popular places at Lake of the Ozarks, like the Strip. Newberry wants to address those concerns. He told Lake Expo, We will work hard to assure our residents and vacationers that Lake Ozark is a safe place and that this type of criminal behavior will be addressed quickly. I confirmed with [law enforcement] that were on scene at time of shooting that our officers responded within minutes and took over the scene in conjunction with those off duty officers from [St. Louis] until county and state [law enforcement] arrived. I have never seen that many law enforcement at any location in my life. He said at least 25-30 law enforcement and medical emergency response vehicles were present. Lake Ozark officials were quick to note in a press release, this isolated incident is not the norm for the community. More information about the investigation is expected Friday. VIDEO BELOW: Man arrested after fatal shooting on the Lake Ozark Strip WILLIAMS BAY The body of a 22-year-old man who slipped under water during a tubing accident has been pulled from Geneva Lake, confirmed Tom Hausner commander of the Geneva Lake Law Enforcement Agency. He has been identified as Fadi A. Albazi of Morton Grove, a northern Chicago suburb. Using underwater sonar technology, the body was detected and located Tuesday around 11:45 p.m. in approximately 128 feet of water but due to the depth it was not safe for divers to go down. In the morning, they were able to use two remote operated vehicles, which function like underwater drones equipped with clamps, to bring in the young man's body, Hausner said. He was pulled from the water at approximately 9:30 a.m. Hausner said a similar drowning occurred last year in July near Stone Manor, in which an individual's boat floated away while he was swimming without a life jacket on. Hausner noted that relative to its high boating density, Geneva Lake has been fortunate over the past decade to have seen few fatalities. The search started on Tuesday afternoon after dispatch received a call at 3:30 p.m. for a man in his 20s who slipped under water. #Kuwait will vaccinate teenagers aged 12 to 15 against #Covid19 next week, the Ministry of Health announced. Teenagers of this age group will receive 2 doses of the Covid-19 vaccine before the start of the new academic year in September, a Ministry spokesperson said on Thursday. pic.twitter.com/TPnLf59hXI IANS Tweets (@ians_india) July 16, 2021 (SocialLY brings you all the latest breaking news, viral trends and information from social media world, including Twitter, Instagram and Youtube. The above post is embeded directly from the user's social media account and LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body. The views and facts appearing in the social media post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY, also LatestLY does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.) A private security company based in Florida is currently under scrutiny for its possible connection to the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise. CTU Security, a small private security company based in Miami, is owned by Antonio "Tony" Intriago. The company is known for its history of debt avoidance and even declared bankruptcy once. CTU Security's Alleged Role in the Assassination According to the Associated Press, CTU Security was hired for a mission in Haiti. Given his company's history, Intriago jumped at this chance to hire experienced military men for the job. Thus, he hired more than 20 ex-soldiers from Colombia. Now, the men that he hired have either been killed or apprehended due to the alleged connection to the death of President Moise. This brings Intriago and his company under the scope for its possible role in the assassination of the country's leader. Haiti's National Police Head, Leon Charles, accused the company's owner of being part of the assassination plot on Wednesday. According to Charles, Intriago travelled to Haiti several times and even signed a contract in one of his travels. However, Charles was unable to give evidentiary support to his allegations. He also added that Haiti National Police is still conducting a 'very advanced' investigation. ALSO READ: Wanted Former Mexican Official Takes Refuge in Israel; Holy Land Refuses to Cooperate With Mexico 'Unclear Details for the Mission' Three of the hired Colombians were killed while 18 of them were taken into custody, based on a statement by Gen. Jorge Luis Vargas, Colombia's national police chief. According to the Tampa Bay Times, the captured Colombians stated that they were hired by CTU Security for the mission in Haiti and some of them have been there for at least three months. However, it remains unclear whether they are aware or if they believe that the security firm that hired them is part of the assassination plot. Moreover, family members of the hired ex-soldiers stated that the men believed that their mission in Haiti was to be part of a protection detail for VIPs. The men were said to have been paid $3,000 monthly. On the other hand, a lawyer, who is also a former military man, Nelson Romero Velasquez, is currently advising the families of the Colombian men who are held in Haiti. According to Romero Velasquez, it is unlikely that the men went to Haiti to assassinate President Moise. He also added that the men were part of Colombia's elite special forces and could go undetected if they wanted. "They have the ability to be like shadows," he stated. Thus, he stated that their behavior made it clear that they were not in the country as part of the assassination plot. US Agencies Focus on Security Firm Probe Homeland Security Investigations is currently keeping a close eye on the investigation of CTU security. The agency is responsible for the investigation of crimes that happen across the international borders and is also part of the investigation of the assassination. The Federal Bureau of Investigation also stated that they are providing assistance to Haitian authorities to find out who is really behind the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise. RELATED ARTICLE: Haiti President Assassination: Armed Men Fatally Shot President Jovenel Moise at His Home This article is owned by Latin Post Written by Jess Smith WATCH: CTU Security Base hired the mercenaries involved in magnicide in Haiti - TeleSUR English A Food and Drug Administration (FDA) official on Thursday said that emergency authorization for COVID vaccines in children under 12 could be expected from early to midwinter. The FDA then plans to then move quickly to full approval of the vaccine for this age group. The agency has not yet granted full approval on the vaccines currently in use. COVID vaccines that are presently administered are under emergency use authorization. Without the full approval of the FDA, some of the families remain hesitant to have their children vaccinated, NBC News reported. COVID vaccines have only been authorized for people ages 12 and above, and none has yet to receive full approval. The FDA official said they asked for four to six months of safety follow-up data for children under 12. READ NEXT: COVID: Health Official Says People Should Not Have Sex for Three Days After a Jab COVID Vaccines Last month, Pfizer started testing the COVID vaccine in a larger group of children under age 12. Reuters reported that this was after the company picked a lower dose of the shot in an earlier stage of the trial. The study included 4,500 children at more than 90 clinical sites in the U.S., Poland, Finland, and Spain. Pfizer earlier said that it would test a smaller dose for children, with 10 micrograms in children between five and 11 and three micrograms for the age group of six months to five years old. The company noted that it expects to have data from the younger age bracket sometime in October or November. Around seven million teens have received at least one dose of the vaccine in the U.S., according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Including children and young people in the vaccination efforts had been considered significant for reaching "herd immunity" and containing the spread of the coronavirus. Young Adults Being Vaccinated A Michigan teenager was reported to be found dead after receiving his second dose of the COVID vaccine. This prompted an investigation among health authorities. The 13-year-old boy died in his sleep in mid-June, three days after his second dose of vaccine, ABC 4 News reported. State and county health officials released a statement, saying that they are investigating whether there is a correlation between the teen's death and the vaccine. They added that the vaccine is now at the federal level with the CDC. According to the boy's aunt, the 13-year-old Michigan boy had received the Pfizer vaccine at a Walgreens store. The teenager's aunt added that her nephew was healthy with no underlying medical conditions. She said the boy only had complained of the common vaccine side effects, such as fever and fatigue. Meanwhile, health authorities are also looking at the possibility of heart inflammation as a rare side effect in teens and young adults after their second dose. Teenage boys in several states had reported heart inflammation post-vaccination. However, the relation between the two has not yet been proven, according to another ABC 4 report. The CDC earlier said that it was looking at reports of heart inflammation in teens and young adults after receiving mRNA vaccines developed by Pfizer and Moderna. READ MORE: Ohio Mom Details How Daughter Ended up in Wheelchair After Pfizer COVID Vaccine Trial This article is owned by Latin Post Written by: Mary Webber WATCH: Pfizer Begins Their Covid Vaccine Trial In Children Under 12 - From NBC News Some former staffers of Kamala Harris are still "traumatized" by their employment experience with the vice president. They added that they are terrified that she could be the next president, Business Insider reported. The former staffers spoke on the condition of anonymity to protect professional relationships. They noted that Harris' position right now is well within reason that she could be the most powerful "person on the planet," The Daily Wire reported. The former staffers worked for Kamala Harris when she was a district attorney in San Francisco from 2004 to 2011. They were also working with her when she's the California attorney general for six years, and as a U.S. Senator from 2017, until her vice presidency. Some former staffers described that they were thrilled to have worked for a woman they see as a brilliant politician and cultural icon, breaking barriers after being the first woman, first Black person, and first Asian to become the U.S. vice president. However, some said that Kamala Harris was unpredictable, and at times, demeaning to her staff, according to the Business Insider report. READ NEXT: Kamala Harris Draws Flak For Saying Rural Communities Can't Photocopy IDs Former Staffers of Kamala Harris Some said that Kamala Harris often hung up on her aides and berated them when she thinks that they were not prepared for briefings. The vice president had also earned the reputation among her staffers to churn through interns and lower-level staff. During her senate stint, she ranked 9th place out of 114 senators for highest turnover from 2017 to 2020, according to a congressional database. At least 20 interns who worked in Harris' attorney general and Senate offices came to Barbara O'Connor crying and seeking advice. O'Connor is a longtime communications professor at California State University, Sacramento. According to O'Connor, the interns had felt that they were not valued in Harris' office. She helped transfer about five interns out of Harris' office at the time. Some former staffers said they hoped things would change when she arrived in the White House. Anita Dunn, a senior White House aide who served as a "damage control" adviser to Hollywood convict Harvey Weinstein noted that the vice president's office was nowhere near what they are describing, The Washington Free Beacon reported. Dunn, however, did not elaborate whether it was better or worse than the situation being described. Supporters of the Vice President Some former staffers said they felt not validated by the stories about Kamala Harris' managerial style. They noted that the vice president is demanding but not more so than other high-powered politicians in the White House. They added that a white man in her position would not get the same scrutiny the vice president is receiving now. Jeff Tsai, a lawyer and a former top aide to Kamala Harris in the California attorney general's office, said he does not appreciate the narrative. Tsai said that Harris had put them through the same paces she put herself through. One former staffer noted that it was inevitable as it seemed to be more gendered with the idea that "strong women are bitches." Kamala Harris' office has yet to comment on the questions about issues raised by former staffers. READ MORE: Kamala Harris' Chief of Staff Shut Out Some Longtime Allies of the Vice President: Report This article is owned by Latin Post Written by Mary Webber WATCH: VP Kamala Harris' Office "Chaotic, Dour," Reports Politico - From The View U.S. Border Patrol agents at the Laredo Border sector arrested more than 100 undocumented migrants after they were found crammed inside two tractor-trailers on separate occasions near the Texas border. The recent smuggling attempt, which happened on July 13, was impeded when agents working at a checkpoint northwest of Laredo discovered 93 people in the vehicle's cargo area after a canine had alerted officers, Daily Mail reported. The apprehended undocumented migrants were identified as citizens from Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador. Before the recent arrest, border agents stopped a truck on July 11 for a routine inspection and found 10 Mexican citizens crammed at the back. The undocumented migrants and drivers, in both cases, were taken into custody for processing. A CBP spokesperson said the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Texas is handling the investigation regarding the two cases. For the Laredo Sector, the smuggling method was seen to grow during summer days. An x-ray machine led agents to a group of migrants standing together and hidden behind a makeshift rear area of the freight container earlier this month. Laredo Sector North Station Patrol Agent in Charge Jaime Fierro said they are highly concerned with smuggling cases as lives are at stake. Fierro added that people are smuggled in masse inside tractor-trailers that do not have any ventilation. READ NEXT: Guatemala President Blames Joe Biden's Policies for Border Crisis, but Kamala Harris Says Climate Change Drives Increased Migration Smuggling of Undocumented Migrants Last month, Border Patrol agents had taken more than 160 undocumented immigrants into custody in two human smuggling attempts at Laredo in Texas. Checkpoint agents discovered more than 50 people inside a tanker trailer, with all of the migrants identified as Mexican nationals, KWTX reported. The agents also found more than 100 undocumented immigrants in another tractor-trailer hours later, with the migrants identified coming from Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Ecuador, El Salvador, and the Dominican Republican. Agents had taken both drivers from the two incidents. The drivers were both U.S. citizens. In a news release, the CBP said that human smugglers continue to have no regard for the safety and health of the people they use for profit. On July 8, agents from Hebbronville Station had also responded to suspicious activity, wherein migrants were trying to hide in a shed on ranch property. The agents discovered that there were two undocumented individuals wanted in the U.S. for criminal charges, Homeland Security Today reported. Human Trafficking United Nations had described human trafficking as a situation when people are recruited or harbored, by the threat of force, to be exploited. Most human trafficking cases have been reported in Texas, California, and Florida, Business Insider reported. Meanwhile, the National Human Trafficking Hotline was taking more than 49,000 cases of human trafficking in the U.S. since 2007. In addition, the hotline receives an average of 150 calls per day. Between 18,000 and 20,000 victims were reported to be trafficked into the United States every year. Children are more vulnerable than adults because they are easier to control, cheaper, and less likely to demand working conditions. READ MORE: 10 of 13 Killed in California Crash Were Mexicans Who Entered U.S. Through Hole in Border Fence This article is owned by Latin Post Written by: Mary Webber WATCH: Border Patrol officials in Laredo See Surge in Tractor-Trailers Smuggling Immigrants - From KSAT 12 A SWAT commander died in action, and three other officers were injured in an hours-long standoff with an armed man in Levelland, Texas on Thursday, July 15. The casualty was identified as County Sheriff's Office of Lubbock, Texas (LCSO) Special Weapons and Tactics team leader Sergeant Josh Bartlett. According to a statement from the Justices of the Peace and Constables Association of Texas, Josh Bartlett was pronounced dead at Lubbock hospital. The three other police officers who were injured during the encounter were taken to the University Medical Center in Lubbock, which is nearly 30 miles away from the incident. According to Newsweek, three other officers were injured during the Texas standoff with an individual who barricaded himself inside a house. It has been confirmed that one of the wounded cops was a police officer in Levelland. The two other police officers who were injured were from Hockley County and Lubbock County. Both are reported to be in critical condition. The names of the injured officers are yet to be announced. The Texas Standoff According to Fox News, Levelland police received a call about a man walking around with a large gun at around 1:12 p.m. The report noted that the suspect had closed himself inside a house soon after the police arrived. At around 2:15 p.m., the LCSO SWAT Team, headed by Josh Bartlett, arrived at the scene, and the suspect began firing out the door. The SWAT team then exchanged gunfire with the suspect leading to Josh Bartlett being shot. Additional shots were fired at around 3 p.m., and another round at about 6 p.m., KCBD reported. A witness at the scene said they heard shots being fired in all directions. The Texas standoff with the suspect continued against officers from both local and federal agencies until 9 p.m. READ NEXT: Authorities Probe Florida Security Firm for Alleged Role in the Assassination of Haitian President Suspect in the Texas Standoff Police said the suspect had been taken into custody late Thursday evening, July 15. According to Lubbock County Sheriff Kelly Rowe, robots were used. The 22-year-old suspect, identified as Omar Soto-Chavira, was transported to a Lubbock hospital to be treated for his injuries. The suspect has been identified as 22-year-old Omar Soto-Chavira. Levelland Police Chief Albert Garcia said the case is now in the hands of the Texas Rangers. The suspect reportedly barricaded himself in a block with a Mexican butcher shop and a tire shop. The Levelland Hockley Emergency Management has earlier advised local residents to avoid the area as the authorities continue to deal with the incident. As a precautionary measure, Covenant Health Levelland went into lockdown. According to the hospital's spokesperson, they will remain in a lockdown as long as there is still a threat. "We are supporting our community and law enforcement officers in Levelland and are keeping the Levelland community and the injured officers in our prayers," the hospital's spokesperson stated. Agents with the Texas Department of Public Safety and Lubbock's SWAT team are still on the side of the incident. Before the suspect's arrest, the LCSO was working with the Lubbock Police Department; Levelland Police Department; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms; the Texas Department of Public Safety; Hockley County Sheriff's Office; the FBI; Department of Homeland Security; and the U.S. Marshal's office to resolve the standoff. In a statement on Thursday, the Lubbock County Sheriff's Office said they are mourning the loss of one of their men. "We appreciate the public's support during this difficult time and ask for continued prayers for [Josh Bartlett's] family, both blood and blue," the LCSO wrote. RELATED MORE: Wanted Former Mexican Official Takes Refuge in Israel; Holy Land Refuses to Cooperate With Mexico WATCH: Levelland, Texas Standoff: Officer Shot and Killed, Multiple Officers Wounded - From LiveNOW FOX Los Angeles County will reimpose its indoor mask mandate for both fully vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals. Fox News reported that Los Angeles County's health officer, Dr. Muntu Davis, announced the plan during a virtual briefing with reporters on Thursday, July 15. The reimposing of the indoor mask mandate came after Los Angeles County encouraged their residents in late June to wear face coverings, especially in public indoor places. READ NEXT: CDC Confirms 11 Vaccinated Workers of Las Vegas Hospital Tested Positive for COVID Delta Variant Indoor Mask Mandate Resumption in Los Angeles County According to Davis, the requirement to wear face masks was scheduled to take effect on July 17 at 11:59 p.m. Davis noted that the order and its full guidance would be published not later than Friday, July 16. NBC News reported that exceptions for the mask mandate would apply, but details were still not clear. "We're requiring masking for everyone while indoors at public settings and businesses, regardless of vaccination status," LA Public Health said in a statement. Wearing a mask indoors with others reduces the risk of both getting & transmitting the virus. Were requiring masking for everyone while indoors at public settings & businesses, regardless of vaccination status so that we can stop the increased level of transmission we're seeing. pic.twitter.com/xmr77qsmBv LA Public Health (@lapublichealth) July 15, 2021 The agency further noted that the indoor masking would be reimposed to curb the increasing number of COVID transmissions. Davis said the county became the "place of substantial transmission" based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) criteria, as the county recorded more than 1,500 new infections on July 15, Reuters reported. As of July 14, Los Angeles saw nearly 400 people hospitalized due to COVID-19, with nine new deaths related to the notorious disease. "We're not where we need to be for the millions at risk of infection here in Los Angeles County, and waiting to do something will be too late, given what we're seeing," Davis said. Davis further noted that the situation right now in the county was different from that of June 15. The county's health officer underscored that everything is "on the table" if things get worse. Apart from Los Angeles, other California counties also reimposed their mask mandates, such as Sacramento and Yolo. Reuters reported that Fresno County also recommended wearing face masks indoors even by people who are vaccinated. "Everyone, including those who are vaccinated, should be aware of the high-risk situation, including being indoors, in crowds, and around unvaccinated and unmasked individuals," said Dr. John Zweifler, a public health physician from Fresno. Vaccine Hesitancy Exacerbates COVID Cases, Los Angeles County Health Officer Says Davis said the pandemic was worsened by those who remained hesitant against the COVID-19 vaccine. In Los Angeles alone, Davis noted that under four million residents remain unvaccinated. "It's just disappointing that overall vaccination numbers are lower than we need them to be," Davis said. Across the country, NBC News cited health officials saying that young unvaccinated individuals with COVID-19 were showing in hospitals in disturbing numbers. The outlet also reported that the CDC said that vaccination rates among younger people were lower than the older Americans. READ MORE: COVID -19 Infections Rise In 42 States; Pfizer to Discuss Vaccine Booster With U.S. Health Officials This article is owned by Latin Post Written By: Joshua Summers WATCH: L.A. County to Require Mask Indoors Again Amid Alarming Rise in COVID Cases - From KTLA 5 Vicky Ward's new podcast on Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell is reportedly retraumatizing some of the victims. Maria Farmer, the first victim who provided the first criminal complaint about Epstein, said that Vicky Ward was profiting from their stories and that she sent her a cease-and-desist letter, Page Six reported. Farmer went on to say that Ward is a "presstitute" and vulture, adding that the investigative journalist will not stop torturing the victims. Vicky Ward brushed off allegations against her saying that it is "categorically untrue" and insisted that her new Jeffrey Epstein podcast, "Chasing Ghislaine," and her upcoming Discovery+ documentary are not focused on sexual claims. She said that the content would be focused on men and male power, particularly the men behind the scenes that they were slowly learning more about after Epstein's death. Maria Farmer had a history with Ward, saying that she and her sister, Annie, had opened up to the journalist about how they were locked in rooms, kidnapped, and raped by Jeffrey Epstein. However, their story was not run in a 2003 Vanity Fair profile on Epstein. Maria Farmer said that she told everything to Ward in great detail about what happened. She added that she feels revictimized every time she hears Vicky Ward or her British accent. READ MORE: Ghislaine Maxwell's Documents Revealing Her and Jeffrey Epstein's Relationship With the Clintons Ordered to Be Unsealed by Judge Vicky Ward on Meeting Ghislaine Maxwell Vicky Ward said that she met Ghislaine Maxwell at the same parties that she was invited to. The British journalist also said that Ghislaine Maxwell talked about sex a lot, Daily Mail reported. In one Manhattan dinner that Ward heard about, Maxwell had asked a British movie star to lie face-down on the floor, then she jumped on his back and gave him a massage right there on the ground. The relationship between Ghislaine Maxwell and Jeffrey Epstein also started to unfold with them having a complicated relationship. Ward said that sources told her Ghislaine Maxwell wanted to marry Jeffrey Epstein and have children. However, Epstein had wanted to stay single and sleep with other women. They continued the complex relationship as Epstein could provide Maxwell the same lavish lifestyle that she had grown up with as the daughter of media mogul Robert Maxwell. No one knew how Epstein had become so rich, with his residence being the biggest private townhouse in Manhattan and a nine-story mansion. Reports said that Epstein also rarely goes out. Instead, wealthy and powerful people came to the convicted sex offender, who said he manages the billionaires' fortunes. Jeffrey Epstein's Sex Trafficking Case The case against Jeffrey Epstein gained more traction due to his notable connections, such as Queen Elizabeth II's son Prince Andrew. The two had reportedly met in 1999, but the extent of their relationship is not yet clear. Prince Andrew had denied allegations that he had sex with one of Epstein's victims, Virginia Giuffre, several times, according to a Town and Country Mag report. Prince Andrew said that he has no recollection of ever meeting Giuffre. Epstein was also associated with former presidents Bill Clinton and Donald Trump. Trump earlier said that he knew Jeffrey Epstein for 15 years. But after the news of Epstein's arrest broke, Trump had distanced himself from Epstein. READ MORE: Bill Gates Turned a Blind Eye to Jeffrey Epstein's Reputation for a Nobel Peace Prize This article is owned by Latin Post Written by: Mary Webber WATCH: Jeffrey Epstein Victim Maria Farmer 'Horrified' Over Vicky Ward's Podcast - From NY News President Joe Biden said the U.S. will not be sending troops to Haiti for now. Haiti has earlier asked the U.S. for assistance following President Jovenel Moise's assassination. CBS News reported that Joe Biden made the comments on Thursday, July 15, in a joint news conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Earlier this month, under Prime Minister Claude Joseph, the government of Haiti sent a letter to the Biden administration and the United Nations, asking for troops to help secure the country's major infrastructure, provide security for their people, and aid in their elections scheduled in September. READ NEXT: Haiti President Jovenel Moise Assassination: Haitian-American Suspect Is a Former U.S. DEA Informant Joe Biden Says Sending Troops to Haiti is Not on The 'Agenda' Now Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Joe Biden said that sending U.S. troops to Haiti "is not on the agenda at this moment." "We're only sending American Marines to our embassy to make sure that they are secure and nothing is out of whack at all," the president said as CNBC reported. Despite the declination of Joe Biden in sending troops, The Hill reported that U.S. officials from Homeland Security, State Department, Justice Department, and White House National Security Council traveled to Haiti on July 11 to evaluate Haiti's security and assist in the investigation on the president's assassination. Haiti's elections minister Mathias Pierre told The Associated Press that he believes that the request for U.S. troops remains relevant. "This is not a closed door. The evolution of the situation will determine the outcome," Pierre noted. The Haiti's elections minister underscored that for now, their government is doing everything to stabilize and return the country to a normal environment. Haitian Doctor Paid Security Team Until He Becomes President Joe Biden's comments on Haiti's request for U.S. troops came after a Haitian doctor in the custody of the authorities reportedly gathered funding for a security team to guard and protect him while he assumed office. The Washington Post reported that Christian Emmanuel Sanon told others in a May 12 meeting at Fort Lauderdale in Florida that he wanted to turn Haiti into "a free and open society." Sanon then met with two business owners identified as Walter Veintemilla and Antonio Intriago and started writing a plan about the business owners' companies arranging a security force to protect Sanon until he assumed office. Sanon will reportedly repay them with Haiti's assets. The Post also mentioned another document that revealed over $860,000 in loans to the Haitian doctor for ammunition, equipment, and transportation for personnel. The majority would be provided by Veintemilla's company, while the rest will be covered by Intriago's firm. Despite the documents acquired, the Post found no evidence of any intention to kill the Haitian president. As the investigation on Jovenel Moise's assassination continues, over 20 people have been arrested so far. Sanon was one of the three Haitian Americans who were placed under the custody of the authorities. At least 13 Americans were also suspected to be involved in the killing of Haiti's President. This article is owned by Latin Post Written By: Joshua Summers WATCH: Unraveling the Haitian Presidential Assassination Plot - From ABC News A man was sentenced to 208 years in prison by a Mexican court for the criminal homicides of 26 people who died when a school collapsed during a powerful earthquake that hit Mexico City in 2017. According to Reuters, most of the victims were children who were crushed to death when the Enrique Rebsamen elementary school collapsed after a 7.1-magnitude quake struck Mexico City. The Mexico City attorney general's office said the man was described as the director responsible for working on the structural safety of the school in Tlalpan. The man has reportedly approved the construction work at the school without carrying out the required testing and even with the irregularities in the building's construction. The attorney general's office named the man Juan "N." But local media identified him as Juan Mario Velarde Gamez. Aside from the lengthy prison sentence, the court also ordered Velarde to pay $19,000 to each of the victims' families. Mexican prosecutors earlier said they had launched an investigation into a possible criminal responsibility of the owner and private inspectors for the school collapse. Prosecution spokesman Ulises Lara said the sentence was the result of professional malpractice and completely fraudulent action, according to a France 24 report. Lara noted that despite knowing that there were serious risks to the structure, Juan Mario Velarde Gamez had allowed the school to continue its operations. Meanwhile, school owner and head Monica Garcia Villegas was sentenced to 31 years in prison for culpable homicide. She was convicted last October. Villegas was arrested after she was found to have built a large apartment on top of the classrooms. Its weight was thought to have contributed to the school building's collapse. READ NEXT: Are You Prepared for a Zombie Apocalypse? CDC Offers Tips to Survive One Mexico City Earthquake That Caused School to Collapse The 7.1 magnitude quake killed more than 300 people in total and caused major damage. Aside from the school that collapsed, dozens of buildings collapsed across Mexico, including some churches where several worshippers were killed, BBC News reported. Former Mexico's President Enrique Pena Nieto had declared three days of mourning at the time. More than 500 members of the Army and Navy, with 200 police officers and volunteers, had worked at the school site that time. At least 209 schools were affected by the quake. Fifteen of those affected schools have suffered severe damage. Around 369 people died in the capital and surrounding states. At least 15 people were killed when a church near Mexico's Popocatepetl volcano collapsed during a Mass. The volcano had a minor eruption due to the tremors brought by the earthquake at the time. In Puebla, another church collapsed during a baptism, which killed 11 people, including the baby. Mexico has always been prone to earthquakes as it sits where three of the Earth's tectonic plates, namely the North American, Cocos, and Pacific plates, are located. According to a U.S. Geological Survey report, Mexico experienced 19 earthquakes of at least 6.5-magnitude within 155 miles of the epicenter of the 2017 September tremor over the past century. Former President Donald Trump had offered support to the people of Mexico City, being the president when the quake happened. READ MORE: CDC Releases New Guidance When to Continue and Stop Home Isolation This article is owned by Latin Post Written by: Mary Webber WATCH: Special Report: Deadly Earthquake Hits Central Mexico - From NBC News A father, who was arrested for beating his six-year-old son to death, told the authorities that he was only disciplining the boy for wetting his pants. Law & Crime reported that suspect Devon Nelson of North Carolina also admitted to the police that he beat his son, Malaki Nelson, for interrupting him on his video game playing. According to the reports, police officers in High Point arrested the 30-year-old father on Sunday, July 11, after bringing his son into a local hospital, where the child was pronounced dead on arrival. Devon Nelson eventually disclosed to the investigators that he beat his son with a switch until the "handle broke off" after the boy had wet his pants and interrupted him while in the middle of playing video games. READ NEXT: Oklahoma Mom Beats, Stabs, Chokes, Bites Her 2 Young Children Who Told Dad About the Abuse Father And His Girlfriend Arrested Police charged the boy's father with first-degree murder, while his girlfriend, Tamara Corbett, was also arrested for allegedly hiding what happened after the fact. Law & Crime reported that the couple initially told hospital employees that some of the marks on the victim's skin were due to eczema. The couple also claimed that the child fell into a bathtub full of water, and that was how he incurred his more serious injuries. But the medical practitioners claimed that the boy was fully clothed and dry. His body temperature was also over 82 degrees, suggesting that the child may already be dead for several hours before they arrived at the hospital, alarming the staff to call the police. Police said the Special Victims Unit and Violent Crimes Unit detectives started investigating the death as suspicious, and they "quickly" determined it should be treated as a homicide. WFMY reported that Devon Nelson and Tamara Corbett went before a judge on Tuesday, July 13. Corbett argued her innocence, claiming that she is working towards becoming a pediatrician. Six-Year-Old Malaki Nelson Dies According to WFMY, an arrest warrant revealed that Malaki Nelson had burns on his bottom, bruises on his legs, contusion above his eye, and cuts all over his body. An autopsy report also revealed that he died from blunt force trauma. Law & Crime reported that Nelson and Corbett's neighbors had already called the authorities several times and reported hearing what they believed were children screaming from being abused. Moreover, officials from Malaki Nelson's elementary school also reported that the six-year-old boy went to school with bruises on his face and disclosed to administrators that his father "popped" him in the face. WFMY also reported that there was already a report of the same child being abused in 2020. Lt. Matt Truitt told WFMY that several agencies such as DSS, social services, High Point Child Advocacy Center, and the police department helped in the case during that time. However, he noted that there was not enough evidence to prosecute or make a charge back then. READ MORE: Housekeeper Discovers Two Dead Men in Hotel Room at Former Versace Mansion in Miami Beach This article is owned by Latin Post Written By: Joshua Summers WATCH: Spotting Child Abuse in the ER - From Raising Arizona Kids Need help logging in? We have transitioned to a new user-friendly interactive website. You will need an account and a subscription to see the site in its entirety. HOME DELIVERY subscribers get online access for free with their subscription. If you are a home delivery subscriber, create a new account and follow the directions to validate your home delivery subscription. If you were a previous ONLINE ONLY subscriber, you should have received an email with directions on how to log in. If you are still experiencing issues contact us at bulletincirc@gmail.com. Funding should be found to install wheelchair swings in local playgrounds, Laois County Councillor James Kelly has demanded. Cllr Kelly made the appeal in a motion at the latest Borris in Ossory Mountmellick Municipal District meeting. He said that Laois County Council, as part of its ethos of inclusiveness, provide funding to install wheelchair swings in the playgrounds of this Municipal District. "I've been pushing motions like this for the last six years. There was a case where there was a wheelchair accessible swing in Tullamore and people were travelling from miles away to use it," he said. A wheelchair accessible swing in an Irish playground. "We all know when we go to a playground, the swings are going and the kids are having a great time. To them, the higher they go the better. But the wheelchair platform enables wheelchair users to experience this joy," he said. The councillor urged that the council look at this issue in a timely fashion. Ms. Ann Marie Maher, Sport and Leisure Officer in Laois County Council, responded; "Laois County Council are providing a range a of accessible equipment at Mountrath Amenity Area and Coolrain playgrounds, and current procurement underway for Borris in Ossory, also has provision for accessible equipment. Over the next 3 years, further consideration will be given to the accessibility and inclusivity of playgrounds in Mountmellick, Clonaslee, Rathdowney, Castletown and Kiln Lane, Mountrath, subject to availability of budget." Cllr Kelly was not satisfied with the reply. "They say it will be addressed within the next three years, but I have been on about this for the last six years already. I believe that accessible equipment is to be built in a Portlaoise playground, and fair play to them for it," he said. "I know that I only represent Mountrath but I would love to see these swings in playgrounds across Laois. We need to be more inclusive," Cllr Kelly concluded. John King seconded the motion. "The weather has been good and the parks are full of children. I've been asked several times about this issue, we need to keep pushing for this funding," he said. Cllr Ollie Clooney also agreed with the motion tabled. "This is a motion of equality. As James rightly pointed out, it's sad to see children in wheelchairs not being able to take part. We need to cater for everyone, if we could get the money it would be absolutely brilliant," said Cllr Clooney. News outlets and local radio in across Laois and Offaly should benefit from State support in a proposed alternative public service media charge to replace the outdated TV licence fee, according to Laois/Offaly TD, Charlie Flanagan. The proposal is one of the main recommendations in the Fine Gael submission to the Future of Media Commission following a detailed survey and analysis on the local media landscape nationwide by the party with feedback from almost 100 key stakeholders. Deputy Flanagan said a cornerstone of the Fine Gael submission is strengthening and ensuring a successful future for regional newspapers, radio stations and media outlets serving their communities across Laois and Offaly. A strong media sector is a cornerstone of a well-functioning democracy. We have always been lucky to have such a sector in Laois and Offaly who do their duty without fear or favour. But that sector is under severe threat and has been for some time. It needs more support, Our local media organisations including need support now more than ever. Advertising and income sources are depleting, and online sites are taking content without reimbursing those who source it, while at the same time, throughout the Covid-19 public health emergency, the value of trusted news sources has never been more important. Under the Broadcasting Act 2009, 7pc of the TV licence fee is diverted to a broadcasting fund which goes to the independent sector through the Sound and Vision Scheme. This figure was just under 5.9m in 2021, while State run national broadcasters received 78m for the same period. This system is no longer fit for purpose and it is time to recognise that this money should be raised in a new way. Such a move would provide additional funds of 50m - 75m to be used to help move both State broadcasting and independent media to a sustainable future. With such a development, a new Media Commission could develop a set of strategic supports for media in Ireland. One option for the commission would be to establish a hub for coverage of public activities like courts, local councils etc, which might not otherwise be reported, at considerable loss to the local community, . A diverse range of trusted local media sources is fundamental to our society. The content created by local media is essential to ensuring our communities continue to receive accurate, up to date and diverse news stories. We must act now to protect this valuable sector. Other recommendations in the submission include: - Continue existing business supports for the local media sector until the economic recovery is secured. - Recognise the reach of local media and its reputation as a reliable and authoritative news source when evaluating what constitutes public service in the media sector and when Government is disseminating public information content. - Develop a new, broader concept of what constitutes public service content in the media sector, acknowledging the way in which many sources of media outside the present supported segments provide a genuine public service to their communities, without which their fabric would be considerably weakened. - Deploy the extra revenue generated by this new licence fee mechanism to support content across the entire media sector, with a range of supports to build capacity of journalism and to develop innovative content to be used on diverse platforms. - Transpose the Copyright Directive in a manner which ensures a mechanism through which publishers are remunerated at an equitable rate for the use of their content, bearing in mind the very different market power of platforms and content providers. - Develop a verification mark for local media services to demonstrate reach and relevance and to instil confidence and trust among audiences. -Fulfil the Programme for Government commitments to: publish the statutory report on the Defamation Act (2009), and progress, publish and enact the Defamation Amendment Bill - the aim of which is to achieve an appropriate balance of the right to ones good name and freedom of expression. Concluding Deputy Flanagan said, The pandemic has shown us how important local news sources are for their readers and listeners. People rely heavily on trusted media outlets. To ensure this continues, they have to be supported by Government. Irish Water and Laois County Council are asking homes, farms and businesses in Portlaoise to check for leaks and to conserve water where possible whilst adhering to public health advice on hand washing and hygiene regarding COVID-19. "We are asking people to do this in order to help maintain supply during normal working hours and avoid the need for water restrictions. Demand for water is currently higher than production capacity at Kilminchy water treatment plant. "Combined with a steady increase in demand due to current warm weather, levels of treated water in the reservoir have dropped. Irish Water working with Laois County Council are monitoring the situation on a continual basis. Speaking about the current water supply situation, John Gavin, Irish Water, said, Irish Water is appealing to all customers to conserve water as demand is higher than the production capacity of the water treatment plant. We are asking the public to conserve water where possible and to only use what they need whilst continuing to adhere to public health advice regarding COVID-19. "We have seen demand creeping up in recent weeks, spiking over the past few days. Safe, clean, treated water is not in unlimited supply and we all have to play a part in conserving it for essential use. We are also appealing to homes, businesses and those responsible for unoccupied buildings to check for leaks whilst adhering to current public health regulations and advice, to turn off water where its not needed and report leaks they see on the public network to us. "While handwashing remains a priority, simple water conservation efforts can have a big impact on reducing demand on the supply such as taking showers over baths and fixing dripping taps where it is possible to do so. We are also reminding people with responsibility for properties that are currently unoccupied to check for leaks and turn off water where it is not required whilst adhering to public health regulations and advice. We are also asking farmers to check drinkers in farmyards and on lands for leaks. There are lots more tips on how to conserve water in your home, business or school on our website at https://www.water.ie/conservation/ "Water levels in current wells supplying Portlaoise Public Water Supply Scheme are at a lower level than they were on the same date in previous years. In order to reduce the risk of water disruptions to customers, Irish Water, in partnership with Laois County Council, is working to bring into production a new well at Coolbanagher to provide additional water into the Kilminchy Water Treatment Plant. Works are expected to be completed at the end of August. "Irish Water is continuing to work at this time, with our Local Authority partners, contractors and others to safeguard the health and well-being of both staff and the public and to ensure the continuity of critical drinking water and wastewater services. Irish Water would like to remind people to follow the HSE COVID-19 advice and ensure frequent handwashing. "Irish Water and Laois County Council regrets any inconvenience caused. Our customer care helpline is open 24/7 on 1800 278 278 and customers can also contact us on Twitter @IWCare with any queries. For updates please see the water supply and services section of our website." A County Sligo man has decided to give away his stunning home on the Wild Atlantic Way to one lucky winner. Today FM and Newstalks Byron Callaghan explained how he hopes to help families own their home, live mortgage and debt free, plus get 10 thousand euro in cash, all while supporting Pieta House. The Sligo native like many of us has had enough of the housing crisis in Ireland With house prices continuing to soar, supply shortages and rising building costs he has decided to tackle the situation. Speaking on Down to Business with Bobby Kerr on Newstalk, Mr Callaghan explained what motivated him to give away his house. "I'm fortunate to own a house, and there's some of my friends who I look around at and they've saved up deposits, they've got mortgage approval, and they're being priced out of the market continually". "So I decided, let's do something different, let's tackle the market from a different angle, let's give away the house, he said. For just 23 euro people can grab a ticket to enter the draw for a chance to win the stunning four-bed home which according to the competition organisers, offers the perfect blend of calm and quiet, with endless possibilities of city life just minutes away. The house is located in a quiet cul-de-sac on the edge of Sligo town, which offers people the chance to live near Knocknarea and Benbulben mountains and nearby beaches including Strandhill and Rosses Point. Stamp duty and legal fees are covered on the dwelling which is only ten minutes from the beach and a short stroll into town. Mr Callaghan added that "the tickets are limited so that means the odds are really good. "It's an absolute steal at 20, but don't limit yourself to one ticket, the more the merrier," he said. Mr Callaghan acknowledged that while it would probably be easier to sell the house privately, he is "very passionate about the idea of people living stress-free, mortgage-free" in his home. When asked about his chosen charity on Today FMs Dermot and Dave, Mr. Callaghan said Pieta is an amazing charity, theyve 15 centres across the country, theyre on the phone 24 hours a day. He added if the last 18 months or so has taught us anything its that we have to look out for each other a bit more "This money will go a long way to support their vital service." You can enter the competition here. More information on the house and the competition can be found on Facebook and Instagram @winwestcoasthome, or on the website here. www.winwestcoasthome.com A fascinating new book published today suggests that a Donegal man, Patrick O'Donnell from Gweedore who was hanged in a high-profile murder case in London in 1883 may have been the victim of a miscarriage of justice. This is, according to former journalist and broadcaster, Sean O Cuirreain as a result of newly discovered evidence from an archive file closed to public scrutiny for over 100 years. He says that the evidence from a British Home Office file suggests that an Old Bailey judge, Mr Justice Denman, who heard the case against Patrick ODonnell accused of the murder of the Invincibles leader James Carey, withheld crucial information in court which indicated that the jury believed that the killing was without malice aforethought. A killing without malice would equate to manslaughter and would have been punishable then by a short prison sentence rather the mandatory sentence of hanging which arose in cases of murder with malice aforethought. Mr Justice Denman presided at the trial of Patrick ODonnell (45), a labourer with no formal education, charged with the murder of James Carey, who led the Invincibles, the group responsible for the Phoenix Park murders in which two of the most senior political figures in the country, Thomas Burke and Lord Cavendish, were viciously stabbed to death in May 1882. In order to avoid conviction Carey turned informer and gave evidence against his colleagues, five of whom were hanged in 1883. A newly published book The Queen v Patrick ODonnell and a TG4 drama-documentary of the same name, reveals for the first-time evidence found by author Sean O Cuirreain which suggests that Mr Justice Denman misled the court, including the defence and prosecution teams as well as the press, when he amended and misrepresented the wording of a direct question from the jury which showed they were inclined to believe the killing was without malice. Mr Justice Denman told the court that the jury, as they concluded their deliberations having heard all the evidence, had submitted a question to him in writing in which they had sought a definition of malice aforethought. His reply was widely reported by the media who attended the high-profile case. Photo: Gweedore actor Eoghan Mac Giolla Bhride as Patrick O'Donnell being prepaired for hanging However, the actual question posed by the jury which was not read to the court is included in a file on the ODonnell case in the British National Archive which was ordered to be Closed until 1985. The handwritten note of the jurys question in blue pencil was attached by Mr Justice Denman to 61 pages of meticulous notes made by him during the course of the two-day trial in a document which was subsequent ordered to be closed to public scrutiny until 1985. The question suggests that the jury had no problem in understanding the concept of malice aforethought but rather sought to ascertain if they reached a verdict of murder without malice aforethought would the judge accept that verdict. The text of the question was: If we find prisoner guilty of murder without malice aforethought can you take that verdict. It is highly significant that the judge misrepresented the jurys question, withheld it in court and replaced it with an unasked question of his own says Sean O Cuirreain. This was a critical deflection by him which left the defence team in the dark and paved the way to a guilty verdict. The suggestion that the jury sought the judges approval for a verdict that the killing was without malice and the distortion of their legitimate query was, in fact, a matter of life or death for ODonnell, he added. Photo: Patrick O'Donnell O Cuirreain noted as significant that no reference was made to the jurys question in the official transcript of the trial. All of the newspaper reports on the trial refer only to the judges amended question as reporters were unaware of true nature of the jurys query. An earlier question posed by the jury was read in full to the court by Mr Justice Denman and his response to it attracted criticism from the defence team who said it favoured the prosecution case and was biased against Mr ODonnell. This too was omitted from the official trial transcript. Patrick ODonnell, who was born in the Gweedore Gaeltacht but had spent much of his life in America where he had become accustomed to carrying a gun, admitted to shooting Carey in front of witnesses but his defence was that the killing was in self-defence. The new book by Sean O Cuirreain He had abandoned America and was travelling to South Africa where he hoped to make his fortune in the diamond mines there when he unknowingly befriended Carey during the three-week sea voyage from London to Cape Town as the informer and his family attempted to flee into hiding under an assumed name. Carey was one of the most reviled and despised figures in Ireland at the time and his evidence against colleagues who were later hanged was seen as treachery. ODonnell was lauded as a hero for killing the informer whose death was celebrated throughout Ireland and in the Irish-American communities where he had spent half his life. Photo: James Carey of the Invincibles An ODonnell Defence Fund established in America accumulated $55,000 (c. 1.5 million now) to employ a high-powered legal team to defend him. Since ODonnell had been granted American citizenship during his years there, the US President pleaded that the sentence of death be postponed pending efforts to mount an appeal. The iconic French writer Victor Hugo also took up his case and contacted Queen Victoria directly with an urgent request to spare the Donegal mans life. Such appeals were rejected and ODonnell was hanged at Newgate Prison on 17th December 1883. His death secured his immediate status as a national hero at home and abroad and he was celebrated as an Irishman who had died for Ireland. Two large Celtic crosses were erected to commemorate him, one in Glasnevin Cemetery in Dublin, the second in his native Gweedore, where a public event in his honour is still celebrated annually. Sean O Cuirreain is a former journalist and broadcaster. He served as deputy head of RTE Raidio na Gaeltachta prior to being appointed as Irelands first Language Commissioner. His book Eagoir [Injustice] on the Maamtrasna Murders and the subsequent drama-documentary Murdair Mham Trasna (TG4, 2018) contributed to the process which led to the posthumous presidential pardon for Maolra Seoighe/ Myles Joyce who was wrongly convicted and hanged for those murders. He was appointed a member of the Council of State by President Michael D. Higgins in April 2019. Published by Four Courts Press Paperback. 192 Pages. Ills. 17.95 ISBN: 978-1-84682-994-9 SIGNIFICANT governance issues were identified at a nursing home in County Limerick which was severely impacted during the third wave of Covid-19 earlier this year. The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has revealed that St Michaels Nursing Home in Caherconlish was found to be non compliant in several areas when inspected over three days in January and February. In a recently-published report, the Chief Inspector confirmed the unannounced inspection was carried out after HIQA became aware of a significant outbreak of Covid-19 at the nursing home. The report states the registered provider, Blockstar Limited, had delegated its statutory responsibilities to another company in August 2020 and that its ability to manage the outbreak was significantly impacted by the outsourcing. On their arrival at the nursing home, inspectors were informed that 63 of the 70 residents had tested positive for Covid along with more than 30 members of staff. More than 20 residents at the nursing home, who tested positive for Covid-19, subsequently died. A key concern during the outbreak was the absence of key managerial staff in the centre, and the provider's ability to maintain staffing levels. The majority of the centre's staff were impacted by the virus, either through testing positive, being considered close contacts or identifying as being in the at risk group of people. Therefore, the centre did not have adequate numbers and skill mix of staff to meet the needs of residents living in the centre, states the report. Defence Forces personnel were deployed to the nursing home in January and other supports from GPs and the HSE were also in place. Inspectors observed poor practices in relation to infection prevention and control, which did not facilitate effective containment of infection. Staff were not appropriately delegated to care for either Covid-19 positive or not detected residents, states the report which adds there were also issues relating to staff rosters and records. While the nursing home was in crisis when inspected, the HIQA report notes that staff worked very hard and were very committed to providing care to residents during the outbreak. It also notes that compassionate visits were maintained throughout and that residents' rights were upheld in as far as was possible during the outbreak. A FORMER mayor has raised fresh questions over the providing of a loan to a Dublin-based bike hire company to serve the Limerick Greenway. There was controversy earlier this year as councillors voted to provide a loan to the Lazy Bike Hire Company in the value of 300,000, with many saying a local operator should have instead been selected. Although councillor Stephen Keary backed the provision at the time, hes now admitted he only did so because a Fine Gael party whip was in place at the meeting. And he has since written to council head of finance Sean Coughlan with a number of questions around it. But despite that email going out on June 3 last, his questions have not been addressed, with the Rathkeale councillor raising the matter at this months full council meeting. I asked five very important questions here and theyve not been answered. I do believe the due diligence was not carried out. Im not happy the questions Ive been asking have not been addressed, he said. During the meeting, which was held at the Limerick Institute of Technology, Cllr Keary was told he would be briefed privately afterwards but he demanded to have the answers read into the public record. Due to time constraints, this did not happen, and speaking afterwards, he said he was extremely disappointed. Councillor Keary wanted to see a five-year business plan for the Lazy Bike Tour Company Ireland. This, the engineer said, should include its new business venture along the Limerick Greenway, which opened this month. He also wanted a positive confirmation to council members that the local authority has, or will, obtain several personal guarantees from the firms directors for the amount of the proposed loan. As with any credit approval process, you will have received a pack of information and documentation in support of the tender and subsequent loan application. I feel as councillors we may need to read and understand this documentation, in order that we can fully understand the credit risk we are being asked to support for a commercial loan of 300,000, Cllr Keary wrote. He also sought the statements of affairs of both the loan guarantors to support the value of the directors personal guarantees. As of last weeks meeting, Cllr Keary confirmed he had still not received a reply. A spokesperson for Limerick City and County Council said: Having regard to the impact of Covid-19 on tourism and hospitality businesses it was considered prudent to provide this option as part of the process to attract an operator of scale to establish on the Limerick Greenway. They said from research and discussions with other greenway providers, a large number of people using them only wish to cycle all or part of the facility one way and return to their start point by bus. This requires at least one operator of scale to have bike hire and shuttle bus pick up points at multiple locations along the route. Currently the Limerick Greenway has a very limited bike hire service and no shuttle bus service, a council spokesperson said, Without a comprehensive bike hire/ shuttle bus service, the Limerick Greenway cannot attract tourists/ day trippers (without bikes) to experience the greenway and businesses along the route will not fully harness the economic benefits arising from the investment to date. THE next owners of Ballyvorheen House in Murroe will not just be buying a home on 14 acres they will be purchasing a piece of Limerick history. In February 2018, keen historian John Hassett gave a talk to the Murroe Boher Historical Society entitled Ballyvorheen House; A history from Cromwell to Cosgrave. Many will know it as Thomond Scout Centre. Little did I know at that time that Ballyvorheen House would be sold during 2018 and a new story will begin for that property, he said at time. It was a short chapter as it is back on the market in 2021. REA Dooley Group are offering it for sale by private treaty with a guide of 249,000. Pat Dooley, director, said they have a lot of interest from the city in the four bedroom property. For anybody sick of working from home in their estate with neighbours shouting, dogs barking, children screaming, DIY enthusiasts, it is the perfect tranquil retreat. We are seeing people wishing to move from the city out to the county. They are thinking of upsizing, looking for more land and more space. Their own woodland and river on 14 acres is particularly appealing to a lot of people. For somebody that has the money it is the perfect property to escape from city life but it is less than a 20 minutes commute to the city, said Mr Dooley. Converting the older buildings into accommodation for Airbnb is another possibility. Ballyvorheen House appeared on the Property Price Register in December 2018 for a figure of 190,000. However, the register only shows the cost of a house on one acre whereas this historic property stands on 14 acres so 13 acres havent been included in that price. But at least the former owner had the choice to sell. During his extensive research, Mr Hassett found that in the 1650s the owner of the lands in Ballyvorheen was a Cormac Ryan. He was transplanted to County Clare where he was granted lands around Quin, Barefield and Spancel Hill. Cormac Ryans lands were granted to Captain Robert Wilkinson of the Cromwellian army in Limerick City. It continued in the Wilkinson family when it was leased to a Richard Bourke of Dromsally. This Bourke family are connected to Sir Richard Bourke who designed the city of Melbourne and who lived out the latter days of his life in Thornfield house Ahane, wrote Mr Hassett. He found that a Frederick Holland was living at Ballyvorheen House during the Famine. He was in charge of board of works schemes and relieving poverty in the area. A lot of roads are built in the townlands during these years. Mr Hassett said the most interesting document he came across was a ledger outlining all the tenants in Ballyvorheen in 1844 on the eve of the Famine. One wonders if they knew what lay before them in the coming years, he said. This piece has barely scratched the surface of Mr Hassetts talk as Ballyvorheen awaits its latest owner. JOHN Collison, who founded the multi-billion dollar firm Stripe with his brother Patrick has paid a warm tribute to the teachers of his alma mater. The pair were among the early students of Castetroy College, with Patrick winning the BT Young Scientist of the Year award as a 16-year-old in 2005. He actually finished runner-up the year before. On the social media network Twitter, both Patrick and John were asked by a user whether they were supported by a particular teacher at Castletroy College, which welcomed its first students in the year 2000. John Collison, the younger of the two brothers replied, tweeting: [I] lucked out with an amazing set of teachers at Castletroy: Paudie Fitzmaurice, Mairtin Burke, Ms. Griffin, David Loughrey, Jude O'Flynn Murphy, Liam O'Mahoney, and of course our late principal Martin Wallace among others. They were really invested in us and we could tell. The current principal of the school Padraig Flanagan (pictured), who succeeded Martin Wallace, was proud to read the comment. He said: I noted this nice positive comment with pride, and while it was before my time, I know that both himself and Patrick appreciate the major contribution that Castletroy College made to their education. Its nice to see it acknowledged by John and I know from speaking to colleagues over the years that all of us take great pride in their achievements and feel we did play some significant part in that journey. Mr Flanagan said many of the teachers mentioned by John are still with the school. They are top teachers and Id like to think John and Patrick are just two of many happy Castletroy College students over the years. Its very affirmative, and morale boosting absolutely to hear this, the principal concluded. The brothers founded financial services and payment processing firm Stripe in 2009. Headquartered in San Francisco and Dublin, the firm offers payment processing software for websites and mobile applications. As of May 2021, it has more than 4,000 employees globally. SHANNON Airport has received more than 900,000 in direct exchequer funds to help compensate it for the damage caused by Covid-19. The Minister of State at the Department of Transport Hildegarde Naughton today announced the support, which will also see Dublin, Cork, Ireland West (Knock), Kerry and Donegal airports given money. Theres in total 23m of support with 20m going to the three State airports. Shannon Airport which only recently commenced operations again is getting 920,000. But Dublin which has retained a schedule through lockdown is being given 17.6m, while Cork is at 1.4m. The measure comes following a European deal, designed to compensate airports for the second quarter losses of last year. Ms Naughton said: I am pleased to be in a position to announce a total of 20m in funding to our State airports Dublin, Cork and Shannon. The funding has been allocated on a pro-rata basis with reference to passenger numbers in 2019. This important funding is being provided ahead of a return to international travel on July 19. I am hopeful that this funding will go some way towards aiding the recovery process in the aviation sector. As travel restrictions begin to lift, I am also hopeful that this funding may assist in restoring connectivity by affording our State airports greater flexibility in their capacity to offer route incentives, in consultation with airlines. She pointed out Shannon is eligible for funding under the regional state airports programme which has a budget of 32m in 2021. The Delhi High Court Friday said it would be a disaster" if COVID-19 vaccines are administered, especially to children, without clinical trials and asked the Centre that it should take steps to quickly vaccinate kids of below 18 years of age once the trials are over as the whole nation is waiting for it. The court was informed by the Centre that clinical trials for the vaccines for children under 18 years of age are going on and on the verge of completion and that a policy will be formed by the government and children will be vaccinated when experts give permission. Let the trials be done, otherwise it would be a disaster if vaccines are administered without trials that too in case of children," a bench of Chief Justice D N Patel and Justice Jyoti Singh observed. Once trials are over, you quickly apply to children. The whole country is waiting," it added and listed the matter for further hearing on September 6. The high court was hearing a PIL filed on behalf of a minor which sought directions for the immediate vaccination of those in the 12-17 age group on the ground that there were fears a likely third wave of COVID-19 could affect them more. Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma, representing the Centre, said pharmaceutical company 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 permission, the same may be available in near future for children of the age group of 12 to 18 years of age. The Centre, in the affidavit filed through standing counsel Anurag Ahluwalia, said vaccination is the top most priority of the government and all efforts are being made to achieve an objective of 100 per cent vaccination in the shortest time possible keeping the available resources in mind and availability of vaccine doses into consideration. It said from May 1, onwards under the new liberalised pricing and accelerated national COVID vaccination strategy, all citizens above the age of 18 years including parents of children who are residing in Delhi are already eligible for the vaccination. The Centre said on May 12, Drug Controller General of India has permitted Bharat Biotech to conduct clinical trials on the healthy volunteers between 2 to 18 years of age for its vaccineCovaxin. Senior advocate Kailash Vasudev, representing the petitioner, said vaccines are being administered to children of the age group of 8 to 18 years in various countries and the court may ask the authorities to conclude the process in a time bound manner. To this, the bench said the government was saying that trials are going on and there cannot be a time bound schedule for a research. They are only asking for a breathing time. Everybody is working," the bench said, adding that looking into the stand taken by the Centre that the trials are going on and are at the verge of completion, list the petition on September 6. Meanwhile, the court disposed of another petition seeking to vaccinate class 10th and 12th students since they had to appear for board exams. The court noted that trials for vaccines for children are already going on and that the CBSE has cancelled the exams and now there are no offline mode of examination for students of class 10th and 12th this year. "Looking into these two facts we see no reason to entertain this petition at this stage. Liberty is given to the petitioner to move an appropriate authority for the grievances in future," the bench said. When the petitioners counsel said the children will need to appear for competitive exams, the bench said they can approach the court at that time. The first PIL was filed seeking directions for immediate vaccination of 12-17 year-old children on the ground that there was an apprehension that a likely third wave of COVID-19 could affect them more. The petition has also sought priority in vaccination to parents of children up to 17 years of age as several kids were orphaned after their parents succumbed to COVID-19 during the second wave. There are two petitioners in the matter -- the first is a minor represented through her mother and the second is a mother of a minor child. The petition has claimed that according to the data of number of persons infected between April 2021 to May 2021, the number of reported cases where children were infected "has risen tremendously" than last year. It has alleged that the vaccine policy of India has failed to factor in children or parents of children for vaccination and the Centre and Delhi government have also failed to prepare a national plan for taking of the minors during the present pandemic. "That globally, countries have fully recognised the importance of vaccinating children, alongside adults, to curb, mitigate the ill effects of the present pandemic and have accordingly and effectively taken measures. "Vaccines for children are being produced and administered in countries such as Canada, United States of America (USA), for children between the ages of 12-17 years," it has said. This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Never miss a story! Stay connected and informed with Mint. Download our App Now!! Topics The National Investigation Agency (NIA) submitted a counter affidavit in the court stating that the accused in the case, committed a terrorist act by smuggling gold into India from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The agency informed the court that a request under the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) has been sent to UAE for obtaining evidence of the transactions that occurred there, especially through reverse hawala and purchase of smuggled gold. NIA further submitted before the bench of Justices K Vinod Chandran and Ziyad Rahman AA: "Investigation conducted by NIA has established that accused Swapna Suresh, Sarith PS, and others jointly committed this terrorist act with the knowledge that their act of smuggling of gold into India in large quantity would threaten the security and economic security of the country, destabilize the Indian economy and damage the friendly relations with UAE." "They conspired, recruited people, and formed a terrorist group that raised funds and smuggled around 167 kg of gold from UAE from November 2019 to June 2020, through import cargo addressed to the diplomats at the Consulate General of UAE at Thiruvananthapuram," the NIA submitted. Swapna Suresh had challenged the verdict of the Special NIA Court which dismissed her bail plea earlier. According to the petition, "The allegations raised against the petitioner would not attract any offence under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and that the charge sheet does not disclose sufficient material evidence to connect her with the alleged gold smuggling." "On bail petition filed by the accused in another Gold Smuggling Case, that gold smuggling is not a UAPA offence and is to be dealt under Customs Act. The bar under UAPA in granting bail was wrongly interpreted by the lower court in a manner prejudicial to her. While the said provision in UAPA gives discretion to the court in granting bail, it should not have been interpreted as prohibition in granting bail," the petition read. 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. Never miss a story! Stay connected and informed with Mint. Download our App Now!! Topics BARCELONA, Spain: Barcelona and the surrounding northeast corner of Spain are curtailing public activity again to stem an outbreak of the delta variant of the coronavirus that is running wild among unvaccinated younger people and placing hospitals under growing pressure. Regional authorities in Catalonia were waiting for a judge to sign off on restoring a nightly curfew in towns with populations over 5,000 which surpass the rate of 400 infections per 100,000 inhabitants over 14 days. The curfew is intended to discourage social gatherings where the virus spreads. The more infectious delta variant is pushing infections back up in Spain and other European countries where vaccination efforts are going well and the public healthcare systems are robust. But Catalonia has an infection rate double Spain's national average, with over 1,000 cases per 100,000 inhabitants over 14 days. Health director Josep Maria Argimon said the situation is very bad," with more than 8,000 new cases officially reported a day in the region of 7.5 million people. Catalonia is currently one of the hardest hit areas of Europe; only the Mediterranean island nation of Cyprus is worse off, according to the European Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Catalan authorities said they are canceling health workers days off this weekend because the number of intensive care beds occupied by COVID-19 patients is expected to surpass 300, from 237 on Wednesday. Scenes of revelry became common in many of Spains cities once the government lifted a six-month nighttime curfew in early May. The government had hoped to give some relief to businesses and send the message abroad that Spain was open again for its all-important summer tourist season. At that time, Spains rate of new cases had fallen under 200 per 100,000 over 14 days. Two months later it is over 450 and rising. Infections among young adults in Catalonia are particularly worrying; the 20-29 age group is posting a 14-day rate of more than 3,300 infections per 100,000 inhabitants. It all started with the end of school, which had served as a safe place where sanitary measures worked well. And then we saw a series of trips of students to celebrate the end of the school year and other festivities, and that was the start," Catalan health official Carmen Cabezas said. That, combined with the arrival of the delta variant,made for a perfect storm." Authorities in Catalonia are rolling out several measure to combat the outbreak. Mobile vaccination units are targeting areas with lower vaccination rates. The government will start offering free antigen tests to parents of children ages 10-16 who are attending summer camps. The upscale beach town of Sitges is trying out drones to monitor the occupancy of its beaches. But most of all, Spain is counting on getting its young people vaccinated. After meticulously working down from the oldest to youngest age groups, health officials recently opened up vaccination slots for anyone over 16. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Sharks are iconic creatures, but researchers know remarkably little about them. For instance, although scientists know of more than 400 shark species, many of these big fish fare poorly in captivity, making it difficult to observe their mating, navigational, learning and social (or anti-social) behavior. Here are seven mysteries that scientists have yet to solve about sharks. 1. How do sharks navigate? A great white shark. (Image credit: Getty Images/Stephen Frink) The open ocean has few visual cues, so how do sharks know where they're going? Some sharks travel great distances, such as the great white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) that swim across the Indian Ocean, from the west coast of Australia to South Africa, said Andrew Nosal, a marine biologist and shark scientist at University of San Diego. "It is an enduring mystery how sharks find their way through the ocean, which environmental cues they use, and how exactly those cues are detected and integrated," Nosal told Live Science. Some sharks may use Earth's magnetic field to help them generate a mental map and compass, a May 2021 study published in the journal Current Biology suggested. In that study, researchers found that wild bonnetheads (Sphyrna tiburo) were able to orient themselves to that applied magnetic field, suggesting they use such fields to navigate. Olfaction (smell) may be another navigational tool that some sharks use, according to a 2016 study by Nosal and colleagues on leopard sharks (Triakis semifasciata). But perhaps other factors such as water temperature, sound and even vision (to some extent) may help sharks navigate the deep, Nosal said. 2. How many species exist? The newfound species of walking shark, Hemiscyllium Halmahera, grows up to 27 inches (70 centimeters) long and is harmless to humans. (Image credit: Conservation International / Mark Erdmann) Researchers are still discovering new species of shark, especially from the deep ocean. "The deep ocean is so vast and we've spent so little time studying it, that it feels like every time a scientist goes out and does some fishing or trolling or even goes to a fish market in a little known place, they find a new species of shark," Christopher Lowe, a professor of marine biology and director of the Shark Lab at California State University, Long Beach, told Live Science. Moreover, sharks can range greatly in size, from as small as a cigar (like the American pocket shark) to as large as a school bus (such as the whale shark, a plankton feeder). They also live in diverse habitats, so a newfound species could be uncovered anywhere, Nosal said. Related: Biggest sharks in the world 3. Why do sharks migrate? After placing an acoustic tracker on each of the 26 leopard sharks, the researchers dropped the sharks off at a location 6 miles from shore. (Image credit: Kyle McBurnie) It's clear that many sharks migrate seasonally, different tracking studies show. In other cases, as with the tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvier), species have "partial migration, where some individuals have a propensity to be homebodies and others have a propensity to migrate," Lowe said. "And we don't know why." Related: Why 10,000-plus sharks are hanging out in Florida waters For the critically endangered school shark (Galeorhinus galeus), females have a three-year migration, returning to their reproductive spot every third year, likely to ovulate and gestate, a March 2021 tracking study led by Nosal in the Journal of Applied Ecology found. However, why the majority of these migrations happen is still a mystery. Do sharks migrate for food, mating, temperature or perhaps a mixture of all three? It's hard to say. Only by studying vast numbers of a single species of shark can researchers find overall trends and perhaps tease out the reasons behind each migration, Nosal said. 4. What are they doing underwater? A white shark tagged with both acoustic (front) and pop-up satellite (rear) tags. (Image credit: TOPP) It's anyone's guess what sharks are doing deep in the ocean, said Gregory Skomal, a fisheries biologist with the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries. Trackers can tell scientists where the sharks are swimming, but once the fish dive deep into the water, it's hard to follow them without disrupting their behavior, he said. "We have plenty of data on white sharks that shows that some of them go out to the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, wander around and dive down to depths as great as 3,000 feet (900 meters) every day," Skomal told Live Science. "But we don't have any clue what they're actually doing there." Once, Skomal and his colleagues sent down an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) to spy on great white sharks at night. The footage suggested that the sharks were resting. "I dare not say 'sleep' because it's hard for us to determine if and when these sharks sleep," Skomal said. In another case, researchers found that grey reef sharks (Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos) surf on updrafts of water, likely to save energy, according to a June 2021 study in the Journal of Animal Ecology. 5. What role do sharks play in the ecosystem? A lemon shark in the Bahamas looking for a meal. (Image credit: Fiona Ayerst / Shutterstock.com) Most people say that sharks are apex predators and are essential for maintaining balance in the food web. But not all sharks are at the top of that web, Nosal said. "It's still a mystery exactly how sharks fit in," he said. "Surely they are important, and many species are indeed apex predators. But food webs are very complicated." Many shark habitats are so damaged, it's hard to know how they functioned before disruptions, such as overfishing and habitat destruction, Lowe said. However, a few places around the world, including Bikini Atoll in the Marshall Islands (whose inhabitants were relocated due to the effects of nuclear bomb testing) give a hint as to how shark habitats should look, Lowe said. Because people essentially abandoned the islands, the ecosystems have recovered. Lowe visited the Bikini Islands recently. Without downplaying the terrible effects of nuclear testing, "for me, it was this amazing experience because people hadn't been there, really, for 50 years. Even foreign fishermen would avoid that place because of their fear of the radiation," he said. "For me it was like Jurassic Park." How smart are sharks? 6. How smart are sharks? Testing a shark's response to odor plumes in the water. (Image credit: Jelle Atema) Studies on shark brains suggest the fish are complex beings, but in what ways are they smart? Sharks don't have many folds in their forebrains (an area associated with decision making and reasoning in people), but they do have lots of folds in their cerebellum (a region associated with coordinating body movements), said Jelle Atema, a professor of biology at Boston University Marine Program. And shark brains may have unique abilities when it comes to smell. Atema has studied sharks' two well-developed olfactory bulbs, he said. In a 2010 study in the journal Current Biology, Atema and his colleagues found that dusky smooth-hound sharks (Mustelus canis) turned toward odors stimulated first in their nares (nose), even if the second smell stimulation offered to them was higher in concentration. This trick may help the sharks stay connected to an odor plume, even if another smell in the busy ocean is of higher concentration, he said. Anecdotally, Lowe has annually tracked tiger sharks to French Frigate Shoal in the Northwest Hawaiian Islands, where the sharks chow down on blackfoot albatross chicks learning to fly. "We found that literally a week before the birds start to fledge, the sharks start showing up," Lowe said. "We observed some individuals eating four to six albatross chicks a morning." As soon as the last chicks fledge, the sharks leave, he said. That suggests sharks' "smarts" include detailed memories about the time and location of events, at least when it comes to food. 7. Are sharks social animals? Underwater silhouetted view of silky sharks gathering in spring for mating rituals, Roca Partida, Revillagigedo, Mexico. (Image credit: Getty Images) Some sharks swim in schools of various sizes, and others gather in groups of hundreds to thousands. But it's unclear whether sharks are attracted to one another or whether they're simply in the same spot because it's a nice location with good temperatures and food availability, Nosal said. "Almost certainly, it's going to be a combination of the two," he said. "But we don't really know the extent to which sharks are social animals. There's more and more evidence that they are, but the details are forthcoming." Related: Surprise! Sharks have social lives. This story was originally published on June 29, 2016 and updated on July 16, 2021 to include additional studies and comments from Chris Lowe. Originally published on Live Science. Marijuana users have had many occasions to wonder where their much-beloved yet much maligned cannabis plant came from. They need wonder no more: New genetic research reveals that the pot plant has its roots in what is now northwest China, where local strains are most like the original strain of cannabis cultivated more than 12,000 years ago. The study the largest ever of the whole genomes of cannabis plants, adding a further 82 genomes to the 28 that had already been sequenced shows that cannabis was probably first domesticated in early Neolithic times in the region of modern China near its borders with Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, and from there spread as different varieties around the world. The researchers identified a "basal type" of cannabis plant from northwest China that was previously unknown, Luca Fumagalli, a geneticist at the University of Lausanne in Switzerland, told Live Science. Related: 9 weird ways you can test positive for drugs Because cannabis plants are so widespread now, there's been considerable scientific debate about where it originated, and suggestions have included West Asia, Central Asia and northern China, Fumagalli said. "People thought the region was more towards Central Asia, mostly because there were a lot of feral [wild] cannabis plants along the roads there," he said. "But this observational data basically contradicted what we got from the genomic analysis." Instead, the study showed that cannabis plants from Central Asia belonged to the " hemp type," he said, meaning they are tall, unbranching plants with cellulose-rich stems suitable for producing fibers for ropes and textiles. They weren't the so-called basal type, which are suitable for both fiber production and producing psychoactive effects. Single species Most biologists now think two different species of cannabis Cannabis indica and Cannabis ruderalis are subspecies of the single species within the genus, Cannabis sativa, that was domesticated earlier than about 12,000 years ago. That age is affirmed by archaeological evidence, which includes traces of ancient cannabis seeds found in pottery from that time in southern China, Taiwan and Japan. Related: 27 odd facts about marijuana Fumagalli said the genetic study led the researchers to conclude that all cannabis plants alive today are descended from plants that were domesticated in the original region, and that the wild progenitors of Cannabis sativa are probably now extinct. The different types of cannabis would have started to diverge from the basal type sometime after it was domesticated, and the study showed the hemp type became prominent about 4,000 years ago, presumably as people started to select plants for fiber production, he said. Hemp-type strains of cannabis now grow in the wild throughout Europe, Central Asia and some parts of northern China. The strains of cannabis now grown commercially for drugs are exclusively from the drug-type, which were selected for the higher levels of psychoactive chemicals they produced; and feral drug-type strains now grow in the wild throughout South and Southeast Asia, where cannabis seems to have been cultivated over the past few thousand years, mainly for marijuana's psychoactive effects , he said. A feral (or wild) cannabis plant in the middle of a grassland in Qinghai province, central China. (Image credit: Guangpeng Ren) High times Most prominently, the four types of cannabis differ in the assemblies of genes that control their production of two particular acidic cannabinoids CBDA, which produces the chemical CBD and is prominent in the hemp-type variety, and THCA, which produces the more psychoactive chemical THC . Within the plant, both CBDA and THCA are produced by and compete for the same raw material, cannabigerolic acid or CBGA. Scientists think that both groups of genes probably play a major role in the plant's defenses. Even so, the genes have produced very different effects on the cultivation of each type of plant, with the hemp-type favoring the production of the CBDA genetic assembly and the drug-type favoring the THCA genetic assembly, the researchers wrote. They noted that cannabis has long been seen as an important source of fiber for textiles as well as a source of medicinal and recreational drugs but that the history of its domestication has been difficult to determine because of both legal restrictions and clandestine breeding for drugs. That is now starting to change, however. "Our study provides new insight into [the] global spread of a plant with divergent structural and biochemical products, at a time in which there is a resurgence of interest in its use, reflecting changing social attitudes and corresponding challenges to its legal status in many countries," the researchers wrote. The new genetic research is intended to serve as a resource for medical and agricultural research into cannabis . "East Asia has been shown to be an important ancient hotspot of domestication for several crop species, including rice, broomcorn and foxtail millet, soybean, foxnut, apricot and peach. Our results thus add another line of evidence for the importance of this domestication hotspot." The study was published Friday (July 16) in the journal Science Advances . Originally published on Live Science. The first case of human monkeypox in the U.S. in nearly 20 years has been confirmed in a U.S. resident who recently returned from traveling to Nigeria. The patient, who is currently hospitalized in Dallas, flew from Lagos, Nigeria, to Atlanta on July 8, and then flew on to Dallas, arriving on July 9, according to a statement from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) . Masks were required on the flights and at U.S. airports due to COVID-19, and so the risk of monkeypox spreading to other passengers or travelers at the airports through respiratory droplets is thought to be low, the agency said. Related: 20 of the worst epidemics and pandemics in history This is the first case of human monkeypox reported in the U.S. since 2003, when the virus caused a large outbreak after it spread from imported African rodents to pet prairie dogs, the CDC said. In that outbreak, the virus infected 47 people, according to NBC News . Monkeypox is a rare viral disease that occurs mostly in remote parts of Central and West Africa, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The virus lives in animals, including primates and rodents, but it can sometimes "jump" from animals to people, the WHO says. The virus spreads from person to person mainly through exposure to respiratory droplets, which can enter the body through mucous membranes in the eyes, mouth and nose. In addition, monkeypox can also be transmitted when a person has contact with infected lesions or body fluids; indirectly, a person can catch monkeypox from contact with contaminated clothing or linens, according to the CDC . The monkeypox virus is related to the virus that causes smallpox, though monkeypox is a milder illness and does not spread easily between people, Live Science previously reported . People infected with monkeypox virus typically develop flu-like symptoms and swelling of the lymph nodes, which progresses to a widespread rash, with symptoms lasting two to four weeks. The strain of monkeypox identified in the current case has been found to be fatal in about 1% of people, the CDC said. Though there is currently no safe treatment for monkeypox, to help control outbreaks in the U.S., smallpox vaccine and smallpox medicines can be used, the CDC said. The CDC is currently working with airlines and health officials to contact passengers and others who may have been exposed to the patient during their recent travel. Originally published on Live Science. Denham Springs, LA (70726) Today Isolated thunderstorms during the morning becoming more widespread this afternoon. High 88F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%.. Tonight Thunderstorms likely. Low 73F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 80%. Rainfall may reach one inch. Click here to read the full article. C.B. Yis Un Certain Regard title Moneyboys is a moving exploration of Chinese rural-to-urban migration that feels authentically emotional despite being peppered with incongruous moments and details. The film follows Fei (Kai Ko), who moves from the countryside to different Chinese megacities to support his family as a hustler. When he realizes that they accept his money but not his homosexuality, their relationship breaks down. Although set in China, Moneyboys was filmed entirely in Taiwan. Linguistic inconsistencies also rear their head unexpectedly to jar viewers otherwise immersed in the films melancholic mood, with Beijing accents mingling with lilting Taiwanese intonations in the same village where neither should be at home. And while leading man Kai Ko delivers a nuanced, heart-rending portrayal of the hustler Fei and real chemistry with his male love interests Long (Bai Yufan) and Xiaolai (JC Lin), none of them publicly identify as homosexual. First-time director Yi waited nearly ten years for the chance to shoot Moneyboys, intending all along to do so in China. At the last minute, however, he moved production to Taiwan, which required a rush to adjust the story but also cut costs and brought in financing from the Taipei Film Commission. He doesnt attribute the shift to censorship, saying that the choice was made for budgetary reasons before he submitted the script to China to get approved for a shooting permit, and because it was easier to work with Taiwans more Westernized production system. Shooting in China, he admits, would have yielded a totally different film, but hes satisfied with the final results. I didnt make a film of total realism. If I wanted to have a realistic film, I would have done direct cinema or documentary. I made this with an artistic mindset and with the situation I was given, which forced me to adapt, Yi says. Yi was born in China but immigrated to Austria as a teen, and is most comfortable in German. A Sinology major, he first encountered the topic of gay prostitution nearly two decades ago while studying abroad to improve his language skills at the Beijing Film Academy, where he discovered that a classmate was hustling on the side to help his ill mother. Yi first planned a documentary about money boys, but later morphed it into a fiction over concerns that it might put subjects at risk in a country where prostitution remains illegal and there are few legal rights for LGBTQ citizens. As censorship tightens in the mainland, the Moneyboys model of a China-born director with foreign citizenship making a China-set film shot outside the country with foreign funding and crew may become an increasingly common avenue for cinematic explorations of otherwise taboo Chinese subjects. Equal Opportunities? For a director who has spun such an intimate portrait of gay love, Yi at times appears less versed than one might expect on the politics of its representation or the state of LGBTQ issues in China and Taiwan, the latter of which in 2019 became the first in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage. In Hollywood, the question of whether straight or cisgender actors should play gay or trans characters is an ever-evolving hot-button issue. Although Yi hadnt considered the topic, when pressed he says that while the intention behind the idea of reserving gay roles for gay people was a good one, it also leads to problems by being too reductive. Many heterosexual actors wanted to be part of the project because they were touched by the story and wanted to support the LGBT community, and that empathyis a [positive way] of spreading more understanding of LGBT issues worldwide, Yi says. I also think playing a homosexual role gives heterosexual male and female actors the opportunity to fulfil their curiosity and satisfy their subconscious desires to live [the experiences] of LGBT people. He elaborates: Film is not really politics: it has some politics, of course, but not the kind of outside politics where you go to a demonstration. Everything in film is there to tell a story, but the stories have political messages and issues packed within them. I just want the best actors to play the characters; to forbid anything or to question that minimizes the artistic work. His stars both concur. The character is what the director chooses him to beHomosexuals should also play straight men, and so on, as long as the actor develops the character well, adds Ko. Lin says what matters most is how convinced the audience is. I think there should be equal opportunities to take on roles no matter what your identity, as long as youre good at your craft and willing to take on the challenge. Yi wasnt sure if an actor could openly identify as gay in China, but notes that while in Beijing he saw many women holding hands in the streets. I think homosexuality in China is not a big issue, because its common. In the 1990s, they already said its not a disease, or something like that. China decriminalized homosexuality in 1997 and declassified it as a mental disorder in 2001, and while mores are slowly changing, gay content is still regularly censored in film, TV and online media most recently via the mass deletion of social media accounts for LGBTQ student groups and research associations at most major universities just last week. Bai, who adroitly plays a young villager who follows Fei into the world of prostitution, is a rising commercial star in China who also appeared this month in a very different sort of film: the historical propaganda film 1921, a tribute to the Chinese Communist Party. While he is on screen at Cannes learning to turn tricks, Bai is in theaters in China as the staunch military leader Ye Ting, who joins the Communists after leaving the Kuomintang, the party that went on to rule Taiwan and is still one of its most powerful factions. There is past precedent for Chinese actors playing controversial gay roles pushing on unabated to mainland stardom. For instance, Chen Sicheng and Qin Hao, the leads of Lou Yes 2009 Cannes competition title Spring Fever, are now top industry figures even though that film resulted in Lou receiving a five-year ban from filmmaking. Yi still has family in China, and uses a pseudonym to keep his work separated from his private life and avoid the risk of being unable to return. He hopes that his future films will be able to screen there, and acknowledges the political tightrope that may force him to walk particularly when other China-born artists like Chloe Zhao have been unofficially banned on nationalist grounds even for making work completely unrelated to the country. I feel for my country. I want to do the right things and respect everyone there, but Im also an artist, and want to do the right thing as an artist, he says. Im aware of what happened to Zhao, but I dont think something like this would happen to me, because the politics in my film are about relationships, about making people empathize with others with whom they wouldnt normally sympathize. Reduced to My Chinese Origin Yi didnt initially set out to make a film about China at all. His first project was a coming-of-age story set in Austria with European main characters, but it was abruptly killed two years in after certain backers pulled out without explanation. I was told, Its better when your first movie is about China. If there are two people, an Austrian director and you, both first-time directors trying to make a film about relationships between Austrians, of course they would rather give it to the other guy than you, he says. Yi has made his peace with that setback. I went through all that, but I realized it really was better to do my first film in my homeland, where I had travelled many times and knew people better. Times have changed, but not drastically so. Yi envisions Moneyboys as the first installment of a thematically linked trilogy of films, each pulling further away from China than the last. Hes finished the script for the next title: Paris-set Purelands, which centers on a French-Austrian student involved in protecting a group of female prostitutes from northern China. The third film will be set in the 60s and shuttle between Paris and other non-China international locales. Yi also has scripts written for two bigger-budget sci-fi films that zoom even further out from the sticky realities of the present. He explains: I dont want to be reduced to my Chinese origins as a filmmaker. Sign up for Varietys Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. Nicolas Cage knows how to get the best performances out of his co-stars even if that co-star is a pig. The Oscar winner reveals what it took to get Brandy, the pig that plays his truffle-hunting porker in the new Neon drama Pig to act on cue. Brandy was very payment oriented, she liked to eat, Cage told Variety at the movies premiere on Tuesday at the Nuart Theatre in Los Angeles. If I needed to go and get her to hit her marks, some food would be put down. And if I needed a soulful expression, Id put a carrot behind the camera and shed look at the carrot and the carrot made her look at me with love. Brandy had no acting experience before Pig. Writer-director Michael Sarnoski found her at a local farm near where they were shooting in Portland, Oregon because they couldnt afford to hire a trained pig. There are trained acting pigs, he said. We just found one on a farm and said you are adorable and you have a great personality and said, Would you like to be in our movie? And she said, Oink, so we went with it. In the film, Cage plays a former star chef who has become a truffle forager while living as a recluse in the woods. Alex Wolff plays his slick city truffle dealer who helps him search Portland after his truffle hog is stolen. Cage said he spent some time with Brandy before the 20-day shoot began. You have to let the pig know who you are, like with all animals, he said. You want them to trust you. She felt safe with me. Following the screening, guests, including Kesha, headed to a party at Craft restaurant. On the menu? Mushroom truffle arancini and truffle popcorn. Sign up for Varietys Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. A California film producer was arrested on Thursday on charges that he used his production company, PaperChase Films, as a front for an international prostitution ring. Dillon Jordan, who produced Skin and The Kindergarten Teacher, was indicted last month on prostitution and money laundering charges. The indictment was unsealed on Thursday. The charges allege that Jordan ran the operation from 2010 at least through May 2017, arranging travel for women to meet clients for sex around the country. He also allegedly used accounts in the names of the production company and an event planning business to collect payments and pay expenses for the prostitution business. The payments were sometimes described as modeling fees, appearance fees, consulting fees and house party fees. Jordan, 49, is based in Lake Arrowhead, Calif., and also goes by Daniel Jordan, Daniel Maurice Hatton, and Daniel Bohler, according to the indictment. He was arrested in San Bernardino County and was scheduled to make an initial appearance before a federal judge in Riverside. His attorney could not be reached for comment. The case is being handled by prosecutors in the Southern District of New York. The indictment includes allegations that women were flown to New York to engage in prostitution, as well as the allegation that Jordan worked with a madam based in the United Kingdom to pool clients and prostitutes. Dillon was an executive producer of the 2018 Ethan Hawke film The Kid. The Kindergarten Teacher, which he also produced, starred Maggie Gyllenhaal and Gael Garcia Bernal, and appeared at several film festivals. His IMDb page states that he has optioned Superman vs. The KKK. Sign up for Varietys Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. When she was growing up in Nalchik, the capital of Russias remote Kabardino-Balkarian Republic, Kira Kovalenko wasnt particularly interested in cinema. She can cite few films that inspired her as a girl. In all honesty, I never wanted to be a director, she tells Variety. The 31-year-old filmmaker has traveled a long way since, as she prepares to bow her second feature, Unclenching the Fists, in Un Certain Regard at the Cannes Film Festival. Produced by two-time Oscar nominee Alexander Rodnyansky (Leviathan, Loveless), her sophomore effort marks her as a rising talent in a country with a venerable tradition of arthouse auteurs. Sitting in the foothills of the Caucasus Mountains, Nalchik is far from Russias cultural lode stars in Moscow and St. Petersburg. Its a city that likely would never have produced a single filmmaker to walk the red carpet in Cannes let alone two were it not for Alexander Sokurov, the celebrated director of Venice Golden Lion winner Faust, who established a directing workshop there in 2015. Kovalenko was one of 12 students invited to take part; among her classmates was Kantemir Balagov, who would achieve breakout success with his 2019 Cannes sensation Beanpole. Several years later, she compares her time in the workshop to a ball of wool Im only beginning to unravel. Sokurov was demanding, he was strict, and it was hard for us sometimes to meet his demands, she says. He always told us that we need to show him more about ourselves. Show us how you love, show us how you live, how you treat each other, whats going on in your families. This was always the most important task for me. Sokurovs insistence that his students show the world around them wasnt incidental, but part of a conscious effort he made when setting up his workshop to put the North Caucasus on the cinematic map of the world, says Kovalenko. The director considers it a privilege to have grown up there, adding, Everything that was going on around me, I soaked it in. That influence is vividly on display in her second film. Set in a former mining town in Russias North Ossetia region, Unclenching the Fists is the story of a young woman, played by Milana Aguzarova, who struggles to escape the stifling hold of the family she both loves and rejects. Buried beneath the surface is a lingering trauma, one which Kovalenko patiently reveals over the course of the film. Treading around sensitive issues, the director was reluctant to share too many details during production. We were very cautious. No one really knew what the film was about, she says. The only actor to read the entire script was Aguzarova; the rest of the cast were only given enough to learn their parts. I didnt want there to be any kind of prejudice inside of the film that would come from them knowing the whole story from beginning to end, the director says. Kovalenko has not shied away from such challenges; her first feature, Sofichka, was filmed in Abkhazia, a conservative, predominantly Muslim territory on the coast of the Black Sea a difficult and complicated task for a female filmmaker, she says. But she remains committed to depicting the place that shaped her, even if that means confronting difficult truths. I dont think theres anything I cannot say, as a film director, she says. Northern Caucasus is a place where people really do not like to talk about their problems. The issues I dissect in my film, they might be problematic. But I feel that I really love this place this is my motherland, and I feel comfortable talking about the problems as well. Sign up for Varietys Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. Robert Lantos Serendipity Point Films (Crimes Of The Future) and Beta Film (Gomorrah, Babylon Berlin) are joining forces on Rise of the Raven (working title), a big-budget epic drama series about Janos Hunyadi, a fearless warrior who defeated the vast Ottoman army and defended Europe in 1456 at the Battle of Belgrade. Based on Ban Mors bestselling novels, the 10-hour series will be showrun by award-winning director George Mihalka who will also direct the final three episodes. Mihalkas drama credits include NBCs The Firm, TNTs Transporter: The Series and Showtimes Bullet to Beijing. Hes also the recipient of the Directors Guild of Canadas Lifetime Achievement Award. Robert Dornhelm, whose most recent TV series include Vienna Blood with Matthew Beard and Maria Theresa, will direct the first two episodes of Rise of the Raven. Dornhelm previously directed Emmy and Oscar-nominated productions such as Anne Frank: The Whole Story with Sir Ben Kingsley, Children of Theatre Street with Grace Kelly, as well as The Venice Project starring Lauren Bacall and Dennis Hopper. Orsi Nagypal, whose credits include The Deal, will also direct some episodes. The series is written by George Mihalka, Balazs Lengyel, Balazs Lovas, Zsofia Ruttkay and Attila Veres. Set in 15th century medieval Europe, Rise of the Raven is currently in pre-production and casting is underway. Beta Film is already in advanced negotiations with leading European broadcasters. Through sheer courage and cunning, Janos Hunyadi defeated the far larger invading Ottoman army and in so doing saved Europe, said Lantos, who is also producing David Cronenbergs Crimes of the Future with Viggo Mortensen and Kristen Stewart. For the past ten years, I have been working with my creative partners to adapt Ban Mors extraordinarily powerful 10-volume historic fiction for the screen. In Beta Film, I have found an ally who shares our ambitious vision, Lantos added. The show is a passion project for Mihalka who said he has dreamed of returning to Hungary, and work in (his) homeland and native language. He said it will be the first international limited series produced and shot in Hungary. The creative also said the true story of Hunyadi was universal in scope and theme, even if its specific to Central Europe. It is a saga of bravery, love, perseverance, the fight for freedom, and the eventual victory over forces that threatened not only his homeland but the rest of Europe. The series is financed by the National Film Institute of Hungary, Serendipity Point Films, Twin Media, HG Media, MR Film and Beta Film. TV2 will broadcast the show in Hungary and Slovenia. Lantos, who is executive producing the series, is a high-profile veteran producer with credits ranging from arthouse films such as the Berlin award winner Museo; Cannes award winner Adoration; Oscar-nominated Eastern Promises and Being Julia; and Cannes jury prize winner Crash. His TV credits include HBOs Shot Through the Heart and Sword of Gideon, CBSs Due South and Showtimes Total Recall. Also producing the series are HG Media Group founder Tibor Krsko (The Song of Names), Cecilia Hazai, and Kinga Hazai as well as Oliver Auspitz and Andreas Kamm of MR Film (Vienna Blood). In the 15th Century, Hunyadis victories changed the course of European history. Our objective is to bring this story to audiences worldwide by creating a high-end series drawing on talent from all over Europe, says Csaba Kael, government commissioner for the development of the Hungarian film industry and chairman of the National Film Institute of Hungary. Koby Gal-Raday, Beta Films CCO described Rise of the Raven as a one-of-a-kind, cinematic, and epic story, very much relevant to todays audiences worldwide. Gal-Raday said the high quality of the scripts, the international talent leading the show, and the ambitious production vision gave the series project a high global potential. Sign up for Varietys Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. Saul Williams spent nearly a decade bringing his directorial debut Neptune Frost to the screen, but not even the multi-talented, multi-disciplinary artist could have scripted the mad dash it took to take his passion project from the rolling hills of East Africa to the Croisette in Cannes. Shot on location in Rwanda over the course of 27 frenetic days, Neptune Frost had just wrapped principal photography last spring when the coronavirus pandemic began grounding planes and closing borders across the globe. We made it back to the States on March 18, which was the last day it would have been possible to leave Rwanda, Williams tells Variety. We made it here with the film on our hard drives. It was a miracle that we made it to the finish line. The films premiere in the Directors Fortnight section of the Cannes Film Festival will mark the latest stage in a journey that began more than a decade ago, when the idea for Neptune Frost first conceived as a graphic novel and Broadway musical came to Williams. Set in a futuristic East African village made of recycled computer parts, it follows the love story between an intersex runaway and a coltan miner whose child will grow up to lead a subversive hacking collective exposing the evils of the worlds superpowers. It is a manic, dystopian vision that was partly inspired by a trip to a market in Dakar, where Williams was filming Tey, from Berlin Silver Bear winner Alain Gomis (Felicite), in 2010. The director recalls being mesmerized by the sight of young Senegalese with iPhones and Beats headphones banging away on traditional sabar drums, something he describes as a dialogue between the modern tech and the ancient tech. At the same time, Williams newsfeed was filling with stories about the Arab Spring, the rise of the Anonymous hacking collective, mineral extraction in Congo, and American evangelicals pushing African leaders to impose anti-LGBTQ laws. I wanted to find a way to talk about all of this stuff under the helm of one project, he says. Williams and wife Anisia Uzeyman a Rwandan actress, playwright and filmmaker he met on the set of Tey developed Neptune Frost together. I was waiting for an occasion to do something in Rwanda, says Uzeyman, who co-directed and lensed the film and called it the perfect set-up to shine a spotlight on her countrys growing industry. The two traveled together to Rwanda in 2016, where they began assembling a cast and crew drawn entirely from Rwanda, Burundi and Kenya. Two years later they launched a Kickstarter campaign that raised $196,000, with contributions from the likes of artist Kara Walker and Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda. It was an effort to sidestep the Hollywood gatekeepers who might expect him to compromise his artistic vision, says Williams; he then used the fundraiser as leverage to raise more than $1 million in additional financing. The production team had to do much of the work in Rwanda from scratch, building sets and lighting units and jerry-rigged film equipment, all on a shoestring budget. At the end of each shooting day we were on the phonetrying to raise money to shoot the next week, says Williams, adding that both Flash star Ezra Miller and executive producer Stephen Hendel (Fela! The Musical) were instrumental in keeping the production afloat. The result is a film that dovetails with Williams artistic and political convictions, at a time when the growing social justice movement makes his African sci-fi musical especially timely. Weve always known that it was a fight to be seen, to be heard, to be recognized, he says. We are here now. To be at a place creatively wherewe can say, This is the film I wanted to make, it does something. Its powerful. Sign up for Varietys Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. In todays podcast news roundup, Spotify is set to debut a new series from The Ringer about legendary film critics Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert; Kelsey Grammer narrates the scripted podcast The Lower Bottoms about tensions in a gentrifying neighborhood in West Oakland, Calif.; Automattic buys Pocket Casts; and more. DATES Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert, the famous film-critic duo, will be the focus of a Spotify original narrative documentary podcast series from The Ringer. Hosted by Brian Raftery, Gene and Roger will chronicle their rise and careers with a focus on the cultural footprint theyve left behind since their deaths. The series promises never-before-heard commentary and sound bites from Siskel and Ebert as well as those closest to them. Guests will include Gene and Rogers widows, Marlene Iglitzen and Chaz Ebert; Quentin Tarantino; Tom Shales; Justin Lin; Carrie Rickey; Thea Flaum; Nancy De Los Santos; Ray Solley; Ramin Bahrani; Carie Lovstad; Jesse Beaton; Richard Roeper; Erik Rydholm; and David Price. The eight-part series will air every Tuesday, beginning with the first two episodes on Tuesday, July 20, exclusively on Spotify. Listen to the trailer at this link. iHeartMedia and Will Packer Media will debut The Lower Bottoms, a new scripted podcast series narrated by actor Kelsey Grammer, about a quickly gentrifying neighborhood in West Oakland, Calif., on July 20. The ten-episode series, the first production from the recently announced partnership between the two companies, centers on intensifying tensions in the Bay Areas Lower Bottoms, where newcomers and natives clash amid a troubling rise of vandalism and arson. The show was created and written by Dominique Mouton, and produced by Will Packer, James Lopez, Joelle Monique for iHeartRadio and Jack Levy, who also directed the series. Listen to the trailer at this link. Spotify and Complex Networks are set to debut Complex Subject: Pop Smoke, a series unpacking the life and death of rapper Pop Smoke told by the people closest to him. It premieres July 20, which would have been Pop Smokes 22nd birthday, with a full six-episode binge drop. Pop Smoke combined gravelly vocals with erratic production to become the face and pioneer of Brooklyns rising drill scene. Within just a year of his debut, he made a rapid rise in the mainstream, only to be gunned down in his L.A. Airbnb in a robbery on Feb. 19, 2020. Esports organization FaZe Clan and FaZe Rug, its most-watched content creator with over 35 million combined followers, are launching the companys first podcast, All Grown Up. In the show, FaZe Rug and his co-host Simplistic, Rugs long-time best friend and videographer, will share personal stories on topics ranging from mental health to the ups and downs of content creation, as well as real-life experiences from both themselves and their guests. The first episode airs Sunday, July 18, at 9 p.m. PT on the All Grown Up YouTube channel and platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Stitcher. Watch the trailer at this link. DEALS Automattic, the parent company of WordPress.com, is acquiring Pocket Casts, a podcast listening app that is designed to make it easier for fans to discover podcasts and customize their listening experience. Terms of the deal werent disclosed. Co-founders Russell Ivanovic and Philip Simpson will continue to lead Pocket Casts as part of Automattic. In addition, Automattic said it will explore building deep integrations with WordPress.com and Pocket Casts, making it easier to distribute and listen to podcasts. First launched in 2010, Pocket Casts was sold to NPR and a group of other public media entities in 2018. Luminary, the subscription podcast network, announced a strategic partnership with Times Bridge to grow its audience with Indian podcast consumers. Last month ago Luminary launched its network of Luminary original podcasts globally with Apple Podcasts Subscriptions, making all of its content available through the Apple Podcasts app to Luminary channel subscribers. Those continue to be available for subscribers on Luminarys app in the 12 countries it is currently available in, and with the Times Bridge partnership, all Luminary originals will now also be available via the Luminary app for Indian consumers. Pricing in India will be 199 INR for a monthly subscription or 999 INR for an annual plan. Luminarys network includes more than 30 original podcasts including Under the Skin with Russell Brand, Snap Judgment Presents: Spooked, The C-Word with Lena Dunham and Leon Neyfakhs Fiasco. Marketplace, in partnership with Cumulus Medias Westwood One, announced that it will offer a new 60-second show, Marketplace Minute, to public radio stations across the country as well as a podcast segment. Marketplace Minute, to be produced twice daily, will be available on participating stations and distributors starting in August. Sign up for Varietys Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Roy Hargrove was a gateway into jazz. For younger listeners who respected the tradition but felt it lacked a tangible connection to the present, the jazz trumpeter - who emerged as a blazing talent in the 1990s - was able to delicately straddle hard-bop and hip-hop, serving as a generational translator for the genre. Early in his career, he established himself as a seamless connector of different sounds without ever compromising the integrity of his musicianship. "If you grew up in the 1970s and 1980s, there's no way you could avoid playing funk or hip-hop," says bassist Christian McBride, one of Hargrove's good friends and frequent collaborators. "We got a lot of criticism from older musicians," McBride continued. "It was from them where the words actually carried the most weight. But even still, we just kind of collectively looked at each other like, 'Man, we got to do this. How are we not going to play with D'Angelo? How are we not going to play with the Roots?' Everybody knows how much I love James Brown - I'm not ever going to avoid that, as a matter of principle. We're 'funk children.' We can't get rid of that." Alongside artists like McBride, Nicholas Payton, Marc Cary and Joshua Redman, Hargrove shepherded a new vanguard for the genre, one that could not be defined by the era in which it was created nor limited by it. Jazz itself is built on the careers of the musicians who pushed its boundaries; Hargrove and his contemporaries helped ensure that a new generation's experiences were both valid and had a rightful place within this music's continuum. Hargrove died in 2018 at the age of 49, and this month sees the release of "In Harmony," the first archival recording released since his death. A collaboration with pianist Mulgrew Miller (who died at age 57 in 2013), the album serves as an opportunity to look at Hargrove's sizable - and lasting and growing - legacy. Born in Waco, Texas, before moving to Dallas as a child, a young Hargrove became obsessed with the trumpet and eventually attended Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, an arts magnet with other notable alumni such as Norah Jones, Edie Brickell and future Soulquarians collaborator Erykah Badu. When Hargrove was 16, Wynton Marsalis heard him play and invited him to perform with him at a local gig. "He played with an unusual and infectious combination of fire, honesty, and sweet innocence," recalled Marsalis of their initial meeting in a tribute blog post after the trumpeter's death. "The first time I heard him, it was clear, he was an absolute natural with phenomenal ears, a great memory, and tremendous dexterity on our instrument." While still a teenager, Hargrove's reputation extended far beyond Texas. McBride discovered this when he first met Hargrove in April 1987 at Musicfest USA, a national high school and college big band and combo competition held at Chicago's McCormick Place. As a member of the All-Philadelphia High School Big Band and Combo, McBride recalled the buzz around Hargrove's name at that time, eagerly looking at the schedule to see when Booker T. Washington was slated to perform and compete. "We ran to the room where they were playing, and saw and heard Roy for the first time," McBride recalls. "It would really make (for) a great movie 'cause we were all like, 'Hey, that's him! That's him!' We heard him play, and we all looked at each other like 'Daaaaaaaaamn!' After they played, we all went backstage - me, (organist) Joey DeFrancesco, all the guys. We met Roy and got to be good friends." Right before he left to attend Berklee College of Music in Boston, Hargrove met one of his lifelong collaborators, saxophonist Justin Robinson. Pianist Stephen Scott, another regular on the competition circuit, unofficially introduced the two over a phone conversation at Scott's house. "That was maybe '87 or '88 - it was the year when they were winning all these high school competitions," Robinson remembers. "Scott won some, and (he and Hargrove) encountered each other down in Texas somewhere. When (Scott) came back, he was like, 'There's this cat you gotta hear! He has this nice sound. He sounds like he's well beyond his years.'" After just 18 months at Berklee, Hargrove transferred to the New School, as he was already a fixture at New York jam sessions (which continued even after he became a star). He fielded many label offers and ultimately signed with Novus, a jazz imprint of RCA, where he released a number of albums as leader between 1989 and 1994, including "Diamond In The Rough" and "The Vibe." Although there were varying iterations of his earlier groups, his original core quintet featured Rodney Whitaker on bass, Greg Hutchinson on drums, saxophonist Antonio Hart and pianist Marc Cary. Hargrove's later recordings for Verve found him his most fame; the earlier work recorded for Novus was crucial to his artistic development. "It was incredible being a part of that period," says Cary, who first appeared alongside Hargrove on 1992's "The Vibe." "Being in a band that was starting to create a new sound, we had an opportunity to be present, which gave us an advantage. A working band has a sound. (Hargrove) assembled bands with members who understood that groove (comes) from the bottom. Rodney's from Detroit - now that's where you get a bass player! Greg comes out of (Clarence) 'C' Sharpe, and he and I came up out of Betty (Carter), so we've been together. ... It wasn't like, 'Oh, let's build a band.' Like, he put together cats that knew each other and understood each other." "In Harmony" marks the only duet album from Hargrove and Miller. Taken from concerts on Jan. 16, 2006, at Merkin Concert Hall/Kaufman Music Center in New York and Sept. 11, 2007, at Lafayette College in Easton, Pa., it is being released in partnership with Resonance Records and both of the late musicians' estates. "Mulgrew was one of the main arteries of the New York jazz scene," says McBride. "He was the most beautiful friend and big brother that all of us could have. And his playing, dare I say, was superior - he was one of the leading voices on the piano for his entire life. So it only makes sense that those two made a recording together because (of) their similar sensitivities to the music and similar language - they both had a deep love of the American songbook." "In Harmony" renders a touching nod to their frequent collaborations at the beloved jazz club Bradley's in Greenwich Village but also honors the bond Hargrove shared with the musicians he worked with, notably his pianists - Cary, Gerald Clayton, Jon Batiste and Sullivan Fortner among them. "It is an interesting observation that there is that special connection between trumpet players and pianists," said Clayton. "The trumpet is maybe sort of the closest to being a vocalist, as far as instruments go, and there's been a strong relationship between vocalists and pianists throughout history - that's a match made in heaven." "(Hargrove) almost always wrote at the piano," recalls Fortner on how the two of them worked out a song. "He'll sit at the piano, then play a song for me once or twice. Then he'll look at me and be like, 'You got it?' I was like, 'Yeah, play it along with me.' So I'll play the top, and he'll play the whole song at the bottom and (he'd) be like, 'All right, cool. You got it. Now show it to Ameen (Saleem).' He would sing the drumbeat to tell the drummer whatever kind of beat he wanted. After that's over, he'll go over the melody with Justin (Robinson). And that was it. His band was a total ear band. Our rehearsals were sound checks - we never really rehearsed." "Once I started playing with Roy during the first rehearsal that we had, he comes to me and says, 'Wow, I never had somebody in the piano chair that is a blues player," says Batiste, whose long list of honors includes a recent Oscar for best original score. " 'I had a lot of harmonic players, and I had rhythmic players. But man, you play the blues first.' "There was a connection that I think we had in the piano chair that allowed me to be comfortable being myself, because otherwise since I had so much respect for Gerald (Clayton), I probably would have tried to emulate him! So he just wanted me to be who I am. He loved who I am, and he actually relates to who I am." Hargrove died of cardiac arrest on Nov. 2, 2018, after suffering from kidney disease for more than a decade. Aside from family members, one of the few people to see him before he died was Robinson. "My last performance with him was the night before his birthday," Robinson recalls of a concert just a few weeks before Hargrove's death. "On that particular night, he played as good as I ever remembered him playing. He had been having problems with his teeth, like minor trumpet problems. But that night, it was almost like he was back; I mean, he played wonderfully that night. I know that he tried to go to a jam session after the gig, but I didn't see him then. I saw him at the airport. "I gave him a hard time about getting old," Robinson continued. "He kind of nodded at me like he would when you'd ride him sometimes. He was up toward the front of business class, so I didn't see him the entire flight. Later on, that's when his manager called and told me that he didn't look well." Following that call, Robinson assumed that Hargrove would shake it off and perform again as he had always done. Rather than recede during his final years as his illness worsened, Hargrove stayed active. He toured regularly and continued to serve as a mentor, which his late-night residency at Smalls Jazz Club a regular spot where he helped young talent. Hargrove's influence reaches beyond his own body of work - there's the Jazz Gallery, a nonprofit jazz venue he helped launch more than 25 years ago, to his contributions on albums by D'Angelo, Common and Badu that both fortified and re-envisioned the bond between hip-hop and jazz. These collaborations not only helped elevate the role of sampling but created something else far more organic and original, positioning instrumentalists at the front and as equals with the marquee artists. "In Harmony" is a reminder that for all of those extracurriculars, one of the best ways to appreciate Hargrove remains him in his element - the trumpet playing that turned him from virtuoso to visionary, accompanied by a pianist with whom he had a special connection. Around two dozen America First Policy protesters took to the streets in two parts of the city to denounce the building of a tent facility to hold migrant families that was announced this week to be constructed at the fairgrounds. READ MORE: New tent facility for migrant families coming to Webb County fairgrounds The protests began along Del Mar Boulevard in front of the City of Laredo Fire Department and Administration Center. Then they proceeded to the downtown area in front of the Holding Institute, one of the main centers currently housing migrants coming into the country. More Information See More Collapse Various leaders and protesters claimed that the protest was conducted to raise awareness of what is going on in the city. The reason why I was there is because we have to make a bigger statement about what is going on down here because most of Laredo does not understand the repercussions of what having a tent city means as we have been blinded by the No Border Wall Coalition, said Sandra Whitten, who lost in the last election for Texas congressional District-28 seat against Rep. Henry Cuellar. When we looked at what has happened in the United States of America, when we looked at what happened with the Trump fever especially how it affected our border communities a lot of people thought it was all about Trump and not the policies. But this a clear representation that this is all about the policy. We do not want $53 million in tent cities when we should be sending these people back to their home countries and focus on we the people instead of focusing on everyone else. The No Border Wall Coalition responded to the remarks on Thursday via activist Tannya Benavides, who is also planning to go up against Cuellar on the Democrat side in next years March primary election. It's unfortunate to see our own Laredoans partake in anti-Christian and anti-immigrant actions outside Holding Institute today an organization that does so much to ensure our humanitarian efforts are done so with community, safety and care in mind, she said. In defying science by not following health guidelines, we will only contribute to the resurgence and spread of COVID-19. We must stay grounded in community and emphasize the efforts that keep us healthy and safe. We must not feed into the fear-mongering and spread of misinformation. On Monday at a special call meeting, commissioners voted in favor of allowing the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Department of Homeland Security right of entry to 30 acres at the fairgrounds to build a new tent facility for immigrants detained for crossing the border illegally. It is said to be a temporary facility to help manage the flow of incoming migrants in a safer way. Laredo Sector Chief Matthew Hudak said the facility would hold 500 people held from this sector and neighboring sectors, and those received from the latter would be family units consisting of at least one adult and one child. The facility is being built with money from the state after Laredo entered in to Gov. Greg Abbotts disaster declaration for incoming migrants. Another individual involved in the protest stated that the current presidential administration is adding stress to local organizations, making them take the full burden of housing migrants instead of simply deporting the individuals back to their original country so they can focus their resources on locals. The Biden administration is taking advantage of good-willed local organizations that offer humane and sound assistance for those seeking refuge, said Chesley Lordgothamm. Conservatives are catching on that rather than giving assistance to our American homeless and our veterans out on the streets, (migrants) are put as top priority exhausting our local resources, labors and volunteer efforts to enable a total dissolve of our border. Lordgothamm is part of Texas True Patriots, which states its a grassroots group based in McAllen and has 677 followers on Facebook. She also mentioned that she recognized that Cuellar has recently spoken about the issue and expressed his concerns but felt he has still done a bad job on this issue. Henry Cuellar has received a fat F for not preventing this four years ago and only making a narrative about it now, Lordgotham said. The American people are concerned and will not be taken advantage of anymore. Another protester involved in Thursdays movement was a local teacher who stated that her main point for being at the protest was due to the fact that tent cities caging children is happening now again and this deserves to be questioned. I came to protest this new tent facility they want to built here in Laredo, that I think they want to do to house and process (migrants) here in Laredo, said Melissa Castro. The main reason why I was there was because I noticed that the left has this hate narrative when it came to Trump, and everything he would say with the illegal immigration issue and that there are kids in cages and stuff like that. But this tent and other facilities are actually housing children now in cages and nobody is saying anything. READ MORE: Unused tent immigration courts cost millions as they went unused It should be noted that while some policies have remained in place nationally to hold children in these facilities, the policies that separated them from their families before doing so have been eliminated under the current administration. jorge.vela@lmtonline.com A man tried to smuggle 15,000 rounds of ammo and more than 190 30-round magazines into Mexico via the Juarez-Lincoln International Bridge, according to an arrest affidavit. Carlos Daniel Rodriguez was arrested and charged with export and attempt to export ammunition and magazines. The case unfolded at about 7 p.m. July 13, when U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers conducting outbound operations at the Juarez-Lincoln International Bridge inspected a Chevrolet Silverado bearing Texas plates. CBP officers identified the driver as Rodriguez, a U.S. citizen. He gave a negative declaration for firearms, weapons parts, ammo and more than $10,000. At primary inspection, Rodriguez stated he had gotten out of work and was on his way home to Mexico. More Information See More Collapse As Rodriguez was escorted to secondary inspection, a CBP officer observed boxes of ammo and weapon magazines in the backseat of the vehicle. Homeland Security Investigations Border Enforcement Security Task Force special agents and a task force officer responded to investigate the incident. Rodriguez allegedly agreed to provide a post-arrest statement. Rodriguez stated he met with an unknown individual who gave him the ammunition and weapon magazines. Rodriguez stated he helped the individual move the magazines from the individuals vehicle to his truck, states the affidavit. Rodriguez added he expected a payment of $1,000 to transport the ammo and weapons magazines to Mexico. He further stated that he knew it was illegal to take the ammunition and weapon magazines into Mexico, according to court documents. (CBP officers) discovered a total of (15) boxes of 5.56 caliber ammunition and each box contained (1,000) rounds. A total of (15,000) rounds of 5.56 caliber ammunition and 193 magazines for 5.56 caliber ammunition were discovered in the vehicle, states the affidavit. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and other officials pressed the White House on Thursday to support efforts to preserve internet service to antigovernment protesters in Cuba, even advocating the use of giant balloons as floating Wi-Fi hotspots to allow images of dissent to stream unabated from the authoritarian nation. Cuban authorities blocked social media sites in an apparent effort to stop the flow of information into, out of and within the country after thousands of Cubans began taking to the streets last weekend to protest limited access to COVID-19 vaccines and basic goods. The country is going through its worst economic crisis in decades. We obviously have to stand with the people of Cuba against the communist dictatorship, DeSantis said at a press conference in Miami, adding that restoring access to the internet is vital to supporting the people of Cuba. President Joe Biden responded later Thursday by denouncing communism and saying his administration is assessing whether it has the technology to maintain internet access for Cubans. Internet access was restored in Cuba earlier this week, but, as of Thursday, cellphone data was still not fully restored. The protests in the island nation have sparked an outpouring of support in Florida, which is home to the nations largest community of Cuban exiles. Throngs of people in Miami, Orlando and the Tampa area have rallied in support, sometimes shutting down major thoroughfares. DeSantis said every option should be explored, including using offshore and satellite technology to supply internet service. One option being considered is using balloons to provide connectivity. The Republican governor also suggested using the U.S. Embassy in Havana as a kind of hotspot. The one thing that communist regimes fear the most is the truth. And if were able to help Cubans communicate with one another also communicate to the outside world that truth is going to matter, DeSantis said. And so, Mr. President, nows the time to stand up and be counted. It's unclear how the U.S. government or any other entity, public or private, might keep internet service uninterrupted. "We need the political willingness from the Biden administration," said Republican U.S. Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar, whose parents were Cuban exiles. And if the federal government considers that they cannot pay for the resources, the Cuban American community will. On Thursday evening, Biden denounced Cuba as a failed state that is repressing their citizens and called communism "a universally failed system during a news conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Biden said that the U.S. is considering ways to help Cubans as long as that aid is not undermined by the communist government. Biden said the administration wont ease a ban on remittances to Cubans because they believe it is highly likely the regime would confiscate them, and that while the U.S. is prepared to send significant amounts of a COVID-19 vaccine to the country, theyd have to be administered by an international organization in such a way that average citizens could get them. They've cut off access to the internet we're considering whether we have the technological ability to reinstate that access," Biden said. Meanwhile, demonstrations in Florida continued for another day. Hundreds were gathering in Hialeah near Miami to show solidarity with Cubans. Earlier in the week, two Florida men were arrested during a protest in Tampa in support of the demonstrations and were held on charges related to the states new so-called anti-riot law. Julian Rodriguez-Rodriguez, 30, Maikel Vazquez-Pico, 39, were among those arrested Tuesday night as a group of protesters attempted to take over an exit ramp at Interstate 275 and Dale Mabry Highway, which is a major thoroughfare in Tampa. Both were arrested on charges that include battery on a law enforcement officer, resisting law enforcement and taking part in an unlawful assembly that blocked streets or sidewalks, records show. Rodriguez-Rodriguez put an officer into a bear hug as the officer was trying to arrest another protester, according to an arrest report. He then punched an officer in the face, breaking his glasses as the officer tried to arrest him, the report said. He continued to resist arrest until he was placed in handcuffs. The men were being held without bond in the Hillsborough County Jail early Thursday. It was not immediately clear whether either had an attorney who could comment. Earlier this year, DeSantis signed into law a Florida bill that boosts penalties against demonstrators who turn violent and creates new criminal penalties for those who organize demonstrations that get out of hand. Provisions of the law also make it a felony to block some roadways and give immunity to people who drive through protesters blocking a road. The bill was introduced after last summers protests for racial justice during which some Black Lives Matter protesters were met by police with tear gas and arrests when they took to the streets for days at a time. During his Thursday press conference, DeSantis again sought to differentiate recent protests over Cuba from those last year. Cuban Americans who are out demonstrating, he said, theyre not violent riots. Theyre out there being peaceful and theyre making their voices heard, and we support them. But he said demonstrators should not be shutting down roads that could impede traffic and commerce. ___ Calvan reported from St. Petersburg, Florida. Frisaro reported from Fort Lauderdale. Associated Press writer Alexandra Jaffe in Washington contributed to this report. A Texas 10 Most Wanted Fugitive from Laredo has been arrested, according to the Texas Department for Public Safety. Heriberto Cardenas, 22, was arrested on July 7 in Laredo. LOS ANGELES (AP) Los Angeles police fatally shot a man Thursday who was carrying what turned out to be a replica handgun on Hollywoods Walk of Fame, authorities said. A woman suffered a minor injury to her lower body, but the Los Angeles Police Department did not immediately know how she had been hurt. She was taken to the hospital. Officers responded to Hollywood Boulevard around 11:20 a.m. following reports of a man walking around with a handgun along the Walk of Fame. At least one person reported seeing him pointing a gun at someone. Officers arrived to find a man who matched the description and at least one officer fired their weapon. The shooting occurred near the famed corner of Hollywood Boulevard and Highland Avenue, and less than a block from the Dolby Theatre, where the Oscars are normally presented. Police did not say what prompted the shooting or whether any de-escalation methods were attempted first. The fake handgun was recovered at the scene. I'm just told that it appears to be exactly like a gun, said LAPD Detective Meghan Aguilar, a police spokesperson, during a media briefing at the scene. It was not immediately clear how many officers opened fire, or how many times the man had been struck. Exactly what the suspect did with that handgun that led the officers to fire at him will be determined by looking at videos and interviewing witnesses, Aguilar said. The shooting caused bedlam on the busy street. People started scrambling, and theres kids crying and moms trying to get out of there and tourists confused, and then of course everyones cellphones started popping out, witness Eddie Lopez told the Los Angeles Times. It was wild. People started running around when the gunfire erupted, witness Carlos Monroy told KTLA. Monroy said he saw police trying to resuscitate the man. The man, whose name has not been released, was pronounced dead at a hospital. It appears he was in his 40s or 50s. No officers were hurt. Detectives are interviewing witnesses to the shooting, as well as people may have been assaulted by the man before police encountered him. Aguilar said police will look at body-worn camera footage, as well as surveillance video, that may have captured the shooting. The incident takes place just eight days after the state attorney general announced new protocols that will send a team of investigators from the California Department of Justice to probe when a police officer fatally shoots an unarmed civilian. The move comes after state lawmakers passed legislation giving the attorney general new responsibilities in the wake of George Floyd's killing in Minneapolis. The state attorney general's office said its investigators were sent to Los Angeles. One of the most recognisable constellations in the winter sky is the Southern Cross, also known as Crux. It is so well known that it even appears on our flag, as well as on the flags of Australia, Brazil, Samoa and Papua New Guinea. Many people assume that you cant see the Southern Cross in the Northern Hemisphere, but that is not true. If you are north of the equator, but south of a latitude of about 25 degrees, (Hawaii, parts of north Africa and southern parts of the USA) you can still see the Southern Cross. It is not only the Southern Cross itself that is interesting, but also various objects around it which are visible with your binoculars or small telescopes. Many amateur astronomers learn where interesting objects are located by finding a constellation that we know well, and then learning about the objects near it. Looking at the Cross, take a look at the star that is nearest to the pointers (on the left of the cross-piece of the cross). Right next to it is the magnificent Jewel Box cluster. This is easily seen with decent binoculars, but its true beauty is seen using a telescope the reds, blues and white of the myriad of stars in the cluster looks just like jewels. Towards the south east of the Cross is a pear-shaped, inky spot, about as large as the Cross itself, that looks like a great black hole in the middle of the Milky Way. This is actually a dark nebula known as the Coalsack Nebula. In early astronomy, people thought that this was a hole in space, but we now know that it is in fact a cloud of gas and dust that absorbs the light of the stars behind it. The Coalsack is best viewed with binoculars. Another interesting object near the Cross is one of my favourites the Omega Centauri globular cluster. Draw an imaginary line going straight up from the top of the cross, and another from the furthest pointer, going right. Slightly above the point of intersection, you will be able to spot a fuzzy, faint cloud-like structure when using your binoculars. This is Omega Centauri. To really appreciate the sheer number of stars in this cluster, you would need to use a decent telescope. Directly below the centre point of the Cross, you will see another open cluster called the Pearl Cluster best appreciated with a small telescope. It sits almost directly to the right of the Running Chicken Nebula, another beautiful object to see with your telescope. Those with binoculars can scan just below this nebula and will find the beautiful Southern Pleiades. This is also an open cluster and looks very similar to Matariki (the real Pleiades). This cluster is so bright and unexpected to see with binoculars, as it is hard to believe that it is not visible to the naked eye. To help find these objects, use an astronomy app on your mobile phone: Starwalk on iPhones and Skymap on Android phones are good. Lockport, NY (14094) Today Mostly sunny. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 84F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Mainly clear skies. Low around 65F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. The beginning of the school year when you got to show off your new duds, new cars, new looks! Sports! Playing, cheering, watching high school athletics. The arts: Dramatic arts, musical groups and shows, graphic arts groups, debate, etc. The prom! No dancing the night away or punch bowl antics. The daily interactions. Just being with the group, hanging with friends and classmates. Access to college recruiters and advisors its harder to line up higher education. Walking onstage to get a diploma while all the family is watching with everyone elses family. Vote View Results The paying out of over 1.6m in compensation claims in Longford since the start of 2018 has been described as shocking and indicative of a wider compo culture nationwide. Independent Cllr Gerry Warnock said the vast sums handed out to settle claims was having a detrimental effect in terms of reinvesting that money into projects at a local level. He said local authorities need to look at the measures being implemented in the UK as a way of combatting the problem. Its shocking that over 1.6m has been paid out in claims since 2018 and this is indicative of the compo culture we have here in Ireland, he said. I do appreciate that efforts are being made nationally to deal with this but its another massive blow to public monies that could be better utilised in other areas. We really need to be going somewhere like the UK model for dealing with personal injury claims, where pay outs are more in keeping with defined criteria in a book of quantum. This would lead to more realistic compensation amounts reflective of the injury and help nullify huge legal and professional costs on top of huge payouts. The non party representative also said there was a broader perception which needed to be tackled. This crazy culture has a negative knock on for all of us in terms of higher insurance premiums and the likes, he argued. Sure people might argue that paths and roads in Ireland are in rag order, but if you walk around Rome or Paris, or some of the resorts in Spain and Portugal then youre eyes will be opened, and yet they havent a major issue in terms of public liability payouts to the extent we have here, simply because they dont normalise or exploit a claims culture. Hooves 4 Hospice is a great community project giving the need we have here in the Midlands for a Regional Hospice and Joe Farrelly of Pallas, Abbeyshrule, hs no doubt but that farmers will be generous as they always are when it comes to supporting worthwhile causes. Community involvement is at the heart of every successful fundraising venture be it a school, church or family facilities and farmers have never been found wanting when it comes to supporting their local community. I have no doubt but they will row in behind Hooves 4 Hospice, added Joe who runs a beef farm with his wife Christina. Cancer is so prevalent nowadays, and unfortunately no community is left untouched. I understand the need and Im delighted to be involved. This is an opportunity for us all to get behind this great effort to provide this much needed facility for the people of the Midlands. It is great to hear that there has been such support already from the farming community and I would be encouraging as many farmers as can to get involved, added Joe. He explained that he immediately decided to get involved on hearing about Hooves 4 Hospice from the Maye family and Mullingar Lions Club who along with Lions clubs in the midlands are the promotors of this project. There is no difficulty in getting involved. When purchasing replacement cattle, last year, I included one Whitehead bullock for the Project and then contacted the H 4 H office, in Tullamore and they organised the registration and tagging of the animal which is now running with my own herd. When sold the proceeds will go towards H 4 H. Just so pleased of the opportunity to support this venture and I wish those involved the very best of luck with their efforts said Joe. The first animal donated to Hooves 4 Hospice was registered in February 2020. A year later the number of registered animals has grown to 440. So far 20 ready for sale animals have been sold and realised a total of 26,508 or an average of 1,325 each. Marts have been generous in waiving their fees and meat factories have paid top prices for Hooves 4 Hospice animals. Farmers have been most generous in donating and rearing animals and their generosity is greatly appreciated according to Pat Lalor, chairman of Hooves 4 Hospice. The Covid 19 pandemic has meant that we have not been able to meet with farmers we know are interested in being part of our fund raising project. We hope that circumstances will improve sufficiently during this year to enable us to catch up on lost time and valuable opportunities, explained Pat. In the meantime we would be most grateful if farmers interested in knowing more about the project and perhaps getting involved would contact us by Phone 085 8775477; Email; h4h@midlandhospice.ie or completing the form on our website: www.h4h.midlandhospice.ie. A barrister has complained that the presiding judge in the trial of four men accused of abducting businessman Kevin Lunney is "rubbishing" an important part of the defence case and was "dismissive and contemptuous" in his tone. Michael O'Higgins SC was cross examining fingerprint expert Detective Garda Ernie Frazer about blood marks inside a Renault Kangoo van when Mr Justice Tony Hunt interrupted to ask, "Where is this blood?" Mr O'Higgins asked the witness to leave and then told the judge that he wanted to "legally complain of the observation made by the court." He said the trial has to be conducted on evidence and that he, having read the book of evidence, is aware of things the judge is not. Mr Justice Hunt told Mr O'Higgins, "there is no need to shout. Keep the anger level down." Mr O'Higgins said, "I'm not shouting" and added: "This is an important part of the defence case and you are rubbishing it. Can I suggest that you just sit back and listen to all the evidence rather than make comments in the middle of it to the effect that there is nothing in this?" Mr Justice Hunt said, "I just want to know where the mark is," to which Mr O'Higgins replied: "Your tone in saying it was, in my submission, completely dismissive and contemptuous of it." When Mr Justice Hunt said anyone could listen back to the proceedings to hear his tone, Mr O'Higgins replied: "What won't be on that is the expression on your face." Mr O'Higgins described the judge's question as an "unfair comment on the evidence". The judge finished by saying: "I would like to know what the evidence is, all right, so get the witness back and move on." A 40-year-old man known as YZ, Alan OBrien (40), of Shelmalier Road, East Wall, Dublin 3, Darren Redmond (27), from Caledon Road, East Wall, Dublin 3 and Luke OReilly (67), with an address at Mullahoran Lower, Kilcogy, Co Cavan have all pleaded not (NOT) guilty to false imprisonment and intentionally causing serious harm to Mr Lunney at Drumbrade, Ballinagh, Co Cavan on September 17, 2019. Detective Garda Ursula Cummins told prosecution counsel Sean Guerin SC that on October 29, 2019 she examined a Renault Kangoo van that had been seized in Drogheda by gardai investigating Mr Lunney's abduction. She said Dr Edward Connolly of Forensic Science Ireland had examined the Kangoo for blood and directed her to take swabs for DNA testing from specific areas of interest. Under cross examination the detective agreed with Mr O'Higgins, for YZ, that she first took swabs on October 29 before Dr Connolly had examined the van and then returned with Dr Connolly two days later. Mr O'Higgins asked her if it was "a surprise" that on her first examination she didn't notice the brown reddish marks that were later pointed out by Dr Connolly. She said: "Not really, it's pretty grubby on the inside." Det Gda Frazer told Mr Guerin that on October 29, 2019 he examined the same van for finger marks but found none. He told Mr O'Higgins that he "didn't see anything that looked like blood". It was at this point that Mr Justice Hunt asked: "Where is this blood?" prompting Mr O'Higgins to ask the witness to leave. Earlier, Dr Muhammad Ashraf Butt of Cavan General Hospital told Mr Guerin that he examined Mr Lunney on October 25, 2019, more than one month after his abduction. The doctor noted a 7cm long scar from Mr Lunney's right ear to his cheek and a 10cm scar from his right ear to his jaw-bone where he had been slashed with a Stanley knife. Mr Lunney used a beard to hide the scarring but it was still partially visible, the doctor said. He also had scars on his right upper arm, left wrist, an 8 cm long vertical scar on his lower chest and upper abdomen and a 13 cm scar on the left side of his abdomen. Scarring remained on his left lower leg where surgeons had inserted a nail from his knee to his ankle to repair a fracture to his tibia or shin bone. In the middle of the shin area the doctor noted a "bony swelling". Mr Lunney also told Dr Butt that he did not sleep well for a time due to the pain and was "fearful of going out in public places." Mr Lunney, a director of Quinn Industrial Holdings, has told the court that he was bundled into the boot of a car near his home and driven to a container where he was threatened and told to resign as a director of Quinn Industrial Holdings. His abductors cut him with a Stanley knife, stripped him to his boxer shorts, doused him in bleach, broke his leg with two blows of a wooden bat, beat him on the ground, cut his face and scored the letters QIH into his chest. They left him bloodied, beaten and shivering on a country road at Drumcoghill in Co Cavan where he was discovered by a man driving a tractor. Dr Butt said doctors had also noted the extent of Mr Lunney's injuries when he was triaged at Cavan General Hospital on September 17. They noted multiple slash wounds to his face, bruising in various places, mild head injuries, pain and bruising in his right arm and pain in his right leg where an x-ray would later reveal the fractured tibia. The lacerations to his face included a 10cm long wound to the right side and two parallel 7cm long wounds to the left side. He was hypothermic and his attackers had poured bleach on him. Mr Lunney described his pain as "very severe, ten out of ten," the doctor said. He required fluids and paracetamol, and morphine was administered both by injection and in tablet form. X-rays revealed an oblique, minimally displaced fracture to the tibia. The doctor said the fracture would have left Mr Lunney unable to walk and contributed to his hypothermia as it prevented him from finding cover when his attackers left him on a roadside wearing only his boxer shorts. The wounds to his face required 24 stitches and other face wounds were closed using glue. The surgery to his leg was carried out after he was transferred to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda. He was discharged on 24 September, seven days after the assault. The pain took weeks to resolve, Mr Lunney told the doctor, and he suffered headaches and nausea for a time. The right leg had been "extremely painful" for at least ten days and then gradually improved. There was still pain in the right calf when the doctor examined it on October 25. Peadar McKiernan told Mr Guerin that he sold an Audi A4 in August 2019 to a man accompanied by "Dublin Jimmy". The prosecution say Dublin Jimmy is Cyril McGuinness, now deceased, and allege that he organised the offences against Mr Lunney. Mr McKiernan viewed a still image of an Audi A4 that the prosecution allege was used by Mr Lunney's attackers. He said the Audi in the still "looks like" the car he sold but he couldn't be certain. The trial continues in front of Mr Justice Hunt, presiding, with Judge Gerard Griffin and Judge David McHugh. Community, Charity & Cause By Chris Boyle Published: July 16 2021 During the pandemic, Emily took it upon herself to help make and collect more than 600 thank you cards for healthcare workers. Suffolk County Legislator Anthony A. Piccirillo honored Emily Albert as the Distinguished Youth honoree for the 8th Legislative District. Emily is currently a 7th grade student at Seneca Jr. High School and a resident of Holbrook. In May, Suffolk County celebrated the first annual Youth Week. Each Legislator was able to celebrate our youth by nominating someone from each Legislative District who made an impact in their community throughout the COVID-19 crisis. This week Emily along with her grandmother celebrated her award in the 8th Legislative District office where she received a proclamation from Legislative Piccirillo. I was more than happy to honor Emily with the inaugural Distinguished Youth Award from the 8th Legislative District in my office this week said Legislator Piccirillo. Last April, when the world shut down due to COVID-19, Emily took it upon herself to help make and collect more than 600 thank you cards for our healthcare workers. The healthcare thank you cards she helped to make and collect, were then donated to the 8th Legislative District where they were distributed to local healthcare workers on Long Island. Emily took it upon herself to collect all of these cards during the height of the pandemic to help give back said Legislator Anthony Piccirillo. She is a caring and compassionate young lady who deserves to be honored for all of the amazing work she has done during the pandemic to help people smile Legislator Piccirillo added. It is incredibly important to celebrate our youth and our future leaders like Emily who took the initiative to help people she did not know during a time of crisis in America added Legislator Piccirillo. Emily along with the other award winners were honored by Suffolk County during a zoom celebration in late May. Emilys thank you cards put many smiles on the faces of our healthcare workers, during the height of the pandemic when there wasnt much to smile about. This made a big impact in the moral of our Healthcare workers during a time when they needed it the most said Legislator Piccirillo. Congratulations Emily, and the rest of the Distinguished Youth Award Winners! Community, Charity & Cause, Travel & Local Attractions, Seasonal & Current Events By Chris Boyle Published: July 16 2021 AAMs Flight Experience is a one-of-a-kind immersive educational program. The American Airpower Museum (AAM) proudly reports its C-47 D-Day Living History Flight Experience made four historic flights on June 12th. Since then, demand for flights has been so strong that AAM announces it will stage another day-long program on Saturday, July 31st (rain date Sunday, August 1st). The Museums WWII Douglas C-47 Skytrain Troop Transporter The Gooney Bird along with AAMs professional reenactors, once again will provide a breathtakingly realistic recreation of what U.S. Airborne Paratroopers felt on their historic D-Day mission. Three flights are set for July 31st, between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., with a fourth available to meet extra demand. Seats are allocated on a first come first served basis. To book a flight, the public should call (516) 531-3950, visit the Museums gift shop or call (631) 454-2039, Wednesday through Sunday, 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. AAM is based at Republic Airport, Hangar 3, 1230 New Highway, Farmingdale, NY 11735. The public and news media are welcome to attend. Attached is a press release C-47 D-Day July 31 ReleaseB.docx and photograph AAM C47 boarding the airplane.jpg for your review and consideration. AAMs Flight Experience is a one-of-a-kind immersive educational program, where reenactors take you up in AAMs original WWII C-47 to give a sense of what U.S. 101st and 82nd Airborne Division Paratroopers experienced on their incredible 1,200-plane D-Day assault. Reenactors are led by Robert Scarabino, noted WWII Living Historian who has organized AAMs C-47 D-Day Living History Flight Experiences since the programs inception in 2003. This unique experience includes: a mission briefing in the ready room; a chance to wear authentic military field jackets, helmets and gear; the actual sights and sounds as the C-47s engines fire up and youre off into the blue; see, hear and feel the crew operating their C-47 and paratroopers getting ready for battle; plus those on board actually line up and attach their hooks to the overhead static line. Dont worry, no jumping is allowed! Three WWII veterans will attend the C-47 D-Day Flight Experience, joining Airborne Living Historians and immersing themselves in the sequence of events, including marching with guests out to the C-47 for photo ops. Veterans will reflect on and share their WWII memories. They are: Gene Leavy, 95, East Northport, U.S. Army 100th Infantry Division, 398th Regiment, Battle of the Bulge; Joseph Salvatore Randazzo, 95, West Babylon, U.S. Army 75th Infantry Division, 291st Regiment, shot in Germany near Dortmund; Dr. Richard Heinl, 96, Syosset, U.S. Army 94th Infantry Division, 376th Regiment. The 94th was part of Gen. George Patton's Third Army. This is a wonderful way to educate all ages about Americas Greatest Generation heroes and help carry their legacy forward. Cost of the C-47 flight is $350. This is a family-friendly experience for all ages. The program is about 1.5 hours long and each flight takes 25 minutes. A flight experience entitles guests to bring an additional person who can visit the Museum free of charge. Support AAMs mission to honor veterans and U.S. aviation history by preserving the aircraft and their legacy for future generations. The public may also wish to visit AAM on July 31st, just to watch the flights and tour the Museum. In that case, regular admission for Adults is $15, Seniors & Veterans $10 and Children 5-12 $8. No tickets or pre-registration is necessary for regular admission. (Alliance News) - Royal Dutch Shell PLC on Friday said it has partnered with Glasgow-based energy firm ScottishPower to bid for the development of the first large-scale floating offshore windfarms in the north east of Scotland. ScottishPower is part of Spanish electric utility Iberdrola SA. The projects proposed is part of Crown Estate Scotland's ScotWind Leasing, which is a leasing round for offshore wind in Scottish waters, which has closed on Friday. Crown Estate Scotland is expected to announces the results of the ScotWind leasing round in early 2022. "If our bid is successful, Shell and SPR are fully committed to working with Scottish communities and businesses to help develop supply chains and expertise which could make Scotland a world leader in floating wind. At Shell we continue to grow our capacity to generate, trade and supply cleaner power to our customers and to play our part in powering the UK to net zero," said Shell UK Country Chair David Bunch. Royal Dutch Shell's 'A' shares closed 2.5% lower at 1,407.40 pence on Thursday in London, while its 'B' shares were down 2.3% at 1,377.00p. By Dayo Laniyan; dayolaniyan@alliancenews.com Copyright 2021 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved. Exton, PA (19341) Today Sun and clouds mixed. High 86F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Mainly clear skies. Low around 65F. Winds light and variable. (The Center Square) When the promotions featuring Gov. Bill Lee and country music star Brad Paisley began for the new Tennessee on Me tourism initiative, it took many of Lees Republican colleagues by surprise. Lt. Gov. Randy McNally and House Speaker Cameron Sexton knew a $2.5 million tourism initiative was in the new state budget, but they didnt know what it entailed until the promotions debuted on the Fourth of July. The tourism initiative requires a visitor to book at least a two-night stay, including a Sunday through Wednesday night, at a designated hotel in Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville or Chattanooga. Forty-eight hours after the stay is paid for, participants will receive a $250 airline voucher to fly into an airport in one of those four cities. It is especially troubling that the promotion is limited to our major cities, McNally, R-Oak Ridge, said in a statement. At least two of those cities exacerbated the economic crisis by instituting overly aggressive lockdown policies. It makes little sense to limit the promotion to those cities when our rural areas were hit as hard, if not harder, by the economic crisis than those cities. I will be asking the administration and the Department of Tourist Development to provide more detail to the legislature about such initiatives during the budget process in the future. Tennessee's tourism industry lost more than $300 million in revenue between March 2020 and December, according to the Tennessee Department of Revenue. The tourism campaign will support our states economic recovery and workforce growth by encouraging tourists to not just visit Tennessee, but stay for several days and explore many local businesses and attractions beyond our larger cities, said Lee press secretary Casey Black. Sexton, R-Crossville, said lawmakers who went through the budget knew the funds would be used on a different approach rather than the traditional billboards, television spots and publication advertisements the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development typically uses. Sexton also said the airlines vouchers going mainly to out-of-state visitors isnt different than the previous approach of paying for advertising to attract out-of-state visitors. Sexton said the out-of-the-box thinking that led to state incentives for the television series Nashville was the most successful decision the state had made toward tourism. A Beacon Center of Tennessee report showed Tennessee gave the show more than $45 million in incentives for its six seasons. It was meant to be remembered, Sexton said of Tennessee on Me. Maybe it will pay for itself. Sexton said the ad gained a lot of attention partially because it is so different than tourism initiatives in the past. McNally, meanwhile, said he would have preferred a more traditional approach. The mission of the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development is to motivate travel to and within Tennessee, McNally said. While the tourism industry in our major cities was hard hit during the COVID crisis, it has bounced back in record time. Under the circumstances, I would have preferred a more traditional approach to tourism development rather than direct transfers of Tennessee taxpayer money to mostly out-of-state recipients. The $250 airline vouchers can be used on Delta Airlines, American Airlines or Southwest Airlines. The hotel reservations must take place between July 11 and Dec. 31 and be booked by Sept. 15. There is a limit of 10,000 vouchers available. "While Gov. Lee has done a good job of balancing lives and livelihoods during the pandemic, this is absolutely a step in the wrong direction, said Mark Cunningham, vice president of strategy and communications at the Beacon Center. This is another example of the government picking winners and losers since only four Tennessee cities are included as part of the promotion, and it will likely just end up being another taxpayer-funded gift to Nashville. "We love to see visitors come to our state and spend money, and while this program is well-intentioned, it is not the role of the government to give out our hard-earned tax dollars to tourists who want to check out Broadway, the Chattanooga Choo Choo or Beale Street. Some opponents of the initiative cited the campaign debuted on the same weekend the state stopped participating in the federal pandemic relief unemployment program, which gave those on unemployment an additional $300 weekly stipend. Tennesseans who lost their job through no fault of their own deserve leaders who will stand up for them when times are tough, said Sen. Brenda Gilmore, D-Nashville. The governors decision to reject federal aid for these families while handing millions to airline CEOs and tourists betrays these workers. Why are our own families so unworthy of support? Gilmore cited statistics showing 253,000 Tennesseans have been laid off, according to data from the Tennessee Department of Labor, and the Congressional committee report showing Tennessee will miss out on $486 million for its local economy after Lee ended the states participation in the federal unemployment program. If we want to make progress for every family, lets prioritize the job of serving Tennesseans first. Lets increase access to childcare so every parent can resume their career and lets ensure healthcare is affordable so workers dont get caught in cycles of debt, Gilmore said in a statement. Its easy to pal around with music stars, but now is time for the hard work of serving our families. Britons can fly to Spain and shop at a discount thanks to an agreement signed between El Corte Ingles and the IAG Group (British Airways and Iberia). The airline giant will be offering discounted air fares to Spain for shoppers while El Corte Ingles will be pushing the joys of tax -free shopping. Since Britain left the European Union , British tourists can reclaim the VAT on all articles they purchase. El Corte Ingles branches in Majorca have already started to advertise this discounted scheme with large signs placed at the entrance of their main stores. The move could mean that the Balearics becomes a discounted shopping destination for British holiday makers. El Corte Ingles will even offer British tourists a 10 percent gift voucher if they take advantage of the tax-free promotion. Shop sales across Spain have fallen dramatically since the Covid pandemic. NORMAN TWP. Colleen Sexton, a U.S. Coast Guard veteran from Norman Township, has been nominated to attend an expedition later this month through the No Barriers USA Warriors program. The five-day expedition takes place in the Colorado Rocky Mountains, but this program is more than just a scenic vacation. No Barriers helps disabled veterans redefine their identity, purpose and community as they face present and past challenges, according to a press release. The expeditions are designed to push veterans both mentally and physically while building connections between the participants through a curriculum-based experience. Staff and expedition leaders guide participants through a series of physically and mentally challenging experiences that can include rafting, rock climbing, hiking and more, according to the release. Throughout the experience, veterans are asked to reflect on their past, recognize their present situation and explore future possibilities. Sexton said in an email to the News Advocate that she is honored to have been nominated and excited for the adventure . Im thrilled to meet other veterans of different branches of the military, ages and diversified backgrounds that are from all over the country, she said. We as a group will assist each other as a team to face these challenges. I want to represent myself respectfully and other veterans in my area who have selflessly served our country, and have made so many sacrifices during their military service. The program is one part curriculum, one part adventure and one part physical challenge, according to Sexton. It includes airfare, gear, ground transportation and meals. Upon arrival, veterans will meet their team and don gear in preparation for their new mission. Each expedition is from five to seven days. Veterans pushed hard during their time in the military are ready for these challenges, read part of the release. The program is aimed at veterans who are struggling with isolation, a loss of community, mental health challenges, fear and uncertainty, according to the No Barriers website. No Barriers programs tap into the veterans inner hope, optimism and resilience. In the process we foster a community of curious, brave and collaborative explorers who are determined to live the No Barriers Life, reads part of the website. Sexton was nominated for the expedition through CoBank, a cooperative bank that is part of the US Farm Credit system. Since 2017, CoBank has sponsored veterans like Sexton for the No Barriers program. There is no expense for participants and CoBank makes the final selection from the applicants nominated. The No Barriers program creates meaningful and life-changing experiences for veterans with disabilities, said Thomas Halverson, president and chief executive officer of CoBank in a March 2021 press release. CoBanks sponsorship allows us to partner with our customers to give back to the men and women who have sacrificed for their country through military service. CoBank customers can nominate veterans from their communities to participate in the program, which is open to veterans of any age and any branch of service. To be eligible, a veteran must have a VA disability rating. Sexton offered her thanks to COBank and the No Barriers program for allowing her the opportunity to attend the July 2021 expedition. Its an opportunity of a lifetime ... to be able to share experiences with other disabled veterans. No Barriers USA, is a nonprofit organization based in Fort Collins, Colorado. Co-founded by Erik Weihenmayer, the program serves veterans with various physical disabilities as well as those with invisible disabilities like post-traumatic stress disorder. To learn more about No Barriers USA and the No Barriers Warriors program visit www.nobarriersusa.org. William Matteson (1864-1949) was a prominent citizen of Arcadia, Michigan best known as the owner of Matteson Manor, a hotel and restaurant at the corner of Lake Street and M-22. William Matteson was the son of Henry Clay Matteson (1839-1899) of Pierport. Like many early settlers in the area who came here after service in the Civil War, Henry had a variety of occupations including working at the Huntington sawmill, as a teamster and as a farmer. By 1871, he worked as a cabinet maker for C.W. Perry in Pierport. At a time when most people were earning $1 per day or less, Henrys skills earned him $2 a day. Henry C. Matteson is also known to us today for his diaries, 25 of them dating from 1861 to 1899. According to son William, The diary began in a hospital in Alexandria, Va. where he was confined for six months [for Malaria], and lasted until within nine days of his death which occurred in Arcadia twp. He kept track of everything he did including things as simple as planting potato peels on his farm. William saved these diaries, and in 2004, Manistee County Historical Museum Director Steve Harold taught a class on the history of Arcadia relying heavily on Henrys detailed diaries. According to his obituary in the Manistee County Pioneer Press, William Matteson came to the area from Wonemoc, Wisconsin in a covered wagon with his mother and father Henry. Arcadia Area Historical Museum 3340 Lake St., Arcadia, MI Open Hours: 1-4 p.m. on Saturdays or by appointment: 231-735-5157 Visit: arcadiami.com Contact: Lyle Matteson, 231-428-1153 See More Collapse RELATED: Manistee's Danish Lutheran Church is oldest in US In 1884 as a young man, William worked in Frankfort at Woodwards General Store and stayed at the Forest Air house at the corner of 6th and Forest, one of the modern hotels of those days. This would help him when he became the owner of his own hotel. Later, William worked as a telegrapher for the M&NE railroad where he received the first telegram sent to his station. He saved this telegram in his ever-growing collection of historical artifacts. Later, like his father, William went to work as a builder and cabinet maker. In the Arcadia area he built a number of homes, stores and the Matteson hotel. In 1900, he and his wife Sena began operating Matteson Manor. Their hotel included Williams workshop on the west side and a room dedicated to Williams museum. Many people had small collections of Arcadia history artifacts. Still do. As a boy when I visited my grandmother, I would look forward to reading issues of the Saturday Evening Post she saved and to looking through her collection of rocks, fossils, and Indian artifacts including a grinding stone verified as authentic a few years ago by local archeologist John Williams. William Matteson had a fully cataloged collection on steroids housed in a special room of the hotel that boarders and restaurant goers could see. His 19-page type written catalog, The Collection of William Henry Matteson, listed pictures, framed collections, arrowheads, rocks and other individual artifacts. Some museum pieces came with incredible claims such as wood supposedly from the Griffin, which still has not been discovered according to todays shipwreck experts. The catalog describes it as Wood from Griffin. First ship built on the Great Lakes and lost at the Straits of Mackinaw with full crew. Loaded with furs, on its first trip. Disappeared 1660, the remains were discovered by fisherman about ten years ago. On two poplar pedestals made from timber grown in the yard in Arcadia to a height of 90 feet, 30 inches in diameter, all grown in thirty-five years, rests a walnut plank cut near the Indiana line from a log rolled over a pit and whipsawed. The purpose of this plank is to support a collection of rocks gathered over a lifetime. In the wall case is to be found arrow heads of this region, also a few from Indiana. There is Mound Builders pottery which [was] no doubt in use in this locality about seven thousand years ago. RELATED: Marilla woman tells story of growing up in early 20th century Excerpts from William Matteson's Collection Catalog An oil painting of Arcadia Valley and Lake Michigan from Peeks hill formerly Homestead of H. C. Matteson---June 1867. One oak frame containing pictures of the White Birch cabin here in Arcadia and the Wrens Nest on Lake Michigan, both of which were built by W. H. Matteson. Pictures of the parents of W. H. Matteson. One frame containing pictures of six generations, from the great grandfather of W. H. Matteson, to his grandson. A frame of four sections containing---starting from the left: 1. Mound builders copper arrowhead. Arrowhead taken from mound where a skeleton 8 feet in height was unearthed. Silver cross found at Pierport, Mich. Presumably lost by Indian woman getting a drink from spring. 2. The first original wire to be received by W.H.M after taking up his duties as station agent for the M.&N.E. in Manistee, Mich. 3. Confederate money Twenty dollars-issued in 1864. 4. Letter received by W. H. M. from Col. Teddy Roosevelt in 1912. A little copper teakettle which went on a gold hunting trip with W.H.M.s father Henry Matteson, to the Black Hills, & Pikes Peak in 1863. Also used for making coffee during the latter part of the Civil War, in the Cumberland Mountains. First steel axe used in Michigan, likely by government surveyors, found on Indian planting ground near Pierport, Mich. Two dueling pistols The business end of a flint-lock musket, found on the shore of Lake Michigan, the rest of which no doubt buried in the sand. Very rare. The lock is still in full cock as though the user had been ready to fire but had been either wounded or killed before he had a chance. A heavy sturgeon spear, found on the Indian planting ground at Pierport. Made either for the Indians or the early Americans. Thirty three specimens of Canal Zone woods. Secured by George Robinson, an ex-school teacher in the Arcadia School. The balance of the rear end of the den contains a twenty five year collection of the American Builder-bound, beginning with the first edition. It makes one of the best building libraries in the country. Brass scuppers off the freighter Minnehaha Ox shoes used in the early lumbering days of Michigan. Specimen of wood from 142-feet down-an oil well drilled on Chamberlain farm in Arcadia Twp. Wood deposited here about 24,000 years ago. Wood from largest and finest pine in Michigan, 100 years ago. 8 feet in diameter. W.H.M talked to man who saw it standing 3 miles east of Arcadia. Eight stone axes and six skinning tools. Used by the Mound Builders. Knife, fashioned from flint, eleven and one half inches long. Used by pre-historic man and lost in the swamps east of Arcadia. Found by Joseph Tondu. RELATED: The history of the Portage Lake Channel A twenty five volume journal. A diary kept by W.H.Ms father, Henry C. Matteson, from 1861 to 1899. Dining room table: Hand made by W.H.M. Special type top---will extend 12 ft. Rock maple from the Homestead. Buffet to match in the same Homestead maple. Made in 1919. He was particularly proud of his tools and the chest he made for them. Tool chest: Cherry and oak (Homestead timber). It contains largest assortment that any cabinet maker would need. Four sliding trays made of California Redwood, red cedar bottoms which hold small tools. Full size drawer at bottom made into compartments. Resting on ball bearings from an old Cadillac car, can be moved about by finger pressure. Steel engraving of Stag at Bay transferred to under side of cover, which is hinged with steel hingesbolted into place. Finished with an old lock from an old chest. Handles are made for double handhold. Mattesons own construction. This is just a few of the items described. His catalog also listed 294 books in his collection and said he had 193 copies of National Geographic. As modern museums do, William Matteson collected, preserved and shared his collections, but he added a dash of whimsey. Russ, age 88 died unexpectedly following surgery in Tucson where he was living. Happily he had seen his family in MN in May. His memorial service date is pending to be held at Woodland Hills in Mankato, MN. McAlester, OK (74501) Today Thunderstorms likely, especially this morning. High 88F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%.. Tonight Mostly clear. Low 68F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph. McAlester, OK (74501) Today Sun and clouds mixed. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 88F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Mainly clear. Low 69F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph. Atlanta, GA (30303) Today Rain this morning with thunderstorms by evening. High 78F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 80%. Locally heavy rainfall possible.. Tonight Showers and thunderstorms likely. Low 69F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 90%. The High Museum of Art is bringing together the works of Alexander Calder and Pablo Picasso, two masters of modern art, for its latest exhibition. Marietta, GA (30060) Today Scattered thunderstorms during the morning becoming more widespread this afternoon. High 77F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 80%.. Tonight Showers and thunderstorms likely. Low 68F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%. 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. In a move to find new ways to help the growing number of people suffering from pandemic-induced depression, the South Korea government is planning to invest nearly $26.2 million over the next three years to research digital treatment for depression. The number of depression patients in South Korea reached 790,000 in 2019, up 5.9 percent on-year, and the number is expected to rise as the pandemic restricts social activities and triggers economic uncertainty. Digital treatment methods, such as games and virtual reality software, have recently drawn attention as a possible alternative to treat and prevent mental health disorders without direct physical care. Experts across various fields, from artificial intelligence to mental health, will take part in the research, including Kim Hyung-sook, a cognitive science professor at Hanyang University. Naver Cloud, the cloud arm of South Korea's internet giant Naver Corp., will also participate in the program to build a cloud infrastructure for the digital platforms. Source: IANS The research aims to develop a digital service that offers personalised depression diagnoses based on real-time collection and analysis of user data, as well as a service that provides preventative measures against the disease by using smartphones and other mobile devices.Experts across various fields, from artificial intelligence to mental health, will take part in the research, including Kim Hyung-sook, a cognitive science professor at Hanyang University.Naver Cloud, the cloud arm of South Korea's internet giant Naver Corp., will also participate in the program to build a cloud infrastructure for the digital platforms.Source: IANS The Ministry of Science and ICT said it has earmarked 14 billion won until 2024 for the research programme, while the private sector will invest 14.9 billion won, reports Yonhap news agency. In another episode of this happens only in India, an inquiry was ordered on Thursday after a video showed an inspector feeding cake to a criminal during the birthday celebration of the accused. According to an official, the incident took place around two weeks ago in suburban Jogeshwari. The criminal in the video was identified as Danish Sheikh, who is facing many charges including attempt to murder cases and has been arrested by Jogeshwari Police. The 15 second video, which circulated on social media, also showed senior inspector Mahendra Nerlekar in his police uniform, and he was seen feeding a piece of cake to Danish on the latter's birthday at the office of a housing society. Checkout the video here- Birthday of MAFIA Don celebrated at Jogeshwari police station. Thackeray Sarkar's Police Crime Branch, Sachin Vaze involve in VASOOLI Mumbai police takes SUPARI to kill Mansukh Hiran Home Minister Maharashtra & Commissioner of Police accuses each other of taking Haptas Bribe pic.twitter.com/qcOUTavFGL Kirit Somaiya (@KiritSomaiya) July 15, 2021 Former BJP MP Kirit Somaiya took to Twitter to share the video of the same, and wrote, Birthday of MAFIA Don celebrated at Jogeshwari police station. Thackeray Sarkar's Police Crime Branch, Sachin Vaze involve in VASOOLI. Mumbai police takes SUPARI to kill Mansukh Hiran. Home Minister Maharashtra & Commissioner of Police accuses each other of taking Haptas Bribe. When asked about the same, Mr Nerlekar said, "It is an old video. I had gone to that housing society to see some demolition work going on, but some senior citizens there insisted that I visit the society office. I went there, but I was not aware that Danish was also present there with a cake." Now, Deputy Commissioner of Police Mahesh Reddy said that now an inquiry has been ordered in this case. Assistant Commissioner of Police of the Sakinaka division will conduct the inquiry, he said. What do you think? Let us know in the comments section below! Bhushan Kumar, the Kingpin of the Indian music industry or in other words, the Bollywood music industry, has been accused of raping a 30-year-old woman on the premise of providing her a job. Zee News Kumar, who is the son of the legendary T-Series founder, Gulshan Kumar who was killed in 1999, is the serving Managing Director of the music label and also an Indian film and music producer. BCCL As per the police, an FIR was lodged against the music baron on Thursday (July 15) after the victim alleged that she had been sexually assaulted by Kumar from September 2017 until 2020. Mumbai | Case registered u/s 376 IPC against Bhushan Kumar, managing director, T-Series, at DN Nagar Police station on allegations of rape with a 30-year-old woman on the pretext of engaging her for a project at the company. Probe underway, no arrests made till now: Police ANI (@ANI) July 16, 2021 "Mumbai police have registered a case against T-Series company's Managing Director Bhushan Kumar, son of music baron late Gulshan Kumar, for allegedly raping a woman on the promise of providing a job to her. The offense was registered at DN Nagar police station in Andheri (West) on the basis of the complaint filed by the 30-year-old woman," an official said on Friday (July 16). So far, the police have refused to provide the details as to when the alleged crime took place. "As per the complaint, Bhushan Kumar allegedly raped the woman on the pretext of providing a job to her in some projects of his own company," said an official speaking to PTI. According to the police, the woman said that she had been cheated by him and that was the reason she had approached the police. The woman had also alleged that Kumar had threatened to harm if she dared open her mouth to anyone. The police have now charged Kumar under Indian Penal Code sections 376 (rape), 420 (cheating), 506 (criminal intimidation). Following this, Kumar's team also went on to issue a statement. "The complaint filed against Mr. Bhushan Kumar is completely false and malicious and the contents of the same are denied. It has been falsely alleged that the lady in question was sexually exploited between 2017 to 2020 on the pretext of giving her work. It is a matter of record that she has already worked for T-Series banner in Film and music videos. Around March 2021 she approached Mr. Bhushan Kumar seeking help to fund one of the web series which she wanted to produce, which was politely refused. Thereafter, In June 2021 after the lifting of lockdown in Maharashtra, she started approaching the T-Series banner in collusion with her accomplice demanding a huge sum of money as extortion amount. Consequently, a complaint was filed by T-Series banner against the attempted extortion at with police at Amboli police station on 1st July 2021. We also have evidence in the form of audio recording for the extortion attempt and the same shall be provided to investigating agency. The present complaint filed by her is nothing but a counterblast to the complaint filed against her and her accomplice for the offense of extortion. We are in the process of consulting our lawyers in this regard and will take appropriate legal action," said the statement. Meridian, MS (39302) Today Thunderstorms likely. Rainfall will be locally heavy at times. High 82F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%. 1 to 2 inches of rain expected. Locally heavy rainfall possible.. Tonight Thunderstorms likely this evening. Then a chance of scattered thunderstorms overnight. Low near 70F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 60%. 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 Queensland, the countrys metallurgical coal hub, exported 18.02 million tonnes of coal - including some thermal coal in June, down from 18.43 million tonnes shipped in June 2020, according to the latest data from the two port operators. June were, however, up by 4% on Mays 17.38 million tonnes.In the first half of 2021, the Queensland shipped 99.65 million tonnes of coal, down 4% compared with the same period in 2020. North Queensland Bulk Ports Corp oversees shipments from the Dalrymple Bay, Hay Point... Bids were heard at $535 per tonne cfr northern China on July 16, which would be equivalent to $525 per tonne cfr eastern China, and no new offers were heard on July 16. Prior to that, the latest to come in was on July 14 at $580-590 per tonne cfr China. But some mill sources have recently received offers of Canadian scrap cargoes, they told Fastmarkets. The quality of the material is similar to the current grade of heavy scrap we have been using, which is acceptable to us, a mill source based in Hebei province said. Once we further confirm their scrap quality, it is highly likely we will book a trial cargo. The source was not willing to disclose the exact offer level for the Canadian scrap cargo but described it as a very favorable price. Japan has been Chinas most important scrap importer since China officially eased restrictions on scrap imports in January 2021. China imported 111,432 tonnes of ferrous scrap in May 2021, 71.2% of which originated in Japan. Steel scrap negotiations between Chinese buyers and Japanese sellers have been limited in recent weeks, however, due to large discrepancies between bids and offers. [There are a] very limited number of offers from Japan to China right now, a Japanese exporter source said. The Chinese buyers were showing little interest in booking cargoes from Japan, so many sellers stopped offering as well. Key market participants had believed that the maximum workable prices for buyers on July 16 would be about $540-550 per tonne cfr northern China, which would be roughly equivalent to $530-540 per tonne cfr eastern China. Fastmarkets daily price assessment for steel scrap, heavy recycled steel materials, cfr China, which takes into account prices at ports in eastern China, was $530-540 per tonne on Friday, unchanged from a day earlier. Taiwanese buyers have continued to pressure prices lower, securing containerized HMS 1&2 (80:20) materials from the west coast of the United States at $460 per tonne cfr Taiwan most recently. Taiwanese market sources continue to harbor bearish sentiments due to the lack of demand from other Asian countries. As well, the Vietnamese scrap import market remains in a state of almost "total shutdown" due to the worsening Covid-19 pandemic, a source in the country said. This has led to lock-downs and business closures in key commercial hubs such as Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. Offers of bulk H2 cargoes were at $490-505 per tonne cfr Vietnam, while bulk HMS 1&2 (80:20) from Australia and the US were at $510-520 per tonne cfr Vietnam. There was low interest for imported cargoes. Decarbonization complicates an already complex marketplace. Our latest analysis, The true price of green steel, takes a deep dive into the ripple effects that overhauling the markets will have on the steelmaking process and supply base. Progress being made to remove stamp sands in Keweenaw Peninsula affecting Buffalo Reef in Lake Superior Progress being made to remove stamp sands in Keweenaw Peninsula affecting Buffalo Reef in Lake Superior In advance of Lake Superior Day (July 18), MI Environment highlights an infographic in the most recent State of the Great Lakes report that briefly summarizes progress made on the effort to remove stamp sands from the Lake Superior shoreline. Legacy contaminants such as copper mine tailings (stamp sands) from the Wolverine and Mohawk mines are migrating southward due to wave action on the Lake Superior shoreline and inundating Buffalo Reef, off the Keweenaw Peninsula. Various efforts over the past few years, including removing a 25-foot-high stamp-sand ridge from the Lake Superior shoreline, dredging of a natural trough that is in Lake Superior north of the reef and dredging of Grand Traverse Harbor. Behind the effort: Michigan Department of Natural Resources, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, the Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. Photo caption: Wave action has slowly moved stamp sands from along the shore of the Keweenaw Peninsula into Lake Superior and inundated Buffalo Reef. 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. Voters with August elections should return absentee ballots in person, via drop box Voters with August elections should return absentee ballots in person, via drop box JULY 16, 2021 With just over two weeks to go, Michigan voters in the 54 counties with elections on Aug. 3 should now return their absentee ballots in person or via drop box. The location of the local election clerk's offices and area drop boxes, as well as voter information for applicable elections, can be found at Michigan.gov/Vote. "Michigan citizens have a number of options to vote," said Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson. "Whether it's voting absentee by mail or at their local clerk, drop box, or in person on Election Day, voters can be confident no matter how they choose to exercise their rights, the process will be safe and secure and their vote will be counted and their voices heard." Those who do not yet have a ballot are encouraged to visit their local election clerk's office, where they can be issued one, vote it, and return it to the clerk in the same visit. Those who already have a ballot at home should fill it out, sign the back of the envelope and return it in person or via drop box as soon as possible. Registered voters can vote early with an absentee ballot at their clerk office now through August 2, or at their polling place on Election Day, August 3. Those who haven't registered can register online through next Monday, July 19, or register and vote in one trip to their clerk office now through 8 p.m. on Election Day, August 3. For more election information, including the location of the local clerk's office, area drop boxes, and sample ballots, voters can visit Michigan.gov/Vote. For media questions, contact Tracy Wimmer at 517-281-1876. We welcome questions and comments at the Contact the Secretary of State page. Customers may call the Department of State Information Center to speak to a customer-service representative at 888-SOS-MICH (767-6424). Governor Whitmer announces MI Clean Water plan grants help towns and cities provide safe, reliable drinking water Governor Whitmer announces MI Clean Water plan grants help towns and cities provide safe, reliable drinking water FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 15, 2021 EGLE Media Office, EGLE-Assist@Michigan.gov Governor Whitmer announces MI Clean Water plan grants help towns and cities provide safe, reliable drinking water LANSING, Mich. - Gov. Whitmer announced more than $15 million in grants awarded as part of the MI Clean Water plan that will help Michigan communities strengthen drinking water infrastructure and better ensure safe, clean tap water across the state. "We must ensure communities across Michigan have the support they need protect our state's unparalleled freshwater resources," said Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. "As we celebrate Lake Appreciation Month, we are proud to announce grants under our MI Clean Water Plan that will help local communities invest in their aging water infrastructure and give every family in our state access to safe, clean tap water." More than $15 million in funding announced within the last month will assist with overall state efforts to support local projects that improve water systems through work including replacing lead service lines, enhancing water affordability plans and connecting homes with contaminated drinking water wells to safe community water supplies. "These grants are a great example of how EGLE partners with community water systems to safeguard residents' health and our state' s water resources by strengthening critical systems," said Liesl Clark, EGLE director. "More than half of EGLE's budget flows back to communities to protect the environment and public health through innovative partnerships like those supported under the Mi Clean Water plan." The MI Clean Water plan is a historic, $500 million investment announced by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in October to rebuild the state's water infrastructure to help provide clean, affordable water to Michiganders through investments in communities. It confronts the large infrastructure issues that Michigan faces such as lead-laden water service lines, toxic contamination like per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), undersized sewers, failing septic systems, unaffordable water rates and constrained local budgets. This historic investment includes a proposal combining federal dollars for lead service line replacement in low-income communities ($102.1 million) with bonding authority for water quality protection ($290 million), a one-time General Fund appropriation for drinking water infrastructure and innovation ($105 million), and asset management grants ($2.9 million) to help communities develop, update and improve their plans for wastewater and stormwater. The Drinking Water Asset Management (DWAM) grant is available to assist water supplies in asset management plan development or updates, and/or distribution system materials inventory as defined in Michigan's Lead and Copper Rule. The Affordability and Planning Grant (AP) grant is available to any community water supply and local unit of government, including counties, townships, cities, villages and others to assist in planning and/or rate studies. The Consolidation and Contamination Risk Reduction (C2R2) grant funds projects that remove or reduce PFAS or other contaminants, as defined under state or federal drinking water regulations, or efforts to consolidate systems or connect private residential wells to a local municipal system. Recently approved grants awarded through the DWAM, AP, and C2R2 programs: DWAM Grants City of West Branch - $412,624 City of Buchanan -$68,370 Village of Kaleva- $172,600 Village of Lakeview - $185,225 City of St. Joseph - $439,765 Village of Spring Lake - $18,000 City of Taylor - $387,150 City of Benton Harbor - $543,024 City of Mt. Morris - $32,170 AP Grants Charter Township of Calumet - $90,500 Charter Township of Marquette - $39,500 City of Benton Harbor - $168,500 City of Bridgman - $127,900 City of Center Line - $15,800 City of Clawson - $10,000 City of Mount Clemens - $15,800 City of Roseville - $15,800 Village of Marcellus - $15,000 Village of Pewamo - $15,000 Ishpeming Township - $17,500 C2R2 Grants City of Hartford - $2,970,800 Plainfield Charter Twp. - $4,380,665 City of Grand Rapids - $5,000,000 EGLE will summarize new MI Clean Water grants in press releases on a monthly basis. ### LAS VEGAS (AP) Masks are back in Las Vegas, after regional health officials on Friday cited a rising number of coronavirus cases and advised everyone vaccinated or not to wear facial coverings in crowds and indoor places. The recommendation from the Southern Nevada Health District isnt a requirement. But it affects casinos, concerts and clubs where business has boomed since restrictions were lifted and the state fully returned pandemic control measures to counties about seven weeks ago. Both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals should wear masks when they are in crowded public settings ... such as grocery stores, malls, large events and casinos," Dr. Fermin Leguen, the region's chief health officer, told reporters. He said the district doesn't have authority to make masks mandatory, leaving that question to the state, county and cities. Vaccine clinics and testing are continuing at sites around the region, Leguen added. Vaccination rates have stalled in recent weeks in Nevada, a state with libertarian leanings where health officials reported Friday that about 55% of residents 12 years and older have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine. Statewide, about 46.3% are fully vaccinated. Nationally, 68% of adults have received at least one dose of vaccine, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. An official with the union representing 60,000 Nevada casino employees issued a statement noting the risks posed to workers by people who are not vaccinated. Culinary Union official Geoconda Arguello-Kline pointed to CDC data that more than 97% of people who have been hospitalized recently with COVID-19 have not received a vaccine. The mask recommendation in Las Vegas came after Nevada health officials on Thursday reported 938 new cases of COVID-19 statewide the biggest one-day coronavirus case jump since February and 15 new deaths. It also followed a call from the public health chief in Los Angeles for Californians to rethink plans to travel to Nevada until COVID-19 case numbers in the Silver State decrease. Weekend visitors from Southern California have in recent months jammed Interstate 15, the main route for the 270-mile (435-kilometer) trip between Los Angeles and Las Vegas. I do want to recommend, especially if youre unvaccinated, reconsider traveling to places where the seven-day COVID-19 case rates are increasing or high like Nevada, our neighbor, Dr. Muntu Davis told Los Angeles County commissioners on Tuesday. Davis also recommended using masks in indoor spaces, regardless of vaccination status. Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolaks chief of staff, Michelle White, responded during a video conference call with reporters on Thursday with a suggestion that people travel to Nevada and get vaccinated. Thats why we are working to make sure there are vaccination and testing locations located on places like the Las Vegas Strip. That is open any individual, workers ... visitors, White said. We have all three vaccines offered, including the one shot. If someone is coming from out of state, that can be more convenient and we certainly encourage everyone to do so. The Department of Health and Human Services said test positivity, a key marker of the percentage of people found to be infected among those tested for the virus, had tripled from 3.4% five weeks ago to 10.9% on Thursday. The positivity figure reported by the state Department of Health and Human Services was 12.3% in the Las Vegas area. The number of new cases reported Friday in Nevada was 866, and six new deaths. That brought to 5,758 the number of lives lost in the state to COVID-19 since March 2020. Most cases and deaths in Nevada during the pandemic have been in the Las Vegas area, home to 2.3 million people and host to tens of millions of visitors per year. On Friday, health officials in Washoe County said they had no plans to implement mask requirements or recommendations because the virus hasn't surged in the Reno-Sparks area to the extent it has in Las Vegas. Elsewhere, local officials from Lander County and Elko have recently focused on passing pre-emptive resolutions against vaccine passports. ____ Associated Press writers Scott Sonner in Reno and Sam Metz in Carson City contributed to this report. Editor's note: This is Part 1 of a two-part series highlighting National Tattoo Day. Part 2 is scheduled to run in Saturday's edition of the Pioneer. On Saturday, July 17, tattoo shops are gearing up to celebrate, National Tattoo Day, by doing exactly what they do best: giving tattoos. Jesse James is the owner and a tattoo artist at LightTouch Tattoo in Big Rapids. Pioneer reporter Gena Harris interviewed James about the ins and outs of being a tattoo artist. Responses have been edited for clarity. How did you become a tattoo artist? I earned my bachelor's degree in Graphic Design from Ferris. This led me to an intimate understanding of composition and visual balance. I prefer working in an illustrated style, ranging from more cartoon like New School to more timeless looking Neo-Traditional. Neo-traditional tattoos focus on a modernized take on American traditional imagery, this style leans heavily on shading and color to create realistic portraiture. Before someone is getting a tattoo, what should they look for from an artist/shop? James said a quick Google search will show you what your states rules and regulations are for tattoo licensing. He said to make sure youre going to a reputable and clean place. Portfolios are also really important to make sure that the artist is capable of doing the work that youre getting done." How do you feel about inking intoxicated customers? James told the Pioneer he wont tattoo any client that seems to be under the influence. Absolutely not. If theres any hint that someone is intoxicated or under the influence of any drugs, we will absolutely send them away. If you're drinking alcohol, it thins your blood out a lot and will make it very difficult to tattoo, but not only that it's also a health code violation, James said. What are the most popular tattoos that youve seen over the years? Infinity signs, roses, and feathers are a thing of the past when it comes to getting ink. James said theyre seeing a trend of exclusive pieces. There are definitely fads that come through, but these days people are getting a lot more custom pieces that are somewhat unique to the individual, James said. Mostly because of the internet, people are more aware of what an artist is capable of. James said that since more people are getting unique pieces, artists can create a piece of work that is special to the individual. A lot of times Ill have people write down a list of things theyre interested in, and the styles they like, then we work through what works and what wouldnt work, James said. What's something you wish clients would stop doing? With the sunny weather and hot temperatures in the summer, it's important to take proper care of your new tattoo. So, while it may be tempting to go take a dip, exposing your fresh tattoo may be harmful and can cause the skin to itch, dry out and even flake. Going out in the sun with their tattoos. Especially right now, you really want to make sure during the healing process you treat it like an open wound, James said. Make sure you dont go swimming with your tattoo. Those are things that almost guarantee an infection. What do most people not realize about life as a tattoo artist? We are always on the clock, theres not a time that were not dealing with social media or responding to clients, when we go home were drawing. ... Just because you have a two to three hour appointment doesnt mean that it only took three hours to create, James said. What are the most painful places to get tattooed? Armpit is probably one of the worst spots, specifically for men ribs are hard to get tattooed. It can be kinda painful. But, if you can go to your happy place, you can deal with pretty much anything, James said. Are there things that you wont tattoo? We absolutely wont do anything thats racist or anything inappropriate on a minor. There are some preference-based things that artists may not want to do, but we will guide you to one of the artists that does do that, James said. BRETHREN The Spirit of the Woods Conservation Club helped kids age 8-12 learn conservation skills and respect for the environment this week during its annual youth field camp. The camp ran Monday through Thursday. On Tuesday, Chelsea Cooper, Manistee Conservation District conservation technician and aquatic invasive species outreach coordinator, visited the camp to teach the youngsters about foundational habitat and food web systems. "We got out our kick nets and turned over rocks and logs looking for aquatic macroinvertebrates," Cooper said in an email. 'Macro' means you can see it with your eyes and invertebrates means they have no backbone that's how I described it to the kids." Cooper and the children picked through what they found, and she told them what their findings say about the health of the stream. "We gathered all that we found into buckets and then sorted through them and talked about which macros are indicative of a good, healthy stream and how important their biodiversity is to conservation practices," Cooper said. After that, Cooper taught the kids about invasive species and what can be done to stop the spread to protect natural habitats. "We learned about five major species: sea lamprey, Eurasian watermilfoil, zebra mussels, spiny water flea and bighead carp," she said. "Then I passed around a preserved lamprey and discussed its life cycle and how that led to Michigan getting more control over this species before it was too late." Cooper said both the kids and volunteers had a great time on Tuesday and she hopes the event increased the children's interest in conservation. "Teaching stewardship early to the emerging generation is how we strengthen the connection these kids have with our natural resources. If they really begin to understand that these resources belong to them I think we have a lot of hope," she said. "I always make sure to tell them that they are our greatest asset to the future of conservation. It means a lot to them to hear that." Sad that the Mecosta County Free Fair is coming to an end? Dont worry. There is plenty of fun to be had. Here are five things, not fair-related, to do this weekend. 1. REMUS HERITAGE DAYS Remus Heritage Days kicked off its annual festivities Thursday with communitywide yard sales. The fun continues Friday with a car show and the Legends of Softball Games, both at 6 p.m. Softball tournaments will run throughout the weekend, with the men's teams Saturday and the power co-ed teams Sunday. Other highlights include the Wild Wild West parade (11 a.m. Saturday), truck pulls (11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Saturday), tractor pulls (noon Sunday), and live music (8 p.m. Friday and Saturday). The festivities wrap up Sunday with a Smokin Hot Cook-Off from 1-3 p.m. Winners will be announced at 4 p.m. When: Thursday, July 15, through Sunday, July 18. Where: Downtown Remus More: facebook.com/Remus-Heritage-Days 2. MORLEY MARKET AND GARAGE/YARD SALE Morley Community Center hosts an indoor community garage sale and an outdoor flea market every Friday and Saturday, rain or shine, for a one-stop shopping experience. The market has more than 40 vendors offering a variety of hand-crafted items, baked goods, and antiques. The community garage sale has a large selection of donated items. Admission and parking are free, and food and playground is available on the grounds. Proceeds to to help pay the Community Centers operating expenses. When: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through September. Where: Morley Community Center, 151 7th St., Morley. Online: morleycenter.org MORE: 3. VETERANS PARK MEMORIAL CAR SHOW Crossroads Car Club of Reed City will host its charity car show Saturday to raise money to build a new Reed City/Osceola County Veterans Memorial Park. For $20 each entry, owners of classic cars can show off their chrome and whitewalls for a chance to win one of six trophies. All makes and models welcome. In addition, there will be food, raffles, a 50/50 drawing, bake sale and music. When: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, July 17. Registration is 9-11 a.m. and judging starts at noon. Awards will be presented at 3 p.m. Where: Reed City Scout Building, 223 E. Fifth Ave., Reed City, behind H&R Block. Contact: Russ Nehmer at 231-667-0555 4. BOB MARSHALL BAND Git yer horses saddled up (or whatever mode of transportation you choose) and head on over to the Evart Farmers Market for some good ol country and western music. Headed by award-winning songwriter and vocalist, The Bob Marshall Band will perform its brand of cowboy rock n roll. When: 11 a.m.- 1 p.m. Saturday, July 17 Where: Evart Farmers Market, 200 South Main St., Evart. More: facebook.com/EvartFarmersMarket, bobmarshallband.com 5. NATIONAL ICE CREAM DAY Celebrate National Ice Cream Day with a cold scoop at one of West Central Michigans many ice cream parlors. Here are a few of the Pioneer newsrooms favorites: Kilwins, 118 N. Michigan Ave., Big Rapids, 231-796-2502 BR Scoops, 250 N State St, Big Rapids 231-796-6848 Toppings Frozen Yogurt, 321 N Michigan Ave, Big Rapids, 231-598-9438 Dairy Depot, 534 S Chestnut St, Reed City, 231-832-5854 Jones Homemade Ice Cream Parlor, 858 Michigan Ave, Baldwin, 231-745-3591 KYIV, Ukraine (AP) Authorities in Belarus raided the homes and offices of independent media outlets and civil society activists Friday, widening a crackdown on opposition in the ex-Soviet nation. The Belarusian Association of Journalists and the Viasna human rights center said authorities searched the apartments and offices of at least 31 journalists and activists in the capital of Minsk and seven other cities. The authorities are using an entire arsenal of repressions against journalists intimidation, beatings, searches and arrests, Andrei Bastunets, the head of the journalists' association, said.. The countrys main security agency, which still goes under its Soviet-era name KGB, said those targeted were suspected of involvement in extremist activities. Among those targeted Friday were 22 journalists who worked for the Belsat TV channel, which is funded by Poland, and for U.S.-funded broadcaster RFE/RL. Authorities broke down the door of RFE/RLs office in Minsk. RFE/RL journalist Aleh Hruzdzilovich was detained after the search of his family's home, his wife, Maryana, told The Associated Press in a telephone interview from Minsk. Nine people broke into our apartment, seized all the equipment and took Aleh away in handcuffs, she said. Viasna said authorities also raided the homes of Alena Anisim, head of the Union of Belarusian Language, and activists with the nongovernmental organization Legal Initiative. Belarus' Investigative Committee, the top state investigative agency, said the raids were part of a probe into alleged tax evasion and violations of financial regulations by NGOs and media outlets. The new raids continue a sweeping clampdown on independent media and non-government organizations in the country. Earlier this week, law enforcement officers raided the homes of 10 Viasna workers, as well as the human rights center's offices in Minsk and other cities. They also searched a number of other Belarusian NGOs and journalists. The action came after President Alexander Lukashenko, the longtime authoritarian leader of Belarus, promised to deal with organizations that he accuses of fomenting unrest. Belarus was rocked by months of protests after Lukashenkos August 2020 election to a sixth term in a vote that the opposition and the West saw as rigged. Belarusian authorities responded to opposition demonstrations with a massive crackdown, including police beating thousands of demonstrators and arresting more than 35,000 people. Leading opposition figures have been jailed or forced to leave the country, while independent media outlets have had their offices searched and their journalists arrested. Overall, 32 Belarusian journalists are currently in custody, either serving their sentences or awaiting trial, according to the Belarusian Association of Journalists. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, Lukashenkos main challenger in the August 2020 election, who was forced to leave Belarus under official pressure immediately after the vote, tweeted Friday that the regime destroys every media that dares to tell the truth about the situation in Belarus. Also on Friday, 11 university students and a teacher were sentenced to 2 and 2 1/2-year prison terms on accusations of staging and coordinating protests last fall. U.S. Ambassador to Belarus, Julie Fisher, condemned the verdict. How fragile is a regime that cant abide free expression and civic engagement by 11 university students? These young people present a profile in courage," she said on Twitter. Fisher also said that Friday's raids targeting journalists demonstrate cowardice and the inability to cope with truth-telling as opposed to the lionization and fantasies woven daily on state TV. RFE/RL strongly condemned Friday's raiding of its bureau and the detention of Hruzdzilovich and former RFE/RL correspondent Ina Studzinskaya and demanded their immediate release. These raids and arrests testify to the despotic desperation of the Lukashenko regime to cling to power at all costs," RFE/RL President Jamie Fly said in a statement. "Lukashenko's criminalization of independent journalism is a cynical attempt to exert absolute control over what the Belarusian people see and hear. These intimidation tactics will not silence our journalism. The European Union's foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, denounced the crackdown in a statement issued Thursday. This new wave of repression is yet another proof that the Lukashenko regime is waging a systematic and well-orchestrated campaign with the ultimate aim to silence all remaining dissident voices and suppress civic space in Belarus, Borrell said. The severe violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms come at a price. The EU is ready to consider further restrictive measures in line with its gradual approach. Some Greenleaf Township residents demanded an explanation on why the townships board of trustees feels a long-going lawsuit is frivolous during the townships July 16 meeting, while others were not happy with the suit's verdict. The township has been ordered to pay approximately $137,000 by the United States Court of Appeals Sixth Circuit, which includes legal fees, from a lawsuit claiming the township violated the states Open Meetings Act, which started back in 2016. Township Supervisor Bob Delong said during the townships July meeting that he tried to have that be paid over a three to five-year period, but state law said it has to be put on one tax roll for the township. This is due to the township not having the funds to award the judgement and fees within 30 days of the decision. Shelly Cook, one of the residents involved with the lawsuit, said during the meeting that she had been attending these meetings for several years, and many times she has heard the board say the lawsuit was frivolous, and she wants an explanation. I havent explained anything, and I wont explain anything until the judge rules on it, Delong responded. Obviously I came in after the fact. I wasnt at it when it supposedly happened. But there seemed to be a lot of evidence that it didnt happen. When I was growing up, my parents taught me, You mess up, you fess up, Cook said. Ever since Oct. 18, 2016 to tonight, July 15, 2021, I have not once heard an apology from this board. Another resident, Norm Parker, backed Cook up, saying that the township was found to be wrong in a court of law, the plaintiffs filed a lawsuit with merit and won, and they better put blame where its due. Another resident spoke out against the lawsuit, talking about already having to pay $239 as a result of it and wishing that taxpayers would get some redress, possibly a personal suit for filing frivolous suits against the township and forcing taxpayers to pay money. The lawsuit stems from a special township meeting in October 2016 regarding the legal settlement of $187,500 in a federal lawsuit involving former supervisor Kirk Winter and not being able to get a license for his trucking business. At the meeting, Christina Gibbard asked township Clerk Judy Keller if the majority of the board gave written approval for the meeting, with court papers claiming that Keller became threatening, pushed her body into Gibbard, and tried to take away video cameras from Gibbard and Cook, who recorded the incident. Gibbard and Cook then filed a lawsuit and were initially awarded a $500 settlement. She racked up high legal fees with the township challenging that paying those fees were excessive. Michigans Open Meetings Act law states that legal fees are awarded to the winner in a case. COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) The state attorney prosecuting the December police killing of Andre Hill opposed the former officer's request for the trial to be moved. Assistant Attorney General Anthony Pierson filed a motion Wednesday opposing ex-Columbus officer Adam Coy's request for the trial be moved to another county in order to convene a fair and impartial jury. Defense attorney Mark Collins argued in a court filing last month that extensive publicity including news coverage, posts on social media and billboards around Columbus about the killing of Hill, a Black man, will make it impossible to convene a fair jury in Franklin County. But Pierson, who was appointed special prosecutor by Attorney General Dave Yost, said the change of location would unnecessarily consume resources and time. He added that while the state opposes the trial being moved, it will not object to modifying the jury selection process to ensure impartiality. Hill, 47, was fatally shot by Coy, who is white, on Dec. 22 as Hill emerged from a garage holding up a cellphone. In the moments after he was shot, additional bodycam footage shows two other Columbus officers rolled Hill over and put handcuffs on him before leaving him alone again. None of them, according to the footage released, offered any first aid even though Hill was barely moving, groaning and bleeding while laying on the garage floor. Coy was fired less than a week later for failing to activate his body camera and for not providing medical aid to Hill. He has pleaded not guilty to murder and reckless homicide charges. His trial is currently scheduled for July 21. His indictment by a Franklin County grand jury came just days after Columbus Police Chief Thomas Quinlan was forced out after Mayor Andrew Ginther said he lost confidence in his ability to make the necessary department changes. In May, the city reached a $10 million settlement with the family of Hill, the largest in Columbus history. In addition to the state's criminal case, Columbus police, the U.S. attorney general for central Ohio and the FBI are conducting their own investigation into the shooting. ___ This story has been corrected to show Collins' arguments about moving the trial were made last month, not last week. ___ Associated Press writer Andrew Welsh-Huggins contributed to this report. Amiri 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. LONDON (AP) For many, its common courtesy or a sensible precaution. For others, it's an imposition, a daily irritation. The face mask a highly charged source of debate, confusion and anger around the world during the coronavirus pandemic is now dividing people as the crisis eases. Britain is bracing for acrimony on Monday, when the government lifts a legal requirement to wear face coverings in most indoor settings, including shops, trains, buses and subways. Donning a mask in many places will stop being an order and become a request. Already, people are split over how to respond. Im glad, said London cafe owner Hatice Kucuk. I dont think they really help much. But Lucy Heath, a filmmaker, said she would prefer to see masks remain mandatory on the subway and in supermarkets. I just think vulnerable people will feel that they dont want to venture out, she said. The end of many pandemic restrictions next week once touted in British newspapers as freedom day comes as the U.K. faces soaring coronavirus cases and rising deaths, despite an inoculation program that has given two-thirds of adults both doses of vaccine. On Friday Britain reported more than 51,000 new coronavirus cases, the highest daily total since January. Globally, the World Health Organization says cases and deaths are climbing after a period of decline, spurred by the more contagious delta variant. Last week there were nearly 3 million new infections and more than 55,000 lives lost around the world. Against that backdrop, British politicians talk of freedom has been replaced with words of caution. This pandemic is not over, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said this week. We cannot simply revert instantly from Monday the 19th of July to life as it was before COVID. So while people no longer have to wear masks, theyre being told that they should. The government says it expects and recommends masks to be worn by workers and customers in crowded, enclosed spaces such as shops. Londons mayor says masks will continue to be required on the citys public transit system, and the National Health Service will insist on them in hospitals. And while the rules are changing in England, masks will still be mandatory in Scotland and Wales, which make their own health regulations. Opposition politicians and some doctors have urged the government not to remove the mask mandate, while businesses and unions worry the change from mandatory to optional is a recipe for chaos. It is a real mess, said Paddy Lillis, general secretary of retail workers union USDAW. Protection for retail workers through wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing in busy public areas like shops should be backed up by the law. The prime minister has appealed to Britons common sense. I generally urge everyone to keep thinking of others and to consider the risks, Johnson said. Its not always obvious, though, what the risks are. Most scientists say masks can help curb the spread of COVID-19 by preventing people who may be unknowingly carrying the virus from passing it on to others. But studies suggest masks may be useful only if a high percentage of people wear them. There is evidence to suggest it does good, but only if everybody does it, said Graham Medley, a professor of infectious disease modelling who is on a panel of scientists advising the British government. I understand the governments reluctance to actually mandate it. On the other hand, if its not mandated, it probably wont do any good. But Robert Dingwall, a professor of sociology at Nottingham Trent University who is also a government science adviser, said letting people find their own comfort level is a sensible move. We need to tolerate each others different risk appetites, he said. Weve had all this behavioral science in the background, trying to encourage compliance through amplifying fear and anxiety. And that really needs to reverse tack. We should stop talking about the dangerous situations and start talking much more about the safe ones. Britain is not alone in grappling with masks. In recent months, Israel has reopened businesses, schools and event venues, lifting nearly all restrictions after it inoculated some 85% of its adults. Now cases are rising again, and authorities have reimposed a rule requiring people to wear masks indoors, as the country scrambles to contain the delta variant. In the U.S., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says fully vaccinated people dont need to wear masks in most settings, in contrast to the WHO, which advises them to cover up. Some U.S. states and cities are trying to decide what to do as cases rise again. Los Angeles County, the most populous county in the U.S., announced Thursday it is again requiring people to wear masks indoors, even if they are vaccinated. In many East Asian countries, it was common even before the pandemic for people to wear masks when sick or on high-pollution days. There is little in the way of an anti-mask movement. In the United States, however, they have become an often partisan issue, epitomized during the 2020 presidential election by the contrast between often maskless Republican Donald Trump and mask-wearing Democrat Joe Biden. European nations are less divided, but recent research by Kings College London and pollster Ipsos MORI identified masks as a culture war fault line, dividing people in Britain in a similar way to Brexit and the Black Lives Matter movement. The large majority who supported masks and other coronavirus restrictions tended to regard the minority who opposed them as selfish, hypocritical and closed-minded. A lower proportion of lockdown opponents said the same about the other side. The face mask is such a minimal object this small piece of fabric, its a very low-tech device. But its become imbued with so much symbolic power, said Deborah Lupton, professor at the Center for Social Research in Health at Australias University of New South Wales and co-author of the book The Face Mask in COVID Times. A mask against COVID-19 is an object which can offer some degree of certainty and protection in this very, very chaotic and uncertain and constantly changing risk environment, she said. "I think for that reason alone, it has incredible power and significance. ___ Associated Press writers Maria Cheng in London, Joe Federman in Jerusalem and Adam Schreck in Bangkok contributed to this story. Bridgeport Police / Contributed BRIDGEPORT A man wanted in connection with an attempted murder from May was taken into custody Thursday, according to police. City detectives and members of the U.S. Marshals Violent Fugitive Task Force took 19-year-old Rashaad Shoddy Bynum into custody in the 800 block of Hancock Ave., Lt. Christopher LaMaine said. ROME (AP) Pope Francis cracked down Friday on the spread of the old Latin Mass, reversing one of Pope Benedict XVIs signature decisions in a major challenge to traditionalist Catholics who immediately decried it as an attack on them and the ancient liturgy. Francis reimposed restrictions on celebrating the Latin Mass that Benedict relaxed in 2007, and went further to limit its use. The pontiff said he was taking action because Benedicts reform had become a source of division in the church and been exploited by Catholics opposed to the Second Vatican Council, the 1960s meetings that modernized the church and its liturgy. Critics said they had never before witnessed a pope so thoroughly reversing his predecessor. That the reversal concerned something so fundamental as the liturgy, while Benedict is still alive and living in the Vatican as a retired pope, only amplified the extraordinary nature of Francis' move, which will surely result in more right-wing hostility directed at him. Francis, 84, issued a new law requiring individual bishops to approve celebrations of the old Mass, also called the Tridentine Mass, and requiring newly ordained priests to receive explicit permission to celebrate it from their bishops, in consultation with the Vatican. Under the new law, bishops must also determine if the current groups of faithful attached to the old Mass accept Vatican II, which allowed for Mass to be celebrated in the vernacular rather than Latin. These groups cannot use regular churches; instead, bishops must find alternate locations for them without creating new parishes. In addition, Francis said bishops are no longer allowed to authorize the formation of any new pro-Latin Mass groups in their dioceses. Francis said he was taking action to promote unity and heal divisions within the church that had grown since Benedicts 2007 document, Summorum Pontificum. He said he based his decision on a 2020 Vatican survey of all the world's bishops, whose responses reveal a situation that preoccupies and saddens me, and persuades me of the need to intervene." The pope's rollback immediately created an uproar among traditionalists already opposed to Francis more progressive bent and nostalgic for Benedicts doctrinaire papacy. This is an extremely disappointing document which entirely undoes the legal provisions, of Benedicts 2007 document, said Joseph Shaw, chairman of the Latin Mass Society of England and Wales. While Latin celebrations can continue, the presumption is consistently against them: bishops are being invited to close them down, Shaw said, adding that the requirement for Latin Masses to be held outside a parish was unworkable." This is an extraordinary rejection of the hard work for the church and the loyalty to the hierarchy which has characterized the movement for the Traditional Mass for many years, which I fear will foster a sense of alienation among those attached to the churchs ancient liturgy, he said. Benedict had issued his document in 2007 to reach out to a breakaway, schismatic group that celebrates the Latin Mass, the Society of St. Pius X, and which had split from Rome over the modernizing reforms of Vatican II. But Francis said Benedicts effort to foster unity had essentially backfired. The opportunity offered by Benedict, the pope said in a letter to bishops accompanying the new law, was instead exploited to widen the gaps, reinforce the divergences, and encourage disagreements that injure the Church, block her path, and expose her to the peril of division. Francis said he was saddened" that the use of the old Mass was accompanied by a rejection of Vatican II itself with unfounded and unsustainable assertions that it betrayed the Tradition and the true Church. Christopher Bellitto, professor of church history at Kean University, said Francis was right to intervene, noting that Benedict's original decision had had a slew of unintended consequences that not only created internal divisions but temporarily roiled relations with Jews. Francis hits it right on the head with his observation that Benedicts 2007 loosening of regulations against the Latin rite allowed others to use it for division," he said. The blowback proves his point." The blowback was indeed fierce, though it's also likely that many will simply ignore Francis' decree and continue on as before with sympathetic bishops. Some of these traditionalists and Catholics already were among Francis' fiercest critics, with some accusing him of heresy for having opened the door to letting divorced and civilly remarried Catholics receive Communion. Rorate Caeli, a popular traditionalist blog run out of the U.S., said Francis attack was the strongest rebuke of a pope against his predecessors in living memory. Francis HATES US. Francis HATES Tradition. Francis HATES all that is good and beautiful, the group tweeted. But it concluded: FRANCIS WILL DIE, THE LATIN MASS WILL LIVE FOREVER." Messa in Latino, an Italian traditionalist blog, was also blistering in its criticism. Mercy always and only for sinners (who are not asked to repent) but no mercy for those few traditional Catholics," the blog said Friday. For years, though, Francis has made known his distaste of the old liturgy, privately labeling its adherents self-referential naval-gazers who are out of touch with the needs of the church. He has cracked down on religious orders that celebrated the old Mass exclusively and frequently decried the rigidity" of tradition-minded priests who prioritize rules over pastoral accompaniment. Traditionalists have insisted that the old liturgy was never abrogated and that Benedicts 2007 reform had allowed it to flourish. They point to the growth of traditionalist parishes, often frequented by young, large families, as well as new religious orders that celebrate the old liturgy. The Latin Mass Society claims the number of traditional Masses celebrated each Sunday in England and Wales had more than doubled since 2007, from 20 to 46. But for many, the writing was on the wall as soon as Francis stepped out onto the loggia of St. Peters Basilica after his 2013 election without the ermine-trimmed red velvet cape that was preferred by Benedict and is a symbol of the pre-Vatican II church. The restrictions went into immediate effect with its publication in Friday's official Vatican newspaper, L'Osservatore Romano. Venice, FL (34285) Today Some sun this morning with increasing clouds this afternoon. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 87F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 76F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph. A comment by President Joe Biden is encouraging airlines to hope that travel between the United States and Europe could be expanded in time for last-minute, late-summer vacation trips. At a news conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Biden was asked about ending restrictions that bar most European visitors from entering the United States. Biden said Thursday that a team that is advising him on the pandemic brought that subject up. Its in the process of (considering) how soon we can lift the ban ... and I will be able to answer that question to you within the next several days. An official with the U.S. Travel Association, a trade group for the broader tourism industry, praised Biden's comments. The science says we can safely reopen international travel now, particularly for countries that have made considerable progress toward vaccinating their citizens," said Tori Emerson Barnes, the travel group's executive vice president of policy, citing studies that concluded there is a low risk of transmitting the virus during flights. Each day that outdated restrictions on travel exist wreaks economic damage on our nation." Airlines for America, a trade group representing major U.S. carriers, said the time for action is now" to reopen to international visitors. The group noted that the U.S. allows travel to and from Mexico, where less than one-third of the population is vaccinated, while severely restricting travel from Canada and the United Kingdom, two countries with relatively high vaccination rates. The rise and prevalence of COVID-19 variants in Europe, especially the delta mutation that is also spreading throughout the U.S., has caused the Biden administration to tread slowly about increasing transatlantic travel. Last month, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the administration was anxious to restore travel as fully and quickly as possible, but said he couldn't put a date on reopening the country. "We have to be guided by the science, by medical expertise. Most of continental Europe has relaxed restrictions on Americans who are fully vaccinated, although the United Kingdom still requires quarantines for most visitors arriving from the U.S. Airlines say, however, that the lack of two-way travel is limiting the number of flights they can offer and seats they can sell. In recent months, U.S. airlines have started new service to European countries that are open to American visitors. Delta launched new or resumed service to Greece, Iceland and Croatia, which opened early to vaccinated foreigners. In some cases, Americans who tested negative for the virus were able to skip quarantine requirements that were in place for other visitors. Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian said this week that bookings by Americans surged when those countries reopened and others followed. The problem is, there are only Americans that we are carrying in (to Europe) and carrying out," Bastian told The Associated Press. With most Europeans unable to enter the U.S., Delta has been forced to keep its transatlantic capacity at around half the level it was before the pandemic, he said. ___ David Koenig can be reached at www.twitter.com/airlinewriter HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (AP) A federal judge has scrapped a temporary restraining order on West Virginias new law that tightens requirements on needle exchange programs. U.S. District Judge Robert Chambers made the decision Thursday, a week after saying he would consider the argument by plaintiffs that the law 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 had issued the restraining order June 28. Chambers removed that restraining order and denied a request for a permanent injunction. We respect the Courts decision, although we are of course disappointed with the results of the ruling. We are considering our available options for moving forward, ACLU legal director Loree Stark told The Herald-Dispatch in an email. 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 state capital of Charleston and the city of Huntington, was attributed at least in part to the cancellation in 2018 of Charlestons 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. MILFORD The new marketing director for the Milford Arts Council brings industry experience in marketing, event planning and television production to the position. Ive worked with brands such as Samsung with the launch of their Galaxy Note phone, Ive done events with BlackBerry with their 9100 phones, the Windows phone when that launched, I did a lot of the tech program, said Meg Carriero, who recently started in her new position. Carriero said it was fun working with companies planning small and big events. While working with big brands, she learned valuable lessons, she said. One of the most important things to do overall in any event, whether its marketing or live events, is to know how to take a breath and take a moment to step back and center yourself if you think things are not going according to your plan, she said. Thats one of the big things. And from there, its really listening to the people you are meeting with. You want to hear what people at these events have to say so you can improve and better yourself. Paige Miglio, the MACs executive director, welcomed Carriero to the centers family. She brings her wealth of marketing and events experience, said Miglio. Miglio said Carriero loves all of the arts, but she especially enjoys theater. Carriero said her parents were older, and they got her started watching many of the classic films. I think I saw my first play at a childrens theater, and I loved those, she said. I went to my first Broadway show when I was around 11 or 12 years old. It was something my family did. We loved seeing live theater. Carriero said she started acting in live theater in elementary school, continued through high school, and was part of the Theater Department at the Educational Center for the Arts in New Haven. I have such a respect for theater artists, she said. Theres just something extra when you have that theater training because you have to be on point, and theres no retake. Now that her son is older, Carriero said he has gotten interested in theater as well, and shes excited to be able to share her passion with him. Hes obsessed with The Nutcracker, and he says he wants to be the Nutcracker someday. Hes done one season of ballet so far, and he wants to continue with it, she said. He told me he wants to be an actor. Ive never really told him about my acting so Im not quite sure where he got it from. Carriero said she submitted her sons picture for a couple of projects, and he was able to land a Fourth of July Nathans Famous Hot Dog commercial. But Carriero said he still has time to change his mind about his future artistic endeavors. As we were leaving the set for the commercial, he told me he wanted to be a rock star, she said. After attending the Educational Center for the Arts, Carriero pursued an acting career in New York City. She earned a degree in communications from Pennsylvania State University and a specialized marketing certificate from the University of Pennsylvania. Besides acting, Carreiro has experience behind the camera as a production assistant in several different projects such as John Wick and The Amazing Spider-Man 2. Working in the film industry was fun but hard. Sometimes we would be on set for 16 hours, she said. I started on the acting side and moved to the production side because I wanted to understand how things worked on their side as well. Now that Carriero is focused on marketing, she said one of her goals is to bring in a new and younger audience. Our audience base is mainly adults, Id love to see us grow and bring in a young audience, she said. With everyone coming out of the pandemic, I think its important to reach multiple types of people and luckily our programming here from the visual arts to the live music, to the live theater. This allows us to reach those different types of people and Id love for us to continue to push and broaden those groups. If the United States and Russia ever go toe-to-to in the Atlantic, the battle will be fought out of Norfolk, Virginia. NATO on Thursday celebrated the official launch of Joint Force Command-Norfolk, the first such command to be located in North America. It joins similar NATO commands in Brunssum, Netherlands, and Naples, Italy. During a ceremony on board the USS Kearsarge, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley said the command is necessary to prevent a bloody, destructive war against major adversaries -- or to win it if one were to erupt. Read Next: 1st Female Sailor Completes Navy Special Warfare Training "It's the mission of this command to fight the battle of the Atlantic in the event of armed conflict," Milley said. "Think about that. If you know your history, and you know World War II, you know how important that was." During World War II, the Atlantic was prowled by German U-boats and other vessels -- often right off the East Coast of the United States -- that sought to torpedo troop transports, vital supply ships and other vessels, as well as spy on America. If another war were to break out in Europe, Milley said, securing the Atlantic would be crucial. "The survival of NATO, the success or failure in combat in a future war ... in Europe would largely depend on the success or failure of this command, and success or failure of the battle of the Atlantic," Milley said. And in his remarks, Vice Adm. Andrew Lewis, commander of the Navy's Second Fleet and the new joint force command, warned of increasing Russian and Chinese activity in the Atlantic. "We can no longer assume we have control of the Atlantic, as we had at the end of the Cold War," Lewis said. "We are again being challenged by threats in these waters. [Russia and China] both have increased their presence in the Atlantic, from the Arctic Circle to the South Pole." The ceremony celebrated the command reaching full operational capability, meaning it is able to perform all the missions and capabilities it was designed for. The command reached initial operational capability, meaning it could do the minimum necessary, roughly 18 months ago, Milley said. Lewis said that in peacetime, the command will provide situational awareness for the alliance, lead and help prepare NATO planning, and take part in NATO training exercises such as Steadfast Defender, in which allies practice how they would collectively defend one another if attacked. As the nation winds down its involvement in the Middle East, the military has sought to refocus its attention on preparing for or deterring a conflict with major rivals such as China or Russia, which it refers to as "great power competition." Lewis also highlighted the challenge of changing climates, which are resulting in stronger and more violent weather patterns, and opening up waterways as ice melts in the Arctic. The opening Arctic is also leading to increased competition with Russia as nations jockey for position to tap newly available natural resources. Milley said the world could be entering a period of instability with some nations, terrorist groups and rogue actors working to undermine systems of international cooperation and collective security that have existed since the end of World War II and its devastating violence. "That is the butcher's bill of great power war," Milley said. "That's what this international order that's been in existence for seven and a half decades is designed to prevent. That's what JFC-Norfolk is all about. It's to prevent that outcome." -- Stephen Losey can be reached at stephen.losey@military.com. Follow him on Twitter @StephenLosey. Related: NATO Nations Ready to Respond Jointly to Attacks in Space A Marine general's decision not to suspend Cpl. Thae Ohu's bad conduct discharge could jeopardize her mental health care, despite a diagnosis that led a judge to recommend the suspension earlier this year. Ohu was the subject of a complicated and high-profile assault case in which the man she attempted to stab in April 2020, her then-boyfriend, had called on the Corps not to punish her, but to help her get treatment for issues stemming from a rape she reported years earlier in Japan. Advocates highlighted it as emblematic of the military's mishandling of sexual assault and mental health issues. "This whole situation has been disparaging towards my service, my assault, my care and now my future," Ohu said in a statement issued on the website justiceforThaeOhu.com Thursday. "I still cannot fathom the contemptuous behavior of the Corps towards me from the moment I reported, along the way when I sought care and now a final infliction to hinder my care post service." Maj. Gen. Julian D. Alford, commanding general of Marine Corps Training Command, suspended any brig time beyond Ohu's 328 days of "time served" before trial, the service said in a statement. But he imposed the remainder of the sentence, including reduction to private and the discharge, "as adjudged without suspension." Ohu was released in May from the Navy Consolidated Brig in Chesapeake, Va., after pleading guilty to several charges, including aggravated assault with a dangerous weapon, which stemmed from the 2020 attack. Both she and the victim have said the attack came during a mental breakdown. Ohu's case made headlines last year after her family called on the Marine Corps to release her into mental health treatment. It was one of a series of cases that gained widespread attention in the wake of the killing and disappearance of Spc. Vanessa Guillen at Fort Hood, and as lawmakers pushed for reform to the military's handling of sexual assault cases. Ohu's victim, Michael Hinesley, never wanted the service to prosecute her, he wrote in a statement to the court earlier this year. "It is like you are leaving a wounded Marine on the battlefield" if she were convicted, he wrote. Judge Lt. Col. Michael Zimmerman cited her mental health history in recommending Alford hold off on the punitive discharge for a probationary period. Ohu was born in a refugee camp and had a difficult upbringing, with a history of mental illness before joining the service. She began having mental health challenges after arriving at her first duty station in Japan in 2014, the nonprofit investigative news site The War Horse reported. A counselor she saw there recommended to two senior Marines that she be separated, calling her "an accident waiting to happen," one of those Marines, Sgt. Maj. Jerry Bates, told the news site. But Bates felt that she just needed to talk to someone and seemed to be a "squared-away Marine" after doing so. Hinesley said her condition worsened after another Marine raped her in Okinawa in 2015, and that locking her up for assaulting him "stripped away" any progress she'd made in treatment. Her advocates say she suffered severe post-traumatic stress disorder and other issues after the rape. During the April 2020 attack on Hinesley, she'd initially grabbed the knife with suicidal intentions, but then confused her boyfriend for the man who raped her in Okinawa. She became enraged, she said in court testimony reported by Marine Corps Times. A bad conduct discharge would make her ineligible for guaranteed veteran benefits. Her attorneys had sought a medical discharge instead that would have allowed her to seek treatment through the Department of Veterans Affairs. A veteran with a "bad paper" discharge may only qualify for VA benefits under certain circumstances, after an agency determination about specifics of their case, the VA website states. Under a suspended sentence, the bad conduct discharge would be canceled if Ohu didn't violate conditions Alford would have set. But the general approved the discharge without suspension "based on the totality of the circumstances of the case," he wrote in a letter to the VA, Marine Corps Times reported. Her conviction "should not prevent her from receiving necessary treatment" from the VA, Alford wrote. Ohu's case is being reviewed by the Navy-Marine Corps Court of Criminal Appeals and her discharge will not be complete until the review is finalized, Marine spokesman Capt. Sam Stephenson told Task and Purpose. The bad conduct discharge likely won't affect Ohu's access to VA health care because she received an honorable discharge for a prior four-year period, and because of the agency review process, said Sherman Gillums, Jr., a retired Marine chief warrant officer 2 who has worked in veterans advocacy for many years and is in regular contact with Ohu. But her care could be hampered while she remains in the "administrative nightmare" of the legal process awaiting discharge, said Gillums, now chief strategy and operations officer at the National Alliance on Mental Illness. She may face obstacles with Tricare and within the military bureaucracy she would not face on the outside, he said. Ohu described her feelings Thursday as "overwhelmed and worried, I dare say discouraged" and said she was "failed physically, morally, and ethically" after seeking care and reporting the 2015 rape. "This is not justice," she said in the statement, but she said she could say little more for the time being. Ohu's sister Pan Phyu, one of her most vocal advocates, has pledged to continue fighting. "It'll be a cold day in hell until I stop asking for #JusticeForThaeOhu," she wrote Thursday on Facebook. Businesses look for confident, assertive professionals who are well-educated, creative problem solvers. While business schools try to teach these qualities to their MBA students, former military personnel often come to class with them already ingrained. Simply put, veterans make ideal candidates for MBA programs. A Master of Business Administration is a great education track for separating service members. It's a versatile degree for the right person, one that can dramatically increase a job seekers attractiveness in the civilian market. But many veterans looking for MBA programs don't have simple lives where they can just drop everything. Some are still serving, others have families and many can't simply uproot their lives to move to a new city to join just any MBA program. This means many veterans need programs that are affordable or utilize their military education benefits and allow for job opportunities after graduation. With this in mind, we created a shortlist of highly-regarded programs that can be fully-paid with GI Bill funds, but have a hybrid learning structure with programs mostly done online while also offering in-person components to allow for networking between students and professionals. In creating this list we also considered the schools' veteran support programs and job placement rates. While some of these schools will be completely covered by GI Bill funding, others utilized Yellow Ribbon Programs, which is first-come, first-serve at the school's discretion and requires 100% of GI Bill benefits for the veteran to apply. 1. University of North Carolina UNC's Kenan-Flagler Business School is consistently ranked among the top online business schools in the country, and the reasons are clear. It has a vast alumni network and a STEM-oriented and customizable learning program that can be completed in 18 months. The program also features two in-person sessions for students to get to know their classmates and meet professionals. The school's online MBA program offers service members and veterans a world-class MBA, and a 90% post-graduation rate for students authorized to work in the United States. It can all be covered by military and VA education benefits and features a highly sought-after veteran student group. 2. University of Southern California Another school consistently ranked among the top online MBA programs in the country is USC Marshall's School of Business online MBA. Southern Cal is one of the most veteran-friendly schools in the country, accepting Yellow Ribbon Program funding and boasting a huge network of veteran graduates and support programs. For those who can attend in person, Marshall also offers a special one-year Master of Business for Veterans (MBV). Much of USC Marshall's online MBA program is covered by the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and the school participates in the Yellow Ribbon program. It also offers the opportunity to compete for the William J. Schoen Scholarship, started by a Marine Corps veteran and USC alum for veteran students. 3. Syracuse University Syracuse has been catering to military veteran students since the first GI Bill was passed in the wake of World War II -- and its dedication shows. It boasts not only one of the best online MBA programs for veterans, its programs for veteran students are unparalleled anywhere else in the country. Syracuse is home to the Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) and the National Veterans Resource Center. For most veterans, GI Bill benefits and the Yellow Ribbon Program means SU Whitman School of Business students pay no out-of-pocket expenses or fees. The school even offers more business-oriented online master's programs outside of the traditional MBA. In a survey of 2020 graduates, 68% of Syracuse University online MBA graduates reported receiving a raise or promotion following graduation or while still in the program. The IVMF also offers a number of programs for veterans who are interested in entrepreneurship, community service and political office. 4. Arizona State University ASU's W.P. Carey School of Business online MBA is taught by the same cadre of instructors who teach its in-person classes, but offers a deliberately-paced program in five-week increments. The program is focused on building relationships between people and is usually covered by VA education benefits and the school's own generous tuition assistance programs. The online MBA is one the highest ranked programs that offers personalized support for veteran students. Arizona State is also home to the Pat Tillman Veterans Center, which support veterans and veteran family members. The Tillman Center helps its 1,300 veteran students with financial aid and career guidance. 5. George Washington University The George Washington University offers a top-rated online MBA program that includes a residency period at the school to give students a chance to learn and network in an immersive environment. The school's military and veterans services office offers veteran student organizations, specialized career services for vets and checklists for admitted veterans. On top of residency opportunities, the GWU online MBA is a self-paced program that also has global programs available to qualified students. Many veteran students will pay no tuition to attend when using the GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon program, and the school is known to pay for other qualified veterans tuition that isn't covered. Vets even get access to an admissions counselor for all their needs. 6. University of Washington UW's Foster Business School offers a hybrid MBA program that allows students to study both in-person and online at one of the West Coast's top online programs. Between the GI Bill and the Yellow Ribbon program, tuition costs are fully covered. The GI Bill's living expenses stipend even covers those living in the Seattle area. As for veteran support, Foster has a robust veteran student population that supports each other through the Foster Veterans Association. The school even says its hybrid MBA graduates are all currently employed. -- Blake Stilwell can be reached at blake.stilwell@military.com. He can also be found on Twitter @blakestilwell or on Facebook. Want to Know More About Veteran Jobs? Be sure to get the latest news about post-military careers as well as critical info about veteran jobs and all the benefits of service. Subscribe to Military.com and receive customized updates delivered straight to your inbox. Early in Keith Hoskins' career as a naval aviator, he learned a lesson that has stuck with him ever since. Just before an F/A-18 Hornet mission he was set to fly alongside some of his senior leadership, his commanding officer looked at Hoskins and told him that if he didn't make it airborne for any reason, Hoskins should take the lead. Being thrust into a leadership position gave Hoskins pause, but a fellow officer pulled him aside and spoke the words he would never forget: "Never turn down the opportunity to lead." During his Navy career, Keith Hoskins flew with the Navy's vaunted Blue Angels. (Courtesy of Keith Hoskins) Today, as the executive vice president of branch operations for Navy Federal Credit Union, Hoskins still lives by that. The former Navy captain and financial services executive offers separating veterans his own advice on how to succeed. Veterans, he believes, should consider financial services for their own future. Hoskins went on to serve for 27 years in the Navy, living a dream of flying the Hornet. When he was looking at retirement, he felt the same apprehension many veterans feel when separating from the service. After retirement, he actually took three months away from an active job search to talk to colleagues and peers who were already out to learn about civilian work. "I made a conscious decision that I did want to work in corporate America," Hoskins told Military.com. "But I just didn't quite know where to go ... so there was a little bit of apprehension. So I took a little bit of time to reflect, ask questions and prepare myself." Hoskins, with a degree in electrical engineering technology and 27 years of experience as a naval officer, landed an executive position in the utilities industry. His time to reflect paid off, and he got his feet wet in the civilian world. Over the course of three years in that job, he took over an entire area of operations for the utility. That's when Navy Federal came calling. At the time, he had no experience in financial services, but he says veterans are ideally suited for leadership in the industry. For Hoskins, someone with a passion for service and a dedication to military personnel, making the move to a new sector wasn't a risk; it just made sense. "What's so great about the military is that it broadens your horizons to new opportunities," he says. "The training runs the full gamut of technical skills to professional skills to leadership skills ... but I look at what our mission [at Navy Federal Credit Union] is, and it's people, our members. Our members are our mission." In just five years after leaving the Navy, Keith Hoskins is now executive vice president of branch operations at Navy Federal Credit Union. (Courtesy of Keith Hoskins) For Hoskins, serving the members of Navy Federal Credit Union is just like his work in the military, especially since many of them are still serving. Veterans will be able to identify with a mission like that. In the financial services industry in general, veterans will see a lot of familiarity with military life. "In the military, you switch jobs every two to three years," he says. "It's always something different. It's always a change, and it's always a new challenge. And, you know, part of that new challenge is the excitement of taking on a new role. ... If you have the desire and will to succeed, you will take on new responsibilities" In terms of career advancement, Hoskins says his time at Navy Federal has offered him a lot of opportunities, both as an executive and as a veteran. "There's a clear career pathway [in financial services]," Hoskins says. "There is also a lot of training available as well. There's a lot of creative and strategic opportunities. I wanted to go to a company that supports veterans, has veteran programs that give a platform or a community where veterans can be together, share stories and support each other within that industry or that company. I can say I found that here." When leaving the military, Hoskins says veterans should always do their research when choosing where to go and what to do. For him, it meant taking the time away to talk to his peers about their experiences and their industries. He believes that research varies from person to person, but is still important. For any veteran considering financial services as a post-military career, he says not to worry about the doom and gloom heard in financial news. He believes the financial services sector continues to thrive and will always have stable jobs and growth potential for veterans, whether they have degrees in finance or not -- just be sure to take advantage of your educational benefits. And never turn down an opportunity to lead. -- Blake Stilwell can be reached at blake.stilwell@military.com. He can also be found on Twitter @blakestilwell or on Facebook. Want to Know More About Veteran Jobs? Be sure to get the latest news about post-military careers, as well as critical info about veteran jobs and all the benefits of service. Subscribe to Military.com and receive customized updates delivered straight to your inbox. Ragusa acquiring large gold project near Estelle and Whistler North of 60 Mining News July 16, 2021 Rock samples collected from Monte Cristo in 2010 assayed up to 4.2 g/t gold and sampling of talus accumulated at the base of steep rock faces returned grades as high as 3 g/t gold. A new Australian company has entered the Alaska gold exploration scene with a deal to acquire Monte Cristo, a 125-square-mile (324 square kilometers) underexplored project in the Kahiltna Terrane area. Consisting of 500 state mining claims, Monte Cristo covers a 35-mile-long (55 kilometers) under-explored stretch of Southcentral Alaska east and south of two projects with multi-million-ounce gold resources GoldMining Inc.'s Whistler gold-silver-copper project and Nova Minerals Ltd. Estelle gold project. Ragusa Minerals Ltd., the Australia-based exploration company acquiring Monte Cristo, plans to explore for similar intrusion-related targets at several prospects already identified on its new Alaska project. "The Monte Cristo gold project will target areas near the multi-million-ounce gold deposits discovered by Nova Minerals Ltd and Gold Mining Inc.," said Ragusa Minerals Chair Jerko Zuvela. Monte Cristo, St. Eugene, Old Man Breccia, and Old Man Diorite are the four priority targets on the property. All of these targets were briefly explored about a decade ago, but these early staged investigations were halted due to tough market conditions in 2011. Rock samples collected from the Monte Cristo prospect in 2010 assayed up to 4.2 grams per metric ton gold and sampling of talus fines, rocks accumulated at the base of a very steep rock face, returned grades as high as 3 g/t gold. Located about five miles (eight kilometers) southwest of Monte Cristo, the St. Eugene prospect covers three separate zones. Rock samples collected from the largest zone in 2010 returned grades as high as 2.1 g/t gold and 1% copper. The Old Man Breccia and Old Man Diorite are located in the northern part of the Monte Cristo property. Channel sampling of three trenches cut across Old Man Breccia in 2009 cut 16 meters averaging 0.74 g/t gold, 24 meters of 1.94 g/t gold, 28 meters of 3.34 g/t gold, and 10 meters of 7.12 g/t gold. The Monte Cristo property also covers gold staged gold targets south of Nova Mineral's Estelle property. Ragusa Minerals Ltd. Upon closing of the acquisition, Ragusa plans to develop an exploration strategy for Monte Cristo and intends to secure experienced consultants to assist with advancing this new Alaska gold project. In addition to Monte Cristo, Ragusa owns the Lonely Mine gold project in Zimbabwe and is acquiring the Burracoppin halloysite, an aluminosilicate clay mineral, project in Western Australia. "The proposed acquisitions will diversify Ragusa's global footprint and provide an opportunity to utilize our exploration and development experience to rapidly progress both projects, given their prime positions adjacent to major gold and halloysite projects in Tier 1 jurisdictions," Zuvela said in regard to the Monte Cristo and Ragusa acquisitions. The White Sox have acquired catcher Deivy Grullon from the Rays in exchange for cash considerations, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports (Twitter link). With Yasmani Grandal still recovering from knee surgery, it isnt surprising that the White Sox are looking to add to their catching depth. Zack Collins has been starting while Grandal is sidelined, with Seby Zavala as the backup and Yermin Mercedes (who has caught in a couple of games but is primarily a DH) is at Triple-A trying to get his swing on track. Grullon adds another backstop with at least some MLB experience to the mix. It represents an opportunity for Grullon to perhaps finally get another crack at the big leagues after a number of different uniform changes over the last 10 months. Originally with the Phillies last September, Grullon has been claimed off waivers five times by four different teams the Red Sox, Reds, Rays, Mets, and then the Rays again back in May. Grullon appeared in one game with Boston in 2020, after debuting with four appearances for Philadelphia during the 2019 season. A veteran of eight minor league seasons, the 25-year-old Grullon didnt show much at the plate until 2018, when he hit 21 homers over 353 plate appearances for the Phillies Double-A affiliate. He has had a lot of success at the Triple-A level, hitting .265/.340/.488 with 29 homers in 574 Triple-A plate appearances. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) cancelled licence of Dr Shivajirao Patil Nilangekar Urban Co-operative Bank Ltd from Nilanga in Latur district of Maharashtra. RBI says, the lender does not have adequate capital and earning prospects. Dr Shivajirao Patil Nilangekar Urban Co-operative Bank with its current financial position would be unable to pay its depositors in full, the banking regulator says while announcing cancellation of its licence. The bank ceases to carry on banking business, with effect from the close of business on 14 July 2021. Further, RBI has requested the commissioner for cooperation and registrar of cooperative societies in Maharashtra, to issue an order for winding up the bank and appoint a liquidator. The central bank says Dr Shivajirao Patil Nilangekar Urban Co-operative Bank does not have adequate capital and earning prospects, and as such, it does not comply with the provisions of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949. "The continuance of the bank is prejudicial to the interests of its depositors," it says adding that public interest would be adversely affected if the bank is allowed to carry on its banking business any further. With cancellation of its licence, the bank has been prohibited from conducting the business of ''banking'' that includes acceptance of deposits and repayment of deposits with immediate effect. Market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has moved the Supreme Court (SC) against the 28th June order passed by Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT) which stayed its decision to bar Franklin Templeton Asset Management (India) from launching new debt schemes for two years and asking the fund house to refund a little over Rs512 crore. The market regulator might well be in for yet another head-on clash with its own appellate tribunal, which has recently been seen quashing many of SEBIs penal orders. Earlier this year, in a similar appeal by SEBI, SC had stayed an SAT order that had replaced the regulator's directive of monetary penalty with a warning, in a fraudulent trading case. It has also been submitted that similar orders have been passed by SAT in many other cases, leading to several appeals being filed before the apex court by SEBI. Separately, the SC had on Wednesday held that the trustees are required to seek consent of majority unit-holders for closing MF schemes after publishing a notice disclosing reasons for their decision to wind up debt schemes. The top court's judgement came on a plea by Franklin Templeton challenging Karnataka High Court order which restrained winding up of its six debt schemes without obtaining the consent of its investors by a simple majority. In its fresh appeal filed in SC, SEBI has assailed the SATs decision which had termed its order on refund amount as 'excessive'. SAT had asked Franklin Templeton to deposit Rs250 crore in an escrow account as against the penalty of Rs512 crore as directed by SEBI. The appeal in SAT was filed against SEBI's 7th June order which said Franklin Templeton violated certain provisions of mutual fund norms in relation to the management of the six debt schemes which are now closed. Franklin Templeton was directed to refund investment management and advisory fees along with interest at the rate of 12% per annum amounting to Rs512.50 crore. The fund house was also prohibited from launching new debt schemes for two years and a penalty of Rs5 crore was levied on it. The SAT noted that 21 debt schemes are still being managed by Franklin Templeton and there have been no complaints on these schemes. "The mere fact that the appellant (Franklin Templeton) has chosen to wind up six schemes does not mean that they should be debarred from launching any new debt schemes," the order said. The Tribunal had stayed SEBI's direction to restrain Franklin Templeton from launching any new debt schemes for a period of two years during the pendency of the appeal of the AMC. The six debt schemes -- Franklin India Low Duration Fund, Franklin India Dynamic Accrual Fund, Franklin India Credit Risk Fund, Franklin India Short Term Income Plan, Franklin India Ultra Short Bond Fund, and Franklin India Income Opportunities Fund -- together had an estimated Rs 25,000 crore as assets under management. After the fund house announced its decision to wind up the schemes, SEBI had ordered a forensic audit and appointed Chokshi and Chokshi LLP, chartered accountant to conduct a forensic audit of Franklin Templeton MF, Franklin Templeton AMC, and trustees, particularly in respect to the six debt schemes. SEBI in its order had found that Franklin Templeton "committed serious lapses/violations with regard to a scheme categorization (by replicating high risk strategy across several schemes) and calculation of Macaulay duration (to push long term papers into short duration schemes)." According to SEBI, serious lapses and violations appear to be a fallout of the Franklin Templetons obsession to run high-yield strategies without due regard to the associated risk dimensions. Infosys, which has been facing scathing criticism from taxpayers over the continuous glitches on the much-touted new income tax (I-T) portal ever since its launch on 7th June, is said to be still working on resolving all the issues. During the company's first quarter (Q1) earnings conference call, Infosys chief operating officer (COO) Pravin Rao claimed that the I-T portal is the 'single largest priority' for the company. "We are working hard to address all the issues raised with respect to the income tax portal. Many of the issues around performance and stability have been addressed. About 10 lakh I-T returns (ITRs) have been filed so far, and one lakh ITRs were filed in a single day on Tuesday," Mr Rao said. "We have made progress on the I-T portal, we continue to face some issues on some functionalities. The I-T portal is the single largest priority for us today. We are hopeful to address remaining concerns and roll out remaining functionalities in due course," he added. Mr Raos words were echoed by the company chief executive (CEO) and managing director (MD). "We are working extremely hard in making sure that all of the features are being delivered. We are working expeditiously...Several of the functionalities are already working, there is many returns that are being filed...there is work done in making sure that all of the stability and the performance is coming together," Infosys CEO and MD Salil Parekh says. He added that while there is some work that still needs to be done, the company is confident that all these situations will be addressed in a step-by-step manner and all issues will be resolved. However, many people are complaining that it still is difficult to file tax returns on the new portal. It may be recalled that finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman had called for a meeting of Infosys executives on 22nd June to address the issue. A meeting was held between senior officers of Finance Ministry & @Infosys on 22.06.2021 on issues in new Income Tax Portal.The meeting was presided over by Honble FM, Smt. @nsitharaman. MoS(Finance), Sh @ianuragthakur also participated in the meeting(1/5)https://t.co/USjZV486W7 pic.twitter.com/0dDLiyuWJx Income Tax India (@IncomeTaxIndia) June 22, 2021 Why waste so many man hours of senior Finance Ministry officials, CAs & Taxpayers? In one sentence, tell @Infosys to make entire portal functional & error free. Till then make old portal live Simple solution. No point in holding meeting @FinMinIndia @nsitharaman https://t.co/POgU1KzrbN CA Chirag Chauhan (@CAChirag) June 15, 2021 The new I-T portal is a project that was contracted to Infosys in 2019. The government has already sanctioned Rs4,241 crore for the project. Infosys claimed that several issues have been resolved, and that the new platform has seen 1 million ITRs filed so far. Mr Rao said the company has also invested in boosting leadership on the I-T portal. FM Sitharaman had told the press during her Bengaluru visit that during the 22nd June meeting, the government had got several taxpayers to air their grievances directly to the executives of Infosys. "We asked Infosys to address grievances of people from across the country. When Infosys came to North Block, several people voiced grievances. Infosys is still resolving the issues, they are still working on one or two more issues," the FM had acknowledged. During the recent annual general meeting (AGM) on 19th June too, the Infosys management was grilled by many shareholders on the glitches on I-T portal. Weather Alert ...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO MIDNIGHT MDT TONIGHT... * Affected area: Fire Zone 110 (Deerlodge/West Beaverhead). Fire Zone 111 (East Beaverhead). * Impacts: Gusty and erratic outflows developing from high based scattered thunderstorms and frequent lightning. * Thunderstorms: Both dry and wet dry. * Outflow Winds: 40-50 mph. && Weather Alert ...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM NOON MDT /11 AM PDT/ TODAY TO 9 PM MDT /8 PM PDT/ THIS EVENING... * Affected area: Fire Zone 103 (Clearwater/Nez Perce). Fire Zone 106 (West Lolo). Fire Zone 108 (East Lolo). Fire Zone 109 (Bitterroot). * Impacts: Gusty and erratic outflows developing from high based scattered thunderstorms and frequent lightning. * Thunderstorms: Mainly dry, with some rain under the cores. * Outflow Winds: 35-50 mph. && Weather Alert ...HEAT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM MDT TUESDAY... * WHAT...Hazardous heat, with afternoon highs of 95 to low 100s, and overnight lows in the mid-50s to mid-60s. * WHERE...Cascade, Judith Basin, Liberty, Toole, Broadwater and Central and Southern Lewis and Clark Counties. * WHEN...Until 9 PM MDT Tuesday. * IMPACTS...Hot temperatures may cause heat illnesses to occur. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Do not leave young children and pets in unattended vehicles. Car interiors will reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes. Take action when you see symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1. && ...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 9 PM MDT THIS EVENING FOR DRY THUNDERSTORMS WITH GUSTY AND ERRATIC OUTFLOW WINDS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 114 AND 117... The National Weather Service in Great Falls has issued a Red Flag Warning for dry thunderstorms with gusty and erratic outflow winds, which is in effect from noon today to 9 PM MDT this evening. * AFFECTED AREA...Lewis and Clark National Forest Rocky Mountain District-Rocky Mountain Front and Central and Eastern Lewis and Clark National Forest Areas. * LIGHTNING... * IMPACTS...Gusty and erratic outflows developing from high-based scattered thunderstorms and frequent lightning in some areas. * THUNDERSTORMS...A mix of wet and dry thunderstorms over the Red Flag Warning area. Wetting rain will become more likely with storms Monday evening but the increase in lightning activity following recent heat and dry fuels could lead to new fire starts. * OUTFLOW WINDS...Erratic outflow gusts over 40 mph 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. && 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 BUCKS COUNTY A now 23-year-old West Rockhill woman has pleaded guilty to charges in connection with the fentanyl-related death of 21-year-old Perkasie resident Alisha Brown in October of 2019. July 16, 2021 Recent Access Problems To Moon of Alabama Have Been Fixed During the last 36 hours some people had problems to reach Moon of Alabama. The issue was weird. For some it worked on their phone and laptop but not on their tablet. Others had the opposite experience. I could not reproduce the problem on my machines. It took a while to track this down but now the problem is solved. For people with some Internet Protocol knowledge here is in short what had happened: User device <---> Google DNS <---> Registrar DNS The problem occurred only recently and only on devices configured to use Google's public Domain Name Servers. Google's DNS servers 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 responded to NSlookup requests for moonofalabama.org with 'failure'. The reason for that turned out to be a weird error in the communication between Google's DNS and PAIRnic, the domain registrar for moonofalabama.org. When Google's DNS requested the IP4 address for the site from the registrar DNS everything went well. When Google requested the IP6 address for the site from the registrar DNS the request failed for all domain names at PAIRnic that are configured with DNSSEC enabled (which moonofalabama.org usually is). This happened only for IP6 request from Google's DNS, not for IP6 resolver requests from elsewhere. The registrar now found a workaround that avoids the Google IP6 resolve problem. Still, Google should have been able to deliver valid responses for IP4 resolver requests to it. But because the Google IP6 request to the registrar DNS failed, Google responded to both, IP4 and IP6 lookup requests for moonofalabama.org, with 'failure'. That behavior is somewhat unexpected and IMHO a bad implementation. Anyway - you now know what I spent my day on and why there is no regular blog post. Thanks to everyone who helped to solve this problem. Posted by b on July 16, 2021 at 17:58 UTC | Permalink Comments Education LCCC named most affordable college in Ohio for associate, bachelors degrees LCCC named most affordable college in Ohio for associate, bachelors degrees @MJ_JournalRick on Twitter Richard Payerchin covers Lorain City Hall, business news and other interesting stories for The Morning Journal. Reach the author at rpayerchin@MorningJournal.com or follow Richard on Twitter: @MJ_JournalRick. The Lorain Wimodaughsis Club accepted a proclamation from the Lorain Public Library System Board of Trustees on July 15 in recognition of their 125 years in support of literacy and their role in the formation of Lorain's first library. Shown are Lorain Public Library System Board President Garalynn Tomas, left, Flossie Ellis, Jane Norton, Pat Morrisson and Sharon Herzer. Housing activists erect a sign in Swampscott, Mass., October 2020. A federal freeze on most evictions is set to expire soon. 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. Moultrie, GA (31768) Today Cloudy skies this morning followed by thunderstorms during the afternoon. High 86F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 70%.. Tonight Variably cloudy with scattered thunderstorms. Low 71F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 40%. Jim Soos, who's owned a bookstore in Moultrie for more than 20 years, expects to close his doors after Tuesday due to a cancellation of his lease. Christian Books and More is selling new inventory at 10% discount and used inventory at half-off in preparation for the closing. ANKARA, Turkey (AP) Turkey marked the fifth anniversary of a failed military coup with a series of events Thursday commemorating the people who died trying to quash the uprising against the government. The observances kicked off with visits to grave sites and memorials honoring the dead, where prayers were held. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan led a ceremony in parliament before attending other events, including the opening a museum commemorating the crushing of the July 15, 2016 coup attempt. On that night, factions within the military used tanks, warplanes and helicopters to try to overthrow Erdogans government. Heeding a call from the president, thousands took to the streets to oppose the takeover attempt. A total of 251 people were killed and around 2,200 others were wounded as the coup-plotters fired at crowds and bombed parliament and other government buildings. Around 35 people who allegedly participated in the plot also were killed. We will never be a be able to repay the brave men who, through their sacrifices that dark night, brought a (bright) morning for our nation and democracy, Erdogan said Thursday. Through its resistance on July 15, our people not only averted a coup attempt but also prevented an attempted occupation (of) our country. Two brothers, Huseyin and Cengiz Hasbag, were among thousands of people who rushed to the streets after Erdogan called on the people to resist the attempt. Cengiz died in violence that took place on the Bosporus bridge, which links Istanbuls Asian and European shores and has since been renamed the July 15 Martyrs' Bridge. I said, Cengiz, I will go out for Allah and the Prophet, and pursue my cause, Hasbag told The Associated Press, recalling the night five years ago. Cengiz said, Brother, I will come too. On the bridge, the brothers began to help people wounded by soldiers taking part in the coup. Hasbag said he then heard a noise that sounded like an explosion. I looked at my brother Cengiz. He was martyred by a bullet that entered his right shoulder and chest, he said. Turkey has blamed U.S.-based Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen, a former Erdogan ally, for the attempted coup. Gulen rejects the accusation. The Turkish government designated his network a terrorist group. Government officials insist that Gulens network remains a threat to Turkey. In a speech in parliament on Wednesday, Erdogan said his government was determined to go after the network until the last member is neutralized. The government declared a state of emergency after the failed coup and launched a massive crackdown on Gulens network. Tens of thousands of people were arrested for alleged links to the coup and to Gulen. Some 4,900 people were sentenced to prison, including around 3,000 who were given life sentences, the state-run Anadolu Agency reported. More than 130,000 people were fired from public service jobs through emergency decrees, among them teachers and police officers. Defense Minister Hulusi Akar said this week that 23,364 military personnel were fired from the armed forces for their alleged ties to the network. Critics say the arrests and dismissals went too far and Turkey's broad terror laws were used to target all government opposition. More than 100 people with purported links to Gulen were detained abroad or extradited to Turkey to stand trial, including a nephew of the cleric who was reportedly captured by Turkish security in Kenya. Schools, cultural centers and associations set up across the world by Gulens transnational network were shuttered or transformed to institutions tied to the Turkish government. Turkey has also repeatedly requested the clerics extradition from the U.S. ___ This version corrects name of bridge to the July 15 Martyrs Bridge., not the July 15 Bridge. __ Robert Badendieck and Mehmet Guzel contributed from Istanbul. Odessa Police Department A former Midland College professor was found guilty and sentenced to 38 years in prison Thursday for the murder of David Young in 2019, according to the Ector County District Attorneys Office. William Cliff Goble, 62, was convicted of shooting Young, 50, during a road rage incident on Nov. 29, 2019. Young was shot in his driveway in the 1400 block of Spur Avenue in Odessa, according to a previous Reporter-Telegram article. Midland County Records A Midland County jailer has been arrested for having child pornography on his phone and having sexual contact with two inmates, according to court documents. Juan Carlos Serna-Venegas, 29, is being held in the Midland County Jail on a third-degree felony charge of child pornography and two counts of sexual contact with an inmate, both state felonies. Bond for all charges has been set at $150,000. Carnival Cruise Line is navigating Floridas vaccine passport law by adjusting its stance on allowing unvaccinated guests on sailings, but is now requiring they both pay $150 for COVID-19 testing and pay for travel insurance. We know that this puts an expense on the cruise that you probably didnt account for when you booked the cruise, but we have to keep everybody safe, said Carnival brand ambassador John Heald. The move comes after the line made its first sailings from the U.S. in more than 16 months, sailing with vaccinated passengers only from both Miami on Carnival Horizon and from Galveston, Texas on Carnival Vista over the Fourth of July weekend. Florida has a law that went into effect July 1 that would fine companies $5,000 per instance if they require proof of vaccination. The ban of so-called vaccine passports prompted lines such as Celebrity Cruises, which originally announced they would not allow unvaccinated passengers, to adjust their policies. Floridas law, though, has made it difficult for cruise lines to sail with what the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention require for a ship to get its conditional sailing certificate without first performing a simulated sailing. If a ship states it is sailing with at least 98% crew and 95% passengers vaccinated, it can skip the test sailing. That was how Carnival chose to get back to business with its initial sailings, but that move was also met with customer dissatisfaction since it meant no children were allowed on board initially. The updated policy creates an opportunity for those without the vaccine to sail, and likely with the added cost, keep the ships numbers within the CDCs parameters. The policies are similar to what Royal Caribbean has in place for its Florida cruises, although Carnival is putting the onus of the cost of testing on customers for everyone in their party, including those under age 12. No one 11 and under can get a vaccine in the U.S. Carnival is also implementing the testing policy for ships outside of Florida. The travel insurance policy, though, is only for Florida-based ships, and does not go into effect until July 31. Each unvaccinated guest must provide proof of a valid travel insurance policy at the time of check-in that has a minimum of $10,000, per person, in medical expense coverage and $30,000 coverage for emergency medical evacuation and without COVID-19 exclusions, reads a statement on the Carnival website. Guests without the required proof of insurance will not be permitted to sail and no refund will be provided. Unlike the testing fee, the insurance requirement does not apply to children under the age of 12. While you may be a little upset, you may even be angry, there are options available to you, Heald said, saying customers can change their sail date or get a refund. The line is slated to expand its restart business with its newest ship, Mardi Gras, from Port Canaveral beginning July 31 and another ship from Galveston, Carnival Breeze, starting July 15. In August, Carnival Magic is set to sail from Port Canaveral on Aug. 7 and Carnival Sunrise from Miami on Aug. 14. Only Royal Caribbean has so far opted to perform test sailings for its ships, and only one Freedom of the Seas sailing out of Miami has earned its conditional sailing certificate. The line was always going to allow children as part of its restart plan, and has stated that those 11 and under would make up about 10% of passengers typically on its sailings. Among Carnival, Royal Caribbean and Celebrity, there are three ships now sailing from Florida, with another nine ships from those brands as well as MSC Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line set to join them before September. Other plans are in place to restart sailing from California, New York and Washington on Alaska cruises in the next few months. The cruise industry first shut down in March 2020 as ships became ground zero for several deadly outbreaks as the coronavirus pandemic took hold. Cruising from the U.S. was put under a no-sail order by the CDC until fall 2020, which then shifted to a conditional sail order that only allowed for the first sailing with paying customers on June 26, when Celebrity Edge first sailed from Port Everglades. While the conditional sail order remains until Nov. 1, 2021, a federal judge has granted a preliminary injunction in the state of Florida that stops the CDC from enforcing it starting July 18. The injunction is part of a lawsuit brought by the state that claims the CDC overstepped its authority implementing an order the shut down an industry that brings in billions to the economy. After July 18, cruise lines from Florida at least, wont be subject to the rules in place from the order, although it will still be active in other states. Disney Cruise Line was set to have already performed a simulated sailing in an effort to get its conditional sailing certificate for the Disney Dream, although positive COVID-19 test results on some of its crew caused a delay in the sailing. Disney Dream is still on the companys website with an Aug. 9 sailing from Port Canaveral. It is unclear if Disney will still perform the test sailing, or skip it because of the injunction that goes into effect in less than week. MSC Cruises had also made plans for simulated sailings ahead of their ships Florida debuts, while Norwegian Cruise Line still has a vaccines-only policy announced for its return to business. CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) An 18-year-old is about to become the youngest person in space, rocketing away with an aviation pioneer who will become the oldest at age 82. Blue Origin announced Thursday that instead of an auction winner launching with founder Jeff Bezos on Tuesday, Oliver Daemen will be on board. The company said he'll be the first paying customer, but did not disclose the cost of his ticket. SPACE RACE: Did Richard Branson really go into space? Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson says 'no' Also soaring on Blue Origins first launch with passengers: Bezos brother and Wally Funk, one of 13 female pilots who went through the same studies in the early 1960s as NASA's Mercury 7 astronauts did, but were rejected for being women. The four will blast off from West Texas atop a New Shepard rocket for a 10-minute flight. According to Blue Origin, Daemen took a year off after high school to obtain his private pilots license. Hell attend the University of Utrecht in the Netherlands in September. This marks the beginning of commercial operations for New Shepard, and Oliver represents a new generation of people who will help us build a road to space, Blue Origin CEO Bob Smith said in a statement. Blue Origin said the yet-to-be-identified winner of the $28 million charity auction is stepping aside because of a scheduling conflict and will catch a future flight. Bezos will become the second person to ride his own rocket into space, following Virgin Galactic's Richard Branson by nine days. Soviet cosmonaut Ghermon Titov holds the record for the youngest to fly in space. He was 25 when he blasted into orbit four months after Yuri Gagarin, the first person in space. John Glenn was 77 when he launched aboard space shuttle Discovery in 1998, 37 years after becoming the first American to orbit the world. ___ 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. 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! We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Contact us DAN SOLOMON: A TRUE GAME CHANGER Written by Ron Harris 16 July 2021 DAN SOLOMON: A TRUE GAME CHANGER BY RON HARRIS The fitness industry is loaded with hardworking men and women looking to make a difference. But every so often, someone comes along who makes the kind of impact that changes things in ways too big to measure. For the last 20 years, Dan Solomons contributions and influence have been a true game changer. As President of Joe Weiders Olympia Weekend, Solomon had the odds stacked against him last December as he and his team fought to rescue the fitness industrys most prestigious event from a global pandemic. With little time remaining, he somehow managed to move the event from Las Vegas to Orlando, only a few weeks before the scheduled event. With the threat of cancellation looming, Solomon found a way to pull off what many have described as a minor miracle, delivering an Olympia experience we will never forget. But if you know Solomons story, none of us should be surprised that he pulled it off. Fans first got to know him in the summer of 2005 when he helped change the way we follow the sport of bodybuilding when he launched PRO BODYBUILDING WEEKLY, a first of its kind talk radio show devoted to the world of bodybuilding. The show took the bodybuilding world by storm. Long before the arrival of YouTube and Instagram, Solomons weekly program was the first on the scene, inspiring countless others to follow years later with their own talk shows. As the category grew over the years, PRO BODYBUILDING WEEKLY was always the one to which all others were compared. For Solomon, this was only the beginning. As the years passed, WEBCASTING and LIVE STREAMING became a popular trend, giving fans around the world the chance to watch the events from home. Once again, Solomon was at the center of it, and over time the man who earned a college degree in broadcasting became one of the fitness industrys most trusted voices, frequently at the mic for the years biggest moments. A few years ago, the spotlight was once again on the bodybuilding world with the release of the movie BIGGER, the story of bodybuilding pioneer Joe Weider. It was the highest budget bodybuilding themed movie of all time. And guess who was at the center of it all? You guessed it. As co-executive producer, Dan was the man who set the wheels in motion, bringing the parties together and breathing life into the project. The film had major star power with a cast that included Julianne Hough, Robert Forster, Tom Arnold and Victoria Justice, among others. BIGGER can be seen now on HBO and HBO On Demand. A lifelong supporter of the NPC, the IFBB Professional League and the Manion family, Solomon kept his foot on the gas. After the 2018 Olympia Weekend, he was invited to New York for a meeting with American Media CEO David Pecker. He didnt know it at the time, but he was being recruited to take over one of the industrys biggest jobs. A three-hour Manhattan lunch culminated with the Florida native being offered the opportunity to take the top job at Olympia Weekend. A few days later he accepted the position of Chief Olympia Officer. Under Solomons leadership the 2019 Olympia was a big success, with nearly every ticket sold and the best Olympia stage production weve ever seen. It was only his first year in the position, but we could already see movement in the right direction and a rebirth of bodybuildings greatest tradition. Just when we thought his work may have reached its high mark, Solomon was busy putting together a deal that could change the industry for generations to come. Early last year, the Internet nearly broke following the unexpected news that the Olympia had been sold to Jake Wood as part of a blockbuster deal that also included Muscle & Fitness. Solomon brought the parties together in an effort to put the event in the hands of a passionate new owner. After 16 years of AMI ownership, the deal would have seemed like a long shot. Once again, Solomon was at the table to help complete the deal, ushering in a new era for the event that was created by Joe Weider in 1965. The passion of Jake Wood and the vision of Solomon and his all-star team have already proven to be a big victory for the global fan base. When we reached out to Solomon for a quote for this story, he said, My goals are simple. I wake up early each morning looking for ways to bring people together and opportunities to reach new audiences. Those two basic objectives are at the heart of everything I try to do. Tickets for this Octobers Olympia Weekend are now on sale at MrOlympia.com DISCUSS ON OUR FORUMS SUBSCRIBE TO MD TODAY GET OFFICIAL MD STUFF VISIT OUR STORE ALSO, MAKE SURE TO FOLLOW US ON: FACEBOOK TWITTER INSTAGRAM YOUTUBE Top 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. A group of Illinois employer associations is urging the governor to end enhanced unemployment benefits and reinstate the work-seeking requirements to ensure the states economic recovery isnt further delayed. Since the beginning of the pandemic, a combination of federal and state policies have assisted workers with enhanced and extended unemployment insurance. The sweetened benefits continued, even as states were lifting economic restrictions. Around half the states in the nation have ended the enhanced benefits. Illinois employers of all types and sizes are struggling to attract needed employees resulting in reduced hours and lost sales, the group featuring manufacturing, construction, and retail associations said in a letter. Those lost sales directly impact the budgets of the state and units of local government. Before we lose any more economic ground, now is the time to reinstate normal unemployment insurance operations, including work search requirements, and benefit levels. Gov. J.B. Pritzker has said for months hes not willing to end the enhanced unemployment benefits because he doesnt want to pull the rug from underneath anyone. He also said there were concerns about child care. Illinois Retail Merchants Association CEO Rob Karr of Jacksonville said the governor addressed that a few weeks ago when he expanded child care subsidy eligibility. IRMA is part of a group of more than 20 associations that sent the governor a letter Tuesday, July 13, asking him to end the enhanced unemployment benefits of $300 a week and reinstate requirements for those getting the benefits to look for work. The faster that everyone snack in the workforce, the faster Illinois recovers and hopefully gets back to pre-pandemic performance, Karr said in an interview. Karr noted Illinois lagged the nation in economic recovery following the Great Recession that ended in 2009. The letters signatories include Illinois Manufacturers Association, Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, Illinois Chamber of Commerce, Associated General Contractors of Illinois, National Federation of Independent Business, Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association, Technology & Manufacturing Association, Associated Builders and Contractors Inc., Illinois Automobile Dealers Association, Illinois Licensed Beverage Association, Automotive Parts & Service Association of IL, Illinois Lumber and Material Dealers Association and Illinois Fuel & Retail Association, among others. Combined with recent stimulus checks and other tax credits, Karr said its difficult for employers to attract workers back. Over the last four or five months, someone whos on unemployment has been earning somewhere around $35 an hour, Karr said. We cant compete with that. Employers have increased their pay substantially, and I can just speak for retail, retailers cant afford $35 an hour. Not one can afford to match that. Its a distortion that needs to be corrected. A national group pushing for restaurant workers to get paid more contends cutting unemployment benefits wont attract workers back. Out of 287 respondents in five states that cut unemployment benefits, 51% of workers said that, even with their benefits cut, they still would not be willing to return to work in restaurants without a livable wage, the group One Fair Wage said in a statement. Pritzkers office didnt respond to messages seeking comment. The Senate president and House speaker, who were copied on the letter, also did not immediately respond to comment. The employers group is also urging the governor to address the unemployment insurance trust fund debt. Despite guidance allowing the state to use some of the $8 billion it got from federal taxpayers for the debt, the governor told the Chicago Sun-Times he asked what kind of additional breaks the Biden administration could provide. Congressman Darin LaHood raised more than $473,000 in the second quarter, coming close to a $1 million total so far this year. LaHoods report showed financial support throughout Illinois and the 18th District he represents. As of Thursday, he had more than $3.5 million cash on hand. JERSEYVILLE Judges at the Miss Jersey County Fair Queen Pageant had 18-year-old Aubrey McCormick as the underdog until the final portion of the competition. But McCormick, a Jerseyville native who by her own admission suffers from severe anxiety, won the title with her poised evening gown stage presence and confident pop-question answer in front of the packed fairgrounds grandstand. Several years ago I thought I could never get past speaking on stage. But I did it; I finally did it, McCormick said Wednesday. That means so much. Words cannot describe it. McCormick, a student at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and head lifeguard at Raging Rivers Waterpark, said she hopes she can be an inspiration for others who feel that anxiety holds them back. I am striving to be that encouragement when people need it, McCormick said. I was that person who did not feel good enough. But I am here now, confident, with a smile on my face. Olivia Mooney, 7, of Jerseyville was crowned 2021 Little Miss Jersey County. Mooney won the judges over with her outgoing personality, endearingly honest answers to interview questions, and her stage presence, which reminded everyone that pageants can be fun. Olivia wants to be a fashion designer when she grows up and said she will charge relatives and friends a quarter for her designs. Her favorite things in life include my stuffed bunnies. I was part of the three-judge panel that had to choose the queen from among five contestants and the Little Miss from a field of 14 competitors. The day began with individual, in-person interviews at the Jersey County Historical Society. Each queen contestant had a four-minute interview, worth 35% of their total score, and each Little Miss contestant had a two-minute interview worth 40%. We were free to ask them anything we wanted and based our ratings on how they responded and their demeanor during the interview. We were charmed by every Little Miss contestant, including the one who said she likes trout fishing except when the fish pull me into the water, and another who upon leaving remarked, that really made me nervous. Judge Julie Kinert of Lovington joked that the judges should chastise the pageant directors because theyre forcing us to pick just one Little Miss. Judge Christin Hartke of Effingham County wanted to just hug them all. The queen candidates did well during the interviews and we judges had a couple of front-runners in mind going into the stage competition. The rest of the queen contest was scored 10% for beauty and physique, 20% for stage presence, 25% for the competitors one-minute speeches, and 10% for the unrehearsed pop question. There was no swimsuit competition this year. It was only during the final portion of the on-stage competition that McCormick went from second or third on each judges score sheet to a unanimous first. Because of the unexpected shift in our choice for queen, we had to tell emcee Lori Hopkins to hold the contestants on stage a minute longer so we could select our updated choices for first and second runner-up. There were several Little Miss contestants who could have won, and we judges each had our own favorites. In the end, we compared notes and chose Olivia because she was in the top five on every judges list. In addition to the interviews, the Little Miss contestants were scored at 10% for beauty, 30% for stage presence, and 20% for their responses to on-stage questions. When it was all over, pageant director Tiffany Phillips acknowledged that we judges had a very tough decision this year, but was pleased with our choices. The new queen and Little Miss will be fantastic ambassadors for our fair, Phillips said. I would like to thank each of you for being a judge. BEIJING (AP) A prominent Chinese pig farmer who was detained after praising lawyers during a crackdown on legal activists by President Xi Jinpings government went on trial Thursday on charges including fighting with police and organizing a protest, defense lawyers said. Sun Dawu, chairman of Dawu Agriculture Group, is among 20 defendants on trial in Gaobeidian, southwest of Beijing in Hebei province. They were detained after Dawu employees in August 2020 tried to stop a state-owned enterprise from demolishing a company building. Sun said he is innocent, according to a written statement by defense lawyers. It said there were great disputes between them and prosecutors over evidence and the law but gave no details. It said the trial was due to resume Friday. Phone calls to the court on Thursday weren't answered. Sun became nationally known in 2003 when he was charged with illegal fundraising after soliciting investment for his business from friends and neighbors. The case prompted an outpouring of public support for Sun. Since then, Sun has praised lawyers who help the public at a time when prominent legal figures have been imprisoned by Xis government. Suns lawyer in the 2003 case, Xu Zhiyong, disappeared in February 2020. Fellow activists say he was charged with treason. In the latest case, Sun and other defendants are charged with fighting with police, organizing a protest, sabotaging production, obstructing public services, illegal mining, illegally occupying farmland and illegally taking public deposits, according to a copy of the charges given out by defense lawyers. Sun was accused by police of provoking quarrels, a charge used against labor and other activists, when he was detained in August 2020. Sun and the other defendants are in generally poor health after months in detention, according to the statement. It said two left court Thursday for medical treatment. The trial officially is open to the public but only one spectator from the family of each defendant and 10 from the company were allowed due to anti-coronavirus restrictions, according to the statement. This year, the City of Springfield's City, Water, Light and Power (CWLP) will allow archery deer hunting on specific properties around Lake Springfield to lower the overpopulated white-tailed deer herd, with assistance from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). Deer population research shows a density of 15-20 deer per square mile is consistent with maintaining healthy native fauna communities; a 2021 aerial survey around Lake Springfield revealed an average of 77 deer per square mile. Controlled archery deer hunting in these highlighted areas was determined to be the best course of action to decrease the deer population after consultation with professionals from the IDNR. "With the deer population steadily increasing and at numbers over the recommended density, we're seeing the negative impacts in the form of increasing deer/car accidents, as well as low quality vegetation, which is why we've sought assistance of IDNR through the Illinois Recreational Access Program," said CWLP Water Division Manager Todd LaFountain, in a statement. IDNR's Illinois Recreational Access Program (IRAP) will help Springfield place experienced archery hunters on these selected areas around the lake. Archery hunting will take place throughout October 2021 and Dec. 16-31, 2021. Hunters must apply online for one of three available hunting periods and successful applicants must first harvest a doe and then hunters can harvest as many deer for which they have archery deer permits. "City officials asked us about a number of options to help control the deer population around Lake Springfield, but in the end, archery hunting provided the best fit because it provided a long-term and cost-effective solution to the problem," said Tammy Miller, Special Programs Manager, IDNR, in a statement. "Other options, including sterilization and relocation, offered only a short-term fix, would have been a burden to taxpayers or were not approved for use in Illinois." CWLP encourages hunters to donate their harvested deer to the Springfield food bank and will pay the $50 hunter portion of the processing fee for the first 60 deer donated. "We're pleased to work with Illinois hunters, Turasky Meats, and the Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry program to cover the processing fee for the first 60 deer donated," LaFountain said. "Just one deer can provide up to 200 meals for area residents in need." Lake Springfield controlled archery deer hunting is available for experienced bowhunters who reside in Sangamon County or surrounding counties of Macoupin, Morgan, Menard, Logan, Macon, Montgomery, and Christian. Applications are available online through the IRAP website and will be accepted until 5 p.m. Aug. 13, 2021. Today Jacksonville Christian Womens Connection: Today is the deadline for registration for Tuesdays lunch and program at Hamiltons. Call Mary at 217-243-2322. Bookmobile for Kids: 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Jacksonville Public Library various locations. | No library card needed. No late fees or registration. Check out two books per week. 10 a.m. Community Park; 11 a.m. Dunlap Court; Noon Minnie Barr Park; 1 p.m. Northwood mobile homes; 2 p.m. Greenbriar Apartments; 3:30 p.m. 1243 E. State St. For more information, call 217-243-5435. Lap Sit: 10:15 a.m., Jacksonville Public Library, 201 W. College Ave. | Registration required by calling 217-243-5435. Masks required for those not vaccinated. Free Noon Meal: 11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Salvation Army, 331 W. Douglas Ave. | Meals in to-go containers and can be picked up at side door. Produce and Bakery Giveaway: 12:30-1 p.m., Salvation Army, 331 W. Douglas Ave. Free. Teen Event: 1 p.m., Jacksonville Public Library, 201 W. College Ave. | Turn a pillowcase into a bag and add some toiletries to be given to those in need. Jacksonville Main Street Downtown Concert Series: 7-9 p.m., Central Park, downtown Jacksonville. Free | Statesboro Revue performs. Bring lawn chairs or blankets. Saturday Farmers Market: 7 a.m., Lincoln Square, 901 W. Morton Ave. Prices vary. Winchester United Methodist Mens Cookout: 8 a.m.-2 p.m., Douglas Park, Winchester. Pork chops $4, hot dogs $1 | Car show on the square. Storytime and Yoga on the Square: 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m., east side of downtown square. | Our Town Books and Jax Yoga. Children must be accompanied by adult. If raining, will meet in Jax Yoga Studio. Bring yoga mat or blanket. Masks required. Brown Bag Lunches: Noon, Congregational Church UCC, 520 W. College Ave. Free | For those who are hungry. Woodlawn Farm/Underground Railroad Tours: 1-4 p.m., Woodlawn Farm. Suggested donation, $4 adults, $3 children. | Educational tour of an 1840s farmhouse believed to be a site on the Underground Railroad. Governor Duncan Mansion: 1-4 p.m., Governor Duncan Mansion, 4 Duncan Place. Suggested donation $5 adult, $3 child. | Living history museum. Masks required for those not vaccinated. To submit items to the calendar, go to myjournalcourier.com and select calendar, or email jjcsocial@myjournalcourier.com. Items must be submitted at least 48 hours in advance. BANGKOK (AP) An American journalist detained in Myanmar told his lawyer he believes he has COVID-19, but prison authorities deny he is infected. Danny Fenster was detained at Yangon International Airport on May 24 as he was trying to board a flight to go to the Detroit area in the United States to see his family. He is the managing editor of Frontier Myanmar, an independent online news outlet based in Yangon, Myanmars biggest city. Fenster has been charged with incitement for which he could be sentenced to up to three years imprisonment. The military-installed government that took power in February has tried to silence independent news media by withdrawing their licenses and by arresting dozens of journalists. The U.S. government and press freedom associations have been pushing for Fensters release. Fenster is being held in Insein Prison as Myanmar faces a coronavirus surge it is ill-equipped to fight, with a public health system in tatters due to the political turmoil that arose in reaction to the militarys ouster of the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi. It has a very small supply of COVID-19 vaccines. Health authorities on Thursday reported 4,188 new cases of the coronavirus, bringing Myanmars official total since the pandemic began last year to 212,545. There were 165 deaths recorded, bringing the total to 4,346. Fensters lawyer, Than Zaw Aung, said his client told him during a video hearing that he is infected with the coronavirus and has not received medicines he requested. Insein Prison began a two-week lockdown on July 8 due to the virus surge. Fenster participated in Thursdays brief pretrial hearing from the prison, while the lawyer took part from a township court. The court ordered Fenster held until another hearing on July 28, his lawyer said. It is unclear when his actual trial will begin. Than Zaw Aung said last month that Fenster is charged in connection with his work at a previous job, as a reporter and copy editor for another online news site, Myanmar Now. Myanmar Now, along with several other media outlets, had its license revoked in early March, banning it from publishing on any platform. However, it has continued its operations. Fenster resigned from Myanmar Now in July last year and joined Frontier Myanmar a month later, so it is unclear why he was arrested, his lawyer said. Danny should never have been arrested and we are disappointed that he has not yet been freed. On top of that, he is now also at risk of being infected with COVID-19, Frontier Myanmar editor-in-chief Tom Kean said in a text message Thursday. There is no point in holding Danny any longer the authorities should release him immediately so he can go home to his family. Chan Aye Kyaw, a spokesman for Insein Prison, said Fenster was not infected with the virus. He said that since Fenster is a foreigner, the prison provides up-to-date information on his condition. If the virus was found in him, we will report it. But now Daniel does not have the disease, he said. Chan Aye Kyaw said every prisoner is tested for the virus when police bring them in. If they were found positive, we keep them in a dormitory for positive patients and they will be provided with medical care. There are more than 30 patients at the positive dormitory. They are separated from other prisoners, he said. By GRANT PECK Associated Press Belarus expands crackdown on independent media View Photo KYIV, Ukraine (AP) Authorities in Belarus raided the homes and offices of independent media outlets and civil society activists Friday, widening a crackdown on opposition in the ex-Soviet nation. The Belarusian Association of Journalists and the Viasna human rights center said authorities searched the apartments and offices of at least 31 journalists and activists in the capital of Minsk and seven other cities. The authorities are using an entire arsenal of repressions against journalists intimidation, beatings, searches and arrests, Andrei Bastunets, the head of the journalists association, said.. The countrys main security agency, which still goes under its Soviet-era name KGB, said those targeted were suspected of involvement in extremist activities. Among those targeted Friday were 22 journalists who worked for the Belsat TV channel, which is funded by Poland, and for U.S.-funded broadcaster RFE/RL. Authorities broke down the door of RFE/RLs office in Minsk. RFE/RL journalist Aleh Hruzdzilovich was detained after the search of his familys home, his wife, Maryana, told The Associated Press in a telephone interview from Minsk. Nine people broke into our apartment, seized all the equipment and took Aleh away in handcuffs, she said. Viasna said authorities also raided the homes of Alena Anisim, head of the Union of Belarusian Language, and activists with the nongovernmental organization Legal Initiative. Belarus Investigative Committee, the top state investigative agency, said the raids were part of a probe into alleged tax evasion and violations of financial regulations by NGOs and media outlets. The new raids continue a sweeping clampdown on independent media and non-government organizations in the country. Earlier this week, law enforcement officers raided the homes of 10 Viasna workers, as well as the human rights centers offices in Minsk and other cities. They also searched a number of other Belarusian NGOs and journalists. The action came after President Alexander Lukashenko, the longtime authoritarian leader of Belarus, promised to deal with organizations that he accuses of fomenting unrest. Belarus was rocked by months of protests after Lukashenkos August 2020 election to a sixth term in a vote that the opposition and the West saw as rigged. Belarusian authorities responded to opposition demonstrations with a massive crackdown, including police beating thousands of demonstrators and arresting more than 35,000 people. Leading opposition figures have been jailed or forced to leave the country, while independent media outlets have had their offices searched and their journalists arrested. Overall, 32 Belarusian journalists are currently in custody, either serving their sentences or awaiting trial, according to the Belarusian Association of Journalists. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, Lukashenkos main challenger in the August 2020 election, who was forced to leave Belarus under official pressure immediately after the vote, tweeted Friday that the regime destroys every media that dares to tell the truth about the situation in Belarus. Also on Friday, 11 university students and a teacher were sentenced to 2 and 2 1/2-year prison terms on accusations of staging and coordinating protests last fall. U.S. Ambassador to Belarus, Julie Fisher, condemned the verdict. How fragile is a regime that cant abide free expression and civic engagement by 11 university students? These young people present a profile in courage, she said on Twitter. Fisher also said that Fridays raids targeting journalists demonstrate cowardice and the inability to cope with truth-telling as opposed to the lionization and fantasies woven daily on state TV. RFE/RL strongly condemned Fridays raiding of its bureau and the detention of Hruzdzilovich and former RFE/RL correspondent Ina Studzinskaya and demanded their immediate release. These raids and arrests testify to the despotic desperation of the Lukashenko regime to cling to power at all costs, RFE/RL President Jamie Fly said in a statement. Lukashenkos criminalization of independent journalism is a cynical attempt to exert absolute control over what the Belarusian people see and hear. These intimidation tactics will not silence our journalism. The European Unions foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, denounced the crackdown in a statement issued Thursday. This new wave of repression is yet another proof that the Lukashenko regime is waging a systematic and well-orchestrated campaign with the ultimate aim to silence all remaining dissident voices and suppress civic space in Belarus, Borrell said. The severe violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms come at a price. The EU is ready to consider further restrictive measures in line with its gradual approach. By YURAS KARMANAU Associated Press Reuters photographer killed as Afghan forces fight Taliban View Photo ISLAMABAD (AP) Afghan government forces battled Friday to retake a border crossing with Pakistan from Taliban insurgents, and the Reuters news agency said one of its photographers was killed in the area. The Taliban had overrun the Spin Boldak crossing earlier in the week. On Friday, witnesses on the Pakistan side of the border said they saw intense fighting and reported seeing bodies. Afghan Interior Ministry spokesman Tariq Arian later tweeted that the government had retaken control of Spin Boldak. Reuters said Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer Danish Siddiqui, who was embedded with the Afghan special forces, was killed as the commando unit sought to recapture Spin Boldak. The agency said Siddiqui and a senior Afghan officer were killed in what they described as Taliban crossfire. We are urgently seeking more information, working with authorities in the region, Reuters President Michael Friedenberg and Editor-in-Chief Alessandra Galloni said in a statement. Siddiqui was an Indian national. Afghanistans ambassador to India, Farid Mamundzay, tweeted his condolences. The Taliban have overrun dozens of districts in Afghanistan since the start of the final phase of the withdrawal of U.S. and NATO troops, after a 20-year military presence. The U.S. says its withdrawal is 95% complete. The fighting at Spin Boldak was confirmed by Fawad Aman, Afghanistans deputy defense ministry spokesman. The Associated Press also obtained footage of fighters, apparently Taliban, receiving treatment in a hospital in the Pakistani border town of Chaman. In an interview with The Associated Press, U.S. peace envoy for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad expressed surprise at the Talibans rapid sweep through swaths of Afghanistan, and said that a long-term comprehensive cease-fire may have to wait for the two sides to reach a political deal. Still, he said he will press for a reduction in violence on the ground. I did expect some increased Taliban hold on territories that they were surrounding but had not yet captured, but the speed with which and the amount of territory that they have acquired is unexpected, Khalilzad said, speaking to the AP on the sidelines of an international conference Friday in neighboring Uzbekistan. The gathering focused on the situation in Afghanistan. But I believe that there is no military solution despite the progress that the Taliban have made, Khalilzad added. For the war to end there has to be a political agreement. The United States will not recognize a government imposed by force. The Taliban will not be treated as a normal, legitimate player if there isnt a political settlement, the U.S. envoy also said. And the likely scenario of an attempt to impose by force a government will be Taliban isolation and a long war for Afghanistan. The three countries that had recognized the Taliban government during their rule Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have all said they would not recognize another Taliban government that comes to power by force. Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan are fraught with suspicion. Afghanistan routinely accuses Pakistan of giving safe haven to the Afghan Taliban, whose leadership is headquartered in Pakistans southwestern Baluchistan provincial capital of Quetta. The Chaman border crossing opposite Spin Boldak is also in Baluchistan province. Afghanistan and the United States have criticized Pakistan in the past for allowing Taliban fighters to cross into Pakistan to receive medical treatment. Nearly 2 million Afghan refugees also live in Pakistan, having fled decades of war in their homeland. Pakistan has used its influence over the Taliban to press the insurgents into talks with the U.S. and the Afghan government. In the latest round of accusations, Afghanistans vice-president, Amrullah Saleh, tweeted that Pakistans air force warned the Afghan army and air force against trying to dislodge Taliban from Spin Boldak, an accusation Pakistan dismissed. In response, Pakistan issued a statement saying 40 Afghan soldiers slipped across the border to Pakistan during the Taliban takeover of the crossing earlier this week. The soldiers were returned to Afghanistan with respect and dignity, said the statement, which added that Pakistan also offered Afghanistans security force any logistical support it needed. ___ Associated Press writer Rahim Faiez in Kabul, Afghanistan, and AP videojournalist Mstyslav Chernov in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, contributed to this report. By KATHY GANNON Associated Press LEVELLAND, Texas (AP) Authorities captured the suspect late Thursday following an hourslong police standoff where one officer was killed and four others were wounded in a small West Texas city. Omar Soto-Chavira, 22, was injured when he was taken into custody around 11:30 p.m. at a home in Levelland, police Chief Albert Garcia told reporters. The suspect was being transported to a hospital in Lubbock for treatment, Garcia said. The extent of the suspects injuries was not disclosed. Authorities used robots to enter the home, then deployed gas which drew Soto-Chivara out of the residence, Lubbock County Sheriff Kelly Rowe said at the briefing. The standoff between the suspect and law enforcement had begun at the home around 1 p.m. after someone reported a man as possibly armed along the residential street in Levelland, about 30 miles (50 kilometers) west of Lubbock. The confrontation escalated quickly, gunfire erupted as the suspect barricaded himself inside a house, and a standoff ensued. Three of the wounded officers were taken to a Lubbock hospital. Sgt. Josh Bartlett of the Lubbock County Sheriffs Office was taken to Covenant Health Levelland hospital and died of his wounds, according to a sheriffs office statement. Bartlett was the commander of the sheriffs tactical unit. Levelland police Sgt. Shawn Wilson was in critical but stable condition in University Medical Center in Lubbock after surgery, said Garcia. The other three officers were treated for minor injuries and had been discharged from the hospital, he said. Hockley County Sheriff Ray Scifres had said the suspect had a history of contact with police. He also said Bartlett, leader of the Lubbock County Sheriffs Offices SWAT command, was a nine-year veteran of the department who had served overseas in the U.S. Army. Josh was a true servant, Rowe said. He personified the true professional in law enforcement, especially here in Texas law enforcement. It was not immediately clear what prompted the man to open fire or to barricade himself in the house. However, the standoff capped a string of events that began at 11:17 a.m. Thursday as a state trooper was conducting a traffic stop, Garcia said. During that traffic contact, he had a separate individual that was driving recklessly, and as he reported to us, appeared to be trying to bait him into some type of confrontation, Garcia said. At 1:12 p.m. Thursday, Levelland police received a report that the complainants neighbor was acting strange and was walking around with what appeared to be a large gun, Garcia said. Arriving officers determined the neighbors pickup truck matched the description that the trooper provided of the vehicle with the apparently provocative driver at the wheel. Garcia said investigators believed the man was alone in the house. Concerned about the report that the man was armed, a police negotiator tried to open talks with the suspect, who was hostile and did not want a discussion, Garcia said. Moments later, the suspect opened the front door to the house and opened fire on the Levelland officers. We did return fire, but it did not appear that we struck the suspect at that time, the chief said. Backup was called from the Lubbock County Sheriffs Office tactical squad and the Hockley County Sheriffs Office. It wasnt long thereafter that we had additional shots fired, and we had officers that were injured, Garcia said. The hospital where the Lubbock County deputy died, Covenant Health Levelland, is situated less than a mile from the standoff scene and placed itself on lockdown to ensure the safety of our patients, caregivers, and visitors and has deployed additional security officers to the hospital. Media outlets at the scene reported gunfire was ongoing throughout the standoff, and nearby residents were urged to leave their homes. Some who declined to leave were advised to stay at the rear of their houses and stay low, Garcia said. Police, deputies and other emergency crews from throughout the region responded to the incident, along with the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Texas Rangers, the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and other federal agencies, Garcia said. The Rangers would lead the investigation after the standoff concluded. Levelland is the Hockley County seat and a local oil, cotton and cattle center that is home to about 13,500 residents. ___ This story has been corrected to attribute a quote to Lubbock County Sheriff Kelly Rowe, not Hockley County Sheriff Ray Scifres. The story was previously corrected to show that the deputy died at a Levelland hospital. PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) Firefighters scrambled Friday to control a raging inferno in southeastern Oregon thats spreading miles a day in windy conditions, one of numerous wildfires across the U.S. West that are straining resources. Crews had to flee the fire lines late Thursday after a dangerous fire cloud started to collapse, threatening them with strong downdrafts and flying embers. An initial review Friday showed the Bootleg Fire destroyed 67 homes and 117 outbuildings overnight in one county. Authorities were still counting the losses in a second county where the flames are surging up to 4 miles (6 kilometers) a day. The blaze has forced 2,000 people to evacuate and is threatening 5,000 buildings that include homes and smaller structures in a rural area just north of the California border, fire spokeswoman Holly Krake said. Active flames are surging along 200 miles (322 kilometers) of the fire's perimeter, she said, and it's expected to merge with a smaller, but equally explosive fire by nightfall. The Bootleg Fire is now 377 square miles (976 square kilometers) larger than the area of New York City and mostly uncontained. Were likely going to continue to see fire growth over miles and miles of active fire line, Krake said. We are continuing to add thousands of acres a day, and it has the potential each day, looking forward into the weekend, to continue those 3- to 4-mile runs. The inferno has stymied firefighters for a week with erratic winds and extremely dangerous fire behavior, including ominous fire clouds that form from superheated air rising to a height of up to 6 miles (10 kilometers) above the blaze. We're expecting those same exact conditions to continue and worsen into the weekend, Krake said of the fire-induced clouds. Early on, the fire doubled in size almost daily, and strong winds Thursday again pushed the flames rapidly. Similar winds gusting up to 30 mph (48 kph) were expected Friday. It's burning an area north of the California border that has been gripped by extreme drought, like most of the American West. Extremely dry conditions and heat waves tied to climate change have swept the region, making wildfires harder to fight. Climate change has made the West much warmer and drier in the past 30 years and will continue to make weather more extreme and wildfires more frequent and destructive. The blaze was most active on its northeastern flank, pushed by winds from the south toward the rural communities of Summer Lake and Silver Lake. Paisley, to the east of the fire, was also at risk. All the towns are in Lake County, a remote area of lakes and wildlife refuges with a total population of about 8,000. The Bootleg Fire is one of at least a dozen major fires burning in Washington state, Oregon and California as a siege of wildfires takes hold across the drought-stricken West. There were 70 active large fires and complexes of multiple fires that have burned nearly 1,659 square miles (4,297 square kilometers) in the U.S., the National Interagency Fire Center said. In the Pacific Northwest, firefighters say they are facing conditions more typical of late summer or fall than early July. About 200 firefighters were battling but had little control over the 17-square-mile (44-square-kilometer) Red Apple Fire near the Washington city of Wenatchee renowned for its apples. The flames were threatening apple orchards and an electrical substation, but no buildings have been lost, officials said. In California, the Tamarack Fire in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest quickly grew to 2.5 square miles (6.5 square kilometers) on Friday, prompting evacuations in the Markleeville area in Alpine County. The blaze prompted the cancelation of Saturday's Death Ride, a 103-mile (165.76-kilometer) bicycle ride in the so-called California Alps over three Sierra Nevada mountain passes. ___ This story has been updated to correct the name of a southeastern Oregon community: Silver Lake, not Spring Lake. ___ Follow Flaccus on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/gflaccus. FRIDAY: Arlan Schmitz flew in from Portales, New Mexico for fuel, business, and later flew to Dumas and Topeka, Kansas in his Cessna 185 Skywagon. Bruce Hammer flew in from Acadiana, Louisiana for fuel, then flew to Durango, Colorado in his Glasair. Larry Griffin flew up from Lubbock for a couple of GPS instrument approaches, then flew back to Lubbock in his Experimental RV-7A. Brooks Terrell flew in from Taos, New Mexico for fuel, lunch with his parents, Donald Lee and Corky Terrell, then flew to McKinney in his Cessna 400 Columbia. A customer flew in from Salt Lake City, Utah, Farmington and Santa Fe, New Mexico for fuel, then flew to Arlington in his Cessna 206 Stationair. A customer flew in from Las Cruces, New Mexico for fuel, then flew to in his Piper Cherokee Archer. SATURDAY: A customer flew locally in the Beech Duke. Danny Lambert flew locally in his Super Decathlon. Stephen Goetz flew to Winters, College Station and back in his Beech Bonanza. A customer flew in from Loveland, Colorado for fuel, then flew to San Antonio in her Cessna 180 Skywagon. A customer flew in from Gallup, New Mexico for fuel, then to Florida in his Cirrus SR-22. A customer flew in from Springfield, Missouri in his Beech A-36 Bonanza for fuel, and to spend the night. A customer flew in from El Paso for fuel, then flew to Tulsa, Oklahoma in his Robinson R-66 jet helicopter. A customer flew in from Colorado Springs, Colorado for fuel, then flew to Georgetown in his Diamond Star 40. A customer flew in from Marion for fuel, then left for Longmont, Colorado in his Glass Star Sportsman. Gaylon Reed flew in from Midland in his Beech G-36 Bonanza. A customer flew locally in his Experimental Sling 2. SUNDAY: A customer flew locally in his Experimental Sling 2. A customer flew in from Amarillo for some touch and goes, then flew back to Amarillo in his Cessna 172 Skyhawk. A customer flew in from Van Nuys, California for fuel, lunch, then flew to Waco in his Cessna 421 Golden Eagle. A customer flew in from Denver, Colorado for fuel, then flew to Austin in his Cirrus SR-22. Tim Hardage flew in from Horseshoe Bay and Lubbock in the Cessna 550 Citation Bravo jet. MONDAY: A customer flew to Aztec, New Mexico in his Experimental Sling 2. David Patterson flew locally in his Beech V-35B Bonanza. Tim Hardage flew to Mena, Arkansas in the Cessna 550 Citation Bravo jet. Ron Lowe flew locally in his Ercoupe. Cody Williams gave dual instruction to a student in his Cessna 172 Skyhawk, flying locally. A customer flew in from Morton for fuel, flew friends locally, and later flew back to Morton in his Piper Cherokee 180. Med-Trans flew a patient from Plainview to Amarillo, then back to Plainview in their Bell 407 jet helicopter. TUESDAY: A customer flew down from Amarillo for fuel, breakfast, then took a check ride with Rosemary Clayton, and later back to Amarillo in his Cessna 172 Skyhawk. A customer flew in from Lubbock for practice instrument approaches, touch and goes, then flew back to Lubbock in his Experimental Lancair Legacy 2000. A customer flew in from Weatherford for fuel, then flew to Taos, New Mexico in his Piper Cherokee 235. Eagle Med flew down from Amarillo for practice instrument approaches, then flew to Lubbock in their Beech 200 King Air prop jet. Aurora Co-op flew in from Aurora, Nebraska to pick up a passenger, then flew to Lamesa, and later flew back to Plainview for fuel, drop off the passenger, then flew back to Aurora in their Pilatus PC-12 prop jet. A customer flew in from Houston for a quick turn on fuel, then flew to Telluride, Colorado in their Beech C-90A King Air prop jet. A customer flew in from Telluride, Colorado for a quick turn on fuel, then flew to Sugar Land in their Beech jet 400. A customer flew in from Lubbock for a touch and go, then flew back to Lubbock in his Cessna 421 Golden Eagle. Gaylon Reed flew to Breckenridge in his Beech G-36TC Bonanza. A customer flew in from Houston for fuel, then left for Santa Fe, New Mexico in his Champion Sky-Trac. Med-Trans flew over to Covenant Hospital, picked up a patient, then flew to Lubbock and back in their Bell 407 jet helicopter. Monty McFadden flew to Pratt, Kansas and back in his Beech B-36TC Bonanza. WEDNESDAY: A customer flew to Dallas Addison and back in a Beech Duke. Cody Williams gave dual instruction to a student in his Cessna 172 Skyhawk, flying locally. A customer flew in from Lubbock for some touch and goes, then flew back to Lubbock in his Piper Saratoga. Eagle Med flew down from Amarillo for approaches, touch and goes, then flew back to Amarillo in their Beech 200 King Air prop jet. AeroCare flew up from Lubbock to pick up a patient, then flew to Dallas in their Beech 200 King Air prop jet. A customer flew in from Clovis, New Mexico for fuel, then flew to Post and Midland in a Cessna 182RG Skylane. Med-Trans flew over to Covenant Hospital, picked up a patient, then flew to Lubbock and back in their Bell 407 jet helicopter. Tyler Gann returned from Burbank, California in the Piaggio P-180 Avanti prop jet. Tim Young, pilot for Hawkeye Helicopter, flew in from Greeley, Colorado and Borger in their Cessna 182 Skylane for fuel, and to spend the night. THURSDAY: Hawkeye Helicopter departed toward the Denver City area patrolling pipeline, and later flew to Greeley, Colorado in their Cessna 182 Skylane. Cody Williams gave dual instruction to a student in his Cessna 172 Skyhawk, flying in the local area. A customer flew in from Santa Fe, New Mexico for fuel, then flew to McKinney in his Beech A-36 Bonanza. A customer returned from Page, Arizona in a Beech 100 King Air prop jet. Trey Weathers, pilot for Barr Air Patrol, flew in from Bartlesville, Oklahoma for fuel, then flew to Libby, New Mexico to pick up the pipeline to patrol, and later flew back to Bartlesville in their Cessna 182 Skylane. A customer flew in from Hobbs, New Mexico for fuel, lunch, then flew to Baywater in his Cessna 172 Skyhawk. Med-Trans flew to Levelland pick up a patient, then flew to Covenant Hospital here, then back to the airport in their Bell 407 jet helicopter. Bell Textron flew in from Amarillo for some touch and goes, then flew back to Amarillo in their V-22 Osprey Tiltrotor jet helicopter. Life Star flew in from Amarillo, Levelland, and Lubbock for fuel, then flew back to Amarillo in their Eurocopter EC-635 jet helicopter. Tropical Storm Elsa carved a destructive and soaking path up the East Coast last week after killing at least one person in Florida and spinning up a tornado at a Georgia Navy base that flipped recreational vehicles upside-down and blew one of them into a lake. Elsa moved through Connecticut Friday, July 9 closing streets, flooding basements and damaging cars. Among New Haven County communities, Milford was the hardest hit, rain-wise, taking on 4.82 inches. Nearby, some of the heaviest flooding in 30 years was visited upon downtown Meriden. At its worst the storm almost flooded the Police Department on West Main Street and left up to 2 feet of water submerging blocks-long sections of Hanover, Pratt and State streets as Hanover Brook overflowed. The floodwaters also took the Quinnipiac River over its banks near Route 15 and the Quinnipiac Street bridge in Wallingford. Last Friday, Bill Gannon, a dispatcher with Nelcon Towing, which has garages in Meriden, Middletown, Plainville and Southington, said he expected that his company would be working through most of the night towing vehicles. For Nelcon, Meriden had the most cars damaged by flooding, Gannon said. There is no real light at the end of the tunnel. It is really nice that the weather stopped, at least, he said. The state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and state Department of Public Health advised Saturday against swimming or having recreational contact with water in areas where sewage systems may have been compromised by the rain. That includes the Quinnipiac River, and bodies of water near the states major cites. The DEEP and Middletown city officials are investigating the runoff of oil and creosote into the Connecticut River. Last year at this time the state was in a drought, which Gary Lessor, a meteorologist at the Western Connecticut State University Weather Center, said couldnt be more different than the situation this year. From June 1 through Friday Bradley International Airport recorded 9.17 inches of rain. Last year in the same timeframe there was only 1.37 inches. Information taken from Record-Journal and Associated Press reports. MOSCOW (AP) Pyotr Mamonov, a rock musician, poet and actor who was a prominent figure in Russia's cultural scene for decades, has died. He was 70. Mamonov died Thursday at a Moscow hospital after two weeks in an artificial coma on a ventilator after testing positive for the coronavirus. After founding the rock group Zvuki Mu (Sounds of Mu) in 1982, Mamonov became an underground cult figure in Moscow. He gained wider recognition after Soviet restrictions on rock music and alternative culture were lifted in the late 1980s as part of then-leader Mikhail Gorbachev's reforms. Mamonov further expanded his fame through acting. He performed in numerous films and theater productions in the 1990s. After becoming deeply religious, he moved to a distant village and left the cultural scene behind in the late 1990s. But he made a triumphant comeback as an actor, starring as a devout Russian Orthodox monk in Pavel Lungin's 2006 movie Island and as Russian Czar Ivan the Terrible in Lungin's 2009 film Tsar. Mamonov suffered a heart attack and underwent a surgery in 2019. The head of the Russian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Kirill, sent his condolences, saying that Mamonov's remarkable portrayal of religious characters was possible because of his spiritual experience. Mamonov used the language of art to talk to viewers about eternal subjects: life and death, the sense of being and the value of good, internal struggles and the importance of heeding the voice of conscience, Kirill said. In a letter to Mamonov's family. Russian Culture Minister Olga Lyubimova hailed the musician-actor as bright, charismatic and strong." Funeral arrangements were not immediately announced. SoHo Wine and Martini Bar is trading its intimate downtown space near the River Walk and heading to Castle Hills. The live jazz bar will move to a space in the Castle Oaks Village shopping center at 8055 West Avenue after Castle Hills City Council approved a special use permit Wednesday for SoHo. The bar currently sits in a space on Commerce Street near the River Walk, where it has sat for 16 years. It's not clear when SoHo will close the original location. READ MORE: San Antonio cocktail bar settles into pop-up spot on Broadway MySA reached out to SoHo Owner Ronnie Herrera, but did not hear back by time of publication. Castle Hills Councilman Joe Izbrand says in a Facebook post that renovations are already underway and SoHo could open by September 1 "if all goes according to schedule." Emily Spicer /Staff file photo Herrera and co-owner Lufty Vico say they are moving to the Castle Hills space because they want outdoor seating to bring in more customers in light of COVID-19, according to a business plan submitted to the City of Castle Hills. "Our future outlook on this business activity is very positive in light of COVID, as we have seen business with outdoor seating continue to thrive," the owners wrote. Last year, SoHo filed for bankruptcy protection in 2019 because it owed over $600,000 in past due taxes. The owners write that SoHo has trained other bartenders and bar owners that have opened their own businesses, including Hello Paradise and Still Golden Owner Jeret Pena, Don Marsh of Bar 1919, Mark Bohanan of Bohanan's Steak House and Chris Hill who opened Hugman's Oasis in May along with Pena. SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) Two California men have been charged with plotting to blow up the Democratic Partys headquarters in the state capital, a bombing they hoped would be the first in a series of politically-motivated attacks, federal prosecutors said Thursday. The pair used multiple messaging apps to plan to attack targets they associated with Democrats after the November 2020 presidential election, the U.S. Attorneys Office said in a statement. Their first intended target was the John L. Burton Democratic Headquarters in Sacramento, prosecutors said. According to the indictment, the defendants planned to use incendiary devices to attack their targets and hoped their attacks would prompt a movement, the statement said. Ian Benjamin Rogers, 45, and Jarrod Copeland, 37, each face multiple charges including conspiracy to destroy by fire or explosive a building used or in affecting interstate commerce, prosecutors said. Rogers, of Napa, is charged with additional weapons violations, including one count of possession of unregistered destructive devices, and three counts of possession of machine guns. Copeland, of Vallejo, is charged with an additional count of destruction of records. It wasnt known Thursday evening if the men have attorneys who could speak on their behalf. I want to blow up a democrat building bad, Rogers wrote, according to the indictment unsealed Thursday in San Francisco federal court. Copeland responded, I agree and Plan attack, the indictment says. In late December 2020, Copeland told Rogers he contacted an anti-government militia group to gather support for their movement, according to court documents. In one exchange, Rogers wrote to Copeland, after the 20th we go to war, meaning that they would initiate acts of violence after Joe Bidens inauguration on Jan. 20, 2021, the court papers say. On Jan. 15, law enforcement officers searched Rogerss home and seized a cache of weapons, including 45 to 50 firearms, thousands of rounds of ammunition, and five pipe bombs, prosecutors said. Copeland is accused of attempting to destroy evidence of the plan after Rogers Jan. 15 arrest. Rusty Hicks, chair of the California Democratic Party, called the accusations extremely disturbing. We are relieved to know the plot was unsuccessful, the individuals believed to be responsible are in custody, and our staff and volunteers are safe and sound, Hicks said in a statement. Yet, it points to a broader issue of violent extremism that is far too common in todays political discourse. Copeland was arrested Wednesday and made an initial court appearance Thursday. Hes scheduled to appear in court again on July 20 for a detention hearing. Rogers is scheduled to appear in court July 30 for a status conference. If convicted on all charges, each defendant faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, officials said. Bexar County Commissioners Court will look to a third-party consultant to examine the jail's staffing needs and population issues after Sheriff Javier Salazar's request for 96,170 hours in mandatory overtime (MOT) pay. Salazar's budget request amounts to about $3.9 million in county taxpayer's money. Bexar County has already spent about $24 million in overtime pay in the past four years, and about $10 million in 2019, an issue stemming from the jail's high turnover rate with detention center officers. Precinct 3 Commissioner Trish DeBerry, a vocal proponent of the jail staffing needs, says she received multiple letters from officers that quit or retired. She says they cited inhumane conditions regarding working mandatory overtime at the jail and lack of respect from supervisors. Salazar cites the jails large population, about 4,200 inmates at any given time, fueling the need for MOT. The number of inmates is only compounded by Texas placing 146 parole violators in the jail. Precinct 4 Commissioner Tommy Calvert wants the county to look at the cost of moving those 146 inmates. Salazar notes that the state is opening prison in Dilley to take undocumented immigrants. If youre opening prisons, come get your 146 people, Salazar said during a Commissioners Court meeting on July 13. On top of also holding inmates with mental health issues, the jail also sends 10 to 12 detention officers a shift to University Hospital to tend to inmates with chronic illnesses. DeBerry recommended asking the county manager to bring an outside consultant proposal to commissioner's court for approval. Salazar agreed with an outside perspective coming in to assess jail needs. But, Salazar also follows in the footsteps of Harris County in hiring a former Texas Commission on Jail Standards inspector as a jail administrator. He hired former Texas Commission on Jail Standards inspector, Jennifer Schumake, as the Bexar County jail administrator. Salazar described her as the bane of our existence when she was a jail inspector, scrutinizing every nook and cranny of the jail. Schumake said she is currently working with other county jails to see what is being done to address similar issues. By Lambert Strether of Corrente. Bird Song of the Day Another bird species spotted in Russia [waves!] but this audio is from the Portugal. Its hard to believe theres a species called the Thick Knee. With barking dog. * * * #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. Vaccination by region: Flattened, interestingly. This after only 48% of the US population is fully vaccinated. And our public health establishment has discredited non-pharmaceutical interventions like masking, and has been fighting treatment tooth and nail, as hard as they fought aerosols, good job. Case count by United States regions: Every day, the non-triumphalist black line goes a little higher. We should know the impact of travel and all the family gatherings by July 4 + 14 call it July 21 or so. And of course summer camp, Bible School, etc. (Note that these numbers are if anything understated, since the CDC does not collect breakthrough infections unless they involve hospitalization, and encourages states and localities not to collect the data either.) MN: A St. Paul postal worker begged for stronger COVID protections. She ended up spending 6 weeks in the hospital [Minnesota Public Radio]. The headline is deceptive. This is the story: According to the USPS official count, about 200 of the St. Paul facilitys 1,500 employees have fallen sick with COVID-19. But state Health Department records obtained by ProPublica show that the Postal Service often missed or didnt disclose cases. The state tracked clusters of cases linked to the St. Paul building, many of which do not show up in the USPS count. As ProPublica and the USPS inspector general later detailed, the USPS doesnt have enough health care staff to identify and quarantine every exposed worker. The inspector general also reported that the agency had no strategy to fill those roles. At the time, 21 percent of the USPS nurse positions were vacant. The nurses are responsible for interviewing sick workers, doing contact tracing to identify exposed workers and clearing people to come back to work. Covid cases top ten states: for the last four weeks (hat tip, alert reader Lou Anton): Missouri coming up on the outside. NEW From CDC: Community Profile Report July 15 2021 (PDF), Rapid Riser counties, this release: Last release: (Red means getting worse, green means bad but getting better. This chart updates Tuesdays and Fridays, presumbly by end-of-day.) Test positivity: South running away with the field. Hospitalization (CDC): No bad news yet. Deaths (Our World in Data): Bad news. 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 GOP messaging guru Luntz advised Bidens Covid task force [Politico]. The cable networks in particular were using language that was not helping the cause, Slavitt said in an interview. [Luntzs] whole point is that, you hear CNN say Republicans, conservatives arent getting vaccinated, theyre vaccine hesitant. It becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy and it creates a wedge, it talks down to people. And that was not helpful. While Slavitt said Luntzs research was useful, he also said that the framework he provided was one the White House had already been adopting. In the end, it solidified their belief that a hyper-local strategy to encourage vaccinations which included having doctors reach out to their patients about the vaccine was the right one. I dont know why they came up with this strategy, I dont know why they recommended it. The likelihood of success is extremely low, said Luntz. You have to either know the person or trust a person. Someone who shows up at your door isnt someone you know or trust.' Anyhow, cable and the cable-adjacent are still doing exactly the same thing, which is not likely to be forgotten, and it doesnt seem that Luntz and the White House meshed all that well. I do give points for effort, however! Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jen Psaki and Surgeon General Dr. Vivek H. Murthy, July 15, 2021 [The White House]. Psaki: Were flagging problematic posts for Facebook that spread disinformation. Were working with doctors and medical professionals to connect to connect medical experts with popular with popular who are popular with their audiences with with accurate information and boost trusted content. So were helping get trusted content out there. [W]e have empowered, engaged, funded local voices, because they are often the most trusted voices doctors, medical experts, clergy you know, people who are members of civic leaders in communities. Oh, so the trusted voices are funded. Good to know. Lambert here: If what the White House is doing now had been in place in early 2020, anything other than the following conventional wisdom from trusted sources would have been censored: Travel bans dont work (they do), masks are not needed (they are), and covid is transmitted by touch (its airborne). For example, here is what the trusted voices were saying when Covid in the United States was just getting rolling: One of my faves is this highly coordinated pile-on of experts & media gaslighting abt risk of covid while ppl were literally dropping dead in streets of China, Iran etc. They all knew, but wanted to make sure you were more worried abt flu, during the flu season that never was! pic.twitter.com/teX37qi5qc Dana Parish (@danaparish) July 15, 2021 Anything else would be disinformation, and censored. IMNSHO, the aerosol thought collective never would have caused the paradigm shift to airborne transmission under Psakis regimen, because a lot of that war was conducted on Twitter. The pushback on aerosols from WHO, CDC, the infection control and public health communities was extraordinary, but if they had managed to get the Federal government to declare that aerosol transmission advocacy was misinformation, that would have stopped the shift cold. And a lot of lives would have been lost. Child tax credit payments started hitting bank accounts today. Heres what you need to know. [NBC]. Most of the roughly 39 million families who are eligible have filed taxes recently or received stimulus checks and do not need to take any additional steps to receive the monthly benefit. But an estimated 4 million to 8 million eligible children are at risk of missing out because their families are not required to file taxes or they have not done so. Non-filing households tend to be more vulnerable and the most in need of assistance. And although the Biden administration has rolled out a number of online portals where families can update their information, cumbersome government websites, language and technology barriers, and a general lack of public awareness threaten the impact of the program. Using the Internal Revenue Service for this purpose is a kludge. Though I grant building a new system is something we probably cannot do. So here we are. Senate nears pivotal vote on bipartisan infrastructure deal thats still unwritten [Politico]. The Senate left town Thursday with the fate of a bipartisan infrastructure package uncertain, despite Majority Leader Chuck Schumers attempt to force it forward by advancing a floor vote next week. Schumer has scheduled the vote for next Wednesday, a hardball tactic Democrats hope will allow them to pass President Joe Bidens domestic agenda before the August recess. But negotiators face several outstanding issues, both on funding mechanisms and spending priorities. Several Senate Republicans read Schumers Wednesday vote as an effort to sink the bipartisan talks, given the absence of legislative text and the likelihood that members will not yet have a score from the Congressional Budget Office by Wednesday. Why in the world would you vote for something that hasnt been written yet, asked Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas), a McConnell confidante. I dont know whether Sen. Schumer is just setting this all up to fail so he can then move to the budget. That may part of his Machiavellian scheme.' Student loan forgiveness: Biden promise to forgive $10,000 in debt remains unfulfilled [Yahoo Finance]. Joe Bidens campaign website for the 2020 presidential election stated that a President Biden would forgive a minimum of $10,000/person of federal student loans, which would erase all of the student debt for 15 million of the nearly 45 million American borrowers. Nearly six months into his presidency, that promise remains unfulfilled. Pissant to begin with, and now less than that. Idea: I could put the six hundred bucks Joe Biden owes me toward my student loan! Democrats en Deshabille UPDATE A Massachusetts Democrat Flush With Pharma Cash Echoes Industry Talking Points [HuffPost]. The group of centrist Democratic lawmakers who announced their concerns in May about H.R. 3, House Democrats prescription drug affordability bill, featured plenty of the usual suspects, including Rep. Scott Peters (D-Calif.), who received the seventh-most contributions from pharmaceutical industry PACs and led an unsuccessful pressure campaign to stop the Biden administration from supporting a waiver of international patent rules for the COVID-19 vaccine. But politics watchers were more surprised to see Rep. Jake Auchincloss (D-Mass.), a freshman from a liberal district, as the lead co-author, along with Peters, of the groups letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.). The Auchincloss-Peters letter echoed the pharmaceutical industrys familiar concerns that H.R. 3, a bill that would empower Medicare to negotiate lower prescription drug prices, would discourage research and development. Auchincloss, Peters and eight of their colleagues instead called for a bipartisan bill that would preserve our invaluable innovation ecosystem.. Federal campaign finance data provides a potential explanation for Auchincloss prominent role in the effort to make H.R. 3 friendlier to prescription drug makers. During his 2020 run, Auchincloss benefited from the support of a super PAC a rarity for a first-time candidate competing for an open seat that was funded in significant part by figures with close ties to the pharmaceutical industry. The single-largest donor to the pro-Auchincloss super PAC, Experienced Leadership Matters, was Dr. Laurie Glimcher, Auchincloss mother, who gave $105,000 of the groups $575,000 haul. Glimcher, president of Bostons Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, holds a seat on the board of directors of GlaxoSmithKline, a British pharmaceutical giant. Patrick Ronan, CEO of Greenleaf Health, which consults pharmaceutical companies seeking FDA approval for drugs, contributed $5,000 as well. (Auchincloss sister Kalah is an executive vice president at the company.) Ka-ching. UPDATE The Lefts Curious Silence About the Medicare For All Demonstrations [Counterpoint]. On July 24th there will be a long overdue national mobilization for Medicare For All, with a big event planned in Washington D.C. while 40+ other cities across the nation have marches and/or rallies planned by local coalitions of progressive groups. Such an event would normally be enthusiastically supported by all sections of the Left. Interestingly, however, the lead-up to the mobilization has exposed deep divides, proving that universal health care isnt actually a point of unity but one of real controversy among Leftists. Some of the biggest names on the Left have been noticeably absent in their promotion or even mention of the demonstrations, while some of the biggest politicians and organizations linked to the Medicare For All movement have seemingly united to shun the national day of action. UPDATE Neal Paid Leave Plan Excludes 42% of New Mothers [Peoples Policy Project]. To be eligible for paid leave under the old FAMILY Act proposal, you need to have worked at least 6 quarters, worked for the lesser of 20 quarters or half the quarters since your 21st birthday, and worked in the last 12 months. According to the CBO, this work history requirement would render 30 percent of new parents ineligible for the FAMILY Acts paid leave benefit. More recently, an alternative to the FAMILY Act, which was proposed by Representative Richard Neal, has been gaining traction in the House. Under this alternative, individuals are eligible for paid leave if they have had earnings in the 30 days prior to the first caregiving day as well as during the 8-calendar-quarter period preceding their caregiving leave. After calculations: Using this rough method, 42 percent of women who give birth in a given year will not be eligible for paid leave under Neals plan because they do not satisfy the 30-day work requirement rule. For various technical reasons, I have not tried to do the same analysis for fathers, but I would suspect the percentage is lower for them. Needless to say, this is a really bad way to design a program and also comically inattentive to the realities of pregnancy. For many women who are employed in physical or hazardous jobs, working in the last 30 days of pregnancy is extremely difficult if not impossible. Smearing Alex Morse to re-elect Richard Neal is already paying dividends! Republican Funhouse UPDATE Top House antitrust Republican forms Freedom from Big Tech Caucus' [The Hill]. Rep. Ken Buck (Colo.), the top Republican on the House Judiciary antitrust subcommittee, is forming a new Freedom From Big Tech Caucus along with a handful of other GOP lawmakers who supported antitrust bills advanced by the committee last month, the congressman announced Friday. Rep. Lance Gooden (R-Texas) will serve as co-chairman of the caucus. Other founding members of the caucus include Reps. Madison Cawthorn (R-N.C.), Burgess Owens (R-Utah) and Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.). The caucus will aim to unite Republicans in Congress to rein in Big Tech through legislation, education, and awareness. The announcement outlines a focus on antitrust reform, including restoring the free and dynamic digital economy, promoting competition and innovation, and supporting small businesses. Additionally, the caucus said it will aim to protect privacy and data rights, protect children from harmful content online and end political censorship.' I wish there were some sort of metric for Googles crapification. Realignment and Legitimacy UPDATE 1.4 million 501(c)(3)s seems like rather a lot: In FY20, the #IRS received 89,477 applications for new 501(c)(3) public #charities. It denied only 61 of them. There are now more than 1.4 million charities. https://t.co/aJS94upIov #nonprofitsector pic.twitter.com/tyl4wOX97u Tony Macklin (@tonymacklin1) July 16, 2021 If we want to euthanize the NGOs, this might be a good start. Stats Watch Retail: Headline Retail Sales Marginally Improved in June 2021 [Econintersect]. Retail sales marginally improved according to US Census headline data. The three-month rolling average declined. Year-over-Year growth also declined due to the comparison to reopening after the lockdown period one year ago. Retail sales have fully recovered their pre-virus levels overall. The real test of strength is the rolling averages which slowed. Overall, this report is considered about the same as last month. * * * UPDATE Apparel: 100-Teen Poll: What Is Actually Cool to Buy in 2021? We surveyed high schoolers around the country. Here,19 takeaways about how teens shop. [New York Magazine]. I confess that reading The Strategist is one of my guilty pleasures. However, this is interesting: A substantial difference between this years poll and the one we did two years ago is that teens, when asked to name the people who most inspire their shopping habits, seemed far less interested in big celebrities and influencers with millions of followers (like, say, Devon Lee Carlson). Instead, they tended to bring up smaller social-media presences with follower counts in the 10,000 to 200,000 range. We talked to a handful of these so-called micro-influencers. UPDATE The Bezzle: From the founder of Dogecoin: Despite claims of decentralization, the cryptocurrency industry is controlled by a powerful cartel of wealthy figures who, with time, have evolved to incorporate many of the same institutions tied to the existing centralized financial system they supposedly set out to replace. Jackson Palmer (@ummjackson) July 14, 2021 UPDATE The Bezzle: Facebooks alternative facts [Cory Doctorow, Pluralistic]. Early in the companys history, Zuckerberg defended his real names policy by saying that anyone who objected was two-faced. Its hard to overstate how deranged this is: surely Zuckerberg presents a different facet of his identity to his spouse, his kids, his shareholders, his co-workers and the press. Its not two faced to talk to your boss differently from how you talk to your lover. However, by forcing billions of Facebook users to confine themselves to a single identity, Zuckerberg does make it easier to target them with ads. This two-faced business is just an attempt to will a radical, sociopathic norm into existence. This attitude permeates Facebooks corporate conduct: remember the pivot to video? Facebook wanted to compete with Youtube the number two supplier of display advertising, after FB itself so it declared that videos were very popular on Facebook. Not that videos would be popular they were already popular. The company told its media and ad partners that they were missing out on a gold-rush because FB users loved watching FB videos. Media companies literally laid off their newsrooms in order to hire video production teams based on this intelligence. The entire media- and ad-ecosystem reoriented itself around Facebooks market intelligence. There was just one problem. Facebook was lying. FB users werent watching its videos, and Facebook knew it. The company was just betting that if it convinced media companies to spend billions making videos, its users would watch them. This fraud devastated the media world, first by triggering waves of layoffs of experienced journalists to make way for young video producers, then by killing or hobbling their employers and triggering another wave of mass layoffs. Zuckerberg knows its not two-faced to show different parts of yourself to different people. Facebook knew that no one was watching FB videos. They were just betting that they could fake it until they made it the core tenet of gaslightism. Even more amazing: Media executives actually believed Zuckerberg. Or perhaps they already wanted to gut the newsrooms, and Zuckerberg just handed them the excuse. After all, they didnt pivot back to reporting, did they? Manufacturing: FAA orders inspections of Boeing 737 cabin air sensors [Seattle Times (Allan)]. More than 2,500 Boeing Co. 737 jets in the U.S. will have to be inspected after the company and regulators discovered a potential flaw in a pressure switch that could lead to pilots becoming incapacitated. The Federal Aviation Administration said airlines and operators should inspect cabin pressure switches, which help ensure theres sufficient air to breathe as planes climb to higher altitudes. The failure rate of the switches is much higher than initially estimated and poses a safety risk, the FAA said in a directive posted to the Federal Register website Thursday. Not sure if this second story is connected Manufacturing: Valve troubleshooting led to crew incapacitation aboard Qantas 737-300F [Flight Global]. After the aircraft landed, it was discovered that the original fault was related to a sensor in the overheat detection system. It was also discovered that the aircraft had significant air leaks in various systems . These, added to the crews troubleshooting efforts, caused the cabins air supply to fall. * * * Todays Fear & Greed Index: 25 Fear (previous close: 29 Fear) [CNN]. One week ago: 37 (Fear). (0 is Extreme Fear; 100 is Extreme Greed). Last updated Jul 16 at 1:55pm. The Biosphere The Truth Behind the Amazon Mystery Seeds [The Atlantic] (NC, August 2020). Yes, it was a brushing scam. As almost every story at the time pointed out! But: If true, this raises a different question, one that may be more about contemporary media storytelling than agronomic perils: How and why was the great Chinese-seed mystery of the summer of 2020 ever allowed to seem like a mystery at all? As I tried to figure out what happened last summer, I came across one place where two opposing forcesthe imperative of telling the simple, apparent truth, and the impulse toward the rich gratifications of fever and frothran up against each other in a way that I found unexpectedly delightful: the Facebook page of the Washington State Department of Agriculture. This page had somehow become the clearinghouse for reports of seeds from all over the country; a single matter-of-fact post on July 24 received more than 22,000 comments. People shared photos; people shared jokes (who had magic seeds on their 2020 apocalypse bingo card?); people freaked out. And, with calmness and fortitude, the pages moderator strove to moderate Entertaining! Health Care SARS-CoV-2 test positivity rate in Reno, Nevada: association with PM2.5 during the 2020 wildfire smoke events in the western United States [Nature]. Results: We found that a 10 g/m3 increase in the 7-day average PM2.5 concentration was associated with a 6.3% relative increase in the SARS-CoV-2 test positivity rate, with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 2.5 to 10.3%. This corresponded to an estimated 17.7% (CI: 14.420.1%) increase in the number of cases during the time period most affected by wildfire smoke, from 16 Aug to 10 Oct. Significance: Wildfire smoke may have greatly increased the number of COVID-19 cases in Reno. From the Discussion: In addition to the mechanisms mentioned previously, where PM2.5 enhances the pathogenicity of viruses by modifying immune responses and facilitating the transport of the virus into the lungs, a third possible mechanism specific to SARS-CoV-2 may involve the ACE2 receptor, the molecular target for the virus. Elevated concentrations of ambient nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and PM2.5 result in over-expression of the ACE2 receptor in respiratory epithelial cells, possibly increasing the pathogenicity of the virus . It is unclear whether this mechanism requires long- or short-term exposure to air pollution, or whether in vivo effects might differ from in vitro effects. However, in vitro studies suggest that relatively short exposure to PM2.5 may induce cellular changes and inflammations. Sounds like the measures to resist PM2.5 are similar to the only ones I can think of for Delta: Double mask, Badger seal, box fans. Additional suggestions welcome (since I have no specific knowledge of wildfire smoke). Black Injustice Tipping Point UPDATE Sharpton, Crump shifting focus to white teen killed by police in Arkansas [The Hill]. The Rev. Al Sharpton and civil rights attorney Ben Crump are shifting their focus to a white teenager who was killed by police in Arkansas, after advocacy efforts that largely focused on Black individuals who have died during police encounters. Crump, who represented Floyds family after the incident, has also represented the families of Breonna Taylor and Michael Brown, both of whom were fatally shot by police. Sharpton and Crump are now drawing attention to the death of 17-year-old Hunter Brittain, who was fatally shot during a traffic stop on June 23. An officer was relieved of his duties earlier this month after failing to turn on his body camera during his alleged involvement in Brittains death. Crump told The Washington Post in an interview that Brittains death will help muster greater interracial support amid a push to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act in Congress because his blood is now on this legislation, just as Floyds and Breonna Taylors blood is.' Young Black Activists Helped Change The State Flag. They Intend To Change The State. [Mississippi Free Press]. BLM Sip organizer Timothy Young, 22, said he wants people to know that their work did not stop after the crowd dispersed on June 6, 2020, or after the state flag came down several weeks later.Moments after stepping off the stage, Young received an offer to interview for a position at Mississippi Votesa youth-led voting-rights organization that works to empower young voters and increase access to democracy in the Magnolia State. He now works there as a digital content creator. A-a-a-n-d right into an NGO. Class Warfare Fat Back & Biscuits: On Clyburn, CRT, & Capitalist Realism (Part 1) (podcast) [Briahna Joy Gray and Virgil Texas, Bad Faith]. This is absolutely terrific, and its also great to hear sharp Marxist thinkers who are not Adolph Reed (much as I love Adolph Reed). This podcast with Boots Riley is very good too. Riley has interesting things to say about Occupy Oakland (before black bloc poisoned the well). From Grey: New @BadFaithPod: "Fat Back & Biscuits":Clyburn, CRT, & Capitalist Realism "Clyburn is the epitome ofthe Black mis-leadership classThis is the same guy who's talking abt 'I don't know no Black Socialist' w a statute of WEB Du Bois behind him"https://t.co/dHP6egulCO pic.twitter.com/5XUzkNuCGC Briahna Joy Gray (@briebriejoy) July 15, 2021 Interview With Professor Adolph Reed (interview) [Matt Taibbi, TK News]. I know this is in Links, but I wanted to pair it with the above too. I also do think that Reed, despite or perhaps because of the fact that hes very funny (Im prepared to grant that the DiAngelos heart is in the right place at least, on the left side of her chest) is also just a little bit of a trickster. I dont think he really answers Halpers first question, for example. Interesting nonetheless! In the Image of Jonestown [The Nation]. The images of good dissent are frequently segregated: Good oppressed people make a good peaceful protest, and good white people make some good difficult decisions. After a hard night of deliberation, Lincoln frees the slaves. The utopian visions that fall under the most scrutiny are always the ones where people from different backgrounds rise up together in the name of a radical reimagining of the world. The paradox is that while the scrubbed-history utopians call for unity or togetherness, they also quietly disqualify every example of solidarity, whether Harpers Ferry, the Rainbow Coalition, or the foot washers of Cary. Today, history itself has become a front in the culture war. Several state legislatures have passed vaguely written laws that effectively ban the teaching of this countrys racist past. Videos of concerned parents screaming at school boards about critical race theory go viral every day. These efforts should be called what they are: an attempt to turn the narrative of last summer from an organic uprising of millions of Americans from all racial and class backgrounds into a conspiracy run by intellectuals, Marxists, and the progressive elite. Its incumbent on anyone who cares about emancipatory politics to resist these laws and the chaos they will unleash, but if we are ever to get out of these endless culture wars, we must also rethink the space these linear histories take up and ensure that were not just replacing one fully determinative, alluringly symmetrical narrative with another. We must stop thinking that the problems of the present can only be understood by finding corollaries in the past. Not everything is Jonestown, including Jonestown. News of the Wired An AI Bourdain Speaks From the Grave [Kottke.org]. I have been trying not to read too much about Morgan Nevilles documentary Roadrunner: A Film About Anthony Bourdain before I have had a chance to watch it, but the few things I have read about it have given me some pause. From Helen Rosners piece about the film drawn from an interview with Neville: there were three quotes there I wanted his voice for that there were no recordings of, Neville explained. So he got in touch with a software company, gave it about a dozen hours of recordings, and, he said, I created an A.I. model of his voice. In a world of computer simulations and deepfakes, a dead mans voice speaking his own words of despair is hardly the most dystopian application of the technology. But the seamlessness of the effect is eerie.' Kill it with fire. So how many stories in Inc. are written by an AI: What in the world pic.twitter.com/tR9APKPJCo Casey Toner (@ctoner) July 16, 2021 I know my emotional intelligence is hardly pure, like (I would imagine) most humans. Sheesh. 7 Reasons We Love Rembrandt on His Birthday [artnet]. 6. He liked dogs. 1642: * * * 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 (JU): JU writes: The Giant Juniper in Mineral King-Sequoia NP, 8 feet wide at eye level (25 feet around in circumference). Its probably 1,500 years old id guess, and has quite the perch on a small island of dirt in an ocean of granite. * * * Readers: Water Cooler is a standalone entity not covered by the recently concluded and thank you! successful annual NC fundraiser. So if you see a link you especially like, or an item you wouldnt see anywhere else, please do not hesitate to express your appreciation in tangible form. Remember, a tip jar is for tipping! Regular positive feedback both makes me feel good and lets me know Im on the right track with coverage. When I get no donations for five or ten days I get worried. More tangibly, a constant trickle of donations helps me with expenses, and I factor in that trickle when setting fundraising goals: Here is the screen that will appear, which I have helpfully annotated. If you hate PayPal, you can email me at lambert [UNDERSCORE] strether [DOT] corrente [AT] yahoo [DOT] com, and I will give you directions on how to send a check. Thank you!2:00PM Water Cooler 6/8/2021 Yves here. I am still loaded for bear. My mother is in a hospital bed with one of her mattresses from a fold out bed and no rails. And dont get me started on the discharge confusion. Thank Lambert for tossing over some links, since I am also super behind, particularly since I have to go to NYC next week for a hip checkup. Summer Mystery: Glacier Ice Worms Rise Again In The Pacific Northwest NPR. Are glacier ice worms going to become the new feral hogs? Urban Fish Ponds: Low-tech Sewage Treatment for Towns and Cities Low Tech Magazine (Anthony L) Lachlan Morton Rode An Unofficial, Solo Tour De France And Beat The Pack NPR (David L) Atmospheric carbon dioxide and warming shaped past Indian monsoons: study MongaBay (J-LS) Flooding in Germany and Belgium leaves more than 60 dead as streets become raging torrents ABC Australia (Kevin W) Dozens dead, more than 1,000 may be missing after floods in Germany NBC (furzy) :-( Theres going to be so much flooding in 2030 because of the moon Deseret News (David L) Writer on the Storm Andrew Schenker, The Baffler (Anthony L) The myth of ethical AI in war Asia Times (Kevin W) Weed Farmers Are Building Tricked-Out Firefighting Rigs to Save Their Crops Vice (resilc) They have shown that this is not some impossible thing: Academic lab copies Googles big biological breakthrough Endpoint #COVID-19 COVID-Sniffing Police K-9s In Bristol County Are First In Country CBS Boston (J-LS) Plagues and empires aeon (Anthony L) China? Brexit British plans for a Troubles amnesty would breach international obligations Simon Coveney, Guardian. PlutoniumKun: The perceived letting off of soldiers for killings 50 years ago doesnt seem a big deal outside of places like Derry, but trust me, this goes down very badly and will sour the political process even more. This is one of those issues which is community wide and not just for those who are politically engaged. Europe is provoking the world with its controversial plan to fight climate change Sydney Morning Herald (Kevin W) Caribbean How the US Exported a Bloods and Crips Gang War to Belize Vice (resilc) Myanmar South Africa New Cold War Kremlin papers appear to show Putins plot to put Trump in White House Guardian (David L). Amazing inability to 1. Admit Hillary lost on her own; any foreign meddling impact was marginal and 2. The US has been openly and unabashedly trying to get Putin ousted starting with Obama. Syraqistan Imperial Collapse Watch Paying For It Heisenberg Report (resilc). That $3.5 trillion (over 10 years) infrastructure bill. Kamala More ex-staffers describe Kamala Harriss unpredictable and demeaning behavior in offices Daily Mail Online (J-LS). Note Lambert had a tweet on this yesterday; story has legs. Do You Need to Renew Your Passport? Good Luck. New York Times (resilc) Our Famously Free Press The Biden administration is telling Facebook which posts it regards as "problematic" so that Facebook can remove them. This is the union of corporate and state power one of the classic hallmarks of fascism that the people who spent 5 years babbling about fascism support. https://t.co/U2Ee3DgXJe Glenn Greenwald (@ggreenwald) July 15, 2021 This is so completely fucked. Unbelievable https://t.co/dBnoK9XZEG Matt Taibbi (@mtaibbi) July 15, 2021 GM warns 50,000 Chevy Bolt owners to park outdoors after two car fires Autoblog (resilc) Intel is reportedly in talks to buy the $30 billion foundry company AMD spun off a decade ago The Verge (Kevin W) Authorities bust crypto-mining farm running on 4,000 Sony PlayStation 4s Boing Boing (resilc) Class Warfare Antidote du jour. Tracie H: I believe this fellow is a Bearded Dragon (Chameleon). He lives at the little Orange County Zoo in Irvine, California and likes visitors. He says to tell you, Bring dandelions. A bonus (guurst): And another sanctuary bonus (guurst): Since arriving at The Donkey Sanctuary Ivybridge back in February, Henry and Harry have been taking some huge steps forward. As the duo prepare for future rehoming, our team have been helping them to build their confidence and trust https://t.co/rjDYAZtg6p pic.twitter.com/g5ZQvPvXrg The Donkey Sanctuary (@DonkeySanctuary) July 13, 2021 See yesterdays Links and Antidote du Jour here. Vaccine certificates were ostensibly rolled out to help facilitate cross-border travel as vaccination numbers increased. But thanks to vaccine geopolitics, the opposite is happening. Montse, a Mexican friend of a Catalan friend of mine, was supposed to come to Barcelona at the beginning of July, as she does just about every year, to visit old friends and family. Last year, for obvious reasons, she didnt. But this year was going to be different. She made sure she did everything right. She booked the flight months in advance, got fully vaccinated, through the university she works at, and did a PCR test two days before her flight, which came out negative. Yet she never left the ground. On her arrival at Mexico Citys Benito Juarez airport, Montse was politely informed by Aeromexico/KLM staff that she wouldnt be able to board the plane. When she asked why, she was told: you took the wrong vaccine. That vaccine was Chinese-manufactured Sinopharm. Wrong Vaccines This is happening to more and more people, particularly in less advanced economies, as vaccine passports sprout into existence in more and more places. Countries like Israel, Saudi Arabia, and Singapore have already introduced them in recent months. On July 1, the EU became the first major global economy to do so, with the ostensible aim of easing travel within and (in theory) to Europe for EU citizens and residents who are fully vaccinated or have recovered from COVID-19. But its also making it hellishly hard for many vaccinated people from other parts of the world to visit the continent. The reason for this is that the EU (European Union) Digital COVID Certificate programme only relaxes travel to and within the region for recipients of one of the four vaccines approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA): Comirnaty (BioNTech-Pfizer), Janssen (Johnson & Johnson), Spikevax (Moderna) and Vaxzevria (Oxford-AstraZeneca). Among the vaccines that havent made the grade are Russias Sputnik V, Chinas Sinopharm, Sinovac and Cansino; Indias first indigenous Covid-19 vaccine, Covaxin, and Covishield, the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine that is produced under license by the Serum Institute of India. This means that people from places that are not on the EUs safe list of third-party countries that have received one of these vaccines are barred entry, unless the country they hope to visit has made exemptions. Their number is legion. Russian and Chinese-made vaccines, together with Covishield, have dominated vaccine supplies in many parts of Asia, Latin America and Africa, mainly because US pharmaceuticals couldnt find a good enough profit angle for their own vaccines while many Western governments have preferred to hoard their own supplies. The result? While around 25% of the worlds population has received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, just 1% of people from low-income countries are partially vaccinated. Even the World Health Organization is calling the West out on its greed. Some countries and regions are actually ordering millions of booster doses before other countries have had supplies to vaccinate their health workers and most vulnerable, said World Health Organization Leader Tedros Adhanom Gebreyesus, adding that the global community is making conscious choices right now not to protect those most in need. The World Health Organization also flagged concerns earlier this year that vaccine certificates would create two types of citizen: the vaccinated and the non-vaccinated. This is particularly unfair to those in the many countries where it is still difficult to access vaccines. They will essentially be unable to travel beyond their borders for the foreseeable future. But the problem goes even deeper than that. It now turns out that many of the millions in these countries who have managed to get vaccinated will also be unable to travel to places where the vaccines they have taken are not approved. In an article in April I warned that vaccine passports, given the current state of vaccine geopolitics, would end up making global travel a lot more complex rather than easier: To all intents and purposes the West is already locked in a new cold war with China and Russia. Tensions are escalating on an almost daily basis. Against such a backdrop, its hardly beyond the realms of possibility that at some point down the line countries or companies in the West will refuse to recognise vaccines certificates that are based on Russian or Chinese vaccines, and vice versa. The justifications for doing so will only grow as bad news continues to emerge about the efficacy and safety of vaccines. Over the past weekend Western news sources reported that George Fu Gao, director of the Chinese Center for Disease Prevention and Control, had publicly acknowledged that Chinese-made vaccines currently offer low efficacy against the virus. We will solve the issue that current vaccines do not have very high protection rates, he said, adding that adjusting the dosage or sequential immunisation and mixing vaccines might boost efficacy. Since then China has backtracked on the comments. But the episode nonetheless raises serious questions for those nations relying heavily on the Chinese jab, including many in Latin America. If Chinese vaccines are not as effective as originally thought, its perfectly feasible that some countries in the West will refuse to acknowledge vaccine passes sporting the name of a Chinese vaccine. As such, rather than freeing up global travel, vaccine passports could up erecting new barriers. Quid pro Quo Neither China or Russia have launched their own vaccine passports, though China is considering issuing one by the end of this year. Neither country has approved any of the four Western vaccines (Pfizer, Moderna, J&J and AZ). Beijing has started issuing visas to foreigners who need to travel to China for business, work or to meet relatives, but only after they have taken a Chinese-made Covid-19 vaccine. Thats all but impossible in countries where Chinese-made vaccines are not approved, such as, say, India. Returning to Europe, Brussels exclusion of Sinopharm, Sinovac and Covishield is hard to fathom since all three of the vaccines have been approved for emergency use by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Whats more, as Politico reports, Covishield has played an integral role in the global vaccine sharing scheme, COVAX: As of July 2, the COVAX facility had distributed more than 95 million COVID-19 vaccines to 134 mainly low- and middle-income countries the vast majority of them Covishield. Specifically, the India-made vaccine accounts for 96 percent of doses delivered in India and more than 90 percent of those given in Africa, according to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. The reason the Digital Green Certificate doesnt recognize Covishield is that the vaccine does not currently carry market authorization within the EU, and its manufacturing site has not been assessed both of which are required steps for the vaccine to receive EMA approval. The institute now states that it will submit a request for approval, but in the meantime, Covishield recipients are in limbo. Promoting Inequality Each country within the EU is free to approve entry of travellers who have received other WHO-approved vaccines. Spain, for example, which depends massively on incoming tourism as well as its close business ties with Latin America, accepts travellers who have received the three Chinese-made vaccines, Sinopharm, Sinovac and Cansino. They include millions of people across Latin America. But just because Spain has opened the door to these people does not mean they will actually be able to arrive. As Montse learnt, if you have to make a stopover at an airport in another European country that doesnt accept travellers who have received one of those vaccines, such as Schiphol (Amsterdam), you wont reach your destination. When the EU green pass was announced, New Delhi reciprocated by declaring that it would only allow ease of travel from European countries that give mutual recognition to Covishield and Covaxin. Since then, 15 EU Members States have confirmed they will accept travellers who have received the Covishield jab, including Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Latvia, Malta, Netherlands, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. But recipients of Covishield, including an estimated 5 million people in the UK, are still barred from 12 EU countries, including France and Italy. Many of the worlds poorer countries objected to the idea of vaccine passports from the very start. India argued that such a move would be highly discriminatory, given the low access to vaccines amongst developing countries. The African Union (AU) issued a similar statement, arguing that the digital certificate programme promotes inequalities, which could persist indefinitely. The fact that all this is happening as more and more breakthrough cases are registered for the very vaccines upon which these vaccine certificates are predicated, suggesting that said vaccines are even less effective at preventing the spread of the virus than originally thought, is, to put it mildly, deeply concerning. I began my journalism career in Nashville in 1990, with my current position with Nashville Post having evolved since October 2000 (when I was with the now-defunct The City Paper, a sister publication of the Post starting in 2008). Follow William Williams 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 (Natural News) A 72-year-old woman from South Australia died on July 11 due to thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS) or blood clot after receiving the AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine. She is the fourth Australian to die due to TTS caused by the vaccine. Despite the mounting number of vaccine deaths and injuries around the world, Big Pharma companies and public health officials still insist that all the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccines are safe. Aside from TTS, some of the other adverse effects associated with the vaccine include painful skin conditions and severe heart inflammation. The woman became sick and developed blood clots after getting vaccinated on June 24. On July 5, she was taken to the Royal Adelaide Hospital (RAH). State Premier Steven Marshall announced that the woman passed away on July 11, less than a week after she was admitted. (Related: AstraZeneca vaccine probed over death of BBC presenter Lisa Shaw.) During her stay at the hospital, the woman was in intensive care. Marshall added that the womans death was referred to the TGA and state coroner for further investigation. Emily Kirkpatrick, the deputy chief public health officer, said the patient lived in regional South Australia. Kirkpatrick told reporters that the rare condition is common among the elderly, especially if youre older than 60. She warned that anyone experiencing symptoms should seek medical assistance immediately and that anyone unable to consult a physician should seek emergency medical services. The public health official also claimed that TTS is a treatable condition that can be addressed with early treatment. Experts claim TTS is a rare vaccine side effect Just last month, a 52-year-old woman in New South Wales died after developing a blood clot in the brain. The death is also linked to the AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine, reported the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). Early in June, the TGA announced that there have been four confirmed cases of TTS linked to the AstraZeneca vaccine. The 52-year-old woman suffered a severe form of TTS in the form of a blood clot in her brain or cerebral venous sinus thrombosis before her death. She was the youngest of the four reported new cases last month. The others were a 70-year-old man from South Australia, a 77-year-old man from New South Wales and an 87-year-old woman from South Australia At least 76 cases of blood clotting have been recorded The 72-year-old South Australian woman was the 76th patient to develop blood clotting after getting the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccinated people are advised to seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms like blurred vision, chest pain, confusion, leg swelling, persistent abdominal pain, persistent bleeding under the skin where there was no previous injury, seizures, severe or persistent headache (especially three or more days after getting the vaccine), shortness of breath and unusual skin bruising or pinpoint round spots beyond the site of inoculation. You may experience TTS symptoms at least four to 30 days after vaccination. According to the latest TGA update (June 28 to July 4), there were 1,646 recorded adverse events following immunization. Large scale vaccination means that coincidentally some people will experience a new illness or die shortly after vaccination, the report stated. To date, more than 5.5 million doses have been administered in Australia. The report also noted that the TGA reviews all deaths reported in vaccinated individuals, along with signals that may relate to vaccine safety to distinguish between coincidental events and possible side effects of the vaccine. People may develop a variety of side effects after getting AstraZenecas COVID-19 vaccine. More than one in 10 people may experience side effects like feeling tired, joint pain, headache, muscle pain, nausea, tenderness, bruising, pain or itching around the site of injection and fever (temperature of 38 C [100.4 F] or above). More than one in 100 people may experience side effects like low platelet count (that doesnt cause any symptoms), diarrhea, redness or swelling at the site of injection and vomiting. More than one in 1,000 people may experience side effects like dizziness, rash, reduced appetite, sleepiness, sweating and swollen lymph glands. Follow Immunization.news for more news and information related to coronavirus vaccines. Sources include: TheEpochTimes.com 9News.com.au TGA.gov.au HSE.ie (Natural News) Big Techs war against conservative voices has reached new heights. But MRC Free Speech Americas CensorTrack team has exposed the lefts online censorship by amassing 2,500 individual cases to hold Big Tech accountable. (Article by Kayla Sargent republished from NewsBusters.org) The CensorTrack database has cataloged 2,500 cases of Big Tech silencing conservatives online since March 2020. In that time, Big Tech has booted a sitting president, silenced members of the free press like the New York Post for its reporting on Hunter Biden and shut down free speech-oriented platforms like Parler. Twitter censored and Facebook suppressed a story from the New York Post that claimed to expose the alleged corrupt dealings of now-President Joe Biden and his son Hunter Biden in Ukraine. Not only did Twitter ban users from posting the link to the story, but it also locked the Posts account for 17 days. A post-election poll conducted by MRC found that 36 percent of Biden voters were not aware of the story, and 4.6 percent would not have voted for him if they had known about the scandal, which could have swung the outcome of the election. Former President Donald Trump was also banned from at least 10 platforms after he called for peace following the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol. He was kicked off of YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Twitch, Stripe, Snapchat, Reddit, TikTok and even Shopify. Facebook later announced that the former president would be suspended for at least two years. Twitter has since refused to allow him back. Even conservatives who tried to form their own platform found that they could not escape Big Techs grasp. Apple and Google both removed Parler from their app stores. Amazon even booted the platform from its web hosting services in a move that temporarily shut down Parlers website. Google also removed Gab, a similarly pro-free speech platform for so-called hate speech. Thousands more examples of Big Tech censorship exist. YouTube demonetized One America News in October 2020 and suspended the channel for one week. Instagram refused to allow Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) to purchase ads for her childrens book about Tennessees ratification of the 19th Amendment. A recent investigation found that Amazons charity program, AmazonSmile, allows organizations like Planned Parenthood and The Satanic Temple to receive donations from the company. Meanwhile, conservative organizations like the Family Research Council and Alliance Defending Freedom cannot. Read more at: NewsBusters.org and BigTech.news. (Natural News) China is investing in weapons designed to jam or destroy U.S. satellites, a top intelligence official said. The investment followed the communist countrys efforts to narrow the gap in space technology between the U.S. and itself. The official added that China is on the march to develop antisatellite (ASAT) weapons. U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Director of Intelligence Rear Admiral Mike Studeman said during a webinar that China is indeed developing ASAT weapons. [From] dazzling to jamming, to kinetic kill-from-the-ground, from space all that, theyre on the march, he said. Studeman added: They take a look at our space capability and want to equal and exceed those and be able to dominate to guarantee themselves the maneuvering they need to be able to secure their objectives if theyre in a fight. Studemans remarks served as the most recent assessment of Chinas counter-space capabilities. According to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, Chinas capabilities were a recurring top challenge for U.S. defense planning and spending. Threats coming from China and Russia served as the primary justifications cited by American officials for establishing the U.S. Space Force (USSF) and U.S. Space Command during the Trump administration. Previously a command under the U.S. Air Force, former President Donald Trump spun off the USSF as an independent military branch in December 2019. Studeman nevertheless commented that the U.S. recognizes the threat and has a substantial amount of activity going on. He added: It will be a game of measures, countermeasures and counter-countermeasures for some time to come. One such weapon in the U.S. arsenal is the Meadowlands system. This ground-based ASAT weapon is designed to temporarily jam but not destroy Chinese and Russian satellites. The first Meadowlands weapon was deemed operational in March 2020. The USSF said it is building an arsenal of these counterspace weapons over the next seven years, with as many as 48 being planned. Know thy enemy: What ASAT weapons have China built so far? Back in April 2021, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) said the Chinese military will continue to integrate space services such as timing and satellite communications, satellite reconnaissance and positioning and [satellite] navigation into its weapons and command-and-control systems to erode the U.S. militarys information advantage. The ODNI mentioned in its annual Threat Assessment Report that Beijing continues to train its military space elements and field new destructive and non-destructive ground- and space-based ASAT weapons. It added that China has already deployed ground-based missiles for destroying satellites in low-earth orbit. Aside from this, China has also fielded ground-based ASAT lasers for blinding or damaging sensitive space-based optical sensors on satellites. Apart from ASAT weapons, China has also pursued dedicated programs for military and commercial communications satellites. The Defense Intelligence Agency said in 2019 that China owns and operates about 30 such satellites for civil, commercial and military communications. It added that the communist country also operated a small number of dedicated military communications satellites. The ODNI report echoed a similar warning by former Defense Secretary Mark Esper back in September 2020. He said during a speech that China was using directed energy weapons and killer satellites against the United States. Esper also said that Beijing was turning space into a war-fighting domain to achieve space superiority through sophisticated technologies. Meanwhile, in space, Moscow and Beijing have turned a once-peaceful arena into a war-fighting domain. They have weaponized space through killer satellites, directed energy weapons and more in an effort to exploit our systems and chip away at our military advantage, Esper said that time. The erstwhile defense secretary continued: In this era of great power competition, we cannot take for granted the U.S.s long-held advantages. The [U.S. Air Force] in particular has maintained uncontested air superiority for decades with persistent intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and precision air strikes anytime, anywhere. However, our near-peer rivals, China and Russia, seek to erode our long-standing dominance. Given these threats, the ODNI later said developing so-called counterspace operations will be integral to a potential military campaign. The House Appropriations Committee also noted the need to act against ASAT weapons by China. In a draft report on the fiscal 2022 defense bill, the committee pointed out the growing threats posed by ground-based lasers capable of damaging or destroying sensitive space sensors in low-orbit. The committee also noted the lack of a coordinated strategy to understand this threat and develop concepts to mitigate its risks. Without mentioning China, the draft report directed the Department of Defense to work with the ODNI against these threats. It called on both agencies to provide a plan to collect, consolidate and characterize laser threat activity data of potential adversaries, and to develop strategies to mitigate these threats. Visit NationalSecurity.news to read more news about Chinas ASAT weapons program. Sources include: MSN.com Newswars.com AirForceMag.com (Natural News) The top vaccination official in the state of Tennessee was terminated after she published a memo in support of vaccinating teenagers without parental consent. Dr. Michelle Fiscus, formerly the medical director for vaccine-preventable diseases at the Tennessee Department of Health (TDH), said she received a letter of termination and a letter of resignation. The pediatrician chose to be terminated and added that no reason was given from her ouster. Fiscuss July 12 firing arose from her May 10 memo detailing the mature minor doctrine. According to the doctrine, minors still with their parents or legal guardians may have the maturity to choose or decline health care treatment without the need for parental approval. Based on this doctrine, Fiscus called on teenagers 14 years old and up to get vaccinated against the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19). She defended her action: What I did was put out a memo with factual information about where the guidelines are around vaccinating minors. Fiscus remarked that her termination was political in nature and meant to appease lawmakers. She said: I was told that I should have been more politically aware and that I poked the bear when I sent [the May 10] memo to medical providers. I am not a political operative. I am a physician who was, until today, charged with protecting the people of Tennessee, including its children against preventable diseases like COVID-19. Following her firing, Fiscus penned a response where she expressed both disappointment toward Tennessees leaders and fear for the state. She also wrote down her anger for the amazing people of the [TDH] who have been mistreated by an uneducated public and leaders who have only their own interests in mind. Meanwhile, TDH and the office of Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee declined to comment on Fiscuss firing. Both cited personal matters for their refusal. Coronavirus vaccines have caused the deaths of teens Some Democratic lawmakers in the Tennessee General Assembly slammed Fiscuss ouster. State Sen. Raumesh Akbari said the former TDH director was sacrificed in favor of anti-vaccine ideology. State Rep. John Ray Clemmons meanwhile expressed his outrage through a statement he gave to News Channel 5. The particular circumstances of Fiscuss firing are nothing short of a slap in the face to every public servant working for our state, he said. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) also weighed in on Fiscuss ouster. In a July 13 press release, it dubbed her termination as the most recent example of a concerning trend of politicizing public health expertise. It also expressed concern over Tennessees abrupt cancellation of promoting vaccines including those for other communicable diseases. Actions like this only increase the likelihood that well see other outbreaks of these diseases even as we continue to fight COVID-19, the AAP statement said. The move to fire Fiscus from her job due to her insistence on the mature minor doctrine as a basis for COVID-19 vaccination came amid reports of post-vaccination deaths in teenagers. Most of the victims received the Pfizer/BioNTech two-dose mRNA vaccine, which was granted emergency use authorization in December 2020. Thirteen-year-old Michigander Jacob Clynick died on June 16, three days after he got his second dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine. His family described him as very healthy and said he did not have any known underlying medical conditions. According to his aunt Tami Burages, he initially experienced fatigue and fever supposedly normal side effects after his June 13 inoculation. (Related: 13-year-old dies in his sleep three days after receiving second dose of Pfizer vaccine.) But on June 15, Clynick started complaining about a stomachache before going to bed. Burages said the family considered Clynicks stomachache as one that did not warrant medical attention. Little did the Clynicks knew that that evening would be the last time they saw Jacob alive. He passed away in the middle of the night at home, Burages said. Twenty-year-old Hadley Huffman, also from Michigan, died on June 15 following her second COVID-19 vaccine dose. She appeared to be fit and active just like Clynick, and was described as a social butterfly with a magnetic personality. While it is unclear what brand of COVID-19 shot she received, reports have posited it to be the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine. (Related: 20-year-old Wayne State University pre-med student Hadley Huffman dies unexpectedly after COVID shot.) MedicalTyranny.com has more articles about the risks of pushing teenagers to get the COVID-19 vaccines. Sources include: DailyMail.co.uk NewsChannel5.com Services.AAP.org NYPost.com TheEmpoweror.com (Natural News) The Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) vaccine from Johnson & Johnson (J&J) is about to get a new warning label from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which says the jab can cause GuillainBarre syndrome (GBS). On top of the other deadly side effects it can cause, J&Js injection for the Chinese Virus has officially been linked to what the FDA says is a serious but rare autoimmune disease that can cause a jabbed persons immune system to attack itself. Roughly 400 cases of post-injection GBS have been reported in conjunction with Chinese Virus injection, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Most of these cases occurred within two weeks after injection, and the majority demographic is men 50 years of age and older. According to The Washington Post, four individuals familiar with the situation say that the CDCs Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) is expected to discuss the issue at an upcoming meeting. GBS is a rare neurological disorder in which the bodys immune system mistakenly attacks part of its peripheral nervous system the network of nerves located outside of the brain and spinal cord and can range from a very mild case with brief weakness to paralysis, leaving the person unable to breathe independently, explains Megan Redshaw, J.D., from LifeSiteNews. Want to suffer? Go ahead and get a covid vaccine While the official story is that nobody truly knows what causes GBS, there is a clear connection between vaccines and its sudden and rapid emergence. In other words, GBS appears to be a serious and rather common vaccine side effect, even if the establishment refuses to admit it. The FDA still insists that Fauci Flu shots are safe and worth the risk, and that the likelihood of a recipient developing GBS is minimal. The numbers, however, tell a much different story. According to the most recent data from VAERS (Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System), some 398 cases of GBS have been reported in conjunction with Wuhan Flu shots since Dec. 14, 2020. Only 76 cases are linked to J&Js jab, while 187 are attributed to Pfizer and 159 to Moderna. Its not surprising to find these types of adverse events associated with vaccination, claims Dr. Luciana Borio, a former acting chief scientist at the FDA. Based on the data the FDA has allegedly collected thus far, Borio has declared that the benefits of injection for the Fauci Flu continue to vastly outweigh their risks. The CDC further claims that the risk of GBS is rare, and that there is a small possible risk of this side effect following injection with the J&J jab. One 57-year-old man from Delaware reportedly died back in early April after he developed GBS post-injection. The man had previously suffered both a stroke and a heart attack. A third-grade teacher also developed GBS roughly three weeks after getting her jab. Stacie, as the media is calling her, had to be rushed to the emergency room multiple times after getting the shot because she was experiencing severe numbness in her lower extremities. Stacie eventually lost her ability to both stand and walk, and was later hospitalized and diagnosed with GBS. Gary Spaulding, another J&J vaccine recipient, developed a severe headache immediately after getting injected. Spaulding was diagnosed with Lyme Disease, only to develop severe numbness and tingling that worsened over time, resulting in a switch from a Lyme diagnosis to a GBS diagnosis. The J&J jab is also linked to deadly blood clots and a mysterious skin peeling disorder, both of which emerge not long after injection. More of the latest news about the serious risks involved with taking a Fauci Flu shot can be found at ChemicalViolence.com. Sources for this article include: LifeSiteNews.com NaturalNews.com (Natural News) Indonesia is being ravaged by a post-vaccine wave of Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) infections, as the number of cases in the archipelago nation passes 2.6 million, including over 69,000 deaths, according to officials who are using highly inaccurate covid tests. The Southeast Asian nation has overtaken the per capita death toll of India, which is also suffering under a coronavirus infection wave. Under the illusion of bad testing and media propaganda, Indonesia has become the new COVID epicenter of Asia. Unreliable data show that the post-vaccine surge in Indonesia is showing no signs of stopping. On Wednesday, July 14, the country recorded its biggest daily increase in coronavirus cases with 54,517 new infections. There were also 991 deaths that day, bringing the countrys total number of fatalities to 69,210. Indonesia has the highest number of coronavirus cases and deaths in Southeast Asia, according to delusional authorities, followed far behind by the Philippines and Malaysia with under 1.5 million and 867,567 cases, respectively. Indonesia also has more deaths than all the other nations in Southeast Asia combined. It should be noted that the countrys mass vaccination program is underway, yet the infections continue. As of Wednesday, the country has administered over 39.2 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccines, and nearly 15.7 million people have been fully vaccinated. The government of Indonesia has a goal of administering one million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine every day and fully vaccinating 181 million of its more than 270 million citizens by March 2022. Government data shows that the country has procured enough vaccines from Sinovac, Moderna and Oxford-AstraZeneca to fully vaccinate about 69 million people. Indonesian society crumbling under the weight of the post-vaccine outbreak The surge in cases has totally upended Indonesia. Reports indicate that non-COVID patients who want to get treated at major hospitals are unable to get the care they need because of the massive influx of people with the virus. The Jakarta Post reported one instance in Jakarta when Dewi Safitri, 17, was refused admittance from several hospitals. Her mothers legs were injured in a recent accident. All the hospitals that refused to treat her mother said they could not take in anybody else because they were full of COVID-19 patients. We went to around five hospitals on June 26, all of which rejected my mother because they were at full capacity with COVID-19 patients, said Safitri. After failing to get the care her mother needed at a hospital, the family was forced to treat her mothers injuries at home. Nationally, we still have some room [in hospitals], said Indonesian Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin. But the bed occupancy rate is very high in some provinces where the explosion of the delta variant is concentrated. Sadikin told legislators on Tuesday that more than 90,000 of the countrys 120,000 hospital beds set aside for COVID-19 patients are occupied. The health minister and other government officials are blaming the delta variant for the surge in cases. They are also blaming this for why the coronavirus is reaching more remote areas of the country, where health facilities are not expected to be able to handle a major outbreak. We have to closely monitor this because if anything happens [in those regions] their health facilities are clearly below that of Jakarta or Java, said Sadikin. The government is also fearful that cases will surge in the aftermath of Eid al-Adha celebrations. Eid al-Adha is a major holiday for Muslim-majority nations like Indonesia, usually involving families reuniting and holding feasts. Any mass gathering will only accelerate infections, said Dicky Budiman, an Indonesian expert in epidemiology. There are time bombs everywhere. The surge in deaths over the past month has caused graveyards to get filled up, and the countrys gravediggers have complained of feeling overworked. As the diggers are too tired and do not have enough resources to dig, the residents in my neighborhood decided to help, said Jaya Abidin, a resident of Bogor, a city on the outskirts of Jakarta. Because if we do not do this we will have to wait in turn a long time for a burial in the middle of the night. Fully vaccinated doctors among the casualties in Indonesias post-vaccine wave In early July, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies said the situation in Indonesia was so bad that the country was teetering on the edge of a COVID-19 catastrophe. The effects of this disaster can also be felt in the healthcare sector. According to the Indonesian Doctors Association, at least 434 doctors in the country have died from COVID-19. This number is expected to be higher, as the latest data is only from July 5. The Indonesian Medical Association, which represents a wider range of workers in the countrys healthcare sector, said 949 health workers have died so far due to the virus. (Related: 26 Doctors in Indonesia died because of coronavirus: 10 received Sinovac vaccines, says medical association.) All my friends are falling down, said Dr. Lumanauw, a 29-year-old physician. All of us are sick, or were sick. Everybody who works along with us [is] collapsing. Because of the deaths of healthcare workers, the country was forced to draft in trainee doctors and medical students who recently graduated. Learn more about how Indonesia and other countries around the world are dealing with post-vaccine outbreaks of the coronavirus by reading the latest articles at Pandemic.news. Sources include: DailyMail.co.uk TheASEANPost.com Reuters.com Vaksin.Kemkes.go.id Newsweek.com TheJakartaPost.com (Natural News) A new Rasmussen Reports poll found that at least 53 percent of American voters are not okay with Beijing Biden sending his vaccine brownshirts to go door to door looking for new people to inject. Only 37 percent of American voters say they are okay with China Joe violating their privacy by pushing them to get jabbed for the Fauci Flu at their own homes. The rest recognize that launching a papers, please vaccination drive is an unacceptable form of medical fascism. How Hunters dad supposedly received more than 50 percent of the vote in the 2020 election is unclear based on these figures from Rasmussen, which show that most Americans want absolutely nothing to do with Biden or his vaccine harassment scheme. Because so many Americans are against the plan, the Biden-occupied White House is attempting damage control by claiming that local leaders from peoples communities will be the ones going door to door, not federal agents. This makes no sense, of course, as community volunteers would not know how to handle this type of work without training and documents procured to them from, you guessed it: federal agents. Furthermore, only the government knows which houses have residents in them who are unvaccinated, so this information is also being distributed by federal agents, hence why these people deserve to be called Biden Brownshirts. The Rasmussen survey was conducted between July 11-12 and included 1,000 likely voters. Barely half of all Democrats support Biden Brownshirts scheme Even within the Democrat Party, only about 57 percent of leftist voters approve of Bidens vaccine scheme. Only 37 percent of Democrats say they support the plan, which just goes to show that the Resident-in-Chief is not as popular as the fraudulent 2020 election results suggest. Hilariously, Biden has mumbled through at least a few speeches now in which he suggested that the scheme is just a neighborly effort to help one another. Somehow it has nothing to do with any nefarious government or Big Pharma agenda, but is just a benign act of love thy neighbor. Its just neighbor helping neighbor! Knock-knock. Hey, maybe you dont know how easy it is to get vaccinated and that its free!? Yeah, right, jokes John Nolte, writing for Breitbart News. Who doesnt know that by now? Somewhere on a forgotten Pacific island sits a 102-year-old Japanese soldier who doesnt know the wars over but knows he can drop in at his local CVS for a free shot. The whole thing is ridiculous, in other words, and almost nobody is buying it except maybe the people who were already injected and whose brains have since turned to mush due to spike protein poisoning. What Biden is really doing is trying to intimidate the vaccine hesitant into letting down their guard and getting the damn thing so the government can try to enforce a vaccine passport scheme, which appears to be the next line item on the new world order agenda. This is not only naked intimidation on Bidens part, and an invasion of privacy, it is also a sure-fire way to alert everyone watching to who the evil and selfish unvaccinated families are in the neighborhood, who the ignorant Trumptards are, who deserves to be given the side-eye, and who to exclude and disdain, Nolte adds. How long before Antifa takes a road trip to your front door? How long before your kids are beaten up at school, and your whole family is herded into a solar-powered cattle car headed for Wokeschwitz? More of the latest news about Beijing Bidens attempts to vaccinate America by force can be found at ChemicalViolence.com. Sources for this article include: Breitbart.com NaturalNews.com (Natural News) His Fraudulency Joe Bidens scheme to have a government emissary knock on the doors of the unvaccinated faces rejection from 53 percent of voters, according to Rasmussen Reports, one of the few pollsters to exit the 2016 and 2020 elections with its credibility in good standing. (Article by John Nolte republished from Breitbart.com) In 2020, Biden apparently won more than 50 percent of the vote, and only 37 percent approve of his BIG IDEA to boost vaccination rates? Thats some serious rejection right there. Ever since it introduced this door-to-door idea, the White House has been on defense trying to justify and sell it. But their only defense has been, Were not sending federal agents to your doors, Trumptards. Instead, these will be local leaders from your own communities. Well, I have two questions How will locals in rural communities handle this kind of work without access to a copy machine to duplicate the forms and stuff? Why the fuck is the federal government revealing my vaccination status to my neighbors? The survey of 1,000 likely voters was conducted between July 11-12, and the results are well outside the three-point margin of error. By party, only 57 percent of Bidens own Democrats approve of his door-to-door plan, while 31 percent disapprove. Non-affiliated voters disapprove by a 56 to 33 percent margin, and to the surprise of no one, Republicans disapprove by a 74 to 20 percent margin. Biden is trying to make his idea sound benign. Its just neighbor helping neighbor! Knock-knock. Hey, maybe you dont know how easy it is to get vaccinated and that its free!? Yeah, right. Who doesnt know that by now? Somewhere on a forgotten Pacific island sits a 102-year-old Japanese soldier who doesnt know the wars over but knows he can drop in at his local CVS for a free shot. This is not only naked intimidation on Bidens part, and an invasion of privacy, it is also a sure-fire way to alert everyone watching to who the evil and selfish unvaccinated families are in the neighborhood, who the ignorant Trumptards are, who deserves to be given the side-eye, and who to exclude and disdain. Does anyone doubt these lists of the unvaccinated will leak to a media that is already encouraging and endorsing violence against Trump supporters? How long before Antifa takes a road trip to your front door? How long before your kids are beaten up at school, and your whole family is herded into a solar-powered cattle car headed for Wokeschwitz? The most maddening thing about this is how unnecessary it is. Who cares if people choose not to get vaccinated? Theyre no serious threat to those of us who are vaccinated, and with survival rates (per the CDC) at 99.5 percent and up for those under 70, theyre no real threat to themselves. This is only about one thing: a fascist government and fascist media that cannot stomach defiance. Its not a 100 percent vaccination rate they seek. Its not herd immunity they seek. No, what they seek is fealty and compliance. Well, fuck them. Read more at: Breitbart.com and JoeBiden.news. (Natural News) Face masks have been a necessity for everyone since the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic began. But two studies have pointed out that face masks do more harm than good, especially to children. Both papers focused on the negative effects of high concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO2) children inhale when wearing masks for prolonged periods. The first study published June 2021 in JAMA Pediatrics involved a clinical trial in Germany with 45 volunteers from both genders. The volunteers aged between six and 17 years old were made to wear masks. Researchers then measured the levels of CO2 under the childrens masks. Estimates showed that children forced to wear face coverings while in school do so for an average of 4.5 hours. The researchers discovered that CO2 levels under childrens face masks after just three minutes of being worn exceeded levels deemed unacceptable by the German Environment Agency. They also found that the amount of CO2 inhaled by the child with the lowest CO2 level was three times higher than the agencys 2,000 parts per million (ppm) limit. Furthermore, the air measured from one seven-year-old child had a CO2 concentration of 25,000 ppm. The study noted that CO2 building up in the dead-space volume of the masks can lead to hypercapnia or too much CO2 in the bloodstream. It pointed out that most of the complaints reported by children such as irritability, headache and reluctance to go to school can be understood as consequences of elevated [CO2] levels in inhaled air. The second study published April 2021 in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (IJERPH) looked at 65 papers about face masks. Of these papers, 44 pointed out the significant negative effects of face coverings. Thirty of the 44 studies related to both surgical and N95 masks, while only 10 pertained to face masks made of fabric. The April 2021 IJERPH study noted that masks also present an inhibition to habitual actions such as eating, drinking, touching, scratching and cleaning the otherwise uncovered part of the face. It added that a face covering is consciously and subconsciously perceived as a permanent disturbance, obstruction and restriction. Study caused a stir in the medical community The JAMA Pediatrics study mentioned ample evidence proving the harmful effects of prolonged mask use. Its authors concluded that children should not be forced to wear them in the first place. They continued: We suggest that decision-makers weight the hard evidence produced by these experimental measurement accordingly. (Related: Face masks causing childrens bodies to experience spike in toxic CO2 levels.) The study caused a stir within the medical community, with experts holding debates about it. A report by Just the News continued that the experts also tackled the scant number of studies on whether masks have indeed benefited schoolchildren. A number of schools required children to mask up when in-person classes resumed. Johns Hopkins University epidemiologist Stefan Baral asked fellow epidemiologist Tracy Hoeg if sharing the study made him an anti-masker. Hoeg was a co-author of a paper that looked at the low risk of COVID-19 spread in schools with masked children. In response, Hoeg said the JAMA Pediatrics study did not provide the implications of these CO2 levels or an unmasked baseline group by age. This led her to question why the journal even published it in the first place. University of California San Francisco epidemiologist Vinay Prasad tweeted: [One] year later and no one has shown that asking kids to wear masks works. He cited guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommending children two to five years old wear masks. They need to do a trial to prove it. I bet it will fail, Prasad wrote. Meanwhile, blogger Jennifer Cabrera said there were two better questions to ask about the matter. She pointed out why studies used to promote masking do not have a control group. Cabrera also noted why researchers have not studied the effects of wearing masks all day. (Related: Mask mouth, skin disease and breathing difficulties: Experts reveal the dangers of prolonged use of face masks.) Cabrera helped coordinate a group of Florida parents to get their childrens school-required face masks tested in June 2021. The said masks were sent to the University of Floridas Mass Spectrometry Research and Education Center for testing. Laboratory tests found that pathogenic bacteria that caused diseased such as tuberculosis, pneumonia and meningitis clung to the masks. MedicalTyranny.com has more articles about the dangers of COVID-19 mask mandates on childrens health. Sources include: NaturalHealth365.com JAMANetwork.com MDPI.com JustTheNews.com 1 JustTheNews.com 2 (Natural News) A transgender librarian who works at a public middle school in Massachusetts has launched a social justice crusade against a teacher from the same school who opposes the use of pornographic transgender- and homosexual-themed reading materials in the classroom. Jordan Funke, as the librarian calls itself, became triggered after the teacher in question, whom reports refer to as Bonnie, wrote and submitted a letter to the superintendent signed by herself and 18 other teachers at Baird Middle School calling for certain books to be banned from the teaching curriculum. Bonnie explained in the letter that the books she was told to share with her students are highly inappropriate, especially for younger children. She recommended swapping them out for more age-appropriate reading materials for middle-schoolers. This prompted a firestorm from Funke, who angrily accused Bonnie in a complaint of harassment, bullying, discrimination, and hate crimes all because Bonnie wanted to protect her students from having their innocence destroyed by sexually deviant smut. Bonnie has been spreading lies about me and accusing me of sexually exploiting students, Funke whined in the complaint. I believe this is libel, defamation, and harassment based in part on her perception of my sexual orientation and gender identity. Transgenderism is a serious mental illness from which children need protection Bonnies opposition to the reading materials of course had absolutely nothing to do with Funke, and everything to do with protecting her students. However, like many other narcissistic LGBTQs, Funke made the whole thing about itself while trying to destroy Bonnies career. It took a bit of time, but Bonnie was able to stand her ground against the wildly false accusations made against her by Funke, who was out for blood after realizing that not everyone at its school supports sexually indoctrinating children into the religious dogmas of transgenderism. The harassment charge that Funke filed against Bonnie eventually fell apart after she and her allies defended themselves at an official meeting, which was not even attended by Funke. If Funke had actually had a case, it would have shown up to present it. Since it did not, it hid itself away hoping that the school board would rule in its favor simply because it belongs to the Cult of LGBTQ, which is typically afforded special privileges not offered to anyone else. In this case, good won over evil, which is a rarity in todays day and age. It is not often that we can say that, but when it happens it is worth presenting because it shows that all is not lost, at least not yet. Because Bonnie stood up to Funkes bullying and did not back down, she won. Let this be a lesson to all of us about the power of not backing down in the face of tyranny and evil. I know what they were doing, Bonnie later stated about the case. This was about intimidation. They were trying to quiet me down because I was openly talking against it and with other teachers and I put it in writing. So, they labeled me hateful.' Parents within the district have since showered Bonnie with thanks for bravely standing up to LGBTQ tyranny on behalf of their children. She is a teacher who deserves commendation for her courageous act of love towards her students. It seems like the inmates are running the asylum is an appropriate statement in such cases as this, wrote one LifeSiteNews commenter about the situation. Where do they find these characters and why hire them in the school system unless they are absolutely, intentionally trying to corrupt the kids? More related news about the maliciously evil agenda of the Cult of LGBTQ can be found at Evil.news. Sources for this article include: LifeSiteNews.com NaturalNews.com (Natural News) A Utah woman and two U.S. senators are teaming up to get answers from federal health agencies about life-altering injuries people have experienced after receiving a COVID vaccine. (Article by Megan Redshaw republished from ChildrensHealthDefense.org) Brianne Dressen is a preschool teacher from Utah who was injured after participating in AstraZenecas COVID vaccine clinical trial in November 2020. She has accumulated more than $250,000 in medical bills as a result of injuries she believes were caused by the vaccine. Dressen said within one hour of being vaccinated she had tingling down her arm. By the time she got home her vision was blurry and doubled. Her sensitivity became so severe that she had to wear earmuffs and sunglasses all the time. Thats when things took a turn for the worse. Things progressed quickly, Dressen said. She experienced neurological decline, but no one could explain why. After a neurological scan, doctors said it looked as if she had multiple sclerosis (MS). According to Mayo Clinic, MS is a potentially disabling disease of the brain and spinal cord where the immune system attacks the protective sheath (myelin) that covers nerve fibers and causes communication problems between the brain and the rest of the body. Dressen lost the use of her legs, as her symptoms worsened. After running several MRIs, CT scans and lumbar punctures, doctors still had no answers, ABC4 News reported. Dressen said she spent months teaching herself how to walk, eat and form sentences again all while she traveled in search of answers. The hospital didnt know what was going on none of the neurologists that I saw knew what was going on, Dressen said. I called the test clinic several times and they had no idea what was going on. Dressen spoke with others who are dealing with the same symptoms after getting vaccinated, and she wants people injured by COVID vaccines to get help. I want the CDC to do the right thing and communicate with the medical community so these people can get help, Dressen said. I want the public to be able to have the full picture so they can make an informed decision. Senators demand answers from CDC, FDA and vaccine makers Dressen, along with other people who said they were injured by vaccines but repeatedly ignored by the medical community, participated late last month in a news conference held by Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.). .@SenRonJohnson + former Green Bay Packers Ken Ruettgers held press conference with families who want to "be seen, heard + believed by medical community" after suffering adverse reactions to COVID vaccines. SUBSCRIBE #TheDefender: https://t.co/zL66Edfiw5https://t.co/RIOEvNJ4uj Robert F. Kennedy Jr (@RobertKennedyJr) June 29, 2021 Following the news conference, Johnson and Utah Sen. Mike Lee wrote a letter to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) stating the agencies had ignored requests for assistance and answers from families injured by COVID vaccines. The Senators wrote: The very existence of these infirmities is financially, physically and emotionally debilitating for the afflicted individuals and their families. These individuals have previously expressed to both CDC Director Walensky and Food and Drug Administration Acting Commissioner Woodcock that they desire answers and assistance. Thus far, their requests have been ignored or gone without a substantive response. Lee and Johnson said widespread lack of acknowledgement of adverse events following receipt of a COVID vaccine has made it nearly impossible for some individuals to obtain the medical treatment they need, and that risks must be disclosed to the medical community and general public. If any of the COVID-19 vaccines truly cause adverse events of the severity noted above, even in a small percentage of cases, these risks must be disclosed, particularly to the medical community so that healthcare professionals are properly informed and may provide necessary treatment, care, and information to the general public as they weigh the risks and benefits of being vaccinated, the Senators wrote. In the letter, Lee and Johnson asked the FDA and CDC about the adverse events suffered during clinical trials, disclosed in the FDAs Emergency Use Authorization Memorandum for the Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines, as well as reported injuries from the U.S. AstraZeneca trial. Lee and Johnson asked whether the CDC is working with physicians and researchers at the FDA, National Institutes of Health or other medical research bodies to provide the various individuals who experienced adverse effects vaccine treatment and care. According to the most recent VAERS data, between Dec. 14, 2020, and July 2, 2021, a total of 438,441 total adverse events were reported to VAERS, including 9,048 deaths and 41,015 serious injuries. Obtaining federal compensation for COVID vaccine injuries is rare As The Defender reported July 8, people facing huge medical bills after being injured by a COVID vaccine have few options beyond what their own health insurance covers, because a federal law shields vaccine makers from liability. https://twitter.com/RobertKennedyJr/status/1413194083762413577 The National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986 and U.S. Supreme Court Decision in Russell Bruesewitz et al v. Wyeth et al, guaranteed vaccine manufacturers, doctors and other vaccine administrators have almost no legal accountability or financial liability in civil court when a government recommends or mandates a vaccine that causes permanent injury or death. In 2005, Congress passed the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act (PREP), which authorizes the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to issue a declaration providing immunity from tort liability for claims of loss caused by medical countermeasures (e.g., vaccines, drugs, products) against diseases or other threats of public health emergencies. On Feb. 4, 2020, HHS invoked the PREP Act when it declared COVID-19 to be a public health emergency. On Jan. 21, HHS amended the act, extending the liability shield to include additional categories of qualified persons authorized to prescribe, dispense and administer COVID-19 vaccines authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. In exchange for immunity for vaccine makers, under the PREP Act, the federal government pledged compensation for adverse reactions to COVID treatments and vaccines through a program called the Countermeasures Injury Compensation Program (CICP), run by HHS. As The Defender reported July 1, since the CICP programs inception in 2010, only 29 claims have been paid, with an average payout of around $200,000. The other 452 claims (91.4%) were denied. Ten claims won approval but were deemed ineligible for compensation. Only about 8% of people who applied to the CICP with vaccine injuries in the past received payouts, and there are no protections from the U.S. legal system. Prominent vaccine injury law firm says it cant help people injured by COVID vaccines because COVID vaccines are not covered under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, forcing many to raise funds for their injuries online.https://t.co/pob7n5TZiw Robert F. Kennedy Jr (@RobertKennedyJr) July 2, 2021 HHS forced to post data related to the CICP HHS last month agreed to post data related to the CICP, thanks to an investigation by Atlanta television news station, 11Alive, an affiliate of WXIA-TV. For nine months, 11Alives investigative team reported on the lack of transparency within the CICP. Last month, the government released data on the CICP requested by 11Alive and agreed to make the data available to the public. As of July 1, the CICP reported 1,165 claims filed. According to its website, the CICP has not compensated any COVID-19 claims. Two COVID-related claims were denied because the applicant couldnt prove the countermeasure caused their injury. One claim was associated with intubation, the other the vaccine. Almost all of the claims are still waiting to be medically reviewed. I think people sometimes have a distrust in government and people think that the government is hiding things from them when theyre not being transparent, said Melissa Wasser with Project on Government Oversight. The public has a right to know this information, especially with all of the government resources being used. The CICP website outlines the parameters of the program, which provides compensation for medical expenses, lost employment income and survivor death benefits as the payer of last resort, covering only what remains unpaid or unpayable by other third parties, such as health insurance. Under the CICP program, attorney fees are not covered. There is no court, judge or right to appeal. Those who believe theyve suffered an injury from a COVID vaccine only have one year from the date of injury to file a claim. Childrens Health Defense asks anyone who has experienced an adverse reaction, to any vaccine, to file a report following these three steps. Read more at: ChildrensHealthDefense.org and VaccineInjuryNews.com. (Natural News) A federal judge on Wednesday, July 7, denied the request of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to keep coronavirus (COVID-19) precautions in place on cruise ships departing from Florida. District Judge Steven Merrydays decision means that by July 18, cruise ships will not have to enforce COVID-19 safety protocols for their passengers or employees. The CDCs precautions will be nothing more than recommendations for any cruise line to follow, or not follow, as they see fit. The judge called the CDCs request for the safety protocols to remain in effect unpersuasive in his three-page order. The CDC had earlier asked for a stay to the injunction on its conditional sail order. Although CDC invariably garnishes the argument with dire prospects of transmission of COVID-19 aboard a cruise vessel, these dark allusions dismiss state and local health authorities, the industrys self-regulation and the thorough and costly preparations and accommodations by all concerned to avoid transmission and to confine and control the transmission, if one occurs, Merryday wrote. In other words, CDC can show no factor that outweighs the need to conclude an unwarranted and unprecedented exercise of governmental power. The ruling was a victory for Florida, a cruise industry hub. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis argued that the CDC rules were crippling the industry and causing the state to lose hundreds of millions of dollars. More than 13 million cruise passengers and crew members had embarked and disembarked in Florida and patronized Floridas businesses in 2019. Just last month, Merryday granted Floridas request for a preliminary injunction that prevented the CDC from enforcing its protocols past July 18. The judge concluded that Florida was likely to win against the CDC in the lawsuit that challenged the federal agencys conditional sailing order. This order finds that Florida is highly likely to prevail on the merits of the claim that CDCs conditional sailing order and the implementing orders exceed the authority delegated to the CDC, Merryday wrote in his 124-page decision in June. CDC thinks it can win in appeals court In its request for the stay of the injunction pending appeal, the CDC said that it believes it could win in appeals court, despite the opinion of Merryday, due to its long-standing history of requiring foreign ships operating in U.S. waters to comply with safety precautions to prevent the spread of communicable diseases. The federal agency also argued that by keeping its safety protocols for cruises in place, it was not shutting the cruise industry down but rather providing a framework for them to continue operating safely during the pandemic. Here, the undisputed evidence shows that unregulated cruise ship operations would exacerbate the spread of COVID-19, and that the harm to the public that would result from such operations cannot be undone, the CDCs request for the stay pending appeal stated. Cruise ships are uniquely situated to spread COVID-19, due in part to their close quarters for passengers and crew for prolonged periods, and stops at foreign ports that risk introducing new variants of COVID-19 into the United States. The CDC filed to appeal Merrydays preliminary injunction to the Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit on Tuesday, July 6. In October last year, the CDC issued its conditional sailing order in an attempt to prevent the spread of COVID-19 on cruise ships and from the ships into communities. (Related: CDC issues new framework to allow cruise ships to sail again.) The order created a four-phased approach for cruises to follow to resume sailing that included testing all staff on the ship, developing capacity for widespread testing of passengers, implementing routine tests for all crew members and restricting voyage lengths. DeSantis originally filed the lawsuit against the CDC for the conditional sailing order in April, claiming the agencys order has hindered businesses and contributed to the states unemployment rate. Follow Pandemic.news for more news and information related to the coronavirus pandemic. Sources include: TheEpochTimes.com NYTimes.com Sun-Sentinel.com (Natural News) Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) have found a strong link between radiation emitted by cell phones and cancerous tumors. The team was led by Joel Moskowitz, director of the Center for Family and Community Health at the UC Berkeley School of Public Health. They conducted their research in partnership with Seoul National University and the National Cancer Center of South Korea. The study was published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. Moskowitz and his team conducted a meta-analysis of case-control studies from 16 different countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan and South Korea. Based on data reported by 45 studies, they concluded that cell phone use with a cumulative call time of more than 1,000 hours about 17 minutes per day over a period of 10 years is associated with a 60 percent increased risk of developing tumors. In particular, they found that brain tumors and head and neck cancer accounted for most of the tumors linked to cell phone use. However, Moskowitz and his team acknowledged that more comprehensive research is necessary. Further quality prospective studies providing higher level of evidence than case-control studies are warranted to confirm our findings, wrote the researchers. Moskowitz warns telecom industry too invested in cell phones to allow more research Cell phone use has become part of many peoples daily lives, thanks to the emergence of smartphones, which have made life much easier in many ways. Over the years, cell phones have become the primary means of communication in the United States. Recent figures from the Pew Research Center show that 97 percent of Americans own some kind of cell phone. Furthermore, an increasing number of Americans have given up the use of landlines in favor of having cell phones as their sole means of communication. Data from the National Center for Health Statistics show that nearly 62 percent of adults are now wireless-only. But reports have emerged highlighting a potential link between cell phone use and serious health problems, particularly cancer. Moskowitz has been sounding the alarm for more than a decade now. Cell phone use highlights a host of public health issues and it has received little attention in the scientific community, unfortunately, said Moskowitz. In an interview with UC Berkeleys official news outlet, Moskowitz said he believes the influence of the telecommunications industry is preventing lawmakers and the Federal Communications Commission from conducting additional research to investigate the link between cell phone radiation and cancer. Many of the studies that looked into the health risks associated with cell phone use have been funded by the cell phone industry, so their findings were in favor of continued cell phone use. Critics like Moskowitz have denounced these studies because they skew research results. Moskowitz has likened the tactics employed by the Cellular Telecommunications and Internet Association (CTIA) to those used by the tobacco industry for decades to conceal the health risks associated with cigarettes. In the 1940s, tobacco companies hired doctors and dentists to endorse their products to reduce public health concerns about smoking risks. The CTIA currently uses a nuclear physicist from academia to assure policymakers that microwave radiation is safe. The telecom industry not only uses the tobacco industry playbook. It is more economically and politically powerful than Big Tobacco ever was, said Moskowitz. (Related: Listen up, iPhone users: Apple smartphones are emitting TWICE the reported radiofrequency radiation.) To avoid too much radiation exposure, experts suggest putting phones in airplane mode when not in use. When on a call, use the speaker feature or a headset instead of holding the phone up to your head. Health officials also advise against using phones when their battery is running out. They said cell phones emit more potentially cancer-causing radiofrequency energy to connect with cell towers when their batteries are low. Distance is your friend, said Moskowitz. Keeping your cell phone 10 inches away from your body, as compared to one-tenth of an inch, results in a 10,000-fold reduction in exposure. So, keep your phone away from your head and body. Learn more about how cell phones can cause cancer at Radiation.news. Sources include: Fox5NY.com MDPI.com Patch.com (Natural News) Just when you thought that the out-of-control FBI couldnt get more ghastly and authoritarian after five years of screwing Donald Trump over and spying on him, his family, his campaign, and his presidency, the bureau just had a hold my beer moment. In a tweet that could have been sent by murderous Soviet leader Josef Stalin if he were alive in the modern era, the FBI literally insinuated that Americans should turn in their family members, friends, relatives, and neighbors if they suspect them of being an extremist and we know what that term means to the current regime, dont we? Family members and peers are often best positioned to witness signs of mobilization to violence. Help prevent homegrown violent extremism. Visit https://go.usa.gov/x6mjf to learn how to spot suspicious behaviors and report them to the #FBI, the tweet, which also contained eerie-looking graphics, said. Family members and peers are often best positioned to witness signs of mobilization to violence. Help prevent homegrown violent extremism. Visit https://t.co/bql36iSbig to learn how to spot suspicious behaviors and report them to the #FBI. #NatSec pic.twitter.com/ZwJp5h5bWD FBI (@FBI) July 11, 2021 BizPac Review noted: The anger from the right stemmed from the glaring dichotomy between the Department of Justices obsession with the Jan. 6th riot at the U.S. Capitol and its utter lack of interest in the deadly Black Lives Matter and Antifa riots that occurred throughout all of last year (and are still ongoing in certain sectors of the country). In fact, just last week the DOJ announced that theyre spending $6.1 million of taxpayer funds just to build a database of Jan. 6th evidence. The link within the FBIs text goes to a 2015 publication that mostly deals with Islamic terrorism and extremism. It is important to consider the totality of circumstances when observing potential indicators, as some factors may increase the risk of extremist violence in a given situation, the booklet says. It also notes that some factors include individuals who have an inability to cope with changes or perceived failures in relationships, school, or career. Those with a A history of violence (e.g., domestic violence or violence toward animals) and unstable mental state; social isolation or inability to join with or relate to others; and a possession of, access to, or familiarity with weapons or explosives should be flagged as well, the publication says. Certainly, behaviors exist and are noted in this booklet that would be troubling regardless of ideological motivation and may warrant contacting law enforcement. However, this booklet is focused on individuals or groups that are inspired or enabled by foreign terrorist organizations, including but not limited to ISIS, al-Qaida, and their affiliates and allies, the document said. Now, while all of that may seem innocuous, understand where this FBI is coming from: A deep, dark, dank place of hatred for all things Donald Trump. Whats more, the tweet comes amid the Biden regimes push to label every single one of Donald Trumps supporters a domestic terrorist following the Jan. 6 deep state-staged assault on the Capitol Building. Republicans lined up to push back on the bureaus Stalin-esque suggestion. Richard Grenell, a former acting director of national intelligence under Trump, noted on Twitter the tweet is outrageous because the bureau has a growing credibility problem and this type of sinister snitching is clearly unhelpful. Other Republicans stated flatly the FBI wants Americans to spy on each other. In both Cuba & China, they also ask children to spy on their parents, Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) wrote. These people protected Hillary, abused NSA surveillance databases against Americans, used known, unreliable DNC-funded propaganda to spy on Trump, perpetuated the Russia hoax, & lied to the FISC repeatedly. And now they tell you that you should spy on your family, Rep. Dan Bishop (R-Texas) added. Our country is on a collision course: Either we wake up en masse and embrace freedom and our constitutional founding, or we implode and fade into the ash heap of history, the greatest failed experiment in self-government ever. Sources include: NaturalNews.com BizPacReview.com TheEpochTimes.com (Natural News) When it comes to the Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19), there is no such thing as asymptomatic transmission or variants. These are completely made-up concepts that have no basis in reality, and yet anyone who tries to tell the truth about it is chided by the mainstream media for spreading misinformation. Reuters is doing this to Dr. Michael Yeadon, a former vice president and chief science officer at drug giant Pfizer. For daring to claim that much of the plandemic rhetoric is a pile of pseudoscientific garbage and it is Yeadon has been labeled an anti-vax proponent who is making unfounded claims. A fact checker article analyzing Yeadons claims says that he has created a mixture of straw men and sheer invention by revealing that asymptomatic transmission is a lie, and that the idea of variants is just idiotic. Theres also a terrific peer-reviewed journal article showing that domestic transmission in asymptomatic cases was effectively zero, Yeadon is quoted as saying about symptomless transmission of the Fauci Flu. As for variants, Yeadon had this to say: I can show several good quality papers demonstrating that T-cells from a convalescent person or an immunized person each recognize all the then-available variants, again, as anticipated by fundamentals of immunology. The weak twaddle in their piece about antibodies is risible. Yeadon: People who claim Wuhan Flu shots are safe are bastards Yeadon has also come out in condemnation of the so-called vaccines, explaining that bastards created them in order to depopulate the world. We have VAERS, Yellow Card, and EMA monitoring, Yeadon says. We have mechanisms of toxicity. We have multiple open letters to EMA (warning of blood clots) which were immediately followed by vaccine withdrawals (for blood clots). The fact that the government is pushing these things on pregnant women is even more heinous, Yeadon says. No one in their right mind thinks giving experimental treatments to pregnant women is other than reckless. Especially when reproductive toxicity testing is incomplete. Two recent public disclosures show that in mice models, Chinese Virus injections create a very disturbing concentration of vaccine chemicals in the ovaries. This is major news, and yet the mainstream media is nowhere to be found in reporting on it. No one has followed it up, so the assumption has to be this is happening in humans too, and (II) our concern expressed in the December 2020 petition to EMA about immune cross-reactivity between spike protein and human syncytin-1 has been confirmed, Yeadon says. A paper was very recently published showing young women making antibodies to syncytin-1 within days of vaccination. The entire thing is fraud, Yeadon says, suggesting that thousands have already died from the injections. And yet where are the people in protesting the scam and perhaps more importantly, where are they in protesting the government entities that are pushing it on us all? These people all need locking up in that new high-security facility being built at speed at Wellingborough, Northants, Yeadon says. The prima facie case against a dozen or so people in U.K. warrants their arrest pending criminal prosecutions. These are bold statements, and ones that Reuters has decided are unacceptable. In its fact check, Reuters declared that Yeadon is wrong, and that the plandemic narrative is somehow right, even though there is zero evidence to support any of it. If these figures are of the same order of magnitude for other countries as well, and there is no reason to assume otherwise, then the plague is a deception of unprecedented proportions, and crimes committed against humanity on a huge scale have been committed here, Yeadon says. More of the latest news about Chinese Virus deception in the media can be found at Pandemic.news. Sources for this article include: NaturalNews.com GlobalResearch.ca NaturalNews.com (Natural News) Throughout 2020 and the first quarter of 2021, the liberal media and the Democrat establishment rejected the lab leak theory as right-wing conspiracy theory. Their cohorts at Big Tech censored any mention of the lab leak and blocked posts about coronavirus gain-of-function, an unethical research field that the U.S. National Institutes of Health invested in at the Wuhan Institute of Virology in China. NaturalNews has been pointing these facts out since the very beginning of the covid-19 scandal. Even though the liberal media and the Democrats used bioterrorism to lock healthy people down, commit mass larceny against small businesses, threaten religious liberty, restrict oxygen intake, abuse schoolchildren and hold entire populations down for experimental injections, these same loving protectors continually refused to address serious questions about the origins of this scandal called covid-19. Instead of using critical thinking and sound judgment, liberals chose to use bioterrorism and mass hysteria as a political weapon to control, shame, censor and manipulate people. If you didnt do what the Democrats and the liberal media demanded, then they accused you of putting everyones lives at risk (unless you joined a BLM/Antifa riot). Liberal media dismissed lab leak theory for over a year, coordinating propaganda to help cover-up crimes against humanity Liberals have a hard time recognizing reality, such as that the Chinese worked with senior level scientists in the U.S. government to develop coronavirus spike proteins with enhanced gain-of-function properties. Liberals have a hard time recognizing that Event 201 was real, that pandemic simulations, contact tracing, mask contracts, and vaccine passports were already in the planning stages prior to the SARS-CoV-2 release. But now, the liberal media suddenly loves the lab leak theory not because they have remorse for aiding and abetting the destruction of the U.S. Constitution and human rights around the word. The liberal media suddenly loves the lab leak theory, because its their scapegoat now a way to hide their complicity. Liberal darlings like John Stewart are now opening up about the obvious connections between the original Wuhan coronavirus outbreak and the Wuhan Institute of Virology, where scientists collected bat coronaviruses and manipulated their properties. Stewart isnt the only one doing an about-face after spending more than a year mocking the far right who connected the dots and asked tough questions. The Guardians Left-wing commentator, Thomas Frank, also did an about-face and apologized for calling the lab leak theory a far-right conspiracy theory. Rising editor, Saagar Enjeti, apologized to his progressive audience, lamenting that a laboratory leak is the most likely explanation for the origin of COVID-19. Liberal news show, The Young Turks apologized for getting it all wrong, too, after spending more than a year condoning censorship of the lab leak theory across all Big Tech social media platforms. Co-host Cenk Uygur explained to his progressive audience that he placed his faith in scientists who ultimately led him astray. After all, a host animal reservoir has not been identified for SARS-CoV-2, even though Chinese scientists have every incentive to come up with an alibi. The SARS-CoV-2 virus has never been isolated naturally, but a spike protein sequence was already prepared for mRNA vaccine production long before the world began to lock down. Liberal medias sleazy flip-flop on covids origins should not excuse them for their coverup, dishonesty and dereliction of duty All of a sudden, an onslaught of corporate and liberal media outlets are reporting on the corruption that has been openly displayed by gain-of-function bagman, Dr. Peter Daszak. His firm, the EcoHealth Alliance, was directly involved with coronavirus manipulation and vaccine development at the Wuhan lab, yet he strong-armed the World Health Organization and leading world scientists into believing a laboratory leak was nothing more than a conspiracy theory. His censorship of the lab leak theory, early on in the pandemic, was unraveled in the private emails between he and his comrade, Dr. Anthony Fauci. It was also uncovered that Big Techs Google Inc. also conspired with Peter Daszak and the Wuhan lab to conduct dangerous experiments on coronaviruses. Since then, the Wall Street Journal released a classified report about three employees of the Wuhan Institute of Virology falling ill with COVID-like symptoms in November 2019. Their symptoms were so severe, the virologists sought treatment in hospital. Forbes, NBC News, Business Insider, CNN, The New York Post, and Yahoo News have begun to investigate these serious matters on the origins of covid-19, over a year and half after they pushed away any investigative reporting on the matter. Their propaganda, authoritarianism, dereliction of duty and dishonesty in journalism through the covid-19 scandal will forever haunt them. These propaganda rags are complicit in using bioterrorism to suspend the rule of law and seize political and financial control, while covering up the origins of a bioweapon release. Their complicity in the SARS-CoV-2 coverup is aligned with the Chinese Communist Partys propaganda and appears to be blatantly coordinated. The brave and the bold who support liberty and justice for all, should not accept these sleazy liberal media apologies. Sources include: MintPressNews.com NaturalNews.com NaturalNews.com NaturalNews.com BlacklistedNews.com NaturalNews.com NaturalNews.com (Natural News) If there has ever been more fake research, skewed statistics, falsified data, and manipulated conclusions published for any medicine than there has been for vaccines, please let it be known. From the fake polio vaccine to the mercury-loaded flu shots, more health detriment comes from inoculations than any other form of medication, thanks to the FDA (fraudulent drug approvals) and the CDC (center for disease creation). Now that vaccine hesitancy (non-insanity) has more than 50% of Americans saying absolutely not to all Covid jabs, the fake, falsified and Full FDA Approval is coming next, to try to reassure the refusers that the blood-clotting, heart-inflaming deadly Covid inoculations are once again safe and effective, which means unsafe and defective. Their slogan is always the exact opposite of the dangers and the effects. This fake Full FDA Approval will switch the Covid vaccines out of medical experiment mode and back their local level push for mandatory, gunpoint vaccination campaigns. This is whats next, a local level push, because the gangster mafia DC thugs cant seem to enforce their toxic jabs on gun owners and landowners who know better and arent hesitant, but rather 100% sure vaccines are nothing short of a death wish. CoVax Syndrome now more than obvious around the world, so the local level push wont get much traction Yes, Covid Vaccine Syndrome (CVS) is sweeping the nation. As more large company employers are requiring Covid jabs for continued employment, more people are wandering around wondering why they feel lethargic all the time, and confused and anxious. Their blood is clogging and their heart is inflamed, stressed to the maximum trying to pump blood past all the spike proteins that cling to blood vessels and cause blockages. Ten times worse than fibromyalgia, over 400,000 jabbed Americans have reported horrific side effects and adverse events that last not for a day or days, but for weeks, months, and some arent going away (blindness, deafness, loss of motor skills). The CDC is attempting to bury these reports, but theyre popping up faster than they can delete them. Just check VAERS daily and you will see. All injuries caused by vaccines, including blood clots, heart inflammation, and death, are misdirected away from the vaccines and the vaccine manufacturers by every MD in the country. That is why the FDA and the CDC desperately need their fake full approval for vaccines, so they can reassure the vaccine hesitant Americans that everything is just fine and dandy, so its safe to go get your death jab. Has your employer announced yet that Covid vaccines will be mandatory for you to keep your job? They will soon The calls are mounting for Full FDA Approval of the most toxic inoculations ever created on Earth, and yes, were talking about the China Flu jabs. Vaccine manufacturers fake efficacy testing all the time. There are zero checks and balances for the industry, so nobody else is testing these vaccines for safety or efficacy. Nobody. No independent labs are allowed to use the patented formulas used for spreading disease. Only the CDC and the FDA are allowed to get their hands dirty. Thats another reason the Covid vaccines are dirty vaccines and must be forced onto Americans by their employers; otherwise anyone who knows anything about vaccine ingredients and adverse events would avoid them like the plague (because they are). All Covid vaccines right now are labeled Medical Experiment and fall under Emergency Use Authorization (EAU). This is to blame for vaccine hesitancy, another term for people who know vaccines are deadly, and much more so than any lab-made flu the globalists are spreading around. Vaccines are the pandemic. Even healthcare professionals, doctors, surgeons, pediatricians most of them know NOT to get the vaccines themselves (or lie and say they did). At least 50% of healthcare workers avoid vaccines unless they dont have a choice. The next phase of the plandemic is to get a fake Full FDA Approval for Covid vaccines and then have as many employers in America as possible make them mandatory. The psycho Democrats in DC think they might get another 10% of America inoculated by this fully-coercive and illegal method. At the same time as the fake Full FDA Approval is issued, the Delta Variant (also made in a lab and released this year) will blanket the fake MSM news everywhere. Fear and emotions are everything when conning sheeple into taking deadly medicine. In May of 2020, the Fraud & Deception Agency (FDA) issued 84 EUAs to applicant businesses and laboratories. There is no real approval of any Covid vaccines, and there are no safety or efficacy tests being run, because theyre simply not needed, and the vaccine manufacturers cannot be sued for anything, ever, by anyone (thanks to Congress). Are you suffering from CoVax Syndrome? Covid-19 vaccines are not safe or effective; theyre unsafe and defective. Visit CovidVaccineReactions.com if you already got a dirty jab or two and feel like youre sick and dying. Then call an attorney. Also check out Pandemic.news for updates on these crimes against humanity and the upcoming vaccine holocaust. Sources for this article include: Pandemic.news NaturalNews.com TruthWiki.org ZeroHedge.com InfectionControlToday.com (Natural News) Three lecturers at different universities in New Zealand claimed that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has been planting spies in their institutions. The three said that Chinese individuals have shown up to their lectures and conducted information-gathering activities. They even shared instances of Chinese outsiders disrupting lectures and confronting them because of the topics they discussed. University of Auckland International Relations and Politics Senior Lecturer Stephen Noakes shared incidents of non-enrollees showing up to his classes and appearing to be gathering intelligence. On one occasion, an individual Noakes had never seen before took pictures of the lecture theater while he was speaking. It made me incredibly uncomfortable and I followed it up afterward. Ive not seen that person again, Noakes said. Victoria University of Wellington Professor Catherine Churchman also shared an instance that happened back in 2017. A man who claimed to be a visiting scholar came to her class and upbraided her about her lecture content. She then told the man that he was not supposed to be there and he needed to leave. Churchman later saw the individual descending from a bus near the Chinese embassy in Wellington. Maybe this was just completely coincidental. Maybe he lived there, I dont know. But the fact that he was quite determined to try and engage me to find out things; that he came into my class without asking permission and tried to correct me with the official position on Chinese history and their relationship with non-Chinese people I found that rather suspicious, Churchman said. Meanwhile, University of Canterbury Lecturer Anne-Marie Brady said she frequently had individuals come to her classes despite not being enrolled. She told these people that they could not be there if they had not enrolled in the class and paid the fees. While some came to observe, others were disruptive. Brady shared that in 2019, a woman had to be forced out of her class because she became both disruptive and somewhat intimidating. Spying appears to be part of a new breed of nationalism Interestingly, the three professors had China-related subjects as their topics of expertise. Noakes formerly held posts at both Chinese and Taiwanese universities. Meanwhile, Churchman taught ancient Chinese history and Brady specialized in Chinese domestic and foreign policy. Noakes attributed the proliferation of individuals disrupting lectures on Chinese politics to a new breed of Chinese nationalism driven by the CCP. (Related: Oxford University sells out to communist China for less than a million dollars.) There is a renewed focus in China on national pride. Its an explicit pillar of Xi Jinpings leadership and that emphasis trickles down from the state and [CCP] leadership to those who come up through Chinese education systems, and then, they arrive on our doorstep one day, he explained. What we now often find is that students enrolled in our courses from mainland China are far more nationalistic than was the case when I started teaching at universities 12 to 15 years ago. Noakes cited one example of this attitude. Some Chinese students would claim that the media coverage of the Tiananmen Square incident of June 1989 was a fabrication by the West to make China look bad. Noakes said that he hears this claim a few times during each semester. The Chinese Embassy in New Zealand quickly denied the allegations in a statement to Radio New Zealand (RNZ). The so-called Chinese intelligence gathering in NZ universities is pure hearsay. We hope the relevant side could view this from an objective and rational perspective instead of making groundless accusations to undermine the trust and mutual understanding between the peoples of our two countries, the statement said. Security consultant says Chinas intelligence gathering is not surprising Security consultant Paul Buchanan told RNZ that China assigning so-called intelligence collectors to classrooms in New Zealand and other countries is not surprising. He said: They do this all over the world. They monitor dissidents and what is said about China. And that gives them an idea of what China looks like to the educated classes abroad. (Related: Chinese agents arrested for stalking and attempting to coerce Chinese dissidents into returning to China.) Buchanan said outsiders taking pictures of Chinese students in a lecture hall was highly problematic. However, he clarified that some of the other incidents could be more innocent. There is a big difference between spies and nationalistic mainlanders who feel compelled to sit in and correct in their words the mistaken opinions of foreigners when it comes to Chinese history, he said. Nevertheless, the security consultant acknowledged that some of the other activities were more similar to intimidation campaigns and were a cause for concern. These people want to be seen in the classes, not so much by the lecturer, but by other Chinese nationals. Its a very easy and effective way to get dissidents to hush up, Buchanan explained. CommunistChina.news has more articles about Chinese espionage and propaganda spreading in universities. Sources include: TheNationalPulse.com RNZ.co.nz (Natural News) An Ohio hospital transplanted a kidney into the wrong person, leaving the intended recipient waiting for a replacement. Officials at University Hospitals (UH) in Cleveland on Monday, July 12, apologized for the mistake and said two employees had been placed on administrative leave pending the results of investigation. We have offered our sincerest apologies to these patients and their families, George Stamatis, spokesperson for UH, said in a statement. We recognize they entrusted us with their care. The situation is entirely inconsistent with our commitment to helping patients return to health and live life to the fullest. Investigations into the incident are ongoing Fortunately, the patient erroneously given the kidney was compatible with the donated organ and expected to recover. Investigations into the incident from both outside agencies and internal quality and compliance experts are ongoing, according to UH officials. UH will take the actions necessary to prevent such a mistake from ever happening again, University Hospitals said. (Related: Man dies from rabies after receiving infected transplant kidney.) The hospital has notified the United Network for Organ Sharing, which manages the national transplant system. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is also aware of the issue and will take appropriate action after reviewing the case. The mixed-up surgery took place July 2. There were two kidney transplants scheduled at UH that day. A source told News 5 Cleveland that the mistake wasnt noticed until the second operation. UH wont confirm how far along the surgery was when the transplant team realized they had the kidney intended for the first patient. UH said the second patient is back on the transplant list awaiting another organ. The case brought back memories of another Ohio kidney transplant problem in 2013. Sarah Fudacz needed a kidney and her brother was the donor. However, a nurse from the hospital mistakenly threw her brothers kidney away. I knew something had gone wrong as soon as I was being rolled out of surgery because I lifted up my shirt and there was no incision, said Fudacz during a 2013 interview. Somebody wasted part of my brother. Fudacz then had to endure months of painful dialysis. I just cried because I couldnt believe that I was back where I started when I shouldve been healthy. I shouldve been recovering, Fudacz said at the time. The nurse who made the mistake was let go from the hospital and Fudacz got a settlement for $650,000. Experts still insist organ transplants are safe despite errors Despite the reported human errors, experts are still insisting that organ transplants are safe. UH is still telling patients that transplants are happening as normal. (Related: Eugenics: Doctor denies young girl kidney transplant because she is considered mentally retarded.) Heather Mekesa, chief operating officer of Lifebanc, Northeast Ohios only nonprofit organ and tissue recovery organization, said the mix-up that happened at UH is extremely rare. About 99.9 percent of the time, this doesnt happen and organ donation does truly save lives, Mekesa said. Since 1999, UH has performed more than 2,700 kidney transplants, including 95 so far this year and 194 in 2020. Mekesa said she has never heard of a mix-up with recipients until now. She noted that organ donation is such an important thing in Ohio and the country. More than 110,000 Americans are on a transplant list, including 3,000 Ohioans, and one person is added to the list every 10 minutes. The biggest need is kidney transplants. Theres almost twenty five hundred people here in Northeast Ohio waiting on that kidney transplant list, Mekesa said. And the success rate is wonderful. But the unfortunate circumstance is theres not enough donors out there to really get that list down. And thats so important. Mekesa is hoping that the recent and rare transplant mix-up doesnt hurt the organ donation registry. This incredibly rare, uncommon mix up shouldnt deter anybody from signing up on that donor registry and giving someone a second chance if possible, Mekesa said. Follow BadDoctors.news for more news and information related to erring doctors. Sources include: Fox5NY.com News5Cleveland.com 1 News5Cleveland.com 2 (Natural News) Across the globe, Big Pharma and various governments have teamed up to accelerate the process for mandatory coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination, despite data that shows the many negative side effects linked to different vaccines. One Israeli researcher and professor has recently revealed that Pfizer used questionable tactics to obtain the Food and Drug Administrations (FDA) authorization for Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for children as young as 12. Pfizer risking the health of young children for profit Regardless of the many risks associated with coronavirus vaccines, mandatory vaccination programs are often quickly rolled out in many countries, As of writing, millions of doses of experimental vaccines have been administered while researchers have yet to determine the full extent of vaccine-related health risks to people of various ages. Even 12-year-old children are now allowed to get vaccinated because of Pfizers efforts to earn EUA for the age group. But Dr. Yaffa Shir-Raz, a researcher from Israel, warned that Pfizer violated its own protocol to ensure that its vaccine can be administered to young children. On June 8, Shir-Raz, a researcher and fellow at the University of Haifa and Interdisciplinary Center Herzliya in Israel, wrote an article detailing how Pfizer violated the companys own protocols. The article was published on Americas Frontline Doctors website. In the article, Shir-Raz explained that Pfizer allowed children with pre-existing psychiatric conditions to be enrolled in the trial despite the fact that this was listed as exclusion criteria in the companys documentation. According to the review document Pfizer submitted to the FDA, four of the 1,131 children in the study given the Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine experienced serious adverse events (SAEs) or events wherein at least one criterion was met: caused death, is life-threatening, requires hospitalization or prolongation of existing hospitalization, results in persistent disability/incapacity, or congenital anomaly/birth defect. Because of Pfizers decision, three children (out of 1,131) ended up requiring hospitalization for severe depression within one to 15 days of inoculation: One child in the first seven days after the first dose Another child in the second only one day after the second dose And the last child in the third 15 days after the first dose Pfizer admitted that all three children had pre-existing anxiety or depression. Additionally, the children started using a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) one to two months before the study began. But instead of taking the blame, Pfizer claimed that the new SSRI was linked to depression among the young participants. But according to Shir-Raz says, worsening suicidal ideation that would necessitate hospitalization typically occurs within two weeks and not more than a month after starting SSRIs. This suggests that Pfizers claim that the SSRIs are at fault instead of the vaccine is doubtful. (Related: Pfizer pushes ahead with plans to push coronavirus vaccines on younger children, including toddlers and infants.) Pfizer also violated its own protocol by including these children in the trial. Shir-Raz warned that the consequence of the finding is extremely worrying since it suggests at one in every 350-400 children who are vaccinated could develop severe depression and require hospitalization. Pfizer and Big Pharma must be held accountable for these manipulative tactics But thats not all. Shir-Raz added that Pfizer used other questionable tactics for the trial. The trial only had a six-month follow-up in its entirety, which is less than the recommended one to four years of follow-up required by the FDA. Because of how the protocol was designed, Pfizer only needed to report serious adverse events occurring within the first month after inoculation to the FDA. This means adverse events occurring later wouldnt be considered in the FDAs safety analysis and that Pfizers findings would seem more positive than they actually are. Pfizer investigators were allowed to define the adverse events for themselves (As elicited by investigative site staff) instead of relying on any diagnosis from medical professionals at a hospital. Like other pharmaceutical companies only interested in profit, Pfizer has already paid billions in settlements for medical injuries and other matters. In fact, Pfizer is known to have paid the largest fine ever ($2.3 billion) for a fraud lawsuit filed by the Department of Justice over illegal marketing claims. Shir-Raz also advised that the blame isnt solely on Pfizer. After all, the FDA allowed Pfizer to include only one month of data for its safety analysis. The public deserves to know why the FDA quickly approved the EUA for children. Finally, why did the FDA, which receives at least 45 percent of its funding from the drug companies that it regulates, approve the study protocol despite the potential dangers associated with coronavirus vaccines? Visit Vaccines.news to read more articles about how Big Pharma violates protocols and causes harm for profit. Sources include: NaturalHealth365.com AmericasFrontlineDoctors.org (Natural News) Dr. Vladimir Zelenko, the first to recommend hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and zinc as an early remedy for the Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19), is outraged that the world has been taken hostage by a group of sociopaths pushing vaccines, passports, and other authoritarian measures as the cure for the plandemic. During a recent interview with LifeSiteNews Claire Chretien, Dr. Zelenko, a family physician in New York, explained that nothing the government and medical establishment are pushing as solutions to the Chinese Virus are valid. And the things that are have been, and continue to be, systematically suppressed. Dr. Zelenko has seen roughly 3,000 patients who tested positive for the Fauci Flu over the past year. Of these, 1,000 were identified as high risk, and Dr. Zelenko was able to successfully treat them with HCQ and zinc, which reduced the death rate from 7.5 percent to less than half a percent. This is substantially better than the 80-90 percent of Chinese Virus patients who died after being put on ventilators, which is what Tony Fauci and other fake physicians were pushing last spring. That is an 84 percent reduction in hospitalization and death, Dr. Zelenko says about the superiority of his treatment methods. Out of the 600,000 dead Americans that we have, we could have prevented 510,000 from going to the hospital and dying. As you probably know, HCQ quickly landed itself on the governments blacklist of medicines that could not be prescribed for treating the Wuhan Flu after it was discovered that the FDA-approved drug worked exceptionally well at treating it. Since Fauci and friends have a vested interest in pushing experimental gene therapy injections, lockdowns and Chinese face masks, HCQ was prohibited from use across most of the country, despite having a decades-long track record of safety and efficacy. It has been embraced by world-leading physicians who are honest and capable of deductive reasoning and are not indoctrinated, Dr. Zelenko told LifeSiteNews. Unfortunately, 90 percent of physicians in this country are incapable of independent thought. The net result is that they follow blindly the recommendations of their employers or government agencies without using common sense. They just follow orders, like the Nazis did. The government and conventional medicine are whats killing people, not covid Dr. Zelenko has been an outspoken opponent of Chinese Virus injections, especially in young children who have a zero risk of dying from Chinese Germs. Those who do test positive will more than likely never develop symptoms, and if they do an early treatment regimen of HCQ, zinc and other nutrients and superfoods like green tea, they will most likely prevent the need for hospitalization. Ivermectin is another drug that Dr. Zelenko says holds promise, explaining that there are dozens of studies that corroborate its use as a safe and effective remedy for the Fauci Flu. This is the cure for tyranny, Dr. Zelenko says about his remedies, noting that those who oppose them are engaging in a war against God. The only reason people are dying, he says, is because of the government you live under, and the doctor you choose. If I can tell you, Go to the pharmacy and get quercetin, vitamin C, vitamin D, and zinc, which are all over the counter, and if you use them in the right dosage, you will get better and stay healthy, Dr. Zelenko further explained about how easy it is to stay safe against the Chinese Virus by simply supporting your immune system. All of a sudden I have empowered the individual not to be subjugated or brutalized by terrible governance and physician malfeasance and malpractice. The latest news stories about Chinese Virus deception and tyranny can be found at Pandemic.news. Sources for this article include: LifeSiteNews.com NaturalNews.com NaturalNews.com (Natural News) Tens of thousands of dead fishes turned up off the coast of St. Petersburg in Florida on the morning of July 9. The city had been collecting the dead fishes for the past several days, with nine tons being cleaned up in a single day. Red tide reportedly caused the death of the fishes, and city officials said the arrival of Tropical Storm Elsa worsened the situation. The fish cleanup commenced after a wave of dead fish arrived near the coast days ago. St. Petersburg Emergency Manager Amber Boulding said: Weve collected 15 tons of fish in those last 10 days, and nine tons of those fish have been picked up in the last 24 hours. City officials noted that 15 tons amounted to 25,000 fish while nine tons was about 15,000 fish. Boulding added that the problem is widespread and the work is tedious. The effort has forced the city to recruit more than 120 staff members from other departments aside from public works to help out. Officials have also considered bringing in outside contractors to help. The cleanup efforts came with a price. Other non-essential services such as mowing, tree trimming and pothole repairs had been delayed as multiple city workers were pulled away from their day jobs. Were out there, were scraping and netting fish but the best way to let us know where those kills are, and where the big piles of fish are, is to let us know, Boulding said. Most have assumed red tide blooms caused by high concentration of Karenia brevis were behind the fish deaths with Elsa making them worse. (Related: Its a simple chain of cause-and-effect: Toxic green algae in Florida is the result of man-made pollution.) While red tide counts were high in the waters of St. Petersburg, additional testing from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is needed to determine Elsas impact on the outbreak. FWC research scientist Kate Hubbard said the current red tide outbreak stood out from earlier ones. Its unusual to have the levels were seeing, and to have them this time of year, she said. Hubbard added that her department in the FWC is ramping up water testing and investigating fish kills to respond to the severe red tide blooms. Residents are complaining about the dead fish and the putrid smell Red tide blooms have appeared in both Boca Ciego and Tampa bays. These have posed a concern for people living near the area and those seeking to enjoy the waterfront at St. Petersburg. Some who spoke to the Tampa Bay Times lamented the dead fish and the resulting smell. Nick Finch planned to celebrate Fourth of July and his sons birthday by the beach at Lassing Park. However, the appearance of dead fish killed by red tide derailed his plans. The 27-year-old father did his best to endure the odor when he visited the park with his son on July 1. Im not sure how long well be outside with that smell, Finch said. The smell at Lassing Park also made Noel Jambor and his pet terrier return to their car. He said he usually sees people kiteboarding in the water, but not at that moment. No ones going to come here right now. It stinks, Jambor said. Meanwhile, Mary Jo Allen described the fish kills that reached the Coquina Key neighborhood where she lived. Thousands of dead fish filled a canal there after the tropical storm passed by Pinellas County on July 7. She told Bay News 9: Its almost like you can walk across the water on the fish. Thats what it feels like, and thats what we saw first thing when we woke up from the storm. Allen said that she and other residents of the Waterside South apartment complex had been dealing with fish kills for the past two weeks. However, she added that things worsened after Elsa hit their area as the combination of red tide toxins in the air and the scent of rotting fish became too much. (Related: Florida battling dual ecological disasters What arent they telling residents about the connection between the toxic green algae and red tides?) You cant be outside. Some people have left [and] gone to hotels. You get a headache [and] some coughing. [You] have to hold your nose if youre going to walk by with your dog, she said. Allen added that complaints about the dead fishes had been filed to St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman. We havent gotten any response, she said. Krisemans spokesperson, Ben Kirby, denied allegations that the complaints fell on deaf ears. As a point of reference, our staff had been collecting dead fish for nine straight days in a row including over the [Fourth of July] holiday weekend, he said. Environ.news has more articles about fish kills in Florida caused by red tide. Sources include: StrangeSounds.org FOX13News.com TampaBay.com BayNews9.com (Natural News) The civil unrest situation throughout Africas southern tip continues to spiral out of control, prompting the South African Army Reserve to order all Reserve members on immediate duty. A statement from the regiment explains that at the command of Lieutenant General Lawrence Khulekani, Chief of the South African Army, all Reserve members are called to duty at first light on the morning of July 21. Though there is no specific count, it is estimated that the South African Army has around 12,300 reserve force personnel in its ranks, which suggests the situation has become exceptionally serious. The Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal provinces of South Africa are reportedly being hit the hardest by social unrest due to the arrest and jailing of former South African President Jacob Zuma. The countrys economy is taking a major hit as rioters continue to burn down farms and blockade travel routes in and out of the Port of Durban, which has brought imports and exports to a grinding halt. Grocery stores are also running dry as many are no longer receiving new food stocks, not to mention the looting and pillaging that is taking place at many of them. Reports are suggesting that South Africa could be on the verge of becoming a failed state due to the violence, especially as police and military are nowhere to be found in trying to quell the violence. Social unrest raged in South Africa for nearly a week as food, fuel, and ammo shortages materialized, one report explains. Farming, manufacturing, and oil refining have gone offline in certain regions as the worst unrest in decades continues. South African police are joining the looters wreaking havoc throughout the country In a statement, current President Cyril Ramaphosa promised to deploy the military to some of the hot zones since local police forces are said to be overwhelmed by all of the chaos. In some areas, police are actually joining the looters by robbing businesses and destroying property in protest. President Ramaphosa welcomed proposals made by political leaders and said expanded deployment of the South African National Defence Force was being addressed, an official statement explains. An unrest map created through the PolicyLab website shows that all of the unrest is currently taking place in eastern South Africa, with Cape Town not reporting any violence or crime beyond the ordinary. At the same time, the localized areas where rioting, looting and violence is taking place are having a nationwide impact due to supply chains and transport networks being disrupted. The Port of Durban, the fourth-largest container terminal in the Southern Hemisphere, is taking a huge hit due to the protests, as are warehouses throughout Durban. The entire world will likely feel the impact of what is taking place as South Africa is also the worlds second-largest exporter of fresh citrus behind Spain. Sadly, South Africa is on its knees, reported the Daily Maverick. Entire communities have been razed, but more significantly at least for those trying to calculate what the future might hold the violence has targeted vital nodes of distribution: logistics capacity in Mooi River; local food and dry good stores throughout eThekwini; large malls and warehouse facilities along the coastline and up into Pietermaritzburg. Rioters are said to be specifically targeting vital infrastructure, their goal being to disrupt and destabilize it as much as possible. Video footage shows widespread destruction at shopping malls, grocery stories, convenience stores, warehouses and other facilities where goods are stored and sold. More than 70 people have also been reported dead due to the unrest, which has been going on for about a week now. More related news about the situation in South Africa can be found at Collapse.news. Sources for this article include: ZeroHedge.com NaturalNews.com PolicyLab.app Sign up to get breaking news, weather forecasts, and more in your email inbox. Sign Up Now From a Hallmark movie starring Chad Michael Murray to a Netflix Christmas movie starring Justin Hartley, Connecticut has served as the backdrop for many movies this spring and summer. And another Christmas movie is set to film on the Connecticut shoreline next week. According to filming permits from the city of New London, a movie called The Christmas Fix will be filming in the area on Monday, July 19. Economic Development Coordinator Elizabeth Nocera said in an email that the production was setting up on Friday for the Monday shoot date, and will be filming at Muddy Waters Cafe on Bank Street. 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 Boy from council estate becomes Lord Mayor Boy from council estate becomes Lord Mayor After growing up on a council estate, Catholic Cathedral parishioner Kevin Maguire has become Lord Mayor of Norwich. Here he shares a little of his vision for the city. I am so proud to have been elected as Lord Mayor of this city. I was going to say greatest city in the world but that is not the Norwich way: one of the reasons I love Norwich so much is that it does not boast; it is a wonderful place of understatement where superlatives only detract. I will use my year to give voice to everyone in the city. That will include promotion of the citys fantastic commercial, scientific, and innovative industries. To this end, the Sheriff and I will work particularly hard in strengthening the links with our twinned cities in both Europe and beyond. I want to say a little bit about my background in order to explain my plans for the year. I grew up on a council estate. As a Roman Catholic, I became the beneficiary of a peerless, state-funded education provided by Jesuits. My faith has been an important guide throughout my life, especially in relation to ethics and action. And the Civic Life is all about helping others. It is for this reason that I want, during my year, to call upon the major faiths in Norwich plus the Humanist Society to provide members of a seminar group to meet three times over the year to discuss some of the ethical dilemmas faced in public service. I see them as the modern equivalent of the long-pensioned-off office of Lord Mayors Chaplain. I have learnt over my life how essential education is. For a truly inclusive society, everyone must get the best start: they have a right to reach their full potential. It breaks down the class system and gives opportunity for a person to make their full contribution to our society. It is for these reasons that I want, during the Civic Year to promote Early Years Education and, to this effect, I am writing to Norwichs Higher Education Institutes (which includes two world-leading Universities) and ask them to support a series of Lord Mayors Lectures. The lectures will be there to promote to everyone interested major aspects of early-year development. Labour councillor Kevin Maguire became Lord Mayor in a joint ceremony in which Caroline Jarrold, Community Affairs Adviser at Jarrold and Sons, was appointed High Sheriff. They replace councillor Vaughan Thomas and Dr Marian Prinsley respectively. The ceremony was the first in two years, since the pandemic had forced the former Lord Mayor and High Sheriff to stay in post. Kevin is an active member of St Johns Cathedral in Norwich. His four children all attended Catholic Schools. Three went to university (UEA, Durham, Oxford), and he now has two granddaughters. Pictured above is Kevin Maguire. Image from Norwich City Council. Eldred Willey, 16/07/2021 Stalham Baptists set up new community fridge Stalham has a new Community Fridge, joining several other towns and villages in the county which have joined in with this initiative. Tony Rothe reports. The fridge is one of a growing number opening up across the UK. The concept first arrived in the UK in 2016 and there are now well over 50 across the country. The idea is to cut food waste by making unwanted or surplus food available to those who can use it. The Stalham fridge, which has been set up and is hosted by Stalham Baptist Church, opened on Saturday, July 10, when several locals and visitors came along to find out more about the scheme. They heard how community fridges serve to recycle food that would otherwise go to landfill back into the community, thus reducing food waste and helping to reduce climate change. The organisers are approaching all local businesses that produce or sell food, be it perishable or non-perishable, to help the Fridge grow and remain popular, and are looking to get as many food donators onboard as possible, for example, those with allotments who have surplus fresh fruit and veg, or even just households who find they have surplus food. The fridge, located at the Baptist church, will be open from 2pm to 4pm on Mondays, 10am to 12 noon from Tuesday to Friday each week. It will be closed at weekends. Anyone in the community is welcome to collect food, and those coming are encouraged to bring their own bags for life. Organiser Jane Skivington, pictured on the right, above, said The launch went really well. Sadie Houghton at the Sheringham fridge has been really helpful in advising us. The Stalham scheme has the backing of North Norfolk District Council and environmental group Hubbub UK. For more information, visit the Stalham Community Fridge Facebook page . Also visit www.lovefoodhatewaste.com . The images above are courtesy of David Child. See our previous story on Community Fridges here . Do you have a news story or forthcoming event relating to Christians or a church in East Norfolk? If so, e-mail tony.rothe@networknorwich.co.uk with details and, if possible a suitable picture. Tony Rothe, 16/07/2021 Scarborough - Dr. Arthur C. DiMauro passed away on July 13, due to pancreatic cancer. A former resident of West Newbury and Haverhill, MA and long-time member of the Haverhill Country Club, Art grew up in South Portland, Maine and graduated from South Portland High School and the University S Lalitha By Express News Service BENGALURU: The bustling Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) yard at Yesvantpur has taken a big blow due to the ongoing Covid pandemic and the amendments in the APMC Act nearly a year ago. Out of 1,000 outlets here that were operational, nearly 300 dealing with rice, wheat, and pulses have ceased daily business. Speaking to The New Indian Express, Ramesh Chandra Lahoti, president, Yesvantpur yard, said business has been extremely dull forcing the closure of nearly 300 businesses. We have 2,200 license holders here of whom nearly 1,000 were active. At present only around 700 shops are carrying on transactions. The second wave of Covid has impacted traders more than the first one, he said. He attributes two major reasons for the huge drop in business in the yard. The mass free distribution of food grains that could last a few months to help public tide over Covid time as well as the amendment brought about to APMCs under the Farm Laws. It has now levied a 0.6% fee on those operating from APMCs as compared to nil fee on those out of its ambit was also a major reason for the business going elsewhere. The Karnataka Agricultural Produce Market Committee Ordinance 2020, enacted in July 2020, ended the APMCs monopoly over market produce. M Ramesh, Honorary Joint Secretary, The Bangalore Grain Merchants Association, and a partner at Sri Ramanatha Traders and two other outlets at the yard, said the merchants were waiting for the Covid crisis to subside so that traders can come together and approach the government on the market fee levied on those inside APMCs. We are forced to levy 60 paise for every Rs 100 worth of produce brought from us on the retailers as market fee as mandated by the State government. Due to the amendment in the Act, anyone can start a business outside the yard and they need not levy any fee on purchasers. All we ask is a level playing field as this move gives those trading outside the yard a big advantage as they can sell their goods cheaper than us, he said. Ramesh also appealed to the State government on behalf of all merchants to include the APMC traders under Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises. By Express News Service CHENNAI: Chief Minister MK Stalin and leaders of various political parties paid respects to former Chief Minister K Kamaraj on his 119th birth anniversary on Thursday. Stalin paid floral tributes to the former Chief Ministers portrait which was placed below his statue near Pallavan House in Anna Salai. During the occasion, Minister for Information and Publicity MP Saminthan, MPs, MLAs and other authorities took part. Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted to highlight the services of the former Chief Minister. In his tweet, he stated, Paying homage to the great Shri K Kamaraj on his birth anniversary. He dedicated his life to national development and social empowerment. His emphasis on education, healthcare and women empowerment continue to inspire the people of India. Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu stated in his tweet, Remembering the former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, Shri K Kamaraj, on his birth anniversary. He was a visionary leader, known for his simplicity, integrity & deep concern for the poor. He will always be remembered for his monumental role in invigorating the States education system. To celebrate the departed leaders birthday, hundreds of Congress cadre gathered at Kamaraj Arangam in Teynampet under the leadership of TNCC president KS Alagiri and marched towards the Kamaraj memorial house in T Nagar. The rally was kick-started by the TNCC in-charge Dinesh Gundu Rao. At the end of the rally, the Congress leader garlanded the statue of the departed leader. MDMK general secretary Vaiko, along with party functionaries and cadre, garlanded the statue of the former Chief Minister located in Guindy. On behalf of AMMK, the party cadre, under the leadership of deputy general secretary G Senthmizhan, paid floral respects to Kamaraj at his memorial. By Express News Service CHENNAI: To create awareness among the students about the need to up-skill and re-skill themselves to meet the demands of a post-Covid world, The New Indian Express in association with Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research (SRIHER) is organising a webinar on July 17. The webinar will provide a chance to the participants to get up close and personal with the leading people from the sector. Students can register at edexlive.com. The pandemic has brought the discussion of up-skill to the forefront. TNIE and SRIHER have joined hands to answer questions in a series of webinars for students focused on their higher education and careers. A panel of international experts will discuss Tech demands and the need to keep learning on July 17. The webinar series, which comes to an end on July 17 was organised to support students figure out a range of topics that are essential for their future. The webinar organised on July 17 at 5 pm will have Madhu Kandasamy from Qualcomm, PB Kotur, who handles Global Talent Engagement at Wipro, Dr Steve Hoover, Executive Director of the Global Cybersecurity Institute, RIT, USA and Dr V Raju, Sri Ramachandra Engineering and Technology, SRIHER discussing tech demands of the future and the need to keep upskilling. Interested students or graduates looking to explore options, can register for the webinar at edexlive.com. By PTI NEW DELHI: Leaders and workers of the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) Delhi unit staged a protest near Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's residence in the Civil Lines area here on Friday over the water crisis in the national capital. Led by Delhi BJP chief Adesh Gupta, the protesters raised anti-government slogans and demanded that clean and pure drinking water be supplied. Gupta, Leader of Opposition in Delhi Assembly Ramvir Singh Bidhuri and others first gathered at the Chandgi Ram Akhara near Ring Road and then marched towards the chief minister's residence on Flagstaff Road. The protesters were stopped around 500 metres from the chief minister's house by police, a BJP leader said. Addressing the gathering, Gupta alleged that schemes for water production and distribution announced in the last seven years have not yet started. The Delhi government is responsible for the water crisis in the city as it is in connivance with the tanker mafia, the BJP leader alleged. Later in a statement, the BJP claimed that during the protest, party workers tried to cut off the water supply to the CM's residence but the heavy presence of police there thwarted their attempt. "Gupta alleged that Kejriwal seems to have forgotten many promises on the basis of which he came to power and rather, he is now eyeing other states for the political expansion of his party he seems to be on political tourism to other states thereby conveniently forgetting all this," the BJP alleged in the statement. A group of Delhi Congress workers staged a demonstration outside Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's residence here over water shortage and supply of dirty drinking water in the national capital. It was led by Delhi Congress president Anil Kumar. "For the past two months, Delhiites have been bearing severe water shortage, but the Delhi chief minister has been touring other states promising 'free power and water', though he has not been able to address the water shortage in Delhi for the past seven years. "The Delhi Jal Board, which was running on profits when Congress was in power, is now under Rs 57,000 crore debt, which was the 'contribution' of the Kejriwal government," Kumar said in a statement issued by the party. According to the statement, Congress workers had assembled at Parmanand hospital in Civil Lines before marching towards the chief minister's residence, but the police halted them midway on Kejriwal's direction. The CM also refused to meet a Congress delegation to listen to their water woes, it added. During the protest, Congress workers shouted anti-Delhi government slogans like "Kejriwal Ka Yahi Fanda Hai, Rajdhani Ka Paani Ganda Hai", "Beemari Nahi Paani Do, Dilli Ko Swachh Paani Do" and "Dilli Ki Dukhad Kahani, Peene Ke Liye Ganda Paani", and carried placards and banners to express their ire. Prominent Congress members who participated in the demonstration include former MLAs Mateen Ahmed, Anil Bhardwaj, Vijay Lochav, Kunwar Karan Singh, Rajesh Jain, Amrish Gautam and Darshana Ramkumar, DPCC vice-presidents Abhishek Dutt and Ali Mehndi, Delhi Pradesh Mahila Congress president Amrita Dhawan, Delhi Pradesh Youth Congress president Ranvijay Singh, and municipal councillors Sushila Khorwal, Darshana Yatav, and Zubair Ahmed. Delhi Jal Board (DJB) vice chairman Raghav Chadha on Friday said the water level at the Wazirabad pond, one of the most important reservoirs in the capital, has increased from 667 feet to 674.5 feet, with Haryana releasing the city's legitimate share of water. Chadha, who took stock of the situation at the Wazirabad Barrage on Friday, said 16,000 cusec water, which was released by the neighbouring state three days ago, has reached Delhi and the water treatment plants in the capital are operating at optimum levels. "I salute the people of Delhi for their struggle. DJB along with the people of Delhi - finally managed to compel Haryana to release Delhi's rightful share of water in Yamuna, to the tune of 16,000 cusec," he tweeted. "As a result, all our water treatment plants are now operating at optimum levels, and @DelhiJalBoard is working 24x7 to clean, filter & supply water to every household in Delhi," Chadha said. Now, the Wazirabad pond is full, water level is back at 674.5 ft as against 667 ft.Things are normalizing, he added. The water from Wazirabad pond is drawn for treatment at Wazirabad, Okhla and Chandrawal treatment plants. The treated water is then supplied to central, south and west Delhi. According to Chadha, water levels of the Yamuna at the Wazirabad Barrage had hit the lowest mark in 56 years on Monday, with Haryana withholding Delhi's legitimate share of water. Delhi grappled with a water crisis with Haryana withholding at least 120 MGD water that belonged to the city, he had said. The DJB had on Sunday moved the Supreme Court, seeking directions to Haryana to release the capital's share of water. The utility supplies 935 MGD of water to city residents against the demand of 1,150 MGD. At present, Delhi has been receiving 479 MGD against 609 MGD from Haryana. Besides, Delhi draws 90 MGD groundwater and receives 250 MGD from the Upper Ganga Canal. By Express News Service HYDERABAD: The e-auctioning of prime lands in Kokapet on Thursday offered a much-needed fillip to the Telangana government. A single plot in the Golden Mile layout was gobbled up for Rs 60.2 crore as against the upset price of Rs 25 crore. Its proud owner is now Rajapushpa Realty LLP. Another plot measuring 1.65 acre fetched Rs 99.33 crore for the government. While Plot-2 in the Neopolis layout was sold at Rs 42.40 crore as against the upset price of Rs 25 crore per acre, another parcel of land measuring 7.755 acres was bagged by Rajapushpa Properties Private Limited for Rs 328.81 crore. The Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA), on behalf of the Telangana government, undertook the auction of government lands to the extent of 49.949 acres at Neopolis layout (7 plots) and Golden Mile (one plot) in Kokapet abutting the Financial District. The auction was conducted online on the MSTC platform. The minimum bid amount was set at Rs 25 crore per acre with a minimum bid increment of Rs 20 lakh or its multiples per acre. Even as the upset bid amount was Rs 25 crore per acre, the bids ranged from Rs 31.20 per acre to Rs 60.20 per acre with a weighted average bid amount of Rs 40.05 per acre. The final bid of Rs 60.20 per acre for plot No. 2/P (West Part) measuring 1.65 acres is the highest ever. Overall, a total of Rs 2,000.37 crore was generated through this auction.The auction was done in two sessions. In the first session, four plots measuring a total of 30.778 acres were put up for bidding and in the second session, another four plots measuring 19.171 acres were put on auction. The selected bids were made by Satyanarayana Reddy Manne (7.721 acres, Rs 325.83 crore), Rajapushpa Properties Private Ltd (7.755 acres, Rs 328.81 crore), Aqua Space Developers Private Limited (7.738 acre, Rs 281.66 crore), Prestige Estates Projects Limited (7.564 acres, Rs 285.92 cr), Aqua Space Developers Private Limited (8.946 acres, Rs 350.68 crore), Varsity Education Management Private Limited (7.575 acres, Rs 296.94 cr), Hyma Developers Private Ltd (one acre, Rs 31.20 cr), Rajapushpa Realty LLP (1.65 acres, Rs 99.33 cr). Sources said that the Neopolis project assured 100 per cent clear title of the government land, absolute ownership of the land, time-bound and fast-tracked approvals through a single window system, unlimited floor space index (FSI), multiple-use zone for office space, IT, residential, institutional, commercial and mixed-use. MIN BID AMOUNT SET AT Rs 25 CRORE PER ACRE The HMDA, on behalf of the Telangana government, undertook the auction of government lands to the extent of 49.949 acres at Neopolis layout (7 plots) and Golden Mile (one plot) in Kokapet abutting the Financial District. Auction was conducted online on the MSTC platform. The minimum bid amount was set at Rs 25 crore per acre with a minimum bid increment of Rs 20 lakh or its multiples per acre Mahima Anna Jacob By Express News Service KOCHI: When martial art forms like Karate, Kung Fu and Taekwondo were gaining popularity among Keralites, Rahul P S from Thodupuzha was working on being the first-ever Kali performer. The Filipino Martial Art form, widely known as killing martial art, can defend an opponent in a short time.Rahuls interest in Kali was born when he watched the Mohanlal-starrer Yodha. The stunts intrigued him and he wanted to learn it further. Then 19, Rahul sold his bike, packed his bags, and travelled to Nepal along with his Bengali friend who hails from the Nepal-India border. Unfortunately, the trip didnt go as he planned and Rahul had to return home. Upon returning, he learned Karate, Kung fu, and other martial art, until he came to know that the Kung fu he was practising is not the real deal. I wanted to train in authentic Shaolin Kung Fu. It was nearly impossible for me to travel to China and train under a monk. After some research, in the year 2012, I met with renowned trainer Kanishka Sharma Indias first Shaolin monk. He trains Indian commandos, defence officials, and few Bollywood actors including Shahrukh Khan and Akshay Kumar, says Rahul, who is also a professional beautician and owner of the salon Health and Beauty in Thodupuzha. Under Kanishka, Rahul practised Shaolin Kung Fu for 60 days. After the initial rigorous training, I continued learning under Kanishkas assistant, Buddhpal Bauddh, adds Rahul.It was there that Rahul came across Kali. The agile Filipino martial art caught his attention. Unlike the other martial arts, Kali teaches you to take hold of weapons before attempting hand-to-hand combat. To learn Kali, our bodies neednt go through year-long flexibility training. The dangerous art form is taught mainly to the armed officials, says RahulSeeing Rahuls passion to learn Kali, his master agreed to teach him. People find happiness in many things. For me, its martial arts. It puts me in a state of bliss and strengthens my physical and emotional well-being. I have completed three levels in Kali. Its been five years, and I still undergo training in Shaolin Kung Fu and Kali from Buddhpal, says Rahul, who is also trained in Tai Chi and has a diploma in Yoga. Kali for women Apart from armed forces, the weapon techniques are taught to women as well, says Rahul. He believes it is of utmost importance for women to get training in Kalis weapon and empty hand techniques that help convert everyday items like mobile phones, purses and keys into lethal weapons if one has to defend oneself. This martial art aficionado, who is in the pursuit of learning more forms of martial arts aspires to travel to different parts of the world and learn more forms of martial arts. He is travelling to Thailand soon to get trained in Muay Thai.The 31-year-old also runs the Shaolin Tai Chi martial arts academy in Thodupuzha. I teach Tai Chi, Shaolin Kung Fu, and Kali. Recently I got an opportunity to teach Kali to a few police officials in Thodupuzha. Ill be training them soon, he adds.Youtube: travelling with martial arts. Anuja Susan Varghese By Express News Service KOCHI: A study conducted in Muvattupuzha on the antimicrobial resistance of pathogens in the poultry production environment and developing the same among humans revealed that the bacterial infections among people residing in the area were caused by similar drug-resistant Escherichia coli (E-coli). The irrational use of antibiotics in chicken, for meat production and preventing infections, has made an impact in the community by making them resistant to certain common antibiotics, including ampicillin, amoxicillin, amikacin and ofloxacin. The study titled Antibiotic resistance in Escherichia-coli isolates from poultry environment and UTI patients in Kerala was published in Elsevier medical journal in January this year. The study was conducted by Stevlin Sebastian, Antriya Annie Tom, Joyal Anna Babu and Merin Joshy of Nirmala College of Pharmacy, Muvattupuzha. Two poultry farms each from six areas in the Muvattupuzha region in Ernakulam were selected for the study. Samples of faecal matter, litter from inside and outside the shed and nearby agricultural soil were collected. The samples tested found that E-coli was resistant to antibiotics, including ampicillin, amoxicillin, meropenem and tetracycline. Two broiler poultry farms at a distance of 3km away from each other were selected in the region. As many as 60 samples were clustered for study. Similar antibiotic resistance pattern was seen in the samples of around 150 patients with urinary tract infection (UTI) collected from hospitals in the nearby regions. Due to this, even infants are born with this resistance which is not a good sign, said Stevlin. E-coli is a diverse group of bacteria that include intestinal pathogenic E-coli, which can be a source for gastrointestinal infections and extraintestinal pathogenic E-coli, which can cause infections outside the gastrointestinal system. In poultry, E-coli bacteria can cause colibacillosis disease, among others, that account for high morbidity and mortality. UTI vulnerability Urinary tract infections are common bacterial infections and many patients suffer from highly recurrent UTIs which are caused by genetically diverse bacteria like E-coli. Widespread dispersal of chicken litter or chicken litter-based organic fertilisers harbouring antibiotic-resistant food-borne pathogens can be a serious environmental hazard. Food animals and their production environments are reservoirs of both resistant bacteria and resistance genes that could be transferred to humans by direct contact, through the food production chain or as a result of the animal waste on land. Heightened antimicrobial usage in the poultry industry due to the growing demand may lead to the emergence and dissemination of the multi-resistant and pathogenic E-coli variants, which could be an important public health threat. Policymakers should implement stringent rules at the earliest to curb this menace of occurrence of multidrug-resistant strains in the poultry environment, said Stevlin. Kerala had launched Antimicrobial Resistance Strategic Action Plan in 2018 intending to combat antimicrobial resistance, but its operations were hit by the pandemic. As many as 27 institutions are under the action plan in the state involved in tracking infections and pathogens. Kerala has launched Antimicrobial Resistance Strategic Action Plan in 2018 By PTI MUMBAI: Around 250 residents of a slum-dominated area in Mumbai's Kurla were evacuated on Friday morning as Mithi river swelled up following heavy rains in the city and its suburbs, which also affected the local train services, officials said. However, as water level of the river later subsided, these people returned to their places, they said. People residing in Kranti Nagar, a slum-dominated area in Kurla west, located along the bank of Mithi river, were shifted to nearby municipal schools after its water level touched 3.7 metres in the morning with its danger mark being 4 metres, an official of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said. Mithi river originates from Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) in Borivali and meets the Arabian sea at Mahim creek. During the 2005 Mumbai flooding, areas around Mithi river were the most affected and Army had to be called in to rescue and shift locals. Hundreds of people had died in the floods that year. The official said that after the rains took a break following the evacuation of people, Mithi river's water level went down to two metres from 3.7 metres. After that, most of the evacuated people returned to their places. Heavy rain pounded Mumbai, especially its suburbs, since early morning, the BMC officials said, adding that Mumbai island city recorded 55.3 mm rain, while 135 mm and 140.5 mm rain in Eastern and Western suburbs, respectively between 4 am to 9 am. A civic official said that the H-East administrative ward of the BMC, which includes areas like Bandra east and Khar east, recorded the highest rainfall of 186.9 mm, followed by 175.5 mm rain in M-west ward that includes Shivaji Nagar, Govandi and Mankhurd areas during those five hours. Due to the downpour, several low-lying areas in the eastern and western suburbs witnessed water-logging, which led to traffic snarls on the arterial roads. As a result of water-logging, mainly between Sion and Vidya Vihar section on the Central Railway's main line, and Chunabhatti-Tikal Nagar section on the Harbour line, the suburban train services were badly affected. A Central Railway spokesperson said the suburban services on both these lines were hit due to water-logging and it led to bunching of trains. Due to this, suburban services ran behind schedule and the operations of some long distance trains were also hit, he said. Meanwhile, the IMD has predicted moderate rain in the city and suburbs with possibility of heavy rainfall at isolated places, the civic official said , adding that the city will witness hightide of 4.08 metres on Friday at 4.26 metres. Tulsi lake, one of the seven reservoirs that supply drinking water to the metropolis, overflowed due to heavy rains, they said. By ANI MUMBAI: Actor Arjun Rampal has completed his shooting for the upcoming film 'Dhaakad'. Directed by Razneesh Ghai, 'Dhaakad' is an action-packed film, wherein Kangana Ranaut essays the role of a protagonist, Agni. On Friday, Kangana took to her Instagram Story and penned a farewell post for her co-star Arjun, who recently wrapped up his work on 'Dhaakad'. "It's a film wrap for our baddy. Will miss you on the sets," Kangana wrote, adding a picture of Arjun popping champagne on the sets of the film in Budapest. Arjun, too, took to social media to share his experience working with Razneesh. "Brother in arms. What a pleasure Razneesh... what an experience. Thank you kiddo. Love and till we meet again," he wrote on Instagram. Arjun will be seen playing the role of a villain, Rudraveer, in 'Dhaakad'. By PTI MUMBAI: Mumbai police have registered a case against T-Series' managing director Bhushan Kumar, son of music baron late Gulshan Kumar, for allegedly raping a woman on the promise of providing a job to her, a charge that the company claimed is "completely false and malicious". The offence was registered on Thursday at D N Nagar police station in Andheri (West) on the basis of the complaint lodged by the 30-year-old woman, who is an actor, an official said. As per the complaint, Bhushan Kumar, 43, allegedly raped the woman on the pretext of providing a job to her in some project of his company, the official said. Sources in the police department said that the complainant knew Kumar since the last few years and he allegedly sexually exploited her between 2017 and 2020 at various places. The woman said she was cheated by him and hence she approached the police, the official said. According to the official, Kumar has been booked under IPC sections 376 (rape), 420 (cheating), 506 (criminal intimidation). In a statement issued to the media, T-Series denied the charges and said the company is in the process of consulting their lawyers and "will take appropriate legal action". "The complaint filed against Mr. Bhushan Kumar is completely false and malicious and the contents of the same are denied. It has been falsely alleged that the lady in question was sexually exploited between 2017 to 2020 on the pretext of giving her work." "It is a matter of record that she has already worked for T-Series banner in Film and music videos," the production company said in a statement. As per T-Series, the woman had approached Kumar in March 2021, seeking help to fund a web series she wanted to produce, but she was "politely refused". T-Series claimed that the complainant was trying to extort money from the company, leading the banner to file a case against her. "Consequently, a complaint was filed by T-Series banner against the attempted extortion with police at Amboli police station on 1st July 2021. We also have evidence in the form of audio recording for the extortion attempt and the same shall be provided to the investigating agency," the statement added. T-Series said the present complaint filed by the actor is nothing but a "counter blast to the complaint filed against her" for extortion. "We are in the process of consulting our lawyers in this regard and will take appropriate legal action," the statement concluded. Aathira Haridas By Express News Service THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Fret not if you havent cleared the SSLC examinations. Its time to forget all the stress and relax at Kodaikanal. Malayali Sudheesh K, who is settled in the famous Tamil Nadu hill station, is offering a fully paid vacation to you and family. To help students who failed in the class 10 examinations deal with the stress and get refreshed, Sudheesh, who is fondly called Sudhi, is offering free accommodation at his homestays and properties in Kodaikanal. Students can arrive with their parents and spend two days at any of his properties free of cost. Its Sudhis way of extending moral support to students going through a crisis. Ever since Sudhi shared his unique initiative on social media on Wednesday, his phone has been ringing non-stop. Students, educationists and families are calling him from across the state to learn more about his initiative. Ever since the Class 10 results were announced, there has been a lot of victory sharing in social circles. What we often do not see is the other side of this. There is a segment that is being ostracised and ridiculed for having failed, says Sudhi who runs Hammock in Kodaikanal. So, I thought of offering something in my capacity to help them deal with the crisis, says Sudhi. Sudhi, a native of Vadakara in Kozhikode, has been living in Kodaikanal since 2006 with his family. Ever since Sudhi joined a resort for work after his hotel management course in 2003, he has been living there. The place is silent and away from all craziness. It is the ideal place to get away from all stress and get refreshed. It isnt like old times, during my school days. Then, a failure would be taken in its stride. Now, students are under tremendous pressure. And passing the tenth standard is a matter of prestige for the family. A little bit of time away from this stress can work wonders for the kids and their parents, says Sudhi. A persons success isnt defined by intelligence and Sudhis initiative is a welcome move as it reinforces this idea, said clinical psychologist Nithin A F. Parents are the ones who should be cautious. In Keralas social scenario, parents tend to compare their kids with other children and thereby put immense pressure on their wards. All kids have their own talents. Unfortunately, class ten examinations are a part of a social evaluation. Education doesnt define the success or failure of an individual in life. We should inculcate a value-oriented awareness in kids, he said. The offer will be open till the end of July. All the students must do is furnish the class 10 certificate which shows them as having failed. They should arrive with their families. I have been getting calls from students asking me if they could come alone or with friends. These are very young kids and so we will only let them in only if they are with their families. Two kids who called me today shared how depressed they were. I tried to tell them not to worry and that this is not the end of the world, says Sudhi. By PTI CHANDIGARH: Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh is learnt to have written to Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Friday expressing reservation over Navjot Singh Sidhu's possible appointment as the state party chief. In another development, AICC general secretary and in-charge of Punjab affairs Harish Rawat is likely to arrive in Chandigarh to meet Amarinder Singh on Saturday even as suspense over the much-awaited announcement from the Congress high command on the resolution of the infighting in the party's state unit continues. In a letter to Gandhi, Amarinder Singh is learnt to have mentioned that there could be an adverse impact on the party's prospects in the upcoming and crucial 2022 assembly polls by ignoring the old guard and other senior party leaders representing Hindu and Dalit communities, sources said. Sidhu, a former BJP MP, had joined the Congress ahead of the 2017 assembly polls. There are reports that he is likely to be made Punjab Congress chief. However, Amarinder Singh has expressed his displeasure over Sidhu being given a key post, said the sources. There is also talk of appointing two working presidents -- a Dalit and a Hindu face to balance the caste equations. ALSO READ | Amarinder will lead Congress in Punjab polls: CM's media adviser junks reports on resignation The names of minister Vijay Inder Singla and MP Santokh Chaudhary were doing the rounds for the post of working presidents. Chief Minister Amarinder Singh is a Jat Sikh. Currently, Sunil Jakhar is the PPCC president. Rawat is expected to meet the chief minister at his farmhouse at Siswan in Mohali on Saturday afternoon, the sources further said without divulging much about the proposed meeting. Amid continued internal feud in the state unit of the Congress, Sidhu on Friday met party president Gandhi in Delhi. Congress leader and chairman of Punjab Large Industrial Development Board Pawan Dewan urged the party to have a representation of the Hindu community on key posts in the state unit. "Punjab Congress president - Jat Sikh (if Sidhu is made state Congress chief). CM-Jat Sikh. Punjab Youth Congress President- Jat Sikh Campaign Committee Chairman- Jat Sikh, Hindu kaha hai (where is the representation of the Hindu community)?" he tweeted. Sidhu has been at loggerheads with Amarinder Singh and he had attacked the chief minister over the alleged delay in justice in the 2015 sacrilege and subsequent police firing incidents. The Punjab CM on Friday also slammed the Aam Aadmi Party over its criticism of his government's decision on debt waiver for farm labourers and landless farmers, saying it exposed the opposition party's "anti-farmer stance". ALSO READ | Punjab Congress leader Daljit Singh Bhola Grewal joins AAP AAP had termed the Punjab government's recent decision of waiving Rs 590 crore worth loans under a farm debt waiver scheme for labourers and the landless farmers as a ploy to fool people ahead of the Assembly polls next year. "The AAP criticism of my government's decision on debt waiver exposes Arvind Kejriwal's party's anti-farmer stance," the CM said in a statement. At the same time, Amarinder Singh said their reaction is on expected lines "considering that the party (AAP) had never shown any interest in doing anything for the farming community". "The Kejriwal government in Delhi was among the first to notify one of the controversial and draconian farm laws of the central government. The fact is that AAP does not care for the welfare of the agricultural community and is opposed to any decision that is in favour of the farmers," he alleged. He reminded AAP that the debt waiver for farm labourers and landless farmers was not an announcement made on the eve of the 2022 Assembly polls but a promise contained in the Punjab Congress manifesto. ALSO READ | AAP always recognised my vision, work for Punjab: Sidhu amid Congress infighting Despite the severe financial constraints faced by the state government and compounded by the Covid pandemic, he was committed to the implementation of each of the 2017 election promises, he asserted. He further claimed that even after six years of AAP in power, the people of Delhi were deprived of even basic amenities like water and health care facilities. "The much-touted Delhi model of governance has proved to be a total failure," he said, adding that neither Punjab nor any other state wanted a slice of it. Ridiculing Kejriwal's promise of free power units in every state he is visiting to kick off the party's poll campaign, the chief minister dubbed him "as a master of manipulation". "Even in Delhi, where AAP government claims to be giving free power, an analysis of the data shows that what the citizens of the national capital are getting in terms of relief in power costs was actually less than in Punjab, apart from the fact that the farmers of Delhi had got not a paisa worth of support or relief from the Kejriwal government," he claimed. "It is evident that AAP had manipulated the figures to spread misinformation - an art they have mastered," he further alleged. By PTI GWALIOR: The COVID-19 pandemic hit the aviation sector in the country hard but now the things are improving, Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said here on Friday. The BJP leader who was inducted in the cabinet in the recent expansion was speaking at a function to launch four new flights from Gwalior. Coronavirus has hit the aviation sector hard, but things are improving. By 2024, we have to develop 100 airports in the country to create 1,000 air routes. Out of these 100, 61 airports are already connected. A total of 360 air routes have been started which was Prime Minister Narendra Modi's dream under the UDAN scheme, he said. In the economy of any country, transport sector plays a major role. Today we are connecting Gujarat and Maharashtra with Madhya Pradesh, he said. He had a personal connection with the two states as he was born in Maharashtra and is the "son-in-law of Gujarat", Scindia quipped. Four new flights of SpiceJet were launched from Gwalior on Friday connecting the city with Pune, Surat, Ahmedabad and Mumbai. The aviation minister also announced that from July 18, a Jabalpur-Delhi-Jabalpur flight will be launched while in October a Khajuraho-Delhi-Khajuraho flight will start. SpiceJet will soon start a Boeing plane service for Mumbai too, he said. At present 14 flights operate from Bhopal, 22 from Indore, 14 from Jabalpur and six from Gwalior, and the number will be increased in coming days, said Scindia. Union agriculture minister Narendra Singh Tomar, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Chairman and Managing Director of SpiceJet Ajay Singh were also present on the occasion. Tomar said that Scindia was working hard to fulfill the prime minister's dream that even those who wear slippers should be able to fly. Chouhan said though Madhya Pradesh has a lot of potential in the tourism and industries sector, air connectivity was a major issue, and now with Scindia heading the civil aviation ministry, this problem will be resolved. A beginning in this direction has been made with the launch of new flights from Gwalior, he said. SpiceJet CMD Singh said his airline has started flights from 14 airports in the country from where no air connectivity was available until now. State ministers Tulsiram Silawat and Pradyumna Singh Tomar and Gwalior BJP MP Vivek Shejwalkar flagged-off the new flights. By PTI CHANDIGARH: Aam Aadmi Party's Punjab president Bhagwant Mann on Friday wrote an open letter to the MPs of all political parties, urging them to back farmers and force the Centre to repeal its contentious farm laws. In his letter, the Sangrur MP said farmers from Punjab and all over the country have been struggling against the "black farm laws" of the Centre for the past one year. "But the central government had not listened to their legitimate demands and shown any seriousness," he alleged. Mann said many farmers lost their lives since the stir began. "Now, it is the time for the Union government to take a decision and repeal the black farm laws as demanded by the farmers," he wrote. "As the president of the Aam Aadmi Party, Punjab, and Member of Parliament as well as the son of a farmer, I urge you all to unite on the issue of farmers and force the Narendra Modi-led central government to take a decision regarding the repeal of the black farm laws," he wrote in the letter. The AAP leader appealed to the MPs to raise their voice against the laws in the monsoon session of Parliament and said the lawmakers must "avoid boycott or walkout during the session in view of the appeal made by farmer unions". "Farmers are the backbone of our country," he said, adding it is "our responsibility" to convey their voice to the rulers. Mann further stated that he will put up a number of questions regarding the farm laws in the Lok Sabha with the permission of the Speaker during the monsoon session of Parliament. "I urge all political parties, including the Trinamool Congress and the Samajwadi Party, which are raising the voice of people, to rise above politics and take the issue of farmers seriously. I also assure the farmer leaders that as a representative of people, I will meet MPs from different parties to raise the voice of the farmers," he stated. The AAP MP's letter came after the Samyukta Kisan Morcha, a joint body of the unions protesting the Centre's farm laws, on Wednesday said it has issued a "people's whip" to all MPs to demand the scrapping of the farm laws and a legal guarantee on MSP for crops in Parliament during the monsoon session. The agitating farmers said their planned protests at Parliament from July 22 till the end of the monsoon session will be peaceful. It has been over seven months since the farmers' agitation against the three farm laws that they claim will do away with the minimum support price system, leaving them at the mercy of big corporations, began. Over 10 rounds of talks with the government, which has been projecting the laws as major agricultural reforms, have failed to break the deadlock between the two sides. By PTI NEW DELHI: The body of Pulitzer Prize-winning Indian photojournalist Danish Siddiqui, killed in Kandahar in Afghanistan, has been handed over by the Taliban to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), sources said on Friday. India has been informed about the handing over of the body by the Taliban to the ICRC and Indian authorities are working on bringing it back, they said. Siddiqui was killed in Kandahar on Friday while covering a clash between Afghan security forces and Taliban fighters. "We have been informed that the body has been handed over by the Taliban to the ICRC. We are actively facilitating the return of the body in coordination with Afghan authorities and the ICRC," said a source. The sources said the Indian embassy in Kabul is in touch with Afghan authorities to bring back Siddiqui's mortal remains. Earlier, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said the government is in touch with the photojournalist's family. Afghanistan's Tolo News, quoting sources, reported that Siddiqui was killed during clashes in Spin Boldak district in Kandahar. It said fierce fighting has been underway in Kandahar, especially in Spin Boldak, for the last few days. Afghanistan witnessed a series of terror attacks in the last few weeks as the US withdrew the majority of its troops from the country and aimed to complete the drawdown by August 31, ending nearly two-decade of its military presence in the country. The Taliban was evicted from power by the US-led forces in 2001. Now, as the US is pulling back its troops, the Taliban fighters are attempting to gain control of various parts of the country. By PTI MUMBAI: Holding that a sexual assault without penetration also falls within the definition of rape under section 376 of the Indian Penal Code, the Bombay High Court has upheld the conviction of a 33-year-old man for rape. Justice Revati Mohite-Dere also upheld the sentence of 10 years rigorous imprisonment awarded to the man, a city resident, by the trial court in 2019. In a judgement passed last month, the judge dismissed the man's appeal challenging the sessions court's order finding him guilty of raping an intellectually-challenged woman. The appeal argued that there had been no penile intercourse between him and the victim. But the HC noted that forensic evidence proved a case of sexual assault. "The soil found on the clothes of appellant and prosecutrix (victim) matched the earth collected from the spot where the sexual assault took place. The same is evident from the Forensic Science Laboratory report. The said evidence gives credence to the prosecutrix's case that she was sexually assaulted by the appellant," the HC said. "It hardly matters, having regard to the evidence that there was no penile-vaginal intercourse. Fingering of the vagina also constitutes an offense under the law," the high court said. By PTI MUMBAI: Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Friday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to formulate a national policy to stop public gatherings for social, political and religious purposes, in a bid to curb the spread of COVID-19. He sought three crore anti-coronavirus vaccine doses per month for Maharashtra, saying it would expedite the vaccination process in the state. Thackeray was speaking during the prime minister's video interaction with the chief ministers of six states over the coronavirus situation. Even as the government is battling the COVID-19 pandemic, the crowding at public places is a huge challenge. The Centre should conceptualise a national level policy to prevent public crowding happening in the name of social, political and religious gatherings, the chief minister said. A statement issued by the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) said Thackeray told the PM that the daily spike in COVID-19 cases and the fatality rate in the state were going down. But we want to bring these numbers further down, he said. "Even though the number of cases have reduced, we are still at risk. People have started going out for tourism, shopping and started crowding public places. This is revenge tourism and revenge shopping. Crowding at religious and political events is also on the rise. There is a need to stop this under a national policy, which will applicable for the entire country, "he said. Eight to 10 districts in Konkan and western Maharashtra regions are still reporting high number of infection cases. In these districts, 2.06 crore people above age of 18 have been fully vaccinated. A total of 87.90 lakh vaccine doses have been provided to these districts, Thackeray added. If the state gets three crore doses per month, vaccination in all the districts can be completed, he said. Maharashtra's vaccine wastage rate was very low and the state was trying to vaccinate the frontline workers at the earliest, he said. He apprised the PM of the steps being taken in Maharashtra to fight the second wave of the pandemic and added that measures to counter the possible third wave were also being taken. "Oxygen manufacturing plants are being set up in each district," the CM said. Thackeray sought the PM's help in getting central assistance for starting centres of excellence for non-COVID treatment. "The state government is taking steps that the coronavirus-induced restrictions do not hamper manufacturing and production. A COVID-19 task force for the industrial sector has been set up to plan staggering of work hours. Field accommodation facilities have been put in place at the factory premises and workers are being vaccinated on priority," he added. The chief minister also informed that the COVID-free village initiative of the state government has helped in creating awareness in rural areas. Calling for regulation in prices of medicines, Thackeray said monoclonal antibodies medicine is very effective, but its cost is Rs 50,000 to Rs 60,000 per dose. "If we have to give the medicine to 50,000 people, we will require Rs 300 crore. The Centre should regulate the prices and make it affordable, he said. By PTI NEW DELHI: Protesting farmers Friday issued a "Voters' Whip" to Opposition MPs through a letter, asking them to be present in parliament on all days of the Monsoon Session and let no business transact till "the Union Government accedes to the farmers' demands on the floor of the Houses". They have asked the MPs to not stage a walkout and also return to the House even if they are suspended or removed so that the government does not "push through its business unhindered". The Samyukt Kisan Morcha, which is spearheading the protest against the Centre's three new agri-marketing laws, told the MPs the "Voters' Whip" overrides their party whips. "If you and your party defy this Voters' Whip, the farmers of India will be compelled to oppose you on every public stage just as we oppose the leaders, MLAs, MPs of the BJP and its allies," the SKM said. The letter will be handed or sent to the MPs on Saturday as a precursor to the farmers' protest outside parliament starting July 22, the SKM said. The agitating farmers have "directed" the MPs to raise their issues and ensure: "That you must, without fail, be present in the parliament for all the days of the Monsoon session beginning 19th of July 2021; That you and your party must, without break, raise the farmers' issues and support the above mentioned demands of farmers' movement on the floor of the house." It has demanded the MPs to not let "any other business" to be transacted in the House till "the Union Government accedes to the farmers' demands on the floor of the Houses". "That you or any other member of your party must not stage a 'walk out' that enables the ruling party to push through its business unhindered, that you must return to the House even if suspended or removed from the House," it demanded. The farmers' body has planned that around 200 farmers will hold protests outside parliament every day during the Monsoon Session which would conclude on August 13. ALSO READ | Farmers from 22 states will participate in protests planned outside parliament: Samyukta Kisan Morcha It also announced on Friday to issue I-cards to the farmers who will be protesting outside parliament. "Excitement continues to mount about Parliament protest march from July 22, ID card of marchers to be issued by SKM. A huge contingent of women farmers of Krantikari Kisan Union has joined the protesters at Singhu border," the SKM said in the statement. Besides Punjab and Haryana, a large number of farmers from Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha, West Bengal, Assam, Tripura, Manipur, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Rajasthan will participate in the protest, the SKM said. Thousands of farmers from across the country have been agitating at the Delhi borders against the three farm laws that they claim will do away with the Minimum Support Price system, leaving them at the mercy of big corporations. Over 10 rounds of talks with the government, which has been projecting the laws at major agricultural reforms, have failed to break the deadlock. Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Friday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to immediately resume talks with agitating farmers, sending him a letter that cited "cross-border threat" by ISI-backed groups ahead of the state assembly polls. Singh proposed to lead an all-party delegation from Punjab for a discussion with the prime minister to find a durable and amicable solution to the farmers' protests which are "threatening the state's social fabric and impacting economic activities as well", said a government statement. Protesting farmers are camping at Delhi borders demanding repeal of the Centre's three farm laws. In a letter to Modi, the chief minister cited "heightened cross-border threat and increased drone and other terrorist activities by ISI-backed groups, including plans by Khalistani outfits to target certain farmer leaders". He warned that powers across the border "may try to play upon the charged emotions of our proud, sincere, and hardworking farmers" of Punjab. "The situation is presently under control but I fear that provocative statements, conduct of some political parties and the emotional backlash might create law and order problems and also lead to irreversible damage to the hard-earned peace in the state," Singh said. He underscored the need for the Union government to address farmers' genuine concerns. The statement pointed to "rising resentment" in Punjab on account of the farm laws, which, Singh said, he had asked to be reviewed in his two letters written in 2020. The statement also noted an increase in drone activity in villages falling within 5-6 km of Indo-Pak border earlier, with "consignments of weapons and heroin being delivered into India by Pakistan". Intelligence reports also suggest that with the Assembly elections in Punjab just a few months away, "ISI-led Khalistani and Kashmiri terror outfits are planning terrorist action in the state in the near future", the statement said. In his letter, Singh pointed out that farmers have been protesting for the past seven months on Delhi-Haryana borders, and also in the state, demanding repeal of these laws, and their protests have been more or less peaceful. ALSO READ | Gurnam Chaduni wants to become another Kejriwal through farmers' stir: Anil Vij "It is a little unfortunate that the multiple rounds of engagement between the Union ministers and representatives of farmers' groups have not proved successful, he said. "Besides the threat to the state's socio-economic fabric due to the unrest caused by the farm laws, the day-to-day political activities in line with people's democratic rights are also adversely affected due to the agitation, though the state government has tried its best to maintain law and order," said the chief minister. "It has been over seven months since the farmers' agitation began against the farm laws, which they claim will do away with the minimum support price system, leaving them at the mercy of big corporations," he said. Over 10 rounds of talks with the government, which has been projecting the laws as major agricultural reforms, has failed to break the deadlock between the two sides. By PTI NEW DELHI: The Delhi high court Friday granted two weeks to Central government to file its reply to plea by Delhi Waqf Board to open the Nizamuddin Markaz where the Tablighi Jamaat congregation was held amid the COVID-19 pandemic and was locked since March 31 last year. Justice Mukta Gupta said that till date, Centre had not filed any reply on merit and asked if it intended to file any reply at all. "Do you want to file or not? On day one you took time to file reply affidavit," the judge observed and clarified that an earlier status report filed by the Centre was only with respect to the opening of the Markaz for the month of Ramzan. Advocate Rajat Nair, appearing for Centre, sought one more opportunity from court and said that he would file a short reply to the petition. The court granted three weeks' to the Board to file its rejoinder to the reply. The matter was listed for further hearing on September 13. On April 15, the court had allowed 50 people to offer namaz five times a day at Nizamuddin Markaz during Ramzan, saying there is no direction in the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) notification to close down places of worship. The court allowed namaz to be offered on "first floor above the basement" of the mosque, making clear that it has to be "strictly in accordance" with the DDMA's April 10 notification and other standard operating protocols. In a status report filed by the Assistant Commissioner of Police Sub Division Lajpat Nagar, the central government had said the court "in its wisdom and discretion" may permit such persons as it deems fit and proper to perform namaz only on the ground floor of the mosque at the Nizamuddin Markaz by strictly following all COVID-19 related protocols. Without specifying whether all places of worship were closed, as was sought by the high court, the report said the DDMA notification prohibiting all kinds of gathering in the wake of increasing COVID-19 cases was applicable to all religions. The board, in its plea filed through advocate Wajeeh Shafiq, contended that even after unlock-1 guidelines permitted religious places outside containment zones to be opened, the markaz -- comprising the Masjid Bangley Wali, Madarsa Kashif-ul-uloom and attached hostel -- continues to be locked up. It has further contended that even if the premises was part of any criminal investigation or trial, keeping it "under lock as an out of bound area" was a "primitive method" of enquiry process. Several FIRs have been registered under the Epidemic Diseases Act, the Disaster Management Act, Foreigners Act and various provisions of the penal code in connection with the Tablighi Jamaat event held at the markaz and the subsequent stay of foreigners there during the COVID-19 lockdown last year. By PTI AIZAWL: The Mizoram government alleged on Friday that neighbouring Assam was laying claims on its territories, which the residents of its border villages have been occupying for over 100 years. Speaking to PTI, Mizoram Chief Secretary Lalnunmawia Chuaungo claimed that it did not encroach even an inch of Assam's territory as alleged by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma of the neighbouring state. "Assam is laying claims on Mizoram's territories, which the residents of border villages have been occupying for over 100 years. Satellite images will prove that what Assam claims to be its territories have been inhabited by the Mizos for over a century. There is no encroachment by Mizoram on Assam's territory. It is the other way round," Chuaungo said. He alleged that Assam officials encroached on Mizoram's territories under the supervision of the Assam Police and the state's Forest Department during June-July despite the decision to maintain status quo in the disputed areas. "The filing of lawsuit by the Assam government against Mizoram officials is just a gimmick to cover up their massive encroachment on Mizoram's territories," the chief secretary said. While Mizoram accepts the 509 sq mile stretch of the inner-line reserve forest notified in 1875 under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation of 1873 as its actual boundary, the Assam side agrees with the constitutional map drawn in 1933, a top official of the Mizoram Home Department had earlier said. The 1933 map was an imposed boundary as Mizoram's consent was not taken at the time of demarcation and the boundaries were not verified on the ground jointly by both the states, she had said. On Monday, the Assam chief minister had told the state legislature that a total of 1,777. 58 hectares of land in the Barak Valley region was taken over by encroachers from Mizoram. The Assam government had also filed a suit before a court in Cachar district on Thursday against certain officials of the Mizoram government over the alleged encroachment of its forest land and intentional destruction of forests across the state border. Mizoram's Kolasib district Deputy Commissioner H Lalthlangliana said they did not encroach on Assam's territory but was protecting the land that they have been occupying since "time immemorial". Though the situation along the inter-state border is normal now, tension is palpable, he said. Mizoram shares a 164.6-km-long border with Assam. The recent border dispute flared up on June 29 when the two Northeastern states accused each other of encroachment at Aitlang hnar near Vairengte, which borders Assam's Hailakandi district. Tension escalated when Assam officials allegedly destroyed some plantations at Buarchep in the Phainuam area bordering Cachar district on July 10 during eviction, even as Assam accused Mizoram of encroaching more than 6 km into its territory. The two states have deployed forces to prevent any further encroachment. Sumi Sukanya Dutta By Express News Service NEW DELHI: Citing the rising Covid cases in many parts of the world as well as a few states in the country, the Centre on Friday raised a red flag saying that situation could get worse from here and added the next 100 days are going to be crucial. In the latest bulletin, the World Health Organisation has said that Covid cases and deaths have increased by 10% and 3% respectively last week and 5 out of its six regions are now witnessing a surge in cases while the highly transmissible delta variant of SARS CoV 2 has reached 111 countries. In a press briefing on the Covid situation in India on Friday by the Union Health Ministry, VK Paul who heads the national task force on coronavirus said that the world moving towards the third wave of the pandemic should be seen as a red flag, as stressed by PM Narendra Modi. Modi had a meeting with the Chief Ministers of 6 states -- Kerala, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, and Karnataka -- where the cases are either rising or have plateaued at a high number. PM has given us the target to stall the third wave and it is possible, Paul said, adding that while the situation is under control now, it may change for the worse if public health measures are not taken and individuals do not behave responsibly. ALSO READ | 'Work from home, staggered opening': Doctors advise third COVID wave preparations in Delhi In the briefing, the authorities also highlighted that while Spain has seen a 64% hike in weekly Covid cases, Netherlands has recorded a 300% spike in Covid-19 cases. The situation was stable in Thailand for a long time but now it is also reporting a spike. Africa too has clocked a 50% increase in Covid-19 cases, said Lav Agarwal, joint secretary in the ministry, and added that Myanmar, Malaysia, Indonesia, Bangladesh too are now seeing an unprecedented spike. Paul highlighted that a large population in India is still vulnerable. We have not reached herd immunity -- not even through infection. not that we want to achieve herd immunity through natural infection. We are making continuous progress in vaccination, he said. He also underlined that at least 50% of the most vulnerable population is now vaccinated. Meanwhile, authorities expressed concern over the minimal use of face masks adding that the face masks should now be the new normal for people As we have resumed activities, analysis shows a projected decline in the use of face masks. We should include the use of face masks in our daily routine as the new normal, said Agarwal. As per the data shared by the government, there are 47 districts in India as of now which have over 10% Covid19 test positivity rate, and 9the highestof these are in the northeastern state of Manipur. There are also 73 districts in the country presently which are reporting over 100 cases every day. He also said community mobility data shows that there has been a rise in mobility in the country in comparison to May 20 when most of the country was under lockdown. "It is important that as we are returning towards relaxation we must keep in mind the precautions that we have to take like the use of masks, maintaining two-feet distance and hand hygiene," he said. Agarwal said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday also urged states where COVID-19 cases are rising to take proactive measures to prevent a third wave and stressed on moving forward with the strategy of test, track, treat and 'tika (vaccine)'. Agarwal said worldwide a surge in cases are being seen. On April 29, when worldwide 9 lakh new cases were being reported now again a growth trajectory is being observed and in the whole world in the last 24 hours, 5,63,416 new cases have been reported and a surge can be seen. "If we look at countries around us, we will see that countries like Myanmar, Indonesia, Malaysia and Bangladesh have been reporting a surge in cases," he said. On slump in vaccination, Agarwal said the government has worked towards increasing production of vaccines, collaborated with manufacturers and the government has also given advanced visibility of next 15 days to states on what particular vaccine doses will be made available. "The logistic management has to be linked at production and availability at field level and while we appreciate the concern of states to get more vaccine doses we must also appreciate how government of India on one side is increasing production and parallelly ensuring that 75 per cent of doses are given free of cost to states," he said. Paul added that there can be some issues with fine-tuning and that will be worked upon. "Whatever the availability of vaccines in a month, it is visible and we share it systematically. It is also right that this number increases. We are hopeful that the production will take place as per the roadmap. All kinds of assistance is being provided. Be rest assured. New vaccine candidates as well as the increasing stockpile is visible. Serum (Institute of India which manufactures Covishield) has increased its production in the last few weeks. There is a roadmap, there is an optimistic scenario and we are approaching it," he said. On availability of moderna vaccine in the country, Paul said talks are going on. "To and fro (talks) are going on over the contractual specifics. Discussions have not yet concluded. We are making efforts as to it happens at the earliest. We are now expecting to hear from them anytime. Currently, they have to respond to some of the points we have made and we will take it forward," he said. (With PTI Inputs) By PTI NEW DELHI: Building connectivity is an act of trust and it must, at the minimum, conform to laid down laws as respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity are the most basic principles of international relations, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said at a regional conference in Tashkent on Friday. He also said that connectivity efforts must be based on economic viability and financial responsibility and they should not create debt burdens, seen as an oblique reference to China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). He said no serious connectivity initiative can ever be a one-way street and that the real issues are of "mindsets, not of disputes" as blocking connectivity in practice while professing support in principle benefits no one. There has been growing global criticism of the BRI as Chinese financing has resulted in rising debt in several countries where infrastructure projects under the mega initiative are being implemented. In his address, Jaishankar said there was a need to address not just physical infrastructure but all its accompanying facets while expanding connectivity between Central Asia and South Asia. The conference on 'Central and South Asia: Connectivity' has been hosted by Uzbekistan with an aim to significantly boost connectivity between the two regions. Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and leaders from around 35 countries attended the conference. "Tourism and societal contacts can create a fostering enabling environment. But, at the end of the day, building connectivity is an act of trust and must, at the minimum, conform to international law. Respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity are the most basic principles of international relations," he said. Jaishankar said that connectivity efforts must be based on economic viability and financial responsibility. "They should promote economic activity and not create debt burdens. Ecological and environmental standards, as also skill and technology transfers, are musts. Connectivity must be consultative, transparent and participatory," he said. Jaishankar said that for reliable connectivity within and through Afghanistan, the world must have confidence in its governance, noting that development and prosperity go hand in hand with peace and security. "Our connectivity deliberations expect predictability, efficiency and observance of norms of our time as its foundation," he said. Jaishankar said economic growth is universally driven by "3Cs: connectivity, commerce and contacts", adding all three need to come together to ensure regional cooperation and prosperity. "The challenge we face is that politics, vested interests and instability can be formidable impediments to its realization. There are lessons too from our experiences that need to be understood," he said. "The real issues are of mindsets, not of disputes. Blocking connectivity in practice while professing support in principle benefits no one. A one-sided view of trade rights and obligations can never work. No serious connectivity can ever be a one-way street," Jaishankar added. The external affairs minister also referred to practical steps taken by India since 2016 to operationalize the Chabahar port in Iran. "This provides a secure, viable and unhindered access to the sea for Central Asian countries. Its efficacy is now clearly proven. We have proposed to include the Chabahar port in the framework of INSTC," he said. Jaishankar described as a welcome development the formation of the India-Uzbekistan-Iran-Afghanistan Quadrilateral working group on the joint use of Chabahar port. The International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) is a 7,200-km-long multi-mode transport project for moving freight among India, Iran, Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Russia, Central Asia and Europe. "We are gathered here today in pursuit of a more prosperous and inter-connected Eurasia. To realise that, India stands ready to cooperate, plan, invest and build," Jaishankar said. The conference extensively deliberate on practical ways to enhance connectivity with a larger aim of deepening trade, investment and people-to-people ties in the region. "Connectivity acquires a particular salience in the context of post-Covid economic recovery. It is itself an economic multiplier," Jaishankar said. "But there is also a widespread realization of the need now for more resilient and reliable supply chains. This is not just a matter of production; it is equally a challenge of efficient logistics," he said. "All of us need more and multiple options. And this applies to the domain of connectivity most of all," he added. Harpreet Bajwa By Express News Service CHANDIGARH: Leaders of various political parties condemned the action of Haryana Police which registered sedition case against around 100 people who had allegedly attacked the car of Haryana Deputy Speaker Ranbir Gangwa during a protest against the Centres contentious farm laws. The police have arrested five people in connection with the incident which took place on Sunday when the farmers were protesting outside Chaudhary Devi Lal University at Sirsa. As Gangwa came out of the university after attending a function, the farmers allegedly attacked his car and pelted stones, said police sources. Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra said, Ironic that Haryana Police charge over 100 farmers with sedition after alleged attack on BJP leaders vehicle while SC questions why we have this outdated law! On the Supreme Court asking the Centre whether it was necessary to keep the sedition law in the statute books, Swaraj India president Yogendra Yadav said: Yes, thats the question. Case in point: Yesterday, sedition case was registered against farmers in Sirsa for breaking the windshield of a ministers vehicle! Thats what this law is being used for, he alleged. Former law minister Ashwani Kumar did not directly comment on the Supreme Courts observation but tweeted that the sedition charge against Haryana farmers is an insult to Indias democratic traditions. Government should withdraw the charges immediately and unconditionally, he said. Sources said the police have arrested five people after scrutinising video footage of the incident. This is the first sedition case registered by Haryana Police against the farmers during the ongoing agitation which started in the last year. The police have booked farm leaders Harcharan Singh and Prahlad Singh besides 100 unidentified people on sedition charges. Taking a serious view of the incident, the state government has transferred Sirsa police superintendent. Haryana Home Minister Anil Vij had earlier said, The violent agitation cannot be allowed to continue in a democratic and peaceful country. By PTI NEW DELHI: Newly-appointed Leader of House in Rajya Sabha Piyush Goyal met senior Opposition leaders including former prime minister and Congress veteran Manmohan Singh, his party colleague Anand Sharma and NCP supremo Sharad Pawar ahead of the Monsoon Session of Parliament beginning Monday. Sources said Goyal met the former prime minister Friday and Anand Sharma Thursday evening. He spent around half an hour with Manmohan Singh. The meetings were termed courtesy calls on the senior opposition leaders. The interactions with senior opposition leaders are also being seen as an outreach exercise by the government ahead of the Parliament session. The interactions come days after Goyal was named the Leader of House in Rajya Sabha in place of Thaawarchand Gehlot who has been made the governor of Karnataka. The session beginning Monday would conclude on August 13. The government has listed 17 new bills for introduction in the session, including three to replace ordinances issued recently. BJP MPs are also expected to introduce private members' Bills on population control and uniform civil code. By PTI NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court Friday ordered that prisoners, who were released by the high powered committees (HPCs) of states during the second wave of COVID-19 following its May 7 directions, will not be asked to surrender until further orders. The top court also directed the state governments and their HPCs to file within five days the norms or the guidelines being adopted by them in implementing the order on release of prisoners for decongesting jails during the second wave of the contagion. A three judge special bench headed by Chief Justice N V Ramana gave examples of Haryana and Tripura HPCs saying they have been considering aspects such as old age and co-morbidities of prisoners, besides other grounds, for releasing them. The top court also asked the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) to file a report after getting details from states' HPCs about the norms followed by them in implementing the May 7 order. "So far as the prisoners, who have been released by the high powered committees following the order, should not be asked to surrender back to jail till further orders," the bench said. At the outset, senior advocate Dushyant Dave, who is assisting the bench as amicus curiae, said that he has been getting information from some lawyers that prisoners, who have been released pursuant to May 7 order during the second wave, are being asked to surrender back. Dave said the states be restrained from asking the released prisoners to surrender back for some time in view of the threat of third wave of the pandemic. "We have not reached that stage where people, who have been released, should be sent back," the bench said, adding that it wanted to know as to how it's May 7 order has been implemented by states. The guidelines, being adopted by HPCs of states, should be uniform across the nation, it observed. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said the HPCs should place the guidelines before the bench. The bench, which has now fixed the case for hearing on August 3, said that the litigants having "individual grievances" may give their applications to the amicus curiae for necessary action. On March 16, 2020, the top court had taken suo motu cognisance of overcrowding of prisons across the country and said it is difficult for jail inmates to maintain social distancing to prevent the spread of coronavirus. It, on March 23, 2020, had ordered all states and UTs to constitute high-powered committee (HPC) to consider releasing on parole or interim bail prisoners and the under trials for offences entailing up to 7-year jail term to decongest prisons in the wake of coronavirus pandemic. It had also directed states that the HPC shall consist of (i) Chairman of the State Legal Services Committee, (ii) the Principal Secretary (Home/Prison) by whatever designation is known as, (ii) Director General of Prison(s), to determine which class of prisoners can be released on parole or an interim bail for such period as may be thought appropriate. Later, the bench headed by the CJI took note of "unprecedented surge" in COVID-19 cases again and on May 7 this year ordered the immediate release of prisoners who were granted bail or parole last year. It observed that the decongestion of prisons housing around four lakh inmates across the country is a matter concerning "health and right to life" of prisoners and police personnel. All those who were allowed to go out on bail in March last year by the high-powered committees of states and Union Territories be granted the same relief without any reconsideration to avoid delay, the top court had said. It had said the decongestion of prisons housing around four lakh inmates across the country is a matter concerning "health and right to life of" prisoners and police personnel. "Further we direct that, those inmates who were granted parole, pursuant to our earlier orders, should be again granted parole for a period of 90 days in order to tide over the pandemic," it had said. By PTI JAIPUR: The Rajasthan government on Friday issued fresh guidelines announcing curbs on gatherings ahead of upcoming religious festivals to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The three-tier public discipline guidelines 5.0 will come into effect from July 17. As per the guidelines, religious processions of 'Kavad Yatra' and gatherings on Eid-ul-Adha will not be permitted in the wake of the pandemic. Chaturmas festival is organised in many places of the state by the Jain community and many other people. This event lasts for four months. Devotees from all over the world come to participate in this event. Such events will not be allowed in any public and religious place, the guidelines said. They said there will be a ban on all religious events. The government appealed to people to take adequate precautions and follow the coronavirus protocol. As far as possible, stay at home and offer prayers with family members, it said. As per the guidelines, swimming pools will not be allowed to open. Public parks will remain open from 5 am to 4 pm, they said, adding persons who have taken at least one dose (first dose) of Covid vaccine will be allowed to enter parks from 4 pm to 8 pm. All the district magistrates, commissioners of police have been instructed to ensure strict compliance of "No Mask No Movement". The district administration will ensure monitoring of violation of quarantine rules and Covid appropriate behavior in all urban and rural areas, the guidelines said. The state recorded 35 new COVID-19 cases on Friday, taking the infection tally to 9,53,292, according to an official report issued here. No fresh Covid fatality was recorded in the state on Friday. The death toll due to the infection stands at 8,947, it said. Of the new cases, eight were reported from Udaipur and seven from Jaipur among other others, it said. A total of 9,43,842 people have recovered from the infection and the number of active cases at present is 503, the report added. Mayank Singh By Express News Service NEW DELHI: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met Congress Leader AK Antony and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) President Sharad Pawar on Friday and briefed them about the prevailing situation along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Eastern Ladakh. Both Antony and Pawar have served as defence ministers of the country. Sources in the defence ministry said, "CDS Gen Bipin Rawat and Indian Army Chief Gen MM Naravane were present during the briefing." The meeting is viewed as an outreach initiative of the government ahead of the Monsoon Session of Parliament on July 19. Recently, former Congress president Rahul Gandhi had walked out of a parliamentary standing committee meeting of defence ministry while demanding that it should discuss the border issues the border tension with China though it was not part of the agenda. Rahul Gandhi had been alleging that India ceded land to China as the Armies of the two countries had clashed in Eastern Ladakh in May 2020 which had led to standoff at multiple points and there are more than 50,000 troops still deployed along the LAC in Eastern Ladakh. This meeting between Rajnath Singh and the two former defence ministers took place a day after Foreign Minister S Jaishankar and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi had met in Tajikistan during the Foreign Ministers' meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, a regional grouping of eight nations. The two agreed that the resolution of the border situation be prioritised as the prolongation of the existing situation was not in the interest the two countries. "Highlighted that unilateral change of status quo is not acceptable. Full restoration and maintenance of peace and tranquility in border areas is essential for development of our ties. Agreed on convening an early meeting of the Senior Military Commanders," the Foreign Minister tweeted. Kanu Sarda By Express News Service NEW DELHI: Giving the Uttar Pradesh government one last chance to reconsider its decision to allow the Kanwar Yatra amid the pandemic, the Supreme Court on Friday emphasised that the right to life is paramount while all other sentiments, including religious, are subservient to it. Hearing a suo motu case, a bench of justices R F Nariman and Ajay Rastogi said no physical congregation can be allowed and gave the Yogi Adityanath government time till Monday to take its final call. UP cannot go ahead with physical yatra. Either we will pass orders directly, or will give you one more opportunity to reconsider your decision, the court told senior advocate C S Vaidynathan, who appeared for the UP government. The yatra had been cancelled last year, too, amid the first wave. During the hearing, Vaidyanathan spelt out the raft of safety measures taken by the UP government to hold the yatra. While kanwariyas have been generally advised to skip it, those determined to perform the yatra need to apply for registration, have to be fully vaccinated and also produce a negative RT-PCR report, which is not more than three days old, he told the bench. The yatra would be symbolic, he said, and sought to invoke the right to religion. UP plans to station Ganga water tankers at key locations from where kanwariyas can collect it and perform abhishekam at a nearby Shiv temple. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said the Centre was against the yatra to Haridwar. Taking note of both the stands, the bench said it goes at the very heart of Article 21... The rest of the citizenry of India and their right to life are paramount. All other sentiments, including religious, are subservient to this most basic fundamental right. By PTI NEW DELHI: Amid continued infighting in the Punjab Congress, former minister Navjot Singh Sidhu on Friday met party chief Sonia Gandhi at her residence here and in a bid to bring about a truce formula over the state unit revamp. AICC general secretary in-charge for Punjab affairs of the party Harish Rawat, who was present at the meeting along with Rahul Gandhi, will be meeting Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Saturday in Chandigarh to bring him on board over the peace formula. Sources say that report of Sidhu's elevation has irked Amarinder Singh and he has shot off a letter to Sonia Gandhi, expressing strong resentment over the developments and reports of his elevation. The chief minister has reportedly told the leadership that the developments will have an adverse impact on the Congress's prospects, as the party stands confused and is at the crossroads, the sources add. The meeting between Sidhu and Sonia Gandhi comes ahead of the party's Punjab unit revamp and amid reports that Sidhu may get a key role in the organisation. After the meeting, Rawat said Sonia Gandhi is yet to take a final decision on the issue and he will share it soon after it is done. Asked whether a decision has been made to appoint Sidhu as Punjab Congress chief, Rawat said, "Who says this?" "I came here to submit my note on Punjab to the Congress chief and as soon as a decision is taken by the Congress president, I will come and share it with you," Rawat said. "Please read my statement very carefully and try and understand the words and their meaning," he also said when asked about his earlier comments on Sidhu that indicate him getting a bigger role. On Thursday when he was asked if Sidhu was being made the PCC chief, Rawat had said, "A formula is being worked out around that". Rawat said the media interprets news as it wants but the Congress normally does not react until it is essential. Asked what transpired at the meeting, he said, he cannot divulge details and whatever a state leader says to the Congress president is between them. Sidhu left Sonia Gandhi's 10, Janpath residence without talking to the media. According to sources, the Punjab chief minister has expressed resentment over Sidhu being given a key role. AICC general secretary Rawat had, however, denied such reports. The sources say that reports of Sidhu's supporters celebrating in advance have also irked Amarinder Singh. Rawat had maintained that the central leadership was working out a peace formula where both Amarinder Singh and Sidhu could work together to help the party win in the Punjab Assembly polls next year. Both the leaders are at loggerheads with each other and have made public statements against each other. Both Singh and Sidhu have held parallel meetings in Chandigarh with their loyalists. While the chief minister has met some party MPs, MLAs and ministers, Sidhu is learnt to have met Punjab ministers Sukhjinder Randhawa and Tript Rajinder Bajwa, and some MLAs close to him at Randhawa's residence. Meanwhile, amid reports of Sidhu's elevation, party MP Manish Tewari batted for a Hindu face for the PCC chief's post while giving details of the composition of the state's population. "Punjab is both progressive and secular but balancing social interest groups is key. Equality is the foundation of social justice!" he said in the tweet, while giving details of Punjab's demography. It mentioned that Sikhs constitute 57.75 per cent of the population, while Hindus and Dalits constitute 38.49 and 31.94 per cent respectively. By PTI NEW DELHI: Exasperated over reports on delay in implementation of bail orders, the Supreme Court Friday said it would implement a secure, credible and authentic channel for transmission of the orders for execution, saying in the digital age, we are still looking at the skies for the pigeons to communicate the orders. Chief Justice of India (CJI) N V Ramana-led bench was irked over the increasing number of reports regarding delay in implementation of the orders passed by the top court and has recently taken suo motu cognizance of news reports of delay by Uttar Pradesh authorities in releasing 13 prisoners who were granted bail by it on July 8. The convicts, who were juveniles at the time of offence were lodged in Agra Central jail for periods ranging from around 14 to 22 years in a murder case. Suo moto by SC on prisoners in jail despite being on bail: Supreme Court will develop a secure electronic transmission so that bail orders quickly reach jail officials across the country @NewIndianXpress kanupsarda (@sardakanu_TNIE) July 16, 2021 Soon after taking up the suo motu case, the special bench, also comprising justices L Nageswara Rao and A S Bopanna, sought a proposal from the Secretary General of the apex court within two weeks on implementing a scheme aimed at revolutionizing transmission of court Orders to all concerned in a fast and secure manner. "I am directing Secretary General of the Supreme Court to place report in two weeks time so we'll try to implement the scheme in a month," the CJI observed. In a hearing conducted through video-conferencing, the bench also directed all the states to respond on availability of internet connection in jails across nation as without this facility transmission of such orders to prisons will not be possible. As soon as the bench took up the case, it referred to the delay in release of 13 prisoners from Agra jail despite the apex court granting bail to them saying this is the situation and this is too much. "This court has passed orders releasing prisoners but they were not released saying they haven't received copies of orders. This is too much", it said. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta flagged the instances where some accused have been attempting to fudge court orders and said the jail authorities should act upon the orders once they are uploaded on the official web site of the court. We are in the age of information and communication technology and we are still looking at the skies for the pigeons to communicate the orders, the CJI observed. Christened as FASTER (Fast and Secure Transmission of Electronic Records), the innovative scheme is conceived for delivery of orders to concerned prisons, District Courts, High Courts, as the case may be, for instantaneous delivery of orders passed by apex court through a secure communication channel, the sources said about the system which would be implemented. This will save time and effort and will ensure that there are no delays in implementation of the orders passed by the Supreme Court, they said. The top court appointed senior advocate Dushyant Dave as an amicus curiae for assisting it in implementing the scheme and asked the Secretary General to coordinate with him before sending the proposal to the bench. The Secretary General would be also cooperating with Solicitor General on the issue, it said. The top court on July 13 had taken suo motu cognizance of delay on the part of Uttar Pradesh authorities in releasing 13 prisoners who were granted bail by it on July 8. The 13 convicts had approached the top court, claiming their detention to be illegal as there were clear orders passed by the Juvenile Justice Board with regard to each of them at various intervals between February 2017 and March 2021, declaring them to be juvenile at the time of murder. By PTI LUCKNOW: Hours after a nudge from the Supreme Court, the Uttar Pradesh government on Friday said it is talking with "kanwar sanghs" to take a "right decision" on the annual yatra and reminded that the organisations "themselves" decided to cancel it last year. The statement has come as the Supreme Court on Friday asked the state government to inform it by July 19 whether it would reconsider its decision to hold a "symbolic" Kanwar Yatra. "The government was preparing itself for every situation for the Kanwar Yatra, scheduled to start from July 25. The government did not want to take any risk. Officers have been asked to talk to 'kanwar sanghs' so that a right decision could be taken. The officers are also apprising them of the Covid situation," a statement issued here said. "The government feels that religious sentiments should not be hurt and also there should be safety of people. Last year, 'kanwar sanghs' after talks with government themselves decided to cancel the yatra," the statement said. The statement said Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed the Additional Chief Secretary (Home) and the Director General of Police (DGP) to talk to other states. On, state government's request, the SC has posted the matter for Jul 19, it said. The fortnight-long yatra, which begins with the onset of the month of Shravan as per the Hindu calendar goes on till the first week of August and sees a large gathering of people in Haridwar from neighbouring states, including Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Delhi. By PTI NEW DELHI: The UK's largest warship HMS Queen Elizabeth and its strike task group has sailed into the Indian Ocean and will carry out a mega wargame with the Indian Navy as the aircraft carrier began a 40-nation tour aimed at demonstrating Britain's commitment for an open and inclusive Indo-Pacific. UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said the deployment of the carrier strike group marks the start of "a new era of defence cooperation with allies in India and the Indo-Pacific. " Indian military officials said a series of complex drills will be carried out as part of the wargame that is expected to take place around July 26. It is HMS Queen Elizabeth's first operational deployment. The warship has a fleet of F35B stealth fighter jets onboard and is accompanied by six Royal Navy ships, a submarine and 14 naval helicopters. The warships are expected to visit the South China Sea region as part of the tour. "By visiting 40 countries and working alongside our partners, the UK is standing up for democratic values, seizing new trading opportunities and tackling the shared threats we face together," Foreign Secretary Raab said. The British high commission in India said the carrier strike group (CSG) 2021, led by HMS Queen Elizabeth, has sailed into the Indian Ocean Region after transiting the Suez Canal. "Following a series of successful engagements and operations in the Mediterranean it is now sailing east across the Indian Ocean towards India. It will then meet with ships from the Indian Navy to conduct routine maritime exercises," the high commission said in a statement. It said the deployment represents the UK's commitment to deepening diplomatic, economic and security ties with India and in the Indo-Pacific region. "It demonstrates both the UK's support for the freedom of passage through vital trading routes and for a free, open and inclusive order in the Indo-Pacific," it added. UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said that described the deployment of the CSG as a "major moment" for the UK's defence. "The group is sailing the Indian Ocean and will shortly conduct exercises with the Indian Navy, building on our already strong partnership with an important ally and friend," he said. "The deployment illustrates the UK's enduring commitment to global defence and security, strengthening our existing alliances and forging new partnerships with like-minded countries as we face up to the challenges of the 21st century," Wallace was quoted as saying in the statement. British High Commissioner to India, Alex Ellis, said the deployment of the carrier strike group is a powerful demonstration of the UK's commitment to the security of India and the Indo-Pacific. "Its arrival follows the UK's first International Liaison Officer joining the Indian Navy's Information Fusion Centre-Indian Ocean Region in Gurugram," he said. "Today marks another step towards delivering the ambition set out jointly by our prime ministers in the 2030 Roadmap, bringing our countries, economies and people closer together," Ellis said. Last month, the UK posted a liaison officer at the Indian Navy's Information Fusion Centre (IFC) that has emerged as a key hub in tracking movements of ships and other developments in the Indian Ocean region. The UK joined a select group of countries such as the US, Australia, Japan and France to depute officials at the Gurgaon-based facility. The Indian Navy established the IFC-IOR in 2018 to effectively keep track of the shipping traffic as well as other critical developments in the region under a collaborative framework with like-minded countries. By Express News Service CHANDIGARH: The Municipal Corporation of Faridabad (MCF) is going ahead with the demolition drive at Khori village to clear encroachments in the Aravali forest area, as directed by the Supreme Court last month, even as the UN Human Rights office urged the government on Friday to halt the eviction of nearly one lakh people at a time when they are already facing hardships because of the pandemic. With the six-week deadline set by the Supreme Court for removing the encroachments ending July 19, the MCF had kicked off the demolition drive on Wednesday. Over 2,000 police personnel were deployed to maintain law and order. The police had heavily barricaded entry and exit points to the village. The demolition drive is going on peacefully and there is no resistance from the public. They understand that this is a Supreme Court order, said Yashpal, Deputy Commissioner of Faridabad. Our teams have demolished approximately 800 structures in three days and a few were demolished earlier. There are around 5,300 such structures in the area in which about 10,000 people were staying. We are razing the buildings and also clearing the debris. The demolition was started only after a rehabilitation policy was announced on Tuesday. The residents will be allotted EWS flats at two places. SC order on evictions worrying, says UN rights body Registratio ns for allotting the EWS flats began Friday, and 121 applications came on the first day. After scrutinising thm, the flats will be allotted to those eligible, Yashpal added. On Friday, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), in a statement, appealed to the Indian government to respect its own laws and its own goal of eliminating homelessness by 2022 and to spare homes of 100,000 people who mostly come from minority and marginalised communities. It said the eviction would bring even more hardship to some 20,000 children, many of whom may remain out of school, and 5,000 pregnant or breastfeeding women. Calling the Supreme Courts order extremely worrying, the OHCHR said its role is to uphold the laws and to interpret them in light of internationally recognised human rights standards, not to undermine them. It urged the government to urgently review its plans and consider regularizing the settlement. No one should be forcibly evicted without adequate and timely compensation and redress, it said and added, It is especially important that this act of mass displacement does not happen dur ing the pandemic. Spare homes of poor The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights urged government to respect its own laws and goal of eliminating homelessness by 2022 and to spare homes of 100,000 people. By PTI LUCKNOW: Going by the compensation figures, revealed by Uttar Pradesh, over 2,000 state government employees, half of them teachers, died after catching Covid while on duty during the panchayat polls. The elections were held in April-May. The Uttar Pradesh government will give Rs 30 lakh as compensation to the family of the each of its 2,020 employees, who died during the poll duty, according to a senior official. Earlier, the state government had claimed that only 74 government employees, including three teachers, had died during the poll duty. The Uttar Pradesh Prathamik Shikshak Sangh had released a list of 1,621 primary schoolteachers and other staff, claiming that they died after contracting COVID-19 while performing election duty between April 15 and May 5. The new compensation figures came after the government revised it norms. A senior official said of the Rs 600 crore sanctioned for it, the Department of Panchyati Raj released Rs 300 crore to the State Election Commission for disbursement. "We received 3,078 applications for compensation. Of them, 2,020 were found eligible and recommendations to give them compensation were forwarded to the SEC. Among, the 2020 eligible for compensation, 50 per cent are teachers," Additional Chief Secretary (Panchayati Raj) Manoj Kumar Singh told PTI. He said in the panchyat polls, over 11 lakh government employees were put on election duty and among them 65 per cent, over 6.5 lakh, were teachers. The applications were received under revised protocols for determining death on duty from Covid. The protocols were revised after various associations contested the state government's numbers. Under the earlier rules, compensation could be given only if the employee died on duty or during travel to and from place of duty, which factored in a day or maximum two, depending on how far the employee travelled. The UP Cabinet in June approved the financial assistance, including those who succumbed to COVID-19 within 30 days of poll duty, a spokesperson had said. The Cabinet also increased the relief amount from Rs 15 lakh to Rs 30 lakh. The state on Friday reported 88 fresh coronavirus cases and six deaths, taking the total number of infections and fatalities to 17,07,741 and 22,711 respectively, the health bulletin said. Among the latest deaths, two were reported from Kanpur, followed by one each from Amethi, Unnao, Auraiya and Jalaun. In the past 24 hours, 140 persons were discharged after recovering from the infection, Health Additional Chief Secretary Amit Mohan Prasad said, adding the total number of recoveries in the state has reached 16,83,691. The number of active cases in Uttar Pradesh stands at 1,339, he said. The recovery rate is now 98.6 per cent, he added. So far, over 6.18 crore samples have been tested for COVID-19 in the state, including 2.6 lakh that were examined on Thursday. He further said a total of 3.95 crore doses of the vaccine against Covid have been administered in the state so far. Earlier, Chief Minister Yogi Aditynath was informed that Aligarh, Hathras, Kasganj, Lalitpur, Mahoba and Shravasti were free from Covid, an official statement said. Of the 75 districts, no fresh cases were found in 38 districts in the past few days, it added. Sudhir Suryawanshi By Express News Service MUMBAI: In many states across India, the second Covid-19 wave has almost subsided. But in Maharashtra, number of active cases are still more than one lakh. Pune, the IT and educational hub, continues to report an alarming number of cases. Maharashtra has second-most active cases in India after Kerala. According to state health department data, there are 1,04,406 active cases. The highest of 17,106 are in Pune, followed by 16,630 in Thane and 13,087 in Sangli districts. Kolhapur has 12,826 active cases, while 10,528 active cases are in Mumbai. In active cases and positivity rate, western Maharashtra is leading. Of the 10 districts with highest active cases, five are from this region. Last week, highest positivity was reported from the tribal district of Nadurbar (11.72%), followed by Kolhapur (9.85%), Sangli (9.20%) and Satara (8.23%). Interestingly, Mumbais positivity rate (1.78%) last week was the lowest among all urban districts. There are 10 districts with positivity rates higher than the states average positivity of 4.36%. Of the total active cases, 37,898 patients are admitted in hospitals, which comes to around 35%. Over 70,000 (65%) patients have mild symptoms or are asymptomatic, while 15,552 (14.35%) are serious. A total of 5577 (5.15%) patients are admitted in ICU, 2242 (2.07%) are on ventilators and 3,335 (3.08%) on oxygen. A senior minister from western Maharashtra, criticizing the Uddhav Thackeray-led Maha Vikas Aghadi, told this daily that the approach of the state government and its machinery is Mumbai-centric. Every decision the government has taken and implemented is keeping Mumbai as the centre point. This is a wrong approach. Due to this, Mumbai and Thane have been witnessing fewer cases, while the semi-urban areas of western Maharashtra are reporting a high number of cases, he said requested anonymity. He added that earlier, the government used to conduct RT-PCR and rapid antigen tests, calculate the daily positive rate and on the basis of that, decide whether to relax or tighten restrictions. Once Mumbais positivity rate came down, the government revised the decision and said only RT-PCR tests will be done. For Mumbai, they used antigen tests to bring down the positivity rate and now they are asking others to use only RT-PCR. This is not fair. There are many decisions taken by the government that are Mumbai-centric. As result, rural Maharashtra is suffering and continuing to report more cases, the minister added. By PTI LUCKNOW: Congress leader Urusa Rana, the daughter of poet Munnawar Rana, alleged on Friday that the party's Uttar Pradesh unit chief, Ajay Kumar Lallu, misbehaved with her when she went to greet Priyanka Gandhi Vadra during her dharna at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi in Hazratganj here. "Before the dharna, when I went to greet Priyanka Gandhi, Lallu misbehaved with me and asked me to go away," Rana, who is the vice-president of the central zone of the Congress's women wing, said. She said when the protest against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC) was going on, Lallu used to seek her help, adding that she was "hurt" by the treatment meted out to her on Friday. When asked, Lallu denied that any such thing happened. "Urusa is a party office-bearer and there is no question of misbehaving with her. I myself introduced her to Priyanka Gandhi," he said. The place from where Urusa said she was removed was earmarked only for Priyanka Gandhi, Lallu added. Meanwhile, Priyanka Gandhi met representatives of farmer organisations at the party office here and later, attended a meeting with the executive members, office-bearers, district and city presidents of the Congress. On the second day of her visit to Uttar Pradesh, the Congress general secretary will be meeting the party workers from Amethi and Raebareli. She will also meet former MPs, MLAs, and Congress office-bearers of the districts and frontal organisations, and return to Delhi in the evening. By PTI SHILLONG: Meghalaya CM Conrad K Sangma said that he would meet Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday evening to fix a date for the official border talks between the two neighbouring states. The issue of the boundary dispute with Assam was discussed during the meeting of the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA), held ahead of Union Home Minister Amit Shah's visit to the state on July 24. Sangma, who is the chairman of the MDA, said that he has decided to start the process of consultation with the stakeholders on the issue. "I will be meeting the Assam CM tomorrow evening in Guwahati. The meeting is unofficial. We have been having unofficial discussions on this very important subject and tomorrow is a continuation of that. While we sit, we will also fix a date for an official meeting between the two governments," Sangma told reporters on Friday. There is a need to involve different social organisations, headmen and nokmas as the government will have to go across the board to ensure the inclusion of people who matter in the process, he said. On raising the issue with Shah during his visit to the state, Sangma said, "We will also be discussing many developmental issues as the Union home minister is the chairman of the North Eastern Council (NEC). He is also very keen to discuss the afforestation and conservation works, especially in the Sohra area." He further said that all the chief ministers of the Northeast have been invited during Shah's visit to discuss issues that are common to the region. "Apart from that, obviously state-specific issues, including the Eighth Schedule and the Sixth Schedule amendment, will be discussed with the home minister," he said. Sangma said a lot of informal discussions on the boundary dispute issue are needed. "I don't want to show the cards right now but as I said a lot of homework has gone into how we plan to move forward on this. At this point in time, it will not be proper to discuss those details but as I said, we are focusing on the fact that whatever solution we come up with must be amicable and must be a solution that is going to be acceptable to the people of both the states," he said. Regarding the suggestion for setting up a boundary commission, Sangma said the issue will also be discussed. "This will require not just a commission -- if you say a commission to look into the facts and figures, but it is a lot to do with the political will also -- so we have to really see it from all angles. We could look into that suggestion but nothing has been decided yet," he added. Bibek Debroy By In this world, nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes. Benjamin Franklins letter made this expression famous, but the phrase pre-dates him. Death is certain for any individual, but death statistics are not that certain, robust and reliable. So far, around 4,12,500 people have died because of the Wuhan virus in India and there are those who question this number. Modelling by The Economist is an instance, with numbers till 10 May 2021. We estimate that, by May 10, there was a 95% probability that the pandemic had brought about between 2.4m and 7.1m excess deaths in Asia (official Covid-19 deaths: 0.6m), 1.5m-1.8m deaths in Latin America and the Caribbean (v 0.6m), 0-2.1m deaths in Africa (v 0.1m), 1.5m-1.6m deaths in Europe (v 1.0m) and 0.6-0.7m deaths in America and Canada (v 0.6m) On the basis of the model, it would appear that around 1m people may have died of Covid-19 in India so far this year. Around 4,12,500 is a current figure. On May 10, the figure was around 2,50,000. Therefore, The Economists model suggested the actual number of deaths in India was four times the official figure. Note that (a) this is a stochastic model, with a 95% probability, and (b) under-reporting of deaths, as per the model, is not sui generis to India. The memory of another model is fresh, that of Goldman Sachs predicting the outcome of the Euro Cup 2020. As per that model, Belgium was going to win, beating Italy in the final, with England eliminated in the quarter-final. Memories of two other models are buried deep in our subconscious now. Between 18 March and 21 March 2020, Dr Ramanan Laxminarayan, Director of the Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics and Policy, granted interviews to all and sundry and projected that India would have 700 to 800 million infections and 2 to 2.5 million dead. Towards the end of March 2020, a high-ranking government official told us there would be no new cases beyond 16 May 2020. Both assertions were based on models and there were equations and graphs to back up the assertions. We are inordinately impressed with models, graphs and equations. This reminds me of Catherine the Great and the Diderot-Euler anecdote. Briefly, atheist Diderot (who knew no maths) pestered Catherine and she roped in Euler, the mathematician. Euler went up to Diderot, mouthed an equation that was gibberish and said, Therefore, God exists. Diderot took to his heels and fled the court. Any model is based on assumptions, conditioned by data availability and is probabilistic. A modeller should say, with 95% (or whatever number) probability, the range of deaths in India is between X and Y. True to the art, a modeller should always do interval estimation, never point estimation. But interval estimation doesnt impress. It doesnt suggest precision. In discussing models, we shouldnt muddle two issues. (a) Are deaths registered? (b) Are deaths correctly attributed to Covid? The Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969, makes death registration mandatory, with responsibilities fixed and penalties for violation. But that doesnt mean all deaths are registered, especially in rural India, though numbers have increased over time. Even in rural India, people rightly perceive benefits associated with death registration, such as in inheritance matters. There is a sample registration system (SRS) to validate whether the civil registration system registers deaths accurately. The last SRS numbers are for 2019 and they tell us not all deaths are registered. States that stand out in non-registration are J&K (66.7%), UP (63.3%), Bihar (51.6%), Jharkhand (58.8%), Arunachal Pradesh (38.6%), Assam (74%), Nagaland (30%) and Manipur (21.4%). If all deaths are not registered, it stands to reason all deaths due to the pandemic will also not be registered. This isnt a problem sui generis to India either. For upper middle-income countries, the World Bank tells us 75.97% of deaths are registered. At 92.7% in 2019, India is far ahead of this average and there have been extremely sharp improvements over time, perhaps even improvements between 2019 and 2021. If someone tells me deaths are not registered in India, the (a) proposition, that is certainly possible, but cannot logically be on a large-scale. While the law requires mandatory registration within 21 days, penalties for registration beyond this timeline are minor. I think it is plausible that during Covid and lockdown, people postponed registration. The updating of death numbers, as has been done by some states, may be explained by this factor, not deliberate fudging. The (b) proposition is different and we have several problems with medical certification of cause of death (MCCD). Roughly 20% of deaths registered are covered by MCCD. Even in those cases, it isnt guaranteed that the cause has been reported adequately. Even if the cause is generally reported adequately, it doesnt follow that one has pinpointed Covid as the cause adequately. There are anomalies and inconsistencies in defining what a Covid death is. In West Bengal, in 2019, around 14% of deaths were medically certified. That cannot become 100% overnight simply because there was a pandemic. In principle, the pandemic will have differentially affected the cause of death. For example, fewer deaths from road accidents. But deaths from other ailments would have increased, since Covid has meant relative neglect of other diseases. Policy formulation requires good data, apart from uncertainty and time lags. Data is generated from below and aggregated upwards. The pandemic not only flags weaknesses in health infrastructure (both physical and social), particularly in some states, but also data issues. Bibek Debroy Chairman, Economic Advisory Council to the PM (Tweets @bibekdebroy) (Views are personal) The RBI has sent out a stern reminder that businesses must follow the letter of the law. On Wednesday, it barred global payments systems provider MasterCard, whose market share in India is roughly a third of total debit and credit cards currently. The central bank made no bones about MasterCards non-compliance even after considerable time and adequate opportunities to fall in line with its April 2018 circular on localisation of data storage. The RBI had also asked foreign banks for a board-approved system audit report certifying compliance with its data localisation norms, which MasterCard and others have failed to furnish even after three years. In the recent past, the RBI has barred players like American Express and Diners Club, and the latest rap only reiterates the central banks intent to solidify its stance on data localisation. Drawing territorial limits to the flow of data gains significance amid rising breaches and electronic spying at companies including domestic players like Mobikwik, Big Basket and Unacademy, where the data of customers was put on the dark web for sale. Data on transactions is crucial to avoid financial frauds, but foreign banks reason that local data storage runs counter to their centralisation practices and limits their flexibility to detect frauds. The central bank maintains that while storing data locally, they can send data overseas for 24 hours for analysis. With mushrooming fintech and payment systems providers, data gathering practices are increasingly becoming opaque. Often, consumers too give consent to privacy forms without reading the complex fine print and hence enhanced regulation is even critical to ensure financial safety and stability. That said, its important to balance stakeholders interests, particularly in overlapping areas of fraud detection and prevention of money laundering. If the broader Personal Data Protection Bill, 2019, is taken up in the upcoming Monsoon Session, perhaps the issue of cross-border data flows will likely get attention. This can throw clarity on whether developing cross-border data flow agreements with countries having similar principles of data protection and privacy should be extended to financial transactions too. By Express News Service VIJAYAWADA: Aimed at encouraging retail trade, thereby generating employment opportunities by way of facilitating investments in retail parks, the State government on Thursday released the Retail Parks Policy 2021-2026. The objective of the policy is to boost organised retail trade within the State in order to increase the GSDP. The policy, to be in force for five years, eyes new investments to the tune of Rs 5,000 crore and the creation of 50,000 additional direct employment opportunities in the retail industry by 2026. The government, besides offering hand-holding to the Retail Park developers and retail enterprises set up within these parks as part of Ease of Doing Business (EoDB), announced financial incentives. Apart from appointing a nodal officer at each District Industries Centre to provide hand-holding services to retail park developers and retail enterprises set up in these parks, the government will create a customised Single Desk Portal so that retail park developers can obtain all clearances online in a time-bound manner. The government has decided to bring out the policy on mega retail parks given the advantage of AP being ranked as No. 1 in Ease of Doing Business. The policy offers immense potential to boost the economy, develop the retail sector in a holistic manner and create large-scale employment, Special Chief Secretary (Industries and Commerce) Karikal Valaven said in the orders issued Thursday. As part of the policy, the state government will work with retail companies to encourage local sourcing within the State through buyer-seller meets. Further, product distribution centres and warehouses will be treated as a service industry under the new policy. The Department of Industries, Commerce and Export Promotion will act as the implementing agency. Special package for LLP Minutes after announcing the AP Retail Parks Policy 2021-26, the government extended a special package of incentives to M/s Capital Business Park LLP, which proposed to set up a mega retail park (textiles) with a built-up area of 7 lakh sq.ft to accommodate over 900 textile and apparel outlets at Tadepalli in Guntur district with an investment of Rs 194.16 crore and with a potential to create 5,000 direct jobs. Incentive disbursement All the incentives will be disbursed only after meeting the mandated investment or employment targets All the applications and incentive disbursement procedures for approvals will be as per the operational guidelines of the AP Industrial Development Policy 2020-2023. By PTI AMARAVATI: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy on Friday again demanded that the Centre take back unused Covid-19 vaccine stocks from private hospitals and reallot them to the state for better use. Taking part in the videoconference with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the Covid-19 situation, along with other Chief Ministers, Jagan said the private hospitals in AP could so far administer only 4,20,209 doses of the vaccine against their allotment of over 17.71 lakh doses. "In reality, the private hospitals are not vaccinating fully to their capacity. Whatever these people are earmarked and whatever they are not able to proceed with, if that quota (of vaccines) is re-allotted to the state government, it would help us in doing a better job," the Chief Minister told the Prime Minister. He said 1,76,70,642 persons could be vaccinated in the state so far though the Centre allocated 1,68,46,210 doses of coronavirus vaccine. "This was beyond what was supplied to us. We could do it through better management and little wastage," Jagan noted. On June 29, the Chief Minister wrote to the Prime Minister requesting that the Centre procure Covid-19 vaccines, originally allotted to private establishments and not lifted, and supply them to the state for vaccination drive through government channels. The past experience and demand clearly indicated that such huge quantities could not be utilised by private hospitals, he said, referring to the 25 per cent stock allocation to the private sector. On May 22 too Jagan had written to the Prime Minister asking the Centre to stop supply of coronavirus vaccines to private hospitals in view of the limited availability of stocks and also since the private hospitals were collecting exorbitant amounts from people. He observed that it was not only a disadvantage to the poorer sections of society who could not afford such high cost, but it also created a situation of black marketing of the vaccine, which administratively would be a Herculean task to control. Chetana Belagere By Express News Service BENGALURU: United Nations International Childrens Emergency Fund (UNICEF) has said that India has the most number of unvaccinated and under-vaccinated children in the world. In Karnataka, paediatric experts say that many children lost out on routine immunisation during the pandemic, compared to 2018. We have observed that in Karnataka, routine immunisation has definitely taken a beating. When I see my patients cards, a lot of vaccines have been missed, and some of them had to be given last year. This is not good, because immunisation delayed is immunisation denied. The baby could catch a disease, says Dr Ranjan Kumar Pejavar, President, National Neonatalogy Forum, head of neonatology department at Meenakshi Hospitals in Bengaluru. According to data available with TNIE from the Health Management Information System, the target set and achieved, when compared to 2018, is comparatively low, but Dr Rajani Nagesh Rao, Joint Director, Immunisation, Health and Family Welfare, believes that the target for full immunisation programmes have been achieved in most of the districts, except some districts like Bagalkot, Vijayapura, Haveri and Udupi, where it is less, compared to earlier years. I agree that in some districts, children have missed out on immunisation. The main reason is that a lot of migration and reverse migration has happened, especially during May, and this is continuing in some regions. The other reason is that many staffers and ASHA workers are occupied with Covid cases and vaccination-related work. In May especially, we couldnt have outreach sessions, as schools and anganwadis were closed. But data gathering and entering are also contributing factors, she said. Experts point out that this difference in number of children missing out on vaccines was more significant in booster doses, compared to birth doses. Citing that many children are coming up with chicken pox, diphtheria and typhoid infections already, due to their vaccination schedules being missed, Dr Sreenivasa S, Chairman, National IMA Standing Committee for Child Health, says, Booster vaccines for diphtheria and typhoid kind of vaccines, which are given to children aged 16-23 months, and again between 5 and 6 years of age. We have seen children coming with infections related to this, due to non-vaccination, he said. The doctors also suggest that the backlog has to be given immediately. Most of the vaccines can be given, even if delayed. There are very few vaccines which cannot be given beyond a certain date. But we must educate parents and re-adjust the vaccine schedule. They shouldnt take missing of vaccines lightly, Dr Ranjan says. Meanwhile, doctors call for rigorous public campaigns to be held across the state. There should be campaigns and door-to-door data collection on how many children have missed which vaccines, so that it becomes easier to do micro planning. However, Dr Rajani explains that the Karnataka health department is already planning such a campaign, and will be starting this very soon in every district.There has never been zero vaccination in the state. We couldnt do outreach sessions, which used to happen at the facilities on Tuesdays and Fridays. We are putting in all our efforts now to bring them back. By Express News Service BENGALURU: RTI activist who was attacked on Thursday near his farm reportedly had financial disputes with his relatives, Tavarekere Police said. Venkatesh (43) also had an extramarital affair and the police say that they have gathered clued about the assailants and will make arrests soon. It is said that Venkatesh had filed several RTI queries seeking details of various public projects to expose corruption in the state government departments. A senior police officer said that an armed gang came on their bike and attacked Venkatesh on Thursday afternoon when he was walking near his farm. The gang attacked him using lethal weapons leaving him with deep cut injuries on one of his hands. The gang sped away leaving the RTI activist in a pool of blood before passers-by rushed to his help. He was admitted to a nearby hospital where his condition is said to be stable. Preliminary investigations have revealed that the attack is not linked with the filing go his petitions. A special police team has been formed to nab the attackers. By Express News Service KARWAR: While the state is witnessing low percentage of school admissions due to pandemic, Uttara Kannada district has topped the list with both Karwar and Sirsi admitting 94 and 93 per cent of students. The school admissions in various parts of the state, including in Bengaluru, are moving at a snails pace. Just a couple of days ago, Sirsi was in sixth position with 86 per cent. However, with the interest shown by officials, the Sirsi education district has now reached the second place with Karwar being in the top position. Deputy Director of Public Instructions, Karwar Education District (KED), Harish Gaonkar told TNIE, We have Karwar in the first position with 94 per cent, followed by Sirsi with 93 per cent. Chitradurga Education District has bagged the third position. He added, The admission process is still on in all other districts, but it is almost completed in U-K. The admission has been completed. However, this needs to be uploaded to Education Department websites. Most of our schools are in interior villages where there is no internet connectivity.The school authorities have to come to some place, where there is a network to upload details. Maybe in a couple of days, our admission process will be completed. By Express News Service BENGALURU: There is much speculation over the continuance of Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala as General Secretary in-charge of Karnataka. Several newspaper reports speculated that owing to personal issues, Surjewala had sought an assignment in his home state of Haryana. TNIE had been hearing reports that Surjewala was looking for a post closer to Delhi, given the long flights to Bengaluru, but it was considered mere speculation. Highly placed Congress sources confirmed that Surjewala is, indeed, facing challenges on the health front, but were unwilling to confirm that he had sought a change, nor that the high command had decided to change his responsibility. Surjewala is seen to be close to Rahul Gandhi, and was heading the media department in the AICC for five years now. Elections in Haryana are due in 2024, and sources speculate that he may be keen on establishing a firm political imprint in his state. A Congressman, though, refused to believe that a senior functionary could give up the state of Karnataka, given the potent but surmountable challenges it presents. Surjewala was named General Secretary in-charge of Karnataka about 10 months ago, and took over from KC Venugopal, who was moved out as General Secretary (Organisation). By Express News Service BENGALURU: After facing a severe shortage of oxygen during the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Karnataka Government is looking to course-correct ahead of the possible third wave. The BS Yediyurappa Cabinet on Thursday approved a slew of incentives to encourage more oxygen manufacturing units to be set up in the state to counter a possible shortage of the life-saving commodity. The move is also a step towards the states preparedness for the possible third wave of Covid. We faced oxygen shortage during the second wave of Covid-19. To eliminate any shortage and to encourage more oxygen production and storage, the Cabinet has approved an incentive scheme for oxygen manufacturing associated enterprises in Karnataka. We currently have nine manufacturing units and six suppliers. Production capacity is 815 metric tons and storage capacity is 5,780 metric tons. These incentives will be given to entrepreneurs who will come forward to increase both, Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Basavaraj Bommai told the media after the Cabinet meeting. Cabinet has approved incentives in the form of: Capital subsidy of 25% on the value of fixed assets subject to a minimum investment of Rs 10 cr ore 100% exemption from electricity duty for 3 years after commencement of production Additional power tariff subsidy of Rs 1,000 per metric tonne of oxygen supplied to the government 100% stamp duty exemption and reimbursement of loan and land documents Concessional registration charge at Rs 1 per Rs 1,000 for loan documents, sale deed and lease deed 100% reimbursement of land conversion fee Other decisions Rs 30 crore for the Phase-2 work of Gadag Veterinary College Rs 48 crore for a mobile app for crop survey for 2022 Kharif crops Job-oriented courses (diploma in vocational education) to be equivalent to PUC Rs 58 crore for Devadurg Taluk Engineering College building One-time settlement scheme under KSFC loans amended to extend deadline Karnataka Prisons Development Board Bill to be placed before Assembly 139 prisoners to be released under Article 161 for good behaviour By PTI NEW DELHI: Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa Friday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi here amid speculation about possible changes in the state leadership and the Cabinet. After a short 20-minute meeting, the CM told reporters at the Karnataka Bhawan here that they discussed only the pending state works including the Mekedatu dam project over the Cauvery river. "I requested the PM to facilitate early implementation of some state works. He has agreed for all," Yediyurappa said. When asked if they discussed the possible changes in the state leadership, he responded with a smile, "I don't know. You have to tell." The meeting came at a time political circles are abuzz with speculations of Yediyurappa being replaced as the chief minister. Repeated open remarks by some disgruntled leaders within the state BJP targeting him and his family with accusations of corruption and interference in administration have embarrassed the party and the government, despite warnings of disciplinary action by the leadership. Another section of the party is demanding the replacement of Yediyurappa (79) citing his age and the need of projecting a new CM face ahead of assembly polls in 2023, sources said. On possible cabinet rejig, Yediyurappa, before the meeting, said, "I will tell you if there is any such discussion with (party) seniors over the restructuring or expansion of the Cabinet." An official statement issued after the meeting said the CM discussed various state issues with the PM. "During the meeting, the CM requested to declare Upper Bhadra Project as National project and also sought a financial assistance of Rs 6000 crore for Bengaluru Peripheral Ring Road project," the statement said. He also discussed the Mekedatu project and establishing a US Consulate in the state, it said. The chief minister's secretary, Gorish Hosur, was also present in the meeting. Before the meeting, the CM had asserted the state has got every right to implement the Mekedatu project across the Cauvery River and will start the work. Tamil Nadu has been opposing the project vehemently. "They (TN) have been opposing us since the beginning but we have got our rights. I request them not to disturb us," he said, assuring Tamil Nadu that the implementation of the proposed project will not create any problem for them. "I have written to them (TN CM) about the matter, but they are not letting us (implement the project). There is no need to have confusion. I want to assure my state that we will 100 per cent implement the Mekedatu project," he added. Separately, the CM also met newly appointed four central ministers from Karnataka over a dinner at the Karnataka Bhawan here. The CM also said he will meet some of the Center's key ministers including Amit Shah and Rajnath Singh on Saturday. He also urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to provide at least 1.5 crore doses of Covid vaccine to the state every month. Yediyurappa put forth the demand for vaccines during a virtual meeting chaired by Modi with the chief ministers of various states to review the COVID-19 situation, said a statement issued by his office. The Chief Minister explained that the COVID cases in Karnataka have declined to 1,900 a day. In Bengaluru, it has come down to about 400 cases a day. While the daily positivity rate is 1.42 per cent, the death rate too has come down to 1.25 per cent, he added. Stating that Karnataka has so far received 2.62 crore vaccines, the chief minister requested the Prime Minister to provide 1.5 crore doses of the vaccine with a targeted 5 lakh doses everyday, the statement read. Yediyurappa also told Modi that the district authorities have been authorised to impose sanctions depending on the positivity rate of COVID-19, the number of cases and the opinion of the Technical Advisory Committee. The district officials have also been told to initiate appropriate action against those not following the COVID-19 protocols such as social distancing, hand hygiene and wearing face mask. As the Prime Minister asked the state governments to gear up for the possible third wave, Yediyurappa said the government is enhancing the oxygenated beds, ventilator beds and pediatric ICUs in hospitals. The number of doctors, paramedics and lab technicians in the hospitals have been increased. In addition, a large number of tools for treating COVID are also being purchased and new RT-PCR laboratories and Genome Sequencing Laboratories are also being set up in the state, Yediyurappa told Modi. Yediyurappa requested funds under the PM CARES fund for increasing the allocation of vaccines and to set up 800 neonatal and pediatric ventilators. In addition, the Chief Minister urged Modi to allocate 40 PSA oxygen production units at Taluk hospitals and decentralisation of the distribution of liquid medical oxygen. He also appealed to increase the supply of amphotericin-B to treat Mucormycosis and increase the intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) distribution for children. During the video conference, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and senior government officials were present representing the Centre, while Deputy Chief Ministers Dr C N Ashwath Narayan and Govind Karjol, Revenue Minister R Ashoka, Home Minister Basavaraj Bommai and Health Minister Dr K Sudhakar were present. By Express News Service THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Neyyardam police came under attach by the drug mafia after the cops went to conduct a raid at Kuttichal in the early hours of Friday. Acting on a tip-off, the cops had reached Nellikunnu at around 3 am when an organised attack took place. The accused hurled petrol bombs and stones at the cops and left their jeep damaged. A civil police officer sustained injuries in the attack. The police team conducted the raid after they received information about the drug mafia. The accused persons, however, escaped to the nearby forest area. Cops have launched a combing operation to nab them. Unnikrishnan S By Express News Service THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The health departments decision to conduct mass testing without adequate preparation has drawn flak from doctors. According to them, the move could be counter-productive even with the best intention to find the maximum number of people with Covid. The health department has planned 3.75 lakh Covid tests on Thursday and Friday. It is in addition to the 1.1 lakh to 1.5 lakh daily tests. The experts have pointed out the need for more testing as part of the containment strategy. However, the doctors working in government hospitals complained that the department had not prepared well for the exercise. We have not yet improved our capacity to conduct more tests. As a result, there will be more delay in getting the results. A delayed result will do more harm than good because those who have undergone testing may think that they are not infected. They go around freely and cause further spread, said a doctor working in a public health centre. The department has decided to use both antigen and RT-PCR tests. The government facilities have the capacity to conduct 28,000 to 30,000 RT-PCR tests a day. It has been found that people have to wait for over a week to get the test results from a government lab. The augmented testing would result in further delay. At least, that was the experience when the department had carried out a similar exercise in the fourth week of April this year. The problem with augmented testing is that it also delays the test results of other patients who would benefit from an early treatment. The government has not done much to add more resources to go for augmented testing, said the doctor. The Kerala Government Medical Officers Association came out openly against the augmented testing in April. But the then health minister K K Shailaja snubbed them saying that testing was done based on expert advice. Though the resource constraint is still there this time, the department has given flexibility to districts to decide on the testing strategy according to the capacity. The turnaround time for an antigen test is relatively less as compared to an RT-PCR test. It is unlike last year when there was a target for each district to do RT-PCR tests. But there is still some problems at the peripheral level as the order says that the people coming to the OP should be tested for Covid. A person coming to the OP for a dog bite, for instance, may not be willing to undergo a Covid test, said a RMO in a general hospital. Association president G S Vijayakrishnan said more testing by ensuring more resources is the need of the hour as the state is facing the possibility of a third wave. The state chapter of Indian Medical Association which had criticised the Covid containment strategies of the government recently said contact tracing testing, instead of community testing, is effective in finding Covid-positive people. 28,000 to 30,000 RT-PCR tests can be done in government labs in state per day as of now By Express News Service BHUBANESWAR: The State government on Thursday directed departments concerned to integrate all emergency helpline numbers with the new emergency response support system (ERSS) by August-end to provide faster services to people in distress. After the launch of a single unified emergency helpline number 'Dial 112' by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on March 19, 2021, the State emergency response center (SERC) has received nearly 21,000 calls out of which around 73 per cent pertains to police complaints and 27 per cent were fire related cases. In the first phase, emergency call numbers 100 (police) and 101 (fire) service have been integrated with the unified number 112. Reviewing the progress achieved in the ERSS-Dial 112 at a high-level meeting here, Chief Secretary Suresh Chandra Mahapatra set the August deadline for integration of maximum number of services with the new system. Emphasising on making ERSS more responsive and prompt, he asked the Home department to reduce the response time for quick service delivery at the point of distress. The department was further advised to take up extensive awareness activities about the functioning of the unified number so that people could make use of the system. Apart from 100 and 101, helpline numbers like 102 (Janani Express), 104 (health help desk for Covid), 108 (ambulance), 181 (women helpline), and, 1098 (child helpline) and helpline service available for senior citizens and differently-abled persons need to be integrated with ERSS. As more manpower, vehicles and other logistic support will be required after gradual integration of other helpline numbers and stabilisation of ERSS, Mahapatra asked the Home department to meet the manpower requirement through timely recruitment. Additional Chief Secretary, Home department, Sanjeev Chopra said the SERC is now functioning with 60 call receivers, 12 computer-aided digitised systems, 151 vehicles and 400 fire service vehicles. In the month of June, 8,807 cases were registered out of which around 93 per cent were related to police and 7 per cent to fire services. There were 1821 calls for emergency ambulance service which were promptly attended. T Muruganandham By Express News Service CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Friday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to reconsider the decision to conduct national level examinations like NEET in the present pandemic situation as they might turn into superspreaders of COVID-19. The Centre recently announced its decision to conduct NEET for medical admissions even as the CBSE board exams were cancelled in view of the pandemic. We are making all preparations to manage a possible third wave. For that, I appeal to the Union government to allocate more resources to the state. I assure that Tamil Nadu will take all necessary steps to effectively handle this pandemic and stand firm with you to overcome this challenge, the Chief Minister said, taking part in the meeting on COVID-related issues, chaired by the Prime Minister through video conference. Thanking the Union government for increasing the allocation of oxygen and remdesivir to Tamil Nadu, the Chief Minister renewed his appeal to it to consider his earlier request to bring the GST on all COVID-related items to zero. Stating that his government had reduced vaccine wastage from six percent to zero percent and successfully created vaccine awareness, the Chief Minister said, Now the demand for vaccines in Tamil Nadu is very high. However, the allotment for our state is low compared to other states. I already requested for a special allocation of one crore doses to meet this situation. I look forward to your support on this vital issue. The Chief Minister recalled that his government had distributed COVID relief package of Rs 4,000 in two installments to two crore families and a grocery kit with 14 items to all these families. The Union governments additional rice provision to priority cardholders had also been extended to all rice cards. He also requested the Union government to extend this to all eligible cardholders. By Express News Service THANJAVUR: Marking the 17th anniversary of the Kumbakonam school fire tragedy, parents, relatives, elected representatives and the public on Friday paid floral tributes to the 94 children who perished in the incident. Assembling in front of the giant flex banner bearing the portraits of the children at the Sri Krishna Aided Primary School building, people also paid candlelit homage and placed offerings before it. They also visited the memorial for the children at Palakkarai on the banks of the Cauvery and paid floral tributes. As large gatherings are prohibited owing to the Covid-19 lockdown, the police refused permission for day-long tribute in front of the school. Similarly, the yearly procession from the school to the memorial, and the evening programme on the banks of the Mahamaham tank, were also prohibited. Among those who paid tributes was the government Chief Whip, Govi Chezhian. Parents who gathered in front of the school demanded July 16 to be declared Children Safety Day and a local holiday. They also sought government job for the children injured in the accident who have now completed their graduation. By PTI KATHMANDU: China will donate an additional 1.6 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines to Nepal, the foreign ministry here said on Friday. The announcement was made by Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Hou Yanqi, who paid a courtesy call to newly-appointed Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba on Friday, according to a press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Ambassador Hou also conveyed to Deuba that China will continue its support to Nepal to combat COVID-19 pandemic. "Prime Minister Deuba thanked the Chinese government for this vaccine support and expressed hope that China will enhance its support to Nepal for both COVID-19 response and recovery," the Foreign Ministry said. "During the meeting, various matters pertaining to Nepal-China relations were discussed," it said. China had earlier provided 1.8 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines as a gift to help Nepal in its fight against the virus. Nepal started its vaccination drive with the 1 million doses of Covishield, the AstraZeneca type vaccine manufactured by the Serum Institute of India, which were gifted to Nepal by the Indian government. Of the 2 million doses Nepal bought from the Serum Institute, only 1 million doses were shipped. Nepal reported 2,006 new coronavirus cases and 43 related deaths in the last 24 hours, taking the country's virus caseload and death toll to 664,576 and 9,506 respectively. By PTI DHAKA: India and Bangladesh have reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the expanding multifaceted cooperation, as foreign ministers of the two nations met in Tashkent and discussed a range of issues, including the bilateral and regional connectivity, COVID-19 and the repatriation of the Rohingya refugees to Myanmar. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his Bangladeshi counterpart AK Abdul Momen met in Uzbekistan's capital on the sidelines of an international conference on the challenges and opportunities of regional connectivity in Central and South Asia on Thursday. They discussed a range of issues, including the bilateral and regional connectivity, COVID-19 and vaccination situation in both the countries and the repatriation of the Rohingya to Myanmar, bdnews24.com reported. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the partnership and expanding multifaceted cooperation. They also emphasised the need for resuming the activities of various joint mechanisms soon after the COVID scenario in both countries improves. Jaishankar expressed his happiness as the supply of vaccination to Bangladesh is back on track from a diversified external source, including under COVAX arrangement, the foreign ministry said here in a statement. Bangladesh so far was dependent on India's Serum Institute. India halted the export of the Covid vaccine in March after the Serum Institute of India supplied 7 million AstraZeneca jabs to Bangladesh. As per an agreement, Serum is supposed to ship 30 million doses. "Happy to meet with Bangladesh FM Dr AK Abdul Momen on the sidelines of the Tashkent Connectivity Conference. A good opportunity to review the progress in our ties, including its connectivity aspects," Jaishankar tweeted after the meeting. By PTI KABUL: Danish Siddiqui, a Pulitzer Prize winner Indian photojournalist who worked for Reuters news agency, has been killed in Afghanistan while covering the fierce fighting between Afghan troops and the Taliban militants in Kandahar. "Deeply disturbed by the sad news of the killing of a friend, Danish Siddiqui in Kandahar last night (Thursday). The Indian Journalist and winner of the Pulitzer Prize was embedded with Afghan security forces," Afghanistan's Ambassador to India Farid Mamundzay tweeted on Friday. "I met him two weeks ago before his departure to Kabul. Condolences to his family & Reuters," Mamundzay said. Siddiqui who was in his early 40s, was killed during clashes in Spin Boldak district in Kandahar, Tolo News quoted sources as saying. The Indian journalist was covering the situation in Kandahar over the last few days. Siddiqui was based in Mumbai. He had received the Pulitzer Prize as part of the Photography staff of Reuters news agency. Siddiqui graduated with a degree in Economics from Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhi. He had a degree in Mass Communication from the AJK Mass Communication Research Centre at Jamia in 2007. He started his career as a television news correspondent, switched to photojournalism, and joined Reuters as an intern in 2010. This comes as the Taliban captured Spin Boldak district in Kandahar this week. Fierce fighting has been underway in Kandahar, especially in Spin Boldak, for the last few days. Clashes between the government and the Taliban have intensified since US troops began to withdraw from the country. The Taliban recently claimed their fighters had retaken 85 percent of territory in Afghanistan - a figure disputed by the government. By PTI WASHINGTON: The US Senate has confirmed Indian-American civil rights lawyer Seema Nanda as the solicitor for the Department of Labour. A former CEO of the Democratic National Committee who also served in the Department of Labour during the Obama Administration, Nanda, 48, was confirmed by the Senate with 53-46 votes on Wednesday. Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus chair Judy Chu applauded the Senate vote. I am thrilled to congratulate Seema Nanda on her confirmation to serve as Solicitor for the Department of Labour. Whether it's risks from coronavirus, rising temperatures from climate change, or unscrupulous employers, workers continue to face difficult challenges every day, she said. This is why it's so significant that President Joe Biden chose somebody with Nanda's experience as the Solicitor of Labour, she said. Her office will play a central role in fighting legal battles and challenges. With experience as the deputy solicitor and chief of staff at the Department of Labour under Secretary Tom Perez, I know that Seema will be a champion for workers' rights and vulnerable communities from the very start, Chu said. Nanda served as chief of staff, deputy chief of staff and deputy solicitor at the US Department of Labour in the Obama-Biden administration. Earlier, she spent over 15 years in various roles as a labour and employment attorney, mostly in government service. Nanda led the now named Office of Immigrant and Employee Rights Section of the US Justice Department's Civil Rights Division where she served as a supervisor attorney in the Division of Advice at the National Labour Relations Board and worked as an associate in private practice in Seattle. After the Obama-Biden administration, Nanda led the Democratic National Committee as the CEO and served as the COO and executive vice president at the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights. Nanda is presently a fellow at Harvard Law School's Labour and Worklife Programme. She grew up in Connecticut and is a graduate of Brown University and Boston College Law School. 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. 5 1 of 5 H John Voorhees III / Hearst Connecticut Media Show More Show Less 2 of 5 Danbury GIS Show More Show Less 3 of 5 4 of 5 Sandra Diamond Fox / Hearst Connecticut Media Show More Show Less 5 of 5 DANBURY A Jersey Mikes fast food restaurant has been approved on one of the busiest commercial stretches on the citys east side near the Bethel border, on the belief that the extra peak hour traffic it attracts can be absorbed by a road that the state is widening. The approval last week by Danburys Planning Commission of a new Jersey Mikes in the Nutmeg Square shopping center near the Stop & Shop would add 66 car trips when traffic is busiest on Newtown Road, according to a traffic analysis. PARIS (AP) With Welcome messages in multiple languages, the Eiffel Tower greeted tourists Friday for the first time in nearly nine months, reopening to the public even as France introduces new virus rules aimed at taming the fast-spreading delta variant. Smiles were broad and emotions palpable as the first masked visitors mounted the elevators heading to the top of the Paris monument. Its such a lovely place and wonderful people...and now the wonderful Tour Eiffel, German tourist Ila Mires said, using the French name for the tower. She came with her 19-year-old daughter before the young woman leaves for studies in Amsterdam. Seeing the tower on their last day together in Paris is such a gift to mother and daughter, Mires said. The Iron Lady of Paris was ordered shut in October as France battled its second virus surge of the pandemic, and remained shut for renovations even after other French tourist draws reopened last month. The towers reopening came four days after President Emmanuel Macron announced new measures aimed at warding off a fourth surge, including mandatory vaccinations for health workers and mandatory COVID-19 passes to enter restaurants and tourist and other venues. Starting Wednesday, all visitors to the Eiffel Tower over age 18 will need to show a pass proving theyve been fully vaccinated, had a negative virus test or recently recovered from COVID-19. Masks are required, and the number of daily visitors to the tower will be limited to about half the pre-pandemic norm of 25,000. The rules didnt seem to scare crowds away on Friday. Bienvenue - Welcome - Wilkommen - Bienvenido flashed on a screen as families, couples and groups lined up or posed for photos beneath the tower. We worked, we worked, we worked (for this day). And when I saw my first visitor, I was very, very happy. Emotion and happiness, Eiffel Tower director Patrick Branco Ruivo told reporters. Before COVID, it was 80% foreigners, 20% French. Last year, it was 80% French, 20% foreigners. And this year, its amazing because its fifty-fifty. And for us, its the time that foreigners are coming back to the Eiffel Tower, he said. France has opened to international tourists this summer, but the rules vary depending on which country they are coming from. While visitors are trickling back to Paris, their numbers have been far from normal levels, given continued border restrictions and virus risks. Looking over the elegant French capital, Philippe Duval of Bordeaux and his family admired the view. Its an event we didnt want to miss, said Duval, who was among the first to make it to the towers top-floor viewing deck. To be on top of the worlds most beautiful city, what else can you ask for. ___ Nicolas Garriga and Angela Charlton contributed. FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) A northern Arizona city was hit a third time with flooding on Friday, sending debris into the streets and forcing them to close. Gov. Doug Ducey issued an emergency declaration earlier Friday for Coconino County, making up to $200,000 available for response to flash flooding in the Flagstaff area. Residents reported streams of water flowing through their yards and on the busiest city streets. The city of Flagstaff and Coconino County opened a joint emergency operations center. Some of the flooding occurred in neighborhoods that sit in the shadow of a mountain that burned in 2019. Severe post-wildfire flooding is creating dangerous challenges for communities in northern Arizona, Ducey said Friday. The flooding is causing road closures, damaging property and putting Arizonans safety at risk. The National Weather Service issued a barrage of weather statements on Friday, warning of flood potential across the state. Many places have received more rain in the past month than in the entire 2020 monsoon season, which ran from mid-June through September, the weather service said. Torrential rainfall sent flood waters flowing across State Highway 87 about 70 miles (112 kilometers) southeast of Flagstaff at one point Friday evening between Payson and Pine, the service said. The city of Flagstaff said many sections of its urban trail system were damaged and impassable due to recent flooding. The service also issued a dust warning Friday night on the southwest edge of Phoenix where winds in excess of 40 mph (64 kph) created a wall of dust that reduced visibility to less than a quarter-mile across an area that included parts of U.S. Interstates 10 and 8. At least one death has been attributed to flooding. Grand Canyon National Park on Friday identified a woman who was found in the frigid Colorado River after a flash flood swept through her rafting group's trip. Rebecca Copeland, 29, of Ann Arbor, Michigan was found Thursday near the camp where the group of 30 had set up the night before, park officials said. Much of the group's belongings were washed away after a torrent of water rushed through a slot canyon above them. Park spokeswoman Kaitlyn Thomas said a handful of people were very seriously bludgeoned by the debris. A handful of them had to be evacuated by air from the canyon, the park said. A different commercial rafting group found Copeland and another woman who initially was reported missing. Thomas said she didn't know whether that group actively was searching for the missing people at the time. I am confident that the river community did know something was up but I imagine they were on the lookout," she said. The National Park Service and the Coconino County examiner are investigating the incident, the park said in a statement. Covid-19 vaccination rates are down and cases are on the rise, exacerbated by the more transmissible Delta variant -- and an expert says the key to winning the race against the spread is getting more Americans vaccinated. "We're losing time here. The Delta variant is spreading, people are dying, we can't actually just wait for things to get more rational," Dr. Francis Collins, director of the National Institutes of Health told CNN on Wednesday. In Arkansas, the top official at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences sounded the alarm Thursday on current Covid-19 infection and hospitalization rates in the state. When asked during a Q&A on Twitter about the impact the Delta variant is having on hospitalizations, Chancellor Cam Patterson said hospitals are "full right now and cases are doubling every 10 days." "If that trend continues, there will be significant challenges in providing care for both Covid and non-Covid patients over the next two weeks," Patterson said, noting he met with Gov. Asa Hutchinson to discuss the matter. Patterson said while hospitals have the ability to add more ICU beds, staffing is an acute issue. Patterson said they "are close to the limit now." Vaccines have been available to most Americans for months, but still only 48.3% of the country is fully vaccinated, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention -- and the rate of new vaccinations is on the decline. It was down 11% from a week ago and is less than a quarter of the pace from two months ago. Meanwhile, case rates have been going up dramatically. In 47 states, the rate of new cases in the past week is at least 10% higher than the previous week, according to data from Johns Hopkins University. A total of 35 states have seen increases of more than 50%. The numbers speak positively about vaccines, expert says Officials and experts have said disinformation is largely to blame for the high number of unvaccinated Americans, a group that is seeing the largest impacts of the pandemic. "This is not just a matter of people expressing opinions that might be wrong, this is life and death," Collins said. Much of the data now shows that more than 99% of people currently hospitalized with Covid-19 are unvaccinated, Collins said. That means those who are vaccinated have enough protection that they aren't getting severely ill, Collins said. And the vaccines are still showing signs of being very effective against the Delta variant, he said, which is one of the greatest concerns for health experts currently. Collins said he hopes the American public will pay attention to the data and decide that getting vaccinated is the safe and smart thing to do. "I hope people will hear this, right now listening to this: If you are on the fence about whether vaccination is going to help you, listen to those numbers," Collins said. "Why are we waiting folks? Let's roll up our sleeves if we haven't already done so." The United States' top doctor spoke at the White House press briefing announcing a 22-page advisory titled "Confronting Health Misinformation." "Health misinformation has cost us lives," US Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy said at a White House briefing. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. Murthy urged tech companies to monitor misinformation more closely and take action against "misinformation superspreaders." He also asked people to check sources before reposting Covid information on social media. "If you're not sure, don't share," he said. Murthy blamed misinformation for the slowing pace of vaccinations. "It's one of several reasons why people are not getting vaccinated, but it's a very important one because what we know from polls ... is that two-thirds of people who are not vaccinated either believe common myths about the Covid-19 vaccine or think some of those myths might be true," Murthy said. Extra doses may help people with compromised immune systems Experts have speculated that there may be a need for Covid-19 vaccine boosters in the future, but many have said that for now, the current vaccines appear to provide enough protection. Pfizer said last week a booster for its vaccine could be needed six months to a year after completion of the first two vaccine doses, prompting a rare public rebuke from the CDC and the US Food and Drug Administration. The company met with administration and top public health officials this week to discuss the data. "We don't think that boosters are needed at the current time," Acting FDA Commissioner Dr. Janet Woodcock said Wednesday. "We will follow the data on waning of immunity over time and the data on acquisition of infections by the vaccinated to see if, at some point, it appears that a booster would be warranted," Woodcock said in a conversation hosted by STAT News. The more important conversation at this stage, she said, is getting unvaccinated people vaccinated. But Collins noted, for some people, an extra dose -- not a booster -- may help get their immune response to a fully vaccinated level. "People who have immune deficiencies, who did not get a full response to the original pair of doses from Moderna or Pfizer, or the one dose from J&J -- maybe an additional dose might help those people," Collins told CNN's Erin Burnett, specifically pointing to organ transplant recipients and cancer patients on chemotherapy. "I wouldn't call that a booster, though," Collins added. "I would just say that's trying to get the primary immunization up to the level it needs to be -- that's under consideration." The-CNN-Wire & 2021 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. JONESBORO Clayton County schools is hosting a Kindergarten Roundup For School and Literacy parade Saturday, July 17. The event will start at 8:30 a.m. and feature school district employees walking and riding with the goal of promoting literacy and new student kindergarten and school registration. The parade will begin at the post office on Main Street and end at Lee Street Park and Lee Street Elementary School. Activities and giveaways are planned following the parade, including registration for new students. The community is encouraged to show their support by cheering on school employees along the parade route. Catastrophic flooding in western Europe has killed more than 120 people, with hundreds more missing, authorities said Friday, as large-scale rescue efforts continue amidst rising water, landslides and power outages. Shocking images of the devastation in Germany and Belgium showed entire villages underwater, with cars wedged in between collapsed buildings and debris. The Netherlands and Luxembourg have also been affected by the extreme rainfall. In Germany, at least 103 people have been killed across two western states. In the hard-hit district of Ahrweiler, in the state of Rhineland-Palatinate, authorities told CNN that 1,300 people remained unaccounted for. "There is no end in sight just yet," Ulrich Sopart, a police spokesman in the city of Koblenz, told CNN. He said that authorities are hopeful that they will be able to revise down the number of missing people as the rescue operation continues and phone lines are restored. ''Our hopes are that some people might have been registered as missing twice or even three times -- if for example a family member, a work colleague or a friend has registered a person as missing," Sopart said. ''Also, [in] some places phone lines are still down and reception is difficult. We do hope that people will get in touch with a relative, work colleague or friend to let them know they are fine," he said. At least 165,000 people are currently without power in Rhineland-Palatinate and the neighboring state of North Rhine-Westphalia, authorities told CNN. In North Rhine-Westphalia, where at least 43 people have died, the state's Interior Ministry spokeswoman Katja Heins told CNN: ''The situation remains very dynamic -- we do not know how many people are unaccounted for." The death toll in Rhineland-Palatinate has risen to at least 60, the state premier, Malu Dreyer, announced Friday, adding that there was bad news every hour. ''We have 60 dead to mourn at the moment and it is to be feared that the number will rise even further, '' Dreyer said at a news conference, adding: ''We have not yet reached the stage where we can say that situation is easing." As rescue efforts continued on Friday, more tragic scenes came to light. At least nine people at a disabled care facility drowned after being caught in floodwaters. The facility, located in the town of Sinzig, in the Ahrweiler district, became so quickly inundated that the residents -- who had been sleeping -- were unable to escape, despite efforts by caretakers to bring them to safety, according to CNN affiliate NTV. The German states of North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland have been the worst affected by the record rainfall, which authorities have called the heaviest in a century. ''In some areas we have not seen as much rainfall in 100 years," a spokesperson for the German weather service DWD said, adding that in those regions, they have "seen more than double the amount of rainfall," causing flooding and structures to collapse. Large swaths of western Germany saw 24-hour rainfall totals between 100 and 150 millimeters (3.9-5.9 inches), which represent more than a month's worth of rainfall in this region, according to CNN meteorologist Brandon Miller. Cologne, in North Rhine-Westphalia, recorded 154 millimeters (6 inches) of rainfall in the 24 hours to Thursday morning, which is nearly double its monthly average for July of 87 millimeters. Heavier localized downpours resulted in extreme flash flooding. In Reifferscheid, in the Ahrweiler district, an incredible 207 millimeters (8.1 inches) of rain fell in only nine hours, according to the European Severe Weather Database. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. The intense deluges were the result of a slow-moving area of low pressure, which allowed a conveyor belt of warm and moist air to fuel powerful thunderstorms and heavy, long-lasting rain, according to the German weather service. Extreme rainfall is becoming more common in the warming climate, as warmer air can hold more water vapor that is available to fall as rain. "Climate change has arrived in Germany," Environment Minister Svenja Schulze tweeted Thursday, adding that "the events show with what force the consequences of climate change can affect us all, and how important it is for us to adjust to extreme weather events in the future." Hannah Cloke, a professor of hydrology at the UK's University of Reading, told CNN that "these kind of high-energy, sudden summer torrents of rain are exactly what we expect in our rapidly heating climate." European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Friday that the widespread flooding is evidence of the need for urgency in acting on climate change. "It is the intensity and the length of the events that science tells us this is a clear indication of climate change and that this is something that really, really shows the urgency to act," she said. On Thursday, the DWD predicted that the "worst of the torrential rainfall is over," although more heavy rain is expected in southwestern Germany on Friday. In neighboring Belgium, at least 22 people have died, authorities said Friday. Some 21,000 people are also without electricity in the southern region of Wallonia, according to energy supplier Ores, who said that the situation across the power network remains "extremely complicated." Some 300 distribution points are flooded and impossible to reach, it said. On Friday afternoon, a Dutch embankment in the province of South Limburg broke, with local authorities warning residents to urgently take action. After a large hole was found in a dike alongside the Juliana Canal, the regional safety authority warned residents to urgently close all windows and doors, saying that there was not enough time to evacuate. "Residents in Bunde, Voulwames, Brommelen and Geulle must close windows and doors as quickly as possible and move to a safe floor of their house," the safety authority's statement read. "There is no more time to leave the house," it said, adding: "This area will be under water." Meanwhile, a hospital in the Dutch town of Venray, in North Limburg, was being evacuated on Friday afternoon. Around 200 patients would be transferred to other hospitals, the regional safety authority said. More than 150 rescue workers from France, Italy and Austria are currently in Belgium "providing emergency assistance to people affected by the catastrophic floods," the European Commission said Friday. The-CNN-Wire & 2021 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. Pikeville, KY (41501) Today Areas of patchy fog early. Sunny to partly cloudy. High 86F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Partly to mostly cloudy. Low around 65F. Winds light and variable. An Urbana man who allegedly crashed a stolen truck through the county satellite jail, tried to hit a correctional officer and steal another woman's truck, is back in the jail he breached hours earlier. 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). One of Editor & Publishers 10 That Do It Right 2021 Crime Kirtland couple sentenced to prison for bribing Cleveland official, tax fraud Books Cleveland photographs of The Boss, baby Janet Macoskas myriad shots of The Boss in Cleveland collected in Bruce Springsteen: Live in the Heartland 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. Researchers in the United States have designed a modular protein subunit vaccine against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that elicited a strong immune response in macaques and prevented the animals from developing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The vaccine, which contains the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein displayed on a hepatitis B virus-like particle (VLP), was constructed using the covalent peptide-mediated linkage system SpyTag/SpyCatcher. The spike RBD mediates the initial stage of the SARS-CoV-2 infection process when it binds to the host cell receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2. This RBD is a primary target of neutralizing antibodies following natural infection or vaccination. Dan Barouch from Harvard Medical School in Boston, Massachusetts and colleagues say the RBD-VLP antigen elicited significantly higher levels of neutralizing antibodies than other licensed vaccines have in non-human primates. The vaccine also reduced viral loads in the upper and lower respiratory tract of the animals following challenge with SARS-CoV-2. Furthermore, both the spike RBD and hepatitis B (VLPs) protein components are produced in yeast, potentially providing a low-cost manufacturing process for low- and middle-income countries, where access to vaccination is limited. Based on these promising data, this vaccine candidate is currently being tested in clinical trials, says Barouch and colleagues. A pre-print version of the research paper is available on the bioRxiv* server, while the article undergoes peer review. Access to vaccines is limited in low-and middle-income countries The mass rollout of COVID-19 vaccination in many developed countries has proved highly effective at reducing SARS-CoV-2 infection rates and preventing symptomatic COVID-19. However, the availability of vaccines in low- and middle-income countries is limited, owing to insufficient supplies, high costs, and cold storage requirements. New vaccines that could be produced by existing local manufacturers could minimize the costly infrastructure required for vaccine distribution to help achieve global immunity against SARS-CoV-2. Protein subunit vaccines represent a promising solution, since they can be manufactured using local large-scale fermentation facilities, do not typically require cold storage, and are already known to safe and effective when used with adjuvants. What did the team do? Now, Barouch and colleagues have described the design and preclinical testing of the protein subunit vaccine RBD-VLP that is currently manufactured at the Serum Institute of India production facility. Both protein components are produced in yeast, making this vaccine a promising, low-cost intervention for low- and middle-income countries, says the team. The researchers used a polypeptide-based system called SpyTag-SpyCatcher to covalently link the antigen to the VLP, which has previously been shown to increase antigen-specific antibody titers in mice. The modularity of the SpyTag-SpyCatcher system allows each component of the final particle to be expressed and purified independently to maximize yields and quality, they explain. The RBD-VLP antigen was formulated with one of two adjuvants: aluminum hydroxide (alum) and a combination of alum with CpG1018 a potent commercial adjuvant that is known to elicit T helper 1 (Th1)-type cytokine responses. Cynomolgus macaques were immunized with two doses of either vaccine formulation or a placebo, separated by a three-week interval. Spike-specific antibody titers were measured following each dose. Design and analysis of the RBD-VLP drug product A) Schematic of protein expression and conjugation. B) Reduced SDS-PAGE analysis of the formulated RBD-VLP vaccine samples. Alum-bound protein antigen (with and without CpG) was separated by centrifugation and desorbed from the alum using an elution buffer combined with heat treatment prior to SDS-PAGE. What did the study find? The researchers say they observed titers of neutralizing antibodies among the immunized animals that were more than 10,000 times above the range of protection provided by other licensed vaccines previously tested in non-human primates. The alum-only formulation elicited significantly higher antibody levels than the combination adjuvant. However, the alum plus CpG1018 combination improved the cellular immune response, compared with alum alone. The cellular response appeared stronger with the alum and CpG1018 co-formulation, consistent with previous reports on the influence of CpG1018 as an adjuvant in vaccines, says the team. The researchers say that it has previously been demonstrated that CpG adjuvants with hepatitis B surface antigen vaccines boost the Th1 cellular response and complement the Th2 cellular response that is induced by alum alone. In agreement with these prior reports, we did observe a higher Th1 cell response to the RBD-VLP formulated with both alum and CpG1018 compared to alum only, they write. The vaccine reduced viral loads in the respiratory tract The researchers infected the macaques with SARS-CoV-2 two weeks following the second dose of vaccine or placebo. Among the immunized animals, there was an approximate 3.4 and 2.9 log 10 reduction in the median viral of bronchoalveolar lavage supernatants and nasal samples, respectively, compared with the control animals. Animals that received the sham vaccine showed evidence of interstitial inflammation, syncytial cells, and type II pneumocyte hyperplasia in the lung and a higher median cumulative pathology score, compared with the immunized animals. Notably, post-challenge levels of humoral immunity conferred by the vaccine were not significantly different between the two vaccine formulations, says the team. What did the authors conclude? Barouch and colleagues say that taken together, the results suggest that the RBD-VLP vaccine candidate is protective against SARS-CoV-2 infection. Based on these promising data, this vaccine candidate is currently being tested in clinical trials (ANZCTR Registration number ACTRN12620000817943), they write. *Important Notice bioRxiv publishes preliminary scientific reports that are not peer-reviewed and, therefore, should not be regarded as conclusive, guide clinical practice/health-related behavior, or treated as established information. Among 6- and 7-year-olds who were born extremely preterm--before the 28th week of pregnancy--those who had more than two hours of screen time a day were more likely to have deficits in overall IQ, executive functioning (problem solving skills), impulse control and attention, according to a study funded by the National Institutes of Health. Similarly, those who had a television or computer in their bedrooms were more likely to have problems with impulse control and paying attention. The findings suggest that high amounts of screen time may exacerbate the cognitive deficits and behavioral problems common to children born extremely preterm. The study was conducted by Betty R. Vohr, M.D., and colleagues. It appears in JAMA Pediatrics. Funding was provided by NIH's Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development; National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute; and National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences. Previous studies have linked high amounts of screen time among children born full-term to language and developmental, behavioral and other problems. In the current study, researchers analyzed data from a study of children born at 28 weeks or earlier. Of 414 children, 238 had more than two hours of screen time per day and 266 had a television or computer in their bedrooms. Compared to children with less screen time per day, those with high amounts of screen time scored an average deficit of nearly 8 points on global executive function percentile scores, roughly 0.8 points lower on impulse control (inhibition) and more than 3 points higher on inattention. Children with a television or computer in their bedrooms also scored lower on measures of inhibition, hyperactivity and impulsivity. The authors concluded that the findings support the need for physicians to discuss the potential effects of screen time with families of children born extremely preterm. To advance anti-tuberculosis (TB) science and enable the progression of new, safe, and affordable treatment solutions for TB patients worldwide, a new consortium of 30 partners from 13 countries has officially launched. The 7-year, 185 million project called UNITE4TB, aims to accelerate and improve the clinical evaluation of combinations of existing and novel drugs, with the goal of developing new and highly active TB treatment regimens for drug-resistant and -sensitive TB. UNITE4TB is the newest project of the IMI AMR Accelerator, a public-private collaboration with the shared goal of progressing the development of new medicines to treat or prevent resistant bacterial infections. Tuberculosis is a major threat to public health worldwide. By bringing together leading experts from the public and private sectors in Europe and beyond, UNITE4TB is well placed to deliver results that will accelerate the development of better treatment regimens to tackle this disease." Dr Pierre Meulien, Executive Director of IMI Worldwide, TB is one of the top 10 causes of death and the leading cause from a single infectious agent (above HIV/AIDS). The growing emergence of multidrug-resistant TB is well-recognised as a public health challenge and has sparked new interest and investment in anti-TB drug development. Despite increased activity in the field, an integrated approach to TB drug development is still limited. With European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA) and Associated Partners on board, UNITE4TB has access to the majority of the most innovative TB compounds, currently in late pre-clinical, clinical phase 1, and early phase 2 stage. The consortium will deliver an efficient, global clinical trials network equipped to conduct phase 2 trials. State-of-the-art adaptive trial designs will be implemented, and advanced modelling, artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques will be employed. All of this will allow for the selection and testing of novel combination regimens with a high probability of success in subsequent phase 3 clinical trials. Anja Karliczek, Germany's Federal Minister of Education and Research, says: "Europe's UNITE4TB project creates an important new platform for research to combat tuberculosis. Science and industry will jointly test their clinical candidates and share research results. The objective is to develop effective combinations for new, urgently needed solutions to treat tuberculosis. This public-private partnership will set a new standard in the fight against global diseases such as TB. UNITE4TB is a remarkable example of international research collaboration. I am delighted that Germany is supporting the consortium with funding of around 25 million euros to the two German Associated Partners. I am confident that UNITE4TB will contribute towards achieving the goal of ending tuberculosis by 2030 that was adopted by the G20 Heads of State and Government at the UN General Assembly." UNITE4TB is the largest public-private collaboration on clinical TB drug development in the history of the EU. It will set a new standard for anti-TB regimen development, enhancing the efficiency with which new treatments are delivered to TB patients across the world. The new scientific statement, "Primary Care of Adult Patients After Stroke," acknowledges the importance of primary care in the system of care for patients with stroke, summarizing the available literature and providing a roadmap for holistic, goal-directed and patient-centered care. The statement is published today in Stroke, a journal of the American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association. Primary care professionals provide essential comprehensive and consistent care to patients after a stroke. Most people will seek guidance from their primary care team to reduce their high risk for recurrent stroke, prevent complications and optimize overall well-being. It outlines the need for comprehensive post-stroke management that includes engaging caregivers and family members to support the patient. Stroke is a complex disease with many causes, consequences and treatments. According to the statement, approximately 800,000 U.S. adults will have a new stroke each year, and 10% will die within 30 days. At the time of their stroke, approximately 5% of patients younger than 55 years of age and 40% over 85 years have moderate disability. By 90 days after a stroke, new stroke-related disability of at least moderate severity develops in 10% of younger adults to 30% of adults over age 65 years. There are about 7 million adults in the U.S. living with stroke. The first primary care appointment after a stroke should occur soon after discharge from the acute care or rehabilitation hospital, generally within 1-3 weeks. The current average interval to first medical visit for patients discharged home after stroke is 27 days. An earlier post-stroke visit may reduce hospital readmission and address inadvertent gaps in care that may exacerbate the high risk for stroke recurrence that marks the first three months after hospital discharge. Screening at the first and all subsequent appointments should include assessing new or chronic risks for recurrent stroke such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, atrial fibrillation and blockage in the carotid or other arteries. Additional screening is also important for complications including anxiety or depression, cognitive impairment, bone fracture and fall risk, osteoporosis, pressure ulcers and post-stroke seizures. Specialist referrals should be recommended for any of these complications as appropriate. In this statement, we affirm in a new way the role of the primary care professional in caring for people with stroke. The core functions of primary care as a specialty include: 1) diagnosis and management of acute symptoms, 2) chronic disease management and 3) disease prevention. Primary care professionals can ensure consistent and comprehensive care for the full needs of patients, including coordinating any additional care or services patients may need from community services providers or from subspecialty health care providers." Walter N. Kernan, M.D., chair of the statement writing group and professor of medicine at Yale University School of Medicine, in New Haven, Conn A multidisciplinary team of researchers is the first to show combining yeast-expression technology and a novel adjuvant formulation to produce a COVID-19 vaccine candidate is effective against SARS-COV-2 and promises to be easy to produce at large scale and cost-effective, important aspects for vaccinating people worldwide, especially in low- to middle-income countries. Results from the study, which applied lessons learned from the hepatitis b vaccine platform technology, are published online today in Science Immunology. Researchers from the Yerkes National Primate Research Center (NPRC) at Emory University, Infectious Disease Research Institute (IDRI), 3M and Texas Children's Hospital's Center for Vaccine Development at Baylor College of Medicine paired Baylor's SARS-CoV-2 Receptor Binding Domain (RBD) recombinant protein formulation vaccine candidate with IDRI's aluminum-based formulation of 3M's Toll-like receptor 7 and 8 agonist 3M-052 (3M-052/Alum) to enhance immune response against SARS-CoV-2 and, thus, increase vaccine effectiveness against COVID-19. Working with rhesus macaques, we found 3M-052/Alum formulation produced a significant and superior overall immune response than alum alone, a licensed adjuvant. The superior immune response from our RBD+ 3M-052/Alum vaccine resulted in a significant reduction of SARS-CoV-2 in upper and lower respiratory tracts and a markedly reduced severity of lung disease when compared with unvaccinated animals. We also showed a substantial reduction in virus shedding from the upper airways, which suggests our vaccine may also slow or halt virus transmission." Sudhir Kasturi, PhD, Corresponding Author Kasturi is an assistant professor in the Emory School of Medicine (SOM) Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and a research assistant professor in Yerkes' Microbiology and Immunology (M&I) division and the Emory Vaccine Center. The researchers believe their vaccine comprising a recombinant RBD protein with its novel 3M-052 adjuvant formulation may be strongly effective against the emerging variants because the vaccine has the capability to induce both neutralizing antibodies and CD8+ T cells, which can kill the virus if it enters cells. They say this is critical for reducing disease transmission and the virus' impact worldwide. "Also critical is we showed the vaccine potently reduces the levels of SARS-CoV-2 and limits inflammation by blocking the expansion of pro-inflammatory monocytes, which provides a better understanding of how the vaccine works," says Mirko Paiardini, PhD. "Furthermore, in collaboration with our Emory colleagues Drs. Susan Pereira Ribeiro and Rafick P. Sekaly, we identified via our study a combination of blood markers that predict the virus burden in lungs. Such a diagnostic could potentially help healthcare professionals monitor the disease and adjust treatments for increased effectiveness," Paiardini continues. He is also a corresponding author of the study and an associate professor in the Emory SoM Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine as well as a researcher in Yerkes' M&I division. To the authors' knowledge, their SARS-CoV-2 research is first to report use of a recombinant RBD immunogen and the 3M-052/Alum adjuvant to induce CD8+ T cell responses. The researchers say such T cell responses should be easily translatable from the rhesus monkey model into broad-based protection in humans, especially against emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants. The researchers vaccinated two groups of five rhesus monkeys each with RBD+alum (Group 2) or RBD+ 3M-052/Alum (Group 3). All animals in these groups received three immunizations over 10 weeks. Based on previous HIV studies, the researchers reasoned a third vaccination could substantially improve the magnitude and quality of neutralizing activity and effectiveness. An additional five rhesus monkeys (Group 1) served as unvaccinated controls for evaluation purposes. The researchers challenged all animals with SARS-CoV-2 (WA1A2020 isolate) via a combined intranasal and intratracheal route one month after the third vaccination. The Group 3 animals, which received RBD+ 3M-052/Alum, showed clear advantages in antibody response, neutralizing activity and effectiveness over the Group 2 animals, which received RBD+alum. Adding to the appeal of the Baylor RBD vaccine candidate is the large-scale production capacity in low- to middle-income countries that use this established yeast-expression platform for producing the hepatitis B vaccine. Such production capacity addresses the ability for transferring this vaccine technology in an effort to improve global health. "Our results showed producing the RBD recombinant protein using the yeast expression platform would meet the demand for vaccinating communities around the world," says Maria Elena Bottazzi, PhD. We are very excited to see our vaccine candidate is also beneficial in inducing a balanced antibody and CD8+T cells response previously not seen with other protein-based vaccine approaches." Bottazzi is another corresponding author and associate dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor and co-director of Texas Children's Center for Vaccine Development. Study author Peter Hotez, MD, PhD, notes the widespread use and outstanding safety track record of yeast-expressed recombinant protein immunizations offer promise for using this approach to produce and deliver COVID-19 vaccines for global health. Hotez is dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor and co-director of Texas Children's Center for Vaccine Development. The research team also includes Christopher Fox, PhD, IDRI, and Mark Tomai, PhD, 3M. "Especially because of its cost effectiveness, we believe this vaccine could serve as a great option against emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants as well as an attractive boost to select advanced clinical candidates where repeated vaccination might be a challenge," Kasturi says. It's difficult enough when a loved one is diagnosed with cancer, but employed spouses of those who receive the diagnosis also are confronted with an array of practical problems. It's now up to them to untangle issues around medical leave, health insurance, caregiving benefits, and more. It's a topic health economist Cathy Bradley, PhD, deputy director of the CU Cancer Center, encountered frequently during her previous studies on employment outcomes for cancer survivors. In 2019, Bradley and former CU Cancer Center member and stress researcher Mark Laudenslager, PhD, received a nearly $4 million grant from the National Cancer Institute to study ways to lessen the impacts of stress specifically on cancer caregivers who are also employed. If you have a full-time employee who's covering the family for health insurance and then their spouse becomes ill with cancer, the caregiver can't stop working. It's this tension that occurs and is much stronger than it would be if they were caregiving alone." Cathy Bradley, professor and associate dean for research, Colorado School of Public Health Laudenslager died in December 2020, and the COVID-19 pandemic slowed the study's progress, but study team got things moving again in April and is now enrolling caregivers to test the effectiveness of two interventions: one a series of user-managed online modules addressing caregiving concerns, the other a weekly telehealth visit with a counselor to talk through the same material face to face. A third arm, "treatment as usual," adds no new interventions to any counseling the caregiver may already be undergoing. "What we're trying to test is: does the intervention improve outcomes? Does it reduce the cost of care for the caregiver? Caregivers often become very sick themselves due to stress," Bradley says. "It's a holistic approach where we also cover the stress of caregiving and the importance of taking time for yourself. What's different is that most stress interventions don't think about work." The research team is also collecting hair and saliva samples from the caregivers to study cortisol levels as markers of stress. "It will be interesting to see how that corresponds with self-reported stress, so we can then determine through biomarkers which caregivers are starting to get into trouble," Bradley says. "We know that caregiver health greatly impacts patient health." When the study is complete, Bradley hopes the results will be helpful to caregivers as well as to companies who want to offer support to the caregivers in their ranks. "I'd like to be able to make recommendations to employers in terms of how to support their employees who are caregivers," she says, "and I'd like to have recommendations and tools available on cancer center websites on what employed caregivers need to know. You've just become a caregiver for someone with cancer and you're trying to work full time -- what employment rights do you have? What are some steps you should take? How do you talk to your employer?" Orah Fireman, M.Ed., LCSW, a professional therapist and senior professional research assistant in the Department of Psychiatry at the CU School of Medicine, leads the in-person interventions for Bradley's study. She meets with caregivers for hourlong sessions once a week, over Zoom, to talk through strategies on talking to employers, as well as more general tools for handling stress, and the responsibilities of caregiving. "People are so ready and wanting this support," Fireman says. "Caregivers are under extreme stress. It's not just their worries about their loved one and their health and if they are going to get better, but then there's the day-to-day -- physically caregiving for them if they need it, going to appointments with them, the unexpected needs, and runs to the hospital in the middle of the night because something isn't going right. "These caregivers are also working," Fireman adds. "So they're also trying to maintain their jobs and be good employees and colleagues." Fireman is excited to be part of the study and to help develop better ways to assist caregivers, but she also is impressed by how the spouses she talks to are already finding their ways through their new realities. "I'm always struck by people's resilience," she says. "It's amazing how people cope. Even though there's room to grow in their coping skills, it's astounding what people manage to handle. It feels like what we have to offer is a match to what people need, and that feels really gratifying." According to the World Health Organization, a third wave of COVID infections is now all but inevitable in Europe. A COVID tracker developed by IIASA researcher Asjad Naqvi, aims to identify, collect, and collate various official regional datasets for European countries, while also combining and homogenizing the data to help researchers and policymakers explore how the virus spreads. While many comparisons have been made between the COVID-19 pandemic and similar events in history, one thing sets this pandemic apart from others: the unprecedented amount of knowledge and data that is constantly being generated to understand how the pandemic is unfolding. For a high-income region like Europe, the quality of information made available on a daily basis is exceptionally high compared to the rest of the world. Using this information to make comparisons between different European countries is however not a simple task. Almost all European countries make COVID-19 data available in the form of maps and trend graphs, but access to data behind these visualizations varies from country to country, with most allowing some form of access to regional data, while others do not release this information publicly. European countries also tend to define regions differently. The European Commission and Eurostat - the statistical office of the European Union - for instance, use homogenous units known as Nomenclature of Territorial Units for Statistics (NUTS), where NUTS 0 denotes countries, NUTS 1 are typically provinces, NUTS 2 are districts, and NUTS 3 are sub-districts. In addition, differences in testing practices and how COVID-19 related hospital admissions and deaths are recorded, further complicate the comparison of data. Lastly, not all European countries are part of the European Union, and therefore are not subject to Eurostat reporting or data sharing requirements. To overcome some of these challenges, IIASA researcher Asjad Naqvi has developed a COVID-19 tracker that presents data on daily COVID-19 cases at the sub-national level for 26 European countries from January 2020 until the present. Although several innovative datasets that collect unique COVID-19 related information, such as the Oxford COVID-19 Government Response Tracker and the Complexity Science Hub (CSH) Tracker have come onto the scene since the start of the pandemic, Naqvi's tracker aims to identify, collect, and collate various official regional datasets for European countries, while also combining and homogenizing the data at the NUTS 3 or NUTS 2 level. This homogenized dataset makes it possible to explore how the virus spreads in terms of cumulative cases, daily cases, and cases per capita in Europe at a daily resolution. One of my aims in developing this tracker was to ensure data transparency, while also making the data consistent and ready for analysis. The paper identifies sources of COVID-19 datasets for 26 European countries and how to access each of them. The data set currently contains over 0.5 million data points at the NUTS 3 or NUTS 2 level." Asjad Naqvi, IIASA Researcher The tracker's data, which is discussed in a new paper published in the journal Scientific Data, can be merged with country or continent-level datasets, such as primary surveys, data from national statistical offices, or data from Eurostat, to conduct comprehensive analyses on the causes and implications of COVID-19. The paper contains a detailed discussion of data sources in each country, including their strengths and weaknesses, and the raw country-level files are provided in an online repository. According to Naqvi, this is one of the very few datasets that has been continuously updated since August 2020 to provide consistent daily information on a regional level for Europe. The map, for example, clearly illustrates that Germany, on the whole, insulated itself well against the virus and that Sweden and Czechia were particularly hard hit since the start of the pandemic. Naqvi notes that the tracker can be used for a host of different research questions. It can, for instance, be mapped onto NUTS-level regional data including various economic, demographic, health, tourism, and labor related indicators, some of which also have a monthly or even a weekly frequency. Since data for individual countries are provided, a detailed country-specific analysis can also be done if regional or micro data are available for analysis. Other datasets catalogued on platforms such as the Oxford COVID-19 Supertracker, provides a range of interesting information on various policies put in place by countries during the pandemic. The tracker data can be combined with several innovative global datasets containing NUTS-level information for European countries. As the data for the tracker has a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC-BY), anyone can access it at any time. The data base will continue to be updated regularly until countries stop publishing regional COVID-19 data. Betty Katherine (Akin) Smith, 91, passed Wednesday, July 14, 2021, at The Historic Villages of Silvercrest in New Albany, IN. The daughter of the late Leonard Taft and Mary Lucille (Gerdon) Akin, Betty was born December 20, 1929 in Galena, IN. Her family moved to Greensburg, KY and then back Goldsboro, NC (27530) Today Thunderstorms likely. High near 75F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 90%.. Tonight Thunderstorms this evening followed by occasional showers overnight. Low 68F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 80%. (Newser) Starting at 11:59pm on Saturday, everyone in Los Angeles County will be required to wear a mask while indoors in public spaces, whether they're vaccinated or not. The California county announced the reversal on Thursday, exactly one month after the statewide mask mandate was dropped, ABC 7 reports. Just before that reopening date of June 15, California's positivity rate was at its lowest point of the pandemic, 0.7%. But thanks in part to cases rising in LA County as the Delta variant surges, the rate is now at 3%, CNN reports. For seven consecutive days, new cases have numbered more than 1,000 per day in the county, and on Thursday, they hit their highest number since early March: 1,537. story continues below The county's health officer said the area is simply "not where we need to be" with regard to vaccinations, and "waiting to do something would be too late," CBS 2 reports. Statewide, more than 60% of residents are fully vaccinated, and in LA County the percentage is 61% for those over age 16 but closer to 51% for all residents of any age, Deadline reports. As of earlier this week, none of the county's hospitalized COVID-19 patients had been vaccinated. Officials say some exemptions from the mandate will be allowed, similar to what was in place before California reopened. Sacramento County made a similar move Thursday, though it's just recommending that masks be worn indoors. Yolo County did the same, NBC Bay Area reports, and Alameda County said it may do so soon. (Read more Los Angeles stories.) (Newser) Rep. Joyce Beatty, chair of the Congressional Black Caucus and 71-year-old Ohio Democrat, was arrested by US Capitol Police on Thursday afternoon after marching on the Senate Hart Office Building atrium. Beatty and othersCNN says there were only a dozenhad first gathered outside the Supreme Court building to rally for voting rights. Once inside the atrium, police warned the group to leave, then arrested first Beatty and then other members of the group. "Let the people vote. Fight for justice," Beatty tweeted later alongside images of her arrest. Per the Grio, Vice President Kamala Harris invited the protesters to the White House to discuss voting rights Friday. story continues below The group chanted in favor of the For the People Act, the Democrats' elections bill looking to push back against Republican attempts to curb voting rights in certain states; it passed the House but GOP senators blocked it in that chamber last month. They were also marching for the passage of the John Lewis Voting Rights Act. Ultimately, nine protesters including the congresswoman were arrested, the Guardian reports. "I stand in solidarity with the Black women and allies across the country in defense of our constitutional right to vote," Beatty said in a statement. "Be assured that this is just the beginning. This is Our Power, Our Message." (Beatty was once pepper sprayed while protesting the killing of George Floyd.) (Newser) The West Coast has had its fair share of the #FreeBritney movementnow it's DC's turn. As the drama continues to play out in Britney Spears' conservatorship case, lawmakers from both sides of the aisle have rushed to defend the 39-year-old performer, and to address such related topics as civil liberties, censorship, government overreach, and personal freedoms. NPR notes this "bipartisan push" has included everyone from GOP Sen. Ted Cruzwho said on a recent podcast that what's been happening to her is "freaking ridiculous," and that he's "squarely and unequivocally in the camp of Free Britney"to Democratic Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Bob Casey, who earlier this month co-wrote a letter that asked Attorney General Merrick Garland and Health and Human Services chief Xavier Becerra for information on conservatorships and similar arrangements. story continues below Republican Rep. Matt Gaetzwho the Hill notes showed up at a #FreeBritney rally in Los Angeles on Wednesday, calling her dad and conservator, Jamie Spears, a "grifter"co-authored his own letter in March, along with GOP Rep. Jim Jordan, asking House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerry Nadler for a conservatorship hearing. Gaetz has also asked Spears to testify before Congress. But while the attention has been focused on Spears and her own 13-year arrangement, advocates are hoping the attention called to the case may bring legislative change that would benefit everyone involved in such setups. "Britney Spears is the tip of the iceberg," a rep for Brooklyn Law School's Disability and Civil Rights Clinic tells NPR. "Meanwhile, we don't even know how many people are in conservatorships and guardianships," an attorney with the ACLU's disability rights initiative tells the New York Times. "We don't know whether they want to be there. We don't know why they're there." (Read more Britney Spears stories.) (Newser) Police investigating a break-in at a dental office in Nevada uncovered a more disturbing crime. Police say Laurel Eich, the 42-year-old dental office employee accused of breaking into the office and stealing more than $22,000 in cash and checks from a drawer, also pulled 13 teeth from one person despite not having a license to do so, News 4 reports. Investigators say the unauthorized dental surgery, which occurred some time before the May 4 break-in at the office in Sun Valley, north of Reno, involved anesthetic that had been disposed of by the dental office. story continues below The Washoe County Sheriff's Office say Eich, who was arrested Wednesday, admitted performing the unlicensed extractions, the New York Daily News reports. She has been charged with felonies including performing surgery on another without a license, burglary of a business, and grand larceny. She also faces three counts of violation of probation or condition of a suspended sentence. (Read more weird crimes stories.) (Newser) The latest white woman to go viral after a questionable interaction with a person of color has been dubbed "Victoria's Secret Karen," thanks to the location of the incident. Ijeoma Ukenta, who is Black, was shopping at the Victoria's Secret at New Jersey's Short Hills Mall when she encountered the white woman who has subsequently been identified as Abigail Elphick. While their initial interaction was not captured on video, Insider reports that, according to Ukenta, it all started with Elphick (who is not wearing a mask in the videos that were captured) getting uncomfortably close to Ukente as she browsed. When Ukente asked her to move six feet away, she says, Elphick went to the cash register and claimed Ukente had threatened her. The first recording starts with Elphick appearing to rush Ukente before realizing Ukente is filming. Then her apparent "breakdown" begins. story continues below The rest of the videos document Elphick allegedly screaming at Ukente to stop recording her, crying, appearing to faint or pretend to faint, shaking on the floor, insisting Ukente is threatening her, and moreat one point even appearing to chase her around the storeall while insisting she is having a breakdown and Ukente is filming it. Mall security eventually arrived, as did the police (whom Elphick appeared to call), and the ensuing police report reveals that Elphick claimed to have an anxiety disorder and to have suffered a panic attack when Ukente started filming because she was worried about "losing her job and apartment." Ukente, who says Elphick tried to hit her, is not happy with the way authorities handled the situation, and started a GoFundMe to hire a lawyer, the Independent reports. The campaign raised more than $105,000 before it was closed to donations. All of the videos can be seen here. A police internal affairs investigation has been opened into the incident, NJ.com reports. (Read more New Jersey stories.) (Newser) The death toll from devastating floods across parts of western Germany and Belgium rose above 90 on Friday, as the search continued for hundreds of people still unaccounted for and officials warned such disasters could become more common due to climate change. Authorities in the German state of Rhineland-Palatinate said 50 people had died there, including at least nine residents of an assisted living facility for people with disabilities, the AP reports. In neighboring North Rhine-Westphalia state, officials put the death toll at 30, but warned that the figure could rise further. Some 1,300 people in Germany were still reported missing, though authorities said efforts to contact them could be hampered by disrupted roads and phone connections. story continues below In a provisional tally, the Belgian death toll has risen to 12, with five people still missing, local authorities and media reported early Friday. The flash floods this week followed days of heavy rainfall which turned streams and streets into raging torrents that swept away cars and caused houses to collapse across the region. President Biden and Chancellor Angela Merkel expressed their sorrow over the loss of life during a news conference at the White House late Thursday. The longtime German leader said she feared that "the full extent of this tragedy will only be seen in the coming days." Rescuers were rushing Friday to help people trapped in their homes in the town of Erftstadt, southwest of Cologne. Regional authorities said several people had died after their houses collapsed due to subsidence, and aerial pictures showed what appeared to be a massive sinkhole. (Read more Germany stories.) (Newser) A 19-year-old has been charged with a hate crime after a sheriff's deputy said she tried to intimidate him, bringing a debate about including law enforcement as a protected class in Utah. A Garfield County sheriff's deputy wrote that after he pulled over several speeding vehicles, one of the passengers stomped on a "Back the Blue" sign while "smirking in an intimidating manner" at him, NPR reports. The "intimidating" part makes it a hate crime, the deputy said; Utah law allows conviction on a hate crime charge if the offense was committed "with the intent to intimidate or terrorize another person." Court documents say Deputy Cree Carter then stepped out of his vehicle and asked Lauren Gibson where she got the sign; she said it was her mother's. The deputy told Gibson the sheriff's department made the signs, the filing says, per NBC. story continues below The ACLU said the case confirms its fears about hate crime laws covering police. Such laws "are oftentimes used to single out unpopular groups or messages rather than provide protections for marginalized communities," the Utah ACLU said in a statement. The enhancement kicks the charges up to a higher misdemeanor, meaning that Gibson could go to jail if convicted. The ACLU questioned the wisdom of that. "Bringing a charge against this person that could result in her spending a year in jail makes no sense both in terms of simple fairness and expending the county's time and money," the chapter said. The sheriff defended the charge, saying, "We are greatly disturbed by the hatred shown to law enforcement officers for no apparent reason." Gov. Spencer Cox said he wasn't up to speed on the case but in general opposes defacing "Back the Blue" signsor "Black Lives Matter" signs. "Just stop doing stupid stuff," Cox said, per the Deseret News. (Read more hate crimes stories.) (Newser) After hours of interrogation in 1995, police in Chicago told 17-year-old Terrill Swift he could go home if he admitted being present at the scene of a rape and murder. He went home 17 years later after he was exonerated by DNA evidence. Illinois has now become the first state in the nation to ban police from lying to minors during interrogations, NPR reports. Under a bill signed by Gov. JB Pritzker Thursday, police will no longer be allowed to use common interrogation tactics like falsely telling minors that they can go home if they confess or falsely claiming incriminating evidence exists. As of Jan, 1, confession from suspects under 18 will no longer be admissible in court if an officer "knowingly engages in deception" during interrogation. Experts say the use of such tactics often leads to false confessions, especially from minors. story continues below There have been at least 31 wrongful convictions based on false confessions from minors in Illinois, according to the Innocence Project. The group says the state was once known as the "False Confession Capital of the United States." At the bill signing Thursday, Cook County State's Attorney Kimberly Foxx said false confessions undermine public trust in the legal systemand let the real perpetrators walk free. Swift, one of four Black teens known as the "Englewood Four," who were all exonerated, tells the Daily Herald that he was "hit with a series of lies that I raped and murdered someone" after police took him to a different station than the one they had told his father he was going to. He says that if the measure signed by Pritzker had been the law in 1995, "it could have saved my life." (Read more police interrogation stories.) (Newser) In England, the press has been hailing Monday as "Freedom Day," when almost all COVID restrictions, including mask mandates, are due to end. One problem: coronavirus infections in the UKincluding Scotland and Wales, which are lifting fewer restrictionshave surged to their highest level in six months. At what organizers described as an "emergency international summit" Friday, scientists urged British authorities to "urgently reconsider" its plans, the Guardian reports. Scientists at the All the Citizens summit, including government advisers from Israel and New Zealand, said they were "stunned" by the British government's decision to pursue what they called a policy of "herd immunity by mass infection," reports the Independent. They warned that the result could be yet another dangerous COVID variant. story continues below The scientists who spoke at Friday's summit had all signed a letter to the medical journal the Lancet that called abandoning restrictions a "dangerous and unethical experiment" that "provides fertile ground for the emergence of vaccine-resistant variants." The letter, backed by 1,200 scientists, warned that with only around 50% of the British population fully vaccinated, widespread transmission will "disproportionately affect unvaccinated children and young people," leaving some with long-term health issues. With cases rising rapidly this week, leaders advised caution and "common sense," though they said restrictions would still be lifted on schedule, the AP reports. "This pandemic is not over, said Prime Minister Boris Johnson. "We cannot simply revert instantly from Monday the 19th of July to life as it was before COVID." (Authorities in the Netherlands have apologized for lifting restrictions too soon.) (Newser) A local prosecutor on Friday filed a total of 63 felony criminal charges against three employees over a July 2018 tourist boat accident on a Missouri lake that killed 17 people. The charges were filed in Stone County against the captain, the general manager, and the manager on duty the day of the accident for the Ride the Ducks attraction on Table Rock Lake, near the tourist mecca of Branson, per the AP. The charges against captain Kenneth Scott McKee, GM Curtis Lanham, and manager on duty Charles Baltzell came seven months after a federal judge dismissed charges filed by federal prosecutors, concluding they didn't have jurisdiction. McKee faces 29 charges, including 17 charges of first-degree involuntary manslaughter. story continues below An affidavit from a Missouri State Highway Patrol sergeant accuses McKee of failing to exercise his duties as a licensed captain by taking his amphibious vehicle onto the lake during a thunderstorm. Baltzell and Lanham face 17 charges each of first-degree involuntary manslaughter. They're accused of failing to communicate weather conditions and to cease operations during a severe thunderstorm warning. Thirty-one people were aboard when the duck boat entered the lake. A storm came up suddenly, and the waves swamped the boat before it could make it back to shore. Fourteen people survived. The dead included nine members of one family from Indianapolis. (Read more duck boat stories.) (Newser) The new Anthony Bourdain documentary is out, and critics say Roadrunner is well worth watching. But one aspect in particular is proving to be controversial. Filmmaker Morgan Neville used artificial intelligence to recreate the voice of Bourdain at certain points in the documentary, and that is raising an ethical debate about the technique. Coverage: How: In an interview with GQ, Neville said his team gathered up all the audio they could find of Bourdain talking about his own life. "We fed more than 10 hours of Tonys voice into an AI model," he says. At one point, for example, Bourdain appears to be reading one of his own emails, per the New Yorker. The "effect is eerie," writes Helen Rosner of the latter magazine. (She's the one who first broke the story.) Neville tells her he used the trick three times in the movie. In an interview with GQ, Neville said his team gathered up all the audio they could find of Bourdain talking about his own life. "We fed more than 10 hours of Tonys voice into an AI model," he says. At one point, for example, Bourdain appears to be reading one of his own emails, per the New Yorker. The "effect is eerie," writes Helen Rosner of the latter magazine. (She's the one who first broke the story.) Neville tells her he used the trick three times in the movie. Permission? "I checked, you know, with his widow and his literary executor, just to make sure people were cool with that," Neville tells GQ. "And they were like, Tony would have been cool with that. I wasnt putting words into his mouth. I was just trying to make them come alive." story continues below (Newser) Danish Siddiqui, a Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist who documented war, the toll of the pandemic and the violent plight of refugees, was killed in a Taliban attack Friday in Afghanistan. He was 38. Siddiqui, who was based in Mumbai as Reuters' chief photographer in India, was embedded with Afghan forces to cover the US withdrawal, the BBC reports. He told his editors Friday that he'd been wounded in the arm by shrapnel during a battle between Taliban and Afghan forces in the town of Spin Boldak and had received treatment, per NPR. While he interviewed shopkeepers later in the day, the Taliban again attacked, killing Siddiqui, an Afghan commander said. Victims included a senior Afghan officer, but it wasn't clear if others were killed. Reuters issued a statement saying it's seeking more information. Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said in a statement that he was "deeply saddened with the shocking reports" of Siddiqui's death. story continues below "Danish was an outstanding journalist, a devoted husband and father, and a much-loved colleague," the Reuters statement said. Siddiqui won a Pulitzer Prize in 2018 for his coverage of the Rohingya refugee crisis in Bangladesh. He was recognized for "shocking photographs that exposed the world to the violence Rohingya refugees faced in fleeing Myanmar," the citation said. His recent work included covering the COVID-19 devastation in India; his work brought him praise from around the world, as well as criticism for photographing mass cremations of the disease's victims. The head of Afghanistan's biggest media company called Siddiqui "an extremely brave and talented journalist," while saying his killing brings home the risks journalists face there. "I shoot for the common man," Siddiqui had written, "who wants to see and feel a story from a place where he can't be present himself." NPR posted several of Siddiqui's photographs here. (Read more journalists killed stories.) Please purchase a subscription read this premium content. If you have a subscription, please sign up for a digital website account or log in. A former Federal Scout Readiness Center, built during the Cold War, resides in Gambell, Alaska, Aug. 5, 2020. The Alaska Army National Guard Divestiture Program donated the building to Sivuqaq Incorporated May 17, 2021, where the St. Lawrence Island community will continue using it as a search and rescue operations headquarters. Click here to get the full weekly calendar of events or subscribe to our weekly email newsletter. Let us know what you're seeing and hearing around the community. Submit here At least six fires in Two Rivers, Alaska, are being investigated as arson, including the house seen here. Submitted photo/News-Miner Agencies | Manama The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com Bahrain and Saudi Arabia are backing Australia in its effort to keep the Great Barrier Reef off a list of world heritage sites in danger, said a report by the Guardian. Bahrain and Saudi, both members of the 21-country committee, Guardian report said, are co-sponsoring amendments that back Australia and ask the world heritage committee to push back a key decision until at least 2023. In a meeting on Tuesday night, Australian time, a senior official from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) told Australias environment minister, Sussan Ley, during a face-to-face meeting in Paris the organisation had followed all necessary steps before recommending the reef be listed as in danger. The world heritage committee will begin a 15-day meeting on Friday with a decision on the Great Barrier Reef currently scheduled for 23 July. In the amendments, the committee is being asked to reject Unescos official finding the reef was facing ascertained danger a trigger for entry onto the in danger list. Instead of asking the committee to decide next week on the in danger inscription, the amendments state that should not be considered until 2023 at the earliest. TDT | Manama The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com Two Bahraini cruisers with four sailors onboard are taken into custody by the Qatari coast guards, said Bahrains Coast Guard Command. Bahraini Coast Guard officials said they learned about the incident in a fax message by the General Department of Coast and Border Security. The arrest was for illegally entering the territorial waters of the State of Qatar and practising fishing without a permit, the Qatari fax to Bahrain said. Qatari officials said they are pursuing legal actions against the sailors on board the captured cruisers. Bahraini Coast Guard officials said they are taking necessary legal measures to ensure their release. Provocations Qatari coast guards are known to routinely harass Bahrainis and capture their vessels on the pretence of border violations. In a similar incident in January this year, Qatar had arrested a bodybuilding champion and two other Bahrainis during fishing trips. Their release came several days after Manama demanding their release. That arrest was also the third incident after Bahrain and its allies signed a deal to end a row with Doha. The Interior Ministry said, in a statement, that Qatari authorities had also released a Bahraini sailor arrested in December but kept their boats. At that time, Bahrains interior ministry said it had not received any official notice. Such provocative practices were inconsistent with the principles of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations and reflected Qatars hostility, the ministry had said. Before that Qatari coastguards vessels also violated regional and international agreements by stopping two Bahraini boats inside Qatari waters. TDT | Manama The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com With no passport, no job and no home to stay, all he had was the comfort of a park bench. He stayed there days and nights, battling the chilling weather and scorching heat, on an empty stomach. By the time people took note of his condition, Madhu was on the edge of peril, fighting for his life with troubled vision, dysphagia, and dysarthria. Thanks to the intervention of the Indian Embassy and several other kind-hearted people, Parayanparambil Raman Madhu is set to fly back home, to his kith and kins, in India, leaving behind a dark episode in his life. Life went upside down for 53-year-old Madhu for committing a mistake during his lifes journey as a watchman at an apartment complex here in the Kindom. I took three months rent from clients there and failed to pay it to the owner, Madhu confessed to Sudheer Thirunilath of World NRI Council. Sudheer Thirunilath, who learned about the situation of Madhu through MC Pavithran, a social worker, told Tribune that Madhus ordeal started at that point. This led to the owner of the apartment pressing charges against Madhu for retrieving the BD8,250 he lost. Authorities also placed a travel ban on Madhu, pending settlement. Thrunilath, the director of Humanitarian Aid, Middle East Region and Country Head - Pravasi Legal cell, told Tribune that he then decided to approach Samaheej police station. Police took him into custody upon confirming the case against Madhu. This was a blessing in disguise for Madhu, who had neither a place to stay or food to eat, say Thirunilath. But things went South again when a spike in the COVID-19 cases led police to release Madhu. Madhu was on the streets of Bahrain again. Things were back to square one, and now he doesnt have a place to stay, Thirunilath told Tribune. Fortunately, with the help of ICRF and a few good friends, we found a temporary bed space for him and arranged a few food kits. It was the intervention of the Indian Embassy that changed things positive for Madhu, Thrunilath adds. Indian Embassy officials, understanding his predicament, took the initiative to talk to the apartment owner, who, finding the gravity of the situation, readily agreed to withdraw the case. Last Wednesday, Indian Embassy managed to remove the travel ban and issued an outpass to Madhu, who expressed his desire to move back home. Sudheer Tirunilath thanked Piyush Srivastava, the Indian Ambassador, Embassy Officials, Arul Das, ICRF Chairman and ICRF Team for helping Madhu. I also thank MC Pavithran, a social worker, for helping me understand the situation of the poor man. The issue come to a close after four months of intense follow up by the Indian Embassy. Thirunilath said Madhu is to leave Bahrain on a ticket booked by the Indian Embassy. 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. 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. LORDSTOWN, Ohio (AP) Lordstown Motors, an Ohio company under scrutiny over the number of orders it claimed it had for the electric trucks that it wants to produce, acknowledged receiving two subpoenas from federal regulators and that prosecutors in New York have opened an investigation. The Securities and Exchange Commission asked in a pair of subpoenas for documents related to the company's merger with DiamondPeak, a special purpose acquisition company. Special purpose acquisition companies, or SPACs, have gained prominence this year as a quick route to becoming publicly traded and listing shares on an exchange. SPACs can cut up to 75% off the time it takes for a company to get its stock trading on an exchange, versus the traditional process of an initial public offering. SPACs can also make it easier to get prospective buyers on board. Companies going the SPAC route often feel more license to highlight projections for big growth theyre expecting in the future, for example. In a traditional IPO, the company is limited to listing its past performance, which may not be a great selling point for young startups that typically fail to put up big profits or revenue. That dynamic is playing out as Lordstowns operations come under increasing scrutiny, which it was partially shielded from when it went public through a SPAC. Last month, Lordstown acknowledged that it had no firm orders for its vehicles days after its president said the company had enough of them to maintain production through 2022. The company's CEO and chief financial officer resigned the same week. In its regulatory filing with the SEC, Lordstown said that the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Southern District of New York is investigating these matters. It said that it is cooperating with all investigations and inquiries. Shares of Lordstown Motors Corp., which have been hammered in recent weeks, fell 2% Friday. The shares are down almost 60% since the start of the year. There are now questions about whether Lordstown, which is named after a village just west of Youngstown, Ohio, has enough funding to continue operations. Last month Angela Strand, the companys new chairwoman, said that the developments wont interrupt the companys day-to-day operations or its plans to start making its electric truck called the Endurance. WASHINGTON (AP) Former President Donald Trump insisted Thursday that he wouldnt have used the military to illegally seize control of the government after his election loss. But he suggested that if he had tried to carry out a coup, it wouldnt have been with his top military adviser. In a lengthy statement, Trump responded to revelations in a new book detailing fears from Gen. Mark Milley that the outgoing president would stage a coup during his final weeks in office. Trump said he's not into coups and never threatened, or spoke about, to anyone, a coup of our Government. At the same time, Trump said that if I was going to do a coup, one of the last people I would want to do it with is" Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The mere mention of a coup was a stunning remark from a former president, especially one who left office under the cloud of a violent insurrection he helped incite at the U.S. Capitol in January in an effort to impede the peaceful transfer of power to Democrat Joe Biden. Since then, the FBI has warned of a rapidly growing threat of homegrown violent extremism. Despite such concerns, Trump is maintaining his grip on the Republican Party. He was meeting on Thursday with House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy and has stepped up his public schedule, holding a series of rallies for his supporters across the country in which he continues to spread the lie that last year's election was stolen from him. His comment about a coup was in response to new reporting from I Alone Can Fix It: Donald J. Trumps Catastrophic Final Year" by Pulitzer Prize-winning Washington Post reporters Carol Leonnig and Philip Rucker. The book reports that Milley was shaken by Trumps refusal to concede in the weeks after the election. According to early excerpts published by CNN and the Post on Wednesday ahead of its release, Milley was so concerned that Trump or his allies might try to use the military to remain in power that he and other top officials strategized about how they might block him even hatching a plan to resign, one by one. Milley also reportedly compared Trump's rhetoric to Adolf Hitler's during his rise to power. This is a Reichstag moment, Milley reportedly told aides. The gospel of the Fuhrer. Milley's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. But Milley has previously spoken out against drawing the military into election politics, especially after coming under fire for joining Trump on a walk through Lafayette Square for a photo op at a church shortly after the square had been violently cleared of protesters. Trump, in the statement, mocked Milley's response to that moment, saying it helped him realize that his top military adviser was certainly not the type of person I would be talking coup with." The book is one of a long list being released in the coming weeks examining the chaotic final days of the Trump administration, the Jan. 6 insurrection and the outgoing president's refusal to accept the election's outcome. Trump sat for hours of interviews with many of the authors, but has issued a flurry of statements in recent days disputing their reporting and criticizing former staff for participating. There is no evidence that supports Trump's claims that the election was somehow stolen from him. State election officials, Trumps own attorney general and numerous judges, including many appointed by Trump, have rejected allegations of massive fraud. Trump's own Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency called the 2020 election the most secure in American history. Trump remains a dominant force in Republican politics, as demonstrated by McCarthy's visit on Thursday to the former president's summer home in Bedminster, New Jersey. Trump and McCarthy were expected to spend their meeting discussing upcoming special elections, Republicans record fundraising hauls and Democrats they see as vulnerable in the 2022 midterm elections, according to a person familiar with the agenda who spoke on condition of anonymity to describe a private meeting. McCarthy previously met with Trump in January at his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida. Meanwhile, Republicans who are eyeing White House bids of their own aren't crossing Trump, who remains popular with many GOP voters. GOP Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas, a potential 2024 presidential contender, said "no comment, when asked if he thought Trumps statement was appropriate for a former president. A member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and an Army veteran of two combat tours in Iraq, Cotton declined to comment again when asked if he wanted to criticize Trumps remark. I think he has the right to say what he wants to say, said Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, when asked if he was comfortable with a former president even hypothetically entertaining the idea of a coup. You know, Donald Trump speaks for himself and he always has, said Cruz, another potential White House candidate in 2024. ___ Associated Press writers Robert Burns and Alan Fram contributed to this report. Two local Democrats broke party lines Wednesday to vote against extending Gov. Ned Lamonts executive powers through September. Lamonts executive powers, enacted during the COVID-19 pandemic, were set to expire Tuesday. State Reps. Raghib Allie-Brennan, D-Bethel, and Anne Hughes, D-Easton, were two of nine House Democrats to vote against the measure. The resolutions passed in the Democrat-controlled state House and Senate during a special session Wednesday. In the House, it passed with a 73-56 vote. Specifically, the Democratic governor asked to renew 11 executive orders and declarations on public health and civil preparedness through Sept. 30. He also asked the public health commissioner to delegate isolation or quarantine decisions back to municipal and district directors of public health. Republican elected officials have been leading the charge to end Lamonts executive powers, working to build public support as the vote neared. H undreds of residents gathered at the state Capitol earlier this week to protest an extension. Democrats favoring the extension point to new variants and an increasing positivity rate, saying the pandemic isnt over yet. In their view, an extension would allow Lamont to to more easily manage continued vaccinations and testing while making it easier to receive and allocate federal relief funds. In a Wednesday afternoon statement, Allie-Brennan, who also represents Danbury, Newtown and Redding, said he was elected to be the voice of the people of the 2nd District, and that after receiving countless constituent emails and phone calls in opposition to an extension, I agree it is time to turn this dark page in our history while remaining vigilant. New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Maine have ended their governors executive powers, which Allie-Brennan pointed out in his statement. State Rep. Stephen Harding, R-Brookfield, wasnt surprised by Allie-Brennans vote. I know Raghib votes his conscience and votes his district, he said. Hughes, who also represents Redding and Weston, said she didnt urge her fellow Democratic colleagues to vote any particular way, but voted her conscience based on what she heard from constituents. Hughes holds a constituent coffee hour on Sundays at the same local shop and said people have been showing up regularly and loyally to share their views. Hughes and Allie-Brennan acknowledged Lamonts successful leadership navigating a worldwide pandemic, but said it was time for elected officials to do their jobs. The 11 orders raised as a reason for extending executive powers can and should be addressed by the legislature, Allie-Brennan wrote. Hughes said that being elected during a pandemic means constituents expect her to be their voice. She said she was eager to do her job. They want the legislature and their representatives to be taking these concerns and these emergency responses into our own authority, Hughes said. In Hardings view, there is no reason for one branch of government to be making unilateral decisions at this point. Hughes and Harding said constituents have expressed concern about masking policies at schools in the fall, along with other issues. School districts around the state are waiting for guidance on masks. They do want to weigh in on local school boards and have the district superintendent making those decisions with the community, Hughes said. Our community has been really, really careful. Harding has a daughter who will be heading to school in the fall. Frankly, the thought of my three-year-old having to wear a mask six hours a day is upsetting, to say the least, he said. Susan Walsh/AP WASHINGTON (AP) President Joe Biden said Thursday that the U.S. will bolster security at its embassy in Haiti following last week's assassination of that country's president, but sending American troops to stabilize the country was not on the agenda. Haitis interim government last week asked the U.S. and the United Nations to deploy troops to protect key infrastructure following President Jovenel Moises assassination. Biden signaled he was not open to the request, which comes as he is drawing down U.S. forces in Afghanistan this summer. ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) Three years after a mass shooting left five dead at a Maryland newspaper, relief that the gunman has been found criminally responsible is tempered by lingering sorrow among residents of the states picturesque capital who vividly recall the attack that shattered their community. The 2018 rampage at the Capital Gazette was unique in its horror one of the deadliest attacks on journalists in American history. Yet in numerous other ways, it was painfully similar to other mass shootings in communities across the U.S. And many Annapolis residents have discovered that the searing effects leave a wound that endures. I think it hurt a lot of people here, not just in our newsroom. Their local paper was attacked, and we were such a part of this community that it felt like an attack on them, said Paul Gillespie, the Capital Gazettes photographer who managed to escape the newsroom during the bloodbath and struggles with posttraumatic stress symptoms. Thursdays verdict means that shooter Jarrod Ramos will be sentenced to prison, not a maximum-security mental health facility. Prosecutors are seeking five life sentences without the possibility of parole for the killer with a grudge against the local paper. Because Annapolis is an extraordinarily tight-knit community, nearly everyone young and old was somehow affected by the rampage that was easily the most shocking event to befall the capital of roughly 40,000 people in recent memory. Behind the counter of a book and antique shop on the cobblestone main street, Priscilla Witt described the shooting as a transformative experience for Annapolis. Unfortunately, theres just no getting that innocence back, Witt said after the jurys verdict. The attack really had a huge effect here because Annapolis is a small town, really. I think thats why it hurt so badly. There was a sense that things wont ever be the same. Research has found that violent tragedies affect the entire community where it occurs as residents grapple with losing the that-cant-happen-here notion and can cause negative spillover effects including depression and increased smoking. Aparna Soni, an assistant professor in the public administration and policy department at Washingtons American University, co-authored recent research looking at how mass shootings the murder of four or more people affect community well-being. She said shootings like the one in Annapolis pose significant societal costs and their impacts extend beyond those directly exposed to the shooting. Its important to take these spillover costs into account as we think about the costs and benefits of investing in policies to reduce mass shootings, Soni said in an email. Some residents said the 2018 attack sadly proved that the quaint capital boasting more original standing colonial buildings than any other city in the nation was just as vulnerable to homicidal rage as anywhere else in the U.S. It showed us that whats happened with these insane shootings in spots all over the country can also happen here, said Roseann Mahanes, as she visited a new memorial in Annapolis to the five staffers including her dear friend, special publications editor Wendi Winters who were murdered at the Capital Gazette. After the 2018 shooting, Annapolis residents held fundraisers and gave employees a roughly 2-mile (3-kilometer) rolling standing ovation when they marched in the July Fourth parade just days after the attack. That generosity has never flagged, former and current Capital Gazette staffers say. During the trial, which started on June 29, a day after the attacks three-year anniversary, Annapolis businesses provided free lunches and breakfasts, massages to relieve stress, and a private lounge for witnesses and their loved ones to console one another and decompress. Living through the horror of the mass shooting ended up reinforcing the towns closely interwoven ties. This is going to be something we take with us for the rest of our lives, but its also a thing that unites us, said Danielle Ohl, a former Capital Gazette reporter who was on vacation when she first saw messages pouring in that something horrible was going on in her newsroom. We didnt let this horrific attack keep us from doing what we love to do and being a community that advocates for itself and fiercely protects its own. The Capital Gazette may have survived the shooting, but its future prospects are hazy despite winning a special Pulitzer Prize citation for its coverage of the attack and insistence on putting out the next days paper. Its physical newsroom was shuttered recently, sending the remaining tiny cadre of staff to work remotely, after being acquired by New York-based hedge fund Alden Global Capital. The Alden deal is the latest major acquisition of a newspaper company by an investment firm dedicated to maximizing profits in distressed industries. We lost journalists on that day in 2018 and now we think we might be losing our local paper as well, Annapolis Mayor Gavin Buckley said in a phone interview. But were going to do everything we can to keep the local paper. We need it. Investigations into the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic in China were being hampered by the lack of raw data on the first days of spread there. The head of the World Health Organisation, Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus urged China to be transparent, open and to cooperate better in the probe into the origins of the coronavirus pandemic, the first cases of which were seen in Wuhan in December 2019. On Thursday, he told a regular press briefing in Geneva we hope there will be better co-operation to get to the bottom of what happened, calling in particular for access to raw data which so far has been inadequate. Tedros said that investigations into the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic in China were being hampered by the lack of raw data on the first days of spread there and urged it to be more transparent. We owe it to the millions who suffered and the millions who died to know what happened, he added. A WHO-led team spent four weeks in and around the central city of Wuhan with Chinese researchers and said in a joint report in March that the virus had probably been transmitted from bats to humans through another animal. It said that introduction through a laboratory incident was considered to be an extremely unlikely pathway, but countries including the United States and some scientists were not satisfied. China has called the Wuhan lab virus escape theory absurd and said repeatedly that politicizing the issue will hamper investigations. WHOs top emergency expert Mike Ryan informed that on Friday, Tedros will brief WHOs 194 member states regarding a proposed second phase of study. We look forward to working with our Chinese counterparts on that process and the director-general will outline measures to member states at a meeting tomorrow, on Friday, he told reporters. Meanwhile, German Health Minister Jens Spahn, who held talks with Tedros on Thursday, called on China to make it possible for investigations into the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic to continue, saying more information was needed. Speaking during a visit to the WHO headquarters in Geneva, Spahn announced a 260 million euro ($307 million) donation to WHOs ACT-Accelerator programme, which aims to ensure the entire world, including poorer countries, receive COVID-19 vaccines and tests. Worst violence in years rocks South Africa over arrest of ex-President Jacob Zuma. Last week, former South African President Jacob Zuma was sentenced to 15 months in prison for contempt of court. Zuma was found guilty of defying a court order to testify before a state-backed inquiry probing allegations of corruption during his term as President from 2009 to 2018. His supporters call for release of Zuma. Protests were also fanned by failing economy, raging pandemic and other reasons. During protests, Indians have been attacked and ransacked. Concerned over the safety of Indian diaspora, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar spoke to his South African counterpart Dr. Naledi Pandor. EAM Jaishankar stated that the South African side has assured that its government is doing utmost to enforce law and order and asserted that early restoration of normalcy and peace was its overriding priority. Help has been poured in by Indian consulate as well. News agency PTI reported, Zulu King Misuzulu KaZwelithini has called for the violence and looting between Zulus and Indians to come to an end with immediate effect. The Zulu King appealed to his people to embrace the Indians because they share a land with them and also called for peace. The looting and violence started off as a protest against the 15-month imprisonment of the former president of South Africa Jacob Zuma also of Zulu descent, for contempt of court. South African government agencies and ministers on Wednesday said that the violence and looting was no longer about Zumas jailing, but organised by people with different vested interests, PTI reported. Addressing the Zulu peoples dissatisfaction with the imprisonment of Zuma, KaZwelithini on Wednesday said that violence is not the right way of expressing it. It creates a picture of people who have lost their dignity, he added. According to the PTI report, senior former intelligence officers and other politicians loyal to Zuma, who have all not been charged or named yet, are being probed for being instigators of the violence. Saleh, a former spy chief who has survived more than one assassination attempt by the Taliban and is a trenchant critic of Pakistan, made the accusation in a tweet. Taliban Pakistan terror link has been exposed by Afghanistan as Taliban gains ground in the war-torn country. Amrullah Salehs allegation reflected the deep-seated lack of trust between the Afghan government led by President Ashraf Ghani and the Pakistan government and security establishment. Afghan Vice President Amrullah Saleh on Thursday accused the Pakistan Air Force of warning Afghan Security Forces that it would retaliate against any move to dislodge Taliban fighters in the strategic border region of Spin Boldak. Saleh, a former spy chief who has survived more than one assassination attempt by the Taliban and is a trenchant critic of Pakistan, made the accusation in a tweet. Breaking: Pakistan air force has issued official warning to the Afghan Army and Air Force that any move to dislodge the Taliban from Spin Boldak area will be faced and repelled by the Pakistan Air Force. Pak air force is now providing close air support to Taliban in certain areas, he tweeted. Saleh doubled down on his contention after doubts were expressed on social media about the accusation. He said in another tweet that he was ready to share evidence about the warning from the Pakistani military to the afghan side. He added that afghan aircraft as far as 10 kilometers from Spin Boldak warned to back off or face air to air missiles. The warning says any move to dislodge Taliban will be faced by Pak Air Force. Pakistan Air Force is now providing close air support to Taliban in certain areas. Moreover, Pakistans hand has been suspected behind Talibans control in Afghanistan. It has been accused of supplying arms and ammunition, hosting Taliban terror trainings, providing moral support for activities and links extended to Haqqainis, Al-Qaeda, ISIS. STAMFORD Connecticut Attorney General William Tong said Friday that relatives of one of bankrupt OxyContin maker Purdue Pharmas late founders tried this week to intimidate the state into dropping its objections to the Stamford-based companys settlement plan. Tong lambasted the family of the late Raymond Sackler after its attorneys served a motion on Thursday to Connecticut, California, Maryland, Rhode Island and the District of Columbia that said those parties had presented to this (bankruptcy) court allegations and factual contentions that are utterly lacking evidentiary support. Tong denied the allegations of the motion, which the Sacklers withdrew Friday after what Tong described as considerable pressure. To launch this 11th-hour attack on us, Connecticut, whos leading the opposition to their proposed settlement and plan is nothing more than a threat and an attempt to bully and intimidate Connecticut, Tong said in an interview. Connecticut will not be intimidated. Through a spokesperson, the Raymond Sackler family declined to comment on Tongs criticism of the motion. The motion outlined potential sanctions including, but not limited to, reprimanding the offenders, striking the unsupported factual contentions, fees and expenses incurred in connection with making this motion and such other sanctions as the court deems appropriate. It gave those states 21 days to withdraw or appropriately correct the unsupported factual contentions. An individual who received the letter that the Raymond Sackler family sent Friday to the states announcing the withdrawal of the motion, but who was not authorized to provide a copy, said the letter conveyed the point that the motion had not intended to do anything counterproductive to reaching a resolution. Connecticut sued Purdue in December 2018, alleging that the company fueled the opioid crisis with deceptive OxyContin marketing. In total, approximately 3,000 local and state lawsuits with similar allegations have been consolidated in Purdues bankruptcy. Purdue denies those accusations, but it is trying to gain approval through its bankruptcy of a settlement plan that it values at more than $10 billion. They drafted a 200-page motion to go after a handful of states for allegations that we made years ago in our complaints, said Tong, a Democrat who was elected attorney general in November 2018. We made these allegations in good faith and theyre well-founded. Were we in normal litigation, we would have the opportunity to prove out these allegations. Theyre allegations that other states have made that they did not try to sanction. So why single us out? The opposition to the Sacklers motion included officials at its own company, according to Tong. Im aware that the company objected to the serving of the motion yesterday by the Raymond Sackler family, Tong said. Even the company thought this was a huge mistake. Messages left Friday for Purdue were not immediately returned. Tensions are escalating between Connecticut and Purdues owners after 15 states that previously opposed Purdues settlement proposal announced last week that they would now support it in response to Purdue and the Sacklers making additional concessions. The Sacklers who own Purdue recently agreed to increase their cash contribution to the settlement by $50 million, according to a court filing last week by a bankruptcy court-appointed mediator. In addition, they would 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. California, Delaware, Maryland, Oregon, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington are the other states that did not accept the revised settlement offer. They still have a number of objections, including dissatisfaction with the amount the Sacklers have proposed paying. Tong has said he is undeterred by the growing support for the settlement plan. He pledged that Connecticut would file Monday its objection to Purdues proposal. A hearing for Judge Robert Drain to review the settlement plan is scheduled for Aug. 9. If Drain approves the plan, Tong said Connecticut would consider all of our viable options at that time. I am more certain than ever that the right course and the most just course is to oppose this plan and oppose this settlement, Tong said. I am so sure Im right about this. pschott@stamfordadvocate.com; twitter: @paulschott Author Camille Aubray introduces the audience to strong women characters in her author talk about her book that is titled: The Godmothers tonight, Thursday, July 15, at 7 p.m., over Zoom. Aubray weaves the literary genres of fiction, and nonfiction people together into a novel about four women, who take matters into their own hands against mobsters. Visit the authors website at camilleaubray.com. Registration is required in order to receive the Zoom link. Go to elmstreetbooks.com to order a copy of the novel book. A portion of the proceeds of the book sales, go to the library. To register, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org, or call the librarys reference desk at 203-762-6350. Poets share their works The Connecticut, (CT,) Poetry Society Workshop gathers together on Friday, July 16, from 10:30 a.m. until noon, via Zoom. The group meets each month to share their creative talents reading their original poetry aloud. Copies of the poems should be emailed to Ray Rauth, who is a Weston resident, at rayrauth@optonline.net. The copies of the poems will be distributed to the group before the session. To encourage participation, and discussion among all the attendees, registration is limited to only 15 spots. Registration is required in order to receive the Zoom link. To register, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org. Creating cartoons Children, who are entering the third grade through the fifth grade are invited to enjoy some creative time in a class that is titled: Cartoon Drawing with Emma on Friday, July 16, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Emma Keating, who is an artist who brings joy, and enthusiasm to her sessions, is presenting this virtual program. Keating is also the instructor of the class, and a Class of 2017 Wilton High School graduate. The children will be learning how to draw characters, and creatures. Attendees of the class should have paper, pencils, and some form of coloring medium such as crayons, watercolors, or colored pencils. Registration is required for each session as the group size of the class will be limited to facilitate conversation. Zoom links will be sent shortly before the start of the program. Call 203-762-6336, or email the Head of the librarys Childrens Library, Andrea Szabo, at aszabo@wiltonlibrary.org, with questions. Visit www.wiltonlibrary.org to register. Keating is also holding the sessions on Friday, July 23, and Friday, July 30. Its a zoo! The Beardsley Zoo visits the Wilton Library in a virtual Wonderful Wednesdays Zoom program on Wednesday, July 21, from 3 to 4 p.m. The Zoos representatives will show, and talk about several of their fascinating Animal Ambassadors. The representatives will also explain what makes animals different, and what they have in common. Registration is required for children, who are ages four-years-old, and up. The Zoom link for the program will be sent the morning of the program. To register, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org. In-person story time Wilton firefighters will be reading to children ages 2-years-old, and up, and their caregivers during a program that is titled: Courtyard Firefighter Story Time on Thursday, July 22, from 10:15 to 10:45 a.m. This is an in person interactive story time in the librarys reference courtyard. Children will listen to stories, and have a chance to ask the firefighters questions. Caregivers should bring blankets to reserve their spaces in the courtyard. Masks must be worn at all times amid the coronavirus pandemic. Space is limited for social distancing for protection against the virus. Registration is required. For questions email the Head of the librarys Childrens Library, Andrea Szabo, at aszabo@wiltonlibrary.org. To register, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org. Still plenty of time for reading The Wilton Librarys Childrens Library, and the Teen Services summer reading programs are now in full swing, and yet there is still plenty of time for children, who are in Kindergarten through the 12th grade to become involved with the action. For children in Kindergarten through the sixth grade, a Bead and Read program is underway. Based on the amount of time spent reading, children will receive beads. There are also reading challenges. Teens, who read 180 minutes, receive a ticket for a weekly drawing for a $10 Wilton Chamber of Commerce gift certificate. At the end of the summer, all of the tickets are put back into the major drawing for a $100 Chamber gift certificate. The more minutes that participants in the program, read, the better their chances of winning the big one. The librarys Teen Services program is supported by the John and Patricia Curran Teen Fund. To register for either of the summer reading programs, visit the librarys website at www.wiltonlibrary.org and click on the Summer Reading icon For Kids, or For Teens. Reading for wee little ones The library has a reading program for babies through age four-years-old. Parents can register their children for the free 1000 Books Before Kindergarten program. New participants receive a book bag, and a reading log when they sign up for the program. For each 100 books that is read to a child, the child will receive a free book, and a sticker. There is also a special sheet for the librarys summer reading program. Caregivers may stop by the librarys Children's Desk to sign up, or call the librarys Childrens Library at 203-762-6336 for more information. The program is sponsored by the law firm, Cohn & Wolf PC. 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 Wilton residents, who need a library card to access the Digital Library, call the librarys Circulation Desk at 203-762-6334. If anyone has questions about accessing, or using the Digital Library, email reference@wiltonlibrary.org. MANCHESTER, N.H. (AP) Four people were shot in a drive-by shooting in Manchester early on Friday after leaving a concert, police said. The shootings happened near an off-ramp on Interstate 293 in the city before 2 a.m. Police said four people were dropped off at a Manchester hospital with gunshot wounds but none were believed life threatening injuries. PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) Authorities in Haiti on Thursday forcefully pushed back against reports that current government officials were involved in the killing of Haitian President Jovenel Moise, calling them a lie. Leon Charles, head of Haitis National Police, denied a report from Caracol news, a Colombian-based private TV station, that claimed interim Prime Minister Claude Joseph was the mastermind of the July 7 killing. The police warns of all propaganda creating a diversion, he said, adding that the government has no evidence to support those claims. Haitian authorities have otherwise not been very forthcoming with information about who might have been behind the killing, suggesting that media reports implicating current officials had struck a nerve in the government. In Colombia, Gen. Jorge Luis Vargas, the head of that country's national police force, told reporters that he had no information suggesting Joseph had any role in the plot. Meanwhile, U.S. President Joe Biden said Thursday that he will send U.S. Marines to bolster security at its embassy in Haiti but that deploying American troops to stabilize the country is not on the agenda. Haitis interim government last week asked the U.S. and the United Nations to deploy troops to protect key infrastructure following the assassination. Biden had signaled he was not open to the request, which comes as he is drawing down U.S. forces in Afghanistan this summer. Mathias Pierre, Haiti's elections minister, told The Associated Press that he believes the request for U.S. troops is relevant given what he called a fragile situation and the need to create a secure environment for elections scheduled to happen in 120 days. He also said the words not on the agenda leave the option open. This is not a closed door. The evolution of the situation will determine the outcome, Pierre said. In the meantime, the government is doing everything we can to stabilize the country, return to a normal environment and organize elections while trying to come to a political agreement with most political parties. Charles, the police chief, said the head of Moises security detail, Dimitri Herard, had been removed from his post and placed in isolated detention after officials interrogated him. Police had announced his detention in recent days. Charles said authorities will meet with him a third time before deciding the next steps. Herard has not officially been named as a suspect in the investigation, but many Haitians have questioned how attackers could have invaded the president's house and killed him with no injuries among those assigned to protect him. The press conference was held a day after the Colombian TV station aired a report it said was based on information from FBI sources and Haitian authorities as well as telephone calls, pictures and testimony from those accused of participating in the plot. Im issuing a formal denial to these allegations, Charles said, calling them a lie. Joseph, the interim prime minister, was about to be replaced when the assassination occurred. Moise had named him to the post in April following the resignation of Joseph Jouthe, who held the post for just over a year. Two days before the assassination, Moise announced that he had chosen a new prime minister, neurosurgeon Ariel Henry. But the new prime minister had not yet been sworn into office as of July 7, and Joseph has insisted he is in charge of the government, a claim that has been recognized by the U.S. and others. Charles said police have arrested 23 people in the killing, including 18 former Colombian soldiers, three Haitians and two Haitian-Americans. Police also have issued seven arrest warrants, searched 10 buildings, conducted 27 interrogations and placed four high-ranking police officers in isolation, he said. He added that the investigation has benefited from the help of the FBI and foreign countries that he did not name. On Thursday, a group of FBI agents gathered at Moise's private home and met with other officials as they entered and exited the compound under the gaze of curious onlookers while Haitian police officers walked to their vehicles with bags containing unknown items. Eight FBI agents are on the ground in Haiti helping with the probe, said to a senior Biden administration official, who agreed to give the information only if not quoted by name because he was not authorized to comment publicly. In addition, officials from the Justice Departments criminal and national security divisions, the Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. attorneys office for the southern district of Florida are working with Haitian national police. The U.S. law enforcement officials are focused on tracing the origin of weapons used in the attack, investigating any possible U.S. link to the killing and looking into potential charges that could be filed against anyone involved in the United States. He added that a U.S. delegation that arrived in Haiti on Sunday visited the airport and seaport in Port-au-Prince and discussed additional training and equipment that could be provided to secure that critical infrastructure. The official noted international fatigue for Haiti, adding that U.S. officials said they made clear to the competing Haitian factions that building a coalition government would go far to reenergize support in the international community. Meanwhile, the Pentagon issued a statement saying that a small number of the Colombian suspects had received U.S. military training and education programs while serving in the Colombian military. It said it had no additional details to offer pending a review that is still in progress. The U.S. has provided substantial support to the Colombian military over the years and has trained many of its forces. On Thursday, Colombian President Ivan Duque told private radio station La FM that only a small group of the former Colombian soldiers linked to the killing knew it was going to be a criminal operation. He said the others were duped and thought they would be traveling for a mission to provide protection. Once they were over there, the information they were given changed, Duque said, adding that they ended up involved in these unfortunate events. ___ Madhani reported from Chicago. Associated Press writers Astrid Suarez in Bucaramanga, Colombia; and Zeke Miller and Robert Burns in Washington contributed to this report. BOISE, Idaho (AP) Republicans in the Idaho Senate are declining to reconvene the Legislature amid calls for legislation to prevent employers from requiring workers to get COVID-19 vaccinations, lawmakers said Friday. Republican Senate Pro Tempore Chuck Winder and other leaders in a statement said they want meetings with Republican Gov. Brad Little, House leaders and businesses to find solutions. As Senate Republicans we hold firm the belief that state government should not overregulate business, however, individual liberties must be protected to ensure Idahoans are able to work and provide for their families, the group said. The statement followed an unusual online meeting of Senate Republicans on Friday to determine their wishes about a special session. Primary Health Group, Saint Alphonsus Health System and St. Lukes Health System announced the vaccine requirement last week ahead of the busy cold and flu season and as coronavirus variants spread in parts of the U.S. Health officials in Idaho said vaccine requirements are intended to keep health care facilities open and employees and patients safe. The delta variant first detected in India has recently been discovered in Idaho. It spreads more easily because of mutations, which make it better at latching onto cells. Also, Idahos vaccination rate is among the worst in the nation, with only about 40% of the population having received at least one dose of vaccine. About 38% of the population is fully vaccinated, according to the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. As of Friday, about 56% of people in the U.S. have received at lease one dose of vaccine, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About 48% have completed their vaccination. Some lawmakers have noted that health care facilities could face liability if a patient gets COVID-19 from one of its employees. Those opposed to vaccine mandates argue the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not moved the coronavirus vaccines from emergency use authorization status to full approval yet. Pfizer on Friday announced U.S. regulators agreed to a priority review of whether its COVID-19 vaccine should be fully approved, with a decision set for no later than January, but it could come much sooner. More than 186 million doses of the vaccine made by Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech have been administered in the U.S. since December. Vaccines cleared for emergency use still must undergo the stringent full approval process, a step that might help persuade some people who arent yet immunized to roll up their sleeves. Little previously said that he needs to know more about the mandatory vaccine issue, but his default position is that its usually best for employees and employers to work out disagreements, the Lewiston Tribune reported. Some far-right Republicans, including Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin, who is running for governor, have called for a special session. The Joint Democratic Caucus on Thursday announced its opposition to reconvening the Legislature over the matter. The current policies have off-ramps and exemptions already in place, the caucus said in a statement. Hospitals have a responsibility to all who enter their businesses, whether someone has a heart attack, a serious COVID infection, or a vaccination reaction. The House never fully adjourned earlier this year under a plan to allow Republican House Speaker Scott Bedke to simply call lawmakers back to the Statehouse in Boise without needing Littles approval. Typically, only governors can call special sessions. There is some disagreement among legal experts over whether the Legislature is still in session because the Senate officially adjourned, while the House only recessed. But lawmakers appear to be proceeding on the belief that the Legislature is only recessed. Winder and Bedke have been noncommittal about reconvening the Legislature over the vaccine mandate. Even with no special session or reconvening of the Legislature this year, lawmakers could still take up the matter when the Legislature meets again early next year. Business thrives when government involvement is limited, and it is our hope that this issue can be resolved before more regulation, as the result of legislation, needs to be considered, Republican Senate leaders said in the statement. Tara ONeill / Hearst Connecticut Media MILFORD A city officer rescued an individual from chest-deep water in a pond this week, according to police. Officer Kevin Hilliard and his four-legged partner, Tyson, responded to a call about a suicidal person wading into Mondo Pond late Wednesday night, police said. CHICAGO (AP) A Chicago police officer involved in a 2017 vehicle chase that ended in a crash that killed an off-duty officer and a woman was fired Thursday. Officer Jamie Jawor was accused of driving over 100 mph on June 27, 2017 as she and her partner chased Taylor Clark. Authorities say it hasnt been determined why Clark fled from police. At the time, the Chicago Police Department claimed his Jeep looked like a vehicle involved in a carjacking. Brian Zahn / Hearst Connecticut Media WEST HAVEN An 11-year-old participant in a West Haven Parks and Recreation summer camp program tested positive for COVID-19 Friday, according to Mayor Nancy Rossi. Rossi said the campers group will be quarantining out of an abundance of caution. Niagara Falls, NY (14301) Today Lots of sunshine. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High near 85F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Clear skies. Low near 65F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Niagara Falls, NY (14301) Today Plenty of sunshine. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High around 85F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Clear skies. Low around 65F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Reno Omokri, an ex-aide to former President Goodluck Jonathan has noted that the security situation in the country has reached a point that ... Reno Omokri, an ex-aide to former President Goodluck Jonathan has noted that the security situation in the country has reached a point that anybody, no matter their social or political status, could be killed or kidnapped. The former presidential aide was reacting to the recent killing of an Army General by suspected bandits. Major General Hassan Ahmed, a former Provost Marshal of the Nigerian Army, was assassinated in Abuja on Thursday. He was murdered in the Abaji area of the nations capital while the assailants kidnapped his sister, Safina Ahmed. A source close to the family disclosed that the siblings were coming from Okene when they were attacked. They opened fire on his vehicle, he died. The driver pretended to be dead from the wound he sustained, so they took the sister away, the informant said. Reacting to the ugly development, Reno Omokri Tweeted, An emir was kidnapped last week, and a general was murdered yesterday. Think about it. Who then is safe? Our only security in Nigeria is God. Our government lacks both the will and the capacity to protect us. Anybody can be killed at anytime in any part of Nigeria! Twenty-eight senators were missing in action when their colleagues voted on the means by which election results will be transmitted. ... Twenty-eight senators were missing in action when their colleagues voted on the means by which election results will be transmitted. The provision for electronic transmission of election results is contained in section 50(3) of the electoral act amendment bill which was passed on Thursday. The upper legislative chamber retained an amendment by Sabi Abdullahi, senate deputy whip, who proposed that the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) must certify that national coverage is adequate and secure, while the national assembly must approve before the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) can transmit election results electronically. Albert Bassey, senator representing Akwa Ibom north-east, kicked against the motion and said the initial proposal made by the committee should be retained. The recommendation of the committee read: The commission may transmit results of elections by electronic means where and when practicable. To retain Abdullahis proposal, the senators had a 52-28 vote using the division method which is provided for in order 73 of the senate rule book. Using this method, the clerk of the senate calls the name of each senator who then votes Yes or No. While the NO vote was to empower NCC to determine e-transmission of election results, the YES vote was to retain the aforementioned section 50(3) as recommended by the committee. But 28 lawmakers were absent when voting took place. Apart from Ike Ekweremadu, senator representing Enugu west, who said he was attending a plenary session of the International Parliament for Tolerance and Peace (IPTP) in Montenegro, the rest did not give reasons for their absence. Here is a full list of the absentee senators; Juventus forward, Cristiano Ronaldo, has reached a final decision on his future at the club that will see him leave the Serie A giants for f... Juventus forward, Cristiano Ronaldo, has reached a final decision on his future at the club that will see him leave the Serie A giants for free after entering the final 12 months of his deal with the Old Lady. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Ronaldo would leave Juventus for free next summer with no terms agreed for an extension. Juventus are expected to push for a new deal over the next 12 months, but the Portugal captain is also keen to return to Sporting Lisbon, where he started his senior career. Ronaldo has been heavily linked with returns to Real Madrid and Manchester United over the past 12 months. The 36-year-old was the top scorer in Serie A last season with 29 goals in 33 games. Meanwhile, Juventus Sporting director, Federico Cherubini, is adamant that Ronaldo will stay at the Allianz for some time. We havent had any indication on the part of Cristiano Ronaldo [that he wants to leave], Cherubini said earlier this month. We dont need to talk about a transfer and Juventus do not want to sell him. We are talking about a player who scored 36 goals in 44 games last season. We are very happy that Ronaldo will be with the squad after his holiday. In this handout image provided by Korea Aerospace Research Institute, a single stage rocket takes off from its launch pad at the Naro Space Center on Nov. 28, 2018, in Goheung-gun, South Korea. South Koreas space program is set for a major boost with new satellites to keep it at the forefront of the 6G communications competition and more eyes in the sky for national security. Korea Aerospace Research Institute/Getty Images/TNS Funeral homes often submit obituaries as a service to the families they are assisting. However, we will be happy to accept obituaries from family members pending proper verification of the death. Submit Watertown, NY (13601) Today Partly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 81F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low near 65F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Three local poets Gina Ferrara, Jonathan Kline and Paris Tate will discuss poetry and their latest works at 6 p.m. July 26, via video conference online. Visit www.jplibrary.net/adults for more details, including how to join the discussion. Ferrara was born and raised in New Orleans. Her most recent collection is titled "The Weight of the Ripened." Her other works include: "Fitting the Sixth Finger"; "Carville: Amid Moss and Resurrection Fern"; "Amber Porch Light"; "Ethereal Avalanche"; and "The Size of Sparrows." Ferrara teaches English and writing at Delgado Community College as an associate professor. Since 2007, she has curated the Poetry Buffet, a monthly reading series sponsored by the New Orleans Public Library. Kline is a poet, playwright, storyteller and visual artist who grew up in northern Michigan and received an M.F.A. from The School of The Art Institute of Chicago in Time Art. Kline has presented his works at venues in Boston, Chicago, New York, Seattle, New Orleans, Dublin and Cork, Ireland. For more than a decade, Kline's works, including "When I was Twenty," "The Terminal Hotel," "The Nude Questions" and "Six Eggs," have garnered praise from scholars, peers and audiences in the United States and overseas. His latest work is "The Wisdom of Ashes." Kline is an art coordinator for elementary and middle schoolers in the area. Tate earned an undergraduate degree in English from the University of New Orleans. She is the author of a poetry collection titled "All the Words in Between." Her poetry can be found in the anthology Maple Leaf Rag, Tilted House Review, The New Guard Review and Infection House, a New Orleans-based online literary magazine that focused on the COVID-19 pandemic and other events that defined 2020. COMPUTER CLASSES: Receive free computer training at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie, and at the West Bank Regional Library, 2751 Manhattan Blvd., Harvey. Seating is limited, and online registration is required. Visit the Computer Classes page at www.jplibrary.net/training and click East Bank Regional Schedule. Upcoming Metairie classes include: One-on-One Instruction: 10 a.m. July 21. One-on-One Instruction: 3 p.m. July 21. Introduction to Microsoft Excel 3: 2 p.m. July 26. One-on-One Instruction: 10 a.m. July 27. Introduction to Microsoft Word 1: 2 p.m. July 28. Introduction to Microsoft PowerPoint 2: 2 p.m. July 30. For Harvey classes, click West Bank Regional Schedule. Upcoming classes there include: Introduction to Microsoft Word 1: 2 p.m. July 23. Basic Computer Skills: 2 p.m. July 26. Beginner Computer Basics: 10 a.m. July 30. JOB SEARCH: Job Hunting Today, a two-hour seminar, will be from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Friday, July 23, at the East Bank Regional Library. This event focuses on a discussion of tips and techniques on finding and applying for jobs online as well as job-seeker programs and tools. Attendees will discuss various ways to enhance their digital presence and strategies for staying organized during the job hunt. Registration is required by going to the librarys calendar. Seating is limited. Those who register and discover they cannot attend should cancel their registration. Boating Safety Reminder: The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries will conduct a boating safety class from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, July 31, at the River Ridge Library, 8825 Jefferson Highway, River Ridge. The class lasts between six and eight hours and is completed in a day. Preregistration is not required but is recommended by going to the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries website. The course includes information on choosing a boat, classification, hulls, motors, legal requirements and equipment requirements, many navigation rules, navigation charts, trailering, sailboats, and related subjects that include canoeing, personal watercraft and more. Students who complete the course will be issued a vessel operators certification card. Chris Smith is manager of adult programming at the Jefferson Parish Public Library. HONOLULU The governor of Hawaii is warning tourists to stay away from endangered monk seals. Democratic Gov. David Ige took to social media Wednesday after videos of visitors touching the seals led to a federal investigation and fines. Ige said in a post on Twitter that anyone caught disturbing a seal will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Louisiana couple fined for touching endangered seal during Hawaii honeymoon The husband said they have received death threats since the video was posted. He added: I want to be clear that this behavior is absolutely unacceptable. Visitors to our islands youre asked to respect our people, culture, and laws protecting endangered species that are found nowhere else in the world. Two widely circulated videos of visitors touching monk seals angered some Hawaii residents, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported Thursday. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said it will investigate the incidents. Video of Louisiana woman touching a seal 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 One video shows a Louisiana woman touching a seal on Kauai. The video, which posted originally on TikTok, showed a woman touching the seal at a Kauai beach in June. The video, which was shared widely on social media, showed her running away after the resting seal raised its head and snapped at her. The couple were deeply sorry, a man identified as Stephen told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser for a story Tuesday. We love Hawaii and the culture. We didn't mean to offend anyone." Stephen said he and his wife, Lakyn, have received death threats and requested their last name not be published. His wifes TikTok account has since been set to private. The couple were on Kauai for their honeymoon after they got married in Maui. Stephen told the Star-Advertiser it was the first time they had seen a Hawaiian monk seal and they were unaware of the laws pertaining to the endangered species. When people feel like Hawaii is being disrespected by visitors who are looking for social media clout, the response is going to always be outrage, Kauai Prosecuting Attorney Justin Kollar said. There are an estimated 1,100 Hawaiian monk seals in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands and 300 in the main Hawaiian Islands. Its a felony under state and federal laws to touch or harass Hawaiian monk seals. Violations can include penalties of up to five years in prison and a $50,000 fine. Breeze Airways, created by the founder of JetBlue, has started flying out of Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. New Orleans is one of the new carrier's four main bases of operations. Breeze flies to 10 destinations from New Orleans. They are: Charleston, SC Akron/Canton, Ohio Bentonville/Fayetteville, Arkansas Huntsville, Alabama Louisville, Kentucky Norfolk, Virginia Oklahoma, Oklahoma Richmond, Virginia Tulsa, Oklahoma Columbus, Ohio Eight of the 10 cities are new destinations from MSY, according to Erin Burns, a spokeswoman for the airport. The new airline from David Neeleman, who has launched four other airlines over the past four decades, is aiming to tap demand for direct, low-cost travel to smaller and mid-sized U.S. cities that are known for attracting leisure travelers, the company said. The launch of @BreezeAirways is just another example of the City's commitment to not only providing more economic development opportunities but more safe and affordable travel opportunities as well. @flyneworleans pic.twitter.com/eZQyzVzjQx Mayor LaToya Cantrell (@mayorcantrell) July 15, 2021 Top stories in New Orleans in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up The new flights start at $39 one way and flyers can cancel up to 15 minutes before departure without penalty. The airline will fly a fleet of 13 Brazilian-made Embraer aircraft, 10 Embraer 190s with 108 seats each and three Embraer 195s with 118 seats. Breeze Airways will fly 39 direct routes between 16 cities in the south, southwest and eastern parts of the U.S. The other three base cities will be Charleston, Tampa and Norfolk. In an interview earlier this year, Neeleman said the airline has been in the works for several years. It was ready for launch more than a year ago but was postponed because of the pandemic. The company started talking to GNO Inc., the regional economic development agency, back in 2019. The airline invested $6.6 million in the development of an operations base at the New Orleans airport, according to GNO Inc. The new business created 261 direct jobs, per GNO Inc., with an average salary of $65,000. The state has agreed to an incentive package with Breeze that includes a performance-based grant of $2.3 million over 10 years, as well as tax breaks on its jobs and training programs. Authorities searching for a 4-year-old autistic boy who disappeared in the swampy waters of Jean Laffite National Historical Park and Preserve said Friday they had little hope of finding him alive. "At this point in time, it's a recovery mission," Jefferson Parish Sheriff Joe Lopinto said just before noon. "The child never resurfaced." Nonetheless, the mission continued into the night as searchers brought in generators and portable lights and set up tents. Citing relatives, WWL television identified the child as Ellis Boudean. He was with his mother and a 3-year-old sibling near the Twin Canals Trail in the park in the 6300 block of Barataria Boulevard when he went missing Thursday at about 5:30 p.m., the Sheriff's Office said. "The mother was walking back to her car and heard something. She didn't know if it was a splash," Lopinto said. When the woman turned around, Ellis was gone and the 3-year-old was pointing toward the water. The woman jumped in but wasn't able to find her son, authorities said. Sheriff's Office divers used sonar and other equipment to look for the missing boy. The water is dark, and the canal where they concentrated their search is covered with a thick carpet of duckweed. 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 "It's an absolute blackout situation," Lopinto said of the water clarity and conditions for divers. The Sheriff's Office searched the waterway and land around the trail with help from the St. Charles Parish Sheriff's Office, the National Park Service, the Jean Lafitte Police Department, Jefferson Parish fire departments and Louisiana Underwater Search and Recovery. But there was no indication that Ellis ever made it back onto land, Lopinto said. Searchers, some with cadaver dogs, arrived throughout the day Friday, searching through frequent downpours as storms passed over the area. The dogs could he heard barking in the woods throughout the park. Friday's exhaustive efforts were a continuation of a search that had begun the day before and grew to include numerous volunteers who had read of the family's plight in social media posts and arrived to help. Many volunteers remained at the site into Friday afternoon, watching the search and hoping for a sign of the youngster. "You just want to give back any way you can help," said one of the volunteers, Michael Laurent, 51, of Marrero. Laurent said he joined the search late Thursday night and continued until almost dawn Friday. "We searched on each side of the canal bank," he said. He said members of a St. Charles Sheriff's Office dive team went into the canal Thursday night and described the conditions as treacherous: varying depths and virtually no visibility. The A&E Network's documentary series "Nightwatch", which chronicles first responders on the job, will return to film a fourth season set in New Orleans after a three-year hiatus from the city, officials announced Friday. Filming for the 25-episode season focusing on New Orleans Emergency Medical Services paramedics who work 12-hour overnight shifts began earlier this week and should continue into next year, said a statement from the agencys director, Dr. Emily Nichols. Nichols statement said it was an honor for the citys paramedics to be featured before a national audience during a year in which they have given so much of themselves, doing their work amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. We are thrilled to showcase the beauty and resilience of New Orleans, Nichols said. Produced by the companies 44 Blue Productions and Dick Wolf Reality, "Nightwatch" aired three seasons set in New Orleans between 2015 and 2017, shining a spotlight on local emergency responders. But the city ended filming arrangements with both "Nightwatch" and "The First 48" which chronicled homicide investigations across the country after a murder suspects attorneys accused producers of "The First 48" of withholding footage that could benefit the defendant. The "First 48" is also shown on the A&E Network. 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 A&E's 'Nightwatch' sets Season 3 return date; NOPD conspicuously absent When the New Orleans Police Department announced in June it was ending its contract with producers of the unscripted A&E series "Nightwatc The production company Kirkstall Road Enterprises swore in court that it had no extra tape. But the suspects attorneys later turned up footage of an interview with a friend of the murder victim, prompting the judge overseeing the case to criticize city officials decision to let The First 48 embed with the police. The executive producer of Nightwatch, Rasha Drachkovitch, thanked Mayor LaToya Cantrell for greenlighting the return of the show to New Orleans. We are excited to once again tell the stories of these heroes, Drachkovitch said. TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. - Minnesota state Sen. Foung Hawj was never a fan of the "Asian carp" label commonly applied to four imported fish species that are found in Louisiana and are wreaking havoc in the U.S. heartland. They infest numerous rivers and are bearing down on the Great Lakes. But the last straw came when an Asian business delegation arriving at the Minneapolis airport encountered a sign reading "Kill Asian Carp." It was a well-intentioned plea to prevent spread of the invasive fish, but the message was off-putting to the visitors. Hawj and fellow Sen. John Hoffman won approval in 2014 of a measure requiring that Minnesota government agencies refer to the fish as "invasive carp." That came despite backlash from the late radio commentator Rush Limbaugh, who ridiculed it as political correctness. "I had more hate mail than you could shake a stick at," Hoffman said. Now some other government agencies are taking the same step in the wake of anti-Asian hate crimes that surged during the coronavirus pandemic. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service quietly changed its designation to "invasive carp" in April, and the Asian Carp Regional Coordinating Committee, representing U.S. and Canadian agencies that are trying to contain the carp, will do likewise Aug. 2, said Charlie Wooley, U.S. agency's Great Lakes regional director. "We wanted to move away from any terms that cast Asian culture and people in a negative light," said Charlie Wooley, the agency's Great Lakes regional director. The moves come as other wildlife organizations consider revising names that some consider offensive. The Entomological Society of America, for example, this month dropped "gypsy moth" and "gypsy ant" from its insect list. Yet the switch to "invasive carp" might not be the final say. As experts and policymakers have learned in their long struggle against the prolific and wily fish, almost nothing about them is simple. Scientists, technical journals, government agencies, language style guides, restaurants and grocery stores may have ideas about what to call them, based on differing motives - including getting more people to eat the critters. That's a priority for researchers who have spent years trying to stem the incursion with technologies ranging from underwater noisemakers and electric currents to netting operations. But the dish hasn't caught on with U.S. consumers, despite its popularity in much of the world. For many Americans, "carp" calls to mind the common carp, a bottom-feeder with a reputation for a "muddy" flavor and bony flesh. "It's a four-letter word in this country," said Kevin Irons, assistant fisheries chief with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. U.S. Rep Clay Higgins wants bounty program for Asian carp in Louisiana U.S. Rep. Clay Higgins wants Louisiana's Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to create a bounty program for Asian carp, an invasive fish species. The four species described collectively as Asian carp - bighead, silver, grass and black carp - were brought from China a half-century ago to rid Southern sewage and aquaculture ponds of algae, weeds and parasites. They escaped into the wild and have migrated up the Mississippi and other major rivers. The Great Lakes and their $7 billion sport fishery are vulnerable. The grass carp is found in all of Louisiana's 64 parishes, and the other species in fewer, according to a 2015 report from the state Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. In coastal waters, they've been found in Vermillion Bay, Cote Blanche Bay, Drum Bay and on on Holly and Rutherford beaches, according to a 2020 report to the Louisiana Finfish Task Force. Voracious and aggressive, the silver and bighead carp gobble plankton that other fish need. Grass carp munch ecologically valuable wetland plants, and black carp feast on mussels and snails. Silvers can also hurtle from the water like missiles, causing nasty collisions with boaters. +12 How New Orleans chefs could become a key ally in effort to save Louisiana's disappearing coast One evening this summer, a group of New Orleans chefs gathered at the Southern Food & Beverage Museum in Central City with a challenge: to So far they've been netted mostly for bait, pet food and a few other uses. Philippe Parola, a Baton Rouge-based chef, trademarked the label "silverfin" for Asian carp fishcakes he developed around 2009. The state of Illinois and partner organizations hope a splashy media campaign in the works will get bigger results. Dubbed "The Perfect Catch," it will describe Asian carp as "sustainably wild, surprisingly delicious," high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids AND low in mercury and other contaminants. Environmental news in your inbox Stay up-to-date on the latest on Louisiana's coast and the environment. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up And it will give the fish a market-tested new name, which will remain secret until the makeover rollout, Irons said. A date hasn't been announced. +3 Russian fish escaping into Louisiana waters? Sturgeon farming plan raises alarm Nutria, feral hogs and Asian carp are just a few of the foreign invaders harming Louisiana's marshes and rivers. Now the state is entertaining "We hope it will be new and refreshing and better represent these fish for consumers," he said. The goal is to spur interest all along the chain, from commercial netters to processors, grocery stores and restaurants. The tactic has worked before. After the U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service rechristened "slimehead" as "orange roughy" in the late 1970s, demand for the deep-sea dweller rose so sharply that some stocks were depleted. Chilean sea bass, another cold-water favorite, once was known less appealingly as "Patagonian toothfish." +2 Controversial plan to farm Russian sturgeon in Louisiana moves ahead State wildlife officials are moving ahead with a controversial plan that would allow both the farming of a foreign fish that's currently banne But what new label for Asian carp will be considered official: "invasive carp," which has been criticized as imprecise, or whatever the marketing blitz comes up with? It could be either. Or neither. The rebranding campaign will seek U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval to use the new moniker for interstate commerce. But even if the FDA goes along and consumers buy in, scientists are another matter. 3-course interview: Shawn Pepper Bowen, food lawyer As director of The Culinaria Center for Food Law, Policy and Culture, Shawn "Pepper" Bowen (www.pepperbowen.com) recently launched her podcast The American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists and the American Fisheries Society have a committee that lists fish titles, including scientific names in Latin and common ones thought up by people "who originally described the species or included them in a field guide or other reference," said panel chairman Larry Page, curator of fishes at the Florida Museum of Natural History. For example, there's "Micropterus salmoides," which became known as largemouth bass, and "Oncorhynchus mykiss," or rainbow trout. The committee has never adopted Asian carp as a term for the four invasive species, Page said. So where did it come from? According to a paper in the journal Fisheries, the label began showing up in scientific literature in the mid-1990s and took hold in the early 2000s as worries about the fish grew. It was never a good idea, said Patrick Kocovsky, a fish ecologist with the U.S. Geological Survey and one of the paper's authors, because the species affect the environment in different ways. Song Qian, a University of Toledo environmental sciences professor who teamed with Kocovsky on the article, said carp is a valued protein source in many Asian nations. It's a good-luck symbol in his native China. "If you say it's invasive, bad and needs to be eradicated, even though it's because of miscommunication, that's why there's talk about cultural insensitivity," Qian said. It's most accurate to refer to the fish species individually, Qian said, acknowledging a collective name is sometimes convenient. The challenge now is finding the right one. Regardless of which one eventually sticks, Hawj, the Minnesota legislator who immigrated to the U.S. from Laos as a child refugee after the Vietnam War, said he's glad "Asian carp" is on its way out. He recalled the warm applause he received at an Asian-American conference after announcing his state had made the change. "It's a nuisance, a small thing, but it can resonate greatly," he said. The east bank levee authority refused Thursday to commit itself to not selling off any of the Orleans Levee Boards nonflood protection assets. But members said rumors of selling Lakefront Airport were false and that they had given no thoughts of unloading any assets. In addition to the airport, the authority owns properties on the New Basin Canal, the Orleans Marina, South Shore Harbor and the Lake Vista Community Center. It also owns Lakeshore Drive and all of the parks and green spaces between Lake Pontchartrain and the lakefront hurricane levees. Those assets are managed by the Lakefront Management Authority, formerly the New Orleans Non-Flood Protection Asset Management Board, which was created after Hurricane Katrina to operate Orleans Levee Board properties that are not flood-related. During the Louisiana Legislature's 2021 session, the airport sale rumor prompted some lawmakers to question why the proceeds weren't being used to help pay more than $1 billion that the state owes the federal government for rebuilding the New Orleans area levees. The rumors came up at a June 9 hearing of the Senate and Governmental Affairs Committee on the appointment of two members to the Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority-East governing board. One of the new members, Roy Arrigo, said he wrote Thursday's failed resolution to address the concerns. Authority member Herbert Miller, an appointee for Jefferson Parish, opposed the resolution. He said the no-sale language would tie the hands of present and future authority boards that might be faced with unusual circumstances. He said informing members of the Legislature that there are no future plans to sell assets should suffice. Six nominated for New Orleans area levee authorities; Gov. John Bel Edwards to pick Among them is frequent critic of east bank board who fought Corps of Engineers over 17th Street Canal floodwalls Arrigo's resolution also included a provision to shift operation and maintenance of Lakeshore Drive from the levee authority to Lakefront Management Authority, also in response to complaints at the Senate hearing. Environmental news in your inbox Stay up-to-date on the latest on Louisiana's coast and the environment. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up At the hearing, Sen. Jimmy Harris III, D-New Orleans, said he had been called by New Orleans residents about the failure of the levee authority to notify residents living near the lakefront of closures of Lakeshore Drive, which serves both as access to the levee for authority maintenance and as public access to numerous parks and open spaces. Authority Regional Director Kelli Chandler said road closures are needed for safety, including lake water washing over the road during hurricanes and other storms, and to handle traffic issues during busy weekend periods when residents and visitors are drawn to the lakefront venues, especially on sunny days during the pandemic. She took responsibility for not doing a better job notifying residents, and said efforts would be made in the future to expand the reach of public notices. Miller opposed turning over operation and maintenance of the road to the nonflood agency. He said that agency has been operating at a budget deficit each year since its creation and would not have money to pay upkeep or traffic control. And, he said, the road is a key part of the levee system, providing access to all of the lakefront levees in New Orleans. Arrigo's resolution was defeated by a 2-7 vote, with only Arrigo, a former Lakeview resident who now lives in Baton Rouge, and Clay Cosse, a St. Bernard Parish appointee, voting in favor. The authority also agreed not to roll forward three Orleans Levee District property taxes by 1.10 mills, which would have raised $4.4 million from east bank New Orleans property owners. It agreed to keep the 11.18 mills set in 2019, after the most recent reassessment of New Orleans property. A mill is a 1/10th of a cent and represents a taxing rate of $1 per $1,000 of property value. New Orleans mayors will have to get City Council approval to move City Hall to the Municipal Auditorium or anywhere else under a new zoning policy that received preliminary approval from councilmembers on Thursday. The vote, which was unanimous, comes as opponents of Mayor LaToya Cantrells plan to convert the Municipal Auditorium to the new home of city government called on the administration to immediately begin fixing up the building to prevent its further decay. What's next for Municipal Auditorium? After City Hall plan halted, advocates want immediate repairs With Mayor LaToya Cantrells proposal to move City Hall to the Municipal Auditorium all but dead, the city now faces the question of whether p The council move presents another roadblock for Cantrell's City Hall plan -- which could cost more than $100 million. And it also threatens to make Cantrell the latest in a line of mayors who have tried and failed to ditch the citys outdated and problem-plagued home on Perdido Street. Cantrell had discussed the move since at least 2018. The initial proposal would see the city use a combination of FEMA money dedicated to the building's restoration and money the city could get from the existing City Hall site to build a complex at Armstrong Park, potentially including government office buildings and a large garage nearby. As those plans drew increasing community opposition, the administration scaled back its vision. First, officials said they would pack all of the city's functions into the existing confines of Municipal Auditorium by having up to two-thirds of city employees work from home. Then the mayor offered to pause any proposals until after the fall elections when she's seeking another term and put the responsibility for coming up with alternatives back on advocates. Despite the administration's efforts to reassure residents, neighbors near the Municipal Auditorium in Treme have argued that the proposals would amount to the destruction of Louis Armstrong Park and Congo Square. The councils vote on Thursday sets in motion a series of legal steps. The proposal now moves to the City Planning Commission, which will begin a process to change the citys Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance. Then, the new zoning plans will head back to the City Council for final approval. Once that's done, moving the seat of municipal government to any property in the city would require a conditional use permit. Getting such a permit requires a lengthy process that includes community meetings and, ultimately, approval from the City Council. We cant move forward on something this big unless were all moving forward together, said Councilmember Helena Moreno, who proposed the change along with interim Councilmember Donna Glapion. Just implementing the change that moved forward on Thursday requires a months-long process to amend the zoning rules. And it comes along with a measure passed by the council unanimously last month, at the urging of Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer, that will block the administration from converting the Municipal Auditorium into City Hall for the next year. 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 City Council unanimously votes to block Cantrell Congo Square plans The New Orleans City Council July 1 unanimously approved a motion to temporarily block Mayor LaToya Cantrells controversial efforts to move C The Cantrell administration declined to comment on the council moves on Thursday. It has previously said the measures would raise questions about whether $38 million in FEMA money set aside for the Municipal Auditorium could be used to fix up the building. And until a permanent plan is in place, the administration has said the building will remain unsecured. It has been stuck in a state of disrepair since Hurricane Katrina. Members of the Save our Soul coalition, a group that has opposed the City Hall plan, said that it was unacceptable that the city wasn't taking steps now to at least begin fixing up the building in preparation for a broader renovation. Its time for the city of New Orleans to stabilize this building and not allow this building to go into demolition by neglect, said Dow Michael Edwards, a member of the group. New Orleans City Council approves temporary ban on City Hall move to Municipal Auditorium Dealing a direct blow to Mayor LaToya Cantrells plans to move City Hall to Municipal Auditorium, the City Council put a hold on any attempts Coalition members have been conducting surveys and organizing to come up with a longer-term plan for the building, with the general idea of putting it back into use as a cultural site, such as performance venue or museum. That left opponents of the plan claiming victory on Thursday as they continued to push for resources and proposals from the city for those improvements. Theyve listened, theyve heard us, but nows the time to put it into action, said Cheryl Austin, with the Greater Treme Consortium. Elsie DeLois Livesay, known by her friends as "Dee", 88, of Reynoldsburg, Ohio passed away Tuesday, July 13, 2021. She was born February 3, 1933 in Mangum, Oklahoma to the late Lettie and Robert Dutton Sr. Elsie is preceded in passing by her beloved husband Robert Livesay, brothers William a An officer points their gun at Steven Bomar, 26, of Norman on Thursday, seen through body camera footage. Police approached Bomar with guns drawn after a couple called the NPD claiming Bomar had pulled a gun on them at a stoplight. Police found no weapon in Bomars car. Staff Writer Reese Gorman covers elections, local politics and the COVID-19 pandemic for The Norman Transcript. He started as an intern in May of 2020 and transitioned into his current position as a staff writer in August of 2020. Loyalsock Township, Pa. Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen is slated to open in March 2022 at a lot on E. Third Street, also known as the Golden Strip, in Loyalsock Township. Pete Nicholson, representative for the franchisee PN Restaurants, recently signed a lease for the lot at 1713 E. Third Street, according to a press release. Construction will soon begin on the 2,400 square-foot restaurant which will include a drive-thru. The lot, which is owned by local property owner John Schon, is located next to the former Crazy Tomato restaurant. The lot is currently vacant. Related Reading: Popeyes restaurant coming to E. Third Street in Loyalsock Township The fast-food restaurant, known for its New Orleans-style fried chicken, will be located across the street from Dennys. Other restaurants across the street include Arbys and McDonalds, both of which have drive-thrus. Business has been growing along the Golden Strip, as Hobby Lobby opened at the former Kmart in June and Kay Jewelers moved out of Lycoming Mall and into the former Payless ShoeSource at the Loyal Plaza. A Texas Roadhouse also is expected to open in 2022 at the site of the former Ruby Tuesday restaurant. Chipotle has expressed interest in operating at 1955 E. Third Street at the site of the former King House Buffet Chinese restaurant, next to MedExpress. Loyalsock Township manager Bill Burdett confirmed representatives from Chipotle submitted plans earlier this summer, but no approvals have been granted yet. The plans will go to the township planning commission later this summer or early this fall, Burdett said. Township officials and business owners have been concerned about an increase in traffic brought on by new businesses and drive-thrus on E. Third Street. The Dunkin Donuts store at 1900 E. Third Street has been of particular concern since they switched to a drive-thru only format last year at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Related Reading: New businesses come to Golden Strip with increasing traffic concerns Burdett explained that E. Third Street is a state-owned road, and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation takes the lead in working with developers to design an acceptable drive-thru access. Representatives from PennDOT and township officials have been working with the Popeyes franchisee to develop a longer drive-thru driveway that will not have an impact on traffic onto E. Third Street. "Basically, it's going to go the whole way around the building," Burdett said. Franchisee PN Restaurants currently operates Popeyes locations from Virginia to Massachusetts, according to a press release. Popeyes currently has more than 2,700 restaurants in the United States and around the world, according to the website. The chain began in 1972 with one restaurant in New Orleans, Louisiana. The menu includes fried chicken and seafood dishes with Cajun and Creole flavor profiles. Currently, the closest locations to the Williamsport area are almost two hours away in Harrisburg and Wilkes-Barre. Hughesville, Pa. Kids were flying through the air as they leapt from 25 feet in the air, the goats were hungry as always, and camels made an appearance for the second day of the Lycoming County Fair. Enjoy a look at back at all the action as we focus in on camel rides, petting zoos, stunt kids, and yummy balls all at the Lycoming County Fair. Browse other NCPA galleries from the Lycoming County fair! Support Local Journalism Now, more than ever, the world needs trustworthy reportingbut good journalism isnt free. Please support us by subscribing. Rome, GA (30161) Today Showers and thunderstorms. High 78F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 80%. Locally heavy rainfall possible.. Tonight Thunderstorms. Low around 70F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 90%. NWI Parkinson's annual Educational Symposium returns Saturday to teach people about the incurable disease, one of the most common age-related neurodegenerative disorders in which nerve cells in the brain break down. The symposium on how to "Learn to Live your Life with Parkinson's" will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Lincoln Community Center at 2450 Lincoln St. in Highland. The conference aims to teach patients, caregivers and family members about the progressive nervous system disorder that more than 10 million people suffer from worldwide and that more than 60,000 Americans are diagnosed with every year. Keynote speakers include Dr. Laxman Bhagwan Bahroo, a professor of neurology from Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, D.C., and Dr. Deborah Hall from Rush University Medical Center's Movement Disorders Department in Chicago. Bahroo will discuss the subject of medications at 9 a.m., while Hall will talk about clinical trials at 11 a.m. At 1 p.m. clinical staff from Methodist and Community hospitals will have a panel discussion on the topics like speech therapy, physical therapy and nutrition. CHICAGO Ford, one of the Calumet Region's largest industrial employers, is rolling out two new vehicles at the Chicago Auto Show at McCormick Place. Ford debuted the new electric Ford F-150 Lightning and the Maverick pickup trucks at the first major auto show to return since the coronavirus pandemic started. "Ford is going to lead the revolution in electric vehicles," said Darren Palmer, Ford's general manager for battery electric vehicles. "We're planning to spend $30 billion until 2025 for an all-new portfolio of products and services. The way we're going to do it is to make vehicles that are so compelling that it attracts people to electrified vehicles." The Dearborn, Michigan-based automaker is making electrified versions of its most popular vehicles, such as the Mustang Mach-E muscle car and Transit van. Ford also is producing an electric version of its best-selling F-150 pickup truck. "This is the public debut of the F-150 Lightning in Chicago, and we're delighted to show it," he said. "I don't think we can overstate how important this vehicle is for electrification in North America. F-150, as a series, has been the top-selling vehicle in America for 40 years." More than $500,000 in federal assistance is available to Northwest Indiana businesses in the form of loans to help them recover from the coronavirus pandemic. The Recover NWI loans are administered by the Northwest Indiana Regional Planning Commission, which manages the federally designated economic development district that includes Lake, Porter and LaPorte counties. The money was made available by the federal CARES Act pandemic relief legislation. Businesses and organizations can apply for loans of $10,000 to $100,000 to be made from the Regions total of nearly $583,000. Recover NWI loans are intended to aid businesses and organizations that suffered economic injury resulting from the coronavirus pandemic. The loans can be used as working capital and for job retention, marketing, staffing and other functions. Construction projects are not eligible. "According to March US Census Bureau data, approximately 40% of small businesses believe more than six months will pass before they return to normal business operations," said Denarie Kane, NIRPC's economic development district coordinator, in announcing the program. "It is our anticipation that this new loan program can help accelerate this return to normal for our region's businesses." CROWN POINT Lake County officially is in the running for one of the High Tech Crime Units set to be deployed across the Hoosier State beginning in January. On Thursday, the Lake County Council unanimously agreed to give Prosecutor Bernard Carter the go-ahead to apply for a $600,000, two-year grant to establish and operate a High Tech Crime Unit serving at least the 24 police agencies in Lake County, and perhaps all of Northwest Indiana. Carter said he's confident the Indiana Prosecuting Attorneys Council will see fit to award one of the 10 expected High Tech Crime units to Lake County, and he believes Porter County has a good shot of getting one of its own to serve several adjacent counties to the east. "I talked to Gary Germann, who is prosecutor in Porter County," Carter said. "When we start selecting software and it's extremely expensive what we're going to do is target certain areas, he's going to target certain areas, and we'll share their software and they'll share our software, and it'll save us thousand of dollars." Celebrated Russian filmmaker Kirill Serebrennikov is banned from leaving his home country, so he is attending the Cannes Film Festival virtually. Serebrennikov phoned into the red-carpet premiere of his film, Petrov's Flu, by FaceTime and spoke to the media on Tuesday by Zoom. A seat was left open for the 51-year-old director when Petrov's Flu premiered Monday in Cannes. It wasn't the first time Serebrennikov was forced to miss a Cannes premiere. In 2018, he was under house arrest when his film Leto debuted at the festival. Serebrennikov is no longer under house arrest in Russia, but he's unable to travel outside the country. He was convicted of fraud in 2020 and sentenced to probation and fined for embezzlement. The verdict was seen as a success for artistic freedom in Russia - prosecutors had sought a six-year sentence in a penal colony - and concluded a high-profile, years-long legal battle for Serebrennikov, one of Russia's most prominent theater and film directors. The case against him was protested widely throughout the Russian artistic community and internationally. CROWN POINT A Country Club Hills man was wounded when a man he robbed June 30 in East Chicago fired a shot at him, court records allege. Mylik Wilburn, 20, was found lying on the ground at the coroner of Pulaski and 150th streets with a a gunshot wound to his right arm and elbow, Lake Criminal Court records state. Wilburn refused to identify himself, but he was wearing a black jumpsuit and blue shirt that matched a description given by the robbery victim, records state. A magistrate entered not guilty pleas on Wilburn's behalf Wednesday to three felony counts of robbery. A public defender was appointed. East Chicago police were called about 9:45 p.m. June 30 to the 5000 block of Northcote Avenue, where they spoke with a man who had been shot in the leg. The man told police he was parking a motorcycle in the alley when two men in a blue vehicle traveling south came to an abrupt stop and got out. A man in a black jumpsuit held the victim at gunpoint, and the other man patted the victim down and said, "Get ready," after finding two handgun magazines on the victim's hip, records state. CROWN POINT A man who attempted to run onto an icy river after a police pursuit in February pleaded guilty Thursday to felony auto theft and was placed on probation for 18 months. Alonzo C. Irving Jr., of Matteson, Illinois, was taken into custody Feb. 9 after leading Lake Station police on a chase in a stolen black Dodge Challenger, according to Lake Criminal Court records. Irving crashed at the bottom of the embankment in the area of Clay Street and Willow Drive and attempted to run into Deep River before surrendering, court records state. Police searched the Dodge and found two purple skull-shaped pills of suspected methamphetamine and more than 20 grams of suspected marijuana, documents state. Irving pleaded guilty to one count of auto theft, a level 6 felony. In exchange for his plea, Lake County prosecutors agreed to dismiss his remaining charges, including possession of methamphetamine and dealing in marijuana. Judge Pro Tempore Amanda Hires accepted his plea agreement and sentenced him to 18 months in jail, suspended in favor of probation. 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. CROWN POINT A Hobart man was sentenced Wednesday to 12 years in prison for injuring two women, one of whom he tied up, beat and raped during an eight-hour ordeal. Joshua M. Rodriguez, 33, pleaded guilty in April to criminal confinement, a level 3 felony, and three counts of domestic battery, including one level 5 felony and two level 6 felonies. He pleaded with Lake Criminal Court Judge Diane Boswell in June during the first part of a sentencing hearing to show him leniency because he's mentally ill. Boswell sentenced Rodriguez to a total of 12 years in three separate cases and gave him credit for more than a year and a half already served in jail. Lake County Deputy Prosecutor Jessica Arnold said in June the state agreed to dismiss a rape count as part of Rodriguez's plea agreement, partly to spare the woman the trauma of testifying at trial. Under his plea agreement, Rodriguez faced a sentence of four to 27 years in prison. Rodriguez had seven previous felony convictions, including for domestic abuse and child molesting, and he first became involved in the criminal justice system as a juvenile in 2002, Arnold said. She told police she held her arm out motioning for him to stop and then turned her back on him with her arms still extended when he did stop. But Gary Neeley then began honking his horn and yelled out his window, "Move, I have (expletive) to do." VALPARAISO Two months after parents and community members spoke out against mandated masks at Valparaiso Community Schools, the district approved a final plan for optional masks in the upcoming school year. At a meeting Thursday night, the school board unanimously approved the plan outlining the district's policy that includes optional masking, social distancing and a quarantine policy dependent on vaccination status. Audience members did raise comments and even some concerns, but board members and Superintendent Jim McCall reiterated that the district is following guidance from health officials. Back in May, the district approved its plan for students to return to the classroom full time without e-learning days. Students who wish to continue virtual learning will have the option through Edmentum. Board member Jennifer Bognar said she thinks back to a year ago in July when they just didn't know what to do and there was limited guidance being given to districts. They have spent the past year learning what works and what doesn't allowing for a much different presentation of a back to school plan for this year. "I feel confident about (this year's plan) because we have seen success in the last year," she said. VALPARAISO Wearing face masks will be recommended, but optional for students at Union Township School Corp. next school year. According to the district's Return to Learn plan on its website, students will learn in person unless staffing can't be maintained or the health department advises a closure. Similarly, masks will be optional in school and at extracurricular activities unless state or local health officials direct otherwise. However, some mitigation strategies prompted by the pandemic will continue, such as reduced capacity at lunch tables and increased cleaning of high-touch surfaces. The plan says hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette will be taught and encouraged. When it comes to contact tracing, the quarantining policy is different for people who are vaccinated and those who aren't. Vaccinated people won't have to quarantine, as well as those who have tested positive in the past three months, unless symptomatic. Close contacts who are symptomatic may return after 14 days with no symptoms and 24 hours without a fever. For non-vaccinated close contacts who are asymptomatic, the timeline to return depends on a negative test, but they may return to all prior activities after 15 days. GARY A rash of fires caused severe damage to four houses, rallying firefighters to battle the blazes for hours Friday afternoon. First responders were called at 12:45 p.m. Friday to the area of Fourth Avenue and Jackson Street, said Gary Fire Department Deputy Chief Mark Jones. One of the homes was occupied, but the other three were vacant. There were no reported injuries to civilians or firefighters, Jones said. The fires caused extensive damage to the houses. As of Friday afternoon, crews were working to overhaul the scene, in which firefighters doused any remaining hot spots after flames have been extinguished. "We've been working tirelessly," Jones said. "It has been busy this year, but we are sworn to duty." Jones said the cause of the fires remains under investigation. The State Fire Marshal's Office was also called to investigate. The Gary Police Department assisted at the scene with traffic control. Gary Cmdr. Jack Hamady said it appears the wind had caused the spread of the fires from one home to the next. At this time, there is not an arson or suspicious fire investigation being conducted by Gary police. LAPORTE The LaPorte County Historical Society Museum hosts its 13th annual Antique and Classic Car Show from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. This year's special features include an authentic 1914 Kissel Kar and a portrayal of Anita King, "The Paramount Girl," who drove solo from San Francisco to New York in 1915. Anita King will be portrayed by Kayla Vasilko, a recent Purdue University Northwest graduate who spent two years researching the life and careers of the Michigan City native. Following the death of her parents, King eventually went to California, modeled for auto shows, learned to drive, became a stunt woman and was one of the first female race car drivers on the West Coast. King later became a star in silent movies for Paramount Pictures before volunteering to be the first woman to drive alone across the U.S. on the new 3,000 mile-long Lincoln Highway. Presentations by Vasilko will be at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. The car show is held on the museum grounds, 2405 Indiana Ave. Visitors can pay the special reduced entrance fee of $3 to view the cars and visit the museum. Students 18 years or younger have free admittance. MICHIGAN CITY Loosening residency rules for police and firefighters to comply with state law has the City Council asking about police rules for take-home vehicles. Municipalities across Indiana are changing their ordinances to comply with the state law that says if police and firefighters have adequate transportation to get to work and a reliable phone, they can live as far away as they want. In Michigan City, the question is whether the city should pay for that transportation. Take-home police vehicles are viewed by the city as a way to make the police presence in the city more visible, even when the officers using those vehicles are off-duty. Officers tend to see the vehicles as an employee benefit, part of their overall compensation package. The citys administration will have to determine that squad cars for officers living farther away might not be in citys best interest, Councilman Don Przybylinski, D-at-large, said. Otherwise, were going to be buying squad cars year in and year out because of additional mileage on vehicles, he said. His brother, Councilman Paul Przybylinski, D-2nd, agreed. In the U.S., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says fully vaccinated people dont need to wear masks in most settings, in contrast to the WHO, which advises them to cover up. Some U.S. states and cities are trying to decide what to do as cases rise again. Los Angeles County, the most populous county in the U.S., announced Thursday it is again requiring people to wear masks indoors, even if they are vaccinated. In many East Asian countries, it was common even before the pandemic for people to wear masks when sick or on high-pollution days. There is little in the way of an anti-mask movement. In the United States, however, they have become an often partisan issue, epitomized during the 2020 presidential election by the contrast between often maskless Republican Donald Trump and mask-wearing Democrat Joe Biden. European nations are less divided, but recent research by Kings College London and pollster Ipsos MORI identified masks as a culture war fault line, dividing people in Britain in a similar way to Brexit and the Black Lives Matter movement. The large majority who supported masks and other coronavirus restrictions tended to regard the minority who opposed them as selfish, hypocritical and closed-minded. A lower proportion of lockdown opponents said the same about the other side. To the Editor: Re Biden Portrays a Right to Vote as Under Siege (front page, July 14): The answer to President Bidens question to the Republican lawmakers Have you no shame? is yes, they have no shame. Democratic politicians should not make an assumption that they are working across the aisle with a political party of integrity, one that plays by the rules, respects the norms and cares about the American people. That is not the Republican Party of today. Republican lawmakers care not at all about democracy, only about obtaining and keeping power. And they are willing to do anything to that end. They lie to their constituents, especially promoting the Big Lie about election fraud in 2020. They suppress voting rights. They gerrymander to such a great extent that they negate the voices of many Democratic voters. It is time the Democrats realize whom they are dealing with, and act accordingly. They need to be aggressive. The right to vote is what our democracy is about. There is nothing more important. There needs to be an exemption from the filibuster for voting rights. Ellen Sussman Brooklyn To the Editor: The Senate appears unlikely to agree to even a carve-out suspension of the filibuster in order to enact voting rights legislation. And Democratic lawmakers in Republican-controlled state legislatures have few tools to prevent the passage of new voter suppression laws. Legal challenges will take years to work their way through the courts. Still, the countrys prognosis remains better than at previous points in the pandemic. The vaccines are widely available, cases and hospitalizations remain at a tiny fraction of their peaks and deaths are occurring at some of the lowest levels since the early days of the pandemic. Yet daily case numbers have increased in all 50 states, including 19 states that are reporting at least twice as many new cases a day. Mayor Quinton Lucas of Kansas City, Mo., where cases are increasing but remain far below levels in other parts of the state, said he worried that the outbreak in southwestern Missouri would keep spreading, given low vaccination rates there. He said strong recommendations for mask wearing or even new mandates may become necessary if his citys outlook continued to worsen. I think when you start to see Springfield-level hospitalizations here in the Kansas City metro, then well have to very seriously consider whether its time to return to previous restrictions, Mr. Lucas said. In a string of news conferences this week, public health officials pleaded with people who have not gotten shots to change their minds, urging them to consider that coronavirus vaccines are safe, free and available to anyone 12 and older. To any who have been hesitating about being vaccinated, please, I implore you to hesitate no longer, Dr. Kiran Joshi, the senior medical officer for the Cook County Department of Public Health, which serves suburban Chicago, said on Thursday. The chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus, Representative Joyce Beatty, was arrested on Thursday on Capitol Hill along with eight activists who were demonstrating for voting rights. You can arrest me. You cant stop me. You cant silence me, Ms. Beatty, an Ohio Democrat, wrote in a tweet after her arrest by the U.S. Capitol Police in the atrium of a Senate office building. A reporter on the scene noted on Twitter that her hands had been bound with zip ties before she was led away. The Capitol Police said in a statement that the protesters had violated a Washington law against crowding or blocking streets or certain spaces in public buildings. The protesters were warned before they were detained, the police said. Ms. Beatty and a group of activists were protesting the languishing of the John Lewis Voting Rights Act and the For the People Act in Congress. The two bills aim in part to protect and expand access to voting, but both are facing long odds of becoming law. In other words, this story may have less to do with Mr. Biden, and may even be the rare Trump-related story that has less to do with Mr. Trump. Rather, it is a story about Mrs. Clinton and sexism a gendered view of the candidate, as Ms. Greenberg put it in which the potential of the first woman president raised the importance of issues like feminism, abortion and the culture wars, all of which help explain the gender gap in the first place. She was not well-liked by large numbers of the public, but especially by independent and Republican men, said Eric Plutzer, a professor of political science at Penn State University. There were opportunities for Biden to win back some of that demographic. The pool of married men was also very different last year than in 2016. The Cooperative Election Study asked respondents whom they had supported in both 2016 and 2020, and found that married men were not particularly likely to have switched between the parties, Dr. Schaffner said. However, because of death, divorce and marriage, the composition of this group changed. It got younger and more millennial. And that meant it got more Democratic. This is not your fathers married man, Dr. Schaffner said. Indeed, the elections analyst Nathaniel Rakich floated a theory on a recent podcast that the sharp increase in mail-in voting last year when, thanks to Covid-19, numerous states made that option easier and unprecedented numbers of voters chose it led to more married couples discussing their votes, perhaps even seeing each others ballots, and that this, in turn, led to more straight-ticket household voting. And if married men moved toward the Democrat while married women were consistent, it would seem likelier that husbands acceded to their wives rather than the opposite. Wife Guys for Biden? Ms. Greenberg said it was impossible to know if this had happened, but noted that vote-by-mail was heavily Democratic. Finally, a big story of the election was a divide among voters based on education, as those with college degrees moved toward Mr. Biden and those without headed toward Mr. Trump. That could help explain the shift among married men, who are likely to be middle class, Dr. Schaffner said. State Senator Karen Fann, a Republican and the president of the Arizona State Senate, again defended the review at the hearing, denying charges that the audit was politically motivated or was intended to overturn the election. This has never been about anything other than election integrity, she said. At Thursdays hearing, which was led by Ms. Fann and Senator Warren Petersen, the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Mr. Logan and others involved in the review insisted that their work met high standards and that they had uncovered sloppy work by county election officials. Among other criticisms of the countys work, they said that antivirus software on voting equipment had not been updated since it was installed in 2019, and that a server containing voter registration data had been breached on Election Day last November. Maricopa County officials, who have long opposed the review and defended the accuracy of their election work, mounted a rebuttal on Twitter, explaining that antivirus updates were not applied to voting software because they would alter its official certification for use. The officials also said the breach of registration data involved only public information such as voters names and addresses and was taken from a website that voters use to create or change registrations. The official database of registered voters was never broken into, they said. In a written statement, Jack Sellers, the chairman of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors that oversees all county operations, said the Senate hearing represents an alternate reality that has veered out of control since the November general election. The court ruling on Thursday was in response to a lawsuit filed in May by the watchdog group American Oversight, which complained that the Republican-controlled Senate had not adequately responded to requests for records of the companies conducting the review. Lawyers for the senators said that the State Senate did not have the records and that companies were exempt from the states open-records law because they were private entities. The Canadian government has blocked an Ontario mayors plan to vaccinate residents in a tunnel on the U.S. border, using some of Michigans surplus, soon-to-expire Covid-19 vaccine doses, the mayor said. It was an ambitious idea: Since Canadian officials wouldnt allow U.S. vaccines into the country, American pharmacists would come to the edge of the U.S. border inside the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel, which connects Detroit and Windsor, Ontario, and jab the vaccine into the arms of Canadians on the other side. The plan, which was reported by The Detroit Free Press, was the brainchild of Drew Dilkens, the mayor of Windsor. He said in an interview on Thursday that medical professionals in Detroit had told him they were tossing extra vaccines into landfills as the demand for the shots in the United States slowed. Michigan has scrapped nearly 150,000 unused vaccine doses since December, said Lynn Sutfin, a spokeswoman for the states Department of Health and Human Services. In addition to looming expiration dates, she said, doses were also discarded because of broken syringes or vials. And thats a model nurturing yet free she believes in. What strikes Henderson about Aunts is the way it takes care of its artists. (For one, they are paid and will be even if the event is canceled because of rain; they will also have the option of performing at the September event if the July one is canceled.) A movement artist and vocal improviser who has nonprofit experience, she was new to Aunts but soon recognized it would be a great opportunity for me to extend the care that I usually offer, she said, with this added layer of, I get to choose the artists that Im caring for. Hendersons concerns were that she didnt want to be at another dance event and be the only Black girl there or at another dance event where were all doing the same PoMo moves, she said, referring to postmodern dance, with serious faces in those funky Dansko shoes and gauchos. Thats not my ministry, she said. And I was a little nervous about talking about that, but they were really cool. They were like, Kadie, we get that. With six organizers recommending artists to perform at events, Aunts reflects something else in this moment of contemporary dance: multiple and varied artistic voices both behind the scenes and performing. Can you have a sound performer next to a movement performer next to someone whos from hip-hop? Lloyd said. I was energized about a wide range of voices all doing different types of things and how that might create an exciting experience. The Disability Futures initiative, a fellowship established by the Ford and Andrew W. Mellon Foundations last fall to support disabled artists, is expanding. The foundations announced on Friday that they will commit an additional $5 million to support the initiative through 2025, which will include support for two more cohorts of 20 fellows. The fellowship, which was created by and for disabled individuals, was conceived as an 18-month initiative. It provided 20 disabled artists, filmmakers and journalists, selected from across the United States, with unrestricted $50,000 grants administered by the arts funding group United States Artists. But Margaret Morton, the director of creativity and free expression at the Ford Foundation, said it was clear from the beginning that it couldnt just be a one-off venture. Projects undertaken by members of the first cohort will be showcased at the first Disability Futures virtual festival, on Monday and Tuesday, with programming from some of the countrys leading disabled artists, writers, thinkers and designers. It is free and open to the public. Audrey Strauss, the U.S. attorney in Manhattan, said in a statement that the sculpture, Skanda on a Peacock, is of great historical, religious and artistic significance to the people of Cambodia. She added: We reaffirm our commitment to ending the sale of illegally trafficked antiquities in the United States. The theft, the complaint says, was carried out by a Cambodian national identified only as Looter-1, who joined the Khmer Rouge at the age of about 10. By the 1990s, Looter-1 was leading a group of some 450 people who stole artifacts from temples and archaeological sites, according to the complaint. One evening in 1997, Looter-1 and another person found the statue in the antechamber of Prasat Krachap, prosecutors said. They then transported it to a house near the border of Thailand, the complaint added. Last year, the complaint said, Looter-1 showed archaeologists where the statue had been discovered. More recently, according to the complaint, a second person met with representatives of Cambodias Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts and acknowledged taking part in the plundering of Prasat Krachap and selling sculptures to people including the collector Douglas A.J. Latchford, who lived in Bangkok. Latchford, who was also known as Pakpong Kriangsak, had maintained that Westerners who acquired Southeast Asian objects during the decades of war in Cambodia and Vietnam should be seen as rescuers of objects that might have been lost to the jungle or destroyed. He donated artifacts and money to the national museum in Phnom Penh and in 2008 was honored with Cambodias equivalent of a knighthood. But that can be challenging in China, with its sprawling industrial base and relatively poor regulation. A firm from Inner Mongolia, a region of northern China, that is participating in the new market was already fined this month for falsifying carbon emissions data. The Chinese government initially said the market could cover steel making, cement and other industries, as well as power plants. But it narrowed the scope to cover only coal and gas plants that supply power and heat a sector that has fewer players and is easier to monitor. Other industries may be brought into the market in coming years. Its now starting from the power sector, because its more mature in data quality and other settings, Zhang Xiliang, director of the Institute of Energy, Environment and Economy at Tsinghua University, said in an interview. But I think very quickly sectors like cement, electrolytic aluminum and steel will join. Even so, Chinas coal and gas power sector is so large that the scheme already covers around a tenth of total global carbon dioxide emissions. Some 2,225 power plant operators many of them subunits of Chinas state-owned power conglomerates were selected to trade on the platform run by the Shanghai Environment and Energy Exchange. Until now, the biggest carbon emissions market has been Europes, followed by one in California. Eventually, these and other emissions trading initiatives may link up, creating a potential global market. For now, though, international investors or financial firms will not be allowed to buy into Chinas carbon market. It may take years for the market to achieve results. Across Europe, governments and businesses are maneuvering to try to stop a surge in coronavirus cases driven by the rapid spread of the Delta variant from hampering the continents recovery. For the past few months, the relaxation of pandemic restrictions and the growing ranks of the vaccinated have propelled the economy forward. The European Commission recently upgraded its forecasts for the region. Britain has recorded four straight months of economic growth, and in some regions of the country, the number of employees on payroll is higher than before the pandemic. But now the Delta variant is casting a shadow over the summer and threatening the upbeat outlook. It has made the path of the recovery much more unpredictable and uneven. Britain In Britain, the final lifting of restrictions on Monday is expected to add fresh momentum to the economic recovery. But the surge in infections presents an unexpected new hurdle to businesses trying to operate at full capacity. Businesses including hospitality, theater and trucking are having to shut down temporarily as workers go into self-isolation because they have either caught the virus or been told that they have come into contact with someone who has. The images from Germany are startling and horrifying: houses, shops and streets in the picturesque cities and villages along the Ahr and other rivers violently washed away by fast-moving floodwaters. The flooding was caused by a storm that slowed to a crawl over parts of Europe on Wednesday, dumping as much as six inches of rain on the region near Cologne and Bonn before finally beginning to let up on Friday. There was flooding in Belgium, the Netherlands and Switzerland, too, but the worst impacts were in Germany, where the official death toll passed 125 on Friday and was sure to climb. The storm was a frightening example of an extreme weather event, with some places getting a months worth of rain in a day. But in an era of climate change, extreme weather events are becoming more common. By nearly every metric, the wildfires in the Western United States are worsening. They are growing larger, spreading faster and reaching higher, scaling mountain elevations that previously were too wet and cool to have supported fires this fierce. They are also getting more intense, killing a greater number of trees and eliminating entire patches of forest. Ten years ago, we werent really seeing fires move like that, said Lenya Quinn-Davidson, a fire adviser for the University of California Cooperative Extension, referring to 2021s Bootleg Fire, which began July 6 and at one point consumed more than fifty thousand acres in a single day. Heres what is driving these changes and what can be done about it. Why are wildfires worsening? Wildfires require a spark and fuel. In the forests of the Western United States, half of wildfires are initiated by lightning. The other half are human-caused frequently started by power lines, cigarettes, cars, camp fires or arson. In the new film Pig, Nicolas Cage plays a prominent Portland chef named Robin Feld who left the citys high-end restaurant scene to live in the Oregon wilderness, where he forages for truffles with his beloved pig. The reclusive chef is forced to re-emerge in the city after 15 years away to search for the beloved pig, which was stolen from him late one night. Another pig cant do what she did, an anguished Mr. Feld intones at one point in the movie, as he navigates the criminal underworld in search of his animal. Pig, which was released in theaters on Friday, is the feature-film writing and directing debut of Michael Sarnoski, who said the movies plot was inspired by stories he had heard of truffle hunters who camp on their porches at night with shotguns to fend off competitors. Im not sure where the idea of a truffle hunter first came from, but I just loved the image of an old man and a pig in the woods together, Mr. Sarnoski said. Times Insider explains who we are and what we do, and delivers behind-the-scenes insights into how our journalism comes together. Im the theater reporter at The New York Times. But for more than a year, there was very little theater. So what have I been doing? Well, at least in part, Ive been writing about the people whose lives, and livelihoods, have been upended by the pandemic-prompted shutdown. That means actors, of course, and fans, too. But Ive also been intrigued, almost since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, by what the widespread layoffs and absence of productions would mean for aspiring theater artists,. Thats what led me to report the article that appeared in Sundays paper about a group of drama students who graduated last year from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. Over time, I was able to talk to 22 of the 23 drama students in the class of 2020, and they reminded me of so much that I love about journalism, and about artists they were open and generous and self-aware, and sometimes uncertain about how to think about what this strange and unexpected time would mean for them. And it seems like the article has resonated with readers, for which I am grateful. The new documentary about Anthony Bourdains life, Roadrunner, is one hour and 58 minutes long much of which is filled with footage of the star throughout the decades of his career as a celebrity chef, journalist and television personality. But on the films opening weekend, 45 seconds of it is drawing much of the publics attention. The focus is on a few sentences of what an unknowing audience member would believe to be recorded audio of Bourdain, who died by suicide in 2018. In reality, the voice is generated by artificial intelligence: Bourdains own words, turned into speech by a software company who had been given several hours of audio that could teach a machine how to mimic his tone, cadence and inflection. One of the machine-generated quotes is from an email Bourdain wrote to a friend, David Choe. You are successful, and I am successful, Bourdains voice says, and Im wondering: Are you happy? The films director, Morgan Neville, explained the technique in an interview with The New Yorkers Helen Rosner, who asked how the filmmakers could possibly have obtained a recording of Bourdain reading an email he sent to a friend. Neville said the technology is so convincing that audience members likely wont recognize which of the other quotes are artificial, adding, We can have a documentary-ethics panel about it later. Im looking at a longstanding set of challenges at this department that are severe, Mr. Schiraldi said in an interview on Friday. On that, I agree with C.O.B.A. And my job is to address them, and a bunch of lawyers can fight over lawsuits. A spokesman for the citys Law Department said it would review the suit and respond in court. The union said that more than 1,000 officers have resigned in the past two years, and that many of the problems in the jails were a result of staff shortages. It has called on the city to hire thousands more officers; the budget the city passed last month included money to hire 400. Mr. Schiraldi said on Friday that the jails had sufficient staff and that too many officers were calling out sick or simply not showing up to work. The staffing issues have endangered incarcerated people. Officers interviewed by The New York Times have said they were too exhausted to break up fights. Those being held had missed key appointments with lawyers and health care professionals because of the shortages, the officers said. The lawsuit comes amid significant uncertainty regarding the future of the citys jails. Although Mr. de Blasio and other city leaders plan to replace the Rikers Island complex with four smaller jails, the likely next mayor, Eric Adams, has said he objects to the locations chosen for three of the new sites. This article is part of Overlooked, a series of obituaries about remarkable people whose deaths, beginning in 1851, went unreported in The Times. For more than 125 years, people trampled unknowingly across the grass where Rebecca Lee Crumpler rests in peace alongside her husband, Arthur, at Fairview Cemetery in Boston. Her burial plot was devoid of a gravestone even though she held a unique distinction: She was the first Black woman to receive a medical degree in the United States. It would take more than a century, from her death in 1895 until last year, for Crumpler to be given proper recognition by a group of Black historians and physicians. Were it not for them, she might still be languishing in anonymity. After suffering back-to-back floods in 1993, the town of Valmeyer, Ill., did something unusual. Instead of risking yet another disaster, it used funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the state of Illinois to move the entire town a few miles away to higher ground. As the climate continues to change, more and more communities will contemplate taking actions like Valmeyers. Rather than merely build levees or weatherize homes, communities will purposefully move away from places threatened by floods, droughts, fires or high temperatures. This strategy is known as managed retreat. It is often considered an extreme option to be pursued only when no other alternatives remain. People dont want to move from their homes, especially when environmental conditions, even if worsening, have not yet made life unlivable. A growing number of voters were foreign-born, the result of mass immigration and the rapid growth of an immigrant working class in the industrial centers of the North. Between 1865 and World War I, wrote the historian Alexander Keyssar in The Right to Vote: The Contested History of Democracy in the United States, nearly 25 million immigrants journeyed to the United States, accounting for a large proportion of the nations World War I population of roughly 100 million. A vast majority arrived without property or the means to acquire it. Some were the Irish and Germans of previous waves of immigration, but many more were Eastern and Southern Europeans, with alien languages, exotic customs and unfamiliar faiths. By 1910, noted Keyssar, most urban residents were immigrants or the children of immigrants, and the nations huge working class was predominantly foreign-born, native-born of foreign parents or Black. To Americans of older stock, this was a disaster in waiting. And it fueled among them a backlash to the democratic expansion that followed the Civil War. A New England village of the olden time that is to say, of some 40 years ago would have been safely and well governed by the votes of every man in it, Francis Parkman, a prominent historian and a member in good standing of the Boston elite, wrote in an 1878 essay called The Failure of Universal Suffrage. Parkman went on: but, now that the village has grown into a populous city, with its factories and workshops, its acres of tenement-houses and thousands and ten thousands of restless workmen, foreigners for the most part, to whom liberty means license and politics means plunder, to whom the public good is nothing and their own most trivial interests everything, who love the country for what they can get out of it and whose ears are open to the promptings of every rascally agitator, the case is completely changed, and universal suffrage becomes a questionable blessing. In The Shaping of Southern Politics: Suffrage Restriction and the Establishment of the One-Party South, 1880-1910, the historian J. Morgan Kousser took note of William L. Scruggs, a turn-of-the-century scholar and diplomat who gave a similarly colorful assessment of universal suffrage in an 1884 article, Restriction of the Suffrage: The idea of unqualified or tramp suffrage, like communism, with which it is closely allied, seems to be of modern origin; and, like that and kindred isms, it usually finds advocates and apologists in the ranks of the discontented, improvident, ignorant, vicious, depraved and dangerous classes of society. It is not indigenous to the soil of the United States. It originated in the slums of European cities, and, like the viper in the fable, has been nurtured into formidable activity in this country by misdirected kindness. Beyond their presumed immorality and vice, the problem with new immigrant voters, from the perspective of these elites, was that they undermined so-called good government. There is not the slightest doubt in my own mind that our prodigality with the suffrage has been the chief source of the corruption of our elections, wrote the Progressive-era political scientist John W. Burgess in an 1895 article titled The Ideal of the American Commonwealth. This claim, that Black and immigrant voters were venal and corrupt that they voted either illegally or irresponsibly was common. The comptrollers office has been working with the city to resolve questions and concerns regarding the proposed demolition, said Hazel Crampton-Hays, the comptrollers press secretary. In response to our requests, the Department of Design and Construction has agreed to communicate with the state historic preservation and environmental authorities about any necessary reviews or adjustments, and agreed to amend the emergency request to procure a construction manager to determine the timeline, scope, and pricing of the proposed project and use that information to then seek approval from our office for the demolition itself. Given these modifications and approval from the Law Department, she continued, we have now approved the amended emergency request. Under city rules, before receiving approval from the comptrollers office to proceed with an emergency demolition, a city agency must demonstrate the existence of an emergency condition that poses an unforeseen danger to life, safety, property or a necessary service. The agency must also show that the condition creates an immediate need for such action that cannot be procured using normal procedures. The citys emergency order stated that excluding the current field offices for island operations, a war memorial and two decommissioned Nike missile silos, there are 18 remnant and unsafe one-, two-, three- and four-story buildings on Hart Island. All were observed to be in advanced stages of collapse, either fully or mostly so. The buildings, the order said, are an immediate danger to the public and the island staff. As emergencies go, this has been a slow-developing one, according to internal city agency reports obtained by The New York Times. Most of the buildings on the island have been vacant and deteriorating ever since Phoenix House, a substance-abuse rehabilitation center, left the island in 1976. In 2015, an internal draft report by the Department of Buildings called for the demolition of 13 Hart Island buildings but recommended immediate repair of the century-old Record Storage Building and a pumping station; it also said that no action was required for a third building, a small pump house. The report further recommended that the chimney adjacent to the Dynamo Room, a power-generating facility built around 1912, be lowered not demolished and that the Catholic chapel and the three-story Victorian-era Womens Asylum, also known as the Pavilion, each be fenced as a possible ruin site. 1654 Island purchased from Native Americans by the English doctor Thomas Pell. 1864 Used as a training ground for the 31st Regiment of the United States Colored Troops, a segregated regiment of the Union Army. 1865 More than 3,000 Confederate prisoners of war are imprisoned on the island. 1868 The city Department of Charities and Correction purchases the island for a new municipal burial ground called City Cemetery. Public burials begin the following year and continue to this day. 1885 The Pavilion, a 300-patient womens insane asylum, is built. The asylum closes in 1895 and is later used as a mess hall and workhouse for young men incarcerated on the island. It is also used as a shoe factory by Phoenix House in the 1970s. Stephen Klein recalled answering his phone on May 27, 2002, and being told that his mother was taken to a hospital near her home in Cocoa Beach, Fla. It was tough to deal with, and so I went to the place where I would go when I needed to clear my head: Central Park, said Mr. Klein, 74, who retired as the owner of Choice Associates, a staffing company in Manhattan. Central Park has always been a place for me to go and read and think or sometimes listen to music, he said. Somewhere along the way, it sort of became a safe haven for me. Mr. Klein was about to enter the park later that day at 72nd Street and Fifth Avenue, when he noticed a blonde woman with a beautiful face. Emily Bick was in New York, visiting her parents over the winter holidays in 2014, when the online dating service OkCupid rated her match with Nora Forbes, who was in Minneapolis, at 97 percent. The closest Id ever come before was 70 percent, said Dr. Bick, who was at the time working for a tree-care company in Minneapolis. So after Dr. Bick returned, on New Years Day 2015, the two met for pizza. They had been exchanging epic-length messages, and Dr. Bick, now 29, thought that at the very least, she had found a terrific correspondent. I thought, Wow, Im going to keep this person as a pen-pal forever because these letters are great, she said. Were seeing low-wage workers not wanting to go back to their jobs. They realize, Im more important than this and I want to be doing something more worthwhile, Ms. Deal said. Being able to create something yourself and be creative and produce something useful, either for yourself or for someone else, I think theres a huge amount of satisfaction in that. When youre sort of frightened of going out, you knit more. As stress and uncertainty about the future starts to diminish, however, even just a little due largely to the availability of vaccines and the lifting of pandemic restrictions its unclear what role crafting will continue to play in the lives of those who adopted it as a stress relief measure during an extraordinarily trying year. Rita Bobry, who was the owner of Downtown Yarns for 17 years before she retired and passed the store to Ms. Ruiz, remembers well a similar moment of post-traumatic crafting in the city. In 2001, when her shop had only just opened, she welcomed anxious New Yorkers who were turning to knitting as a way to self-soothe following the attacks on Sept. 11. On that day, the air outside the yarn store was thick with dust but Ms. Bobry decided that the store would remain open. Lighting candles to put in the window, she opened her door to passers-by. I think people were staying home more, they were wanting to be in groups, in communities; a lot of people lost their jobs, too, Ms. Bobry said. When youre not working, you knit more. When youre sort of frightened of going out, you knit more. The yarn store became a sort of gathering place. People who were feeling lost just walked in, Ms. Bobry said. What inspired you to make it? It follows in the same vein as the rest of my personal art practice, which is about capturing those in-between moments of life, especially and specifically for Black people. Its a way to demonstrate our humanity by illustrating instances of pause, moments in which you might be about to make a decision or change course or you just happen to be caught in a moment. Theres a strong Black culture around food and gathering, and so I really wanted to do a piece that celebrated that, but not in the traditional heres a family meal painting way. Whats the work of art in any medium that changed your life? I didnt grow up with a huge art background; I knew about the Renaissance and the old masters Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci and that was what art was for me. As a kid, I really appreciated the statue of David, believe it or not; it was a marvel to me. Then, as an adult, I actually got to go see it in real life, and that was the first time I ever had that experience with a piece of art where you stand in front of it and are overtaken with emotion. I just cried. My mom was like, What is wrong with you? Seeing it for real, knowing a little bit about what went into making it and just contemplating what an amazing piece of physical artwork it was, that really made me appreciate art in a way that I hadnt in a long time. Even before I started to look into art as a career for myself, I was in awe of the technical work that went into this piece of marble carved to perfection. I think that was sort of the draw, that somebody took a rock and made a beautiful thing out of it. When I look at later contemporary portraiture, like the work of Kehinde Wiley or Barkley L. Hendricks, though, it reminds me that there can be so much more to art than that. You can insert meaning; you can insert depth. You can insert personality and emotion. Now that Im an adult and Im making my own art, contemporary artists are more my jam. Hendricks he was my early painting inspiration, and then when I finally got to see some of his paintings in person, when the Museum of the African Diaspora in San Francisco hosted the Studio Museum in Harlems Black Refractions show, I realized that the statue of David is kind of what art is supposed to be, but Hendrickss work, and all of these Black artists work I never was taught that art could be this. Seeing that, I realized, Oh my God, there are Black people who paint other Black people! And thats normal, and is celebrated, and it should be more celebrated. This interview has been edited and condensed. A decade ago, IBMs public confidence was unmistakable. Its Watson supercomputer had just trounced Ken Jennings, the best human Jeopardy! player ever, showcasing the power of artificial intelligence. This was only the beginning of a technological revolution about to sweep through society, the company pledged. Already, IBM declared in an advertisement the day after the Watson victory, we are exploring ways to apply Watson skills to the rich, varied language of health care, finance, law and academia. But inside the company, the star scientist behind Watson had a warning: Beware what you promise. David Ferrucci, the scientist, explained that Watson was engineered to identify word patterns and predict correct answers for the trivia game. It was not an all-purpose answer box ready to take on the commercial world, he said. It might well fail a second-grade reading comprehension test. His explanation got a polite hearing from business colleagues, but little more. It wasnt the marketing message, recalled Mr. Ferrucci, who left IBM the following year. A policy goal of the tax credit is to slash child poverty, and direct monthly payments have the biggest effect on the poorest families. The poorest third of children were excluded from the previous child tax credit because their parents didnt pay income taxes, and even for those who received it, a once-a-year tax refund did not help in an efficient way with daily expenses like food, child care and rent. Since the last major changes to family welfare policy in the 1990s, and especially during the pandemic, there has been a much greater realization that families income is rarely stable over time. People across income levels go in and out of financial stability and employment. When we load up so much of our aid in an annual big refund, it means so many of our families are going into the red by the end of the year, Professor Shaefer said. We used to think about poverty in the United States as static your income is below the poverty line but peoples lives are very volatile. Politically, the more universal a program is, the more buy-in it has, because the money isnt benefiting just some people, and there is no stigma attached. Nearly nine in 10 American families qualify all but the richest. Also, automatic monthly payments are a recurring reminder of government support. Both parties became more willing to send unconditional checks during the pandemic, and to seek credit for it. President Trump made sure his name was on stimulus checks, and President Biden sent letters to each family receiving the child benefit. Its a sharp contrast with President Obamas 2009 tax cut, in which he decreased the taxes withheld from peoples paychecks so they took home more money but they didnt necessarily realize it or give him political credit. I think Democrats learned their lesson under Obama, said Samuel Hammond, director of poverty and welfare policy at the Niskanen Center. Quietly reducing peoples taxes may be based in theory, but doesnt win you any political favors. Democrats are very aware that the saliency of this policy will help remind voters that Democratic governments help ordinary people. A federal judge in Texas on Friday ruled unlawful a program that has shielded hundreds of thousands of undocumented young adults from deportation, throwing into question yet again the fate of immigrants known as Dreamers. The judge, Andrew S. Hanen of the United States District Court in Houston, said President Barack Obama exceeded his authority when he created the program, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, by executive order in 2012. But the judge wrote that current program recipients would not be immediately affected, and that the federal government should not take any immigration, deportation or criminal action against them that it would not otherwise take. The Department of Homeland Security may continue to accept new applications but is temporarily prohibited from approving them, the judge ruled. Immigrants currently enrolled in the program, most of whom were brought to the United States as children, will for now retain the ability to stay and work in the country, though those protections could evaporate if the government is unable to rectify a series of legal shortcomings. Angered by the results of the 2020 presidential election, two men in Northern California plotted for months to blow up the state Democratic Party headquarters in Sacramento, according to federal authorities. The men, who face conspiracy and weapons charges, consulted with an antigovernment paramilitary organization, hoping to start a movement that could keep former President Donald J. Trump in office. Using encrypted messaging apps, they discussed various targets, including the Governors Mansion as well as Twitter and Facebook offices, court documents said. I want to blow up a democrat building bad, documents quoted one defendant, Ian Benjamin Rogers, 45, as texting to the other man, Jarrod Copeland, 37. The suspected plot is the latest in a range of antigovernment activity linked to the 2020 election and its aftermath, some of it involving paramilitary groups. A case of monkeypox, a rare but potentially serious viral illness, has been identified in a Texas resident who recently returned from Nigeria, health officials said on Friday. They said that the risk that the virus would spread to others was low. The patient, a Dallas resident, was hospitalized in Dallas and in stable condition, health officials said. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said it was working with an unidentified airline as well as state and local health officials to contact passengers who had traveled with the patient on two flights one from Lagos to Atlanta on July 8 and the other from Atlanta to Dallas on July 9. The C.D.C. said it believed that the risk of the patients having spread monkeypox to others through respiratory droplets was limited because travelers on those flights and in the airports in Atlanta and Dallas were required to wear masks to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. A woman has joined a United States Navy special warfare unit for the first time, the latest gender barrier to fall in the five years since women became eligible to apply for any combat job in the military. The service on Thursday said the woman was the first female graduate from a Navy special warfare training pipeline that directly supports the SEALs and other elite commando units. A Navy spokeswoman said the woman would not be identified, which is a standard policy for members of the special forces. In a statement, Rear Adm. Hugh W. Howard III, the commander of the U.S. Naval Special Warfare Command, said the womans graduation represented an extraordinary accomplishment. This is changing how we think about our expectations for public education for our society, said John B. King Jr., a former education secretary under President Barack Obama who is now the president of the Education Trust, an equity-focused think tank. He added, Making a universal commitment to 17 years, rather than 13 years, of schooling is a New Deal style vision for what a healthy and thriving society looks like in the 21st century. Mr. King, who is a Democratic candidate for governor in Maryland, said that Mr. Biden was poised to achieve what Mr. Obamas administration could not, reflecting an amazing transformation of our politics over a short period of time. The plans for universal prekindergarten and free community college mirror proposals made then that could not even get a hearing in Congress. There are no details yet of what the mammoth deal will contain, and the overall spending figure could shrink. Bringing the proposals to fruition would involve a high-wire legislative process that could take months, requiring the support of all 50 members of the Democratic Caucus in the Senate, and all but a few in the House. But plans for universal pre-K and community college outlined in Mr. Bidens $1.8 trillion package of economic proposals, known as the American Families Plan, called for $109 billion to fund two years of tuition-free community college for all. The administration estimated that would benefit millions of students, particularly minority and low-income students, who face economic barriers to obtaining a degree. It also proposed $200 billion to pay for free pre-K programs, after evidence has grown for decades that unequal access creates achievement gaps among children before they reach kindergarten. WASHINGTON Treasury Secretary Janet L. Yellen has cast doubt on the merits of the trade agreement between the United States and China, arguing that it has failed to address the most pressing disputes between the worlds two largest economies and warning that the tariffs that remain in place have harmed American consumers. Ms. Yellens comments, in an interview with The New York Times this week, come as the Biden administration is seven months into an extensive review of Americas economic relationship with China. The review must answer the central question of what to do about the deal that former President Donald J. Trump signed in early 2020 that included Chinese commitments to buy American products and change its trade practices. Tariffs that remain on $360 billion of Chinese imports are hanging in the balance, and the Biden administration has said little about the deals fate. Trump administration officials tried to create tariffs that would shelter key American industries like car making and aircraft manufacturing from what they described as subsidized Chinese exports. But Ms. Yellen questioned whether the tariffs had been well designed. My own personal view is that tariffs were not put in place on China in a way that was very thoughtful with respect to where there are problems and what is the U.S. interest, she said at the conclusion of a weeklong trip to Europe. Colombian officials on Friday identified a former Haitian intelligence official as the man who ordered two former Colombian soldiers to kill Haitis president, Jovenel Moise, this month. The ex-intelligence official, Joseph Felix Badio, had first told two Colombian soldiers that they would be arresting the president, Gen. Jorge Luis Vargas, the head of Colombias national police, said at a news conference. But a few days before the operation, he said, the plan changed. Mr. Badio told the former soldiers, Duberney Capador and German Alejandro Rivera Garcia, that what they had to do was assassinate the president of Haiti, General Vargas said. Colombian officials did not describe the source of the information. Earlier this week Colombian intelligence and foreign ministry officials told The New York Times that they had not been able to interview the Colombian suspects. ISLAMABAD, Pakistan The explosion that killed nine Chinese workers and four others near a hydroelectric project in Pakistan on Wednesday was a terrorist attack, not an accident as officials in Pakistan initially suggested, according to a statement by the Chinese government and a top Pakistan official close to the investigation. A vehicle driven by a suicide attacker and laden with explosives rammed a convoy of Chinese workers headed to the project site in Dasu, a remote town north of the capital, Islamabad, the official said, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss a security matter. The explosion badly damaged two buses carrying workers from the China Gezhouba Group Co., a construction company based in Wuhan. One of the buses veered off the unpaved road and down a steep slope where it came to rest on the bank of the churning Indus River. Chinese workers and diplomats have been targeted in previous attacks in the country, though Wednesdays was the deadliest so far. But in her own country, she is the subject of fierce debate. For many in Pakistan, Malala has come to symbolize everything they imagine they hate about the West, said Nida Kirmani, a professor of sociology at Lahore University of Management Sciences in Pakistan. For others, she is a symbol of womens rights and resistance against Islamist forces, she added. For these reasons, she has become a divisive figure. Critics say the seizures show a desire to suppress critical thinking and a growing intolerance of opinions contrary to conservative Islamic beliefs and cultural norms. In 2012, Taliban fighters attempted to assassinate Ms. Yousafzai on a bus returning from school after the B.B.C. website published an article about her experiences under their rule. She moved to Britain, and graduated from Oxford University last year. Last month, in an interview with British Vogue magazine, Ms. Yousafzai, pondering where her young life may head, questioned the need for marriage, triggering a backlash in Pakistan. I still dont understand why people have to get married, she said, according to the article. If you want to have a person in your life, why do you have to sign marriage papers, why cant it just be a partnership? In May, her tweet that violence in Jerusalem especially against children is unbearable, enraged a number of Pakistanis for neither mentioning the Palestinians nor condemning Israel. Musch, a village of 220 people at the junction of the Ahr and Trierbach rivers, was clobbered by the flash floods that have inundated this part of Germany. Only one person has died, but Musch on Friday evening was without electricity, running water or cellphone coverage. Residents and their friends were trying to clean up their battered homes, cracked streets and ruined cars. Local firefighters, like Nils Rademacher, 21, were managing the traffic of bulldozers, small trucks and backhoes, while instructing drivers that roads farther into the river valley were blocked with trees or made impassable by fallen bridges. A lot of good cars crashed or got crushed, said Maria Vazquez, who works in a nearby auto repair shop. I work with cars, so thats sad, but I just hope that all the people are OK. The water rose to flood the village in less than two hours on Wednesday, and came halfway up the houses, Ms. Vazquez said. The heavy rain and flooding that began on Wednesday in Europe have continued, with at least 183 lives lost in Germany and Belgium. Hundreds of people are still missing, and the grim expectation is that many of them have not survived. Images from throughout Europe show sinkholes that swallowed up houses and buildings. Streets lined with once-tidy houses and shops have been disemboweled, their sewer and utility lines now exposed. Cars were carried away by torrents of water and deposited upside down or upended against trees. Homes have been emptied, their contents mixed into oozing mud pits. The raging rivers have also swept away cellphone towers and fiber optic cables, further hampering rescue efforts. Even some of the dikes that have long protected the Netherlands have been overcome by water levels not seen since before World War I. Everywhere, rescue efforts during the flooding in Central Europe were hampered. Electricity and communications networks were down, roads and bridges were washed out, drinking water was scarce. The worst hit were thinly populated, rural areas. At least 50 people had been confirmed dead in the Ahrweiler district of Rhineland-Palatinate in Germany, where the Ahr river swelled its banks on Wednesday, sending rushing torrents of water through towns and villages, washing away everything in its wake cars, homes and businesses. Many of the roads are closed and there are bridges that simply arent there any more, a spokesman for the police in Koblenz said of the region surrounding the Ahr river. The disaster was not limited to Germany. The broadcaster RTBF reported at least 12 dead in Belgium, where the Meuse river overflowed its banks, flooding villages and the center of Liege, leaving thousands without power. In Liege, Belgiums third-largest city, much of the early panic eased on Friday as residents said the waters of the Meuse river seemed to recede, at least a bit. Fears that a major dam might break led the mayor to call for parts of the city to be evacuated late Thursday. But on Friday, people were allowed back, though they were told to stay away from the river, which was still lapping over its banks. The situation is now under control, and people can return to their homes, Laurence Comminette, the spokeswoman for the mayor, said in an interview. Of course not everyone can go back, because many homes have been destroyed. But there is no longer an imminent danger of more flooding. Georges Lousberg, 78, said he thought the crisis was largely over in the city. It did not rain much today, and the weather is supposed to be better the rest of the week. A breach in the dike along the Juliana Canal in the southern Netherlands on Friday was closed by the Dutch military by dumping hundreds of sandbags into the growing hole. Hours before, thousands had been told to evacuate after the dike was breached along the canal, a 22-mile waterway that regulates the Meuse River. The rivers water level is at heights not witnessed since 1911, the Dutch national broadcaster NOS reported. That is no small thing in a water-logged country where taming water has been a matter of survival for centuries and the imperative to keep levels under control is inextricably bound up with Dutch identity. Much of the country sits below sea level and is gradually sinking. Climate change has also exacerbated the twin threats of storms and rising tides. Residents of the villages of Brommelen, Bunde, Geulle and Voulwames were ordered to evacuate immediately, after initially being told to move to higher floors in their homes. About 10,000 people live in the area. Pope Francis took a significant step toward putting the Roman Catholic Churchs liturgy solidly on the side of modernization on Friday by cracking down on the use of the old Latin Mass, essentially reversing a decision by his conservative predecessor. The move to restrict the use of an old Latin rite in celebrating Mass dealt a blow to conservatives, who have long complained that the pope is diluting the traditions of the church. Francis placed new restrictions on where and by whom the traditional Latin Mass can be celebrated and required new permissions from local bishops for its use. Francis new law, issued only days after his release from the hospital for colon surgery amid questions about whether his recent health scare would slow him down, or speed up his upheavals was an indication that the pope intends to press ahead with his agenda for the church. VATICAN CITY The first trial involving charges of sexual abuse inside the walls of Vatican City ended this week, with a prosecutor asking that one defendant, now a priest, be sentenced to six years in prison. A verdict in the case is expected in October. In his closing arguments on Thursday, the prosecutor, Roberto Zannotti, said that as a youth, the Rev. Gabriele Martinelli, now 28, had repeatedly abused another youth known only by his initials, L.G., throughout the five years both were boarders at the seminary for young boys who are altar servers in St. Peters Basilica. L.G. said he was 13 when the abuse began, seven months younger than his fellow youth seminary resident who became Father Martinelli. Mr. Zannotti also asked that another priest who was on trial, the Rev. Enrico Radice, serve four years in prison, saying he had looked the other way while the sexual abuse against L.G. was taking place at the youth seminary. Shortly after the 2020 presidential election, five women joined forces with a mission: assigning Vice President-elect Kamala Harris a name sign, the equivalent of a persons name in American Sign Language. The women, Ebony Gooden, Kavita Pipalia, Smita Kothari, Candace Jones and Arlene Ngalle-Paryani as Black and Indian members of the capital D Deaf community (a term used by some deaf people to indicate that they embrace deafness as a cultural identity and communicate primarily through ASL) felt it was important that the selection of Ms. Harriss name sign be the result of an inclusive and democratic process. Given that Vice President Harris was the first female vice president, as well as the first Black and Indian candidate to fill the role, they agreed that her heritage should inform that process, the women recalled in an interview using interpreters. Turning to social media, they called on other Black and Indian deaf women to join their effort. They set up a system for people to submit suggestions for a name sign, advertised their initiative and its guidelines, led virtual panels and collected video submissions. Eventually, they put the entries to a vote. Ms. Ngalle-Paryanis own submission won: a hand gesture that involves rotating your wrist externally as your thumb, index and middle finger unfurl open. The Kamala Harris Kamala Harris Its truly a badge of honor, Ms. Ngalle-Paryani said, signing, of the selection of her submission. I really do feel that it fits Madam Vice President. Name signs, also known as sign names, are an important component of capital D Deaf culture. In 1992, the linguist Samuel J. Supalla noted in The Book of Name Signs that they serve two functions: They provide deaf people with a way to identify themselves and others in conversation, while also representing a Deaf persons membership in the Deaf community. Isabella Kogan Zavier Sabio Marsellette Davis [Video description: Isabella Kogan, wearing a jean jacket, sitting on a chair against a gray backdrop, begins to sign] Isabella Kogan. So name signs generally are given to a deaf person from a member of the Deaf community, and Im from a deaf family myself. My family is from Ukraine. We used Russian Sign Language growing up. When I was born, my family gave me this old name sign: [signs her old name sign twice] I ended up going to a deaf school, and transferred to another deaf school. I was the new kid, and I introduced myself and I showed everyone my sign name: [signs her old name] And the teaching assistant said to me: This sign for the letter I actually stands for infections. So they asked if they could give me another sign name. They changed the location and movement to this: [signs her name sign three times] These are examples of hand shapes we use in American Sign Language. In my name sign, the hand shape is an initialized letter I borrowed from the English language. Using the I, to follow the waves of my hair. Now its become very common to use name signs with various hair types and styles, like these: [shows examples of name signs referring to different hairstyles] So I have to correct people on getting the correct hand shape and position. It can be confused, though, which is no different than spoken names; people still mispronounce or misspell someones names wrong as well. People just get confused with the signs of the spelling of names. My hearing family members will still use the first name sign, but people in the community use the new name sign. Thats my name sign story. [Video ends.] Isabella Kogan. So name signs generally are given to a deaf person from a member of the Deaf community, and Im from a deaf family myself. My family is from Ukraine. We used Russian Sign Language growing up. When I was born, my family gave me this old name sign: I ended up going to a deaf school, and transferred to another deaf school. I was the new kid, and I introduced myself and I showed everyone my sign name. And the teaching assistant said to me: This sign for the letter I actually stands for infections. So they asked if they could give me another sign name. They changed the location and movement to this: These are examples of hand shapes we use in American Sign Language. In my name sign, the hand shape is an initialized letter I borrowed from the English language. Using the I to follow the waves of my hair. Now its become very common to use name signs with various hair types and styles, like these: So I have to correct people on getting the correct hand shape and position. It can be confused, though, which is no different than spoken names people still mispronounce or misspell someones names wrong as well. People just get confused with the signs of the spelling of names. My hearing family members will still use the first name sign, but people in the community use the new name sign. Thats my name sign story. [Video description: Zavier Sabio, wearing a light blue shirt and black pants, sitting on a chair against a gray backdrop, begins to sign] Im Zavier Sabio. My sign name is: [signs his name sign three times] So, how did I get my name sign? What can I say Its uh, not quite something I was exactly proud of. But I eventually became used to it. So one of my best friends who I grew up with, we were in the same class in middle school down in Brooklyn, and I was always one of the smartest students in class. I always got an A on my homework, tests you name it. And so one day somebody said, You know that guy Zavier? Hes really smart. And it got to the point where my friend decided it. He was like, I think I know a good name sign for you, referencing smart, [signs smart] because everyone is always calling you smart. So they used the sign name for smart to become Zavier. Because its the letter Z made with the one hand shape, which is used for the sign smart. Moving it this way makes it Zavier, modifying the sign for smart to Zavier. Thats what its been ever since. Its who I am. Its all about finding your personality traits, your character, what youre known for. It tells a story and the story of who you are, you know what I mean? Ive had that sign name since I was around 10 years old in middle school. It fits me. Everyone who knows me, when you sign Zavier, it fits. [Video ends.] Im Zavier Sabio. My sign name is: So, how did I get my name sign? What can I say... Its, uh, not quite something I was exactly proud of. But I eventually became used to it. So one of my best friends who I grew up with, we were in the same class in middle school down in Brooklyn, and I was always one of the smartest students in class. I always got an A on my homework, tests you name it. And so one day somebody said, You know that guy Zavier? Hes really smart. And it got to the point where my friend decided it. He was like, I think I know a good name sign for you, referencing smart, because everyone is always calling you smart. So they used the sign name for smart to become Zavier. Because its the letter Z made with the one hand shape, which is used for the sign smart. Moving it this way makes it Zavier, modifying the sign for smart to Zavier. Thats what its been ever since. Its who I am. Its all about finding your personality traits, your character, what youre known for. It tells a story and the story of who you are, you know what I mean? Ive had that sign name since I was around 10 years old in middle school. It fits me. Everyone who knows me, when you sign Zavier, it fits. [Video description: Marsellette Davis, wearing a red shirt and cat-eye glasses, sitting on a chair against a gray backdrop, begins to sign] Hello. My name is Miss Marsellette. My sign name is: [signs name sign] Your name is something that applies to you. To give a sign name, you have to have a reason behind it. Once we in the Deaf community get to know who you are, then we can honor you with respect by giving you a sign name. My mother gave me my sign name, the handshapes M and D located at the chest, for my heart, and being the center of attention. So now, as I grew up and went to deaf school, people used my name sign but would emphasize it right between my boobs. So I asked why they signed it like that, and they would say, Your boobs are your best feature. Thats what people would tell me. When I got older, I kept the same sign name. The reason why is because I have heart, Im the center of attention. My vibes and my stimulation. I always share my heart with others, including you. So thats why I kept my sign name. Not on the shoulder and not anywhere else. Nope. And this is my sign name. [Signs name sign. Video ends.] Hello. My name is Miss Marsellette. My sign name is: Your name is something that applies to you. To give a sign name, you have to have a reason behind it. Once we in the Deaf community get to know who you are, then we can honor you with respect by giving you a sign name. My mother gave me my sign name, the handshapes M and D located at the chest, for my heart, and being the center of attention. So now, as I grew up and went to deaf school, people used my name sign but would emphasize it right between my boobs. So I asked why they signed it like that, and they would say, Your boobs are your best feature. Thats what people would tell me. When I got older, I kept the same sign name. The reason why is because I have heart, Im the center of attention. My vibes and my stimulation. I always share my heart with others, including you. So thats why I kept my sign name. Not on the shoulder and not anywhere else. Nope. And this is my sign name. Benjamin J. Bahan, a professor in the Deaf Studies department at Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C., the nations only liberal arts university devoted to deaf people, said that name signs usually come from parents who are deaf. If a child does not receive one growing up, perhaps because he or she was raised by hearing parents, he added, the name may be assigned at a later stage. As people go through life, they may receive new name signs that replace earlier ones. If they have a strong connection to other countries, they may also receive name signs in other sign languages, such as Japanese Sign Language or Russian Sign Language. (Vice President Harris was recently assigned a name sign in British Sign Language.) [Video description: Via Zoom, Arlene Ngalle-Paryani, wearing a purple shirt with a lotus graphic, begins to sign] Im part of the group of five women who voted and selected the sign name for Vice President Kamala Harris. [Five women, including Arlene, appear in a grid and sign the newly selected name sign for Vice President Kamala Harris. Then, Candace Jones, wearing a purple shirt, begins to sign] I just have to tell you, there are special rules. If a hearing person wants to have a name sign, they cannot make it up themselves because theyre not deaf, and theyre not culturally deaf. So they have to allow a deaf person to identify their characteristics, maybe their facial features, their personality, and the deaf person will assign them a sign name. [Smita Kothari, wearing yellow, begins to sign] There often are sign names given to leaders, and its mostly the white community who gets involved. [Kavita Pipalia, wearing pink and orange, begins to sign] We needed to be involved as women representatives, and demonstrate that women can become leaders. [Ebony Gooden, wearing a white shirt, begins to sign] Coming together as a group and creating a safe space to combine our voices, our culture, our language, our different beliefs, and allow our differences to vibe with each other. We had to grab this opportunity. [Arlene begins to sign] Im the one that created the sign name. Which was an honor. I did research into what Kamalas name meant, which is lotus flower. And when I read about the lotus flower, the characteristics of it, I found that the lotus flower has very large blossoms with very deep, muddy roots. And out of that deep muddiness, it still grows a beautiful and strong flower. Now, the reason why the hand shape represents the number 3 is because shes the first woman vice president, and shes also the first Black and Indian vice president. Also, the lotus has its blossoms that we sign with the five hand shape, but for Kamala, we use three. I found it to be very important for me to become involved with the creation of Vice President Kamala Harriss sign name because Im Black and Im biracial. Im not Indian, but I am Hispanic. And my child is half Black mixed with Hispanic and Indian. So I feel a strong connection with Kamala Harris. It was worth it for me to contribute. [Video ends.] Im part of the group of five women who voted and selected the sign name for Vice President Kamala Harris. I just have to tell you, there are special rules. If a hearing person wants to have a name sign, they cannot make it up themselves because theyre not deaf, and theyre not culturally deaf. So they have to allow a deaf person to identify their characteristics. Maybe their facial features, their personality, and the deaf person will assign them a sign name. There often are sign names given to leaders, and its mostly the white community who gets involved. We needed to be involved as women representatives, to demonstrate that women can become leaders. Coming together as a group and creating a safe space to combine our voices, our culture, our language, our different beliefs, allowing our differences to vibe with each other. We had to grab this opportunity. Im the one who created the sign name, which was an honor. I did research into what Kamalas name meant, which is lotus flower. And when I read about the lotus flower, the characteristics of it, I found that the lotus flower has very large blossoms with very deep, muddy roots. And out of that deep muddiness, it still grows a beautiful and strong flower. Now, the reason why the hand shape represents the number 3 is because shes the first woman vice president, and shes also the first Black and Indian vice president. Also, the lotus has its blossoms that we sign with the five hand shape, but for Kamala, we use three. I found it to be very important for me to become involved with the creation of Vice President Kamala Harriss sign name because Im Black and Im biracial. Im not Indian, but I am Hispanic, and my child is half Black mixed with Hispanic and Indian. So I feel a strong connection with Kamala Harris. It was worth it for me to contribute. In ASL, peoples name signs coexist with their English names, which are used for official purposes and can be communicated by fingerspelling spelling out the name letter by letter, using hand shapes for the alphabet. Dr. Supalla writes that name signs can be classified as being arbitrary, descriptive or nontraditional. Arbitrary names use alphabetic hand shapes, corresponding to the initial of ones first, middle or last name. Several combinations are possible based on the location of the hands in relation to the body, as well as whether there is any movement involved. Dr. Supalla shares in his book that his name sign belongs to this category; it consists of the hand shape associated with the letter S, moving from one side of the chin to the other. Descriptive names are normally based on personal characteristics like personality or appearance and are conveyed through hand shapes that are known as classifiers, evocative of the attributes. Nontraditional name signs combine elements from arbitrary and descriptive naming conventions. Dr. Supalla explains in his book that while originally, name signs were reserved for deaf people, the growing number of hearing people who use ASL and regularly interact with deaf people has meant that many non-deaf individuals today have name signs. Even so, hearing people may never assign a name sign. As Ms. Ngalle-Paryani noted, only a deaf person may do so. Name signs may also be given to important figures who have no obvious association with deaf culture, said Carol Padden, a professor of communication at University of California, San Diego. George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, for example, have name signs. So do William Shakespeare van Gogh Shakespeare van Gogh Dr. Padden said that recently, deaf people have become more engaged in the process of selecting name signs for hearing politicians and well-known individuals. Its a way for people to acknowledge those individuals and show alliance with them, she said. In some cases, however, name signs can also be used to make fun of or signal a lack of respect for someone, Dr. Padden added. A name sign for the former President Richard M. Nixon Nixon Frank Dattolo Monique Holt Andres Piedrahita Onudeah Nicolarakis [Video description: Frank Dattolo, wearing a black shirt, sitting on a chair against a gray backdrop, begins to sign] Frank. My name sign is: [signs name sign] That sign name was given to me by my friend from college at Gallaudet University. Her name is Kay. She gave me this name sign. And the reason is because back in 1987, there was new wave music, like punk rock. My hairstyle at that time looked like this. [gestures a hair swoop] Which represents my name right now. People would say, like, Whos that guy with the hair? People would be like, Oh, his name is Frank. Theyd ask, whos he? Its Frank. And then just people would say that all the time. A friend said, It will be your name sign now. The Deaf community is extremely small, so its easy for a name sign to become known in the community. I remember well before there was social media, Id go to events and meet people; Id introduce myself with my name sign. And then theyd say, Oh yes, Ive seen your name sign before. So its really interesting how people can remember someones name sign before they even meet you. And this is it, my name sign. And that just stuck since college. Since 1987 until today, its still my name sign, and Ive kept it all this time. Thank you Kay, I love you. [Video ends.] Frank. My name sign is: That sign name was given to me by my friend from college at Gallaudet University. Her name is Kay. She gave me this name sign. And the reason is because back in 1987, there was new wave music, like punk rock. My hairstyle at that time looked like this. Which represents my name right now. People would say, like, Whos that guy with the hair? People would be like, Oh, his name is Frank. Theyd ask, whos he? Its Frank. And then just people would say that all the time. A friend said, It will be your name sign now. The Deaf community is extremely small, so its easy for a name sign to become known in the community. I remember well before there was social media, Id go to events and meet people; Id introduce myself with my name sign. And then theyd say, Oh yes, Ive seen your name sign before. So its really interesting how people can remember someones name sign before they even meet you. And this is it, my name sign. And that just stuck since college. Since 1987 until today, its still my name sign, and Ive kept it all this time. Thank you Kay, I love you. [Video description: Monique Holt, wearing a sleeveless black dress and sneakers, sitting cross-legged on a chair against a gray backdrop, begins to sign] My name sign is: [signs name sign three times] You cant just automatically give someone a name sign. For me, it is very personal. I just spoke with my mom this morning, and I was asking her for more information about my name sign. My mom said there was no real reason. She just decided M for Monique and then she put it on my chin and that was it. That was her reasoning. Its a gift from my family, and so Ive embraced it. [Video ends.] My name is Monique Holt. My name sign is: You cant just automatically give someone a name sign. For me, it is very personal. I just spoke with my mom this morning, and I was asking her for more information about my name sign. My mom said there was no real reason. She just decided M for Monique and then she put it on my chin and that was it. That was her reasoning. Its a gift from my family, and so Ive embraced it. [Video description: Andres Piedrahita, wearing a gray shirt and jeans, sitting on a chair against a gray backdrop, begins to sign] My name is Andres Piedrahita. This is my sign name: [signs his name sign] I didnt have a sign name until I was about 7 or 8. I was on my bike, I fell and I hit my mouth on the curb and I knocked one tooth out. So when I was in school, everyone identified me as the person with the missing tooth. So my sign name is this: [signs his name sign] That gesture, with the initial A, became my sign name. And this is a sign for empty. Sign empty, like a missing tooth. The A handshape, to empty. It was a perfect match for me, and has always been my sign name. Also, since my childhood, Ive always been an avid biker. So its easy to remember that association with my name sign and biking. I dont have a missing tooth anymore, but it still matches me and Im comfortable with it. [Video ends.] My name is Andres Piedrahita. This is my sign name: I didnt have a sign name until I was about 7 or 8. I was on my bike, I fell and I hit my mouth on the curb and I knocked one tooth out. So when I was in school, everyone identified me as the person with the missing tooth. So my sign name is this: That gesture, with the initial A, became my sign name. And this is a sign for empty. Sign empty, like a missing tooth. The A handshape, to empty. It was a perfect match for me, and has always been my sign name. Also, since my childhood, Ive always been an avid biker. So its easy to remember that association with my name sign and biking. I dont have a missing tooth anymore, but it still matches me and Im comfortable with it. [Video description: Onudeah Nicolarakis, wearing a black dress and white sneakers, sitting on a chair against a gray backdrop, begins to sign] My name is Oni, and its just a three-letter name, so it was easy to just spell it. And so thats what I did for many years growing up. Many people tried to give me a sign name throughout the years. They would try to create signs that signified my hair or my smile, or my laugh. I never felt like those sign names matched me, and so I never accepted any of them. I finally had a good friend of mine who I chatted with. And, you know, my personality is very cool, unbothered, and not someone who is easily upset, or timid. Im very outspoken, very opinionated. I have a very strong personality. My friend noticed that about me, and they said, this should be my sign name: [signs name sign] I use the middle finger that plucks my shoulder, because, you know, I shrug things off a lot. Im a go getter. And I definitely agreed it matched me. And so Ive kept the same name ever since. And I feel like its a good match for my personality. Thats the story of my name sign. [Video ends.] My name is Oni, and its just a three-letter name, so it was easy to just spell it. And so thats what I did for many years growing up. Many people tried to give me a sign name throughout the years. They would try to create signs that signified my hair or my smile, or my laugh. I never felt like those sign names matched me, and so I never accepted any of them. I finally had a good friend of mine who I chatted with And, you know, my personality is very cool, unbothered. Im not someone who is easily upset, or timid. Im very outspoken, very opinionated. I have a very strong personality. My friend noticed that about me, and they said, this should be my sign name: I use the middle finger that plucks my shoulder, because, you know, I shrug things off a lot. Im a go getter. And I definitely agreed it matched me. And so Ive kept the same name ever since. And I feel like its a good match for my personality. Thats the story of my name sign. Ms. Gooden, one of the five women who came together for Ms. Harriss name, said that as the conversation around a possible name sign for the vice president started taking shape on social media, non-Black and non-Indian deaf individuals mostly men were leading the dialogue. For the women involved, it was key that Black and Indian deaf women were part of the process, given Ms. Harriss background. Name signs given to political leaders are usually created by white men, but for this one we wanted to not only represent women, but diversity Black women, Indian women, Ms. Kothari said. For her, social media was a powerful way of making sure the perspectives of minorities were included. (The project was even more significant because Vice President Harris has in the past spoken publicly in support of deaf rights, Ms. Pipalia said.) [Video description: Isabella begins to sign:] Yes, Ive given many deaf students their name signs. Name signs often used initials from English, but now theres more of a desire to have something that is more personal, or something that lights them up. Its important to give a sign name that really considers and values who a person is. It shouldnt be labels that are thoughtlessly mass produced in a factory. This one child, a student of mine, was very mischievous, with a very engaging personality, so I gave them a sign name that looks like cute. [signs name sign] Another sign name I gave was like this, zoom, [signs name sign] because this child would like to just kind of explore. [Monique begins to sign:] People tend to have two or three name signs throughout their lifetime, which is similar to hearing people. You know, they grow up and might have a nickname. [Marsellette begins to sign:] The last person I gave a name sign to, it was because someone else gave her a Signed Exact English sign name that just didnt match. And so I created a sign with dance, because she loved to dance. [signs the name sign three times] And so thats her sign name. Her name starts with the letter V. V looks like a person dancing. [Frank begins to sign:] I was waiting in line to get my Covid vaccination. And then finally it was my turn, and Im obviously deaf, so I was using an app on my phone to communicate with the pharmacist. And then the pharmacist said, Well, I know a little sign language. And I said, You know what? Today, I feel so honored that you gave me the vaccination and you know sign language. Her name is Jasmine, she had really beautiful, black, wavy hair so I gave her the sign name: [signs name sign three times] And it was my first vaccination and when I go for my second, hopefully shell remember her name sign that I gave her: [signs Jasmines name sign] [Video ends.] Yes, Ive given many deaf students their name signs. Name signs often used initials from English, but now theres more of a desire to have something that is more personal. Something that honors their family heritage or something that lights them up. Its important to give a sign name that really considers and values who a person is. It shouldnt be labels that are thoughtlessly mass produced in a factory. This one child, a student of mine, was very mischievous, with a very engaging personality, so I gave them a sign name that looks like cute. Another sign name I gave was like this, zoom, because this child would like to just kind of explore. go on adventures, zooming around quickly. People tend to have two or three name signs throughout their lifetime, which is similar to hearing people. You know, they grow up and might have a nickname. The last person I gave a name sign to, it was because someone gave her a Signed Exact English sign name that just didnt match. And so I created a sign with dance, because she loved to dance. And so thats her sign name. Her name starts with the letter V. V looks like a person dancing. I was waiting in line to get my Covid vaccination. And then finally it was my turn, and Im obviously deaf, so I was using an app on my phone to communicate with the pharmacist. And then the pharmacist said, Well, I know a little sign language. And I said, You know what? Today, I feel so honored that you gave me the vaccination and you know sign language. Her name is Jasmine, she had really beautiful, black, wavy hair so I gave her the sign name: And then she said, Oh, Jasmine, and signed it back. And we both had a moment together. And it was my first vaccination and when I go for my second, I hope to see her again. And hopefully shell remember her name sign that I gave her: As a group of deaf women that are Black and Asian, we were creating visibility for us but we were also showing that we have agency, Ms. Pipalia added. It was a historic moment. Equally important, Ms. Pipalia said, was including the diverse linguistic perspectives of deaf people, which is why the group included women fluent in ASL as well as Black American Sign Language, or BASL, a variation that is specific to people who are Black and deaf in the United States. Ms. Gooden said that it was important to be collaborative and inclusive, especially in light of some controversy that accompanied the selection of a name sign for President I dont know his sign name, sorry. I just fingerspell his name: Biden. been criticized for being similar to a gang sign.) We want to definitely stay away from that misinterpretation, especially when choosing a name sign of significance, said Ms. Jones, an ASL and BASL teacher. I dont know his sign name, sorry. I just fingerspell his name: Biden. Ms. Pipalia said that she hopes that by taking the lead in the initiative to pick a name sign for Vice President Harris, the group is setting an example for other deaf women who feel marginalized and inviting them to take charge in their lives. I hope that this can open the door for others to follow, just like our vice president, Kamala Harris, is doing, she said. Editor's note: This article was originally published in 2017. Extraordinarily hot summers the kind that were virtually unheard-of in the 1950s have become commonplace. This years scorching summer events, like heat waves rolling through southern Europe and temperatures nearing 130 degrees Fahrenheit in Pakistan, are part of this broader trend. The chart above, based on data from James Hansen, a retired NASA climate scientist and professor at Columbia University, shows how summer temperatures have shifted toward more extreme heat over the past several decades. To create the bell curves, Dr. Hansen and two colleagues compared actual summer temperatures for each decade since the 1980s to a fixed baseline average. During the base period, 1951 to 1980, about a third of local summer temperatures across the Northern Hemisphere were in what they called a near average or normal range. A third were considered cold; a third were hot. Since then, summer temperatures have shifted drastically, the researchers found. Between 2005 and 2015, two-thirds of values were in the hot category, and nearly 15 percent were in a new category: extremely hot. Practically, that means most summers are now either hot or extremely hot compared with the mid-20th century. 1951 to 1980 2005 to 2015 1951-1980 Base period More frequent Hot Normal Extremely cold Cold Normal Extremely hot Extremely cold Cold Hot Extremely hot 1951 to 1980 2005 to 2015 More frequent 1951-1980 Base period Extremely cold Extremely hot Normal Extremely hot Extremely cold Normal 1951 to 1980 More frequent Hot Extremely cold Cold Normal Extremely hot 2005 to 2015 More frequent 1951-1980 Base period Hot Extremely hot Extremely cold Cold Normal 1951 to 1980 More frequent Extremely cold Normal Extremely hot 2005 to 2015 More frequent 1951-1980 Base period Extremely hot Extremely cold Normal The big increase in summer temperatures under the dark red category of extreme heat is right in line with what scientists expect to see as the climate warms over all, said Todd Sanford, director of research at Climate Central, a nonprofit science and news organization. For each time period above, the distribution of summer temperatures forms what is known as a bell curve because most measurements fall near the average, forming the bump or bell in the middle. More extreme temperatures, which happen less frequently, fall in the wings, with heat waves on the right and cold-snaps on the left. As the curves average the top of the peak shifts rightward over time, more temperatures in more places end up in the hot and extremely hot categories and fewer end up in the cold category. Dr. Hansens curves also flatten out, which some have suggested is an indication of greater temperature variability. But other climate scientists, including Zeke Hausfather, an energy systems analyst at the University of California, Berkeley, have pointed out that this effect is mainly a reflection that some parts of the world are warming faster than others. There is no evidence that temperatures are becoming more variable in most parts of the world after warming has been accounted for. Today A mix of clouds and sun early followed by cloudy skies this afternoon. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 81F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Tonight Partly cloudy skies. Low 69F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Tomorrow Mostly sunny skies. High 81F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph. Priced at an eye-watering $214, Quintessential Grilled Cheese has held the the record for the worlds most expensive commercially-available sandwich for over seven years. You could say that New York-based restaurant Serendipity 3 is specialized in setting food-related Guinness records. It currently holds world records, most expensive desert, most expensive hamburger, most expensive hot dog, largest wedding cake and largest cup of hot chocolate. But the one were interested in today is the records for worlds most expensive sandwich, which happens to be a humble grilled cheese treat. Named Quintessential Grilled Cheese, the sandwich is deceptively simple, as it features some of the worlds most exclusive ingredients. Photo: Serendipity 3/Facebook The Quintessential Grilled Cheese is made with two pieces of French Pullman champagne bread, which is prepared with Dom Perignon champagne and edible gold flakes, with white truffle butter and the very rare Caciocavallo Podolico cheese sandwiched between them. The record-setting treat is served with a cup of decadent South African Lobster Tomato Bisque dipping sauce, on a Baccarat Crystal plate. We came up with the number through pricing out all of the ingredients- of course, they are the most expensive and exclusive ingredients in the world, Serendipity 3s creative chef, Joe Calderon, told Guinness Records. The sandwich needs to be ordered 48 hours in advance because all of these ingredients are flown in especially for your order. When you take a bite of the sandwich, you taste the crispiness of the bread, the Dom Perignon champagne thats baked into the bread, the creaminess of the white truffle butter and then the cheese- its superb. The Caciocavallo Podolico cheese is the main ingredient of the worlds most expensive sandwich. Its a rare cheese imported from southern Italy, where its made from the very specific milk of just 25,000 cows, which only lactate for two months a year. Before being served on a Baccarat Crystal plate alongside a special tomato dip with lobster chunks in it, the sandwich is put in a panini press for four minutes, giving the special cheese time to start bubbling. Its like a grilled cheese on steroids, Joe Calderone said. It has the best ingredients in the world. If youre more of a burger fan, and dont mind spending more than a mere $214, you could try The Golden Boy, the worlds most expensive burger, for $6,000. Or you could try the most expensive peanut butter and jelly sandwich, which will set you back $350. Its technically a whole loaf, though. Karen van Bergen Omnicom has named Karen van Bergen, former Porter Novelli CEO and head of OMCs PR group, chief environmental sustainability officer, a new post. Reporting to chief John Wren, van Bergen will oversee climate change initiatives and help set goals and processes to reduce its carbon footprint. By 2023, we will have exceeded our current sustainability goals and are committed to developing and implementing an even more ambitious climate action plan, Wren said in a statement. Karen van Bergen is just the right leader for this effort given her long tenure with Omnicom and excellent previous experience with environmental initiatives at multinational corporations. Prior to joining Omnicom, van Bergen spearheaded environmental policy at Outboard Marine Corp. in Europe and created the first green unit at McDonalds Europe. She also led a business/NGO coalition that launched the first moratorium on rainforest deforestation in Brazil and headed the environmental subcommittee at the American Chamber of Commerce in Europe. Van Bergen will keep her job as dean of Omnicom University. Chuck Hengel Everyones obsessed with digital these days, especially when it comes to advertising. As a result, theres no shortage of people declaring traditional TV to be dead and gone. But if television is truly dead, why did advertisers spend more than $70 billion on the channel last year? And why is that number actually predicted to grow over the next couple of years. Why is traditional TV still a smart choice for ad dollars? Advertising is a powerful and integral part of our daily lives. It keeps the economy churning. Worldwide, TV reaches more people than any other content-based channel, with most Americans ages 35-plus watching more than five hours daily. Savvy advertisersparticularly those focused on performanceknow that TV can reveal their core customers and find new audiences. Performance advertisers still find strong returns on traditional TV. Every brand wants to spend their ad dollars where theyll reap the greatest reward. Digital proponents may rave about its ability to reach highly targeted audiences. But the more tightly you target, the more likely you are to make faulty assumptions about who your audience really is, thereby ignoring valuable consumer groups. For example, our agencys team discovered many unexpected customer segments making new purchases while sheltering at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. While a TV campaign is a big investment, when you buy efficiently its worth gaining this type of insight. Plus, advertisers are reaching a broader audience, which is how brands grow. Marketing Architects pioneered the All-Inclusive TV Advertising model. That model includes five elements that comprise a well-orchestrated TV ad campaign: Strategy (expert research and planning); Creative (pretesting and production); Media (top-tier airings); Conversion (tech for lead acquisition) and Analytics (multi-model TV attribution). Upfront costs for a national TV ad can cost millions of dollars, which is why TV has long been viewed as a channel restricted to the biggest brands with even bigger budgets. We take on upfront costs to give performance brands access to TV. But to make the investment worthwhile, you need compelling creative, powerful calls-to-action and lead acquisition tools, accurate measurement models and more. Its typical for traditional TV advertisers to see their metrics improve using the All-Inclusive TV model. In most cases, advertisers see their average order value increase. Sales begin to lift then take off. A proprietary artificial intelligence, called Annika, enables advertisers to suggest the appropriate media buys with greater accuracy and speed than is possible for even the most experienced ad media buyer. Annika sorts through the madness of the media marketplace to find the best buys at the best prices. Tips for choosing a TV advertising agency Companies best-suited for All-Inclusive TV advertising want a measurable return. They want to prove their customers are coming from TV. To determine if TV advertising is right for you, ask these questions: Is your audience there? You need a broad audience for traditional TV to work well for you. Brands serving a niche customer type may find more success on other channels. Do you have the right distribution? If youre going to be on national TV, your operations should also be national. Is your online presence ready? People will be flooding your website. If youre not equipped to handle the extra traffic, you wont be able to fully capitalize on emerging opportunities. How will you track and evaluate your campaign? Clear goals, and the ability to measure progress, are essential. A worst-case scenario would be launching a campaign and not knowing whether it worked. To find a TV advertising agency thats a good fit for your needs, ask them: Will you help me produce my creative in addition to buying media? You may experience delays and higher costs if youre using multiple service providers who are not well integrated with one another. Can you help pretest my messaging? Testing an ad before it goes on air will help ensure you move forward with the right message, which can be all the difference between success and failure. How well do you understand my customer? Done right, TV gives you a better pulse on your customer than digital channels. Its broad reach can help alert you to changing consumer behavior that would otherwise be outside the scope of your attention. Our strategy platform gathers valuable data to ensure our clients TV campaigns pivot when their customers do. How do you determine results? Transparency and accountability are key. Look for a partner that will give you access to campaign data. We have a third-party audit our information and also encourage clients to run additional analyses whenever possible. You shouldnt have to rely on your agencys word to know how your campaign is performing. TV advertising is a big move. Its important to use your money wisely and spend where there is accountability. You can get big results without breaking the bank. **** Chuck Hengel is CEO and Founder of Marketing Architects, and has helped his clients generate more than $7.4 billion in sales through quality TV campaigns. His new book, All-Inclusive TV, How Booming Brands are Reimagining TV Advertising, is available for $15.99 in paperback and ebook formats on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and other major booksellers. OFFALY County Council pleaded guilty to two offences under safety and health legislation as a result of a workplace accident more than two years ago. The County Council was prosecuted under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 after an employee, Michael Hogan, was injured while working at the Kilbride Street car park in Tullamore. Guilty pleas were entered at Tullamore Circuit Court by Tom Shanahan, director of services, when the council was arraigned in relation to two charges alleging offences between January 23 and January 25, 2019. The local authority admitted failing to ensure the safety, health and welfare at work of its employees in respect of the removal of a lighting column at the car park and as a consequence Mr Hogan suffered personal injury. The council also pleaded guilty to failing to identify hazards and assess risks in respect of the removal of the lighting column. David Staunton, BL, for the council, said the guilty pleas would have consequences for civil proceedings which are ongoing. Sentencing of the council in relation to the matters to which they had pleaded guilty were being adjourned to December and Mr Staunton said depending on whether the civil proceedings were resolved, a further adjournment of sentencing may be sought then. He added that it may be of assistance to the court to know that Offaly County Council had a benefit scheme in place and an interim payment had been made to Mr Hogan. Adjourning sentencing to December 7, Judge Keenan Johnson said he understood full compensation would be paid to Mr Hogan because Irish Public Bodies acted as the council's insurers. Judge Johnson also directed the preparation of a victim impact statement in advance of the sentencing date. Three men charged with the theft of over 2,000 worth of alcohol from a supermarket have been warned to return home to Romania and not return to Ireland for five years following last weeks sitting of Longford District Court. Mihai Apostol (23), Alexandru Facaeru (38) and Andrei Stoica (23), all of 9 Church Avenue, Blanchards- town, Co Dublin, appeared before Judge Seamus Hughes last Tuesday when they entered guilty pleas to the offence of theft of alcohol from a supermarket in Longford. Mr Facaeru and Mr Apostol were also facing additional theft allegations after being charged by Garda Keith OBrien last week. It is their intention to leave the country but they havent been able to organise it because theyve been in custody and theres a language barrier, said solicitor, Aileen Mollahan. I could deal with it by way of a suspended sentence on the condition that they obtain flight tickets within seven days to Romania, commit no further offence within those seven days and dont come back to Ireland for a period of five years, said Judge Hughes before asking to hear the facts. Giving details of the existing charges, court presenter, Sgt Enda Daly, explained that, on June 22 at 12.55pm, gardai received a call from security at a Longford supermarket, who said three males had attempted to leave the store with a trolley of alcohol and household items valued at 1,300. They were apprehended while leaving the store. Giving details of further offences which occurred earlier that same day, Gda Keith OBrien told the court, on June 22, Mihai Apostol filled a rucksack with four bottles of grey goose vodka and four bottles of expensive champagne valued at 300, which were not recovered. He and Alexandru Facaeru returned with an empty bag and took five bottles of brandy, he added. Was it expensive brandy? asked Judge Hughes. Well it was Hennessey so not top shelf stuff but youd know about it if you drank it, Gda OBrien replied. All of that was not recovered. Then they went up and committed the other offence. Why did they decide to come to Longford, having lived in Blanchardstown, and within one day steal about 2,000 worth of alcohol? asked Judge Hughes. The three men communicated via a Romanian interpreter who told the court, we are sorry and were going to leave Ireland. What happened to the vodka and the brandy? Did you sell it? asked Judge Hughes. We left them somewhere, the interpreter communicated. If I remand two in custody and release one - they can decide which one - he can go and find it. Do they agree? asked Judge Hughes. The interpreter discussed this with the three men who replied yes. So you do know where the alcohol is, said Judge Hughes. If not, we will pay, the men replied. Have you money? asked a sceptical Judge Hughes. Well borrow some money. If you release us we will go home and send money, said the men via their interpreter. No, said Judge Hughes. Ill release one man and the other two will be remanded in custody. The one can go and get the money - whatever the cost of the missing alcohol is. How much is it? Gda OBrien explained that the alcohol stolen from Tesco was recovered by security as the men were leaving the store but the vodka, champagne and brandy was not recovered. The stolen items were valued at 645. As the men discussed the procurement of this figure with their interpreter and solicitor, Judge Hughes said change that 645 to 1,000 - for each of you. No, they dont have that much, said the interpreter. If they stay in custody, it costs money. How much will they give me? asked Judge Hughes. 1,000 for the three of them, the interpreter replied. No, said Judge Hughes, simply. 500 each, said the interpreter. Okay. Ill give you seven days to get the money, said Judge Hughes. When the interpreter told him they could try to have it sooner than a week later, he added, If he can get to the Western Union by 2pm I can release them today. The interpreter, however, explained that they would not have the money that day. Okay. Thursday by video link from Castlerea, said Judge Hughes, Ill give them a suspended sentence on the condition they get a flight within seven days, commit no further offence for seven days and not come back for five years. Its costing a lot of money. You better have the money on Thursday, he concluded. Mihai Apostol and Alexandru Facaeru were remanded in custody to July 8, while Andrei Stoica was remanded on bail to get 1,500 cash by July 8. BANK of Ireland customers in three Offaly towns will be able to carry out transactions at their local post offices when their banks close next October. Customers of the branches in Clara, Edenderry, and Banagher have been receiving emails to inform them where their accounts are being transferred to when the doors close. Clara accounts will be moved to Tullamore, Edenderry to Mullingar and Banagher to Birr. However, Bank of Ireland has agreed a new arrangement with An Post which will enable personal, business account and demand account customers to carry out a range of banking transactions at over 900 post offices across the country. Bank of Ireland say this arrangement will be in place before the banks close. Postmaster in Clara, Deasun Baggot says the system should be in place by mid-September. He says while he has not been contacted directly, Bank of Ireland has been in touch with An Post to put arrangements in place. Deasun says the bank in Clara has been automated for the past 18 months, but under the new agreement people will now be able to come to the counter to carry out their banking business including lodging or withdrawing cash. Last March, Bank of Ireland announced that it had carried out a detailed review of its branch network. Following that it made a decision to close a number of branches including those in three Offaly towns. Under the new arrangement the bank says that the post office can be used for personal and business current accounts and demand deposit accounts. If you have an ATM card or debit card youll be able to make cash lodgements and cash withdrawals. If you do not have a card you will be able to make cash lodgements and cheque lodgements using a new personalised lodgement docket. Aoife Leonard, Director, Distribution Channels, Retail Ireland, said: ''I understand that you may be disappointed that your branch is closing and I apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.'' A recent report on systemic racism by UN Human Rights Chief, Michelle Bachelet, highlights that, for decades, people of African descent have called for accountability and redress for harms suffered due to enslavement, the transatlantic trade in enslaved Africans, colonialism and successive racially discriminatory policies and systems. Yet, the report further indicates, no State has comprehensively accounted for the past and current impacts of systemic racism by adopting a range of measures to address the contemporary legacies of enslavement, the transatlantic trade in enslaved Africans and colonialism. The report puts forward a Four Point Agenda towards transformative change for racial justice and equality, which recommends measures to confront past legacies. The Slave Route Project by the UN Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), estimates that between 25 to 30 million people were violently uprooted from Africa for enslavement. Today, there are around 200 million people identifying themselves as being of African descent in the Americas, and many millions more live in other parts of the world, outside the African continent. They are acknowledged in the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action as a specific group that continues to suffer racial discrimination as one of the historic legacies of slavery, the slave trade and colonialism. Links between the past and contemporary manifestations of racial discrimination Bachelets report further highlights that behind todays systemic racism, racial violence, dehumanisation and exclusion, lies the lack of formal acknowledgement of the responsibilities of States, institutions, religious groups, universities, businesses and individuals that have engaged in or profited from - and continue to profit from - the legacies of enslavement, the transatlantic trade in enslaved Africans and colonialism. Citing a 2019 report by the UN Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, Tendayi Achiume, to the UN General Assembly, Verene Shepherd, member of the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD), said many of the contemporary manifestations of racial discrimination must be understood as a continuation of insufficient remediated historical forms and structures of racial injustice and inequality. Shepherd was one of the many experts consulted in the preparation of Bachelets report. She added that the legacies of the past enslavement of Africans can be witnessed in the unequal access by people of African descent to quality education, adequate housing and decent employment, as well as in racial profiling, in anti-Black hate speech, police violence and, in our times of COVID-19 pandemic, in unequal access to vaccines and healthcare. Shepherd said States should apologise for the historical crime against humanity, then admit that the legacies of the past still affect people of African descent today. Too many times we hear that the socioeconomic conditions of people of African descent are due to a lack of ambition and the failure to pull ourselves up by our own bootstraps. But sometimes there are no straps, far less boots, she said. So it is important for those who are complicit in the conditions we face today to own up to the past and to implement strategies suggested in the Programme of Activities for the International Decade for People of African descent, especially, in the areas of health and in the area of education. Reckoning with the past A reckoning with the past is also an avenue suggested by Bryan Stevenson, Director of the Equal Justice Initiative and Professor at New York University School of Law. He created the National Memorial for Peace and Justice in Montgomery, Alabama, United States, to commemorate victims of racial terror lynchings. Stevenson said that memorialization was a crucial part of the process of creating remedies for communities that have been damaged by histories of human rights violations. Talking honestly about our past is a pathway to repair, to recollection. We know from psychology that for trauma survivors and for abuse victims, if you are silent about the thing that traumatized you, if you are silent about the abuse, the problem does not go away. It oftentimes gets worse and it manifests itself in ways that are very unhealthy, he said. Truth telling is not only cathartic, it can be healing. It can be important for how we move forward. Bachelets report points to local, national and regional initiatives in a number of States that have begun to undertake truth-seeking and limited forms of reparations, including in reviewing statues in public spaces. In the United States, for example, some local and state level programmes are being established to seek to provide some reparations including for wealth and opportunity gaps. In 2020, Belgium established a Parliamentary Commission to look into its colonial past in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi and Rwanda. The European Parliament declared slavery a crime against humanity. Argentina launched a National Commission for the Historical Recognition of the Afro-Argentine Community, seeking the historical reparation of people of African descent in Argentina through the recovery of sites that have special meaning for this community. In Colombia, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission held truth-telling dialogues in 2020 on the impact of the armed conflict on people of African descent, providing some acknowledgement by individuals of the harms that they had caused. In 2019, France established a foundation to create a museum and memorials for its role in the trade in enslaved Africans. In the Caribbean, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Reparations Commission developed a ten-point reparation plan outlining the path to reconciliation, truth, and justice for victims and their descendants. Confronting historical legacies For the UN Human Rights Chief, it is time to overcome hurdles to accountability and redress for past wrongs. In her report, Bachelet suggests using solutions embedded in political leadership, creative responses, empowerment measures and honest dialogue about the impact of legacies of the past on contemporary forms of racism. This should entail ensuring the effective participation of people and communities of African descent in the design and implementation of processes, including to seek the truth, define the harm, pursue justice and reparations and contribute to non-recurrence and reconciliation. The report states that individual measures are not enough what is required is a plurality of measures in recognition of the magnitude and seriousness of the violations, the collective suffering and inter-generational transmission thereof, and the need to work together in solidarity towards restoring the dignity of people of African descent. The report further stresses the importance of addressing the past to transform the future, through reparative justice grounded in international human rights law. Reparations should not only be equated with financial compensation. They also comprise measures aimed at restitution, rehabilitation, satisfaction and guarantees of non-repetition, including, for example, formal apologies, memorialisation, institutional and educational reforms, the report states. Reparations are essential to transforming relationships of discrimination and inequity, mutually committing to and investing in a stronger, more resilient future of dignity, equality and non-discrimination for all. 16 July 2021 This story is the third in a four-part series presenting UN High Commissioner Bachelets Agenda towards transformative change for racial justice and equality. Each part highlights the historic specificities, the lived experience and current realities of people of African descent in several States. 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. Yes. I would be the first in line. No. I don't trust that a vaccine will be safe. I plan to, but I want to wait to see effects of first doses. Not sure. Vote View Results featured LENOX Two killed in motor vehicle crash in Lenox Papua New Guinea PRIME Minister James Marape has told the business community that the country has the potential to supply the Asian region with agricultural produce. That idea, he said, could be emphasised to potential markets in the Asian region during the 2020 Expo in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, starting in October. We live in one of the exciting part of planet Earth, he said. We live close to 4 billion people in Asia. The 4 billion people in Asia need food. PNG can supply organic food. They need clean water. We are only hours away from international markets. Im not talking about Australia and New Zealand, who are out traditional partners. Im looking at the 260 million Indonesians next door. Indonesia, in the next 10 years, will be in the top 10 economies globally. They are a powerhouse right next door to us. Marape said Government was looking at improving policies governing the countrys agriculture sector. In terms of policies, we are supporting agriculture, he said. Dont worry about the noise that is going, there will be some change in the agriculture sector, he added referring to the current discord between the agriculture minister and secretary. We want our people to get price support, especially for commodity crops. Coffee is now being bought at K6 (per kilo), cocoa is being bought at K4.50 (per kilo), copra, people have lost interest in copra, because they were carrying sacks that were only valued at K1, we are trying to buy them at K2.50 or K3. Meanwhile, he urged the private sector to get Covid-19 vaccination. Get yourself vaccinated if you have to, he said. With conversations with my peers in the region, the indication is that you have to get vaccine to travel to their country. As the Government, we will try our absolute best to do what is required of us to ensure the environment is conducive for us to engage in business. And to ensure we promote our country as an investment destination. Statement / The National / ONE PNG Next : TIPNG urges PNG Government, Private Sector to respect the Independence of Bank of PNG Robert Zuccaro, CFA Matthias Knab, Opalesque for New Managers: Golden Eagle Strategies is the new name for Target QR Strategies, which has re-branded and expanded its management team in celebration of its one-year anniversary. Founder and Chief Investment Officer Robert Zuccaro formed Golden Eagle Strategies (formerly Target QR Strategies) to manage family office assets using quantitative disciplines that he developed over 40 years. The firm invests in equities using a systematic process for stock selection that is based on over four decades of quantitative research and proprietary data. Its Golden Eagle Strategy seeks high returns by investing in a concentrated portfolio of stocks in the world's fastest growing companies. "Target QR Strategies is pleased to celebrate our one-year anniversary with a new name and expanded management team. We are now Golden Eagle Strategies. The golden eagle flies higher than any other bird and signifies strength, power, and perspective. With this change, we are harmonizing our brand with our investment strategy," said Founder and CIO Robert Zuccaro. New members of Golden Eagle Strategies' professional team include Chief Financial Officer Craig Peretz and Global Head of Marketing Brynne Zuccaro. Craig Peretz previously served as the Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Compliance Officer at Sierra Global Management; worked with International Fund Administration where he was responsible for client administrative operations, financial review/preparation, fund set-up and investor/manager relations; and worked in the private equity, corporate finance and investment recovery divisions of Equitable and Alliance Capital Management. He is a member of the Board of Trustees of Alfred University where he is Vice Chair of the Investment and Finance committees, and is a registered Cayman Islands Fund Director. He earned an MBA at The Stern School of Business at New York University in 1994 and completed his undergraduate studies at Alfred University in 1988. As Global Head of Marketing, Brynne Zuccaro oversees global marketing and investor relations. She brings a wealth of experience from some of the world's most recognizable companies. She emerged as a marketing leader at both Google and Foursquare, overseeing international launches for both tech giants. She also worked at American Express in high-value B2B lead generation. Most recently, she served as the Vice President of Marketing on the executive teams at high-growth NYC startups Transfix and Teachers Pay Teachers. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Harvard University as well as an MBA from Duke University. Future plans include the launch of an offshore product for tax-exempt and non-U.S. investors this summer. Golden Eagle Strategies manages a strategy which invests in 25 of the world's fastest growing companies. The strategy is predicated on statistical analysis and principles derived from 40+ years of quantitative research. It is driven by a never-ending pursuit to identify the common threads of top performing stocks in pursuit of superior performance. Axiom releases milestone version of their import software for Revit, Microsoft Office Importer, which contains new capabilities, increased speed and enhanced functionality for Revit professionals. (CLEARWATER, FLORIDA, USA) 5 July 2021 Axiom, a major provider of third-party CAD/BIM add-ons, announces the release of a new version of their Microsoft Office Importer software for Revit. According to sources within the development team at Axiom, this latest version is a remarkable step MEDIA BROADCAST connects its NGN platform with international telecommunications network node in Frankfurt Bonn, 25 March 2009 MEDIA BROADCAST has now connected its BROADCAST NGN (Next Generation Network) with the international telecommunications network node from ancotel, operator of the biggest data and telecommunications node in Europe. The NGN, which was conceived by MEDIA BROADCAST as an all-in-one network, is available throughout Germany and provides uncompromising service to radio, 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. Following the death of Fr Stan Swamy on Monday, 5 July, Cardinal Bo, Archbishop of Yangon, Myanmar, and President of the Federation of Asian Bishops Conferences, issued a statement on behalf of Asian bishops, paying tribute to the Jesuit priest, unjustly detained for nine months for his commitment in defence of the Adivasis (the original inhabitants of India). With deep anguish and sorrow, we mourn the death of the martyr of the marginalised people, Fr. Stan Swamy SJ. His last month in custody ... This content is reserved for Subscribers Dear Reader, access to all editions of LOsservatore Romano is reserved for Subscribers. Click here to subscribe Subscribe by 30 September to take advantage of the promotional price of 20 per year. T he white figure of the Pope looking out from the balcony of the Gemelli Polyclinic brought back to mind in many of us another Pope, Saint John Paul II. The voice, not particularly bright and the face somewhat tense, reminded us that these past few days were demanding for Pope Francis. But that balcony of the Gemelli Polyclinic became an incandescent Ambo in a few moments. Indeed, the Pope followed the gratitude for the care he received, with a cry for justice for all those who instead do not ... This content is reserved for Subscribers Dear Reader, access to all editions of LOsservatore Romano is reserved for Subscribers. Click here to subscribe Subscribe by 30 September to take advantage of the promotional price of 20 per year. Home at last. The beautiful and long-awaited news that Pope Francis had returned to Santa Marta after leaving Romes Gemelli Hospital was announced by Holy See Press Office Director Matteo Bruni on Wednesday morning, 14 July. After leaving the hospital where he had been staying for ten days, at 10:30 am, the Holy Father travelled by car to the Basilica of Saint Mary Major to pray before the icon of Salus Populi Romani to thank Our Lady for the successful outcome of his surgery and to pray for all the sick, in particular for all those he had met during his hospital stay. He arrived at Santa Marta shortly before noon. Pope Francis also expressed his gratitude to all those who had wished him well during his hospitalization, in a tweet: I thank all those who have been close to me with prayer and affection during my hospital stay. Let us not forget to pray for the sick and for those who assist them. One week since being admitted into Gemelli Polyclinic to undergo colon surgery, Pope Francis recited the Angelus from the balcony of the tenth floor of the Roman hospital at noon on Sunday, 11 July, thanking the faithful for their spiritual closeness and support. In his address, the Pontiff underscored the importance of good healthcare that is accessible to all`. The following is a translation of the Holy Fathers words. Dear Brothers and Sisters, Buongiorno! I am glad to be able to keep the Sunday Angelus appointment, even here from Gemelli Polyclinic. I thank you all: I have felt your closeness and the support of your prayers. Thank you from the bottom of my heart! The Gospel passage we read today in the Liturgy recounts that Jesus disciples, sent by him, anointed with oil many that were sick and healed them (Mk 6:13). This oil also makes us think of the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, which gives comfort to spirit and body. But this oil is also listening, the closeness, the care, the tenderness of those who take care of the sick person: it is like a caress that makes you feel better, soothes your pain and cheers you up. All of us, all, need this anointing of closeness and tenderness sooner or later, and we can all give it to someone else, with a visit, a phone call, a hand outstretched to someone who needs help. Let us remember that, in the protocol of the final judgment Matthew 25 one of the things they will ask us will be about closeness to the sick. In these days of hospitalization, I experienced once again how important is good healthcare that is accessible to all, as there is in Italy and in other countries. Free healthcare, that assures good service, accessible to everyone. This precious benefit must not be lost. It needs to be kept! And for this everyone needs to be committed, because it helps everyone and requires everyones contribution. In the Church too it happens that at times some healthcare institution, due to poor management, does not do well economically, and the first thought that comes to mind is to sell it. But vocation in the Church, is not to have money; it is to offer service, and service is always freely given. Do not forget this: saving free institutions. I would like to express my appreciation and my encouragement to the doctors and all the healthcare workers and staff of this and of other hospitals. They work so hard! And let us pray for all the sick. Here there are some friends, sick children. Why do children suffer? Why children suffer is a question that touches the heart. Accompany them with prayer and pray for all those who are sick, especially for those in the most difficult conditions: may no one be left alone, may everyone receive the anointing of listening, closeness, tenderness and care. Let us ask this through the intercession of Mary, our Mother, Health of the Sick. After the Angelus the Holy Father continued: Dear brothers and sisters, in recent days my prayer has often been aimed at Haiti, following the assassination of its President and the wounding of his wife. I join in the heartfelt appeal of the countrys Bishops to lay down weapons, choose life, choose to live together fraternally in the interest of all and in the interest of Haiti. I am close to the beloved Haitian people; I hope that the spiral of violence will cease and the nation can resume the journey toward a future of peace and harmony. Today is Sea Sunday, dedicated in a particular way to seafarers and to those whose source of work and sustenance is the sea. I pray for them and exhort everyone to take care of the oceans and seas. Take care of the health of the seas: no plastic in the sea! I remember and bless those who are participating in Radio Maria Familys pilgrimage to the Shrine of Czestochowa, today in Poland. Today we celebrate the Feast of Saint Benedict, Abbot and Patron of Europe. An embrace to our protector Saint! Let us offer our good wishes to the men and women Benedictines throughout the world. And best wishes to Europe, that it be united in its founding values. And happy Sunday to everyone! Do not forget to pray for me. Enjoy your lunch! Arrivederci! Oswego, NY (13126) Today Cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy this afternoon. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 78F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 68F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. MOUNT PLEASANT [mdash] Shirley Ann Steele, 84, of Mt. Pleasant and formerly of Burlington and Ottumwa, died Monday, July 12, 2021 at Savannah Heights in Mt. Pleasant. A graveside memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, July 17 at the Agency Cemetery, Agency, IA. There will be n FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) One person who went missing from a Colorado River rafting trip in the Grand Canyon during a flash flood was found dead Thursday in frigid water while a second person was found alive, a park spokeswoman said. The flood was part of monsoon storms that have inundated Arizona this week, including in Flagstaff where city streets were left a muddy mess as water mixed with logs and debris swept through. Cleanup was underway Thursday with the threat of more rain looming. At the Grand Canyon, a torrent of water rushed through a slot canyon and washed away the camp where two commercial rafts with 30 passengers pulled off the river to stay Wednesday evening, said Grand Canyon spokeswoman Joelle Baird. Authorities initially believed that two people had been swept into the river and launched a search by air, ground and water to find them. One was found at the camp that the group had abandoned to seek a safer place to sleep, Baird said. The other was found dead in the water next to the camp that flooded, she said. The motorized trip operated by Arizona Raft Adventures was scheduled to last more than a week. A company spokeswoman on Thursday referred questions to John Dillon, the executive director of the Grand Canyon River Outfitters Association that represents the outfitters permitted in the canyon. Dillon said he hasn't yet spoken to company officials, one of whom is on another trip on the river. He said while the outfitters were pleased to hear one rafter was found, they're saddened by the death of the other. Our hearts our broken that people on the trip lost somebody, people at home lost somebody, he said. That matters more than anything else. A park helicopter took two paramedics to the river late Wednesday to treat and stabilize the injured rafters after receiving a satellite phone call from someone on the trip asking for help. Seven passengers who were injured were airlifted out of the canyon, Baird said. She wasn't sure of the extent of their injuries. Baird said the park will help the other rafters who want to cut their trip short get off the river, she said. The flood hit the camp set up about 40 miles (64 kilometers) downstream from where the rafts launched at Lees Ferry near the Arizona-Utah state line, turning the normally greenish-colored river into a muddy brown. Forecasters had issued a flash flood watch for the area Wednesday, but it's not clear whether the rafting guides were aware. Radar showed about an inch (2.5 centimeters) of rain along that stretch of the Colorado River, according to the National Weather Service. Park officials did not immediately release the name of the rafter who died. At least two other people have died this year on Grand Canyon rafting trips that draw tens of thousands of tourists, locals and researchers annually. James Crocker, 63, of Colorado died after he fell into the river at the top of a rapid in June. Members of his private boating groups pulled him out of the water but couldn't revive him. Deborah Ellis, 60, of Idaho died after the commercial raft she was on hit rapids and flipped in late April. An autopsy report released to The Associated Press in response to a public records request determined she drowned. The entire Southwest, which has been desperate for rain after two years of dismal monsoon activity, has been hammered lately with storms. More rain is in the forecast. In Tucson, a fire department swift water team rescued a father and his two daughters from the roof of their vehicle Wednesday after they drove into a usually dry wash and got stranded in the floodwaters, said Golder Ranch Fire District spokesman Capt. Adam Jarrold. Our message, telling everybody, be patient, especially here in the desert, he said. The water comes up quick, but it also goes away quick. Farther north in Flagstaff, floodwaters have inundated communities in the shadow of a mountain that burned in 2019 and adjacent neighborhoods, sending at least one vehicle floating down a city street. Residents had been somewhat prepared for a major flood with sandbags around their homes and concrete barriers to redirect water. Still, many of them have been digging out. Flagstaff and Coconino County declared a state of emergency over the monsoon flooding, opening up funding and allowing officials to request state assistance, according to a news release. Flagstaff likely can recoup some of the costs for responding to and repairing flood damage related to wildfires under a recent state law. Cities also can be reimbursed for providing emergency shelter and support for people who are displaced, but it does not allow spending to repair individual homes. The threat of flash flooding will remain through next week, the National Weather Service said, though the coverage will be more scattered than widespread. The moisture is not going anywhere, and it will heat up as well, so those are perfect ingredients for thunderstorms in the afternoon and evenings in Arizona, said Evan LaGuardia, a meteorologist in Flagstaff. ___ Associated Press writers Bob Christie and Paul Davenport in Phoenix contributed to this report. The Latest on deadly flooding in Europe: BRUSSELS Belgiums government says the death toll from unprecedented flooding in parts of the country has risen to 20. Interior Minister Annelies Verlinden said Friday that emergency workers were trying to locate another 20 people who remained missing. Prime Minister Alexander De Croo says Belgium will mark a day of national mourning Tuesday to reflect on the great human loss. It will also be a moment to show solidarity, closeness and unity. De Croo says festivities marking the countrys national holiday on July 21 also will be toned down, saying it comes at a time when so many people will still be in an exceptionally difficult position. German officials so far have reported 106 deaths in the floods that also ripped through some parts of Germany. ___ BRUSSELS Just as the European Union was preparing drastic plans costing billions of euros to contain climate change, massive clouds were gathering over Germany and other EU nations to unleash an unprecedented storm that left death and destruction in its wake. Despite ample warnings, politicians and weather forecasters were shocked at the ferocity of the precipitation that caused flash flooding that killed at least 120 people in the lush wooded hills of Western Europe. Many climate scientists said the link to global warming was unmistakable and the urgency to do something about it undeniable. To say that climate change caused the flooding may be a step too far, but scientists insist that it acerbates the extreme weather that has been on show from the western U.S. and Canada to Siberia to Europe's Rhine region. There is a clear link between extreme precipitation occurring and climate change, Prof. Wim Thiery of Brussels University said Friday. For the heat records, added Prof. Stefan Rahmstorf of the University of Potsdam, some are so extreme that they would be virtually impossible without global warming, as recently in western North America. Taking them all together, said Sir David King, Chair of the Climate Crisis Advisory Group, these are casualties of the climate crisis: we will only see these extreme weather events become more frequent. ___ BRUSSELS Belgium's interior minister says the official death toll of flash flooding in the country's east has gone up to 18, with more people missing. After Germany, Belgium was the hardest hit by the rains earlier this week that caused homes to be ripped away and roads to be turned into wild rivers running through the center of several towns. The official confirmed death toll now stands at 18 and there are a great many missing, Interior Minister Annelies Verlinden told VRT network Friday. The number of people missing is estimated to be at 19. She said water levels on the Meuse river running into the Netherlands remains critical. There are a number of dikes on the Meuse whether it is really touch and go whether they will collapse, she said. ___ THE HAGUE, Netherlands Flooding is affecting other parts of Western Europe after killing at least 110 people and causing destruction in Germany and Belgium. Emergency officials in the Netherlands are urging residents of homes close to a canal in the southern Dutch province of Limburg to evacuate swiftly after a canal dike burst. The South Limburg emergency services said Friday that a large hole has opened in the dike alongside the Juliana Canal, which runs near the swollen Maas river. Residents are being warned that four small settlements close to the canal will very soon be underwater. Heavy rainfall in Romania on Thursday night caused unprecedented flooding in a small western commune that required dozens of emergency workers to rescue people from damaged homes and cars. Alba Countys Inspectorate for Emergency Situations said in a statement Friday that no one died in Romania. ___ BERLIN Germanys defense ministry said Friday that it is deploying a battalion to the hard-hit region of Ahrweiler. The 371st Armored Infantry Battalion is being sent to relieve emergency crews who have been working for days to reach people trapped in the county. Many villages in the mountainous region were heavily damaged and dozens of people died in the flash floods overnight Thursday. ____ BERLIN German officials said Friday that the economic damage from the flooding in country's west will be immense. More than half of the 53 counties in North Rhine-Westphalia state were affected by the floods, which damaged hundreds of buildings. At least 43 people died in the state. North Rhine-Westphalia Gov. Armin Laschet said the floods had literally pulled the ground from beneath many peoples feet. They lost their houses, farms or businesses. Federal and state officials have pledged financial aid to the affected areas of Germany, which also include the state of Rhineland-Palatinate, where at least 60 people died and entire villages were destroyed. Several religious organizations have called for donations to help residents who lost everything in the floods. The damage to Germanys economy is also expected to be severe. Several factories were flooded and key infrastructure, including parts of the A1 highway from Cologne to Bonn, were swept away. ___ THE HAGUE, Netherlands Authorities in the southern Dutch town of Venlo are evacuating a hospital due to the looming threat of flooding. Emergency coordinators said some 200 patients will be transported from the VieCuri hospital to other hospitals Friday afternoon as a precaution to get ahead of any possible flooding. The hospital is close to the banks of the swollen Maas river that flows into the Netherlands from Belgium, where flooding has caused widespread damage in and near the city of Liege. The river is called the Meuse in Belgium. The hospital will remain closed until Monday. Flooding in the Netherlands southern Limburg province has caused damage to homes and businesses in several towns and villages and sparked evacuations but has not caused any major injuries or deaths. - BERLIN Operators of an assisted living facility for people with disabilities in western Germany said Friday that the number of residents who died in flooding has increased to 12. German news agency dpa quoted the chief executive of the Lebenshilfe association in Rhineland-Palatinate state saying only one of the 13 people missing from the facility had been found alive. Matthias Mandos said a staff member managed to move several residents of the home in the town of Sinzig to the first floor as waters from the nearby Ahr river rushed into the building. By the time the staff member tried to get others to safety, it was too late, Mandos said. Psychologists were on hand to help traumatized employees and residents, he added. ___ BERLIN German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier said he is stunned by the devastating effects of the flooding across parts of western Germany that has killed more than 100 people and left hundreds missing. Steinmeier pledged the German government's support to the families of those killed and to cities and towns facing significant damage. In the hour of need, our country stands together, Steinmeier said in a statement Friday afternoon. Its important that we show solidarity for those from whom the flood has taken everything. Calling the events a tragedy, Steinmeier said he had been in touch with state and local officials in the affected areas and that they used "shocking words to describe the situations on the ground. The crisis, he said, underscores the impact of climate change and the need for forceful action to combat it. Only if we decisively take up the fight against climate change will we be able to limit the extreme weather conditions we are now experiencing, Steinmeier said. ___ COPENHAGEN, Denmark Denmarks foreign minister called the devastating floods across parts of Germany and Belgium that have killed at least 100 people utterly heartbreaking. Foreign Minister Jeppe Kofod wrote on Twitter that Europe must and will stand together in this tragedy. He said Friday that his thoughts were with the victims and their families. ___ BERLIN At least 100 people have died in devastating floods across parts of western Germany and Belgium as search and rescue operations continue for hundreds more still unaccounted for. Authorities in the German state of Rhineland-Palatinate said 50 people had died there, including at least nine residents of an assisted living facility for people with disabilities. In neighboring North Rhine-Westphalia state officials put the death toll at 43, but warned that the figure could increase. Rescuers rushed Friday to help people trapped in their homes in the town of Erftstadt, southwest of Cologne. Regional authorities said several people had died after their houses collapsed due to the ground sinking. Speaking to German broadcaster n-tv, county administrator Frank Rock said that authorities had no precise number yet for how many had died. One has to assume that under the circumstances some people didnt manage to escape, he said. Authorities said late Thursday that about 1,300 people in Germany were still listed missing, but cautioned that the high figure could be due to duplication of data and difficulties reaching people because of disrupted roads and phone connections. In a provisional tally, the Belgian death toll rose to 12, with 5 people still missing, local authorities and media reported early Friday. LONDON (AP) The British government threw the holiday plans of tens of thousands of people into disarray Friday night when it reversed plans to open up travel from France because of concerns about a COVID-19 variant circulating in the country. Plans to relax self-isolation rules for people traveling from a wide range of countries will no longer apply to France because of the persistent presence of the Beta variant, which was first discovered in South Africa and is believed to be more dangerous than other variants, the government said. The announcement came just days after authorities confirmed plans to lift the quarantine requirement for fully vaccinated people arriving from amber list" countries, including most destinations in the European Union. The about-face comes at a critical moment in Britain's battle against coronavirus, with remaining restrictions set to end on Monday and summer holidays for most school children scheduled to begin Friday. We have always been clear that we will not hesitate to take rapid action at our borders to stop the spread of COVID-19 and protect the gains made by our successful vaccination program,'' Health Secretary Sajid Javid said in a statement. With restrictions lifting on Monday across the country, we will do everything we can to ensure international travel is conducted as safely as possible, and protect our borders from the threat of variants. Fully vaccinated travelers from France, including those who transit through the country, will continue to be required to self-isolate for up to 10 days on their arrival in Britain. Advocates for the travel industry reacted with outrage. This announcement is a real setback to international travel,'' said lawmaker Henry Smith, chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for the Future of Aviation. We all expected that the traffic light system would provide much-needed certainty, yet our current approach has only delivered confusion which continues to prevent any meaningful recovery for our aviation, travel and tourism sectors." Travelers expressed frustration after discovering that they would need to quarantine when returning home despite being fully vaccinated. Graham McLeod, from Bolton in northwest England, is staying at his holiday home in Charente Maritime on Frances Atlantic coast with his partner. In terms of government messaging, wed say its inconsistent, irregular, unclear and frankly unworkable, the 63-year-old retiree said. We struggle to understand the sudden desire to introduce quarantine for returnees from France and cannot help feel this has far more to do with politics and much less to do with science. LONDON (AP) The U.K. recorded more than 50,000 new coronavirus cases for the first time in six months Friday amid a warning from the British governments top medical adviser that the number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 could hit quite scary levels within weeks. Government figures showed another 51,870 confirmed lab cases, the highest daily number since mid- January. Infections have surged in recent weeks, mainly among unvaccinated younger people, as a result of the far more contagious delta variant and the continued easing of lockdown restrictions. Despite the increase, the British government plans Monday to lift all remaining legal restrictions on social contact in England and to ditch social distancing guidelines as well as the legal requirement for people to wear masks in most indoor settings, including shops, trains, buses and subways. The government is hoping that the rapid rollout of vaccines will keep a lid on the number of people becoming seriously ill a stance that some leading international scientists at an emergency international summit critiqued as reckless." The group, which includes advisers to the governments of Italy, New Zealand and Taiwan, said they joined forces through a sense of urgency to warn of the global consequences of allowing the delta variant to spread rapidly through the British population. The scientists warned that the combination of high infection prevalence and high levels of vaccination create the conditions in which an immune escape variant is most likely to emerge. One of the co-signatories to Friday's statement, Dr. William A. Haseltine of the New York-based think tank Access Health International, went further, describing the seeming strategy of herd immunity as murderous and "unconscionable. Families representing many of those who have died from COVID-19 in the U.K. also joined in the criticism of the Conservative government's plan. The overwhelming scientific consensus is that lifting restrictions on Monday will be disastrous, and bereaved families know firsthand how tragic the consequences of unlocking too early can be, said Jo Goodman, co-founder of Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice. There is a real fear that once again the governments thinking is being driven by whats popular rather than the interests of the country. Other parts of the U.K. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are taking more cautious steps out of lockdown. So far, the number of people in hospitals with virus-related illnesses and subsequently dying remains relatively low, certainly when compared with the peak of the second wave of the pandemic earlier this year. But with the government putting the country on notice that daily case numbers could rise to over 100,000 sometime this summer, concerns are clearly growing. Prime Minister Boris Johnson has sought to rein in any euphoria around Monday's lifting of restrictions, an occasion tagged Freedom Day on social media. Johnson is urging people to remain vigilant when meeting with others and to carry on wearing masks in enclosed and crowded places. His chief medical officer, Chris Whitty, told a webinar hosted by London's Science Museum late Thursday that the U.K. is not out of the woods yet. I dont think we should underestimate the fact that we could get into trouble again surprisingly fast, Whitty said. More cases will inevitably lead to more people requiring hospital attention even though the vaccine rollout has helped build a wall of immunity around those deemed to be the most vulnerable to disease. More than two-thirds of British adults have received both doses of a vaccine, and almost 88% have had one dose. Friday's government data showed 3,964 people hospitalized with COVID-19, the most since late March. Though the number has gone up steadily in recent weeks, it remains far lower than at the height of the second wave in January, when hospitals had around 40,000 COVID-19 patients admitted. Alongside the increase in hospitalizations, daily virus-related deaths have risen to levels not seen since March. Another 49 virus-related deaths were recorded Friday, taking the U.K.'s total to 128,642, the seventh-highest in the world. Government medical adviser Whitty warned that the number of people in hospitals with COVID-19 is doubling about every three weeks and could reach quite scary numbers if the current trend continues. We are not by any means out of the woods yet on this. We are in much better shape due to the vaccine program, and drugs and a variety of other things," he said. But this has got a long way to run in the U.K., and its got even further to run globally," he added. One potential implication of the big spike in cases for much of the spring, cases in the U.K. hovered around the 2,000 mark is that it may overwhelm England's efforts to track contacts of those infected with the virus, including the app that is widely used and which has come under criticism in recent days. I dont imagine track and trace will function for much longer," said James Naismith, director of the Rosalind Franklin Institute at from the University of Oxford "Neither it or the app were designed for 100,000 cases in a highly vaccinated population. ___ Follow all of APs pandemic coverage at: https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-vaccine 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. Paducah, KY (42003) Today Mostly cloudy skies this morning will become partly cloudy this afternoon. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High near 85F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Some clouds. Low 67F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph. Palestine, TX (75801) Today Scattered thunderstorms during the morning becoming more widespread this afternoon. High 83F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%.. Tonight Thunderstorms likely this evening. Then a chance of scattered thunderstorms overnight. Low 71F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 60%. Palestine, TX (75801) Today Scattered thunderstorms during the morning becoming more widespread this afternoon. High 84F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%.. Tonight Thunderstorms likely this evening. Then a chance of scattered thunderstorms overnight. Low 71F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 70%. Cairo, Egypt (PANA) African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and Standard Chartered have signed an agreement for US$200 million to finance the purchase of the coronavirus vaccines for African countries, both institutions said on Friday Abuja, Nigeria (PANA) - The Senate on Thursday approved President Muhammadu Buharis request for ongoing external loans to the tune of $8,325,526,537 (USD) and 490,000,000 (Euros) under the 2018-2020 External Borrowing (Rolling) Plan Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - The UN Security Council on Thursday expressed support for the Presidential Council and the Government of National Unity to lead Libya to presidential and parliamentary elections on 24 December, as stipulated in the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum and UN Security Council Resolution 2570 BLOOMINGTON A new wind farm will be coming to McLean County, as county board members Thursday approved a Chicago companys application to build 64 wind turbines in the countys southeast corner. The $350 million project proposed by Sapphire Sky Wind Energy and Invenergy LLCs will bring the 590-foot tall turbines to Bellflower and West townships. The 250 megawatt wind farm is estimated to power about 80,000 homes annually. The McLean County Board accepted the application on an 18-0 vote after the Zoning Board of Appeals approved the wind farm last month. Members George Wendt, R-District 3, and Catherine Metsker, R-District 1, abstained from voting. Construction could begin as soon as this fall for the county's fifth wind farm. Its just a matter of getting the road use agreements from the townships, Jim Soeldner, R-District 2, whose districts covers the area of the wind farm, told The Pantagraph. West Township, Bellflower Township both have to have a road use agreement signed, presented to the county highway engineer and zoning office, and after that they can start construction. The 30-year wind farm is estimated to bring McLean County over $1.8 million annually. Construction is expected to create about 380 jobs for the county and 965 jobs for the state, while the wind farm will bring 36 long-term jobs to McLean County and 55 long-term jobs to the state, according to an economic impact analysis by David Loomis, a professor of economics at Illinois State University and co-founder of the Center for Renewable Energy. The construction phase, however, is what Jim Jolly spoke out against during the public comment session Thursday. Jolly lives within the wind farms near Chenoa and Lexington as a farmer and a worker for the postal office. Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} Ive worked and lived on gravel roads for the past three years, Jolly said, noting that some roads are yet to be repaired from construction The country roads are still patchwork and still not up to date as far as being repaired, Jolly said. So, Im concerned as to the time limitations that youre putting on the repairs that are to be done to the county roads. The county roads, in my experience, were just absolutely horrible when the project was going on. The road upgrade and maintenance agreement passed at Thursdays meeting says the county and developers will conduct a post-construction inventory to determine the extent of repairs or improvements needed to return the roads to pre-construction condition. The project in Chenoa and Lexington, also by Invenergy, resulted in some violations in its road use agreement such as having roads closed too long. I think that Invenergy knows that the publics watching because of the issues it had in the Lexington, Chenoa area, so its a case where theyre going to have to do what they said theyre going to do or theres going to be complaints or problems, Soeldner said. The more than 14,000-acre wind farm also will provide about $71.5 million in property taxes to McLean County, West and Bellflower townships and other government agencies including the LeRoy and Blue Ridge school districts over the 30 years. About $43.7 million of that total will go to the school districts over the 30 years. Developers chose McLean County and the specific area of the county to build the farm because of the areas strong wind resource, land use and proximity to existing transmission infrastructure. McLean County leads the state in wind production, Loomis concluded in a study last year on the impact wind farms have on local economies. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 1 Angry 1 Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Postponed by COVID-19, a special summer edition of the Chicago Auto Show at McCormick Place will be smaller, shorter and less elaborate. But as the first major Chicago tourism event in nearly a year and a half, the shows impact on a tentatively reopening, pandemic-weary city, could be significant. CHICAGO A 9-year-old riding his bicycle along a Chicago street was struck and killed by a pickup truck driven by an off-duty Chicago police officer. Fraternal Order of Police President John Catanzara said the officer, who hasn't been identified, says he didn't see Hershel Weinberger before hitting him Wednesday evening. Authorities say the officer struck the child as he crossed the street in a crosswalk. The boy was taken to Saint Francis Hospital in Evanston where he died. "Our hearts go out to the family," Catanzara said. "This officer is certainly never going to forget that.'' Catanzara says the 48-year-old officer took a Breathalyzer test that was negative. Police spokeswoman Kellie Bartoli says the officer also underwent drug testing. Police said no citations or charges have been filed. However, Bartoli said case is still under investigation by the Chicago Police Department's Major Accident Investigation Unit. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1 CHICAGO As companies in Illinois call workers back to offices, some may face a new challenge: employees who became addicted to drugs or alcohol during the pandemic. The isolation and stress of the past year spurred alcohol and drug use. Some people have been able to hide those habits while working from home, but employers may soon find themselves dealing with substance abuse head-on as workers again convene in conference rooms and share cubicle walls. Companies that turn a blind eye to the issue do so at their own peril, experts say. Without question, the workforce thats returning is not the same as the one that left, said Paula Allen, global leader of research and total well-being at LifeWorks, which sells services to help companies with employee health and well-being and has an office in Chicago. We have a lot of anxiety. We have a lot of people on edge. We are seeing more unhealthy behaviors, including more risky substance use. During the early months of the pandemic, drug and alcohol use increased sharply. In Cook County, the average number of opioid overdose deaths rose nearly 26% during Illinois first stay-at-home order in spring 2020, according to a Northwestern Medicine study. About 13% of about 5,400 American adults who responded to a June 2020 survey said they had started or increased substance use to cope with stress or emotions related to COVID-19, according to findings reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The problem has persisted, even as people have become vaccinated and the country has reopened. In a late April and early May survey by LifeWorks and the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation of people employed or recently employed, about 31% of respondents who use alcohol said theyve been drinking more since the pandemic started, and, of people who use drugs, about 29% said theyve been using more. While some people who used drugs and alcohol over the past year will be able to stop when they have to return to their desks, There will be a lot of people who developed significant problems while they were isolating, said Tom Britton, president and CEO of the Gateway Foundation, an Illinois-based addiction treatment organization. Gateway, which has 16 locations in Illinois, got about twice as many calls during the pandemic from people who had never had substance use problems before COVID-19, Britton said. Were living in the most psychologically traumatic time of any of our lifetimes and people reach to whatever supports they can find, Britton said. For some people, one or two glasses of wine a day turned into three or four once they no longer had to show up at an office every day, said Shane Hassler, virtual program services manager at Gateway. Hassler said at least one Gateway client lost her job during the pandemic because of substance use. He said the womans employer gave her time off to go to a residential treatment program, but she relapsed and ultimately couldnt perform her job to her employers standards. She lived by herself and it just really exacerbated her substance use from the start of the shelter-in-place, Hassler said. Robert Duckels, 47 of Carlinville, knows firsthand how working from home can worsen an addiction. About three years ago, before COVID-19, the attorneys drinking problem became more severe as he worked from home. He stashed liquor bottles throughout his house to drink in secret, away from the eyes of his children and wife, who were mostly at work and school during the day. Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} Though Duckels didnt work and drink at the same time, I would arrange my workdays around how and when I would get my work done so I could drink, Duckels said. When youre not being watched then it is much easier to feed your addiction in a way that will cause your body to get used to more consumption consistently throughout the day. He managed, for a time, to do his job despite his addiction. But when he reached a low point, and he finally told his law firm that he was an alcoholic and needed to take a leave to go to rehab, his bosses didnt seem very surprised, he said. He believes he would have eventually lost his job as his drinking worsened and his productivity continued to slide. His law firm was supportive, allowing him to go to rehab at Gateway and then return to work when he was ready. Duckels hopes that other employers are equally understanding, as workers return to the office, in some cases, with new or worse substance abuse problems. Not everyone with a problem, however, asks for help. And it may be tough for employers to spot problems until they become disruptive, Britton said. Many managers arent trained to notice substance abuse issues or may feel uncomfortable asking employees if theyre OK, he said. Somebody has to (do something) really, really significant, do something obvious, to get caught in the workplace, Britton said. Dealing with workers with substance use disorders also may not be at the top of employers to-do lists at the moment, as they figure out how to bring their employees back safely after a years absence, Allen said. The thing about substance use is people work very hard to hide it, and people dont look for it, and when you are distracted, youre not going to see it as much, she said. But its something employers should zero in on, and quickly, experts say. The longer a persons substance use problem goes unchecked, the more the persons productivity and health may suffer, costing companies and individuals more in the long-run, Britton said. Many companies try to help workers with substance abuse issues through employee assistance programs, which offer confidential, often-free counseling and other services. Chicago-based HealthJoy, which offers a digital platform for employers to use with their health and wellness programs, has seen an uptick in the number of employers wanting to implement employee assistance programs and behavioral health programs in recent months, said Doug Morse-Schindler, president and co-founder. Most large and medium-size companies in the U.S. have employee assistance programs, according to the International Employee Assistance Professionals Association. One challenge with those programs, however, is making sure employees know they exist. The May LifeWorks survey found that 44% of respondents didnt know if their employer offered resources to help with substance use issues or werent sure what resources were available. Its also important that managers be trained in how to deal with workers with substance use disorders, Allen said. Supervisors should be taught to approach workers with concerns privately and tell them what, specifically, theyve noticed has changed. They must then reassure workers that theyre on their side, and then help them find a solution or point them toward resources, Allen said. Its something thats long been emphasized in the local construction industry, where safety is critical, said Tom Cuculich, executive director of Chicagoland Associated General Contractors, which represents employees of general contractors, subcontractors and suppliers who work in commercial construction. The association has put on trainings to educate managers and employees on the telltale signs of drug problems and mental health issues for years, he said. Its important, in those cases, to let workers know what supports are available, he said. Other companies say theyre offering one-on-one counseling to employees and managers as they return to the office. Companies that are successful in handling returning workers will be those that create programs to help with not just substance abuse, but also other issues that arose out of the pandemic, such as depression and anxiety, said Cheryl Larson, president and CEO of the Midwest Business Group on Health. Our employees are under a lot of stress, Cuculich said. Weve got to keep an eye on people and make sure they know there are resources out there. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 CHICAGO The Federal Election Commission ruled Thursday that U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly cannot be involved in raising or spending money for state and local office candidates in her new role as Illinois Democratic chair, relegating her largely to figurehead status within the party. Kelly, a member of Congress since 2013 from south suburban Matteson, is also prohibited from using her name and title on state fundraising solicitations because, as a federal officeholder, she is bound by federal laws on raising campaign cash that are stricter than those of the state. Kelly can raise money for U.S. House and Senate candidates in her role as party chair because fundraising for those offices falls under the same federal rules that she is governed by as a member of Congress. But fundraising for federal offices represents a small portion of the state partys activities. Under the FECs 5-1 ruling, the state Democratic Party must create a special committee to oversee state fundraising for nonfederal campaigns with no involvement by Kelly. Some Democrats have estimated that 83% of the funds raised by the state party are for nonfederal state and local candidates. Kelly was elected by top state Democrats March 3 to replace embattled former House Speaker Michael Madigan as party chair. But her election came amid questions over how as a federal officeholder she could engage in state fundraising for the party with higher dollar limits than federal law allows. By being prohibited from money raising and spending decisions involving state candidates, the FECs ruling vastly reduces Kellys role and influence as chair. It will be a far cry from how Madigan used the chairmanship for years to retain power and ensure loyalty in raising money and doling out the partys state funds to keep Democratic House majorities. Madigan, who was speaker for nearly four decades and party chairman since 1998, stepped down from both posts early this year amid a federal influence-buying investigation involving Commonwealth Edison. ComEd agreed to pay a $200 million fine for giving jobs, contracts and other favors to try to gain Madigans influence. Madigan has not been charged and has denied any knowledge of the scheme. Democrats sought the FEC ruling on an expedited basis as the party begins to gear up for 2022 elections. The party has a grip on all statewide offices as well as majorities in the General Assembly and congressional delegation. Those offices, as well as Democratic U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworths seat, are on next years ballot. In its ruling, the FEC followed a recommended draft order that acknowledged the state party can raise funds in amounts and from sources prohibited for federal candidates. Sign up for The Spin to get the top stories in politics delivered to your inbox weekday afternoons. But, it said, that would only be permitted if the nonfederal account is administered by a special committee without the review or approval of Congresswoman Kelly and Congresswoman Kelly has no role in the appointment of any member of the special committee. Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} As a result, the FEC said, the nonfederal account would not be directly or indirectly established, financed, maintained or controlled by, or acting on behalf of, Congresswoman Kelly in compliance with federal fundraising laws. In addition, the FEC said Kellys name and title as chair must not be included on the letterhead of any solicitation that solicits funds in amounts and from sources prohibited by (federal law) because using her name and title in that manner would identify the solicitation as being sent on Congresswoman Kellys behalf in violation of the (federal law). In a statement, Kelly said the FEC ruling affirms my vision for a new Democratic Party of Illinois that encourages more voices to be involved in all aspects of the party. As the first woman and first woman of color elected to chair DPI, I believe that a broader coalition of perspectives can only strengthen our party and help us elect more Democrats up and down the ballot, she said. Kelly said the party in coming days will now establish a separate state fundraising committee, Building Leadership, Unity, and Equity, or BLUE, to comply with the FEC ruling. Federal Elections Commissioner James Trey Trainor, a Republican from Texas, voted in favor of the ruling but also contended federal campaign finance law has a chilling effect on allowing federal officeholders to serve in state partisan roles. Essentially, what were doing in this advisory opinion is turning the party chairmanship in Illinois into a purely honorary role, without the power to direct a very large portion of the activities that the Democratic Party of Illinois engages in, Trainor said. My understanding is that Congresswoman Kelly ran on a platform of being more inclusive in the activities that take place in the party in Illinois, he said. And I think it is very significant, that we are excluding the first African American woman to ever hold this position in Illinois from engaging in those activities. Ellen Weintraub, a Democratic commissioner from New York, was the lone vote against the ruling. A strong supporter of federal campaign finance laws, Weintraub said she had concerns about a federal officeholder serving as leader of an organization that could raise money outside of federal limits, even if that is done through a special committee. I believe there are certainly many ways that the congresswoman could serve her party and be actively involved in most aspects of its activities, Weintraub said. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 For more than six months, the six-term congressman has been engaged in what he believes to be a battle for the soul of the Republican Party. It's pitting him against loyalists to former President Donald Trump. Its a battle for truth that Kinzinger, in a sit-down interview with Lee Enterprises last week, concedes he is not winning at least not at the moment. No, we're not winning, Kinzinger said. Do I see signs of progress? Yes. There's a sense that though Trump goes out and speaks, he's not getting the attention he (used to receive), people are ready to move on. What I worry about is that as Trump fades, Trumpism still stays. Kinzinger, whose district wraps from Indiana to Wisconsin and includes swaths Chicago's exurbs and the Illinois Valley, has become one of the former presidents most vociferous Republican critics and was one of 10 GOP House members who voted to impeach him in January, citing his role in inciting the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6. Since that fateful day, Kinzinger along with U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyoming has not missed an opportunity to harangue Trump and his followers in Congress, becoming one of most easily-recognizable faces on cable television and Sunday morning talk shows, where he recites a message promoting truth and "Country First," which also happens to be the name of the political action committee hes formed. But as certain as Kinzinger is in ultimately winning the argument, his future in politics is unclear, with his path back to Congress potentially blocked by Springfield Democrats who control the redistricting process or by a primary challenge from a pro-Trump candidate. And though he continues to keep the door open on a possible run for governor or Senate, Kinzinger's conservative politics dont necessarily play well in a statewide race. Not that any of this weighs on him. So do I want to win? Yes. If I don't win, is it gonna hurt? Maybe a little bit, but I'm not going to have an ounce of regret, Kinzinger said. And at no point in my last seven months, particularly since the insurrection, have I ever had an ounce of regret for anything ... Maybe a few tweets, he quipped. Hes not going to lie Kinzinger, 43, was born in Kankakee and raised in Bloomington. His mother, Jodi, was an elementary school teacher and his father, Rus, ran faith-based homeless shelters in Bloomington and Peoria. His interest in service started early. In 1998, while just a 20-year-old sophomore at Illinois State University, Kinzinger successfully ran for McLean County Board, defeating a three-term incumbent. This made him the youngest person elected to the board at the time. I had initially started going door-to-door, but I looked like I was 14, so I just started calling people on the phone because I sounded older, Kinzinger said. And so they elected me and, all of a sudden, they're like, 'Oh we just elected a kid and didn't know it.' But the kid took some advice from the county board chairman: Dont say anything in a meeting for a year basically learn the ropes before speaking. That was a lesson I kind of brought back into Congress early, Kinzinger said. But yeah, I wish some of the freshmen would just quit trying to be famous and try to actually work. Look at Marjorie Taylor Greene, he said, referencing his controversial House colleague from Georgia. Nobody knew who she was. Now everybody knows and that's all she wanted. She doesn't need to be a serious legislator, she doesn't care if she has committees. She's famous, and that's unfortunately why people are coming to Congress now. Kinzinger in February joined all Democrats and a handful of Republicans in voting to strip Greene of her committee assignments over past racist and anti-Semitic remarks as well as her well-documented promotion of conspiracy theories like QAnon. Those who know Kinzinger say his fight against these preeminent elements of the Republican Party is entirely in line with his background. It's not surprising to me that amidst all kinds of really crazy conspiracies ... that Adam Kinzinger is the one who says, 'No, I'm the grown up in the room,'' said Tari Renner, the former two-term Democratic mayor of Bloomington and a political science professor at Illinois Wesleyan University. Renner was elected to the county board the same year as Kinzinger. Though from different political parties and generations, the two became close pals within about a year, he said. We could trust each other, I guess it's safe to say, Renner said. You could certainly trust Adam. He's not going to lie, he's not going to stab you in the back or be wishy-washy. Or if he's on the fence, he's legitimately conflicted. Renner described former colleague as well-intentioned, diligent, and hard-working. Kinzinger would answer a higher call to service in 2003, resigning his county board seat to join the U.S. Air Force, where he was commissioned a 2nd lieutenant and would later earn his pilot wings. He flew missions in Iraq and Afghanistan and continues to serve as a lieutenant colonel in the Air National Guard. In 2010, it was back to politics. Riding the Tea Party wave, Kinzinger defeated Democratic incumbent Rep. Debbie Halvorson by a 14-point margin in a district based in rural and exurban areas southwest of Chicago. Following redistricting, he was drawn into a district with fellow incumbent GOP Rep. Don Manzullo, whom he subsequently defeated in a primary election. No one has come close to beating him since. Nobody wants to be kicked out of their tribe Kinzingers voting record in Congress is standard for a Republican. Hes a fiscal conservative with a hawkish streak on foreign policy, but typically votes the party line. This included taking Trumps position more than 90% of the time, according to FiveThirtyEight. Though a reliable conservative vote on matters of policy, Kinzinger has displayed independence at times during his congressional career. Before his vote to impeach, the most clear example was his decision not to vote for Trump in 2016. He reversed himself and voted for the former president in 2020, a vote he now regrets. The hawkish Kinzinger also has never been shy about taking on certain elements of Trumps "America First" foreign policy. He harshly criticized Trumps decision to remove U.S. troops from Syria in 2019, for instance. And in 2020, Kinzinger started posting a series of videos to social media denouncing conspiracy theories like QAnon. But it wasnt until post-election 2020 that Kinzinger started to really feel the wrath from Trump and his supporters, first by not spreading the Big Lie that the election was stolen from the former president. Then, following the Capitol insurrection, Kinzinger called for Trump to be removed from office via the 25th Amendment. A week later, he voted for impeachment. Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} Several Illinois county Republican organizations voted to censure Kinzinger for his vote. Hes now attracted at least a half-dozen primary challengers should he decide to run for reelection in 2022. Some members of his own extended family have disowned him for his stance. And hes facing the squeeze within the House GOP Conference. He hasnt spoken with House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-California, in months. And when asked by reporters earlier this month about McCarthys threat to strip any GOP member of their committee assignments if they participated on a Democrat-created panel investigating the events of January 6, Kinzinger replied, Who gives a (expletive)? From a personal perspective, it's more isolating. Right? You feel like you've been kicked out of the tribe, Kinzinger said. Nobody wants to be kicked out of their tribe. But there's also a significant number of Republicans that are reaching out saying thanks for being a voice because at least 30% of Republicans believe in what I'm saying, he said. Kinzinger said theres a gigantic level of dissonance between what his colleagues say in public versus what they believe in private about Trump and the current state of the GOP. No constituents mad over his position on Trump have confronted him thus far. But, Kinzinger isnt naive to think that he hasnt made some Republican voters in his district angry. He just thinks theres more people who agree with him than the conventional wisdom might suggest. Theres just not much evidence to prove that yet. Its the opposite, in many cases. Perhaps most stinging, a candidate backed by Kinzingers Country First PAC came in fifth place in a special congressional election in Texas a few months ago. We have too many leaders manipulating people for their own sake and they don't know what the end state is, which is destruction, frankly, of the country, Kinzinger said. So I'm going to continue to fight, and I do believe ultimately we prevail because the alternative is not only does my faction not prevail, the party falters and fails, and I think the country can't sustain that. The future One of Kinzingers next fights will be his own. But his future in Congress is as unclear as ever. Even before having to face Republican voters in a primary, Kinzinger is at the mercy of Springfield Democrats, who control the once-a-decade congressional redistricting process. State legislative Democrats are under pressure from the national party to draw a favorable map that helps shore up the partys fragile majority in the House. With the state losing a seat due to population loss, this at a minimum means protecting all 13 Democratic incumbents while eliminating a downstate GOP district. Besides the remap, the primary election threat is the other elephant in the room. At least a half-dozen Republicans, most explicitly pro-Trump, have announced challenges to Kinzinger. But if Kinzingers worried, he isnt showing it. I would remind everybody who's talking about this primary coming up, every primary I've had, I have absolutely crushed the face of my opponent, Kinzinger said. And those were even times when people would make up stuff like, 'I'm not a true conservative.' These same factions I have beaten repeatedly and I fully expect to crush them again. And Kinzinger starts with some key advantages, namely universal name recognition and money. Hey just had the two best fundraising quarters of his career, raising more than $1.1 million in the first three months of the year and more than $800,000 since April. He now has more than $3 million cash on hand. His next-closest opponent, Catalina Lauf, a former Trump appointee to the U.S. Department of Commerce, had just over $141,000 in the bank. No other candidates have raised more than $12,000. Renner said this would set up well for Kinzinger, whose best chance of surviving would be in a divided primary field, he said. Illinois 1st to ban lying to juveniles in interrogations Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Thursday signed the nation's first law prohibiting police from lying to juveniles during criminal interrogations. But others believe Kinzingers stand on principle will ultimately help him with voters. I view Adam Kinzinger as a John McCain-type Republican, said Pat Brady, the former chairman of the Illinois Republican Party. And John McCain said time-and-time again 'the only time I didn't do well politically is when I made decisions based on politics.' The point being, I think, ultimately, voters reward principled politicians that are doing what is in the best interests of the country ahead of their own political party and ahead of their own political ambitions. Kinzinger said, once again, that he would prefer to return to Congress. But, a potential run for governor of Illinois? He is not ruling that out either. If I ran for governor, for instance, it would not be your typical campaign, Kinzinger said. It wouldn't be a campaign based on 'this guy's so terrible' or all this bad stuff. It would actually be inspirational, aspirational, and there would be a plan to fix Illinois. Kinzinger said its really tough for a Republican in a statewide race, but the right candidate can win. Hes not yet sure thats him, but he is certain that candidate isnt in the race yet. Declared candidates include state Sen. Darren Bailey, R-Xenia; former state Sen. Paul Schmipf, R-Waterloo; and suburban Chicago businessman Gary Rabine. I have a hard time seeing any of the announced candidates right now for our party statewide having a shot at it because if you're right now playing to as far right as you can, you're not gonna win the suburbs, he said. If I would do anything statewide, it wouldn't be as a fallback option, Kinzinger said. But it's not my intention right now. But, I also don't want to be dishonest and say I have no interest and no intention. But for now, Kinzinger says, he is focused on getting the truth out to a large enough audience. Beyond Kinzingers hits on cable television, that means building up his Country First PAC, which will endorse candidates in 2022. It also has a sign-up form and links to videos and a podcast hosted by Kinzinger. The goal, he said, is to build a movement dedicated to the truth, even if success isnt guaranteed. If I had the formula, I'd be implementing it, but maybe that'll become evident, he said. Here's what is evident: I can't do it by myself. And I need people that agree to join up and to speak up. It is so much easier to be silent. Trust me, I would love to be silent, but you just can't. And if all this the impeachment vote and everything else thats come up since leads to the end of Kinzingers political career, hes just fine with that. There's a lot of people that say they're willing to put it all on the line, but when the chips are down, they don't, Kinzinger said. Why am I at peace? Because I know I've been tested. And I know that whether I win or not is actually really secondary to what I've been called to do, which is to tell people the truth. Its a battle hes willing to wage. Do I think it's David vs. Goliath, and I am David right now? I certainly do, Kinzinger said. But at the end of the day, we know who won that battle. Contact Brenden Moore at 217-421-7984. Follow him on Twitter: @brendenmoore13. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Public health officials are investigating a recent COVID-19 outbreak at a Baptist church retreat in Ohio with 800 participants coming from various churches in several states, including Illinois. The retreat was held at Camp Chautauqua in Miamisburg, Ohio, from June 27 to July 3. Attendees came from Ohio, Kentucky, Illinois and Indiana, according to Public Health Dayton & Montgomery County, the local health agency. At least 30 cases of COVID-19 in Ohio and Kentucky have been linked to the retreat, according to a July 12 news release from the public health department. Local media reports have said the number of known infections stemming from the event has since increased to 70. Its unknown if any attendees from Illinois have tested positive for the virus. The health department news release said the camp and event organizers failed to respond to Public Health for several days after the initial cases were recognized and have not provided contact information for attendees. Public health officials are asking anyone who attended to contact their local health department or Public Health Dayton & Montgomery County at (937) 225-4508. Medical experts can then provide instructions for self-quarantine, monitoring symptoms and testing, as needed, according to the news release. Those who attended the retreat are also urged to monitor themselves for symptoms and contact a health care provider if symptoms develop. This outbreak demonstrates that the COVID-19 virus is still circulating and continues to make people sick, said Dr. Michael Dohn, medical director of the local public health agency. Chautauqua Camp and Conference Center in a statement on its website confirmed that it hosted a retreat on its campus during that time and on July 1 an individual tested positive for COVID-19. The statement goes on to say that we immediately had the person quarantined off campus. In addition, we initiated diligent monitoring of the rest of the group for symptoms and began temperature checks of individuals associated with that group, the statement said. We also performed temperature checks and COVID tests for our staff after receiving the news of this single positive case. Coronavirus outbreaks have been linked to multiple church camps and retreats across the country this summer. At least 160 COVID-19 cases stemmed from a June church youth camp in Texas, where only about a half-dozen of the infected individuals had been vaccinated; several test samples were confirmed to be the highly infectious delta variant of the virus, according to the Galveston County Health District. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment is investigating an outbreak at a church summer camp held in late June, spurring at least 23 cases. It was one of several summer camps listed as COVID-19 cluster sites by the state agency. And in Central Illinois, at least 85 campers and staff caught COVID-19 at Crossing Camp in Rushville, a four-night church camp held in mid-June. Only a handful of campers and staff there were vaccinated, even though all were eligible to get the shot, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. At least one person was hospitalized, the state health department said. Masking was not required when indoors and the camp was not checking vaccination statuses. On the camps website, the four-night camp in Schuyler County was billed as a powerful and life-changing event. A packing list included items like a sleeping bag, sunscreen and a Bible, but didnt mention bringing a mask. Most of the COVID-19 infections were among teens, said IDPH director Dr. Ngozi Ezike in a statement. The perceived risk to children may seem small, but even a mild case of COVID-19 can cause long-term health issues, she said. Additionally, infected youth who may not experience severe illness can still spread the virus to others, including those who are too young to be vaccinated or those who dont build the strong expected immune response to the vaccine. Then some camp participants attended a nearby church conference, which led to 11 more COVID-19 cases, according to the state health department. At least 70% of the people infected at the conference were not vaccinated, the agency said. Crossing Camp is affiliated with The Crossing, a nondenominational Christian church with locations in Illinois, Missouri and Iowa. BELLEVILLE A Modoc man died while attempting to help another person whose car had struck a utility pole and rolled over. Roger Muertz, 57, was electrocuted after making contact with a live power line which had been knocked to the ground by the overturned car, according to the Waterloo Republic-Times. The vehicle crashed into a pole at about 11 p.m. on Bluff Road at Roscow Hollow Road between Prairie du Rochier and Modoc in rural Randolph County. The name of the car's driver and details about what led to the crash have not been released. According to Illinois State Police the investigation is still ongoing. "We're still waiting to interview possible suspects, or people, or witnesses involved," said Acting Lt. Brian Wilson. Muertz was pronounced dead at the scene. Family and friends haven taken to social media to share tributes to him. He was a member of several clubs in his area, including Modoc and Waterloo Sportman's Club. A longtime friend and his cousin's wife, Pam Muertz, said he was loved in his community and that his attempt to help someone in need was typical. "It's not surprising that he died while helping someone. He was always willing to help," she said. "If he saw someone stranded, he would stop. If someone needed help with a house, he would cancel his plans to help. "It's horrifying what happened to him but knowing that he was helping someone else ... that's the way he would go." Pam Muertz recalled how much children loved her friend. "He loved to play pool," she said. If he would go somewhere with a pool table and there were kids around, he would always show them how to play pool. "He would play Santa Claus for the family and the kids just adored him. It was like a magnet." Pam referred to Roger as a "sweetheart," and described him as a jokester who liked to cheer up others. Pam said two things she will greatly miss about Roger are his smile and laugh. "It's hard looking at pictures. Seeing him smile and hearing him laugh. He was infectious that way," she said. "He always wanted you to be happy, he was one of those people." Roger Muertz is survived by his son Edward P. Muertz; parents Richard and Nancy Muertz; sister Tammi Eschmann; aunts; uncles; nephews and nieces, Brittany, Courtney, Heather, Nicole, Danielle, and Cody; great-nieces and great-nephews; cousins; and friends. A memorial service will be held in Waterloo at Quernheim Funeral Home, 800 S. Market St., on Saturday, July 17 at 3 p.m. Memorial visitation is from 4-8 p.m. on July 16 and 1 p.m. until time of service on July 17 at Quernheim Funeral Home. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 After six decades of communist rule, thousands of angry Cubans have taken to the streets, demanding freedom and calling for communist President Miguel Diaz-Canel to step down. Their message is straightforward: Basta! Enough of living in near poverty. Enough of being denied the most basic human rights. Enough of broken promises and abandoned dreams. Enough of COVID-19 and no vaccine. Communist police are using tear gas and arresting Cuban demonstrators, but the regime is facing an existential crisis reminiscent of 1989 in Eastern Europe and the open rebellion of people behind the Iron Curtain. In January of that year, East Germanys communist boss boasted that the Berlin Wall would stand for another 100 years. In November, the wall came tumbling down under the pressure exerted by the East German and other captive peoples, no longer willing to accept Communist rule. The present-day Cuban demonstrations are a logical outcome of communist Cubas long-standing indifference to the life of the Cuban people. Consider these facts. From 1959 through the late 1990s, more than 100,000 Cubans were placed in forced labor camps and prisons, including the infamous Presidio Modelo on the Island of Pines. Between 15,000 and 17,000 people were shot, more than a few at the hand of Che Guevara. Communist Cuba exported Marxism-Leninism throughout Latin America, in Colombia, Guatemala, Nicaragua and Venezuela. A special target was the small island nation of Grenada, which was to function as the third leg of a communist triangle of Cuba, Nicaragua and Venezuela. Communist Cuba often provided the ground troops for the Soviet Unions strategy of inciting Third World revolution, especially in Africa. For example, Castro sent a force of 50,000 men to Angola. Communist Cuba brought the world to the brink of nuclear war in 1962 when it allowed the Soviets to build sites for offensive nuclear missiles aimed at major cities in the United States. Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev said that Castro requested a Soviet nuclear attack on the United States. At this possible tipping point in Cuba, what should be the U.S. response? President Joe Biden has said he wants to restore Americas moral leadership around the globe. He has been given a golden opportunity to do so next week. Since 1959, every U.S. president from Dwight Eisenhower to Barack Obama has issued a Captive Nations Proclamation, condemning communist tyranny and pledging Americas support of those captive peoples yearning to be free. It so happens that there are still five communist regimes in the world: China, North Korea, Vietnam, Laos and Cuba. But the White House is said to be thinking of replacing the Captive Nations phrase for Free and Open Societies Week. While such a change would probably please George Soros whose own vehicles for destabilizing other countries are called Open Society Foundations and other progressives, it would sorely disappoint the brave Cuban dissidents who are standing up to Cubas communist rulers. The bipartisan Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation has got in right, urging Biden to demonstrate the commitment of the United States to promoting liberty and human rights by issuing a strong 2021 Captive Nations Week proclamation. All who support freedom should second VOCs motion. Lee Edwards is the Distinguished Fellow in Conservative Thought in the B. Kenneth Simon Center for Principles and Politics at The Heritage Foundation (heritage.org). Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Building and repairing roads, bridges and other public works projects is one of the few acts of government that draw bipartisan support at least in theory. In practice, congressional Republicans have balked in recent years at ambitious infrastructure proposals, unwilling to raise the funds needed to pay for them. Thats why the bipartisan infrastructure framework unveiled last month by 10 Senate Democrats and Republicans was considerably smaller than President Bidens $2.2 trillion American Jobs Plan, proposing less than $600 billion in new spending. To avoid crossing a GOP red line, the group sought no tax hikes, just a collection of spending shifts and restraints. But now, as the negotiators try to work out the fine details, some Republicans and conservative interest groups are squirming over provisions that were supposedly settled. Their complaints carry more than a whiff of pretext. One of the main points in dispute is that the spending would be paid for in part by beefing up the Internal Revenue Services enforcement of tax laws. Spending $40 billion more on the IRS could raise $100 billion over the coming decade, supporters of the bipartisan plan say. By some other estimates, the return could be even higher. The target here is what policymakers call the tax gap, which is the difference between what individuals and businesses owe and what they actually pay. The IRS estimates that taxpayers underpay by hundreds of billions of dollars every year, belying the idea that taxes are as certain as death. And one reason for the gap is that Congress has winnowed the IRS funding, particularly in its enforcement arm, which has been cut by more than a quarter since 2010. Every president since Ronald Reagan has sought to narrow the tax gap, including Donald Trump, who famously bragged in 2016 about contributing to the problem. And yet some Republicans and their allies are pushing back against the idea now. Whats really bothering Republicans here may be that the fear that the bipartisan infrastructure bill is a gateway to much more spending. But the two measures shouldnt be conflated. The public strongly supports more spending on infrastructure because of the daily reminders of the need for better transportation, water, energy and communications systems. Republicans should stop looking for excuses to back away from what could be a significant bipartisan achievement for this polarized Congress. Los Angeles Times Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1 100 years ago July 16, 1921: A photo in todays paper gives an overview of the Washington Street underpass, still under construction. Its reported to be bigger than people think, running from Robinson to McClun streets. The photo was taken from the roof of the American Foundry & Furnace plant. 75 years ago July 16, 1946: There is still no movement in the city workers wage dispute. The city offered a nickel an hour increase, but the workers are still off the job. They want 20 cents. The union has ordered no pickets. Some essential jobs are being covered, and police are taking calls. 50 years ago July 16, 1971: An intense fire destroyed a fairly new camping trailer parked at Jollys Lake west of Bloomington. The trailer belonged to Chester and Dora Gibson, who were not there when the blaze was discovered. Firemen said it may have been smoldering for some time. 25 years ago July 16, 1996: El Paso has a problem with starlings. They fly in from the fields at night, roost and leave a mess. Police lack the manpower to control them alone, so the city will allow citizens to help police shoot them. Cops say they will be sure to hand pick responsible shooters. Compiled by Jack Keefe; jkeefe@coldwellhomes.com. This service applies to you if your subscription has not yet expired on our old site. You will have continued access until your subscription expires; then you will need to purchase an ongoing subscription through our new system. Please contact the Parsons Sun office at (620) 421-2000 if you have any questions According to a new Canalys report covering Q2-21 smartphone shipments, China's Xiaomi is shown to have knocked Apple of second spot globally. Yet for now, it's a meaningless victory over Apple. The Canalys report stated that " It is still largely skewed toward the mass market, however, and compared with Samsung and Apple, its average selling price is around 40% and 75% cheaper respectively. So a major priority for Xiaomi this year is to grow sales of its high-end devices, such as the Mi 11 Ultra. But it will be a tough battle, with Oppo and Vivo sharing the same objective, and both willing to spend big on above-the-line marketing to build their brands in a way that Xiaomi is not." Profits is what makes Apple the envy of the industry. In May we posted a report titled "In Q1 Apple's iPhone 12 Captured One-Third of Smartphone Industry Revenue with more Volume than their Top Competitors Combined." Xiaomi is filling the market void left by Huawei, who used it's cheap 'Honor' brand to achieve its market standing. Its higher end phones, like Xiaomi's are still unable to touch Apple's high-end models worldwide. While analytical companies love to tout "volume" leaders, it's a useless industry marker to determine a market leader. (Click on image to Enlarge) Though, to be fair, Xiaomi could be a real force in the coming years, make no mistake about it. The company is driven to take more chances in the market. They just introduced a competing folding smartphone to Samsung's Z Fold branded the Mi Mix Fold with an 8" inside display. The phone also introduced a liquid lens thanks to form Apple supplier OFilm as as presented below. On Tuesday we posted a report titled "Apple Suppliers LG InnoTek and Corning Share Patents on a next-gen "Liquid Lens" that could replace the need for a Periscope Zoom Lens. Xiaomi wanted to get ahead of Apple on this front and they're working on other higher end models and features. But for now, Xiaomi's claim to fame is still built on cheap phones and their rapid expansion into emerging markets. To become the second place winner over Apple, Xiaomi delivered a monster quarter with annual growth of 83% in contrast to Apple's +1% as presented in the chart below. Beyond selling cheaper smartphones, much of their growth in the quarter came from rapidly expanding it's market coverage. (Click on image to Enlarge) Canalys Research Manager Ben Stanton: "Xiaomi is growing its overseas business rapidly For example, its shipments increased more than 300% in Latin America, 150% Africa and 50% in Western Europe. Stanton added that as Xiaomi "grows, it evolves. It is now transforming its business model from challenger to incumbent, with initiatives such as channel partner consolidation and more careful management of older stock in the open market." Xiaomi has been carefully building it's patent portfolio prior its entry into the U.S. market so as to better protect itself against possible patent infringement lawsuits from Apple. Entering the U.S. market is likely to allow Xiaomi to easily overcome Samsung as the global smartphone leader in shipments and that can't be too far down the road. In early June a group of Apple employees openly rebelled against Apple's return to work policy. By the end of June, Apple quietly got the message out that Apple was going ahead with their back to work plan without deviation. Not only are Apple employees not happy with this stance, Google employees aren't as well with Google's determination that employees must return to work, reports Bloomberg. Some Apple employees are threatening to quit to force Apple's hand. Bloomberg reports that "Google software engineers reported something in a recent survey that surprised higher-ups: they felt as productive working from home as they did before the pandemic. Internal research at the Alphabet Inc. unit also showed that employees want more 'collaboration and social connections' at work, according to Brian Welle, a human resources vice president. Welle declined to provide exact figures but said more than 75 per cent of surveyed employees answered this way. Most staff also specifically craved physical proximity when working on new projects. 'Theres something about innovative work when you need that spark,' Welle said in an interview. 'Our employees feel like those moments happen better when theyre together.' Thats partially why, despite the rebound in productivity, the technology giant is sticking with its plan to bring most employees back to offices this fall. Workers in many industries have decided to quit their jobs rather than give up virtual work. While some tech companies went fully remote during the pandemic, others that havent, like Apple Inc., have also dealt with staff resisting a return. You could read more about this part of the story at BNN Bloomberg. While it's been reported that Apple employees may go the legal route to force the issue with Apple, a video report by BNN Bloomberg has Kevin Coon, a Partner with the law firm Baker McKenzie, a firm I believe Apple has used over time, lays out the issues of fighting an employer about an order to return to work. The Verge reports today that "Some employees say they will quit if Apple doesnt change its stance." That's a different story and and we'll have to see how far that threat actually goes. Payson, AZ (85541) Today Variable clouds with scattered thunderstorms. High around 85F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%.. Tonight Mostly cloudy with scattered thunderstorms mainly during the evening. Low 66F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 40%. Payson, AZ (85541) Today Mixed clouds and sun with scattered thunderstorms. High around 85F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%.. Tonight Mostly cloudy skies. Scattered thunderstorms this evening. Low 66F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 40%. Prices of major staple foods in the Eastern Region, maize, millet and beans, have moved up in the first two weeks of July 2021, following increases in transport fares. The market price upturn has stimulated increases in the prices of foods prepared, using maize and beans. The traders, largely women, interacting with the Ghana News Agency during a survey conducted in the New Juaben South and Abuakwa South municipalities, called for swift government intervention to stabilize food prices. The market survey at Juaben Serwa, Agatha, Koforidua Central and Kyebi markets showed that a maximum bag of maize is selling for GH600.00 and the mini bag at GH350.00. A bowl, locally known as "Olonka", is going for GH12.00. Madam Alice Ahenkorah, a maize seller, told GNA that since January the price of maize had seen a steady rise and attributed the recent increases to the marginal hike in transportation fares. She said the price of a bag of maize hovered around GH450.00 from January to March while Olonka was sold at GHS8.00 but in May a bag rose from GH450.00 to GH480.00 with Olonka moving up to GH9.00. Other traders blamed the upsurge on the high cost of farm inputs, including agrochemicals forcing farmers to adjust prices upwards to cover the cost. Ms Mary Jonhson, a maize wholesaler, who has been in the business for many years, explained how she procured maize through long travels sometimes to Upper East Region, stressing that persistent fuel price increases were influencing transportation costs. She said the retail maize prices had to go up to commensurate the farm gate price so that sellers could break even and stay in business. Apart from transportation costs, she said maize farmers had increased their prices due to the rising cost of inputs. Ms Philomina Ofori, a Kenkey seller, said the price of maize had compelled her to either reduce her kenkey sizes or sell a ball at GH2.00 as against the previous price of GH1 or GH1.50. Even with the GH2.00, she added, the size had to be reduced to be able to make a profit and cover costs of other items such as pepper, plastic carrier bags for wrapping Kenkey, corn husk and firewood. The survey also established that prices of legumes were not different as a bag of beans was sold between GH1,100.00 and GH1,180.00 and Olonka at GH35.00 to GH40.00 on average, depending on beans type and quality. Madam Haji Abubakari, a seller, said she got her supply from Techiman in the Bono East Region at prices ranging from GH1120.00 to GH11800.00. At Kyebi in the Abuakwa South Municipality, buyers and sellers were equally worried about the hike in prices of rice, millet, maize, oat and wheat, which were blamed on the onset of rains and new crop harvest season. The prices had remained high in recent weeks as compared to last month due to the depletion of old stock. Some traders have taken advantage of the situation and sharply increased prices, according to the market women as Ms Naana Yeboah, a maize seller, said a bag of maize that used to sell at GH200.00 was currently between GH320.00 and GH350.00. She said many maize farmers in the local communities had not started planting because of the unpredicted rainfall pattern, saying if the trend continued then there might be a shortage of maize this season. Mrs Grace Osei, a trader, called for a uniform price for maize so that some traders would not capitalize on the shortage to dupe unsuspecting customers and appealed for market sheds for maize sellers at the Kyebi market. Ms Zenabu Alhassan, a wheat and oat seller, said that wheat was very affordable, unlike oat. A cup of wheat costs GH3.00 previously and was still sold at the same price. She blamed the price variations on transport charges, fuel increases, and unpredictable rainfall. The women called on the government to initiate actions that would ensure stable prices at the pump, standardize local food prices and regulate prices of farm inputs. 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 Minister of Health, Mr Kwaku Agyeman-Manu, has given the assurance that in spite of frustrations in accessing vaccines from the global market, the government was determined to vaccinate a greater chunk of the population He said although over 1.2 million Ghanaians had so far been vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus, we want to vaccinate 20 million people, which represents about 60 per cent of the population and by this, we will achieve herd immunity. Mr Agyeman-Manu was speaking at a meeting between the Ministry of Health, the Japanese government and the United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF) to review the country partnership over a period of time. The health minister explained that out of the number that had been vaccinated, 381,000 of them had received their second jabs, with plans underway to ensure the rest got their second jabs. Review meeting The meeting was to celebrate the successes chalked up in the long-term relationship between the government, Japan and UNICEF. It was on the theme: Celebrating successes and exploring more opportunities to give every child in Ghana a fair chance in life. Universal health coverage Mr Agyeman-Manu said the government appreciated the immense support from the Japanese government and other development partners towards the countrys universal health coverage drive and strengthening the health system, specifically the COVID-19 response. We have had a long and successful relationship with the government of Japan and UNICEF in the implementation of various initiatives related to improving the health of Ghanaians. As a sector, we have benefitted immensely from technical support and grant aid provided, he stated. He said Ghana had defined universal health coverage as all people having timely access to high quality health services irrespective of ability to pay at the point of use. We are aware that most of these programmes implemented with support from Japan and UNICEF have accelerated our progress towards attaining our universal health goals, especially in improving access to quality health services, including maternal and child health services. Access to health services The health minister also pointed out that access to health services had been enhanced in several regions and districts, with the support provided towards strengthening CHPS services, especially in the five regions in the northern part of Ghana. During the COVID-19 pandemic, access to testing facilities were also enhanced with the support provided to the Noguchi Memorial Institute of Medical Research, which placed the institute at the fore of the detection of the virus in Ghana, even before other facilities were brought on board. The recently installed COVID-19 testing and diagnostic machine at the Eastern Regional Hospital has also contributed to the testing capacity for Ghana and reduced the waiting period from several days to a few hours, he stated. The Government of Japan has contributed nearly $1 million to procure ultra-cold chain equipment, designed to store COVID-19 vaccines at very low temperatures, as part of an ongoing strategic partnership with the Government of Ghana to shore up COVID-19 vaccinations and population immunity in the country. The investment is expected to ensure capacity building and training of over 140 health staff on how to operate and maintain the cold chain equipment and monitor the COVID-19 vaccines distribution. The Japanese Ambassador to Ghana, Mr Himeno Tsutomu, said Japan strongly emphasised human security as one of the philosophies of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development. Human security is not only about protection but also empowerment, and so it is profoundly important to intervene in the areas of health and nutrition as well as to fight against COVID-19. This new contribution has brought the total of Japans support through UNICEF in Ghana to approximately $3.3 million since 2019, he stated. Building back better The UNICEF Representative in Ghana, Ms Anne Claire Dufay, for her part, said the strategic partnership was essential to build back better and strengthen health systems for the future. Together, we are making a difference in the lives of children and their families, she said. Source: graphiconline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The leader of South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal province has apologised for punching a looter who was attempting to make off with goods stolen from a warehouse in Durban. The incident was filmed and began circulating on social media. KZN Premier Sihle Zikalala assault one of the looters in Durban on Wednesday live on national TV. #KZNLooting Meanwhile, Minister of police Bheki Cele had warned citizens against taking the law to their own hands. #bhekicele #KZNViolence #KingMisuZulu pic.twitter.com/boHbyHncBY Sakhiseni Nxumalo (@SakhiNxumalo) July 14, 2021 While the action of apprehending a resisting looter is justified, the manner in which this was done is deeply regretted, a statement from Premier Sihle Zikalala's office said.The premier apologizes for this incident. The premier believes that public violence has no place in society, and in the same spirit those who commit acts of destruction do not share in the values of our nation.The government now plans to deploy 25,000 troops counter the riots sparked by the jailing last week of former President Jacob Zuma.At least 117 people have died and more than 2,000 have been arrested in South Africa's worst unrest in years 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 President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, on Friday, 16th July 2021, commissioned the National Mosque of Ghana Complex, at a brief ceremony at Nima. The edifice contains a grand mosque which is the second largest in West Africa, an office complex for the National Chief Imam, a clinic fitted with laboratories and a pharmacy, a library and a morgue. With the current and immediate past Presidents of the Republic of Niger, their Excellencies Mohammed Bazoum and Mahamadou Issoufou, and Professor Ali Erbas, President of the Directorate of Religious Affairs of Turkey, present, President Akufo-Addo applauded the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, as well as the Government and people of the Republic of Turkey for its financial and technical support offered towards the construction of the Complex. The minaret of this mosque is very visible from many parts of Accra. For me, it is not just the beauty that it adds to Accras skyline that excites me necessarily. I am even more excited by the fact that, as a Christian-majority country, a symbol of Islam can beautifully adorn our landscape, and expose the beauty of religious harmony that we enjoy in Ghana, and which continues to be the envy of the rest of the world, the President said. Acknowledging the importance of a mosque in the theological architecture of Islam, he noted that Prophet Mohammeds Mosque in Madina continues to be a site of pilgrimage for devotees from across the world. The mosque, President Akufo-Addo explained, is not just a place of prayer, stressing that it is a hub for social and cultural activities. In other words, a mosque is supposed to bring people together, and not divide them. He, thus, urged the National Chief Imam and members of the Muslim fraternity to use the occasion of the commissioning of the Complex to foster even further the unity of the Muslim Ummah in Ghana, and, by extension, the unity of the Ghanaian people. This beautiful Complex is a replica of the famous Blue Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey, which has become one of the most visited mosques in the world for the purposes of tourism. I expect that we should also nurture and take care of this mosque, and build its profile as a tourist destination for travelers to our country, he said. President Akufo-Addo continued, Fortunately, our Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture is a devout Muslim and an astute business man, and I expect him to craft an appropriate strategy to make this beautiful edifice a place of pilgrimage. On his part, the President pledged to continue to serve Ghanaians with all his strength and with all his heart. I shall continue to be faithful to my presidential oath, and, hopefully, I can count on your support and the support of the Ghanaian people to make our country great and strong, he added. 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 At least 67 people have died and at least 70 are missing after torrential rain triggered some of Europe's deadliest flooding in years - with homes and cars swept away in Germany and parts of Belgium. Hardest-hit was western Germany where at least 45 people were killed, spread across its most-populous state of North Rhine-Westphalia and neighbouring Rhineland-Palatinate. The town of Schuld, south of Bonn, was particularly badly affected - with at least 18 killed there and in the nearby town of Ahrweiler with dozens missing when the Ahr river burst its banks and swept away homes even as people sheltered on their rooftops. Read Full Story .... dailymail.co.uk >>> : Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Samuel Arthur, a community health advocate is pushing for the tightening of COVID-19 restrictions to help contain the spread of the viral disease in the country. His call is coming on the back of fears the country may witness a third wave following recent increase in active cases. Speaking on on Asaase Radio, Arthur said: Only a couple of weeks ago, I know Accra Hearts of Oak and Kumasi Asante Kotoko had a match apparently this is the time when this new variant had showed up, now if the variant is that deadly and from what we are hearing the variant is such that the kind of vaccines we are receiving will not be able to deal adequately with it Then I find it a bit more disturbing why we dont want to tighten the restrictions and ensure that these protocols actually are adhered to. Arthur added: If the stadiums are opened, funerals are happening, people are congregating, people are meeting and unfortunately most people are not adhering to the protocols and we want to place our fortunes on luck and luck will not work in this case. The community health advocate said the continuous flouting of the COVID-19 protocols at various social gatherings across the country calls for a rethink of the approach in tackling the viral disease. Case update At least 158 new coronavirus cases have been confirmed by the Ghana Health Service (GHS) pushing the countrys active cases to 2,512. The death toll now stands at 806 after two additional fatalities were recorded across the country. The total number of confirmed cases is 98,114 out of which 94,796 have recovered. 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 The Finance Committee of Parliament has tabled a request for the waiver of $13.1 million tax and duties for the purchase of vehicles for the official use of Members of Parliament (MPs) and the Council of State from 2021 to 2024. The waiver will cover import duties, import national health insurance levy (NHIL), import GETFund levy, import value-added tax (VAT), EXIM levy, COVID-19 levy, African Union (AU) levy, inspection fees and withholding tax (IRS tax deposit) on the vehicles. Report The request for the tax waiver was contained in a report which was laid by the Chairman of the Finance Committee, Mr Kwaku Kwarteng yesterday. The report observed that the loans were necessary to provide the framework for the disbursement of funds by the NIB to finance the purchase of vehicles for MPs and Council of State members. The report said the need for a safe and reliable means of transport for MPs, in particular, in the performance of their functions between Parliament House and their respective constituencies could not be overemphasised. The report said the committee noted that in respect of the MPs, the agreement required an undertaking by the Parliamentary Service of Ghana to make deductions from the remuneration of the beneficiaries at source and to issue a single cheque to cover the monthly repayments of the loan. In the case of the members of the Council of State, it said the Ministry of Finance was required to secure an undertaking from each beneficiary to ensure that allowances were channelled through their accounts with the NIB and to mandate the NIB to effect deductions for the purpose of the loan repayment. Additionally, the loan agreements require each beneficiary to obtain a comprehensive insurance to cover the vehicles purchased, the report said. Numbers The report said the committee agreed with the Ministry of Finance that the number of vehicles to be purchased by each beneficiary member be capped at two for the purposes of the tax waiver which shall not exceed the cedi equivalent of $43,750 for any member. Thus, any member who purchases more than two vehicles will be required to foot the tax bill on the extra vehicles even if the total tax exemption on the first two has not exceeded the tax exemption cap, it said. Discontinuation According to the report, the committee took note of recent concerns expressed by many sections of the public about the burden the current vehicle loan arrangement for MPs and members of the Council of State imposed on the public purse. These legitimate concerns are fuelled by the fact that of all the Article 71 officeholders, it is only MPs and Council of State members who benefit from these vehicle loans, part of which are re-paid by the state, it said. The report added: The committee took the view that as representatives of the people, MPs cannot continue to leave these concerns unattended which weakens the confidence Ghanaians have in us and we have a responsibility to reflect the values and ideals of the people we represent. Accordingly, the committee strongly recommended to Parliament the discontinuation of the current vehicle loan agreement for MPs and the Council of State members. Members of Parliament and the members of the Council of State should have similar duty post vehicle arrangements as other Article 71 officeholders have. And the committee respectfully recommends that Parliament and the Parliamentary Service take the necessary steps to ensure that this happens. The instant vehicle loan arrangement for MPs and Council of State members before us today should, therefore, be the last one the state is sponsoring, it added. Background On July 7, 2021, the Deputy Minister of Finance, Mrs Abena Osei-Asare, on behalf of the Minister of Finance, laid a $28 million medium-term loan agreement involving the government, MPs of the Eighth Parliament and the National Investment Bank Limited, to finance the purchase of vehicles for MPs of the current Parliament. Besides, the Minister for Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mr Ebenezer Kojo Kum, also laid in the House a $3.5 million medium-term agreement among the government, the members of the Council of State and the National Investment Bank (NIB) Limited to finance the purchase of vehicles for members of the Council of State. The loan agreements and the request for the waiver of taxes were presented to the House on July 13, 2021 and referred to the Finance Committee for consideration and report. 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 Deputy Lands and Natural Resources Minister, George Mireku Duker has expressed worry over the opposition against the payment of salaries to President and Vice President's spouses following recommendations by Prof. Yaa Ntiamoah-Baidu Committee. The Committee was charged with the responsibility to look into the emoluments of Article 71 public officeholders, and submitting their report to President Nana Akufo-Addo, proposed the payment of a salary equivalent to a Cabinet Minister who is a Member of Parliament (MP) to the First Lady and a salary equivalent to a Cabinet Minister who is not a Member of Parliament (MP) be given to the Second Lady. But the Committee's recommendations were met with intense criticisms, subsequently compelling First Lady Rebecca Akufo-Addo to refund their allowances and Second Lady Samira Bawumia pledging to follow suit. Contributing to a panel discussion on Peace FM's 'Kokrokoo' programme, Hon. Mireku Duker had a huge problem with those opposing the Committee's recommendations. He wondered why any person would object to the salary payment to the Presidential spouses because, to him, they deserve a better treatment. According to him, not paying the First and Second Ladies salaries is a potential ground for breeding corruption. "This is because the First and Second Ladies' husbands may not commit themselves to their service to the country but rather pilfer from the coffers of the State," he expounded. Hon. Mireku Duker admonished Ghanaians to support the salary payment to the First and Second Ladies. "We need to stop this and rather motivate our leaders to have a selfless spirit of service without looking right or left to know that, tomorrow, there is dignity. There's pride. There's hope for them so they don't siphon Ghana's money to protect the purse of this country," he stated. Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video There are a myriad of music producers in Ghana but Veteran music producer, Zapp Mallet has named Kaywa and Koda as his favorite music producers presently. He noted that they are not only matured people but their maturity is reflected in the work they do as music producers. Asked to list his favorite crop of music producers in Ghana, Zapp Mallet said, Right now David Kyei, Kaywa, yes prophet Kaywa and Koda are my favorite producers. Koda, the artiste, and producer from Takoradi is the one I am talking about. They are mature and there is maturity in what they do. The recording engineer who has been nurturing music producers in his own small way argues it is sometimes difficult to deal with the present generation. It is hard to deal with the millennials sometimes but I do my best. I have people coming to understudy me and leave not long after and that is it. According to him, the young sound producers are not lazy but how they use the new technology for production is the problem. Technology has paved the way for things to be done easily. For instance, I dont struggle to do things like before. I can just tune and dial and I deal with it and I am done. But at the end of the day, it is not so much about the technology but what you use the technology for. You can use the tech to kill you can use it to make life. So you can use it to do bad music, terrible music, or good music. He believes regardless of technology has made things easier, I just think that people are not tapping into their creativity. They are just depending on the tech and are not tapping into their creativity so much. Zapp Mallet trusts current music producers can achieve greatness if they are tasked to do so. Addressing rumors that younger artistes refuse to work with producers and engineers from his generation, he replied in the positive. They are not bringing us their projects because I will not use 3 hours to finish it for them. Right now what I hear is people use their 3hours to work on songs and dont care even juxtapose it with the beat to know if they go together or not but they just put it together and off they go. The experienced producer however prefers to analyze and break down his work so itll take time. For me, music is an art and not a sport like the 100 metre run. It is an art I need to take my time on. It is like making love I have to take my time and not just slam, bam, and leave. Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The 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. Work continues at construction site at 53 W. Germantown Pike in East Norriton Township after a roofing worker died following a fall last week. All photos courtesy of Variety - the Childrens Charity of the Delaware Valley WASHINGTON Senior Presidential Advisor on Diaspora Affairs ambassador Abbey Walusimbi and Sierra Leones ambassador to United States Sidique Abou-Bakarr Wai have met and held bilateral talks in Washington DC aimed at boosting cooperation in areas of mutual interest including diaspora engagement. The officials emerged from the meeting with both sides deeming it constructive and positive. Mr. Walusimbi said the engagement aimed at marketing Ugandas tourism and investment opportunities to diaspora in which he is calling for conducive atmosphere in the African continent to favour or diaspora investment. It is time as Africans to work together towards creating a conducive atmosphere that will allow our historical diasporas to return to the continent so as to make settlements as well as investments, Amb. Walusimbi said. Like President Museveni, Amb. Walusimbi too is a strong proponent of diaspora investment in Uganda and Africa. Amb. Sidique who is also the Secretary General ECOWAS Group of African Ambassadors in USA said that diaspora engagement must be made top priority for African countries to tap into the vast knowledge and potential they possess. When we talk of diaspora engagement, these diaspora in the United State are very smart, they are connected, they have resources, they have people in government, they know more that what you know about your countries. If you dont engage them, they wont share the information they have and information is power, Amb. Sadique said. Sadique noted that diaspora is a critical and essential force for governance, economic building and development of the African nations. Amb. Walusimbi also made a courtesy call to Ugandas ambassador to USA, Mull Katende at his office in Washington DC. Walusimbi appreciated Mr. Katende for his continuous collaboration with the office of the Senior Presidential Advisor on Diaspora Affairs. I bring you sincere commendation from President Museveni for your tremendous services that you have rendered to all Ugandans in the US and the diaspora in general. I also take the opportunity to appreciate all the staff at the Embassy in Washington, the services that you render to the Ugandan community is much welcome, Walusimbi noted. Comments Tallinn Summer Showdown Returns on July 18-25 July 16, 2021 Jason Glatzer The Tallinn Summer Showdown returns to Olympic Park Casino, located in the heart of the Estonian capital of Tallinn, for seven days of around-the-clock poker action from July 18-25. Last year, the Tallinn Summer Showdown was a beacon of hope as the first big live event in the first major festival in Northern Europe since the COVID pandemic. Players traveled not only from the typical Baltic and Scandanavian countries but made the journey from other countries in Europe to attend, including the charismatic Niall Farrell, who went on to ship the 2020 Tallinn Summer Showdown 1,000 Main Event for 32,125. Farrell will be one of many players to travel to Tallinn again this year and will aim to defend his title. The schedule features 33 action-packed events highlighted by the 1,100 Tallinn Summer Showdown Main Event on July 22-24. There is something for everyone on the schedule. Those with limited bankrolls can even get into the action with satellites starting at just 10 and low buy-in side events including the popular 60 Ladies Event. Those with bigger bankrolls can battle it out not only in the Main Event but the schedule also boasts a three-day 550 side event, a two-day six-max 2,000 High Roller, along with a handful of one-day events with 500-1,100 buy-ins. While no-limit hold'em players will have plenty to choose from on the schedule, players that enjoy other variants will be pleased to know there is plenty for them on the schedule as well with events in pot-limit Omaha, Short Deck, H.O.R.S.E., and Open Face Chinese Pineapple. Niall Farrell Wins 2020 Tallinn Summer Showdown Main Event The Tallinn Summer Showdown Main Event is a deep-stacked affair with players starting off with 30,000 in chips during each of the two opening flights. The first flight kicks off on Thursday, July 22 at 12 p.m. EEST where players will have plenty of time to build up a big stack with nine 60-minute blind levels. The second opening flight takes place later in the day at 8 p.m. EEST and features a faster structure with 30-minute blind levels. Survivors of either of these flights will resume for action with those that late register or reenter on Day 2 for two more days of action on July 23-24 until a winner is crowned. Players and poker enthusiasts will be able to follow the Main Event action as PokerNews will be on hand to commentate on the Tallinn Summer Showdown Main Event on the Olympic Casino social media channels. There are still plenty of opportunities both live and online at OlyBet Poker for players to qualify into the Main Event for a fraction of the cost. Traveling to Tallinn While poker players from most countries will be able to head into Estonia without a quarantine, things can change quickly. Up-to-date information on countries and self-isolation requirements for passengers can be found on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' homepage. 2021 Tallinn Summer Showdown Schedule Date Time (EEST) Event # Event Buy-in July 19 5 p.m. 1 Rake free satellite to the Main Event NB! Unlimited Rebuys + AO, 3 SEATS GTD 20 7 p.m. 2 Summer Showdown Opening, added 550 ticket to Event 5 330 10 p.m. 3 NL Hold'em Satellite to the SSD 550, Unlimited Re-Entry, 3 SEATS GTD 60 July 20 2 p.m. 4 Summer Showdown Deepstack 1A (LVL 1-14) 220 3 p.m. 5 NL Hold'em Satellite to the 550 SSD, Unlimited Re-Entry, 3 SEATS GTD 60 5 p.m. 6 Deepstack turbo paf special 70 7 p.m. 7 SSD 550 1A, 1 re-entry per flight, 2-Day Event, Final Day on Thursday at 21:00 550 9 p.m. 4 Summer Showdown Deepstack 1B Turbo (LVL 1-14) 220 11 p.m. 8 Satellite to the ME NB! Unlimited Rebuys + AO, 3 SEATS GTD 60 July 21 1 p.m. 7 SSD 550 1B 550 2 p.m. 4 Summer Showdown Deepstack FINAL DAY - 3 p.m. 9 Progressive Knockout, 100 into prize pool and 100 as progressive bounty, 220 5 p.m. 10 Satellite to the ME NB! Unlimited Rebuys + AO, 3 SEATS GTD 60 7 p.m. 7 SSD 550 1C Turbo 550 9 p.m. 11 4 Cards PLO Turbo Knockout, 150 into prize pool, 50 for knockout 220 11 p.m. 12 NLH Hyper-turbo 115 July 22 11:30 a.m. 13 Rake free satellite to the Main Event NB! Unlimited Rebuys + AO, 2 SEATS GTD 20 12 p.m. 14 Summer Showdown Main Event 1A, first day plays 8 levels 1,100 3 p.m. 15 NL Hold'em Satellite to Main Event 2021 1B, Unlimited Re-Entry, 2 SEATS GTD 115 3 p.m. 14 Summer Showdown Main Event 1B Turbo, first day plays 8 levels 1,100 9 p.m. 7 SSD 550 FINAL DAY - 9 p.m. 16 5 Cards PLO Progressive Knockout 6-max 440 11 p.m. 17 Short Deck 6-Max 115 July 23 12 p.m. 14 SSD Main Event, Day 2. Unlimited re-entry & late reg until end of LVL 9 1,100 1 p.m. 18 Rake free Satellite to event #21, unlimited 10 RB & 10 AO, 7 SEATS GTD 10 3 p.m. 19 Friday Deepstack 220 5 p.m. 20 Open Face Chinese pineapple, unlimited re-entry 330 5 p.m. 21 Satellite to SSD 2021 Highroller, Unlimited re-entry, 2 SEATS GTD 220 7 p.m. 22 Progressive Knockout 6-max 1,100 9 p.m. 23 4 Cards PLO hi-lo 330 11 p.m. 24 Hyper Turbo Knockout, 75 into prize pool, 25 for knockout 115 July 24 11:30 a.m. 25 Turbo Satellite to SSD 2021 Highroller, Unlimited re-entry, 2 SEATS GTD 115 12 p.m. 14 SSD Main Event, Final Day - 1 p.m. 19 Deepstack Final Day (Final table) - 1 p.m. 26 Ladies Event 60 3 p.m. 27 Summer Showdown Highroller 6-Max, Day1 2,000 3 p.m. 28 OlyBet Special 115 5 p.m. 29 PL Sviten Special 220 7 p.m. 30 Progressive Knockout 440 9 p.m. 31 PL Omaha 4 & 5 Cards, round of each, plays 8-handed 1,100 11 p.m. 32 NLH Win the Button Hyper-Turbo 115 July 25 12 p.m. 27 Summer Showdown Highroller 6-Max FINAL - 12 p.m. 28 OlyBet Special Final Day - 12 p.m. 30 Progressive Knockout Final Day - 1 p.m. 33 Hyper-Turbo Version of the ME 115 Head to the Tallinn Summer Showdown website for more information about this event. *Images courtesy of the Tallinn Summer Showdown and Olympic Park Casino 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. Moncks Corner, SC (29461) Today Partly cloudy early. Thunderstorms developing this afternoon. High 82F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%.. Tonight Scattered thunderstorms this evening becoming more widespread overnight. Low near 70F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%. Video: Sgt. Shaun Tumbleston along with Summerville PDs Lt. Chris Hirsch demonstrate how the BOLA Wrap works. It's being used in other departments around the country for non-pain compliance. Water both more and less of it promises to play a key role in Lt. Col. Andrew Johannes' tenure with the Army Corps of Engineers during the next two years. Johannes, who assumed command of the agency's Charleston District office July 16, will be on hand to wrap up a project giving Charleston Harbor the deepest waterway on the East Coast at 52 feet to better accommodate the bigger and heavier container ships visiting the Port of Charleston. He also will oversee a study examining how Charleston's peninsula can reduce coastal flooding an issue he's already witnessed in the 1 months since he moved to the Holy City. "As I drive around I see the water, the flooding, and that's something we take very seriously and that we need to work on," said Johannes, who previously served as a joint staff officer with NATO in Naples, Italy. The Army Corps, which is in charge of public and military engineering services, is expected to publish its recommendations to deal with the city's flooding in a final report to Congress in the fall of 2022. That's about the same time the decade-long, $558 million harbor deepening program, the district's biggest undertaking, will be finished. Johannes said the effort is an example of the agency's goal of "balancing economic growth with maintaining the environment." "I know there are a lot of great engineering challenges with the water situation here in South Carolina, and I look forward to doing the best I can to come up with solutions, myself and the team here," he said, referring to the Army Corps' 240 civilian and military employees in Charleston. "We've got a great team." Johannes is the 89th commander in the district's 150-year history. He suceeded Lt. Col. Rachel Honderd, who will move to the Army Corps headquarters in Washington, D.C., to become executive director of civil works. Sign up for our business newsletter. Our twice-weekly newsletter features all the business stories shaping Charleston and South Carolina. Get ahead with us - it's free. Email Sign Up! "It's bittersweet because I am stepping out of this role," Honderd, the district's first female commander, said during a change of command ceremony at The Citadel. "But it's also joyous and exciting because we get to come together and celebrate 150 years of service to the nation and all of the things that the people in this room have cobbled together, rolled up our sleeves together and been a force for good." During Honderd's tenure, the district issued 2,750 permits for projects and awarded more than $684 million in construction and service contracts. Honderd led a draft report for the flooding study and oversaw a record number of dredges working simultaneously on the harbor deepening project. She also safely led the district office through the coronavirus pandemic. "Her drive, determination and passion allowed the district to continue playing a critical role in the growth and prosperity of South Carolina during what will be remembered as one of the most challenging times for the country," the Army Corps said in a statement. Johannes, an Oklahoma native, has a doctorate in mechanical engineering and has served in several leadership positions during his 18-year military career. He built three forward operating bases in Afghanistan, has deployed on multiple combat tours to Iraq and Afghanistan and was senior engineer for the Special Operations Joint Task Force in Afghanistan in 2015. He and wife Cassie have three children. "We bid farewell to one proven leader and greet another," Brig. Gen. Jason Kelly said during the change of command ceremony, calling Johannes "an accomplished soldier and scholar." Johannes said he's looking forward to using his engineering skills, something he didn't get to do at his most recent assignment in Italy. Honderd, in turning command over to Johannes, reminded him of the job's importance, both for the present and future. "Every decision we make, every permit we issue, every study we undertake, every time we deepen the harbor, every military facility we build ... all of those have a history," she said. "Over the course of 150 years, the Charleston District has contributed to the growth and prosperity of South Carolina and beyond. You cannot tell the history of South Carolina without the Corps of Engineers and the Charleston District." The number of working South Carolinians in June climbed by more than 12,000 while the ranks of the unemployed dropped by 3,400, extending the labor market's recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Last month's jobless rate was 4.5 percent, down a tenth of a point from May. Nationally, unemployment increased slightly, to 5.9 percent. In a new report, the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce said July 16 that the education and health services fields added 1,800 jobs in June, matching growth in the trade, transportation and utilities sector. Manufacturers and miscellaneous service providers grew by 1,000 workers each. Offsetting the gains were financial firms, which shed 600 positions, while the hard-hit leisure and hospitality industry slipped by 400. Over the past year, South Carolina has added nearly 96,000 jobs, not including agriculture-related hires. Dan Ellzey, executive director of the labor agency, said the overall figures for June "demonstrate the states recovery and progress." "While unemployed individuals dropped by more than 3,400, what is particularly exciting is that the number of people working increased by more than 12,200," Ellzey said in a written statement. "That is nearly 9,000 people returning to the workforce from the sidelines. And now more than ever, the states businesses need the experience and willingness of South Carolinians to jump into open jobs. June also marked the month when the state stopped accepting federal pandemic-related unemployment benefits in a move that affected tens of thousands of residents. As a result, the number of requests for jobless aid tumbled more than 80 percent. For the week ending July 10, South Carolina paid out benefits to about 15,400 individuals, compared to more than 87,000 for the previous seven days, according to data posted July 15 by the state. Sign up for our business newsletter. Our twice-weekly newsletter features all the business stories shaping Charleston and South Carolina. Get ahead with us - it's free. Email Sign Up! The total payout fell to $9.5 million from $49.1 million. Both figures are well off the peak, which was reached in mid-May 2020, when nearly 247,000 recipients received $256.5 million. All federal pandemic aid was discontinued in the Palmetto State on June 26 after Gov. Henry McMaster opted out. The financial help from Washington included an extra $300 a week, on top of the standard benefits from South Carolina. Other programs provided assistance past the normal period and for self-employed and so-called gig economy workers who typically wouldnt be eligible. In May, McMaster said the influx of federal money was exacerbating the statewide labor shortage by making it more difficult for employers to recruit workers who are collecting multiple benefit checks, particularly in the hospitality industry. Some economists have disputed that reasoning, saying other factors are contributing to the crunch. McMaster, who has been adamant that individual residents must do what he believes is their part to shore up the economy, has also introduced programs to shore up the workforce. Last month, he announced an $8 million cash infusion for the technical college system, directing some of South Carolina's federal coronavirus relief aid toward tuition-free job-skills training. This week, the accelerateSC economic task force McMaster formed last year met to discuss how to assist businesses. One idea was to create a grant program that would help compensate them for money they paid into the state unemployment fund during the pandemic-induced recession. McMaster said after the meeting that he liked the proposal. The extent that we can measure the damage that was done strictly by the pandemic," he said. We want to try to help and fill that gap, if we can. LEXINGTON The Lexington Police Department arrested a man accused of stealing seven American flags in the towns Wellesley neighborhood in recent weeks. A resident in the neighborhood called police to report seeing a person who matched a man seen in security camera footage when the flags were taken, the department said. Christopher Lee Sisney, 37, of Houston was arrested near the neighborhood entrance off Ginny Lane on July 14 and charged with seven counts of petit larceny, authorities said. Sisney told police he was heavily intoxicated at the time and didn't remember why he had the urge to steal them, authorities said. "He stated that he had no memory of where he put the flags other than throwing them in the woods," a Lexington police news release said. One American flag and a flagpole were stolen from a home on Tolbert Street on June 25. Seven more American flags and one decorative ladybug yard flag were taken from Ashford Street and Ashford Way during the early morning hours of July 11 and July 12, police said. The stolen American flags were standard sizes flown outside homes and six of them included a flagpole. A resident found four of the stolen flags lying on the ground in the woods near Ashford Way on July 13 and hung them from trees, Lexington police said. The resident also recovered the decorative yard flag with ladybugs. The Lexington police gave no update about the three flags that remain missing. SWANSEA The state Ethics Commission will investigate suspended Swansea Mayor Jerald Sanders, who was indicted on criminal charges this week accusing him of directing town funds to an account for his personal charity. The state's ethics watchdog agency found probable cause to investigate Sanders on July 15 and is sending formal notification to him. In the ethics complaint, Sanders is accused of giving his charity, the Halo Community Foundation, $4,502.96 in unauthorized funds from the Lexington County town between December 2019 and January 2020, according to a complaint The Post and Courier obtained from the commission. The money Sanders gave the Halo Community Foundation was donated to the town by residents of the town of Swansea, the complaint said. The Town Council did not know about or approve this transaction. When Sanders was asked about the transfer, he became belligerent and defensive, the report said. Accountant Alberta Wasden filed the complaint against Sanders and signed it in May 2020. Swansea Council member Doris Simmons, who notarized the document, said Wasden occasionally works with the town. Wasden said in her complaint that an entry marked "Special" in the towns balance sheet drew attention to the missing money, the report said. The Post and Courier was unable to reach Sanders, his attorney or Wasden for comment on July 16. Swansea Councilman Michael Luongo, a critic of the mayor, declined to comment on the ethics investigation. Sanders, as well as Marion Wright and Rubin Jackson, are listed as the executives in charge of the Halo Community Foundation, according to a report provided by the S.C. Secretary of State's office. The foundations registration expired on May 15 when the organization did not renew its registration for the 2021 Fiscal Year. The foundations annual financial report for the 2021 Fiscal Year was due on May 15, but was not submitted. The Secretary of State's office issued a notice of violation, a spokeswoman said. People answering the phone numbers listed on state documents for Wright and Jackson hung up after a Post and Courier reporter identified herself. After Sanders was indicted July 12 on charges of embezzlement and misconduct in office, Gov. Henry McMaster suspended the mayor from office. Sanders faces up to 15 years in prison. Swansea Mayor Pro-Tempore Woodrow Davis, who has been on council for more than 30 years, is now the acting mayor of the town of 900 about 20 miles south of Columbia. "I don't know anything about that," Davis said about the allegations against Sanders. Though the Swansea Town Council has a meeting scheduled for July 19, Simmons and Luongo said the meeting was canceled by Davis or by Councilwoman Linda Butler, both of whom have backed Sanders in the past. Davis said he canceled the July 19 meeting because some council members would be on vacation but he did not say who could not attend. The next meeting will take place in August, he said. Efforts to reach Butler were not successful. Simmons and Luongo plan to show up to the courtroom within the Police Department at 6:30 p.m. July 19, like they usually do for Town Council meetings. I just wish we could work together, Simmons said. A food pop-up that specialized in a tasting menu highlighting gastronomy techniques and creative plating found its audience in Charleston's younger generations eager for more than shrimp and grits and she-crab soup. But then its lead chefs left for a Chicago Michelin star restaurant. Ian Jones and George Kovach, food industry veterans with extensive backgrounds in the New York City and Chicago fine dining scenes, attempted to mix things up in the Lowcountry with their short-lived endeavor Bearcat, which formed at the end of last year. The pop-up that served private events and had residencies at Leyla Fine Lebanese Cuisine and Paddock & Whisky, along with utilizing the sommelier and front of house skills of Chubby Fish and Chasing Sage's Ray Jenkins, sought to passionately pursue a progressive menu that juxtaposed the Lowcountry's classic crudos of yesteryear. Bearcat offered an ever-changing tasting menu and small dishes a la carte, including fingerling potatoes presented on edible dirt made from other dishes utilized that night and a foie gras popsicle coated in dark chocolate for dessert. "There is a former style of dining that is dying out at this point," offered Jenkins. "But this was all about pushing boundaries and creativity." Jones and Kovach, friends who met at Band of Bohemia in Chicago, moved over the winter during the COVID-19 pandemic to Charleston, where Kovach's mother resides. Kovach, who grew up in Greensboro, N.C., had received a few offers to work at other Lowcountry restaurants but said he wasn't fully stimulated in those kitchens, used to a faster pace and a pursuit of something more cutting-edge. "Dont get me wrong, there are some great restaurants in Charleston, but I feel as though a lot of people are making the same food, the food I was raised on, and for me it wasnt too exciting," he said. Kovach leaped at the idea to do a pop-up at his friend's apartment, and then Bearcat developed from there, drawing the attention of potential investors. "People were telling us, 'Charleston needs this,' " he said. Sign up for our food & dining newsletter. We publish our free Food & Dining newsletter every Wednesday at 10 a.m. to keep you informed on everything happening in the Charleston culinary scene. Sign up today! Email Sign Up! Jones and Kovach wanted to offer a Michelin-level experience at an affordable price, charging $65 for an elevated six-course menu, with a $45 wine pairing add-on. Jenkins described the audience as a little more Lowcountry lowbrow, the types of people you might catch dancing at a Dead on the Deck show at the Pour House, but with a curious palate and a proclivity toward the avant-garde. While the pop-up concept was ideal for a time, it wasn't the long-term goal. "A big reason why we didnt want to keep doing a pop-up in Charleston is because we were competing with 800 other pop-ups in Charleston," Kovach said. "I've never seen so many pop-ups in my life." When the deal on a brick-and-mortar lease fell through, Jones and Kovach left the Holy City for an opportunity too good to pass up in the Windy City. There, Jones was offered a position as chef de cuisine and Kovach as pastry chef at Michelin-star restaurant Elizabeth. "Funny story, we're basically doing Bearcat here," Kovach said with a chuckle. While Kovach is enjoying the chance to keep the concept alive in another location, he does hope to bring it back to Charleston at some point. He told The Post and Courier he was actively sourcing investors and writing business plans, with hopes to return in a year or so. "I think its still very much needed in Charleston," said Jenkins. "It's nice to see those old world dining places still succeed, but also that's not necessarily what the new generations want anymore." White linen fine dining may be a draw for tourists, he said, but what will keep foodies coming back for and keep pushing Charleston's culinary industry further are concepts like Bearcat. Demi Lawrence reports on Georgetown County for The Post and Courier. She graduated from Ball State University in 2020, and previously was an intern at The Herald Bulletin in Anderson, Indiana and Indianapolis Monthly. Tidelands Health in Myrtle Beach became the second hospital system in South Carolina and one of relatively few in the United States to mandate its employees get a COVID-19 vaccine. The majority of our employee and physician partners, including more than 90 percent of employed physicians, have already received the safe, effective COVID-19 vaccine, Gayle Resetar, chief operating officer, said in a statement released July 16. It is our responsibility to our patients and to each other to move to a fully vaccinated workforce." It remains to be seen how many people will comply with the hospital system's new policy, but data reported July 14 by the Medical University of South Carolina, which also mandates that its employees be vaccinated for COVID-19, suggests the vast majority of hospital workers in Myrtle Beach will either show proof of vaccination or apply for an exemption to the rules. Like MUSC, Tidelands Health will allow its workers to obtain medical or religious waivers to circumvent the new vaccine mandate. At MUSC, as many as 3,000 employees were granted an exemption because they either provided a doctor's note or filled out a form attesting that their religious beliefs precluded them from getting a shot. They were not required to answer any specific questions about their beliefs or their faith. MUSC confirmed only five employees out of about 17,000 were fired for noncompliance. Few religions oppose vaccines. Even Christian Scientists, who are widely known to rely on prayer for healing in place of medical intervention, do not outright prohibit the use of vaccines among members. "Our practice isnt a dogmatic thing," the group's website explains. "Church members are free to make their own choices on all life-decisions, in obedience to the law, including whether or not to vaccinate their children. These arent decisions imposed by their church." In March, when the Kaiser Family Foundation conducted a poll to determine who had been vaccinated and who wanted a vaccine, Republicans and White Evangelical Christians were most likely to respond "definitely not." 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! Even so, about half of respondents in both groups replied that they'd already received one dose or planned to as soon as possible. Pastor Ed Grant, who leads the conservative Calvary Lutheran Church in Charleston, doesn't believe his faith conflicts with getting a COVID-19 vaccine. "I have been vaccinated and so is my wife," Grant said. "We don't see a problem with being vaccinated." Most faith leaders agree with Grant. Still, the use of religious waivers is on the rise in South Carolina. Numbers provided by the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control show that far more parents are claiming religious exemptions than medical ones when excluding their children from the vaccine requirements necessary to attend public school. Schools require students to show proof of several vaccines, including shots for measles and mumps. COVID-19 vaccines aren't required to attend public school and are currently only available to children 12 and older. During the 2020-21 school year, nearly 12,600 South Carolina schoolchildren were granted a religious waiver for the vaccine requirements, compared to 1,069 who were granted a medical one. DHEC does not require parents to show any proof of religion. Medical waivers, on the other hand, must be accompanied by documentation. The use of religious waivers to opt children out of school vaccine requirements has increased by more than 50 percent across the state in five years. MUSC spokeswoman Heather Woolwine could not provide an exact breakdown of religious and medical waivers that were filed by hospital employees, but, she said, at last count, the "overwhelming majority" of the 2,000 to 3,000 waivers that were granted were medical. Few medical conditions make getting a COVID-19 vaccine dangerous. Unless a patient is severely allergic to any component of the vaccine, public health officials generally agree that the chance of contracting coronavirus poses a greater threat than any potential complication that might arise from getting a shot. Woolwine said some of the MUSC employees who qualified for the medical exemption were previously infected with COVID-19, which could explain why so many hospital workers were granted a waiver. They had to submit to a blood test, she said, to determine if their immune system had developed antibodies that provide "natural immunity" as opposed to vaccine immunity. Natural and vaccine immunity are considered comparable in terms of protecting someone from the virus, she said, but "if that science changes, we may need to recalibrate." She said care team members at MUSC who qualified for a medical exemption based on their natural immunity have already been made aware that the hospital's policy may change down the line. The state health department has launched a $5 million grant assistance program to fund community vaccine awareness in the state. The program will fund local outreach efforts using money received from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Organizations in the state are eligible to apply. The goal is to help increase COVID-19 vaccination rates. Only 43.6 percent of the state's residents are fully vaccinated, according to the agency. The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control said the grant recipients' initiatives will include distributing informational material, conducting safe in-person or virtual educational sessions with community members and providing transportation to people who want to get vaccinated, among other things. None of the activities will include unsolicited door-to-door residential outreach, the agency said. Dr. Brannon Traxler, DHEC's public health director, said the state is taking advantage of the federal funding to help ensure people in rural, minority and vulnerable communities receive the information they need to make informed decisions about vaccines from people they know and trust. "We have said many times that DHEC can't end this pandemic alone," Traxler said. "We need state and local officials, teachers and educators, faith and other community leaders, and the business community to be COVID-19 ambassadors." DHEC anticipates awarding up to 25 grants totaling up to $5 million for six months, according to a news release from the agency. Each award is expected to last for six months and can be renewed up to three times for a total of two years. Details are available on DHEC's website. Grant applications will be accepted through Aug. 5. Statewide numbers New cases reported: 314 confirmed, 245 probable. Total cases in S.C.: 495,735 confirmed, 106,068 probable. Percent positive: 5.5 percent. New deaths reported: 5 confirmed, 0 probable. Total deaths in S.C.: 8,687 confirmed, 1,175 probable. Percent of ICU beds filled: 68.3 percent. 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! S.C. residents vaccinated DHEC's vaccine dashboard shows that 49.5 percent of the state's residents have received at least one shot of a COVID-19 vaccine, and 43.6 percent have completed vaccination. Hardest-hit areas In the total number of newly confirmed cases, Charleston County (29), Horry County (45) and Richland County (25) saw the highest totals. What about tri-county? Charleston County had 29 new cases on July 16, while Berkeley County had 17 and Dorchester County had 12. Deaths DHEC did not report the ages of the five people who died in the July 16 data. Hospitalizations Of the 192 COVID-19 patients hospitalized as of July 16, 53 were in the ICU and 16 were using ventilators. What do experts say? The Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines are being offered throughout the state. People ages 12 and older can receive the Pfizer vaccine. The Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are available for people 18 and older. Go to scdhec.gov/vaxlocator or call 1-866-365-8110 to find a nearby vaccination location. Myrtle Beach, SC (29577) Today Thunderstorms likely. Rainfall will be locally heavy at times. High 82F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 80%.. Tonight Thunderstorms likely this evening. Then a chance of scattered thunderstorms overnight. Low 72F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%. NORTH CHARLESTON An armored bank truck heist earlier this year in North Charleston was an inside job that netted the robbers almost $2 million, federal authorities contend in newly filed court documents. Five men have been indicted in U.S. District Court for South Carolina on charges of bank larceny and conspiracy to commit bank larceny in the truck robbery the morning of Jan. 16. The defendants are Quantavius Popeye Murphy, James Edward Sewell, Anthony D-Trill Burge, Thomas Scoona Calhoun and Terry TT Pollard. After the robbery, the FBI described the suspects as an armed squad of Folk Nation gang members who emptied the contents of a truck carrying Bank of America funds. A $10,000 reward was posted for Murphy. A criminal complaint detailing the allegations remains sealed, but a search warrant affidavit filed July 7 reveals new details about the robbery, including allegations that the men absconded with $1.9 million. North Charleston police officers were dispatched the morning of Jan. 16 for reports a GardaWorld armored truck was robbed near an ATM at 5900 Core Road, the affidavit states. Sewell, the driver of the truck, initially claimed he did not know the robbers, but after detectives confronted him with inconsistencies in his story, the affidavit says he confessed the robbery was staged. He claimed in a proffer statement he plotted the robbery with the other defendants through the multimedia messaging application Snapchat, according to the affidavit. Sewell stopped the truck at the ATM on Core Road, at which point the four other defendants pretended to rob him. To make it look real, Calhoun struck Sewell with a gun before the men loaded up $1.9 million into a Chevrolet Malibu and fled, the affidavit states. Sewell said the men planned to meet again in Cedartown, Ga., where they all grew up, to split the profits. FBI agents learned Murphy was spotted in Cedartown with his mother two days after the robbery. His mother told authorities her son had recently purchased a Chevrolet Monte Carlo and gave her a grocery bag full of cash, the affidavit states. He also gave a shoebox of money to a young female relative. Authorities recovered $130,000 of the money during a search of property belonging to Murphys family. On Jan. 19, Burge was arrested at a gas station in Cedartown. After searching his residence, investigators found money bands that matched those found with Murphys family. All five men were indicted on March 16. Calhoun and Murphy were arrested in Georgia on March 23. Pollard was arrested in a separate state case the week of March 29. Authorities sought the search warrant to gain access to the mens Snapchat accounts. Murphy, Sewell, Burge and Calhoun pleaded not guilty to the federal charges on May 10. Pollard awaits arraignment in the case. A former project manager with the city of Charleston's Department of Housing and Community Development has agreed to plead guilty to bribery and will cooperate with federal prosecutors. Brian D. Herndon is accused of bribery in a federal complaint filed July 13 in the U.S. District Court for South Carolina. Authorities charge in documents Herndon attempted to steer a city contract to Charles Mincey in February 2020 in exchange for $300. Herndon is accused of telling Mincey to bid $14,195 for a job repairing a roof at 1521 Acacia St., the complaint states. As a city project manager, he knew that was the city's budget for the project. Mincey's company, Palmettos at Folly, submitted a $14,195 bid for the project, city records show, but was not awarded the contract. A call from federal investigators on April 30, 2020, alerted the city to potential improprieties with the bidding process. After it was rebid, a contract was awarded to Carolina Dream Builders in June 2020 for $12,275. City spokesman Jack O'Toole said four contracts were rebid last year as a result of the federal inquiry. Herndon has already entered a plea agreement with the U.S. Attorney's Office in the case. Herndon agreed to plead guilty to the offense of using an interstate facility to facilitate bribery, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison and $250,000 in fines. Herndon has also agreed to be fully truthful and forthright with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies by providing full, complete and truthful information about all criminal activities about which he has knowledge. He would also provide books, papers, or documents that may be used as evidence by investigators. Failure to fully comply with the agreement would render it null and void. A change of plea hearing has not been scheduled yet, court records state. "While the amounts of money involved may seem small at first, the violation of our trust, and of our citizens' trust, is huge," Mayor John Tecklenburg said. "We hope that the punishment in this case will reflect the seriousness of that offense." Herndon's attorney, Andy Savage, did not respond to requests for comment. Michael Mule, spokesman for the U.S. Attorney's Office, declined to comment on the case. Mincey, reached by telephone, referred questions to his attorney. Attempts to locate the attorney were unsuccessful. Herndon resigned as city project manager on April 22, 2020. He was employed by the city for more than 12 years and was making $57,962 a year at the time of his resignation. Geona Shaw Johnson, director of the Department of Housing and Community Development, said the city changed how it handles bids as a result of the allegations against Herndon. Previously, construction staff would unseal the bids submitted for work by city-approved contractors. Since becoming aware of the allegations, non-construction staff are now involved in that process. Mincey is identified in state records as having been involved in several construction businesses in South Carolina, including Charleston Renovation Group SC, Palmettos at Folly and Southeastern Site and Utilities Group. Syndicated and guest columns represent the personal views of the writers, not necessarily those of the editorial staff. The editorial department operates entirely independently of the news department and is not involved in newsroom operations. By his attorneys telling, Abraham AJ Jenkins was not one of the petty criminals who took advantage of the confusion last year as King Street erupted in Charlestons most violent rioting in decades following a peaceful protest over George Floyds murder by a Minneapolis police officer. In a sentencing memo filed last week, Cameron Jane Blazer argued that her 26-year-old client didnt loot businesses, because his complaint was against the police, not local store owners or restaurateurs. He didnt lie to the police, or try to minimize what he did. Her eloquent narrative for the federal judge who sentenced Mr. Jenkins to 18 months in prison described an idealistic young man who believed his violent actions were necessary to advance the cause of justice. May 31 did not start with a formal plan, Ms. Blazer wrote. There was no meeting of an organization. There was a sense of urgency. Of grief. Of exhaustion. Of anger. When Abraham AJ Jenkins headed down to Marion Square, he expected to see hundreds or thousands protesting the violent, extra-judicial killing of George Floyd. But as he walked through the crowd, he saw lackluster energy. Chants that faded out. A lack of focus. He wanted to catalyze what he saw as a complacent, disorganized group. He jumped atop a parked Mount Pleasant police cruiser, stomping, yelling, leading chants. He knew he was taking a risk, openly damaging a police vehicle. But he felt it was a risk worth taking to draw attention to the pervasive problem of extrajudicial killings of black people in America. We have no idea whether thats an accurate description or an attorneys attempt to reimagine her clients motivations in hopes of getting a lighter sentence. But if its accurate, then it is actually more disturbing than the idea of common criminals taking advantage of a protest movement to act like criminals. In Ms. Blazers telling, a young man who was justifiably frustrated and angry over the state of policing in America believed that the way to bring about change wasnt simply to march and chant during a peaceful protest. It wasnt even to trespass or block traffic. It was to commit acts of destruction and violence, to endanger the lives of police officers, and of others who happened to be nearby. To spray a fire extinguisher toward one group of officers and later throw it at another group of officers. To throw a flaming rag into the back of a Charleston police cruiser, setting the vehicle ablaze. This disturbing narrative comes amidst mounting evidence that this is not the dangerous belief of a handful of misguided individuals but the dangerous belief that is being increasingly embraced across our nation by people protesting police violence and not just those who call themselves antifa. Weve seen this anarchistic approach to real and perceived injustices before. It drove the Black Panthers and Weather Underground and other militant groups in the 1960s. And yes, we saw it in Washington in January, when Americans who were convinced that a terrible wrong had been committed stormed the U.S. Capitol, injuring police, looting and ransacking our seat of government, and interrupting our nations orderly transition of power. Sign up for our opinion newsletter Get a weekly recap of South Carolina opinion and analysis from The Post and Courier in your inbox on Monday evenings. Email Sign Up! Unlike the people who protested the murder of George Floyd and the unjustified killings of other unarmed black people, the Washington rioters were protesting an injustice that did not occur. But their certainty that violent protest is justified was no more dangerous and wrong than that same belief by Mr. Jenkins and all the other protesters against police violence who engage in violence in response. Like the storming of the capitol, this dangerous and immoral approach misunderstands how government and politics work in our nation, and certainly here in South Carolina. It is doomed to failure. Black people and a smattering of white liberals had been protesting police killings of unarmed black people for years to no real effect. George Floyds murder set off much larger waves of protests in the middle of a pandemic and attracted Americans of all races and ages. Americans werent energized because of the violence that occasionally accompanied these protests. They were energized in spite of that violence. Middle-aged moderates and conservatives didnt applaud Derek Chauvins murder conviction because they enjoyed seeing violence against police officers. They applauded in spite of that violence, which they rightly condemn, as do many liberals, both black and white. Unlike the peaceful and violent protests against the 2020 election, which were built on a lie, our nation needs the anger and protests over the sometimes careless, sometimes deliberate killing of unarmed black people to change behavior and laws. We need them to lead to reforms that punish cops who cross the line and that weed out the tiny minority of cops unfit to wear a badge. For that to happen, everybody who wants change must work to maintain and grow that broad coalition of support which is built through peaceful means rather than undermining it. Today, it is my honor and privilege to become the 89th commanding officer of the Army Corps of Engineers, Charleston District. I am very excited about this tour and appreciate the trust and confidence the Army has bestowed upon me to serve South Carolinians for the next two years. I look forward to picking up where Lt. Col. Rachel Honderd left off and continuing to provide vital programs for this state and nation. The Corps plays a crucial role in the growth and prosperity of South Carolina, which is seen through our work on the Charleston Harbor Post 45 Deepening project, the Charleston Peninsula Coastal Flood Risk Management study, the construction of Crab Bank, coastal resiliency, military construction, disaster response, our regulatory program, plus many others. I know I have my work cut out for me, but I am committed to the success of South Carolina and the well-being of its citizens. My team is made up of some of the nations best engineers, scientists and leaders. This year marks the districts 150th anniversary of service to the state, and just like all those before us, we promise to continue delivering solutions today that will help create a better tomorrow. I look forward to meeting our many partners across the state who help us solve the nations toughest engineering challenges. Please know my door is always open to those we serve. As someone who loves history, this city is a dream for me. The old homes, the cobblestone streets and all the unique things that make Charleston so charming excite me and my family, and we look forward to calling Charleston home. Im anxious to get to know this city and its people. Ill do everything in my power to ensure the district continues the great work it has always done, and I will not stop until we achieve our goals. Lt. Col. ANDREW C. JOHANNES Commander and district engineer Army Corps of Engineers Charleston District Hagood Avenue Charleston Afghanistans future We are finally pulling U.S. troops from Afghanistan. Our nations dont share much in common. The treatment of women, religious differences and cultural beliefs are miles apart. It is time for Afghans to decide if democracy or tyranny is their road to well-being. But judging by the past 30-plus years, they will need a lot of help from God. Sign up for our opinion newsletter Get a weekly recap of South Carolina opinion and analysis from The Post and Courier in your inbox on Monday evenings. Email Sign Up! ROBERT LANE Knottingham Drive Goose Creek Term limits plan John V. Crangle wrote a very well-thought-out commentary Tuesday on the need for South Carolina legislators to have term limits. He cites numerous examples showing why term limits should be implemented. Sadly, however, very few, if any, sitting lawmakers are going to support efforts to limit their own tenure. So here is a proposed solution: Pass term limits, but make them apply only to future legislators, not those currently serving. While this fails to address the problem as quickly as it should be addressed, at least it will weed out the really old-timers eventually. Better late than never. RON WEST Surrey Avenue Summerville Stay to seek change A Tuesday letter said people who disagree with aspects of our nation should leave. In fact, it is our responsibility as free Americans to use our voices for change. We do not leave our beloved country and turn our back on our fellow countrymen when we feel there is injustice for some. The three citizens accused of showing a lack of respect love our nation and proudly serve it in many ways. We are fortunate to be free to stand up or kneel and speak against injustice and use our voice to encourage needed change. Leave our country? No. But indicate we are against injustice? Yes. SHEILA GLAUDE Tugalo Street Johns Island MYRTLE BEACH While a crowded field of contenders has emerged to challenge U.S. Rep. Tom Rice in next year's GOP primary, one of them has risen far above the rest of the pack and even the incumbent in early fundraising efforts. Conservative media personality Graham Allen brought in more than $409,000 since entering the race in mid-May and loaned his campaign an additional $92,000. That brings his total for the fundraising quarter to more than $500,000, according to federal disclosures filed July 15. Rice raised $327,000 from April through June, less than Allen in double the time. But the Myrtle Beach Republican maintains a much bigger campaign war chest of more than $1.5 million, meaning Allen will still have more work to do in order to catch up. Allen now has $463,000 available in his campaign account. After cruising to reelection multiple times since winning the newly created 7th Congressional District in 2012, Rice faces by far the most formidable threat of his political career after becoming one of just 10 U.S. House Republicans to vote in favor of impeaching then-President Donald Trump. No fewer than a dozen Republican candidates promptly filed paperwork to challenge Rice in the 2022 GOP primary after his impeachment vote, a dramatic reversal of fortune for a congressman with one of the most conservative voting records in South Carolina's delegation. One of them state Rep. William Bailey of Little River has already dropped out. Another lawmaker, state Rep. Russell Fry of Surfside Beach, is still exploring the possibility of jumping into the race. The second-best fundraiser of the challengers so far has been Horry County School Board Chairman Ken Richardson. Since entering the race in February, Richardson has raised about $80,000 and loaned his campaign an additional $100,000. Beyond his elected work on education, Richardson is also well-known in the Myrtle Beach area as a former Mercedes-Benz car dealer. Sign up for updates! Get the latest political news from The Post and Courier in your inbox. Email Sign Up! Barbara Arthur, an insurance agent from Hartsville, raised less than $13,000 but also loaned her campaign about $40,000 and has not spent any of it, according to her filing. Reports from the next fundraising quarter should give a clearer picture of whether any other candidates will have the type of resources needed to break through such a congested field. Former Myrtle Beach Mayor Mark McBride only entered the race shortly before the end of this fundraising quarter, so his bid is just warming up. Based on the financial competition, Rice's primary looks likely to be the marquee race in South Carolina for the 2022 election cycle. U.S. Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., is the overwhelming favorite to win reelection, amassing a huge cash advantage over his two Democratic opponents, state Rep. Krystle Matthews of Ladson and Spartanburg Democratic Party Chairwoman Angela Geter. Scott raked in a whopping $9.6 million from April through June, taking his campaign account to $14.5 million. Matthews raised $27,000 and has less than $8,000 left. Geter had yet to file a fundraising report by the July 15 deadline. U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace, R-Charleston, starts off with a commanding head start over her only announced challenger so far, Republican Lynz Piper-Loomis. The incumbent raised $863,000 from April through June and has $925,000 in her campaign account. Piper-Loomis, by contrast, brought in just $17,000 since announcing her bid in April and has less than $3,000 of it left. Guam is just a few short days away from the planned lifting of pandemic restrictions. If 80% of adults become fully vaccinated by July 21, res Read more 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. I somehow missed this story when it came out on Tuesday: U.S. State Department invites U.N. racism investigators to visit U.S. The U.S. State Department has invited U.N. experts who investigate racism and minority issues to conduct an official visit to the United States, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Tuesday. It isnt hard to see where this is going. The U.N.s experts will write a report detailing the alleged horrors of racism in America, which will be hailed by the Democrats and used as an excuse for ever more extreme remedies. To be sure, the U.N. has zero credibility, is hopelessly corrupt, and is viciously hostile to the United States. But those are virtues in the eyes of the Biden administration. I urge all U.N. member states to join the United States in this effort, and confront the scourge of racism, racial discrimination, and xenophobia, he said. I suppose if racism were actually a scourge in the U.S., whites would rank higher than 17th in the Census Bureaus rankings of median incomes. But the Biden administration wont let the facts get in its way. As for the scourge of xenophobia, it refers to the fact that people arent happy about stories like this one: a man I spoke with this morning told me that he checked into a motel in a small town in Minnesota and found that it was almost full of Guatemalansillegal immigrants who had been shipped to Minnesota and were being put up in the motel by the federal government. They enjoyed the pool and hot tub and lined up for free breakfast in the morning, in blatant violation of immigration laws but, nevertheless, at taxpayer expense. Such scenes are being enacted across America, as the Biden administration resettles large numbers of illegal immigrants apprehended at the border, arming them with coupon books that function as cash. Your cash. If you question whether that is a good idea, you are xenophobic, as a forthcoming U.N. report no doubt will explain. is the love that American liberals have for Cubas Communist dictatorship. By any sane reckoning, Fidel Castro was an utter disgrace. And yet American liberals, as well as some Europeans, have never been able to let go. When asked in a press conference whether Cubans are protesting and trying to leave the island because they dont like Communism, Jen Psaki could only dither: I think weve been pretty clear that we think people are leaving Cuba and protesting in the streets as well, because they are opposed to the oppression, to the mismanagement of the government in the county. Mismanagement! Its just another case of failing to implement socialism properly. One of these days well get it right; that is the liberal view. One of the Lefts most ridiculous conceits, for many years now, is that Cubas poverty and backwardness are somehow the fault of the United States because we dont trade with them. Of course, if socialism were a superior system, its survival wouldnt depend on trade relations with a capitalist power. And in any event, Cuba was kept more or less afloat for decades by the Soviet Union, which pumped enormous amounts of money into Castros regime. In a competitive environment, Communist Cuba was always a basket case. That canard was revived today by Black Lives Matter, showing once again that BLM has nothing to do with justiceor with blacks, for that matter: BLM goes crazy if a policeman shoots a black criminal in self-defense, but when millions of blacks are oppressed and impoverished, and many are imprisoned, tortured and murdered by a Communist dictatorship, BLM is worse than silentit openly sides with the oppressors. What a disgusting organization. Many may not remember that BLMs support for the Castro regime is of long standing. Back in 2016, when the Tyrant died, we noted BLMs praise for the dictator. Why? Because he harbored criminals who murdered police officers: [W]e are particularly grateful to Fidel for holding Mama Assata Shakur, who continues to inspire us. We are thankful that he provided a home for Brother Michael Finney Ralph Goodwin, and Charles Hill, asylum to Brother Huey P. Newton, and sanctuary for so many other Black revolutionaries who were being persecuted by the American government during the Black Power era. To repeat: what a disgusting organization. Anti-Communism protesters in Cuba are waving American flags, perhaps unaware that Joe Biden is now our president. But other political leaders do support them, with Marco Rubio in the forefront. He is on to BLM: The extortionist ring known as the Black Lives Matter organization took a break today from shaking down corporations for millions & buying themselves mansions to share their support for the Communist regime in #Cuba https://t.co/xir94EIJ4X Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) July 15, 2021 My office stands ready to help the leaders of the Black Lives Matter organization emigrate to #Cuba Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) July 15, 2021 It is good to see a political leader calling out Black Lives Matter for what it really is. But back to Cuba: Rubio points out that the idea that the U.S. has somehow caused the failure of Communism in Cubado our responsibilities never end?is a leftist myth: The U.S. is the largest provider of food to #Cuba & each year sends $275 million in medicine & $3 billion in remittances to relatives The suffering in Cuba isnt because of an embargo,its because socialism always leads to suffering#CubaSOS Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) July 15, 2021 Wait #Cuba had restrictions on importing food & medicine? How can that be? All week long the national media has been reporting its the US embargo restricting food & medicine to Cuba. There is just no way these fine journalists would fall for the regimes spin that easily. pic.twitter.com/LFOkCJDfO4 Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) July 15, 2021 It has been a long time coming, but it feels as though Cuba may finally be freed from the boot-heel of socialism. You know the end may be near when Joe Biden throws in the towel, as he did hours ago: Much better stuff here from Biden. Much, much better. https://t.co/45bgG6e1Qt Ben Shapiro (@benshapiro) July 15, 2021 Providing Cubans with internet access so they can communicate and organize apparently is feasible, and is something that Marco Rubio has been pressing for. And for the moment, at least, not even the Biden administration is willing to stick up for socialism, no doubt to the dismay of many, or most, Democratic Representatives and Senators. We should all be cheered by that. UPDATE: One more thingwe will give Michael Ramirez the last word. Click to enlarge: FURTHER UPDATE: This is how the Black Lives Matter organization commemorated the death of Fidel Castro: Rest in Power #FidelCastro Black Lives Matter (@Blklivesmatter) November 26, 2016 It is hard to understand why anyone takes these people seriously. The Washington Post reports, with obvious dismay, that American Airlines, Cigna, Aflak, and other corporations are once again making campaign contributions to legislators who opposed certifying Joe Bidens victory in the 2020 election. The corporations in question stopped contributing to these members after the events of January 6 this year. However, with the possible exception of Cigna, they didnt say they would never again contribute to any of them. The companies merely paused their contributions. Thus, the subtitle of the Posts article The flow of money is a sign that corporate Americas promises were temporary is nonsensical. The promises were temporary on their face. American Airlines said it would pause all donations from its corporate PAC and that when we resume, we will ensure we focus on a bipartisan array of lawmakers who support U.S. aviation, airline workers and our values, including bringing people together. I cant think of many legislators in D.C. who are bringing people together. But Rep. Sam Graves is the top Republican on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, which is even better. America Airlines PAC has therefore seen fit to contribute to his war chest. The company said: While there is no lawmaker with whom we agree about every issue, we are committed to working with members of both parties to advance policies that will positively shape the future of our company, our team members and the communities we serve. This makes sense. Unless youre a partisan Democrat or a partisan rag (to cover the Washington Posts case), theres no reason why a vote not to certify the result of a disputed election should trump all other issues. A number of Democrats in the House objected to certifying Trumps victory in 2016. Should they, too, be cut off from campaign contributions from major corporations? American Airlines mistake was to signal its virtue by pausing contributions in the first place. Having done so, it now faces blowback from the left egged on by the Posts report and perhaps ongoing resentment from the right. The Post, I assume, hopes to fuel blowback against corporations that have resumed contributing to Republicans who objected to the election results. It notes that Toyota, which was making such contributions again, reversed course after facing an outcry last week over its support for Republican objectors. If the 2022 election goes the GOPs way, Toyota will probably regret this move. Perhaps it will reverse course again. Todays Washington Post features a hit piece on Tucker Carlson. The attack begins on the front page and continues for three additional pages, all three of which are devoted exclusively to the piece. The opening salvo reveals that Carlson did not cry when, in 2003, he visited a dungeon in Ghana where Blacks were held many centuries ago before being shipped to America for enslavement. That Carlson went on this trip at all, accompanied by the likes of Al Sharpton, with whom the Post says he developed a friendly relationship, shows that he is sensitive to the shameful history slavery and sympathetic towards Blacks. That Carlson didnt cry shows nothing. I didnt cry when I visited Auschwitz. That Carlson later said he didnt feel guilt over what happened in Ghana centuries ago shows that hes rational. Why should he have felt guilt? The Posts hit piece doesnt get any more persuasive as it rambles on. The paper accuses Carlson of time and again. . .look[ing] at an issue. . .through a racial lens. This is rich. The whole point of Critical Race Theory and Black Lives Matter is to view issues through a racial lens. Carlson is merely responding in kind. But for the lefts obsession with race and its efforts to remake America to benefit one racial group, Carlson probably would talk little about race. The Post describes Carlson as the voice of White grievance and the preeminent voice of angry White America. But some anger is a reasonable response to the lefts agenda, which includes denying Whites college admission, jobs, government benefits, and more because of their race; claiming even as these denials occur, that Whites are privileged; and teaching children that theres something wrong with whiteness. Carlson chronicles these abuses. If the left would cease its racialist assault, he would have no reason to talk much about race. The Post criticizes Carlson for echoing Trumps falsehoods about the 2020 election. But the Post has never shown Carlsons claims about the election to be untrue, as opposed to unproven. Whats true is that theres a stronger basis for believing that widespread irregularities tainted the 2020 election than there was for believing that Trump and Putin colluded during the 2016 election. Yet, Carlsons lefty counterparts on cable talk shows pushed the collusion claim relentlessly for several years. So, come to think of it, did the Washington Post. More generally, the Post highlights the strong rhetoric with which Carlson castigates the left. But Carlsons rhetoric is no harsher than that of the leftist talk show hosts who, night after night, rip conservatives. If anything, hes more restrained than these hosts were when they went after Donald Trump throughout his presidency. Naturally, I dont always agree with Carlsons views. Nor do I always like the way he presents them. At times, I find it over-the-top. On balance, though, Carlson is a more responsible prime time conservative controversialist than the contemporary left deserves, considering the radical racialist agenda it wants to impose on America and the hyperbolic rhetoric it employs in this pursuit. ADVERTISEMENT A former provost of the Nigerian Army, Hassan Ahmed, has been killed by yet to be identified gunmen. The incident, which was confirmed by the army spokesperson, Onyema Nwachukwu, happened in the late hours of Thursday. Mr Ahmed, a major general, was said to be returning to Abuja from Lokoja, the Kogi State capital, when he was attacked around Abaji area council. His remains have been conveyed to the Nigerian Army Officers Wives Association (NAOWA) Hospital in Abuja. Until his demise, he was a director at the Army Headquarters in Abuja. Read full statement by the army below: FORMER ARMY PROVOST MARSHAL PASSES ON* With a heavy heart, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Faruk Yahaya, Officers and Soldiers of the Nigerian Army regret to announce the passing on of Maj Gen Hassan Ahmed, a former Provost Marshall of the Nigerian Army. The sad incident occurred when the senior officers vehicle was attacked by gunmen while transiting along Lokoja Abuja road yesterday 15 July 2021. A delegation from the Army Headquarters led by the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army) Maj Gen Anthony Omozoje has visited the widow and other members of the bereaved family. Members of the Nigerian Army Officers Wives Association (NAOWA) led by the Deputy National President, Mrs Stella Omozoje have also visited the family to condole with them. The remains of the deceased senior officer will be accorded a befitting burial at the Lungi Barracks Cemetery on Thursday 16 July 2021 by 10. 00 am. ONYEMA NWACHUKWU Brigadier General Director Army Public Relations ADVERTISEMENT The Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) has invited a chief accountant in the office of the Kano State Accountant-General, Shehu Ibrahim, over alleged false declaration of asset. The invitation followed a petition by the Umbrella of Kano Concerned Civil Society Groups. The petition signed by an official of the groups, Ibrahim Ali, alleged that Mr Ibrahim failed to declare some of his landed properties in Kano. In its response, the CCB in a letter seen by PREMIUM TIMES advised the accountant to respond to the petition of alleged suspected misappropriation of public funds, acquisition of landed property above your means and non-compliance with the Code of Conduct Directive. The CCB letter, signed by D. Farouk for the Director, said: Pursuant to the mandate and power of the Bureau as enshrined in the third schedule part 1 paragraph 3e to the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) I am directed to invite you for the adoption of your petition and provide further evidence (If any) in respect of the above matter. The official is scheduled to appear before the bureau on July 19 to respond to the allegations raised against him. Petition The petitioners wrote that Mr Ibrahim failed to make full disclosure of his landed asset, contrary to the provision of the Code of Conduct for public officers as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as ameded). The groups said their petition against Mr Ibrahim was meant to instill decipline in the states public service and curb corruption. That Mr Ibrahim rose to the rank of chief accountant on grade level 14. That he failed, neglected and deliberately refused to declare the ownership of his house and a private school named Diamond International School situated at No.861 Madobi road, Sharada G.R.A. Where the allegations of non-compliance with the public officers asset declaration is establish against the official, to be prosecute before the Code of Conduct Tribunal as enshrined in the constitution, the petitioners wrote. ADVERTISEMENT The police have killed a suspected bandit kingpin, Abdullahi Banmi, said to be operating in Katsina and Jigawa States. The police spokesperson in Katsina, Gambo Isah, said Mr Banmi was killed in Gallu Fulani hamlet in Yankwashi Local Government Area of Jigawa State. Mr Isah said the police, in a joint operation, also rescued a 65-year-old kidnap victim identified as Hassana Zubaira in Jigawa. The police said Mrs Zubairu was kidnapped on June 29 in Sandamu Local Government Area of Katsina State. He said the kidnappers earlier demanded a ransom of N500 million from the victims family. Mr Isah said the bandits leader, Mr Banmi, 50, was gunned down during a firefight with the police. He said the suspected criminal attempted to escape with the victim on a motorbike but fell to the superior fire of the police. The police said search parties were still combing the forest for other members of the gang. ADVERTISEMENT A group, Nigeria Equity Group (NEG), has called for a president of Christian faith for the country in 2023. It said it supported the position of the southern governors that the countrys next president should come from south but that he or she should be a Christian. The group stated this at a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday. The southern governors had in their meeting in Lagos on July 5 said the south to produce the next president in 2023. Chairman of the group, Emeka Nwosu, said in the spirit of fairness and equity, Nigerias next president should be a Christian from the south, especially as President Muhammadu Buhari a Muslim from the north will finish his two terms of eight years by 2023. We wish to note and state clearly that the call for a Southern presidency in 2023 by the Southern Governors did not go far enough. We strongly believe that the only way to truly promote fairness and inclusion in our diverse and complex society, especially at this time of unprecedented national crisis, is for a power shift to a Southern Christian in 2023, Mr Nwosu said. The NEG chairman also cited the rising religious distrust in the country as more reason why a southern Christian president should emerge, arguing that failure to produce a southern Christian president would not only run the risk of alienating Christians in Nigeria, but also exacerbating the religious rifts and wounds that have become more evident. He said: The country is at the moment riven by strife, stoked by religious distrust, suspicion and fear of domination. We strongly believe that the only way to truly promote fairness and inclusion in our diverse and complex society, especially at this time of unprecedented national crisis, is for power shift to a Southern Christian in 2023. Failure to do that would mean that no Christian can hope to become President of this country in the foreseeable future. There is a zero chance of a Christian minority emerging president from the North when power shifts there again because the population of the North is overwhelmingly Islamic and the Christian minorities barely feature in the mainstream politics of the region, except in a handful of states. Anything other than a southern Christian President in 2023 will further exacerbate the rifts and wounds that have become more evident lately and not bode well for our country. Following the return to democracy in 1999, the Nigerian presidency has rotated between the south and north, Christian and Muslim. Mr Nwosu argued that to keep up with the balance that has been maintained for the past 22 years, a southern Christian president in 2023 will be evidence of inclusion and fairness. Since 1999 with the return of democratic rule, power has interchanged at the highest level between practitioners of these two faiths, ensuring that there is balance and inclusion at the highest level of our politics. To a large extent, this has provided some assurance to the heterogeneous groups which make up the country that no faith or group will dominate the other, he said. It should not be different in 2023. To shut out Christians, who make up about half of Nigerias population from power for 16 years, assuming another Muslim takes over from Buhari, will be grossly unfair and bad politics that will lead to deleterious outcome for the country. Although some northern governors have expressed support for a southern president in 2023, none of the parties have zoned their presidential ticket to the region. ADVERTISEMENT Vice President Yemi Osinbajo says the National Economic Council (NEC) will meet to review the implementation strategy for reports of Judicial Panels on #EndSARS. Mr Osinbajos spokesman, Laolu Akande, briefed State House correspondents after the virtual NEC meeting chaired by the vice president on Thursday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. NEC had in the wake of #EndSARs protests of 2020, directed states to constitute Judicial Panels of Inquiry to investigate complaints against the Special Anti-Robbery Squads (SARS) and other police units. Also today, the council noted the receipt of the EndSARS report from a number of states and the vice president noted that more reports are being awaited so the council can have a full meeting to compile the report and review some of the implementation implications from the reports. He noted of course, that there are a number of states that have not yet completed their EndSARS Panel reports. Reports have been received today from Ekiti, Enugu and Nasarawa and more reports are being awaited. He encouraged the states that havent completed the panels work to send in interim reports. So, hopefully, very soon, the council will have occasion to comprehensively and review implementation strategies for the recommendations from the different panels, he said. Mr Akande said the vice president also wished members of the council, and by extension, all Nigerians, a happy Sallah celebration. (NAN) ADVERTISEMENT The Karaye Emirate in Kano State has suspended the village head of Butu- Butu in Rimingado local government area, Abdullahi Saadu. A statement issued on Friday by the spokesperson of the emirate, Haruna Gunduwawa, said the village head was suspended for allegedly selling a piece of land to Fulani migrants. According to the statement, the Fulani migrants built a mosque on the land without following due process, a development it said caused conflict with the host community. The statement said Mr Saadus suspension is to pave way for a proper investigation by a committee set up to look into the allegations against him. The statement recalled that the district head of Rimingado, Auwalu Tukur (Magajin Rafin Karaye), had earlier sent a petition to the Emir of Karaye, Ibrahim Abubakar II, alleging wrongdoing by the village head. According to the statement, the village head was cautioned by both the district head office and Rimin Gado local government council on the matter. The emirate has deployed Habibu Umar (Madakin Shamaki) to oversee the affairs of the village pending the outcome of the investigation. The emirate appealed to residents of Butu-Butu to remain calm and give Mr Umar maximum support and cooperation to discharge his duty effectively. ADVERTISEMENT The committee of chairmen of governing councils of federal government-owned polytechnics has elected a new leadership to pilot its affairs for the next three years. According to a statement issued by the newly elected secretary of the committee, Adamu Abubakar, the chairman of Waziri Umaru Federal Polytechnic, Birnin-Kebbi, Waziri Bulama, was elected chairman. Mr Bulama, an architect and stalwart of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has Stephen Ocheni, a professor, and chairperson of the Federal Polytechnic, Auchi, Edo State, as deputy. The election for the 25-member committee, according to the statement, was held at the liaison office of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), in Abuja, and was supervised by the boards executive secretary, Idris Bugaje, a professor. The statement reads in part; The Committee is a collection of all Chairmen of Governing Councils of Federal Polytechnics recently approved by His Excellency President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR and inaugurated by the Honourable Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu. The Governing Councils of the Federal Polytechnics is responsible for the formulation of policies and the general supervision of the polytechnics on behalf of the visitor. Arc. Bulama is, therefore, expected to bring to bear his wealth of experience and contacts within and outside the party as well as the government for the benefit of the Committee and the entire sector. ADVERTISEMENT The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has adjusted the date of the commencement of physical registration for the ongoing nationwide Continuous Voter Registration from 19 July to 26 July, because of the declaration of public holidays by the federal government. Disclosing this in a statement issued by the INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education, Festus Okoye, on Friday, in Abuja, the commission said the one-week shift in the date followed the governments declaration of 20 July and 21 July as public holidays. Mr Okoye said that the commission met on Thursday and deliberated on a number of issues, including the commencement of the physical registration of voters and the scheduled appointments by online registrants. He recalled that on Tuesday, 13 July, the commission met with Resident Electoral Commissioners and noted that the commencement of the physical registration of voters scheduled for Monday 19 July might be affected by the public holidays. Also, facing the prospects of interruption of their registration schedules are some of the online registrants who have scheduled their appointments for the completion of their registrations on dates are likely to clash with the same public holidays. The commission promised thereafter to meet on Thursday, July 15, to review the situation and provide clarity on the matter. This is what it has done. With the declaration of Tuesday July 20 and Wednesday, July 21, as public holidays by the federal government, the date scheduled for the commencement of physical registration has to be adjusted. Consequently, the physical registration of voters will now commence on Monday, July 26. Mr Okoye said that online registrants that have scheduled appointments from 19 July to 23 July would have their appointments rescheduled. He said the Continuous Voter Registration would run for a period of one year, assuring all Nigerians that no citizen eligible to register as a voter would be left behind. (NAN) The Senate on Tuesday adopted and passed its conference committee report on the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB). The upper chamber had constituted a conference committee to meet with counterparts at the House of Representatives to harmonise conflicting sections of the bill passed by both chambers. One of such section is 240 which provides that three per cent operating cost be given to host communities. Many Nigerians and residents in the region have kicked against it demanding between five to ten per cent. In the conference committee report, the panel recommended the three per cent. Prior to the adoption of the report, Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa Central) sought to comment in a bid to further increase the percentage but to no avail. I just want to bring to your attention that we are aware of what has happened and to bring to your notice how the people who are producing the resources we are talking about feel about the subject matter of this report we are about to consider. On the day we concluded work on this bill, some of us disagreed with the provisions and some of us quietly took our leave and we were monitoring developments and managing challenges. Some of us reached out to opinion leaders explaining the challenges He was, however, interjected by the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, who said we all know we voted on this thing. There was debate, there was voting. My issue is the view of some of us were not accommodated. We disagree with the provisions Mr Dickson continued. This time, Mr Lawan stopped him. We have listened to your point of order. You may sit down. I want to remind all of us here that when the Senate takes a resolution, it becomes the resolution of the Senate. Sometimes, it goes our way, sometimes, it goes against us. But I want to appeal to us, if you dont get it your way today, you might get it your way tomorrow. I will appeal to us, when the Senate takes a resolution, it is the resolution of the Senate and I will appeal to us, we are not going to be debating what we debated before.This is the way democracy works and I will appeal to you not to walk away like you did before. He insisted that the session was meant to approve the conference committees report on the PIB and not to suggest new amendments. On his part Rivers senator, George Sekibo, dissociated himself from the three per cent fund approved for host communities. I appreciate the conference committee report except one. The only point I dont truly agree is the 3 per cent and 5 per cent for the host communities. ADVERTISEMENT As the Senator representing Rivers East Senatorial District, I want to say that I am not part of that vote because it will put my neck on the line. Matthew Urhoghide (Edo South), also attempted to make a comment by citing Order 43 but Mr Lawan ruled him out of order. The Senate Leader, Abdullahi Yahaya, who is also the chairman of the conference committee, read out the recommendations of the panel, which was adopted by the Senate. Former Speaker, House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, has described the decision of the Senate to subject INECs constitutional power to conduct elections to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), and National Assembly as patently unconstitutional. Mr Tambuwal, who is also the governor of Sokoto State, in a statement he issued in Abuja on Thursday, said INEC constitutional power could not be shared with any institution. For the avoidance of doubt, S.78 of the Constitution provides that The Registration of voters and the conduct of elections shall be subject to the direction and supervision of Independent National Electoral Commission. In the Third Schedule, Part 1,F, S.15: INEC has power to organise, undertake and supervise all elections. The Constitution further provides that INEC operations shall not be subject to the direction of anybody or authority. Mr Tambuwal said that unquestionably, the mode of election and transmission of results were critical parts of the conduct, supervision, undertaking and organisation of elections in Nigeria. Of course, the National Assembly has power to flesh out the legal framework but that has to be consistent with the Constitution. These constitutional powers have been solely and exclusively prescribed by the constitution to INEC, and cannot be shared with the NCC, or any other authority, and certainly not a body unknown to the Constitution. The governor said the senate decision to subject INECs constitutional power to conduct elections to NCC was consequently patently void, unconstitutional and unlawful. We had earlier counselled that that the mode of conducting elections and in particular the transmission of votes be left with INEC who would monitor developments and determine at every election the type of technology to be deployed to ensure free, fair and credible elections. INEC also has constitutional power backed by the Electoral Act to make rules and guidelines to ensure that every vote is counted and that every vote counts. If INEC determines that in any part of the country, electronic transmission is not possible, it would by regulations determine the appropriate thing to do. Mr Tambuwal, however, commended the leadership and members of the House for the decision to invite INEC to address the House and nation on its readiness by 2023 to deploy electronic transmission technology for the country elections, seems to be a wise one. He commended the leadership and Members of the House for the decision. He further admonished them to remain on the path of patriotism and deepening of Nigeria democracy by engendering and strengthening free and fair electoral process. In any case, I still believe that the best option is to leave this matter in the hands of INEC. We admonish INEC to be solely guided by the National interest and the desire of all Nigerians for a credible, free and fair elections in using its constitutional powers and in the deployment of error free technology. (NAN) ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed shock over the rejection of electronic transmission of election results by the Senate. The party stated this in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, in Abuja on Thursday. Mr Ologbondiyan said the PDP and indeed majority of Nigerians were shocked over the decision of the Senate rejecting the demand by Nigerians across board for the electronic transmission of election results without conditionalities. The decision, according to him, amounts to undermining Nigerias electoral process. He alleged that action of APC Senators was an atrocious assault on the sensibilities of Nigerians, who looked up to the Senate for improvement in our electoral process in a manner that would engender free, fair and credible process. He said it is outrageous that the APC-led Senate, in the bid to annex the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), sought to route a statutorily independent commission to the approval of the Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC) before conducting elections. Mr Ologbondiyan said the action of the Senators was a direct affront and a defilement of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which clearly conferred operational independence to INEC to conduct elections, free from interferences and regulations from any other agency of government. The decision of the APC Senators therefore amounts to a suspension of the 1999 constitution (as amended) which is a recipe for crisis that could derail our democracy and destabilize our nation. He also described it as preparation for rigging of elections, which must be firmly resisted. Our party, standing with Nigerians, however, commends the PDP Senators as well as other democratically-minded Senators in the chamber for their resilience in voting for unconditional electronic transmission of results. This is in line with the wishes and aspiration of Nigerians for free, fair, clean and credible election. Mr Ologbondiyan said the PDP, however, noted the efforts being made in the House of Representatives, and urged lawmakers to return to the chamber on Friday and save the nation from an act of machination being pushed in the Senate. (NAN) ADVERTISEMENT More than 80 people have died and dozens are missing after the country was hit by record rainfall that brought devastating floods. Most of the missing hailed from German states of Rhineland-Palatinate and North Rhine-Westphalia where streams and streets have turned into raging torrents that swept away cars and destroyed buildings. Dozens of people had to be rescued from the roofs of their homes with inflatable boats and helicopters. Hundreds of soldiers were deployed to assist in the rescue efforts, according to local media reports. There are people dead, there are people missing, there are many who are still in danger, the governor of Rhineland-Palatinate state, Malu Dreyer, told the regional parliament. We have never seen such a disaster. Its really devastating. More heavy rain is forecast across the region on Friday, while local officials have blamed climate change. Climate change has arrived in Germany, the environment minister was quoted as saying by the UK Guardian on Friday. Eleven people also died in neighbouring Belgium while homes were evacuated in the Netherlands, Luxembourg and Switzerland, according to Al Jazeera. German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who is on a visit to Washington, called the flooding a catastrophe and said she was grieving those who have lost their lives. She said the number of dead was likely to rise further. We still dont know the number. But it will be many. My thoughts are with you, and you can trust that all forces of our government federal, regional and community collectively will do everything under the most difficult conditions to save lives, alleviate dangers and to relieve distress. ADVERTISEMENT The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Abuja on Thursday ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to suspend the moves to publish any name as the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the forthcoming governorship election in Anambra State. In his ruling on an ex parte application filed by one of the aspirants laying claim to the PDPs ticket, the judge, Yusuf Halilu, directed INEC to maintain the status quo by not publishing any name as the partys candidate in deference to ongoing proceedings. Order that all parties to this suit be put on notice, and I also further order that status quo shall be maintained by INEC by not publishing the name of any candidate as governorship candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice, the enrolled order of the court read in part. Valentine Ozigbo and Ugochukwu Uba had emerged as the PDPs governorship candidate from parallel primary elections. Both are laying claim to the partys ticket ahead of November 6, 2021 governorship election in Anambra State. Mr Ozigbo, through his lawyer, Ikenna Ukpai, filed an ex parte application on July 14, 2021, seeking court orders that would recognise him as the authentic governorship candidate of the party. The essence of the the ex parte application he filed was to seek an order that would recognise him as the partys governorship candidate while pursuing the main suit in the hope that the final judgment would be in his favour. Court refuses to recognise Ozigbo as candidate In his ruling on Thursday, the judge refused and dismissed the two major prayers sought by Mr Ozigbo. The judge dismissed Mr Ozigbos prayer for an order to compel INEC to publish his name as PDPs candidate. Mr Ozigbo, in the application, marked CV/1539/21, also asked for an order of interim injunction restraining PDP from tampering with his name already submitted to INEC as its governorship candidate, but the prayer was similarly refused and dismissed by the judge. An interim order of this honourable court restraining the 1st defendant (PDP) from tampering with the name of the claimant/applicant (Mr Ozigbo) already submitted to the 2nd defendant (INEC) as its candidate for the Anambra State governorship election fixed for November 6, 2021, is hereby refused and dismissed. An interim order of injunction mandating the 2nd defendant (INEC) to publish the name of the claimant already submitted to it as the candidate of the 1st defendant is hereby refused and dismissed, the enrolled order signed by the judge read in part. Accelerated hearing Rather than granting the orders recognising him as the PDPs candidate, the court issued an order of accelerated hearing of the suit. In line with the order of speedy hearing, the judge also abridged the filing time respondents are ordinarily entitled to in the courts rules. The judge, therefore, gave the respondents PDP and INEC five days from the applicants originating processes were filed to file and serve their counter-affidavit, written addresses and, or preliminary objection to the instant suit. ADVERTISEMENT The All Progressives Congress (APC) has denied the allegation of browbeating members of opposition parties to join it. The APCs comment is in reaction to the outcry by northern governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who alleged the former of intimidating two governors from the latter into defection. The governor of Cross Rivers, Ben Ayade and that of Zamfara State, Bello Matawalle, dumped the PDP late May and June respectively. All governors of the PDP who have joined the ruling APC in recent times, did so because of intimidation. Most of our members are also being intimidated persistently. We want the intimidation stopped because we are not comfortable with it, the Governor of Taraba State Governor, Darius Ishaku, said on Wednesday, after a meeting with colleagues in Abuja. However, the ruling APC, in a counter-statement released on Friday, by its interim National Secretary, John Akpanudoedehe, described Mr Ishakus allegation as comical, laughable and devoid of truth. The APC reiterated that the defected governors and members of the PDP did so because of President Muhammadu Buhari multi-sectoral achievements and pro-people social interventions. The party accused the PDP of exhibiting similar traits when it was in power. Nigerians will recall how the PDP government, in 2003, muscled and eventually collapsed the main opposition party, Alliance for Democracy (AD) by illegally deploying state machinery, aided by security services then at their disposal to capture five of the six states in the Southwest geo-political zone under the control of AD. READ ALSO: The PDP mastered and weaponised the undemocratic and devious strategy in the well-reported inducement of National Assembly members in the then PDP governments rejected and failed bid to amend the constitution for tenure extension aka Third Term Agenda. From Ekiti, Anambra, Plateau, Oyo and Bayelsa states, democratically-elected governors were unconstitutionally removed from office by the then PDP government through manipulation of state assemblies and other gestapo tactics. Elected governors were jailed and some forced into exile, the APC said. It also accused the then ruling PDP of overpowering All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) into forming a Government of National Unity and literally crushed the Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA) as leaders of the latter defected and joined its forces. ADVERTISEMENT The House has adopted the report of the conference committee on the Petroleum Industry Bill, which recommended three per cent for the Host Communities Development Fund. Following the rancour over the Electoral bill, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members had staged a walkout. In their absence, the Majority Leader, Hassan Dogwa (APC, Kano) moved a motion for the report to be laid. The report was stepped down on Thursday following a protest by some lawmakers from the South. The conference committee had recommended 3 per cent host communities, which the Senate adopted on Thursday. The Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila, explained that the House attempted to reach out to the Senate to reconsider the Host Communities component, however, theP Senate had adjourned. At the committee of the whole consideration, the report was adopted unanimously. While the passage was ongoing, the PDP lawmakers were briefing journalists at the press centre. ADVERTISEMENT A coalition of Yoruba self-determination groups and activists have petitioned the International Criminal Court (ICC) with purported evidence of violent crimes they blamed herders for in Nigerias Southwestern region, accusing the Muhammadu Buhari administration of complicity. The petition contains discriminatory language, like describing the Fulani group as alien non-native; derogatory words like using subjects to describe non-Fulani northern citizens; and misinformation, including using at least one fake video. The petition was filed last Thursday and acknowledged by the Office of the Prosecutor at the Hague this Tuesday, copies seen by PREMIUM TIMES showed. A Nigerian lawyer based in the U.S., Aderemilekun Omojola, authored and submitted the petition for the lead group, Yoruba Strategy Alliance, and about 25 others. .They said they acted following severe ongoing existential violence and insecurity suffered by the Yoruba, blaming violent herders and the Nigerian government. Violence associated with the Fulani pastoralism, which remains largely unrestricted rather than settled form, has intensified over the years. But beyond grazing-related violence, herders are blamed for the spiraling cases of abductions in parts of Nigeria, including the South-west and the North-west, where, particularly, armed banditry has had a war-grade impact. While there are ongoing military operations against the bandits in the North-west, many in the South-west commonly accuse the government of not doing enough to prevent attacks, causing calls for resort to self-help. One of the signatories to the petition, Sunday Igboho Adeyemo, had mobilised a mob to forcibly uproot the Fulani families in Igangan Town of Oyo State after accusing their leader, Abdulkadir Salihu, of masterminding killings and abductions in the area. Mr Salihu denied the allegations and PREMIUM TIMES, based on on-the-ground reporting in Igangan, found that Mr Adeyemo may have used some misinformation to drive up anti-Fulani sentiments and innocent persons may have suffered. The deadly night attack of June 6, believed to be Fulani reprisal, then followed. Mr Adeyemos Ibadan residence was raided by the State Security Service at the beginning of the month. Two of his men were killed and 13 arrested. The SSS said they found firearms in his house and declared him wanted but Mr Adeyemo said the arms were planted by the secret service, saying he only used charms to protect himself. But he had repeatedly made open boasts about arms possession and threatened those opposed to his secessionist agitations or call for calm, including the Ooni of Ile-Ife, Enitan Ogunwusi. Prominent senior lawyer, Afe Babalola, said the raid on Mr Adeyemos residence was unconstitutional. Another senior lawyer, Femi Falana, also criticised the raid. Petition In the Hague petition, co-signed by Mr Adeyemo, ICC prosecutor is urged to investigate the Nigerian government and security officials including Mr Buhari, for allegedly aiding armed herders to attack the Yoruba people. This communication has been duly entered in the Communications Register of the Office. We will give consideration to this communication, as appropriate, in accordance with the provisions of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, Mark Dillon, Head of Information & Evidence Unit Office of The Prosecutor, wrote in the July 13 acknowledgement letter. Please note this acknowledgement letter does not mean an investigation has been opened, nor that an investigation will be opened by the Office of the Prosecutor. ADVERTISEMENT The Federal High Court, Abuja, on Friday, gave the go-ahead for the amendment of a suit seeking the removal of Governor Bello Matawalle of Zamfara State on account of his recent defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The amendment will see the deletion of the name of the deputy governor, Mahdi Gusau, who was initially thought to be planning to defect to APC with the governor, from the suit as a defendant. Two PDP members from Zamfara State had filed the suit on June 17, 2021, when it was being rumoured that the governor and Mr Gusau were planning to dump the PDP for the APC. But Mr Matawalle eventually defected to the APC on June 29, with Mr Gusau staying back in the PDP. The plaintiffs, Sani Kaura Ahmed and Abubakar Muhammed, subsequently applied through their lawyer, Kanu Agabi, to amend the suit to remove Mr Gusaus name as a defendant in the suit. Hearing Moving the motion for amendment of the suit on Friday, Mr Agabi said he had other two pending motions he would withdraw. He went on to withdraw two motions for interlocutory injunctions filed on June 22 and 25. In the motion for amendment of the suit, Mr Agabi withdrew prayers 2 and 4 and urged the court to grant prayers 1 and 3. The defence lawyer did not oppose the application. Mr Ekwo granted the motion and adjourned the matter till September 29 for mention. With Mr Gusau removed as a defendant, the remaining defendants in the suit are Mr Matawalle, the APC and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Suit NAN reports that the plaintiffs, in a suit marked, FHC/ABJ/CS/489/2021, asked the court to sack the governor over his defection. Anchored on a previous judgement of the Supreme Court giving victory to the PDP in the 2019 general elections, the suit sought a declaration that the governor, by his defection to the APC is illegible to continue to remain in office. They want the court to, among others, declare that Mr Matawalle must resign from office for the PDP to replace them. (NAN) The Federal High Court, Abuja, on Friday, fixed October 2 for judgment in the trial of Faisal, son of the chairman of the defunct Pension Reform Taskforce Team (PRTT), Abdulrasheed Maina. The trial judge, Okon Abang, fixed the date for judgment after the counsel for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mohammed Abubakar, adopted his final written address. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Faisal, who was arraigned by the EFCC on October 25, 2019, jumped bail around September 2020 and stopped attending his trial. Mr Abang, who issued a warrant for his arrest, ordered on November 24, 2020 for the trial to continue in his absence after the EFCC made the application to that effect. Mr Maina is also standing a separate trial on a three-count charge of money laundering involving N2.1 billion. He also jumped bail last year but was re-arrested in the Niger Republic. The trial judge, Mr Abang, ordered his remand in prison when he was produced in court in December 2020. A bail application he subsequently filed was dismissed by the court in February this year. Mainas trial stalled Meanwhile, Mr Mainas trial was stalled on Friday due to his absence from court. NAN reports that an officer of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS), Kuje, told Mr Abang that the defendant was brought to the premises but could not be produced in the courtroom because he was suffering from knee problem. Mr Abang had asked the officer why Mr Maina was not produced in court. The judge directed the court registrar to pass a paper to the prison officer to write his name. Responding, the officer said Maina was not in the courtroom because he was having problem on his two knees. He, however, said though he was not in the courtroom, the former pension reformed boss was in a car outside the court premises. My lord, the defendant is in the car outside. He has problem with the both knees, he said. MR Abang then directed the registrar to tell him if he received the hearing notice for the sitting and that court sits at 9a.m. Registrar, tell him the sitting is in the court not outside the court, the judge added. Responding, the officer said, We saw the hearing notice that we should produce him in courtroom and not outside the court. The judge then recorded that Mr Maina was absent from the proceedings. ADVERTISEMENT Earlier, Mr Mainas counsel, Abel Adaji, prayed the court for a short adjournment. Mr Adaji hinged his application on the claim that he was not served with the hearing notice in time. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) had reported, on June 17, that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had urged the Chief Judge of the court, John Tsoho, not to reassign some cases, including Mainas suit, to another judge. (NAN) The Nigerian government has commissioned the Zobe Regional Water Supply Scheme in Katsina State, 29 years after the contract was first awarded. The spokesperson of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, in a statement on Friday, said the ceremony took place on Thursday in Dutsin-Ma in Katsina State. At the event, President Muhammadu Buhari said his administration will continue to place priority on infrastructure development, including those for Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) towards ensuring better living condition for Nigerians. The president noted that access to adequate water supply, sanitation and hygiene was part of the indices for economic development of any nation. Mr Buhari commended the positive transformation taking place in the water and sanitation sector which was aimed at meeting the national aspiration of providing potable water for all Nigerians. In his own address, the minister of water resources, Suleiman Adamu, said the execution of the scheme suffered serious setbacks for over 25 years. Mr Adamu said this was because the contract was first awarded in 1992 but got stalled at 45 per cent completion due to neglect and lack of budget support until the advent of the present administration. He said the scheme drew water from the Zobe multipurpose dam that was commissioned in 1983 with a reservoir capacity of 177 billion litres of water. Adamu added that the scheme had been completed to the highest level of quality with a total capacity of 75 million litres of water per day. He said it would serve an estimated population of over one million people resident in Katsina town and seven outlaying communities namely: Kankia, Kurfi, Kafin Soli, Karofi, Radda, Charanchi and Bindawa Danmusa. The quality of the treated water from the scheme has been subjected to laboratory testing and found to be acceptable within the national and international standards for drinking water, Mr Adamu said. The minister said the Federal Governments intervention in water supply was meant to accelerate access to potable water. He said that where such intervention on water facility had been completed, it was usually handed over to the state government, local government or community for operation and maintenance depending on the nature and size of the facility. It is therefore the turn of Zobe Regional Water Supply Scheme to be formally commissioned and handed over to Katsina State Government, Mr Adamu said. The Governor of Katsina State, Aminu Masari, said the commissioning of the gigantic water supply project in a post COVID 19 era was quite commendable. Mr Masari added that it was a demonstration of the administrations determination to address the issue of perennial water shortage in Katsina State and other parts of the country. The Emir of Katsina, Abdulmumini Usman, thanked God for the eventual completion and commissioning of the scheme while praying that it would be source of joy to all water users. In his speech while welcoming guests earlier, Mannir Yakubu, the Deputy Governor of the state, thanked the Federal Government for the completion and handing over of the project. ADVERTISEMENT Mr Yakubu who is also the Chairman, Katsina State Committee on the take-over assured that the standard of the water supply scheme would be maintained at all times. The press release also noted that on the same day, the Minister, MrvAdamu commissioned a Special Presidential Intervention water supply project in Gwaleda, Kunchi Local Government of Kano State. (NAN) ADVERTISEMENT A new political twist is unfolding in Zamfara State as the House of Assembly has initiated plans to sanction Deputy Governor Mahdi Aliyu for holding a political rally after scores of people were killed in an attack by armed bandits in the state. Mr Aliyu was also accused of disrespecting the state police commissioner in a WhatsApp chat. There are speculations that the lawmakers want to use the matter to impeach Mr Aliyu who refused to defect with Governor Bello Matawalle to the APC from the PDP. The House asked Mr Aliyu to appear before it to explain why he held the rally without considering the security situation and in direspect of advice by the security authorities in the state. The lawmakers said Mr Aliyus action may aggravate insecurity in the state. The Speaker of the House, Nasiru Magarya, confirmed the invitation to Mr Aliyu. He said, it is wrong for the deputy governor to hold a political rally in this critical time. A member of the House, Yusuf Alhassan, representing Maru North, moved the motion to invite the deputy governor. Mr Alhassan accused Mr Aliyu of attempting to cause unrest in the security-fragile state and thus needed to be summoned to explain his action. However, Mr Aliyu said he was yet to receive the invitation from the lawmakers. The deputy governor was seen in a viral video addressing some of his supporters while daring anyone to stop him from visiting Zamfara. In the video Mr Aliyu said This is not a political rally, I was just welcomed. They have not seen anything yet. When the time comes for politicking, they will see the true political rally. Even though, I was not born in Zamfara, my father was born here and nobody can stop me from coming to Zamfara. This is my home. Also, we are aware of the killings in Maradun LGA. We sympathise with the families of the deceased ones. May Allah grant comfort to those who lost their lives. I am ready to visit the area for condolence, Mr Aliyu said amidst cheers by his supporters. The deputy governor has refused to join Governor Matawalle to defect to the APC. Mr Aliyu, who is a son of a former Minister of Defence, Ali Gusau, argued that the Supreme Court awarded the electoral victory in 2019 to the PDP and not just its candidates. One other federal lawmaker from the state, Kabira Yahaya, also declined moving to the APC with the governor. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has removed the name of governorship of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Charles Soludo, and his running mate, Onyekachi Ibezim, from the list of cleared candidates for the November 6 governorship election in Anambra State. Messrs Soludo and Ibezim were replaced with Chukwuma Umeoji and Obiageli Orogbu as the candidate and deputy governorship candidate of APGA. Also removed from the list are the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Valentine Ozigbo, and the deputy governorship candidate due to the subsisting court order on the primary that produced them. Cleared INEC, however, cleared the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Andy Uba and the deputy governorship candidate, Johnbosco Anaedobe, as well as the candidate of the YPP, Ifeanyi Ubah. This is contained in a statement by INEC spokesperson, Festus Okoye, in Abuja on Friday. The statement was titled Publication of personal particulars of candidates for Anambra governorship election. INEC met on Thursday, July 15, 2021 and among other things considered the List/personal particulars of candidates nominated by the various political parties for the Anambra State Governorship election scheduled to hold on 6th November 2021, the statement said. The Commission also considered and took cognizance of the Judgments/Court Orders served on it in relation to the primaries of the political parties and other processes leading to the election. In line with section 31(3) of the Electoral Act, 2010 (as amended) the personal particulars of the candidates will be published in the Commissions Notice Board in Awka, Anambra State while the names of the candidates, their gender, party, age, qualification and the Commissions decision/ remarks are herein attached. The Commission will continue to act in consonance with the Constitution and the law and will continue to obey the judgments and orders of courts served on it. Mr Soludo, a professor and former CBN Governor, controversially emerged the winner of the primary election organised on June 23 by the APGA faction loyal to Governor Willie Obiano. The faction is led by Victor Oye. He got 740 votes to defeat five other aspirants, including Okwudili Ezenwanwko, who came a distant second in the primary election of the party with 41 votes. However, another faction led by Jude Okeke rejected Mr Soludos emergence and subsequently organised a parallel primary on July 1. Both Mr Ozigbo and Ugochukwu Uba had emerged as the PDPs governorship candidate from parallel primary elections, thereby laying claim to the party ultimate ticket. INEC said it skipped the names of both the PDP governorship and deputy candidates based on a court order. The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Abuja on Thursday ordered the commission to suspend the moves to publish any name as the governorship candidate of Nigerias main opposition party in the forthcoming governorship election in the state. Yusuf Halilu, in his ruling on an ex parte application filed by lawyers of Mr Ozigbos lawyers, ordered INEC not to publish any name from the party as the court continues to hear the case. Mr Okoye said 17 political parties had been cleared to contest in the November 6 Anambra governorship race. ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT The most disturbing aspect of the INEC Bill was the reported doctoring of the document to eliminate the electronic transmission of results. It became a huge issue because we know the tradition of election rigging in Nigeria. Votes would be counted and declared openly in polling units in front of voters, who would go home happy. Subsequently, the numbers would be changed during collation On Wednesday, Senate President Ahmed Lawan, while receiving the Electoral Act Amendment Bill from the Committee Chairman, complained about what he called calculated blackmail against the leadership of the National Assembly by mischief makers. He was speaking out against what turned out to be a successful campaign by civil society and political parties to expose the subterranean attempts to empty the law of its democracy protection content and make electoral fraud easier. No Oga Senate President, there was no mischief, the National Assembly was caught out in its plot, exposed and forced to back track on some of its more sinister objectives. The struggle is still on-going and all citizens of goodwill must remain vigilant to ensure that the Electoral Act is improved, rather than distorted to aid anti-democratic forces. We are concerned at this time because there is an on-going aggressive move by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to cajole, threaten and indeed stampede opposition legislators and governors to abandon their parties and join the ruling party. The current moves are illegal because elected persons who change parties are supposed to resign from their positions but that is simply not happening. Nigerians know the script. The on-going political nomadism is an attempt to transform a ruling party into a hegemonic one that can do whatever it wants against the people and there will be no one to checkmate it. It was for this reason that Nigerians were very concerned about the character and quality of presidential nominees for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) national commissionership. Almost every Nigerian I have discussed the matter with considered the nomination of Lauretta Onochie as commissioner to be a disturbing sign that the APC wanted its partisans to run the show in INEC and do the bidding of the party. Had the president not made the mistake of nominating her from a State, Delta, which already has a serving national commissioner, something legislators from the other South-South states would never accept, she might well have been confirmed. At the same time, we must not underestimate the force and unity of Nigerians in calling for her removal, which was so strong that it was difficult for the Senate to ignore. Nonetheless, I doubt that the matter is settled. The habit of the president is to continue sending back the names of his rejected nominees until the Senate finally caves in to his will. We will remain watchful. Since 2011, a number of electoral reforms have been carried out that have led to a steady improvement of the quality of our elections. Nigerians know that and there is a high level of consciousness that we must not allow the tide to turn and return to the era of massive electoral fraud. The most disturbing aspect of the INEC Bill was the reported doctoring of the document to eliminate the electronic transmission of results. It became a huge issue because we know the tradition of election rigging in Nigeria. Votes would be counted and declared openly in polling units in front of voters, who would go home happy. Subsequently, the numbers would be changed during collation and the outcome would be decided by riggers, not voters. That was why the idea of sending the results directly to INEC headquarters and to the public from the polling units arose, as a way of bypassing riggers. It would be recalled that during the last Edo State governorship election, INEC deployed a results viewing portal, which made it possible for the public to see the results as they are announced and close the gates to riggers, thereby increasing the integrity of the electoral process and encouraging the acceptability of outcomes. It would be recalled that President Buhari, to his credit, publicly congratulated the winner of the Edo election, Governor Obaseki, for winning in a free, fair and credible election. There were widespread reports that the Senator Kabiru Gaya-led report may have been doctored on this issue. Specifically, Section 50 (2) of the Electoral Act was reported to have been rephrased, as follows, after the Committee had concluded its work: Voting at an election under the bill shall be in accordance with the procedure determined by the commission, which may include electronic voting, provided that the Commission shall not transmit results of elections by electronic means. If the rumour is true, the only explanation for it would be the desire to rig. Since 2011, a number of electoral reforms have been carried out that have led to a steady improvement of the quality of our elections. Nigerians know that and there is a high level of consciousness that we must not allow the tide to turn and return to the era of massive electoral fraud. In this spirit of moving forward, the last general election in 2019 ought to have been conducted with a brand-new electoral law but President Buhari declined assent to three successive Bills. Not all of the Bills were good and some of the Presidents objections were valid. Nonetheless, the President refused to work with the Eighth National Assembly to agree on a Bill that would improve the quality of elections. The problem of the Ninth Assembly is that their usual response to the President is always: YES, YOUR EXCELLENCY. The wish of most Nigerians too is for credible elections. If this is to happen, the self-interest of some legislators who are afraid that their people may not vote them back into office and therefore seek to introduce rigging mechanisms must be fought by all Nigerians. Heightened vigilance, at this time, is extremely important. Other areas of concern in the current Bill are the significant increases on the limits on campaign expenses (S.88). Campaign expenses for the presidential election have been increased from N1 billion to N15 billion; the governorship election, from N200 million to N5 billion; Senate poll, from N40 million to N1.5 billion; House of Representatives, from N30 million to N500 million; and the State House of Assembly election, from N10 million to N50 million. The intentions are clear: only the super-rich, most of whom have stolen public funds, can contest in future elections in Nigeria. These anti-people provisions must be removed. We should not forget that the last attempt to review the Electoral Act was rejected three times by the president. If, therefore, some of the changes we are seeking are accepted by the National Assembly, the president might reject them. It is interesting that the president has said repeatedly that the legacy he wants to leave for Nigeria is an electoral system with integrity, which produces free, fair and credible elections. In that case, he should always ensure that he does not nominate persons of questionable character or party partisans to INEC. The wish of most Nigerians too is for credible elections. If this is to happen, the self-interest of some legislators who are afraid that their people may not vote them back into office and therefore seek to introduce rigging mechanisms must be fought by all Nigerians. Heightened vigilance, at this time, is extremely important. 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. All praise is due to Allah, and may His blessings and peace be upon the Messenger after whom there are no Messengers. Dear brothers and sisters! Know that the ninth day of the month of Dhul-Hijjah is the Day of Arafah, since it is on this day the pilgrims gather at the mountain plain of Arafah, praying and supplicating to their Lord. In fact, one Prophetic Hadith says that: Hajj is Arafah. [Abu Dawud] This means Arafah is the sum and substance of Hajj. The day of Arafah is also significant because this amazing Quranic verse was revealed on this day: This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favour upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion. [Quran, 5:3] Arafah was the day on which Allah perfected His religion, completed His favours upon His beloved Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him), and approved Islam as a way of life. Imam Ibn Kathir in his tafsir (Quran exegesis) says: Imam Ahmad recorded that Tariq Bin Shihab said, A Jewish man said to Umar Bin Al-Khattab, O Leader of the Believers! There is a verse in your Book, which is read by all of you (Muslims), and had it been revealed to us, we would have taken that day (on which it was revealed) as a day of celebration. Umar Bin Al-Khattab asked, Which is that verse? The Jew replied: This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favour upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion. Umar replied, By Allah! I know when and where this verse was revealed to Allahs Messenger. It was the evening on the Day of Arafah on a Friday. The day of Arafah is also significant because Allah swore by this day in Quran, in Surah al-Buruj. It is known that Allah Almighty swears by nothing except that which is great and mighty, so the Day of Arafah is greatly significant: By the sky containing great stars. And [by] the promised Day. And [by] the witness and what is witnessed. [Quran, 85: 1-3] It was reported from Abu Hurairah (RA) that the Prophet (Peace be upon him) said: The promised day is the Day of Resurrection, the witnessed day is the Day of Arafah, and the witnessing day is Friday. [Tirmidhi] It is a recommended Sunnah of the Prophet (Peace be upon him) for those who are not pilgrims to fast on this day since the Prophet (Peace be upon him) was asked about fasting on the day of Arafah, so he said: It expiates the sins of the past year and the coming year. [Muslim] The Prophet (Peace be upon him) also said: There is no day on which Allah frees people from the Fire more so than on the day of Arafah. He comes close to those (people standing on Arafah), and then He reveals before His Angels saying, What are these people seeking. [Muslim] ADVERTISEMENT Respected servants of Allah! Arafah falls on the 9th day of Dhul-Hijjah. For those wondering when is 9th Dhul-Hijjah? It is expected to fall on coming Monday, July 19, although this is subject to the sighting of the moon of the country. Things to Do on the Day of Arafah 1. Fasting on the Day of Arafah: Fasting is highly encouraged and recommended for those not going on Hajj. Fasting on the Day of Arafah expiates the sins of the past year and the coming year. [Muslim] 2. Dua of Arafah: Saying this Dua very often: The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said of the Day of Arafah Dua: The most excellent Dua is the Dua on the Day of Arafah, and the best of what I and the Prophets before me have said, is There is nothing that deserves to be worshiped in truth except Allah, He is Alone and has no partner, to Him belongs the dominion and to Him belongs all praise, and He is All-Powerful over all things.' [Muwatta] . 3. Making much of Tahlil, Takbir, Tahmid and Tasbih: It is a Sunnah of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) to recite the Tahlil, Takbir and Tahmid as many times as possible on the day of Arafah, and also on the days of Tashriq (11th, 12th and 13th of Dhul-Hijjah). Tahlil is to say La ilaha illal-lah Takbir is to say Allahu Akbar Tahmid is to say Alhamdulillah Tasbih is to say Subhanallah. 4. Seek forgiveness from Almighty Allah: The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said: On this day (Arafah), Allah, the most Exalted, descends to the nearest heaven, and He is proud of His servants on the earth and says to those in heavens, look at My servants, they have come from far and near, with hair disheveled and faces covered with dust, to seek my Mercy. Even if their sins are as much as the sand or the froth of the sea, I shall forgive them. Dear brothers and sisters! The day of Arafah is among the most virtuous days. On that day, supplications are answered, sins are forgiven, and Allah boasts to the angels of the people of Arafah. It is a day that Allah granted a great value to and favoured over other days. It is the day of perfecting the religion and completing the favour and the day of forgiveness of sins and salvation from Hellfire. You should know the virtues of this day, how Allah favoured it over other days and the guidance of the Prophet (Peace be upon him) therein. I ask Allah to save us from Hellfire on that great day. Ameen. My beloved people! In sum, the day of Arafah is among the holiest times of the year in Islam. It commemorates the finality of revelation and the completion of the Hajj pilgrimage. We should increase our good deeds, prayers, and supplications during this time. If we are not present at Arafah, it is best to fast the day in remembrance. If we are on the plain of Arafah, it is best to save our strength for worship. My Dear brothers and sisters! As the Hajj season approaches, let us also consider the story of Prophet Ibrahim, his wife Hajarah and their son Ismail (May Allah send peace and blessings on them). This amazing family left us a great legacy that has become the foundation of the Hajj. Their story is relevant for all Muslims, for all times, and theres a particular resonance for us today, as we shall see Prophet Ibrahims father was a devout mushrik, an idol worshipper. Despite all his sons efforts, the father adamantly refused to stop worshipping idols. When he died he was still in denial of Allah. Prophet Ibrahim, the Khalil (Friend of Allah), the quintessential monotheist, the Patriarch of Judaism, Christianity and Islam, could not save his father. We, too, must accept that we have no real power to influence others, not even our own parents, to accept Islam. Allah chooses to guide whom He pleases. Anyone who is guided by Allah, he is truly guided; and anyone who has been left astray, will find no one to guide him. [Quran, 18:17] Our duty is only to share what Allah teaches, without pressure, without clever tricks. Allah is not in need of any of His creatures. We need Him. Prophet Ibrahim destroyed the idols that his people worshipped, except for one. When the people asked him who did it, he pointed to the remaining idol. They told him the idol couldnt have done it, so he asked them how is it that they worship something that can neither harm them nor help them! It couldnt even defend itself from being destroyed! But such is the arrogance of misguided people, that logic and wisdom is wasted on them. Instead of using their Allah-given reason and logic, they resorted to violence. They tried to burn Prophet Ibrahim to death. He, on the other hand, was completely calm and unafraid, relying on Allah, and reposing his trust in Allah at all times. Allah commanded the fire to be cool, and thus Ibrahim (AS), survived. When He and his wife, Hajarah arrived in the desolate valley of Bakkah, she repeated asked him why they had come there. He said nothing. Then, when she asked, is it Allahs wish? He confirmed that it was indeed so. She immediately accepted this, without complaining. Both husband and wife knew that no matter how dire the situation, they were always safe in Allahs hands. In His Hand is all Good. Allah has power over all things. [Quran, 3:26] Later, left alone with a hungry and thirsty infant child, she rushed from hilltop to hilltop in search of water, between Al-Safah and Al-Marwah. We commemorate this event during the Hajj, in Ramyi and Saayi. She ran in desperation, she made the effort, and her effort and her pleading for help from Allah was well rewarded. The water came, in limitless abundance, like Allahs mercy pouring out to his devoted servants. The Angel Jibril (AS), caused the well of Zamzam to gush pure, clean water from below baby Ismails feet, and for thousands of years, day in, day out, 24/7, it still flows today, refreshing and purifying millions of pilgrims. Let us think of Zamzam as Allahs mercy overflowing, waiting to quench our spiritual thirst, our quest for meaning, our quest for nearness to Allah. When Allah ordered Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice what he loved most, both he and Ismail knew what that meant. Neither father nor son had the slightest hesitation. They fully understood what we hear, and we obey means. No questions, no lame excuses. Just do it! Shaitan (Satan) attempted, thrice, to dissuade Prophet Ibrahim to change his mind. On each occasion, Prophet Ibrahim refused, and pelted Satan with stones. Today every pilgrim pelts 3 stone pillars in the very same place as our Prophetic ancestor did. We, too, symbolically reject the promptings of Shaitan within us, We too, take refuge in Allah from our own inner demons Prophet Ibrahim prepared to make a painful sacrifice. At the crucial moment when the sharp-bladed knife touched his sons jugular vein, Allah caused another miracle: A ram, a sheep, appeared where Ismail patiently awaited his fate. Instead of Ismail, the ram was slaughtered. Ismails life was spared. Prophet Ibrahims trial was over. Allah wanted to show us, and all generations to come until the end of time, what it means to love Allah, what it means to obey his every command. Today we still remember that willingness to make the ultimate sacrifice. We offer sheep, goats, cows or camels, sacrifice/layyah might only be a small symbolic gesture, but the lesson is timeless, and awesome. As the Noble Quran reminds us, it is not the meat that reaches Allah, it is the taqwa, the piety, the cautious awareness of our Creator, the awe-inspired reverence, filled with love, fear and hope. How many of us will be ready to make this kind of sacrifice? How many of us will be willing to devote our most beloved to Allah? Our wealth, our families, our possessions seem so important to us. But where does Allah fit into our scheme of priorities? Do we really love Allah as much as we should? Is our greatest love reserved for Allah, or do we have more love for what He has created? Heres some food for thought, my dear brothers and sisters. Surely, my prayer, my sacrifice, my life and my death is for Allah, Lord of all the Worlds. No partner has He, and I am first among the Muslims. [Quran, 6:162] This beautiful declaration was one of Prophet Ibrahims wonderful gifts to us. Every time we recite this prayer, at least 17 times a day, we re-dedicate our lives to Allahs service. We remind our forgetful and infinitely distractible human nature, where our true priorities lie. Let us remember with gratitude the awesome debt we owe Prophet Ibrahim and his family. We acknowledge this debt every time we pray, asking Allah to send peace and blessings on Prophet Muhammad and his family, just as he sent peace and blessings on Prophet Ibrahim and his family. My dear brothers and sisters! The Noble Quran reminds us to follow Prophet Ibrahim, who associated no partners with Allah, and whose way is described as the Hanif way. What is the Hanif way? Hanif means, to turn away from idol worship, to make no associations with Allah, to incline towards goodness, to be orthodox, to be a primordially upright person. This is the way of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), and all those who worshipped Allah, even during the time of ignorance, the time of Jahiliyyah. Let us, during these momentous days of Dhul-Hijjah, remember Prophet Ibrahim, Allahs peace and blessings on him. Let us remember who he was and what he lived for and died for. His great legacy is still with us today: Love Allah more than anyone or anything else, be willing to sacrifice anything in Allahs cause, and strive your whole life to be a primordially upright person. Try to be a loyal friend, a loving wife or husband, an exemplary parent, a loving son or daughter, a helpful neighbour and a good, law abiding citizen. This is the Hanif way, the way of Prophet Ibrahim and his family, the Millata Ibrahimah. Brothers and sisters, to conclude my Khutbah (sermon): Surely Allah commands justice, good deeds and generosity to others and to relatives; and He forbids all shameful deeds, and injustice and rebellion: He instructs you, so that you may be reminded. And remember Me: I will remember you. Be grateful to Me, and do not reject faith. And without doubt, Remembrance of Allah is the Greatest Thing in life, and Allah knows the deeds that you do. I ask Allah to bless this day for us and all Muslims everywhere. I ask Allah to assist us in living by the Quran and Sunnah. I pray, He lets us recognise the truth for what it is and helps us to follow it, and that He lets us see falsehood for what it is and helps us to avoid it. O Allah! Guide us and protect us from the causes of ignorance and destruction! O Allah! Save us from the defects of ourselves! Cause the last of our deeds to be the best and most righteous! And forgive all of us. Dear brothers and sisters! Anything good I have said in my todays sermon is from Allah the Almighty, and any mistakes are my own and I seek refuge in Allah from giving wrong advice and from all forms of calamities and fitnah. And I ask Allahs forgiveness if I stepped beyond bounds in anything I said or I do. May Allah be praised; and may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon His Messenger Muhammad and upon his family and Companions. With this I conclude the sermon and ask Allah, the Almighty and the Sublime, to forgive all of our sins. So seek his forgiveness, He is all forgiving and Most Merciful. All praises and thanks are due to Allah alone, Lord of the worlds. May the peace, blessings and salutations of Allah be upon our noble Messenger, Muhammad, and upon his family, his Companions and his true and sincere followers. Murtadha Muhammad Gusau is the Chief Imam of Nagazi-Uvete Jumuah and the late Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Okenes Mosques, Okene, Kogi State, Nigeria. He can be reached via: gusauimam@gmail.com or +2348038289761. This Jumuah Khutbah (Friday sermon) was prepared for delivery today, Friday, Dhul-Hijjah 06, 1442 AH (July 16, 2021). Instead of adopting the inclusive idiom of complementarity, mutuality, and reciprocity, we advance restructuring as a way to free a progressive and productive South from the shackles of a conservative and unproductive North This sentimental and counterproductive rhetoric is commonplace in pro-restructuring discourse. There is a lot of skepticism out there regarding the oft-discussed restructuring of the Nigerian union, with some of this skepticism focused on whether and how restructuring, however defined, would benefit the union or take it to a better place than it currently is. To those who say decentralisation or devolution of powers and initiatives would only reproduce the problems of Nigeria in miniature, subnational forms, there are two interrelated responses. First, local, culturally familiar authorities are better solvers of problems than distant, culturally detached ones. Second, difficult conversations about coexistence are better had at local levels, where all parties share and understand the terms and cultural undertones of such conversations. Nations are not harvesters or incubators of homogeneity. Successful nations are efficient managers of difference. A truly devolved structure would accommodate and ventilate and not criminalise the expression of difference and divergent aspirations. That said, the skepticism is legitimate, and questions about the potential of restructuring to fall flat or even reproduce our current challenges are justified, given that restructuring has become a convenient buzzword and a political rhetoric that political actors cynically and strategically deploy to bargain for power and its spoils. To the extent that some of us are convinced, regardless of the political histrionics surrounding it, that restructuring, defined broadly as decentralisation, and the constitutional re-empowerment of Nigerias subnational units, would help repair some of the defects of the union and address some of the foundational existential questions confronting it, we have an obligation to outline what we believe are the potential benefits of restructuring. First, radical decentralisation would produce grassroots vigilance regarding the financial and political affairs of subnational units. Admittedly, this may, in the short term, preserve and even exacerbate corruption at the subnational level. Yet the advantage in the long term is simple and commonsensical: the closer an institution is to the people it is designed to serve, the more stake they develop in it. The bigger the personal and group stake, the sharper the vigilance of citizens and the more determined they would be to ensure that elected representatives and leaders are transparent stewards of public resources and trust. Second, for oil-producing states and regions, the effect would be dramatic in terms of both revenue and the transformation of political dynamics. In the short term, contests for political office in those regions would escalate. Assuming that restructuring includes, as it should, the contested imperative of resource control, politicians from the oil-producing zone would reposition themselves to secure controlling access to the larger resource pool that would become available. Such politicians might begin an epic physical and symbolic migration from Abuja to participate in what they anticipate would be a regional oil revenue feast. Beneath this chaos, however, a quiet political dynamic would gradually take hold. With restructuring, citizens of these states would realise that their politicians can no longer rely on coercive instruments mobilised from Abuja to protect themselves against popular agitation for accountability and responsible governance. Nor can regional leaders invoke Abuja as excuse for their poor performance and irresponsible governance. A new sense of participatory vigilance would develop among the citizens of oil-producing states. Over time, this would crystallise in a formidable civil society that would insist on both fiscal and electoral accountability. A new subnational political reality would evolve, marked by the geographic and cultural proximity of citizens anger, the prospect of its eruption, and a new configuration in which local politicians can no longer call upon federal might for political protection or as an alibi for their leadership deficits. All of these would ensure an appreciable degree of accountability and fiscal responsibility Third, for non-oil-producing states, the potential benefits may be counterintuitive, but they are real. Regions without oil would be compelled to shop for revenue outside the assured purview of the federal allocation formula. This would produce new citizen vigilance and scrutiny over government policies and spending. New revenues do not come easy. Scarcity and necessity would force these states to explore previously neglected sources of revenue. Taxes and levies would have to be imposed on economically challenged citizens. This would have two interrelated outcomes, namely: difficult burdens for citizens and a sense of personal investment in the state. This would, in turn, compel citizens to vigorously demand accountability from their leaders. The revenue would come from their sweat, so they would be motivated to scrutinise its use by their elected officials, insisting on prudence and accountability. A new subnational political reality would evolve, marked by the geographic and cultural proximity of citizens anger, the prospect of its eruption, and a new configuration in which local politicians can no longer call upon federal might for political protection or as an alibi for their leadership deficits. All of these would ensure an appreciable degree of accountability and fiscal responsibility on the part of subnational public officeholders. The second issue in our ongoing restructuring conversation is the language in which we talk about the set of reforms we call restructuring. In particular, the rhetorical flourishes that we deploy to make our case for restructuring have become not only toxic but also injurious to the advocacy of restructuring itself. One common rhetorical error is that many advocates advance restructuring as an end, rather than as the first step in reclaiming and healing a broken, dysfunctional union. We posit restructuring with an air of finality as a cure-all. It is no surprise that many Nigerians are skeptical, given the exaggerated instrumentality we have assigned to restructuring and the immodest certitude with which advocates of constitutional devolution make their case. The depth of the Nigerian predicament and the fact that restructuring would certainly throw up new complications that must be negotiated, dictate that we adopt a more modest and more tentative rhetoric in talking about restructuring. Another error in our rhetorical toolbox is imprecision and the semiotic over-burdening of restructuring. We talk about restructuring as a stand-in for many things, most of them ambiguously defined. In this way, were asking restructuring to do too many things and to solve too many problems. The fact is that the national predicament is so deep and the problems confronting Nigeria are so multifaceted that restructuring, if it happens, will only be the important beginning of a long series of necessary reforms the foundation for many targeted interventions in several sectors of our national life. For me, advancing restructuring as an all-purpose miraculous cure is conceptual laziness, emanating from our reluctance or inability to define the limit and scope of what we mean by restructuring. What does restructuring mean and what does it not mean? What does it include and what does it exclude? All of this is to say that we need to change our language. Language and rhetoric matter. It can make or mar your case, no matter how sound, meritorious, and substantive the case actually is. The language we adopt has the capacity to enable us build consensus in the direction of restructuring or to harden opposition to it. Definitions, meanings, and semiotics matter because they structure conversations and debates, which in turn help to craft and refine reform and policy. We need to be more precise about what we mean when we say we want to restructure Nigeria. We also need to be precise about how best to pursue the set of reforms encapsulated in the concept of restructuring. Another wrong way in which we have talked about constitutional restructuring and thereby hurt the case were making for it is in using the language of devaluation and antagonism for the North. We alienate the North, which is arguably the region to gain the most from restructuring. We do not bother to engage Northerners, and when we do, we do so from a haughty, condescending pedestal. We construct a simplistic and offensive binary of a parasitic and lazy North and a productive and resourceful South, an instant turn off for millions of Northerners who harbour rational and irrational suspicions of restructuring and need to be convinced otherwise. ADVERTISEMENT Instead of adopting the inclusive idiom of complementarity, mutuality, and reciprocity, we advance restructuring as a way to free a progressive and productive South from the shackles of a conservative and unproductive North. How many times have we heard the North being described as a drag on the rest of the country, as a region holding others back? This sentimental and counterproductive rhetoric is commonplace in pro-restructuring discourse. And yet, we expect the same Northerners to buy into restructuring. In so far as advocacy for restructuring is largely about building consensus and alliances and convincing more constituencies and compatriots to buy into the ameliorative logic of devolution and decentralisation, our activist language cannot be one that alienates and antagonises. Our linguistic choices have to be deliberately calibrated to attract and convince individual and group skeptics and to show them clearly what they might benefit from restructuring how restructuring might be in their individual and group interests. Humans are wired to be self-interested, so the ultimate challenge for advocates of restructuring is to overcome the wall of doubt and suspicion in the North by articulating clearly and respectfully how restructuring will translate positively in the North and why Northerners therefore need to support constitutional reforms in that direction. How about changing tack and developing a respectful, logically sound, evidence-based case for why Northerners should be at the forefront of restructuring because their region is endowed with human and land resources, the two most important elements, aside from technology, in the economy of the twenty-first century? How about demonstrating how restructuring would unleash the latent capacities and resources of the North and prepare it for the imminent post-oil future? All of this is to say that we need to change our language. Language and rhetoric matter. It can make or mar your case, no matter how sound, meritorious, and substantive the case actually is. The language we adopt has the capacity to enable us build consensus in the direction of restructuring or to harden opposition to it. Moses E. Ochonu can be reached at meochonu@gmail.com Although American President Joe Biden had on April 14 announced that America would withdraw its troops by September 11, the twentieth commemoration of the 9/11 terrorist attacks in America, few would have suspected this would amount to a run, catching its local allies and the Taliban off guard. Bagram Airfield and Military Base, 70 kilometres north of Kabul, was the epicentre of the 40-country coalition war to oust the Taliban from Afghanistan. At a point in 2012, over 100,000 U.S. troops passed through Bagram, which is also a notorious detention centre where no human rights are observed. It was the symbol of the American and North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) might in Afghanistan. The American Newsweek Magazine in its Wednesday, July 14 issue gave a graphic description of Bagram: The enormous base has two runways. The most recent, at 12,000 feet long, was built in 2006 at a cost of $96 million. There are 110 revetments, which are basically parking spots for aircraft, protected by blast walls three large hangars, a control tower and numerous support buildings. The base has a 50-bed hospital with a trauma bay, three operating theatres and a modern dental clinic. Another section houses a prison, notorious and feared among Afghans. Bagram, built by the defunct Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) in the 1950s, was a Soviet military base in the 1980s during its intervention in Afghanistan. On Friday, July 2, the over 5,000 Taliban prisoners held in cells in Bagram noticed something strange; there were no guard in sight. The locals in the vicinity also found the usually fortified base seemingly deserted. Some ventured in only to find it devoid of guards. The American troops in Bagram had vanished, shutting down the power supply and abandoning the base and its human contents locked up in the cells! It turned out that the American military left the base at 3.00am and headed for the airport, while the Afghans and the American-backed government were sleeping. Words went out and for hours, the locals looted the feared base. General Asadullah Kohistani of the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces said the government got to know about the abandonment of Bagram four hours after the Americans left. Its troops then began the race to secure the base, before the Taliban prisoners could become wiser and stage a break. General Kohistani said that apart from the prisoners, the Americans also abandoned their military ready-made meals, called MREs, and tens of thousands of bottles of water and energy drinks. The Afghan soldiers also found thousands of civilian vehicles without keys, and hundreds of armoured vehicles. Although American President Joe Biden had on April 14 announced that America would withdraw its troops by September 11, the twentieth commemoration of the 9/11 terrorist attacks in America, few would have suspected this would amount to a run, catching its local allies and the Taliban off guard. The situation of the Afghan government is worsened by the fact that the remaining 7,000 NATO forces have also melted away. The Afghan story is quite similar to the American invasion of Vietnam on November 1, 1955. Both wars, which lasted 20 years each, were unnecessary conflicts that America, perhaps believing in its invincibility, inherited. But the latter made a quick recovery and went on a relentless offensive that has seen it take effective occupation of over two-thirds of the country, with Afghan soldiers fleeing to neigbouring countries like Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. Also, the Taliban has taken major border crossings with Pakistan and Iran. The situation of the Afghan government is worsened by the fact that the remaining 7,000 NATO forces have also melted away. The Afghan story is quite similar to the American invasion of Vietnam on November 1, 1955. Both wars, which lasted 20 years each, were unnecessary conflicts that America, perhaps believing in its invincibility, inherited. Vietnam had been a colony of France before the Second World War, in which the Germans routed the French. At the end of that war, France tried to recolonise Vietnam, which the people resisted. In the ensuring war, the Vietnamese militarily defeated France, following the famous Battle of Dien Bien Phu. After that battle, from March 13 May 7, 1954, in which the besieged French army lost some 2,293 soldiers, with 1,729 missing and 11,721 taken prisoner, France conceded defeat. The victorious Vietnamese were already celebrating their independence from colonialism when the United States decided that they could not become an independent country, because the popular forces that defeated France were led by the Socialist leader, Ho Chi Minh. In the ensuing Vietnam War, in which America used biological and chemical weapons, it lost 58,148 soldiers, with 304,000 injured and 1,244 still missing. It also experienced what may be its highest rate of desertion when, between July 1966 and December 1973, 503,000 U.S. military personnel deserted the War. Over two million Vietnamese, on both sides, died in the war, which saw America, like what happened this month in Afghanistan, breaking into a run to get out. In the process, many of its local supporters were abandoned. While America inherited the Vietnamese War, following the defeat of France and rise of the communist Vietnamese, so did it inherit the Afghan War after the defeat of the Soviet Union and rise of the Taliban. Basically, the Americans did not want the Taliban in power, they preferred the Northern Alliance. The Afghan War from 2001 to 2021 may yet be the biggest defeat of foreign troops in history; a rag tag army of locals took on 40 countries, including a total of 90,000 American soldiers, 40,000 Canadian troops and 150,000 British military personnel and remained undefeated! America saw in the 9/11 attacks traced to Osama Bin Laden, who was then taking refuge in Afghanistan, a good excuse to invade Afghanistan and not just take out the al Qaeda leader but also the Taliban government. America learnt quite bitter lessons in Afghanistan. One of them was that when your enemy gives up its towns and cities, including its capital without putting up a fight, you should know they are planning brilliant strategies. When America invaded Afghanistan, the Afghan armed forces remained intact; it merely melted away to begin a guerrilla warfare that wore out the enemy. When the Americans, after its seeming victory, decided to build a new Afghan army, the clever Taliban asked its own recruits and supporters to enlist. So, America ended up training Taliban recruits. Also, the new army had undetected Taliban soldiers and sympathisers embedded within it. ADVERTISEMENT The perception of the Afghan people was quite important. While the coalition forces were viewed by quite a number of Afghans as foreign invaders, and their local supporters as sell out, they saw the Taliban as fellow Afghans. Unlike groups such as al-Qaeda, ISIS and the Pakistani Taliban, the Afghan Taliban are neither terrorists attacking people in various countries nor guns for hire; they never left their country. If Bin Laden was the main reason for the invasion of Afghanistan, the coalition should have made peace with the Talban after he was killed on May 2, 2011. Over six years ago, America angrily rejected peace moves by its puppet Karzai government, which believed the war against the Taliban was unwinnable. Events this month have vindicated it. The Afghan War from 2001 to 2021 may yet be the biggest defeat of foreign troops in history; a rag tag army of locals took on 40 countries, including a total of 90,000 American soldiers, 40,000 Canadian troops and 150,000 British military personnel and remained undefeated! As it was for the Americans in Vietnam, so is it for them in Afghanistan. Owei Lakemfa, a former secretary general of African workers, is a human rights activist, journalist and author. ADVERTISEMENT As part of their corporate social responsibility, two firms Lubrik Construction Company and Craneburg Construction are jointly donating a state-of-the-art museum complex to the State Security Service (SSS). This was announced during the ground breaking ceremony of the project at the SSS headquarters in Abuja on July 15. The Chairman of Lubrik Construction Company, Nasiru Haladu Danu (who is also on the board of Craneburg Construction), while speaking at the event, said the project was being funded by both construction companies. Mr Danu said the complex would be completed in 16 months and would meet all international standards. He urged private organizations to encourage the countrys security agencies by carrying out projects that would help their work and motivate their personnel. In his response, the Director General of the SSS, Yusuf Magaji Bichi, thanked the management of Lubrik Construction and Craneburg Construction and assured them of the agencys commitment to making Nigeria safe for companies to do business without any form of intimidation. During the event, Mr Bichi gave a detailed description of the project and performed a foundation laying ceremony. Present at the event were senior officials of the SSS and directors of both construction companies. Construction work commenced immediately after the short ceremony. The two companies are jointly constructing a world-class Club House for the Nigerian Army at the Guards Polo Club, Abuja. The project is currently 80 per cent completed, officials say. ADVERTISEMENT Bandits have killed two Nigerian soldiers, wounded several others and abducted many people in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State. The attack took place at about 2 p.m. on Thursday in Unguwar Lalle, a few kilometres from Sabon Birni town. A resident of the area, Lawal Gobir, who spoke with Premium Times through phone, said the two soldiers were killed while trying to repel the bandits attack. When a reinforcement was sent, they (bandits) attacked the soldiers and wounded seven of them. They also burnt down two Hilux vans belonging to the Nigerian Army. Mr Gobir, who said he heard sporadic gunshots during the attack, said some of the bandits were also killed but they took away all their corpses while leaving. Another source, Musa Gobir, said they were yet to know the actual number of people kidnapped. But I know that Garba Zolo, a medical worker, was among those abducted. He said the bandits stormed a primary healthcare centre in the village and took away Mr Zolo and two persons. The remaining healthcare centre staff were lucky to have escaped. He, however, said the gunmen were yet to make contact with the families of Mr Zolo. ADVERTISEMENT Floods following a torrential rainfall on Wednesday night displaced some residents of Ado Ekiti from their homes and destroyed properties. Mostly affected were residents of Balemo and Tinuola areas, off Afao road, Ado Ekiti, where flood affected over ten buildings and destroyed properties worth millions of naira. There was a torrential downpour on Monday evening and again on Wednesday night, which led to flooding and some buildings submerged in water, forcing residents to temporarily flee their homes, one of the affected residents, Blessing Oladele, said. Mr Oladele told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ado Ekiti on Thursday that the rainfall led to the Elemi stream overflowing its banks, which resulted in fast-flowing flood that submerged some houses in the area. It affected about ten buildings and we would have recorded casualties , but for the fact that we quickly ran out of our buildings with our wives and children to seek refuge in safe neighboring houses. Apart from affecting some of the building walls and foundations, we have lost other valuables like electronics, clothing materials, beddings , chairs, rugs, kitchen utensils to this flooding. The canal was dredged during the first term of Governor Kayode Fayemi, but it has been blocked by debris Which I believe caused the blockade that led to the flood, he stated. Another victim, Sunday Ojo, appealed to the government to dredge the affected canal identified as the main cause of the destructive flooding. The canal at Tinuola area needs to be dredged to be able to contain the water from upland. I also advise that dredging of Elemi stream will help in controlling flooding because each time it overflows its bank it pushes water backward that affects that section and other adjoining areas, he said. When contacted, the Chairman, Ekiti State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Sunday Adebomi, said the agency was aware of the incident. The SEMA boss stated that his agency would conduct on- the- spot assessment to know the extent of damage and how best to intervene to control flooding in the area. (NAN) ADVERTISEMENT The Ondo state governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, has expressed displeasure over the robbery incident that led to the death of a journalist, Olubunmi Afuye. Mr Afuye was killed on Thursday during robbery of United Bank of Africa (UBA) in llara Mokin area of the state. The deceased, who was recently appointed as the spokesperson of Elizade University, llara- Mokin, was shot dead alongside a policeman and an Okada rider in the town during the robbery operation. Mr Akeredolu in a statement by his spokesperson, Richard Olatunde, said Mr Afuye s death was a personal loss. The Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN just a few hours ago, received the sad news of the untimely death of Mr Bunmi Afuye. According to preliminary reports, Bunmi, who until his demise was a Public Relations Officer at the Elizade University, Ilaramokin, was shot by armed robbers who were robbing a bank in the town. Mr Governor is touched by this dastardly act that has cost the Journalism profession a bright and upcoming star. He was particularly close to us; we all admired his candour and carriage, especially his brilliant delivery at functions he compared that we had reasons to grace. His demise is not just painful. It is very pathetic and unbearable. Governor Akeredolu expresses his heartfelt condolences to the wife and children, family, the University community as well as the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) over this loss that he considers a personal one. PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported that the Ondo chapter of NUJ has declared seven days of mourning to honour the departed colleague. This was contained in a statement signed by the NUJ State Chairman, Adetona Aderoboye, and Leke Adegbite-Adedoyin, the State Secretary in Akure. While declaring Seven Days of Mourning, the Ondo NUJ demands that security operatives should do everything humanly possible to bring the perpetrators of the heinous act to justice within shortest time, the group said. ADVERTISEMENT The former governor of Osun State, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, has criticised President Muhammadu Buhari led administration over failure to tackle security challenges rocking Nigeria. Mr Oyinlola served as governor in Osun between 2003 and 2010 under the umbrella of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He later defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) shortly before the 2014 governorship election in the state. He was one of those who campaigned for Mr Buhari ahead of the 2015 general elections. Speaking on BBC Yoruba programme on Thursday, Mr Oyinlola said those that supported and canvassed for Mr Buhari are already seeking forgiveness from God. The BBC interview was monitored by our correspondent. I participated in the process that brought in Buhari as president. We made several promises to Nigerians but we are yet to fulfill any. One of many cases is security. We thought because he (Buhari) was a former military head, he was going to eradicate Boko Haram in six months but nothing has changed. Obasanjo told us that he knows Buhari, and not sure he could lead Nigeria well, but we felt because he is a former military head, he should be able to tackle insurgence. Since we gained independence, and civil war, theres no moment more scaring like what we have now. The newspaper reports we read daily capture death and abduction of people. Already, parents are not interested in sending their kids to school. Insecurity has not gone worst like this since 1999, the ex-governor said. Mr Oyinlola, who has returned to the PDP, also advocated for restructuring, saying Mr Buhari is acting ignorantly about all he promised in 2015. I am surprised that we have not seen difference. We promised the southerners restructuring but I am surprised that Buhari is acting so ignorantly about restructuring now. We lobbied them with restructuring promises. We are seeking forgiveness from God over these matters. He also advocated for the dissolution of power to states. PREMIUM TIMES reached out to Mr Buharis spokespersons, Femi Adesina and Garba Shehu for reactions to Mr Oyinlolas claim but the duo did not respond to calls and text messages. Nigeria has been battling various forms of insecurity in the last few years. One of the many security challenges is the crisis between farmers and herders across various parts of Nigeria. The 17 southern governors in Nigeria, on May 11, resolved to ban open grazing of cattle in their states. The governors said the incursion of armed herders, criminals, and bandits into the Southern part of the country has presented a severe security challenge such that citizens are unable to live their normal lives. Many groups are also calling for restructuring but Mr Buhari has refused to take any step on that. His refusal has led to Biafra agitation in the Southeast and Yoruba Nation agitation in the Southwest. However, an ex-Governor of Lagos, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, alongside the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, Bisi Akande and all leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the South-West, in a meeting in Lagos last month, strongly opposed the agitations. They called for ethnic and religious unity, instead of a divided nation. The Yoruba Appraisal Forum (YAF) says its `Anti-Secession Agitations rally billed for Lagos on Friday has been postponed to curb COVID-19 spread, among other reasons. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the group, which had held various rallies across South-west states to preach against agitation for a Yoruba nation, had scheduled the rally to kick-off from the Gani Fawehinmi Park in Ojota, Lagos. It had planned that the rally would culminate in a walk through Ojota to Maryland and Ikeja. The police command in Lagos State had, on Thursday, invited the leadership of the group following a letter to it by the group, informing the command of the planned rally. NAN reports that Adesina Animashaun is the National Coordinator of YAF. The Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Hakeem Odumosun, in a statement after meeting with Mr Animashaun on Thursday at the commands headquarters, said that any rally or mass gathering in any part of the state would expose the participants and innocent residents to traffic problems, health hazards and avoidable security infractions. Addressing journalists in Lagos on Friday, the YAF national coordinator confirmed that he was invited by Mr Odumosun over the rally. I met with the CP on Thursday afternoon and the reasons he gave for us to postpone the really are ideal. The CP also asked me to sign an undertaking to call off the rally, walk, to forestall gridlock, new wave of COVID-19, among others, which I did. As a law-abiding citizen, I realised that the reasons given by the CP are ideal. However, our sensitisation about the need for one Nigeria is not something we push under the carpet. The rally will eventually hold at a later date that we will decide, Mr Animashaun said. Mr Animashaun faulted media reports that described YAF members as Yoruba nation agitators. He said that YAF had not been in support of such an agitation but had been clamouring for an indivisible Nigeria. He said that YAF would continue to preach against divisions and agitations for an independent Yoruba nation. Mr Animashaun said that Yoruba youth should exercise caution and be vigilant to avoid being used to destabilise the country by unpatriotic groups and individuals claiming to be fighting for an independent Yoruba nation. He said unpatriotic acts would have consequences for the perpetrators and the country. The YAF national coordinator urged the youth to promote peace. According to him, YAF had planned to use a motorcade to sensitise Lagos residents to the need to maintain peace at all times and avoid being used by unpatriotic groups and individuals to breach the peace. We arranged a crowd of `okada riders and people that will carry placards with various inscriptions advising Yoruba to maintain peace and eschew violence. ADVERTISEMENT We have handbills and leaflets that we intended to distribute from Ojota Park to urge people of the South-West not to be deceived by those claiming to be fighting a Yoruba cause, he said. Mr Animashaun reiterated the need for youths in the South-west and the entire Nigeria to eschew violence, live in peace and report suspected troublemakers to the nearest security agency. He appealed to governments, security agencies and other major stakeholders in Yoruba land to ensure that no individual or group would instigate violence in the South-west. The YAF coordinator commended the federal government for the way it was handling agitations. He urged governors of the six South-West states to tighten security and forestall violence. (NAN) The Ekiti State government has warned the head of a quarter in Odo Owa-Ekiti in Ijero Local Government Area of the state, Ayodeji Ajayi, against parading himself as traditional ruler. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Deputy Governor, Bisi Egbeyemi, gave the warning at a meeting held with interested parties in his office on Friday in Ado-Ekiti. Mr Egbeyemi affirmed the Olowa of Odo Owa Ekiti, Ayorinde Oyedeji, as the only recognised traditional ruler in the town. The deputy governor explained that since the request for autonomy by Idogun quarters, led by Mr Ajayi had been turned down, it remained part of Odo Owa-Ekiti. He also directed Mr Ajayi, who is the Obadogun and 10 other chiefs, to return to the palace they had boycotted and continue to perform their functions under the Olowa. Mr Egbeyemi frowned on the alleged refusal of Idogun quarters to pay taxes to government coffers, describing it as lawlessness that will not be tolerated by the state government. He also requested the Olowa to forward the names of the 10 other chiefs, who had reportedly boycotted the palace, to government for necessary action. While advising the Obadogun to respect the law, the deputy governor stressed that any attempt to claim and exercise an authority not bestowed on him by the law could lead to his arrest and possible prosecution. Mr Egbeyemi said the quarters in question had yet to become an autonomous community, hence it could not be deemed to have a crowned Oba. He advised Mr Ajayi and his supporters to be patient and legitimately pursue their autonomy. According to the deputy governor, since they had yet to secure autonomy for their quarters, they remained part of Odo Owa-Ekiti and should, therefore, continue to participate in all the legitimate activities of the town. You applied for autonomy but it was not granted and since the bid has not been successful, you remain part of Odo Owa-Ekiti. Know that you are a chief under the traditional ruler, the Olowa, and I am saying it with the government authority that you are not an Oba. Government will apply appropriate sanctions in accordance with the law, if you continue in your illegality. You dont claim the rights and privileges the law has not given you, Mr Egbeyemi said. NAN reports that Mr Ajayi had earlier claimed that history and tradition supported his claim to being an Oba and not second-in-command to the Olowa. But the Olowa said Mr Ajayi had been engaging himself in activities that could spark crisis in the town, adding, however, that he had been toeing the line of peace. Mr Oyedeji further stated that Mr Ajayi had been invited several times but turned down the invitations until he was summoned by the government. He said that Idogun quarters had ceased paying taxes since 2004 and refused to contribute to the development of the town. ADVERTISEMENT (NAN) The Lagos House of Assembly has proposed a bill that provides that every building in the state is equipped with fire-fighting equipment such as a fire extinguisher to forestall fire incidents. The Chairman of the House Committee on Special Duties, Raheem Kazeem (Ibeju Lekki II), made the disclosure at a one-day public hearing on the bill on Friday. The public hearing was conducted by the House of Assembly. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the bill is entitled: A Bill for a Law to Establish the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service and for Connected Purposes. It also provides that all buildings must have fire safety equipment such as conventional fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, central fire alarm systems and, at least, two staircases for storey buildings. Buildings that are two storeys or more are to have hose reel equipment and automatic fire detection and suppression system (Fire Master 200/Pyrogen etc). The service is empowered to cause authorised officers to carry out inspection of any building in the state and the service shall charge fees for inspection of such buildings, he said. Mr Kazeem said that fire fighting equipment dealers would be expected to apply for registration with the state fire service for issuance of a certificate of registration. He said the certificate should be renewed yearly on payment of a prescribed fee. He said every private organisation or company in the state would be required to apply for registration with the state fire service for the establishment of a private fire department or unit. The proposed bill also recommends two years imprisonment for a person or persons obstructing fire-fighting or assaulting fire-fighters. According to Mr Kazeem, the bill proposes that any person or group of people obstructing, assaulting or resisting fire service personnel shall be fined N500,000 or sentenced to a jail term of two years or both, for an individual. He submitted that the fine for a corporate body should be N5 million. According to the lawmaker, failure to yield right of way to engines or other mobile fire-fighting equipment as required by the law is an offence and, on conviction, the accused shall be liable to a fine not exceeding N100,000 or a prison term not exceeding six months or both. The lawmaker noted that the bill also provided for prohibition and control of the use of materials classified as a fire hazard in the erection, alteration, improvement or repair of any building or other structures. Mr Kazeem said the bill also provided for risk assessment and fire investigation in public and private places considered to be potential risks to human lives and property. According to him, the bill is aimed at preventing fire or fire-related emergencies within the state. The lawmaker said that the bill would empower the state fire service to investigate and respond to complaints from members of the public on matters that could lead to an outbreak of fire or other related emergencies. ADVERTISEMENT He noted that the agency would charge fees annually for service rendered other than extinguishing fires, at the rate prescribed under the schedules of the law. Mr Kazeem said the rate should be reviewed periodically. Any prescribed charge under this may be sued for and recovered in a court of competent jurisdiction in the state by the state fire controller in his official name with full costs of action from the person charged as a debtor to the state. A charge shall not be made for any service rendered by the service in extinguishing fires and for rescue operations. In his contribution, a former Head of Lagos State Fire Service, Aderemi Ajose, said the fire service should be under Lagos State Ministry of Special Duties. He suggested the amendment of some of the sections of the bill. Mr Ajose said a member of the agencys board should be a retired director in the service, adding that another should have about 30 years experience in fire service. Also contributing, Ologunboye Pascal, a retired fire service officer, said there should be a provision for fire medics to help in dispensing first aid at fire accident scenes. A fire engineer, Jumade Adejola, suggested that commercial buildings should be mandated to install fire hydrants in their apartments to reduce fire incidents. A former Commissioner for Home Affairs in the state, Oyinlomo Danmole, advised that fire hydrants should be stationed at strategic places across the state to be handy to firefighters during fire emergencies. Earlier in his address, the Deputy Speaker of the House, Wasiu Eshinlokun-Sanni (Lagos Island 1), said the state government would continue to attach importance to the security of the state residents. Mr Eshinlokun-Sanni, who represented Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, said there were fire incidents in the state in recent times. He said that the bill was meant to address fire issues. (NAN) 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 Southbury, CT (06488) Today Generally cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 78F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Mostly clear. Low 63F. Winds light and variable. PHOENIX, July 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Alpine 4 Holdings' (OTCQB: ALPP), a leading operator and owner of small market businesses, announces that its subsidiary, Vayu Aerospace Corporation, has successfully demonstrated its G1 and US-1 airframes to several customers in the Energy and Mining industries. The event was held in a remote location outside of Terra Heute, Indiana. This specific location was chosen to showcase the capabilities of the G1 and US-1 airframes working within an integrated patch of energy production, generation, and transmission systems. In all cases, both the G1 and US-1 demonstrated their superior flight time, agility to work in tight spaces (i.e., power lines and electricity transformers) while covering a great distance between energy generation locations. In addition, the US-1 displayed its ability to work within a network of natural gas production wells. Tom Hite of ACTeQ, a 3D seismic survey planning, and operational software firm and one of the event attendees, has several natural gas production lines that run through this property. US-1, armed with its FLIR thermal camera, hovered over the site capturing the thermal signature created by these wells. This served as an excellent opportunity for real-world, on-site validation of Vayu's product suite for fellow energy and mining attendees. The attendees of the event included over 30 guests from a variety of companies, including Alcoa, Peabody Energy, Hoosier Energy, AES IP&L (formerly Indianapolis Power and Light), CountryMark, and Silversmith Data. Kent B. Wilson, CEO of Alpine 4, commented, "Monday the 12th was a pivotal day for Vayu Aerospace Corporation to showcase not only its unique airframes but the level of talent being brought on to this team. Several attendees expressed that our airframes would revolutionize their current work environment by reducing the time taken to perform cumbersome and laborious tasks. A few attendees, who currently use drones in their work process, commented that their current drones would require up to six battery changes to complete their typical inspection. However, with US-1's incredible flight time, those tasks could be done in one charge cycle. It was also noted that our drones could remove many of the dangerous tasks performed by helicopter pilots inspecting powerlines. This demo illustrates the countless civilian applications currently underutilized while the drone economy is still in its infancy." TK Eppley, President of Vayu Aerospace Corporation, had this to say: "What a great opportunity to demonstrate the capabilities of the US-1 & G1 airframes. It was the perfect venue to hear from our energy sector partners regarding what's important to them, learn about their use cases, and share the capabilities and vision for the future at Vayu Aerospace Corp." Source: Alpine 4 Holdings, Inc. Ian Kantrowitz VP of IR [email protected] Forward-Looking Statements: The information disclosed in this press release is made as of the date hereof and reflects Alpine 4 most current assessment of its historical financial performance. Actual financial results filed with the SEC may differ from those contained herein due to timing delays between the date of this release and confirmation of final audit results. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements including, without limitation, the risks, uncertainties, including the uncertainties surrounding the current market volatility, and other factors the Company identifies from time to time in its filings with the SEC. Although Alpine 4 believes that the assumptions on which these forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, any of those assumptions could prove to be inaccurate and, as a result, the forward-looking statements based on those assumptions also could be incorrect. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this release are made as of the date hereof, and Alpine 4 disclaims any intention or obligation to update the forward-looking statements for subsequent events. SOURCE Alpine 4 Holdings, Inc. Related Links https://www.alpine4.com/ NEW YORK, July 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- ATSG, a tech-enabled managed services and solutions company, announced today that it has been named as one of the world's premier managed service providers in the prestigious 2021 Channel Futures MSP 501 rankings. ATSG 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. Channel Futures is pleased to name ATSG to the 2021 MSP 501. "I am proud that, for the second consecutive year, ATSG has been named to the MSP 501 list of best managed service providers across the world," said Anthony J. D'Ambrosi, Chief Executive Officer, ATSG. "Our global success within the industry is attributed to our culture of client intimacy, delivery excellence, diversity, and innovation, providing exceptional digital experiences through our Technology Solutions as a Service offerings portfolio. I am honored by our organization's ability to rapidly and securely deliver on our promises, and I am even more excited about what we will accomplish throughout the remainder of this year and beyond." 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 the 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 workforces. "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 complete 2021 MSP 501 list is available on Channel Futures' website. About ATSG ATSG is a global tech-enabled managed services and solutions company focused on innovative solutions to enhance today's digital enterprise and end-user experiences. ATSG provides Intelligent IT through Technology Solutions as a Service (TSaaS) to a variety of customers; leveraging an offerings portfolio of rediTech, rediManage, rediCloud, and rediSecure, which delivers reliable, elastic, dynamic infrastructure, collaboration, applications, as well as world-class IT operations. Headquartered in Manhattan, New York, ATSG is a portfolio company of RunTide Capital, a private equity firm focused on building tech-enabled growth companies. ATSG is a privately held company headquartered in Manhattan, New York. For more information on ATSG, please visit us on the web at http://www.atsg.net/, like us on LinkedIn, follow us on Twitter, or become a fan on our Facebook page. #AboutATSG 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: Elizabeth Kubycheck, [email protected] SOURCE ATSG Related Links http://www.atsg.net DUBLIN, July 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Global B2B Marketplaces Market 2021" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. Global B2B Marketplaces Market 2021" provides insights into the current state and future trends of business-to-business marketplaces industry across the globe. The publication reveals that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for B2B marketplaces services increased significantly, and new local players appeared in different regions. Global B2B buyers see potential in business-to-business marketplaces for their companies Despite the fact that B2B marketplaces currently do not make up a large share in the total B2B sales value, in 2020 and in 2021 they have attracted increased attention from global buyers. According to a recent survey cited in the publication, around the world, one in three B2B buyers purchase at least half of their products on business-to-business marketplaces. Furthermore, during COVID-19, both the frequency and the average amount spent rose substantially, representing yet another sign of the increasing importance of the marketplace sales and purchase channel. On a country-level, in Germany, for example, nearly one in four companies were using B2B marketplaces as a sales channel, and this was approximately the same figure across all business sizes. Newcomers challenge established B2B marketplaces amid COVID-19 It comes as no surprise that in 2021, global giants Amazon Business and Alibaba Groups' B2B marketplace are still topping the sales volume rankings in North America and Asia-Pacific. However, they are not the only players. Amid COVID-19, many B2B start-up marketplaces were raising a substantial amount of investment funding. This was the case, for instance, in the Middle East and North Africa, wherein in 2021, at least three new players attracted millions in funds. On the other part of the globe, in Europe, French B2B retail marketplaces were especially successful in fund raising amid COVID-19. Report Coverage This report is a snapshot of the global B2B E-Commerce market with a focus on B2B E-Commerce marketplaces. In this report, marketplaces are defined as platforms where third-party businesses, suppliers and manufacturers can sell their products online whereas the marketplace operator acts as an intermediary. Examples of B2B E-Commerce marketplaces include Amazon Business and Alibaba.com. In addition to the global data, major global regions in worldwide B2B E-Commerce were covered in the report, including Asia-Pacific , Europe , North America , and the Middle East . Data availability varied by region and country. Report Structure The report opens with a global chapter. It includes information on the global B2B E-Commerce marketplace development and projections, top market trends and marketplace penetration rates. In addition to market data, the global chapter also includes profiles of three selected leading B2B E-Commerce marketplaces representing two global regions: Asia-Pacific (Alibaba) and North America (Amazon Business). (Alibaba) and (Amazon Business). The rest of the report is divided by regions, with each regional section containing county chapters and/or regional information, where available. The regions and countries are ranked by total E-Commerce sales volume or related criteria, such as the share of companies selling and/or purchasing online. Depending on data availability, the following types of information were included: overview of select market players in the region (recent activities and key metrics where available), B2B marketplace penetration rate, Not all types of data mentioned were included for each section due to varying information availability. Key Topics Covered: 1. Management Summary 2. Global B2B E-Commerce Market Overview, June 2021 B2B Digital Sales, in USD trillion, 2019 & 2020 B2B E-Commerce Sales, in USD trillion, 2018 - 2020e Share of E-Commerce Sales, in % of Total B2B Sales, February 2021 B2B E-Commerce Marketplaces Trends, June 2021 Share of B2B Marketplace Sales, in % of Total B2B E-Commerce Sales, 2020e Breakdown of B2B Buying Done via Marketplaces, in % of B2B Buyers, August 2020 Breakdown of Purchasing Frequency on B2B Marketplaces Compared to pre-COVID-19, in % of B2B Buyers, July 2020 Change in Spending on B2B Marketplaces Compared to Before COVID-19, in % of B2B Buyers, July 2020 Breakdown of B2B Buying Done with Amazon Business, in % of B2B Buyers, August 2020 B2B Vertical Marketplaces GMV, 2018 & 2019, and Third-Party B2B Marketplaces GMV, in USD billion, 2018 - 2020e Amazon Business: B2B E-Commerce Marketplace Profile, January 2020 Alibaba: B2B E-Commerce Marketplace Profile, January 2020 3. Asia-Pacific 3.1. Regional Overview of Select B2B E-Commerce Marketplaces and Classifieds, June 2021 Market Share of B2B E-Commerce, by Countries, in % of Total E-Commerce Market, 2020e 4. Europe 4.1. Regional Top 20 European B2B Marketplaces, by Total Funding, July 2020 Expected Online Sales Growth by 2023, in % of Leading Manufacturers, 2020 5. North America Share of B2B Purchasing Running Through Digital, Self-Service Channels, in % of Purchasing Professionals, June 2020 Overview of Selected B2B E-Commerce Marketplaces and Classifieds, June 2020 Share of B2B E-Commerce Companies Selling on Marketplaces, in % of B2B E-Commerce Executives and Professionals, 2020 Share of B2B Companies Generating Additional Value by Expanding Available Offerings with Third-Party Sellers, in % of B2B E-Commerce Executives and Professionals, 2020 Share of B2B Companies that are Actively Developing Marketplace Strategies to Compete with Amazon and Alibaba, in % of B2B E-Commerce Executives and Professionals, 2020 6. Middle East 6.1. Regional Overview of Selected B2B E-Commerce Marketplaces and Classifieds, January 2020 Companies Mentioned Alibaba Alkemics Amazon Chinabrands DHCate eWorldTrade Fatura Global Source IndiaMART Lightsinthebax ManoMano Retailo Sary ThomasNet For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/1dmdjj Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager [email protected] For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 SOURCE Research and Markets Related Links http://www.researchandmarkets.com TAMPA, Fla., July 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Global Widget, the manufacturer and distributor of iconic CBD brands Hemp Bombs and Nature's Script, the health and wellness brand Defense Boost and a contract manufacturer for leading CBD, health and wellness private label brands, welcomes its first-ever interns this summer as a part of its recently launched internship program. "Internships are fundamental for today's college students to get hands-on experience as a part of their education," said Leanna von Merveldt, VP, Human Resources for Global Widget. "Working with our Operations team, Global Widget's interns will be collaborating with different departments to implement business process improvements that will enable company growth in a lean and agile way," said Enrique Porras, Vice President of Operations. Following the application and interview process, four interns began their summer internship on June 21. The program will run for approximately 16 weeks. Global Widget's first four interns are: Cara Duong , a senior at the University of South Florida , studying Industrial Engineering , a senior at the , studying Industrial Engineering Ellen Miranda , a May 2021 graduate from the University of Tampa with a bachelor's in International Business and Entrepreneurship , a graduate from the with a bachelor's in International Business and Entrepreneurship Nathan Plumb , a May 2021 University of South Florida graduate with a bachelor's in Chemical Engineering , a graduate with a bachelor's in Chemical Engineering Muhammad Nauman , a May 2021 University of South Florida graduate with a bachelor's in Industrial Engineering "Internships not only benefit students and recent graduates by giving them hands-on experience in their chosen fields," von Merveldt said, "but they bring us fresh eyes to analyze and define new processes for smoother operations. It can also help build our talent pipeline for future positions in the organization and develop relationships with local colleges." All four interns will be based at Global Widget's manufacturing headquarters in Tampa, Florida. For more information on internships with Global Widget, visit Global Widget's careers portal here. About Us Global Widget, founded in 2016 and headquartered in Tampa, Florida, is a vertically integrated manufacturer, distributor and marketer of CBD and health and wellness products, and a leader in gummy production and packaging. The company is the trusted powerhouse behind CBD brands Hemp Bombs and Nature's Script and the wellness brand, Defense Boost. With 100,000 square feet of manufacturing space and more than 250 employees, Global Widget is one of the nation's largest CBD companies and a leading contract manufacturer providing quality products and support services to retailers and distributors worldwide. www.globalwidget.com. Media Contact: Joe Agostinelli, PR Manager 813.497.5752 | [email protected] SOURCE Global Widget Related Links global-widget.com TEHRAN, Iran, July 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Digikala commenced its ventures with the vision of becoming the most customer-centric Iranian business and continues to deem customer-centricity as the business's most substantial core value. This corporation aims to become the primary destination for online shopping, not only in Iran but also in the Middle East, by using breakthrough technologies to reach several goals tending to the needs of customers. These goals include creating a first-rate shopping experience for customers, presenting a deep assortment and a wide variety of products, offering favorable prices, producing abounding and valuable content, having the quickest delivery time, and completing operations efficiently. With over 5 million product varieties, more than 150 thousand marketplace sellers, and 40 million active monthly users, Digikala is regarded as the prevailing e-commerce business in the Middle East. Digikala is the largest online marketplace in Iran and the Middle East Founded in 2006 with inadequate funds, Digikala is the largest e-commerce business in Iran as of today as it had a substantial share of the country's e-commerce industry in 2020. Despite being known as the leader of online retail in Iran, Digikala has had a constructive impact by contributing far more than just an online store in fortifying the country's business ecosystem within the e-commerce industry. Related Files Logistic Award.docx Related Images digikala.png Digikala Digikala is the largest online marketplace in Iran and the Middle East SOURCE Digikala BOISE, Idaho, July 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Disruptive Technologies, LLC, a technology company focused on the optimization of the future of food production, announced today it has acquired assets of Good Superfoods, LLC, a leading snack food and protein bar contract manufacturer. In addition to the nutrition bars, chocolate snacks and protein bars currently manufactured in the facility, Disruptive Technologies will produce bars and snacks utilizing their energy efficient Clean Manufacturing Technology (CMT) platform. "The state-of-the-art facility located just outside of Boise provides a perfect home for our flagship CMT unit," says Courtney Porter, President of Disruptive Technologies. "We look forward to bringing innovation to this space and joining other technology-based companies in making the Treasure Valley a global hub for business." Disruptive Technologies will continue to support legacy brands utilizing traditional manufacturing technologies while bringing in several new brands and private label manufacturing opportunities to take advantage of the innovative Clean Manufacturing Technology. About Disruptive Technologies, LLC Disruptive Technologies, LLC is a Nevada based, technology focused, innovator of food production equipment. Disruptive's Clean Manufacturing Technology optimizes production output featuring unparalleled throughput, yield maximation and cost reduction processes. About Good Superfoods, LLC Since its inception, Good Superfoods has been known as a manufacturing innovator for "clean label", "better for you" nutrition bars and snacks. The GFSI certified state-of-the-art facility has been the manufacturing home for multiple marquee brands sold at club, health food, grocery and convenience stores worldwide. See additional information at www.disruptivetechnologies.global or dtechfoods.com. SOURCE Disruptive Technologies Related Links https://disruptivetechnologies.global/ GETINGE, Sweden, July 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- "In total, sales increased by 3.6% organically compared with the second quarter 2020, and the order intake declined by 6.1% organically compared with 2020 when we received very large orders of advanced ICU ventilators", says Mattias Perjos, President & CEO. "Cash flow remained strong and net debt in relation to EBITDA improved further". The second quarter was characterized by a rapidly growing need for cardiovascular surgery products in North America and acute needs for advanced ICU ventilators in India to treat COVID-19 patients. In addition, the high delivery rate of Getinge's world-leading ECMO therapy products continued. The demand for products for laboratory environments and Sterile Transfer to pharmaceutical companies, which was intensified during the pandemic, was consistently strong. Order intake is also recovering in Surgical Workflows, which is expected to result in stronger net sales going forward. "Currency effects had a negative impact on sales and earnings in the quarter", says Mattias Perjos, President & CEO at Getinge. "However, margins strengthened due to a higher capacity utilization in our manufacturing sites and in the service organization, as well as improved productivity". Getinge is continuing to implement its strategy focusing on product development, growth and profitability in full speed. One of the products launched in the quarter was Torin Artificial Intelligence, which helps customers to efficiently plan their surgeries, which is particularly relevant at the moment due to long surgery backlogs resulting from COVID-19. Three products in Getinge's portfolio of advanced ICU ventilators also received FDA clearance for sale in the US. The consolidation of manufacturing sites in New Jersey, USA, is proceeding according to plan and scheduled for completion at the end of the year, which is expected to help improve productivity development. April June 2021 in brief Net sales increased organically by 3.6% and the order intake declined by 6.1% organically. Adjusted gross profit amounted to SEK 3,624 M (3,723) and the margin was 55.0% (53.4). (3,723) and the margin was 55.0% (53.4). Adjusted EBITA amounted to SEK 1,250 M (1,218) and the margin was 19.0% (17.5). (1,218) and the margin was 19.0% (17.5). Adjusted earnings per share amounted to SEK 3.04 (3.07). (3.07). Cash flow after net investments amounted to SEK 1,228 M (1,368). Phone Conference A conference call will be held on July 16, 2021, at 10:00-11:00 am CEST hosted by Mattias Perjos, President & CEO, and Lars Sandstrom, CFO. Please see dial in details below to join the conference: SE: +46850558365 UK: +443333009268 US: +16319131422 During the conference call a presentation will be held. To access the presentation through webcast, please use this link: https://tv.streamfabriken.com/getinge-q2-2021 Alternatively, use the following link to download the presentation: https://www.getinge.com/int/about-us/investors/reports-presentations. Agenda 09:45 Dial in to the conference 10:00 Presentation 10:30 Q&A 11:00 End of conference Recording available for 3 years A recorded version can be accessed for 3 years via https://tv.streamfabriken.com/getinge-q2-2021 Media contact: Lars Mattson, Head of Investor Relations Tel: +46 (0)10 335 0043 Email: [email protected] This information is such that Getinge AB is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation and the Swedish Securities Market Act. The information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contact person set out above, on July 16, 2021, at 08:00 a.m. CEST. About Getinge With a firm belief that every person and community should have access to the best possible care, Getinge provides hospitals and life science institutions with products and solutions that aim to improve clinical results and optimize workflows. The offering includes products and solutions for intensive care, cardiovascular procedures, operating rooms, sterile reprocessing and life science. Getinge employs over 10,000 people worldwide and the products are sold in more than 135 countries. This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com https://news.cision.com/getinge/r/getinge-interim-report-january-june-2021--strong-recovery-in-products-for-surgery,c3384155 The following files are available for download: https://mb.cision.com/Main/942/3384155/1445708.pdf Getinge Interim Report January-June 2021 https://news.cision.com/getinge/i/torin-artificial-intelligence-ai,c2935755 Torin-Artificial-Intelligence-AI https://news.cision.com/getinge/i/mattias-perjos,c2935756 Mattias Perjos https://mb.cision.com/Public/942/3384155/8b56252b1f642173.pdf Press release Getinge Interim Report Q2 2021 SOURCE Getinge DUBLIN, July 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Interventional Oncology Devices Global Market Report 2021: COVID-19 Growth and Change to 2030" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global interventional oncology devices market is expected to grow from $2.015 billion in 2020 to $2.234 billion in 2021 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.9%. This report focuses on the interventional oncology devices market which is experiencing strong growth. The report gives a guide to the interventional oncology devices market which will be shaping and changing our lives over the next ten years and beyond, including the markets response to the challenge of the global pandemic. The market is expected to reach $3.32 billion in 2025 at a CAGR of 10%. Major players in the interventional oncology devices market are Boston Scientific Corporation, Medtronic plc, Terumo Corporation, Merit Medical Systems, Inc, Philips Volcano, AngioDynamics Inc., GE Healthcare, Siemens Healthineers, Sirtex Medical, and Cook Medical Incorporated. The growth is mainly due to the companies resuming their operations and adapting to the new normal while recovering from the COVID-19 impact, which had earlier led to restrictive containment measures involving social distancing, remote working, and the closure of commercial activities that resulted in operational challenges. The market for interventional oncology devices comprises the sale of interventional oncology devices and related services by the entities that manufacture them. Interventional oncology devices are used to detect and treat cancer using minimally invasive procedures and advanced imaging technologies. Rising product recalls are likely to hinder the demand for interventional oncology devices. The number of interventional oncology product recalls has risen. For instance, in June 2020, the IceFORCE 2.1 CX Prostate Cryoablation Kit Visual ICE System of the Boston Scientific Corporation was recalled as the needle surface had deteriorated. In March 2020, Medtronic recalled the Pipeline Flex embolization system with Shield technology due to a fracture in the distal portion. These product recalls put financial strain on businesses and also hampers the demand, thus hindering the market. The interventional oncology devices market covered in this report is segmented by product into embolization devices; ablation devices; support devices. It is also segmented by procedure into thermal tumor ablation; non-thermal tumor ablation; transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE); transcatheter arterial radioembolization (TARE) or selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT); transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) or bland embolization, and by cancer type into liver cancer; kidney cancer; lung cancer; bone cancer; others. Companies are focusing on deploying robotics technology in interventional oncology devices, for higher efficiency. The robotic system integrates image-based planning and navigation with the installation of different instruments to the desired body part with better accuracy and efficiency. For instance, in November 2019, the first robotic device of XACT Robotics Ltd was approved in the United States by the Food and Drug Administration for use during computed tomography (CT) controlled percutaneous interventional procedures. In March 2018, Auris Surgical Robotics, Inc has received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance for the MonarchT Platform, a lung biopsy platform that uses robotic technology. The availability of private and government funding drove the interventional oncology devices market. In the field of cancer, funding from the government and private has increased, especially for the devices used in treatments as it promotes early detection and better survival rates. The American Cancer Society, the largest non-government, not-for-profit cancer research funder, has awarded 93 grants which totaled to $40 million in the first of two cycles for 2019 for cancer research. In 2019, the US Congress provided NCI with an amount of $5.74 billion, which represents a $79 million increase from FY 2018, and an additional $400 million for the Cancer Moonshot program that has a special focus on early detection of cancer using latest technologies. Key Topics Covered: 1. Executive Summary 2. Interventional Oncology Devices Market Characteristics 3. Interventional Oncology Devices Market Trends and Strategies 4. Impact of COVID-19 on Interventional Oncology Devices 5. Interventional Oncology Devices Market Size and Growth 5.1. Global Interventional Oncology Devices Historic Market, 2015-2020, $ Billion 5.1.1. Drivers of the Market 5.1.2. Restraints on The Market 5.2. Global Interventional Oncology Devices Forecast Market, 2020-2025F, 2030F, $ Billion 5.2.1. Drivers of the Market 5.2.2. Restraints on the Market 6. Interventional Oncology Devices Market Segmentation 6.1. Global Interventional Oncology Devices Market, Segmentation By Product, Historic and Forecast, 2015-2020, 2020-2025F, 2030F, $ Billion Embolization Devices Ablation Devices Support Devices 6.2. Global Interventional Oncology Devices Market, Segmentation By Procedure, Historic and Forecast, 2015-2020, 2020-2025F, 2030F, $ Billion Thermal Tumor Ablation Non-thermal Tumor Ablation Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization (TACE) Transcatheter Arterial Radioembolization (TARE) or Selective Internal Radiation Therapy (SIRT) Transcatheter Arterial Embolization (TAE) or Bland Embolization 6.3. Global Interventional Oncology Devices Market, Segmentation By Cancer Type, Historic and Forecast, 2015-2020, 2020-2025F, 2030F, $ Billion Liver Cancer Kidney Cancer Lung Cancer Bone Cancer Others 7. Interventional Oncology Devices Market Regional and Country Analysis 7.1. Global Interventional Oncology Devices Market, Split By Region, Historic and Forecast, 2015-2020, 2020-2025F, 2030F, $ Billion 7.2. Global Interventional Oncology Devices Market, Split By Country, Historic and Forecast, 2015-2020, 2020-2025F, 2030F, $ Billion Companies Mentioned Boston Scientific Corporation Medtronic plc Terumo Corporation Merit Medical Systems, Inc Philips Volcano AngioDynamics Inc. GE Healthcare Siemens Healthineers Sirtex Medical Cook Medical Incorporated For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/eg3x6u 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 STOCKHOLM, July 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- SECOND QUARTER Sales rose by 30 percent to SEK 1,138m (875). Organic growth was 42 percent. (875). Organic growth was 42 percent. Gross margin increased by 1.4 percentage points to 27.5 percent (26.1). Adjusted operating income increased to SEK 82m (-3), equivalent to an adjusted operating margin of 7.2 percent (-0.3). (-3), equivalent to an adjusted operating margin of 7.2 percent (-0.3). Reported operating income totaled SEK 79m (-151). Restructuring costs of SEK 3m related to the strategic review of the company impacted profit. (-151). Restructuring costs of related to the strategic review of the company impacted profit. Changes in exchange rates had a negative impact on operating income of SEK -9m (-8). (-8). Profit after tax was SEK 54m (-139). Tax totaled SEK -22m (+24). (-139). Tax totaled (+24). Earnings per share were SEK 1.11 (-2.95). (-2.95). Cash flow from operating activities totaled SEK 19m (-96). (-96). The savings programs developed according to plan and reduced expenses by SEK 27m net, of which the structural programs contributed SEK 55m . net, of which the structural programs contributed . Jean-Luc Desire took over as CEO on June 14 , 2021. took over as CEO on , 2021. Hakan Karlsson was elected as the new Chairman of the Board at the AGM on 26 May, 2021. A joint venture has been formed with FAST Group to produce and sell disc brakes for both new production and the aftermarket, focusing initially on China. The financial targets and dividend policy have been updated. The supply chain is strained due to increased raw material and freight costs as well as component shortages. The company has been actively working to mitigate some of the effects and this is expected to have a positive effect from the third quarter. There is great shortage of semiconductors, which will have an impact on some of Haldex products for at least the second half of 2021. EVENTS AFTER THE END OF THE QUARTER Haldex's financing maturing in April 2022 has been extended after the balance sheet date to April 2023 has been extended after the balance sheet date to April 2023 An agreement has been signed with one of the world's largest manufacturers of heavy trucks for our ADB product. Second quarter First half of the year Rolling 12 m Full year Group overview, SEKm Apr-Jun 2021 Apr-Jun 2020 Jan-Jun 2021 Jan-Jun 2020 Jul 2020 - Jun 2021 2020 Net sales, SEKm 1,138 875 30% 2,218 2,055 8% 4,171 4,007 Organic growth, % 42 -37 - 19 -26 - - -20 Operating income, SEKm 79 -151 nm 221 -121 nm 242 -100 Adjusted operating income, SEKm 82 -3 nm 197 39 409% 321 163 Operating margin, % 6.9 -17.2 24.2 10.0 -5.9 15.9 5.8 -2.5 Adjusted operating margin, % 7.2 -0.3 7.5 8.9 1.9 7.0 7.7 4.1 Return on capital employed % 1 8.3 -6.4 14.7 8.3 -6.4 14.7 8.3 -3.8 Return on capital employed excluding non-recurring items % 1 11.0 5.2 5.8 11.0 5.2 5.8 11.0 5.0 Profit after tax, SEKm 54 -139 nm 149 -136 nm -15 -300 Earnings per share, SEK 1.11 -2.95 nm 3.05 -3.01 nm -0.37 -6.44 Cash flow, operating activities, SEKm 19 -96 115 -11 -139 128 343 215 1 Rolling twelve months. The effect of IFRS16 Leases has been excluded. Comment from Jean-Luc Desire, President & CEO: In mid-June I took over the role of CEO of Haldex after 20 years of global experience from the automotive industry. Over the past 30 days, I have had the opportunity to meet with hundreds of employees across the organization, and I have been truly impressed by their commitment and professionalism. During customer meetings, workshops, operating reviews and deep dives into our businesses I have gained a better understanding of both the opportunities and challenges we face and have identified areas where we can further drive improved performance. STRONG ORGANIC GROWTH Net sales showed strong improvement, despite continued constraints in the supply chain, and totaled SEK 1,138m (875) in the second quarter, equivalent to an organic growth of 42 percent compared to the same period last year. The strong growth is partly due to higher demand from our customers but mainly due to the vast drop in sales last year. Net sales for the half-year amounted to SEK 2,218m (2,055), corresponding to organic growth of 19 percent. A strong organic sales growth was reported by Region Americas and Europe, while Asia reported a negative growth. The decline in Asia is mainly explained by high government support in China last year and the fact that the extremely high demand in China last year has now normalised. The trailer segment showed strong organic growth, which is a result of our increased focus on the trailer market as well as the vast sales drop last year. The truck segment also noted strong organic growth, mainly due to the large sales decline last year. The aftermarket segment was generally less affected by COVID-19 last year and hence organic sales growth was somewhat smaller in this customer segment than in the other two. MARGIN PRESSURED BY THE STRAINED SUPPLY CHAIN Adjusted operating profit totalled SEK 82m (-3), and the equivalent margin was 7.2 percent (-0.3). The margin was lower than in the previous quarter as it was impacted by significantly higher commodity prices, higher freight costs and a somewhat lower share of aftermarket sales. For the half-year, adjusted operating profit amounted to SEK 197m (39), corresponding to a strong margin of 8.9 percent (1.9). PRODUCT AND OFFERING The development of our proposition focusing on the trailer segment and aftermarket continues. As well as growing our position as an Air Disc Brake supplier of specific applications addressing both trucks and bus OEMs. In mid-April we announced the agreement to form a joint venture company with FAST Group to produce and sell Air Disc Brakes and provide aftermarket service with initial focus on the Chinese market. The formation of the new JV is proceeding according to plan. Our key focus on electrification and our EMB product has proved successful. We are in close dialog with several key OEMs in Europe and are seeing increasing interest in the United States. I am also pleased to report that our EMB product has successfully passed validation through homologation with a customer in China. These are significant steps for EMB which will build confidence in this system with more customers. I am also pleased to announce that we after the reporting period have closed an agreement with one of the world's largest manufacturer of heavy trucks for our ADB product. The deal is an important milestone to grow in the truck segment besides our excellent position in the trailer market. In particular we would like to mention the strategic importance of an embedded additional agreement, which include to equip a showcase truck with our new EMB product. This breakthrough of introducing our next generation product on the European market strengthens our confidence in our market opportunities and ability to meet new demands on braking systems in connected, electric trucks and trailers. OUTLOOK Although the second quarter noted a recovery from the challenging last year, there are still a lot of uncertainties left. During the second quarter, we see increased costs for commodities, semiconductors and freight. From the third quarter onwards, we expect to mitigate large parts of the additional costs in terms of increased material costs by adjusting raw material prices between our suppliers and customers. We estimate that increased freight costs will continue throughout the year. However, there is great uncertainty about these external factors and we are following market developments closely. In addition to increased costs, there is also a significant lack of access to semiconductors, which will have an impact on some of Haldex products for at least the second half of 2021. We are taking strong measures to improve our supply chain processes and in addition to this, my focus for the coming months will be on performance management, people development, and meeting with customers. Our work on the strategic review is also continuing and I will provide an update during the second half of 2021. I am confident we will see solid results from these efforts and I look forward to great collaborations and an exciting journey ahead. For further information,visit https://haldex.com/sv/corporate/investerare/ or contact: Jean-Luc Desire, President & CEO. Telephone: +46 (0) 418-47 60 00 Lottie Saks, CFO and IR. Telephone: +46 (0)418-47 60 00 This report has not been reviewed by the company's auditors. This information is such that Haldex AB (publ) is obliged to publish under the EU Market Abuse Regulation. The information was submitted for publication through contacts on Friday July 16, 2021 at 7.20 am. Full interim report The full interim report is available athttps://www.haldex.com/en/corporate/investors or at http://news.cision.com/haldex. Investor presentation Investors, analysts and media are invited to a presentation of the report on Friday July 16, at 11.00 am, together with CEO Jean-Luc Desire and CFO Lottie Saks. Link to the webcast and conference call number: https://financialhearings.com/event/13300 The webcast will be available afterwards, and both the interim report and the presentation can be downloaded from the Haldex website: http://www.haldex.com/sv/corporate/investerare/finansiella-rapporter / The interim report is essentially a translation of Swedish language original thereof. In the event of any discrepancies between this translation and the original Swedish document the latter shall be deemed correct. This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com https://news.cision.com/haldex/r/haldex-interim-report--april---june-2021,c3385858 The following files are available for download: https://mb.cision.com/Main/1432/3385858/1445589.pdf Haldex Interim Report, April - June 2021 SOURCE Haldex PORTLAND, Ore., July 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research recently published a report, titled, "Home Improvement Services Market by Type (Kitchen Renovation & Addition, Bathroom Renovation & Addition, Exterior & Interior Replacements, System Upgrades and Others), Buyers Age (Under 35, 35-54, 55-64 and Above 65) and City Type (Metro Cities and Other Non-Metro Cities & Towns): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 20212030". As per the report, the global home improvement services industry was accounted for $316.8 billion in 2020, and is expected to reach $585.3 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 6.2% from 2021 to 2030. Drivers, restraints, and opportunities Increase in interest and property costs and rise in newly bought old homes drive the growth of the global home improvement services market. However, rise in DIY culture hampers the market growth. On the contrary, increase in smart homes and home automation technology is expected to open lucrative opportunities for the market players in the future. Download Sample PDF: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/12216 Covid-19 scenario: The Covid-19 outbreak hampered the demand for home improvement services due to restrictions on construction activities. However, the demand would rise soon as the lockdown restrictions are being lifted. The prolonged lockdown hampered the supply chain. However, as the market regains stability, the re-initiation of home improvement services would help the market to recover. The exterior & interior replacements segment dominated the market Based on type, the exterior & interior replacements segment held the lion's share in 2020, accounting for more than one-fourth of the global home improvement services market. However, the system upgrades segment is expected to register the highest CAGR of 7.0% from 2021 to 2030, due to rapid adoption of new and advanced systems in homes by customers. Get detailed COVID-19 impact analysis on the Home Improvement Services Market: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-for-customization/12216 The metro cities segment held the lion's share By type, the metro cities segment dominated the market in 2020, accounting for more than four-fifths of the global home improvement services market, due to high expenditure capacity of people in the metro cities because of high income. However, the other non-metro cities and towns segment is projected to manifest the highest CAGR of 6.9% from 2021 to 2030, owing to rise in residential development in rural areas. North America held the largest share The market across North America held the largest share in 2020, contributing to nearly half of the market, due to high expenditure capacity of the people in the region. However, the global home improvement services market across Asia-Pacific is estimated to register the highest CAGR of 7.5% during the forecast period. This is due to surge in infrastructural development in the region. Major market players Belfor Crane Renovation Group Coit Services, Inc. FirstService Corporation DKI Ventures, LLC Power Home Remodeling Group, LLC Mr. Handyman Servpro Rainbow Restoration Venturi Restoration. Interested in Procure Data? Visit: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/purchase-enquiry/12216 Access AVENUE- A Subscription-Based Library (Premium on-demand, subscription-based pricing model) at: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/library-access Avenue is a user-based library of global market report database, provides comprehensive reports pertaining to the world's largest emerging markets. It further offers e-access to all the available industry reports just in a jiffy. By offering core business insights on the varied industries, economies, and end users worldwide, Avenue ensures that the registered members get an easy as well as single gateway to their all-inclusive requirements. Avenue Library Subscription | Request for 14 days free trial of before buying: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/avenue/trial/starter Similar Reports We Have: Air Heating Appliance Market - Global air heating appliance market is projected to reach $16,894.6 million by 2027, registering a CAGR of 5.1% from 2020 to 2027. Engineered Wood Market The engineered wood market is expected to reach $400,450.9 million by 2027, registering a CAGR of 6.2% from 2020 to 2027. Roofing Market - The global roofing market is projected to reach $132,775.6 million by 2027, registering a CAGR of 4.6% from 2020 to 2027. Glass Curtain Wall Market - The global glass curtain wall market growing at a CAGR of 9.1% during the forecast period. Roofing Tiles Market - The global roofing tiles market registering a CAGR of 5.2% from 2020 to 2027. Europe Interior Doors Market - The Europe Interior Doors Market is expected to reach $14,486.0 million by 2023, registering a CAGR of 5.0% from 2017 to 2023. Pre-Book Now with 10% Discount: Fire Door Market - Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2020-2027 Flooring Wood Panels Market - Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 20212027 Artificial Grass Market - Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2020-2027 About us: Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Portland, Oregon. Allied Market Research provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of "Market Research Reports" and "Business Intelligence Solutions." AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain. We are in professional corporate relations with various companies and this helps us in digging out market data that helps us generate accurate research data tables and confirms utmost accuracy in our market forecasting. Allied Market Research CEO Pawan Kumar is instrumental in inspiring and encouraging everyone associated with the company to maintain high quality of data and help clients in every way possible to achieve success. Each and every data presented in the reports published by us is extracted through primary interviews with top officials from leading companies of domain concerned. Our secondary data procurement methodology includes deep online and offline research and discussion with knowledgeable professionals and analysts in the industry. Contact us: David Correa 5933 NE Win Sivers Drive #205, Portland, OR 97220 United States Toll Free: 1-800-792-5285 UK: +44-845-528-1300 Hong Kong: +852-301-84916 India (Pune): +91-20-66346060 SOURCE Allied Market Research VCCS selected Ancora during a competitive bidding process designed to identify the most qualified vendors to provide expert CDL training for its member schools. Citing Ancora's ability to meet its stated requirements, program standards, and expectations, VCCS awarded a contract to Ancora in early 2021. LFCC's first 160-hour CDL class began July 11 th and will run every four weeks with a weekend class as well. "We are thrilled to continue to offer CDL training to our students and the communities we serve," said Bill Pence, the Workforce Solutions Director of Operations and Registration. "Ancora Corporate Training's professionalism and responsiveness have made the implementation process almost seamless. There are more truck driver jobs than there are drivers right now, and having a CDL-A means our students can step immediately into an in-demand field that offers exceptional flexibility and benefits." "Ancora Corporate Training has been a delight to work with," added Jeanian Clark, LFCC's Vice President of Workforce Solutions and Continuing Education. "We were transitioning from another model to Ancora, and the process couldn't have been smoother. From the beginning, Ancora was with us every step of the way, and even beat their targeted start date by a full two weeks. They have been professional, friendly, and exceeded our expectations in nearly every fashion." There is a nationwide shortage of truck drivers, which is having a significant impact on supply chains everywhere while companies scramble to maintain their driver workforce. According to Indeed.com, an estimated 3,000 full-time, entry-level jobs are available in the Commonwealth alone, and the average starting salary for a Virginia CDL driver is above $63,000. VCCS recognized that this shortage presented an opportunity for Virginians to start a program that leads to an in-demand, well-paying career in as little as four weeks. Based in Arlington, Texas, Ancora Corporate Training is quickly becoming a dominant player in the corporate training marketplace. Since January 2019, Ancora has partnered with community colleges, government agencies, and Fortune 100 corporations to provide training to thousands of individuals. ABOUT LORD FAIRFAX COMMUNITY COLLEGE Founded in 1970, Lord Fairfax Community College is a multi-campus public institution of higher education. With four locations Middletown, Warrenton, Luray-Page County and most recently, Vint Hill the College serves eight localities in the Shenandoah Valley and northern Piedmont regions. The localities are the counties of Clarke, Fauquier, Frederick, Page, Rappahannock, Shenandoah and Warren and the city of Winchester. LFCC offers more than 75 associate degree and certificate programs in a wide variety of disciplines, in addition to providing access to bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs offered on site by a four-year institution. LFCC also serves the business community by offering workforce preparation programs for employees and employers. LFCC serves more than 9,000 unduplicated credit students and more than 11,000 individuals in professional development and business and industry courses annually. www.lfcc.edu ABOUT ANCORA CORPORATE TRAINING Ancora Corporate Training is a division of Ancora Education, a Texas-based group of private, post-secondary schools in convenient locations throughout Arizona, Georgia, Louisiana, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas. Ancora Education owned brands specialize in allied health, wellness, nursing, IT, business and management, CDL truck driving, professional trades, security, skilled trades, and art and design. Ancora brands include Ancora Corporate Training, Arizona Automotive Institute (AAI), Berks Technical Institute (BTI), Edge Tech Academy, McCann School of Business & Technology, Miller-Motte College (MMC), Platt College, South Texas Vocational Technical Institute (STVT), and The Creative Circus. www.ancoracorporatetraining.com SOURCE Ancora Corporate Training Related Links http://www.lfcc.edu NEW DELHI, July 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- OYO, has today announced that it has raised a TLB funding of $660 million from global institutional investors. The offer was oversubscribed by 1.7 times and the company received commitments of close to $1 bn from leading institutional investors. The deal was upsized and increased by 10% to $660mn, the company's fundamentals yielded strong interest from investors despite the virus surge. The interest margin rate was also lowered by 25 basis points from the Initial Pricing Guidance to LIBOR+825 basis points. The company will utilize these funds to retire its past debts, strengthen the balance sheet and other business purposes including investment in product technology. OYO is the first Indian startup to be publicly rated by Moody's and Fitch, two of the leading international rating agencies. Fitch and Moody's rated OYO's senior secured loan B and B3 (stable outlook), respectively, on the back of the company's sound business model and resilient financial profile with significant potential upside. This is a milestone transaction as OYO is the first Indian company to raise capital through the TLB route. Commenting on the financing, Abhishek Gupta, Group Chief Financial Officer, OYO, said "We are delighted by the response to OYO's maiden TLB capital raise that was oversubscribed by leading global institutional investors. We are thankful for the trust that they have placed in OYO's mission of creating value for owners and operators of hotels and homes across the globe. This is a testament to the strength and success of OYO's products at scale, our strong fundamentals and high-value potential. OYO is well capitalized and on the path of achieving profitability. Our two largest markets have demonstrated profitability at the slightest signs of industry recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic". Dr. W. Steve Albrecht, a member of OYO's Board of Directors and Chairman of the Audit Committee, commented, "As a part of OYO's board, it's heartening for me to see the strong interest from the investor community in the company, leading OYO to become the first Indian startup to be independently assessed by the world's leading credit rating agencies Moody's and Fitch. Today, OYO has 100K+ partners globally who are running successful businesses by utilizing OYO's proprietary technology, products, and revenue management capabilities for delivering trusted accommodations for guests." JP Morgan, Deutsche Bank, and Mizuho Securities served as the lead arrangers for this financing. OYO brings a suite of technology products that drive an immediate and sustained increase in revenue and profits from operational efficiencies for its partners in India and across the world. These products include CO-OYO, OYO OS, OYO YO!, OYO Tariff Manager, OYO Secure, OYO Wizard, and the consumer-facing OYO App, among others. With over 91 million downloads, the OYO App is among the top 3 travel apps (Q1 2021) globally*. OYO OS is used by over 96% of partners and property staff across the globe for check-ins and everyday operations. About OYO: OYO is a global platform that empowers entrepreneurs and small businesses with hotels and homes by providing full-stack technology that increases earnings and eases operations; bringing easy to book, affordable, and trusted accommodation to guests around the world, including India, Europe, and Southeast Asia, US with its presence in over 80 countries. For more information, visit www.oyorooms.com . Communications Contact: Sonakshi Yajurvedi | +91 - 9999321153 | [email protected] SOURCE OYO Related Links http://www.oyorooms.com HARRISBURG, Pa., July 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Wednesday, the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education's (PASSHE) Board of Governors voted to move forward with consolidation plans impacting nearly half of the universities in the PASSHE system. This plan will merge three universities in western Pennsylvania (California, Clarion, and Edinboro Universities of Pennsylvania) and three in northern Pennsylvania (Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, and Mansfield Universities of Pennsylvania). The decision to carry out the vote on consolidation took place Wednesday afternoon, after months of public comment that featured overwhelming opposition from faculty, students, campus staff, and impacted union members and representatives who spoke out against the proposed plan. In response to Wednesday's vote, Pennsylvania AFL-CIO President Rick Bloomingdale said, "We stand with our union brothers and sisters who have expressed uncertainty at what their fate and those of their students hold. We stand with APSCUF in their commitment to advocating for students and faculty, and join AFSCME in support of workers who will be impacted both directly and indirectly as the merger moves forward." "Hundreds of people faculty, staff, students, family members, and local business owners have voiced their concerns over the past few months" Pennsylvania AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Frank Snyder said. "We are committed to supporting the efforts of APSCUF and AFSCME to ensure that the concerns expressed are addressed as this process moves forward, and you can guarantee that we will continue to fight for the workers who are impacted." The Pennsylvania AFL-CIO has been strongly opposed to the proposed PASSHE consolidation plan due to the potential job cuts of staff and faculty at all 14 state system campuses, the lost opportunities for students and alumni of the targeted universities, and the negative impact that this proposed merger could have on the local economies in each area. You can read the Pennsylvania AFL-CIO's official comment to the Board of Governors which urged them to delay a vote on the plan here. The first cohort of students will begin at a consolidated university in August 2022 with the integrated curriculum being finalized by August 2024. SOURCE PA AFL-CIO Related Links www.paaflcio.org PANAMA CITY, Fla., July 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Attorneys Phillip Stamman and Les McFatter recover full insurance policy limits for a sexual assault victim. The case involves the negligent hiring and supervision of an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). During the pre-suit investigation, attorney Phillip Stamman and Les McFatter discovered that the EMT was fired from a previous position in another state for similar sexual misconduct towards elderly female patients. The employer failed to respond in a meaningful fashion to the firm's pre-suit demands and a lawsuit was filed. Due to confidentiality rules, the parties are not identified. Attorneys at Perry & Young continue to seek civil justice for victims of sexual abuse. "No person should ever have to go through sexual abuse. We are hopeful that this client and the family obtain the proper medical care they deserve," said Larry Perry, senior partner of Perry & Young. "Our firm takes these cases seriously and we work vigorously to get sensitive matters like these resolved so the family has the financial ability for much needed medical and therapeutic treatment. We cannot emphasize how important it is to know who you are hiring for positions that demand so much trust." The attorneys at Perry & Young are currently investigating sexual abuse cases involving doctors, teachers, therapists, EMTs and have committed themselves to fighting for full justice for their clients. Les McFatter, leadership partner at Perry & Young states: "It is horrible that victims have to go through this trauma; we are here to serve the victims in assisting them in their healing process while simultaneously pursuing justice on their behalf." Prior cases involving misuse of trust and physical abuse include cases against hotel workers, medical personnel, youth ministers, pastors, clergy, EMS, and school staff. The firm's offices are located in Panama City, Tallahassee, Marianna and Panama City Beach. The attorneys at Perry & Young are licensed in Florida, Alabama, and Georgia. #sexualharassment #ItsNotOk #supportsurvivors #elderlyabuseawareness #sexualassault #protectionforall #endsexualviolence #traumasurvivors #mentalhealth #sexualassaultsurvivor #sexualharrassmentawareness #MeToo #endit #abuseawareness #mentalhealthawareness #sexualabuse #sexualassault CONTACT Caitlin Windsor Perry & Young, P.A. Phone: (850) 215-7777 Fax: (850) 215-4777 [email protected] www.perry-young.com SOURCE Perry & Young P.A. Related Links http://www.perry-young.com NEW ORLEANS, July 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ QIC and Ullico have completed their previously announced acquisition of CenTrio (formerly known as Enwave Energy US), the largest pure-play district energy platform in the U.S., which is poised for accelerating growth. CenTrio delivers reliable, cost-effective, and sustainable energy to customers across the U.S., providing critical heating, cooling, and electricity solutions to more than 400 buildings in urban centers, universities, and hospitals. CenTrio is a market leader in district energy with operations in New Orleans, Houston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Seattle, Portland, Syracuse, and Denver. The company has established its new corporate headquarters in New Orleans, where it employs 30 of its 170 staff nationwide. CenTrio's sustainable district energy operations include North America's largest ice thermal storage facility, which is located in Chicago, and the largest sewer heat recovery system in the U.S., currently under construction in Denver. "Our team is energized to work with our new owners QIC and Ullico in order to continue providing the resilient, sustainable energy solutions we are known for while identifying new ways to deliver even more value to our customers," said Doug Castleberry, President and COO of CenTrio. "Our partnership with QIC and Ullico will help us speed our expansion, in both current and new markets, as we capitalize on the many opportunities before us and further differentiate ourselves as an energy transition partner. We are very pleased to set up our headquarters in New Orleans, where we have built longstanding partnerships with the city and the state, and we look forward to growing together." Ross Israel, Head of Global Infrastructure, QIC, added, "CenTrio enhances QIC's focus on investments in innovative distributed energy solutions. We look forward to working with CenTrio's outstanding team, which has pioneered low-carbon district energy solutions including ice batteries and sewer heat recovery. In doing so, we will leverage our energy sector expertise to further accelerate the company's growth across the U.S. and build long-term value for our investors." Rohit Syal, Head of Acquisitions of Ullico Infrastructure Fund, commented, "Ullico is delighted to reach this milestone with QIC and CenTrio. Our collaboration will help CenTrio expand the reach and impact of its sustainable critical infrastructure services, bringing meaningful benefits to more customers and communities across the country. We look forward to building enduring partnerships with customers, their stakeholders, and the communities in which we operate." About CenTrio: As the largest core-competency U.S. district energy provider, CenTrio provides innovative, sustainable energy solutions. CenTrio owns and operates intelligent thermal energy systems to provide centralized cooling, heating and power solutions covering more than 130 million square feet of space. CenTrio's solutions are custom tailored to empower customers by reducing costs, freeing up space, and providing the peace of mind of proactive, reliable service. To learn more or to submit an inquiry, visit CenTrio online: www.centrioenergy.com. About QIC: QIC is a long-term specialist manager in alternatives offering infrastructure, real estate, private capital, liquid strategies and multi-asset investments. It is one of the largest institutional investment managers in Australia, with A$85bn (US$65bn) in funds under management1. QIC has over 800 employees and serves more than 115 clients. Headquartered in Brisbane, Australia, QIC also has offices in Sydney, Melbourne, New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, London and Copenhagen. For more information, please visit: www.qic.com. 1As at 31 Dec 2020 About QIC Global Infrastructure: QIC is a long-term infrastructure investor with an established global platform, an active management approach and a proven, 15-year track record. With a global team of more than 61 professionals across five offices (including an office in New York)1, QIC Global Infrastructure manages A$21.4bn (US$16.1bn) across 20 global direct investments and has realised in excess of A$12 billion (US$9bn) back to its clients2. Its sector-centric and thematic-based investment strategy deconstructs risk across sector value chains identifying relative value for investment across market cycles. This drives a targeted origination approach, enabling the firm to build diversified portfolios for its clients. QIC's other investments in decentralized energy infrastructure include, in the U.S., Generate Capital, a San Francisco-based sustainability-focused distributed energy platform and, in Australia, Pacific Energy, a remote generation platform in Perth. QIC's acquisition of CenTrio expands its global infrastructure footprint to 20 assets in six countries across the transport, energy and utilities, and social/PPP sectors. 1As at 15 July 2021 2As at 30 June 2021. USD values converted using 30 June 2021 FX rates About Ullico: For more than 90 years, Ullico has been a proud member of the labor movement, keeping union families safe and secure. In 2010, the Ullico Infrastructure Fund (UIF) was established to assist in the construction, maintenance and refurbishment of America's infrastructure. As of December 31, 2020, UIF had approximately $3.26 billion in commitments on behalf of 215 investors, with 18 portfolio investments comprising all major sectors. From insurance products that protect union members, leaders and employers, to investments in building and infrastructure projects that have created thousands of union jobs, our customers continue to trust us with protecting their families, employees and investments. The Ullico Inc. Family of Companies includes The Union Labor Life Insurance Company; Ullico Casualty Group, LLC; Ullico Investment Company, LLC (Member FINRA/SIPC); Ullico Investment Advisors, Inc.; and Ullico Benefit Solutions, LLC. For additional information, visit Ullico.com. Important Information QIC Limited ACN 130 539 123 ("QIC") is a wholesale funds manager and its products and services are not directly available to, and this document may not be provided to any, retail clients. QIC is a company government owned corporation constituted under the Queensland Investment Corporation Act 1991 (Qld). QIC is regulated by State Government legislation pertaining to government owned corporations in addition to the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) ("Corporations Act"). QIC Private Capital Pty Ltd ("QPC"), a wholly owned subsidiary of QIC, has been issued with an AFS licence and other wholly owned subsidiaries of QIC are authorised representatives of QPC. QIC's subsidiaries are required to comply with the Corporations Act. QIC does not hold an Australian financial services ("AFS") licence and certain provisions (including the financial product disclosure provisions) of the Corporations Act do not apply to QIC. QIC also has wholly owned subsidiaries authorised, registered or licensed by the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority ("FCA"), the United States Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and the Korean Financial Services Commission. For more information about QIC, our approach, clients and regulatory framework, please refer to our website www.qic.com or contact us directly. The statements and any opinions in this document (the "Information") are for commentary purposes only and do not take into account any investor's personal, financial or tax objectives, situation or needs. The Information is not intended to constitute personal legal or investment advice and it does not constitute, and should not be construed as, an offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy, securities or any other investment, investment management or advisory services. SOURCE QIC Related Links https://www.qic.com Continues Strong Growth across Canada ST. CATHARINES, ON, July 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Right Time Group of Companies ("Right Time" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the acquisition of Haven Home ClimateCare, which now operates as Haven Home. Founded in 1996, Haven Home provides residential HVAC, air quality, and hot water services to the Belleville, Kingston, and Brockville areas of Ontario. Management and employees of Haven Home will join the Right Time team and will benefit from Right Time's management and training capabilities. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Haven Home is the eighth acquisition completed by Right Time. With the latest acquisition, the Company continues to execute against its growth strategy, developing a national footprint through acquisitions of residential HVAC replacement contractors focused on delivering industry-leading service. Right Time CEO Jeremy Hetherington said, "Right Time is excited to welcome Haven Home to the Right Time family. We have been impressed by the business Marci McMullen and Andre Soucy have built and look forward to continuing to deliver the excellent customer service symbolized by the Haven Home brand." "Over the past 25 years we have built a strong business centered around great customer service," said Haven Home owner Marci McMullen. "Partnering with Right Time was the natural choice. They have a great track record of integrating strong local companies into their national brand and delivering best-in-class customer service. About Right Time Right Time is the leading Canadian independent heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning ("HVAC") contractor focused on the residential market. Right Time now operates out of 15 locations in Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta, and British Columbia with over 600 employees, and provides preventative maintenance programs, repairs, and replacements of household HVAC units. For more information, please visit www.right-time.ca. Right Time is majority-owned by Gryphon Investors, a leading middle-market private equity firm. About Gryphon Investors Based in San Francisco, Gryphon Investors ( www.gryphoninvestors.com ) is a leading private equity firm focused on profitably growing and competitively enhancing middle-market companies in partnership with experienced management. The firm has managed over $5.0 billion of equity investments and capital since 1997. Gryphon targets making equity investments of $50 million to $300 million in portfolio companies with enterprise values ranging from approximately $100 million to $600 million. Gryphon prioritizes investment opportunities where it can form strong partnerships with owners and executives to build leading companies, utilizing Gryphon's capital, specialized professional resources, and operational expertise. Contact: Jason Pratt, CFO Right Time Group of Companies [email protected] 519-505-2047 SOURCE Right Time Group of Companies FOLSOM, Calif., July 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Samuel Hale, LLC, a PEO that specializes in controlling workers' compensation claims costs for small to mid-sized California businesses, renewed its large deductible workers' compensation insurance with Clear Spring on July 1. The policy includes a $500,000 per claim deductible, making Samuel Hale virtually self-insured. Samuel Hale "We've had an amazing two-year partnership with Clear Spring, and we're excited for this next year," said Samuel Hale CEO Michael DiManno. "Clear Spring and third party administrator, CCMSI have embraced our ADR program and helped oil the Samuel Hale machine, which has grown by more than 300% since our relationship began. Three policy years is a long time for a PEO or staffing company to be with the same insurance carrier in California. We are profoundly grateful for our relationship with them," he added. Samuel Hale credits its impressive loss ratio to Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). Samuel Hale is one of a short list of employers approved under the California DWC's "Carveout," which enables them to use ADR instead of the Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) to settle disputes. ADR allows for claims to close quickly without getting caught up in the red tape and delays associated with the WCAB. Insurers and employers don't waste money on excessive medical expenses and delays and employees get their settlements quicker, so it's a win-win. Samuel Hale shares the cost savings with its customers through a PEO arrangement. Samuel Hale is currently managing risk for roughly 1,000 worksites in California. "Our typical customer has a high ex-mod due to fraud and excessive litigation in their claims," said George Hagosian, Chief Underwriting Officer. Samuel Hale's ongoing use of a large-deductible insurance strategy is in stark contrast with publicly-traded Barret Business Systems' recent announcement that they are reducing their risk appetite and moving toward "first dollar" insurance policies. "Many PEOs that operate in California have struggled to maintain stability in their workers' compensation insurance programs forcing them to sell or shed customers. Without retaining risk, especially in a soft market, employers' insurance rates may rise," says Bret Fair CEO of 360 Risk Partners. "After five years of stellar results, we can confidently say that ADR works. We manage some incredibly difficult risks, and we have never charged our clients a rate increase since the day we opened our doors," DiManno added. About Samuel Hale SAMUEL HALE, LLC helps protect California businesses from the unpredictable and high employment cost due to fraud and litigation in workers' compensation claims. Created in 2016, the company is dedicated to eliminating fraud and unnecessary litigation in workers' compensation claims and reducing clients' workers' compensation insurance premiums. Visit https://www.samuelhale.com/ for more information. Contact: Ralph Kai [email protected] (855) 726-4253 SOURCE Samuel Hale Related Links http://www.samuelhale.com BENGALURU, India, July 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Simplilearn, the world's leading online bootcamp for digital economy skills training & Jagran Lakecity University, Central India's number one global university, today announced its partnership to offer a Post Graduate Program in Digital Marketing for the students already enrolled in the MA Digital Marketing program at Jagran Lakecity University. This PG program component offered by Simplilearn will be in partnership with Purdue University and co-created with Facebook and is ideal for students who wish to pursue a career in Digital Marketing and gain hands-on experience to become job-ready. The MA (Digital Marketing) program of Jagran Lakecity University is a comprehensive industry integrated Postgraduate program that explores the digital marketing environment from both a consumer and business perspective. The two year provides an overview of various online business models and delves into digital advertising and social media marketing techniques and technologies. A mixture of case studies, guest speakers and assignments, including one that uses real advertising data, translates theory into practice. This comprehensive program brings together Simplilearn's award-winning curriculum to help students gain a set of in-demand digital marketing skills needed to jumpstart their careers, and academic excellence of Jagran Lakecity University. With 200+ hours of applied learning and 40+ hours of self-paced learning modules- delivered via Simplilearn's high-engagement bootcamp-style learning delivery model, the program offers participants a comprehensive learning experience that covers advanced digital marketing strategies. The key domains covered include search engine optimization (SEO), social media, pay-per-click (PPC), web analytics, and email marketing. Upon completion, program graduates will receive a joint Post Graduate certification from Simplilearn and Jagran Lakecity University, along with the Purdue University's Alumni Association membership. Learners will also receive certificates from Simplilearn for individual courses in the learning path, be enrolled into Simplilearn's Job Assistance service, and have access to the IIMJobs Pro-Membership for six months. All this in addition to the final Postgraduate Degree from jagran Lakecity University upon completion of the two-year degree program. Speaking about the program, Krishna Kumar, Founder & CEO, Simplilearn, said, "2020 has been a watershed moment in history. The world, today, is witnessing the 'New Normal', which is primarily dominated by digitization. With both businesses and consumers taking to online platforms at a faster rate than ever before, digital marketing is at the heart of today's marketing strategy. It aids in the development of better relationships with prospects and offers a diverse range of job choices, making it one of the most sought-after careers in 2021. The Digital Marketing program is designed for learners to gain an understanding of data collection and analysis methods used by marketing experts, and learn to access, choose and use appropriate web analytics tools and techniques within the provided marketing budget. We are happy to partner with Jagran Lakecity University, Bhopal, and equip JLU students with an online program that will help them become digital marketing experts." Speaking about the program, Prof.(Dr.) Sandeep Shastri, Vice Chancellor, jagran Lakecity University said, "MA( Digital Marketing) program provides students with the strategic and analytical skills to guide organizations in a digital world that is overflowing with data on customers, products, and interactions. Our practice based pedagogy, world class digital media production studios and strong global academic and industry partnerships shall provide our students with abundant internship & placement opportunities and career growth. Association of Simplilearn with Purdue University and content support from Facebook makes this program one of the most sought after". The programs offered by Simplilearn are designed using a unique blended learning model that provides a balance of both online classes and expert instructor-led live classrooms. The Bootcamp approach of training also provides learners with a real classroom experience through hands-on labs. All this is made possible through Simplilearn's AI-powered learning platform called 'EngageX'. The programs also offer sessions with subject matter experts and industry-certified Capstone projects. In less than a decade, Jagran Lakecity University, which is accredited by the UGC, has grown to become one of Central India's fastest-growing and most-awarded universities, with practice-based education at its core. The University recently became the first and only university in MP and CG to be awarded the QS I.Gauge Diamond rating. It has been bestowed with several prestigious awards, such as 'University of the Year' by the Government of Madhya Pradesh for five consecutive years from 2015 to 2019. It is recognized as a Global League Institution (in 2015) at the House of Commons, London, UK too. About Simplilearn Simplilearn is the world's leading online Bootcamp for digital skills training, focused on helping people acquire the skills they need to thrive in the digital economy. Simplilearn provides outcome-based online training across technologies and applications in Data Science, AI and Machine Learning, Cloud Computing, Cyber Security, Digital Marketing, DevOps, Project Management, and other critical digital disciplines. Through individual courses, comprehensive certification programs, and partnerships with world-renowned universities, Simplilearn provides millions of professionals and thousands of corporate training organizations with the work-ready skills they need to excel in their careers. Based in San Francisco, CA, and Bangalore, India, Simplilearn has helped over 2,000,000 professionals and 2,000 companies across 150 countries to get trained, acquire certifications, and reach their business and career goals. With over 1,000 live classes each month, real-world projects, and more, professionals learn by doing with Simplilearn. Ongoing industry recognition for the company includes the 2020 Aegis Graham Bell Award for Innovation in EdTech, 2020 Stevie Gold Award for Customer Service Success, and recognition by the prestigious Training Industry Inc. as one of the Top IT Training Companies for 2020, 2021. For more information, please visit www.simplilearn.com About Jagran Lakecity University (JLU) Jagran Lakecity University (JLU) Bhopal is a private University established under Section 2(f) of the UGC Act 1956 and is based out of Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. JLU became the first and only University in MP & CG to be awarded the 'DIAMOND' rating by QS I.Gauge, an International Rating agency in June 2021. JLU was also ranked 30th best private University in India by the Education World in 2021. The University was also the first in MP and CG to get the e-Learning Excellence for Academic Digitisation (E-Lead) Certification 2020, by QS I.Gauge. India Today and Outlook India, has ranked Jagran School of Journalism and Mass Communication, JLU Bhopal as No.1 in Madhya Pradesh, and top 15 in India in 2020. The University has been bestowed with several prestigious awards, such as 'University of the Year' by the Government of Madhya Pradesh for consecutive five years from 2015 to 2019 and is recognized as a Global League Institution in 2015 at the House of Commons, London, UK. JLU Bhopal is one of the fastest-growing and the most awarded universities of Central India having practice-based pedagogy at its core. Currently, the University is offering 56-degree programs to more than 2500 students from 8 countries and 27 states of India. The University has numerous partnerships with top industries and international educational institutes, ensuring the students get great exposure both nationally and internationally. JLU Bhopal is the only participating University from Central India ERASMUS+ program under the Tuning India Project, funded by the European Commission, and is also currently the country chair for the Association of Universities of Asia Pacific (AUAP). For more information, visit: https://jlu.edu.in/ Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1100016/Simplilearn_Logo.jpg SOURCE Simplilearn Solutions Private Limited MELBOURNE, Australia, July 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Whether it's a birthday or other type of celebration, snap lockdowns in Australia and state border closures are keeping friends and family separated on momentous occasions. According to flower delivery Melbourne business Amazing Graze Flowers, while they have been overall negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, the lockdowns and closed borders are also bringing in plenty of business. Amazing Graze Flowers Offering same-day flower delivery Melbourne-wide, Amazing Graze Flowers has seen an uptick in people sending flowers to loved ones as they are kept apart on special occasions. The family-owned and -operated business offers a seamless online ordering process and their extensive range includes bouquets to suit all budgets and occasions. Amazing Graze Flowers says two of their most popular bunches include the daily arrangement that comes in three sizes and features fresh blooms arranged by the in-house florist, which change daily depending on availability. The other most popular choice is the "trust us" arrangement, which features a large bouquet hand-picked by the florist, according to the shopper's budget and colour preference. Both arrangements suit any and every occasion. As Amazing Graze Flowers points out, sending blooms to a loved one is a beautiful way to mark a special occasion. In addition to offering beautiful flower arrangements, Amazing Graze Flowers also has a variety of items people can choose to add to their order, including soy candles, personalised cookies, balloons and sweets. During tough lockdowns, these thoughtful gifts can have a powerful impact on the recipient. As the pandemic rages on though, times are increasingly tough for small businesses. Relying on the support of locals, Amazing Graze Flowers is amongst the many small businesses in Australia that has struggled to stay afloat over the past year. Amazing Graze Flowers says when Melbourne was thrown into a sudden lockdown back in February, which coincided with Valentine's Day, they were left scrambling and were forced to throw away thousands of dollars' worth of flowers. Known for their fast flower delivery in Melbourne, the team at Amazing Graze Flowers can help with custom floral arrangements to suit all occasions and budgets. Shop online for same-day flower delivery Melbourne-wide or contact the team for special orders. Related Images amazing-graze-flowers.png Amazing Graze Flowers Amazing Graze Flowers SOURCE Amazing Graze Flowers NEW ORLEANS, July 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Wanderly, a new internet-based city guide app and website, has officially launched and is ready to change how we plan trips. The platform offers eager travelers a way to plan trips based on their specific interests, saving countless hours in research. Wanderly, launched with six destinations, Austin, Asheville, Charleston, Miami, Nashville and New Orleans, plans to release a new city every few months. Every location is broken down into micro-guides, highlighting niche interests, showcasing popular neighborhoods, and accommodating specific travel styles. Offerings include everything from the Latin hot-spots in Miami, to the popular French Quarter in New Orleans, to the quirky and weird destinations in Austin. All guides are written by professional writers who live, work and play in the city, which gives users an insider's view of the special finds each location has to offer. With the interest-based micro-guides available, every unique traveler can mix and match their preferred stops to create the perfect trip. Wanderly Travel "With each additional trip I planned, I became increasingly frustrated," said Hunter Clark, founder and CEO of Wanderly. "It took forever to plan a trip; there was a ridiculous amount of information available, yet it was difficult to find relevant content for the way I wanted to travel. I didn't want to just focus on the tourist attractions, I wanted to experience the city in a way that was meaningful to me, to see it the way a local might. My frustration led me to look for better ways to plan my trips. When I couldn't find the right resource, I created the solution myself." New users get their first city for free. Avid travelers can purchase an additional city for $8 or get unlimited access to every city we offer for $20 a year. For more information about Wanderly and to stay up-to-date, visit us at WanderlyTravel.com or follow us on Instagram @wanderlytravel. About Wanderly Wanderly was founded in 2020 in the midst of the pandemic. Now, as the world reopens, Wanderly provides travelers with internet-based city guides that can be personalized for everyone's own specific interests. Wanderly's mission is to facilitate enriching and uplifting cultural experiences both around the world and in its own backyard. CONTACT: Madison Harrington 984.235.0328 [email protected] SOURCE Wanderly Travel Related Links http://WanderlyTravel.com NEW YORK, July 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the State of Hawaii and CLEAR (NYSE: YOU) announced that they have expanded their Health Pass partnership to include "CDC card upload" for proof of vaccination through the Hawaii Safe Travels program. With this latest announcement, CLEAR's Health Pass can now be used by all fully vaccinated adults in the United States traveling on any airline from any mainland airport to Hawaii. This is the third expansion of the State of Hawaii's partnership with CLEAR and its Health Pass technology - continuing to make it safer and easier to travel to Hawaii without being subjected to a 10-day quarantine. Using the free CLEAR mobile app and Health Pass feature, travelers can now directly add their Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) COVID-19 vaccination card to their Health Pass. Once enrolled, travelers simply take a photo of their CDC card and upload their vaccination information. Additionally, travelers can also securely link to their digital proof of vaccination through CLEAR's network of hundreds of vaccine providers and national pharmacies, including Walmart, Atlantic Health System and the State of California. "We are happy to announce another expansion to CLEAR's partnership with the State of Hawaii. Adding a CDC card upload to the Safe Travels program means even more Americans can travel safely and securely to the Aloha State," said Caryn Seidman-Becker, CEO of CLEAR. Once the Health Pass is created, travelers will then go to the Hawaii Safe Travels website to apply for quarantine exemption by linking to their CLEAR Health Pass. Upon arrival, travelers using CLEAR's Health Pass for proof of vaccination and who receive a wristband can bypass screening and head directly to the exit with no further processing. In February, CLEAR initially partnered with the State of Hawaii on a pilot program featuring Health Pass on select direct flights between LAX and Honolulu on United Airlines and Delta Air Lines. Earlier this month , Hawaii and CLEAR partnered to expand the use of Health Pass for COVID-19 test screening and vaccine verification of all Hawaii-bound travelers through the Hawaii Safe Travels program. 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. Media Contact : CLEAR Ken Lisaius, VP Public Affairs & Communications [email protected] SOURCE CLEAR Related Links www.clearme.com QINGDAO, China, July 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Second Qingdao Multinationals Summit was opened in Qingdao on July 15th. 306 overseas companies of the Fortune Global 500 companies and 517 global industry leading companies attended the summit online; Among the Fortune Global 500 companies, 125 overseas companies attended it offline, with a total number of 378 people, including 24 global vice presidents, 70 presidents of China and 100 vice presidents of China; 33 domestic companies attended it offline, including 14 global presidents; Among the global industry leading companies, 142 overseas companies attended it offline, and 120 domestic companies attended it offline, including 198 guests with positions not lower than vice president. Five international organizations and 20 domestic and foreign business associations attended the summit. Ambassadors from four countries and envoys from 14 countries attended it offline. This summit followed the theme of the first summit- "Multinationals and China", discussing the roles and opportunities of multinationals in China's new development pattern and looking forward to the reform and development of global industrial, supply and value chains in the post-epidemic era. At the opening ceremony, Enrique Lores, HP CEO of the United States, Sohn Kyung Shik, CJ Group President of South Korea, Fabrice Fourcade, EDF Corporate Vice President, President of China and other leaders of Fortune Global 500 companies reviewed and summarized the origin and cooperation results between their companies and China through "online and offline" ways, with expectation to further integrate into the development paradigm featuring dual circulation, in which domestic and overseas markets reinforce each other through deepening cooperation. As China's leading cloud computing and big data service provider, Xiao Xue, senior vice president of Inspur Group Co., Ltd., said at the summit that China's economic development needs deep participation of multinationals, including not only their investments but also their advanced management concepts, technical capabilities and services. The relations between multinationals and Chinese local companies are not alternative or purely competitive, but competitive and also cooperative, which can be complementary to each other. Zhang Qingwei, full-time deputy secretary-general of the Secretariat of the Qingdao Multinationals Summit, said that multinationals are an important carrier connecting China's building of an overseas and domestic dual circulation in the new development pattern. This summit will deepen exchanges and cooperation between China and multinationals, and promote China's opening up to the outside world in a wider scope, a wider field and at a deeper level. It was reported that this summit was sponsored by the Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China and the Shandong Provincial People's Government and lasted for two days. It aimed to build a platform for in-depth exchanges and cooperation between multinationals and China, involved eight topics such as China's carbon peak and the development opportunities of multinationals, and released a research report entitled "Multinationals in China: A New Pattern Brings New Opportunities". As the first batch of coastal open cities in China, Qingdao is at the forefront of reform and opening up, boasts a large number of national famous brands such as Haier, Hisense and Tsingtao Brewery and has long been a hot spot for multinationals to invest. 166 Fortune Global 500 companies including Panasonic, Samsung and Airbus have invested and settled in Qingdao. Contact: Zhu Yiling Tel: +86-532-85911619 Official web: http://www.qingdaochina.org Facebook web: https://www.facebook.com/qingdaocity Twitter web: https://twitter.com/loveqingdao Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1575870/Stadt_Qingdao_1.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1575871/Stadt_Qingdao_2.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1245709/Qingdao_Logo.jpg SOURCE Stadt Qingdao "The cryptocurrency market is constantly changing. What is happening now is a simple story that is often repeated in this industry and fear of risks is not worth it. However, I believe that the market is a great opportunity for projects and companies involved in this sector to step back from their commitments and focus on developing new products and development strategies." - Boris Smitski says. The Golden Cash was originally designed to increase sales in the jewelry industry. The platform connects jewelry brands, producers and buyers to facilitate their interaction. At the same time, token holders get the opportunity to increase their investments. Boris Smitski said that tokens will not meet any competition in the jewelry industry. This will ensure interest in the payment system and thus demand and profit. He also mentioned that tokens have evolved from utility tokens or security tokens to exchange, governance and liquidity pool tokens. It is necessary to keep in mind that tokens are volatile, just like the entire cryptocurrency market. If cryptocurrencies were not volatile, no one would want to deal with them and trade them. The motivation to work with this niche would disappear. It is vital for the market to remain cyclical and stay as far away from centralization or regulation as possible in accordance with what is called "civilized behavior". The crypto market has a lot of room to grow, and volatility will be the key impetus for this division!", - Boris Smitski assured. Boris Smitski is an international businessman with vast experience in investment, consulting and banking. He is known for investing in gold production and mining, as well as founding an international jewelry brand Golden Cash. He was one of the first to invest in Bitcoin. He also consulted the PaPa Coin project during its launch. The Golden Cash platform ensures a networking environment to connect key players in the jewelry industry and ensure their seamless interaction. Its main goal is to build a powerful and mutually beneficial community for producers, brands and sellers. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1560192/Boris_Smitski_CEO_Golden_Cash.jpg SOURCE Golden Cash WASHINGTON and DAYTON, Ohio, July 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Google Cloud and the United States Air Force Rapid Sustainment Office (RSO) today announced an agreement to build an open, agile, and globally scalable ecosystem using Google Cloud technology for aircraft maintenance. Through this initiativecode-named "Project Lighthouse"the RSO will be able to optimize maintenance readiness, increase staff productivity, and reduce overall costs. With more than 329,000 active duty personnel and more than 170 operating locations around the globe, the RSO's goal is to implement and scale new technology solutions that build a stronger, more agile, and more resilient Air Force. Project Lighthouse is a program that integrates successful RSO technology solutions to create a unified ecosystem that helps the RSO accelerate its goals and digitize for the future. "Our partnership with Google Cloud is a significant milestone for RSO on our journey to adopt Industry 4.0 technologies, when everything is connected, and deliver on our mandate to solve the Air Force's toughest sustainment challenges," said Mr. Nathan Parker, deputy, Program Executive Office at RSO. "What we're building with Google Cloud will accelerate the way we adopt, integrate, and scale technologies for the Air Force. Project Lighthouse is a hardware-flexible, software-driven approach that provides optionality at scale." "We know that sustainment is one of the biggest and most complex challenges in the military, and we are proud to support the RSO in its mission to modernize the U.S. Air Force," said Mike Daniels, vice president, Global Public Sector, Google Cloud. "Thanks to Project Lighthouse, more personnel are going to have what they need to do their jobs faster, and we're committed to playing a key role in this effort." This new aircraft maintenance ecosystem will provide seamless integration for the Air Force's full ecosystem of technology providers, which could range from predictive maintenance software to manufacturing robotics to augmented reality headset and other hardware. Powered by Google Cloud's API management platform Apigee , and managed application platform Anthos, this project is supported by Google Cloud's professional services organization. Before launch, the aircraft maintenance ecosystem will be prototyped, validated, and tested for scalability within the Air Force's technology environment. About the Air Force Rapid Sustainment Office Established by the Secretary of the Air Force in 2018, the RSO increases mission readiness by rapidly identifying, applying, and scaling technology essential to the operation and sustainment of the United States Air Force. http://www.afrso.com/ About Google Cloud Google Cloud accelerates organizations' ability to digitally transform their business with the best infrastructure, platform, industry solutions and expertise. We deliver enterprise-grade solutions that leverage Google's cutting-edge technologyall on the cleanest cloud in the industry. Customers in more than 200 countries and territories turn to Google Cloud as their trusted partner to enable growth and solve their most critical business problems. SOURCE Google Cloud Related Links http://www.google.com Factors such as reducing the ownership cycle of cars, the increasing technological innovations in passenger cars, and the increased penetration of websites dedicated to selling used cars will offer immense growth opportunities. To leverage the current opportunities, market vendors must strengthen their foothold in the fast-growing segments, while maintaining their positions in the slow-growing segments. The used car market in the US is fragmented, and the degree of fragmentation will accelerate during the forecast period. Used Car Market in the US 2021-2025: Segmentation Used Car Market in the US is segmented as below: Product Mid Size Full Size Compact Size Distribution Channel Third-party Channel Sales OEM Channel Sales Buy our market report now to gain access to detailed analysis on the used car market in the US: https://www.technavio.com/talk-to-us?report=IRTNTR41649 Used Car Market in the US 2021-2025: Vendor Analysis and Scope Some of the major vendors of the used car market in the US in the automobile manufacturers industry include Alibaba Group Holding Ltd., Amazon.com Inc., Asbury Automotive Group Inc., AutoNation Inc., CarMax Inc., Cox Automotive Inc., eBay Inc., Pendragon Plc, Penske Automotive Group Inc., and TrueCar Inc. To help businesses improve their market position, Technavio's report provides a detailed analysis of around 25 vendors operating in the market. To leverage the current opportunities, market vendors must strengthen their foothold in the fast-growing segments, while maintaining their positions in the slow-growing segments. The report also covers the following areas: Used Car Market in the US size Used Car Market in the US trends Used Car Market in the US industry analysis Increased penetration of websites dedicated to selling used cars is likely to emerge as one of the primary drivers of the market. However, the increasing import duties on used cars from Mexico may threaten the growth of the market. Register for a free trial today and gain instant access to 17,000+ market research reports. Technavio's SUBSCRIPTION platform Backed with competitive intelligence and benchmarking, our research reports on the used car market in the US are designed to provide entry support, customer profile & M&As as well as go-to-market strategy support. Used Car Market in the US 2021-2025: Key Highlights CAGR of the market during the forecast period 2021-2025 Detailed information on factors that will assist used car market growth in the US during the next five years Estimation of the used car 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 used car market in the US Analysis of the market's competitive landscape and detailed information on vendors Comprehensive details of factors that will challenge the growth of used car market vendors in the US Related Reports on Consumer Discretionary Include: Recreational Vehicle (RV) Market in North America- The recreational vehicle (RV) market size in North America is segmented by product (towable RVs and motorized RVs) and geography (US and Rest of North America). Download FREE Sample Report Pickup Truck Market in the US- The pickup truck market in the US is segmented by product (full-size pickup truck and small- and mid-size pickup truck) and cab style (extended cab and crew cab and regular cab). Download FREE Sample Report Table of Contents: Executive Summary Market Landscape Market ecosystem Value chain analysis Market Sizing Market definition Market segment analysis Market size 2020 Market outlook: Forecast for 2020 - 2025 Five Forces Analysis Five forces summary Bargaining power of buyers Bargaining power of suppliers Threat of new entrants Threat of substitutes Threat of rivalry Market condition Market Segmentation by Product Market segments Comparison by Product Mid size - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 Full size - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 Compact size - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 Market opportunity by Product Market Segmentation by Distribution channel Market segments Comparison by Distribution channel Third-party channel sales - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 OEM channel sales - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 Market opportunity by Distribution channel Customer landscape Market drivers Market challenges Market trends Vendor Landscape Overview Landscape disruption Competitive Scenario Vendor Analysis Vendors covered Market positioning of vendors Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. Amazon.com Inc. Asbury Automotive Group Inc. AutoNation Inc. CarMax Inc. Cox Automotive Inc. eBay Inc. Pendragon Plc Penske Automotive Group Inc. TrueCar Inc. Appendix Scope of the report Currency conversion rates for US$ Research methodology List of abbreviations About Us Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focus on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contact 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/used-car-market-in-us-industry-analysis Newsroom: https://newsroom.technavio.com/news/used-carmarket-v2 SOURCE Technavio Related Links http://www.technavio.com LONDON, July 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- A week of increasingly violent unrest in South Africa has left citizens fearful for their safety and deeply concerned as to what the future might bring. The riots and looting have also contributed to the weakening rand and caused disruptions to the nation's vaccination rollout programme. As a result, worried South Africans are looking to accessible avenues to open doors to other countries as a Plan B for their families, should they need it. Over the last 18 months, there has been a growing concern for security in the country exasperated by the impact of hard lockdown levels and a slow vaccination process. This has led many citizens to look into acquiring second citizenship. "Astute South Africans without access to an ancestral path to a second citizenship are understandably worried as they realise the importance of having that second citizenship as an insurance policy," says Micha Emmett, CEO of CS Global Partners, a legal advisory that supports clients seeking second citizenship. "What many South Africans are learning now is that there is a stress-free route to a Plan B that is also relatively affordable. During these times of unpredictability, a second citizenship is the most important asset you can have to safeguard your family's future." With the highest rate of COVID-19 cases on the continent, South Africa has struggled with an inundated healthcare system along with a drastic economic downturn. The combination of this together with the recent riots, have raised understandable concerns for the future of the nation and has brought to the fore the need for investment into protecting both family and wealth. One of the most popular routes to acquiring a second citizenship is through Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programmes a process that grants citizenship in exchange for a qualifying investment into the host nation's economy. The Caribbean island of St Kitts and Nevis is a popular choice for South Africans as a means to open doors to many countries across the globe and as a safe haven. They are currently offering a temporary discount that allows families of up to four to acquire citizenship for a reduced price. Until December 31st, an investment of only $150,000 can be made rather than the previous $195,000. "South Africans are proud of their beautiful country but, sadly, as seen in many countries across the world, volatility can lead to dire consequences for the future. Citizenship by Investment can provide that security and peace of mind that is needed during these times. It is also important to note that South Africans are legally allowed to have dual citizenship, they must just follow the correct procedures with home affairs to retain their South African citizenship," concludes Emmett. Contact: [email protected], www.csglobalpartners.com SOURCE CS Global Partners Related Links https://csglobalpartners.com/ NEW YORK, July 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Zeel, the leading technology platform for booking healthcare services to the home or office, announces the company's arrival in the greater Manchester region. Zeel's nationwide network of more than 11,000 massage therapists, physical therapists, nurses and other wellness providers allows patients and consumers to book massage, physical therapy, Covid testing and vaccination and other services through Zeel's best-in-class app or through its website, www.zeel.com. This is Zeel's first launch in the "Granite State." Zeel is initially launching their massage therapy network, currently recruiting licensed massage therapists in the greater Manchester region. "All massage therapists on the Zeel network are licensed by the state and vetted through Zeel's industry-leading protocols. They're the best therapists out there and the Zeel app gives them the flexibility to take as many appointments as they choose with their own schedule in mind." says Samer Hamadeh, the company's Founder and CEO. Since the launch of its very first app in the spring of 2012, the Zeel platform has successfully delivered more than 1.5 million in-home health and wellness appointments to patients and consumers across 40 states. Most recently, the company partnered with the New York City Department of Health to vaccinate thousands of New Yorkers in their homes, schools and pop-up locations across the city. Health and wellness providers on the Zeel network are available for appointments 7 days a week, 365 days a year, with Zeel customer service teams working around the clock to support patients and providers. "We are thrilled to be expanding our services into New Hampshire. Our exciting new partnerships will mean significant opportunities for those who join our growing network. We look forward to providing the highest level of care to the people of New Hampshire," says Hamadeh. In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, enhancements to the Zeel App include a daily wellness check for providers, and in-app and text notifications to patients and consumers confirming that they are free of coronavirus symptoms. "During these unusual times, we know that many of our customers and patients prefer to be at home. Our best-in-class trust and safety protocols make delivering in-home health and wellness as seamless as possible," says Hamadeh. Licensed massage therapists in the state of New Hampshire are encouraged to apply to join Zeel's platform at www.zeel.com/provider. ABOUT ZEEL Zeel is the nation's leading in-home health, wellness and medical testing company, providing medical services through ZP Medical Services, PC, a licensed medical practice, lab partners, and a nationwide network of health and wellness practitioners. These trusted, vetted providers offer on-location COVID-19 PCR testing, massage therapy, physical therapy, and nursing care. All services are booked safely and securely using Zeel's industry-leading, HIPAA-compliant technology and award-winning customer service team. Zeel has been named as one of America's Fastest Growing Companies by the Financial Times in 2020, one of Crains NY's Fast 50 in 2019 , and on the Inc. 5000 from 2017-2020. For more information, visit www.zeel.com. Contact Beth Amorosi 917-208-7489 [email protected] SOURCE Zeel Related Links https://www.zeel.com/ "The swift recovery from the coronavirus outbreak in Guangdong province has allowed the industry to get quickly back on track. It's impossible to ignore the impact of this global health crisis, while CBD Fair 2021 continues to serve as a global platform for the interior design and decoration industry, injecting fresh impetus into its development in the context of a pandemic that has brought so many uncertainties and challenges to the industry," said Liu Xiaomin, GM of CFTE, organizer of CBD Fair 2021. MIDLAND, Ga., July 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- 4K Solutions, the global leader in deployable 5G/4G/LTE mobile broadband solutions announces the availability of the world's first portable hand-carry 5G networking Mobile Broadband Kit MBK. 4K Solutions announced today the release of the world's first portable Mobile Broadband Kit, the 5G MBK-1900. The MBK-1900 is added to their Mobile Broadband Solutions Suite and is intelligently designed and integrates the new ruggedized Cradlepoint R1900 5G networking platform. MBK-1900 FI MBK-1900 FI The 4K Solutions' MBK-1900 by leveraging the Cradlepoint R1900 router provides customers with next generation rapidly deployable "office-in-a-box" capability providing an ultimate 5G NR /Cat 20 LTE mobile networking with industry-leading features. The Cradlepoint R1900 includes an embedded 5G modem that can automatically switch to Cat 20 LTE if the MBK moves outside of 5G coverage. The MBK-1900 is ready for global use and has an integrated 4K Rugged Power Center LifePo4 battery management system for long running battery use. It also can be powered with 110/220 vac, 12 vdc, and solar power. "We are extremely excited to be offering a 5G Mobile Broadband Kit to our customers. They have been asking for it for over a year and I am proud of our entire team's efforts to deliver so quickly!" -- David Theriault, Founder and President 4K Solutions. For more information on the MBK-1900 and other mobile broadband, cellular and satellite communications solutions or information technology integration, visit 4K Solutions at www.4ksolutions.com. About 4K Solutions 4K Solutions, LLC is a US Service-Disabled Veteran Small Business (SDVOSB) (CvE) specializing in providing leading information technology and special communications solutions. As a systems integrator and value-added reseller, 4K provides design of rapid fielding solutions, professional services and information technology training. 4K Solutions' military special operations experience enables them to think outside of the box and solve their clients' communications and networking problems quickly. 4K is keen at designing robust 5G/4G/LTE and satellite deployable solution sets for commercial, first responder, Department of Defense, and federal customers. 4K has delivered over 5,000 Mobile Broadband Kits MBK globally and is also a leader in portable push-to-talk (PTT) systems design and fielding. For more information on 4K Solutions, visit www.4ksolutions.com, email [email protected], or call David Theriault, President, at (844) 445-7658 or 706-593-9070. SOURCE 4K Solutions Related Links http://www.4ksolutions.com SAN ANTONIO and TOKYO, July 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- 6Connex, the leading virtual venue platform for virtual and hybrid events, is pleased to announce its partnership with Hitachi Solutions, Ltd, a business application consulting firm for vertical industries in Japan. The exciting new partnership is the first of its kind in Japan. "We're proud to join forces. I have no doubt that together, 6Connex and Hitachi Solutions will deliver significant value for organizations all around the globe and in Japan. Their strategic expertise and leadership in multiple sectors combined with our robust and innovative virtual event technology will enable our mutual clients to differentiate how they engage with their own respective customers and prospects," said Ruben Castano, CEO of 6Connex. "Hitachi's expertise and innovative approach to challenges is a wonderful match for our robust virtual event technology," he continued. Hitachi Solutions is a recognized global leader when it comes to delivering successful strategic solutions and business applications. The company is committed to their mission of helping clients compete with the largest global enterprises by using powerful, reliable, and easy to use industry solutions. Hitachi Solutions is renowned for supporting digital transformation (DX) of communications between companies and stakeholders by providing workstyle transformation solutions and digital marketing solutions for companies working to adapt to changing times and the environment. Through 6Connex's virtual venue platform, Hitachi's clients will be able to create immersive and highly-engaging virtual and hybrid event experiences. 6Connex's technology will enable them to create immersive virtual experiences as close to real-life event experiences as possible with feature-loaded virtual environments that can be creatively designed, AI-powered tools that keep attendees engaged, and a secure and open digital universe that allows organizations to easily use and configure interactive tools they know and love. About 6Connex 6Connex is the leading provider of virtual and hybrid event solutions. Our secure, cloud-based platform expands audience reach and drives in-depth content engagement for marketing, sales, recruitment, training, and HR communities. Our product portfolio includes virtual and hybrid venues, learning management, and webinars. For more information, visit www.6connex.com or call 1-800-395-4702. Media Contact: Andrea Morgan for 6Connex Makovsky Integrated Communications 917-213-5506 [email protected] SOURCE 6Connex The acquisition is a steppingstone for GC Group to diversify its business portfolio into specialty chemicals and further strengthen its leading position in the chemicals business by combining environmentally friendly innovations with advanced technologies. GC will act as a long-term strategic partner to further improve allnex's market access to the Asia Pacific (APAC) region and expand its presence in emerging markets through future investments. allnex is the leading global producer of industrial coating resins, offering a broad range of coating polymers and additives including powder coating resins, energy curable resins, crosslinking resins, and additives for use on all types of substrates such as wood, metal, and plastic. With approximately EUR2bn in revenue and an EBITDA margin of 17-19%, as well as a global production network of 33 state of-the-art manufacturing sites in 18 countries, 23 research and technology facilities, and approximately 4,000 employees worldwide, allnex boasts leading positions in all key industrial coating segments including industrial metal, automotive, and packaging. The company has a strong legacy of pioneering sustainable innovations for the coating industry for over 70 years, with its most recent rebranding to allnex in 2013. Dr. Kongrapan Intarajang, CEO of GC, said, "In line with our vision to be a leading global chemical company for better living, as well as our core Step Out (continued investment in high value businesses and expanding GC footprint internationally) and Step Up (sustainable leadership in line with leading ESG goals) strategies to drive new enduring growth opportunities, we are pleased to announce our expanded investment into allnex, the world's number one producer of industrial coating resins with outstanding innovation, history, and promise, to establish a stronger position internationally." "As the global market leader in industrial coating resins, with its broad portfolio, stable profit, and leading green technologies, allnex is ideally positioned to benefit from three trends shaping the industry: increasing demand for high performance coating resins; a continued shift of growth to emerging markets, and a trend towards green coatings solutions. We look forward to working with the team at allnex to leverage our shared growth potential, as we continue to reinforce our business strengths and create shared value for society by supporting communities and the environment." Miguel Mantas, allnex CEO, commented, "We are proud of the success we have in building allnex into a global player and look forward to working with GC to take the next step in our company's development. With GC's resources, industrial network, and expertise in Asia Pacific, we will continue to invest in innovative technologies and look to expand our presence in the region." Ronald Ayles, Managing Partner and Head of Advents Global Chemicals and Materials Practice, said, "As one of the most experienced investors in the global chemical industry, Advent has supported allnex's management team over the last eight years to help transform the company from a corporate carve-out into the number one global producer of industrial coating resins as it more than doubled its number of employees, production sites, R&D centres, and customers. With GC, we have now found the ideal partner to support allnex's next phase of growth and continue its success story." The sale of allnex to ("GC Inter B.V.") is expected to close in Q4 2021, subject to regulatory approvals. About PTT Global Chemical Public Company Limited PTT Global Chemical Public Company Limited, or GC, was registered as a public company limited on October 19, 2011, to serve as PTT Group's chemical flagship operation. GC's heritage in the industry originated from the merger of several major companies including National Petrochemical Co., Ltd. in February 1984. Since its founding, GC has dedicated itself to being a leader of the sector and has combined olefins and aromatics capacity of 11.65 million tons per year, together with a refining capacity of 280,000 barrels per day of crude oil and condensate. The company's core businesses consist of the Group Performance Center Refinery & Shared Facilities; Group Performance Center Aromatics; Group Performance Center Olefins; Polymers Business Unit; EO-Based Performance Business Unit; Green Chemicals Business Unit; Phenol Business Unit; and Performance Materials & Chemicals Unit. GC is Thailand's largest integrated petrochemical and refining business and a leading corporation in the Asia-Pacific region, both in size and product variety www.pttgcgroup.com About allnex allnex is the leading global producer of industrial coating resins and additives for architectural, industrial, protective, automotive and special purpose coatings and inks. allnex is recognized as a specialty chemicals pioneer and offers an extensive range of products including innovative liquid resins and additives, radiation cured and powder coating resins and additives, and cross linkers for use on wood, metal, plastic and other surfaces. Today, allnex has a strong global presence with 4000 employees worldwide, 33 manufacturing sites, and 23 research and technology support facilities. www.allnex.com About Advent International Founded in 1984, Advent International Corporation is one of the largest and most experienced global private equity investors. The firm has invested in over 375 private equity transactions in 42 countries, and as of December 31, 2020, the firm had EUR62 billion (US$76 billion) in assets under management. With 14 offices in 11 countries, Advent has established a globally integrated team of over 240 private equity investment professionals across North America, Europe, Latin America and Asia. The firm focuses on investments in five core sectors, including business and financial services; health care; chemicals and industrial; retail, consumer and leisure; and technology. Advent has invested in over 30 companies in the chemicals industry over recent years. Examples include Rohm, one of the global market leaders in methacrylate chemicals, allnex, a global leader in resins for the paints and coatings industry, and Oxea, a leading supplier of oxo alcohols and oxo derivatives. In addition, Advent has invested in companies including VIAKEM, a leading manufacturer of fine chemicals, and GTM, a transnational distributor of chemical raw materials in Latin America. After 35 years dedicated to international investing, Advent International Corporation remains committed to partnering with management teams to deliver sustained revenue and earnings growth for its portfolio companies. www.adventinternational.de SOURCE PTT Global Chemical Public Company Limited Related Links http://www.pttgcgroup.com WASHINGTON, July 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Council of Cannabis Medicine (ACCM) announced today the formalization of the ACCM Industry Leadership Advisory Council. The group's primary focus is to provide the necessary resources and guidance to advance a comprehensive medical cannabis package that allows professionalization, clinical research and greater access. ACCM Industry Leadership Advisor Council "The Council is made up of some of the finest people and organizations in the industry. They truly want to make a difference and help people ." says, Glen Caroline Head of Advocacy WAB Strategic and ACCM Outreach Committee Co-Chair "Their experience and knowledge provide a critical asset for our work with legislators. They are engaged first and foremost with our legislative teams Senate efforts, but also working with our targeted state work and Yes We Cann! national advocacy program." Several members of the Council have been working with the ACCM Alliance on multiple legislative and advocacy issues. The Council represents ACCM's further commitment to support legislation that allows research and access. "The time is absolutely right to bring much needed focus on the importance of traditional medical and research approaches to the area of medical cannabis." Says, Annabelle Manalo-Morgan, PhD, Zermatt Medical Institute Research Chair, ASCM Board of Regents Member and ACCM Clinical Research Committee Co-Chair "Every aspect of traditional medicine relies on solid clinical research, which is needed today. The new focus with the Senate efforts align to advance the professional narrative of the true medical focused cannabis community. Having worked on this issue for several years, it is good to see both sides of aisle engaged." "For the last several years ACCM has been working with legislators of all political perspectives. We have been coalition builders and supporters in the states" Says, Scott Rancie, Vice President of Member Services at ACCM "We are pleased to be assembling the right resources at the very time that a legislative solution for medical cannabis is within reach. With the engagement of the Leadership Council and world-class government affairs and advocacy teams, working to build a coalition of both Republican and Democrats around a universally accepted topic should garner success. Americans want medical cannabis to be properly researched, clinically developed, safe, accessible and federally legal." "We are pleased with all of the medical cannabis work going on in the Senate." Says, Mark Block CEO, MNTC and Co-Chair of the ACCM Legislative Committee "We are very pleased to to see the tremendous bipartisan support developing around medical cannabis. Today about 9 out of 10 adults in United States support medical cannabis. We are very excited to join the dialog and help the Senate bring a bill to fruition that will help patients across the country." The American Council of Cannabis Medicine is the "Voice of American Medical Cannabis" ACCM represents America's medical-cannabis industry, which supports millions of U.S. jobs and is backed by a growing grassroots movement supporting millions of beneficiaries. Members produce, process, and distribute medical cannabis through state-licensed programs, supporting companies, healthcare industry, physicians, researchers, health/wellness providers, insurance companies, systems, and patient advocacy groups. They participate in ACCM's 14 standing area-centric committees. ACCM was started in 2016 as a Capitol Hill working group and has developed into a mission driven 501c4. Our pressing objective is to facilitate legislation that advances medical cannabis at the federal level and improve state access. Reach the American Council of Cannabis Medicine at 202-349-9650, or visit www.accmforum.org. Contact: Ken Grubbs 202-349-9650 ext. 800 [email protected] SOURCE American Council of Cannabis Medicine Related Links http://www.accmforum.org LAUSANNE, Switzerland and SAN FRANCISCO, July 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Asceneuron SA, a clinical stage company dedicated to targeting the root cause of neurodegenerative diseases, announced today the appointment of Catherine Moukheibir to its Board of Directors. Catherine is a highly respected healthcare executive with extensive experience over the last 30 years of leadership in finance, capital markets and life sciences. She has previously worked as a Chairman, Non-Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer in the biotech and pharmaceutical sectors, successfully raising private and public capital as well as overseeing several major licensing deals and acquisitions. Catherine currently serves on the Board of Directors at Biotalys, CMR Surgical, Ironwood Pharmaceuticals Inc and Orphazyme A/S. Most recently, Catherine was the chair and CEO of MedDay Pharmaceuticals. She has held various other senior executive roles (Innate Pharma) and board memberships in companies such as Kymab, Ablynx, Genkyotex, Zealand Pharma and Creabilis. Earlier, she was the CFO of Movetis, overseeing the company's IPO on Euronext and subsequent sale to Shire. Catherine started her career in investment banking and capital markets and worked in this industry for several years in the US and London, switching to corporate roles in life sciences 20 years ago. She holds an MBA and a Masters in Economics from Yale University. Peter Van Vlasselaer, Chairman of the Board of Asceneuron, commented: "We are delighted to welcome Catherine, a seasoned and highly respected industry leader, to the Board of Directors. Her corporate expertise and financial track record underscores our ambition and focus to deliver on the unmet needs of patients living with neurodegenerative diseases." Catherine Moukheibir, Board of Directors of Asceneuron, commented: "Asceneuron is pioneering a new way of approaching neurodegenerative diseases and is developing a clinical pipeline of novel compounds which have the potential to be the basis for highly innovative treatments for a broad range of CNS diseases. I am pleased to be joining such an ambitious player in a field that has so much to offer to patients." Dirk Beher, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Asceneuron, commented: "We are very pleased to have Catherine join Asceneuron at this particular stage of the company, given her extensive experience within the biotech industry. I look forward to shaping the growth of Asceneuron with Catherine's valued insights and guidance as our two lead programs progress through clinical development." About Asceneuron Asceneuron is a clinical stage biotech company focused on the development of orally bioavailable therapeutics for debilitating neurodegenerative disorders with high unmet medical need. The pipeline reflects our ambition to develop treatments for a wide a range of neurodegenerative diseases including orphan tauopathies, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Asceneuron has two clinical stage small molecule O-GlcNAcase inhibitors in development for the treatment of proteinopathies including Parkinson's Disease, Alzheimer's disease and related disorders. Asceneuron is a privately held company financed by a renowned syndicate of investors consisting of Sofinnova Partners, M Ventures, SR One, Johnson & Johnson Innovation JJDC, Inc. (JJDC) and Kurma Partners. For more information, please visit www.asceneuron.com. SOURCE Asceneuron ATLANTA, July 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- AVOXI, a global communications platform, continues its strong momentum, achieving record-breaking numbers as the company closes out the second quarter with 48% bookings and 28% revenue growth. The first half of 2021 saw AVOXI reach several milestones, as its software platform continued to deliver product-led, customer-focused solutions that drove breakthrough numbers in net-based dollar expansion and overall product usage across key customer segments. With its ever-expanding global reach, enhanced integrated solutions and continued investment in a world-class customer experience, AVOXI is poised for an exciting start to the second half of 2021. "Our team continues to focus on quality and agility in all we do for our platform and customers," said AVOXI CEO David Wise. "From our weekly software releases to the excellent customer experience we're delivering, the team is aligned with our clients for success. The momentum we've built so far this year is really strong." Intentional Product Development Spurs Account Expansion With a customer-focused product development roadmap, AVOXI continues to bring new products and services to market that are mission-critical for its customers, helping to secure a record-breaking 109% net dollar expansion to close out Q2. With over-the-top software solutions that meet enterprises where they are, AVOXI brings reliable digital communications to customers regardless of their preferred platform. Recent releases including Microsoft Teams Direct Routing and AVOXI's newest two-way local voice service, TrueLocal, which enables customers to get the connectivity they need to diversify into new markets and reach more customers. Empowering customers to increase their answer rates by 10x, TrueLocal delivers guaranteed caller-ID for inbound and outbound calls across hard-to-reach countries like Russia, China, Saudi Arabia and Malaysia. "We're continuing to find ways to deliver our expansive, reliable global services to our customers," said COO Barbara Dondiego. "TrueLocal and MS Teams now provide a unique selection for our enterprise customers, allowing them to accelerate their move to the cloud, increase service functionality and get the reach they need." Product Usage in Key Verticals Accelerates Growth In addition to overall growth and net dollar expansion, AVOXI is seeing significant traction in its usage-based model. As many sectors make their comeback post-Covid19, AVOXI's usage-based packages are providing enterprise customers with the scalability and flexibility they need. Sectors such as Travel & Hospitality are already showing significant lifts with 39% revenue growth while other key sectors are anticipated to follow suit throughout EOY. Team Expansion & Industry Recognition AVOXI continues to receive praise for its global communications platform, most recently for its contact center capabilities in G2's Best Contact Center Operations Software quadrant. Their "High Performer" recognition follows product awards earlier in the year from Capterra and CUSTOMER Magazine/TMC. To support these accolades and their ongoing investments in product development, AVOXI is expanding its team further. Hiring across the customer support and sales functions, AVOXI continues to add new members with a headcount climbing by 26% since the beginning of the year. About AVOXI AVOXI, a global communications platform, provides voice, messaging and contact center - all within one platform. Giving international businesses the local presence they need to easily scale with their customers, AVOXI offers feature-rich voice technology with unparalleled coverage, quality and reliability. Powering 7,000+ customers across 170+ countries and driving over 50+ million customer interactions every year, AVOXI's agile cloud platform enables customers to integrate with the technologies that matter most. Get the global voice software that enterprises trust to keep their communications running. Go global, call local with AVOXI today. Learn more at www.avoxi.com. Media Contact: Jennifer Hopkins, CMO [email protected] Related Images avoxi.png AVOXI SOURCE AVOXI CHARLES TOWN, W.V., July 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- (OTC: PTBS) -- BCT Investments, a division of Bank of Charles Town, recently announced the addition of an experienced team of investment representatives. The new members of the BCT Investments team are Dave Neterer, Program Manager; Ken Smith, Private Wealth Manager; and Evan Vink, Private Wealth Manager. They will join Leslie Crabill, Senior Vice President, Director of Wealth and Investments, and utilize current BCT Investments offices at 111 E. Washington Street, Charles Town, WV, 25414. "We are delighted to announce the expansion of our BCT Investments services," stated Leslie Crabill, Senior Vice President, Director of Wealth and Investments. "Having Dave, Ken, and Evan join our team will provide customers increased access to knowledgeable advice and the markets. Their addition provides added value for customers who wish to improve their investment planning." Dave Neterer, BCT Investments Program Manager added, "Our team is looking forward to helping the client experience at BCT be even better. We place a high value on providing clients personal, strategic advice to transform their lives." The new BCT Investments team consists of: Dave Neterer With over 27 years of financial services experience, Mr. Neterer provides private wealth management advice for businesses and individuals. He focuses on the development, implementation and monitoring of financial strategies tailored to a diverse clientele. Mr. Neterer is a graduate of Huntington University earning a double major in Economics and Management. In addition, Mr. Neterer values community service and has served on many charity and civic boards. Currently, he is active with his local Rotary Club and Community Rescue Services. With over 27 years of financial services experience, Mr. Neterer provides private wealth management advice for businesses and individuals. He focuses on the development, implementation and monitoring of financial strategies tailored to a diverse clientele. Mr. Neterer is a graduate of University earning a double major in Economics and Management. In addition, Mr. Neterer values community service and has served on many charity and civic boards. Currently, he is active with his local Rotary Club and Community Rescue Services. Ken Smith Mr. Smith is a private wealth manager with over 26 years of experience helping clients manage their financial strategic goals, both short-term and long-term. He is a graduate of Frostburg State University earning a bachelor's degree in Business with a Finance major. Mr. Smith enjoys working with a broad spectrum of clients, from those just starting to seasoned investors, as well as the many life events that need strategic direction like inheritance, 401(k) rollovers, or retirement. Mr. Smith is a private wealth manager with over 26 years of experience helping clients manage their financial strategic goals, both short-term and long-term. He is a graduate of earning a bachelor's degree in Business with a Finance major. Mr. Smith enjoys working with a broad spectrum of clients, from those just starting to seasoned investors, as well as the many life events that need strategic direction like inheritance, 401(k) rollovers, or retirement. Evan Vink - Mr. Vink is a graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) and recently completed the necessary licensing to become a private wealth manager. His passion for investing started at a young age, and he brings that same passion when providing strategic guidance to his clients. Mr. Vink is a strong proponent of educating his clients about the wide array of investment options as well as the market in general. BCT Investments serves clients in D.C., Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia. By appointment, clients may visit the investment team at one of BCT's 11 locations Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Securities and advisory services are offered through LPL Financial (LPL), a registered investment advisor and broker-dealer (member FINRA/SIPC). Insurance products are offered through LPL or its licensed affiliates. BCT-Bank of Charles Town and BCT Investments are not registered as a broker-dealer or investment advisor. Registered representatives of LPL offer products and services using BCT Investments, and may also be employees of BCT-Bank of Charles Town. These products and services are being offered through LPL or its affiliates, which are separate entities from, and not affiliates of, BCT-Bank of Charles Town or BCT Investments. Securities and insurance offered through LPL or its affiliates are: Not Insured by FDIC or Any Other Government Agency Not Bank Guaranteed Not Bank Deposits or Obligations May Lose Value SOURCE BCT Investments Rochelle, Ill., July 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- BrightFarms today initiated a voluntary recall of packaged salad greens produced in its Rochelle, Illinois (Ogle County) greenhouse farm sold in Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa and Indiana because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. The affected BrightFarms-branded products were sold by the following retailers: Illinois : Mariano's Fresh Markets, Walmart (select stores), Strack Van Till , Sullivan's Foods, Caputo's, Jewel-Osco Mariano's Fresh Markets, Walmart (select stores), , Sullivan's Foods, Caputo's, Jewel-Osco Wisconsin : Pick 'n Save, Metro Market, Copps, Tadych's, Walmart (select stores) Pick 'n Save, Metro Market, Copps, Tadych's, Walmart (select stores) Iowa : Walmart (select stores) Walmart (select stores) Indiana : Strack Van Till Additional retailers may be affected. Salmonella can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis The recall includes the below salad products packaged in clear, plastic clamshells with "best by" dates through 7/29/2021: BrightFarms Nutrigreens TM (3 oz. package) (3 oz. package) BrightFarms Butter Crisp TM (4 oz. Package) (4 oz. Package) BrightFarms Harvest Crunch (4 oz. package) BrightFarms Mighty Romaine TM (4 oz. and 8 oz. package) (4 oz. and 8 oz. package) BrightFarms 50/50 Spring & Spinach (4 oz. package) BrightFarms Spring Crunch (4 oz. package) BrightFarms Spring Mix (4 oz. and 8 oz. package) BrightFarms Sunny Crunch (4 oz. and 8 oz. package) PRODUCT NAME PACKAGES UPC BrightFarms NutrigreensTM 3 oz. package 5706200458 BrightFarms Butter Crisp TM 4 oz. package 5706200484 BrightFarms Harvest Crunch 4 oz. package 5706200486 BrightFarms Mighty Romaine TM 4 oz. package 8 oz. package 5706200452 5706200491 BrightFarms 50/50 Spring & Spinach 4 oz. package 5706200440 BrightFarms Spring Crunch 4 oz. package 5706200479 BrightFarms Lakeside CrunchTM 4 oz. package 5706200470 BrightFarms Spring Mix 4 oz. package 8 oz. package 5706200441 5706200451 BrightFarms Sunny Crunch 4 oz. package 8 oz. package 5706200460 5706200485 The recall is limited to these specific products grown at the company's Rochelle, Illinois indoor farm. BrightFarms products from other BrightFarms greenhouses are not affected. BrightFarms is taking this action out of an abundance of caution after being notified of illnesses among eight consumers, some of whom purchased or consumed the above products during the month of June. Affected retailers have been instructed to remove all affected products from store shelves. BrightFarms is committed to providing wholesome products, and the health and safety of consumers is the company's number one priority. In addition to today's voluntary recall, the company has already begun taking steps to enhance their already rigorous food safety protocols, including testing all products produced in its Rochelle facility for exposure to Salmonella prior to distribution. Consumers who have purchased the affected products should discard them or return them to their place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions are encouraged to call 1-866-857-8745 8am 11pm EDT. Consumers can also email [email protected] with the subject line: Recall. Consumers BrightFarms [email protected] 1-866-857-8745 SOURCE BrightFarms BOSTON, July 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Burns & Levinson has added six lateral attorneys Lauren Barrett, Naveed Cheraghchi, Alex Harrington, Gustav Stickley, Emily Weber, and Christopher Wurster to its team. Jeremy Rashid, Ph.D. has also joined the firm as a U.S. patent agent and European patent attorney. Lauren Barrett is an associate in the Business Law Group, where she primarily specializes in transactions related to general capital markets, mergers and acquisitions, and venture capital financing. She joined the firm after working in-house at a large asset management company. She received her L.L.M from Boston University School of Law in 2018, her J.D. from the University of Illinois Chicago, John Marshall Law School in 2017, and her B.S. from Suffolk University in 2013. Naveed Cheraghchi is an associate in the Business Law Group, primarily working in M&A and venture capital. He joined Burns & Levinson from a mid-size law firm where his practice was focused on M&A. He earned his J.D. from Boston College Law School in 2019 and his B.S. from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2016. Alex Harrington is an associate in the firm's Private Client Group, where he will continue to focus his practice on fiduciary litigation related to complex estate and trust matters. He previously worked in-house at a regional insurance defense firm. He serves on the Board of Trustees for the Children Center for Communications/Beverly School for the Deaf. He received his J.D. from Villanova University School of Law in 2015 and his B.A. from Elon University in 2011. Gustav Stickley is an associate in the Business Law Group and Cannabis Business & Law Advisory Group, where he focuses his practice on corporate matters and governance, M&A, finance, securities, and lending. He joined the firm from Choate, Hall & Stewart LLP, where he represented lenders and borrowers in complex debt finance transactions. He earned his J.D., summa cum laude, from Suffolk University Law School in 2018 and his B.A. from Endicott College in 2014. Emily Weber is an associate in the Divorce and Family Law Group and has over a decade of experience in family law. Before joining the firm, she was an attorney at Mavrides Law. She is the president-elect of the Massachusetts Association of Women Lawyers. She received her J.D. from Boston University School of Law in 2010 and her B.A. from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities in 2007. Christopher Wurster is an associate in the Business Litigation and Employment Group, where he will continue to represent individuals in cases involving discrimination, harassment, disability accommodations, retaliation, wage and hour issues, and breach of contract as well counseling clients on employment related agreements. He joined Burns & Levinson from a small Boston-area firm where he built and managed the employment law practice. He received his J.D. from Northeastern University School of Law in 2010 and his B.A. from Columbia University in 2002. Jeremy Rashid, Ph.D. is a U.S. patent agent and European patent attorney in the firm's Intellectual Property Group, where he will continue to focus on drafting and prosecuting U.S., European and international patent applications, advising clients on freedom to operate issues, and assessing patent infringement and validity. He joined the firm from White & Case LLP where he represented the global firm in European patent matters before the European Patent Office. Rashid has also spent several years practicing in London prior to moving to the U.S. He received his certificate in intellectual property law from the University of London Queen Mary in England in 2010, his Ph.D. in 2007 and master's degree in 2003 in electrical engineering from the University of Cambridge in England and his B.S. in engineering from the National University of Singapore in 2002. About Burns & Levinson LLP At Burns & Levinson, we provide high-level, client-centric and results-oriented legal services to our regional, national and international clients. We are a full-service law firm with over 125 lawyers in Boston, Providence and London. Our areas of expertise include: business/finance, business litigation, divorce/family law, venture capital/emerging companies, employment, estate planning, government investigations, intellectual property, M&A/private equity, probate/trust litigation, and real estate. We partner with our clients to solve their business and personal legal issues in a collaborative, creative and cost-effective way. For more information, visit Burns & Levinson at www.burnslev.com . Contact: Amy Blumenthal Kristen Weller Blumenthal & Associates Chief Marketing & Business Development Officer 617.879.1511 617.345.3555 [email protected] [email protected] SOURCE Burns & Levinson SHANGHAI, July 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- With the evolving landscape of the global automotive industry, Cango Inc. (NYSE: CANG) ("Cango" or the "Company") is issuing a bi-monthly industry insight called "CANGO Auto View" to bring readers, drivers and passengers up to speed with what's on offer in the automobile market, what trends are emerging, and what holes need to be plugged. Below is an article from the Company's 3rd edition for February 2021. For smart vehicles, the density of charging stations and battery swap stations in cities is undoubtedly one of the important elements for development. The existence of sufficient charging stations will immediately ease users' after-purchase concerns. Public information shows that thanks to strong policy guidance, 2015 saw a huge capital influx, and companies started frantic expansion in order to secure funding. However, poor operation and receding capital left many companies treading the fine line between profit and loss. At the same time, a small user base made it difficult to achieve scale as measured by traffic volume. Investment institutions, therefore, became more cautious. According to initial statistics, funding for charging stations in 2019 was reduced by about 50% from that of 2016. Since 2020, the siphon effect caused by new infrastructure building and continuous improvement of operating models have been attracting new players onto the new energy vehicle charging station track. It is evident that a small number of leaders will soon receive a new round of massive funding, and enhancing profitability through optimizing operations will be the key to stimulating a new round of funding. At present, there are only a handful of platforms that are still vital and continuing to expand through funding. Many companies have announced withdrawal from the charging station market and perished in the darkest moment before dawn. One successful company is TELD. A wholly-owned subsidiary of TGOOD, it is mainly engaged in the construction and operation of new energy vehicle charging networks and value-added internet services. Established in 2016 with joint investment from TGOOD and China Development Bank International Investment Ltd., it announced in January 2020 that it had received 1.35 billion yuan in strategic investment from multiple funds and enterprises. Alpark is another success story. Established in 2015, it provides three-in-one solutions and product services for parking, driving and charging, and has since launched AIpark City smart urban parking management system, AIpark One smart parking garage management system, AIpark Sky Eye, AIpark APP and other series of products. Its development is also more aligned with the capital logic of the internet platform. Since receiving the A round of funding in 2017, it has also obtained investment from well-known investment institutions including Gaorong Capital and CICC Capital, and has completed in 2020 a total of four rounds of funding (C, C+, D and D+). On the other hand, while the charging station model is ripe for exponential growth, other models have been developing rapidly as well. In August 2020, Nio set up Wuhan Weineng Battery. Users no longer need to buy any battery pack during car purchase. They can instead choose to rent battery packs of different capacities based on their actual usage needs and pay monthly service fees. And they can enjoy the same battery swap and flexible battery upgrading services as users who have purchased battery packs. Wuhan Weineng Battery lost no time in announcing that it had obtained investment of 200 million yuan. CATL had initiated this investment, and Guotai Junan Securities and Hubei Science and Technology Investment Group had followed. Another round of investment exceeding 100 million yuan was led by Guotai Junan Securities with followers including CATL, FutureX Capital, Three Gorges Capital Holdings Co., Ltd. and other investment institutions. In addition, Volkswagen has come up with the idea of a mobile charging robot. At the end of 2019, it went public with this idea for the first time and produced a prototype one year later. It also expressed the wish to soon replace charging infrastructure with innovative solutions since electric vehicles are rapidly becoming popular. "With this robot," said Mark Moller, Head of Development at Volkswagen Group Components, "we can turn almost every parking garage into an electric one without having to burden ourselves with any complicated renovation of the electric power infrastructure." It is safe to say that with the continuous development of smart vehicles, the continuous increase of their market share and their rapid adoption by consumers, outstanding enterprises will burst upon the scene for different scenarios, different habits and different fields. Changes of varying degrees are likely to take place in consumption, application, aftermarket, channels, new materials and other areas, bringing with them more and more opportunities for innovation. About Cango Inc. Cango Inc. (NYSE: CANG) is a leading automotive transaction service platform in China connecting dealers, financial institutions, car buyers, and other industry participants. Founded in 2010 by a group of pioneers in China's automotive finance industry, the Company is headquartered in Shanghai and engages car buyers through a nationwide dealer network. The Company's services primarily consist of automotive financing facilitation, car trading transactions, and after-market services facilitation. By utilizing its competitive advantages in technology, data insights, and cloud-based infrastructure, Cango is able to connect its platform participants while bringing them a premium user experience. Cango's platform model puts it in a unique position to add value for its platform participants and business partners as the automotive and mobility markets in China continue to grow and evolve. For more information, please visit: www.cangoonline.com. Media Contact: Juliet Ye Cango Inc. Tel: +86 21 3183 5088 ext.5581 Email: [email protected] Twitter: https://twitter.com/Cango_Group SOURCE Cango Inc. MERIDIAN, Idaho, July 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Caravel Autism Health is pleased to announce that it has opened the doors to another Treasure Valley resource designed to meet the unique needs of children with autism. Caravel's newest autism therapy center, located at 1905 S. Topaz Way in Meridian, is a colorful, child-friendly space that is designed to support growth and learning. The center is led by expert clinicians who work with children ages 2 to 18. They use Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy to help children succeed. ABA is evidence-based treatment that uses positive reinforcement to help children with autism develop skills, create connections, and gain confidence. "ABA therapy is critically important for children who are on the autism spectrum," according to Anna McLane, MA, BCBA, clinical director for Caravel Autism Health in Meridian. "When we're able to diagnose autism at an early age and customize an ABA treatment plan for a child's specific needs, we can change that child's life dramatically." Caravel's team has worked with families living with the challenges of an autism diagnosis since 2009. According to Mike Miller, CEO of Caravel Autism Health, the need for clinical expertise and services is great, but there is a shortage of resources in many communities: "At Caravel, we want to ensure that children who are on the spectrum have access to the best possible care. By bringing three new autism therapy centers to the Treasure Valley, we have significantly expanded local availability and access to high-quality autism services. Greater access translates into better outcomes for these children and their families." Prior to opening the Meridian center, Caravel established autism therapy centers in Boise and Nampa earlier this year. Caravel is currently scheduling appointments for children ages 2 and up. For more information about the range of services that Caravel's team offers for families, please call 208.417.7971 or visit caravelautism.com. About Caravel Autism Health Since 2009, Caravel Autism Health has been devoted to helping families navigate the challenges of childhood autism. Our team of clinical experts specializes in the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of children on the autism spectrum. Caravel's research-based and data-driven programs are designed to provide better outcomes that help children with autism reshape their development and embrace new ways of interacting with the world. SOURCE Caravel Autism Health Related Links caravelautism.com CGTN First Voice studied the metric used by Bloomberg to rank the countries and finds it has a very strong pro-business bias. Of the 12 components, only four measure "Quality of Life," and two of those could be counted as measuring economic activity. In this way, the U.S. having had the highest number of COVID-19 deaths in the world and the more than 600,000 American lives lost barely register in the ranking. And the ranking metric treats lockdown as a vice. The two additional metrics in this round that led to U.S. jumping to the first place are "the ease and moving in and out of a place" and "how much air travel has recovered." There are total of four components measuring the speed of lifting COVID-19 restrictions, treating this as if lifting them is "always and incontestably a good idea." Places that are still conducting lockdowns to fight the pandemic are penalized. "Keep the economy humming; nothing else matters," CGTN First Voice wrote. "Bloomberg's COVID Resilience Ranking supports the policies of the previous administration." In the United States, corporate interests have always had a high priority in politics and policy-making. Bloomberg's metrics reflect the same priority that the U.S. government has followed since the beginning of the outbreak. The U.S. has been seeing a resurgence of COVID-19 cases due to the rapidly spreading Delta variant. The case numbers still rise at a speed of more than 30,000 cases each day. Hundreds of people are still dying due to the virus in the U.S. ABC reports that 30 percent of adults in the U.S. have not received a vaccine against COVID-19 and have no plan to do so. "It is advocating the removal of epidemic-related barriers to doing business," CGTN First Voice concluded, "and this ranking destroys Bloomberg's credibility." https://news.cgtn.com/news/2021-07-15/Bloomberg-s-COVID-19-ranking-epitomizes-business-first-humans-last--11Ut7LjJxYc/index.html SOURCE CGTN Related Links www.cgtn.com DOVER, Del., July 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Chesapeake Utilities Corporation (NYSE: CPK) will host a conference call on Thursday, August 5, 2021, at 4:00 p.m. ET to discuss the Company's financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2021. The earnings press release will be issued on Wednesday, August 4, 2021 after the market closes. To participate in this call, dial 877.224.1468 and reference Chesapeake Utilities Corporation's 2021 Second Quarter Financial Results Conference Call. To access the replay recording of this call, please visit the Company's website at CPK - Conference Call Audio Replay. Chesapeake Utilities Corporation is a diversified energy company engaged in natural gas transmission and distribution; electricity generation and distribution; propane gas distribution; mobile compressed natural gas (CNG) utility services and solutions; and other businesses. Information about Chesapeake Utilities Corporation's businesses is available at www.chpk.com and on the Annual Report Microsite at cpkannualreport.com. Please note that Chesapeake Utilities Corporation has no affiliation with Chesapeake Energy, an oil and natural gas exploration company headquartered in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. For more information, contact: Heidi W. Watkins Shareholder Services Manager 302.734.6716 [email protected] SOURCE Chesapeake Utilities Corporation Related Links http://www.chpk.com For businesses that require more complex email parsing, cloudHQ's wizard can be accessed from desktop to perform useful operations like: Back up a Gmail label to Google Sheets Extract information from the body of emails to Google Sheets (like booking / sales confirmations, price, client, etc.) Build an email list by extracting all contact information in a user's Gmail account, where contact profile enrichment is applied Identify all bounced email addresses Track email campaigns sent from that Gmail account (works well with cloudHQ's email marketing software called Mailking.io) Parse Google Alerts "Everyone has information in their emails that they need," said Senad Dizdar, founder and CEO and cloudHQ. "We've found that viewing that information in a spreadsheet increases effectivity, and helps reduce unnecessary distractions that naturally comes with email." Export Emails to Google Sheets has a free basic plan that includes 50 email exports per month, a Premium plan with up to 200,000 email exports per month, and a Premium Plus account subscription that includes an unlimited amount of email exports to sheets. cloudHQ, LLC is located in San Francisco, California, with a distributed team of just under 10 people, all working remotely. SOURCE cloudHQ Related Links https://cloudhq.net HILLSDALE, Mich., July 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- CNB Community Bancorp, Inc. (OTCQX: CNBB), the parent company of County National Bank, today announced earnings for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021. Earnings during the second quarter of 2021 totaled $3.3 million, an increase of $483,000 or 17.2% compared to the $2.8 million earned during the three months ended June 30, 2020. Basic earnings per share for CNB Community Bancorp, Inc. (the "Company") increased to $1.55 during the three months ended June 30, 2021, up $0.22 from $1.33 for the second quarter of 2020. For the six months ended June 30, 2021, the Company reported net income of $6.3 million, an increase of $1.2 million, or 22.4%, from the $5.2 million earned during the six months ended June 30, 2020. Basic earnings per share increased to $2.96 during the six months ended June 30, 2021, up $0.52 from $2.44 for the first six months of 2020. The annualized return on average assets (ROA) increased to 1.39% for the three months ended June 30, 2021, up three basis points from 1.36% for the three months ended June 30, 2020. The annualized return on average equity (ROE) increased to 17.6% for the current quarter, up from 17.0% for the second quarter of 2020. ROA increased to 1.37% during the six months ended June 30, 2021, up six basis points from the 1.31% during the first six months of 2020. ROE was 17.2% during the first half of 2021, up from 15.9% during the six-month period ended June 30, 2020. Book value per share increased to $36.08 at June 30, 2021, up $3.89 from $32.19 at June 30, 2020. John R. Waldron, President and Chief Executive Officer of CNB Community Bancorp, Inc. and County National Bank, remarked, "As our country recently celebrated its 245th birthday, I think we all can relate to the fact that over that long a time there are periods of great success and great trials. We are approaching the end of an unprecedented trial of endurance over these last fifteen months. We look forward to moving on in a positive way." Financial Highlights Total assets increased $99.0 million , or 10.4%, to $1.05 billion from June 30, 2020 and $109.0 million , or 11.6% from December 31, 2020 . , or 10.4%, to from and , or 11.6% from . Net loans decreased $1.7 million , or 0.2%, to $764.2 million at June 30, 2021 compared to $765.9 million at June 30, 2020 and increased $3.0 million , or 0.4%, from December 31, 2020 . , or 0.2%, to at compared to at and increased , or 0.4%, from . Total deposits increased $97.4 million , or 11.5%, to $945.1 million at June 30, 2021 from $847.7 million at June 30, 2020 and increased $104.9 million , or 12.5% from December 31, 2020 . , or 11.5%, to at from at and increased , or 12.5% from . Book value per share increased $3.89 , or 12.1%, to $36.08 at June 30, 2021 , up from $32.19 at June 30, 2020 and up $2.32 from $33.76 at December 31, 2020 . , or 12.1%, to at , up from at and up from at . Total equity increased $8.8 million to $76.9 million from June 30, 2020 . to from . Net income increased $483,000 , 17.2%, to $3.3 million in the second quarter of 2021 and basic EPS increased $0.22 , or 16.3%, to $1.55 from $1.33 in the second quarter of 2020. , 17.2%, to in the second quarter of 2021 and basic EPS increased , or 16.3%, to from in the second quarter of 2020. Net interest income for the second quarter of 2021 increased $1.1 million to $8.9 million . to . Pre-tax, pre-provision income remained consistent at $4.2 million in the second quarter of 2021 and 2020. About CNB Community Bancorp Inc. CNB Community Bancorp, Inc. (OTCQX:CNBB) is a one-bank holding company formed in 2005. Its subsidiary bank, County National Bank, is a nationally chartered full-service bank, which has served its local communities since its founding in 1934. CNB Community Bancorp, Inc. is headquartered in Hillsdale, Michigan and through its subsidiary bank offers banking products along with investment management and trust services to communities located throughout South Central Michigan. Safe Harbor Statement This news release and other releases and reports issued by the Company may contain "forward-looking statements." The Company cautions readers not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. The Company is including this statement for purposes of taking advantage of the safe-harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. SOURCE CNB Community Bancorp, Inc. NEW YORK, July 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Corporate Counsel Men of Color (CCMC), a non-profit professional organization for men of color, will hold a virtual Career Strategies Conference on Thursday, September 9 from 9:30 to 2:15 PM. The conference is free of charge and open to men in all professions. Along with networking sessions, the day's agenda includes seminars on career and life-changing topics such as: leadership, health and wellness, financial literacy, personal branding and work-life balance. Featured presenters will be: Daymond John , Entrepreneur, Co-host of Shark Tank, and Founder of FUBU , Entrepreneur, Co-host of Shark Tank, and Founder of FUBU Hill Harper, Actor, New York Times Best-selling author, and Founder of the Black Wall Street Dr. Steve Perry , Educator, Best-selling author, and Founder & Head of Schools Capital Preparatory School , Educator, Best-selling author, and Founder & Head of Schools Capital Preparatory School Jarrett M. Adams, Esq. , Author Sponsorships for the upcoming conference are still available. The conference agenda and details may be found on the group's website: www.ccmenofcolor.org or by calling: (646) 483-8041. About Corporate Counsel Men of Color: A subsidiary of Corporate Counsel Women of Color, the mission of the Corporate Counsel Men of Color is to provide a support network to men of color in all professions, as well as to foster diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Contact: Laurie N. Robinson Haden, CEO Phone: 646-483-8041 Email: [email protected] Website: www.ccwomenofcolor.org SOURCE Corporate Counsel Men of Color Related Links http://www.ccwomenofcolor.org VANCOUVER, BC, July 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - Defense Metals Corp. ("Defense Metals") (TSXV: DEFN) (OTCQB: DFMTF) (FSE: 35D) is pleased to announce that it has engaged the services of an experienced British Columbia-based diamond drill pad construction contractor to begin steep-terrain drill pad construction in anticipation of commencing its 2021 Wicheeda Rare Earth Element (REE) Deposit resource expansion and definition diamond drill program. The Company expects pad siting and construction to commence at the end of July 2021. To support these activities Defense Metals project management and surface geologic mapping teams are preparing to mobilize, and sufficient timber and rough lumber quantities have already been ordered from area mills and are scheduled to arrive on site. Defense Metals is currently advancing the road accessible Wicheeda Critical Rare Earth Element (REE) Property, which is located close to infrastructure approximately 80 kilometres northeast of Prince George, British Columbia (BC). The Wicheeda project has indicated mineral resources of 4,890,000 tonnes averaging 3.02% LREO (Light Rare Earth Elements) and inferred mineral resources of 12,100,000 tonnes averaging 2.90% LREO1. The Defense Metals technical team, subject to its own internal review, is currently in the process of finalizing drill site locations designed to build on the successes of the 2019 campaign. The 2021 Wicheeda drill program comprising a minimum of 2,000 metres and up to 5,000 metres will focus on expanding the zone REE mineralized dolomite-carbonatite to the north, in addition to further delineating existing inferred resources within the central and northwestern areas of the deposit (see Defense Metals news release dated May 26, 2021). Details of the upcoming drill plan for 2021 will be released in the weeks to come. Grants Stock Options The Company also announces the granting of incentive stock options ("Options") to certain of its directors, officers and consultants to purchase up to an aggregate 950,000 common shares of the Company at a price of $0.25 per common share for a period of three years. 50,000 Options granted to Bluesky Corporate Communications Ltd. will vest in stages over a period of 12 months in equal portions every three months starting on the date of grant. The remaining Options vest on the date of grant. Updates on REE Mineral Concentrate Samples for Shipment to Potential Partners Further to the Company's March 23, 2021 and April 12, 2021 news releases, Defense Metals' application for export permitting for its REE mineral concentrate samples remains under consultation and review by the Canadian government. Engages North Equities for Marketing The Company also announces that it has entered into a seven-month consulting agreement (the "Consulting Agreement") with North Equities Corp. ("North Equities"), a marketing firm based in Toronto, Canada. North Equities has been engaged to provide digital marketing services and expand the Company's current social media presence. In accordance with the terms of the Consulting Agreement, as compensation for North Equities' services, the Company agreed to pay a cash fee of CAD$100,000 and grant 400,000 Options. Craig Taylor, CEO of Defense Metals, stated: "We have seen that the mining and mineral exploration season is again extremely busy in BC this year. Exploration contractors, and technical personal are all in high demand. The announcement that we that we will be commencing drill site preparations in the coming weeks is a key milestone that places us on the path to completing our goals of expanding and increasing the confidence in the existing Wicheeda REE Deposit mineral resource in support of potential future advanced economic studies". About the Wicheeda REE Property The 1,708 hectare Wicheeda REE Property, located approximately 80 km northeast of the city of Prince George, British Columbia, is readily accessible by all-weather gravel roads and is nearby to infrastructure, including power transmission lines, the CN railway and major highways. Geologically, the property is situated in the Foreland Belt and within the Rocky Mountain Trench, a major continental geologic feature. The Foreland Belt contains part of a large alkaline igneous province, stretching from the Canadian Cordillera to the southwestern United States, which includes several carbonatite and alkaline intrusive complexes hosting the Aley (niobium), Rock Canyon (REE), and Wicheeda (REE) deposits. Qualified Person The scientific and technical information contained in this news release as it relates to the Wicheeda REE Property has been reviewed and approved by Kristopher J. Raffle, P.Geo. (BC) Principal and Consultant of APEX Geoscience Ltd. of Edmonton, AB, a director of Defense Metals and a "Qualified Person" as defined in National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Mr. Raffle verified the data disclosed which includes a review of the analytical and test data underlying the information and opinions contained therein. About Defense Metals Corp. Defense Metals Corp. is a mineral exploration company focused on the acquisition of mineral deposits containing metals and elements commonly used in the electric power market, military, national security and the production of "GREEN" energy technologies, such as, high strength alloys and rare earth magnets. Defense Metals has an option to acquire 100% of the 1,708 hectare Wicheeda Rare Earth Element Property located near Prince George, British Columbia, Canada. Defense Metals Corp. trades in Canada under the symbol "DEFN" on the TSX Venture Exchange, in the United States, under "DFMTF" on the OTCQB and in Germany on the Frankfurt Exchange under "35D". Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. Cautionary Statement Regarding "Forward-Looking" Information This news release contains "forwardlooking information or statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws, which may include, without limitation, plans for the Wicheeda Property, the planned drilling, completion of test-work, shipment of concentrate samples, statements relating to potential memorandum of understanding and subsequent potential offtake agreements for REE mineral concentrate, the advancement and development of the Wicheeda Property, services to be provided by North Equities pursuant to the Consulting Agreement, the technical, financial and business prospects of the Company, its projects and other matters. All statements in this news release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that the Company expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Such statements and information are based on numerous assumptions regarding present and future business strategies and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future, including the price of rare earth elements, the ability to achieve its goals, that general business and economic conditions will not change in a material adverse manner, that financing will be available if and when needed and on reasonable terms. Such forward-looking information reflects the Company's views with respect to future events and is subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including those filed under the Company's profile on SEDAR atwww.sedar.com. While such estimates and assumptions are considered reasonable by the management of the Company, they are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive and regulatory uncertainties and risks. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward looking statements include, but are not limited to, continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions, adverse weather conditions, failure to maintain or obtain all necessary government permits, approvals and authorizations, failure to maintain community acceptance (including First Nations), decrease in the price of rare earth elements, the impact of Covid-19 or other viruses and diseases on the Company's ability to operate increase in costs, failure to obtain equipment, litigation, and failure of counterparties to perform their contractual obligations. The Company does not undertake to update forwardlooking statements or forwardlooking information, except as required by law. 1 Technical Report on the Wicheeda Property, British Columbia, effective June 27, 2020 and prepared by APEX Geoscience Ltd. (Steven J. Nicholls, B.A. Sc., MAIG and Kristopher J. Raffle, B.Sc., P.Geo.) is available under Defense Metals Corp.'s profile on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) SOURCE Defense Metals Corp. RADNOR, Pa., July 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The law firm of Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP reminds investors that securities fraud class action lawsuits have been filed 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 [email protected]; 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. DiDi is often called "the Uber of China." On July 2, 2021, the Cyberspace Administration of China ("CAC") stated that it had launched an investigation into DiDi to protect national security and the public interest. 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. 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 Fetch actionable market insights on post COVID-19 impact on each product and service segments. Some of the Top Dredging suppliers listed in this report: This Dredging procurement intelligence report has enlisted the top suppliers and their cost structures, SLA terms, best selection criteria, and negotiation strategies. Jan De Nul Group DEME Group Royal Boskalis Westminster NV Van Oord NV SpendEdge suggests three forecast scenarios (optimistic, probable, and pessimistic) considering the impact of COVID-19. SpendEdge's in-depth research has direct and indirect COVID-19 impacted market research reports. Request for a FREE sample to access the definite purchasing guide on Dredging procurement. Related Reports on Professional Services Include: Data Feed Management Services - Forecast and Analysis: The data feed management services will grow at a CAGR of 9.39% during 2021-2025. This report offers key advisory and intelligence to help buyers identify and shortlist the most suitable suppliers for their data feed management services requirements. HR Benefits and Administration Services Sourcing and Procurement Report: HR Benefits And Administration Services Procurement prices will increase by 3%-5% during the forecast period and suppliers will have a moderate bargaining power in this market. Asset Recovery Services - Sourcing and Procurement Intelligence Report: Asset Recovery Services This report evaluates suppliers based on processing capacity, geographic presence, existence of documented production processes and quality control systems, and production capabilities and product portfolio. To access the definite purchasing guide on the Dredging that answers all your key questions on price trends and analysis: Am I paying/getting the right prices? Is my Dredging TCO (total cost of ownership) favorable? How is the price forecast expected to change? What is driving the current and future price changes? Which pricing models offer the most rewarding opportunities? Table of Content Executive Summary Market Insights Category Pricing Insights Cost-saving Opportunities Best Practices Category Ecosystem Category Management Strategy Category Management Enablers Suppliers Selection Suppliers under Coverage US Market Insights Category scope Appendix About SpendEdge: SpendEdge shares your passion for driving sourcing and procurement excellence. We are the preferred procurement market intelligence partner for 120+ Fortune 500 firms and other leading companies across numerous industries. Our strength lies in delivering robust, real-time procurement market intelligence reports and solutions. To know more https://www.spendedge.com/request-for-demo Contacts: SpendEdge Anirban Choudhury Marketing Manager Ph No: +1 (872) 206-9340 https://www.spendedge.com/contact-us SOURCE SpendEdge Related Links https://procurement.spendedge.com/?utm_source=PRnewswire&utm_medium=Pressrelease&utm_campaign=T3_Week28_rfs6&utm_content=IRCMSTR21332 Each profile is free to view and packed with high-quality insights, providing businesses with detailed company information. Users can take advantage of these insights to identify, target, and connect with the right gold product manufacturers and suppliers. This company information includes employee insights, company competitors, the impact of emerging trends and challenges, the latest news, and more. Free Insights Included for all Gold Product Manufacturer and Supplier Profiles: List of product and service category offerings and primary operating industries Risk of doing business score across four different metrics List of key executives and their roles within the company Company financials and general organizational information Global, national, and regional competitors List of key clients Top trends and challenges within operating industry and expected influence on business impact Latest company news with the ability to sign up for timely news alerts Get Started to View Free Company Insights Gold Companies on BizVibe BizVibe's platform contains 10M+ company profiles, spanning across 200+ countries, categorized into 40,000+ products and services. There are 100+ company profiles related to gold product manufacturers and suppliers on BizVibe, covering 5+ product and service categories. Each company profile contains detailed insights dedicated to helping procurement and sales teams find trusted suppliers and target sales prospects. Examples of gold product manufacturer and supplier company profiles that can be discovered on BizVibe include: Gold jewelry manufacturers Gold bar manufacturers Gold weighing scale manufacturers Gold vermeil manufacturers Get Free Company Profile Access for all Categories Company Profiles for Buyers and Sellers BizVibe's modern B2B platform is designed to help both global buyers and sellers. Powered by the latest best-in-class solutions, BizVibe provides outstanding product features for both category managers and sales professionals. Features for Buyers: Quickly discover the right suppliers Create short lists and custom alerts Mitigate supplier risk and evaluate suppliers Send RFIs/RFPs Learn how BizVibe helps buyers: https://www.bizvibe.com/find-suppliers Features for Sellers: Target the right sales prospects Qualify leads Analyze buyer potential API integration and data enrichment Learn how BizVibe helps sellers: https://www.bizvibe.com/sellers About BizVibe BizVibe has been conceptualized and built by a team based out of Toronto, Bangalore, and London. We are a branch of Infiniti Research and have dedicated units in all three locations. BizVibe helps buyers find the most relevant suppliers from around the world and help sellers target prospects who need their products and/or services. For more information, please visit www.bizvibe.com and start for free today. Contact BizVibe Jesse Maida Email: [email protected] +1 855-897-5880 Website: https://www.bizvibe.com/ SOURCE BizVibe Related Links https://www.bizvibe.com/?utm_source=PR&utm_medium=prn&utm_campaign=t5_bsh_week28_2021&utm_content=gold DENVER, July 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Everside Health Group, Inc. ("Everside") today announced that it has filed a registration statement on Form S-1 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") relating to a proposed initial public offering of its common stock. The number of shares to be offered and the price range for the proposed offering have not yet been determined. Everside intends to list its common stock on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "EVSD." Morgan Stanley, J.P. Morgan, Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, BofA Securities, and William Blair will act as book-running managers for the proposed offering. The proposed offering will be made only by means of a prospectus. Copies of the preliminary prospectus, when available, may be obtained from: Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, Attn: Prospectus Department, 180 Varick Street, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10014, or by email at [email protected] ; 10014, or by email at ; J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, c/o Broadridge Financial Solutions, 1155 Long Island Avenue, Edgewood, NY 11717, by telephone at 866-803-9204 or by email at [email protected] ; 11717, by telephone at 866-803-9204 or by email at ; Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, Attn: Prospectus Department, 200 West Street, New York, NY 10282, by telephone at (866) 471-2526 or by email at [email protected] ; 10282, by telephone at (866) 471-2526 or by email at ; BofA Securities, NC1-004-03-43, 200 North College Street, 3rd floor, Charlotte, NC 28255-0001, Attn: Prospectus Department, or by email at [email protected] ; or 28255-0001, Attn: Prospectus Department, or by email at ; or William Blair & Company, L.L.C., Attn: Prospectus Department, 150 North Riverside Plaza, Chicago, IL 60606, by telephone at (800) 621-0687 or by email at [email protected] . A registration statement relating to these securities has been filed with the SEC but has not yet become effective. These securities may not be sold, nor may offers to buy be accepted, prior to the time the registration statement becomes effective. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, 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 Everside Health Everside Health, formerly Paladina Health, Activate Healthcare and Healthstat, is one of the largest direct primary care providers in the U.S., operating 340+ health clinics in 33 states located at or near the facilities of its employer, union and other benefit sponsor clients. Everside's patient-focused, care-obsessed, technology-driven healthcare delivery model aligns incentives to benefit the patient, the physician and the benefit provider, all while reducing the total cost of care. Patients receive convenient, low- or no-cost access to physicians and 24/7 virtual care, reducing the need for costly ER use. Everside Health is based in Denver, Colorado. Press Contact [email protected] Investor Contact [email protected] SOURCE Everside Health - 4 Startups were selected for the Raftaar COVID Support Accelerator Program and will be supported by grant up to INR 3,00,000 and other non-financial support. - Selected startups are - Jivoule Biofuels -Waste Management, Tekra Solutions Pvt Ltd (myUDAAN) Healthtech, Intech Harness Pvt Ltd -Agritech and ClimateXos - Environment. - Raftaar was launched by AIC-IIITH in collaboration with EPAM Systems, a leading global provider of digital platform engineering and development services, to support social impact-focused startups disrupted by COVID. - AIC-IIITH, situated in the Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) at IIITH - one of the oldest tech incubators in the country, supports tech-based social startups. HYDERABAD, India, July 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Startups and their plans have been completely disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Hence to support them, AIC-IIITH has launched Raftaar - a COVID Support Acceleration program in collaboration with EPAM. AIC-IIITH is an Atal Incubation Centre for tech-based social enterprises supported by AIM, NITI Aayog is the social incubator at CIE (the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship), IIIT Hyderabad. CIE is one of the oldest and now largest academic tech incubators in the country. The Raftaar program is a part of EPAM's CSR effort to make sustainable social impact and will support four for-profit social enterprises with a bridge grant of up to INR 3 lakhs and other non-financial support. The selected startups are: Jivoule Biofuels: A tech-enabled supply chain for collection of Used Cooking Oil and convert ingit into Biodiesel to be blended with regular Diesel to reduce carbon emissions and utilize Biodiesel without any alterations of current automobiles. This will solve environmental and health concerns. Tekra Solutions Pvt Ltd (myUDAAN): myUDAAN provides Mobility Assistance for persons with a disability and the elderly, including accessibility information and mobility assistant service on-demand to aid them venture out freely with freedom. Intech Harness Pvt Ltd: A patented, IoT-enabled farmer obedient pump controller for farmers facing erratic power & water conditions to automate farm irrigation with an ability to respond to power & water disruption without human intervention. ClimateX: An integrated decision support platform (SaaS) that provides urban climate intelligence to the property, construction, financial, insurance and government sectors. These and other similar startups using technology to improve access and impact in areas like Healthcare, Agriculture, Environment and circular economy can help move the needle on India's efforts towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals. This program helps them overcome the disruption caused by COVID-19 on their business operations and help amplify their impact and/or make them sustainable. "We value knowledge sharing and education so much within EPAM and are proud to sponsor a variety of technology-related initiatives that act as a driving force for good, especially social impact-focused startups that have been greatly impacted by the pandemic," said Shamilka Samarasinha, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at EPAM. "The recipients of the Raftaar COVID Support Accelerator program are making impressive strides towards sustainability. This program is just another way we continue to support our global and local communities." The key program highlights include: Milestone-based Bridge grant support up to INR 3 Lakh per startup Bootcamps/workshops on various topics Masterclasses and mentorship provided by expert Refining business model and support scaling for impact Access to CIE Startup services IIIT-H's technology expertise, lab facilities, and talent pool Expressing the significance and timely nature of the program, Prof. Ramesh Loganathan, Director of AIC-IIITH said, "COVID has disrupted the entire society and support for Social Startups is an essential tool to build back better. This is a timely program that has been designed in keeping with the institute's credo of encouraging research and education that makes a difference." About AIC-IIITH Foundation AIC-IIITH Foundation is an Atal Incubation Center set up exclusively for incubating and supporting tech-based social enterprises. It seeks to deploy entrepreneurial energy and technological innovation for social impact to help India achieve the SDGs. Supported by the Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog, Government of India, AIC-IIITH FOUNDATION also seeks to nurture the social enterprise ecosystem by acting as a platform for sharing ideas and insights. With over 10,000 sq. ft space consisting of co-working spaces, conference room, meeting space and other facilities, AIC-IIITH FOUNDATION aims to provide collaborative space to entrepreneurs. These benefits are further enhanced by the multiplying effect of agglomeration effects and network effects of being situated in the Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE), IIIT-Hyderabad, which is a cluster of incubation centers, research labs and resources. For further information, please contact at: [email protected] or for details visit our Website - https://aic.iiit.ac.in/ and for update follow us on: Facebook- www.facebook.com/AICIIITH Twitter- @IiithAic LinkedIn- linkedin.com/in/aic-iiith-foundation-12ab541a1/ About IIIT Hyderabad: The International Institute of Information Technology, Hyderabad (IIITH) is an autonomous research university founded in 1998 that focuses on the core areas of Information Technology, such as Computer Science, Electronics and Communications, and their applications in other domains through inter-disciplinary research with great social impact. Some of its research domains include Visual Information Technologies, Human Language Technologies, Data Engineering, VLSI and Embedded Systems, Computer Architecture, Wireless Communications, Algorithms and Information Security, Robotics, Building Science, Earthquake Engineering, Computational Natural Sciences and Bioinformatics, IT in Agriculture and e-Governance. Website: www.iiit.ac.in Media Contact : Sunory Dutt [email protected], Head of Communications IIIT Hyderabad Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/600789/IIIT_Hyderabad_Logo.jpg SOURCE International Institute of Information Technology-Hyderabad REVISES PRODUCTION GUIDANCE TO 37,500-39,500 BOE/D INCREASES ANTICIPATED OPERATING EBITDA TO $325-$375 MILLION TORONTO, July 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - Frontera Energy Corporation (TSX: FEC) ("Frontera" or the "Company") today announced its expected second quarter production results and updated its production guidance for 2021. All values in this news release are in United States dollars, unless otherwise noted. Second Quarter and First Half 2021 Production Update Frontera expects its second quarter 2021 production will average approximately 35,700 boe/d, compared to 40,599 boe/d in the first quarter of 2021. The Company expects to average approximately 38,100 boe/d for the first half of 2021. The following table provides a breakdown by product type. The Company has averaged approximately 36,000 boe/d so far in July. Expected 1H 2021 Production Average Expected Q2 2021 Production Average Q1 2021 Actual Production Heavy crude production (bbl/d) 19,100 17,100 20,997 Light and medium crude oil production (bbl/d) 18,100 17,600 18,685 Conventional natural gas production (mcf/d) 5,200 5,200 5,227 Total production (boe/d) 38,100 35,700 40,599 The decrease in the Company's expected second quarter production is due to several factors including: the reduction of water disposal volumes at its Quifa block (previously announced on May 5, 2021 ) which resulted in decreased production of approximately 3,500 boe/d during the second quarter compared to the first quarter of 2021; ) which resulted in decreased production of approximately 3,500 boe/d during the second quarter compared to the first quarter of 2021; slower than anticipated recovery of full production levels at CPE-6 following the lifting of road blockades, subsequent community unrest at CPE-6, and the inability to access the Company's Sabanero field; and community-related delays impacting operational activities at Coralillo. At Quifa, reserves have been unaffected by the temporary reduction in water disposal volumes. The Company is developing other water disposal options for the benefit of long-term production, including drilling a new injector well on the block which had been delayed due to concerns from the community. The Company has been in conversations with the community for weeks to address their concerns. Such conversations were concluded today and the Company expects that once the new injector well is drilled and operational, Quifa production will increase. In the second half of 2021, Frontera expects to drill 10 development wells at Quifa, reactivate production at Jaspe block, and increase production at CPE-6 by approximately 40% (compared to 2020) through continued drilling and construction of additional water-handling facilities. The Company notes that production at CPE-6 has returned to pre shut-in levels of approximately 3,600 boe/d. Orlando Cabrales, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Frontera, commented: "Frontera's Q1 production averaged a strong 40,599 boe/d. However, Frontera's expected Q2 production of 35,700 boe/d is lower than planned due to temporarily reduced water disposal volumes and community concerns which delayed drilling a new injector well at Quifa. Localized community-related delays, separate from the national strikes, also impacted some of our operations during the second quarter. We are revising our capital and production guidance. The Company now expects average daily production of 37,500-39,500 boe/d for the year and anticipates a year end exit rate of over 40,000 boe/d. Currently we have four drilling rigs and four workover rigs active across our operations. Importantly, our reserves remain unaffected and will continue to be produced in the current higher oil price environment. Frontera expects to deliver EBITDA of $325-$375 million this year, above the previous guidance announced by the Company. Frontera's stable 2P reserve base and diverse assets will allow us to continue to optimize capital efficiency and free cash flow after development capex in the second half of 2021 and beyond." Updated Guidance Metrics The Company expects average daily production of 37,500-39,500 boe/d for the year compared to 40,500-42,500 boe/d as announced on March 3, 2021 . . Operating costs are expected to remain unchanged for 2021 but production costs are expected to increase by approximately $0.50 /boe to $10.50 - $11.50 /boe; while transportation costs are expected to decrease by approximately $0.50 /boe to $10.00 - $11.00 /boe. /boe to - /boe; while transportation costs are expected to decrease by approximately /boe to - /boe. The Company has narrowed its exploration capex range to $115 - $130 million reflecting the expected costs of the Kawa-1 exploration well offshore Guyana as it continues to consider strategic options. - reflecting the expected costs of the Kawa-1 exploration well offshore as it continues to consider strategic options. The Company has also narrowed its total capital expenditure range to $245 - $295 million . - . Operating EBITDA is expected to increase from $275 - $325 million to $325 - $375 million for the year. Frontera's revised 2021 guidance was developed using an average 2021 Brent oil price of $70/bbl and an exchange rate of 3,700 Colombian Pesos per US dollar. Frontera's guidance has been revised, as shown in the table below. Guidance Metric Unit March 3, 2021 Guidance Updated 2021 Full Year Guidance Frontera Consolidated Average daily production boe/d 40,500-42,500 37,500-39,500 Production costs(1) $/boe $10.00-$11.00 $10.50-$11.50 Transportation costs(2) $/boe $10.50-$11.50 $10.00-$11.00 Operating EBITDA(3) $MM $275-$325 $325-$375 Development Capex $MM $110-$130 $110-$130 Exploration Capex $MM $70-$130 $115-$130 Infrastructure $MM $15-$25 $15-$25 Other $MM $5-$10 $5-$10 Total Capital Expenditures $MM $200-$295 $245-$295 1 Calculated using production before royalties in the denominator as this most accurately reflects per unit production cost and is consistent with our peers. 2 Calculated using production after royalties in the denominator as this most accurately reflects per unit transportation costs. 3 Operating EBITDA calculated at Brent $70/bbl and COP/USD exchange rate of 3700:1. About Frontera: Frontera Energy Corporation is a Canadian public company involved in the exploration, development, production, transportation, storage and sale of oil and natural gas in South America, including related investments in both upstream and midstream facilities. The Company has a diversified portfolio of assets with interests in 39 exploration and production blocks in Colombia, Ecuador and Guyana, and pipeline and port facilities in Colombia. Frontera is committed to conducting business safely and in a socially, environmentally and ethically responsible manner. If you would like to receive News Releases via email as soon as they are published, please subscribe here: http://fronteraenergy.mediaroom.com/subscribe. Advisories: Cautionary Note Concerning Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, that address activities, events or developments that the Company believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future (including, without limitation, statements regarding estimates and/or assumptions in respect of the Company's corporate strategy and the Company's guidance including production levels, production and transportation costs, Operating EBITDA, capital expenditure, infrastructure and exit production levels) are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements reflect the current expectations or beliefs of the Company based on information currently available to the Company. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual results of the Company to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements, and even if such actual results are realized or substantially realized, there can be no assurance that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on, the Company. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include, among other things: volatility in market prices for oil and natural gas (including as a result of a sustained low oil price environment due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the actions of OPEC and non-OPEC countries and the restrictions imposed by governments in response thereto); the duration and spread of the COVID-19 pandemic and its severity; the success of the Company's program to manage COVID-19; uncertainties associated with estimating and establishing oil and natural gas reserves and resources; liabilities inherent with the exploration, development, exploitation and reclamation of oil and natural gas; the Company's ability to access additional financing; the ability of the Company to: meet its financial obligations and minimum commitments, fund capital expenditures and comply with covenants contained in the agreements that govern indebtedness; political developments in the countries where the Company operates; the uncertainties involved in interpreting drilling results and other geological data; geological, technical, drilling and processing problems and the other risks disclosed under the heading "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in the Company's annual information form dated March 3, 2021 filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. Although the Company believes that the assumptions inherent in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and accordingly undue reliance should not be put on such statements due to the inherent uncertainty therein. Non-IFRS Financial Measures This news release contains financial terms that are not considered in the International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS"): Operating EBITDA does not have any standardized meaning, and therefore is unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. These non-IFRS measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. These financial measures are included because management uses this information to analyze operating performance and liquidity. Management believes that EBITDA is a common measure used to assess profitability before the impact of different financing methods, income taxes, depreciation and impairment of capital assets and amortization of intangible assets. Operating EBITDA represents the operating results of the Company's primary business, excluding the effects of capital structure, other investments (infrastructure assets), non-cash items that depend on accounting policy choices, and one-time items that are not expected to recur. Please see the Company's most recent Management's Discussion and Analysis, which is available at www.sedar.com for additional information about these financial measures. Oil and Gas Information Advisories The term "boe" is used in this news release. Boe may be misleading, particularly if used in isolation. A boe conversion ratio of cubic feet to barrels is based on an energy equivalency conversion method primarily applicable at the burner tip and does not represent a value equivalency at the wellhead. In this news release, boe has been expressed using the Colombian conversion standard of 5.7 Mcf: 1 bbl required by the Colombian Ministry of Mines and Energy. Guyana resource information is based on a Mcf to boe conversion of 6 to 1. Definitions: bbl(s) Barrel(s) of oil bbl/d Barrel of oil per day boe Refer to "Boe Conversion" disclosure above boe/d Barrel of oil equivalent per day Mcf Thousand cubic feet Mcf/d Thousand cubic feet per day MMboe Million barrel(s) of oil equivalent per day SOURCE Frontera Energy Corporation Related Links www.fronteraenergy.ca DUBLIN, July 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Disease Analysis: Prostate Cancer" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The publisher estimates that in 2018, there were 1.3 million incident cases of prostate cancer worldwide in males aged 40 years and older, and forecasts that number to increase to 1.5 million cases by 2027. In the US, prostate cancer is the most common non-cutaneous malignancy diagnosed in men, and is the second-leading cause of cancer mortality in men behind lung cancer. The overall likelihood of approval of a Phase I prostate cancer asset is 4.7%, and the average probability a drug advances from Phase III is 51.5%. Prostate cancer drugs, on average, take 9.0 years from Phase I to approval, compared to 9.6 years in the overall oncology space. Pfizer's next-generation androgen receptor (AR) inhibitor Xtandi is the market leader in prostate cancer due to its established efficacy across prostate cancer segmentations and a lack of near-term generic competition. Bolstered by recent and planned expansions into additional prostate cancer segments, Xtandi will continue to be the leading option in this indication. Future expansion opportunities include potential use in combination with PARP inhibitors Talzenna or Rubraca in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) patients. Late-phase PARP inhibitors Zejula and Talzenna are also being developed in combination with next-generation treatments and will join a crowded PARP treatment space. Zejula is being tested in combination with abiraterone against abiraterone alone as first-line therapy for mCRPC patients. Similarly, Talzenna is being studied in combination with physician's choice of Xtandi or enzalutamide in mCRPC patients, also as a first-line option. The potential synergy of the PARP inhibitors with AR modulators is promising, but a strong benefit will have to be seen to justify use in the front-line setting of mCRPC. If approved, it is likely that these regimens will be limited to the HRD or even BRCA populations, where they will have strong utility but somewhat limited commercial impact due to the relatively small prevalence of these biomarkers. Next-generation AR inhibitors Nubeqa and Erleada have shifted the treatment paradigm to include these therapies in earlier segments of disease such as non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (nmCRPC) and metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC). Expansion into earlier segments and lines of therapy is ongoing. Bayer is looking to expand Nubeqa's label to include use in very high-risk localized patients and metastatic hormone-sensitive patients. Johnson & Johnson will continue to try and differentiate Erleada with an aggressive development plan that includes potential expansions into chemotherapy-naive mCRPC patients as part of a combination with abiraterone, as well as into the localized setting for patients treated with prostatectomy or radiation therapy. Akt inhibitors ipatasertib and capivasertib are a potential new mechanistic addition to the prostate cancer space, but the efficacy/tolerability profile of these PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway inhibitors may prevent approval and potential usage. Ipatasertib is a pan-Akt inhibitor from Roche currently in development for asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic mCRPC patients with PTEN loss as part of a combination with abiraterone. PTEN loss is not a standard target in this indication, but represents a significant market opportunity as it is estimated to occur in approximately 20% of primary prostate cancers and up to 50% of castration-resistant tumors. However, ipatasertib is beset by known class toxicities of PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway inhibitors such as diarrhea, rash, and ALT/AST elevations that could be detrimental to its regulatory chances. AstraZeneca's Akt inhibitor capivasertib has also demonstrated mixed results in prostate cancer. In the Phase I/II ProCAID trial, capivasertib in combination with docetaxel failed to meet the primary endpoint of improved progression-free survival in mCRPC patients. However, the combination did improve overall survival in these patients irrespective of PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway mutations. This has led to initiation of the Phase III CAPItello-281 trial testing capivasertib in combination with abiraterone in de novo mHSPC with PTEN loss. Key Topics Covered: OVERVIEW Latest key takeaways DISEASE BACKGROUND Definition Risk factors Symptoms Diagnosis Prognosis Patient segmentation Clinical states TREATMENT Referral patterns Localized prostate cancer Locally advanced prostate cancer Recurrent/progressive prostate cancer Metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer Non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer Metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer EPIDEMIOLOGY Incidence methodology MARKETED DRUGS PIPELINE DRUGS KEY REGULATORY EVENTS Oral Orgovyx Could Reduce Patients' COVID-19 Exposure Risk Telix Takes Radiopharmaceutical Route To Prostate Cancer Market AstraZeneca/Merck's Lynparza Gets Second Line Prostate Cancer Indication Clovis's Rubraca Is First PARP For Prostate Cancer, But AZ's Lynparza Coming Soon Myovant Submits First NDA For Relugolix, Plans Another In May Trial Issues Complicate Tookad's Path To Approval Steba's Tookad: US FDA Panel To Weigh Novel Endpoints, Missing Data And Toxicities PROBABILITY OF SUCCESS LICENSING AND ASSET ACQUISITION DEALS Pfizer Gains New Commercial Drug Orgovyx In Deal With Myovant Janssen, Xencor Team Up Against Prostate Cancer Diaprost Obtains PSA Antibody IP From Memorial Sloan Kettering CLINICAL TRIAL LANDSCAPE Sponsors by status Sponsors by phase Recent events DRUG ASSESSMENT MODEL MARKET DYNAMICS FUTURE TRENDS Xtandi will remain the best-selling therapy over the next decade Abiraterone generics have largely displaced Zytiga prescribing Johnson & Johnson will rely on Erleada to offset Zytiga revenue losses Prescribing of next-generation hormone therapies in earlier treatment settings will drive growth of the market Pipeline drugs targeting mCRPC patients will generate only moderate uptake CONSENSUS FORECASTS RECENT EVENTS AND ANALYST OPINION Orgovyx for Prostate Cancer ( September 29, 2020 ) ) AMG 160 for Prostate Cancer ( September 21, 2020 ) ) Ipatasertib for Prostate Cancer ( September 20, 2020 ) ) Ipatasertib for Prostate Cancer ( June 18, 2020 ) ) Capivasertib for Prostate Cancer ( May 30, 2020 ) ) HPN424 for Prostate Cancer ( May 29, 2020 ) ) Orgovyx for Prostate Cancer ( May 29, 2020 ) ) Lutetium 177Lu-PSMA-617 for Prostate Cancer ( May 13, 2020 ) ) Tookad for Prostate Cancer ( February 26, 2020 ) ) Tookad for Prostate Cancer ( February 24, 2020 ) ) Multiple Drugs for Prostate Cancer ( February 13, 2020 ) ) Cabometyx / Cometriq for Prostate Cancer ( February 10, 2020 ) KEY UPCOMING EVENTS KEY OPINION LEADER INSIGHTS BIBLIOGRAPHY Prescription information APPENDIX For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/ubdzkp 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 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Spirometer Market: Global Industry Trends, Share, Size, Growth, Opportunity and Forecast 2021-2026" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global spirometer market is expected to exhibit strong growth during 2021-2026. A spirometer is a medical device that is used for measuring the air capacity of the lungs and for estimating the volume of air inhaled and exhaled by the organs. The device aids in diagnosing respiratory disorders such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), tuberculosis, cystic fibrosis and silicosis. It also checks if chemicals present in the environment are influencing the functioning of the lungs and assists in finding the cause for breathlessness and other lung-related problems. An electronic sensor calculates and displays the patient's airflow, or the volume forced out within the first second of the test. This indicates the presence of airway obstruction after which necessary treatment measures are administered. The increasing prevalence of respiratory disorders and improving healthcare infrastructure are the key factors driving the growth of the market. On account of the growing urbanization and changing lifestyles in the emerging economies, tobacco consumption amongst working professionals has increased significantly. This, along with rising levels of air pollution, has resulted in an increased occurrence of lung disorders in these regions. Pollution enhances the burden on the lungs, which boosts the demand for pulmonary tests. Additionally, the rising geriatric population across the globe is another major factor contributing to the market growth. This population group is more susceptible to various chronic respiratory diseases that are detected through spirometers. Moreover, the increasing awareness for sophisticated diagnostic techniques among the consumers is further favoring the market growth. Various technological advancements such as the introduction of portable and compact spirometers with connectivity to smart devices have enabled doctors and hospitals to access patient data conveniently. Increasing research and development (R&D) to introduce more efficient variants is also expected to create a positive outlook for the market. Looking forward, the publisher expects the global spirometer market to grow at a CAGR of around 9% during the forecast period (2021-2026). Competitive Landscape: The report has also analysed the competitive landscape of the market with some of the key players being Benson Medical Instruments, Chest M.I., Fukuda Sangyo, Hill-Rom Inc., Jones Medical Instrument Company, Medical International Research, Midmark Corporation, NDD Medizintechnik AG, Schiller AG, Vitalograph, Vyaire Medical, Welch Allyn Inc., etc. Key Questions Answered in This Report: How has the global spirometer 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 spirometer market? What is the breakup of the market based on the product? What is the breakup of the market based on the mechanism? What is the breakup of the market based on the application? What is the breakup of the market based on the disposable components? 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 spirometer 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 Spirometer 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 Consumables & Accessories 6.1.1 Market Trends 6.1.2 Market Forecast 6.2 Devices 6.2.1 Market Trends 6.2.2 Market Forecast 6.3 Software 6.3.1 Market Trends 6.3.2 Market Forecast 7 Market Breakup by Mechanism 7.1 Flow-Sensing Spirometers 7.1.1 Market Trends 7.1.2 Market Forecast 7.2 Peak Flow Meters 7.2.1 Market Trends 7.2.2 Market Forecast 7.3 Others 7.3.1 Market Trends 7.3.2 Market Forecast 8 Market Breakup by Application 8.1 COPD 8.1.1 Market Trends 8.1.2 Market Forecast 8.2 Asthma 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 Disposable Components 9.1 Filters 9.1.1 Market Trends 9.1.2 Market Forecast 9.2 Tubes 9.2.1 Market Trends 9.2.2 Market Forecast 9.3 Sensors 9.3.1 Market Trends 9.3.2 Market Forecast 10 Market Breakup by End-User 10.1 Hospitals 10.1.1 Market Trends 10.1.2 Market Forecast 10.2 Clinical Laboratories 10.2.1 Market Trends 10.2.2 Market Forecast 10.3 Home Care Settings 10.3.1 Market Trends 10.3.2 Market Forecast 10.3 Others 10.3.1 Market Trends 10.3.2 Market Forecast 11 Market Breakup by Region 11.1 North America 11.1.1 United States 11.1.1.1 Market Trends 11.1.1.2 Market Forecast 11.1.2 Canada 11.1.2.1 Market Trends 11.1.2.2 Market Forecast 11.2 Asia Pacific 11.2.1 China 11.2.1.1 Market Trends 11.2.1.2 Market Forecast 11.2.2 Japan 11.2.2.1 Market Trends 11.2.2.2 Market Forecast 11.2.3 India 11.2.3.1 Market Trends 11.2.3.2 Market Forecast 11.2.4 South Korea 11.2.4.1 Market Trends 11.2.4.2 Market Forecast 11.2.5 Australia 11.2.5.1 Market Trends 11.2.5.2 Market Forecast 11.2.6 Indonesia 11.2.6.1 Market Trends 11.2.6.2 Market Forecast 11.2.7 Others 11.2.7.1 Market Trends 11.2.7.2 Market Forecast 11.3 Europe 11.3.1 Germany 11.3.1.1 Market Trends 11.3.1.2 Market Forecast 11.3.2 France 11.3.2.1 Market Trends 11.3.2.2 Market Forecast 11.3.3 United Kingdom 11.3.3.1 Market Trends 11.3.3.2 Market Forecast 11.3.4 Italy 11.3.4.1 Market Trends 11.3.4.2 Market Forecast 11.3.5 Spain 11.3.5.1 Market Trends 11.3.5.2 Market Forecast 11.3.6 Russia 11.3.6.1 Market Trends 11.3.6.2 Market Forecast 11.3.7 Others 11.3.7.1 Market Trends 11.3.7.2 Market Forecast 11.4 Latin America 11.4.1 Brazil 11.4.1.1 Market Trends 11.4.1.2 Market Forecast 11.4.2 Mexico 11.4.2.1 Market Trends 11.4.2.2 Market Forecast 11.4.3 Others 11.4.3.1 Market Trends 11.4.3.2 Market Forecast 11.5 Middle East and Africa 11.5.1 Market Trends 11.5.2 Market Breakup by Country 11.5.3 Market Forecast 12 SWOT Analysis 13 Value Chain Analysis 14 Porters Five Forces Analysis 15 Price Indicators 16 Competitive Landscape 16.1 Market Structure 16.2 Key Players 16.3 Profiles of Key Players 16.3.1 Benson Medical Instruments 16.3.1.1 Company Overview 16.3.1.2 Product Portfolio 16.3.2 Chest M.I. 16.3.2.1 Company Overview 16.3.2.2 Product Portfolio 16.3.3 Fukuda Sangyo 16.3.3.1 Company Overview 16.3.3.2 Product Portfolio 16.3.3.3 Financials 16.3.3.4 SWOT Analysis 16.3.4 Hill-Rom Inc. 16.3.4.1 Company Overview 16.3.4.2 Product Portfolio 16.3.5 Jones Medical Instrument Company 16.3.5.1 Company Overview 16.3.5.2 Product Portfolio 16.3.6 Medical International Research 16.3.6.1 Company Overview 16.3.6.2 Product Portfolio 16.3.6.3 Financials 16.3.7 Midmark Corporation 16.3.7.1 Company Overview 16.3.7.2 Product Portfolio 16.3.8 NDD Medizintechnik AG 16.3.8.1 Company Overview 16.3.8.2 Product Portfolio 16.3.9 Schiller AG 16.3.9.1 Company Overview 16.3.9.2 Product Portfolio 16.3.10 Vitalograph 16.3.10.1 Company Overview 16.3.10.2 Product Portfolio 16.3.10.3 Financials 16.3.11 Vyaire Medical Inc. 16.3.11.1 Company Overview 16.3.11.2 Product Portfolio 16.3.12 Welch Allyn Inc. 16.3.12.1 Company Overview 16.3.12.2 Product Portfolio 16.3.12.3 SWOT Analysis For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/ln8jzr 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 STOCKHOLM, July 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Haldex has closed an agreement with one of the world's largest manufacturer of heavy trucks for the ADB product. The deal is an important milestone to grow in the truck segment in addition to Haldex already strong position on the trailer segment. The agreement also includes an embedded additional agreement, to equip a showcase truck with Haldex new EMB product. "This breakthrough of introducing our next generation product on the European market strengthens our confidence in continued business opportunities and our ability to meet new demands on braking systems in connected, electric trucks and trailers," says Stephan Kulle, Executive Vice President EMEA. For further information, please contact: Stephan Kulle, Executive Vice Preseident EMEA Phone: +49 1742 458416 E-mail: [email protected] This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com https://news.cision.com/haldex/r/haldex-signs-agreement-with-one-of-the-world-s-largest-truck-manufacturer,c3385878 The following files are available for download: https://mb.cision.com/Main/1432/3385878/1445602.pdf Haldex signs agreement with one of the worldas largest truck manufacturer SOURCE Haldex HONOLULU, July 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Hawaiian Electric Industries, Inc. (HEI) (NYSE: HE) will announce its second quarter 2021 financial results on Monday, August 9. In addition, American Savings Bank, F.S.B. (American), a wholly owned indirect subsidiary of HEI, will announce its second quarter 2021 financial results on Friday, July 30. HEI will conduct a webcast and conference call to discuss second quarter 2021 consolidated earnings, 2021 earnings guidance and regulatory and other matters on Monday, August 9 at 10:15 a.m. Hawaii time (4:15 p.m. Eastern time). Parties in the U.S. may listen to the conference call by dialing (844) 834-0652. International parties may listen to the conference call by dialing (412) 317-5198. Parties may also access presentation materials and/or listen to the conference call by visiting the conference call link on HEI's website at www.hei.com under "Investor Relations," sub-heading "News and Events Events and Presentations." A replay will be available online and via phone. The online replay will be available on HEI's website about two hours after the event. An audio replay will also be available about two hours after the event through August 23, 2021. To access the audio replay, dial (877) 344-7529 (U.S.) or (412) 317-0088 (international) and enter passcode 10157240. HEI and Hawaiian Electric Company, Inc. (Hawaiian Electric) intend to continue to use HEI's website, www.hei.com , as a means of disclosing additional information; such disclosures will be included in the Investor Relations section of the website. Accordingly, investors should routinely monitor the Investor Relations section of HEI's website, in addition to following HEI's, Hawaiian Electric's and American's press releases, HEI's and Hawaiian Electric's SEC filings and HEI's public conference calls and webcasts. Investors may sign up to receive e-mail alerts via the "Investor Relations" section of the website. The information on HEI's website is not incorporated by reference into this document or into HEI's and Hawaiian Electric's SEC filings unless, and except to the extent, specifically incorporated by reference. Investors may also wish to refer to the Public Utilities Commission of the State of Hawaii (PUC) website at dms.puc.hawaii.gov/dms to review documents filed with, and issued by, the PUC. No information on the PUC website is incorporated by reference into this document or into HEI's and Hawaiian Electric's SEC filings. HEI supplies power to approximately 95% of Hawaii's population through its electric utility, Hawaiian Electric; provides a wide array of banking and other financial services to consumers and businesses through American, one of Hawaii's largest financial institutions; and helps advance Hawaii's clean energy and sustainability goals through investments by its non-regulated subsidiary, Pacific Current. Contact: Julie Smolinski Phone: (808) 543-7300 Vice President, Investor Relations & Corporate Sustainability E-mail: [email protected] SOURCE Hawaiian Electric Industries, Inc. Related Links http://www.hei.com LONDON, July 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Open innovation firm InnoCentive is supporting Christian humanitarian organisation World Vision on a new challenge that aspires to find new business models that could generate billions of new investment into water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services over the next five years. Lack of access to adequate WASH services has a significant impact on global health and well-being, leading to hundreds of thousands of deaths each year, particularly in the rural areas of low and middle-income countries. The challenge - Leveraging Funds to Increase Investment in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene - seeks written responses that both expand on existing financing techniques for WASH investment and generate entirely new ideas. "A lack of financing for WASH development is perhaps the single biggest reason that so many people still lack access to clean water and sanitation," said Keith D. Kall, Senior Executive Director, World Vision. "Our five-year plan (2021-2025) projects World Vision will raise US$1 billion for investment into WASH services for low- and middle-income countries. We are utilising InnoCentive's open innovation crowd and platform in a search for a way to leverage this commitment with the hopes that we can obtain a 4-to-1 multiplier on our planned investments." A 2019 UN-Water Global Analysis and Assessment of Sanitation and Drinking-Water Report showed that many countries with costed national WASH plans lack sufficient finance to implement those plans. Almost 90% of countries do not even have adequate finance for their rural drinking water and rural sanitation plans. This new challenge aims to maximise the impact of World Vision's WASH investments. "The financing needed to help address global access to clean water and sanitation will not be met by a single entity, so for World Vision to use crowdsourcing to find ideas makes a great deal of sense," said Simon Hill, CEO, Wazoku. "The InnoCentive crowd and platform has a wide variety of solvers with a broad background of expertise in addressing this type of challenge, and I'm excited to see what they come up with." InnoCentive, a Wazoku brand, is the Open Innovation Marketplace component of Wazoku's Enterprise Innovation Platform, a suite of tools to power innovation at scale across global enterprises. InnoCentive has a long history with NGOs, nonprofits, and businesses, who benefit from the expertise of its global network of nearly 500,000 registered expert problem 'Solvers' and 75%+ success rate in addressing challenges. InnoCentive's partner SeaFreight Labs, a crowdsourcing consultancy that delivers solutions to the global seafreight community, supports this challenge as part of SeaFreight Labs' commitment to the Pledge 1% movement. "This challenge is soliciting something unusual from the InnoCentive crowd," said Harry Sangree, Founder and CEO, SeaFreight Labs. "World Vision is searching for business-model innovation in what I think of as a 'feeding the 5,000' kind of problem. Just as Jesus multiplied two fishes and five loaves into enough to feed 5,000 people, World Vision is looking to greatly multiply their planned WASH investments so that multitudes of additional people might benefit from improved water, sanitation and hygiene services (WASH)." For further information about Wazoku, https://www.wazoku.com For further information about InnoCentive, https://www.innocentive.com/ For further information about SeaFreight Labs, https://www.seafreightlabs.com/ For further information about World Vision, https://www.worldvision.org/ PR Contact: Paul Allen - Rise PR + 44 (0) 7515 199 487 / [email protected] SOURCE InnoCentive SAN FRANCISCO and SUZHOU, China, July 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Innovent Biologics, Inc. (Innovent) (HKEX: 01801), a world-class biopharmaceutical company that develops, manufactures and commercializes high-quality medicines for the treatment of cancer, metabolic, autoimmune and other major diseases announced that the first patient has been dosed in a Phase 1a/1b study of IBI319, an anti-PD-1/CD137 bispecific antibody. The objective of this open-label, multi-center Phase 1a/1b dose escalation and expansion study is to evaluate the safety, tolerability, potential optimal dosage and preliminary efficacy of IBI319 in patients with advanced malignant tumors whose cancer progressed on standard-of-care treatment. The trial is being conducted in China. In preclinical studies, IBI319 has demonstrated synergistically targeting both PD-1 and CD137 to simultaneously achieve anti-tumor activity and enhance efficacy. Professor Yilong Wu, Tenured Professor of Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital and Honorary Director of Guangdong Lung Cancer Research Institute, stated, "While immune checkpoint inhibitors have shown efficacy in treating a variety of tumor types, we still face challenges of primary and secondary drug resistance. The development of next-generation bispecific antibodies can have important clinical value implications. CD137 is a key co-stimulatory immune checkpoint molecule that plays a role in maintaining immune homeostasis and enhancing anti-tumor immune memory. With the innovative mechanism of a bispecific antibody that provides additional immune activation through CD137 axis in the suppressed tumor microenvironment, the preclinical research results of IBI319 are very promising." Dr. Hui Zhou, Senior Vice President of Clinical Development, Innovent Biologics, stated: "Currently, there is no other bispecific antibody with the same target in clinical development in the world. Preclinical results have shown that IBI319 can further enhance the immune activation with improved convenience of administration, compared to the combination of two monoclonal antibodies. " About IBI319 (anti-PD-1/CD137 bispecific antibody) IBI319 was discovered through a collaboration between Innovent and Eli Lilly and Company and has been developed in China by Innovent. The IND for IBI319 has been approved by the NMPA in China, and clinical trial in China are actively being conducted. About the Phase 1 Study of IBI319 (CIBI319A101) Conducted by Innovent in China, this Phase 1a/1b study (CIBI319A101) will assess the efficacy and safety of IBI319 in patients with advanced malignant tumors. Phase 1a of the study will evaluate dosing and Phase 1b will further explore the efficacy of IBI319 in a variety of solid and hematological tumors (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04708210). About Innovent Inspired by the spirit of "Start with Integrity, Succeed through Action," Innovent's mission is to develop, manufacture and commercialize high-quality biopharmaceutical products that are affordable to ordinary people. Established in 2011, Innovent is committed to developing, manufacturing and commercializing high-quality innovative medicines for the treatment of cancer, autoimmune, metabolic and other major diseases. On October 31, 2018, Innovent was listed on the Main Board of the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited with the stock code: 01801.HK. Since its inception, Innovent has developed a fully integrated multi-functional platform which includes R&D, CMC (Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls), clinical development and commercialization capabilities. Leveraging the platform, the company has built a robust pipeline of 25 valuable assets in the fields of cancer, metabolic, autoimmune disease and other major therapeutic areas, with 5 products TYVYT (sintilimab injection), BYVASDA (bevacizumab biosimilar injection), SULINNO (adalimumab biosimilar injection), HALPRYZA (rituximab biosimilar injection) and Pemazyre (pemigatinib oral inhibitor) officially approved for marketing, 1 asset's NDA under NMPA review, sintilimab's Biologics License Application (BLA) acceptance in the U.S., 5 assets in Phase 3 or pivotal clinical trials, and an additional 14 molecules in clinical trials. Innovent has built an international team with advanced talent in high-end biological drug development and commercialization, including many global experts. The company has also entered into strategic collaborations with Eli Lilly and Company, Adimab, Incyte, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Hanmi and other international partners. Innovent strives to work with many collaborators to help advance China's biopharmaceutical industry, improve drug availability and enhance the quality of the patients' lives. For more information, please visit: www.innoventbio.com. Note: Sintilimab is not an approved product in the United States. BYVASDA (bevacizumab biosimilar injection), HALPRYZA (rituximab biosimilar injection), and SULINNO (adalimumab biosimilar injection) are not approved products in the United States. TYVYT (sintilimab injection, Innovent) BYVASDA (bevacizumab biosimilar injection, Innovent) SULINNO (adalimumab biosimilar injection, Innovent) Pemazyre (pemigatinib oral inhibitor, Incyte Corporation). Pemazyre was discovered by Incyte Corporation and licensed to Innovent for development and commercialization in Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan. Innovent Biologics, Inc. Forward-Looking Statements This news release may contain certain forward-looking statements that are, by their nature, subject to significant risks and uncertainties. The words "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "intend" and similar expressions, as they relate to Innovent, are intended to identify certain of such forward-looking statements. Innovent does not intend to update these forward-looking statements regularly. These forward-looking statements are based on the existing beliefs, assumptions, expectations, estimates, projections and understandings of the management of Innovent with respect to future events at the time these statements are made. These statements are not a guarantee of future developments and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond Innovent's control and are difficult to predict. Consequently, actual results may differ materially from information contained in the forward-looking statements as a result of future changes or developments in our business, Innovent's competitive environment and political, economic, legal and social conditions. Innovent, the Directors and the employees of Innovent assume (a) no obligation to correct or update the forward-looking statements contained in this site; and (b) no liability in the event that any of the forward-looking statements does not materialize or turn out to be incorrect. SOURCE Innovent Biologics Crossroad Bistro tells the story of five modern women with distinct personalities and backgrounds running a restaurant together while trying to balance their individual dreams. Through mutual support and encouragement, the women forge friendships, find love, and discover their purpose in life along the way. Representing the first series Feng Xiaogang created in over 25 years, Crossroad Bistro is also the acclaimed director's first attempt at an online drama. Besides Feng, the drama features a stellar production team comprised of Chen Ping, screenwriter of acclaimed drama series such as The Years of Passion Burning and Qing Yi; Zhao Xiaoding, a cinematographer who has won awards and received nominations at the Golden Rooster Awards, Hong Kong Film Awards, Golden Horse Awards and Academy Awards for films such as Hero, House of Flying Daggers, Curse of the Golden Flower and Cliff Walkers; Shi Haiying, Feng's production designer for Aftershock, Back to 1942 and If You Are the One; and Lao Zai, a versatile music producer who has worked on movies, drama series, and musicals. In terms of casting, Crossroad Bistro features top actors from across generations. The five female protagonists Lan Yingying, Jin Chen, Chuo Ni, Sui Yuan, and Wang Luodan portray them at different stages of their lives, while Han Geng, Zheng Yecheng, Zhu Yuchen, and Yang Xuwen are the male leads. They are further supported by a cast of veteran actors such as Liu Xiaoqing, Zhu Shimao, Ding Zhicheng, Xu Fan, Song Dandan, and Huang Bo as well as well-known actors like Ren Suxi, Zhu Yilong, Zhang Yishan, Zhou Yan, Jiang Yiyi, Gao Shuguang, and Zhang Xilin. Commenting on the new series, Gong Yu, founder and CEO of iQIYI, said that the fast-evolving streaming industry needs more innovative content in order to meet the wide-ranging tastes of consumers today. "Producing content that can meet the consumers' diverse needs relies heavily on our ability to partner with leading artists, directors, screenwriters, cinematographers and producers," Gong said. "Crossroad Bistro is an example of a high-quality collaboration between iQIYI and the industry's top talent. The upshot is a thought-provoking drama that goes beyond the stories of the individual women but examines the wider society in which they live." SOURCE iQIYI Related Links www.iqiyi.com VALLETTA, Malta, July 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Launched in 2020, Brand Auditor instantly became a leading solution for affordable yet professional brand evaluations. Leveraging a streamlined market research and data analytics system, the solution mimics industry-standard brand audit frameworks used by Fortune 500 companies. Designed for small-scale brand feedback analysis for SMEs, brand audit prices are starting as low as $500. Brand Auditor Brand Auditor - Brand Awareness Measurement All audits are user-configurable with selectable audit scopes, business type, the target audience for feedback collection, and market research size. Before Brand Auditor, small businesses only had smoke-and-mirror solutions While frequent and continuous brand auditing is a well-defined and common process in large companies, high market research costs do not allow startups and small businesses to evaluate their brand strength the same way. Cheap brand audit reports from freelancers and makeshift alternatives like social signals and web stats-based brand evaluation systems get inaccurate and unreliable insights. Not only providing low information value, but such brand audit solutions are also unable to answer the most important questions, like what people like and dislike about a brand. Over 1,000 sales within the first 6 months and 100+ excellent reviews confirm that small business owners welcomed the transparent brand audit solution. Making it available for everyone "Instead of competing with marketing agencies, brand consultants, and other professions offering primitive brand audits, we offer mutually beneficial ways to do business together." - shared Daniel Diosi, co-founder of Brand Auditor. The company aims to make Brand Auditor an industry-standard brand management tool for startups and SMEs, which is reflected in the business model. Brand Auditor offers a lucrative affiliate and referral program for marketing professionals, as well as a white-label solution for marketing and branding agencies that prefer to deliver Brand Auditor reports with their own branding. "Over 65% of orders are coming from our referral network, which is a great sign of market adoption among fellow industry professionals. Our intention is to make professional-level brand audits available to any business at a low price point, not to compete with anyone." - said Suzanne Dulski, Partnership Manager. Contact: Suzanne Dulski Partnership Manager Brand Auditor, Inc. Phone: +35699132467 Email: [email protected] SOURCE Brand Auditor, Inc SAN FRANCISCO, July 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- After a tough year in the US and a long lockdown, Mikkeller San Francisco can now finally look forward to opening its doors again at the start of the new year. "Mikkeller Bar San Francisco was the second Mikkeller Bar we opened and the start of our entire operation globally, so that place means something very special to us. It is a bar that has done really well right from the beginning in 2013, and we are of course very happy and grateful that very soon we'll be able to invite the old regulars and other beer lovers back into the bar again," says Mikkel Bjergs, founder and Creative Director of Mikkeller. Mikkeller Bar San Francisco is now one of three Mikkeller locations in California. In addition to San Francisco, Mikkeller owns a combined brewery, tasting room and bottle shop in Miramar, San Diego, plus a bar in the Little Italy area of San Diego. In connection with the reopening, the bar has been remodeled, which Mikkeller's Danish designer Camilla Monsrud is responsible for. The bar has been modernized changes and that bring some color details into play, to form a soft contrast to bricks and iron beams and at the same time create a common thread to Mikkeller's other locations, which are characterized by their Scandinavian and minimalist lines. As something new, the premises at 34 Mason Street will also house a bottle shop, so guests will have the opportunity to buy beer and merchandise to take home from the bar. The food concept continues largely as before, with head chef Antonio Garcia serving solid high-end bar food. In connection with the opening, Mikkeller's brewery Baghaven, which is internationally recognized for its unique spontaneously fermented beers, will have its debut in the US at Mikkeller Bar SF. Mikkeller Bar SF reopened in April but will have its grand opening celebration the week of July 26th. This reopening will feature beers, food, and special events the entire week to celebrate the opening. For a list of detailed events please visit our Social Media channels below: https://www.facebook.com/MikkellerBarSanFrancisco https://www.instagram.com/mikkellerbarsf/ https://mikkeller.com/locations/mikkeller-bar-san-francisco If you would like more information, please reach out to [email protected] for more details. Contact: Matthew R Lisowski Phone: (702) 499-3485 Email: [email protected] SOURCE Mikkeller WASHINGTON, July 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- NASA will provide coverage of the upcoming prelaunch, launch, and docking activities for the agency's Boeing Orbital Flight Test-2 (OFT-2) mission to the International Space Station. Scheduled to launch at 2:53 p.m. EDT Friday, July 30, OFT-2 is the second uncrewed flight for Boeing's CST-100 Starliner spacecraft as part of the agency's Commercial Crew Program. Starliner will launch on a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. About 31 minutes after launch, Starliner will reach its preliminary orbit. It is scheduled to dock to the space station at 3:06 p.m. Saturday, July 31. Prelaunch activities, launch, and docking will air live on NASA Television, the NASA app, and the agency's website. The spacecraft will carry more than 400 pounds of NASA cargo and crew supplies to the space station and return to Earth with more than 550 pounds of cargo, including reusable Nitrogen Oxygen Recharge System (NORS) tanks that provide breathable air to station crew members. OFT-2 will demonstrate the end-to-end capabilities of the Starliner spacecraft and Atlas V rocket from launch to docking to a return to Earth in the desert of the western United States. The uncrewed mission will provide valuable data toward NASA certifying Boeing's crew transportation system for regular flights with astronauts to and from the space station. The deadline has passed for media accreditation for in-person coverage of this launch. More information about media accreditation is available by emailing: [email protected]. NASA has updated its coronavirus (COVID-19) policies to remain consistent with new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance. Credentialed media will receive additional details from the media operations team at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. NASA's Boeing OFT-2 mission coverage is as follows (all times Eastern): Thursday, July 22 6 p.m. - Flight Readiness Review (FRR) Media Teleconference at Kennedy (or no earlier than one hour after completion of the FRR), with the following participants: Kathryn Lueders , associate administrator, Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate at NASA , associate administrator, Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate at NASA Norm Knight , director, Flight Operations Directorate , director, Flight Operations Directorate Steve Stich , manager, NASA's Commercial Crew Program , manager, NASA's Commercial Crew Program Joel Montalbano , manager, NASA's International Space Station Program , manager, NASA's International Space Station Program John Vollmer , vice president and program manager, Boeing Commercial Crew Program Media may ask questions via phone only. For the dial-in number and passcode, please contact the Kennedy newsroom no later than 5:30 p.m. Thursday, July 22, at: [email protected]. Tuesday, July 27 TBD Prelaunch News Conference on NASA TV (or no earlier than one hour after completion of the Launch Readiness Review): Steve Stich , manager, NASA's Commercial Crew Program , manager, NASA's Commercial Crew Program Joel Montalbano , manager, NASA's International Space Station Program , manager, NASA's International Space Station Program Jennifer Buchli , deputy chief scientist, NASA's International Space Station Program , deputy chief scientist, NASA's International Space Station Program John Vollmer , vice president and program manager, Boeing Commercial Crew Program , vice president and program manager, Boeing Commercial Crew Program Gary Wentz , vice president, Government and Commercial Programs, ULA , vice president, Government and Commercial Programs, ULA Will Ulrich , launch weather officer, U.S. Space Force, 45th Weather Squadron Media may ask questions in-person and via phone. Limited auditorium space will be available for in-person participation. For the dial-in number and passcode, please contact the Kennedy newsroom no later than 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 28, at: [email protected]. Thursday, July 29 10:30 a.m. NASA Administrator Media and Social Briefing on NASA TV, with the following participants: NASA Administrator Bill Nelson NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy Janet Petro , director, NASA's Kennedy Space Center , director, NASA's Chris Ferguson , director, Starliner Mission Operations and Integration/Crew Systems , director, Starliner Mission Operations and Integration/Crew Systems Barry "Butch" Wilmore, NASA astronaut, Crew Flight Test E. Michael "Mike" Fincke, NASA astronaut, Crew Flight Test Nicole Mann , NASA astronaut, Crew Flight Test , NASA astronaut, Crew Flight Test Jennifer Buchli , deputy chief scientist, NASA's International Space Station Program Media may ask questions in-person and via phone. Limited auditorium space will be available for in-person participation. For the dial-in number and passcode, please contact the Kennedy newsroom no later than 10 a.m. Thursday, July 29, at: [email protected]. Friday, July 30 2 p.m. NASA TV launch coverage begins. NASA TV will have continuous coverage through Starliner orbital insertion. 4 p.m. (approximately) Postlaunch news conference on NASA TV: TBD, NASA Representatives TBD, Boeing Representative TBD, United Launch Alliance Representative Media may ask questions in-person and via phone. Limited auditorium space will be available for in-person participation. For the dial-in number and passcode, please contact the Kennedy newsroom no later than 3:30 p.m. Friday, July 30, at: [email protected]. Saturday, July 31 12 p.m. NASA TV rendezvous and docking coverage begins 3:06 p.m. (approximately) Docking Sunday, Aug. 1 9:15 a.m. NASA TV hatch opening and welcoming remarks coverage begins 9:35 a.m. (approximately) Hatch opening and welcoming remarks about 10:35 a.m. NASA TV Launch Coverage NASA TV live coverage will begin at 2 p.m. For NASA TV downlink information, schedules, and links to streaming video, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/nasatv Audio only of the news conferences and launch coverage will be carried on the NASA "V" circuits, which may be accessed by dialing 321-867-1220, -1240, -1260 or -7135. On launch day, "mission audio," countdown activities without NASA TV launch commentary, will be carried on 321-867-7135. On launch day, a "clean feed" of the launch without NASA TV commentary will be carried on the NASA TV media channel. Launch also will be available on local amateur VHF radio frequency 146.940 MHz and UHF radio frequency 444.925 MHz, heard within Brevard County on the Space Coast. NASA Website Launch Coverage Launch day coverage of NASA's Boeing OFT-2 mission will be available on the agency's website. Coverage will include livestreaming and blog updates beginning no earlier than 2 p.m. Friday, July 30, as the countdown milestones occur. On-demand streaming video and photos of the launch will be available shortly after liftoff. For questions about countdown coverage, contact the Kennedy newsroom at: 321-867-2468. Follow countdown coverage on our launch blog at: http://blogs.nasa.gov/commercialcrew Additional Media Opportunities Live shots and remote live interviews via Zoom will be offered in English with limited availability from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. Thursday, July 29, and Friday, July 30. Additional limited slots will be available 5 to 6 p.m. Thursday, July 29. To book a live shot window, media should complete and submit the form available at: https://go.nasa.gov/3rbiM9T Public Participation NASA invites the public to take part in virtual activities and events ahead of OFT-2. Members of the public can register to attend the launch virtually. NASA's virtual guest program for OFT-2 includes curated launch resources, notifications about NASA social interactions, and the opportunity for a virtual launch passport stamp following a successful launch. Print, fold, and get ready to fill your virtual guest launch passport . Engage kids and students in virtual and hands-on activities that are both family-friendly and educational through Next Gen STEM Commercial Crew. Watch and Engage on Social Media Stay connected with the mission on social media via Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram using the hashtag #LaunchAmerica. Follow and tag these accounts: Twitter: @NASA, @Commercial_Crew, @Space_Station, @NASAKennedy Facebook: NASA, NASACommercialCrew, ISS Facebook, Kennedy Space Center Instagram: NASA, ISS Instagram, NASAKennedy Follow NASA Interns Instagram for behind-the-scenes coverage as 50 interns from across the nation attend the launch. Learn more about NASA internships and see the launch and tour of Kennedy Space Center through their eyes. NASA will provide a live video feed of Space Launch Complex-41 approximately 6 hours prior to the planned liftoff of the OFT-2 mission. Pending unlikely technical issues, the feed will be uninterrupted until the prelaunch broadcast begins on NASA TV, approximately one hour prior to launch. Once the feed is live, it will be available at: http://youtube.com/kscnewsroom Make sure to check out NASA en espanol on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube for more Spanish-language coverage on OFT-2. Para obtener informacion sobre cobertura en espanol en el Centro Espacial Kennedy o si desea solicitar entrevistas en espanol, comuniquese con Antonia Jaramillo 321-501-8425 [email protected]. NASA's Commercial Crew Program is delivering on its goal of safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation to and from the International Space Station from the United States through a partnership with American private industry. This partnership is changing the arc of human spaceflight history by opening access to low-Earth orbit and the International Space Station to more people, more science, and more commercial opportunities. The space station remains the springboard to NASA's next great leap in space exploration, including future missions to the Moon and, eventually, to Mars. For NASA's launch blog and more information about the mission, visit: https://www.nasa.gov/commercialcrew -end- SOURCE NASA Related Links http://www.nasa.gov Gallium nitride (GaN) is a next-generation semiconductor technology that runs up to 20x faster than legacy silicon chips. Navitas' proprietary GaN power ICs integrate GaN power (FET) and GaN drive plus control and protection in a single SMT package. These GaNFast power ICs become easy-to-use, high-speed, high-performance 'digital-in, power-out' building blocks and deliver up to 3x faster charging in half the size and weight, and with up to 40% energy savings compared with legacy silicon chips. "Navitas has the next-gen technology, dramatic growth and long-term vision to make the select "Twelve to Delve" in-depth feature," said Brian Santo, Editor in Chief of EETimes. "This short-list highlights companies from the Silicon 100 that have been making the news, or that we think are likely to do so in the future, and are illustrative of trends in the semiconductor and electronics industries. The Silicon 100 demonstrates the commitment of EE Times and its distinguished reporters to recognize the critical role that innovative companies play in technological progress." "Navitas is the only GaN Power IC company to be featured by EE Times, recognizing our monolithic, highly-integrated approach is leading the industry for next-generation power electronics solutions," said Stephen Oliver, Navitas' Vice-President Marketing and Investor Relations, adding "With over 135 OEM mobile fast chargers in production, over 20,000,000 GaN power ICs shipped and zero GaN-related field failures, Navitas has laid the critical performance, delivery and reliability foundation for expansion into a $13 billion GaN electrification opportunity that goes far beyond chargers and adapters, but also into data centers, renewable with a focus on solar, plus EV and the broader eMobility segments." About EE Times Since 1973, Electronic Engineering Times has been delivering news and analysis geared for electrical engineers. Over the 50+ years since its founding, the electronics and publishing industries have gone through enormous changes, but EE Times remains committed to delivering content about technology, business and the profession that is accurate, insightful, useful and entertaining. EE Times offers design engineers and management executives news and analysis of the latest technologies and business developments in the global electronics industry. Award-winning journalists and subject matter experts strive to cover not just what happened today, but why it happened and how it transpired. About Navitas Navitas Semiconductor Ltd. is the industry leader in gallium nitride (GaN) Power IC company, founded in 2014. Navitas has a strong and growing team of power semiconductor industry experts with industry-leading experience in materials, devices, IC design, applications, systems and marketing, plus a proven record of innovation with over 300 patents among its founders. GaN power ICs integrate GaN power with drive, control and protection to enable faster charging, higher power density and greater energy savings for mobile, consumer, enterprise, eMobility and new energy markets. Over 120 Navitas patents are issued or pending. As of May 1st, 2021, over 20 million GaNFast power ICs have been shipped with zero failures. On May 7th, 2021, Navitas announced plans to "Go Public at an Enterprise Value of $1.04 Billion via Live Oak II (NYSE: LOKB) SPAC Business Combination." Navitas Semiconductor, GaNFast and the Navitas logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Navitas Semiconductor, Inc. All other brands, product names and marks are or may be trademarks or registered trademarks used to identify products or services of their respective owners. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Statements The information in this press release includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), 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, regarding the proposed transaction, the ability of the parties to consummate the transaction, the benefits of the transaction and the combined company's future financial performance, as well as the combined company's strategy, future operations, estimated financial position, estimated revenues and losses, projections of market opportunity and market share, projected costs, prospects, plans and objectives of management are forward-looking statements. When used in this press release, the words "could," "should," "will," "may," "believe," "anticipate," "intend," "estimate," "plan," "seek," "expect," "project," "forecast," 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. Live Oak II and Navitas caution you that the forward-looking statements contained in this press release are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including the possibility that the expected growth of Navitas' business will not be realized, or will not be realized within the expected time period, due to, among other things: (i) Navitas' goals and strategies, future business development, financial condition and results of operations; (ii) Navitas' customer relationships and ability to retain and expand these customer relationships; (iii) Navitas' ability to accurately predict future revenues for the purpose of appropriately budgeting and adjusting Navitas' expenses; (iv) Navitas' ability to diversify its customer base and develop relationships in new markets; (v) the level of demand in Navitas' customers' end markets; (vi) Navitas' ability to attract, train and retain key qualified personnel; (vii) changes in trade policies, including the imposition of tariffs; (viii) the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Navitas' business, results of operations and financial condition; (ix) the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the global economy; (x) the ability of Navitas to maintain compliance with certain U.S. Government contracting requirements; (xi) regulatory developments in the United States and foreign countries; and (xii) Navitas' ability to protect its intellectual property rights. Forward-looking statements are also subject to additional risks and uncertainties, including (i) changes in domestic and foreign business, market, financial, political and legal conditions; (ii) the inability of the parties to successfully or timely consummate the proposed transaction, including the risk that any required regulatory approvals are not obtained, are delayed or are subject to unanticipated conditions that could adversely affect the combined company or the expected benefits of the proposed transaction or that the approval of the stockholders of Live Oak II is not obtained; (iii) the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against Live Oak II or Navitas following announcement of the proposed transaction; (iv) the risk that the proposed transaction disrupts Live Oak II's or Navitas' current plans and operations as a result of the announcement of the proposed transaction; (v) costs related to the proposed transaction; (vi) failure to realize the anticipated benefits of the proposed transaction; (vii) risks relating to the uncertainty of the projected financial information with respect to Navitas; (viii) risks related to the rollout of Navitas' business and the timing of expected business milestones; (ix) the effects of competition on Navitas' business; (x) the amount of redemption requests made by Live Oak II's public stockholders; (xi) the ability of Live Oak II or the combined company to issue equity or equity-linked securities in connection with the proposed transaction or in the future; and (xii) those factors discussed in Live Oak II's registration statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-256880) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on June 8, 2021 (the "Registration Statement") and Live Oak II's final prospectus filed with the SEC on December 4, 2020 under the heading "Risk Factors" and other documents of Live Oak II filed, or to be filed, with the SEC. If any of the risks described above materialize or our assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from the results implied by our forward-looking statements. There may be additional risks that neither Live Oak II nor Navitas presently know or that Live Oak II and Navitas 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 Live Oak II's and Navitas' expectations, plans or forecasts of future events and views as of the date of this press release. Live Oak II and Navitas anticipate that subsequent events and developments will cause Live Oak II's and Navitas' assessments to change. However, while Live Oak II and Navitas may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, Live Oak II and Navitas specifically disclaim any obligation to do so. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing Live Oak II's and Navitas' assessments as of any date subsequent to the date of this press release. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed upon the forward-looking statements. Important Information and Where to Find It In connection with the proposed transaction, Live Oak II has filed the Registration Statement with the SEC, which includes a proxy statement/prospectus of Live Oak II. Live Oak II also plans to file other documents and relevant materials with the SEC regarding the proposed transaction. After the Registration Statement has been cleared by the SEC, a definitive proxy statement/prospectus will be mailed to the stockholders of Live Oak II. SECURITYHOLDERS OF LIVE OAK II AND NAVITAS ARE URGED TO READ THE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS (INCLUDING ALL AMENDMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTS THERETO) AND OTHER DOCUMENTS AND RELEVANT MATERIALS RELATING TO THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION THAT WILL BE FILED WITH THE SEC CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BEFORE MAKING ANY VOTING DECISION WITH RESPECT TO THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION AND THE PARTIES TO THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION. Stockholders will be able to obtain free copies of the proxy statement/prospectus and other documents containing important information about Live Oak II and Navitas once such documents are filed with the SEC through the website maintained by the SEC at http://www.sec.gov. Participants in the Solicitation Live Oak II and its directors and executive officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the stockholders of Live Oak II in connection with the proposed transaction. Navitas and its officers and directors may also be deemed participants in such solicitation. Securityholders may obtain more detailed information regarding the names, affiliations and interests of certain of Live Oak II's executive officers and directors in the solicitation by reading Live Oak II's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 25, 2021 and the proxy statement/prospectus and other relevant materials filed with the SEC in connection with the proposed transaction when they become available. Information concerning the interests of Live Oak II's participants in the solicitation, which may, in some cases, be different than those of Live Oak II's stockholders generally, will be set forth in the proxy statement/prospectus relating to the proposed transaction when it becomes available. Press Contact Navitas Semiconductor Inc. Stephen Oliver VP Corporate Marketing and Investor Relations Phone: +1 ThinkGaNIC (+1 844-654-2642) Email: [email protected] SOURCE Navitas Semiconductor Related Links navitassemi.com WASHINGTON, July 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, PatientRightsAdvocate.org released a report on 500 randomly sampled hospitals from across the United States, assessing their compliance with a price transparency rule that President Biden's Executive Order, signed July 9, directs the Department of Health and Human Services to support. Although the rule went into effect on Jan. 1, 2021, a majority of hospitals have yet to fully comply with the rule. PatientRightsAdvocate.org's analysis of 500 randomly selected hospitals across the country found that they were largely non-compliant with the price transparency rule. In fact: 471 hospitals (94.4% of the 500) failed to comply with the rule, or just 5.6% are compliant. 403 hospitals (80.6% of the 500) did not publish payer-specific negotiated charges "clearly associated with the names of each third-party payer and plan" as required by the rule. 258 hospitals (51.6% of the 500) did not publish any negotiated rates at all. 198 hospitals (39.6% of the 500) did not publish any discounted cash prices. "Though it has been six months since the price transparency rule came into effect, the number of hospitals that fall short of compliance is shocking," said Cynthia Fisher, founder and chairman of PatientsRightsAdvocate.org. "The widespread non-compliance uncovered in our study makes it clear that stronger penalties and robust enforcement are needed." A survey commissioned by PatientRightsAdvocate.org and performed by John Della Volpe of SocialSphere examined attitudes toward various aspects of healthcare reform. The poll reinforced the importance of healthcare costs to American consumers and revealed a high level of support for government action to establish and enforce price transparency measures. Specifically, the survey showed that: 85% of Americans believe that cutting costs and improving quality by making healthcare prices, quality metrics prices, quality metrics, and outcomes more transparent should be a priority for lawmakers. 82% Americans support the federal government requiring hospitals to make their prices readily available to the public. 77% support increasing the penalty for hospitals who do not comply from $300 per hospital per day fine to $300 per hospital bed per day. per hospital per day fine to per hospital bed per day. 56% of adults feel like they, or a close family member were overcharged when seeking medical care. Based on its research, and backed by the White House's action and public sentiment that overwhelmingly supports further action to empower consumers and encourage competition in the healthcare sector, PatientRightsAdvocate.org recommends: Stricter and higher penalties for noncompliance along with robust enforcement of the rule. Simple, actionable pricing data standards to unleash all actual price information to consumers, technology innovators, and search engines to usher in online shopping tools. The posting of all actual and complete prices of shoppable services (actual prices, not estimates) at both the discounted and negotiated prices. Advance notification and posting of prices at point of care, as well as online, to ensure consumers have access to pricing data. "The Hospital Price Transparency rule has the potential to shift the power away from hospitals and into the hands of consumers meaning patients, employers and union sponsored plans. If hospitals comply, the transparency rule will drive down the cost of care and coverage," said Fisher. "Our polling shows the American people want transparency, and our report shows that even after six months hospitals are ignoring the demands of their patients and still not sharing their prices. As President Biden said, "capitalism without competition isn't capitalism. It's exploitation," and that is exactly what hospitals are doing to American consumers by obfuscating prices and refusing to comply with the price transparency rule." Review the report here. Read the polling results here. SOURCE Patient Rights Advocate "The Argos device is superior to other non-invasive cardiac output monitors on the market." Tweet this "The Argos device is superior to other non-invasive cardiac output monitors on the market and remains precise across a myriad of conditions. It quite simply is a leap forward in technology," said Dr. Benjamin Kohl, Vice Chair of Critical Care at Thomas Jefferson University. Dr. Kohl continued "Retia has developed a superior algorithm that enables rapid and intelligent decision-making in a single device that does not require purchase of any disposable equipment." Off-pump coronary artery bypass graft surgery is a challenging cardiac surgery where patients experience significant hemodynamic variations. Other studies have shown that the rates of acute kidney injuries (AKIs) after cardiac surgery can range from 20% to 40% and that using hemodynamic monitors to guide care of these patients can help reduce the rates of these complications. Providing clinicians a more accurate picture of the patient's status may potentially help them further improve patient outcomes. About Retia Medical Retia Medical's Argos Monitor, with its Multi-Beat Analysis (MBATM) algorithm, eliminates a critical problem with older cardiac output technologies. By analyzing multiple heart beats (MBA) ,the Argos provides consistently accurate hemodynamic measurements for critically ill adult patients, enabling clinicians to make more informed, data-driven decisions to improve outcomes. Additionally, the Argos system is unique in its class by not requiring costly disposables to monitor each patient. Setting up the Argos requires a single cable connection and takes less than 2 minutes to start monitoring. Learn more at www.retiamedical.com. SOURCE Retia Medical LLC Related Links www.retiamedical.com WASHINGTON, July 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ --Following is a statement by Lisa Nicole Matthews, President of the National Press Club and Angela Greiling Keane, President of the National Press Club Journalism Institute on the conclusion of the trial of Jerrod Ramos for the murder of journalists and employees of the Capital Gazette Newspaper in Annapolis, Md. For the families of journalists Gerald Fishman, Rob Hiaasen, John McNamara, Wendy Winters and sales assistant Rebecca Smith there may never be closure for the murder of their loved ones, but today's verdict in the trial of Jerrod Ramos sends a loud and clear signal to those who would bring violence against journalists and news organizations for doing their jobs. Journalism is an important part of a functioning democracy and when it was attacked in Annapolis other important parts of democracy stepped forward to do their jobs. From the police who arrested Ramos and took him to jail to the prosecutor who gathered the evidence and brought the case to the judge who ran the trial to the jury that heard the evidence and ultimately convicted Ramos they all did their jobs in part so that the rights and responsibilities of journalists to do theirs was protected in a very public way. This was violence directed at a newspaper for what it had published about the killer. There can be no more direct assault on press freedom. The message from the trial is that those who take this direction will be apprehended, jailed, prosecuted, convicted and sentenced in this case to life in prison. That result is important both to the families and to all who work in journalism now and in the future. And we noticed something else that was important about this trial. The coverage in the press about the murder of journalists was full, fair and revealing. The reporting was detailed and accurate. The writing was clear and dispassionate. In this hour journalists showed themselves to the world to be the professionals they are under the most trying conditions. Where bias, or emotion might be expected to occur it was not in evidence. Americans should note that when they are told that news media is fake. In this most difficult of assignments media showed itself to be at its best in a tough assignment and like the police, prosecutor, judge and jury, did its job in telling the story of the trial to citizens across the community and the country and so once again showed the role of journalism in a democratic society to be formative, vital and enduring. Founded in 1908, the National Press Club is the world's leading professional organization for journalists. The Club has 3,000 members representing nearly every major news organization and is a leading voice for press freedom in the United States and around the world. The National Press Club Journalism Institute, the Club's non-profit affiliate, promotes an engaged global citizenry through an independent and free press and equips journalists with the skills and standards to inform the public in ways that inspire civic engagement. Contact: John Donnelly, NPC Press Freedom Team Chair: [email protected], 202-650-6738 SOURCE National Press Club Related Links http://press.org SUGAR LAND, Texas, July 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Noble Corporation (NYSE: NE) today announced it plans to report financial results for the second quarter 2021 on Tuesday, August 3, 2021, after the close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange. Copies of the Company's press release will be available on the Noble Website at www.noblecorp.com. Noble also has scheduled a conference call and webcast related to its second quarter 2021 results on Wednesday, August 4, 2021, at 8:00 a.m. U.S. Central Time. Interested parties are invited to listen to the call by dialing 1-833-245-9653, or internationally 1-647-689-4225, using access code: 9852437, or by asking for the Noble Corporation conference call. Interested parties may also listen over the Internet through a link posted in the Investor Relations section of the Company's Website. A replay of the conference call will be available on August 4, 2021, beginning at 11:00 a.m. U.S. Central Time, through September 1, 2021, ending at 11:00 p.m. U.S. Central Time. The phone number for the conference call replay is 1-800-585-8367 or, for calls from outside of the U.S., 1-416-621-4642, using access code: 9852437. Investors and others should note that we may announce material information using Securities and Exchange Commission filings, press releases, public conference calls, webcasts and the "Investor" section of our website. In the future, we will continue to use these channels to distribute material information about the company and to communicate important information about the company, key personnel, corporate initiatives, regulatory updates and other matters. Information that we post on our website could be deemed material; therefore, we encourage investors, the media, our customers, business partners and others interested in our company to review the information we post on our website. About Noble Corporation Noble is a leading offshore drilling contractor for the oil and gas industry. The Company owns and operates one of the most modern, versatile and technically advanced fleets in the offshore drilling industry. Noble and its predecessors have been engaged in the contract drilling of oil and gas wells since 1921. Currently, Noble performs, through its subsidiaries, contract drilling services with a fleet of 24 offshore drilling units, consisting of 12 drillships and semisubmersibles and 12 jackups, focused largely on ultra-deepwater and high-specification jackup drilling opportunities in both established and emerging regions worldwide. Noble is an exempted company incorporated in the Cayman Islands with limited liability with registered office at P.O. BOX 309, Ugland House, S. Church Street, Grand Cayman, KY1-1104. Additional information on Noble is available at www.noblecorp.com . SOURCE Noble Corporation Related Links www.nobleenergyinc.com WASHINGTON, July 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, the Belarus opposition leader, will give a Newsmaker news conference at the National Press Club at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 20 during a visit to Washington. The event will take place in person at the NPC and also will be live streamed on press.org. Her visit to Washington comes amid continuing unrest in Belarus and attacks on the media following last year's presidential election that Tikhanovskaya claims to have won by an overwhelming majority of the popular vote against incumbent Alexander Lukashenko, who has ruled since 1994. She has appealed to Western nations to recognize her as the winner of the election. Belarus has been in the news spotlight since the election last August. Two months ago, Lukashenko ordered the interception of an international airliner in Belarusian airspace and arrested a dissident journalist, Roman Protasevich and his girlfriend, Sofia Sapega, who were on board, after the plane was forced to land in Minsk, the capital. The Committee to Protect Journalists on Thursday called on Belarusian authorities to cease raids on independent news outlets and press freedom groups and refrain from charging or imprisoning journalists over their work. The one-hour Newsmaker will be held at 12:30 p.m. in the Holeman Lounge. The event is open to credentialed media and Club members, but registration is required. Click here to register. The program will also stream live on the Club's website and YouTube Channel. Submit your questions in advance or during the live program via email to [email protected] with Belarus in the subject line. Visitors to the National Press Club are required to show their vaccination card upon entry, or recent negative COVID test. Contact: Bill McCarren, 202-662-7534 for the National Press Club, or [email protected] SOURCE National Press Club Related Links http://press.org MIRAMAR BEACH, Fla., July 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- OMNICOMMANDER, the leader in credit union marketing services with over 400 clients across 47 states, announced today a complimentary cybersecurity information session and live training program to help credit unions protect their assets and members against cybercriminals. CYBERCOMMANDER: Secure Everything On April 22, 2021 -- the NCUA issued a press release warning federally insured credit unions and financial services of increasing cybersecurity vulnerabilities. Credit unions remain a target for hackers and thieves, with the top threats being ransomware, malware and phishing attacks, identity theft, denial of service, ATM skimming, pandemic-themed attacks, and supply chain attacks. According to the Modern Bank Heists Threat Report, 80% of surveyed financial institutions reported an increase in cyber attacks over the past 12 months (a 13% increase over 2019). And, ransomware attacks against the financial sector are up 9x from the beginning of February to the end of April 2020. "It was at the beginning of the pandemic that I really started to take notice of all the ransomware, security breaches, and cybersecurity issues happening in the world," said Eric Isham, Founder & CEO of OMNICOMMANDER. "As a partner to over 400 credit unions, I wanted to help our clients protect themselves from cyber attacks, so I decided to invest into building a smart cybersecurity solution that small, mid-sized, and even larger credit unions could implement throughout their organizations." According to industry research, 95% of cybersecurity breaches are caused by human error. During OMNICOMMANDER's one-hour cybersecurity training, credit union executives will learn essential checkpoints to help protect their assets and members from cyber threats caused by human errors. OMNICOMMANDER's Chief Information Security Officer, Elliott Franklin, will host the live training and present the information in an easy-to-understand format. For over 20 years, Franklin has built and managed international, multi-million-dollar security programs across industry verticals with companies ranging from 250 to over 20,000 employees. "I'm excited to offer this cybersecurity training to credit unions. Not only does it fulfill the National Credit Union Administration requirements for the Rules and Regulations of Part 748, but it could help protect the assets of thousands of credit union members," said Franklin. "After the live training, each attendee will receive a digital certificate of completion that is good for one year." The first cybersecurity information session and live training will be held on July 16, 2021, at 11 a.m. (CT) via Zoom. Limited space is available to the first 300 attendees. Register your credit union today. If you're unable to attend the July 16th training, OMNICOMMANDER will host ongoing cybersecurity training for credit unions starting July 21 - September 2, 2021. Please call the OMNICOMMANDER corporate office at (800) 807-3109 or email [email protected] to inquire about future cybersecurity training programs and dates. The training is designed to help credit union employees identify and evaluate risks to their IT infrastructure and develop plans to mitigate those risks in order to protect member data and information. ABOUT OMNICOMMANDER OMNICOMMANDER is a veteran-owned and operated website design, marketing, and cybersecurity firm for credit unions. Focusing on member experience, the Company ensures every client touchpoint is a great client experience. OMNICOMMANDER builds credit union websites with a mobile-first approach to ensure full responsiveness, SSL encryption, and observance of ADA guidelines. The Company's marketing services include strategic planning, reputation management, SEO, social media marketing, digital advertising, traditional advertising, and integrated marketing campaigns. Their cybersecurity services include IT risk assessments, IT audits, vulnerability scanning, Virtual CISO services, and security preparedness training. For interview request, please contact: Paige Taylor VP of Marketing OMNICOMMANDER 850-279-9721 [email protected] SOURCE OMNICOMMANDER Related Links http://www.omnicommander.com SHANGHAI, July 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- OneSmart International Education Group Limited ("OneSmart" or the "Company") (NYSE: ONE), a leading premium K-12 after-school education company in China, today announced that it will hold its 2021 annual general meeting of shareholders at 2161 North Zhongshan Road, Putuo District, Shanghai 200333, People's Republic of China on August 30, 2021 at 2 p.m., local time. No proposal will be submitted for shareholder approval at the annual general meeting. Instead, the annual general meeting will serve as an open forum for shareholders and beneficial owners of the Company's American depositary shares ("ADSs") to discuss Company affairs with management. The board of directors of the Company has fixed the close of business on July 28, 2021 as the record date (the "Record Date") for determining the shareholders entitled to receive notice of the annual general meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof. Holders of record of the Company's ordinary shares at the close of business on the Record Date are entitled to attend the annual general meeting and any adjournment or postponement thereof in person. Beneficial owners of the Company's ADSs are welcome to attend the annual general meeting in person. The Company has filed its annual report on Form 20-F (the "Annual Report"), which includes the Company's audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2020, with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). The Company's Annual Report can be accessed on the investor relations section of its website at http://ir.onesmart.org/, as well as on the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov/. About OneSmart Founded in 2008 and headquartered in Shanghai, OneSmart International Education Group Limited is a leading premium K-12 after-school education company in China. Our vision is to be the most trusted and heart-warming education company and our mission is POWER LEARNING changes the future with technology advancement. Our company culture is centered on the core values of customer focus, excellence, integrity, and technology and innovation. The Company has built a comprehensive premium K-12 education platform that encompasses OneSmart VIP business, HappyMath, and FasTrack English, and OneSmart Online. As of February 28, 2021, OneSmart operates a nationwide network of 457 learning centers in China. For more information on OneSmart, please visit http://ir.onesmart.org/ , or contact: OneSmart Ms. Ida Yu Phone: +86-21-2250-5891 E-mail: [email protected] ICA (Institutional Capital Advisory) Mr. Kevin Yang Phone: +86-21-8028-6033 E-mail: [email protected] SOURCE OneSmart INDIANAPOLIS, July 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Sanctuary Wealth, home to the next generation of elite advisors, announces its latest recruitment coup as Paul Sullivan joins the firm as a Managing Director. Sullivan spent his entire 34-year career with Merrill Lynch, the last 12 as Managing Director and Market Executive at the SD Financial Center, Merrill's flagship office. At Sanctuary, he will be responsible for supporting all of the firm's current advisors and teams on the East Coast, as well as attracting new advisors to the network, and opening Sanctuary's New York City office later this year. "Paul Sullivan and I have been colleagues and more importantly, friends, for 25 years. I have the utmost respect for him as a person and as someone who really understands the needs of advisors and their clients," said Jim Dickson, CEO and Founder of Sanctuary Wealth. "Paul has always operated from the belief that there's a moral purpose to what we do. It's not just about making money for our clients; it's about helping them reach their goals. And that's aligned with what we're doing at Sanctuary as we build a premier firm that's focused on that moral purpose." "After 34 years, I wanted to pursue a more entrepreneurial opportunity and not just another big bank. Jim Dickson, Vince Fertitta, and their team built an incredible platform for financial advisors to thrive in the independent channel, the fastest growing segment in wealth management today. Sanctuary Wealth is truly built for the industry's top advisors who have a strong desire to start their own firm," explained Paul Sullivan, Managing Director, Sanctuary Wealth. "Watching what they built from afar, I had to be part of it. I'm at a stage in my career where I want to represent a firm that's in the best interest of financial advisors and clients. It's not about me, it's about them." Sullivan began his career with Merrill Lynch in 1986 as a Client Associate at the SD Financial Center in New York shortly after graduating from the College of New Jersey. He rose through Merrill's ranks from Financial Advisor in Doylestown, PA to Associate Director of the Indianapolis market, Director and Market Executive in La Jolla, CA and then Short Hills, NJ, before returning to New York and the SD Financial Center as Managing Director and Market Executive in 2008. "Paul Sullivan was one of the most respected Market Executives at Merrill Lynch and responsible for the firm's flagship office," said Vince Fertitta, President, Wealth Management, Sanctuary Wealth. "The New York City tri-state area is an important growth market for Sanctuary, and we expect that having Paul head up our New York office and lead our efforts will help us rapidly build our presence there." Sullivan's hire comes weeks after Sanctuary Wealth brought on another veteran from Merrill Lynch, Phillip Porpora, Jr., as Managing Director to join the senior leadership team, as Sanctuary continues to bring on seasoned professionals to help its partner firms succeed. Sanctuary's upcoming New York office will further expand its US presence, which includes Chicago and the recently opened Miami office. About Sanctuary Wealth Sanctuary Wealth (sanctuarywealth.com/) is the advanced platform for the next generation of elite advisors, who have the entrepreneurial spirit to build and own their own practices and desire the freedom to deliver the tailored service their clients deserve. Sanctuary's ecosystem of partnered independence provides a complete technology and operations platform, as well as support from a community of like-minded advisors and the resources of invaluable affiliated businesses. Currently, the Sanctuary Wealth network includes partner firms across 20 states with over $16.5 billion in assets under advisement. The Sanctuary Wealth Group includes the fully owned subsidiaries Sanctuary Advisors, a registered investment adviser, and the broker-dealer Sanctuary Securities, as well as Sanctuary Alternative Solutions, Sanctuary Insurance Solutions, Sanctuary Global, and Sanctuary Global Tax and Family Office. CONTACT: Michaela Morales JConnelly 973 224 7152 [email protected] SOURCE Sanctuary Wealth Related Links https://sanctuarywealth.com/ Although WTO member countries failed to strike a deal today, they paved the way for an agreement later this year. Tweet this Governments spend $22 billion a year on damaging subsidies paid to primarily industrial fishing fleets to artificially lower the cost of fuel and vessel construction, enabling these large vessels to catch more fish than is sustainable by fishing farther out to sea and for longer periods. In 2015, 193 countries adopted the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. Of those, Goal 14 called for conserving and responsibly using the ocean and marine resourceswith nations committing to effectively regulate fisheries, eliminate illegal fishing, and, by 2020, reach an agreement to halt the subsidies that fund destructive fishing practices. However, WTO members missed that deadline despite calls by more than 180 organizations working on marine and environmental protection, animal welfare, sustainable seafood supply chains, and international development to support Goal 14. After Okonjo-Iweala took the helm in March, she set a goal for WTO members to reach a deal at today's ministerial meeting. Isabel Jarrett, manager of The Pew Charitable Trusts' project to end harmful fisheries subsidies, issued the following statement: "World Trade Organization members are closer than ever to reaching an agreement two decades in the making that would reduce harmful fisheries subsidies. Despite the urging of the director-general, negotiations chair, and more than 180 organizations from around the world, WTO members fell short of striking a deal at today's ministerial meeting. However, countries demonstrated their commitment to reaching an agreement this year that prioritizes sustainability and increases transparency. "An agreement with too many loopholes would undermine the WTO's sustainability goals. New research found that a WTO deal that eliminates all harmful fisheries subsidies could restore 12.5% of fish biomass to the ocean by 2050; however, the most recent draft of the WTO agreement text probably would yield an increase of only 1.59% over that same period, according to scientists from the University of California, Santa Barbara. "The final text of the agreement must ensure that governments are not allowed to subsidize irresponsible practices that will hurt those fish populations that have not truly reached biologically sustainable levels. Harmful subsidies applied to the fishing of those vulnerable populations could jeopardize their chances of rebounding. "Although the final WTO fisheries subsidies deal should include a transition period that allows developing countries extra time to implement the agreement, there should be no permanent exceptions to any rule. And developed nations should never be permitted to provide harmful subsidies unless they can prove that those subsidies do not negatively affect fish stock levels. "WTO members must seal the deal as soon as possible on a strong fisheries subsidies agreement that delivers on ambitious sustainability goals, ultimately improving the health of fisheries and fishing communities around the world." The Pew Charitable Trusts is driven by the power of knowledge to solve today's most challenging problems. Learn more at www.pewtrusts.org . CONTACT: Kathryn Bomey, 202-573-2120, [email protected] SOURCE The Pew Charitable Trusts Related Links www.pewtrusts.org MANILA, Philippines, July 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Philippines' major Mobile Network Operators (MNO) namely DITO, Globe Telecom and Smart Communications are one with the government in the implementation of the Mobile Number Portability (MNP) Act and through their joint venture company, Telecommunications Connectivity Inc. (TCI) has successfully concluded the initial tests of their technical capabilities and interoperability last July 14, 2021. The joint effort will soon allow customers the option to keep their mobile numbers permanently, even when they change network providers or switch subscriptions. Against the backdrop of the ongoing pandemic, the MNOs said the outcome of these initial technical tests are 'within expectations'. After the initial tests yielded positive results, the next steps will be to streamline the external porting process, implement fraud and security safeguards, optimize systems and backend business operations in time for a smoother and faster porting experience for customers by September 30, 2021. By conducting a successful actual porting test, DITO, Globe and Smart secured initial insights and details on how to address remaining concerns and possible challenges, before making the service available to all customers. DITO, Globe and Smart have worked diligently to meet the July commitment with the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to achieve initial technical readiness, before the actual interporting demonstration with the telco regulator, a key milestone in the MNP process. "As the newest player in the industry, we truly are excited to provide this service to Filipinos wherever they may be. When we entered the industry, it really was to encourage competition and innovation. With the Mobile Number Portability Act, we have broken down barriers and have given the Filipinos the power of convenience to finally switch to their preferred service provider," said Atty. Adel Tamano, DITO Chief Administrative Officer. "The initial tests gave us a clearer view of the customer experience when they avail of the MNP, including the experience of customers as they interport to Globe numbers from other networks and vice versa. We learned a lot in the process and we will apply them to make the transition easy and seamless for our customers once the MNP becomes available to all," said Issa Guevarra-Cabreira, Globe Chief Commercial Officer. "We are working doubly hard with our counterparts from Globe and DITO to comply with the requirements. This is aligned with our company's direction: customer-centricity as our True North. We have always been at the forefront of using technology to create better experiences for everyone, and the successful initial tests will help us understand and recalibrate our systems and processes, so we can make the MNP experience simple and easy for our customers. After all, making things simple, using technology, is at the core of the Smart brand promise," said Jane J. Basas, Smart Senior Vice President and Head of Consumer Wireless Business. Republic Act No. 11202, also known as the Mobile Number Portability Act, ensures that mobile phone users can keep their numbers even when they transfer to another service provider, or when they switch their subscription from postpaid to prepaid, or vice-versa. About DITO Telecommunity Corporation DITO Telecommunity Corporation, formerly known as Mindanao Islamic Telephone Company, Inc. (MISLATEL) is the newest major telecommunications company in the Philippines after it was awarded a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity by the National Telecommunications Commission in 2019. Commercially launched on 8 March 2021, DITO commits to provide world class, fast, affordable, and secure, telecommunications services that connect the Filipino people situated in more than 7,641 islands to the rest of the global community. DITO is a Filipino company and is a consortium that includes Udenna Corporation, Chelsea Logistics and Infrastructure, and China Telecommunications Corporation. About Globe Telecom Globe is a leading full-service telecommunications company in the Philippines and publicly-listed in the PSE with the stock symbol GLO. The company serves the telecommunications and technology needs of consumers and businesses across an entire suite of products and services including mobile, fixed, broadband, data connectivity, internet and managed services. It has major interests in financial technology, digital marketing solutions, venture capital funding for startups, and virtual healthcare. In 2019, Globe became a signatory to the United Nations Global Compact, committing to implement universal sustainability principles. Its principals are Ayala Corporation and Singtel, acknowledged industry leaders in the country and in the region. About Smart Communications, Inc. Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) is a wholly-owned wireless communications and digital services subsidiary of PLDT, Inc., the Philippines' largest fully integrated telecommunications company. To date, Smart's mobile network covers 96% of the Philippine population from Batanes to Tawi-Tawi. Smart has also been named as the country's fastest mobile data network in the second half of 2020 by third party analytics firm Ookla. Smart also recently scored a rare sweep in the April 2021 Philippines Mobile Network Experience Awards by independent analytics firm Opensignal. These efforts are also part of the company's commitment to helping the Philippines attain the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG no. 4: Quality Education and SDG no. 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure. SOURCE Globe Telecom; DITO Telecommunity Corporation; Smart Communications, Inc. Key Highlights Offered in the Report: Information on how to identify strategic and tactical negotiation levels that will help achieve the best prices. Gain information on relevant pricing levels, detailed explanation of the pros and cons of prevalent pricing models. Methods to help engage with the right suppliers and discover KPI's to evaluate incumbent suppliers. Fetch actionable market insights on post COVID-19 impact on each product and service segments. Some of the Top Solar Panels suppliers listed in this report: This Solar Panels procurement intelligence report has enlisted the top suppliers and their cost structures, SLA terms, best selection criteria, and negotiation strategies. Risen Energy Co. Ltd. HELIENE Inc. Itek energy Canadian Solar Inc. Fetch actionable market insights on post COVID-19 impact on each product and service segments: www.spendedge.com/report/solar-panels-procurement-market-intelligence-report Related Reports on Electrical Components Include: Solar Panels- Forecast and Analysis: The solar panels will grow at a CAGR of 10.72% during 2021-2025. Prices will increase by 4%-6% during the forecast period and suppliers will have a moderate bargaining power in this market. Contact Center Infrastructure Sourcing and Procurement Report: This report evaluates suppliers based on ability to provide customized services, system capable of call blending, capability to improve end-user customer experience, and real-time reporting. Solar Panels - Sourcing and Procurement Intelligence Report: The Solar Panels will grow at a CAGR of 25.62% during 2021-2025. Prices will increase by 5%-10% during the forecast period and suppliers will have a moderate in this market. To access the definite purchasing guide on the Solar Panels that answers all your key questions on price trends and analysis: Am I paying/getting the right prices? Is my Solar Panels TCO (total cost of ownership) favorable? How is the price forecast expected to change? What is driving the current and future price changes? Which pricing models offer the most rewarding opportunities? Table of Content Executive Summary Market Insights Category Pricing Insights Cost-saving Opportunities Best Practices Category Ecosystem Category Management Strategy Category Management Enablers Suppliers Selection Suppliers under Coverage US Market Insights Category scope Appendix About SpendEdge: SpendEdge shares your passion for driving sourcing and procurement excellence. We are the preferred procurement market intelligence partner for 120+ Fortune 500 firms and other leading companies across numerous industries. Our strength lies in delivering robust, real-time procurement market intelligence reports and solutions. Contacts: SpendEdge Anirban Choudhury Marketing Manager Ph No: +1 (872) 206-9340 https://www.spendedge.com/contact-us SOURCE SpendEdge "This place is really special and unique," notes Michael H. Zaransky, founder and managing principal of MZ Capital Partners. "It's the first suburban experiment with this type of product." Built on the site of a dilapidated motel, the Vantage is not affordable housing in the traditional sense. "It didn't require going to the city and telling them we want a tax abatement or federal tax credits; we have zero government subsidies or grants," Michael says. Rather, it's what he calls attainable housing: "there's no mandated government restriction on the rent; the market is determining the rent here." As communities around the country wrestle with a lack of affordable housing, the Vantage proves how city governments can work with developers to supply housing to those who need it most. In the words of Steve Chirico, Naperville's Mayor, "This is an investment opportunity that really checks all the boxes of the city's goals: adding affordable housing that's also profitable. It's a win-win for everybody." A Gateway Corridor Ogden Avenue is one of Chicagoland's great arteries. It not only links suburban communities like Hinsdale and Downers Grove to the region, nation, and beyond, but it's also key to Naperville's culture and economy. A 2008 planning document, The Ogden Avenue Corridor Enhancement Initiative, describes it as "a gateway corridor into the City of Naperville, and [an] important route to downtown." But, by the mid-2000s, Ogden Avenue had lost much of its dynamism. City planners worried that "Ogden Avenue [was] virtually indistinguishable to a casual observer as it routes through Naperville, Lisle, [and] Downers Grove" With its fast-food chains and car dealerships, it lacked a "civic identity or sense of place." Criminals moved in to take advantage of the vacuum. As Mayor Chirico recalls, the Regency Inn Motel at 1350 Ogden Avenuewhere the Vantage stands today was "the most problematic piece of property in the city. It had the highest number of police calls of any building in Naperville." Under the surface, though, change was brewing. Christine Jeffries, President of Naperville Development Partnership, recalls, "The city has been making infrastructure improvements along the corridor for a number of years. It is not always apparent when electric lines are underground, parkway trees added, and upgrades to the streetscape along the corridor, but these are silently impactful." Car dealerships started to move out and major realtors, like Costco and H Mart moved in. Chirico describes this as a "halo effect": "When activity starts to happen in an area, it breeds and leads to more activity." MZ Capital Partners felt something brewing on Ogden Avenue. As Brad Zaransky, Principal of MZ Capital Partners, remembers, "this strip here for whatever reason was left undeveloped for many years. And it was only a matter of time before it blossomed." Doing Well by Doing Good In 2019, a broker called Brad with an interesting proposition. Would he be interested in buying a dilapidated motel on Ogden Avenue in Naperville and converting it into apartments? Michael recalls, "They were having trouble selling it as a motel because it was just so bad." Brad and Michael had worked in Naperville beforethey'd owned a 300-unit apartment complex there for nearly a decade. But recent years had taken their business farther afield to places like Texas and Tennessee. As they dug into the detail, Brad and Michael got excited. "We saw the city's plansto reinvigorate [Ogden Avenue] to attract a lot of business," Michael recalls. "And we figured we needed to be a part of it." Development comes with risk: there are architectural and engineering fees; zoning lawyers and outside consultants with high hourly rates. "You've got to have some confidence that a deal is going to come to fruition," Michael notesall the more so when trying something innovative like the Vantage. "What happens a lot of times in suburbia is a subdivision decides they don't want a development to move forward. And they organize with time, money, make noise, come to public hearingsand City Councils listen to them." Naperville is a different kind of suburb. Brad observes, "It's been pro-business and pro-development. They take tons of pride in their parks, their school, their infrastructure, and just want people to live here." Naperville city planners and politicians don't see a conflict between development and community. Instead, they champion developmentrecognizing its power to elevate once neglected areas like Ogden Avenue. Likewise, Brad and Michael focused on community as they planned and developed the Vantage. They started small: spending hours with the owner-operator of the Regency Inn Motel, reassuring him about details of the deal. They rented a conference room in the Naperville Public Library and held an informal session with the neighbors, inviting them to ask questions and voice concerns. "A lot of them came," Michael recalls, "and I think without exception, they left saying, 'wow, this is really nice. This'll be a nice improvement.'" When the project came up before the Planning Commission, it passed unanimously without significant community opposition. Al Weel, Senior Vice President at Wintrust Bank, who worked with MZ Capital Partners to provide financing for the project, recalls, "You don't see these micro-units in the suburban market. So the fact that they were well received by the municipality gave us a lot of comfort in the finished product." With the backing of the community, Michael and Brad broke ground on the Vantage. "It just wasn't financially viable to convert the existing structure into studio apartments. We decided let's just replace it with what we know how to do best: just go ground up." From the start, Michael and Brad wanted to build a welcoming spacea place where, as Michael puts it, "anyone can walk in here and feel comfortable." Designing the Vantage, they pushed their designers to linger over small decisions, like color palettes, that send signals to residents about who's welcome in a community. "Some of the touches that you may see," Michael notes, "are more millennial focused and some more traditional, senior-focused." Al Weel agrees "the amenity spaces are spot on." The apartments at the Vantage are cozy. Mayor Chirico comments, "I've been through these units. Just because they're smaller, doesn't mean that they don't provide a great lifestyle." Moreover, by building small, MZ Capital Partners was able to thread the needle: providing attainable housing while making a profit. "One of the inhibitors to providing attainable housing," Chirico notes, "is just the cost of land[unless] you can make the unit smaller and make it more affordable." When the Vantage opened in early 2021, people poured in. Even Michael and Brad were surprised by how quickly the building filled up. "We have never had a lease-up this quick," Michael says. "Three months, unheard of." The enthusiasm for the Vantage reflects the need for affordable housing in Naperville. As Jeffries notes, "While Naperville offers a lot of housing types in many price ranges, the housing that meets the price needs of young adultsand our senior population has been in short supply. The Vantage Apartments were designed to meet this need, while providing modern day amenities." The Vantage reflects Michael and Brad's commitment to the community at every stage of design and development. The people who have made the Vantage their home are diverse in age and outlookwith young professionals living alongside downsizing seniors. "It's really attracted a diverse, wide range of people," Brad notes. To commemorate the opening of the Vantage, and to reinforce its commitment to the Naperville community, MZ Capital Partners made a donation to the Northern Illinois Food Bank to feed a local family of four for a full year. "We firmly believe in the obligation to give back, support the most vulnerable in our community, and 'do good while doing well,'" write Michael and Brad, outlining their corporate ethos. Brad explains: "In real estate, there's always a way where you could make more money off the consumer. But we want to feel better about it." The Vantage embodies this ethos. It will provide attainable housing to hundreds of Naperville residents for years to come. On Ogden Avenue at the gateway to Naperville, it provides a new calling card for the city: symbolizing Naperville's commitment to community, to development, and to affordability. More broadly, it represents a bold new model for attainable housing. Instead of relying on government subsidiesand the slow grind of government bureaucracythe Vantage delivers attainable housing through the market. It does good by doing well. Community Post-Covid On a recent afternoon, Brad and Michael strolled through the common areas at the Vantage. More than a year after Illinois first went into lockdown, they found small signs of life returning to normal: for instance, a Scrabble board from the previous evening, with three names on the scoreboard. Michael observes, "Those are three people who didn't know each other before they moved in here, sitting with each other playing Scrabble last night and keeping score. They're probably going back tonight, or tomorrow, or hanging out over the weekend." As the world slowly returns to normal, the Vantage offers a model for what a community might look like in a post-Covid world. Jeffries argues, "The Vantage Apartments are ahead of the pack by creating an environment that provides for remote working, spacious social interactions, outdoor amenities, and a high-end exercise facility." Privacy will be key to residents of the Vantagethe ability to work remotely as needed. But so will community: residents are eager to meet each other, to collaborate with their coworkers, to meet up with their friends, to see children and grandchildren. "There's no substitute for communal spaces where people can interact," Michael noted. "You could have a co-worker come over and collaborate on a project sitting at this table instead of having to go meet at the office or at Starbucks," he said, rapping the table with his knuckles. As the community at the Vantage starts to explore their new home, Michael and Brad look to the future. "There's a broader problem nationally," Michael notes, "of providing enough rental housing at an affordable price pointEvery caring community that has a planning staff that's thinking strategically about their future wants to solve that problem." Affordably priced Studio and 1-Bedroom convertible units for young professionals and seniors won't solve America's affordable housing crisis single-handedly, as a recent Op-Ed in The Daily Herald cautions. But the editorial board continues, "[M]icro-units could be part of the solution. When it comes to creating more housing for those who need it, any progress is worthwhileno matter how small." Brad and Michael aren't thinking small. Because their projects don't depend on government subsidies, they can move quickly to seize opportunity wherever they see it. And they see opportunities in Naperville and across the country to build more attainable housing. Mayor Chirico also sees more developments like the Vantage in Naperville's futureand America's. "I think it will happen organically because there is demand for it. So supply will start to increase." "We've always looked at trends. We follow demographics," Michael notes, reflecting on the history of MZ Capital Partners. "And this is just the latest pivotIt's certainly going to be a niche that we're going to run with. Because there's a need for it. It's really a testament to our ability to quickly reactand be entrepreneurial." SOURCE MZ Capital Partners Related Links http://www.mzcapitalpartners.com SPOKANE, Wash., July 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Spokane Public School District has formally entered into a Consent Decree as part of a settlement with clients of Sweetser Law Office. The Consent Decree requires the District to reform their isolation practices, comply with state and federal law, and bring their practices up-to-date with the field of behavioral assessment and intervention planning. Isolation rooms have been used more frequently in Spokane Public Schools than anywhere else in the State. Overuse and underreporting of isolation has been a troublingly common practice in an alarming number Spokane elementary schools: The isolation spaces have various names: The 'cooler.' The 'teddy bear room.' The 'safety room.' Shut inside for hours on end, children as young as five- and six-years-old have wailed for their parents, screamed out in anger, and begged to be let out. Children will scratch at the windows or tear at the padded walls. Children will kick against or throw their bodies against the locked doors. Sometimes children are secluded for so long, up four to five hours at a time, they vomit or wet their pants. The majority of students confined to these boxes are young with disabilities or developmental delays. At five- and six-years old with disabilities or developmental delays, they are the students least likely to fully comprehend why it is happening. Through it all, adults in the Spokane Public School administration are in the office, watching what is happening. Schools are supposed to be safe places. When children leave the safety of their homes for the first time to enter the public school system, they have rights protected under the law. Washington State's Legislature has declared isolation practices have "no educational or therapeutic benefit" and "pose significant physical and psychological danger to students and school staff." RCW 28A.600.485. Under Washington State law, isolation is only warranted under a specific set of circumstances when a student's "spontaneous behavior" poses "an imminent likelihood of serious harm," and "isolation must be discontinued as soon as the likelihood of serious harm has dissipated." WAC 392-172A-02110. Isolated confinement to a padded box is not a substitute for a proper assessment, evaluation, and intervention plan. With entry of the Consent Decree, all principals and administrators within Spokane Public Schools are on notice that overuse and underreporting of isolation will no longer be tolerated. If you believe your child was improperly isolated at his or her school, Sweetser Law Office would like to hear from you. While every case is different, we are committed to protecting children's right to school safety. Consent Decree. The Court hereby enters a Consent Decree Remedial Action Plan. The intent of the consent decree is to ensure that students with disabilities timely receive the programs and services they are entitled to, and to ensure only proper use of physical confinement, restraint, or isolation of students in the District. The full Consent Decree and Spokane School District's corresponding policies and procedures are attached as Exhibit 1, and contain the following provisions the District agrees to: The District will comply with its obligations to assess, evaluate, and provide functional behavioral assessments and behavioral intervention plans that are consistent with current peer-reviewed research in the field, to the extent practical. The District will comply with its obligations whenever confining a child to a room or other enclosure in which the child may not leave. The District will set benchmarks and goals involving: Ensuring timely and compliant services for students with behavioral and social issues when the District becomes aware it is affecting a child's ability to be educated in the generalized educational environment; Setting benchmarks to measure equity in classification and discipline of students with disabilities; Setting benchmarks to measure achievement and graduation rates of students with disabilities; Setting benchmarks to measure parental participation in the development of students' individualized education programs; Setting benchmarks to measure the availability of behavioral specialists in Spokane elementary schools. The District will appoint a person responsible for supervising and coordinating the District's compliance with its obligations and standards promulgated by the OSPI (the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction), and that person will be notified when the District receives complaints regarding physical confinement or isolation of any child with disabilities. The District will report annually as required regarding isolation or restraint, and will implement measures to ensure the reporting is accurate. If the District discovers it has failed to maintain compliance with the standards and obligations herein, it will promptly establish procedures for coming back into compliance. Contact Sweetser Law Office at (509) 444-4444. Justice is Worth Calling For. SOURCE Sweetser Law Office Bidders are likely to be among the major industrial and financial investors in the sectors, who are often the most interested parties in large portfolios, particularly in the Spanish market, one of the most active solar markets in Europe. Quercus, since inception, invested in the construction and operation of solar and wind infrastructures, successfully completing more than 1 billion in gross investments in five European countries in just one decade. Following the first ten year chapter, in 2019 the investment manager stirred its strategy to adjust to the ever-evolving renewables market and undertook investment in the permitting process which would lead to the construction of new renewable energy assets. This new strategy lead to the decision to dispose of the portfolios, all generating positive performance and in aggregate a return for investors higher than 8% at the date of the sale. This not only demonstrated the ability of the manager to navigate through the challenges of the many regulatory changes in Europe but also confirmed its commitment to deliver a successful result to international investors, who continue to welcome and support the new strategy. For further information, please visit www.quercusrealassets.com About Quercus Real Assets: Quercus Real Assets is an impact investment firm specialising in energy transition investments regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the UK. Since creation in 2010, our strategies have been founded on the belief that the creation of long-term environmental and social capital underpins and strengthens investors' and shareholders' returns. We are committed to investing responsibly for sustainable income and capital returns while contributing to a carbon-neutral future. Quercus' founders, Diego Biasi and Simone Borla, also established a Luxembourg Fund which grew to be one of the top 10 largest European independent funds specialized in utility scale renewable energy investments. The Fund successfully completed over 1bn in gross investments since inception in five different strategies all of which has generated positive performance and in aggregate a return for investors higher than 8% at the time of the disposal in October 2019. The sale has marked the largest Pan-European renewables transaction in that year. For Quercus, the sale completed a 10-year Phase One of its European investment strategy. In January 2020, Quercus' Chairman, Diego Biasi, embarked on Phase Two, with a revised investment strategy following the evolution of the market environment and also joined forces with Marco D'Arro, founder of the Real Asset Group, a capital advisory firm having advised and arranged 3.6bn of gross investments since its inception in 2013 and became Quercus Real Assets. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1575175/Diego_Biasi_Quercus.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1575176/Quercus_Real_Assets_Limited_Logo.jpg SOURCE Quercus Real Assets Limited ORLANDO, Fla., July 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The International Boarding and Pet Services Association (IBPSA), is proud to announce that the 2021 Flow Business Conference has had 28 educational sessions approved for CEU credits by RACE (Registry of Approved Continuing Education.) The Flow Business Conference will be held September 21-23, 2021 at the Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando, Florida. This annual conference provides pet care facility managers and staff a unique opportunity to receive high-quality business education from industry leaders, innovators, and fellow pet care professionals. Carmen Rustenbeck, Founder and CEO of IBPSA, says, "The current expansion of pet ownership underscores the importance of growing pet care as a community of providers. This community includes not just boarding and daycare facilities, but also groomers, pet sitters, and veterinarians. Our goal with the Flow Conference is to provide education that is beneficial to the entire community, which will in turn educate the pet owner as they see the professionalism that the industry can offer." Details about the Flow Business Conference can be found at the conference website, petcareconference.com. About IBPSA The International Boarding & Pet Services Association (IBPSA) was established to foster and support the pet care services industry. The association provides education, certifications, resources, products, information, and legislative support to help its members succeed. For more information on IBPSA, visit ibpsa.com . Contact Information: International Boarding & Pet Services Association (IBPSA) Carmen Rustenbeck, CEO 877-318-8172 [email protected] SOURCE International Boarding & Pet Services Association Related Links https://www.ibpsa.com Registration for 18 th edition begins online from July 15 , 2021 Online Prelims, 12 cluster finals, 2 semi-finals and 1 National Final Only individual participation for smooth virtual experience MUMBAI, India, July 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Tata Crucible Corporate Quiz, India's largest and eagerly anticipated business quiz, is back in its 18th edition. After the success of its inaugural online version in 2020, this year too, the popular quiz for corporates will be held online. The registration for this edition will be open from July 15 to August 15, 2021. This knowledge initiative by the Tata Group invites the brightest minds from corporates across India to participate and test their mental acumen. Tata Crucible has built its stature as a quiz that has consistently evolved as per the changing quizzing landscape. It moved to an online format last year embracing the need of the hour due to the ongoing pandemic, but to ensure fair play at the quiz implemented various protocols including in terms of format, self-declaration by finalists, proctored monitoring at select Finals and so on. These mechanisms have ensured that the quiz continues to be fair and transparent even in the online format and such mechanisms will be implemented in this edition as well. The quiz invites participation from both Tata and non-Tata corporates for the 2021 edition and is open for participation from individuals in place of a team to ensure a smooth virtual experience. In this pan-India quizzing competition to be held online starting with a pan-India prelim, the country is divided into 12 clusters and after two levels of online prelims, the top 12 finalists from each cluster will be invited for wild card finals out of which top 6 finalists will then compete in the 12 online cluster finals. In each of the cluster finals, the top scorer will be recognised as winner and the second top scorer will be announced as runner-up. The winners and runners-up at the cluster finals will receive prizes of Rs. 35,000 /-* and Rs. 18,000/-* respectively. The winner from each of the 12 cluster finals will compete in two semi-finals and finally, six winners will qualify for the National Final event scheduled to be held tentatively in October 2021. The winner of the National Final will receive a grand prize of Rs. 2.5 lakhs* along with the coveted Tata Crucible Trophy. The prizes for this edition are being supported by Tata CLiQ. Speaking about the initiative, Mr. Atul Agrawal, Senior Vice President, Corporate Brand and Marketing, Tata Services, shared, "We live in a dynamic world, where change is the only true constant, with knowledge and technology being a key driving force. The Tata Crucible Quiz harnesses this power, to connect people from diverse regions through technology and test their intellectual capabilities. For the last year's edition, we decided to conduct the entire programme in an online format and it was a great success. This year too, we look forward to an enthralling competition in the same format facilitating large participation from across the country." Renowned quizmaster Giri Balasubramaniam, aka 'Pickbrain', known for his unique quizzing style, will continue to be the Quizmaster for this edition too. . Here's what the Quizmaster has to say about this edition of the quiz https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FtoJSUtdcjw Since its inception in 2004, the Tata Crucible has promoted the quest of knowledge and out-of-the-box thinking through quizzing as a culture among brightest minds. For participants, the prestigious Tata Crucible quiz goes beyond juggling facts and tackling trivia; it has now become a quest that celebrates their knowledge and sets them apart. Register and be a part of India's largest business quizzing battle at Tata Crucible Corporate Quiz 2021. To register and for rules and updates, please visit www.tatacrucible.com *subject to tax deduction applicable at source About Tata Crucible Corporate Quiz: 'Tata Crucible - The Corporate Quiz' seeks to bring together the sharpest young minds to take on the heat of the country's largest business quiz. Youth is a key audience cluster which the Tata group is focusing its communication at and Tata Crucible is a key knowledge initiative towards this engagement. Started in 2004, it has now become an eagerly anticipated annual event. You can follow Tata Crucible Corporate Quiz on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TataCrucible Twitter: https://twitter.com/Tata_Crucible You Tube: http://www.youtube.com/user/TataCrucible LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tata-crucible Mobile App: Download the Tata Crucible Brainbox mobile app on your phone, available on iOS, Android and Windows platforms. About the Tata Group Founded by Jamsetji Tata in 1868, the Tata group is a global enterprise, headquartered in India, comprising 30 companies across ten verticals. The group operates in more than 100 countries across six continents, with a mission 'To improve the quality of life of the communities we serve globally, through long-term stakeholder value creation based on Leadership with Trust'. Tata Sons is the principal investment holding company and promoter of Tata companies. Sixty-six percent of the equity share capital of Tata Sons is held by philanthropic trusts, which support education, health, livelihood generation and art and culture. In 2019-20, the revenue of Tata companies, taken together, was $106 billion (INR 7.5 trillion). These companies collectively employ over 750,000 people. Each Tata company or enterprise operates independently under the guidance and supervision of its own board of directors. There are 29 publicly-listed Tata enterprises with a combined market capitalisation of $123 billion (INR 9.3 trillion) as on March 31, 2020. Companies include Tata Consultancy Services, Tata Motors, Tata Steel, Tata Chemicals, Tata Consumer Products, Titan, Tata Capital, Tata Power, Tata Advanced Systems, Indian Hotels and Tata Communications. SOURCE Tata Group "Throughout her tenure at the company, Renee has established herself as a well-respected leader who collaborates across departments to resolve complex issues," said Frank T. Sinito, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of The Millennia Companies. "We look forward to her continued contributions as she supports us in advancing our mission to enrich the lives of those we serve." Additionally, Weiss will continue to provide representation for the company and advise executive members on legal matters. "Renee consistently provides strategic and thoughtful advice that centers our company's core values," said Lee J. Felgar, Chief Operating Officer. "Her sound reasoning, coupled with more than 25 years of legal experience, makes her well-positioned for this role." Prior to being named general counsel, Weiss held the roles of interim general counsel, vice president, assistant general counsel for operations and associate attorney at MHM. She started her career as an attorney at BakerHostetler and later joined Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP and DDR Corp. Weiss has a Juris Doctor from the ClevelandMarshall College of Law and a bachelor's degree in political science from Miami University. Weiss is a member of the Ohio State Bar Association and a graduate of YWCA Greater Cleveland's women's executive leadership program, Momentum. She has volunteered for United Way, Junior Achievement, and Hanna Perkins Center for Child Development, a non-profit organization that works with children and families. SOURCE The Millennia Companies Related Links www.themillenniacompanies.com NEW YORK, July 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Russell Reynolds Associates , a global leadership advisory and search firm, today announced that Noah Schwarz has joined the firm as a leader in our North America private equity team and a key member of our global Financial Services Sector. Based in New York, Schwarz will specialize in senior-level searches across the private capital continuum and across industries. "As we continue to operate in a very dynamic global economy, our clients are turning to us to guide them through the labyrinth that is the world of private capital," said Constantine Alexandrakis, leader of Russell Reynolds Associates' Americas Region. "Noah's expertise provides our clients with nuanced and granular counsel as they transform to adapt to this rapidly changing environment and the 'next' normal." Schwarz joins Russell Reynolds Associates after more than six years as a senior client partner in the financial services practice of another global leadership advisory firm, with a focus on the buy-side and sell-side communities. As a trusted advisor, he placed senior investment professionals and operating partners as well as provided sponsor coverage to private capital funds and their portfolio companies for C-suite and board assignments. Prior to this, Schwarz spent over five years with Goldman Sachs & Co., first covering alternative investments and then moving into a global management and strategy team, working closely with the firm's leadership. Earlier, he was a member of the legal restructuring practice at Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP. Schwarz has also worked at both the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the United States Senate in Washington, DC. Schwarz received his BA in political science from Colgate University. About Russell Reynolds Associates Russell Reynolds Associates is a global leadership advisory and search firm. Our 470+ consultants in 46 offices work with public, private and nonprofit organizations across all industries and regions. We help our clients build teams of transformational leaders who can meet today's challenges and anticipate the digital, economic and political trends that are reshaping the global business environment. From helping boards with their structure, culture, and effectiveness to identifying, assessing and defining the best leadership for organizations, our teams bring their decades of expertise to help clients address their most complex leadership issues. We exist to improve the way the world is led. www.russellreynolds.com MEDIA CONTACT: Diana Pastrana [email protected] 212-824-1825 SOURCE Russell Reynolds Associates Related Links https://www.russellreynolds.com CARY, N.C., July 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Fortune has once again named analytics leader SAS to its 2021 Best Workplaces for Millennials list. SAS firmly believes that the ability to attract and retain creative employees directly affects business success. Employees are critical to the company's innovation, so SAS invests in all its employees from career development to health and well-being. Networking and career development initiatives foster a sense of community for early-career individuals Tweet this Fortune has once again named analytics leader SAS to its 2021 Best Workplaces for Millennials list "SAS provides employees countless opportunities to grow professionally and personally, as well as make a true difference for our communities," said Pauline Ashcraft, Program Manager for Risk Research and Quantitative Solutions at SAS and leader of the SAS Young Professionals Network (YPN). "Our unique company culture encourages employees to harness their creativity and passion to work on meaningful projects that drive innovation for our industry and our world." SAS is deeply committed to helping employees succeed at every stage of their careers. Networking and career development initiatives like SAS YPN, as well as full-time training programs like the SAS academies help foster a sense of community for early-career individuals. And opportunities like the Emerging Leaders program help support and guide employees as they advance and seek leadership training and skills. "The Best Workplaces for Millennials treat their employees like people, not just employees," said Michael C. Bush, CEO of Great Place to Work. "These companies foster caring and respect for one another, at every level of the organization. The result is millennial employees who say they look forward to coming to work and as our research says are 50 times more likely to stay a long time." The Best Workplaces for Millennials award is based on an analysis of survey responses from more than 5.3 million current employees. SAS has also ranked in the top 10 of the 2020 World's Best Workplaces and is considered a best workplace for diversity and inclusivity, innovation and for giving back. Learn what makes SAS a great place to work. About the Best Workplaces for Millennials Great Place to Work selected the Best Workplaces for Millennials by gathering and analyzing confidential survey responses from more than 5.3 million employees at Great Place to Work-Certified organizations. Company rankings are derived from 60 employee experience questions within the Great Place to Work Trust Index survey. About Great Place to Work Great Place to Work is the global authority on workplace culture. Since 1992, they have surveyed more than 100 million employees worldwide and used those deep insights to define what makes a great workplace: trust. Their employee survey platform empowers leaders with the feedback, real-time reporting and insights they need to make data-driven people decisions. Everything they do is driven by the mission to build a better world by helping every organization become a great place to work For All. About SAS SAS is the leader in analytics. Through innovative software and services, SAS empowers and inspires customers around the world to transform data into intelligence. SAS gives you THE POWER TO KNOW. SAS and all other SAS Institute Inc. product or service names are registered trademarks or trademarks of SAS Institute Inc. in the USA and other countries. indicates USA registration. Other brand and product names are trademarks of their respective companies. Copyright 2021 SAS Institute Inc. All rights reserved. Editorial Contact: Kris Balic [email protected] 919-531-0624 sas.com/news SOURCE SAS Related Links https://www.sas.com MILWAUKEE, July 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Ademi LLP is investigating Lonestar (OTCQX: LONE) for possible breaches of fiduciary duty and other violations of law in its transaction with Penn Virginia. Click here to learn how to join the action: https://www.ademilaw.com/case/lonestar-resources-inc or call Guri Ademi toll-free at 866-264-3995. There is no cost or obligation to you. Ademi LLP alleges Lonestar's financial outlook is excellent and yet Lonestar shareholders will receive only 0.51 shares of common stock of Penn Virginia for each share of common stock of Lonestar outstanding. The merger agreement unreasonably limits competing bids for Lonestar by prohibiting solicitation of further bids, and imposing a termination penalty if Lonestar accepts a superior bid. Lonestar insiders will receive millions of dollars as part of change of control arrangements. We are investigating the conduct of Lonestar's board of directors, and whether they are (i) fulfilling their fiduciary duties to all shareholders, and (ii) obtaining a fair and reasonable price for Lonestar. If you own Lonestar common stock and wish to obtain additional information, please contact Guri Ademi either at [email protected] or toll-free: 866-264-3995, or https://www.ademilaw.com/case/lonestar-resources-inc. We specialize in shareholder litigation involving buyouts, mergers, and individual shareholder rights throughout the country. For more information, please feel free to call us. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. Contacts Ademi LLP Guri Ademi Toll Free: (866) 264-3995 Fax: (414) 482-8001 SOURCE Ademi LLP Related Links http://www.ademilaw.com SALT LAKE CITY, July 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- A total of eight attorneys at the Salt Lake City, Utah law firm of Eisenberg, Cutt, Kendell & Olson have been selected for inclusion in either the 2021 Super Lawyers guide or 2021 Rising Stars for their exemplary skill in representing personal injury plaintiffs. Each year, Super Lawyers and Rising Stars recognize no more than 5% and 2.5%, respectively, of the nation's practicing attorneys. The selection process for both guides is a rigorous one, comprising a 12-category independent review conducted by the Super Lawyers research team and a peer review conducted by a Blue Ribbon Panel of respected attorneys. Past verdicts and settlements, bar activity, community work, and more are taken into careful consideration. The below Eisenberg, Cutt, Kendell & Olson attorneys were selected to 2021 Super Lawyers for their advocacy efforts in Salt Lake City: Jacquelynn D. Carmichael (Super Lawyers 2021) (Super Lawyers 2021) Personal Injury - Medical Malpractice: Plaintiff David A. Cutt (Super Lawyers 2009-2021) (Super Lawyers 2009-2021) Personal Injury - General: Plaintiff Personal Injury - Products: Plaintiff Personal Injury - Medical Malpractice: Plaintiff Jeffrey D. Eisenberg (Super Lawyers 2007-2021) (Super Lawyers 2007-2021) Personal Injury - General: Plaintiff Personal Injury - Products: Plaintiff Insurance Coverage Personal Injury - Medical Malpractice: Plaintiff Professional Liability: Plaintiff Jordan P. Kendell (Rising Stars 2009, 2011-2013; Super Lawyers 2014-2021) (Rising Stars 2009, 2011-2013; Super Lawyers 2014-2021) Personal Injury - General: Plaintiff Personal Injury - Products: Plaintiff As mentioned, four of the firm's attorneys were selected to Rising Stars, the Super Lawyers guide reserved for early career attorneys either no older than 40 years of age or in the first decade of practice. The Eisenberg, Cutt, Kendell & Olson "early career" attorneys who earned recognition in 2021 Rising Stars were listed for their work in Salt Lake City as follows: Margie G. Coles (Rising Stars 2021) (Rising Stars 2021) Personal Injury - General: Plaintiff Personal Injury - Medical Malpractice: Plaintiff Lena Daggs (Rising Stars 2019-2021) (Rising Stars 2019-2021) Personal Injury - General: Plaintiff Personal Injury - Medical Malpractice: Plaintiff Christopher P. Higley (Rising Stars 2020-2021) (Rising Stars 2020-2021) Personal Injury - General: Plaintiff Eric S. Olson (Rising Stars 2014-2021) (Rising Stars 2014-2021) Personal Injury - General: Plaintiff Personal Injury - Products: Plaintiff With limited space in both Super Lawyers and Rising Stars, it is a great accomplishment to be selected to either of these guides. With the rest of the team at Eisenberg, Cutt, Kendell & Olson, the above Super Lawyers- and Rising Stars-acclaimed attorneys have helped countless clients maximize their compensation and gain peace of mind so they can move on from devastating injuries and losses. Eisenberg, Cutt, Kendell & Olson accepts personal injury cases in Salt Lake City and throughout Utah. Its client-centered approach has resulted in more than $400 million in recoveries for its injured clients. Learn more about the firm at eckolaw.com. Visit superlawyers.com to find out more about Super Lawyers and Rising Stars. SOURCE Eisenberg, Cutt, Kendell & Olson Related Links https://www.eckolaw.com ST. LOUIS, July 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- TAG Inc, the leader in procure to pay savings and consulting services for the healthcare industry, announced today that The Globee Awards, organizers of world's premier business awards programs and business ranking lists, has named TAG as a two-time winner in the 6th Annual 2021 American Best in Business Awards. The sought-after American Best in Business Awards recognizes industry leaders, services, performance, products, and teams across all industries and offered additional awards this year as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic the changed the world. TAG received the following awards: Company of the year in Healthcare Products and Services (GOLD WINNER) COVID-19 Company Response of the Year (SILVER WINNER) "We are proud to be recognized as a healthcare industry leader serving our country during these difficult times," says John Weiss, CEO, "I owe it to our team for dependably driving forward and providing assistance and strength when our clients were struggling the most. It's an honor to be among such great company and we look forward to continuing to make an impact on the healthcare industry." TAG is among many American companies to receive honors during this year's awardees such as IBM, Makers Nutrition, NewAge, and Hilton Supply Management. View the complete list of 2021 winners here: https://globeeawards.com/american-business-awards/winners SOURCE TAG Inc PUYALLUP, Wash., July 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Union representatives and members will speak out tomorrow about a possible grocery strike at Fred Meyer as approximately 500 Teamster warehouse workers take a strike authorization vote on Saturday. Local 117 Secretary-Treasurer, John Scearcy, and workers will address the media at 3 p.m. on Saturday, July 17 in the Fred Meyer grocery store parking lot (1100 N Meridian) in Puyallup. Early this morning, the Union reached a fully-recommended tentative agreement with Safeway. Teamster warehouse workers and drivers at Safeway will vote on the proposal over the weekend. "We are happy to see that Safeway put forth a fair contract proposal that our members will be voting on this weekend," Scearcy said. "Unfortunately, Fred Meyer has been unwilling to recognize the indispensable contributions these essential workers have made for all of us." Teamsters Local 117 represents roughly 500 warehouse workers at Fred Meyer servicing 180 stores in WA, OR, AK, and ID. WHO: John Scearcy, Teamsters 117 Secretary-Treasurer Mike Lyon, Teamster at Fred Meyer Teamster workers at Fred Meyer WHAT/WHEN: TEAMSTER GROCERY STRIKE UNION SPEAKS OUT Saturday, July 17, 2021 3:00 P.M. WHERE: Fred Meyer Parking Lot 1100 N Meridian Puyallup, WA 98371 Contact: Paul Zilly 206-794-6673 [email protected] SOURCE Teamsters Local 117 DUBLIN, July 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Titanium Dioxide Market by Grade (Rutile, Anatase), Process (Sulfate, Chloride), Application (Paints & Coating, Plastics, Paper, Inks), & Region(North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, MEA, South America) - Trends and Forecasts up to 2026" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global Titanium Dioxide market size is estimated to be USD 20.9 billion in 2021 and is projected to reach USD 27.9 billion by 2026, at a CAGR of 5.9% between 2021 and 2026. Titanium dioxide is an oxide of metal titanium that occurs naturally in several kinds of minerals sands. It is the most important white inorganic pigment that possesses good thermal stability. It also has excellent light-scattering properties and is used when white opacity and brightness is required. Titanium dioxide is available in two crystal structures, namely, anatase and rutile. Rutile pigments are preferred because they are more stable, durable, efficient, and have high absorbance properties than anatase pigments. Titanium dioxide is used in a wide range of industries and applications, including paints & coatings, paper, plastics, inks, and others. Titanium dioxide pigments are most widely used for paints & coatings application as they efficiently scatter visible light, which imparts whiteness, brightness, and opacity to the coating. The steady growth in construction industry and increase in demand for lightweight vehicle in automotive industry expects to drive the market for titanium dioxide in paints & coating applications. An increase in demand for ultrafine titanium dioxide and growth in photocatalytic application are opportunities in titanium dioxide market. Rutile is projected to be the largest segment by grade in Titanium Dioxide market Rutile is the largest grade segment for the Titanium Dioxide market. The structure of rutile is more compact and stable than anatase. The rutile grade titanium dioxide has excellent optical properties, including better dispersion, better coloring, opacity-optimal weather resistance, anti-yellowing property, and a bluer undertone. Rutile titanium dioxide is preferred in paints and coatings because it can offer better color strength and opacity than anatase-grade titanium dioxide. It is more suitable for exterior applications and used in interface applications because of its high refractive index; therefore, these pigments have improved the ability to scatter light in paint films. Sulfate is projected to be the largest segment by process in Titanium Dioxide market Sulfate is the largest process segment for the Titanium Dioxide market. The sulfate process is a batch process that utilizes sulfuric acid to extract titanium dioxide from Ilmenite or titanium slag. The sulfate process for the manufacturing of titanium dioxide is majorly utilized in the APAC region, particularly in China. The sulfate process is more economical as it uses low-grade and cheaper ores, and simpler technology to manufacture titanium dioxide. The production cost of sulfate is high, and a large amount of waste material is generated during the process technology, which further includes pollution control cost. The global manufacturers are focused on shifting toward the chloride process due to environmental considerations and end-use requirements for high-quality titanium dioxide. Paints & Coating is the largest segment by application in Titanium Dioxide market during forecast region Titanium dioxide is an essential white pigment used in the paints & coatings industries. When used in the paint & coating system, it ensures the longevity of the paint and the continued protection of the substrate. Titanium dioxide is used in various paints & coatings applications to provide aesthetic appeal, opacity, and durability. It is used in various architectural and industrial coating applications. In architectural coatings, pigments are used in paints, stains, lacquers, primers, and clear coats applications. In industrial coatings, they are used in automotive, coil, powder, and other coating applications. The rapidly growing housing and construction sector, increasing gross domestic product (GDP), ongoing rapid urbanization, and increasing disposable income propel the paints and coatings market which further is fueling the demand for titanium dioxide. APAC accounts for the largest share in Titanium Dioxide market by region APAC was the largest Titanium Dioxide market in 2020. Increasing investments in infrastructure development projects, growing urbanization, improving standard of living, and thriving automotive sector, as well as high economic growth, are the key factors for the region's overall growth. The strengthening economy of countries such as China and India attracts new investments from global manufacturers. APAC is the largest market for the paints and coating industry, driven by the ever-increasing population and rapid urbanization in China and India. China is the world's largest producer and consumer of paints and coatings, with several leading players investing in the country to build new manufacturing facilities. Paints & coatings is the largest application segment for titanium dioxide which is projected to grow with growth in paint & coating application in APAC region. Apart from being a major consumer of titanium dioxide, China exports titanium dioxide to India, Vietnam, Brazil, Spain, South Korea, Japan, and others. Lomon Billions Group, the third-largest manufacturer of titanium dioxide globally, has its production plants in China. Apart from Lomon Billions, TAYCA CORPORATION (Japan), ILUKA RESOURCES (Australia), ISHIHARA SANGYO KAISHA, LTD.(Japan) and many small and mid-size enterprises (SMEs) produce titanium dioxide in APAC region. Research Coverage: This research report categorizes the Titanium Dioxide market on the basis of grade, process, application, and region. The report includes detailed information regarding the major factors influencing the growth of the Titanium Dioxide market, such as drivers, restraints, challenges, and opportunities. A detailed analysis of the key industry players has been done to provide insights into business overviews, products & services, key strategies, expansions, new product developments, acquisition and recent developments associated with the market. Reasons to Buy the Report The report will help market leaders/new entrants in this market in the following ways: 1. This report segments the Titanium Dioxide market comprehensively and provides the closest approximations of market sizes for the overall market and subsegments across verticals and regions. 2. The report will help stakeholders understand the pulse of the market and provide them information on the key market drivers, restraints, challenges, and opportunities. 3. This report will help stakeholders understand the major competitors and gain insights to enhance their position in the business. The competitive landscape section includes expansions, new product developments, and joint ventures. 4. The report includes the COVID-19 impact on the Titanium Dioxide market. Key Topics Covered: 1 Introduction 2 Research Methodology 3 Executive Summary 4 Premium Insights 5 Market Overview 6 Titanium Dioxide Market, by Grade 7 Titanium Dioxide Market, by Process 8 Titanium Dioxide Market, by Application 9 Titanium Dioxide Market, by Region 10 Competitive Landscape 11 Company Profiles 12 Appendix Companies Mentioned Cinkarna Celje Dd. Cnnc Hua Yuan Titanium Dioxide Co., Ltd Evonik Industries Ag Gpro Titanium Industry Co., Ltd. Grupa Azoty Sa. Guangdong Hui Yun Titanium Industry Corporation Limited Iluka Resources Ineos Group Ltd Ishihara Sangyo Kaisha , Ltd. , Ltd. Kish Company, Inc Kronos Worldwide, Inc. Lomon Billions Group Precheza A. S. Shandong Jinhai Titanium Resources Technology Co., Ltd. Shanghai Jiuta Chemical Co. Ltd. Swastik Interchem Private Limited Tayca Corporation The Chemours Company Titanos Group Travancore Titanium Products Ltd. Tronox Holdings plc Venator Materials plc For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/4aqhe9 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 At the opening ceremony, Enrique Lores, HP CEO of the United States, Sohn Kyung Shik, CJ Group President of South Korea, Fabrice Fourcade, EDF Corporate Vice President, President of China and other leaders of Fortune Global 500 companies reviewed and summarized the origin and cooperation results between their companies and China through "online and offline" ways, with expectation to further integrate into the development paradigm featuring dual circulation, in which domestic and overseas markets reinforce each other through deepening cooperation. As China's leading cloud computing and big data service provider, Xiao Xue, senior vice president of Inspur Group Co., Ltd., said at the summit that China's economic development needs deep participation of multinationals, including not only their investments but also their advanced management concepts, technical capabilities and services. The relations between multinationals and Chinese local companies are not alternative or purely competitive, but competitive and also cooperative, which can be complementary to each other. Zhang Qingwei, full-time deputy secretary-general of the Secretariat of the Qingdao Multinationals Summit, said that multinationals are an important carrier connecting China's building of an overseas and domestic dual circulation in the new development pattern. This summit will deepen exchanges and cooperation between China and multinationals, and promote China's opening up to the outside world in a wider scope, a wider field and at a deeper level. It was reported that this summit was sponsored by the Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China and the Shandong Provincial People's Government and lasted for two days. It aimed to build a platform for in-depth exchanges and cooperation between multinationals and China, involved eight topics such as China's carbon peak and the development opportunities of multinationals, and released a research report entitled "Multinationals in China: A New Pattern Brings New Opportunities". As the first batch of coastal open cities in China, Qingdao is at the forefront of reform and opening up, boasts a large number of national famous brands such as Haier, Hisense and Tsingtao Brewery and has long been a hot spot for multinationals to invest. 166 Fortune Global 500 companies including Panasonic, Samsung and Airbus have invested and settled in Qingdao. Contact: Zhu Yiling Tel: +86-532-85911619 Official web: http://www.qingdaochina.org Facebook web: https://www.facebook.com/qingdaocity Twitter web: https://twitter.com/loveqingdao Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1575870/Stadt_Qingdao_1.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1575871/Stadt_Qingdao_2.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1245709/Qingdao_Logo.jpg SOURCE Stadt Qingdao MADRID, July 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Think is an independent production company in which no other person, company, or business organization is a shareholder. Think is able to attract audiences to its production because of its creative, entertaining, and innovative approach, which allows it to spread its message effectively. The areas of its business are the production of audiovisual formats and new narratives in social networks, innovation in investigative journalism through fact-checking, and implementing an innovative line of research based on Artificial Intelligence protocols necessary for the fight against Fake News. Think Spain These presidential elections have not only affected the United States but also influenced the entire world. Given that the United States wields significant influence over other countries with a powerful military, a vast economy, and a leading role in international institutions, in conclusion, the United States has power, but with great power comes great responsibility. Within that power is the President of the United States of America, which brings an important decision for the citizens of the United States to make; the election of the President for the next four years. This choice was between Republican Donald Trump or Democrat Joe Biden; both candidates representing polarized ways of understanding domestic affairs and international relations. This new Think production will begin filming in the last quarter of the year and will be available on all major platforms worldwide. This investigative documentary series aims to educate and demonstrate the seriousness of both sides of politics in its original form. The documentary will show direct questions to the protagonists, denouncing smoke screens and Fake News to create a polarized environment between international politics, influential lobbies, and significant economic corporations. In a world where the power of technology makes it easily accessible to share thoughts and ideas with others around the world, it has become a question of thinking left or right, as well as "the polarization of countries and societies." In this context, we propose a series of investigative documentaries based on the latest racial conflicts and fake news due to the polarization of people and countries, promoted by political powers and large business corporations. The first confirmed episodes are: "Chain of favors" For the first few years, The Epoch Times was a small, low-budget newspaper that was handed out for free on New York street corners, but in 2016 it made changes that transformed it into one of the most influential digital media outlets in the country. Today, The Epoch Times is a force in right-wing media, with millions of social media followers spread across many pages and an online audience. The Epoch Times has also gained a growing influence in former President Trump's inner circle. Trump and has shared numerous articles from the newspaper on social media. Currently, its official Facebook profile has millions of followers. "The hand that rocks the cradle. Steve Bannon" The figure of Steve Bannon is a known quantity for the American people but a great unknown for the rest of the world. Even so, it would be impossible to understand the polarization that the world is suffering right now without him. In the 2016 presidential election to The White House, candidate Trump was 12 points behind the favorite candidate Hillary Clinton, with a simple phrase Bannon led the way to victory. Bannon is responsible for many of Mr. Trump's most controversial policies and statements and has supported far-right populism in European countries. One of Trump's last presidential orders before leaving the White House was a presidential pardon for his former right-hand man Steve Bannon. Bannon is now head of the WarRoom news site (2). There is more to come. Think will be innovatively explaining these topics. It isn't easy to distinguish the truth when there are tweaks in journalism, but this documentary will give you a chance to look at both sides of the story. Think will show you the reality. For more information, please contact: Angel Tapia [email protected] References: 1. Morris, Errol, director. American Dharma. 2. Steve Bannon's War Room: Pandemic, 12 July 2021, warroom.org. Related Images image1.jpeg SOURCE Think Spain PHILADELPHIA, July 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- As the nation continues to increase vaccination rates, Drs. Delana Wardlaw and Elana McDonald, known as the Twin Sister Doctors, today released a special report offering insightful strategies to combat COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, particularly in Black communities. Debunking Myths & Maximizing Participation: The COVID-19 Treatment In the report, "The COVID-19 Treatment: Debunking Myths & Maximizing Participation," the Twin Sister Doctors, who are African-American women who grew up in Philadelphia, urge federal, state and local governments to partner with community-based civic and social organizations to dispel years of distrust within the Black community about vaccines. The report, available for download on TheTwinSisterDoc.com focuses on "building trust and transparency through partnerships" to debunk these myths. The Twin Sister Doctors' major goals with this report are to build trust, achieve greater transparency and ultimately attract people to get the shot. They are encouraging federal, state and local government health officials to partner with local Black doctors, Historically Black Colleges and Universities, faith-based organizations, fraternities and sororities, civic organizations (e.g., NAACP, National Urban League and social organizations (Jack and Jill, Inc., The Links, Incorporated). "There isn't a day that passes where I'm not getting questions from my patients, friends and neighbors about some myth they've heard about the vaccine," said Dr. Wardlaw, who runs a clinic at Temple Health. "I spend a great deal of time letting these people know that they're not getting injected with trackers or drugs that will alter their DNA." Even as President Joseph Biden has opened up vaccines to everyone older than 16, a Kaiser Health News report shows that 25% of young adults, ages 18-29, and 24% of Black adults were most likely to fall into the "wait and see" group. The good news is that percentage of those in this "wait and see" group has dropped since December. The concerns about the Johnson & Johnson vaccine have deepened concerns about vaccine hesitancy. "We've got lots of work to do make sure everyone gets fully vaccinated," said Dr. McDonald, who runs several clinics in Philadelphia. "I fully understand many people's concerns, but I tell my patients and those who ask me, that we are going to be much healthier and safer when the majority of us are able to do all we can to prevent getting the coronavirus." Added Dr. McDonald, "Any number of these organizations work with individuals in cities in communities throughout the country. At the end of the day, my experience has been that there's a greater chance many people will get vaccinated when they get encouragement and facts from people who look like them." For interviews with The Twin Sister Doctors, contact Neil Foote, [email protected], 214.448.3765, and to learn more about them, go to TheTwinSisterDocs.com. Related Images the-twin-sister-docs.png The Twin Sister Docs Debunking Myths & Maximizing Participation: The COVID-19 Treatment SOURCE Twin Sister Docs The Rt Hon Kwasi Kwarteng MP, Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) visited the company's headquarters today to recognise this major expansion and to see at first hand the progress that has already been made. This year, the company, through its ST-40 spherical tokamak, is planning to be the first company in the world to achieve 100 million degrees Celsius temperature in a stable plasma, an essential cornerstone for economic fusion energy. The UK Government has already provided backing to the UK's efforts to deliver fusion through the ongoing STEP programme and has provided Tokamak Energy with 10m as part of its Advanced Modular Reactor (AMR) programme. This recruitment drive comes as the company continues to pioneer commercial fusion energy, which is clean, economic and globally deployable. Tokamak Energy is developing two technologies crucial for commercial fusion power high temperature superconductor (HTS) magnets and compact spherical tokamaks. Tokamak Energy is developing significant additional space at its Milton Park headquarters, as it accelerates its technological and commercial plans. This will enable further landmark achievements with the ST-40 in the future. Chris Kelsall, CEO of Tokamak Energy said: "We have the most advanced spherical tokamak in the world and we are a global leader in HTS magnets. We already combine world leading scientific, engineering, industrial and commercial capabilities under one roof. This expansion underpins our vision to pioneer commercial fusion energy, which is clean, economic and globally deployable. We will continue to attract the best talent here in the UK and globally, as we develop the fusion power plant of tomorrow, while commercialising the technology we have already developed." Business & Energy Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng said: "We need trailblazing companies like Tokamak Energy to harness the power of fusion and demonstrate its remarkable potential as a potentially limitless, clean and safe source of energy for the future. "It was fantastic to visit Tokamak Energy today to see first-hand how they are doubling down on their efforts to commercialise fusion, expand their site and create 160 new high-skilled jobs a massive boost to our plans to support the rapidly growing fusion supply chain across the UK and to cement our position as a global science superpower." The UK is a global center for the development of fusion, a new source of limitless clean, carbon free, safe and secure energy that will be essential for deep decarbonisation well before 2050. The plans announced today by Tokamak Energy are also set to benefit the rapidly growing UK fusion supply chain with over 200 companies already providing materials and technology. Notes to Editors About Tokamak Energy Tokamak Energy is a leading global commercial fusion energy company based near Oxford, UK. The company is developing the fusion power plant of tomorrow while commercialising the tech applications of today. Tokamak Energy is pursuing fusion through the combined development of spherical tokamaks along with high temperature superconducting (HTS) magnets. In the ST-40 fusion prototype, Tokamak Energy has developed the most advanced compact spherical tokamak in the world a key enabler of commercial fusion. Plans are underway for the ST-40 to operate at 100m degree plasma in 2021, which will be a key milestone for commercial fusion and the first privately funded fusion module to reach this landmark globally. Tokamak Energy received five US Department of Energy grants in 2020, creating partnerships with leading expertise in the US National Laboratory System. The company is partnering with Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory to develop the ST-40. It has also received a 10m grant from the UK Government as part of investment under the Advanced Modular Reactor (AMR) programme. Tokamak Energy is working with CERN, the European Organisation for Nuclear Research, on high temperature superconducting (HTS) magnets, in developing a proprietary technology that will scale to the large magnets necessary for fusion power modules. HTS magnets also have applications for particle accelerators, aerospace and for several other industrial sectors. The company, founded in 2009 as a spin-off from the Culham Center for Fusion Energy, currently employs a growing team of over 160 people with talent from the UK and experts from around the world. It combines world leading scientific, engineering, industrial and commercial capabilities. The company has more than 50 families of patent applications and has raised over 100m of private investment. Once realised, fusion energy will be clean, economic, and globally deployable a key enabler for meeting international climate policy goals. www.tokamakenergy.co.uk For press enquiries please contact: [email protected] +44 (0) 7767654070 [email protected] +44 (0) 7796885032 Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1439316/Tokamak_Energy_Logo.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1575307/Tokamak_Energy_Kwasi.jpg Related Links www.tokamakenergy.co.uk/ SOURCE Tokamak Energy WASHINGTON, July 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- NASA astronaut and former U.S. Marine Col. Doug Hurley is retiring from NASA after 21 years of service. His last day with the agency is July 16. "Doug Hurley is an exceptional astronaut whose leadership and expertise have been invaluable to NASA's space program," said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. "His impact on the agency transcends his impressive work in spaceflight, inspiring us to take on bold endeavors. I extend my deepest gratitude to Doug and wish him success in his next adventure." NASA astronaut Doug Hurley (Credits: SpaceX) Hurley's career highlights include 93 days in space on missions that include the final space shuttle flight and the first crewed flight of the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft. Hurley was spacecraft commander on the first crewed flight of the SpaceX Crew Dragon, which launched May 30, 2020, and safely returned to Earth Aug. 2, 2020. The flight was the fifth time in history that NASA astronauts have flown on a new U.S. spacecraft and marked a new era of human spaceflight, enabling crewed launches to the International Space Station from American soil on commercially built and owned spacecraft. As a space station crew member for 62 days, he and crewmate Bob Behnken contributed more than 100 hours supporting the orbiting laboratory's scientific investigations. "Doug Hurley is a national hero," said Reid Weisman, chief of the Astronaut Office at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. "He is a pioneer in human spaceflight who inspires the next generation. Doug made significant impacts everywhere he served at NASA. Our very best wishes for him, his family, and his future pursuits. We thank Doug for his service." Hurley joined NASA at Johnson in August 2000 as an astronaut candidate. On his first spaceflight, in 2009, Hurley was pilot for the STS-127 flight of space shuttle Endeavour, helping deliver and install the final two components of the International Space Station's Japanese Experiment Module, Kibo, and its Exposed Facility and Experiment Logistics Module. He flew again in 2011, as the pilot for STS135, which was the 33rd flight of space shuttle Atlantis, the 37th shuttle mission to the space station, and the 135th and final mission of NASA's Space Shuttle Program. "Doug brought experience and leadership vital to our continued success in human spaceflight. He shared his critical learning from his missions during many years in human spaceflight to a new team," said Kathy Lueders, associate administrator for human exploration and operations at NASA Headquarters. "Many of us know and love him as one of the dads on NASA's SpaceX Demo-2 test flight it's personal to fly a member of our NASA family, and important for the team working these missions always to keep in mind he and his family is in our hands." Through a variety of roles, Hurley also supported NASA astronauts on Earth. Following the completion of two years of training and evaluation, he was assigned technical duties in the Astronaut Office, which included lead astronaut support personnel at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, for space shuttle missions STS107 and STS121. He was shuttle landing and rollout instructor, served on the Columbia Reconstruction Team at Kennedy, and worked in the Astronaut Office's Exploration Branch in support of the Orion Program. He also was NASA's director of operations in Russia, based at the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, and assistant director for the Commercial Crew Program for the Flight Operations Directorate. "For 21 years, I've had the incredible honor of participating in the American space program and working alongside the extremely dedicated people of NASA. To have had a place in the assembly of the International Space Station, and the Space Shuttle Program including flying on its final mission, STS-135, has been a tremendous privilege," said Hurley. "To then have had the opportunity to be at the forefront of the Commercial Crew Program, specifically working with SpaceX, on to commanding the first flight of Crew Dragon, and finally, as a perfect end to my flying career, serving onboard the space station as a resident crew member. On personal level, there were many significant life moments, too, at NASA that have had their forever impact on me. The loss of my colleagues on space shuttle Columbia. And meeting my wife here and starting our family. It is truly humbling when reflecting back on it all." Hurley was born in Endicott, New York, but considers Apalachin, New York, his hometown. He graduated from Owego Free Academy, in Owego, New York, and received a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from Tulane University in New Orleans. SOURCE NASA Related Links http://www.nasa.gov NEW YORK, July 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of the securities of Ubiquiti Inc. (NYSE: UI) between January 11, 2021 and March 30, 2021, inclusive (the "Class Period"), of the important July 19, 2021 lead plaintiff deadline. SO WHAT: If you purchased Ubiquiti securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the Ubiquiti class action, go to http://www.rosenlegal.com/cases-register-2069.html or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] or [email protected] for information on the class action. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than July 19, 2021. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources or any meaningful peer recognition. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers. DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, defendants throughout the Class Period made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) Ubiquiti had downplayed the data breach in January 2021; (2) the attackers had obtained administrative access to Ubiquiti's servers and obtained access to, among other things, all databases, all user database credentials, and secrets required to forge single sign-on (SSO) cookies; (3) as a result, intruders already had credentials needed to remotely access Ubiquiti's customers' systems; and (4) as a result of the foregoing, defendants' positive statements about Ubiquiti's business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages. To join the Ubiquiti class action, go to http://www.rosenlegal.com/cases-register-2069.html or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] or [email protected] for information on the class action. No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm or on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Contact Information: Laurence Rosen, Esq. Phillip Kim, Esq. The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. 275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor New York, NY 10016 Tel: (212) 686-1060 Toll Free: (866) 767-3653 Fax: (212) 202-3827 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] www.rosenlegal.com SOURCE Rosen Law Firm, P.A. Related Links www.rosenlegal.com "At Vantage Health, we pride ourselves going the extra mile for patients' individual needs." Tweet this "At Vantage Health, we pride ourselves going the extra mile for patients' individual needs. With this new partnership, we'll be able to offer the full range of breast health services, from screening to surgery to treatment, at a lower cost. This is a win for patients in the New York City." shared Summer Sharaf CEO of Vantage Health. Maiden Lane Medical CEO Dr. Kenneth Levey added, "Providing high-quality, high-value care has been a passion of mine for years. I'm incredibly excited about this partnershipwe'll be able to lower costs and provide more comprehensive care to women requiring both breast cancer screening and treatment. My team and I are looking forward to working with the physicians at Vantage Health." Vantage Health positions community physicians to provide local, individualized, and compassionate care to patients at nine locations in New York City. With decades of combined experience in radiation oncology, medical oncology, surgery, urology, and hematology, Vantage Health's team includes award-winning physicians who are widely respected as innovative leaders in their fields. Maiden Lane Medical provides an integrated healthcare system focused on health maintenance, disease prevention, and treatment for patients with existing medical conditions. They're proud to provide a setting where physicians take the leading role in improving patient experience and outcomes. SOURCE Vantage Health The trip is intended to drive commercial collaboration between the U.S. and Spain, and will include visits with government officials, prominent corporate leaders, investors, and the media. Mr. Asuncion joins four other Spanish entrepreneurs on the multi-day trip, which will include meetings in and around New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco, and will take place from July 21 to July 23, 2021. "It is an honor and a privilege to have been selected by the cabinet of the President to participate in this momentous trip," commented Mr. Asuncion. "I am proud to join President Sanchez and the other Spanish entrepreneurs as we seek to raise awareness of the immense talent and enterprising spirit that exists in Spain, and to raise our country's profile as a leader in innovation and business." Founded in 2015, Wallbox is a vertically integrated provider of smart charging and energy management solutions for residential, semi-public and public use. The company has sold more than 100,000 units to-date and offers the only DC bidirectional charging unit for residential applications in the market. It has nine offices across three continents and sales across 67 countries, which includes its entry into the U.S. with the opening of its U.S. office earlier in 2021. In June, Wallbox and Kensington Capital Acquisition Corp. II ("Kensington") (NYSE:KCAC) announced a business combination that is expected to result in Wallbox becoming a publicly traded company on the NYSE under the ticker symbol "WBX" (see here for more information). "The U.S. market provides significant opportunities for Wallbox to grow its business," continued Mr. Asuncion. "Wallbox has seen very strong traction in the early months of offering our products in the U.S. Automotive electrification is on the cusp of inflection in the U.S., aided by President Biden's American Jobs Plan and its push to promote electric vehicles, particularly through charging infrastructure, and the push from OEMs to electrify their vehicle portfolio. In the coming months, we look forward to finalizing our plans for our first North American facility in the U.S., which as we've noted in the past, is expected to open in the third quarter of 2022. I very much look forward to this trip, and would like to thank President Sanchez for giving me the opportunity to join him and my esteemed colleagues on this visit to the U.S." About Wallbox Wallbox is a global company, dedicated to changing the way the world uses energy in the electric vehicle industry. Wallbox creates smart charging systems that combine innovative technology with outstanding design and manage the communication between vehicle, grid, building and charger. Wallbox offers a complete portfolio of charging and energy management solutions for residential, semi-public and public use in more than 60 countries. Founded in 2015, with headquarters in Barcelona, Wallbox's mission is to facilitate the adoption of electric vehicles today to make more sustainable use of energy tomorrow. The company employs over 500 people in Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Wallbox and Kensington announced a business combination in June 2021 that is expected to result in Wallbox becoming a publicly traded company on the NYSE under the ticker symbol "WBX". For additional information, please visit www.wallbox.com. About Kensington Kensington Capital Acquisition Corp. II (NYSE: KCAC) is a special purpose acquisition company formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, stock purchase or similar business combination with a business in the automotive and automotive-related sector. The company is sponsored by Kensington Capital Partners ("KCP") and the management team of Justin Mirro, Bob Remenar, Simon Boag and Dan Huber. The company is also supported by a board of independent directors including Tom LaSorda, Nicole Nason, Anders Pettersson, Mitch Quain, Don Runkle and Matt Simoncini. The Kensington team has completed over 70 automotive transactions and has over 300 years of combined experience leading some of the largest automotive companies in the world. For additional information, please visit www.autospac.com. Additional Information This communication is being made in respect of the proposed transaction involving Wallbox Chargers, S.L. ("Wallbox"), Wallbox B.V. and Kensington Capital Acquisition Corp. II ("Kensington"). This communication does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or a solicitation of any vote or approval, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such jurisdiction. In connection with the proposed transaction, Wallbox B.V. will file with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") a registration statement on Form F-4 that will include a proxy statement of Kensington in connection with Kensington's solicitation of proxies for the vote by Kensington's shareholders with respect to the proposed transaction and other matters as may be described in the registration statement. Wallbox and Kensington also plan to file other documents with the SEC regarding the proposed transaction and a proxy statement/prospectus will be mailed to holders of shares of Kensington's Class A ordinary shares. BEFORE MAKING ANY VOTING OR INVESTMENT DECISION, INVESTORS ARE URGED TO READ THE FORM F-4 AND THE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS REGARDING THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS CAREFULLY IN THEIR ENTIRETY WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION. The proxy statement/prospectus, as well as other filings containing information about Wallbox and Kensington will be available without charge at the SEC's Internet site (http://www.sec.gov). Copies of the proxy statement/prospectus can also be obtained, when available, without charge, from Wallbox's website at www.wallbox.com. Copies of the proxy statement/prospectus can be obtained, when available, without charge, from Kensington's website at www.autospac.com. Participants in the Solicitations Wallbox, Wallbox B.V., Kensington 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 solicitation of proxies from Kensington's shareholders in connection with the proposed transaction. You can find more information about Kensington's directors and executive officers in Kensington's final prospectus dated February 25, 2021 and filed with the SEC on February 26, 2021. Additional information regarding the participants in the proxy solicitation and a description of their direct and indirect interests will be included in the proxy statement/prospectus when it becomes available. Shareholders, potential investors and other interested persons should read the proxy statement/prospectus carefully when it becomes available before making any voting or investment decisions. You may obtain free copies of these documents from the sources indicated above. No Offer or Solicitation This communication does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, or a solicitation of any vote or approval, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offering of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of section 10 of the Securities Act, or an exemption therefrom. Caution About Forward-Looking Statements The information in this press release includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements, other than statements of present or historical fact included in this press release, regarding Kensington's proposed business combination with Wallbox, Kensington's ability to consummate the transaction, the development and performance of Wallbox's products (including the timeframe for development of such products), the benefits of the transaction and the combined company's future financial performance, as well as the combined company's strategy, future operations, estimated financial position, estimated revenues and losses, projected costs, prospects, plans and objectives of management are forward-looking statements. When used in this press release, the words "are designed to," "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, Wallbox disclaims 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 hereof. Wallbox cautions 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 Kensington or Wallbox. In addition, Wallbox cautions you that the forward-looking statements contained herein are subject to the following uncertainties and risk factors that could affect Wallbox's and Kensington's future performance and cause results to differ from the forward-looking statements herein: Wallbox's ability to realize the anticipated benefits of the business combination, which may be affected by, among other things, competition and the ability of Wallbox to grow and manage growth profitably following the business combination; risks relating to the outcome and timing of the Company's development of its charging and energy management technology and related manufacturing processes; intense competition in the electric vehicle charging space; risks related to health pandemics, including the COVID-19 pandemic; the possibility that Wallbox may be adversely affected by other economic, business, and/or competitive factors; the possibility that the expected timeframe for, and other expectations regarding the development and performance of, Wallbox products will differ from current assumptions; the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the business combination; the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against Kensington or Wallbox, the combined company or others following the announcement of the business combination; the inability to complete the business combination due to the failure to obtain approval of the shareholders of Kensington or to satisfy other conditions to closing; changes to the proposed structure of the business combination that may be required or appropriate as a result of applicable laws or regulations; the ability to meet stock exchange listing standards following the consummation of the business combination; the risk that the business combination disrupts current plans and operations of Kensington or Wallbox as a result of the announcement and consummation of the business combination; costs related to the business combination; changes in applicable laws or regulations; and underlying assumptions with respect to shareholder redemptions. Should one or more of the risks or uncertainties described in this press release, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results and plans could different materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. Additional information concerning these and other factors that may impact the operations and projections discussed herein can be found in Kensington's periodic filings with the SEC, and the proxy statement/prospectus of Wallbox B.V. in the registration statement on Form F-4 filed with the SEC. Kensington's and Wallbox B.V.'s SEC filings are available publicly on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. Contacts: For Wallbox Investors ICR, Inc. [email protected] Media ICR, Inc. [email protected] For Kensington Dan Huber [email protected] 703-674-6514 Related Links: www.wallbox.com www.autospac.com SOURCE Kensington Capital Acquisition Corp. II Related Links http://www.autospac.com His win in the Aesthetic and Cosmetic Medicine Awards is the most recent accolade of many earned by Dr. Bauman. A full-time hair restoration physician and hair transplant surgeon, he is one of only some 200 physicians worldwide to achieve certification from the American and International Board of Hair Restoration Surgery. He is the first-ever hair transplant surgeon to be formally accepted as an Intercoiffure America Industry Partner, and amongst the elite surgeons accepted by the International Alliance of Hair Restoration Surgeons. "For almost 25 years, I have devoted my practice to pioneering hair restoration procedures that improve the lives of those struggling with hair loss. This is our mission, and the driving force of Bauman Medical. I'm honored and humbled to be recognized as a five time '#1 Top Hair Restoration Surgeon' & 'Top Hair Restoration Surgeon of the Decade,' in the Aesthetic Everything Awards. I could not have achieved these goals without the devotion and support of my entire team at Bauman Medical. I wish to dedicate these awards to the 30,000 plus patients that have put their trust in me; they are the true inspiration for my work," stated Dr. Bauman. Dr. Bauman founded Bauman Medical in 1997, a 12,000 sq ft "Hair Hospital" in Boca Raton, Florida. He is known for pioneering numerous technologies in the field of hair restoration, including minimally-invasive FUE Follicular Unit Extraction, VIP|FUETM No-Shave Hair Transplant, Low-Level Laser Therapy, PRP Platelet Rich Plasma, PDOgro, Eyelash Transplants and others. Dr. Bauman's compassionate, patient-oriented philosophy and individualized artistic approach to protecting, enhancing, and restoring the health and appearance of the hair and scalp has provided life-changing solutions for thousands of patients. He has treated over 30,000 patients, performed over 10,000 hair transplant procedures, and administered over 8,000 PRP treatments. To learn more about Dr. Bauman and Bauman Medical, visit https://www.baumanmedical.com Media Contact: [email protected] 786-909-2873 About Aesthetic Everything Aesthetic Everything is the largest network of aesthetic professionals in the world, a promotion source to the aesthetics industry. Contact Vanessa Florez: [email protected]. SOURCE Aesthetic Everything Related Links https://aestheticeverything.com MILBRIDGE, Maine, July 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- As consumer demand increases for nutritious and delicious wild blueberries, and with the annual harvest fast approaching, Jasper Wyman & Son (Wyman's) announced today that it is expanding its wild blueberry supply and freezing operations. On July 15, Wyman's acquired the wild blueberry assets of Ellsworth-based Allen's Blueberry Freezer which includes 2,800 acres of wild blueberry land, substantial freezing capacity, and more than 50,000 square feet of cold storage. "Roy Allen and his team have been strong leaders in the wild blueberry industry for decades and they've built an excellent team that we're excited to welcome into the Wyman's family," said Tony Shurman, President and CEO of Wyman's. "When evaluating this opportunity for our company, Wyman's was a logical choice," said Roy Allen. "The company would be in the hands of good people, who live and work in Maine, treat their employees well, care about Maine's wild blueberry heritage and its industry, and who have a business that is poised for continued growth. Wyman's checked all the boxes for us." Increased Demand Brightens Outlook for Maine's Wild Blueberry Industry Wyman's, a family-owned business founded in Milbridge in 1874, has seen a significant increase in demand in recent years. As consumers have discovered the health and taste benefits of wild blueberries, which are featured prominently in the company's range of offerings, Wyman's has grown to become the leading brand of frozen fruit in America, and also has a strong position in the ingredient and food service channels. To support this growth, the company has made significant moves to increase supply, adding millions of pounds of wild blueberries through new agreements with top quality growersand now acquiring the wild blueberry assets of Allen's. Shurman believes significant upside remains for the industry as a whole, noting that "wild blueberries have undeniable and meaningful benefits over ordinary blueberries that most of the world has yet to discover." With a strong market outlook, the company continues to seek good opportunities to increase supply for the long term. Shurman concludes, "we're fortunate to harvest this remarkable berry and to have excellent partnerships in our efforts to share it with consumers far and wide." About Wyman's Based in Milbridge, Maine, Wyman's was founded by Jasper Wyman in 1874 and is still family-owned by his descendants. Wyman's is on a mission to help the world eat more fruit. The company is one of the leading growers, processors and marketers of wild blueberries in the world and delivers the product in many forms in addition to frozen as juice, powder and dried. Wyman's sells into a variety of channels including Retail, Ingredient, and Food Service. Its newest innovation is Just Fruit cups which provides a convenient way to increase one's fruit intake. In 2020, Wyman's became the number #1 brand of frozen fruit in the country. Learn more at wymans.com. Media Contact: Kelsey Matheson [email protected] 207-798-1598 SOURCE Jasper Wyman & Son (Wyman's) Related Links http://wymans.com SHANGHAI, July 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- ZTO Express (Cayman) Inc. (NYSE: ZTO and HKEX: 2057) ("ZTO" or the "Company"), a leading and fast-growing express delivery company in China, today announced that it will release its unaudited financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2021, after the U.S. markets closes on August 18, 2021. ZTO's management team will host an earnings conference call at 8:30 P.M. U.S. Eastern Time on Wednesday, August 18, 2021, which is 8:30 A.M. Beijing Time on Thursday, August 19, 2021. Dial-in details for the earnings conference call are as follows: United States: 1-888-317-6003 Hong Kong: 852-5808-1995 Singapore: 800-120-5863 Mainland China: 4001-206-115 International: 1-412-317-6061 Passcode: 4725527 A replay of the conference call may be accessible through August 25, 2021 by dialing the following numbers: United States: 1-877-344-7529 International: 1-412-317-0088 Canada: 855-669-9658 Passcode: 10158503 A live and archived webcast of the conference call will also be available at the Company's investor relations website at http://zto.investorroom.com . About ZTO Express (Cayman) Inc. ZTO Express (Cayman) Inc. (NYSE: ZTO and HKEX: 2057) ("ZTO" or the "Company") is a leading and fast-growing express delivery company in China. ZTO provides express delivery service as well as other value-added logistics services through its extensive and reliable nationwide network coverage in China. ZTO operates a highly scalable network partner model, which the Company believes is best suited to support the significant growth of e-commerce in China. The Company leverages its network partners to provide pickup and last-mile delivery services, while controlling the mission-critical line-haul transportation and sorting network within the express delivery service value chain. For more information, please visit http://zto.investorroom.com . For investor and media inquiries, please contact: Investor Relations Tel: (86) 21 5980 4508 Email: [email protected] Media Tel: (86) 21 3108 0370 Email: [email protected] SOURCE ZTO Express (Cayman) Inc. A look at some of today's main headlines from the Proactive newswire PLC ( ), the buy-and-build construction materials group, has conditionally agreed to Nordkalk, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Rettig Group, for 042mln. ( ) said it has won its first contract with a private business for its Bleepa clinical communications technology. The contract is with the equine arm of the veterinarian group CVS, covering 20 surgeries. No financial details were given. ( ) said it has signed an earn-in agreement through which it may acquire two lithium pegmatite exploration properties in Canada. Under the deal, the company said it may earn in a 100% interest in the Authier North and Duval East properties located in the prolific Val DOr mining camp in Quebec. ( ) has appointed its chief operating officer, Dr Tim Franklin to the board. ( ) projected a 50% plus upgrade in the resource at one of the sections on its Talitha project in Alaska. (LON: ECR) said Stephen Clayson, a long-standing consultant and former ECR CEO and director until August 2016, has resigned with immediate effect. Experienced mining executives Phil Montgomery and Peter Finnimore have been appointed non-executive directors, effective immediately, with the new board structure comprising three independent non-executive directors. The company is also improving corporate governance by separating the role of chairman and CEO. ( ) (FRA:N6D) has appointed two new non-executive directors to its board reflecting the completion of debt and companion equity funding for the construction of the Lindi Jumbo Graphite Mine in Tanzania. The company believes the appointment of Phil Montgomery and Peter Finnimore as non-executive directors is pivotal to the execution of the next phase of its development, bolstering the depth and breadth of skills. With the Lindi Jumbo Mine fully funded and only pending final shareholder approval, the company has a pointed focus on transforming and structuring the operating and governance foundations for future production and growth. New chief operating officer Allan Mulligan will step down from the board with immediate effect to focus on the delivery of Lindi Jumbo in his new role as chief operating officer. Walkabout chairman Mike Elliott said: We are deeply appreciative of the outstanding contribution that Allan has made over the years since the companys formation. Setting up for exciting future Elliott said: Both Peter and Phil are excellent additions to the Walkabout board, setting the company up for an exciting future as a graphite producer and restoring a balance of majority independent directors as foreshadowed by the company in December 2018. Other improvements to corporate governance separate the role of chairman and CEO. Going forward, board sub-committees will be entirely comprised of non-executive directors. Mr Montgomery will assume chairmanship of the Audit & Risk Committee and Mr Finnimore will assume the chairmanship of the Remuneration & Nominations Committee. Montgomerys expertise Montgomery has extensive global experience with a strong pedigree in major project delivery. As an executive at BHP Group Ltd (ASX:BHP) (NYSE:BHP) ( ) and its predecessor organisations, he was responsible for quadrupling output in the WA Iron Ore Division. At BHP, Montgomery held the roles of global head of group project management and vice president-projects leading the Jansen Potash Project in Saskatchewan. He has experience in developing projects in Mozambique, the DRC, South Africa and Colombia, and is well-positioned to oversee the managing of risk and challenges during the construction and commissioning of the Lindi Jumbo Graphite Mine. Montgomery has a Bachelor of Science (Mechanical Engineering & Business Management) Degree from Oxford Brookes University and is a member of the Institute of Company Directors. He is currently working as a non-executive director at ( ) ( ) and Societe des Mines de Fer de Guinee. Elliott said: Phil will bring to the board his commercial acumen, strategic thinking, project delivery, African and international commercial experience in charting the exciting future for Walkabout as we come into production. Finnimores experience Finnimore is a sales and marketing executive with 20 years of experience in the mining and metals sector with majors such as ( ), Rusal, BHP Group Ltd and South32 Ltd (ASX:S32) ( ). Before joining Walkabout, he was working with South32 as a chief marketing officer and chief commercial officer, with a remit including global sales & procurement, logistics, risk management, technical marketing, industry and commodity analysis and product development. He has spent the majority of his executive career working and living abroad in countries including Japan, Russia, Holland, Singapore, Cyprus and Switzerland. Finnimore has a Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Laws from the University of Queensland and is a member of the Institute of Company Directors. He has previously served as a director of both the International Aluminium Institute and the International Nickel Institute. Elliott said: Peter has extensive global experience in sales and marketing across the resources sector and will make significant contributions in relation to the execution of Walkabouts strategy and growth. New board structure The new board structure will comprise three independent non-executive directors. Elliott said: The appointments of Phil and Peter are the result of our rigorous and structured board renewal process to improve governance, which continuously assesses the attributes, skills, experience, diversity and tenure necessary for the board to govern Walkabout effectively over the long-term." Chamaajnagar : , July 16 (IANS) A 40-year-old female elephant died of electrocution at Alathuru village, in Gundlupet taluk, Chamarajanagar district, on Thursday. According to the Forest Department, the wild elephant died when it tried to enter a local farmer Jagannath's field that had sown groundnuts. The official said that the farmer had illegally supplied power to the fence to prevent the wild boars from straying into his field and destroying his crop. "This female elephant that came in contact with this live wire and died of electrocution," the official told reporters. The village comes under Omkar forest range, within Bandipur Tiger Reserve limits. The Forest department officers have visited the spot and booked a case against the landowner, who is absconding after news of elephant's death spread. Apart from the forest department, a team of officials from the Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation Limited (CESC Mysore) and police too have visited the spot and booked cases against the farmer. According to a data compiled by NGO Wildlife Protection Society of India (WPSI) in 2020, around 1,300 wild animals had been electrocuted across India due to deliberate and accidental electrocution between 2010 and 2020. Srinagar, July 16 : An encounter has started between terrorists and security at Alamdar colony, Danmar area of Srinagar in the early hours of Friday, officials said. "Encounter has started at Alamdar Colony, Danmar area of Srinagar. 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. New York, July 16 : US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy tore into dominant technology companies for enabling Covid-19 misinformation and urged them to redesign their recommendation algorithms and construct built-in "frictions" to slow the spread of "poison" on online social platforms. "Modern technology companies have enabled misinformation to poison our information environment with little accountability to their users", Murthy said at a White House briefing on Thursday. "We are asking them to step up, we can't wait longer for them to take aggressive action." Murthy on Thursday released a 22-page advisory highlighting a string of false claims that have driven people away from vaccines at a time when the pace of Covid-19 vaccinations has slowed throughout the US. Murthy's advisory lists recommendations across eight stakeholder groups. It calls on teachers to focus on media literacy, it asks journalists to debunk health misinformation without spreading it further. Murthy asks doctors to "listen with empathy, and when possible, correct misinformation in personalized ways." "Misinformation poses an imminent and insidious threat to our nation's health," Murthy said. "We must confront misinformation as a nation. Lives are depending on it." Striking a personal note, Murthy said he is "concerned" as a father of two young children who aren't yet eligible for the vaccine. Murthy said he has lost 10 family members to Covid-19 and wishes "each and every day" that they had had the opportunity to get vaccinated. Murthy is calling for a national effort across tech companies, health care workers, journalists and everyday Americans to do more to address an "urgent threat" to public health. The US has one of the highest vaccination rates in the world and yet, new Covid-19 infections have doubled over the past two weeks. CNN reported on Thursday that cases are rising in 47 states.ALos Angeles County, the most populous county in the US, reported its fifth straight day this week of more than 1,000 new cases. The US continues to have the world's highest Covid-19 toll. The virus has killed more than 608,000 in this country alone since it first arrived on the West Coast in January 2020. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Bogota, July 16 : Colombian authorities announced that they were investigating three more citizens, including a former police officer, over their alleged involvement in the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise. During a press conference on THursday, Director of the Colombian Police Jorge Luis Vargas said that apparently former military officers German Rivera and Duberney Capador knew more details of the plan to assassinate the Haitian president, reports Xinhua news agency. "We have three Colombian citizens who are being sought at the moment, who had been in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. We are in the process of fully identifying them," he said. The police chief also said that the three fugitives indicated to the rest of the Colombian former military personnel that the mission was to arrest Moise. "According to the information handled in Haiti, Capador and Rivera were the people who planned and organised the alleged arrest operation," Vargas said. The Haitian President was assassinated on July 7 at his residence by a commando of mercenaries. At least 28 people participated in the murder of the Haitian President, including 26 Colombians and two Haitian Americans. Bengaluru, July 16 : Eight cases of RT-PCR test reports showing negative and CT scan reports confirming Covid symptoms at the government-run Jayanagar General Hospital, have become a cause of worry for the health authorities. The experts stress the need of genomic sequencing of these patients to check if they are affected by a different variant. The development took place in the last week and two of the eight patients have died giving a serious turn to the issue. The hospital authorities have admitted it was a matter of serious concern, considering that there is little pressure on them after Covid second wave subsided in the city. However, Dr C.N. Manjunath, nodal officer for lab and testing maintained that this will happen with 5 to 8 per cent of cases across the state. People who have negative RT-PCR tests but show Covid infection symptoms in the CT scan examination will still be treated as Covid-19 patients, he added. The hospitals are recommending patients having Covid symptoms despite negative reports to undergo CT scan test. The quality of the test kits also matters in this regard, experts say. However, false negative reports on Covid infection have become a cause of worry for the people. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) Agra, July 16 : A probe has been ordered into a video clip that shows some members in a Samajwadi Party rally raising pro-Pakistan slogans during a protest rally. The slogans were raised when party leaders and workers were returning after a protest rally against the BJP government on Thursday. In the video, one man in a red shirt can be heard raising 'Pakistan zindabad' slogans. Agra Superintendent of Police Botre Rohan Pramod said that they were apprised of the matter and a probe was underway. "We are checking the veracity of the video and also trying to identify the person who raised the slogans. Necessary action will be taken after the investigations are complete," he said. The Samajwadi Party had organized statewide protests on Thursday against alleged rigging in the recently concluded Panchayat election in the state. Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party Agra district president Wajid Nisar has alleged that one person raised this slogan to malign the party's image and he has also filed a written complaint with the police and urged strict legal action against the accused. The person has been identified as Pankaj Singh, but he has denied the charge saying he only raised slogans of Mulayam Singh, Akhilesh Yadav and the Samajwadi Party. "I am a Thakur. Why would I raise Pakistan Zindabad slogans?" he said. July 16 : Akshay Kumar is keen on taking acting classes for aspiring students. On Thursday, the actor took to his Instagram handle and announced that he will conduct a masterclass in acting for the aspiring actors. Taking to Instagram, Akshay posted a video, wherein he talked about his process of acting and said when he was an aspiring actor, he did not get the opportunity to formally learn the craft. Times have changed now, he said. When I was an aspiring actor, we never had opportunities to formally learn the ropes. Times have changed. You can now attend my professional masterclass and draw lessons from my 30 yr journey of some success and loads of pitfalls :) Right here, on @socialswagworld, the actor wrote on Instagram. Am I method actor, he asked in the video, as he added. "as long as I have understood each character perfectly well, it doesn't take me much time to move from one character to another." Akshay said he follows his own method in acting and added that for his roles, he draws inspiration from characters in real life. "Through this session, I would like to share with you my learning from my 30 years of experience in Indian cinema, with full honesty and sincerity," the actor said in the video. Meanwhile, on the work front, the actor is currently working on his film Raksha Bandhan, which also stars Bhumi Pednekar and Nushrratt Bharuccha. He had gained 5 kgs for his role in the film. "I quite enjoy the process of losing or gaining weight for a character because I am able to do it in a healthy way. I have gained 5 kg in a totally natural process," he had said recently. Besides Raksha Bandhan, Akshay has Sooryavanshi, Prithviraj, Bell Bottom, Ram Setu and Bachchan Pandey in the pipeline. Miami, July 16 : The confirmed death toll in the partial collapse of a 12-storey residential building in Surfside, Florida, has increased to 97 as the search for more victims in the rubble was nearing the end, local authorities said. In the weeks-long search, 240 people are accounted for, 97 victims have been recovered, 90 of which have been identified and 88 next of kin have been notified, Xinhua news agency quoted a statement released by the Miami-Dade County on Thursday as saying. Eight people are potentially unaccounted for, all of whom have open missing persons reports with the Miami-Dade Police Department. Speaking of the rescue crews, Alvaro Zabaleta, a Miami-Dade police spokesman, said on Thursday: "They're almost at the bottom to be able to say, we've reached rock bottom, we've searched every inch of this property and that's when we say, 'Okay, we're done'." Zabaleta said the search for any other possible victims would continue, adding it remained unclear how long the process may last. The New York Times reported on Tuesday that as the search-and-recovery mission is approaching its conclusion, officials expect the final number of the deceased to reach up to 99, shy of a tally of over 100 that was previously feared. The Champlain Towers South, a beach-side condominium, partially collapsed in the early morning of June 24. One of the deadliest building collapses in US history, the disaster was followed by painstaking rescue efforts that shifted to recovery a week ago. No survivors have been found since the early hours after the collapse. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text July 16 : Kangana Ranaut and Arjun Rampal are currently in Budapest where they are shooting for their upcoming film Dhaakad. While Kangana recently joined the team after her passport was renewed, Arjun was vacationing there with his family before the shoot. Now Arjun has finally wrapped up his schedule for the film. Sharing a photo of Arjun, Kangana posted,"It's a film wrap for our baddy @rampal72 . Will miss you on the sets #Dhaakad Arjun too shared a post on his instagram and wrote,"Brother in Arms, What a pleasure @razylivingtheblues what an experience. Thank you Kiddo. Love and till we meet again. #dhaakad. Before heading to Budapest for the shoot, Arjun was seen sporting a platinum blonde look. His fans were surprised to see him in his new avatar. This look for the film has left his fans quite excited. Film Dhaakad is a spy thriller film which is being directed by Rajneesh Ghai.Kangana will be seen as Agent Agni in the film. The film also stars Arjun Rampal, Divya Dutta and Sharib Hashmi. The film is based on serious issues like child trafficking and crime against women. Meanwhile, Arjun has a list of films in his kitty. He will be seen in 'The Battle of Bhima Koregaon' which is a period war drama film where he will be seen playing the role of Sidnak Mahar Inamdar. He will also be seen in the film 'Nastik'. He will also be seen in Abbas Mustan's web show 'Penthouse' which will premiere on Netflix soon. Lucknow, July 16 : The students of Classes 9 to 12 in Uttar Pradesh government schools will take more tests in the coming session. The state government has decided to hold quarterly tests, apart from monthly and half-yearly examinations in schools recognised by the UP Secondary Education Board. The quarterly test, as per the 2021-22 academic calendar, is scheduled for the second half of September. Meanwhile, for the first time, the secondary education department has asked all schools to feed marks obtained by students in each test, right from monthly to quarterly, internal assessments, pre-boards, and annual, on the board's online portal. The data feeding exercise will begin from Class 9 itself. Till now, no marks of Class 9 and pre-board examinations of Class 10 and 12 were kept with the schools. The new arrangement, said officials, will help in the timely declaration of results. "In an unprecedented situation such as Covid which forced cancellation of board exams, we have to rely on secondary data to devise a marking formula. The data collection exercise is time-taking. Now, the board will have marks of students in all examinations they appeared in," said an official. Schools have also been instructed to upload the marks for the quarterly test by October second week. For Classes 9 and 10, internal tests of 10 marks each will be held in August, October, and January. All schools have to upload the assessment marks by month-end. Half-yearly examinations are to be held in mid-December, and marks are to be uploaded in January. Pre-boards will be held in the first half of February and annual examinations for Classes 9 and 11 in the second half of February. All these will be part of the assessment model in the absence of board examinations. However, marks for monthly tests will not be added to the final result. Bringing in changes in examination pattern for Class 9, the board has divided the question paper into two parts: multiple-choice questions and descriptive. Like the previous year, the board has reduced the syllabus by 30 per cent. The department has also fixed dates for completing the syllabus. Kabul, July 16 : The governor of Afghanistan's Badghis province and the Taliban have agreed to an unofficial ceasefire to end fighting in the provincial capital of Qala-e-Naw city. "From 10 a.m. today (Thursday), a ceasefire came into effect between Security and Defense Forces and the Taliban group in the provincial capital Qala-e-Naw city," Governor Hasamudin Shams told Xinhua news agency. However, governor Shams said no written agreement on the ceasefire had been inked and the truce is informal. "The truce came into effect with the mediation of the elders of Qala-e-Naw city, and I am hopeful the Taliban remain committed to the verbal agreement," the governor added. Aimed at ending the conflict, the verbal agreement has no timetable, the official said, adding that he is hopeful the truce could turned into a permanent ceasefire. This is the first time that a provincial government and the Taliban have agreed on a ceasefire amid the militant group's advances and capturing more than 120 districts after the start of withdrawal of the US forces from Afghanistan early May. Taliban militants now control all the districts in Badghis province, while continuing their attempts to overrun Qala-e-Naw since the past one week. The ceasefire comes amid the Taliban's demand for the release of 7,000 prisoners from Afghan government jails and delisting the names of their leaders from the UN black list as the precondition for observing a three-month ceasefire with the government. First Vice President Amrullah Saleh had earlier rejected the demand, saying the government has released more than 5,000 Taliban detainees as a goodwill gesture to encourage the group for a meaningful dialogue. But the dialogue process has been in limbo since September 12 last year. Cape Town, July 16 : Authorities in South Africa's Western Cape province have reassured the public over their safety, as information on threats to various malls emerged amid the ongoing unrest in the country. The unrest concentrated in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal provinces has so claimed 72 lives, reports Xinhua news agency. In an update on Thursday, the Western Cape government said that messages, including those with official letterheads, going around about alleged threats to various malls in Cape Town and elsewhere in the province are "early warnings" and "are no cause for alarm", as they are pre-emptive risk mitigation measures. "High-risk areas have been identified and contingency measures are already in place to address every situation that may come up," it said. The update added that there was "no major concern" at the current stage over the information circulated on social media that its seven malls are targeted, with no need for malls to close. Hundreds of shops and businesses were looted in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal during the unrest, triggered by the imprisonment of former President Jacob Zuma, with roads being blocked, properties and vehicles damaged and burned. The unrest, which may "have its roots in the pronouncements and activities of individuals with a political purpose and in expressions of frustration and anger", has become "opportunistic acts of criminality", with groups of people instigating chaos merely as a cover for looting and theft, President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Monday. No grievance, nor any political cause, can justify the violence and destruction in the two provinces, he said. Zuma, who was sentenced to 15 months in prison after being convicted of defying the Constitutional Court's order which compelled him to appear and give evidence at the State Capture Commission in February, has challenged the sentence and is waiting for the judgment. Durban, July 16 : Indian-origin residents in South Africa have organised armed groups to defend their families and businesses following the ongoing mob violence in the country since July 7. "We are forced to buy weapons and organise defence groups to protect our neighbourhoods. We are successful in business and professions and many locals are jealous of us. They just wanted an opportunity to loot us," said doctor Pritam Naidu (name changed for security reasons) from Durban, a city that is home to one million Indian-origin residents. Naidu said the local police has just been spectators and in some cases even joined the "loot-all, burn-all" mobs, who asked the Indians to leave. "We are here for several generations. Now some Zulu vigilantes are asking us to leave saying this is not your country," said Rajesh Patel, who runs a chain of grocery stores in Gauteng, one of the two worst affected provinces along with KwaZulu Natal (KZN). In Durban alone, 50,000 businesses, mostly owned by Indian-origin people, have been destroyed. Losses are estimated to be around 16 billion Rands, said Zanele Khomo of the Durban Chamber of Commerce. The South African government said Thursday night the army has been deployed in the violence-hit areas and reservists have been called up. It admitted that 117 persons, mostly Indian-origin people, have died in the violence. It claimed normalcy is returning to Johannesburg, but the situation was still tense in Durban. "We will shoot to kill if the mobs come again," said trader Joseph Kamath (name changed). "They pillaged our localities, our shops and malls were destroyed, but if they come for our houses now, we will fight and die to preserve family honour," he told IANS over messaging apps. South Africa is in a state of chaos and unrest ever since the arrest of former President Jacob Zuma on July 7. Zuma, once known for his fight against apartheid, was imprisoned in the Estcourt Correctional Centre for 15 months for disobeying court orders. He did not testify before the judicial commission that was investigating accusations of corruption against him between 2009-2018. Several South Africans hit the streets to protest against the incarceration of Zuma and soon, those demonstrations turned violent against Indian-origin people. Images and videos of rampant arson, shooting and loot emerged as the violence engulfed the streets of Gauteng and KZN provinces. Interestingly, two-thirds of the 1.4 million strong Indian-origin population of South Africa lives and works in KZN, mostly in Durban. Some images also show how Indians had armed themselves to defend themselves and their property. They are organising neighbourhood watches and night patrols, fully armed and equipped with walkie-talkies. As the violence continued unabated, South Africans took to Twitter to attack the Indian community, specially the Gupta Brothers, long blamed for corruption with Zuma's backing. A South African man was found inciting violence through a tweet, asking his brothers to remember how "Jacob Zuma sold the country to Indian Monopoly Capital". The picture that accompanied this tweet was of the Gupta Brothers. The Gupta brothers, Ajay, Atul, and Rajesh, as well as Atul's nephews Varun and US-based Ashish and Amol, are a family that hails from Uttar Pradesh, Saharanpur. They migrated to South Africa only in 1993. Atul founded Sahara Computers, the family's first business in South Africa. Now, with a net worth of over $10 billion, the Gupta brothers own coal mines, computers, newspapers, and other media outlets. "They have siphoned billions out of the country and caused huge losses to government treausury by striking under-hand deals with Zuma and other politicians. Now the entire community is being targeted, equated with the corrupt Guptas," said an Indian-origin journalist on the condition of anonymity. Indians have often been targeted in African countries and reasons have been concocted out of thin air to justify the violence. Dictator Idi Amin had expelled thousands of Indians from Uganda in August 1972. Amin said he wanted to extract a pound of flesh from the British for not giving him arms to invade Tanzania. But the racist Amin perhaps wanted a convenient scapegoat to distract people from his own misdeeds. Indian settlers have faced similar violence in the Pacific island nation of Fiji. Jakarta, July 16 : Indonesia's Food and Drug Authority (BPOM) has issued an emergency use authorization (EUA) for the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine amid a spike in cases as the more contagious Delta variant is spreading in the country, an official said. "BPOM has issued the EUA for the vaccine produced by Pfizer and BioNTech with the mRNA platform," Xinhua news agency quoted the Authority's head Penny K. Lukito as saying at a virtual press conference on Thursday. Indonesia has an agreement to procure 50 million doses of Pfizer vaccine throughout 2021. The country has so far given EUA approvals to five Covid-19 vaccine producers, namely Sinovac, Sinopharm, Pfizer, Moderna and AstraZeneca. Indonesia recorded on Thursday 56,757 new cases, the highest since the pandemic hit the country for the first time in March last year, bringing the total tally to 2,726,803. The death toll stood at 69,210. July 16 : Ranbir Kapoor and Shraddha Kapoor have got their bags packed and jetted off to Delhi on Tuesday to resume shooting for Luv Ranjan's next. The film, which is yet to be titled, went to floors in January this year, in Noida. While the second schedule was slated to start in June, it could not take off due to the second wave of the pandemic. Ranbir and Shraddha along with Dimple Kapadia and Boney Kapoor were spotted at the Delhi airport. Ranbir and Shraddha reportedly kickstarted a 20-day schedule in Delhi today. Director Luv Ranjan plans to shoot important portions on home front in Delhi and Mumbai along with Dimple Kapadia and Boney Kapoor, who play Ranbirs onscreen parents. After the domestic schedule, the filmmaker plans to head to Europe in September this year, as he wants to shoot a song in Spain. However, the plan depends on the travel restrictions. This film is the first major project to be shot in Delhi after lockdown restrictions were lifted last month. Over 15 projects were reportedly filmed in NCR between January and March this year, but all were halted when Delhi government called for lockdown in May. The makers have finalised Pritam as the films music composer. It will be Pritams first collaboration with Luv Ranjan. However, he has worked extensively with Ranbir in Barfi, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, Jagga Jasoos, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil and some others. The romantic comedy also marks the producer-filmmaker Boney Kapoors acting debut. While not much is known about the romcom yet, it is touted to be released in March next year. New Delhi, July 16 : OYO on Friday announced that it has raised a TLB (Term Loan B) funding of $660 million from global institutional investors. A company statement said that the offer was oversubscribed by 1.7 times and the company received commitments of close to $1 billion from leading institutional investors. The deal was upsized and increased by 10 per cent to $660 million as the company's fundamentals yielded strong interest from investors despite the virus surge. The interest margin rate was also lowered by 25 basis points from the Initial Pricing Guidance to LIBOR+825 basis points. The company will utilise these funds to retire its past debts, strengthen the balance sheet and other business purposes including investment in product technology, it said. OYO is the first Indian startup to be publicly rated by Moody's and Fitch, two of the leading international rating agencies. Fitch and Moody's rated OYO's senior secured loan B and B3 (stable outlook), respectively, on the back of the company's sound business model and resilient financial profile with significant potential upside. This is a milestone transaction as OYO is the first Indian company to raise capital through the TLB route Abhishek Gupta, Group Chief Financial Officer, OYO, said: "We are delighted by the response to OYO's maiden TLB capital raise that was oversubscribed by leading global institutional investors. We are thankful for the trust that they have placed in OYO's mission of creating value for owners and operators of hotels and homes across the globe. "This is a testament to the strength and success of OYO's products at scale, our strong fundamentals and high-value potential. OYO is well capitalized and on the path of achieving profitability. Our two largest markets have demonstrated profitability at the slightest signs of industry recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic". JP Morgan, Deutsche Bank, and Mizuho Securities served as the lead arrangers for this financing. New Delhi, July 16 : With hints of Congress' 'defiant' former Cabinet Minister Navjot Sidhu as the party unit chief months ahead of the Assembly polls in Punjab sparked a row, he reached Congress interim President Sonia Gandhi's residence here on Friday to meet her. The meeting is expected to take place in the presence of state affairs in-charge Harish Rawat. Sidhu, who met some Cabinet ministers and legislators at the residence of Punjab Minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa in Chandigarh on Thursday, left for Delhi in the morning for the meeting. Chief Minister Amarinder Singh is learnt to be resistant to the Congress leadership's plan to appoint Sidhu as state Congress chief, replacing Sunil Jakhar. Denying reports of his resignation with the speculations of Sidhu's appointment, the Chief Minister's media advisor Raveen Thukral on Thursday said the former would lead the Congress to victory in the Assembly elections scheduled early next year. "Media reports of CM @capt_amarinder resigning are humbug," Thukral informed in a tweet. "He has neither quit nor offered to do so. He'll lead @INCPunjab to victory in 2022 Assembly polls as he did in 2017. Urge media to stop speculating & spreading misinformation," he added. The speculation of the Chief Minister's resignation came in the wake of Rawat's statement that it may take some time, but to balance the equation in the state, the party is working on a formula to appoint Sidhu in a prominent position, while asserting that Amarinder Singh has already said that he will abide by the party high command's decision. Later, Rawat met Sonia Gandhi and said there was no official announcement on the state President. Meanwhile, Congress MP Manish Tewari on Friday batted for a non-Sikh state president. In an early morning tweet on Friday, Tiwari, who is known for his proximity with the Chief Minister and believed to be the frontrunner for the post, said, "Demographics of Punjab -- Sikhs: 57.75%, Hindus: 38.49%, Dalits: 31:94% (Sikh & Hindus), Punjab is both progressive & Secular..." "...But balancing social interest groups is key to equality," he said, and also added a graph showing the religious composition in Punjab. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Moscow, July 16 : The Russian Foreign Ministry said that the US should not interfere in Cuba's domestic affairs, calling on Washington to lift economic sanctions against the island nation. The US has deliberately been destroying Cuba's economy with its decade-long embargo and policies aimed at discriminating its people, Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova, said in a statement on Thursday. She also pointed out that keeping Cuba in the US list of state sponsors of terrorism has hindered the country's development and "integration into global political processes", reports Xinhua news agency. Instead of helping Cuba amid a pandemic, the US is only pursuing a policy aimed at escalating tension and aggravating the socio-economic situation of the country by provoking anti-government sentiment, according to Zakharova. "We urge Washington not to interfere in the affairs of a sovereign state," the spokesperson added. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text New Delhi, July 16 : The UK Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 2021, led by the HMS Queen Elizabeth, has sailed into the Indian Ocean region having recently transited the Suez Canal, the British High Commission here said on Friday. Following a series of successful engagements and operations in the Mediterranean, it is now sailing East across the Indian Ocean towards India. It will then meet with ships from the Indian Navy to conduct routine maritime exercises. The deployment represents the UK's commitment to deepening diplomatic, economic and security ties with India and in the Indo-Pacific region. It demonstrates both the UK's support for the freedom of passage through vital trading routes and for a free, open and inclusive order in the Indo-Pacific. Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: "The UK Carrier Strike Group deploymen is a major moment for UK defence as we develop this cutting-edge capability across the globe. The group is sailing the Indian Ocean and will shortly conduct exercises with the Indian Navy, building on our already strong partnership with an important ally and friend. "The deployment illustrates the UK's enduring commitment to global defence and security, strengthening our existing alliances and forging new partnerships with like-minded countries as we face up to the challenges of the 21st century." Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said: "The Carrier Strike Group deployment marks the start of a new era of defence cooperation with allies in India and the Indo-Pacific. By visiting 40 countries and working alongside our partners, the UK is standing up for democratic values, seizing new trading opportunities and tackling the shared threats we face together. "The deployment will interact with India, strengthening our already deep ties for the benefit of both our peoples' security and prosperity." British High Commissioner to India, Alex Ellis, said: "The Carrier Strike Group is a powerful demonstration of our commitment to the security of India and the Indo-Pacific. Its arrival follows the UK's first International Liaison Officer joining the Indian Navy's Information Fusion Centre-Indian Ocean Region in Gurugram. "Today marks another step towards delivering the ambition set out jointly by our Prime Ministers in the 2030 Roadmap, bringing our countries, economies and people closer together." As part of its maiden operational deployment, the Carrier Strike Group will sail over 26,000 nautical miles, engaging with 40 countries from the Mediterranean to the Indo-Pacific and back again. This deployment will provide tangible reassurance and security to the UK's friends and a credible deterrence to those who seek to undermine global security. As the spearhead of UK's Joint Expeditionary capability and a cornerstone of the UK's conventional military deterrent, the Carrier Strike Group comprises nine ships, 32 aircraft and one submarine and is manned by 3,700 sailors, aviators and marines from the combined forces of the UK, US and the Netherlands. The fifth generation HMS Queen Elizabeth carrier, at 65,000 tonnes, is the largest surface vessel ever constructed in the UK. Taller than Niagara Falls, her propellers generate the power of 50 high-speed trains. She leads six Royal Navy ships, a Royal Navy submarine, a US Navy destroyer and a frigate from the Netherlands in the largest concentration of maritime and air power to leave the UK in a generation. It is equipped with the fifth generation F-35B Lightning multi-role aircrafts. They are being jointly crewed by the Royal Air Force, Royal Navy and the US Marine Corps. Bangkok, July 16 : Thailand's Public Health Ministry and local manufacturer of the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine have agreed to extend the delivery of 61 million doses from December to May 2022, Deputy Public Health Minister Sathit Pitutecha said. In a statement on Thursday, Sathit said that the extended delivery date of the locally produced vaccine was required since monthly supply volumes cannot be achieved as previously planned, reports Xinhua news agency. The initial delivery plan of the AstraZeneca vaccine by the manufacturer Siam Bioscience was on monthly installment basis, beginning with six million doses in June, followed by 10 million doses each month between July and November and five million doses in December. Siam Bioscience has current capacity of manufacturing 15 million doses monthly and it has agreed to provide 40 percent of its production to Thailand, Sathit confirmed. He also said the capacity might be increased in near future. The late delivery of the vaccine will further disrupt the already sluggish vaccination pace in Thailand. The country has planned to inoculate 70 per cent of its nearly 70 million population by the end of this year. However to date, Thailand has administered only around 13.5 million doses, with less than 5 per cent of its population fully vaccinated. Due to the lagging vaccination progress and the surge in infections fueled by the highly contagious Delta variant, the country was reportedly considering limiting the export of locally produced AstraZeneca vaccine. Thailand has so far recorded 381,907 confirmed coronavirus ases and 3,099 deaths. New Delhi, July 16 : The Supreme Court on Friday pointed out that fear of a third Covid wave looms large over all Indians as it asked the Uttar Pradesh government to reconsider its decision on a physical Kanwar Yatra, emphasizing that a Yogi-government nod for a 100 per cent physical yatra is not advisable. A bench comprising justices R.F. Nariman and B.R. Gavai said authorities should reconsider whether to hold physical Kanwar Yatra at all, otherwise court will pass order in the matter. "We are prima facie of the view that this is a matter concerning every citizen and all other sentiments, including religious are subservient to right to life of citizens," said the bench. The bench told senior advocate C.S. Vaidyanathan, who is representing the UP government, "given Covid pandemic and the fear of third wave, which looms over all Indians", whether the authority will reconsider allowing the yatra at all for compelling religious reasons. Justice Nariman said: "State of UP cannot go ahead with it. 100 percent". Vaidyanathan replied, "We have submitted affidavit from UP government. We just want a symbolic yatra". He added State Disaster Management Authority deliberated upon this, and stated that for compelling religious reasons if someone wants to undertake the yatra, they should seek permission, have negative RT-PCR report and also be fully vaccinated. Justice Nariman said: "We can give you one more opportunity to consider holding yatra physically at all. This or else we pass an order." Justice Nariman added, "We are all Indians and this suo motu has been taken up as Article 21 applies to all of us. Either you reconsider to have it at all or we deliver the order. Vaidyanathan said authorities will be apprised and will come out with additional affidavit by Monday morning as to whether there can be a reconsideration of holding a physical yatra amid these conditions if at all. The top court has scheduled the matter for further hearing on Monday. On July 14, the top court took suo moto cognizance of the Uttar Pradesh government's decision to allow Kanwar Yatra amid the ongoing Covid pandemic. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text New Delhi, July 16 : Afghanistan's First Vice President Amrullah Saleh has rejected Pakistans denial on its Air Force threatening the Afghan military and providing support to the Taliban. "On Pakistani denial: For over 20 years Pakistan denied the existence of Quetta Shura or presence of Talib terrorist leaders in its soil. Those familiar with this pattern, Afghan or foreign, know exactly that issuing a statement of denial is just a pre-written paragraph", Saleh said in a tweet on Friday. Saleh said he has shared the evidence to relevant outlets. Saleh had said in an earlier tweet that Pakistan Air Force has issued official warning to the Afghan Army and Air Force that any move to dislodge the Taliban from Spin Boldak area will be faced and repelled by the Pakistan Air Force. The Pakistan Air Force is now providing close air support to Taliban in certain areas, he said. "If anyone doubts my tweet on Pak Air Force & Pak Army warning to d Afg side not to retake Spin Boldak I am ready to share evidence through DM. Afghan aircrafts as far as 10 kilometers frm Spin Boldak R warned 2 back off or face air to air missiles. Afg is too big to be swallowed," Saleh further tweeted. Saleh has said that Taliban are puppets of Rawalindi's GHQ. "Can Taliban convince a single Afg including themselves that they aren't puppets of Rawalpindi's GHQ ? They are just a kill & destruction squad in the hands of Pak which badly needs a victory to overcome the crisis of identity & self confidence. Watch Pak media to verify this." New Delhi, July 16 : The Ministry of Home Affairs has told the Supreme Court that for the Kanwar Yatra the state governments must not permit movement of "Kanwariyas for bringing 'Gangajal' from Haridwar to the Shiv temples of their choice". The affidavit was filed by the MHA, after the top court on July 14, took suo moto cognizance of the Uttar Pradesh government's decision to allow Kanwar Yatra amid the ongoing Covid pandemic. "So far as the subject matter of the present proceedings, i.e., the Kanwar Yatra is concerned, the state governments must not permit movement of 'Kanwariyas' for bringing 'Gangajal' from Haridwar to the Shiv temples of their choice", said the affidavit. The affidavit added, "However, considering the age-old customs and religious sentiments attached, the State Governments must develop a system to make holy Gangajal available through tankers which should be available at an identified/designated locations so that nearby devotees can collect such, Gangajal and do 'Abhishek' upon their nearest Shiv temples." The MHA submitted that states must also ensure that this exercise of distribution of Gangajal amongst devotees and the rituals to be performed by such devotees in the nearby Shiv temples take place mandatorily ensuring social distancing, wearing of masks and adherence to all steps required for Covid appropriate behaviour and health protocols. A bench headed by justice R.F. Nariman and comprising justice B.R. Gavai issued notice to the Centre, the Uttarakhand government and the Yogi Adityanath government and fixed the matter for hearing on Friday. Taking cognizance of a news report stating that the Uttar Pradesh government is pressing ahead with the annual ritual that sees a heavy movement of pilgrims across states in the northern belt, the bench said: "We were a little disturbed given today's headline..." Tel Aviv, July 16 : Israel has launched a national plan to open the economy to imports, the Finance and Economy Ministries announced in a joint statement. The plan is expected to reduce the regulatory burden on importers, especially small and medium-sized ones, by removing trade barriers, Xinhua news agency reported citing the statement as saying on Thursday. This will expand the range of products marketed in the country and increase competition, lowering prices and saving about 5 billion new shekels ($1 billion) a year for the Israeli economy. The plan aims to reduce the cost of living, raise productivity, and increase growth in the Israeli industry and the Israeli economy in general. It is based on a reform carried out in Switzerland in 2010 and will align Israeli regulation with the import principles of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development countries, the Ministries noted. The plan will exempt importers from presenting manufacturer's certificates on the product's compliance with Israeli standards. They will only have to present lab tests to confirm the suitability. New Delhi, July 16 : Hitting out at the Congress, the BJP on Friday asked its former president Rahul Gandhi to acknowledge the contribution of K. Kamaraj and P.V. Narasimha Rao. Kamaraj was former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu (1954-1963) and Rao was Prime Minister of India between 1991-96. On Thursday, the Tamil Nadu BJP observed the birth anniversary of Kamraj at its headquarters 'Kamalalayam'. Ravi tweeted his picture of offering tribute to Kamraj and said, "Paid my respectful tributes to the freedom fighter and former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Thiru Kamarajar on His Jayanti at BJPTamilNadu Office Kamalalayam. Thiru Kamaraj's contributions to the welfare of downtrodden in Tamil Nadu are fondly recollected by people even today." Quoting Ravi's tweet, Karti Chidambaram said, "Good to see that you have finally acknowledged the contributions of Perunthalaivar Kamaraj a staunch Congressman. In time hopefully you will realise the contribution of others from the Congress throughout the country." Hitting back at Chidambaram, Ravion Friday said, "We have always acknowledged the contributions of real Congressmen, be it Kamaraj or PVN Garu. By the way, did Sri Rahul Gandhi acknowledge them and their contributions? Stop worshipping the FAKE Gandhis and start acknowledging REAL Congressmen. Jai Hind." Later in another tweet, Ravi said, "CONgress Secularism is the biggest LIE in independent India." Amaravati, July 16 : Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Amjad Basha on Friday appealed to the Muslim community not to conduct Bakri Eid prayers in open places amid the Covid-19 pandemic. Similarly, he also requested people to not exceed the 50 per cent capacity in mosques for prayers. The Deputy Chief Minister advised that there should be no hugging or hand shaking in an effort to curb the spread of the viral disease and mandated that everybody should follow the coronavirus protocol. Likewise, Basha said children and senior citizens should not be allowed to step out. Bakri Eid or Eid-ul-Adha falls July 20 and involves animal sacrifices. Andhra Pradesh on Thursday registered 2,526 new Covid cases, raising the state's overall tally over 19.3 lakhs. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) New Delhi, July 16 : It seems Chief Minister Amarinder Singh resistance on appointing Navjot Singh Sidhu as the Punjab President has worked and the meeting between Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Harish Rawat and Sidhu on Friday ended early, sources said. After the meeting Harish Rawat said, "I have submitted a note to the party president and as she decides it will be made public." When asked Sidhu will be made party president,Rawat responded: "Who said Sidhu will be made party president". Sidhu, after leaving from Sonia Gandhi's residence at 10 Janpath did not speak to the media. Earlier, at noon disgruntled Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu and Punjab Congress in-charge Harish Rawat reached at 10 Janpath to meet Sonia Gandhi. The meeting came in the wake of speculation that Sidhu is likely to be made the state president, which had upset Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, sources said. Sources said the Congress was mulling an idea of appointing a Dalit and an upper caste Hindu as the working presidents. But, Amarinder Singh's unhappiness has compelled the party to think otherwise. The names of Raj Kumar Verka and Santokh Chaudhary are being considered for the working president post as both are Dalits and can counter the Akali Dal-BSP alliance impact. While another from the Hindu community is to balance the equation, Vijay Inder Singla could be appointed as another working president. Not only this, the party is mulling to reshuffle cabinet in the state ahead of the Assembly polls and give more representation to the Dalit community in the state. Punjab Congress in-charge Harish Rawat on Thursday had said it may take some time but to balance the equation in the state, the party is working on the formula to appoint Sidhu in a prominent position, while asserting that Amarinder Singh has already said that he will abide by the high command's decision. "The party is working on a formula to appoint two working presidents and elections will be fought under the leadership of the Chief Minister," Rawat had said. New Delhi, July 16 : The Supreme Court on Friday expressed wonder that in the era of Internet, the jail authorities continue to rely on ancient mode of communication, to receive bail orders. The apex court also emphasized that it will soon develop a secure electronic transmission mechanism for the jail authorities to access orders, for expeditious release of prisoners. A bench comprising Chief Justice N.V. Ramana and justices L. Nageswara Rao and A.S. Bopanna made the observation during the hearing on a suo motu case in connection with the delay in releasing convicts by prison authorities even after being granted bail by courts. The Chief Justice expressed surprise that the prisoners are waiting for the Supreme Court orders to be sent by post. "We had ordered release in some matters, and they were not released since they (jail authorities) did not receive authentic copy of orders. This is too much," he added. The bench, elaborating on the system, said "We are contemplating a system for secure orders of bail, so that such orders can be sent electronically to jail authorities." The bench added that it is directing Supreme Court Secretary General to frame the scheme and also consult amicus curia senior advocate Dushyant Dave and Solicitor General Tushar Mehta in the matter. Justice Rao added that the idea of this order is to send the order copies of this court via a secured route. "This will be taking care of security," he said. Attorney General KK Venugopal said the top court's idea was "very progressive". The top court also asked state governments to provide details on how many prisons in their territory have Internet connection and also by when jails will be equipped with proper Internet facility for faster communication of bail orders. Recently, there was delay on the part Uttar Pradesh authorities in releasing 13 prisoners who were granted interim bail by top court on July 8. These convicts were in Agra jail for 14 to 22 years, and they were granted bail after it was found that they were juveniles at the time of offence. It was contended that convicts continued to remain incarcerated, though there was a clear-cut finding of them being minor. On July 13, advocate representing the convicts informed the top court that 12 have been released a day ago and one would be released on the date. Washington, July 16 : Former US President Donald Trump met House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy, as the latter was considering the selection of members to the Democrat-led Select Committee tasked with investigating the January 6 Capitol riot. "Kevin McCarthy will be meeting with me this afternoon at Trump National in Bedminster, (New Jersey). Much to discuss," Trump announced in a statement on Thursday. The meeting came a day after House Democrats announced that the first hearing of the panel, of which Speaker Nancy Pelosi has named eight members, will be held on July 27 featuring officers from Washington, D.C.'s Metropolitan Police Department and the US Capitol Police, Xinhua news agency. Lawmakers will "hear first-hand" from the witnesses about what happened on January 6, when a mob of pro-Trump demonstrators breached the Capitol Complex. It will be the second meeting between Trump and McCarthy since they last huddled together at the former President's Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida after he left office. McCarthy remained a staunch ally of Trump's despite the former president's second impeachment over "incitement of insurrection" by spreading unsubstantiated claims of voter fraud in the 2020 election. McCarthy must now decide who to fill the remaining five posts on the Select Committee, though his choices could potentially be vetoed by Pelosi, according to the rules governing the panel's composition. While the date of the first hearing effectively serves as an ultimatum for McCarthy, Representative Bennie Thompson, chair of the panel, told MSNBC in an interview last week the hearing will go ahead regardless of whether the GOP leader chooses to cooperate or not. CNN reported on Thursday that McCarthy intends to announce his selections before the first hearing. Bhubaneswar, July 16 : Even as the people continue to suffer from Covid pandemic, dengue menace in some areas of Odisha, including the capital city Bhubaneswar has added to the woes. As many 113 dengue cases have been detected in the Khurda district since January, of which 103 cases were identified only in July, said public health director Niranjan Mishra here on Friday. However, the situation is not worse like last year, he said. As one has to undergo ELISA test for detection of dengue, he appealed to the people, who are having dengue symptoms to go for the test only at the government facilities. There are four government-run testing facilities at the Capital Hospital, Regional Medical Research Centre (RMRC), AIIMS -- Bhubaneswar and District Headquarters Hospital (DHH), Khurda, the director informed. These four centres are following all the standard norms on dengue testing and people can avail the facility free of cost while private labs are not following the standards, he added. So far dengue cases have been reported from Chandrasekharpur, Sailashree Vihar, Niladri Vihar, Unit-VIII, Kalpana Square and other areas of the city. The public health officials and the Bhubaneswar municipal corporation (BMC) have started taking preventive measures in the area to control the disease. Public health experts urged people to change the water in the air cooler, water pots and the water containers behind the refrigerator every day and maintain cleanliness of the surrounding area of their houses. Meanwhile, the state has reported 64 deaths and 2,070 fresh cases of Covid-19 on Friday. With this the total Covid-19 death cases in Odisha reached at 4,925. Washington, July 16 : A US Black Hawk helicopter training in Romania was forced to make an emergency landing at a busy intersection in Bucharest due to a technical malfunction, authorities said, adding there were no reports of casualties. The UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter, one of a group of six that were doing a rehearsal flight over Bucharest, reported a technical malfunction on Thursday that forced it into an emergency landing, Xinhua news agency quoted Constantin Spinu, spokesperson for Romania's Ministry of National Defence, as saying. "There are no victims, the crew is in very good condition," said Spinu, adding that two lamp-posts were knocked over and two cars were hit in the process. Meanwhile, Claudiu Costea, spokesman of the Traffic Police, said personnel were prompt to intervene in order to block traffic in Charles de Gaulle Square, so as to facilitate the landing of the U.S. helicopter. "If they hadn't done so, we may have had a tragedy," said the spokesman. Soon after the incident, the Defence Ministry ordered to cancel the helicopter for the overfly ceremony dedicated to the completion of the Romanian military mission in Afghanistan. "The overfly part for both the National Aviation Day on July 20 and the ceremony at the Triumphal Arc on July 21, which is generated by ending the mission in Afghanistan, were canceled by order of the Minister of National Defence, so the ceremonies will be held without the flight of the aircraft," said Spinu. Romania started to send troops to Afghanistan in early 2002, and its last detachment, consisting of 140 soldiers, returned home at the end of June. In this 19-year period, 27 Romanian soldiers lost their lives and over 200 were injured in the operations in Afghanistan, where a total of 32,000 Romanian soldiers were sent. New Delhi, July 16 : Homegrown smartphone brand Lava International on Friday announced the Android 11 update for its Z2, Z4, Z6 and MyZ triple-camera variant smartphones. The update will be first rolled out for Z4, Z6, and MyZ models from July 25 onwards while Z2 users will receive the update in the subsequent months. Lava Z2, Z4, Z6 and My Z were launched together in January this year with stock Android 10 OS, the company said in a statement. The new software update will be released as an OTA to the users, who will receive a notification once it reaches them. The users will have a choice to either download it immediately or do it later by simply going to their phone settings. The Android 11 update will enable Lava users to experience exciting and improved features like screen recording, chat bubbles, dark mode scheduling and digital well-being. In addition to this, the new Android will provide improved user privacy, a better media controller, and an easy conversation and notification manager. The software for Android R has been developed by Indian engineers, and strong Indian R&D has powered Lava to provide consumers with consistent Android upgrades, the company said. The brand will continue to provide such updates in the future as it is ramping up its investments in R&D, it added. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text San Francisco, July 16 : After first launching voice tweets in June 2020, micro-blogging site Twitter is now rolling out captions for voice tweets. According to The Verge, now, when users make a voice tweet, currently available on the iOS app right now, captions will be automatically generated in supported languages. "As part of our ongoing work to make Twitter accessible for everyone, we're rolling out automated captions for Voice Tweets to iOS," said Gurpreet Kaur, Twitter's head of global accessibility "Though it's still early and we know it won't be perfect at first, it's one of many steps weaAre taking to expand and strengthen accessibility across our service, and we look forward to continuing our journey to create a truly inclusive service," Kaur added. The currently supported languages are English, Japanese, Spanish, Portuguese, Turkish, Arabic, Hindi, French, Indonesian, Korean and Italian. To see the captions on a tweet, users can click or tap the CC icon in the top-right corner of the voice tweet window. Captions only appear on new voice tweets, the company told the tech website. When voice tweets were launched, it also came to light that there wasn't a dedicated team at Twitter for accessibility at the time -- instead, employees had to volunteer their own time for accessibility work, the report said. The company has since fixed that, announcing that it had formed teams to focus on accessibility in September, it added. Twitter also offers captions in Twitter Spaces, its Clubhouse-like social audio rooms. Agra, July 16 : After being kidnapped for more than 30 hours, a top Agra doctor, Umakant Gupta, was finally rescued from the ravines by a joint team of Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan police. A woman, who had allegedly honey-trapped the doctor, leading to his abduction, has been arrested. The kidnapping was done by the Badan Singh Chauhan gang that wanted a ransom of Rs 5 crore. According to police sources, the doctor received a phone call on Tuesday night and went out. He did not return and his car was found abandoned in Dholpur in Rajasthan. The police detained the driver of the car, Pawan. Pawan disclosed that a woman, Mangla Patidar, 30, had been asked to "seduce" the doctor. Patidar, who is from Maharashtra, is a member of the Badan Singh gang, which had abducted another doctor from Agra, Nikhil Bansal, in 2017. He was later released on payment of an undisclosed amount as ransom. Patidar had asked the doctor to meet her at the otherwise busy Bhagwan Talkies. They drove to the desolate Rohta canal, where five men came on three bikes -- one of them was 27-year-old Badan Singh. The four other men overpowered Gupta and drove off with him to the Chambal ravines while Singh left with Patidar. SP (Agra city) Botre Rohan Pramod said, "Cops from Rajasthan and UP teamed up for the operation. The place where the doctor was last seen was 25 km from the nearest police station. They had crossed the river. We had to follow, on foot." "Just as they were crossing the river, they saw a few men running towards the valley. By the time police crossed the river, they had disappeared. They were probably informers," the SP said. The police teams spread out and started scanning village after village and for hours, they made no headway. In the wee hours of Thursday, they finally found the doctor -- beaten up and shivering -- near Bamroli village. The gang had fled, leaving him there. Gupta told reporters, "I had got to know the woman 15 days ago. She had come to my nursing home for her brother's treatment." He denied the 'honey-trap' narrative. "She had called me up and asked me to meet her. She got into my car, said I was in trouble and asked me to do as she said. It was only the second time I had seen her," he said. She had introduced herself to Gupta with a fake name, Anjali. The woman Mangla Patidar has been traced and arrested. Five others -- Badan Singh and other unnamed accused -- have also been booked for abduction at Etmaddaula police station in Agra. Police have announced a Rs 1-lakh reward for information about Singh and Rs 25,000 for the other accused. ADG (Agra zone) Rajeev Krishna said, "A letter demanding ransom of Rs 5 crore was found at the doctor's house. It will be sent for forensic analysis. CCTV footage of the area is also being checked." The additional chief secretary (home) and the UP DGP have announced a reward of Rs 2 lakh for each policemen in the rescue team. Chennai, July 16 : Team Avishkar of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras has qualified for the European Hyperloop Week. The team, consisting of 40 students, has earned its place in the international event because of the self-propelled, autonomous hyperloop pod developed by it. Mentored by the Centre For Innovation (CFI), IIT Madras, Team Avishkar was the only team from Asia to qualify for the finals of the SpaceX Hyperloop Pod Competition 2019, a global contest organised by Elon Musk's aerospace company SpaceX. It was Musk who had proposed the idea of a hyperloop in his 2013 white paper on 'Hyperloop Alpha'. Out of more than 1,600 teams participating in this prestigious cutting-edge event, Team Avishkar was among the Top 21. Hyperloop offers a new revolutionary mode of transportation -- a high-speed train that travels in a near-vacuum tube. The reduced air resistance allows the capsule inside the tube to reach speeds of more than 1,000 km/h, thereby dramatically reducing travel time across medium-range distances. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic and the lockdowns, the 40 students of Team Avishkar collaborated with each other on the development of the Hyperloop pod from their homes. They completely revamped the pod's sub-systems with scalable and efficient technologies. In the past few months, they manufactured a Hyperloop Pod prototype and tested the novel technology. "Our research has yielded technological breakthroughs such as the linear induction motor for propulsion, a proprietary levitation technology, and contactless magnetic braking system," said Neel Balar, Team Avishkar lead and third-year student at the IIT's Department of Engineering Design. "Looking beyond the pod, the team is also focusing efforts on the design of the Hyperloop's infrastructure," he added. Explaining the importance of the infrastructure, such as tubes and pylons, Kishan Thakkar, fourth-year student at the IIT's Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, said it takes up about 70 per cent of a Hyperloop corridor's budget. "Our research is focused mainly on reducing the cost of this infrastructure and adapting the Hyperloop to the needs of the Indian sub-continent," Thakkar said in a statement. "The team is truly pushing the frontiers of this technology to create a sustainable future," he added. Hyperloop has been a buzzword in India for the past few years. Several companies have proposed routes such as Mumbai-Pune and Chandigarh-Amritsar. After an initial study, Team Avishkar is working on a detailed study of energy needs, costs, demand and other aspects of a business model for a Hyperloop corridor between Bangalore and Chennai to assess the economic feasibility of the idea in India. Team Avishkar estimates that the travel time between Bangalore and Chennai can be reduced to just 30 minutes, compared with the six hours it takes today by car or train. Deloitte India has provided support to the team's efforts to make its mark at the European Hyperloop Week, which will be held in Valencia, Spain, from July 19 to 25. The team will participate virtually because of the pandemic-related travel restrictions. --IANS rvt/srb A A A Thiruvananthapuram, July 16 : Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan on Friday slammed Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan for being unable to do anything against the accused in the T.P. Chandrasekheran murder case, presently out on parole. According to the rules of parole, it's the responsibility of the local police to ensure that those on parole do not do any wrong and if it happens, it can immediately cancel the parole granted and return the person to the jail. Speaking to the media, Satheesan said one of the accused in the murder case, Mohammed Shafi, is currently out on parole. His house was raided by the Customs and was also questioned in the gold smuggling case, added Satheesan. "We demand that the parole of Shafi be immediately cancelled. It's a shame on Vijayan as the murder accused is having a free run. The real truth is neither the party nor the state government have any control over these accused, as they are being blackmailed by the accused. We will raise this issue when the Assembly session starts next week," said Satheesan. Shafi is lodged at the Kannur prison and is now out on parole. Chandrasekheran, the founder of RMP, was hacked 51 times by assailants on May 4, 2012 when he was returning home on his motorcycle in his hometown near Kozhikode. In the case, 11 people were given life imprisonment, of which three were mid-level CPI-M leaders and the demand for a probe into the conspiracy behind the murder is still with the court. His widow K.K. Rema, now a legislator who won with the support of the Congress-led UDF has time and again taken on Vijayan for calling her husband "a renegade". "The CPI-M and Vijayan has fallen deep into a pit as they are shielding the accused who killed Chandrasekheran. The CPI-M says they are not doing anything as the accused are not CPI-M members, but the fact of the matter is despite several questions raised in the Assembly on how many times have the accused in murder case been given parole till now, we have not got the answer for this question. This clearly shows how and what the CPI-M is doing to protect and shield the accused," said Rema. T. Asif Ali, a former director general of prosecution said, " What's being heard now is a grave issue and it's quite obvious these things will not happen if such violators do not enjoy the patronage of those who really matter." -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Rome, July 16 : Italia Trasporto Aereo (ITA), Italy's new flag carrier, will replace the troubled national airline Alitalia and will be fully operational from October 15, Ministry of Economy and Finance said. Thursday's announcement came after the Italian authorities reached an agreement with the European Commission on the transition of Alitalia's assets to ITA without a public tender, reports Xinhua news agency. The ministry said the deal would enable the start of capital increase procedures and "creates the conditions for signing a memorandum of understanding on the transfer of some activities from Alitalia to ITA". According to previous statements from the Ministry, the new airline was originally expected to begin operations in June or July in order to make the most of the summer tourism season. However, the talks between Rome and the European Commission continued even after a preliminary deal was struck in May on the economic discontinuity between the new company and the old airline as required by European legislation. Italy sought to avoid a public tender, which might have prolonged the transition from the old company to the new one or have landed ITA in the hands of non-Italian stakeholders. "ITA will be able to answer to the new needs of air transport in an increasingly integrated framework with rail transport and will pay great attention to sustainable development," Minister of Sustainable Infrastructures and Mobility Enrico Giovannini stated after the deal was announced. He added that the new airline will concentrate on innovation and digitalisation "in line with the EU principles underlying the National Recovery and Resilience Plan". According to ITA's industrial plan 2021-2025, which was approved on Thursday, the airline will initially operate a fleet of 52 aircraft with 2,750-2,950 employees. The fleet would grow to 78 aircraft in 2022 and to 105 aircraft by 2025, some 77 per cent of which should be new generation planes. The new company said it plans to employ up to 5,550-5,700 people by the end of the current industrial plan (2025), which would be a little more than half the 10,654 employees who worked at Alitalia in mid-2020. Alitalia has long been in financial trouble and has been under state administration since 2017. It kept operating mainly through the injection of public money by the Italian government and suffered a final blow during the pandemic. Kuwait City, July 16 : Kuwait will vaccinate teenagers aged 12 to 15 against Covid-19 next week, the Ministry of Health announced. Teenagers of this age group will receive two doses of the Covid-19 vaccine before the start of the new academic year in September, a Ministry spokesperson said on Thursday. In March, Health Minister Bassel Al-Sabah announced the resumption of study at schools from September, affirming that all students, teachers, and administrative bodies will complete the vaccination by then, reports Xinhua news agency. Kuwait reported 1,385 new Covid-19 cases on Thursday, taking the tally of inflections to 382,084, while the death toll rose by 16 to 2,174. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) Cairo, July 16 : Arab League (AL) Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul-Gheit expressed "great disappointment" over the decision by Lebanese Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri to step down. "The consequences of Hariri's stepping down may be dangerous for the future of the situation in Lebanon," the AL chief was quoted as saying in a statement issued on Thursday. He held all Lebanese politicians responsible for "such a deteriorating condition" that the Lebanese people don't deserve, vowing that the AL would continue its support for Lebanon in this crucial stage of its history. Hariri gave up the effort to form a new government on Thursday after a meeting with President Michel Aoun, citing that "it's clear that nothing changes and it seems that we disagree with the president". Hariri's failure to form a non-partisan cabinet in the crisis-torn country narrows the chances for a cabinet formation any time soon to save the country from worsening financial conditions. Aboul-Gheit urged the international community to stand by Lebanon and support its people in this critical phase. Srinagar, July 16 : Two Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists were killed in an encounter with the security forces at Alamdar colony in Srinagar on Friday, officials said. Police said acting on a specific information generated by the Srinagar police about the presence of terrorists in Alamdar Colony in Srinagar's Danmar area, a joint cordon and search operation was launched by the police and CRPF in the said area. "During the search operation as the presence of terrorists got ascertained they were given repeated opportunities to surrender, however, they fired indiscriminately upon the joint search party which was retaliated leading to an encounter in the wee hours," police said. "In the ensuing encounter, two terrorists of proscribed terror outfit LeT (self claimed TRF) were killed and their bodies were retrieved from the site of encounter." They have been identified as Irfan Ahmad Sofi and Bilal Ahmad Bhat, both residents of Natipora, Srinagar and active since December,2020, police said. "It is pertinent to mention that recently self claimed terrorist outfit TRF shared on social media that terrorists Irfan & Bilal had left TRF and joined ISJK," police said. As per the police records, both the killed terrorists were part of groups involved in several terror crimes, including attacks on police/security forces (SF) and civilian atrocities. "Both the killed terrorists executed a series of attacks on policemen, SF and civilians which include killing of PSO of PDP leader at Natipora on 14/12/2020, attack on ROP of CRPF 73BN in Lawaypora resulting in martyrdom of two CRPF Jawans on 25/03/2021. "Moreover, on 17/06/2021 they attacked and martyred an on-leave police official Ct. Javid Ahmad near his residence at Saidpora and on 22/06/2021, attacked and martyred Inspector Parvez Ahmad at Menganwari Nowgam while he was on his way to offer prayers in local Masjid. "They were also involved in killing of a civilian Umer Nazir Bhat at his shop in Main Chowk Habba Kadal on 23/06/2021," the police said. "It is pertinent to mention that they were also involved in a series of grenade attacks as well as petrol bomb attacks on police/SF in City Srinagar. On 07/05/2021, they carried out a grenade attack on a joint party of Police/CRPF at Nawabazar area of Srinagar in which five CRPF jawans and a civilian got injured. "On 26/06/2021, they carried out another grenade attack on a joint party of Police/CRPF at Barbarshah in which one civilian got killed and three civilians got critically injured. They also carried out grenade attack on PP Urdu Bazar on 05/03/2021 and petrol bomb attack on bunker of SSB at Mehjoor Nagar Band on 26/04/2021," the police added. According to the police, both the killed terrorists have been instrumental in motivating and recruiting youths to join terror folds in Srinagar and its adjoining areas. Incriminating materials, arms and ammunition including one AK-47 rifle, one pistol and four grenades were recovered from the site of encounter. All the recovered materials have been taken into case records for further investigation and to probe their complicity in other terror crimes. Meanwhile Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir Vijay Kumar has congratulated the joint forces of Police and CRPF for the big success that led to the elimination of two most wanted terrorists, who were wanted by the law for their involvement in several terror crime cases. The IGP also said that during the year 2021, so far 78 terrorists have been neutralized in Kashmir valley and most of the terrorists were affiliated with proscribed terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) i.e, 39 out of 78, followed by Hizbul Mujahideen, Al-Badr, JeM and AuGH. The police have registered a case under the relevant sections of law and investigation has been initiated. New Delhi, July 16 : The Supreme Court on Friday pointed out that fear of a third Covid wave looms large over all Indians as it asked the Uttar Pradesh government to reconsider its decision on a physical Kanwar Yatra. On the Yogi Adityanath government's symbolic Kanwar Yatra proposal, the court replied, "The right to life is paramount" and asked the government to reconsider its position on even a symbolic annual ritual that annually registers a heavy movement of pilgrims across states in the northern belt. A bench comprising justices R.F. Nariman and B.R. Gavai insisted that authorities should reconsider whether to hold physical Kanwar Yatra at all, otherwise court will pass order in the matter. "We are of the view that this is a matter which concerns everyone of us as citizens of India, and goes to the very heart of Article 21 of the Constitution of India, which has a pride of place in the fundamental rights chapter of our Constitution. The health of the citizenry of India and their right to 'life' are paramount. All other sentiments, al beit religious, are subservient to this most basic fundamental right," said the bench, in its order. The bench told senior advocate C.S. Vaidyanathan, who was representing the UP government, "given Covid pandemic and the fear of third wave, which looms over all Indians", whether the authority will reconsider allowing the yatra at all for compelling religious reasons? Vaidyanathan replied, "We have submitted affidavit from UP government. We just want a symbolic yatra". However, the bench insisted that the UP government should reconsider it. Justice Nariman added: "State of UP cannot go ahead with it. 100 percent". Vaidyanathan added State Disaster Management Authority deliberated upon this, and stated that for compelling religious reasons if someone wants to undertake the yatra, they should seek permission, have negative RT-PCR report and also be fully vaccinated. Justice Nariman said: "We can give you one more opportunity to consider holding yatra physically at all. This or else we pass an order." Justice Nariman added, "We are all Indians and this suo motu has been taken up as Article 21 applies to all of us. Either you reconsider to have it at all or we deliver the order". Vaidyanathan said authorities will be apprised and will come out with additional affidavit by Monday morning as to whether there can be a reconsideration of holding a physical yatra amid these conditions if at all. Uttarakhand counsel pointed out that the government has completely banned any physical form of the yatra on June 30. "All the affidavits are taken on record, and the learned Solicitor General along with the other senior advocates/advocates are thanked for the prompt manner in which they have all immediately responded to this Court's anguish," said the bench. The top court has scheduled the matter for further hearing on Monday. On July 14, the top court took suo moto cognizance of the Uttar Pradesh government's decision to allow Kanwar Yatra amid the ongoing Covid pandemic. -- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed Ottawa, July 16 : Former Canadian chief of defence staff Jonathan Vance has been charged with one count of obstruction of justice, according to the Ministry of National Defence. The Ministry said the Canadian Forces National Investigation Service (CFNIS) charged the now-retired general with one count of obstruction of justice, contrary to section 139 of the Criminal Code of Canada, on Thursday, reports Xinhua news agency. The CFNIS assumed investigative responsibility for allegations of misconduct in the Canadian military on February 4, and it was during the course of this investigation that the obstruction of justice allegedly occurred. The CFNIS is considered a specialised unit within the Canadian military police. Its mandate is to investigate serious and sensitive matters in relation to military property, employees, and Canadian Armed Forces personnel serving in Canada and around the world. The Ministry said the CFNIS decided to pursue the relevant criminal charge in the civilian justice system. Now that this is proceeding through that system, the Ministry said, no further details can be released at this time. This year, the Canadian Armed Forces have been rocked by sexual misconduct scandals, including investigations into allegations against Vance. Almost two weeks after Vance retired as chief of the defence staff in January, Canadian media reports alleged that Vance had a "long-standing relationship with a female subordinate". It was later revealed that the alleged inappropriate relationship involved Kellie Brennan, a reservist and staff officer at the army headquarters in Ottawa. The allegations against Vance have sparked two sets of parliamentary committee hearings where Brennan testified and revealed the allegations which appear to be the basis of the charge against Vance. She claimed that Vance counselled her to lie to military police, claiming to have tape recordings. Vance denied the allegations. The allegations touched off a series of revelations and accusations involving other senior leaders in the Canadian military, including Vance's successor Art McDonald who voluntarily stepped aside in February after sexual misconduct allegations against him. The investigations into both senior leaders set off a crisis within the Canadian military, which has been grappling with the scourge of sexual misconduct for decades. Buenos Aires, July 16 : Argentina has declared five days of national mourning for the Covid-19 victims as the country's overall death toll crossed the 1 million mark. On Thursday, President Alberto Fernandez explained that the declaration is due to the fact that "we reached a number of deaths that deserves our recognition and our tribute", Xinhua news agency reported. The presidential decree declaring the five-day mourning period stated that there is "immense pain throughout society as a whole for each and every fatal victim". It added that the pandemic "is a real tragedy that has struck humanity" and that "Argentine society must and wishes to remember and pay tribute to those who have passed away during this painful time". The government expressed its "most heartfelt condolences" to the families of the deceased, and said that the national flag will fly at half-mast in all public buildings during the five days. The country's death toll has increased to 100,695, while the infection tally stood at 4,719,952. Lucknow, July 16 : Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra received a tumultuous welcome form party workers as she arrived in Lucknow on Friday afternoon on a three-day visit. Thousands of Congress workers greeted Priyanka at the Chaudhary Charan Singh airport and a long winding convoy of vehicles accompanied her as she headed for the Congress headquarters, covering a distance of about 13 kilometres. Priyanka was greeted with flowers, bouquets and slogan shouting along the route. She offered floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi before reaching the party office. Later in the day, the Congress leader will meet party leaders, district presidents and other functionaries. She is also scheduled to interact with students, farmers, former MPs, MLAs and unemployed youth. Washington, July 16 : Austin city, capital of the US state of Texas, has raised its coronavirus risk-based guidelines as new cases and hospitalisations spiked in recent days. According to the city's public health officials, the new guidelines unveiled on Thursday urge unvaccinated people to avoid nonessential travel and take other precautions, reports Xinhua news agency. This marks the first time a major Texas city has reversed direction in the trend toward normalcy. "We cannot pretend that we are done with a virus that is not done with us," The Texas Tribune quoted Austin Mayor Steve Adler as saying during a Thursday news conference. Other populous cities like Houston and Dallas have also seen resurgences in the past days. This was at least partly because of the highly transmissible Delta variant of the virus. But Austin's move has no weight of law behind it because the state's Governor Greg Abbott banned pandemic mandates in May, reported The Texas Tribune. It also only applies to the city's unvaccinated population. Earlier this week, health officials reported that the city's new case rates and hospitalization rates, while still low, have doubled in the past week. Adler said he hasn't ruled out the possibility of stronger moves by the city if these measures don't reduce the numbers, even if they don't have Abbott's support. Mumbai, July 16 : The Mumbai Police has registered an FIR filed by an aspiring model-cum-actress alleging rape by the well-known Bollywood producer and music baron Bhushan Kumar, official sources said here on Friday. According to an officer with the D.N. Nagar Police Station in Andheri, the complaint by the 30-year-old victim was recorded on Thursday night. The victim has claimed in the FIR that she was sexually exploited and repeatedly raped by Bhushan Kumar between 2017 and 2020 under the false pretext of giving her roles in films. The officer said the police has lodged a case under Sections 376, 420 and 506 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) pertaining to rape, cheating and issuing threats, and further investigations are under way. No arrest has been made so far. Son of the late Gulshan Kumar Dua, who was shot dead by gangsters near a temple Juhu in 1997, Bhushan Kumar is the managing director of T-Series, the company his father had launched. T-Series today controls 90 per cent of all Bollywood music. Bhushan is also one of Bollywood's biggest producers. His forthcoming films include Radhe Shyam, starring Prabhas of Baahubali fame, and Bhuj: The Pride of India, with Ajay Devgn playing the lead character. Incidentally, the Bombay High Court had earlier this month upheld the life sentence awarded to Gulshan Kumar's killers. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Los Angeles, July 16 : A riot in a Los Angeles prison left some 30 prisoners and two personnel injured, local media reported. Castaic's Pitchess Detention Center, commonly referred to as the Wayside jail, is located in Santa Clarita city and operated by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, reports Xinhua news agency. It was designed to house approximately 8,600 male inmates in its four separate facilities. The local Santa Clarita Valley Signal newspaper reported that Los Angeles County Fire Department (LAFD) received a call on Thursday afternoon at the jail's address and dispatched multiple ambulances to the scene. Marvin Lim, a spokesman for the LAFD, was quoted as saying that the "large fight" involving individuals resulted in more than 30 injuries and it was unclear whether Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department personnel were involved or injured in the mass altercation. Deputy Shawn Dubusky, a spokesperson of the LA County Sheriff's Information Bureau, said he could not confirm the number of injuries, but added that both deputies and inmates had been involved in the altercation. Lucknow, July 16 : Five members of a family were killed when their van collided with a truck which then overturned and fell on the van, crushing the passengers. The incident took place on Friday in Itaunja in Lucknow on the Sitapur highway. A JCB machine was called for the rescue operation. Five bodies were taken out and have been sent for post mortem. The deceased included one child. IG Laxmi Singh who reached the spot, told reporters that the family belonged to Unnao and was returning home. Kabul, July 16 : At least four Afghan security personnel and 63 Taliban militants have been killed in the recent violence raging across the country, sources said on Friday. In Samangan province, four security forces were killed in a Taliban attack on the Rabatak security checkpoint on Thursday night, Reduction in Violence, a local independent monitoring group, said on social media. Also on Thursday night, the Afghan Air Force (AAF) targeted a Taliban gathering on the outskirts of Sari Pul city, capital of northern Sari Pul province, killing 11 militants and destroying two vehicles, the Ministry of Defence said in a statement. Earlier on Thursday, "20 Taliban militants were killed and 20 others were wounded in airstrikes conducted by the AAF in Shuhada district in Badakhshan province" the ministry. Those among the killed was a Taliban's deputy shadow district chief for Shuhada, the statement said, adding six militants' vehicles and some amount of their ammunition were destroyed. Besides, 32 Taliban militants were killed and 10 others were wounded in a clean-up operation conducted by Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF) with the support of the AAF on the outskirts of Lashkar Gah, the capital city of Helmand province, according to Ministry. Earlier on Friday, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said on social media that they have destroyed a helicopter of the government forces in a tactical attack in Kunduz province. He posted a photo on his social media account. However, Afghan military officials have not commented on the report so far. As the US and NATO troops have been leaving the country, violence in Afghanistan is on the rise. Lisbon, July 16 : Portugal's National Authority for Medicines and Health Products (Infarmed) announced that it has decided to continue using the Covid-19 vaccines from the Janssen Laboratory after a reassessment, saying they met the European Union (EU) specifications. On Wednesday, Infarmed had said that it was investigating the quality of Janssen vaccines as users had passed out after being vaccinated. "Tests were carried out on the physical-chemical characteristics of the vaccine. The conformity of all batches that are in the distribution circuit, in accordance with the approved specifications, has been proven," Xinhua news agency quoted the Authority as saying in an updates statement late Thursday. "No quality defects were detected" in these vaccines, said the national drug regulator, noting that about 20,000 doses were administered in the vaccination centres, "and no more cases of adverse reactions have been reported". The Janssen jab, "like the other vaccines against Covid-19 authorized in the EU, are safe and effective", according to Infarmed. "Anxiety-related reactions, including vasovagal reaction (syncope), hyperventilation or stress-related reactions, may occur in association with vaccination, as a psychogenic response to needle injection," warned the national regulator. The country surpassed the mark of 10 million doses and is accelerating vaccination amid the raging Delta variant which has been already predominant in the country. Portugal has so far registered 920,200 cases with 17,187 deaths, according to the Directorate-General for Health. Los Angeles, July 16 : Public health authorities in the Los Angeles County announced residents will be required to wear masks in indoor public spaces, regardless of their vaccination status, due to increased Covid-19 transmission. The new mandate will go into effect at 11.59 p.m. on Saturday, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. The new mandate comes a month after California fully reopened its economy on June 15 by lifting almost all restrictions. State authorities said then that masks were no longer required for fully vaccinated individuals in most public settings. Los Angeles County Department of Public Health said that the county "sees more than a seven-times increase in new cases since the June 15 reopening", adding that community transmission of the virus has rapidly increased from moderate to substantial, based on the trend in daily new cases. On June 15, Los Angeles County saw 210 new cases and officials confirmed on Thursday the highest number of new cases since mid-March with a total of 1,537. The test positivity rate has increased from the 0.5 per cent seen a month ago to Thursday's 3.7 per cent, according to the data released by the department. It's the seventh day in a row the county, home to over 10 million residents, has reported over 1,000 new cases amid spread of Delta variant in the region. "We expect to keep masking requirements in place until we begin to see improvements in our community transmission of COVID-19," said Muntu Davis, Health Officer for Los Angeles County, urging all eligible residents to get vaccinated. To date, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has reported 1,262,578 positive cases with 24,566 deaths in the county. Official data showed that among residents aged 16 and above in Los Angeles County, 69 per cent have received at least one dose, and 61 per cent now have been fully vaccinated. New Delhi, July 16 : Indian photojournalist Danish Siddiqui, a Pulitzer Prize winner, was killed in Afghanistan while on a reporting assignment, Afghan ambassador Farid Mamundzay said on Friday. A resident of Delhi, Siddiqui was on a reporting assignment with the Afghan security forces when he was killed. Siddiqui's father Professor Akhtar Siddiqui told IANS: "I got information about my son about one hour ago. The last time I spoke to my son was two days ago, and he was very happy at that time. " Afghanistan's ambassador to India, Farid Mamundzay, tweeted, "Deeply disturbed by the sad news of the killing of a friend, Danish Seddiqi in Kandahar last night. The Indian Journalist & winner of Pulitzer Prize was embedded with Afghan security forces. I met him 2 weeks ago before his departure to Kabul. Condolences to his family & Reuters." Danish Siddiqui was constantly capturing Afghan happenings in his camera, and was informing people through his social media posts. Two days ago, he tweeted: "The Humvee in which I was travelling with other special forces was also targeted by at least 3 RPG rounds and other weapons. I was lucky to be safe and capture the visual of one of the rockets hitting the armour plate overhead", He also posted a short video about the action. Siddiqui was awarded the Pulitzer Prize in 2018 for his coverage of the Rohingya issue. He was a student of Jamia University and his father has been a professor at the university. Osaka, July 16 : A Ugandan weightlifter, who was training in western Japan ahead of the start of the Tokyo Olympics next Friday, has gone missing. Yahoo Japan reported on Friday that the authorities are looking for 20-year-old Julius Ssekitoleko of the Ugandan delegation who has been in Izumisano, Osaka Prefecture, for a pre-Olympic training camp. Apparently, he failed to show up for a daily PCR test around noon and was not found in his hotel room. "One member of the Ugandan delegation, which the city received as a host town, has gone missing and cannot be reached. The city is making all efforts to search for the individual. We have reported the matter to police," said the city of Izumisano in a statement. The statement added that Ssekitoleko was last seen shortly after midnight inside the hotel by a fellow athlete. According to Daily Monitor, a newspaper in Uganda, Ssekitoleko was informed on Wednesday that he had missed out on a place in the men's 67kg competition after being on the waiting list. Uganda's delegation was among the first teams to arrive in Japan for the Tokyo Olympics, which will open July 23 following a one-year delay. An athlete had tested positive for the COVID-19 virus after arriving at Narita airport outside Tokyo on June 19. A few days later, another member was found to have the virus when the team reached its base city. The team started training last week. Kashmir has historically been a multi religious society, where Kashmiri Muslims, Kashmiri Hindu Pandits and Kashmiri Sikhs have lived with each other for centuries maintaining cordial, harmonious and brotherly relationship. Sikhs of Kashmir, who actually are not historically from Punjab but are believed to be Brahmin and Rajput converts from neighbouring Jammu region and even Kashmir valley are very much an integral part of Kashmiri society. After the exodus of the Kashmiri Hindu Pandits, the Sikhs of Kashmir are now the largest religious minority of Kashmir Valley, distributed equally among Baramulla in North, Srinagar in Central and Tral in south Kashmir Valley. The bond between Kashmiri Sikh and Kashmiri Muslim communities is as old as the history of Kashmir. The Kashmir valley is home to some of the most important and sacred gurdwaras located in Srinagar and Baramulla cities. So why is that the Sikh community of Kashmir is suddenly up in arms? The recent controversy over alleged cases of forced conversion and marriage of Sikh girls has not only been widely publicized and politicized, but it has also ruptured the cordial relation between Kashmiri Muslims and Kashmiri Sikh communities. Since there are various conflicting views and information circulating on the details and facts of these cases, I would not like to comment upon merits of these individual cases, but would rather focus on the wider picture of the status of Kashmir's non-Muslim minorities. The problem lies in the fact that Kashmir's majority Muslim population loves to remain in complete denial of how their image is perceived outside Kashmir valley but sooner or later they are confronted with the bitter reality, which is never debated or resolved and therefore the problem continues to persist. Regardless of what the majority Muslim population of Kashmir may think about themselves, the fact is that Kashmir valley is not only a conflict region but is also recognised as one of the most radical Muslim enclaves of the world, where religious minorities (Kashmiri Pandits and Sikhs) have been persecuted for their religious beliefs. No one outside Kashmir believes in the so called "Jagmohan" conspiracy theory for facilitating forced exodus of Kashmir's largest religious minority of Kashmiri Hindu Pandits. The dark episode of 1989 of the forced and violent exodus of Kashmiri Pandits has remained a biggest blot on the former secular credential of Kashmir's majority community, whether or not they want to believe. The subsequent rise of religious radicalism, orthodoxy, social conservatism and proliferation of puritan Islamic school of thoughts has further dented the image of Kashmir as an enclave of moderate, tolerant, secular Muslims, who followed their own unique syncretic Sufi Islam called "Rishiyat" that was an amalgamation of Central Asian Sufi traditions and Kashmir's own Hindu Shaivism. Those of us from majority community of Kashmir, who have had friendship and acquaintance with Sikh community of Kashmir would tell the truth of the life that Kashmir's Sikh community has been living since last three decades in a highly brutalized, violent and religiously radical and intolerant Kashmir. Beyond the slogans of "Sikh - Muslim" bhai chara lies a suppressed story of religious harassment, religious taunts, stigmatization of Kashmiri Sikh community, which has only grown worst. I have been regularly hearing stories of Muslim community pressure on Sikhs to convert to Islam, which happens both expressly and indirectly. It is a fact that Kashmiri Sikh girls are special target of religious harassment. My Sikh friends would regularly tell me how their Muslim acquaintance would ridicule their Sikh faith and practices and would encourage them to visit mosques and learn about Islam. Kashmiri Sikh girls would be pressured to be "girlfriends" with Muslim boys. Few years back A Kashmiri Sikh girl in South Kashmir was stabbed over her refusal to wear Islamic hijab. The Sikh community of Kashmir, which already knows about the misery of Kashmiri Pandit community has been living in fear. They know that their presence is misused to exhibit an example of secular credential of Kashmiri Muslims but they can't say anything due to fear of being stuck in an overwhelmingly Muslim majority region, where they have substantial financial and economic interests. It is a fact that non-Muslim girls are groomed not just in Kashmir but in almost all Muslim majority countries and regions for marriage with a Muslim man and conversion to Islam. We all know that seeking conversion (not forced one) is an important part of the religious culture of Muslim societies, which has unfortunately been twisted to force non-Muslim girls to marry a Muslim and then compulsorily convert to Islam. Kashmir is no different. Sikhs in Kashmir are angry because they have been facing and quietly suffering the religiously driven onslaught of converting to Islam for a long time, accelerated by the rise of the new generation of radicalized, orthodox puritan Muslims of Kashmir. These radical Muslims don't even spare Sufi Islam following Kashmiri Muslims and regularly taunt and harass them of following a "corrupt" faith and indulging in "shirk" and "biddah" and worshipping graves, one can only imagine the plight of Sikh minority, who can't even express their misery and suffering that they endure on daily basis out of fear of their security. The latest incident, even though politicised by a Sikh politician from Delhi has finally broken the patience of Sikh community of Kashmir Valley and emboldened them to tell their tale of suffocation and suffering. As a majority community of Kashmir, it is our religious Islamic duty to protect our religious minorities, which we have unfortunately not done and it is a fact. We must acknowledge the toxic effect of religious radical elements, who have been harassing Sikhs of Kashmir are also parallelly harassing Kashmiri Sufi Muslims and Kashmiri Shia Muslims. It is not a question of Islam versus Sikhism, but of radicalism and intolerance versus Kashmir's glorious religious tradition of tolerance, Kashmiriyat and Sufi Rishiyat, which is at stake. We must understand and acknowledge grievances of our Sikh brothers and sister and strive to address them and make Kashmir once again a mecca of peace, tolerance and secularism. (Javed Beigh is a political leader andis State Secretary of People's Democratic Front. He can be reached @javedbeigh across social media platforms. Views expressed are personal) New Delhi, July 16 : The Delhi Cabinet on Friday rejected Delhi Police's proposal to set up a panel of lawyers (public prosecutors) for cases related to the farmers protest against the Central farm laws, Chief Minister Office (CMO) said. The Cabinet meeting chaired by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal decided that the Delhi government' lawyers will be the public prosecutors in court matters related to the farmers' agitation. The cabinet decision will be sent to Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal for approval, CMO stated. The development has come a day after the Kejriwal-led Delhi government had accused the Centre of putting pressure on it to replace its prosecutors appearing in cases related to the anti-farm laws stir, with those of the Delhi Police. Lieutenant Governor (LG) Anil Baijal has 'rejected' the panel of Delhi government lawyers appearing in the cases against the farmers. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Kabul, July 16 : Afghan security forces on Friday launched an operation to retake control of a key border district in Kandahar province from the clutches of the Taliban, an official announced. "The Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF), supported by the local Public Uprising Forces, launched an operation to retake control of Spin Boldak district from Taliban militants," the official told Xinhua news agency. More information will be shared with media as appropriate, the source said. On Wednesday, the Taliban overran the district bordering Pakistan. Earlier on Friday, local media reports claimed that Indian photojournalist Danish Siddiqui was also killed in Spin Boldak during the Thursday clashes. Earlier on Friday, ANDSF recaptured control of a strategic Saighan district from Taliban in central Bamyan province. Afghanistan has witnessed heavy battles in recent weeks as Taliban militants continued the fighting against the government security forces since the withdrawal of US troops on May 1. Patna, July 16 : Nine persons have died in Bihar's West Champaran district after allegedly consuming poisonous liquor in the last two days. The incident happened in some villages in Lauria block of West Champaran district. Besides 9 deaths, several persons are battling for their lives in hospitals. The hospital doctors said that some of the victims have lost their eyesight. According to a villager, they informed the local police about the deaths. The police reached the village and forcibly cremated the deceased, he claimed. The deceased were identified as Bikau Mian, Latif Shah and Ram Briksha Chaudhery of Deurwa village, Nayeem Hajam of Balui village, Bhagwan Panda of Sitapur village, Suresh Shah of Jogia village, Ratul Mian of Bagahi village and Jhunaah Mian of Gaunahi village. According to a relative of Suresh Shah, he consumed liquor on Wednesday and went to a nearby market to sell fish. He fell ill in the market and was immediately taken to a nearby hospital where doctors declared him dead. After consuming the illegal liquor, some of the victims tried to hide the fact and gave wrong information in the hospitals. Kundan Kumar, the district magistrate of West Champaran said: "We have received information about the deaths that occurred in some of the villages that fall under Lauria block. We have sent medical teams and reports are awaited." Lalan Mohan Prasad, the DIG of Champaran range said: "We have received information about the deaths. However, their actual reasons are yet to be ascertained. An investigation is currently underway." Bengaluru, July 16 : Amid the increase in the number of cases infected with the Delta variant in neighbouring Maharashtra and Kerala, 725 people have been found affected by this variant in Karnataka. Among the 752, Bengaluru accounts for the maximum number 525. A total of 77 cases are from Vijayapura district, and the coastal district of Udupi recorded 40 cases of Delta variant. Even as NIMHANS and National Centre for Biological Sciences are involved in genomic sequencing, tracking primary and secondary contacts of affected persons with Delta variant is proving to be a challenge for the authorities in Bengaluru, Vijayanagar and Udupi. Meanwhile, about 652 children getting affected with normal coronavirus has put the authorities on their toes. Between July 5 and July 14, about 86 cases involving a newborn to 5 years, 109 cases between 5 years to 10 years, 296 children of 11 and 18 years of age and 161 between the ages of 19 to 20 years were found to be affected with coronavirus. "Parents freely mingling with children is causing the spread of the infection," explained Indian Pediatric Doctors Association, Bengaluru President and BBMP Child Expert Committee member Dr Mallikarjun. "However, whether it is normal coronavirus or Delta variant, if the family member who comes in contact with people restricts himself to a room and if he is being watchful of symptoms, the spread can be checked to a great extent," he underlined. Half of the people affected with Delta variant (a.1.617.2) do not get any symptoms and remaining will have normal symptoms of cold, cough, fever, breathlessness, loose motion and serious lung infection and those who are detected with Delta require hospitalization in most cases. About 725 Delta cases were found in genome sequencing examinations. D. Randeep, Special Commissioner (Health) allayed fears of spread of Delta in the city and said, "The normal Covid infection found among children is less than 10 per cent which is not a cause of worry. Affected children have asymptomatic features and are being treated at homes without any complications. People need not fear about the spread of Delta variant among children." Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text New Delhi, July 16 : The Centre has informed the Delhi High Court that Zydus Cadila, which is developing DNA vaccines has concluded its clinical trial for the age group of 12 to 18. The affidavit filed by under secretary, Department of Health and Family Welfare, said: "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 and subject to the statutory permissions, the same may be available in near future for children of the age group of 12 to 18 years of age". The affidavit added that May 1, onwards under the liberalized pricing and accelerated national Covid vaccination strategy, all citizens above the age of 18 years including parents of children who are residing ion Delhi are already eligible for Covid-19 vaccination. The Centre said the vaccination is its top most priority and all efforts are being made to achieve " an objective of 100 percent vaccination in the shortest time possible keeping the available resources in mind and availability of vaccine doses into consideration". The Centre filed this affidavit in response to the plea, filed by Tia Gupta through advocate Bihu Sharma demanding for immediate vaccination of children between the ages of 12-17 in the city, and also prioritizing of vaccination for parents having children up to 17 years of age. In June last week, the Centre had informed the Supreme Court that Zydus Cadila, has concluded its clinical trials for the 12 to 18 age group, and the vaccine may be available in near future, subject to the statutory permissions Today, according to Sharma, Delhi High Court Chief Justice asked the central government to frame a policy for children's vaccination expeditiously. The plea contended that data from across the country, including Delhi, has revealed that between April-May, the number of reported cases of children infected and suffering Covid-19 has risen tremendously. On May 28, a bench comprising Chief Justice D N Patel and justice Jyoti Singh had issued notice to Centre and Delhi government on the petition. The plea contended that it is pertinent the vaccine policy against Covid-19 has failed to factor-in children or parents of children, who are a vulnerable section of society, for vaccination against the deadly virus. The plea added that the evidence that unvaccinated children are more likely to develop a new, more powerful Covid-19 strain, is reflected in the prevalent 'second wave', which has infected many more children than the 'first wave' last year. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Mumbai, July 16 : The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has provisionally attached assets worth around Rs 4.21 crore belonging to former Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh and his family, officials said here on Friday. The assets -- attached under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) -- are held in the name of Deshmukh's wife Aarti Deshmukh and a company, Premier Port Links Pvt. Ltd. They include a residential flat in Worli worth Rs 1.54-crore, 25 land parcels worth Rs 2.67-crore at the Dhutum village in Raigad district, adjoining Mumbai. The action comes as part of the probe into money-laundering lodged against them. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Lucknow, July 16 : Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has proceeded on an unannounced 'maun vrat' to protest against increasing crime against women in Uttar Pradesh, here on Thursday. Priyanka, while on her way to the Congress headquarters here, stopped at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi to offer floral tributes. After offering tributes to the Father of the Nation, Priyanka squatted on the ground, as Congress legislature party leader Aradhana Mishra said that she has started a 'maun vrat' to protest against the deteriorating law and order situation in UP and crime against women. Priyanka's decision to proceed on a 'maun vrat' sent her own party leaders into a tizzy. The party leaders, who were waiting for her at the Congress office, rushed to the Mahatma Gandhi statue at GPO Park where she sat on protest. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text New Delhi, July 16: After a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) , another high-powered conference has started in Tashkent in Uzbekistan from Thursday. Indian External Affairs S. Jaishankar, Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, the US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad are among 250 delegates from the 40 countries attending an international connectivity summit. The conclave is themed as Central and South Asia: Regional Connectivity, Challenges and Opportunities. Special emphasis will be placed on the future of Afghanistan. Ahead of the conference, Indian Ambassador to Uzbekistan Manish Prabhat stressed on the importance of the conference when he told the ANI that the Central Asian country is completely landlocked, and therefore wants an outlet to the sea to support its international trade. India, on its part, wants to open trade routes and create new routes, as well as increase trade through air corridors. All these aspects will be discussed in the conference. Jaishankar will articulate India's proposal at the conference. "India has done a lot to develop the Chabahar port in Iran especially. We want this connectivity to be done through the port of Chabahar, so that our trade will increase to countries of Central Asia. At present trade is happening from Afghanistan. Chabahar port can play an important role for businesses in central Asian countries too," Ambassador Prabhat observed. As of now, Integration of the International North South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and the Chabahar route has been India's prime focus. In March, India and Iran celebrated 'Chabahar Day', where Jaishankar proposed the integration of the Chabahar Port with the INSTC. "I am hopeful that during the INSTC Coordination Council meeting, member-states would agree to the expansion of the INSTC route to include the Chabahar Port and also agree on expanding the membership of this project," Jaishankar had said. The INSTC project came into being in 2002, when the transport ministers of Russia, Iran, and India signed an agreement to establish a 7200-kilometre multimodal ship, rail and road-based transport network. Starting from Mumbai, it would head to Moscow via Iran and the Caspian Sea. Currently, the INSTC is set to spread its radials on a much bigger area. Essentially the new INSTC is a combination of two corridors. One starts as originally conceived, from Mumbai and heads to Bandar Abbas, a famous Iranian port in the Gulf. From here it takes the overland route to Bandar Anzali, which is on the Caspian Sea coast. Containers are off-loaded here and shipped through the Caspian to its Russian shore at Astrakhan, which becomes the base of further transportation in Eurasia. Over time other countries have been networked in this rapidly mutating corridor including Azerbaijan and Armenia. The second corridor or the Chabahar route begins at Mumbai, but Gujarat's Mundra port is more prominently in play. From here it heads to Chabahar, Iran's only Indian Ocean port, which has vast potential. From Chabahar, in which India is pitching major investment, the route heads towards Afghanistan via Iran's Sistan Baluchistan province along a recently India-built road. Over time, a railway is also envisaged, which will link Chabahar with the Hajigak iron ore mines in Afghanistan, where India has made a major investment Planners of the INSTC now want to link the two routes into a huge undertaking that will allow landlocked regions of Eurasia, not only to access the rapidly congesting Bandar Abbas, but also the rapidly expanding Chabahar route. The Tashkent conference has three common themes of discussion - Economy, Security, Culture. It is aimed at rebooting historical ties between Central and South Asia and in the centre is Afghanistan which is being ravaged by the Taliban and its allies. "As you know, Afghanistan as a crossroad of transit in the region, plays a valuable role in regional connectivity, especially in Central Asia and South Asia," said Latif Mahmoud, the spokesperson of the Afghan president Ghani. Expanding links between South and Central Asian markets is a decades-old issue. Tashkent, which is keen to be seen as a regional player, wants to use the conference as a launchpad for Central Asia's deeper engagement with South Asia. A major objective of the summit is the development of solid foundations for closer interaction between Central and South Asian regions, identifying specific projects of a strategic nature. The security situation in Afghanistan has been deteriorating since the US and its NATO allies withdrew their troops after more than 20 years of commitment. The Afghan government and Taliban negotiators have been meeting in Qatar's capital Doha to discuss the Intra-Afghan Peace Talks, but the results look uncertain. (The content is being carried under an arrangement with indianarrative.com) --indianarrative Hyderabad, July 16 : Police arrested Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee president A. Revanth Reddy and other leaders during a protest against fuel price hike here on Friday. Tension prevailed in the Indira Park area in the heart of the city as Revanth Reddy and other leaders tried to advance towards Ambedkar statue despite police denying them the permission. The opposition party leaders wanted to march to Raj Bhawan to submit a memorandum against the fuel price hike. As Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan was not available, they wanted to march to Ambedkar statue to submit their memorandum. TPCC had called for 'Chalo Raj Bhavan' to lodge its protest against the hike in fuel prices but police had denied the permission for the same. However, the Congress leaders were only allowed to hold a protest meeting at Dharna Chowk at Indira Park. When Revanth Reddy and others removed the police barricades and tried to force their way towards Tank Bund to reach Ambedkar statue, police stopped them. This led to pushing and jostling between the two sides. The police arrested Revanth Reddy, TPCC working president Anjan Kumar Yadav, AICC secretary Madhu Yaskhi, former union minister Balram Naik, MLA Seethakka and other leaders and shifted them to different police stations. Revanth Reddy said police cannot suppress their voice with arrests. He vowed to continue the fight against the price hike. Earlier, addressing the dharna, the TPCC chief alleged that Modi government has put Rs 36 lakh crore burden on people. He claimed that no other country in the world has such a huge tax on petroleum products. Revanth Reddy slammed both Modi and KCR governments saying they are responsible for Rs 6 lakh debt burden on every citizen. He termed the behaviour of police as atrocious. He said NSUI state president Venkat Balmoor was arrested despite the permission granted for protest at Indira Park. The Congress party alleged that several leaders and workers were placed under house arrest or were prevented from reaching Indira Park. AICC secretary N. Bose Raju also participated in the dharna protest against the increase in process of petrol, diesel and LPG. He said repeated fuel price has adversely affected the livelihood of common man. He pointed out major component of fuel price is excise duty imposed by Modi government. He said excise duty on petrol is Rs 32.98 per litre and on diesel it is Rs 31.83 per litre. He recalled that at the end of term of UPA II, excise duty on petrol was Rs 9.21 per litre and that on diesel was Rs 3.45 per litre. This was the second major protest programme organised by Congress on price hike issue since Revanth Reddy took over as TPCC chief last week. Bengaluru, July 16 : Amid the prevailing Covid-19 situation in the state, the district authorities have decided to restrict the entry of people to the Nandi Hills located on the outskirts of Bengaluru during weekends. The Belagavi authorities have also taken a decision to ban the entry of citizens to the Gokak Falls dubbed as the 'Niagara Falls' of India during weekends and holidays. Thousands of Bangaloreans thronged the Nandi Hills during the last weekend while the authorities remained mute spectators to Covid rule violations. The Chikkaballapura district authorities issued an order after discussions with K. Sudhakar, the Karnataka Health and district in-charge Minister. Meanwhile, Belagavi Deputy Commissioner M.G. Hiremath on Friday directed that the entry to Gokak Falls would remain closed for the public on weekends and holidays. The entry to surrounding Dhopadaala and Godachinmalki Falls had also been restricted. Action has been taken as a large number of tourists and local residents did not follow social distancing norms or wear masks. New Delhi, July 16: As heads of delegations taking part in the meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Council of Foreign Ministers moved from Dushanbe to Tashkent for the international conference slated Friday, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held a bilateral meeting with his host, the Tajikistan Foreign Minister Sirojiddin Muhriddin. Over the past few days, Muhriddin had already held some important meetings - including with Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Pakistan's Shah Mahmood Qureshi - but the big one was reserved for the last. Besides thanking him for his hospitality and consideration - Tajikistan chairs the SCO this year - Jaishankar also said that during the bilateral meeting with Muhriddin, both agreed that the strategic partnership between India and Tajikistan is even more relevant in the coming times. "The Foreign Ministers discussed the development of bilateral relations, and implementation of agreements reached by the leaders of the two countries to strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation between Tajikistan and India in various fields. The parties also addressed the issues of expanding and strengthening trade and economic ties, investment and scientific and technical cooperation, cooperation in the field of industry, energy, culture and education," said the Tajak foreign ministry. It was six years ago, in July 2015, that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon had first decided to reinvigorate the relationship between both the countries. Realising that despite being close neighboring countries, the trade and economic linkages between India and Tajikistan are not in keeping with their potential, both leaders had underscored the importance of improving connectivity in the region. Both had also discussed ways and means to explore possibilities of developing an alternate surface route in cooperation with other neighbouring countries. Tajikistan had reiterated its support to the International North South Transport Corridor (INSTC) which will considerably reduce transit time and cost for transportation of goods between India and Central Asia and beyond and welcomed recent measures to speed up its implementation. Even though the volume of trade between Tajikistan and India remains low, with the operationalisation of Chabahar port in Iran, things might finally look up after the impact of Covid-19 pandemic wanes. "As the Tajik economy revives and becomes more integrated with the world, the two countries will have great opportunities to expand their relations. Our countries closely cooperate in the international arena and are members of many regional forums and international communities. Given our common interest in peace and security in our region, our countries will continue to work together to meet challenges," Viraj Singh, the Indian Ambassador to Tajikistan, said to Asia-Plus, an independent news agency based in Dushanbe, last year. India realises that it has to move fast as Beijing and Islamabad are both targeting the region, especially after the current crisis in Afghanistan. In his meeting with Muhriddin on July 13, Wang Yi had assured that China stands ready to work with Tajikistan to synergize development strategies, boost high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, maintain a good momentum of two-way trade, accelerate the signing of the middle-and long-term economic and trade cooperation plan, promote trade and investment facilitation, and enhance cooperation in agriculture and poverty relief. "China+Central Asia" (C+C5) is a new cooperation mechanism that meets the needs of regional countries, and it enjoys broad development prospects. We should expand and strengthen the mechanism for a long time to benefit the sustainable development of countries in the region," Wang Yi had emphasized. Riding on its dream of building the Eurasian land connectivity bridge, China said it wants to accelerate the implementation of major cooperation projects and have the first Luban Workshop in Central Asia set up in Tajikistan. Promoting BRI in the region extensively is China's 'iron brother' Pakistan. Country's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has been highlighting the absence of connectivity to Central Asia, saying that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) provides an ideal opportunity to fulfil the unrealised dreams. In his meeting with Muhriddin, the Pakistani minister also focused on increasing bilateral trade and connectivity. Islamabad is already under pressure to complete the construction of the Central Asia-South Asia (CASA-1000) power project which would export electricity from the hydropower plants in Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan to Afghanistan and Pakistan. Islamabad's desperation to make Dushanbe an inseparable ally was also visible last month when Rahmon was on a two-day visit to Pakistan. During his meeting with the Tajik President, Pakistan PM Imran Khan went all out, selling not just the Pakistani arms but also Gwadar port - the flagship project of CPEC under the Belt and Road Initiative - to the Central Asian republic. (The content is being carried under an arrangement with indianarrative.com) --indianarrative New Delhi, July 16: The Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha asserted on Wednesday that all employees of anti-national credentials would be purged out of the State institutions and systems and there would be no more any place in the government for the incumbents posing a threat to the unity and sovereignty of the country. Addressing a function after inauguration of Ayurvedic College at Akhnoor in Jammu, followed by an interview with CNN News 18 network, Sinha said that recruitment of the people of doubtful integrity and undesirable credentials had been "a deliberate and intentional" process in the past which the successive governments should not have overlooked. With an obvious reference to the termination of eleven government employees, including two sons of the Hizbul Mujahideen chief Salahuddin, who has been designated as a global terrorist by the US government as well as the United Nations, Sinha said that their appointment into the government services was a 'favour' and it was not based on merit. "One was even afraid of hearing the name of persons who were in Government jobs," he said in an apparent reference to Salahuddin two sons who were among the eleven government employees dismissed from the services last week. "There will be no place in the Government jobs for those who are a threat to the unity and sovereignty of the country," Sinha asserted in a stern warning to the Government officials indulging in anti-national activities. Sinha said that the previous (political) Government had intentionally overlooked such cases, implicitly communicating that a section of the mainstream politicians had been hand-in-glove with the separatists and the militants in Jammu and Kashmir. "All such cases are under scrutiny and the law enforcement agencies will launch a crackdown to remove such elements from the Government jobs," he said and pointed out that both the sons of the Hizbul Mujahideen chief were involved in terror funding from abroad. He disclosed that as per Article 126 of Jammu and Kashmir Constitution, an investigation is conducted against the Government employees involved in terrorism who are threat to the State. He clarified that their individual conduct rather than their familial association was pertinent in termination of their services. "It's my responsibility to encourage the employees who are hard workers and work with devotion and punish the wrongdoers. There was a provision under Article 126 in the Constitution to take action against the employees involved in terror and secessionism and who are an insider threat to the State. Such an action against the employees was also taken in 2016. We invoked the provisions of the Constitution of India as all the dismissed officials displayed conduct and character of an internal threat," he said, adding the action was based on proof and there was no prejudice against anyone. All those dismissed were involved in terror funding and promoting separatism, LG maintained. He said that 20,000 Government jobs have been identified and a process had been initiated for recruitment of the unemployed youths in the most transparent and fair manner. "No clout or money would fetch any jobs. Only merit will matter," he added. Official sources, meanwhile, maintained that both of the Hizbul Mujahideen chief's sons, dismissed last week, had met hawala operators in Saudi Arabia and London for funding terror activities in India. According to these sources, both Shakeel and Shahid, who worked with Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) and the UT Government's Department of Agriculture respectively, had remained in direct contact with one Nazir Ahmed Qureshi of Baramulla. Qureshi had been allegedly running a hawala syndicate from Saudi Arabia and London to finance terror activities in India. Sources said that Shahid Yusuf had also received funds from Aijaz Ahmad Bhat alias Aijaz Maqbool Bhat, a close aide of Salahuddin. "Aijaz used various addresses from Saudi Arabia to transfer these funds to Shahid through Western Union Money Transfer. Shahid covertly received funds to launch a terror conspiracy against India. "Shahid and Shakeel's modus operandi was quite similar and both used multiple identities to receive terror funds from multiple addresses in Saudi Arabia. Charges were framed against both of Salahuddin's sons last year", said an official. According to sources, all the evidence was in files but courtesy a favourable regime, facts were suppressed and evidence buried, against. "Evidence revealed that Shakeel, who was a backdoor appointee in SKIMS in 1990s, facilitated terror funding on at least six occasions. Shahid , who was appointed in Agriculture Department through backdoor in 2007, has been involved in terror financing on nine occasions", said an official, justifying the dismissals. "Shahid even visited Dubai on a passport where his father's name was mentioned as Yousuf Mir instead of Syed Mohammad Yusuf Shah. This was in 1999-2000. He was accompanied by Nasir Mir, the Hizbul Mujahideen operative who lives in Dubai. During his visit Shahid met his father Salahuddin. He also met Nazir Ahmad Qureshi of Baramulla who operates a hawala syndicate from Saudi Arabia and London and finances terror activities in India", said the official. "Shakeel was appointed as Lab technician in SKIMS in 1990. Although his activities were known, it was unravelled only after the NIA took over a terror funding case originally pursued by the Special Cell of Delhi Police. The NIA investigation revealed that in 2009-10 Shakeel received money on six occasions from Aijaz Ahmed Bhat, the same Hizbul terrorist, who was financing his brother Shahid's activities", the official added. Both, Shakeel and Shahid, have been in jail over the last two years. However, sources close to their family insist that the agencies had actually intercepted one money transfer through a bank from Saudi Arabia which is believed to be an amount of Rs 3.25 lakh which Salahuddin had possibly sent for the treatment of his first wife when she was under treatment at a hospital in Srinagar before her death. "Nobody knows much about this family. All five of Salahuddin's sons have been in government service. But apparently none of them is living a luxurious lifestyle and few in the area are convinced that any of the five brothers was involved in subversive activities or terror funding", said one of their neighbours in Soibug Budgam. (The content is being carried under an arrangement with indianarrative.com) --indianarrative Dhaka, July 16 : Banned Jamatul Mujahedeen Bangladesh (JMB) militant Asaduzzaman Panir alias Asad, who was sentenced to death for involvement in the 2005 bomb attack on a cultural programme which left eight killed, has been executed, officials said on Friday. Asad, 37, was executed in Kashimpur High Security Central Jail in Gazipur on the outskirts of Dhaka at 11 p.m. on Thursday and his body was handed over to his family members after the legal process, Senior Jail Superintendent Md Gias Uddin told IANS. Asad was directly involved in the bomb attack in a cultural programme of half century old progressive cultural organisation, Udichi Shilpi Goshthi, in Netrokona on December 8, 2005 in which eight people were killed and dozens were severely injured. The execution took place in presence of Gazipur Executive Magistrate, and representatives of the Civil Surgeon's office and Metropolitan Police, as well as the convict's family members. Hangman Shahjahan carried out the execution and Dr Asif Rahman Ivan of Civil Surgeon's office declared the death. In jail since 2008 following his sentencing, Asad was executed 23 days after the President on June 23 rejected his prayer seeking mercy. Another petition, challenging the verdict, was rejected by the Supreme Court's Appellate Division, officials told IANS. A speedy trial tribunal court of Dhaka sentenced accused Asad, top militant Siddidqur Rehman alias Bangla Bhai, Salauddin alias Sohel, and Younus Ali to death on February 17, 2008 for the attack. The court had also sentenced Asad to 20 years in jail in another case under the Explosive Substances Act lodged at Netrakona police station in 2005 and also to 10 and 20 years in prison in two other cases filed at Kotwali police station. Bangla Bhai and another militant named Ataur Rahman Sani were hanged to death in connection with another explosive case. Amaravati, July 16 : The ruling Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) and the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Andhra Pradesh on Friday welcomed the Central government's decision to notify the Krishna and Godavari river boards. Andhra Pradesh government advisor, Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy said justice with respect to river waters is directed towards his state as he welcomed the gazette notification. Reddy opined that had the purview of the river boards been decided at the time of united Andhra Pradesh's bifurcation itself, projects like Palamuru-Rangareddy would not have been completed. He said the Telangana government has wasted water for power generation which is detrimental to Andhra Pradesh's prospects. Though neighbouring Telangana was aggressive, Reddy said Andhra Pradesh was composed, including Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy going ahead constitutionally putting pressure on the Centre. BJP Rajya Sabha member G.V.L. Narasimha Rao said the notification protects the interests of Andhra Pradesh and highlighted that either of the states can go ahead with projects only after mutually discussing and procuring the river boards' assent. Both the Telugu states -- Telangana and Andhra Pradesh -- can build water projects or use water for hydel power generation only after taking the river boards' approval as mandated by the notification, Rao added. "On behalf of BJP, we all thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat for releasing the notification aimed at doing justice to both the states, primarily to Andhra Pradesh which was losing out," he said. Besides the notification, the Krishna River Management Board (KRMB) on Thursday directed the Telangana government to immediately cease power generation from the common reservoirs. "The Telangana state GENCO authorities are once again requested to stop further release of water immediately through Srisailam left power house, Nagarjunasagar dam and Pulichintala project," said L. B. Muanthang, member (power), KRMB. He said that water drawn for power generation is incidental to irrigation and drinking water needs. "It is therefore imperative to follow the water release orders issued by KRMB," Muanthang added. Kolkata, July 16 : In its report on post-poll violence in West Bengal submitted to the Calcutta High Court on Wednesday, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) labelled several Trinamool Congress MLAs, councillors and leaders as "notorious criminals/goons", triggering a political controversy in the state with several leaders threatening to take legal action against the rights body. The leaders not only questioned the integrity of the commission, but also accused it of showing vindictive attitude. In the annexure 'K' attached with the original report submitted before the HC, the NHRC has placed 102 persons across 16 broad regions of West Bengal, including state minister Jyotipriya Mullick, prominent leader and former MLA Udyaan Guha, Naihati MLA Partha Bhowmick, Canning East MLA Saokat Molla, Trinamool South 24 Parganas youth leader Jahangir Khan, former councillor Jiban Saha and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's chief election agent in Nandigram, Sheikh Sufiyan, under the 'list of notorious criminals/goons'. Banerjee has already questioned the integrity and honesty of the commission, alleging that the report has been deliberately leaked to the media to embarrass the Trinamool Congress. "This is political vendetta. They (BJP) cannot accept defeat and so they are taking recourse to all these things. The matter is pending before the court, so how can it reach the media," the Chief Minister asked. Meanwhile, the NHRC has refuted the allegations of leakage of the report to the media. "NHRC has already shared the copy of the said report with the advocates of the concerned parties in this matter in accordance with the directions of the Calcutta High Court dated July 15. The National Human Rights Commission constituted a committee to enquire into the post-poll violence in West Bengal, as per the directions of the Calcutta High Court. The committee submitted its report to the high court on July 13, 2021," NHRC said in a press release. "On the further directions of the court, the committee provided a copy of the said report to its advocate in Kolkata, who shared it with the advocates of all the concerned parties in the related multiple writ petitions. The matter being sub-judice, the committee of the NHRC did not share its report to any entity other than those specified by the court. Since the report is already available with all the concerned parties as per the directives of the court, there is no question of leakage at the level of the NHRC," it added. However, senior Trinamool Congress leaders have strongly reacted against the report. "I am shocked. I believe the report is fabricated and a deliberate attempt to malign our party's image. I don't know why and from where the NHRC collected such information against me. There is no complaint or FIR lodged against me with any police station across Bengal. I am a lawyer by profession and was the chairman of the West Bengal Bar Council. I would like to take legal action against it (NHRC) following our party's instruction," said state minister Jyotipriya Mullick. Sheikh Sufiyan, a veteran leader of the land rights agitation in Nandigram, said the report is part of a "large conspiracy". "The National Human Rights Commission members only visited the houses of the alleged victims of post-poll violence belonging to the BJP. One of our prominent workers was killed on the day of the election but the committee members never visited his home. It shows how partial they were. My name has been listed here just because I was the Chief Minister's election agent. We will fight it out in the court," said Sufiyan. Trinamool MLA Saokat Molla too sounded shocked and surprised. "In my 25 years of political career, I have never had a single criminal case lodged against me. But today I find my name listed as a notorious criminal and goon. I wonder from where they collected the data and on what basis they labelled me with the tag notorious." asked Molla. New Delhi, July 16 : Afghan Taliban and their local associates are active in Pakistan's border regions, sources told VOA as Pakistan has acknowledged that bodies of militants killed in Afghanistan arrive in Pakistan, and wounded Taliban are treated in local hospitals. In a June 27 interview with Geo News, a local Pakistani channel, Pakistani Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed admitted that the Afghan Taliban's families reside in Pakistan, adding that "sometimes their dead bodies arrive, and sometimes they come here in hospitals to get medical treatment". Locals and eyewitnesses on the ground with knowledge of Taliban activities in Pakistan have confirmed to VOA that the militants enjoy sanctuaries in Pashtun areas of Balochistan province. A resident of Kuchlak, 25 km from the southwestern city of Quetta, the capital of Balochistan, told VOA that not only do the Taliban have their bases in madrasas and seminaries in the Pakistani province, but they also "collect donations in the mosques". The resident, who did not want to be named because he fears retaliation by the militants, said some residents of the town of Kuchlak are in the ranks of the Taliban. "Locals from all the tribes (living in the town) are with them, saying that they are conducting jihad to establish the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan," he added. Kuchlak is home to several madrasas and seminaries linked to the Taliban. In August 2019, the younger brother of Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada was among four killed in a bomb blast in a seminary mosque in the town. The Afghan government and the US have long blamed Pakistan for not acting against the Afghan Taliban's sanctuaries in Pakistan. Pakistani officials had repeatedly denied the presence of the Taliban sanctuaries in Pakistan. However, in an interview with local Afghan TV, Tolo News last month, Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi blamed the porous border and millions of Afghans living in Pakistan for the presence of the Taliban in the country. "Once they've gone back, and then there is cross border movement, we can be held more responsible for that," Qureshi said. Pakistani newspaper Dawn reported Sunday that police in the city of Peshawar are investigating videos shared on social media, showing a group of people on motorcycles holding Taliban flags and chanting for the militants during a funeral. The resident of Panjpai, a village near Afghanistan 85 km west of Quetta, told VOA that funerals and prayers for those killed in the fighting in Afghanistan are regularly held in the town. "Funerals are held. (The Taliban) make speeches at funerals and congratulate families for their martyrs," he said. He added that a funeral and prayers were held for the son of a tribal leader who was killed while fighting alongside the Taliban in Afghanistan. "He and his father were both with the Taliban. His father returned home for Eid, but his son stayed in Afghanistan and was killed," the resident said, adding that locals claimed (the son) "was killed in a drone attack". In videos shared on social media and obtained by VOA, hundreds of people took part in the funeral where the Taliban's white flags were displayed. VOA could not independently verify the authenticity of the posted videos. A local journalist who also requested anonymity said slain Taliban are brought to be buried in cemeteries in Quetta and surrounding areas, including Kuchlak, Duki, and Pishin. "Prayers are held in the mosques. Everyone in the area knows it," the journalist said. The report said Sayed Nazir, a retired Brigadier of the Pakistani Army, said "Pakistan has admitted" to the presence of the Taliban in Pakistan. "Their houses, their families or their children (are in Pakistan). They have access to education and health care,"said Nazir, adding that Pakistan has leverage over the group. A new United Nations report released last month said the Afghan Taliban have not fulfilled promises to cut ties with Al Qaeda. The report charged that Al Qaeda is active in the border areas between Afghanistan and Pakistan and operates under the Taliban in Afghanistan. "The group is reported to be such an 'organic' or essential part of the insurgency that it would be difficult, if not impossible, to separate it from its Taliban allies," the report said. The report added that most of the members of Al Qaeda in the Indian subcontinent are Afghans and Pakistanis. Colin Clarke, senior fellow at the Soufan Center, said it will be "difficult to defeat" al-Qaeda if it becomes "predominately (an) Afghan-Pakistani phenomenon". "That is extremely worrisome for the durability and longevity groups like Al Qaeda, particularly in South Asia," said Clarke. He added that without troops on the ground, the US will not have the same leverage. "If Afghanistan does descend back into a civil war, the Taliban need Al Qaeda. They need to team up with them against the Afghan government, against potential rivals like Islamic State," he said. New Delhi, July 16 : The Supreme Court on Friday wondered why in the era of Internet, jail authorities continue to rely on ancient modes of communication to receive bail orders. The apex court also emphasised that it will soon develop a secure electronic transmission mechanism for the jail authorities to access orders, for expeditious release of prisoners. A bench of Chief Justice N.V. Ramana and justices L. Nageswara Rao and A.S. Bopanna made the observation during the hearing on a suo motu case in connection with the delay in releasing convicts by prison authorities even after being granted bail by courts. The Chief Justice said: "In this age of information and communication technology, we are still looking at the skies for the pigeons to communicate the orders." He expressed surprise that the prison officials are waiting for the Supreme Court orders to be sent by post. "We had ordered release in some matters, and they were not released since they (jail authorities) did not receive authentic copy of orders. This is too much," he added. The bench, elaborating on the system, said: "We are contemplating a system for secure orders of bail, so that such orders can be sent electronically to jail authorities." The bench added that it is directing Supreme Court Secretary General to frame the scheme and also consult amicus curia senior advocate Dushyant Dave and Solicitor General Tushar Mehta in the matter. Justice Rao added that the idea of this order is to send the order copies of this court via a secured route. "This will be taking care of security," he said. Attorney General K.K. Venugopal said the top court's idea was "very progressive". The top court also asked state governments to provide details on how many prisons in their territory have Internet connection and also by when jails will be equipped with proper Internet facility for faster communication of bail orders. The bench said it is directing the Secretary General to place a report within 2 weeks' time, and "we'll try to implement the scheme in a month". During the hearing, Mehta pointed out there were instances where fake and fabricated orders are given, and before releasing the prisoner, the jail authorities require authenticated copies. "There should be a direction that the order uploaded in site is treated as the authenticated copy." Recently, there was delay on the part of Uttar Pradesh authorities in releasing 13 prisoners who were granted interim bail by top court on July 8. These convicts were in Agra jail for 14 to 22 years, and they were granted bail after it was found that they were juveniles at the time of offence. It was contended that convicts continued to remain incarcerated, though there was a clear-cut finding of them being minor. On July 13, an advocate representing the convicts informed the top court that 12 have been released a day ago and one would be released on the date. Mumbai, July 16 : In a major jolt, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has provisionally attached assets worth around Rs 4.21 crore belonging to former Maharashtra home minister Anil Deshmukh and his family, officials said here on Friday. The ED action came a day after the Maharashtra government ordered a probe by the state Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) against former Mumbai Police Commissioner Param Bir Singh, who had written a letter in April alleging corrupt activities by Deshmukh. In Friday's ED action, the assets attached under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) are held in the name of Deshmukh's wife Aarti Deshmukh and a company, Premier Port Links Pvt. Ltd. They include a residential flat in Worli worth Rs 1.54 crore, 25 land parcels worth Rs 2.67 crore at Dhutum village in Raigad district adjoining Mumbai, as part of the probe into money-laundering lodged against them. It maybe recalled that following a first information report registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the ED had started a probe into money laundering by several persons including Deshmukh, a senior Nationalist Congress Party leader. The CBI lodged its FIR following Singh's letter and allegations by a junior police official Sachin Vaze, alleging that Deshmukh had set a target to collect Rs 100 crore per month from various restaurants and bars in Mumbai. The ED contended that when he was the home minister, Deshmukh, 72, allegedly received bribes worth Rs 4.70 crore in cash from various bars through Vaze, which sparked off a major political controversy in the state and ultimately led to the minister's resignation. Using dummy companies based in Delhi, the Deshmukh family had allegedly laundered the tainted Rs 4.18 crore and showed it as an amount received by a trust, the Shri Sai Shikshan Sanstha. Further investigations by the ED revealed that a flat in the posh Worli area owned by Deshmukh was registered in his wife's (Aarti) name, with the entire payment made in cash in 2004, but the sale deed was made in February 2020, when he was the state home minister. The ED stated that the Deshmukh family had acquired 50 percent ownership of Premier Port Links Pvt. Ltd. including its assets like land and shops, valued around Rs 5.34 crore, by paying merely Rs 17.95 lakhs after a substantial gap. The agency added that further investigations are underway against Deshmukh and others for attempting to obtain undue advantage for improper and dishonest performance of their public duty. Meanwhile, Deshmukh has skipped at least three summons by the ED, and his wife and son Hrishikesh have also not yet appeared before the probe agency. Charging the ED action against him and his family as unjustified and a political vendetta, the embattled Deshmukh has moved the Supreme Court in the matter. New Delhi, July 16 : With an aim to cater to audiophiles, German audio brand Sennheiser on Friday unveiled a premium earphones --AIE 900 -- for music enthusiasts in India at Rs 1,29,990. The flagship model is available to pre-book on the Sennheiser webshop. The arrival of IE 900 also marks the launch of the company's brand new X3R system that delivers the coherent, artifact-free "Sennheiser Sound" found in full-size headphones up to 8 times larger in size. The company said that the new IE 900 earphones are meticulously crafted to the most demanding standards. "The earphones meet Sennheiser's criteria for a high-end audio product and match the exceptional performance to ensure a refined experience for audiophiles," Sennheiser India's Director, Consumer Segment, Kapil Gulati, said in a statement. "With the introduction of IE 900, we want the listeners to have an intense listening experience, exploring the deepest corners of their music collection," he added. Developed with an audience of high-fidelity sound enthusiasts in mind, the IE 900 makes even the subtlest nuances of sound audible. This reproduction of a wide frequency range with low distortion is the result of Sennheiser Is one-driver principle and the development of their X3R system, the company said. To further smoothen the treble, Sennheiser integrated an acoustic vortex. The frequency smoothing brings the listener ever closer to a perfect sound experience -- the reproduction of an entire moment captured through sound. Lucknow, July 16 : A day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi publicly appreciated Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National President J P Nadda on Friday lauded Yogi's style of governance and said he had turned Uttar Pradesh into a 'leading state'. Addressing the party's state executive virtually, Nadda said while PM Modi had given a new direction to the country, Yogi Adityanath had put Uttar Pradesh on the path to development. "Unless there is darkness, one does not understand the value of light. Uttar Pradesh was in the grip of casteism, nepotism and politics of appeasement. This had almost destroyed the state but the Prime Minister's guidance and Yogi Adityanath's leadership have turned the tables in the state," he added. Nadda said the BJP's recent victory in the Uttar Pradesh panchayat elections was proof of people's approval for Yogi's style of governance. He congratulated party leaders and workers for the victory. The BJP President appreciated the Covid management by the state government and said Uttar Pradesh has succeeded in containing the coronavirus. Meanwhile, the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, who addressed the concluding session of the state executive, congratulated state BJP President Swatantra Dev Singh on completing two years in office. Yogi Adityanath listed the achievements of his government and explained how it managed the pandemic. A number of party leaders joined the meeting virtually. Colombo, July 16 : The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka has fixed the hearing of a rights petition filed to stop selling lands in the strategic locations in Colombo to foreigners with Singapores Temasek Holdings model special purpose vehicle (SPV) company for September 21. Filing the petition, Secretary of the Professional's National Front Sri Lanka (PNF), a group comprising professionals, stated that in May last year, the Cabinet had approved the handing over of state-owned properties in Colombo and few other places to Selendiva Investments Ltd, a newly-formed company in which the Treasury holds 100 per cent shares. The Cabinet had allowed the firm to set up investment portfolios under the public private partnership (PPP) model to bring multiple properties, including hundred acres of prime land in the capital, most of which are close to the Colombo Port which are handled by the state-run Urban Development Authority (UDA). The PNF Secretary complained that Selendiva is trying to sell some heritage buildings listed in the City of Colombo Development Plan 1999 and warned that it would not only damage the cultural heritage of the country, but also threaten the island nation's sovereignty and violate the fundamental rights of the citizens. The ear-marked investment properties included British Colonial buildings, Hilton hotel, and present Foreign Ministry building which were within the close proximity of Colombo Port, and an Air Force camp in the heart of the city. Marxist opposition party, Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), charged that the move to sell prime lands in Colombo is connected to the Port City Bill, which was passed in the Parliament to run the Chinese owned Port City, an artificial island reclaimed from the sea next to the strategic Colombo Port. The critics have complained that the move was meant to allow Chinese companies to get hold of prime lands around its Colombo Port City project and the new SPV would help Beijing to seize strategic control of Sri Lanka's capital city, ports and financial activities. However, government authorities have denied the allegation but had said that it would not discriminate investors. Highlighting the geo-political consequences of selling strategic locations in Colombo to other countries, economic expert and opposition MP Eran Wickramaratne told IANS that Sri Lanka should not provide any opportunity to outsiders to be a threat to India's security. "This is important because we are just geographically so closely linked," Wickramaratne said. "It was always recognised that India is in our doorstep and they have legitimate concerns and we should be addressing them. On the other side, India has one of the largest growing markets in the world and Sri Lanka can be a gateway. "We should build on that opportunity to getting into Indian market both for our products as well as we can become the transhipment point. Already more than 50 per cent of trade to India goes through the Colombo Port," he said. Stressing the need that Sri Lanka should get back its 1960 non-align policy introduced by former PM Sirimavo Bandarnaike, Wickramaratne said that for the external defence of the country, "Sri Lanka's foreign policy must be clearly in the old use of the word 'non-aligned' and in the new use 'friends with everybody'." Mumbai: T-series MD and producer Bhushan Kumar at the launch of their music album 'Tu Yaad Aya' in Mumbai on Feb 10, 2020. (Photo: IANS) Image Source: IANS News Mumbai, July 16 : Music label and film production banner T-Series on Friday issued a statement about the rape allegation levelled against its Chairman and Managing Director Bhushan Kumar. The statement claims that the complaint filed against Kumar is "completely false and malicious". It further claims that the police complaint filed by the complainant is "nothing but a counter blast" to the complaint filed by T-Series on July 1 this year "against her and her accomplice for the offence of extortion". The statement issued by T-Series reads: "The complaint filed against Mr. Bhushan Kumar is completely false and malicious and the contents of the same are denied. It has been falsely alleged that the lady in question was sexually exploited between 2017 to 2020 on the pretext of giving her work. "It is a matter of record that she has already worked for T-Series banner in Film and music videos. "Around March 2021 she approached Mr. Bhushan Kumar seeking help to fund one of the web-series which she wanted to produce, which was politely refused. Thereafter, In June 2021 after the lifting of lockdown in Maharashtra she started approaching T-Series banner in collusion with her accomplice demanding huge sum of money as extortion amount. "Consequently, a complaint was filled by T-Series banner against the attempted extortion at with police at Amboli police station on 1st July 2021. We also have evidence in the form of audio recording for the extortion attempt and the same shall be provided to investigating agency. The present complaint filed by her is nothing but a counter blast to the complaint filed against her and her accomplice for the offence of extortion. "We are in the process of consulting our lawyers in this regard and will take appropriate legal action," the statement concluded. The Mumbai Police has registered an FIR filed by an aspiring model-cum-actress alleging rape by Bhushan Kumar, official sources said here on Friday. According to an officer with the DN Nagar Police Station in Andheri, the 30-year-old victim has claimed in the FIR that she was sexually exploited and repeatedly raped by Bhushan Kumar between 2017 and 2020 under the false pretext of giving her roles in films. Kathmandu, July 16 : China has announced on Friday that it would provide additional 1.6 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines to Nepal under grant assistance, after already donating 1.8 million doses of vaccines to the Himlayan nation earlier. Besides, Nepal is purchasing 4 million doses of vaccines from China, out of which the first consignment has already arrived in Kathmandu. With this, Chinese vaccine donation to Nepal has reached 3.4 million, which is the highest, Chinese Ambassador You Hanqi announced at a meeting with the new Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba at his office in Kathmandu. According to a press statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Chinese envoy assured that China will continue its support to Nepal in its fight against the pandemic, including through providing the vaccines. You also conveyed to the Prime Minister the recent decision of his government to provide Nepal with 1.6 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines as additional grant assistance, the statement reads. Deuba thanked the Chinese government for the vaccine support and expressed hope that China will continue to enhance its support to Nepal for both response and recovery. Nepal launched its vaccination campaign on January 27 with the 1 million doses of Covishield received in grant assistance from India. Covishield is the AstraZeneca type vaccine manufactured by the Serum Institute of India. In the first week of March, Covax, an international vaccine-sharing scheme backed by the United Nations, supplied 348,000 doses of Covishield. At the end of March, 800,000 doses of Vero Cell were brought in from China, which Beijing had provided under grant assistance. An additional 1 million doses of Vero Cell under a Chinese grant then arrived again in June. On July 12, a little over 1.5 a million doses of the single-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine landed in Kathmandu. The vaccine was provided by the US through the COVAX facility. On Wednesday, Japan announced it would donate 1.6 million AstraZeneca vaccines to Nepal under grant assistance. On March 28, the Indian Army had provided 100,000 doses of Covishield to the Nepal Army. The doses were used to vaccinate Army personnel and their dependents. The government in February signed a deal with the Serum Institute of India to buy 2 million doses of Covishield at $4 per dose. The Serum Institute, on February 1, supplied one million doses but stopped shipment of additional doses, citing the coronavirus crisis in India. The remaining one million doses have not arrived yet. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) New Delhi, July 16: In the seventies, the China backed Pol Pot regime turned farms into "killing fields" in strife-torn Cambodia, resulting in a Hollywood starrer that went by the same name. Fast forward to the second decade of the 21st century, and people are once again dying at the workplace on an industrial scale. The difference between now and what happened half-a-century ago is that factories, instead of the farms, have become venues of the insane tragedy. Also instead of Cambodia, the victim country this time is Bangladesh. The common factor of course is China. The massive fire that broke out at a factory in Bangladesh's Narayanganj killing at least 52 people last week has been a wake-up call for the South Asian nation. The incident highlighted how several Chinese have been running factories illegally in the country. A report carried by the Economic Times said for the last seven years illegal factories have been established in Bangladesh for manufacturing batteries. "These factories are run by Chinese businessmen," the newspaper said. The report also noted that the Narayanganj Moukuli Bazar factory which was earlier a textile mill was converted into a battery manufacturing unit illegally. It has been running for the last four years without any signboard outside the factory and "nobody knows the name of the battery." "The people in nearby area are aware that this factory belongs to Chinese businessmen," it said. According to news agency ANI, Chinese nationals in Bangladesh are not allowed to purchase land. "The Chinese typically seek help from the locals for setting up their units and these are illegal. The real names of the promoters are naturally buried while in case of problems, the locals are harassed," a person familiar with the trade told India Narrative. He also said that many Chinese have been setting up their factories in Bangladesh due to the cost advantage. Most of these illegal units provide no safety net to the workers. Fires have been common occurrences in Bangladesh. At a time, when Bangladesh is looking to attract more foreign direct investment not just in the readymade garment sector but also in other areas, the Sheikh Hasina government will need to rejig labour laws with a fool proof safety mechanism of workers weeding out illegal elements. The International Labour Organisation had earlier observed that "most of the factories do not meet standards required by building and construction legislation. As a result, deaths from fire incidents and building collapses are frequent. (The content is being carried under an arrangement with indianarrative.com) --indianarrative Mumbai, July 16 : Fashion designer Masaba Gupta says she is all set to commence shooting for the second season of her show "Masaba Masaba". She promises twice the laughter, tears and fun. "'Masaba Masaba' season one was one of the most unexpected yet fun things to happen to me. I have extremely fond memories of filming for the show and just having a good time with the amazing cast and crew," she said. The daughter of veteran actress Neena Gupta said that she is all set to shoot for the second season. "I'm all set to start filming for the new season with excitement and renewed energy. I get to show a different side of myself in season two and I can't wait to see what the audience will think about it. It is going to be twice the laughter, twice the tears and twice the fun!" she promised. Jaipur, July 16 : Former Union finance minister P Chidambaram termed centralisation as the biggest challenge to democracy and raised concerns on vaccine nationalism while addressing a seminar on 'Global pandemic and challenges before democracy in the country' organised by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association in the Rajasthan Assembly on Friday, He said that India did not encourage purchase of even one foreign vaccine as it manufactured two vaccines of its own. Also not even one foreign vaccine manufacturer applied for a licence to market its vaccines in India in 2020 and early 2021. It was not only India which suffered from vaccine nationalism but the sentiment also affected many European countries too. The India-made vaccine Covaxin has not yet been approved in any European country, which yet again is an example of vaccine nationalism, he added. Going further he said, "There are many rich nations which have bought and hoarded the vaccines in large stock which has affected the vaccination across the globe. There are many countries like the US, UK, Japan etc which have bought huge stock of vaccines to inoculate its population twice or thrice, but at the same time, there are countries like Bhutan which did not get vaccines to inoculate its population. This is torture," he said adding how can poor countries fight against this pandemic without the only weapon available. The pandemic can be contained with universal vaccination, said Chidambaram. He termed centralisation as the biggest challenge to democracy and quoted the example of delay in vaccination in the country to elaborate his point. The vaccines were ordered late, payment was made late and orders for foreign vaccines were also delayed, courtesy centralisation, he added. He said the next challenge was the crisis of resources and following it was an issue of increase in the divide between the rich and the poor. Online education came up but what about those who have no resources for online education, he asked. Chidambaram said, "We need to search out answers for many questions which have cropped up during this pandemic; what should we say, how should we understand and do, did our government get success in preserving rights of poor and deprived and others; we may contradict each other's statement but we will have to find answers to such questions." He said that no one knows when this pandemic will end or will it end at all. However the question is why did the topic of challenges to democracy come up during the pandemic. Each government should be worried about this subject. Assembly speaker CP Joshi said crores of people fell below the poverty line during this pandemic. Leader of Opposition Gulabchand Kataria said, "India sailed through successfully but the second phase did give a challenging time to all." He praised the efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to clamp a lockdown on time. New Delhi, July 16 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that the trend of increasing in Covid cases in Kerala and Maharashtra is a cause of concern. He was interacting with Chief Ministers of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Odisha, Maharashtra, and Kerala to discuss the Covid situation. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya were also present in the meeting. Thanking the Prime Minister for lending all possible help and support in tackling Covid, the Chief Ministers briefed him about steps that are being taken to contain the spread of the virus in their states. They also provided feedback about the vaccination strategy and progress. The Chief Ministers also mentioned the steps taken to boost medical infrastructure and gave suggestions on dealing with any possible rise of cases in future. They gave an assurance that they are doing their best to control the surge of infection. Amit Shah mentioned that these six states account for more than 80 per cent of the total cases during the month of July, while some of these states have very high test positivity rate as well. In his closing remarks, Modi said: "All of us are at a point where apprehensions of the third wave are continuously expressed. Despite experts giving positive signals due to the downward trends, the increasing number of cases in a few states is still worrisome." The Prime Minister pointed out that during the last week, 80 per cent cases as well as 84 per cent "unfortunate" deaths came from the states present in the meeting. "Initially, experts believed that states where the second wave originated will see the normalisation first. However, increasing numbers in Kerala and Maharashtra are cause of grave worry," he said. The Prime Minister cautioned that similar trends were seen in January-February before the second wave and insisted that in the states where cases are rising, proactive measures have to be taken to prevent the possibility of the third wave. He underlined the experts' view that if the cases keep on rising for a long time, chances of mutation of the coronavirus will also increase and dangers of new variants will also rise. "We need to continue with the strategy of Test, Track, Treat and Teeka (vaccination) while putting special focus on micro-containment zones. Districts with large numbers should be focussed on," Modi said. He stressed increased testing in entire states. Terming vaccines as a strategic tool for high infection areas, the Prime Minister stressed the effective use of vaccination. Praising the states who are using this time to improve their RT-PCR testing capacity, he also cited the financial help that is being provided for enhancing medical infrastructure like ICU beds and testing capacity. Referring to the recently-approved Rs 23,000 crore emergency Covid response package, the Prime Minister asked the states to use the funds to strengthen medical infrastructure. He also made special mention of the need to protect children from being infected and make all possible arrangements in this regard. The Prime Minister also noted with concern the rise of the number of cases in Europe, the US, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Thailand and many other countries. "This should alert us and the world," he said. The Prime Minister reiterated that Corona is not over and expressed deep concern over the pictures of Covid norms violations that are coming post lockdown. He emphasised the need to follow protocols and avoid crowding as many states in the meeting have metropolitan cities with dense populations. He also called upon political parties, social organisations, and NGOs to spread awareness among people. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) New Delhi, July 16 : There is no scientific evidence to prove that the impending third wave of coronavirus disease will have a detrimental effect on children, said experts here on Friday, asking people to stay away from such misinformation, which has been on the rise since the outbreak of pandemic. It has been widely claimed that children will be infected the most during the third Covid-19 wave. While some kids were affected during the second wave, almost 90 per cent of the infections, so far, have been mild or asymptomatic. "The combination of misinformation and disinformation, which is called infodemic, has been happening since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic. However, the recent example of misinformation is that - the third wave of covid will impact children - this is complete misinformation as there is no scientific basis behind it," IPHA President and Professor, Department of Community Medicine, AIIMS, Sanjay Kumar Rai, said at the Infodemic Pandemic eSummit - HEAL-Thy Samvaad Episode-19, organised by HEAL Health. This was also echoed by the Indian Academy of Paediatrics (IAP) which noted that although children remain susceptible to infection, it was "highly unlikely that the third wave will predominantly or exclusively affect children". The experts further stated that the onset of Covid-19 also led to an overabundance of information, impacting the mental health of people. This was further exacerbated by the lockdowns and other restrictions. "There is fear and uncertainty associated with Covid-19, anxiety, and distress caused by lockdowns and social distancing, limited access to mental health services -- and this is all due to the misinformation and disinformation surfacing around," National Institute of Mental Health & Neurosciences' (NIMHANS) Centre for Psycho-Social Support in Disaster Management head, Prof K. Sekar, said. Interestingly, the World Economic Forum cautions overabundance of information as digital wildfires, JNU's Centre of Social Medicine & Community Health Chairperson Dr. Rajib Das Gupta said. "The Covid rumour waves started as early as the third week of January and the second rumour surfaced in the month of February. There has been confusion around, and all forms of media are pumping the information but all are not credible. There has been a very complex situation as a multitude of activities are going on. There is a lack of risk communication," Das Gupta said. The experts noted that the misinformation also plays a role in vaccine hesitancy. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) New Delhi, July 16 : Addressing the party's social media volunteers virtually on Friday, former Congress President Rahul Gandhi said that the party only needs courageous people, and not those who are afraid of the BJP. "Bahut sare log Congress ke bahar hai jo dar nahi rahein hain, unko andar lao. Jo hamare yahan dar rahein hain, unko bahar nikalo (There are many outside the party who are not scared. Bring them into the Congress. Remove those from the party who are scared)," he said. "We need brave and courageous people, this is our ideology," he said. Rahul Gandhi's clear message comes in the wake of many state leaders flexing their muscles. It is also an indication that the party will not give in to arm twisting. Some feel that the Congress leader was reacting to Jitin Prasada leaving the Congress for the BJP recently. Prasada was considered close to the Gandhi family. The comments came at a time when the Congress is busy handling the Punjab crisis, besides managing infighting in the party in a number of states, a year before six states -- Uttarakhand, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Goa, Manipur and Gujarat -- go to the polls. Washington, July 16 : The World Health Organisation has said it aims to fix several "unintended errors" in its joint report with China on the origins of the Covid-19 pandemic, media reports said. The WHO had, in March, concluded in a report that a laboratory leak was "extremely unlikely". The report, which also carried details of early Covid patients in Wuhan, showed some errors, The Washington Post reported on Thursday. The official China National Genomics Data Center (NGDC) database says patient S01 began to exhibit symptoms on December 16, 2019, a week later than the December 8 onset recorded in the WHO report. The UN health body plans to change the virus sequence IDs associated with three of the 13 early patients listed in a chart in the report and will clarify that the first family cluster was not linked to the Huanan seafood market in Wuhan, The Post quoted a WHO spokesman as saying. The mistakes in the report were due to "editing errors," but they did not affect "the data analysis process, nor the conclusions", WHO spokesman Tarik Jasarevic said. The global health body also said that it will look into other possible discrepancies. While it is not yet clear whether or how clarity on these points could throw light on the pandemic's origins, the need to correct data months after publication, raises questions. "We need more explanation about what the source of the error and the information was," Georgetown University Professor of Global Health Law, Lawrence Gostin, who also provides technical assistance to the WHO, was quoted as saying. "Who made the errors? Was it China, was it the team, was it WHO itself?" he asked. "There's no clarity, and this does feed into public distrust of the integrity and rigour of the origins investigation." Meanwhile, at a news conference on Thursday, WHO Director General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, asked China to be more transparent on the issue of data sharing. He added that getting access to raw data had been a challenge for the international team that traveled to China earlier this year to investigate the source of the pandemic. He also reportedly stated that it was premature on WHO's part to rule out a potential link between the Covid pandemic and a laboratory leak. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) Jaipur, July 16 : Rajasthan Health Minister Raghu Sharma on Friday said according to the Sample Registration Survey (SRS) 2018, the fertility rate of Rajasthan is 2.5 per cent whereas the national average is 2.2 per cent. According to Millennium Development Goals, the fertility rate is to be brought down to 2.1 per cent by the target year 2025. For this, we have to adopt the policy of 'Hum Do, Humare Ek' (We Two, Ours One), he added. The Minister was addressing a Family Welfare Promotion prize distribution function. He said the problem of increasing population is getting frightening not only in India but in the entire world. The balance of nature is continuously deteriorating due to increasing population. This is causing problems in food grains, drinking water, housing, education, health and employment. 'Population Stabilisation' fortnight is being observed from July 11 to 24, Sharma added. The theme of the fortnight is 'Aapda me bhi parivar niyojan ki taiyari, saksham rashtra aur parivar ki poori jimmedari' (Preparation of family planning even during crisis for the complete responsibility of nation and family) and this message is being carried to villages and hamlets. He said nearly 2.5 lakh sterilisations are done every year in the state under the family planning programme. Health Secretary Siddharth Mahajan said the contribution of women in the sterilisation programme is nearly 99 per cent and that of men is only 1 per cent under the family welfare programme, whereas vasectomy (male sterilisation) is very easy. Efforts are being made to encourage male sterilisation to make the family welfare programme successful, he added. The IUCD services are being provided post-delivery at the high load delivery points. The compensation and incentive amount for sterilisation have been increased. He informed in detail about the work being done by the Department of Family Welfare. Director Public Health, KK Sharma, said family planning is the responsibility of an individual as well as the community. He said increasing population can be controlled only if we ourselves adopt the means of family welfare and inspire others too. Patna, July 16 : After joining the Janata Dal (United), Upendra Kushwaha, the party's Parliamentary Board President, has admitted for the first time that officialdom is predominant in Bihar. Kushwaha is on a tour of Bihar and returned on Friday after completing the first phase. "I admit that anger spread among the people of Bihar due to officialdom. But at the same time they have faith in Nitish Kumar who is our popular leader both within the party as well as for the common man of Bihar," said Kushwaha, who is also a former Rashtriya Lok Samata Party (RLSP) leader. "During my visit to four state districts during the first phase, common man and party workers have complained about officialdom in their respective areas. The police and civil administration did not listen to their grievances," he added. Kushwaha pointed out that the party has an organizational structure at the village panchayat level, block level, district level and state level but there is lack of enthusiasm within the party workers and officials. "One of the reasons for lack of enthusiasm is Covid-19. Besides, there are some other reasons as well," he said, without elaborating. The leaders at the village panchayat level are doing good work for the party and are entitled to be rewarded by the top leadership of the party, he said. "I have completed the tour of four state districts and leaders of those districts are giving full support to us. The leaders at the panchayat to the district level are not pleased with the attitude and working style of government officials. We will discuss this with our top leadership and develop a mechanism to address the grievances of leaders and party workers," he added. Asked whether he would join the JD(U) meeting scheduled on July 18, Kushwaha said he has pre-scheduled a tour of Aurangabad. Therefore, he will not be present in this meeting. Lucknow, July 16 : Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra called off her 'maun vrat' after two-and-a-half hours and said that it was in protest against the chaos prevailing in Uttar Pradesh, here on Friday. Talking briefly to reporters, Priyanka said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his visit to Varanasi on Thursday, had said that Yogi Adityanath has successfully handled the Covid-19 pandemic and UP is now moving ahead on the path of development. "The Yogi Adityanath government held panchayat elections during the pandemic after which several teachers, who were on poll duty, succumbed to Covid. The BJP did not get the desired results so it resorted to violence, threats, intimidation and even kidnapping in the second and third phase of the polls. Women were threatened, their clothes were ripped off and the candidates' nomination papers were torn. Is this democracy," she asked. Priyanka further said that chaos was spread by the state government and it was surprising that it had the approval of the Prime Minister. Hyderabad, July 16 : Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao on Friday said the money earned through auction of government lands in the state will be spent for public welfare. He said the government earned Rs 2,000 crore through auction of about 50 acres of land in Hyderabad on Thursday. The state government has set a target of mobilising Rs 20,000 crore through sale of government lands during 2021-22. Addressing a meeting at Telangana Bhavan to formally welcome former Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leader L. Ramana into Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS), KCR, as the Chief Minister is popularly known, said Telangana has a bright future. Recalling his prediction that if granted statehood, Telangana will become the wealthiest state, he pointed out that the employees in Telangana were receiving highest salaries in the country. He claimed that the state is number one in per capita power consumption. "Farmers in the state are happy. Ever since we brought Dharani portal, there are no land disputes," he said. The TRS chief said Telangana of his dream was becoming a reality. He said people in every village were benefiting from various schemes. Stating that Telangana suffered injustice in irrigation sector due to "criminal negligence" in united Andhra Pradesh, KCR said that six months before the formation of Telangana, they discussed how to rebuild Telangana. Schemes like Mission Kakatiya were prepared in the presence of Professor Jayashankar and R. Vidyasagar Rao. He claimed that this scheme is now being successfully implemented. The Chief Minister also promised to provide political representation to weavers. Claiming that the government took several measures for the development of weavers, he said still a lot need to be done so that the community lives a life of dignity. KCR said an insurance scheme on the lines of Rythu Bima will be implemented for weavers. Pointing out that weavers from Warangal district are working in Gujarat's Surat, he said officials were sent to Surat to study their problems. If textile industry is encouraged, they are ready to return to state, he said. KCR said a mega textile park is being set up over 1,000 acres in Warangal, and industrialists are coming forward to invest in this. One company has expressed its willingness to invest Rs 3,000 crore. He said that Ramana joined the TRS to contribute for the development of Telangana. He said he was happy that a disciplined person like Ramana has joined the TRS, and assured that Ramana and others who joined the TRS would be provided suitable posts. The Chief Minister since weavers have no political representation, the TRS will use services of Ramana to provide benefits of various schemes to the community. Ramana last week resigned from the TDP and joined the TRS. He was the President of the TDP's Telangana unit. Bhubaneswar, July 16 : Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Friday urged Prime Minister Narnedra Modi to increase the state's vacation allocation quota to 95 per cent instead of 75 per cent as per the government of India guidelines. Patnaik raised this demand during a virtual meeting on Covid management convened by the Prime Minister with the Chief Ministers of six states -- Odisha, Maharashtra, Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. Patnaik said that Odisha has been performing very well in the vaccination drive and its vaccine wastage is among the lowest in the country. However, due to the low presence of private hospitals in the state, the lifting of vaccines from the 25 per cent quota has been less, he said. Reiterating the earlier communication with the Central government on the issue, he said, "We had written to the Government of India to increase the allocation to the state government to 95 per cent and reduce the allocation to private hospitals to 5 per cent. This will help us increase the pace of vaccination in the state." Expressing concern over the anticipated third wave of the pandemic and its impact on children, the Chief Minister said, "I would like to request that vaccines for the 12-18 years age group may be prioritised and rolled out at the earliest." Earlier, state Health Minister Naba Kishore Das and Additional Chief Secretary (Health) P.K. Mohapatra had requested the Centre to allocate Covid vaccine doses to the state at a ratio of 95:5 for government and private hospitals, instead of the 75:25 ratio fixed as per the Central guidelines. The Centre had revised its guidelines for the vaccination programme on June 8, which came into effect from June 21 across the country. The presence of private hospitals in Odisha is very low and limited to only about 5 per cent of the total healthcare sector in the state. Hence, the state is raising the demand, sources said. Amaravati, July 16 : Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy on Friday said the state managed to reasonably weather the Covid storm despite lacking medically well-equipped cities such as Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Chennai. "The state has managed reasonably well in fighting against the pandemic despite lack of modern medical facilities as in Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Chennai," he said at a Covid review, through video conferencing, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and thanked him for the support extended to southern state. The Chief Minister highlighted that the grassroots governance system of ward and village volunteers has played a crucial role in effectively containing the pandemic. Using this system, he said fever surveys were conducted as many as 12 times and focused on testing people with symptoms. According to the Chief Minister, vaccination is the only solution for coronavirus and he informed the Prime Minister that AP received over 1.68 crore vaccine doses, which were used to vaccinate 1.76 crore people. For July, Andhra has been allotted 53 lakh vaccine doses, out of which 17.7 lakh doses were supplied to private hospitals. As private hospitals could only utilise 4.2 lakh doses in June, and failed to exhaust their allotted quota, the Chief Minister asked the Prime Minister to allot the remaining stock in private hospitals to the government to help to increase the vaccination process. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) Lucknow, July 16 : The shooting of the web series 'Chuna' starring Jimmy Shergill in the main lead has been stalled in Lucknow after five persons in the unit tested positive for Covid-19. According to the information received, five out of the 92 members of the shooting unit have been found to be Corona infected, after which District Magistrate Abhishek Prakash ordered that the shooting be stopped with immediate effect. The Chief Medical Officer (CMO) has also written a letter to Police Commissioner D.K. Thakur, urging him to stop the shooting. The shooting of this web series was going on in the Mirzaganj area of Malihabad. A team of 41 people is staying at Hotel SR Grand Charbagh, 19 at Hotel Millennium Residency Matiyari and 32 at Hotel Hilton in Gomti Nagar. According to the letter, five members of the team staying at SR Grand have been found Covid positive, following which all the crew members have been directed to remain quarantined in their respective hotels. The story of 'Chuna' revolves around a group of people who unite to take revenge on a corrupt politician and teach him a lesson. New Delhi, July 16 : The Delhi Jal Board (DJB) on Friday informed that the water level at the Wazirabad pond has increased from 667 feet to 674.5 feet after the Haryana government released Delhi's share of water. With availability of adequate raw water, DJB said the threat of a water crisis has been averted and the water supply in the national capital will normalise in one or two days. DJB's vice chairman and AAP MLA Raghav Chadha after taking stock of the situation at the Wazirabad Barrage on Friday, said 16,000 cusec water, which was released from Hathini Kund (Haryana) on Tuesday, has reached Yamuna (Delhi) and the water treatment plants in the capital are operating at optimum levels. "The DJB along with the people of Delhi finally managed to compel Haryana to release Delhi's rightful share of water in the Yamuna -- 16,000 cusecs. As a result, all our water treatment plants are now operating at optimum levels," Chadha said. The water from Wazirabad pond is drawn for treatment at Wazirabad, Okhla and Chandrawal treatment plants. The treated water is then supplied to central, south and west Delhi. The DJB had on Monday stated that the water level of the Yamuna at the Wazirabad Barrage had hit the lowest mark in 56 years. However, before the raw water was released and received, there were constant protests and counter protests by political outfits in the national capital. The DJB had also moved the Supreme Court, seeking directions to Haryana to release the capital's share of water. The Delhi unit of the BJP, which had raised an alarm even before the DJB made an official announcement last week, continued its protest against the AAP government on Friday as well. Scores of BJP workers protested near the Delhi Chief Minister's residence. The Congress, which had maintained silence on the issue, also swung into action and staged a protest near Chief Minister Kejriwal's residence on Friday. According to the DJB, at present Delhi has been receiving 479 MGD against 609 MGD from Haryana. Besides, Delhi draws 90 MGD groundwater and receives 250 MGD from the Upper Ganga Canal. Jalgaon : , July 16 (IANS) The pilot was killed and a woman trainee pilot injured as a brand-new training aircraft belonging to a private aviation academy crashed in a remote field near Chopda village in Maharashtra's Jalgaon on Friday, officials said. The incident occurred around 4 p.m. when the light training aircraft suddenly came crashing down, killing the pilot instantly and injuring the student, even as horrified villagers informed the police and district authorities. The victims have been identified as pilot Narul Amin, and the trainee pilot Ankita Gujar, who suffered fractures in the crash which reduced the aircraft to a heap of metal. The aircraft belonged to the NMIMS Academic of Aviation, linked with the reputed Shri Vile Parle Kelavani Mandal (SVPKM)'s group of educational institutions in Mumbai. "It's a very unfortunate incident The aircraft was a very new one and had got its certificate barely six months ago. The pilot was very senior and experienced. Something must have gone wrong somewhere," SVPKM President Amrish Patel told IANS. Patel, who is a BJP legislator, said that the aviation academy is shifting the injured woman to Mumbai's Nanavati Hospital, Vile Parle, for treatment of her fractures. Kolkata, July 16 : The violence and looting against people with Indian origin in South Africa over the past week were planned, South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa alleged during his first visit to the worst-affected KwaZulu-Natal province . As many as 121 people, mostly of Indian origin, have died in the country's worst post-apartheid era violence in the past week. "It is quite clear that all these incidents of unrest and looting were instigated... There were people who planned it and coordinated it," Ramphosa said on Friday. But he did not specifically blame any party or group, only saying that his government has arrested more than 2,200 troublemakers, including several 'instigators'. "We are going after them, we have identified a good number of them, and we will not allow anarchy and mayhem to unfold in our country," Ramaphosa told mediapersons. He said that Indian origin people are 'very important ' to the country, its economy and society. "They will be defended, they have no reason to worry," Ramphosa said. The South Africa government had said on Thursday that one of the suspected instigators had been arrested and 11 were under surveillance. In all, 2,203 people have been arrested during the unrest for various offences, including theft. Ramaphosa did admit, however, that his government could have acted "quicker" to prevent the unrest and expressed concerns over the growing racial tension in KwaZulu-Natal. Protests broke out a day after Ramaphosa's predecessor Jacob Zuma, who wields support among the poor and loyalists in the governing African National Congress (ANC), began a 15-month jail term for refusing to testify to a corruption investigation. The agitations quickly turned into looting as crowds pillaged shopping malls and warehouses, hauling away goods even as the police stood by, seemingly powerless to act. South Africa has deployed more than 20,000 defence personnel to assist the police in quelling the unrest. In one of the largest troop deployments since the end of the white minority rule in 1994, the government said 10,000 soldiers were on the streets by Thursday morning and the South African National Defence Force has also called up all of its reserve forces of 12,000 soldiers. Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor said that the government is now in control of most of the areas from where looting and riots were reported. Indian origin people, who are the worst sufferers, were forced to arm themselves in two provinces, especially in Durban city, home to more than 70 per cent of the 1.4 million Indian origin population in the country. Mumbai, July 16 : Three-time National Award-winner actress Surekha Sikri-Rege, who excelled equally on stage, films, television and web series, passed away following a cardiac arrest early on Friday, an aide said here. She was 76 and breathed her last surrounded by her family members and caregivers. The family requested for privacy in their hour of grief. A former sister-in-law of veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah, Sikri had lost her husband Hemant Rege around 12 years ago and is survived by their son Rahul Sikri. Sikri had been ailing for the past few years after having suffered a paralytic stroke in 2018, followed by a brain haemorrhage in 2020. Born in Delhi, she spent time at the famed Aligarh Muslim University and then joined the National School of Drama, graduating from there in 1971. Starting her acting career of more than four decades, she first worked on stage for over a decade, and then debuted in Hindi films with the acclaimed political drama "Kissa Kursi Ka" (1978) which was banned briefly. Later, she played supporting roles in several Hindi movies like "Salim Langde Pe Mat Ro", "Tamas", "Mammo", "Sardari Begum", "Sarfarosh", "Zubeidaa", "Jo Bole So Nihaal", "Badhai Ho", and her last film "Ghost Stories". Simultaneously, she acted in several TV serials including "Just Mohabbat", "Mano Ya Na Mano", "CID", "Kesar", "Maha Kumbh: Ek Rahasya, Ek Kahani", and the hugely popular "Balika Badhu" which catapulted her into the hearths and hearts of the masses. Over the years, she bagged the National Award for "Tamas" (1988), "Mammo" (1995) and "Badhai Ho" (2018), and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1989) for her services to Hindi theatre, besides a string of other honours, awards and accolades. Top Bollywood, theatre and television personalities mourned the loss of Sikri, and social media was flooded with fans' memories and messages on her performances over the decades. Hyderabad, July 16 : One of the grandsons of seventh - and last -- Nizam Mir Osman Ali Khan has said that the properties of the ruler of erstwhile Hyderabad State belong to his 34 children and not to Prince Mukarram Jah alone. Najaf Ali Khan, in a statement on Friday, termed as illegal the reported claims by Prince Mukarram Jah that he is the sole owner of 'Matruka' properties of the seventh Nizam. He pointed out that as per the Treaty of Annexation with the Indian government dated January 25, 1950, the seventh Nizam and his family were given certain rights and privileges along with recognition as Ruler of Hyderabad by the government. Najaf Ali Khan said his grandfather had recognised all his 34 children for whom he made provisions during his lifetime. He also made several trusts for them and their families. These trusts had a government nominee too. Following Mir Osman Ali Khan's demise on February 24, 1967, Mir Barkat Ali Khan alias Prince Mukkarram Jah was recognized as the successor to his grandfather by the government. However, the private properties of the Nizam are to be divided amongst his legal heirs as per Islamic Shariat Law and as such, his 34 children are entitled to inherent the 'Matruka', he said. The matter of Succession Certificate being given to Prince Mukarram Jah was challenged by his aunt Shahzadi Pasha in 1967 itself and on January, 29 1968 the certificate was quashed by the Andhra Pradesh High Court in Ahmedunnisa (Alias Shahzadi Pasha) V/s Union of India case. Furthermore, in 1971 the Parliament passed 26th Amendment Act to abolish the right of the privy purses, titles and rights of princely states, thereby Prince Mukarram Jah ceased to be recognized as the ruler of Hyderabad and became an ordinary citizen. Najaf Ali Khan argues that as a result of 26th Amendment, the succession certificate became non est/null and void. He said as the seventh Nizam had immense love and affection towards his grandson Prince Mukarram Jah, he purchased for him during his lifetime, as he has done for other family members one property - Chiran Palace. Prince Mukarram Jah, by claiming to be sole owner of all properties of the Nizam, is misleading the concerned authorities as well as people, he added. He said they have already informed the Telangana Chief Minister and the Chief Secretary about this issue and sought a high-level inquiry. Najaf Ali Khan made the statement in response to certain public notices published in newspapers about property purchased from Prince Mukarram Jah. New Delhi, July 16 : Delhi Water Minister Satyendar Jain on Friday directed Delhi Jal Board (DJB) officials to resolve issues related to water-logging in the national capital without any delay. Jain, who also heads the Public Works Department (PWD), instructed officials to ensure that all sewer lines in the city work properly. "It is the duty of DJB officials to address every issue related to water-logging and sewer blockage in different parts of Delhi. In case any blockage arises due to excessive rains, pumps should be used to extract excess rainwater," Jain said in a statement issued by the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) in view of several complaints of water-logging reported in the last two days. He also directed officials to ensure that the GPS tracking system fitted in the DJB's water tankers gets activated immediately. "Officials should closely monitor and track the movement of the tankers to prevent any kind of water theft," he said. As Delhi received light to moderate rain with the much awaited monsoon arriving finally, but with respite from the scorching heat of summer and high humidity, like every year, people of Delhi had to witness waterlogging and heavy traffic snarls at several part of the city in three last three days. As per the official information, in the last three days, over 150 complaints of water-logging on streets and low-lying areas were reported. Also five incidents of tree felling were reported. Some of the prominent areas where water-logging was reported were the Ring Road near WHO building, Pragati Maidan, Chandni Chowk, Vikas Marg near the DDA building, Kamla Market, Rohini, Sadar Bazar, Malviya Nagar, ITO, Okhla, Janak Puri, Rohtak Road, Nabi Karim, Shastri Nagar, Keshav Puram, Rajan Babu Road in Civil Lines, Bhajanpura, Swami Dayanand Marg in Shahdara, Pul Prahladpur on Mehrauli-Badarpur road, Azadpur underpass, among others. New Delhi, July 16 : The appointment of a panel of special public prosecutors (SPPs) to deal with the cases related to the January 26 violence during the farmers' tractor rally against the three new farm laws has triggered a fresh confrontation between the Delhi Cabinet and the Lieutenant Governor. The Delhi Cabinet on Friday rejected a panel of special public prosecutors, suggested by Delhi Police, saying the Delhi government's existing panel will continue as public prosecutors in the case. The Cabinet's decision came as a counter to Delhi L-G Anil Baijal's recommendation to approve a panel of SPPs from the list suggested by Delhi Police. On July 2, Baijal had written to Delhi Minister Satyendar Jain and asked him to clear the proposal (SPPs recommended by Delhi police) in the cabinet. However, during a cabinet meeting on Friday, the council of ministers rejected the L-G's proposal. The Cabinet instead has decided that the panel appointed by the Delhi government will continue as public prosecutors in the case. "The Cabinet's decision is in line with the Delhi government's stand that existing regular additional public prosecutors belonging to the Directorate of Prosecution are competent enough to handle the cases," the Delhi government said in a statement. It added that the "Delhi Cabinet observed that the demand of the Delhi Police to appoint lawyers of their own choice in the case was baseless and unwarranted and that it could not allow the same to happen. The cabinet was satisfied with the performance of the government's present public prosecutors and noted that there were no complaints made against their functioning." Now, the Cabinet's decision will be sent to the L-G for his final approval. The L-G now has the choice to invoke Article 239AA (4) and refer the matter to the President of India as the recommendation could not find a consensus with the elected government. A similar standoff was seen between the L-G and the Delhi government earlier when the Delhi Police had recommended a panel of SPPs for the Delhi riots cases. The LG had then invoked Article 239AA(4), and the panel picked by the police was appointed. However, on the possibility of invoking Article 239AA(4) by the L-G, the Delhi Cabinet noted that provision to Article 239AA(4) can be invoked by the L-G only in extremely rare cases. It said the Article gives special powers to the L-G to take immediate action as he deems necessary in "extremely rare cases". "The appointment of SPPs, and that too repeatedly, cannot fall in the category of 'extremely rare cases'," the Cabinet noted. New Delhi, July 16 : The Supreme Court on Friday ordered that all prisoners, released by the High-Powered Committee (HPC) of various state governments following its order in May last year, shouldn't be asked to surrender until further orders. Against the backdrop of an unprecedented Covid-19 crisis prevailing in the country, the top court had passed a slew of directions to decongest prisons and ordered forthwith release of all those prisoners who were granted bail or parole last year due to the pandemic. On Friday, a bench headed by Chief Justice N.V. Ramana also directed all states to submit a report before it by next Friday detailing the implementation and criteria adopted by the HPCs to release prisoners on emergency parole. The bench also comprising Justices Nageswara Rao and A.S. Bopanna, observed that there is no uniform criteria adopted across the states. It noted that states have to explain, if they have considered factors like age, and comorbidities, while granting parole. Amicus curiae in the matter, senior advocate Dushyant Dave submitted that suo motu cognizance was taken by the court on March 16 last year. He added that the court had directed that all prisoners or undertrials in cases punishable with imprisonment of 7 years or less be released forthwith to prevent overcrowding in jails. He added that it was noted there were 4 lakh prison inmates and jails are overcrowded, therefore decongestion was needed to protect the right to health of the accused amid the pandemic. Dave added there was no information available on how the top court's order was implemented by different states Appearing for the Centre, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta submitted: "Government does not have any objection if the earlier orders are extended." The bench noted that states should also explain if prisoners whose appeals are pending in higher courts were also considered for release by HPCs. "We think it fit to direct Secretary of National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) and states to submit a report stating norms followed in releasing prisoners. Issues of why appeals by prisoners seeking release was not entertained to be clarified," the bench said in its order. The NALSA Secretary was asked to submit this report by next Friday, and the matter will be next heard on August 3. Chandigarh, July 16 : Citing the heightened cross-border threat and increased drone and other terrorist activities by ISI-backed groups, including plans by Khalistani oufits to target certain farmer leaders, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Friday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to resume dialogue with the agitating farmers and make concerted efforts to resolve their issues. The Chief Minister has proposed to lead an all-party delegation from Punjab for discussions with the Prime Minister to find a durable and amicable solution to the vexed problem of the prolonged farmer agitation, which is threatening the social fabric of the state and impacting economic activities as well. In a letter to the Prime Minister, Amarinder Singh warned that the powers across the border "may try to play upon the charged emotions of the proud, sincere and hard-working farmers" of Punjab, which has a long and live international border. "The situation is presently under control, but I fear that provocative statements and conduct of some political parties and the emotional backlash might create law and order problems and also lead to irreversible damage to the hard-earned peace in the state," said the Chief Minister, underscoring the need for the government of India to address the genuine concerns of the farmers. The Chief Minister's letter comes amid rising resentment in Punjab on account of the three Central farm laws, which Amarinder Singh said he had asked to be reviewed even in his earlier letters of June and December 2020. The latest development comes in the backdrop of increase in drone activity along the villages falling within 5-6 km of Indo-Pak border in Punjab, with consignments of weapons and drugs being delivered into India by Pakistan. Intelligence reports also suggest that with the Assembly elections in Punjab scheduled early next year, ISI-led Khalistani and Kashmiri terror outfits are planning terrorist actions in the state in the near future. In his letter, the Chief Minister pointed out that the farmers have been agitating for the past seven months on Delhi-Haryana borders, and also in the state, demanding repeal of the farm laws and their protests have been more or less peaceful so far. "It is a little unfortunate that the multiple rounds of engagement between the Union ministers and the representatives of farmers' groups have not proved successful," he said. Besides the threat to the state's socio-economic fabric due to the unrest caused by the farm laws, the day-to-day political activities in line with people's democratic rights are also adversely affected due to the agitation, though the state government has tried its best to maintain law and order, said the Chief Minister. Highlighting some other issues and concerns of the farmers, which warrant immediate attention, Amarinder Singh referred to his demi-official letter written to Narendra Modi on September 28, 2020 through which he sought to compensate the farmers for the additional cost of managing crop residues at the rate of Rs 100 per quintal of paddy, apart from minimum support price (MSP) as residue burning always remains a no-cost option for them. Noting that this is extremely important to prevent stubble burning in view of the anticipated third wave of Covid-19, and its adverse impact on the health of people, especially in this region of the country, the Chief Minister said these farmers also need to be categorically reassured about their concerns regarding the provisioning of MSP and continued public procurement of wheat and paddy. Further, their immediate fears about the hike in prices of fertilisers, especially phosphatic fertilisers, after October 31, 2021 are also required to be addressed, as nearly 60 per cent of DAP consumed in the state would be during November and December for the sowing of wheat, the letter read. Chennai, July 16 : Actor Suriya took to social media to release the title look of his upcoming Tamil film "Vaadi Vaasal" on Friday. The film is directed by acclaimed storyteller Vetrimaaran. The poster shows the image of a raging bull. Vaadivasal is a place in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, where the ancient sport of Jallikattu is celebrated every year. Suriya posted the title look and thanked his fans for appreciating it. He wrote on Twitter: "Thank you for all your love!! #VaadiVaasalTitleLook. @VetriMaaran." The film's title look was first released by producer Kalaipulli S Thanu. He captioned it as: "A symbol that signifies our History and Bravery, I am extremely delighted and proud to present the Title look of #VaadiVaasal." The film is based on author CS Chellappa's novel by the same name and Suriya will play the lead role of a bull-tamer in the film. The film started its shoot in September, 2020 but stopped due to lockdown. The team is expected to resume shooting soon. The film's music is composed by GV Prakash Kumar. New Delhi, July 16 : The Afghanistan Embassy in Australia has released a series of videos which appear to show appalling atrocities committed by the Taliban as the militant group intensifies its campaign to take control of the country, ABC reported. The Embassy said it has collected the recordings from several parts of Afghanistan, which have recently fallen back under Taliban control as Western forces withdraw from the conflict-hit nation. The deeply distressing videos show civilians being beaten, tortured and murdered. Two separate clips show Afghan civilians -- who the Embassy said are civil servants working for the government of Afghanistan -- being beheaded by the Taliban, the report said. One video shows Afghan soldiers surrendering and then being shot and killed by men who appear to be Taliban fighters. Another video shows a man -- apparently a civilian -- being subjected to brutal torture in a public square, while a fifth video showing a woman being whipped by Taliban soldiers for breaking "modesty" laws. The Embassy also provided photos showing the dead bodies of three people which it has identified as Afghan civil servants. In a statement, the Embassy said the videos showed "the extreme violence, heartbreaking atrocities, and the horrible war crimes committed by the Taliban in the areas where they have recently entered". The Embassy said the videos and photos proved that the Taliban remained wedded to its "distorted interpretation of Islamic Sharia". "The Taliban's behaviour clearly indicates their vision and ambition for the return of an Emirate with no difference whatsoever from the 90s. Basic human rights are not a matter of concern to them," it said. According to the report, Rodger Shanahan from the Lowy Institute said the Afghan Embassy in Canberra was intent on undermining the Taliban's attempt to present itself as a more modern and responsible political entity. "The Afghan government is trying to make the point that Taliban 2.0 is the same as Taliban 1.0," he said. "They want to counter Taliban messaging. One of the things the Taliban want is legitimacy, and the Taliban are putting forward the line that they're not the same as before, that they've changed. Afghanistan's government is trying to court diplomatic support, and make sure that regional governments which are comfortable with the Taliban taking power, or which loosely tie themselves to the Taliban, are also tied to these atrocities," he added. Shanahan said that it isn't yet clear if Afghan diplomatic missions in other countries are taking similar steps. "What will be interesting to see is if this is part of a broader campaign by the Afghan government -- whether this effort has been directed from Kabul to try and begin a concerted information campaign across the world," he said. Srinagar, July 16 : The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Friday carried out raids in Srinagar, Jammu and Delhi in connection with the Roshni land allotment scam. Sources said the CBI carried out raids for illegal allotment of 7 kanals and 7 marlas of land at a prime location in Srinagar at throwaway price to the beneficiary. Sources said these raids were carried out at the premises of two former divisional commissioners of Kashmir, the then deputy commissioner, Srinagar, the then assistant commissioner, Nazool, Srinagar, the then tehsildar, Srinagar, and the premises of the beneficiary. "Incriminating documents including allotment papers, Rs 2 lakh cash, fixed deposit receipts of Rs 25 lakh and keys of nine bank lockers have also been seized during the raid. "To pass on illegal benefits to the beneficiary, the category of the land was also changed so as to justify the lower rate charged for these 7 kanals and 7 marlas," sources said. Chennai, July 16 : PMK leader and former Union Minister, Dr Anbumani Ramadoss has called upon the Central government to immediately intervene in the widespread attacks on Tamils in particular and Indians in general in South Africa after the arrest of former President, Jacob Zuma. In a press statement, the former Union Health Minister said that in the ongoing riots in South Africa, 72 people have died in the past six days, and called upon the Union government to depute a special envoy to to urge that country to bring the riots under control. Noting that several Tamil persons are being targeted and their belongings destroyed, he said that the situation in South Africa is grave and an immediate Indian intervention is the need of the hour. People of Indian origin, living in South Africa, are in bad shape following the riots, he said, adding that he was "in a state of shock" following news reports on the happenings in that country. The PMK is an ally of the BJP-AIADMK combine in Tamil Nadu. Chennai, July 16 : Tamil Nadu's Directorate of Government Examinations (DGE) on Friday announced that the results of Class 12 students will be announced on July 19. The results will be available online and the students will also receive an SMS on their mobile numbers. After the board exams were cancelled following the Covid -19 pandemic, the Tamil Nadu government had set up an expert committee to calculate the results of Class 12 students. The committee decided that 50 per cent weightage would be given to the Class 10 public exam marks (average of the top three subjects), 20 per cent to Class 11 public exam theory marks and 30 per cent to class 12 practicals/internal marks for both practical and non-practical subject groups. The Central Board of Secondary Examinations (CBSE) is to announce its results only on July 31 while the Tamil Nadu state board will become the first to announce the results for Class 12. The mark lists can be downloaded from the website www.dge.tn.gov.in and www.dge.tn.nic.in from July 22 onwards. Chennai, July 16 : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Friday announced extension of the lockdown in the state till July 31 with some relaxation. Among these, Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), industrial schools, and typewriting training institutes can function with 50 per cent of students on a rotational basis. Strict Covid protocols should be adhered to while opening these institutions, it was ordered. Teachers are also allowed to visit schools to carry out work relating to admissions, distribution of textbooks, and administrative works. Schools, Colleges, theaters, bars, and swimming pools will remain closed. Interstate public and private bus transport will remain closed except for the to and fro service to Puducherry. Already permitted activities will continue in the state except in containment zones. A maximum of 50 people will be permitted for marriage functions and 20 people at funerals or last rites, the statement from the Chief Minister's office said. Hyderabad, July 16 : A day after earning Rs 2,000 crore with the sale of about 50 acres of land at Kokapet here, the Telangana government on Friday generated revenue another Rs 729.41 crore from auction of 14.91 acres at Khanamet near HITEC City. The Telangana State Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (TSIIC), on behalf of the state government, auctioned five plots at Khanamet village near Hitex/HICC, abutting HITEC City. The auction was conducted online on platform of Central undertaking MSTC, through online bidding method. The minimum bid amount was kept at Rs 25 crore per acre with minimum bid increment of Rs 20 lakh or its multiples per acre. According to Principal Secretary, Industries and Commerce, Jayesh Ranjan, the final bid of Rs 55 crore per acre for a plot measuring 2.92 acres was the highest bid. The bids ranged from Rs 43.60 crore per acre to Rs 55 crore per acre with weighted average bid amount of Rs 48.92 crores per acre. "The tremendous response reflects the steady growth and development of Hyderabad and reassures, strengthens the stability and the positive growth established over last seven years in Hyderabad," Ranjan said. Among the bidders, Linkwell Telesystems Pvt Ltd was successful bidder for two plots together measuring 5.15 acre. It paid Rs 245.49 crore for both the land parcels. Manjeera Constructions Ltd paid Rs 160.60 crore for 2.92 acre plot (Rs 55 crore per acre). GVPL Engineers Ltd purchased 3.69 acres plot for Rs 185.98 crore (Rs 50.40 crore per acre). Uptown Life Projects Pvt Ltd bought 3.15 acre plot for Rs 137.34 crore (Rs 43.60 crore per acre) On Thursday, the government earned revenue of Rs 2,000 crore with the auction of 49.949 acres of land in Kokapet. Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) had fixed the upset price at Rs 25 crore per acre but the e-auction fetched maximum price of Rs 60.2 crore per acre for 1.65 acre plot. These e-auctions were undertaken under the first phase of the government's plan to sell its surplus land to mobilise Rs 20,000 crore during 2021-22 as non-tax revenue. Panaji, July 16 : Goa Police on Friday issued summons to top state Aam Aadmi Party leaders, including convenor Rahul Mahambre, nearly a week after party workers created a stir outside a BJP MLA's residence by offer him a cake to "celebrate" the second anniversary of his defection from the Congress in 2019. Mahambre told reporters that he had been summoned to appear at the Verna police station on Saturday morning. "They have served me a notice. They have summoned me on June 17 at 11.30 a.m. for some investigation. I have not murdered anyone, or committed dacoity, or committed robbery. I do not know what crime I have committed. "As far as I know, we offered cakes to those who cheated the people of Goa, by those MLAs who quit the Congress to join the BJP. We had gone to question them along with a cake to cake to celebrate their betrayal. We were not ferrying bombs or carrying out criminal activity. I do not blame the police. This is done by the BJP and the Chief Minister," the AAP convenor said. With Assembly polls scheduled to be held in early February, the Aam Aadmi Party has stepped up its activities in Goa over the last few weeks. In a unique campaign, party workers had offered cakes to the MLAs who had defected to the BJP, after getting elected on a Congress ticket in 2017. The anniversary cake move however triggered a minor scuffle outside the residence of sitting BJP MLA Wilfred D'Sa, after the latter's supporters pelted eggs at AAP workers on July 11. Chandigarh, July 16 : Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Friday slammed the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) over its criticism of his government's decision on debt waiver for farm labourers and landless farmers, saying it exposed the Arvind Kejriwal party's "anti-farmer stance". "The AAP reaction was on expected lines, considering that the party had never shown any interest in doing anything for the farming community," he said, noting that the Kejriwal government in Delhi was among the first to notify one of the "controversial and draconian" farm laws of the Central government. "The fact is that AAP does not care for the welfare of the agricultural community and is opposed to any decision that is in favour of the farmers," said Amarinder Singh in a statement. "Unlike AAP, whose pre-poll promises are nothing but mere theatrics to woo the voters, the Congress government believes in implementing its promises," he said, reminding AAP that the debt waiver for farm labourers and landless farmers was not an announcement made on the eve of the 2022 Assembly polls but a promise contained in the Punjab Congress manifesto. Despite the severe financial constraints faced by his government and compounded by the Covid pandemic, he was committed to the implementation of each of the 2017 election promises, he asserted. Ridiculing Kejriwal's promise of free power units in every state he is visiting to kick off party's poll campaign, the Chief Minister dubbed the AAP leader as a "master of manipulation". Even in Delhi, where the AAP government claims to be giving free power, an analysis of the data shows that what the citizens of the national capital are getting in terms of relief in power costs was actually less than in Punjab, apart from the fact that the farmers of Delhi had got not a paisa worth of support or relief from the Kejriwal government, he added. It was evident, said the Chief Minister, that AAP had "manipulated the figures to spread misinformation -- an art they have mastered". Amarinder Singh noted that even after six years of AAP in power, the people of Delhi were deprived of even basic amenities like water and healthcare facilities. The much-touted Delhi model of governance had proved to be a total failure, he said, adding that neither Punjab nor any other stated wanted a slice of it. Chennai, July 16 : Two years after a Tamil Nadu man, charged under the Pocso Act for sexually assaulting a minor, was acquitted by a trial court, the Madras High Court has set aside the verdict after finding the earlier acquittal was owing to a typo which rendered "semen" to "semman" (red soil in Tamil). Justice P. Velmurugan, earlier this month, set aside the trial court judgment and sentenced the accused to life imprisonment after hearing the appeal of the mother of the child. The incident occurred in 2017, when a woman left her daughter, then aged 2 years and nine months, at her neighbour's place while she went to buy groceries. When she came back and collected her daughter, the girl, on reaching home, showed her mother her private parts and complained that she was having pain. A white fluid was found on the child's private parts as well her underwear. After the pain continued for the second day, the mother took the child to the hospital and doctors confirmed that the child was sexually assaulted. Police were informed and the neighbour was booked under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act. However, he was acquitted by the trial court which held that the prosecution had failed to prove the case. In the high court, the woman's advocate submitted that when the woman's statement was taken, the word "semen" in English was typed as "semman" in Tamil. The defence counsel took advantage of this error and argued that the child's mother had said that the child's undergarment had "semman" or "red soil". Justice Velmurugan, while hearing the case, said that the police had recorded that the woman had said "white colour fluid" on the private parts of the child, and subsequently it was misinterpreted and that the trial court was not applying its mind in the case. He noted that there was danger in writing an English word in Tamil, which has totally turned the case of the prosecution, while adding that the doctor, who examined the child, had clearly said that the child was sexually assaulted. "This court finds that the accused committed the offense under Section 9 of the Pocso Act which is punishable under Section 10 of the Act and the judgment of acquittal passed by the trial court is liable to be set aside," the court ruled. It also observed that the onus of rebutting a charge stands with the accused when it is a case of child abuse. New Delhi, July 16 : Taliban militants have fired dozens of mortars on the Salma Dam, a major source of electricity and irrigation in the Chesht district of Herat province in Afghanistan. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had jointly inaugurated the Afghan-India Friendship Dam (Salma Dam) with Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani at Chist-e-Sharif in Herat province in Western Afghanistan in June 2016. The Afghan National Water Authority has said that the agency had warned of catastrophic fallouts of the continued Taliban attacks. "Salma Dam will be destroyed if the militants continue to fire rockets," it said, adding that some of the rockets had landed near the dam, Afghanistan Times reported. It said that a large number of Afghan citizens would suffer losses if the Salma Dam is damaged as the lives and livelihoods of many in eight districts of Herat province depend on the water reservoir of Salma Dam. It has called on the Taliban to stop its rocket attacks on Salma Dam, which is a "national asset and should not be damaged in the war". The agency called for protection and prevention of any attack on the dam, adding that if the dam is damaged, the residents of Chesht and Kahsan districts will be badly affected. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid, however, has denied any involvement, saying, "We did not shoot at Salma Dam at all." He also claimed that the security of Kamal Khan Dam is now in the hands of the Taliban. Salma Dam is located in the upper reaches of Harirod River near Chesht district. It is 107m high and 550m long. The Afghan-India Friendship Dam is a multipurpose project planned for generating 42 MW power, irrigating 75,000 hectares of land, providing water supply and other benefits to the people of Afghanistan. Salma Dam was a landmark infrastructure project undertaken by the government of India on river Hari Rud in Herat province. The project was executed and implemented by WAPCOS Ltd, a government of India undertaking under the Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation. In 2005, India funded the project and the Indian water and energy company was then commissioned to complete the dam. In December 2015, the Indian government approved an estimated cost of about $290 million for the dam. It is the largest project of the Afghan government in the last 20 years. Technical and detailed studies of the dam were carried out in 1970s and its construction began soon after. After the rise of Left-wing governments and the outbreak of civil war, its construction got stalled for years. The dam has a 24m wide valve and three water reservoirs, each 10m long and 8m wide. Its water storage basin is approximately 22 km long and 3 km wide. New Delhi, July 16 : Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa on Friday evening met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and is understood to have discussed development and other issues related to his state. Yediyurappa's visit to the national capital had created buzz in political circles that he may seek permission of BJP's central leadership for a cabinet reshuffle in Karnataka, while his detractors are claiming that he has been summoned to discuss the growing dissent in the party against him. After the meeting with the Prime Minister, Yeddiyurappa, asked by media about a change of leadership in Karnataka, said that he is not aware of any such development. "I don't know about it. You (media) must tell me," he said. It is learnt that Yeddyurappa is likely to meet senior ministers including Home Minister Amit Shah as well as newly-inducted minister in the Union Cabinet from Karnataka. Sources said that he may also meet BJP chief J.P. Nadda. The Karnataka Chief Minister's visit to New Delhi came against the backdrop of growing voices against him in the state unit. "There is lots of opposition within the party against the Chief Minister and the issue is likely to be discussed in the meeting between Yediyurappa and the central leadership. Speculation is doing the rounds that change of leadership is likely to take place in Karnataka," a BJP functionary said. Another party functionary said: "Yediyurappa is likely to discuss the political situation in the state with the party leadership and is likely to seek permission to reshuffle his cabinet. He is also likely to discuss issues related to the development of the state." It is learnt that Yediyurappa plans to replace some ministers from his cabinet with new faces. "Most likely those criticising him openly will be dropped and new faces inducted to silence the voice of dissent within the party," a party insider said. Recently, BJP national General Secretary and Karnataka in-charge, Arun Singh had visited the state and met party MLAs. He had said that the Chief Minister had the support of the party leadership and the Yediyurappa government is doing good work. United Nations, July 16 : UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres "grieves" the death of Reuters photographer Danish Siddiqui who was killed while covering the Afghanistan security forces operation against the Taliban, according his deputy spokesperson Farhan Haq. Guterres is "concerned" about "the increasing threat to journalists in Afghanistan", Haq said at his daily briefing on Friday. Siddiqui's death "is also an example of the particular problems that we're facing in Afghanistan right now", he said referring to the rise in Taliban attacks after President Joe Biden pulled US troops out of the country ending the 20-year presence there. Guterres "grieves" the killing of journalists "anywhere in the world and the case of Danish Siddiqui is one such case," Haq said. Reuters said that Siddiqui, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist from India, was killed on Friday while he was embedded with the Afghan Special Forces who were trying to retake the main market in Spin Boldak, a key town on the border with Pakistan. Siddiqui covered war zones and crises from Iraq to Hong Kong to Nepal, the wire service said. He won the 2018 Pulitzer Prize for covering the Rohingya refugees fleeing Myanmar. "Danish was an outstanding journalist, a devoted husband and father, and a much-loved colleague. Our thoughts are with his family at this terrible time," Reuters President Michael Friedenberg and Editor-in-Chief Alessandra Galloni said in a joint statement. The UN Mission in Afghanistan said, in a tweet, that Siddiqui's death is a "painful reminder of mounting dangers faced by media in Afghanistan". It added that "media working in #Afghanistan & journalism itself in the country is under increasing threats" and called on authorities to investigate the killing of Siddiqui and all reporters. Chennai, July 16 : BJP's Tamil Nadu President, K. Annamalai on Friday said that the BJP is not for a separate Kongu Nadu and that the party has sought an explanation from party leaders in the state's western districts who had passed such a resolution. The BJP leader was speaking to reporters after assuming office as the state President at the state headquarters "Kamalalayam". Annamalai, who is a former IPS officer from the Karnataka cadre, also said that the Tamil Nadu unit of the BJP is totally opposed to the construction of the Mekedatu dam across the Cauvery river by Karnataka. He also said that NEET will bring up social justice for the students of Tamil Nadu and that the party would campaign in all the villages of the state to convince the people on this. Union Minister L. Murugan, who Annamalai replaced as Tamil Nadu chief after his induction in the Modi ministry, and BJP national General Secretary C.T. Ravi, who is the Tamil Nadu in charge, were present among other leaders on the occasion. Chennai, July 16 : The all-party delegation from Tamil Nadu on Friday received assurances from Union Jal Shakti Minister, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, that the Centre has not given any sanction to the Karnataka government to build a dam at Mekedatu across the Cauvery river, state Water Resources Minister S. Duraimurugan said Duraimurugan, who led the 13 member delegation to meet the Union Minister, said that Shekhawat told them that the question of Karnataka building a dam at Mekedatu does not arise as it has not fulfilled any of the prerequisites, including getting the consent of the other riparian states - Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry. The Union Minister also told the delegation that Karnataka has not taken the consent from the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA), which is also a prerequisite. Talking to IANS over telephone, Duraimurugan said: "We have conveyed to the Union Minister our apprehensions regarding Karnataka preparing a Detailed Project Report on the Mekedatu dam. We also effectively communicated our view point regarding the dam." He said that the Union Minister told the delegation that Karnataka had prepared a DPR on its own and without fulfilling the prerequisites and that such a DPR would not be considered by the Jal Shakti Ministry. The Tamil Nadu delegation was also apprised that a new CWMA Chairman was not appointed as proper profiles were not received even after advertisements. Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin will be meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi to convey him the strong protest of the people of Tamil Nadu against the construction of a dam at Meketadu. Stalin will also meet President Ram Nath Kovind on July 19, according to a statement from his office. Bengaluru, July 17 : Karnataka on Friday announced its decision to allow educational institutions that work in the health and medical sector to reopen with immediate effect. With this decision, dental, medical and nursing colleges can restart across the state. "It has been decided to allow reopening of all Medical, Dental, AYUSH and other allied healthcare educational institutions in the state with immediate effect," Karnataka Health Minister K. Sudhakar tweeted on Friday. In an order, Karnataka Principal Secretary, Revenue, N. Manjunatha Prasad said that the Chairman, State Executive Committee, has permitted the reopening of academic institutions pertaining to the health and medical sector with immediate effect. It also added that the colleges and institutions should ensure strict adherence to Covid appropriate behaviour and standard operating procedure and guidelines issued by the department concerned. Prasad also said that students, faculty members and non-teaching staff should have been vaccinated to attend the colleges. Any person violating these measures will be liable to be proceeded against as per the provisions of Section 51 to 60 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, besides legal action under Section 188 of the IPC, and other legal provisions as applicable. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Hyderabad, July 17 : Telangana Chief Minister and TRS President K. Chandrasekhar Rao on Friday directed his party MPs to fight for the state's interests in river water sharing during the Parliament session beginning Monday. He presided over Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) Parliamentary Party meeting to discuss the strategy to be adopted during the session. KCR, as the Chief Minister is popularly known, gave direction to the MPs on the issues to be raised in the Parliament. He mentioned several issues. He made it clear to the MPs that as far as the irrigation waters are concerned, no injustice should be meted out to Telangana under any circumstances. He suggested that whenever situation demands, the MPs in both the Lok Sabha and thee Rajya Sabha should fight for the state's rights in river water allocations. KCR also asked the MPs to fight for the pending issues relating to the commitments made by the Centre during the bifurcation of the State. He advised the MPs to submit memoranda to the ministers concerned in this regard. He instructed the MPs to meet the concerned minister to solve the problems with regard to civil supplies. Civil Supplies Minister Gangula Kamalakar, TRS Parliamentary leader Dr K. Keshav Rao, Lok Sabha leader Nama Nageswara Rao, Rajya Sabha members Captain Laxmikanth Rao, J. Santosh Kumar, K.R. Suresh Reddy, B. Prakash, B. Lingaiah Yadav, Lok Sabha members B.B. Patil, P. Ramulu, K. Prabhakar Reddy, G. Ranjit Reddy, P. Dayakar, B. Venkatesh Netha, M. Srinivas Reddy and others attended the meeting. New Delhi, July 17 : Amidst speculations on leadership change doing the rounds, Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday evening to discuss "pending development projects" pertaining to the state. He met PM Modi for a little over 30 minutes. Prior to this, he also attended a virtual meeting led by the PM with Chief Ministers of six states to discuss the prevailing Covid situation. After his meeting with Modi, Yediyurapa sarcastically stated that he was unaware of any leadership changes in Karnataka. "I don't know anything about leadership change, you have to say. In my discussions with PM Modi, I appealed to him for permission to carry out pending development works in the state," he told media persons in response to a question. Answering a specific question if the Mekedatu dam project across the Cauvery river was also discussed, Yediyurappa cryptically stated that "all pending issues" pertaining to Karnataka were discussed in detail with the PM. A statement released by the Chief Minister's office in Bengaluru said that the CM called on the Prime Minister and discussed various topics about the state. "During the meeting, the Chief Minister requested to declare Upper Bhadra Project as National project and also sought financial assistance of Rs 6,000 crore for Bengaluru Peripheral Ring Road project. Mekedatu project and establishing US Consulate were also discussed," it said. Prior to his meeting with Modi, Yediyurappa stated that the state has every right to implement the Mekedatu project, which is opposed by neighbouring Tamil Nadu, and will start the work as soon as possible. "They (Tamil Nadu) have been opposing us since the beginning but we have got our rights. I only request them not to disturb us," he said and assured Tamil Nadu that the implementation of the proposed project will not create any problem for them. "I have written about this to them (TN CM) already, but they are not letting us implement the project. There is no need to have confusion. I want to assure our state that we will implement the Mekedatu project," Yediyurappa said. Earlier in the day, Yediyurappa took part in a virtual meeting chaired by PM Modi with six states on the Covid-19 situation. The Chief Ministers of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Maharashtra, and Kerala also attended the meeting. During his visit, the Karnataka CM is expected to meet Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday. Yediyurappa was accompanied by his two sons, B. Y. Vijayendra, who is also Vice President of the BJP state unit, and eldest son B. Y. Raghavendra, who is MP from Shivamogga Lok Sabha seat, grandson Shashidhar Maradi, BJP MLC Leher Singh and two others. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Amaravati, July 17 : The Telugu Desam Party on Friday resolved to raise the ruling YSRCP's "ongoing financial terrorism" and "economic crisis" in Andhra Pradesh in the forthcoming Monsoon session of Parliament. "The TDP MPs would bring to the attention of the Centre and the whole nation how the reckless the Jagan Mohan Reddy regime has been pushing Andhra Pradesh into such severe financial crisis that even salaries were not being paid properly to government employees," said a TDP leader. TDP Parliamentarians Kanakamedala Ravindra Babu, Galla Jayadev, and K. Rammohan Naidu said the opposition party would expose the YSRCP regime's "failures" and "misdeeds" regarding inter-state water issues, deteriorating law and order, attack on Telugu language and others. The Parliament would be informed how Rs 41,000 crore of public funds were diverted by the Jagan regime without proper accounts, vouchers and receipts, they claimed. The TDP MPs asserted that they would also apprise the Centre how Rs 1.78 lakh crore debt was allegedly run up with no development activities in the past two years. The AP Government was "misguiding the Centre by furnishing wrong figures and numbers by following unparliamentary practices. The CAG has objected that the Jagan regime was straightaway diverting the Central funds that were released for specific people-centric programmes", they claimed. According to the TDP MPs, Reddy and his Telangana counterpart K. Chandrasekhar Rao are allegedly enjoying friendly dinners on one hand, while creating "artificial water disputes" on the other. The AP CM was not able to do anything even though Telangana was using its police in order to wrongfully release water from Srisailam in the name of hydel power generation, they claimed. Bengaluru, July 17 : Karnataka would train doctors and paramedics across the state to fight the possible Covid third wave, Health Minister K. Sudhakar said on Friday. "The state health department will conduct training sessions for doctors and paramedical staff in district hospitals across the state for preparing them to fight the pandemic's possible third wave," Sudhakar told reporters here. Noting that specialist doctors would conduct the training, Sudhakar said its videos would be used to prepare other healthcare workers and frontline warriors in the war against the virus. "Measures are being taken as recommended by the expert committee headed by noted cardiologist Devi Prasad Shetty to minimise the impact of the third wave on people," said Sudhakar, a medical doctor by profession. The state government hired about 4,000 doctors and ramped up the healthcare infrastructure during the pandemic's second wave to contain the virus. "As our state shares borders with Kerala and Maharashtra, where positive cases continue to remain high, safety measures have been taken to prevent the infection from spreading in the districts," Sudhakar said. As more children are likely to be affected by the possible third wave of the pandemic, the minister said special care wards will be set up in every district hospital for treating children on priority. "We have to control the spread of the virus with Covid-appropriate behaviour, preventing social and religious gatherings in large numbers and vaccinating as many people as possible," he said. As experts fear that the infection could spread to even children and teens, the minister said an expert paediatrician has to be consulted for vaccinating them, as the dose for adults cannot be given to those below 18 years of age. During a virtual interaction on Covid management between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Chief Ministers of six states earlier in the day, Karnataka CM B.S Yediyurappa requested to supply 50 lakh doses per day to Karnataka for vaccinating more people across the state. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) Bengaluru, July 17 : Citing "security and discipline", the Karnataka government on Friday banned media persons from filming or photographing the corridors of Vidhana Soudha, the seat of the legislature, as this was coming in the way of VIP movement. In a circular, the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms (DPAR) said Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa had signed off on this proposal to ban news cameras from the Vidhana Soudha corridors. "A provision has been made for the Chief Minister and other ministers to issue media statements near the Kengal Hanumanthaiah entrance (which already exists)," it said. The DPAR has directed personal secretaries of ministers to make arrangements for press conferences and for news bytes for media persons in meeting rooms or ministerial chambers. This is not the first time that the Karnataka government has tried to regulate media access in the Vidhana Soudha premises. In the past too, the Congress-JD-S coalition government had also tried to restrict the entry of press persons inside Vidhana Soudha, but it did not take off. Located in Rock County, Nebraska, near Bassett, the ranch includes 4,446 irrigated acres under 35 center pivots. This is an extraordinarily diverse property that lies in an area with a great reputation for crop production, said Hall and Hall partner, Mark Johnson. The Zeman Farm & Ranch, a highly diversified property offering a secure investment in up to 6,627 deeded acres of prime Nebraska farmland and a 2,500 head open-air cattle feeding facility, is heading to auction Tuesday, August 31st at 10 am CT. Located in Rock County, Nebraska, near Bassett, the ranch includes 4,446 irrigated acres under 35 center pivots, with no restricted pumping and is supported by the worlds second-largest aquifer, the Ogallala Aquifer. Tracts range from 70 to 619 acres. Information days are scheduled for July 27th, August 5th, and August 17th. For more information, contact Hall and Hall Auctions at 1-800-829-8747 or visit https://hallhall.com/property-for-sale/nebraska/zeman-farm-ranch/a095d00002GdyZM/ JUST THE FACTS: 6,627 deeded acres 4,446 center pivot irrigated acres Excellent cropland yields 35 pivots with wells and no pumping restrictions 2,500 head open-air feeding facility 3,600 linear feet of concrete bunks and 24 feeding pens 2,060 grassland acres Abundant big game and upland birds This is an extraordinarily diverse property that lies in an area with a great reputation for crop production, said Hall and Hall partner, Mark Johnson. With the increasing talk about carbon sequestration and carbon credits, the owners transition from conventional tillage practices to all cover crops and no-till may provide a clear avenue for any future programs relating to carbon credits and income potential. The cropland includes 35 pivots with wells, all diesel-powered. The pivots irrigate approximately 4,446 acres, which includes irrigated pasture, crop, and feed. The ranch also includes an open-air feeding facility. The feeding facility utilizes 24 pens and 3,600 linear feet of concrete bunk space capable of handling 2,500 head. The pivots have been farmed in rotating row crops. Cover crops have been incorporated into the crop rotation resulting in above-average soil conditions and pushing corn yields to averages of 210-240 bushels, topping out at 302 bushels per acre, while beans average around 70 bushels per acre. Alfalfa will typically produce four to five cuttings per season with yields exceeding seven ton per acre. The pivots have underground water lines and stock tanks that make them suitable for summer or winter grazing. The property is located in the Upper Elkhorn and the Middle Niobrara NRD, said of Hall and Hall Auctions partner, Scott Shuman. "The Sandhills have a long track record of a very stable underground water table even with high-capacity irrigation well pumping. This area of the Sandhills is one of the largest remaining tracts of mid and tallgrass prairie in North America. With the combination of excellent water sources, mature living shelterbelt, crops, alfalfa, native range, and expanse of the ranch, wildlife thrive on the ranch. Over the years, many trophy deer have been taken along with some of the areas best waterfowl hunting. The ranch also has a thriving population of turkeys, pheasants, and upland birds. Nebraska hunting permits are over the counter for the most part, which enhances the opportunity for hunting every year for landowners and nonresidents alike. Hunting and wildlife viewing is the hidden gem of the Zeman Farm & Ranch. About Hall and Hall: Hall and Hall, an employee-owned company with 18 offices throughout the western U.S. and over 35 employee-owners, is the largest full-service farm and ranch brokerage in America. Real estate brokerage and auction activities range between $500 million and $1 billion in sales per year. Hall and Hall's geographical reach and unique ownership/partnership structure ensures that its clients receive the highest level of local knowledge and personal service as well as the national and international perspective to make informed acquisition and management decisions. https://hallhall.com/ Debbie Buenger Mack, a proud mother and grandmother with a career as a physical education teacher for nearly four decades, has completed her new book Olivia Goes to Key West: a playful tale of a friendly octopus on a journey to a new shore. A native to the wonderful, cool ocean of Maryland, Olivia the pink octopus finds herself swimming south to the ever warm waters of Key West, Florida. In this new environment, Olivia thrives! Published by Page Publishing, Debbie Buenger Macks high-spirited tale tells a beautiful story of acceptance and friendship. In the sunny land of Key West, Olivia meets friends of many walks of life with her dazzling personality and spunky sociability. Friendship prevails in the end and Olivia takes in the most beautiful sunset with her new band of buddies. Readers who wish to experience this heartwarming work can purchase Olivia Goes to Key West 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. Big Green IT has been named to Inc. magazines annual list of the Best Workplaces for 2021. The list, announced in the publications May/June issue, is the result of a wide-ranging and comprehensive measurement of American companies that have created exceptional workplaces and company culture whether teams are operating in person or remotely. Big Green IT has, since day one, worked to build a company culture that fosters the work hard, play hard mentality, said Jeff Rogers, CEO and Founder of Big Green IT. This has in turn promoted a company culture with people who are genuinely excited to come to work - even remotely - and feel supported in their jobs, both which effortlessly translate into a high-level of service and results for our customers. The Rocklin, CA-based IT company regularly refers to its employees as its biggest asset, so it prioritized regular communication and maintaining the companys culture when the team had to work remotely during COVID-19. Such efforts included implementation of company-wide learning programs, continued support of local causes and virtual happy hours with food deliveries to each team member. In November 2020, Big Green IT received a call that the Sacramento Boys and Girls Club had lost their main Holiday Toy Drive sponsor due to COVID-19. Big Green IT partnered with customers and friends to provide the organization with the toys they needed, as well as a large cash donation to cover their food program. We worked hard to make our team feel connected to our company values, our customers, and to each other when working virtually, added Rogers. Life shifted and our team shifted, but most importantly, we were reminded about the power of the basics, being grateful, and giving back. Collecting data from thousands of submissions, Inc. singled out 429 honorees this year. Each nominated company took part in an employee survey, conducted by Quantum Workplace, on topics including management effectiveness, perks, and fostering employee growth. The organizations benefits were also audited to determine the companys overall score and ranking. The definition of a positive workplace has changed drastically over the past year, says Inc. magazine editor-in-chief Scott Omelianuk. Stocked fridges and nap pods were no longer perks many companies could rely on once work went remote. So, this years list is even more important as it reveals organizations that continue to enrich the lives of its employees amid a pandemic. Big Green IT has also been named the Best Place to Work in the Sacramento Business Journals micro-company category consecutively for the last four years, from 2017-2020. The company was named the Sacramento Business Journals Fastest Growing Company in 2016. To learn more about Big Green IT, visit BigGreenIT.com. ### ABOUT BIG GREEN IT Big Green IT believes in using the most cutting-edge cloud technologies to help customers transform their companies IT and, ultimately, solve business problems. As a Microsoft Gold Cloud Partner, Big Green IT specializes in Cloud solutions, procurement and implementation for mid to large-sized businesses Learn more at BigGreenIT.com. ABOUT INC. MEDIA The worlds most trusted business-media brand, Inc. offers entrepreneurs the knowledge, tools, connections, and community to build great companies. Its award-winning multiplatform content reaches more than 50 million people each month across a variety of channels including websites, newsletters, social media, podcasts, and print. Its prestigious Inc. 5000 list, produced every year since 1982, analyzes company data to recognize the fastest-growing privately held businesses in the United States. The global recognition that comes with inclusion in the 5000 gives the founders of the best businesses an opportunity to engage with an exclusive community of their peers, and the credibility that helps them drive sales and recruit talent. The associated Inc. 5000 Conference is part of a highly acclaimed portfolio of bespoke events produced by Inc. For more information, visit http://www.inc.com. ABOUT QUANTUM WORKPLACE Quantum Workplace, based in Omaha, Nebraska, is an HR technology company that serves organizations through employee-engagement surveys, action-planning tools, exit surveys, peer-to-peer recognition, performance evaluations, goal tracking, and leadership assessment. For more information, visit QuantumWorkplace.com. "The improved user experience for visitors to www.charlesindustries.com is remarkable. We think our customers and business partners will really enjoy the new features and capabilities of charlesindustries.com." - Dan McHatton - Director Customer Support Services Charles Industries LLC, a leading provider of innovative enclosed solutions, today launched its new corporate website http://www.charlesindustries.com; unveiling a completely redesigned interface that streamlines and modernizes the user experience. The relaunch of http://www.charlesindustries.com reflects Charles commitment to helping its customers and business partners quickly find information about its many lines of innovative enclosure solutions for wireless, fiber and copper based communication networks. The new site was specifically designed to present information in a variety of ways, allowing users to search for information by industry (telecommunications, broadband cable, wireless or utility), or enclosure type (cabinets, concealment enclosures and poles, pedestals and housings, fiber optic solutions, below grade and copper transmission). The sites streamlined navigation includes interactive network diagrams that pictorially showcase product as it is deployed in todays next-generation communications networks. Users are able to quickly identify the equipment enclosure solutions that are relevant to their needs, and access the pertinent information i.e. datasheets, installation manuals, etc. that will help them make informed purchasing decisions. Charles Industries teamed with New Jersey based interactive marketing firm Ridge Marketing for the development of a responsive and mobile-friendly website. Ridge Marketings expertise in creating websites for manufacturing companies and its extensive knowledge of providing a creative and user-friendly experience are apparent on the new http://www.charlesindustries.com. About Charles Industries, LLC 2021 marks Charles Industries 53rd year as a diversified manufacturing and technology company serving telecommunications, wireless, broadband cable, utility/electric, and industrial markets. Founded in 1968, the company is ISO 9001:2015 and TL 9000-H registered and headquartered in Schaumburg, Illinois, with five additional U.S.-based manufacturing centers. Charles Industries is proud to be an Amphenol Corporation Company operating within the Amphenol RF, Optics and Broadband Group. For further information, please visit http://www.charlesindustries.com or call (847) 806-6300. David Weekley Homes is excited to be ranked number 12 on the 100 Best Workplaces for Millennials list, released today by FORTUNE magazine and Great Place to Work. The list uses survey results from employees younger than 35 to disclose how they rate their workplace. Its an honor to once again be recognized as a top company for working millennials, said Robert Hefner, Vice President of Human Resources. We are very proud to offer a rewarding workplace culture as well as competitive benefits and amazing perks to draw this group of young talent to our award-winning team. The Best Workplaces for Millennials recognition is based on analysis of survey responses from more than 5.3 million current employees. Great Place to Work, the global authority on workplace culture, selected the list using rigorous analytics and confidential employee feedback. Company rankings are derived from more than 60 employee experience questions. In that survey, 97% of team members said David Weekley Homes is a great place to work. The home builder previously ranked at number 26 on the 2020 list. Additionally, the home builder was also recently named to the Best Workplaces in Texas 2021 list by Great Place to Work, taking the No. 20 spot on the list of 65 of large companies in the state. To determine the 2021 Best Workplaces in Texas, Great Place to Work analyzed confidential survey feedback from nearly 73,000 employees in Texas. Eighty-five percent of the evaluation is based on what employees say about their experiences of trust and reaching their full human potential as part of their organization, no matter who they are or what they do. For more information about David Weekley Homes, visit http://www.DavidWeekleyHomes.com. About David Weekley Homes David Weekley Homes, founded in 1976, is headquartered in Houston and operates in 19 cities across the United States. David Weekley Homes was the first builder in the United States to be awarded the Triple Crown of American Home Building, an honor which includes Americas Best Builder, National Housing Quality Award and National Builder of the Year. Weekley has also appeared 15 times on FORTUNE magazines 100 Best Companies to Work For list. Since inception, David Weekley Homes has closed more than 100,000 homes. For more information about David Weekley Homes, visit the companys website at http://www.davidweekleyhomes.com. Greenberg Traurigs Bina Palnitkar Recognized by Bloomberg Law as Top Attorney Under 40 It is a true honor to be recognized by Bloomberg Law, Palnikar said. I look forward to continuing to build on the success I have experienced both as a litigator and one who contributes to the welfare of communities here and abroad. Palnitkar named to publications inaugural Theyve Got Next: The 40 Under 40 list Global law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP Litigation Practice Shareholder Bina Palnitkar has been recognized as one of 40 top young lawyers nationwide in Bloomberg Laws inaugural edition of Theyve Got Next: The 40 Under 40. She is among the 22 women and 18 men nationwide recognized across a wide range of practice areas including antitrust, appellate, bankruptcy, labor & employment, litigation, mergers & acquisitions, and white collar. A full list of honorees, along with a profile of each attorney, is accessible at http://onb-law.com/P2Kh50FvqSl. Were honored to recognize the members of the inaugural Theyve Got Next: The 40 Under 40 class for the significant impacts they have already made on the legal profession, said Lisa Helem, executive editor for strategic initiatives at Bloomberg Industry Group. Bloomberg Law is firmly committed to industry-leading coverage of the legal landscape and to highlighting the young attorneys who are shaping its future. Palnitkar, who is based in Greenberg Traurigs Dallas office, is a trial lawyer whose practice focuses on resolving complex business and intellectual property disputes through litigation, arbitration, and alternative dispute resolution. With a national and international practice tailored to the needs and expectations of her clients, she has broad experience handling breach of contract, trademark infringement litigation, anti-counterfeiting enforcement, international FCPA compliance matters, medical malpractice defense for health care entities, fraud, tortious interference, and theft of trade secrets. Palnitkars practical experience and approach to dispute resolution covers a number of disciplines and industries, including health care, start-up firms, and technology. Bina is an extraordinary attorney whose significant contributions to our clients legal successes have set her apart, said Lori G. Cohen, Greenberg Traurig vice chair, co-chair of the firms Global Litigation Practice, and chair of its Trial Practice Group. Within Greenberg Traurig, Palnitkar has led the firms Dallas Womens Initiative - a firmwide effort that supports the inclusion/advancement of women at Greenberg Traurig and in the legal profession through unique programming and resources to benefit the firms attorneys, their clients, and future lawyers. She also leads the finance committee of the Board of Directors of the Foundation for Callier Center and Communication Disorders at the Childrens Medical Center Dallas and created the Mahila Dallas organization. Named for the word woman in Hindi, the nonprofit has raised thousands of dollars to support Milaap USAs microloan program funding impoverished women entrepreneurs in India. It is a true honor to be recognized by Bloomberg Law, Palnikar said. I look forward to continuing to build on the success I have experienced both as a litigator and one who contributes to the welfare of communities here and abroad. Several of Palnitkars clients commented in her Bloomberg Law nomination, including: Andy Cooper, vice president, Corporate Security at United Parcel Service of America, Inc. said: Bina is a creative and brilliant advocate who made it clear from our first meeting that she would handle disputes for UPS zealously and counsel our company forthrightly. Bloomberg Law notes that it evaluated nominees for the award series based on criteria including their record of success for clients in high-stakes client matters, their leadership in client matters and in other key firm roles, including pro bono and diversity & inclusion efforts, thought leadership and innovation, and recommendations from key legal industry stakeholders. Honorees were selected by a newsroom-wide team of Bloomberg Law editors and reporters. About Greenberg Traurig, LLP Texas: Texas is important to Greenberg Traurig, LLP and part of its history. With approximately 130 Texas lawyers in Austin, Dallas, and Houston, Greenberg Traurig has deep roots in the Texas business, legal, and governmental communities. Greenberg Traurig Texas works with clients to address their interdisciplinary legal needs across the state utilizing the firms global platform. The Texas attorneys are experienced in industries key to the states future, including: aviation, chemicals, construction, education, energy and natural resources, financial institutions, health care, hedge funds, hospitality, infrastructure, insurance, media, medical devices, pharmaceutical and biotechnology, real estate, retail, sports, technology and software, telecommunications, transportation, and video games and esports. About Greenberg Traurig: Greenberg Traurig, LLP (GT) has approximately 2200 attorneys 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 About Bloomberg Law Bloomberg Law combines the latest in legal technology with workflow tools, comprehensive primary and secondary sources, trusted news, expert analysis, and business intelligence Our deep expertise and commitment to innovation provide a competitive edge to help improve attorney productivity and efficiency. Bloomberg Law is the only legal research provider to include continuous enhancements to its platform at no cost to existing subscribers. For more information, visit pro.bloomberglaw.com. Happy Valley , a vertically integrated cannabis company dedicated to creating premium-quality cannabis experiences, celebrates its one-year anniversary of the opening of their Gloucester retail location. The anniversary, on July 16th , follows Happy Valleys new Boston store opening on June 24th. The Company is now celebrating its one-year anniversary of its first retail location and its first full year in Massachusetts red-hot adult use market. The amount of growth and support weve seen for Happy Valley in our first year of operations has been overwhelmingly positive, said Michael Reardon, CEO, Happy Valley. This anniversary highlights the exciting business initiatives and developments executed by Happy Valley over the last 12-18 months that position the Company for exponential success in their endeavors for 2021 and beyond. Operating highlights for Happy Valley included: In the 365 days since the location has been open Happy Valley has sold more than 200,000 pre-rolls, over 50,000 vape carts/pods and 3 million gummies. The Company launched its second retail location in Boston and offers a variety of premium and exclusive cultivars such as CrescendO Temple , Jolly Rancher and White Wedding. Looking ahead into 2022, Happy Valley has received approval for a new cannabis retail location on Beacon Street in the Cleveland Circle section of Bostons Brighton neighborhood. Giving back is also key to Happy Valleys mission in both Gloucester and Boston. As such, Happy Valley has created more than 200 jobs for local residents and neighboring Cape Ann communities like Essex, Manchester-by-the-Sea, and Rockport. Happy Valley also believes in fostering philanthropy in its communities and has partnered with charities such as Backyard Growers , American Legion , Best Buddies and Last Prisoner Project raising more than $100K in the past 12 months. Weve remain focused on carefully planned expansion and this past year has proven to be pivotal for us as a brand making strides in a thriving cannabis industry here in Massachusetts, added Reardon. We have some exciting product innovations in the pipeline for 2022 and were looking forward to opening our third retail location in Brighton. ABOUT HAPPY VALLEY Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Newburyport, Mass., Happy Valley is a vertically integrated cultivator and retailer of a full suite of premium cannabis products, which includes cannabis flower, pre-rolls, edibles, a variety of concentrates, vape cartridges and accessories. Happy Valley is committed to creating a premium cannabis experience for all customers. For more information visit: https://www.happyvalley.org/ Havis Docking Stations for Panasonic TOUGHBOOK G2 Panasonic and Havis work closely when developing solutions for TOUGHBOOK devices, said Dave Skiver, Haviss Connectivity Program Manager. With the G2, the docking stations carry over from legacy products, but the normal design validation process is still intact. Havis is pleased to continue its support of Panasonics rugged computers with a pair of options for the TOUGHBOOK G2. These trusted solutions, the DS-PAN-720 Series tablet dock and the DS-PAN-1010 Series laptop dock, accommodate both tablet and 2-in-1 applications for demanding environments. Both docking stations are compatible with new G2 and legacy devices for increased sustainability. End users of either docking option experience increased comfort and safety due to its lightweight and compact design with rounded edges. These proven docking solutions provide reliability for industries such as Material Handling, Work Truck, Public Safety and other mobile office environments. Panasonic and Havis work closely when developing solutions for TOUGHBOOK devices, said Dave Skiver, Haviss Connectivity Program Manager. With the G2, the docking stations carry over from legacy products, but the normal design validation process is still intact. Like always, this development was a global collaboration to provide a positive customer experience, and the solution went through all the necessary steps to ensure that end users can enjoy the full feature set of the G2 without having to worry about its safety or security. One-handed docking and undocking capabilities for the DS-PAN-720 docking station series allow mobile workers to maximize productivity and optimize their workspace. Its integrated VESA 75 hole pattern ensures worry-free and straightforward mounting. The unique benefits of the DS-PAN-1010 docking station series includes increased connector protection with a retractable cover that protects pins when the device is absent. A detachable mounting bracket makes for easy installation and removal in limited-space vehicle applications. An assortment of solutions are available to meet any application's needs for either series. Docking station models are offered with and without Panasonic-certified port replication or as cradle only, and an optional dual pass-through antenna connection is available. ABOUT HAVIS Havis, Inc., is a privately held, ISO 9001 certified company that manufactures in-vehicle mobile office solutions for public safety, public works, government agencies, and mobile professionals. For more than 80 years, the Havis mission has been to increase mobile worker productivity with industry-leading products that are built to the highest safety and quality standards and are designed with comfort in mind. Havis is dedicated to responsible intellectual property management and fosters ongoing innovation. Its patent and trademark portfolio demonstrates a commitment to consistently researching and developing unique products and solutions for mobile industries around the world. Havis currently employs more than 300 people, with headquarters in Warminster, PA, and additional locations in Plymouth, MI, and globally. For more information on Havis, please call 1-800-524-9900 or visit http://www.havis.com. "The introduction of the Psych Congress Network further solidifies HMP Globals commitment to providing clinically relevant and practical education for psychiatrists and other mental health professionals via a streamlined platform, said Kara Rosania, Executive Editorial Director at HMP Global. HMP Global, the leading healthcare event and education company, today announced the launch of the Psych Congress Network, a dedicated digital resource for mental health professionals that will both expand and extend the content delivered during the Psych Congress family of meetings. Psych Congress is the largest independent mental health meeting in the U.S. and the full family of Psych Congress events are among the companys premier, flagship brands. The Psych Congress Network will serve as a one-stop informational resource for news, insight, and interactive features, including the latest research from world-class contributors. The Psych Congress Network joins the HMP Global Learning Network, launched in June of 2021, which serves as the global healthcare communitys most comprehensive source of clinical news and information. The Psych Congress Network offers: A robust catalog of clinical news, insightful articles and perspectives from key opinion leaders (KOL) in multimedia formats; Video series that feature brief, authoritative commentary from thought leaders on important clinical research and updates; Access to educational materials presented at meetings, including abstracts, posters, and presentation slides; Exclusive interviews with Psych Congress meeting chairs, steering committee members, and faculty. The launch bolsters HMP Global's already strong position in mental health. In 2012, the company acquired the U.S. Psychiatric & Mental Health Congress, now known as Psych Congress, the largest independent mental health meeting in the U.S. Over the past 9 years, the company has significantly expanded the psychiatry portfolio through the development and launch of relevant, complementary offerings, including Psych Congress Elevate, an educational conference for emerging mental health clinicians, the Psych Congress Regional meeting series, and the Psychiatry & Behavioral Health Learning Network. "The introduction of the Psych Congress Network further solidifies HMP Globals commitment to providing clinically relevant and practical education and resources for psychiatrists and other mental health professionals via a streamlined platform, said Kara Rosania, Executive Editorial Director at HMP Global. This network will not only effectively strengthen the ties between our psychiatry content offerings and the Psych Congress family of events, but also allow us to continue advancing our goal of delivering the very best education to increase clinician knowledge and improve patient care and outcomes. Learn more at psychcongressnetwork.com. ABOUT HMP GLOBAL HMP Global is the force behind Healthcare Made Practical and is a multichannel leader in healthcare events and education, with a mission to improve patient care. The company produces accredited medical education events in person and online through its proprietary VRTX virtual event platform and clinically relevant, evidence-based content for the global healthcare community across a range of therapeutic areas. Its brands include Consultant360, the year-round, award-winning platform relied upon by primary care providers and other specialists; Psych Congress, the countrys largest independent mental health meeting; Evolution of Psychotherapy, the worlds largest psychotherapy conference; Rx Drug Abuse & Heroin Summit, the nations largest meeting addressing the opioid epidemic; EMS World Expo, the worlds largest EMS-dedicated event; and the Symposium on Advanced Wound Care (SAWC), the largest wound care meeting in the world. For more information, visit hmpglobal.com. Hyundai complimentary maintenance program for new Hyundai vehicles A Hyundai dealership located in Moreno Valley, California - Hyundai of Moreno Valley is offering a complimentary maintenance program for new Hyundai vehicles. Those who have bought a new Hyundai car can benefit from this offer and get three years of free maintenance. Interested parties can save money on the basic maintenance of their new vehicle, so drivers and owners of a new Hyundai car may want to explore this offer. The benefits of the Hyundai Complimentary Maintenance Program include engine oil and filter changes (except for electric vehicles and fuel cell electric vehicles), tire rotation, normal and factory-scheduled maintenance for three years or 36,000 miles (whichever comes first), Hyundai filters, Quaker State oil, and supplemented or extended Hyundai Protection Plans. The offer applies to all new 2020 Hyundai models purchased or leased after February 1, 2020. Interested customers of Hyundai can visit hyundaiofmorenovalley.com and read more about Hyundais Complimentary Maintenance Program. If interested parties have any queries, they can then call have any queries, then call the dealership at 951-900-4284. The dealership, Hyundai of Moreno Valley is open from Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. The dealership is located at 27500 Eucalyptus Ave., Moreno Valley. As a byproduct of growing up in a modern society, women develop skills men simply aren't required to. INE, the premier provider of technical training for the IT industry, is excited to support The Diana Initiative as a Diamond Sponsor for the 2021 Virtual Conference themed Spark a Journey. INE is committed to championing The Diana Initiatives mission of diversity and inclusion in Information Security by driving awareness and representation in cybersecurity, particularly in the areas of gender, race, sexuality, skill level, and neurodiversity. In addition to financial contributions, INE will also be actively participating in the Career Village as well as offering prizes through the IoT Village. As part of INEs presence at the 2021 virtual conference, INE Cybersecurity Instructor Megan Daudelin will be speaking Saturday, July 17th at 2:00pm PDT on Soft Skills in a Hard World: Why Your Innate Strengths Should Be a Competitive Advantage. Technical skills have long been the focus of training and development programs within cybersecurity. Non-technical skills are all but overlooked, Daudelin says. As a byproduct of growing up in a modern society, women develop many skills that men simply arent required to. We become naturally better communicators and collaborators, tend to be better at maintaining objectivity, and more easily understand the connections between teams, individuals, and projects. Daudelin completed both her Bachelors and Masters degrees in Digital Forensics at Champlain College, where she also served as an adjunct professor for courses related to cybersecurity and digital forensics. She holds a number of certifications, including GIAC GCIA, SAA and ACE. She is passionate about teaching and sharing her experience as a woman in cybersecurity with others. The Diana Initiative 2021 virtual conference will take place on July 16-17. You can register HERE, and try INEs training for free with the Starter Pass with access to foundational courses in the areas of cybersecurity, networking, cloud and data science, including the venerable Penetration Testing Student Learning Path that prepares for the eJPT certification with slides, videos and unlimited virtual labs. Join the fun virtually at #TDI2021! About INE: INE is the premier provider of Technical Training for the IT industry. INE is revolutionizing the digital learning industry through the implementation of adaptive technologies and a proven method of hands-on training experiences. INEs portfolio of training is built for levels of technical learning specializing in advanced networking technologies, next generation security and infrastructure programming and development. About The Diana Initiative: A diversity-driven conference committed to helping all underrepresented genders, sexualities, races and cultures in Information Security. The Diana Initiative features multiple speaker tracks, fully expanded villages with hands-on workshops, and a women-led Capture the Flag event. This years theme is Spark A Journey. Our discussions will focus on emphasizing the ability in each of us to spark many journeys, and how we can be an inspiration and driving force for increasing representation in cybersecurity whether gender, race, sexuality, skill level and neurodiversity. Kane-Miller Corp. has been certified by the Womens Business Enterprise National Council. "It means a great deal to us to be part of an organization that empowers, inspires and supports smart and motivates women to thrive and grow their business, says Kane-Miller Corp. President and Chair Betsy Kane-Hartnett. Kane-Miller Corp. is proud to announce national certification as a Womens Business Enterprise by the WBEC Florida, a regional certifying partner of the Womens Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC). President and Chair Betsy Kane-Hartnett says, We are so proud to have earned the WBENC certification for Kane-Miller Corp. It means a great deal to us to be part of an organization that empowers, inspires and supports smart and motivated women to thrive and grow their business. The WBENC standard of certification implemented by the WBEC Florida is a meticulous process including an in-depth review of the business and site inspection. The certification process is designed to confirm the business is at least 51% owned, operated, and controlled by a woman or women. By including women-owned businesses among their suppliers, corporations and government agencies demonstrate their commitment to fostering diversity and the continued development of their supplier diversity programs. About Kane-Miller Corp. Kane-Miller Corp. is engaged in the investing of its own funds into various types of securities and businesses. The Company has a broad investment portfolio that includes several wholly-owned subsidiaries operating in various industries. Industries for which Company subsidiaries operate within include, but are not limited to, the placement of temporary and permanent personnel, edible rendering, and manufacturing of soap base. The Companys diverse brand portfolio includes some of the most well-known brands in staffing and recruiting: Axcess Staffing, CoWorx Staffing, Luxury Method and Mount Kemble Search Group. About WBENC Founded in 1997, WBENC is the nations leader in womens business development and the leading third-party certifier of businesses owned and operated by women, with more than 17,000 certified Womens Business Enterprises, 14 national Regional Partner Organizations, and more than 350 Corporate Members. More than 1,000 corporations representing Americas most prestigious brands as well as many states, cities, and other entities accept WBENC Certification. For more information, visit http://www.wbenc.org. Klika Tech, Inc., a U.S.-based global developer of end-to-end IoT and Cloud-native solutions, today announced its participation in the Astana Hub, the largest community of independent international technology startups in Central Asia. The announcement comes nearly one-year after Klika Tech opened an R&D and global delivery operations regional office in the Republic of Kazakhstan to create opportunities for developers from across the region. Astana Hub technology park is tech community developed in partnership with companies including Lenovo, Huawei, UNICEF, Go Global World and more. Klika Tech is now among the international companies of the 500+ business members of Astana Hub who are helping Kazakhstan become one of the fastest growing regions for tech companies who are locating to the area with solid government support. Said Val Kamenski, o-CEO & COO of Klika Tech: The entire Kazakhstan region embraces a unique attitude and vision towards IoT adoption. The government is paying special attention to the evolution of the technology and has deep appreciation for fostering the talent among its citizens and welcoming the workers who are entering the region to be a part of the ongoing evolution. This is an amazing location for growing our team and we are grateful to work along-side a community of open-minded people who share our vision of the power of new technologies. Said Gennadiy M Borisov, President and Co-CEO of Klika Tech: Innovation is a key factor in our ongoing growth, and we are excited to be a part of the expansion of one of Asias most business-forward hubs. From this office we are growing our team of local talent to support our delivery of leading IoT and Cloud solutions for regional and international companies as we continue to expand. Klika Tech today has more than 200 people working in development and management locations across North America, Europe and Asia and is an Amazon Web Services Advanced Consulting and IoT Competency Partner. Klika Techs professionals provide a range of expertise in end-to-end IoT product and solutions development, including hardware prototyping, firmware development, cloud architecture & applications, and mobile applications development. The prominent tech development center was founded in 2018 and is supported by the Ministry of Digital Development, Innovations and Aerospace Industry of Kazakhstan, as well as the electronic government of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Non-Kazakh participants projects must correspond to one of Astana Hubs priorities, including software development, design, elaboration and implementation of IT systems. Klika Tech is working with government services towards business benefits of locating in the region and a goal of hiring several dozen professionals to join the team. Said Magzhan Madiyev, CEO of Astana Hub: Astana Hub is the priority project for digital modernization of our country. The hub aims to develop innovative tech projects, help tech companies grow, scale and attract investment and become an epicenter of professional talent from around the globe it has become Kazakhstans Silicon Valley, and Klika Tech is a perfect addition to the foreign tech companies who have opened offices to take advantage of the opportunity to work with talented people from across the region while lowering operating costs and benefit from everything Astana Hub has to offer. About Klika Tech Klika Tech is an IoT & Cloud-native product and solutions development company headquartered in the U.S. with development and management locations across North America, Europe and Asia. Founded in 2013 by business-oriented technologists, Klika Tech co-creates end-to-end hardware, embedded, and software solutions for wearables, smart home/building/city platforms, connected healthcare, smart retail, connected agriculture, asset tracking, automotive, smart mobility, and cloud IoT hub integrations. Klika Tech is an AWS IoT Competency and an Advanced Consulting Partner in the AWS Partner Network with Service Delivery Designations for AWS IoT Core, Amazon API Gateway, AWS CloudFormation, and AWS Lambda. For more information, email: contact@klika-tech.com Blind Faith: a touching narrative about how a boy's faith grew and sustained him through the extraordinary challenges of growing up without sight. Blind Faith is the creation of published author Mark Dowdy with Michelle Dowdy. Mark has more than thirty years of experience in the music industry as an engineer, producer, musician, artist, and is the founder of Worship 360. Mark Dowdy with Michelle Dowdy shares, Blind Faith is the story of a boy who didnt need to see to believe. Mark Dowdy was born blind, with only light perception and a vague sense of shape to form his concept of the environment around him. Music was his friend from the beginning, helping him to bridge the gap between his clouded perception and the sighted world. In Blind Faith, you will read about a boy who knew the heartache of thirteen failed eye operations by age ten, as well as the thrill of performing his music before thousands at the same time. At age fifteen, Mark became the first blind Eagle Scout in the state of Georgia while simultaneously watching his friends getting their drivers licenses and coming to the realization that he would never be able to drive a car. Then at age thirty-seven came the prayer that changed everything and a surgery that would give him a chance to see the world as never before. Would this surgery be different? Would Mark get the opportunity to see his wife and small children and the world around him with greater clarity? Read Mark Dowdys inspiring journey from believing to seeingand trusting God with his past, present, and future. Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Mark Dowdy with Michelle Dowdys new book is an extraordinary life story that celebrates the grace of God illuminating a man's life despite challenges, and hardships, giving him hope for the future. This is an amazing story worth telling. View a synopsis of Blind Faith on YouTube. Consumers can purchase Blind Faith at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble. For additional information or inquiries about Blind Faith, contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919. Im pleased that Rhode Island has passed this important public health legislation and students can now start practicing and learning about sun-safe behaviors at school. Sunscreen is one of the most effective and easiest ways to prevent damaging UV rays that can cause skin cancer. Rhode Island students will now be able to possess and utilize sunscreen at school and school-related activities, thanks to advocacy from the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Association (ASDSA) and the Rhode Island Dermatology Society. Governor Daniel McKee signed into law SUNucate model legislation, making Rhode Island the 26th SUNucated state. The SUNucate law in Rhode Island allows students, parents and school personnel to use an FDA-approved sunscreen without a physicians note or prescription. The law also includes a provision for school districts to incorporate teaching sun-safe behaviors in schools. Since the legislation goes into effect immediately, students in Rhode Island will be able to protect themselves during summer and fall activities at school. Im pleased that Rhode Island has passed this important public health legislation and students can now start practicing and learning about sun-safe behaviors at school, said ASDSA President Mathew M. Avram, MD, JD. Sunscreen is one of the most effective and easiest ways to prevent damaging UV rays that can cause skin cancer. The need for SUNucate arose after concerns from dermatologic surgeons that students were required to bring a note or a prescription from a physician to use sunscreen at school due to its classification as an over-the-counter drug by the FDA. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the United States Preventive Services Task Force both show that children should have access to sunscreen and other sun-protective measures in order to reduce the risk of skin cancer. ASDSA worked with its coalition partners to pass this legislation, which includes both the Rhode Island Dermatology Society and the Rhode Island Medical Society. To learn more about SUNucate, visit http://asds.net/SUNucate. # # # About ASDSA With a membership of 6,400+ physicians, ASDSA is a 501(c)(6) association, dedicated to education and advocacy on behalf of dermatologic surgeons and their patients. For more information, visit http://asds.net/ASDSA Follow @ASDSAdvocacy on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn! SigFig today announced Claire Huang has been named an independent director to its board of directors. She will be focused on continuing SigFigs goal of delivering customer-focused digital solutions that bring banks closer to their customers. The pandemic has increased the velocity of change at banks and other financial institutions towards more intuitive and comprehensive digital solutions. They have had to adapt to closed branches plus heightened customer expectations due to the rapid advancement in e-commerce ubiquitousness and adoption. Largely due to this trend as well as being well-positioned before Covid, SigFig has more than tripled its bank partners over the past nine months and continues to see tremendous momentum across all of its products. Ms. Huang has had a distinguished career building brands over three decades with particular expertise in financial services. She was the first-ever global chief marketing officer for JPMorgan Chase from 2012 through 2014, which built off her experience as head of global marketing, international communications and corporate social responsibility at Bank of America Merrill Lynch. Before working at BofA, she was head of Fidelity Investments marketing and customer strategy groups. Ms. Huang began her career at Procter and Gamble and held other positions at American Express Financial Advisors. She serves as a director of both public and private companies, including Zions Bancorporation, PODS, Prosper Marketplace as well as several non-profits and has served on the board of Scottrade, Mirador, and Foster Farms in the recent past. We are excited to welcome Claire to our board, said Mike Sha, SigFigs CEO and Co-Founder. Her vast experience across banking, wealth management, and enterprise software with a focus on driving marketing success through digital transformation will be highly valuable. Claires relentless focus on the end-customer will benefit all of us at SigFig. I am honored to join the SigFig Board of Directors, commented Ms. Huang. SigFigs digital-first offering was ahead of its time a decade ago. Building off this foundation, SigFig continues to enable their banking partners to efficiently connect with their customers wherever and however they choose with the right solutions at the right time. Ive been very impressed with the scale and quality of their banking partner relationships. SigFig continues to build significant momentum by focusing on the needs of the customer and building products around them. SigFig has developed a number of technology solutions that democratize financial advice which is delivered by its financial services partners. Many of these products facilitate conversations about money and all of them enable individuals to take actions that create ownership of their financial future. By constantly focusing on helping people thrive financially, SigFig continues to deliver opportunities for financial institutions such as banks, credit unions, and brokerages to create stronger and deeper connections with their customers. About SigFig Founded in 2007, SigFig is an enterprise financial technology firm that develops next-generation products for financial institutions, advisors, and their customers. SigFig creates solutions for financial services companies to bring them closer to their customers by seamlessly delivering the right advice and solutions. Through its partnerships with financial institutions including Wells Fargo, UBS, and Citizens Financial, their wealth management tool is available to over 70 million consumers. SigFig has already helped millions of households gain access to personalized investment advice designed to help them achieve their goals. SigFig is backed by top-tier venture capital firms, including Bain Capital Ventures, Union Square Ventures, DCM, Nyca Partners, and General Atlantic, and is headquartered in San Francisco, California. Learn more at http://www.sigfig.com. It is extraordinary to see the community welcome our new location to the area, said Dr. Raz. We are excited as we continue to grow in Naperville and in the Chicagoland area. Smile Obsession, one of Glenviews top rated dental practices, today announced the grand opening of its new office in Naperville, Illinois. The new office upholds the practices already established high standards in delivering a modern and comfortable dental experience for residents and local business professionals. Smile Obsession is a full service general, cosmetic, emergency, and multi-speciality dental office that incorporates a family friendly and knowledgeable staff with the most advanced technology found in the dental industry to ensure patients receive the oral care they need to fulfil a happy and healthy life. The new Naperville dental location will enable the Smile Obsession team of modern dental professionals to continue providing state of the art dental services making the patients comfortability their top priority. Services provided by Smile Obsession of Naperville include, cleanings, teeth whitening, dentures, veneers, implants, sealants, invisalign, fillings, bridges, root canals, TMJ treatment, laser dentistry, orthodontia, digital x,rays, and more. By incorporating advanced equipment, technology, high tech tools, and modern thinking -- Smile Obsession has a proven track record of providing the highest quality care and is ready to provide patients a beautiful smile. It is extraordinary to see the community welcome our new location to the area, said Dr. Raz. We are excited as we continue to grow in Naperville and in the Chicagoland area. About Smile Obsession Smile Obsession is a general, family, cosmetic, and multi-speciality dental practice in Glenview IL servicing Glenview, Naperville, Morton Grove, Northbrook, Park Ridge, Lisle, Aurora, Downers Grove, Woodridge, and other neighborhoods. Founded on the premise that dentistry can be beautiful and enjoyable we deliver on that by providing a new kind of patient experience. With the feel of something more like the local spa than a medical facility, we provide a warm, welcoming, and relaxing environment complete with our friendly staff who are here to help you achieve the best smile possible. Cosmetic and general dentistry has come a long way over the years thanks to advancements in science and technology. Using state-of-the art tools and combining them with the comforts of life, at Smile Obsession, we are able to provide each patient with a relaxing dental experience like no other, no matter what dental service brings them to us. Smile Obsessions team is made up of general dentists and dental specialists making it a full service dental practice. Contact Smile Obsession Phone: (224) 355 - 1118 Email: info@smileobsession.com UNQ Making the most of funds raised from the IPO, UNQ intends to further expand its business by focusing on cosmetics, personal care, and healthcare business. transcosmos inc. hereby announces that UNQ Holdings Limited. (Incorporated in the Cayman Islands with limited liability; Chairman: Wang Yong; "UNQ HD"), the parent company of UNQ (Shanghai) Supply Chain Management Co.,Ltd (Headquarters: Shanghai; "UNQ"), a leading e-commerce business solutions provider and an equity-affiliate of transcosmos, launches its IPO in HKEX main board on July 12, 2021 (stock code: 2177). transcosmos has acquired the shares of UNQ from 2014, and its ownership ratio in UNQ HD will be approximately 34.52% immediately after the listing. UNQ's e-commerce business in China market covers online store operations, branding, digital marketing, customer services, and fulfillment. UNQ runs both domestic e-commerce and cross-border e-commerce businesses on mainstream and emerging e-commerce platforms such as Tmall, (JD.com), Kaola, RED (), Pinduoduo (), and more. As of the end of June, 2021, the company operated a total of 88 online stores and provied e-commerce solutions to 66 brands , among which 58 were from Japan. According to a major Chinese consulting company (CIC) report, the market size of the Japanese-branded FMCG that includes cosmetics and personal care products reached RMB73.3 billion (approximately JPY1.2 trillion , Calculated at 1 CNY = 17 JPY, the same applies hereafter) in the China e-commerce market in 2019, and UNQ ranked first among e-commerce solutions providers in China in terms of GMV (Gross Merchandise Value) with a market share of 5.5%. According to CIC report, the market size of the imported brand segment in Chinae-commerce market is expected to increase to RMB829.3 billion (approximately JPY14 trillion)in 2024. Making the most of funds raised from the IPO, UNQ intends to further expand its business by focusing on cosmetics, personal care, and healthcare business. UNQ Group overview Representative: Wang Yong Founded: 2010 Business: e-commerce business for the China market Employees: 732 (as of December 31, 2020) Principle locations: Shanghai (China headquarters), Beijing, Hangzhou, Guangzhou, Tokyo, Hong Kong URL http://www.youquhui.com/En transcosmos supports companies expanding from Japan to China market by providing e-commerce services in line with the local market In partnership with UNQ, we will continue to strengthen our alliance with UNQ, and strongly promote a direct sales model that sells the excellent products of our client to the China market. *transcosmos is a trademark or registered trademark of transcosmos inc. in Japan and other countries. *Other company names and product or service names used here are trademarks or registered trademarks of respective companies. *Other company names and product or service names used here are trademarks or registered trademarks of respective companies. *This press release is for information purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice or an offer or solicitation to buy or sell securities. About transcosmos inc. transcosmos launched its operations in 1966. Since then, we have combined superior "people" with up-to-date "technology" to enhance the competitive strength of our clients by providing them with superior and valuable services. transcosmos currently offers services that support clients' business processes focusing on both sales expansion and cost optimization through our 166 bases across 30 countries/regions with a focus on Asia, while continuously pursuing Operational Excellence. Furthermore, following the expansion of e-commercemarket on the global scale, transcosmos provides a comprehensive One-Stop Global e-commerce Services to deliver our clients' excellent products and services to consumers in 48 countries/regions around the globe. transcosmos aims to be the "Global Digital Transformation Partner" of our clients, supporting the clients' transformation by leveraging digital technology, responding to the ever-changing business environment. Visit us here https://www.trans-cosmos.co.jp/english/ Bluefield, WV (24701) Today Cloudy skies early, followed by partial clearing. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 78F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Mainly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 61F. Winds light and variable. Bluefield, WV (24701) Today Partly to mostly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 78F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Mainly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 61F. Winds light and variable. Premium online access is only available tosubscribers. If you have an active subscription and need to set up or change your password, please click here New to PW? To set up immediate access, click here. NOTE: If you had a previous PW subscription, click here to reactivate your immediate access. PW site license members have access to PWs subscriber-only website content. If working at an office location and you are not "logged in", simply close and relaunch your preferred browser. For off-site access, click here. To find out more about PWs site license subscription options, please email Mike Popalardo at: mike@nextstepsmarketing.com. If you're interested in submitting a Letter to the Editor, click here. Submit Published on: 15 July 2021 The onshore wave energy converters in operation at Gibraltar wave energy station. Credit: Eco Wave Power. The onshore wave energy converters in operation at Gibraltar wave energy station. Credit: Eco Wave Power. The new project Sea Wave Energy Powered Microgrid for Remote Islands and Rural Coasts, is funded as part of Innovate UKs Energy Catalyst programe and will be carried out in collaboration with Eco Wave Power, (Eco Wave Power Global, Ticker Symbol: ECOWVE), the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) of Thailand, and the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) of Thailand. The research team at Queen Mary will develop an advanced microgrid solution using novel control systems and power electronics to significantly improve the overall performance of Eco Wave Powers existing onshore WECs. It is hoped their approach could reduce the maintenance costs of these systems and help provide reliable electricity to low-income residents of Thailands remote islands in the future. Dr Guang Li, Reader in Control Engineering and investigator of the project, said: Wave energy is a continuous power source, and still has lots of unlocked potential. We are especially pleased to receive this award from Innovate UKs Energy Catalyst program to study the cutting-edge solutions for enhancing WEC potential and contribute to the commercialisation of wave energy in islands with additional microgrid applications. Microgrids are part of the future grid systems and are a great solution for small communities to provide energy resilience and even disaster recovery. We are grateful for Innovate UKs vote of confidence and are very excited to start working with our collaborators Eco Wave Power, the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) and the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) of Thailand. We believe that our collaboration will yield significant knowledge and scientific progress, Dr Kamyar Mehran, Senior Lecturer at Queen Mary and investigator of the project, added. Addressing current energy challenges Wave energy converters (WECs) convert wave energy into renewable forms of electricity. Currently, offshore wave energy technology is struggling to be commercialized at large scale due to the high cost caused by the maintenance, long distance power transmission and low conversion efficiency of existing WECs. This project will study the development of onshore WECs powering the first pilot microgrid in Phaluai Island located in southern part of Thailand. Eco Wave Powers onshore WEC system holds the potential to offer an economically viable solution for low-income island communities, given its increased efficiency and attractive levelized cost of energy, the average lifetime costs of generating energy using a specific technology, in comparison to solar and diesel generators. Professor Weerakorn Ongsakul from the Asia institute of Technology, who is involved in many high-profile renewable energy projects in Southeast Asia including the major Green Land project in Thailand, commented: Universal energy supply is already on the horizon; renewable energy is a great leap forward; new opportunities are opening up for energy efficiency; digitalization and new wave of the digital economy are in offing ready to revolutionize energy sector as well. The Thai electrical state enterprise, Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) will act as the microgrid operator in the islands and minimise the capital cost of electricity to provide an electricity tariff as cheap as monthly mobile charges without any asset ownership and maintenance cost for residents. The PEA officials, said: PEA is a leading organization in the region, which focuses on providing efficient, reliable electricity services, related business for developing quality of life, sustainability of economics and society. Building long-term collaborations Since 2016, Eco Wave Power has operated a grid-connected onshore wave energy floaters array in Gibraltar, and it is currently finalising the construction of its second grid-connected wave energy array in Israel. The consortium chose WECs produced by Eco Wave Power for this project as they offer many competitive advantages regarding cost-efficiency, insurability, reliability, and environmental friendliness. Inna Braverman, Founder and CEO of Eco Wave Power, commented: This grant from Innovate UK is the third grant approval notice that we received in June. We see this as a strong vote of confidence in Eco Wave Power and our pioneering technology and look forward to a productive collaboration with the team at Queen Mary, the Asian Institute of Technology, and the Provincial Electricity Authority of Thailand. We are extremely grateful to Innovate UK, as this project presents a unique opportunity for us to research a new technology application for our WEC, customised for islands and other micro grid applications, which are a significant target market for Eco Wave Power. The new funding from Innovate UK adds to Queen Marys existing grant with Eco Wave Power, awarded by the Wohl Clean Growth Alliance. This grant aims to further develop and improve the control system for the Eco Wave Power WEC, to enable faster commercial roll out of the EWP technology. Along with the Innovate UK project it will help promote and facilitate establishment of a long-term research collaboration between Queen Mary and Eco Wave Powers engineering team. The channels, which will be available free to households across the US as part of an advertising video-on-demand (AVOD) business model, include Nessma TV, Samira TV, Lina TV, 2M Monde and Al Aoula among and others. Ninetnine has worked with the programmers to acquire the rights for all the live TV content and to then aggregate and distribute it to Sling TV. Ninetnine and Dish Network say they took the decision to launch the channels free-to-air based on seeing the successful uptake of AVOD services across the US over the past year. A recent Digital TV Research Global AVOD Forecasts noted that the US has both the most developed OTT sector in the world and the most developed advertising market. The also predicted that US AVOD revenues will triple between 2020 and 2026 to $31 billion and the US will grow its share of the global total from 37% in 2020 to 47% by 2026.Its our philosophy to provide households in diasporas in Europe and now in the US with the highest quality content, said Ninetnine co-founders Samir Zehani and Adel Hamla explaining the move. We know exactly what North Africans living abroad want to watch. Weve already generated pay-TV revenues for some of these TV channels in France via our leading pay-TV service Le Bouquet Maghreb. The focus now is conquering new territories. Sling TV was absolutely the best fit for our requirements and we are excited for the launch.Liz Riemersma, VP International, Sling TV said: Our mission at DISH and Sling International is to connect our customers to the content they love from home. We already cater to different communities across the Arab diaspora, and are excited to add services that will appeal to expats and immigrants from the Maghreb.International film producer and Nessma TV investor Tarak Ben Ammar added: Our partnership with Ninetnine has been paramount in our international expansion. Their expertise in taking our content to new audiences is valuable and now we are glad to explore the opportunities of AVOD with one of the best platforms in the US. We are proud and excited to start Nessmas live feed on Sling TV. Content will be dropped on the platform over the next twelve months and will primarily comprise high-end drama and factual series from around the world.The first batch of content is due to go live in early August and will include titles such as Scandi-noir thriller Beck; French murder mystery Malaterra, based on the successful British series Broadchurch; and two acclaimed Australian series, The Time of our Lives and Tangle, which both focus on the trials and tribulations of chaotic Melbourne families. The deal also brings more big names to STV Player, including Olivia Colman and Vanessa Redgrave (who both star in The Thirteenth Tale pictured), Frank Grillo and Nick Jonas (Kingdom) and Rowan Atkinson (The Thin Blue Line).Launched in 2009, STV Player is one of the UKs fastest-growing AVODs, with an ever-expanding library of free content correlating with a significant surge in consumption. From 1 January 30 June 2021 streams have grown 94% and total online viewing is up 66% compared with the same time period last year. After launching on all major platforms at the end of 2020, STV Player increased its addressable audienc e more than tenfold to 50 million adults. In June 2021, the platform celebrated its best-performing day since, achieving over one million streams in a single day for the first time ever. Streams grew by 163%, with online viewing up 370% during June alone, fuelled by Euro 2020 and weekly soap drops.As STV Player has continued to grow its audience across the country, weve gained a clearer idea of what our viewers want from the service, said STV managing director, digital Richard Williams commenting on the new deal. This significant deal with Banijay taps right into that, with hundreds of hours of unmissable drama set to drop on STV Player in the coming months. The VOD world is constantly evolving and, as a relatively new player in this field, its important for us to have a niche. Were delighted to be building our reputation as a free provider of big, star-studded dramas, along with popular overseas titles that viewers in the UK are unlikely to discover anywhere else.Chris Stewart, SVP UK and Eire, Banijay Rights, added: This landmark deal extends our partnership with STV and provides viewers on-demand access to a fantastic selection of premium drama and factual content, some of which is available in the UK for the first time. The regulators recommendations to UK Government mark the conclusion of a review on the future of public service media (PSM), the Small Screen: Big Debate report. This calls for the renewal of the PSM system to ensure it can flourish for the next decade and beyond. Public Service Media is also central to the UK creative economy, with around 3bn spent each year on new commissions across a broad range of genres. The consultation received over 100 responses audiences of all ages and backgrounds right across the UK, and met with broadcasters, streaming services, academics and analysts in the UK and abroad.The study revealed consensus on two fundamental issues the importance of PSM for UK viewers, and the urgent need to update the system to ensure its future sustainability. In addition, said Ofcom it was clear that public service programming remains highly valued by UK audiences, and the pandemic has only served to reinforce its role in society.The research emphasised the importance viewers place on high-quality, trusted and accurate news with what was called a passion for soaps, drama and live sports, as well as programmes which reflect the diversity of the UKs nations and regions. But, with global competition intensifying, viewers were no longer bound by television schedules and are able to pick and choose content from a range of online providers and platforms. Given these changes, Ofcom warned that the UKs broadcasting industry was facing its greatest challenge.Our creative sector is the envy of the world, but public service media is facing a triple threat from large global players, viewers turning towards online services, and increasing funding pressures. If were to preserve public service media and its outstanding content for future generations, change needs to happen and fast, said Ofcom chief executive Dame Melanie Dawes. Thats why were recommending the biggest shake-up to public service broadcasting i n twenty years. Our plan of action sets out how the industry, Government and Ofcom can together build a stronger system of public service media that can thrive in the digital age.To secure the future of PSM, Ofcom said UK broadcasters must accelerate their digital plans if they are to maintain a strong link with audiences, and the regulatory system also needs to be urgently updated. The Small Screen: Big Debate report called on the UK Government to bring forward primary legislation to make key four actions: modernise the PSM objectives; update availability and prominence rules to include digital platforms; update production rules for PSM content; update the rules for PSM providers.It said new legislation should secure and strengthen PSMs most important features: a broad range of programming that reflects all parts of the UK, and the ability to engage the widest possible audiences. There should also be a new objective to support the UKs creative economy. It added that new rules were needed to require PSM providers to offer their on-demand services to popular TV platforms. In turn, platforms should be required to include and give appropriate prominence to PSM content. Ofcom believes that it should be given monitoring and enforcement powers, including the ability to resolve commercial disputes.Ofcom also saw it as necessary that commissioning rules designed to support independent productions should apply to all PSM content, regardless of whether it is commissioned for broadcast TV or online. This would include programmes exclusively shown on online services. Finally, it noted that broadcast licences need modernising to cover content produced across broadcast TV and online and so PSM providers should also be afforded flexibility to innovate and respond to technological and market changes. Quotas should remain to secure important PSM programming, like news, and to safeguard the quality of traditional broadcast TV for those audiences who continue to rely on them. Republican politicians in many states clearly believe that the best way for them to maintain power, given unfavorable demographic trends, is to engage in voter suppression and rig the administration of elections. Their allies in Congress, believing likewise, are doing what they can to let state legislators get away with this dangerous project. Many thoughtful observers, journalists and academics alike, agree on this diagnosis. The question is: How should Democrats respond? Appeals to principle wont work. There are too few Liz Cheneys or Adam Kinzingers. Other unpleasant facts must be taken into account, too. Decision theorists and computer scientists call such facts constraints: They limit the set of promising alternatives. These facts are in plain sight but facing up to them means being tough-minded and recognizing that there are no good alternatives here. (There cant be: a major party is undermining a core democratic institution.) But some alternatives are better than others. Sorting them out requires taking the constraints seriously. The first constraint, obviously, is the filibuster. The second is a 50-50 Senate. Those two constraints point to a third: There is no winning coalition for abolishing the filibuster. A fourth constraint, a polarized electorate, underlies the other three. Not everything is cast in stone, however. Not long ago, many Republican politicians believed that the best way to advance professionally was to offer policies that appealed to a majority of voters, taking the electorate as given (i.e., as a constraint). Those beliefs are malleable. Given the right lessons, some or many GOP politicians could learn that voter suppression is not in their professional self-interest. The right lessons are electoral. Losing more elections than they expect in the midterms, when the out-of-power party usually gains a significant number of seats, could tilt the balance of power within the Republican Party and persuade some pragmatists to start debating the GOPs path. Those Republican politicians would do so not because theyve suddenly realized that undermining fair elections is wrong but because theyve changed their minds about what best serves their interests. Some readers might consider this argument circular, that using elections to teach Republican politicians a lesson presupposes fair races when the GOP is trying to ensure that they wont be. But the strategy isnt circular its political bootstrapping. In politics, one neednt always pull oneself up by ones own bootstraps; sometimes an opponent inadvertently lends a hand. The GOP has done so. Parts of new state election laws are so brazen that they could trigger a backlash. Political psychologists have found that anger can induce people to participate in politics. Specifically, anger about voter disenfranchisement might stimulate turnout. An overview of research on the topic of anger and mobilization reports the following triggers: an external cause, especially the intentional actions of some freely acting agent who can be blamed; coping potential, or the perception that one has some control over the situation; a perception that the situation is unfair, illegitimate, or undeserved; and the familiarity of threat. Further, the concept of loss aversion, originally coined by Daniel Kahneman and Amos Tversky, holds that losing something packs a bigger emotional punch than does gaining something of equal value. This phenomenon should operate where people are in danger of losing their voting rights. Thus, the Republican voter-suppression project is a textbook case for political mobilization. The key ingredient is helping people feel that they can do something about the problem. Fortunately, the pitch is natural: Republicans want to take away your sacrosanct right to vote, so show them they cannot. Vote early or turn out on Election Day. Whatever works. By voting in midterm elections, voters can show that their right to vote cant be taken away from them. This is political bootstrapping. To be sure, this strategy does not address some state legislatures attack on democracy: The partisan takeover of the administration of elections is a problem more abstract to citizens than laws that curtail early voting, remove drop-boxes, or impose onerous voter ID requirements. Democrats should regard this as a constraint and work around it. Mobilizing turnout should be based on the GOPs highly visible tactics, while fighting the hostile takeover of election administration is a job for lawyers and other specialists. Moreover, the stronger the backlash against voter suppression, the easier the specialists job will be. Though no popular vote margin is completely safe against partisan election administrators, a 2 percentage point Democratic popular vote margin in, say, Georgias 2022 Senate race is less vulnerable than a 0.1 percentage point margin. Political bootstrapping once again: A more robust job by citizens (turnout) will make the specialists day in court easier. Finally, bootstrapping can happen inside the Republican Party as well. Some pragmatic GOP politicians may already have misgivings about their partys current strategy but are afraid to say so. If the above mobilization strategy helps Democrats do surprisingly well in the midterms, then some of those careerists might start to speak up. Though its unrealistic to expect this to happen quickly many legislators in the House are elected from deep-red districts, where they have no concerns about the partys current path perhaps the dynamic inside the GOP will change. Cant I offer something better than that? Honestly, I cant. Nobody can. Our situation is without precedent: Never before has one of the two major parties tried throughout the country to undermine established rules that support free and fair elections. In this context, no strategy is guaranteed to work. Anyone who tells you that their strategy will do so is fooling themselves or you or both. The search should be for the approach thats most likely to work, not for a magic wand. Of course, all forecasts are inaccurate one way or another. Perhaps a strong voting rights bill will somehow pass the Senate and the state Republicans anti-democratic project will be defeated. Then, happily, the midterms can be held without anger. If that happens, great! But it may not. So, consider this a contingency plan for turning a legislative failure into an electoral advantage. Every policy wonk will tell you that after you live in Washington long enough, you start seeing the same issues reemerge on a regular basis. Common ones are praise for the magical ability of government spending to help pay for itself during recessions and handwringing over the myth of middle-class stagnation. And when Uncle Sam's coffers are empty, everyone suddenly remembers the so-called tax gap -- the difference between the tax revenues Congress expects versus those it actually collects. So right on cue, calls to reduce the tax gap are back. After the COVID-19 spending spree, the U.S. budget deficit is even higher than what we've become accustomed to. Meanwhile, President Joe Biden and his band of congressional superspenders are eager to extend many emergency programs, such as paid leave and child benefits, as well as spend a few trillion more on infrastructure and "stimulus." While politicians have no problem charging Uncle Sam's credit card and leaving the bill for future generations, today's leaders like collecting rich taxpayers' money even more. But increasing taxes is hard, so Democrats are turning their attention to the difference between taxes owed and taxes collected. Many politicians consider this a pain-free source of new funding. According to the Department of the Treasury, the tax gap was $600 billion in 2019, and it projected to roughly 15% of taxes owed over the following decade. In 2006, this gap was $450 billion, up from $255 billion in 2001, and around 15% of taxes owed. If "closing the tax gap" were indeed an easy way to raise money, this gap would have been closed decades ago. The traditional argument is that if we just beef up the Internal Revenue Service's budget -- which has remained flat in real terms for years -- and grow the ranks of its auditors, we won't have this problem. The low-IRS-budget argument overlooks this reality: While the taxpayer services budget of the agency hasn't grown much, the agency's welfare-handout budget -- including Obamacare subsidies, the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child Tax Credit -- has exploded from $44 billion in 2000 to roughly $216 billion this year. And these figures don't include 2021's $650 billion in COVID-19-related payments. The bottom line is that money isn't the issue with the IRS. The problem instead is the lack of focus on its core mission. Don't forget that while IRS agents aren't doing as much to take taxpayers' dollars away as Congress wishes they would, the agency also has an abysmal record serving taxpayers who are simply trying to navigate the tortuous roads leading to tax compliance. In theory, more money in the IRS budget means more agents to help taxpayers comply or to track down tax evasion. But it likely requires some serious tradeoffs with civil liberties. How far would you be willing to go to crack down on Uber drivers, cleaning ladies and individuals operating cash-based businesses -- also known as small businesses? We'd better have an answer, because that's the plan. And in light of the recent IRS data leak to ProPublica or the political harassment of conservative political groups in 2012, how much more power would you give the IRS to access people's finances? Even if you think these are risks worth taking, don't expect much success on the revenue front. As several IRS reports and task forces have revealed, when it comes to closing the tax gap, enforcement is the costliest option and delivers only limited revenue. In fact, former U.S. Taxpayer Advocate Nina Olson (who headed a government agency that helps people solve problems with the IRS) said in a 2011 Senate testimony that trying to reduce the tax gap by focusing narrowly on enforcement "can lead to reactionary laws, procedures, and enforcement actions that actually reduce overall revenue, particularly if they do not address the reasons for the noncompliance or if they unnecessarily burden or alienate the vast majority of taxpayers who are trying to comply." There is one sure way to reduce the tax gap: Cut taxes until there is less incentive to evade the taxman. That requires our enormous government to become less gluttonous with the people's resources. It is not a pain-free solution for politicians accustomed to feasting on current and future taxpayers' dollars, but it would work. COPYRIGHT 2021 CREATORS.COM The White House all but circled back to the Cold War on Thursday as President Biden and his press secretary separately condemned communism as a failed system, laying the current suffering of the Cuban people directly at the feet of the collectivist regime there. Jen Psaki offered the first rebuke in the briefing room. I would say communism is a failed ideology, and we certainly believe that. It has failed the people of Cuba. They deserve freedom, she told reporters, adding that the animating beliefs of the government have led to very tangible deprivation among the island nations people, including a lack of access to economic opportunity, to medical supplies, to COVID vaccines, so all of those pieces are true. Hours later in the East Room, during a joint press conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Biden doubled down. Communism is a failed system universally failed system, he said. And I don't see socialism as a very useful substitute, but that's another story. Those twin statements are something of a change in tone if not policy substance. While Biden likes to describe the current world era as a contest between democracy and autocracy, Psaki sidestepped a question about communism in Cuba the day before, following weekend protests in Havana over rising prices, food shortages and power outages. She wouldnt even say the word. But when she condemned it Thursday, she was cheered by the right as if shed just won one for the Gipper. Hats off to the press secretary, wrote Kent Lassman, president of the free-market think tank the Competitive Enterprise Institute. Yes! This should and must be the message from a unified American government, added Rory Cooper, an aide to Eric Cantor when he served as House majority leader. Amanda Carpenter, former speechwriter for Republican Sen. Ted Cruz and current director of Republicans for Voting Rights, called the communism rebuke a Psaki bomb everyone can love. There were limits to the praise though. Cooper, now a partner at the bipartisan group Purple Strategies, told RealClearPolitics that while he was glad the White House had acknowledged the communist root of the Cuban people's suffering, I fear it's an unpopular position in many corners of the Democratic Party. More specifically? The socialist-leaning corners. Bidens most recent rival, Bernie Sanders, has a long history of praising the Cuban regime. The self-described democratic socialist did not shy away from doing so while challenging Biden for the partys nomination last year. "We're very opposed to the authoritarian nature of Cuba but, you know, it's unfair to simply say everything is bad," the Vermont senator told 60 Minutes before the South Carolina primary that ultimately swept Biden to victory. "When Fidel Castro came into office, you know what he did? He had a massive literacy program. Is that a bad thing? Even though Fidel Castro did it?" Those were not isolated remarks. Sanders told students at the University of Vermont in 1986 that he remembered being very excited as a child during the Cuban revolution that poor people were rising up against rather ugly rich people. He added that the memory of President John F. Kennedy pushing for tougher treatment of the regime made him want to puke. Sanders did, however, tweet his solidarity with the protesters calling for freedom in their homeland. I call on the Cuban government to respect opposition rights and refrain from violence, he wrote before condemning the longstanding U.S. trade embargo that has only hurt, not helped, the Cuban people. Republicans are delighted at the awkward political philosophy position Democrats find themselves in, and Arkansas Sen. Tom Cotton was happy to force the issue earlier this week, writing, Do Bernie Sanders and AOC still think Cuba is a workers' paradise and a model for the United States? While members of the squad are normally quite vocal, House Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Ilhan Omar have remained silent as the outside groups that backed their candidacies expressed support for the Cuban government. The Democratic Socialists of America this week issued a statement saying that the DSA stands with the Cuban people and their Revolution in this moment of unrest. The Black Lives Matter organizing committee weighed in with a similar statement, this one blaming the United States for punishing the Cuban people and trying to crush this Revolution for decades. Biden does not share that sentiment. All the same, the president is still facing pressure from Republicans to do more to help the protesters. A top priority as the authoritarian leaders shut down social media on the island? Internet access. The Cuban people have lost their ability to communicate with one another, and many Floridians born in Cuba have no information on the safety of their loved ones, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis wrote the White House in a Wednesday letter. Equally as important, the world has also lost the ability to see what is happening on the ground as the Cuban people rise in support of freedom. Biden said Thursday that his administration is exploring options to remotely restore Internet access. While it will take time to sort out that technology, his administration has now made its stance clear on the specific question of the protests and the larger question of communism. Some White House aides were a bit taken back by the rare Republican praise of Psakis comments. But none were surprised by the president or the press secretarys remarks. Rebuking socialism helped Biden win the White House in the first place. I beat the socialist, he told a Michigan radio host just two months before the general election. Thats how I got the nomination. Do I look like a socialist? Look at my career my whole career. I am not a socialist. As the American left argues openly for socialism, it's helpful to keep in mind just how dreadfully those policies have failed -- and just how viciously socialists have responded to those who got in the way -- in countries throughout the world. Watch the recent protests in Cuba and you will see how regular people feel about the direction the American left wants to take. They aren't happy. Since the Communist revolution in 1959, leftists in America have celebrated purported Cuban progress in areas such as health care and education. Little mention was made in those quarters about the Cuban government's human rights abuses, which include political executions, arbitrary imprisonments, an unfair legal system and severe limits on freedom of expression, free association, free assembly, free movement and, of course, a free press. The problem with the left's embrace of Cuba's communism is it belies their ultimate lack of regard for those freedoms we, as Americans, hold most dear. The Cuban state is truly repressive. Those standing in the way of the revolution are not tolerated. For most Americans, things like free speech, freedom of religion and freedom of movement are not ancillary. They are central to our lives. They can't be traded away for a year of extra day care. The left does not share this view. Worse, as proven repeatedly in many corners of the world, the left is ready and willing to crush those who do. Four members of the U.S. Congress are also members of the Democratic Socialists of America: Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y.; Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich; Jamaal Bowman, D-N.Y.; and Cori Bush, D-Mo. In the wake of the protests all over Cuba, the organization put out a statement of solidarity with the Cuban Revolution. The socialists in Congress, who have praised the repressive Cuban government in the past, have remained largely quiet. President Joe Biden reportedly gave careful consideration to Rep. Karen Bass, D-Calif., as a potential running mate in 2020. Bass spent part of the 1970s working in Fidel Castro's Cuba, and when Castro died, she said, "The passing of the Comandante en Jefe is a great loss to the people of Cuba." Given this history of American Democrats' praise for Cuba's Communist regime, it's not surprising that the Biden administration's first reaction to the protests in Cuba was to pretend that the whole thing was about COVID-19. At the onset of the protests, Biden's assistant secretary of state for the Cuba region tweeted: "Peaceful protests are growing in Cuba as the Cuban people exercise their right to peaceful assembly to express concern about rising COVID cases/deaths & medicine shortages." There is nothing truthful about this statement. First, there is no meaningful "right to peaceful assembly" in Cuba. Cuba's president in fact called for his fellow party members to crush any dissent: "We are prepared to do anything," he said. "We will be battling in the streets." In addition, the protests were clearly about a lot more than COVID-19. Protestors chanted "Freedom! "Down with Communism!" and "Patria y vida" (homeland and life) in videos widely available all over the web. A crowd of protesters even gathered outside of the Communist Party headquarters chanting, "Cuba isn't yours." And most glaringly of all, American flags could be seen all over the place. The Cuban protestors were flying American flags because the American flag is still a symbol of freedom for people all over the world. All of this was glaringly obvious watching the Cuban protests on video. So how could the Biden administration's officials on Cuba get this so wrong initially? The only possible explanation is they didn't want to tell the truth because it's not a narrative they like. The president and others in his administration started refining their message to something more reality-based days later. But the rest of the American left has stayed largely silent. The corporate media, as is standard policy these days, mirrored the Biden position exactly. The first reports focused on COVID-19. Only later, when the truth was too obvious to ignore, did the American media start reporting on the broad-based anti-government, anti-communist nature of the protests and the repressive efforts by the Cuban government to crush the dissent. The biggest problem with this scenario is the only news most people see on the web is the corporate media party line. Anyone googling "Cuba protests" over the weekend, for example, would have seen a page full of CNN, New York Times and Washington Post reports about the COVID-19 protests in Cuba. This is not reality, but it's the reality presented to the American people by Big Tech. The American left is pushing a truly radical policy vision through the Biden administration. They are attempting to expand the government by trillions of dollars more than any time in history. Their vision includes government involvement in many new areas of American life. Lying about what is really happening is necessary if the very policies you are espousing, the very direction you are advocating taking America, is under widespread attack in a place like Cuba by the very people suffering under this failed experiment. The glue that held things together when conservatives in America were somewhat united was opposition to communism. Religious conservatives opposed communist governments' state-based atheism and its mistreatment of the church. National security hawks opposed communism's expansionist desire and aggressive military stance. And free market conservatives, of course, opposed the communists' desire to destroy and replace capitalism with a command-and-control economic system. Since the fall of the Soviet Union, these groups have had less and less in common to hold them together. The result is the fragmentation on the right that we see today. And the result of that fragmentation is increased difficulty in stopping Biden's increasingly left-wing agenda. Maybe the Cuba protests can help remind conservatives of what's at stake. The Biden administration certainly seems to fear that's the case. COPYRIGHT 2021 CREATORS.COM Lifetime is giving a glimpse of the new film Harry & Meghan: Escaping the Palace. ADVERTISEMENT The network shared a trailer for the movie Thursday featuring Jordan Dean and Sydney Morton as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Escaping the Palace explores Harry and Markle's exit from the British royal family. The trailer teases Markle's mental health struggles and Harry and Markle's bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey. "The movie will detail Meghan's growing isolation and sadness, their disappointment that 'The Firm' was not defending them against the press' attacks and Harry's fear that history would repeat itself and he would not be able to protect his wife and son from the same forces that may have contributed to his mother's untimely death," an official synopsis reads. Lifetime previously released the films Harry & Meghan: A Royal Romance starring Murray Fraser and Parisa Fitz-Henley and Harry & Meghan: Becoming Royal starring Charlie Field and Tiffany Smith. Escaping the Palace premieres Sept. 6 on Labor Day at 8 p.m. EDT on Lifetime. The new film is written by Scarlett Lacey and directed by Menhaj Huda, with Merideth Finn and Michele Weiss as executive producers. Production on the project started in May. Harry and Markle moved to Los Angeles in March 2020 amid their exit from the royal family. In an interview with Winfrey in March of this year, Harry and Markle said racism partly drove them from the United Kingdom. By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 07/15/2021 ADVERTISEMENT 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! ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade. star Haley Harris has opened up about where her relationship with Jacob Harder stands now that they've finalized their divorce.The last time viewers saw Season 12 couple Haley and Jake was when they met in person earlier this year to sign their divorce papers about four months after Decision Day, a meeting which aired in June on Lifetime's : Where are They Now? special.Tension was clearly in the air and Haley and Jake seemed to have resentment towards each other, but they exchanged pleasantries and put on good faces for the cameras.Since then, Haley revealed, "Things have changed in the sense where we signed our divorce papers, we talked after, and we decided to have no animosity going forward."Haley provided the update during an appearance on the : Kick-Off Special for the show's upcoming thirteenth season."But yeah, we don't speak... We cut ties, and that was it," Haley told the Kick-Off Special host Kevin Frazier But Season 12 star Paige Banks -- whose marriage to Chris Williams ended before the reunion show -- joined Haley on the show and revealed Haley has "no issues" in the romance department now."I mean, I have a couple dates scheduled but nothing serious, just casual, so that's it," Haley noted. "[I'm] having fun and having a good time."Kevin pointed out how Haley is a single woman again, and Haley joked, "I'm ready to go!"Jake and Haley's marriage got off to a good start in August 2020 until the pair slept together during their Las Vegas honeymoon.At that point, Haley realized something was missing in the relationship, and so she appeared to shut down emotionally and physically.Kevin asked Haley to confirm whether her marriage essentially went down the tubes after having sex with Jake for the first time because the sexual encounter was awful.Haley paused, smiled and explained, "Umm, you know, there were a lot of factors that played into it, mostly not being able to have a conversation."She added of her ex-husband, "He's going to be great for someone, just not for me."Kevin told Haley, "Way to keep it rolling -- because you were rolling right on out of there [with Jake].""I couldn't get out of it fast enough!" Haley joked.When looking back at her experience on the show as a whole, Haley admitted, "This is such a stressful process and you go through a lot."She therefore gave 's upcoming Season 13 cast the following advice: "There was so much happening at once and I would try to talk to too many people about it and I would get a lot of opinions and then I would start second-guessing my feelings. So just go with your gut and be honest and upfront with everything."On Tuesday night, Haley's friend and co-star Virginia Coombs lashed out at Jake when he was conducting an Instagram Live session for his followers.In the comments, Virginia accused Jake of saying "the creepiest sh-t" to Haley during their marriage and "begging" his wife to have sex with him.Virginia called Jake "fake" and claimed he's been trying to stay relevant in the press and on social media by throwing Haley under the bus.Jake, however, posted a video on Instagram in reply to Virginia's comments on Wednesday and insisted he doesn't initiate discussions about Haley or talk about his ex-wife "at all" unless he's answering a fan's "specific" question about their failed relationship based on what was shown on Season 12 of the series and has therefore become "public knowledge."Jake recalled how Haley had humiliated him on TV by suggesting their sex was horrible and so he should be allowed to share his perspective without offending anybody."[Haley] is the one dogging me on national TV... And the real story behind that whole [sex] thing, I'm not going to get into details, but it's not what people probably think," Jake said."It's much more less eventful, and it just wasn't good all around -- for her or for me either."Jake told his followers that Virginia was out of line for bashing him and he only wishes Haley "the best.""I don't like her as a person and together we were very bad, but I don't wish her ill will. I hope she finds her person and gets her sh-t together and lives a happy life," Jake said.Jake and Haley tried to salvage their relationship and bond through activities as the MAFS season progressed, but they appeared to fight more than they got along due to a lack of communication and effort on both of their parts.Jake and Haley therefore mutually decided to split on Decision Day.Meanwhile, Virginia and her husband Erik Lake have also filed for divorce , although the spouses and Season 3 : Couples Cam stars have yet to publicly announce their breakup. Clara Berghaus and Ryan Oubre also recently announced they've split and are getting divorced The only couple who is still together from 's twelfth season is Briana Myles and Vincent Morales Interested in more news? Join our Married at First Sight Facebook Group or click here to view our newspage!And click here for more updates on former cast members and info on where they are now! 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 Porterville, CA (93257) Today A few showers early with bright sunshine by the afternoon. High 103F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 30%.. Tonight Clear skies. Low 72F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Athens, GA (30605) Today Light rain this morning with thunderstorms by evening. High near 80F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 80%.. Tonight Thunderstorms this evening, then cloudy with rain likely overnight. Low around 70F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 80%. Greenville, NC (27833) Today Showers and thunderstorms. High 74F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%.. Tonight A steady rain this evening. Showers continuing overnight. Low 68F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 80%. Rainfall around a quarter of an inch. Emergency workers in western Germany and Belgium are rushing to rescue hundreds of people threatened by historic floods, including residents of a town where the ground gave way beneath their homes Brattleboro, VT (05301) Today Cloudy skies early, followed by partial clearing. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High around 75F. Winds light and variable.. Tonight Mostly clear. Low near 60F. Winds light and variable. Brattleboro, VT (05301) Today Cloudy skies this morning will become partly cloudy this afternoon. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High near 75F. Winds light and variable.. Tonight Mainly clear. Low around 60F. Winds light and variable. Brattleboro, VT (05301) Today Cloudy skies this morning will become partly cloudy this afternoon. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High near 75F. Winds light and variable.. Tonight Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low near 60F. Winds light and variable. STAMFORD Gap, one of the original tenants at the Stamford Town Center, will next month close its store at the downtown mall a departure that reflects the downsizing of the apparel giants brick-and-mortar network. Window signs announce the upcoming shutdown and closing sales at the fifth-floor store, which also carries Gap Kids merchandise. The establishment is scheduled to close at the end of August, according to the malls management. The closure follows San Francisco-headquartered Gaps announcement last October that it planned to shut down about 350 Gap and Banana Republic stores across North America by the end of 2023. As we adapt to the current market conditions and meet the increase in online demand, we are looking thoughtfully at our real estate to support the best path forward, a Gap spokesperson said in an email, in response to an inquiry from Hearst Connecticut Media. We remain committed to making appropriate and timely decisions on stores that dont fit our vision for the future of Gap Inc. We are confident these closures will strengthen the health of our company moving forward. Gap has operated at the Stamford Town Center since the malls 1982 opening. Gap Kids joined eight years later. The stores were relocated and merged into one in 2005. The Gap spokesperson did not disclose how many employees worked at the Stamford store, but said, Many store employees will be transferred to other locations. And as with any store closure, we always encourage employees to find other opportunities within our family of brands. Gap, which also owns the Athleta and Old Navy brands, is not closing any other stores in Connecticut at this time. At the Stamford Town Center, there is a Banana Republic store a couple of doors down from The Gap. Elsewhere in Connecticut, there are also Gap stores in Avon, Clinton, Danbury, Fairfield, Hamden, Mashantucket, Southbury, West Hartford and Westport. Weve had several exciting openings in Connecticut this year: Old Navy in Waterbury opened in April and Athleta in Milford opened earlier this summer, the spokesperson said. Reflecting the widespread struggles of brick-and-mortar retail, the Stamford Town Center has seen many departures in the past few years. The exits in the past year have included Abercrombie & Fitch; American Eagle Outfitters; Go! Calendars Games & Toys; GameStop; Godiva; Loft; and Swarovski. Amid the closings, the mall has brought in new tenants this year such as the J. Luppino Fitness & Co. and fragrance merchant So Avant Garde. Stamford Town Center officials said they remain optimistic about the malls prospects. The property was acquired last October for about $20 million by home-furnishings retailer Safavieh. The mall will be announcing several new stores and restaurants in the coming weeks, according to General Manager Dan Stolzenbach. With each passing day, we are seeing more office workers, more new residents and more of our best customers, many of whom we havent seen since before the pandemic, Stolzenbach said. Were also hearing good news from our stores as many are reporting strong sales. We also have a great lineup of events that can be viewed at www.shopstamfordtowncenter.com/events. pschott@stamfordadvocate.com; twitter: @paulschott HONOLULU (AP) Hawaii Gov. David Ige said Thursday he will maintain a requirement that people wear masks indoors as the spread of the COVID-19 delta variant fuels a spike in cases. Ige told a news conference the number of new cases in Hawaii has exceeded 100 during three of the last five days. That contrasts to the past couple of months when the seven-day average of new hovered around 50. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan (AP) Americas hasty retreat from Afghanistan has destabilized the region and worsened the terrorist threat, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told a conference of world powers and Afghanistan's neighbors Friday as they sought a common path toward resolving the country's escalating violence. Participants gathering in the Uzbek capital of Tashkent traded stinging criticisms and finger-pointing over the rapidly deteriorating situation in Afghanistan. Taliban forces have surged in recent weeks, capturing dozens of districts and key border region from the faltering Afghan security forces and military as the U.S. and NATO complete their withdrawal. The conference had originally been intended to discuss building better transportation links across Central and South Asia, but that agenda was trumped by the Taliban advances. All the participants including the U.S., Russia, China and many of Afghanistans neighbors have hands in the Afghan conflict. Few want an outright Taliban takeover in the country, but the conference's early tone pointed to the difficulty of finding common ground over how to salvage a peaceful settlement. Regrettably, we have witnessed a quick degradation of the situation in Afghanistan in the last few days, Lavrov told the gathering, pointing to the hasty withdrawal of the U.S. and NATO contingents. The crisis in Afghanistan has led to the exacerbation of the terrorist threat and the problem of illegal drug trafficking that has reached an unprecedented scale, he said. There are real risks of instability spilling into neighboring countries." Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova derided a call by EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell for collective efforts to help a peaceful settlement in Afghanistan. First, they create a problem and then search for those responsible and call for collective efforts, she wrote on her channel on a messaging app. Lavrov dashed any hopes the U.S. may have of using bases in Central Asia to monitor terror threats in Afghanistan. While Pakistan and Uzbekistan have already given Washington a flat no, Lavrov said there are no Central Asian states ready to take that risk. In an interview with The Associated Press, U.S. peace envoy for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad said he would press for a at least a temporary cease-fire during next week weeks Islamic holiday of Eid al-Adha. Khalilzad, who expressed surprise at the Talibans rapid sweep through swaths of Afghanistan, said a long-term comprehensive cease-fire may have to wait for the two sides to reach a political deal. Still, he said he will press for a reduction in violence. In recent weeks, the Taliban have chalked up dozens of wins and now hold key border crossings with Iran, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Pakistan. The insurgents say they are not seeking an outright military victory over the Afghan government, but peace efforts have long been stalled and without a deal, the country risks an all-out civil war for power among all its many armed factions. Speaking to the conference, Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan said his country wants a peace settlement. He pointed out the Pakistan already hosts more than 2 million refugees from decades of war in Afghanistan and cannot handle a new surge that is likely if violence escalates. We will always be against a military solution to the conflict in Afghanistan, Khan was quoted as saying by Russian state RIA-Novosti news agency. He also rejected allegations of Pakistans support for the Taliban as extremely unfair, saying Pakistan has done more than any other country to help put the Taliban at the negotiations table." Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, in turn, took the opportunity in speaking to the conference to further denounce what he calls Pakistan's fomenting of violence in Afghanistan. He said more than 10,000 jihadi fighters from Pakistan and other places in the past month have come to Afghanistan, without offering evidence. Relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan are plagued by deep, long-time suspicions. Kabul continually accuses Islamabad of providing safe havens for the Taliban and treating wounded insurgents at hospitals in Pakistan. On Friday in Pakistan's southwestern border town of Chaman, Afghan Taliban were reportedly treated for injuries received in battle with Afghan security forces and military across the border in Afghanistan's Spin Boldak. The Taliban had taken the border town earlier this week, and Afghan elite forces were waging a counter-attack to retake it. Pakistan has also accused Afghanistan of harboring the Pakistani Taliban, known as the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, who have stepped up attacks in Pakistan, killing several army personnel a week in recent months. A senior Afghan government delegation was travelling to Qatar on Friday to meet Taliban leaders who have a political office in Doha, the capital there. The meeting is headed by Abdullah Abdullah, the head of the country's national reconciliation council making it the highest level delegation yet to meet the Taliban. It takes both sides to work for peace ... heavy fighting is going on and it is not just today, it has been going on for 42 years," Abdullah told reporters before leaving Kabul for Doha. Hundreds of thousands of people have been affected by this war, we have to do our best in bringing peace." The Central Asian states, Russia and the U.S. have all expressed a hope that a peaceful Afghanistan that included the Taliban working with, instead of against, the Afghan security forces could tackle militant groups like the Islamic State group and the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan. In some parts of Afghanistan, the Taliban have fought IS at times, helping degrade its capabilities. With the final deadline for the last U.S. soldier out of Afghanistan by Aug. 31, America is also looking to heightened its intelligence and capability to fight terror threats in the region. The five Central Asian States had a separate meetings Thursday with Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall, President Joe Bidens assistant for homeland security. Afghanistan figured prominently in their talks, which centered on ways to cooperate on regional security. ___ Gannon reported from Islamabad, Isachenkov from Moscow. SHARON Sharon Hospital, part of Nuvance Health, will host its online Community Update from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 5 by online livestream video. Members of the surrounding community are invited to join the webinar to hear from hospital president Dr. Mark Hirko. He will discuss the latest hospital developments and updates on the affiliation that created Nuvance Health. The independent monitor engaged by Nuvance Health will be present to report on its review of compliance with the affiliation agreement issued by Connecticuts Office of Health Strategy. A question-and-answer period will follow the presentation. Participants are encouraged to submit questions in advance by emailing sharonhospital@nuvancehealth.org or calling 845-554-1734 with their name and phone number. Questions can also be mailed to: Sharon Hospital, Attn: Community Forum, 50 Hospital Hill Road, Sharon, CT, 06069. Instructions on how to join the virtual meeting are posted on the hospitals website: nuvancehealth.org/CTForums. Th event will also stream at facebook.com/sharonhospital. The recorded session and a copy of the digital presentation will be accessible on the website following the event. To request a physical copy by mail, call 845-554-1734 (TTY/Accessibility: (800) 842-9710). Simsbury fly-in, car show coming in September SIMSBURY The Simsbury Fly-In, Car Show, and Food Trucks festival will be held Sept. 25-26 at the Simsbury Airport, 94 Wolcott Road., Simsbury. Food trucks will be on site from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 25; the show and fly-in will join the food trucks from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 26. Ths show has the largest display of airplanes in the Northeast, according to organizers, plus a car show, and food truck festival. The event features many family activities, live music, judging and trophies, aerial demonstrations, free seminars, new airplane and car dealers, 150 participating businesses including local crafts persons, and amazing things to eat. More than 700 airplanes and cars of nearly every type and age will be on display. There is no admission fee, but donations are accepted. Car parking is $10 to benefit the Boy Scouts. Handicapped parking and restroom facilities are available. Pets on leashes are welcome, and a watering station is provided. Cyclists are welcome to park in downtown Simsbury and take the bike trail to the airport. For full event details, see www.simsburyflyin.com. Contact Bill Thomas at wdthomas421@gmail.com. xx Volunteers wanted for Big E Preparations for The Big E Creative Arts Department events are ongoing, and a calendar of competitions and stage performances is scheduled to take place in the New England Center. The department is now seeking volunteers and craft demonstrators to help deliver an exciting and informative exhibition. Volunteers and demonstrators are crucial to the functioning of the Creative Arts Department, and there are many ways to participate. Each year, individual and group demonstrators represent and promote their crafts at The Big E. Demonstrators meet and engage hundreds of fair guests each day. They show fairgoers the process of creating their art, craft or horticulture. Fairgoers learn how to begin a new craft, and where to find more information and supplies. Educational presentations and demonstrators motivate others to try new projects. There are several opportunities for individuals to volunteer in Creative Arts prior to, during and after the Fair. Volunteer jobs before and after the fair include assisting judges, scribing for a judge, and assisting during entry in-take and entry distribution. During fairtime, volunteer Ambassadors greet fairgoers and answer questions. Volunteer opportunities are available for individuals and groups. If you or your group are interested in demonstrating or volunteering at The Big E, please contact the Creative Arts Department at creativearts@thebige.com or call 413-205-5015. More information is also available at www.thebige.com/CreativeArtsVolunteer Winsted offers information on assessments WINSTED The following is a notice from the Assessors Office. Residents may have noticed that the tax amounts on their personal property and/or motor vehicles have risen this year. The Winchester Assessors' Office would like to share information with you about what may contribute to changes on tax bills. Personal property: Taxable personal property is tangible property other than real estate and registered motor vehicles, as described in Sections 12-41 & 71 of the Connecticut General Statutes. Examples include, but are not limited to: non-residential (owned by business) furniture, fixtures, equipment, computer equipment, tools, machinery, horses, mobile offices or storage trailers, signs, leasehold improvements, leased equipment and non-registered motor vehicles. Please note that personal property such as residential, owned by an individual and not a business, furnishings, clothing and jewelry is not taxable. Thus, there are some home businesses that are on record as existing with the Town that may see personal property tax fees this year. Motor Vehicles: In Connecticut, motor vehicle taxes are based on values provided by the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA). The assessed value that you are taxed on is based on the average value of that make, model, and year of your vehicle as reported by the NADA. Used car values increasing dramatically over the past year or so are not unique to Connecticut as this is a nationwide trend. The New York Times recently reported that between May 2020 and May 2021, used car and used truck prices went up an average of 29.7 percent. For every car that has seen steady value or decreasing value, there are some used vehicle values that went up over 50 percent. Tax bills are generated based on this value and therefore, fluctuations are not uncommon. Contact the Assessors' Office with any questions about motor vehicles or personal property taxes at 860- 379-5461. DALLAS (AP) Lawyers for Texas' embattled attorney general have asked the state bar association to drop its investigation into whether the Republican's failed efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election amounted to professional misconduct, arguing the probe is an unconstitutional overreach. In late May, the State Bar of Texas began looking into Attorney General Ken Paxton's petitioning of the U.S. Supreme Court to block Joe Bidens victory based on bogus claims of fraud. The investigation was prompted by a Democratic Party activists complaint that the Republican official's actions were frivolous and unethical. In a wide-ranging formal response Thursday, Paxton's office argued that the activist lacks the standing to bring a complaint against the attorney general and that the bar's investigation amounts to the judicial branch unconstitutionally intervening in the work of the executive. The regulation of the professional conduct of attorneys does not extend to the regulation of the decisions of the Attorney General, his Office, or any other agency that happens to be led by a licensed attorney, or any public official who may happen to be a licensed attorney, a lawyer for Paxton's office wrote in the 22-page reply. Kevin Moran, the 72-year-old president of the Galveston Island Democrats, said he's proceeding with his complaint. He provided Paxtons response to The Associated Press and said my reading of it is that he has declared himself above the law, essentially. A spokeswoman for the bar, which operates under the authority of Texas Supreme Court, declined to comment. Paxton's office did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The investigation is just one on Paxton's legal and political liabilities. He is facing a years-old criminal case, a newer FBI investigation and challenges from two Republican primary opponents who have sought to make electoral hay of the various controversies. Paxton pleaded not guilty in a state securities fraud case, which has been stalled since 2015. He has broadly denied wrongdoing in the separate criminal probe launched after his then-top deputies reported him to the FBI last year for alleged bribery and abuse of office. Paxton's legal problems aren't repelling GOP donors, but some are starting to throw money at his challengers. George P. Bush outraised the two-term attorney general after entering the race in June, pulling in $2.3 million while Paxton raised $1.8 million over the last six months, according to new campaign finance figures posted Friday. Republican Eva Guzman, a former Texas Supreme Court justice, also raised more than $1 million for what is likely to be the states most competitive GOP primary in 2022. In December, Paxton's office asked the U.S. Supreme Court to intervene in the electoral defeat of Donald Trump, although he did so without Texas top appeals lawyer, who would usually argue the states cases before the high court. The Supreme Court justices threw out the petition. A succession of other judges and state elections officials have refuted claims of widespread voter fraud, and Trumps own Justice Department found no evidence of fraud that could have changed the elections outcome. The case drew more than 80 bar complaints against Paxton and his top deputy, according to the attorney general's response. It said the bar initially dismissed all the complaints but the tribunal that oversees grievances against lawyers overturned those decisions in four cases. Along with Moran's, the response states, the other complaints the bar is investigating came from a lawyer, a man who described himself as a citizen of Texas" disgusted by Paxton's actions and David Chew, the former chief justice of a state appeals court. Paxton's lawyers largely dismissed Chew's claims as vague, non-specific, and conclusory." The retired judge could not be immediately reached for comment. __ Associated Press reporter Paul J. Webber in Austin contributed to this report. Michael Cummo / Hearst Connecticut Media STAMFORD Police are looking for a man who smashed the glass entry doors of an apartment building in downtown Stamford. Sgt. Sean Scanlan, of the citys Property Crime Unit, said cameras captured footage of a man smashing the glass entry doors of the Glenview House apartment complex, located at 25 Glenbrook Road, for no apparent reason around 4 a.m. on July 11. With vaccination rates rising and nearly all coronavirus pandemic restrictions lifted, Alfred A. Schlert, bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Allentown, has joined bishops around Pennsylvania in determining that the obligation for Catholics to attend Mass will resume on Aug. 15. We thank God that this terrible pandemic has continued to ease, and that people in our communities have been able to begin reclaiming a sense of normalcy in their lives, Schlert was quoted in a news release. We also thank God that Catholics can once again get back to their normal and regular attendance at Mass. Catholics around Pennsylvania received a dispensation from the Sunday Mass obligation on March 12, 2020, as part of safety measures designed to limit the spread of disease at the height of the pandemic. Diocesan schools switched to remote learning on March 13, 2020. The obligation, as always, does not apply to those who are seriously ill and have a serious health risk, or to those with serious anxiety of being a part of large groups at this time, a joint statement from Pennsylvania bishops said. Likewise, it does not apply to those who care for those who cannot attend Mass in person. Those legitimately excused are encouraged to view a broadcast of Mass. This is a moment to thank God anew for the great gift of the Mass and the real presence of Jesus to us in his Holy Body and Blood, as well as the joy of gathering together as people of faith, the bishops wrote. With social distancing and other safety measures in place, Masses reopened to the public on June 1, 2020, subject to capacity limits, and on Aug. 31 all diocesan schools reopened for in-person learning. Masses at all parishes are now open for all with no capacity limits. The diocese reported it will continue to monitor virus conditions and guidance from medical experts and public health officials. Richard P. Cashman ORWIGSBURG The former manager of a Dollar General store in West Penn Township skipped her preliminary hearing Tuesday on charges she stole money and merchandise from her workplace. Megan J. Miller, 32, of 7243 Flint Hill Road, New Tripoli, faces charges of theft, receiving stolen property and retail theft. Senior Magisterial District Judge Richard P. Cashman ordered all charges held for court after the hearing. He also asked the court to issue a bench warrant for Miller. West Penn Township police alleged Miller stole approximately $3,000 in cash and $100 in merchandise between noon March 1 and 4 p.m. June 2 from her store at 2098 West Penn Pike, Snyders. Police said Miller admitted to District Manager Godfrey Cort that she stole the money and merchandise. The store also has videos of the thefts, police said. Other defendants whose cases Cashman considered on Tuesday, the charges against each one and the judges disposition of the matters included the following people: Christopher J. Butler, 37, of 328 Sunbury St., Minersville; driving under the influence, careless driving and no rear lights; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court. Thomas L. Bono, 34, of 1801 Liberty St. Room 5, Allentown; DUI, illegal operation without ignition interlock, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, failure to yield, failure to obey traffic control devices and careless driving; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court. Mackenzie Nye, 20, of 703 N. Garfield Ave., Schuylkill Haven; aggravated assault, simple assault and harassment; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court. Bernard J. Schuck III, 33, of 24 E. Penn St., Schuylkill Haven; flight to avoid apprehension or trial, possession of drug paraphernalia and public drunkenness; charges held for court after preliminary hearing that Schuck did not attend. Cashman asked the court to issue a bench warrant for Schuck. All defendants will proceed to the county court, where each will have the option to plead guilty to some or all of the charges or plead not guilty and demand a jury or nonjury trial. ORWIGSBURG The borough council discussed demolition of a dilapidated house and other borough maintenance projects at Wednesdays meeting. In an update on a dilapidated house at 119 S. Liberty St., Borough Manager Randall Miller said another inspection was conducted because of concerns about additional structure decay, but only cosmetic decay was found. The borough has been trying to gain ownership of the property so it can proceed with demolition, but solicitor Paul Datte said he is not confident about transfer of the property to the borough, as the owner, Glenn Frantz, cannot be reached. Datte said the borough can take action to demolish the building without notifying the owner in an emergency situation, but without ownership of the property, the borough would not be eligible for funding through the countys demolition grant. Miller said the demolition will be more expensive than work at other properties, 201 and 203 Long Ave., that were recently torn down in the borough. It will need to be hand torn apart to save the house next to it, Miller said. The council voted Wednesday to put bid specifications together for the demolition while continuing to pursue ownership. In other matters, the borough currently has an estimated $371,602 in outstanding project costs, including: Borough hall renovations for $75,602, with designated funds of $134,285. Removing debris in the creek on Long Avenue and Ridge Road for $3,580. Douglas Street paving and repair for $50,000. Materials and excavation for repairs on Wayne and East Mifflin streets for $45,000. Lehigh Avenue stormwater repairs for $45,000. New culvert installation on Long Avenue for $38,687. Demolition of Liberty Street property for $60,000. Miller said the borough has $600,986 available in reserves. The borough also received notice of a COVID-19 relief grant of $154,491.76 from the American Rescue Plan. Miller proposed awarding the money to nonprofits in the borough, including the historical society, library, food bank and fire department. He said the agencies will need to provide proof of loss due to COVID-19 to be eligible for funds, and he will work with them to draft applications by the councils next meeting. After an executive session, the council voted to hire Bryce Lewis as a police officer. Lewis had previously resigned from the Orwigsburg Police Department to take a police academy position but decided to return. In other business, the council approved the following motions: The purchase of a new vehicle, a Ford F350, to be used for maintenance and snowplowing, if necessary, at a price of $57,824. The removal of around 10 dead trees at the end of Straub Avenue for $3,950. A lease from the county for use of the upstairs of borough hall for the magisterial district court for another five years, with similar terms as the current lease. Implementation of a time clock mobile app for maintenance staff to log work hours, at a cost of $49 per month. POTTSVILLE The Schuylkill County Prison is free of the coronavirus, but its health care provider will offer inmates the COVID-19 vaccine, Warden David J. Wapinsky said Wednesday at the county Prison Board meeting. We have zero active COVID cases in the prison among the staff and 272 inmates, Wapinsky said. He said PrimeCare Medical Inc., which offers health care to all prisoners, will be offering the Johnson & Johnson vaccine to all inmates who want one. Only one injection is needed for that vaccine, he said. They started that survey this morning, he said Wednesday. Wapinsky said PrimeCare performed 285 COVID-19 tests in June. President Judge and board Chairman William E. Baldwin said Thursday that this is the second time PrimeCare has surveyed inmates about the vaccine. The first time, it gave the vaccine to the 55 inmates who wanted it, Baldwin said. He said the entire prison staff has been vaccinated. Also at the meeting, Wapinsky announced the prison population of 272 is above the peak for June, which was 264. Of the current inmates, 217 are men and 55 are women, he said. That total comes even though there are 38 outsourced inmates at other prisons. Wapinsky said 31 of them are in Centre County, four in Northumberland and three in Columbia. Also, the board promoted Robert Boardman from part-time to full-time corrections officer. Work performed at the prison in June, according to Wapinsky, included: Replacing two cameras with new ones that have the capability for high-definition output. Painting all holding and medical cells. Repairing the kitchen dishwasher. Replacing the area protection monitor in the boiler room for the prison generator. As a Minersville Area School District resident and taxpayer, I would like to know why the school board minutes are not published in the Republican Herald. The board minutes of most other county districts are published regularly. Occasionally, a few out-of-county schools, such as Hazleton, Upper Dauphin and Hamburg, are noted in the Republican but rarely Minersville. As taxpayers, we have a right to know that our taxes were raised and where our tax dollars are being spent. Steins Mill I just want to thank the fine folks at the Vraj temple in Summit Station. We attended their fireworks display and as usual it was a wonderful display. I certainly appreciate their hospitality and allowing the public to enjoy it. I appreciate very much their patriotism and the fact that they are being good neighbors by allowing the public to come in and share the night with them. Orwigsburg To any of you Pennsylvania state lawmakers and Trump followers, stop your plan to launch an election audit now. The cost would be millions of dollars and will cost more doubt on the fair election of President Biden. Pennsylvania already had two previous audits and several court challenges which showed no fraud. Your Trump man lost fair and square. Let it go. Dont stoop to the egomaniac. My taxpayer money will not support stupidity. Ashland To Shenandoah, no, COVID cases were not really the flu. The reason flu was down this year is because more people were vaccinated for the flu and also the social distancing and mask wearing greatly reduced the flu because the flu is not nearly as contagious as COVID. Tamaqua Insurrectionist Mastriano, launching an election fraud, it is a joke. Pottsville If Mr. 45 wants this election audit so bad, let him pay for it. I dont want my tax dollars wasted on this nonsense. And why is he able to badger our elected officials and why are they afraid of him? Pine Grove I saw that the City of Scranton wants to name a street after him. I think it would be appropriate to name a sewage treatment plant or a landfill after him. Pottsville Republicans want to audit PA election results even though they know it was proven to be a fair and honest election. Are they doing this to make the people happy? I bet they are doing this to be a feather in Trumps cap. The millions of dollars that would be spent on the audit would go a long way in reducing property taxes. Use your head, people, and think for yourself. Gordon I see the City of Scranton is renaming their expressway the Joseph Biden Jr. Expressway. I think they should think twice about that because Joe Biden is going to go down as the most incompetent president the United States has ever had. Minersville Sen. Argall should stop worrying about recount votes from the bully from Mar-A-Lago and worry more about the increase of school taxes that just happened to all the senior citizens and is driving them out of their homes. This is a lot more important then recounting votes that were already counted three or four times. Ashland Another year and the west end of Pottsville doesnt get to enjoy any fireworks. They have to keep shooting them off on Lawtons Hill. Why cant they shoot them off up on top of Sharp Mountain where the transmitters are so that everybody in the whole city of Pottsville and the east side of Pottsville gets to enjoy them? Pottsville I hope President Biden who is pulling out everybody from Afghanistan pulls out all the people who worked as interpretors and helped the Americans. It would be a shame to leave them there to get slaughtered. We can bring in all these people from South America, we can sure bring these people to the United States where they will be safe. Come on, Biden. Do something right for a change. Ashland Hey, Frackville, they wont ban booze commercials because the politicians are drinkers. It is OK to drink but do not smoke. By the way, I do neither but I agree with you. Orwigsburg I see where the Utah chapter of Black Lives Matter said the American flag is a symbol of hate. What is a symbol of love? Burning down buildings, smashing windows, shoplifting? Is that the symbol of love? Because if it is, you are in the wrong country. Frackville I just wanted to say thank you to the Harley-Davidson parade of motorcycles. What a wonderful group of people that came to Providence Place and made the day for a lot of residents. Pottsville To the caller from Germanville, it is exactly why we need, an audit. It said lets do the same thing to Argall as they did to Trump and get him out of office. Please have that audit done, Sen. Argall. We need the truth out. Pottsville Trump lost the election. Just admit it. Dems are not afraid of another audit. They just dont want to spend the money. So if you want another audit done, send your donations in and pay for it yourself. Schuylkill Haven I wonder how many of those who praise Argalls audit are the same people who are complaining about property tax relief. He has been dragging his feet on the tax issue, but Trumps recount is a top priority. Mahanoy City Hey, Pottsville, I dont care what your religion is but to say someone should not receive communion because of abortion rights isnt for you to say. Evidently, you are a Trump-loving Republican who is in lock step with that lying demon, who has children from three different women and had sex with porn stars. And probably paid for someone to have an abortion, considering his lifestyle. That makes you no better than any Democrat. Klingerstown Vardhan Shringla, India's Foreign Secretary, on Thursday extended Indias support to Libya's National Unity government with New Delhi willing to provide "capacity building and training assistance in mutually identified areas." Libya's National Unity government was formed in March this year after years of instability and has been charged with the conduct of elections on December 24, 2021. Shringla further said, "Elections need to be held as planned on December 24, 2021, in a free and fair manner. In order to achieve this, it is vital that the constitutional basis for conducting elections is agreed upon early. He said work is necessary on an "inclusive and comprehensive national reconciliation process" and hoped that all the "parties concerned would engage sincerely in this endeavour." Current situation in Libya In October 2020, a major ceasefire was agreed upon between all the various rival parties in Libya. The agreement was for the withdrawal of foreign mercenaries and other forces from the country within 90 days. Other agreements included the exchange of prisoners. Shringla said that the ceasefire agreement "need to be respected" but "unfortunately, these provisions, in particular, those related to the withdrawal of foreign forces and mercenaries, continue to be violated". He continued that the "arms embargo continues to be blatantly violated" and "there needs to be a serious discussion within UNSC for measures to ensure that the decisions of the Council on withdrawal of foreign forces are implemented for sustainable peace and stability" in the North African country. TS Tirumurti, India's envoy to United Nations, is the chair of the UNSC's Libya sanctions committee. He must observe the implementation of the sanctions like arms embargo, travel ban, assets freeze, and business restrictions for listed terror groups based in the country. Shringla warned Libya that, "We must ensure that terrorist groups and affiliated entities are not allowed to operate unchallenged in Libya" and wants Islamic State in Libya to be kept under check. He said, "Libya has become a logistics platform for Al-Qaeda affiliates in Mali. This is a matter of grave concern due to the potential cascading effect it could have throughout the Sahel region. At least four fresh drone sightings were witnessed in the past 32 hours above critical Indian Army installations on Thursday near the Line of Control (LoC) and the International border in Jammu & Kashmirs Kathua, Samba as well as Jammu district, Republic media Network has learned. The drone activity was spotted near key Kaluchak military station, just days after the unmanned explosive-laden aircraft systems conducted twin attacks on Indian Air Force Station in Jammu, missing the fighter aircraft hanger nearby. A targeted aerial drone activity had been witnessed by the Indian Armed forces along the line of control in the Pallanwala sector of Khour near and the Army installation in Samba and Hiranagar sector of Kathua at least thrice prior to the recent sightings on July 15. 4 Pakistan drones spotted near LoC Sources from security agencies told Republic that the military sentinel stationed at the post alerted the senior armed forces officials of the suspected drone sightings that were seen mysteriously hovering in the Kaluchak area at about 20:15, late evening in the vicinity of the army installation. No shots were fired. The second incident was reported near a military establishment in the Pallanwala sector of Khour, along the LoC. The mysterious drone was suspected of making attempts of entering the Indian territory at 9 pm, prompting forces to retaliate with fire shots, pushing the drone back into Pakistan. In Jammus Nandpur area of Samba, the third drone sighting was reported at about 8.15 pm with military troops firing multiple rounds of shots at the aerial object until it vanished. Police launched a search operation, alerting the military establishments in the nearby areas. The fourth sighting of the drone occurred in the Hiranagar sector of Kathua district at 8 pm late evening by the locals, who told the Republic that they spotted the drone-like aerial system hovering in the sky, making advancements towards Chack Diyala. The incident was reported to the Jammu police, and footage as evidence was also shared. More than a dozen incidents of drone sightings the IED bombings of the Indian Air Force Station in the Satwari area of Jammu on June 27 have been reported. Earlier yesterday, a separate drone was spotted pushed back by alert troops of BSF in the Arnia sector, causing an alarm among the Border Security Forces (BSF) and prompting the security agencies to send out the alerts. Authorities are yet to figure the actual locations where these drones were launched at. Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting (I&B) Anurag Thakur condoled the death of Indian photojournalist Danish Siddiqui who lost his life in a Taliban attack in Kandahar on Friday. Thakur remembered Siddiqui for his extraordinary body of work, sharing one of his popular photographs from when he covered the Rohingya crisis. Danish Siddiqui leaves behind an extraordinary body of work. He won the Pulitzer Prize for Photography and was embedded with the Afghan Forces in Kandahar. Sharing one of his pictures below. Sincere condolences. RIP https://t.co/xGhjJbsoCQ pic.twitter.com/9V7czR5DtB Anurag Thakur (@ianuragthakur) July 16, 2021 Danish Siddiqui killed in Taliban attack Amid the ongoing Afghanistan war, celebrated Indian photojournalist and Pulitzer prize winner Danish Siddiqui was killed in Kandahar. According to reports, the Indian journalist was covering the ongoing clashes in Afghanistan over the last few days and was embedded with the Afghan security forces who are currently fighting the Taliban. As per sources, the incident occurred in Afghanistan's Spin Boldak district in Kandahar. Reports further added that the forces Siddiqui was traveling with were ambushed by the Taliban terrorists. However, the injured forces still continued their operation. Even so, the Taliban attacked the Afghan forces again on Friday morning in which Siddiqui was killed. Just days ago, the photojournalist had tweeted pictures and narrated the series of events that took place during the mission and his assignment as he was traveling with the forces. THREAD. Afghan Special Forces, the elite fighters are on various frontlines across the country. I tagged along with these young men for some missions. Here is what happened in Kandahar today while they were on a rescue mission after spending the whole night on a combat mission. pic.twitter.com/HMTbOOtDqN Danish Siddiqui (@dansiddiqui) July 13, 2021 Afghanistan crisis With the US troops' exit from Bagram Airfield after nearly 20 years, the Taliban moved swiftly to take over Afghanistan claiming control over 85 percent of Afghanistan's territory. According to a report by BBC, the militants have successfully captured over two-thirds of the country including five districts in Herat. In recent days, the group has captured key border crossings with Iran, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan in an armed rebellion even as Afghan forces attempt to launch counter operations to restrict the militancy group. Meanwhile, the US has requested a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire and has urged all parties involved in the Afghan conflict to reach a negotiated political settlement. "A peaceful, stable Afghanistan is in the interest of all of Afghanistan's neighbors and countries in the region. Regional consensus and support for an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process are important for enduring peace," a state department spokesperson told ANI. New Delhi, Jul 16 (PTI) Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur on Friday condoled the death of Indian photojournalist and Pulitzer Prize winner Danish Siddiqui in Afghanistan, saying he leaves behind an extraordinary body of work. Siddiqui was killed in Afghanistan while covering fighting between Afghan troops and the Taliban. "Danish Siddiqui leaves behind an extraordinary body of work. He won the Pulitzer Prize for photography and was embedded with the Afghan Forces in Kandahar. Sharing one of his pictures below. Sincere condolences. RIP," Thakur said in a tweet. Several media groups like the Foreign Correspondents Club (FCC) of South Asia and the Press Club of India (PCI) expressed shock at Siddiqui's death and remembered him as a courageous and "fiercely talented" photojournalist. Siddiqui was a member of the FCC. "The Press Club of India is shocked at the passing of @Reuters' @PulitzerPrizes winning photojournalist @dansiddiqui at Kandahar where he fell to the bullets of the Taliban. True journalism needs courage and Danish's body of work is a testament to that. We are at a loss of words," it said in a tweet. The FCC, a group of over 500 journalists and photojournalists covering India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Nepal, the Maldives, Afghanistan and Tibet, said it was a devastating loss for Siddiqui's family and the Delhi journalist community. "Danish Siddiqui was a fiercely talented photojournalist whose pictures eloquently and forcefully told the story of South Asia. It is a devastating loss for his family, friends, colleagues and the Delhi journalist community, among whom he was universally admired. "More often than not, the singular image that defined the biggest news of the day, resonant for its humanity and artistry, was taken by Danish. He will be remembered for his intelligence, compassion and bravery, and his body of work will live on forever. The governing committee of the FCC takes this sad opportunity to draw attention to the enormous risks journalists take to deliver essential information to the world," it said in a statement. Siddiqui, in his early 40s, was killed during clashes in Spin Boldak district in Kandahar, Tolo News quoted sources as saying. It said fierce fighting is going on in Kandahar, especially in Spin Boldak, for the last few days. The Indian journalist was covering the situation in Kandahar. Siddiqui's alma mater, Jamia Millia Islamia's AJK Mass Communication Research Centre (MCRC), mourned his death and remembered him as one of the "brightest stars" of the institute. "It is absolutely devastating news and we are still processing it. Danish was one of the brightest stars in MCRC's hall of fame. His passing will be deeply mourned. Danish was special not just because of all his professional achievements, but because of the wonderful man he was. "He has been one of those alumni who kept in regular touch with the photography department and came back to the campus often. He took a class last month as well," said Professor Shohini Ghosh, director of AJK MCRC, who taught Siddiqui during his postgraduate course in the institute between 2005 and 2007. Siddiqui was based in Mumbai. He had received the Pulitzer Prize as part of the photography staff of the Reuters news agency. He graduated with a degree in Economics from Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhi. He had a degree in Mass Communication from the AJK MCRC in Jamia in 2007. He started his career as a television news correspondent, switched to photojournalism and joined Reuters as an intern in 2010. Afghan Ambassador Farid Mamundzay said on Friday that Siddiqui has been killed in Kandahar. "Deeply disturbed by the sad news of the killing of a friend, Danish Siddiqi in Kandahar last night. The Indian Journalist & winner of Pulitzer Prize was embedded with Afghan security forces. I met him 2 weeks ago before his departure to Kabul. Condolences to his family & Reuters," Mamundzay said in a tweet. Afghanistan witnessed a series of terror attacks in the last few weeks as the United States withdrew the majority of its troops from the country and aimed to complete the process by August 31, ending nearly two decades of its military presence there. The Taliban was evicted from power by the US-led forces in 2001. Now, as the US is pulling back its troops, the Taliban fighters are attempting to gain control of various parts of the country. PTI AG RC (Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com) New Delhi, Jul 16 (PTI) A 33-year-old man has been arrested from Mumbai for allegedly smuggling out of India over 5,000 mobile phones stolen by gangs based in Delhi-NCR, police said on Friday. Hasam Rahis Qureshi, a native of Hapur district in Uttar Pradesh, used to send the stolen mobile phones through his contacts to dealers in Bangladesh, Bangkok and Sudan, they said. He had been living in Mumbai for the last 19 years, police said. He came under the scanner after a team of special staff of Delhi Police's southwest district recently busted an interstate gang and arrested four men who dealt in purchasing and disposing off stolen mobile phones to their counterpart in Mumbai, police said. The gang told the police that all the mobile phones they purchased from snatchers and a gang based in Haryana's Mewati were sold to Hasam, officials said. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Southwest) Ingit Pratap Singh said on July 13, a team of special staff was sent to Mumbai and Hasam was arrested. "During interrogation, the accused disclosed that he came in contact with a resident of Firozabad named Md Aleem about a year back and started receiving mobile phones stolen by Mewat-based gang from him through courier. "He further sent these stolen mobile phones to his counterpart named Ayan in Bangladesh by courier via Agartala (Tripura) through carriers at the border," he said. "He received money through hawala in lieu of those stolen mobile phones and after deducting his commission further transferred the amount into the account of various stolen mobile phone dealers, he added. In last six months, around Rs 35 lakhs was deposited by him to Md Aleem's bank account, Singh said. The police have recovered 12 courier receipts of stolen mobile phones consignment sent to Agartala and Malda in West Bengal, they said. PTI AMP TDS TDS (Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com) Pakistan-based terror outfits along with Pakistan Army are planning attacks on vital military installations in Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab, sources told Republic Media Network on Friday. Multiple intelligence inputs suggest that the attacks could be carried out either via multiple armed drones or could be suicide bomb blasts at the international border or at the Line of Control (LoC). The attacks are being planned ahead of Independence Day, sources informed Republic TV. Not one, but multiple intelligence agencies have shared this credible input and the same has been forwarded to all the security forces across the board working in Jammu and Kashmir. Security measures have been beefed up after the intelligence inputs. Speaking on the development, Major General AK Siwach -Defence Expert said, "This is a credible input given by agencies and it has to be taken seriously. Pakistan is on a backfoot and wants to carry out fidayeen attacks or drone attacks before Independence Day. Not only in J&K or International Border, but it can also take place in any part of the country." He also highlighted the consecutive drone attacks on the Air Force base at Jammu and said, "The strikes they did with drones, we couldn't even find the origin of the drones. The investigations are going on. This is a potent fact that is now coming out. We must find a counter to neutralise this threat." Sources have informed Republic that twin incidents of drone sightings have been reported at the Line of Control along the International Border on Thursday in the Jammu district. While one incident has been reported in the Kaluchak area, the other incident was reported in the Pallanwala sector of Khour. Drone attack on Jammu Airbase On June 27, multiple blasts occurred in the premises of the technical area of the Jammu airbase, which were later confirmed to be drone attacks. Two blasts were heard within a gap of 5 minutes, the first blast sound is captured in the CCTV at 1.37 am while the second at 1.43 am. A team of Jammu and Kashmir police along with other security agencies and forensic experts rushed to the incident spot to further investigate the cause of the blast. Two Indian Air Force (IAF) personnel suffered minor injuries in the drone explosions. After the Jammu airbase attacks, three more drone activities were reported in the UT on June 29-30 near vital security installations in Jammu. Another Pakistan drone was spotted entering the Indian territory at the International Border in the Arnia area of the Jammu district by the Border Security Force (BSF) troops on the night of June 28. After 5-6 rounds of firing by the BSF troops, the drone's movement shifted towards Pakistan's territory. The Indian Armed forces have banned the use and sale of drones in several districts across J&K as well as in other parts of the country. Amid increasing threat from drones, security forces in the Jammu region are mulling installing the "Anti-Drone System" at the venue for the Independence Day function in Jammu. The plan is being worked upon keeping in view the recent incidents of drone spotting at various places. In a shocking incident, Samajwadi Party (SP) workers on Thursday were heard raising 'Pakistan Zindabad' slogans during a rally of the party in UP. The Akhilesh Yadav-led party was protesting against the BJP government for which a rally was taken out by them in the city of Agra. During the rally led by SP city president Wajid Nisar, the supporters were heard saying 'Akhilesh Yadav Zindabad' which was followed 'Pakistan Zindabad'. The protest was being carried out by SP over the alleged 'fraud' in the UP Block-panchayat polls. SP raises 'Pakistan Zindabad' slogans The video of the viral incident was shared by the BJP's state unit in UP on Twitter. "Today in Agra, slogans of Pakistan Zindabad were raised in a rally against the BJP under the leadership of Samajwadi Party city president Wajid Nisar. Is Samajwadi Party operating from Pakistan?" questioned the party. ? pic.twitter.com/SBiecYZEnT BJP Uttar Pradesh (@BJP4UP) July 15, 2021 The Uttar Pradesh police has launched a probe into the incident and has promised to take legal action after studying the video of the incident in detail. "Today the SP workers were hearing saying Pakistan Zindabad. In a video viral on social media, they can be heard raising such slogans. We are examining the video. After that, action will be taken," said the Agra SP. SP alleges fraud in UP Panchayat polls Protests are being held by the Samajwadi Party in UP over the recently-concluded UP Panchayat polls with the party accusing the BJP government of 'misusing official machinery' in the elections. After the saffron party swept the polls with a solid victory bagging on 635 of the total 825 seats of block panchayat chiefs, Akhilesh Yadav alleged that the BJP had "forcibly" captured the posts of block chiefs with the help of government machinery. In an official statement, Yadav said, "The BJP government has no faith in democracy and the Constitution. Democracy in Uttar Pradesh has been held hostage by BJP." A total of 349 candidates for the block panchayat chief posts were elected unopposed on Friday after elections to the local bodies were held amid scattered incidents of violence. (With Agency Inputs) A petition has been filed before the Delhi High Court that seeks to stop the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and return to ballot paper in any forthcoming elections. The petition against the EVM machines was filed by advocate CR Jaya Sukin who advocated the use of ballot paper in any forthcoming elections. A division bench of Delhi High Court Chief Justice DN Patel and Justice Jyoti Singh adjourned the matter for August 3 after the petitioner was inaudible due to connectivity issues. The petitioner emphasized that in order 'to save the democracy', the ballot paper system has to be inculcated. He stressed that in countries like England, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and the United States, the system of EVM has been banned. "That to save democracy, we must introduce the ballot paper system back in the electoral process in the country. Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) have replaced the old ballot paper system in India, although many countries of the world; including England, France, Germany, Netherlands, and the United States have banned the use of EVMs", the petitioner said. Ballot papers more reliable than EVMs, claims petitioner He added that Article 324 of the Constitution of India stresses that elections conducted by the Election Commission need to be free and fair, and reflect the will of the voters. He urged that ballot paper is a more reliable and transparent method for the electoral process of any country. The petitioner further commented that Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) must be replaced across India with the former. Reiterating on the error rate of the EVM machine, he said that developed countries like the US, Japan, Germany, and others have rejected EVMs during elections, and have chosen the ballot system of voting. The petitioner said that EVM's were 'not satisfactory instruments' and could be 'hacked'. "This should indicate that EVMs are not satisfactory instruments to be used for the electoral process of a country. EVMs can be hacked. But the ballot system is extremely safe". Politics over EVMs Earlier in March 2021, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh had also advocated the use of polling through ballot papers, calling the EVMs 'fudged'. His statement came after several MLA's including Navjot Singh Sidhu had questioned the use of EVMs and had said voting should be held through ballot papers. The CM also mentioned that he was among the first people to oppose the use of EVMs in elections, pointing out that countries like Japan, Sweden and the UK were not using them. Between the 2017 UP elections and the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, numerous parties had campaigned against EVMs, generally complaining when they lost elections but glossing over such concerns when they fared well. Their effort failed, however, as none of them were able to demonstrating hacking of EVMs when issued an open challenge. An attempt to get an international hacker to crack EVMs also failed. (Source- ANI) Following a plea filed by YouTuber Karl Rocks wife Manisha Malik, the Delhi High Court has now directed the Centre to file a response in the case. Malik had moved to Delhi HC on July 10, challenging the alleged ban on the New Zealand YouTubers entry into India. The central government has informed the court that Karl Rock is blacklisted since October 2020 and his re-entry cant be allowed. Manisha Malik had taken the issue to the court and argued that the Centre's continued silence over various petitions by Rock and herself has led to the separation of a married couple. The Centre, however, claimed that the YouTuber violated visa norms and thus he was blacklisted. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) had earlier said the same to the media while responding to a query regarding Karl Rocks blacklisting. The MHA claimed that he was found doing business on a tourist visa, causing him to be barred for one year and his visa getting cancelled. YouTuber Karl Rock's wife moves Delhi HC The response, even though a negative one for the petitioner, came after continuous requests to the Centre to respond regarding the same. Moving to HC, Maliks plea stated, Non-communication of the grounds of blacklisting the petitioners husband, continued silence maintained by the Respondents (Govt authorities) on various representations preferred both by the petitioner and her husband, the resulting separation of a married couple, lack of any opportunity or notice to the petitioner or her husband to indicate any violation of visa conditions and denial of issuance of visa to the petitioner, it is submitted, are an arbitrary abuse of power by the Respondents and stand in violation of rights of the petitioner under Articles 19 and that of the petitioner and her husband under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution. Earlier on July 9, Rock had also taken to YouTube and Twitter to explain his blacklisting. Taking to Twitter, he pleaded to the New Zealand Prime Minister regarding his blacklist that was done without any prior warnings. He also uploaded a 9-minute-long video titled 'Why I Havent Seen My Wife in 269 Days #Blacklist' on YouTube claiming that he had travelled out of India to Pakistan and Dubai in October 2020, when his visa was cancelled without any explanation. Karl Rock is famous for his travel and scam reveal videos. IMAGE: TWITTER/ ANI NASA is working to resolve the payload computer issue in the Hubble Space Telescope after it halted on June 13 shortly after 4 pm EDT. So far, the NASA operations investigating team has switched to several backup modules since June 16, until the verification process was completed. Even after a month, the payload computer glitch is one of the severe issues NASA is facing. Possible Switch to Backup NASA reviewed all factors and ergonomics related to Hubble's possible switch to backup hardware. The investigation team successfully conducted multiple tests to diagnose the problem on the Hubble Space Telescope. "NASA completed preparations to test procedures in the coming week that would be used to turn on Hubble backup hardware as a possible response to a payload computer issue. The investigation is ongoing into the cause of the problem," NASA said. Initial Findings As initial problems, NASA discovered issues with computer memory and prepared to study the Standard Interface hardware (STINT) and the Central Processing Module (CPM). "After performing tests on several of the computers memory modules, the results indicate that a different piece of computer hardware may have caused the problem, with the memory errors being only a symptom. The operations team is investigating whether the Standard Interface (STINT) hardware, which bridges communications between the computers Central Processing Module (CPM) and other components or the CPM itself is responsible for the issue. The team is currently designing tests that will be run in the next few days to attempt to further isolate the problem and identify a potential solution," NASA updated. Several astronomical projects standstill as experts try to get the high-tech Telescope back in pace. The Hubble Space Telescope was launched on April 25, 1990, to understand galaxies, comets, and stars for over 31years. It has immensely contributed to the obstructed study of planets and stars which are some billion light-years away. (Input from several agencies) An analyst monitoring the situation in the war stricken Tigray region has warned the way forward may be "very volatile" despite a current ceasefire declared by Ethiopia's government. Tigray leaders have waged a guerrilla war since November after a political falling out with the government of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who had sidelined them from influential roles in Ethiopia's government and military. Towards the end of June Ethiopia's government declared an immediate, unilateral cease-fire after nearly eight months of deadly conflict as Tigray fighters occupied the regional capital and government soldiers retreated in a region where hundreds of thousands were suffering in the world's worst famine crisis. Will Davison, a senior Ethiopia analyst with the International Crisis Group, said leaders in Tigray would not be able to accept the ceasefire as there were still areas of Tigray not under their control. "In terms of the way forward, the situation is dynamic and very volatile," he said. "From the perspective of Tigray's leadership accepting that ceasefire would mean accepting the Amhara region control of parts of Tigray in the south and west that they took during the first few weeks of this war and that is not something which Tigray's leadership is willing to accept." Thousands of residents in the regional capital Mekele celebrated the arrival of Tigray Defence Forces fighters on 29 June, having spent months living in fear under occupation by soldiers from Ethiopia and neighbouring Eritrea. The TDF troops moved in after the government and Eritrean soldiers withdrew and the federal government declared the ceasefire. Davison said it was "very hard to see political reconciliation" in the region. "The trajectory that we have at the moment is very worrying both for the people of Tigray but also for Ethiopia's border stability," he said. He called on the Ethiopian government to "reset and rethink" and find a way to negotiate with Tigray's leadership. While the Tigray forces now control large areas, the region has remained largely cut off from the world, with transport and communications links severed or blocked. After months of looting and destruction that witnesses have blamed on Ethiopian and Eritrean forces, the United Nations is still highly concerned about the fate of millions of civilians as food runs short amid famine conditions. Davison said despite the ceasefire there were still issues in getting aid to people in the region. Ethiopias government has accused humanitarian aid groups working in its war-hit Tigray region of arming Tigray fighters and threatened to halt some groups operations there. (Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com) With the number of COVID-19 survivors rising globally, so does the number of sufferers of subsequent health issues that in many cases also threaten their livelihoods. One of them is 44-year-old Kenyan civil servant Godfrey Maithya, who has developed heart conditions following his COVID-19 infection, and is facing the fact that his insurance only pays a quarter of his medical bills. No longer fighting for his life, but battling for his livelihood, his local church decided to step in to try and help pay the rest of his bills, amounting to approximately 3.9 million Kenya shillings (about 36,000 US dollars), by starting a fundraiser. Members of the church have even put up land title deeds as collateral to help raise the money needed. Like many Kenyans who have survived COVID-19, suffered complications and ended up with high medical bills, Maithya's family savings have been wiped out by the pandemic. His home and land are on the verge of being auctioned off, if he fails to foot the hospital bill. Maithya went to a private hospital, the Karen Hospital in the leafy suburbs of Nairobi. The hospital is known for being one of the better hospitals but like many private hospitals, medical care in Kenya is unaffordable to most people. Maithya spent almost two months in the hospital, with two weeks in the high dependency unit after he suffered a heart failure, a condition which he was told was triggered by COVID-19. Another worried man is Maithya's pastor, Reverend Robert Musili Kaviti. As a church leader, he organized several fund drives. "But my question is, if I get more than 10 patients in the congregants with the same amount, what shall the church do?" he said. Reverend Kaviti is dealing with another problem. The stigma of COVID-19. Once a member of his church is diagnosed with the virus, they are not allowed to congregate with the rest. Maithya and his family know the stigma of COVID-19 all too well. Even after being declared COVID-19 free, the fundraising at the church had to be done without him being there otherwise many church goers would have boycotted it. Reverend Kaviti said he hoped there could be a global fund or insurance that could subsidize COVID-19 patients. Calls to the Karen Hospital for comment were declined. The finance department director told an Associated Press reporter over the phone that they do not speak to the media about their patient's medical bills. (Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com) Beijing, Jul 16 (PTI) Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday spoke to Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih over phone and offered to provide more coronavirus vaccines besides pushing forward the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) cooperation, official media here reported. China-Maldives ties which flourished under the previous pro-Beijing President Abdullah Yameen took a back seat after Solih, who pursued closer ties with India, reversed Yameens hostile policies towards New Delhi. In his phone talks with Solih, Xi said China is ready to push forward its relations with the Maldives as next year will mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries. Recalling his 2014 visit to Maldives, Xi said China is willing to continue to provide vaccines and other support for the Maldives' fight against the virus, so as to help the country prevail over the disease, state-run Xinhua news agency reported. The Chinese side is ready to work with the Maldives to continuously push forward the Belt and Road cooperation, so as to bring more benefits to the people of both countries, Xi said. The BRI was launched by President Xi when he came to power in 2013. It aims to link Southeast Asia, Central Asia, the Gulf region, Africa and Europe with a network of land and sea routes. According to previous estimates Maldives debt to China stood at USD 3.4 billion raising concerns over its ability to pay it back especially after it was hit by COVID-19 pandemic. Maldives also depends on the inflow of a large number of Chinese tourists. Xi hoped that the Maldivian side would give attention to the safety and health of Chinese personnel in the Maldives. For his part, Solih extended congratulations on the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC), saying that the CPC, under Xi's strong leadership, has become an important force in promoting equality, prosperity and cooperation among countries across the world, the Xinhua report said. PTI KJV RUP AKJ RUP RUP (Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com) Residents and office workers in central Bucharest were greeted by the strange site of a US military helicopter being towed away surrounded by a motorcade of emergency vehicles on Thursday. Military personnel were seen working on the helicopter and eventually managed to fold away the propellers before a small green tow truck started it on it's return journey. The area where the craft had become stranded filled up with evening traffic as workers and locals made their journeys back home. The helicopter, which landed near the Arc De Triumph in Romanias capital, was one of several aircraft training Thursday in preparation for a military parade set to take place next week to mark the end of the Romanian Armys military missions in Afghanistan. The helicopter reportedly lost altitude over the capital and traffic police cleared an area of vehicles and pedestrians at Charles de Gaulle Square in time for the landing. Its not yet clear what caused the incident, which is being investigated. There had been no casualties. Romania - which became a member of NATO in 2004 - has participated in Afghanistan military missions for 19 years with more than 32,000 troops. It repatriated its last 140 troops from the country at the end of May. (Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com) Making a huge claim on forced conversion, an influential US lawmaker recently opined that Hindus and Christians are forced to get converted in Pakistan's Sindh province. Congressman Brad Sherman has also urged the Biden administration to take cognizance of the matter and ensure the region receives US aid. The US politician also raised his voice against alleged human rights issues in Sri Lanka during a Congressional hearing with USAID Administrator Samantha Power. Sherman, who is a Member of the US House of Representatives from the state of California, was speaking at a Congressional hearing where he expressed hope that US aid reaches Pakistan's Sindh because of the atrocities people are dealing with there, including 'forced disappearances and conversions'. Sri Lanka's civil war ravaged the northern and eastern parts of that country. And I hope that we are directing our aid to those areas in Sindh in southern Pakistan. I hope that you're making sure that region gets its fair share of US aid, particularly because they're dealing with the forced disappearances and forced conversion of Hindu and Christian girls, Sherman was quoted by PTI. There was no direct response from Administrator Samantha Power. US & Pakistan's earlier claims & counter-claims over forced conversion This is not the first time when the US raised its voice against forced conversion cases. Earlier, in December 2020, the US State Department had declared Pakistan "a country of particular concern for violations of religious freedoms. The US Commission at that time had given opinions on International Religious Freedom while talking about underage girls in the minority Hindu, Christian, and Sikh communities getting kidnapped for forced conversion to Islam." Pakistan had instantly issued its response rejecting the US's claims over forced conversion rackets. Pakistan had termed the media reports 'rubbish and baseless' and had added that it is safer for minorities than many developed countries. Pak foreign ministry spokesperson Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri had additionally mentioned that there are no institutionalized forced conversions in the country. Forced Conversion cases in Pakistan Recently, a Europe-based advocacy group submitted a petition to Pakistan missions in western capitals urging measures after reports of abduction and conversion of 13-year-old Christian girl Nayab Gill came out. Reportedly, Gill was married off to a 30-year old Muslim man in May. According to an official release, it has been estimated that over 1000 women and girls from religious minorities are abducted and forcibly converted in Pakistan every year. Even the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan mentions that every month 20 or more Hindu girls are abducted and forcibly converted in the country. (With PTI inputs) After several officials from Pakistan took pro-Taliban stances, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday claimed that blaming the country over what is going on in Afghanistan is 'not fair'. Further, he added, "We've made every effort to get them on the dialogue table & have a peaceful settlement there". This comes amid on-ground reports telling Republic that Pakistan forces have joined Taliban in its war against the Afghan government. What's more, when asked about terrorism and Pakistan's ties with India, Imran Khand unfurled his obsession with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and added that 'we are waiting for so long to be civilized (presumably, for 'civil ties') but what to do RSS ideology in between". Pakistan's PM gets mega snub and no respect at Uzbekistan conference The Prime Minister of Pakistan was attending the Central-South Asia conference in Uzbekistan. Interestingly, despite Imran Khan being a head of state, the picture shared after the meeting shows India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar being accorded a similar status as Pakistan's Prime Minister. Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani is seen standing at the centre of the picture, with India's EAM Jaishankar and Imran Khan flanking him one place apart. China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Russia's FM Sergei Lavrov are also in the picture. Pakistan's Foreign Minister, meanwhile, is barely in the picture, standing on the corner of the last row. Furthermore, the Pakistan PM and his government's wishy-washy responses regarding the Taliban come after Afghanistan Vice President Amrullah Saleh on Friday said that such statements of denial from Pakistan were merely pre-written paragraphs. In his tweet, Saleh slammed Pakistan citing the example of Quetta Shura's existence which was also denied by Pakistan. It is to be noted that Osama Bin Laden was also eventually found and killed in Pakistan, within a mile of a massive Pakistan military base. On Pakistani denial: For over twenty years Pakistan denied the existence of Quetta Shura or presence of Talib terrorist leaders in its soil. Those familiar with this pattern, Afghan or foreign, know exactly that issuing a statement of denial is just a pre-written paragraph. Amrullah Saleh (@AmrullahSaleh2) July 16, 2021 Pakistan Airforce warns Afghan Army Making clear its pro-Taliban stance, the Pakistan Air Force on Wednesday (July 14) issued warnings to the Afghan Armed forces and its airforce against taking control of the key Afghan border town of Boldak, a high-ranked Afghan government leader stated. Amrullah Saleh also tweeted that the Pakistan Air Force has been threatening Afghanistans military troops for dislodging the Taliban which claimed that it captured the countrys key Spin Boldak-Chaman border to the crossing with Pakistan, an integral region for revenue to the West-backed Kabul government. Pakistan's statements on Taliban On the same day, Pakistan also said that the Taliban was in control of a key town on the Afghan side of its border area. "They have taken control of Spin Boldak border crossing," Pakistan foreign ministry spokesperson Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri declared in a statement, cited by Pakistan Observer. This came just a day after the Islamic terror outfit captured the main border crossing with Pakistan, in southern Kandahar province, Afghanistans second-largest city connected to Quetta Pakistan via Chaman and Kabul. Pakistan-Taliban Nexus exposed On Tuesday (July 13) Pakistani parliamentarian Mohsin Dawar had nailed the role of his nation in exporting Taliban terrorists to Afghanistan. Speaking on the floor of the Pakistan National Assembly on Tuesday, he backed Afghanistan First Vice President Amrullah Saleh's claim that the Taliban is guided by his country's special forces from Peshawar and Quetta. In his address, he also cited Pakistan President Arif Alvi's tweet expressing sympathy with the Taliban. Pakistani parliamentarian Mohsin Dawar remarked, "This is just like an invasion. It is a step towards attacking your neighbouring country. You are supporting the terrorists who are fighting their government there. In the last few days, a provincial Minister stated in the Assembly of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa that the Taliban are fighting our war." These developments come ahead of the completion of the US pullout from Afghanistan, which has coincided with the Taliban taking over vast tracts of Afghanistani territory even as the peace process between the militants and the Afghanistan government grinds on. (Inputs: ANI) (Image: ANI) I know the history of Uzbekistan more than Uzbek people, said Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday. While addressing the Uzbekistan-Pakistan Business Forum on Central and South Asia 2021: Regional Connectivity Challenges and Opportunities, the Pakistan Prime minister said that the country is eager for peace in Afghanistan through diplomatic channels and called it essential for trade connectivity in the entire region. As per local media reports, Khan also said that the railway project among Pakistan, Uzbekistan and Afghanistan would be a harbinger of development. Reportedly, Pakistan PM directly reached the business forum for addressing communities from both countries and said, Pakistan has religious, cultural and spiritual relations with Uzbekistan. Further, with regards to the situation in Afghanistan, as per the joint declaration after talks between Khan and Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in Tashkent, the leaders said, We are both concerned as neighbours of Afghanistan that the people of Afghanistan have suffered for the last 40 years. However, Khan, who has previously made several baseless claims and then gets trolled on social media, was mocked on Twitter for saying he knows more about Uzbekistans history than Uzbek people. One of the internet users wrote, "Imran khan So after unique Japan-Germany border geography, Mr IK is history expert too !! Somebody else wrote, Pakistan is evil dear Uzbekistan do not allow them to come to your country please. I know probably more history of Uzbekistan than most people in Uzbekistan: IMRAN KHAN pic.twitter.com/IAVhyYC0Ex Maleeks (@itsMaleeeks) July 16, 2021 Uzbek govt angry, after Pak PM Impran Khan boasted he knows, "the history of Uzbekistan more than Uzbek people themselves. (@TheWolfpackIN) July 16, 2021 Let him first talk of the History of Pakistan - which is not a country but just a State of mind (@panache2811) July 16, 2021 Lol ppl in 70s and 80s knows about Uzbekistan, it used to be recreational center for both religious and touristic wise rkhgd (@khan_utters) July 16, 2021 Isko saab kuch patah h...saab log ko chaata h UK ma baitka everynyt is history session for him Jayaprasanthkrpyla (@Ap31ale) July 16, 2021 Well, if Japan and Germany can share borders, then anything is possible HG (@hg_ideas) July 16, 2021 Khan trolled for saying Japan, Germany share border The instance in Uzbekistan is not the only time that netizens seemed to disagree with Khans remarks, earlier in 2019, the Pakistan Prime minister became a target of online trolling as a video of him went viral claiming that Germany and Japan share a border. While speaking at an event in Tehran, Khan said, The more trade you have with each other your ties automatically become stronger Germany and Japan killed millions of their civilians until after the Second World War when they both decided to have joint industries on their border regions. However, Khans video of his comment involving Germany and Japan which is located in East Asia caused a stir on social media. At the time, one of the users said, The statement of Imran Khan about joint industrial projects set up along German-Japan border before a distinguished gathering in a foreign country must find a place in record books. At home a monumental failure; abroad a comic embarrassment, is what IK [Imran Khan] has been. IMAGE: AP In a breaking development in war-torn Afghanistan, on July 16, Deputy Governor of Kapisa province of Afghanistan, Aziz-ur-Rahman Tawab was killed in a clash with Taliban in Nijrab district in the province, as per reports. The shift of territorial as well as political reigns amid the ongoing power crisis in Afghanistan is especially volatile given the US and NATO forces prepare to exit, thus, triggering a massive surge in Taliban-infused violence after insurgents launched multiple attacks to get hold of the provinces. The radical movement has ignited territorial and insurgent advances and is deemed to have captured large rural areas in northern Afghanistan. Violence in Afghanistan Afghanistan is witnessing a massive surge in Taliban-infused violence while insurgents have launched multiple attacks to gain hold of provinces. Afghan national army commandos are deployed to counter Taliban resurgence in respective disturbing zones. The shift of power or the ongoing power crisis in Afghanistan is especially volatile saving the transcend of reigns as US forces prepare to exit. The deadline given to the President Biden administration is September 11 marking the anniversary of the World Trade Centre attacks by the Wahhabi Islamist terrorist group Al-Qaeda. Pursuant to this the UN along with multiple other international organisations has vocalised the dire need to prioritise negotiating peace and committing to measures that strengthen the country's zeal in attaining an Afghan-led, Afghan-owned, and Afghan-controlled national peace and reconciliation process. This holds significant relevance during the period when the United States and NATO troops have pledged to withdraw to pull out US and NATO troops ending Washington's 18-year long war with the Taliban. Taliban's surging operative powers in Afghanistan As soon as the US troops left Bagram Airfield after over 20 years, the Taliban announced its control in over 85 per cent of Afghanistan's territory, although the claim 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 out of the Central Asian country, the Taliban inched closer rapidly to re-establish the Islamic Emirate in Afghanistan. Taliban, recently, also captured key border crossings with Iran, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan in an armed rebellion since the US troops left the Bagram Airfield - key base in Afghanistan -in the dead of night without notifying the Afghan forces. Taliban even destroyed and set ablaze at least 260 public service offices and looted equipment in 149 districts, informed Nader Naderi, Afghanistan's Head of Independent Administrative Reform and Civil Services Commission (IARCSC). The terror outfit re-imposed repressive laws and other retrograde policies on women that defined its iron fist rule from 1996 to 2001 including enforcing their version of Islamic Sharia law. Frud Bezhan and Mustafa Sarwar wrote in Gandhara that the re-imposing such repressive measures on Afghan women is a brutal reality of tens of thousands of females who live in the areas now captured by the Taliban. Indian photojournalist Danish Siddiqui killed in Afghanistan In tragic news amid the ongoing Afghanistan war, on July 16, a celebrated Indian photojournalist and Pulitzer prize winner Danish Siddiqui was killed in Kandahar. According to reports, the Indian journalist was covering the ongoing clashes in Afghanistan over the last few days. Siddiqui was installed with the Afghan security forces who are combating the Taliban currently. As per sources, the incident occurred in Afghanistan's Spin Boldak district in Kandahar. Reports further added that the forces Siddiqui was traveling with were ambushed by the Taliban terrorists. However, the injured forces still continued their operation. Even so, the Taliban attacked the Afghan forces again on Friday morning in which Siddiqui was killed. As reports of surged violence in Afghanistan emerged with intensified Taliban operations, the US on Thursday urged all parties involved in the Afghan conflict to reach a negotiated political settlement. After the US military started evacuating Afghanistan territory, the Taliban terror outfit started making rapid territorial gains in the country and now the US has requested a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire. When asked if India should engage in talks with the Taliban, the US opined that the country has always promoted diplomatic discussions for peace in Afghanistan. According to the US, peace in Afghanistan is 'in the interest of all'. "A peaceful, stable Afghanistan is in the interest of all of Afghanistan's neighbours and countries in the region. Regional consensus and support for an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process are important for enduring peace," a state department spokesperson told ANI. Taliban's increasing operation in Afghanistan As soon as the US troops left Bagram Airfield after nearly 20 years, the Taliban announced that it controlled 85 per cent 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 out of the Central Asian country, the Taliban inched closer rapidly to re-establish the Islamic Emirate in Afghanistan. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had also met his Afghan counterpart Mohammad Haneef Atmar and discussed the situation in the war-torn country. Jaishankar had reached the Tajik capital for a two-day visit to attend the meetings of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Council of Foreign Ministers and the SCO Contact Group on Afghanistan. Taliban, in recent days, captured key border crossings with Iran, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan in an armed rebellion since the United States military abandoned the Bagram Airfield - its key base in Afghanistan -in the dead of night without notifying the Afghan forces. Taliban even destroyed or set ablaze at least 260 public service office buildings and looted the equipment in 149 districts, informed Nader Naderi, Afghanistan's Head of Independent Administrative Reform and Civil Services Commission (IARCSC). The terror outfit also re-imposed repressive laws and other retrograde policies on women that defined its iron fist rule from 1996 to 2001 including enforcing their version of Islamic Sharia law. As per news agency ANI, Frud Bezhan and Mustafa Sarwar wrote in Gandhara that the re-imposition of such repressive measures on Afghan women is the new brutal reality of tens of thousands of females who are presently living in areas, now captured by the Taliban. (Inputs from ANI) Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, who was admitted to the hospital after witnessing persistent hiccups for the days and abdominal pain, was making satisfactory progress on July 15, said the hospital where he is receiving treatment. Bolsonaro was taken to a military hospital in Brasilia before he was transferred to Vila Nova Star private hospital in Sao Paulo on July 14. The 66-year-old was diagnosed to be suffering from an intestinal obstruction and on Wednesday, the hospital decided to start with a conservative clinical treatment. Reportedly, in a statement on Thursday, the hospital said that Bolsonaro in its care was evolving satisfactorily. The hospital also informed that the Brazilian President will continue to remain admitted with no discharge schedule and the previously established treatment plan will be practised. Even though there are no plans to operate the far-right leader, if the hospital decides to change the decision, it would be Bolsonaros seventh surgery since he was stabbed during a rally in 2018 in the abdomen. Bolsonaros chronic hiccups Brazilian Presidents admission to the hospital came after he appeared to have been struggling with his constant hiccups. In an interview with Radio Gaiba on July 7, Bolsonaro had said, I apologize to everyone who is listening to me because Ive been hiccupping for five days now. Further suggesting that medications after dental surgery might be the cause, he had also informed, I have the hiccups 24 hours a day. Even on July 8, during his weekly Facebook Live session, Bolsonaro had apologised for not being able to express himself without getting interrupted by his hiccups. As per The Associated Press, Dr Anthony Lembo, a gastroenterologist at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston has said that chronic hiccups are usually a manifestation of an underlying such as obstructed intestine that eventually requires surgery. In other cases, a part of the intestine might have also be ejected. Any time youre moving bowels, its not a small surgery, Lembo said, adding that in the case of repeated surgeries, as in the Brazilian Presidents case, interventions can get more complicated. In September 2018, Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro was stabbed while campaigning suffering severe injuries and being hospitalised. The man later identified as Adelio Bispo de Oliveira stabbed Bolsonaro after rushing up to the Brazilian leader while the latter was bring carried through a crowd on the shoulders of a supporter. He suffered serious injuries in his abdomen. IMAGE: AP Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on July 15 said that the country may permit fully vaccinated travellers by early September. While speaking with the leaders of Canadas provinces, Trudeau noted that if the countrys positive path of vaccination rate and public health conditions continue, the border can open. He also went to say that there were ongoing discussions with the US to begin allowing fully vaccinated US citizens and permanent residents into Canada for non-essential by mid-August. According to a statement by his office, Canada would be in a position to welcome fully vaccinated travellers from all countries by early September. It further read, He (PM) noted the ongoing discussions with the United States on reopening plans, and indicated that we could expect to start allowing fully vaccinated US citizens and permanent residents into Canada as of mid-August for non-essential travel. According to AP, during the phone call, Trudeau even noted that Canada continues to lead G20 countries in vaccination rates with approximately 80 per cent of eligible Canadians vaccinated with their first dose and over 50 per cent of eligible Canadians fully vaccinated. The Canadian Prime Minister said that the case numbers and severe illnesses continue to decline across the country as vaccination rates continue to increase. Canadas travel restrictions It is worth noting that Canada began easing its restrictions earlier this month, allowing fully vaccinated Canadians or permanent legal residents to return to Canada without quarantining. However, among the requirements are a negative COVID test before returning, and another once they get back. Officials had said they would like 75 per cent of eligible Canadian residents to be fully vaccinated before loosening border restrictions for tourists and business travellers. Now, the Canadian government expects to have enough vaccines delivered for 80 per cent of eligible Canadians to be fully vaccinated by the end of July. Meanwhile, last month, Canada extended the ban on passenger flights from India and Pakistan as cases continue to surge in both nations. Canada's federal department in a notice to airmen (NOTAM), the Canadian Minister of Transport opined that it is necessary for aviation safety as well as the protection of the public to prohibit the flight operations both scheduled and non-scheduled from India or Pakistan. The ban also applies to private and charter aircraft but cargo flights are exempted as well as ferry flights. As per news agency ANI, flights that make technical stops in India and Pakistan are also not included in the ban. (With inputs from AP) External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar on July 16 met with Josep Borrell, the High Representative of the European Union (EU) for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of EU Commission. Sharing an image with Borrell, EAM wrote on Twitter on Friday that both leaders agreed to consult closely on the crisis prevailing in Afghanistan as the Taliban continues to gain territory. Jaishankar also informed that he and the EU official discussed the challenges faced by both sides while noting the progress in bilateral cooperation after the May 8 summit. Nice to meet EU HRVP @JosepBorrellF. Agreed to consult closely on Afghanistan. Discussed challenges faced by EU and India. Noted the progress in our cooperation after the May 8 Summit. pic.twitter.com/nkGhXU6hCv Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) July 16, 2021 Earlier, Jaishankar also discussed issues in Afghanistan with Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, Minister of State Foreign Commonwealth& Development Affairs(South Asia, Commonwealth, UN). EAM also discussed bilateral cooperation, the COVID-19 crisis and United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Jaishankar on Friday spoke at the Connectivity Conference in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan. He said, Indias focus in last few years has been to rebuild old links. Indias horizons extend from Vladivostok to the Gulf and East-Africa. For reliable connectivity within and through Afghanistan, the world must have confidence in its governance, he added. Met UK MOS Lord @tariqahmadbt. Discussed our bilateral cooperation, Covid issues, UNSC and Afghanistan. pic.twitter.com/Tz2149A5UA Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) July 16, 2021 Thank President Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan for receiving me. Appreciated his references to Charaka, Sushruta, Brahmagupta in our connectivity history. India and Uzbekistan drive the inter-regional connectivity. pic.twitter.com/ykRIAJtiUT Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) July 16, 2021 Present situation in Afghanistan Presently, as foreign troops are withdrawing from Afghanistan, the Taliban has raged in the war-stricken country. As per reports, the extremist group has already acquired at least 85% of the nation. Taliban has destroyed or set ablaze at least 260 public service office buildings and looted the equipment in 149 districts, informed Nader Naderi, Afghanistan's Head of Independent Administrative Reform and Civil Services Commission (IARCSC) on July 15. Further detailing the impacts of Taliban control over its conquered areas, he said that at least 50,000 civil service employees have been left jobless along with hampering 112 projects as the conflict between the insurgent groups and Afghan military escalated with foreign troop withdrawal. India and EU discussed Afghanistan in May Months before the Taliban unleashed one of its most severe offensive in Afghanistan, India and the EU had jointly called for an immediate, permanent and comprehensive" ceasefire in Afghanistan. Jaishankar and Borrells talks in May were dominated by the issue of peace in Afghanistan as they met on the sidelines of the G7 meeting in London. In a joint statement, both officials had underlined the importance of ensuring that Afghanistan is not used by insurgent groups that threaten the peace and security of both India and the European Union (EU). "External Affairs Minister Jaishankar and Borrell jointly and firmly condemned the unacceptable level of violence perpetrated against the national forces of Afghanistan and civilians and the targeted assassinations of civil rights activists, media persons and Ulema," it said. IMAGE: @DrSJaishankar/Twitter Nepals President Bidhya Devi Bhandari on Thursday summoned a meeting of the reinstated House of Representatives (HoR) on the recommendation of Nepals newly formed cabinet. On the same day, a separate meeting of the National Assembly or the Upper House of the Parliament will also take place, the Office of President said in an official press release. "The meeting has been summoned for 4 pm of Sunday, July 18, it stated. The decision to call a cabinet meeting was made after the Nepal Supreme Court's verdict on the House dissolution case on Monday that required the HoR to meet within a week of the appointment of Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba. The 275-member lower house of parliament will be meeting for the first time since the parliament was unconstitutionally dissolved on May 22 after ousting of the then-Nepal PM KP Sharma Oli. The Nepal parliament was dissolved in May by ex-PM Oli after he was removed as Chairman of ruling NCP over allegations of corruption, mishandling of COVID-19, and tensions with the party of former Maoist rebels Pushpa Kamal Dahal, with whom he had merged to form a unified Communist Party. Deuba formed small '5 member' cabinet The newly sworn-in Deuba formed a small 5 member cabinet earlier yesterday after he was sworn in as the Prime Minister for the fifth time, following months of political turmoil in the Southeast Asian country due to the abrupt dissolution of the parliament. Deuba won the support of 149 of the total 275-seat in the lower house, post which, Nepals Supreme Court reinstated the parliament. Although, a vote of confidence will be held in the lower house of the parliament in approximately 7 days as announced by the court that will cement Deubas leadership to permanent for the remaining term of the parliament. It is worth noting that Deuba is short of a majority as the rival fiction of CPN-UML has backed off. The rival faction of ruling CPN-UML under the leadership of Madhav Kumar Nepal has separated itself from the alliance formed to fight against caretaker PM Oli. The two factions in the UML - one led by Oli and the other by Madhav Kumar had reached a 10-point agreement to bury their hatchet Pakistan Airforce on Wednesday sparked pro-Taliban terror sentiments after it issued warnings to the Afghan Armed forces and the Airforce against taking control of the key Afghan border town of Boldak, a high ranked Afghan government leader stated Wednesday. Taking to his official Twitter handle, Afghanistans First Vice President Amrullah Saleh said that the Pakistan Airforce has been threatening Afghanistans military troops for dislodging the Islamic terrorist outfit Taliban which earlier yesterday claimed that it captured the countrys key Spin Boldak-Chaman border to the crossing with Pakistan, an integral region for revenue to the West-backed Kabul government. Taliban, in recent days, has also captured key border crossings with Iran, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan in an armed rebellion since the United States military abandoned the Bagram Airfield - its key base in Afghanistan -in the dead of night without notifying the Afghan forces. The Afghan armed forces, although, issued a release Wednesday stating that the southern Chaman border was reclaimed by the Afghan forces, a claim that the Taliban terror outfit labelled as the military propaganda. On July 15, the senior Afghan government official Saleh stated that Pakistan, at the junction of the Southern, Central and West Asia had been flaring the Talibans resurgence in Afghanistan by providing Air and ground combat support deteriorating the national security for Afghanistan, as well as neighbouring regions. "Pakistan air force has issued an official warning to the Afghan Army and Air Force that any move to dislodge the Taliban from Spin Boldak area will be faced and repelled by the Pakistan Air Force. Pak air force is now providing close air support to Taliban in certain areas," Afghan VP Saleh tweeted. Talibani terrorists, many of whom identified by the local Afghani witnesses as foreign language speaking men to the on-ground press reporters, continue to launch offensive spilling over to key border areas, slaughtering Afghan elite Special Forces unit commandos, and gaining control by shooting military troops in cold blood on streets and making soldiers surrender by seizing their weaponry. Intelligence reports have found that thousands of Pakistan sponsored terrorists from Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and other terror factions have been fighting alongside the Taliban in violation of the peace agreement negotiated in early 2020 by the former US President Donald Trump, the Taliban and Afghan government ahead of significant drawdown of US troops. US negotiators had sealed the deal for US-led coalition troops to pull out after negotiating with the Islamist fundamentalist group to agree for a lasting cease-fire with Afghan forces during the 2020 intra-Afghan negotiations. Pakistan declares Taliban's 'victory' Earlier on Wednesday, neighbouring Pakistan in its pro-Talibani stance declared that the Taliban were in control of a key town on the Afghan side of its border area. "They have taken control of Spin Boldak border crossing," Pakistan foreign ministry spokesperson Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri declared in a statement, cited by Pakistan Observer. This came just a day after the Islamic terror outfit captured the main border crossing with Pakistan, in southern Kandahar province, Afghanistans second-largest city connected to Quetta Pakistan via Chaman and Kabul. Kandhar is one of the strategic and busiest entry points in Afghanistan's that serves as the main link between southwestern regions and Pakistani ports. Reports revealed that the Talibani fighters had taken down the Afghan flag from the border crossing gate between Afghanistans Wesh and the Pakistani town of Chaman. "With this, the important road and customs between Boldak and Chaman came under the control of Mujahidin, the Islamic Emirate assures all traders and residents in the town that their security will be tightened," Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah tweeted in Pashto. The spokesperson of the terror group Taliban stated the outfit will resume the travel and transit through this passage once agreement with the Pakistan side was reached. Talibans takeover of the key Afghan ports has disrupted the countrys trade, exports and imports posing serious threats to the economy and regional security. Taiwan on Thursday, July 15, received 1 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine from Japan in the third such donation this year. Japan has so far donated a total of 3.3 million vaccine doses since June. While thanking Japan, Taiwan called the country a 'real friend'. "Good things truly come in threes. The 3rd shipment of COVID-19 vaccine doses for Taiwan from Japan brings the Real Friend's donated total to 3.3 million since June. The government and people are forever grateful, and wish our special partner a successful Tokyo 2020. Thank you," the Taiwan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, tweeted. Taiwan accuses China of blocking the delivery of COVID-19 vaccines Once desperately lacking vaccine jabs, Taiwan has benefited from vaccine diplomacy, receiving near 5 million doses from the United States and Japan, following its worst outbreak starting in May that was being driven by a more contagious delta variant of the Coronavirus. Earlier, Taiwan has also accused China, which claims the self-ruled island as its renegade territory, of intervening to block the delivery of vaccines. However, Beijing refuted the charges and said "it as an attempt by the Taiwan government to shift responsibility for a recent surge in the COVID-19 cases. Constraints and manufacturing delays further accelerating COVID-19 cases in Taiwan Taiwan had signed commitments to purchase more than 29 million doses of vaccines, but given global supply constraints and manufacturing delays, it was left with only about 7,00,000 doses when the number of cases rose sharply in May. Taiwans allies, including the U.S. and Japan, have stepped in, enabling the island to start distributing the shots quickly. Now, 11.45% of the population have received at least one shot. 759 people have died of COVID-19 Under bilateral arrangements, Japan has donated 1 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine each to Vietnam, Indonesia and Malaysia. Similar shipments are planned for Thailand and the Philippines later this month. On Wednesday, July 14, Taiwan received a batch of 6,26,000 doses from AstraZeneca that it had purchased itself, the official Central News Agency reported. So far, Taiwan has reported 15,346 coronavirus case, Focus Taiwan reported. Out of the total cases, 13,900 are domestic infections reported since May 15. Till now, 759 people have died of COVID-19, including 747 since May 15. (With inputs from agencies) As Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is scheduled to visit the breakaway Turkish Cypriot north next week, tension prevails on the island country. In the latest development, the Turkish coastguard vessel that was on patrol for undocumented migrants have fired warning shots at a Cyprus police boat, the Cyprus News Agency reported on Friday. Police spokesman Christos Andreou told the News Agency that the incident took place at around 3.30 am during a regular patrol by the marine police to check for illegal immigrants arriving from Turkey. Coastguard fired several warning shots at Cyprus police ship It said that the small three-member boat spotted a Turkish coastguard vessel coming from the northern part of the island about 11 nautical miles from the port of Kato Pyrgos Tyllirias. The report further added that the boat then started heading towards the fishing shelter of Tylliria, but the Turkish coastguard, about 30 metres in length, began to pursue it. According to Andreou, the coastguard fired several warning shots against the boat at four nautical miles off the coast, before turning towards the north again. UNFICYP to investigate the matter According to the latest development, Cyprus foreign ministry spokesman Demetris Samuel told the Cyprus News Agency that the ministry has made representations to the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) and asked the peacekeeping force to investigate it. It is premature to say whether the incident is related to the climate being created by Turkey in view of the illegal visit of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to the occupied areas, he added. (With Input From Agencies) The United Nations says one third of the population of Afghanistan is experiencing malnutrition with at least 18 million people in need of humanitarian assistance. Ramiz Alakbarov, the UN's humanitarian coordinator for Afghanistan, says the increase comes as American forces withdraw from the country and Taliban forces continuing its gradual military takeover. In recent weeks, the Taliban have gained control of key border posts with neighbors Iran, Pakistan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. In many instances, Afghanistan's security forces and military have put up little to no resistance, after often being left without resupplies or reinforcements. Two weeks ago, more than 1,000 Afghan military men fled across the border into Tajikistan. Alakbarov said the country is also seeing an influx of people who previously fled to neighboring countries such as Iran and Pakistan. He says they are now being deported. He also reiterated the call to increase humanitarian funding, which is only funded at 37% for the year. (Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com) The United States, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Uzbekistan have announced to incorporate a new quadrilateral diplomatic group in a bid to promote the Afghan peace process, stability, and trade in the region. Earlier, US President Joe Biden had stated that it was imperative for the war-torn country to become self-reliant and often voiced his support for Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled national peace and reconciliation process. The shift of power or the ongoing power crisis in Afghanistan is especially volatile saving the shift of reigns as US forces prepare to exit has further triggered a massive surge in Taliban-infused violence after insurgents launched multiple attacks to hold reigns of provinces. The radical movement ignited territorial advances and is deemed to have captured large rural areas in northern Afghanistan. US pledges to continue aid to Afghanistan Formation of the quad group and Washington's concern over Afghanistan's power play hold significant relevance after the US signed the peace deal with Afghan forces and have pledged to pull out US forces and NATO troops ending Washington's 18-year long war with the Taliban after the 9/11 attacks. President Biden-led administration has constantly been supporting Afghanistan during the transition period and pledged to do so. In a press release, the US State Department said, "Representatives of the United States, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Uzbekistan agreed in principle to establish a new quadrilateral diplomatic platform focused on enhancing regional connectivity. The parties consider long-term peace and stability in Afghanistan critical to regional connectivity and agree that peace and regional connectivity are mutually reinforcing. Recognizing the historic opportunity to open flourishing interregional trade routes, the parties intend to cooperate to expand trade, build transit links, and strengthen business-to-business ties. The parties agreed to meet in the coming months to determine the modalities of this cooperation with mutual consensus." There are a lot of stakeholders in the volatile geopolitical arena that Afghanistan has become with the US troops pull out. There is of course the Afghanistan government which wants democracy and peace to prevail in the war-torn country, while the Taliban aims to usurp the Afghanistan government and claim control of the country to establish an Islamic political system and make it an Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. Recent Taliban advances and withdrawal of the remaining 2,500-3,500 US troops and 7,000 NATO forces have reared an exigency to infuse attempts towards a mediated convergence against Afghanistan's prolonged conflict. The Taliban aims to overthrow the democratically elected Afghanistan Government, and claimed that it has 85 per cent of Afghanistan's territory under its control, although it cannot be independently verified. Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani recently accused the Taliban of devastating violence in the country wherein at least 200 to 600 people are being killed on a daily basis. The United States Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation, Zalmay Khalilzad, on Friday cleared the air regarding the countrys movement in Afghanistan. Khalilzad said that the US and NATO forces are leaving Afghanistan but the US is not leaving the country. The special representative added that the country will remain engaged in supporting the peace process in the region. Zalmay Khalilzad also added that the US will keep supporting the Afghan forces until peace is achieved. "Forces are leaving but the US is not leaving Afghanistan. America will remain engaged. It will support the peace process and security forces of Afghanistan until peace is achieved," Khalilzad said answering queries at a press conference in Uzbekistan. The envoy went on to explain that the US currently holds an agreement with the Taliban regarding territorial control. "There is an agreement between US and Taliban that did not exist then, that commits Taliban not to allow the territory that they (Taliban) control, and if they became for the future government, for them to prevent not to allow the territory of Afghanistan to be used against the US and its allies by terrorists," he said. "What we are trying to do now is to get the Afghans close agreement and then there will be a consensus regionally and beyond in support of an outcome," Khalilzad added. The US representative went on to say that a lot has been achieved over the last 20 years. "First of all, Afganistan itself is a very changed place as compared to the past years. Institutions that did not exist earlier exist in the country whether it is institutions of forces, politics, civil society and free press," Khalilzad said. US withdrawal from Afghanistan The early decision of the US government withdrawing its forces came in light of an active increase in the Taliban presence in Afghanistan. The withdrawal decision was taken ahead of the US President's deadline of forces completely being evacuated from Afghanistan till September 11. According to US officials, the evacuation should include around 2,500 people for the time period. The withdraw of the US military comes after almost two decades of their deployment in Afghanistan. IMAGE: AP Two men have pleaded guilty to participating in a lottery scam that cheated victims in multiple states out of a total of about $600,000, federal prosecutors in Rhode Island said Thursday. Kayan Kitson, 38, pleaded guilty Thursday in U.S. District Court in Providence to conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud. Jason Wedderburn, 42, pleaded guilty to the same charge earlier this week. The victims, many of them older, received unsolicited contact from the scammers and were told they had won hundreds of thousands of dollars, and in some cases more than $1 million, in a lottery, prosecutors said. To collect their winnings, the victims were told they would have to pay fees to cover taxes or processing. The victims were instructed to mail checks or money orders made out to the defendants to cover those fees, or were provided instructions for depositing the funds into bank accounts controlled by the defendants, prosecutors said. Once deposited, the funds were either quickly withdrawn, sometimes from ATMs in Jamaica, or transferred to other bank accounts. The victims never received a penny. One person from Massachusetts was cheated out of more than $325,000, prosecutors said. Kitson and Wedderburn, both citizens of Jamaica, face sentencing on Oct. 6. (Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com) Recent changes to film censorship guidelines mean the film won't be screened in Hong Kong, and its makers could be targeted under the national security law. Zhou Guanwei, director of the documentary film Revolution of Our Times, is shown in a March 2021 photo. A feature-length documentary about the 2019 Hong Kong protest movement will be offered a last-minute screening at the Cannes Film Festival on Friday, industry media reported on Friday. "The Cannes Film Festival made a bombshell, last-minute addition to its lineup this week, inviting select members of the international press to attend a 'confidential' screening of Revolution of Our Times," the Hollywood Reporter reported on its website. The "gripping, politically powerful documentary" is directed by veteran Hong Kong director Kiwi Chow, and is unlikely to be screened in Hong Kong under a draconian national security law that bans scenes, slogans, and commemorative material from the protests from public view. The film was screened at the Palais Salle Soixantieme on Friday, in front of around 10 international journalists, the Hollywood Reporter and Variety reported. "Revolution of Our Times is a forensic and hard-hitting chronicle of the mass street protests that erupted in Hong Kong in the second half of 2019 protests that were met with a brutal police crackdown, hundreds of arrests of activists and pro-democracy advocates, and the eventual imposition of near-total Chinese Communist Party control over the once-semidemocratic former colony," the Hollywood Reporter said. "Thanks to Hong Kongs expansive new National Security Law, imposed by Beijing in 2020, those involved in the new documentary could be subject to arrest and charges of subversion," it said. The screening came as national security police raided the University of Hong Kong's students' union office, carrying evidence boxes away from the premises and searching student-run Campus TV and the offices of Undergrad magazine, government broadcaster RTHK reported. The operation was linked to a motion passed by the union's council on July 7, which honored a man who died after he allegedly stabbed a police officer and then himself in Causeway Bay on July 1, thanking him for his "sacrifice." The university, which has derecognized the students' union for "supporting terrorism," said it was obliged to facilitate the raid. The man's death came amid widespread psychological trauma and public anger over widespread police violence against the public during the 2019 protest movement, something that is also addressed in the documentary screened at Cannes on Friday. Revolution of Our Times uses extensive footage from the 2019 protest movement, as well as interviews with a number of the activists involved, many of whom are disguised, the Hollywood Reporter said. "It simultaneously documents the sharp increase in police brutality as Hong Kong became engulfed in deadly street battles, including the 12-day siege of the Polytechnic University in November 2019," it said. "In one of the films most shocking moments, a body is seen being pushed out of a high-rise window, with Hong Kong authorities accused of kidnapping and murdering several of the movements central figures," the paper reported, adding that the film is said to have been put together entirely in secret. "A recent rewriting of the censorship rules governing Hong Kongs film industry, once a bastion of cinematic vitality and the home to Bruce Lee, Wong Kar Wai, Stephen Chow, Jackie Chan, Johnnie To and scores more will ensure that Revolution of Our Times can never be screened freely in the city," it said. All films must be vetted The Hong Kong government announced on June 11 that all films, especially documentaries, must be vetted for breaches of the national security law. Film censors in Hong Kong have previously focused on classifying films for suitability for specific age groups, and on whether they contain pornographic material considered unsuitable for general release. Now, they will be required to be "vigilant" for depictions of actions that could breach the national security law, for example, by appearing to support or endorse such actions. Such actions could include "riots, arson, criminal damage" and other violent scenes that disrupt public order and could "encourage or incite" audiences to imitate such behavior, the government said, using phrasing similar to its descriptions of the 2019 protest movement, during which some protesters fought back with Molotov cocktails, bricks and other makeshift weapons against widespread police violence. Censors may ban public screenings altogether, or order problematic scenes deleted. They should pay particular attention to documentaries, as such content is likely to produce "stronger feelings" in Hong Kong audiences, according to the new guidelines. Censors should exercise extra caution, and be alert for "bias," "unverified" information or "false or misleading" scenes, and their capacity to incite the audience to similar action, the document said. Earlier this year, organizers pulled the plug on a screening of "Inside the Red Walls," a frontline account of the 12-day standoff that ensued when riot police besieged the campus of Hong Kong's Polytechnic University (PolyU), prompting students and protesters to build barricades and fight back with makeshift weapons including petrol bombs. The screening came as Xia Baolong, director of Beijing's Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office, released part of a speech lauding the national security law as having allowed the city to "bid farewell to a turbulent situation and shatter a color revolution taking place in Hong Kong." Spontaneous demands Political commentator Johnny Lau said Xia's comments, which included a pledge to improve the housing situation for ordinary Hongkongers, showed that he hadn't really looked at what happened in Hong Kong during the 2019 protest movement. "Democracy, human rights, and freedom -- all of these were spontaneous demands made by the people of Hong Kong, and had nothing to do with foreign countries," Lau said. "The government is trying to entangle the two ideas, so that it can claim to be cracking down on foreigners while actually cracking down on the people of Hong Kong," he said. Joseph Cheng, former politics professor at Hong Kong's City University, said Xia's speech shows that the ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP) regards Hong Kong as another "problem" to be dealt with along the lines of Xinjiang and Tibet. "In the eyes of the Chinese leadership, the situation in Hong Kong is the same as that in Xinjiang and Tibet," Cheng told RFA. "After it imposed a full crackdown on Tibet, the government also tried to show that it was trying to win back people's goodwill." "They see the housing issue as the biggest social issue in Hong Kong, so they are trying to improve that to improve the reputation and support for the Hong Kong government," he said. Pro-Beijing lawmaker Luk Chung-hung on Friday hit out at RTHK for referring to Tsai Ing-wen, president of the democratic island of Taiwan, as "President." The station should comply with the CCP's insistence that Taiwan, which has never been ruled by the CCP nor formed part of the People's Republic of China, be referred to as a province of China, and its government as a regional government, Luk told reporters. Further sanctions imposed Meanwhile, the United States is preparing to impose financial sanctions on seven Chinese officials working for Beijing's Central Liaison Office in Hong Kong over the ongoing crackdown on peaceful dissent and political opposition in the city, Reuters quoted two people familiar with the situation as saying on Friday. Washington will also warn international businesses operating there about deteriorating conditions, the agency reported. The national security law allowed China's feared state security police to set up a headquarters in Hong Kong, granted sweeping powers to police to search private property and require the deletion of public content, and criminalized criticism of the city government and the CCP. Dozens of opposition lawmakers are awaiting trial for subversion for taking part in a democratic primary, while at least seven journalists have been arrested for "colluding with a foreign power" in connection with opinion pieces in the Apple Daily newspaper, which was forced to close after its assets were frozen in a raid by national security police on June 17. The government has also asserted editorial control over public broadcaster RTHK, where a number of prominent journalists have been fired or sanctioned for producing content critical of the authorities. And there are growing constraints on academic freedom at Hong Kong's universities, with events canceled, debates modified, and lecturers reported by student informants over potential violations of the law. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie. Dozens of plainclothes police and officials descend on Hebei's Gaobeidian city, with mobile signal jamming and additional surveillance technology in place. Authorities in the northern Chinese province of Hebei on Friday dispatched large numbers of police and officials to a court in Gaobeidian city, as agriculture billionaire Sun Dawu entered the second day of his trial. Officials also scrambled to install additional surveillance equipment around the Gaobeidian Municipal People's Court ahead of the trial, according to photos provided by someone at the scene. Veteran lawyer Yang Bin said officials from the ministry of justice and the ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP)'s central propaganda department had also been outside the court buildings, preventing any journalists from entering the court to witness the trial. Hotels around the court were fully booked, mostly occupied by officials, sources at the scene told RFA> "The trial this morning continued to focus on certain procedural matters, particularly the exclusion of illegal evidence, and the two teams of lawyers were tied up with that for the most part," Yang said. "[Sun's] two sons stood trial beside him, while his wife and daughter-in-law are being dealt with in separate cases," he said. An observer outside the court building who gave only a surname, Zhang, said he had been denied permission to sit in the public gallery. He said the street outside the court building was full of plainclothes state security police, and communications in the immediate vicinity had been jammed. "There were officers everywhere and very strong signal jamming," Zhang said. "Only one person per defendant was allowed in to attend the trial." "People also came from the legal affairs bureau of the ministry of justice, and from the judicial offices where the lawyers are based, so yes, judicial officials from three levels of government," he said. 'Targeted for political reasons' Sun Dawu, a former pig farmer, stands accused of a slew of offenses, including "picking quarrels and stirring up trouble," "gathering a crowd to attack an organ of the state," "disrupting official duties," "illegal mining," and "illegal occupation of agricultural land," the Associated Press reported. Sun, 67, was detained in April 2021 alongside dozens of Dawu Agricultural and Animal Husbandry Group employees, some of whom are members of his family, after Dawu employees in August 2020 tried to stop a state-owned enterprise from demolishing a company building. The Chinese Human Rights Defenders (CHRD) network said he is being targeted for political reasons, due to his association with detained democracy activist Xu Zhiyong. The group said Sun, 67, had used the profits from his billion-dollar agricultural enterprise to "support his ideals of a more just society." "This included supporting human rights lawyers and dissidents even after they became the target of a nationwide crackdown beginning in 2015," CHRD said, adding that he had paid some of the costs of legal defenses for the lawyers. The prosecution has said it is seeking a jail term of 25 years. The trial began on Thursday behind closed doors and amid tight security, despite calls from Sun's 50-strong defense team for the case to be livestreamed. The defense team have also called on the CCP central committee to send a taskforce to investigate the claims being made by local officials about Sun and his business. Torture allegations Sun and his family were held incommunicado under "residential surveillance at a designated location (RSDL)," a form of treatment associated with a higher risk of torture, and often meted out to detainees in political cases, CHRD said. Unconfirmed reports have emerged that Sun has alleged torture or mistreatment while under RSDL, as police tried to force a "confession" from him. But the court said it wouldn't allow evidence supporting these allegations to be submitted at trial. Repeated calls to the Gaobeidian Municipal People's Court, the Hebei provincial police department and the Hebei Provincial High People's Court rang unanswered during office hours on Friday. Veteran defense attorney Ran Tong said government censors have also been deleting online information about Sun's trial, suggesting that the case is regarded as highly sensitive by the CCP leadership. "There will definitely be a huge amount of evidence in this case, and it will carry on for many days," Ran told RFA. "Security is tight, the news is being censored, and the legal team are under tight restrictions, with judicial bureau officials sitting right next to them," he said. "To speak frankly, this is justice in name only." Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie. Medicines and chemicals have decayed in storage since the border was closed in January 2020 to fight the coronavirus. Trucks cross the Sino-Korean Friendship Bridge connecting China and North Korea in the northeastern Chinese border town of Dandong, opposite the North Korean town of Sinuiju, Sept. 4, 2017. Chinas exporters to North Korea are struggling under mounting debt as chemicals, medicines, and metal products ordered by their neighbor decay in warehouses awaiting the reopening of border that has been closed since early 2020 to fight the coronavirus, according to sources in the main Chinese border city. Although North Korea maintains outwardly that is untouched by COVID-19, the complete shutdown of the Sino-Korean border and the suspension of all trade with China in January 2020 were the first of a series of extensive pandemic prevention measures taken by Pyongyang. The shutdown has damaged North Korean livelihoods across the 1,350-km (840-mile) frontier, where many residents rely on cross-border trade and smuggling from China to survive. The border closure also has contributed to food shortages in the chronically hungry nation, cutting off imports and making it hard for the Norths farmers to get fertilizer. Nineteen months without trade has also clobbered once-successful Chinese traders, who now are going bankrupt in the face of unpaid monthly warehouse rent or bills for goods purchased on credit but not yet delivered to North Korea, the sources told RFA this week. Chinese traders in the Dandong and Donggang areas, who were mainly engaged in trade with North Korea, are in the worst situation these days, said a source based in Dandong, who requested anonymity to speak freely. A major bridge crossing the Yalu River, called the Amnok River in North Korea, connects the Chinese city of Dandong with North Koreas northwestern city of Sinuiju. Donggang lies 28 km (17 miles) is southwest of Dandong. These days, Chinese traders are struggling with their trade cargo bound for North Korea, which has been stored in their warehouses in the Dandong area during the rainy season, said a Korean-Chinese source also in Dandong on Tuesday. Various materials ordered by North Korea in 2019 have been piled up in warehouses until now because of customs closures due to COVID-19, he said. Traders in northeastern Chinas Liaoning province who serve the North Korean market have bought materials and equipment on credit from Chinese companies but are now unable to export anything, said the source, who requested anonymity to be able to speak freely. The traders, who couldnt predict the sudden coronavirus outbreak early last year, are desperately waiting for the resumption of trade with North Korea because of difficulties in paying off their debts and storage fees, he said. RFA reported in April that North Korea had built a dedicated rail route to Sinuiju and a nearby border quarantine center designed to isolate freight in order to prevent the spread of coronavirus, a development that sources at the time said pointed to the resumption of some trade. But the opening of the border and expectations that trade would resume soon have not yet panned out, the Korean-Chinese source said. Traders waiting to ship goods must pay monthly rent of anywhere from 500-1,000 yuan (U.S. $65-131) for warehouse space, he said. Most warehouses in the border area with the capacity for three 30-ton truckloads of cargo charge monthly rent of 800 yuan, he added. Rainy weather hasnt helped Humid weather has rusted iron and steel materials in storage, while medicines and chemicals packed in warehouses have deteriorated, forcing traders to hire local laborers to move the goods to other warehouses that had dehumidifiers, the Korean-Chinese source in Dandong said. Most iron and steel products have been piled up in warehouses for more than a year and a half, and they are rusted so badly that they are impossible to use as is, he said. But the traders cannot return them, having already purchased the material on credit, and are still unable to transport them across the border and into North Korea in the near future, said the source. So, they have no choice but to keep them in the warehouse at their own expense, he said. The financial strain has caused some Chinese exporters to resort to drastic measures. A Chinese trader who stored chemicals and medicines to be sent to North Korea in a warehouse disappeared one night after the export and delivery date for the goods had been postponed indefinitely, the first source in Dandong said. The trader, who once made a lot of money by exporting medicines and chemicals from Dandong to North Korea, disappeared without any trace after failing to pay the warehouse rent, he said. It was because the medicines and chemicals quickly deteriorated during the rainy season and became useless. The Chinese trader tried to keep and preserve all the medicines and chemicals in three warehouses by borrowing money from acquaintances to pay the rent and by hiring workers to turn over the containers periodically to prevent them from deteriorating, he said. But when there was no sign of the resumption of China-North Korea trade, he couldn't hold out any longer and disappeared with some medicine from the warehouse that could still be used, the source said. In the meantime, some traders have taken jobs as laborers to earn money to pay their warehouse rent, he said. In 2019, the last full year before North Korea and China stopped trading, the total trade volume between the two nations amounted to just over U.S. $3 billion, according to data from the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency. China was the origin country for 96 percent of North Koreas imports in 2019 and was the destination country for 67 percent of North Korean exports, according to data published on the website of the Observatory of Economic Complexity. Reported by Jieun Kim for RFAs Korean Service. Translated by Jinha Shin. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin. The refugees, half of whom are women and children, journeyed for nearly a week on foot to find safety. A temporary IDP camp in a KNPP-controlled area of Kayah State, near the border with Thailand, July 15, 2021. More than 700 refugees from Myanmars embattled Kayah state are in dire need of assistance after fleeing fierce fighting between junta troops and a branch of the Karenni National Defense Force (KNDF) militia formed to protect them from military offensives, sources said Thursday. Aid workers told RFAs Myanmar Service that more than 330 women and children are among the refugees who were forced to walk through the jungle for nearly a week to reach areas of the state along the border with Thailand that are under the control of the Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP)the political wing of the ethnic rebel Karenni Army (KA). Mu Mu, one of the refugees, described the arduous journey, which she said was hampered by heavy rains that made it difficult to sleep and cook food over open fires. I often had to eat half-cooked rice and it was very hard walking on small mountain roads at nighttime, she said. At some points, I was so tired that I couldnt walk anymore, and I had to drag myself on all fours. Im not so young anymore. Once, I was left behind in the valley and I had to cry out for help again and again. Among those who fled to KNPP-controlled areas are villagers who left when clashes broke out between the military and the KNDF in Kayahs Demoso township on May 20. According to the United Nations and aid groups, conflict in Myanmars remote border regions has displaced an estimated 230,000 residents since the junta overthrew the countrys democratically elected government in a Feb. 1 coup, including 100,000 from Demoso alone. 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. Refugees in the KNPP-controlled areas told RFA they are currently living in makeshift tents in the jungle and dealing with a serious water shortage. I have to go very far to fetch water, said Phray Mei, adding that she regularly walks to a spring about a mile from the camp. KNPP Home Minister U Daniel told RFA that his party hadnt invited the refugees into its territory but would do its best to assist them and any others who fear persecution from the junta. These people were fleeing military attacks and they came on their own, he said. Most of them are rural villagers who dared not live there or people who had arrest warrants [for anti-junta activities]. U Daniel said that the KNPP did not anticipate the arrival of the refugees and is working to secure shelter and food for them. We gave them tarpaulins to protect against the rain and some food, but we still need a lot of things, he said. Also, we have nothing much to provide them in terms of health care. We will need to consider how we can do that, as well as providing them with education over the long term. Myanmars military says its takeover was warranted because former State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyis National League for Democracy (NLD) won a landslide victory in November 2020 general elections as the result of voter fraud. The junta has provided no evidence to back up its claims and violently responded to widespread protests, killing 912 people and arresting nearly 5,270, according to the Bangkok-based Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP). Amid the nationwide turmoil, the military has stepped up offensives in remote parts of the country of 54 million that have led to fierce battles with several local militias. Khin Than Nu, a former NLD lawmaker who won her race in last years election for Kayahs Amyotha Hluttaw No. 6 Constituency and is now hunkered down at the refugee camp near the Thai border, said her journey had been tiring, but helped her to appreciate the sacrifices made by the KNDF. I feel very proud of the young people who are fighting the military on the front lines, she said. We havent shed blood like those young martyrs, but we refugees are here because we could not stay in our homes and there was nowhere else to go. It hasnt been easy for anyone. Khin Than Nu said the needs of the 700 refugees near the border are being communicated to Myanmars shadow National Unity Government (NUG). They join nearly 10,000 U.N.-recognized refugees who remain unable to return home from the Thai-Karenni border after fleeing since fleeing fighting during Myanmars 70-year civil war. Reported by Myanmar Service. Translated by Khin Maung Nyane. Written in English by Joshua Lipes. Observers say the junta has set media freedom in the country back nearly a dozen years. Thann Htike Aung (L), a video journalist with Mizzima Media who was later arrested, holds a video camera as he covers the funeral of woman who was shot during a rally against the military coup in Naypyidaw, February 21, 2021. Nearly half of the 87 journalists arrested by Myanmars junta in the five months since its staged a coup on Feb. 1 remain in detention, mostly on charges of defamation, prompting their colleagues, family members, and media watchdogs to call for their immediate release Thursday. According to reporting by RFAs Myanmar Service, 31 reporters were released prior to June 30 when the junta declared a general amnesty and freed 2,300 prisoners from the countrys jails, including another 14 journalists. The Ayeyarwaddy Times Maubin correspondent Aung Mya Thanone of the 14 freed in the amnestywas rearrested on July 10, leaving a total of 43 domestic and international reporters currently in detention. In most cases, authorities charged reporters with defamation of the military, under Section 505 (a) of the countrys penal code. Other charges included alleged violations of the Telecommunications Act, the Immigration Act, the Unlawful Association Act, the Insubordination Act and the Natural Disaster Prevention Law. At least 26 reporters are currently in hiding after authorities issued warrants for their arrest, while many others have been forced to stay with friends or family because junta forces have reportedly raided their homes. Taken together, reporters who have been targeted for arrest work for a total of 49 domestic and international media outlets. A campaigner for media freedom who spoke on condition of anonymity, citing fear of reprisal, told RFA that authorities have no right to arrest or prosecute journalists under any circumstance. There is a lot of conflict because of the current political situation in Myanmar and there is a third wave of the coronavirus pandemic underway as well, they said. In such a situation, only journalists can present all the necessary information to the general public. The arrest and detention of journalists undermines freedom of the press, which in turn impacts the public interest. It is necessary to reconsider all actions taken against journalists. Among the 43 reporters still in detention are five correspondents for the Democratic Voice of Burma (DVB News) who were sentenced to prison terms of between one month and three years. DVB correspondent Min Nyo was beaten and arrested while covering a news event in Bago regions Pyay township in March and later sentenced to three years in the local prison. His wife Moe Moe told RFA that she had not been able to see him in the four months since his arrest and pleaded with authorities to release him. When Ko Min Nyo was arrested, he showed them his reporter identity card and their news agency was not closed at that time, she said. He was doing his broadcast at the time of his arrest. In fact, he was completely innocent. Some reporters who were later released told RFA they had been beaten or tortured during their arrest and again at the police station or interrogation center. Soe Yar Zar Tun, a freelance reporter who was freed in the June 30 amnesty, told RFA that journalists arrested for defamation were humiliated and discriminated against at the notorious Insein Prison on the outskirts of Myanmars largest city Yangon. We were punished for not assuming the ponzan [half standing, half sitting stress] position meant for [regular criminals], he said. Also, the cells that criminals stayed in were a lot better than ours. They had plenty of water for bathing and clean toilets, but we didnt. They also had fans, water coolers, and TVs We had to buy our own stuff. We also had to do a lot of weeding, but they could even escape hard work if they paid [the prison officials]. Members of the media gather outside Kamaryut Court in Yangon during a hearing in the case of Associated Press photographer Thein Zaw, who was arrested as he covered a demonstration against the military coup, March 12, 2021. AFP Media outlets shuttered Myanmars military says its takeover was warranted because former State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyis National League for Democracy (NLD) won a landslide victory in November 2020 general elections as the result of voter fraud. The junta has provided no evidence to back up its claims and violently responded to widespread protests, killing 912 people and arresting nearly 5,270, according to the Bangkok-based Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP). Shortly after the coup, the military closed the offices of media outlets DVB News, Mizzima News Agency, Myitkyina Journal, Tachileik News Agency, Seven Days, Myanmar Now, Modern and The 74 Media, as well as nearly 40 online news agencies. Cherry Htike, co-founder and editor-in-chief of Tachileik News Agency, said the junta shut down the media and arbitrarily arrested and prosecuted journalists because its leaders wanted to prevent reporting on rights violations. The fact that we journalists are arrested and charged under various laws is because they want to spread lies and cover up what is really happening, said Htike, who has continued to report despite having gone into hiding after a warrant was issued to arrest her for alleged defamation. The junta does not dare to let people know what they are doing. It is common knowledge that journalists are being oppressed and the junta is trying to block access to public information, she added. Despite the junta preventing us journalists from doing our work, we have gained a lot of public support during this period. Its been a real encouragement for us. Soe Ya, editor-in-chief of Delta News Agency, told RFA that there is no difference between journalists being arrested and not being arrested because of the current lack of democratic rights and freedom of the press. Once again, we cannot see a future for the freedom of the press under the junta when there are no guarantees for the security of journalists, he said. Reporters have to pay more attention to their security than to reporting news. Our work is becoming very difficult. In fact, by human rights standards, theres [no freedom] left. We are also very worried for those who are currently imprisoned without the protection of their rights as journalists. Promoting a junta narrative Meanwhile, reporters told RFA that journalists have been arrested and news outlets harassed for not portraying the junta in a flattering light when covering official press conferences. They said the situation had worsened since the junta appointed Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun as Deputy Information Minister and reorganized the Myanmar Media Councilnearly all members of which resigned after the military took power and imposed restrictions on access to information. Myint Kyaw, a former member of the council, said it is likely to become a rubber stamp body for the regime. It will no longer be a free entity ... [or] the kind of organization that represents professionalism, media freedom and ethics, he said. It's already getting really bad now. If this goes on, the number of media outlets that will remain resilient in the long run could be further reduced. We will hear about more arrests as it gets worse. And soon we will be back where we were before 2010 [when Myanmar switched to a civilian government]. Paris-based Reporters without Borders (RSF) ranked Myanmar 140th out of 180 countries in the 2021 edition of its annual World Press Freedom Index and singled out junta chief Snr. Gen. Min Aung Hlaing as among the worlds 37 worst leaders in terms of media crackdowns. The country has fallen in position every year since it was ranked 131st in 2017. Reported by RFAs Myanmar Service. Translated by Khin Maung Nyane. Written in English by Joshua Lipes. The 86-year-old Tibetan spiritual leader avoids criticism of China in appeal for tolerance and unity. Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama (C) leaves after attending a conference on on the 600th death anniversary of Lama Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelug sect of Tibetan Buddhism to which Dalai Lama belongs, in McLeod Ganj, India, May 5, 2019. Tibets exiled spiritual leader the Dalai Lama addressed the closing day of an International Religious Freedom (IRF) Summit in Washington Thursday with a call for people of faith and nonbelievers alike to be kind, honest, and truthful'' -- the shared values of all faiths despite their differences. Theistic traditions believe in a creator, whereas non-theistic traditions like Jainism, Buddhism and so on, follow a different line of reasoning. But the message they have in common is to be kind, honest, and truthful, the 86-year-old Tibetan monk said in videotaped message from his home in India. These days, I emphasize that we need to understand that entire 7 billion human beings (alive today) are the same, he said. The three-day summit, which began Tuesday, addressed religious persecution around the world, but focused heavily on Chinas targeting of Muslim Uyghurs in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) in a crackdown on the minority group and its language, religion, and culture that intensified in 2017. Multiple senior U.S. officials on Wednesday called for stepped up pressure on China to change harsh policies in Xinjiang, which Washington and a handful of European parliaments have determined constitute genocide. The Uyghur case is just such a profoundly disastrous situation and it is a current and ongoing genocide, Sam Brownback, former U.S. ambassador at large for international religious freedom under the Trump administration, told RFAs Uyghur Service in an interview. The situation in Tibet -- which has been under harsh Chinese rule similar to that of Xinjiang -- was mentioned in passing by Brownback and other figures including House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Chen Quanquo, who as Chinese Communist Party (CCP) secretary introduced pervasive high-tech surveillance and launched a program of internment camps that have held as many as 1.8 million Uyghurs, was the CCPs parry chief in Tibet before his transfer to Xinjiang five years ago. The Dalai Lama eschewed comments on repression in Tibet and elsewhere in favor of a universal message on freedom of belief and mutual tolerance. Religious freedom is actually an expression of freedom of thought, he said in a message shown to the summits closing night dinner. Our various religious traditions have different philosophies and different practices, but all carry the same messagea message of love, forgiveness, contentment, and self-discipline. Even for those with no faith, these qualitiescontentment, self-discipline and thinking more of others than yourselfare very relevant, he said. There are many differences, but these ideas are related to methods to increase love, which is the real message, said the Dalai Lama. In the past, and unfortunately even today, religions have been manipulated for political reasons, or out of concern for power, leading to fighting among some of their followers. We should leave such thoughts in the past, he added. Pelosi and other senior U.S. political figures marked the Tibet spiritual leaders celebrating the 86th birthday on July 6 with greetings and words of support for Tibetans. Pelosi tweeted birthday greetings to the Dalai Lama, calling the exiled spiritual leaders birthday an opportunity for all people to recommit to ensuring the Tibetan people can practice their religion, speak their language and celebrate their culture freely without interference or intimidation from Beijing. Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed deep respect and appreciation for His Holiness grace, wisdom, and humility, as well as his dedication to greater global equality and the equal rights of all people, including his fellow Tibetans. The Dalai Lama fled Tibet into exile in India in the midst of a failed 1959 Tibetan national uprising against rule by China, which marched into the formerly independent Himalayan country in 1950. Displays by Tibetans of the Dalai Lamas photo, public celebrations of his birthday, and the sharing of his teachings on mobile phones or other social media are often harshly punished. Chinese authorities maintain a tight grip on Tibet and on Tibetan-populated regions of western China, restricting Tibetans political activities and peaceful expression of cultural and religious identity, and subjecting Tibetans to imprisonment, torture, and extrajudicial killings. Reported by Kalden Lodoe and Tenzin Dickey for RFAs Tibetan Service. Written in English by Paul Eckert. The Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act assumes Xinjiang goods are made under duress unless proven otherwise. Members of the Uyghur American Association rally in front of the White House after marching from Capitol Hill in support of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, which passed in the US House of Representatives, in Washington, Oct. 1, 2020. The U.S. Senate has passed legislation that bans the import of products from Chinas Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR), in the latest move by Washington to penalize Beijing for forced labor and other abuses it says constitute genocide against the predominantly Muslim Uyghurs. The bipartisan Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, which was passed unanimously Wednesday, would create what is referred to as a rebuttable presumption that assumes goods made in the XUAR are produced with forced labor and thus banned under the 1930 Tariff Act. It places the onus on importing companies to prove that goods coming from the XUAR or other Chinese government labor schemes for Uyghurs are not made with forced labor in order to win government certification. The bill also addresses human rights violations against Uyghurs and other Turkic Muslims through targeted sanctions those deemed responsible for abuses committed in the XUAR. The bill sponsored by Senator Marco Rubio with support from Senator Jeff Merkley was introduced in late January, a week after the U.S. State Department declared that Chinas repression of Uyghurs and other mostly Muslim ethnic minorities in the XUAR, including its use of internment camps and forced sterilizations, amounted to genocide and crimes against humanity. The message to Beijing and any international company that profits from forced labor in Xinjiang is clear: no more, Rubio said in a statement. We will not turn a blind eye to the CCPs [Chinese Communist Party's] ongoing crimes against humanity, and we will not allow corporations a free pass to profit from those horrific abuses. The bill must now be passed by the House of Representatives after that chambers version of the legislation is harmonized with the Senate act, then signed by President Joe Biden before it becomes law. Rubio previously wrote the Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act of 2020, the first piece of legislation on Uyghur human rights to be signed into law in the world. The Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act was introduced in the House of Representatives in March 2020 and passed about six months later, but was never brought to the floor by the Senate. Another milestone Uyghur rights and advocacy groups lauded the passage of the Senate bill. Nury Turkel, a Uyghur-American attorney and vice chair of the U.S. Committee on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), tweeted that the bill was another milestone. USCIRF applauds the Senate for passing the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act with unanimous consent and urges the House of Representatives to pass the bill as well, he said, as tweeted by the independent bipartisan federal government commission that monitors religious freedom worldwide. Enacting the Uyghur Forced Labor bill will represent a major step forward in combating CCP-Chinas ongoing genocide against Uyghurs, as forced labor is an integral part of the CCPs oppression in Xinjiang, Turkel was quoted as saying. The Campaign for Uyghurs called the bills passage by senators a significant step toward serious action on the issue of the Uyghur Genocide and urged the House of Representatives to quickly pass it to guarantee swift action. This is an excellent start to addressing this genocide in a material way, said the organizations executive director, Rushan Abbas, in a statement. I am hopeful that by taking this action other nations will be inspired to issue similar legislation, showing international solidarity against the CCPs campaign of terror and destruction, she said. We must demand that our supply lines not be tainted by forced labor, modern day slavery. Omer Kanat, executive director of the Uyghur Human Rights Project, called the vote historic, and said that Uyghurs around the world are deeply grateful. When asked about the Senate's passage of the bill at a Foreign Ministry news conference in Beijing on Thursday, spokesman Zhao Lijian said the accusation of forced labor was a sheer lie. The true intention of the U.S. moves to hype up this issue is to undermine Xinjiangs prosperity and stability, and deprive the people in Xinjiang of the right to subsistence, employment and development, he said. What the U.S. has done amounts to forced unemployment and forced poverty. It fully reveals the sinister intention of the US to use Xinjiang to contain China. 'A clear and unequivocal demand' The Senates passage of the bill follows a series of measures the Biden administration and its predecessor have taken to punish China for its brutal treatment of the Uyghurs, including the detention of about 1.8 million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities in a vast network of internment camps. After the genocide designation was announced in January, Washington tightened scrutiny and import controls on Chinese firms that manufacture solar-panel material, wigs, electronics, tomatoes, and cotton with suspected forced Uyghur labor. On Tuesday, the U.S. expanded its warning about doing business in XUAR, known as the Xinjiang Supply Chain Business Advisory, with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken citing Chinas ongoing genocide and crimes against humanity in Xinjiang and the growing evidence of its use of forced labor there. The U.S. Commerce Department has blacklisted dozens of Chinese government or commercial entities that it says were involved in human rights abuses, last week adding another 14 companies to its Entity List. Some democratic governments, including the U.S., are considering boycotts of the 2022 Winter Olympics to be held in Beijing over the Chinese governments human rights abuses in the XUAR, Tibet, and Hong Kong. During a speech on Wednesday at The Heritage Foundation, a conservative Washington think tank, former Vice President Mike Pence urged the Biden administration to demand that the Beijing Games be moved unless the country ends its abuses against the Uyghurs and other minority Muslim groups in the XUAR and provides transparency on the origins of the coronavirus. President Biden should make a clear and unequivocal demand that the 2022 Winter Olympics be moved from Beijing unless China comes clean on the origins of COVID-19 and immediately ends persecution of the Uyghur people, Pence said, referring to the highly contagious respiratory virus that was first identified in the Chinese city of Wuhan in December 2019. The Olympics should only take place in countries that respect fundamental human rights and the well-being of mankind, he said. Chinese authorities took into custody seven religious leaders from the Tahtiyun Mosque in 2018. Uyghur residents gather outside a mosque with Chinese slogans on a banner on its fence in the city of Aksu (in Chinese, Akesu) in northwestern China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, July 17, 2014. Nearly all Uyghur clergymen from a mosque in a city in northwestern Chinas Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) have been imprisoned, leaving no one in the community who is able to conduct religious ceremonies, said two sources familiar with the current situation in a corner of Xinjiang near Kazakhstan. Chinese authorities have taken into custody all seven religious leaders from the Tahtiyun Mosque in the Chinese bazaar district of Ghulja (in Chinese, Yining) in the Ili Kazakh (Yili Hasake) Autonomous Prefecture, said a source from outside the area who requested anonymity to speak freely. Among the seven detained in early 2018 were a khatib (a man who delivers a sermon) Kudrat Qarim (an honorific used for people who can recite the Koran), a muezzin (a man who calls Muslims to prayer from the minaret of a mosque) Ahmatjan, and imam Saydahmat, the source said. They all were sentenced to prison not long afterwards, the person added. The Tahtiyun Mosque had been under surveillance for nearly two years by an excessively active police officer, who even turned the lower floor of the building into a dedicated interrogation room, the source said. In light of growing international pressure on China over severe rights abuses of Uyghurs and other Turkic minorities in the XUAR, deemed by the United States as constituting genocide, authorities in Xinjiang reportedly have loosened restrictions on religious and cultural practices since the beginning of the year, including opening some mosques for public display. However, because almost all religious leaders have been imprisoned in all places in the XUAR, this policy change has had no real effect on peoples ability to practice their religion, according to sources in the region. Authorities also have taken away religious leaders from other mosques in Ghulja, home to more than 540,000 people, the sources said. There are now no religious leaders capable of officiating at weddings or funerals, or of overseeing ceremonies in Ghulja, and substitutes who have stepped in to conduct the ceremonies are often not trained to do so, said the source. The lengths of the prison terms of the religious leaders are unknown and impossible to find out because authorities made their family members swear not to divulge the details of their sentences, the source said. An employee at the municipal office for religious affairs and United Front work in Ghulja declined to comment when asked about the purging of the citys top Muslim clergymen. We are not allowed to talk about this on the phone, he said. Nearly all were sentenced When contacted by RFA, the police officer who previously served as deputy chief at the provincial-level Public Security Bureau and later was assigned to oversee surveillance of the Tahtiyun Mosque, confirmed that the seven mosque leaders had been taken into custody in 2018. Although the police officer admitted to involvement in the cases, upon learning that some sentence details had been revealed, he claimed to have no knowledge of the length of the jail terms. The officer said he had worked in collaboration with the seven detained mosque leaders for some two years, but he could not provide details on their whereabouts. The police office identified detained clergy Kudrat Qarim, Ahmatjan, Saydahmat by name and position, however. He also said that three others Abdushukur, Yasin Qarim, and Saydullam Ablimit were among the religious leaders from the mosque who were detained and later sentenced. Nearly all of them were sentenced, he said when asked by telephone about how many of them now were in internment camps or in prison. The officers aggressive monitoring of the mosque led to the interrogation of many people were for baseless reasons during his 2016-17 tenure there. By 2018, everyone who had been interrogated was forcibly taken to internment camps, said the source with knowledge of Ghulja. China has held up to 1.8 million Uyghurs in a network of detention camps since 2017, with smaller numbers of Kazakhs and Kyrgyz, fellow Turkic-speaking people, also incarcerated in the system. Beijing says the camps are vocational training or re-education centers aimed at combating extremism in the XUAR. When RFA asked about the others the police officer interrogated who also were taken to the camps, he said he once questioned a man from southern Xinjiang who was visiting the Tahtiyun Mosque because of his actions while praying. When he finished his namaz [Islamic prayers] and said Allah, when he touched his earlobes, he touched them with very strange motions, and he held his hands up high behind him, the police officer said. He held his hands up high, as though he were dancing, both of his hands. Once he was done praying and left the mosque, I called out and went and got him, the policeman said. They were just such strange movements, the officer added. When the officer asked the man to identify himself, where he was from, and what he intended to do, the man would not respond. I immediately called the police station and told them to look into his identity, that he was from the south, the officer said. He was from the southern city of Shayar (Shaya), he said. I called them about this, and they spoke with the Public Security Bureau in Shayar. The officer said he later handed over the man to police on charges of Wahhabism, an austere form of Islam that follows a literal interpretation of the Koran, though he doesnt know what happened to him. In 2019, authorities leased another mosque in Ghulja to a Han Chinese businessman from the capital Beijing, who turned the place of worship into a tourist hotel that serves as both a tourist site and wedding venue known as the "Fanjing," or scenic courtyard, according to an RFA investigative report in April. The hotel has been operating since 2020 and is owned by a Beijing travel company known as Gu Ying. The Chinese government has demolished other mosques in the XUAR as part of its campaign to erode Uyghur religion and culture. Ghulja was the site of a massacre of some 200 Uyghurs who were executed during a crackdown, according to rights groups and Uyghur exile groups, following nonviolent protests in early February 1997, calling for an end to religious repression and ethnic discrimination in the city. Chinese authorities violently suppressed the protest and detained and sentenced hundreds of Uyghurs to lengthy prison terms. Reported by Shohret Hoshur for RFAs Uyghur Service. Translated by the Uyghur Service. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin. Discrepancies in numbers may be due to late reporting from hospitals to the Ministry of Health, an official says. A Ho Chi Minh City neighborhood put in lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic is shown in a July 2021 photo. COVID-19 deaths in Vietnam now total 207 dating from the beginning of the pandemic last year, with 140 of these recorded in southern Ho Chi Minh City alone, according to state media sources. Discrepancies in reporting have caused confusion in the tally, though, with Vietnams Ministry of Health apparently slow to update figures, sources say. On July 15, the Ministry said that 69 deaths had been recorded in Ho Chi Minh City from July 16 to 15, raising the former Saigons total to 140, but statistics had not been regularly updated during that period on the Ministrys website, Vietnams Tuo Tre newspaper said. According to a report by the Ho Chi Minh City Peoples Committee, 130 people had died in the city -- Vietnams largest, with nine million people -- by July 14, but the Ministry of Health had reported only 48 on that date, the newspaper said. Replying to reporters questions, a Ministry official said that discrepancies in numbers might have been caused by late updates sent by hospitals to the Ministry. The difference of almost 100 deaths reported in a one-day period was noteworthy, though, he said. Dating from the beginning of the pandemic in January 2020, Vietnam has recorded a total of 38,858 local transmissions of COVID-19 and 1,992 cases imported from other countries. During the latest outbreak of COVID-19 in Vietnam dating from April to July 15, the country has recorded 37,288 according to state figures. Call for cameras On July 15, the Ho Chi Minh City Peoples Committee sent an urgent dispatch to the citys districts, calling for cameras to be installed to detect violations of social-distancing measures in areas currently under lockdown. Many city districts have now set up hotlines for local people to report violations and get updated information on the pandemic and on measures aimed at prevention and control of the disease, and drivers, workers, and staff loading and unloading goods will now be prioritized for COVID-19 testing, official sources said. Directive 16, now in force, restricts local people from leaving home except for basic necessities such as buying food or medicine or going to work. Top priority must now be given to pandemic prevention and control, Vietnams Prime Minister Pham Minh Chanh told officials of 27 southern Vietnamese provinces and cities, which are home to many industrial and processing zones, in an online meeting on July 15. Factories halt work Tech, garment, and footwear factories across the southincluding companies owned by Taiwan and South Koreahave suspended operations in recent weeks, due to COVID-19 outbreaks among their workers, slowing the export of goods important to Vietnams economy, news reports said. Saigon Hi-Tech Park, a Vietnamese electronics factory complex, closed after more than 750 workers tested positive, and now requires its employees to live on-site. Smartphone manufacturer Samsung has also closed three of its 16 factories in Vietnam and cut its workforce by half. South Korean-owned shoemaker Changshin Vietnam has halted work at three factories in southeastern Vietnams Dong Nai province, and Taiwans Eclat Textile Co. has suspended operations in Dong Nai after cases of infection were discovered among its workers. Shipments of COVID-19 vaccine continue to arrive in Vietnam, though the number of vaccinated people, around four percent of the population, in the country remains low, state media sources said. At least 3,859,995 people have now received their first shot, with 286,772 having received both. On July 15, Vietnam received a batch of 921,400 doses of AstraZeneca vaccine, the fourth batch of an eventual 30 million dose deal, from its UK-based manufacturer. Vietnam has also received batches of US-manufactured Pfizer and Moderna, China-manufactured Sinopharm, and Russia-manufactured Sputnik V vaccines. Vietnam has set a target date of late March 2022 for completing the vaccination of over 70 percent of its population of nearly 99 million. Reported by RFAs Vietnamese Service. Translated by Anna Vau. Written in English by Richard Finney. Some 1,500 people have illegally crossed from Belarus into EU member Lithuania this summer -- more than 20 times the number in all of 2020. Lithuanian leaders say Belarus is allowing migrants from third countries to transit to the European Union as a form of retaliation over the bloc's sanctions on Minsk. Vilnius has passed new legislation to enable the mass detentions of migrants, many of whom are already living in limbo in temporary camps. MINSK -- Security forces have raided the offices and homes of several independent journalists across Belarus, including the premises of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty in Minsk. Witnesses said the officers broke through the door at RFE/RL's Minsk bureau on July 16 as part of a sweep targeting the media. Separately, a court in the former Soviet republic sentenced 10 students and a teacher to 2 years and 6 months in prison on charges of violating public order, while another student was given two years. The searches came two days after authorities raided the offices of a dozen human rights organizations and after the United Nations human rights chief said recent moves by Belarusian authorities were "completely unacceptable." "Again a massive attack by security forces on journalists across the country," the Belarus Association of Journalists said in a statement listing 19 different searches carried out on journalists or their families on July 16. The official Belta news agency quoted Uladzimer Shishko, an official at Belarus's Investigative Committee, which prosecutes major crimes, as saying the committee had acted on information about a "shadow movement of significant financial resources, primarily from abroad, tax evasion, and financing of various kinds of protest activity." Nongovernmental organizations and independent media have previously dismissed such accusations. Security officers searched the homes of RFE/RL correspondents Aleh Hruzdzilovich and Valyantsin Zhdanko. Hruzdzilovich and former RFE/RL correspondent Ina Studzinskaya, whose accreditation was annulled in October, were detained. Hruzdzilovich's wife told RFE/RL that her husband was taken away in handcuffs. "His and my phones, all computers, and laptops were taken way. There were nine people. They also took all the money, even Belarusian rubles from my pocket. Also $300 that remained for me to live on," she added. RFE/RL President Jamie Fly called the moves "intimidation tactics that will not silence our journalism." "These raids and arrests testify to the despotic desperation of the Lukashenka regime to cling to power at all costs," Fly said in a statement. "For decades, RFE/RLs Radio Svaboda has been a source of news and inspiration to the people of Belarus. Lukashenkas criminalization of independent journalism is a cynical attempt to exert absolute control over what the Belarusian people see and hear. We call on the regime to release our journalists immediately and return our property. Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya, Lukashenkas main challenger in the August 2020 election, who was forced to leave Belarus under official pressure immediately after the vote, tweeted on July 16 that the regime destroys every media that dares to tell the truth about the situation in Belarus. Overall, 32 Belarusian journalists are currently in custody, either serving their sentences or awaiting trial, according to the Belarusian Association of Journalists. Earlier this week, Belarusian police carried out sweeping raids against human rights groups and the media, including the Vyasna human rights center and the Belarusian Helsinki Committee, in a sign that authoritarian ruler Alyaksandr Lukashenka was further ramping up his crackdown on dissent. At least a dozen people were detained in the July 14 raids targeting at least 19 nongovernmental organizations in Minsk and other cities. "I feel like we are back in Stalinism, somewhere in 1937. Every morningpogroms and raids," Franak Viacorka, an adviser to Tsikhanouskaya, wrote on Twitter. Belarusian authorities have moved to shut down critical and nonstate media outlets and human right bodies in the wake of mass protests last August after a presidential election that the opposition said was rigged. The opposition and the West say Tsikhanouskaya won the vote. The journalists' association said it had received a notice on July 15 that it had one day to "take measures to eliminate" its failure to provide all documentation outlining the contracts for the legal addresses of some branches of the organization, as requested by the Justice Ministry. Belarus has been mired in turmoil since the disputed presidential election that gave Lukashenka his sixth consecutive term in power. He has since put down street protests and dissent over the vote with sometimes lethal force, jailing thousands of people and forcing most opposition leaders who haven't been imprisoned to leave the country. In the case of the students sentenced on July 16, all pleaded not guilty to organizing and preparing actions that grossly violated public order. "I am Belarusian and have the right to freedom of thought. But I never went beyond the law. I am not a criminal," student Anastasia Bulybenka told the court. At least 100 students from different universities have been expelled in the crackdown, according to the Association of Belarusian Students, while criminal cases have been opened against at least 40 students. The West, which has refused to recognize the official results of the vote and does not consider Lukashenka to be the country's legitimate leader, has imposed several rounds of sanctions against the 66-year-old, some of his family members, other senior officials, and on key economic sectors. Recently, the EU imposed further far-reaching penalties aimed at weakening the regime after the forced landing of a European passenger plane in Minsk and the arrest of an opposition blogger who was on board. A lawyer for RFE/RL freelance correspondent Vladyslav Yesypenko, who has been in detention in Russia-occupied Crimea since March and was charged with possession and transport of explosives, said the defense wants to investigate his claims that he has been subjected to psychological and physical pressure in detention. Dmytro Dinze said the defense will try to investigate the claims during court hearings in and will demand materials related to the case from the military investigation department, according to RFE/RLs Ukrainian Service. Yesypenko testified during a closed-door court hearing in April that he was tortured with electric shocks, beaten, and threatened with death unless he "confessed" to spying on behalf of Ukraine, his lawyer reported. Dinze also noted that Yesypenko fainted while being transported from an earlier pretrial hearing. Yesypenkos wife told Crimea.Realities, a regional news outlet of RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service, that Yesypenko informed her about the fainting episode in a letter. It happened on July 6 after he was kept in an unventilated box while being transported from court back to the detention center. He told his wife that he fainted due to heat and lack of oxygen in the metal box after his request that a door be opened to allow in air was denied. He wrote to the judge and the head of the detention center the next day, informing them that he refused to be transported that way again because he feared for his life and health. Russian law enforcement agencies have not commented on the situation. A court in Simferopol in Russia-occupied Crimea on July 15 formally charged Yesypenko with the possession and transport of explosives. He pleaded not guilty. He has been in detention since March and would face up to 18 years in prison if convicted. Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) detained Yesypenko, a dual Russian-Ukrainian citizen who contributes to Crimea.Realities, on suspicion of collecting information for Ukrainian intelligence. But the indictment made no mention of espionage or work for Ukrainian intelligence, as stated previously by the FSB. The process has been decried by Kyiv, the United States, and press advocacy groups as a sham to crush dissent and information. RFE/RL President Jamie Fly has described the case as the latest example of the Kremlin's campaign to target independent media outlets. The case is a mockery of justice, Fly said in a statement on July 15 after Yesypenko was formally charged. "It shows the lengths to which the Kremlin is willing to go to silence independent reporting about the true situation in Crimea. Journalism is not a crime -- and Vladyslav Yesypenko is not a criminal," Fly said. Russia has sought to crush dissent in Crimea, including prosecuting journalists and human rights activists, since seizing the Ukrainian peninsula in March 2014. Press freedom advocates, including the Committee to Protect Journalists and Reporters Without Borders, along with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba and the U.S. State Department, are among those who have called for Yesypenkos immediate release in the absence of any evidence of wrongdoing. The legal action launched against Hungary by the European Commission over measures it said discriminated against LGBT people amounts to "legal hooliganism" and is "shameful," Prime Minister Viktor Orban told state radio on July 16. The commission -- the European Union's executive arm -- opened legal action against Hungary on July 15 in relation to a new law that bans schools using materials deemed as promoting homosexuality, which many in the EU have slammed as an attack on the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people by stigmatizing sexual minorities and stifling discourse on sexual orientation. Commission head Ursula von der Leyen has called the legislation a "disgrace." Orban told state radio on July 16, "This (EU infringement action) is legalized hooliganism... The European Commission's stance is shameful." Orban said EU authorities were trying to impose their will on Hungary over how children should be raised. He said the debate offered Hungarians a glimpse into "European life," into what went on in schools in Germany, reiterating that Hungary would not let LGBT activists "march up and down" in schools promoting what he called sexual propaganda. Orbans right-wing nationalist government has stepped up its campaign against LGBT people as part of an ongoing drive to depict itself as the guardian of Christian values against perceived Western liberalism that also included blocking migrants from transiting Hungary and closing down private-owned liberal media institutions. Orban, in power since 2010, faces a difficult election next year amid increasing economic difficulties exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic. The anti-LGBT campaign looks likely to feature prominently on his political platform ahead of the elections. The infringement action, which has also targeted Poland after some municipalities there declared themselves "LGBT-ideology free zones," marks the latest confrontation between the EU and some of the bloc's newer eastern European members over the rule of law, migration, and press freedoms. On July 16, Orban also predicted another dispute over EU recovery funds, which have been withheld by Brussels but which he said Hungary would eventually obtain. With reporting by Reuters Prime Minister Viktor Orban said on July 16 that Hungary will offer the option of taking up a third dose of an anti-coronavirus vaccine from the beginning of next month and make COVID-19 vaccines mandatory for all health-care workers. Orban told state radio that doctors will decide which vaccine people should take up as a third dose, which should come at least four months after the second shot, unless doctors advise otherwise. More than 5.5 million of Hungary's estimated 9.8 million people have received at least one dose of vaccine, meaning the government has reached its goal, officials said earlier this month. Hungary is the only EU member state that, besides the three EU-approved vaccines, has also given the green light to Russian and Chinese jabs in large quantities before the European Medicines Agency has examined or approved them. Based on reporting by Reuters and AFP Jailed Kazakh activist Erzhan Elshibaev, recognized by rights groups as a political prisoner, has maimed himself to protest what he called "provocative" attempts by prison officials to prevent his release on parole. Almaty-based human rights activist Bakhytzhan Toreghozhina told RFE/RL by phone on July 16 that Elshibaev had emergency surgery overnight after he cut open his abdomen hours after a court rejected his request for parole. Toreghozhina said that Elshibaev started facing problems from prison officials in June as the date of his parole hearing neared. According to Toreghozhina, Elshibaev was placed in solitary confinement in June after prison guards allegedly found a sharp handmade object in Elshibaev's belongings. Elshibaev and rights defenders have insisted that the instrument was planted by the guards in order to mar his record and prevent his early release. Elshibaev cut one of his wrists at the time to protest the situation. RFE/RL phone calls to the administration of the ZK-169/5 penal colony in the southern Qyzylorda region, where Elshibaev is serving his term, were not answered on July 16. The Central Asian nation's State Penitentiary Department's spokeswoman Dana Dosanova was not immediately available for comment either. Elshibaev was sentenced to five years in prison in October 2018 after a court in his native town of Zhanaozen in the country's southwest found him guilty of hooliganism. Elshibaev and his supporters have rejected the charges saying they were politically motivated and aimed at ensuring he wouldn't lead any protests in the restive town. Elshibaev was one of the leaders of several protest rallies in Zhanaozen in 2018 where residents in the oil-industry town demanded jobs. Kazakh authorities have been very sensitive to any dissent or protests in the volatile town, where police fatally shot at least 16 people while repressing protests by oil workers in December 2011. In February, the European Parliament urged Kazakh authorities to release Elshibaev and other political prisoners. Kazakhstans government has denied that there are political prisoners in the tightly controlled former Soviet republic. With reporting by RFE/RL's Kazakh Service Jailed former U.S. marine Trevor Reed has been transferred to a penal colony in Mordovia, a region about 350 kilometers east of Moscow historically known as the location of Russia's toughest prisons, including Soviet-era labor camps for political prisoners. Aleksei Melnikov, the executive secretary of the Public Monitoring Commission human rights group, said on July 16 that "Trevor had been transferred from detention center No. 5 in Moscow to one of the penal colonies in Mordovia." Reed, who is from Texas, was sentenced to nine years in prison in late July last year. He was arrested in 2019 and charged with assaulting two Russian police officers. The U.S. government and Reed deny the allegations and questioned the fairness of the judicial proceedings. Reed is one of several American citizens to face trial in Russia in recent years on charges that their families, supporters, and in some cases the U.S. government, have said appear trumped up. Another former U.S. Marine, 50-year-old Paul Whelan, was sentenced by a court in Moscow to 16 years in prison in May 2020 on espionage charges condemned by the United States as a "mockery of justice." Whelan is currently serving his prison term in a penal colony in Mordovia as well. The United States has been pushing Russia to release Whelan and Reed. Based on reporting by TASS and Interfax NOVOSIBIRSK, Russia -- Single-person protests have been held in Siberia's largest city, Novosibirsk, to express support for journalists who have been added to the controversial registry of foreign agents. On July 15, Russia's Prosecutor-General's Office banned investigative news outlet The Project after declaring it an "undesirable" organization and added eight journalists, including The Project's chief editor Roman Badanin and four of his colleagues, as well as an RFE/RL freelance correspondent in Moscow, Yelizaveta Mayetnaya, the chief editor of Open Media news outlet Yulia Yarosh and her deputy, Maksim Glikin, to the list of foreign agents. Individual protesters in various parts of Novosibirsk, Russia's third-most populous city, rallied on July 16 holding small posters saying "Journalists are NOT enemies! The media must be free," "Journalists are being deprived of their Profession," "The Project investigates authorities, the authors are labeled as foreign agents," etc. Single-person protests do not require preliminary approval from the authorities. The July 15 raids were seen as part of a wider crackdown ahead of parliamentary elections in September on media that authorities view as hostile and foreign-backed. In raiding The Project, authorities have targeted a media outlet that has published a series of well-researched, unflattering, and sometimes embarrassing investigations into Russia's ruling elite. Last month, police in Moscow carried out searches at the homes of Badanin and other colleagues from The Project hours after it published a report questioning how Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev and his relatives acquired their wealth. The inclusion of Yelizaveta Mayetnaya, a Moscow-based freelancer for RFE/RL's Russian Service, on the foreign agents list was condemned by RFE/RL President Jamie Fly. "RFE/RL deplores the Russian governments decision to add our correspondent Yelizaveta Mayetnaya to its list of 'foreign agents.' The journalists who work for RFE/RL in Russia are proud Russians, seeking to use their skills to provide objective news and information to their fellow citizens. These escalating Kremlin attacks on independent voices only serve to deprive the Russian people of access to information at a critical moment in Russia's history," Fly said in a statement. Russias controversial "foreign agent" legislation was adopted in 2012 and has been modified repeatedly. It requires nongovernmental organizations that receive foreign assistance and that the government deems to be engaged in political activity to be registered, to identify themselves as "foreign agents," and to submit to audits. The "undesirable" organization law, adopted in May 2015 and since updated, was part of a series of regulations pushed by the Kremlin that squeezed many nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations that received funding from foreign sources -- mainly from Europe and the United States. In 2017, the Russian government placed RFE/RL's Russian Service on the "foreign agents" list, along with six other RFE/RL Russian-language news services and Current Time. The Russian Service of VOA was also added to the list. At the end of 2020, the legislation was modified again to allow the Russian government to include individuals, including foreign journalists, on the "foreign agents" list and to impose restrictions on them. Ukrainian lawmakers have approved Denys Monastyrskiy as the country's new interior minister, replacing Arsen Avakov, who resigned this week. Monastyrskiy is a 41-year-old lawmaker from President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's Servant of the People party. Parliament voted on July 15 to accept the resignation of Avakov, 57, one of Ukraine's most powerful officials, who had been in charge of the ministry in the last four governments since 2014. Avakov unexpectedly submitted his letter of resignation on July 13 without disclosing the reason for his move. His resignation came amid growing speculation that Zelenskiy would fire him for his failure to back certain decisions taken by the National Security and Defense Council, of which Avakov is a member. Immediately after Avakov announced his intention to resign, Zelenskiy named Monastyrskiy as his successor, prompting speculation that the president had been planning to oust the long-serving official. Avakov in March said he would not support imposing sanctions on Zelenskiy's chief rival, former President Petro Poroshenko, adding he was not "an enemy of Ukraine." Avakov served under Poroshenko, who is now under investigation for abuse of office charges he calls politically motivated. Avakov was one of only two ministers from Poroshenkos team to be invited to join Zelenskiys first government in 2019 headed by Prime Minister Oleksei Honcharuk. The other -- Finance Minister Oksana Markarova -- was fired in March 2020. Avakov's departure potentially strengthens the power concentrated in the presidential office, said former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine John Herbst. The interior minister controls most of Ukraine's law enforcement bodies, from the National Police force down to local police departments, as well as the National Guard. The border guards, Coast Guard, Emergency Situations Ministry, and Migration Service also fall under the control of the Interior Ministry. With reporting by Reuters and the Kyiv Post U.S. President Joe Biden and German Chancellor Angela Merkel vowed to stand together in opposing Russia using energy as a "weapon" against its neighbors as the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline from Russia to Germany nears completion. Biden said that he expressed his concerns about Nord Stream 2 to Merkel during their meeting at the White House on July 15. "While I reiterated my concerns about Nord Stream 2, Chancellor Merkel and I are absolutely united in our conviction that Russia must not be allowed to use energy as a weapon to coerce or threaten its neighbors," Biden told a joint news conference. He added that United States and Germany "stand together, and will continue to stand together, to defend our eastern flank allies at NATO against Russian aggression." The nearly completed $11 billion Nord Stream 2 being laid under the Baltic Sea has created a rare strain between the two allies. But Biden again signaled that he is ready to move beyond the matter, saying "Good friends can disagree." Biden has long opposed the project, but in May he waived looming sanctions against German entities involved in building it, arguing that the pipeline was almost finished and sanctions would harm relations with European allies. Washington has opposed the pipeline over concerns that it could pose a threat to European energy security and because it will deprive Ukraine of transit fees it collects off land pipelines that cross its territory. Merkel reiterated her position that Nord Stream 2 was not a project to replace any kind of transit through Ukraine." She previously said that the project was merely a means of doing business with Russia and a matter of national sovereignty. Washington and Berlin also have differing views on China, but Merkel highlighted the "common understanding" between the U.S. and Germany "that trade with China needs to rest on the assumption that we have a level playing field." Both leaders said they would stand up for democratic principles and human rights when they saw China or any other country working to undermine them. "We are united, united in our commitment to addressing democratic backsliding, corruption, phony populism in the European Union or among candidates for the EU membership, or anywhere we find it in the world," Biden said. During the visit, Biden congratulated Merkel as she approaches the end of her nearly 16 years as chancellor and praised her "exemplary life of groundbreaking service to Germany and...to the world." Merkel, 66, plans to step down after German parliamentary elections in September. "The cooperation between the United States and Germany is strong and we hope to continue that, and I'm confident that we will," Biden said earlier at the start of their meeting in the Oval Office. Merkel hailed her "friendship" with the United States and its contribution "to a free and democratic Germany." Her White House visit was part of an effort by the Biden administration to make amends with an ally that former President Donald Trump frequently attacked over trade and defense matters. During the bilateral talks, the two politicians also discussed the coronavirus pandemic, trade, and climate change. Before meeting Biden, Merkel received an honorary doctorate from Johns Hopkins University, where she commented on her upcoming retirement and plans for the future. She said she needed a pause to think about what really interests me. And then Ill try to read, then Ill rest a bit, because Im very tired, and then Ill sleep, and then well see what happens, she said. With reporting by AP and Reuters With a deadly COVID wave setting grim new records almost daily, President Vladimir Putin continued to devote a great deal of attention to the past and future of Russias ties with Ukraine, self-publishing a startling article that drew a mixture of derision and deep concern about Moscows intentions. Meanwhile, the Kremlin crackdown on opposition, dissent, and independent media persisted ahead of elections to the State Duma, the lower house of parliament, in September. Here are some of the key developments in Russia over the past week and some of the takeaways going forward. 'Destabilizing Fixation' The pen may or may not be mightier than the sword, but both can be wielded in a threatening way. Back in March, Moscow began a buildup of military units in Crimea and along the border with Ukraine, raising the specter of a new offensive within or beyond areas of the neighboring country that have been controlled by Russia or forces it backs since 2014. There were flare-ups of fighting but no major escalation as of yet, and the military moves were seen by many observers as a show of force -- a warning about what might happen if Moscow saw fit and a way of adding to the pressure the seven-year war in the Donbas has exerted on Kyiv and the West. Since then, Putin has repeatedly used another instrument -- words -- to keep up the pressure. Several times in recent weeks, he has sought clearly to cast doubt on the legitimacy of the Ukrainian state and the nation itself, asserting that Ukraine and Russians are "one people," dismissing the country of 44 million as a "spawn of the Soviet period," falsely claiming that it is now run by the West, and suggesting that its borders should be subject to negotiation. The most recent example -- and at more than 5,000 words, the most voluminous by far was an article published on the Kremlin website on July 12 in Russian, Ukrainian, and later English. Putin's piece is titled On The Historical Unity Of Russians And Ukrainians, but the subhead of a Bloomberg Opinion column by Leonid Bershidsky does a better job of explaining the gist: "In a lengthy, tortured article," it says, Putin "spelled out his destabilizing fixation on how 'Russia was essentially robbed' of its neighbor." There are at least two ways of looking at Putin's article, which boil down to OK, Boomer and "OK, this is a big deal and a big cause for concern, at least potentially" -- but it's also possible to look at it both those ways, and in other ways as well. 'Completely Deranged' In the July 13 edition of his podcast In Moscow's Shadows, author and analyst Mark Galeotti wryly suggested that the article was the product of a "midlife crisis" and an example of "one of the pitfalls when you are essentially the autocrat of your state: There's no one really there to say, 'Boss, it's probably not a good idea.'" History professor Sergey Radchenko took it a step further, or three steps further, describing the article as "over the top," "off the rails," and "completely deranged." A number of observers took aim at what they indicated were Putin's failings as a historian -- Radchenko and others bored holes in his comparisons of the Russia-Ukraine relationship with those between Germany and Austria and the United States and Canada. "History is a minefield, and Putin, an amateur, boldly steps on every mine as he attempts to tell Ukrainians that their statehood is an accident, their resistance to Russian aggression futile and their fate as a people inextricably tied to Russia's," Bershidsky wrote. Others, meanwhile, pointed to the high word count and noted that the article could have used a good editor. In Ukraine, several senior officials and other influential figures have chosen to treat Putins article with a combination of mockery, dismissiveness, and disdain. 'Phantom Pain' "We dont give a fig what you think about us, our history, and our reality," Mustafa Nayyem, a former lawmaker and a prominent participant in the Euromaidan protests that pushed Moscow-friendly President Viktor Yanukovych from power in 2014, wrote on Telegram. "Just live your own life and stop poisoning it for others." Putin's words were "not an article," Nayyem wrote, "but the phantom pain of an obsessed failure who, out of his own stupidity and greed, has lost a loved one" -- a reference to the Russian aggression that has deeply alienated millions of Ukrainians and severely damaged ties for what analysts say may be decades or more. Asked about Putins article during a visit to Berlin on July 13, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said he was "envious that the president of such a great power can permit himself to spend so much time [writing] such a volume of detailed work." But he and Culture Minister Oleksandr Tkachenko, who suggested that Russian leaders have been "rewriting history" since tsarist times, also signaled that Moscow's actions helped reveal far more sinister messages beneath the friendly title and assertions of brotherhood. "It looks more like Cain and Abel," Zelenskiy said. Zelenskiys remarks suggested that while Putins article may be risible, it could potentially provoke both laughter and concern. It was "off the rails" but also "highly disturbing," Radchenko wrote, citing what he said were "new ominous references to the need to protect 'our historical territories.'" The big question, of course, is whether Putins ramble through the past gives any indication of Russia's future actions. Some said it could be a sign of imminent aggressive action, a notion that others dismissed. "Folks: Vladimir Putin doesn't announce invasions in historical essays. Or any other essays. Or at all," Sam Greene, director of the Russia Institute at Kings College London, wrote on Twitter. In 2014, Russia seized control of Crimea by sending troops with unmarked uniforms to the Ukrainian region, securing key facilities, and staging a referendum deemed illegitimate by the UN General Assembly. No Advance Notice It was some time before Putin acknowledged that the occupying soldiers dubbed "little green men" were Russian, and Moscow continues to deny direct involvement by its military in the war in the Donbas despite overwhelming evidence. Observers also pointed out that, while Putin said a lot, he had said most of it before. He had already claimed that the Ukrainian state was a creation of the Soviet Union, and had already suggested that when the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, Ukraine should have reverted to the borders that defined it in 1922. But that assertion may seem astounding enough regardless of how many times it is uttered. It appears aimed to delegitimize the international borders thrust up by the Soviet collapse and, in turn, to cast doubt on the legitimacy of Russia's neighbors from the Baltics and Belarus to the Caucasus and Central Asia. Of course, Russia had already done this by seizing Crimea. But the suggestion that Ukraine has no right to statehood in its current borders goes beyond that, and beyond the war in the Donbas, according to Aleksei Venediktov, the prominent editor in chief of the Moscow radio station Ekho Moskvy. "I would draw your attention to one very important detail that is buried in the text and is of fundamental importance: Putin lays out territorial pretensions to Ukraine," Venediktov said. "This is not [just] about Crimea and not [just] about the Donbas." Both in Russia and abroad, some read Putin's article as a signal that words will be followed by actions -- perhaps very assertive or aggressive ones. "Putin is beginning to implement a plan that he has...thought through in detail. And that suddenly makes 2021 painfully similar to 2014," political observer Mikhail Rostovsky wrote in the Russian tabloid Moskovsky Komsomolets, calling the article a "final ultimatum to Ukraine." Putin's article will now be "the basis of future and current policy of the Russian Federation on Ukraine," Venediktov said in a July 13 interview on the Internet channel Dozhd. "This is a political article aimed at the future the very near future." 'Frustration, Isolation, Impotence' Galeotti, however, does not believe Putin is laying the groundwork for a big new offensive against Ukraine. Instead, he said, he may be seeking to justify his position and his past actions -- which, as Nayyem pointed out, have driven Kyiv and the Ukrainian people further away from Russia, not brought them closer. The article "feels as if it's driven by frustration, by isolation, by impotence, even," Galeotti said on the podcast. "This is really a lengthy attempt to try and justify his attitudes, to try and make him on the right side of history." "Maybe hes realized that historically speaking, he is not going to go down as the new tsar who 'regathered all the Russias,'" he said. "If anything, hes actually going to be the tsar who sees the 'Russias' departing Ukraine and quite likely, in due course, Belarus." Regardless of what happens in the coming weeks or months, the sheer repetition of Putins claims about Ukraine now brought together in a manifesto-like document -- may have ramifications in the long run, seeping into the consciousness of officials, at least, and becoming a narrative set in stone. "Putin gets that writing down his thoughts helps enshrine Putinism, Maximilian Hess, a political risk analyst, wrote on Twitter, adding that "setting down such things on paper helps make them systematic, stand as axioms that can be returned to by officials [and] politicians in future." In the article, Putin repeated another assertion he has made repeatedly before: that Lenin and the Bolsheviks planted a "time bomb" beneath the Soviet Union by giving its republics the right to secede -- and that it exploded in what he derisively called a "parade of sovereignties" as the country collapsed 30 years ago. Since 1991, though, the 15 countries that gained independence have been at peace with one another -- with exceptions including Russia's brief war with Georgia in 2008 and the conflict between Kyiv and Russia-backed separatists in the Donbas, which has killed more than 13,000 people since 2014 and still simmers. Arguably, with his drumbeat of remarks on Ukraine, Putin is planting a new time bomb. Greenville, TX (75401) Today Thunderstorms likely this morning. Then a chance of scattered thunderstorms this afternoon. High 87F. Winds N at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 100%.. Tonight Some clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 71F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Rocky Mount, NC (27804) Today Rain likely. High 72F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near a half an inch.. Tonight Showers early, then cloudy overnight. Low near 65F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 60%. Rocky Mount, NC (27804) Today Rain. High 73F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 90%. Rainfall near an inch.. Tonight Rain showers early becoming more intermittent overnight. Low 66F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 70%. (dvinanews.ru) - Governor of the Arkhangelsk Province Alexander Tsybulsky on a working visit to the Mining and Processing Division of AGD DIAMONDS developing the Grib Diamond Field congratulated the companys staff on the anniversary and the upcoming professional holiday, Diamond Miner Day, said the media communications service of the Governor and the Government of the Arkhangelsk Province. During his visit to the Mining and Processing Division, Alexander Tsybulsky examined the production facilities of the complex for the extraction and processing of diamond ore, and also presented awards to the most distinguished employees of the company. AGD DIAMONDS JSC is the legal successor of the Arkhangelskgeologiya Production Geological Association, as well as the largest geological enterprise in the North-West of Russia founded in 1931. Over the entire period of its operation, the enterprise has discovered more than 400 mineral deposits, including the oil and gas fields of the Timan-Pechora area, which are currently being successfully developed, as well as the Varandey group of deposits. Geological exploration of the enterprise covered areas from Kaliningrad to the Novaya Zemlya archipelago, one of the results of which was the discovery of the Arkhangelsk diamond province. RTE News & Current Affairs In an unprecedented year for Ireland and the world, more people turned to RTE for News & Current Affairs than ever before, with 90% of Irish people choosing RTE as their primary source of information on the Covid-19 pandemic (Amarach Research on behalf of the Department of Health). The year began with General Election 2020, and a series of innovations to RTEs election coverage. A digital-first approach saw Campaign Daily report developments in real time, online and on social media, while in the first set of Bryan Dobson Interviews, the main party leaders were questioned, live and in depth, on their manifesto promises. RTE teamed up with NUI Galway to broadcast The Claire Byrne Live Leaders Debate, in which a live audience of more than 300 people questioned seven party leaders. Days before the first weekend election in almost a century, Prime Time broadcast RTEs final debate, with the leaders of Fine Gael, Fianna Fail and Sinn Fein answering questions from Miriam OCallaghan and David McCullagh. The results of Election 2020 saw the public turn to RTE in record numbers in February. For the first time, as the polls closed on Saturday night, RTE News went on air to reveal the projections of an exit poll conducted with the Irish Times. It suggested a three-way split, with the result too close to call. As nail-biting counts unfolded, the public interest in politics broke records across RTEs services. On television, over 2.5 million viewers tuned into RTE Ones Election 2020 results and news coverage across three days and 31 hours of live TV. Online, RTE News saw record levels of engagement, with the number of users increasing 30% on the 2016 general election. A total of 3.4 million unique visitors accessed RTE News online from 202 countries worldwide, including Greenland, Chad, Vatican City and Turkmenistan. Younger audiences were particularly engaged with RTE programming. 51% of 1534-year-olds watching TV chose to watch the special exit poll programme on RTE One. RTE produced over 20 hours of live Irish-language election results coverage for TG4 in addition to regular Nuacht bulletins on RTE One. Election 2020 delivered the launch of an Irish-language live online tracker by RTE with all the latest news and results, for the first time. RTE had over 30 journalists on the ground dedicated to providing Irish-language news content from constituency counts, drawn from both RTE Raidio na Gaeltachta and Nuacht RTE. Election 2020 also saw RTE engaging with the future journalists of Ireland as it teamed up with universities around the country. 39 young student journalists joined the RTE News count centre teams, delivering live coverage for each of Irelands 39 constituencies. As the country was voting on 8 February, Six-One presenter Keelin Shanley lost her fight with cancer. With over 20 years experience as a journalist and broadcaster on programmes such as Prime Time Investigates, Crime Call and Morning Edition, Keelin made history in 2018 when she and Caitriona Perry became the first all-female team to present a television news programme in Ireland. Keelin was loved and respected by both colleagues and the audience and is deeply missed. Ar dheis De go raibh a hanam. Weeks later, Covid-19 would transform life in Ireland. Extensive contingency planning ensured that RTE maintained essential news and current affairs programming, with teams working throughout the pandemic to provide coverage of breaking news. Instead of covering parades on St Patricks Day, the RTE News team worked to ensure that the Taoiseach could speak directly to the Irish people a moment watched by more people than any other in Irish television history. Prime Time and Claire Byrne Live scrutinised the global crisis, extending their runs into the summer. For the first time in a decade, Prime Time ran all year round, winning some of the biggest audiences in its 28-year history. RTE News launched a special podcast, Pandemic. To date, more than 75 episodes have been produced, exploring the crisis at home and abroad and all produced remotely. A major refresh on the nations most listened-to radio station, RTE Radio 1, in autumn saw Aine Lawlor and Mary Wilson join Irelands most listened-to radio programme, Morning Ireland, while lunchtime became home to RTE News at One with Bryan Dobson. Morning Ireland increased its audience by 62,000 in 2020, with 491,000 tuning in each morning the biggest audience for any radio programme in Ireland in nearly 20 years. News at One grew its audience to 370,000 listeners every lunchtime, an increase of 50,000. There was change too for Irelands most watched news programme as David McCullagh joined Caitriona Perry at the helm of Six-One in September. There were further moves on RTE One, with Ray Kennedy becoming the weekend anchor of RTE News and Eileen Whelan named the permanent presenter of the One OClock News. In 2020, traffic to RTE News online doubled, with 2.267 billion page impressions. A refreshed version of the RTE News app launched, ensuring an enhanced user experience and more prominent live content and video, with a rebrand to the core RTE News identity for the app and the RTE News television channel. RTE also launched phase one of a new marketing campaign aimed at highlighting the issue of misinformation and the importance of accurately sourced news. 2020 saw the appointment of Ailbhe Conneely as Social Affairs & Religion Correspondent and RTE News newest presenter, 24-year-old Micheal O Scannail, joined news2day. A new weekly podcast series, States of Mind, hosted by RTEs Washington Correspondent Brian ODonovan and RTE journalist Jackie Fox, was launched. It sorted through the spin and misinformation of US Election 2020 and gave Irish listeners a real insight into how the US public might vote and analysis of the issues that could affect Ireland. RTE also provided extensive results coverage across television, radio and online of the US Presidential Election in November, which saw TV audiences increase by 55% on 2016. RTE had two key priorities: maintaining services to our audiences while keeping our staff safe. Across RTE News & Current Affairs, teams adapted and changed the way they worked to ensure they could continue to provide trusted, insightful and informed reporting and analysis. Thanks to their professionalism and commitment, on radio, on TV and online, RTE was Irelands first choice for news and current affairs in 2020. Update Required To play the media you will need to either update your browser to a recent version or update your Flash plugin. Housing activists erect a sign in Swampscott near Gov. Charlie Baker's home in October. A federal freeze on most evictions is set to expire soon. 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.Associated Press Associated PressIn this image from video, Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, speaks on the Senate floor about the impeachment trial against President Donald Trump at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2020. The Senate will vote on the Articles of Impeachment on Wednesday afternoon. Sanford, NC (27330) Today Showers and thunderstorms likely - heavy rainfall is possible, especially during the morning. High 73F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%. 1 to 2 inches of rain expected.. Tonight Rain showers this evening with overcast skies overnight. Low 64F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%. North Carolinas First Lady Kristin Cooper had planned to visit Lee County in March 2020 as part of her tour of the states 100 counties. Those plans were thwarted by the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak. Her husband, Gov. Roy Cooper, put the state under a quarantine lockdown the same day she was to come to Sanford. Nearly 18 months later, Cooper fulfilled her mission by visiting Lee County, marking the 85th in the state she has visited. Cooper, 64, came to Sanford from Chatham County after visiting the Alston House just inside the Moore-Lee county line. After enjoying lunch at Mrs. Lacys Magnolia House on Carthage Street, Cooper made a brief visit to the Temple Theatre where she spoke to members of the summer youth program. The arts, especially theatre, are special for Cooper, who told the young people about her experience with theater, behind the scenes and on stage, and its importance to the community. Cooper, sitting on the edge of the stage, chatted informally with the teens about the arts, the theatre and her experiences. Cooper, the mother of three daughters, said the girls were involved in theater while growing up. One earned a masters degree in opera while another majored in dramatic arts. Cooper told the teens if they chose to pursue a career in the theatre, they needed to have a back-up day job. She was greeted by Peggy Taphorn, the Temples producing artistic director, who gave her a tour of the historic building. From there, Cooper walked downtown, stopping at Added Accents and The Purple Poodle, making purchases at each. She was accompanied by Kelli Ladaute, director of Downtown Sanford Inc., and Wendy Bryan, executive director of the Sanford Tourism Development Authority. After purchasing items at each store, she visited other downtown sites before making a final stop at Yarboroughs Homemade Ice Cream. Costco is one of the major retailers which closes its warehouse doors more often during the year than many other retailers. While they dont close for every federal holiday, they do close on some holidays to let employees spend time with their family members. Since Costco is often a destination store when a holiday approaches to buy supplies for that holiday, its important to a lot of people to know the Costco holiday schedule for its warehouse stores. Costco Holiday Schedule for 2021 January 1 (Friday): Costco is closed on New Years Day January 18 (Monday): Costco is open on Martin Luther King Jr. Day February 14 (Sunday): Costco is open on Valentines Day February 15 (Monday): Costco is open on Presidents Day March 17 (Wednesday): Costco is open on St. Patricks Day April 2 (Friday): Costco is open on Good Friday April 4 (Sunday): Costco is closed on Easter Sunday April 5 (Monday): Costco is open on Easter Monday May 9 (Sunday): Costco is open on Mothers Day May 31 (Monday): Costco is closed on Memorial Day June 20 (Sunday): Costco is open on Fathers Day July 4 (Sunday): Costco is closed on Independence Day September 6 (Monday): Costco is closed on Labor Day October 11 (Monday): Costco is open on Columbus Day October 31 (Sunday): Costco is open on Halloween November 11 (Thursday): Costco is open on Veterans Day November 25 (Thursday): Costco is closed on Thanksgiving Day December 24 (Friday): Costco is open, but closes early on Christmas Eve December 25 (Saturday): Costco is closed on Christmas Day December 31 (Friday): Costco is open, but closes early on New Years Eve January 1 (Saturday): Costco is closed on New Years Day 2022 While Costco is open on both Christmas Eve (Friday, December 24) and New Years Eve (Friday, December 31), the store closes earlier than on a typical day. The stores will close at 6:00 pm on these days instead of the typical 8:30 pm. This can be important to know if you need to make a last-minute run to the warehouse. Some warehouses may also extend hours during the Christmas shopping season. Get a $10 Costco Shop Card Costco Warehouse Hours 2021 Costco is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 am until 8:30 pm from 10:00 am until 8:30 pm Costco is open Saturday from 9:30 am until 6:00 pm from 9:30 am until 6:00 pm Costco is open Sunday from 10:00 am until 6:00 pm Its important to note that the above holiday schedule and hours are general. There are exceptions to the rule, so it makes sense to verify with your local Costco if you have any questions. Other events, such as severe weather, may close a certain store during the year which arent listed above. Its also important to note Costco warehouses and Costco business centers are not the same, and they may have different hours. The Costco customer service number is: 1 (800) 774-2678. If you are reading this article because you want to shop at Costco, consider reading these before you head out: For more info on Costco check out these articles. (Photo courtesy of Mike Mozart) Close A coma or zone of gas and dust has been discovered surrounding the mega comet C/2014 UN271 (Bernardinelli-Bernstein) and it is coming in 10 years! Space.com, citing astronomers from New Zealand, said it could be 1,000 times more massive than a conventional comet. It could be the largest comet ever discovered in recorded history. On July 14, the LCO released an image of the comet, which showed a hazy coating encircling the nucleus. It's becoming increasingly evident that this object is a comet, not a minor planet (a fancy phrase for an asteroid). Photos from one of the Las Cumbres Observatory's 1-meter telescopes hosted at the South African Astronomical Observatory were released on June 23 at midnight EDT. Thanks to the team that monitors images collected by the Las Cumbres Observatory (LCO). In New Zealand, it's currently afternoon. "The other folks were asleep," recalled LCO team member Michele Bannister, of the New Zealand's University of Canterbury, in a statement released Wednesday (July 14). However, because of the ever-present problem of satellites passing over the field of vision of telescopes, she initially thought the new imagery was a dud. "The first image had the comet obscured by a satellite streak, and my heart sank," she continued. "But then the others were clear enough, and gosh: there it was, definitely a beautiful little fuzzy dot, not at all crisp like its neighboring stars." Frothy Coma A frothy coma developing at an unbelievable distance from the sun drew Bannister's attention. Bernardinelli-Bernstein was about 19 astronomical units (AU) from the sun when the image was taken. (One AU is the average distance between Earth and the sun, which is around 93 million miles or 150 million kilometers.) Saturn's orbital distance from the sun is roughly doubled. At that point in time, solar energy is a fraction of what we have today on Earth. The comet, on the other hand, has a lot of mass to heat up. The massive core (or nucleus) of Comet Bernardinelli-Bernstein is predicted to be more than 62 miles (100 kilometers) in diameter, which is three times larger than the next-largest comet nucleus, that of Comet Hale-Bopp. Space.com said this famous naked-eye comet passed past Earth in 1998. Bernardinelli-Bernstein, unfortunately for keen astronomers, will not be able to travel extremely close to our planet for observations. ALSO READ: Comets Are Low-Key Metals; Here's What Scientists Found in an Interstellar Discovery When Is The Next Bernardinelli-Bernstein's Closest Approach? The closest approach of Bernardinelli-Bernstein to the sun would still be beyond Saturn in 2031, Gizmodo said. But scientists have a decade to prepare. If history is any indication, telescopes on the ground and in orbit, as well as any nearby spacecraft, will stare at the comet in order to learn as much as possible about its composition and history. The LCO's LOOK Project, which already monitors numerous comets, will continue to monitor Bernardinelli-Bernstein; the expected viewing schedule can be seen here. According to the announcement, it is likely to be of assistance because its network of telescopes allows for a "quick response" of 15 minutes whenever eruptions occur. However, LCO scopes will not be the only ones keeping an eye on things. In the same release, LOOK member Tim Lister, an LCO staff scientist, added that there are now a huge number of surveys monitoring regions of the sky every night, such as the Zwicky Transient Facility and the planned Vera C. Rubin Observatory. He stated that these studies could send alerts if one of the comets' brightness abruptly changes. The LCO robotic telescopes will then be triggered, providing us with more comprehensive data and a longer look at the evolving comet as the survey moves to various sky locations. RELATED ARTICLE: Solar System Is Expecting a Visitor From the Oort Cloud Soon; Could It Be Among the Largest Comets Yet? Check out more news and information on Space in Science Times. JOHANNESBURG (AP) Standing before a looted mall and surrounded by soldiers, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa vowed Friday to restore order to the country after a week of violence set off by the imprisonment of former President Jacob Zuma. Visiting the port city of Durban in hard-hit KwaZulu-Natal province, Zuma's home area, Ramaphosa said the chaos and violence in which more than 200 people died had been planned and coordinated and that the instigators will be prosecuted. We have identified a good number of them and we will not allow anarchy and mayhem to just unfold in our country, he said. One person has been arrested for instigating the violence and 11 others are under surveillance, officials said. As army tanks rolled by the trashed Bridge City mall, Ramaphosa said the deployment of 25,000 troops would end the violence and rampant theft that have hit KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng provinces. South Africas unrest erupted after Zuma began serving a 15-month sentence for contempt of court for refusing to comply with a court order to testify at a state-backed inquiry investigating allegations of corruption while he was president from 2009 to 2018. Protests quickly escalated into theft in township areas. In Durban, rioters attacked retail areas and industrial centers where they emptied warehouses and set them alight. The burned-out shells still smoldered Friday. More than 2,500 people have been arrested for theft and vandalism and 212 people have died, Ramaphosa told the nation later Friday. Many who died were trampled to death when shops were looted, said police. The events of the past week were nothing less than a deliberate, coordinated and well-planned attack on our democracy, said a solemn Ramaphosa. These actions are intended to cripple the economy, cause social instability and severely weaken or even dislodge the democratic state. Using the pretext of a political grievance, those behind these acts have sought to provoke a popular insurrection. Ramaphosa reiterated that those who instigated the unrest will be arrested and prosecuted. Those responsible for organizing this campaign of violence and destruction have not yet been apprehended and their networks have not yet been dismantled, said Ramaphosa. (But) we know who they are and they will be brought to justice. He assured South Africans that the country has adequate food and it will be distributed to areas where supplies have been disrupted. He said disruptions to the COVID-19 vaccination drive will be quickly addressed. Ramaphosa said that the cost of the rioting to South Africa's economy will be billions and billions of rands (dollars). Extensive damage has been caused to 161 malls and shopping centers, 11 warehouses, 8 factories and 161 liquor stores and distributors, he said. The army rollout in KwaZulu-Natal is expected to restore order in the coastal province within a few days. An uneasy calm has been secured in Gauteng province, which includes Johannesburg, South Africa's largest city and industrial hub. Two strategic highways linking Durban port to Johannesburg and Cape Town reopened Friday after being closed for a week. The military will patrol the highways but drivers were warned to use the roads with care. It is vitally important to proceed with extreme caution and to stay alert at all times," the highway authority said in a tweet Friday. The highways are vital transport routes carrying fuel, food and other goods. Authorities were working to reopen the rail line to the strategic Indian Ocean ports of Durban and Richards Bay. One of the countrys biggest food manufacturers, Tiger Brands, said it has stopped food production operations at its most affected sites in KwaZulu-Natal. The company said it had lost stock worth close to 150 million rand (about $10 million) in the violence. With order restored in Gauteng, authorities have begun holding residents accountable. Police in Johannesburg have started recovering stolen property and arresting suspects. There has been an increase in people trying to spend cash stained with green dye, evidence that the money was stolen from the hundreds of ATM machines broken into during the riots, according to the South African Banking Risk Information Center, which warned that the notes won't be honored. To restore respect for law, the South African Council of Churches has proposed that the government declare a limited amnesty of two weeks when people can return stolen property to the police and will not be charged. We need leaders of all faiths everywhere, civic and community leaders, traditional leaders in rural communities, and business and trade unions in the workplace, all of us to pull together and chart a path of restoration, Bishop Malusi Mpumlwana, general secretary of the ecumenical group, wrote in an open letter. Swift action must be taken against those who plotted the strategic attacks, said Ronnie Kasrils, veteran anti-apartheid leader and former Cabinet intelligence minister. This unrest is coming to be seen by government and intelligence services and the president as an actual plot by a group in support of Jacob Zuma ... to unleash civil disorder and really to bring the country to its knees, said Kasrils. There is the need to root out the plotters and bring forward the allegations, the evidence. ___ AP journalist Mogomotsi Magome contributed from Johannesburg. MIAMI (AP) For the owner of a small private security company with a history of avoiding paying debts and declaring bankruptcy, it looked like a good opportunity: Find people with military experience for a job in Haiti. Antonio Tony Intriago, owner of Miami-based CTU Security, seems to have jumped at the chance, hiring more than 20 former soldiers from Colombia for the mission. Now the Colombians have been killed or captured in the aftermath of the July 7 assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise, and Intriago's business faces questions about its role in the killing. On Wednesday evening, Leon Charles, head of Haitis National Police, accused Intriago of traveling to Haiti numerous times as part of the assassination plot and of signing a contract while there, but provided no other details and offered no evidence. The investigation is very advanced, Charles said. A Miami security professional believes Intriago was too eager to take the job and did not push to learn details, leaving his contractors in the lurch. Some of their family members back in Colombia have said the men understood the mission was to provide protection for VIPs. Three Colombians were killed and 18 are behind bars in Haiti, Colombias national police chief, Gen. Jorge Luis Vargas, told reporters in Bogota. Colombian diplomats in Haiti have not had access to them. Vargas has said that CTU Security used its company credit card to buy 19 plane tickets from Bogota to Santo Domingo for the Colombian suspects allegedly involved in the killing. One of the Colombians who was killed, Duberney Capador, photographed himself wearing a black CTU Security polo shirt. Nelson Romero Velasquez, an ex-soldier and attorney who is advising 16 families of the Colombians held in Haiti, said Wednesday that the men had all served in the Colombian militarys elite special forces and could operate without being detected, if they had desired. He said their behavior made it clear they did not go to Haiti to assassinate the president. They have the ability to be like shadows, Romero Velasquez said. American soldiers had trained a small number of the Colombians when they were active-duty, the Pentagon said Thursday after running their names through databases. They were among thousands from Latin America and the Caribbean who receive training. The predawn attack took place at the presidents private home. He was shot to death and his wife wounded. Its not clear who pulled the trigger. The latest suspects identified in the sweeping investigation included a former Haitian senator, a fired government official and an informant for the U.S. government. Miami has become a focus of the probe. The city has long been a nest of intrigue, from being a CIA recruitment center for the failed Bay of Pigs operation to overthrow Cuban dictator Fidel Castro to being a key shipment point for Colombian cocaine in the 1980s. Its palm-fringed shores have also been a place of exile for people from Latin American and Caribbean countries when political winds blew against them at home, and where some plotted their returns. Homeland Security Investigations, a U.S. agency responsible for investigating crimes that cross international borders, is also investigating the assassination, said a Department of Homeland Security official who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to talk about the case. He declined to provide details. The FBI says it is providing investigative assistance to Haitian authorities. Intriago, who immigrated from Venezuela over a decade ago and participated in activities in Miami opposing the leftist regime in his homeland, did not respond to multiple requests for an interview. He likes to be around powerful people and has posted photos on social media showing himself with them, including Colombian President Ivan Duque. Duque's office on Monday disavowed any knowledge of Intriago, saying Duque was in Miami while campaigning for the presidency in February 2018. He posed for photographs with some of those in attendance, but Duque did not have any meeting or any ties with Intriago, the Colombian president's office said. Florida state records show Intriagos company has changed names in the past dozen years: CTU Security to CS Security Solutions to Counter Terrorist Unit Federal Academy LLC. CTU lists two Miami addresses on its website. One is a shuttered warehouse with no signage. The other is a small office suite under a different name. A receptionist said the CTU owner stops by once a week to collect mail. The company website says it offers "first-class personalized products and services to law enforcement and military units, as well as industrial customers. But it ducked paying some of those wholesale companies for their products. Florida records show Intriagos company was ordered by a court to pay a $64,791 debt in 2018 to a weapons and tactical gear supply company, RSR Group. Propper, a military apparel manufacturer, also sued for nonpayment. Alexis Ortiz, a writer who worked with Intriago organizing meetings of expatriate Venezuelans in the United States, described him as a very active, skilled collaborator. He seemed nice, Ortiz said. Capador and a Colombian captured in Haiti, German Alejandro Garcia, had planned an operation to arrest Moise, Vargas said Thursday. How the president instead wound up getting killed was unclear. Richard Noriega, who runs International Security Consulting in Miami, said he does not know Intriago personally but has been observing the developing situation. Noriega, who is also originally from Venezuela, believes Intriago was lured by the prospect of fast money and did not perform due diligence. Putting himself in Intriago's shoes, Noriega said: I'm coming out of a complicated situation of work, of income, of money. An opportunity arises. I don't want to lose it." Normally, a security company would seek all the details of an operation, to determine how many people to use and what level of insurance they would need. A priority would be to plan an escape route in case things go awry, he said. The first thing we (security professionals) have to take into account is the evacuation. Where will they exit? That's the first thing I do, Noriega said. But apparently that planning never happened, perhaps because the Colombians, or at least some of them, thought their mission was benign. He said it doesn't seem logical that if the highly trained Colombians were there to kill the president, that they would not have had an escape route. Instead they were caught, some hiding in bushes, by the local population and police. It is very murky, Noriega said. ___ Selsky, a former Associated Press bureau chief in the Caribbean and Colombia, reported from Salem, Oregon. AP writers Joshua Goodman in Miami, Evens Sanon in Port-au-Prince, Haiti; Robert Burns at the Pentagon; and Manuel Rueda and Astrid Suarez in Bogota, Colombia, contributed to this report. WASHINGTON (AP) Talkers both, Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders stayed for an hour in the Oval Office, just two former rivals for the White House now acting as potential partners, negotiating a compromise both could live with. The centrist president listened as the liberal senator spoke. Sanders passionately made his case that Bidens big infrastructure investment should go even bigger and include his own longtime goal of dental, hearing and vision benefits for older Americans on Medicare. The president gave his full backing, according to a senior White House aide and another person familiar with the private session, who spoke on condition of anonymity to describe a private meeting. The deal was the product of mutual trust and common interest notably to help the working class, but also to show that government can work and perhaps to restore some faith in democracy after the turbulent Trump era. We are making progress in moving forward with the most consequential piece of legislation passed for working people since the 1930s, Sanders told The Associated Press a few days later, as Biden made his way to Capitol Hill to rally senators on the plan. Theirs is an unlikely yet understandable partnership, a president who won over American voters with a calmly reassuring nod to traditional governing, and a democratic socialist senator who twice came close to winning the presidential nomination with what was once viewed as a wildly idealistic agenda. Sanders is now chair of the Senate Budget Committee. Together, they are trying to unite the political factions of progressives and centrists in the sprawling Democratic Party, which controls Congress by only the narrowest of margins in the House and a 50-50 Senate, with no votes to spare around the presidents $3.5 trillion national rebuilding proposal. In their sights is a legislative feat on par with Franklin Roosevelt's New Deal or Lyndon Johnson's Great Society. For two political leaders in the twilight of decadeslong careers, it is the chance of a lifetime and the stuff of legacies. We're going to get this done, Biden said Wednesday as he entered the private lunch room at the Capitol. Biden encouraged the senators to think of the good they could do for people across America, investing in places like Scranton, Pennsylvania, where he was born, who feel that the party is not in touch with working peoples pain. The president gave a nod to Sanders, who noted their past rivalry and yet spoke with similar urgency about the moment before them how the future of democracy rests with how well they can connect with people who feel the government has forgotten them. When it came time for Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to call on senators who had raised their hands to speak, there were no pointed questions or objections, only enthusiasm, according to a person in the room who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the private meeting. Senators emerged enthralled by the possibility of doing something big for the country. Truly transformative," Sen. Alex Padilla, D-Calif., said, using a word both Biden and Sanders now share. The relationship between Biden and Sanders goes back years, the president having already spent decades in the Senate by the time the Vermont lawmaker was elected in 2006. While Biden was the ultimate senator's senator, Sanders has always been an outsider on Capitol Hill, a declared independent, rather than member of the Democratic Party, with his rumpled suits, gruff demeanor and unrelenting focus on liberal causes. Ask Sanders any question, on almost any topic, and his answers are almost always the same its time for the government to stop catering to the rich and powerful and instead focus on the working people of this country. Once seen as outlandish, Sanders' views have captivated millions of Americans who filled arenas to hear him speak, particularly after the Great Recession and amid a growing awareness of the nation's gaping inequality. He almost won the partys presidential nomination in 2016, but was defeated by Hillary Clinton, and again in 2020, before he lost to Biden. In returning to the Senate, Sanders quickly became a focal point of Republicans opposed to Bidens agenda. The president intends to finance his plan with tax hikes on corporations and Americans making more than $400,000 a year. Republicans see Sanders as an influencer, alongside Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., and other prominent progressives, pushing the president to liberal extremes. The president may have won the nomination, but Bernie Sanders won the argument, Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell said recently back home in Kentucky, on the same day he said he was 100% focused" on stopping Bidens agenda. But in developing the investment package with the president, Sanders showed another side of his skill set: that of a pragmatic legislator. Word circulated Monday that the two were huddled in the Oval Office, a key moment as Democrats were struggling to build consensus. Bidens jobs and families plans total more than $4 trillion in traditional public works and human infrastructure investments. Sanders had presented a bolder $6 trillion proposal. Sanders had been imploring his colleagues not to focus on price tags but rather on priorities helping the middle class, fighting climate change, aiding older adults. He had also been insisting that the wealthy and large corporations pay their fair share in taxes. It is the same argument inside the rooms as it is in the arenas, senators say. The meeting was substantive, warm, and friendly which also describes the nature of their relationship going back years, said White House deputy press secretary Andrew Bates. The president values his skilled leadership, he said. A bipartisan group of senators is compiling a slimmer $1 trillion package of roads and other public works spending. But with Republicans opposed in lockstep to Bidens broader proposal, Democrats are pressing ahead on the more robust package they could pass on their own, under special budget rules of 51 votes for passage rather than the 60 typically needed to overcome objections from a filibuster. If Biden, Sanders and Schumer can keep all 50 Democratic senators united, Vice President Kamala Harris can cast a tiebreaking vote. Democratic Speaker Nancy Pelosi has a similarly slim margin in the House. Democratic Sen. Jon Tester, a centrist Montana farmer, is not yet supporting the president's broader plan, but said Sanders often advocates for things that are common sense. While acknowledging that Sanders sometimes pushes the envelope further than he's comfortable with, Tester said, "He's trying to make it so the little guy's got a shot, which is, you know, what Democrats are for at least thats what Im for. I want to make sure the little guy has a shot. VATICAN CITY (AP) A prosecutor for the Holy See asked a Vatican court Thursday to convict and sentence an Italian priest for the alleged sexual abuse of a former altar boy on Vatican City property. The charges against the Rev. Gabriele Martinelli stem from abuse that allegedly took place at the Vaticans youth seminary. The case is the first to go to trial alleging sexual abuse within the Vatican's walls. Prosecutor Roberto Zannotti argued for Martinelli's conviction on charges of aggravated carnal violence and aggravated libertine acts. The prosecutor requested an eight-year prison sentence, reduced to four years, for the first charge, and a sentence of four years, reduced to two years, for the latter. The prosecutor said he asked for reduced sentences because Martinelli also was a minor and a seminarian when the alleged crimes were committed. Earlier in the trial, the former altar boy testified that he arrived at the seminary from northern Italy as a 13-year-old and Martinelli began molesting him a few months later. The prosecution alleges that Martinelli used his authority as a more senior seminarian, threats and violence to force the younger boy into acts of sodomy and masturbation from 2007 to-2012. Martinelli had denied molesting his accuser, who is being identified only as L.G. Students from the St. Pius X seminary serve as altar boys during papal Masses at St. Peters Basilica. In 2017, former altar boys went public with abuse accusations against Martinelli and cover-up allegations against seminary superiors. A former seminary rector, the Rev. Enrico Radice, is charged with having helped Martinelli avoid investigators by discrediting L.G.'s allegations as baseless. Radice has denied knowing anything about abuse or impeding the probe. The prosecutor asked the court to convict and sentence Radice to four years in prison. The trial was set to continue on Friday. London, KY (40741) Today Some sun this morning with increasing clouds this afternoon. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 84F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Mostly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 64F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Local top story Vermont judge: Koffee Kup workers owed unused PTO File photo by Hannah Schroeder / Sentinel Staff The closed Vermont Bread Co. in Brattleboro, as seen in May. BURLINGTON, Vt. Former Koffee Kup Bakery workers are in line to get more than $800,000 in unused paid time off, more than two months after that pay was cut from their final paychecks when the Vermont company closed. Vermont Superior Court Judge Samuel Hoar ruled Wednesday that Koffee Kup employees about 500 people, including 91 at Vermont Bread Co. in Brattleboro must receive that compensation. The unused PTO was dropped from workers last paychecks in early May, due to a dispute over who was responsible for paying it between the New York investment firm that owned Koffee Kup at the time and a court-appointed receiver managing the bakerys financial assets. In addition to the withheld pay, Hoar ruled that the disbursement must include $16,000 in interest on that sum. Former bakery workers will likely be issued their unused PTO within the next week, according to Justin Heller, an attorney for the New York-based receiver, Ronald Teplitsky. Were already in the process of working with the payroll company, he said Thursday. The investment firm American Industrial Acquisition Corp. shuttered Koffee Kup and its subsidiaries on April 26, less than a month after acquiring them, citing substantial financial losses at the bakery in each of the past four years. Workers were then given their final wage and salary obligations, but the PTO dispute got ensnared in a lawsuit between Koffee Kup and its primary creditor, KeyBank, that led to Teplitskys appointment. Frank Machado, a former Koffee Kup route driver based in Massachusetts, said the court ruling Wednesday means hell finally receive about $2,000 in unused PTO he had accrued after nearly six years with the company. Machado, who found work for another bread distributor shortly after Koffee Kups closure, said that while the payout delay didnt affect him much, it left others in a precarious financial spot. It put a bunch of people into the red, so hopefully this money will help out, he said. Some people were owed a lot more than me. Koffee Kup workers unused PTO will be paid with proceeds of the companys ongoing sale to the Georgia-based firm Flowers Foods, which also owns Natures Own, Wonder and Daves Killer Bread, among other bakery brands. Terms of the deal are confidential under a court agreement. Heller said, however, that Flowers Foods offer exceeded those of other bidders, including Mrs. Dunsters Bakery in New Brunswick, Canada, which had announced plans in late May to restart Koffee Kup and Vermont Bread Co. Flowers Foods President and CEO Ryals McMullian has said his company has no immediate plans to reopen Koffee Kup, which also owned Superior Bakery in North Grosvenordale, Conn. Proceeds from the bakerys sale will also be used to reimburse its contractors, according to Heller. Among others, those companies include Bernardinos Bakery and Lily Transportation Corp., both based in Massachusetts, which have argued in court filings that theyre owed $673,000 for a packaging contract and an estimated $3.7 million for trucking services and a contract breach, respectively. Heller declined to say Thursday whether Koffee Kups sale will fully cover those claims, citing the confidentiality agreement with Flowers Foods, though he said the total figure exceeds $6 million. In a court hearing earlier this month, a Lily Transportation Corp. attorney argued that giving former workers their unused PTO before reimbursing Koffee Kup creditors would dilute the distribution available to those businesses, The Brattleboro Reformer reported. Hoar rejected that argument in his ruling, however, according to Heller, who said the bakery workers wont have to wait for that claims-administration process. Vermont Attorney General T.J. Donovan hailed the ruling in a news release Wednesday, saying he was pleased that Koffee Kup workers will receive their unused PTO with accrued interest. Donovan had filed a legal brief in May arguing that the workers were owed that pay. These hardworking Vermonters are entitled to these funds rightfully earned, he said in the release. The contractors claims will be handled by a new court-appointed receiver, according to Heller, who said Teplitskys role was to liquidate Koffee Kups assets on behalf of KeyBank in order to refund $7 million in loans from the bank that it said the bakery owed. With that debt now settled using funds from the Flowers Foods sale, Heller said the purpose of his receivership has really been achieved. Flowers Foods already owns Koffee Kups supplies and intellectual-property holdings, Heller said Thursday, adding that he expects the Georgia conglomerate to also acquire its properties and equipment by the end of July. At that point, Koffee Kups remaining financial assets will be transferred to the new receiver, he said. Koffee Kups closure also prompted a class-action lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for Vermont alleging the bakery didnt give employees sufficient notice of their layoffs. That lawsuit, which seeks to recover wages and benefits for former workers, remains ongoing. Machado, the former route driver, said Thursday hes not holding [his] breath on getting money from the class-action case since its unlikely to be resolved soon. But with some extra dough coming in from his unused PTO, he said hes looking forward to summertime fun with his kids, who are 14 and 15. Hopefully we can go somewhere, he said. Maybe Six Flags or something. 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. News for the Future We cannot think of a recent time during which staying informed is more crucial. Understanding national, state and, most importantly, local events and their impact on you, as a reader and citizen, is vital. Help us expand this coverage, provide you more trusted local news and broaden your understanding of local events and developments through your support of our News for the Future campaign. Learn more at either link below. Thank you for supporting The Keene Sentinel. As the sun began to rise over Santa Rosas Montgomery Village neighborhood, the headlights of a city work truck brought into view utility official Shiloh Jones target: wasted water. Jones, part of Santa Rosas newly formed water waste patrol, had spotted a puddle on the sidewalk and traced it to a runaway irrigation system in a bed of pink roses. It looks like theres a tear in the line, Jones said, after hanging a notice of water misuse on the front door of the home one morning this week. With California descending deeper into drought, Santa Rosa is getting serious about water use. So are other communities that are increasingly urging residents to conserve, sometimes asking for water reductions, sometimes mandating them. Gov. Gavin Newsom joined the cause last week, issuing a statewide plea for voluntary savings. Still, amid the growing calls for conservation, the Bay Areas initial response has been slow. Nearly a dozen of the regions largest water suppliers that have sought cutbacks recently have come up short of their water-savings goals, according to water agency data reviewed by The Chronicle. Some of these agencies, including East Bay Municipal Utility District and water departments in the cities of Napa and Healdsburg, even saw water use increase after they either requested or required customers to cut back, at least on the outset. To date, most agencies have gotten less than half of the 10% to 40% savings theyve aimed for. EBMUD, which has a goal of conserving 10% compared to 2020, reported a 5% reduction last month, following a 4% increase in May. The water department in Pleasanton saw a 3% drop last month, the first month it asked for a 10% reduction compared to last year. Nearby Livermores target and savings were similar. While the push for reductions is only months old and water officials say its too soon to cite any long-term trend, the lagging conservation means further depletion of water supplies. It also comes at a time of year when water use is typically greatest, providing an opportunity for savings that may be hard to achieve later. Maybe water agencies can recover, maybe they can get back to normal, but theres no guarantee, said Newsha Ajami, director of Urban Water Policy at Stanford Universitys Water in the West program. The more they save now, the more they have if were in the same situation next year or worse. If I were them, Id be very concerned. California and the Bay Area are in the grip of back-to-back dry years that rival almost any other two-year period in modern times for the least amount of precipitation. Mountain snowpack, which provides much of the states water, has been tiny, and reservoirs across California are approaching some of their lowest levels. Water agencies in the North Bay, where Newsom declared the states first drought emergency, were among the earliest to adopt conservation measures. In mid-May, Santa Rosa officials began asking residents for voluntary cuts to help achieve a citywide savings of 20% compared to the year before. The 174,000-person service area recorded a 2% drop in water use in May and a 10% drop in June. On June 29, the city upped the call, adopting a number of mandatory restrictions on outdoor landscaping, including bans on overwatering. The water waste patrol has helped keep residents in line, and while the city reserves the power to issue penalties, the crews have been successful with their warnings. I think were starting to see the community pay attention, said Santa Rosa Water Director Jennifer Burke. The Bay Areas lackluster levels of conservation, according to water experts and utility officials, can be attributed to a number of likely factors. First, recent bouts of warm weather have made it tough to curb water use. Second, the measures people took during the drought last decade were so substantial, including tearing out lawns and installing water-efficient appliances, that savings now may be harder to come by. Third, some communities havent promoted the need for conservation, at least enough to break through the competing issues on peoples minds, including the pandemic. Were seeing more coverage of the drought in the media, but its not the only thing being covered, Stanfords Ajami said. Research by Ajami and her colleagues has suggested that news coverage is among the biggest drivers of conservation. Their models show that an increase of 100 drought-related articles in California over a two-month period is linked to an 11% to 18% drop in water use. Felicia Marcus, former chair of the State Water Resources Control Board who helped launch statewide water restrictions during the 2012-2016 drought, said conservation is most successful when its mandatory. As more water agencies move from voluntary to must-do reductions, she said, the response is likely to improve, as it did when the state cutbacks last decade became law. Theres something helpful about it being mandated, because it levels the playing field, Marcus said. People want to do the right thing, but they want it to be fair. Newsoms call for 15% savings by all Californians on July 8, while voluntary, should also inspire more people to action, Marcus said. Bronte Wittpenn/The Chronicle In the Bay Area, no major water agency is expected to run out of water soon, even if conservation continues to lag. However, water officials say that if the coming winter is dry, marking the third straight year of little rain and snow, supplies could be tested as soon as spring. Each agency has a different portfolio of water sources and a different timeline for trouble. The Marin Municipal Water District is already considering construction of a 5-mile-plus pipeline across the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge to import water from other agencies next year. Its a move from the playbook of the 1976-77 drought, when Marin Countys reservoirs similarly became critically low. To prolong existing supplies, MMWD officials on May 1 sought a 40% reduction in water use, compared to average use from 2018 to 2020. They did this by enacting restrictions on outdoor activities across their 192,000-person service area, such as limiting the number of days people may water their lawns. The response was tepid, though it has improved. In May, water use was down 5% and in June, 19%. During the first week of July, savings increased to 22%, and on July 7, the district tightened its outdoor water regulations to boost savings even more. The conservation trends are encouraging, but we need to continue to save water especially as we move through these warm summer months, said the districts spokeswoman, Jeanne Mariani-Belding. To the north, Healdsburg began requiring 20% cuts in water use, compared to last year, on May 3 across its 12,000-person service area. After consumption rose 5% that month, the city increased the call to 40% and followed up with notices of violation for some who fell short. In recent weeks, residents have achieved, and even surpassed, the target. On the other side of the bay, the East Bay Municipal Utility District, the largest agency in the Bay Area to seek reductions, has seen less than half of the 10% savings it asked customers to voluntarily make 2 months ago, compared to the prior year. District officials said hot weather in May made it tough to get the conservation numbers up in the 1.4 million-person service area. They expect the numbers to improve. Also in the East Bay, communities in the Tri-Valley area, which have struggled to get customers to respond to a joint call for 10% voluntary water reductions at the end of May, increased their bid to 15% Monday. These include Pleasanton, Livermore and the Dublin San Ramon Services District. In Sonoma County, the cities of Petaluma and Sonoma have also enacted water restrictions, initially voluntary but more recently made mandatory. Neither provided a full accounting of their savings to The Chronicle. Back in Santa Rosa, Jones finished his shift on the water waste patrol by 6:30 a.m. He and his partner, Travis Guillory, had issued four notices of water misuse over a two-hour period. While the recipients of the warnings may not be happy waking up to the reprimand on their doors, Jones noted the upside of learning about water waste. Its water that theyre paying for and not using, he said, after finding a set of sprinklers shooting water into the street. They can save money. Kurtis Alexander is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: kalexander@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @kurtisalexander Health officials in seven Bay Area counties Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara and Sonoma on Friday urged vaccinated people to wear masks again indoors to prevent the spread of the highly infectious delta variant of the coronavirus. The officials said that while fully vaccinated people are well protected from developing serious illness, asking everyone to wear masks indoors will extend protection to all and make it easier to verify that unvaccinated people are masking up. Napa and Solano counties did not join other Bay Area counties in recommending universal indoor masking. San Francisco Health Officer Dr. Susan Philip said officials are monitoring a rise in hospitalizations as the delta variant spreads. Unvaccinated people are at particular risk, city officials have said. This recommendation is really our way to communicate to the public that wed like them to put masks back on because we want to buy more time to understand how the delta variant will affect communities, Philip said. We want the increase in cases to get blunted. The announcement follows Thursdays declaration in Los Angeles that masks will be required indoors starting Sunday for all people regardless of vaccine status. Los Angeles is the only California county to reinstate a mask mandate since the state dropped the requirement for vaccinated people on June 15. Yolo and Sacramento counties have also recommended that vaccinated people mask up again. Some Bay Area residents seemed willing to wear masks again. In many cases, they never stopped. If I have to wear a mask again inside, Im not going to throw a temper tantrum, said Ronnie Casey, standing in the marbled hallway of Oaklands Civic Center post office, where he had come to retrieve a package on Friday afternoon. Casey, 42, said he had been reading up on last centurys pandemic of Spanish flu and the history lesson left him pessimistic about the prospect of going maskless anytime soon. They lift restrictions and then people start to get sick again, Casey said as a post office customer without a mask walked by on her way to the counter. Its a song and dance, off and on. Donald Barks, co-owner of Ancient Ways, a metaphysical shop in Oaklands Temescal neighborhood that sells candles, jewelry and oils, also embraced the new recommendations. I thought relaxing the mask requirement was a little premature, Barks said. The day officials announced lifting the mask mandate, a sign went up on the front door of the shop asking that customers wear masks inside, whether theyve been vaccinated or not. A sharp rise in cases and hospitalizations, particularly among unvaccinated people, has heightened concerns about the highly transmissible delta variant, now the dominant strain in California. In San Francisco, the number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 was slowly rising, with 21 people under care as of Monday, up from nine patients in early June. Alameda County reported 70 patients with the virus as of Wednesday, representing a steady rise since mid June. Philip, San Franciscos health officer, said that though hospitalizations may seem low, they could forecast a wave of more serious illnesses. That may seem like a small number, but we know hospitalizations lag behind the numbers, Philip said. We dont want to wait until hospitals are at a concerning point. The delta variant made up 43% of all specimens analyzed in California. Nationwide, delta variants are causing 59% of new infections, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The delta variant is spreading quickly, and everyone should take action to protect themselves and others against this potentially deadly virus, Alameda County Health Officer Dr. Nicholas Moss said. Earlier this month, the California Capitol began requiring people to wear masks again after nine legislative staffers including four fully vaccinated people tested positive for the virus. California schools are also requiring K-12 students to mask up indoors and on school buses, even if they are vaccinated in contrast to federal guidelines, which require only those who are not vaccinated to wear masks. Gov. Gavin Newsom lifted most pandemic restrictions, including those requiring indoor masks for vaccinated people on June 15, saying California was roaring back ... because we have tamed this virus. A spokesman for Newsom declined to comment about county health officers reinstating mask recommendations and, in the case of Los Angeles County, a mandate. Newsoms spokesman referred to a Department of Public Health statement, which urged Californians to get vaccinated and expressed support for the ability of local health jurisdictions to enact stricter local public health guidance that is tailored to the situation in their communities. Christina Hatcher, health education specialist for the public health division of Solano County one of the two Bay Area counties that did not issue recommendation for vaccinated people to mask indoors said that the county has seen an increase in cases since the Fourth of July holiday, mostly due to younger people with lower vaccination rates. As we ... and the state monitor the spread of the delta variant in our community, we will continue to align with state recommendations, she told The Chronicle earlier this week. We are following emerging data and science, and we will adjust our approach as needed. Dr. Karen Relucio, public health officer for Napa County, which also did not join the other Bay Area counties in adopting indoor mask recommendations for vaccinated people, attributed rising cases to the Fourth of July and reopening. She told the Chronicle earlier this week that while the county is worried about rising case rates, particularly among unvaccinated people, hospitalizations are still low. Therefore the county will not be implementing masking guidance that is more restrictive than state guidance, she said. Chronicle staff writers Catherine Ho, Alexei Koseff, Nora Mishanec and Kellie Hwang contributed to this report. Julie Johnson is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: julie.johnson@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @juliejohnson Good morning, Bay Area. Its Friday, July 16, and theres been a change in leadership in one of S.F.s biggest artistic organizations. Heres what you need to know to start your day. The Bay Areas most vulnerable major roadway in terms of sea level rise is Highway 37, which moves through 9 acres of farmland and marshes along the North Bay shoreline. Now theres a push to lift it above danger in an environmentally friendly way but the price tag is a daunting $4 billion. And its not the only highway at risk from rising waters, John King reports. Amid escalating drought, Bay Area residents slow to conserve water. Coronavirus updates Marcio Jose Sanchez/Associated Press Los Angeles County to reinstate mask mandate for all after cases spike. Family sues Palo Alto school district over mask policy. Want to understand how the pandemic affected Bay Area crime trends? Look to car theft and larceny. From Ann Killion: Will Tokyo Olympics become Superspreader Games? Some experts fear the worst. S.F. officials sound alarm on rising infections in Black, Latino communities as delta variant spreads. Around the Bay Lian Xu / Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco Chinas most famous designer: Legion of Honor to premiere exhibition dedicated to work of Chinese couturier Guo Pei. Flying across the Bay: Twitter plans to expand with Oakland office in 2022 despite permanent remote work. No specific reason given: Mark C. Hanson to exit San Francisco Symphony after four years as top executive. California drought: La Nina could dash hopes of desperately needed rain this winter. Leah Nash/Special to The Chronicle Worst moments of my life: Former Berkeley High student alleges repeated abuse by teacher. A litany of charges: Bay Area man, allegedly found with cache of weapons and a racist screed, faces felony charges. Way the wind blows: Could the huge Bootleg Fire send smoke all the way to the Bay Area? The follow-up Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle San Francisco has never been so flush with cash to help the thousands of people living on the edge. The city plans invest more than $1.1 billion over the next two years into homeless services and new programs intended to get people off the streets and into housing. The city has a combination of onetime federal and local funds, as well as $800 million from Proposition C, a controversial 2018 business tax that is finally free to use after years of being tied up in a lawsuit. Trisha Thadani reports on what the money will be used for and the pressure for such high spending to make a difference. A city loan was supposed to help fix S.F. public housing where London Breed grew up. Has it? 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. Two months after San Francisco started emergency repairs on a dilapidated public housing complex, incremental progress has been made, although some tenants who sued over conditions say theyve seen no improvements yet. Supervisor Dean Preston held a hearing Thursday to find out how the propertys management is using a $2.7 million city loan, the vast majority for repairs at Plaza East Apartments. Discontent has swelled at the chronically underfunded site in the Western Addition where Mayor London Breed grew up, culminating in a lawsuit from 18 tenants in May. Conditions at Plaza East and in public housing in San Francisco and across the nation have not been what they should be, and tenants have been the victims of that, said Preston, a former tenants rights attorney. Theres been some progress dealing with conditions, but clearly theres a lot more to do. At Plaza East, 183 out of 193 units needed emergency repairs, said Pauline Blackwell, vice president with affordable housing developer McCormack Baron Salazar in the Bay Area, which managed the property until last month. Since late May, repair work started in 96 units and was completed in 27, she said. Twelve percent of the total work was completed by last Friday, said Lydia Ely with the Mayors Office of Housing and Community Development, which awarded the loan. Only nine of the completed units were occupied last week. Work is going really well, Ely said, despite nationwide delays in getting appliances. The timeline for completion is March 2022. Problems still persist though: The Department of Building Inspection reported 21 active complaints at the property as of Thursday. Five notices of violation are outstanding, Senior Housing Inspector Luis Barahona said. The group of tenants who sued about conditions, including pests, mold, broken appliances and lack of security said little has changed. Dennis Williams said none of the plaintiffs received repairs except for a woman who had a bed-bug-infested carpet replaced on her stairs, but not in the rest of the apartment. Everything is still the same, said tenant Michael Matlock. That includes sewage backed up in his yard. His wife uses a wheelchair, so the situation is kind of rough for us, he said. Yolanda Marshall said her washer, dryer, heaters and lights are still broken. Nothing works in here, she said. Nothing is being done. Williams and Marshall want a tenant oversight committee to track how the money is being spent, management removed and building ownership given to tenants, many of whom are Black. Tonia Lediju, executive director of the San Francisco Housing Authority, which oversees the citys public housing, said Thursday she is highly committed to ensuring that our families get to a place where they feel safe, secure and they have a community that feels welcome and is livable. Adhi Nagraj, senior vice president for development at McCormack Baron Salazar in the Bay Area, couldnt comment on the lawsuit against the company. He attributed deferred maintenance to federal underfunding and said pandemic lockdown increased costs by $500,000 a year. Last month, local company John Stewart Management took over, although McCormack Baron Salazar is still overseeing repairs. A majority of the city loan $2.5 million will be used to fix fire alarms, sewers, electrical work and replacing appliances. The remaining $198,000 will provide social services. The money will only make a dent and stabilize the property, but without substantial rehabilitation, problems will reoccur, Preston told The Chronicle. The city is considering rebuilding the property into mixed-income affordable housing, but pulled back an application with the federal government to demolish it earlier this year. Preston said Thursday the proposal would have entrusted the same company that managed the site as it deteriorated with redeveloping it. Any future decision should be led by tenants, he said. Nagraj agreed. The future of Plaza East is in the tenants hands, he said. Mallory Moench is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: mallory.moench@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @mallorymoench Two Bay Area men have been charged in federal court with conspiracy to destroy Democratic headquarters in Sacramento with incendiary devices, authorities said. In an indictment unsealed Thursday, investigators say Ian Benjamin Rogers, 45, of Napa, and Jarrod Copeland, 37, of Vallejo, started planning attacks with incendiary devices on people they associated with the Democratic party after the 2020 Presidential Election. Federal officials allege that the pair hoped their planned attacks would start a movement to overthrow the government. FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig Fair said the agencys highest priority has remained preventing terrorist attacks before they occur, including homegrown plots from domestic violent extremists. In November 2020, the indictment says, Rogers told Copeland in an encrypted messaging application that he would hit the enemy in the mouth with Molotov cocktails and gasoline, including the Governors Mansion and the John L. Burton Democratic Headquarters in Sacramento. In late December 2020, the indictment says, Copeland told Rogers in one of the multiple messaging applications the men used to communicate that he contacted an anti-government militia group to get support for the movement. A month later, in January 2021, the indictment says, Rogers told Copeland, I want to blow up a democrat building bad. I agree, Copeland responded, according to the indictment. Plan attack. The indictment says the men decided to start with an attack at the Democratic Headquarters in Sacramento. In one conversation, Rogers told Copeland that they would go to war after January 20th, which marked Inauguration Day for President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, according to the indictment. Five days before Inauguration Day, Rogers was arrested. In a search of his home and business, authorities said, officers found 49 firearms; five pipe bombs; materials used to manufacture destructive devices; and two dozen ammunition boxes containing thousands of rounds of ammunition. Authorities said they also found a white privilege fake credit card with apparent references to former President Donald Trump, a replica of a weapon used by Nazis during World War II, and a sticker associated with the Three Percenters, a far-right, anti-government extremist group with pro-gun beliefs, according to a probable cause statement by the FBI. After Rogers arrest, the indictment says, Copeland communicated with a leader of a militia group, who reportedly told him to use a new messaging application and to delete previous communications. When authorities seized Copelands electronic devices on Jan. 17, the indictment says, Copelands messages with Rogers were missing. Attorneys for the men could not be reached for comment on Thursday night, but Rogers attorney Jess Raphael told The Chronicle in January that Rogers was not a danger, and was not a member of the Three Percenters. Firebombing your perceived political opponents is illegal and does not nurture the sort of open and vigorous debate that created and supports our constitutional democracy, said U.S. Attorney Stephanie Hinds. Rogers has remained in custody and Copeland was arrested Wednesday morning, officials said. Both men face conspiracy to destroy by fire or explosive a building used or in affecting interstate commerce. Rogers is facing additional charges of weapons violations, including one count of possession of unregistered destructive devices, and three counts of possession of machine guns. Copeland has also been charged with an additional count of destruction of records. Copeland made his first court appearance on Thursday morning and is scheduled for a detention court hearing on July 20. Rogers is scheduled for a status conference on July 30. California Democratic Party Chair Rusty Hicks said in a statement that reports of the alleged plots were extremely disturbing and pointed to a broader issue of violent extremism that is far too common in todays political discourse. If convicted, each defendant faces a maximum statutory sentence of 20 years imprisonment, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine for the conspiracy charge. Rogers faces an additional maximum of 10 years in prison for the weapons charge if convicted, and Copeland faces an additional maximum of 20 years in prison for the destruction of evidence charge if convicted, authorities said. Lauren Hernandez is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: lauren.hernandez@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @ByLHernandez After the fatal shooting of a 15-year-old boy in Vallejo on Wednesday evening, several people armed with handguns opened fire at security guards who responded to the shooting, but the gunfire struck no one, police said Thursday. Officers found a teen who had been shot when police responded at 5:52 p.m. to a report of multiple shots fired in the 200 block of Maine Street in south Vallejo, police said. The teen whose name is being withheld because he is a minor died at the scene. At the scene of the shooting, police announced Thursday that there were numerous people who were seen running in the area immediately after shots rang out, several of whom were armed with handguns. Police said two uniformed complex security guards who were armed responded to the shooting and were shot at. One of the security guards fired back toward the shooters, but police said on Thursday that it was unclear if anyone was hit. The security guards were not injured, and no other injuries have been reported. The teens killing marks the seventh homicide in Vallejo so far this year, police said. Vallejo police Chief Shawny Williams condemned the fatal shooting on Thursday, saying These deadly attacks on our children and the proliferation of gun violence in our city is not only a public health crisis, but a perpetuation of generational trauma. This vicious cycle of community violence must stop today, and we will not turn a blind-eye to these senseless acts plaguing the most vulnerable and marginalized members of our City, Williams said. Williams added that he offers his condolences to the family and friends of this precious life lost and we will be doing everything in our power to bring about justice in this case. Homicide is the leading cause of death of African-American males between the ages of 15-34, Williams said. This is a public health crisis. We must employ federal, state and local resources to combat this issue. Vallejo Police Departments Detective Division is investigating this case. Anyone with information about this incident should contact Vallejo police Detective Craig Long at 707-648-4514 or Detective Brian Murphy at 707-648-5430. Lauren Hernandez is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: lauren.hernandez@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @ByLHernandez Three people died after a small plane crashed into a vineyard near the Angwin Airport in Napa County. At 8:44 a.m. Friday, crews were dispatched to the crash, which started a small fire at Las Posadas Road. The fire has since been put out. The plane, a single-engine Beechcraft Bonanza, crashed into the lower block of the Abreu Vineyard, owned by David Abreu, a local viticulturist, his son Matteo confirmed. Angwin is a small town 45 minutes north of Napa. Abreu and his son were out of town at the time of the accident but said that they had talked with their vineyard crews and that they were safe. The Napa County Sheriffs Office confirmed that three individuals the pilot and two passengers died at the scene. The agency did not have any more information on the individuals identities. Haley Wesley, public information officer for Pacific Union College, which owns the airport, said that none of the colleges employees or aircraft were involved in the crash. The Beechcraft Bonanza, which was introduced in 1947, has earned the nickname The Doctor Killer because of its propensity for high-profile crashes, many of them involving doctors, according to Aviation News. There were so many accidents among Beechcraft Bonanza pilots that, in 1983, the American Bonanza Society created the Beechcraft Proficiency Program in part to help Beechcraft owners learn to navigate their airplanes more safely. The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the incident. The aircraft wreck is the second this week in Northern California. A small plane crash in Monterey left two dead on Tuesday after it crashed into an unoccupied residence. The pilot, 74-year-old Mary Ellen Carlin of Pacific Grove, was an experienced flight instructor who perished in the crash along with her passenger, 61-year-old Alice Diane Emig. Shortly after taking off from the Monterey regional airport, the plane crashed straight into a home in the Monterra Ranch neighborhood. Annie Vainshtein is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: avainshtein@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @annievain After 62 years as a museum exhibition designer, Ted Cohen earned the supreme professional compliment in his field a museum exhibition about a museum exhibition designer. To be called The Object in its Place, As Designed by Ted Cohen, it was scheduled to open after Labor Day at the Museum of Craft and Design in San Franciscos Dogpatch neighborhood, and only one person was qualified to design it Ted Cohen. Nobody ever told Ted where to put anything, and he didnt have any assistants, said Carol Covington, an exhibition curator who collaborated with Cohen for 25 years. Ted would come in with his hand-drawn maps and manage the installation crew to his specifications. Then he would tweak it to perfection through every nuance including the lighting. Cohen was 10 months into designing his eponymous show when he suffered a fall at his apartment in Oakland, where he was born and raised. He was rushed to the hospital where tests revealed hed also had a heart attack and was suffering from an undiagnosed case of leukemia, Covington said. Cohen refused all treatments and died June 29, after a week in hospice care. He was 93. His death marked the end for a career that touched more than 30 museums nationwide. Cohen, who taught himself the trade by installing window displays at a furniture showroom in Oakland, rose to become the exhibition designer at the Oakland Museum of California, a position he held either as a staffer or as an independent contractor, for more than 50 years. People familiar with his exhibitions could recognize his style as soon as they walked through a gallery he designed, said Signe Mayfield, an independent curator and author of The Object in Its Place: Ted Cohen and the Art of Exhibition Design, published in 2020. He was able to create relationships between pieces so that they suggest a story for the viewer to think about. Cohen traveled the world collecting for his own apartment museum of folk art and curated art collections for hospitals and residential clients, and installed shows at community nonprofits such as the Palo Alto Art Center and commercial galleries including Paule Anglim and Virginia Breier, in San Francisco. You could give Ted an empty warehouse space and pictures of 30 art objects and he could visualize how those objects could be arranged in the most remarkable way to transform that space, Mayfield said. Theodore H. Cohen was born April 27, 1928, at Fabiola Hospital in Oakland. Later in his life, hed tell people that Fabiola meant Fabulous and he enjoyed answering to the nickname Mr. Fabulous, Covington said. Cohen attended Castlemont High School, which was built to look like a castle with turrets on the roof and a surrounding dirt moat. After graduating in 1945, he attempted to join the U.S. Navy but was rejected because of color-blindness. The U.S. Army took him anyway, and he was posted in Japan at the end of World War II in a sign-painting detail. Upon his release from the Army in 1948, he enrolled at California College of Arts and Crafts to study fine art painting on the GI Bill. His first job in the arts was doing window displays at a record store. Then he advanced to Jackson Furniture Co. In 1959, Cohen took a civil service exam to be a preparator someone who sets up and tears down installations at the Oakland Art Gallery (later merged into the Oakland Museum of California). He worked his way up to exhibition designer, in a full-time career that lasted until 1986 and freelance until 2013. Ted Cohen was an absolutely unique treasure in the museum world, said Lori Fogarty, director of the Oakland Museum of California. Before exhibition design was even considered a profession or a specialty, he was trailblazing in understanding how to showcase artwork at its best and create magical and memorable experiences. One of his steadiest clients was the Museum of Craft and Design, which opened on Sutter Street in San Francisco in 2004 and moved to Dogpatch in 2013. Cohen consulted co-founder JoAnn Edwards on its opening and designed 66 out of 68 exhibitions before he retired in 2019. He only missed the other two because he was traveling, Edwards said. Cohens trips to exotic locales were notable considering that he never learned to drive a car. He traveled the world, walking everywhere, said Covington. When he was in his mid-80s, he hiked 3 miles down a dirt road in Ethiopia to see a tribal dance. He just kept going and going and going until his legs finally collapsed. Cohen retired three times but was always enticed out if it by a project. When he was hospitalized in June, Covington went to his apartment and collected his map and color swatches for his retrospective at the Museum of Craft and Design. She brought them to his bedside at the hospital, and he designed from there. He was really upset because he had not finished every last detail, Covington said. I assured him that I knew exactly what he wanted and that the show would go on and it would be fabulous, using his favorite word. The exhibition has been postponed until February 2022, when it will open as a memorial tribute. Cohens personal collection has been donated to the Mingei International Museum in San Diego. Two hundred objects from 20 countries will be introduced in Global Spirit: Folk Art from the Ted Cohen Collection opening Sept. 3, 2021. Donations may be made to the Ted Cohen Memorial Exhibition Fund, Museum of Craft and Design, 2569 Third St., San Francisco, CA 94107. Sam Whiting is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: swhiting@sfchronicle.com Twitter:@SamWhitingSF Uber and the California Public Utilities Commission have filed a proposed $9 million settlement in a long-running dispute over whether the ride-hailing giant must hand over data on riders and drivers who were sexually assaulted while using the service. The joint proposal, which was reached through mediation, was filed with the administrative law judge in the case on Thursday afternoon. The settlement, which still has to be formally approved by the administrative law judge and the commission, will see Uber pay a $150,000 fine, instead of a $59 million penalty it faced last year for not complying with the commissions data request. The company will also deposit $9 million with the commission, of which $5 million will go to the California Victim Compensation Fund for the compensation of victims of sexual violence. The other $4 million will go to address physical and sexual violence in the passenger carrier industry, according to the agreement. Uber also will hand over the data sought by the CPUC regarding past incidents, under the terms of the settlement, although information that could identify victims will be withheld. The terms also require Uber to anonymize data in its upcoming safety report to the CPUC, removing identifying victim and witness information. This protects victim privacy and prevents a chilling effect on future sexual assault reporting, the filing said, adding that in the future, Uber will give witnesses the opportunity to provide written consent to be contacted by the commission and can withdraw it at any time. The CPUC regulates some transportation companies, including Uber and Lyft, and had previously threatened to suspend Ubers ability to operate in its home state if it did not pay the fine and comply with its data request. Working together with the California Public Utilities Commission and experts from RAINN, weve been able to find a path forward that preserves the privacy and agency of sexual assault survivors, Uber Senior Vice President and Chief Legal Officer Tony West said in an emailed statement, referring to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network, a victim advocacy group which is also party to the filing. We look forward to continued collaboration with the Commission to shine a light on this societal issue and help set the standard for safety and transparency in our industry. West said. The CPUC did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment. We are grateful to (the Consumer Protection and Enforcement Division) and Uber for working collaboratively with RAINN and finding a way to both protect consumers and protect the rights of survivors of sexual violence, Scott Berkowitz, president of RAINN, said in an emailed statement. We are also grateful to CPUC for inviting RAINN to be part of the process, and ensuring that survivors voices were heard throughout. The case stems from a safety report that Uber released in December 2019, where it said it received close to 6,000 reports of sexual assault and sexual harassment claims for 2017 and 2018 during 2.2 billion U.S. rides, 464 of which were rapes. Of those about a fifth were reported in California, according to Uber. CPUC Administrative Law Judge Robert Mason then ordered the company to provide more information on when and where the incidents happened, along with contact information for witnesses who in many cases were the victims themselves. The commission said it wanted the information to conduct follow-up investigations and that it could be filed under seal to protect privacy, a measure Uber said was insufficient. Uber refused to provide the information, saying in filings with the commission that the victims had not given their consent and that doing so risked retraumatizing them along with having a chilling effect on future reports. That refusal led to the commission issuing a $59 million fine against the company, which it appealed. Victim advocacy groups, including RAINN, have supported Ubers refusal to hand over the information, saying companies should be commended for protecting survivors of abuse. Chase DiFeliciantonio is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: chase.difeliciantonio@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @ChaseDiFelice The University of California Regents are expected to approve a new construction project in Berkeley on Wednesday, but the dorm proposed on Walnut Street for UC Berkeley transfer students is anything but a vanilla plan. The 14-story building envisioned for 772 incoming juniors including terraced patios, courtyards, a meditation room, fitness center and retail space is possible because of a $300 million gift to the school from the Helen Diller Foundation, the largest donation in campus history. The 244 furnished apartments directed at low-income, first-generation college students are also possible because the university is evicting residents of the eight-unit, rent-controlled building on the site, at 1921 Walnut St. UC Berkeley bought the building last year. The university says it needs the new dorm because UC Berkeley has the worst housing shortage in the 10-campus system, with about 40% of students unable to live in Berkeley. The shortage of available and affordable housing for UC Berkeleys students is a matter of urgent concern for the campus, university officials said in their approval recommendation to the regents. The regents formal acceptance of the foundations gift will come a week after the campus and the city of Berkeley settled a 2019 lawsuit over the growing student bodys impact on the community. As part of the settlement, in which UC Berkeley will pay the city $82.64 million over 16 years, the city wont challenge the new dorm. Residents of 1921 Walnut St. havent sued to stop the project, but that doesnt mean theyre happy. Four of the eight units are still occupied, more than a year after the university told residents that they would, at some point, need to leave. It was terrible! Very unsettling, said Kim Romero, 45, an editor who has lived for 14 years in the building. Her husband has lived there for 27 years. The notice arrived in April 2020 as the pandemic was heating up. California imposed an eviction moratorium, which lawmakers recently extended through September. Residents have spoken out against their pending displacement, marched against the project and written an open letter opposing the project and UC Berkeleys handling of it. UC is demolishing long-term, affordable housing in Berkeley, driving hardworking people out of the city in order to build short-term, luxury, market-rate student housing, Romero testified at the regents meeting in May. While the UC regents claim to have offered generous relocation plans, its not so generous if youre trying to stay in Berkeley. Romero said she and her husband quickly realized home prices were unaffordable. Bay Area rents, she said, were also out of their range. UC Berkeley is offering tenants the difference between their current rent and that for a comparable two-bedroom apartment, for 42 months. If the tenants buy a home, the university would pay a lump sum comparable to the rent subsidy. What happens after that money runs out? Romero asked. This is a rent-controlled building, and weve made life decisions because of that. UC Berkeley spokesperson Dan Mogulof defended the displacement packages, noting that they can easily reach six figures. He said tenants will be given at least 90 days notice before they will need to move out. We see this as a significant step towards balancing the needs of thousands of students with urgent housing needs, and the interests of the tenants living in the four, remaining units that are occupied, he said. Born Helen Samuels, Diller died in 2015 at 85. She grew up in San Francisco and met Sanford Diller while they were students at UC Berkeley. He became a real estate developer, and they went on to donate millions of dollars to hospitals, education, Jewish studies and the arts. Its never too late, too early, or too often to give back and make the world a better place, she was quoted as saying in a UCSF tribute. Nanette Asimov is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: nasimov@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @NanetteAsimov Employees in California who are ordered to work through their half-hour lunch period or 10-minute rest breaks are entitled to an extra hours pay at their regular rate of compensation. What that rate amounts to for the thousands whose regular pay includes commissions or bonuses wasnt clear until Thursday, when the state Supreme Court ruled in the employees favor. The case involved a former hotel bartender, Jessica Ferra, whose pay consisted of an hourly wage and a guaranteed additional incentive sum each quarter. For the days when she had to work during lunch or a rest break, her employer, Loews Hollywood Hotel, paid Ferra only the hourly wage and did not include a percentage of the quarterly incentive. A Los Angeles judge and a state appeals court ruled in the hotels favor, saying an employees regular rate of compensation consists solely of hourly wages. On Thursday, the states high court unanimously disagreed. The meal and rest break law, which dates from 2000, is similar to another California law entitling workers to 1 hours pay for every overtime hour they work beyond eight in a day, Justice Goodwin Liu said in the 7-0 ruling. That law says the extra compensation is based on an employees regular rate of pay, which courts have defined as all pay the employee customarily receives, including hourly wages, bonuses and other incentives. A workers regular rate of compensation, the term in the meal and rest break law, is certainly no less than her regular rate of pay, Liu said. He said employees whose pay includes piecework compensation based on how many products they can produce are entitled to be paid the same as wage-only employees when they have to work through meal or rest breaks. Past court rulings, Liu said, have established a policy of interpreting labor laws liberally ... to favor the protection of employees. California law entitles most workers to a 30-minute meal break after five hours, and to 10-minute rest breaks every four hours. Anticipating a possible unfavorable ruling, Loews, backed by employer groups, had asked the court to apply any such ruling only to future cases, saying it would otherwise cost employers millions of dollars. Liu said the hotel had offered no evidence for its claim but even if it was accurate, the millions properly belonged to workers who had been denied their break periods. The ruling is a victory for workers, said Dennis Moss, a lawyer for Ferra, whose class-action suit seeks compensation for all Loews employees in similar circumstances. It will particularly help employees whose pay consists mostly of commissions added to their hourly wages, said Michael Rubin, a San Francisco labor lawyer who filed arguments in the case. Rubin said he and his colleagues have negotiated a multimillion-dollar settlement for a group of bank consultants in a similar case now awaiting review by a federal judge in San Jose. Faced with more severe penalties, Rubin said, employers will be far more rigorous in following rules for meal and rest breaks. A lawyer for the hotel declined to comment on the ruling. An attorney for employer groups and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce was not available for comment. The case is Ferra vs. Loews Hollywood Hotel, No. S259172. Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @BobEgelko Paul Kitagaki Jr./Associated Press The wildfire burning near the footprint of the deadly 2018 Camp Fire has grown to nearly 8,000 acres, according to CalFire. The blaze called the Dixie Fire has been burning around the Feather River Canyon along Highway 70 in Butte County since Tuesday. A Los Gatos man found in a truck with two assault weapons, bullets engraved with the words cop killer and a manifesto threatening to eradicate the Black, Latino and Jewish populations has been charged with a variety of crimes, the Santa Clara County District Attorney announced Thursday. Wesley Charles Martines, 32, was arraigned this week on felony charges of possessing assault weapons, multiple silencers, drugs and the makings of a pipe bomb. He is being held on $300,000 bail, authorities said. A business owner in Campbell called police just after midnight on July 9 after spotting on his security camera a man looking into cars and a storage shed. Campbell police stopped Martines in a truck, where they found the weapons, including two AR-style rifles, which are illegal in California, a handgun and bullets inscribed with messages including To a widow from the Grim Reaper, A good start and cop killer. Officers also found body armor, heroin, methamphetamine and a pipe bomb filled with pellets but containing no explosive material. The Santa Clara County Sheriffs Office Bomb Squad inspected the device to make sure it was not dangerous. A journal was also discovered containing racist and anti-Semitic writings and a plan to go to a sporting goods store, dress up as an employee and tie up everyone inside. Campbell police Capt. Ian White said Martines was arrested on a litany of charges including suspicion of violating weapons and drug laws. But police and the district attorneys office obtained search warrants and served a gun restraining order on Martines to seize his weapons, a common practice when a suspect is considered in danger of using those weapons to harm someone. White said investigators have not been able to determine if Martines had an intended target, but that theyre continuing to look into the case. Were trying to come to an exact conclusion of what the intention was, he said, adding that further charges may be filed. District Attorney Jeff Rosen said in a statement that the arrest may have prevented another mass shooting or other deadly violence. Once again, law enforcement saved lives before the blood and tears flowed, Rosen said. All of us have a role in stopping the next mass shooting, suicide or domestic violence murder. Please call law enforcement if you know that someone is armed and dangerous. Michael Cabanatuan is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: mcabanatuan@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @ctuan Mill Valley Beerworks, where Fort Point Beer Companys brewery empire got its start in 2009, has closed permanently. We are sad to say that we wont be re-opening, but its hard to argue that 11 years isnt a good run, the owners wrote on Instagram on Thursday. Fort Point founders and brothers Justin and Tyler Catalana could not be immediately reached for comment, and the social media post didnt say why they decided to close the Mill Valley beer bar and restaurant. The Catlana brothers opened Mill Valley Beerworks on Throckmorton Avenue in 2009, crowdfunding to cover the costs and their family chipping in to build the space. They later added a kitchen to the small brewery. Mill Valley Beerworks became a neighborhood go-to for beer and a full-fledged food menu with inventive vegetables that earned two-and-a-half stars from former Chronicle restaurant critic Michael Bauer in 2016. Mill Valley Beerworks remained closed throughout the pandemic. Fort Point has gone on to become one of the Bay Areas most prominent and popular craft breweries. The Catalanas now run four taprooms in San Francisco and Oakland and a brewery in the Presidio. Only the Lower Haight taproom is currently open, but the rest will return at an undetermined date, according to Fort Point. Beerworks will always be special to us its where we gathered with our families, found our friends and partners, learned to brew great beer, and became a true part of SFs food and beverage community, the owners wrote on Instagram. Food Guide Top 25 Restaurants Where to eat in the Bay Area. Find spots near you, create a dining wishlist, and more. In a 2020 interview, the Catalanas told The Chronicle that they set out to create the next Anchor. The next San Francisco brewery. They set an ambitious goal of producing 100,000 barrels of beer anually by 2025. Elena Kadvany is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: elena.kadvany@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @ekadvany Having held an actual public office, shown reluctance to admit voting for (or against) Donald Trump, and even co-sponsored legislation with Democrats, Kevin Kiley easily qualifies for membership in the California recalls small but driven coherent caucus. The fresh-faced Sacramento area assemblymans moderation becomes more difficult to discern, however, on the subject of the governor hes running to replace. Kileys self-published book, straightforwardly titled Recall Newsom, carries the hyperbolic subtitle The Case Against Americas Most Corrupt Governor, which is at least unfair to several governors of Illinois. The heart of the former prosecutors case concerns Newsoms handling of the pandemic, but before he even gets to that, Kiley accuses the governor of signing one of the most corrupt laws ever passed in the United States namely, Assembly Bill 5, which attempted to force Uber and its ilk to acknowledge their de facto employees as such. It was quite a superlative for a controversial but clinical question of labor law, and it didnt last the year. When Newsom and the Legislature changed the recall law to shorten the campaign last month, Kiley didnt just call it the bit of political skulduggery it was. He proclaimed it possibly the most corrupt act in California history, suggesting he is not a student of the recent history of, say, San Francisco. But the assemblyman is no exception among the sprawling field expected to appear on the September ballot, which faced a filing deadline Friday. This is only the second election to recall a governor of California and just the fourth nationwide, so the would-be recallers must explain why such an extraordinary remedy is required with little more than a year left until the regular election. In their strenuous efforts to do so, some of the candidates are making Kiley look downright subtle. Take former decathlete and reality television personality Caitlyn Jenner, who has said the state is so unbearable that her fellow private aviators are taking off. Presumably based on other such surveys of representative samples, a Jenner ad declares the state a sick place bereft of jobs and hope, with communities in crisis and people forced to sleep on the streets and s on the sidewalk. In other words, #VisitCalifornia? John Cox, the San Diego area businessman who was politically mauled by Newsom three years ago only to return with a bear, says hes running again for reasons no less urgent than to save California. Los Angeles radio host Larry Elder and former Sacramento area Rep. Doug Ose likewise promise to save the state, evoking images of Newsom surfing it right into the sea. Kevin Faulconer, a former San Diego mayor and the lonely dean of the campaigns rational faction, stands out by largely eschewing the exaggeration that pervades the rest of the field, sticking to the Republicanism of yore by promoting less taxation and more law and order. But his more traditional critique of the incumbent raises the question: Why isnt he just running in next years general election like the normal politician he claims to be? If the recall doesnt work out, apparently, he is: When Faulconer announced his run back in February, before the recall election was certified, he said he was running to replace the governor either this year or next. This is the core contradiction of the recall: Its a political calculation masquerading as a civic emergency. A non-incumbent Republican hasnt won the governors office without the benefit of a recall in over 30 years or any statewide office in 15. Coxs fateful 2018 run, the apotheosis of a string of double-digit Republican losses, followed a campaign in which he and his fellow partisans jockeyed over their degree of allegiance to Trump, a president who had already alienated two-thirds of the electorate they were contesting. The recall allows Republicans to skip that gauntlet and potentially win with a modest plurality while forcing Newsom, in facing the ballots first, yes-or-no question, to run against himself. Its the only way the GOP can square its escalating national insanity with any realistic attempt to be elected in California. In that sense, the recall really is an emergency but only for Republicans. Josh Gohlke is The Chronicles deputy opinion editor. For the first time since early January, COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are on the upswing again, largely driven by the spread of the more contagious delta variant. Public health departments in seven Bay Area counties and one city issued an advisory Friday morning recommending not requiring that everyone, regardless of vaccination status, wears masks in public indoor places. Los Angeles County became the first California county to reinstitute an indoor mask mandate Thursday. Here are answers to all of your questions about the uptick, what's driving it and what comes next. How has the spread of COVID increased in California? Cases are ticking back up but are nowhere near the levels they hit near the end of the winter surge in February. The statewide test positivity rate is 3.5%, compared with 1.7% on July 1 and 0.9% when the state fully reopened June 15. The positivity rate is the percentage of all coronavirus tests performed that are positive. "A higher percent positive suggests higher transmission and that there are likely more people with coronavirus in the community who havent been tested yet," Johns Hopkins University says. State and local health officials have said that the vast majority of the new infections are occurring among unvaccinated people. In Los Angeles County specifically, health Director Barbara Ferrer estimated that 99% of new cases, hospitalizations and deaths are among those who are unvaccinated. While there are some breakthrough infections among fully vaccinated individuals, such infections remain rare and severe disease is even more rare. Of the 10 California counties reporting the highest new daily case rates, only one Sonoma County has a vaccination rate over 50%. What percentage of COVID cases in California are delta variant? The delta variant, which was first identified in India and is more contagious than the original COVID-19 strain but does not appear to cause more severe illnesses, now accounts for about 58% of COVID-19 cases in the United States, according to the latest data from the CDC, which has analyzed cases up until July 3. The CDC data indicates that in the region comprising California, Nevada and Arizona, the delta variant is 62% of cases. The California Department of Public Health is monitoring the spread of variants throughout California. The state has developed a variant tracking page that explains how, which and why variants are tracked. At the bottom of the web page, the state also provides information on known variants and what proportion of variants have changed over time. Visit the state's variant tracking site at www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/COVID-19/COVID-Variants.aspx. Which California and Bay Area counties have tightened mask restrictions to combat the variant? Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Sonoma and the city of Berkeley issued advisories Friday morning recommending not requiring that everyone, regardless of vaccination status, wears masks in public indoor places. Marin County Health Director Dr. Matt Willis explained in a phone call that a mask recommendation helps prevent spread because vaccinated people who are infected and asymptomatic can pass the virus onto unvaccinated people who can develop severe illness. Breakthroughs are more common than initially thought for the delta variant, Willis said. The clinical trials werent testing ineffectivity. They were testing how well that person was protected. Mayor London Breed hinted in a press conference Thursday that new mask guidelines may be coming. "We are considering, basically, providing guidance on suggested mask-wearing in certain instances," Breed said Thursday in a press conference with reporters. "We do ask that people who are not vaccinated, when they go indoors, that they wear masks and those that are vaccinated we don't necessarily have a mask requirement further than that, but we are looking at a change to the policy, but not necessarily a mandate." Napa and Solano counties responded via email that they will continue to align with state guidelines and monitor cases and hospitalizations. "Napa County will not be more restrictive than state guidance," Napa County spokesperson Danielle Adams wrote. "Although Napa County has had more cases, hospitalizations are still low. We will continue to monitor cases and hospitalizations." "Solano Public Health will continue to monitor the situation and remove barriers to vaccination by focusing on under-resourced neighborhoods and partnering with community-based organizations," Solano County said in an email. "Vaccinating as many people as possible, as soon as possible, is our best defense against COVID-19, the delta variant and the harm it can do to our communities." Outside the Bay Area, two counties, Yolo and Sacramento, are recommending that all individuals even those who are fully vaccinated wear masks indoors. Those are only recommendations for now. Los Angeles County issued a new health order reimposing a mask mandate indoors. It is unclear how long that mandate will last. Will Gov. Gavin Newsom reinstate the mask requirement statewide? The state's Department of Public Health did not directly address the question of whether a state mandate will be reinstated, emphasizing instead that "vaccines remain the best protection against COVID-19, including the highly infectious delta variant." "Unvaccinated Californians are not only at much higher risk of getting COVID-19 than those who are fully vaccinated, but they are also far more likely to suffer severe illness, hospitalization, and death," the department said in a statement. "As we continue to see the real and aggressive impact of the delta variant in rising case rates, we cannot stress enough how critical it is for eligible individuals to get vaccinated." In addition, the department said it "support(s) the ability of local health jurisdictions to enact stricter local public health guidance that is tailored to the situation in their communities, as some counties have done." Should I wear a mask even if my county doesn't require it? The answer to this question depends on who you talk to: SFGATE reached out to two experts at UCSF who have closely worked on the COVID-19 pandemic and their opinions differed. Dr. Monica Gandhi, an infectious disease doctor at UCSF, said in an email to SFGATE that she doesn't think a new mask requirement is necessary. "I dont because I am very convinced that the approach by our top ID doctor (Dr. Fauci) in the country and the CDC is taking is sound," Dr. Gandhi wrote in an email. "They are very clear that they do not intend to recommend masks for the vaccinated countrywide (White House task force briefing July 8 21:33) but that we should focus on vaccination efforts and outbreak management with surge testing, treatment and vaccination for places in the country with high hospitalization rates among the unvaccinated." UCSF infections disease expert Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, on the other hand, said via email that he thinks, with travelers coming into the Bay Area from other parts of the country and with different levels of circulating virus and vaccination rates, wearing a mask indoors wouldn't hurt, particularly as cases rise locally. "The point is that we want to protect the unvaccinated as there are increasing reports of vaccinated persons getting infected," Chin-Hong wrote. "This is still a rare circumstance, and vaccinated persons will rarely get ill after infection, but nonetheless a moving target. It would still be a bummer (school, work missed) to even get infected as a vaccinated person and anxiety provoking so wearing that mask indoors is not a bad idea for an intervention that is cheap and doesnt hurt." Where is the variant spreading in the Bay Area? We asked all nine Bay Area counties this question. Six responded: Solano County spokesperson Jose Caballero, wrote in an email: "Like surrounding counties, Solano County has seen an increase in cases after the 4th of July. Most of the cases are in younger groups that have lower vaccination rates. For more statistical information, check out the Solano County COVID-19 and Vaccine dashboard. https://doitgis.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapSeries/index.html." Sonoma County spokesperson Matt Brown wrote: "We have detected 68 cases of the delta variant so far. Thats not to say that there arent more in the county, thats just how many have been confirmed through genotyping at the state lab, which is a lengthy process. We recently acquired new equipment to do genotyping in-house, so I suspect we will be able to identify more variant cases." Adams of Napa County said via email: "As of Tuesday 7/13 (when the Testing Data page was updated but this number is still current), there were 11 known cases of the Delta variant in Napa County out of a cumulative total of 10,143 cases. Its not really possible to say percentage of cases with the Delta variant because not all lab specimens are sequenced to determine variants. We also do not track or report 'active' versus 'closed' cases, so we dont have a way to say how many current cases are due to Delta, either. 7 of the 11 people who have tested positive for the Delta variant had been fully vaccinated at the time of their positive test, which is about 64%." Contra Costa County's email read: "Our case rate (currently at 5.7 per 100k) has doubled over the past few weeks. Over the two weeks, 76% of the COVID-19 test samples sequenced at our public health lab were Delta. Keep in mind, this is just a sampling but it's safe to say we have seen delta steadily grow." The county also noted that it doesn't have data on the number of people who test positive for the variant and have been vaccinated. Willis of Marin County said over the phone, "Were seeing surges in cases. Weve seen a quadrupling in our cases rates in less than a month. We were at less than one new daily case per 100,000. Were now at 4.5 cases per 100,000 residents." Willis added that one in three new cases are breakthrough infections where a fully vaccinated individual tests positive. Were not seeing corresponding surges in hospitalizations or deaths, Willis said. While we are seeing an increase in the proportion of our cases that are breakthrough cases, the protection of the vaccine is clear in preventing severe disease. Thats what were most interested in in the first place. He added, While the delta variant seems to be breaking through vaccines more than other variants, the vaccine does protect from severe illness. The question may become: What should we be measuring? If these are asymptomatic people who are vaccinated that are being diagnosed with COVID-19 what is the public health implication of that? The San Francisco Emergency Operations Center said it is not able to provide an accurate number of delta cases at this time. How bad is spread of the delta variant in San Francisco? In highly vaccinated San Francisco, where 76% of those 12 and over are fully vaccinated, daily cases increased fourfold over the week ending July 7, for which there is full data, the San Francisco Department of Public Health said. Cases went from a low of 9.9 cases per day on June 19 to 42 new cases per day on July 7. "Forward looking data through July 12 indicates that new cases will increase to at least 73 cases/day, a seven-fold increase since June 19," officials said. UCSF Dr. Bob Wachter has been tracking San Francisco COVID numbers throughout the pandemic and said on Twitter on Thursday that the S.F. numbers are still "fairly low" and "cause for caution, not panic." "But this kind of uptick in SF (U.S.'s vaccination leader) shows that Delta is very real the places w/ much lower vax rates may well get clobbered," Wachter wrote. "Alas, doesn't seem like there are many persuadables left." The city did not indicate how many of those cases were in unvaccinated individuals, but Gandhi said in an email that 99% of those who are in the hospital with COVID-19 across the county are unvaccinated (including the 19 in San Francisco). "The most important thing to know about delta is that unvaccinated are susceptible," Gandhi said. WASHINGTON (AP) Federal regulators will require more frequent testing of switches on Boeing 737s that trigger warnings to pilots about a dangerous loss of cabin pressure. The Federal Aviation Administration said it acted after receiving reports of newly installed switches failing. There are two switches on each Boeing 737, and if both fail at the same time unsuspecting pilots could pass out from lack of oxygen, the FAA said in a rule posted Thursday. The FAA said its order affects 2,502 planes registered in the U.S. Chicago-based Boeing said it supports the move. The order directs operators of the plane to test and, if necessary, replace parts called cabin altitude pressure switches every 2,000 flight hours instead of the current 6,000-hour interval. Boeing initially believed that the switches which are provided by a supplier that Boeing declined to identify would fail very rarely. However, the FAA said that further investigation caused the agency and Boeing to decide two months ago that the failure rate of both switches is much higher than initially estimated, and therefore does pose a safety issue. The FAA said it doesn't know why the switches failed. Boeing said it is working with the FAA and the switch supplier to fix the problem. Federal rules require all airline planes to include a system that warns crews about depressurization. The pressure switches on Boeing 737s are designed to detect low pressure and trigger audible and visible warnings to pilots. On Friday, seven Bay Area counties and one city released new guidelines for masking, recommending that people, regardless of vaccination status, wear masks in public indoor spaces. The updated guidelines arrive as the delta variant drives a surge in COVID-19 cases throughout California and the country, leaving many to wonder: How will it impact me if I'm fully vaccinated? SFGATE spoke to two UCSF infectious disease experts, Dr. Monica Gandhi and Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, and both stressed that vaccination will protect people from experiencing severe side effects from the delta variant, which is thought to be more contagious than the original COVID-19 strain. "The majority of the data shows that vaccinated folks are super protected from bad stuff happening to them, including hospitalization, serious disease and death," Chin-Hong said. "A vaccinated person who gets infected is going to look very different from those not vaccinated," he added. Citing new data out of England, Chin-Hong said the delta strain will give most vaccinated people light cold symptoms, if any. The story is different for unvaccinated people, who make up the vast majority of those currently hospitalized for COVID-19 in the San Francisco Bay Area and California at-large. They are at a much greater risk for serious illness, hospitalization and death. The vaccines, he said, protect you from hospitalization by 96%, once again citing the English research. Breakthrough cases -- meaning contracting COVID-19 after vaccination -- do occur. Through June 23, California reported that about one COVID case occurred per 2,583 vaccinated people, according to Cal Matters. That means just 0.039% of vaccinated Californians have contracted COVID. Gandhi also stressed that "the vaccines are very effective against the delta variant." She noted that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institute of Health reiterated today that "they did not think masking of vaccinated people was necessary to protect yourself or others against the delta variant given this effectiveness." The Bay Area counties' new recommendations are therefore inconsistent with the CDC and the NIH, she added. "Getting people vaccinated is the most important thing we can do," she said. Chin-Hong differed slightly in opinion from Gandhi. He said there are a few reasons vaccinated people in the Bay Area should wear masks, namely to protect unvaccinated individuals (including those who elect to get the vaccine but are unable to do so because of health conditions). He also noted that "it's a real bummer to contract COVID," even if you're vaccinated and your symptoms are mild. It requires time off work, isolation and general annoyance. "As long as we have unvaccinated people, we're going to be in this song and dance," Chin-Hong said. "A mask is not a big deal, but the reason people are freaking out is because it's a symbol of what we feared for so many months." Ultimately, he concluded, masking "feels like a step back." Evan Agostini Australian tabloids are reporting that Caitlyn Jenner, who is running to replace California Gov. Gavin Newsom in a recall election that's just two months away, has absconded from the Golden State in order to film "Celebrity Big Brother" in Australia. News.com.au, Daily Mail Australia and The Advertiser all reported that Jenner landed in Sydney earlier this week and will have to enter a mandatory two-week quarantine before being able to film. It is unclear how long filming will last, but with eight weeks to go until the recall election, missing even two weeks would normally seem like lost time. As the delta variant of COVID-19 spreads, some of California's most populous counties are diverging from CDC and state guidance by either requiring or recommending that everyone regardless of vaccination status wear masks indoors. The 10 counties where indoor masking is currently recommended or required make up nearly half of the state's population, prompting questions of whether Gov. Gavin Newsom will issue a new statewide mask mandate or recommendation. To this point, the state has been quiet. "Vaccines remain the best protection against COVID-19, including the highly infectious delta variant," the California Department of Public Health said in a statement Thursday. "Unvaccinated Californians are not only at much higher risk of getting COVID-19 than those who are fully vaccinated, but they are also far more likely to suffer severe illness, hospitalization and death." On the topic of new restrictions, the department said that it would "continue, as always, to support the ability of local health jurisdictions to enact stricter local public health guidance that is tailored to the situation in their communities, as some counties have done." Newsom, who is facing a recall election Sept. 14, loosened California's mask mandate during the state's June 15 reopening, bringing the state in line with the current CDC guidance stating that vaccinated individuals only need to wear masks while in transit hubs or other special settings. The state waited a full month to align with the CDC masking guidance considerably longer than other blue states such as New York and Illinois that adopted the guidance the week it was announced so it would not be uncharacteristic of California to be the first state to reissue a mask recommendation or mandate more cautious than what the CDC recommends. However, Los Angeles County has estimated that 99% of new cases, hospitalizations and deaths are occurring among unvaccinated residents, and even prominent Democrats question the wisdom of making vaccinated individuals wear masks. "I believe mask mandates should be only for those who cannot prove they are fully vaccinated. Thats it," tweeted Democratic Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez, a Newsom ally. "Vaccines are free, safe and available. Their 'choice' hurting all of us, unfortunately." The idea of reimposing masks on vaccinated individuals is a relatively new phenomenon, and there is no reliable public polling on the topic. Earlier in the pandemic before vaccines became available mask mandates were quite popular. Issuing a new masking recommendation or mandate would almost undoubtedly enrage recall supporters, though recall supporters are already pretty fired up. The most recent polls show a wide enthusiasm gap between those in favor and those opposed, so Newsom's team may decide issuing another mask mandate won't meaningfully supercharge conservative turnout beyond where it will already likely be. New mask guidance could also possibly fuel small-dollar donations to Newsom's various challengers, which could be used on additional attack ads ahead of September. Still, since the Newsom team has a clear fundraising advantage, the campaign could decide that Newsom will be in a good position to dominate the airwaves and digital spaces no matter what the governor does. Newsom's political fortune hinges on not bleeding away any Democratic support, as well as making voters more enthusiastic about wanting to save him. While some very online Democrats on social media want the governor to take new action against the delta variant, it's unclear whether that sentiment is shared across the Democratic electorate. Knowing how Newsom has operated in the past, perhaps the most likely scenario is for Newsom to issue a mask recommendation, but not a mandate, similar to what the Bay Area counties have done. He already issued voluntary statewide water restrictions, urging a 15% reduction in water use while going out of his way to say, "I'm not here as the nanny state, I'm not trying to be oppressive." Issuing only an indoor mask recommendation would signal to the loudest voices on the left who want continued pandemic restrictions that he is doing something, and also will not dramatically change daily life for vaccinated individuals who are done masking in public. Of course, a statewide recommendation could end up turning into a mandate if local businesses see the recommendation and start mandating masks themselves, or if counties with recommendations see the state guidance as validation and turn their suggestions into requirements. If Newsom continues to stick to CDC guidelines, he will issue neither a recommendation nor mandate. But no matter what guidance the governor issues, recall politics will almost certainly factor into Newsom's decision, and his past actions provide some clues as to what he might do. A trail in eastern Hawaii is closing for two years after years of complaints. Located in Oahus eastern shore, Maunawili Falls trail is a popular destination. The hike takes visitors through tropical greenery to a small waterfall overlooking a secluded swimming hole that is deep enough for hikers to jump into. But the trailhead is near the Maunawili Estates neighborhood, and residents have long complained of trash that hikers have left behind, as well as vandalism and unwanted behavior. Im an avid hiker myself but I feel like theres a lot of disrespect with the hikers that come into this neighborhood, one resident told KHON2. Weve got people that use the restroom in the bushes next to peoples houses. The trail itself, which is often muddy, also requires improvement and repairs. The master plan will explore enhancements, such as developing on-site parking and comfort station facilities for trail users away from the adjacent neighborhood, Hawaiis Department of Land and Natural Resources said in a statement. It will also address policies and procedures to support sustainable, long-term use of the trail in a way that prioritizes the protection of the cultural sites and is sensitive to area residents. Access to Maunawili Falls is still available to the public. Visitors can instead hike to the falls using the Maunawili Trail, also known as the Maunawili Demonstration Trail. However, parking is not available and hikers must be dropped off, DLNR said. Maybe you don't want to remember January of this year, an incredibly low point in a young 2021. But in the hellscape of the COVID-19 pandemic and the aftermath of the January 6 Capitol riots, the New York Times published a story on techies fleeing San Francisco for the greener, sunnier pastures of Miami, Austin, Puerto Rico and other parts of the world outside of the Bay Area and state. Titled "They Cant Leave the Bay Area Fast Enough," that article signaled a turning point in tech's relationship to the city. Other locales had less taxes, less crime, more space for less money and as writer Nellie Bowles pointed out, they weren't despised by their neighbors. (Though, from first-hand experience speaking to some longtime residents of these new techie hotspots, that opinion may be changing fast.) They could work remotely, and come out ahead financially even if they took a pay cut to do so. The Times piece was not the bellwether of San Francisco's tech exodus, but it was certainly the most prominent national report on the phenomenon. It attracted strong opinions from the movers and shakers of San Francisco Twitter techie or not. In doing so, the Times set the tone for much of San Francisco's tech exeunt. (Something were also no stranger to on this very site.) So it's odd to see the paper of record, nearly six months to the day their initial story about San Franciscos woes was published, do an about-face without even mentioning their previous story and implicating themselves as part of why the panic of an SF exodus was perhaps overstated. On Thursday, they published an article that almost serves as an extended addendum of its own reporting: Tech Workers Swore Off the Bay Area. Now They're Coming Back. In it, the Times sings a different tune from the San Francisco swan song of early 2021. Now, it's that the allure of big city life in the bay is too strong, even with all the complicating caveats. Perhaps with new information in tow namely, the U.S. Postal Service's change-of-address data revealing that those who left San Francisco largely ended up in other parts of the Bay Area or the state the Times wanted to run a course correction after their previous spicy doomsaying. But the least they could've done is explicitly reference their own, comprehensive reporting from January. There's a pointed reference to exaggerated "exodus headlines" with nary a mention to their own. There's not even a follow-up of any of the people previously interviewed, of the various app founders and investors that roundly decried the Bay Area. After all, the story of the California exodus is certainly more nuanced than either piece would have it. Many folks left for good, sure. But so many more stuck around despite the Bay Area's myriad warts and woes. Some companies even doubled down on sticking around, moving to San Francisco instead of fleeing it entirely. For a whole lot of tech workers, their gripes with San Francisco were less about crime and homelessness, and more about how the tech takeover left locals behind. The Times quoted an investment firm co-founder who pointed out that the leavers were "pretty noisy about quitting the Bay Area, but perhaps less so about those who crawled back. It ultimately feels as if they pulled a similar trick. SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) Two California men have been charged with plotting to blow up the Democratic Party's headquarters in the state capital, a bombing they hoped would be the first in a series of politically-motivated attacks, federal prosecutors said Thursday. The pair used multiple messaging apps to plan to attack targets they associated with Democrats after the November 2020 presidential election, the U.S. Attorney's Office said in a statement. Their first intended target was the John L. Burton Democratic Headquarters in Sacramento, prosecutors said. According to the indictment, the defendants planned to use incendiary devices to attack their targets and hoped their attacks would prompt a movement, the statement said. Ian Benjamin Rogers, 45, and Jarrod Copeland, 37, each face multiple charges including conspiracy to destroy by fire or explosive a building used or in affecting interstate commerce, prosecutors said. Rogers, of Napa, is charged with additional weapons violations, including one count of possession of unregistered destructive devices, and three counts of possession of machine guns. Copeland, of Vallejo, is charged with an additional count of destruction of records. It wasn't known Thursday evening if the men have attorneys who could speak on their behalf. I want to blow up a democrat building bad, Rogers wrote, according to the indictment unsealed Thursday in San Francisco federal court. Copeland responded, I agree and Plan attack, the indictment says. In late December 2020, Copeland told Rogers he contacted an anti-government militia group to gather support for their movement, according to court documents. In one exchange, Rogers wrote to Copeland, after the 20th we go to war, meaning that they would initiate acts of violence after Joe Biden's inauguration on Jan. 20, 2021, the court papers say. On Jan. 15, law enforcement officers searched Rogerss home and seized a cache of weapons, including 45 to 50 firearms, thousands of rounds of ammunition, and five pipe bombs, prosecutors said. Copeland is accused of attempting to destroy evidence of the plan after Rogers' Jan. 15 arrest. Rusty Hicks, chair of the California Democratic Party, called the accusations extremely disturbing. We are relieved to know the plot was unsuccessful, the individuals believed to be responsible are in custody, and our staff and volunteers are safe and sound, Hicks said in a statement. Yet, it points to a broader issue of violent extremism that is far too common in todays political discourse. Copeland was arrested Wednesday and made an initial court appearance Thursday. He's scheduled to appear in court again on July 20 for a detention hearing. Rogers is scheduled to appear in court July 30 for a status conference. If convicted on all charges, each defendant faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, officials said. SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) Ian Benjamin Rogers had five illegal pipe bombs and nearly 50 weapons at his home and shop in Californias wine country, a ThreePercenters bumper sticker on his vehicle, a white privilege card at his house, and text messages that led federal prosecutors to charge him with conspiring to firebomb the state Democratic Party headquarters in Sacramento. His attorney admits his client is in serious trouble, but said Friday that the alleged plot was nothing more than drunken talk between two buddies inflamed by the defeat of former president Donald Trump. Firebombing your perceived political opponents is illegal and does not nurture the sort of open and vigorous debate that created and supports our constitutional democracy, U.S. Attorney Stephanie Hinds said in announcing the unsealing of an indictment Thursday in San Francisco federal court. Also charged is Jarrod Copeland, 37, of nearby Vallejo, who was arrested Wednesday and for whom no attorney is yet listed. Rogers, 45, has been in custody on related state charges since mid-January, when the FBI in an affidavit said he sent text messages that agents interpreted as threats against the offices of Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom and social media companies Facebook and Twitter. The new indictment alleges their first intended target was the Democratic Party headquarters, one of a series of planned attacks they hoped would prompt a burgeoning movement of those upset with Trumps defeat. I want to blow up a democrat building bad, Rogers wrote, according to the indictment, to which Copeland responded, I agree and Plan attack. Lets see what happens after the 20th we go to war, Rogers wrote, which prosecutors said meant they intended to begin acts of violence after President Joe Biden was inaugurated on Jan. 20. Heads must be taken, Copeland wrote at one point, according to the court documents. I dont like to think it but I think we will have to die for what we believe in. In November, prosecutors say Rogers used an encrypted messaging application to tell Copeland that he would hit the enemy in the mouth by using Molotov cocktails and gasoline to attack targets including the Governors Mansion and the state party headquarters. Before switching targets, they initially focused on the unoccupied Governor's Mansion because its empty no casualties, Rogers wrote and Copeland agreed, according to court documents. Would send a message. Prosecutors also say that in late December 2020, Copeland told Rogers he contacted an anti-government militia group to gather support for their movement. After Rogerss arrest, they say Copeland communicated with a leader of a militia group who advised Copeland to delete his old messages and switch to a new communication platform. The so-called conspiracy was a lot of drunken talk and bluster between two friends who share the same political beliefs, but it was no more than that, countered Rogers defense attorney on the Napa County charges, Jess Raphael. His client is a mechanic who has an auto repair shop and likes to tinker with things, he said. That includes building the pipe bombs that Raphael said were safely stored, built long before the recent unrest, and that Rogers intended to take camping with his kids to blow up a stump or make dirt fly. Rogers began collecting the 49 firearms seized from his home in 2008 and bought no new firearms recently, Raphael said. But he acknowledged his client is in serious trouble for turning several of them into machine guns and altering others to violate Californias definition of illegal assault weapons. Investigators also pointed to the ThreePercenters bumper sticker on Rogers's vehicle, signaling support for an anti-government movement named after the belief that just 3% of American colonists defeated the British during the American Revolution. Raphael said he got it at a barbeque at a local shooting range. That bumper sticker was about the extent of Mr. Rogerss participation, he said. He wasnt an active participant in any (ThreePercenters) activities. Rogers does belong to a group of survivalists who call themselves 3UP, he said, a group that the Anti-Defamation League identifies as a similarly named Three Percent United Patriots militia that among other things aspired to protect the border with Mexico from illegal immigration. Many extreme anti-government militias are populated by white supremacists, according to the FBI affidavit. Agents also seized a white privilege card that looks like a credit card. Trumps Everything it says beneath the label, with the number 0045 repeated as a credit card number signaling the 45th U.S. president. Scott Free is listed as the cardholder, a member from birth through death. Raphael said it was a joke card" someone sent to him. The two men each face multiple charges, including conspiracy to destroy a building used in or affecting interstate commerce. Copeland was arrested Wednesday and made an initial court appearance Thursday. He had no prior criminal record, prosecutors said, but twice deserted from the military in 2014 and 2016 before being discharged in lieu of court martial. If convicted on all charges, each defendant faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, officials said. Rogerss defense attorney on the federal charges, Colin Cooper, declined comment Friday. But Raphael insisted the two men just liked to get drunk, play video games and spout off, and never followed through with any preparation like scouting trips or other planning. You know, talking about We need to get 50,000 people to follow us, and Lets wait and see what Trump does and then well act, a lot of that stuff, Raphael said. We should go do this, we should go do that. Well call ourselves the Wolverines. It was really just bluster. The pair repeatedly signed off their messages with the exclamation Wolverines!," prosecutors said. That's a reference to the 1984 movie Red Dawn, in which Colorado high school students use guerilla tactics to resist a communist invasion, naming themselves after their school mascot. The signature line, prosecutors said, shows both their lack of maturity and how deeply threatened they feel, which is a volatile combination. LUND, Utah (AP) Three workers on a freight train were injured when it derailed while crossing tracks covered with water in a remote part of southern Utah Thursday night, authorities said. The train, which had nearly 100 cars, tipped on its side after derailing near Lund, about 85 miles from the Nevada border. MINNEAPOLIS (AP) Minneapolis police say a 3-year-old boy was in critical condition Friday after he was shot inside a home in north Minneapolis. Police spokesman John Elder said other people were in the house at the time of the Friday morning shooting, but details on what led up to the shooting were still being investigated and were not immediately available. Elder said police arrived to find the boy with a very serious gunshot wound. CHICAGO (AP) The American Civil Liberties Union wants the Chicago Police Department to turn over records about a team formed last year to monitor social media. In a lawsuit filed in Cook County Circuit Court, the ACLU wants the court to compel the department to release documents it refused to hand over after public records requests. CPDs record on respecting personal privacy is abysmal, Ariana Bushweller, an attorney representing the ACLU of Illinois said in a statement. With that history, CPD must provide public records that answer basic questions about why the city is monitoring social media accounts, who has access to the information collected, and how the information is being used. Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot and police Superintendent David Brown in August announced formation of the team to monitor social media sites around the clock amid looting and other disturbances after the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Lightfoot said Thursday social media provides a lot of information, but she ordered the department to monitor the information carefully. At the time she said the monitoring will allow police to be aware of planned activity as early as possible and to enable them to respond quickly and appropriately. She reiterated that position Thursday, arguing that social media provides a trove of information, but the mayor said she has ordered the department to monitor the information carefully. What we know is that there are a lot of crimes that are being described on social media, she said. Theres a lot of things that are happening on social media around protests and unrest. The ACLU lawsuit follows a request for public records the police department ultimately turned over, with the exception of all the requested social media records. Release of this record would immediately compromise the vulnerability assessments, security measures, and response policies and plans that are designed to respond to potential attacks upon the city of Chicago, the department wrote in its response, adding a release could also jeopardize the effectiveness of the measures to combat attacks. FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) American Airlines is canceling extended leaves for about 3,300 flight attendants and telling them to come back to work in time for the holiday season. And American plans to hire 800 new flight attendants by next March, according to an airline executive. The moves are the latest indication that leisure travel in the U.S. is recovering more quickly from the pandemic than airlines expected. Increasing customer demand and new routes starting later this year mean we need more flight attendants to operate the airline, Brady Byrnes, the airline's vice president of flight service, told flight attendants in a memo Thursday. Byrnes said cabin crews who are coming back from leave will return to flights in November or December. Last year, American offered long-term leaves of absence to flight attendants and other employees to cut costs while it struggled with a steep drop in travel caused by the coronavirus outbreak. Other airlines did the same thing. Now they need people. Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian said this week that his airline expects to hire between 4,000 and 5,000 workers this year. Delta plans to add 1,300 reservations agents by this fall to reduce long waits on hold for customers who call the airline. It's also adding customer service, cargo and airport workers and plans to hire more than 1,000 pilots before next summer. When the pandemic hit, the number of people flying in the U.S. plunged below 100,000 on some days, a level not seen in decades. This year, it has climbed from less than 700,000 a day in early February to 2 million a day in July. SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) State Court of Appeals Judge Briana Zamora has been named to the New Mexico Supreme Court, filling the vacancy left by the retirement of Justice Barbara Vigil. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grishams office announced the appointment Friday.. The governor selected Zamora, 47, from a list of candidates provided by a nominating commission. PHOENIX (AP) Contractors hired by Arizona Senate Republicans to oversee a partisan review of the 2020 election said Thursday that they dont have enough information to complete their report, and urged legislators to subpoena more records and survey voters at home. Leaders of the GOP audit described a wide variety of reasons their review is taking months longer than the 60 days initially planned, including confusion about damaged ballots and a lack of access to certain data. They described the delays during a meeting livestreamed at the Capitol Thursday and watched by thousands. As the audit drags on, some Republicans worry the spectacle of widely discredited operations will drive away voters in next year's elections. Yet as long as it continues, it provides fodder for former President Donald Trump and other Republicans making false claims of fraud and vague allegations about ballot problems. A hand count of a statistical sample of ballots matched the machine count, and two post-election audits found no manipulation of the machines. Trump lost Arizona by 10,457 votes. Trump issued a statement after the hearing highlighting several misleading claims. Senate President Karen Fann told reporters after the meeting that she was still considering new procedures as part of the audit, which is focused on the vote count in Maricopa County, Arizona's largest county. Senate Republicans had planned to canvass homes and ask people about their voting patterns, but in May dropped the idea under pressure from the U.S. Department of Justice, which warned the effort could violate laws against voter intimidation. Fann said Thursday she would consult with lawyers before deciding whether to proceed. Fann and Judiciary Committee Chairman Warren Petersen used the Senate's subpoena power to take control of Maricopa Countys voting machines and ballots after Trump claimed without evidence that the 2020 election was rigged against him in Arizona and other battleground states. The Senate hired Cyber Ninjas to oversee an audit. The small cybersecurity consulting firm is led by a Trump supporter who has spread conspiracy theories backing Trumps false claims of fraud. The review calls for hand counting 2.1 million ballots and forensically evaluating voting machines, servers and other data. The firm had no prior experience in elections, and experts in election administration say its not following reliable procedures. The auditors began the hearing trying to rehabilitate their image after election experts pointed to a litany of procedure flaws and security lapses. They showed a highly produced video describing their security and documentation processes and went into detail about work to preserve the data integrity. Cyber Ninjas CEO Doug Logan and two others Ben Cotton, head of the data forensics firm CyFIR and former Republican Secretary of State Ken Bennett, who is serving as a liaison between the Senate and the auditors raised a number of issues, many misleading or wrong, that they said could be resolved with more data or cooperation from Maricopa County. The county's Republican-controlled Board of Supervisors has called the auditors incompetent and refused to cooperate. Thats been one of the more difficult things with this audit, is not having that feedback loop, Logan said. Jack Sellers, the Republican chairman of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, said in a statement that the auditors are portraying as suspicious what is actually normal and well known to people who work in elections. What we heard today represents an alternate reality that has veered out of control since the November General Election, Sellers wrote. Fann has said repeatedly that no audit findings will be released until a full report is completed. But Logan and Cotton made several claims in their plea for more information. Among the records they're seeking are images of mail-in ballot envelopes, security keys for administrator-level access to voting machines, copies of internet routers, a diagram of the county's network and a copy of the county's voter-registration database. Cotton said the antivirus software on vote-counting machines hasn't been updated since 2019. The county responded that the machines are air gapped, or disconnected from the internet to prevent remote hacking. Installing security patches would be changing the system that was certified," county officials wrote on Twitter. Logan pointed to ballots that were not printed in alignment between the front and back, saying the mismatch could allow ink to bleed through and be counted for the wrong candidate on the other side, though he did not provide any evidence of that happening. The allegation harkens back to the Sharpiegate conspiracy theory that arose in the days after the election. Election experts say bleed through doesn't affect the vote count because bubbles on one side of a ballot don't align with those on the other, and any ballots appearing to vote for more than one candidate would be flagged. Logan also said counting teams have struggled to match damaged ballots to their duplicates. Ballots unreadable by machines are duplicated by bipartisan teams, with the original set aside and the duplicate counted. And he said there are inconsistent voter registration records that can't be reconciled without more data. There is no constitutional mechanism for President Joe Bidens victory to be overturned, and Fann has said repeatedly that the audit is aimed only at identifying improvements for future elections. But Trump and many of his supporters hope the Arizona audit will support his fraud claims and lead to similar reviews elsewhere. The auditors and lawmakers disputed Maricopa County's argument that the machines given to the Senate can't be used in future elections because they were handled by uncertified individuals. The County on Wednesday approved $2.8 million to lease new machines for the 2022 election. We have exactly a bit-for-bit image of these systems as we received them, Cotton said. We did not modify, we did not change any chips, we did not access anything other than the hard drives for those systems. Meanwhile, a Maricopa County judge ruled Thursday that records about the audit are public documents under the state's open records law, rejecting an argument by lawyers for the Senate that records maintained by Cyber Ninjas and other private firms do not need to be publicly released. BERLIN - As deadly floodwaters began to recede Friday across Germany and Belgium, the full extent of the destruction was slowly revealed: muddy washouts where homes used to stand, cars and debris on streets that became white-water torrents, and officials still adding to a death toll that surpassed 120 and was expected to climb higher. "Whole places are scarred by the disaster," German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier said at a news conference after the worst flooding in decades to hit the region. "Many people have lost what they have built all their lives." Photographs and drone footage showed scenes of total - and sudden - devastation in the heart of Europe: a regional train stranded at a swamped station, vehicles abandoned on waterlogged roadways, survivors floating down a city street on rubber boats. A television interview with a Belgian mayor was interrupted when a house in the background started to crumble. Bricks and belongings poured from the home into the flooded street - and two people tried to escape through the roof. "What should have been beautiful summer days were suddenly transformed into dark and extremely sad days for our compatriots," Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo said Friday. "We are still waiting for a definitive toll, but it could be that this flood becomes the most catastrophic our country has ever known." The storm - a major low-pressure system that stretched from Germany to France - brought a deluge Thursday that quickly swelled rivers, collapsed bridges and roads, and left many people scrambling to rooftops or onto fallen trees. At one point, German officials said up to 1,300 people remained unaccounted for. But the staggering figure could be due to the fact that some mobile phone networks were down. More than 1,000 rescue operations have been carried out in the hardest-hit areas since early Thursday, authorities said. In some places, helicopters were the only way to reach stranded people. More than 120 lives were lost. By midday Friday, the death toll in Germany had climbed to more than 100, according to German media reports citing officials. At least 50 people died in the southwestern state of Rhineland-Palatinate, and 43 died in neighboring North Rhine-Westphalia, according to security officials. German Chancellor Angela Merkel, fresh off a trip to Washington, met via video conference with a crisis team Friday. She was briefed on rescue efforts and pledged government support. Annelies Verlinden, Belgium's interior minister, said at a news conference that at least 20 were dead and 19 missing, but stressed that the figure "could evolve" as more details trickle in. Belgian officials also said Tuesday will be declared a day of national mourning. In the hardest-hit parts of Germany, two months' worth of rain fell in 24 hours, according to the Deutscher Wetterdienst, Germany's meteorological agency, causing a 1-in-100-year deluge over a large swath of western Germany. German officials said several people were missing after a landslide in Erftstadt-Blessem near Cologne. They said houses were swept away or collapsed and that the rescue operation was challenging. Local police in Rhineland-Palatinate said that at least 60 people died after the Ahr River burst its banks. In remarks Friday, Malu Dreyer, premier of Rhineland-Palatinate, called the flooding a "national catastrophe." "We're not at the point today where we can say the situation is getting better. The sorrow is still rising," she said. Dreyer said that work to tackle the issue of climate change would continue and stressed the importance of protecting future generations from such turmoil. Many saw the flooding as a vivid warning of what's to come as climate change reshapes weather patterns. Armin Laschet, the premier of North Rhine-Westphalia and a candidate to succeed Chancellor Angela Merkel in September's elections, called on officials to take the issue more seriously. "We need to continue Germany's path toward climate neutrality even faster," he said. "In these difficult hours, we must overcome all party and state boundaries." Ernst Rauch, the chief climate and geoscientist for Munich Re, a major German insurer, warned of more such catastrophes to come. "There are clear indications that part of the growing damage cannot be explained solely by socio-economic factors but is due to climate change," he wrote in a statement posted to Twitter. "We have to assume that these damages will increase in frequency and intensity." In the Netherlands, near the city of Maastricht, a dike of the Juliana Canal collapsed Friday, a local spokesman in charge of the security said. Residents were told to evacuate amid fears the breach in the dike could widen. In other places across the flood zone, survivors took stock of what was lost and traded stories of the fearsome speed and power of the rushing waters. "We already experienced floods, but nothing like this. We just bought this house eight months ago and it was meant to be the unsinkable house of the village," said Laurence Willquet, 47, who lives in the Belgian village of Hony, around 10 miles from Liege and near the Ourthe River. "Everything is ruined, we lost everything," she said, adding that she fled to stay with a friend whose house was also flooded. Willquet was rescued Thursday, jumping to a boat from the first floor of the house. Luxembourg and Switzerland were also hit by torrential rain, and warnings were issued in more than a dozen regions of France. Earlier this week, Britain was struck by flash floods that submerged parts of London in deep waters and turned residential roads into flowing rivers. - - - Hassan reported from London. The Washington Post's Luisa Beck in Berlin, Gabriel Rinaldi in Berlin, Quentin Aries in Brussels and Amar Nadhir in Istanbul contributed to this report. RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) Former North Carolina Supreme Court Chief Justice Cheri Beasley and ex-Gov. Pat McCrory brought in the most money in their respective Democratic and Republican primary bids for an open 2022 U.S. Senate seat, new campaign finance reports show. The more than $1.2 million each candidate raised in the latest reporting period shows their ability to gain sizable financial support in what could become the costliest midterm race in the country next year. The bid to fill the seat GOP Sen. Richard Burr is vacating may have serious political consequences. The outcome could determine whether Democrats retain control of the Senate. If Republicans win back the chamber, they'd be poised to more easily thwart President Joe Biden's legislative agenda. We've proven that we're winning big in the polls and dominating the competition in fundraising, McCrory said in a statement. Beasley's campaign, which launched in late April and two weeks after McCrory's, boasted it outraised the entire field for the fundraising period from April to June. Other candidates also raised large sums of money and remain competitive. Beasley's top Democratic rival, state Sen. Jeff Jackson, raised a similar amount of money during his first two months as a candidate, when he got almost $1.3 million from the time he entered the race in late January to the end of March. But Jackson's numbers lagged in the most recent reporting stretch. He raised more than $718,000 between April and June. Despite having been in the race three months longer than Beasley, he entered July with a cash advantage of less than $32,000. Dylan Arant, a spokesperson for Jackson's campaign, said donations in the latest quarter came from residents in more North Carolina counties and in smaller amounts than Beasley's, reflecting a larger base of grassroots supporters. McCrory is facing two main competitors in the Republican primary, both of whom trailed in fundraising. Despite securing a high-profile endorsement from former President Donald Trumps last month, U.S. Rep. Ted Budd raised about $500,000 less from individuals and political action committees than McCrory between April and June. His campaign took in more than $950,000, including $250,000 through a personal loan Budd made to his campaign. McCrorys campaign called Budds fundraising haul shockingly weak. Still, the congressman entered July with more than $1.7 million in the bank, well ahead of the $955,000 in cash at McCrory's disposal. Jonathan Felts, senior advisor to Budds campaign, said in a news release that McCrory has the deft touch of a tier-one professional politician when it comes to working over fat cats. Felts noted the campaign expected it would take all of 2021 to eliminate McCrory's financial advantage. Weve eliminated the McCrory money advantage six months ahead of schedule and thats going to allow us to accelerate our campaign buildout, Felts said. But other candidates find themselves lagging well behind in fundraising. Former Republican U.S. Rep. Mark Walker, who entered the race in December 2020, only received about $200,000 between April and June. Of the three top GOP candidates, he has the least amount of money available to him, having entered July with nearly $927,000. Former Democratic state Sen. Erica Smith raised a meager $113,000. She has less than $56,000 cash on hand and $52,000 in unpaid bills. The candidates submitted their latest quarterly fundraising reports to the Federal Election Commission on Thursday and will report again in three months. ___ 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. BOSTON (AP) A notorious New England gangster locked up for life for a slew of killings says his health is in peril behind bars and wants out. Stephen The Rifleman Flemmi wrote in a letter to an Oklahoma state court judge that prison medical staff say his age and underlying health conditions make it highly likely that he will suffer an extremely poor outcome if he gets the coronavirus, The Boston Globe reported. SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) The California attorney generals office is launching its first required investigation of a police shooting of an unarmed civilian, acting in a Los Angeles County death where police said the suspect walking on Hollywood Boulevard turned out to have a fake gun. We will take every step necessary to ensure a thorough, impartial investigation and review is completed, Attorney General Rob Bonta said in a statement Friday. State lawmakers, spurred by nationwide concerns over killings by police, last year approved legislation that requires the attorney general to determine whether police have violated the law in cases where civilians die. Previously, local prosecutors usually made those decisions. But lawmakers limited the state investigations to cases where a civilian without a weapon is shot to death by an officer. In the shooting before noon on Thursday, officers said they responded to reports of a man walking around with a handgun along the Walk of Fame. At least one person reported seeing him pointing a gun at someone. Officers said a fake handgun was recovered at the scene, and LAPD Detective Meghan Aguilar, a police spokesperson, said she was told that it appears to be exactly like a gun. The man, whose name has not been released, was pronounced dead at a hospital. A woman was treated for a minor injury but police said they didn't know how she was hurt. The shooting was less than a block from the Dolby Theatre, where the Oscars are normally presented, and near the famed corner of Hollywood Boulevard and Highland Avenue. Bonta announced his office's new procedures just last week, after the new law took effect July 1. Under those rules, the California Department of Justice said its California Police Shooting Investigation Team for Southern California went to the scene as soon as it was notified by the Los Angeles Police Department of Once the team's investigation is done, it will send its report to the department's Special Prosecutions Section for a decision on whether officers broke the law. The LAPD will separately determine if officers violated any procedural rules or policies. Bonta thanked the department for its collaboration. Now, more than ever, we must work together in the spirit of this new law to build and maintain trust in our criminal justice system for all of our communities, he said. CHICAGO (AP) An off-duty Chicago police officer has been issued a citation after the pickup truck he was driving struck and killed a 9-year-old riding his bicycle along a Chicago street, police said. The officer was cited for failure to exercise due care for a pedestrian in the road, the Chicago Sun-Times reported. PLANTATION, Fla. (AP) A man abducted his girlfriend's young son during an argument and then sped off in her car before losing control and crashing into a tree, killing both himself and the child in the fiery wreck, her family said. Plantation police identified the dead in Thursday's early morning crash as Ryan Yates, 25, and 3-year-old James Oizan-Chapon, but have not released many details. But the boy's grandmother, Maria Cid, told WPLG-TV that Yates was arguing with her 25-year-old daughter, Yasmin Cid, at about 3:30 a.m. Thursday when when he grabbed James and drove away with him in her black 2014 Mercedes-Benz as the mom tried unsuccessfully to free her son. The Mercedes hit the tree at high speed, splitting in two and erupting in flames. Yasmin Cid soon arrived at the scene. I heard two booming sounds right after the crash and then a woman screaming for her baby, witness Elizabeth Velasco told the TV station. She was like, My baby! My baby! I actually started crying when I heard that because I felt really helpless. The South Florida SunSentinel reports that Yates had a lengthy arrest record. In 2014, he was charged with battery, but that case was dropped. In 2017, he was charged with grand theft auto. He pleaded no contest and was put on three years of probation. He violated his probation the next year by traveling to Oklahoma, where he was charged with burglary and obstructing a police officer. Florida revoked his probation and he spent 18 months in prison. In February, he was charged with battery, domestic battery by strangulation, grand theft auto and robbery. A trial was scheduled for next month. Plantation is a suburb of Fort Lauderdale. PORT ANGELES, Wash. (AP) Last year, right wing conspiracy theories from QAnon were injected into the U.S. Presidential race. This year conspiratorial thinking is creeping into small town races around the country, including several on the northern Olympic Peninsula in Washington state. A QAnon apologist named Donnie Hall recruits and trains candidates through a group he co-founded called the Independent Advisory Association. Theyre what I call citizen candidates. They dont have a lot of experience. We have to tell them the basics, Hall told KUOW. But theres more to Halls story. The first candidate on his list was a local hair salon owner named William Armacost, who became mayor of Sequim last year, before he started to publicly promote QAnon conspiracy theories to the local community. This year, Donnie Hall is backing a slate of candidates a little over half a dozen from Port Townsend to Port Angeles, a city Hall believes has moved too far left. A lot of times our city councils do not have contested races. A group of ideologues can step in and form a majority, he said. For Halls Independent Advisory Association, thats both a criticism of the status quo, and an implicit call to action. The hot political issue in Port Angeles this year is homelessness, specifically a rumor that Seattle is buying homeless people bus tickets and shipping them out to the peninsula. There is now a fairly big controversy over how many of the homeless are homegrown, versus how many come because somebody buys them a bus ticket, Hall said. Theres no evidence to support that theory. Nevertheless, its captured the imagination of many residents out here, including a small business owner and licensed massage therapist named Jena Stamper, who is one of Donnie Halls candidates this year. Shes running for the Port Angeles City Council Position 3. Stamper wasnt willing to be interviewed, but at a recent candidate forum, she embraced the conspiracy theory. They do come from other communities that say, Hey, we know Port Angeles has these services, and they can help you there, she said. Attorney Lindsey Schromen-Wawrin, the incumbent in this race, said its a myth and a big lie to claim the rise in homelessness in Port Angeles is because theyre coming from somewhere else. But there are serious issues in this small community, with untreated mental illness and addiction, and both home prices and rents are skyrocketing. Homelessness in Port Angeles Many in Port Angeles and the surrounding communities here are experiencing homelessness, like Alice Robbins and her husband. Two months ago they moved into Serenity House, which provides shelter and services for homeless people. We were in a house here in Port Angeles, and our landlord sold the house. So we had no place to go, so here we are here, she said. Robbins says its not easy affording a new place given the current housing market. Im noticing that even a studio is going for $1,000 easy. Were both 63 . my husband has pancreatic cancer, hes got kidney disease, hes got diabetes full blown. Robbins has chronic inflammatory lung disease. These are details about a life story that some people in Port Angeles arent aware of. Theyre really really rude about it. Theres an: If youre homeless, youre a tweaker. Youre on drugs, automatically. You know I mean? Theyre really mean and I didnt realize that until I became that myself, Robbins said. Amanda McClannahan currently lives at Serenity house, too. I was born here in Port Angeles, and the last five years Ive been in Port Angeles homeless, McClannahan said. Both said they do know some homeless people who have moved there recently, but most are from the area. Tabitha Lomker has lived in Port Angeles for the last 11 years. Like many people on the Peninsula, Lomker lived in California before moving up north. Sharon Maggard, who runs Serenity House, said the conspiracy theory that most homeless people are being shipped in is often the only thing people in town want to talk to her about. Every day, every day, every day, you know, the contractor thats working on putting up our building? He says, And I heard that we just bused people in from Seattle or some other place, she said. Every Serenity house resident currently is from the area, she said. There are some programs to help homeless people with travel expenses to get home to their families. King County has one. But for 2020, theres no record of anyone using that program to go anywhere on the Olympic Peninsula. And this years homeless count in Port Angeles only recorded three people from outside the region. Strategy behind the conspiracy Incumbent Councilmember Lindsey Schromen-Wawrin said theres a strategy behind the big lie. Were told that theyre coming because we have better social services here than where they were. So that prescribes a solution which is Oh, get rid of the social services, and theyll stop coming, he said Defunding social services is part of what challenger Gina Stamper wants to do. As long as we have these services, and as long as we keep expanding these services, they will keep sending them to our town, she said. Schromen-Wawrin said thats making policy based on a lie. A third candidate in the race, Fogtown Coffee Bar owner Jason Thompson, said the city needs to provide more homeless shelters. On the issues though, he is much more conservative than Schromen-Wawrin. I feel that a great start is an absolute ban of encampments in downtown Port Angeles, he said. But he rejects the conspiracy theory. I dont believe that people are being bused in, Thompson said. He also said he was approached by someone from Donnie Halls Independent Advisory Association to ask if he needed help with his campaign. But Thompson turned them down. Experts say whats happening in Port Angeles is also happening with Q believers and other conspiracy theorists all over the country theyve shifted from wild tales of Satan-worshipping pedophiles to more conventional conspiracies, like the one about Seattle shipping homeless people. And the persistent misinformation makes real issues that communities including Port Angeles face (recovery from the pandemic, addiction, mental health issues, and unaffordable housing) that much harder to address. COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) A three-day celebration of what would have been history-making astronaut John Glenn's 100th birthday began Friday in his birthplace and childhood hometown in Ohio, even as additional events were announced to mark the occasion. Glenn, who died in 2016, was the first American to orbit Earth, making him a national hero in 1962. In addition to his military and space accomplishments, he spent 24 years as a Democrat in the U.S. Senate. NEW YORK (AP) A federal judge Friday set a March 2022 trial date for two Brooklyn lawyers charged with firebombing an empty police vehicle last year amid demonstrations that followed the death of George Floyd. Plea negotiations have stalled between prosecutors and attorneys for Colinford Mattis and Urooj Rahman, who are accused of torching a New York City Police Department vehicle. HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) Democrat John Fetterman is showing his early fundraising prowess in the crowded stakes for Pennsylvania's open U.S. Senate seat ahead of next year's election. Fetterman, the states lieutenant governor, reported $2.5 million raised in the three months ending June 30, leaving him with $3 million in his campaign account. That is far more than any candidate, Republican or Democrat, has reported. COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) The percentage of homes with earthquake insurance in Missouri's highest-risk areas is at a historic low amid rising costs for coverage. Only 12.7% of homes in the New Madrid fault area were insured as of last year, according to a survey of insurers released by Missouri's Department of Commerce and Insurance this week. In 2000, more than 60% of homes in the area were insured for earthquakes. The New Madrid fault stretches from northeastern Arkansas to southeastern Missouri. Earthquakes from the fault line can occur in cities including St. Louis and Little Rock, Arkansas, according to Missouri's Department of Natural Resources. The Missouri Geological Survey has said mild earthquakes in southeastern Missouri are not unusual and that at least four quakes measuring 4.5-magnitude or greater have occurred in New Madrid Seismic Zone since 1974. Hundreds of weaker quakes between magnitude 2.0 and 3.9 have been recorded there since 2000. Missouri's insurance department blamed the drop in insured homes partly on rising prices and high deductibles. Earthquake insurance costs are up 760% compared to 2000, and many insurers only offer coverage with deductibles at 25% of the value of insured homes. Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance Director Chlora Lindley-Myers said in a statement that the cost of earthquake insurance is prohibitively expensive and that some insurers have pulled out of the area completely. We are very concerned about the state of earthquake insurance in Missouri, Lindley-Myers said. She said the drop in earthquake insurance spans several states and will take a multistate effort to solve. Missouri is hosting a conference on the issue in September. The scope of the problem in surrounding states is unclear. A spokeswoman for Arkansas' insurance agency said the state doesn't collect data on earthquake insurance by ZIP code. Jennifer Bruce said the department is considering expanding its data collection. Kentucky also doesn't require insurance companies to provide data on the number of earthquake-insured homes by county. ATHENS, Ala. (AP) Prosecutors on Friday told jurors that a longtime Alabama sheriff siphoned campaign donations and inmate accounts to cover personal expenses, while a defense lawyer argued no money was illegally taken and there is an explanation for the transactions. Lawyers gave diverging portraits during opening statements in the corruption trial of Limestone County Sheriff Mike Blakely, news outlets reported. Blakely faces 11 criminal counts, including using his office for personal gain, theft of campaign funds and taking money held by the sheriffs office. Blakely, 70, pleaded not guilty. While a felony conviction would result in his automatic removal from office, he has continued to work as sheriff since being indicted in 2019. Just because Mike Blakely is the sheriff, that doesnt mean hes above the law, Kyle Beckman, an Alabama assistant attorney general, told jurors. Prosecutors said that Blakely on several occasions took checks intended for his campaign account and deposited the money in his personal account at another bank. The deposits came as his account was in danger of being overdrawn. Prosecutors also alleged that from April 2013 to June 2016, Blakely routinely borrowed Limestone County Jail inmates money that was kept in a safe. They said he would write checks to repay the money, but those would be held for nearly a year. At one point, there were 19 checks covering the cash payments to Blakely and he was floated $29,050 for 271 days, prosecutors said. Other accusations against Blakely include that he got three jail inmates to do work for a company that loaned him money. Prosecutors said the sheriff also went to casinos when he was supposed to be attending law enforcement conferences and had a subordinate loan him $1,000 when he was in Biloxi, Mississippi. Robert Tuten, Blakelys lead defense attorney, said none of the 11 incidents described by state prosecutors amounts to a crime. Tuten didnt offer an extended defense of each count but said witnesses, including Blakely, would be able to offer clear, logical explanations for each transaction. There is no missing money, he told the jury. He added that Blakely had no criminal intent with each of the transactions. Tuten said the clerk who loaned Blakely the $1,000 will testify that she was not pressured or coerced and has been Blakelys friend for decades. The trial resumes Monday when prosecutors will call their first witnesses. LAKE ARROWHEAD, Calif. (AP) Fire destroyed seven boats and damaged five others before dawn Friday at a marina on Southern Californias Lake Arrowhead, authorities said. Some of the boats burned through the lines tying them to the dock and floated freely, threatening to spread damage, San Bernardino County fire authorities said in a social media post. PARIS (AP) Frances justice minister was handed preliminary charges Friday on accusations of conflict of interest, the first time in modern French history that a member of government was given such charges while in office. Eric Dupond-Moretti is accused of abusing his position as minister to settle accounts in legal cases involving his work as a lawyer, before he was named to the government. COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) Missouri candidates for U.S. Senate have started racking in money to fuel what likely will be an expensive race for retiring Sen. Roy Blunts seat. Missouris Republican Attorney General Eric Schmitt, a top contender, said he raised about $1.3 million since he officially entered the race in late March. Republican U.S. Rep. Vicky Hartzler raised about $890,000 since April. BOSTON (AP) Gov. Charlie Baker signed a new $47.6 billion state budget Friday for the fiscal year that began July 1, as the state is enjoying an expected jump in revenues despite the pandemic. The spending plan is designed to support the states cities and towns, schools, families, small businesses, and workers as Massachusetts emerges from COVID-19, Baker said. The budget makes key investments, including fully funding the states new Student Opportunity Act, which requires more funds be channeled into school systems with higher percentages of low-income students and English language learners. There are no new taxes in the budget, which also forecasts a $1.2 billion deposit into the states Stabilization Fund bringing the total balance of the rainy day fund to $5.8 billion. There is no planned withdrawal from the fund. Baker and House and Senate Legislative negotiators who hammered out the final budget benefited from an upgraded $34.3 billion tax revenue forecast for the fiscal year. This represents an increase of $4.2 billion over the FY 2022 consensus tax revenue estimate announced in January, based off better-than-expected actual tax collections in recent months. The budget also includes a compromise on the film tax credit by making the tax break permanent. The tax break has been criticized by some, saying big-budget Hollywood movies dont need a tax break, but supporters including Teamsters Local 25 have said its key to nurturing the states home-grown film industry and retaining jobs. As we continue in our economic recovery, we are focused on supporting those communities that have been hardest hit by COVID-19, the Republican said in a written statement. We are able to responsibly grow our reserves without raising taxes, while continuing to make historic investments in our schools, job training programs and downtown economies. The budget includes $35 million for a range of initiatives recommended by the Black Advisory Commission and the Latino Advisory Commission, including Adult Basic Education, YouthWorks Summer Jobs, early college, teacher diversity, small business development, financial literacy, and workforce training, according to Baker. Baker also signed some outside sections of the budget, which typically deal more with policy initiatives than spending, including a section filed by the administration to create a Disability Employment Tax Credit to support businesses that hire individuals with disabilities. Another section makes permanent the Massachusetts Education Financing Authoritys college savings tax deduction program, which was scheduled to end this year. Nearly 30,000 tax filers across Massachusetts benefit from this program, according to the administration. Baker vetoed $7.9 million in gross spending. Of 149 outside sections, he signed 122, vetoed 2, and returned 25 to lawmakers with proposed amendments. Democrats in the Massachusetts House and Senate hold wide enough margins in both chambers to override any vetoes. Lawmakers put a $48.1 billion bottom line on the budget they sent to Baker. The administration reached the slightly lower figure of $47.6 billion by excluding funding from the Medical Assistance Trust Fund. Also Friday, Baker signed a separate spending package focused on transportation needs. The bill, which was approved by lawmakers on Thursday, authorizes $200 million for municipal road and bridge repairs and $150 million to support statewide projects to address congestion, support electric vehicle infrastructure, prioritize bus infrastructure, and improve public transit. COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) The left-leaning government of Greenland has decided to suspend all oil exploration off the worlds largest island, calling it is a natural step because the Arctic government takes the climate crisis seriously. No oil has been found yet around Greenland, but officials there had seen potentially vast reserves as a way to help Greenlanders realize their long-held dream of independence from Denmark by cutting the annual subsidy of 3.4 billion kroner ($540 million) the Danish territory receives. Global warming means that retreating ice could uncover potential oil and mineral resources which, if successfully tapped, could dramatically change the fortunes of the semiautonomous territory of 57,000 people. The future does not lie in oil. The future belongs to renewable energy, and in that respect we have much more to gain, the Greenland government said in a statement. The government said it wants to take co-responsibility for combating the global climate crisis. The decision was made June 24 but made public Thursday. The U.S. Geological Survey estimates there could be 17.5 billion undiscovered barrels of oil and 148 trillion cubic feet of natural gas off Greenland, although the island's remote location and harsh weather have limited exploration. When the current government, led by the Inuit Ataqatigiit party since an Aprils parliamentary election, it immediately began to deliver on election promises and stopped plans for uranium mining in southern Greenland. Greenland still has four active hydrocarbon exploration licenses, which it is obliged to maintain as long as the licensees are actively exploring. They are held by two small companies. The government's decision to stop oil exploration was welcomed by environmental group Greenpeace, which called the decision fantastic. And my understanding is that the licenses that are left have very limited potential, Mads Flarup Christensen, Greenpeace Nordics general secretary, told weekly Danish tech-magazine Ingenioeren. Denmark decides foreign, defense and security policy, and supports Greenland with the annual grant that accounts for about two-thirds of the Arctic islands economy. BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) The North Dakota Supreme Court has upheld the murder sentence of a Minot man convicted in a fatal shooting outside a Williston motel in 2017. Alex Eggleston was convicted and sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole in 30 years for the murder of Vance Neset, which took place in the Super 8 motel parking lot. BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) Some bookstores in Hungary placed notices at their entrances this week telling customers that they sell "non-traditional content. The signs went up in response to a new law that prohibits depicting or promoting homosexuality and gender transitions in material accessible to children. While some writers, publishers and booksellers say the law curtails free thought and expression in Hungary, the country's second-largest bookstore chain, Lira Konyv, posted the advisory notices to be safe. The new prohibition took effect last week, but the government has not issued official guidance on how or to whom it will be applied and enforced. The word depicts is so general that it could include anything. It could apply to Shakespeares sonnets or Sapphos poems, because those depict homosexuality, Krisztian Nyary, the creative director for Lira Konyv, said of the legislation passed by Hungary's parliament last month. The law, which also prohibits LGBT content in school education programs, has many in Hungary's literary community puzzled, if not on edge, unsure if they would face prosecution if minors end up with books that contain plots, characters or information discussing sexual orientation or gender identity. Hungary's populist government insists that the law, part of a broader statute that also increases criminal penalties for pedophilia and creates a searchable database of sex offenders, is necessary to protect children. But critics, including high-ranking European Union officials, say the measure conflates LGBT people with pedophiles and is another example of Hungarian government policies and rhetoric that marginalize individuals who identity as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer. Last week, a government office in the capital of Budapest announced it had fined Lira Konyv $830 for failing to clearly label a childrens book that depicts families headed by same-sex parents. The office said the bookstore broke consumer protection rules by failing to indicate that the book contained content which deviates from the norm. The fine, Nyary said, set a precedent for further potential sanctions against publishers and booksellers. With the threat of further penalties looming, all of Lira Konyv's roughly 90 bookstores will now carry customer warnings that read, This store sells books with non-traditional content. Noemi Kiss, the author of several novellas that address contemporary social problems and feature some characters that are not straight or whose gender identity does not match the one they were assigned at birth, said she supports parts of the law that are intended to stop pedophilia and to protect children from pornographic content. But she called making literature off-limits based on whether it contains LGBT themes absurd and a limitation of freedom of opinion and expression. Based on what will writers be categorized? If (an author) writes a gay story, will they be completely discredited, or shall we completely rewrite all of world literature? Kiss said. The EU's executive commission launched two legal actions against Hungary on Thursday over the new law and in response to earlier labeling requirements for children's books that display patterns of behavior that differ from traditional gender roles though authorities did not make clear what non-traditional gender roles entail. Hungary restricts the freedom of expression of authors and book publishers, and discriminates on grounds of sexual orientation in an unjustified way, the European Commission said in a statement, adding that the government had not provided "any justification as to why exposure of children to LGBTIQ content would be detrimental to their well-being. Along with outlawing LGBT content for children, the law also prohibits depicting sexuality for its own sake to young audiences - a proscription that Nyary said could arguably apply to the majority of titles Lira Konyv sells. If someone wanted to, they could report three-quarters of world literature based on this definition, he said. Hungarys government did not respond to a request for comment. Nyary says he is compiling an anthology of classic literature that contain LGBT themes. The collection of stories, poetry and plays will include writings by Homer, Shakespeare and Sappho, among others and will come marked with an 18+ sticker to indicate only adults should read it. "We want to show what this law prohibits young people from accessing," Nyary said. Mark Mezei, a novelist in Budapest who has published a book featuring a lesbian relationship, says that while he believes established authors will not practice self-censorship, the new law could knock the pen out of the hands of young wordsmiths and stunt a new generation of Hungarian writers. If they find that they are facing huge resistance to their early work, it can certainly set them back in the creative process or even push them away from their calling, he said. Mezei said he is likely to simply ignore the law, insisting that authors must create and live autonomously. I think interfering in peoples private lives is one of the attributes of a governing power. But the really good works are born one way or another," he said. "Theyll be on the shelves of libraries when the current powers are just a footnote in the pages of history books. FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) Five Kentucky riverports are sharing $500,000 in state money for critical repairs. The sites in Paducah, Eddyville, Hickman, Owensboro and Louisville are receiving grants that will be matched by the authorities that operate the ports, according to Gov. Andy Beshear's office. Beshear said in a media release that the port improvements would move cargo more safely and efficiently. The Eddyville Riverport and Industrial Development Authority is receiving $126,500 for repairs to its main loading dock. Hickman Fulton County Riverport Authority will use $136,265 for a new front-end loader. Louisville-Jefferson County Riverport Authority will use $178,803 to go toward a new rail line. Owensboro and Paducah are getting smaller amounts to improve the movement of bulk items. The money was appropriated by the Kentucky General Assembly, and riverports applied for the grants to an advisory board. WASHINGTON (AP) A key senator is asking six U.S. airlines to explain the high rates of delayed and canceled flights this summer, and she's asking whether there are labor shortages despite the airlines getting billions in federal aid to keep workers on the job. Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., who chairs the Senate Commerce Committee, sent letters Friday to the CEOs of American, Southwest, Delta, JetBlue, Republic and Allegiant. She wrote that she is concerned by reports that have highlighted the role of worker shortages in a surge of delayed and canceled flights. In identical letters to the CEOs, Cantwell said each airline did a poor job of managing its workforce and, at worst, "failed to meet the intent of tax payer funding and prepare for the surge in travel that we are now witnessing. Since March 2020, when the pandemic began to crush air travel, Congress has approved $54 billion to keep airline workers employed. As a condition of the aid, airlines have been prohibited from furloughing workers, but they persuaded tens of thousands of employees to take voluntary buyouts, early retirement or long-term leave to cut costs. Now the airlines are trying to bolster their staffs. This week, American cited rising passenger numbers in saying it will recall 3,300 flight attendants from long-term leave and hire 800 more before the end of the year. Delta said it will hire between up to 5,000 workers this year to reduce long hold times for customers who call the airline and to deal with workers shortages at contractors such as food caterers and airplane cleaners. Airlines and their unions lobbied for the federal aid, which has been extended twice and is scheduled to end Sept. 30. Trade group Airlines for America said that without the money, the impacts of the pandemic would have been far more devastating to our industry and our workforce, and our return to the skies would have been dramatically slowed. Government figures show that about 35,000 airline jobs were lost last fall, when the aid briefly expired. The jobs were restored when Congress extended the payroll relief. Southwest, one of the hardest hit by delays, said Friday it used the federal money to keep flying to all the airports it served before the pandemic. It blamed recent delays on summer thunderstorms and technology challenges last month that led to an unusually high number of delays and flight cancelations. The number of people flying in the U.S. bottomed out at less than 100,000 a day in April 2020. It has increased from about 700,000 a day in early February to about 2 million a day in July, although that is still down 20% from the same month in 2019, before the pandemic. SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) The record-shattering heat wave in the Pacific Northwest prompted fishing and conservation groups to ask a federal court Friday to order more spill from dams on the lower Snake and Columbia rivers next spring, which could aid the migration of endangered salmon and steelhead runs. Earthjustice, on behalf of a coalition of fishing and conservation groups, asked a federal court in Portland, Oregon, for more water to be released to help the fish navigate a series of dams in the river basins. Increasing the amount of water helps flush young fish along their river migration to reach the ocean where they mature. But increasing spill also means that water is not available later to generate power. The groups are also seeking lowered reservoir levels, which are routinely too hot, to help speed fish migration. Right now were back in court asking for another stop-gap measure to slow the trend toward extinction of these fish, Earthjustice attorney Todd True said. The Columbia River Basin was once the greatest salmon-producing river system in the world. But all remaining salmon on the Snake River, its largest tributary, now face extinction. Four dams in eastern Washington state Ice Harbor, Little Goose, Lower Monumental and Lower Granite slow passage along the lower Snake River, a major migration corridor linking pristine cold-water streams in central Idaho to the Columbia River and out to the Pacific Ocean. The dams plus rising water temperatures in the reservoirs make the passage increasingly deadly, conservation groups contend. Many are calling for the four dams to be breached. In 2015, some of the earliest and hottest weather on record produced warm river temperatures that killed more than 90% of all adult sockeye salmon returning to the Columbia Basin, conservation groups said. State agencies have since had to limit or cancel fishing seasons to protect the dwindling population. This summer could be a disaster for Snake River salmon with its record-breaking heat, the groups said. Climate change has made the West much warmer and drier in the past 30 years, and scientists have long warned that the weather will get wilder as the world warms. Special calculations are needed to determine how much global warming is to blame, if at all, for a single extreme weather event. The litigation challenges the most recent plan for dam operations issued by the Trump administration in late 2020. That plan called for the same operations the courts have consistently rejected for more than two decades. Numerous groups that use the river system have opposed breaching the four dams, along with mostly Republican politicians in the region who argue the dams provide many benefits, such as electricity to power air conditioners during the heat wave. Kurt Miller, executive director of Northwest RiverPartners, which opposes breaching, said the injunction is poorly timed. At a time when the Pacific Northwest is emerging from the pandemic, experiencing historic heat that has led to drought, wildfires, and significant loss of life, and is faced with rampant homelessness, it is difficult to imagine a group filing a motion that will greatly increase the electricity costs for millions of residents, decrease our clean energy generation, and double the risk of regional blackouts," he said. The request for a preliminary injunction allowing more spill lists the National Marine Fisheries Service, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation as defendants. CLOVIS, Calif. (AP) A lightning strike likely ignited a 2020 wildfire in California's Sierra National Forest, but the U.S. Forest Service said Friday it could not determine an official cause of the fire. September's Creek Fire burned 600 square miles (1,500 square kilometers) and spread so quickly that hundreds of Labor Day holiday campers had to be rescued by a series of harrowing helicopter flights. All 214 campers were delivered safely. Investigators did not rule out arson and lit cigarettes as the cause, but said there were no illegal marijuana grow sites nearby that could have started the fire. Forest service officials said an undetermined status is not uncommon with a fire this complex. Investigators spent countless hours hiking rugged terrain to determine the cause, interviewed numerous leads, and eliminated multiple potential causes. In the end, lightning remains as the probable cause," said Dean Gould, forest supervisor of the Sierra National Forest. Fresno County Supervisor Nathan Magsig expressed gratitude for the service completing its investigation but said an undetermined cause makes it hard for the residents and those who lost so much to find closure. The Creek Fire destroyed 853 structures. Fresno County estimates the cost of recovery and rebuilding to exceed $500 million. There were no fatalities. Fire officials at the time said theyd never seen a fire move so fast in forestland 15 miles (24 kilometers) in a day through drought- and beetle-killed timber. The Sept. 4 fire near Yosemite National Park cut off an access road to a popular campground at Mammoth Pool Reservoir where 214 people became trapped. Two California National Guard helicopters loaded campers on to their aircraft well beyond normal safety limits given the rapidly deteriorating visibility. On one trip, 102 campers were packed into a CH-47 Chinook twin-rotor helicopter designed for 30 passengers. MADISON, Wis. (AP) A man charged with killing a University of Wisconsin-Madison student in 2008 has been ordered to stand trial. A Dane County judge on Thursday ruled there was enough evidence to show probable cause that David Kahl might be responsible for the death of 21-year-old Brittany Zimmermann. Kahl appeared in court via video from the Oshkosh Correctional Institution. JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) A Utah man who was sentenced to 30 years in prison last month in the beating death of his wife on an Alaska cruise has died, the Alaska Department of Corrections said. Kenneth Manzanares was in the department's custody, at a facility in Juneau, when he was found unresponsive in his cell Wednesday morning, the department said in a statement. Life-saving measures were attempted but he was later pronounced dead, the department said. MILWAUKEE (AP) A man who pleaded guilty to killing a Wisconsin mother and her two young daughters was sentenced Friday to life in prison without the possibility of parole, according to online court records. Arzel Ivery, 27, admitted in April that he killed 26-year-old Amarah Jerica Banks, 5-year-old Zaniya Ivery and 4-year-old Camaria Banks at their Milwaukee home on Feb. 8, 2020. According to a criminal complaint, Ivery told police that he had fought with Banks because she was upset over his decision to go to work as a security guard so soon after the Feb. 7, 2020, funeral of their son. One-year-old Arzel Ivery Jr. died in January 2020 from respiratory problems, according to an autopsy report. Ivery told police he killed Banks then killed the children because he didnt want them to live in a world without their mother, the complaint said. He kissed Zaniya, who was his daughter, told her Daddy loves you and that her mother wanted to be in heaven with her, and then he strangled her, the complaint said. Ivery returned to the girls bedroom, woke up Camaria, kissed her and told her the same thing before strangling her too, the complaint said. Police said he then set the bodies on fire in a Milwaukee garage. Ivery was arrested in Memphis, Tennessee, after he told his father that he killed Banks and the girls. According to court documents, authorities had started a missing persons investigation on Feb. 9, 2020 after a neighbor called 911 to report that Banks was screaming and begging not to be killed as Ivery dragged her back into an apartment building after she tried to escape. One neighbor said Banks was running without shoes and bleeding from the mouth. One witness said she heard thumping as if someone was slamming a person or head against the wall. Police later found a head-sized hole in the wall of the bedroom, as well as a bed missing its comforter and a napkin with blood on it. ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) Marylands House speaker announced her support Friday for a referendum to legalize marijuana on next years ballot. House Speaker Adrienne Jones, a Baltimore County Democrat, also announced a panel to study how to implement a recreational marijuana program in Maryland, if voters approve. While I have personal concerns about encouraging marijuana use, particularly among children and young adults, the disparate criminal justice impact leads me to believe that the voters should have a say in the future of legalization, Jones said in a statement. The House will pass legislation early next year to put this question before the voters but we need to start looking at changes needed to State law now. Speaker Jones also announced a group of lawmakers that will craft the implementation of a legalized cannabis program in Maryland, if the voters approve the ballot question in November of 2022. Eighteen states, including neighboring Virginia, as well as the District of Columbia have legalized recreational use and 37 allow for some sort of medical marijuana, including Maryland. Del. Luke Clippinger, who chairs the House Judiciary Committee, will lead the panel. He said it will establish the legal frameworks needed to fully implement legalized marijuana and learn from mistakes other states have made. The Speaker has been clear that we will do this with an eye toward equity and consideration to Black and brown neighborhoods and businesses historically impacted by cannabis use, the Baltimore Democrat said. The panel will determine regulatory, licensing and oversight structure of the production, sale and possession of legalized cannabis. That includes the licensing application process, number of licenses and equity in ownership of marijuana facilities. It also will address expungement of previous convictions for cannabis and address expungement of previous convictions for cannabis and existing criminal laws. The group will craft a taxation structure and revenue distribution from cannabis proceeds and expand addiction treatment programs. The panel will begin meeting this fall. SALT LAKE CITY (AP) The final legal chapter of a multimillion-dollar online opioid drug ring ended Friday as a group of millennials who helped run the dark-web operation based in suburban Salt Lake City were sentenced to prison. Drew Crandall helped start the operation that eventually grew to shipping tens of thousands of fake pills laced with the deadly opioid fentanyl to people nationwide in 2016. He cried as he grappled with his role in the operation that prosecutors have linked to multiple overdose deaths. I just want to say that Im so sorry for everything I have done, said Crandall, now 35. So many people were affected by it. I need to pay my debt to society, and I need to take responsibility for my actions." He pleaded guilty to drug distribution and money laundering charges and was sentenced to 4 1/2 years in federal prison. The punishment for him and other defendants was far too light for Tova Keblish of New York, whose son died after buying from the dark-web storefront called Pharma-Master. Her son Gavin was 23 and bought counterfeit oxycodone after having surgery. It makes me sick. Its unfair, she said. The defendants are young enough they can get out and have a life. Crandall has testified that the operation started small, when he needed cash for student loans, so he let his roommate Aaron Shamo sell his prescription Adderall. Crandall said he scaled back his role before Shamo began selling fentanyl. Authorities say the 2016 bust at Shamos suburban Salt Lake City home ranked among the largest in the country at the time. More than $1 million was found in his dresser, according to court documents. Crandall agreed to a plea deal and testified against Shamo, who was convicted of 12 counts and sentenced to life in prison. Also sentenced this week were two women who packaged the drugs and at one point put together shipments so large they vacuumed pills off their floor. They each got three years in prison, while a runner hired to pick up dozens of packages a day and drop them in the mail was sentenced to two years. A gym friend of Shamos who helped press pills got five years. Prosecutor Vernon Stejskal said the sentences handed down by U.S. District Judge Dale Kimball sent the message that anyone involved in a drug ring could face severe consequences. Still, the outcome is tough to accept for mothers like Shaela Knighton of Salt Lake City, whose son was a grocery store dairy manager helping raise a 2-year-old when he died after buying Pharma-Master pills. He had a good future, she said. A family who loved him. HELENA, Mont. (AP) Environmental regulators have filed a motion to dismiss a legal case that sought to block the president of an Idaho-based company from being involved in proposed mines in northwestern Montana under a state law that punishes companies and their executives who don't clean up mining pollution. The filing on Wednesday drew criticism from environmental groups that supported the bad actor sanctions being sought against Hecla Mining Co. President and CEO Phillips Baker Jr. In 2018, the Department of Environmental Quality sought to have Baker removed from two silver and copper mining projects Hecla proposed near and beneath the Cabinet Mountains near Libby and Noxon. Baker was the vice president and chief financial officer of Pegasus Gold, which went bankrupt in 1998 before cleaning up pollution from three gold mines, including the Zortman-Landusky Mine near the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation. The state and federal governments have spent more than $50 million in cleanup costs and water treatment will continue in perpetuity, officials have said. DEQs dismissal of the enforcement action ignores its responsibility to enforce the bad actor law and prioritizes mining executives over Montanans, Andy Werk Jr., president of the Fort Belknap Indian Community, said in a statement. Montanas mining laws only serve as an effective deterrent if they are enforced, Andrew Gorder, legal director for the Clark Fork Coalition, said in a statement. The bad actor law was passed in the wake of Pegasus bankruptcy and was clearly intended to hold mining executives accountable for their previous messes. If DEQ wont enforce the law against Pegasus former vice president and CFO, then the law isnt worth the paper its printed on. Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte campaigned last year on a Montana Comeback Plan, which, in part, called for bringing new leadership to the DEQ and streamlining permitting processes to eliminate needless delays. In the motion to dismiss the case, the DEQ said Gianforte's election and new leadership at the agency prompted a review of the case. The agency determined there were still several procedural hurdles to overcome that could potentially risk its goal of preventing bad actors from operating in the state, according to the motion, which was filed in District Court in Helena. In our role as a state environmental agency, we have to make tough decisions in order to make the best use of state resources while also achieving our mission, DEQ Director Chris Dorrington said in a statement. The DEQ would prefer to seek further legislation to protect Montana from unfunded mining cleanups, Dorrington said. The agency said the case faced several procedural issues, including whether it could be heard in Montana. Earlier this year, District Court Judge Mike Menahan ruled that it could. The merits of the complaint have not yet been addressed. Hecla has argued that its company was never involved with the Pegasus mines and that Baker left Pegasus before it forfeited its cleanup bond, which did not fully cover the costs. Hecla spokesperson, Jeanne DuPont, did not return a phone message seeking comment. One of the DEQ's goals with the case was to seek reimbursement for reclamation costs, the agency said. At this time, it seems highly unlikely the case would result in reimbursement, Dorrington said. In choosing to dismiss this case, I want Montanans to know that DEQ is not stepping away from continuing to seek reimbursement of these costs and we are not backing down from our commitment to holding bad actors accountable for their actions. The agency notes the mining projects at issue in the case the Troy Mine Project, the Montanore Mine Project and the Rock Creek Mine Project are all in compliance with the Metal Mine Reclamation Act. The Troy mine is undergoing final reclamation and the two proposed mines face environmental review, technical evaluation and public comment before they would be issued permits, the agency said. OMAHA, Neb. (AP) Nebraska agreed not to seek reimbursement from Texas for the state patrol troopers that it sent down to the U.S.-Mexican border at the request of Republican Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, according to documents released Friday. Nebraska State Patrol documents obtained by The Associated Press show that the state committed, at least initially, not to seek reimbursement for the mission, which is estimated to cost more than $334,000. A spokesman for the patrol and Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts, a fellow Republican, issued a joint written statement after the documents were released, saying they will seek to be repaid if given the opportunity. The language in the agreement was included to expedite the deployment, the statement said. The state of Nebraska continues to work with Texas, and a funding source has not been finalized. Given the opportunity, the state will seek reimbursement. The state has the resources to pay for the deployment if reimbursement is not ultimately available. Nebraska's disclosure comes a few days after Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, a fellow Republican, acknowledged that her state will cover the cost of sending law enforcement troopers to fight crime along the border. In South Dakota, a private donor has agreed to cover the cost. As with Nebraska, Iowa officials have argued that Texas could later reimburse the state for its expenses. But the agreement released Friday with Nebraska shows that Texas asked other states to absorb the associated costs with this mission for the good of the country. Nebraska's patrol estimated that sending 25 troopers to the border for 16 days would cost an estimated $334,000. However, Ricketts announced last week that he has extended the voluntary deployment of 15 of the troopers. Those troopers will stay an extra 14 days, raising the expected cost of travel, salaries and other expenses. Nebraska is happy to step up to provide assistance to Texas as they work to protect their communities and keep people safe, the governor said last week when he announced the extension, as he blasted the Biden administration for its handling of the U.S. border. The AP obtained the formal agreement with Texas under Nebraskas public records law. Parts of the agreement describing what the troopers would be doing along the border were redacted, with state officials claiming they were exempt from disclosure because they were investigative matters. Ricketts has compared the situation to similar calls for aid from Minnesota during the Derek Chauvin trial and North Dakota during large anti-pipeline protests. But critics said the disclosure still raises questions about the use of state tax dollars and troopers who might otherwise be enforcing the law at home. Nebraska taxpayers are footing the bill to send 25 Nebraska State Patrol troopers to the border, hundreds of miles from Nebraska, said Rose Godinez, legal and policy counsel for the American Civil Liberties Union of Nebraska. At the base of it all, state patrol officers have a duty to serve Nebraskans, not the Texas government, Ricketts has defended the decision to send troopers to Del Rio, Texas, pointing to an unauthorized increase in southern border crossings over the last year. U.S. Customs and Border Protection recorded more than 180,000 encounters on the Mexican border in May, the most since March 2000. But the numbers were boosted by a pandemic-related ban on seeking asylum, which encouraged repeated attempts to cross the border because getting caught carried no legal consequences. Nebraska's move to send troopers to the border comes as Ricketts positions himself as a vocal, conservative critic of President Joe Biden. Ricketts has railed against various administration proposals in nationally broadcast interviews, including a goal to conserve nearly one-third of Americas lands and waters by 2030 that Ricketts paints as a federal land grab. ___ Follow Grant Schulte on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GrantSchulte A Nevada woman has been arrested on multiple felony charges for breaking into a dentist's office and, on a previous occasion, extracting 13 teeth from a patient without a license. Washoe County Sheriff's detectives arrested Laurel Eich, 42, for allegedly stealing more than $22,000 in cash and checks from a dental office in Sun Valley, Reno on May 3. U.S. regulators have approved a new pneumonia vaccine from Merck, more than a month after OK'ing an improved version of rival Pfizers shot. Both new shots offer better protection against bacteria that can cause pneumonia, meningitis and blood infections, as well as garden-variety ear and sinus infections. Merck said Friday that the Food and Drug Administration approved its shot, called Vaxneuvance, for people aged 18 and up. It protects against 15 of the roughly 100 pneumococcal strains, including those most responsible for severe disease. Merck hasnt disclosed its shots price or when it will be launched. Pfizers updated vaccine, Prevnar 20, was approved on June 8 for adults. It has a list price of $232, but Pfizer said insured patients likely can be vaccinated for free or at low cost. A panel of U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention vaccine experts is set to review both vaccines in October and recommend who should get them. Pfizers new vaccine protects against seven more strains than the decade-old Prevnar 13, long the worlds most-lucrative vaccine with nearly $6 billion in annual revenue. In one large study, the new shot was 75% effective against the most serious disease. Merck said testing showed its new vaccine works as well as Prevnar 13 against the strains both vaccines fight, but that its more effective against one strain. Merck and Pfizer have been testing their shots in children and infants and plan to seek approval for those age groups. Meanwhile, Merck will continue selling its 38-year-old Pneumovax 23 vaccine, which protects against 23 strains and is approved for kids. It uses an older technology that doesn't cause as strong or long-lasting an immune response as the two newly approved shots. ___ Follow Linda A. Johnson on Twitter: @LindaJ_on Pharma ___ 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. COLLEGE PARK, Md. (AP) The owners and operators of nursing schools in Virginia and Florida have been charged with plotting to sell bogus transcripts and diplomas, helping unqualified candidates pass nursing board exams and get health care jobs, federal authorities said Friday. In March 2019, a witness told the FBI that Patrick Nwaokwu, 50, of Laurel, Maryland, and Musa Bangura, 62, of Manassas, Virginia, were creating illegitimate transcripts and certificates through a nursing school in in Woodbridge, Virginia. After the school was shut down for violating state regulations, Nwaokwu and Bangura continued selling bogus transcripts and certifications backdated to when it was open, the FBI says. The FBI also investigated allegations that Nwaokwu and Bangura worked with people in Florida to sell illegitimate degrees for licensed practical nurses and registered nurses at a second school established by Johanah Napoleon, 45, of Wellington, Florida. The Florida Board of Nursing shut down Napoleon's school in May 2017 for having a low passing rate on licensure exams, according to an FBI agent's affidavit. In September 2020, an FBI source wearing a recording device attended a test prep class in that Nwaokwu led in an office building in Laurel, Maryland. Nwaokwu asked a student, What are you most concerned about? according to an FBI agent's affidavit. Im afraid of killing the patient, the student responded, causing the class to erupt in laughter, the agent wrote. "Nwaokwu did little to address the students concern before he moved to the next topic," the affidavit said. A criminal compliant filed in Maryland and unsealed on Monday charges Nwaokwu, Bangura and Napoleon with conspiracy to commit health care fraud, conspiracy to make false statements relating to health care matters and making false statements relating to health care matters. A federal magistrate judge agreed to free Nwaokwu and Bangura on bond after their initial court appearances in Maryland on Monday, court records show. Attorney Joel DeFabio defended Napoleon in an email to the Associated Press. Ms. Napoleon has worked very hard over the past 20 years to make a name for herself in the South Florida business community. She surrendered voluntarily to face these charges and looks forward to clearing her name in court, DeFabio said. Paul Kemp, an attorney for Musa Bangura, declined to comment on the charges. An attorney for Nwaokwu didn't immediately respond Friday to an email seeking comment. Roughly 175 graduates of the Virginia nursing school have applied to the Maryland Board of Nursing for licenses between August 2012 and July 2019, with approximately 62 licensed practical nurses actively working in Maryland, according to the agent. However, since June 2018, no graduates of the Virginia nursing school have been approved to practice in Maryland because Nwaokwu or Bangura have failed to provide paperwork required of out-of-state applicants by Maryland regulators, the affidavit says. Some of those who graduated from the Florida nursing school with backdated transcripts are listed as people who passed the New York State Board Examination, the FBI says. The FBI agent said a New York State Office of Professions employee told him that their internal license procedure is fraught with disorganization, but the agent said it's unclear why Nwaokwu has advised all of his co-conspirators to apply for a license in New York. Receipts showed that students paid between $6,000 and $18,000 for the fake transcripts and certificates from the Virginia school, the affidavit says. An FBI undercover agent purchased a diploma from the Florida school for approximately $16,000. The FBI agent who wrote the July 8 affidavit said he hadn't communicated with any employers of any graduates of the Florida nursing school due to the covert nature of the investigation but has verified that at least four graduates have worked for health care entities that bill Medicare and Medicaid and private insurance. KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) Police are investigating as homicides the deaths of three people found Thursday night inside a home in Kansas City, Missouri. A concerned family member who had not heard from relatives living in the home called shortly after 9 p.m. asking police to check on them, police spokeswoman Donna Drake said in a news release. CARROLL COUNTY, Ind. (AP) An 80-year-old man has died after his vehicle crashed into a hospital ambulance in eastern Indiana. Celestino Martinez of Monticello was north on U.S. 421 in Carroll County about 11:30 a.m. Thursday when he drove left of the centerline and struck the ambulance head-on, state police said. HONOLULU (AP) Honolulu prosecutors maintained Thursday that there's legal authority to prosecute three police officers in connection with a shooting that killed a 16-year-old Micronesian boy. Prosecutors filed the charges after a grand jury declined to indict the officers for the April 5 shooting that killed Iremamber Sykap, who police said was driving a stolen car linked to a series of crimes and led officers on a chase. ANGWIN, Calif. (AP) Three people were killed Friday when a small airplane crashed and burned in a Napa County vineyard, the second air crash with multiple fatalities in Northern California in two days. A pilot and two passengers were aboard when the plane went down in the community of Angwin, the Napa County Sheriffs Office said in a statement. ROCHESTER, N.Y. (AP) Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren was facing criminal charges Friday including weapon possession and child endangerment in connection with a May search of the home she shares with her husband, the first charges against her in connection to the raid. A grand jury indicted Warren and her husband Timothy Granison on a felony count of criminal possession of a firearm, as well as two misdemeanor counts of endangering the welfare of a child, Monroe County District Attorney Sandra Doorley said in a statement. They were also charged with a misdemeanor violation of the Rochester city code for having unsecured weapons. Granison was already facing drug and weapons counts in connection to the search. Messages seeking comment were left with attorneys for Warren and Granison. No date has been announced yet for their arraignments. Authorities searched their home on May 19; Granison was charged with drug and weapons counts, to which he pleaded not guilty. Additional charges against him were added last month. In announcing the latest charges, Doorley said the search of the home found a rifle and a pistol, and the 10-year-old child of the couple was found alone at the house. Warren has said she signed a separation agreement with Granison years ago but the two were co-parenting their daughter. She has not been charged in the drug investigation. Warren lost her campaign for a third term last month, when she was defeated in the Democratic primary for mayor by City Councilman Malik Evans. She was indicted in a campaign finance fraud case in October, but has said the issues were honest mistakes. YERINGTON, Nev. (AP) Elected officials in a rural Nevada county where voters sided solidly with Republican President Donald Trump in the 2020 election have rejected a proposal to rename a road for him. Lyon County commissioners cited community opposition before voting 3-2 on Thursday against renaming the half-mile (0.8-kilometer) Old Dayton Valley Road in Dayton, an unincorporated community 23 miles (38 kilometers) south of Reno. RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) Leaders of the agencies that provide blood to some North Carolina hospitals say the easing of the coronavirus pandemic has created potentially dangerous shortages. As people get out and about more, injuries from car crashes and other traumas are increasing, and the backlog of surgical procedures delayed by the pandemic have driven up demand for blood and platelets, The News & Observer of Raleigh reported. Meanwhile, fewer organizations are hosting blood drives and fewer individuals are coming in to donation centers. PIERRE, S.D. (AP) The South Dakota Supreme Court has ruled that a state judge and the Department of Social Services failed to consider improvements in a mother's parenting skills and living conditions before terminating her rights to her child. The high court this week reversed a ruling by Circuit Judge Jon Erickson that assigned the toddler to the care of a relative and sent the case back to Beadle County for further action, KELO-TV reported. The Supreme Court said that because the girl was born to an American Indian mother, the state had a heightened responsibility for reunification under the Indian Child Welfare Act, a federal law that governs jurisdiction over the removal of Native American children from their families in custody, foster care and adoption cases. The girl was born in September 2017 and Social Services began working with the mother and father on a safety plan for the child the following July. The toddler was placed in the protective custody of a relative in October 2018 after the agency deemed her living conditions with her parents was unsafe, that she was left unsupervised or alone for extended periods of time and that the couple illegally used drugs in the home. In June 2019 review, the agency reported that the mother had stopped using marijuana and had separated from the father. In September the same year, the agency reported that the mother said she was still sober, was living with her boyfriend and the two were attending parenting classes together. A behavioral analyst who began working with the mother in October 2019 reported that the home where the woman was living was 100% better than before and that she observed a loving bond between mother and daughter. The counselor noted that the woman had moved in with her mother. Nevertheless, Social Services moved ahead with termination of parental rights. Erickson acknowledged that the mother had made some improvements, but not enough, and said she failed to show she could provide for the childs basic needs. He ordered the termination of parental rights. In overturning that ruling, the Supreme Court said the Department of Social Services is required to actively take the parent through the steps of his or her case plan to prepare the parent for reunification, and didn't provide remedial or rehabilitative programs. The agency failed to do that from December 2019 to September 2020, the court determined. Justices also said the lower court judge should have appointed a lawyer to represent the child. PARIS (AP) Creditor countries agreed to cancel $14.1 billion of Sudans international debts, praising its economic reforms and efforts to fight poverty. In a statement Friday, the Paris Club of creditor nations also announced that it rescheduled Sudans remaining $9.4 billion in debt to the group, and held out the possibility of more debt relief in the future. Sudan's overall foreign debt is estimated at $70 billion. The Paris Club, a group of 22 nations that lend to governments in need, urged other lenders to provide similar debt forgiveness. On his Facebook page, Sudans Finance Minister Gebreil Ibrahim congratulated the Sudanese people on this development, vowing to work on reaching similar or even better agreements with other creditors from outside the Paris Club. Friday's announcement came after the International Monetary Fund announced a $1.4 billion debt relief package for Sudan last month, and France canceled Sudan's $5 billion debt in an effort to support the countrys transitional leadership and help its crippled economy. Sudans joint military-civilian government that has ruled the African country after a popular uprising has taken a series of bold steps to try to revive a battered and distorted economy where smuggling is rife. Thats included floating its currency, starting to address heavy government subsidies, particularly on fuel, and seeking investment from international donors. But some measures also threaten to further impoverish some of the countrys poorest, and have faced opposition from pro-democracy activists who led the popular uprising against autocratic President Omar al-Bashir who ruled the country for nearly 30 years. The revolt led to the militarys overthrow of al-Bashir in April 2019. The country has since been on a fragile path to democracy with daunting economic challenges representing a major threat to that transition. Sudan became an international pariah after it was placed on the United States list of state sponsors of terror in the 1990s. Former President Donald Trump removed Sudan from the blacklist after the transitional government agreed to pay $335 million in compensation for victims of attacks carried out by Osama bin Ladens al-Qaida network while the terror leader was living in Sudan. The removal also was an incentive for Sudan to normalize ties with Israel. STAMFORD, N.Y. (AP) Dozens of young people sent to local hospitals after a carbon monoxide leak at an upstate New York summer camp were doing well Friday, camp operators said. Fifty-three people were taken to hospitals Thursday after what authorities believe was a leaky gas pipe sickened them at The Zone Boys Campus, an all-boys Jewish summer camp near the northwest edge of the Catskill Mountains. SEATTLE (AP) The Washington Supreme Court has reinstated sweeping changes made to the King County inquest procedures in 2018, providing an expanded avenue for the families of people killed by police to seek answers and culpability. In a unanimous opinion the justices on Thursday struck down most challenges by several county law enforcement agencies, including the King County Sheriffs Office, which had argued successfully in superior court that King County Executive Dow Constantine had overstepped his authority in making the changes. The justices overturned the lower court ruling. The Seattle Times reports that more significant, however, is that the justices agreed that coroners juries in King County can for the first time more than 40 years be asked to determine whether an individual killed by police died by criminal means, and in some cases require the involved officers to testify something officers have routinely refused to do in the past. Particularly, the high court ordered that the officers involved in the shooting deaths of Charleena Lyles and Damarius Butts, both killed by Seattle police in 2017, must testify. Coroners inquests can offer some measure of the accountability necessary to rebuild trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve but that accountability depends on how coroners inquests are conducted, wrote Justice Debra Stephens. The ruling comes more than three years after Constantine stopped inquests in King County, amid mounting criticism over a process that critics complained had wandered far from its original fact-finding intent, had been biased toward law enforcement and had proven a burden to the families of people police kill. The delay left the families of people killed by police in King County in legal limbo, demanding answers but denied an avenue to obtain them. Three families sued, including relatives of Lyles, Butts and Isaiah Obet, killed by an Auburn officer who has since been charged with murder in another police shooting. This was the right decision legally. Its also the right decision morally, said La Rond Baker, an attorney at the King County Department of Public Defense, who argued the case before the Supreme Court for all three families. Families are devastated and traumatized when they lose a loved one to police violence. Fair and transparent inquests help answer unresolved questions and in doing so help nurture a path towards healing and accountability. King County is unique in Washington in that its charter requires an inquest jury be convened for every death caused by law enforcement. Most other Washington counties rely on death investigations conducted by a coroner or a medical examiner. TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) The Kansas Supreme Court upheld on Friday the convictions of a woman who participated in the deaths of three people who were strangled or smothered with trash bags in her Topeka home. In a unanimous opinion, the high court also affirmed Kora Liles' sentences for all 11 charges on which she was convicted, including three counts of felony murder, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and aggravated kidnapping. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) Tennessee death row inmate Stephen Hugueley was found dead early Friday morning, three days after the state filed a motion to set his execution date. A statement from Tennessee Department of Correction spokesperson Dorinda Carter said he appears to have died from natural causes, although the exact cause of death is pending. Hugueley, 53, was pronounced deceased at Riverbend Maximum Security Institution at 2:35 a.m., according to the statement. Hugueley attorney Amy Harwell said she received a call just before 6 a.m. Friday from a prison chaplain notifying her of her client's death. He had been suicidal for years, Harwell said, But TDOC is telling me they do not think it was suicide." Hugueley was sentenced to death in 2003 for fatally stabbing prison counselor Delbert Steed at the Hardeman County Correctional Complex the previous year. Hugueley had already been given a life sentence in August 1986 after he was convicted of shooting his mother, Rachel Waller of Dyer County, with a shotgun and dumping her body into the Forked Deer River. In 1991, Hugueley killed a fellow inmate while he was incarcerated at the West Tennessee High Security Prison. Six years later, Hugueley stabbed another inmate at the states maximum security prison at the time, Brushy Mountain. Hugueley was later moved to the Riverbend Maximum Security Institution in Nashville. Harwell issued a statement, saying Hugueley entered the Tennessee Department of Correction as a profoundly damaged individual who from his 12th birthday to today spent less than two years outside of an institutional setting. He spent the last 18 years in solitary confinement where he had severely limited interaction with other humans and was systematically denied access to treatment and basic health care, Harwell said. Years of this kind of abuse took a tremendous physical and mental toll upon Stephen. That Stephen withstood this treatment for so long is a testament to the strength of his spirit. Huguely had sued the Correction Department in federal court over his solitary confinement. In a statement sent to the court Tuesday, he accused the department of using the threat of impending execution to either compel me to commit suicide, like my father, or to coerce me into settling for less than I want. The state moved to set his execution date the same day. MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) A jury has convicted a Tennessee man of attempting to kill his supervisor at a bakery distribution center in 2019. Marcus Davis, 40, has been found guilty of attempted first-degree murder and using a firearm to commit a felony in the shooting at a Bimbo Bakeries distribution center in Memphis, the Shelby County district attorney's office said Thursday. SEOUL, South Korea South Korea has reported another new 1,455 cases of the coronavirus, its 11th straight day over 1,000, as officials push to tighten pandemic restrictions nationwide. The numbers reported by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency on Saturday brought the national caseload to 176,500, including 2,055 deaths. The record-breaking surge has been mostly driven by transmissions in the greater Seoul region, home to half of the countrys population of more than 51 million. Officials here have enforced the countrys toughest social distancing restrictions, which prohibit private social gatherings of three or more people after 6 p.m., ban visitors at hospitals and nursing homes, and shut down nightclubs and churches. Officials are also discussing whether to enforce four-person limits on gatherings after 6 p.m. in all areas outside the capital region to prevent the virus from spreading and could announce a decision as early as Sunday. Fatalities and hospitalizations have slowed compared to the previous surge in the winter after officials concentrated limited vaccine supplies to high-risk groups, including elders and people in long-term care settings. Still, the number of COVID-19 patients in serious condition increased by 14 over the past 24 hours to 185. ___ MORE ON THE PANDEMIC: CDC leader: US in pandemic of the unvaccinated Russia hits another record daily virus deaths at 799 Freedom or folly? UKs end to mandatory masks sows confusion Two NFL teams remain under 50% vaccinated, AP learns ___ Find more AP coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic and https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-vaccine ___ HERES WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING: LAS VEGAS Masks are back in Las Vegas, where a rising number of coronavirus cases has health officials advising everyone vaccinated or not to wear facial coverings in crowds and indoor places. The recommendation Friday from the Southern Nevada Health District affects casinos, concerts, clubs and supermarkets is not a requirement. But it affects casinos, concerts and clubs where business has boomed since restrictions were lifted and the touris-dependent state fully returned pandemic control measures to counties about seven weeks ago. It follows a call this week by the top public health official in Los Angeles for Californians to reconsider traveling to Nevada until COVID-19 case numbers decrease. Nevada health officials reported 938 new cases on Thursday the biggest one-day coronavirus case jump since February. The number of new cases reported Friday in Nevada was 866. Vaccination rates have stalled in recent weeks in Nevada, a state with libertarian leanings where health officials reported Friday that about 55% of residents 12 years and older have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine. Statewide, about 46.3% are fully vaccinated. Nationally, 68% of adults have received at least one dose of vaccine, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. ___ SAN FRANCISCO San Francisco Bay Area health officials recommended Friday that everyone again wear masks inside public buildings, offices or businesses regardless of whether they are vaccinated. The counties of San Francisco, Santa Clara, San Mateo, Marin, Alameda, Contra Costa, Sonoma and the city of Berkeley stopped short of requiring masks indoors but said wearing them will ensure all unvaccinated people are masked in those settings. The region stopped requiring vaccinated people from wearing a mask indoors last month when California fully reopened its economy on June 15 and did away with capacity limits for indoor businesses and restaurants and social distancing. The Bay Area has seen some of the highest vaccination rates in the state. Several of the areas seven counties have at least 80% of their residents 12 and older vaccinated with at least one dose. The announcements Friday came amid a spike in COVID-19 cases, most of them the highly transmissible delta variant that has proliferated since California fully reopened its economy on June 15. The vast majority of new cases are among unvaccinated people. ___ NEW YORK Pfizer announced U.S. regulators have agreed to a priority review of whether its COVID-19 vaccine should be fully approved, with a decision set for no later than January. More than 186 million doses of the vaccine made by Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech have been administered in the U.S. alone since December. Many more doses have gone to other countries that have authorized emergency use of the vaccine during the pandemic. Vaccines cleared for emergency use still must undergo the stringent full approval process, a step that might help persuade some people who arent yet immunized to roll up their sleeves. The Food and Drug Administrations January deadline is a formality. The decision could come far sooner given how closely the agency has been monitoring the vaccines widespread use. Pfizers application, submitted in late May, includes the latest data from a large study that tracked participants 16 and older for six months after their second dose. The vaccine is given to people as young as 12, and Pfizer also intends to submit data needed for full approval in that age group. ___ WASHINGTON The White House says its in no hurry to lift COVID-19 international travel restrictions, a day after President Joe Biden said he hoped to have an updated timeline for easing them. Speaking during a White House briefing, COVID-19 coordinator Jeff Zients said: We must remain vigilant, particularly about the spread of variants and well reopen when the medical folks and health experts believe its safe to do so. Zients adds any decision about opening international travel will be guided by a review of coronavirus cases, vaccination rates and virus variants. European allies have chaffed at the restrictions, given in some places their vaccination and case rates are better than the U.S., and other parts of the world are not subject to the stiff entry requirements. German Chancellor Angela Merkel pressed Biden on the matter Thursday during their Oval Office meeting. ___ WASHINGTON The director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the COVID-19 outbreak in the U.S. is becoming a pandemic of the unvaccinated. Speaking during a White House briefing, Dr. Rochelle Walensky says cases in the U.S. are up about 70% over the last week, hospital admissions are up 36% and deaths rose by 26%. Nearly all hospital admissions and deaths, she says, are among the unvaccinated. White House COVID-19 coordinator Jeff Zients echoed the pandemic is one that predominantly threatens unvaccinated people. He says the Biden administration expects cases to increase in the weeks ahead because of spread in communities with low vaccination rates. Four states accounted for 40% of new cases last week, with one in five coming from Florida. But Zients says there are signs that increased cases are driving more people in those communities to seek vaccination at rates faster than the national average. ___ TOKYO Japans top medical adviser for Prime Minister Yoshihide Sugas government urged authorities to step up virus measures ahead of the Olympics and asked the people to avoid trips. Tokyo registered 1,271 new cases Friday, the day after recording a six-month high of 1,308. Dr. Shigeru Omi, who heads a government COVID-19 taskforce, says the next two months will be the most crucial stage in Japans fight against the pandemic. He urged people to watch the Olympics on TV at home with family members or close friends in small groups. Omi says the ongoing upsurge in the Tokyo region is likely to accelerate, with the summer vacation, the Olympics and the Buddhist holiday week in August when people are likely to travel. Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga last week declared a fourth state of emergency in Tokyo, which started Monday and lasts until Aug. 22. Nationwide, Japan has reported 830,000 cases and 15,000 confirmed deaths. ___ PARIS The Eiffel Tower is reopening for the first time in nine months even though France is under new rules aimed at taming the delta variant. This week, President Emmanuel Macron announced COVID-19 passes would be required to enter restaurants and venues such as the Eiffel Tower. Starting Wednesday, all visitors over 18 will need to show a pass proving theyve been fully vaccinated, had a negative virus test or recently recovered from COVID-19. The Iron Lady of Paris was ordered shut in October as France contended with its second virus surge of the pandemic. The tower stayed shut for renovations after most of the major tourist draws reopened last month. ___ MOSCOW Daily coronavirus deaths in Russia have hit another record, with the authorities reporting 799 deaths. Its the fourth straight day of record number of deaths. On Friday, officials reported 25,704 new coronavirus cases. Daily new infections in Russia have soared from around 9,000 in early June to more than 25,000 last week. Officials blamed the surge on the spread of the delta variant and a sluggish vaccine uptake that has remained lower than in many Western countries. As of Tuesday, 28.6 million Russians -- or just 19.5% of the 146 million population -- have received at least one shot of a vaccine. Russias state coronavirus task force has reported more than 5.9 million confirmed coronavirus cases and a total of 146,868 confirmed deaths in the pandemic. However, reports by Russias state statistical service Rosstat, which tallies coronavirus-linked deaths retroactively, reveal much higher numbers. ___ LONDON The British governments top medical adviser has warned that number of people in hospital with the coronavirus could reach quite scary levels within weeks as cases soar from the delta variant and the lifting of lockdown restrictions. Professor Chris Whitty spoke on a webinar hosted by Londons Science Museum, saying the U.K. is not out of the woods yet. His comments came in the wake of government figures showing that coronavirus infections have struck another six-month high and the number of people in hospital with COVID-19 and subsequently dying are at their highest level since March. There were 3,786 people in hospital with COVID-19 and another 63 virus-related deaths reported Thursday. Another 48,553 confirmed lab cases were reported Thursday, the biggest daily figure since Jan. 15. The government has stated that daily infections could hit 100,000 this summer. At the height of the second wave earlier this year, some 40,000 people were in hospital with COVID-19 and deaths reached 1,500 people a day. ___ ISLAMABAD Pakistans planning minister asked countrymen to avoid gatherings during the upcoming Eid al-Adha holiday to help contain the spread of coronavirus. Asad Umar also urged people to get vaccinated for their own safety and avoid becoming a source of the spread. He says the people who avoided the COVID-19 vaccine for any reason were risking their life apart from becoming a danger to their loved ones. He says unvaccinated people wont be allowed to visit tourist sites before and after Eid al-Adha or feast of sacrifice, which begins in Pakistan next week. Umar made these comments at a news conference amid a surge in COVID-19 cases and deaths. Pakistan reported 31 new deaths and 2,327 new cases in the past 24 hours. That brings the totals to 22,720 confirmed deaths and 983,719 confirmed cases. ___ MOSCOW Authorities in the Russian capital have walked back on their order for restaurants to only admit customers who have been vaccinated against the coronavirus or could produce a negative test. The decision announced Friday by Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin becomes effective Monday. It retracts the measure that has been in place since late June, obliging restaurants and cafes to check. Sobyanin argued that the city officials were able to revise the decision because the pace of contagion has slowed down. ___ BUDAPEST, Hungary - Hungarys government will provide citizens with the option to receive a third dose of COVID-19 vaccine beginning in August, Prime Minister Viktor Orban said on Friday. The third shot will be made available to all people regardless of age, health or which vaccine they received initially, Orban said in an interview with public radio. The government recommends, but does not require, the third dose to be administered at least four months following the second, and doctors may choose whether to provide patients with a different vaccine than previously received. There is no reason to fear a third vaccine dose. If people dont have to fear it and their sense of security is increased if they receive it, then why would we keep them from this option? Orban said. Hungary is the latest country to offer booster shots amid concerns that some jabs do not provide full protection from COVID-19 to all recipients. In May, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain announced they would offer third shots to some people who received Chinas Sinopharm following concerns over insufficient development of antibodies, which protect against the virus. In Hungary, which also uses the Sinopharm vaccine, some have also expressed worry that they are not fully protected from COVID-19, and have demanded third doses. ___ COLOMBO, Sri Lanka Sri Lanka has received 1.5 million doses of the Moderna vaccine from the U.S. through the U.N.-backed COVAX facility. It was the second shipment to Sri Lanka from the global COVAX effort after an AstraZeneca delivery in March. Sri Lanka has given 36% of its population their first vaccine dose while 13% have received both doses. Its vaccination campaign was set back by halted shipments of AstraZeneca from the Indian producer. It then turned to Sinopharm, Sputnik V and Pfizer to get its population inoculated. Sri Lanka has confirmed 279,059 coronavirus infections with 3,611 fatalities. ___ TORONTO Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Thursday Canada could start allowing fully vaccinated Americans into Canada as of mid-August for non-essential travel and should be in a position to welcome fully vaccinated travelers from all countries by early September. Trudeau spoke with leaders of Canadas provinces and his office released a readout of the call. He noted that if Canadas current positive path of vaccination rate and public health conditions continue the border can open. Canada would be in a position to welcome fully vaccinated travelers from all countries by early September, the readout said. He noted the ongoing discussions with the United States on reopening plans, and indicated that we could expect to start allowing fully vaccinated U.S. citizens and permanent residents into Canada as of mid-August for non-essential travel. Trudeau noted Canada continues to lead G20 countries in vaccination rates with approximately 80% of eligible Canadians receiving one dose and over 50% of eligible Canadians fully vaccinated. He said case numbers and severe illness continue to decline. JACKSON, Miss. (AP) Mississippi's only level-one trauma hospital and academic medical center will require all employees and student who are not vaccinated against COVID-19 to wear an N95 mask while inside, a decision that a top official acknowledged would not be popular with everyone in the country's least vaccinated state and may result in the loss of employees. This is not a popular decision with some people. There are some people in the medical profession with who in fact, this is not a popular decision, and I acknowledge that, University of Mississippi Medical Center Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs Dr. LouAnn Woodward said Friday during a news conference. Woodward said the University of Mississippi Medical Center has responsibility and an obligation as the place that takes care of the sickest patients" to set the example for others in health care across the state. I feel strongly that this is the right thing to do, she said, emphasizing that the vaccines are safe and offer strong protection against contracting the potentially life-threatening disease. The policy will require all of the University of Mississippi Medical Center's 10,000 employees and 3,000 students to either be vaccinated or wear an N95 mask at all times while at any hospital-affiliated facility. The new rule will also apply to contractors, vendors and anyone else who might come into contact with patients. Visitors will continue to be required to wear masks whether they are vaccinated or not. The policy will go into effect gradually over the course of three months beginning July 26. Managers and supervisors will be first, followed by employees who work directly with patients and others. Everyone should be fully vaccinated or wearing an N95 mask at all times by November 1, according to the medical center. Officials said they arent sure precisely how many havent been vaccinated, but they plan on consulting employees' medical records for verification. Speaking with reporters at a press conference on the hospital's campus, Woodward said hospital leaders have been mulling the policy for weeks as the number of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations have begun to rise again, with the emergence of the highly contagious delta variant. On Friday, there were six children hospitalized with COVID-19 at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, with three of those children being in intensive care. Officials said they are seeing more pediatric hospitalizations from the virus than they've seen in past peaks. She said the hospital's legal and human resources teams completed an intensive review of the policy to ensure it is "sound and defensible. One of the things that we talked about internally before we put this out was, OK, now we need to brace ourselves for hate mail, because we knew that this is an issue that, for whatever reason, people feel so strongly divided on and so political, she said. Woodward, who is also the dean of the School of Medicine, said the reaction to the policy had been mixed so far, with many people on both sides of the debate reacting on social media and via email. She said the new policy may result in some employees choosing to leave, the last thing we want. The heaviest part of this is knowing that some of our own will feel unhappy about this," she said. But at the end of the day our obligation is to the patients. That's the most critical thing. Woodward said the University of Mississippi Medical Center values its employees and that it weighs on her that some of our employees feel disenfranchised by this because thats not the intent at all. This is not a place to work if youre looking for somewhere easy, a not-too-hard job, she said. "We take care of some sick, sick patients here. The people that work here have a heart for our mission." The hospital has long been challenged by a nursing shortage, and can't afford to lose employees, Woodward said. With just 31% of its population fully vaccinated against the coronavirus, Mississippi ranks last among U.S. states, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That's a major concern in a state with high rates of residents with chronic diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and other conditions that heighten the risk of having a severe case of COVID-19, Woodward said. She said she hopes that other health care systems will be inspired to follow the University of Mississippi Medical Center's lead to get the state's vaccination rate up. Mississippis rate of vaccine uptake is not what we want it to be," she said. "It is not what we need it to be. ___ Leah Willingham is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues. ASHEBORO, N.C. (AP) Two North Carolina people were sentenced to prison Friday in a child abuse case from 2017 involving a 5-year-old girl who was malnourished and locked underneath a staircase. The Randolph County District Attorneys office said Adam Byrd was sentenced to between 16.5 years and 20 years in prison, while Crystal Carnahan was given a sentence of between 14 and 17 years, WGHP reported. MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) Students arriving at the University of Vermont for the fall semester must be vaccinated against COVID-19, even if the vaccines have not yet been given final approval by the Food and Drug Administration, officials said Friday. The move was endorsed by the executive committee of the university's board of trustees. The decision goes one step further than the requirement announced by the school last month that vaccines would be required only if any of the three vaccines in use now in the United States had been approved by the FDA. UVM Vice President for Operations and Public Safety Gary Derr said when that decision was made last month it was expected at least one of the three vaccines would have been given final approval by now. "We decided it was important not to wait for that full FDA approval to assure a safe and healthy fall semester for our students, for our faculty and staff and the Burlington community, Derr said. Burlington Mayor Miro Weinberger said Friday he welcomed the requirement. Having the entire student body inoculated will help keep community infection rates at very low levels this upcoming fall and winter, Weinberger said in a statement. The move comes as the delta variant of COVID-19 is causing increases in virus cases across the country. As of Friday, about half of the 13,500 students from across the country and the world expected to arrive in late August have provided proof of vaccination, including about 1,000 in the last week. UVM staff will not be required to be vaccinated. Derr said that's because the counties around Burlington where most employees come from all have high vaccination rates. UVM will allow for religious and health exemptions from the vaccine requirement. Unvaccinated students who arrive on campus next month will not be denied admission to the school, although they will be prevented from registering for the second semester. Students who are unvaccinated will be required to be tested for COVID-19 at least weekly and they will be required to wear masks. For international students, UVM will accept any vaccine approved by the World Health Organization. Some of the international students who will be arriving might not have had the opportunity to be vaccinated in their home countries. In those cases, the school will help them make arrangements to be vaccinated in Vermont, Derr said. I think its going to be overwhelmingly positively accepted, Derr said. I think that out students are anxious to return to a normal campus and not have to go through the restrictions and requirements that they did last year. I think our employees want the same. ___ NUMBERS On Friday, the Vermont Health Department reported 22 new cases of the virus that causes COVID-19, bringing the statewide total since the pandemic began to 24,550. There were three patients hospitalized with COVID-19, including one in intensive care. The number of deaths remains at 258. The seven-day rolling average of daily new cases in Vermont has risen over the past two weeks from 3.86 new cases a day on June 30 to 12 new cases a day on Wednesday. The Associated Press is using data collected by Johns Hopkins University Center for Systems Science and Engineering to measure outbreak caseloads and deaths across the United States. ___ Follow APs coverage of the pandemic at https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic. KYIV, Ukraine (AP) Ukrainian lawmakers approved the appointment of a new interior minister following the resignation of a powerful predecessor who had been in office since 2014. Arsen Avakov, Ukraine's longest-serving interior minister, stepped down earlier this week. Parliament accepted his resignation Thursday. PARIS (AP) The U.N. rights chief is urging the release of all those detained in Cubas protests and calling on the government to address their grievances. In a statement Friday, U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet called for an investigation into the death of a protester in Havana, a 36-year-old who died Monday during clashes between demonstrators and police. I urge the Government to address the protesters grievances through dialogue, and to respect and fully protect the rights of all individuals to peaceful assembly and to freedom of opinion and expression, said Bachelet, a former Chilean president. She expressed concern over widespread arrests. It is particularly worrying that these include individuals allegedly held incommunicado and people whose whereabouts are unknown. All those detained for exercising their rights must be promptly released, she said. She also called for an end to sanctions against Cuba, given their negative impact on human rights, including the right to health. Cuba in recent days has seen its biggest protests in a quarter-century, driven by food shortages, rising prices and other grievances. Police arrested dozens of protesters, sometimes violently, and the government has accused protesters of looting and vandalizing shops. The Cuban government initially blamed social media and the U.S. government for the protests, but Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel later acknowledged shortcomings in his governments handling of shortages and of neglecting certain sectors. ATLANTA (AP) Democratic U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock raised money at a brisk pace from April through June, outstripping his currently announced Republican rivals for the 2022 senatorial election in Georgia. Warnock's campaign raised $7.2 million during the second quarter and finished June 30 with $10.5 million in cash on hand. Warnock's campaign spent nearly $2.3 million during the period. His campaign says 110,000 people donated. Warnock raised more than $150 million from the start of his campaign through March 31, part of a pair of the most expensive political races Georgia has ever seen. But he has to keep hustling for cash because he only won two years in the Senate and has to be reelected next year to win a full six-year term. Latham Saddler, a Navy veteran and former bank executive who is running as a Republican, said he raised more than $1.4 million in the second quarter and has $1 million in the bank. Campaign officials said Sadler gave his campaign $2,900. Republican Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black collected $703,000 in contributions since announcing his candidacy in June. Black reported $680,000 in cash on hand. Many of Black's largest contributors came from Georgia agricultural and food businesses Kelvin King, a Marietta contractor and another GOP candidate, reported raising $371,000 and loaning his campaign $300,000. King had $560,000 in cash in the bank. Notable donors to King include brewing magnate August Busch III and Gem Shopping Network founder Frank Circelli of Duluth. Some congressional contests in Georgia are also likely to be high-dollar affairs. In the 7th Congressional District, which currently covers parts of Gwinnett and Forsyth counties in suburban Atlanta, Democratic U.S. Rep. Carolyn Bourdeaux said she had raised $556,000 in the three-month period and had $1.1 million in reserve. Republican Rich McCormick, an emergency medicine physician and Marine veteran who lost narrowly to Bourdeaux last year said he raised $317,000 during the quarter and reported having $447,000 in cash on hand. In the 6th District, another competitive suburban battleground, Democratic U.S. Rep. Lucy McBath raised $720,000 during the period and concluded with $1.3 million in the bank. Among McBath's contributions were some from other Democratic House members in safer seats. Among McBath's declared Republican opponents are Jake Evans, Meaghan Hanson, Suzi Voyles and Harold Earls. Earls reported raising $279,000 and ending the quarter with $244,000 in cash. Evans and Hanson declared their candidacies this week, too late for quarterly filing, although Evans said he had raised more than $100,000 in the first day of his campaign. In northwest Georgia's 14th District, Republican U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene reported raising $1.3 million during the quarter, giving her $2.8 million in cash on hand. Despite representing one of the most Republican districts in the country, Greene continued to spend heavily on fundraising, capitalizing on the publicity she often grabs through statements and actions that bring criticism. None of Greene's four Democratic and one Republican opponents had filed quarterly reports as of late Thursday, although some have previously raised significant sums of money. In the 10th District, where Republican U.S. Rep. Jody Hice is stepping down to run for secretary of state, three Democrats and seven Republicans have filed to run. None of the three Democrats raised more than $2,000, but at least five Republicans raised significant amounts of money: State Rep. Timothy Barr of Lawrenceville raised $160,000 and had $153,000 on hand. Trucking company owner Mike Collins of Jackson, who lost a primary race to Hice in 2014, raised $180,000 and had $577,000 on hand after loaning his campaign $400,000. Former state Revenue Commissioner David Curry of McDonough raised $37,000 and had $252,000 on hand but owed $255,000 in loans. Monroe publisher Marc McMain raised $105,000 and had $146,000 in the bank after loaning his campaign $50,000. Former U.S. Rep Paul Broun raised $136,000 and had $115,000 on hand. ___ Follow Jeff Amy at http://twitter.com/jeffamy WICHITA, Kan. (AP) The family of a Black man shot in the back by a white Wichita police officer in 2012 has reached a $900,000 settlement with the city. The settlement comes just weeks before a lawsuit filed by the parents of 23-year-old Marquez Smart was set for a jury trial in federal court, the Wichita Eagle reported. Brenda and Randall Smart alleged in their lawsuit that police officers used excessive force. ATLANTA (AP) Suspended Georgia Insurance Commissioner Jim Beck improperly took money from the private insurer he led and used it to buy campaign signs when the Republican ran for office in 2018, a witness testified Friday in Becks trial. The testimony came as federal prosecutors continue to build their case that Beck embezzled from the Georgia Underwriting Association, an insurer Beck managed before he took office as the state's top insurance regulator in 2019. Beck is accused of improperly diverting more than $2 million from GUA, an insurer of last resort that covers property owners unable to buy insurance on the regular market. He is on trial after he was indicted in 2019, months after taking office, on charges of mail fraud, wire fraud, money laundering and filing false tax returns. No one else has been indicted. Georgia Underwriting Association Assistant Plan Manager Josh Mosley testified Friday that Beck directed him to use Georgia Arson Control program funds to pay a $4,271 invoice for 1,500 signs for Becks insurance commissioner campaign. Those signs were delivered to Becks Carrollton home. Georgia Arson Control offers rewards to people who report arson and provides grants to fire investigators. Its associated with GUA. Mosley said that after investigators began circling, Beck asked him to call the sign company representative and get her to remember that she donated the signs to his campaign as an in-kind donation. She said she did not remember, Mosley testified. She did not agree. Earlier testimony alleged Beck siphoned off other money by providing invoices to GUA contractors who in turn billed GUA and sent money back to Beck or entities he controlled. WAGA-TV reports Matthew Barfield, a cousin of Beck, testified Wednesday and Thursday that he was paid 10% of Green Technology's fees to create invoices for the company. He said at times he would meet Beck at a McDonald's or other locations to hand over checks and bank bags full of cash to Beck. Green Technology Services was supposed to be gathering data to help underwriters determine the risks of properties it insured, but Barfield testified he did no such work. Green Technology was also supposed to be backed by a wealthy individual who was providing reinsurance to GUA, but Barfield said he wasn't that person and that no one else was associated with the company. Despite the testimony, Barfield told the television station in an interview after court that he wasn't suspicious. Jims never gave me any reason to not trust him and I never thought anything else about it, Barfield said. Carrollton radio station owner Steve Gradick testified Thursday that he created a company called Paperless Solutions and billed GUA for services that Beck told others included chasing down policyholder emails. Gradick said he passed the money to a bank account for the Georgia Christian Coalition, which Beck headed, after Beck told him GUA directors wanted to revitalize the political group. But prosecutors say that Beck used the money from that account for his own purposes. Earlier testimony from Steve and Sonya McKaig alleged that Beck directed them to include invoices for tens of thousands of dollars per month from Green Technology in the invoices that the husband and wife sent to GUA for services they provided. Sonya McKaig testified that Beck directed her to communicate with him through a personal email, cut checks for Green Technology and send them back to Beck in an envelope marked personal and confidential. Mosley said that after Beck left, GUA didnt pay the questionable vendors any more. The trial continues next week. Beck's defense has yet to present its case. Lawyers argued Tuesday as the trial opened that Beck hadn't hurt the association but instead turned it from losses to profits. They argue that Beck was an innovator and that even if his methods were unconventional, there's no proof he meant to hurt the association. They also suggested Beck or someone associated with him provided valuable data, even if witnesses were unaware. Mosley agreed during cross-examination Friday that third-party data about properties could be expensive. ___ Follow Jeff Amy on Twitter at http://twitter.com/jeffamy. WATERTOWN, S.D. (AP) A Watertown woman is facing charges after a toddler was found unconscious while in day care and later died at a Sioux Falls hospital. According to police, the 16-month-old child, who was not identified, suffered injuries consistent with abuse. First responders were dispatched to an in-home day care in Watertown Wednesday and rushed the child to Prairie Lakes Hospital. Ryan McVay/Getty Images By now, youve probably heard the stories about Hawaiis rental car shortage, which has prompted visitors to rent U-Hauls and other unorthodox vehicles. The rental shortage has also sent prices soaring for the few available options at traditional agencies like Hertz and Avis. But there are more reasonable and affordable alternatives, particularly for those willing to string several of them together over their vacation. 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. Local featured Whitehall Industries expansion underway Riley / RILEY KELLEY | Daily News Early excavation started about two weeks ago for an upcoming expansion at UACJ Automotive Whitehall Industries. UACJ Automotive Whitehall Industries is growing once again, and initial excavation work is underway for a planned expansion at the automotive manufacturers Progress Drive facility. The addition to the facility is a response to increased demand from electric-vehicle companies, according to President and CEO David Cooper. What it is, is an expansion of our Progress Drive plant by approximately 100,000 square feet, and the purpose of the expansion is to house our fifth aluminum extrusion press line, Cooper told the Daily News. We have three (press lines) in Ludington, one in Kentucky, and now were doing our fifth in Ludington. Whitehall is a Tier 1 parts provider for Tesla, a relationship that has brought in plenty of business in recent years. But its not just Tesla thats making the expansion necessary; Whitehall Industries has business with other electric-vehicle companies, too, and those factor into the need for an additional extrusion plant as well. This is to fulfill the demand of our electric-vehicle market Tesla, Rivian, Canoo, Lucid to name just a few, Cooper said. Its almost entirely growth in the electric vehicle demands for us, and thats why were putting it in. The new press line will allow for more parts to be made and molded through aluminum extrusion, the process by which aluminum alloy is transformed into vehicle parts for Whitehalls customers. The companys total investment in the expansion is about $22 million, according to Cooper. The growth will lead to the creation of about 20 new jobs. The reason that number isnt higher is because the aluminum extrusion process is largely automated. The extrusion press line is not terribly demanding as far as headcount (is concerned), Cooper said. It doesnt take a lot of labor and its highly automated, so itll add about 20 jobs and allow us to retain the workers we have now. Excavation on the lot to the south of the Progress Drive plant started started about two weeks ago, according to Cooper, and the expansion is expected to be finished sometime in April 2022. Whitehall Industries also continues to grow elsewhere. The company recently opened a fabrication plant in Flagstaff, Arizona, which is also to serve the burgeoning electric-car market. One challenge Whitehall Industries is facing is finding and retaining workers, Cooper said. Workforce shortages are proving to be an obstacle for employers in virtually all industries, at the local, state and national level. One of the reasons we ended up expanding to Flagstaff is because were probably as big as were going to be in terms of a workforce, Cooper said. We have the same challenges with attracting enough people to get the job done, and meet demands from our customers. But business itself continues to boom in the area. We continue to see growth provided by the electric-vehicle market as well as others customers like Honda and Toyota that are starting up this year or next year, Cooper said. Were just really excited about the future of aluminum. On Tuesday, the Pere Marquette Charter Township Board recommended that the State of Michigan approve an industrial tax exemption for a 12-year period for the new expansion. Township Supervisor Jerry Bleau stated, If the state approves, (Whitehall could) receive an IFE tax exemption for up to 12 years for up to 50 percent of the property value of the project. Bleau said hes thrilled the company is doing so well, and continuing to expand in P.M. Township. Were very exited and happy that they continue to invest in our community, he said. It really is an exciting thing. UACJ Automotive Whitehall Industries last expanded in 2019, when it added 30,000 square feet to its facilities. 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. By Nick Simonson It was 20 years ago this summer I took a job in between college and law school as a part time reporter for my hometown newspaper, the Valley City Times-Record. In fact, its a publication for which I still proudly write today, and I am happy and sometimes amazed that theyve kept... BANGKOK, July 16 (AFP) -- Three more Thai islands opened to vaccinated foreign tourists on Thursday despite a nationwide surge in Covid-19 cases propelled by the Delta variant. The islands -- Samui, Tao and Phangan -- welcomed visitors as part of the kingdom's push to revive its battered tourism industry. Thailand launched its "sandbox" scheme on July 1, allowing vaccinated travelers to visit Phuket island. Tourists do not have to quarantine in a hotel but can not leave Phuket for two weeks. Under Thursday's expansion, tourists must stay at an approved hotel on Samui for a week and can leave their accommodation on day four. They will have to produce a negative Covid-19 test before being allowed to venture to Tao or Phangan after their first week. The rest of the country is struggling to rein in infections from the Delta variant, which authorities say now makes up nearly 80 percent of its caseload. Virus hotspot Bangkok and nine provinces are under tightened restrictions, including a night-time curfew and a ban on gatherings of more than five people. Thailand recorded almost 9,200 new infections and a record daily high of 98 deaths on Thursday. 'Don't want to rush' Phuket has received 5,000 foreign tourists since its reopening, 10 of whom have tested positive for Covid-19. Authorities are not expecting a big influx of tourists immediately to Samui and the other two islands. Tourism Association of Koh Samui president Ratchaporn Poolsawadee described Thursday's start of the "Samui Plus" scheme as a soft opening. He said 75 percent of residents on the three islands were vaccinated. "It is expected that arrivals will improve after tourists learn the rules and regulations. And then some rules and regulations could be tweaked," Ratchaporn told AFP. "We don't want to rush (Samui Plus)." Tourism makes up one fifth of Thailand's national income and the economy is suffering its worst performance since the 1997 Asian financial crisis. Ratchaporn said tourism was worth $918 million to Samui before the pandemic but the virus had cut turnover to $88 million last year. Sin Chew Daily The WHO Strategic and Technical Advisory Group for Infectious Hazards (STAG-IH) has drawn a conclusion from examining data from across the world that the most feasible way to manage the coronavirus pandemic is the deployment of long-term strategies with priority on the prevention of the pandemic's continued expansion and to protect high-risk communities most susceptible to the virus, support research plans to better understand new virus variants, effects of vaccines and how humanity is going to live with the virus in future. In the meantime, through more precise scientific tracking methods as public health prevention accessory tool in epidemiology for early detection of infection cases and effective tracking of close contacts. This will help contain the virus and reduce the community transmission risks to more manageable levels. From the data of COVID-19 deaths in many countries, it is found that the highest morbidity rate happens in people aged 50 and above, and there is a positive correlation between the age of infected individuals and the morbidity rate. In addition, people suffering from chronic illnesses and those in high-risk groups are the most vulnerable and they need to be protected most. The primary strategy of any country that wishes to lift virus restrictions must be to provide adequate protection to these vulnerable communities. This should serve as a major reference in Malaysia's forthcoming anti-virus strategies. WHO has said that the recent spike in new positive cases and fatalities in many countries across the world could be attributed to low vaccination rate and the lifting of mandatory mask-wearing rules as well as other preventive measures, giving the much more infective Delta variant an opportunity to spread quickly in the community. We can see from here that when the pandemic has progressed to a certain stage, we have to learn to accept the reality of the presence of a persistent virus, and that it is almost impossible for us to revert to our old ways of living any more. How is the world going to confront such a "new normal" has become a major problem nations must tackle. To completely wipe out the virus may, sadly, no longer be possible. Our only option is to live with the virus! The number of new positive COVID-19 cases in the country have breached the all-important 10k psychological mark for four consecutive days (as of Friday), reaching an all-time high of 13,215 on Thursday. It is indeed downright depressing to learn that we have five-digit daily new infection numbers despite the full nationwide lockdown being enforced, especially in Selangor. We have no idea when we can actually move on to the second phase of the national recovery plan. Looking from a different perspective, the number of new cases is directly associated with the number of screening tests conducted each day. The health ministry has explained earlier on that the increase in daily new infections is consistent with the number of tests carried out, and this is the result of proactive targeted screenings being carried out all across the country, in particular Klang Valley. Additionally, it is absolutely necessary to conduct mass screenings on factories and manufacturing employees allowed to work in EMCO areas, with the hope virus carriers could be identified soonest so as to stop the virus from propagating in our community. We should take cue from the experiences of some countries using scientific approaches to step up the management of specific areas in a bid to minimize community infections while effectively reducing the risk of the virus' propagation. Early screening should maximize the effects of containing the virus by isolating and treating the carriers. Delayed screening, meanwhile, will allow the virus to spread fast in the community, remarkably adding to the burden of our healthcare system. The number of active cases has registered another single-day peak of 114,053 on Friday, making up almost 12.77% of cumulative total of confirmed cases thus far. Worryingly, the numbers of daily new deaths have hovered above 100 for so many days in a row, although we have managed to keep the number of ICU cases below 900. While the numbers of new cases are indeed alarming, we should actually put our focus more on fatalities and hospitalization rate, trying to put these two parameters within manageable levels. Indeed, we have started a little too late and too slowly in mass screenings, but hopefully with accelerated action now along with our existing strategies, we can keep the virus well in check. Besides, we must fully adhere to anti-virus protocols, such as avoiding crowded and closed spaces, maintaining safe social distances, constantly washing hands and wearing masks, coupled with mass screenings and accelerated vaccinations, which are the most crucial factors determining our success in this war. Based on Singapore government's plans, the new normal means we have substantial percentage of immunized population to bring new infections, severe cases and fatalities to a minimum, meaning COVID-19 patients will no longer use up hospital resources, with severe cases drastically reduced, such that we can transit to a new phase of living with the virus. 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! The corporate regulator ASIC raising the white flag on a criminal investigation into AMPs fees for no services scandal should be a wake-up call to those who believed the bombshell findings of the banking royal commission would result in heads on pikes. It was a hope that had been encouraged by our then Treasurer Scott Morrison, who in April 2018 at the height of the royal commission, held a press conference in Sydney recommending jail time for the wrongdoers. ASIC drops criminal investigation into AMP. Credit:Getty They [AMP] have said that they basically charged people for services they didnt provide and admitted to statements that were misleading to ASIC and to their own customers and this type of behaviour can attract penalties which include jail time. Thats how serious these things are, Morrison told the media, after the shocking revelations from AMP that it had misled the regulator up to 20 times. The royal commission followed years of financial scandals. It ran for a year in 2018 and exposed unfettered greed, systemic gouging of the living and the dead, billions of dollars milked from retirement savings, shoddy life insurance policies and financial advisers behaving badly. The hybrid or flexible work trend will create ongoing risks for office demand but despite that, most property firms are backing flexible work models in some form. A survey of Australias top 50 companies by The Age and Sydney Morning Herald shows none intend to force staff back to the office five days a week and only a handful are mandating a certain number of office hours each week. The move away from offices raises tricky questions about employers responsibilities. Credit:James Brickwood While most employers and landlords are willingly embracing flexible models, any hesitation may pit them against potential new employees wishes, a recent Macquarie recruiter survey shows. Macquaries survey found 74 per cent of candidates prefer a hybrid model of working (with three days a week in the office the most popular) and just 2 per cent want to work in the office full time. Up the road, next to the Richmond Town Hall, Teska Cason has also listed 335-341 Bridge Road. The modern two-storey space is leased to Australia Post and once housed a NAB branch. It returns around $285,000 a year. The 685 sq m shop is on a 703 sq m lot on the corner of Gleadell Street where the Richmond Pool is housed. Expressions of interest close on July 29. George and Larry Takis are handling enquiries. A design scheme for a 14-level apartment building has been drawn up by RBi Architects but not lodged at the council offices next door. Regional deals The Swan Hill Coles has changed hands for just over $20 million, with a local Melbourne investor set to take the reins. The 3452 sq m Coles, on Beveridge Street, includes a Liquorland and four specialty shops. Its on a large 8320 sq m parcel of land in the middle of town. Rent is $1.079 million a year, giving the deal a 5.3 per cent yield. Stonebridge Property Group agents Justin Dowers, Kevin Tong and Philip Gartland handled the transaction which drew 11 offers from local and offshore private investors, as well as listed and unlisted funds. Records show the centre had been owned by Victoria Square Enterprises since 2003. Built in 1995, it had been a Bi-Lo but was converted into a Coles in 2012. In other regional transactions, Castlerock has sold the Spotlight Plaza in Sale for $4.55 million, reflecting a yield of 5.2 per cent. Stonebridge agents Rorey James, Nic Hage and including Mr Dowers, Mr Tong ran the campaign. We are seeing increased interest from international Asian investors for regional investments, especially given the growth they are witnessing firsthand in some of these core regional hubs, Mr Tong said. Rechabite Hall Prahrans former temple to sobriety, the Rechabite Hall is for sale and luckily theres no covenants on the title limiting its potential uses. 10 Little Chapel Street. Credit: The elaborate Second Empire-style hall at 10 Little Chapel Street is situated between the bar-soaked main drag of Chapel Street and the swimming pool. Built in 1888-89 and designed by Colin Campbell, it was listed as having architectural and historical significance nearly 40 years ago. It has been converted into office space and currently returns around $100,000 a year but could yield up to $130,000-140,000 annually, according to selling agent Rodney Morley. Its expected to sell for more than $3 million. But its so unique, its very hard to put a price on it. Its a rarity and its unlikely to stay as offices, Mr Morley said. The 19th century had many temperance or anti-alcohol drinking groups and the Independent Order of Rechabites was one of the bigger ones with around 10,000 members in Victoria when this temple was built. Queen & Collins Rustica has signed up as the flagship cafe at GPTs new Queen & Collins development. The lease was negotiated by Fitzroys James Lockwood and Rick Berry, with Future Proofs Mitchell Humphreys. Baker Rustica will open in GPTs Queen & Collins development. Credit: Rustica is fitting out the new 163.5 sq m space on the corner of Queen and Little Collins streets and hopefully, will be serving up its baked goods in August as planned. Our fit-out will pay homage to the original buildings design and be a little left-field from previous Rustica sites, said Rustica founder, Brenton Lang. The agents are handling the leasing campaign for the 1100 sq m retail space in the revamped development. Its gone under the radar in the past 12 months, but GPT is transforming the 34-storey tower with its distinctive historical Gothic-Venetian surrounds into new office space. It was occupied by ANZ for decades. Connections between the different 19th-century buildings that make up the complex will be opened up as laneways and courtyards. Bluestone paves way One of the CBDs most picturesque and hidden alleyways, Guildford Lane, has another mortgagee sale on its bluestone pavers. Next door to No.31 which we reported a few weeks back is No.29, a four-storey warehouse converted into a home-office-showroom. Theyre both opposite the Cat Cafe. Gray Johnson agents Rory White and Matt Hoath are running an expressions of interest campaign that closes on July 30. Its expected to fetch more than $5 million. The 385 sq m building has 65 sq m of terrace on top of the fourth floor. Its on 107 sq m of land. Super lots A local developer has paid $12 million for a 2349 sq m chunk of the Aurora Estate in Epping, 20km north of the CBD. The land has a permit for 109 townhouses and two super-lots. Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size The days of working five days a week at the office in a suit and tie are over for Greg Goodman, the boss of one of Australias top 20 listed companies and the nations biggest industrial landlord. Like most people in Sydney and now Melbourne, Goodman worked from home this week during a hard lockdown designed to stifle a COVID outbreak that has yet again upended his, and many others, professional lives. It has been a frustrating experience for most, but for Goodman the COVID-19 induced turmoil of the past year has had at least one silver lining: it has given rise to a radical change in how we work. Companies are coming to grips with the new future of hybrid working and its associated intricacies, wrestling with a shift experts believe is permanent. Greg Goodman will be ditching the suit and tie as well as the office. Credit:: Dominic Lorrimer Are you a company thats going to embrace the change, or are you a company that resists change? Goodman asks. This has been an opportunity to sit back and say how can we make something of this difficult situation. We can be more productive, we can give back some work-life balance. It will make our business more profitable in the future. As the pandemic unfolded through the beginning of 2020, working from home became a necessity for the millions of Australians in office jobs and similar roles. Like many COVID consequences at that time, workers and employers alike thought it would be a transient thing, that office camaraderie would be back in full force by June, maybe July. However, as lockdowns and outbreaks continued to occur, it became quickly apparent this new way of working was here to stay. Hybrid and flexibility were inducted into the dictionary of corporate jargon as managers started to confront a workforce that didnt want to go back to the way things were. Advertisement A survey of Australias top 50 companies, conducted by The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald this week revealed that not a single company in the sample expects staff to come back into the office five days a week, and just six companies intend to mandate a certain number of office hours each week. All of them said they would be committed to hybrid working, in some form or other, even after COVID restrictions disappear. It would appear that the five-day office week is well and truly dead - at least for now. Bosses crossing fingers for return to normal Despite the overwhelming support from the workforce to maintain a flexible model of working, theres likely a number of companies hoping the whole thing might blow over in a few years, says Dr Ben Hamer, future of work lead at consulting giant PwC. Its not palatable for them to come out and say it, but a lot of organisations and senior leaders will have their fingers crossed that in a couple of years itll be all over and done with and well go five days a week back to the office, he says. Theres a number of organisations who are advocating for a return to the office despite hearing loud and clear from their employees that they want to work remotely Dr Ben Hamer, future of work lead at PwC Advertisement This is causing concern among workers, many of whom have begun to make major life decisions - such as move to the country - based on the new opportunity for flexible work. However, Dr Hamer believes a full five-day office week is unlikely to return in force, though he admits some turning up to the office will likely be required. In reality, what well see is a new normal where we do have about three days a week in the office. There will be less of an expectation to be in the office five days a week, but I dont think it will necessarily be as fluid with as much of the control in the court of the employee as it is now. Dr Hamer says that right now in Australia, workers have more power than perhaps ever before, but notes that an expectation gap is emerging between workers who want to keep working from home and managers keen for a return to the office. Loading Theres a number of organisations who are advocating for a return to the office despite hearing loud and clear from their employees that they want to work remotely, he says. Those organisations are then mandating workers being in the office on certain days each week, or saying that you have to come back five days a week, and employees are revolting. If you give workers that flexibility ... you cant now just take that away from them. Katie Hodgson, the chief people officer at Penfolds producer Treasury Wine Estates, agrees that some companies may want to switch back to the way things were once COVID becomes a distant memory. But this would be a mistake. Advertisement That would be a missed opportunity, she says. It would be very hard to move back from what we have now, and I think companies would do that at their own peril. Instead, companies such as Treasury are taking a long-term view on how to set up their businesses for a permanent shift to hybrid work. Among the short-term decisions made in response to dealing with COVID outbreaks and lockdowns such as Sydneys current predicament, Hodgson says she and her team are working out how it all plays out in the long run. Katie Hodgson from Treasury Wines says forcing people back to work would be a mistake. This includes thinking about what skills workers will need, how our ways of working will change, what roles may or may not exist, and what jobs might be done by machines, rather than people. What were trying to do now ... is to start to build the skills for that future of work, she says. Thats around how do you continue to motivate and inspire people when weve got a mixture of people working remotely as well as in the office? How do you continue to bring people together and create that sense of belonging? Dr Hamer says this will require a significant rewiring from both a management and industrial relations point of view. Companies will need to be cognizant of when and how their employees are working to ensure they are paying in line with modern awards. Performance management will need to be focused on outcomes, rather than outputs, as managers will no longer be able to have constant oversight of their employees as they work. Advertisement Home office hardware. Who pays? Equipping workers to operate from home also requires some practical tweaks. Some firms are putting time and money into reinvigorating offices and equipping staff to work from home. If you force people into the office five days a week, you will lose them. Sarah Zerella, Unispace Goodman supplies its staff with wireless technology, laptops, keyboards, headsets and software upgrades that allow them to be used anywhere. It gives employees a $500 allowance for home office set-up and throws in an ergonomic check-up to boot. The firm also puts on virtual exercise classes yoga, meditation, pilates - during lockdowns. Sarah Zerella, a senor associate at design and workplace strategy firm Unispace, says flexible work arrangements require organisations to trust their employees at a higher level. But, while placing trust in staff provides positive benefits for well being, work-life balance and autonomy, a distributed workforce can impact learning and development, staff attraction and retention, and employees experience of the organisation, she says. Advertisement The chief financial officer of Facebook, which owns Instagram, has said the rise in ad revenue during the second quarter of 2020 was primarily driven by small and medium-sized businesses. Loading In the last year, Instagram has radically pushed into pitching itself as the space of small business, Professor Leaver says. They spent the entire pandemic saying we are the saviour of small business and you can basically run an entire business through Instagram and not need any other infrastructure. What does this mean for my ads? Microtargeting works much better on Instagram, so youre probably going to get more quirky, unusual and less mainstream stuff simply because the cost to do a small targeted ad is really small, Professor Leaver says. I asked him whether it was more likely people could breach advertising guidelines on Instagram because they had a smaller audience in each ad. Advertising guidelines only really get enacted if youre visible enough that someone complains and takes the time to screenshot something and send it to the [Australian Competition and Consumer Commission], he says. So I decided Id call experts to ask if I should buy them. I begin with the EarWipePro, which the ad tells me is THE TOOL THAT [SIC] MAKING THE COTTON SWAB INDUSTRY SO ANGRY with two flame emojis. It is a tiny metal ear-cleaning wand with a silica tip and camera on the end. Ear nose and throat surgeon Dr Jennifer Ha says that unless you frequently use hearing aids or ear plugs, have congenitally narrow ear canals or ear canal dermatitis, you shouldnt be putting anything smaller than your elbow into your ears. The most common thing I see is people with good intentions try to clean their ears with a cotton bud and end up with an ear infection, Dr Ha says. It can cause microtrauma and skin tear. Sometimes I have patients who come to see me and they want to present with clean ears and have cleaned with cotton buds. When I look in their ears theres blood everywhere and it looks like a crime scene. When I call Dr Gayle Fischer, a dermatologist specialising in vulvovaginal skin disease, to ask her whether I should invest in an advertised vaginal wash she replied she would like to run out of the room screaming. Look, if you have a skin disease that is one thing but if you have normal vulval skin it is normal for there to be some discharge from the vagina because the vagina is a self-lubricating surface of your body, Dr Fischer says. It is completely normal and healthy and the idea that you have to have special wipes and deodorants down there suggests something that reminds me of female body shaming. Endosisters. Weve been lied to I have endometriosis, a disease where tissue similar to that which lines the uterine walls grows beyond it. With luck (and an intrauterine device) I have managed most of the symptoms associated with the condition: heavy and irregular bleeding, chronic pelvic, back and leg pain as well as pain during periods and sex. So, the first time I was targeted with an Instagram advertisement from a company called Ovira for a device that would relieve endometriosis pain, I wasnt thinking about myself but of all the women I had interviewed who had exhausted their hope and drained their bank accounts trying to manage their pain. Oviras website claims its wearable device stops your period pain instantly and can also be used to relieve secondary menstrual pain due to conditions like endometriosis. Credit: Ovira has essentially rebranded a wearable device that has been around since the 1970s called a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) machine. It sends electrical pulses via electrodes to underlying nerves to try and interrupt the transmission of their signals. It has been used to relieve pain for patients with musculoskeletal conditions and some people use it in the early stages of labour. The website claims the device stops your period pain instantly and can also be used to relieve secondary menstrual pain due to conditions like endometriosis. Loading The largest meta-analysis of research on TENS machines to date was published this year. It found they reduced pain intensity more effectively than placebo for some forms of pain, but there was a paucity of evidence to determine whether the machines would help during painful periods. None of the 400 clinical trials studied seemed to look at pain associated with endometriosis. One which did had been retracted. Consultant obstetrician-gynaecologist Dr Marilla Druitt refers to a 2002 Cochrane review which found in a small number of trials TENS machines could effectively treat bad period pain and as she pointed out a part of that population may have had endometriosis. If they were going to fix the world they would have by now, but I think they really have a place, Dr Druitt says. Some people love them and anything a person can be in charge of themselves is always more empowering than the medicine you can give them. Pain was always multifactorial and there was no panacea, she says. Consultant gynaecologist and clinical senior lecturer at the University of Melbourne Dr Alex Polyakov says that when the Therapeutic Goods Administration approves a device, as it has for TENS machines, it is often evaluating risk rather than efficacy, so this was a low risk option to try. We have to look at these treatments in terms of harm versus benefit, and if the harm is $150 and it did nothing then you can get a refund,while there are standard treatments like hormone manipulation and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories and laparoscopies which can be invasive, he says. Instagram saw a sharp rise in ad revenue in the second half of 2020, driven by small and medium businesses. Credit:Bloomberg Extensive endometriosis can be harder to treat surgically than cancer. Claiming a device definitively relieves pain is of course complete rubbish but because there is a psychological element of pain management, he says, there could be some value. If you believe that it works maybe it works. We dont know a lot about pelvic pain. Loading My neck, my back I have a sore neck and back because I have worked at a desk for a decade with the posture of a prawn. Most days I will be served ads for a series of devices offering to instantly fix me. My boyfriend recently purchased from Instagram a cervical traction device, which is a kind of plastic ramp over which he can rest his inflexible and sensitive spine. The Australian Physiotherapy Association National Pain Group chair Tim Austin says people dont recognise that back pain is the most burdensome condition in the world and it is no surprise that many are seeking relief via any product they can find. Almost every person on this planet at some stage has back pain and that is a marketers dream, but we need to look at what is evidence-based [and] what is appropriate, Mr Austin says. I recently bought a $26 scourer posing as a game-changing makeup brush while sleeplessly scrolling. When I confess this to Professor Leaver he admits even an internet studies professor isnt immune to the lure of targeted ads he bought something actually designed to clean surfaces from Instagram. It is a cleaning product that has a drill bit with a brush glued onto it, he says. Its a piece of crap, really, but it looked so good in the video. This story first appeared in Business Insider. Read it here or follow BusinessInsider Australia on Facebook. Being momentarily short of conspiracy theories, cruel intolerance and whack-jobs, I turned my dial to Twitter. Floating atop the effluent flowing through the sewers, I noticed some advice to managers commending they inject humour into their workplaces. This brought back long-repressed memories of a manager who commanded us all via email to engage in wet and dry fun on an annual retreat. I have always rationalised that request as an assay at humour rather than merely asinine. However, this tweet, had they existed back in the day, may well have been the type of advice my manager was clumsily attempting to implement. Under pressure to inject some humour in the office. Credit:istock photo Different humor (which gives aways its origins) tactics were adumbrated in this tweet. Start with yourself was the first injunction. Now this seems perfectly sensible advice, if by that they mean one should attempt to amuse oneself at work and refuse to take the whole thing seriously. However, the tone of solemn self-importance conveyed raised suspicions that they were suggesting we offer ourselves up as the butt of the joke. That should do wonders for confidence in the leadership team. Next was play a game. Now I suspect one of the great benefits of the WFH revolution is being free of office game-playing. We know that games generally should be banned. Each weekend parents fill accident and emergency departments after to coming to blows at their childrens sport. In the home, board games are the leading cause of stabbing. Well I might have made up both of those claims, but why take the risk at work, especially when power-relationships means participating is rarely properly voluntary? The NSW government is free to demolish and relocate the historic villa of Willow Grove to make way for the $915 million Parramatta Powerhouse after opponents exhausted all legal avenues to halt its construction. The NSW Court of Appeal on Friday upheld the judgment of the Land and Environment Court that the governments environmental assessment for the museum project was sufficient. Willow Grove amid the site clearing for the Parramatta Powerhouse. North Parramatta Residents Action Group had unsuccessfully argued that Infrastructure NSW failed to meet its obligations for a state significant project when it did not properly consider alternative sites or designs incorporating the sole surviving example of a riverside mansion in the Parramatta CBD. The group immediately called for a moratorium on all demolition works while the pandemic-led lockdown was in place. NSW health restrictions on public gatherings effectively prevent protests and pickets to enforce a union green ban, raising the prospect that the Italianate villa will be gone from the site within days. As the Australian filmmaker Ben Lawrence (Hearts and Bones) puts it, documenting someone with a camera is like looking at them through a telescope. You can see exactly what theyre doing in that moment. But the context of it is lost. For documentary filmmakers, this raises a stack of questions, practical and ethical. What does it mean to turn reality into a narrative? Is it possible to convey a personal vision without overriding the viewpoint of your subjects? And what happens when the story you had planned to tell is overtaken by events? John Shipton in a scene from Ithaka. Credit:MIFF One advantage of the long-form documentary is that it gives filmmakers the chance to consider these questions in depth as is clear from talking to the makers of three new Australian documentaries premiering at this years Melbourne International Film Festival. The line-up includes Lawrences very topical Ithaka, which tells the latest chapter of the story of Julian Assange and WikiLeaks from the perspective of Assanges father John Shipton, who travelled to Britain in 2019 to campaign for his sons release. Lawrence started shooting in mid-2020, joining Shipton in a city moving in and out of lockdown. We would get in the black taxi each day and ride to the Old Bailey through empty streets, he recalls. London was a ghost town. Ive never liked oysters. Sharp outside and slimy within, theyre too like the worst men in my life. From last Sunday, though, I have a newfound oyster passion. Not to eat. Good lord no. I love them as stalwart little cleaner-upperers that deserve a national heritage listing and could be even more important to our future in ensuring, that is, that we have one. Theyre also unexpectedly comic. Oysters, as you know, are permanently locked down. Even post-mortem, they remain cemented in place, awaiting soft feet to shred. Yet they can perform, as prettily as Naomi Watts ever did for King Kong. An oyster thats never seen a plate. Credit:The Nature Conservancy The Oyster Dance is something Id not seen before. You have to be slow. Runners and cyclists will pass by, oblivious. And you have to be lucky, since it seems pretty occasional. But if you stroll the Bay Run at three-quarters-low tide, you may have the pleasure. The Hawthorn Canal is little more than a storm-drain but there, under the roaring viaduct where the canal hits the Parramatta River, is a colony of oysters. And their dance is a study in whimsical, water-spitting surprise. For a good half-hour we watched, astonished, as dozens of little water-jets rose randomly from the surface. Each jet erupted from a different oyster, described a perfect catenary arc some 200mm high and fell back to the sea. It was like one of those random pop-up water-jet fountains that were fashionable as civic art a few years ago. In this Daly River community, the 500 women, men and children belong to 10 distinct language groups. Miriam-Rose tells me with the skills of a natural teacher about the four languages she herself speaks, in addition to English. Shes highly educated, was the first Indigenous teacher in the Northern Territory, has a Masters degree in education, an Honorary Doctorate from Charles Darwin University, and is a stunning visual artist. In that capacity she has enriched the iconography of Christian or Western religious art with an Indigenous depth of narrative that makes it singularly tender, as well as inclusive. Its quite late in our conversation when we look together at a photo on my phone of one of her well-known Stations of the Cross series of paintings. In this painting, Miriam-Rose herself a mother, aunt, grandmother, sister, aunty to many beyond familiar biological definitions gives us a Mary holding the body of her dead son, Jesus. It takes her keen eye to point out to us that the hearts of Mary and Jesus are one. Detail of Stations of a Cross image - Mother and Son- by Dr Miriam-Rose Ungunmerr-Baumann. Credit:Cathy Laudenbach Oneness is a word Miriam-Rose has already used. So is belonging. And several times she has emphasised, Everybody belongs, everybody matters. It doesnt matter what you have done, you still belong. Its more than a belonging to one another. The universe shes evoking is far larger than that. Its a belonging to ancestors, to the future as well as the past, and its very particularly what she calls, A belonging into nature. Thats what makes place as well as people sacred. Thats what makes displacement agonising. It is also what allows us to perceive, however dimly, that the ravaging exploitation of the earth, and the climate crisis we are resisting acknowledging, are symptoms of a crippling disconnection: a spiritual crisis thats inescapable and may be fatal. Loading Miriam-Roses profound, transformative recognition of multiple layers of belonging, both into the physical and metaphysical worlds, and to one another, makes sense of the worlds mystical traditions which are, of course, mere infant religions compared to that all-encompassing spirituality cherished and lived over tens of thousands of years. This is not about belief. It is about knowing. As she brings our attention to the oneness demonstrated on her painting of a mother (Mary) mourning a son (Jesus) who has been tormented and hideously murdered, I am left for minutes with tears and without words. Miriam-Rose doesnt need to point to any contemporary parallels, nor does she elaborate on many of the paintings where endurance and courage are given and received in a glance. In an earlier painting in the series, where Jesus is met by his mother on the path as he makes his way towards his own crucifixion, Miriam-Rose shows the mother simply reaching her hand towards her son, not embracing him. Thats our way, she explains. After the boy is 10, 11, 12, after the ceremonies, were not allowed to touch him, not allowed to sit with him. She continues, Some people that dont understand Blackfella stuff, theyre always on top of you, always talking to you, (and not listening, shes kind enough not to add). We have been talking for more than an hour at this point about the principles of dadirri, the spirituality which Miriam-Rose describes as known to all First Nations, yet simultaneously belongs to us all. This is not a theory or spiritual practice. It is an entire way of seeing and being. Everybody has it, she emphasises. You have it. We all have it. Its just that you havent been given the opportunity to discover it. Everybody has it. You have it. We all have it. Its just that you havent been given the opportunity to discover it. Dadirri could be described in any number of ways: simplest is best. It is, The deep spring that is inside us. Better yet, it is the source of our inner wholeness and that belonging with everything around us. It brings non-judgmental healing, even in the hardest of times, even of our own selves. We can call on it and it calls to us, Miriam-Rose explains. This is the gift that Australia is thirsting for. When I experience dadirri, Im whole again. I can find my peace in this silent awareness. Miriam-Rose is adamant that she cannot teach dadirri. It cant be learned as an abstraction or from just reading about it. Like all authentic knowledge, it must be experienced. It comes as a deep, inner listening and quiet, still awareness. Her humour again comes to life. You have to be open to it. And start by slowing down. Stopping to smell a rose? Thats not good enough! Youve got to be open in your spirit. Not stopping to smell a rose then rushing off to work. And open, too, to the equally deep truths of dadirri: that every life matters; that we belong into one another; that we live in oneness with the universe. Stations of the Cross image by Dr Miriam-Rose Ungunmerr-Baumann. Credit:Cathy Laudenbach At the worst of times for those in her community and well beyond, when loved ones suicide or are abandoned or have lost their way, its the connection to earth through the deep, still, contemplative listening of dadirri that goes some way towards healing. Returning to the bush, to land and family that, Miriam-Rose belongs into, restores her spirit and self. Its what some might call a conscious NOW. When I experience dadirri, I am made whole again. I can find my peace in this silent awareness. Dadirri also means awareness of where youve come from, why you are here, where you are going now and [most of all] where you belong. The disruptions to Indigenous belonging dont need spelling out. They are lived out daily by all First Nations people. A contemplative listening practice that reconnects us with our own deep spring within would indeed be utterly transformative for all Australians, personally and collectively. But it requires a shift in our attitude to time as well as place. Rushing, hurrying, failing to listen or to live without hectic rush, keep wounds open and add to trauma. Miriam-Roses first spiritual teacher was her own mother, Mary, whose understanding of this immensely subtle, complex culture was very strong. Miriam-Rose then Rosie was the second of seven children. At the age of seven, her father died and she went to live with her uncle and aunt who were also brother and sister to her parents. Her uncle was a famous police tracker and I learned that even in tracking, listening is the primary sense used. Young Australian of the Year Isobel Marshall, Senior Australian of the Year Dr Miriam-Rose Ungunmerr-Baumann, Australian of the Year Grace Tame and Local Hero Rosemary Kariuki at the presentation ceremony in Canberra. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen It was in that Adelaide River community that her education began at a time when the education of Indigenous children was generally extremely poor. But when that maternal aunt died, it wasnt acceptable for Miriam-Rose to stay with her uncle, so she returned to her biological mother which, because of the elaborate sense of belonging to a much wider community than immediate family, seems to have been easy for her to accept. They instil you in all that [belonging], was her calm answer to my questions about those times. Which made it hard to look past that one of her own sisters, the only child with a white father, was stolen. Loading Cases of fully vaccinated Australians catching COVID-19 are part and parcel of how vaccines work and should not raise undue concerns. Experts in the field say vaccines against COVID-19 dramatically cut a persons risk of being infected and of getting seriously ill or dying but do not offer 100 per cent protection. However, if a vaccinated person does catch the virus, they are at dramatically lower risk of passing it on. Staff at a mass vaccination centre at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre. Credit:Getty Images In Sydney this week, a fully vaccinated nurse in Westmead Hospitals COVID ward returned a positive test a breakthrough infection despite wearing full personal protective gear while at work. There are 132 people in hospital with COVID-19 across Australia, including 22 in intensive care. In Melbourne, the virus got into a nursing home last month but because staff and residents were vaccinated, it barely spread and did not cause any deaths. I am a very resilient person and a very independent person and I was before I went to Iran, Gosford-born Dr Moore-Gilbert says. Obviously what happened to me in Iran emphasised that further. I spent a lot of time alone in solitary confinement so Im used to being alone, and its comforting to me to live alone in a way. Dr Moore-Gilbert has enough distance on her incarceration to be able to describe with precision the transition from believing you are about to return to your new husband, your recently-bought home and your dream career to accepting you are in for a long haul in a foreign jail. It is a period of grief, a period of just utter disbelief: your brain refuses to accept it, she says. This for me went on for several months. When I understood theyre passing my file into the judiciary system and Im going to court, at some point my brain could not compute. I just did not understand that because I didnt have any understanding of the Iranian judicial system. Fellow prisoners put themselves in danger to offer her information about how to conduct herself in court. At the beginning you feel very weak and feel like you would just give in to whatever they want of you. Because you dont have any power. After I learnt the lay of the land and the rules of the place, due to the help of other prisoners ... and through my own experience, I understood the best form of defence was attack and not to sit back and do what they want - but to draw a line and say Im going to react badly if you cross this line, she says. In terms of assault or bullying by other prisoners or prison guards or interrogators, if you made it very clear you would lose your shit if they crossed a certain line, they would quickly decide not to do that because it would be too much of a headache or a hassle for them. Kylie Moore-Gilbert was in prison in Iran for more than 800 days. Credit:AAP She was able to leak some letters describing her torment during long periods in solitary confinement. But she says after six months, she was given a newspaper and a grammar book for the Farsi language, which she spent up to five hours a day studying. She says this helped save her sanity. At the beginning I thought, this is going to end soon. I thought Im going home, this cant possibly go on for two years and three months. I had no idea I could be convicted and sentenced to prison, I thought they would release me once they finished their questions and realised that obviously I am innocent or the Australian government would get me out. I didnt think Id be there long enough to learn the language. I wanted to learn it anyway but it was clear it was a necessity to survive if I wanted to not be weak and vulnerable and let other prisoners, guards or interrogators take advantage of me and use my lack of understanding against me, if I wanted to get things for myself or argue my point, or ask for basic sanitary items and food. Passengers, including one believed to be Dr Moore-Gilbert, leave a government jet at Canberra Airport in November 2020. Credit:AAP Though she stresses her focus is looking ahead, it does not escape Dr Moore-Gilbert that had she not had one particular conversation, the course of her carefully-crafted life may not have been so dramatically altered. Even now, she is not sure what she said to a man, with whom she was discussing the situation in Bahrain, that was used against her. I know if I hadnt have spoken to that individual at all, I wouldnt have been arrested... Its possible he dobbed me in as a scapegoat to get himself out of trouble. I wasnt interviewing Iranians, and I wasnt talking about Iranian politics or asking him about Iranian politics or anything that is sensitive. I was just extremely unlucky, really, really unlucky that it happened, she says. It could have been that if we sat and spoke about Hollywood movies for half an hour he still would have done it. The Revolutionary Guards told Dr Moore-Gilbert that they had arrested the man and in the process of his arrest she was identified. They probably analysed messages from me in his phone and asked who this foreign woman is youve been talking to. Either he dobbed me in as a way of getting out of his own arrest situation or he was working for them from the beginning and that was a lie. I dont know. She denies point blank the spying allegation, which commentators have suggested may have been made because her then-husband was Israeli. Anybody who looks into it in any great depth will see that the whole thing is laughable and I am absolutely not a spy, she says. However, prison teaches you how to be criminal, she says. Im a much better thief than I was, Im much better at getting information out of people than I ever thought I would be. The dodginess factor in terms of how to operate ... you have to just to get by. The things Ive learnt from other prisoners! In the public prison to which she was transferred at one point, an Afghan drug smuggler sat her down to teach her the theory of smoking a crack pipe (no pipe involved), how the smuggling operation works on the Iran-Afghanistan border and how much the product can fetch on the streets. Despite her comfortable repatriation, its not surprising to learn Dr Moore-Gilbert still feels that in some ways my head is still stuck in Iran. Many Iranian and foreign friends of the British-Australian academic still languish in the Revolutionary Guard Corps Evin Prison in Tehran. She checks in daily with their family members and friends and is heavily involved in efforts to get them out. Thats a good and a bad thing for me in terms of my recovery but its my duty to be [in touch with them] and I want to be so. She is part of international efforts to have Magnitsky laws which enable governments to sanction individuals in foreign countries who commit human rights abuses or corruption applied to Iranian officials including Abolqasem Salavati, the Iranian Revolutionary Court judge who gave her a 10-year sentence after a secret trial in which no evidence against was presented. Loading But for every psychopath she encountered, Dr Moore-Gilbert says she met 100 Iranians who were supportive, generous and willing to put themselves at risk to help her. Some of the female guards, who held fast to Islamic doctrines on respectful treatment of women, reported on male colleagues who failed to do so, she says, which is one reason she still feels much warmth for the people of Iran. A gathering on the first evening of Greater Sydneys lockdown at the Meriton Suites Waterloo has now resulted in 59 cases, only seven of whom were in the room. A birthday party at West Hoxton the previous weekend, before the lockdown began, resulted in 51 cases including 30 attendees. In the graph below, place your cursor over each exposure site (on the left) to see the number of cases detected in attendees (bottom right) and their contacts (top right). Some significant transmission has also occurred at hospitality and retail venues: seven people acquired their infection at the Commonwealth Bank at Roselands, nine at the Crossways Hotel at Strathfield South, and 11 at Joh Baileys hair salon at Double Bay. Although only eight people caught COVID-19 at the Lyfe Cafe at Bondi Beach, this has resulted in the largest hospitality cluster in the outbreak, with 51 cases in total. In the past week, health authorities have detected 13 cases from two adjacent construction workplaces at Greenacre. Testing in western Sydney is still lagging behind Testing rates in south-west Sydney have surged this week, almost passing levels seen in the east when it was the centre of the outbreak. The visualisation below shows testing rates relative to case numbers (be aware the scale of the x-axis changes so the data can be easily read it is best to click the play button and watch the dots move). The green shoots were trodden on NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has spoken about the green shoots of lockdowns end being the number of cases detected each day who were in isolation for their entire infectious period. She first used the metaphor on July 3, when the outbreak in Sydneys east started to be brought under control, but the discovery of chains of transmission in the south-west resulted in more cases who had been out in the community. Since Saturday, the proportion of cases in isolation for their entire infectious period has trended upwards. However, about half of the cases found in recent days were isolated (in the green) about one in three cases were in the community for their entire infectious period recently. People in western Sydney need to travel to work As movement across the city declined steeply in late June, travel to workplaces was least affected in Campbelltown, Liverpool, Penrith and Fairfield local government areas, Google data shows. However, travel for retail and recreation dropped significantly in the Fairfield area the council saw a fall of about 50 per cent compared to a pre-pandemic baseline by July 11, more than the inner west or northern beaches. In Sydneys south-west, retail and hospitality are the top industries of employment, compared to corporate work such as financial or legal services and banking in the eastern suburbs. There are also high numbers of people working in hospitals, aged care and childcare who live in the south west. From this weekend, residents of the Fairfield local government area who are essential workers elsewhere in the city will need to take a COVID-19 test every three days. Most cases have not been vaccinated The chart below shows the vaccination status of cases recorded in the outbreak to July 3. The vast majority of cases have not received a single dose of the AstraZeneca or Pfizer vaccines, both of which are extremely effective at preventing severe illness and death in people infected with the Delta variant. The proportion of cases who had not received a single dose of vaccine remained consistent in the weeks ending June 26 and July 3. Fully vaccinated cases in these weeks doubled from 2 to 4 per cent of recorded cases, largely due to infections in aged care residents at Summitcare Baulkham Hills. One current intensive care unit case had received a single dose of AstraZeneca: all others had not received a single dose of either vaccine. Cases in hospital are on the rise The number of cases who have been hospitalised or entered intensive care has steadily grown over the past month. Compared to previous outbreaks, current cases are younger, and this has been reflected in the ages of people in intensive care. On Friday there was one intensive care unit patient in their 20s, one in their 30s, two in their 40s, five in their 50s, five in their 60s, three in their 70s and one in their 80s. There have been two deaths in the outbreak: a woman in her 90s from south-west Sydney and a man in his 70s from the eastern suburbs. with Pallavi Singhal and Tom Rabe A trusted employee has been jailed for at least three years after she stole more than $780,000 from the adult retail business of Sydneys porn king. Neva Liana Lozzi, 45, helped run the financial side of a string of adult stores owned by Con Ange between 2015 and 2020 when she gave herself $787,571 in bank transfers, superannuation payments, rent, and payments for holidays and bills. Neva Lozzi outside court in February. Credit:Kate Geraghty Lozzi maintained that the payments were legitimate remuneration paid to her in an unconventional way by Mr Ange. A magistrate found otherwise, and Lozzi was found guilty in May of 29 charges of dishonestly obtaining financial advantage by deception. Mr Ange, 61, told the court that Lozzi stole hundreds of thousands of dollars from his business while he was preoccupied with various personal matters, including being assaulted, having his business fire-bombed, and being diagnosed with the terminal degenerative condition motor neuron disease. Close to one in four state MPs who responded to a Herald survey are currently unvaccinated against COVID-19, with NSW One Nation leader Mark Latham saying hes holding out on vaccination until he can get a Pfizer jab, despite being eligible for AstraZeneca. The Herald asked all 135 NSW MPs what their current COVID-19 vaccination status was last week, with close to one-quarter of the 90 respondents yet to receive one dose, while 21 per cent are fully vaccinated. Of the 21 state MPs currently unvaccinated, five of them are under 40, four are over 50, and the rest are between 40 and 50. Labor had a slightly higher vaccination rate with 30 of 37 MPs vaccinated compared to 18 of 24 Liberal MPs who shared their status. Disgraced former detectives Roger Rogerson and Glen McNamara have had their appeals dismissed and remain jailed for life for fatally shooting university student Jamie Gao, stealing his drug haul, and dumping his body out to sea. Rogerson, 80, and McNamara, in his 60s, lured Mr Gao to a rented storage unit at Padstow in Sydneys south-west in May 2014, where he was shot twice in the chest. Glen McNamara (left) and Roger Rogerson. Credit:Dominic Lorrimer, Daniel Munoz Each blamed the other for the killing, but a jury found they acted in a joint criminal enterprise to kill Mr Gao and steal 2.78 kilograms of the drug ice. The pair took steps before the murder including buying a station wagon, into which they placed an empty surfboard bag. This bag was used to conceal Mr Gaos body as he was dragged from the storage unit to the car, with their actions captured on CCTV. There you go, Gladys Berejiklian thats how its done. Helen Wyatt, Tathra Seems like if we had Dictator Dan instead of gold-plated Gladys a few weeks ago wed be OK now. Peter Gibson, Wentworthville Illustration: Matt Golding Credit: Geoff Black, the Berejiklian government has adopted the KISS principle (Letters, July 16). Its called the Cabinet. Adrian Tabor, Point Lonsdale (Vic) Sydney and Melbourne are now in lockdown and no one can cross borders. Unless of course you are a football player, or their entourage and families. When are politicians going to realise we are all sick of their double standards. Ordinary people are sick to the stomach of the hypocrisy. Gary Bigelow, Teralba Why is footy allowed to continue virtually uninterrupted during lockdowns while music festivals and outdoor concerts are banned during lockdown. Now remind me, whats the favourite sport of Morrison and his mates? Anne Matheson, Gordon Jacqueline Maley articulated something that I had begun to suspect: I have developed a crush on epidemiologists (National strain revealed as delta divides and conquers, July 16). It doesnt, though, hold a candle to the one I have on Kerry Chant. And dont get me started on Nick Coatsworth. Debra Miniutti, Ashbury To have the major city in the country in lockdown may be regarded as unfortunate. To have both major cities in the country in lockdown looks like carelessness. John Byrne, Randwick Lost sensibilities Move over Jobson Grothe. Despite having no Germanic heritage, during these COVID times I am constantly being reminded that Im Von Rubble. George Manojlovic, Mangerton No one can find Common Sense. Maybe, he/she is hiding out with Jobson Grothe? Corrado Tavella, Rosslyn Park (SA) The trouble with common sense is not that it is so rare, but that its application would lead you to believe the Earth is flat. Science is what tells you it isnt (Letters, July 16). Steve Cornelius, Brookvale Leading us astray Were I a bookmaker, proportionate would be a hot favourite for word of the year. Excessively overused by governments state and federal; usually invoked when the opposite is either the requirement or the case. Rod Milliken, Greenwell Point Based on health advice is a far cry from follows health advice as we are learning to our detriment. Its like based on a true story v true story. Tony Ilott, East Hills Is the long arm of the law no longer used? Or are the wheels less infectious? Mustafa Erem, Terrigal Scott Morrisons latest line, that this is a virus that sets its own rules, seems to be an admission of powerlessness. All I want is a Prime Minister that actually manages to sound like one. John Christie, Oatley Forest fires and misfires The frightening result of net CO2 emissions in the Amazon is a salutary lesson for Australia and other countries that are increasingly prone to devastating forest fires (Ravaged Amazon rainforest now emits more CO2 than it absorbs, July 16). Tree planting has been considered a method to offset carbon emissions. But it is of little or no benefit if forests burn periodically. The only solution is to mitigate such problems with far greater investment in forest management and, particularly in Australia, dedicated equipment such as aircraft and increased manpower for enhanced firefighting capability. Geoff Harding, Chatswood Gas-led or gaslit recovery If the carbon tariff proposed by the European Union is adopted by other major economies, the fossil fuel industries might have only a few years to profit from the Coalitions gas-led recovery (Europes controversial carbon plan could be a global game-changer, July 16). Then what? Australia will be left with an environmental mess, abandoned by insolvent gas companies and coal miners. And our renewables industries will be years behind the rest of the world. George Rosier, Carlingford Grants and white ants Developer contributions actually paid for by purchasers were a means of cost shifting from direct taxing to user pays (Community plans at risk in shape-up, July 16). Rob Stokes says the system is in the too-hard basket now. Can I remind him that the situation was created by successive governments that progressively reduced the contribution amount and now face giving special grants to local governments for basic community infrastructure. The solution is to stop fiddling with contributions, adopt a realistic value and let councils collect money for community infrastructure as originally intended. Chris Hornsby, Bayview All saints Its interesting to compare how the contribution of pharmacists and of nurses to the vaccine rollout are featured (Pharmacists step up to front line, July 16). Its good news that pharmacists will boost the program rollout, which we desperately need. But it is registered nurses (RNs) who are often administering the vaccines at GP practices, and NSW Health hubs are run on the services of countless RNs. It might be asked if theres a plan to invite nurse practitioners to run hubs in rural and remote areas. Nurse practitioners are highly trained, specialised, independent health professionals who should at least be invited to help. Some pharmacies will be using nurses to administer the COVID-19 vaccines. It would be refreshing to see the major contribution that the nursing profession makes, and historically always has made, to vaccination programs acknowledged. Robyn Dalziell, Kellyville We should be so lucky Its the epitome of Australias First World problem when the government, the media and the medical profession have to beg Australians to take up the life-saving COVID-19 vaccine, free of charge, as billions of poor people around the world lack access to basic healthcare, clean water, let alone the miracle drug proven effective against a raging pandemic (Letters, July 16). Han Yang, North Turramurra The unseen hand Dr Heidi Nicholls article gives important advice concerning the way we answer the census question on religion, and how it affects the distribution of public funds in this country (Census time to mark No Religion, smh.com.au, July 16). However, if we still have the right, this census, to leave the religion question blank, as we have previously, then that is what I will be doing. There is a difference between leaving a blank and saying no religion, and while it wont help either the pro- or anti-religionists in their claim to public funding, I will be holding true to the idea that ones religion is no one elses business. Penelope Layton-Caisley, Marrickville High coast of living No doubt councils around Australia with coastal areas subject to problems associated with sea-level rise will be closely studying the projected increases in high tide levels due to the moons orbit (Moon wobble will cause a huge surge in coastal flooding: NASA, July 16). The combined impact of an additional decade or two of sea level rise and probable severe storms combined with the burden of elevated tides should sharpen the focus of coastal town planners and engineers, vulnerable land owners and insurance companies on likely scenarios. Roger Epps, Armidale Floor in the argument Empty passenger aircraft such as a Boeing 777 can carry about 20 tonnes of underfloor freight, hardly wasting resources (Letters, July 16). As a recently retired pilot I can assure your correspondent that the gainful employment of flight crew and revenue for airlines is desperately needed. Besides, the holds may be full of Pfizer. Col Burns, Lugarno Coopers coup My question about Quade Cooper and citizenship is not why he cant become one now, but why he was allowed to play for Australia when he wasnt one (Letters, July 16). How many other Australian representatives are not really Australian, but are simply mercenaries , recruited as the various sporting politicians pursue success at any price? John Croker, Woonona Shark Park sensation Now we know why Scott Morrison finishes the game with no mud on his jersey (The MPs who need most help to massage their message, July 16). With a speedy backline of no less than six press secretaries, twinkle toes Morrison, the show pony at fullback, has his faithful hacks do the hard yards then deliver him the dream pass. If he drops the ball he can always blame the states or the health experts who keep letting the team down in the forwards. Simon Pitts, Riverview PC attack Political correctness jumps the shark (Shark attacks shouldnt be sanitised, says Bite Club, July 16). Tim Egan, Mosman Essential knowledge Seeing Cathy Wilcoxs brilliant cartoon and throwing caution to the wind I consulted my Macquarie Dictionary (Editorial cartoon, July 16). Essential: absolutely necessary, extremely important. If people cant work out what that means, maybe they should never be allowed out. Peter Skinner, Beecroft I suppose, as an advocate of greater government action to increase the available housing stock, I cant query why work on blocks of flats in my neighbourhood continues in lockdown. Necessary on the one hand, but essential right now? I think not. Eric Scott, Bondi Junction Spotted this morning in Centennial Park about 30 mask-wearing people striding across a field whod been delivered in two buses. Apparently they were location scouts for an upcoming film shoot. They even had a small portable billboard on display to say that it was essential work. Really? Gail Broadbent, Queens Park Envy of privilege There was a lot of consternation in todays Herald about the privilege exercised by students and teachers of Scots College (Letters, July 16). I fail to see the shocked reaction. Privileged people have been exercising their privilege since forever. Methinks it smacks of envy. Gerard Kirwan, Cremorne Postscript There was only one thing on letter writers minds this week: the soft lockdown, otherwise known as lockdown lite. The Premier says we need to think about whether the reasons were leaving our house are essential, so its really up to us, wrote Kerrie Wehbe of Blacktown, one of many angered by Gladys Berejiklian suggesting we use common sense to only leave our home for essential reasons and services but refusing to define what they would be. Reports flowed in from across greater Sydney about people seen browsing in shops which could not be deemed essential: It is insane that we can still shop for travel luggage, wrote Brian Hastings of West Ryde. Sten Skagerfalt of Caringbah said he was baffled by the fact he cant see his GP in person but can go to all the shops: David Jones, Big W, bottle shops. Totally illogical and confusing. Others told of couples grocery shopping mask-less, neighbours holding card games and dinner parties, too many exercising without social distancing, groups huddling around coffee shops chatting with no masks on, supermarkets not requiring customers to use QR codes. A man accused of planning the sophisticated gangland murder of Mejid Hamzy subsequently expressed pleasure at the organised crime figures demise in a private conversation at home, police allege. Ezzeddine Omar, 38, this week became the first person charged with murder over Mr Hamzys death on October 19 last year. He is alleged to have been a key organiser and the driver of a vehicle used in the attack, which was linked by police to a violent feud between the Alameddine and Hamzy family crime networks. A man accused of involvement in the murder of Mejid Hamzy allegedly gloated about the death. Credit:NSW Police Mr Omar not accused of being one of the two shooters, who are still at large was put under surveillance during an investigation launched by the NSW Police criminal groups squad. On a December evening at his home in Luddenham on the western outskirts of Sydney, Mr Omar is alleged to have spoken gleefully about the death of Mr Hamzy, 44, in a conversation recorded by investigators, according to police sources. Queenslands former attorney-general has issued an apology to Brisbanes sole Greens councillor for incorrectly claiming he failed to appear before, and was criticised by, the Supreme Court over a planned Story Bridge protest last year. Yvette DAth, now the states Health Minister, apologised for the defamatory or potentially defamatory comments in a statement released late on Friday, after triumphantly declaring victory in legal efforts to halt the protest against refugees being held in an inner-city hotel in August. Protesters protest in Kangaroo Point on August 15 last year after their efforts to shutdown the Story Bridge to draw attention to the plight of refugees in a Brisbane hotel were blocked by the Supreme Court. Credit:Fairfax Media Police and Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk had at the time said they were looking at every legal option to stop what had been promoted as a mass sit-in on the bridge and expected to draw thousands, as health authorities held their breath around COVID-19 cases in the community. The protest, which was eventually postponed and moved to a nearby park, came after months of action by advocates over the detention of about 120 men held at Kangaroo Point Central Hotel, including balcony protests from the men in detention themselves. Lets get one thing straight up front: joy is essential. Flowers for my home and flowers sent to friends have sustained me over the last three weeks of Sydney lockdown. Natives, tulips, dusty roses and poppies. So many poppies, with their filament petals and ethereal colours. While others wallow in their bog rolls, I am hoarding beauty. Not everyone feels that way, I know. Some people are distressed that florists are open. Also, just imagine, its still possible to buy lingerie in a pandemic. The frippery! Were all drinking in our underwear, but those of us not utterly alone can jazz up Saturday night on the settee with something a little bit spicy. One Sydney-based radio presenter frets that if people are able to buy cheap clothes in op-shops, they may be tempted to browse among the snaggle of seconds. Cant we have beauty as we battle the virus? Credit:Caroline McCredie Social media is full of people shaming others for enjoying the beach or grabbing a takeaway coffee. The scolds dont mind the science on outdoor transmission or the benefits of exercise and fresh air. It seems the only way to eradicate COVID is to suck all the joy out of the world and hope the bug gets siphoned off with it. But the bug isnt going anywhere. Australians have latched onto the idea that vaccination will put an end to the pandemic and thank Delta are finally feeling some urgency to get the jab. At the moment it seems only vaccine shortages stand between us and a post-COVID world. But that idea is an illusion. There was a maddening sense of deja vu this week as the Morrison government was forced once again to play financial catch-up with the coronavirus while Australias largest city provided the spectacle to highlight an avoidable policy blunder. The scramble to introduce a new disaster payment to compensate workers and businesses who lose income in a lockdown, and the gridlock of vehicles at a COVID testing hub in Fairfield, in Sydneys south-west, echoed the chaos and confusion of March last year when the pandemic kept pulling rank on all our leaders. People queue down the street at Centrelink in Marrickville last year. Credit:Nick Moir Back then, the Commonwealth released three support packages in 18 days, each more generous than its predecessor, before it hit on the winning formula of JobKeeper. This week, there were three changes to the so-called COVID-19 Disaster Payment in four days before Scott Morrison could satisfy the non-NSW premiers that he was on their side as well. The most haunting images of the first national lockdown last year were those long, sullen queues outside Centrelink offices in Sydneys affluent suburbs. The responsibility at the time belonged with the Morrison government, which didnt seem to realise that the decisions to close the international border, schools and all non-essential businesses would throw up to 1 million people out of work. There has been a cumulative flow-on effect of all the lockdowns, she said. People are saying when will this ever end? Dr Chetcuti is working at least 10 hours overtime to treat as many people each week as she could, but said her own mental health was suffering as a result. A recent survey by the Australian Association of Psychologists revealed more than a third of psychologists are no longer accepting new clients and half have waiting lists of more than a month. Royal Melbourne Hospital psychiatrist Killian Ashe said there had been complete oversaturation of mental health services in the private and public sector. Things like loneliness and isolation as a result of the pandemic have played a massive role in the extent of deterioration of people, Dr Ashe said. Lifeline has reported a surge in calls nationally since the Greater Sydney lockdown was declared on June 26, averaging about 3002 calls every day. This is a 23 per cent increase on the same time in 2019 and a 10 per cent rise from the same time last year. About 939 of those daily calls are being made from people in Victoria. On Friday, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced his government was negotiating a mental health package with Victoria similar to the $17.4 million one arranged for NSW in this lockdown. More than $200 million had been invested in mental health support in response to the pandemic by the Victorian government. Reforms recommended by the mental health royal commission, including the rollout of 144 new acute mental health beds, had also being fast-tracked. Dr Rio checks on her patients regularly. Recently, she booked weekly appointments for an adult patient in the grips of depression who was put on a four-week waiting list to see a pyschologist. But it is the children and young adults presenting with anxiety, depression and eating disorders in record numbers who worry doctors the most. We will be measuring the cost of the COVID years for young people for many years to come, Dr Rio said. Their education and their entire trajectory has been completely disrupted. The true cost of that will only be known in years to come. Royal Australian College of General Practitioners president Karen Price said waiting lists even for general psychologists were a huge problem and GPs were often left treating people until they could secure appointments. The Melbourne GP said many of her own patients were waiting weeks for appointments with psychologists and she worries some may never come back from the place they have got to. I see people moving down the dial of wellness, Dr Price said. There is a sense of malaise. Every time there is another lockdown they slip further down the slide. Dr Price said her cohort of mental health patients were significantly worse, but worryingly, she was also observing normally robust patients languishing. People who live alone are really suffering, she said. You hear so many stories of tragedy. Another Melbourne GP said frequent lockdowns had triggered a wave of distressing eating disorders in teenagers and young adults. My absolute hardest job at the moment is managing eating disorders in young people, she said. Loading A shortage of specialists able to treat teenagers with complex mental health issues or people with eating disorders meant GPs were left managing young people until they deteriorate to such a point they end up hospital. They become so unwell they they sort of force their way into the system for treatment and that is just devastating, the doctor said. Their parents feel powerless. Dr Chetcuti said the association had been lobbying the federal government to increase the Medicare subsidy for psychology appointments to attract more people to the profession and to make bulk-billing more accessible for patients who could not afford to access care in the private sector. It is a move backed by Dr Ashe, who said years of chronic underfunding and under-staffing meant there were now not enough mental health clinicians to treat people and the burden was falling onto GPs. Dr Chetcuti urged anyone who was struggling in the latest lockdown to ensure they had a COVID routine, which involved getting adequate sleep, eating well and maintaining connections with people. Former Education Department chief Nino Napoli is in prison after being jailed this week after he and family members defrauded school funds in calculated rorting over a period of seven years. Having worked at the Department of Education and Training all his adult life, Napoli abused his position as general manager of his employers finance unit where he was responsible for a $5 billion budget to approve a series of suspicious contracts to companies run by family members between 2007 and 2014. Nino Napoli outside court on Wednesday. Credit:Joe Armao Napoli, 65, was jailed on Wednesday for three years and 10 months for his involvement in 72 invoices where department funds were paid to companies for printing, multimedia and IT work that on some occasions wasnt even completed. Napoli must serve one year and 11 months before he is eligible for parole. As the architect of the departments banker school scheme, where designated schools receive money to share with nearby schools, Napoli approved fake invoices and dodgy contracts totalling $500,000 by concealing his connections to relatives businesses, and either used department money or directed banker schools to pay invoices. The Australian Christian Lobby will be allowed to hire state-owned facilities for a controversial live show with its national managing director Martyn Iles after the Perth Theatre Trust backflipped on its original decision to reject the groups request. In June, the Perth Theatre Trust refused the ACLs request to hire the Albany Entertainment Centre and Perth Concert Hall for its The Truth of It live show on the grounds that the shows content would have been contrary to its venue hire policies. The Perth Theatre Trust scuppered a request to hire the Perth Concert Hall by the Australian Christian Lobby. Credit:Creative Commons Those included that the event, which purported to tackle thorny issues with a biblical perspective, was a politically motivated event and didnt represent the views of the WA government or the majority of its people. Despite the most recent policy document only being adopted on March 15, Perth Theatre Trust chair Morgan Solomon said its venue hiring policies were under review. A 40-year-old Wooroloo man has been charged over the devastating bushfires that razed more than 10,000 hectares and destroyed 86 homes in Perths north in February. Police claim Daniel Gunter Preuss was using a grinder to remove a padlock from a sea container on his property on Harper Road when a paddock caught alight during catastrophic fire conditions. Daniel Preuss, 40, has been charged by police. Credit: The flames quickly spread to nearby properties fanned by gusty easterly winds and razed several homes, sheds, cars, machinery, and livestock. Hundreds of residents were forced to evacuate in neighbouring suburbs as the firefront inched west towards Bullsbrook. Crews finally managed to bring the inferno under control with the help of aerial support on February 6, after almost a week of gruelling firefighting efforts. In the wake of last years economic plunge, unemployment hit pre-pandemic levels, economic growth was back and Australia became a COVID-19 miracle. Next thing you know, the federal government is doing what it said it wouldnt need to do again putting together a support package to help businesses and workers because our two biggest cities are in lockdown. Today on Please Explain, economics correspondent Jennifer Duke joins Tory Maguire to discuss Australias economic recovery amid the latest round of lockdowns in Sydney and Victoria. Our supporters power our newsrooms and are critical for the sustainability of news coverage. 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 As the coronavirus Delta variant cast its lengthening shadow over Australias two largest cities this week, the swiftness of Victorias decision to call a hard five-day lockdown made for an uneasy comparison with what was starting to look like fence-sitting in New South Wales. Victorian Premier Dan Andrews swooped faster than he did when the state entered its prolonged three-month lockdown last winter. NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews. Credit:Christopher Pearce/Darrian Traynor You only get one chance to go hard and go fast he declared on Thursday, as cases linked to three Sydney removalists grew. If you hesitate, if you doubt, then you will always be looking back wishing you had done more earlier. For Victorians, there were clear rules about who could go to work and who couldnt. You all know the drill. If you were an authorised worker during the last lockdown, youll be an authorised worker this time around, Andrews said. Everyone else would stay at home. It was the kind of clarity that had eluded New South Wales as Sydney trudged towards the end of a third week in lockdown with at least a fortnight to go and no confirmed end in sight. Channelling her own version of the Iron Lady, Gladys Berejiklian had stood her ground all week against a growing onslaught from journalists struggling to understand why the state wouldnt be clearer about who it wanted to keep at home. Advertisement New South Wales workers and employers were exhorted to exercise common sense. Health Minister Brad Hazzard said employers should note that there is actually a health order requiring you to allow your workers to work from home unless they really cant. Testing times: Premier Gladys Berejiklian faced difficult questions. Credit:James Brickwood But in practical terms that had left employees and employers trying to decide for themselves whos an essential worker and who is not. Retail had been left with discretion about what stayed open and non-essential construction around the city powered on. We know the settings we have in place are the right settings, the Premier insisted mid-week, pointing out that the numbers of new infections were not rising exponentially. What we dont know is what proportion of the population will choose to follow those things. Apparently referencing Victoria, she warned there had been instances of absolute chaos in other jurisdictions when you try to define every single occupation. By Friday, there were hints of a change. If theres further things we need to do, we will and will act on those quickly, Berejiklian told reporters at her daily media briefing. If we have any concrete proposals which [chief health officer] Dr Chant and her team will present to us, we will take action. After another emergency meeting of the states crisis cabinet late on Friday, tough new restrictions were finally unveiled on Saturday morning: closure of all but the most essential retail, a two-week pause on small and large construction sites, and a ban on inhabitants of Fairfield, Liverpool and and Canterbury-Bankstown from leaving their local area for work, unless working for health or emergency services. Advertisement The delay has perplexed many. If driving down the numbers of people movinhabitanting around has been the cardinal goal, why not act sooner to send an even stronger signal? The answer, according to Stuart Ayres, is because until now NSW Health hadnt deemed it necessary. Ayres, the minister for jobs, investment, and western Sydney is one of the half dozen ministers who make up the states crisis cabinet, which has been in almost daily session since the scale of the Delta threat became apparent. Treasurer Dominic Perrottet and Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres are both members of the crisis cabinet. Credit:Rhett Wyman On Thursday, Ayres said the governments response to the outbreak adapted every time the health advice changed.We went from a few restrictions, to another layer of restrictions, to a lockdown and thats because the advice evolves. Ive always subscribed to the view that every job is essential. If you are the ashphalter from Fairfield and the only one in your family that works, your job is essential to your family. If you are a domestic house cleaner and you have to go to another part of Sydney to clean to earn a wage thats essential to your family. These people are essential to the state economy. He said the COVID support cash payments for individuals and businesses, which were hammered out in a tense process between the federal and state government last weekend, were a supplement, they are not a wage. We shouldnt kid ourselves. The payments are a measure to keep enough in the system to keep the economic engine moving. Advertisement Another senior insider said if health was saying do x, y and z, we would do it.If there is a royal commission into all this in years to come I want to be able to put my hand on the heart and say, look I followed the health advice. Kerry Chant has justified existing settings by pointing out that where transmission has taken place in retail settings, its mostly been in areas like supermarkets and pharmacists, which would stay open under even the harshest lockdown. But infections continue to spread through households and in healthcare and work settings, with the WestConnex interchange construction site at Rozelle among the latest sites affected following the discovery of some cases among concrete truck drivers. NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant has pleaded with Sydneysiders to stay home this weekend. Credit:James Brickwood The government says mobility data has dropped sharply, showing people are moving around less, including in Fairfield where three-quarters of new cases are showing up. Yet the number of people discovered each day to have been infectious in the community the number health officials are most concerned about remains stubbornly hard to shift. Out of 97 new cases announced on Friday, 29 had been out and about throughout their infectious period a figure thats barely shifted for days, and which Chant describes as incredibly concerning. Lockdown wont end, as the Premier has made clear, until the number of Sydneysiders roaming free while infectious has been driven to zero or as close to it as possible. Adding to the confusion is the legal situation facing those who respond to state government pleas to not leave the house, yet whose employers insist they turn up anyway. Advertisement Berejiklian urged people this week to please consider what you regard as essential work dont leave the home unless you absolutely have to Please think twice, do I need that work this week, can I stay at home? She indicated money worries shouldnt be a concern after the financial support package for individuals and businesses agreed between the federal and state government earlier in the week. Yet a different message was coming from the Prime Minister, who said the new disaster payments to individuals ($600 for those losing 20 or more hours a week, $375 for those losing 8 to 20 hours) were only for those who cant get work. The union covering retail, fast food and warehouse workers, SDA NSW, says retail workers dont get to choose. If theyre asked to come to work they have to. State secretary Bernie Smith accused the state government of putting the responsibility of managing the pandemic response onto retail workers. Unions NSW boss Mark Morey told the Herald the industrial advice that the Premier and the Prime Minister are giving people is going to get them sacked. Advertisement Spin Boldak, Afghanistan: Reuters journalist Danish Siddiqui was killed on Friday while covering a clash between Afghan security forces and Taliban fighters near a border crossing with Pakistan, an Afghan commander said. Afghan special forces had been fighting to retake the main market area of Spin Boldak when Siddiqui and a senior Afghan officer were killed in what officials described as Taliban crossfire. Danish Siddiqui covering the monsoon floods and landslides in the upper reaches of Govindghat, India in June 2013. The Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer was killed near the Afghanistan-Pakistan border on Friday. Credit:AP Siddiqui had been embedded with Afghan special forces based in the southern province of Kandahar and had been reporting on fighting between Afghan commandos and Taliban fighters. We are urgently seeking more information, working with authorities in the region, Reuters president Michael Friedenberg and editor-in-chief Alessandra Galloni said in a joint statement. Los Angeles: The University of California will require proof of COVID-19 vaccinations before the start of the next term for all students, faculty and others, becoming the United States largest public university to mandate the vaccines even though they dont have full federal approval. As the highly contagious Delta variant spreads among younger people across the US, unvaccinated students without approved exemptions will be barred from in-person classes, events and campus facilities, including housing and not all classes will be offered online, according to a University of California memo outlining the mandate. Physical distancing and mask wearing are expected to continue. People walk past Wheeler Hall on the University of California campus in Berkeley, California. Credit:AP Vaccination is by far the most effective way to prevent severe disease and death after exposure to the virus and to reduce spread of the disease to those who are not able, or not yet eligible, to receive the vaccine, UC President Michael Drake said in a letter to 10 chancellors. He said the final policy was the product of consultation with the universitys infectious disease experts and ongoing review of evidence from medical studies on the dangers of COVID-19 and emerging variants. University officials also assessed the safety and effectiveness of the vaccines for preventing infection, hospitalisations and deaths from COVID-19, and for reducing its spread. SABA:---The Island Council during a meeting on Wednesday, July 14, approved the 2020 Year Report of the Public Entity Saba. As Commissioner of Finance Bruce Zagers pointed out, Saba was again able to achieve an unqualified audit opinion with regard to the true and fair view, as well as the regularity of the data presented. Saba remains the only island in the Dutch Caribbean that has achieved such audit results. The reputation for strong financial management is a direct result of the efforts from Sabas financial team for which Zagers expressed his gratitude. The financial statement for 2020 ended with a positive balance of US $962,000. The Island Council was requested to allocate part of the surplus to the general reserve for the amount that was released to cover the 2019 negative balance of almost $622,000. The remaining amount will go towards the current COVID-19 relief measures. Not only is Saba known for its solid financial management, but we are also, unfortunately, becoming known for the island that is constantly expressing the need for an adequate free allowance. The pleas for a correction of the free allowance have been ongoing since it was first set at the bare minimum in 2012, said Zagers. Sound the alarm Year after year, and again during the recent working visit to The Hague of both the Island Council and Commissioner Zagers, Saba continued to sound the alarm that the finances are not sufficient for the local government to properly carry out its legal obligations. Had it not been for funding received due to COVID-19 subsidies and reduced activities caused by the pandemic, the financial statements for 2020 would probably have shown a deficit just like it did in 2019. According to Zagers, the Public Entity is still suffering from the decision to set the free allowance at the minimum. The concerns about governments financial situation have also been addressed by the Committee for Financial Supervision CFT and by the islands accountant Ernst and Young. The Island Council continues to be very vocal about the financial situation. The ministries and the First and Second Chamber of the Dutch Parliament acknowledge that there is a problem with the free allowance and that a structural solution is needed. Zagers noted that during his visit in May this year, caretaker State Secretary of Home Affairs and Kingdom Relations Raymond Knops too confirmed these sentiments. However, yet again we are faced with another obstacle. This is a situation we have sadly become used to. Whether it has been the need for a new study, an unfavorable exchange rate, or a refuge problem, we have heard all the excuses as to why something isnt being done. Bleak reality This time around, Saba was told that the matter of raising the free allowance has to be decided upon in the new governing accord. This probably means that we will be in a position once again where we are not able to present a balanced budget for 2022. Even with this renewed momentum, there remains a risk that if a new free allowance is determined, it wont reflect the true needs of our organization. Until a decision is known whether there will be an adjustment or not, we will have to assume that the preparations for the budget 2022 will be based on a very bleak reality. For several years now, Saba has had to work with a skeleton budget due to the lack of structural funding. Only because of non-structural funding and a very conservative spending policy was it possible to function as we have. Incidental funding for often structural tasks has become almost the norm for this administration. During the fiscal year 2020, the finance department managed 80 different incidental subsides, many of which branched off into multiple projects. Had it not been for these incidental funds, the quality of government and its ability to function would be further severely hampered. Over the years, the Public Entity Saba has been able to take advantage of opportunities to enhance the government organization by improving government services to the public. The most recent examples are the improved operations at the landfill, upgrades to the island infrastructure, government buildings and to the homes of people in need of assistance. This was mainly possible because we have our finances in order. However, it comes at the price of rigorous reporting and often funding structural tasks with incidental funding, said Zagers. Bittersweet The sentiments surrounding the 2020 financial statement are bittersweet. On one hand, the Public Entity has been able to replenish its general reserve while slightly seeing an improvement in its liquidity position. On the other hand, we know that the positive result is based on the developments that no one could have predicted or expected. The coming months, while we wait for a new governing coalition in the Netherlands, will be important for the Public Entity and for the development of our organization and island. We can only hope that discussions like these in the future should actually be based on whats in the budget, such as policy, rather than simply focusing on the realities of having to work with a free allowance which everyone agrees is too low, concluded Zagers. Somerset, KY (42501) Today Mostly cloudy skies. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 86F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy early with increasing clouds overnight. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 64F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. 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. 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 Sun and clouds mixed. High 87F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 66F. Winds light and variable. NEW YORK (UNITED NATIONS) 16 July 2021 (SPS) Algerias principled position regarding the right of the Saharawi people to self-determination and independence is a source of great pride for Saharawis, Dr. Sidi Omar, member of the Frente POLISARIO National Secretariat and Representative at the United Nations said in a press release today. He also held the occupying state of Morocco responsible for the deterioration of the situation in Western Sahara and the resumption of military confrontations. The Frente POLISARIO Representative at the UN equally criticised Morocco for intensifying its violations against Saharawi civilians, particularly after it breached the ceasefire on 13 November 2020. He also blamed Morocco for obstructing the UN Secretary-Generals efforts to appoint a Personal Envoy for Western Sahara following Rabats rejection of most of the candidates submitted by the UN Secretariat for the post. The full text of the Press Release as received by SPS is as follows: PRESS RELEASE Algerias principled position is a source of great pride for the Sahrawi people and the Moroccan occupying state is the responsible for obstructing the peaceful solution [New York, 16 July 2021] Several media outlets have recently reported that the ambassador of the occupying state of Morocco to the United Nations sent a memorandum to the current presidency of the Non-Aligned Movement following the NAM virtual ministerial meeting held on 13-14 July 2021 under the theme: Non-Aligned Movement at the Centre of Multilateral Efforts in responding to Global Challenges, in which he again shows his obsessive fixation on misrepresentation, falsification and brazenly airing prejudices against others. In a new attempt to mislead international public opinion, the ambassador of the occupying state of Morocco again denies the resumption of military conflict in Western Sahara. However, the outbreak of war in the Territory is an undeniable fact. Since 13 November 2020, military confrontations between the Sahrawi Peoples Liberation Army (SPLA) and the Moroccan occupying forces continue because of the documented breach by the occupying state of the 1991 ceasefire and Military Agreement No. 1 of 1997-1998. This situation has triggered a new war that could have the most serious consequences for peace, security, and stability in the region as a whole. In his report (A/75/740), dated 11 February 2021, the UN Secretary-General himself has recognised the resumption of hostilities in Western Sahara and the several new threats related to armed conflict, (para. 13), despite his reluctance to hold the occupying state of Morocco fully responsible for violating the ceasefire. Members of the UN Security Council are also aware of what is happening on the ground in the Territory, including the United States, the penholder for MINURSO. On 9 June 2021, the Spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State stated that his government was consulting privately with the two parties about how best to halt the violence and achieve a lasting settlement in Western Sahara. The Spokesperson for the Department of State also confirmed the same position on 1 July 2021. In the same vein, the ambassador of the occupying state of Morocco goes on to describe the situation in the occupied Territories of the Sahrawi Republic (SADR) as calm and stable, allegedly based on daily reports of MINURSO. However, despite the attempt by the occupying state of Morocco to cover up the facts of the open war that it ignited in the Territory on 13 November 2020, well-documented reports and testimonies backed by photographic evidence demonstrate that the Moroccan occupying authorities have intensified their flagrant violations of international humanitarian law as part of a parallel retaliatory war of aggression against Sahrawi civilians and human rights defenders who are subjected daily to unspeakable atrocities and inhuman and degrading practices in the Sahrawi Occupied Territories. As usual, the ambassador the occupying state of Morocco takes the opportunity to brazenly air his prejudices against sisterly Algeria on account of her strong support for the legitimate struggle of the Sahrawi people against the Moroccan occupation of parts of the Sahrawi Republic. The principled position of sisterly Algeria regarding the issue of Western Sahara is a source of great pride for the Sahrawi people and for all peace-loving peoples because it is guided by a long history of liberation struggle against colonialism and foreign domination. Sisterly Algerias position is also in line with the principles of international legality and the resolutions of the Organisation of African Unity (the present-day African Union) and the United Nations, including, inter alia, General Assembly Resolution A/RES/2983 of 1972, in which the United Nations reaffirmed the legitimacy of the struggle of colonial peoples, and its solidarity with, and support for the Sahrawi people in the struggle they were waging in order to exercise their right to self-determination and independence, and requested all States to give them all necessary moral and material assistance in that struggle (OP 2). The occupying regime of Morocco has nothing to be proud of except the support of a few politically like-minded authoritarian rulers and regimes that base their rule on occupation, dispossession, and apartheid. History keeps well-documented records of the kinds of special services that the Moroccan regime has provided and continues to provide, thus making it the haven for all criminals, outcasts, and dictators in Africa and beyond. Regarding the United Nations peace process in Western Sahara, the ambassador of the occupying state of Morocco claims that the Frente POLISARIO is responsible for the delay in appointing a new personal envoy of the Secretary-General for Western Sahara. The undeniable fact however is that the occupying state of Morocco has rejected many candidates for the post of the Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General for Western Sahara, including the last candidate Staffan de Mistura. The occupying state of Morocco also persists in its attempts to influence the process through a set of preconditions that arbitrarily exclude citizens of a group of United Nations Member States including Australia, Germany, the Netherlands, Scandinavia, Switzerland and the five permanent members of the Security Council, among others. As we have stressed on previous occasions, it is abundantly clear that the occupying state of Morocco has no political will to engage in any UN peace process to achieve a peaceful and lasting solution to the conflict, because its aim is simply to maintain the status quo while trying to have a tailor-made Personal Envoy that would serve its agenda, which is totally unacceptable to the Frente POLISARIO. In conclusion, it is crystal clear that the Moroccan memorandum is merely a recycled set of baseless claims and a new episode of the policy of slandering to which the occupying state of Morocco has always resorted to hide its failures and its deeply ingrained inferiority complex and to continue to divert the attention of its domestic public opinion from the multifaceted structural crisis besetting the Moroccan ruling regime. Dr Sidi M. Omar Ambassador Representative of the Frente POLISARIO at the United Nations. (SPS) 090/500/60 (SPS) What would you do? A man claims to have developed an app and accuses Delta Air Lines of stealing his idea, according to a Bloomberg report. Craig Alexander sued the airline for a billion dollars in a court in Georgia, United States. The man explained that he invested 100,000 dollars (1,984,435 Mexican pesos approximately) out of his pocket to create a communication platform, called QrewLive , for the crew. Its hard to hear Bethenny Frankels name and not immediately think of the word business woman shes been the example for so many budding entrepreneurs that you really can have everything you want if you work for it. If you really are passionate and driven and you work hard, that's what it takes to be successful, Frankel tells Entrepreneur, point blank. But if you ask her, labels like entrepreneur or business woman or even author dont apply to her and they never have. For Frankel, its about executing what you want to get done and doing what you love to do, and whatever category that puts her in, shell roll with it. I don't take myself too seriously, she jokes. Its this unorthodox approach to business and her career that has helped carve her into not only a businessperson, but a philanthropist (her charity initiative is called B Strong), Podcast host of Just B, TV producer and New York Times bestselling author (multiple times, at that.) Related: Bethenny Frankel's Success Starts With Time Management Frankel has most recently become an investor in Bright, a new live video conversation platform that will offer fans virtual face-to-face access to industry experts and celebrities. You can speak on something that you have knowledge and expertise in and most people don't realize that its the thing that I love doing the most. Not the podcasts and writing books, its doing speaking engagements. I just find it (no pun intended) very engaging, Frankel says of the platform. I think it's great to share the knowledge that I have in the sort of circuitous path to success that I've taken, which is kind of what my podcast is about. But it's other people telling their stories. So this is more about my story. And I think it's a great concept. Her Bright sessions will not only enable her to dole out advice and answer questions, but also truly connect with other budding entrepreneurs and fans who look to Frankel as inspiration it's like hopping on a Zoom call with her. I think it comforts people to hear about non-traditional success and I think it's also comforting that there are no shortcuts, she says. It's sort of like health and wellness, there really aren't shortcuts and there really aren't gimmicks. You cannot Instagram selfie your way into a career or any sort of great success with longevity. So I think that gives people comfort and solace. Frankel herself knows the value of talking to others and seeking advice when she needs it, calling everyone from her fiance to Mark Cuban when she needs a gut check on a potential investment or business concept or whatever it may be. In fact, its something shes been doing since the beginning of her career. When I was nobody, I called emailed and mailed and called many people and you would be shocked at how many people responded. This was before social media, Frankel explains to us. Most people that are successful business people are smart, they don't want to miss out on something and on other entrepreneurs. So I've always been someone who is teed up, organized and is ready for that elevator pitch. At all levels I've found from when I was literally a broke nobody to now people are accessible. Frankel says that she didn't achieve any sort of success by anyone's definition until her late 30s, when her Skinnygirl empire really took off. In 2011, Frankel sold Skinnygirl Cocktails to Beam Global for an estimated $100 million, still maintaining control of the intellectual property of the Skinnygirl name itself. Ahead of the purchase, Frankel says that Beam wanted to buy and own the entire Skinnygirl brand itself, which she refused. I said, I'm not doing that you guys only specialize in liquor, so keep the liquor, Frankel tells us of her negotiation with the acquisition. You have to trust me, I have to trust you. I'm keeping the rest of the piece, you can take that one slice. So [Beam] paid me and bought a brand, which is really unprecedented. That really doesn't happen I was just thinking logically about that. And I've had so many things in my career that have been like that. It makes sense if a company only specializes in one arena (in this instance, liquor) it isnt logical to invest in a company (Skinnygirl) that touches multiple arenas (like food) where the company investing has no expertise in. To Frankel, business isnt about signing papers and making deals based on numbers and hard facts its about thinking about the larger picture: How will this benefit my business? How will it hinder it? What can be done to make this work in the best way that it possibly can? I always say that I'm good at concepts, not contracts, she explains. You never can assume that anyone is smarter than you. And you know, people come to you who are major business people and you have deals on the table. And you have to step away from it and try to think about what it all means and what you want to get out of a deal. Be creative about it. Thinking creatively, which paradoxically has helped her become a no-nonsense businesswoman, is something that comes naturally to Frankel. If she wasnt leading her own business enterprise, perhaps her life path wouldve taken her down a more creatively driven road, she muses. Ive always been very creative. And I always wanted to be a copywriter. I was good at slogans and marketing and ideas and campaigns. And so I wanted to be sort of in an advertising, Madmen-type room coming up with ideas like that, she says. Maybe then a host of something, or maybe a comedian. I wanted to be on TV. Related: Bethenny Frankel: 'I Had to Learn to Be a Gangster' Frankel is currently writing her latest book, Business is Personal, an endeavor she carves time out for whenever she gets a free minute. Spoiler alert: Raising her eight-year-old daughter, Bryn, while running her Skinnygirl empire while working on philanthropy, while hosting her podcast, on top of hundreds of other meetings and engagements doesnt really leave many free minutes. But its no sweat to Frankel shell make it happen. [You learn how to] be efficient with your time and never waste time, time is precious. It doesn't mean that every second of my day, I'm working sometimes I'll decide I'm laying in bed for eight hours in pajamas and watching movies. But that's the way I choose to use my time, she explains. But you know, this morning when I wake up at six o'clock, and I'm jet lagged from Italy, I go in the other room and I write chapters of the book. I never procrastinate. I'm always on top of whatever it is. It's these little moments and extra hours that all add up and what sets someone with Frankel's level of success apart. Besides, she enjoys looking back and watching it all come together. You lay the groundwork one brick at a time, you don't sort of eat the whole meal at once, you just sort of take a bite at a time and put one foot in front of the other, and you get there, she says. And it's never the journey you thought it was going to be it's more interesting. And all these steps, even if you think they have nothing to do with what you want to do, they teach you something. So really business is about the journey. Related: Bethenny Frankel's Podcasting World Is About to Get a Lot Bigger With iHeartMedia Deal Copyright 2021 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved There are many stories of entrepreneurs who started with little more than nothing and who, thanks to their efforts, built an internationally recognized brand. One of my favorites is without a doubt that of the fast food chain Carl's Jr. as it tells how something as innocuous as a hot dog stand can be the starting point of a great business. Let's travel just over 100 years in the past to Upper Sandusky, Ohio, United States. Carl Nicholas Karcher , son of peasants Leo and Anna Maria Karcher, was born on a local farm. His grandparents had emigrated from Belgium, but his grandmother was of German descent. The young entrepreneur moved to Anaheim, California, to work for his uncle, where he learned a little management and later entered a bakery to work as a delivery man. It was at this time that he met the woman who would be his wife, Margaret Magdalen Heinz. Carl Karcher's first cart / Image: Carl's Jr. Australia In that 1941 world engulfed in the horrors of World War II, Carl Karcher and his wife saved $ 15 and borrowed another $ 311 to buy a Plymouth car and a hot dog cart that they put up at the corner of Florence and Central streets. in Los Angeles. At that stand, the Karchers sold chili dogs, hot dogs, and, incredibly, tamales for 10 cents, but you could add a soda for a nickel more. Carl and Margaret's hot dogs were good enough to allow them to put another four carts in town. With that momentum, the couple moved to Anaheim and, just as Carl turned 28 in 1945, they managed to open their first full-service burger-on-the-menu restaurant: Carl's Drive-In Barbecue. This first restaurant was located at 1108 Palm Street, today Harbor. Carl Karcher's hot dog and tamales stand / Image: Carl's Jr. Australia The Arrival of Children: The Carl's Jr. In 1956, Karcher managed to open two more restaurants that were nicknamed Carl's Jr. by people for being smaller places than the drive-ins that became popular in that decade. Also because Karcher considered that these places were the "children" of his first restaurant. By the late 1950s, there were already four Carl's Jr. restaurants in Orange County, California . Carl appointed his younger brother Donald as supervisor of these premises. By the troubled 1960s Karcher already operated 24 restaurants in Southern California and by 1975 had more than 100 locations. In 1979 Carl's Jr. opened his first restaurant outside of California by expanding. It was in 1981 and with 300 restaurants in operation, that Carl Karcher Enterprises became a public company. One of the first Carl's Jr. restaurants / Image: Carl's Jr. Australia The founder was investigated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for insider trading after allegedly telling family members to sell their shares prior to a poor earnings report. Karcher settled the case in July 1989 for $ 664,000. The chain's menu was expanded to provide faster service featuring hot dogs, milkshakes, French fries, and its famous grilled burgers (which would eventually become its flagship Six Dollar Burgers). The chain arrived in Mexico in 1992 with branches in Monterrey and Tijuana. The Aztec nation is the country where Carl's Jr. has the largest presence outside the United States , with 300 branches in 2021. Karcher served as the company's president until his own board of directors removed him in 1993 after years of infighting over the company's growth strategy. Margaret and Carl Karcher / Image: Carl's Jr. Australia The founder was a devout Catholic so he frequently complained about the chain's marketing, even when he was out of it, such as when he showed disappointment at the firm's commercials in the 2000s. Karcher received numerous accolades for his philanthropy, however. it also funded California's Proposition 6 , also known as the Briggs Initiative, with a million dollars, which sought to limit the service of LGBTQ people in public schools. Margaret passed away in 2006 and Carl in 2008 at the age of 90, from complications of Parkinson's disease. With $ 15 and a dream, Karcher founded one of the most popular fast food chains in the world. Today, Carls Jr. has a presence in more than 39 countries and has more than 3,650 restaurants. Copyright 2021 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved 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: WHATS THE STATUS OF EVICTION MORATORIUMS IN THE STATE? New Mexico is one of several states that enacted a moratorium last year halting eviction proceedings. It covers evictions for tenants who are unable to pay rent. Evictions continue for other reasons. The state Supreme Court will decide when to lift the state moratorium and has not set an expiration date yet. WHATS BEING DONE TO HELP PEOPLE FACING EVICTION? New Mexico and two major counties have set aside $171 million to help tenants with outstanding rent, utility payments and other expenses. Last year, the state dedicated $13 million from the federal CARES Act to mortgage and rental assistance. This year, the state has access to $157 million in federal emergency rental assistance. The money can go toward 15 months of rent and other expenses, including internet access. So far, the state estimates it has distributed about $3 million, acknowledging that many eligible tenants have not applied. HOW ARE THE COURTS HANDLING EVICTION HEARINGS? State and municipal judges are under orders to halt the final step in the eviction process for an inability to pay rent. Tenants must provide courts with evidence of their current inability to pay rent. Statistics from the New Mexico Administrative Office of the Courts say evictions fell by 40%, or 1,977 annual evictions, for the 12-month period ending in February from the same period immediately before the pandemic struck. WHAT IS THE AFFORDABILITY IN THE STATES MAJOR RENTAL MARKETS? Housing affordability is in line with the national average across much of New Mexico. Prior to the pandemic, New Mexico was just below the national average in its share of cost-burdened housing renters who devote at least 30% of income to housing costs. New Mexico's current vacancy rate is similar to the roughly 7% national average, though the housing market is much tighter in the state capital city of Santa Fe. State housing authorities say that overcrowding and poor housing conditions have contributed to the high rates of COVID-19 cases and deaths among New Mexicos Native American population. ARE EVICTIONS EXPECTED TO CREATE A SURGE IN HOMELESSNESS? Its hard to say how much homelessness will increase in New Mexico. One indication of the scope of the problem is census data showing 12,560 state residents concerned that they could be evicted over the next two months. Maria Griego, an attorney with the New Mexico Center on Law and Poverty, fears that some landlords may be reluctant to pursue emergency rental assistance as property and rental prices surge and current lease agreements expire. Immigrants and advocates are urging Democrats and President Joe Biden to quickly act on legislation to protect young immigrants after a federal judge in Texas on Friday ruled illegal an Obama-era program that prevents the deportation of thousands of them brought into the U.S. as children. Plaintiffs have vowed to appeal the decision by U.S. District Judge Andrew Hanen, who declared the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program illegal, barring the government from approving any new applications, but leaving the program intact for existing recipients. Calling the ruling a blaring siren for Democrats, United We Dream Executive Director Greisa Martinez Rosas said they would be solely to blame if legislative reform doesn't happen. Until the president and Democrats in Congress deliver on citizenship, the lives of millions will remain on the line," Martinez Rosas said. Hanen ruled in favor of Texas and eight other conservative states that sued to halt DACA, which provides limited protections to about 650,000 people. The program has faced a roller coaster of court challenges since former President Barack Obama instituted it in June 2012. The Trump administration announced it was ending the program in September 2017, but the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 2020 that the administration hadn't ended the program properly, keeping it alive once more. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, in a statement Friday evening, vowed that Democrats will continue to push for passage of the DREAM Act, and called on Republicans to join us in respecting the will of the American people and the law, to ensure that Dreamers have a permanent path to citizenship. In Friday's ruling, Hanen wrote that the states proved the hardship that the continued operation of DACA has inflicted on them. He continued: Furthermore, the government has no legitimate interest in the continuation of an illegally implemented program. Biden has already proposed legislation that would provide a pathway to citizenship for the estimated 11 million people living in the U.S. without authorization. He also ordered agencies to make efforts to preserve the program. Supporters of DACA, including those who argued before Hanen to save it, have said a law passed by Congress is necessary to provide permanent relief. Hanen has said Congress must act if the U.S. wants to provide the protections in DACA to recipients commonly known as Dreamers, based on never-passed proposals in Congress called the DREAM Act. The House approved legislation in March creating a pathway toward citizenship for Dreamers, but the measure has stalled in the Senate. Immigration advocates hope to include a provision opening that citizenship doorway in sweeping budget legislation Democrats want to approve this year, but its unclear whether that language will survive. Suing alongside Texas were Alabama, Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nebraska, South Carolina, and West Virginia states that all had Republican governors or state attorneys general. They argued that Obama didn't have the authority to create DACA because it circumvented Congress. The states also argued that the program drains their educational and healthcare resources. The Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund and the New Jersey Attorney Generals Office, which defended the program on behalf of some DACA recipients, argued Obama did have the authority and that the states lacked the standing to sue because they had not suffered any harm due to the program. Thomas Saenz, president of MALDEF, said Friday that plaintiffs will file an appeal. Today's decision then once more emphasizes how critically important it is that the Congress step up to reflect the will of a supermajority of citizens and voters in this country. That will is to see DACA recipients and other young immigrants similarly situated receive legislative action that will grant them a pathway to permanence and citizenship in our country, Saenz said. Hanen rejected Texas request in 2018 to stop the program through a preliminary injunction. But in a foreshadowing of his latest ruling, he said he believed DACA as enacted was likely unconstitutional without congressional approval. Hanen ruled in 2015 that Obama could not expand DACA protections or institute a program shielding their parents. While DACA is often described as a program for young immigrants, many recipients have lived in the U.S. for a decade or longer after being brought into the country without permission or overstaying visas. The liberal Center for American Progress says roughly 254,000 children have at least one parent relying on DACA. Some recipients are grandparents. Todd Schulte, president of FWD.us, a progressive organization, expressed disappointment at Fridays ruling, saying in a statement that DACA has been a big success that has transformed many lives. Today makes absolutely clear: only a permanent legislative solution passed by Congress will eliminate the fear and uncertainty that DACA recipients have been forced to live with for years. We call on each and every elected office to do everything within their power so that DACA recipients and their families and communities can live free from fear, and continue to build their lives here, Schulte said. ___ Galvan reported from Phoenix. Associated Press writers Alan Fram and Lou Kesten in Washington, D.C., and Juan Lozano in Houston contributed to this report. STAMFORD Much has been written about the learning loss suffered by students due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but a local nonprofit wants to highlight the learning gains from the unprecedented school year that recently culminated. A new report by the educational nonprofit RISE Network an organization designed to help address the achievement gap and improve student outcomes at 10 high schools in nine districts, including Westhill High School in Stamford and Brien McMahon High School in Norwalk highlights some of the ways school districts responded to the pandemic. Too often in education we focus on the gaps and deficiencies and in this report we were really excited to shine a light on the incredible perseverance and resilience being shown by educators, students and families, said Emily Pallin, executive director of RISE, while acknowledging that there are still glaring needs to address. The pandemic showed us how school communities can come together to innovate and adapt. Westhill is featured in the report numerous times. The school is credited with offering extra educational sessions for struggling students during the April break, as well as creating a series of virtual lunches with ninth grade students in the at-home distance learning model with Westhill Principal Michael Rinaldi, who they had never met in person. From the start, our partnership with CT RISE has benefited the Westhill community in multiple ways, Rinaldi said, in a written statement. Certainly, throughout the pandemic, our work with RISE proved to be even more beneficial in supporting our students and helping them meet with success. Additionally, teachers at the school held extra focus group sessions with students to better learn about the challenges they were experiencing. Erik Trautmann / Hearst Connecticut Media These focus groups allowed teachers to ensure they were planning with specific student concerns in mind, keeping students at the forefront of their practice, reads the report. This student-centered, collaborative approach led educators to discover that some hybrid students struggled to maintain a sense of structure and accountability on their at-home days. Westhill was also singled-out for its efforts to support seniors interested in attending a community college. The school collaborated with Brien McMahon to get information to students about the application and financial aid processes though a virtual event. They even held a friendly competition, with the principal of the school with the fewest participants agreeing to don the other schools gear for one day. In the end, purple and gold came out ahead with 38 Westhill seniors, compared to 20 from Brien McMahon, attending the event about Norwalk Community College. The first thing we were affected by (during the pandemic) was the college visits, said Tom Stepkoski, Westhill counselor, in the RISE report. We normally have representatives come in from September to December and they sit with students. This year we could not do that. We said we are going to do virtual visits. That ended up working a lot better. We usually have about 100 visits each year and this year we had 150 to 175. The report describes how students and teachers all learned new skills during the most challenging educational year in recent memory. Students persevered and developed tremendous 21st century technology, time management, and organizational skills, and students learned how to navigate change and challenges, the report reads. Consider the adults in our school communities. Teachers mastered new virtual instructional formats and tools, counselors developed new methods to connect with their students and families, and families and educators forged deeper partnerships in support of student success. Additionally, the report says, schools now have greater access to technology and internet connectivity than ever before. Stamford, like many districts, was not immune to the negative effects of COVID-19 as the global pandemic forced education online. According to data released by the Stamford school district in March, roughly 40 percent of freshmen at the citys three high schools were not on track for graduation. Among sophomores, that figure was 37 percent. Historically, Westhill has had the lowest graduation rates among the districts three public high schools, which includes Stamford High School and the Academy of Information Technology and Engineering. The most recent state data from the 2019-20 school year shows Westhill with a graduation rate of 86.3 percent, compared to 90.8 percent at Stamford High and 98.7 percent at AITE. Westhill did a terrific job this year knowing that there were new pressures on students and families, Pallin said. Although it was not included in the report, Westhill also implemented an equitable grading pilot program in a handful of classes, a result of a professional development event hosted by the RISE Network focused on the work of Joe Feldman, the author of Grading for Equity. In general terms, Feldmans book advocates for having grades only reflect a students academic performance, not extra elements such as behavior, as well as implementing a grading scale that weighs each grade equally. ignacio.laguarda@stamfordadvocate.com GUILFORD A town man who allegedly trapped birds, plucked their feathers and then tossed the birds away was arrested following a lengthy investigation, according to state Environmental Conservation Police. David Dodge, 74, is charged with two counts of first-degree malicious wounding/killing of animals, according to state judicial records. The charge is part of the states animal cruelty statute. Capt. Keith Williams of the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protections Encon police, said the charges imposed June 24 result from an investigation conducted by Conservation Officer Megan Erickson. In an arrest warrant affidavit provided by the state judicial department and an incident report filed with the case and provided by DEEP, Erickson wrote that she was shown a video of Dodge removing two birds from a trap on August 20, 2020, after a complaint by neighbors. In the footage, Dodge allegedly handles one bird for a few seconds before removing approximately half a dozen feathers, then tosses the bird in the direction of the back side of his property, before repeating the process with the other, according to Ericksons report and the warrant affidavit. Dodge told the investigators that the birds were invasive sparrows, which he kills in order to protect the bluebirds who live in the birdhouses he has in his yard, Erickson said in the report and warrant affidavit. He said that he finds piles of dead baby bluebirds on the ground below his bluebird houses after the sparrows invade the house and kill and remove any inhabitants. He said that in an attempt to decrease the amount of deaths of the baby bluebirds, he traps the sparrows and kills them by snapping their necks, Erickson said in the report and the warrant affidavit. ... Per Connecticut General Statues and DEEP Wildlife Division, this is an acceptable form of dispatching an invasive bird species in this circumstance. When Erickson returned to Dodges home in September 2020, he allegedly told her that he traps sparrows and starlings and was shown by a friend of his (who was required to dispatch seagulls for work) how to dispatch by squeezing the heart. David said he sometimes uses this technique to dispatch the sparrows and starlings, according to the warrant affidavit. However, Erickson noted in the report that it was possible that the birds were alive when their feathers were plucked, and said a veterinarian reported that Dodge was pulling flight feathers from the birds, which are attached to their bones. Erickson wrote that she viewed the video numerous times and in slow motion and found it unclear whether Dodge uses cervical dislocation (also a euthanasia method) before the removal of any feathers. It does not appear that he has the birds in his hands long enough to use cervical dislocation since it is ten seconds or less each time before plucking any feathers. This is also not long enough for asphyxiation to occur according to DEEP Wildlife Division, Erickson wrote in the warrant affidavit. It also appears that the wing of one of the birds may be flapping as Dodge tosses the bird to the ground after removing some feathers. Based on Erickson's observations, information from the DEEP Wildlife Division and wildlife professionals, it is reasonable to believe that the birds were still alive while the feathers were being plucked by Dodge, Erickson wrote in the warrant affidavit. Erickson also wrote that she was unable to determine the species of the birds from the video. She did not find dead birds on Dodges property on the day she was there in August 2020, according to the warrant affidavit. Erickson wrote that among the professionals consulted about the case was wildlife veterinarian Dr. Sharon Siksay, who viewed the video and then provided a letter to investigators that said: As a medical professional, I was asked to review a video showing (Dodge) removing five feathers from each of two live birds which he then tosses out onto a lawn. From a veterinary standpoint, this is absolutely unacceptable. The removal of flight feathers should only be performed by a veterinary medical professional, with the bird under full anesthesia, and with an adequate local nerve block applied individually to each feather follicle. This method is indisputably painful and can be considered completely debilitating to these birds. Flight feathers take weeks to regrow, leaving these birds exposed on the lawn where they landed, prone to predators, weather, and without food to survive on their own, Siksay wrote, according to the warrant affidavit. It is logical to conclude that none of these birds would survive without significant benevolent intervention. Given the leisurely and agonizing debilitation enacted on these birds, and no likelihood of survival, this behavior is easily classified as abuse and should be addressed as such. It is my hope that action is taken swiftly and irrevocably to stop not only this specific behavior but also any potential subsequent behavior by this or other individuals. Dodge declined comment Thursday and referred questions to his attorney, Charlene Lynton. Lynton did not respond to messages left at her office seeking comment. Dodge was released on a promise to appear in court, according to judicial records. He is next scheduled to appear at the Elm Street Courthouse Aug. 3. Reporter Tara ONeill contributed to this story. william.lambert@hearstmediact.com Ogden jazz icon Joe McQueen may be gone, but his memory and legacy live on. One physical reminder of his life, McQueen's lifelong home at 3158 Grant Ave., has now become available for sale. The house received extensive remodeling, but as investor Richard Casperson has said, "Joe's energy is Jolie Health and Beauty Academy will close its locations in Hazleton on July 30 and in Wilkes-Barre on Aug. 9, the school announced on its website. Its other locations in Cherry Hill, Turnersville and Northfield, New Jersey, also will close on July 30, according to the announcement. Jolie Academy officials would not say why the schools are closing, but referred to the announcement on the schools website which encourages students to contact their campus directors if they need access to their files. The announcement also states that more information about the closure will be posted in upcoming weeks. According to its website, Jolie Academy was founded in 1976 and has prepared students for careers including cosmetologists, skin care specialists, barbers, manicurists or cosmetology teachers. The closure announcement comes after the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the cosmetology industry substantially. The Jolie Academy follows some other cosmetology schools throughout the U.S. that have announced they closed permanently due to the impacts from the pandemic while others have been struggling to stay afloat, according to national reports. Cosmetology schools throughout the U.S. were restricted from holding in-person education for months in an effort to stop the spread of COVID-19. According to the American Association of Cosmetology Schools, the schools later reopened following restrictions including smaller class sizes, social distancing, limited services and a reduced number of clients. TC Wolfe, a spokesman for the American Association of Cosmetology Schools, said cosmetology schools only received the first stimulus package and did not receive the same amount of funding assistance that other educational institutions received. He said the Pennsylvania Association of Cosmetology Schools has been working to help transition cosmetology students from Jolie Academy into Empire Beauty School so they can complete their education. Empire Beauty School locations in Moosic, Pottsville and Cherry Hill, New Jersey, are welcoming students from Jolie Academy when August classes start, said Kyle Schoeneman, spokesman for Empire Beauty School. Cathy Koluch, a board member of the American Association of Cosmetology Schools, said cosmetology schools, which are small businesses, have remained committed to students while in-person education was shut down with offerings like virtual training and later a hybrid model. The efforts that cosmetology schools took on to adapt during the pandemic have been nothing short of miraculous, she said. Were massively committed to the success of students and wanted to make sure we continued in the best way possible, she said. I applaud the teachers who continued to inspire students so they didnt give up during horrible times. Schuylkill County business leaders say Mondays resumption of work search requirements for those who are seeking unemployment compensation is one step toward easing the labor shortage, but that Pennsylvania should also act to bring an early end to the extra $300 in weekly assistance paid by the federal government. Northeast PA Manufacturers & Employers Association President Darlene J. Robbins said the job market is at a critical level locally and there are a record high 851,000 open manufacturing jobs nationwide. She said the pandemic assistance, set to expire Sept. 6, has gone on too long. It went from assisting to abetting, she said about the governments assistance plans. Were enabling them to stay at home and continue collecting. Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Robert S. Carl Jr. said the extra $300 has created a whole set of problems. Normal unemployment compensation plus the $300 just takes wages in a lot of industries above where people feel they need to go back to work, he said. Carl said a U.S. Chamber of Commerce survey showed at least 25% of those not working cited the $300 as the No. 1 reason. Twenty-six states have ended or plan to end the extra money, USA Today reported in June. While legislation to that effect has been proposed in Harrisburg, it has not been acted upon. Gov. Tom Wolf has advocated instead for an increase in the minimum wage that he believes would help get people back to work and boost the economy. 424 jobs available The return of work search requirements, which began this week, with certification of those searches required effective next week, is a positive, Robbins said. We want to be optimistic with the hope that it will absolutely make a difference, she said. Workers must show each week that they applied for two jobs and participated in one work search activity. They must also register for employment services within 30 days of filing an unemployment claim. As of Monday, the CareerLink in Pottsville had 46 new jobs posted, 424 jobs available and 1,064 registered employers. Joseph Miscannon, a supervisor, said the office just fully reopened two weeks ago, and so the number of job seekers has been level. However, there are a lot of employers that need people, he said. Those applying for jobs can do it in-person at CareerLink or online. Information about the various procedures are listed in a handbook, Miscannon noted. With the changes that unemployment compensation has been put through since June, the person should read their handbook, he said. They need to read it. The handbook is distributed at registration and is available on the department website. Continued struggles Cardinal Systems Inc. President Debra Haase said the Schuylkill Haven company, which normally employs about 250, has job openings in almost every department. Right now we have at least 30 open positions that we could fill if we could find the right people, she said. Were trying. Haase said human resource staff were at a day-long job fair at CareerLink in June and didnt speak to one candidate. I know this from talking to other business owners and companies in the area that were all having the same issue in attracting people who actually want to work, she said. Haase said the reporting restart along with the eventual end to the additional $300 should produce more applications. Companies continue struggling to hire. They are OK with retaining, but finding employees is difficult, she said. Luke Hoak, general manager of operations at UFP Industries Inc., Gordon, said the labor shortage has played into the costs of contracts and has put growth mode on hold. +5 Workers face frustrations as job search requirements return Mary Lou Larkin said she has had problems accessing the CareerLink website, impeding her abi Hoak, a board member with the Schuylkill Economic Development Corp., said labor problems were discussed at a recent meeting; one company was short 25% of its workforce. Thats a shocking number, Hoak said. Thats our reality. Hoak said he understands health concerns and child care needs related to the pandemic, but said, I feel we need to get back to work. Robbins noted some employers no longer have expanded workforces as part of their strategic planning and instead plan to invest in capital improvements and advanced technology. Overall, the problem can be summed up in one word, she said: supply. Supply of workers, supply of freight, supply of raw product and inputs, and supply of machinery. Trouble for little guys A labor shortage coupled with other pandemic-related conditions will continue to spell trouble for business, Carl said. The bigger companies, the Fortune 500 companies, of which we have 48 of them here in Schuylkill County, I think have the capacity and reserves that allow them to be a little more flexible, he said. But the little guys, the small businesses do not have that kind of capacity or reserve. He said he just heard that a local restaurant-tavern had to close over the weekend because it couldnt get enough workers, and that Vitos Coal Fired Pizza and Restaurant at the Coal Creek Commerce in Saint Clair is now closed Mondays for the same reason. Thats what people are doing. They either have to shorten their workweek (or) shorten their hours, Carl said. Consumer costs are going up because of both supply chain and not enough people, or paying people more money. At the end of the day, you have to make tough decisions in what it is going to take to survive. MIDDLEFIELD TOWNSHIP [emdash] Rachel A. Byler, 5 days, of Middlefield Twp, was granted her angel wings Friday night, July 16, 2021 while being held in her mother's arms and surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Middlefield on Sunday, July 11, 2021. She was a member of the Old Orde Romania's National Association of Travel Agencies (ANAT) is asking the National Committee for Emergency Situations (CNSU) to allow the entry to Romania of unvaccinated foreign tourists only on the basis of rapid testing, the travel agencies' umbrella organization informed in a release today. ANAT chairman Dumitru Luca says that this measure is already applied by most European states. "In order to support tourists who, for personal reasons, have opted out of vaccination, we are asking you to support the introduction of rapid testing as an alternative method of access to Romania, in order to attract foreign tourists and also get in line with the majority of European states that already accept this testing method to allow the access of unvaccinated persons to their territories," Dumitru Luca said, as cited in the release.ANAT's request was sent to Prime Minister Florin Citu, Minister of Economy, Entrepreneurship and Tourism Claudiu Nasui, and Secretary of State Raed Arafat.ANAT also requests the government to modify Romania entry requirements for children under 12, for whom vaccination is not yet available.Romania is among the states with the toughest access requirements for this category of citizens, as only children under 3 years of age are exempt from testing, while European states grant various exemptions for the 5 to 12 age range.ANAT also recommends as an additional safeguard the method already used in Greece, of state-supported random testing of tourists at the border, agerpres reports. A number of 17 people, including five minors, were injured, on Friday, following the car collision on the southeast A2 motorway Bucharest - Constanta, in the area of Medgidia municipality, the General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations (IGSU) announces. According to the cited source, following the reconnaissances carried out, so far, the medical crews have provided medical assistance for 17 casualties, out of whom 5 minors. Road traffic is stopped on Friday morning on the A2 motorway Bucharest - Constanta, in the area of the Medgidia municipality, due to a car collision, in which over 40 cars were involved.According to IGSU, the red intervention plan has been activated. The European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, Stella Kyriakides, will be in Bucharest, on Friday, where she will be meeting with the Minister of Health, Ioana Mihaila, in order to discuss carrying out the national vaccination campaign in Romania and later on she will visit the immunization center in Petresti. According to an announcement from the European Commission Representation in Romania, discussions will be focused on the EU Strategy regarding vaccines and on carrying out the national vaccination campaign in Romania, as well as the path to follow regarding the health proposals within the European Union. Before the reunion and the visit to the vaccination center, the quoted source mentions, the Commissioner for Health and Food Safety declared: EU respected its commitment of distributing enough doses, approximately 500 million, for vaccinating 70% of the EU adult population. We will collaborate now more tightly with our member states in order to ensure that they reach their objectives in the territory.The Delta strain, more transmissible, already present in the EU and of which we know that will circulate on a large scale this summer, is a major risk for unvaccinated people. Given that only 30% of the adult population has been completely vaccinated, Romania needs to double its vaccination efforts throughout the summer. The message is clear: vaccination is and will be the strongest weapon against the strains. I eagerly await to discuss about the way EU can continue to support the ongoing national vaccination campaign in Romania, Stella Kyriakides also said.The EC Representation in Romania also specifies that the current actions are part of the ongoing efforts of the Commission and the commitment of commissioner Kyriakides of supporting the national vaccination campaigns against COVID-19 of the EU member states. Eastbound traffic is halted Friday morning on the Bucharest - Constanta A2 motorway near the city of Medgidia due to a multi-vehicle collision that triggered a pileup of 40 cars; 17 people, five children included, were injured and one victim was trapped, the Infotrafic Center of the General Inspectorate of the Romanian Police informs. The red intervention plan has been activated. There is a 3-km long car line on the lane to Constanta.First responder crews from four County Emergency Inspectorates have been dispatched to the scene: fire trucks, extrication squads, Mobile Emergency, Reanimation and Extrication Service ambulances, multiple-casualty ambulances. Health Minister Ioana Mihaila said on Friday in Petresti, Dambovita County, that in order to ramp up COVID-19 mass vaccination in the countryside, the Health Ministry is considering encouraging the involvement of family physicians, local administrations and priests, agerpres reports. Moreover, the minister said, an ordinance is underway to allow family physicians to receive extra money for home vaccination. "We want to encourage family physicians, local administrations and priests, those who are closer to people in rural areas, to go a bit further and encourage people in the countryside to get vaccinated. In addition, we are working on an ordinance to increase the fees to family physicians for the vaccination service offered at patient's home, whether the patient is an elderly, bed-ridden or hard to move in order to facilitate vaccination at home. Also for chronically-ill patients we will start vaccination in specialist outpatient clinics, precisely to better target those people who are at the highest risk of contracting and developing complications in case of a coronavirus infection. Those are the measures that the Ministry of Health is developing. Together with the National COVID-19 Vaccination Coordination Committee (CNCAV) we participate in vaccination caravans, part of the project 'The town vaccinates the village," said Mihaila."It is essential to increase access to vaccination, for vaccination to be an easy readily available option, in order not to have to make efforts to get vaccinated. Where there are no vaccination centres, we set up mobile crews," said CNCAV Deputy Chairman Andrei Baciu.Mihaila and European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety Stella Kyriakides visited on Friday at Petresti the mobile COVID-19 mass vaccination centre located inside the local Cultural Centre. Minister of Health Ioana Mihaila had a meeting on Friday with the European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, Stella Kyriakides, in which context the former transmitted that Romania continues the efforts to increase the number of COVID-19 vaccinated people, agerpres reports. According to a press release from the Ministry of Health, the main topics of discussion were the COVID-19 vaccination campaign and the strengthening of cooperation and coordination between Member States and European health institutions to consolidate the response and resilience of health systems. Health Minister Ioana Mihaila communicated, during the meeting, that Romania continues the efforts to increase the number of vaccinated persons, especially in rural areas and among the vulnerable population and aims to kick off the vaccination process in specialized outpatient clinics and increase vaccination capacity in family doctors' practices."We are bringing the vaccine closer to the people, and as such, during this period, together with the National COVID-19 Vaccination Coordination Committee (CNCAV), we are mobilizing resources, especially in rural areas and among the vulnerable population, to increase the vaccination rate there as well. We are focusing our efforts on increasing the vaccination capacity in family doctors' practices and for starting the vaccination in specialized outpatient clinics in hospitals," declared the Minister of Health.According to the release, the European Commissioner for Health welcomed Romania's efforts to accelerate the vaccination campaign."Currently, it is urgent that vaccination efforts double as we advance into summer. My message is aimed at all Romanians - vaccines work, vaccines protect, vaccines protect both us and our families and our health systems. We must make the most of this opportunity to return to our normal lives," said Stella Kyriakides. On Friday, Romania's Prime Minister Florin Citu sent messages of condolence to the families of flood victims in Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg and Germany, voicing his solidarity with the people stricken by floods. "Deeply saddened by the loss of lives caused by floods in Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg. My thoughts are with all those affected. Condolences victims' families. We stand in solidarity with our friends and partners through these hard times," Citu wrote on Twitter. He also showed that Romania sympathises with the people and the government of the Federal Republic of Germany."Heartfelt condolences for the families of those who lost their lives in the catastrophic flooding in Germany. Romania sympathizes with the people and the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany. We wish all the strength to the affected communities to overcome this difficult moment," Citu added. President Klaus Iohannis sent, on Friday, a message of condolence to the President of the Federal Republic of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, informs the Presidential Administration. "I found out with sadness of the catastrophic floods that caused massive damage in western Germany in the past days, with regrettable human loss of life, hundreds of persons missing or injured, as well as important material damage. In these moments of hardship for the German people, I wish to address, in my name and that of Romania, condolences to the families of victims and well wishes and fast recovery to those affected," shows the head of state's message. President Iohannis expresses, in the message, "the full solidarity and compassion of Romania and Romanians with Germany and complete confidence in the rebuilding strength of the hard-hit communities." Prime Minister Florin Citu stated that the attacks on him and on the Government from his party colleagues in the National Liberal Party (PNL)'s internal election campaign "are very similar to what PSD [the Social Democratic Party] is doing" and show that "such politicians, perhaps, no longer have a future in Romania". "I am criticized that our mayors come and visit me at the Government. What is the problem? Yes, very well, let them come, I also invited PSD mayors. I repeat, I want to develop Romania. People come to the Government, they see what the projects are, the sources of funding and together we develop these programs We have nothing to hide, we do this for Romanians and we do it transparently. The Liberal mayors, unfortunately, and that is why they are in greater numbers than those from PSD who come to the Government, have been forgotten, they have been left behind, the administrations led by Liberal mayors have been left to fend for themselves in recent years, they have not received any funding. That is why there are a lot of problems there, that is why people look for solutions and together we find these solutions, because we find them for the people," said Florin Citu, on Friday, at the internal elections conference within the PNL Satu Mare organization. The prime minister said that this PNL internal election campaign is about competition, that it is transparent, and the Liberals, but also all Romanians, can thus see how two teams behave."Unfortunately, they can also see the more unpleasant things. Things that should not happen in the PNL, because we are not PSD. When you attack members of the Government, the prime minister, that resembles a lot what PSD is doing. When, a few months ago you say that a decision of the prime minister is good, that it is in the spirit of the Constitution, and in a few months you say that it is no longer good, because it must be evaluated, it shows that such politicians may not have, perhaps, a future in Romania. We have to be transparent, we have to be honest with the Romanians and promise them what we can do, this is the Liberal government," said Citu.The Prime Minister pointed out that there are many things to be done in relation to government and that they will be done, but only together. A Black Hawk helicopter that had to resort to precautionary landing on Thursday in Charles de Gaulle Square in Bucharest will be returned to the Mihail Kogalniceanu military base, and the American side will not speculate into a cause until the investigation is complete, Major Matthew St. Clair told AGERPRES on Friday. "The UH-60 helicopter was removed from the landing site and transported to a local hanger yesterday with the support from the local Romanian authorities. The aircraft will be returned to the 3rd Battalion, 1st Aviation Regiment, headquartered in Mihail Kogalniceanu. We are thankful for the support of the Romanian government as well as the local authorities that assisted in the securing of the site and the safe recovery of the aircraft," said St. Clair. He added that there is an active investigation into the precautionary landing that is being conducted by both the U.S. and Romanian governments together. "We will not speculate into a cause until the investigation is complete," said St. Clair.According to the official response of the US Army, aircrew of the UH-60 "performed admirably in this situation." "Along with the support of the local police on the ground, the crew was able to land the helicopter safely with no reported injuries," added St. Clair."This is testament to the training our crews receive as well as the interoperability and partnership we have with Romania and our NATO allies. By training and working together, we are better able to prevent or react to situations like these, preventing loss of life or injury," he said.According to St. Clair, the 1st Combat Aviation Brigade in Europe consists of approximately 2,000 personnel, 10 CH-47 Chinooks, 25 AH-64 Apaches, 50 UH/HH Black Hawks, and more than 1,800 wheeled vehicles and pieces of equipment.The UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter that resorted to precautionary landing was rehearsing for a Romania's Air Force Day air show. DOVER, Del. (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. 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 oust tenants who are behind on their rents. As of June 7, roughly 3.2 million people in the U.S. said they would face eviction within 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 Delaware: Missouri Public Service Commission members voiced interest in the surge protection proposal, but the PSC said Wednesday that it would not approve the idea. Some members cited concerns about the proposed cost of the devices, while others worried about the impacts and risks facing ratepayers. Ultimately, commissioners decided there was too much uncertainty about the programs benefits. Theres just a lot of unknowns, PSC Chairman Ryan Silvey said, noting that the companys own range of estimated benefits stretched considerably, from about $3 million to more than $28 million. I think that the program that theyre proposing today places too much risk on all ratepayers if it goes into rate base now, while investors would shoulder none of the risk if Amerens projections for participation, year over year, are wrong. Commissioner Maida Coleman expressed similar reservations. The fact that all of Amerens customers would bear the costs of the program that benefits only some of their customers is definitely a concern for me, she said. Coleman added that customers already can buy surge protectors at competitive prices from entities other than their monopoly power company. At Wentzville, where GM makes the Colorado and Canyon along with full-size vans, GM had about 30,000 unfinished pickups parked in various locations awaiting chips since late April. In early June, GM promised its dealers that help is on the way by foregoing summer shutdowns at most plants and redirecting chips to vehicles that were in demand. At the time, GM said Colorado and Canyon units would increase by about 30,000 through the week of July 5. GM came close. Shipments of the midsize pickups increased by about 30,000 from mid-May through July 14, as the team completed dynamic vehicle testing on units held at the plant due to semiconductor disruptions, spokesman David Barnas said. He called it incredible work by the team at Wentzville to hit the 30,000 targeted commitment and prepare the plant for launch changeover at the same time. He said production of the vehicles at Wentzville will resume as planned Monday following scheduled downtime to retool the plant for next-generation midsize pickups. While it waits for parts to complete some vehicles, GM is also building some vehicles without certain parts and lowering the sticker price. GM said this week that it will make some SUVs without a wireless phone charging feature. Apple Inc. CEO Tim Cook wants employees back in the office sooner than many of his peers. Citigroup CEO Jane Fraser is bucking a trend on Wall Street by giving employees flexibility in returning. Companies in the same sector often take different approaches, underscoring how bosses personal preferences inform decisions on whether, when and how often white-collar workers should return to the office. Its hard to unravel the character and personality of a CEO from the culture they grew up in, said Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, a Yale University professor. The vast majority of U.S. office workers will be called back to physical locations this year, with about two-thirds of companies planning a full or hybrid return to work, according to an April survey by accounting firm Deloitte. About 25% of U.S. companies have already reopened their offices, according to the survey. While the CEOs of JPMorgan Chase & Co., Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs Group Inc. have asked workers to return to the office by the end of the summer, Fraser told most employees they can work in the office three days a week come September. Advocates of Frasers approach say the flexibility will appeal more to workers than the line taken by her counterparts on Wall Street. WASHINGTON The U.S. Air Force is desperate to get rid of some of its fleet of expensive, slow and outdated A-10 Warthog airplanes, but politicians have blocked the move, aiming to keep the local dollars flowing. President Joe Biden wants to retire dozens of the 40-year-old warplanes to free up funding to modernize the military. But within weeks of the release of his proposed defense budget, Democrats drafted a law to keep the planes, many of which are based in Arizona, where Senator Mark Kelly is up for reelection in 2022. The negotiations over the A-10, which the Air Force has wanted to retire for more than two decades, show the extensive measures Democrats will take to protect their slim majority in the Senate. Having military aircraft based in a constituency brings enormous economic benefit. The A-10 fleet at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson has been viewed as vital to the base, which contributes about $3 billion to the local economy and is among the regions top employers, former Tucson Mayor Thomas Volgy said. Kelly wrote to the Senate Appropriations Committee on July 9 to request $272 million "to restore all funding to the A-10 program" in fiscal 2022 and $615 million to buy new wings to rewing the portion of the A-10 fleet that had been earmarked for retirement. There was not a group at that time that could lead a round and write a check for $10 million, Hillman said. We were one of the co-leads, and 12 partners got in to cobble the money together. In software technology, we would be trying to raise $25 million and we would have had a host of people who wanted to write the whole check. There was an unmet need. That early investment proved lucrative. Benson Hill agreed in May to merge with a blank-check company in a deal valued at $1.35 billion. Such big sums are attracting more investors to agricultural technology, but Hillman said his teams size, expertise and track record should allow Lewis & Clark to stand out. Were at the right place at the right time, and we feel like we are in the early innings, he said. The presence of a large growth-stage venture fund should be a plus for St. Louis, which has been working for 20 years to attract more agricultural startups. We have talent, we have proximity to farmers and we have physical facilities, said Donn Rubin, chief executive of industry group BioSTL. The financial capability is a critical piece of this mosaic as well. Having a large venture capital fund like Lewis & Clark based here helps complete that innovation economy story, Rubin added. It reinforces St. Louis standing on the global map of where ag technology innovation is happening and where the support systems are to make a company successful. Daily updates on the latest news in the St. Louis business community. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. In fact, despite decades of accomplishments since Johnson got a journalism degree from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale and his professional start drawing illustrations for a Chicago magic company, he never quite left comics. He even has a new graphic novel in January. Johnson slowed recently, just long enough to talk on the phone. The following is a shortened version of a longer conversation. Q The comic of yours that people see when they enter the Chicago exhibit shows a Black artist explaining the black rectangle he painted. He says to a white patron, Its life as I see it. The joke feels self-evident, but its not really, is it? A It could be read lots of ways. I mean, I made that cartoon in 1969 for my book Black Humor, which came out in 1970. And at the time, it spoke to the mentality of people in the Black Arts Movement in 1969 and maybe the same kind of people today, the very Afrocentric and how they see the world. Which can be a positive thing, of course the promotion of Black culture. But its also just an old cartoonist trope, an artist at his easel. Q At the risk of sounding obvious, I also see that comic as being about an artist, yourself, who is opposed to being assigned to a designated role in the culture. The crash, the fall-out and the thieves In 1996, I was a single professional woman working in Washington, D.C., and living life in the fast lane. My mother had come to visit me for a day or two, Fraser says. We were hit head-on by a speeding driver who jumped the median strip. My mother died at the scene, and I was cut out of the car. Fraser was hospitalized with a broken leg, ankle and ribs. Her sisters went to their mothers house and divided their mothers things and jewelry among themselves. So I lost my mother and was left with none of her jewelry. I kept her broken rosary that was in her purse at the time of the crash. Later, one sister sent one of her rings, she says. If that werent enough, thieves would twice steal all Frasers jewelry; once from her home in Denver and later during a goodwill trip to Ghana to teach women in a remote village to use the computer. I said at the time, I dont know how, but I have the faith God will replace all this jewelry some day, Fraser says. St. Louis County has plans to roll out gift cards for groceries or gas. The St. Louis Board of Aldermen this week endorsed a plan to provide prepaid debit cards up to $100. Other states have had some success in monetary incentives. Ohios Vax-a-Million program awarding five $1 million prizes increased the vaccination rate among Ohioans ages 20 to 49 by 55% after it was announced. Overcoming distrust But Dr. Fredrick Echols, acting director of the St. Louis Department of Health, said Thursday what has been most effective is canvassing neighborhoods and talking to families and individuals one-on-one. People are not interested in incentives, Echols said. They have questions about what getting vaccinated means for them and their loved ones. They are unsure how to navigate learning more about the vaccines. Uptake is the lowest in predominantly Black neighborhoods and also among white conservatives, he said, two groups that tend to not trust government officials or news reports. Hes just emerging from a funk of exhaustion, muscle aches and dizziness and hes starting to see the vaccines in a new light. After being affected like this, Im definitely into doing more research, he said. I would never wish that on nobody. And I wouldnt want to give that to anybody. Two of Bouyers fellow barbers tested positive for coronavirus infections around the same time. None of them had been vaccinated. Those barbers never caught it in the whole year since we reopened, said Robert Twixx Taylor, owner of three Fade Em All locations. And then, with the delta arriving, the masks came off. Thats no coincidence. While the three were convalescing, Taylor got his first dose at a mini-vaccine clinic he hosted in one of his salons. He was one of 12 people to roll up a sleeve. Being a Black community leader I had to get it, Taylor said. Hes also determined to protect his 71-year-old mother, who is also vaccinated. In Galveston County, a lot of vaccine converts would have to step forward and fast to keep the delta variant at bay. Keiser is still hopeful, but hes not so sure he can persuade enough people in time. Montana renters are protected by the CDC order halting evictions until it expires. The U.S. Census Bureau estimates nearly 17,000 Montana residents are somewhat likely or very likely to be evicted from their homes in the next two months WHATS BEING DONE TO HELP PEOPLE FACING EVICTION? Montana has received more than $350 million in federal funding to help tenants with outstanding rent, utility payments and other expenses. Last year, it allocated $50 million from the federal CARES Act for rental assistance and ended up providing $8.4 million to 2,500 tenants. The $600 per week in supplemental unemployment payments last year appeared to be a factor in lower-than-expected application numbers early in the pandemic, the Department of Commerce said. Late last year and this year, the state received another $352 million in federal emergency rental assistance, the minimum amount allocated to small states. Renters can receive up to $2,200 per month for past-due and future rent payments, up to $300 for utility payments and $50 per month for internet. Households are eligible for that assistance for a maximum of 15 months, dating back to April 1, 2020, if they earn less than 80% of the median income in their area and can show the pandemic affected their income. Developers plan to renovate the existing multi-story Jesuit Hall on the site into market-rate apartments and also build an adjacent apartment tower. The new complex would be called the Melbourne. Under the reworked agreement, developers would get a slightly less 90% abatement of property taxes for 10 years on the renovated building. As for the new building, there would be 75% abatement for five years and 50% abatement for the second five years. St. Louis NAACP president Adolphus Pruitt, who is partnering with Neighborhood Properties on the project in his personal capacity, disclosed the terms of the revised agreement in an interview. Jones office then confirmed the details. Pruitt said we are in full support of the administrations objectives and we saw it as an opportunity to demonstrate how creative we can be as developers to both meet them and enhance the project. Jonathan Ferry, financial analyst for St. Louis Development Corp. the citys development arm said the estimated value of the property tax abatement in the reworked deal is $4.8 million. Thats $1.1 million less than the $5.9 million value of the property tax break in the vetoed version. During a remote status conference Wednesday, Charles Harris, an attorney representing the Republican leaders, called it a straightforward and simple case that violates the one person, one vote principle under the equal protection clause of the U.S. Constitution. He said courts have previously held that legislative districts must be substantially equal in population and that the data from the Census Bureaus American Community Survey, which is what Democratic leaders used to draw the new maps, should not be used for redistricting. If the case goes to trial, which is yet to be determined, Harris said his team plans to call expert witnesses, including a former Census Bureau official who would testify about why ACS data is inappropriate, as well as a data expert who would demonstrate how the use of ACS data results in maps that are far outside the margins of what courts consider allowable deviations in population. MALDEF attorney Francisco Fernandez-del Castillo said his team plans to present substantially similar arguments. That data from the 2020 census will not be available until mid-August. The only data currently available, he said, is from the 2010 census, and if that were used to analyze the new maps, they would not meet constitutional muster. Balances were smaller in the new system, which tallied a total of $4 million on 103 accounts. The largest was worth $114,000. City police are governed by a separate pension system. The newspaper has requested the data but it was not yet available. Pretty good deal Daly, the collector, has the largest DROP balance among all non-fire employees. If he cashes out that $400,000, it would be larger than any distribution for a non-public safety employee over the last decade. Part of the reason is Daly, 70, has some 40 years of service under his belt at City Hall. He also has nearly the largest salary in city government: $200,000. Thats well above what the mayor makes and more than any municipal employee except for the airport director. The city collector job is mostly administrative, yet its an elected position. Prior to Dalys election in 2007, he was city license collector, another elected City Hall office. Gov. Mel Carnahan appointed Daly as license collector in 1998. Before that, he worked as administrative assistant for three aldermanic presidents, a span of 17 years that stretched to the early 80s. WASHINGTON (AP) Welcoming Angela Merkel to the White House for a final time, President Joe Biden renewed his concerns to the German chancellor Thursday about a major, nearly complete Russia-to-Germany gas pipeline but said they agreed Russia must not be allowed to use energy as a weapon. The two discussed though made no apparent headway on differences over the Nord Stream 2 pipeline during a largely friendly farewell visit for Merkel as she nears the end of a political career that has spanned four American presidencies. On a personal note, I must tell you I will miss seeing you at our summits, Biden said as he stood by Merkel, the second-longest serving chancellor in Germany's history, at a late afternoon White House press conference. "I truly will. Merkel, who had a famously difficult relationship with former President Donald Trump, showed her ease and familiarity with Biden, who has long been a fixture in international politics, repeatedly referring to him as "Dear Joe. Asked to compare her relationship with Biden to hers with Trump, Merkel remained diplomatic, saying only that it was in any German chancellors interest to work with every American president." She added with a smile, "Today was a very friendly exchange. In Florida, UF Health Jacksonville is talking about setting up tents in the parking lot to help with the overflow after the number of COVID-19 in-patients doubled to 77 over the past couple of weeks. Chad Neilsen, director of infection prevention, said the hospital expects to surpass its January high of 125 COVID-19 in-patients in the next few weeks. Before the rise, the hospital had begun a push to bring back patients who had delayed care amid the pandemic. Now it is discussing canceling procedures, Neilsen said. To be telling someone, Sorry, we have to delay your hip surgery or your procedure because we have too many COVID patients who are largely unvaccinated, it is just not what we signed up to do in health care," he said. In Georgia, Augusta University Medical Center is busting at the seams as it handles medical procedures postponed because of the pandemic and deals with a spike in respiratory illnesses that usually hit in the wintertime, said Dr. Phillip Coule, chief medical officer. COVID-19 hospitalizations also have started inching up to around eight or 10 patients, from lows of one or two a day. While the numbers still remain far below the peak of 145 in January, Coule said he is watching the situation closely. In 2020, when Roxana Beck was working a minimum-wage job at a Burger King, she pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor of having frequented a place where drugs were sold. At her sentencing, she told the judge her hours had recently been cut and asked that any fines and fees be waived. The judge refused. Later that year, with Beck having fallen behind in her payments to the court, a warrant of attachment which allowed her to be arrested was issued. She was picked up by police because she owed the court $643.72. Her bond was set at $6,400. Beck spent seven days in jail. Becks court-appointed attorney, Pete Wood, filed a writ of prohibition, arguing that Becks jailing was unconstitutional because there had been no ability-to-pay hearing, as required by the U.S. Constitution, anytime a defendant faces jail time. A group of national nonprofit groups, including the American Civil Liberties Union, the Fines and Fees Justice Center, and The Cato Institute, filed an amicus brief arguing that arresting people for failure to pay fines and fees creates separate and unequal forms of justice for poor people vs. those with financial means. The nonprofit attorneys urged close scrutiny when the government itself stands to benefit from collecting monetary sanctions and when aggressive collection practices, including the threat and use of incarceration, disproportionately harm vulnerable communities. 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. Since 2018 Israel has been dealing with a new threat coming out of Gaza, where Hamas and other Islamic terrorist groups are regularly coming up with new ways to attack Israel. The latest one is helium filled balloons carrying small explosives or incendiary devices across the border into southern Israel. So far several thousand of these balloons have been used, most of them to carry incendiary devices that ignite when the balloon hits the ground. The prevailing winds in the area go from Gaza towards Israel and the Gaza arson balloon makers have, through trial and error developed a balloon based aerial weapon that uses several helium filled balloons carrying a lightweight (about half a kilogram/one pound) incendiary device that will eventually come down in southern Israel. Kites are also used but these are less effective than the helium balloons. Since early 2018 these balloons have started nearly 700 fires, which burned 910 hectares (2,260 acres) of forest and grassland as well as 619 hectares (1,500 acres) of farmland, much of it with unharvested crops. None of these balloons has landed more than 40 kilometers from the border. Others may have been lost at sea. Despite Israeli retaliation attacks, using artillery, helicopter gunships, UAVs and F-16s, the arson balloons keep coming. Israel has also sought to halt the import of arson balloon components, especially the balloons and helium gas. Most of the foreign aid and imports going to Gaza are inspected at an Israeli checkpoint. The problem is that packs of uninflated balloons dont take up much space and the balloons can be hidden among other items. Some balloons have been seized at the border, but not enough. The helium is easier to detect because the only helium that is legally sent to Gaza is liquid helium used to cool the magnets on the six MRI medical scanners in Gaza. When in use the MRI scanners use up some of the liquid helium. If all the MRI machines are used regularly Gaza would require no more than 100 (220 pounds to 300 kg/(660 pounds) of liquid helium a month. Israeli surveillance UAVs have video of Hamas operatives filling balloons from natural gas canisters, apparently reused to carry helium gas. It would only take a few kg of liquid helium to produce enough helium gas to fill over a thousand balloons. As a result, Hamas does not have to smuggle helium gas into Gaza. Instead, Hamas diverts small amounts of the legally imported liquid helium. The amount needed for the arson balloons transferred, is gas form, to empty natural gas cannisters that are used for cooking in Gaza. This is a classic application of dual-use civilian materials to military use. Israeli efforts to detect and destroy the balloons before they could land in Israel have not resulted in a perfect weapon. But several systems were effective and this contributed to work on systems to detect and destroy quad-copters and other small UAVs equipped with explosives making more precise and deadly attacks. The arson balloons have not killed anyone yet but it's only a matter of time until some form of defense can detect and destroy most of the arson balloons. Israel has developed sensors (optical and radar) that can do this, as well as short range lasers powerful enough to disable small UAVs and destroy arson balloons that are a kilometer or more distant. Top 10 Reasons Why Streaming Media West is Better Than NAB and IBC In late June, Mobile World Congress officially kicked off the return to in-person conferences for our industry and, with apologies to T.S. Eliot, did so not with a bang but a whimper. The event usually brings more than 100,000 to Barcelona, but this year, a paltry 10,000 attendedhalf of them from Spain. That doesnt bode well for NAB, and rumors are swirling that IBC wont happen in person. We can speculate on the reasons, but they all share one thing in common: Theyre mostly pertinent to massive shows with many international attendees. But Streaming Media West is another kind of event entirely, and from what I hear, Im not the only one who cant wait to get back to Huntington Beach in November. Here are 10 reasons why Streaming Media West is better than the big shows (with photos below!): Its more intimate. More time for real learning and networking. Less time spent running from one hall to another. Sure, you wont rack up the steps on your fitness app, but theres a great running and biking path along the beach. Yes, theres a beach. A real one, not like that one in Amsterdam. Its close to Los Angeles. Some of the big-name companies in our space still have travel restrictions, but theyve got local employees and executives. If youre a sponsor, you dont need to blow half your marketing budget to exhibit, and you dont need to spend $10K for a barista at your booth. (No long lines at the Hyatt Starbucks either!) The fish tacos at Petes Sunset Grille. Does Apple speak at NAB, IBC, or much of anywhere else besides Apple events? No, but Apples Roger Pantos has been a mainstay at Streaming Media West. The cream of the crop of video engineering talent will be there. Thats why Netflix, Hulu, Facebook, and Google have recruited at our shows. This is our 24th Streaming Media West, and people come back every year. Youre sure to run into old friends and make new ones. Did I mention theres a beach? The full program will be online soon. Visit the conference website for information on attending, sponsoring, and exhibiting. Apple's Roger Pantos at Streaming Media West 2019 Networking under the stars You don't get this view in Vegas ... Or this one ... Old friends Chris Knowlton and Jeff Tapper on the beach The infamous Grotto Come on in ... the water's fine! Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. Related Articles SINGAPORE, SINGAPORE / ACCESSWIRE / July 16, 2021 / Jadestone Energy plc ('Jadestone', the 'Company' or together with subsidiaries, the 'Group'), an independent oil and gas production company focused on the Asia Pacific region, is pleased to announce the satisfaction of all conditions required to complete its proposed acquisition of the Peninsular Malaysia assets (the 'Assets') of SapuraOMV Upstream Sdn. Bhd. ('SapuraOMV' or the 'Seller'), including receipt of PETRONAS approval. Jadestone and SapuraOMV will now proceed to complete the transaction, which will entail Jadestone paying the headline consideration of US$9 million, subject to agreed adjustments. At completion, Jadestone will also receive the economic benefits from the Assets accruing from the effective date of 1 January 2021. Under the terms of the acquisition agreement, completion is scheduled to occur on or about 30 July 2021. Paul Blakeley, President and CEO commented: 'I am delighted to see that the conditions to complete this transaction are now satisfied, allowing us to conclude our acquisition of the Peninsular Malaysia assets in a very efficient way. Our ability to complete this transaction within just three months of announcing the deal is a testament to the strong spirit of collaboration with each of the Seller, PETRONAS Carigali and PETRONAS. 'I would like to acknowledge the clear and practical regulatory processes as well as the efficiency exhibited by PETRONAS during this approval process. 'Jadestone is well prepared for working within the Malaysian regulatory regime, with a significant in-country presence and our operational leadership team already on the ground. We now look forward to rebuilding our operating presence in-country, deepening key relationships, and establishing a significant business, drawing on the deep pool of Malaysian national talent.' Upon completion, the Assets will add immediate cash flow from around 6,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day of low operating cost production, on a net working interest basis, of which over 90% is oil. Adding the Assets to the Jadestone portfolio will increase the Group's 2P reserves by 34%, adding 12.5 million barrels oil equivalent of net working interest 2P reserves as at 31 December 2020, based on Jadestone's best estimate 2P reserves production profile. For further information, please contact: Jadestone Energy plc +65 6324 0359 (Singapore) Paul Blakeley, President and CEO +44 7392 940 495 (UK) Dan Young, CFO ir@jadestone-energy.com Robin Martin, Investor Relations Manager Stifel Nicolaus Europe Limited (Nomad, Joint Broker) +44 (0) 20 7710 7600 (UK) Callum Stewart Jason Grossman Ashton Clanfield Jefferies International Limited (Joint Broker) +44 (0) 20 7029 8000 (UK) Tony White Will Soutar Camarco (Public Relations Advisor) +44 (0) 203 757 4980 (UK) Billy Clegg jse@camarco.co.uk James Crothers About Jadestone Energy Jadestone Energy plc is an independent oil and gas company focused on the Asia Pacific region. It has a balanced, low risk, full cycle portfolio of development, production and exploration assets in Australia, Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines. The Company has a 100% operated working interest in the Stag oilfield and in the Montara project, both offshore Australia. Both the Stag and Montara assets include oil producing fields, with further development and exploration potential. The Company also has a 100% operated working interest in two gas development blocks in Southwest Vietnam, and an operated 90% interest in the Lemang PSC, onshore Sumatra, Indonesia, which includes the Akatara gas field. In addition, the Company has executed a sale and purchase agreement to acquire an operated 69% interest in the Maari Project, shallow water offshore New Zealand, and anticipates completing the transaction in 2021, upon receipt of customary approvals. The Company has also executed a sale and purchase agreement to acquire interests in four oil producing licences offshore Peninsula Malaysia; two operated and two non-operated positions. Completion of the transaction is scheduled to occur on or about 30 July 2021. Led by an experienced management team with a track record of delivery, who were core to the successful growth of Talisman's business in Asia, the Company is pursuing an acquisition strategy focused on growth and creating value through identifying, acquiring, developing and operating assets in the Asia Pacific region. Jadestone Energy plc is listed on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange. The Company is headquartered in Singapore. For further information on the Company please visit www.jadestone-energy.com. Cautionary Statements This announcement may contain certain forward-looking statements with respect to the Company's expectations and plans, strategy, management's objectives, future performance, production, reserves, costs, revenues and other trend information. These statements are made by the Company in good faith based on the information available at the time of this announcement, but such statements should be treated with caution due to inherent risks and uncertainties. These statements and forecasts involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to events and depend upon circumstances that may occur in the future. There are a number of factors which could cause actual results or developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements and forecasts. The statements have been made with reference to forecast price changes, economic conditions and the current regulatory environment. Nothing in this announcement should be construed as a profit forecast. Past share performance cannot be relied upon as a guide to future performance. The Company does not assume any obligation to publicly update the information, except as may be required pursuant to applicable laws. The technical information contained in this announcement has been prepared in accordance with the June 2018 guidelines endorsed by the Society of Petroleum Engineers, World Petroleum Congress, American Association of Petroleum Geologists and Society of Petroleum Evaluation Engineers Petroleum Resource Management System. Henning Hoeyland of Jadestone Energy plc, Group Subsurface Manager with a Masters degree in Petroleum Engineering, and who is a member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers and has been involved in the energy industry for more than 19 years, has read and approved the technical disclosure in this regulatory announcement. The information contained within this announcement is considered to be inside information prior to its release, as defined in Article 7 of the Market Abuse Regulation No. 596/2014 which is part of UK law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018. Glossary 2P Reserves The sum of proved and probable reserves. Denotes the best estimate scenario of reserves 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: Jadestone Energy PLC View source version on accesswire.com: A flight surgeon inspects an airmans neck and face during a shaving waiver course at Beale Air Force Base, Calif., March 15, 2018. (Colville McFee/U.S. Air Force) Airmen who receive waivers from the Air Force to grow beards due to a skin condition that worsens with shaving experience significant delays in promotion compared to their beardless counterparts, a new study found. The delay in promotions affects Black airmen disproportionately because the condition, commonly called razor bumps, is prevalent among them, according to the study published in the journal Military Medicine on July 1. The findings dovetail with an Air Force review of racial disparities in the service released in December, which found inequality in certain promotion rates based on race but did not determine cause. The review was initiated in the wake of protests and outcry over the death of George Floyd in May 2020 at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer. The survey for the study on shaving waivers and promotion was done in November and December 2020 by eight researchers affiliated with the Department of Dermatology, Uniformed Services University in Bethesda, Md. and other Air Force installations in Germany, Italy and the United States. We hope that the findings of this study shed light on this issue by showing that the promotion system is not necessarily inherently racially biased, but instead biased against the presence of facial hair which will likely always affect the promotions of Blacks/African-Americans disproportionately because of the relatively higher need for shaving waivers in this population, the new study concluded. Don Christensen, a retired colonel and former Chief Prosecutor of the Air Force, told Stars and Stripes during a phone interview Thursday that he was not surprised by the studys findings. I've definitely seen Black service members who felt like they were treated differently because they needed to get a waiver, said Christensen, who is now president of Protect our Defenders, an advocacy group whose May 2020 report revealed that the Air Force had long suppressed evidence of racial disparities in the services justice system. This is one of those cases when looking at the data its kind of hard to say that there isnt a racial aspect to it, he said. Maybe thats not the intent, but the reality is that, disproportionately, Black servicemembers need the waiver, and the waiver impacts promotion and opportunities. Its affecting the Black community in a disproportionate rate. The Air Force, like other services, bans beards except for certain religious and medical exceptions. The service regards a clean-shaven face as professional looking and better able to accommodate the tight fit of a gas or oxygen mask, should one ever be needed. Air Force health care providers issue shaving profiles for airmen suffering from razor bumps or other skin conditions that allow more flexibility in shaving. Several previous studies had found that airmen with shaving waivers perceived delays in promotion, but the new study analyzed data comparing a group receiving waivers with another that did not. The skin condition, formally known as pseudofolliculitis barbae, occurs when facial hair tightly curls and grows back into the skin. The skin becomes inflamed, with hardened bumps arising around ingrown follicles. Shaving traumatizes the bumps, causing them to grow and scar. Men of any ethnicity can experience the condition, but it is predominately found among Blacks. Researchers of the new study based their findings on survey results from 9,339 airmen, among which 8,200 had never had a shaving waiver and 1,139 who had been on a waiver for at least one year of their career. The majority of the waiver group, 64.2%, were Black even though they represented just under 13% of the 9,339 survey respondents. The non-waiver group was predominantly white at just over 76%. The makeup of the two groups also differed significantly by rank, with the waiver group composed of only 5.5% officers, while the no-waiver group was roughly 28% officers. Shaving waivers were associated with a significantly longer time to promotion compared to the no-waiver group, the study said. Cumulative time on a shaving waiver was associated with a progressively longer time to promotion. Promotions for those in the waiver group were delayed evenly across race and ethnicity, the study said. Airmen with shaving waivers are disenfranchised in various ways, the study said. The Air Forces Special Duty Catalog Guide, for example, specifically states that members on a shaving waiver will not be allowed into the Honor Guard, the study said. The guide requires airmen to maintain the highest levels of professionalism and personal appearance for duties such as recruiting, military training instructor and the Thunderbirds flight demonstration team, the study said. This has, anecdotally, been used to exclude members with shaving waivers from these fields, all of which are high profile and can lead to faster promotion, the study said. Researchers also found a significantly larger rate of disciplinary actions reported in the waiver group and recommended further research to better understand that association. Wyatt Olson Brig. Gen. David Eaglin, right, accepts command of the 18th Wing from 5th Air Force deputy commander Maj. Gen. Leonard Kosinski at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Friday, July 16, 2021. (Naoto Anazawa/U.S. Air Force) CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa A new commander returned to Okinawa and took charge of Americas largest combat air wing Friday during a ceremony in sweltering heat at Kadena Air Base. Brig. Gen. David Eaglin took command of the 18th Wing from Brig. Gen. Joel Carey at a hangar ceremony flanked by over 200 airmen and two aircraft, including the iconic F-15C Eagle. Eaglin arrived from Osan Air Base, South Korea, following a two-year stint as deputy commander of 7th Air Force. A native of West Memphis, Ark., Eaglin is an Air Force Academy graduate. He previously served on Okinawa from October 2009 to July 2013 as an instructor pilot and flight examiner, according to his Air Force biography. To the men and women of the 18th Wing, I personally watched you from a short flight up north in Korea for the last couple of years and Ive always been amazed at your sense of pride and professionalism in everything that you do, along with your willingness to adapt to an ever-changing security environment in the western Pacific and northeast Asia, he said. The mission here in the 18th Wing and Okinawa is no simple task and I know theres no doubt many challenges that lie ahead of us but theres no reason we cant work through those as a team. Buy Photo Brig. Gen. David Eaglin, the newly minted 18th Wing commander, poses with his wife, Alexia, near an F-15C Eagle that bears his name at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Friday, July 16, 2021. (Matthew M. Burke/Stars and Stripes) Turning to officers of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force and other Japanese dignitaries, Eaglin said he looked forward to moving the relationship between the U.S. and Japan forward. The 18th Wing consists of 8,000 airmen and 81 combat-ready aircraft that perform a variety of missions, including air superiority, aerial refueling, airborne warning and control and combat search and rescue in support of U.S. interests, the defense of Japan and peace and stability throughout the Indo-Pacific, according to the wing website. Eaglin will oversee over $6 billion in assets, including aircraft, equipment and infrastructure. Carey, a career F-15C pilot who took command in July 2019, heads to NATO Allied Air Command at Ramstein Air Base. An 18th Wing spokeswoman was unsure Friday what his exact job would be once he arrives in Germany. During Careys two years, the 18th Wing performed a number of historic intercepts of probing bombers from potential adversaries, which also put the wing on its first alert posture in decades, said Maj. Gen. Leonard Kosinski, 5th Air Force deputy commander, during the ceremony. Carey was part of the command team that set the U.S. military policy and response to the coronavirus pandemic and synchronized it across 12 installations for over 50,000 U.S. Forces Japan personnel, Kosinski said. He was also, as wing commander, the typhoon and cyclone condition of readiness authority for the entire island of Okinawa. Buy Photo Brig. Gen. David Eaglin, the newly minted 18th Wing commander, poses with his family near an F-15C Eagle bearing his name at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Friday, July 16, 2021. (Matthew M. Burke/Stars and Stripes) At Fridays ceremony, Carey thanked his subordinates and counterparts and leveled praise on the airmen and women who had been under his command. Airmen of the 18th Wing, its been an honor to serve with you and Ill miss you greatly, he said. Addressing Eaglin by his call sign, Carey said: Putty, youre an exceptionally talented leader and officer and youre absolutely ready for this. Im excited about the days ahead. Well be cheering from afar. Buy Photo Air Force Tech Sgt. Hazel Cochran, left, cleans the axle of a C-130J's nose landing gear wheel as showing German military academy cadet Tom Palzer how to remove a tire from the plane at Ramstein Air Base on July 15, 2021. (Karin Zeitvogel/Stars and Stripes) RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany Air Force Tech Sgt. Hazel Cochran threw the seven future Luftwaffe pilots into the deep end from the start of their two-week internship with maintainers at Ramstein Air Base. Theyve been getting dirty, she said Thursday as she guided two of the cadets from the University of the Armed Forces in Munich Germanys equivalent of a service academy through the steps required to remove the nose landing gear wheels of a C-130J Super Hercules. I also had them pulling out a toilet, taking off floor panels, and they just do it and knock it out, she said. Bringing the seven cadets to the largest U.S. air base in Germany to train with the Aerospace Ground Equipment crew was a first for the Germans and Americans. Buy Photo Tech Sgt. Hazel Cochran, left, hands safety goggles to German military academy cadet Tom Palzer before he and fellow cadet Tim Herbst, center, change the tires on a C-130J at Ramstein Air Base on July 15, 2021. The future Luftwaffe pilots are the first from the German military academy to train with U.S. Air Force maintenance crews at Ramstein Air Base. (Karin Zeitvogel/Stars and Stripes) Buy Photo Airman 1st Class Samuel Alcala Perez, left, explains some of the workings of the C-130J to German military academy cadet Nicolas Polster on July 15, 2021, at Ramstein Air Base. Polster and six other future Luftwaffe pilots spent two weeks at Ramstein Air Base working alongside maintainers to learn what it takes to prepare aircraft for flight. (Karin Zeitvogel/Stars and Stripes) The main aim of the internship, which is a required part of the aeronautical engineering curriculum at the German academy, was to educate the future pilots on the essential work that maintainers do, said Senior Master Sgt. Dominik Gutierrez, the AGE flight chief. You dont just walk up to an aircraft and get in the seat. Theres hours and hours of maintenance that goes in front of that, he said. To have them actually do maintenance tasks, they get an idea of what it takes to generate an aircraft. As Cochran worked with cadets Tim Herbst and Tom Palzer to remove the wheels of the C-130J, Airman 1st Class Samuel Alcala Perez walked Nicolas Polster and Nirushegan Veerasingam around the Super Hercules. Were making sure they know what theyre looking at so its safe to fly, basically, Alcala Perez said. Then we go inside and I show them what we do: running our engines, making sure theyre running at optimal, making sure there are no fault codes, no automated signal that says theres something wrong with the engine, and this is how you look for it. Buy Photo German military academy cadets Tim Herbst, left, and Tom Palzer listen to instructions from U.S. maintainers at Ramstein Air Base before removing the wheels of a C-130J to check the bearings on July 15, 2021. The future Luftwaffe pilots were among seven cadets majoring in aeronautical engineering at the University of the Armed Forces in Munich who did their required practical training at the U.S. air base. (Karin Zeitvogel/Stars and Stripes) Buy Photo Col. Johannes Rudolf, foreground left, presents Senior Master Sgt. Dominik Gutierrez with a plaque for hosting seven cadets from Germany's University of the Armed Forces in Munich for two weeks of training at Ramstein Air Base, July 15, 2021. The aeronautical engineering students, who will go on to pilot training at Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas, are the first from the German military academy to do their required practical training with the U.S. Air Force at Ramstein Air Base. (Karin Zeitvogel/Stars and Stripes) The program has also helped to strengthen vital U.S.-German relations, said general staff Col. Johannes Rudolf, commander of the Air Liaison Command, German Air Force to U.S. Air Forces Europe, who was instrumental in creating the internship. This is the perfect way for us to get closer, to understand each other, and for Germans to step into the American mentality of doing things, he said. After presenting Gutierrez with a plaque to thank him and the AGE crew for working with the young Germans, Rudolf himself a former fighter pilot who trained at Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas urged the cadets to carry what they had learned in the Ramstein maintenance hangar into the future. I saw how hard you worked, what you achieved and learned, he told them in German. Take that with you into the future, when you go to America and do your pilot training at Sheppard. You know now that you can rely on what maintainers do that when you get into an aircraft that everything is in the best working order. As for the wheels of the C-130J that Herbst and Palzer removed, both have to be replaced, Cochran said before she praised the trainees for their hard work. They've been eager, enthusiastic and laughed off the banter and culture of the maintenance world, she said. They've been a big help and Ive thrown them right in there on some of the hardest jobs that we do. German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas says the practice of local tax offices attempting to levy income tax penalties on U.S. troops in the country is doing damage to relations with Washington and putting the American troop presence at risk. Jesco Denze/German government () Editors' note: This story was originally published on March 9, 2021. STUTTGART, Germany Germanys future as a hub for U.S. troops will not come to fruition unless local tax offices cease efforts to collect income tax from American military personnel in the country, Germanys top diplomat said. I share your concern that the great advantages and location factors of the Federal Republic of Germany as a stationing location will not come to fruition as long as this practice (of double taxation) leads to irritation on the American side, Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said in a recent statement to a German lawmaker. Maas said he has become personally involved in the matter and that he will stand up for a solution in this important question. Maas statement, sent to German parliamentarian Anita Schaefer in a March 1 letter, means a problem that has affected hundreds of troops and military civilians is now being addressed at the highest levels of German government. Maas comments also come as President Joe Biden considers whether to proceed with the Trump administrations plan for a large troop withdrawal from Germany. Mass said maintaining good relations with the U.S. is a top priority and that he was pleased that the originally planned reduction of the troop presence in Germany by the new U.S. administration under President Joe Biden is halted until further notice. In December, Washington lodged a formal complaint with Berlin over attempts by local German finance offices to impose tax penalties, which has caused financial ruin for some affected U.S. personnel. Washington contends that attempts to force service members and Defense Department civilians to pay German income tax violates a NATO treaty that exempts U.S. forces. While we do not publicly discuss the content of diplomatic conversations, the Embassy has made clear our concerns and is working to resolve the issue with our German partners. We take the issue with the utmost seriousness, Joseph Giordono-Scholz, spokesman for the U.S. embassy in Berlin, said Monday. German tax authorities, especially those in the greater Kaiserslautern area, where tens of thousands of U.S. personnel are based, have claimed that income tax exemptions spelled out in the SOFA treaty are void if a military member has motivations for being in Germany beyond just their job. Those offices have built hundreds of tax liability cases against service members, civilians and contractors around circumstances such as being married to a German, extending tours, owning property or sending children to German schools. Tax bills have reached into six figures for some personnel. Germany is the only known country where U.S. troops are at risk of being taxed on their income. Such a situation is unheard of in other allied states with U.S. bases, including Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom, Italy and Spain, according to military officials who oversee SOFA issues in those countries. The situation came to the attention of Schaefer, the German parliamentarian, after Stars and Stripes highlighted the difficulties faced by military families being threatened by tax collectors. Schaefer, who represents a region in the state of Rheinland Pfalz that has a long history of U.S. military ties, has raised objections about the situation in Berlin. She says she is hopeful that a resolution to the problem will soon be worked out. A solution will have to be found that ends double taxation without embarrassing the federal states concerned and their tax authorities, Schaefer said in a statement to Stars and Stripes. There is also the question of repayments should the practice of double taxation be declared null and void. The federal states will have to be included as responsible political entities. For now, the tax dispute is a great burden on German-American coexistence in our homeland, she said. vandiver.john@stripes.com Twitter: @john_vandiver kloeckner.marcus@stripes.com Lt. Gen. Michael E. Kurilla, XVIII Airborne Corps commander (right), passes the 10th Mountain Division colors to Brig. Gen. Milford Beagle Jr., during the division change of command ceremony July 12 at Wheeler-Sack Army Airfield. (Brandon Cox/U.S. Army) FORT DRUM, N.Y. (Tribune News Service) A familiar face has returned to command the 10th Mountain Division. On Monday, Brig. Gen. Milford H. Beagle Jr. assumed command of the division, and of Fort Drum, marking his second assignment to the Army post. In an interview Thursday, he said returning to the north country comes with a sense of familiarity, which has made the command transition comparatively comfortable. If feels like Im coming back someplace familiar, he said. Theres a sense of comfort. Since 2018, Beagle was the senior commander at Fort Jackson, a post about an hour away from his hometown in South Carolina. He was also the commanding general of the U.S. Army Training Center at Fort Jackson, which provides basic combat training for roughly half of all Army soldiers. Returning to Fort Drum, Beagle said he is most struck by the sense of community that feels deeply embedded into Fort Drum. Upon entering Hays Hall, the 10th Mountain Divisions headquarters, visitors are met with the faces of the chain of command, both nationally and for the division itself, as in all other headquarters. What is unique are the photos of local leaders, including Assemblyman Mark C. Walczyk, R- Watertown, U.S. Rep. Elise M. Stefanik, R- Schuylerville, and the memorials to the leaders in the divisions past. It all culminates in a strong sense of the history that defines the 10th Mountain Division, Brig. Gen. Beagle said, which he walks through daily. Every commander brings their own touch, but Im not sure what I want to do here yet, because the building is already so beautiful, he said, looking around the photos, memorials and plaques that adorn the main lobby of Hays Hall. Fort Drum has a uniquely close relationship with the surrounding communities in Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties. Local leaders and Army officials fought to reactivate the 10th Mountain Division and bring it to Fort Drum in the 1980s, and since then the Army post has maintained close ties with the north country. With no central hospital or school system on post, patients and families brought to the region by the military are woven into the regions communities. Beagle said he wants to sustain those close relationships during his command of Fort Drum. For me the focus with soldiers, families and our civilians is quality of life, he said. So anywhere we can make that better when we have a family that lives on post, we have to be on par and in sync with one another. The general commended the health care system in the region, and said local school districts have clearly worked hard to adapt programs to serve the children of military families, who frequently move. Beagle said an area he continues to pay attention to is job opportunities for military spouses, ensuring there are jobs and industries in the surrounding communities to utilize their skills. Thats not necessarily a problem here, but its something you want to continue to think about because it happens with our families, he said. Every two, three years they move and for the spouse, they start all over again, they really dont have any level of consistency. Beagle left Fort Jackson after balancing two relatively tense situations. In April, Sgt. Jonathan Pentland, who had in 2017 been stationed on Fort Drum but was then stationed at Fort Jackson, was arrested and charged with assault after getting into a heated encounter with a Black man in a neighborhood. Less than a month later, a Fort Jackson trainee was arrested after authorities say he took an unloaded rifle off post and briefly hijacked a bus of elementary school students. Beagle said when situations arise that may be perceived by the community as significantly negative, having strong bonds with the community already is integral. Those things will threaten a bit of the trust, if you havent worked at maintaining those links, he said. After the bus hijacking incident, Beagle said he spoke with the families of the children who were on board, but his first call was to the bus driver. You can only do that if you have access in that way, if youve spent time investing in the community, being transparent, he said. The next step, Beagle said, is standing up as a leader and explaining what happened and how further instances can be prevented. The general is taking command of Fort Drum at a time when the division faces some significant changes. After years of de-escalation in Afghanistan, U.S. forces have officially withdrawn. The 10th Mountain is the most deployed division of the Army, and many 10th Mountain soldiers were stationed in Afghanistan, including former commander Maj. Gen. Brian J. Mennes. Beagle said that as the division moves forward without missions in Afghanistan, their focus will shift to training for a new kind of warfighting concept, multi-domain operations. Multi-domain operations mean fighting fights of the future in all domains cyber, air, land and sea, he said. The Army has experience fighting in the air, land and sea domains, but Beagle said adding the cyber-warfare perspective is new. Multi-domain operations also mean training for different terrains that have been rarely encountered until now, like subterranean caves. Beagle said that as the Army and U.S. military disengage from Middle Eastern-focused and counter-terrorism operations, the new focus is on large-scale combat operations, known as LISCO. LISCO focuses on fighting against peers with comparable forces and capabilities in larger theaters. Thats generally how the armed services work, he said. Unless youre engaged in your current conflict, youre preparing for the next one. Military commanders are also facing a time of change on their own front. In July, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III officially announced his support for a proposed change in the military justice system that would remove the power for a military commander to decide themselves whether to pursue a sexual assault case brought before them. Congressional leaders, including U.S. Sen. Kirsten E. Gillibrand, D- N.Y., have long pushed for the change in law, but the defense secretarys statement of support is the first time military leadership itself has expressed support for the proposition. The secretary said it has become apparent that the military has failed to make progress in preventing sexual assault among its ranks. Beagle said it is clear the American people want there to be a change to how the military handles sexual assault cases, and he hopes any changes made to the military justice system are done with a sense of consistency. From an outside perspective, when you look at the numbers and the statistics, you get the sense whatever were doing is not really working, he said. To reverse the trend, or the trend people say exists, we need to take an approach we can embrace and put our efforts into it. Brig. Gen. Beagle said that as he looks at the work ahead of him in his new command, he cannot help but be struck by how much of an honor and a privilege it is to be chosen to lead the 10th Mountain Division out of a significant, skilled pool of officers. If I had to pick any one of the ten divisions, I got the one that I would have picked any day, he said. I really look forward to continuing to reach out, engage and see what this community needs from us. (c)2021 Watertown Daily Times (Watertown, N.Y.) Visit Watertown Daily Times (Watertown, N.Y.) at www.watertowndailytimes.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. A U.S Army MIM-104 Patriot surface-to-air missile is fired from Australia for the first time ever, Friday, July 16, 2021. The missile was launched from Shoalwater Bay Training Area, Queensland, during the Talisman Sabre exercise. (Australian Defence Force) The Army is showing off its ability to quickly move defensive and offensive missiles around the Pacific amid threats to U.S. bases in Japan. The latest demonstration involves the deployment of Patriot missile defense launchers to Australia for the biennial Talisman Sabre exercise. The exercise, involving 17,000 U.S., Australian, New Zealand, Japanese, South Korean and British troops, kicked off Wednesday and included a Patriot battery downing a pair of drone aircraft Friday at Shoalwater Bay Training Area, Queensland. The Patriots debut Down Under follows a series of similar maneuvers this year. The Army sent a Patriot battery to Japans southern island of Amami and a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System to the northern island of Hokkaido during the annual Orient Shield exercise, which ran from June 24 to July 9. A U.S Army MIM-104 Patriot surface-to-air missile is fired from Australia for the first time ever, Friday, July 16, 2021. The missile was launched from Shoalwater Bay Training Area, Queensland, during the Talisman Sabre exercise. (Australian Defence Force) A U.S Army MIM-104 Patriot surface-to-air missile is fired from Australia for the first time ever, Friday, July 16, 2021. The missile was launched from Shoalwater Bay Training Area, Queensland, during the Talisman Sabre exercise. (Australian Defence Force) Sixty-five soldiers from the 38th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, out of Sagami General Depot in Kanagawa prefecture near Tokyo, and Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, are in Australia for Talisman Sabre, said Maj. Joel Sullivan, executive officer for 1st Battalion, 1st Air Defense Artillery Regiment, by phone Thursday from Shoalwater Bay. The troops are operating a pair of Patriot launchers, a radar, power plant, control station and brigade and battalion command posts that arrived in Australia by commercial shipping from the United States, he said. The Patriot launchers shot down a pair or Phoenix unmanned aerial vehicles, Sullivan said. On Friday officials posted photographs and video of the Patriot engaging the drones. A training objective is to demonstrate the Armys ability to move around the region, said brigade commander Col. Matt Dalton, of Portland, Conn., who oversees air and missile defense units in Japan, including Okinawa, and on Guam. Next month we are moving another [Patriot battery] from Okinawa to Hawaii for another exercise, he said during a conference call with Sullivan. We are trying to demonstrate our ability to quickly move our units around the Indo-Pacific to be able to counter any threat that is out there our ability to move to different locations quickly, set up and establish defense of a particular asset. The threat of Chinese and North Korean missiles is an ever-present concern for U.S. commanders in the Far East. As recently as 2017, the North Koreans fired a ballistic missile over northern Japan and tested an intercontinental ballistic missile that experts believed to be capable of striking the U.S. mainland. The same year, Google Earth images revealed that China, which has a vast arsenal of missiles, was firing them at targets configured to look like U.S. bases in Japan. This week communist party officials in northwestern China posted a video, shared on Twitter, that threatened nuclear war against Japan if the country attempts to defend Taiwan from an invasion. Japan and U.S. missile defense is aimed at North Korea and not capable of defeating or deterring Chinas overmatch in nuclear strike capabilities, according to Riki Ellison, founder of the Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance, which lobbies for missile defense, deployment and development. Japan has to rely on assured deterrence from the U.S. which is U.S. assured nuclear strike on China if China attacks Japan, he said. That is what Japan has relied on since the end of World War II. Meanwhile, Brisbanes Courier Mail newspaper reported Tuesday that the Tianwangxing a Chinese naval intelligence vessel had been spotted inside Australias exclusive economic zone in the Coral Sea. Australian Defence Minister Peter Dutton, speaking at the opening ceremony for Talisman Sabre at Royal Australian Air Force Base Amberley Wednesday said it was obvious that the ship was spying on the exercise. The Army will next move its Patriot battery north to practice defending the task force at an undisclosed location, Dalton said. A general has decided not to suspend the bad conduct discharge of Marine Cpl. Thae Ohu, who was the subject of a high-profile court-martial. The judge in the case had recommended the suspension. Facebook/Justice For Thae Ohu () A Marine generals decision not to suspend Cpl. Thae Ohus bad conduct discharge could jeopardize her mental health care, despite a diagnosis that led a judge to recommend the suspension earlier this year. Ohu was the subject of a complicated and high-profile assault case in which the man she attempted to stab in April 2020, her then-boyfriend, had called on the Corps not to punish her, but to help her get treatment for issues stemming from a rape she reported years earlier in Japan. Advocates highlighted it as emblematic of the militarys mishandling of sexual assault and mental health issues. This whole situation has been disparaging towards my service, my assault, my care and now my future, Ohu said in a statement issued on the website justiceforThaeOhu.com Thursday. I still cannot fathom the contemptuous behavior of the Corps towards me from the moment I reported, along the way when I sought care and now a final infliction to hinder my care post service. Maj. Gen. Julian D. Alford, commanding general of Marine Corps Training Command, suspended any brig time beyond Ohus 328 days of time served before trial, the service said in a statement. But he imposed the remainder of the sentence, including reduction to private and the discharge, as adjudged without suspension. Ohu was released in May from the Navy Consolidated Brig in Chesapeake, Va., after pleading guilty to several charges, including aggravated assault with a dangerous weapon, which stemmed from the 2020 attack. Both she and the victim have said the attack came during a mental breakdown. Ohus case made headlines last year after her family called on the Marine Corps to release her into mental health treatment. It was one of a series of cases that gained widespread attention in the wake of the killing and disappearance of Spc. Vanessa Guillen at Fort Hood, and as lawmakers pushed for reform to the militarys handling of sexual assault cases. Ohus victim, Michael Hinesley, never wanted the service to prosecute her, he wrote in a statement to the court earlier this year. It is like you are leaving a wounded Marine on the battlefield if she were convicted, he wrote. Judge Lt. Col. Michael Zimmerman cited her mental health history in recommending Alford hold off on the punitive discharge for a probationary period. Ohu was born in a refugee camp and had a difficult upbringing, with a history of mental illness before joining the service. She began having mental health challenges after arriving at her first duty station in Japan in 2014, the nonprofit investigative news site The War Horse reported. A counselor she saw there recommended to two senior Marines that she be separated, calling her an accident waiting to happen, one of those Marines, Sgt. Maj. Jerry Bates, told the news site. But Bates felt that she just needed to talk to someone and seemed to be a squared-away Marine after doing so. Hinesley said her condition worsened after another Marine raped her in Okinawa in 2015, and that locking her up for assaulting him stripped away any progress shed made in treatment. Her advocates say she suffered severe post-traumatic stress disorder and other issues after the rape. During the April 2020 attack on Hinesley, shed initially grabbed the knife with suicidal intentions, but then confused her boyfriend for the man who raped her in Okinawa. She became enraged, she said in court testimony reported by Marine Corps Times. A bad conduct discharge would make her ineligible for guaranteed veteran benefits. Her attorneys had sought a medical discharge instead that would have allowed her to seek treatment through the Department of Veterans Affairs. A veteran with a bad paper discharge may only qualify for VA benefits under certain circumstances, after an agency determination about specifics of their case, the VA website states. Under a suspended sentence, the bad conduct discharge would be canceled if Ohu didnt violate conditions Alford would have set. But the general approved the discharge without suspension based on the totality of the circumstances of the case, he wrote in a letter to the VA, Marine Corps Times reported. Her conviction should not prevent her from receiving necessary treatment from the VA, Alford wrote. Ohus case is being reviewed by the Navy-Marine Corps Court of Criminal Appeals and her discharge will not be complete until the review is finalized, Marine spokesman Capt. Sam Stephenson told Task and Purpose. The bad conduct discharge likely wont affect Ohus access to VA health care because she received an honorable discharge for a prior four-year period, and because of the agency review process, said Sherman Gillums, Jr., a retired Marine chief warrant officer 2 who has worked in veterans advocacy for many years and is in regular contact with Ohu. But her care could be hampered while she remains in the administrative nightmare of the legal process awaiting discharge, said Gillums, now chief strategy and operations officer at the National Alliance on Mental Illness. She may face obstacles with Tricare and within the military bureaucracy she would not face on the outside, he said. Ohu described her feelings Thursday as overwhelmed and worried, I dare say discouraged and said she was failed physically, morally, and ethically after seeking care and reporting the 2015 rape. This is not justice, she said in the statement, but she said she could say little more for the time being. Ohus sister Pan Phyu, one of her most vocal advocates, has pledged to continue fighting. Itll be a cold day in hell until I stop asking for #JusticeForThaeOhu, she wrote Thursday on Facebook. A tunnel inside of the Red Hill Underground Fuel Storage Facility in Hawaii is shown in this undated file photo. (Shannon Haney/U.S. Navy) HONOLULU (Tribune News Service) State environmental regulators said this week that the Navy has not proved it can safely operate its underground Red Hill fuel tanks, which in recent years have been the subject of mounting concerns over leaks and groundwater contamination. The conclusion, submitted by the Hawaii Department of Health's Environmental Health Administration as part of a contested case hearing, raises the possibility that the state might deny the Navy a five-year permit to continue operating the facility. "Given the documented history of releases at the site, the uncertainty associated with the Navy's groundwater model, and the lack of treatment or recovery systems in place to date, the Navy has not met its burden of demonstrating that this facility is protective of human health and the environment from potentially 'significant' future releases, " James Paige, a deputy attorney general for the Environmental Health Administration, wrote in the agency's proposed ruling in the case. It's now up to a hearings officer to weigh the positions of the various parties in the case and issue a recommended order. The director of the Department of Health then makes a final decision on the Navy's permit request, though there is no statutory deadline for doing so. Typically, directors follow the direction of their own agencies. The Environmental Health Administration said that if a permit is issued for the Red Hill facility it would need to include conditions that would protect against tank erosion, mitigate the uncertainty of the Navy's own groundwater modeling and address its lack of treatment and recovery systems for spills. Health Department officials said that they couldn't say at this time what conditions might satisfy their concerns. But Marti Townsend, director of the Hawaii Sierra Club, which along with the Honolulu Board of Water Supply requested the contested case hearing, said she didn't think there are permit conditions that can be put in place to address regulators' concerns about the facility. "We cannot think of conditions that you could impose now that would make the tanks safe to operate, " she said. Townsend said the position of state regulators is a positive step in the push to address the threat that Red Hill poses to Oahu's drinking water supply. While she doubted that it meant the facility was poised to be shut down, she said hopefully it would help fast-track the relocation of the tanks. The Navy is currently required to do significant upgrades to its World War II-era tanks under an order imposed by federal and state regulators after 27,000 gallons of fuel leaked from one of the tanks in 2014. Tanks that have not been upgraded by 2037 are required to be taken out of service. Townsend said that's too long to wait. "It's just too dangerous, " she said. "That is part of the reason why we keep pushing." Environmentalists, as well as top officials with the Honolulu Board of Water Supply, have expressed alarm since the 2014 spill that a major leak at the facility could contaminate the underground aquifer that serves as a major source of drinking water for Oahu. Each of the 20 Red Hill tanks can hold up to about 20 million gallons of fuel. Regulators have said if there is a major release at one of the tanks that contaminates the aquifer, it would be practically impossible to clean up. The Hawaii Sierra Club successfully sued the state in recent years to force the Health Department to require the Navy to obtain a permit to operate its facility. The Health Department subsequently came close to issuing a permit, but the Sierra Club in 2019 requested a contested case on the permit. The Navy, in response to this week's filing, expressed confidence in its ability to obtain a permit for Red Hill and said no further conditions are needed to ensure the facility is safely operated. Lydia Robertson, a spokeswoman for the Navy, described the filing by regulators as "simply a preliminary piece of the hearing process." She said that measures already undertaken by the Navy to address concerns following the 2014 leak will protect the environment. "In almost 80 years of operation, the Red Hill Facility has never posed a threat to human health or the environment, " Robertson said by email. "Past fuel releases, regardless of cause, have never moved beyond the footprint of the facility before diminishing to undetectable levels. No fuel from Red Hill has ever been detected in the drinking water that the Board of Water Supply provides its customers." But the Navy's own documents and reports indicate that over the decades there have been dozens of leaks at the Red Hill facility, which sits just 100 feet above the aquifer and about 2.5 miles from Pearl Harbor. Those leaks, according to the reports, have contaminated the surrounding groundwater and raised internal concerns about the integrity of the aging tanks and their potential to pollute drinking water sources. The Hawaii Sierra Club has estimated that the leaks total more than 178,434 gallons of fuel. David Kimo Frankel, the Sierra Club's attorney for the Red Hill case, warned that the threat of a major future release at the facility is significant. "The Navy's own documents reveal the significant contamination that has already occurred, " said Frankel in a statement. "Its risk assessment reveals that the probability of a leak up to 30, 000 gallons over the next year is 27.6 %. Over the next five years, that risk is 80.1 % and over the next 10 years that risk is 96.0 %." (c)2021 The Honolulu Star-Advertiser Visit The Honolulu Star-Advertiser at www.staradvertiser.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (Tribune News Service) The Navys Hampton Roads installations are tightening pandemic restrictions after easing them two weeks ago. The move returns the Navy facility to Health Protection Condition Level (HPCON) Bravo. Hampton Roads is no longer hitting a key Department of Defense benchmark new COVID 19 cases at two for every 100,000 area residents for the lowest level of restriction: HPCON Alpha. COVID-19 case rates in Hampton Roads have been steadily increasing over the past nine days, the Navy said. HPCON Bravo means workplace occupancy rates are capped at 50%. Social distancing, personal hygiene measures and the wearing of masks for those who are not immunized are still required, as they were for HPCON Alpha. Military personnel in Hampton Roads must also follow state and local guidance when off base. dress@dailypress.com 2021 Daily Press. Visit dailypress.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Australian Hobart-class air warfare destroyer HMAS Sydney (DDG 42) and Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS John Finn (DDG 113) conduct a group sail in the waters off the coast of Southern California, April 1, 2021. (U.S. Navy) (Tribune News Service) The Navy said it will formally reexamine training and testing around Hawaii and Southern California, with the Center for Biological Diversity threatening to sue following the May arrival of an Australian destroyer in San Diego with two dead endangered fin whales stuck to its hull. The whales, likely a mother and her calf, were apparently killed by a collision with an Australian vessel (HMAS Sydney) conducting military training exercises with the U.S. Navy in the Pacific Ocean, the conservation organization said, adding it was a tragic reminder of the harm Navy training activities can have on endangered species. A 2020 ruling by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which oversees the National Marine Fisheries Service, allows certain levels of disruption of marine animals in the course of Navy training. The approval expires in December 2025. The ruling notes that the average speed of large Navy ships ranges between 10 and 15 knots (11 to 17 mph), while submarines generally operate between 8 to 13 knots (9 to 15 mph) slower than most commercial vessels, with full speed for a containership typically at 24 knots (27 mph ). In late 2018 the National Marine Fisheries Service gave authorization for the Navy to potentially disrupt thousands of whales, dolphins and monk seals during annual sonar and explosives training and testing between Southern California, Hawaii and west to the international dateline. Those rules are still in effect in the 2020 update. Minimizing impacts on the marine environment is important to the Navy, U.S. Pacific Fleet spokeswoman Brenda Way said Thursday in an email. The Navys use of sonar and explosives may affect certain marine species. Based on current research, monitoring, and modeling data, the analysis indicates that the majority of effects on marine mammals would be behavioral responses (i.e., movement in another direction or a minor change in behavior). The Navy will implement mitigation and monitoring measures to avoid or minimize effects on marine species. National Marine Fisheries expects some animals will be killed as the result of that training. The Center for Biological Diversity said it sent the Navy and NOAA Fisheries a letter demanding the agencies consult on ways to avoid killing endangered whales. It threatened to sue under the Endangered Species Act. Were glad to see the Navy re-examining the harms of its training exercises on these mighty but vulnerable creatures, Kristen Monsell, oceans program legal director at the center, said in a release. These military activities can wreak havoc on whales, dolphins and other marine mammals through explosions, sonar and ship strikes. We hope this process leads to new mitigation measures like slowing ships down in important whale habitat. The Fisheries Service in late 2018 said the regulations that were put in place were more protective and covered a larger area than those previously proposed. The Navy has balanced our conservation requirements for marine mammals with their critical national security requirements for training and military readiness, Timothy Gallaudet, then acting administrator of NOAA, said at the time. NOAA Fisheries said it was imposing stringent mitigation measures that it expected would reduce adverse impacts to marine mammal stocks, including limiting Navy sonar operations in certain areas during reproduction, migration or foraging. (c)2021 The Honolulu Star-Advertiser Visit The Honolulu Star-Advertiser at www.staradvertiser.com The USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) transits the Strait of Gibraltar, July 7, 2021 on its way back to Norfolk after its second deployment in a year. (U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Dean M. Cates) () (Tribune News Service) The USS Dwight D. Eisenhower is set to arrive back home in Norfolk on Sunday after its second deployment in a year an unusually quick return to sea and one that saw the carrier play a central role in winding down two decades of war in Afghanistan. It was a deployment that started with a focus on exercising with allied and friendly navies in and around the maritime chokepoints of Europe and the Middle East, operating with ships from Morocco, Greece, Italy, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt. The cruisers and destroyers of the Eisenhowers strike group ranged even farther afield, joining Romanian-led exercises in the Black Sea. Three months in, the Eisenhower got its first major change in direction an assignment for its Oceana-based air wing to fly in support of the continuing campaign against Islamic State remnants in Syria and Iraq. Moving on to the Arabian Sea, the Eisenhower drilled on multi-carrier operations with Frances Charles de Gaulle, an exercise that involves more than the challenges of coordinating operations of the Eisenhower in the expanse of the Arabian Sea and the de Gaulle in the narrow waters of the Gulf. Thats when, just a few days after President Joe Biden set a Sept. 11 deadline to withdraw U.S. troops from Afghanistan, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin extended the Eisenhowers deployment. The pandemic, meanwhile, meant the crew had to be even more self-sufficient than usual tackling such major challenges as a hydraulic fluid leak that took one of the carriers two rudders out of action and repair of one of the four giant elevators that lift planes from the hangar deck to the flight deck. dress@dailypress.com 2021 Daily Press. Visit dailypress.com. Screen capture of Haiti (Google Maps) PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti At least four top Haitian security officials responsible for presidential protection have been placed under travel restrictions amid an investigation into the assassination last week of President Jovenel Moise, Haitian prosecutor Bed-Ford Claude said Friday. Those under departure bans include presidential security chief Dimitri Herard, who was detained Thursday, along with other officials in question. Herard has been removed from his position, at least for now; it is not clear if he faces formal charges. No members of the Moises security detail were injured in the attack on his private residence, in which he was slain and his wife injured. In a letter addressed to Joseph Cianciulli, the countrys director of immigration and emigration, Claude issued a ban, affecting officials under investigation, on leaving the national territory by air, sea and land due to serious suspicion of assassination of the President of the Republic. Beyond Herard, those on the list include Leandre Pierre Osman, principal inspector and head of the presidential security unit; Amazan Paul Eddy, a team manager; and Jean Laguel Civil, general coordinator of presidential security. At least two others present on the night of the assassination have been banned from leaving the country. Claude told The Washington Post that the bans had been imposed because the officials could attempt to flee the country. As the investigation unfolds, many key questions remain unanswered. More than 20 people have been arrested so far. Police have sought additional warrants and conducted some 27 interviews, Leon Charles, the head of Haitis National Police, said at a news conference Friday. Three suspected participants have been killed since last week, and five Haitian Americans are in custody, he said. Haitian police are working international police bodies, including the FBI and Interpol, he said. Several former Colombian soldiers some of whom at one point received training from the United States, according to the Pentagon are among those detained. Christian Emmanuel Sanon, 63, a Haitian American self-described pastor with long ties to Florida, was arrested on suspicion of playing a leading role in the assassination effort. Preparations for Moises funeral, set for July 23, are underway, officials said. Marine Moise, the wife of the slain president, was critically injured in the attack. On Wednesday, the public saw her for the first time after the event in two photos posted on Twitter showing Moise in a hospital bed with a cast. Thank you for the team of guardian angels who helped me through this terrible time, she tweeted in English. With your gentle touch, kindness and care, I was able to hold on. In Creole, she tweeted a thank-you to those who had prayed for her life. I have yet to believe that my husband left like that, under my eyes, without telling me a last word, she wrote. This pain will last forever. An Air Force B-52H Stratofortress from Minot Air Force Base, N.D., arrives at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Thursday, July 15, 2021. (Richard Ebensberger/U.S. Air Force) Guam is supporting two simultaneous U.S. military exercises by hosting Air Force bombers and Army soldiers, vehicles and weapons over the coming weeks. A group of B-52 bombers arrived Wednesday on Guam from Minot Air Force Base, N.D., to support Pacific Air Forces Bomber Task Force, according to an Air Force news release. The bombers will also take part in the Talisman Saber exercise, which runs through the end of the month, with the Australian Defense Force. The Air Force did not disclose the number of B-52s sent to Guam. Four B-52 Stratofortress bombers deployed there in April from Barksdale Air Force Base, La. Meanwhile, I Corps, based at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington state, is leading the Armys Pacific Forager 21 exercise from Guam. The exercise, which runs through Aug. 6, is designed to test and refine the Theater Army and the Corps ability to deploy landpower forces to the Pacific, execute command and control, and effectively conduct multi-domain operations throughout Oceania, according to an Army news release. About 4,000 U.S. personnel are directly participating in Forager, the Army said. Soldiers and civilian contractors unload military vehicles from the Army vessel Lt. Gen. William B. Bunker at Naval Base Guam, July 10, 2021, in support of the Pacific Forager exercise. (Richard Carlisi/U.S. Army) Training scenarios include an 82nd Airborne operation; a bilateral airborne operation with the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force and 1st Special Forces Group; a live-fire exercise with Apache attack helicopters; and multi-domain operations involving the transport over land, air and sea of Strykers, the Avengers surface-to-air missile system and High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, the Army said. Forager 21 allows us to dynamically employ forces to the Pacific to practice our response to a full range of security concerns in support of our regional alliances and international agreements across all domains, land, air, sea, space and cyber, Maj. Gen. Xavier Brunson, commander of I Corps, said in the news release. The tiny U.S. territory of Guam, which lies 4,000 miles west of Hawaii and 2,500 miles east of the Philippines, is of growing strategic importance to the American military as it grapples with Chinas expansion in the region. The islands Andersen Air Force Base routinely hosts deploying bombers, which are used to project U.S. air power throughout the Indo-Pacific with an eye toward China, Russia and North Korea. Naval Base Guam is the homeport for four Navy submarines, and the Coast Guard operates a trio of the services new 154-foot Sentinel-class fast-response cutters from the island. Wyatt Olson A night view of Victoria Peak in Hong Kong during a port visit by the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Nimitz. Nimitz is currently operating as part of the U.S. 7th Fleet operating in the western Pacific and Indian oceans. (David Mercil/U.S. Navy) The Biden administration warned investors about the risks of doing business in Hong Kong, issuing an advisory that said Chinas push to exert more control over the financial hub threatens the rule of law and endangers employees and data. A senior administration official said developments over the last year in Hong Kong present operational, financial, legal, and reputational risks for multinational firms that necessitated the advisory, issued Friday by the State and Treasury, Homeland Security and Commerce departments. The business advisory underscored how swiftly Chinas push for more control over Hong Kong has brought an end to the one country, two systems approach that Beijing had promised when it took back control of the former British colony in 1997. Thats proved a death knell for the islands independent judiciary, pugnacious media and lively protest movements. The situation in Hong Kong is deteriorating, and the Chinese government is not keeping its commitment that it made, how it would deal with Hong Kong, President Joe Biden said Thursday, ahead of the advisorys release. Shortly before the advisory was issued, Beijing pledged a firm response to any action by Washington. We urge the U.S. side to stop interfering in the Hong Kong issue and Chinas internal affairs in any form, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told a regular news briefing Friday in Beijing. While the advisory doesnt order companies to scale back investments or leave Hong Kong, Biden administration officials worry that major banks and other multinational businesses with headquarters in the city havent yet come to grips with just how much the landscape there has changed and how much risk they now face. Seeking to make that clear, the U.S. advisory covers four main areas: Chinas national security law, risks to data privacy, freedom of the press and sanctions that have been put in place by both sides. Specifically, it warns of the Chinese governments ability to gain access to data that foreign companies store in Hong Kong. The advisory is the latest salvo in a competition that Biden has called one of the defining challenges of the century, and it signals a remarkable turnaround for a city which over decades became a financial hub on a par with London and New York. It comes amid news that China plans to exempt companies going public in Hong Kong from first seeking the approval of the countrys cybersecurity regulator. The exemption, which, according to people familiar with the matter was outlined by officials in recent meetings with bankers, would remove one hurdle for businesses that list in the Asian financial hub instead of the U.S. The worlds two biggest economies, still so dependent on each other for trade and economic growth, are in confrontations in more and more areas. They are in conflict over the race to develop advanced semiconductor technology, the battle to supply other nations with next-generation telecommunications equipment and the treatment of ethnic minorities in the Xinjiang region. Despite the turmoil of the past few years, foreign banks and other companies have rushed to build up their presence in Hong Kong, still seen as a gateway to the broader Chinese market. Citigroup said in May that it plans to hire more than 1,000 professionals across its wealth franchise in Hong Kong over the next five years, stepping up its expansion amid an increasingly heated grab for talent in the region. Goldman Sachs is hiring 320 staff in China and Hong Kong, as China opens its $54 trillion financial market fully to foreign brokerages and asset managers. The advisory from the U.S. follows a Trump administration decision last year to roll back special trade privileges granted to Hong Kong in recognition of Chinas past promises to ensure a high degree of autonomy for the city from Beijing. The one country, two systems approach to Hong Kong had already been under pressure before massive anti-government protests erupted in 2019. Beijing quickly moved to silence independent voices, arresting protest leaders, imposing a national security law that allows for the extradition of people accused of crimes to China and forcing the closing of Apple Daily, a high-profile media outlet critical of corruption and the Communist Party. U.S.-China ties will struggle to improve given the political land mines facing the two nations leaders in the months and years ahead. The Biden administrations support for reopening a review of how the COVID-19 pandemic started and whether it leaked from a lab in Wuhan infuriated officials in Beijing. Chinas leaders were also surprised at the administrations decision to leave trade tariffs imposed by Trump in place. Meanwhile, calls are growing for the U.S. to boycott the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, while the midterm elections in the U.S. later that year will only amplify the rhetoric. In China, President Xi Jinping will likely sharpen his own tone as he looks to further cement his power with a third five-year term, a reversal of three decades of policy that limited leaders to two terms. Biden and Xi were to take part Friday in a virtual call among APEC nations. While they have done other virtual events together, Biden hasnt met Xi in person as president, and officials are undecided how much interaction the two leaders will have at a Group of 20 meeting in Rome this October. German Chancellor Angela Merkel delivers her specs ahed of a EU summit at the German parliament Bundestag in Berlin, Germany, Thursday, June 24, 2021. (Markus Schreiber/AP) WASHINGTON President Joe Biden hosted German Chancellor Angela Merkel at the White House on Thursday afternoon to discuss a wide-ranging agenda that marked the presidents latest attempt to rekindle warmer relationships with European allies. Much of the meeting centered on such joint priorities as climate change, COVID-19, Russian cyberattacks and Chinas economic rise. The two leaders discussed the withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan and reviewed their efforts to revive the nuclear deal with Iran. But beyond the specific agenda, the meeting carried symbolism as Biden highlights his message that the U.S.-European alliance is back on track after the disruptions of the Trump years. Thursdays session also was significant because Merkel, who routinely clashed with President Donald Trump, will soon end her tenure, after 16 years, as leader of the most powerful country in Europe - and, some would say, as de facto leader of Europe itself. During the meeting, Merkel repeatedly referred to the president as Dear Joe. He told her that he would miss seeing her at international summits, as he had over many years. We are united, Biden said during their joint news conference. United in our commitment to addressing democratic backsliding, corruption, phony populism . . . anywhere we find it in the world. At the start of her meeting with Biden, Merkel hinted at the strained relationship with Trump - and her desire to repair relations. We are more than aware of the contribution of America to a free and democratic Germany, she said through a translator. So I am very much looking forward to deepening the relationship again. Biden also raised at least one thorny issue: U.S. objections to a major natural gas pipeline connecting Germany and Russia. U.S. officials are concerned that the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, which is nearly 90 percent complete, will give Russia potential leverage over Germany while harming Ukraine by weakening its status as a conduit for Russian natural gas. Good friends can disagree, Biden said. While I reiterated my concerns about Nord Stream to Chancellor Merkel, we are absolutely united in our conviction that Russia must not be allowed to use energy as a weapon to coerce or threaten its neighbors. Merkel said that any Russian action to threaten Ukraines role would create a lot of tension. The status of Ukraine has been of deep concern to both countries since Russia invaded it in 2014 and annexed the region of Crimea. Our idea is and remains that Ukraine remains a transit country for natural gas, that Ukraine just as any other country in the world has a right to territorial sovereignty, Merkel said. Biden and Merkel also discussed a World Trade Organization proposal to waive patent protections on coronavirus vaccines. Biden supports a waiver as a way to ramp up production and allow countries such as India make their own vaccines, while Merkel, like some other European leaders, opposes a waiver as ineffective. Merkel also raised concerns about coronavirus-related restrictions on movement that are preventing many Europeans from traveling to the United States. Biden told reporters that he had brought the head of his coronavirus task force into the meeting with Merkel, and he said that he would have a more expansive answer within days about how soon restrictions can be lifted. Thursdays meetings which included a one-on-one session as well as a wider group discussion - did not result in dramatic breakthroughs or major new policies. They were in many ways a valedictory for Merkel and her long political career. She steps down in September. During a news conference after their meetings, Biden addressed a range of other foreign policy matters in response to reporters questions. He said there are no plans for American military assistance to address the political turmoil in Haiti. The idea of sending American forces into Haiti is not on the agenda at this moment, he said. Biden also offered his fullest assessment of Cuba and ongoing protests that have erupted in the country against the communist government, and he pointedly restated his condemnation of the current regime. Communism is a failed system, universally failed system, Biden said. I dont see socialism as a very useful substitute. But thats another story. He said that the country is a failed state and repressing their citizens. But he stopped short of offering American assistance, citing a distrust of Cubas leaders. There are a number of things that we would consider doing to help the people of Cuba, but it would require a different circumstance or a guarantee that they would not be taken advantage of by the government, Biden said. He said he would not allow remittances to Cuba because the regime would be likely to confiscate them. He is prepared to give significant amounts of vaccine to combat the novel coronavirus, he added, but needed assurances that they would be administered by an international organization. Theyve cut off access to the Internet, Biden said. Were considering whether we have the technological ability to reinstate that access. Biden also said his administration would release a new advisory on Friday related to Hong Kong. The situation in Hong Kong has deteriorated, and the Chinese government is not keeping its commitment it made on how it would deal with Hong Kong, he said. Merkels visit marks the first time Biden has met a European leader at the White House in person since becoming president, and it included trappings hes had few opportunities to display. Shortly before 2 p.m., U.S. military personnel stood in a long formation in the White House driveway, holding flags aloft as Merkel arrived in a black Chevrolet Suburban. An elaborate dinner was planned for Thursday night, with a guest list featuring a wide range of current and former officials, including Hillary Clinton, the former secretary of state and 2016 Democratic presidential nominee; Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., who has moved to block several key parts of Bidens agenda; and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., who earlier on Thursday traveled to Bedminster, N.J., to have lunch with former president Donald Trump. Administration officials saw the day-long event as Bidens latest effort to reverse Trumps America First approach to diplomacy, in which he criticized the funding of NATO and took a tougher approach to longtime allies of the United States. Merkel has a far longer, and warmer, relationship with Biden than she did with Trump, who once appeared to ignore requests to shake her hand in the Oval Office. She knows the Oval Office as well as I do, Biden said of the German leader. Merkel declined during the news conference to compare Biden to past U.S. presidents with whom she has interacted, including Trump. Any German chancellor has a vested interest to talk ... with any American president, she said, deeming her interaction with Biden a very friendly exchange. Merkel started the day by meeting with Vice President Kamala Harris for breakfast at the U.S. Naval Observatory, Harriss official residence. In brief remarks, Harris praised Merkels long career and noted that Bidens is the fourth American administration with which the German leader has worked. I want to thank you for your years of leadership, Harris said. Im very proud that I believe that I am the first vice president to host you at the official residence of the vice president. She added: It goes without saying that the relationship between our two countries is one founded on many shared values, including a commitment to democracy around the world. So, welcome, welcome. Merkel said she was delighted to meet with Harris. I think that we can indeed cooperate very well in order to boost values and also continue to build on them, Merkel said. Please, Harris said. Lets have breakfast. With that, they entered the residence for a meal of Gruyere souffle and sourdough bread, served with prosciutto, salami and cucumber. A regional train sits in the flood waters at the local station in Kordel, Germany, Thursday July 15, 2021 after it was flooded by the high waters of the Kyll river. (Sebastian Schmitt/AP) BERLIN In one flooded German town, the ground collapsed under family homes. In another, floodwaters swept through an assisted living center, killing 12. Rescue workers across Germany and Belgium rushed Friday to prevent more deaths from the continents worst flooding in years as the disaster claimed dozens more lives and the search went on for hundreds of missing people. The death toll stood at more than 125. Fueled by days of heavy rain, the floodwaters also left thousands of Germans homeless after their dwellings were destroyed or deemed to be at risk, and elected officials began to worry about the lingering economic effects from lost homes and businesses. Elsewhere in Europe, dikes on swollen rivers were at risk of collapsing, and crews raced to reinforce flood barriers. Sixty-three people perished in the German state of Rhineland-Palatinate, including 12 residents of an assisted living facility for disabled people in the town of Sinzig who were surprised by a sudden rush of water from the nearby Ahr River, authorities said. German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier said he was stunned by the devastation and pledged support to the families of those killed and to cities and towns facing significant damage. In the hour of need, our country stands together, Steinmeier said in a televised statement. Its important that we show solidarity for those from whom the flood has taken everything. By Friday evening, waters were receding across much of the affected regions, but officials feared that more bodies might be found in cars and trucks that were swept away. A harrowing rescue effort unfolded in the German town of Erftstadt, southwest of Cologne, where people were trapped when the ground gave way and their homes collapsed. Fifty people were rescued from their houses, county administrator Frank Rock told German broadcaster n-tv. Aerial photos showed what appeared to be a massive landslide at a gravel pit on the towns edge. One has to assume that under the circumstances some people didnt manage to escape, Rock said. Authorities cautioned that the large number of missing could stem from duplicated reports and difficulties reaching people because of closed roads and disrupted phone service. After Germany, where the death toll stood at 106, Belgium was the hardest hit. The country confirmed the deaths of 20 people, with another 20 still missing, Belgian Interior Minister Annelies Verlinden told the VRT network Friday. Several dikes on the Meuse Rriver that runs from Belgium into the Netherlands were at risk of collapsing, Verlinden said. Authorities in the southern Dutch town of Venlo evacuated 200 hospital patients due to the rivers looming threat. Utility companies reported widespread disruption of electricity and gas service that they said could last for days or weeks. The governor of North Rhine-Westphalia, who hopes to succeed Chancellor Angela Merkel as the nations leader after Germanys election on Sept. 26, said the disaster had caused immense economic damage to the countrys most populous state. The number of dead in North Rhine-Westphalia stood at 43. The floods have literally pulled the ground from beneath many peoples feet, Gov. Armin Laschet said at a news conference. They lost their houses, farms or businesses. Manfred Pesch, a hotel owner in the small village of Gemuend, recounted how the floods came suddenly and rose to 6 feet. Our hotel needs to be rebuilt, he said. We need a lot of help. Wolfgang Meyer, owner of a painting business in Gemuend, said his family escaped the rising water, but his business was swamped. The machinery, equipment, the entire office, files, records ... everything is gone actually, he said. Were going to have some work to do there. Malu Dreyer, the governor of Rhineland-Palatinate state, said the disaster showed the need to speed up efforts to curb global warming, which experts say could make such disasters more frequent. She accused Laschet and Merkels center-right Union bloc of hindering efforts to achieve greater greenhouse gas reductions in Germany, Europes biggest economy and a major emitter of planet-warming gases. Climate change isnt abstract anymore. We are experiencing it up close and painfully, she told the Funke media group. Steinmeier, the German president, echoed her calls for greater efforts to combat global warming. Only if we decisively take up the fight against climate change will we be able to limit the extreme weather conditions we are now experiencing, he said. The World Meteorological Organization said some parts of Western Europe have received up to two months of rainfall in the space of two days. What made it worse is that the soils were already saturated by previous rainfall, WMO spokesperson Clare Nullis said. She said it was too soon to blame the floods and preceding heat wave on rising global temperatures but added: Climate change is already increasing the frequency of extreme events. And many single events have been shown to be made worse by global warming. The German military deployed over 850 troops to help with flood efforts, and the need for help was growing, Defense Ministry spokesman Arne Collatz said. He said the ministry had triggered a military disaster alarm. Italy sent civil protection officials, firefighters and rescue dinghies to Belgium to help in the search for missing people. In the southern Dutch province of Limburg, which also has been hit hard by flooding, troops piled sandbags to strengthen a 1.1-kilometer (0.7 mile) stretch of dike along the Maas River, and police helped evacuate low-lying neighborhoods. Caretaker Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said the government was officially declaring flooded regions disaster areas, making businesses and residents eligible for compensation. Dutch King Willem-Alexander visited the region Thursday night and called the scenes heartbreaking. Meanwhile, heavy rain in Switzerland caused several rivers and lakes to burst their banks. Public broadcaster SRF reported that a flash flood swept away cars, flooded basements and destroyed small bridges late Thursday in the northern villages of Schleitheim und Beggingen. Erik Schulz, the mayor of the hard-hit German city of Hagen, 31 miles northeast of Cologne, said a wave of other regions and ordinary citizens were offering to help. We have many, many citizens saying I can offer a place to stay. Where can I go to help? ... Where can I bring my shovel and bucket? he told n-tv. The city is standing together, and you can feel that. Associated Press writers Geir Moulson and Emily Schultheis in Berlin, Raf Casert in Brussels, Nicole Winfield in Rome, Angela Charlton in Paris and Mike Corder in The Hague, Netherlands, and contributed to this report. Destroyed houses are seen in Schuld, Germany, Thursday, July 15, 2021. (Michael Probst/AP) Damaged houses are seen at the Ahr river in Insul, western Germany, Thursday, July 15, 2021. (Michael Probst/AP) previous coverage Over 60 dead, dozens missing as severe floods strike Europe Pakistani paramedics treat men who were injured in a fighting between Afghan security forces and Taliban in SpinBoldak border area, at a hospital in Chaman, Pakistan, Friday, July 16, 2021. (Tariq Achaizai/AP) ISLAMABAD Afghan government forces battled Friday to retake a border crossing with Pakistan from Taliban insurgents, and the Reuters news agency said one of its photographers was killed in the area. The Taliban had overrun the Spin Boldak crossing earlier in the week. On Friday, witnesses on the Pakistan side of the border said they saw intense fighting and reported seeing bodies. Reuters said Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer Danish Siddiqui, who was embedded with the Afghan special forces, was killed as the commando unit sought to recapture Spin Boldak. The agency said Siddiqui and a senior Afghan officer were killed in what they described as Taliban crossfire. "We are urgently seeking more information, working with authorities in the region," Reuters President Michael Friedenberg and Editor-in-Chief Alessandra Galloni said in a statement. Siddiqui was an Indian national. Afghanistan's ambassador to India, Farid Mamundzay, tweeted his condolences. The Taliban have overrun dozens of districts in Afghanistan since the start of the final phase of the withdrawal of U.S. and NATO troops, after a 20-year military presence. The U.S. says its withdrawal is 95 percent complete. Pakistan army soldiers stand guard as stranded people gather near the Pakistan Afghan border crossing following fighting between Afghan security forces and Taliban in SpinBoldak border area, in Chaman, Pakistan, Friday, July 16, 2021. (Tariq Achaizai/AP) The fighting at Spin Boldak was confirmed by Fawad Aman, Afghanistan's deputy defense ministry spokesman. The Associated Press also obtained footage of fighters, apparently Taliban, receiving treatment in a hospital in the Pakistani border town of Chaman. In an interview with The Associated Press, U.S. peace envoy for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad expressed surprise at the Talibans rapid sweep through swaths of Afghanistan, and said that a long-term comprehensive cease-fire may have to wait for the two sides to reach a political deal. Still, he said he will press for a reduction in violence on the ground. I did expect some increased Taliban hold on territories that they were surrounding but had not yet captured, but the speed with which and the amount of territory that they have acquired is unexpected, Khalilzad said, speaking to the AP on the sidelines of an international conference Friday in neighboring Uzbekistan. The gathering focused on the situation in Afghanistan. But I believe that there is no military solution despite the progress that the Taliban have made, Khalilzad added. For the war to end there has to be a political agreement. The United States will not recognize a government imposed by force. The Taliban will not be treated as a normal, legitimate player if there isnt a political settlement, the U.S. envoy also said. And the likely scenario of an attempt to impose by force a government will be Taliban isolation and a long war for Afghanistan. Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan are fraught with suspicion. Afghanistan routinely accuses Pakistan of giving safe haven to Afghan Taliban, whose leadership is headquartered in Pakistan's southwestern Baluchistan provincial capital of Quetta. The Chaman border crossing opposite Spin Boldak is also in Baluchistan province. Afghanistan and the United States have criticized Pakistan in the past for allowing Taliban fighters to cross into Pakistan to receive medical treatment. Nearly 2 million Afghan refugees live in Pakistan, having fled decades of war in their homeland. Pakistan has used its influence over the Taliban to press the religious movement into talks with the U.S. and the Afghan government. In the latest round of accusations, Afghanistan's vice-president, Amrullah Saleh, tweeted that Pakistan's air force warned the Afghan army and air force against trying to dislodge Taliban from Spin Boldak, an accusation Pakistan dismissed. In response, Pakistan issued a statement saying 40 Afghan soldiers slipped across the border to Pakistan during the Taliban takeover of the crossing earlier this week. The soldiers were returned to Afghanistan "with respect and dignity," said the statement, which added that Pakistan also offered Afghanistan's security force any logistical support it needed. Associated Press writer Rahim Faiez in Kabul, Afghanistan contributed to this report President Joe Biden departs the White House on July 16, 2021 in Washington, DC. Biden is spending the weekend at Camp David. (Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images/TNS) (Tribune News Service) President Joe Biden said Friday that social media networks are killing people by allowing the spread of misinformation about coronavirus vaccines. Look, the only pandemic we have is among the unvaccinated, Biden said after he was asked about his message for tech companies as he departed the White House on Friday. And theyre killing people. Bidens comments come after the White House earlier this week called on social media networks to do more to purge posts carrying incorrect information about the pandemic, or discouraging readers from taking vaccines that can largely eliminate the risk of a deadly outcome from coronavirus. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy said his office had increased disinformation research and tracking within his office and had proactively flagged problematic posts to Facebook Inc. That revelation led to criticism from some conservatives, who argued the White House effort amounted to government censorship. Sen. Marsha Blackburn, a Tennessee Republican, tweeted that the White House was colluding with the social media giant, while Sen. Tom Cotton, an Arkansas Republican, suggested the White House was defining misinformation as stories that make Joe Biden look bad. White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki on Friday said the outreach was no different than when the White House engaged regularly with news organizations and called on social media companies to create robust enforcement strategies to combat those providing misinformation. We are regularly making sure social media platforms are aware of the latest narratives dangerous to public health that we and many other Americans are seeing across all of social and traditional media, and we work to engage with them to better understand the enforcement of social media platform policies, Psaki said. Facebook has previously said they removed millions of posts from its core product and the photo sharing app Instagram for violating its policies, and stepped up enforcement against repeat offenders. But Psaki said the administration clearly did not believe that was a sufficient response to a life or death issue. Theyre going to make decisions about additional steps they can take, Psaki said. Its clear there are more than can be taken. 2021 Bloomberg L.P. Visit bloomberg.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Army Pfc. Teri Oglesby of the Indiana National Guard provides security near the U.S. Capitol in Washington, March 1, 2021. The Guard could be forced to ground aircraft, cut back on training and curtail maintenance if it is not reimbursed by Aug. 1 for its mission to the Capitol. (R.J. Lannom/U.S. Army National Guard) National Guard units across the United States will stop training next month without a nearly $521 million reimbursement from Congress for the funds the Guard spent to bolster U.S. Capitol security for months after the Jan. 6 riot, Guard officials said Friday. Units will have to ground aircraft, cancel long-planned summer training operations and weekend drills, and the Guards 54th Security Force Assistance Brigade could miss a rotation to a major combat training center without the funding by Aug. 1, top Guard officials from several states said in a news briefing. Congress must pass legislation to reimburse the money that the Guard moved early from its 2021 operations and maintenance coffers to ensure the more than 25,000 troops deployed to the Capitol grounds between January and May were immediately paid. Time is running out, said Air Force Maj. Gen. Rich Neely, the Illinois National Guards top officer. The loss of these funds will have a major impact on our readiness for federal missions and for state emergencies here in the state of Illinois. Lawmakers have almost universally backed reimbursing the Guard for its role in securing the Capital grounds in the days and weeks after thousands of supporters of former President Donald Trump smashed into the building aiming to stop Congress from formally certifying President Joe Bidens election victory in November. The House in May passed a bill that would repay the Guard, but the Senate has yet to do so. Top Pentagon leaders have warned for weeks of the drastic impacts the failure to repay the National Guard would have on a force that has been used more heavily during the past 18 months than at any other time in its history. Last year was the busiest year on record for Guard troops, the Pentagon has said. In addition to their traditional duties to respond to home-state emergencies including hurricanes, wildfires and floods, National Guard troops were mobilized in 2020 for high-profile missions including civil unrest response, support to law enforcement at the U.S. southern border and support to coronavirus-related activities. Neely pointed to his own Illinois National Guard force as an example. Three separate times between January and May, Illinois Guard troops deployed to the Capitol. Meanwhile, he said, 3,000 troops worked coronavirus-relate missions and another 1,000 deployed overseas to support contingency operations. Now those same troops face losing their National Guard pay for two months, until funding resets at the beginning of the new fiscal year on Oct. 1. I feel horrible as a leader, having to go back and tell my soldiers and my airman that I may not be able to pay them for August and September drill, Neely said Friday. And those are checks that they count on to support their families, to feed their families, and to go to college and all those sorts of things. He warned shutting down National Guard training not only would impact combat and emergency response readiness, but it would almost certainly cut morale among Guard troops and potentially lead some members to leave the service early. The issues could take months, even years to fix, Neely and others warned. Brig. Gen. Dale Lyles, the top officer for the Indiana National Guard, said he worried training cuts in August and September would mean some of his forces would have to deploy without proper preparations. The National Guards 54th Security Forces Assistance Brigade is headquartered within the Indiana Guard but also has battalions within the Guards in Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and Texas. The entire brigade is preparing for an upcoming overseas deployment and is scheduled to train in August at the Joint Readiness Training Center at Fort Polk, La., Lyles said. Without repayment for the Capitol mission, that critical training could be scrapped, he said, but the brigade would still need to deploy. So, we will potentially place our soldiers and our airmen in harm's way and not being trained at a level of proficiency that I would deem necessary to deploy, Lyles said. He did not say where the unit was slated to deploy. Lyles also said he feared the lack of funds could delay a planned southern border mission this fall for Indiana National Guard military police and aviation companies whose training scheduled for August and September would be required before they could deploy. The troops are expected to deploy in October and November, he said. Despite lawmakers agreement that the National Guard should be reimbursed, the funding has been held up over arguments about the legislation in which the repayment would be included. The money is included in funding proposals aimed at repaying the Guard and other efforts to improve Capitol security, the scope of which Democrats and Republicans have tangled over for weeks. The roughly $1.9 billion Capitol security bill passed in May by the House includes repayment for the Guard, overtime pay and other cost reimbursements for the U.S. Capitol deployments and other funds to create a quick response security force for the Capitol. This week, Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, unveiled a $3.7 billion bill that includes Guard and Capitol police funding and more funds for the Pentagons coronavirus response. Republicans immediately balked at the bill. The Senate Appropriations Committees top Republican, Sen. Richard Shelby of Alabama, introduced a $633 million bill that would repay the National Guard and provide some funds to the Capitol police. With August a couple of weeks away, National Guard leaders have spent hours every day on the phone with lawmakers describing the problems that the funding gap could cause the military, Neely said. Their confidence has waned that they will receive the needed cash. We wouldnt be having this teleconference today if we had a high confidence that we would get the funding in time, Neely told reporters. National Guard Corey Dickstein The aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford completes the first scheduled explosive event of Full Ship Shock Trials while underway in the Atlantic Ocean, June 18, 2021. (Riley McDowell/U.S. Navy) (Tribune News Service) The United States Geological Survey measured another incident off the coast of Florida on Friday that hit 3.9 on the Richter scale. It listed it as experimental explosion located about 100 miles northeast of Daytona Beach. Its the same rating that happened on June 18 when the Navy set off a test explosion near its new aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford. That one came from a 40,000 pound explosive that shook the cameras filming the event, the first of several planned Full Ship Shock Trials. Its a new aircraft carrier thats going through the final steps needed before the Navy can sign off on it to be deployed. The first-in-class aircraft carrier was designed using advanced computer modeling methods, testing, and analysis to ensure the ship is hardened to withstand battle conditions, and these shock trials provide data used in validating the shock hardness of the ship, reads a release from the Navy about the trials. Ahead of the June explosion, the Navy had not performed a test like this on an aircraft carrier since 1987, but has performed them on other smaller ships, although not since 2016. Fords shock trials are being conducted off the East Coast of the United States, within a narrow schedule that complies with environmental mitigation requirements, respecting known migration patterns of marine life in the test area, reads the Navy statement. The Navy did not say how many more trials it will perform, but just that they will be off the U.S. East Coast and end later this summer. 2021 Orlando Sentinel. Visit orlandosentinel.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Rep. Brian Mast, R-Fla., looks out the window of a Coast Guard Air Station Miami HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircraft off the coast of Palm Beach, Fla., on Sept. 12, 2017. Mast flew with the Coast Guard for an overflight assessment of south Florida following Hurricane Irma. (Mark Barney/U.S. Coast Guard) WASHINGTON A congressman from Florida wants active-duty military officers to take charge of Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers, arguing the hospitals are plagued by crises and need a new leadership approach. Rep. Brian Mast, R-Fla., an Afghanistan war veteran and double amputee, introduced legislation that would require the VA and Defense Department to develop plans for a pilot program in which senior military officers would serve as directors of VA hospitals. The VA operates 152 medical centers nationwide. At the end of the day, no one is better prepared to oversee veteran care than those who will one day be veterans themselves. Thats what this bill is all about, Masts office said in a statement accompanying the bill. The measure was one of three bills that Mast introduced this week regarding the VA. Another bill would allow members of the House and Senate to open congressional offices inside VA facilities. Mast opened an office at the West Palm Beach VA Medical Center in 2017 to be more accessible to constituents. Five Florida lawmakers followed his lead and opened their own offices at the West Palm Beach and Orlando VA hospitals. The VA evicted them from the facilities in 2019, arguing the space inside VA facilities should be used for the primary mission of delivering medical care to veterans. Mast said last year that he and the West Palm Beach VA had reached an agreement for him to reopen an office. The congressman has argued that the offices allow easier access to veteran constituents. It does something good for our veterans while not hurting anybody, he said in a 2019 interview. If you really want to understand a problem you have to get your eyes on it and witness it yourself. The third bill that Mast introduced this week would request departing service members sign an Oath of Exit not to harm themselves. Mast said he believes the oath could help deter veteran suicides. Mast said service members are known for honoring their commitments and if they commit to contacting fellow veterans before harming themselves, theyd do it. Mast previously introduced an Oath of Exit bill in 2017, but it failed to pass through Congress. At the time, some experts on veteran suicide said the oath could backfire. When struggling with suicidal thoughts, veterans who sign the commitment could feel an increased sense of shame and guilt, they said. Caitlin Thompson, the former director of suicide prevention programs at the VA, said experts in suicide prevention have been discouraging these types of contracts for the past 10 years. It isnt just that it didnt work. It actually had the opposite effect, Thompson said in 2017. It made it so that the person who signed it wouldnt talk with their provider about feeling suicidal because of this fear of, I signed this promise. Mast said in a statement that all three bills were potential fixes to longstanding issues within the VA. Hardly a day goes by when I dont receive a call from a veteran who needs help navigating the red tape of the VA, he said. We owe it to them to explore creative solutions to ensure that they have the care that they need, which is why Im introducing these bills. 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. Sponsored By: Arvest Bank Port Richey, FL (34668) Today Mixed clouds and sun with scattered thunderstorms. High 86F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%.. Tonight Mostly cloudy skies. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 74F. Winds light and variable. Changes to the SunCommercial's back end processing means the e-edition is getting a facelift. The biggest change is the e-edition, by default, is now presented in Text view. At least 18,000 foreign workers will be allowed to stay in New Zealand twice as long after changes to essential skill visas. From Monday, people on those visas for jobs paid below the median wage will be able to stay two years instead of one and the application process will be streamlined. The maximum duration of essential skills visas for jobs that pay above the median wage will remain at three years. Immigration Minister Kris Faafoi expects the streamlined application process, which will involve less paperwork for some, will benefit at least 57,000 visa holders. "We recognise the ongoing labour demand pressures faced by some sectors and we want to make the most of the skills we have in the country, says Faafoi. So the government is making it easier for businesses to continue employing their current migrant workers. The visa changes would be a temporary measure to support employers during the pandemic and were part of the government's ongoing review of border settings, balancing economic needs with a successful health response, he says. "Our long-term vision for immigration settings is to grow talent here in New Zealand and build a more self-reliant labour market. "We want to work with sectors and see them develop plans to attract, train and upskill Kiwis into roles, and invest in productivity changes that can help them move away from a reliance on low-paid and low-skilled migrant workers. Many sectors and employers are already looking at how to make those shifts as a result of Covid-19 pressure on the supply of workers." The visa extension would mean the new accredited employer work visa would be delayed from November until the middle of next year, he says. "We acknowledge that doesn't necessarily deal with the issue of skilled workers who they want to bring into the country but we have been able to do that via border exceptions and critical purpose visas over the last 18 or so months, he tells Morning Report. "We'll still continue to do that but as a function of the border being closed it is obviously extremely difficult to bring numbers in as is requested by some sectors." Queenstown businesses say more is still needed The winter school holidays have been a welcome tonic for Queenstown, with busy bars and restaurants and plenty of people on the streets, skifields and taking in the sights. Flame Bar and Grill owner Lou McDowell says the visitors had arrived in force, but the much-needed staff sadly had not. "We currently don't have enough staff to be open seven lunches and seven dinners. So periodically we've had to close the restaurant on a Monday night. We now are only open three lunches out of seven. And we're one of many, many restaurants in Queenstown and, no doubt, throughout New Zealand that are having to do the same thing," she says. Her business relies on migrant workers, as do many others in Queenstown. "All of them on varying degrees of visas, she says. But the biggest problem for us now is we cannot get any more staff because there's no one to fill those roles because there's no one coming into the country. So we advertise and advertise and advertise and we don't get anyone applying for the jobs because there's no one coming into the country." The top of her immigration wish list was border exemptions for tourism and hospitality staff, but number two was visa extensions. Fergburger Group general manager Stephen Bradley also wanted more staff on his books to ease the pressure. "Now that would still be around 20 to 25 per cent short of where we need to be to run our businesses how we would like to run them, he says. At the moment, we're not running to the service levels that are desirable like so many others and we're putting extra extra hours and pressure on their incumbent staff. Visa extensions were good news, he says. "A massive help but it's still only going to be half of the way there, he says. Without the physical people in the country to do the job, without the avenues open, there will still be stresses and strains. But any extensions, any making it easy for incumbents to stay and give them certainty. It will be a massive, massive boost and greatly appreciated. Cargo Brewery owner Malcolm Blakey has been looking for more kitchen and front of house staff, but says new recruits were in very short supply and he was struggling to fill the roster. "Those that we can find, a lot of them need [to be] sponsored and, with the change in the rules recently about the hourly rate that they have to be paid, that's not really practical to pay a lot of the staff that we have at that rate." But visa extensions were one way to ensure he could keep his current workers and provide them with more security, Malcolm says. The first-ever study to look at anti-depressant use and symptoms of depression in pregnant New Zealand women has identified an unmet need for antenatal mental health support. The research examined anti-depressant use and symptoms of depression in more than 6000 pregnant women in this countrys largest longitudinal study, Growing Up in New Zealand. The study, funded by the Better Start National Science Challenge, found that around 3.2 per cent of pregnant women in the study took anti-depressants, but a further 12 per cent experienced symptoms of depression without receiving medication. Better Start researcher, University of Auckland Quantitative Social Science lecturer, Dr Stephanie DSouza, says the findings are important because antenatal depression can lead to poorer health outcomes for both mother and baby. Its vital that pregnant women receive adequate support and treatment for depression because we know that pregnant women who have untreated depression are more likely to experience post-partum depression and to have pre-term and low birth weight babies, she says. The research examined data from more than 6000 women participating in the Growing Up in New Zealand study who were pregnant in 2009/2010. The women were asked about their anti-depressant use in pregnancy, but also completed a standard tool used for screening depression in pregnancy, the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. This analysis found: 3.2 per cent of women were taking anti-depressants. 11.8 per cent had symptoms of depression serious enough to warrant prescription medication, but were not taking medication. Pregnant women under the age of 24 were twice as likely to experience depressive symptoms compared with older women (over the age of 35). Pasifika women had the highest rates of untreated depression. European women used anti-depressants at a much higher rate than Maori, Pasifika or Asian women. Stephanie says pregnancy is a time of increased vulnerability to the onset or recurrence of depression and its concerning that so many women may be suffering without treatment. She says anti-depressants are not the only treatment option for women with depression, but many antidepressants can be used for moderate to severe depression in pregnant women. Our results suggest that there is significant untreated serious depression among pregnant women in Aotearoa-New Zealand which suggests that many women may not be receiving adequate mental health support during pregnancy. This research highlights the need for health practitioners to screen for depression during antenatal check-ups so that women can secure diagnosis and treatment to enable them to have as healthy a pregnancy and birth experience as possible, she says. Dr DSouza says the fact that Pasifika, Maori and Asian pregnant women are more likely to experience untreated depressive symptoms also points to possible inequities within the health system. Colin Hewens and Des Gardiner have spent their fair share of years in the bush. From building tramping huts during the Second World War, to trapping pests in their later years, the two Bay of Plenty locals have volunteered years of their lives to ensure New Zealands bush is safe and enjoyable for both wildlife and the community. Every week, Colin and Des head down to a part of the Kaimai Mamaku State Forest Park to carry out volunteer work for the group Friends of the Blade. Although the name sounds like the title of a fantasy fiction novel, the Friends of the Blade is a group that aims to protect the bush and birds in a part of the Kaimai Range by pest eradication. It was established by Colin in 2016 whilst volunteering with Friends of Puketoki in Whakamarama. He started the group with eight trapping lines which were 75 meters apart, creating a grid of traps stretching over 80 hectares. Over the years weve expanded to 23 lines over 240 hectares, says Colin. As the trapping lines grew, so did our volunteers. Since May 2016, the group have noticed a steady increase in bird life around the area - proof that their hard work is paying off. We do bird monitoring every three months, adds Colin. We go to five different spots around the walkway and listen for five minutes at every spot. Our volunteers have noticed the birdsong has increased. The toutouwai (North Island robin) now follow you along the tracks. The birds eat off the ground, so when you walk your feet kick up the dirt for them. Des, who first started volunteering with pest eradication groups 21 years ago, grew a passion for the outdoors when he was still in school. The Auckland Tramping Club started a junior section during the war, says Des, so I spent the Christmas holidays working on a hut in Ruapehu. I have since been back for my honeymoon and my 90th birthday. It is still there almost 80 years later, and has now been donated to a collection of schools. Friends of the Blade has completely taken over the 92 year-olds garage, which is something he doesnt mind. Des garage is filled with traps that he builds himself for the group, and his freezer is filled with deer carcasses which are used for bait. Colin, who spent his childhood in the UK, says he got out into the nearest thing he could find to the bush in urban London. When I came out to NZ in 1962, I loved the access to the forests, he says. He decided to become a teacher, and specialised in outdoor education. During his first position at Matua School, he took the kids on a bush camp. It was a fairly unusual thing to do in the 1970s, says Colin. After moving to Otumoetai Intermediate, he started taking regular camps into the bush at Ngatuhoa Lodge. I got some kids together and we marked up all the tracks at the Lodge so that other teachers and groups could use the area safely, says Colin. I took up a lot of practically useful kids the kids who shone in their camp as being real outdoorsy. After that we ended up as a club called the Illusive Trackers. We did tracks when Forest Service wasn't, and in 1976 we assembled a hut on the ridge of the Kaimai Range with 80 Elusive Trackers. We assembled that hut in one day, slept in it, and walked out the next day. Its still there. Thats where my love for the outdoors stems from; seeing the results of kids when theyre exposed to nature, especially the less academic kids as they get so much out of it and it changes their attitude to school. Although both Colin and Des have a history with the bush, and enjoy their time with Friends of the Blade, they are now both looking to the future of the group. In the modern day, volunteering has reduced from what it used to be in the 70s and 80s where society was more inclined to volunteering, adds Colin. I am so grateful towards our 40-odd volunteers because they always come back. Wet, cold, dry - they always turn up. However, Colin says the average age for volunteers with Friends of the Blade is 65-plus. Were currently in the process of getting a new leader. Were going to break up my commitment into manageable lumps for 15 or so other people. I wont be so involved after this year is through, says Colin. We are always looking for volunteers, says Des. With a pace maker and a bad hip, I cant walk the steeper tracks like I used to. 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 Mainly sunny to start, then a few afternoon clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 89F. Winds NE at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight A clear sky. Low 66F. Winds NNE at 10 to 15 mph. Orkim tankers take to the water with Thordons COMPAC Chinas Fujian Southeast Shipyard has delivered four in a series of five new product tankers ordered by Malaysias Orkim Sdn Bhd. The 9000dwt Orkim Sapphire and Orkim Pearl, and 14,500dwt Orkim Diamond and Orkim Emerald represent the first vessels in the ship operators fleet to be fitted with a COMPAC seawater lubricated shafting system from Thordon Bearings. Working with the shipowners representative, Shanghai-based CY Engineering, Thordons authorized distributor in China, supplied, installed and commissioned COMPAC seawater lubricated bearings machined for shaft diameters of 380mm (14.96in) and 405mm (15.94in). Thordons Water Quality Package also formed part of the supply scope to the single screw ships. Sam Williams,Thordon's Regional Manager for Asia, said: We initially approached Orkim three or four years ago, so we are very pleased our presentation had an impact; they recalled the discussion during the design phase of these newbuilds. When the 9000dwt Orkim Topaz, the final vessel in the series, is delivered later this year, the Orkim fleet will total 23 oil and gas tankers totaling 187,328dwt, ranging from 3251dwt LPG carriers to 50,000dwt product tankers. The average age of the fleet is under eight years old. Orkim is a significant player in the Malaysian shipping industry, transporting petroleum products and gas for customers that include Shell, ExxonMobil, Petronas, Nippon Gas Line, and other major oil companies. Alex Li, CY Engineerings Managing Director, said: These charterers set stringent vessel safety and performance parameters, so it is a testament to the operational and environmental capability and reliability of the COMPAC bearing material and a seawater lubricated propeller shaft system in general that Thordon continues to attract new customers. Capt. SB Cheah, Chief Operating Officer, Orkim Sdn Bhd, said: As we continue to grow, it has become more and more critical for us to ensure that our fleet operates safely and to optimum efficiency. We have progressively implemented core sustainability functions into our business strategy and regularly engage with representatives of service providers, like Thordon, in evaluating the suitability and sustainability of systems and materials for applications onboard our ships. This is good for both our business and our environment. The award-winning COMPAC system is a high-performance seawater-lubricated bearing system primarily for blue water operating environments. Specially formulated to reduce start up friction and eliminate stick-slip, an open seawater lubricated propeller shaft system offers considerable advantages to ship owners, not only in bearing wear life predictability and reliability, but they are also more economical to maintain, easier to install and are future compliant. The COMPAC system, which typically includes bearings, shaft liners, Water Quality Package, ThorShield shaft coating and a forward seal, is guaranteed to meet Classification Society propeller shaft bearing wear specifications for 25 years. Piracy and armed robbery incidents at lowest level in 27 years The ICC International Maritime Bureau (IMB) received the lowest number of reported incidents for the first half of any year since 1994. IMBs latest global piracy report details 68 incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships the lowest total since 1994 down from 98 incidents during the same period last year. In the first six months of 2021, IMBs Piracy Reporting Centre (PRC) reported 61 vessels boarded, four attempted attacks, two vessels fired upon and one vessel hijacked. Despite the overall decline in reported incidents, violence against crews has continued with 50 crew kidnapped, three each threatened and taken hostage, two assaulted, one injured and one killed throughout the first half of 2021. While the reduced numbers of reported incidents is welcome, the IMB PRC continues to caution against complacency. Vessels were boarded in 91% of the reported incidents. Cautious gains in Gulf of Guinea The Gulf of Guinea continues to be particularly dangerous for seafarers with 32% of all reported incidents taking place in the region, according to IMB. The region accounted for all 50 kidnapped crew and the single crew fatality recorded by IMB during the first half of 2021. The number of kidnappings recorded in the Gulf of Guinea in the last quarter is the lowest since Q2 2019, but pirates continue to target all vessel types throughout the region. IMB warns that fishing vessels have been hijacked in the Gulf of Guinea and later used as mother ships to target other merchant vessels. Whilst IMB welcomes reduced piracy and armed robbery activity in the Gulf of Guinea, the risk to seafarers still remains, said IMB Director Michael Howlett. By reporting all incidents to the Regional Authorities and IMB PRC, seafarers can maintain pressure against pirates. Bringing together maritime response authorities through initiatives like Nigerias Deep Blue Project and Gulf of Guinea Maritime Collaboration Forum will continue and strengthen knowledge sharing channels and reduce risk to seafarers in the region. In early June, a bulk carrier was approached by a skiff with six pirates while transitioning through the region at around 210nm off the coast of Lagos. The carrier equipped with appropriate vessel hardening was able to prevent the armed pirates from coming onboard, but the incident demonstrates the continued capacity of pirates in the region to carry out attacks at further distances from the coast. Knife attacks in Singapore Straits The Singapore Straits recorded 16 incidents in the first six months of 2021, in comparison to 11 during the same period in 2020. These attacks are considered opportunistic in nature, but IMB warns that in seven incidents the perpetrators were armed with knives. In three separate incidents, seafarers were reported to have been either threatened, assaulted or injured. Incidents rise off the coast of Peru In comparison to the first half of 2019 and 2020, Callao Anchorage, Peru has experienced a two-fold increase in the number of incidents with nine incidents reported in total for 2021. There were four incidents in Q2 2021 and knives reported in three of these , according to the latest figures from IMB. Perpetrators in the region possess the capacity to carry out violent attacks with two separate incidents of crew being taken hostage and assaulted occurring in the first six months of 2021. Manila Bay, Philippines Vessels are advised to take precautionary measures while anchored in Manila Bay, Philippines, as four incidents were reported to IMB for Q2 2021. Reporting piracy and armed robbery incidents is the first line of defense against future attacks, said ICC Secretary General John W.H. Denton AO. Sustained reporting to IMB will enable governments, maritime response agencies and other stakeholders to establish safer waters for our seafarers and smooth flow of goods throughout global supply chains. IMB Reporting Centre Since its founding in 1991, IMB PRC remains a single point of contact to report all crimes of maritime piracy and armed robbery, 24 hours a day. Their prompt forwarding of reports, and liaison with response agencies, broadcasts to shipping via GMDSS Safety Net Services, and email alerts to CSOs, all provided free of cost, help the response against piracy and armed robbery and the security of seafarers, globally. Sovcomflot expands business portfolio with TotalEnergies PAO Sovcomflot (SCF Group) has received confirmation from TotalEnergies of the exercise of its option for two further next-generation 174,000-cbm LNG carriers. The vessels will be chartered for a period of up to seven years operating within TotalEnergies global portfolio LNG trade under the technical management of Sovcomflot. The option was exercised under a contract between TotalEnergies and Sovcomflot signed earlier this year for one sister vessel for delivery in Q3 2023. These modern gas carriers equipped with twin slow-speed X-DF engines, a hull-air lubrication system, and two shaft generators with electronic frequency converters will provide significant fuel savings and together with a re-liquefaction system minimising GCU usage, will help reduce significantly the vessels emissions footprint. Igor Tonkovidov, President and CEO of Sovcomflot, noted: Further growth of fixed income portfolio from vessels operations blue chip charterers lies at the very heart of SCFs business model and remains consistent with the Group strategy as it continues to rebalance its fleet towards industrial business. These new LNG carriers will meet the current and expected international and regional environmental legislation as well as Charterer's requirements for energy efficiency, operational and navigational safety. We are grateful to TotalEnergies for our growing cooperation, which is based on the quality and reliability delivered by SCF as a global maritime service provider. United Against Nuclear Iran group launches Iran Tanker Tracker As part of our campaign to disrupt Tehrans oil sales revenue, UANI has launched a new resource, the Iran Tanker Tracker. This comprehensively tracks exports of Iranian oil through our ship-tracking methodology dating back to April 2018. In addition to our monthly Iran Tanker Tracking Blogs, the new resource provides a comparison of where Irans oil exports were pre-JCPOA, during the JCPOA, and post-JCPOA. In June 2021, world oil prices surged to almost $75 a barrel as major economies ease coronavirus restrictions and demand returns. The situation in Iran, which sits on the fourth-largest reserves of oil, is also having a significant impact on prices. The Iran nuclear talks are dragging beyond what many anticipated, while the recent installation of a conservative cleric, Ebrahim Raisi, as President has also thrown another wrench into the prospects for any lifting of U.S. sanctions on Tehrans energy exports. Yet despite the sanctions and ongoing talks in Vienna, Irans exports of crude oil and gas condensates climbed back up to over 1.1 million barrels per day (bpd) in June, up by a quarter-million barrels from last months 850,000 bpd figure. As the second quarter passes, we can also compare the half-years of 2020 and 2021. For the first six months of 2021, Irans crude oil exports have averaged around 1.34 million bpd. This is almost double the average of the first six months of 2020, which UANI tracked at 760,000 bpd. A major reason for this almost doubling is Irans addition of foreign-flagged tankers to its fleet. The co-option of additional foreign-flagged tankers grants a wider bandwidth for Iranian oil to traverse the globe and skirt sanctions, which the regime accrues revenues used to further its nuclear program and fund its terrorist activities. In June 2021, Iran used 14 different foreign-flagged tankers for oil exports. These tankers either called directly at Irans Kharg Island and spoofed fake locations while there or engaged in a ship-to-ship (STS) transfer with a vessel from Irans sanctioned National Iranian Tanker Company (NITC). Compared to the same month twelve months ago, Iran used only five different foreign-flagged tankers to export its oil in June 2020. This speaks to an inevitable correlation between an increase in the usage of foreign-flagged tankers with a corresponding rise in oil exports. In June, Iran loaded gas condensates into the Iranian vessel FOREST (IMO: 9283760) and dispatched the condensates into the Soroosh oilfield. This is the first time in the history of Irans oil industry that it has injected gas condensate from the South Pars into the Soroosh oilfield. The Soroosh offshore oilfield is located west of Kharg Island and is comprised of an underwater network of pipelines that connect to a Floating Storage Unit (FSU) vessel called the Khalij e Fars (IMO: 9544114). The FSU collects heavy sour crude oil from the pipelines. However, by injecting gas condensates into the Soroosh oilfield, the viscosity of the oil is reduced. Iran considers this an advantage by adding flexibility to its oil industry. One of the 14 foreign tankers that visited Iran in June was the crude oil tanker LIMOSTAR (IMO: 9237539). LIMOSTAR was the first foreign tanker to load from the FSU Khalij e Fars after the project was completed. However, as it approached the FSU, LIMOSTAR utilized a practice where it purports to be a decommissioned vessel, STAR BRIGHT (IMO: 9002594). Specifically, LIMOSTAR switched off its AIS transponder and switched on a second transponder in order to claim the MMSI of STAR BRIGHT. As Iran increases its use of foreign-flagged tankers, UANI is increasing its outreach to maritime authorities, alerting them to the vessels involvement in the transport of Iranian oil. Disrupting Irans oil sales revenue is key to combating the numerous threats posed by the Islamic Republic of Iran. Our Most Popular Magazines + Digital We get it. You live by the Ski Valleys snow report even when youre hours away. You follow every Taos post on Instagram. Our small town occupies a BIG part of your heart. Keep in touch with all things Taos when you subscribe to FIVE of our national award-winning magazines, plus access to the website and e-edition for a full year at the special low rate of just $55. Seminole, FL (33772) Today Some sun this morning with increasing clouds this afternoon. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 87F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Considerable cloudiness. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 78F. 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. Bell County reported three additional COVID-19 deaths along with a rise in active cases as officials see a surge in new infections, includin volkman10 Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: -- Posts: 17,843 Thanked: 43,332 Times View My Garage Rumour: Ford to wrap up India operations The American automaker has been in talks with various car companies for both contract manufacturing and/or sale of its Indian factories, the latest with Ola, which could use Fords factories to build electric. Quote: Ford is looking to wrap up its Indian manufacturing operations and may take a call on its Maraimalainagar and Sanand factories later this year. Link to ET Article GTO's earlier posts on the topic: Quote: GTO Originally Posted by I put the odds of Ford staying in India vs exiting India at 50 : 50. On the one hand, they have been around for 2+ decades, have good products, a better reputation than 10 years ago and SUVs / Crossovers that are profitable + selling well (EcoSport, Endeavour). On the other hand, Ford USA has been ruthless with getting rid of money-losing products & markets. In what was a controversial move, they got rid of smaller cars in the USA, choosing to sell only SUVs, Trucks, Crossovers & the Mustang. Ford also announced that it will stop making cars in Brazil. Ford's American CEO would be fed up of Ford India. In the 1-hour / month that he would spend looking at Ford India's reports, he would only see a poor ROI, a divorce (Ford-Mahindra) and hyper-aggressive competition from the entrenched players like Maruti & Hyundai. Take a look at our sales charts and you will see that the only way to survive or grow in India is "new products". Maruti, Hyundai, Tata, Kia, Renault etc. are only growing stronger because of fresh new cars. Ford India needs a minimum investment of 10000 - 20000 crore in the coming years for its new cars. Will Ford USA invest? I don't think so. Let's not forget additional investments needed in the 5 - 10 year timeline for a shift to EVs. If Ford India does stick around, it will only be with minimal new investments and selling cars picked from its global portfolio. Like Ford USA, the product portfolio will be trimmed and they will only be a seller of a fewer number of products with fatter margins (read = SUVs & Crossovers). No chance of any mass market aspirations. If Ford is still in India in 2030, it will be a selling a smaller range of cars in segments that aren't brutal. I don't see any hatchback or compact sedan in Ford India's future. The company - if it maintains a presence here - will be massively downsized. Quote: GTO Originally Posted by Sort of worried, guys. I'll put Ford's chances of exiting India at 50 - 60%. Don't think they will do a complete exit like GM because Ford has earlier subtly indicated (via their Mahindra JV) that they would like to maintain a foot in the door (keeping future Indian prospects in mind). But Ford HQ @ USA has demonstrated that it will not tolerate any money-sucking businesses. Heck, they completely abandoned the hatchback & sedan market there, to focus only on profitable SUVs, trucks, crossovers & the Mustang. Ford has already exited markets where it had no future. The company has been around for 20+ years in India and has little to show for it. Competition is also getting fiercer with new entrants like Kia, resurgent players like Tata and stalwarts like Maruti + Hyundai fighting tooth & nail for every sale. Over & above, the future of electric cars requires huge investments. Can Ford ask USA HQ for big investments after losing money for a majority of its time in India? No way. Ford looks to wrap up India factory ops soon ?The American automaker has been in talks with various car companies for both contract manufacturing and/or sale of its Indian factories,, which could use Fords factories to build electric.GTO's earlier posts on the topic: Last edited by GTO : 16th July 2021 at 08:20 . Reason: Adding my posts for additional perspective - thanks! Enterprise IT Lead Generation Services Fuel Your Pipeline. Close More Deals. Our full-service marketing programs deliver sales-ready leads. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee! Learn more. Travel after the pandemic is not going to be quite the same as it used to be, but it's definitely coming back. As people emerge from lockdowns and limitations in the coming months, and look toward getting out and exploring the world again, travel is anticipated to become a popular and valued activity. The E-Commerce Times spoke with several industry experts to get their perspective on new trends in travel and tourism. "In the short term, travel has become more complex," Christina Pedroni, senior vice president with Liberty Travel, told the E-Commerce Times. "It's not as easy as just booking a flight and grabbing your passport, given various Covid-19 testing requirements in place for almost every destination." Because of all the changes in the world over the last year, travelers -- or those helping them to plan their itineraries -- must do a fair amount of research before heading out. "There is a lot to know and understand about travel in the current environment," explained Pedroni. "The value of a travel agent has never been more obvious as navigating entry, testing, quarantine and government requirements are still very fluid." It's not just leisure travel that will be increasing, either. Business travel is already starting to tick upward, as people seek to return to in-person meetings. "As Covid slows, a significant number of people are returning to business travel," Mike Putman, CEO of Custom Travel Solutions, told the E-Commerce Times. "While Zoom has been an exceptional substitute, it doesn't provide the level of relationship [an in-person] face-to-face meeting does." Pent-Up Demand Because of all the suppressed energy out there, as people begin to break loose and travel, this increased demand is likely to limit availability of rooms, cars, flights and other amenities. "Of course, there is a tremendous pent-up demand," explained Putman. "Still, some services are limited due to capital restraints -- not enough rental cars -- and service restraints -- restaurants haven't been able to rehire employees, causing limited dining capacity." This increased demand will affect availability and pricing. "In the medium term, there will be tremendous demand for travel and the most popular hotels, resorts and destinations will have limited availability, and, as a result, prices will rise with this demand," said Pedroni. Priorities Changed Travel itself has changed because of the pandemic, and one of the primary changes has been an increased concern with health, wellness and cleanliness. "First and foremost, health and safety protocols are important to all travelers and have become a must-have for travel providers rather than a nice-to-have," explained Pedroni. "People are willing to pay more for that peace of mind. Travelers are looking to escape beyond their four walls, and although destination is important, it's likely not as important as it was pre-Covid. It really is the journey, not the destination -- the 'act of travel' -- whether for relaxation, for a new experience, or for an adventure," she added. Also as a result of the pandemic, travelers are looking for new kinds of amenities -- including often the ability to work remotely even while they're on vacation. "There is a growing demand for privacy and exclusivity, as well as longer vacations and remote working scenarios," Juan Vela Ruiz, vice president of Velas Resorts, told the E-Commerce Times. In response, Velas Resorts released its Home to Grand program. Privacy features include an area set aside for a private beach and another for a private office, as well as personalized classes and exclusive dining experiences. Loyalty Rewards Travelers have also become concerned with maintaining points status and other perks that might have dropped off with decreased usage during the pandemic -- in part because they hope to use those points as the pandemic wanes. "Prior to the pandemic, program members were looking for greater convenience and ease of use when it comes to booking travel, more redemption options with reasonable rates of redemption, and an overall more personalized experience," Len Covello, CTO for Engage People, told the E-Commerce Times. "These all remain a top priority, but as travel restrictions begin to ease, program members also are seeking ways to retain their hotel and airline statuses, despite a significant decrease in use -- just as many airlines and hotels lower their qualifying thresholds for particular loyalty levels," he remarked. Even paying for travel -- especially in emerging markets -- has been affected by the pandemic. "The travel industry is one of the industries most impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic," Sue Ann Seet, head of Asia for dLocal, told the E-Commerce Times. "It is also one of the first to respond to the changes that the situation demanded. Dlocal has seen an increase in domestic flights versus international flights. "When it comes to payments in emerging markets, we see an unprecedented move into the digitalization of payments. While this might be no surprise in more mature countries, emerging markets are still very cash-based and are still in the middle of their digital transformation. The pandemic accelerated the process," she observed. Responsible Travel It's not only travel that has changed, but the kind of shopping that people do while traveling. People increasingly want, for instance, to bring home luxury souvenirs that they will actually use -- including wine -- and they're looking for luggage to keep it safe during the journey. "Tourists want to buy wine and get it home to enjoy the memories of their travels," Ron Scharman, CEO of FlyWithWine, told the E-Commerce Times. "We are in the fourth generation of VinGardeValise wine suitcases, as we have added features to improve the product and consumer experience while traveling to make sure their wines travel safely, regardless of the deteriorating baggage handling situation in today's airports," he noted. Finally, travelers are more environmentally conscious than ever, and they're looking for sustainable alternatives to traditional travel. "Ongoing, there is a new focus on sustainability in travel, both for travelers and for destinations," explained Pedroni. "There are incredible initiatives happening throughout the travel industry that showcase exactly how we can travel responsibly throughout the world, and this will become the norm and the expectation as the next generation becomes the dominate travelers." Vivian Wagner has been an ECT News Network reporter since 2008. Her main areas of focus are technology, business, CRM, e-commerce, privacy, security, arts, culture and diversity. She has extensive experience reporting on business and technology for a variety of outlets, including The Atlantic, The Establishment and O, The Oprah Magazine. She holds a PhD in English with a specialty in modern American literature and culture. She received a first-place feature reporting award from the Ohio Society of Professional Journalists, and is the author of Women in Tech: 20 Trailblazers Share Their Journeys, published by ECT News Network in May 2020. Email Vivian. Good news, night owls! Android 12 is currently making a huge noise after it released its second public beta version. And now, Android smartphone users will surely get excited as Google is rumored to be working on a new feature for the upcoming Android 12 Public Beta 3 version. This new functionality is called Face-Based Autorotation. Based on its name, it could adjust your smartphone screen to any position you are currently in. The new Android 12 feature is quite great for those who are spending their night doomscrolling. Google's new software capability uses your device's front-facing camera and face detection to know the orientation you are holding your smartphone. As of the moment, almost all smartphone systems are still depending on the accelerometer. "This is especially helpful for people who are using their devices while lying down on a couch or in bed," said Google Android's Vice President of Engineering Dave Burke. Android 12's Upcoming Face-Based Autorotation Feature According to Android Police's latest report, the new Android 12 Face-Based Autorotation feature will only arrive on Google Pixel 4 and other newer Pixel models. Google hasn't confirmed the release date for Samsung and other Android smartphone brands. Also Read: Android 12 Leaks 'Hibernate' Feature on Unused Apps to Free Storage on Device, Closely Resembling iOS On the other hand, Google also reassured users that the new feature will not compromise their data privacy. "Enable Face Detection. By default, your Pixel isn't automatically recording from the front-facing camera as soon as you install Android 12. Furthermore, even if you do enable the feature, all processing for it happens on-device - you aren't sending a stream of selfies to Sundar's servers, it's all happening locally," explained the tech giant creator. On the other hand, Google also confirmed that the new Android 12 Face-Based Autorotation function relies on its Private Computer Core, a special operating system secured area that prevents the device from storing images and other sensitive files. Other Details of Face-Based Autorotation Feature The Verge reported that the new Android 12 feature will reduce auto-rotate latency by 25%. This is a great enhancement since some smartphone owners claimed Android's auto-rotation feature doesn't work smoothly. They also said that this functionality is not that accurate when it comes to adjusting their phone screen's orientation. What Google is bragging about its new Android 12 capability is its accuracy. For more news updates about Android 12 and other smartphone systems, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes. Related Article: Google Android 12 to Change Process of Third Party Installation for Android 12 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. (Photo : GettlyImages/ The Washington Post ) NASA Crew Dragon NASA's astronauts aboard the International Space Station is scheduled to relocate their Crew Dragon Endeavour spacecraft on July 21. The scheduled relocation is the first time in the history of a space mission that two different US commercial spacecraft created for crew will be docked to the microgravity laboratory simultaneously. The live coverage will start at 6:00 A.M. Eastern Standard Time on the NASA app, NASA TV, and NASA's official website. NASA's Live Stream of Crew Dragon NASA astronauts Shane Kimbrough and Megan McArthur, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency astronaut Akihiko Hoshide, and European Space Agency astronaut Thomas Pesquet will board the Crew Dragon spacecraft about 4 AM Eastern Standard Time and undock from the forward port of the station's Harmony module for 45 minutes. The spacecraft will dock again in the Space Station's port at 7:00 A.M. Eastern Standard Time. Also Read: Elon Musk: SpaceX's Rocket Booster from NASA Crew-1 is Still Reusable Even After Seen 'Leaning'-Will Only Replace Parts! The relocation of the Crew Dragon will give Boeing's CST-100 Starliner spacecraft enough space on Harmony's forward port. The CST-100 Starliner is scheduled for launch on July 30 as part of NASA's Boeing Orbital Flight Test-2 mission. The flight will also test the capabilities of the Starliner spacecraft, from its stability after its atmospheric re-entry, its resilience to dock, and its desert landing. NASA stated that the mission would provide data about Boeing's crew transportation system. It will also help the space agency certify Starliner and the United Launch Alliance or ULA's Atlas V rocket for regular flights to and from the Space Station. This will be the second time that the Crew Dragon spacecraft was relocated. On April 23, NASA's SpaceX Crew-2 mission lifted off from the Kennedy Space Center and docked successfully to the Space Station on April. 24. Crew-2 is the second of six certified crew missions NASA and SpaceX have planned as part of their Commercial Crew Program. The Crew-2 is scheduled to return to Earth in November, according to Market Screener. NASA's Crew Dragon Endeavour The Crew Dragon Endeavour was the first to complete a mission with a crew inside when it fell in the Gulf of Mexico with astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley as part of test flight Demo-2 in 2020. The fight became the first time since 2011 that the space agency had launched astronauts into space from the United States, and it paved the way for Crew-1, which was launched in November. Both Crew-1 and Resilience have returned to Earth while Crew Dragon Endeavour and Crew-2 are still in orbit. SpaceX stated that it wants to use Resilience again to launch Crew-3, but the company also wants to utilize Resilience on a private mission to orbit the Earth by attaching it to a spacecraft called Inspiration4 scheduled to launch in September. As soon as Crew-3 arrives at the International Space Station, Crew-2 onboard Crew Dragon Endeavour will return to Earth and will land again in the Gulf of Mexico, according to Orlando Sentinel. NASA stated that after the SpaceX Crew-3 flight, the next crew rotation would target mid-2022, but whether the mission would involve Boeing would be announced in the next few months. Related Article: SpaceX's Crew Dragon Resilience: How to Watch ISS Astronauts Take Their Shortest Interstellar Travel Yet This article is owned by Tech Times Written by Sophie Webster 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. NASA Juno has picked up radio emissions from Jupiter's volcanic moon known as "Io," and it is something which gives extensive knowledge on the planet, as it provides new information. This new information is key to getting to know the largest planet in the Solar System, as well as its state as a gas giant, which is an entirely different one from the Earth. Earlier last June, the Juno spacecraft has released one of the very rare photos of Jupiter's largest moon, Ganymede, which can only be done by its fly-by mission to the cosmic body. NASA Juno Picks Up Radio Emissions from Jupiter's Moon In recent developments, NASA has released new information about Jupiter earlier today, and it focuses on its other moon, known for its volcanic state, "Io." This particular natural satellite is one of Jupiter's many moons, but is certainly one of its most peculiar ones, especially as it has a surface that resembles that of a volcano, unlike the traditional ones. Here, the reconnaissance spacecraft has also captured radio emissions from Io, which is something of a discovery for NASA, bringing new knowledge for humans about space. NASA calls this "Jovian Radio," and this was recorded by Juno, and is now a feat to marvel at, as it provides a spectacle of different frequencies, as observed by the space agency. Jupiter is known to have a massive magnetic field, which is incomparable to what we have, and this affects its moons, as well as everything around it. That being said, Juno's discovery has helped to reveal more of Jupiter, as NASA's scientists would look more into these gathered materials. Read Also: NASA Wants to Grow Space Chile Peppers For the First Time NASA Juno: Ganymede, Io Jupiter has an ice-moon known as Ganymede, and it is one of the focuses of the Juno spacecraft as it upholds its orbital reconnaissance towards the gas giant. Here, the JunoCam has captured animation of Jupiter and Ganymede, as they interact with each other. And while it somehow shows a resemblance from Earth's interaction with the Moon, there are still massive differences, as Jupiter has a different structure being a gas giant. And while the researchers are more into marveling about Ganymede, Io comes in with its radio emissions that gave humans more things to study, and get to know about its neighbor. NASA Jupiter Mission: Why is It Important? Nasa's Jupiter mission was launched to learn more about the fifth and largest planet in the Solar System, aiming to explain the phenomenon behind its structure as a gas giant, different from the rocky planets. Moreover, it gives an insight into what is around us, especially in the same galaxy that one belongs in. The space agency hopes to learn more and be able to explain to people what our neighbors are like, hence the missions towards Venus, Mars, Jupiter, among others. Related Article: NASA TV to Show the Port Relocation of its Crew Dragon Endeavour to Prepare for the Arrival of CST-100 Starlink This article is owned by Tech Times Written by Isaiah Richard 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Microsoft identified "Sourgum" from Israel as the threat actor behind its Windows malware and zero-day, which plagued its computer operating system in the past weeks. The particular problem has only been solved recently by Microsoft, and it gave them the struggle to fix with different users saying that it was not effective for their experience. The company discovered the threat actors to be from the private sector, and it would have an investigation to reveal the true intentions behind it. Amidst this, Microsoft completed its acquisition of RiskIQ, which was envisioned to help the company in its security issues. Microsoft: Threat Actor is 'Sourgum' from Israel According to Microsoft's blog post, the company's investigation in their recent cyberattack and zero-day vulnerability was from an Israeli private sector company, "Sourgum." The said company is known to be a PSOA or a private sector offensive actor, which has a purpose to sell "cyberweapons" to its clients, with the intentions of hacking them. Another group name they were discovered to be is known as "Candiru," and they have been related to Sourgum with regards to the recent Microsoft attack. While the intentions of Candiru remain unknown, it is a direct threat against Microsoft and would be subject to an investigation, catching the criminal behind the attack. Bill Marczak and other authors from Citizen Lab have detailed how they caught Candiru and other threat actors which have taken part in the attack on Microsoft. Speculations that both are the same company ensues, but it was a different discovery for Microsoft and Citizen Lab. Read Also: REvil, Russian Hacking Group Behind Major Ransomware Attack, Vanished From the Internet Who is 'Sourgum?' Sourgum is an Israeli-based PSOA that sells spyware products to its clients, and its purpose or intent is to bring harm to them, including that of Microsoft's recent attack. They are referred to as a "mercenary spyware company" as mentioned by Citizen Lab about Candiru. Is Microsoft Windows Safe Now? The attack cost Microsoft a lot, and it has been known to be immune to several of its emergency patch releases which failed when its users and the public needed it most. That being said, this threat was a massive deal for Microsoft, especially as the company has struggled to protect its operating systems and return to normal proceedings. Currently, Microsoft's systems have been given a patch to protect themselves from the vulnerabilities, and will soon add more layers of protection. Related Article: Remember Clippy? Microsoft is Threatening to Bring It Back as an Emoji This article is owned by Tech Times Written by Isaiah Richard 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. An AI voice generation method was used for the latest Anthony Bourdain documentary, and it aims to capture something that the late personality said, bordering greatly on deepfake. However, these words were never actually said on recording or any media by the late celebrity chef and are something which the director wants to be part of the film. Over the past months and during the pandemic, Deepfake has been used to bring fake news and mislead people into believing a lot of different things on the internet. It already caused alarm to the government, and some of which were taken down by social media platforms as they malign people. AI Voice Generation for Anthony Bourdain According to an interview by The New Yorker, Director Morgan Neville has revealed that he has used artificial intelligence to generate a copy of the voice of the late Anthony Bourdain, to be included in his film. Here, the voice and audio clip was never said by Bourdain when he was still alive, but something which Neville wants to capture for the documentary film, "Roadrunner." This has turned a lot of heads and caught massive attention, especially with the lengths that the director went to, to make the film. And while using modern technology to one's advantage is not a crime, there are certain aspects where one should take caution, especially in making a dead person say things he has never said before. Read Also: Woman Allegedly Manipulated Daughter's Rivals' Faces with 'Deepfake' AI to Kick Them Off Cheerleading Squad In GQ's interview with the director, he has revealed that there were as many as four companies that he approached so that they may create the best possible replication of the personality's voice. This was all made for the film's purposes, and nothing else, but still receives a lot of criticism. Roadrunner: Deepfake Documentary? The documentary film entitled "Roadrunner" has been met with criticisms and ethical concerns with regards to its use of AI voice generation, as it is not something which the team naturally holds. Meaning that the generated content was brought by the creative minds of the team, instead of being regularly available media content, as seen in the media. While it uses something like deepfake in the documentary for its content, it is not necessarily a "deep fake documentary," as most of the content, it shows remains authentic and not AI-generated. However, it was not extensively revealed through the interviews, what parts were AI-generated, so having mentioned it might give it a notion that it is mostly deepfake. Remembering the Late Anthony Bourdain by AI Recreation Anthony Bourdain has passed away last 2018, and since then, his legacy was always remembered by the media as he was a massive personality in popular culture. The former television host has imparted a lot of knowledge and shared a lot of culture in his documentaries, making him an iconic name in the industry. Remembering the late Anthony Bourdain will be showcased in "Roadrunner" but it would also integrate generated content to further give people an insight about him is quite the step. Related Article: Alforithmic Uses AI-Powered Albert Einstein Voice, Concerns About Deepfakes Grow This article is owned by Tech Times Written by Isaiah Richard 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Google is now letting users delete the last 15 minutes of their saved search history on their iOS devices. The new "quick delete" feature, which was first revealed in May, is available for the Google app on iOS for the meantime. The feature will be made available to Android users later this year. According to The Verge, as far as desktop is concerned, options to delete your search history are "limited to setting your history to auto-delete every three, 18, or 36 months (18 months is the default for new accounts), or deleting searches by hand." The Verge describes the auto-delete feature as "great for your peace of mind." "Think of it as an emergency 'oh no' button for terrible, embarrassing, or just plain private searches," the article says. Google Search History Privacy Protection Google has also announced other measures that can help protect users' privacy aside from the Google search history "quick delete" option. In an announcement posted on their blog, Google added a new tool geared towards extra search history protection for those who share their devices with other people. The new tool assures users that other people who share their device will not be able to look at their search history. Users simply have to require extra verification under "My Activity." "With this setting, you'll need to provide additional information - like your password or two-factor authentication - before your full history can be viewed," the announcement reads. Related Article: Here's How To See Your Google Search History And Delete It Too Google Security and Privacy Check-Ups Google also reiterated the company's already existing security and privacy measures that safeguard not only a user's Google search history, but all other information as well. In the same announcement posted on their blog, Google reminds its users that the Privacy Checkup is available. Through the Privacy Checkup, users will go through a step-by-step procedure involving key privacy settings. The Security Checkup, on the other hand, contains "personalized recommendations" that enable users to protect their data and devices. These include settings that manage third-party apps. Users can also check the strength of passwords stored in Google Password Manager. Other Google Privacy Options and Features Back in May, Google announced other privacy options and features that aim to give users control of their own data. These options and features include those for Google Photos, Google Maps, and Google Play Store. Users now have the option to protect a locked folder with a passcode in Google Photos. The tech company also introduced Location History, which lets users see places they've visited in their Google Maps Timeline. Location History can easily be turned off should the user wish. The company also previously announced that its Google Play Store apps will now inform users about what data they collect. The announcement followed a similar one from Apple regarding apps in its App Store. Also Read: Android 12 Vs. iOS: Similar Privacy Features-Security Capabilities Google Offer That Apple Doesn't This article is owned by Tech Times Written by Isabella James 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. (Photo : Screenshot From Commons.Wikipedia.org) Intel is Looking to Buy AMD Supplier GlobalFoundries for $30 Billion Opening Supplier Options Outside TSMC Intel is now looking to buy AMD's supplier GlobalFoundries for a whopping $30 billion while opening its supplier options outside of the popular TSMC. Reports cite people familiar with the particular matter. Intel in Talks to Buy GlobalFoundries According to The Wall Street Journal, citing individuals that are familiar with the situation, Intel Corp is already in talks to buy GlobalFoundries Inc for a whopping $30 billion. As of the moment, any talks of the potential deal don't actually appear to directly include GlobalFoundries. A spokesperson for the company's statement to the Journal noted, however, that they were not in discussion for Intel. Talks come as a whole semiconductor shortage is hobbling industries all around the globe. Deal Could Help Give Solution to the Global Chip Shortage A particular deal could then help Intel ramp up production of its chips at a harsh time when demand is soaring at its peak. The company is only yet looking to start production of chips for car makers that have been struggling to keep up with their operations due to the severe widespread shortages which is expected to last until 2023. Intel is one of the last companies in the whole semiconductor industry that does both the designing and the manufacturing of its very own chips. It also stated earlier this year that it would expand its more advanced chip manufacturing capacity by spending as much as $20 billion in order to invest in factories in the United States. Intel vs TSMC and Samsung According to Reuters, Intel stated that it intended to open up its factories to outside chip designers. This is as it competes directly with Taiwan's Semiconductor Manufacturing Co Ltd. or more popularly known as TSMC. Aside from TSMC, Intel is also competing with Korea's Samsung Electronics Co Ltd or otherwise known as Samsung. GlobalFoundries is owned by Mubadala Investment Co, Abu Dhabi's sovereign wealth fund, and has a manufacturing footprint spread across US, Europe, and of course, Asia. Reuters also reported that Mubadala is looking at a full potential listing of GlobalFoundries later this 2021 while citing sources familiar with the particular matter. Read Also: Apple Breaks Record as 1st Public US Company to Hit $2.5 Trillion in Market Capitalization GlobalFoundires and AMD GlobalFoundries' customers include one of the massively popular electronics in the industry, Advanced Micro Devices Inc or AMD. AMD was actually GlobalFoundries' parent company just before it was then spun off about over a decade earlier, a relationship that would spark antitrust questions about a particular Intel deal. Once upon a time, AMD partnered with GlobalFoundries and Samsung to manufacture chips. Intel also declined to comment, according to the report by Reuters, while Mubadala and GlobalFoundries did not give any immediate response to the request for a comment. As of the moment, GlobalFoundries is also the known supplier for AMD, its once parent company. If the deal does push through, we'll have to see what the effect will have on Intel and AMD which are currently competing for CPUs. Related Article: Amazon Can Now Track Your Sleep as FCC Grants Waiver to Monitor a Person Using Sensors, Other Techs This article is owned by Tech Times Written by Urian B. 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. (Photo : Screenshot From Commons.Wikipedia.org) Apple Employees Might Quit Their Job if the Company Denies Remote Work Requests As COVID-19 Vaccination Rolls Out Apple employees could quit their job if the company denies their workers' remote working requests. As the COVID-19 vaccination is starting to progress around the world, Apple is now encouraging its employees to start to return to work in person. Apple Employees Request for Remote Work According to 9to5mac, not everyone currently seems willing to return to the office once again. Some of these employees are even saying that they will then be leaving the company if ever the company denies their request to work from home. In another news report from The Verge, it was revealed that Apple has actually been denying even more requests coming from their employees that have decided that they want to continue working from home instead of adopting the new hybrid model. In a Slack channel with a huge 6,000 members, employees argue that they will then leave the company if Apple does not change its current decision. Apple Discourages Employees from Remote Work It was noted that while Apple had historically discouraged its employees from working directly from home, there were still some one-off exceptions to this particular rule and some teams were more lenient compared to others. As of the moment, employees state that even those particular exceptions are being denied. The company was initially affected with the pandemic as well as Apple stores also had to be shut down. In a company Slack channel where employees advocate for remote work, roughly about 10 people stated that they were resigning due to the whole hybrid work policy or even knew others who might have been forced to quit. Some employees who are on an Americans with Disabilities Act accommodation will still be granted the work from home option. The Grant Could be Denied If Apple, however, decides to return to the office permanently, the accommodation will eventually be denied. The company gives its employees 30 days for them to look for a new job if it decides to deny medical accommodation. Apple is offering employees that got the COVID-19 vaccine paid leaves. The Verge was told that the company has already been asking for medical records in order to decide if employees will be approved to work directly from home which, according to them, started to make some people feel uncomfortable. Read Also: Clipchamp Achieves New Heights, New Apps, and a New Partnership With Microsoft 90% of Employees Want Flexibility Some time last month, an internal survey that was organized by employees at Apple showed that at least 90% of employees still want flexibility when it comes to working remotely. The company, however, argues that working in person is considered essential and expects everyone in order to be back in the office some time soon. Employees even directly sent a letter straight to Apple CEO Tim Cook in order to ask for changes. However, these requests were still denied. With things just starting to ease up after the pandemic, it is still unknown as to whether the employees' requests will be permanently denied or whether Apple will decide to make changes later on. Related Article: Elon Musk: Tesla To 'Die' If He is Not the Boss-But He 'Rather Hates' Being the CEO This article is owned by Tech Times Written by Urian B. 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. (Photo : Screenshot From Commons.Wikipedia.org) Jeff Bezos Blue Origin First Crew Flight to Take Place Soon: Here's How to Watch Online Jeff Bezos, Amazon's now former CEO, is gearing up for his company Blue Origin's first ever crewed flight that is set to take place soon. For those that aren't going to join the trip, don't worry, there's a way to watch it online. Jeff Bezos Blue Origin Set for Upcoming Launch According to CNet, it is now almost a week since Richard Branson, the Virgin Galactic founder, had just earned his astronaut wings and yet another extremely wealthy human being is getting ready to do the same. This coming July 20, 2021, former Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos will be strapping himself into a rocket that was built by his spaceflight company Blue Origin to directly blast off to space! Joining Jeff Bezos will be his brother Mark and should the flight become a success, both the oldest astronaut ever, Wally Funk, an aeronautics pioneer, and the youngest astronaut ever, Oliver Daeman at 18-years old, will be joining the mission. The mission will be the final culmination of about two decades of hard rocket science. 18-year old Oliver Daeman is set to replace a passenger that paid $28 million for a seat! Blue Origin Launch Schedule July 20, 2021 Blue Origin had officially emerged back in 2015 after more than a decade of silence. It then revealed its reusable rocket called New Shepard. About 15 test flights later, New Shepard is finally ready to take humans to space. The official flight is scheduled to be on July 20, 20212. Blue Origin's official coverage will start at 4AM PT or 7:30 AM ET. For those that might need a few more moments of sleep on the US west coast before tuning in, the official liftoff is targeted for 6AM PT or 9AM ET. In order to watch the liftoff live online, make sure to tune in to BlueOrigin.com. For those that aren't living in the US, don't worry, we've listed a few other time zones for viewers in different areas to be able to tune in. Read Also: SpaceX 'Massive Starship Launch Tower' in Texas Remains Unapproved by FAA Here are the schedules to other time zones around the world: Schedule for Rio de Janeiro will be at 10AM Schedule for London will be at 2PM Schedule for Johannesburg will be at 3PM Schedule for Moscow will be at 4PM Schedule for Dubai will be at 5PM Schedule for New Delhi will be at 6:30PM Schedule for Beijing will be at 9PM Schedule for Tokyo will be at 10PM Schedule for Sydney will be at 11PM The question is, with Blue Origin's scheduled launch very soon, how will the company hold in comparison to SpaceX. With the multiple flights that have already been executed by SpaceX, this will be Jeff Bezos' first launch ever with Blue Origin. The difference, as of the moment, is that Jeff Bezos himself will be on the flight while Elon Musk has not yet gone to space himself. The results of the mission are still unknown but as the launch is scheduled on July 20, 2021, fans will get the results really soon. Everything is set and ready to go as Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin has already been approved by the FAA. Related Article: NASA Juno Releases Radio Emissions Triggered by Jupiter's 'Io,' the Volcanic Moon of the Gas Giant This article is owned by Tech Times Written by Urian B. 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Zhurong, China's Mars Rover, has given those back on Earth a glimpse of its parachute and backshell. This was made possible thanks to the Mars Rover's hazard-avoidance cameras. The Zhurong was able to take black-and-white photos using the technology as well as one colored photo of the parachute-backshell. The parachute and backshell were all essential gear that helped the Zhurong Mars Rover land safely on the planet in May. Zhurong, China's Mars Rover, Takes Photo of Parachute and Backshell Zhurong was around 100 feet away from its backshell when the Mars rover took the photos, according to Space. Per the same report, the backshell was responsible for covering China's Mars Rover and its lander during the trip to the planet and through its atmosphere. According to the Chinese space officials quoted in the report, "the complete back cover structure after aerodynamic ablation, the attitude control engine diversion hole on the back cover is clearly identifiable." Photos taken by the Zhurong Mars Rover were posted by officials on Weixin, otherwise known as WeChat. China's Zhurong Mars Rover Zhurong is part of China's first homegrown Mars mission, Tianwen 1. The Mars Rover separated from the Tianwen 1 orbiter and landed on Mars last May. Zhurong's task is to study the topography and geology of Mars. Its other missions include looking for buried water ice. It sent its first audio and video back recordings last month, as well as new pictures of Mars. The surface mission is set to last around 93 days here on Earth, which is equivalent to 90 days on Mars. The successful landing of the Mars rover made China the second country to land and operate any robot on the Red Planet. The first one able to do so is the United States. Space X's CEO Elon Musk and Senator Bill Nelson have since congratulated China for the images. Both expressed their happiness over the milestone as it is considered as an advancement in the international space community. Related Article: Chinese Rover "Zhurong" On Mars: New Photographs Surfaced - Displays Large China Flag Tianwen 1 Mars Mission Tianwen 1, China's first fully homegrown mission to Mars, was successfully launched in July 2020 and arrived in Mars's orbit last February. China named its exploration program Tianwen, which means "quest for heavenly truth," which was announced by the China National Space Administration (CNSA) in April last year. It was named after a long poem by poet Qu Yuan. The goal of the Tianwen 1 mission is to collect important information about Mars, such as its environment, geological structure, and atmosphere. The Mars mission is made up of the Zhurong rover, a lander, and an orbiter. The Tianwen 1 orbiter is set to operate for at least one year in Mars' time, according to Space. That is equivalent to around 687 days here on Earth. Also Read: China's Tianwen-1 Mars Rover Snaps First Photo of the Eerie Red Planet Amid Challenging Entry This article is owned by Tech Times Written by Isabella James 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Urbandroid's Sleep As Android application is one of the most popular apps in the Google Play Store. However, it is also one of the most persistent Android applications since it always wants to have a head start against its competitors. How does Urbandroid's Sleep As Android do This? The giant app developer does this by acquiring the latest Android system APIs even before it is fully launched. As of the moment, Google is still in the process of rolling out its latest smartphone system version. Some tech experts claim that the new Android 12 specifically focuses on improving the Android device's Material You redesign. They added that other enhancements and new advanced features are just its second priority. On the other hand, the tech giant manufacturer is also making efforts to allow applications, which are available on the Play Store take, take advantage of Android 12's new design language and dynamic theming. However, it seems like Urbandroid will be the first one to do this since it is planning to release its Sleep As Android beta version, which takes partial non-final, and undocumented APIs. Urbandroid's Sleep As Android To Support Android 12 According to Android Police's latest report, Android 12's Material You redesign is expected to be supported by the new Sleep As Android beta version. Also Read: Google's Play Media Experience Program Reduces its Commission to Give Developers a Chance to Earn More Rumors claimed that the app's beta version will have its Android 12 support before the new Google smartphone system debuts. As of the moment, Google hasn't confirmed yet of the activity of Urbandroid is illegal. However, the giant tech firm has also been making some changes with the app developer's input. On the other hand, since the APIs that Urbandroid will acquire are partially documented and not yet final, they will surely change once the official Android 12 Material You redesign debuts. Based on Google Play Store's official website, Sleep As Android is one of the Editor's Choice, thanks to its popularity. It also has a 4 and 1/2 star rating. "Smart alarm clock with sleep cycle tracking. Wakes you gently in optimal moment for pleasant mornings," said Urbandroid. "This app uses the Device Administrator permission. The reason is effective CAPTCHA (a feature to make sure you wake up in the morning) so you cannot avoid alarms by uninstalling the app during an alarm," added the giant app creator. What is API? API is currently a major deal for Android 12. Red Hat explained that it is a set od protocols and definitions, which are used by developers to integrate and create application systems. This feature also allows an application to communicate with other services and devices. API allows app creators to do this, even if they don't know how they are actually implemented. For more news updates about Sleep As Android and other popular Android applications, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes. Related Article: Android 12 Vs. iOS: Similar Privacy Features-Security Capabilities Google Offer That Apple Doesn't This article is owned by TechTimes Written by: Griffin Davis 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Honor's flagship phone series, dubbed as the Magic 3, gears up for its launch date next month. As its debut is nearing, some reports claim that the upcoming smartphone will be featuring a Snapdragon 888 Plus, an OLED screen display, and a lot more. It is worth noting that recently, last June 25 to be exact, the Honor 50 Series was unveiled to the public, highlighting that it will adopt support for Google apps this year. However, the latest release was the mid-range series of the Chinese phone maker, which flaunted both Honor 50 and the Honor 50 Pro. Notably, both devices only sported the mid-range Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G processor chip, paired with a Hunter Boost and GPU Turbo X to improve the overall performance of the budget devices. Honor Flagship Phone Magic 3 Series: Launch Date But this time around, Honor is releasing their flagship line-up, which boasts tons of top-end specs. As per XDADevelopers, some rumors predicted that the flagship launch date is happening anytime in August, which the company echoed in the debut event invitation. To be precise, the Chinese phone maker invited the press to an event that will launch the next Honor Magic 3 series. Of course, the invitation included the launch date and time of the flagship line up, which is on August 12 at 12:30 PM Beijing Standard Time or BST. The launch event will stream at the global website of Honor, as well as other major streaming platforms. Honor Flagship Phone Magic 3 Series: Snapdragon 888 Plus Aside from the launch date of the Honor flagship, the Chinese company also teased an image of a giant camera sensor as the header background of the press invite. Such a move could further raise the possibility that the shooter of the Magic 3 series is getting a significant upgrade. The camera sensor image aside, Honor did not disclose any more specs that the upcoming line-up is likely to sport. Nevertheless, the Chinese phone maker announced on June 29 that the next flagship device is indeed getting the top-of-the-line Snapdragon 888 Plus as its processor, NotebookCheck reported. The plus variant of the current Qualcomm chip outperforms the plain Snapdragon 888 due to the 5% speed boost that the ARM Cortex-X1 core brought. Read Also: Huawei 'Honor Play 4 Pro' Can Screen for Coronavirus; Other Features You Need to Know Honor Magic 3: Display and Fast Charging The only thing that the Chinese phone maker has confirmed specs-wise is the chipset of the upcoming series. However, some leakers have already predicted what is coming to the Magic 3 series. A leaker who goes by the name Digital Chat Station leaked via Weibo that the Honor flagship is likely sporting a 6.76-inches of OLED display, flaunting a 2772 x 1344 QHD+ resolution. Meanwhile, the leaker further claimed that the phone is possibly featuring a 66W/100W fast charge. A separate leak by a South Korean outlet suggested that Honor will be sporting Samsung's Ultra-Thin Glass Layer for its upcoming foldable device. Related Article: Honor Spinoff Reveals Huawei's Plans to Work with Intel and NVIDIA: Company Confirmed Partnership with AMD and Microsoft This article is owned by Tech Times Written by Teejay Boris 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Apple could soon release a buttonless iPhone 13. However, some rumors claimed that this could still change in the future, saying that the buttonless feature could arrive in future-gen iPhone models instead. On the other hand, Apple still hasn't confirmed this detail yet. However, there's a chance that the tech giant manufacturer could already be working on it as various sources acquired Apple's new patent titled "Disappearing Button or Slider." In this new patent, Apple discussed how it will make iPhone's physical controls as invisible as light. "In the world of consumer devices, and particularly consumer electronics, there is an ever-present demand for improved appearance, improved functionality, and improved aesthetics," said Apple. "Industrial design has become a highly skilled profession that focuses on fulfilling this need for enhanced consumer product appearance, functionality, and aesthetics," added the giant iPhone maker. Apple's iPhone 13 Will Have No Visible Buttons? According to CNET's latest report, Apple still hasn't confirmed if the buttonless feature of the iPhone 13 will arrive before 2021 ends, or this upcoming 2022. On the other hand, some tech critics and experts claim that Apple could integrate its fingerprint scanner into iPhone 13. This will replace the device's physical reader so that a new scanner could hide under the smartphone's screen. Also Read: Apple Music and Spotify Called Out by UK Parliament for How it Pays Artists, Wants Services to Split Royalties Equally They added that Apple would likely do this since it is the most practical way to make an iPhone buttonless. Back in 2016, Apple removed the headphone jack of the iPhone 7. Now, Apple is rumored to be removing iPhone 13's Lightning port so that it could become the company's first-ever completely portless device. Since this is the case, they added that Apple would also likely make it buttonless. However, the newly leaked patent could also be used for other Apple products, such as the iPad. Right now, the best thing you can do as a consumer is to wait for the company's further announcements before making any conclusion. iPhone 13's Unit Production Has Increased! HypeBeast reported that Apple has increased its iPhone 13 production because of the huge consumer demand. The tech giant manufacturer announced that it has increased the number of units by 20%. Thanks to the company's efforts, fans could expect around 90 million units to be shipped by the end of 2021. For more news updates about Apple's iPhone 13 and other related rumors about the smartphone, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes. Related Article: Android 12 Face-Based Autorotation Feature Adjusts Screen, Even When Doomscrolling--A Perfect Phone Function For Night Owls! This article is owned by TechTimes Written by: Griffin Davis 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Tesla Energy's solar installation and rollout are about to ramp up as the Biden administration backs the Solar Automated Permit Processing dubbed the SolarAPP+. Tesla Energy's Elon Musk and Permit Processing App The Tesla CEO, Elon Musk, revealed that one of the problems that Tesla Energy struggled to encounter involved the sluggish pacing of permit approval for solar installations. The pronouncement of the billionaire CEO came as he was defending the SolarCity acquisition of Tesla to court, wherein Musk also revealed the he hates being the Tesla boss. He further added that the COVID-19 pandemic delayed the overall process as the offices responsible for it were forcibly shut down. That said, the Tesla boss suggested the government to transition to the SolarAPP+ so that more Americans could get their solar panels installed. So, now that the Biden administration is rallying behind the proposed revamp of the process, and Tesla Energy is likely to benefit from it. Solar Automated Permit Processing (SolarAPP+) The new platform for the approval of solar panel installation is likely to accelerate the rollout of clean energy among American homes. As per Teslarati, residential solar installation approval is currently frustrating, stealing precious time from companies that provide such services. To be precise, merely securing a permit takes about one week or, in worst cases, more. Not to mention that the approval is also costly, which approximately account for about 30% of the price of the overall installation. Even the United States Department of Energy (DOE) agreed that there is still much to improve in terms of the current speed of the process, noting that the SolarAPP+ could help make it faster. Read Also: Tesla Solar Roof Increases Price and Affects Customers with Signed Contracts-Legal Action to be Pursued SolarAPP+: Faster Permitting Process The director of the Solar Energy Technologies Office of DOE, Becca Jones-Albertus, admitted to Reuters that the current manual process badly affected a bulk of solar companies. It is worthy to note that the current subpar speed of approval is not parallel to what the Biden administration stands for, which plans to push for a cleaner US electricity grid come 2035. The endeavor is a long-term initiative meant to answer to the prevailing ill effects of climate change. Nevertheless, the Energy Department optimistically predicted that the implementation of SolarAPP+ could help achieve the energy plans of the current government. The DOE added that the new platform helps further optimize the application and approval. However, the installations need to be at least five times swifter than the current rate to reach the 2035 goal. Meanwhile, Tesla Energy is reportedly expanding to China. Related Article: Elon Musk: Tesla to Allow Leading Cryptocurrency Transactions if Mining is 50% Clean Energy, Confirms Only Selling 10% This article is owned by Tech Times Written by Teejay Boris 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Didi, the Chinese version of popular ride-hailing service Uber is facing controversies over its suspicious data collection among its customers. The authorities from the government have visited Didi's branches to run a cybersecurity assessment. Cyberspace Regulators to Review Didi According to the latest report by CNBC, the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) said that it would be reviewing Didi in terms of its cybersecurity information. This happened days after the frenzied US listing of the company. As for the Chinese government, the Didi app was now deleted in the Chinese app stores. This also includes websites and other platforms that are accessible to the public. From the findings of CAC, the company has been engaging in the illegal collection of users' data. The severity of this problem could result in the loss of sensitive information of the users. Besides CAC, another regulator, SAMR (also known as State Administration for Market Regulation) has already made rounds of visits to the Didi offices on Friday, July 16. As part of the security review, seven departments in total have visited the Chinese ride-hailing titan. Read Also: DiDi, China's Version of Uber, Set for One of the Biggest IPOs of the Year: What You Should Know Regulars Recommend Didi's IPO to be Delayed In another report by the Wall Street Journal on July 5, what pushed Didi's initial public offering to be postponed in the United States was the suggestion that came from the antitrust regulators. In addition, this also led the cybersecurity departments to launch an evaluation of Didi's network security. The same news outlet wrote that the alarming instance about this information is the possibility that the data contained in Didi's system. According to the regulators, they feared that they would undergo a review of the US-based officials because of the auditing requirements in Washington. Moreover, CAC said over the past week that the cybersecurity review should be mandatory among companies that house sensitive details coming from more than 1 million users. Before doing overseas listings, the Chinese regulating body said that it should be the first thing to do by the companies. In line with the campaign about data privacy improvements, the authorities will make sure that the users' information will not be used for other activities that could compromise the identity of the bearers. Who is the Head Behind Didi? We know Didi works similarly to the usual ride-hailing services that we know. Other than that, we have no sufficient information about its founder. The South China Morning Post wrote that Cheng Wei, 38, is the company's founder who has a $1.2 billion network, as per Forbes' report. In 2021, the company managed to successfully come into the American stock market after its IPO listing in New York City. After that, the authorities responded to Didi's questionable listing, which prompted CAC to conduct an investigation. Then, the officials decided to remove its app from several app stores that would require the users to log in. Related Article: Didi Ride-Hailing App Gets Pulled from Chinese App Stores for Privacy Issues This article is owned by Tech Times Written by Joseph Henry 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The Boulders in Mountain Village is part of that towns deed restricted housing pool. (Courtesy photo) Ada, OK (74820) Today Scattered showers and thunderstorms, especially during the morning. High near 85F. Winds NNE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 60%.. Tonight Mostly clear. Low 67F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph. A day after saying masks would be required in Catholic schools for the unvaccinated, the Diocese of Baton Rouge reversed course Thursday. Now, masks will be optional. Plus, proof of inoculation won't be necessary and daily temperature checks are out. The about-face came in a letter Thursday night from Bishop Michael Duca. In the missive, Duca explained that diocesan officials initially thought Louisiana's recent guidance on curbing the spread of the deadly coronavirus was mandatory. Once State Superintendent Cade Brumley clarified that the guidelines are just recommendations, Duca said the diocese scrapped its own mandates. Diocese of Baton Rouge will still require masks next school year except for the vaccinated Even as public schools across Louisiana are jettisoning mask-wearing, the Diocese of Baton Rouge is sticking with its face-covering mandate fo As The Advocate has reported, Brumley and other state education officials announced weeks ago that these new guidelines were always going to be non-binding. The guidance was generated to help campuses prepare for the soon-to-start 2021-22 school year, especially since Gov. John Bel Edwards in late May lifted a mandate requiring mask-wearing in schools. In addition to backpedaling on masks, Duca retreated on earlier diocesan plans to require students and staff to show their vaccination status. He also said that guidance around the length of quarantines is being revisited. Duca indicated that many Catholic families had expressed concerns about the rules announced earlier in the week. My office has received and heard the concerns of parents the first teachers of their children and other concerned members of the community regarding the difficulties of creating a safe environment for children amid changing variables, Duca writes. The Diocese of Baton Rouge oversees 31 Catholic schools across eight parishes. One of its elementary schools, St. Alphonsus in Central, even lauded the mask mandate reversal on social media by sharing Duca's email in a post and calling it "great news." The diocesan has relied on a team of officials to establish rules for the new school year, with help from medical professionals with Our Lady of the Lake Hospital. They draw on the recent state safety guidance as well as advice from the federal Centers for Disease Control. The original version of the diocese rule mirrored CDC guidance that vaccinated people in schools dont need to cover their faces, but that masks should be worn indoors by all individuals (age 2 and older) who are not fully vaccinated. It also was similar to the approach recently announced by New Orleans public schools. Most schools in Louisiana, however, plan to make mask-wearing optional in the coming academic year. Two Louisiana residents won big in the state's inaugural vaccine lottery drawing on Friday. Cash prizes and scholarships will be given away every week for five weeks. The first two winners were announced Friday. Louisiana announces the first two winners of its vaccine lottery. Here's what they won. Louisiana announced the first two winners in its vaccine lottery Friday, kicking off five weeks of drawings that will dole out $2.3 million in Clement Dasalla, an 80-year-old New Orleans resident, won the first of four $100,000 cash prizes. Skyla Degrasse, a 17-year-old from Hammond, won the first of nine $100,000 scholarships. See their reactions below. Can't see the video? Click here. In the video, a Louisiana Department of Health vehicle pulls up to a home at the end of a cul-de-sac. Multiple officials pile out carrying a massive check and balloons. Dasalla and his wife answer the door to cheers and celebration. 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 "If you're hesitating about getting vaccinated talk it over with your physician and make a wise decision," said Dasalla. "I never thought we would win but if you don't register you have no chance. So if it happened to me, it can happen to anybody." How door-to-door canvassing became the 'heartbeat' of Louisiana's COVID-19 vaccination campaign When Lakeisha Brown knocks on doors to talk about the coronavirus vaccines, she anticipates tough conversations. Oftentimes, folks are confuse On the second stop, 17-year-old Degrasse opens the door to the flurry of balloons. "How are you feeling?" one woman asks her. "Surprised!" she said "It's very unexpected. I would've never thought I would win. This is a blessing. I'm really glad I'm vaccinated. I'm really glad I made the choice. I would like all my friends to get vaccinated so they can be safe and have a shot at a million." Residents who have received at least one dose of the vaccine can enter the lottery by visiting the shotatamillion.com website or by calling 1-877-356-1511. The deadlines for the drawings are as follows: This former pasture land off White Road in Prairieville was proposed for a 237-home subdivision earlier this year but was denied by the Ascension Parish Planning Commission. The Parish Council later failed to overturn the commission in July, and both have been sued over the decision. The photograph was taken from a turn in White Road. A day after saying masks would be required in Catholic schools for the unvaccinated, the Diocese of Baton Rouge reversed course Thursday. Now, masks will be optional. Plus, proof of inoculation won't be necessary and daily temperature checks are out. The about-face came in a letter Thursday night from Bishop Michael Duca. In the missive, Duca explained that diocesan officials initially thought Louisiana's recent guidance on curbing the spread of the deadly coronavirus was mandatory. Once State Superintendent Cade Brumley clarified that the guidelines are just recommendations, Duca said the diocese scrapped its own mandates. Diocese of Baton Rouge will still require masks next school year except for the vaccinated Even as public schools across Louisiana are jettisoning mask-wearing, the Diocese of Baton Rouge is sticking with its face-covering mandate fo As The Advocate has reported, Brumley and other state education officials announced weeks ago that these new guidelines were always going to be non-binding. The guidance was generated to help campuses prepare for the soon-to-start 2021-22 school year, especially since Gov. John Bel Edwards in late May lifted a mandate requiring mask-wearing in schools. In addition to backpedaling on masks, Duca retreated on earlier diocesan plans to require students and staff to show their vaccination status. He also said that guidance around the length of quarantines is being revisited. 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 Duca indicated that many Catholic families had expressed concerns about the rules announced earlier in the week. My office has received and heard the concerns of parents the first teachers of their children and other concerned members of the community regarding the difficulties of creating a safe environment for children amid changing variables, Duca writes. The Diocese of Baton Rouge oversees 31 Catholic schools across eight parishes. One of its elementary schools, St. Alphonsus in Central, even lauded the mask mandate reversal on social media by sharing Duca's email in a post and calling it "great news." The diocesan has relied on a team of officials to establish rules for the new school year, with help from medical professionals with Our Lady of the Lake Hospital. They draw on the recent state safety guidance as well as advice from the federal Centers for Disease Control. The original version of the diocese rule mirrored CDC guidance that vaccinated people in schools dont need to cover their faces, but that masks should be worn indoors by all individuals (age 2 and older) who are not fully vaccinated. It also was similar to the approach recently announced by New Orleans public schools. Most schools in Louisiana, however, plan to make mask-wearing optional in the coming academic year. Nearly 200,000 public school students turned out for summer school, up to four times the normal tally amid efforts to tackle learning loss triggered by the coronavirus pandemic, officials said Thursday. State education leaders had touted the classes for months, and put a new spin on traditional hard-to-stomach summer homework by dubbing the sessions "summer camp" and offering arts and other activities. State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley said the state Department of Education does not keep track of summer school enrollment historically. But Brumley said school district leaders reported turnout was three or four times the normal rate, and the nearly 200,000 who took part equates to nearly 30% of Louisiana's public school enrollment. "I think that was because of the way we approached it," he said. "We started advising everyone to not hold summer school, but instead to have summer camp." Aside from academics activities included arts, music, physical education and small-group tutoring. The sessions typically lasted three to five weeks. Summer school this year and in future years is seen as one way educators can try to offset learning loss sparked by the sudden end of the 2019-20 school year, in the early stages of the pandemic, and the uneven quality to the 2020-21 school year that ended in May. A large number of students relied on virtual learning for the just completed school year. That and other issues have raised questions on what impact the pandemic will have on classroom performance, and especially in a state like Louisiana that has lagged in academic achievement for decades. Summer school was also one of the early targets of the $4 billion in federal stimulus dollars the state is getting as part of pandemic recovery push. $4B in federal aid is headed to Louisiana public schools, but how will it be spent? Public schools in Louisiana are getting more than $4 billion from three rounds of federal stimulus dollars to help combat the coronavirus pand Most of the money 90% goes directly to the state's 69 school districts. Another $300 million left to the discretion of the state Department of Education will target academic recovery and acceleration as well as student attendance, mental health and support for the diverse needs of students. The state got about 12,000 responses to surveys that sought public input on how the federal money should be used. 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 Mike Faulk, executive director of the Louisiana Association of School Superintendents, said Thursday parents looked forward to summer classes. Federal stimulus bill means another $2.6 billion for public schools, 'We just have to execute' Public schools are in line to get a staggering $2.6 billion from the federal stimulus bill that won final congressional approval last week, mo Faulk said school systems reached out to students they felt needed help and made the gatherings wider than normal. "It was more than just come sit and get and that's it," he said. Faulk, former superintendent of the Central School District, said summer sessions also benefitted educators. "This was an opportunity for staff members to earn extra income but also to reconnect to the kids," he said. "You get to see your kids again. You get to build that relationship and you prepare for the upcoming school year." The $4 billion stems from three allocations approved by Congress in March as well as December and March of 2020. State officials cannot mandate how local school districts spend the money. However, they are advising local officials to consider spending on summer school, reading, tutoring, educator development and internet access. State education leaders also plan to create a $35 million fund that will be used to award grants on a competitive basis for districts that come up with the best ways to transform public education in Louisiana. Wes Watts, superintendent of the West Baton Rouge Parish School District, said about 25% of his districts 4,100 students showed up for summer school at least double the typical turnout. Watts said the programs were available for all students, whether they were trying to catch up or get ahead academically in math and English as well as arts, music and physical education. Federal stimulus dollars allowed for the hiring of lots of staff and the classes ran for half a day Monday-Thursday during June. "It was probably one of the best things I have ever been part of," he said. Purchases made via links on our site may earn us an affiliate commission Bond king Bill Gross is heading to court in California over his music-playing habits -- again. Orange County Superior Court Judge Kimberly Knill ordered the billionaire to show up in court July 28 for a contempt hearing, after his Laguna Beach neighbour Mark Towfiq complained Gross had violated her order to keep the music down. Gross and Towfiq, a millionaire, both have trophy homes on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. But they have feuded since Towfiq complained about netting over a million-dollar piece of art in Grosss yard. According to Towfiq, the Pimco co-founder responded by blaring TV sitcom themes, including Gilligans Island, at all hours of the day. Bond billionaire Bill Gross has been accused of harassing his neighbour with the Gilligans Island theme music. Credit:Bloomberg After a trial that featured nine days of testimony, Knill ruled that what Gross did amounted to harassment. She ordered him to stop playing loud music in his yard when he or his wife werent outside and to keep at least 4.5 metres away from their neighbours. History tells us any socially progressive idea that at first seems unthinkable has a good chance of becoming an orthodoxy. Look, for instance, at feminism, which no longer attracts the overtly misogynist comments directed at womens libbers in the 1970s. There may be plenty of battles still to be won but few males today would dare flaunt their chauvinist attitudes in public. The message is even starting to be heard in one of the last bastions of old-fashioned sexism, Parliament House, Canberra. Meanwhile public art institutions have quickly succumbed to a viral spread of adulation for female artists. Over 2020-21 the National Gallery of Australia has devoted a large slice of exhibition space to a two-part survey of work by Australian women artists called Know My Name. The Art Gallery of New South Wales was quick to announce that half the artists in this years Archibald Prize were female. And so on. A usurper of male power: Two violent paintings by Artemisia Gentileschi of Judith beheading Holofernes, about 1613-14, at National Gallery in London. Credit:Eamon M. McCormack/Getty The only thing preventing museums from aiming for gender parity in all their projects is a historical scarcity of female artists. So while it may be possible to produce contemporary shows in which women are better represented than men, its a different story when we venture back into the past. The reasons have been discussed many times, notably by Linda Nochlin in her celebrated essay, Why Have There Been No Great Women Artists? (1971), but it always comes down to lack of opportunity brought about by social and cultural factors. The conclusion Germaine Greer reached in her 1979 book, The Obstacle Race, was: you cannot make great artists out of egos that have been damaged, with wills that are defective, with libidos that have been driven out of reach and energy diverted into neurotic channels. When Coralie Rees interviewed A.A. Milne in the 1930s he told her that one writer in any family was enough. Dymphna Stella Rees, daughter of Coralie and Leslie, got two: Leslie a childrens author, playwright and theatre critic; Coralie, childrens books, poetry and journalism. Running through Rees memoir of her parents (inspired by the discovery of their love letters) is a heart-felt admiration for them their adventures together in the 1930s, mixing in high literary circles in London and Paris (meeting Joyce, Eliot and Chesterton) against the backdrop of the rise of Nazism, and their prodigious output back in Sydney. But theres also regret at their frequent absences for travel writing, leaving Rees and her sister behind. This is a moving, evocative, portrait of a close literary family and a record of richly lived lives. When the Soviet empire collapsed and America ruled, the moment was absurdly hailed by the Right as the end of history. Ben Rhodes, former advisor to Barack Obama, casts it as a grand, lost opportunity. The market-driven world that followed in which inequality and corruption flourished provided the ground for the rise of populism, alt-right and neo-fascism. When Trump (an experiment in fascism) was elected Rhodes travelled extensively, looking as an outsider at the world the US, no longer a hegemon, had created. The emergence of blood and soil authoritarianism in Hungary, for example, seen through the eyes of a local, is emblematic of how Americas actions over the past 30 years made this transformation possible in our own country and in others. A haunting reflection on post-American exceptionalism and history. The Good Girls Sonia Faleiro Bloomsbury, $29.99 Credit: In spring 2014 two girls, Padma and Lalli (16 and 14) were found hanging from a mango tree outside the small north Indian village of Katra. The cousins, inseparable in life, were hanging together, inseparable in death, their shoes carefully placed at the bottom of the tree. Sonia Faleiros examination of the case, a mix of investigative journalism and novelistic devices (chapters are often short, with chapter headings that could have come from E.M. Forster), takes us into the heart of an impoverished village in which womens marriages are arranged and honour killings are assumed. Padma was seen talking to someone on a mobile in a field just before the girls died. Was it an honour killing? Murder? Suicide? A compelling case study. The Grey Men Ralph Hope One World, $29.99 A film about the Port Arthur massacre, focusing on the gunman, was always going to be controversial, as Justin Kurzel well knows. The acclaimed director lives in Tasmania. He met his wife Essie Davis, born and bred Tasmanian, in the year of the massacre. They moved back there four years ago. I have felt and seen the effect on that community, says Kurzel in his first Australian interview about his new movie, Nitram, which has its world debut at the Grand Lumiere Theatre in Cannes on Friday. Its very difficult for people to talk about. There is a wound that is so deep. Nitram, the first Australian film to be selected for competition at Cannes in a decade, does not show the events of that day in April 1996, in which 35 people were murdered and another 23 wounded. Nor does it name the killer. But when this masthead broke news last November that filming was underway in Geelong, fiery public debate ensued. The wounds are still raw, the nerves still exposed. But for the director and his screenwriter Shaun Grant who also wrote Kurzels Snowtown and True History of the Kelly Gang the need to not forget what happened, and to try to understand the forces that led to it happening, were critical. The cast and crew of the blockbuster Moulin Rouge musical have made a last-minute dash for Melbourne from Sydney, after being granted exemptions to Victorias border closure and to some lockdown and quarantine rules. Producers said the desperate show must go on scramble was necessary to ensure the show, based on Baz Luhrmanns 2001 film of the same name, can open as planned next month at the Regent Theatre on Collins Street. Just under 80 company members will undergo 14 days quarantine, but some have exemptions from Melbournes lockdown rules and will be able to go to and from the theatre to supervise bumping in the set and lighting. Head technician Scott McKenna and deputy head technician Lani McGregor installing the set for Moulin Rouge. Credit:Steven Grace They will have to follow strict rules including only going at nighttime, wearing protective equipment and using separate toilets from other workers, imposed as an extra precaution against the spread of the Delta strain of the pandemic virus. Emily Mortimer: I hope that doesnt sound pretentious. Credit:Danielle Kosann/Kintzing/Raven and Snow She has an appealing way about her, and when she laughs and smiles which is often there is something lovely about the way her entire face creases and her eyes slant upwards with mirth. Despite the tendency to retreat reflexively into self-deprecation (she remains very English, as Decca Mitford did; I hope that doesnt sound too pretentious is a regular refrain), shes not afraid to stick to her guns as befits her background and education: the high-achieving St Pauls Girls School in London, followed by Oxford, where she read Russian. Mortimer has often spoken about how shy she was as a child. Her mother, Penelope Gollop christened Penny Two by her husband on account of Penny One, his ex-wife, the writer Penelope Mortimer was a model in her early 20s when she got together with John, who was in his mid-40s. (In early photos, she looks the spitting image of her older daughter.) If the Mitfords had messy lives, so did the Mortimers. Penny One (nee Fletcher) wrote a blistering autobiographical novel about a philandering husband, The Pumpkin Eater, which came out in 1962 and two years on was made into a film with a screenplay by Harold Pinter, starring Anne Bancroft and Peter Finch. Emily, aged seven, at home in Buckinghamshire, with her parents John Mortimer, QC, and Penelope (known as Penny Two). Credit:Getty It later emerged, in an unauthorised biography by Graham Lord in 2005, that John Mortimer had conducted a short affair with actor Wendy Craig, which had resulted in a son unbeknownst to him who was born in 1961. Craig and her husband, Jack Bentley, had brought the child up as their own. Mortimer was delighted to welcome his new son, Ross, into the family fold attributing the affair, when questioned by reporters, to the excitable 60s. John and Penny One divorced in 1971, the same year that Emily was born, and her parents married the following year. Thirteen years later, her younger sister, Rosie, was born and, apart from Ross, other half-siblings include Jeremy Mortimer and Sally Silverman. (Penny One had two daughters, including the actress Caroline Mortimer, by her first husband, as well as two daughters from different extra-marital relationships, and was pregnant with one of those children when she married John on the day that her divorce came through.) It is well known that the offspring of colourful parents can react to the emotional drama by craving something more orderly for themselves; The Bolters daughter, Fanny, being a case in point. Whatever the reason, Emilys shyness extended to her never wanting to have other children at her home or to go to theirs: I would dread friends coming to my house in case they thought it was weird or I was weird or my parents were weird, she says. It is well known that the offspring of colourful parents can react to emotional drama by craving something more orderly for themselves. The actress is still shy: I know you wouldnt notice it because Im very good at managing it. I mean, Im fine now, but I think youre either born that way or not. Just as Johns father, Clifford, was sharply present in his thoughts and writing (the inspiration for Rumpole of the Bailey as well as his memoir A Voyage Round My Father), Emily feels the same way about her own father, who died in 2009: I feel very sad that hes not here any more, she says. Shimmering beauty Linda Radlett (played by Lily James). Credit: His spirit imbues her version of The Pursuit of Love, she says: Every single part of this has been influenced by my dad and the way he saw life. That kind of resolute and determined lack of earnestness that Nancy had, an absolute allergy to it, my dad had. You know: that you can be anything as long as youre not boring. If youre a good writer, that can end up being incredibly moving because youre tripping along the surface of things and then suddenly you get a sucker punch and it fells you. But there was also kindness. Mortimer once said, heartwarmingly, that her father looked at the world with forgiving eyes. Yes, and when you read The Pursuit of Love you also feel forgiven. You feel that Nancy gets that a life well lived is a life full of mistakes. And that was something that I was brought up to understand too. Both as a criminal defence lawyer and a writer, my dad really understood that people are flawed and the flaws are to be celebrated. Often, of course, they can cause pain and distress and all the rest of it, but thats part of life, and that feeling of understanding about the messiness of life and forgiving it and celebrating it, well, thats something Nancy and my dad also had in common. You feel that Nancy gets that a life well lived is a life full of mistakes. That was something that I was brought up to understand too. Director Emily Mortimer Her father was a famously keen diner. Was there a particularly memorable meal with him? Oh my God, there were so many over the years! I still find the most comforting place to be is a nice restaurant, and Im sure its because of my dad. He liked big, bustling places where you could see what you were eating like operating theatres, with clanking instruments and you always had to decide what you were going to eat in the car on the way there. He was quite impatient and loved going but didnt want to sit there for hours. You werent really allowed pudding. Every single part of this has been influenced by my dad and the way he saw life, Emily Mortimer says. Credit: In Italy [where the family went every summer], there were certain subjects you werent allowed to talk about one was your mosquito bites and the other was global warming. He thought that was just tedious; he couldnt bear those conversations. And he would always say, this is the absolute best meal of my life and Ive never been happier than I am at this moment and youve never looked more beautiful. And it didnt matter that he would say it every single time and by the time he was saying it in his last years, he was completely blind anyway so there was no way that he could tell if you were beautiful or not. Emily and Sir John Mortimer in 2005. Credit:Dave M. Benett/Getty It was a joke, really. It was designed both to put you in a really good mood but also to make you feel, Wait you said that to me yesterday! He was just the best company ever and I would go thinking: I want to talk to Dad about I dont know, a boyfriend who was being mean to me or a job I didnt get and want him to give me some fatherly advice and then youd get there and forget to ask him about any of those things because you were just having too good a time. His only real advice to me was make sure you always line yourself up with the next one before you get rid of the one before, and I say that in The Pursuit of Love. Another line she has knitted into the script is the one when The Bolter says to her daughter, Fanny Logan (played by Emily Beecham) that it is a mistake to have a girlfriend more beautiful than oneself. The girl in question is Fannys cousin, Linda Radlett, who is indeed a shimmering beauty, played by Lily James. (The most risque line in this episode and the most modern was actually written by Nancy Mitford in a letter to Evelyn Waugh, Mortimer tells me, describing how a small painting of Lady Jane Grey prompts her to masturbate.) Capturing the agony of being young girls: Linda Radlett (Lily James) and Fanny Logan (Emily Beecham). Credit: Mortimer knew that what she didnt want to make was a dusty period drama, and she has certainly succeeded in that. On the evidence of the first program, she has stayed faithfully true to the spirit of the novel while injecting it with an exciting, contemporary edge. It is sexy, funny, sylish, racy and beautiful. The sets and costumes are divine, by Cristina Casali, production designer on Armando Iannuccis David Copperfield, and Sinead Kidao, who worked on Little Women and Steve McQueens Small Axe films for television. The result is so visually sumptuous it will likely inform interior and fashion design for seasons to come: I wanted to enjoy the femininity of it, the colours and the feminine spaces and the sexiness of it, Mortimer says. Beecham and James are terrific at capturing the agony of being young girls that very specific longing to grow up and live and love. Mortimer held firm, with some opposition, to her view that the 30-something actors could be convincing as teenagers without resorting to computer-generated imagery (CGI): It was all done with amazing make-up, hair and acting. No CGI: It was all done with amazing make-up, hair and acting. Credit: The project came to Mortimer with Lily James attached but it was her idea to cast Dominic West as the barking (in both senses) Uncle Matthew. He is a comic revelation guffawingly funny, brandishing his bullwhip at dawn on the rolling green lawn and singing opera, including reaching appallingly badly for the highest notes. He is, of course, a ghastly racist who loathes all foreigners, and a violent misogynist whose children cant wait to escape. When Mortimer first started thinking about her adaptation, she saw it as a Brexit story with mad Uncle Matthew as this xenophobic nationalist who has gone bonkers from the First World War and has PTSD and hates all Germans, as well as the French, and insists that on no account must any of his children be let out of his sight, let alone meet anyone that doesnt think or talk or look like them. His first shock is when his family falls collectively for their neighbour Lord Merlin, who appears at a fusty ball, taking over the floor as a stunning hybrid of David Bowie, Marc Bolan and Michael Clark, complete with gender fluid entourage of dancers and many provocative moves. Mortimers dream was for Andrew Scott to play Lord Merlin and it came true. Does she have a crush on him? Doesnt everybody? Forget sexy priest, its sexy Merlin from now on. I wish he would educate me (as he does Linda); Oh my God, Mortimer breathes. Totally! And if you were to meet him, youd fall much more in love with him. Soon it will be time to finish as she still has edits to do. The music choices are as important as the look and feel of the drama; there are some bursts of the more expected Chariots of Fire/Brideshead Revisted-stirring pomp, but there is also glam rock and new wave and punk. There is even a band created for the film, the London Spanners, with the aid of Rosies husband, George Vjestica, who plays with Nick Caves the Bad Seeds, and a line-up that includes fellow Seed Jim Sclavunos on drums, Spider from the Pogues on the penny whistle and assorted others. Linda has a rocknroll soul in a way, and those bright young things between the wars were really out there people. Extremely experimental, living life like it was kind of an art installation people like Lord Berners, whom Lord Merlin was based on, who literally had a horse for tea and doves painted different colours flying around his room and knew all the important musicians and artists of his time, she says. Those bright young things between the wars were really out there people: Fabrice De Sauveterre (Assaad Bouab) and Linda Radlett (Lily James) enjoy champagne. Credit: Mortimers husband also comes from several generations of important artists; the couples walls and shelves are covered with entrancing paintings and sculptures. His paternal grandfather was Constantine Nivola, part of the abstract expressionist community in Springs, East Hampton whose members included Jackson Pollock, de Kooning and Rothko. There are works as well by Alessandros younger brother, Adrian. Both boys have pieces by Saul Steinberg, who was a regular visitor to their family home, growing up. Loading Mortimer has come a long way since she would demonstrate her acting skills to her parents, as a little girl, by pretending to be Delia Smith, pouring sugar into bowls. She and Rosie have an even more emotional adaptation than Emilys Mitford project; they have been working together on their fathers Rumpole, but in their version the crumpled, claret-drinking QC is a woman. But for clinical psychologist Tamara Cavenett, approaching conversations like this could also help save our relationships which, according to the latest research, are under greater strain than they have been in a long time, with research showing that pandemic-related stressors have been associated with lower relationship satisfaction, interrupted sex lives, higher conflict, rising rates of domestic violence, and greater levels of parental stress leading to harsher parenting styles. Absolutely, and unfortunately, its definitely true, says Cavenett, president of the Australian Psychological Society, that people are arguing more than they used to and experiencing increased family conflict, as a result of the pandemic and the financial uncertainty and anxiety it has created. In addition to arguments over perennial issues like major life decisions, chores and money, some couples Cavenett sees are now also arguing about social distancing, masks, and whos doing the right thing and whos not. Its creating what many have noted is a particularly shouty time. Certain types of arguing styles that she sees are particularly damaging. Contempt is a good example where you give someone that sort of disrespect, mocking or ridiculing type of body language, says Cavenett. Thats one of the greatest predictors of divorce. And pushing for a win in an argument rather than presenting our views and allowing the other person to express theirs, and working to consider their view in a collaborative us mentality often leads to resentment. Lurking within many people who refuse, or find it difficult, to see another persons perspective, is low self-esteem and an often affiliated low ability to admit that theyre wrong. (People with this disposition sometimes have a childhood history of not being listened to or encouraged to communicate their emotions.) But being this way has intellectual drawbacks, too. The people who get things most right around forecasting in science and economics predicting what will happen in the stock market or a future election are the people who are less confident, says Vogelman, a Sydney business consultancy owner and former anti-apartheid activist, referring to the work of University of Pennsylvania professor Philip Tetlock, who has studied super forecasters for 30 years. Because theyre researching things a bit more, testing things a little bit more. But, how do we discuss opposing opinions generously, when someone is really getting on our nerves? Or theyre advocating for a position that we find scary? Cavenett says we should aim to understand what life experiences have led them to a particular view or behaviour, to try and grasp their view, speak gently, without attacking make requests instead of complaints and avoid sentences that begin with, You always... and call time out, if we need to calm down. (And allow our partner to do that, too.) Equally important: spending time repairing the bond with the other person, and enjoying moments of positive connection with them outside of arguments. No ones saying its easy. I mean Im in a marriage, a fairly recent marriage which I would say, at the age of 60, is the first time Ive been in a relationship with someone where we can disagree and we can talk it through, says Catherine Lumby, professor of media at Sydney University, who participated in one of the podcast episodes. Her inability to amicably talk through disagreements before, she says, was a contributing factor to the breakdown of her 18-year de facto relationship with the father of her two children. We might end up with better ideas about how to mange the COVID epidemic how we think about who should be incarcerated, euthanasia. Emile Sherman, Oscar-winning producer and host of Principle of Charity podcast And being on Principle of Charity with long-time adversary and Charles Sturt University professor of ethics Clive Hamilton to discuss if there is good pornography or is it inherently demeaning to women has been similarly eye-opening. I felt misunderstood, misrepresented, and that he had no respect for me, says Lumby of her historical view of Hamilton who once called her naive and so enamoured with the liberating possibilities of porn that she refuses to recognise its dark side in print. In turn, I had pigeon-holed Clive, I think, as someone who was very polemic and had a paternalistic view of women and children. What surprised me is I think we largely agree, she says. (She has frequently viewed ethical and respectful erotica as a valuable means of sexual expression. Hamilton has long viewed pornography as destructive and demeaning towards women.) We both agreed that theres really abhorrent pornography, the question [is] what you do about it Now, if I was to bump into Clive, Id be wanting to have a glass of wine with him afterwards. (Hamilton says he felt less uncompromising to Lumbys perspective than he used to, as a result of their conversation.) Its the kind of growth, says Sherman, that if experienced en masse, could change the world for the better by creating a society that has better ideas and better principles, resulting from people with opposing views realising that the best idea the truth about a matter might lie somewhere in the middle. We might end up with better ideas about how to mange the COVID epidemic how we think about who should be incarcerated, euthanasia. For now though, he says his own life has been enriched by coming to understand his own blind spots and privilege as a white man, particularly by taking on film and television projects that dont just shine a light on social justices but do so by giving the microphone to marginalised voices, so they can tell whatever stories they want. That kind of narrative ran aground once the current Sydney outbreak got out of control. It fell into worse disrepair with every NSW stumble: the failed protocols that allowed an unmasked, unvaccinated limousine driver to start this wave; the strange vagueness on essential retail that is multiplying exposure sites; the clear divisions within the government over living with the virus; this weeks Fairfield testing debacle. Loading This meant that Andrews probably had the easiest sell of any lockdown hes announced. He can point to Sydney and say this is so we dont become them. He can even blame it on three Sydney removalists who apparently refused to be straight with Victorias contact tracers. Andrews comes to this clean, and perhaps even mildly vindicated. His press conference was the sound of tables turning. To be sure, Andrews is not entitled to be arrogant here. His governments quarantine and tracing failures last year, which led to Victorias horrendous second wave, are in my estimation the worst failure of any Australian government in the pandemic so far. But he is perfectly entitled to argue that his government has got a lot right since. Too many of Andrews defenders gloss over the former. But too many of his detractors deny the latter, which is a problem because it has led many in the NSW and federal governments to draw the wrong lessons from the Victorian experience. History is clear that Victorias problem hasnt been that it rushes too quickly to lockdown. It has never locked down on a single case as Queensland or Western Australia have. Its worst mistake was to go far too late. Melbourne entered lockdown last year with 191 new daily cases. Then it didnt lock down hard enough, and reached 671 new daily cases before it moved to its strictest settings. Along the way, Victoria discovered that lower-socio economic areas where people had insecure work posed a serious risk because people were more likely to decide they couldnt afford to get tested or isolate, and were therefore infectious in the community. Meanwhile, the Victorian governments ability to communicate with non-English-speaking communities was found wanting, further raising the risk. If you had to summarise these lockdown lessons, it would be something like: lock down hard and early, devote massive resources to support those communities that rely on insecure work, and have a well-planned strategy for talking to migrant populations. And in the past fortnight, as you canvassed the south-western Sydney communities who felt hectored and threatened, or gazed at the endless lines of Fairfield workers waiting hours after shift work to get tested before some simply gave up, which of these lessons, would you say NSW had learnt? Long queues for the 24-hour COVID testing drive through clinic at Fairfield West, in Sydney. Credit:Louise Kennerley Some five weeks ago, I wrote of the disease of Melbourne exceptionalism. At the time, Melbourne was alone in being in a two-week lockdown and media coverage was awash with arguments about why these things only happened there. This, I argued, was a dangerous line of thinking. Any dispassionate assessment of the facts would tell you that Melbournes May-June outbreak could have happened anywhere. To pretend such outbreaks were just a Melbourne thing apart from being parochial, sometimes partisan nonsense was to walk complacently toward disaster. Were seeing the consequences manifest now in Sydney. Why would you take lessons from Victoria if, deep down, you think its troubles come down to its governments unique incompetence and hyper-anxiety? Hence Berejiklians comments on the eve of Melbournes most recent lockdown: I fear for Victoria and I worry about what their government may do. I hope we have demonstrated to other states it is possible to manage an outbreak and not shut down a city. Of course, Victoria had done this, too. Specifically it managed the Black Rock outbreak over the new year in precisely this way. But because the perception of Victorias inability had taken hold, no one seemed to remember. It didnt fit the established narrative and was therefore purged from much public reckoning. NSW has had to extend its lockdown after the Delta variant spread through Sydney. Credit: But this Melbourne exceptionalism doesnt exist in isolation. It sits alongside a NSW exceptionalism that only compounds the danger. We see that most clearly in Berejiklians comments, which hold that NSW has shown what is possible, and that its for other states to learn from that. This has NSW as an exception to whatever rules seem to apply to other states. And it is this exceptionalism that I suspect has NSW, in the view of just about every expert Ive asked, moving to lockdown too late, and too lightly. Too late, I can understand. Its almost impossible to lock down as early as possible, but only when necessary. But having decided to lock down, doing it lightly is much harder to grasp. It looks like obstinance. The virus writes its own rules, Scott Morrison is wont to say. How strange, then, that we seem so reluctant to follow them. Sure, there is pain incredible pain involved in doing so. And sure, there is an understandable frustration at the sense that we thought wed beaten this thing last year. But here we must surely acknowledge something the rest of the world has known for at least a year. This is a pandemic, and pandemics bring inescapable pain. They create a world in which there are only bad choices available. Loading We dont seem to accept this in Australia. We seem to expect close to zero death at little cost. And the mere notion that this is possible when it has eluded everyone else this Australian exceptionalism is the chief contradiction behind our angst. So, we pull ourselves in opposite directions. The federal government, for example, has until recently railed against lockdowns, but also refused to authorise widespread use of the AstraZeneca vaccine on account of a one-in-a-million risk of death. That decision significantly slows our vaccination program. That doesnt make it wrong. But it does come with the necessary trade-off of more restrictions for longer. The federal government therefore cannot complain about that, and be reluctant to pay the bills that arise in the meantime as it has been when states have asked for financial support. For decades, Sydney has been a tale of two universities. Sydney University, founded in 1850 on sandstone and classics, is on one side of the city while the University of NSW, the 70-year-old upstart that grew out of a tech college, is on the other. They are both world-renowned; they are both leaders in research, but they are not close friends. The rivalry ranges from polite to intense. In quantum physics its like the Russia versus US space race, said one person familiar with both universities on the condition of anonymity. Mark Scott will begin as Sydney University vice-chancellor on Monday. Credit:James Brickwood Mark Scott, who picks up a professor title when he becomes the 27th vice-chancellor of the University of Sydney on Monday, wants to change that by increasing formal, cross-institution collaboration between the old adversaries. The kinds of challenges that we are facing, the answers will not be found, often, within one institution on their own, he said. The power will come in partnerships. [To] recognise that others will be able to bring things that you dont have, and that you will both benefit as a consequence of being able to work together effectively and well. The boyfriend of a woman whose remains were found at a tip on Melbournes northern fringe must remain in custody another eight months as he waits the hearing that will determine whether he stands trial. Joon Seong Tan faced Melbourne Magistrates Court on Friday, via a video link from custody, charged with murdering Ju Zhang, whose remains were found at a landfill site in Wollert last month after days of searching by police. Ju Zhang was last seen on February 1 at her Epping home. Credit:Victoria Police Police allege Mr Tan murdered Ms Zhang, also known as Kelly, on February 1, the day before she was reported missing. Mr Tan, 36, is yet to enter a plea but is expected to fight the charge and is listed to appear in a five-day committal hearing that will determine whether there is enough evidence for him to stand trial. It was almost inevitable. As winter approached this year, so too did the outbreaks. Lockdowns soon followed. With the Delta variant now circulating across Melbourne and exposure sites being updated by the hour, the state has returned to playing a serious game of whack-a-mole in a bid to snuff out the latest outbreak. Victoria has its work cut out for it. While contact tracing in Victoria has manifestly improved, augmented by the mandating of standardised QR codes, the Delta variant has, in many parts of the world, proved to be more than equal to the task of rapidly spreading, despite the best of containment efforts. As Victorias COVID response commander, Jeroen Weimar, lamented on Friday, we are back in the world of fleeting transmission occurring, which is a trademark of the highly infectious Delta strain. Premier Daniel Andrews announces the new five-day lockdown. Credit:Getty Images But if there is any silver lining to Victoria clocking up its fifth lockdown, it is that lessons have been learnt, hard won as the gains were. The Age welcomes the much faster implementation of the financial assistance package for businesses and individual workers most affected by the lockdown. There is also far less confusion over changes to the social-distancing settings, mask wearing has become the norm and fewer people appear to be making the mad dash to the supermarket for toilet paper and other basics. The Andrews government is also providing more information in a transparent way detailing the type and number of infections, and the trails of transmission. And in what has become a contentious point of difference with NSW, the mantra go early and go hard when implementing a lockdown has become accepted wisdom in this state. Bangkok: First, the junta stole Myanmars elected leaders from the people. Now, doctors say, the generals have taken the oxygen that some citizens need to breathe. As the Delta variant of the coronavirus rampages through Myanmar, the military, which seized power in a February coup, has ordered that lifesaving oxygen be denied to private clinics, according to medical workers. The clinics are staffed largely by doctors who oppose the armys takeover and refuse to work in state hospitals. Basic medical care for COVID patients has been turned into an illegal act, said Dr Min Han, a doctor at a private clinic. People wait while caskets with the bodies of COVID patients are queued outside a crematorium at the Yay Way cemetery in Yangon, Myanmar. Credit:AP The military has also prevented people from buying supplies from oxygen producers, whom it accuses of price-gouging, forcing desperate family members to defy the army in order to save sick relatives. And it has stopped charities from giving oxygen to people who need it, witnesses and charity workers said. On Monday, soldiers in the city of Yangon went so far as to fire into a crowd of people lined up to buy oxygen tanks, witnesses said. It was not immediately clear whether there were casualties. Asked about the incident, a Yangon health official said the people had to be dispersed because they were disobeying lockdown orders. Paris: With Welcome messages in multiple languages, the Eiffel Tower greeted tourists on Friday for the first time in nearly nine months, reopening to the public even as France introduces new virus rules aimed at taming the fast-spreading Delta variant. Smiles were broad and emotions palpable as the first masked visitors mounted the elevators heading to the top of the Paris monument. Its such a lovely place and wonderful people...and now the wonderful Tour Eiffel, German tourist Ila Mires said, using the French name for the tower. She came with her 19-year-old daughter before the young woman leaves for studies in Amsterdam. Seeing the tower on their last day together in Paris is such a gift to mother and daughter, Mires said. Visitors take a selfie with a phone from the Eiffel Tower. Credit: The Iron Lady of Paris was ordered shut in October as France battled its second virus surge of the pandemic, and remained shut for renovations even after other French tourist draws reopened last month. The 12th Jimmy Awards ceremony took place on Thursday, July 15, as a virtual event. Elena Holder of Durham, North Carolina, won the 2021 Jimmy Award for Best Performance by an Actress, and Bryson Battle of Charlotte, North Carolina, won the 2021 Jimmy Award for Best Performance by an Actor. Both receive $25,000 scholarships to further their educations. Broadway, film, and television star Corbin Bleu hosted. The Jimmy Awards featured an evening of dynamic ensemble and solo performances by the nation's most talented high school musical theater performers. The entire ceremony can be watched here through July 18: The National High School Musical Theatre Awards (known as the Jimmy Awards for Broadway impresario James M. Nederlander) celebrates high school students from across the country and features dynamic ensemble and solo performances. The Jimmy Awards was established to elevate the importance of theater arts education in schools and reward excellence in student performance. The program impacts over 140,000 students annually who participate in high school musical theatre competitions sponsored by over forty professional theatres throughout the US. To view the nominees, click here. For more information about the Jimmys, click here. Aurora, Colo., Mayor Mike Coffman speaks during a news conference about the the state's efforts to protect the process of casting a vote in the upcoming general election Thursday, Oct. 15, 2020, in downtown Denver. Regional Editor Brett Rowland has worked as a reporter in newsrooms in Illinois and Wisconsin. He most recently served as news editor of the Northwest Herald in Crystal Lake, Illinois. He previously held the same position at the Daily Chronicle in DeKalb. Up for debate: Live legislation tracker Check out the latest developments on bills pending before state lawmakers in four key topics. An ice cream shop advertises for help Saturday, May 15, 2021, in Bar Harbor, Maine. Americas tourist destinations are facing a severe worker shortage just as they try to rebound from a devastating year lost to the pandemic. In this May 6, 2019 photo file photo an injection drug user, deposits used needles into a container at the IDEA exchange, in Miami. Op-Ed: If the cyber-scammer says Im with the brand, you could be a prime sucker From left to right: Oregon GOP Chair and state Sen. Dallas Heard, R-Myrtle Creek, sits alongside state Sen. Dennis Linthicum, R-Klamath Falls, while attending a session of the Oregon Senate on June 25, 2021. Sitting across from them are state Sen. Brian Boquist, I-Dallas, and state Sen. Chuck Thomsen, R-Hood River. Each senator pictured participated in walkout protests over the past several years dating back to 2019 to block Democratic legislation concerning cap and trade, taxes and gun control. 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. CHEYENNE, Wyo. (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. 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 Bureau's 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. Here's the situation in Wyoming: WHAT'S THE STATUS OF EVICTION MORATORIUMS IN WYOMING? Wyoming hasn't put a moratorium on evictions. But landlords who participate in the state Emergency Rental Assistance Program agree not to pursue eviction proceedings amid applications for assistance, said the program's contract spokeswoman, Rachel Girt. The federally funded program run by the Wyoming Department of Family Services, with assistance from the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services, helps people affected by the coronavirus pandemic to cover their rent and pay utilities. The program also helps landlords cover expenses. WHAT'S BEING DONE TO HELP PEOPLE FACING EVICTION? As of January, Wyoming had an estimated 23,515 households eligible for help with rental arrears totaling around $40 million. The federal government has given Wyoming $200 million, the amount allocated to the least-populated states, for such assistance. Of that, $180 million is available for direct rent, utility and internet assistance, and services to help prevent people from becoming homeless. The remaining $20 million may cover administrative costs and helping people apply for aid. As of June 15, 3,200 tenants had opened applications seeking $6.8M in rent and utility assistance. Of those, tenants had completed and submitted 1,300 applications requesting $3.9 million. The state approved 211 applications, or 16% of those submitted, and paid $590,000 in assistance. Fewer than half a percent of applications were denied, Girt said. HOW ARE COURTS HANDLING EVICTION HEARINGS? The Wyoming Department of Family Services has been providing information about the Emergency Rental Assistance Program to Wyoming courts. The department also has provided $1 million to Equal Justice Wyoming for legal services to eligible households facing eviction or other housing instability, Girt said. While many evictions aren't going ahead while landlords get help covering costs, that could change once the eviction moratorium ends. HOW AFFORDABLE IS HOUSING IN WYOMING'S MAJOR RENTAL MARKETS? Outside pricey Jackson Hole, rental housing in Wyoming is relatively affordable: About $700 a month for a two-bedroom unit as of the second quarter of 2020. That's a fraction of typical rents in major U.S. metro areas. Prices range from about $500 in Big Horn County to over $900 in Laramie County, where prices surged 9% from 2019 to 2020. As with home prices, rental rates in Teton County are the Wyoming outlier at almost $2,300 a month. Average Wyoming rent was up about 3% from 2019 to 2020, with the steepest increase (26%) in the Afton area and biggest decrease (13%) just across the Wyoming Range in Sublette County, according to the state Economic Analysis Division. ARE EVICTIONS EXPECTED TO CREATE A SURGE IN HOMELESSNESS? This remains to be seen. Wyoming has about 600 homeless people, one the smallest homeless populations of any state, and with 560,000 people is the least populated state. Almost 1 in 4 renters in the state surveyed by the U.S. Census Bureau reported they expect eviction in the next two months. Many of the state's homeless come from elsewhere. The COMEA homeless shelter in Cheyenne served over 500 people in 2020. Especially in summertime, homeless people arrive in Cheyenne from elsewhere by highway and rail. The shelter gets busy but should remain able to help any influx of people, COMEA assistant director Camron Karajanis said. Governor Mark Gordon is convening a Colorado River Working Group that will meet regularly to discuss important Colorado River matters and monitor potential impacts to Wyoming. The action comes in response to drought conditions in the Colorado, Green and Little Snake River basins that have led the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) to announce drawdowns from Flaming Gorge Reservoir in order to maintain minimum levels at Lake Powell. At this time no restrictions on Wyoming water users are proposed. The group is made up of representatives of key water use sectors of the Green and Little Snake River Basins, including agricultural, municipal, industrial and environmental interests. It will discuss and share Colorado River information with interested stakeholders in the Green and Little Snake River Basins. The Working Group is a continuation of a coordinated and proactive outreach effort that has been underway in Wyoming since 2019. More information about the Colorado River Working Groups inaugural public meeting will become available soon. The West finds itself facing unprecedented drought conditions and Wyoming must be prepared to address the potential future impacts of water shortages, Governor Gordon said. It is important that local perspectives on issues that impact our water users and the State are heard and included in the process. I want to ensure that representatives of key water use sectors are able to provide input on this crisis, which is challenging us today and may last for years. In its 24-Month Study released today, Reclamation confirms continual declining hydrologic conditions for the Colorado River system. The results show that drought response releases from key Reclamation reservoirs in the Upper Colorado River Basin -- including Flaming Gorge Reservoir in Wyoming and Utah -- will be necessary starting this summer. Based on Reclamations announcement, 125,000 acre-feet of water from Flaming Gorge Reservoir will be released to protect storage elevations in Lake Powell. These releases will be staged July through October and will likely result in Flaming Gorge water elevation dropping an additional 3.5 feet by mid-autumn. No Wyoming water rights are tied to the water being released, so no Wyoming water right holders will be affected. Todays announcement from Reclamation underscores that water supply throughout the West is becoming less reliable, especially in the Colorado River Basin. The Governor is committed to ensuring that Wyomings water users are protected under the states apportionments provided for under the 1922 Colorado River and 1948 Upper Colorado River Basin Compacts. The Governor is also committed to continuing collaboration on water management and operation solutions which provide overall water supply reliability and certainty, as well as meeting Compact and Treaty obligations and maintaining environmental commitments, all of which make the system work for all who depend on the Colorado River. Knowing the increasing risks, Wyoming has planned ahead. In 2019, Wyoming signed onto the Drought Contingency Plan alongside the other Colorado River Basin States and the Department of Interior. This plan helps protect critical elevations at Lake Powell, which is an important insurance policy for Wyoming to bolster the States ability to maintain and develop its water uses while also satisfying its compact obligations. The drought response releases are part of the plans overall strategy to help prevent curtailment triggers under the 1922 Compact. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Submit Here 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 Rain showers this morning with some sunshine during the afternoon hours. High 79F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%.. Tonight A few passing clouds. Low 62F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Oneonta, NY (13820) Today A shower or two around the area early, then partly cloudy during the afternoon. High around 80F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 30%.. Tonight A few passing clouds, otherwise generally clear. Low 62F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Oneonta, NY (13820) Today Sunshine and clouds mixed. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 79F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight A few passing clouds, otherwise generally clear. Low 62F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Click the image to the left and log in to get your exclusive reader perks. Melanie joined The Daily Times in the early 90s and has served as the Life section editor since 1993. A William Blount and UT alum, Melanie is generally the early arriver who turns on the lights in the newsroom. Follow Melanie Tucker Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today Ben Shapiro is a graduate of UCLA and Harvard Law School, host of The Ben Shapiro Show and editor-in-chief of DailyWire.com. He is syndicated through Creators. Later this month, people will rappel down an eight story building in downtown Morgantown. Libera, a non-profit organization for at-risk West Virginia youth, is hosting a fundraiser called Go Over the Edge with Libera, on July 24. Participants are asked to raise $1,000 and Go Over The Edge by rappelling down the Monongahela building. Rappel off the Monongahela Building while raising funds for at-risk youth Libera, West Virginia nonprofit aimed at women and teen empowerment, is bringing an urban rappelling fundraiser to Morgantown on July 24. The fundraiser may be well-intentioned, but is wildly out of touch with recent events. This past spring, two West Virginia University students died by jumping or falling from roofs in Morgantown. The first is listed as suicide in the WVU campus crime log, and Morgantown police have said they do not suspect foul play in the second. If we had known that ahead of time, we might have reconsidered. But we were so far down the track, Karen Haring, founder and executive director of Libera, said in an interview this week. She added that planning for the fundraiser began last September. On its website, Libera describes itself as a community of mentors who genuinely listen. But by holding an event with people descending from a building after two students died from falls, the organizers are plugging their ears and going la la la la la! Over a dozen local organizations have signed on as sponsors of the event, including WELL WVU, the schools Office of Wellness and Health Promotions. The two students' deaths this spring were traumatic for students, professors and many others in the community. The events sparked a campus-wide conversation about mental health after months of online classes and social isolation during the pandemic. Libera, please consider the student walking on the street below your ill-conceived fundraiser. They might look up above, see people on a roof and fear another one of their classmates is about to die by suicide. Haring, the organizer, said this event is to help raise money for Liberas programs and services which help at-risk youth, women and teens. She argued that sometimes this help is providing people with mental health resources. We get kids and adults connected to crisis lines, get them connected to the crisis text line, Help For West Virginia line, we get connected to counselors, Haring said. So what we're doing is actually helping kids and adults get connected to the help they need. Great. Libera does important work for a worthwhile cause. Still, there are plenty of ways to raise money that dont involve people descending from the top of a building. Holding this event is poorly timed and borders on completely tone-deaf. Youd expect better from an organization that claims to genuinely listen. News Youths return to South Mountain Christian Camp scarpenter / Photo/South Mountain Christian Camp Assistant Director Walter Somerville, (left), helps prepare a camper for a swing, at South Mountain Christian Camp. During the school year, Somerville teaches at The Masters Academy. scarpenter / Photos/South Mountain Christian Camp Above: Enjoying time in the swimming pool is always a popular summer activity at South Mountain Christian Camp. Left: Assistant Director Walter Somerville, (left), helps prepare a camper for a swing at South Mountain Christian Camp. During the school year, Somerville teaches at The Masters Academy. scarpenter / Photos/ South Mountain Christian Camp The summer camp youths enjoy a variety of indoor and outdoor activities. scarpenter / Photo/South Mountain Christian Camp Right: Swinging through the air added to the excitement at South Mountain Christian Camp. BOSTIC Today (Friday) marks the half-way point of South Mountain Christian Camps (SMCC) summer season. This summer is vastly different from 2020, and Executive Director Steve Collins is pleased. We have had a successful season this year, Collins said. It feels like camp again. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, 2020 was the first time in the organizations history that there was no traditional summer camp. SMCCs first summer camps were held in 1974. Last summer there were no kids at the bucolic campground located off South Mountain Road near Bostic. But there were staff members and volunteers, who created more than 70 videos for kids to watch online from their homes. Some of the videos were instructive, and demonstrated different crafts that can be done at home, Collins said. Some were focused on spiritual health, including Bible lessons. Others were just goofy, funny videos that were meant to entertain, Collins said. He was pleased with the videos. They gave parents an idea of what we do, and what we are about, Collins said. Even so, he is thrilled that kids, ages 7-15, along with young adult counselors are back at the camp in person. Collins says they are strictly adhering to state guidelines to be as safe as possible. This includes restrictions on the number of kids at the camp, and mask mandates in large indoor group settings. In a typical summer, SMCC would host 100-104 kids per the week-long camp. But this year, the number is 62. This allows us to be more socially distant in the dining room, and during chapel, Collins said. And, we are working to keep the individual cabin groups separate as much as possible. We are still wanting the kids to have a great summer camp experience. While most of the campers are from within Rutherford County, the SMCC also attracts kids from South Carolina, Georgia,Tennessee, Florida and Virginia. SMCC staff work to ensure that all campers have a meaningful, fun experience. We often get very encouraging feedback from parents, about the experience that their kids had here, Collins said. Parents notice things like positive changes in behavior or a different attitude. Local educator Walter Somerville has worked for several summers at SMCC. This summer he is one of the assistant directors. Somerville often sees changes in a short amount of time. Camp is its own little world, completely separate from everyday routine and expectations, Somerville said. In one week at camp some of the most meaningful relationships and growth can happen. Forest City, NC (28043) Today Cloudy skies this morning followed by scattered showers and thunderstorms during the afternoon. High 79F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 60%.. Tonight Scattered thunderstorms early, then variable clouds overnight with more showers at times. Low 66F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%. Emporia, VA (23847) Today Cloudy with periods of rain. High 72F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall around a half an inch.. Tonight Showers early, then cloudy overnight. Low 61F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 30%. Elysian Valley -- Two men were wounded in a drive-by shooting Monday evening. Los Angeles Police Department officers were called at about 9:25 p.m. to the 2400 block of Shoredale Avenue, between the Los Angeles River and Golden State (5) Freeway, according to an officer who did not give his full name. Witnesses said shots came from a vehicle that drove past the men, the officer said. Sign up for The Eastsider's Daily Digest newsletter Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. The victims, both 28 years old, were taken to a hospital and are in stable condition, the officer said. The suspects fled the scene. Descriptions of the suspects and vehicle were not immediately available. Update Friday, July 16: One of the victims, 28-year-old Anthony Mora, died a few hours after the shooting in a hospital, said LAPD Detective David Alvarez. The suspect or suspects are still outstanding. It's not clear if this is a gang-related shooting, he said. Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to contact Alvarez at (213) 996-4172 or 31339@lapd.online. An online fundraiser has been set up to cover funeral expenses. The Edge Nutella Burger back in 2019 was such a hit we cant blame Burger King for jumping on the chocolate train! Burger King Malaysia has introduced a new burger and chicken sandwich covered in chocolate sauce, that will absolutely appeal to the child in all of us! The fast-food burger chain got imaginative with the limited-edition rollout of the Chocolate Melt series. The Chocolate Melt Beefacon is a burger served on a toasted sesame seed bun with two flame-grilled beef patties dripping in chocolate sauce, crispy-fried onions, Beefacon (Burger King's beef bacon), American cheese, and mayo. Chocolate, cheese and mayo certainly arent the first ingredients that come to mind when craving a delicious burger... The Chocolate Melt Crispy ChickN Crisp takes two crispy chicken patties topped with chocolate sauce packed together with crispy onions, chicken bacon and American cheese on a toasted sesame seed bun. Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately?!) we havent yet received the chocolaty treats in NZ. The real question is would we even want them? Retiring Police Captain Goes on Final Patrol of 33-Year Career With Rookie Officer Son In the drivers seat of his police cruiser, Capt. Paul Pecena completed his final patrol on July 9, after 33 years with the Mesquite Police Department in Texas. Riding alongside was his son, Officer William Pecena, 24, whos following in his dads footsteps and has been serving on the force for a year. Serving his community has taught Capt. Pecena many thingsespecially in these troubling times; hes learned that for every one person who curses you, there are 20 more in the community who offer blessings to law enforcement. (Courtesy of Paul Pecena) It is a difficult time to be a police officer in this country, but I have been able to patrol the streets with my son for several months and see with my own eyes that he is well-trained, brave, and committed to doing what is right, he told The Epoch Times. His brothers and sisters in blue are the same, he adds, noting the rigorous yearlong training program his son has completed. Capt. Pecena said it was the greatest honor of his life to serve his community; making a difference, whether it be resolving a conflict on a call, solving a crime, or taking action to make peoples lives a little bit better, has been the greatest satisfaction, he says. On his final day, with his son as a patrol partner, was one of sadness and pride, all at the same time, he addedhis goals for the day being: Dont burst into tears in public, and dont have a traffic accident. When police officers serve together for a long time and endure difficult times together, it creates a bond like brothers and sisters, he said. I am sad to leave them behind to carry on the mission without me, but I also feel a great deal of pride that my son will pick up the burden that I lay down and carry it forward. (Courtesy of Paul Pecena) As for his son, William knew from his first ride in a cruiser, encouraged by his dad at age 16, that the occupation was for him. I was riding in the passenger seat of a squad car as the officer drove down a local road with lights and sirens going, the young officer said. We were on the way to an interesting call and I knew that there was no other job I wanted to do. William shared some of the life traits his dad taught himwhich just happen to be good traits for police officers. He would tell me, walk with a purpose, stand up straight, and keep your hands out of your pockets, the younger Pecena said. My dad also showed me how one of the best qualities of an officer is dedication. No matter the weather, time, or day, he would get dressed for work and go to work when needed. He showed me how to work even when other people dont want to. (Courtesy of Paul Pecena) Being with my dad on his last day was a cool experience, he added. It was an honor to be with him as this part of his life came to an end, and I am very proud to follow in his footsteps. And not just his fathers footsteps. Paul, whos always served his countryeither as a soldier or policemanwas inspired by his own father, whod served in the U.S. Navy in the Pacific in World War II, along with his three brothers. My son Will is not only honoring me by serving, he is also honoring his grandfather and ancestors, the father added. Share your stories with us at emg.inspired@epochtimes.com, and get your daily dose of inspiration by signing up for the Epoch Inspired newsletter at TheEpochTimes.com/newsletter Accused From Capitol Breach Treated Like Third-World Country Political Prisoners: Rep. Gohmert People accused of participating in the Jan. 6 storming of the U.S. Capitol are facing treatment akin to that seen in third-world countries, Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-Texas) says. Theyre being treated like third world country political prisoners, Gohmert told The Epoch Times in a recent interview. Some of them were violent, and I would have no problem sending them to prison. But there are so many that just did very little. And if they were Democrats, and were burning down stores, they would already have been out on bail, he added. Hundreds of people stormed the Capitol in January, interrupting a joint session of Congress convened to certify the electoral vote count. Some of the people committed violent acts, according to prosecutors, video footage, and photographs, including assaulting law enforcement officers. But many others are charged with nothing more than entering the Capitol. The broad treatment of accused participants, including alleged beatings by guards, the placement of some in solitary confinement, and the holding of even non-violent ones in jail for months, has drawn fierce criticism from the right. The two tier justice system is really become so apparent to anybody thats paying attention. It is really tragic. But the Justice Department has been able to scare a lot of Republicans and their people that were thinking about coming back to Washington and protesting. And theyre scared to do that because they read and hear about these people being put in jail, who did nothing wrong, some of theman 18-year-old that gets put in prison and 23 hours a day in solitary, and then after a story came out and they went to 24 hour lockup, he said. I mean, very, very vindictivelike a third world country, except its happening in this country. The Department of Justice and the Bureau of Prisons did not respond to requests for comment. The treatment has even drawn pushback from Democrats, with Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) calling solitary confinement a form of punishment that is cruel and psychologically damaging and Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) saying such confinement should be a rare exception. Over 550 people have been charged for participating in the Capitol breach. An ultrasound machine sits next to an exam table in an examination room at Whole Woman's Health of South Bend in South Bend, Indiana, on June 19, 2019. (Scott Olson/Getty Images) Alabama Leads 20 States Supporting South Carolina In Abortion Lawsuit Twenty states led by Alabama are supporting South Carolinas defense of a new abortion law, arguing that a federal judge was wrong to pause the entire measure instead of just the portion being challenged in court. Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall argued that U.S. District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis was wrong to pause the entire measure in a July 13 filing with the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals (pdf) on behalf of the states. South Carolinas fetal heartbeat law was struck down in an error-filled district court opinion, Marshall wrote. Although Planned Parenthood and the other plaintiffs challenged only the laws regulation of abortion after a fetal heartbeat is detected, the district court enjoined the law in its entiretyincluding portions of the law that dozens of other states already have and regularly enforce. The judges ruling, Marshall wrote, treads on South Carolinas sovereign ability to decide for itself the purposes of its legislation and aggrandizes the judicial power by treating the courts injunction of the challenged provision as erasing it entirely so the whole Act collapses. Joining Attorney General Marshall in signing the amicus brief are attorneys general from Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and West Virginia. Marshall noted that at least 24 states require an abortion provider to offer to display the image from an ultrasound so the pregnant mother can view it. Yet the district court enjoined South Carolinas ultrasound disclosure law, he wrote. Same for South Carolinas requirement that abortion providers make the fetal heartbeat audible for the pregnant mother if she would like to hear it a law that at least 16 other states have also enacted, he added. And same for South Carolinas requirement that an ultrasound be performed before an abortion is conducteda requirement shared by at least 12 other states. The Fetal Heartbeat and Protection from Abortion Act was signed into law earlier this year by South Carolina Republican Gov. Henry McMaster. South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster looks on at a rally in Columbia, S.C., on June 25, 2018. (Kevin Lamarque/Reuters) Under the law, abortions are generally prohibited once a fetal heartbeat is detected. If cardiac activity is detected, the abortion can be performed only if the pregnancy was caused by rape or incest, or the mothers life was in danger. The law also requires abortion providers to give the mother an opportunity have an ultrasound and view the sonogram, hear the fetal heartbeat, and receive other information about her unborn child. Fetal heartbeats can be detected as soon as six weeks after conception, according to americanpregnancy.org. Planned Parenthood is suing over the measure and the entire law was blocked from taking effect amid the lawsuit. But McMaster and the other defendants in the lawsuit filed an appeal (pdf) last week, arguing the lawsuit was filed by third parties, Planned Parenthood South Atlantic and the Greenville Womens Clinic, that dont have the legal standing to contest the laws constitutionality. The states attorneys wrote in an appellate filing that Lewis decision to halt the entire measure during litigation oversteps the bounds of federal judicial power. This Court should not countenance such a judicial intrusion upon South Carolinas legitimate sovereign interests in the form of an unnecessary nullification of state law, attorneys for the state wrote. McMasters office also released a statement urging supporters to defend South Carolinas Fetal Heartbeat Act against every challenge at every level. As Ive said before, the right to life is the most precious of rights and the most fragile. We must never let it be taken for granted or taken away. And we must protect life at every opportunity, regardless of cost or inconvenience, he wrote. Several other groups have submitted filings in support of South Carolina, including the Southern Baptist Convention and an anti-abortion group of obstetricians and gynecologists. Abortions previously were banned in South Carolina after 20 weeks. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 90 per cent of abortions take place in the first 13 weeks of a womans pregnancy. The corporate logo adorns the headquarters of the Australian fund-manager AMP in Sydney on Dec. 17, 2009. (Torsten Blackwood/AFP/Getty Images) ASIC Ends Criminal Case Against AMP Financial services group AMP will not face criminal prosecution three years after a banking royal commission found it had charged fees to thousands of dead customers. The inquirys barristers had recommended Australias largest wealth manager face criminal charges for lying to the Australian Securities and Investments Commission about the conduct. But the corporate regulator on Friday said it had ended its investigation into the fees-for-no-service issue. ASIC had gone to the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions, presenting two briefs of evidence in mid-2020, with a view to criminal charges being laid. The CDPP has now determined, on the basis of the available evidence and weighing the relevant public interest factors, that no charges should be brought for that conduct, ASIC said. The logo of AMP Ltd, Australias biggest retail wealth manager, adorns their head office located in central Sydney, Australia, May 5, 2017. (Reuters/David Gray/File Photo) AMP had charged thousands of superannuation customers fees for life insurance, despite knowing there was no longer a life to insure. The allegations emerged during evidence to the Financial Services Royal Commission in 2018 and was a key finding in its report. Banking royal commissioner Kenneth Hayne QC wanted ASIC to take criminal action over the conduct. Hayne in his interim report said AMP had adopted an attitude towards the regulator that appeared to him not to be forthright and honest, but he left the matter in ASICs hands. AMP said it was pleased the matter was now closed. We have apologised to all affected clients and confirm that remediation was also completed in full in 2018, it said in a statement. AMP noted it had at the time improved monitoring and reporting to protect against such a thing happening again. The fees-for-no-service scandal claimed the jobs of AMPs then CEO and chair, led to a share price slump and sparked shareholder class actions. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko delivers a speech in Minsk, Belarus, on May 26, 2021. (Press Service of the President of the Republic of Belarus/Handout via Reuters) Belarus Police Raid Homes and Offices of Journalists, Rights Activists KYIVBelarusian police searched the offices and homes of journalists and human rights activists for the third successive day on Friday, extending what rights activists say is a new crackdown on opponents of President Alexander Lukashenko. The Poland-based Nexta Live channel said the office of U.S. broadcaster Radio Liberty in the capital Minsk was among those raided. Belarusian human rights organization Viasna-96 reported that two Radio Liberty journalists had been detained. Belarusian security officials were not immediately available for comment. The authorities have shut down a number of non-state media outlets and human rights groups since protests began last August against a presidential election which the opposition say was rigged. Lukashenko, in power since 1994, denies electoral fraud. Police officers went on Friday to the homes of a journalist from Polish TV channel Belsat and those of several local reporters, Viasna-96 reported. On Wednesday and Thursday, security officials conducted searches in around 20 human rights, charitable, media, and expert institutions, detaining more than 15 people, including the head of Viasna-96. The searches and detentions in the former Soviet republic have been condemned by Western politicians, international human rights activists, and Belarusian protest leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, who is based in Lithuania. British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has said Britain condemns an escalation in repression in Belarus, and the European Union and United States have imposed sanctions on Belarus in recent months. By Pavel Polityuk President Joe Biden speaks in the East Room of the White House in Washington on July 8, 2021. (Evan Vucci/AP Photo) Biden Nominees Deleted Tweets Raise Serious Concerns About Fitness to Serve, GOP Senator Says President Joe Bidens nominee to lead the top federal housing deleted several tweets disparaging law enforcement and Republicans, the Senate Banking Committees ranking member said. Republican Sen. Pat Toomey urged Julia Gordon, who President Joe Biden nominated to lead the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), to assist him in recovering her deleted tweets in a letter sent Thursday and obtained by the Daily Caller News Foundation. Using an online archive tool, GOP Banking Committee staff have already recovered some tweets that raise serious concerns about Gordons fitness for office, Toomey wrote. As the Senate evaluates nominees fitness for senior leadership positions across the Federal government, its important the public has a full picture of ones policy views, judgment, and character, Ranking Member Toomey told the DCNF in a statement. A nominees past public statements matter, and a nominee should not be able to avoid scrutiny by merely clicking a button marked delete. In the letter, Toomey noted tweets in which Gordon labeled Capitol Hill Republicans shameless for opposing certain liberal housing policies and advocated for lenders to take anti-racist stances. Gordon also tweeted comments denigrating states in the South, saying [p]ractically the whole region has rejected nearly everything thats good about this country and that winning elections there is not worth the ideological cost for Democrats. Tweets recovered by Toomeys staff appeared to show Gordon attacking elected Republicans including Sens. Lindsey Graham and Rand Paul. In one deleted tweet, Gordon said a fly that landed on former Vice President Mike Pences head was his only black friend. Gordon additionally retweeted a post describing police officers as the people killing us, the Pennsylvania senator wrote. She then retweeted a separate post calling for dismantling the four hundred years of personal and structural racism in the U.S. If the Biden administration wants to be taken seriously in its recent effort to try to distance itself from the Defund the Police movement, then why are they still stacking the administration full of anti-police advocates? Amanda Thompson, a spokesperson for Toomey, told the DCNF. As the crime rate in American cities is skyrocketing, nominating individuals who proudly advocate for defunding the police is a slap in the face to every law enforcement officer in America, she continued. Gordons Twitter activity falls in line with a public letter she wrote, arguing that coronavirus disproportionate effects on black people stem from flawed and biased systems that require structural change, Toomey said. The ranking member asked Gordon to request her deleted tweet data from Twitter and turn it over to the committee by July 22, 2021. Biden nominated Gordon, the current president of the nonprofit National Community Stabilization Trust, to lead the FHA at the Department of Housing and Urban Development in June, according to the American Banker. Progressive and housing groups applauded the nomination. In May, Toomey wrote to Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, asking for him to share deleted tweets of two individuals who Biden nominated for HUD positions. One of the nominees allegedly tweeted that former President Donald Trump was the Devil, only stupider and in human form. Read the full letter: Ranking Member Toomey Lette by Daily Caller News Foundation By Thomas Catenacci From The Daily Caller News Foundation Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience. For licensing opportunities of our original content, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org. President Joe Biden participates in a joint news conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in the East Room of the White House in Washington, on July 15, 2021. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) Biden Says Communism Is a Failed System and Cuba a Failed State The authoritarian and communist regime of Cuba is a failed state and universally, communism is a failed system, President Joe Biden said while speaking from the White House on Thursday. Communism is a failed systema universally failed system. And I dont see socialism as a very useful substitute, but thats another story, Biden said during a joint press conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Bidens remarks were the strongest signal yet by the president in support of Cubans demonstrating against the ruling regime of leader Miguel Diaz-Canelalso the head of the Cuban Communist Party. He also addressed that his administration is considering ways to possibly reinstate access to the internet for people on the island nation after the regime disrupted citizens from their online communications in the wake of the biggest anti-government protests in decades. Were considering whether we have the technological ability to reinstate that access, Biden said. President Joe Biden and German Chancellor Angela Merkel hold a joint press conference in the East Room of the White House in Washington, on July 15, 2021. (Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images) The president also indicated that for now, they are not considering re-establishing the U.S. to Cuba remittances because its highly likely that the regime would confiscate the funds. There are a number of things that we would consider doing to help the people of Cuba, but it would require a different circumstance or a guarantee that they would not be taken advantage of by the [Cuban regime], Biden said. For example, the ability to send remittances back to Cuba. I would not do that now because the fact is its highly likely that the regime would confiscate those remittances or big chunks of it. Starting over the past weekend, thousands of Cubans have openly demonstrated against the authoritarian regime and called for leader Diaz-Canel to step down. Some demonstrators, as well as Cubans in the United States, have called on the Biden administration to intervene amid mass arrests of demonstrators by the regime. Bidens remarks that they consider to aid Cubans came as Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-Fla.) asked the president in a letter to provide federal assistance to the citizens of the island nation as well as help them with internet access. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks during a press conference at the Shul of Bal Harbour in Surfside, Fla., on June 14, 2021. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images) I write to urge you to assist in providing Internet access to the people of Cuba standing up against communist oppression and demanding a voice after decades of suffering under the yoke of a cruel dictatorship, the Republican governor wrote in the letter (pdf). As you know, the Cuban people are taking to the streets to protest the Communist regime, and the Cuban government has responded with violence, he said. At first, the world could see the images and videos of this mass movement, but now the tyrannical regime of President Miguel Diaz-Canel has shut off access to the internet. White House press secretary Jen Psaki on Thursday during a separate press briefing also called communism a failed ideology, explaining that Cubans deserve freedom. They deserve a government that supports them, whether that is making sure they have health and medical supplies, access to vaccines, or whether they have economic opportunity and prosperity, Psaki said. This has been a governmentan authoritarian, communist regimethat has repressed its people and has failed the people of Cuba, hence were seeing them in the streets, she continued. Amid the demonstrations, activists told news outlets this week that more than 100 people have been arrested, detained, or are simply missing in a regime-led clampdown. Jack Phillips contributed to this report. From NTD News A group of Venezuelans wait to be picked up by Border Patrol after illegally crossing the Rio Grande from Mexico into Del Rio, Texas, on June 3, 2021. (Charlotte Cuthbertson/The Epoch Times) Border Patrol Apprehends 188,829 Illegal Immigrants in June Border Patrol agents have continued to apprehend an increasing number of illegal aliens each month this year, and June was no exception. Agents apprehended 188,829 people illegally crossing the border in June, up from 180,034 in May, according to Customs and Border Protection (CBP). That averages 6,294 apprehensions per day for the month. The number of illegal aliens detected by Border Patrol but who evaded capture isnt released, although Border Patrol Chief Raul Ortiz said on June 24 that the number has exceeded 250,000 so far this fiscal year. The number of people who pass undetected is impossible to estimate. Along with the increase in crossings, more illegal immigrants are dying of heat-related exposure, dehydration, and drowning. Water is scarce, its not hard to get lost, and smugglers will leave illegal immigrants behind if theyre slow or injured. In June, 109 bodies were recovered by Border Patrol, up from 61 in May, according to numbers obtained from CBP by Jaeson Jones, host of Tripwires and Triggers. That brings the total for fiscal 2021 to 321 bodies recovered by Border Patrol, with three months to go. A major change to the current border flow is expected after July 21 if Title 42 is revoked, which is largely seen as the remaining tool holding back the floodgates. Title 42 allows for Border Patrol to turn back illegal border crossers almost immediately as a pandemic measure, rather than be placed in ICE custody for a more protracted process through deportation proceedings under Title 8. When we do lose Title 42, the number of people that were previously being expelled are going to have to be processed under Title 8, and were going to be spending more time with them, Texass Del Rio Sector Chief Austin Skero told The Epoch Times on July 15. So that is going to be increasing the amount of time that our agents are processing and decreasing the amount of time that our agents can be in the field. Currently, single Spanish-speaking adults and some families are still subject to Title 42 and are turned back to Mexico. Once the policy is lifted, border facilities are likely to be quickly overwhelmed. In some border sectors, particularly the Rio Grande Valley in south Texas, the Border Patrol facilities have been so overwhelmed that many individuals werent released with the common Notice to Appear document that states a date and time to appear in court. Rather, they received a Notice to Report, which is an honor system that requires the person to check in at their closest ICE facility within 60 days. Title 42 is absolutely critical, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Acting Director Tae Johnson said during a congressional hearing on May 13. Theres certainly some gaps in our ability to track illegal immigrants after theyre released, he said. Under the agencys narrowed criteria for priority removal, most of those who abscond wont be a priority for ICE to track down unless they commit an aggravated felony. ICE had around 55,000 detention beds in 2019; however, the capacity was reduced to 30,000 beds in the fiscal 2021 appropriations package. Newly appointed Border Patrol Chief Raul Ortiz said the main focus for the agency is to increase the ability to process illegal immigrants faster. It includes speeding up the process so were not bogged down in these communities, Ortiz said in Del Rio on June 24. He said a quicker electronic system to process aliens will be rolled out in about 90 days. [Agents] should be able to do everything on a tablet, they sign it, you move on, he said. Skero told The Epoch Times that a soft-sided, 500-person processing tent had been erected in Eagle Pass to help mitigate the anticipated increase. One of the difficulties that we have here in the sector is managing the flow of people that are coming, managing detention and the processing, and the distribution, he said. And then trying to use whatever resources we have left to get after the folks who are getting away from us, the folks who dont want to give up, who dont want to surrender. Thats where the criminal element is really alive and well. But the reality is, even now, we dont have enough people. Students play at recess at Lysterfield Primary School on May 26, 2020, in Melbourne, Australia. (Daniel Pockett/Getty Images) Childcare Assistance for Parents and Centres Across Greater Sydney Parents in New South Wales who choose to keep their children at home during the lockdowns will not be required to pay childcare gap fees to keep their kids enrolled. Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Education Minister Alan Tudge said the measures were designed to help take the financial pressure off both families and childcare businesses affected by the lockdowns. If you normally enrol your kids three days a week in the childcare centre and you dont send your kid there, you just wont be charged that fee, Tudge told 2GB radio. Morrison said around 216,000 families across Greater Sydney could benefit from the measure, and that from the past experiences, the uptake is expected to be very strong. The waiver will begin on Monday, July 19, and will be up to individual childcare centres to opt-in. The gap fee is the difference between the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) the Government pays to a service and the remaining fee paid by the family. Education Minister Alan Tudge speaks during a media conference at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, on Sept. 4, 2020. (David Gray/Getty Images) Previous lockdowns show that even when childcare remains open, there is an understandably strong preference to keep kids at home, Tudge said in a statement. We are easing some of the pressure on families, and providers can keep their staff employed so business can continue as usual when the stay-at-home orders end. The measure is in addition to the existing scheme where gap fees can be waived if a service is directed to close due to public health advice. The lockdown was extended until at least July 30, as the NSW government aims to get down to zero cases. In addition, a national childcare support package worth $100 million will go into centres in regional, remote, and disadvantaged areas. Tudge announced the package on Friday, saying it would help improve and expand 640 facilities around the country and increase workforce participation. In some remote areas, there may only be one or two childcare services operating, and it is critical we keep these open so families can access the care they need, he said. It will also help achieve our Closing the Gap targets by increasing participation of Indigenous children in early childhood education and care. A woman receives a dose of Sinovac's Covid-19 coronavirus vaccine during a vaccination drive in Banda Aceh, Indonesia on July 7, 2021. (Chaideer Mahyuddin/AFP via Getty Images) Chinas Sinovac Vaccine Efficacy Called Into Question, Thailand Opts for AstraZeneca Booster Thailand is currently experiencing a spike in COVID-19 infections. On July 11, the number of cases reported reached a record high of 9,418. The death toll on July 10 was 91, also a historic high. Due to the abrupt rise in cases, the Thailand government changed its vaccine policy, and started giving the AstraZeneca (AZ) vaccine to boost protection for those who received Chinas Sinovac. On July 11, Thailands Ministry of Public Health said 618 of 677,348 medical staff who were fully vaccinated with Sinovac vaccine were infected with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) Virus. One nurse died, and one medical staff was in critical condition. Due to concerns over the efficacy of the Chinese vaccine, the Thailand government announced on July 12 that people who received Chinas Sinovac as the first dose of vaccine would receive AstraZeneca as the second dose after a three to four week interval. Medical workers who were fully vaccinated with Sinovac would receive a third booster shot from a different vaccine manufacturer. The booster shot could be either AstraZeneca or another mRNA vaccine such as Pfizer. Thailand is currently strengthening its virus control measures, and banning unnecessary travel and gatherings of more than five people. Bangkok and its surrounding areas have imposed curfews. Dr. Thiravat Hemachudha, the head of the Thai Red Cross Emerging Infectious Diseases Health Science Center, said Chinas Sinovac was less effective against the CCP Virus delta variant. And a booster dose of AstraZeneca would increase its efficacy, according to a study he helped conduct. Thailand primarily relied on the Sinovac vaccine to combat the CCP Virus. It received batches of Sinovac from China and began vaccinating its medical workers in February. The AstraZeneca vaccines arrived later in June. The 1.5 million doses of Pfizer vaccine donated by the United States are expected to arrive in late July. Thailand has purchased an additional 20 million doses set to arrive after October. Thailand is the latest country to question the efficacy of Chinese vaccines and to administer other vaccines for the second dose. The efficacy of Chinese vaccines is being seriously questioned. Indonesia also heavily relied on Chinas Sinovac vaccine; its government said on July 9 that it would provide medical staff with Moderna vaccine as a booster. Since June, at least 131 Indonesian health care workers have died, many of whom received the Sinovac vaccine. Chinese Businesses Targeted in South Africa Riots, Expert Says Beijing Might Be to Blame As civil unrest continues in South Africa, Chinese businesses have been targeted. One China observer believes that the anti-China sentiment could be fueled by the Chinese regimes expanding global influence and human rights abuses. Violence broke out in the country after former President Jacob Zuma was given a 15-month jail term last week for contempt of court for failing to appear at a hearing in February over allegations of corruption during his presidency. More than 70 people have been killed, which is the worse in years. Shopping malls, stores, and banks in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal provinces where the riots occurred have been looted. The South African military has dispatched 2,500 soldiers to support the police, but the situation is still out of control. On July 14, local time, the Chinese Embassy in South Africa issued an emergency safety alert for the second time in two days, reminding local Chinese citizens to pay attention to their personal safety and take further precautions. A RFA report cited a local Chinese that the city of Durban has been under martial law. However, the violence and looting are still happening. And the military and police have only limited intervention, the source said. Meanwhile, a number of Chinese expats living in South Africa told Chinese media about the riots they had witnessed. They said that a lot of supermarkets, shops, and factories in Durban have been damaged. There have been long queues outside the few remaining food stores that are open. And bread and milk are in short supply. A factory burns in the background while empty boxes litter the foreground from looted goods being removed, on the outskirts of Durban, South Africa, on July 14, 2021. (AP Photo) Sun Xianglu, who has worked in South Africa for many years, told Chinese media that Newcastle, in KwaZulu-Natal, was also affected by the riots. The city is home to at least a hundred Chinese textile factories. Some netizens posted on Chinese social media that many Chinese supermarkets in South Africa were ransacked. They said that houses were burned down and commercial properties and factories were damaged. China observers noted that for every riot in Asian and African countries, Chinese shops have often been targeted first, according to RFA. Chinese sociology scholar Lu Hao told RFA that the looting and burning of Chinese businesses in South Africa shows that the anti-Chinese sentiment is caused by the Chinese regimes actions. There are two main reasons for this. The first is that the Chinese government has violated human rights over a long period of time. This has given the world a very poor impression. The second reason is that the Chinese governments foreign aid and international investment projects often brought the Chinese domestic abuses and bad practices to other countries, including violations of labor rights, environmental damage, and bribery. Lu said that China has invested a lot of money in the construction of large-scale projects in countries that participated in the regimes Belt and Road Initiative (BRI, also known as One Belt, One Road) and has been accused of setting debt traps, which has caused disputes with locals. As of January 2021, 40 countries from Sub-Saharan Africa have joined Chinas BRI. And according to The Africa Report, the African countries with the largest Chinese debt are Angola ($25 billion), Ethiopia ($13.5 billion), Zambia ($7.4 billion), the Republic of Congo ($7.3 billion), and Sudan (6.4 billion). The Chinese regimes mishandling and concealment of the initial outbreak of COVID-19 is another cause of resentment against China and Chinese businesses, Lu said. As of July 16, there were 2,253,240 COVID cases and 65,972 deaths in South Africa. Many countries have suffered very seriously during the pandemic because of the Chinese regime, Lu said. Nury Turkel, the current vice chair of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, speaks in an interview with The Epoch Times in May 2021. (The Epoch Times) Chinese Communist Party Is Cornered as World Awakens to Its Abuses: Religious Freedom Commissioner WASHINGTONMore than ever, the Chinese Communist Party is finding itself backed into a corner as the world wakes up to its human rights atrocities, according to Nury Turkel, the vice chair of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF). China has never been this isolated in the recent memory, and the isolation is making them belligerent, Turkel told The Epoch Times at the annual International Religious Freedom Summit. Thats why they are picking fights with camp survivors, he added. Turkel was referring to attempts by Chinese officials to publicly shame Uyghur women who gave first hand accounts of sexual abuse at the internment camps in Xinjiang, where up to 1 million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities are held under what the regime claims to be a counter-terrorism campaign. In a February press conference, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson held up pictures of the former detainees and called one of them, Tursunay Ziyawudun, an actress and accused her of spreading lies. Such behavior, coming from a government official, hardly measures up to the image of the country that everybodys scared of, said Turkel. Activists including members of the local Hong Kong, Tibetan and Uyghur communities hold up banners and placards in Melbourne, Australia, on June 23, 2021, calling on the Australian government to boycott the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics over Chinas human rights record. (William West/AFP via Getty Images) Ziyawudun shared her story at the opening of the second day of the Summit. During her year in a camp, beginning in 2018, Ziyawudun said, she saw police officers take Uyghur women from the cells to do whatever they wanted. Some of the women were brought back near the point of death. Some others had lost their minds. She witnessed a Uyghur woman in her 20s being raped, while three Han police officers did the same to her. These memories make my heart bleed, she told the attendees on July 14. Turkel noted that virtually every speaker on Wednesday highlighted the suppression in Xinjiang, which, following the U.S. lead, a growing number of countries have recognized as a genocide. Thats a miscalculation on Beijings behalf, Turkel said of the regimes human rights abuses. They think that they could get away with this as they have done to the Falun Gong practitioners and they have done to Tibetans for years and years. Global outcry over human rights atrocities in China have been increasing, with lawmakers pushing for a boycott of the 2022 Beijing Olympics from within their respective governments. Over the past week, the U.S. blacklisted over a dozen Chinese entities that had a role in aiding abuses in the Xinjiang region and the regimes military modernization, while at the same time it dialed up warnings of business risks in Xinjiang. Forced organ harvesting, a state-sanctioned practice primarily targeting Falun Gong practitioners but also other prisoners of conscience, is also drawing greater scrutiny. The mounting pressure is not being missed in Beijing. For Chinese leader Xi Jinping to call for communist officials to create a lovable Chinese imagethis in itself is a sign of insecurity, according to Turkel. They are cornered, he said. A file image of Nury Turkel, the vice chair of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, meeting with the then U.S. Secretary of State Michael Pompeo and Chinese dissidents in July 2020. (Ron Przysucha/U.S. State Department) An Uyghur American attorney, Turkel was born in a Chinese re-education camp in Kashgar where his mother was imprisoned. That was during the height of the Cultural Revolution, a decade-long violent campaign that swept China into chaos and killed millions. Turkel has not returned to China since coming to America 26 years ago. Two years after he left, the regimes military crushed a large demonstration in his fathers hometown. The global push back, in his eyes, has come a little too late. It shouldnt take a genocide and it shouldnt be the end of Hong Kong democracy for the international community to have this rude awakening, he said. A Brookings Institute report, published last year, estimated that the regime has exported its mass surveillance platforms to over 80 countries since 2008. Chinese influence in the West is everywhere, in the business, media, academia, and government, Turkel said. With the regime continuing to project its narrative worldwide, the United States should instead break out of that framework and stop worrying about how the CCP does things, said Turkel. As a free nation, as a free people, we should do what is right, he said, adding that eventually, this will force them to change. The logo of Didi Chuxing in Hangzhou in China's eastern Zhejiang Province, China, on Sept. 4, 2018. (STR/AFP via Getty Images) Chinese Regulators Send Teams to Didi for Cybersecurity Review BEIJINGThe Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) said on July 16 that officials from at least seven departments sent teams to conduct an on-site cybersecurity review of ride-hailing giant Didi Global Inc. The regulators include the CAC, Ministry of Public Security, Ministry of State Security, Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Natural Resources, State Taxation Administration, and State Administration for Market Regulation, according to the statement. CAC did not offer any other details in its statement, but the involvement of several government agencies indicates heavier regulatory pressure on the nine-year-old company. China is in the process of revamping its policy towards privacy and data security. It is drafting a Personal Information Protection Law, which calls for tech platforms to impose stricter measures that ensure secure storage of user data. In September, China is set to implement its Data Security Law, which requires companies that process critical data to conduct risk assessments and submit reports. It also calls on organizations that process data affecting Chinas national security to submit to annual reviews. CAC launched the data-related cybersecurity investigation into Didi just two days after it raised $4.4 billion from its New York initial public offering, citing the need to protect national security and the public interest. Regulators also ordered Didi to remove its apps in China which the company said might hurt its revenue. Didi, which currently has a market capitalization of $60 billion, did not immediately respond to a request for comment on CACs new statement. It earlier said it stores all China user and road data in China. By Yingzhi Yang, Yilei Sun and Tony Munroe Residents line up to receive the COVID-19 vaccine at a community hospital in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, on March 23, 2021. (Getty Images) Unvaccinated Chinese Residents Not Allowed to Enter Public Spaces, Local Authority Announces A local government in China has banned unvaccinated Chinese residents from entering public venues such as shopping malls, public transport stations and supermarkets. Meanwhile, public servants across China will also have their salaries suspended or be denied work for not getting vaccinated, the government notice said. According to a July 13 government report in Tanghe, a county located in landlocked Henan Province, only proof of vaccination or contraindication to vaccination will grant a citizen access to local public places including public transportation. Meanwhile, employees or contractors who do not get vaccinated, will not be paid, nor be allowed to work, said an official notice on vaccination promotion, issued by Tanghe Command Center for COVID-19 Control and Prevention on Wednesday. The new rule applied to every public servant across the county that meets the conditions of vaccination, including temporary workers and retired staff, all of whom will be reminded by home visits or phone calls. [Each department should] ensure that no one is left out, the document said. According to the announcement, from July 26th people who have not been vaccinated are not allowed to enter key public places such as agencies, enterprises, schools, medical institutions, transportation stations, shopping malls, and supermarkets. A notice on July 12 from the city of Ruijin in Jiangxi Province said eligible workersincluding their relatives within three generationswould need to complete their vaccination within a limited time. The official account of Ruijin Radio & TV Station said the following day on WeChat, the largest social media platform in China, that anyone over 18 should complete the first dose of vaccination by July 25 and the second dose by August 25. The announcement also requires students to submit vaccination certificates of all family members prior to school enrollment. Psychological Campaign On July 16, Tanghe Converged Media Center reported that authorities had launched a psychological campaign to sweep away the unvaccinated. The aim is to create a mood among the public that vaccination proves patriotism, leaving those without vaccination in a dilemma, local authorities said. Propaganda efforts include posting slogans, broadcasting by LED displays and loudspeakers, and publicity vehicles are making circuits around towns and villages. [We have] created a strong atmosphere that people over 18 years of age should be vaccinated as much as possible and that it is difficult to walk a step without vaccination, announced by Tanghe CBD Management Committee on Friday, claiming that the local vaccination rate for adults aged 18 and older has reached 76 percent. Climate Change Activism Will Benefit Heavy Emissions Producers Overseas: Mining Industry Attempts to shut down Australias coal industry for the sake of climate change are prematureaccording to mining industry representativeswho say Asian nations will simply source coal from other countries, many of which have less stringent environmental regulations. The warning comes as the International Energy Agency (IEA) revealed global electricity demandnamely from India and Chinacould rise, and fossil fuels would still be needed to prop up power demands. Paul Flynn, CEO of Whitehaven Coal, told the Joint Standing Committee on Trade and Investment Growth that Asia was a hotbed of demand for Australian coal and that mining for the resource would continue for decades. If Australia were to exit the Asian market for coal, whether as a result of financing issues or not, the strong underlying demand from our customers would be quickly filled by lower-quality Indonesian or Russian coal, and there would be zero gain for Australias significant sacrifice, he told the Committee. Therefore, close cooperation between Australias financial institutions and our export industries will not only benefit Australias economy but will help government, business, and industry to manage the global transition to a lower-emissions world, he added. Flynns comments were echoed by Tania Constable, CEO of the Minerals Council of Australia, who noted that despite coal consumption dropping in the United States and across Europe, Asia and ASEAN would continue to drive demand. The demand is high and the export volumes and value that we have seen in 2020, and what we understand to be a need in energy and electricity demand in the next few decades, means coal will be needed, she told the Committee, noting that countries like Indonesia, Russia, and South Africa would simply step in and take Australias place on the world markets. Recent figures released by the IEAs Electricity Market Report (pdf) in July confirm these assertions, revealing that electricity demand worldwide would rise five percent in 2021, and four percent in 2022. Most of the demand will come from Asia, with China accounting for over half of global growth and India nine percent. The IEA conceded that fossil fuels would be needed to supply that demand, despite growth in the renewable sector. Meanwhile, the Joint Committee is investigating financial regulation around investment in Australias export industries, which the global climate change movement has heavily influenced. The inquiry has also received submissions from several mining companies, who say the industry is being slowly constricted by financial institutionsnamely banks, insurers, and superannuation firmswho are withdrawing vital insurance and loan services. The Committee noted that Australias financial institutions were responding to climate change activism via the boardrooms of major corporations, which has resulted in major investment funds steering clear of companies involved in the coal industrywhich is deemed a major emissions generator. On the ground, smaller mining firms and allied industrieswhich employ thousands of Australian workershave seen their operations suffer. For example, the Resource Industry Network (RIN), an umbrella body based in the coal-rich central Queensland region, says professional indemnity insurance has been harder to find. In turn, those willing to support the industry have raised prices. Its 18 times higher now than it was six years ago, and we now spend more on this intangible risk-management tool than we spend on IT or diesel for our vehicles to drive in and out, David Hartigan, general manager of RINs Field Engineers told the Committee. To give you a sense of perspective: our insurance is now our biggest single cost other than wages. Colombia's National Police Director General Jorge Luis Vargas speaks during a news conference about the participation of several Colombians in the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise, in Bogota, Colombia, on July 15, 2021. (Luisa Gonzalez/Reuters) Colombian President Says Some Suspects Had Detailed Knowledge of Haiti Plot PORT-AU-PRINCESome of the former Colombian soldiers accused of involvement in the assassination of President Jovenel Moise went to Haiti to work as bodyguards, but others knew a crime was being planned, Colombias president said on Thursday. Haitian authorities have said Moise was shot dead at his home on July 7 by a group of assassins including 26 Colombians and two Haitian Americans. Eighteen Colombians have been detained and three others were killed by police. There was a big group that were taken on a supposed protection mission, but within that group, theres a smaller group, which were those who apparently had detailed knowledge of what was to be a criminal operation, Colombian President Ivan Duque told La FM radio. Does that excuse the rest of the group? Unfortunately no, because they are also participating in the situation. Colombian news magazine Semana reported on Wednesday that one of the detained Colombians had confessed to Haitian authorities that seven of his compatriots took part in Moises killing. Reuters could not independently verify the report. Families and colleagues of some of the detainees have told journalists in Colombia that the suspects were hired to work as bodyguards and are innocent. The head of Colombias national police stressed on Thursday that Haitian authorities are leading the investigation. A small number of the detainees had received U.S. military training in the past while serving as active members of the Colombian military, Pentagon spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Ken Hoffman said on Thursday. He did not give further details. Colombia is one of the strongest U.S. military partners in Latin America, receiving billions of dollars in security aid and training focused on countering Marxist guerrilla groups that are funded by drug trafficking, extortion and kidnapping. A U.S. government source said a Senate committee is looking into training by the U.S. military of some of the Colombians detained on suspicion of Moises killing. Charges could be brought in the United States against those who killed Moise, a senior U.S. administration official said on Thursday. Moises assassination has pitched the already-troubled Caribbean nation into chaos, coming amid a surge in gang violence in recent months that has displaced thousands and hampered economic activity in the poorest country in the Americas. The New York Times reported on Thursday that the head of security for the presidential palace, Dimitri Herard, was detained and is being questioned about why the attackers did not meet more resistance at the presidents home. Defund the Police Advocate Rep. Cori Bush Spent $54,000 on Private Security Company: FEC Rep. Cori Bush (D-Mo.), a member of the far-left squad, spent over $50,000 on a private security firm over the past three months, according to campaign filings. Federal Elections Commission (FEC) filings show her campaign spent more than $54,000 on RS&T Security Consulting, LLC., for security services between April 15 and June 28. A cached version of RS&T Security Consultings websitewhich is offlineshows the business provides executive protection agents for first-class executive protection and security for national and international figures. Its not clear why the website was taken down or if the business is still active. The website also shows Secret Service-like agents as an example of what services are provided. Our Protection Specialists are highly skilled in a multitude of armed and unarmed protective services, surveillance system instillations and private investigative services, the website says. Our diverse close protection teams are trained, licensed personnel whom are experts in the private and public sector in 136 cities throughout the United States, it adds. She also paid $15,000 to a Nathaniel Davis for security services around the same time. Its unclear who Davis is or what services he offered, although Daviss address in the filings is the same as Bushs campaign headquarters, Fox News reported. Since she was elected into office, Bush has consistently called for defunding or transforming police departments. When various cities cut police funding in the midst of left-wing riots and demonstrations last year, the Missouri Democrat cheered the move. Todays decision to defund the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department is historic. It marks a new future for our city, Bush said in an April statement when the City of St. Louis stripped funding to the St. Louis Police Department. For decades, our city funneled more and more money into our police department under the guise of public safety, while massively underinvesting in the resources that will truly keep our communities safe, Bush added. Bush also praised the City of Austin, Texas, for defunding its police department. Defunding the police isnt radical, its real, she wrote in January on Twitter of the move. Other than Bush, fellow squad members Reps. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.), Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.), and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) have also spent their campaign funds on private securityalthough apparently not nearly as much as Bush has. According to FEC filings, Ocasio-Cortez spent about $4,000, Omar paid $2,800, and Pressley paid $3,500. Bush, meanwhile, spent $35,000 on security services from RS&T, Maryland-based private security firm Whole Armor Executive Protection, and Davis during the first three months of 2021, federal records show. The Epoch Times reached out to Bushs office for comment. A firefighter sprays water while trying to stop the Sugar Fire, part of the Beckwourth Complex Fire, from spreading to neighboring homes in Doyle, Calif., on July 10, 2021. (Noah Berger/AP Photo) Dixie Fire Expands While Sugar Fire Nears 100,000 Acres By Hayley Smith From Los Angeles Times LOS ANGELESWhile the Sugar fire in Plumas neared the 100,000-acre milestone, firefighters on Thursday were continuing their efforts to contain the Dixie fire in Butte County. Officials estimated the size of the Dixie fire at 2,250 acres, according to fire Capt. Jacob Gilliam of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection in Butte County. The blaze has had no containment. Gilliam said the fire was burning in the scar of the 2018 Camp fire, but moving north, away from populated areas. Still, the smoke and flames are stoking traumatic memories for some who survived that terrible fire, which decimated the town of Paradise and killed more than 85 people. Its kind of nerve-racking, said David Little of the North Valley Community Foundation, which provides relief and recovery efforts for the Camp fire victims. The fire started just a couple of miles [away], on the same road, as the Camp fire in 2018. Its really a sense of deja vu thats uneasy. Gilliam said about 350 firefighters and support personnel were assigned to the blaze Thursday. Their priority will be the fires southwestern perimeter, which is closest to the countys populated areas. Theres a history of a strong down-canyon winds in that Jarbo Gap area, and so firefighters are really trying to secure that south and west flank, he said. Meteorologist Eric Kurth with the National Weather Service in Sacramento said temperatures near the fire will be in the upper 80s Thursday. Fairly typical wind gusts of up to 17 mph can be expected. An evacuation warning remains in place for the Pulga and east Concow areas, the Butte County Sheriffs Office said. Meanwhile, the Sugar fire in Plumas National Forest continued to grow Wednesday afternoon after conditions grounded firefighting aircraft and spot fires spread across the west side of Frenchman Boulevard, officials said. In a morning briefing, operations chief Jake Cagle said the afternoon brought wind gusts of over 35 mph, and the fire began generating fire whirls. Unfortunately, due to the wind and the smoke visibility, we had to set down our aircraft, which enabled the spot fires to become more established, he said. As of Thursday morning, the fire had swelled to 99,937 acres, on the brink of becoming the states first 100,000-acre mega-fire of the year. The Sugar fire is part of the Beckwourth Complex, which also contains the 594-acre Dotta fire that is 99 percent contained. Combined, they have already surpassed the 100,000-acre threshold. In the path of the fires, the Lassen County Sheriffs Office expanded mandatory evacuation order to areas including Doyle Proper on the west side of U.S. 395, from Laura Drive to County Road A26. Previously issued evacuation orders for other parts of Doyle remain in place. The Sugar fire was 68 percent contained Thursday morning, officials said. Californias ongoing drought is only adding to firefighters challenges during an already active fire season, officials said, contributing to bone-dry vegetation that ignites easily and spreads fire fast. Although the Dixie fire is within the Camp fire burn scar, Gilliam said there is plenty of dry brush and grass to fuel the flames. Even though theyre younger fuelsjust several years oldits still very dry, and its burning, he said. Firefighters are defending the same containment lines against the Dixie fire that they used in the Camp fire, he said. Those who remember that 2018 fire hoped that would be the only similarity between the two blazes. Weve dealt with enough stuff in this area, Little said, and we dont need another one. 2021 Los Angeles Times. Visit at latimes.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Alberta Premier Jason Kenney (L) voices support for an end to the Chinese communist regime, in downtown Calgary on July 11, 2021. Kenney stopped by to chat with Wenwen Guo, a volunteer with the Global Service Centre for Quitting the Chinese Communist Party, while Guo was collecting signatures for the End CCP petition. (Courtesy of Wenwen Guo) End CCP: Alberta Premier Voices Support for Global Movement Countering Chinese Communist Party When Calgarian Guo Wenwen went downtown to raise awareness of her cause on July 11as a volunteer of a global grassroots effort to end the communist regime in Chinalittle did she expect she would have a chance to meet Alberta Premier Jason Kenney himself, a major supporter of that cause. It was a sunny afternoon during the busy opening weekend of the Calgary Stampede. Guo, a volunteer with the Global Service Center for Quitting the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), was standing on the street giving out flyers to passersby and collecting signatures for the centres End CCP petition, just as she had done on numerous occasions over the past few months. Around 2 oclock, seeing so many people walking by, she held up her petition board and flyers and called out to the passersby, End CCP. Out among the crowd walked a man who came straight over to her and enthusiastically shook her hand. I was so surprised. It was Premier Jason Kenney, Guo recalled. As Kenney was shaking her hand, he called out in a loud voice, End CCP, and even encouraged the people around them to call out together, Falun Dafa hao, which stands for Falun Gong is good in Chinese. Falun Dafa is another name for Falun Gong, and Falun Dafa hao is a popular phrase people say to help counter the CCPs hate propaganda against Falun Gong. Its a practice for the mind, body, and spirit rooted in the ancient Chinese cultural tradition. Centring on the tenets of Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance, Falun Gong also includes several meditative exercises. But under the communist regime, it has been a major target of persecution since 1999 Kenney, from before his federal cabinet minister days under Prime Minister Stephen Harper, through to his current tenure as Alberta premier, has consistently condemned the human rights abuses committed by the CCP. Last July, on the 21st anniversary of the persecution, the Alberta premier made a point of issuing a statement condemning the CCPs persecution of Falun Gong and showing solidarity with the Falun Gong community. The Global Service Centre for Quitting the Chinese Communist Party initiated the End CCP petition in September 2020. Volunteers have collected roughly 70,000 signatures in Calgary alone. (Wenwen Guo) Guos flyers and petition and the EndCCP.com website refer to the COVID-19 coverup, the Cultural Revolution, the Tiananmen Square Massacre, the loss of freedoms and democracy in Hong Kong, the persecution of faith and ethnic groups, and large-scale forced organ harvesting of prisoners of conscience, among other topics. Since 2004, the Global Service Center, a non-profit charitable organization registered in the United States, has coordinated the worldwide movement to help Chinese people quit the CCP and its two affiliated organizations: the Communist Youth League and the Young Pioneers. The centre launched the End CCP petition in September 2020, and since then, the petition has collected roughly 70,000 signatures in Calgary alone, Guo said. And more than 1.1 million people globally have signed the petition online. Its to let the people around the world know how much harm the CCP has brought about, and that the CCP has infiltrated [countries] around world. People need to stand up against it. A regional train sits in the flood waters at the local station in Kordel, Germany, on July 15, 2021. (Sebastian Schmitt/dpa via AP) Rescuers Rush to Help as Europes Flood Toll Surpasses 120 BERLINEmergency workers in western German and Belgium rushed Friday to rescue hundreds of people in danger or still unaccounted for as the death toll from devastating floods rose to more than 120 people. Authorities in the German state of Rhineland-Palatinate said 63 people had died there, including 12 residents of an assisted living facility for disabled people in the town of Sinzig who were surprised by a sudden rush of water from the nearby Ahr River. In neighboring North Rhine-Westphalia state officials put the death toll at 43, but warned that the figure could increase. German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier said he was stunned by the devastation caused by the flooding and pledged support to the families of those killed and to cities and towns facing significant damage. In the hour of need, our country stands together, Steinmeier said in a statement Friday afternoon. Its important that we show solidarity for those from whom the flood has taken everything. Authorities in the German state of Rhineland-Palatinate said 60 people had died there, including at least nine residents of an assisted living facility for people with disabilities. In neighboring North Rhine-Westphalia state officials put the death toll at 43, but warned that the figure could rise further. A street is covered with debris after heavy rainfall and the flooding of the Erft river in Germany, on July 15, 2021. (B&S/dpa via AP) Rescuers were rushing Friday to help people trapped in their homes in the town of Erftstadt, southwest of Cologne. Regional authorities said several people had died after their houses collapsed due to subsidence, and aerial pictures showed what appeared to be a massive sinkhole. We managed to get 50 people out of their houses last night, said Frank Rock, the head of the county administration. We know of 15 people who still need to be rescued. Speaking to German broadcaster n-tv, Rock said that authorities had no precise number yet for how many had died. One has to assume that under the circumstances some people didnt manage to escape, he said. Houses are submerged on the overflowed river banks in Erdorf, Germany, on July 15, 2021. (Harald Tittel/dpa via AP) Authorities said late Thursday that about 1,300 people in Germany were still listed missing, but cautioned that the high figure could be due to duplication of data and difficulties reaching people because of disrupted roads and phone connections. In a provisional tally, the Belgian death toll rose to 12, with 5 people still missing, local authorities and media reported said early Friday. The flash floods this week followed days of heavy rainfall which turned streams and streets into raging torrents that swept away cars and caused houses to collapse across the region. The governor of North Rhine-Westphalia state, Armin Laschet, has called an emergency Cabinet meeting Friday. The 60-year-olds handling of the flood disaster is widely seen as a test for his ambitions to succeed Merkel as chancellor in Germanys national election on Sept. 26. Damaged houses are seen at the Ahr river in Insul, western Germany, on July 15, 2021. (Michael Probst/AP Photo) Cars are covered with the debris brought by the flooding of the Nahma river the night before, in Hagen, Germany, on July 15, 2021. (Martin Meissner/AP Photo) Some parts of Western Europe received up to two months of rainfall in the space of two days. What made it worse is that the soils were already saturated by previous rainfall, said Clare Nullis, spokesperson for the World Meteorological Organization. Thousands of people remain homeless after their houses were destroyed or deemed at-risk by authorities, including several villages around the Steinbach reservoir that experts say could collapse under the weight of the floods. Defense Ministry spokesman Arne Collatz said the German military had deployed over 850 troops as of Friday morning, but the number is rising significantly because the need is growing. He said the ministry had triggered a military disaster alarm, a technical move that essentially decentralizes decisions on using equipment to commanders on the ground. A photo, taken with a drone, shows the devastation caused by the flooding of the Ahr River in the Eifel village of Schuld, western Germany, Thursday, July 15, 2021. (Christoph Reichwein/dpa via AP) Across the border in Belgium, most of the drowned were found around Liege, where the rains hit hardest. Skies were largely overcast in eastern Belgium, with hopes rising that the worst of the calamity was over. Italy sent a team of civil protection officials and firefighters, as well as rescue dinghies, to Belgium to help in the search for missing people from the devastating floods. The firefighters tweeted a photo of one team working in Tillf, south of Liege, to help evacuate residents of a home who were trapped by the rising waters. In the southern Dutch province of Limburg, which also has been hit hard by flooding, troops piled sandbags to strengthen a 1.1 kilometer (0.7 miles) stretch of dike along the Maas river and police helped evacuate some low-lying neighborhoods. Caretaker Prime Minister Mark Rutte said Thursday night that the government was officially declaring flood-hit regions a disaster area, meaning businesses and residents are eligible for compensation for damage. People use rubber rafts in floodwaters after the Meuse River broke its banks during heavy flooding in Liege, Belgium, on July 15, 2021. (Valentin Bianchi/AP Photo) Dutch King Willem-Alexander visited the region Thursday night and called the scenes heart-breaking. Meanwhile, sustained rainfall in Switzerland has caused several rivers and lakes to break their banks. Public broadcaster SRF reported that a flash flood swept away cars, flooded basements, and destroyed small bridges in the northern villages of Schleitheim und Beggingen late Thursday. Erik Schulz, the mayor of the hard-hit German city of Hagen, about 50 kilometers (31 miles) northeast of Cologne, said there had been a wave of solidarity from other regions and ordinary citizens to help those affected by the devastating floods. We have many, many citizens saying I can offer a place to stay, where can I go to help, where can I registered, where can I bring my shovel and bucket?' he told n-tv. The city is standing together and you can feel that. By Frank Jordans Lina Khan, nominee for Commissioner of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), speaks during a Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation confirmation hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, on April 21, 2021. (Graeme Jennings/Pool Washington via AP/Pool) Facebook Asks for Recusal of FTC Head in Antitrust Probes WASHINGTONFacebook is asking that the new head of the Federal Trade Commission step away from decisions on whether to continue the agencys antitrust case against the social network giant, asserting that past public criticism of the companys market power makes it impossible for her to be impartial. Facebook Inc. petitioned the agency Wednesday to remove Chair Lina Khan from taking part in decisions on the FTCs antitrust lawsuit against the company. A federal judge recently dismissed the suit by the FTC and one from a coalition of states, saying they didnt provide enough evidence to prove that Facebook is a monopoly in the social networking market. The judge, however, allowed the FTC to revise its complaint and try again. Khan has been a persistent critic of Amazon, Google and Apple, as well as Facebook. FTC officials declined comment on Facebooks motion, which came two weeks after Amazon requested that Khan be removed from taking part in antitrust investigations of that company. The agency could be expected to respond formally at some point. Khan has said she would seek the opinion of FTC ethics monitors if issues arose of potential conflict of interest. Its not known how internal FTC rules on conflict of interest might be interpreted in this case. On the face of it, though, the fact that (Khan) has a point of view and has expressed it forcefully is not a basis for recusal, said Stephen Gillers, a law professor at New York University who is an expert on ethics. In its petition, Facebook cited a 1966 ruling by a federal court disqualifying the FTC chair at the time from participating in a proceeding against the defendant company because he had earlier investigated many of the same facts concerning the company as a congressional aide. As counsel to a House Judiciary antitrust panel in 2019 and 2020, Khan played a key role in an extensive bipartisan investigation of the market power of tech giants, including Facebook. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg speaks at the Paley Center in New York, on Oct. 25, 2019. (Mark Lennihan/File/AP Photo) In the 1966 case, then-FTC chair Paul Rand Dixon likely had access to relevant information through his congressional work. Gillers said that for Khan, who likely helped write the House committees report on its investigation, the question is did she herself develop facts regarding Facebook in doing so, and in her current role will she be called upon to decide whether those facts are true. In other words, will she be judging the accuracy of her own prior work? If Khan were to step aside, the FTCs current balance of three Democratic and two Republican commissioners would shift and could deadlock a decision on the Facebook case in a 22 tie. The two Republican commissioners voted against bringing the Facebook suit last year. The requests from Facebook and Amazon come as the four tech giants fall under extreme scrutiny and legislative pressure from the FTC, the Justice Department, European regulators, lawmakers in Washington, and, most recently, from an executive order from the White House. When a new commissioner has already drawn factual and legal conclusions and deemed the target a lawbreaker, due process requires that individual to recuse herself from related matters when acting in the capacity of an FTC commissioner, Facebook said in its petition. Chair Khan has consistently made public statements not only accusing Facebook of conduct that merits disapproval, but specifically expressing her belief that the conduct meets the elements of an antitrust offense. President Joe Biden recently installed Khan as one of five commissioners and head of the FTC, signaling a tough stance toward Big Tech and its market dominance. At 32, she is the youngest chair in the history of the agency, which polices competition and consumer protection in industry generally, as well as digital privacy. Facebook said it was making the request to protect the fairness and impartiality of the agencys antitrust proceedings. Chair Khan has consistently made well-documented statements about Facebook and antitrust matters that would lead any reasonable observer to conclude that she has prejudged the Facebook antitrust case brought by the FTC, the company said in a statement. Bidens sweeping executive order on competition in U.S. industries, issued last Friday, includes a new policy of closer scrutiny by regulators of proposed mergers, especially by dominant internet companies. Giant tech companies have snapped up competitors in hundreds of mergers in recent years, waved through by antitrust enforcers in both Republican and Democratic administrations. The new order also asks the FTC to establish new rules on surveillance by tech giants and their accumulation of users data. In addition, the agency is requested to write rules barring unfair practices toward competitors in online marketplaces. Last month ambitious legislation that could curb the market power of Facebook, Google, Amazon and Apple, and force them to sever their dominant platforms from their other lines of business was approved by a key House committee and sent to the full U.S. House. Some lawmakers and others critical of Facebook have cited its popular Instagram and WhatsApp messaging services as likely candidates to be divested from the core platform. By Marcy Gordon Farmers Get Creative as Profits From Soaring Beef Prices Fail to Trickle Down STEINAUER, Neb.It would be hard for Americans to miss that taking the family out for a steak dinner has become more and more of a luxury. Wholesale price of beef was up some 40 percent in May, compared to the average in 2019, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) data. Supermarkets and restauranteurs have partly absorbed the price increase and partly passed it on to customers. Curiously, however, there seems to be neither a shortage of beef, nor a drop in demand. In fact, ranchers have so much cattle, they struggle to get it off their hands and meat packers, it appears, are running near capacity. The unusual result is that small farmers struggle for survival even as packers haul in blockbuster profits. The situation is tied to the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus pandemic and the government response to it. The initial outbreaks and lockdown measures disrupted beef processing capacity, creating a cattle glut that the industry still hasnt cleared. In addition, many Americans, shored up by unemployment and stimulus payments, are not too eager to pick up jobs. Meanwhile, trillions of dollars injected into the American economy are gradually being spent, bidding up prices of the products most in demand. Finally, beef exports to China and other markets jumped in recent months, at least partially due to Argentinas 30-day beef export ban instituted in mid-May to stymie soaring domestic beef prices. Facing disappointing cattle prices and increasing feed prices, many American farmers have increasingly focused on alternative channels to get their beef to customers. They would team up with local meat lockers and offer the whole animal directly to consumers. Some even launched a project to build their own meat packing facility. A March-April survey by Beef Checkoff, a marketing and research industry group, indicated that Americans plan to barbecue this year even more than in 2020, when the pandemic lockdowns forced people to stay home, prompting a massive grilling season. With both prices and demand this strong, farmers are looking hard for ways to bypass the packers and market straight to consumers. Thats where local butchers and meat lockers come in. Usually, a small meat locker business is hard to sustain. The USDA requires one of its inspectors to be present at all times at any meat processing operation that intends to market across state borders. The USDA charges establishments about $65 per hour for its inspectors, not including overtime and other surcharges. Thats a more than $100,000 annual cost of entry for a business. Even for local sales, a state inspection is necessary, which must be at least as demanding as the federal one. Lockers have been using Custom Exemption, which allows them to slaughter and process without inspection as a service for the animals owner. The arrangement is such that the locker connects the customer with a farmer who sells the customer the whole calf, which is then delivered to the locker for slaughter. The locker then delivers the processed meat, usually deep-frozen, to the customer. The advantage is that the customer knows exactly where the meat is coming from and can arrange for the animal as well as the cuts to be as he wishes. Does he prefer fattier, corn finished calf or a leaner, grass-finished one? Does he want more sausages or more hamburger patties? How thick should the steaks be? All that and more can be arranged. In addition, the customer has the satisfaction of supporting usually a small, local farmer who earns substantially more on a custom animal. Custom orders have been a lifeline for Rod Christen, a third generation cattle farmer in southeast Nebraska. At a local sales barn, he can get about $1.18 for a pound of live calf weight. Through the local lockers he can get up to $1.85. Of some 300 calves he raises a year, about 20 would go directly to customers. Recently, his business has been on the upswing, aided by online marketing. It seems like consumers locally do genuinely care about where their meat comes from and are starting to want to know the producers behind it and want to know how the cattle were raised and some of those things, he told The Epoch Times. With beef prices as they are, custom orders have become more attractive for customers economically as well. Christen calculated a consumer price of under $6 for a pound of meat. While certainly a premium for ground beef, its a huge discount on the prime cuts. But there are some disadvantages too. A whole calf translates to about 500 pounds of beef and another perhaps 200 pounds of fat and bones. Thats a huge delivery for a single customer. Only about 25 pounds are the most desirable rib and T-bone steaks. Another 80 pounds or so are the sirloin, porterhouse, and club steaks. The rest are various roasts and ground meat (pdf). A common solution has been for several customers, such as an extended family, to band together to buy the animal. Some lockers also accept somewhat smaller orders and wait until they add up to a whole calf. Christen said another problem is that with the increased demand, lockers have been swamped, resulting in appointments being scheduled a year in advance. To predict how many you can sell and to whom youre going to sell them a year in advance is kind of like throwing darts at the board, he said. Yet another problem is that such orders need to be picked up in person by the customer or at best get delivered within a limited radius. To get around such constraints, Nebraska farmers and other stakeholders have decided to build their own, mid-size packing facility in North Plate, about 70 miles east of the Nebraska-Colorado border. A major facility would process about 5,000 calves a day. The investors are aiming for about 1,100 a day with completion by 2023. They set up a company, Sustainable Beef, with a goal of helping local cattle farmers market their beef, especially to customers looking for an extra guarantee of quality and origin. One of their ideas is to use blockchain technology to ensure each cut can be traced to where it came from. Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts supports the plan. Additional competition will be needed in the processing industry to make sure the kind of small calf-cow guys and feed lots can have some place to send their cattle and have some leverage, he told The Epoch Times. The plant is set to cost close to $300 million. It would employ over 800 people and buy cattle from about a 200-mile radius. Some 30 percent of its output would go to exports. Guts of the Market Meatpacking is the thankless industry that takes a 1,000-pound calf, slaughters it, and turns it into hundreds of steaks, roasts, sausages, stew bones, and hamburgers for Americans to boil, broil, and barbecue. For a long time, the industry has been marked by overcapacity, always scrambling to get enough cattle to keep the lines running. Ranchers thrived on the ever-present demand. Over the past several decades, the industry has consolidated and downsized, resulting in most of the processing falling into the hands of just four companies: JBS, Cargill, National Beef, and Tyson. In recent years, the packers have been slaughtering about half a million calves a week. They mostly buy from large feedlots that take 700-pound calves from ranches and feed them corn until they reach the optimal weight. It used to be that feedlots bought most of the cattle through negotiated cash transactions, such as through auctions at local sales barns. Now, they buy about 80 percent through alternative arrangements that price calves based on formulas that include quality criteria and cash prices from the week before. The alternative marketing is more efficient, saving money for every party involved, including the farmers, according to research by Stephen Koontz, agriculture professor at Colorado State University and expert on beef markets. But many farmers have complained that there are so few bidders at local sales barns the prices get artificially depressed. Theres a bipartisan bill in Congress that would mandate at least 30 percent of cattle trade be done in the cash market. Koontz considers that excessive. He acknowledged that very little trade now occurs at auctions, but said the 20 percent of cattle still sold through negotiated cash transactions is more than enough for effective price discovery. Sometimes the right price takes one trade and sometimes it takes a hundred. Of course, more is better but sometimes the marginal value of that second trade is zeroand while more is better, it is also certainly more expensive, he told The Epoch Times via email. The question of how much cash trade is needed doesnt have a simple answer, he said. Sometimes its a lot and sometimes its very few. And the evidence is that we can do fine with very, very few transactions. He would prefer the industry to set up its own rule-making institutions, similarly to the stock exchange. The industry could, for example, pay some of the large players to act as market makers who would be obliged to be always ready to buy or sell cattle, similarly to how stock exchange market makers ensure liquidity. More detailed trading institutions are better than a mandatory cash minimum, Koontz said. The packers have a natural advantage in the market as they can slow down or speed up their processing lines on relatively short notice. Farmers, on the other hand, need to plan their production years in advance. When the cattle reach their optimal weight, they need to be sold quickly as they lose value if they get too old and fat. Many farmers suspect the big packers are colluding and using their market influence to depress cattle prices. If you get two buyers in the crowd and they sit next to each other and they say, Ok, you can take this load, you take that load, well, thats not competition, you know. Theyre taking turns buying. And thats kind of whats happening on a larger scale with major packers. Its the way we see it anyway, Christen said. About a dozen state attorney generals requested a Department of Justice investigation into the matter last year. President Donald Trump backed the request and the investigation is still underway. In May, six governors, including Ricketts, urged for the investigation to continue. None of the big four meatpacking companies responded to requests for comment. Backlog The cattle market situation has taken a turn for the worse in recent years due to several black swan events that affected beef processing. A 2019 fire at a Tyson plant in Kansas hit packing capacity and a May cyberattack on the JBS meat packing company caused delays in meat processing. The most significant, however, was the disruption caused by the CCP virus pandemic and the subsequent lockdowns that forced packers to run at a lower capacity for several months or even temporarily close down. That created a backlog of about 600,000 cattle that needed to be slaughtered, USDA data indicates. The packers have run close to capacity since then, with a few dips here and there, but it appears it has not been enough to catch up with the backlog. Koontz said that once you delay beef processing, its hard to get caught up. It takes them running on Saturdays and right now theyre running on Saturdays just to manage available supplies. The packers have real trouble processing any more than 525,000 heads a week, he said. That is a hard maximum capacity. So there is trouble in the industry just running more and more every day of the week. With scores of cattle unable to be slaughtered, the price went down nearly 23 percent from January to July 2020. If that last pen of cattle you buy you cant do anything with, what are they worth to you? Close to zero, right? Koontz noted. The price drop made last year one of the worst for cattle producers, according to Justin Oberling, a cattle buyer in Illinois. Im fourth generation in this, and Ive been in this business since I was old enough to walk. I have not seen a year thats so dangerous, he told The Epoch Times. Oberling lost about three quarters of his income last year as the bids he was getting from packers were so low, he was sometimes losing money on transportation from sales barns to the plants. He said farmers pour their hearts into their work, but if they cant get an income out of it, it ceases to make sense. It is drying up rural America, no matter what state youre in, Oberling said. Kids arent going back to the farm. Theyre going to college and are moving away and not coming back because theres no money in it. Cattle prices have recovered to pre-pandemic levels in recent months, though its not clear if thats enough to spark more optimism as small farmers have been complaining about bare-bottom prices for several years already. So, if the packers churn out so much beef, how is the wholesale price so high? Demand It seems the packers are asking more for their product simply because they canbuyers are still buying. Part of the reason is the gigantic injection of new money from the government, through loans, stimulus checks, boosted unemployment benefits, and other channels. The government lockdown broke the supply chain and the government checks are preventing it from being fixed, commented Mark Thornton, a fellow at the libertarian Mises Institute. Mix that problem with a flood of money and credit and you have a big mess. Another part of the reason is that its not just Americans buying. More than 900 million pounds of beef was exported from March to May, according to USDA. Thats by far a recordthe number had previously never crossed 850 million. Exports to China and Hong Kong shot up to nearly 174 million pounds over the March-to-May period, compared to less than 55 million in the same period of 2019. China has long imported beef through Hong Kong so their numbers are best counted together. South Korea beefed up its imports too, from less than 180 million pounds from March to May 2019 to nearly 220 million over the same period this year. Some have argued the packers could run their operations faster if they increased pay and hired more people. They are colluding with each other to not ramp up their chain speeds and the plants, Oberling said. Theyve got the capacity to keep everybody current, keep the whole supply in the United States current, but theyre refusing to do that. Because they know theyre going to get the cattle anyway. Its possible that the packers have a hard time hiring, though its not clear how much of an issue this is. The meat processing industry at large employed about 148,000 people in May, up about one percent from May 2019, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. While a number of Americans are still concerned about the CCP virus and are waiting for more people to get vaccinated, the ramped-up unemployment benefits and several rounds of stimulus checks caused a situation where many lower-wage workers made more money by staying at home. Most jobless Americans werent urgently looking for work, according to a May 26-June 3 survey by job listing company Indeed. Those factors will soon diminish. About half the country has already received a COVID-19 vaccine and a significant portion of the population is refusing the vaccine and is willing to go to work regardless. The added unemployment benefits will expire in September and about half the states decided to cut the extra benefits even earlier. The fact remains that theres so much cattle being raised, packers have no problem filling their orderstheres little pressure on them to pay more for it. Americans may want to buy more for a better price, but as long as the packers can sell their inventory, they can just watch their profits grow on price hikes alone. Yet, as Christens example shows, when consumers band together to buy straight from the farm, it makes a difference. Thats our method of survival, he said. Cara Ding in Illinois contributed to this report. Florida Gov. DeSantis Calls on Cuban Military to Turn on Ruling Communist Regime Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis called on the Cuban military to join demonstrators and overthrow the countrys communist regime, saying the country can be renewed with new leadership. DeSantis was asked Thursday about the possibility of the United States intervening following historic protests in which thousands of people took to the streets of Havana, the capital, and other cities. Protesters appeared to be demonstrating against decades of authoritarian rule, while calling for Communist Party leader Miguel Canel-Diazs ouster. The best role for militarythe Cuban militaryis to realize that times up, that you cant keep doing the bidding of a repressive dictatorship that is not governing with the consent of the governed, DeSantis told a reporter in response. And so clearly this is a dictatorship that is lostnot that they ever had itbut clearly they dont have the consent of the governed now. And so I think that the best thing would be for those militaries, particularly some of the younger military folks, to understand you can really be heroic in this, he added. You can play an instrumental role in founding a free Cuba, refounding the country and a free Republic. And that will be something that will help millions of people. And that will somehow be something that will cause you to live in the history books. People take part in a demonstration against the regime of Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel in Havana, on July 11, 2021. (Yamil Lage/AFP via Getty Images) People protest in front of the Capitol in Havana, Cuba on July 11, 2021. (Ramon Espinosa/AP Photo) Over the past several decades, thousands of Cubans have fled the communist-controlled island via boats and rafts, often making their way to South Florida, which now has a significant Cuban diaspora. DeSantis, a Republican, also called on President Joe Biden to try and provide Internet to the island as the regime has moved to shut it off. This is a time for choosing, this is a time to stand with the people who are seeking freedom from a brutal 62-year reign of communist oppression, DeSantis said. Since Biden took office in January, policies around Cuba have been under review. Under the Obama administration, the United States relaxed travel policies and the longstanding embargo on the island nation. When President Donald Trump took office, the embargo was reinstated and travel restrictions were reimposed. Biden, for his part, said on Thursday that Cuba is a failed state and added that communism is a failed systema universally failed system. And I dont see socialism as a very useful substitute. But thats another story. Biden and White House press secretary Jen Psaki also pushed back against the notion that the U.S. embargo on the island led to the economic conditions that would lead to mass protests, rather than the communist regime. The Ford logo is seen at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan, U.S., January 15, 2019. (REUTERS/Brendan McDermid) Ford Recalling 775,000 SUVs for Steering Issue Linked to Six Injuries WASHINGTONFord Motor Co said on Friday it was recalling about 775,000 Ford Explorer SUVs worldwide for a steering issue linked to reports of six injuries in North America. The recall covers 20132017 model year vehicles that may experience a seized cross-axis ball joint that could cause a fractured rear-suspension toe link, which could significantly diminish steering control, increasing the risk of a crash. The recall covers 676,152 vehicles in North America, 59,935 in China, and 38,600 elsewhere. The U.S. vehicles are in high-rust states. Owner notifications will begin in late August. Dealers will inspect cross-axis ball joints and replace if needed and replace the toe links with a revised part. Ford issued two other small recalls on Friday, nearly all of them in North America. One is for about 35,000 20202021 Ford F-350 Super Duty vehicles with 6.7-liter engines and a single rear wheel axle for a rear-axle housing spring seat interface weld issue. Ford is also recalling 41,000 20202021 Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with 3.0-liter gas engines because the battery cable wire harness may not be properly secured. The issue could result in a short circuit and potential fire. Ford is not aware of any accidents, injuries, or fires related to the two smaller recalls. By David Shepardson Freedom Day for BritsWell, Not Exactly Commentary Monday July 19 has been named Freedom Day by Boris Johnson, as that is when the COVID-19 restrictions he imposed on the British people over a year ago are supposed to be ending. Except everyone here already knows this is not going to happen. The government will no longer legally enforce restrictions on social distancing and mask-wearing, but Johnson hopes that people will continue them anyway out of a sense of civic duty, and if shops and transport services want to encourage them to do so that is fine by him. The food retailer, Sainsburys, will inform shoppers through signs and loudspeakers that they should still wear face coverings. Its chief executive, Simon Roberts said, Our colleagues safety is vital and many of our colleagues would feel more comfortable if those who can wear face coverings continue to wear them. The far-left Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has announced that people will still need to wear face masks when using Londons transport network. He told reporters, As long as the virus is still with us, and as long as were still concerned about the virus being transmitted, we will make it compulsory. Compulsory, but not legal. That should be interesting. Johnsons original date for his Freedom Day had been June 21, but it was moved after the Indian variant saw COVID deaths total 74 in the week preceding it. In the seven day period up to July 14 fatalities reached 229, putting the Prime Minister under pressure to postpone this Freedom Day as well, but his response is, If we dont go ahead now, when will we? The school summer holiday period is seen as the best time to relax restrictions and Johnson added that the alternative would be to wait until spring 2022, after the winter flu period. With so many last-minute caveats now added Nigel Farage told GB News, Lets be frank. Its not Freedom Day, is it? We all know that many of the restrictions will still be in place. There will be little normality in life. And he warned that the full restrictions could be back again in September once the holidays are over, and the flu season begins again. This raises the nightmarish prospect that lockdowns by varying degrees are here to stay. Even though deaths attributed to COVID are a fraction of what they were last year. Back then, people were shocked when Bill Gates and others first floated the idea that the only way out of lockdown would be through the development of a vaccine. But even though several were produced at warp speed, with less than complete testing, they have not defeated COVID, and we still have lockdown restrictions. Suspiciously close to Freedom Day, the Conservative government rushed through its legislation to force health care workers to be vaccinated against COVID if they want to keep their jobs. William Wragg was one MP who voted against it, and he later berated Parliament and his own party: 90 minutes on a statutory instrument to fundamentally change the balance of human rights in this country is nothing short of a disgrace. And this may just be the beginning of forced or at least coerced vaccinations, as France is discovering. President Macron has announced that without a COVID passport people aged over 12 will not be able to enter restaurants, bars, cinemas, theatres, and shopping centers or use public transport. Unapologetically he said, Our choice is simple: to put the restrictions on the unvaccinated rather than on all. Immediately afterwards over two million French citizens applied for the vaccine. However, it also led to the recent Bastille Day riot and further protests are planned all across France. More peaceful but even bigger Freedom Rallies have already taken place in central London as have smaller ones across the UK. Like America, people in Europe are divided on whether they think the restrictions are temporary and necessary to help defeat a health crisis, or whether they denote something more sinister and permanent. In his TV interview Farage argued the latter view: The idea that we should be grateful to the government that normal life can resume I rather object to that concept. What right do they have to say that they own our freedom? Thats the premise, here, isnt it? They own our freedom and liberty. As a result of the lockdowns, British people have begun to view freedom as something the government allows them, rather than being their inalienable birthright. And that transition from being heirs of Magna Carta to beholden-on-Boris has happened shockingly quickly. A survey carried out by Ipsos MORI shows 70 percent want to see face masks continue for another month, 64 percent would like that to remain in place until coronavirus is under control worldwide, and, staggeringly, 40 percent want them worn in shops and on public transport permanently. Yet the imposition of the lockdowns is beginning to face legal scrutiny. Spains constitutional court has just ruled it was unconstitutional for the Spanish government to have imposed lockdown on its citizens under a state of emergency. And last year a former UK Supreme Court Judge, Lord Sumption accused the British government of assuming, coercive powers over citizens on a scale never previously attempted. He described the measures as constituting the most significant interference with personal freedom in the history of our country. With restrictions going further than those enacted during war time, or health crises that were even more serious than this one. If it could ever be proven that lockdowns were ultra vires (without legal basis), a government could find itself liable to an enormous number of claims for economic loss as well as human rights and civil liberty violations. Now that would be a Freedom Day. Andrew Davies is a UK-based video producer and writer. His award-winning video on underage sex abuse helped Barnardos childrens charity change UK law, while his documentary Batons, Bows and Bruises: A History of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, ran for six years on the Sky Arts Channel. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. New Zealand Army personal guard the front of a hotel in Auckland's CBD which is used as a COVID-19 isolation facility on Sept. 7, 2020, in Auckland, New Zealand. (Fiona Goodall/Getty Images) Get Jabbed or Get Sacked: Serving Members of the New Zealand Defence Force Pressured To Receive COVID-19 Vaccine Serving members of the New Zealand Defence Forces (NZDF) have accused the countrys defence forces of applying increasingly hostile pressure on NZDF staff to get a COVID-19 vaccination as the pacific nation rolls out the CCP virus vaccines. The issue was revealed in an undisclosed letter sent to Minister of Defence Peeni Henare, obtained by Stuff.co.nz, that outlines how unvaccinated uniformed staff members received unfair treatment and undue coercion around the inoculation. Some personnel explained that they had to report their vaccination status to leaders in front of others, contrary to privacy laws, and explain why they have not been vaccinated. Other staff who refused to be inoculated have alleged that their names were put in a list on the wall. Some service members also claimed they were told they had to get the jab, or they would be reassigned and dismissed from the job, despite having legitimate medical reasons to not receive the vaccination. The accusations of bullying and coercion come after the Chief of NZ Defence Force Air Marshal Kevin Short said in April that the NZDF would not be forcing people to get inoculated and would leave it to the individual to consent or not consent to the jab. However, he noted that not receiving the jab could have implications for a persons deployability as it is now considered a primary vaccination for the Defence Force. The Royal New Zealand Defense Force evacuating tourists by helicopter from Kaikoura following an earthquake in New Zealand, Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2016. (Royal New Zealand Defence Force via AP) My expectation is that everybody will be inoculated to allow them to do their role, Short said. A spokesperson for the NZDF told The Epoch Times in an email on July 16 that the NZDF had been very clear with all personnel that they would need to get a COVID-19 vaccine to continue in their role. The NZDF has been very clear from the start of the COVID-19 vaccination programme that the ability of personnel to deploy would be dependent on their vaccination status, as it is for other inoculations against diseases such as measles, polio, hepatitis, diphtheria and tetanus, the spokesperson said. The NZDF encourages all its personnel, as well as any interested recruitment applicants, who have questions on the COVID-19 vaccine to talk to their doctor or trusted health care professional. The comments from the spokesperson come after March the NZ Minister of Defence Peeni Henare announced in a media release that NZDF would be vaccinating the entire deployable military workforce. NZDF personnel are required to maintain readiness for other tasks such as short-notice domestic or international deployments. The NZDF also operates at the border through running its own airports and port, and many personnel live and mix communally on camps and bases, he said. For all these reasons, it makes sense to vaccinate the whole uniformed force, numbering about 9500 personnel. He pointed out that the Defence Force often have to respond to natural disasters in the Pacific and that it was important to protect the region from COVID-19. Nobody wants to spread COVID-19 to countries in the Pacific that may be free of it. Vaccinating the deployable military force is a prudent move, Henare said. Civil Defence Minister Peeni Henare speaks during question time at Parliament on Dec. 11, 2019, in Wellington, New Zealand. (Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images) However, the author of the letter and legal representative of the group behind it, Matthew Hague, said there is no reason unvaccinated personnel should not be allowed to carry on with their careers as Defence members who had medical waivers are already able to do so. Demanding uniformed staff get vaccinated against their will would breach the Bill of Rights, he said. The Defence Force has asked a lot from their people over the last couple of years, and members of the New Zealand Defence Force have stepped up and done anything they can for New Zealand, Hague said. All they are asking is for Defence to treat them fairly and lawfully. Epoch Times reporter Victoria Kelly-Clark contributed to this report. Greece Orders Testing of Unvaccinated Tourism Staff on Islands ATHENSUnvaccinated workers in restaurants and tourism companies on some of Greeces main holiday islands will be regularly tested for COVID-19 after the Delta variant fuelled a surge in infections, a minister said on Thursday. Mykonos, Santorini, Ios, Paros, and the cities of Rethymnon and Heraklion on the island of Crete have all seen rapid increases in cases in recent days, Deputy Citizens Protection Minister Nikos Hardalias told a news conference. The workers, as well as crew on ferries and cruise ships, will have to be tested twice a week from Saturday onwards if they havent been vaccinated, he added. The government has been hoping for at least a partial revival of its crucial tourist industry over the summer, but has tightened restrictions as cases have spread. This week, the government said customers at indoor restaurants and bars would have to prove they had been vaccinated. Greece reported 2,794 new infections on Thursday, bringing the total since the start of the pandemic to 450,512. COVID-related deaths have reached 12,819. Hospital admissions were low, Vana Papaevangelou, a member of a committee of health experts advising the government, said. But unvaccinated people over 50 were still in danger of falling seriously ill if they contracted the virus, she added. About 48 percent of Greek adults have been fully vaccinated. The government has said it wants to bring that up to at least 70 percent by the autumn. By Angeliki Koutantou Gunmen Kill Nigerian Army General on Highway From Capital ABUJAGunmen shot dead a Nigerian army general as he was traveling by car on a major road from the capital, Abuja, the army said on Friday, in the first such fatal gun attack on a senior serving military officer. Armed robberies and kidnappings for ransom, particularly in the northwest, have become so frequent that many are afraid to travel by road. Growing nationwide lawlessness led legislators in April to call on the president to declare a state of emergency. Major General Hassan Ahmed was killed when gunmen attacked his vehicle along the Lokoja-Abuja road on Thursday, army spokesman Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu said in a statement. Lokoja, 200 km (124 miles) south of Abuja, is the capital of Kogi state. Nwachukwu did not say who was traveling with Ahmed, or how far outside of Abuja he was, but local media said the deceased general was with his driver and a relative. Ahmed was a director at army headquarters and had earlier served as the armys Provost Marshal. While two retired generals were shot dead last year in attacks as they traveled by road, no serving general had previously been killed in this manner. The insecurity in northwestern Nigeria is joined by Islamist insurgencies in the northeast that the United Nations says have left 350,000 people dead over 12 years. In the middle of the country, conflicts between nomadic cattle herders and farmers have killed thousands and displaced half a million over the past decade, according to French medical charity Medecins Sans Frontieres. In the southeast, a recent spate of attacks on police has triggered fears of a return to war and state-sanctioned violence. By Camillus Eboh Long hidden, such price variations are supposed to be available in stark black and white under a Trump administration price transparency rule that took effect at the start of this year. It requires hospitals to post a range of actual priceseverything from the rates they offer cash-paying customers to costs negotiated with insurers. Many have complied. But some hospitals bury the data deep on their websites or havent included all the categories of prices required, according to industry analysts. A sizable minority of hospitals havent disclosed the information at all. While imperfect and potentially of limited use right now to the average consumer, this trove is, nonetheless, eye-opening as an illustration of the huge differences in pricesnationally, regionally, and within the same hospital. Its challenging for consumers and employers to use, giving a boost to a cottage industry that analyzes the data, which in turn could be weaponized for use in negotiations among hospitals, employers, and insurers. Ultimately, the unanswered question is whether price transparency will lead to overall lower prices. In theory, releasing prices may prompt consumers to shop around, weighing cost and quality. Perhaps they could save a few hundred dollars by getting their surgery or imaging test across town instead of at the nearby clinic or hospital. But, typically, consumers dont comparison-shop, preferring to choose convenience or the provider their doctor recommends. A recent Peterson-KFF Health System Tracker brief, for instance, found that 85 percent of adults said they hadnt researched the price of hospital treatment. And hospitals say the transparency push alone wont help consumers much, because each patient is differentand individual deductibles and insurance plans complicate matters. Under the Trump-era rule, hospitals must post what they accept from all insurers for thousands of line items, including each drug, procedure, and treatment they provide. In addition, hospitals must present this in a format easily readable by computers and include a consumer-friendly separate listing of 300 shoppable services, bundling the full price a hospital accepts for a given treatment, such as having a baby or getting a hip replacement. The negotiated rates now being posted publicly often show an individual hospital accepting a wide range of prices for the same service, depending on the insurer, often based on how much negotiating power each has in a market. In some cases, the cash-only price is less than what insurers pay. And prices may vary widely within the same city or region. In Virginia, for example, the average price of a diagnostic colonoscopy is $2,763, but the range across the state is from $208 to $10,563, according to a database aggregated by San Diego-based Turquoise Health, one of the new firms looking to market the data to businesses while offering some information free of charge to patients. Another is Health Cost Labs, which will have pricing information for 2,300 hospitals in its database when it goes live this month. Patients can try to find the price information themselves by searching hospital websites, but even locating the correct tab on a hospitals website is tricky. Heres one tip: You can Google the hospital name and the words price transparency and see where that takes you, said Caitlin Sheetz, director and head of analytics at the consulting firm ADVI Health in the Washington, D.C., area. Typing in MedStar Health hospital transparency, for example, likely points to MedStar Washington Hospital Centers price transparency disclosure page, with a link to its full list of prices, as well as its separate list of 300 shoppable services. By clicking on the list of shoppable services, consumers can download an Excel file. Searching it for colonoscopy pulls up several variations of the procedure, along with prices for different insurers, such as Aetna and Cigna, but a not available designation for the cash-only price. The file explains that MedStar doesnt have a standard cash price but makes determinations case by case. Performing the same Google search for the nearby Inova health system results in less useful information. Inovas website links to a long list of thousands of charges, which arent the discounts negotiated by insurers, and the list isnt easily searchable. The website advises those who arent Inova patients or who would like to create their own estimate to log into the hospitals My Chart system, but a search on that for colonoscopy failed to produce any data. Because of the difficulty of navigating these websitesor locating the negotiated prices once theresome consumers may turn to sites like Turquoise. Doing a similar search on that site shows the prices of a colonoscopy at MedStar by insurer, but the process is still complicated. First, a consumer must select the health system button from the websites menu of options, click on surgical procedures, then click again on digestive to get to it. There is no similar information for Inova because the hospital system hasnt yet made its data accessible in a computer-friendly format, said Chris Severn, CEO of Turquoise. Inova spokesperson Tracy Connell said in a written statement that the health system will create personalized estimates for patients and is currently working to post information on negotiated prices and discounts on services. For consumers who go the distance and can find price data from their hospitals, it may prove helpful in certain situations: Patients who are paying cash or who have unmet deductibles may want to compare prices among hospitals to see if driving farther could save them money. Uninsured patients could ask the hospital for the cash price or attempt to negotiate for the lowest amount the facility accepts from insurers. Insured patients who get a bill for out-of-network care may find the information helpful because it could empower them to negotiate a discount off the hospitals gross charges for that care. While theres no guarantee of success, if you are uninsured or out of network, you could point to some of those prices and say, Thats what I want, said Barak Richman, a contract law expert and professor of law at Duke University School of Law. But the data may not help insured patients who notice their prices are higher than those negotiated by other insurers. In those cases, legal experts said, the insured patients are unlikely to get a bill changed because they have a contract with that insurer, which has negotiated the price with their contracted hospitals. Legally, a contract is a contract, said Mark Hall, a health law professor at Wake Forest University. Richman agrees. You cant say, Well, you charged that person less, he noted, but neither can they say theyll charge you more. Getting the data, however, relies on the hospital having posted it. As for compliance, were seeing the range of the spectrum, said Jeffrey Leibach, a partner at the consulting firm Guidehouse, which found earlier this year that about 60 percent of 1,000 hospitals surveyed had posted at least some data, but 30 percent had reported nothing at all. Many in the hospital industry have long fought transparency efforts, even filing a lawsuit seeking to block the new rule. The suit was dismissed by a federal judge last year. They argue the rule is unclear and overly burdensome. Additionally, hospitals havent wanted their prices exposed, knowing that competitors might then adjust theirs, or health plans could demand lower rates. Conversely, lower-cost hospitals might decide to raise prices to match competitors. The rule stems from requirements in the Affordable Care Act. The Obama administration required hospitals to post their chargemaster rates, which are less useful because they are generally inflated, hospital-set amounts that are almost never what is actually paid. Insurers and hospitals are also bracing for next year, when even more data is set to come online. Insurers will be required to post negotiated prices for medical care across a broader range of facilities, including clinics and doctors offices. In May, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services sent letters to some of the hospitals that havent complied, giving them 90 days to do so or potentially face penalties, including a $300-a-day fine. A lot of members say until hospitals are fully compliant, our ability to use the data is limited, said Shawn Gremminger, director of health policy at the Purchaser Business Group on Health, a coalition of large employers. His group and others have called for increasing the penalty for noncomplying hospitals from $300 a day to $300 a bed per day, so the fine would be bigger as the hospital gets bigger, Gremminger said. Thats the kind of thing they take seriously. Already, though, employers or insurers are eyeing the hospital data as leverage in negotiations, said Severn. Conversely, some employers may use it to fire their insurers if the rates theyre paying are substantially more than those agreed to by other carriers. It will [anger] anyone who is overpaying for health care, which happens for various reasons, he said. Julie Appleby is a senior correspondent who reports on the health laws implementation, health care treatments and costs, trends in health insurance, and policy affecting hospitals and other medical providers. This article was originally published on Kaiser Health News, which is a national health policy news service. It is an editorially independent program of the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, which is not affiliated with Kaiser Permanente. Hot Rod Charlie, with exercise rider Johnny Garcia up, gallops on the track at Monmouth Park Racetrack in Oceanport, N.J., on July 14, 2021. (Bill Denver/EQUI-PHOTO via AP) Hot Rod Charlie Favored in $1 Million Haskell at Monmouth Belmont Stakes runner-up Hot Rod Charlie has been installed as the morning-line favorite for Saturdays $1 million Haskell Stakes at Monmouth Park. For the first time in the history of the Grade I stakes at the Jersey Shore racetrack, the race drew all three second-place finishers in the recent Triple Crown events for 3-year-olds. Kentucky Derby runner-up Mandaloun was made the 21 second choice in Wednesdays draw for the 1 1/8-mile race. Preakness second-place finisher Midnight Bourbon is the 92 fourth choice. Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletchers Following Sea drew the inside No. 1 post position and was made the 31 third choice in the field of seven colts. The son of Runhappy is coming off an impressive six-plus length win in an allowance race at Belmont Park last month. Also entered were longshots Antigravity, Pickin Time and Basso. Hot Rod Charlie, who finished third in the Kentucky Derby, has not raced since finishing 1 1/4 lengths behind Essential Quality in the Belmont on June 5. Flavien Prat is listed to ride the 65 favorite, whose only win in four starts this year was in the Louisiana Derby. The colt drew the No. 4 post position. Mandaloun, who is in line to be named the winner of the Kentucky Derby if first-place finisher Medina Spirit is disqualified for testing positive for the presence of an anti-inflammatory steroid after the race, will be making his second start at Monmouth. The colt overcame a slow start last month and rallied to win the Pegasus by a neck. Florent Geroux has the mount on the Juddmonte Farms colt, who drew the No. 3 post position. Trainer Steve Asmussens Midnight Bourbon will be making his first start since finishing behind Rombauer in the Preakness on May 15. The colt will break from post No. 6 for jockey Paco Lopez. Antigravity, who has won both of his races at Monmouth Park, drew the No.2 post for jockey David Cohen. Hall of Famer Jerry Hollendorfer trains the son of First Samurai, who is 301 in the early odds. Pickin Time is looking to become the second New Jersey-bred to win the Haskell. Nik Juarez is listed to ride the 201 shot, breaking from post No. 5. The only other Jersey bred to win the Haskell was Thanks to Tony in 1980. Basso, whose only win was in a maiden special weights race last year, has the outside No. 7 post position. The 30-1 shot has Isaac Castillo listed to ride in looking for his second win in six career starts. By Tom Canavan How Democrats Invert the Truth to Fit Their Narratives | Truth Over News One of the great strengths of the Left has been their ability to reframe events to suit their narratives. The method is called gaslighting, and its perhaps the Lefts most-used tactic. Used repeatedly during Donald Trumps presidency, gaslighting has gained a new level of momentum during Joe Bidens administration. We saw it during impeachment hearings where Trump was accused of crimes that really describe actions taken by Biden. Weve seen it more recently during the promotion of critical race theory and ongoing prosecutions surrounding Jan. 6. Weve seen it in the Lefts narrative inversion regarding rising crime rates and the defunding of police. And weve seen it in recent claims regarding support for our nations military. Why do these tactics repeatedly work? How are they employed? And why does the GOP keep falling for them? Welcome to Truth over News with Jeff Carlson and Hans Mahncke. Follow EpochTV on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EpochTVus Twitter: https://twitter.com/EpochTVus Hundreds of Bikers Back Fallen Police Officers Families With Huge Motorcycle Rally in Toledo Toledo community members came together to recognize two fallen police officers in a huge motorcycle rally and fundraiser for the grieving families. Officer Brandon Stalker was killed in January, while his colleague, Officer Anthony Dia, lost his life in July 2020. Both were in the same police class and graduated together. Our city lost two police officers in the line of duty within six months, Dan Bushey, president of Punishers Law Enforcement Motorcycle Clubs Ohio Black Swamp Chapter, told The Epoch Times. Our worldwide motto for our club is in service to others, so any time something happens, we do our best to assist. After Dias funeral, Bushey and a friend started brainstorming ways to make a motorcycle rally and fundraiser happen. On June 27, the event went ahead, with 205 bikes showing up in recognition of the citys massive loss. Tickets were priced at $25 for riders and $35 for passengers, with all proceeds going to the families of the fallen heroes. Every one of them paid just to ride because they wanted to help out, said Bushey. People see people on a motorcycle and they think dirty biker, or theyre mean or theyre scary, he said. Honestly, most people on a motorcycle are decent people. The bikers met outside American Legion Post 587 before riding to Stalkers grave at Toledo Memorial Park. The group then rode on to the Home Depot on West Alexis Road, where Dia was killed, before returning to Post 587 to hold raffles and stop in at food trucks. Bushey said it was nice to make a difference. The way the kids lit up when we were doing the ride, the appreciation that the widows both showed you could tell they were very grateful for the help, he said. In the end, Dias widow, Jaime, made a selfless decision: all funds raised would go directly to Stalkers fiancee, Ashley. Between the event and the legion riders, we were able to give her $10,000! Bushey shared on Facebook. None of this would have been possible without our community coming together in a time of tragedy. Dee Lynn, event organizer for the Officer Anthony Dia Foundation, attended the rally and said it felt good to witness so much public support. Lets celebrate, Lynn told NBC. We got to put the bad behind us and stay positive, and keep moving forward. Punishers LEMC has chapters in 14 countries, and is comprised of police, firefighters, military membersand like-minded individuals who are on board with the biker groups ethos. Black Swamp Chapters June 27 rally was the first of many events planned in honor of the officers. Toledos first-ever Dia Fest took place on July 10; another motorcycle rally is planned for July 25; and a first responders cookout will take place on Aug. 15. The worlds getting rough, Bushey told The Epoch Times. You know, our society is injuring itself the world needs more people to put out good vibes. 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 Illinois gubernatorial candidate J.B. Pritzker speaks during a round table discussion with high school students at a creative workspace for women in Chicago, Ill. on Oct. 1, 2018. (Joshua Lott/Getty Images) Illinois Becomes First State to Ban Police From Lying to Minors During Criminal Interrogations Illinois on Thursday became the first U.S. state to ban police from lying to minors during criminal interrogations. Gov. J.B. Pritzker, a Democrat, signed into law the legislation, known as SB 2122, that seeks to reduce false confessions by minors. It bans police from employing deceptive practices during the questioning of juveniles and goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2022. The governors office in a statement noted that while the use of deceptive tactics such as lying during criminal interrogations was deemed permissible by the judiciary in 1969, it has since been condemned by members of the 7th Circuit Federal Court of Appeals and the Illinois Court of Appeals because of the risk it poses in producing false confessions. According to the Innocence Project, a nonprofit working to exonerate wrongly convicted people, commonly used deceptive interrogation tactics include making false promises of leniency and false claims about the existence of incriminating evidence. National law enforcement organizations and training agencies have advocated against them, arguing that deceptive interrogation techniques increase the likelihood of a minor making a false confession, his office said. The Innocent Project says false confessions have played a role in roughly 30 percent of all wrongful convictions overturned with DNA evidence. An essential tenet of good governance is recognizing the need to change the laws that have failed the people they serve. My administration has infused that value into everything we do, the governor said. Pritzker on the same day signed three other pieces of legislation, saying that they all advance the rights of some of our most vulnerable in our justice system and put Illinois at the forefront of the work to bring about true reform. A police officer monitors a protest in Chicago, Illinois, on Aug. 3, 2020. (Kamil Krzaczynski/AFP via Getty Images) These include a bill that would require a study of methods to reduce the Illinois prison population through similar re-sentencing action and a law that allows offenders to participate in so-called restorative justice programs, in which offenders reconcile with victims. It encourages participation by precluding offenders statements from being used against them in future proceedings. Those laws take effect immediately. Another law taking effect on Jan. 1 next year will allow a county prosecutor to seek re-sentencing for an offender if the original sentence no longer advances the interests of justice. Together, these initiatives move us closer to a holistic criminal justice system, one that builds confidence and trust in a system that has done harm to too many people for far too long, Pritzker said. The bills will move us closer to a holistic criminal justice system, one that builds confidence and trust in a system that has done harm to too many people for far too long, the governor added. Rebecca Brown, director of policy at the Innocence Project, said in a statement that the law that will ban police from lying to minors during criminal interrogations is a breakthrough in safeguarding against the wrongful convictions of young people. It is also an opportunity to establish interrogation techniques that stem from seeking truth and justice within law enforcement agencies across the country, said Brown. Pritzker said he hopes that it will encourage other states to pass a similar law, Chicago Tribune reported. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Attorney General Merrick Garland listens at a news conference at the Department of Justice in Washington on June 25, 2021. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images) Immigration Court Decision Banning Judges From Pausing Deportation Cases is Overturned Attorney General Merrick Garland on July 15 overturned an immigration court decision that banned judges from halting the hearing of deportation cases they deem to be low priority. Thursdays ruling would allow immigration judges to practice a docket management tool called administrative closure to remove cases from their docket without declaring them closed, if deemed appropriate. Administrative closure does not terminate or dismiss the case, but instead removes it from an immigration judges active calendar or from the docket. Judges were unable to practise administrative closure under former President Donald Trumps first attorney general, Jeff Sessions, who made a series of changes to the immigration court system that continued under his successor, William Barr. Sessions said at the time that the practice lacks a valid legal foundation, and I do not believe it would be appropriate to delegate such authority to judges because it led to a majority of cases never being resolved. Garland wrote that other court cases found that administrative closure is plainly within an immigration judges authority under Department of Justice regulations and said Sessionss ruling departed from long-standing practice. He went on to note that three federal appeals courts had already rejected Sessions 2018 ruling in the Matter of Castro-Tum, saying judges had the authority to decide how they wanted to handle cases. It also has served to facilitate the exercise of prosecutorial discretion, allowing government counsel to request that certain low-priority cases be removed from immigration judges active calendars or the boards docket, thereby allowing adjudicators to focus on higher-priority cases, Garland wrote. Attorney General Merrick Garland testifies during a Senate hearing in Washington on June 9, 2021. (Susan Walsh/Pool/Getty Images) The decision came in the case of a Mexican national whose 2018 motion to administratively close his deportation case so he could seek an unlawful presence waiver was denied in light of Castro-Tum. Garland reversed that decision and remanded the case for further proceedings. The Justice Department, which runs the immigration courts, is making rules related to administrative closure and will allow the practice in the meantime, the attorney general added. Judge Dana Leigh Marks, president emerita at the National Association of Immigration Judges, the immigration judges union, told CNN that administrative closure is a very practical tool that judges need to control their dockets. It makes sense in immigration because of the fact that there are certain applications and benefits that people can qualify for that require a preliminary step in by either [US Citizenship and Immigration Services] or sometimes by a state court and that action may determine whether someone is eligible for a benefit before the court, Marks said. Garlands decision comes as the immigration court faces a backlog of 1.3 million cases. Illegal migrants board a bus after being apprehended near the border between Mexico and the United States in Del Rio, Texas, on May 16, 2021. (Sergio Flores/AFP via Getty Images) President Bidens administration is also giving immigration prosecutors more discretion over which cases to pursue or drop and encouraging lawyers to use their discretion at the earliest point possible. In a memo to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) prosecutors sent earlier this month and obtained by The Hill, the agencys lawyers are allowed to drop cases against green card holders and those who are elderly, pregnant or have serious health conditions or have been in the U.S. from an early age. It also advises lawyers to weigh other compelling humanitarian factors, like whether a defendant is a caregiver or the victim of a crime. Prosecutorial discretion is an indispensable feature of any functioning legal system, wrote chief ICE attorney John Trasvina in the memo first drafted May 27. The exercise of prosecutorial discretion, where appropriate, can preserve limited government resources, achieve just and fair outcomes in individual cases, and advance the departments mission of administering and enforcing the immigration laws of the United States in a smart and sensible way that promotes public confidence, he wrote. World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus attends a press conference organised by the Geneva Association of United Nations Correspondents (ACANU) amid the COVID-19 outbreak, caused by the novel coronavirus, at the WHO headquarters in Geneva, on July 3, 2020. (Fabrice Coffrini/AFP via Getty Images) Premature to Rule Out COVID-19 Lab Leak Theory: WHO Chief World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said Thursday that it was premature to rule out the possibility that COVID-19 could have emerged from a lab in Wuhan, China, without sufficient evidence. Walking back on a March WHO report that designated the COVID-19 lab leak theory hypothesis as extremely unlikely, Tedros said that based on his experience as a lab technician and immunologist, lab accidents happen. I have worked in the lab, and lab accidents happen, Tedros told reporters. Its common. In recent months, the theory that the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus was the result of a leak from the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV) has gained wider coverage as a likely possibility in the legacy media as a growing number of scientists and officials discuss the evidence supporting the hypothesis. Chinese virologist Shi Zhengli (L) is seen inside the P4 laboratory in Wuhan, capital of Chinas Hubei province, on Feb. 23, 2017. (Photo by Johannes Eisele/AFP via Getty Images) COVID-19, the disease caused by the CCP virus, was first reported in the Chinese city of Wuhan. A January U.S. State Department fact sheet raised questions about whether the outbreak could have been the result of a lab accident at WIV. It said the United States has reason to believe that several WIV researchers became sick with symptoms consistent with both COVID-19 and common seasonal illnesses in autumn 2019. The department also said the lab had been conducting secret military experiments on animals since at least 2017, and that it has a history of conducting gain-of-function research on viruses. Such research involves modifying viruses to have new or enhanced capabilities. U.S. President Joe Biden on May 26 ordered the intelligence community to produce a report in 90 days on the origins of the virus, saying that intelligence agencies are looking at different theories, including the possibility of a laboratory accident in China. Workers wearing protective gear are seen in the compounds of The Jade Boutique Hotel, where members of the World Health Organization (WHO) team investigating the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic were due to complete their quarantine, in Wuhan, China, on Jan. 28, 2021. (Hector Retamal/AFP via Getty Images) Checking what happened, especially in our labs, is important to determining whether the virus emerged from the WIV, Tedros said. We need information, direct information on what the situation of this lab was before and at the start of the pandemic, the WHO chief said, adding that its critical Beijing cooperates on the matter. If we get full information, we can exclude that, he said, referring to the lab leak hypothesis. In any outbreak, you go and understand the origins. We need to know what happened in order to prevent the next one. Tedros said the WHO is calling on the Chinese regime to be more transparent as scientists probe the origins of the virus. The U.N. agency is asking actually China to be transparent, open and cooperate, especially on the information, raw data that we asked for at the early days of the pandemic, he told reporters. I think we owe it to the millions who suffered and the millions who died really to understand what happened, Tedros added. Security personnel stand guard outside the Wuhan Institute of Virology in Wuhan as members of the World Health Organization (WHO) team investigating the origins of COVID-19 make a visit to the institute in Wuhan, China, on Feb. 3, 2021. (Hector Retamal /AFP via Getty Images) The Chinese regime has repeatedly cited the extremely unlikely phrase from the WHO report to direct a virus probe to other countries. The initial report adhered to Beijings preferred stances on the viruss origin. Beijing has pushed a natural zoonotic hypothesisthat the virus had transmitted to humans from an animal host. Numerous media outlets have shifted their narratives on the laboratory leak theory as it gains traction. PolitiFact, for example, on May 24 quietly retracted a September 2020 fact check that labeled a Hong Kong virologists claim that the virus originated in a lab as inaccurate and a debunked conspiracy theory. The Washington Post has also quietly walked back its claims regarding the lab leak theory. Some reporters have said that they disregarded the lab leak theory because Republicans were largely the ones promoting the idea. Other outlets have also corrected or quietly updated stories, including Vox, while Facebook has stopped banning posts suggesting the virus was man-made. Falun Gong practitioners gather in Washington to mark the 22nd year of the persecution in China, on July 16, 2021. (Larry Dai/The Epoch Times) Recognize CCPs Persecution of Falun Gong as a Genocide: DC Rally Marks 22 Years of Suppression WASHINGTONIts time for the United States to recognize the genocide occurring against practitioners of Falun Gong in China, a religious freedom expert told rally attendees in Washington on July 16. Noting the U.S. governments designation that the Chinese regimes repression of Uyghurs in the Xinjiang region amounted to a genocide, Nina Shea, a senior fellow and director of the Center for Religious Freedom at the Hudson Institute, called on the United States to do the same in relation to Beijings ongoing persecution of Falun Gong. Genocide is the destruction in part of a religious community, for example, with the intent to eradicate it, and I dont think theres any doubt that what has happened these past decades to Falun Gong meets that criteria, she said at the rally. Nina Shea, a senior fellow and director of the Center for Religious Freedom at the Hudson Institute, speaks at a rally marking the 22nd anniversary of the start of the Chinese regimes persecution of Falun Gong, on the National Mall in Washington on July 16, 2021. (Larry Dye/The Epoch Times) This is the most heinous human rights [abuse], and its engraved in the American heart. The rally on the National Mall was held to mark the 22nd anniversary of the start of the Chinese communist regimes persecution of Falun Gong on July 20. After the rally, around 1,500 to 2,000 participantsan estimate from the organizersproceeded to march from the U.S. Capitol down Constitution Avenue, ending at the Washington Monument, where a candlelight vigil was held that evening. Falun Gong practitioners take part in a parade marking the 22nd anniversary of the start of the Chinese regimes persecution of Falun Gong, in Washington on July 16, 2021. (Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times) Falun Gong, also known as Falun Dafa, is a spiritual discipline that includes a set of meditative exercises and moral teachings centered on the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance. It saw surging popularity in China in the 1990s, with 70 million to 100 million practicing by the end of the decade, according to official estimates at the time. Deeming this a threat, the regime launched a sweeping campaign of suppression on July 20, 1999. Since then, millions of practitioners have been detained inside prisons, labor camps, and other facilities, where torture, such as electric shocks, beating, sleep deprivation, and other forms of abuses are widespread. An untold number have died from the ill treatment or due to forced organ harvesting. The CCP Is Dissolving Rights advocates at the rally said the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) will not escape judgment for its decades-long suppression of Falun Gong adherents. We need to stand on the right side of history and to punish CCP crimes against humanity and totally dissolve the CCP, Frank Gaffney, vice chairman of Washington-based advocacy group Committee on the Present Danger: China, said. The CCP is dissolving now, he said, warning that from the decision-makers to those executing the persecution, all the people participating in this crime will be held to justice. Faith McDonnell, director of Advocacy Katartismos Globa, speaks at a rally marking the 22nd anniversary of the start of the Chinese regimes persecution of Falun Gong, on the National Mall in Washington on July 16, 2021. (Larry Dye/The Epoch Times) Faith McDonnell, director of advocacy at Katartismos Global, highlighted the grassroots Tuidang (quitting the Party) movement, which has seen more than 380 million Chinese in the mainland and overseas renouncing their ties with the CCP and its affiliated groups. Communists, she said, want to take the place of God, and they are not going to do it. She also took special notice of a banner at the rally reading The World Needs Truthfulness, Compassion, and Tolerance. Truth is in low supply today, she told attendees. After 22 years of what Falun Gong has been through in China, and by Chinas tentacles reaching out into the world as well, you have continued to stand for truth. Frank Gaffney, vice chairman of Washington-based advocacy group Committee on the Present Danger: China, speaks at a rally marking the 22nd anniversary of the start of the Chinese regimes persecution of Falun Gong, on the National Mall in Washington on July 16, 2021. (Larry Dye/The Epoch Times) Gaffney on July 16 called the CCP a criminal organization. The criminal act of forced organ harvesting targeting Falun Gong practitioners is absolutely undeniable, and they cannot escape the judgment of history, he said. An untold number of Falun Gong adherents have died from having their organs forcibly removed, with their vital body parts sold on Chinas transplant market. A 2019 independent peoples tribunal concluded that the regime has, for years, been killing detained Falun Gong practitioners for their organs on a significant scale. Falun Gong practitioners take part in a parade marking the 22nd anniversary of the start of the Chinese regimes persecution of Falun Gong, in Washington on July 16, 2021. (Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times) Other speakers at the rally included Dr. Kurt Werthmuller, a supervisory policy analyst at the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom; Jurgen Braun, a German member of parliament; Annie Boyajian, director of advocacy at Freedom House; Andrew Bremberg, a former U.S. representative to the U.N. and president of the Victims of Communism Memorial; Wendy Wright, president of Christian Freedom International; Dede Laugesen, executive director of Save the Persecuted Christians; Alan Adler, executive director of Friends of Falun Gong; 16-year-old Chen Fayuan, whose parents are in detention in China; Rong Yi, president of the New York-based Tuidang Center; and Wang Zhiyuan of the World Organization to Investigate the Persecution of Falun Gong. At the rally, Friends of Falun Gong also presented an award to Sev Ozdowski, president of the Australian Human Rights Education Council, for his selfless efforts to help Falun Gong practitioners in China. The award was received on Ozdowskis behalf by Barry Shaka. Falun Gong practitioners at candlelight vigil remembering victims of the 22 years of persecution in China at the Washington Monument on July 16, 2021. The characters for Truthfulness, Compassion, Tolerance, the principles taught by the spiritual practice, appear at the front. (Edward Dai/The Epoch Times). Lawmakers Call for Sanctions Earlier this week, several U.S. lawmakers called for Beijing to be punished and sanctioned over its ongoing repression of Falun Gong adherents. There should be sanctions, Rep. Brian Babin (R-Texas) told NTD, sister media outlet of The Epoch Times, on July 15. Pointing to Beijings forced organ harvesting of practitioners, Babin described the Party as an evil regime. In June, the Texas Senate adopted a resolution condemning the practice of live organ harvesting as murder. In March, a bipartisan group of federal lawmakers also introduced legislation in both the Senate and the House to stop the forced organ trade. Organ harvesting is an egregiously barbaric and inhumane act that has no place in our world, Rep. Chris Smith (R-N.J.) said at the time. Rep. Scott Perry (R-Pa.), meanwhile, called on the administration and Congress to take action to stop the atrocities. Falun Gong practitioners take part in a parade marking the 22nd anniversary of the start of the Chinese regimes persecution of Falun Gong, in Washington on July 16, 2021. (Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times) We have to say that there are consequences. Theres going to be pain, theres going to be economic pain, diplomatic pain, there is going to be a reputational consequence, Perry said in a July 13 interview with NTD. Theres no time to waste. [As] every single day goes by, more people are being tortured. And its emboldening the Communist Party to just continue to do the things that it has done in the past, without any accountability. Cathy He contributed to this report. Maricopa County ballots cast in the 2020 general election are examined and recounted by contractors working for Florida-based company, Cyber Ninjas at Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Phoenix, Ariz., on May 6, 2021. (Matt York, Pool/AP Photo) Judge Rejects Arizona Senates Motion to Keep Election Audit Records Private A judge on Thursday rejected the Arizona Senates motion to dismiss a public records lawsuit relating to its independent full audit of ballots cast in Maricopa County in the 2020 election. The lawsuit was filed by watchdog group American Oversight and sought records of communications between Senate officials and external vendors working on the audit, including Florida-based cybersecurity firm Cyber Ninjas, a private company hired by the Arizona Senate to oversee the audit of Arizonas most populous county. It also sought documents related to the cost of the audit, donor information, and its operations. It is difficult to conceive of a case with a more compelling public interest demanding public disclosure and public scrutiny, Judge Michael Kemp of the Arizona Superior Court in Maricopa County wrote in a seven-page ruling (pdf). Kemp said that he completely rejects the arguments presented by the defendants lawyers. Nothing in the statute absolves Senate defendants responsibilities to keep and maintain records for authorities supported by public monies by merely retaining a third-party contractor who in turns hires subvendors, Kemp wrote. Maricopa County ballots cast in the 2020 general election are examined and recounted by contractors working for Florida-based company, Cyber Ninjas, at Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Phoenix, Ariz., on May 6, 2021. (Matt York/AP Photo) Keeping the election audit records private would be an absurd result and undermine Arizonas strong public policy in favor of permitting access to records reflecting governmental activity, the judge said in his decision. Kemp said records on who is funding the audit should be released to the public, saying that the $150,000 the Arizona Senate is paying Cyber Ninjas appears to be far short of paying the full cost. The public does not know who is financing the remaining costs, he wrote. Kemp said information related to the audit information is covered under the states public records law because Arizona Senate President Karen Fann has said that the audit is a public function. Fann previously stated that the remaining costs of the audit are covered by donors and contributions. Starting now, the Arizona Senate is going to have to face real, public accountability, Austin Evers, American Oversights executive director said in a statement. For months, the public has been asked to trust the word of senators about the sham audit of the 2020 election. Arizona law does not allow the Senate to outsource democracy and shroud it in secrecy. This ruling makes clear that the Senate must immediately begin releasing records to the public. Meanwhile, Democrats on the House Oversight and Reform Committee on Wednesday launched a probe into Cyber Ninjas. In a letter to (pdf) to Cyber Ninjas CEO Douglas Logan, House Oversight Chairwoman Carolyn Maloney (D-N.Y.) and Rep. Jamie Raskin, (D-Md.) said they are probing whether the company is working to reverse the result of a free and fair election for partisan gain. The pair asked for documents related to the audit, including information about how it is being funded. They are also asking for any and all communications between the cybersecurity firm and former President Donald Trump or his allies. Cyber Ninjas, Fann, and former Arizona Secretary of State Ken Bennett, a Republican serving as the audits liaison, didnt immediately respond to requests for comment. Fann previously told The Epoch Times that senators had been told by Cyber Ninjas that the auditors would report on the total cost of the operation after the audit is complete and that they would comply with federal reporting requirements. Zachary Stieber contributed to this report. Demonstrators gather in front of Los Alamitos Unified School District Headquarters in protest of critical race theory teachings in Los Alamitos, Calif., on May 11, 2021. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times) Let Them Die: Top NAACP, PTA Official Attacks Anti-Critical Race Theory Protesters A top Virginia NAACP activist who is also a high-ranking state Parent Teacher Association (PTA) official was captured on video leading a counter-protest against parents who were demonstrating against the quasi-Marxist critical race theory being taught in schools in Fairfax County. Michelle Leete, who is the vice president of training at the Virginia state PTA and vice president of communications for the Fairfax County PTA, was seen at a protest during a Fairfax County School Board meeting this week at the Luther Jackson Middle School in Falls Church, Virginia, according to Fox News. Lets deny this off-key band of people that are anti-education, anti-teacher, anti-equity, anti-history, anti-racial reckoning, anti-opportunities, anti-help people, anti-diversity, anti-platform, anti-science, anti-change agent, anti-social justice, anti-healthcare, anti-worker, anti-LGBTQ+, anti-children, anti-healthcare, anti-worker, anti-environment, anti-admissions policy change, anti-inclusion, anti-live-and-let live people, Leete told other protesters, referring to another nearby demonstration against critical race theory. Let them die. Dont let these uncomfortable people deter us from our bold march forward, Leete added, according to video footage posted online by Asra Nomani, who helps lead an anti-CRT group Parents Defending Education. Nomani also identified the person speaking in the video as Leete, while a Twitter account that appears to be associated with Leete responded to the criticism and redirected at opponents of critical race theory. The Epoch Times has reached out to the Virginia state PTA and Fairfax County Public Schools for comment. Fairfax County Public Schools issued a statement in response to the incident, saying it prides itself on being an inclusive and positive organization. It is not our place to comment on the remarks made by an individual outside our organization. But Harry Jackson, the president-elect of Thomas Jefferson High Schools PTA, told the Daily Wire that Leetes comments were disturbing. I was in shock looking at the crowd, watching Ms. Leete pander to white liberals with her hateful rhetoric, he said. Critical race theory, the latest flashpoint in Americas culture wars, has been the subject of scorn and protests around the United States. A growing number of parents have taken issue with teachers using critical race theory-inspired curriculum, saying it unfairly denigrates students based on their race or gender. As such, a number of GOP-led states have passed legislation banning the teaching of critical race theory or similar ideologies about race and gender. Proponents say that its not Marxist and have described it as merely instructing about slavery, Jim Crow laws, or discrimination. According to Legal Insurrections Criticalrace.org, the ideology is derived from the European Marxist school of critical theory and often uses Marxist jargon. An outgrowth of the European Marxist school of critical theory, critical race theory is an academic movement which seeks to link racism, race, and power, the website says. Unlike the Civil Rights movement, which sought to work within the structures of American democracy, critical race theorists 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. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer speaks during a press conference on Belle Isle in Detroit, Mich., on June 22, 2021. (David Guralnick/Detroit News via AP) Michigan Senate Repeals Emergency Powers Law, Whitmer Unable to Veto Michigans Senate on Thursday approved a petition that repeals Gov. Gretchen Whitmers emergency powers, with another approval expected by the states lower chamber. Whitmer, a Democrat, cannot veto the petition. The Michigan Senates 20-15 vote came two days after the Board of State Canvassers certified the petition, which was started by a group called Unlock Michigan that gathered over 340,000 signatures. The board deadlocked 2-2 in April but voted 3-0 this time around. The petition took aim at the 1945 Emergency Powers Act that enabled Whitmer to impose harsh restrictions on state residents during the COVID-19 pandemic. Republicans on the Senate floor before the vote praised the petition and said it was needed to curb Whitmers power. This initiative represents a peoples veto of this governor and the unlimited power that shes tried to claim during this pandemic, state Sen. Tom Barrett, a Republican, told colleagues. Michigan Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey, another Republican, said the petition doesnt take power away but reassesses where the power belongs. Democrats offered different explanations for their no votes. State Sen. Mallory McMorrow, a Democrat, argued that the legislature is a deliberatively slow moving body. But when an emergency faces our state, we dont have the luxury of time. That is what this legislature of the past put into place. And I could not in good conscience support or measure to remove those powers and put future residents at risk if the executive of the state does not have the ability to act quickly, she said. A Whitmer spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment. A Michigan House of Representatives GOP spokesman told news outlets that the chamber will vote on the petition soon. If it does not within approximately one month, or if the vote fails, then voters will decide on whether to repeal the emergency powers law in the next election. Republicans control both chambers of the legislature in Michigan. If the House follows the Senate, then an emergency declaration will be good for 28 days before requiring the legislatures approval to be extended. The vote on Thursday came after a series of developments, including a ruling by the Michigan Supreme Court that the emergency powers law was unconstitutional. The court later ordered the Board of State Canvassers to certify the petition after the board deadlocked along party lines, with Republicans voting for and Democrats against, in April. Unlock Michigan, meanwhile, received approval this week for a new petition that would limit emergency powers for the Michigan Department of Health. Unlock Michigan spokesperson Fred Wzolek told The Epoch Times that the petition was another step to keep Whitmer from ruling by decree on her own. Steven Kovac contributed to this report. Orange County election stands await voters inside the Honda Center, which has been converted into a polling place, in Anaheim, Calif., on Sept. 16, 2020. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times) Mission Viejo to Utilize District-Based Election System City council in Mission Viejo, Calif. decided in a closed session July 13 to move toward a district-based voting system for elections beginning November 2022. It publicly shared its decision after voting in favor of the new system. The move came after council analyzed the citys demographics and determined its at-large voting system produced results that violated the state of Californias Voting Rights Act. The act and various lawsuits have caused numerous California cities to move into districted elections due to the claim that current at-large voting hurts minority voters. Rather than just accepting district-based elections like other cities, Mission Viejo for three years has considered cumulative voting elections since its minority voters are spread throughout the city, not congregated in one area that could be its own district. Cumulative voting would enable voters to choose their top candidates instead of just a single candidate for office. The city council has fought to ensure that the minority voters living in Mission Viejo were provided the greatest opportunity to have their votes have the greatest impact. After over three years of working with two Secretaries of State, legislative staff, and the governors office to best support our minority voters, but without success, the time has come to make a final decision, Councilmember Greg Raths said during the council meeting. City council does not believe that district-based voting will be in the best interest of its minority voters, but Sacramento is not allowing it other options, Raths said. Sacramento has closed the door at present to this voting system being implemented on administrative basis. We would need to have further litigation or cause a clarifying statute to be adopted to offer this beneficial voting privilege to our community. The California Voting Act allows judiciously approved alternatives to district based voting, Raths said. The worthy alternatives include cumulative or rank choice voting. However, these options for change are seemingly too significant for state staff to authorize. Thus, as Sacramento will not allow rank choice or cumulative voting to best serve our minority residents, we must now defer to the one size fits all district voting remedy. It is unfortunate that the best interest of our minority voters cannot be served. But your city council tried very hard to achieve a system that would give them a greater voice, Raths said. We had sincerely hoped for a better outcome for Mission Viejo minority voters, but Sacramento is not allowing any option other than district voting absent expensive legislative and legal efforts. Mayor Trish Kelley reiterated that council has been actively pursuing what it had hoped would be in the best interests of the community, but that it will return in August with information about the new district maps. Creating a districted election will make matters interesting for the council, who are all up for reelection in 2022, given that four of the five member live near each other. Depending on how districts are drawn, this means that many of the current councilmembers are likely to run against one another. Mission Viejo councilmembers did not respond to The Epoch Times request for comment. An anti-coup protester throws a smoke bomb against police during a crackdown in Thaketa township in Yangon, Burma, on March 27, 2021. (AP Photo) MPs Call for UK to Tighten Sanctions on Burma The Government is being urged by MPs to extend sanctions against the military regime in Burma (also known as Myanmar) while pressing for an international arms embargo. The Commons Foreign Affairs Committee said the crisis triggered by the ousting of the countrys civilian leaders in a coup in February called for swift, coordinated action by the international community. It said the UK should take the lead within the United Nations Security Council in seeking agreement on a binding arms embargoand to work with G7 allies and others on individual embargoes if that failed. While the committee welcomed sanctions imposed by the Government on individuals and companies linked to the Tatmadaw military junta, it urged it to go further with action to freeze the militarys revenue sources on all possible fronts. It said the UK should be prepared to support the referral of the military leadership to the International Criminal Court. It also called on the Government to introduce protected status for Burmese nationals in the UK who were unable to renew their visas due to the militarys occupation of the embassy in London. Committee chairman Tom Tugendhat said: Since the military coup detat in February, hundreds of people have been killed, thousands have disappeared, and hundreds of thousands have been displaced. The military junta has inflicted deplorable violence and suffering on the people of [Burma], and whilst there has been universal condemnation, little concrete action has been taken. The people of [Burma] have been deprived of democracy repeatedly and at the hands of a corrupt, power-hungry military. The UK must stand by all those, both within [Burma] and outside, fighting for the most basic of democratic rights. By Gavin Cordon Geraldo Rivera (L) and Erica Levy attend the Cartier Fifth Avenue Grand Reopening Event at the Cartier Mansion in New York City, on Sept. 7, 2016. (Nicholas Hunt/Getty Images for Cartier) No Vaccine, No Work, No School, No In-person Shopping: Geraldo Rivera Nursing home workers in New York state who refuse to get a COVID-19 vaccine should not be allowed to work says Fox News Geraldo Rivera. No vaccine, no work, no school, no in-person shopping, Rivera said on Twitter on July 13. You have a right not to be vaccinated. I have the right to protect my kids. Nearly 1/3 of nursing home workers in NYS have not been vaccinated. Says the NYPost. Absolutely insane says a local assemblyman. Agree with him. No Vaccine, no work, no school, no in-person shopping. You have a right not to be vaccinated. I have the right to protect my kids. Geraldo Rivera (@GeraldoRivera) July 13, 2021 Riveras tweet was in reference to the New York Posts July 12 article that said only 67 percent of nursing home staff have received a COVID-19 vaccine, compared to the 87 percent residents whove been vaccinated in the state of New York. Around 67 percent of nursing home staff have also been vaccinated in New York City compared to 81 percent of its residents. However, only 58 percent of staffers in Brooklyn have received an inoculation compared to 75 percent of its nursing home residents as of July 10, according to the Post. Overall, 58 percent of people 18 and older in Brooklyn are fully vaccinated and 63 percent have received at least one dose, as of July 15. Individuals are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after being injected with the second dose of a messenger RNA vaccine or a one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine. The largest healthcare union, 1199SEIU, which represents the nursing home workers, said members are encouraged to get vaccinated but do not support a vaccine mandate. We strongly encourage our members to get the vaccine when available, as we believe it is a vital tool to help us move forward from COVID-19. We do not, however, support a mandate, the organization said in a statement. CNN medical analyst Dr. Leana Wen said that COVID-19 vaccines should be mandated. The emergency physician and former president of Planned Parenthood said that businesses and schools should make it difficult for people to stay unvaccinated. What we really need to do at this point is to make vaccination the easy choice. It needs to be hard for people to remain unvaccinated, Wen said on July 10. Right now, its kind of the opposite. Its fine, I mean its easy if youre unvaccinated, you could do everything you want to do anyway. But at some point, these mandates by workplaces, by schools, I think it will be important to say, Hey, you can opt-out, but if you want to opt-out, you have to sign these forms, you have to get twice-weekly testing, she added. White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki reiterated that the Biden administration has no plans to issue a nationwide vaccine mandate but will support local mandates. If I remember the context of the question, it was about federal mandates thats not a decision that we are making. Thats not our intention from the federal government, Psaki said at a press conference on July 12. She added, There will be decisions made by private sector entities, by universities, by educational institutions, and even perhaps by local leadersshould they decide that is how to keep their communities safe. If they decide to make that decision, we certainly support them in that step. Opponents of vaccine mandates say that the three COVID-19 vaccines offered in the United States have only been issued emergency use authorization and havent been fully approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Yet, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in updated guidance in May 2021 said that businesses may require their employees to be vaccinated as long as employers comply with the reasonable accommodation provisions of the ADA [Americans with Disabilities Act] and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1962 and other EEO [equal employment opportunity] considerations. Lawmakers in many states, except Nevada, West Virginia, Maryland, and Maine have responded by introducing legislation to prohibit businesses from mandating a COVID-19 vaccine as a condition of employment, including legislation banning vaccine passports or a vaccine requirement to attend school. A total of 141 bills have been introduced across the country with seven having passed legislation and 15 signed into law by the governor, according to the National Academy for State Health Policy. Oklahoma became the first state to ban the COVID-19 vaccine as a requirement to attend public schools, colleges, and universities when Gov. Kevin Stitt, a Republican, signed Senate Bill 658 into law on May 28. The bill also prohibits schools from implementing mask mandates on unvaccinated students. In addition, Gov. Mike DeWine has signed House Bill 244 into law on July 14 to prevent k-12 schools and universities from mandating COVID-19 vaccines that are not FDA-approved. North Dakota Man Convicted of Murder in Deaths of Mother, Officer FARGO, N.D.A North Dakota man was convicted of murder on Wednesday for killing his mother and a police officer during a shootout as authorities tried to evict the pair from their apartment last year. Salamah Pendleton, 42, opened fire on Officer Cody Holte and other officers in May 2020 while they were trying to serve papers evicting him and his mother, Lola Moore, from their Grand Forks apartment for what authorities called a lack of rent payment and lease agreement violations. Pendleton shot his mother while firing wildly on the officers after they entered the home and he killed Holte during a second round of gunfire. Pendleton and a sheriffs deputy were wounded in the gun battle. In addition to the two murder counts, the jury convicted Pendleton of two counts of attempted murder, terrorizing, reckless endangerment and possession with the intent to deliver marijuana. He was found not guilty of one count of attempted murder and criminal mischief. Grand Forks Police Chief Mark Nelson issued a statement to acknowledge the professionalism, sacrifice, and dedication shown by those involved in the trial. We accept this verdict as the outcome of our justice system, and will continue to move forward and heal; as individuals, an organization, and a community, Nelson said. Pendleton faces life in prison without the possibility of parole. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for Oct 15. Testimony in the livestreamed trial in Grand Forks began on July 2. Jurors started deliberating Tuesday afternoon. Defense attorney Steven Mottinger told the jury during closing arguments Tuesday that Pendleton had been experiencing extreme emotional disturbance on the day of the killings because the officers came to evict him and his mother despite the stress of COVID-19 which Pendleton said had them in self-quarantine early in the pandemic. Pendleton also thought the officers had killed his mother, but ballistics tests showed the bullet was from Pendletons semiautomatic rifle. Grand Forks County prosecutor Carmell Mattison said Pendleton prepared for the confrontation by stocking up on ammunition and that he fired a minimum of 48 rounds using a high velocity weapon with full metal jacket bullets. During the first exchange, Pendleton shot 20 rounds blindly through the bedroom wall, not knowing who was on the other side, Mattison said. The only person who was prepared on May 27, 2020, was the defendant, Mattison said. Pendleton was waiting for law enforcement to open that door so he could pull the trigger, she said. Pendleton testified Monday that he didnt mean to kill anyone and that his mother was unintentionally struck by a ricocheting bullet from his rifle. He said that after he saw his mothers body lying in a pool of blood, I lost my mind and I didnt know what to do. Mattison said there is no evidence that officers fired first, as Pendleton insisted. When Nord broke into Pendletons bedroom, it took less than a second before Pendleton fired a bullet that whizzed by his head, according to investigators. Holte, 29, was the first officer to be killed in Grand Forks since 1966 and the 58th police officer in the state to die while on duty. By Dave Kolpack People on vehicles, holding Taliban flags, gather near the Friendship Gate crossing point in the Pakistan-Afghanistan border town of Chaman, Pakistan on July 14, 2021. (Reuters) Officials, Taliban Strike Ceasefire Deal in Western Afghanistan, Says Provincial Governor KABULGovernment officials in a western Afghan province said on July 15 that they had negotiated an indefinite ceasefire with the Taliban to prevent further attacks on the capital of the province. The move came after the terrorist group secured complete control over all the districts in Badghis Province, reflecting wider gains by the Taliban over territory and infrastructure in the weeks since President Joe Biden announced the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan by Sept. 11. Ten tribal elders had taken the responsibility of ceasefire, so they first talked to the Taliban, and then talked to the local government and both sides reached a ceasefire, Badghis Provincial Gov. Husamuddin Shams told Reuters. The Taliban reached an agreement with the tribal elders to move to the outskirts of Qala-e-Naw, the capital of Badghis, Shams said. A spokesman for the Taliban denied that they had agreed to a ceasefire, but said they had left the city to avoid civilian casualties. Qala-e-Naw is the only city in Afghanistan where the Taliban announced a ceasefire, said Abdul Aziz Bek, the head of the provincial council in Badghis. Afghan officials in the countrys capital, Kabul, didnt respond to a request for comment. There were conflicting reports on July 15 about who was in control of a major trading town on the Afghan border with Pakistan. The Spin BoldakChaman border post is the second most important crossing on the Pakistan border and a major source of revenue for the Western-backed government in Kabul. A senior Afghan government official said on July 15 that security forces had retaken control of the town hours after the Taliban had seized it on July 14. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid dismissed that claim and said his forces still held the town. It is merely propaganda and a baseless claim by the Kabul administration, he told Reuters. The defense ministry spokesman didnt respond to a request for comment. Pakistan, worried about a spillover of fighting, has shut its side of the Spin BoldakChaman border, which lies on the main commercial artery between the second Afghan city of Kandahar and Pakistani ports. Clashes Have Intensified Clashes between the Taliban and government forces have intensified as U.S.-led international forces have been withdrawing. The Taliban have captured several districts and border crossings in the north and west. The government has accused the Taliban of destroying hundreds of government buildings in 29 of the countrys 34 provinces. The Taliban deny accusations of extensive destruction by their militants. A senior Afghan government official in Kabul, Nader Nadery, said security forces were working to push back Taliban militants and regain control over 190 districts. The deteriorating security situation has raised fears of a new Afghan refugee crisis. President Ashraf Ghani met regional leaders in Uzbekistan on July 15, and Pakistan said it would host a conference of senior Afghan leaders in an effort to find solutions. Diplomatic efforts have focused on pushing the rival Afghan sides to make progress towards a ceasefire. Pakistan was accused for years of backing the Taliban with the aim of blocking the influence of India, its old rival, in Afghanistan. But Pakistan has denied those accusations and now says it wants to encourage negotiations to ensure a peaceful outcome. Pakistani information minister Fawad Chaudhry wrote on Twitter that Pakistan was arranging more talks and that important leaders, including former President Hamid Karzai, who remains an influential figure, had been invited. Chaudhry said Taliban leaders wouldnt be attending, as Pakistan was holding separate talks with them. Karzai and some top Afghan political leaders are expected to fly to Qatar this weekend for talks with members of the Taliban who have an office in the capital, Doha. The Taliban terrorist group ruled Afghanistan from 1996 until they were ousted in 2001, weeks after the Sept. 11 attacks on the United States. Theyve fought since then to expel foreign forces and topple the government in Kabul. By Abdul Qadir Sediqi & Orooj Hakimi Parents Sue DC Over Allowing Kids to be Vaccinated Without Parents Consent Four parents filed a lawsuit against the District of Columbia on Monday, alleging the districts recently enacted law deprives parents constitutional rights and endangers childrens safety by allowing minors as young as 11 years old to get vaccinated without their parents consent or knowledge. Childrens Health Defense (CHD) and Parental Rights Foundation represented the four parents in the lawsuit, which was filed in a federal district court in the District of Columbia. The [law] is reckless, unconstitutional, and needlessly endangers childrens lives by stripping away parental protection and the protection of the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, CHD president and general counsel Mary Holland said, referring to Washingtons Minor Consent for Vaccinations Amendment Act of 2020, which became effective in March. Charles Muro, 13, is inoculated by Nurse Karen Pagliaro at Hartford Healthcares mass vaccination center at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford, Conn., on May 13, 2021. (Joseph Prezioso/AFP via Getty Images) The law allows children eleven years of age and older to take any vaccinesincluding COVID-19 vaccineswithout parents consent or knowledge, if the vaccine has been recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and the child is capable of meeting the informed consent standard. A minor shall be deemed to meet the informed consent standard if the minor is able to comprehend the need for, the nature of, and any significant risks ordinarily inherent in the medical care, the law states. The complaint criticized the law as placing that decision-making squarely in the hands of the government. The complaint (pdf) alleges Washingtons law deprives the plaintiffs of their constitutional right as parents to direct the care and upbringing of their children and the right to freely exercise their religion. It also alleges the law conflicts with the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986 and seeks an injunction to prevent Washington from enforcing the law. Under Washingtons law, even a minors parent has applied a religious exemption for vaccines for the kid or has the kid opted out of the HPV vaccine, the minor can still choose to receive a vaccine, and the health care provider who administers the vaccination could leave a certain part of the immunization record blank, so the parents wont find out. The law requires the provider should send the immunization record directly to the minors school, and the school should keep it confidential. Furthermore, providers shall seek reimbursement, without parental consent, directly from the insurer, and the insurer shall not send an Explanation of Benefits for services provided, the law states. The D.C. Act has dire implications for the health of children. If parents do not know their child was vaccinated at school, they may not recognize vaccine adverse reactions. Serious adverse reactions require immediate medical treatment and are contraindications to further vaccination, CHDs statement reads. The statement also pointed out that if the family doctor is unaware the child was vaccinated, additional vaccines may be administered too close in time to those given at school. This is not the first time Washington got sued for the law. On July 2, Joshua Mazer, father of a 16-year-old daughter, also filed a lawsuit against Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser, alleging the law deprives parents of the right to participate in medical decisions for their children. The Bowsers office didnt reply to a request from The Epoch Times for comment. The mayor has been encouraging residents to get COVID-19 vaccines by offering people getting their first COVID-19 vaccine a $51 visa gift card at select vaccination sites. On June 30, Bowser and D.C. Health Department announced the opening of new vaccine clinics at six public schools for minors between 12 and 18. Bowsers public school chancellor Lewis Ferebee also encourages all students ages 12 and older to get COVID-19 vaccines. The science is clear: vaccines are the single most effective tool we have to stop the spread of the coronavirus, Ferebee said in May. To help meet our commitment to fully reopen schools for every student, every day in the fall, it is our responsibility as a community to get vaccinated, including our middle school and high school students. Last month, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said more than 1,200 cases of heart inflammation in adolescents and young adults were reported following the administration of Pfizers or Modernas two-shot vaccines. The CDC has said that COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective. Provinces That Exceed Optimal Population of 9.5M Tend to Have Higher Taxes, Government Spending: Report The economic freedom of a province or U.S. state such as Ontario or California declines when their aggregate population exceeds 9.5 million people, often resulting in higher government spending, higher taxes, and less flexible labour markets, a new study reveals. The Fraser Institute study (pdf), titled The Determinants of Subnational Economic Freedom, analyzed 158 provinces and states in seven countries to determine the correlation between the population size of a province or a state and their economic freedom. It aims to provide the first-ever multi-country, comprehensive examination of the determinants of subnational economic freedom scores. Government spending and taxes, and labour market flexibility, or what has been referred to as economic freedom, is linked [with] high levels of prosperity, economic growth, and overall well-being, Russell Sobel, senior fellow at the Fraser Institute and author of the study, said in a news release. The most notable finding is that there seems to be an optimal population size of around 9.5 million people for subnational jurisdictions to maximize overall economic freedom, and beyond that point, overall institutional quality begins to decline, the report says. Sobel used data from an earlier report, Economic Freedom of the World 2020, that studied the factors that influence the economic freedom of countries, showing that nations with better policies and institutions tend to have more economic freedom. Economically free countries tend to out-perform non-free ones due to having a higher per-capital GDP, higher average income among the poorest 10 percent of the population, less population that experience extreme poverty, and longer life expectancy. In 2018, Hong Kong was rated in the top position, followed by Singapore, New Zealand, Switzerland, United States, Australia, Mauritius, Georgia, Canada, and Ireland. The report noted that in the case of Hong Kong, increased insecurity of property rights and the weakening of the rule of law caused by Beijings interventions in 2019 and 2020 will likely have a negative impact on the citys score in the future. Economic Freedom of North America 2020, another Fraser Institute report, compares the economic freedom of 92 provincial and state governments in Canada, the United States, and Mexico. The annual report found that Canadas highest-ranking province in 2018 was Albertatied for 9th place with U.S. states of Montana and Texasfollowed by British Columbia, ranking in 27th place. Simply put, being too large is a disadvantage in terms of achieving high levels of economic freedom, Sobel said. This has implications for states and provinces whose populations already exceed 9.5 million as well as those subnational jurisdictions experiencing population growth in terms of their ability to maintain reasonable levels of government spending and taxes. White House press secretary Jen Psaki calls on a reporter during a press briefing in the White House in Washington on April 16, 2021. (Andrew Harnik/AP Photo) Psaki Suggests Social Media Users Who Post Misinformation Should Be Banned From All Platforms White House press secretary Jen Psaki suggested Friday that people on social media shouldnt be banned from one platform and not others if they post misinformation online, namely about COVID-19 vaccines. So a couple of the steps that we have, you know, that could be constructive for the public health of the country are providing for Facebook or other platforms to measure and publicly share the impact of misinformation on their platform, and the audience its reaching, also with the public, with all of you, to create robust enforcement strategies that bridge their properties and provide transparency about rules, you shouldnt be banned from one platform and not others, if you, for providing misinformation out there, Psaki told reporters during a White House briefing. She added: Taking faster action against harmful posts, as you all know, information travels quite quickly. When Psaki was asked about the White Houses relationship with Facebook, she said that the federal government doesnt block anything on Facebook or other social media platforms. We dont take anything down. We dont block anything. Facebook, and any private sector company, makes decisions about what information should be on their platform, Psaki said. Our point is that there is information that is leading to people not taking the vaccine. Facebook, Twitter, Google, and other Big Tech firms have drawn condemnation over their policies around COVID-19 and what can or cannot be published. COVID-19 is the illness caused by the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus. For months, the social media giants blocked or suppressed the reach of posts that said the CCP virus escaped from a laboratory in Wuhan, China, in 2019. But several months ago, some members of the 17-agency U.S. Intelligence Community believe that the virus did indeed originate from the lab, while some scientists and researchers have become increasingly skeptical of the CCPs official narrative that the virus was transmitted to people via animals at a Wuhan wet market. President Joe Biden ordered a review of the lab leak hypothesis in May and said its premature to dismiss it. Psakis Friday suggestion that social media companies ban people over posts they share on other social media websites drew widespread condemnation from commentators on social media. Some said Psakis comments were evidence that the Biden administration is colluding with, or outsourcing to, Big Tech firms to censor people online. Big Tech firms have also drawn heavy criticism after their near-simultaneous suspension of accounts belonging to President Donald Trump in January, accusing Trump of inciting the Jan. 6 Capitol breach. Trump has categorically denied he incited violence, pointing to his statements to protesters during a Jan. 6 rally stating that they should remain peaceful. Russia Transfers Ex-US Marine to Region With Tough Soviet-Era Prisons MOSCOWA former U.S. Marine who is serving a nine-year sentence in Russia was being transferred from a remand cell in Moscow on Friday to the Mordovia region which has a large number of tough, Soviet-era prisons. Trevor Reed was convicted last year of endangering the lives of two policemen in Moscow while drunk, a charge he denied. He said the ruling was clearly political, and Washington called the trial theatre of the absurd. Reed had remained in a remand cell after his conviction pending an appeal. That appeal was rejected and his sentence was upheld at a court hearing last month. Former U.S. Marine Trevor Reed stands inside a defendants cage during a court hearing in Moscow, Russia, on July 30, 2020. (Maxim Shemetov/Reuters) This morning Trevor Reed was [taken] from Moscow, he will serve his punishment in one of Mordovias [prison] colonies, Alexei Melnikov, a member of a prison oversight commission was quoted as saying by the RIA news agency. The region of Mordovia is around 500 km (310 miles) east of Moscow. Paul Whelan, who is also a former U.S. Marine, is serving a 16-year sentence in a jail in the region on espionage charges that he denied. Russian President Vladimir Putin said before a summit with U.S. President Joe Biden last month that he was open to a prisoner exchange deal. It is not known whether Whelan or Reed might be included in any prisoner swap. By Tom Balmforth Lee Jun-seok, newly elected chairman of the main opposition People Power Party (PPP), speaks at the party's headquarters in Seoul on June 11, 2021. (KIM MIN-HEE/AFP via Getty Images) South Koreas New Opposition Party Leader Rips The CCP On Human Rights On July 12, Lee Jun-seok, South Koreas largest opposition party leader, met with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) ambassador to South Korea Xing Haiming in the National Assembly to convey his concerns about Hong Kongs human rights issues. For a long time, both conservative and liberal politicians in South Korea have kept silent on CCPs human rights issues. It is rare for a prominent South Korean political party leader to directly comment on these issues to the CCP ambassador to South Korea. In the National Assembly meeting on July 12, Lee said to Xing in his opening remarks that [he] hopes the economic-focused CCP can actively participate in international affairs in accordance to international standards. Lee is a 36-year-old Harvard graduate and the newly installed leader of the People Power Party. He is the youngest leader of a major political party in South Korean history. A countrys economic and cultural prosperities are important, but it is also important to be in line with the current social standards, Lee said. I look forward to Chinas continued development in these areas in order to gain respect and recognition from other countries. Lee and Xing held a private forum after their public meeting. In a press conference after that, when asked by a reporter, Lee replied that he conveyed his concerns about Hong Kong and other CCP-related human rights issues to Xing. And the young generation of South Koreans hopes for a peaceful resolution of these issues. On the same day of Lee and Xings meeting, Bloomberg released its interview with Lee on July 9. In the interview with Bloomberg, Lee condemned the CCPs suppression of the pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong. He said that the politics in South Korea is changing. His goal is to return conservatives to the presidency and re-examine the relationship between South Korea and the international community. Lee took part in Hong Kongs protests in 2019. He urged fellow millennials to push back against the CCPs cruelty in places like Hong Kong. Were definitely going to have to fight against the enemies of democracy (CCP), Lee said when asked about the pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong. I can definitely say the Moon administration is leaning towards China, Lee added. And [the Korean public] is not happy about it. Last month, Lee gained tremendous voter support with his anti-feminist movement and became the largest opposition party leader, the People Power Party. He plans to lead his party to compete in the presidential race in March next year. Lees quick rise in politics indicates that young Koreans political orientation is shifting from liberal to conservative. Signage for facemarks and gloves are seen at an entrance to a Priceline Pharmacy in Melbourne, Australia on July 20, 2020. (AAP Image/James Ross) Streamlined Access for Aussie Lockdown Support Payments Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews on Thursday night agreed to a new COVID-19 support package that will make it easier for business owners and workers to access emergency income support when a state or territory forces them into a CCP virus lockdown. As part of the new arrangement, when a state or territory, such as in the case of Victoria, imposes a lockdown of fewer than seven days, the Commonwealth will provide income support through the COVID-19 Disaster Payment. Workers who have lost between eight and less than 20 hours of work can receive a payment of $375, and those whove lost over 20 hours can receive $600. No liquid assets test will be applied to eligibility for these payments. The costs will be shared between states and territories and the Commonwealth. The Commonwealth Government will provide income support for those who work or live in the areas declared as a Commonwealth Hotspot. The provision of income support outside of these areas will be provided where requested and at the cost of the State or Territory Government, the PMs statement read. Almost 12 million Australians are now subject to stay-at-home restrictions after Victoria announced another snap lockdown. The lockdown is the states fifth and comes in response to a growing outbreak of the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, commonly known as the novel coronavirus. The Commonwealth has declared hotspots for Greater Melbourne, Moorabool Shire, the City of Greater Geelong, Borough of Queenscliff, and Surf Coast Shire, effective 11.59 p.m. on Wednesday until 11.50 p.m. on July 20. Meanwhile, the Victorian premier has declared a five-day statewide lockdown effective 11.59 p.m. on Wednesday. The Commonwealth will fund the payments for people who live and work in the Commonwealth-declared hotspots, and Victoria will find the rest. Payments will be made in arrears on application to Services Australia 7 days after the commencement of the lockdown (that is from Friday 23 July 2021), the statement reads. More information about the payments can be found on the Services Australia site. Travel restrictions are in place, with gatherings capped at two people and no visitors allowed to homes. There are only five reasons to leave the house, including essential shopping and getting vaccinated. More than 100 exposure sites have been listed across Victoria, which has recorded 36 active cases. There are fears the statewide closure could stretch beyond five days if case numbers explode. Should the Victorian lockdown be extended, the additional features of the upgraded and revised economic support arrangements proposed by the Commonwealth will be activated by agreement, the PMs statement reads. This comes as Sydney residents in New South Wales face at least another two weeks of restrictions. With the countrys two major cities in lockdown, Morrison said the changes to the COVID support package would simplify and streamline the assistance package. National cabinet will meet on Friday afternoon to discuss the vaccine rollout and support payments. AAP contributed to this report. Students sit behind barriers and use tablets during an in-person English class at St. Anthony Catholic High School during the COVID-19 pandemic in Long Beach, Calif., on March 24, 2021. (Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images) Students Without Masks Cant Be Kept Out of Classrooms, Educators Say Students cant be banned from school campuses for refusing to wear a mask during the upcoming curricular year, educational leaders say. The state wants to continue the mask mandate, but theres no way to enforce it, San Ardo Union Elementary School District Superintendent Catherine Reimer told The Epoch Times. For school districts, we have something in the education code that you used to be able to suspend or send kids home for defiance. If theyre not going to wear the mask, that would ultimately be an act of defiance, and the state doesnt allow you to send students home for defiance. Masks will be required for students and staff at California schools as they reopen for the 202122 curricular year, but revised guidance issued by the state on July 12 means local districts will determine how to enforce the mandate if students refuse to comply. With a return to campus approaching, the San Ardo School District is set to discuss the mandate for students in the next week. While officials will work to comply with the state, Reimer said that since theres no attempt from the state to enforce the mask mandate in schools, it might be impossible to follow the guidelines. Meantime, Modoc Joint Unified School District superintendent Tom OMalley is urging Gov. Gavin Newsom and the Public Health Agency for local control on whether to enforce mask mandates. Weve got so much data on this, we can do this and we can manage it, OMalley told The Epoch Times. This state is so diverse geographically and ethnically there is no one size fits all. While his school district has yet to decide on the fate of masks in the fall, OMalley said hes hoping for consistency at a state level. Dr. Mark Ghaly and Gov. Newsom just cant seem to make a decision and stick to it, OMalley said. They did this to us last year. They required plans and we wrote them and then they changed the rules, and we rewrote them then they did it again and again. Student Challenges About 35 miles west of Bakersfield is Buttonwillow Union School District in Kern County, home to about 250 preschool and elementary students. Its supervisor, Stuart Packard, is president of the Small School Districts Association. He said that 64 percent of his school districts population are English language learners and 94 percent are socioeconomically disadvantaged. While Packard has received legal advice related to mask compliance, he said his district is waiting for guidelines to fall in favor of small school districts. Everything is not San Diego, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, Packard said. Theres a lot more to this state, and theres a lot more approaches to doing things. Small school districts have been just crucial in getting kids back to school; I think weve led the state. San Ardo Union Elementary School Districts Reimer said mask mandates have presented extra challenges for English as a second language learners. It becomes a difficulty in teaching young people how to read and how to speak. When they have speech and language issues, to be able to do that with a mask on is near impossible, Reimer said. They havent made a lot of gains academically. Its been a really difficult year, and the fact that most of my students live in high poverty and are English language learners, it makes the masks even more difficult. A jogger is seen on the first day of lockdown in Sydney, Australia, on June 27, 2021. (Brook Mitchell/Getty Images) Sydney COVID-19 Outbreak Stabilising Premier Gladys Berejiklian of New South Wales (NSW) believes that the Sydney outbreak is stabilising after the number of new local COVID-19 infections has started to level off, but warns the cases are likely to keep bouncing around. NSW recorded 65 new local COVID-19 cases in the 24 hours to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, but Berejiklian warned the number of infected people in the community was yet to decline, despite stay-at-home orders. Of the new cases, at least 35 people were out in the community for part or all of their infectious perioda number that authorities want to drive down to zero. It has been a stable number, it hasnt grown (but) unless it comes down, we cant get out of lockdown, the premier told reporters. Five million NSW residents will endure at least another fortnight of lockdown after high daily coronavirus numbers forced the state government to extend stay-at-home measures at least until July 30. There are 19 patients in intensive care in NSW, with five ventilated. Berejiklian again defended current work-from-home settings, saying many residents were already doing so. There never will be (perfection) no matter where you draw the line but what I do know is that the green shoots are starting to show, the premier said. There have been 929 cases of local COVID reported in NSW since the outbreak began on June 16 and Berejiklian said there would have been thousands and thousands of cases if NSW had not gone into lockdown nearly three weeks ago. She also urged people not to visit doctors or pharmacists with COVID symptoms, saying some had become infected in those settings. Infection numbers continue to rise in southwest Sydney, where testing clinics were inundated this week after essential workers from the Fairfield local government area were ordered to get tested every three days if they work outside the area. There are now three testing sites in the area operating around the clock. Two of Sydneys major hospitals are also on alert after a nurse and a patient were diagnosed with COVID-19. A pregnant patient at Liverpool Hospital, in Sydneys southwest, was diagnosed as COVID-positive on Wednesday after undergoing a procedure. The hospital cancelled elective surgery to deep clean the operating theatre while close contacts are being tested and isolating for 14 days. A nurse who worked at Westmead Hospital in the COVID-19 ward has also tested positive for the virus but there are no cases yet linked to the health worker. The nurse was vaccinated and is currently asymptomatic. At least one paramedic in southwest Sydney, believed to have been infected in the community and not at work, has also tested positive for the virus. More paramedics have also been diagnosed, according to media reports. NSW Ambulance is investigating reports of further positive cases in paramedics who had no contact with the confirmed case. Urgent contact tracing is underway, a spokesman said in a statement. At least another 70 paramedics have reportedly been forced into isolation as close contacts. On Thursday evening, an aged care home in Rooty Hill also confirmed a contact cleaner at the facility had been diagnosed with the virus, prompting the centre to lockdown as a precaution. We have isolated all residents and staff throughout the facility and our outbreak management plan has been implemented, a spokesman for Minchinbury Manor said in a statement. Daily testing will be undertaken of both residents and staff, while the cleaner and five close contacts of her in the facility have been immediately isolated. About 90 percent of staff and residents have been vaccinated, and those who remain unvaccinated are expected to be offered a jab in the coming days, he said. NSW Health on Thursday afternoon confirmed that another suspected caseat the Chris OBrien Lifehouse for cancer treatment in Sydneywas a false positive. Meanwhile, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison says relief is on its way for parents, who will no longer have to pay for child care theyre not using during the lockdown. The measure could benefit around 216,000 families across 3,600 centres. Texas Gunman Caught, 1 Officer Killed, 4 Wounded Authorities captured the suspect late Thursday following an hours-long police standoff where one officer was killed and four others were wounded in a small West Texas city. Omar Soto-Chavira, 22, was injured when he was taken into custody around 11:30 p.m. at a home in Levelland, police Chief Albert Garcia told reporters. The suspect was being transported to a hospital in Lubbock for treatment, Garcia said. The extent of the suspects injuries was not disclosed. Authorities used robots to enter the home, then deployed gas which drew Soto-Chivara out of the residence, Lubbock County Sheriff Kelly Rowe said at the briefing. The standoff between the suspect and law enforcement had begun at the home around 1 p.m. Central Time after someone reported a man as possibly armed along the residential street in Levelland, about 30 miles west of Lubbock. The confrontation escalated quickly, gunfire erupted as the suspect barricaded himself inside a house, and a standoff ensued. Three of the wounded officers were taken to a Lubbock hospital. Sgt. Josh Bartlett of the Lubbock County Sheriffs Office was taken to Covenant Health Levelland hospital and died of his wounds, according to a sheriffs office statement. Bartlett was the commander of the sheriffs tactical unit. Levelland police Sgt. Shawn Wilson was in critical but stable condition in University Medical Center in Lubbock after surgery, said Garcia. The other three officers were treated for minor injuries and had been discharged from the hospital, he said. Hockley County Sheriff Ray Scifres had said the suspect had a history of contact with police. He also said Bartlett, leader of the Lubbock County Sheriffs Offices SWAT command, was a nine-year veteran of the department who had served overseas in the U.S. Army. Rep. Marc Veasey, D-Texas, center left, and Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Texas, joined at left by Rep. Chris Turner, chairman of the Texas House Democratic Caucus, welcome Democratic members of the Texas legislature at a news conference at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, July 13, 2021. The lawmakers left Austin hoping to deprive the Texas Legislature of a quorum the minimum number of representatives who have to be present for the body to operate, as they try to kill a Republican bill making it harder to vote in the Lone Star State. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) Texas Legislature Continues Standoff Over Voting Rights Bill Texas Democrat legislators are in their fourth day of a stand-off with their Republican counterparts to prevent a vote on voter integrity measures that Democrats are calling voter suppression efforts, waiting out the 30-day special session. The special session was called by Governor Greg Abbott to ensure a vote on issues including voter integrity, border security, censorship, and the spread of critical race theory in schools. On July 12, dozens of House Democrats walked out of the first day of the legislative special session and booked two charter flights to Washington, D.C., which prevented the quorum required to pass the voting legislation. Instead of voting on their states voting bills, they are in D.C. pushing for the passage of the U.S. Senate to pass S. 1, the sweeping legislation that would federalize elections. In order for the more than 50 Texas lawmakers to make the trip to Washington, Texas Democrats used funds raised by former Texas congressman Beto ORourkes election-advocacy group. Powered By People raised over half a million dollars as of Wednesday morning. Other funds are being raised by the Texas House Democratic Caucus members themselves. The Democrats have vowed to stay in Washington for the duration of the special session, and possibly longer. According to their estimates, it is costing $10,000 a day to be there. The message is very clear: America, we need to wake up, we need to preserve our democracy, we need a Federal Voting Rights solution, and we need now, Rep. Martinez Fischer (D) told CNN on July 10 before Democrats walked out from Texas special session. This is a now or never moment. Were holding the line in Texas and were going to fight with all our might. But even if we were to fix this problem in Texas, it doesnt solve the problem for the rest of the nation. As the Democrats boarded the private planes to fly to Washington, Fischer made a plea for donations via a video to help fund the D.C. trip to fight for our democracy. I cant do this alone, I need your help, I dont know how long I am going to be gone, he said. Meanwhile, Texas Republicans, who hold the majority, are prevented from voting on any legislation, but did vote in favor Tuesday, 63 out of 67, to arrest the Democrats when they return to Texas. When they return Texas law will allow the state police to take them to the legislative chamber where they will be forced to carry out their duties and vote on the legislative agenda set by the Republicans. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton speaks during the launch of an antitrust investigation into large tech companies outside of the Supreme Court in Washington on Sept. 9, 2019.(Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images) Well, the way it works, when they show up, yes, they can be arrested by our state police and broughtnot to jailtheyll be brought to the Capitol where theyll be forced to stay on the floor of the House and vote when bills come up, said Texass Attorney General Ken Paxton during a Thursday interview with Fox News. They wont be allowed to leave once theyre back in the state. Paxton said the Democrats will have to deal with the legislation sooner or later. They can stay away for a long time, but eventually theyll either lose their position or theyll have to vote on this, so theyre just delaying the inevitable, Paxton added. Even if Democrats stay away for the full 30-day session, Gov. Abbott said he can call more special sessions to get the work done. First of all, Ill tell you what the House of Representatives can do. What the speaker can do is issue a call to have these members arrested. In addition to that, however, I can and I will continue to call special session after special session after special session all the way up until election next year, Abbott told a local Texass KVUE on July 12. The Democrats say they are willing to risk the consequences of breaking quorum because they plan to get the U.S. Congress to pass the national voting rights legislation. We are now taking the fight to our Nations Capitol. We are living on borrowed time in Texas. We need Congress to act now to pass the For the People Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Act to protect Texansand all Americansfrom the Trump Republicans nationwide war on democracy, said House Democrats in a July 12 press statement. The Democrat Caucus did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Texas SWAT Leader Killed, 3 Police Officers Injured in Standoff With Gunman A SWAT officer has been killed and another three officers injured in Texas after a standoff with a gunman on Thursday afternoon, according to reports. The incident involved a man reported as possibly armed shortly after 1 p.m. local time Thursday on a residential street in the West Texas town of Levelland, about 30 miles west of Lubbock. The confrontation escalated quickly and gunfire erupted as the suspect barricaded himself inside a house and a standoff ensued. The house is located in the 1100 block of 10th Street in Levelland. Sgt. Josh Bartlett, SWAT Leader for Lubbock County Sheriffs Office, is dead, and two other officers are in critical condition, local outlet KCBD reported, citing the Justice of the Peace and Constables Association of Texas. Bartlett was pronounced dead at the Covenant Medical Center in Levelland, where he was sent with life-threatening injuries, according to a statement from the Lubbock County Sheriffs Office. The medical center, which is near the standoff site, placed itself into lockdown as a precautionary measure, a hospital spokesperson said, according to Newsweek. Of the critically injured officers, one is a deputy from Hockley County Sheriffs Office, and another one is a police officer from Levelland, reported KCBD. Another officer from Levelland is also injuredhis condition is unknown, according to the outlet. The three were transported to the University Medical Center in Lubbock, nearly 30 miles away. Gunfire was heard at the scene around 3:00 p.m., and later around 6:00 p.m. as the Lubbock SWAT team remained at the still-active scene at the barricaded house, the outlet reported late Thursday. People are being asked to stay away from the area. Rep. Jodey Arrington (R-Texas) issued a message of condolence in the wake of Barletts death. I ask the people of West Texas to pray for the family of Sgt. Josh Bartlett of the Lubbock County Sheriffs Office, who was tragically killed in the line of duty today, he wrote. May God bless all the victims of todays shooting, their families, and our community at this difficult time. The Associated Press contributed to this report. The Chinese Regime Shuts Down Science Blogs Two of Chinas popular science social media accounts were suddenly scrubbed, marking a step-up in censorship on Chinas online platforms. Independent media outlets, Elephant Magazine and its affiliated PaperClip, and their founders personal account vanished from Chinas primary social media platforms on July 14 without warning. Neither Chinas Internet watchdog nor other authorities posted any comments or punishment. Millions of followers were surprised to see an error message when accessing the accounts on Chinas Twitter-like Weibo, YouTube-like Bilibili, and Quora-like Zhihu. Attempts to access their WeChat official accounts failed, and a message saying the content had been blocked as the account had violated regulations on the management of accounts offering public information service on the Chinese Internet appeared. Chinas new Internet regulation, which launched in January, has led to the forced closure of piles of official accounts, that covered topics ranging from politics, the military, diplomacy, or economics, to health. Reasons for the latest ban remain a mystery, but the step is not a bolt from the blue. Early in 2014, the official account of Elephant Magazine on WeChat was blocked for the first time. founder Huang Zhangjin suggested the suspension was linked to articles written by a Uyghur from Chinas far-western Xinjiang region. Huang decided to steer away from politics after the account was resumed eight days later. Featuring scientific and technological videos, PaperClip has been the subject of controversy. PaperClip announced the suspension on June 18 and apologized for comments by their now ex-employees. According to the accounts statement, a U.S. Army Research Laboratory staff did an internship in their team when he studied at a domestic college. Another former writer was said to have posted negative comments about the communist regime on overseas social media platforms. Both employees Twitter accounts were removed. PaperClip said it would give training to all employees on ideology, improve management, and invite senior editors from Chinas mainstream media to review its content. The recent attack came after one of its videos linked the consumption of meat, milk, and eggs in China with the destruction of the Amazon rainforest. Nationalists again deemed the content had colluded with foreigners to insult China. In March 2020,PaperClip was under fire for excluding self-ruled Taiwan in a map of China in a YouTube video, even though the independent country was added to the map on Chinas video-streaming platform. The Chinese regime has long claimed Taiwan, a de facto independent nation, as its province. Maricopa County ballots cast in the 2020 general election are examined and recounted by contractors working for Florida-based company, Cyber Ninjas at Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Phoenix, Arizona, on May 6, 2021. (AP Photo/Matt York, Pool) There Was No Victory for Biden, Trump Says in Wake of Arizona Election Audit Hearing Former President Donald Trump issued a statement weighing in on the Thursday Arizona Senate hearing over preliminary results of the 2020 election audit underway in Maricopa County, saying [t]here was no victory for then-presidential candidate Joe Biden in the Grand Canyon state. The hearing was announced by the states Senate President Karen Fann on short notice as an update on the progress of the ongoing election audit in Maricopa County. The hearing covered preliminary audit findings as well as current unresolved issues, including discrepancies in some documentation and paperwork. Arizona Senate hearings on the Maricopa County election audit is devastating news to the radical left Democrats and the Biden administration, the former president said in his statement. The hearing included updates from Cyber Ninjas CEO Doug Logan and CyFIR CEO Ben Cotton, the heads of the companies conducting the audit. At the hearing they said theyre seeking more records to complete their review, which is taking months longer than the 60 days they initially had in mind. President Joe Biden won Arizona by a narrow margin of 10,457 votes, or 0.31 percentage points. Then-President Donald Trump speaks to media before departing on Marine One en route to Ohio and Texas, from the White House South Lawn in Washington on Aug. 7, 2019. (Charlotte Cuthbertson/The Epoch Times) Trump in his statement highlighted some points raised in the hearing that he found significant, including how Cyber Ninjas Logan had told senators at the hearing that there was 74,243 mail-in ballots where there is no clear record of them being sent. The data received was via a FOIA request from the county. Logan said at the hearing, Just to be clear there should be more [mail-in ballots] sent out than there are that are received. we have 74,000 [mail-in ballots] that came back from individuals where we dont have a clear indication that they were ever sent out to them. Trump also pointed out that, according to Logan, auditors found 18,000 people who had voted but whose names were removed from the voter rolls soon after the election. Logan also revealed other discrepancies at the hearing, such as how 11,326 people did not appear to have been registered to vote as of Nov. 7, 2020four days after election daybut their names appeared on the voter rolls on Dec. 4, 2020. There were also 3,981 people who voted after registering after Oct. 15, 2020the Arizona voter registration deadline for the general election. The former president said in his statement, They [auditors] also revealed that the voting system was breached or hacked (by who?). Very big printer and ballot problems with different paper used, etc., and MUCH MORE. Read More Maricopa County Auditors Seek Ballot Envelope Images, Splunk Logs After Discovering Discrepancies Trump denounced what he said were early calls of victory for Biden in the presidential election. The irregularities revealed at the hearing today amount to hundreds of thousands of votes or, many times what is necessary for us to have won, he said. Despite these massive numbers, this is the state that Fox News called early for a Biden victory. There was no victory here, or in any other of the swing states either. He continued, Maricopa County refuses to work together with the Senate and others who are merely looking for honesty, integrity, and transparency. Why do the commissioners not want to look into this corrupted election? What are they trying to hide? A county spokesperson earlier in the day told The Epoch Times via email it was unclear which data sets the auditors were referring to for some of their allegations. The approximately 74,000 ballots probably refers to voters who went in person to vote centers before Election Day, he said. Even though they are voting in person, their ballots are treated the same as those mailed insealed in an envelope and signed by the voter, the spokesman said. Maricopa County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jack Sellers, a Republican, said in a statement, issued after the hearing, that the auditors were incompetent. He also accused the auditors, whom he called uncertified contractors, as having dropped bombshell numbers that are simply not accurate. To Senate leaders I say, stop accusing us of not cooperating when we have given you everything qualified auditors would need to do this job. Finish your audit, release the report, and be prepared to defend it in court, he said. The Epoch Times has contacted the White House for comment. Zachary Stieber contributed to this report. Thousands of Dutch Urged to Leave Their Homes as Rivers Flood AMSTERDAMThousands of people in the south of the Netherlands on Thursday were urged to leave their houses quickly to escape floods as rivers were on the brink of bursting their banks. Several towns and villages along the Meuse river in the province of Limburg strongly advised people to seek refuge until at least Friday afternoon, as there was a large chance that their homes would be flooded in the coming hours. A flooded street is seen following heavy rainfalls in Valkenburg, Netherlands, on July 15, 2021. (Piroschka Van De Wouw/Reuters) Water levels on the Meuse and the Rur reached record levels on Thursday, surpassing the levels that led to large floods in 1993 and 1995, local authorities said. In Valkenburg, in the far south of Limburg, close to the Belgian and German border, floods had already engulfed the town center, forcing the evacuation of several nursing homes and destroying at least one bridge. People are evacuated from a flood-affected area, following heavy rainfalls in Valkenburg, Netherlands, on July 15, 2021. (Piroschka Van De Wouw/Reuters) Drone footage showed brown water coursing over car parks and parkland. King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima visited Valkenburg on Thursday evening to show their support. Scores of houses have been flooded in the province, where hundreds of soldiers have been sent to help fight the rising waters. A flooded street is seen following heavy rainfalls in Valkenburg, Netherlands, on July 15, 2021. (Piroschka Van De Wouw/Reuters) But with no casualties reported, the situation so far is much less severe than in neighboring Germany where dozens of people have died and others were missing on Thursday as rivers burst their banks and swept away homes. By Bart Meijer Trump Appointees Sue Over Presidential Commissions Withheld by Biden Administration Two appointees from the waning days of the Trump administration are suing the U.S. Department of Education for refusing to deliver their signed presidential commissions, citing the seminal 218-year-old Supreme Court precedent that created judicial review. The 18-page legal complaint in the case, known as Hanke v. Cardona, was filed with the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia on July 15. Miguel Cardona is secretary of the U.S. Department of Education. The lawsuit was filed by Sacramento, California-based Pacific Legal Foundation (PLF), a national public interest law firm. One plaintiff is Steve Hanke, a professor of applied economics at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland. The other plaintiff is John Yoo, the Emanuel S. Heller Professor of Law at the University of California, Berkeley. In December 2020, then-President Donald Trump signed both of their commissions for the National Board for Education Sciences (NBES)an independent board that advises officials within the department on research and funding priorities. The board also performs an oversight function, advising the director of the Institute for Education Sciencesan independent, nonpartisan arm of the department that evaluates and provides funding for education research. The Education Sciences Reform Act requires that the board meet at least three times a year and produce an oversight report to both Congress and the secretary of education. The report is due annually on July 1yet the department, now under the control of the Biden administration, refuses to call a meeting. The department also refuses to deliver the appointees signed commissions, which are proof of their valid appointments. The plaintiffs argue that even though the commissions were not delivered to the presidential appointees, those appointees have what lawyers call a vested legal right to the delivery of their commissions even after the election of a new president. This principle was included in the Supreme Courts ruling in Marbury v. Madison (1803), which established the principle of judicial review, which is the power of federal courts to declare legislative and executive acts unconstitutional. In that case, President John Adams named William Marbury of Maryland as one of 42 justices of the peace on March 2, 1801. The U.S. Senate confirmed the nominations of the midnight judges, as critics called them, on the following day, which was Adamss last full day in office. Marburys commission as a justice of the peace for the District of Columbia failed to be delivered before Adams left office and when Thomas Jefferson became president March 4, he ordered that the commission not be delivered. Marbury sued Jeffersons secretary of state, James Madison, to compel the delivery of the commission. The Supreme Court held that even though Madisons refusal to deliver the commission was unlawful, he could not be ordered to provide it to Marbury because the provision of the Judiciary Act of 1789 that allowed Marbury to put the legal dispute before the high court was itself unconstitutional given that it purported to extend the courts original jurisdiction beyond what the Constitution allowed. After Trump signed the commissions for Hanke and Yoo, the White House Office of Presidential Personnel directed the department to begin onboarding the new appointees, and the men had to complete some additional paperwork, PLF attorney Jessica Thompson told The Epoch Times in an interview. The two men were in communication with the Department of Education about the paperwork when the Trump administration was in power and after the Biden administration took office, she said. However, once they started asking the Biden-controlled agency for their commissions to be delivered or even offering to pick them up, responses from the Department of Education stopped flowing [and] they started to be ignored. Hanke and Yoo have been deprived of their opportunity to fulfill their statutorily required duties to meet and perform their oversight investigations and produce that oversight report, she said. Thompson declined to speculate on what the Biden administrations motives may be for slow-walking her clients appointments, but said the administration must be held to account for failing to act. I would say that the president can remove appointees who have yet to complete their term, but in doing so must be held politically accountable for that decision, she said. The president cannot evade that political accountability by having unelected bureaucrats prevent appointees from doing their job, especially when those jobs are to oversee the unelected bureaucrats work. Even though in the end Marbury failed to receive his commission, the 1803 precedent is still relevant to the new lawsuit, Thompson said. Although the Judiciary Act of 1789 was struck down as unconstitutional, since then other acts have been passed, including the Administrative Procedure Act, under which her clients have a valid claim, she added. So you can bring claims when agencies fail to act under a lawful duty to compel them to do those actions, Thompson told The Epoch Times. And so the holding that we are affirming from Marbury v. Madison is that the first step there that Chief Justice John Marshall took was to say, Marbury, you do, in fact, have a legal right to your commission. And so, once the president signs the commission, it properly belongs to that appointee. The Epoch Times reached out to the Department of Education for comments but did not immediately receive a reply. UK Bill Banning Complicity in Forced Organ Harvesting Passes 2nd Reading A bill preventing UK citizens from receiving an organ transplant abroad without proper consent from the donor has passed its second reading on Friday. The bill also seeks to ban the display of imported bodies that do not meet the same consent requirement as those sourced in the UK. The Organ Tourism and Cadavers on Display Bill, introduced by Lord Philip Hunt of Kings Heath, aims to stop UK citizens from being complicit in the alleged forced organ harvesting in China on Falun Gong adherents, the Uyghurs, and others. Organ donation is a precious act of saving a life, but forced organ harvesting is commercialised murder and, without doubt, among the worst of crimes, Hunt told the House of Lords. According to NHS statistics, between 2010 and July 2020, 29 British patients were found to have received organ transplants in China. Hunts bill would ban a UK citizen from going abroad and receiving any controlled material for the purpose of organ transplantation when the organ donor or the donors next of kin had not provided free, informed, and specific consent, and when a living donor or third party receives a financial gain or comparable advantage, or, if from a deceased donor, a third party receives financial gain or comparable advantage. It also prohibits commercial dealings in human material for transplantation taking place outside of the UK if the person had a close connection to the UK. The bill would provide for regulations for patient-identifiable records and an annual report on instances of UK citizens receiving transplant procedures outside the UK. Imported bodies on display will also have to meet the same consent requirements as those sourced from the UK. Baroness Ilora Finlay, in support of the bill, says that the Real Bodies exhibition reminded her of Burke and Hare, two 19th century Scottish serial killers who murdered 16 people and sold their bodies to an anatomist for dissection at his anatomy lectures. The plastinated bodies exhibition had commercial gain, no evidence of consent to these peoples bodies being used and no evidence they died naturally, Finlay, whos also a medical doctor, said. Indeed, emails reveal some were supplied for plastination in China after key organs had been removed, suggesting their bodies are the remains from a despicable trade in genocide, organ harvesting, and commercial transplantation in China. An independent peoples tribunal, chaired by revered British judge Sir Geoffrey Nice QC, unanimously concluded in 2019 that prisoners of conscience had beenand continued to bekilled in China for their organs on a significant scale. It further concluded that adherents of the spiritual practice Falun Gong have been one of the main sources of organ supply. A group of UN-affiliated human rights experts last month said they were extremely alarmed by reports of alleged organ harvesting targeting minorities, including Falun Gong practitioners, Uyghurs, Tibetans, Muslims, and Christians, in detention in China. Cathy He and Tom Ozimek contributed to this report. Ghislaine Maxwell is seen in New York City on Sept. 20, 2013. (Laura Cavanaugh/Getty Images) Unsealed Documents Shed New Light on Maxwells Relationship With Epstein Longtime Jeffrey Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell procured girls who performed massages on the convicted sex offender and worked in his home, according to newly unsealed documents. Maxwell was involved in seeking girls to perform massages and work at Epsteins home, Joseph Recarey, a detective in Palm Beach, where Epstein owned a house, said in a 2016 deposition that was made public this week. Approximately 30 girls were either sought to give or ended up giving massages at the house, he added. Only two of them had any experience giving massages before being hired. In another deposition, John Alessi, Epsteins house manager, said most of the women who gave massages came from Palm Beach County. He estimated that over the 10-year period of time Maxwell was at the house, over 100 different women he was told were massage therapists came to the home. Alessi would clean up after the massages, which both Epstein and Maxwell enjoyed. He described finding sex toys after the massages on several occasions and putting them in Maxwells closet after he cleaned them. Because I knew thats where they were kept, he said. Because I know where everything was in that house. Every single room, every single thing, it was a place, it was placed by me, by the cleaning lady or my wife. The hundreds of documents, primarily court filings and depositions, were unsealed in Giuffre v. Maxwell, a federal case brought by Virginia Roberts, also known as Virginia Giuffre. Roberts alleges Maxwell and Epstein repeatedly abused her sexually and trafficked her to various men, including Prince Andrew. U.S. District Judge Loretta Preska, a George H. W. Bush nominee, earlier this month ordered the documents unsealed. Making the documents public would not harm Maxwells right to a fair trial in the pending criminal case against her, the judge said, news outlets reported. Another judge, U.S. District Judge Alison Nathan, who will oversee the trial when it starts in November, ruled recently that two 2016 depositions of Maxwell in the Giuffre case could be used at the trial. Maxwell, 59, is facing charges including sex trafficking. She is accused of procuring underage girls for Epstein to abuse between 1994 and 2004. Epstein, at the age of 66, was found dead in a New York federal jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. His death was ruled a suicide by hanging. Maxwell said in one of the newly unsealed depositions that she was in the Palm Beach less than half the time and barely would remember Giuffre before the civil case was brought. She said Epstein would on average receive a massage once a day and did not see him get four or five massages on any day. Jeffrey Epstein is seen on March 28, 2017. (New York State Sex Offender Registry via AP) Multiple women have said they were sexually abused by Epstein, who would allegedly rape them while or after they gave him a massage. Some recalled being paid cash after each encounter. Epstein pleaded guilty to one count of solicitating a minor for prostitution in 2008 in exchange for other charges being dropped. A Department of Justice investigation found federal prosecutors who oversaw the plea deal exercised poor judgment but did not commit professional misconduct. A Florida Department of Law Enforcement investigation found officials in the state treated Epstein differently than the average inmate but did not break any laws. Maxwell said she started working for Epstein in 1992, initially consulting. What I did was I helped with decorating houses and in hiring staff to help run those houses, she said. Epstein owned properties in Florida, New York, New Mexico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The nature of my work relationship with him changed over time so from around 2002, 2003, the work lessened considerably, she said, without elaborating. But she continued to help him in a very nominal way until 2008 or 2009. According to Giuffres lawyers, Maxwell was romantically involved at one point with Epstein and shared a home with him from 1999 to 2002, and other years. Another document released Thursday showed Rinaldo Rizzo, a former chef for hedge fund manager Glenn Dubin, recounted Maxwell and Epstein entering the home of Eva Anderson, an ex-girlfriend of Epsteins, with a 15-year-old girl. Rizzo said he and his wife were in the kitchen preparing dinner when Anderson brought the girl into the room and told her to sit at a barstool. She proceeds to tell my wife and I that, and this is notthis is blurting out, not a conversation like Im having a casual conversation, he said in a deposition. That quickly, I was on an island, I was on the island and there was Ghislane, there was Sarah, she said, They asked me for sex, I said no.' The girl said she did not know how she got to the home and said Maxwell took her passport before threatening her. Syringes with the COVID-19 Pfizer vaccine are pictured ready for use at a mobile clinic in Los Angeles, Calif., on July 9, 2021. (Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images) US Drug Regulators Set January Target to Decide on Approval of Pfizers COVID-19 Vaccine A review of Pfizers request for approval of its COVID-19 vaccine will likely be completed by January 2022, U.S. drug regulators announced Friday. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) agreed to make the request a priority. FDA officials in December 2020 granted emergency use authorization to COVID-19 jabs from Pfizer and Moderna. The only other shot that has since been authorized for use in the United States is one from Johnson & Johnson. All three companies have asked for or intend to ask for full approval, which requires more data and a more thorough review. Dr. Janet Woodcock, the acting commissioner of food and drugs for the FDA, said regulators are targeting January 2022 to be done with the review, but the target does not mean approval will not happen before that time. Quite to the contrary, the review of this BLA has been ongoing, is among the highest priorities of the agency, and the agency intends to complete the review far in advance of that target date, she said in a statement. Pfizer finished submitting the request for approval, formally known as the Biologics License Application (BLA), in May. It includes clinical data from a phase 3 clinical trial that Pfizer and its partner, BioNTech, said showed the jab was 91.3 percent effective against COVID-19 and 100 percent effective against severe disease. COVID-19 is the disease caused by the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus. A 13-year-old watches a nurse injects him with a Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine in Freeport, N.Y., on May 14, 2021. (Mary Altaffer/AP Photo) Pfizer is the most commonly used COVID-19 shot in the nation. Nearly 187 million doses have been administered as of Friday, versus 136 million Moderna doses and just 12.9 million Johnson & Johnson doses. Pfizers jab is the only one authorized for use in children between the ages of 12 and 17. Moderna last month asked the FDA for authorization for that age group, after a trial showed it was 100 percent effective in the population. Moderna in June also requested full approval for the jab. Nearly half of the total U.S. population is fully vaccinated against the CCP virus, but U.S. officials have continued aggressively pushing the vaccines, alleging theyre the only way to guarantee protection against the disease. Dr. Rochelle Walensky, the head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), told reporters in a virtual briefing earlier Thursday that data show this is becoming a pandemic of the unvaccinated. We are seeing outbreaks of cases in parts of the country that have low vaccination coverage because unvaccinated people are at risk. And communities that are fully vaccinated are generally faring well, she said. The CDC has not responded to a request for data backing up the narrative, which Walensky has promoted in multiple recent appearances. Critics note that people who contract COVID-19 and recover enjoy lasting immunity, a fact downplayed by the FDA and the CDC. The development on Pfizers request came about a week after the company announced it would ask the FDA to authorize a booster dose of its vaccine, alleging that people face a risk of reinfection six months after receiving the original two-dose regimen. However, both the FDA and the health centers said such a booster is not needed at this time. After a meeting this week involving U.S. officials and Pfizer employees, Surgeon General Vivek Murthy said its very possible a booster will be needed, even as a health official said boosters could increase the risk of serious side effects. A Hong Kong flag is flown behind a pair of surveillance cameras outside the Central Government Offices in Hong Kong on July 20, 2020. (Tyrone Siu/Reuters) US Issues Advisory to Businesses Warning of Hong Kong Risks WASHINGTONThe Biden administration on Friday issued an advisory to warn U.S. businesses about risks to their operations and activities in Hong Kong after Chinas imposition of a new national security law there last year. The advisory from the Departments of State, Treasury Commerce, and Homeland Security warns businesses in Hong Kong that they are subject to the territorys laws, including the national security law, under which foreign nationals, including one U.S. citizen, have been arrested. It says businesses face risks associated with electronic surveillance without warrants and the surrender of corporate and customer data to authorities. It adds that individuals and businesses should be aware of potential consequences of engaging with sanctioned individuals or entities and warns that they could face Chinese retaliation for complying with U.S. and other international sanctions. The advisory comes just over a year after former President Donald Trump ordered an end to Hong Kongs special status under U.S. law to punish China for what he called oppressive actions against the former British colony. The advisory says businesses should consider the potential reputational, economic, and legal risks of maintaining a presence or staff in Hong Kong, and should carry out due diligence. Developments over the last year in Hong Kong present clear operational, financial, legal, and reputational risks for multinational firms, a senior Biden administration official said. The policies which the PRC government and the Government of Hong Kong have implemented undermine the legal and regulatory environment that is critical for individuals and businesses to operate freely and with legal certainty in Hong Kong, the official said, using the acronym for the Peoples Republic of China. The warning came days after Washington strengthened its warnings to businesses about the growing risks of having supply chain and investment links to Chinas Xinjiang region, citing forced labor and human rights abuses there. Last week, the administration added 14 Chinese companies and other entities to its economic blacklist over alleged human rights abuses and high-tech surveillance in Xinjiang. On Thursday, sources told Reuters Washington was preparing to impose sanctions on Friday on seven Chinese officials in its latest effort to hold the Chinese government accountable for what Washington calls an erosion of rule of law in the former British colony that returned to Chinese control in 1997. U.S. Sens. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), and Chris Coons (D-Del.) wave next to Taiwan Foreign Minister Joseph Wu, and Brent Christensen, director of the American Institute in Taiwan, after their arrival via a U.S. Air Force freighter at Taipei Songshan Airport in Taipei, Taiwan, on June 6, 2021. (Central News Agency/Pool via Reuters) US Military Aircraft Makes Lightning Visit to Taiwan A U.S. military airplane arrived at Taipei Songshan Airport and departed after a brief stopover, according to a Taiwan legislator. The visit sparked stern criticism from Beijing. On the morning of July 15, a U.S. military aircraft C-146A landed at Taipei Songshan Airport and stayed for about 10 minutes before its takeoff, according to Wang Ting-yu, an MP of the Republic of China (ROC) and a member of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). Wang posted a 66-second video regarding the event on his personal Facebook account. In a response to the event, Wu Qian, the spokesman for the Ministry of National Defense of the Peoples Republic of China (PRC) stated that the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army maintains a high degree of alert and will take all necessary measures, according to an official website. Wu warned that Taiwan is a sacred and inseparable part of Chinas territory. Any foreign aircraft landing in our territory must be permitted by the government of the Peoples Republic of China, and any foreign aircraft trespassing in our airspace will lead to serious consequences. Beijing sees Taiwan as a part of its territory and has threatened war to bring the island into its fold. The self-ruled island is a de facto independent country with its own democratically elected government, military, constitution, diplomacy, and currency. So far, the ROCs Ministry of National Defense, Ministry of Foreign Affairs. and the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) have made no comment on this event. This is the second response Chinas Ministry of Defense has made to U.S. military aircraft visits to Taiwan. The previous one was in early June when U.S. Senators Ladda Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Daniel Scott Sullivan (R-Alaska), and Christopher Andrew Coons (D-Del.) visited Taiwan aboard a U.S. C-17 transport aircraft. Legislator Wang Ting-yu believed that there would be many possible interpretations of this surprise visit of the U.S. military aircraft, including refueling, mechanic check, personnel, or equipment handover. He argued that the visit underscored the interactions between Taiwan and the United States and that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) should not make thoughtless remarks or draw any illusory red lines. Wang asserted that it is up to Taiwan to decide who to welcome or not to welcome on its soil. The CCPs arrogant comments have proved nothing but its rudeness and bullying, the MP added. US Military Jet Stops in Taiwan, China Angry The United States is strengthening sanctions on China over its genocide against ethnic minorities. A new bill from the Senate bans imports from Chinas Xinjiang region. An American military aircraft stopped briefly in Taiwan. The move angers Beijing, while a Taiwanese lawmaker fights back. President Joe Bidens new Navy secretary nominee says, if confirmed, hell exclusively focus on the China threat and defend Taiwan as much as humanly possible. China is becoming an evil empire and the United States may be enabling it, according to former Vice President Mike Pence. China sells 550 million vaccine doses to the WHOs global vaccine program. But a U.S. agency is criticizing Beijing for not donating them instead. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more first-hand news from China. For more news and videos, please visit our website and Twitter. Police officers stop and search residents at Mong Kok district on the 32nd anniversary of suppression on pro-democracy demonstrators at Beijing's Tiananmen Square in 1989, in Hong Kong, on June 4, 2021. (Pak Yiu/Reuters) US Sanctions Chinese Officials Over Suppression of Hong Kong Democracy The United States imposed sanctions on July 16 on seven Chinese officials over Beijings suppression of democracy in Hong Kong, Washingtons latest effort to hold China accountable for what it calls an erosion of rule of law in the former British colony. The sanctions, posted by the U.S. Treasury Department, target individuals from Chinas Hong Kong liaison office, used by Beijing to orchestrate its policies in the Chinese territory. The seven people added to Treasurys specially designated nationals list were Chen Dong, He Jing, Lu Xinning, Qiu Hong, Tan Tienui, Yang Jianping, and Yin Zonghua, all deputy directors at the liaison office according to online bios. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that Chinese officials over the past year had systematically undermined Hong Kongs democratic institutions, delayed elections, disqualified elected lawmakers from office, and arrested thousands for disagreeing with government policies. In the face of Beijings decisions over the past year that have stifled the democratic aspirations of people in Hong Kong, we are taking action. Today we send a clear message that the United States resolutely stands with Hong Kongers, Blinken said in a statement. The Treasury Department referred to a separate updated business advisory issued jointly with the departments of State, Commerce, and Homeland Security that highlighted U.S. government concerns about the impact on international companies of Hong Kongs national security law. Critics say Beijing implemented that law last year to facilitate a clampdown on pro-democracy activists and a free press. The advisory said companies face risks associated with electronic surveillance without warrants and the surrender of corporate and customer data to authorities, adding that individuals and businesses should be aware of the potential consequences of engaging with sanctioned individuals or entities. The actions were announced just over a year after former President Donald Trump ordered an end to Hong Kongs special status under U.S. law to punish China for what he called oppressive actions against the territory. The United States has already imposed sanctions on other senior officials, including Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam and senior police officers, for their roles in curtailing political freedoms in the territory. Broken Commitment U.S. President Joe Biden said at a news conference on Thursday that the Chinese regime had broken its commitment on how it would deal with Hong Kong since it returned to Chinese control in 1997. The Chinese communist regime had promised universal suffrage as an ultimate goal for Hong Kong in its mini-constitution, the Basic Law, which also states the city has wide-ranging autonomy from Beijing. Since China imposed the national security law to criminalize what it considers subversion, secessionism, terrorism or collusion with foreign forces, most pro-democracy activists and politicians have found themselves ensnared by it or arrested for other reasons. Apple Daily, Hong Kongs most vocal pro-democracy newspaper, was forced to end a 26-year run in June amid the clampdown that froze the companys funds. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said at a regular news conference in Beijing before the actions were formally announced that the United States should stop interfering in Hong Kong, and that China would make a resolute, strong response. A source told Reuters on Thursday that the White House was also reviewing a possible executive order to facilitate immigration from Hong Kong, but that it was still not certain to be implemented. U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman is preparing a visit to Japan, South Korea and Mongolia next week. The State Departments announcement of her trip made no mention of any stop in China, which had been anticipated in foreign policy circles and reported in some media. A senior State Department official told reporters on Friday that Washington was still in talks with Beijing over whether Sherman would visit China. The U.S. government on Tuesday also strengthened warnings to businesses about the growing risks of having supply chain and investment links to Chinas Xinjiang region, citing forced labor and human rights abuses there, which Beijing has denied. By Michael Martina and David Brunnstrom A worker handles boxes of Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines, part of the the Covax programme, which aims to ensure equitable access to COVID-19 vaccinations, after they were flown into the Ivato International Airport in Antananarivo, Madagascar on May 8, 2021. (Mamyrael/AFP via Getty Images) US Senator: China Earns Money From US Taxpayers Using Global COVID Vaccination Program A U.S. senate budget hearing revealed that the Chinese regime has refused to contribute to, but receives money from, the global COVID-19 vaccination program, known as COVAX, which is financially supported by the United States. China started this [pandemic], refused to participate in COVAX, wont contribute money, wont contribute vaccines, but then COVAX turned it around and is paying them for their vaccines. This is odd, strange to say the least, Sen. Jim Risch (R-Idaho), ranking member of Foreign Relations Committee, said at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Fiscal Year 2022 Budget Request hearing on July 14. Chinese vaccine, it seems to be low quality as compared to what we are producing, Risch said. The senator asked Samantha Power, USAID administrator, why COVAX buys Chinese COVID-19 vaccines. Power simply responded that the U.S. pharmaceutical factories could not produce enough vaccines to supply the market, and that COVAX had no choice but to buy the China-made vaccines. COVAX is an abbreviation of COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access, a worldwide initiative aimed at equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines. The United States contributions to COVAX through USAID, include purchasing and delivering safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines for the worlds most vulnerable and at-risk populations. A child looks on as a woman receives the China National Biotec Group (CNBG) COVID-19 vaccine in Nantong, in Chinas eastern Jiangsu Province on July 5, 2021. (STR/AFP via Getty Images) Hearing The July 14 hearing is focused on the USAID 2022 budget, part of which will be used to buy vaccines and deliver them to poorer countries. Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), chair of the Foreign Relations Committee, questioned the vaccine supply first. He expressed his concerns about the Chinese regime using vaccines to damage the worlds democracy and human rights. China[-made COVID-19 vaccine] is all over the Western hemisphere, Menendez said. However, the Chinese vaccines havent helped these countries gain immunity from the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, commonly known as novel coronavirus. Menendez then used Venezuela as an example, where 150,000 people fled the country after China-supported dictator Nicolas Maduro ordered the army, using China-made weapons, to suppress protestors asking for democracy and freedom. Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) speaks during a hearing with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo where he testified during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing in Washington on July 25, 2018. (Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times) In fact, many governments in the western hemisphere are eager to use U.S.-made vaccines. [The president of Dominican Republic] is facing in terms of life and death decisions between lets choose the Chinese vaccine or let [him] at least buy American vaccines, Menendez added. He said that the Dominican Republic couldnt find a channel to buy U.S.-made vaccines. Power explained that the reason these countries couldnt get American-made vaccines was because production is limited. India pulled back the doses that COVAX expected would provide second shots and reach health workers, Power said. She then claimed that only Chinese vaccines were available and so COVAX ordered them. Power agreed that purchasing Chinese vaccines is odd, It is appalling that Beijing chose to make profit on those vaccines rather than to contribute financially to COVAX or to donate its state-owned doses to COVAX to reach people in their hour of desperate need. But she insisted on purchasing the two types of China-made vaccines. Samantha Power, the nominee to be Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development, testifies at her confirmation hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC on March 23, 2021. (Greg Nash-Pool/Getty Images) Peoples Voice American people might not agree with Powers explanation and the latest poll shows that two-thirds of Americans believe China should pay pandemic reparations. Sixty-three percent of Americans believe that the Beijing authorities should pay reparations for the destruction caused by COVID-19 pandemic, even if the release was accidental, according to a TIPP Poll conducted for the Center for Security Policy and announced on July 13. The number increases to 78 percent if the ongoing investigations reveal that the Chinese regime released the virus on purpose. The poll showed that 49 percent of the 1,424 participating Americans believed the CCP virus was developed in a lab, and one-fourth of those surveyed were convinced that the Beijing authorities created the virus and released it intentionally. The Politico-Harvard poll, announced on July 9, showed a similar result to the TIPP Poll. The Politico-Harvard poll found that 52 percent of the 1,009 Americans surveyed believed the CCP virus came from a laboratory leak in China. LIVE: Washington Rally to End Persecution of Falun Gong On July 16, adherents of Falun Gong will gather in Washington to rally and march to call for an end to the Chinese communist regimes brutal persecution of the spiritual practice. Numerous representatives from organizations advocating for human rights or religious freedom will speak at the event to lend their support. NTD will provide live coverage of the events, beginning at 11 a.m. Falun Gong, also known as Falun Dafa, is a traditional self-improvement discipline that includes meditation exercises and is based on the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance. Introduced in China in 1992, the practice quickly gained widespread appeal for its moral teachings and health benefits, spreading to over 80 countries around the world. Fearing that its popularity would jeopardize the Chinese regimes authoritarian rule, in July 1999, then-regime leader Jiang Zemin launched a nationwide persecution campaign. For 22 years, millions of practitioners have suffered from illegal abductions, imprisonment, torture, and even became victims of horrific forced organ harvesting. As a result, countless practitioners were forced to leave their homes, jobs, or schools. The rally and march in Washington this year aims to bring to light the senseless suppression of human rights under the Chinese communist regime. You can watch the live coverage online on this page. Iran's outgoing President Hassan Rouhani (L) and Iran's President-elect Ebrahim Raisi (R) speak to the media after their meeting in Tehran, Iran on June 19, 2021. (Official Presidential website/Handout via Reuters) What Factors Do the Iran Nuclear Talks Hinge On? Commentary Nowadays, an online search for Iran shows lots of negative news and analysis regarding the Islamic regimes nuclear ambitions, regional mischief, missile program, and, more recently, its president-elect Ebrahim Raisi, notoriously known as the butcher of political prisoners in 1988. There are many unanswered questions, including how the Biden administration wishes to deal with such a sophisticated and problematic regime. What is President Joe Bidens road map to resolving this old, intricate crisis? What impacts do Irans domestic situations have on its relationship with the West? And is the United States willing to promote democracy in Iran? I believe theres an agreement on key points following the latest nuclear talks, but both sides are engaged in tactical maneuvering in order to secure more advantages. I recall the final weeks leading up to the signing of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). This status is reflected in the Iranian Foreign Ministrys latest report to the parliament, that hopes talks on reviving the nuclear deal will be completed at the beginning of the new government. In a letter attached to the report, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif stresses that in the current negotiations conducted by his team, both sides have reached a framework of an agreement. According to Zarif, in addition to lifting an important part of the oil and banking sanctions, more than a thousand individuals and legal entities, as well as institutions under the office of the Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, will be removed from the U.S. sanctions list. The report says that the United States is prepared to delist the Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) as a terrorist organization. The United States seeks to expand the deal to cover Irans destructive regional policy and missile program. In contrast, the theocracy continues its nuclear extortion policy to have more bargaining chips. The result of Irans sham presidential election has complicated the situation, pushing Irans lobbyists in the United States to adopt their arguments. The National Iranian American Council (NIAC), an Iranian lobby group in Washington, used to argue that abandoning the JCPOA would result in the isolation of so-called moderates within the regime. They argued that the United States cant make the deal with hard-liners, while the council recently published a statement urging Biden to remain in nuclear talks. For a domestically and internationally loathed man like Raisi, he is desperate to achieve something through the nuclear talks in the first months of taking office. Thus, the Supreme Leader delays the signing of the deal to gift the new president. Raisi aims to present the agreement as his achievement, wishing to improve the collapsed economy to some extent in the short term, especially when the deal has a tremendous psychological impact on the economy. Aiming to secure political interests, the Biden administration is willing to disregard Raisis human rights record and pave the way for signing the deal. Some European governments tested the water, with Switzerland and Austria having congratulated Raisi. Its worth noting that the U.S. government has been represented in Iran by Switzerland. Indeed, the U.S. foreign policy doctrine is going to be formed based on the China threat. Therefore, the current U.S. strategy (especially now that its leaving Afghanistan) is based on keeping Iran far from Chinese influence. However, the Biden administration naively seeks this goal, ignoring the fact that Iran has already signed a strategic deal with China that is waiting to be implemented after the United States removes sanctions. There are two principles in American foreign policy doctrine: first, security necessities and second, promotion of democracy. The United States is now putting geostrategic (in the mid-term) considerations ahead of everything else, seeking a non-nuclear Iran and at the same time a policy of appeasement, freeing the IRGCs hands in Afghanistan. If the United States signs the deal without ending uranium enrichment and including Irans regional policy as well as missile program, the deal will be much more flawed than the JCPOA. This is because Tehran has developed its nuclear capacity and is very close to nuclear breakout, enriching uranium up to 60 percent. On the other hand, if the Islamic regimes missile program and regional mischief are included, the theocracy will lose all its ideological, political, and practical leverage over its forces and proxies inside and outside of Iran. Amid the above complications, the theocracys domestic war with its people is getting deeper, pushing Khamenei to shrink his loyalists. The process started from the parliamentary elections in March 2020, and the goal is to preserve the system by shrinking those who benefit from the regime. This act was seen when the founder of the regime, Khomeini, died, but a decade later, the international situation coerced Khamenei into allowing reformists to win the presidential election in 1997. Remember, after the terrorist attack in the Al Khobar building in Saudi Arabia in 1996, there were lots of discussions in the United States about holding the Iranian regime to account. Khamenei is over 82 years old, reportedly with a history of cancer, which challenges his health. The system is trying to do what it did after its founders death. All developments indicate that belts are being tightened to ensure the regimes internal security for Khameneis successor. He has formed a team to pave the way and end splits between the regimes factions by completely kicking out so-called moderates and reformists. The new President Raisi, the new head of the judiciary, the parliament speaker, and a likely massive purge within the IRGC are together in harmony until Khameneis death. However, no one can hide the competition among these thirsty loyalists. Khamenei seeks a security guarantee from the United States. Whether the Biden administration can give such a guarantee depends on the Islamic regimes lobbyists in the White House. Irans lobby groups like the Quincy Institute and NIAC advocate that the United States should disregard its democratic principles and give the guarantee to the regime. No one knows whether the Biden administration recognizes the historical lesson that such a policy of appeasement has emboldened the regime in the past three decades. The nuclear talks are affected by another crucial factor. The Iranian people have been crying out for democracy and basic freedom over the last 40 years. This is a two-sided problem. First, the U.S. approach toward the Iranians struggle for democracy. Biden should know that making a deal with Raisi means turning his back on American values of spreading democracy. Signing such a deal with a butcher cant protect U.S. national interests, as the people of Iran and an Arab-Israeli alliance will likely challenge the possible agreement. Second, many cross-party senators have expressed their objections against Bidens soft approach toward Iran. No one knows what will happen in the November 2022 Senate election or the next presidential election. A Senate controlled by Republicans can block wavering sanctions, or the next president can scrap the new deal. As the theocracy wobbles, the Biden administration should draw a nuclear red line for the regime and simultaneously delay the signing of the deal for some time. This pressures the theocracy inside Iran, giving the United States a useful bargaining chip. Hamid Bahrami is an independent Middle East analyst based in Glasgow, Scotland. He tweets at @HaBahrami Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. (From L) World Health Organization (WHO) spokesman Tarik Jasarevic, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Health Emergencies Programme head Michael Ryan, and WHO Emerging Diseases and Zoonosis head Maria Van Kerkhove attend a press briefing on evolution of new coronavirus epidemic in Geneva, on Jan. 29, 2020. (Fabrice Coffrini / AFP via Getty Images) WHO Correcting Multiple Editing Errors In Joint Report With China Over CCP Virus Origins The World Health Organization (WHO) has said it will correct multiple unintended errors in a joint report with China regarding the origins of the CCP virus, and will look into other possible discrepancies, The Washington Post reports. WHO spokesman Tarik Jasarevic confirmed to The Post that it would be addressing editing errors, found in its report released months ago but noted that the issues did not affect the data analysis process, nor the conclusions. Specifically, the organization said it would be altering the virus sequence IDs for three of the 13 earliest patients listed in a chart in the report and will clarify that the first family cluster was not linked to the Huanan seafood market in Wuhan. A map in the report also appears to show the first known case of the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus being found in an individual who lived on the opposite side of the Yangtze River from where the Wuhan government claimed the person resided when they fell ill on Dec. 8, 2019. When questioned by the Post regarding this, Jasarevic said that the agency cannot comment on what the Wuhan government announced last year. However, he noted that the discrepancy was not important to the overall conclusions of the report because the current first known patient is most probably not the first case. The spokesperson said mistakes in the report were due to editing errors, but they did not affect the data analysis process, nor the conclusions. Jasarevic added that the genome sequences will undergo thorough revision, adding that The numbers might have been updated during the continued process of submission and publishing. It is unclear how the errors were discovered, who made the errors, and whether there are other mistakes in the report but it comes following growing criticism of the report and questions over its accuracy. On Thursday, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told reporters that investigations into the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic in China were being hampered by the lack of raw data on the first days of spread there and urged it to be more transparent. He added that his organization had been too quick to rule out the theory that COVID-19 was leaked from a Chinese government lab, and that there had been a premature push to rule out the theory. I was a lab technician myself, Im an immunologist, and I have worked in the lab, and lab accidents happen, Tedros said. Its common. A WHO-led team spent four weeks in and around the central city of Wuhan with Chinese researchers and said in March that the virus had probably been transmitted from bats to humans through another animal. It said that introduction through a laboratory incident was considered to be an extremely unlikely pathway, and that the virus likely spread to people via an animal. But a number of countries, including the United States, and some scientists questioned the findings, with critics noting that the Chinese communist regime had a significant role in their investigation and accused them of again engaging in a cover-up. We ask China to be transparent and open and to cooperate, the WHO Director-General said, adding We owe it to the millions who suffered and the millions who died to know what happened. China has called the theory that the virus may have escaped from a Wuhan laboratory absurd. With reporting from Reuters. BRIDGEPORT - The roller coaster ride continues for police officers Mario Pecirep and Chealsey Ortiz. Last month they resigned from the Bridgeport Police Department to take jobs as officers on the Norwalk Police Department. But one day after being sworn in as new Norwalk cops, they abruptly quit and Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling announced they had resigned after a groundswell of criticism over their hiring. One is a defendant in an excessive force lawsuit. The other was partnered with a Bridgeport officer on the night that officer shot and killed a 15 year old. Now they are back on the Bridgeport Police Department. The City Charter allows for officers who have separated from the department to have an opportunity to return within six months as long as they are in good standing. Officers Ortiz and Pecirep were reinstated after a unanimous vote from the Civil Service Commission, said Rowena White, the spokesperson for Bridgeport Mayor Joseph Ganim. Sgt. Brad Seely, president of the Bridgeport police union, welcomed the two back to the city. Officers Pecirep and Ortiz are good employees. They deserve a new opportunity after being treated so poorly by the City of Norwalk, he said. Were happy to have them back in Bridgeport. In announcing their resignations last month, Rilling thanked the community for its vigilance. They will not be Norwalk police officers. I thank the community for bringing this situation to our attention on social media, sending emails and making phone calls. We heard you, Rilling said. He then went on to accuse Bridgeport officials of not providing all the details about the two officers. These are serious allegations, and specific details were not available to us before we recommended these hires, Rilling said. Chealsey Ortiz was named, along with Bridgeport Police Sgt. Ronald Jersey and Bridgeport police officers Luis Ortiz and James Boulay, in a federal lawsuit filed by Lisa Moragne, a former board member of Bridgeports Success Village co-op, claiming the officers used excessive force and falsely arrested her during a board meeting almost three years ago. The lawsuit is still pending. Pecirep was partnered with Boulay on May 9, 2017, when Boulay fatally shot 15-year-old Jayson Negron. Boulay, also named in a federal lawsuit filed by Negrons family, recently applied for a job with Hamden police, but the commission opted not to hire him. Boulay was cleared of any wrongdoing and has denied the allegations in a civil lawsuit. CHICAGO (AP) Rising COVID-19 infections in other states have prompted Chicago to restart a travel order after several weeks without travel restrictions, city officials announced Tuesday. The Chicago Department of Public Health said starting Friday unvaccinated travelers from Missouri and Arkansas have to either quarantine for 10 days or have a negative COVID-19 test. LOS ANGELES (AP) Los Angeles County will again require masks be worn indoors in the nation's largest county, even by those vaccinated against the coronavirus, while the University of California system also said Thursday that students, faculty and staff must be inoculated against the disease to return to campuses. The announcements come amid a sharp increase in virus cases, many of them the highly transmissible delta variant that has proliferated since California fully reopened its economy on June 15 and did away with capacity limits and social distancing. The vast majority of new cases are among unvaccinated people. The rapid and sustained increase in cases in Los Angeles County requires restoring an indoor mask mandate, said Dr. Muntu Davis, public health officer for the county's 10 million people. The public health order will go into effect just before midnight Saturday. This is an all-hands-on-deck moment, Davis said during a virtual news conference. He didn't fully detail what would be some exceptions to the mask rule but said, for example, people could still take off their masks while eating and drinking at restaurants. Davis said officials will focus on education rather than enforcement. Handing out citations to people who dont comply is not something we really want to have to do, he said. Los Angeles County has been recording more than 1,000 new cases each day for a week, and there is now substantial community transmission," Davis said. On Thursday, there were 1,537 new cases, and hospitalizations have now topped 400. The next level is high transmission, and thats not a place where we want to be, he said. It comes after a winter where Los Angeles County experienced a massive surge in infections and deaths, with hospitals overloaded with COVID-19 patients and ambulances idling outside, waiting for beds to open. Now, hospitalizations in California are above 1,700, the highest level since April. More than 3,600 cases were reported Thursday, the most since late February, but a far cry from the winter peak that saw an average of more than 40,000 per day. Other counties, including Sacramento and Yolo, are strongly urging people to wear masks indoors but not requiring it. The drastic increase in cases is concerning as is the number of people choosing not to get vaccinated, Sacramento County Public Health Officer Olivia Kasirye said. The Los Angeles County decision came within hours of the University of California's announcement that students, faculty and staff must be vaccinated for the upcoming semester. UC President Michael V. Drake said in a letter to the systems 10 chancellors that unvaccinated students without approved exemptions will be barred from in-person classes, events and campus facilities, including housing. Vaccination is by far the most effective way to prevent severe disease and death after exposure to the virus and to reduce spread of the disease to those who are not able, or not yet eligible, to receive the vaccine, Drake wrote. He said the decision came after consulting UC infectious disease experts and reviewing evidence from studies on the dangers of COVID-19 and emerging variants like the delta strain. In San Francisco, cases are rising among the unvaccinated. Black and Latino people are getting shots at a lower rate than others, and Mayor London Breed urged them to get the vaccine. She said Thursday that every person hospitalized with COVID-19 at San Francisco General Hospital is unvaccinated and most are African American. San Francisco Supervisor Shamann Walton said the highest number of cases are in the Bayview district, a largely Black neighborhood, because we are not doing everything we can to protect each other. This is a cry to my community. ... We need you to get vaccinated. San Francisco has one of the highest overall vaccination rates in the nation's most populated state. At least 83% of residents 12 and older have received at least one dose. Meanwhile, north of San Francisco, at least 59 residents at a homeless shelter have tested positive for the virus. Of those infected at the Santa Rosa shelter, 28 were fully vaccinated, Dr. Sundari Mase, Sonoma Countys health officer, said Wednesday. Officials were reviewing an additional 26 possible positive cases. Of those with confirmed infections at Samuel L. Jones Hall, nine were hospitalized, including six who were fully vaccinated and had multiple, significant underlying health conditions, including diabetes and pulmonary disease, health officials said. Fewer than half of the shelter's 153 residents had received at least a partial vaccination, officials said, and they don't know if the outbreak started with a vaccinated or unvaccinated resident. We know congregate settings are at much higher risk, Mase said. We also know there is a very high proportion of unvaccinated individuals that were in this setting. Most of the 69 vaccinated residents had received the single-shot Johnson & Johnson dose, but Mase said it was hard to determine whether that was a factor in the outbreak. Vaccines decrease the severity of the illness, reduce hospitalizations and decrease the risk of death. Clinical trials showed that a single dose of the J&J vaccine was 72% effective against moderate to severe COVID-19 in the United States, compared with 95% for the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. A Food and Drug Administration analysis cautioned that its not clear how well the vaccines work against each variant. So-called breakthrough cases among the fully vaccinated are unusual. Between Jan. 1 and June 30, California identified 8,699 such cases out of the more than 20 million who have received the vaccine. ___ Associated Press writer Olga R. Rodriguez and Jocelyn Gecker in San Francisco contributed to this report. MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) Kansas State University will require that first-year students to live on campus starting in the fall of 2022. The university said in a news release Friday that the requirement aims to enhance student success. NORWALK A 24-year-old Norwalk man is facing a robbery charge after allegedly luring a person to an apartment building, holding them at gunpoint and stealing their personal items, according to court documents. Howard Dash was arrested last week following a monthslong investigation into a Feb. 14 armed robbery at the Berkeley apartments on West Avenue. Dash is accused of using his then-girlfriends cell phone to draw an unwitting victim to the apartment building in an effort to ambush the man and rob him with the help of another suspect, according to an arrest warrant filed in the case. The victim, the warrant states, told police he received a text message on the morning of the robbery from a woman he had met three years earlier asking him if he wanted to hang out. He told police he stopped at a Bridgeport liquor store to buy champagne and orange juice before heading to what he believed was the womans apartment. But when the man arrived in the buildings parking garage, he was confronted in the stairwell by two men wearing hoodies, the warrant states. One of the men, according to the warrant, pointed a small gun with a silver barrel directly at the victim. The victim stated that the large, husky male was searching him, while the short, skinny male stayed on the stairs with the gun pointed at him, Detective Scott Ribisi wrote in the arrest warrant affidavit. The men then allegedly stole the victims wallet, car keys, iPhone, Apple Watch and his sneakers. They also took the champagne and orange juice before ransacking the mans vehicle. Video surveillance, according to the warrant, captured the two men leaving the parking garage in white Nissan at 12:38 p.m., minutes after the robbery occurred. Investigators determined that the Nissan was owned by the stepfather of Dashs girlfriend the same woman the victim believed he was texting with on the morning of the robbery, according to the warrant. Police later learned, according to the warrant, that Dash had taken the womans cellphone and the Nissan hours before the robbery took place. The woman was not in Norwalk when the crime occurred, police said. In March, Dash agreed to a police interview. Dash appeared nervous, and was extremely evasive with his answers, Ribisi wrote in the affidavit. Dash refused to answer the majority of the questions asked to him, and was uncooperative from the beginning of the interview to the end. The warrant states that Dashs DNA was not found in the victims car and that the victim failed to identify Dash in a photo lineup. Family members of Dash disputed the charges on Friday but declined to discuss the case. It is unclear if police have identified the other man allegedly involved in the robbery. Outside of Dash, no other arrests have been made in the case. Norwalk police officials have declined to discuss the details of the incident. Sgt. Sofia Gulino, a spokesperson for the department, said last week that the investigation is ongoing and other charges may be filed in connection with the robbery. Dash was charged with first-degree robbery and conspiracy. After his July 8 arrest, he was held on $750,000 bond. Dash has not yet entered a plea in the case, according to court records. richard.chumney@hearstmediact.com MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) A Tennessee death row inmate made a rare public appearance Friday during a court hearing about claims that he is intellectually disabled and should not be executed for the slayings of a mother and daughter more than 30 years ago. Wearing a checkered blue sports jacket, white shirt and paisley tie, Pervis Payne listened as lawyers argued in a Memphis courtroom over a request by prosecutors to obtain prison records as part of Payne's planned mental evaluation by a state expert. Payne, 54, was brought to Memphis from Nashville, where has been held in a high-security prison since his conviction and death sentence for the 1987 stabbing deaths of Charisse Christopher and her 2-year-old daughter, Lacie Jo. Christophers son, Nicholas, who was 3 at the time, also was stabbed but survived. The stabbings took place in Millington, located north of Memphis. The last time Payne was seen outside prison was in 2007, when he attended a court hearing in Memphis. Paynes case has drawn national attention from anti-death penalty activists and includes the involvement of the Innocence Project, which argues for the use of DNA testing in cases claiming wrongful conviction. Last year, Judge Paula Skahan ordered DNA testing on evidence in the case, including the knife used in the killings. But the DNA testing results failed to exonerate Payne. Payne, who is Black, has always maintained his innocence. He told police he was at Christophers apartment building to meet his girlfriend when he heard the victims, who were white, and tried to help them. He said he panicked when he saw a white policeman and ran away. Prosecutors argue the evidence is overwhelming against Payne, and they are fighting a May petition filed by Payne's lawyers asking a judge to declare that he cannot be executed because he is mentally disabled. The move came after Republican Gov. Bill Lee in May signed a bill making retroactive Tennessees law that prohibits the execution of the intellectually disabled. Executions of the mentally disabled were ruled unconstitutional in 2002, when the U.S. Supreme Court found they violate the Eighth Amendments ban on cruel and unusual punishment. But until the new state law was passed, Tennessee had no mechanism for an inmate to reopen his case in order to press a claim of intellectual disability. Payne had been scheduled to die last December, but the execution was delayed after Lee granted him a rare, temporary reprieve because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The reprieve expired in April, but the state Supreme Court has not set a new execution date yet. Paynes petition includes reports from two experts who concluded he is intellectually disabled. Judge Skahan has ordered a mental evaluation from a state expert and she has scheduled a Dec. 13 hearing to hear lawyers' arguments and information from experts. Payne's lawyer, Kelley Henry, is fighting the state's request to use certain prison records and interview staff members at the prison. Henry and prosecutor Steve Jones agreed Friday to set aside that issue and discuss which records should be requested. Several of Payne's relatives attended the hearing. Payne's sister, Rolanda Holman, said she picked out new clothes for her brother, whom she last visited earlier this year at the prison. Holman said she was happy to just make some eye contact with her brother and see him in regular clothing, looking dapper. Having seen him outside of those prison whites, it brought me to tears, Holman said. On this weeks episode of Segue, Southern Illinois University Edwardsvilles weekly radio program exploring the lives and work of the people on campus and beyond, Chancellor Randy Pembrook interviews Lakesha Butler, PharmD, BCPS, clinical professor of pharmacy practice and director of diversity, equity and inclusion at the School of Pharmacy (SOP). This episode of Segue airs at 9 a.m. on Sunday, July 18. Listeners can tune into WSIE 88.7 FM The Sound or siue.edu/wsie. Prior to joining the SOP in 2006, Butler earned a doctorate in pharmacy from Mercer University in Atlanta and completed a pharmacy practice residency at the University of Illinois in Chicago. She teaches patients about the importance of health and vaccines, provides care to uninsured and underinsured patients, and works with students and colleagues to develop cultural competency and awareness of health disparities, while championing anti-racism. Along with serving in leadership positions at SIUE, Butler has served as president of the National Pharmaceutical Association, and is the sole pharmacist task force member on the National Medical Associations COVID-19 Commission on Vaccines and Therapeutics. Im impressed that you were named as the sole pharmacist of the National Medical Associations COVID-19 Commission on Vaccines and Therapeutics, begins Pembrook. Can you share how you became involved? We wanted to provide expertise from a pharmacy lens as it relates to vaccines, explains Butler. During my tenure with the National Pharmaceutical Association, I was intentional with building bridges with several organizations, such as the National Medical Association. There is much more we can accomplish when we work together, and we figured this would be a natural collaboration. During this time, Butler reached out to the National Medical Association and advocated for a pharmacist to be included on the task force that was initially comprised of all physicians. The goal of this task force was to first allow minority healthcare providers to feel confident in the vaccine, says Butler. Were the ones that patients in the community come to seek knowledge about vaccination. We gained first-hand knowledge by speaking with vaccine manufacturers to better understand how vaccination may affect some of our minoritized communities. Now that we understand, we are getting the message out. The vaccine is critical to prevent death and hospitalizations in our communities. We are individuals trained in assessing clinical trial data, and now were educating communities in a variety of ways. Many people were concerned about the speed in which the vaccine was created, notes Pembrook. Was the development of the vaccine part of the groups conversation? Absolutely, the quick speed of development put a bad taste in many peoples mouths, answers Butler. However, the vaccines modalities have been researched over many years. We previously had the data, vaccine candidates finished through phase three, and we were then able to determine that the efficacy and safety outweigh the risks associated with deaths and hospitalizations. Butler encourages the community to look to healthcare professionals and remain informed regarding the vaccine. Its also important to hear it from individuals you share some commonalities with, adds Butler. Theres a lack of trust, especially in minority communities, that is certainly warranted because of the history of our country. Its important to meet individuals where they are and give them the facts to make an informed decision. As the SOP diversity officer, what are some initiatives youre working on to improve Black and minority pharmacy students at SIUE and across the country? inquires Pembrook. There is much work to be done, responds Butler. We still see disparities as it relates to minority students within pharmacy and healthcare. We must use a multi-layered approach and increase the exposure to these fields at a young age. Part of this initiative includes hosting a summer camp for high school students that exposes them to the healthcare fields SIUE has to offer, such as pharmacy, dental medicine and nursing. We also incorporated implicit bias training for all of our admissions interviewers, says Butler. We know that everyone has bias, and that bias can manifest in interviews. We are trying to mitigate that by requiring education and training around implicit bias. Dr. Butler, thank you for representing pharmacy and SIUE at the national level in an incredibly important conversation, says Pembrook. We are lucky to have you as an educator, leader and advocate for our students and colleagues. Tune in at 9 a.m. on Sunday, July 18 to WSIE 88.7 The Sound to hear the entire conversation. Justin L. Fowler/AP SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Thursday signed the nation's first law prohibiting police from lying to juveniles during criminal interrogations. The measure, which is intended to reduce false confessions by young people, was one of four pieces of legislation the Democrat signed, he said, to change the laws that have failed the people they serve. As part of a new set of four bills signed on Thursday, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed Senate Bill 2122, which prohibits the use of deceptive tactics by all law enforcement when interrogating a minor. Illinois is the first state in the nation to ban the practice. The law, which takes effect Jan. 1, 2022, bars police from knowingly providing false information about evidence or making unauthorized statements about leniency while questioning those at or under the age of 17. Any confession resulting from those circumstances will be inadmissible in court unless it can be proved by prosecutors by a dominant amount of the evidence that the confession came voluntarily. "An essential tenet of good governance is recognizing the need to change the laws that have failed the people they serve. My administration has infused that value into everything we do," Pritzker said. "The four bills I'm signing today advance the rights of some of our most vulnerable in our justice system and put Illinois at the forefront of the work to bring about true reform. Together, these initiatives move us closer to a holistic criminal justice system, one that builds confidence and trust in a system that has done harm to too many people for far too long." The package of bills signed into law Thursday also included: Senate Bill 64, which encourages the use of restorative justice practices by providing that participation in such practices and anything said or done during the practice is privileged and may not be used in any future proceeding unless the privilege is waived by the informed consent of the party or parties covered by the privilege, which takes effect immediately; Senate Bill 2129, which allows the State's Attorney of a county in which a defendant was sentenced to petition for resentencing if the original sentence no longer advances the interests of justice, which takes effect Jan. 1 2022 and House Bill 3587, which creates the Resentencing Task Force Act to study ways to reduce Illinois's prison population via resentencing motions, which also takes effect immediately. Illinois becomes the first state in the U.S. to bar law enforcement from using deceptive tactics when interrogating youth. National law enforcement organizations and training agencies have advocated against these deceptive tactics, arguing that deceptive interrogation techniques increase the likelihood of a false confession from a minor, per the Chicago Tribune. Tom Piper, the public defender for Morgan County, said he had not experienced an instance of the police lying to a minor, but believed that the bill could be an effective preventative measure. "I think that it's always a good idea that the police should have to represent the truth of a case when dealing with anyone," Piper said. "There are tactics when dealing with an adult that involving lying, like when they're told that their associate has already confessed, thats wrong. We should be fair and we should not lie to them to get them to admit to something they otherwise wouldnt admit to." "As Illinois continues to address police reform, mass incarceration, and crime reduction, it is extremely important that we develop a comprehensive system to consider the re-sentencing of individuals (HB 3587), and to ensure that the innocent are not wrongfully convicted (SB 2122)," said Rep. Justin Slaughter, D-Chicago, who sponsored both SB 2122 and HB 3587. Earlier this year, Pritzker signed the SAFE-T Act, a proposal from the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus that will abolish cash bail beginning in 2023 and require widespread police body cameras by 2025, among other changes. For more on that bill, including police insights, read this. WOOD RIVER While the numbers for COVID-19 in Madison County have shot upward in recent weeks, the residents of local long-term care facilities are thankfully not part of that increase. The 10-day case positivity rate for Madison County was 8.03% as of Wednesday, up from 1.64% on June 20. Likewise, the seven-day rolling average of cases per day was 45 on Wednesday, up from eight on June 21. But long-term facility residents, and the elderly population in general, have not been hit as hard as the younger population. Amy Yeager, public information officer for the Madison County Health Department, attributes that directly to vaccination rates. We now have 83.02% percent of our 65-and-over population fully vaccinated. Since March, we are getting very few new cases of people in their 80s, 90s and 100s, Yeager said. Thats a huge testament to how effective the vaccine is, especially in a congregate setting. A lot of the healthcare workers in those facilities got vaccinated as well as the residents. Because of that, there havent been any major outbreaks going on in our nursing homes. The low numbers in cases at long-term facilities are a welcome change from the summer of 2020 when there were hundreds of COVID cases and dozens of deaths at facilities in Madison County. We get some cases from long-term care here and there, but nothing to the degree that we had last spring and early summer, Yeager said. It was around June of last year that the new guidelines from CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) for long-term care facilities were put into place nationally. That was the first major step forward in trying to help curb outbreaks in those facilities, which included testing procedures. This year, getting the vaccine and making it available to healthcare workers and to the elderly population, has really helped to curb those outbreaks. There are multiple layers of protection for these folks, including testing, cleaning and PPE (personal protective equipment) they were able to get access to. The news on other COVID-related fronts, though, isnt nearly as positive. While 42.76% of Madison Countys population has been fully vaccinated, Yeager said that number needs to be higher. We had a meeting with the IDPH this morning to get some clarification on a few items, and they are the ones who are tracking the unvaccinated population, Yeager said. They said that most of the hospitalizations and new cases across Illinois are people that are unvaccinated, or they are not fully vaccinated. Of everybody in Madison County who is 12 and older that is eligible for the vaccine, a little over 46% have still not received the vaccine. One of the largest groups to make up that 46% is the 12 to 17 age group and that is our current focus. With that in mind, the health department is gearing up for another effort to increase the vaccination rate by hosting vaccine clinics at local schools. Again this week, we offered the school districts the chance to do another round of school-based clinics like we did earlier this summer, and seven districts so far have accepted that offer, Yeager said. We have dates set up through August and September for vaccine clinics. Yeager said that locations and dates for school clinics will be released next week. All of the clinics are open to the public and there is no residency requirement. Anyone at least age 18 is eligible for the Moderna or Johnson and Johnson vaccines and anyone at least age 12 is eligible for the Pfizer vaccine. Anyone from age 12 to 17 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. For more information, visit www.madisonchd.org. AP ARDMORE, Okla. (AP) One person was killed in an explosion Friday morning at an asphalt plant in southern Oklahoma, police said. Police Chief Kevin Norris said no one else was injured in the explosion at the Asphalt Express plant in Ardmore, about 90 miles (145 kilometers) south of Oklahoma City. Courtesy of the 1820 Colonel Benjamin Stephenson House During the year 1814, the young United States was embroiled in a war with Great Britain, with battles on land and sea ranging from the great lakes and upper Canada to the borders of Spanish Florida. Benjamin Stephenson of Edwardsville is a Colonel of Illinois Territorial troops, while recruiting parties of the regular army travel across their districts trying to attract recruits. On Saturday, visitors to the 1820 Colonel Benjamin Stephenson House can experience and witness a recruiting party of the recreated 25th Infantry Living History Organization encamped on the grounds of the historic home. Reenactors from across the region will portray soldiers of the regular army of the era, along with civilians and tradesmen to perform demonstrations, train and drill new recruits in the evolutions of the soldier and visitors are encouraged to interact and participate. WASHINGTON (AP) The Biden administration issued a blanket warning Friday to U.S. firms about the risks of doing business in Hong Kong as China continues to clamp down on political and economic freedoms in the territory. Four Cabinet agencies the departments of State, Treasury, Commerce and Homeland Security released the nine-page advisory that alerts companies about the shifting legal landscape in Hong Kong and the possibility that engaging with Hong Kong business could incur reputational and legal damages. At the same time, Treasury announced sanctions against seven Chinese officials for violating the terms of the 2020 Hong Kong Autonomy Act, which calls for asset freezes and other penalties against those who participate in the crackdown. President Joe Biden had previewed the new advisory Thursday, telling reporters at the White House that the business environment in Hong Kong is deteriorating and could worsen. Businesses, individuals, and other persons, including academic institutions, research service providers, and investors that operate in Hong Kong, or have exposure to sanctioned individuals or entities, should be aware of changes to Hong Kongs laws and regulations, said the notice, which is titled Risks and Considerations for Businesses Operating in Hong Kong. This new legal landscape ... could adversely affect businesses and individuals operating in Hong Kong. As a result of these changes, they should be aware of potential reputational, regulatory, financial, and, in certain instances, legal risks associated with their Hong Kong operations, it said. Secretary of State Antony Blinken highlighted the advisory in a statement marking the one-year anniversary of the passage of China's new national security law that he said had a profoundly negative effect on Hong Kong. Blinken said the risks to business include "potential electronic surveillance and lack of data privacy, reduced access to information, and potential retaliation against companies for their compliance with U.S. sanctions. The business advisory outlines these emerging risks to inform U.S. individuals and businesses and recommends increased awareness and due diligence," he said. Hong Kong's government responded with a statement calling the U.S. advisory totally ridiculous and unfounded fear-mongering driven by ideology. "The main victims of this latest fallout will sadly be those U.S. businesses and U.S. citizens who have taken Hong Kong as their home, the statement said. The American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, meanwhile, responded to the advisory by acknowledging the business environment is more complex and challenging but saying that it would continue its work. We are here to support our members to navigate those challenges and risks while also capturing the opportunities of doing business in this region, it said in a statement. It added that Hong Kong remains a critical and vibrant facilitator of trade and financial flow between the East and West. The United States under both the Trump and Biden administrations has determined that since the passage of the national security law, Hong Kong no longer enjoys the significant autonomy from mainland China that Beijing had pledged to respect for 50 years when it assumed control of the former British colony in 1997. As such, Hong Kong no longer enjoys preferential U.S. trade and commercial privileges and certain officials in Hong Kong have been hit with U.S. sanctions for their actions in cracking down on democracy. China is one of the rare areas in which the Biden administration has largely hewed to Trump's policies. Friday's warning came on the heels of a similar advisory issued earlier this week reminding American companies about potential sanctions liability if they engage in business with Chinese entities that operate in the western Xinjiang region, where China is accused of widespread repression of Uyghur Muslims and other minorities. The seven officials targeted for sanctions are Chen Dong, He Jing, Lu Xinning, Qiu Hong, Tan Tieniu, Yang Jianping and Yin Zonghua. All seven serve as deputy directors of the Liaison Office of the Central Peoples Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, an agency the U.S. accuses of repeatedly undermining Hong Kong's autonomy. Geneseo, NY (14454) Today Partly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 83F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Clear skies. Low 62F. Winds light and variable. Salida, CO (81201) Today Sunny to partly cloudy. High 88F. Winds N at less than 5 mph, becoming ESE and increasing to 10 to 20 mph.. Tonight Some clouds. Low 59F. ESE winds shifting to W at 10 to 20 mph. You can find your client key on your subscription renewal statement or call us at the Mountain Mail at 719-539-6691. Sgt. Owen Thez/1st TSC Public Affairs Maj. Gen. John P. Sullivan, outgoing commanding general of 1st Theater Sustainment Command, passes the colors Tuesday to Lt. Gen. Terry R. Ferrell, commanding general of U.S. Army Central, during a ceremony at Fort Knox. 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) EU restricts travel from Thailand WORLD: European Union member states yesterday (July 15) agreed to add Ukraine to a list of countries from which travellers can enter the European Union during the coronavirus pandemic, while Thailand and Rwanda were removed. CoronavirusCOVID-19tourism By AFP Friday 16 July 2021, 09:24AM Franz-Josef-Strauss airport in Munich. Photo: AFP The EUs eastern neighbour joins a green list of only around 20 countries, which also includes the likes of Canada, Japan, New Zealand and the United States, the bloc said in a statement. Brussels classification does not prevent member states from imposing requirements like testing or quarantine on incoming travellers from countries on the list. The EU originally closed its external borders to non-essential travel in March 2020, but has since set up the regularly updated green list of countries and territories people can enter from - including the unvaccinated. Vaccinated travellers are allowed in from any non-EU country. For now the list includes Albania, Armenia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Brunei, Canada, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kosovo, Lebanon, Montenegro, New Zealand, Qatar, Moldova, North Macedonia, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, Taiwan, South Korea and the US. China is also listed on condition that it too opens to travellers from the EU. Decisions on inclusion or removal from the list are based on the pandemic situation, vaccination progress, how intensive testing is and the EUs judgement of how reliable a countrys data is. Countries can be added if they record fewer than 75 COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people in the preceding 14 days. In Ukraine that figure stood at slightly over 18 on July 4, according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, compared with 97.3 in Thailand and 90.9 in Rwanda. Phuket marks another 11 local infections PHUKET: Phuket officials recorded 11 new local infections on the island yesterday, bringing the total number of infections in the past seven days to 42. COVID-19Coronavirushealth By The Phuket News Friday 16 July 2021, 09:53AM The PPHO report noted that the 11 new local infections brought the total number of people infected in Phuket since Apr 3 to 807. The report marked no new Sandbox tourists confirmed as infected with COVID-19, leaving the total number of Sandbox tourists confirmed infected after landing on the island at 10. All Phuket Sandbox arrivals who test positive after landing in Phuket are not included in the total number of infections on the island (now 807), despite testing negative immediately after landing at the airport but testing positive after their first week on the island. The 807 also does not include six people infected outside Phuket but brought to the island for treatment, or three foreigners who have been recorded as being infected outside the country. Of the 807 cases recognised since Apr 3, 737 have been released from hospital care while 80 patients remain under medical care and supervision. So far nine people have died from being infected with COVID-19 since Apr 3, the report noted. The PPHOs updated map showing the locations of infections across the island since Apr 3 reported as follows: Phuket officials, tourism leaders talk up Sandbox success PHUKET: Phuket officials and local tourism leaders have announced that the current rate of arrivals and bookings under the Phuket Sandbox scheme is on track to achieve the expected goal of the tourism re-opening. COVID-19Coronavirustourismeconomics By Eakkapop Thongtub Friday 16 July 2021, 04:37PM A sign for tourists to have their photo taken with on Patong Beach. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub The announcement came at a special press conference held at the offices of Phuket City Development Co Ltd yesterday (July 15). Present for the occasion were Phuket Vice Governor Piyapong Choowong, Phuket Public Health Office (PPHO) Chief Dr Kusak Kukiattikoon, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Phuket Office Director Nanthasiri Ronnasiri, Phuket Tourist Association President Bhummikitti Ruktaengam, and Pracha Asawathira, the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (Depa) Chief for Southern Thailand. Since the opening of Phuket Sandbox on July 1, a total of 5,473 tourists have come to the island, and we expect to reach up to 18,900 within this month. Before this the TAT expected to have only about 13,000 arrivals [in the first month], said TAT Phuket Chief Ms Nanthasiri. So the performance and number of tourists are following our predictions, she added. Ms Nanthasiri noted that the first month of the Phuket Sandbox will generate about B190 million for the Phuket economy. We estimate that the average expenditure to be about B40,000 per day per person, she said. Additionally, we have received bookings for SHA+ hotels for 190,000 room nights for the three months July to September, she noted. Mr Pracha, as the DEPA chief for Southern Thailand, explained that his office was developing an English-language version of the MorChana app that will function throughout the three provinces of Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi. The special English-language version of the app is hoped to launch in time to welcome vaccinated foreign tourists on Aug 1, Mr Pracha said. Police bust Phuket Town drug dealer... again PHUKET: Police arrested a man after seizing 1.5 kilograms of crystal meth (ya ice) and close to 1,000 methamphetamine tablets in a raid in Phuket Town yesterday (July 15). drugscrime By The Phuket News Friday 16 July 2021, 11:16AM It transpired the man arrested had not long been released from jail where he had been serving time for similar drug-related offences. A team of Border Patrol Police 425, led by Capt Ampon Samorthai, arrested Suthat Tao Saelee, 25, at a house on Wichit Songkhram Rd in Phuket Town yesterday. He was found to be in possession of 1,542.4 grams of ya ice and 997 methamphetamine tablets, along with two digital scales and two mobile phones. From initial questioning, the suspect confessed that he received some of the drugs from a renowned drug network who courier the drugs through a private postal delivery company. He added that he had received additional drugs from a man only known as Mr Tle who usually left packages of drugs along Thepkrasattri Rd in Baan Mak Prok, Mai Khao and would then call Suthat to collect them and distribute them customers. Police confirmed that Suthat had been arrested previously on drug offences and had recently been released from jail. They added that while in jail Suthat had collaborated with other inmates to set a plan to allow him to acquire and sell drugs once he had been released. Syn Mun Kong cancels COVID insurance THAILAND: Syn Mun Kong Insurance today (July 16) announced it was cancelling its COVID-19 insurance policies with customers, saying the rapidly deteriorating situation made the risk unmanageable. CoronavirusCOVID-19 By Bangkok Post Friday 16 July 2021, 04:26PM People flock to Siriraj Hospital in Bangkok today (July 16) for a free Sinopharm vaccine dose, donated by the Chulabhorn Royal Academy. The deteriorating COVID-19 situation was cited by Syn Mun Kong Insurance in terminating its clients coronavirus insurance policies. Photo: Apichart Jinakul. In a message on its Facebook page, the SET-listed insurance firm said COVID 2-1 insurance policies for all clients would be terminated 30 days after they receive a letter from the company officially notifying them of the change. The company would return any insurance premium insurers paid in the 15 days after the policy being cancelled, but would not give them back the money they had paid before the decision to terminate the product, the announcement said. The Syn Mun Kong announcement said the decision to cancel the insurance was due to the worsening COVID-19 situation in Thailand. The number of new infections continued to surge and put pressure on the public health system. The crisis made it impossible for the company to forecast an end to the problem and the pandemic affected its risk management, the company said. Customers rapidly aired their anger at the decision, both on the companys Facebook page and other social media platforms, with the Syn Mun Kong hashtag in Thailand topping Twitter. Many customers said they felt cheated by the company and had lost trust in the firm. How could you do that? Dont expect people to buy other insurance from you from now, one said. You are irresponsible and you should return all our money plus interest to us, another said. Syn Mun Kong is the first insurance company to stop selling COVID-19 insurance. The Office of Insurance Commission was reportedly holding talks with the company after the shock announcement. Syn Mun Kong shares plunged B1.75, or 4.70%, to B35.50 when the afternoon trading began. You NEED to Know This: Can you go to Phi Phi? Sandbox Customers Who Have Stayed 15 Days Heading Off On A Day Trip To Phi Phi. Want To Know The Rules And Restrictions? By The Phuket News Friday 16 July 2021, 10:55AM 5 Star Marines First #Sandbox Customers Who Have Stayed 15 Days Heading Off On A Day Trip To Phi Phi. 5 Star Marines First #Sandbox Customers Who Have Stayed 15 Days Heading Off On A Day Trip To Phi Phi. We have been getting lots of people asking - Can I go to Phi Phi? Well, with some requirements to be aware of, 5 Star Marine have broken these down for you. We know the rules, we have been through the process so that we know exactly what to do and how to do it...so here is the lowdown: WHO is allowed to go to Phi Phi National Park areas: Sandbox customers cannot go to Phi Phi during the first 14 days after they arrive in Phuket. From day 15, Sandbox customers can go to Phi Phi with 5 Star Marine. Expats living in Phuket are allowed to visit Phi Phi if they are fully vaccinated. What are the REQUIREMENTS to go to Phi Phi? 5 Star Marine created a video this week outlining the rules for visiting Phi Phi. Anyone going to Phi Phi needs to pre-register with the National Park one day prior to going to get approval. 5 Star Marine will take care of the approval process for you for you, they simply need a copy of your passport and vaccine certificate. When arriving at Tonsai Bay, 5 Star Marine staff will manage the process with the National Park and will hand over the relevant paperwork where vaccination documents will also be checked. What about CHILDREN coming into the Phi Phi National Park? Children 12 18 years old will need to show a negative Covid-19 test within the last 72 hours. Under 12 year old children are allowed into the National Park, as long as they are with a fully vaccinated parent. How LONG does it take to get there? It takes 45 minutes from our pier in Boat Lagoon to reach the Phi Phi Islands. WHERE is open? Phi Phi Don has re-opened, where you can explore a number of coves, snorkelling spots and even hidden lagoons. The water right now is stunning and turquoise with abundant marine life after having some time to rest. You are allowed to access most of Phi Phi Don including Laem Tong Bay, Monkey Beach and Tonsai Bay and village itself. However, please note that Tonsai village itself it is quiet with little open at the moment. Its the perfect time to get out there and support the island and small community, and the fact that it is still quiet is an added bonus. With with only a few small requirements needed prior to departure which the team at 5 Star Marine can help you with, what are you waiting for? Book your Phi Phi adventure now and experience it like never before! Southern Pines, NC (28387) Today Thunderstorms likely. Rainfall will be locally heavy at times. High 76F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%.. Tonight Rain showers this evening with overcast skies overnight. Low 66F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%. Salem, MO (65560) Today Partly to mostly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 83F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Mostly clear. Low 62F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. 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. Montreal, CA (H4T1V6) Today Partial cloudiness early, with scattered showers and thunderstorms during the afternoon. High 29C. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.. Tonight Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Low 19C. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 60%. Things to do in the Attleboro area and beyond PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) A former medical resident at Oregon Health & Science University who sued the school in 2018 alleging retaliation for her complaints about discrimination now accuses the school of breaching their settlement agreement. After mediation, OHSU was to pay $100,000 to the resident, identified only as I.J., and she agreed to resign from her residency job as of Oct. 31, 2018, The Oregonian/OregonLive reported. Her new lawsuit alleges the school shared disparaging information about her with prospective employers, commented on the existence of the agreement in violation of the settlement and failed to provide a required reference letter for her. The lawsuit, filed Saturday in Multnomah County Circuit Court, seeks $20 million in damages, including $15 million in economic damages. It comes as former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder is leading an investigation into OHSUs handling of sexual misconduct and discrimination complaints in the wake of a high-profile harassment lawsuit filed earlier this year against the school and a former anesthesiology resident. The latest lawsuit by I.J. follows her unsuccessful effort to set aside the courts dismissal of the earlier suit based on the negotiated settlement. I.J. initially sued the school alleging she faced increasing demands and a remediation program while a resident after she complained about sexual harassment and inappropriate conduct while on a clinical rotation in the medical intensive care unit between fall 2015 and 2017. In one case, she said an assistant professor required her and another woman resident to watch a sexually suggestive video in a workroom and danced in a sexually suggestive manner while grabbing his crotch and prevented their exit, according to her suit. She says the residency program after she complained set higher workload demands and intensified requirements for her than that of her peers and moved to end her residency. OHSU President Dr. Danny Jacobs on Monday issued a statement in response to I.J.s latest complaint, saying, OHSU remains committed to ensuring the safety of our members and our patients." According to her suit, I.J. has failed to obtain a new residency despite her applications to at least 20 internal medicine programs, including residency positions in the U.S. Army and U.S. Navy. ___ This story has been updated to remove an erroneous reference to the woman alleging sexual harassment in the 2018 complaint. Cyber Ninjas, the cybersecurity consulting firm hired by Arizona Senate Republicans to oversee a partisan review of the 2020 election, on Thursday pushed a false narrative that Maricopa County received thousands of mail-in ballots that had no record of being sent out to voters. The firm's CEO Doug Logan used the baseless claim to urge legislators to subpoena more records and canvass voters at home, grasping for evidence of fraud even as a hand count of a statistical sample of ballots and two post-election audits showed no proof of wrongdoing in Maricopa Countys election. The false claim has reverberated online in the day since Logan's comments, parroted by lawmakers and Republican commentators including Arizona Republican Party Chair Kelli Ward, Colorado Rep. Lauren Boebert and former President Donald Trump. Yet Maricopa County officials and election experts confirm that the claim isnt true and represents a misunderstanding of how early voting works in Arizona. Here's a closer look at the facts. CLAIM: Arizonas largest county in the 2020 election received and counted 74,000 mail-in ballots that had no record of ever being sent out to voters. THE FACTS: False. The claim mischaracterizes reports that are intended to help political parties track early voters for their get-out-the-vote efforts, not tally mail-in ballots through Election Day. The reports dont represent all mail-in ballots sent out and received, so the numbers arent expected to match up, according to Maricopa County officials and outside experts. We have 74,243 mail-in ballots where there is no clear record of them being sent, Logan said at a meeting livestreamed at Arizonas Capitol on Thursday. That could be something where documentation wasnt done right. Theres a clerical issue. Theres not proper things there, but I think when weve got 74,000, it merits knocking on a door and validating some of this information. Logan based his false claim on two types of early voting reports issued by Maricopa County: EV32 files and EV33 files. He claimed that EV32 files are supposed to give a record of when a mail-in ballot is sent and EV33 files are supposed to give a record of when the mail-in ballot is received. Thats not accurate, according to Maricopa County officials, who tweeted on Friday that the EV32 Returns & EV33 files are not the proper files to refer to for a complete accumulating of all early ballots sent and received. Instead, the EV32 and EV33 files are reports created for political parties to aid them in their get-out-the-vote efforts during early voting, according to Tammy Patrick, a senior adviser at the Democracy Fund and a former Maricopa County elections official. Arizona law requires county recorders to provide this data to political parties and candidates, Patrick said. Arizona reports both mail-in ballots and early in-person votes at voting centers as early votes, so both are included in the data in files EV32 and EV33, Patrick said. The EV32 file includes all requests that voters make for early ballots, either by mail or in person, up to 11 days before Election Day, Patrick said. The EV33 file includes returned early ballots up to the Monday before Election Day. That means there is a 10-day period between the final day of each report, during which thousands of mail-in votes are submitted and thousands of additional voters go to voting centers, request early ballots in person and submit them. Furthermore, the files dont include any early ballots that came in on Election Day. To use these files as an attempt to understand the number of voters who were mailed a ballot or who returned a ballot is misguided, Patrick said. That information is obtained from the Voted File, not a GOTV tool for the political parties and candidates. GOTV is short for get out the vote. Maricopa County officials tweeted later Friday that they calculated the true number of mail-in ballots requested and returned in November's election. According to that count, nearly 450,000 more mail-in ballots were requested than returned. Rod Thomson, a public relations consultant working for Cyber Ninjas, said Maricopa County refused to answer questions posed by the audit team in private, forcing Logan to ask for explanations in public. Mr. Logan never said this was fraud or criminal, he merely stated the facts as they were provided to him and did not have an explanation, Thomson said. None of this would be necessary if the county would simply communicate with the audit team when there are questions. Logan is a Trump supporter who has spread conspiracy theories backing Trumps false claims of fraud. His firm is overseeing the GOP audit despite having no prior experience in elections. Experts in election administration say its not following reliable procedures. Jack Sellers, the Republican chairman of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, said in a statement on Thursday that the auditors are portraying as suspicious what is actually normal and well known to people who work in elections. What we heard today represents an alternate reality that has veered out of control since the November General Election, Sellers wrote. ___ This is part of The Associated Press ongoing effort to fact-check misinformation that is shared widely online, including work with Facebook to identify and reduce the circulation of false stories on the platform. Heres more information on Facebooks fact-checking program: https://www.facebook.com/help/1952307158131536 ALTON After two years, the anticipated Alton Splash Pad at Riverfront Park was officially opened Friday with a ribbon cutting ceremony and a test run by young volunteers. The $1.2 million splash pad designed to provide water play amid nature-themed educational elements officially opens at 10 a.m. Saturday. Along with a cool place to play, it also teaches youth about Altons historic and ecological connection to the Mississippi River. The splash pad will be open seven days a week 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. People also can request the splash pad for private events after hours through the Alton Parks and Recreation Department. The project was made possible by a $250,000 Building Better Communities grant from the American Water Charitable Foundation (AWCF), through a program administered by the National Recreation and Park Association. Alton received additional financial support through the citys tax increment financing program to help construct the splash pad, concession stand and restroom facilities. The concession stand will be staffed by Alton Park and Recreation employees. Security cameras cover the splash pad and the concession building. A metal fence surrounds the perimeter of the splash pad, and regular police patrols will visit the site. The initial splash pad grant announcement was made in September 2019 by former Alton Mayor Brant Walker. Construction was scheduled to begin in 2020, but was delayed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. It took a lot of people, a lot of hard work, and a lot of patience to complete this project,said Alton Parks and Recreation Director Michael Haynes. It gives kids and families the opportunity they deserve to have somewhere they can go to cool off and have fun. According to Dave Wiecher of Capri Pools, the splash pad puts out about 250 gallons per minute. The water used in the splash pad will be recirculated through drains at the site and collected in a large tank just outside the perimeter of the pad. The water will be cleaned, filtered and rechlorinated continuously, Wiecher said. Our childrens health, education and safety are signs of a healthy community, said Mayor David Goins, who is also a grandfather. The kids are at the heart of my priority to make Alton a more safe and livable, prosperous city. This educational water play area is truly unique to Alton, he said. It features play features voted on by residents and artwork from a local artist. Residents and visitors alike will enjoy the new splash pad for years to come. Goins said he wants to continue to build Alton into a community that people want to visit and call home a place were small things matter. Illinois American Water President Justin Ladner said his group was created to engage with the communities that they serve. He said he could not think of any community better than Alton, Illinois. This is the community that we need to be partnering with, he said. The goal of the AWCF is to bring nature and water inspired play spaces to communities. I cant think of a better example than this splash pad. Illinois American Water Director of Business Development Karen Cooper said the splash pad will not only serve as a place for play, but will also be used for education. Now more than ever, we hope our community can enjoy the new splash pad, Cooper said. Our community especially our youth have been through a lot over the past year. They deserve a place to have fun and learn about water. It will encourage future environmental stewards to learn about water and water conservation, she said. This is the first educational splash pad of this type in Alton. To aid that educational effort, local graphic artist Jennifer Hayden created signage at the splash pad that includes the Clark Bridge and Mississippi River. Through our work, we have found splash pads are a wonderful way to support water access for all, while engaging community members in environmental education, said AWCF President Carrie Williams. Giving back to communities we serve is part of the culture at American Water and we are pleased to partner with the City of Alton so families can enjoy the wonders of water, while also learning the valuable role we all play in protecting our environment. EDWARDSVILLE Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Professor of Chemistry Leah OBrien, PhD, has won the American Chemical Societys (ACS) St. Louis Section 2021 Saint Louis Award. She will accept the award Oct. 1 at a banquet following a spectroscopy-focused research symposium to be held on the SIUE campus. The Saint Louis Award, originally sponsored by Monsanto Co., now Bayer, is presented to an individual who has made outstanding contributions to the profession of chemistry and demonstrated the potential to further advance the profession. The award consists of a $1,500 honorarium and a plaque. An SIUE chemistry faculty member within the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) since August 1990, OBrien has been making important contributions to determine and understand the molecular electronic structure of diatomic transition metal ligand molecules and their excited states. These studies guide the development of high-level computational methods to predict the properties of new molecules and materials. Her work has provided fundamental insights into the nature of metal bonding involved in chemical synthesis and catalysis, as well as the structure and properties of the nucleus important in nuclear physics known as electronic field shift effects. Dr. OBriens selection for the St. Louis Section ACS Award confirms what SIUE students and faculty have known for many yearsthat she is an outstanding teacher and scholar who has made valuable contributions to the discipline of chemistry, said CAS Dean Kevin Leonard, PhD. I had the good fortune to work with Dr. OBrien when she was the chair of SIUEs Department of Chemistry, and I quickly came to appreciate her careful attention to detail, her dedication to students and faculty colleagues in the department, and her commitment to the advancement of women and members of underrepresented communities in STEM fields. This recognition reminds us that the Department of Chemistry and the College of Arts and Sciences offer SIUE students the opportunity to learn alongside excellent researchers, said Leonard. Our students emerge from the labs of Dr. OBrien and her colleagues with the knowledge and skills necessary to move directly into positions in industry or into graduate programs. OBrien is a member of the St. Louis ACS section where she has served in various governance positions including section chair and founded the Women Chemists Committee. She has also been an advocate for women and underrepresented minorities in STEM within the St. Louis ACS section, at SIUE and in the local community. Previously, she received the St. Louis Sections 2013 Distinguished Service Award and the 2014 E. Ann Nalley ACS Award for Volunteer Service from the Midwest Region. Central to SIUEs exceptional and comprehensive education, the College of Arts and Sciences offers degree programs in the natural sciences, humanities, arts, social sciences, and communications. The College touches the lives of all SIUE students helping them explore diverse ideas and experiences, while learning to think and live as fulfilled, productive members of the global community. Study abroad, service-learning, internships, and other experiential learning opportunities better prepare SIUE students not only to succeed in our regions workplaces, but also to become valuable leaders who make important contributions to our communities. SRINAGAR, India (AP) Authorities in Indian-controlled Kashmir on Friday said there is no ban on the sacrifice of animals during the upcoming Islamic Eid al-Adha holiday, a day after the government asked law enforcers to stop the sacrifice of cows, calves, camels and other animals. G.L. Sharma, a senior government official, said the earlier communication was misconstrued, and the government had been seeking proper transportation of animals and the prevention of cruelty during the Muslim festival. The letter was sent to enforcement agencies to enforce the laws of the Animal Welfare Board and it is at the time there is mass slaughter of animals to prevent cruelty on animals, Sharma said, according to the local news portal The Kashmir Walla. This is not a ban on slaughter and sacrifice. A government communication addressed to civil and police authorities in the region on Thursday asked them to stop illegal killing/sacrifices of cows/calves, camels & other animals, citing animal welfare laws. Muslims traditionally mark Eid al-Adha, or Feast of Sacrifice, by offering special prayers and slaughtering livestock, usually a goat, sheep, a cow or a camel, to commemorate Prophet Ibrahims test of faith. The meat of the sacrificed animals is shared among family and friends and poor people who cannot afford to sacrifice animals. It caused an uproar in the already restive region with an association of groups of Muslim scholars calling it arbitrary and unacceptable. The association, Muttahida Majlis-e-Ulema, said in a statement that the sacrifice of permitted animals, including bovines on Eid al-Adha is an important tenet of religion on this day. It urged the government to immediately revoke the discriminatory order. Generally, cows are considered sacred in Hindu-majority India, and slaughtering them or eating beef is illegal or restricted across much of the country. Despite a ban on cow slaughter in Kashmir, beef is widely available across much of its Muslim-majority areas. This years holiday falls on July 21-23 in the region. Sentiment against Indian rule runs deep in Kashmir, where many Muslim residents seek independence or unification with Pakistan, which controls the other part of the region. Both nuclear-armed rivals claim the territory in its entirety. Kashmiri Muslims fear that the Indian government led by Hindu nationalist Prime Minister Narendra Modi has begun to alter Kashmirs demography and identity after stripping the regions semi-autonomy in 2019. Since Modis ascendance to power in 2014, India has seen a series of mob attacks on minority groups. Most have involved so-called cow vigilantes from extremist Hindu groups. They have usually targeted Muslims, who make up 14% of Indias nearly 1.4 billion people. Hindus account for about 80% of the population. The victims have been accused of either smuggling cows for slaughter or possessing beef. At least two dozen people have died in such attacks. EDWARDSVILLE A Pontoon Beach man was charged Tuesday with felony DUI. Charles W. Willingham, 60, of Pontoon Beach, was charged July 14 with aggravated driving while under the influence, a Class 1 felony, and aggravated driving under the influence while license revoked/suspended, a Class 4 felony. The case was presented by the Illinois State Police. According to court documents, on Jan. 30 Willingham allegedly was driving a 2015 GMC Sierra pickup truck on Illinois 162 northeast of Lake Drive while under the combined influence of any alcohol, other drugs or drugs, or intoxicating compounds or compounds. It was noted that his drivers license had been revoked at the time, and he has convictions for related crimes in 2009, 2011, 2013 and 2014. Bail was set at $75,000. Other drug-related felony charges filed July 14 by the Madison County States Attorneys Office include: Keita K. Kennedy, 43, of Madison, was charged with unlawful possession of methamphetamine, a Class 3 felony. The case was presented by the Illinois State Police. On Oct. 19 Kennedy allegedly was found to be in possession of less than five grams of methamphetamine. Bail was set at $25,000. Gregory M. Cooper, 38, of South Roxana, was charged with unlawful possession of methamphetamine, a Class 3 felony. The case was presented by the Alton Police Department. On June 17 Cooper allegedly was found to be in possession of less than five grams of methamphetamine. Bail was set at $20,000. Joseph W. Richards, 27, of Alton, was charged with unlawful possession of methamphetamine, a Class 3 felony. The case was presented by the Alton Police Department. On Feb. 24 Richards allegedly was found to be in possession of less than five grams of methamphetamine. Bail was set at $20,000. Justin D. Hill, 30, of Pontoon Beach, was charged with unlawful possession of methamphetamine, a Class 3 felony. The case was presented by the Illinois State Police. On March 11 Hill allegedly was found to be in possession of less than five grams of methamphetamine. Bail was set at $15,000. Nicholas G. Pianfetti, 26, of Carlyle, Illinois, was charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance, a Class 4 felony. The case was presented by the Illinois State Police. On March 17 Pianfetti allegedly was found to be in possession of less than 15 grams of fentanyl. Bail was set at $15,000. SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. (AP) More than two dozen women described disturbing and dangerous encounters including sexual assaults while they were semi-conscious and felt drugged with the man charged with killing missing California college student Kristin Smart. Incidents with Paul Flores ranged from creepy stalking to unwanted touching to aggressive sexual behavior to, more recently, being drugged and raped after meeting him at bars, according to a document unsealed Wednesday in San Luis Obispo County Superior Court. Flores was referred to as Chester the molester and psycho Paul, former fellow college students said. The summary of the case by Deputy District Attorney Christopher Peuvrelle was part of a failed effort to add two rape counts to the criminal complaint charging Paul Flores, 44, with murder in Smart's death. His father, Ruben Flores, is charged as an accessory after murder over allegedly helping dispose of her body. Both have pleaded not guilty. Prosecutors allege Paul Flores killed Smart during a rape attempt and the additional charges were intended to bolster their case by showing he is a sexual predator and providing a motive for the killing. However, a judge rejected the bid to amend the complaint, saying evidence to support an allegation of rape in Smart's death was thin. Defense lawyer Robert Sanger accused the prosecutor of staging a publicity stunt and said the proposed additional charges only add innuendo and speculation. "The actual evidence in the case relating to Kristin Smart's disappearance is no different than existed in the 1990s," Sanger said in court papers. The evidence then and now is based on speculation and not proof of facts. Paul Flores was the last person seen with Smart on May 25, 1996, at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, where they were freshmen. Prosecutors said he killed Smart while trying to rape her in his dorm room after walking her home from a party, where she had gotten intoxicated. Her body has never been found, though prosecutors said they believe it was buried behind Ruben Flores' house in nearby Arroyo Grande before it was recently unearthed and moved. The document reveals that investigators discovered human blood under the deck at Ruben Flores' house during a search that led to the arrest warrants. The blood was found by archeologists in an area roughly the size of a casket where soil had been disturbed as if a body had been dug up, Peuvrelle said. The document outlines the case against Paul Flores and provides a preview of what prosecutors plan to present Aug. 2 during a preliminary hearing that will determine if the son and father are ordered to stand trial. Investigators have compiled statements by 29 women who reported that Paul Flores had either peeped on them, stalked them, or had assaulted or raped them or friends. Police searching Paul Flores' home in the San Pedro section of Los Angeles found a hard drive labeled practice that included videos of him having sex with women who appeared to be drifting in and out of consciousness. He had also searched on his computer for: "Real Drunken Girls Drugged and Raped While Passed Out. Prescriptions that could be used as date rape dugs were also found. Paul Flores is a defendant who likes to rape and drug intoxicated women, Peuvrelle said at a hearing Wednesday, according to the Tribune of San Luis Obispo. Thats who he is. Four women said Flores had raped them after they met him at bars in Los Angeles County. Each suspected they had been drugged. One woman who met Flores at Godmother's bar in San Pedro said she doesn't remember going home with him but awoke while he was having sex with her. As she slipped in and out of consciousness, she tried phoning a friend. But the friend couldn't understand her and she passed out again. Although San Luis Obispo prosecutors were barred from bringing rape charges, the Los Angeles district attorney could decide to charge Flores because the alleged crimes happened there. Luzerne County has retained the Troutman Pepper Hamilton Sanders law firm to conduct an internal review of the county Children & Youth Services agency, acting county Manager Romilda Crocamo announced Thursday. The move comes nine days after Joanne Van Saun, the agency's former director, was charged with obstruction and endangering the welfare of children. The state attorney generals office alleges that Van Saun directed Children & Youth employees to falsely terminate reports of child abuse and neglect, to clear a crushing backlog of reports. Van Saun retired as of July 1 and was arraigned on the misdemeanor charges in Harrisburg district court on July 6. Since then, county officials have provided little comment about the matter, citing potential ongoing investigations. The Scranton School District plans to balance its 2022 budget without asking for a tax increase from city property owners. The $189.2 million proposed preliminary budget released by the district Thursday night maintains the current property tax millage rate, while relying on pandemic-related savings and increases in state and federal revenue. This is very, very exciting news, Scranton School Board President Katie Gilmartin said. We have followed the initiatives of the recovery plan, have been careful with budgeting and have run in a more efficient manner. Coupled with additional funding, it really puts us in a very strong and exciting position. A proposed preliminary budget is one of the first steps in the lengthy budgeting process for the district, which uniquely operates on a calendar-year budget cycle. The board generally passes its preliminary budget in November and must approve a final spending plan by the end of December. Preliminary budgets in Scranton, placed in financial recovery by the state in 2019, routinely call for tax increases. Officials could not recall Thursday night the last time a preliminary budget maintained the property tax rate. The rate for 2021 is 142.987 mills. A mill is a $1 tax for every $1,000 in assessed value. Im thrilled we can present this budget to the public, said Director Tara Yanni, chairwoman of the budget and finance committee. Our community needs this. Our district needs this. The district received $5.2 million in additional basic education funding in the 2021-22 state budget, which includes a $2.3 million equity supplement. Through the new Level Up initiative, the 100 most underfunded districts in the state split $100 million in additional funding. The districts portion of that helps balance the budget, and the board is not done advocating for fair and adequate funding from the state, Yanni said. Other budget highlights include: An additional $14.6 million in federal funding, primarily COVID-19 relief money. The district has been careful to not allocate the money for recurring expenses, Gilmartin said. Instead, the district will use the funding for curriculum needs, programs to address summer learning loss and cyber and STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) initiatives. A $5 million budgetary reserve a new budget item for the district and an initiative of the recovery plan. The sound management practice will provide operating contingencies and be available in case of emergency. School Director Sean McAndrew, who has voted against tax increases in the past, called the budget on the right track. I hope this can become the new normal, where we dont have to raise taxes, he said. A group of five firefighters from Scranton, including the citys fire chief, returned to Pennsylvania on Friday after two weeks in South Florida as part of a team helping sift through the rubble of a destroyed condominium building. The Federal Emergency Management Agency on June 30 gave activation orders to Pennsylvania Task Force 1 an amalgam of crews from Pennsylvania and Maryland agencies that make up a federal search and rescue team to respond to Surfside, Florida, where nearly 100 people died in last months collapse of Champlain Towers South, said Fire Chief John Judge, a member of the task force. Judge was joined by city fire Lt. Brian Scott, Capt. Robert Zoltewicz, Chauffeur Matthew McDonald and retired Capt. David Schreiber to work through the condos wreckage and find the remains of the victims. A task force member since 2011 who has been deployed to several areas hit hard by hurricanes, Judge said the job in Florida was one of the most difficult. I dont even know how to describe it, Judge said as he passed through the Washington, D.C. area Friday morning. It was something you can only envision out of a movie ... to see a pile of rubble and knowing there were people in there. Schreiber said they were joined by firefighters from departments that included Philadelphia, Harrisburg and Baltimore County. Schreiber said it was strenuous work, hard work, but it could help bring some measure of closure to the families of the victims. The Associated Press reported Friday that efforts to recover human remains from the condo building were nearing an end, with officials having identified 94 of the 97 confirmed dead and accounted for at least 240 people connected to the building. At this step in the recovery process, it has become increasingly difficult to identify victims, and we are relying heavily on the work of the medical examiners office and the scientific, technical process of identifying human remains, a statement issued Thursday by Miami-Dade County said. This work becomes more difficult with the passage of time, although our teams are working as hard and as fast as they can. No cause has been identified for the collapse, but there were previous warnings of major structural damage at the building, according to the AP. Judge said the team was to be debriefed Friday afternoon in Philadelphia, then theyd return to Scranton. The Philadelphia Fire Department, which said in a statement it sponsors the task force, said the team is comprised of technical search specialists, structural engineers, doctors, canines and canine handlers and other experts. Their duties in Florida included recovering human remains and property, delayering debris, assisting crane operations, mapping and collecting data. Editor: Ronald Reagans 1961 speech to the Orange County Press Club, Encroaching Control alleged that, Three months before his last visit to this country, Nikita Khrushchev said, We cant expect the American people to jump from capitalism to communism, but we can assist their elected leaders in giving them small doses of socialism until they awaken one day to find they have communism. A quote often misattributed to Khrushchev, the former Soviet premier, states: Your childrens children will live under communism. You Americans are so gullible. No, you wont accept communism outright, but we have to keep feeding you small doses of socialism until you will finally wake up and find you already have communism. Whoever said this, it is true. Democratic, Joe Biden-loving liberals are destroying our democracy. Socialism leads to communism. Here is how to create a socialistic state: Control health care and you control the people. People are easier to control and will not fight back when everything is provided for free. Increase debt to unsustainable levels. That way you can increase taxes and produce poverty. Remove the ability of people to defend themselves from the government. That way you can create the police state. Take control of every aspect (food, housing, income) of peoples lives to make them fully dependent on the government. Take control of what people read and listen to and control what children learn in school. Remove the belief in God from the government and schools because people need to believe only the government knows what is best. Divide people into the wealthy and the poor. Eliminate the middle class. This will cause more discontent and will be easier to tax the wealthy with the support of the poor. LAUREN TELEP OLYPHANT Editor: Unscrupulous robber baron and industrialist Jay Gould is said to have boasted that he could hire half of the working class to kill the other half. That brings us to the present-day Republican Party, particularly since the days of President Ronald Reagan. Why do so many working people continue to support a party that exists principally to make the rich and powerful more so? It was recently revealed that, unsurprisingly, many one-percenters pay very little taxes, if any. Ditto big corporations, such as Amazon. The GOP continues to fight any efforts to make the wealthy, who have benefited the most from our skewed system, pay their fair share. Meanwhile, many average folks barely get by despite working hard, sometimes at multiple jobs, in our mostly service and gig economy. The minimum wage is disgracefully low. Many people are without health insurance. Homelessness plagues hundreds of thousands; climate change wreaks havoc all over; infrastructure is crumbling. What concerns the GOP? They want to regain and increase their power by supporting the big lie that the 2020 presidential election was stolen and that it justifies measures to repress voting. They want to distract people with trumped-up culture wars issues, from Dr. Seuss to the supposed war on Christmas. They refuse to address real problems facing this country, which need a long overdue infusion of revenue by fairly taxing the rich. With COVID-19 and all that plagues our country, billionaires competing against each other in a space race while average folks struggle is obscene. Republicans have no policies to help average people; why do they keep getting their votes? MIKE KERNOSCHAK GREENFIELD TWP. Editor: Phyllis Reinhardt (Gun points misfire, July 12) stated, When someone straps on a gun and leaves home with it he becomes the aggressor. I assume that she includes police officers and concealed-carry permit holders as aggressors. Many law-abiding people who legally carry for self-defense in some cases become defenders, not aggressors. This is not a myth. In his book More Guns, Less Crime gun rights advocate John R. Lott asserts that violent crime rates go down when states pass shall issue concealed-carry laws. His book presents a statistical analysis of crime data for every county in the United States from 1977 to 2005. Reinhardt also stated that 99.9% of people who are shot are unarmed. I would like to know where she might have obtained that apparently inflated statistic. I cannot find anything supporting that statistic. However, there are cases where a person who may have a protection-from-abuse order against someone else may need to use a gun to protect herself from a threatening and overpowering person who may not be armed. She stated that lawmakers are unable to set standards on national background checks. She apparently is unaware that we have a national instant criminal background check system, a system created by the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act of 1993 to prevent firearm sales to people prohibited under the act. Firearms dealers, manufacturers or importers who hold a federal firearms license are required to undertake a background check on prospective buyers before transferring a firearm. Most Americans support gun ownership for defensive purposes. In 2014, the Pew Research Center found that 57% of Americans believe that gun ownership protects people from crime, while only 38% disagree, and that support for the majority viewpoint is increasing. EDWARD ZINDELL JERMYN London, KY (40741) Today Some sun this morning with increasing clouds this afternoon. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 84F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy this evening, then becoming cloudy after midnight. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 64F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Nineteen minutes after accepting an offer to pursue her masters degree at Syracuse University, Maeve King received an unexpected email with a life-changing opportunity. The 23-year-old Dunmore native and 2020 graduate of West Chester University had the chance to spend eight months teaching in South America. She accepted. From March to November 2022, King will be a Fulbright teaching assistant in Uruguay, South America, working approximately 35 hours a week: 20 hours teaching in a classroom and 15 working on a community service project. She will learn further details on both soon. I really wanted to know more about [Uruguay], she said. How theyve maintained such political stability when other countries in Latin America are struggling with that. King was one of only six accepted applicants as part of the Fulbright ETA Program for Uruguay. The program places recent college graduates and young professionals as English teaching assistants in primary and secondary schools or universities overseas, according to the website. After an arduous application process that included an interview with the commission for Uruguay in which King fielded questions in both English and Spanish she had not heard any news. Aware of the programs limited acceptance rate, King assumed she didnt get the position and accepted Syracuses offer to begin her masters in international relations. Then, an email popped up in her inbox with a notification that her Fulbright application account had been updated. She logged in and saw the letter of congratulations. I was shocked, she said. Im still trying to wrap my mind around it. King has never been to South America but has had experiences abroad. She spent the summer of 2018 in Austria and volunteered at an elementary school in Spain during the spring semester of 2019. In fact, King began her undergraduate studies at WCU as a Spanish major and credits her skills in the language to her Dunmore School Districts Spanish teachers, whom she cant thank or praise enough. My high school Spanish teachers were so amazing, she said. I left high school almost fluent. They prepared me so well. King enjoys learning languages so much so that she eventually took on German as a second major because of how different it is from Spanish, she said. During a few semesters, she would have back-to-back classes that rotated between Spanish and German, resulting in getting her linguistic wires occasionally crossed. I would walk into the classroom not knowing what language I was supposed to be speaking, she said. After reading more about the universitys political science department, however, King decided she wanted to take on a third major. She received encouragement from one specific teacher: Linda Stevenson, Ph.D., a professor of political science, who inspired King and made her realize she could do something really powerful. I knew I wanted to do something that was actually making a difference in peoples lives, King said. Stevenson, also a Fulbright Scholar, describes King as motivated, engaged, curious, persistent, a delight to work with and a shining light during a dark year. Shes one of the most agile and hardworking students Ive ever had, Stevenson said. Wanting to do work on immigration, King approached Stevenson early on in her studies. The two eventually made arrangements to conduct research in Mexico, but the spread of COVID-19 and subsequent global pandemic disrupted their plans. Wondering what to do instead, the pair began meeting to brainstorm an alternative. After King wrapped up her shifts working as a chimney sweep, she would head over to Stevensons home. Maeve was working full time, working on roofs, Stevenson said. Then she would come over to my house, and wed wear masks on my porch at eight at night. Thats the kind of human she is. I dont know many students who are willing to do that (its) a testament to her tenacity. Their meetings eventually blossomed into a project using oral history as a qualitative research method. Then it bloomed into a co-written article illustrating the allyship between a Montgomery County Mexican migrant and an ESL teacher working toward developing racial equity and justice in their communities. Stevenson, who was thrilled to hear that King had been accepted into the Fulbright program, describes her as well-deserving of the honor. I truly think, how can they reject her? Stevenson said. Stevenson also recommended her for a job as housing program manager for Latin American Community Action of Montgomery County, where King offers families aid and works to prevent evictions. Every single day is so different, King said, because you never know the type of situation people are in. King has deferred her acceptance to Syracuse until the fall of 2023 and will continue her position as program manager until she goes abroad an experience which, for King, spurs positive self-development. Putting yourself out of your comfort zone, living a life so different than the one you are used to, promotes so much personal growth, King said. The 'horseless carriage' might sound unfamiliar, but 125 years ago this exciting new invention changed the world. As with many novel creations, coming up with a name proved problematic and this was one of the most pressing debates in the first edition of the world's oldest motoring magazine Autocar which first rolled off the press on November 2, 1895, and is now in its 126th year. The horseless carriage is, of course, the motor car, and over the decades Autocar has charted the roller-coaster development of these machines, from pioneering Benz and Daimler models up to the advent of Tesla and the electric revolution. Fitting, then, that as we now embark on arguably the biggest automotive changes ever the advent of electric-only power and self-driving technology the magazine is creating a unique archive of motoring history. First edition: Autocar No1 Vol 1 published in November 1895. The magazine is now in its 126th year Over the past six months, more than a million pages spanning 125 years of automotive history have been 'digitised' for posterity. Heavily bound tomes of past editions weighing more than four tons in total were transported from Autocar's headquarters in Twickenham, South-West London, up to Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, where archivist Pete Boswell and his team at Archive Digital has been re-creating each issue page by page. The Autocar motor archive (themotoring archive.com) goes live next month with podcasts narrating the first 52 pioneering editions in their entirety and the most visually attractive front covers available as prints and posters. Making a start Another question in that first edition was what would actually power the new vehicles in those latter days of Queen Victoria's reign. Surprisingly, electric power was an early strong contender, but would the batteries have enough storage capacity? Unlikely. Steam ran out of puff. But petroleum spirit despite its volatile nature had the key advantage of being in plentiful supply at pharmacies and relatively easy to transport in cans. Petrol was the way forward. As Autocar put it: 'The last is the latest. The latest is the best.' The magazine also lays claim to inventing the 'road test' a consumer view of how a car performs that is standard reading whether you are a family buying a car or a petrolhead wanting the real inside track on the latest supercar. Tips: An article from December 1928 instructs new drivers in the 'art of reversing' with advice that remains valid to this day Often, writers would actually be driven by a chauffeur. The magazine began in late 1895 when entrepreneur Harry Lawson drove into the centre of Coventry at the tiller of the strange machine we now know as a 'motor car'. At the time, it was probably one of only six in the country. Lawson, who had made a huge fortune manufacturing bicycles, called to see the editor of The Cyclist, a solemn-looking former schoolteacher named Henry Sturmey, who founded that magazine in 1879 at the age of 22. Excited by the potential of the motor car, young publisher William Iliffe decided they should bring out a magazine to celebrate its arrival the next day and settled on the title: The Autocar. The December 1948 edition features the new Morris Oxford Good track record Ironically, given some of the mutual antagonism between cyclists and motorists today, that first edition points out how cyclists on the highway had 'accustomed the public mind to the sight of wheeled vehicles without horses' on roads. It added: 'The cyclist and the cycle maker have paved the way for the autocar.' The first edition carries only four photographs of pioneering cars they include a De Dion-Bouton tricycle; an early Peugeot; a Panhard and Levassor; and an American contraption. But historian David Burgess-Wise noted how The Autocar's arrival was perfectly timed to capture the mood and added to the campaign to repeal the infamous 'Red Flag' Act which required a man with a crimson banner to walk in front of a vehicle to ensure it remained at walking speed or roughly 3 mph. He said: 'For its first year, Autocar really was a magazine for a persecuted minority, for it was not until November 14, 1896, that the British Government changed the law and allowed motorists 'the freedom of the road'. 'Although there was still a nationwide speed limit of 12 mph, the red flag man was gone for ever.' To celebrate this 'Emancipation Day', Harry Lawson's Motor Car Club organised a tour from London to Brighton still celebrated by the annual London to Brighton Run for pre-1905 veteran cars organised by the Royal Automobile Club. From pioneers to bestsellers... the icons that changed our lives Benz (1888): The first ever production car, the Benz Patent-Motorwagen 3, was introduced in 1888 when inventor Karl Benzs pioneering wife drove it on a publicity trip 65 miles from Mannheim to her hometown of Pforzheim in the Black Forest. This was the start of the car firm that became Mercedes-Benz. Ford Model T (from 1908): The car that brought motoring to the masses, Henry Fords mastery of the production line meant one model and just one exterior paint, prompting the quip that customers could have any colour as long as its black. More than 15 million were sold up to 1927 (at one point half the cars on U.S. roads were Model Ts), setting a record until eclipsed in 1972 by the VW Beetle. VW Beetle (from 1938): Launched in 1938 by Ferdinand Porsche to be the Nazis Peoples Car, the rear-engined Type 1 of what developed into the VW Beetle was saved by the British from the ruins of post-war Germany and became a symbol of the hippy era. When production ended in 2003, 21 million had been sold and it was the worlds best-selling car. MINI (from 1959): Design genius Sir Alec Issigonis revolutionised the motor car in 1959 by creating a 10 ft square box on wheels to satisfy demand for an economic car after the 1956 Suez Crisis, which led to fuel and oil shortages. It was loved by celebrities, royalty and ordinary folk in the Swinging Sixties. Autocar has always been there to record the historical motoring milestones. These include the formation of the Automobile Association the AA in 1905 to combat police speed traps; the introduction of 70 mph speed limit on motorways; the then controversial introduction of the roadside breathalyser and tougher drink-drive laws in 1967 by Labour's Transport Minister Barbara Castle (who received death threats); the first speed cameras; and congestion charging. A classic Mini graces the cover of this edition from the early 1970s And it continues right up to today's experiments in autonomous driving and the Government's decision to ban new petrol and diesel cars from 2030. In 1992, the magazine even sacked motoring writer James May who went on to host Top Gear alongside Jeremy Clarkson for secreting a mischievously rude coded message among its hallowed pages. It has only twice failed to reach the shelves during the General Strike of May 1926 when three issues were lost, and in 1973 during a spate of fuel shortages and strikes by miners and print workers. Autocar's editorial director Jim Holder said: 'It's been an incredible journey so far. 'And with so much change happening right now, we're heading towards the biggest and most exciting time since the birth of an invention that has truly shaped the modern world. It has been an honour to chronicle it.' So as the motor car enters a new electric, green, and potentially autonomous phase, here's to the next 125 years of Autocar. I wonder how the world of motoring will look then? If it exists at all. Investors lost their appetite for Just Eat Takeaways shares as concerns mounted that the pandemic boom in business is wearing off. The delivery group tumbled to the bottom of the FTSE 100 leaderboard despite reporting that first-half orders across the group were up 61pc. In the UK, orders rose by a staggering 733 per cent in the first six months of the year compared with 2020, as Britons cooped up by a third lockdown and a soggy spring kept coming back for more takeaways. Off the boil: Just Eat tumbled to the bottom of the FTSE 100 leaderboard despite reporting that first-half orders across the group were up 61% It also managed to pinch customers away from Uber Eats and Deliveroo (down 1.5 per cent, or 4.4p, to 299.2p). The solid start to the year has prompted the group to upgrade the companys full-year forecasts and it now believes a key measure of gross transaction value will be between 24billion and 26billion this year. Its performance has been boosted by the takeover of US rival Grubhub, which it bought for 5.8billion only a few months after Just Eat and Takeaway themselves merged last year. In a trading update, Just Eat added that it would make far more money throughout the rest of the year, saying that losses had peaked in the first half, driven by caps on fees in North America and new investments. Stock Watch - Costain Costain slipped up as it told shareholders the value of orders has slipped. The HS2 and Thames Tideway Tunnel contractor said its order book stood at 4billion by the end of the first half in June down from 4.2billion at the same time last year. The company has had more cash available on average at the end of each month around 103million compared with 2020. Also in the first six months of 2021, Costain finally drew a line under a problematic project with the Welsh government over work on a major road through the Brecon Beacons. Shares fell 4.6 per cent, or 2.7p, to 56.1p. Just Eat Takeaway was one of the so-called pandemic winners that saw business flourish during lockdown. But with countries particularly the UK reopening and customers rushing back to bars and restaurants, the question now seems to be if, or how quickly, this will fizzle out. Chris Beauchamp, chief market analyst at IG, said: Just Eats performance continues to disappoint, judging by the reaction of the share price this morning. A 733 per cent gain in UK order growth just doesnt cut it any more, it appears, and in any case matching this for the next half is likely to prove impossible, given the expected return to pubs and restaurants and the concomitant decline in takeaway orders. Shares sank 9.1 per cent, or 585p, to 5837p last night, down from peaks last year of around 8380p. At the other end of the scale, a boost to forecasts lifted credit check specialist Experian. It was among the Footsies top risers after it reported first-quarter revenues jumped by almost a third. In the US, its biggest market, its credit comparison marketplace did well as more people applied for credit cards and loans. Shares in the group which expects turnover to grow up to 15 per cent this year rose 2.5 per cent, or 73p, to 3050p. The FTSE 100 as a whole, however, had a miserable day, falling 1.1 per cent, or 79.17 points, to 7012.02. It was partly dragged down by BP (down 2.9 per cent, or 8.7p, to 295.05p) and Shell (down 2.3 per cent, or 32p, to 1377p), which tracked a fall in oil prices. The value of a barrel of Brent crude fell more than 1 per cent yesterday to $74 as traders braced for more oil to enter the market after Saudi Arabia and the UAE reached a production agreement. Bitcoin also sagged, falling 3 per cent to around $31,781. Susannah Streeter, senior equity analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, said this could partly be down to concerns about central banks mulling launching their own digital currencies. The FTSE 250 was also in the red, falling 1.1 per cent, or 248.79 points, to 22501.25. White-collar recruiter Hays was among the biggest fallers (down 8.6 per cent, or 14.4p, to 153.3p) despite raising guidance which is becoming something of a theme on the stock market. It said it expects annual profits to hit 95million, ahead of expectations, but flagged that there are clear skills shortages in some industries. Chief executive Alistair Cox said business rebounded in all of its largest markets including the UK, Germany and Australia. Vectura's board last week backed a 150p a share offer from Philip Morris International Ministers are under pressure to block the takeover of respiratory drugs company Vectura by the maker of Marlboro. The board of the Chippenham-based inhaler specialist, which is developing a Covid treatment, last week backed a 150p a share offer from Philip Morris International (PMI). But in a growing backlash against the proposed 1billion deal, the chief executives of charities Cancer Research UK, Asthma UK and British Lung Foundation Partnership, and Action on Smoking and Health have written to Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng and Health Secretary Sajid Javid calling on the Government to stop the deal going through. The letter says: There is a real prospect that PMI will use this acquisition to legitimise tobacco industry participation in health debates within the UK. This must not be allowed to happen, they add. The charity bosses also warn of huge unease that a tobacco company could profit from treatments for illnesses such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma. The City watchdog has admitted it must raise its game to become fit for purpose after a string of scandals. Bosses at the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) said 120million will be invested in improving its data capabilities over the next three years to crack down on fraud and misconduct. These include strengthening rules on financial promotions to protect investors, improve standards on pension advice and taking a more proactive approach to spot scams and high-risk investments. Bosses at the Financial Conduct Authority said 120m will be invested in improving its data capabilities over the next three years to crack down on fraud and misconduct The plans come less than a month after MPs on the Treasury Select Committee said the FCA needed a culture change following the collapse of mini-bond firm London Capital & Finance (LCF). LCF went bust in 2019 after raising 237million from 11,000 small investors and a report by Dame Elizabeth Gloster last December found the FCA failed to properly regulate and supervise the business. In an apparent nod to the report, the FCA said it would be proactive at the boundaries of the perimeter of its regulated markets having previously pointed out the LCF model did not fall under its remit. The regulator also said it would develop plans to differentiate the UKs financial institutions from EU ones following the recent revelation from Chancellor Rishi Sunak that attempts to sign a mutual recognition deal with Brussels had failed. Chief executive Nikhil Rathi said: We know that there are areas where we need to raise our game considerably. The FCA must continue to become a forward-looking, proactive regulator. One that is tough, assertive, confident, decisive, agile. One that is not only purposeful but that is fit for purpose. Revolut has officially become the UK's most valuable fintech firm with a whopping 24billion price tag. The banking app earned the accolade after successfully closing a 577million funding round with Japanese investment giant Softbank and Tiger Global Management. The valuation means Revolut, founded in 2015, is worth more than NatWest one of the UK's largest and oldest retail banks and which has a market cap of 23.6billion. Banking App Revolut, founded in 2015, is now worth more than NatWest one of the UK's largest and oldest retail banks and which has a market cap of 23.6bn Revolut is evidence that challenger banks have matured and can take on their more established rivals. The next stage in Revolut's evolution will be to go public and hopes are the bank will choose to list in London as the UK tries to establish itself as the world's premier fintech hub. Chancellor Rishi Sunak has been monitoring the company's progress closely and yesterday he said Revolut's fundraising was 'great news', adding that 'we want to see even more great British fintech success stories'. Revolut previously said a float would not be considered until a 28billion valuation has been achieved and yesterday's news will have sent the Square Mile's investment bankers into a frenzy. Neil Wilson, analyst at Markets.com, said: 'It has been a strong year for the tech pipeline with Wise, Deliveroo and Darktrace all choosing London. Revolut would top all those though and Rishi Sunak won't want to let this slip by. The question is does it want the scrutiny just yet.' While Revolut is not yet a household name, its rise is no surprise to the tech community. Russ Shaw, founder of Tech London Advocates, said: 'This has been a steady build over the years. Everybody says to me, 'Where is the next Google?' Well hey, look, we're building them. Chancellor Rishi Sunak said Revolut's fundraising was 'great news' 'If we keep getting this right we can compete with China and the US.' Revolut was founded by British-Russian entrepreneur Nikolay Storonsky and his Ukrainian sidekick Vlad Yatsenko, but the firm is very much a London success story. Storonsky studied in Moscow and immediately moved to London where he became a trader at Lehman Brothers and then Credit Suisse in 2008. It is at Credit Suisse that he met Yatsenko. Seven years later Revolut was born in Level 39, a financial technology incubator in Canary Wharf, London. The firm offered customers foreign exchange and money transfer services and has since branched into debit cards as well as offering stock trading and crypto-currency accounts. Storonsky himself is forthright and refuses to pander to the woke brigade, many of which are his customers. Previous staff members have complained about a toxic work culture but others say working for Revolut is like being an elite athlete and those who cannot handle it are quickly found out. Revolut's rise is in stark contrast to NatWest, one of the worst-hit banks when the financial crisis struck 13 years ago. NatWest required a 45.8billion bailout and is still 55 per cent owned by the taxpayer. Unlike Storonsky, its chief executive Alison Rose can ill afford to take risks and is under intense pressure to succeed as the UK's first female chief executive of a major bank. Since she started in November 2019, Rose has cut jobs and closed branches but her critics say that she lacks the imagination and charisma of some of her rivals. One bank analyst said: 'She's got a tough job. And there still questions over the existing bank model with its huge cost base. I think the industry is ripe for a shake-up by a company like Revolut.' But Revolut has its critics, who say the company has yet to turn a profit. Results in 2020 showed it recorded a 168million loss on revenues of 222million. In contrast Natwest posted a 351million loss on revenues of 10.8billion. In January this year Revolut applied for a UK banking licence, which it needs to lend money to customers, move into credit card services and take customer deposits. One source close to the company said: 'Revolut has done well but it has not yet established itself as a lender. The next step could be the hardest.' Tifton, GA (31794) Today Cloudy skies this morning followed by thunderstorms during the afternoon. High 87F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%.. Tonight Variably cloudy with scattered thunderstorms. Low 72F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 60%. Barre, VT (05641) Today Mostly cloudy with occasional rain...mainly in the morning. High 79F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall around a quarter of an inch.. Tonight A few clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 63F. Winds light and variable. 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. Thomasville, GA (31792) Today Partly cloudy early followed by scattered thunderstorms this afternoon. High 87F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.. Tonight Cloudy skies early with scattered thunderstorms developing late. Low 71F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 40%. Do you know how to keep your vehicle from being stolen? Cindy Rooy is the author of the Bible study Trusting God Through Troubles & Tears and a contributing author in devotional books and magazines. To contact Cindy, email her at cr4Him@gmail.com. NEW LEBANON A trooper shot a woman in the abdomen with a shotgun Thursday after State Police say she pointed a firearm at troopers. Troopers were responding to a report of a woman who threatened suicide at about 10:30 a.m. at a home on State Route 22 in New Lebanon, a rural Columbia County community along the Massachusetts border. Two troopers responded, and during their interaction with the 40-year-old victim, the police allege she pointed a long gun at the troopers. One of the troopers shot her with his police-issue shotgun. The woman was taken to Albany Medical Center by ambulance where she was in stable condition as of Friday afternoon, according to State Police spokesman Aaron J. Hicks. The woman, who was alone when troopers arrived, is not facing charges at this time, but the investigation is on-going, Hicks added. He would not say how police were first called to the scene. The scene of the shooting, about a mile up the road from the New Lebanon Junior/Senior High School, was quiet Friday afternoon, and no one responded to a knock at the door. A minivan sat in the driveway. Neighbor Ralph Stall said he was driving home from work in Pittsfield at about 10:30 a.m. Thursday when he passed the victim's house and saw a female state trooper outside the home with a shotgun. Stall continued on to his home, which is several hundred feet away from the victim's, and turned on his police scanner to hear of the shooting. Stall did not know the neighbors, who he said had moved in about 6 months ago, but said they were a couple with at least one school-aged child. Columbia County District Attorney Paul Czajka said Friday afternoon his office is currently handling the investigation in conjunction with the New York State Attorney General's Office. He has been in contact with an assistant New York attorney general from the onset, Czajka said, and the prosecutor was at the scene Thursday along with local investigators. The state attorney general's office has become increasingly involved with investigations into shootings by police and last year was given expanded powers to investigate such shootings. The State Police released the names of the two troopers involved in the incident late Thursday: Trooper Nathaniel Chernewsky, who fired the shotgun, and Trooper Erica Rodriguez. Neither were injured, according to police. Chernewsky has been with the State Police less than two years, while Rodriguez has been with the troopers for three years. Americans discovered the Great Outdoors during the pandemic. There were 8.1 million more people exploring state and federal forests across the country in 2020 than in 2019, according to the Outdoor Foundation, and 7.9 million more folks pitching tents and camping. And on an average summer Saturday in the Hudson Valley, it often seems the once-quiet trails are teeming with hikers. I remember when trying to talk New Yorkers into exploring the woods was a challenge, but now were practically running into traffic jams on the trails in the Catskills, says Dave DiCerbo, founder of Destination Backcountry Adventures. One surefire way to avoid crowded trails? Go after dark. One of the best ways to explore the woods and mountains of New York is at night, says DiCerbo. For rule-followers, that might sound dangerous. Irresponsible. Foolish. Pick your adjective. And what about wildlife? Dont the mountains shut down when the sun sets? Will park rangers chase you down and give you a stern talking-to? Hiking at night is as safe as hiking during the day, as long as youre prepared, says DiCerbo. Some state parks do shut down at night, but all of the Adirondacks and the Catskills Forest Preserve are open for hiking. And honestly, there are no wild animals in New York State that anyone needs to afraid of. Coyotes and bears are scared of people, and bears are really only out during the day anyway. Stephen Tuomey, co-team leader of Catskills' Twin Cloves Technical Rescue Team, has a more cautious take on the bear situation, knowing they can be active at night. But he agrees that for the most part, bears want nothing to do with us. The bears around New York State are not normally going after people to attack, theyre just looking for food, he said. The wildlife around [here] is pretty much timid of people, but you have to use common sense." If you do see a bear cub, day or night, he advises, dont make them feel like they are trapped and anger their mother. Slowly back up and walk away, and theyll continue on. Arriving prepared is the best way to stay safe. Mike Miller, the editor-in-chief of Wilderness Times says that as a night owl, hiking at night is the best time for me, especially during the summer on the Appalachian Trail. Its perfectly safe, and on a night with a full moon, you may not even need a flashlight. While DiCerbo typically curates adventures for new and experienced hikers by day, taking the curious and knowledgeable on hiking, backpacking, canoeing, kayaking and yoga trips across the Catskills, he is well-versed in after hours hiking, too. It doesnt require a full moon, though it does make it more enjoyable, says DiCerbo, so you may want to plan your first night hike around the upcoming Perseid meteor shower, which begins July 17 and peaks on August 11, and will coincide with the July 23 full moon (see more celestial dates below). Gemma via Getty Images There are also several distinct benefits to hiking at night, beyond a clear view of starry skies. First of all, youll have the trail to yourself, DiCerbo says. Plus, its much more pleasant to hike at night when its cooler, and the bugs arent out. And youll be shocked how beautiful the woods are at night; youll hear, and maybe even see, harmless wildlife that youd never encounter during a day hike, like fisher cats. For the record, fisher cats arent as fierce or cat-like as they sound. They are in fact weasels, and average 32-40 inches in length, 12-16 inches of which belong to their long tail. They eat rabbits, squirrels, mice and berries not nighttime hikers. But there are things to keep in mind when venturing out in the dark. Staying safe at night If youre new to hiking in general and hiking at night, youll definitely want to scout out the trail ahead of time. You dont want to hike a trail for the first time at night, he says. For beginners, I always recommend picking a wide trail, like a rail trail, and one that doesnt have a lot of junctions. A straight, single trail for your first time out is a great idea. And make it short; even experienced hikers will find that they go at about half the pace at night, so a four-hour hike during the day will take you all night. Also, keep the human eye in mind. I recommend setting out near dusk without your headlamp on, DiCerbo says. It takes 30 minutes for the human eye to adjust to the dark without a light source. Youll be surprised, with a full moon and on nights without cloud cover, just how far you can go without a headlamp. Youll probably want a headlamp eventually though, and as a precaution, you should always bring a headlamp and flashlight. (See below for our packing and planning checklist). Keep in mind, New Yorks Forest Preserve includes 4.8 million acres of land, 3 million of which are classified as Forest Preserve. The Catskill Park in the Catskill Mountains encompasses 700,000 acres in four counties (Delaware, Greene, Sullivan and Ulster). The Appalachian Trail is 2,100 miles long, 88 miles of which are in New York. Thats a lot of space to explore. These are DiCerbos favorite regional night hikes: Where to Go Four Night Hiking Trails in the Catskills Region The Ashokan Rail Trail, which skirts the Ashokan reservoir, is one of DiCerbo's favorite night hikes. Gerald Berliner via Getty Images Ashokan Rail Trail (Ulster County), with 11.5 miles of trails along the Ashokan Reservoir (pictured). Rail trails are accessible to everyone, including those in wheelchairs. The end points are Route 28A in Boiceville and Basin Road in West Hurley. Kaaterskill Rail Trail (Greene County) with 3 miles of trails in the forest near Haines Falls. Bluestone Wild Forest (Ulster County), with a trail 3 miles west of Kingston. There is an easily accessible trail to Onteora Lake off State Route 28. The break in trees for the lakes offers incredible star-gazing, and hikers will also find gentle hills with hemlocks and oaks. Dibbles Quarry (Greene County), part of Sugarloaf Mountain, is for intermediate and advanced night hikers. This abandoned 19th century quarry in the middle of the woods features rock thrones, a raised firepit and a mellow 1-mile ascent headed up to the quarry itself. It is accessible on Elka Park Road in Elka Park. You already know that spending time outside makes you more creative, calm and resourceful. Now, throw in an extra dose of adventure by hitting the trails at night. Plan Ahead Packing & Safety Checklist for Night Hikes Anadolu Agency via Getty Images Pack a fully charged cell phone with GPS capabilities, a flashlight, a headlamp with multiple brightness settings, water and energy snacks. Bring layers and extra clothes. The cool temps may surprise you and if there is a sudden change in weather you'll have dry clothes. Organize your bag well. Keep everything in its place so you dont have to dig in the dark. Dont go solo your first time out. Tell someone where youre going, when youre expected back, and what they should do if they dont hear from you by a set time. Prepare to take a long time, and be observant. Terrain is harder to see, and rocks and roots can surprise even experienced hikers. Many of us know the mid-century photographer Ansel Adams for his sparkling, archetypal black and white views of California wilderness. One of his most iconic images shows the craggy Mt. Williamson in 1944 against a dramatic sky, with boulders in the foreground as an exaggerated counterpoint. You can see it here at the Museum of Modern Art. This gets us primed for the packed, important exhibition at the Fenimore Art Museum, Manzanar: The Wartime Photographs of Ansel Adams. Manzanar was a sprawling incarceration camp built in a remote desert for the detainment of Japanese Americans in World War II. Adams visited in 1943 and 1944 to photograph the camp, and his staid, formal results anchor this show. But the real guts of the exhibition lurk in the context created by other photographers and in some propaganda graphics. Adams made something like 200 images on four trips to the camp, most of them headshot portraits. The more engaging photographs show people working and playing, creating an almost surreal vision of normalcy. Adams presents optimism and quiet fortitude even though he must have known he was in the midst of a tragedy. Adams wrote at the time, I have tried to record the influence of the tremendous landscape of Inyo on the life and spirit of thousands of people living by force of circumstance in the Relocation Center of Manzanar. If you consider the Adams photos as individual statementsas art objectsmost wobble between routine and dull. Adams chose to show things clearly, with the stiffness of his large-format camera on a tripod but without exultant beauty of composition, or of light and textural discovery, or even of heightened documentary truth. The headshots are fine, seeming honest and readable, but they resemble headshots everywhere. The environmental portraits are more interesting, but they have a posed awkwardness typical of middling commercial work. Among the exceptions might be the views of the place, with some figures amidst the buildings. Mountains soar in the background. Its quite a place, yes, but nowhere do we get what is wrong here. This isnt to say Adams wasnt a good guyhes known for being a gregarious, generous fellow, a mentor to many, and well-liked by his subjects at Manzanar. But the precision and beauty of his views surely miss the point. The equally famous Dorothea Lange photographed, with her typical fervor, the roundup and the widespread internment, as well as the pain. There are three of her images here, and in each of them you feel empathy. Lange was friends with Adams, and she encouraged him to photograph the camp, but she must have been surprised at his disengaged results. This is a show about Adams, but Lange should dominate the larger discussion. Even her overview photographs that vaguely resemble the images by Adams prove this isnt a sunny haven in the mountains, as the National Archives makes clear. Its often suggested that the American public didnt know about the camps or the conditions there, but that just isnt true. The Museum of Modern Art mounted a show in 1944 of these very images, and a companion book was published by U.S. Camera called Born Free and Equal. The show sparked an ugly controversy, andastonishinglythe show was closed early. And the books were removed andget thisdestroyed. Yes, in the U. S. of A. The glacially slow acknowledgment of the damage these internment camps did to tens of thousands of Japanese Americans and their children and their childrens children is an ongoing tragedy. So here we are in Cooperstown, New York, with a small salve. This current show is incomplete, for sure, but its a contribution. One image not on view is the landscape where we began, the famous one by Adams with the full title, Mount Williamson, Sierra Nevada, from Manzanar, California. The title alone reveals what Adams was really aboutthe raw landscape, which he had a unique feel for. Lange understood the social landscape, but for Adams, that was tricky terrain. NORTH BENNINGTON, Vt. The 250th anniversary of the Brackenridge Standoff and the birth of the state of Vermont will be celebrated from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Henry Bridge and McWaters Park. The event commemorates a bloodless standoff on July 19, 1771, that took place at the location between the Green Mountain Boys and the Hampshire Grant Settlers against the then-colonial government of New York. According to Thomas Hughes, a trustee of the Crown Point Road Association, a nonprofit civic organization in North Bennington, uneasy times gave birth to the Green Mountain Boys, a militia that evolved into todays Vermont Army National Guard and the Vermont Air National Guard. The government told the (Hampshire Grant) settlers that they would either have to leave their property or have it resurveyed by the government, which, in their opinion, was not fair, said Hughes. The settlers negotiated with the government, even writing to the king of England, Hughes said. However, increased tensions led to what is today known as the Brackenridge Standoff between the Green Mountain Boys and the mayor and sheriff of Albany, along with their lawyers and surveyors. The event took place at the Henry Bridge, which crosses the Walloomsac River, stopping the serving of papers and blocking the New York surveyors. The success of the settlers led to the founding of Vermont. A commemoration to honor the Green Mountain Boys will be held at 2 p.m. Sundat at the park. Chief Master Sgt. Adrianne Schulz, the mission group superintendent for the 158th Fighter Wing of the Vermont Air National Guard, will speak at the event, as will state Rep. Mary Morrissey. The event is an opportunity for visitors to learn about the history of Vermont and is family-frindly. Visitors can explore the park, watch historic re-enactments as well as demonstrations and presentations. Admission is free. BERLIN (AP) More than 60 people have died and dozens were missing Thursday as severe flooding in Germany and Belgium turned streams and streets into raging torrents that swept away cars and caused houses to collapse. Among those killed were nine residents of an assisted living facility for people with disabilities and two firefighters involved in rescue efforts across the region. I grieve for those who have lost their lives in this disaster, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said during a visit to Washington, expressing shock at the scope of the flooding. Speaking alongside U.S. President Joe Biden at the White House, Merkel said her thoughts were with all those who had lost loved ones or were still searching for them. I fear the full extent of this tragedy will only be seen in the coming days," she said. Biden likewise paid his condolences for the devastating loss of life and the destruction due to the flooding. Our hearts go out to the families whove lost loved ones, he said. Authorities said at least 30 people died in North Rhine-Westphalia state and 28 in neighboring Rhineland-Palatinate to the south. Belgian media reported eight deaths in that country. Recent storms across parts of western Europe made rivers and reservoirs burst their banks, triggering flash floods overnight after the saturated soil couldnt absorb any more water. Among the worst-hit German villages was Schuld, where several homes collapsed and dozens of people remained unaccounted for. Rescue operations were hampered by blocked roads and phone and internet outages across the Eifel, a volcanic region of rolling hills and small valleys. Some villages were reduced to rubble as old brick and timber houses couldn't withstand the sudden rush of water, often carrying trees and other debris as it gushed through narrow streets. Karl-Heinz Grimm, who had come to help his parents in Schuld, said he had never seen the small Ahr River surge in such a deadly torrent. "This night, it was like madness, he said. Dozens of people had to be rescued from the roofs of their houses with inflatable boats and helicopters. Hundreds of soldiers were deployed to assist in the rescue efforts. There are people dead, there are people missing, there are many who are still in danger, the governor of Rhineland-Palatinate state, Malu Dreyer, told the regional parliament. We have never seen such a disaster. Its really devastating. The 52nd Civil Engineer squadron and several volunteers from the U.S. air base at Spangdahlem filled and distributed hundreds of sandbags to help protect homes and businesses in the area, the U.S. European Command said. In Belgium, the Vesdre River spilled over its banks and sent water churning through the streets of Pepinster, near Liege, where a rescue operation by firefighters went wrong when a small boat capsized and three elderly people disappeared. Unfortunately, they were quickly engulfed, said Mayor Philippe Godin. I fear they are dead. In Verviers, the prosecutors office said several bodies had been found but could not confirm local media reports that four people were killed there. In Liege, a city of 200,000, the Meuse River overflowed its banks Thursday and the mayor asked people living nearby to move to higher ground. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen pledged to help, and Pope Francis sent condolences, with his office saying the pontiff was praying for those injured and missing, as well as those who have lost their livelihoods. The full extent of the damage was still unclear, with many villages cut off by floods and landslides that made roads impassable. Many of the dead were only discovered after floodwaters receded. Authorities in the Rhine-Sieg county south of Cologne ordered the evacuation of several villages below the Steinbach reservoir amid fears a dam could break. Armin Laschet, the governor of North-Rhine Westphalia state, paid tribute to two firefighters who died and pledged swift help. We don't know the extent of the damage yet, but we won't leave the communities, the people affected alone, he said during a visit to the city of the flood-hit city of Hagen. Laschet, a conservative who is running to succeed Merkel as chancellor in this fall's election, said the unusually heavy storms and an earlier heat wave could be linked to climate change. Political opponents have criticized Laschet, the son of a miner, for supporting the region's coal industry and hampering the expansion of wind power during his tenure. Stefan Rahmstorf, a professor of ocean physics at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, said it was unclear whether the extreme rainfall seen in Germany was a direct result of planetary warming. But one can state that such events are becoming more frequent due to global warming, he told The Associated Press, noting that warmer air can absorb more water vapor that eventually falls as rain. The increase in heavy rain and decrease in days with weak rain is now also clearly seen in observational data, especially in the mid-northern latitudes, which includes Germany, Rahmstorf said. The weakening of the summer circulation of the atmosphere, causing longer-lasting weather patterns such as heat waves or continuous rain, might also play a role, he added. Rainfall eased later Thursday across Germany, although water levels on the Mosel and Rhine rivers were expected to continue rising. In the Netherlands, King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima visited the hard-hit Dutch town of Valkenburg on Thursday evening to support residents and emergency services. Flooding turned the main street into a torrent of brown water, inundating homes and businesses. The Dutch government sent about 70 troops to the southern province of Limburg late Wednesday to help with evacuations and filling sandbags. Thousands of people in the city of Maastricht and villages along the Maas River were ordered to evacuate Thursday evening amid threats of flooding, and centers were set up to house them. The Maas is the Dutch name for the Meuse River. In northeastern France, heavy rains flooded vegetable fields, many homes and a World War I museum in Romagne-sous-Montfaucon. The Aire River rose to its highest levels in 30 years in some areas, according to the LEst Republicain newspaper. The equivalent of two months of rain has fallen over two days, according to the French national weather service, with flood warnings issued for 10 regions. No injuries or deaths have been reported, but forecasters warned of mudslides and more rain Friday. __ Associated Press writers Raf Casert in Brussels; Angela Charlton in Paris; Frances D'Emilio in Rome; and Mike Corder in The Hague contributed to this report. SCHENECTADY The mayors of Albany, Troy, and Schenectady are joining forces in a renewed effort to try to boost the ranks of people of color in their fire and police departments - a vexing issue that has long plagued all three cities. Richard Harris, president of the 100 Black Men of Albany and the Capital Region, said he was buoyed by a kick off session held Tuesday. You could see that the mayors who were present were open to making changes, they were listening to the suggestions that were being made, he said. Harris said the national reckoning and push for racial justice and equality makes this as good a time as any to start working on some real changes toward progress in the area of public safety. We have the expertise in our organization to improve the situation, and were going to share it with you - but were not going to negotiate with you - and then you can do what you want, said Harris. He recounted leading a Black firefighters group in New York City that sued in the 1970s to make the department hire more people of color, and some of the programs in place to see that through including targeted recruitment and mentoring programs. Albanys Chief Diversity Officer, Angelica Kang, said the group of stakeholders, which also included the citys fire chief and representatives from the police department, discussed what has worked, what hasnt worked, to identify obstacles that individual municipalities have felt. Kang also said that public conversations and perception doesnt always square with the state laws municipalities must follow when it comes to hiring. Folks on the outside want us to hire more diverse, or want there to be more diversity representation in public serviceI think the restraint that a lot of people forget about even for those on the inside is civil service is something that we have to abide by and those are obstacles that are in the way, she said. I think it was helpful for me to be in that room and hear that that is what other municipalities are grappling with as well. She also said outreach and attrition were raised as potential hurdles. I think that we all recognize that when we talk about diversifying our departments, especially in public safety, that it is about recruitment and retention as well as well as promotionI think maybe one of the issues weve been met with is attrition, Kang said. Schenectady Mayor Gary McCarthy said Wednesday that one of the keys will be how do we work together getting the message out, doing the recruitment, and being able to staff the respective departments in the cities. Its working with specific groups that have ties and knowledge of potential candidates, he said, adding that the joint effort will also include the local community colleges. Kang said she and Schenectady Affirmative Action Officer Ron Gardner will as a follow up to Tuesdays meeting start assembling a working group of representatives from each of the cities. There are couple of proposals that came out from yesterday (Tuesday) that we could look into, but I dont want to over commit to anything because it was a brainstorming session, Kang added. One of the working groups missions will be to build a pool of qualified candidates, said Gardner. Those people are going to get together and look at the specific needs of each community and how do we deal with that recruitment and messaging more on a regional basis, added McCarthy. He said one strategy he wants to try in the Electric City is to focus more on quality instead of quantity. John Salka, the communications director for Troy Mayor Patrick Madden, did not return calls seeking comment. Kang is hoping to build on Tuesday's momentum. I think what was established was that we have great ideas, we have great energy, we all have a common goal, but we recognize that we dont want to dive into this blindly, but go in with a plan, with a strategy and a collaborative nature because some solutions will work for certain municipalities and certain solutions wont, said Kang. ALBANY Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo suffered an unprecedented fundraising defeat when his likely Republican opponent for governor raised more money than he did over the last six months, a period in which Cuomo plummeted in popularity and saw the worst polling numbers of his three terms. Cuomo is facing multiple investigations over his handling of the coronavirus pandemic, a $5 million book deal and multiple sexual harassment allegations. He was outraised by Republican U.S. Rep. Lee Zeldin of Long Island by a margin of $4 million to $2.3 million. Outside of the last six months, Cuomo has long been one of the country's most prolific campaign fundraisers, and retains a sizable financial advantage over his potential 2022 opponents. He reported having more than $18 million in cash on hand, while his most viable possible Democratic primary challenger, Attorney General Letitia James, has $1.6 million. The Democratic primary for governor, the race where Cuomo could be the most vulnerable, is scheduled for June. Zeldin, who would run against Cuomo in November 2022, has $3.2 million on hand. His fundraising haul included $380,000 that was transferred from his congressional campaign. On Thursday evening, the same day campaign disclosures were required to be filed, the New York Times reported that James' investigators are scheduled to interview Cuomo on Saturday concerning sexual harassment allegations and other matters. The timing of the story prompted Richard Azzopardi, a spokesman for the governor, to cast doubt on the attorney general's independence. "Viewing these facts separate from today's convenient leak in a vacuum would be quite a leap," Azzopardi said on Twitter Thursday evening. He said in a separate statement that the administration would not comment on the investigation, but "the continued leaks are more evidence of the transparent political motivation of the attorney general's review." Azzopardi did not provide evidence that James was the source of the leak, and James has not publicly expressed interest in running for governor. James' forthcoming report on the sexual harassment allegations against Cuomo could determine whether Cuomo remains viable to run for a long-coveted fourth term. Cuomo's campaign has recently spent $350,000 on legal services, which includes $285,000 on the law firm Glavin PLLC that's representing him in response to a groping allegation. Three other law firms representing Cuomo's office in response to various investigations are being paid by taxpayers. Only one of the legal contracts, worth up to $2.5 million, has been made public. As Cuomo's administration has focused its attention on laying the groundwork for undermining the credibility of James' investigation, Zeldin, the frontrunner for the Republican nomination, celebrated his fundraising wins. Behind Zeldin in GOP primary fundraising was former Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino, the party's 2014 nominee for governor, who raised $744,000; and Andrew Giuliani, who is the son of Rudolph Guiliani, the former New York City mayor and lawyer for former President Donald J. Trump. Andrew Guiliani has raised $409,000 since he filed to run on May 12. If a Democratic primary unfolds between James and Cuomo, the campaign filings give some indication as to the preferences of organized labor, which can provide ground troops crucial to the outcome of low-turnout primary elections. Cuomo has traditionally had strong support from private sector unions, especially building trades, while his relationship with public sector labor has been more contentious. James has long had strong support from organized labor broadly, though in her current role as attorney general, has less sway over many labor issues than Cuomo. Many unions are hedging their bets and giving to both James and Cuomo, though not in all cases. The Uniformed Firefighters Association's PAC recently gave $30,000 to Cuomo, and a related firefighter committee added $25,000 more. The state Building and Construction Trades gave Cuomo $15,000 in June (and only $1,000 to James), and the Building Industry Electrical Contractors $15,000 to Cuomo. James received $12,500 from the political action committee of the politically powerful New York State United Teachers, including $10,000 this month. Cuomo has long had a tense relationship with the state teachers union, and has not received a contribution from its political action committee since 2013. During his 2018 reelection campaign, both the state and New York City teachers unions remained officially neutral, although they donated heavily to groups that were supporting Cuomo's primary challenger that year, Cynthia Nixon. The Transportation Workers Union Local 100 gave $30,000 to James over the past six months, including $25,000 on July 9. That same day, TWU President John Samuelsen told the New York Post of Cuomo: "How could the labor movement support someone for governor who engaged in workforce criminality, sexual harassment?" And Samuelsen tweeted that James "is the best and logical choice for working people. Honesty, Humility, Integrity, all a huge step from where we are right now." Azzopardi responded that Samuelsen "is an extortionist who is trying to undo pension reform. We also understand he is a political supporter of Tish James and she says she may run against the governor, and he wants more benefits in his contract. Everyone gets that." The New York State Nurses Association, a longtime James backer, recently gave her $5,000. The union's PAC has not been supportive of Cuomo, although the union endorsed him during the 2018 primary. On the Republican side, Zeldin faces significant challenges running in a deeply Democratic state. He voted against the certification of the 2020 presidential election and against same-sex marriage when he was in the state Senate. During his campaign for governor, Zeldin has focused his rhetoric on crime and education. While he has offered some separation between himself and Trump, Zeldin said he would welcome a fundraiser with the former president and said he plans to attend one the New York GOP is to scheduled to hold with the former president in August. "I would anticipate that during this campaign, there would be help from President Trump as far as fundraising goes," Zeldin said. The Republican Party has been pushing a tough-on-crime agenda, led by Zeldin, who boasts coming from a law enforcement household. Cuomo has pushed to corner the issue as his own, declaring a state of emergency around gun violence and committing $139 million toward community-based approaches to curb escalating violent crime. Cuomo, who in past campaigns was buoyed by Black voters in New York City, has focused on retaining support in Black communities during the periods of political turmoil. Cuomo would especially need support from those communities in a Democratic primary against James, the first Black woman to be state attorney general. Cuomo has continued to find support among real estate developers (many of which have also given to James) and the health care sector. He recently received $50,000 from Kylie Cappelli, the wife of Westchester real estate businessman Louis Cappelli. The governor also received $40,000 from Dr. Candido Norberto, a Manhattan-based surgeon. He received $35,000 from Dr. Juan Tapia-Mendoza, who runs Pediatrics 2000 and is affiliated with Mount Sinai Hospital; $35,000 from Michael Fuchs, a Manhattan real estate developer; and $33,330 from the well-known developer Richard LeFrak. NEW YORK Gov. Andrew Cuomo is expected to be questioned Saturday by investigators from the New York state attorney generals office, signaling that a four-month-long inquiry into several sexual harassment accusations may be entering its final stages. Joon Kim and Anne Clark, the two outside lawyers hired to lead the investigation that is being overseen by Letitia James, the state attorney general, are expected to interview the governor in Albany, according to two people familiar with the matter. The lawyers have spent months gathering hours of testimony from several women who have accused Cuomo of sexual misconduct or harassment. The lawyers have also in recent weeks interviewed senior administration officials in preparation for questioning the governor. They have subpoenaed and collected troves of records including state documents, emails and text messages as they scrutinize the womens accounts and examine whether Cuomo and his staff broke any laws in dealing with sexual harassment complaints. Once their investigation is complete, Kim, a former senior federal prosecutor, and Clark, a prominent employment lawyer, are expected to issue their findings in a public report. Its contents could be politically devastating for Cuomo, who is navigating one of the most turbulent points of his decadelong tenure. The governor, a Democrat, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. While many of the states top Democrats called on Cuomo to resign earlier this year, many others said they would wait for the outcome of the investigation before weighing in on his fate. The findings could inform a separate, broader impeachment investigation being conducted in the state Assembly, which is also looking at the governors handling of nursing home deaths during the pandemic, among other controversies. It remains unclear exactly when the investigation will end, and there is no deadline for a report to be issued; James said last month that the inquiry will conclude when it concludes. While Cuomos deposition suggests the investigation is in its later stages, it does not necessarily guarantee the inquiry is closing: Investigators could still call him and other witnesses for follow-up interviews based on his testimony and other evidence. But a person familiar with the investigation has said a report is on track to be released before summers end. A spokesperson for the attorney generals office declined to comment Thursday. Richard Azzopardi, a senior adviser to Cuomo, said in a statement, We have said repeatedly that the governor doesnt want to comment on this review until he has cooperated. Azzopardi added that the continued leaks are more evidence of the transparent political motivation of the attorney generals review. He provided no evidence that the attorney general was leaking information. The Cuomo administration has also come under fire for administering coronavirus tests to the governors younger brother, CNN anchor Chris Cuomo, and other family members on a priority basis at the beginning of the pandemic when tests were scarce an issue that federal prosecutors are examining as part of a separate investigation. The attorney general is also looking at Cuomos use of state resources as he wrote and promoted his recent pandemic memoir, a book deal from which the governor is expected to receive $5.1 million. The governors upcoming deposition comes about two months after investigators subpoenaed at least four of his accusers to testify under oath and a few weeks after several of his top aides were also interviewed. In at least some of the interviews, the questioning mostly focused on the sexual harassment allegations that have surfaced in published reports, according to one person with knowledge of Kims inquiry. The questions also touched on whether there was an abusive workplace culture in Cuomos office. James, a Democrat, launched her investigation in March after a number of former and current female aides accused Cuomo of sexual impropriety, ranging from unwanted hugs and comments that made them feel uncomfortable to sexual advances and inappropriate touching. Lindsey Boylan, a former official at the states economic development agency, was the first woman to accuse the governor, saying he had given her an unsolicited kiss on the lips after a meeting. Another female staffer, who has remained unnamed, has accused Cuomo of groping her in the Executive Mansion in Albany, New York. Lawyers for both women said in May that they had been subpoenaed to testify under oath and would cooperate fully with the attorney generals investigation. Charlotte Bennett, a former aide to Cuomo, told The New York Times in February that the governor, who is almost 40 years her senior, made sexual overtures while they were alone in his state Capitol office, at one point asking her whether she had slept with older men before. Investigators interviewed Bennett for eight hours under oath in May, a deposition that her lawyer, Debra Katz, described as incredibly thorough and comprehensive. Bennett also provided investigators with more than 120 pages of contemporaneous records intended to back up her claims, Katz said. Cuomo, who initially apologized for making people feel uncomfortable, has more recently forcefully denied any wrongdoing, saying that he is eager to tell his side of the story. His aides have appeared to discredit the investigation, suggesting that it was being driven by James political motivations: She is rumored to be interested in running for governor. The investigation is being conducted by outside lawyers to avoid the appearance of a conflict of interest. One of the lawyers has a history with Cuomo: Kim was chief counsel to Preet Bharara, the former U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, when the office was investigating Cuomos decision in 2014 to disband the Moreland Commission, an anti-corruption panel. In 2017, Kim became acting U.S. attorney for 10 months when President Donald Trump forced Bharara out of office. During that time, Kim was involved in the pretrial preparation in the prosecution of Joseph Percoco, a former close aide of the governor who was convicted of federal corruption charges in 2018. The monthslong wait for the attorney generals report has left the state Capitol in suspense, but it has also given Cuomo time to mount an effort to rehabilitate his image, stabilize his poll numbers and shore up support among elected officials and key constituencies, especially Black voters. He has sought to present a semblance of normalcy by holding news conferences and ribbon-cutting events to celebrate New Yorks economic reopening, at times standing next to politicians who had previously called on him to resign. Recently, he has focused his messaging on gun violence and public safety, a pressing issue for voters amid a spike in shootings in many of the states major cities. On Wednesday, he held a joint news conference on the topic with Eric Adams, the Democratic nominee for mayor of New York City. This article originally appeared in The New York Times. MALTA Intel is examining a deal to buy GlobalFoundries for $30 billion dollars, a purchase that would enable the tech giant to acquire the company that makes chips for its chief competitor. The Wall Street Journal, which disclosed Intel's interest, reports such a purchase would "turbocharge" Intel's plans to make more chips for tech companies and other chip makers as a so-called foundry for manufacturing, which GlobalFoundries already is. News of the deal is not totally unexpected, and there have been rumors for months that Intel could acquire GlobalFoundries. GlobalFoundries officials have been particularly complementary of Intel as a company lately even though they are technically rivals in the cut-throat foundry industry. GlobalFoundries also makes many of the chips for Advanced Micro Devices, Intel's main rival for desktop personal computer chips. GlobalFoundries spokeswoman Gina DeRossi declined to comment on the Journal story as did Intel spokeswoman Stephanie Matthew. "Intel declines to comment on rumors and speculation," Matthew told the Times Union. Owned by Mubadala Investment Co., GlobalFoundries operates a massive manufacturing facility known as Fab 8 in Malta, where it recently moved its headquarters and has 3,000 employees. Officials with Mubadala could not immediately be reached for comment. Shares of Intel ended trading Friday at $54.97, down 1.51 percent for the day amid a general decline in stock prices across Wall Street. The deal described by the Journal values GlobalFoundries at about $30 billion, according to the newspaper. The newspaper reports a spokeswoman for the GlobalFoundries said it was not in discussions with Intel, a sign, the Journal reported, that GlobalFoundries executives were unaware of purchase talks. That $30 billion price tag happens to be the same amount that bankers for GlobalFoundries at Morgan Stanley had valued GlobalFoundries at for a potential initial public offering on Wall Street that would have turned GlobalFoundries into a public company. Even if Intel were not to purchase GlobalFoundries, it would solidify in the minds of investors that a $30 billion valuation for the company for an IPO is justified since Intel is the world's largest chip maker and would not overpay for a smaller rival. However, an acquisition of GlobalFoundries for that price would be much easier and cheaper and would carry less risk for Mubadala. And by buying an existing foundry like GlobalFoundries, Intel doesn't have to start the business from scratch. "It's a very interesting concept," Jack Kelley, a local economic development consultant and commercial real estate broker who helped lure GlobalFoundries to the Luther Forest Technology Campus more than a decade ago, told the Times Union. Kelley had courted Intel before that and has visited its Chandler, Ariz. campus dozens of times. He has deep ties to Intel executives. He said that Intel has always been interested in Luther Forest as a manufacturing site because of the availability of limitless water from the Hudson River and reliable electric power, two of the main requirements of chip manufacturing that a chip factory can never be without. GlobalFoundries has said that it is looking at building a second chip factory, or "fab," in Malta pending a $52 billion federal chip manufacturing subsidy package being promoted by U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer and the White House. If Intel were to buy GlobalFoundries, it would likely build that second fab at Luther Forest after having already said it would consider building its own fab somewhere in upstate New York if the $52 billion were to come to fruition. "I would say that Luther Forest is the best site in the world to do a project of this kind," Kelley added. GlobalFoundries is scheduled to host a major announcement at its Fab 8 campus in Malta on Monday although it does not appear that that event is related to the Intel story. It's expected that state and federal government officials could attend the Monday event, although none of that has been confirmed. Intel had recently expressed interest in building a computer chip factory in upstate New York as part of a push by the U.S. government to encourage more domestic chip manufacturing as a way to counter China's growing influence in the industry, especially for military purposes. The world's largest foundry, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., is on the island nation of Taiwan, which the Chinese government has increasingly threatened with military action. Intel also recently announced plans to become a major research partner with IBM at Albany Nanotech, fueling speculation that Intel would follow with a new manufacturing facility nearby. An Intel acquisition of GlobalFoundries would also help efforts by the state and IBM to land a national semiconductor manufacturing lab that the federal government is interested in building at Albany Nanotech. Doug Grose, who is chairman of the board of NY CREATES, the quasi-state-run nonprofit that operates Albany Nanotech, said in an interview last month that the addition of Intel to Albany Nanotech would greatly aid the landing of the federal chip lab, known as the National Semiconductor Technology Center, or NSTC. "Don't underestimate the announcement with Intel," Grose told the Times Union. "That's a huge step, as one of the leading players will be joining us (along with Samsung and IBM). The right players are here, and now we've got to make our proposal (for the NSTC) broad enough to attract the other players." GlobalFoundries has been unusually complementary of Intel, which is essentially a rival to GlobalFoundries, although Intel is much larger. In addition to Fab 8 in Malta, GlobalFoundries owns chip fabs in Dutchess County, Vermont, Germany and Singapore. Intel has fabs in Arizona, New Mexico, Oregon and overseas. "It is great to see another champion entering the semiconductor foundry space," said Laurie Kelly, vice president of global communications for GlobalFoundries said when Intel decided to become a foundry recently, in direct competition with GlobalFoundries. "The Intel announcement validates the importance and value of semiconductor manufacturing, which will only increase in importance given the rapid acceleration of demand." The two companies do not serve the same customers, which would make a good combination, in theory. Intel is focused on the cutting edge of chip technology, while GlobalFoundries makes more mainstream chips that account for 70 percent of global demand. "Together, the combined offerings provide potentially a comprehensive domestic foundry solution, which when fueled by funding from federal and state governments will accelerate the availability of a secure local supply of a full range of semiconductors for both commercial and national security requirements," Kelly of GlobalFoundries told the Times Union earlier. ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) Lawmakers are demanding that Gov. Andrew Cuomo lift remaining restrictions for visits at nursing homes, according to a letter two dozen Democratic lawmakers sent to the governor this week. The coronavirus pandemic has had a heavy toll on nursing homes in New York, where state health officials have taken a cautious approach to visitations. At least 15,800 people living in nursing homes and assisted living residences have died of COVID-19, according to state and federal data, with 3,400 deaths reported from November through mid-February. But New York lifted many restrictions on nursing home visits this spring in light of federal guidance that, in part, cleared the way for loved ones to hug residents if both are vaccinated. Nursing homes in New York are urged to provide indoor visits, though visits can be curtailed once residents or staff test positive. Residents can receive compassionate care visits that arent subject to restrictions for a variety of scenarios, including residents who are in end-of-life care or in emotional distress. New York also lifted a requirement for visitors to test negative for COVID-19 : a move some experts and family members have questioned. Now, some nursing homes are allowing one or two visitors at a time to visit loved ones for as little as 30 minutes once or twice a week, sometimes with hours limited to weekdays. In the year before vaccinations became available, our seniors endured loneliness and isolation that had very real impacts on their physical and mental health, the lawmakers wrote in the July 12 letter to Cuomo. While the majority of New Yorkers have had the opportunity to resume a life of pre-COVID-19 activity, seniors in many nursing homes have been excluded. Christina McComish, 59, of Valatie, said her 88-year-old mother has declined in the last year, and has struggled with isolation, dementia and hearing loss. McComish said it can take days to make appointments to see her mother for 30 minutes at opposite ends of a dining table in the nursing home lobby. She said she snuck a hug with her mother during their last visit, though the nursing home discouraged it. McComish, who works as a creative arts therapist at another nearby nursing home, said its a struggle to know what visitation rights residents and family members have. She said her mothers nursing home has told her that compassionate care visits are only for end-of-life scenarios. Shes vaccinated, Im vaccinated, McComish said. Shes just going to die in there, shes just going to die alone. Sen. Rachel May, a Democrat from central New York, said lawmakers are hearing from too many constituents who find it difficult to visit loved ones even after New York's state of emergency expired. May pushed for a new law that allows nursing home residents to have limited visits during public health emergencies. New York U.S. Rep. Claudia Tenney, a Republican, is sponsoring a similar bill at the federal level. Obviously states need to have control over out-of-control public health emergencies, May said. Barring that it seems to me that if your nursing home is your home you should have the right to visit your person and that should be pretty basic. New Yorks Department of Health released updated rules last week that said nursing homes can face citation and enforcement actions for restricting visitation without a reasonable clinical or safety cause under federal law. To be clear: DOHs nursing home visitation guidance does not limit the length of time for nursing home visits, spokesperson Jeffrey Hammond said. Compassionate care visits should be permitted at all times. He said nursing homes should allow indoor visits at all times except when there's a high risk of COVID-19 transmission. Hammond said New Yorkers concerned about a nursing home's visitation rules can call the state's hotline at 1-888-201-4563. As more nursing home residents in New York get vaccinated, infection rates have plummeted: from 410 deaths and 1,835 infections reported in the week ending Jan. 17, to five deaths and 10 infections in the week ending June 27. Still, 106 residents and 154 staff tested positive in June. And cases are spiking statewide: 5,100 people tested positive for the 7 days through Wednesday. That's up 65% from 3,100 the previous week. Fewer than 60% of nursing home staff are fully vaccinated in eight counties, including Brooklyn. At the boroughs 364-bed Cobble Hill Health Center, where 57% of staff are fully vaccinated, eight residents tested positive in June. One resident died. The vaccines work. We have seen an abundance of evidence that vaccinated residents who test positive remain asymptomatic," director of social work Stephanie Zevon said in a June 12 letter to families. IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) A prosecutor rejected defense claims Thursday that the 2018 killing of University of Iowa student Mollie Tibbetts could be connected to sex trafficking and other abductions that happened in the rural area where she disappeared while out for a run. A 21-year-old man's alleged confession that he helped kill Tibbetts after she was kidnapped and held at a house used for sex trafficking wasn't credible, Assistant Attorney General Scott Brown said during a hearing on what had been the day 27-year-old Cristhian Behena Rivera was due to be sentenced for her death. No evidence supports it. None. Zero, Brown said. He said that information about the 21-year-old's statements from two witnesses who independently came forward late in Bahena Rivera's trial was inconsistent with the defendant's own courtroom account of what happened. In a court filing before Thursday's hearing, he argued there should be no doubt about Bahena Riveras guilt based on the evidence. Prosecutors say Bahena Rivera, a dairy farm worker who was convicted in May of first-degree murder in the slaying, drove past Tibbetts while she was out for her daily run in Brooklyn, her hometown about 50 miles (80 kilometers) west of Iowa City, and that he thought she was attractive, approached her and killed her after she threatened to call police. They say he partially confessed during a lengthy interrogation a month later and led investigators to the cornfield where her body was found. During his trial, Bahena Rivera claimed publicly for the first time that two masked men kidnapped him from his trailer and forced him to drive before they came upon Tibbetts on a rural road and one of them stabbed her. He said the men loaded her body into his trunk and instructed him to dispose of it in the cornfield. The hearing Thursday was to determine whether prosecutors should be ordered to turn over to Bahena Riveras lawyers information on sex trafficking investigations in the region where Tibbetts was killed. Brown resisted the defenses request for that information, calling it a fishing expedition. Judge Joel Yates said he would issue a written ruling this week and hold a daylong hearing on July 27 on the defenses request for a new trial. Bahena Rivera had been scheduled to be sentenced Thursday to life in prison until his lawyers said they needed more time to investigate the claims of the two new witnesses, who say the 21-year-old told them he helped kill Tibbetts. Brown said Bahena-Rivera's testimony didn't match those alleged confessions because he made no mention of Tibbetts being held at a secondary location, her body being wrapped in plastic or other details. Defense lawyers argued that the information from the witnesses could support a link between Tibbetts' death and the May disappearance of an 11-year-old boy from the area, Xavior Harrelson. They noted that a person under scrutiny in that case was previously accused of running a sex trafficking ring out of a home and kidnapping a woman he met in Tibbetts' hometown in May 2018. Defense lawyer Chad Frese said prosecutors should have disclosed information related to those allegations, which were investigated in 2019 but did not result in charges. He said it was odd that such a small, rural area has had so many reported abductions. Theres something rotten within this area and they dont want to provide us any information, he said. Brown said it was unconscionable that defense lawyers publicly revealed information about the ongoing investigation into the boy's disappearance, and that it was not connected to Tibbetts' death. TROY A 26-year-old man pleaded guilty to felony second-degree strangulation Wednesday in Rensselaer County Court as part of a plea deal reached during his sexual assault trial, court officials said. Kenneth J. Zeoli will receive a sentence of six months in jail and five years of probation when Judge Debra Young sentences him Sept. 10, according to court records. He entered his plea on the third day of the trial, which included two days of jury selection. Zeoli had previously been sentenced in March to a year in jail for violating his interim probation on a second-degree forgery conviction. He had since been released for time served. A county grand jury indicted Zeoli for first-degree rape, first-degree sexual assault and second-degree strangulation for an alleged sexual assault of a woman on Nov. 3, 2020 in a downtown hotel, according to authorities. The woman reported on Nov. 8, 2020 that she had been sexually attacked, police said. Zeoli was living in Cohoes at the time of his arrest. Zeoli was briefly in the news during protests last year over use of Barker Park. In August 2020, Zeoli was among activists who protest the citys removal of chairs from the park at the corner of Third and State streets. He was arrested on charges of trespass, marijuana possession, and criminal mischief after he demanded a form to file a police complaint and refused to leave the lobby of the police station until he received one. A video showed police ignored his request for the form and eventually arrested him when he was told he had to leave the lobby. Zeoli claimed he was a victim of police abuse, saying an officer injured his arm during the arrest. The Rensselaer County District Attorneys Office later released 11 police surveillance videos that did not show police taking physical actions against Zeoli. Americans spent more last month on clothing, electronics and dining out as the economy opened up and pandemic-related restrictions were lifted. Retail sales rose a seasonal adjusted 0.6% in June from the month before, the U.S. Commerce Department said Friday. The increase was a surprise to Wall Street analysts, who had expected sales to fall slightly last month. Spending has slowed since March, when stimulus checks sent to most Americans caused a surge in shopping. And as Americans get vaccinated, they are spending less on goods and more on hotels, haircuts and other services, which are not reflected in Friday's report. Last month's increase could be due to higher prices, said Paul Ashworth, chief U.S. economist for consulting firm Capital Economics. Americans are paying more for food, gas and other goods, with prices jumping last month by the most in 13 years. The Commerce Department said Friday that sales at bars and restaurants rose 2.3%. Clothing store sales rose by 2.6%, and sales at electronic shops were up 3.3%. At auto dealerships, sales fell 2%. Automakers aren't making as many vehicles, meaning there are fewer cars to buy, due to a worldwide shortage of chips, which are needed to power in-car screens and other technology. When auto sales are stripped from Friday's number, retail sales are up 1.3%. The biggest drop in sales were at furniture stores, where they fell 3.6% in June. Sales also fell at home improvement stores and places that sell sporting goods. BALLSTON SPA A Boston-area woman told jurors in graphic terms during emotional testimony Thursday how a Halfmoon man she met online attacked and raped her at least three times, smacked her in the head with a hammer, and threw hot coffee on her back while holding her prisoner. Under direct questioning from Saratoga County Assistant District Attorney Robert Logan, the woman said that even though she didn't really want to go, she gave in to pressure from John Heidrich and took the bus ride in January 2020 to see him. "It looked like a horror, it was horrifying," she said about seeing Heidrich's ramshackle looking trailer on Stone Road in Halfmoon and immediately had second thoughts about her decision. At first, she said, things were going OK, but then she contends Heidrich started cursing and call her all kinds of names, refused to let her shower, watched her while she urinated, and smashed her cell phone by hurling it against a wall. The woman said she thought she was going to die, a premonition she had before leaving home when she told a neighbor to call Quincy Police, the FBI and National Guard if she didn't return home by Jan 11, 2020. "He wanted to kill me, I was horrified I wasn't going to go back to Quincy," the 48-year-old grandmother of three testified Thursday. The victim walks with the assistance of a cane and said she has a slight learning disability. Heidrich faces 12 counts of first-degree kidnapping, three counts of first-degree rape; three counts of first-degree criminal sex act; as well as charges of first-degree sexual abuse, second-degree kidnapping, strangulation, felony assault and misdemeanor charges of assault, criminal mischief and petit larceny. Each count of first-degree kidnapping alone carries 25 years to life. The first-degree rape and criminal sex act charges carry up to 25 years in prison. The victim recounted for the jury of six men and eight women the time Heidrich beat and choked her with the strings of her pink hoodie until she could no longer breathe, and how he injured her during one of the sexual assaults. But Assistant Public Defender Michael Carota defended his client by reading a series of disjointed text messages from the woman, including one that she later clarified was actually sent by one of her friends where the woman seems to profess her love for Heidrich, 63. "Would it be fair to say you loved him," asked Carota. "...He was always telling me he loved me, and I always said it back, but I didn't really love him," she replied. Carota pressed the issue and the woman acknowledged she "started to have feelings" for Heidrich. The lawyer also pointed out inconsistences in the woman's testimony on the stand Thursday to what she said under oath to a grand jury, and quizzed her about intimate pictures she sent to Heidrich, a mistake the woman said she is deeply embarrassed and humiliated about. "You sent it to him because you had feelings for him?" asked Carota. "Yes and no," she answered. Saratoga County Court Judge James A. Murphy III had to twice during the afternoon session call for a short recess after the victim broke down on the stand while being cross-examined. At times, she admitted being confused and failed to remember exact dates in response to Carota's questions. Other times, the woman didn't answer the questions and launched into a tirade. Murphy instructed the jury to ignore the outburst. Under direct questioning, the woman described a harrowing escape that included hiding under a neighbor's truck for about 40 minutes and seeing Heidrich's feet as he searched for her. She eventually made it to neighbor's house, where despite her pleas to call police, the man called the landlord, who eventually helped her. Back in Massachusetts, she reported her ordeal to police and was treated for a variety of injuries, including to her hip and back at Boston Medical Center. Carota also asked her about her medical issues, including her diabetes, bone spurs, and anger management, some of which she insisted were old injuries and had nothing to do with her ordeal. UNITED NATIONS (AP) Womens rights supporters and faith leaders are calling for a United Nations peacekeeping force for Afghanistan to protect hard-won gains for women over the last two decades as American and NATO forces complete their pullout from the war-torn country and a Taliban offensive gains control over more territory. Under the Taliban, women were not allowed to go to school, work outside the home or leave their house without a male escort. And though they still face many challenges in the country's male-dominated society, Afghan women have increasingly stepped into powerful positions in numerous fields and many fear the departure of international troops and a Taliban takeover could take away their gains. In a May 14 letter obtained by The Associated Press, 140 civil society and faith leaders from the U.S., Afghanistan and other countries dedicated to the education and rights of women in Afghanistan asked U.S. President Joe Biden to call for a U.N. peacekeeping force to ensure that the cost of U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan is not paid for in the lives of schoolgirls. The letter also asked the U.S. to increase humanitarian and development aid to Afghanistan as an important security strategy to strengthen women and girls and religious minorities like the Hazaras. Three bombings at a high school in a Hazara neighborhood in Kabul on May 8 killed nearly 100 people, all of them Hazara and most of them young girls just leaving class. The signatories blamed the Trump administration for failing to honor a U.N. Security Council resolution adopted in 2000 demanding equal participation for women in activities promoting global peace by refusing to insist that women were part of the peace talks with the Taliban. Sakena Yacoobi, founder of the Afghan Institute of Learning which runs schools across 16 provinces, is quoted in the letter as saying: For 20 years the West told the women of Afghanistan they are free. Free to learn, to grow, to be a human being independent of mens expectations of who they are. What the Taliban did in the 1990s was bad enough, she said. What will they do now, with a generation of women taught to expect freedom? It will be one of the greatest crimes against humanity in history. Help us save them. Please. Help us save who we can. Among the signatories of the letter were Yacoobi; feminist activist and writer Gloria Steinem; former U.N. deputy secretary-general Mark Malloch Brown who now heads the Open Society Institute; Filmmaker and philanthropist Abigail Disney; former UNICEF executive director Carol Bellamy; Betty Reardon, the International Institute on Peace Educations founding director emeritus; The Rev. Dr. Chloe Breyer, executive director of The Interfaith Center of New York; Masuda Sultan, co-founder of Women for Afghan Women; and Nasir Ahmad Kayhan, UNESCO program manager in Afghanistan. In April the Taliban promised that women can serve their society in the education, business, health and social fields while maintaining correct Islamic hijab. It promised girls would have the right to choose their own husbands, but offered few other details and didn't guarantee women could participate in politics or have freedom to move unaccompanied by a male relative. Deborah Lyons, the U.N. special envoy for Afghanistan, told the Security Council on June 22 that preserving the rights of women remains a paramount concern and must not be used as a bargaining chip at the negotiating table." In a follow-up letter on July 12 to U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, a wider international group expressed deep concern for the lives and well-being of the people of Afghanistan, especially women and girls now under great threat and called for a U.N. peacekeeping mission to deploy to Afghanistan as soon as practically possible. The signatories said they are convinced the 2000 Security Council resolution obliges U.N. member states to protect women in such circumstances. The United Nations has a political mission in Afghanistan. A U.N. peacekeeping mission would have to be approved by the Security Council, where the five permanent members -- the U.S., Russia, China, Britain and France -- have veto power. The letter to the U.S. ambassador said similar messages were being sent to other U.N. ambassadors from citizens in their countries asking for a peacekeeping operation. It asked Thomas-Greenfield to take action toward the initiation of a peacekeeping operation in Afghanistan. A U.S. mission spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment on the call for a U.N. peacekeeping force, instead stressing Thursday that the Biden administration will continue to support Afghan forces and U.S. diplomatic, humanitarian and economic engagement in the region. We are putting our full weight behind diplomatic efforts to reach a peace agreement between the Taliban and the Afghan government, said the spokesperson, who could not be named, adding the U.S. remains the largest aid donor to Afghanistan and continues to support the U.N. political mission known as UNAMA. When the states legislative session ended in June, hopes were dashed for statutory reform to New Yorks punitive parole system. Despite a groundswell of support, a bill that provides elders in prison with the opportunity to apply for parole never even made it to the floor for a vote. The so-called Elder Parole bill addresses mass incarceration produced by the draconian sentences routinely handed down by New York courts over the past fifty years. The bill would grant people 55 or over, and who have served at least fifteen years in prison, the chance to seek parole. That is all the chance to apply with no guarantees of release. That decision remains up to the discretion of the Parole Board. American prisons are increasingly populated with older prisoners, with chronological age in prison differing significantly from comparable numbers on the outside. Mortality reports from New Yorks own Department of Corrections for the years 2003-2012 reveal that the average age of death from natural causes for those in prison was between 53 and 57 years old, while for the rest of New York life expectancy was almost 81 years. Studies show that for each year lived behind bars, a person can expect to lose two years from their life expectancy. The Elder Parole bill was an effort to address this grim reality. Yet Democratic legislative leaders gave in to fearmongering and unfounded claims that people released to parole would reoffend. Those fears were not based on research, data, or facts. The truth, as detailed in a recent report by the Sentencing Project, is that even people convicted of violent crimes, including those sentenced to life, who have been released through parole or executive clemency are exceedingly unlikely to ever commit another violent crime. The dangerous criminal narrative also ignores the multitude of successful reentry stories of people who have been reunited with their families and are helping to repair their communities. Fortunately, the governor has the power to step into the breach and respond to the Legislatures cowardice by showing leadership and compassion. The state constitution grants the governor virtually unfettered clemency power that he can use to commute the sentences of elders in New York prisons. Many could benefit from his actions. There are almost 120 people in New York prisons who are over 70 and have been incarcerated for more than 30 years; there are people in their 70s serving life sentences for felony murder, a doctrine under attack across the country; there are several people who have served almost forty years and have substantial claims of innocence. Furthermore, the governors clemency power appropriately allows for an unlimited number of sentence commutations. Last year, in one day, Oklahomas Republican governor issued commutations to 452 people in prison. Gov. Andrew Cuomo in his 11 years in office has commuted the sentences of only 31 people. Many elders in New York prisons have already served decades behind bars; they have served prison sentences of lengths unknown and unimaginable to most industrialized nations. And, as they age, they become increasingly susceptible to illnesses and other medical problems exacerbated by life in prison. The cost of their medical care is ever-increasing, and, since more than 6,600 people in prison have contracted COVID, the cost to tend to and care for the long-haulers will surely skyrocket. Even in the unforgiving confines of prison, many elders have amassed a remarkable set of achievements. They have wide-ranging support from family and community members, clergy, social justice advocates, and even college presidents and Nobel laureates. Just as the governor recently stepped into the leadership void of the gun crisis that afflicts the nation, so, too, can he address the crisis of mass incarceration by using the power explicitly bestowed upon him by the state constitution. By granting clemencies by showing courageous and enlightened leadership he can recognize and elevate the value of dignity, decency, and redemption and help pave the way to an evolved criminal legal system. Steven Zeidman is a professor of law at CUNY School of Law. Twitter: @SteveZeidman For some, the gap between state and federal cannabis policy is a roadblock to treatment. ---- Step inside a Veterans Administration health center, and all of a sudden youre back in 2013. Thats the year before New York legalized cannabis for medical use. Yes, even in states where its legal, veterans hospitals cannot prescribe medical marijuana. As illustrated in a recent story by the Times Unions Rebekah Ward, this limits treatment options for vets who suffer from conditions like PTSD and multiple sclerosis both eligible conditions under New Yorks medical cannabis program. This is a side effect of the disconnect between state and federal laws. Even as a majority of states have legalized the drug for medical and/or recreational use, the federal government still considers it criminal. But federal prohibition wont last forever. Thats not just a pipe dream: This week Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer advanced a sweeping decriminalization bill that sounds more like legalization. It would regulate and tax cannabis, and make restorative-justice reparations to communities hurt badly by the nations flawed, decades-long war on drugs. The Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act would let states set their own laws, but would remove federal roadblocks in states that legalize the substance including, along with banking restrictions, the prohibition affecting veterans. Its not just an idea whose time has come, Senator Schumer said. Its long overdue. Hes right that the federal government needs to tackle this issue. But full decriminalization or legalization isnt going to happen any time soon. Though polls indicate two-thirds of Americans support legalization, there are plenty of people with reservations about the drug, and plenty of legitimate questions about its long-term effects, interactions with other medicines, and implications for driving and workplace laws, to name a few. Senators on both sides of the aisle say America needs more data before moving to end prohibition. And thats where Congress should act: to allow medical use while accelerating deeper cannabis research. The DEA recently acted to authorize more growers to supply weed for research; thats a positive step. Congress needs to streamline the research permissions process and provide adequate funding for scientifically sound and rigorous studies. One bill already in the works is the VA Medicinal Cannabis Research Act, which would order clinical research into the use of cannabis for treating PTSD and chronic pain in vets. It merits Congress approval. So does the Veterans Medical Marijuana Safe Harbor Act, which would shield vets and prescribing doctors for five years, allowing appropriate cannabis treatments while the federal government feels its way forward on this. 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. Pictured is a full box of supplies for the French Creek Animal Rescue. Supplies are being collected at Benson Memorial Library this week as a part of the Tales and Tails summer reading theme. Pictured from left to right are: Becky Carson, Administrative Assistant AHUG, Amy Shields, AHUG Executive Director, Hilary Jebitsch, historic researcher and Holly Komonczi, Executive Director of the Lumber Heritage Region. Maine man killed while trying to save an injured cat A Maine man has died after he was struck by a vehicle in New Hampshire while attempting to rescue an injured cat in the road July 16, 2021 In a world where customers are king, businesses must always ensure that their demands are met and that they are retained in order to remain competitive. The issue is that today's clients are more knowledgeable, demanding, and untrustworthy than ever before. Their behavior has shifted dramatically as a result of the emergence of new communication channels. Companies must rely on omnichannel to deal with these new client habits! So, what's the big deal about becoming omnichannel? Here are some of the responses. What exactly do we mean when we say "contact channels"? In general, omnichannel refers to the many digital or physical touch points that allow a firm and its customers to have a meaningful conversation. As a result, it is feasible to use. To assure a rapid and humanized interaction, use the telephone. Allow your marketing/sales staff to communicate with your customers via email (order follow-up, promotions, after-sales service, etc.), A point of sale to highlight your salespeople's abilities. Transactions are made easier using mobile apps (ordering, after-sales service, etc.), A website to give your sales contacts with more specific information (opening hours, subscription options, etc.) They need a chabot to offer them with rapid, automatic responses. Follow their thoughts on social media, figure out why they're unhappy, and so on. Combining all of these channels allows you to keep in touch with your consumers and, as a result, reply to their demands practically instantly, which helps to create loyalty. If multi-channel is a competitive advantage now, it will be a must for your customers tomorrow. As a result, it's preferable to start as soon as possible! You'll need to become organized in order to acquire as much information on your clients as possible across all channels. Then you'll rely on cutting-edge technology, particularly customer management software, as well as the knowledge of a customer service team. A true omnichannel customer care management system requires such software to be at the heart of all interactions. Finally, you must remember the customer experience in order for your multi-channel strategy to be successful. In other words, regardless of the channel utilized, the client must be able to get the same information, if not the same service. They should not have to describe their problem again when they go from one channel to another. This means he'll have to begin the purchase process all over again. What is the impact of omnichannel on customer relationships? Because of the revolution in new technologies, it is now feasible to gather and process all data on your clients in real time throughout their life cycle. A consumer, for example, enters your website and arrives on a product sheet that piques his attention. He downloads it and uses your form to place his order online. He then calls your sales staff to finalize the process. He asks you questions on social media when he needs more information, then pays his bill via a smartphone app. Finally, he takes his goods to the store, where he may get additional information on how to utilize it. You must gather the information left behind by the client each time they utilize a channel and save it in a customer record. You may use this information to respond to their future requests in a timely, relevant, and tailored manner. The client also wants you to be able to continue up where you left off with the customer relationship: the fact that he utilizes many channels should not be a barrier to him receiving the greatest possible customer experience! The advantages of omnichannel Customer data gathering and analysis are at the heart of omnichannel marketing. All of the information on them, gathered from all sources, must be saved and used in a single database. This information, when cross-referenced, may be utilized to identify and provide customers the appropriate offer at the appropriate moment. You can build a strong relationship with your consumers by providing a flawless shopping experience, which will lead to greater sales. You'll be able to anticipate technology advancements and react to new customer behaviors by employing an omnichannel approach. It implies additional convenience for your consumers. Because they value their time, omnichannel allows them to take advantage of rapid service, which, for example, eliminates lines at physical stores. Finally, increased openness will help your consumers since you will be able to give them clearer information regardless of the channels they choose. Overall, omnichannel has become the cornerstone of your business's success, putting the consumer at the heart of your strategy. To do this, businesses must be able to watch and analyze client behavior in order to engage them proactively across all accessible channels. Turn your call center into a high-performing contact Center with NobelBiz (News - Alert) NobelBiz is a Cloud Contact Center Solutions Provider that specializes in developing cutting-edge omnichannel software as well as a one-of-a-kind telecom carrier network designed to propel both inbound and outbound Call Centers into the future. NobelBiz Omni+ a true omnichannel and cloud contact center solution that is intended to be completely compliant with industry software standards, therefore it takes less than 72 hours to integrate it into your company's workflow. When you combine a user-friendly interface with a fully web-based platform, you have the ideal solution for remote work. Our software is in fact: Completely web-based Scalable and redundant Interface that is simple to use AWS Dedicated Instances with Security Completely compliant Nobelbiz Omni+ keeps you ahead of industry developments and connects you with your consumers on their preferred communication channels. Including, phone, sms, e-mail facebook, twitter, telegram and webchat Author: George Seroukas Bio: COO of NobelBiz, with over 20 years of corporate management experience in the contact center and telephony industries, linking company vision while delivering business goals by building and leading results-driven teams.With hands-on experience, he is a unique leader supporting NobelBiz in becoming the worlds leading computer telephony software company. [July 16, 2021] Eco Forum Global Guiyang 2021 kicks off GUIYANG, China, July 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Stick to the policy of green development and undertake the road to spectacular modern agriculture in mountainous areas On July 13, the agricultural session of the Eco Forum Global Guiyang 2021 - Smart Agriculture Boosts Agricultural Innovation and Green Leading the Industry's Future was held in Guiyang, according to Guizhou Provincial Agriculture and Rural Affairs Department. Well-known experts, scholars and industry leaders from home and abroad discussed topics such as the status qua of global food security, the development of green Eco-industry against the background of rural revitalization, smart agriculture leading the sustainable development of green agriculture, and the road to green development of modern mountainous features and efficient agriculture. In recent years, Guizhou has followed the thought of ecoloical civilization, insisted on ecological development, always put green development in the entire process of agricultural development, and kept on the track of modern mountainous characteristics and high-efficiency agricultural development. Guizhou has now firmly followed the green concept, implemented the strategy of big ecology, and promoted the conversion of cultivated land to forests. Guizhou promotes the overall management of landscapes, forests, fields, lakes and grasses and gives full play to resource advantages, expand green industries and insists on ecological industrialization so that it can improve standards system and brand more green products. Guizhou has formulated ecological norms and standards covering various industries. It also promotes green development through scientific and technological innovation, and implements the "Internet +" and enterprise integration development efforts. Guizhou improves its the prevention and control mechanism, consolidates the green foundation, develops its circular agriculture, so that it has become the first province in China to banning the use of water-soluble pesticides. Nowadays, smart agriculture in Guizhou is emerging, and the green industry is gaining momentum. In the undertaking of rural revitalization, Guizhou has embarked on a new journey to developing modern and high-efficiency agriculture with mountainous characteristics. Colorful Guizhou has a great potential to tap in green agriculture and green industries. Image Attachments Links: Link: http://asianetnews.net/view-attachment?attach-id=396473 Caption: Eco Forum Global Guiyang 2021 View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/eco-forum-global-guiyang-2021-kicks-off-301335566.html SOURCE Guizhou Provincial Agriculture and Rural Affairs Department [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [July 16, 2021] First-of-Its-Kind Soft Landing Space Tech Cohort to Take Place at Q Station in New Mexico ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., July 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Q Station, a collaborative workspace supported by the Air Force Research Laboratory and U.S Space Force will host its first-ever Soft Landing Space Tech Cohort to support emerging space and directed energy companies. This Cohort will provide startup companies with a unique opportunity to work alongside space leaders in New Mexico. The Soft Landing Space Tech Cohort 2021 is taking applications now through Aug. 30, 2021 and is open to domestic and international companies with an emphasis in space and directed energy technology development. The Cohort is a year-long program that will begin in October of 2021. Selected companies will be given free workspace at Q station for a year, a paid university intern, connection to top U.S. space research and development hubs located in New Mexico, and a year of business assistance in government contracting, public relations, marketing and finance. "We know that space technology companies are looking for ways to work with the Space Force and other government partners, and, from a government perspective, we need collaboration with the private sector to accelerate space innovation," said Gabe Mounce Director, Space Force Accelerators. "This Soft Landing program is a novel way for companies to connect directly with Space Force and Air Force leadership in one of the country's most dynamic space hubs and explore ways to grow their business fairly risk-free." The Soft Landing Cohort program will give companies an opportunity to work in the New Mexico space ecosystem and connect to the cutting-edge technology and evelopment being conducted on the ground in the state. Companies will be guided and given business assistance that will allow them to contract or work side by side with the country's leading scientists and engineers in the Air Force Research Laboratory and with new U.S. Space Command leadership. The vision of the Soft Landing Cohort is to help get the best space technology companies both domestically and internationally to work with or for the U.S. government's leaders in space technology to move innovation faster for the future. "New Mexico is leading the country in space innovation but many companies just don't know much about doing business here or how they would get involved in our growing space ecosystem. We hope that the Soft Landing program will ease that transition and help companies get engaged quickly and effectively," said Randall Trask, Executive Director of Q Station and President of the New Mexico Trade Alliance. Companies or startups interested in participating in the first Soft Landing Space Tech Cohort can apply online through Aug. 30, 2021. Applicants will be expected to move their team or a member of their team to Q Station in Albuquerque, New Mexico and participate in active programing and ecosystem-building activities sponsored by Q Station. Selected companies will be notified by Sept. 10, 2021. Space is very limited. For more information and application details please visit www.qstation.tech. About Q Station: Q Station is partnership focused on driving high-tech economic development and new business opportunities to New Mexico. Partners include: The Air Force Research Lab, City of Albuquerque, The New Mexico Trade Alliance, New Mexico Tech University, NewSpace New Mexico and Global Ties Albuquerque. Media Contact: Toni Balzano toni@improntapr.com 505-231-1488 Related Images soft-landing-qstation.png Soft Landing @ QStation View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/first-of-its-kind-soft-landing-space-tech-cohort-to-take-place-at-q-station-in-new-mexico-301335618.html SOURCE Q Station [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [July 16, 2021] Huawei vows to empower ASEAN's green development with digital power innovations KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, July 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Global leading ICT technologies provider Huawei will leverage its digital power innovations to enable ASEAN's cooperation on climate change and green development, said Jeffery Liu, President of Huawei Asia Pacific at the online ASEAN-China Digital Economy Development and Cooperation Forum 2021 on Friday. Climate change and environmental issues are becoming global challenges. Though carbon emissions declined over the past year due to the economic slowdown and worldwide lockdowns, emissions are rapidly rebounding as economies reopen. Shifting to a circular economy and achieving sustainable development is now a common goal for all countries. Potential climate change has a significant regional impact with six of the 20 most vulnerable countries in the world being ASEAN member states. ASEAN has taken actions to address climate change through various environmental, economic and social activities over the years. Thailand, for example, has set a target of reaching peak carbon emissions in 2030 and then achieving net zero emissions in 2065. "Globally we need a green industrial revolution with the goal of carbon neutrality. As the digital economy grows, accelerating emission reduction could also help countries to manage the risk of trade barriers and secure more free trde agreements," said Jeffery Liu. ICT technologies are important enablers of energy conservation and emissions reduction in other industries. It is estimated that the reduction in carbon emissions in other industries enabled by ICT technologies will be 10 times the amount of carbon emitted by the ICT industry itself. "Huawei has been leveraging its extensive experience in power electronics and energy storage as well as technical expertise in 5G, cloud, and other innovative technologies, to develop its digital power business and provide digital power solutions for different industries," said the Huawei Asia Pacific President. To promote renewable energy, Huawei has deployed its digital power solutions in more than 170 countries and regions, serving one third of the world's population. As of December 2020, these solutions have generated 325 billion kWh of electricity from renewable sources, and saved a total of 10 billion kWh of electricity. These efforts have resulted in a reduction of 160 million tons in CO2 emissions. In Singapore, for example, Huawei FusionSolar Solution has supported Sunseap Group, a solar energy solutions provider, to build one of world's largest offshore floating Photovoltaic (PV) farms. With 13,312 solar panels, 40 inverters, and more than 30,000 floats, this five-hectare sea-based solar plant is estimated to produce up to 6,022,500 kWh of energy per year, supplying enough power for 1250 four-room public housing flats on the island and offsetting an estimated 4258 tons of carbon dioxide. "Huawei is committed to promoting green integrated ICT solutions to help other industries conserve energy and cut emissions," said Jeffery Liu, "We will cooperate with ASEAN to minimize the carbon footprint by leveraging clean power generation, electric transportation, and smart energy storage, for an energy-efficient, eco-friendly low-carbon society." About Huawei Founded in 1987, Huawei is a leading global provider of information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure and smart devices. We have more than 194,000 employees, and we operate in more than 170 countries and regions, serving more than three billion people around the world. Our vision and mission is to bring digital to every person, home and organization for a fully connected, intelligent world. To this end, we will drive ubiquitous connectivity and promote equal access to networks; bring cloud and artificial intelligence to all four corners of the earth to provide superior computing power where you need it, when you need it; build digital platforms to help all industries and organizations become more agile, efficient, and dynamic; redefine user experience with AI, making it more personalized for people in all aspects of their life, whether they're at home, in the office, or on the go. For more information, please visit Huawei online at www.huawei.com or follow us on: http://www.linkedin.com/company/Huawei http://www.twitter.com/Huawei http://www.facebook.com/Huawei http://www.google.com/+Huawei http://www.youtube.com/Huawei SOURCE Huawei Technologies [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [July 16, 2021] ISW Holdings Inc. (ISWH), Bit5ive JV Timing Ideal as North America Crypto-Mining Market Expected to Explode NEW YORK, July 16, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NetworkNewsAudio ISW Holdings Inc. (OTC: ISWH) announces the availability of a broadcast titled, North America to Become Crypto-Mining Central Now That China Miners Have Gone Dark. To hear the AudioPressRelease, please visit: The NetworkNewsAudio News Podcast To view the full editorial, please visit: https://nnw.fm/AQaXE Lower hashrate, effectively less competition, equates to higher revenue and profits for miners. Ultimately, the hashrate will continue to eke back upward as, much like the digital ledger tracking Bitcoin transactions, the marketplace becomes more decentralized. Estimates are that Beijings crackdown will slash the countrys mining capacity by 90% with North America expected to become the dominant crypto mining market. ISW Holdings Inc. (OTC: ISWH) is a diversified portfolio company specialized in strategic brand development, early-growth facilitation and brand identity. The Nevada-based company has a healthcare division focused on telehealth and a partnership with Bengala Technologies for innovations in the supply chain management space. In addition, last year ISWH teamed up with Bit5ive LLC on a mission to mine cryptocurrency with zero carbon footprint. With consideration for the significant shift in mining activity that is underway, the joint venture between ISWH and Bit5ive couldnt have been timed better. About ISW Holdings Inc. ISW Holdings, based in Nevada, is a diversified portfolio compay comprised of essential business lines that serve consumer product demands. The companys expertise lies in strategic brand development, early growth facilitation, as well as brand identity through its proprietary procurement process. Together, with its partners, ISW Holdings seeks to provide a structure that meets large scalability demands, as well as anticipated marketplace needs. The company is able to meet these needs through a variety of strategic innovative processes. ISWH is creating and managing brands across a spectrum of disruptive industries. It maneuvers its proprietary companies through critical stages of market development, which includes conceptualization, go-to-market strategies, engineering, product integration, and distribution efficiency. The company has also partnered with a well-known software development and consulting company, Bengala Technologies LLC, which is developing significant enhancements in the supply chain management space; and the partnership has a vitally needed patent now pending. For more information about the company, visit www.ISWHoldings.com . NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to ISWH are available in the companys newsroom at http://ibn.fm/ISWH About NetworkNewsWire NetworkNewsWire (NNW) is an information service that provides (1) access to our news aggregation and syndication servers, (2) NetworkNewsBreaks that summarize corporate news and information, (3) enhanced press release services, (4) social media distribution and optimization services, and (5) a full array of corporate communication solutions. As a multifaceted financial news and content distribution company with an extensive team of contributing journalists and writers, NNW is uniquely positioned to best serve private and public companies that desire to reach a wide audience of investors, consumers, journalists and the general public. NNW has an ever-growing distribution network of more than 5,000 key syndication outlets across the country. By cutting through the overload of information in todays market, NNW brings its clients unparalleled visibility, recognition and brand awareness. NNW is where news, content and information converge. To receive SMS text alerts from NetworkNewsWire, text STOCKS to 77948 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only) For more information please visit https://www.NetworkNewsWire.com Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the NetworkNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by NNW, wherever published or re-published: http://NNW.fm/Disclaimer NetworkNewsWire (NNW) New York, New York www.NetworkNewsWire.com 212.418.1217 Office Editor@NetworkNewsWire.com NetworkNewsWire is part of the InvestorBrandNetwork [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [July 16, 2021] Nanjing Oversubscription Digital Technology Co, Ltd.: When New Regulations Meet New Regtech Companies NANJING, China, July 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Digital transformation, strengthening of financial supervision, data security legislation In this era, regulatory compliance tech companies are growing strongly in China. According to statistics, there were about 120 financial regulatory policy releasing in the first quarter of 2021 (not limited to specific policy documents), of which 30 were from central banks. 40 from China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission, 35 from China Securities Regulatory Commission and 15 from others. And the overall policy tone is strict (compared with the same period last year). Financial regulation in 2021 kicked off with a "iron-fist". More and more companies desire to use latest technology to serve their own regulatory compliance needs. Focusing on these needs, many start-ups provide more data and effective solutions for regulatory compliance, with the goal of simplifying and optimizing the management activities of legal compliance, risk, financial statements, and data. Such companies are called regtech companies, which belong to a larger group - fintech companies. The relevant data shows that a total of 317 regtech companies have received more than 2.3 billion US dollars in funding in the past five years. These regtech start-ups cover financial services, such as supplier risk management, cybersecurity, environmental protection and many other fields. Under this background, the Nanjing Oversubscription Digital Technology Co, Ltd. came into being. In the face of the changing regulation environment, private, brokers, banks and other finance institutions see the compliance costs and labor costs increasingly heavy. As a solution provider, Nanjing Oversubscription Digital Technology Co, Ltd combines artificial intelligence, blockchain, cloud and big data to help transaction monitoring, auditing for finance institutions, so as to reduce costs, enhance regulatory compliance, and improve process efficiency. Mr. Yang Xiuyi, CEO of Oversubscription Digital, talked to FOF Global to share the story behind Nanjing Oversubscription Digital Technology. Here is the full text of the conversation: "Nanjing Oversubscription Digital Technology Co, Ltd is launched ahead of time. By the time expected regulations arrive, we will have a mature product ready." FOF Global: Would you please briefly introduce Nanjing Oversubscription Digital Technology, including the main products and services it provides. Xiuyi Yang: Nanjing Oversubscription Digital Technology focuses on technical solutions for regulatory compliance in the entire financial industry. In the initial stage, we focus on regulatory compliance in private equity investment. When the underlying technology develops and the client group expands, we will slowly step forward to serve other licensed financial institutions, such as securities companies, banks, etc. But at present, our products are all related to private equity institutions. There are three products: The first is our virtual cloud disk (VDR) product, which mainly provides data security and privacy for investment managers' fund-raising and their portfolio companies' financing processes. It has functions such as giving different level of permissions to different characters, adding digital encryption watermarks with one click, sharing WeChat limited-time invitation links, and blockchain tracing; The second is a supportive tool in audit. It's an intelligent platform for due diligence and audit, and provides intelligent analysis of "invoice-level granularity" data. It provides financial analysis and risk control system for enterprises and investment institutions to improve the level of enterprise internal control and risk monitoring; The third is an AI compliance assistant for private equity funds. It synthesizes public data from private equity fund regulators, legal authority's supervision and punishment data, case data, etc. by using AI semantic analysis and mapping knowledge domain technology. Then, cross-dimensional content query, association and analysis can be realized. It provides an "AI brains" for industry compliance regulators to help improve work accuracy and efficiency. In strategic partnership with a well-known private equity-focused media platform in Beijing, we can cover a wide range of potential customers. At the same time, we have also formed a team consisted of former technicians from Huawei and former R&D members from Nanjing University's Institute of Intelligence Research. So we have industry resources, professional know-how, and innovative technology. FOF Global: How do you obtain data and ensure data security when providing service? Xiuyi Yang: For the virtual cloud disk product, we have selected two leading public cloud partners, Alibaba Cloud and Amazon AWS, respectively, and we chose to provide services for top enterprises who are of better tech DNA. Some clients, such as China's government-guided funds, have higher requirements for data security, in which cases we offer them options to install the system on their own servers to ensure data storage and security. As for the audit tool, the financial data it collects during due diligence research is directly used for analysis. In the end, only the analysis reports are kept, and the original financial data are dismissed. I want to clarify that the analysis reports are not open online either - they will only be given to our clients to do the audit together with us. Some targeted enterprises do not have all the financial documents there, and our product can search online systems and fill the data gap by technical means, including invoice data at the sales and purchase ends of the targeted company. At present, even the Big Four accounting firms can not cover as much as we could. The AI compliance assistant acquire data in two aspects - one is static data, that is obtained from regulatory texts such as laws and regulations; the other is dynamic data, that is extracted by looking at the problems encountered by all companies in the process of compliance and the answers to those questions. I want to add up that a top Chinese cybersecurity-focused company will provide us with product testing and security support. The company find out our product vulnerabilities by technical means, and then give tech-enabled solutions to make our products more complete and safer. "I believe that China, in its rise, will become one of the major financial forces in the world and play a more important role than it does today. So I returned to work in the financial sector, which is crowded with capital and cutting-edge technology application opportunities - to start up my own business." FOF Global: From what I've known, your education background and work experience are quite outstanding. You graduated from Nanyang Technical University in Singapore, studied at Stanford University in the United States as an exchange student, worked in Deloitte as a senior consultant for risk advisory, and played the role of CEO's executive assistant in a Hongkong listed company. Why did you choose to let go all this and start your own business from scratch? Xiuyi Yang: Entrepreneurship has long been an organic part of my career planning, and all my past work experience is to serve that purpose. I had several years' work experience in the field of Internet-based digital transformation, and later went to Deloitte's risk advisory, where I learned a lot about corporates' strategy, organization, management and control, human resource, finance and so on. And that means companies at all stages of life cycle: start-ups, growth, Pre-IPO, listed companies and multinational enterprises. So I genuinely learned about all kinds of business organizations. Later, I worked as CEO's executive assistant in a listed company in Hong Kong. That is a company engaged in informatization and supply chain finance, with annual operating revenue of about 80 billion Hong Kong dollars. And then an opportunity just showed up - that is China greatly strengthened its financial scrutiny, bringing window opportunities in the field of regulatory compliance. This niche market was immature and yet to undergo digital transformation, which is exactly the field I used to be familiar with. So I resolutely choose to start a business based on my past experience, in an attempt to utilize capital and cutting-edge technology to create value and provide service. "This venture is to integrate Singapore's advanced concepts, its global perspective and the cutting-edge technology into a big Chinese financial service market." FOF Global: It is reported that your venture is located in Singapore Nanjing Eco Hi-Tech Island. Why here? Xiuyi Yang: If you look at the data, Shanghai, Beijing, Jiangsu and Zhejiang are among the top five places that Chinese investment companies favor to register in - topping the list is Jiangsu, and Nanjing is just in Jiangsu. So our customers are here, which means we're closer to the market if the company is registered here. Also, Nanjing has its unique advantages of dense universities and talents. Another reason is that I graduated from Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, and this is the Singapore Nanjing Eco Hi-Tech Island, a sci&tech innovation center funded by Nanjing and Singapore. The high-tech island is jointly initiated by the CPC Jiangsu Provincial Committee, the Jiangsu Provincial Government and the Ministry of Trade and Industry of Singapore. It's an Important regional economic cooperation project under the Singapore-Jiangsu cooperation framework. For your information, we have also set up an office in a fintech incubator in Singapore. Last but not least, in Nanjing there is the Linguistic Intelligence and Knowledge Engineering Research, Nanjing China (Like Research) - which is also our shareholder - jointly established by Nanjing University and the National University of Singapore. The former of the two universities has the cutting-edge artificial intelligence technology, while the latter has rich sci&tech research resources. Like Research with its technology and us with our commercial solutions create perfect synergy. Other candidate cities are Wuhan, Shenzhen and Xi'an, in which we will set up offices next. FOF Global: What helps can Singapore provide for your venture? Xiuyi Yang: Singapore is one of the most important financial centers in the world. Its financial regulation is developed and the financial concepts are advanced. It has set up an important example for other countries to learn from. And Singapore's financial companies are tech-enabled and data-driven. China is actually not bad at the technical level, but China can learn from Singapore about the future form of our products and services. Learning from Singapore's ideas, application methods and product forms, this venture is to integrate Singapore's advanced concepts, its global perspective and the cutting-edge technology into a big Chinese financial service market. Singapore will be our first stop on the way to a multinational company. When the business has reached a certain stage, we want to explore opportunities in Singapore, Southeast Asia and countries along the Belt and Road Initiative. Over the past few decades, other countries have formed a stable global network and influence in the financial field. I believe that in the process of China's rise, excellent financial services and technology companies will also emerge, playing a more important role globally. FOF Global: Who are the current shareholders of Nanjing Oversubscription Digital Technology? Xiuyi Yang: First of all I want to say that we know our strengths and weaknesses very well. Technology and its commercial application are the two key problems we're faced with, and that decides what types of shareholders we need. At the outset of establishing Nanjing Oversubscription Digital Technology, Like Research was introduced as a strategic shareholder, because it has advanced artificial intelligence technologies and R&D capabilities - that solves our first problem. The second problem as I mentioned is commercial application - how to turn technology into products and solutions. In that regard, we have found a R&D team in Nanjing as the founding shareholder, composed of senior developers and technicians who have more than 15 years of work experience in Huawei and national informatization enterprises. In addition, a Singapore-based regtech company is also on the list of our shareholders. Last year, it received S$2 million in financing. It also feels that this service model has large market in both Singapore and China. We also want to cooperate with the company further in underlying technology, sales channel and staff teams in the future. FOF Global: What insights do you have into the Nanjing Oversubscription Digital Technology Co, Ltd and the financial industry? Xiuyi Yang: I believe that the Chinese financial industry, including the investment environment, will get better and better. Before this great development, a sound, mature, established and manageable regulatory mechanism is needed, and the relevant institutions in the financial industry need to pay more and more attention to compliance in order to make better progress and support the country's economic growth. In the short term, there will be a rapid increase of market demand in financial and regulatory fields in China. That indicates a huge entrepreneurial opportunity. SOURCE Nanjing Oversubscription Digital Technology Co, Ltd. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [July 16, 2021] UnionPay Collaborates with Dolfin E-wallet to Provide More Payment Options and Privileges to Customers in Thailand BANGKOK, July 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- UnionPay International ("UPI"), a leading global payment services provider, has partnered with Thailand's e-wallet app Dolfin for an e-coupon reward scheme. Until September 30, 2021, Dolfin users who make transactions with a UnionPay card added to the Dolfin app can enjoy exclusive privileges. There are up to THB 200 Dolfin e-coupons available on a first-come, first-served basis for any QR Code payments. Dolfin customers can claim a 50 baht e-coupon with their first two transactions, and a 100 baht e-coupon for the third. Additionally, UnionPay customers who spend over THB 1,000 can redeem a THB 100 e-coupon from popular merchants such as Starbucks, Central Online and Tops by June 30, 2022 by visiting Unionpaythaioffers.com. These joint initiatives further support the mission of Bank of Thailand to move Thailand to a cashless society. UPI has been actively promoting cashless payments and now offers a full suite of products ranging from QR Code payment to mobile contactless payment. As a result of increased acceptance and changing consumers' habits, UnionPay transaction volume n Dolfin app has increased by 100% between Q1 2021 and Q2 2021. "UnionPay has always been in the forefront of payments innovation as we continue to expand cashless payment by increasing access to mobile payment in Thailand. This partnership with Dolfin is an example of how we continue to bring more payment conveniences and benefits to our cardholders and continue to promote e-payments in Thailand," said Mr. Huiming Cai, General Manager of UnionPay International Southeast Asia. "This is an exciting partnership for Dolfin as we continue our mission to provide a convenient and secure digital solution to facilitate e-payments by merchants and consumers," said Miss Usanee Laohavaranun, Head of Marketing of Central JD Fintech Group . "Together with UPI, we will work towards our common goal of propelling Thailand towards a cashless and contactless payment experience, ready to move Thailand into a full digital society." *** About UnionPay International UnionPay International focuses on the growth and support of UnionPay's global business. In partnership with more than 2,400 institutions worldwide, UnionPay International has enabled card acceptance in 180 countries and regions with issuance in 70 countries and regions. UnionPay International provides high quality, cost effective and secure cross-border payment services to the world's largest cardholder base and ensures convenient local services to a growing number of global UnionPay cardholders and merchants. In Thailand, UnionPay Cards are issued by Aeon, Bangkok Bank, Bank of China, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, Kasikornbank, Kiatnakin Bank, Krungthai Bank, and Land and Houses Bank. About Dolfin Application Dolfin is a financial Intelligent Platform developed by Central JD Fintech Group, which is a result of a business partnership between Central Group, Thailand's leading retailer and JD Technology, one of the leaders of financial technology in China. Dolfin application provides e-wallet service and offers various financial solutions according to customer needs, including digital lending service and insurance services. The app is the first e-wallet app in Thailand to support both UnionPay credit and debit cards. Media Enquiries: Alvin Chia 0065 9101 4562 chiayaoqing@unionpayintl SOURCE UnionPay International [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [July 16, 2021] Vietnam creators make history as The Bureau Asia wins in My RODE Cast Competition 2021 HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam, July 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Vietnam-based media platform The Bureau Asia has been highly commended for its podcast entry in this year's recently announced winners' list for the My RODE Cast Competition in Australia. The podcast entry - Blood Debt: The legend behind the Nguyen Thai Binh neighbourhood of Ho Chi Minh City - was announced as one of 100 podcasts to be highly commended from more than 2,000 entries submitted worldwide to the organisers for judging by a panel of international podcasting experts. The news was delivered via invitation-only voice chat room app, Clubhouse, on July 15. Entrants were required to upload a one to two minute segment or teaser of their podcast on any topic and in any style, with a booty of RODE podcasting equipment valued at AUD50,000 up for grabs. "The accolade is amazing," says Matt Cowan, the founder of The Bureau Asia and producer of the episode. "To be recognised among such talented creators worldwide is a special feeling. We're honoured and humbled - it's a great achievement for a team of just two!" "Let's hope our win contributes to putting Vietnam-based content creators further onto the world map, especially as it's a highly-competitive and challenging field to be in." Listen to the award-winning teaser HERE . Blood Debt: The legend bhind the Nguyen Thai Binh neighbourhood of Ho Chi Minh City is a historical episode that focuses on the small city centre neighbourhood of current-day Ho Chi Minh City called Nguyen Thai Binh. The episode delves into the intriguing history behind the man after which the neighbourhood is eponymously named. After the end of the War in 1975, when Vietnam was officially reunified after centuries of fighting for its independence, the victors renamed streets, neighbourhoods and cities in the former South after national heroes and significant others who helped create and defend the nation throughout its history. Nguyen Thai Binh was a South Vietnamese university student from the Mekong Delta who won a scholarship to study and work in the United States in 1968, shortly after the beginning of the Tet Offensive a pivotal moment in the escalation of the Vietnam War, or what is known in Vietnam as the American War. The experience opened his eyes to the devastation back in his country, and at the height of anti-war demonstrations in the United States, he became a beacon for peace on university campuses across the nation. But this didn't sit well with the US and South Vietnamese administrations. Binh was stripped of his scholarship and sent back to South Vietnam with the prospect of facing disciplinary proceedings for his anti-war stance, but, in an unexpected twist, he never quite made it back on Vietnamese soil alive. Listen to the full episode HERE . "The episode is mostly about someone who stood for something, in this case peace, at a time when it was deadly to do so," says Cowan. "While it's almost 50 years since his death, Binh's story remains timeless he stood up for something he believed in, even though he knew he would probably pay the ultimate price." "The backdrop for the episode is also a really cool neighbourhood of Ho Chi Minh City that often gets overlooked as a destination by local and international tourists alike," he continues. "There's a fascinating, sometimes dark history on the streets here, but it's emerging as a hip area with internationally-recognised dining venues, cool bars tucked away in French-colonial era buildings and some of the best street food to be found in the city." The Bureau Asia team is looking forward to receiving their prize of a RODE NT-USB Mini microphone in the coming weeks. "The mic will come in very handy," says Cowan, "because we have plenty of episodes in the pipeline in preparation for when international tourism to Vietnam returns. "Our podcasts will be extremely useful and enlightening for travellers planning their trips before and during their stay here in Vietnam." About The Bureau Asia The Bureau Asia is a Ho Chi Minh City based media platform that was established in 2018. Apart from telling stories about Vietnam and Southeast Asia, it creates and distributes digital marketing content for the hospitality, travel and lifestyle industries in the region. For media enquiries, email matt@thebureauasia.com Related Links: Website: https://thebureauasia.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebureauasia Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebureauasia Twitter: https://twitter.com/thebureauasia Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1VkpZ5HqZtLWxLcWyklQAC?si=YGCP6fMFRiGRw-JSu93mFg&dl_branch=1 SOURCE The Bureau Asia [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [July 15, 2021] EcoFlow Launches Highest Capacity Portable Home Battery on Kickstarter A full battery ecosystem designed for emergency backup power and utility bill reduction LOS ANGELES, Calif., July 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- EcoFlow, a portable power and renewable energy solutions company, today launched the EcoFlow DELTA Pro portable home battery and ecosystem. With an expandable capacity up to 25kWh, the DELTA Pro can fully recharge in under two hours and is the industry's first battery to harness multiple power sources. The full ecosystem has enough power on just one charge to meet an average family's emergency power usage for about one week. Pre-orders are now available on Kickstarter, and backers are expected to receive their products in late November of this year. "Extreme weather events and grid instability are driving people to take more control of their home power solutions," said Thomas Chen, R&D Director at EcoFlow. "The EcoFlow DELTA Pro ecosystem is primarily designed for two usage scenarios: to provide critical backup power during power outages and, to better monitor and control your daily consumption of power and lower utility bills" Expandable Capacity and Ecosystem The EcoFlow DELTA Pro has the largest expandable capacity on the market, with a base capacity of 3.6kWh that increases to 10.8kWh with two extra batteries, and up to 25kWh with ecosystem products like a smart home panel and smart generators. The EcoFlow ecosystem accessories are an industry differentiator. They expand possibilities by offering more power source options, accessories to maximize use of power and more user-friendly ways to control and manage power supply. Multiple power sources: Solar Panel, Solar Tracker, EV X-Stream Adapter, Smart Generator Expand base battery capacity: Smart Extra Batteries, Double Voltage Hub More power control: EcoFlow App, DELTA Pro Remote Control, Smart Home Panel Fastest Charging in the Industry The EcoFlow DELTA Pro is not only the world's fastest charging power station, but also the first portable battery that supports EV charging and the first to harness multiple power sources the grid, solar, wind, and gas. The EcoFlow DELTA Pro supports 3000W charging via EV charging, the EcoFlow smart home panel, or a 240V outlet. Moreover, the input can be boosted to 6000W when charging the EcoFlow DELTA Pro connected to a Smart Extra Battery with the addition of solar and smart generator charging, enabling the EcoFlow DELTA Pro to be fully recharged in two hours. As the first battery to support EV charging, it can be fully recharged in 1.8 hours by any of the 35,000 Level 2 AC EV charging stations across the US, freeing EVers from low-battery anxiety. Powers (Nearly) Everything With a huge 3600W AC output, which is expandable up to 7200W by connecting two DELTA Pro units with the Double-Voltage Hub, the DELTA Pro can power heavy-duty devices like refrigerators and air conditioners even up to 240V. In the event of a prolonged blackout, the average family consumes approximately 3.68kWh/day of emergency electricity to power electronics like lights, a fan, internet router, laptops and smartphones, and a refrigerator. With just one charge's worth of the full EcoFlow DELTA Pro ecosystem, a family can power this device configuration for about seven days. "The idea of EcoFlow has always been to provide the best solutions for the generation, storage, and consumption of power," said Chen. "And with the EcoFlow DELTA Pro ecosystem, we are confident to say we have worked out an integrated solution on all three levels and set a new standard for the industry." EcoFlow DELTA Max Along with today's launch of the EcoFlow DELTA Pro, EcoFlow also debuted the EcoFlow DELTA Max on Kickstarter. With a base capacity of 2016Wh expandable to 6048Wh, the EcoFlow DELTA Max is a more portable and scaled version of the EcoFlow DELTA Pro. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1575043/image.jpg [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [July 15, 2021] PH telcos conduct successful technical interoperability tests of MNP MANILA, Philippines, July 15, 2021 /CNW/ -- The Philippines' major Mobile Network Operators (MNO) namely DITO, Globe Telecom and Smart Communications are one with the government in the implementation of the Mobile Number Portability (MNP) Act and through their joint venture company, Telecommunications Connectivity Inc. (TCI) has successfully concluded the initial tests of their technical capabilities and interoperability last July 14, 2021. The joint effort will soon allow customers the option to keep their mobile numbers permanently, even when they change network providers or switch subscriptions. Against the backdrop of the ongoing pandemic, the MNOs said the outcome of these initial technical tests are 'within expectations'. After the initial tests yielded positive results, the next steps will be to streamline the external porting process, implement fraud and security safeguards, optimize systems and backend business operations in time for a smoother and faster porting experience for customers by September 30, 2021. By conducting a successful actual porting test, DITO, Globe and Smart secured initial insights and details on how to address remaining concerns and possible challenges, before making the service available to all customers. DITO, Globe and Smart have worked diligently to meet the July commitment with the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to achieve initial technical readiness, before the actual interporting demonstration with the telco regulator, a key milestone in the MNP process. "As the newest player in the industry, we truly are excited to provide this service to Filipinos wherever they may be. When we entered the industry, it really was to encourage competition and innovation. With the Mobile Number Portability Act, we have broken down barriers and have given the Filipinos the power of convenience to finally switch to their preferred service provider," said Atty. Adel Tamano, DITO Chief Administrative Officer. "The initial tests gave us a clearer view of the customer experience when they avail of the MNP, including te experience of customers as they interport to Globe numbers from other networks and vice versa. We learned a lot in the process and we will apply them to make the transition easy and seamless for our customers once the MNP becomes available to all," said Issa Guevarra-Cabreira, Globe Chief Commercial Officer. "We are working doubly hard with our counterparts from Globe and DITO to comply with the requirements. This is aligned with our company's direction: customer-centricity as our True North. We have always been at the forefront of using technology to create better experiences for everyone, and the successful initial tests will help us understand and recalibrate our systems and processes, so we can make the MNP experience simple and easy for our customers. After all, making things simple, using technology, is at the core of the Smart brand promise," said Jane J. Basas, Smart Senior Vice President and Head of Consumer Wireless Business. Republic Act No. 11202, also known as the Mobile Number Portability Act, ensures that mobile phone users can keep their numbers even when they transfer to another service provider, or when they switch their subscription from postpaid to prepaid, or vice-versa. About DITO Telecommunity Corporation DITO Telecommunity Corporation, formerly known as Mindanao Islamic Telephone Company, Inc. (MISLATEL) is the newest major telecommunications company in the Philippines after it was awarded a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity by the National Telecommunications Commission in 2019. Commercially launched on 8 March 2021, DITO commits to provide world class, fast, affordable, and secure, telecommunications services that connect the Filipino people situated in more than 7,641 islands to the rest of the global community. DITO is a Filipino company and is a consortium that includes Udenna Corporation, Chelsea Logistics and Infrastructure, and China Telecommunications Corporation. About Globe Telecom Globe is a leading full-service telecommunications company in the Philippines and publicly-listed in the PSE with the stock symbol GLO. The company serves the telecommunications and technology needs of consumers and businesses across an entire suite of products and services including mobile, fixed, broadband, data connectivity, internet and managed services. It has major interests in financial technology, digital marketing solutions, venture capital funding for startups, and virtual healthcare. In 2019, Globe became a signatory to the United Nations Global Compact, committing to implement universal sustainability principles. Its principals are Ayala Corporation and Singtel, acknowledged industry leaders in the country and in the region. About Smart Communications, Inc. Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) is a wholly-owned wireless communications and digital services subsidiary of PLDT, Inc., the Philippines' largest fully integrated telecommunications company. To date, Smart's mobile network covers 96% of the Philippine population from Batanes to Tawi-Tawi. Smart has also been named as the country's fastest mobile data network in the second half of 2020 by third party analytics firm Ookla. Smart also recently scored a rare sweep in the April 2021 Philippines Mobile Network Experience Awards by independent analytics firm Opensignal. These efforts are also part of the company's commitment to helping the Philippines attain the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG no. 4: Quality Education and SDG no. 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ph-telcos-conduct-successful-technical-interoperability-tests-of-mnp-301335010.html SOURCE Globe Telecom; DITO Telecommunity Corporation; Smart Communications, Inc. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [July 15, 2021] Diamond Foods, LLC Provides Notice of a Data Privacy Event STOCKTON, Calif., July 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Diamond Foods, LLC ("Diamond Foods") recently announced an incident that may affect the privacy of information related to certain individuals. Although Diamond Foods is unaware of any attempted or actual misuse of information in relation to incident, Diamond Foods is providing potentially affected individuals with information about the incident and steps individuals may take to help protect their information should they feel it is necessary to do so. On January 23, 2021, Diamond Foods became aware of suspicious activity in its IT environment and immediately initiated an investigation. As part of the investigation, which was conducted with the assistance of third-party forensic specialists, Diamond Foods determined that an unauthorized actor accessed its network and certain information stored on the network between January 19, 2021 to January 23, 2021. Additionally, Diamond Foods determined one employee email account was subject to unauthorized access from December 8, 2020 to January 8,2021. Diamond Foods conducted a comprehensive review of the data at risk to determine the type of information at issue and to whom the information related. This review was completed on May 6, 2021. Once Diamond Foods determined who was potentially impacted, it had to review its internal records to locate accurate mailing addresses. Although there is no evidence that personal information was actually viewed by an unauthorized actor, Diamond Foods is providing notice to potentially affected individuals in an abundance of caution. Diamond Foods' investigation determined that the type of information potentially impacted by this incident includes name, date of birth, Social Security number, driver's license number, financial account number, and health insurance information. Diamond Foods takes the security of personal information in its care very seriously. Upon discovering this incident, Diamond Foods moved quickly to secure its network, the employee's email account, investigate, and notify potentially impacted individuals. Diamond Foods encourages individuals to remain vigilant against incidents of identity theft and fraud, to review their account statements, and to monitor their credit reports for suspicious activity. Additional information about the incident can be found at Diamond Foods' website: https://www.diamondnuts.com. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/diamond-foods-llc-provides-notice-of-a-data-privacy-event-301335216.html SOURCE Diamond Foods, LLC [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [July 15, 2021] 4Paradigm signed the contract with People's Daily to jointly create mainstream algorithms for new media BEIJING, July 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Recently, 4Paradigm officially signed a contract with People's Daily to jointly create mainstream algorithms for new media. This will help ensure the accurate matching of massive content with the individual needs of users, to realize the dissemination of high-quality content in mainstream media and promote the transformation and innovation of the media industry in the AI era. Dai Wenyuan, the Chairman of 4Paradigm, said that the media industry is not only about flow, but also needs to spread positive energy. Thus, we need to change the characteristics of the past recommendation algorithm that only optimizes clicks and optimizes user time, and adds elements of values to the algorithm. We are not only pleased to have the opportunity with the People's Daily to explore and meet individual needs, but also reflects the mainstream algorithm value judgments. While ensuring accurate matching of content and user needs, a correct balance is achieved between individual needs and group values. Ding Wei, the director of the New Media Center of the People's Daily said that algorithms are prevailing in the intelligent era. From a thousand people see the same thing to a thousand people see their interests of unique thing, algorithms are reconstructing the logic and rules of information dissemination. We have cooperated with enterprises such as 4Paradigm to launch mainstream algorithms in version 7.0 of the People's Daily client to promote the strategic transformation of the Peopl's Daily client from traditional media to smart media. He emphasized the three characteristics of mainstream algorithms. The first one is the more quality content. The platform creators of the People's Daily are analyzed by uploading users to control the quality of the content from the source. In terms of content classification, it relies on the People's Daily new media team and review team to classify and identify content and establish a quality evaluation system. Meanwhile, with the help of artificial intelligence technologies such as semantic scene recognition and deep learning smart technology, problems such as content reshaping are solved. The second one is to understand your recommendations better, to perform multi-dimensional feature descriptions, and to achieve efficient and accurate matching of massive content and individual needs of users. Mainstream algorithms comprehensively characterize users' interests through long-term and short-term behavior changes analysis of users, and dynamically characterize users' current interests and preferences through real-time phenomenon estimation. At the same time, with the ability to enrich the user's offline mining interests label meet the needs of users diversified and personalized. The third one is a richer and more open information environment. Mainstream algorithms can provide users with a cross-collar knowledge system and break the barriers of information cocoon rooms. Through the establishment of a knowledge user system in the massive information, the integration of user behavior and semantic recognition, and the mining of causal relationships, to make the machine can form a stronger reasoning ability, so as to realize the recommended content, from point-to-point expansion to cross-domain presentation. The 4Paradigm "first recommendation platform" through the real-time and high-dimensional operation of multiple systems such as the quality assessment system, the user-platform two-way interactive recommendation system, the text analysis system, and the user portrait system. A special recommendation system was built from 0 to 1 for the People's Daily, and it has been officially launched on the People's Daily news client. "First recommendation" is a recommendation system service platform based on large-scale machine learning produced by the 4Paradigm, which aims to lower the barriers for media to embrace new technologies. Currently, first recommendation platform has carried out in-depth cooperation with thousands of media and content platforms. Artificial intelligence is rewriting the media format, and the form and communication mode of news products are being redefined. Content distribution affects the distribution of media traffic and benefits, and personalized recommendations have become the infrastructure of major media. The 4Paradigm and People's Daily's innovative exploration in the field of algorithms further enhance the value of content dissemination. SOURCE 4Paradigm [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [July 15, 2021] Flutura inducts luminaries from Shell & TechnipFMC into Strategic Advisory Board BANGALORE, India, July 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Flutura Decision Sciences and Analytics, an Industrial AI company that impacts Yield, Uptime and Sustainability outcomes for large scale industrial facilities, just announced the inclusion of industry stalwarts Robert Patterson, Brad Beitler, Robert Orlean and Scott Blanchard, into their strategic advisory board. Mr. Patterson enjoyed a 33-year career in Research, Engineering and Project Delivery with Shell, where he served as Executive Vice President of Engineering responsible for the engineering capability, capacity, standards, and associated technical assurance. Mr. Beitler is a 45+ year veteran of the international energy industry and served as the Executive Vice President of Technology and R&D and an Officer f TechnipFMC where he implemented and led the global technology and innovation strategy of the Company, ensuring alignment with TechnipFMC's strategic direction and assuring that their leadership role in the industry was maintained. Mr. Robert Orlean is the founder of Orlean Technical Solutions, a company that serves major oil companies, major equipment surface and subsea oil and gas suppliers, drilling and construction contractors on their technical innovation needs. Prior to founding Orlean Technical Solutions, Robert worked for Shell Oil Company where he held a variety of leadership roles in engineering, management and research. Mr. Blanchard played several roles in his illustrious 33+ years with Shell in Heavy Oil, Deepwater, and Unconventionals. Most recently he led Shell's move in Enterprise Architecture and the digitalization transformation for production operations as part of Shell's prestigious iShale program. Scott was also part of several global executive decision review boards influencing Shell's digitalization across all lines of business. Flutura's Chairperson, Radha Rajappa said, "We welcome Mr. Robert Patterson, Mr. Brad Beitler, Mr. Scott Blanchard and Mr. Robert Orlean to our strategic advisory board. As we accelerate our journey towards leadership in Industrial AI and meeting our vision to deliver 1 billion USD of outcomes to our customers by 2024, Robert, Brad, Scott and Robert Orlean's leadership and industry perspective will bring tremendous value to Flutura." About Flutura Business Solutions LLC Flutura is a pioneer in the Industrial Artificial Intelligence space having operations in Palo Alto, Houston and Bangalore. Its Cerebra IOT Intelligence solution provides diagnostics and prognostics solutions for equipment and process operations, unlocking new business value for many leading engineering and energy customers. To learn more about Flutura, please visit http://www.flutura.com Media Contact: Animesh Bajpai animesh.bajpai@flutura.com +91 80266 41222 Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1574936/Board_Members_Flutura.jpg Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1511688/Flutura_Logo.jpg [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [July 16, 2021] cloudHQ Releases New Way to Manage Online Sales From Your Phone with "Emails to Sheets" SAN FRANCISCO, July 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- cloudHQ, an email management company based out of San Francisco, California, announced the release of Export Emails to Sheets by cloudHQ , a brand new solution available in the Google Workspace marketplace. Export Emails to Sheets is a Gmail add-on that gives you the ability to export your emails from Gmail into Google Sheets. This is a mobile add-on that is designed to help small businesses manage online sales directly from their Gmail app, on their phone, tablet or mobile device. For businesses that require more complex email parsing, cloudHQ's wizard can be accessed from desktop to perform useful operations like: Back up a Gmail label to Google Sheets Extract information from the body of emails to Google Sheets (like booking / sales confirmations, price, client, etc.) Build an email list by extracting all contact information in a use's Gmail account, where contact profile enrichment is applied Identify all bounced email addresses Track email campaigns sent from that Gmail account (works well with cloudHQ's email marketing software called Mailking.io) Parse Google Alerts "Everyone has information in their emails that they need," said Senad Dizdar, founder and CEO and cloudHQ. "We've found that viewing that information in a spreadsheet increases effectivity, and helps reduce unnecessary distractions that naturally comes with email." Export Emails to Google Sheets has a free basic plan that includes 50 email exports per month, a Premium plan with up to 200,000 email exports per month, and a Premium Plus account subscription that includes an unlimited amount of email exports to sheets. cloudHQ, LLC is located in San Francisco, California, with a distributed team of just under 10 people, all working remotely. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cloudhq-releases-new-way-to-manage-online-sales-from-your-phone-with-emails-to-sheets-301335437.html SOURCE cloudHQ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [July 16, 2021] Embracing the Potential of Cloud Technology with Ecosystem Partners at the HUAWEI CLOUD Summit 2021 SINGAPORE, July 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Global leading ICT provider Huawei today hosted the HUAWEI CLOUD Summit 2021 in Singapore. Themed 'Born in Cloud, Grow with Cloud', the hybrid event brought together industry leaders, including SMEs and large corporates responsible for cloud migration strategies, to explore how evolving cloud technologies impact and strengthen digital transformation across sectors. Together with Singapore Animators Connection (SAC), iQiyi, Orange Business Services, SP Digital and more, Huawei discussed how cloud technology plays a versatile and growing role in the animation, streaming, and energy technology sectors. Continued Cloud Commitment in Singapore During his opening speech, Mr Foo Fang Yong, CEO of Huawei International, recognised Singapore's leading position in ICT infrastructure and technology in the region, noting that Huawei has supported Singapore's digitalisation journey since 2001. Partnering with industry leaders and customers, Huawei is now a pivotal contributor to connectivity, green energy, storage and many more innovative digital solutions across diversified industry sectors, aligned to Singapore's Smart Nation goals. Mr Foo Fang Yong stated at the Summit, "As we celebrate our 20th anniversary in Singapore, Huawei is committed to providing reliable, secure, and cost-effective cloud services to empower applications, harness the power of data, and help organizations of all sizes grow in Singapore and ASEAN region, we aim to be the mainstream cloud vendor and digital transformation leader in Singapore." Singapore is the international hub of HUAWEI CLOUD, which houses four availability zones, with a fifth availability zone on the way. Beyond Singapore, HUAWEI CLOUD also has setup regions in Hong Kong, Thailand and Malaysia, with Indonesia to follow. "Huawei has been committed to empowering digital transformation and innovation, nurturing a future-ready talent pool and driving sustainable growth for the future economy together with our local partners. It is our responsibility, not only as a global ICT leader but also a committed member of the communit, to continue to create economic opportunities and societal impact in Singapore," announced Fang Yong. Born in Cloud, Grow with Cloud According to the Gartner report Market Share: IT Services, Worldwide 2020, HUAWEI's 2020 IaaS market share ranks No.2 in China, No. 3 in Thailand market, No.4 in the emerging Asia Pacific market, and No. 5 in the global market. HUAWEI's IaaS revenue grew fastest in the global market between 2019 and 2020, compared to the other vendors included for analysis. During the event, Mr Zeng Xingyun, President of HUAWEI CLOUD APAC, highlighted five key strategies behind Huawei Cloud's rapid growth to continuously focus on ICT investment, boost product architecture innovation, support technology and solution innovation, introduce cloud-cloud synergy, and inherit and build the most optimal 2B service. Redefining Infrastructure with HUAWEI CLOUD HUAWEI CLOUD aims to revolutionise enterprise infrastructure through improved services, platforms, and solutions. Cloud Container Engine (CCE) Clusters allow for accelerated computing, networking, and scheduling for more efficient applications, smoother and more secure communications, and the ability to allocate the required resources for applications without micro-management. allow for accelerated computing, networking, and scheduling for more efficient applications, smoother and more secure communications, and the ability to allocate the required resources for applications without micro-management. Multi-Cloud Container Platform (MCP) brings cross-cloud applications into your routine as though they were local applications. Its compatibility with Kubernetes native APIs eliminates the need for refactoring, granting enterprise users the ability to govern instances on a larger scale, and boasting synergy with other networks on the cloud. brings cross-cloud applications into your routine as though they were local applications. Its compatibility with Kubernetes native APIs eliminates the need for refactoring, granting enterprise users the ability to govern instances on a larger scale, and boasting synergy with other networks on the cloud. GaussDB sees the company's cloud-native database solutions come to the financial sector, where users can tap on high performance and elastic scaling for hybrid loads, increased security and availability, and intelligent optimisation and index recommendation. Extending Cloud Support to the Start-up Ecosystem in the Region As part of the global shift towards a cloud-powered future and in recognition of the growth of start-ups and small businesses in ASEAN, Huawei will host the second edition of the Huawei Spark programme for the region. A hybrid accelerator programme, Huawei Spark targets deep tech start-ups in e-Commerce, Fintech, Energy, Manufacturing, and Smart City industries with focuses on AI, IoT, SaaS, Edge Computing, and 5G. With its strong network of industry experts, Huawei aims to incubate and accelerate start-ups' growth to further build a more connected and intelligent world. To apply for the Huawei Spark programme, interested start-ups can submit their proposals here before 10 August 2021 and register here to join the Spark Founder Summit on 3 Aug. About HUAWEI CLOUD HUAWEI CLOUD is a leading cloud service provider, which brings Huawei's 30-plus years of expertise together in ICT infrastructure products and solutions. We are committed to providing reliable, secure, and cost-effective cloud services to empower applications, harness the power of data, and help organizations of all sizes grow in today's intelligent world. HUAWEI CLOUD is also committed to bringing affordable, effective, and reliable cloud and AI services through technological innovation. For more information, please visit Huawei online at https://www.huaweicloud.com/intl/en-us/about/index.html or follow us on: https://www.linkedin.com/company/huaweicloudapac/ https://twitter.com/HuaweiCloudAPAC https://www.facebook.com/HuaweiCloudAPAC https://www.youtube.com/c/HuaweiCloudAIAPAC SOURCE HUAWEI CLOUD [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [July 16, 2021] Accruit Celebrates 10th Managed Service 1031 Exchange Client DENVER, July 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Accruit celebrates its 10th Managed Service client with the addition of a title company based out of Wisconsin. Accruit's patented cloud-based technology platform, Exchange Manager Pro SM, simplifies the processing of 1031 exchanges for its partners by handling the processing, administration, and fund tracking, enabling partners to focus on their customer relationships. Accruit Celebrates 10th Managed Service 1031 Exchange Client Customers have decided to partner with Accruit through Managed Service to gain competitive advantage with the use of Exchange Manager ProSM. In addiion to another revenue source by offering 1031 exchange, title companies can secure their title work on both the sale and purchase while protecting their client list and banks can gain visibility into future loan opportunities. "Customers can easily keep track of their exchanges through Exchange Manager Pro's automated processes that track and manage deadlines, forms, and movement of funds. This level of transparency is a game changer for our managed services partners." says Steve Holtkamp, Executive Vice President and CFO for Accruit. Accruit launched its Managed Service platform in 2019 to serve as an outlet for qualified intermediaries, title companies, banks, attorneys and others who had a desire to offer 1031 exchanges services but did not have the resources or dedicated expertise. Through Exchange Manager ProSM technology, Managed Service customers can offer a semi customized or fully white label 1031 exchange solution to their customers without needing to invest heavily in personnel, processes and ongoing legal requirements. All of which is handled through Accruit Managed Service. Managed Services is backed by Accruit's in-house Certified Exchange Specialists (CES) and Real Estate & Tax Attorneys for 1031 exchange expert support and the highest rated customer service scores in the industry. For more information about Accruit's Managed Services1031 back-of?ce solution or Exchange Manager ProSM call 1 800-237-1031 or visit www.accruit.com. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/accruit-celebrates-10th-managed-service-1031-exchange-client-301335285.html SOURCE Accruit, LLC [July 16, 2021] Ault Global Holdings Announces Formation of Ault Global Real Estate Equities, Inc. to Invest in Commercial Real Estate Ault Global Holdings, Inc. (NYSE American: DPW) a diversified holding company (the "Company"), announced that it has formed Ault Global Real Estate Equities, Inc., a Nevada corporation ("AGREE"), to invest in commercial real estate, targeting the middle-market segment in the Unites States. AGREE has appointed Christopher K. Wu as its Chief Executive Officer to lead this strategy. Mr. Wu stated, "I'm pleased to lead the AGREE platform to invest opportunistically and create long-term value in commercial real estate sectors such as hospitality and multi-family housing properties, among others, nationwide." Milton "Todd" Ault, Executive Chairman of the Company, stated, "We believe there are attractive assets in commercial real estate in the United States that would benefit from capital investment and repositioning, and we believe Chris Wu, given his experience in the commercial real estate sector, will provide strong leadership to drive investments that meet our criteria. Chris brings a unique skill set and connections to provide non-recourse financing to the Company, allowing us to expand our real estate portfolio with limited impact on the Company's resources." For more information on Ault Global Holdings and its subsidiaries, the Company recommends that stockholders, investors and any other interested parties read the Company's public filings with the SEC (News - Alert) , available at www.sec.gov, and press releases available under the Investor Relations section at www.AultGlobal.com. About Ault Global Holdings, Inc. Ault Global Holdings, Inc. is a diversified holding company pursuing growth by acquiring undervalued businesses and disruptive technologies with a global impact. Through its wholly and majority-owned subsidiaries and strategic investments, the Company provides mission-critical products that support a diverse range of industries, including defense/aerospace, industrial, automotive, telecommunications, medical/biopharma, and textiles. In addition, the Company extends credit to select entrepreneurial businesses through a licensed lending subsidiary. Ault Global Holdings' headquarters are located at 11411 Southern Highlands Parkway, Suite 240, Las Vegas, NV 89141; www.AultGlobal.com. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains "forward looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements generally include statements that are predictive in nature and depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, and include words such as "believes," "plans," "anticipates," "projects," "estimates," "expects," "intends," "strategy," "future," "opportunity," "may," "will," "should," "could," "potential," or similar expressions. Statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on current beliefs and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any of them publicly in light of new information or future events. Actual results could differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement as a result of various factors. More information, including potential risk factors, that could affect the Company's business and financial results are included in the Company's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including, but not limited to, the Company's Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K. All filings are available at www.sec.gov and on the Company's website at www.AultGlobal.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210716005120/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [July 16, 2021] Tanium Named to FORTUNE Magazine's Best Workplaces for Millennials Tanium, the provider of endpoint management and security built for the world's most demanding IT environments, today announced that it has been named to FORTUNE Magazine's 2021 list of Best Large Workplaces for Millennials. This marks Tanium's second consecutive appearance overall, and first in the large company category, signifying the quality and consistency of experience for millennials across a number of job roles and diverse demographic backgrounds. The Best Workplaces for Millennials award is based on analysis of survey responses from more than 5.3 million current employees. Using rigorous analytics and confidential employee feedback, Great Place to Work selects winners based on how fairly employees are treated. Companies are assessed on how well they are creating a great employee experience that cuts across race, gender, age, disability status, or any aspect of who employees are or what their role is. "Today's top talent demands more from employers than ever before," said Bina Chaurasia, Chief Administrative and Operating Officer at Tanium. "Beyond offering flexible work options, which many companies introduced out of necessity last year, employees are calling for a bold new approach towards defining the employee experience. This recognition is a testament to how Tanium answered that call - with radical trust and a commitment to empowering the next generation of tech talent. Our shift to a remote-first workforce acknowledges both the ways in which the world has changed and how employees want to work. We pride ourselves on being a company that puts its people first." "The Best Workplaces for Millennials treat their employees like people, not just employees," said Michael C. Bush, CEO of Great Place to Work. "These companies foster caring and respect for one another, at every level of the organization. Theresult is millennial employees who say they look forward to coming to work and - as our research says - are 50 times more likely to stay a long time." Tanium regularly ranks among the top workplaces in technology. In 2021, the company has already made prestigious lists: FORTUNE Best Workplaces in Technology, UK's Best Workplaces, and Best Workplaces in Canada. The company is also recognized for its innovation as a five-time honoree on Forbes Cloud 100 list. Since March 2020, Tanium has added nearly 1000 employees, bringing its global headcount to 2,000 employees. The company decentralized its operations, with full-time employees now living and working in 48 of the 50 US states. For more information on open roles at Tanium in all regions, please visit the careers page. About Tanium Tanium offers endpoint management and security that is built for the world's most demanding IT environments. Many of the world's largest and most sophisticated organizations, including nearly half of the Fortune 100, top retailers and financial institutions, and multiple branches of the US Armed Forces rely on Tanium to make confident decisions, operate efficiently and effectively, and remain resilient against disruption. Tanium has been named to the Forbes Cloud 100 list of "Top 100 Private Companies in Cloud Computing" for five consecutive years and ranked 4th on FORTUNE's list of the "Best Workplaces in Technology 2020." Visit us at www.tanium.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210716005215/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [July 16, 2021] ASGN Incorporated Announces Acquisition of IndraSoft ASGN Incorporated (NYSE: ASGN), one of the foremost providers of IT and professional services in the technology, digital, and creative, fields across the commercial and government sectors, announced today the acquisition of IndraSoft Inc., a leading cybersecurity and digital transformation solutions provider to the federal government. IndraSoft's team of more than 220 highly skilled consultants will be integrated into the ECS Missions Solutions business unit. Founded in 2004 in Reston, VA, IndraSoft is an award-winning solutions provider with a deep footprint across the U.S. Air Force, Army Intelligence, and the Defense Information Systems Agency (News - Alert) (DISA), as well as other defense agencies and the Census Bureau. IndraSoft provides depth in digital transformation, DevSecOps, cybersecurity, and cyber analytics solutions. "We are thrilled to welcome the IndraSoft team to ASGN," said Ted Hanson, ASGN President and Chief Executive Officer. "The acquisition of IndraSoft is yet another example of our long-term capital deployment strategy to acquire high-growth consulting businesses that position ASGN as an industry-leading provider of IT services and solutions to the commercial and government marketplaces. IndraSoft's depth and breadth of technical capabilities, talent, and solutions align perfectly with our Federal Government Segment and ECS' digital modernization expertise." "The acquisition of IndraSoft deepens our footprint at key customers, including the U.S. Air Force, Army Intelligence, DISA, and other defense agencies," said George Wilson, President of ECS. "IndraSoft's innovative culture and long track record of success make it a great fit with our own unwavering commitment to exceptional service delivery for our customers. We look forward to successfully pursuing new mission-impactful work together," added John Heneghan, Chief Operating Officer of ECS. "At IndraSoft, we are dedicated to enabling mission results through differentiated solutions and a culture of continuous improvement," said Neeraja Lingam, CEO of IndraSoft. "We have successfully delivered value and transformative services for nearly two decades. Now, we are excited to join ECS and accelerate our combined growth trajectory by expanding upon the resources and capabilities we can deliver to our customers." Equity Grants In addition to the cash consideration, ASGN is granting restricted stock unit awards to 16 IndraSoft emploees covering approximately 52,000 shares. Subject to continued service to ASGN, these grants will vest: (a) one-half on the second anniversary of the grant date, and (b) 25 percent on each of the third and fourth anniversaries of the grant date. The restricted stock unit awards were granted as employment inducement awards pursuant to the New York Stock Exchange rules. Legal Advisors ASGN retained Sullivan & Cromwell LLP and IndraSoft retained Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP as legal counsel. About ASGN Incorporated ASGN Incorporated (NYSE: ASGN) is one of the foremost providers of IT services and professional solutions, including technology, creative, and digital, across the commercial and government sectors. ASGN helps leading corporate enterprises and government organizations develop, implement and operate critical IT and business solutions through its integrated offering of professional staffing and IT solutions. ASGN's mission is to be the most trusted partner for companies seeking highly skilled human capital and integrated solutions to fulfill their strategic and operational needs. For more information, visit us at asgn.com. About ECS ECS, ASGN's Federal Government Segment (formerly its ECS Segment), delivers advanced solutions in cloud, cybersecurity, data and artificial intelligence (AI), application and IT modernization, science, and engineering. The company solves critical, complex challenges for customers across the U.S. public sector, defense, intelligence, and commercial industries. ECS maintains partnerships with leading cloud, cybersecurity, and AI/ML providers and holds specialized certifications in their technologies. Headquartered in Fairfax, Virginia, ECS has more than 3,000 employees throughout the United States. For more information, visit ECStech.com. About IndraSoft IndraSoft provides cutting-edge enterprise IT solutions to customers across DoD and Civilian Federal Agencies, including U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, Defense Manpower Data Center, Defense Information Systems Agency, Defense Logistics Agency, USTRANSCOM, Department of State, and U.S. Census Bureau. IndraSoft's Agile (News - Alert) /DevOps, cybersecurity, cloud, data analytics, AI/ML, and blockchain solutions enable customers to focus on mission imperatives with confidence. Safe Harbor Certain statements made in this news release are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and involve a high degree of risk and uncertainty. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding our anticipated financial and operating performance. All statements in this release, other than those setting forth strictly historical information, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, and actual results might differ materially. In particular, we make no assurances that the estimates of revenues and Adjusted EBITDA will be achieved. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include actual demand for ASGN services, the Company's ability to attract, train and retain qualified staffing consultants, the Company's abilities to remain competitive in obtaining and retaining clients, the availability of qualified contract professionals, management of growth, continued performance and improvement of enterprise-wide information systems, the Company's ability to manage litigation matters, the successful integration of recent or future acquisitions and demand for each of our services and other risks detailed from time to time in reports filed with the SEC (News - Alert) , including ASGN's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, as filed with the SEC on March 1, 2021. We specifically disclaim any intention or duty to update any forward-looking statements contained in this news release. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210716005313/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [July 16, 2021] Seven Leaders Recognized With IAIABC NextGen Awards The IAIABC NextGen (News - Alert) Awards recognize talented and transformative young professionals under the age of 40 who are having a positive impact in their organizations and the workers' compensation industry. For the 2021 IAIABC NextGen Awards, seven recipients were selected from a pool of outstanding nominees. "The 2021 IAIABC NextGen Award recipients are not only transforming the workers' compensation industry, but also the way we work. These exceptional leaders are innovative, thoughtful, and inspirational, and I am excited to watch their impact on the workers' compensation industry in the future," says Jennifer Wolf, IAIABC Executive Director. The IAIABC congratulates the recipients of the 2021 IAIABC NextGen Awards: Cody Allen Business Development Specialist, SFM Mutual Vincent Bell Director of IT Services, The Black Car Fund Andrew Cortese Senior Manager - Claims Analytics, Data Security, and Financial Controls, United Airlines Cindy James Public Relations Supervisor, Virginia Workers' Compensation Commission Kyle Jones Communications Coordinator, Tennessee Bureau of Workers' Compensation Petyah Pierre Workers Compensation Analyst, Broward County Sherriff's Office Jina Qu Manager, Predictive Modelling, Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) The IAIABC will be sharing the NextGen Award recipients' stories throughout the year, including as part of the IAIABC 107th Convention, a hybrid event taking place October 26-28, 2021, virtually and in Louisville, Kentucky. Recipients will also be profiled in a special issue of Perspectives, the IAIABC's quarterly digital magazine. Over the five years of the IAIABC NextGen Awards, 39 individuals have been recognized with a NextGen Award. Visit www.iaiabc.org/nextgen-awards for more information about this year's and past NextGen recipients. About the IAIABC The International Association of Industrial Accident Boards and Commissions is a not-for-profit association representing government agencies charged with the administration of workers' compensation systems as well as other workers' compensation professionals in the private sector. Its mission is to find solutions to reduce harm and aid recovery from occupational injuries and illnesses. Learn more about the IAIABC at www.iaiabc.org. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210716005317/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [July 16, 2021] FBI Assistant Director Brian Hale Transitions to QOMPLX to Tackle Global Cyber and Critical Risk Challenges TYSONS, Va., July 16, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- QOMPLX, a global leader in cloud-native risk analytics, announced today that Brian Hale will join the company on Monday as Vice President for Global Market Development and Public Private Partnerships. In this role, Mr. Hale will lead the companys outreach and commercial diplomacy to forge critical partnerships in key markets. Mr. Hale will enable critical stakeholders in national and international law enforcement organizations, media, think tanks, research institutions, trade associations and others within the broader security and risk ecosystem to better access QOMPLX experts and technologies. Mr. Hale will also develop strategic business opportunities across industries to ensure leading public sector and enterprise customers can better anticipate and proactively address key cyber risks. We are thrilled to welcome Brian Hale to our leadership team, said CEO Jason Crabtree. His role at QOMPLX will mirror his record of outstanding professional achievements in similar roles at the highest levels of law enforcement and government. Brian will further our ability to deliver clear, concise, and disciplined expertise to partners, governments, and private executives who depend on our rapidly growing capabilities and practitioners to defend their organizations against ransomware, espionage, and other digital threats. Mr. Hale most recently served in the Federal Bureau of Investigation as Assistant Director of the Office of Public Affairs at FBI Headquarters in Washington. In this role, he served as an essential senior advisor to current FBI Director Christopher Wray since February of 2019, acting as the official on-the-record spokesperson to top-tier national and international news media, navigating intricate and highly sensitive law enforcement and national security issues receiving constant and widespread coverage, including counterterrorism,weapons of mass destruction, operational technology, and cybersecurity. Crippling ransomware attacks, business email compromise, and other criminal cyber acts are unrelenting threats to our economic stability and a top national security priority, said Hale. As a leader serving in the U.S. intelligence community and federal law enforcement, I witnessed first-hand the need for organizations to effectively manage critical risks and secure their data and systems. I am excited to join the growing QOMPLX team under Jason and Andrews leadership and to leverage my years of experience confronting these challenges to ensure customers have the right tools, strategies, and relationships they need to be protected, he continued. Mr. Hale has broad experience in communications, having served in numerous roles in both the public and private sectors over the course of his career. Prior to the FBI, Mr. Hale served as Deputy Assistant Director in the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), where he worked with the national security partnership team to lead the U.S. Intelligence Communitys outreach efforts, information sharing, and partnerships with the private sector. From 2014 to 2018, Mr. Hale was the ODNI Director of Public Affairs, responsible for managing all communication efforts and ensuring coordinated outreach on behalf of the 17 agencies and components that comprise the U.S. Intelligence Community. Before his career in public service, Mr. Hale was the press relations manager for Squire Patton Boggs, LLP, an international law firm based in Washington, D.C. He also worked as a field producer for ABC News 20/20, where he covered several high-profile national and international stories, including the Iraq War, the D.C. sniper investigation, and the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Mr. Hale is a graduate of the University of Kentucky, where he earned a masters degree in international relations and a bachelors degree in political science. About QOMPLX QOMPLX helps organizations make intelligent business decisions and better manage risk through our advanced, proprietary risk cloud. We are the leaders at rapidly ingesting, transforming, and contextualizing large, complex, and disparate data sources through our cloud-native data factory in order to help organizations better quantify, model, and predict risk in areas including cybersecurity, insurance, and finance. For more information, visit qomplx.com and follow us @QOMPLX. CONTACT: James Faeh Director of Corporate Communications james.faeh@qomplx.com Photos accompanying this announcement are available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3e9282be-e146-44ce-bb39-a948eb13ea74 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/bd913dd6-2d03-44cd-8d6d-ac09cd9d241c [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [July 16, 2021] ALYI Confirms Order For 2000 Electric Motorcycles Dallas, Texas, July 16, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Alternet Systems, Inc. (OTC Pink: ALYI) (ALYI) today confirmed an order for 2,000 electric motorcycles. The order supports the planned rollout of a comprehensive Electric Vehicle (EV) Rideshare and rental solution in Africa beginning with electric motorcycles. ALYI has recently launched a comprehensive pilot bringing together a host of partners in Kenya to support a soup to nuts eco-friendly electric motorcycle alternative to Africas robust motorcycle taxi market currently dominated by combustion engine bikes. Facedrive, a Canadian company also pursuing the EV Rideshare market, is featured in a recent article titled The Future Of Transportation: EV Stocks Could Fly This Summe r . The article highlights the EV Rideshare market opportunity amidst the EV manufacturers race featuring names like Tesla and Nio as well as EV component players like Blink. ALYI management is happy to see competitors like Facedrive entering the EV Rideshare sector. ALYI management believes there is plenty of room in the sector and competition is a confirmation on the value and overall potential of the sector. ALYI is building a comprehensive EV ecosystem solution designed to advance the entire EV sector with perpetual contribution to EV technology advanced by the ongoing participation of EV industry leaders. ALYI is targeting the participation of brand name EV industry leaders in an annual EV symposium and conferenced anchored by an EV race event in Kenya. The objective of the EV symposium and conference is to advance EV technology by building EV solutions for the African market a power constrained, rugged environment with one of the lowest per capita transportation deployments in the world. EV solutions for the African market will be applicable the world around. EV solutions designed and built in Africa also contribute to building an autonomous African economy. ALYI has eeded its EV ecosystem solution with the development of its own EV motorcycle business. ALYI has recently initiated an Electric Motorcycle pilot program in Kenya which is already generating results expected to set ALYIs EV business apart from the competition. ALYI has published an overview of the pilot program highlighting the pilot objectives. As the pilot ramps up this month, ALYI management plans to begin sharing featured moments of the pilot program in progress to include pictures and videos. The pilot is expected to go on for approximately ninety days. The pilot is being conducted in conjunction with a 2,000 electric motorcycle order, the fulfillment of which is being finalized with results from the pilot. ALYI has designed its EV ecosystem solution to include democratized participation. ALYI has partnered with ReovltTOKEN to finance ALYIs growth by offering participation in the EV ecosystem through the sale of Revolt Tokens. To learn more about RevoltTOKEN and how to participate in ALYIs electric vehicle ecosystem through the purchase of Revolt Tokens, visit www.revolttoken.com . For more information and to stay up to date on ALYI's overall latest developments, please visit www.alternetsystemsinc.com . Disclaimer/Safe Harbor: This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Securities Litigation Reform Act. The statements reflect the Company's current views with respect to future events that involve risks and uncertainties. Among others, these risks include the expectation that any of the companies mentioned herein will achieve significant sales, the failure to meet schedule or performance requirements of the companies' contracts, the companies' liquidity position, the companies' ability to obtain new contracts, the emergence of competitors with greater financial resources and the impact of competitive pricing. In the light of these uncertainties, the forward-looking events referred to in this release might not occur. For more information, please visit: http://www.alternetsystemsinc.com Alternet Systems, Inc. Contact: Randell Torno info@lithiumip.com +1-800-713-0297 [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [July 16, 2021] Real-World Data & Technology Company OM1 Closes $85 Million Financing To Make Healthcare More Measured, Precise, And Pre-Emptive BOSTON, July 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- OM1, a health technology company focused on real-world outcomes for chronic conditions, today announced an $85 million financing led by D1 Capital Partners, Kaiser Permanente, and Breyer Capital, with participation from existing investors, including General Catalyst (GC), Polaris Partners, Scale Venture Partners, 7wire Ventures, and Glikvest. $85 Million financing used to expand robust real-world data networks for improving research and precision medicine. OM1 partners with providers, medical societies, payers, and manufacturers to harness real-world data for advancing medical research, evaluating health outcomes, obtaining regulatory approvals, and personalizing treatment in chronic disease areas, such as dermatology, rheumatology, cardiology, gastroenterology, respiratory, neurosciences, and behavioral health. In addition to these efforts, OM1 develops state-of-the art artificial intelligence (AI) models and solutions for finding patients and predicting outcomes. "There has been limited focus on using real-world data for autoimmune and other chronic conditions despite those conditions representing more than $1.6 trillion in healthcare costs in the U.S alone," said Dr. Richard Gliklich, CEO and founder of OM1. "With this funding, OM1 will expand our work building robust real-world data networks that are changing the research paradigm and enabling more precise treatments." Increasingly healthcare stakeholders, including regulatrs, payers, and providers, are seeking real-world evidence for supporting outcomes-based decision making. By organizing health information and applying AI technology, OM1 helps customers generate and use real-world evidence more rapidly and effectively to gain regulatory approval, to understand the effectiveness, safety and value of treatments, and to personalize care. Daniel Sundheim, founder of D1 Capital Partners, noted, "We believe OM1 is at the forefront of innovation in applying real-world data and AI in impactful ways. We are excited to support their mission as they continue to expand their products in pursuit of improving patient outcomes." OM1 was founded in 2015 by the leadership team of Outcome Sciences, the pioneering real-world research company, which was acquired in 2011. For more information, visit www.om1.com . Contact Renee Hurley Head of Marketing, OM1 617-620-9571 rhurley@om1.com About OM1 With a focus on chronic conditions, OM1 is a real-world data, outcomes and technology company leveraging big clinical data and AI to better understand, compare, and predict patient outcomes. OM1's real-world evidence platform, clinical registries and AI technologies enable clients to accelerate research, to measure and benchmark health outcomes and to personalize patient care. Learn more at www.om1.com. About D1 Capital Partners D1 Capital Partners is a global investment firm that operates across public and private markets. The firm combines the talent and operational excellence of a large, premier asset management firm with the flexible mandate and long-term time horizon of a family office. Founded in 2018 by Daniel Sundheim, D1 focuses on investing in the global internet, technology, telecom, media, consumer, healthcare, financial, industrial, and real estate sectors. About Kaiser Permanente Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America's leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 12.4 million members in 8 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/real-world-data--technology-company-om1-closes-85-million-financing-to-make-healthcare-more-measured-precise-and-pre-emptive-301335615.html SOURCE OM1 [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [July 16, 2021] The Government of Canada Launches Consultation on a Modern Copyright Framework for AI and the Internet of Things OTTAWA, ON, July 16, 2021 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring the Copyright Act remains responsive to modern realities and that Canada's copyright framework continues to be effective in fostering innovation and investment as new technologies develop. To do so, Canada's copyright framework should support the changing needs of artists, innovators and consumers in a high-tech world. Building on the stakeholder engagement and committee reports from the 2019 Statutory Review of the Copyright Act, the Honourable Francois-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, and the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Heritage, are launching a public consultation today on a modern copyright framework for artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT). As developments in AI and the proliferation of IoT and software-enabled devices increase, it is crucial to ensure that Canada's copyright framework is able to respond effectively to new challenges. This consultation touches on a number of topics, including text and data mining, authorship and ownership of works created by AI, infringement and liability regarding AI, and repair and interoperability issues related to technological protection measures. A consultation paper outlines the challenges to the copyright framework for each of these topics and presents questions to help design specific options and approaches to address them. The government is seeking additional evidence from stakeholders concerning these challenges and welcomes all comments and perspectives. Participants have until September 17, 2021, to share their input: https://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/693.nsf/eng/00317.html Responses received will be made publicly available following the consultation period and will help inform the government's policy development process to ensure that Canada's copyright framework for AI and IoT reflects the evolving digital world. Quotes "The Copyright Act impacts many sectors of our economy. This consultation will allow us to hear the diverse perspectives of Canadians who want to make sure Canada's copyright framework supports innovation, investment and competition as digital technologies continue to play a bigger role in generating growth and creating jobs." - The Honourable Francois-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry "Canada's copyright framework must reflect the realities facing our creators and cultural workers in the high-tech world. We know that rapid advances in digital technology have a strong impact on how Canadians create and share cultural products that we all cherish. This is why we want to hear from Canadians and address these challenges with them as we move forward together." - The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Heritage Quick facts The government is taking a phased approach to the review of the Copyright Act while considering the recommendations from the parliamentary committees. while considering the recommendations from the parliamentary committees. From February 11 to March 31, 2021 , the government consulted on how to implement Canada's commitment under the CanadaUnited StatesMexico Agreement to extend the general term of copyright protection. , the government consulted on how to implement commitment under the CanadaUnited StatesMexico Agreement to extend the general term of copyright protection. From April 14 to May 31, 2021 , the government consulted on how the use of copyright-protected content online is protected and how individual rights and freedoms in an open Internet are safeguarded, while facilitating an environment where the digital market can thrive. , the government consulted on how the use of copyright-protected content online is protected and how individual rights and freedoms in an open Internet are safeguarded, while facilitating an environment where the digital market can thrive. Artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things: Artificial intelligence (AI) is a technology intended to replicate human thought by analyzing, learning from and reacting to challenges without human direction. AI serves a role in software and technologies by customizing the user experience, simplifying the analysis of data or reducing the costs of human labour. Internet of Things (IoT) refers to networks of devices equipped with software and sensors that connect and exchange data with other devicesusing the Internet. Common IoT devices include smartphones, televisions and vacuums. IoT is also significant in the medical, agricultural and manufacturing sectors. Through Canada's Digital Charter and its leadership role in the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence , the Government of Canada is making sure that our digital and data-driven economy is built on a strong foundation of trust and that AI is developed and used responsibly to the benefit of all citizens. Associated links Stay connected Find more services and information at Canada.ca/ISED and Canada.ca/canadian-heritage . Follow Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada on social media. Twitter: @ISED_CA , Facebook: Canadian Innovation , Instagram: @cdninnovation and LinkedIn Follow Canadian Heritage on social media. Twitter: @CdnHeritage Facebook: @CdnHeritage Instagram: @o_canadiana and LinkedIn Search for related information by keyword: Artificial intelligence | Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada | Ottawa | Intellectual property and copyright | business | general public | media | news releases | Hon. Francois-Philippe Champagne SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada [July 16, 2021] Carle Health Cardiology Fellowship to Launch in 2022 Bringing Advanced Medical Training and Care to the Region Carle Health is adding important medical education by offering advanced training in cardiovascular medicine, beginning July 2022. The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education approved a new cardiovascular disease fellowship training program at Carle Health. The three-year program will train six fellows - two per year - using immersive clinic experiences at Carle Health facilities throughout central Illinois. While there are many fellowship trained physicians who practice at Carle, the program is the first fellowship offered at the health system. The cardiovascular disease fellowship will expand the growing Graduate Medical Education program to a total of 11 programs. "We are very excited to offer this fellowship. This fellowship will help retain resident doctors in training and provide them not only with specialized clinical experience but also unique research opportunities. Our goal is to create a workforce of cardiology and cardiovascular subspecialists for underserved areas in central and southern Illinois. This advanced medical trining means more highly skilled physicians to provide a high level of care to patients in the region," Kim McGuire, director of medical education at Carle, said. Only three cardiology fellowships are offered in Illinois outside the Chicago area. Internal Medicine resident physicians are eligible to apply and fine tune their skills in cardiovascular care through the fellowship. "The fellows will work side-by-side with physicians of distinction at Carle and ask clinically impactful questions, which means cutting-edge care for the patient. Carle is in a position to offer training in advanced cardiac imaging, interventional cardiology structural interventional cardiology, electrophysiology, advanced heart failure services and research in collaboration with the Carle Illinois College of Medicine," Issam Moussa, MD, MBA, Carle Heart and Vascular Institute Medical Director and Carle Illinois College of Medicine professor said. To learn more about the program, visit the cardiology fellowship page on carle.org. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210716005439/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [July 16, 2021] MiniDOGE has integrated with Shopify Through CoinPayments to give 2.8 million merchants worldwide the ability to accept MiniDOGE tokens as payment Phoenix, Arizona, July 16, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MiniDoge is bouncing into Shopify now and can be used as a source of payment. MiniDOGE has integrated with CoinPayments to give 2.8 million merchants worldwide the ability to accept MiniDOGE tokens as payment! Through this integration MiniDOGE will be available as a payment option for millions of products and services worldwide. CoinPayments is a global crypto payment gateway made easy and accessible for everyone! CoinPayments has processed over $10 Billion In Crypto Payments Since 2013! We are excited that MiniDOGE will begin being accepted starting Monday July 19th, 2021! Time after time again, MiniDoge has been proving that there is a powerful competitor, and now we have the opportunity to access the currency in daily life that we can use to buy and sell. This is ptting our paw print out in the communities. MiniDoge will eventually be connected to our wallet that makes transferring currency more efficient. Visit MiniDoge, for more information to learn more or want to be part of the community. Twitter: https://twitter.com/minidogetoken/ Telegram Group: https://t.me/MiniDogeToken Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MiniDogeToken/ Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/minidoge/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/minidogetoken/ Media contact Company: MiniDoge Contact Name: Patrick Devine E-mail: info@minidoge.finance Website: https://minidoge.finance/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [July 16, 2021] NASA Sets Coverage, Invites Public to Virtually Join Starliner Launch WASHINGTON, July 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- NASA will provide coverage of the upcoming prelaunch, launch, and docking activities for the agency's Boeing Orbital Flight Test-2 (OFT-2) mission to the International Space Station. Scheduled to launch at 2:53 p.m. EDT Friday, July 30, OFT-2 is the second uncrewed flight for Boeing's CST-100 Starliner spacecraft as part of the agency's Commercial Crew Program. Starliner will launch on a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. About 31 minutes after launch, Starliner will reach its preliminary orbit. It is scheduled to dock to the space station at 3:06 p.m. Saturday, July 31. Prelaunch activities, launch, and docking will air live on NASA Television, the NASA app, and the agency's website. The spacecraft will carry more than 400 pounds of NASA cargo and crew supplies to the space station and return to Earth with more than 550 pounds of cargo, including reusable Nitrogen Oxygen Recharge System (NORS) tanks that provide breathable air to station crew members. OFT-2 will demonstrate the end-to-end capabilities of the Starliner spacecraft and Atlas V rocket from launch to docking to a return to Earth in the desert of the western United States. The uncrewed mission will provide valuable data toward NASA certifying Boeing's crew transportation system for regular flights with astronauts to and from the space station. The deadline has passed for media accreditation for in-person coverage of this launch. More information about media accreditation is available by emailing: ksc-media-accreditat@mail.nasa.gov. NASA has updated its coronavirus (COVID-19) policies to remain consistent with new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance. Credentialed media will receive additional details from the media operations team at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. NASA's Boeing OFT-2 mission coverage is as follows (all times Eastern): Thursday, July 22 6 p.m. - Flight Readiness Review (FRR) Media Teleconference at Kennedy (or no earlier than one hour after completion of the FRR), with the following participants: Kathryn Lueders , associate administrator, Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate at NASA , associate administrator, Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate at NASA Norm Knight , director, Flight Operations Directorate , director, Flight Operations Directorate Steve Stich , manager, NASA's Commercial Crew Program , manager, NASA's Commercial Crew Program Joel Montalbano , manager, NASA's International Space Station Program , manager, NASA's International Space Station Program John Vollmer , vice president and program manager, Boeing Commercial Crew Program Media may ask questions via phone only. For the dial-in number and passcode, please contact the Kennedy newsroom no later than 5:30 p.m. Thursday, July 22, at: ksc-newsroom@mail.nasa.gov. Tuesday, July 27 TBD Prelaunch News Conference on NASA TV (or no earlier than one hour after completion of the Launch Readiness Review): Steve Stich , manager, NASA's Commercial Crew Program , manager, NASA's Commercial Crew Program Joel Montalbano , manager, NASA's International Space Station Program , manager, NASA's International Space Station Program Jennifer Buchli , deputy chief scientist, NASA's International Space Station Program , deputy chief scientist, NASA's International Space Station Program John Vollmer , vice president and program manager, Boeing Commercial Crew Program , vice president and program manager, Boeing Commercial Crew Program Gary Wentz , vice president, Government and Commercial Programs, ULA , vice president, Government and Commercial Programs, ULA Will Ulrich , launch weather officer, U.S. Space Force, 45th Weather Squadron Media may ask questions in-person and via phone. Limited auditorium space will be available for in-person participation. For the dial-in number and passcode, please contact the Kennedy newsroom no later than 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 28, at: ksc-newsroom@mail.nasa.gov. Thursday, July 29 10:30 a.m. NASA Administrator Media and Social Briefing on NASA TV, with the following participants: NASA Administrator Bill Nelson NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy Janet Petro , director, NASA's Kennedy Space Center , director, NASA's , director, Starliner Mission Operations and Integration/Crew Systems Barry "Butch" Wilmore, NASA astronaut, Crew Flight Test E. Michael "Mike" Fincke, NASA astronaut, Crew Flight Test Nicole Mann , NASA astronaut, Crew Flight Test , NASA astronaut, Crew Flight Test Jennifer Buchli , deputy chief scientist, NASA's International Space Station Program Thursday, July 29 , at: ksc-newsroom@mail.nasa.gov. Friday, July 30 2 p.m. NASA TV launch coverage begins. NASA TV will have continuous coverage through Starliner orbital insertion. 4 p.m. (approximately) Postlaunch news conference on NASA TV: TBD, NASA Representatives TBD, Boeing Representative TBD, United Launch Alliance Representative Media may ask questions in-person and via phone. Limited auditorium space will be available for in-person participation. For the dial-in number and passcode, please contact the Kennedy newsroom no later than 3:30 p.m. Friday, July 30, at: ksc-newsroom@mail.nasa.gov. Saturday, July 31 12 p.m. NASA TV rendezvous and docking coverage begins 3:06 p.m. (approximately) Docking Sunday, Aug. 1 9:15 a.m. NASA TV hatch opening and welcoming remarks coverage begins 9:35 a.m. (approximately) Hatch opening and welcoming remarks about 10:35 a.m. NASA TV Launch Coverage NASA TV live coverage will begin at 2 p.m. For NASA TV downlink information, schedules, and links to streaming video, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/nasatv Audio only of the news conferences and launch coverage will be carried on the NASA "V" circuits, which may be accessed by dialing 321-867-1220, -1240, -1260 or -7135. On launch day, "mission audio," countdown activities without NASA TV launch commentary, will be carried on 321-867-7135. On launch day, a "clean feed" of the launch without NASA TV commentary will be carried on the NASA TV media channel. Launch also will be available on local amateur VHF radio frequency 146.940 MHz and UHF radio frequency 444.925 MHz, heard within Brevard County on the Space Coast. NASA Website Launch Coverage Launch day coverage of NASA's Boeing OFT-2 mission will be available on the agency's website. Coverage will include livestreaming and blog updates beginning no earlier than 2 p.m. Friday, July 30, as the countdown milestones occur. On-demand streaming video and photos of the launch will be available shortly after liftoff. For questions about countdown coverage, contact the Kennedy newsroom at: 321-867-2468. Follow countdown coverage on our launch blog at: http://blogs.nasa.gov/commercialcrew Additional Media Opportunities Live shots and remote live interviews via Zoom will be offered in English with limited availability from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. Thursday, July 29, and Friday, July 30. Additional limited slots will be available 5 to 6 p.m. Thursday, July 29. To book a live shot window, media should complete and submit the form available at: https://go.nasa.gov/3rbiM9T Public Participation NASA invites the public to take part in virtual activities and events ahead of OFT-2. Members of the public can register to attend the launch virtually. NASA's virtual guest program for OFT-2 includes curated launch resources, notifications about NASA social interactions, and the opportunity for a virtual launch passport stamp following a successful launch. Print, fold, and get ready to fill your virtual guest launch passport . Engage kids and students in virtual and hands-on activities that are both family-friendly and educational through Next Gen STEM Commercial Crew. Watch and Engage on Social Media Stay connected with the mission on social media via Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram using the hashtag #LaunchAmerica. Follow and tag these accounts: Twitter: @NASA, @Commercial_Crew, @Space_Station, @NASAKennedy Facebook: NASA, NASACommercialCrew, ISS Facebook, Kennedy Space Center Instagram: NASA, ISS Instagram, NASAKennedy Follow NASA Interns Instagram for behind-the-scenes coverage as 50 interns from across the nation attend the launch. Learn more about NASA internships and see the launch and tour of Kennedy Space Center through their eyes. NASA will provide a live video feed of Space Launch Complex-41 approximately 6 hours prior to the planned liftoff of the OFT-2 mission. Pending unlikely technical issues, the feed will be uninterrupted until the prelaunch broadcast begins on NASA TV, approximately one hour prior to launch. Once the feed is live, it will be available at: http://youtube.com/kscnewsroom Make sure to check out NASA en espanol on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube for more Spanish-language coverage on OFT-2. Para obtener informacion sobre cobertura en espanol en el Centro Espacial Kennedy o si desea solicitar entrevistas en espanol, comuniquese con Antonia Jaramillo 321-501-8425 antonia.jaramillobotero@nasa.gov. NASA's Commercial Crew Program is delivering on its goal of safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation to and from the International Space Station from the United States through a partnership with American private industry. This partnership is changing the arc of human spaceflight history by opening access to low-Earth orbit and the International Space Station to more people, more science, and more commercial opportunities. The space station remains the springboard to NASA's next great leap in space exploration, including future missions to the Moon and, eventually, to Mars. For NASA's launch blog and more information about the mission, visit: https://www.nasa.gov/commercialcrew -end- View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nasa-sets-coverage-invites-public-to-virtually-join-starliner-launch-301335878.html SOURCE NASA [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [July 16, 2021] RCAR CLASS ACTION NOTICE: Glancy Prongay & Murray LLP Files Securities Fraud Lawsuit Against RenovaCare, Inc. Glancy Prongay & Murray LLP ("GPM"), announces that it has filed a class action lawsuit in the United States District Court for the New Jersey captioned Boller v. RenovaCare, Inc., et al., (Case No. 21-cv-13766) on behalf of persons and entities that purchased or otherwise acquired RenovaCare, Inc. ("RenovaCare" or the "Company") (OTC: RCAR) securities between August 14, 2017 and May 28, 2021, inclusive (the "Class Period"). Plaintiff pursues claims under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act"). Investors are hereby notified that they have 60 days from this notice to move the Court to serve as lead plaintiff in this action. If you suffered a loss on your RenovaCare 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/renovacare-inc/. You can also contact Charles H. Linehan, of GPM at 310-201-9150, Toll-Free at 888-773-9224, or via email at shareholders@glancylaw.com or visit our website at www.glancylaw.com to learn more about your rights. RenovaCare is a develoment stage company that has not generated any revenue since its inception and has no commercialized products. On May 28, 2021, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (" SEC (News - Alert) ") issued a litigation release stating that RenovaCare was being charged with alleged securities fraud. According to the SEC's complaint, between July 2017 and January 2018, the Company's controlling shareholder and Chairman, Harmel Rayat ("Rayat"), "arranged, and caused RenovaCare to pay for, a promotional campaign designed to increase the company's stock price." Specifically, "Rayat was closely involved in directing the promotion and editing promotional materials, and arranged to funnel payments to the publisher through consultants to conceal RenovaCare's involvement in the campaign." When OTC Markets Group, Inc. requested that RenovaCare explain its relationship to the promotion, the complaint alleges that "Rayat and RenovaCare then drafted and issued a press release and a Form 8-K that contained material misrepresentations and omissions denying Rayat's and the company's involvement in the promotion." On this news, the Company's stock price fell $0.66, or 24.8%, over three consecutive trading sessions to close at $2.00 per share on June 2, 2021. The complaint filed in this class action alleges that throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and/or misleading statements, as well as failed to disclose material adverse facts about the Company's business, operations, and prospects. Specifically, Defendants failed to disclose to investors: (1) that, at the direction of Rayat, RenovaCare engaged in a promotional campaign to issue misleading statements to artificially inflate the Company's stock price; (2) that, when the OTC Markets inquired, RenovaCare and Rayat issued a materially false and misleading press release claiming that no director, officer, or controlling shareholder had any involvement in the purported third party's promotional materials; (3) that, as a result of the foregoing, the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were defective; and (4) as a result, Defendants' statements about its business, operations, and prospects were materially false and misleading and/or lacked reasonable basis at all relevant times. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn, Twitter, or Facebook. If you purchased or otherwise acquired RenovaCare securities during the Class Period, you may move the Court no later than 60 days from this notice ask the Court to appoint you as lead plaintiff. To be a member of the Class you need not take any action at this time; you may retain counsel of your choice or take no action and remain an absent member of the Class. If you wish to learn more about this action, or if you have any questions concerning this announcement or your rights or interests with respect to these matters, please contact Charles Linehan, Esquire, of GPM, 1925 Century Park East, Suite 2100, Los Angeles California 90067 at 310-201-9150, Toll-Free at 888-773-9224, by email to shareholders@glancylaw.com, or visit our website at www.glancylaw.com. If you inquire by email please include your mailing address, telephone number and number of shares purchased. This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210716005486/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [July 16, 2021] KKR and Telefonica to Create Colombia's First Nationwide Open Access Fiber Optic Network KKR, a leading global investment firm, today announced an agreement with Telefonica (News - Alert) Colombia, a subsidiary of the leading Spanish telecom group Telefonica, to establish Colombia's first independent nationwide open access wholesale digital infrastructure company. On a mission to bring greater broadband access across Colombia, the new company will expand availability of ultra-fast fiber optic internet, benefitting more consumers and businesses across Colombia. As part of the agreement, KKR will acquire a majority stake in Telefonica's existing fiber optic network, the largest in Colombia, and make the network open access through a newly established independent entity, which KKR will control as the majority shareholder. Telefonica will be a minority shareholder in the new company, with a 40% stake. The company will be run independently by a local team in Colombia but brings together the expertise of both KKR and Telefonica to build and operate Colombia's premier digital infrastructure network. Recently, the companies similarly joined efforts to establish ON* NET (News - Alert) Fibra as Chile's first open access wholesale fiber optic network. Upon closing of the transaction, Telefonica's existing fiber optic network will become open access and available for all internet service providers in Colombia to utilize, including Telefonica. With the investment from KKR, the new company plans to expand existing fiber optic coverage from approximately 1.2 million homes today to, at minimum, 4.3 million homes by the end of 2024, covering at least 87 municipal areas in Colombia, with more than half consisting of underserved areas outside of high-income urban areas. The network will utilize state-of-the art technology to deliver connection speeds up to 1000 times faster than conventional networks currently available to most Colombians, improving both quality and coverage. The investment will help to close the digital gap, facilitate new 5G connectivity, and provide access to telework, telehealth, and virtual education to far more Colmbians than have it today. "We are thrilled to, once again, be working with Telefonica to provide greater broadband access to those who need it, and to be doing so in Colombia, a country we believe is primed for significant growth ahead and which serves as an attractive destination for investors," said Waldemar Szlezak, senior leader of KKR's infrastructure investment team. "This new venture in Colombia, along with ON (News - Alert) *NET Fibra de Chile, demonstrates the potential to invest in innovative financing and growth strategies to promote digital infrastructure in Latin America." Maria Fernanda Suarez Londono, a senior advisor to KKR, added, "More Colombian families and small businesses should have the ability to access ultra-high speed digital services. KKR's investment will help bridge that gap by promoting competition and committing to expand the network in municipalities across Colombia. It also indicates the potential for KKR's continued growth in digital infrastructure in Colombia and in the region." Alfonso Gomez Palacio, CEO of Telefonica Spanish-speaking Latin America, explained that "the agreement with KKR will accelerate the deployment of fiber optic in Colombia at an unprecedented rate, in a market that has shown enormous potential in the last year. In addition, fiber will create opportunities for thousands of homes and businesses that see digitalization as an opportunity for development. This is one more step by our company to lead FTTH services in Latin America." The transaction is valued at approximately $500 million and is subject to customary regulatory approvals. The new company will be controlled by KKR and will leverage the firm's global experience in digital infrastructure and in operating and deploying fiber networks, including its existing fiber optic investments in ON*NET Fibra in Chile, FiberCop in Italy, HyperOptic in the UK, and Open Dutch Fiber in the Netherlands. KKR is making the investment through its global infrastructure fund. KKR first established its global infrastructure team and strategy in 2008 and has since been one of the most active infrastructure investors around the world with a team of more than 50 dedicated investment professionals. The firm currently oversees approximately $28 billion in infrastructure assets and has made over 45 infrastructure investments across a range of sub-sectors and geographies. Scotiabank and Bank Street are acting as financial co-advisors to KKR on the transaction. About KKR KKR is a leading global investment firm that offers alternative asset management and capital markets and insurance solutions. KKR aims to generate attractive investment returns by following a patient and disciplined investment approach, employing world-class people, and supporting growth in its portfolio companies and communities. KKR sponsors investment funds that invest in private equity, credit and real assets and has strategic partners that manage hedge funds. KKR's insurance subsidiaries offer retirement, life, and reinsurance products under the management of The Global Atlantic Financial Group. References to KKR's investments may include the activities of its sponsored funds and insurance subsidiaries. For additional information about KKR & Co. Inc. (NYSE: KKR), please visit KKR's website at www.kkr.com and on Twitter (News - Alert) @KKR_Co. About Telefonica Colombia Telefonica is one of the biggest drivers of the digital economy in the country, with revenues of 5.36 trillion pesos in 2020. The activity of the company, which operates under the trademark Movistar, is mainly focused on the businesses of mobile communications and connectivity, broadband services, fiber optics to the home, paid television, fixed line communications and a complete range of digital solutions for small, medium, and large companies and corporations. Telefonica is present in 50 cities and municipalities in the country with fiber optics, 210 with fixed broadband and 965 with 4G LTE (News - Alert) mobile connectivity. Telefonica closed 1Q21 with a customer base of 19.9 million nationwide: 16.7 million mobile lines, 1.2 million broadband customers -366,000 with fiber-, 527 thousand pay TV and 1.4 million fixed lines in service. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210716005494/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Nuclear power company will invest $100 million in low-power demonstration reactor site Low-power demonstration reactor will be at East Tennessee Technology Park NASHVILLE, Tenn. Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bob Rolfe and Kairos Power officials announced today that the privately funded, advanced nuclear engineering company will establish a low-power demonstration reactor in Oak Ridge. Kairos Power will invest $100 million and create 55 jobs to deploy a low-power demonstration reactor at the East Tennessee Technology Park in Oak Ridge. Kairos Powers low-power demonstration reactor, called Hermes, will demonstrate the companys capability to deliver low-cost nuclear heat. The Hermes reactor is a scaled version of Kairos Powers Fluoride Salt-Cooled High Temperature Reactor (KP-FHR), an advanced reactor technology that aims to be cost competitive with natural gas in the U.S. electricity market in order to provide carbon-free, affordable and safe energy. The project will be a redevelopment of a site at the Heritage Center, a former U.S. Department of Energy site complex. Scheduled to be operational in 2026, the Hermes reactor will move forward Kairos Powers iterative development process from prototype toward commercial scale by demonstrating complete nuclear systems, advancing Kairos Powers manufacturing capabilities for critical components, testing the supply chain and facilitating licensing certainty for the KP-FHR. Kairos Power received $303 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Energy and Office of Nuclear Energys program for Risk Reduction projects to support the design, licensing and construction of the Hermes low-power demonstration reactor. Hermes is intended to lead to the development of the Kairos Power KP-X, a commercial-scale KP-FHR.. Kairos Power is a mission driven engineering company launched out of a broad research effort at U.S. universities and national laboratories. The company was founded to accelerate the development of an innovative nuclear technology that has the potential to transform the energy landscape in the United States and internationally. Over the last five years, TNECD has supported nearly 70 economic development projects in East Tennessee, accounting for 9,000 job commitments and $2.5 billion in capital investment. QUOTES Oak Ridge continues to lead the nation in groundbreaking technology, and we recognize Kairos Power for joining this effort. Im proud of the energy development happening in Tennessee that will positively impact the U.S. and the world. We thank Kairos Power for choosing to develop their test reactor here in Tennessee to support their mission of developing innovative nuclear technology that will move the U.S. forward. Gov. Bill Lee The Oak Ridge Corridor is at the forefront of science and technology in the U.S. and this partnership with Kairos Power is a huge accomplishment for Tennessee and the nuclear energy world. The combination of resources working to deliver innovative nuclear energy is fueled by our strong science and energy sector and the excellent work being done daily at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, led by Dr. Zacharia. I congratulate Kairos Power on this groundbreaking project. TNECD Commissioner Bob Rolfe We are thrilled to join the Oak Ridge community and to build on the rich technological heritage of the East Tennessee Technology Park. The opportunity to demonstrate Kairos Powers advanced nuclear technology in Tennessee is a major milestone on the path to a clean and affordable energy system in the United States. We are grateful for the support from our partners at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Tennessee Valley Authority, City of Oak Ridge, the East Tennessee Economic Council, Oak Ridge Industrial Development Board and the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development and we look forward to continued growth and engagement in Tennessee. Kairos Power CEO and Co-founder Mike Laufer "The City of Oak Ridge has a long and distinguished history of nuclear innovation. The citizens of Oak Ridge look forward to welcoming Kairos Power into to our community and working with this exciting innovative project to ensure their long-term success." Oak Ridge City Manager Mark Watson Advanced nuclear technology plays a critical role in meeting electricity generation needs and carbon reduction goals in the next two decades. For a growing number of businesses, having a supply of carbon-free energy has become a key factor in determining where they locate or expand their operations. Partnering with Kairos Power to develop advanced nuclear solutions creates a competitive advantage for our region and state in attracting innovative industries, jobs and investments. TVA President and CEO Jeff Lyash I am extremely excited about this announcement. Oak Ridge is at the center of nuclear innovation and I am grateful Kairos Power has chosen the East Tennessee Technology Park for this project. I greatly appreciate the work of Senator Yager and others to bring this project to fruition. They have been critical to bringing this project to our region. I look forward to continuing to work with Senator Yager, Kairos Power and others to make this project a continuing success story for Oak Ridge. Lt. Governor Randy McNally (R-Oak Ridge) This is tremendous news for our region as we continue to develop the most innovative nuclear technology in the world. Kairos is a leader in revolutionizing manufacturing in the nuclear industry and we welcome these high-quality jobs. They will add to the increasing number of world experts located here, building on our strengths as a technological research and development hub. I appreciate the work of Governor Lee, the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, Community Reuse Organization of East Tennessee and our local officials who have worked with Kairos on securing this significant investment. It is a pleasure to partner with them to bring new and better paying jobs to Tennessee. Sen. Ken Yager (R-Kingston) Kairos Powers investment in Oak Ridge further demonstrates Tennessees commitment to advancing research and developing clean energy. Im very proud theyve chosen to come to Roane County and Im confident they will be a highly valued employer here. I look forward to witnessing the evolution of their technological discoveries that will help improve the lives of others. Rep. Kent Calfee (R-Kingston) Oak Ridge is known for its rich history and long tradition of being a center for scientific and energy innovation. Its exciting to see a company like Kairos Power recognize the opportunity and unique capabilities provided by our community. We welcome our newest employer and wish them success for many years to come. Rep. John Ragan (R-Oak Ridge) About Kairos Power Kairos Power is a nuclear energy technology and engineering company whose mission is to enable the worlds transition to clean energy with the ultimate goal of dramatically improving peoples quality of life while protecting the environment. This goal will be accomplished through the commercialization of the Kairos Power fluoride salt-cooled, high-temperature reactor (KP-FHR) that can be deployed with robust safety and at affordable cost. About the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Developments mission is to develop strategies that help make Tennessee the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs. To grow and strengthen Tennessee, the department seeks to attract new corporate investment to the state and works with Tennessee companies to facilitate expansion and economic growth. Find us on the web: tnecd.com. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram: @tnecd. Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/tnecd. Kairos Power Media Contact Cindy Chan, Corporate Communications (510) 846-7768 chan@kairospower.com TNECD Media Contact Molly Hair, Public Information Officer (615) 878-0063 Molly.Hair@tn.gov ### NASHVILLE The Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) Office of Inspector General, the USDA Office of Inspector General, and the US Attorneys Office in Memphis are sending a strong message that abuse of the state and federal food programs will not be tolerated. Last year the three government agencies joined together to launch an extensive fraud investigation into Louises Learning Tree Day Care Center on Chelsea Ave. in Memphis and its director, pastor Ollie Stephenson Jr. That joint investigation has led to a plea agreement for Stephenson to serve one year and one day in federal prison and repay more than $375,000 in fraudulently obtained Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) funding. This fraud is coming to light thanks to the vigilance and hard work of multiple public entities who recognized something was wrong and began looking into it, said TDHS Commissioner Clarence H. Carter. Tennesseans expect their tax dollars to be used to help the people that need them, not individuals seeking to take advantage of the system for their own gain. The CACFP provides meals to children and adults who meet age and income requirements. TDHS administers the program in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to reimburse sponsoring organizations, including child care centers, for meals. Stephenson and Louises Learning Tree Day Care Center have served as CACFP sponsors since 2016 but the joint investigation discovered deliberate misrepresentations each year of operations. Among the findings against Stephenson and Louises Learning Tree Day Care Center: Fictitious invoices submitted to TDHS for food expenditures that were never made. Purposely inflating the number of children who were served breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snacks to fraudulently obtain CACFP reimbursement money. For example, Stephenson submitted reports of providing meals for up to 125 children one month despite program monitors observing no more than 10 children at the center. Illegally obtaining $375,000 in CACFP funds through fraud. Todays sentence serves not only as just punishment for this defendant but also as notice to others who seek to prey on feeding assistance programs used to feed vulnerable populations, said Jason M. Williams, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Agriculture-Office of Inspector General. This collaborative effort with our state and federal partners demonstrates that wherever you are, we will find you and hold you accountable to the fullest extent of the law. Last April Stephenson plead guilty in U.S. District Court of the Western District of Tennessee (Memphis) to the charge of submitting false statements. U.S. District Judge Sheryl H. Lipman additionally ordered a three-year period of supervised release after Stephenson serves his sentence. Individuals can report fraud of any TDHS program to the Office of Inspector General by calling 1-800-241-2629 or by emailing information to InspectorGeneral.DHS@tn.gov. The TDHS To learn more about the CACFP visit the TDHS website. ### ANDERSON COUNTY, SR 61 Bridge over Norfolk Southern Railway and Market Street in Clinton: SR 61 East is reduced to one lane through this bridge repair project. Motorists should be alert for workers present, changing conditions, lane shifts, and use extreme caution through this area. ANDERSON COUNTY, US 25/SR 9 Bridge over Clinch River between SR 61 and Carden Farm Drive: SR 9 northbound is reduced to one lane approaching the bridge as crews continue work in this area. Motorists should be alert for workers present, changing conditions, lane shifts, and use extreme caution through this bridge construction project. BLOUNT COUNTY, US 129 North and South between SR 35 Hall Road and Tyson Boulevard: Motorists should be alert for workers present, possible lane closures and brief stoppages of traffic through this roadway construction project. For project information, go to https://www.tn.gov/tdot/projects/projects-region-1/sr-115-alcoa-highway-hall-road-to-tyson-blvd.html BLOUNT COUNTY, SR 335 Hunt Road between Ambrose Street and Ramsay Street: Motorists should be alert for possible lane closures at various times as crews install utilities through this construction project. Motorists should be alert for workers present directing traffic and use extreme caution through this area. BLOUNT COUNTY, SR 33 between Foothills Mall Drive and Henry Street: Motorists should be alert for possible nightly lane closures between the hours of 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. the following morning through this intersection improvement construction project. Motorists should be alert for workers present, changed conditions, and use extreme caution through this area. BLOUNT COUNTY, SR 35 between Bogart Lane and Birchfield Street: Motorists should be alert for possible lane closures between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. through this resurfacing project. Motorists should be alert for workers present, possible delays, and use extreme caution through this area. CAMPBELL COUNTY, I-75 North and South between Mile Markers 135 and 142: Motorists should be alert for possible temporary lane closures between the hours of 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. the following morning through this project. Motorists should be alert for slowed or stopped traffic, expect potential delays, and use extreme caution through this area. CAMPBELL COUNTY, SR 63 between Myers Lane and Frontier Road/Woodson Lane: Motorists should be alert for possible temporary lane closures between the hours of 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and/or 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. the following morning through this construction project. Motorists should be alert for slowed or stopped traffic, expect potential delays and use extreme caution through this area. CARTER COUNTY, US 19E/SR 37 Bridge over the Doe River and Riverview Road: Motorists should be alert for possible lane closures through this bridge repair project. Motorists should be alert for workers present, slowed traffic, and use extreme caution in this area. CLAIBORNE COUNTY, SR 63 between Old Town Creek and US 25E/SR 32: Motorists should be alert for possible lane closures through this construction project. Motorists should be alert for workers present, expect delays and use extreme caution through this area. GRAINGER COUNTY, US 11W/SR 1 between Promiseland Road and Circle Loop: Motorists should be alert for possible daily lane closures between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. through this resurfacing project. Motorists should be alert for workers present, reduced speeds, expect possible delays, and use caution through this area. GRAINGER COUNTY, SR 375 between Helton Road and US 25/SR 32: Motorists should be alert for possible daily lane closures between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. through this resurfacing project. Motorists should be alert for workers present, reduced speeds, expect possible delays, and use caution through this area. GREENE COUNTY, US 11E/SR 34 both directions between Blue Springs Parkway and Forest Road in Mosheim: Motorists should be alert for lane closures and lane shifts through this area for bridge repair operations. These lane closures will remain in place 24/7 until repairs are complete. Motorists should be alert for workers present, changing conditions, and use extreme caution in this area. This bridge repair project is estimated to be complete on or before October 31, 2021. HAMBLEN COUNTY, SR 34 between Jefferson County Line and Walters Drive: Motorists should be alert for possible lane closures between the hours of 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. the following morning through this resurfacing project. Motorists should be alert for workers present, expect possible delays, and use caution through this area. KNOX COUNTY, I-640 East and West between Mile Markers 5 and 10.2: Motorists should be alert for possible temporary lane closures nightly between the hours of 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. the following morning through this milling and resurfacing project. Motorists should be alert for workers present, slowed traffic, expect potential delays, and use extreme caution through this area. KNOX COUNTY, I-640 Ramps at Exit 8: Motorists should be alert for possible temporary lane closures nightly between the hours of 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. the following morning through this construction project. Motorists should be alert for workers present, slowed traffic, expect potential delays, and use extreme caution through this area. KNOX COUNTY, I-40 West between mile markers 400 and 398: Motorists should be alert for possible temporary lane closures between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. through this soil remediation project. Motorist should be alert for workers present, slowed traffic, expect potential delays, and use extreme caution through this area. KNOX COUNTY, Various Interstates through Knoxville: Beginning Monday June 12, 2021, motorists should be alert for possible mobile lane closures between the hours of 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. the following morning as crews perform roadway maintenance activities. Motorists should be alert for workers present, slow or stopped traffic, and use extreme caution in this area. KNOX COUNTY, US 129/SR 115 Alcoa Highway between Topside Road and Maloney Road: Motorists should be alert for possible temporary lane closures and lane shifts as crews perform work through this project. Motorists should be alert for new traffic patterns. Motorists should be alert for workers present, reduce speed and use extreme caution through this area. For project information, go to https://www.tn.gov/tdot/projects/projects-region-1/sr-115-alcoa-highway-little-river-to-maloney.html KNOX COUNTY, US 129/SR 115 Alcoa Highway between Maloney Road and Woodson Drive: Motorists should be alert for possible temporary lane closures and lane shifts as crews perform work through this project. Motorists should be alert for new traffic patterns. Motorists should be alert for workers present, reduce speed, and use extreme caution through this area. For project information, go to https://www.tn.gov/tdot/projects/projects-region-1/sr-115-alcoa-highway-maloney-to-woodson.html KNOX COUNTY, US 441 Broadway Viaduct between Jackson Avenue and Fifth Avenue: US 441 Broadway Viaduct over Norfolk Southern Railroad in downtown Knoxville is closed for bridge replacement. The Broadway Viaduct will be closed to all traffic for the duration of the project. During the closure, Broadway will be closed from the intersection of Oak Avenue, Worlds Fair Park, and Jackson Avenue to just north of the Depot Avenue intersection. Depot Avenue will also be closed. These closures will ensure the safety of workers and motorists as crews demolish the old bridge and reconstruct the new bridge. Primary and Local Detour Routes around the bridge closure will be in place. For detour routes and project information, go to https://www.tn.gov/tdot/projects/projects-region-1/broadway-viaduct.html KNOX COUNTY, US 441/SR 71 Chapman Highway between Highland View Drive and Burnett Lane: Motorists should be alert for possible lane closures daily between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. through this construction project. Motorists should be alert for workers and equipment present, expect potential delays, and use extreme caution through this area. For project information, go to https://www.tn.gov/tdot/projects/projects-region-1/chapman-highway-evans-to-burnett.html KNOX COUNTY, SR 62 Western Avenue between Copper Kettle and Texas Avenue: Motorists should be alert for possible nightly lane closures between the hours of 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. the following morning through this resurfacing project. Motorists should be alert for workers present, reduced speeds, expect possible delays, and use caution through this area. KNOX COUNTY, SR 162 Pellissippi Parkway West at Hardin Valley Road: Motorists should be alert for possible temporary lane closures through this construction project. Motorists should be alert for workers present, reduced speeds, expect possible delays, and use caution through this area. KNOX COUNTY, SR 332 Concord Road between Turkey Creek Road and Northshore: Motorists should be alert for possible lane closures daily between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. and new traffic patterns through this construction project. Motorists should be alert for workers present, expect potential delays, and use extreme caution through this area. For project information, go to https://www.tn.gov/tdot/projects/projects-region-1/sr-332-proposed-widening.html LOUDON COUNTY, I-75 North and South between Mile Markers 79 and 84: Motorists should be alert for possible temporary lane closures between the hours of 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. the following morning through this resurfacing project. Motorists should be alert for workers present, slow traffic, expect delays, and use extreme caution through this area. LOUDON COUNTY, US 321/SR 73 between I-40 and Simpson Road: Motorists should be alert for possible nightly lane closures between the hours of 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. the following morning through this resurfacing project. Motorists should be alert for workers present, slow or stopped traffic, and use extreme caution in this area. LOUDON COUNTY, US 411/SR 33 between Blount County Line and Monroe County Line: Motorists should be alert for possible lane closures daily between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. through this resurfacing project. Motorists should be alert for workers present, slow or stopped traffic, and use extreme caution in this area. ROANE COUNTY, I-40 West between Mile Markers 340 and 344: Motorists should be alert for possible lane closures at various times through this slope stabilization project. Motorists should be alert for workers present, reduced speeds, lane shifts, and use extreme caution through this area. ROANE COUNTY, I-40 East near Mile Marker 353: Motorists should be alert for possible lane closures between the hours of 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. the following morning as crews perform work through this slope stabilization project. Motorists should be alert for workers present, slow traffic, and use extreme caution through this area. SEVIER COUNTY, SR 71 between US 411 and Macon Lane: Motorists should be alert for possible lane closures daily between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. through this construction project. Motorists should be alert for workers and equipment present, expect potential delays, and use extreme caution through this area. SULLIVAN COUNTY, I-26 East and West between Mile Markers 5.3 and 9.9: Motorists should be alert for possible temporary lane closures through this resurfacing project. Motorists should be alert for workers present, slow or stopped traffic, expect potential delays, and use extreme caution in this area. SULLIVAN COUNTY, West State Street (US 11W/SR 1) near Island Road, N.E. in Bristol: Motorists should be alert for possible and closures between the hours of 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. as crews construct a median crossover and turn lanes in this area. Motorists should be alert for workers and equipment present, expect potential delays, and use extreme caution through this area. SULLIVAN COUNTY, SR 36 at SR 126: Motorists should be alert for possible nightly lane closures between the hours of 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. the following morning through this intersection improvement project. Motorists should be alert for workers and equipment present, expect potential delays, and use extreme caution through this area. SULLIVAN COUNTY, SR 93 from near I-26 (Log Mile 6.2) to near US 11W/ SR 1 (Log Mile 11.3) : Motorists should be alert for possible lane closures through this resurfacing and bridge repair project. Motorists should be alert for workers and equipment present, expect potential delays, and use extreme caution through this area. SULLIVAN COUNTY, SR 126 Memorial Boulevard at SR 36: Motorists should be alert for lane reductions through this intersection improvement project. Motorists should be alert for workers and equipment present, changed traffic patterns, expect potential delays, and use extreme caution through this area. UNICOI COUNTY, I-26 East and West near Mile Marker 33: Motorists should be alert for possible intermittent lane closures nightly between the hours of 7 p.m. and 6 a.m in each through this bridge repair project. Motorists should be alert for workers present, slow traffic, and use extreme caution through this area. This project is estimated to be complete on or before August 31, 2021. UNICOI COUNTY, SR 81 between Log Miles 0 and 1.8: Motorists should be alert for possible lane closures daily between the hours of 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. through this resurfacing and safety project. Motorists should be alert for workers and equipment present, expect potential delays, and use extreme caution through this area. UNICOI COUNTY, SR 107 between 6th Street and SR 173: Motorists should be alert for possible lane closures daily between the hours of 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. through this resurfacing and safety project. Motorists should be alert for workers and equipment present, expect potential delays, and use extreme caution through this area. WASHINGTON COUNTY, SR 93 between Davis Road and Fire Hall Road: Motorists should be alert for possible temporary lane closures through this construction project. Motorists should be alert for workers present, reduced speeds, and use caution through this area. For information on statewide interstate construction motorists can access the Tennessee Department of Transportation SmartWay website at https://smartway.tn.gov/traffic TDOT is now on Twitter. For up to the minute traffic information in Knoxville and the Tri-Cities follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/knoxville511. For statewide travel information follow www.twitter.com/TN511 One week after joining a Missouri lawsuit that has divided law enforcement the courthouse offers more explanation of their motives. Here's a more detailed presser shared today . . . Jackson County joins lawsuit seeking to block new state gun law KANSAS CITY, Mo. In an amended petition filed today, Jackson County was added to a lawsuit with St. Louis City and St. Louis County that seeks to block the recently signed Missouri House Bill 85 (HB 85). The legal action is supported by County Executive Frank White, Jr., who asked the County Legislature to express their support through a resolution. The County Legislature last week voted 5-3 on Resolution 20708 expressing its intent for the County to join the litigation. By voting to join our colleagues from the east side of the state, our County Legislature has made it clear that we will not stand by as our residents lives are put in jeopardy by Jefferson City, said Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. The residents of Jackson County deserve to have their voices heard, just like the people of St. Louis City and County. A recent national study found that Missouri ranks second in the nation for the number of women murdered by men, a majority of them killed by guns, said 2nd District At-Large Legislator Crystal Williams. Because of that, domestic violence agencies in our community have every right to be concerned and terrified by this law because as weve seen, the state legislature refuses to pass anything to protect victims of domestic violence. I refuse to sit back and do nothing while this unnecessary law puts more innocent lives in danger. You cannot do long-term undercover investigations and combat the violent crime happening in our community if you impair the ability of law enforcement to do their job," said 3rd District At-Large Legislator Tony Miller. It has already been said by the federal government that this is illegal, yet the state of Missouri deliberately continues to defy the rule of law, said 1st District At-Large Legislator Jalen Anderson. Though I am very disappointed in the states reckless actions, I am proud that as the second-largest county in Missouri, Jackson County has chosen to fulfill its moral obligation to stand up when we see something is wrong. Nobody wants more violence in this community but thats exactly what were asking for if we let this law remain. Jackson County is joining the lawsuit to protect its interests, uphold federal gun laws and keep residents safe. The County employs numerous law enforcement officers who regularly enforce federal gun laws and therefore, is at risk of civil penalty for upholding the laws of the United States. Together, Jackson County and the City and County of St. Louis are seeking an injunction of unconstitutional provisions, and ultimately, for the law to be overturned on constitutional grounds. The entities will jointly argue that HB 85 violates the U.S. Constitution Supremacy Clause, which provides that federal law preempts state law and also is in contravention of other Missouri law. Filed in Cole County Circuit Court, a copy of the amended petition with Jackson County is attached as well as the U.S. Department of Justice letter to Governor Mike Parson and Attorney General Eric Schmitt. ### Developing . . . Tonight there's news of a horrific discovery that spikes the murder count significantly. Here's the report with a highlight to note the most relevant part . . . Homicide 3200 block of Woodland Tonight just after 9pm, officers were called to the 3200 block of Woodland Ave on a check the welfare call. A concerned family member called police to come check on the residents after not hearing from them. Officers arrived and made entry into the residence where they discovered three adult victims with unknown injuries. All three victims were pronounced deceased at the scene. Detectives and Crime Scene Personnel have responded to the scene. Detectives will be canvassing for any witnesses. Crime Scene Personnel will be processing the scene for evidence. Detectives are asking anyone who may have information to call the Homicide Unit at 816-234-5043. Or the Tips Hotline at 816-474-TIPS. There is up to a $25,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in this case. Developing . . . In a debate over police local control, the newspaper hopes to rewrite local history. First, we share the basics and a more accurate version of the past that even most local progressives agree upon . . . Why doesnt Kansas City have local control? When the Kansas City Police Department was formed in 1874, the governor was put in charge of board appointments. That changed in 1932 when Tom Pendergast helped bring local control to the city. The political boss essentially controlled the police department out of his office on Main Street, keeping officers wages low so theyd be willing to accept bribes. The change was shortlived. Seven years later, the power to appoint board members was handed back to the governor so the board wouldnt be subject to the political whims of whoever was in power in Kansas City. The new board cleaned house, appointing a new police chief who fired roughly 50% of his employees in an effort to root out corruption, according to KCPD. Now, hopefully, we'll hidden behind their paywall. Here's a peek at the Kansas City Star attempting to rewrite the iconic history of this town in order advance a narrative that focuses on systemic racism . . . Tragically, this tactic makes newspaper subscribers less informed. The only bright spot is that, LITERALLY, NOBODY IS BUYING IT as the fortunes, subscriber base and advertising revenue of the newspaper continue to decline whilst dead-tree media condemns itself to silly social media culture war slap fighting. You decide . . . Tonight, once again, local media celebrates one of the longest engagements in Kansas City history and the promise of marital bliss that coincides with promotional content for the upcoming season. The teaser . . . "If you read between the lines looking at the gifts that Chiefs star quarterback Patrick Mahomes and his fiancee and part KC NWSL owner Brittany Matthews used to ask their friends and family members to be in their wedding, the big day will be in March 2022 and take place somewhere tropical." Take a peek . . . The Town of Cary in North Carolina has selected transportation technology developer Applied Information to upgrade its traffic control system with the latest Internet of Things (IoT), smart cities technology. The aim is to improve safety, maximize responsiveness and efficiency of traffic for all users, and provide valuable data for future applications and transportation projects. The US$2 million project is the result of a matched federal grant between the US Department of Transportation (USDOT) and the Town of Cary, and it is the first of its kind in North Carolina. The project will provide IoT connectivity and connected vehicle applications to traffic signals, school zone safety beacons, pedestrian crosswalks and railroad crossings. Opportunities will be available to improve upon existing emergency and public transportation vehicle preemption at signals with a GPS-based system, offering greater distance and dynamic reactivity. The towns traffic engineers will also be able to monitor and control the technology from their connected devices. ') } // --> ') } else { console.log ('nompuad'); document.write('') } // --> ') } else { console.log ('nompuad'); document.write(' ') } // --> ') } else if (width >= 425) { console.log ('largescreen'); document.write('') } else { console.log ('nompuad'); document.write('') } // --> Cary is a community that understands and appreciates how the use of technology can solve problems and improve the quality of life, says Jerry Jensen, director of transportation. Were excited to continue our reputation as early adopters of technology, while building off our existing infrastructure to further improve citizen safety and our transportation system efficiency. In addition to the safety and planning benefits associated with the new technology, citizens have the option to use the TravelSafely smartphone app, which automatically connects with infrastructure and other users. This connectivity enables interaction between drivers and traffic control devices, delivering an extra layer of awareness and improved safety at intersections, in school zones and areas where vulnerable road users are present. TravelSafely will alert drivers if they are about to run a red light or are in potential conflict with a pedestrian or cyclist, informing them about where they are and how to adjust their actions to be safer. The connectivity for the project is an LTE cellular vehicle-to-everything (C-V2X) network. This enables vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians and cyclists, to use their smart phones to take advantage of its safety applications while on the streets. The C-V2X network technology enables emergency vehicles to communicate with multiple traffic signals in the direction of travel and change the light to green or hold the light green. Traffic in front of the emergency vehicle is kept moving while oncoming and cross-traffic is brought safely to a halt. Deployments in other municipalities indicate a time savings of about 10 seconds or more per light using the technology. The town of Cary will upgrade a total of 205 traffic signals, 100 school safety zone beacons, 15 crosswalks, its fire apparatus, transit buses and at-grade rail crossings. ALS of North Carolina is the prime contractor. Applied Information is the technology provider along with Temple, Inc. Images courtesy of Richard Carter @IsaacAvilucea on Twitter Isaac Avilucea is The Trentonians main municipal scribe. A two-time prior restraint winner and testicular cancer survivor, he relishes his reputation as the "Mean Girls" reporter that followed his 18-day stay at the now-defunct North Adams Transcript. 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. Sponsored By: Dorsett Automotive Tribune-Star/Lisa TriggThe Vigo County Medical Alliance presented a $15,000 check Thursday to the Wabash Valley Health Center to use for patient financial assistance. At the presentation were, from left, Tish Ball, Dr. Gregory Brock, Sarah Kearns, Charlie Welker, Brianna Sides, Carol Botros, Meghan Palmer holding Benjamin Palmer and Sally Kahn. Travelling from UK to the U.S. but how? HELP! Travelling from UK to the U.S. but how? HELP! Hiya, So I have to travel to the U.S. for urgent medical treatment that is only available there. I was advised by the U.S. consulate that the only way that I could enter the U.S. would be if I arrived via an 'acceptable' country, having stayed there for 14 days. By 'acceptable' country, they mean one that the U.S. is currently accepting entry from and ALSO one that I, as a British citizen, am free to travel to. Given that the US has restricted travel from the Schengen area, India, China and some others, this massively limits my options. Canada is currently not letting British citizens in unless in exempt cases. I THINK, but I could be wrong, this leaves my best options to stop over at for 14 days to be Croatia, the Dominican Republic and Costa Rica. But I could be wrong about these places. Another option would be to try to persuade Canada of my medical reasons for travel. If anyone has any advice it would be greatly appreciated! I need to get to America! Thank you so much. Hi everyone, just a heads up that it looks like there will be additional restrictions placed at the border soon. The infection rate in Iceland has increased in the past week with vaccinated people testing positive for the Delta variant, and some people showing symptoms. The chief epidemiologist has said that he has presented a memo to the Minister of Health recommending additional measures. He hasn't said what his recommendation is, but it's likely to be either a PCR test taken before travelling or reinstating border testing and 24h quarantine, especially for people travelling from countries with high infection rates. Please keep an eye on requirements before you travel! featured TROY TO BEE OR NOT TO BEE? To bee or not to bee? East side incident prompts City Council to establish beekeeping moratorium While Connecticut continues to see a decline in new vaccinations administered weekly, the highly transmissible delta variant is continuing to spread amid an increase in total infections. On Thursday, the state reported genetic sequencing identified another 36 infections in the past week that were associated with the delta variant, bringing the total to 87. The daily positivity rate again remained 1.28 percent for a second straight day, the state reported. Hospitalizations climbed by eight patients to a total of 38. An additional three deaths were recorded in the last week. It remains uncertain what trajectory the pandemic will take in the coming weeks and months, but in light of the delta variant, health experts and state officials are confident that COVID-19 will not go away anytime soon. We are still one of the best in the nation, but we are not out of the woods, Gov. Ned Lamont said during one of his public appearances this week. The infection rate, while still much lower than the worst of the pandemic, has risen by nearly 1 percent since a pandemic low a month ago of 0.30 percent. While Lamont has lifted nearly all restrictions, including requirements that fully vaccinated people wear masks inside, one requirement remains in limbo: Whether students will need to wear masks in school when they return in the fall. When asked in recent weeks about what the state will require in the fall, Lamonts response has highlighted the growing concern over the delta variant, which has been circulating in Connecticut since at least early June. Look, I thought we were out of the woods three weeks ago, then we saw this delta variant, Lamont said this week. We saw how fast it could spread within a community of unvaccinated people. With the future of the pandemic still unclear, the legislature granted an extension to Lamonts emergency powers that have been used in the past to issue executive orders limiting gathering sizes and requiring masks. Pointing to the threat of the variants, Lamont said after the vote: I appreciate the legislature giving me a little bit of discretion so we can respond quickly enough to respond if this delta variant gets more dangerous. While researchers have cautioned that given the number of overall infections has made it difficult to determine the prevalence of the delta variant in Connecticut, top doctors at Yale New Haven Health said it accounts for about 50 percent of new cases mirroring national statistics on the strains impact. We're going to be living with the coronavirus in our communities for a long time to come, said Marna P. Borgstrom, the CEO of Yale New Haven Health. Studies have shown promise that at least the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine gives those who have received the required two doses will have a good defense against the delta variant, but little research has shown how Johnson & Johnson and Moderna vaccines handle the variant, believed by researches to be 60 times more transmissible than the alpha variant, first found in the United Kingdom. But Connecticut has been struggling since late May with driving up its vaccinate rate. Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show 68.2 percent of all residents have received at least one dose and 62 percent are fully vaccinated. The states data shows those numbers have been slow to increase through June and early July, with new vaccines administered reaching about 30,000 doses, down from more than 300,000 doses in mid-April. Now roughly six months into the vaccine program, and in light of the more infectious strains of the virus starting to become dominant, focus has turned to boosters. But there is little clear consensus about whether a booster would be needed. And while the top vaccine-makers are studying boosters, only Pfizer has started to approach federal regulators for possible approval of a third dose. And given the rapid development of the vaccines against a virus that quickly swept across the world, the durability of the immunity conferred by the vaccine remains among the open questions the pandemic has posed. For some, its been six months since they were fully vaccinated. This is when we start to get anxious about are vaccines wearing off, said Dr. Rick Martinello, director of infection prevention at Yale New Have Health. Martinello said it can be a difficult question to answer because from month-to-month, the amount of disease circulating in the community can differ wildly, as much as 100-fold. In April, he said, community rates were between 50 to 70 cases per 100,000, but now its closer to two cases per 100,000. Our risk, even if we're behaving exactly the same ... is very different this time of the year, he said. ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) A jury on Thursday found the gunman who killed five people at a Maryland newspaper criminally responsible for his actions, rejecting defense attorneys mental illness arguments. The verdict means Jarrod Ramos will be sentenced to prison, not a maximum-security mental health facility, for one of the deadliest attacks on journalists in the U.S. Prosecutors are seeking five life sentences without the possibility of parole. The jury needed less than two hours to find that Ramos, 41, could understand the criminality of his actions and conform his conduct to the requirements of the law when he attacked the Capital Gazette newsroom in 2018. Survivors and family members of victims, some with tears in their eyes, embraced outside the courtroom and applauded prosecutors and jurors as they walked by after the verdict. Its been a never-ending nightmare," said Cindi Rittenour, the sister of Rebecca Smith, who died in the attack. "And then hearing that today just all my anxiety over it, all the wonderings, the unknowns, its all gone away now, and all I feel is just relief and happiness. I feel like my sister can finally start to rest in peace. Danielle Ohl was a reporter at the Capital Gazette when Ramos attacked and came to Annapolis to be with her former colleagues for the verdict. Its the culmination of three excruciating years, waiting for a result in the trial and waiting to find out if the man who kind of ruined our families and newsroom would go somewhere with the potential to be released, Ohl said. Paul Gillespie, a photojournalist at the newspaper, said he suffers from PTSD, anxiety and depression since the attack. In court, he described feeling the breeze of shotgun pellets whiz by him as he ran out of the newsroom to safety. With this being over now, Im hoping things get a little better, but I dont know what the future holds, Gillespie said. Hes evil; hes not crazy. He deserves to be in prison, and I hope he gets all five life terms, he said of Ramos. Judge Michael Wachs did not set a date for sentencing, but estimated it would take place in about two months. Ramos already had pleaded guilty to all 23 counts against him in 2019 but pleaded not criminally responsible Marylands version of an insanity plea. The second phase of his trial, which lasted 12 days, was largely a battle between mental health experts called by defense attorneys and prosecutors. Ramos developed a long-running grudge against the newspaper after an article it published about his guilty plea to a misdemeanor charge of harassing a former high school classmate in 2011. He filed a lawsuit against the paper in 2012, alleging he was defamed, but it was dismissed as groundless. His appeals failed. Defense attorneys argued that Ramos suffered from a delusional disorder as well as autism and obsessive-compulsive disorder. They contended Ramos became consumed with the idea that the article had ruined his life. As his defamation appeals failed, his lawyers said he came to believe there was a vast conspiracy against him involving the courts and the newspaper. Prosecutors, however, repeatedly pointed to shortcomings in the mental health evaluations done by the defense, which relied mostly on interviews with Ramos and his sister. Prosecutors said Ramos acted out of revenge for the article. They said his long, meticulous planning for the attack and the manner in which he carried it out including plans for arrest and long incarceration proved he understood the criminality of his actions. They emphasized how Ramos called 911 from the newsroom after the shooting, identified himself as the gunman and said he surrendered evidence he clearly understood the criminality of his actions. He was arrested while facedown under a desk. Anne Colt Leitess, the Anne Arundel County states attorney, said that although Ramos has personality disorders like narcissism, he does not have serious mental illness that would have qualified him to be found not criminally responsible for five murders. Leitess told the jury that 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. Leitess also said Ramos was concerned the article about him harassing his former classmate would hinder his ability to get dates. After the verdict, Leitess expressed satisfaction with the outcome. This means everything to the community. Im just so happy that I was able to bring justice for the family members and the survivors, and that Mr. Ramos will be held criminally responsible for his crimes, she said. The trial began last month, three years and a day after the attack that killed Wendi Winters, John McNamara, Gerald Fischman, Rob Hiaasen and Smith at the newspapers office in a building complex in Marylands capital city on June 28, 2018. Under Marylands insanity defense law, a defendant has the burden to show by a preponderance of the evidence that he is not criminally responsible for his actions. That means defense attorneys had to show that its more likely than not that Ramos isnt criminally responsible. ___ Associated Press writer David McFadden contributed to this report. Environmental History Conference Offers Some Clues. By Margaret Regan SMACK IN THE middle of Phoenix, hemmed in by the city's blacktop and fast-food joints, is a surprising riparian oasis. Called Tres R the confluence of the Salt River and two lesser-known rivers. "Wood ibises and bobcats have been sighted there," says Diana Hadley, an environmental historian at the Arizona State Museum. "It's like a jungle; it's just beautiful." Nothing, in fact, like Tucson's own parched and punished Santa Cruz, the defunct waterway west of downtown that some local optimists are trying to revive. But water-deprived Tucsonans have a chance to learn how to pull off successful water projects like Tres Rios at a free public forum next Wednesday night at Leo Rich Theatre. The evening-long session is dubbed Cultures of Water Use: Rivers, Aquifers, Climate and Community in the Arid Borderlands; it features a variety of speakers, from hydrologists and legal experts to Native American leaders and authors. Presenters will have posters describing their watery enterprises set up in the theatre lobby from 4 to 6 p.m. Interested members of the public can buttonhole them for advice then and later on in the roundtable discussions, scheduled for 6 to 9:30 p.m. The audience will be asked to contribute questions. "We want it to be a truly interactive experience," says Hadley, "so the public can go up to a water expert and say, 'There's a little piece of arroyo in my neighborhood. How can we do something about it?' " The public session serves as the kickoff to a scholarly conference that will have some 300 historians and environmentalists converging upon Tucson to ponder topics from land policy in Tanzania to forest management in Four Corners. The American Society of Environmental History conference, titled Environmental History Across Boundaries, is coordinated by Douglas Weiner of the UA History Department. It offers panel discussions and an array of field trips, which will have the profs inspecting sewage in Nogales and mines near the Santa Ritas. (Hadley will deliver a scholarly paper on how people used the waters of the Santa Cruz between 1687 to 1912, tellingly titled "From Moderation to Excess.") Faculty can sign up for the full conference at the Holiday Inn City Center for $55; grad students for $35 and undergrads for $20. The Wednesday session is intended to raise public consciousness of one of the region's most pressing environmental problems and touchiest political controversies: water. "What we're trying to do is provide an idea of how attitudes shape legal systems, and the way people perceive and use our water systems," Hadley says. "We want to deepen and broaden our understanding of our use of water." There will be liquid breaks in the midst of the serious water talks. A reception overlapping the poster sessions takes place from 5 to 6 p.m. at the nearby Holiday Inn City Center, outside on the patio if the weather is good. From 7:30 to 8 p.m. there will be another reception, with a cash bar. The Leo Rich Theatre is in the Tucson Convention Center complex, at 260 S. Church Ave. The Holiday Inn City Center is at 181 W. Broadway. For more information, visit the conference website at http//w3.arizona.edu/~aseh99. Beyond The Speeches And Newsreels, Historians And Journalists Try To Shed Light On The Causes Of Violence In Kosovo. By Gregory McNamee Hearts Grown Brutal: Sagas of Sarajevo, by Roger Cohen (Random House). Cloth, $27.95. Kosovo: A Short History, by Noel Malcolm (New York University Press). Cloth, $28.95. Between Serb and Albanian: A Short History of Kosovo, by Miranda Vickers (Columbia University Press). Paper, $18.50. THE YUGOSLAV nation lasted for a mere 73 years, about the life span of an average person in the developed world, roughly coinciding with what historians have called "the short 20th century" from the onset of World War I to the end of the Cold War. And when the tenuously constructed nation of Yugoslavia finally did die with the collapse of communism, giving rise to the splintered state of Serbia, it took with it the lives of untold average persons; according to Roger Cohen, at least 200,000 of them. Cohen, a New York Times correspondent and bureau chief, observed the fall of Yugoslavia first hand, dutifully filing newspaper reports of ethnicide and civil war. Given greater narrative liberty at book length, Cohen unleashes a fury of his own in the pages of Hearts Grown Brutal. The West, he writes, allowed "Europe's worst war since Hitler's war" to unfold unchecked, allowed Serbian aggression in the neighboring confederate states of Bosnia and Croatia to proceed with only half-hearted challenges until nearly a quarter of a million innocents had died and 2.7 million civilians had been driven from their homes. Cohen, like many other Western analysts of the Yugoslav civil war, observes that the clash between Muslim Bosnians, Catholic Croats and Orthodox Serbs had been in the making for hundreds of years. But he locates the origins of the recent "collective madness"--as one Serbian leader called it--in World War II, when Croatia sided with the Nazis and Serbia took the opportunity of the German invasion, which it resisted valiantly, to settle old scores against Croats, Muslims, Jews and Gypsies. (Not all Serbs succumbed to the madness, of course, and many were exemplary in, for instance, hiding Jewish refugees from the advancing Nazis.) Cohen centers his narrative largely on survivors of World War II, the ordinary men and women of Yugoslavia who committed extraordinary acts of inhumanity against one another during the war against Hitler. They recapitulated those actions when civil war gave them license to hate one another anew: when Serbia struck out at Bosnia and Croatia, all three nations fell into a frenzy of slaughter, for which the repercussions will be felt for generations to come. The failure of the West to react decisively against Serbian aggression and genocide, Cohen writes, puts the lie to any notion of a "new world order," the rule of law over the rule of terror. Hearts Grown Brutal is a somber, horrifying indictment of all involved, and it stands as an essential work of contemporary history. Kosovo, a little corner of southern Serbia bordering Albania and Macedonia, should by all rights be a historical and political backwater. The 55-mile-long plateau lies far from world centers of government and commerce, and not much has happened there of major international significance since the Ottoman Empire fell at the beginning of the present century; a Bulgarian geographer who visited Kosovo during World War I remarked that it was "almost as unknown and inaccessible as a stretch of land in Central Africa." The geographer would not have known it, but the comparison would prove apt, for Central Africa and Kosovo have lately been killing fields, scenes of ethnic hatred and genocide of the deepest international significance. Noel Malcolm, a British historian and journalist who has written extensively about the Balkans, provides an overview of Kosovo's long-standing cultural divisions in his "short history" (at more than 500 pages, a not-so-short book). His major concern--and one that will be of most pressing interest to readers following the unfolding war in Kosovo through newspaper and television coverage--is to explore the reasons ethnic Albanians and Serbs are struggling so violently to command the small region. Kosovo, Malcolm writes, is the birthplace of Serbian nationalism, the scene in 1389 of a great defeat of Serbian forces by Turkish troops. That defeat would eventually lead to Turkish domination of the Balkans, and with it the conversion of the ethnic Albanians (who make up 90 percent of Kosovo's population) to Islam. Kosovo remains emblematic, for the Serbs, of the loss of their medieval empire, and the contemporary warriors of Serbia are, in Malcolm's eyes, evidently attempting to reverse the course of history by reclaiming the land from its Turkish conquerors--that is to say, the Muslim Albanians who, then as now, make up the vast majority of the region's inhabitants. Malcolm's lucid text shows again and again that the ethnic conflict in Kosovo is less a battle over bloodlines and religion and more a result of differing conceptions of national origins and history. "When ordinary Serbs learn to think more rationally and humanely about Kosovo, and more critically about some of their national myths," he concludes, "all the people of Kosovo and Serbia will benefit--not least the Serbs themselves." Miranda Vickers, the leading English-language student of Albanian history, also does much to clarify the situation in Kosovo with her account of the tiny region, which is a fertile, mountain-ringed plateau whose name means "place of the blackbirds." That bucolic place name does not speak to the violence that's been visited on the land for centuries, however. Kosovo, as Vickers writes, has long been the site of inter-ethnic warfare, a place where different cultures--Slavic, Albanian, Jewish, Turkish and Central Asian in origin--have met and, at times, either peacefully coexisted or battled bitterly. The lines of division, Vickers proves again and again, have never been clearly drawn. At issue in the Middle Ages, and now, is which group has the clearest ancestral claim to ownership of Kosovo: the Muslim Albanians, who trace their heritage to the ancient Illyrians, hold that it is theirs; the Orthodox Serbs similarly claim that their long presence in the region gives them dominion over it--a claim that, Vickers writes, "derives purely from history and emotion." History and emotion are powerful engines of human behavior, and the Serbian nationalists who now seek to thwart ethnic Albanian attempts to unite Kosovo with Albania itself are driven by them. (Many of those Serb fighters are not native to the region, but are instead displaced, fortune-seeking veterans of the now-dormant civil war in neighboring Bosnia.) Long inhabiting parallel worlds, in Vickers' useful metaphor, these two groups are now drawing on the memories of centuries of conflict to shape the present. The result is a continuing legacy of bloodshed and hatred that, at least for a while, has captured the attention of the world. El Parador Offers Great Sonoran Fare. By Rebecca Cook I HADN'T HEARD much about El Parador until a friend recently related a less-than-flattering tale of the place. Seems that one Saturday night, she found herself home alone and decided to stave off the blues by taking herself out to dinner. The chosen restaurant for this personal indulgence was El Parador. What initially seemed a good idea began to wither soon after her arrival: No one paid her any mind as she stood, patiently waiting to be seated. Waiters and waitresses flew about from every corner of the room, but neither host nor hostess was anywhere in sight, and no one else apparently thought it their duty to take care of a single customer. Eventually, my friend grabbed the sleeve of a passing server and asked to be seated. This accomplished, she sat another 10 minutes without benefit of water, menu or even an apologetic acknowledgment. In desperation, she asked to see the manager, to inform him of the shabby treatment she'd received. She even went so far as to claim to be me, an announcement that, while unadvisable, seemed to lend more credence to her reproach. Sure enough, the situation was soon rectified: An on-the-house margarita scintillated in front of her, and the rest of the dinner proceeded without any additional difficulty or delay. I was thus compelled to visit El Parador myself, not only to investigate the quality of the service, but also to set the record straight on their latest menu, which reportedly places the restaurant well apart from the more than 100 other Mexican eateries on the Tucson dining landscape. Described by one waiter as "Nuevo Latino," El Parador now explores not only the familiar cuisine of Mexico (in particular, the state of Sonora) but also delves into the dining heritage of Argentina, Peru, Mallorca, Spain and Cuba. A Tucson landmark since 1976, El Parador is no stranger to internationalism. Owner John Jacob is the son Taft Jacob Mabarak, who followed the rest of his Lebanese family west sometime before the Civil War in a scheme to develop a link of camel transportation between Camp Verde in Texas and San Diego. Mabarak finally landed in Tucson around 1919, where his family opened a modest fruit stand on Congress Street, an enterprise that eventually evolved into the Tucson Public Market, the city's first real supermarket. Jacob and his brothers learned this region's cuisine well. Shortly after World War II, with only a handful of Mexican restaurants in town, the brothers opened their own enterprise (Club 21 on North Oracle Road). Jacob opened El Parador on his own in 1976, and the restaurant is run today primarily by his children, with John still consulting in a semi-retirement capacity. El Parador's tropical interior has always been a singular quality: Lush green foliage canopies much of the floor and lofty ceiling space, and skylights infuse the room with filtered light. Tablecloths and napkins in jaunty hues of red, purple and green accent the main room. In addition, the walls have been painted a vibrant green, a shade that could variously be described as "Kelly" or "bilious," depending on your verdant disposition. Promptly seated upon both my visits, I proceeded directly to El Parador's menu, which is extensive and comprehensive for both lunch and dinner. Luncheon specials primarily feature Sonoran fare, with combination plates that include plenty of tacos, enchiladas, fajitas, tostadas, tamales, chimichangas, black beans and rice. In addition to these more familiar items, two unusual enchilada preparations are worth looking into: a spinach variety, stuffed with fresh greens, sauteed onion and mushrooms, pine nuts, mild cojita cheese and a cilantro-chardonnay salsa; and the enchiladas chimichurri, featuring an abundance of moist, shredded chicken and longhorn cheddar topped with an Argentine chimichurri sauce and broiled or baked crisp. Both are excellent. When sticking to the more traditional dishes, diners will likely find that El Parador easily meets the high Mexican- food standard this town demands. But when branching out into other Latin cuisines, the foundation cracks ever so slightly. For instance, there's the matter of the chimichurri sauce, which appears again during dinner with the bistec chimichurri. In Argentina, this condiment is as common as ketchup. A thick herb sauce consisting of olive oil, vinegar and loads of chopped, fresh parsley, oregano, onion and garlic, chimichurri makes an outstanding companion for all manner of grilled meats--especially beef. The deeply green, intensely-flavored sauce that I recalled, however, was very different from El Parador's version, which more resembled a light tomato puree and was disappointingly bland. The filet mignon was also a bust--at best on par with a decent cut of sirloin--and curiously devoid of flavor. The fact that it was initially served well-done rather than the requested medium-rare didn't help matters. A bouillabaisse-type dish dubbed "Los Siete Mares" was quite handsome in its presentation, a bowl filled to the brim with large shrimp, scallops, black mussels, little-neck clams, diced white fish and a melange of vegetables in a delicate saffron, butter and white-wine broth. The ingredients tasted fresh enough, but the broth, which was egregiously buttery, lacked sophistication and subtlety. Other than the faint yellow color, the broth gave not even a hint of saffron, the most expensive spice in the world, and usually noted for its pungency. If the entrees failed to elicit a rave response, a few of the meal's starters were quite successful. The ceviche, which included pieces of shrimp, scallops and white fish "cooked" in fresh lime juice and served with small rounds of crisp corn tortilla, peppers and sliced red apple, was an ideal margarita match. A green-chile soup, made with a clear cilantro-herbed broth and riddled with chopped tomato, onion, green chiles and a nest of grated white and yellow cheese, was wonderfully satisfying, as was a simple green salad topped with El Parador's own orange-citrus dressing. Desserts range from light sorbet to deep chocolate overload, permitting the diner to contemplate a broad palette. For overkill, the chocolate taco is superb, a solid chocolate-almond shell filled with Kahlua-Amaretto mousse and sliced fresh strawberries, which is then served on a lovely, swirling pool of raspberry and mango coulis. Deep-fried ice cream (vanilla coated in cinnamon sugar and corn flakes) is another viable alternative, but only if whipped cream is available, which it wasn't the night we visited. The service was excellent for the most part, but (on both visits) oddly sluggish when it came time to settle the tab. Maybe it's my own quirk, but I hate sitting around for any length of time for the sole purpose of paying the bill. It's not exactly the most enjoyable part of dining out anyway, so why drag it out? If you stick with the traditional Sonoran fare, avoid dining alone on a Saturday night, and approach those nuevo dishes with caution, eating at El Parador can be a thoroughly engaging experience. Unless you take exception to the color green, in which case you'd best keep moving. El Parador. 2744 E. Broadway. 881-2808. Open 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday. Full bar. All major credit cards, no personal checks. Menu items: (lunch) $2.95-$13.95, (dinner) $4.95-$16.95. REDECORATING EL PARADOR'S long bar lounge--shades of Mediterranean blue and dusty rose--signals a completely revised wine list and even a new Tequila/Margarita menu due by Cinco de Mayo. Among the management team of twins Dan & Don, brother John and sister Loretta, it's John who's the menu-maker; and his favorite Margarita is his "amnesia" recipe, calling for Anejo (aged) Tequila, Gran Torres (Spanish Valencia orange) liqueur and fresh-squeezed lime juice. "So smooth it makes you forget everything," grins John. El Parador Margaritas come in 12-ounce, double-size "E.P." and 60-ounce pitchers. Fruit flavors include peach, strawberry, raspberry and melon. The rest are varying combos of Tequila from ordinary white to Cuervo Gold and Anejo, mixed with Cointreau, Gran Marnier or Triple Sec, and priced on a scale accordingly. Besides the Mondavi Coastal and ever-popular K-J Chardonnay, John's new wine list is comprised of the best import values he can find--and he works hard to match his wines to fit the character of the Latin foods El Parador features. The list is not long, but look for Chilean and Australian whites and reds under $20 a bottle (thanks to mark-ups that stay at double, rather than triple). Lots of by-the-glass selections from $3.50 to $4.50, for a six-ounce pour. The waitstaff isn't especially trained, but if you find John, you can talk wine happily. If all else fails, look for a half-dozen of Mexico's best beers--all good, and fairly priced. --Gary Greenberg UMC Choppers Make Life Miserable For Hospital's Neighbors. By Dave Devine A QUESTION REMAINS when it comes to the chicken and the egg. But there's no doubt that the residential neighborhood north of the University Medical Center was there before the hospital. Despite that, UMC-related conflicts ranging from hazardous-waste disposal to traffic concerns have continually plagued the nearby Jefferson Park neighborhood. The latest issue, in dispute since 1994, concerns helicopter flights. For years hospital choppers used a ground-level landing pad to transport emergency patients. Nearby residents sometimes complained about the noise but were generally understanding. But then, a few years ago, the landing pad was moved onto the roof of a new building located at the north end of the UMC complex. Despite assurances by hospital and University of Arizona officials that the move would help diminish the noise in the neighborhood, it did just the opposite. To compound the problem, UMC began using the new pad to base two helicopters whose flights were not directly related to the hospital. These new missions increased the number of monthly flights to 300--an increase of 60 percent. After this jump in activity, Jefferson Park residents began complaining, loudly. The neighborhood was there first, residents pointed out, adding they didn't think it was fair to have to live with non-UMC related flights in addition to the emergency missions. They also demanded steps be taken to reduce the noise from all flights. According to some Jefferson Park residents, the hospital's initial reaction was "screw 'em." "They treated us like goldbrickers," one said recently. But after neighborhood association members talked to their state legislators, the two new helicopter operations were moved to other locations. Score one for the neighborhood. That, however, didn't settle all the issues. The neighbors wanted written assurances the episode wouldn't be repeated. They also wanted noise mitigation for the remaining flights. While they understood the need for emergency medical transportation, some of the hospital's neighbors felt UMC needed to do more. ONE NEARBY RESIDENT describes the experience of a helicopter landing at the hospital as feeling as if your home is under siege for two or three minutes. Sound rattles around in your house and in your head, he said, and you never know when it will happen. One recent night, helicopters came to the hospital at midnight, 3 a.m. and 6 a.m., each time jarring neighbors awake. For the past four years, the Jefferson Park Neighborhood Association has been trying to reach an agreement with the hospital and UA over these flight issues. It's been very slow going, with neighbors charging that UMC officials seem to be counting on delay and procrastination to wear them down. Jim Kluger, chair of the neighborhood association's helicopter committee, says there are four points they'd like hospital officials to agree to: Limit the north side landing pad to hospital-related flights. If the other two helicopters are to return, Kluger believes a new landing pad should be built on the hospital's south side, away from the surrounding residential neighborhoods. Written assurances that "fly-friendly" procedures now in place will continue. These practices have the helicopters approaching the hospital from the south over Campbell Avenue. An agreement that if the homeowners want to sell, the UA will acquire the nine homes most affected by the noise on the south side of Lester Street. These properties have been in the UA's "owner-initiated purchase zone" for decades, and the UA already owns several buildings along the street. Payment from the hospital and UA for noise mitigation to be installed in homes north of Lester Street. Kluger says property values in the area have plunged because of the noise. After a long series of meetings, in early March UA and UMC officials agreed to prepare a memorandum of understanding addressing the four points. However, it was only recently that a draft document was delivered to the neighborhood association. The draft agreement covers each of the association's points, but appears to address the neighborhood's concerns only with the first three. The agreement takes a different approach to the fourth point, calling for the City of Tucson to seek grants to pay for mitigation measures; and it doesn't promise that the work will ever be done. The reasoning behind this approach, according to UA officials, is that the city has access to noise-mitigation monies that the UA doesn't. Neighborhood residents are meeting this week to review the draft proposal. For Years E.S. 'Bud' Walker Never Met A Rezoning He Didn't Like. By Chris Limberis IT SEEMED ROUTINE, almost innocent in the rezoning boom times of the 1970s. So common it required little discussion. And provoked no dissension. The Board of Supervisors changed an 11-acre patch of citrus grove into a scheme for 55 townhomes off North Oracle Road at Chula Vista. On that July day in 1977, E.S. Bud Walker, a Democrat and the rezoning king and good-ole-boy, shirt-unbuttoned-to-the-stomach chairman of the Board of Supervisors, did not need to twist any arms. The only vocal opposition came from Keith Dolgaard, a scam artist who would be convicted in federal court 16 years later for a loan kickback scheme. So painless was the little rezoning that the Board's presumptive environmentalist, David Yetman, also Democrat, made the motion for the townhomes. But no shoehorn was brought out to squeeze in the 55 units of Fountain Grove. Today, the flat parcel has been partially scraped to accommodate overflow parking for the Casas Adobes Community Congregational Church to the south. Borders are thickly vegetated. A once-impressive house sits deteriorating on the property's northwestern edge. The man whose family once lived in that home, Joe Cesare, is a former southside kid who has built more than a few projects, including restaurants and offices down Oracle Road, as well as the Viscount Suites Hotel on East Broadway Boulevard. Cesare was Bud Walker's political money man, even in 1984, when Walker's hope for a fourth term was dashed by political rogue Ed Moore, a man Dolgaard served as an accountant and campaign official. Now, however, Cesare and Walker are getting reacquainted over Cesare's new plan for the 11 acres he owns with a Mexican partner. Walker is shielded with his wife Jody in the quiet Chula Vista Estates west of Cesare's property. The man who spent 28 years in state and county elected office has been reborn a NIMBY, vowing to defeat a proposal that would replace all those potential townhomes with an office complex and a ManorCare facility for 56 Alzheimer's patients. The new Bud Walker is slowed by a weak heart, but that hasn't stopped him from flipping $2,000 over to his former colleague, Ron Asta, the one-time Democratic supervisor and controlled-growth guru, to fight his fight. Asta, bounced from the Board in 1976 by development queen Katie Dusenberry, is now a land-use and development consultant. He makes his living trying to get permission for speculators, investors and business owners to derive maximum profits from their land. BUT THE INTRIGUING cast doesn't stop there. Seeking approval of the ManorCare plan are Margaret Kenski and her husband Henry Kenski, politically connected and astute professors and consultants who live west of the project. Hank Kenski is head of Republican U.S. Senator Jon Kyl's southern Arizona office. Michael Racy, the affable and efficient lobbyist for Pima County, and his wife are neighbors of Walker's. They support Cesare's proposal with some modifications. Citizen Samuel Winchester Morey, a self-appointed county watchdog, also supports the change from the packed-in townhomes, but he's pushing changes in traffic patterns as well as design to help the Casas Adobes Community Congregational Church, where he and his wife are among the 560 members. Cesare's project lies within the boundaries of the yearning-to-be town of Casas Adobes. But with the town's status in legal limbo, Cesare's development plan rests with Pima County. The county Planning & Zoning Commission voted 6-0 last week to recommend the supervisors approve the plan in mid July. Still, Cesare has kept the members of the Casas Adobes government-in-waiting apprised of his plans. And that hasn't helped him with DeNise Huxtable, a Casas Adobes councilwoman and essentially lifelong resident of the Chula Vista neighborhood. She and Walker aren't alone. Protests against the new Cesare plan have reached the point of forcing a super-majority vote of the Board of Supervisors. Four of the five members will be needed for Cesare to override the 35 percent protest by number and 36 percent protest by land ownership. Democrat Raul Grijalva will vote no. Grijalva hates Cesare, although he gladly took all the money Cesare raised for him during his first supervisorial race in 1988. These days, however, Grijalva would vote against Cesare even if the Pope were a partner in the project. Huxtable claims to have an "intrinsic interest'' in the development proposal because she's lived in the area so long. Mom and Dad still live next door, she boasts. She wants the Alzheimer's facility, which she calls "very massive," next to the church. She also complains the patients would be "more like inmates" because of how the current plans are drawn. Actually, it will probably be a good thing that the Alzheimer patients won't be able to see through the trees or around the corner to enjoy the white-trash view of Huxtable's backyard. Mommy and Daddy should make her clean out the cream-colored Ford on jacks and blocks, the ugly kitchen appliance and the Dunkin' Donuts display case. Across the street, Racy and his wife appear to have poured a steady stream of money into their property. They love their views of Pusch Ridge and the Santa Catalinas. They also enjoy watching a Harris hawk, even if it perches on a big telephone pole. Racy calls the former townhouse plan, which Cesare could implement tomorrow, an "abomination.'' "If I owned the property, I'd like to see a park," Racy announced at a recent P&Z meeting. "Alternatively, I'd like to see it split between a park and the office space. I stand ready to pay my share." He got no takers. So Racy will focus on limiting the building heights and changing the traffic flow on Chula Vista and Oracle. Margaret Kenski, whose house is farther to the west, says that since "infill is inevitable, we ought to support it when it's good...this is far less obtrusive.'' Meanwhile, Walker let Asta do the talking for him. Drainage is a concern for Walker, as is the layout. At 27,000 square feet, the Alzheimer's facility is too big to be separated from the Casas Adobes Church, Asta says. Walker, through Asta, also wanted Cesare to do studies to determine if the construction, including maximum heights of 29 feet to accommodate two bell towers, would infringe on views. Cesare responds that the studies would prove nothing except that "you can't see through trees.'' Last year, Cesare proposed a hotel on 6.5 acres where the Alzheimer's center will go. To the south, five office buildings are planned with a combined area of 85,800 square feet. Morey, the veteran activist who also has extensive real-estate experience (buying and selling), wants the office next to the church to be tapered away from the church at the east so that the church can be seen by those traveling south on Oracle. "You sell the sizzle, not the steak,'' Morey says. Morey wants Cesare to bury utility lines and he's adamant about traffic changes. Chula Vista, under the Morey plan, would have a right-turn only onto Oracle and the Oracle median cut would be closed. Casas Adobes Road also would be right-turn only, and a new median cut on Oracle would be added between Chula Vista and Casas Adobes roads. Given Grijalva's antipathy for Cesare, the proposal may have a difficult go before the Board of Supervisors. Mike Racy, in particular, will be key to holding the support of second-year Supervisor Sharon Bronson, a Democrat. Cesare, who joked during the P&Z hearing that he was reserving a bed for himself at the medical facility, will be hoping to peel off protesters before supervisors take a vote. Protesters who live within 300 feet of the project may withdraw their formal objections until the close of the hearing. Quintessential Productions Stages A Finely Etched Performance Of Tennessee Williams' Classic. By Dave Irwin TWENTY-SOMETHINGS in dead-end jobs, still living at home; dysfunctional single-parent households; family fights over lack of ambition, direction, the future, leavened by moments of personal compassion: Tennessee Williams' The Glass Menagerie still holds surprisingly relevant themes. Quintessential Productions' latest work breathes new life into this old war-horse while remaining unflinchingly faithful to Williams' original writing. Set in the 1930s and first produced in 1944, The Glass Menagerie was Williams first major stage success. Williams script is often clumsy, burdened by autobiographical details and telegraphing its punches in obvious symbolism. It's filled with soliloquies that make it an actor's showcase, but which also slow the pace of interaction between the four characters. In seven scenes, the play follows its protagonist's frustration with work and home, while his mother seeks to assure a better future for him and his painfully shy, crippled sister. Director Brian Kearney plays the lead role of Tom Wingfield. He brings an appropriately seething anger as well as a welcome warmth to his ambivalent relationship with his mother, Amanda, played by Eini Johnson. The honest range of their interactions, from vicious screaming to gentle amusement, is the source of many of the production's best moments. Johnson gets the plumb role of gritty dowager in Williams' first stage exploration of the woman in decline who mirrors the decadence of the Deep South, a character he'd exploit with increasing skill throughout his career. Johnson plays this catalytic centerpiece with a nice mix of maternal instinct, scatterbrained determination and a gleeful dearth of self-awareness. Her long speeches find a convincing rhythm, with just a hint of the required Southern accent. David H. Silverstein brings a rakish glibness to the role of the smarmy friend who Tom brings home to meet his sister at his mother's behest. The interaction is complicated by the fact that Laura has secretly loved her brother's friend from afar since high school, while all are unaware that he is already secretly engaged. His prospects have faired little better than Tom's, despite ambitious night school classes in public speaking and radio engineering in preparation for the rise of television (an unintended irony by Williams, since TV would soon destroy the daily importance that the stage and movies played in American life). Silverstein's vocal delivery is the most natural of the cast, giving a breezy casualness to his role as a washed-up jock and would-be scoundrel. Laura is played by Laura Ann Herman. Despite her highly expressive face, she seems somewhat awkward in the body language of extreme introversion, acting mostly from the shoulders up. She plays the relationship with her mother in overwrought anguish, which works only when we remember that the action here is filtered through Tom's memory; such constant near-hysteria would not be believable otherwise. Herman's best scenes are at the end with her gentleman caller, as she blossoms beyond her one-note isolation, only to be shut down when his unavailability is revealed. In those scenes, her portrayal of the character's painful loneliness and lack of any future is emotionally transfixing, especially in the heavy handed symbolism of Williams' final tableau as she extinguishes the candles lighting the stage. Quintessential Productions, founded by Laura Ann Herman as a not-for-profit educational venture, it is staking out a niche of small-scale classics in its cozy, recent residence on South Fifth Avenue near downtown. The upcoming season will include works by J.B. Priestly, Shakespeare, George Bernard Shaw and August Strindberg, not to mention Jean-Paul Sartre's existential touchstone, No Exit. Formed last September, the company moved into its new space in January, where it immediately opened with a children's production of The Pied Piper. It plans to continue a children's theater focus as part of its overall mission. Beyond its appeal to the company, The Glass Menagerie, in fact, was shrewdly selected to take full advantage of the new theater's minimal lighting grids, since the script explicitly calls for dim, unrealistic lighting. Upgraded with resources initially unanticipated, the lighting by Guy Anderson and production design by Dylan Smith are an effective underpinning to the highly focused interplay. The set is likewise true to Williams' extensive proscriptions. Kearney also directed the new company's first play, Laura. As a professional actor in Scranton, Pennsylvania, he studied under Jason Miller, a seasoned veteran (best known as the young priest in The Exorcist), who returned to Scranton to escape the Hollywood scene and practice his craft. The care and concern of this company was apparent after the preview performance reviewed here, as Kearney and the crew talked extensively about how to fine tune an already satisfying performance. In a final sentimental note, the "fifth character" in the drama, the absent father/husband who is "portrayed" on stage by a mere portrait, is played by a photo of Brian Kearney's real-life father, William J. Kearney, Sr., who died just after his son left Pennsylvania to seek his fortune here in Tucson. Tennessee Williams' The Glass Menagerie, directed by Brian Kearney and produced by Quintessential Productions, continues at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through June 20, with 4 o'clock Sunday matinees on June 14 and 21. The theater is located at 118 S. Fifth Ave. Tickets are $10, with discounts for seniors, military and students. Call 798-0708 for information. Ballet Arizona Pays Homage To The Russian/American Master By Margaret Regan THERE'S ONE moment in Michael Uthoff's life he'd change now if he could. "I was offered a position in New York City Ballet with George Balanchine," says Uthoff, the artistic director of Ballet Arizona, whose dancers this weekend will perform an all-Balanchine concert in Tucson. "If I had my life to live over again, I would take it." Married and the father of a small child at the time, Uthoff turned Balanchine down so that he could dance in another troupe with his wife. But Uthoff did get several chances to work with the choreographer whom many rank as one of the greatest artists of the century. "I worked with him in some rehearsals when I was with the Joffrey, and I watched him work at New York City Ballet rehearsals," Uthoff remembers. "I saw his creative process. The man had such experience behind him. Even if it was a bad ballet, it was always well crafted. He had definite ideas of how he wanted things to look." This weekend Tucson balletomanes will get a chance to see the way Balanchine wanted dance to look, helped by Patricia Neary, a Balanchine protege who set two of his works on Ballet Arizona. Fresh from an enthusiastic reception up in Phoenix, where the company is based, the Balanchine concert represents a risky programming departure. Last season Uthoff played it safe in Tucson, where he's had trouble building an audience, by offering nothing but old-fashioned romantic ballets, and saving more cutting-edge productions for Phoenix. Basically Balanchine gives the Old Pueblo a short course in 20th-century ballet. A concert of three dances by Mr. B., who died in 1983, it charts his transition from the old-school tradition of his Russian homeland to his innovative "neoclassical" American choreography. "Our dancers will perform three masterworks in two hours," Uthoff says. "All three of these dances are on the list of 10 best dances of the century." The evening opens with "Serenade," a 1930s piece for 19 female dancers and six male dancers set to Tchaikovsky's Serenade for Strings. The closest of the three pieces to the Russian tradition, and the first work Balanchine composed in America, it's a thing of "romantic beauty and classicism," Uthoff says. The big work was first performed in Hartford, where Balanchine was biding his time before bursting on the New York scene, making plans with the late Lincoln Kirstein to form the New York City Ballet. ("He saw Hartford, turned around and went to New York City the next day," jokes Uthoff, who himself spent years directing the Hartford Ballet.) "Four Temperaments," from the 1940s, features six men and 12 women. Danced to the music of Paul Hindemuth, it hints at some of the radical innovations of the mature Balanchine. "Where 'Serenade' had come from the traditions of Russia, with 'Four Temperaments' you begin to see the edge of a man living in New York City. The dancers come with a different point of view. You can see the high kicks, the arabesques that changed standards forever." The third and final work, "Rubies," was composed in the 1960s as part of a longer work. By then, Uthoff points out, the New York City Ballet had moved into new headquarters in Lincoln Center. To attract crowds large enough to fill up the ornate space, big spectacles were de rigueur. But "Mr. B. was not keen on evening-length works," Uthoff says, so he strung together a trio of dances, "Emeralds," "Rubies" and "Diamonds," into the longer Jewels. Set to a score by Balanchine's fellow Russian Stravinsky, "Rubies" is full of jazzy turns danced at a fast pace. "These two Russians were getting covered in Americana," Uthoff says. "Balanchine had a new group of dancers that were much more American." For Uthoff, the progression of the dances parallels the progress made by the dancers of his company, who now number about 22. (They'll be joined by 10 apprentices for the concert.) "I always said I would not consider the company a company until after five years. Now we are in the sixth year," says Uthoff of his position as artistic director. "You'll see it. The dancers are trained, they're in focus, they're committed. They're conscious of the honor bestowed on them to dance these works." Ballet Arizona will perform Basically Balanchine at the PCC Center for the Arts, 2202 W. Anklam Road, at 8 p.m. Friday, October 10, and at 4 and 8 p.m. Saturday, October 11. A pre-performance chat between ticket holders and company dancers begins one hour before curtain. Tickets are $15, $25 and $33 for adults, $13.50, $23 and $30 for seniors, $7.50, $12.50 and $16.50 for kids 12 and under. Student rush tickets, subject to availability, cost $7.50 one hour before curtain. Advance tickets are on sale at Dillard's, 1-800-638-4253, or at Ballet Arizona toll-free at 1-888-3BALLET. The Information Age Has, Indeed, Delivered Us A Brave New World By Gregory McNamee Disappearing Through the Skylight, by O.B. Hardison, Jr. (Penguin Books). Paper, $11. IT'S A STRANGE new world out there. Factory workers are made of metal and plastic; money, an increasingly abstract proposition, is made and lost not in workshops and fields but on flickering screens. Databases grind through a million mainframes, assembling your biography and mine to a fantastic degree of detail. Food is synthetic, and we nuke it to edibility in microwave ovens. Half the country can't place Russia on a map, but the rest can direct-dial a telephone number in Moscow in a minute's time. The electronic age has been upon us for a decade or more now, and we are scarcely able to fathom the enormous changes it still portends. O.B. Hardison, Jr., badly wants to help. A professor emeritus of English literature and former director of the Folger Shakespeare Library, Hardison set up shop as a futurist late in life, having grown interested in the effects of all this newfangled technology on the arts, our culture, and our souls. Disappearing Through the Skylight abounds in his excitement over these effects. And if Hardison bites off more than he or his readers can comfortably chew, he's unapologetic for it. Instead, he takes us on a whirlwind tour of the history of the future--that is, of 20th-century developments leading to today's electronic wonderland. His expedition spins from subject to subject: Architectural semantics, artificial intelligence, mathematical biology, the Dada movement in the arts, and the politics of the machine all enter into it at one point or another. The result is a sometimes incoherent (making it perfectly postmodern) but thought-provoking excursion into the new and unknown. Technology, Hardison writes, can be a liberating force, freeing workers from the drudgery of the assembly line and double-entry bookkeeping. (He does not, however, go on to say that technological advantages are generally held by the very few, nor that all the time-saving machines surrounding us have increased the typical American workweek from 40 to 60 hours.) It is also a universalizing power, one that subtly erases the differences between, say, a Holiday Inn in Schenectady and one in Singapore. Daniel Boorstin complained about the process 35 years ago in The Image: the same sunlamp in the bathrooms, the same chocolate on the pillows, the same paper umbrellas in the same green drinks. Independent of cultural values, the new technology permits a McDonald's hamburger restaurant to arise by Gorky Park, a Madonna video to entertain children in Dar-es-Salaam. Its universalizing force can diminish differences between human beings as well, perhaps lessening their individuality and certainly compromising their value in the economic machine. Thanks to the new technology, it's now cheaper for Ford Motors to manufacture some car parts in Korea, others in the Philippines, and still others in Brazil, all to be assembled on the Mexican border; it's now more cost-effective for an American airline company to process tickets for a New York-to-Chicago direct flight in computerized offices in Ireland and the Lesser Antilles. Given no shortage worldwide of cheap labor and easy technological access to it, small wonder that American workers are scrambling to keep even something of the standard of living they enjoyed 10 years ago...even in the face of what's being touted as an unprecedented economic boom. But for Hardison these are passing matters too mundane to observe. Ever the highbrow, he's more interested in exploring how scientific ideas penetrate popular culture than considering the displacements they may cause, or shock waves they may send off. A century ago, John Rockefeller, having caught wind of Darwin along with the rest of the industrialized world, was fond of saying, "The growth of a large business is merely the survival of the fittest." Today, words like gigabyte and paradigm fill the air, bandied about by citizens in white lab coats and mechanic's overalls--and also, Hardison points out, by artists and writers, for whom it was not so long ago fashionable to shun any contact with the new and metallic. In bringing the arts to bear on his discussion, Hardison shines brightly. In the late 19th century, he notes, French writers all but rose up in arms over the Eiffel Tower, an engineering feat that, Alexandre Dumas protested, "even the commercial America would reject." Today their Parisian counterparts exalt the glass pyramid that fronts the Louvre, and speak adoringly of the plastic-and-metal playhouse that is the Centre Pompidou. T.S. Eliot's great poem The Waste Land, written during the First World War, is "an expression of bafflement; a kind of silence, you might say," in the face of technological horror; today our required reading is Philip Dick's Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?, and Umberto Eco's Foucault's Pendulum, the secret hero of which is a personal computer. The arts are no longer predominantly modernist, opposed to technology, reliant on individual craft, informed by the classical European past. They're modern and even postmodern, often collectively produced, generated by word processors or light pens, ahistoric. Hardison seems to think this condition is well and good, that the "disappearances" (a word encountered a bit too often in his pages) of artistic and cultural elites "complete the democratization of art begun by Dada." Anyone, he seems to be saying, can be an artist--provided, he does not add, that the right technological goodies, still expensive enough to keep them a province of political and financial elites, are at hand. Hardison's vision of an exotically happy future, populated by intelligent robots and electronic artists, full of interactive novels and vaulting skyscrapers, will not be to everyone's taste; and in any event, the jury's still out on whether such trifles as the greenhouse effect and global deforestation will throw a monkey wrench into the works. First published at the dawn of the Information Age, which is to say way back in the 1980s, his book, punctuated by one gee-whiz after another, is nonetheless provocative reading, if only because it foresees so clearly how closely linked once-separate worlds--the arts, finance, languages, politics and technology--have become. The question remains whether what we think of as the best of our present culture will indeed disappear through the skylight, or simply sink into a glittering mire. It's Time The Opponents Of The Water Consumer Protection Act Learned To Compromise. By Emil Franzi FORMER CONSTABLE and lifer Marine Steve Sherrick has always been a great fountainhead of fundamental wisdom. Back in his rowdy days, before he married Paula and settled down, Steve used to pick up a lot of extra money arm-wrestling guys. His arms are bigger than most people's thighs, and he probably would've been an Olympic weightlifter if he'd chosen that career. Steve would sit down at a bar or a car hood, lock-up with the other guy, and put him down in less than a second. That would always draw a look of incredulity from the vanquished, who would invariably ask, "Can we try again?" Steve would agree and repeat the performance. "You always gotta beat 'em twice--otherwise they think it's a fluke," says Big Steve. That principle applies to politics. The proponents of 1997's Prop 201 have now been beaten twice, so maybe it's time for them to reconsider some of their assertions and consider genuine compromises with the victors. There's a lot of pop-psych babble going around over "conflict resolution." The best--and often the only--way to resolve a conflict is for one side to kick the living shit out of the other. That's what brings about real compromise--when one side recognizes it has to back down or get stomped some more. We hope the proponents of Prop 201 recognize this. The people of Tucson have now spoken twice. While many of the claims on both sides of Prop 201 were deceptive and outrageous, there was some merit in the arguments of some of the proponents. We can't endlessly pump our groundwater, Subsidence problems are real. We really don't know how much recharge will cost. And CAP water sent directly into our aquifer will eventually reduce its quality. What we really have isn't a water problem--it's a too-damn-many-people problem. What the 201 supporters failed to recognize: The public is fed up with every issue--from water to roads--being designed to accommodate the Growth Lobby. The public is telling us they want policies designed to accommodate them and not some family in Ohio who might move here in the future. This cannot be done without first implementing restrained-growth policies. Restrained growth isn't--as some pretend--no-growth. It simply means--as Ann Holden so eloquently and simply stated in her 1996 county supervisor's race--that you quit encouraging it, quit subsidizing it and quit believing it's good for you. That principle applies to water. Intelligent water policies can be designed, but they must take into account the simple fact that this a desert. We can't continue to maintain massive population growth without ever-higher taxes, water costs, and the debilitation of the lifestyles of current residents. And most of the current residents have figured that out. There is no question that whatever we do, it won't be cheap. The CAP was designed as a subsidy for farms and the mines. To take them off groundwater may well mean we have to subsidize them some more. Life is a series of imperfect options. Present residents and taxpayers will have to cough up just to cover the costs of all the growth we've already had. And those industries that make up the Growth Lobby are going to have to grasp that they're working in a diminishing political market and it's time to back off. They've blown enough elections for even the slowest-witted cementhead to detect a trend. They need to figure out how to make a reasonable profit and knock off the greed. There's enough land zoned for high density in this valley right now to hold the entire population of several small states. The problem is the costs of infrastructure all that growth will bring, from roads to schools to water. Accelerate that growth and watch the costs rise even more; retard growth and reduce the cost. The days of buying politicians and pimping ballot props are over because the public has wised up. It just doesn't work any more. Hopefully, the Growth Lobby's leaders will grasp this. Hopefully. There were a few really dense dudes Big Steve had to beat three times. 'Robert Colescott: Recent Paintings' Is A Sumptuous Display Of Politically Charged Narrative. By Margaret Regan OUT OF AFRICA metaphorically, and out of Italy literally, Robert Colescott's paintings are come home at last to Tucson. Now mounted in a sumptuous exhibition at the University of Arizona Museum of Art, Robert Colescott: Recent Paintings first went up at the Venice Biennale a year and a half ago. The work of UA professor emeritus Colescott, these extravagantly colored, politically charged narrative paintings were the U.S. entry in the 1997 international art fair. Colescott was the first American painter since Jasper Johns in 1988 to be thus honored, and the first ever African-American artist to represent the U.S. with a solo show. Since then the paintings have stopped in Minneapolis and in Queens, dropping down to 17 large acrylics on canvas from the 20 in the Venice exhibition. For its first showing in Tucson--and Colescott's first-ever large scale show in his adopted hometown--the UAMA added one painting, "Beauty Is Only Skin Deep," from its own collection. A note at the entrance to the UAMA galleries incongruously states: "This exhibition is an official presentation of the U.S. government." If so, this is a government representing a culture attractively amenable to self-examination. While Colescott's work on a visceral level is a joyful, jazzy explosion of color, a delirious amalgam of thick paint and edgy lines, on the cerebral level it's an attack on racism and all its works by an artist provocateur. Traveling easily across cultures and centuries, Colescott's paintings don't stop at the American experience of slavery and segregation. He paints about colonialism in Africa, about miscegenation in Martinique, about Caucasian usurpation of African cultural forms in music and dance and cuisine. He's confrontational in his re-use of stereotypes, forcing uneasy viewers to ponder their own biases. A black man with a gun aims right at us in "School Days," and black hookers show off their wares. A scary black Quasimodo carries off a white Esmeralda in "The Hunchback of Notre Dame: Homage to Victor Hugo." An urban drunk sprawls collapsed against a trash can in "Bilingual Cop." But always he pays attention to beauty. "White Boy" is an inventively composed work that shatters all conventions of perspective and proportion to make an unreal space: Here, in a place we can't quite conceive, a black woman and a white man lie together in erotic bliss. "El Tango," 1995, is divided into shapely fields of flat hues--green, yellow, blue, black--whose dancing shapes are summoned up by the tango's own rhythms. Cascading across this abstracted space are an assortment of human figures. A suave Argentine in mustache looks on a woman in a dance dress, and finds that she has two faces, one unmistakably African. A couple of cartoon figures argue: "Your Tango??" demands a black man. "Yes, from Spain," retorts a white woman. It's a work of cultural salvage, retracing the tango to its African roots. Similarly, "A Taste of Gumbo," 1990, decorated by a circle of cheerful orange crabs against blue, follows the quintessential N'Orleans dish back to Africa, via the chain of slaves who cooked their traditional foods for their masters. A cameo of a black violinist in this Louisiana smorgasbord likely is a reference to Colescott's father, a classically trained musician who worked all his life as a train porter. A fiddler in early jazz bands with the likes of Louis Armstrong, he fled the segregation of New Orleans and the Deep South for a freer life in Oakland, where his son was born. Colescott, now age 72, has also roamed widely, and his work is drenched in the art historical tradition. He studied at Berkeley during the heyday of the abstract expressionists; a catalog essay by independent curator Miriam Roberts makes the point that their serious intentions and big canvases are reflected in his own, narrative though they be. He studied under Leger in Paris, and an homage to Leger's cubist takes on the machine age shows up in "Hard Hats." He soaked up Egyptian and African art during a period of teaching in Cairo, incorporating non-western art that is both linear and figurative. The painter deliberately mixes up all these styles to underline his points. "The Blues for the Muse" counterpoises dark linear drawings of black blues musicians below an arc of lavishly painted icons of Western art: the lyre, the palette, the Greek temple. In between these polarities is a portrait of Alexandre Dumas, author of French adventure tales, who turns out to have been the son of a woman of Martinique and man of France. Colescott also co-opts cartoon figures, particularly the exaggerated Zip Coons and Jim Crows of 19th- and early 20th-century popular culture. Some years ago, he made his reputation for his reworking of famous paintings of Western art, a Washington Crossing the Delaware aided by blacks drawn in stereotypically racist forms. In more recent years, Colescott has gone on to even bigger themes. "Triumph of Christianity," 1993, is a sweeping condemnation of religion put to the uses of greed. Organized into a classical composition, it puts at center an uninspiring Jesus holding his arms wide over the colonial world. At left is a map of Africa, and a black slave in chains among piles of bananas; at right are the Americas, and a Native American in chains among corn. In between, an exalted hamburger, icon of American capitalism, glows in a halo. All this for that, the painting says: cynical religiosity, aided and abetted by racism, helped make the world safe for profit. "Venus I," 1996, tackles the conventions of art and beauty, and America's reluctance to acknowledge its mixed racial heritage. An artist's easel and palettes are set against a space forever shattered by modernism. A downtrodden black woman lies at bottom, a slave, perhaps, whose big cartoon lips did not deter the white men whose lust helped make her a mother-of-us-all. She's never enjoyed the admiration of artists, however. Above her a conventional artist's model, a nude blonde, gazes into the conventional mirror, but she's been transformed in the looking glass. Looking back at her, proudly displaying her body, is a woman black as night. Robert Colescott: Recent Paintings continues through Sunday, January 3, at the University of Arizona Museum of Art. Free talks on the show are scheduled for 12:15 p.m. on Wednesdays, December 2 and 9. Regular gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. Call for holiday hours. For more information call 621-7567. Tortolita And Casas Adobes Have A Lot Of Similarities -- And Differences. By Emil Franzi ARIZONA'S TWO latest incorporated communities, Casas Adobes and Tortolita, have a lot in common. Both: Were incorporated under the 1997 state law eliminating the need to apply for permission from other cities within six miles; Exist under a cloud while the question of the constitutionality of that law and the 1961 law setting up those "disenfranchisement zones" wind through the courts; Are hobbled by an inability to raise cash while the lawsuits continue; Face an immediate problem concerning the funding of a special census needed to secure full revenue sharing, and; Have Tucson, Marana and Oro Valley trying to eliminate them. But that's where the similarities end. Tortolita has clearly defined goals, a unified population that overwhelmingly supports the incorporation, and a representative council chosen in open meeting by its own residents. Casas Adobes, on the other hand, managed to secure the votes of a bare majority of its citizens, has multiple factions on the pro-incorporation side alone, and has a divided council whose members barely know each other and were chosen--somewhat haphazardly--by the Pima County Board of Supervisors. Also, Tortolita has about 3,000 people living on 21 square miles, while Casas Adobe has a population of 58,000 (the eighth largest in Arizona) and 26 square miles. The purpose of the two incorporations differed vastly. Tortolita residents clearly wish to preserve a desert lifestyle and what's left of the environment on the northwest side, and they could care less about receiving additional governmental services. But Casas Adobes leaders had grandiose plans for more roads, libraries, parks and other goodies; furthermore, Casas Adobes was formed to increase services by keeping sales-tax revenues away from Marana and Oro Valley. Casas Adobes was designed to be developer-friendly; Tortolita was designed to restrain growth. While on the surface it may appear Casas Adobes has all the advantages, it doesn't. Tortolita's problems are external; Casas Adobes faces not only external threats but internal dissension. The difference here stems from the manner in which the two towns were formed. No sharper contrast exists than the attitude of the two incorporation committees. Tortolita's was wide open. The steering committee met openly and often and included anybody who wanted to participate--the final membership was 37. Another 56 people passed petitions and more than 100 folks gave financial donations. But Casas Adobes ultimately had a core decision-making group of five who split three to two on many issues, held most of their meetings in secrecy, literally chased people off, and left a bad taste in the mouths of many potential supporters. They dealt duplicitously with Tortolita, filed an unnecessary lawsuit against their neighbors in that community, and then pig-headedly refused to drop the suit when its issues became moot, only to see a judge dismiss it as irrelevant. This ill-considered action simply raised the legal bills for both towns and exemplified the mentality of those self-proclaimed "leaders" called the Casas Adobes Gang of Three--Jeff Coleman, Tim Brown and Scott Nelson. THE BIGGEST DIFFERENCE between these two towns was the attitude of their founders. Tortolita, with 3,000 people, forged consensus. Casas Adobes, with almost 60,000, was usurped by the Gang of Three. Tortolita was a textbook case of citizen participation; Casas Adobes was a classic case of insider dealing, replete with intrigue, exclusionism and a host of hidden agendas for which that city is now paying the price. Tortolita's unified and representative council hit the ground running. Within two days--as soon as they could post the first meeting--council members had outlined their needs and requirements and hired Bill Risner as their town attorney. The first priority of both towns is staying alive, and that requires legal assistance. Risner was the attorney for the incorporation committee and there was no question among Tortolitans that he would be kept on. In fact, he's so popular in Tortolita that they'll probably name their first park or government building in his honor. That is, if they ever get around to having a park or a government building. But Casas Adobes has no such consensus over the attorney for their incorporation committee, Greg Good, who is seen by many as the mouthpiece for the Gang of Three. He was appointed village attorney for the first meeting only, because he was the only candidate willing to serve on the promise of being paid sometime in the future. Even if he secures the permanent appointment, or is kept on by the council through the pending court cases he's worked for the incorporation committee, he faces the problem of a lack of trust by many council members and citizens. A town that doesn't feel confident in its own lawyer has real problems. Both incorporation committees ran up large legal bills that cannot be paid by the towns' taxpayers. Tortolita owed Risner and other lawyers more than $10,000, and Casas Adobes reportedly owes Good $20,000 to $30,000. Tortolita residents threw a party attended by more than 1,100 people and paid their legal bills by raising $12,000. Meanwhile, the Casa Adobes Incorporation Committee must now figure out how to pay that pre-incorporation tab. Because the real committee who made all the real decisions--such as hiring Good and having him file the stupid lawsuit against Tortolita--consisted of five people, two of whom dissented, the one consensus in the rest of the community is that the exclusionist Gang of Three should eat the bill they incurred. But with no real constituency, it will be difficult for them to pull off a town fund-raiser. Some think the deal was for the new council to appoint Good as town attorney and get him to forgive the incorporation bill. But none of the five power brokers are on the council, and only one member of the non-decision making portion of their committee, Chris Stock, was chosen as a council person. Other Casas Adobes council members include moderates Mayor Don Burtchin, Vice-Mayor Marty Kramer, Asa Bushnell, and Mary Schuh, a hard-nosed opponent of incorporation in the first place. Add a couple of wild cards like Eugene Kelly and Michelle Phillips, and you begin to see the other major internal problem in Casas Adobes--a council with some very good people on it who barely know each other. And that means it will take a while before they all start operating on the same frequency. The Casas Adobes Incorporation Committee's original plan was to immediately implement a 2 percent sales tax. It didn't happen, although Stock is still pushing the idea. Meanwhile, the rest of the council wants to proceed slowly; or, in Schuh's case, barely proceed at all. She favors the idea of a town without debt, with no income and no spending. Which, of course, raises the question: How do you have an incorporated town at all without the basics, such as liability insurance? BOTH CASAS ADOBES and Tortolita face the problem of borrowing to pay the feds for a special census necessary to get increased state revenue-sharing. Both towns' incorporation committees based future municipal budget plans on estimates of current populations far greater than those counted in the 1990 census. Being larger, Casas Adobes needs to front about $150,000 by December 15, while Tortolita needs $15,000. The Tortolita Town Council has already passed a budget similar to the one drafted by its incorporation committee. Casas Adobes, however, must hold hearings and go through a 30-day budget process, something that will drive great holes in the grandiose plans and pre-cut deals of the Gang of Three. Individual Tortolita citizens are ready to underwrite their costs by co-signing a bank note, if necessary. That would be all but impossible for Casas Adobes. And having passed a budget, Tortolita may issue warrants--government IOU's--that would be covered by the town's property owners via a special levy should a final disincorporation be ordered. Casas Adobes can probably do the same, but must adhere to a more stringent timeline, because it's two months younger. Also, Tortolita was incorporated before the appellate court opinion, making its actions unquestionably legal for at least two months. Because Casas Adobes was incorporated after the court ruling, incorporation foes could easily challenge its official actions. The two towns have one other great difference. Unlike Casas Adobes, which was partially planned by land speculators and developers like Don Diamond (who privately met with the Gang of Three to approve their final boundaries), Tortolita has the developers trying to kill them off. Another lawsuit, actually drawn up by the attorneys for Cleveland megafirm Forest City, has been filed by Attorney General Grant Woods to disincorporate Tortolita, on the grounds that it isn't really a community and has the wrong attitude about massive development. We're not making up that last one--it's actually one of the arguments stated in the suit, indicating just how tightly Woods and his staff are in the pocket of private development interests. Tortolitans consider that lawsuit and its bizarre arguments to be a sick joke, since anybody can tell they may be the only real community in this sprawling, car-culture megalopolis. Casas Adobes, while not facing a similar challenge, must somehow overcome the problem of looking like a town despite its lack of consensus and common purpose. With any luck, however, the Casas Adobes Town Council will be able to find some common ground and at least tread water until the court cases are resolved. They've hired Good as town attorney on a 4-2 vote (with Stock absent) and plunged into lengthy executive sessions on multiple issues. Not a good sign. The Casas Adobes Council must also supplant the Gang of Three as the dominant force by reworking major portions of the Gang's agenda and presenting to the voters something reasonable and palatable. Borderlands Theater Continues An Entertaining And Important New Christmas Tradition. By Margaret Regan IT TAKES THE shepherds a long time to get to Bethlehem in A Tucson Pastorela, but then the struggle for justice takes a long time, too. Borderlands Theater's rollicking new version of the old Mexican Christmas play about the shepherds' search for the savior is a delicious family affair. Full of over-the-top devils in red high heels and a preening Michael the Archangel, illegal aliens from outer space and alien-busting men in black, it even features an appearance by the chupacabra, blood-sucking monster of local lore. But underneath all its laugh-out-loud gags and lovely carols, the play reminds us that the battle between good and evil didn't end in the mythical days of angels and devils: It continues right now in the contemporary world. There may be no murderous Herods in this topical version of the shepherds' difficult journey to Belen, but there are plenty of other villains: a corrupt U.S. Border Patrol, corporate honchos stealing the lands of Mexican peasants, a U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service that locks up brown-skinned people wholesale. Harassed by devils in the form of the Border Patrol, one shepherd begs Michael the Archangel to save his companions "from the bullies that vex us, lest we end up like that shepherd in Texas," an allusion to the real-life Chicano teenager who was shot to death by a U.S. Army drug patrol while tending his sheep. At one point Michael (Leonard Rodriguez) swoops in to help in the guise of Sub-Comandante Marcos, leader of the rebel Zapatistas in Chiapas. Another time he incarnates as Zapata himself. It's gratifying to see Borderlands embrace a radical Christian view of the Christmas story, instead of indulging in the usual holiday sentimentality that divorces the tale from real-life injustice. First written last year by Max Branscomb of California, A Tucson Pastorela has gotten a topical update by the author for its second annual appearance in the Old Pueblo. The evolving play, which Borderlands intends to put on each year in a new version, is part of a theatrical tradition that's already centuries old. Pastorelas (shepherds' stories) and the similar Posadas (the story of Mary and Joseph's search for shelter) were brought to Mexico by Spanish missionary priests soon after the Conquest. Like their European antecedents, the plays have always been gala participatory affairs full of processions and songs meant to beguile the faithful into religious belief. But the tradition has always been elastic, and topical elements have always been incorporated to help bring the message home. The pleasure of the Borderlands version is that it moves toward its serious purpose through a warm mix of comedy and pathos, punctuating its puns about Fife Symington and Raul Grijalva with heartfelt carols sung in Spanish and lively tunes by a musical trio. Branscomb does a wondrous job with his sing-song rhyming couplets, seasoning them with pungent Spanish words. Directed once again by Chris Wilken, the cast of 32 attack their parts with great good humor. Suzi List reprises her sublime Lucifer, and Albert Soto his Satan, while Patrick Burke is hilarious as the tubby new Gluttony, one of the seven deadly sins. Hector Ayala is transcendent once again as the hermit who exhorts the weary shepherds to keep to their journey despite all the roadblocks put in their way by the devils. The production's talking sheep and pup will help kids with the show's slow pacing, made all the more leisurely by the frequent processions of the singing shepherds. And they can look forward to battering a pinata at the end of each and every show. A Tucson Pastorela continues through Sunday, December 21, at the PCC Center for the Arts Black Box Theatre, 2202 W. Anklam Road. Shows are at 7 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, 3 and 7 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. There will be no performance on Thursday, December 11, and only one performance on the closing day, December 21, at 3 p.m. Tickets are $10 and $12 general, $8 for seniors, $6 for students with ID and $4 for children under 12. For information or reservations, call 882-7406. You will receive full, ad-free access to TullahomaNews.com.com as well as full access to the Electronic Edition of the newspaper. ONLY $3.99 per month for the first 3 months! Only $5.99 per month after promotional period. Or ONLY $39.99 per year for the 1st year Only $44.99 per year after promotional period. German Chancellor Angela Merkel has reiterated her promise that the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project will not replace natural gas transit through Ukraine, otherwise Germany "will be actively acting." She said this at a press conference following talks with U.S. President Joe Biden in Washington on July 15, according to an Ukrinform correspondent. "We've come to different assessments as to what this project entails. But let me say very clearly: Our idea is and remains that Ukraine remains a transit country for natural gas," Merkel said. She added that Nord Stream 2 was "an additional project and certainly not a project to replace any kind of transit through Ukraine" and that "anything else would obviously create a lot of tension." At the same time, Merkel said that Germany would "be actively acting" should Russia not respect its obligations. She said there were "a number of instruments at our disposal, which are not necessarily on the German side, but on the European side" and they could be used at any time. "For example, sanctions and as regards Crimea and breach of the Minsk treaty has shown that we have these sanctions these instruments at our disposal," she said. Merkel added that experts were discussing "possibilities to react." This issue is being discussed with European friends. "But at the point in time of which I hope we will never have to take those decisions, you will then see what we do," Merkel said. She also recalled the role of Berlin and the European Commission in signing a gas transit contract between Russia and Ukraine until 2024, which will be possible to extend. At the same time, she acknowledged that she would be "careful" in her wording. She also stated that Germany was closely engaged in the Minsk process, as she is convinced that "Ukraine, just as any other country in the world, has a right to territorial sovereignty." Merkel is on an official visit to Washington. op Council of the European Union added Ukraine to the list of countries for which coronavirus-related travel restrictions on non-essential travel into the EU should be lifted. Following a review under the recommendation on the gradual lifting of the temporary restrictions on non-essential travel into the EU, the Council updated the list of countries, special administrative regions and other entities and territorial authorities for which travel restrictions should be lifted. In particular, Rwanda and Thailand were removed from the list and Ukraine was added to the list, reads the press release by the Council of the EU. As stipulated in the Council recommendation, this list will continue to be reviewed regularly and, as the case may be, updated. Based on the criteria and conditions set out in the recommendation, as from 15 July 2021 member states should gradually lift the travel restrictions at the external borders for residents of the following third countries: Albania, Armenia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Hercegovina, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Lebanon, Montenegro, New Zealand, Qatar, Republic of Moldova, Republic of North Macedonia, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, South Korea, Ukraine, United States of America, China (subject to confirmation of reciprocity). The criteria to determine the third countries for which the current travel restriction should be lifted were updated on 20 May 2021. They cover the epidemiological situation and overall response to COVID-19, as well as the reliability of the available information and data sources. Reciprocity should also be taken into account on a case by case basis. Schengen associated countries (Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway, Switzerland) also take part in this recommendation. As reported, on 30 June 2020 the Council adopted a recommendation on the gradual lifting of the temporary restrictions on non-essential travel into the EU. This recommendation included an initial list of countries for which member states should start lifting the travel restrictions at the external borders. The list is reviewed regularly and, as the case may be, updated. The Council recommendation is not a legally binding instrument. The authorities of the member states remain responsible for implementing the content of the recommendation. They may, in full transparency, lift only progressively travel restrictions towards countries listed. ol The Verkhovna Rada has supported the decision to appoint Denys Monastyrsky as Ukraine's interior minister. Some 271 MPs voted for the decision at a parliament meeting on Friday, July 16, according to an Ukrinform correspondent. Arsen Avakov tendered his resignation as Ukraine's interior minister on July 13. In the evening of the same day, MPs from the Servant of the People party discussed Avakov's resignation at a meeting of the faction attended by President Volodymyr Zelensky, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, and Head of the President's Office Andriy Yermak. It emerged after the meeting that the main candidate for the interior minister's post was the current chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Law Enforcement, Denys Monastyrsky. He said he had accepted the president's proposal to head the Ukrainian Interior Ministry. The parliament dismissed Avakov on July 15. On the same day, the Verkhovna Rada received a motion from Shmyhal to appoint Monastyrsky to the interior minister's post. Monastyrsky was elected an MP from the Servant of the People faction in August 2019. op A delegation of the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine, led by Charge d'Affaires George Kent, on July 16 visited the Joint Forces Operation zone to learn about the security situation in the area. That's according to a Facebook post by the press service of the Joint Forces Operation HQ, Ukrinform reports. "At the briefing, Charge d'Affaires George Kent and Joint Forces Commander Lieutenant General Volodymyr Kravchenko discussed the current security situation in the Joint Forces Operation zone, the interoperability of units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and NATO armies, as well as the implementation of NATO standards in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Also, the participants in the meeting considered the effectiveness of the application by the Ukrainian Army units of the experience gained during the exercises within the Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine program," the statement reads. During the meeting, American diplomats heard feedback on the effectiveness of logistical assistance provided by the United States to Ukraine in 2014-2021. Lieutenant General Volodymyr Kravchenko, Commander of the Joint Forces Operation, said units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine apply communication stations, counter-battery radars, ambulance vehicles, and many other means provided by the U.S. government. All of the aid provided is truly helpful to the Ukrainian military in repelling Russian aggression, the military chief stressed. He thanked the American people for their reliable support and significant assistance. In turn, CDA Kent said the United States supports Ukraine in the efforts to protect its territorial integrity and independence, adding that his country will continue to do so, including through providing the logistical assistance required. Also, Charge Kent assured that the United States constantly and closely monitors the situation in Donbas, remaining a reliable partner of Ukraine. im President of Poland Andrzej Duda will take part in the inaugural summit of the Crimean Platform and events on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of Ukraines independence. As the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine informs, political consultations with the participation of Deputy Foreign Minister of Ukraine Vasyl Bodnar and Deputy Foreign Minister of Poland Marcin Przydacz were held on July 15. The parties discussed topical issues of political and multisectoral cooperation and praised the efficiency of the strategic partnership between Ukraine and Poland. Bodnar expressed gratitude for the readiness of President Duda to take part in the inaugural summit of the Crimean Platform and events on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of Ukraine's independence. The Ukrainian side informed the Polish delegation about the security situation in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine and along the Russian-Ukrainian border, Russia's blockade of the TCG and the dialogue within the Normandy format. The parties stressed that Russia's aggressive policy posed a major threat to the security situation in the region. Bodnar noted the importance of Polands further assistance on Ukraines path towards EU and NATO membership and informed about comprehensive reforms in the context of European and Euro-Atlantic integration. The delegations discussed further cooperation in the context of Polands OSCE Chair in 2022 and cooperation within international organizations. The parties commended the results of the third meeting of the Lublin Triangle in Vilnius on July 6. In particular, they noted the importance of signing the Roadmap for Cooperation and the Declaration on European Heritage and Common Values, which reaffirmed Ukraines European prospects. Przydacz pointed out the effectiveness of involving international partners in holding the Ukraine Reform Conference (Vilnius, July 7-8) and said that the Polish side was ready to consider the possibility of holding a similar conference in Poland. The deputy ministers acknowledged the common approaches within the framework of economic cooperation, cross-border cooperation, cooperation at the level of experts on the common historical past, and the importance of bilateral cooperation in combating the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. ol Russia is brushing off its commitments as a signatory of the Minsk agreements, shifting the blame for obstructing the peace process onto Ukraine, Charge d'Affaires, a.i. at the U.S. Mission to the OSCE James Donegan has said. According to an Ukrinform correspondent, he said this at a regular meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council in Vienna. "Last week, our Russian colleague again chose to present Moscow's alternative reality. Without evidence, he accused Ukraine of undermining the implementation of the Measures to Strengthen the Ceasefire, and then argued that new discussions on the TCG's political track would not be possible until Ukraine met its commitments. That's Moscow's rationale for obstructing the peace process while brushing off its own commitments as a signatory of the Minsk agreements," Donegan said. The U.S. diplomat called on Russia to "resume a constructive approach to negotiations." "Since Russia exacerbated tensions in the region this March by launching a massive military buildup of troops and equipment in Russia-occupied Crimea and along its border with Ukraine, it has provided no transparency on these activities. This is not the behavior of a government working constructively toward peace," Donegan said. He also noted that although Russia consistently accuses Ukraine of ceasefire violations, the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission constantly reports that the majority of violations are occurring in areas of eastern Ukraine controlled by Russia-led forces. op The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine strongly condemns the illegal trial of Ukrainian citizen, RFE/RL freelance correspondent Vladyslav Yesypenko in the temporarily occupied Crimea. "The charges brought against the Ukrainian citizen in the Simferopol District Court of the Russian occupation administration on July 15 are completely unfounded. We consider the rigged trial of Vladyslav Yesypenko a continuation of the Russian Federation's reprisals against those who disagree with the temporary occupation of the Crimean peninsula and the systematic suppression of freedom of speech," reads the comment issued by the Foreign Ministry on Friday, July 16. The Ministry stated that Russia must immediately release Yesypenko and all Ukrainian citizens illegally detained in Crimea and Russia. Ukrainian diplomats called on international partners to step up political and diplomatic pressure on Russia, including sanctions, to force it to end gross human rights abuses in Crimea. As reported, Vladyslav Yesypenko, a freelance journalist of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (Crimea. Realities project), covered social and ecological topics. He was detained by the Russian FSB in Crimea on March 10, 2021, on charges of gathering information in the interests of the secret services of Ukraine and storing a self-made explosive device. The FSB claims that it detained Yesypenko to prevent him from carrying out subversive actions in the interests of Ukrainian special services. In turn, the lawyer said that investigators, following the fingerprint analysis, did not find Yesypenkos prints on the explosive allegedly found in his car. On March 12, Yesypenko was taken into custody. On April 1, the so-called Kyivsky District Court of Simferopol extended his arrest until July 11. Lawyers were not allowed to see the detained journalist for 27 days. Yesypenko later said that he had been tortured by Russian security officers. On July 6, a district court in the temporarily occupied Simferopol extended Yesypenko's arrest for another six months. ol Russia persecutes independent journalists in Crimea because it is afraid of those who dare to report the ugly truth about Russia's occupation of Crimea, Charge d'Affaires, a.i. at the U.S. Mission to the OSCE James Donegan has said. According to an Ukrinform correspondent, he said this at a regular meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council in Vienna. "Last week, a court in Russia-occupied Crimea extended the detention of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty freelance correspondent Vladyslav Yesypenko by six months. He testified during a closed-door court hearing in April that he had been tortured with electric shocks, beaten, and threatened with death unless he 'confessed.' His only crime is being a journalist. Clearly, Russia is afraid of those who dare to report the ugly truth about Russia's occupation of Crimea," Donegan said. The U.S. diplomat called on Russia "to cease its harassment of SMM monitors, journalists, and others, and to release all Ukrainian political prisoners it holds." "We further call on Russia to end its occupation of Crimea, to remove all its forces and equipment from eastern Ukraine, and to meet the commitments it made as a signatory to all three Minsk agreements," he said. Donegan recalled that the United States fully supports Ukraine's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders, extending to its territorial waters. "We do not, nor will we ever, recognize Russia's purported annexation of Crimea. We join our European and other partners in affirming our Ukraine-related sanctions against Russia will remain in place until Russia fully implements its Minsk commitments and returns full control of Crimea to Ukraine," he said. The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry earlier expressed its resolute protest against the illegal trial in the temporarily occupied Crimea against Ukrainian citizen Vladyslav Yesypenko, a Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty freelance correspondent. On March 10, Yesypenko was detained in Russia-occupied Crimea. He was charged with making an explosive device. Lawyer Alexei Ladin said FSB investigators had not found any fingerprints on the explosive allegedly found in Yesypenko's car. Verkhovna Rada Commissioner for Human Rights Liudmyla Denisova said the indictment against Yesypenko was an example of intimidation of independent journalists in Russia-occupied Crimea. op The European Union welcomes that the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted two laws within judicial reform, including the establishment of the High Qualifications Commission of Judges and the High Council of Justice, and called the move a way to strengthen the EUUkraine strategic partnership. The European Union welcomes that Ukraine took a decisive step this week towards comprehensive reform of the judiciary aiming at restoring the public and investors trust in the justice system. In the last few days, the Ukrainian Parliament adopted two crucial pieces of legislation that foresee a transparent re-establishment of the High Qualification Commission of Judges and an integrity assessment of the current and future members of the High Council of Justice - two key judicial governance bodies in Ukraine, reads the statement by the EUs Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy on the adoption of judiciary-related legislation in Ukraine, released on July 15. As noted, international experts will have a temporary but decisive role in line with the recommendations of the Venice Commission in both of these reforms. The European Union has decisively supported the preparation of these reform laws and will provide all the necessary assistance to ensure their successful implementation. It will not only allow renewal of the judicial system, strengthening the rule of law and better protection of fundamental rights in Ukraine, but will also reinforce the strategic, multi-dimensional partnership between the EU and Ukraine, the Spokesperson underscored. On July 13, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine passed the Law of Ukraine On Amendments to the Law of Ukraine On the Judiciary and the Status of Judges and Some Laws of Ukraine on the Resumption of Work of the High Qualifications Commission of Judges of Ukraine. In addition, on July 14, the Verkhovna Rada passed the Law of Ukraine On Amendments to Certain Laws of Ukraine Concerning the Procedure of Election (Appointment) to the Positions of Members of the High Council of Justice and Activities of Disciplinary Inspectors of the High Council of Justice. l Despite the ongoing trial, the investigation into the downing of the MH17 Flight continues. "We are closely following the trial and provide all necessary assistance for the trial at the request of the Dutch side. However, the investigation into the downing of MH17 Flight did not end. Together with partners from the international Joint Investigation Team, we continue the investigation which aims to identify other persons involved in this crime, including those who launched the missile and gave the relevant orders," Ukraine's Prosecutor General Iryna Venediktova posted on her Facebook page on the eve of the anniversary of the tragedy. Venediktova assured that the Ukrainian law enforcement officers were doing their utmost to make the relatives of the victims feel justice and the world know the truth. According to her, every crime committed in the context of the armed conflict and related to the armed aggression of the Russian Federation requires the establishment of the truth. In 2014-2020, almost 30,000 such criminal offenses were registered in the territory of Ukraine, Venediktova noted. "War crimes, aggression, crimes against humanity have no statute of limitations. We will continue to work hard to overcome impunity for international crimes, and the International Criminal Court will help us bring to justice high-ranking Russian officials and leaders of illegally formed armed formations created in the east of the country," the Prosecutor General added. Venediktova believes that the completion of the Rome Statute ratification process as one of conditions of the Association Agreement with the European Union will allow moving to the appropriate level of cooperation with the ICC Office of the Prosecutor. As reported, in March 2020, the District Court of The Hague began the consideration of the case over downing of Flight MH17. Malaysia Airlines flight MH17, en route from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur, was shot down over occupied area of Donetsk region on July 17, 2014. There were 283 passengers and 15 crew members on board. All of them died. The international Joint Investigation Team reported that the plane had been shot down from a Buk missile system that belonged to the 53rd Anti-Aircraft Missile Brigade of the Russian Armed Forces stationed in Kursk. On June 19, 2019, the JIT named four suspects believed to be involved in the transportation and combat use of the Buk missile system, from which MH17 flight had been downed. Three of them are Russians: Igor Girkin (Strelkov), former colonel in Russia's FSB intelligence service and former so-called defense minister of the so-called "Donetsk People's Republic"; Sergey Dubinskiy, general (at the time of downing colonel) of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces and head of the so-called "Main Intelligence Directorate of the Donetsk Peoples Republic"; Oleg Pulatov, lieutenant colonel of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces. The fourth suspect is Leonid Kharchenko, a Ukrainian civilian, who fought on the side of the so-called "Donetsk People's Republic. ol facebook like button Tweet tweet button for twitter Published July 16, 2021 The ULM TRIO Programs Diamond students include, from left, front, Ambernae Williams and Brook Little; middle, John McKeel, YoLecia Addison, Jyssica Hattaway, Jasmine Thenekhamsyharath; and back, Terrishan Howard, Co-Assistant Director Dr. Mystee Burrell, Jaden Saunders, and Tia Smith. Siddharth Gaulee/ULM Photo Services Now in its 40th year at ULM, Educational Talent Search is the oldest TRIO program on campus By Keli Jacobi, Special to ULM Jasmine Thenekhamsyharath, 21, does not know the meaning of the word "quit." In June, the Glenmora native was accepted into the University of Louisiana Monroes top-rated Dental Hygiene program. She will start classes in Fall 2021 as a junior. Jasmine is a first-generation college student whose parents immigrated to the United States from Laos, a tiny country in Southeast Asia. Jasmines father never graduated from high school, and both parents lacked insight into the many steps involved in the college application and enrollment process. TRIO Programs steps in With help from TRIO Programs at ULM, grant-funded through the U.S. Department of Education to assist those from disadvantaged backgrounds, TRIO stepped in to help Jasmine navigate the enrollment process and continues to help her and many others in their college journeys. Launched in 1965, TRIO derived its name from the fact it provided aid through three federal programs Upward Bound, Educational Talent Search, and Student Support Services though the total number of programs has grown in subsequent years. Since 1981, ULM is home to two TRIO Programs. It started with Educational Talent Search to assist middle and high school students on the journey to achieve a higher education. Later, Student Support Services was added to help retain and guide ULM students to graduation. TRIO Programs provides additional grant-funded support for childcare assistance and mentoring. TRIOs federal grant funding exceeds $928,000. Educational Talent Search: Cultivating a college mindset Now in its 40th year at ULM, Educational Talent Search is the oldest TRIO program on campus. Over the last four decades, some 55,000 students in 16 high schools throughout Ouachita and surrounding parishes have been helped by this facet of TRIO. TRIO Executive Director Catherine Estis, Ph.D., is in her 29th year at the university. During her tenure, she's held several positions, much of it as a field specialist working in nearby parish schools until taking over as director in 2008. Educational Talent Search targets eighth- through 12th-grade students from low-income and first-generation households in which neither parent has obtained a four-year degree, according to Estis. Students are guided to take core courses in high school and maintaining at least a 2.5 GPA. The goal? To enroll and graduate within six years from a postsecondary school, either at ULM or another university. It is a formidable challenge. The region's poverty level hovers around 34 percent, and high school graduation rates typically run lower than the state averages. Estis notes it takes effort to convince students from impoverished backgrounds to imagine a future brimming with possibility. "If you can get them to envision where they can be, it's significant," she said. Jasmine Thenekhamsyharath credits ULMs TRIO Programs with providing her and her parents the guidance and support needed as a first-generation college student. She will enter the Dental Hygiene program in Fall 2021. Siddharth Gaulee/ULM Photo Services What is a first-gen student? Estis and other TRIO Programs directors know a thing or two about being first-generation students. Estis' own father was a dairy laborer, and, as one of eight children, she was the only one of her siblings to graduate college. Associate Director Debbie Upshaw, also a first-generation college graduate and ULM alumna, is fully aware that just the thought of university life can be intimidating. "They don't have any idea where to start," she said. "They have no clue how to afford college, what kinds of aid may be available. They don't know how to apply for admission or how to choose a college major or how that relates to choosing a career," Upshaw added. "They have no idea about any of that." Often, students in targeted parish schools are without a single guidance counselor. They come from families who simply do not know how to help whether failing to realize important application deadlines or applying for campus housing and meal plans, Upshaw said. Educational Talent Search has several interventions to address these gaps, offering career workshops, identifying potential majors with aptitude tests, campus tours, job shadowing, even STEM camps. Some 831 high school students receive assistance through the program, which has met the grant's objectives, said Upshaw. "Our numbers are good," she said, noting 45 percent of the students served earned a degree within six years, better than the state average of 37 percent. The national average is 46 percent. And, while many students have chosen to remain in Northeast Louisiana, others expanded their horizons. "They go all over," Upshaw said. "One went to Harvard; one went to China It's so fulfilling to see the realization dawn on them what can be achieved." TRIO Programs Assistant Director Dr. Mystee Burrell, left, provides information on TRIO services to student John McKeel. Siddharth Gaulee/ULM Photo Services Continuing the journey: TRIO Student Support Services A little more than half of ULM students met TRIO's Student Support Services' eligibility requirements by the fall of 2019. In 2015, ULM was awarded a $1.1 million grant to launch Student Support Services. The federal program, created to increase retention and graduation rates, supports low-income students, first-generation college students, and disabled students at every stage of their college education. Roughly one-third of U.S. college students are the first in their families to attend college. "Basically, we're here to make a difference. We want to remove barriers to success." Catherine Estis, Ph.D. TRIO Executive Director Support comes through career and academic counseling, financial literacy seminars, tutoring, life skills workshops, assistance with graduate school applications, and scholarship and financial aid forms. "Basically, we're here to make a difference," Estis said. "We want to remove barriers to success." The barriers are quite real for students like Jasmine, who acknowledged, "I didn't know how to do just the basic things." "Getting a parking sticker, operating Moodle (ULM's online learning platform), learning how to navigate all the systems that ULM provides I would have stressed a lot more (without support)," she said. Today, Jasmine serves as a peer mentor, guiding others by sharing what she has learned. She said even without Student Support Services, she might still be enrolled in school because she is so persistent, but things would be much different for her. Making a difference through additional programs CCAMPIS (Child Care Access Means Parents in Schools) and an outreach mentoring program are also housed with the TRIO Programs, aiding even more students. CCAMPIS helps with childcare costs for ULM students enrolled and in good academic standing. In addition to meeting financial eligibility, the student must complete at least one financial literacy workshop, one parenting workshop, and attend one parenting event each semester, said Tammy Anderson, TRIO Child Care Coordinator/Outreach Specialist. "It's made a big difference," she said. "A lot of students have said they could not have stayed in school without the help. The majority are excited and enjoy the workshops they often go above and beyond the required number." ULM was the first Louisiana university to receive grant funding for the program, which Anderson has helped lead since spring 2019. As TRIO Programs Outreach Coordinator, Joe Riser enjoys opportunities to connect with students from the same Northeast Louisiana community where he grew up. "We've had students who, because of the exposure to things they might not have otherwise seen, you see them blossom. When they talk about the program, you see how much they have grown." Joe Riser TRIO Programs Outreach Coordinator Coming out of Richwood High School and attending the University of California at Berkeley, he appreciates growth that happens when stretched outside one's comfort zone. "I learned so much just by being around people of different backgrounds and cultures," he said. "It was a good experience for me." Today, he enjoys watching achievers through TRIO, especially those receiving guidance through a high school mentoring program started in 2014. The mentoring program includes hosting business and community leaders who share with students how they could achieve their goals. Other benefits include social and business etiquette, study skills, and decision-making, as well as excursions to stoke intellectual curiosity. "We've had students who, because of the exposure to things they might not have otherwise seen, you see them blossom," he said. "When they talk about the program, you see how much they have grown." By Blaise Sanyila in Kitchanga and Sanne Biesmans in Beni, the Democratic Republic of the Congo | 16 July 2021 Elodie Kavugho, 41, and her eight children lived in a leaking tent for months before they had a secure roof over their heads again. The single mother fled with her children in March 2020 after her village was attacked by one of the most dangerous armed groups in Beni Territory, in north-eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. We walked for two days to reach Mangina town, where we had no place to stay, she recalls. Our feet were sore for a week; we were massaging them every day. After nine long months, her family finally found moved into a more dignified shelter a durable brick house with a thatched roof provided by UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency and its partners. We walked for two days...our feet were sore for a week. We feel safer now, she says happily. My children and I can sleep better at night. More than two million internally displaced Congolese fleeing their homes in North Kivu province have undergone a similar experience of being exposed to the elements and anxiously looking forward to having a roof over their heads. Most of them have been able to count on the hospitality of their host communities for accommodation, although this puts enormous pressure on the displaced and their hosts. Elodie, a displaced Congolese woman, cooks outside her shelter in Beni, in north-eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. UNHCR/Justin Kasereka Elodie, a displaced Congolese woman stands with her children outside their durable shelter in Beni, in north-eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. UNHCR/Justin Kasereka Kahambu Mwavuli, 57, stands inside one of the houses in her compound where she accommodates 25 people in Beni, in north-eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. UNHCR/Justin Kasereka Evan Sikiani, a displaced Congolese man, stands outside the compound of his host, Kahambu Mwavuli (back), where up to 25 people live in Beni, in north-eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. UNHCR/Justin Kasereka Kahambu Mwavuli, 57, barely has any space left in her house in Oicha in Beni Territory, with more than 25 people, including her own family of seven and the displaced people she has taken in, currently crammed into her small home. I welcomed them all because I have some extra space, she explains. Such acts of solidarity and kindness are not uncommon here. When the security situation improves, some of the displaced will return home but for various reasons, many others will choose to remain. Dusabe Irasebura, 53, and his wife and six children fled their home many years ago and found safety in Kitchanga, in the southern part of the province. After living in an overcrowded site for ten years, they are now proud homeowners in Kitchanga town, with support from UNHCR. Today I live at home, says Dusabe, who bought land and with help from a team of builders and engineers from UNHCR and its partner AIDES, built a proper house. I no longer have to sleep in the same room with all my children. I am no longer displaced and it feels so good! In an area that has been plagued with incessant violence for over two decades, finding durable solutions for internally displaced people (IDPs) can be challenging, but not impossible. Justine Dede, UNHCRs Camp Coordination Officer based in Goma points to efforts to decongest IDP sites and promote solutions for those in situations of prolonged displacement. When returning home is not possible, we help integrate displaced people into the host community so that they can carry on and start building a future again, she explains. With over 5 million people internally displaced by violence and instability across DRC since 2017, UNHCR has scaled up its operational response in the country to assist those in need, focusing on providing protection monitoring and assistance, shelter support, distributing relief items and helping people that choose to return home. While Elodie and Dusabe were among those who received such vital assistance, tens of thousands continue to live in dire conditions due to lack of funding and resources. I dont know where to go next. Edmon Bakituwa found refuge in a primary school in Oicha during the COVID-19 pandemic when schools were closed, but as they reopen, displaced families are being asked to leave. My stay here is long overdue, but I dont know where to go next, he says, looking into the distance. As more and more people flee to safer towns, the housing situation continues to deteriorate. UNHCR is working to improve housing for displaced people in North Kivu but more assistance is urgently needed to meet shelter needs in those areas where security is less volatile. Over 23,000 displaced families in North Kivu received shelter assistance in 2020, but the overall needs keep growing, with over 100,000 families still in urgent need of shelter in the province alone. I am hopeful that God will help us and I can find a place to call home again, says Edmon. 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 THE CLASS of 2021 has now matriculated into our midst, those lean exuberant people with lead weights of debt around their ankles, and theyve set aside the commencement speakers advice to take this imperfect world and make it better and instead are trying to make car payments and avoid pare 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 Milledgeville-Baldwin County Chamber of Commerce officials say more than 20 local employers will be on hand Wednesday searching for potential employees. The job fair is slated to last from 4 to 7 p.m. inside the GMC Activity Center located at 715 Broad St. A group of students sit on the steps of Alkek Library and hold up signs with slogans such as, "#Defend DACA" and "Educated Unafraid Undocumented." The Attorney for Students (AFS) Office is located at LBJ Student Center 5-1.5. Access the Experts: Omar Correa In this installment, Correa answers: When is the right time for a high school student to start college tours? In This Installment of Access the Experts Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Success Omar Correa, Ph.D., answers the question: When is the right time for a high school student to start college tours? About Correa Correa serves as the Associate Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management at UNO and has held roles in higher education for nearly 25 years. His areas of responsibility include Undergraduate Enrollment and Admissions, Financial Support & Scholarships, and Community College Relationship Management. Access the Experts Access the Experts is an innovative partnership between the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) and News Channel Nebraska (NCN), where viewers submit their questions to be answered by UNO faculty members. New segments of Access the Experts air every Tuesday and Thursday at 6:46 A.M. and 6:46 P.M. If youre not sure how to tune in, visit News Channel Nebraskas website to view their coverage areas. View all segments on our Access the Experts page. About the University of Nebraska at Omaha Located in one of Americas best cities to live, work and learn, the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) is Nebraskas premier metropolitan university. With more than 15,000 students enrolled in 200-plus programs of study, UNO is recognized nationally for its online education, graduate education, military friendliness and community engagement efforts. Founded in 1908, UNO has served learners of all backgrounds for more than 100 years and is dedicated to another century of excellence both in the classroom and in the community. Follow UNO on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube. The Indian government has ordered authorities in held Kashmir to ban the slaughter of all animals in the Muslim majority region for the Islamic festival of Eid al-Adha Occupied Srinagar, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 16th Jul, 2021 ) :The Indian government has ordered authorities in held Kashmir to ban the slaughter of all animals in the Muslim majority region for the Islamic festival of Eid al-Adha. The order by the Hindu nationalist government, released late Thursday, is likely to heighten tensions in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJK) where anxiety has deepened since New Delhi revoked its special autonomous status in August 2019. Citing animal welfare laws, the government's Animal Welfare board of India ordered police and authorities to "take all preventive measures" to halt the "illegal killing of animals and to take stringent action against offenders." Cows are considered sacred by many Hindus and their slaughter is banned in the region and many Indian states. The new order extends the ban to all animals for the first time. Muslims traditionally sacrifice a goat, sheep or cow for Eid al-Adha, or the Feast of the Sacrifice, and the Muttahida Majlis-e-Ulema, a coalition of Muslim religious bodies in Kashmir, expressed "strong resentment" at the government move. The Eid holiday is to be marked from July 21 to July 23. The group said in a statement that the sacrifice of animals to honour the Prophet Ibrahim (AS) "is an important tenet of religion on this day." The MMU urged the government to revoke the "arbitrary" order that is "unacceptable to Muslims of the state as they directly infringe upon their religious freedom and their personal law." The government order also triggered some outrage on social media. One shopkeeper in the main city of Srinagar, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the order was a new sign of "anti-Muslim policies being forced on Kashmir."Residents say they fear reprisals for expressing political views since the region's special status was revoked in 2019. Slaughter of cows, calves and camels on Muslim festival Eid al-Adha has been banned in the Muslim-majority Jammu and Kashmir SRINAGAR (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 16th Jul, 2021 ) Slaughter of cows, calves and camels on Muslim festival Eid al-Adha has been banned in the Muslim-majority Jammu and Kashmir. An order issued by the Animal Husbandry Department and addressed to the police chief for 97% Muslim Kashmir valley, and its divisional commissioner, has asked officials to stop "illegal killing/sacrifice" of cows, calves, camels and other animals besides taking legal action against those transporting these animals and "violating rules on Eid". The order said that a large number of sacrificial animals are likely to be slaughtered on the festival of sacrifice. "In view of animal welfare, the Animal Husbandry Ministry of the government of India has requested for implementation of precautionary measures to strictly implement the animal welfare laws such as Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Transport of Animals Welfare Rules...," the order reads. An overwhelming majority of Kashmir Muslims slaughter and eat sheep or goat on Eid. Although the slaughter of cows, calves and bulls stands officially banned, hundreds of meat shops sell beef and buffalo meat. The practice of sacrificing bovine animals was, until a few decades ago, prevalent in rural areas but catching up in the capital Srinagar too. Only a small number of camels are sacrificed and their slaughter on Eid is a relatively new practice. The fresh order is apparently aimed at placating the sentiments of the Hindus in the region, who are a minority as a whole (28-30%), but a majority in Jammu region, the voter base of India's ruling Hindu supremacist government. On June 23, a 24-year-old Muslim man, Aijaz Ahmad Dar, was lynched by a group of four Hindu men when he was returning home with a buffalo in Rajouri, a Muslim-majority district in Jammu. Local protesters called the accused as "cow vigilantes", a term used across India for Hindu men who hunt down, and occasionally lynch, those carrying cattle. ANKARA, 16 July (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 16th Jul, 2021 ) -:At least five people were trapped as water and sand flooded a coal mine in northwestern China, local media reported on Friday. The incident took place in the Yulin city of Shaanxi province on Thursday afternoon, according to public broadcaster CGTN. An operation continued to rescue the persons trapped in the mine. The latest incident came days after a hotel building collapsed in eastern China collapsed trapping 23 people, of whom 17 lost their lives. (@FahadShabbir) Barcelona, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 16th Jul, 2021 ) :Barcelona and other cities in northeastern Spain will reimpose a night-time curfew starting this weekend to fight a surge in virus cases after the measure won court approval on Friday. The curfew is intended to discourage social gatherings on beaches and in parks to curb a spike in cases of the highly-contagious Delta variant, especially among unvaccinated young people. Catalonia's regional government asked the courts this week for permission to restore a nightly curfew between 1:00 am and 6:00 am in areas where infection rates surpass 400 cases per 100,000 inhabitants over a seven-day period. The top court in the northeastern region on Friday approved the move, which will affect 161 municipalities, including popular beach resorts like Sitges, Salou and Lloret de Mar. "It is a difficult measure, but we must stop the infections, protect lives and the health system. It will take effect tonight," Catalonia's regional head Pere Aragones tweeted after the court ruling. The curfew will be in place until July 23 although the Catalan government can ask to extend it. Given the "absurdity" of Catalonia's epidemiological situation, the curfew will likely have to be extended for several weeks, the court said. Havana, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 16th Jul, 2021 ) :Unprecedented anti-government protests broke out in Cuba on July 11, which the single-party state leadership blames on a Twitter campaign orchestrated by the United States. But experts AFP spoke to say that view is at best an exaggeration. "I have irrefutable proof that the majority of those that took part in this (internet) campaign were in the United States and used automated systems to make content go viral, without being penalized by Twitter," Cuba's Foreign Affairs Minister Bruno Rodriguez said Tuesday. Rodriguez had already denied that the island nation experienced a "social explosion" when thousands of people took to the streets chanting "Freedom!" and "Down with the dictatorship!" The minister called it a "communication and information war against Cuba." So who is to blame? Authorities point to the hashtag #SOSCuba, launched in early July to highlight Cuba's healthcare crisis, the spike in Covid-19 cases, and to plead for foreign humanitarian aid. Spanish social media expert Julian Macias Tovar, who was invited to speak on Cuban state television on Tuesday, says there is something strange in the figures around the hashtag. "Between July 5, when the #SOSCuba hashtag was first used, and the eighth, there were just 5,000 tweets," Macias Tovar told AFP. It then exploded exponentially, he said, with 100,000 tweets on July 9, 500,00 on the 10th, 1.5 million the next day and two million on the 12th. The accounts tweeting with the #SOSCuba hashtag "came from many different places, and I believe there's an international network of accounts linked ideologically," said Macias Tovar. They are the same accounts that attacked Mexico's leftist president Andres Manuel Lopez and the leftist governments of Argentina and Spain, he said. This is a case of fake accounts or automated accounts programmed to produce a large number of tweets, Macias Tovar said. Doug Madory, the director of internet analysis at the IT firm Kentik, is more skeptical. "Someone sends a tweet in the United States that puts people on the streets in Cuba? I find it hard to believe," he said. "I don't know if one could sit and try to create a Twitter campaign that holds such sway over the average Cuban that out of the air they convince them to do things they wouldn't otherwise have done." While he acknowledged there were automated tweets, it is "probably true also of the government themselves" given the similarity between tweets from its supporters. On top of that, the government holds the ultimate weapon: it can cut off internet access, as it did between midday Sunday and Wednesday morning. Once access was restored, social media sites remained offline for another 24 hours. The government has not confirmed it cut off internet access, although Rodriguez said Cuba had "a right to self-defense." But on Tuesday night a presenter on state tv let slip the truth. "I understand as a journalist ... the step taken to cut social media because that is where the war against Cuba is being waged," said presenter Arleen Rodriguez Derivet. According to Cuban political scientist Harold Cardenas, "it would be a simplification to say it's a US campaign because there are obviously many other reasons behind the protests." For example, he said, "I know communists that were detained the other day for taking part in protests. "That's not to say that the United States has no responsibility in the unrest" through its sanctions that "intentionally asphyxiate the Cuban people." It is true that social media has been "used to create parallel realities," since there has been an avalanche of fake news and doctored images shared in Cuba over recent days. "There has been an effort from abroad to create uncertainty in the country," said Cardenas. But the government is "attributing an exaggerated importance to Twitter," and people are genuinely "fed up and economically exhausted."Macias Tovar agrees with Cardenas. "Beyond this being a campaign orchestrated" from abroad, he said, "there are people who are mobilizing, people who are demonstrating against the government, people who have petitions -- what the Cuban government must do is respect the right to protest." Berlin, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 16th Jul, 2021 ) :Authorities in Germany's Rhineland-Palatinate said Friday that 50 people have died in devastating floods in the western state, bringing the national death toll to at least 81, with dozens more missing. "The number of dead has gone up to 50" from 28 in the badly hit region, a spokesman for the interior ministry of Rhineland-Palatinate, Timo Haungs, told AFP. (@FahadShabbir) PortauPrince, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 16th Jul, 2021 ) :The assassination of Jovenel Moise by armed mercenaries was planned in the neighboring Dominican Republic, say Haitian police, who announced the detention of the slain president's chief bodyguard and three other members of his security detail. The apparent ease with which a hit squad entered the Haitian leader's residence in Port-au-Prince and shot him dead, with no injuries to his bodyguards, has raised suspicions that the July 7 attack may have been an inside job. A photograph circulating on social media identifies two suspects -- both later arrested -- meeting former Haitian opposition senator Joel John Joseph, who is wanted by police. According to Haitian national police director Leon Charles, the picture was taken as the trio were in the Dominican capital plotting to kill Moise, whose body was found riddled with bullets. "They met in a hotel in Santo Domingo," Charles told reporters. "Around the table there are the architects of the plot, a technical recruitment team and a finance group." "Some individuals in the photo have already been apprehended, such as Dr. Christian Emmanuel Sanon and James Solages," Charles added. - US connections - Both suspects are Haitian-Americans. Police say Solages coordinated with Miami-based Venezuelan security firm CTU as part of the plot. "The head of the firm, Antonio Emmanuel Intriago Valera, is in the picture," said Charles. "He entered Haiti several times to plan the assassination." Florida-based financial services company Worldwide Capital Lending Group funded the attack, Charles said, adding that its boss Walter Veintemilla also appears with the plotters. Three Colombian mercenaries have been killed and 18 arrested by Haitian police. "There was a group of four (mercenaries) who were already in the country. The others entered on June 6. They went through the Dominican Republic. We traced the credit card that was used to buy the plane tickets," said Charles. "They are former Colombian special force operatives. They are experts, criminals. This was a well-planned attack," the police chief added. Among the four presidential security officials placed in solitary confinement at the police headquarters were Dimitri Herard, the head of Moise's personal security detail and three others. Another 24 were subject to inquiries, Charles said. Haiti has called on the United States -- which has trained Colombian forces in the past -- for help in shedding light on who was behind the assassination. "A review of our training databases indicates that a small number of the Colombian individuals detained as part of this investigation had participated in past US military training and education programs, while serving as active members of the Colombian military forces," said Pentagon spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Ken Hoffman. He said he had nothing to add as the "review is ongoing." Meanwhile, the first images of the Moise's wounded widow, who was evacuated to Florida for medical care after the attack, were posted Thursday. "Thank you for the team of guardian angels who helped me through this terrible time," 47-year-old Martine Moise said on Twitter, alongside a photograph of her in hospital with a heavily bandaged arm. "With your gentle touch, kindness and care, I was able to hold on."In a message written in Creole, she said the pain of losing her husband "will never pass." (@ChaudhryMAli88) Melbourne, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 16th Jul, 2021 ) :Melbourne's streets returned to the eerie quiet of lockdown for the fifth time Friday, as Australia battled to contain an outbreak of the Delta variant of Covid-19 in its two largest cities. More than 12 million Australians are now under stay-at-home orders after Melbourne residents began their first day of a snap lockdown, joining Sydneysiders already deep into weeks-long restrictions. "You look around the city today; there's no one here. The city is asleep," Melbourne resident Mike Cameron told AFP. Locals are only allowed to leave their homes for a handful of reasons, including exercise and to buy essential items, but many are hopeful the restrictions could be brief. "Hopefully, it's just the five days; I think that's very manageable -- glad that we got onto it really fast," Melbourne local Matilda Dempsey, 18, said. "I think Sydney left it a bit late, and now they're kind of stuck in a worse situation." Authorities around the country are desperately working to track, trace and prevent cases from spreading through a largely unvaccinated population. Melbourne recorded six cases of the virus Friday, all linked to known clusters, with the outbreak now at 24 infections. But a growing number of exposure sites -- including a recent Australia versus France rugby match in the city -- were fuelling fears among authorities that thousands could have been exposed to the virus. In Sydney, the epicentre of the latest outbreak, official numbers showed the virus was still moving undetected in the community as daily cases climbed again to just under 100. "It's a dangerous, dangerous variant, and it's there, after all of us, we all need to take care," New South Wales Health Minister Brad Hazzard told media. Sydney's lockdown is set to continue for at least two more weeks as authorities try to curb the community spread. The outbreak has now passed 1,000 cases in one month. Australia had been widely lauded for its early handling of the pandemic and successful "Covid zero" strategy -- achieved mainly by the country largely closing its borders to the world since March last year. But a painfully slow vaccine rollout has left just 10 percent of the population protected as many other developed nations are starting to reopen. LOME, Togo,16 July (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 16th Jul, 2021 ) -:The highly contagious Delta variant of COVID-19 accounts for 30% of new cases recorded in Senegal, the director of the Institute for Health Research, Epidemiological Surveillance and Training (IRESSEF) said Friday. Amid the third wave of the pandemic, the Alpha variant has disappeared to make way for the predominant Delta variant, which "constitutes 30% of new infections," Souleymane Mboup said at a meeting of the National Epidemic Management Committee (CNGE) relayed by the local press. According to Mboup, one third of new infections is due to this variant amid a rapid spread of the virus and increase in the number of cases. Senegal registered 674 new cases Thursday after reporting a new daily record of 733 infections Wednesday. The country is experiencing a significant rise in COVID infections, according to Health Minister Abdoulaye Sarr. "For the past five weeks, we have been recording a significant increase in the number of COVID-19 cases. The figures for the last few days show that the virus is [rapidly] circulating," he said, speaking at the CNGE meeting. The country has registered a total of 48,270 cases, including 1,209 deaths, since the beginning of the pandemic in the country. (@FahadShabbir) Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday said with Pakistan and Uzbekistan sharing the same objective of lifting their people out of poverty, increased and strong trade and economic relations would be mutually beneficial and a win-win for the two sides TASHKENT, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 15th Jul, 2021 ) :Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday said with Pakistan and Uzbekistan sharing the same objective of lifting their people out of poverty, increased and strong trade and economic relations would be mutually beneficial and a win-win for the two sides. "Uzbekistan can benefit from Pakistan's geo-strategic location, a market of 220 million people and providing access to the middle East and Africa, While Pakistan can have access to the Central Asian states through Uzbekistan, an important country of the region," he remarked. The prime minister expressed these views while addressing a joint press conference with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev after holding an in-depth discussion on various issues of mutual interest. Stressing on the importance of economic cooperation, Imran Khan said the two countries were following similar visions of a new Uzbekistan and a new Pakistan to lift their people out of poverty through a welfare state. It was a model of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), who established the first welfare state and ensured inclusive development by taking care of the poor and downtrodden, he added. China, he said, pursued the same strategy to lift their people out of poverty. The prime minister said Pakistan with a shift in from geo-strategic to geo-economics, wanted to strengthen its trade and economic relations. Pakistan's strong trade relations with Uzbekistan, which was a big country in Central Asia, would be a win-win for the two countries. He said Pakistan's seriousness to have strong trade and economic relations could be gauged from the visit of biggest-ever country's trade delegation comprising representatives of 130 large business houses. The prime minister said when he was leaving for Tashkent, he received messages from a number of Pakistani businessmen expressing their desire to be part of the delegation. He welcomed the agreements signed between the two countries private sectors, saying it was very important and would benefit both Pakistan and Uzbekistan. \More Pacific Rim leaders vowed to ramp up the production and distribution of Covid-19 vaccines Friday at an emergency virtual meeting to develop an action plan that will contain the global pandemic Wellington, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 16th Jul, 2021 ) :Pacific Rim leaders vowed to ramp up the production and distribution of Covid-19 vaccines Friday at an emergency virtual meeting to develop an action plan that will contain the global pandemic. The unprecedented talks brought together heads of state from the 21-nation Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) group, including US President Joe Biden and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping. New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, who convened the online summit at short notice, described discussions as "rich", saying they set a strong agenda for APEC's major leaders' meeting in November. "For the first time in APEC's history, leaders have come together for an extraordinary meeting focused exclusively on Covid-19 and how our region can navigate out of the worst health and economic crisis in living memory," she said. "Front of mind for leaders is achieving widespread access for vaccines globally and working collaboratively to provide them to everyone as soon as possible." The meeting produced few specific commitments, although China's Xi promised $3 billion in aid to help developing countries recover from the social and economic impacts of the coronavirus. Xi said China had already supplied developing countries with more than 500 million Covid-19 vaccine doses. The United States said that it was also donating more than 500 million "safe and effective" vaccines around the world. Biden "made clear that the United States is donating our vaccines, not selling them, and underscored the importance of not attaching any political or economic conditions," the White House said in a statement. In a joint communique, the APEC leaders vowed to "redouble our efforts to expand vaccine manufacture and supply," with Ardern saying there was also a determination to cut tariffs on vaccines and associated medical equipment. She said the discussions "moved us beyond vaccine nationalism", which she blamed for helping the development of the fast-spreading virus variants which are now fuelling the pandemic. "We need to suppress transmission and do everything we can to get as many people vaccinated as soon as possible," she said. - 'Vaccine passports' - The New Zealand leader signalled that APEC nations would be looking at digital documentation to streamline travel and trade across international borders without compromising pandemic-related health safeguards. "We are pushing for collaborative and practical solutions on safely reconnecting with the world by continuing to explore options including vaccine passports, travel green lanes and quarantine-free travel bubbles," she said. Ardern said it was vital trade supply chains remained open in APEC, whose member nations collectively account for about 60 percent of global GDP. The virtual meeting brought together world leaders such as Russian President Vladimir Putin, Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, Australia's Scott Morrison and Justin Trudeau of Canada. Much attention was on whether Biden and Xi could set aside the rivalries of an increasingly fraught US-China relationship to cooperate on Ardern's agenda. Xi delivered his remarks by pre-recorded video in contrast to other leaders, according to a diplomatic source. Ardern said all the participating leaders were "totally focused on the issues that we as a region face". (@ChaudhryMAli88) WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 17th July, 2021) White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and Chief Adviser to the President of Turkey Ibrahim Kalin discussed a range of regional issues in a phone call on Friday, National Security Council spokesperson Emily Horne said in statement. "National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan spoke by phone today with Ibrahim Kalin, Spokesperson and Chief Adviser to the President of Turkey. Following the meeting between President Joe Biden and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on June 14, Mr. Sullivan and Dr. Kalin discussed a range of regional issues," Horne said. Earlier this week, the Pentagon reported that the United States and Turkey are currently discussing what security at the Kabul international airport will look like once US forces complete the withdrawal from Afghanistan. At an event on Friday, Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister Yavuz Selim Kiran said his government has sent the Biden administration more than 200 requests to extradite the Gulen movement leader and its members whom Ankara has accused of instigated the 2016 coup. WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 16th July, 2021) Los Angeles County's health department said it has reimposed an indoor mask mandate regardless of individuals' vaccination status. "New Health Officer Order will require masking indoors regardless of vaccination status," the healthy agency said in an advisory on Thursday. The advisory said the mask mandate will go into effect on Sunday. Los Angeles County health officials are concerned about another surge of COVID-19 cases after seven straight days of single-day infections topping one thousand. On Thursday, Los Angeles County reported 1,537 new infections, which is the highest single-day count since early March. MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 16th July, 2021) Canada will be able to reopen to fully vaccinated tourists by early September provided a satisfactory progress of the national vaccination campaign, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said. On Thursday, Trudeau and Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Dominic LeBlanc, held a call with Canada's provincial and territorial premiers to discuss their shared response to the pandemic. "The Prime Minister noted that, if our current positive path of vaccination rate and public health conditions continue, Canada would be in a position to welcome fully vaccinated travelers from all countries by early September," Trudeau's press service quoted him as saying. The statement did not specify which vaccines Canada would recognize, however, it noted that fully vaccinated US nationals and permanent residents can be expected to be allowed into the northern neighboring country starting mid-August. Since March 2020, the entry to Canada has been banned for all travelers, including those from the United States, and later the restrictions on non-essential travel were prolonged until July 21. QUITO (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 17th July, 2021) An Ecuadorean court has granted the defense's motion to recuse the judge handling the case of Ola Bini, a Swedish software developer and Julian Assange's close friend, over irregularities in the legal process. "On July 15, the hearing of the recusal of Judge Yadira Prouno, responsible for the criminal process against Ola Bini, was held. ... Judge Ximena Rodriguez decided to accept the request for recusal," Bini's lawyer Carlos Soria tweeted Thursday. Bini was detained in Ecuador in 2019, in the wake of the WikiLeaks founder's arrest. The IT specialist is suspected of having ties to the whistleblowing website. Ecuador's Interior Minister Maria Paula Romo said the 39-year-old visited Assange at the Ecuadorean Embassy in London a dozen times. Bini was initially accused of hacking government accounts and telephones but the charges were later changed to unauthorized access to a computer system. His defense team and human rights charities said they had documented repeated violations of due process, which meant that the case against Bini was unfair. DOHA (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 16th July, 2021) The Shia Houthi rebels said they had established control over a part of the central Yemeni province of Al Bayda. "The operation of Al-Nasr Al-Mubin has resulted in the liberation of some 100-square-kilometers [38 square miles] territory in the districts of As Sawma'ah and Az Zahir," a Houthi general told the Almasirah broadcaster on Thursday. He added that planes of the Saudi-led coalition had carried out more than 160 airstrikes in the area to support the Yemeni government forces. According to the general, the operation left 350 soldiers of the government forces dead and more than 560 others injured, as well as 29 transport vehicles damaged or destroyed. Indian photojournalist for Reuters and Pulitzer Prize winner Danish Siddiqui was killed during clashes between Afghan government forces and the Taliban (banned in Russia) in the Spin Buldak district in the east of Kandahar province, the local governor's office told Sputnik on Friday KABUL (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 16th July, 2021) Indian photojournalist for Reuters and Pulitzer prize winner Danish Siddiqui was killed during clashes between Afghan government forces and the Taliban (banned in Russia) in the Spin Buldak district in the east of Kandahar province, the local governor's office told Sputnik on Friday. The Taliban announced earlier this week that they had taken control of the district's central part, a strategically important link in the cross-border trade with Pakistan. In the last few days, Siddiqui was in Spin Buldak covering the situation in the conflict-torn province, the office's spokesperson said. In the meantime, Indian Ambassador to Afghanistan Rudrendra Tandon is in contact with the Afghan authorities regarding the incident, Arindam Bagchi, a spokesperson for the Indian Foreign Ministry, told Sputnik. "Our Embassy in Kabul is in touch with Afghan authorities to bring back the mortal remains of Danish Siddiqui. We have been informed that the body has been handed over by the Taliban to the [International Committee of the Red Cross] ICRC. We are actively facilitating the return of the body in coordination with Afghan authorities and the ICRC. We are in regular touch with family members of Danish Siddiqui, " government sources told Sputnik. Siddiqui received the Pulitzer Prize for Feature Photography in 2018 as part of the Photography staff of Reuters for its reporting on the Rohingya refugee crisis. The UK carrier strike group led by the fifth-generation 65,000-tonne aircraft carrier Queen Elizabeth on its maiden trip has entered the Indian Ocean and is sailing towards India to conduct routine maritime exercises with the Indian Navy, the UK Defense Ministry said in a statement published on Friday LONDON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 16th July, 2021) The UK carrier strike group led by the fifth-generation 65,000-tonne aircraft carrier Queen Elizabeth on its maiden trip has entered the Indian Ocean and is sailing towards India to conduct routine maritime exercises with the Indian Navy, the UK Defense Ministry said in a statement published on Friday. The largest concentration of maritime and air power to leave the UK in a generation sailed off from Portsmouth, England, on May 22 in a deployment that has been described as a show of military strength following the UK's exit from the European Union last year. "The UK Carrier Strike Group deployment is a major moment for UK defence as we develop this cutting edge capability across the globe," Defense secretary Ben Wallace was quoted as saying, Wallace claimed that it also illustrates London's "enduring commitment to global defence and security, strengthening our existing alliances and forging new partnerships with like-minded countries as we face up to the challenges of the 21st century. " The HMS Queen Elizabeth is carrying on deck eight F-35B Lightning II-fast jets, four Wildcat maritime attack helicopters, seven Merlin Mk2 anti-submarine and airborne early warning helicopters, and three Merlin Mk4 commando helicopters, and is escorted by six Royal Navy ships, a Royal Navy submarine, a US Navy destroyer and a frigate from the Netherlands. The carrier strike group entered the Indian Ocean after a series of engagements and operations in the Mediterranean. The fleet is expected to visit 40 nations, including India, Japan, Republic of Korea and Singapore, in a deployment covering 26,000 nautical miles. Valdosta, GA (31601) Today Partial cloudiness early, with scattered showers and thunderstorms during the afternoon. High 88F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.. Tonight Scattered thunderstorms, especially late. Low 73F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%. Valdosta, GA (31601) Today Partly cloudy skies this morning. Thunderstorms likely during the afternoon. High 88F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%.. Tonight Variable clouds with thunderstorms, especially late. Low 72F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%. Valdosta, GA (31601) Today Partial cloudiness early, with scattered showers and thunderstorms during the afternoon. High 87F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.. Tonight Partly to mostly cloudy with a chance of thunderstorms. Low 72F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%. The Biden administration announced shipments of millions of Moderna vaccine donations for Guatemala and Vietnam on Tuesday, after pledging to donate 4 million doses to Indonesia last week. But overall, the U.S. fell short of its target of sending 80 million doses to countries in need by the end of June. White House correspondent Patsy Widakuswara has this report on the challenges facing the U.S. effort to help vaccinate the world. VOA Khmer's Pichchinda Sou narrates. No media source currently available The URL has been copied to your clipboard The code has been copied to your clipboard. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa says security agencies will pursue 'instigators' suspected of being behind looting this week in Durban and other areas. Lucy Fielder reports. Morristown, VT (05661) Today Rain ending this morning. Breaks of sun in the afternoon. High 79F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall around a quarter of an inch.. Tonight Scattered thunderstorms during the evening. Partly cloudy skies after midnight. Low around 60F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%. Stowe, VT (05672) Today Rain early. A mix of sun and clouds by afternoon. High 79F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall around a quarter of an inch.. Tonight Scattered thunderstorms early, then partly cloudy after midnight. Low 62F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%. This documentary about the life of the chef and travel-show host treats its subject like a mystery to be solved and treats his death that way, too. Photo: Focus Features Anthony Bourdain died by suicide on June 8, 2018, and half of the people interviewed in Roadrunner: A Film About Anthony Bourdain dont seem like theyre ready to talk about it. Eric Ripert, who found his friend dead in Strasbourg, France, where the two were shooting an episode of Bourdains CNN series Parts Unknown, politely and firmly refuses to address the incident at all when the documentary reaches its last act. Roadrunner is a documentary about Bourdains life that is irrevocably overshadowed by his recent death a standard-format talking heads and archival footage film that manages to feel unruly and raw and sometimes troubling. Its more interesting than 99 percent of the biographical documentaries out there today, but the grief being showcased is so close to the surface, and the emotions still so unprocessed, that it can feel invasive. Sometimes, it feels worse than that in deciding to treat his subject as a mystery hes trying to solve, director Morgan Neville makes some ugly choices when it comes to that subjects suicide, before veering off into a conclusion thats more cathartic. A certain degree of kamikaze honesty is, you could argue, in line with its subject, even if the results, in Roadrunner, sometimes go beyond messy into irresponsible. Bourdain a chef who became a writer, a writer who became a TV host, and a TV host who got as close as a celebrity can to being universally beloved these days had a pathological aversion to bullshit. His first burst of fame came from a book, Kitchen Confidential, that described the dysfunctional unseen ecosystem of high-end restaurants with a hilarious frankness, as well as a resolute affection. He made his way in front of the camera, but the back of the house, where things were actually cooked in cramped chaos, was where his heart remained throughout his career. His shows were made with the understanding that great meals were as likely to come from a roadside cart as a white-tablecloth joint, and they were founded (and sometimes cast doubt) on the power of food to bring people together. Bourdain had no desire to be placed on a pedestal, and thats an impulse thats all but built into the basic bio-doc, which is informed by a desire to reassure its audience that the person theyre watching a movie about was important enough to justify the run time. His life, with its abrupt end, doesnt fit into the modified sine wave the formula demands humble beginnings, slow rise, peak success, fall, then redemption or a reaffirming of legacy. Neville, who got his start with episodes of Biography on A&E, and holds the current category box-office record with his bittersweet 2018 Mr. Rogers portrait, Wont You Be My Neighbor?, is certainly conscious of this. Its why, surely, he tries to frame his film as an investigation instead. Its earliest scenes contain a montage of its interviewees getting ready in front of the camera a peek-behind-the-curtain trick that most docs use to create a sense of greater transparency, but that here has the feel of an impending interrogation. The montage ends with artist John Lurie questioning an offscreen Neville about how he expects to make a film about Bourdain when Bourdain committed suicide, the fucking asshole. I want to make a film about why he was who he was, Neville replies. But for most of Roadrunner, the distinction between portrait and investigation is negligible. The first two-thirds feel like a wake, and not in a regrettable way, with Bourdains friends and colleagues reminiscing and sharing fond and embarrassing memories of him. His boss at Les Halles, Philippe Lajaunie, recalls learning that his executive chef had written a salty tell-all about the restaurant industry only around the time Kitchen Confidential hit the best-seller list. Bourdains creative partners, Lydia Tenaglia and Chris Collins, talk about recruiting him to shoot a food-and-travel series, only to discover how awkward he was in front of the camera. One of his regular cinematographers, Todd Liebler, recalls going to Beirut for No Reservations, only for the crew to find themselves at the start of the 2006 Lebanon War, holed up at a hotel pool while bombing took place outside. The episode became a formative one for Bourdain as an onscreen personality, the moment he started tilting toward bigger and more complicated stories, food often an entry point instead of the main point. Bourdain may have cut a swashbuckling figure, but he wasnt prone to self-mythologizing, preferring to be up front about his own failings, fears, and dark moments up to and including repeating discussions about mortality. The result is that the bulk of Roadrunner is warm, intimate, and unsurprising. But when the film approaches the final years of Bourdains life, it starts to lose sight of him amid the sense of betrayal felt by so many people close to him. As it tries to piece together his mental and emotional state in the time leading up to his death, its attempts to find reasons for what happened next start settling helplessly around the messy figure of Asia Argento. Bourdain started dating the Italian actor and filmmaker in 2016, after the end of his marriage to Ottavia Busia, and was smitten, if also convinced, as musician Alison Mosshart recalls being told, that it was going to end very, very badly. Argento becomes the impetus for Bourdain losing his way, leading him to become outspoken on behalf of Me Too (a movement thats treated with an odd ambivalence); he insisted Argento direct a Hong Kongset episode of his show that went disastrously, and fired longtime collaborators when she didnt like what they were doing. Or at least, thats how events are recounted by everyone, except for Argento. Argento, who was photographed holding hands with a French reporter a few days before Bourdains suicide, is not interviewed for the film, and Neville has since made it clear that he didnt ask her to participate a choice that feels irresponsible, to put it mildly, especially in light of the way she was targeted as responsible for Bourdains death by swaths of the public and media in the weeks after it happened. Argento is made into a receptacle for blame, without ever being given a chance to speak for herself onscreen. One of the interviewees finally declares, Tony killed himself. Tony did it, but only after the film notes that Bourdains last Instagram Story was set to music from Violent City, about a hit man in love with a faithless woman too little, too late. Theres no solving someones suicide, and the implication that its possible is a deeply unhelpful way to treat self-harm. That late sequence gives you a sense that Nevilles responsibilities to his subject were outweighed by his desire to tell a neater narrative. But then the film turns to artist David Choe, a fellow addict who sees himself as very much of a kind with his late friend. Its Choe who points out that they both saw suffering as key to great art, a belief that can make you feel compelled to then seek out more pain. And its Choe who weeps freely on camera, and who says, devastatingly, that he let me down a better encapsulation of the hurt that remains in Bourdains absence than all the implied accusations and quests for answers that precede it. Roadrunner may have been made too soon, and made with a misguided approach in mind, but in its closing moments, it manages a sudden magnificence in affirming that theres no right way to mourn. Grief, in all of its ugly reality, is a part of life too, and theres no tidying it up for the camera. One of the largest state parks in North Alabama just got a little bigger. One hundred and fifty seven acres were added to DeSoto State Park in DeKalb County. That means you will be able to experience more of the great outdoors! "We were absolutely thrilled," said Kathryn Norris, enjoys DeSoto State Park. Mike and Kathryn Norris are two of the thousands of people who visit DeSoto State Park. "I like coming down here in the mornings. I run down here and it's nice just spending time enjoying the peacefulness of the river. We kayak, we fish, we hike, we do it all," said Mike Norris, enjoys DeSoto State Park. Now there will be more to land for you to get out and explore. The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources bought this property at an auction. "There's only certain opportunities to acquire property like this. Once it's developed into a subdivision or something else, you know it's not available for public access," said Chris Blankenship, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Commissioner. The mayor of Metone said that's exactly what the land could have been used for. "The property owners were trying to sell this piece of property and one of the considerations was making it a subdivision there which would have been a huge development, roads, a lot of infrastructure, plus the residents. It would put a lot of pressure on the river itself," said Rob Hammond, Town of Mentone Mayor. Instead, the possibilities for the riverfront property are endless. "It's a blank slate for us, we're looking to build some trails there. Some type of access to the water. We're working through all the options," said Chris Blankenship, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Commissioner. "I think it's just fantastic to know that our grandchildren are going to run around the same areas where I ran around as a child and enjoy it in the exact same condition that I did. I think that's unique and special...We're just grateful that our little corner is being protected," said Kathryn Norris, enjoys DeSoto State Park. The land also includes access to more than one thousand feet along Little River. Retaining and recruiting staff is the goal for Huntsville City Schools ahead of the coming school year. Thursday night a proposed incentive plan was announced during the school board meeting. Huntsville City Schools board members discuss the proposed incentive plan. Huntsville City Schools board members discuss the proposed incentive plan. The Huntsville City Schools Professional Learning Academy is where teachers and other staff members would discuss various topics such as addressing learning loss and they would receive a certain amount of compensation for participating in the academy. "Everyone knows school districts were given ESSER money or what we call the third round of CARES money which is basically emergency relief funding to address student learning loss and student acceleration," said Christie Finley, Huntsville City Schools Superintendent. And part of the $60 million dollars Huntsville City Schools received will go towards the Professional Learning Academy. That's because the school district wants to invest in their teachers and staff now. "We know that by investing in our people it builds capacity. We also know that one of the greatest factors in student achievement is a highly effective teacher and we value our teachers, we value our staff," said Finley. The modules for the academy would take place every month outside of the regular school day for teachers and staff members to attend. "Every time they attend it will work up to a total amount of money that we'd like to give out you know whether it be at the end of each semester or upon completion of those modules," said Finley. The proposed amount for certified staff such as teachers and administrators would be between $2,000 and $3,000. For other staff members like administrative assistants, the amount would be $1,000. "We look at you know as this funding eventually goes away so does the things that may come with it. If we were to add additional personnel that becomes, that goes away, but what we know stays is really investing in our teachers. That is something that outlives that funding," said Finley. The Professional Learning Academy will be discussed even more at the next Huntsville City Schools board of education meeting that will take place the first week of August. WALLOWA COUNTY The Elbow Creek Fire continues to spread rapidly, and as of Friday afternoon, July 16, is at an estimated 12,000-13,000 acres Monroe, GA (30655) Today Scattered thunderstorms this morning, then mainly cloudy during the afternoon with thunderstorms likely. High 79F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 80%. Locally heavy rainfall possible.. Tonight Thunderstorms likely. Low 68F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 90%. ITA to take to the skies in October as successor to Italian flag carrier. New airline Italia Trasporto Aereo (ITA) will replace state-owned Alitalia and start flying from October, the Italian economy minister said yesterday. The announcement followed a breakthrough in talks between Italy and the European Commission after months of negotiations over how to carve out a role for the new carrier and make it independent of the struggling Alitalia. The move to keep ITA separate from Alitalia is to ensure it would not be liable for paying back billions of euro the old carrier had received in state aid, Reuters reports. The economy ministry said that discussions with the Commission had resulted in a "constructive and balanced solution, which guarantees the discontinuity needed to comply with European law." The ministry confirmed that Alitalia will cease operations on 15 October, the same day that its slimmed-down successor ITA becomes "fully operational." The Commission, tasked with policing state aid in the EU, said it remains in close contact with Italy to ensure that "the launch of ITA as a new and viable market player is in line with EU state aid rules. The European watchdog also continues to investigate the 1.3 billion that Alitalia received in state funds between 2017 and 2019. The new carrier will reportedly begin operations with an initial capital of 700 million which it will use to buy assets from Alitalia, with aims to break even by the third quarter of 2023. ITA will start off with a fleet of 52 planes, with the number of aircraft rising to 78 next year and reaching 105 by the end of 2025, reports Italian news agency ANSA. ITA will inherit only part of Alitalia's flight slots, Reuters reports, obtaining 85 per cent of Alitalia slots at Milan's Linate airport and 43 per cent of slots at Fiumicino in Rome. Alitalia currently has a staff of 11,000. Reuters reports that between 2,750 and 2,950 will be employed in ITA's aviation unit this year, rising to 5,550-5,700 in 2025, with up to 4,000 workers likely to be hired in handling and maintenance units. Italy's transport minister Enrico Giovannini said the new company would be competitive both nationally and internationally, and that it has "significant growth prospects." However national airline unions have slammed the new company's employment commitments as "unacceptable," reports Reuters. ITA faces an uphill start thanks to a challenging economic situation caused by a general fall-off in air travel due to the covid-19 pandemic. On July 12, 2021, U.K. Secretary of State for Defence Ben Wallace met with U.S. Secretary of Defence Lloyd J. Austin III in Washington, D.C. The pair discussed their continued transatlantic cooperation, and the meeting came to a close with a ceremony held at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. An important meeting Secretary Austin and Wallace met at the Pentagon to reaffirm the relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom. They discussed the importance of continued transatlantic cooperation and the need to continue sharing the burden of addressing the worlds security challenges. Along with discussing ongoing operations in the Middle East and the U.S. Armys withdrawal from Afghanistan, the two spoke about strategic competition with a focus on the Indo-Pacific and Europe. Secretary Austin committed to continuing consultations with the U.K. on strategic reviews, while Wallace highlighted the U.K.s investments in defense modernization. To conclude, they said they look forward to deepening the U.S.U.K. defense cooperation, a sentiment reinforced by the signing of a one-year extension for the U.S.U.K. Statement of Intent Regarding Enhanced Cooperation on Carrier Operations and Maritime Power Projection. It has now been extended until January 5, 2023. After the meeting, Wallace laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier during an Armed Forces Full Honors Wreath Ceremony. He was joined by Austin and Major General Allan M. Pepin, Commanding General of the U.S. Army Military District of Washington. History of the Tomb The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is the final resting place for a handful of Americas unidentified service members. It has been the home of one troop who lost his life during World War I, a service that was officiated over by President Warren G. Harding. In 1956, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a bill that would allow tributes to the unknown soldiers of World War II and the Korean War. Those selected were interred during a ceremony in 1958. Fantastic to have Defence Secretary @BWallaceMP in Washington to underscore the closeness of the UK-US defence relationship. Moving and dignified ceremony at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in the beautiful Arlington Cemetery amphitheatre. pic.twitter.com/xeRtOM0r6y Karen Pierce (@KarenPierceUK) July 14, 2021 The same happened with an unknown from the Vietnam War, whose remains were later exhumed and subjected to DNA testing. This identified him as Air Force 1st Lieutenant Michael Joseph Blassie. In his place, it was decided the crypt would remain vacant. Its cover was replaced with a new inscription, reading: Honoring and Keeping Faith with Americas Missing Servicemen, 19581975. Time-honored traditions The neoclassical sarcophagus stands atop a hill at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C., and serves as a place of mourning and reflection. Its white marble features six sculpted images of wreaths, three on each side, to represent the six major operations of WWI, as well as three Greek figures to represent Victory, Valor, and Peace. The back features an inscription, which reads: Here rests in honored glory the American soldier known but to God. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is guarded by Tomb Guard sentinels, who are posted at the crypt 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They are an elite volunteer unit within the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, known as The Old Guard, the oldest active-duty infantry unit in the Army. More from us: RAF Master Bombers Gallantry Medals Up For Auction Visitors are allowed to watch the time-honored Changing of the Guard ceremony. It starts with the Relief Commander announcing the ceremony, after which the Tomb Guard marches in 21-step increments around the Tomb. Doing so symbolizes the 21-gun salute. After, they execute a shoulder-arms movement to place their weapon on the shoulder closest to those watching the ceremony, to signify they are protecting the Tomb from any potential threat. Allowing the defaults by a few state-backed firms showed that it wants a market-based approach, but in an orderly manner. Ending moral hazard -- a tolerance for risky moves in the belief that the state will always bail you out in case of trouble -- for the likes of Huarong and Evergrande would make the financial system more resilient over the long run. But a major default would cause significant short-term pain for investors from New York to London who enjoy the juicy yields on Chinese bonds. The danger for Xi is that it could trigger precisely the kind of crisis hes trying to avoid, where investors fearing contagion panic and begin selling off good debt with the bad. Xi has doubled down on perceived threats to the Communist Party and economic stability ahead of a 2022 leadership shuffle that could see him hold on to the presidency for an unprecedented third term. Egypt has accused Ethiopia of refusing to agree to release a permanent, minimum volume of water from the dam in the event of severe drought. Its foreign minister, Sameh Shoukry, has warned that while Egypt and Sudan are committed to talks and a peaceful settlement, all options are on the table when it comes to reaching that goal. During Omar al-Bashirs rule, Sudan accepted Ethiopias assurances that the dam would help control flooding and that Sudan would benefit from the power generated. Since al-Bashir was toppled in 2019, Sudan has aligned itself with Egypt, saying the Nile is joint property and an agreement must be reached before the dam can be filled. Moise said the 1987 constitution gave the legislative branch too much power and was one of the root causes of Haitis political instability. (Since a popular uprising ended the 15-year rule of Jean-Claude Baby Doc Duvalier in 1986, the nation has churned through 20 presidential administrations.) The new constitution would eliminate the position of prime minister and create the office of the vice president. It would also collapse the Senate and Chamber of Deputies into a single, unicameral body. The new constitution would also give Haitis vast diaspora more political rights. Crucially, the new constitution sets presidential term limits at two five-year terms. Under the current document, presidents can only serve non-consecutive terms. Despite opposition fears, Moise had said he would not use the constitutional overhaul as justification to seek re-election. In South Korea widely praised for its initial response to the pandemic that included extensive testing and contact tracing a shortage in vaccines has left 70% of the population still waiting for their first shot. Thailand, which only started its mass vaccination in early June, is seeing skyrocketing cases and record deaths, and only about 15% of people have had at least one shot. In Vietnam, only about 4% have. The Brussels-based European Commission proposes new laws. Its members, one from each member state, are appointed and are supposed to represent the EU as a whole. Generally the European Parliament, which is directly elected, has to approve the proposal along with the Council of the European Union, made up of ministers or representatives from the 27 national governments. There are some legislative fields that countries have agreed to reserve for the EU level. These are the customs union, monetary policy for countries that share the euro, trade with countries outside the bloc, competition rules for the EU single market, and a common fisheries policy. But EU law also covers other areas, and has expanded over the years to include issues that affect daily life such as food safety or air pollution or data privacy. That sometimes forces changes in existing national laws. [Hargrove] almost always wrote at the piano, recalls Fortner on how the two of them worked out a song. Hell sit at the piano, then play a song for me once or twice. Then hell look at me and be like, You got it? I was like, Yeah, play it along with me. So Ill play the top, and hell play the whole song at the bottom and [hed] be like, All right, cool. You got it. Now show it to Ameen [Saleem]. He would sing the drumbeat to tell the drummer whatever kind of beat he wanted. After thats over, hell go over the melody with Justin [Robinson]. And that was it. His band was a total ear band. Our rehearsals were sound checks we never really rehearsed. These two images have an oddly similar mood. Both women have sober expressions and a sense of stillness. At first, you might read their proximity as the attempt of a museum curator to equate contemporary, bedazzled glam with that of the past, but its not so simple. Thomas has said shes interested in how beauty products like rhinestones create masks. And just as you have to look a little closer to perceive the features of her low-resolution portrait, Fontanas portrait is equally obscure. Sure, oil paint allows for more granular details, and the circa-1580 painting is chock full of symbols of wealth, but a question remains in both paintings: Who is actually depicted here? Hundreds of thousands of individual DACA recipients, along with their employers, states, and loved ones, have come to rely on the DACA program, Hanen, an appointee of Republican President George W. Bush, wrote in the ruling. Given those interests, it is not equitable for a government program that has engendered such a significant reliance to terminate suddenly. This consideration, along with the governments assertion that it is ready and willing to try to remedy the legal defects of the DACA program indicates that equity will not be served by a complete and immediate cessation of DACA. On the seven-day cruise, we had three days at sea and three days on land. Every evening I received in my stateroom a schedule of activities and a gift, such as a box of doughnuts or an etched wine glass. Most of the onboard diversions involved booze, trivia, anti-aging consultations or live music. I spent an inordinate amount of time at the Oceanview Cafe, where the ships safety measures were on display. In addition to a Purell stand and a hand-washing sink by the entrance, all of the buffets self-serve implements had been removed. Nothing makes you more self-conscious of your portion sizes than having to ask a server for a spoonful of fried rice, and another, and another. At the cheese-and-dried-fruit counter, a crew member struggled to pluck apricots from the front of the case with a pair of tiny tongs. I stopped torturing her after three pieces. There was one holdover from pre-pandemic times: the beverage station. We were allowed to pour ourselves tea, coffee, water and juice, though a sign reminded us to refrain from refilling our cups with ice a rule created to curb another virus, the norovirus. No QR code here. Instead, diners get old-school, plastic-covered menus with dishes described in a retro font. For the full Carusos experience, you need to start with the aforementioned loaf of Italian semolina bread spread with garlic butter and freckled with herbs from fennel to oregano. Adler says his father poured the cheese sauce over the garlic bread; the son sends the liquid wonder out in a bowl, for dipping. I didnt think people wanted to be licking cheese sauce off their fingers, he says. The dense little meatballs are one of the few dishes you can pass on. Not so the extraordinary calamari from Rhode Island, sprinkled with semolina and fried so that parts are crisp and parts are soft. The strapping entrees are best preceded by a salad, the most colorful and refreshing of which blends biting endive, radicchio and arugula with juicy oranges and pistachios. For every graduate who might object, theres probably more that see this as a step in the right direction, said Viet Nguyen, a Brown University graduate and now a masters degree candidate at Stanford and a leader of the campaign, which is being spearheaded by the EdMobilizer coalition of students who were the first in their families to go to college. Because education officials have said an exemption is not necessary, advocates want the D.C. Council to set aside money in the budget to provide these students with special education services. But that also seems unlikely, with the council expected to vote on the budget this month. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson (D) said there are still too many unanswered questions about how it would work and how much it would cost. He said individual agencies have flexibility with how they spend their money, and he believes they could fund this without council involvement. Now, U.S. officials say that organizing and transferring the mountain of data in what the Justice Department calls the largest criminal investigation in U.S. history is likely to cost tens of millions of dollars. Prosecutors say they hope to be able to turn over the bulk of 16,000 hours of Capitol and police footage to defendants beginning in August, and by fall to begin producing individually relevant returns from more than 6,000 grand jury subpoenas and more than 2,000 recovered smartphones, computers and other devices. They have also collected more than 300,000 public tips, including potential misidentifications that defendants might want to investigate. Longwood police said the FBI confirmed that Gabriela Tuck, an elementary school resource officer, was not a suspect in its investigation. The department said that Tuck had been recognized several times for her outstanding work, that there is no indication she was involved in the activities leading to Nathan or Kevin Tucks arrests, and that if any wrongdoing by her were to come to light, the department would investigate as it would any officer. Before the fraud, Tezna lived what appeared to be a quintessential American success story. His family came to the United States from Colombia when he was 13, living in an unfinished basement. As a teenager, he helped his mother build a residential cleaning business while taking English classes through Loudoun County and meeting his future wife. He earned a degree from George Mason University while working full time to pay for his housing and car. He went on to study accounting, and in six years at NASA, he rose to the executive level a dream job that paid $181,000 a year, his attorney Page Pate said in court Thursday. 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 In particular, the uprising in Cambridge straddled a fault line between advocates for nonviolence, such as the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., and more extreme leaders such as Malcolm X, whom Ms. Richardson considered a friend and supporter. Calling herself a radical, a revolutionary, she also was reportedly one of the few women leading a local civil rights protest movement at the time. Her embrace of all tactics negotiations and force did not go over well with mainstream civil rights groups and liberal-minded religious figures, who sometimes likened the militant approach to vigilantism. The teen testified he and Elaiaisers two other friends fled the garage before one collapsed down the street. The teen soon realized Calvin Van Pelt, 16, had also been shot. Both Elaiaiser and Van Pelt succumbed to their injuries, and Burkard was charged with two counts of murder and firearms violations. Virginia is one of only two states with statewide contests this year, and it is getting most of the attention because those in solidly blue New Jersey are not seen as competitive. On the Republican side, former president Donald Trump has already weighed in three times with statements in support of Youngkin. It is incumbent on all of us to be careful about the rhetoric that is being used, Chu said. This is what we want our colleagues to be aware of that in their zeal to show they are doing something about China, they also dont stoke the flames of xenophobia. I think at times like this maybe you have to but you become a very spiritual person, Ainsworth said. When you understand the laws, the process and the way its done, you begin to appreciate how comforting it is, how important it is. And everything every step and process is done with such care and consideration by such experienced people that it just makes a horrible situation easier. 3 decapitated ducks found on display in Honolulu: Three decapitated ducks were found in the middle of a road in a Honolulu neighborhood, and residents upset by the gruesome discovery have raised about $1,500 in reward money to find those responsible. Beth-Ann Kozlovich told Hawaii News Now she came upon the duck carcasses on Monday while walking her dogs in Hawaii Kai. "I went a little closer and saw that they were decapitated ducks, evenly spaced, and knew this was not a natural occurrence by any means," she said. Kozlovich said the ducks are koloa, ducks native to Hawaii that are on the federal endangered species list. The birds frequent the Hahaione Valley. But one of the most striking facts about the states that have legalized is how little has changed there. This spring, for instance, two economists from the University of Colorado at Denver and Montana State University performed a comprehensive review of the public health consequences of marijuana legalization, encompassing dozens of previously published studies. They found little evidence suggesting that recreational marijuana laws result in greater teen drug use, but strong evidence that teens who do use marijuana are less likely to use alcohol a net public health win, given what we know about the relative dangers of the two substances. There are also some provisional signs that legal weed is taking a bite out of opioid mortality, directly contradicting prohibitionists dire warnings. It all started with the end of school, which had served as a safe place where sanitary measures worked well. And then we saw a series of trips of students to celebrate the end of the school year and other festivities, and that was the start, Catalan health official Carmen Cabezas said. That, combined with the arrival of the delta variant,made for a perfect storm. Fadwa, a 46-year-old West Bank woman who spoke on the condition that her last name be withheld for her safety, said she lived illegally in Jerusalem with a physically abusive, drug-addicted husband who often threatened to report her to the authorities if she didnt comply with his demands. She said she stayed in the marriage for the sake of her two Jerusalem-born children, afraid of losing contact with them if she were deported. As American and NATO troops complete their pullout from Afghanistan after nearly 20 years, the Taliban in recent weeks have gained control of many districts and key border posts with neighbors Iran, Pakistan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. In many instances, Afghan security forces and military have put up little or no resistance after often being left without supplies or reinforcements. [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 images flooding out of riot-torn South Africa are horrifying. On Tuesday, a woman in a high-rise building apparently set alight by looters tossed her child to the hoped-for safety of a crowd far below. Emergency workers have been attacked in several places; one medical service began transporting the injured in an armoured ambulance. In much of the central district of the port city of Durban, the police were overwhelmed and shopping malls and stores were gutted. The nations president, Cyril Ramaphosa, warned against ethnic conflict, a threat his critics called groundless and that only increased tensions. But as I swiped through the pictures and videos flying across my South African relatives group chats this week, I was struck by the many posts that suggested an even bitterer flavour of doom a kind of psychological crackup. Looters carry items at Letsoho Shopping Centre in Katlehong, east of Johannesburg, South Africa. Credit:AP What began last week as scattered protests over the jailing of Jacob Zuma, the nations former president, has turned into a plunder free of meaning and intention, so indiscriminate that it seems almost cathartic. On Monday, just as Ramaphosa promised in a droning national address to get tough on looters, a split-screen showed a crowd meeting no resistance as they broke into a bank but not an ordinary bank, a blood bank. All the while nobody seems to know whats actually happening, as misinformation rockets through a locked-down, screen-dependent population. 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 Its been called a game-changer by doctors, and a guerilla fighter and long-jumping Gold medallist by politicians; it has spread at the shops and at the footy among strangers, infecting families and friends and friends of friends before anyone knew something was wrong. The newly evolved Delta variant is rapidly taking over as the fittest form of the coronavirus worldwide, driving resurgences from India to the highly vaccinated Israel and the United States. This winter, its sent much of Australia into lockdown. But variants have emerged before, and even outbreaks of Delta have been stamped out. Crucially, vaccines still work against it. So why does this variant have scientists so worried and how is it rewriting our infection control playbook? Does the rise of Delta mark a new phase for the pandemic? Artwork by Stephen Kiprillis. Credit: What is the Delta variant and why is it so fit? Viruses mutate as they spread. Most of these tiny changes dont do anything at all, some might make a virus weaker. But others offer an advantage, such as binding better to the ACE2 proteins this coronavirus uses to hack into our cells, and so becoming more infectious; or changing shape a little to dodge the defensive antibodies made by our immune systems (and vaccines). Over time, viral lineages with these advantageous mutations will start to out-compete others evolution on the microscopic scale. Now, for the first time during a pandemic, scientists are tracking COVIDs viral family tree as it spreads around the world. When mutations emerge that seem to also be affecting patients, such as faster spread or nastier illness, they might be named as variants of concern, the CSIROs COVID-19 leader Professor Seshadri Vasan explains. Delta is one of the four such variants that emerged in late 2020: Alpha, first detected in England, Beta (South Africa), Gamma (Brazil) and Delta, which fuelled Indias devastating second wave. Delta is at least 50 per cent more infectious than Alpha, and twice as infectious as the virus that first came out of Wuhan in late 2019. Each person who caught that original virus infected about two or three other people for Alpha that reproduction number or R0 was four to five. Deltas RO is five to eight (higher than smallpox but much lower than measles). In just two months, Delta replaced Alpha as the dominant strain in the UK, and it has now spread to about 100 countries, including the US where it has also taken over. Theres evidence emerging that it might be better at evading antibodies, too, and causing more severe disease. Its been linked to a higher hospitalisation rate in Scotland and the UK, and there seems to be more young people falling seriously ill, including in NSW ICUs. But further study is underway and, in the case of more severe cases among the young, epidemiologist Michael Toole notes that could be because more older people are now protected by vaccines. Advertisement Delta has reshuffled the usual symptoms of COVID a little too, according to data out of the UK, with people mostly reporting headaches, sore throats and runny noses, then fevers and coughs. The once-common loss of smell comes in at number nine and shortness of breath is way down the list at number 30. But the good news is that most of the vaccines still appear to hold up very well against the variant provided you get your full two doses and slash your chance of passing the virus onto others by about half too. How is Delta shaping Australias latest outbreaks? To get a sense of why Delta has health officials so nervous, consider the case of the Sydney removalists who brought Delta back into Melbourne on July 8. Normally, contact tracers say there might be three rings of an initial breach like this the positive case, those they came into contact with and then those peoples own contacts. But when officials rushed to put out the embers of this latest outbreak, they were finding positive cases further out again not just among the removalists clients and then their neighbours in the apartment tower, but among those neighbours friends. And more people infected again among the families of those neighbours friends in just a few days, COVID-19 response commander Jeroen Weimar said. This is probably the fastest response weve ever seen to an outbreak thats moving much more quickly than weve ever seen here in Victoria or, I suspect, anywhere else in Australia. Advertisement In NSW, where the outbreak kicked off in June after an unvaccinated (and unmasked) limousine driver caught Delta from an international flight crew, cases have been climbing faster than at the start of Victorias deadly second wave last winter, Toole and Brendan Crabb note at the Burnet Institute. Its fast become the states worst outbreak since the pandemic began. Im incredibly concerned, NSW Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant said. When we find a case in a family, we find that everyone in that household [already] has the disease. The numbers of the very ill are also creeping up, with nearly 10 per cent of those diagnosed in NSW requiring hospitalisation, and younger people in the ICU. Deakin University chair of epidemiology Catherine Bennett says the stakes for contact tracers are much higher now that every case is more likely to pass on the virus. If you miss even one case, even if they just have casual contact with someone, you can get more. In public health, we know there will be breaches, but the rules are generally strong enough to work anyway, but Delta is like fine sand, it finds the cracks. Loading Dr Finn Romanes has been running contact tracing in Melbournes western suburbs since the virus spread south and told ABC Radio Melbourne that the period between new clusters emerging was also narrowing this time around, from roughly three days to two, as people became infectious faster. One silver lining to that? The cases will show up faster too, Bennett says. People will likely get sick almost all at once [in a household] rather than over weeks, one after the other ... so it might mean you can have those shorter, circuit-breaker lockdowns and theyll have real effect. On July 15, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews announced one such five-day lockdown (the states fifth since the pandemic started) in order to buy contact tracers time to get ahead of the virus before it just explodes. Bennett says Victoria and NSW, which locked down 10 days after the outbreak began up north, have both responded well so far. But NSW realised theyd missed an outbreak in Western Sydney, she says. Now, Victorias throwing everything at it. They have two [incursions] of the virus, the removalists and a family from Hume. If Victoria cant get on top of this virus with a five-day lockdown then thats absolutely a warning sign about the version of Delta thats spreading here. Everywhere its landed its caused problems so far. Is contact tracing and other infection control changing too? Former department of health secretary Stephen Duckett, now at the Grattan Institute, quips that hes still old enough to remember March last year when everyone was certain the virus could only spread in big droplets one or two metres. That led to all kinds of hygiene theatre such as screens, most of which offered little protection because, as Duckett notes, the virus is more like smoke. Without strong ventilation, it builds up in the air. And now, with even more infectious variants such as Delta, the definition of close contact has dramatically narrowed again. At the start of the pandemic, 15 minutes of face-to-face conversation or two hours in an enclosed space with a case was said to put you at risk of catching the virus. Now even fleeting contact can be enough, 5-10 seconds according to Queensland Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young. Passing someone at the shops or sitting in the same restaurant after they have left. Advertisement Because of this airborne spread, hotel quarantine was overhauled to stop the virus ripping through floors (particularly in Melbourne, where it was the scene of the catastrophic leak that ignited last years second wave). But we keep seeing breaches around the country, people opening doors at the same time as someone infected on their floor, because we still dont have our open-air quarantine cabins, Toole says. We need them in every state, especially NSW they get the most international travellers but they never talk about it. ICU wards such as St Vincents hospital in Sydney are seeing more young patients presenting with severe illness during this wave. Credit:Kate Geraghty When someone is sick with COVID or isolating, they are often placed into hotel quarantine now, too, to reduce the risk to their household. During this Delta outbreak, NSW officials have said the secondary attack rate (how many other people get sick once theres a case in a home) has climbed from 25 per cent earlier in the pandemic to almost 100 per cent. Alpha was still containable with our usual measures, says Benett. We just had to work harder, this one needs more than that. A federal government spokeswoman says that the definition of close contacts has been refined throughout the pandemic and, as no single infection control measure is a guarantee, many work together, under routine review by the governments expert advisory committee, the AHPPC. In Queensland, where recent leaks from hotels have put the state into snap lockdowns too, Dr Young says this: We know the Delta variant presents significant challenges to hotel quarantine, but she says the state is using CCTV surveillance to minimise security on guest floors, and N95 masks and eye protection for staff. Victorian and NSW health authorities did not respond to requests for comment before deadline. Duckett says best practice needs to keep evolving but hes not sure a national set of rules for containing the Delta variant, as called for by some experts in recent days, is the answer. Its the states you want running things and theyre already talking to each other, he says. When asked in July about a national approach to Delta, federal Health Minister Greg Hunt said the AHPPC was meeting nearly every day to discuss common approaches and national standards, which could then be applied to specific outbreaks. The [more-infectious] Delta variant ... has created some of the next evolution of responses through the national cabinet and as a result of that right now everybodys pitching in, he said. But is the outbreak all because of Delta? And can we defeat it? The NSW government has drawn criticism for not locking down earlier once the Delta variant was first identified and for allowing a looser shutdown than those interstate, with some retail still open. The amount of Bunnings that are exposure sites, says Toole. The Premier just keeps saying its Delta. But its complacency to blame too. And thats the story right across Asia. These places which were once the envy of the world like South Korea, Vietnam [for early containment] are now having outbreaks and theyve been too slow to vaccinate. Advertisement Duckett adds that outbreaks hinge on both luck and management. Some people dont spread the virus as well as usual; others can be super-spreaders and infect many more than expected. In NSW this time, theyve had both bad luck and theyve been too slow to lock down, Duckett says. When they said they were surprised by the fleeting contact [spread], they shouldnt have been. They knew it was Delta ... We had tough lockdown rules in Victoria and the graphs show what happened. It worked. Australia has beaten Delta before, at least on a small scale, such as in Victoria and Queensland in June. (Both states are now dealing with fresh breakthroughs by the virus.) When scores of fly-in-fly-out miners boarded planes last month around the country after being exposed to a Delta case at a Northern Territory mine, much of Australia found themselves under snap lockdowns but that cluster has not spiraled out of control as feared. Still, Victorias Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton notes his state was in lockdown when it beat back Delta last month, due to another absolute beast, the Kappa variant, and has said there is no guarantee we can win against Delta and drive cases back down to zero. Experts say NSW, in particular, remains in trouble. Modelling by the Burnet Institute, factoring in Deltas higher reproduction number, has found NSW could bring down cases if it moved to a Victorian-style harder lockdown. But Premier Gladys Berejiklian says that, although the numbers are still bouncing around, they do not seem to be growing exponentially. Weve never really quashed an outbreak like this so it needs to be hard...and we cant just let it rip either, Toole says.India is finally starting to get Delta back down but its now getting out of control in places like the US and the UK. Loading While experts say Australia has done well at stamping out the virus so far during the pandemic (and may yet triumph over this Delta outbreak too), our vaccination rates lag behind the rest of the developed world and that leaves us vulnerable to emerging variants. Its not the variants of concern really, its the lack of vaccination thats the concern, says Vasan. If we hadnt messed this up, we probably wouldnt be at herd immunity yet, but wed be in a much happier place, Duckett says. Theres going to be other variants, weve got to be ready. Advertisement Three Sydney removalists who sparked an outbreak of COVID-19 across Melbourne have been referred to police as some residents of the locked-down apartment block they visited called for them to be named and shamed for not wearing masks while working. COVID-19 response commander Jeroen Weimar vowed the wheels of justice will get them, as contact tracers in three states struggle to get straight and timely information from the trio, who drove from Sydney last Thursday and made two stops in Melbourne before heading to South Australia. COVID-19 response commander Jeroen Weimar on Wednesday. Credit:Justin McManus New exposure sites were revealed by South Australian and NSW authorities late on Wednesday and early on Thursday, days after the removalists were first interviewed by authorities. The men stopped at a petrol station in Tailem Bend, in South Australia, on their way to Adelaide last Friday morning, then passed through the Murray River town again on the way back to NSW after being notified one of them was a close contact of a confirmed COVID-19 case. The government said 10,000 soldiers were on the streets by Thursday morning patrolling alongside police, and the South African National Defence Force had also called up all of its reserve force of 12,000 troops. Analysts suggested some rioting and looting was organised. Soldiers stand guard as residents of Alexandra Township begin cleaning up after several days of looting. Credit:Getty In a show of strength, a convoy of more than a dozen armoured personnel carriers brought soldiers into Gauteng province, South Africas most populous, which includes the largest city, Johannesburg, and the capital, Pretoria. Buses, trucks, aeroplanes and helicopters were also being used to move the large deployment of troops to trouble spots in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal province that have had violence in mainly poor areas. The unrest erupted last week after Zuma began serving a 15-month sentence for contempt of court for refusing to comply with a court order to testify at a state-backed inquiry investigating allegations of corruption while he was president from 2009 to 2018. Protests in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal quickly escalated into a spree of theft in township areas, although it has not spread to the other seven provinces, where police were on alert. More than 2200 people have been arrested for theft and vandalism and 117 people have died, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, acting minister in the presidency said on Thursday. Many were trampled to death in chaotic stampedes when shops were being looted, according to police. These are not demonstrations. This is economic sabotage and we are investigating with a view to apprehending the instigators, Ntshavheni said. One person had been arrested and 11 others were under surveillance for inciting and planning the unrest, she said. The armed patrols have brought stability to Gauteng, authorities said. Army troops stood guard at the large Maponya mall in Soweto, which was one of the few retail centres not badly hit by the rampage but remained closed. Volunteer groups cleaned up shattered glass and debris from shops that had been stormed and looted in Johannesburgs Soweto, Alexandra and Vosloorus areas. I spoke to some of the guys who are unemployed in my area to come and help. The mayor supported us with transport to get here. We came here with two buses, said George Moswetsa, a resident of Vosloorus in eastern Johannesburg who was helping to clean up a mall that had been trashed. The unrest, however, continued on Thursday in KwaZulu-Natal, Zumas home province. There were renewed attacks on shopping centres and several factories and warehouses were smouldering after being hit by arson attacks. Police discovered more than 10,000 rounds of ammunition in Durban on Wednesday night, which Minister of Police Bheki Cele said belonged to people who were instigating the violent riots in the province. The continued violence appeared well-planned, said South African analyst William Gumede. In KwaZulu-Natal, its well-coordinated, well-funded. If you look at it, strategic commercial hubs were blocked, strategic roads were blocked at really key points. It was very organised, said Gumede, chairman of the Democracy Works Foundation, a group supporting governance in Africa. Zuma, throughout his political career, including his nine years as president, acquired many allies in the military and security services who were reluctant to respond to the violence in his home province, Gumede said. The arson, the looting and then the burning of malls, the burning of warehouses, I mean, that indicates a really strategic destruction of the economy of KwaZulu-Natal, said Gumede. Theres a whole lot of organisation behind that. In some neighbourhoods, vigilante groups have sprung up to protect their property. But there was also evidence the latest chaos may be exacerbating the racial tensions that are a legacy of the apartheid system. In Durbans Phoenix neighbourhood, home to many South Africans of Indian descent, authorities reported conflict between them and black citizens. There are ugly scenes playing out on the streets of Phoenix, the racial direction that these unrests are taking must be arrested speedily, Cele said. Soldiers on a military vehicle watch the crowd, as community leaders speaks to a group in an effort to stop them from entering a shopping mall in Vosloorus, east of in Johannesburg, South Africa. Credit:AP Soldiers and police worked to reopen the N2 and N3 toll highways, which have been closed for days as burned-out trucks blocked the roads. The highways are important transport routes carrying fuel, food and other goods to all parts of the country and their prolonged closure threatens to cause shortages of essential goods. The rail line to the strategic Indian Ocean ports of Durban and Richards Bay was also closed by the unrest, the state-owned transportation company, Transnet said. The 688-kilometre rail line ferries hundreds of tons of goods weekly to the ports, including vehicles, gold ore, aviation fuel, petrol, wheat and citrus fruit. The goods are then shipped to markets in Asia, Europe, and the United States. Security forces increased their presence in the Durban suburb of Phoenix, where the riots caused racial tensions to flare. The predominantly Indian residents of Phoenix had been patrolling their area against the unrest and are accused of shooting black people suspected of being rioters. A building burns near Durban, South Africa. Credit:AP Lives have been lost. The communities have a stand-off and are in a bad way because it is the Indian community and the neighbouring communities, who are African, Cele told a news conference in Phoenix, where he said 15 people had been killed. Gumede said the way forward for South Africa was to prosecute the perpetrators, both those that stole property and those who may have instigated the violence. This is going to be very important, the analyst said. First to restore the rule of law in South Africa and to prevent impunity, because if people can get away with looting without being prosecuted, they will do it again. ... So its going to be very important. I think we may have to set up special courts. In neighbouring Zimbabwe, the police issued a warning against people getting goods stolen from South Africa. Loading With sad events happening in South Africa, the Zimbabwe Republic Police will not hesitate to arrest anyone who has received or is in possession of stolen goods from South Africa, the police statement said, advising people to have receipts for verification that goods were purchased legally. A criminal in South Africa is a criminal in Zimbabwe. The largest deployment of soldiers since South Africa won democracy in 1994 was in March 2020, when 70,000 army troops were sent out to enforce the countrys strict lockdown to combat the spread of COVID-19. AP Americas hasty retreat from Afghanistan has destabilized the region and worsened the terrorist threat, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told a conference of world powers and Afghanistan's neighbors Friday. President Joe Biden's administration is reversing a Trump-era rule approved after the former president complained he wasnt getting wet enough because of limits on water flow from showerheads. Local hot top story Construction season in Dodge County underway JUNEAU There are said to be two seasons in Wisconsin. They are winter and construction. Work crews are busy at several project sites in sections near Watertown, Lebanon, Mayville and Waupun. Dodge County Highway Commissioner Brian Field said one of the larger projects his department is currently undertaking is in phase one. He said the $3 million project includes the reconstruction of County Highway M from County Highway E to County Highway JM encompassing nearly 2.2 miles from Watertown to Clyman. The project began May 17 and its expected completion date is scheduled for Oct. 31. Field said its a total reconstruction of the roadway. We will be widening the right of ways on each side, relocating the utility poles and underground facilities and making the intersections safer by taking the hills down to provide motorists with better lines of sight, Field said. He said since the roadway will be wider it will also allow for wider shoulders, which will also be paved, so agriculture equipment can travel on it safely. Field said there will be an installation of a new stream crossing or a precast concrete box culvert, which will act as a bridge at Silver Creek. He said the project will eventually terminate at County Highways M and J in 2023. Field said what really helped his department tackle additional miles this year than in previous years was the borrowing of $9 million. We have 540 miles of county highway in Dodge County, he said. There is a 25-year life cycle for asphalt pavement, which dictates we should work on 22 miles a year, but its very seldom we get to do just that. We will get to do a little more than 31 miles this year, which is great for us. This is far more than we ever done. It really is a great opportunity for us. Those roads are in very, very poor condition and have a significant amount of traffic on them. Other projects in Dodge County, which are strictly earmarked for reconditioning and repaving work, include: County Highway AC from Randolph to County Highway C, which is approximately 2 miles and estimated at $443,820.80. County Highway BB from State Highway 19 to State Highway 16 and State Highway 60 near Hubbleton and Reeseville. The project is just over 9 miles and is estimated at $2.3 million. County Highway CP from County Highway G and Derge Park on the westside of Beaver Dam Lake, which is 2.3 miles and is estimated at $384,969.15 County Highway EM from County Highway ME to County Highway R between Watertown and Lebanon, which is nearly 6 miles and is estimated at $1.7 million. County Highway I from State Highway 26 to State Highway 49 in Waupun, which is 4 miles and is estimated at $1.3 million. County Highway S from County Highway WS to Iron Ridge, which .6 miles and is estimated at $221,879.84. County Highway S from County Highway WS to County Highway P, which is just over 3 miles and is estimated at $993,057.43. County Highway TW from State Highway 28 in Mayville to Kekoskee, which is about 3 miles and is estimated at $853,068.70. Weatherford, TX (76086) Today Thunderstorms this morning, then partly cloudy during the afternoon hours. High 89F. Winds N at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 100%.. Tonight Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low near 70F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph. 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) -- Western Mass News is looking into COVID-19 testing and we've found testing has significantly declined here in the Bay State. With the Delta variant of the virus and a summer cold spreading, some dont feel the need to be tested for the coronavirus if theyve been vaccinated, but is this concerning? We spoke with a resident who recently recovered from what he believed was a cold, but because hes fully vaccinated, he said he and his doctor didnt feel he needed to be tested. Lots of fever, loss of appetite, stomach discomfort, diarrhea, said Jesse Rivera of Holyoke. Rivera recently had cold-like symptoms. He's been fully vaccinated for about a month now, so he and his doctor didnt think a COVID-19 test was necessary when he felt sick. Health professionals urge caution as virus cases rise again BOSTON (AP) Restaurants and other businesses are open at full capacity, many people are walking around freely without face coverings, and li I felt like it, but I didnt think there was any need for it because the symptoms were coming more like cold symptoms, Rivera noted. Data from the states Department of Public Health showed earlier this year, in January after the holidays and in March after spring break, there were as many as 130,000 tests administered on a given day. On Wednesday, there were just under 32,000 tests reported. Western Mass News spoke with Patrick Pickering with American Medical Response about the COVID-19 testing site at the Eastfield Mall. He said the number of tests there has decreased drastically. In the middle of the winter, we had some days that we had excess of 1,000 tests per day. We're doing just over 200 tests per day right now, Pickering explained. However, recently between the Delta variant of the virus and the summer cold season, it's been picking up over the last two to three weeks. We're seeing an uptick in respiratory and flu-type responses for 911 and so I think people are concerned that is it flu or is it COVID, Pickering added. Positive cases of COVID-19 are increasing across the country. Western Mass News is getting answers from immunologist Dr. Jonathan Bayuk with Allergy and Immunology Associates of New England on when you should get tested. Its not recommended to go get a COVID test if youve been exposed to somebody who has COVID if youve been fully vaccinated, so thats going to be a lot of people that dont go, Bayuk noted. Bayuk told Western Mass News that it doesnt make sense to test everyone every time they feel sick unless their symptoms are severe. He said the likelihood of contracting COVID-19 once your vaccinated in very low. If you're not vaccinated, it's exactly the same as it was at the beginning of 2020. There's nothing different about it. We do have treatments for COVID, but they're not that great. Its just as bad, Bayuk said. A cargo airline whose plane ditched into the ocean off Hawaii has been grounded after investigators looked into the company's safety practices before the accident. The Federal Aviation Administration said Friday that it will bar Rhoades Aviation of Honolulu from flying or doing maintenance inspections until it meets FAA regulations. The agency did not detail Rhoades' alleged shortcomings. The company did not immediately respond to phone and email messages for comment. The decision to ground the carrier, which operates as Transair, is separate from the investigation into the July 2 ditching of a Boeing 737, the FAA said. Two pilots were rescued by the Coast Guard after the nighttime crash. The company had one plane still in operation this week, a Boeing 737-200 like the one that crashed. The FAA said it began investigating Rhoades Aviation's maintenance and safety practices last fall and told the company about two weeks before the crash that it planned to revoke its authority to do maintenance inspections. The company did not appeal the FAA's decision within the 30 days as required if it wanted the case reconsidered, the FAA said. The pilots attempted to turn back to Honolulu after telling an air traffic controller that they had lost power in one engine and feared that the other engine on the 46-year-old plane would also fail. Investigators with the National Transportation Safety Board found the wreckage of the plane but have not yet recovered the data recorders that could hold clues about what caused the plane to go down. STAMFORD A jury deliberated just over an hour before before delivering a guilty verdict Thursday in the trial of a former Greenwich town official, Christopher von Keyserling, on a misdemeanor charge of fourth-degree sexual assault. Von Keyserling did not show emotion when the verdict was read in state Superior Court in Stamford. He referred comment to his defense lawyer, Phil Russell, outside the courtroom. Obviously Chris is disappointed about the verdict. We will abide by any order of the court, and well be back a different day, Russell said. Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 16. A town employee reported to police in December 2016 that von Keyserling had groped her private parts at the town-owned Nathaniel Witherell nursing home. The accuser told the jury that von Keyserling had come to the Witherell for a holiday party, and after the two had a contentious discussion about politics, von Keyserling followed her to her office. She said he put his hands on her rear-end and intimate parts as she was leaving the office. Von Keyserling was arrested in January 2017 for the misdemeanor, which carries a maximum penalty of one year in prison. Von Keyserling, who is out on bail, did not testify during the trial. A plea deal failed to advance, leading to the jury trial this week, which included three days of testimony. While on the witness stand, the woman who accused von Keyserling recounted her recollections of that December morning, in which von Keyserling used demeaning language and then made a repugnant comment in front of her and another woman about how he liked his women cold and bitter, like his coffee. Judge Kevin Randolph told the jury before they went into deliberations that intimate parts of the body are defined under Connecticut state law as the genital area, groin, anus, inner thigh, buttocks and breasts. In closing arguments that preceded the jury deliberations, Assistant States Attorney Elizabeth Moran aimed to keep the focus on the facts of the case and the law. She said the prosecution had to show that contact had occurred with a persons intimate body parts, for the purposes of pleasure or humiliation or degradation. A guilty verdict also required that there was a deliberate attempt to initiate sexual contact it could not be accidental or inadvertent and that the contact was nonconsensual. Moran said the prosecution had met all three requirements under the law during the trial, stating that the defendants actions were meant to be demeaning. Moran began her summation with the defendants own words which were also heard by another Witherell employee. I love this new world I dont have to be politically incorrect anymore. These are the words of entitlement, these are the words of superiority, Moran said. These are the words of the defendant minutes before he sexually assaulted (the woman) on Dec. 8, 2016. The assistant states attorney called von Keyserlings remarks that day oppressive, demeaning comments, ones that revealed his mindset before and during the groping incident. During the testimony, several witnesses said they heard different descriptions of where the victim said she was touched. Moran said it was a natural human reaction. Do people like to talk about their body parts ... their genitals? Is it any surprise that (the woman) didnt want to, in her place of work, talk about her labia? Is it any surprise, minutes after the assault occurred, she didnt want to dive deep into the details, tell the men she worked with what actually happened? Moran said. The prosecutor noted that von Keyserlings lawyer, Phil Russell, brought up questions about the victims union activism, her political hostility to former President Donald Trump, her claim pending against the town of Greenwich before the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities and the police investigation. She said those discussions were attempts to distract you, adding he wants you to concentrate on everything that happened after the defendant put his hands between (her) legs. In his summation to the jury, Russell called the accuser a strong-willed union leader who was seeking to advance her own cause at the expense of von Keyserling, whom he called foolish but not criminally motivated. Was he tone deaf? Absolutely. Was he speaking inappropriately? Was it something he had done before, many, many times. Absolutely, Russell told the jury, Did anybody say hes a dangerous man who has bad intentions? No. Thats him. He talks politics and doesnt observe, plainly, how offensive his words are. And in the same context, the same character that has been his for decades, he pinches her on the thigh as she walks by. Russell scoffed at the characterization that it was criminal. Turning to the woman who brought the accusation against von Keyserling, resulting in his arrest, Russell pointed to a claim she is pursuing against the town, seeking compensation for not providing an alternate work space after the incident. The woman gave a muddled account of how much the compensation could be and the claim is in the range of tens of thousands of dollars calling it lawyer stuff, which she was unacquainted with. The defense lawyer also reminded the jury the woman had been turned down for a workers compensation claim over the incident. Russell said her recollections as a longtime union treasurer were indicative of what he said was a self-serving motivation. He also cited the picket lines that formed when von Keyserling was first arraigned. This is a woman who engineered, or was the beneficiary of a picket line, demonstrating in front of the courthouse. This is a woman who knows how to motivate, how to manipulate, how to empower herself. How to make the most four months of sitting at home, watching soap operas out of a pinch on the thigh. Exaggeration, embellishment, enhancement, Russell said. The defense lawyer concluded there was reasonable doubt demonstrated during the trial. The jury was made up of four men and two woman. After receiving instructions how to evaluate the evidence, the law and the testimony, the members of the jury emerged about an hour later and handed up the guilty verdict. Sentencing will be September. First-time offenders in misdemeanor cases do not typically receive jail time, and there are a range of other punitive measures involving community service, required education and probation that can be ordered. Now 76, von Keyserling was a longtime fixture in town government. He served on the Representative Town Meeting, and he refused to step down following the arrest. He later lost an election in District 8. rmarchant@greenwichtime.com A high number of new positive COVID-19 cases were reported in western Kentucky on Friday, just as several counties in the area entered into the state's Red Zone. The Green River District Health Department (GRDHD), which oversees seven western Kentucky counties, said Friday that 100 new positive cases of the virus had been identified in its area between Tuesday and Thursday. Here's where those 100 new cases were identified, according to GRDHD: Daviess County: 38 new positive cases Hancock County: 6 new positive cases Henderson County: 30 new positive cases McLean County: 7 new positive cases Ohio County: 6 new positive cases Union County: 2 new positive cases Webster County: 11 new positive cases "Unfortunately we are seeing a substantial rise in our incidence of new COVID-19 cases, said Clay Horton, GRDHD Public Health Director. The best way to protect yourself and those you love is to get vaccinated against COVID-19. If you are not yet fully vaccinated, continue to wear a mask when in indoor public spaces. The latest data released by the Kentucky Department for Public Health shows Muhlenberg, Hopkins, and Webster counties now in the "Red Zone" on the state's COVID-19 Incidence Rate Map (indicating a critical rate of COVID-19 spread). Those three counties show the highest rate of COVID-19 spread in the state in that order. Here are the current COVID-19 totals for the seven counties within the GRDHD district: As for Hopkins County, it's overseen by its own health department which doesn't release a daily COVID-19 update - but the Hopkins County Health Department has been reporting a high number of new positive cases in recent days, with an outbreak among children in the community being reported just Thursday. Stay up-to-date on the latest coronavirus information and more by downloading the 44News mobile app on the Google Play Store or in the Apple App Store 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. STORRS, CT (WFSB) A bill that incentivizes businesses to adopt cybersecurity standards was signed by the governor on Thursday. Bill incentivizes businesses to adopt cybersecurity standards The Act Incentivizing the Adoption of Cybersecurity Standards for Businesses goes into effect on Oct. 1. The Act Incentivizing the Adoption of Cybersecurity Standards for Businesses goes into effect on Oct. 1. Read the entire bill here. Gov. Lamont held a signing ceremony at the University of Connecticut Tech Park in Storrs. Supported by the states business community, Lamont said the legislation protects businesses from punitive damages if personal or restricted information is improperly accessed, maintained, communicated, or processed, so long as such businesses have adopted and adhered to appropriate cybersecurity measures. It does not diminish other important legal rights and actions that individuals and businesses can take after a cyber breach. During the ceremony, Lamont also announced an $11 million investment to support the State of Connecticuts enhanced cybersecurity efforts, with an initial $8.2 million on the agenda for the State Bond Commission at its upcoming meeting. This bipartisan bill is just another reason Connecticut is becoming a better place to do business every day, Lamont said. Bills like this one meet two important goals ensuring that our state is operating in the most business friendly ways, and also improving the security of consumers data. Further, the states investments in cybersecurity and the hiring of our first Chief Information Security Officer will help the state improve its cybersecurity posture, which will improve the resilience of state services and protect our residents and businesses. Earlier this year, Governor Lamont announced the launch of a year-long process of building a new information technology organization within state government that will centralize the coordination of the states IT resources by the Department of Administrative Services, which includes the creation of Connecticuts first Chief Information Security Officer, a position that has been filled by Jeff Brown. That process will establish an organization capable of delivering modern IT solutions to support state agencies and the public. Across the globe, cybersecurity risks continue to rise, Brown said. Connecticut is investing in cybersecurity and technology in new ways to protect our residents and businesses. We are bringing our statewide information technology team together into one, collaborative organization that will help us identify and deter cybersecurity incidents faster, bring everyone onto streamlined platforms, and ultimately protect more private information. Pfizer and BioNTech announced that the US Food and Drug Administration has granted priority review designation to the companies' application for approval of their Covid-19 vaccine. The goal date for a decision from the FDA is January 2022, the companies said. Police say one person has been killed in an explosion at an asphalt plant in southern Oklahoma 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. National Communications Specialist, Coxs Bazaar, Bangladesh Organization: FAO - Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Country: Bangladesh Field location: Coxs Bazar Office: FAO in Coxs Bazar Closing date: Monday, 26 July 2021 2101998 National Communications Specialist Job Posting: 12/Jul/2021 Closure Date: 26/Jul/2021, 9:59:00 PM Organizational Unit : FABGD Job Type: Non-staff opportunities Type of Requisition : NPP (National Project Personnel) Grade Level : N/A Primary Location: Bangladesh-Coxs Bazaar Duration : 12 months (with possibility of extension) Post Number : N/A IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal device FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented member nations and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold our values. FAO has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and FAO, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination All selected candidates, therefore, will undergo rigorous reference and background checks All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality The incumbent may be re-assigned to different activities and/or duty stations depending on the evolving needs of the Organization Organizational Setting FAO in collaboration with the government, UN organizations and development partners began serving both the host communities and Rohingya population in building their livelihoods and skill development opportunities in Coxs Bazar from October 2017. FAO Coxs Bazar sub-office has been operating programmes in attaining productive and sustainable agriculture, fisheries, livestock and increasing the resilience of livelihoods in the emergency humanitarian context. Several initiatives were undertaken particularly to address the sustainable productivity, resilient livelihoods and improved food security for communities in Coxs Bazar, specifically prioritizing the poor and marginalized farmers. FAO is implementing various multi-donor projects through developing, testing, and piloting several innovative sustainable livelihood approaches and intervention models. Through these innovative approaches and models, FAO is supporting marginal and smallholder farming families in four sub-districts of Coxs Bazar district (Coxs Bazar Sadar, Ukhiya, Ramu and Teknaf) for increasing their farm productivity and income generation by improving the existing production and management practices. Reporting lines The National Communications Specialist is a SC8 posiiton and will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative, and the direct supervision of the Senior Emergency and Rehabilitation Officer and the International Communications Specialist. He or she will work in coordination with the Regional Communication Officer and the operations team and monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning (MEAL) unit. Responsbilites The incumbent shall familiarize him/herself with FAOs corporate communication policy and operational guidelines to ensure mandatory coherence of all communication and information outputs. He or she will need to work within the framework of the overall annual communications plan of FAO Banlgadesh and be expected to delvelop and implent his or her own annual plan and deliverables. The incumbent will be expected to work on communication requirements for Coxs Bazar and contribute to other project communications and country level communication needs when required. Tasks In line with FAOs Corporate Communications Strategy and Policy, the consultant will carry out the following specific tasks: Develop, maintain and update a communication strategy and work plan, in line with programme priorities and FAOs corporate communications guidelines. Research and produce communications materials (in both high-quality English and Bangla) including news releases, human interest stories, newsletter content, brochures, opinion articles, talking points, donor reports, and social media content for Coxs Bazar, plus other FAO Bangladesh projects as required. Develop and articulate key messages for external communication and advocacy purposes. Edit texts of a technical nature in order to ensure accuracy, clarity, cohesion and conformity with FAO house-style English, policy and practice. Develop and coordinate production of engaging and informative multimedia products (video and radio) in line with guidelines from the Office of Corporate Communication (OCC). Oversee graphic design solutions including publication templates, visual presentations, pamphlets, info-graphics, icons, and other publication materials that illustrate information and make it legible to different audiences and in line with FAOs logo guidelines. Take high quality photos and commission professional photography according to OCC production guidelines and advance collaboration with OCCM Photo Editor. In close collaboration with OCC, support and promote the World Food Day campaign and other observances campaigns including international years, days and UN Decades, on the national level by adapting communication material in Bangla when possible and disseminating them among partners. Create content for sharing via existing FAO social media channels that raises visibility with key target audiences in line with FAO branding guidelines for social media audiovisual content. Cultivate relations with the media, organise and facilitate media coverage for events, guide media engagement for technical experts. Monitor and evaluate the impact of communication materials and advocacy events/campaigns to target audiences. Set up, organize, and maintain an archive of images and video content. Organize and archive key project documents. Prepare, edit, and submit key project documents for publishing approval. Liaise with the procurement team to initiate and oversee procurement of printed and other communications materials. Lead project communications for World Food Day and other campaigns. Represent FAO at the country UN Communications Group when required and ensure that FAOs priorities are reflected. Ensure visibility of projects and FAO Bangladesh in project partners materials and publications, and provide guidance on the correct use of the FAO logo, in line with corporate guidelines; Organise procurement of communications products. Perform other duties as required. CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING Minimum Requirements Masters degree in Communication, Journalism or a related field; Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible professional work experiences with the United Nations or international development organizations in corporate communications, public information, journalism, international relations; Professional experience in working with the emergency environment and /or humanitarian responses at team leader or project manager position including the food security sector. National of Bangladesh FAO Core Competencies Results Focus Teamwork Communication Building Effective Relationships Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement Technical/Functional Skills English advanced in writing, expertise in preparing high quality print and digital publications and products; Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions is essential; Extent and relevance of experience in coordinating and managing multimedia communication, especially in areas relevant to FAOs mandate; Demonstrated ability to project positive corporate images, reporting on key achievements and effectively advocating vision and priorities to internal and external stakeholders; Excellent verbal and written communication skills required; Ability to work independently and without close supervision; Self-motivation, willingness to learn and strong work ethics in managing a multi-disciplinary team. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing) Incomplete applications will not be considered. If you need help please contact: Careers@fao.org Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted Only language proficiency certificates from UN accredited external providers and/or FAO language official examinations (LPE, ILE, LRT) will be accepted as proof of the level of knowledge of languages indicated in the online applications For additional employment opportunities visit the FAO employment website: http://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/ FAO seeks gender, geographical and linguistic diversity in its staff and international consultants in order to best serve FAO Members in all regions. HOW TO APPLY To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. Only applications received through the recruitment portal will be considered Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile. If you need help, or have queries, please contact: Careers@fao.org Link to the organizations job offer: https://unjobs.org/vacancies/1626122374397 Consultant, Khartoum, Sudan Organization: WHO - World Health Organization Country: Sudan City: Khartoum Office: WHO Khartoum Closing date: Wednesday, 21 July 2021 Consultant (Sudan /Khartoum) NOC ( 2103334 ) Grade : No grade Contractual Arrangement : External consultant Contract Duration (Years, Months, Days) : 5 months Job Posting: Jul 14, 2021, 7:34:59 AM 1- Purpose of the Consultancy The TORs aims to recruit a national consultant to support the Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH) to endorse the national hospital sector strategy for Sudan and implement the key priorities of this strategy, using a guide called "path to transformation". It is in line with implementing the regional framework for action for the hospital sector at national levels. 2-Background Hospitals are complex institutions that are key components of health care systems, receiving a high percentage of the countrys health expenditure. Hospitals play a critical role in moving towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Hospital care, planning and management is a priority area of work for Sudan as well as for the WHO at the country and regional levels. Therefore, Sudan has developed the national strategic plan for the hospital sector, in the context of the regional framework for action for the hospital sector, to respond to the populations health needs and to cover the required services at the secondary and tertiary level, and to improve hospitals performance. Currently, there is a need to support the FMOH to endorse the strategy and implement the priority interventions of the strategy, which were identified during a national workshop conducted in February 2021. Further, since the country lacks capacities in hospital management; therefore, it is also requested by the FMOH that the WHO provides technical support in institutionalizing the capacity building of hospital management. In addition, the country is currently facing political instability and financial crises, which significantly impact the stability of personnel at the ministry of health at all levels, resulting in more weakening of the health care management. To reduce the impact of this problem, the WHO-country office is planning to recruit a long-term consultant to support the ministry of health in guiding the implementation of the strategy as per the tasks identified in this TORs. 3-Planned timelines (subject to confirmation) Start date: 1st August 2021 End date: 31 December 2021 4-Work to be performed Output (1): Priority areas of the hospital strategic plan are identified and implemented at different levels (national/state/facility levels) Deliverable 1.1: To support FMOH to endorse the national hospital sector strategy for Sudan, in the context of the regional framework for action for the hospital sector Deliverable 1.2: Guide the ministry of health to finalize/list priority strategic interventions of the national hospital strategic plan (as entry points), informed by identified prioritized interventions during the national workshop conducted in Feb 2021 Deliverable 1.3: Providing technical support to Implement the identified key strategic interventions using the guide "path to transformation" at the national/state/facility levels (as pilot projects) Deliverable 1.4: Develop and operationalize the M&E framework, through collaboration and coordination with FMoH, to track the implementation of the key strategic interventions of the national hospital strategic plan at different levels, supported by regular monthly reporting Deliverable 1.5: Identify implementation gaps, challenges, and approaches to address and overcome these challenges Deliverable 1.6: Ensure proper implementation of the "Demonstration Projects" in selected states using different funding opportunities. This is a project to pilot a package of interventions to improve the service at different level of service in 2 states, then roll out. Output (2): Set of Key performance indicators for hospital performance is established and operationalized Tags data collection health services pilot projects resource mobilization service management universal health coverage Deliverable 2.1: Provide support to the Federal Ministry of health to define a set of key performance indicators at the hospital and national levels. Deliverable 2.2: Build national capacities of the FMoH in implementing the developed set of indicators Deliverable 2.3: Provide the FMoH with technical advice on the institutionalization of data collection , analysing, and use for improvement. Output (3): Hospital management capacity building is institutionalized Deliverable 3.1: Support the FMoH to review the role and responsibilities of hospital managers and administrators and identify the required competencies to deliver these tasks Deliverable 3.2: Support the FMoH to develop a roadmap for institutionalizing the competency-based capacity building in hospital management as per identified roles and responsibilities. Deliverable 3.3: Develop a competency-based capacity-building programme for different hospital managerial levels, including hospital directors, hospital senior and middle-level mangers Deliverable 3.3: Support ministry of health in resource mobilization and implementation of the programme Output (4) : Periodic report on implementation progress using agreed M&E framework Deliverable 4.1: Monitor implementation and submit regular reports on achievements and propose solutions to overcome challenges. Deliverable 4.2: Submit final report on the planned tasks. 5-Technical Supervision The selected Consultant will work on the supervision of: Responsible Officer: Dr Imad Ismail Email: iisamil@who.int Manager: Dr Nima Abdi Email: abidn@who.int 6-Specific requirements Qualifications required: University degree in health services management, hospital care and management or relevant field Experience required: Essential : at least 5 years of relevant experiences in health service management and particularly on hospital care management. Desirable: Experience is working on hospital strategic planning. Skills / Technical skills and knowledge: Excellent oral and written communication skills, with analytic capacity and ability to draft high quality report. Language requirements: Excellent knowledge of English Language 7-Place of assignment No travel included 8-Medical clearance The selected Consultant will be expected to provide a medical certificate of fitness for work. Link to the organizations job offer: https://unjobs.org/vacancies/1626288322866 Reliable and accurate information are of the utmost importance. Here are trusted resources for updates on COVID-19. You can follow Centers for Disease Controll on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Flickr, and LinkedIn. You can follow World Health Organization on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. You can follow Health and Human Services on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For updates on the status of COVID-19, you can also follow updates online from the Centers for Disease Control, World Health Organization, or sign up to receive their email updates. Suspect who shot four officers, killed one after barricading himself inside Texas home, in custody BAGHDAD (AP) No beds, medicines running low and hospital wards prone to fire Iraqs doctors say they are losing the battle against the coronavirus. And they say that was true even before a devastating blaze killed scores of people in a COVID-19 isolation unit this week. Infections in Iraq have surged to record highs in a third wave spurred by the more aggressive delta variant, and long-neglected hospitals suffering the effects of decades of war are overwhelmed with severely ill patients, many of them this time young people. Doctors are going online to plea for donations of medicine and bottled oxygen, and relatives are taking to social media to find hospital beds for their stricken loved ones. Every morning, its the same chaos repeated, wards overwhelmed with patients," said Sarmed Ahmed, a doctor at Baghdads Al-Kindi Hospital. Widespread distrust of Iraqs crumbling health care system only intensified after Mondays blaze at the Al-Hussein Teaching Hospital in the southern city of Nasiriyah, the country's second catastrophic fire at a coronavirus ward in less than three months. Days after the latest fire, the death toll was in dispute, with the Health Ministry putting it at 60, local health officials saying 88, and Iraqs state news agency reporting 92 dead. Many blame corruption and mismanagement in the medical system for the disaster, and Iraq's premier ordered the arrest of key health officials. Doctors said they fear working in the country's poorly constructed isolation wards and decried what they called lax safety measures. After both infernos, when Im on call I numb myself because every hospital in Iraq is at high risk of burning down every single moment. So what can I do? I cant quit my job. I cant avoid the call, said Hadeel al-Ashabl, a doctor in Baghdad who works in a new isolation ward similar to the one in Nasiriyah. Patients are also not willing to be treated inside these hospitals, but its also out of their hands. Iraq recorded over 9,600 new COVID-19 cases Wednesday in the highest 24-hour total since the pandemic began. Daily case numbers have slowly been rising since May. More than 17,600 people have died of the virus, according to the Health Ministry. In April, at least 82 people most of them severely ill virus patients in need of ventilators to breathe died in a fire at Baghdad's Ibn al-Khateeb Hospital that broke out when an oxygen tank exploded. Iraqs health minister resigned over the disaster. Faulty construction and inadequate safety practices, involving in particular the handling of oxygen cylinders, have been blamed for the two hospital fires. The 70-bed ward at Al-Hussein Hospital was built three months ago using highly flammable interior wall panels, according to hospital workers and civil defense officials. Inside one major Baghdad emergency room this week, relatives of COVID-19 patients sat on the floor because there were no chairs available. With hospital space limited, Ahmed calls on Baghdads health directorate to advise him where to send patients. They say, Send five patients to this hospital, another five to this other, and so on, he said. Hadeel Almainy, a dentist in Baghdad, resorted to Facebook to find a place for her COVID-19-stricken father, pleading: He cant breathe, his skin is turning blue. The hospital couldnt take us. In the southern city of Karbala, doctors have begged on social media for donations of remdesivir, an antiviral medication used to treat coronavirus patients. Al-Shabl said medications and ventilators are running low at her hospital, and 60% of the COVID-19 patients there need the breathing machines. For the first time since the start of the pandemic, children have come to the hospital with severe virus symptoms, said Alya Yass, a pediatrician at Al-Numan Teaching Hospital in Baghdad. Doctors blame widespread vaccine hesitancy for the current surge and fear the actual number of infections may be higher than ministry figures. Many Iraqis forgo testing because they don't trust public hospitals. Less than 3% of Iraq's population has been vaccinated, according to a Health Ministry official who was not authorized to talk to the media and spoke on condition of anonymity. The ministry has openly blamed the public for flouting pandemic restrictions. Health workers said they have expressed their concerns to superiors with little results. Mohammed Jamal, a former doctor at Al-Sader Teaching Hospital in Basra, said he confronted a ministry inspection committee and asked: Why havent the medications been restocked or fire extinguishers replaced? Where is the fire system? They didnt listen. They didnt see, he said. ___ Associated Press writer Qassim Abdul-Zahra in Baghdad contributed to this report. BETHEL Despite commands not to drive, a state trooper charged with driving under the influence last weekend told an officer to watch this before driving away, a police report obtained Wednesday shows. Andrew Murphy, a trooper assigned to the Troop A barracks in Southbury, is facing charges of operating under the influence of alcohol, disobeying the signal of an officer and interfering with an officer. He was released from custody after a friend posted $500 bond and is due to appear Monday in state Superior Court in Danbury. Murphy, a state trooper since July 2019, has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation, state police officials said. In a police report obtained by Hearst Connecticut Media, Bethel police said Murphy repeatedly told them he was a state police officer, and claimed they were hurting one of their own in a expletive-laden interaction. The report also said Murphy refused a urine test, and was uncooperative during questioning after his arrest, forcing officers to repeatedly ask him to stop yelling, according to the report. The incident began around 2:10 a.m. Sunday when a patrol officer spotted Murphy standing by the open door of his Mazda sedan in the parking lot of a 7-Eleven on Stony Hill Road, according to the report. As the officer approached, he reported that he saw Murphy was having difficulty keeping his balance, the report said. He shouted at Murphy to ask if he was all right, and was told in very slurred speech that he was fine, according to the report. The officer told Murphy he looked like he needed a ride and did not want him to be driving, the report read. When the state trooper got into his car, the officer wrote in the report that he yelled at him to stop and not to drive, but Murphy told him watch this, watch me! Murphy then pulled out of the lot without wearing his seat belt and drove to his home about a mile away, the report said. When the officer spotted a tire on Murphys car go off the road, he put on his lights and siren to pull Murphy over, but he did not stop, the report said. Along the way, the officer claims Murphy was drifting around turns and driving at around 10 mph, the report said. When Murphy pulled into the driveway of his home, the officer requested backup. As Murphy got out of his car, he had such poor balance he needed to brace himself on his vehicle, the report said. When the officer asked Murphy why he didnt stop, he told the officer he wanted to go home, and pointed to his Connecticut State Police cruiser in the driveway, according to the report. The officer wrote in the report that he smelled a strong odor of alcoholic beverage coming from Murphys breath, and that the trooper told him he had had four drinks that night, the report said. The officer conducted a field sobriety test, during which Murphy told police he needed an ambulance because everything hurt, the officer wrote in the report. When police questioned Murphy about whether his firearm was in the car, he became aggressive and began yelling, according to the report, claiming Bethel police were (expletive) one of your own. He was transported to Danbury Hospital before being taken to the Bethel Police Department and processed, according to the report. About two hours after arriving at the police station, the officer reported that Murphy began talking with me and appeared able to gather his words better than before. Murphy began asking me questions about the motor vehicle stop and how he ended up getting arrested. The questions included how Murphy ended up at the 7-Eleven, the officer wrote in the report. Murphy is not the only state police trooper to face a DUI charge in recent years. State police charged one of their own, Sgt. John McDonald, with driving under the influence in 2019. State police said McDonald was leaving a retirement party for another officer at a Brewery in Oxford when he drove through a stop sign and struck a car carrying a woman and her daughter. McDonald pleaded nolo contendere to to two counts of second-degree reckless endangerment last month as part of a plea agreement that will allow him to complete a pretrial alcohol education program and have the DUI charge dismissed. State police said Wednesday McDonald remains on administrative suspension. Winchester, VA (22601) Today Mostly sunny. High 87F. Winds light and variable.. Tonight Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 63F. Winds light and variable. BERLIN (AP) In one flooded German town, the ground collapsed under family homes. In another, floodwaters swept through an assisted living center, killing 12. Destroyed houses are seen in Schuld, Germany, Thursday, July 15, 2021. Due to heavy rain falls the Ahr river dramatically went over the banks the evening before. People have died and dozens of people are missing in Germany after heavy flooding turned streams and streets into raging torrents, sweeping away cars and causing some buildings to collapse. (AP Photo/Michael Probst) BERLIN (AP) In one flooded German town, the ground collapsed under family homes. In another, floodwaters swept through an assisted living center, killing 12. Rescue workers across Germany and Belgium rushed Friday to prevent more deaths from some of the Continent's worst flooding in years as the number of dead surpassed 125 and the search went on for hundreds of missing people. The Ahr river floats past destroyed houses in Insul, Germany, Thursday, July 15, 2021. Due to heavy rain falls the Ahr river dramatically went over the banks the evening before. (AP Photo/Michael Probst) Fueled by days of heavy rain, the floodwaters also left thousands of Germans homeless after their dwellings were destroyed or deemed to be at risk, and elected officials began to worry about the lingering economic effects from lost homes and businesses. Elsewhere in Europe, dikes on swollen rivers were at risk of collapsing, and crews raced to reinforce flood barriers. Sixty-three people perished in the German state of Rhineland-Palatinate, including 12 residents of an assisted living facility for disabled people in the town of Sinzig who were surprised by a sudden rush of water from the nearby Ahr River, authorities said. Cars are covered in Hagen, Germany, Thursday, July 15, 2021 with the debris brought by the flooding of the 'Nahma' river the night before. People have died and dozens of people are missing in Germany after heavy flooding turned streams and streets into raging torrents, sweeping away cars and causing some buildings to collapse. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner) German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier said he was stunned by the devastation and pledged support to the families of those killed and to cities and towns facing significant damage. In the hour of need, our country stands together, Steinmeier said in a televised statement. Its important that we show solidarity for those from whom the flood has taken everything. By Friday evening, waters were receding across much of the affected regions, but officials feared that more bodies might be found in cars and trucks that were swept away. A regional train sits in the flood waters at the local station in Kordel, Germany, Thursday July 15, 2021 after it was flooded by the high waters of the Kyll river. (Sebastian Schmitt/dpa via AP) A harrowing rescue effort unfolded in the German town of Erftstadt, southwest of Cologne, where people were trapped when the ground gave way and their homes collapsed. Fifty people were rescued from their houses, county administrator Frank Rock told German broadcaster n-tv. Aerial photos showed what appeared to be a massive landslide at a gravel pit on the towns edge. One has to assume that under the circumstances some people didnt manage to escape, Rock said. Damaged houses are seen at the Ahr river in Insul, western Germany, Thursday, July 15, 2021. Due to heavy rain falls the Ahr river dramatically went over the banks the evening before. People have died and dozens of people are missing in Germany after heavy flooding turned streams and streets into raging torrents, sweeping away cars and causing some buildings to collapse. (AP Photo/Michael Probst) Authorities cautioned that the large number of missing could stem from duplicated reports and difficulties reaching people because of closed roads and disrupted phone service. After Germany, where the death toll stood at 106, Belgium was the hardest hit. The country confirmed the deaths of 20 people, with another 20 still missing, Belgian Interior Minister Annelies Verlinden told the VRT network Friday. Several dikes on the Meuse Rriver that runs from Belgium into the Netherlands were at risk of collapsing, Verlinden said. Authorities in the southern Dutch town of Venlo evacuated 200 hospital patients due to the river's looming threat. A hotel owner sits on a Jesus statue in front of his damaged hotel in Insul, southern Germany, Thursday, July 15, 2021. Due to heavy rain falls the Ahr river dramatically went over the banks the evening before. People have died and dozens of people are missing in Germany after heavy flooding turned streams and streets into raging torrents, sweeping away cars and causing some buildings. (AP Photo/Michael Probst) Utility companies reported widespread disruption of electricity and gas service that they said could last for days or weeks. The governor of North Rhine-Westphalia, who hopes to succeed Chancellor Angela Merkel as the nation's leader after Germany's election on Sept. 26, said the disaster had caused immense economic damage to the country's most populous state. The number of dead in North Rhine-Westphalia stood at 43. The floods have literally pulled the ground from beneath many peoples feet, Gov. Armin Laschet said at a news conference. "They lost their houses, farms or businesses. People wade through a flooded street in Tienen, Belgium, Friday, July 16, 2021. Severe flooding in Germany and Belgium has turned streams and streets into raging torrents that have swept away cars and caused houses to collapse. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo) Manfred Pesch, a hotel owner in the small village of Gemuend, recounted how the floods came suddenly and rose to 2 meters (over 6 feet). Our hotel needs to be rebuilt, he said. We need a lot of help. Wolfgang Meyer, owner of a painting business in Gemuend, said his family escaped the rising water, but his business was swamped. Belgian Army soldiers help with evacuations as the River Meuse rises after flooding in Maaseik on Friday, July 16, 2021. Severe flooding in Germany and Belgium has turned streams and streets into raging torrents that have swept away cars and caused houses to collapse. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo) The machinery, equipment, the entire office, files, records ... everything is gone actually," he said. "Were going to have some work to do there. Malu Dreyer, the governor of Rhineland-Palatinate state, said the disaster showed the need to speed up efforts to curb global warming, which experts say could make such disasters more frequent. She accused Laschet and Merkels center-right Union bloc of hindering efforts to achieve greater greenhouse gas reductions in Germany, Europes biggest economy and a major emitter of planet-warming gases. A woman sorts through clothing in a shelter for residents after flooding in Angleur, Province of Liege, Belgium, Friday July 16, 2021. Severe flooding in Germany and Belgium has turned streams and streets into raging torrents that have swept away cars and caused houses to collapse. (AP Photo/Valentin Bianchi) Climate change isnt abstract anymore. We are experiencing it up close and painfully, she told the Funke media group. Steinmeier, the German president, echoed her calls for greater efforts to combat global warming. Only if we decisively take up the fight against climate change will we be able to limit the extreme weather conditions we are now experiencing, he said. A man rows a boat down a residential street after flooding in Angleur, Province of Liege, Belgium, Friday July 16, 2021. Severe flooding in Germany and Belgium has turned streams and streets into raging torrents that have swept away cars and caused houses to collapse. (AP Photo/Valentin Bianchi) The World Meteorological Organization said some parts of Western Europe have received up to two months of rainfall in the space of two days. "What made it worse is that the soils were already saturated by previous rainfall, WMO spokesperson Clare Nullis said. She said it was too soon to blame the floods and preceding heat wave on rising global temperatures but added: Climate change is already increasing the frequency of extreme events. And many single events have been shown to be made worse by global warming. A woman is carried through a flooded street in Angleur, Province of Liege, Belgium, Friday July 16, 2021. Severe flooding in Germany and Belgium has turned streams and streets into raging torrents that have swept away cars and caused houses to collapse. (AP Photo/Valentin Bianchi) The German military deployed over 850 troops to help with flood efforts, and the need for help was growing, Defense Ministry spokesman Arne Collatz said. He said the ministry had triggered a military disaster alarm. Italy sent civil protection officials, firefighters and rescue dinghies to Belgium to help in the search for missing people. In the southern Dutch province of Limburg, which also has been hit hard by flooding, troops piled sandbags to strengthen a 1.1-kilometer (0.7 mile) stretch of dike along the Maas River, and police helped evacuate low-lying neighborhoods. A man surveys a damaged house after flooding in Ensival, Verviers, Belgium, Friday July 16, 2021. Severe flooding in Germany and Belgium has turned streams and streets into raging torrents that have swept away cars and caused houses to collapse. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco) Caretaker Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said the government was officially declaring flooded regions disaster areas, making businesses and residents eligible for compensation. Dutch King Willem-Alexander visited the region Thursday night and called the scenes heartbreaking. Meanwhile, heavy rain in Switzerland caused several rivers and lakes to burst their banks. Public broadcaster SRF reported that a flash flood swept away cars, flooded basements and destroyed small bridges late Thursday in the northern villages of Schleitheim und Beggingen. Erik Schulz, the mayor of the hard-hit German city of Hagen, 50 kilometers (31 miles) northeast of Cologne, said a wave of other regions and ordinary citizens were offering to help. We have many, many citizens saying I can offer a place to stay. Where can I go to help? ... Where can I bring my shovel and bucket? he told n-tv. The city is standing together, and you can feel that." ____ Associated Press writers Geir Moulson and Emily Schultheis in Berlin, Raf Casert in Brussels, Nicole Winfield in Rome, Angela Charlton in Paris and Mike Corder in The Hague, Netherlands, and contributed to this report. FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) American Airlines is canceling extended leaves for about 3,300 flight attendants and telling them to come back to work in time for the holiday season. FILE - In this Monday, July 27, 2020, file photo, An American Airlines Boeing 737-823 lands at Miami International Airport in Miami. American Airlines is telling some flight attendants to cut short their leaves of absence and come back to work. The airline said Thursday, July 15, 2021 that it is canceling extended leaves for about 3,300 flight attendants, and it wants them flying by November or December. Plus, the airline expects to hire 800 new flight attendants by next March. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee, File) FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) American Airlines is canceling extended leaves for about 3,300 flight attendants and telling them to come back to work in time for the holiday season. And American plans to hire 800 new flight attendants by next March, according to an airline executive. The moves are the latest indication that leisure travel in the U.S. is recovering more quickly from the pandemic than airlines expected. Increasing customer demand and new routes starting later this year mean we need more flight attendants to operate the airline, Brady Byrnes, the airline's vice president of flight service, told flight attendants in a memo Thursday. Byrnes said cabin crews who are coming back from leave will return to flights in November or December. Last year, American offered long-term leaves of absence to flight attendants and other employees to cut costs while it struggled with a steep drop in travel caused by the coronavirus outbreak. Other airlines did the same thing. Now they need people. Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian said this week that his airline expects to hire between 4,000 and 5,000 workers this year. Delta plans to add 1,300 reservations agents by this fall to reduce long waits on hold for customers who call the airline. It's also adding customer service, cargo and airport workers and plans to hire more than 1,000 pilots before next summer. When the pandemic hit, the number of people flying in the U.S. plunged below 100,000 on some days, a level not seen in decades. This year, it has climbed from less than 700,000 a day in early February to 2 million a day in July. WASHINGTON (AP) President Joe Biden said Friday that social media companies are killing people by failing to police misinformation on their platforms about COVID-19 vaccines. President Joe Biden walks past reporters as he heads to Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, Friday, July 16, 2021, to spend the weekend at Camp David. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh) WASHINGTON (AP) President Joe Biden said Friday that social media companies are killing people by failing to police misinformation on their platforms about COVID-19 vaccines. Bidens comments came a day after U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy declared misinformation about the vaccines a threat to public health, and as U.S. officials advised that deaths and serious illness from the virus are almost entirely preventable because of the vaccines. Biden, asked if he had a message for platforms like Facebook where false or misleading information about the coronavirus vaccines has spread, told reporters, Theyre killing people. The only pandemic we have is among the unvaccinated," he said. Speaking Thursday, Murthy said misinformation about COVID-19, deemed an infodemic by the World Health Organization, was deadly. Misinformation poses an imminent and insidious threat to our nations health, Murthy said during remarks Thursday at the White House. We must confront misinformation as a nation. Lives are depending on it. Given the role the internet plays in spreading health misinformation, Murthy said technology companies and social media platforms must make meaningful changes to their products and software to reduce the spread of false information while increasing access to authoritative, fact-based sources. Too often, he said, the platforms are built in ways that encourage, not counter, the spread of misinformation. We are asking them to step up, Murthy said. We cant wait longer for them to take aggressive action. Facebook spokesperson Dani Lever responded: "We will not be distracted by accusations which arent supported by the facts. The fact is that more than 2 billion people have viewed authoritative information about COVID-19 and vaccines on Facebook, which is more than any other place on the internet. More than 3.3 million Americans have also used our vaccine finder tool to find out where and how to get a vaccine. The facts show that Facebook is helping save lives. Period. Twitter posted on its platform, As the COVID-19 pandemic evolves around the world, well continue to do our part to elevate authoritative health information. AP writer Barbara Ortutay in New York contributed to this report. Before the pandemic brought the travel industry to a near standstill, the documentsoutlining entry requirements that Kristin Hoogendoorn would hand her clients prior to a trip typically consisted of a single page. British, Canadian and U.S. nationals line up alongside the Royal Caribbean cruise ship Reflection to be evacuated free of charge, in Kingstown on the eastern Caribbean island of St. Vincent, Friday, April 16, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Orvil Samuel Before the pandemic brought the travel industry to a near standstill, the documentsoutlining entry requirements that Kristin Hoogendoorn would hand her clients prior to a trip typically consisted of a single page. It used to be just, make sure your passport is valid six months past your date of entry, said Hoogendoorn, laughing. Now, the Milton, Ont.-basedCentre Holidays travel agent said such documents run as long as six pages and consist of complicated entry requirements that often change, such as Barbados's recent decision to only allow entry to visitors who have received two doses of the same vaccine, a decision that was rescinded Thursday. Travel agents say that while there is no lack of enthusiasm among Canadians to travel abroad, confusing vaccine policies are holding back a full rebound in the industry. The situation is also affecting the amount of labour involved in each booking. Tripcentral.ca president Richard Vanderlubbe said booking a trip for a client can now take three times as long as it did before the pandemic. Moreover, his staff are required to contact each person booked to a destination every time a country changes its entry requirements. For example, we just got notified that ... kids age five to 11 must also get a PCR test before returning to Canada, so we have to notify all our customers that have bookings with children, said Vanderlubbe. Weve never had to query our database to find children, its just a new wrinkle, weve never had to make an advisory like that. The changing entry policies are enough of a headache that Hoogendoorn has decided shell only deal with bookings in Mexico and the Caribbean, so that she can stay up-to-date on the requirements for a specific number of countries. I cant freely book travel like I did in the past, I really have to rein it in and focus on a certain niche market, said Hoogendoorn. Despite a constantly changing environment, both travel agents say theres a cohort of travellers who are determined to take a trip no matter what. For those customers, Vanderlubbe recommends picking a well-established tourist destination or resort, and booking weekend flights for a seven- or 14-day trip. He says weekend flights with a one-week or two-week schedule are the least likely to be changed, and there have been many instances where people have booked resort stays for an odd number of days, only to find out the airline cancelled or modified a flight. Stick to the main destinations, said Vanderlubbe. The more esoteric you go or the more of an odd duration you go with, the higher the chance itll get disrupted. With all the uncertainty around changing restrictions, both agents say travellers who typically book on their own should consider using a travel agent this year. Anybody who books now has to be prepared for the fact that rules can change any time, including while youre away, said Vanderlubbe. Talk to a professional who can tell you these things and is committed to keeping you informed as things change. This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 16, 2021. ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo is expected to be interviewed Saturday as the state attorney general's office winds down its investigation into sexual harassment and misconduct allegations that upended his national reputation and threatened his hold on power as he gears up to run for a fourth term next year. FILE - This photo from Friday May 21, 2021, shows New York Attorney General Letitia James at a news conference in New York. James is overseeing an interview of Gov. Andrew Cuomo by investigators with the state attorney general's office, who are looking into sexual harassment allegations as the probe nears its conclusion. (AP Photo/Richard Drew, File) ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo is expected to be interviewed Saturday as the state attorney general's office winds down its investigation into sexual harassment and misconduct allegations that upended his national reputation and threatened his hold on power as he gears up to run for a fourth term next year. The timing of the interview in Albany, the states capital, was confirmed Thursday to The Associated Press by two people familiar with the investigation. They were not authorized to speak publicly about the case and did so on condition of anonymity. Investigators were always expected to speak with Cuomo, who said at the start of the probe in March that he would fully cooperate." Cuomo is also facing an impeachment inquiry in the state assembly. Saturday's interview signals that investigators are nearly done with their work, which has included interviews with the governor's accusers, though they may need some time to tie up loose ends before a report is issued. Several women have accused Cuomo, a Democrat, of unwanted kisses, touches and groping and inappropriate sexual remarks. Cuomo initially apologized and said that he learned an important lesson about his behavior around women, though he's since denied that he did anything wrong and questioned the motivations of accusers and fellow Democrats whove called for his resignation. Cuomo, in office since 2011, has rebuffed calls to step aside over the allegations. Cuomos popularity has dipped this year: about 62% of voters said Cuomo should resign or not seek re-election in a late June poll by Siena College. Still, supporters point out that 61% of Democrats in that poll said they have a favorable opinion of him. A message seeking comment was left with Cuomo's lawyer, Rita Glavin. A Cuomo spokesperson said Thursday he had no comment. The state attorney general's office declined comment. We have said repeatedly that the governor doesnt want to comment on this review until he has cooperated, but the continued leaks are more evidence of the transparent political motivation of the attorney generals review," Cuomo senior advisor Richard Azzopardi said. The scheduled interview with Cuomo was reported first by The New York Times. Former aide Lindsey Boylan accuses Cuomo of having harassed her throughout her employment and said he once suggested a game of strip poker aboard his state-owned jet. Another former aide, Charlotte Bennett, said Cuomo once asked her if she ever had sex with older men. Bennett's lawyer, Debra Katz, said Bennett met via Zoom for more than four hours with investigators and also provided them with 120 pages of records to corroborate her accusations. A message seeking comment was left with Katz and lawyers for Boylan and another Cuomo accuser, aide Alyssa McGrath. The investigation into the allegations against Cuomo is being overseen by the state's independently elected attorney general, Letitia James, who named former federal prosecutor Joon Kim and employment discrimination attorney Anne Clark to conduct the probe and document its findings in a public report. Azzopardis statement Thursday was at least the second time that Cuomos top spokesperson has claimed James, also a Democrat, and her probe were politically motivated. Azzopardi didn't provide evidence Thursday that the attorney general had leaked information. In April, Azzopardi blasted James for confirming her office was also investigating whether Cuomo broke the law by having staff help write and promote his recent memoir, American Crisis: Leadership Lessons From the Covid-19 Pandemic." Both the comptroller and the attorney general have spoken to people about running for governor and it is unethical to wield criminal referral authority to further political self-interest, Azzopardi said at the time. Some of Cuomos top allies in the state Legislature have called on the public to await the results of James investigation and not to undermine her integrity. Sen. Gustavo Rivera, a Bronx Democrat, said he trusts the independent investigators selected by James, and said their credibility and professionalism cant be questioned. There was a sense from people early on that because the governor was so instrumental in helping her become AG that she would then become responsive to his political needs, Rivera, Senate health committee chair, said. Now shes proven over and over again that shes responsible to the people of the state of New York. Manhattan Assemblymember Richard Gottfried, Democrat and Assembly health committee chair, agreed: Tish James is not going to let anyone undermine her." Sen. John Liu, majority assistant whip, called Azzopardis statement the typical Cuomo playbook. Obviously, Cuomos trying to undermine the AG, Liu said. Those kinds of comments, trying to run interference, trying to deflect, trying to implicate, at least politically my read of it is that folks in the governors circle including the governor are at least nervous and at most running terrified, said Liu, a Queens Democrat who, like Gottfried and Rivera, has called on Cuomo to resign. This years legislative session has concluded, but lawmakers could return later in the summer or fall if the probe winds up. I think Tish James is being as thorough as she can, knowing that no matter what she will be accused of politics," Liu said. The state Assembly's judiciary committee has launched its own probe into whether there are grounds to impeach the governor on issues from sexual misconduct to his administration's reporting of COVID-19 deaths among nursing homer residents. Its also unclear when the Assembly investigation will wrap up, but its likely it'll be after James' investigation concludes. Boylan has said she only wants to speak with investigators in the attorney general's probe. Liu said the AGs report and recommendations will "carry a great deal of weight with lawmakers. Balsamo reported from Washington, D.C. Sisak reported from Port St. Lucie, Florida. ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and other officials pressed the White House on Thursday to support efforts to preserve internet service to antigovernment protesters in Cuba, even advocating the use of giant balloons as floating Wi-Fi hotspots to allow images of dissent to stream unabated from the authoritarian nation. White House press secretary Jen Psaki speaks during the daily briefing at the White House in Washington, Thursday, July 15, 2021. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh) ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and other officials pressed the White House on Thursday to support efforts to preserve internet service to antigovernment protesters in Cuba, even advocating the use of giant balloons as floating Wi-Fi hotspots to allow images of dissent to stream unabated from the authoritarian nation. Cuban authorities blocked social media sites in an apparent effort to stop the flow of information into, out of and within the country after thousands of Cubans began taking to the streets last weekend to protest limited access to COVID-19 vaccines and basic goods. The country is going through its worst economic crisis in decades. We obviously have to stand with the people of Cuba against the communist dictatorship, DeSantis said at a press conference in Miami, adding that restoring access to the internet is vital to supporting the people of Cuba. President Joe Biden responded later Thursday by denouncing communism and saying his administration is assessing whether it has the technology to maintain internet access for Cubans. Internet access was restored in Cuba earlier this week, but, as of Thursday, cellphone data was still not fully restored. The protests in the island nation have sparked an outpouring of support in Florida, which is home to the nations largest community of Cuban exiles. Throngs of people in Miami, Orlando and the Tampa area have rallied in support, sometimes shutting down major thoroughfares. DeSantis said every option should be explored, including using offshore and satellite technology to supply internet service. One option being considered is using balloons to provide connectivity. The Republican governor also suggested using the U.S. Embassy in Havana as a kind of hotspot. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, center, speaks during a news conference at the offices of Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar, left, R-Fla., along with Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nunez, second from left, Marcell Felipe, second from right, founder of the Inspire America Foundation, an organization dedicated to promoting democracy in Cuba and the Americas, and Rep. Carlos Gimenez, R-Fla., Thursday, July 15, 2021, in Miami. DeSantis and other officials pressed the White House on Thursday to support efforts to preserve internet service to antigovernment protesters in Cuba, even advocating the use of giant balloons as floating Wi-Fi hotspots to allow images of dissent to stream unabated from the authoritarian nation. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee) The one thing that communist regimes fear the most is the truth. And if were able to help Cubans communicate with one another also communicate to the outside world that truth is going to matter, DeSantis said. And so, Mr. President, nows the time to stand up and be counted. It's unclear how the U.S. government or any other entity, public or private, might keep internet service uninterrupted. "We need the political willingness from the Biden administration," said Republican U.S. Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar, whose parents were Cuban exiles. And if the federal government considers that they cannot pay for the resources, the Cuban American community will. On Thursday evening, Biden denounced Cuba as a failed state that is repressing their citizens and called communism "a universally failed system during a news conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Biden said that the U.S. is considering ways to help Cubans as long as that aid is not undermined by the communist government. Biden said the administration wont ease a ban on remittances to Cubans because they believe it is highly likely the regime would confiscate them, and that while the U.S. is prepared to send significant amounts of a COVID-19 vaccine to the country, theyd have to be administered by an international organization in such a way that average citizens could get them. They've cut off access to the internet we're considering whether we have the technological ability to reinstate that access," Biden said. Meanwhile, demonstrations in Florida continued for another day. Hundreds were gathering in Hialeah near Miami to show solidarity with Cubans. Earlier in the week, two Florida men were arrested during a protest in Tampa in support of the demonstrations and were held on charges related to the states new so-called anti-riot law. Julian Rodriguez-Rodriguez, 30, Maikel Vazquez-Pico, 39, were among those arrested Tuesday night as a group of protesters attempted to take over an exit ramp at Interstate 275 and Dale Mabry Highway, which is a major thoroughfare in Tampa. Both were arrested on charges that include battery on a law enforcement officer, resisting law enforcement and taking part in an unlawful assembly that blocked streets or sidewalks, records show. Rodriguez-Rodriguez put an officer into a bear hug as the officer was trying to arrest another protester, according to an arrest report. He then punched an officer in the face, breaking his glasses as the officer tried to arrest him, the report said. He continued to resist arrest until he was placed in handcuffs. The men were being held without bond in the Hillsborough County Jail early Thursday. It was not immediately clear whether either had an attorney who could comment. Earlier this year, DeSantis signed into law a Florida bill that boosts penalties against demonstrators who turn violent and creates new criminal penalties for those who organize demonstrations that get out of hand. Provisions of the law also make it a felony to block some roadways and give immunity to people who drive through protesters blocking a road. The bill was introduced after last summers protests for racial justice during which some Black Lives Matter protesters were met by police with tear gas and arrests when they took to the streets for days at a time. During his Thursday press conference, DeSantis again sought to differentiate recent protests over Cuba from those last year. Cuban Americans who are out demonstrating, he said, theyre not violent riots. Theyre out there being peaceful and theyre making their voices heard, and we support them. But he said demonstrators should not be shutting down roads that could impede traffic and commerce. Calvan reported from St. Petersburg, Florida. Frisaro reported from Fort Lauderdale. Associated Press writer Alexandra Jaffe in Washington contributed to this report. Farmers are calling for emergency disaster relief as drought ravages crops and pastures across the Prairie provinces and beyond. Farmers are calling for emergency disaster relief as drought ravages crops and pastures across the Prairie provinces and beyond. In Manitoba, a farmer coalition group in association with Keystone Agricultural Producers (KAP) is busy working on contingency plans in case conditions dont improve. Its likely the modest rainfall in southern Manitoba on Thursday afternoon will not be enough to mitigate the effects of the scorching temperatures and scant rainfall over the past few weeks that have left crops in poor condition across wide swaths of Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Graham Schellenberg, an official with KAP, said, "It is to the point, while were not saying its too late (for this years crop), but certainly we have seen stunted crop growth, issues with germination going back to the spring and it has been a very difficult year for livestock producers." In some parts of the country, grasshoppers have infested fields. Several municipalities have declared states of agricultural disaster and ranchers say they are running out of hay to feed their cattle. Schellenberg said some Manitoba livestock producers, who are struggling to find enough water and feed for their animals, are getting close to the point where they will need to make decisions about whether or not to use their crops for feed rather than sending it to market. "Farmers are always hoping and praying for rain," he said. "But it is now to the point with these consistent high temperatures, high humidex and lack of precipitation where producers are having to start considering options." On his ranch near Moose Jaw, Sask., Kelcy Elford said conditions are the driest hes seen in more than 20 years. Much of the crop he planted for grazing didnt germinate at all and the parched soil is cracking. Watering holes on his land are either going dry or are algae-covered, and some have become so alkaline theyre actually poisonous to cattle. "When you look over some of the pastures its a brown, almost gold colour. Because the grass that did grow here cooked after it grew," said Elford, who is president of the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association. "In the areas where its quite bad it almost looks grey. Theres just no moisture there whatsoever." Drought conditions are also causing problems in western Ontario and in B.C., where active wildfires are significantly impacting agricultural producers. Brady Stadnicki, spokesman for national lobby group the Canadian Cattlemens Association, said the situation is so widespread there are concerns it could result in a long-term reduction in the size of the Canadian cattle herd. He said the CCA is hearing reports from ranchers across the country who say they may have to sell off up to 40 per cent of their herds before winter because they know they wont have enough food for them. "Were hearing theres some hay that isnt even being sold at a price. Its going for auction because its so valuable," Stadnicki said. "Theres really big implications for the industry here. Thats a huge priority for us, to maintain that national cow herd." The government of Saskatchewan has already announced some drought relief, and will allow grain farmers with crop insurance to write off crops that have been damaged by sun and heat. Cattle ranchers will then be able to go in and salvage what they can for feed. Saskatchewan is also providing more funding for water projects like wells and dugouts. The CCA and other farm groups are pushing for other provinces to follow suit. They are also calling for emergency relief funding through the AgriRecovery framework, a federal-provincial disaster assistance program. The countrys agriculture ministers were set to discuss that issue at a federal-provincial-territorial meeting Thursday. Dean Hubbard, who farms near Claresholm in southern Alberta, said the temperature hit 36 Celsius on his property on June 30 and is forecast to hit that same eye-popping number on Monday. There is no rain expected in at least the next 10 days. "Our peas at this point have very few pods, and theyre so short Im not sure how anyone would harvest them. The spring wheat is quite thin and very short," Hubbard said. "Theres been no other year like this." Hubbard said in some parts of Alberta, even if rain comes now, it will be too late to salvage much of the crop. This summers drought follows multiple consecutive years of below-normal precipitation in many parts of farm country. Experts say severe weather events will become more common in years to come due to climate change. with files from The Canadian Press martin.cash@freepress.mb.ca COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) The left-leaning government of Greenland has decided to suspend all oil exploration off the worlds largest island, calling it is a natural step because the Arctic government takes the climate crisis seriously. COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) The left-leaning government of Greenland has decided to suspend all oil exploration off the worlds largest island, calling it is a natural step because the Arctic government takes the climate crisis seriously. No oil has been found yet around Greenland, but officials there had seen potentially vast reserves as a way to help Greenlanders realize their long-held dream of independence from Denmark by cutting the annual subsidy of 3.4 billion kroner ($540 million) the Danish territory receives. FILE - This is a Tuesday Aug 16, 2005 file image of an iceberg as it floats in the bay in Kulusuk, Greenland near the arctic circle. The left-leaning government on Greenland which could be sitting on vast amounts of oil, has decided to suspend all oil exploration, Friday July 16, 2021, calling it a natural step because the Arctic government takes the climate crisis seriously. (AP Photo/John McConnico, FILE) Global warming means that retreating ice could uncover potential oil and mineral resources which, if successfully tapped, could dramatically change the fortunes of the semiautonomous territory of 57,000 people. The future does not lie in oil. The future belongs to renewable energy, and in that respect we have much more to gain, the Greenland government said in a statement. The government said it wants to take co-responsibility for combating the global climate crisis. The decision was made June 24 but made public Thursday. The U.S. Geological Survey estimates there could be 17.5 billion undiscovered barrels of oil and 148 trillion cubic feet of natural gas off Greenland, although the island's remote location and harsh weather have limited exploration. When the current government, led by the Inuit Ataqatigiit party since an Aprils parliamentary election, it immediately began to deliver on election promises and stopped plans for uranium mining in southern Greenland. Greenland still has four active hydrocarbon exploration licenses, which it is obliged to maintain as long as the licensees are actively exploring. They are held by two small companies. The government's decision to stop oil exploration was welcomed by environmental group Greenpeace, which called the decision fantastic. And my understanding is that the licenses that are left have very limited potential, Mads Flarup Christensen, Greenpeace Nordics general secretary, told weekly Danish tech-magazine Ingenioeren. Denmark decides foreign, defense and security policy, and supports Greenland with the annual grant that accounts for about two-thirds of the Arctic islands economy. BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) Some bookstores in Hungary placed notices at their entrances this week telling customers that they sell "non-traditional content. The signs went up in response to a new law that prohibits depicting or promoting homosexuality and gender transitions in material accessible to children. Costumers read in a bookstore in Budapest, Tuesday, July 13, 2021. A recent Hungarian law that prohibits depicting or promoting homosexuality or sex reassignment to minors has some bookstores in Hungary placing notices at their entrances, warning customers over books containing non-traditional content. Some writers and publishers say the controversial law narrows free thought and expression in literature - and are uncertain over whether works that depict homosexual themes will require labeling to keep them from reaching minors under 18. (AP Photo/Bela Szandelszky) BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) Some bookstores in Hungary placed notices at their entrances this week telling customers that they sell "non-traditional content. The signs went up in response to a new law that prohibits depicting or promoting homosexuality and gender transitions in material accessible to children. While some writers, publishers and booksellers say the law curtails free thought and expression in Hungary, the country's second-largest bookstore chain, Lira Konyv, posted the advisory notices to be safe. The new prohibition took effect last week, but the government has not issued official guidance on how or to whom it will be applied and enforced. The word depicts is so general that it could include anything. It could apply to Shakespeares sonnets or Sapphos poems, because those depict homosexuality, Krisztian Nyary, the creative director for Lira Konyv, said of the legislation passed by Hungary's parliament last month. The law, which also prohibits LGBT content in school education programs, has many in Hungary's literary community puzzled, if not on edge, unsure if they would face prosecution if minors end up with books that contain plots, characters or information discussing sexual orientation or gender identity. Publisher of Lira Konyv, Krisztian Nyaryposes for a photo in Budapest, Tuesday, July 13, 2021. A recent Hungarian law that prohibits depicting or promoting homosexuality or sex reassignment to minors has some bookstores in Hungary placing notices at their entrances, warning customers over books containing non-traditional content. Some writers and publishers say the controversial law narrows free thought and expression in literature - and are uncertain over whether works that depict homosexual themes will require labeling to keep them from reaching minors under 18. (AP Photo/Bela Szandelszky) Hungary's populist government insists that the law, part of a broader statute that also increases criminal penalties for pedophilia and creates a searchable database of sex offenders, is necessary to protect children. But critics, including high-ranking European Union officials, say the measure conflates LGBT people with pedophiles and is another example of Hungarian government policies and rhetoric that marginalize individuals who identity as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer. Last week, a government office in the capital of Budapest announced it had fined Lira Konyv $830 for failing to clearly label a childrens book that depicts families headed by same-sex parents. The office said the bookstore broke consumer protection rules by failing to indicate that the book contained content which deviates from the norm. The fine, Nyary said, set a precedent for further potential sanctions against publishers and booksellers. With the threat of further penalties looming, all of Lira Konyv's roughly 90 bookstores will now carry customer warnings that read, This store sells books with non-traditional content. Novelist Mark Mezei poses for a photo in his home in Budapest, Tuesday, July 13, 2021. A recent Hungarian law that prohibits depicting or promoting homosexuality or sex reassignment to minors has some bookstores in Hungary placing notices at their entrances, warning customers over books containing non-traditional content. Some writers and publishers say the controversial law narrows free thought and expression in literature - and are uncertain over whether works that depict homosexual themes will require labeling to keep them from reaching minors under 18. (AP Photo/Bela Szandelszky) Noemi Kiss, the author of several novellas that address contemporary social problems and feature some characters that are not straight or whose gender identity does not match the one they were assigned at birth, said she supports parts of the law that are intended to stop pedophilia and to protect children from pornographic content. But she called making literature off-limits based on whether it contains LGBT themes absurd and a limitation of freedom of opinion and expression. Based on what will writers be categorized? If (an author) writes a gay story, will they be completely discredited, or shall we completely rewrite all of world literature? Kiss said. The EU's executive commission launched two legal actions against Hungary on Thursday over the new law and in response to earlier labeling requirements for children's books that display patterns of behavior that differ from traditional gender roles though authorities did not make clear what non-traditional gender roles entail. Hungary restricts the freedom of expression of authors and book publishers, and discriminates on grounds of sexual orientation in an unjustified way, the European Commission said in a statement, adding that the government had not provided "any justification as to why exposure of children to LGBTIQ content would be detrimental to their well-being. Along with outlawing LGBT content for children, the law also prohibits depicting sexuality for its own sake to young audiences - a proscription that Nyary said could arguably apply to the majority of titles Lira Konyv sells. If someone wanted to, they could report three-quarters of world literature based on this definition, he said. Hungarys government did not respond to a request for comment. Nyary says he is compiling an anthology of classic literature that contain LGBT themes. The collection of stories, poetry and plays will include writings by Homer, Shakespeare and Sappho, among others and will come marked with an 18+ sticker to indicate only adults should read it. "We want to show what this law prohibits young people from accessing," Nyary said. Mark Mezei, a novelist in Budapest who has published a book featuring a lesbian relationship, says that while he believes established authors will not practice self-censorship, the new law could knock the pen out of the hands of young wordsmiths and stunt a new generation of Hungarian writers. If they find that they are facing huge resistance to their early work, it can certainly set them back in the creative process or even push them away from their calling, he said. Mezei said he is likely to simply ignore the law, insisting that authors must create and live autonomously. I think interfering in peoples private lives is one of the attributes of a governing power. But the really good works are born one way or another," he said. "Theyll be on the shelves of libraries when the current powers are just a footnote in the pages of history books. TORONTO - Ontario and Manitoba head back to the movies this weekend, joining the rest of the country for a summer season delayed by starkly different pandemic restrictions. Moviegoers make their way to an auditorium at Cineplex Movie Theatre in Toronto on Friday, July 16, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young TORONTO - Ontario and Manitoba head back to the movies this weekend, joining the rest of the country for a summer season delayed by starkly different pandemic restrictions. Both provinces move forward with reopening plans that allow cinemas to screen a fresh slate of films for the first time in months. Movie theatres in Ontario reopened Friday, while Manitoba got the go-ahead for Saturday. In Toronto, dozens of diehard Marvel Universe fans flocked to the downtown Scotiabank Theatre on Friday afternoon to catch an early screening of "Black Widow" on the multiplex's massive Imax screen. The superhero adventure, which stars Scarlett Johansson, opened in most regions last weekend and was available to purchase on the Disney Plus streaming service. Cinemas hope "Black Widow" will help carry them through the summer alongside a slate of other major Hollywood titles, including "Space Jam: A New Legacy," "A Quiet Place Part II" and "F9," the latest entry in the "Fast & Furious" franchise. Moviegoers make their way to a film at Scotiabank Theatre Toronto on Friday, July 16, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young At a Cineplex location in Oakville, Ont., Monique Armstrong emerged from a morning showing of "The Forever Purge," the latest sequel in the dystopian horror series. She said she's missed the movie theatre popcorn and the cinematic experience, but was surprised by how few people showed up in the earliest hours of reopening. "The first day of reopening you'd think they'd be packed, but it wasn't at all, so it was nice," she said, wondering if more people would show up for evening movies. "I'll be back next week, hopefully, to watch another one." Theatres in Ontario have been closed longer than anywhere else in North America, with locations in the Greater Toronto Area shuttered for nine months. As they reopen, the COVID-19 guidelines at theatres will vary by province. In Ontario, seating is reserved with moviegoers required to wear face masks and distance between groups, while auditoriums are capped at 50 per cent capacity and cannot exceed 1,000 people within an entire multiplex. Manitoba cinemas must also maintain 50 per cent capacity and require moviegoers to wear masks and show proof of vaccination alongside their ticket. British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan, do not require masks inside cinemas, while distancing rules vary across the country. Quebec theatres, which have been allowed to open since February, recently saw capacity restrictions loosened. Moviegoers from different households now only require one empty seat between them instead of 1.5 metres. Outside the major chains, the speed of movie theatre reopenings will be slower. While several independent theatres and art house cinemas announced immediate reopenings, others told followers on social media that it will take a week or longer to ramp up from lengthy closures, as employees return to work and map out movie bookings. with files from Denise Paglinawan This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 16, 2021. WASHINGTON (AP) A key senator is asking six U.S. airlines to explain the high rates of delayed and canceled flights this summer, and she's asking whether there are labor shortages despite the airlines getting billions in federal aid to keep workers on the job. FILE - In this Wednesday, June 16, 2021, file photo, Southwest Airlines ticketing agent helps a traveller at the check-in counter at Denver International Airport in Denver. Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., who chairs the Senate Commerce Committee, sent letters Friday, July 16, 2021, to the CEOs of American, Southwest, Delta, JetBlue, Republic and Allegiant. She wrote that she is concerned by reports that have highlighted the role of worker shortages in a surge of delayed and canceled flights. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File) WASHINGTON (AP) A key senator is asking six U.S. airlines to explain the high rates of delayed and canceled flights this summer, and she's asking whether there are labor shortages despite the airlines getting billions in federal aid to keep workers on the job. Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., who chairs the Senate Commerce Committee, sent letters Friday to the CEOs of American, Southwest, Delta, JetBlue, Republic and Allegiant. She wrote that she is concerned by reports that have highlighted the role of worker shortages in a surge of delayed and canceled flights. In identical letters to the CEOs, Cantwell said each airline did a poor job of managing its workforce and, at worst, "failed to meet the intent of tax payer funding and prepare for the surge in travel that we are now witnessing. Since March 2020, when the pandemic began to crush air travel, Congress has approved $54 billion to keep airline workers employed. As a condition of the aid, airlines have been prohibited from furloughing workers, but they persuaded tens of thousands of employees to take voluntary buyouts, early retirement or long-term leave to cut costs. Now the airlines are trying to bolster their staffs. This week, American cited rising passenger numbers in saying it will recall 3,300 flight attendants from long-term leave and hire 800 more before the end of the year. Delta said it will hire between up to 5,000 workers this year to reduce long hold times for customers who call the airline and to deal with workers shortages at contractors such as food caterers and airplane cleaners. Airlines and their unions lobbied for the federal aid, which has been extended twice and is scheduled to end Sept. 30. Trade group Airlines for America said that without the money, the impacts of the pandemic would have been far more devastating to our industry and our workforce, and our return to the skies would have been dramatically slowed. Government figures show that about 35,000 airline jobs were lost last fall, when the aid briefly expired. The jobs were restored when Congress extended the payroll relief. Southwest, one of the hardest hit by delays, said Friday it used the federal money to keep flying to all the airports it served before the pandemic. It blamed recent delays on summer thunderstorms and technology challenges last month that led to an unusually high number of delays and flight cancelations. The number of people flying in the U.S. bottomed out at less than 100,000 a day in April 2020. It has increased from about 700,000 a day in early February to about 2 million a day in July, although that is still down 20% from the same month in 2019, before the pandemic. A roundup of some of the most popular but completely untrue stories and visuals of the week. None of these are legit, even though they were shared widely on social media. The Associated Press checked them out. Here are the facts: A roundup of some of the most popular but completely untrue stories and visuals of the week. None of these are legit, even though they were shared widely on social media. The Associated Press checked them out. Here are the facts: False claims tie patents to COVID-19 vaccines CLAIM: People who received COVID-19 vaccines are now legally patented and no longer have human rights. This is because a 2013 U.S. Supreme Court ruling in the case of Association for Molecular Pathology v. Myriad Genetics, Inc. said that if a human genome is modified by mRNA vaccines then the genome can be patented. FILE - This Monday, Jan. 12, 2015 photo provided by NASA shows the first notable solar flare of 2015, as observed from NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory. On Friday, July 16, 2021, The Associated Press reported on stories circulating online incorrectly asserting a solar storm is heading toward Earth and could impact cell phone signals and cause blackouts. But Alex Young, solar physicist at NASA, says a July 3 solar flare did interfere with some high frequency communication, but the impact was less than it could have been. This was really very slow and it was not fully directed at Earth, Young said. We dont have any expectation of seeing any impact on Earth. (AP Photo/NASA, File) THE FACTS: An Instagram post circulating online falsely claims that mRNA vaccines against COVID-19 alter DNA, allowing humans to be patented and have their rights taken away. But COVID-19 vaccines, including those made by Pfizer and Moderna that rely on mRNA technology, do not change a persons genetic makeup. The false post cites the 2013 U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Association for Molecular Pathology v. Myriad Genetics, Inc. to back up its claim, but the ruling makes no mention of mRNA vaccines. Nor does the ruling say vaccinated humans can be patented. In fact, it has been a longstanding rule that anything found in nature, including people, cannot be patented, said Lara Cartwright-Smith, associate professor in the department of health policy and management at George Washington University. The case before the Supreme Court looked at whether Myriad Genetics, Inc. could patent the sequences of gene mutations that can lead to breast cancer. The companys test created cDNA, which is a clone or copy of the DNA, to test for the mutations. The Supreme Court ruled that the company could patent synthetically created cDNA because it was not natural, but could not patent the isolated human genes. "Natural DNA is not patentable," said Cartwright-Smith. "The copy that they made is patentable." Cartwright-Smith said the post online that cites the court ruling is nonsensical. "The conclusion that it would somehow affect the status of the person is also completely false," she said. Associated Press writer Beatrice Dupuy in New York contributed this report. Solar storm is not heading toward Earth CLAIM: A solar storm is heading toward Earth and could impact cell phone signals and cause blackouts. THE FACTS: False claims are swirling about a possible solar storm that could hit this week, but experts are not seeing a storm in sight. Posts online began claiming Tuesday that the storm would cause massive disruption on Earth that would extend into the week. Some posts sharing the false claim referred to the supposed event as "solar storm 2021" and shared pictures of a fiery sun. But Bill Murtagh, program coordinator for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrations Space Weather Prediction Center, told The Associated Press that there is no solar storm predicted for this week. A solar flare, which is a kind of solar storm, did take place on July 3. Solar flares occur when magnetic fields build up on the sun in the form of sunspots. When the magnetic fields get twisted and build up energy, they may violently release that energy in a flash of light, said Alex Young, solar physicist at NASA. The July 3 event was the first big flare of this solar cycle and the brightest in four years. "We typically get 150 of them over an 11 year cycle," Murtaugh said about solar flares. "Fortunately, we are 93 million miles away from the sun so we have Earths magnetic field and atmosphere which protects us from the harmful emissions from these eruptions." The July 3 solar flare did interfere with some high frequency communication, but Young said the impact was less than it could have been. "This was really very slow and it was not fully directed at Earth," Young said. "We dont have any expectation of seeing any impact on Earth." Beatrice Dupuy DNC anti-misinformation push doesnt involve reading private texts CLAIM: The Democratic National Committee is working with the Biden administration to monitor private citizens SMS communications in a move to crack down on anti-vaccine text messages. THE FACTS: The DNC has "no ability to access or read peoples private text messages" and is "not working with any government agency (including the White House) to try to see personal text messages," according to Lucas Acosta, a senior spokesperson for the committee. Conservative lawmakers and social media users this week advanced the false claim that the DNC and other Biden allies were planning to spy on personal text messages in order to identify and dispel vaccine misinformation. "So now the Biden Administration wants to get into peoples text messages to force vaccine compliance and who knows what else," Missouri Republican Sen. Josh Hawley tweeted. Arizona Republican Rep. Paul Gosar also picked up the false claim, tweeting, "The Biden Administration in partnership with the DNC, plans to monitor the private text messages of American citizens who question experimental, mRNA, emergency authorized, non-FDA approved vaccines." The false claim evolved online after Politico reported on Monday that the DNC and other Biden allies were "planning to engage fact-checkers more aggressively and work with SMS carriers to dispel misinformation about vaccines." Social media users and conservative websites interpreted Politicos report to mean the DNC would monitor private text messages in order to crack down on misinformation, but one of the reporters of the piece, Politico White House Correspondent Natasha Korecki, clarified on Twitter that this wasnt true. "No," Korecki tweeted Monday in response to a question about whether the government would be reading personal texts. "Outside groups are attempting to flag to SMS carriers false information campaigns that are driving misinformation on vaccines." Acosta explained to The Associated Press that the DNC isnt infiltrating personal texts, nor is it working with mobile phone carriers like Verizon or T-Mobile to dispel misinformation. Instead, Acosta said, the DNC is simply notifying SMS aggregator companies, like Twilio and Bandwidth, when it believes a political mass text is fraudulent or violates the companys messaging policies. "The only texts reviewed are those distributed en masse to American citizens through broadcast text platforms and reported to the DNC." The White House declined to comment on the record. Associated Press writer Ali Swenson in Seattle contributed this report. Online reports mislead on vaccination door-knocking efforts CLAIM: President Joe Bidens administration introduced a door-to-door campaign to offer COVID-19 vaccines as a way to confiscate guns or Bibles. THE FACTS: False information is circulating on social media around the Biden administration's plan to drive up COVID-19 vaccination rates with a door-to-door campaign. Despite the delta variant of the coronavirus surging, only 48% of the U.S. population is fully vaccinated and many parts of the country are lagging behind. "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" who need to be vaccinated, Biden said on July 6. Some posts online falsely claim the campaign would force vaccines on people while others suggest the Biden administrations initiative has a hidden agenda that will lead to guns or Bibles being confiscated. "The Biden Administration wants to knock on your door to see if youre vaccinated," Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan tweeted. "Whats next? Knocking on your door to see if you own a gun?" North Carolina Rep. Madison Cawthorn echoed such claims during the Conservative Political Action Conference last week. "Think about the mechanisms they would have to build to be able to actually execute that massive of a thing," Cawthorn said. "They could then go door to door and take your guns. They could go door to door and take your Bibles." But the vaccine campaign does not involve federal workers, it relies on local officials, private sector workers and volunteers to go into areas where there are lower vaccination rates and provide information on where to access the vaccine. Furthermore, federal law prohibits creating a national gun registry. White House press secretary Jen Psaki countered some of the false claims in a press conference on July 9. "This is grassroots volunteers, this is members of the clergy, these are volunteers who believe that people across the country, especially in low-vaccinated areas, should have accurate information, should have information about where they can get vaccinated, where they can save their own lives and their neighbors lives and their family members lives," Psaki said. An example of this approach is playing out in North Carolina. "We are employing numerous outreach strategies including door knocking across the state to ensure that people have the information that they need about vaccinations and can easily and conveniently get vaccinated," Bailey Pennington, a spokesperson with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, told The Associated Press in an email. The grassroots component of the U.S. vaccination campaign has been in operation since April and was funded by Congress in the $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill passed in March, the AP reported. Knocking on doors to promote vaccines doesnt violate health privacy law CLAIM: President Joe Bidens initiative for a door-to-door campaign to encourage vaccination for COVID-19 is a violation of the federal law that restricts the release of medical information. THE FACTS: Biden pitched a door-knocking campaign as a way to get vaccine information and assistance to more people, not probe Americans about whether they have been vaccinated. But even if officials or volunteers did ask people that question, it wouldnt be a violation of federal health privacy laws, according to experts. Nevertheless, social media users and political candidates have spread false claims that the campaign infringes on the federal health privacy law known as HIPAA. "How about the government stay the heck out of our business!?" Texas Republican congressional candidate Monica De La Cruz-Hernandez wrote in a Facebook post. "What ever happened to PRIVATE health decisions? Seems like giving these door knockers our vaccination status would a HIPPA violation." Another Facebook user wrote, "Coming to my door to seek personal medical info is a violation of HIPAA laws & my constitutional rights." In fact, HIPAA doesnt block anyone from asking another person about their health status, according to Alan Meisel, law professor and bioethics expert at the University of Pittsburgh. "What it does is prohibit certain health care entities from revealing certain health information about patients," Meisel told the AP in an email. If someone does come to your door to encourage you to get the COVID-19 vaccine, you have no obligation to tell them whether you have been vaccinated, said Kayte Spector-Bagdady, lawyer and associate director for the Center for Bioethics and Social Science in Medicine at the University of Michigan Medical School. "HIPAA does not apply to public health outreach volunteers, and it doesnt apply to information you offer to tell," Spector-Bagdady said in an email to the AP. "If you are uncomfortable, just dont open the door - or do and just get some information without giving any in return!" Ali Swenson Pennsylvania did not initiate an election audit CLAIM: Pennsylvania initiated a full audit of the rigged November 2020 election. THE FACTS: The state of Pennsylvania did not initiate an election audit. Last Wednesday, Pennsylvania state Sen. Doug Mastriano said he was launching a "forensic investigation" and issued letters to officials in three counties, requesting sweeping elections-related information. The letters threatened counties with subpoenas if they dont respond affirmatively by Julys end, according to reporting by The Associated Press. In the wake of Mastrianos request, social media users took to Facebook and spread misinformation about the source and nature of the request, and about the integrity of Pennsylvanias 2020 presidential elections. One popular social media post said, "Pennsylvania initiated a FULL audit of the RIGGED election." But the state did not initiate an audit. "The state has not initiated anything," said Wanda Murren, communications director at the Pennsylvania Department of State, which oversees the states election process. There is also no evidence that the election was improperly administered or poorly managed. Critics say an election audit is duplicative, given the legal requirements for each county and the state to review election results for accuracy and investigate any discrepancies. "Pennsylvania counties, despite a convergence of difficult circumstances, ran a free, fair and accurate election in 2020," Murren said in a prepared statement last Wednesday. "The majority of Pennsylvanians and Americans are satisfied with that truth." Associated Press writer Terrence Fraser in New York contributed this report. Posts understate infrastructure funding in American Jobs Plan CLAIM: Less than 5 cents of every dollar of the $4 trillion "infrastructure" bill actually goes to infrastructure. THE FACTS: While "infrastructure" can be defined in numerous ways, the claim that Bidens initial plan is made up of less than 5% true infrastructure funding is decidedly false. The amount of "real" infrastructure funding in Bidens $2.3 trillion American Jobs Plan has been a topic of political debate for months, with Republicans criticizing the presidents pitch as a Trojan horse for Democratic policies and tax hikes. A conservative-backed nonprofit resurrected the criticism on Facebook this week, falsely claiming in a widely shared video that "less than 5 cents of every dollar of the $4 trillion infrastructure bill actually goes to infrastructure." First, it should be noted that Bidens $4 trillion plan is actually made up of two distinct bill proposals: the American Jobs Plan and the American Families Plan. The former is a $2.3 trillion package for hard infrastructure items, while the latter is a companion bill of roughly equal size for soft infrastructure items like investments in child care, family tax credits and other domestic programs. Whether or not you count the companion bill as part of Bidens so-called infrastructure plan, items widely agreed upon to count as infrastructure make up more than 5% of the total, according to Marc Goldwein, senior vice president of the nonpartisan Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget. Goldwein said looking at just the American Jobs Plan, "somewhere between a third and two-thirds" of the proposal consists of projects squarely in the infrastructure category, such as repairing roads and bridges, replacing water pipes, enhancing the electrical grid, investing in airports and improving coastal ports. Looking at the entire $4 trillion proposal, Goldwein said, infrastructure items would still make up at least one-fifth of the total. "Its not just roads and waterways," Goldwein said. "But these are things that we think are pretty indisputably infrastructure." Critics of the proposal may have come up with a 5% figure by only including improvements on roads and bridges in their definition of infrastructure, according to Garrett Watson, a senior policy analyst at the Tax Foundation. Only about $154 billion in the American Jobs Plan went to those items, he said. Indeed, a caption on the video shared widely on Facebook this week accurately stated that "less than a nickel on every dollar" in Bidens set of proposals totaling $4 trillion "would go towards filling potholes or repairing bridges." However, Goldwein said, items like broadband, water systems and other transportation infrastructure are widely considered infrastructure by both Democrats and Republicans, and those items together with repairing roads and bridges make up a larger portion of the plan. Bidens American Jobs Plan is no longer the prevalent infrastructure proposal in Congress. In June, the president endorsed a scaled-back nearly $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure proposal that supporters hoped would have enough Republican support to pass in the Senate. That bipartisan proposal, which would involve about $579 billion in new spending, allocates about $109 billion nearly 19% of the total to roads, bridges and major projects, according to the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget. Add in other types of transportation infrastructure, such as airports, public transit and ports and waterways, and infrastructure makes up more than half of the bipartisan proposal. Ali Swenson Find AP Fact Checks here: https://apnews.com/APFactCheck Follow @APFactCheck on Twitter: https://twitter.com/APFactCheck LAS VEGAS (AP) Masks are back in Las Vegas, after regional health officials on Friday cited a rising number of coronavirus cases and advised everyone vaccinated or not to wear facial coverings in crowds and indoor places. FILE - In this June 24, 2021, file photo, crowds walk through the casino during the opening night of Resorts World Las Vegas in Las Vegas. Masks are back in Las Vegas, where regional health officials pointed Friday, July 16, 2021, to a rising number of coronavirus cases and advised everyone, vaccinated or not, to wear facial coverings in crowded indoor places. Seven weeks ago, Nevada fully lifted coronavirus restrictions and returned pandemic control measures to counties. (AP Photo/John Locher, File) LAS VEGAS (AP) Masks are back in Las Vegas, after regional health officials on Friday cited a rising number of coronavirus cases and advised everyone vaccinated or not to wear facial coverings in crowds and indoor places. The recommendation from the Southern Nevada Health District isnt a requirement. But it affects casinos, concerts and clubs where business has boomed since restrictions were lifted and the state fully returned pandemic control measures to counties about seven weeks ago. Both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals should wear masks when they are in crowded public settings ... such as grocery stores, malls, large events and casinos," Dr. Fermin Leguen, the region's chief health officer, told reporters. He said the district doesn't have authority to make masks mandatory, leaving that question to the state, county and cities. Vaccine clinics and testing are continuing at sites around the region, Leguen added. Vaccination rates have stalled in recent weeks in Nevada, a state with libertarian leanings where health officials reported Friday that about 55% of residents 12 years and older have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine. Statewide, about 46.3% are fully vaccinated. Nationally, 68% of adults have received at least one dose of vaccine, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. FILE - In this April 24, 2021, file photo, people walk along the Las Vegas Strip in Las Vegas. Masks are back in Las Vegas, where regional health officials pointed Friday, July 16, 2021, to a rising number of coronavirus cases and advised everyone, vaccinated or not, to wear facial coverings in crowded indoor places. (AP Photo/John Locher, File) An official with the union representing 60,000 Nevada casino employees issued a statement noting the risks posed to workers by people who are not vaccinated. Culinary Union official Geoconda Arguello-Kline pointed to CDC data that more than 97% of people who have been hospitalized recently with COVID-19 have not received a vaccine. The mask recommendation in Las Vegas came after Nevada health officials on Thursday reported 938 new cases of COVID-19 statewide the biggest one-day coronavirus case jump since February and 15 new deaths. It also followed a call from the public health chief in Los Angeles for Californians to rethink plans to travel to Nevada until COVID-19 case numbers in the Silver State decrease. Weekend visitors from Southern California have in recent months jammed Interstate 15, the main route for the 270-mile (435-kilometer) trip between Los Angeles and Las Vegas. I do want to recommend, especially if youre unvaccinated, reconsider traveling to places where the seven-day COVID-19 case rates are increasing or high like Nevada, our neighbor, Dr. Muntu Davis told Los Angeles County commissioners on Tuesday. Davis also recommended using masks in indoor spaces, regardless of vaccination status. Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolaks chief of staff, Michelle White, responded during a video conference call with reporters on Thursday with a suggestion that people travel to Nevada and get vaccinated. Thats why we are working to make sure there are vaccination and testing locations located on places like the Las Vegas Strip. That is open any individual, workers ... visitors, White said. We have all three vaccines offered, including the one shot. If someone is coming from out of state, that can be more convenient and we certainly encourage everyone to do so. The Department of Health and Human Services said test positivity, a key marker of the percentage of people found to be infected among those tested for the virus, had tripled from 3.4% five weeks ago to 10.9% on Thursday. The positivity figure reported by the state Department of Health and Human Services was 12.3% in the Las Vegas area. The number of new cases reported Friday in Nevada was 866, and six new deaths. That brought to 5,758 the number of lives lost in the state to COVID-19 since March 2020. Most cases and deaths in Nevada during the pandemic have been in the Las Vegas area, home to 2.3 million people and host to tens of millions of visitors per year. On Friday, health officials in Washoe County said they had no plans to implement mask requirements or recommendations because the virus hasn't surged in the Reno-Sparks area to the extent it has in Las Vegas. Elsewhere, local officials from Lander County and Elko have recently focused on passing pre-emptive resolutions against vaccine passports. ____ Associated Press writers Scott Sonner in Reno and Sam Metz in Carson City contributed to this report. SYDNEY, N.S. - The federal government is promising $2.7 million to help the airport in Sydney, N.S., recover from losses suffered because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Nova Scotia's provincial flag flies in Ottawa, Friday July 3, 2020. The Sydney Airport in Nova Scotia is getting $2.7 million dollars from the federal government to help it stay in operation in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld SYDNEY, N.S. - The federal government is promising $2.7 million to help the airport in Sydney, N.S., recover from losses suffered because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Funding for the J.A. Douglas McCurdy Sydney Airport, located in Cape Breton, N.S., will come from the $206-million Regional Air Transportation Initiative launched by Ottawa in March. As COVID-19 travel restrictions across the Atlantic region ease, airlines have begun restoring flights in and out of Cape Breton. Bob McNeil, chairman of the airport authority's board of directors, said today in a news release the funding will allow the airport to continue to operate as travellers gradually begin to fly again. Mike Kelloway, member of Parliament for Cape Breton-Canso, adds it's important to maintain the jobs at the airport as the area moves toward a post-pandemic recovery. The money will help maintain 11 full-time jobs. This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 16, 2021. Leaders of Asian Pacific nations agreed on Friday to step up COVID-19 vaccination sharing as China said it has pledged $3 billion in international aid to support coronavirus response efforts in developing countries. President Joe Biden speaks during a news conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in the East Room of the White House in Washington, Thursday, July 15, 2021. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh) Leaders of Asian Pacific nations agreed on Friday to step up COVID-19 vaccination sharing as China said it has pledged $3 billion in international aid to support coronavirus response efforts in developing countries. The virtual retreat for Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation leaders including U.S. President Joe Biden, Chinese Prime Minister Xi Jinping, Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and Russian President Vladimir Putin was held as the delta variant is spurring a spike in infections around the globe. There were two things that came through very strongly from the leaders. One was that this pandemic has a while to run and that there is significant work by all of us to be done, and it needs to look beyond our domestic borders, said New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, who hosted the informal retreat. The second strong theme was agreement and acceptance ... that this will not be the last pandemic we experience and that preparedness is critical. Xi told leaders in a pre-recorded message played during their private session that Beijing would spend $3 billion to help poorer countries respond to COVID-19 over the next three years, according to Chinas official Xinhua News Agency. China reports it has provided more than 500 million vaccine doses to other developing countries. FILE - In this May 15, 2021, file photo, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern speaks during a press conference in Wellington. U.S. President Joe Biden, his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and Russian President Vladimir Putin are among Pacific Rim leaders gathering for a virtual meeting on Friday, July 16, 2021, to discuss strategies to help economies rebound from a resurgent COVID-19 pandemic. (AP Photo/Nick Perry, File) Vaccine sharing has proven to be a divisive issue among members of the forum, which says its primary goal is to support sustainable economic growth and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region. The Biden administration has fallen short of its goal of delivering 80 million vaccine doses to the rest of the world by the end of June due to a host of logistical and regulatory hurdles that have slowed the pace of U.S. efforts. Biden told leaders during the meeting that he was committed to delivering more than 500 million vaccine dose to countries around the globe, according to the White House, which said the administration's "singular goal remains saving lives. He made clear that the United States is donating our vaccines, not selling them, and underscored the importance of not attaching any political or economic conditions to the provision of vaccines, the White House said in a statement. Taiwan, an APEC member that China claims as a renegade territory, has accused Beijing of tying the delivery of coronavirus vaccines to political demands. The government of the self-ruled island says China has intervened to block vaccine deliveries to Taiwan from fellow APEC members Japan and the United States. FILE - In this June 28, 2021, file photo, Russian President Vladimir Putin talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping via video conference in Moscow, Russia. U.S. President Joe Biden, his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and Russian President Vladimir Putin are among Pacific Rim leaders gathering for a virtual meeting on Friday, July 16, 2021, to discuss strategies to help economies rebound from a resurgent COVID-19 pandemic. (Alexei Nikolsky, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP, File) China, meanwhile, has accused Australia of interfering in the rollout of Chinese vaccines in former Australian colony Papua New Guinea. Both Australia and Papua New Guinea are also members of APEC. The leaders also pledged to move forward on action to lower costly tariffs that complicate the movement of vaccines across borders ahead of an APEC meeting set for November. Vials, syringes and packaging frequently face significant tariffs, which Ardern described as a very real problem that APEC economies have the ability to remove. Biden had planned to use the retreat to talk to fellow leaders about his administrations efforts to serve as an arsenal of vaccines to the world and discus how members of the alliance can collaborate to bolster the global economy, according to a senior Biden administration official who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to comment publicly. The U.S. has shipped more than 53 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines to more than 30 countries and territories, with plans to ship at least 30 million more as soon as recipient countries sort out regulatory and logistical hurdles. They mark the Biden administrations down payment on a plan to buy and donate 500 million more doses for the world over the coming year. The U.S. has donated 4.5 million vaccine doses to Indonesia, 2 million to Vietnam and 1 million to Malaysia, and 3.2 million doses will soon be delivered to the Philippines. The White House says donations to Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Papua New Guinea will soon be delivered. Laos and Cambodia are the only countries among those eight vaccine recipients that are not APEC members. The important meeting came at a critical time as the world is facing a resurgence in COVID-19 infection numbers and international cooperation against the pandemic had entered a new stage, said Chinas Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian. We hope all parties can uphold the vision of an Asia-Pacific community with a shared future, carry forward the Asia-Pacific partnership, send a positive message of fighting the coronavirus with solidarity and deepen economic recovery and cooperation, Zhao said. APEC nations lost more than 80 million jobs during the pandemic as the global economy lilted amid restrictions and lockdowns. The Biden administration has put a premium on tending to relations with allies in the Pacific early in his administration. One of his first high-profile acts of diplomacy as president was hosting a virtual summit with fellow leaders of the Quad Australia, India and Japan a group central to his efforts to counter Chinas growing military and economic power. And he hosted Suga and South Korea President Moon Jae-in for the first in-person foreign leader meetings of his presidency. South Korea is a APEC member, and India is the only country in the Quad that is not. Associated Press writers Mari Yamaguchi in Tokyo and Zeke Miller in Washington contributed to this report. The COVID-19 comeback across the U.S. is putting pressure on hospitals at a time when some of them are busy just trying to catch up on surgeries and other procedures that were put on hold during the pandemic. Nurses and doctors in the CoxHealth Emergency Department in Springfield, Mo., don personal protective equipment to treat patients with COVID-19, Friday, July 16, 2021. Southwest Missouri is seeing a surge in Delta variant cases, with hospitals nearing capacity and requesting help from the state for staffing and an alternative care site. (Nathan Papes/The Springfield News-Leader via AP) The COVID-19 comeback across the U.S. is putting pressure on hospitals at a time when some of them are busy just trying to catch up on surgeries and other procedures that were put on hold during the pandemic. With the highly contagious delta variant spreading rapidly, cases in the U.S. are up around 70% over the last week, hospital admissions have climbed about 36% and deaths rose by 26%, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Friday. Some hospitals are reporting record or near-record patient volumes. But even for those that aren't, this round of the pandemic is proving tougher in some ways, hospital and health officials said. Staff members are worn out, and finding traveling nurses to boost their ranks can be tough. I really think of it as a war and how long can you stay on the front line," said Dr. Mark Rosenberg, president of the American College of Emergency Physicians. And how many times do you want to go back for another tour of duty. Eventually you just dont want to do it. Also, many hospitals were busy even before the surge began, dealing with a backlog of cancer screenings, operations and other procedures that were put off during the winter surge to free up space and staff members, according to health care leaders. Eventually you have to pay the piper, and those things have now built up, said Dr. James Lawler of the Global Center for Health Security at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha. The fear now at some hospitals is that they will have to postpone non-COVID-19 care again and risk the potential health consequences for patients. Dr. Laura Makaroff, senior vice president for prevention and early detection for the American Cancer Society, said cancer screenings dropped during the outbreak and have yet to return to normal levels in many communities. She warned that delays in screenings can result in cancers being detected at more advanced stages of the disease. COVID-19 deaths and newly confirmed infections across the U.S. are still dramatically lower than they were over the winter. But for the first time since then, cases are rising in all 50 states. And the nation's vaccination drive has slowed to a crawl, with only about 48% of the population fully protected. CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky warned that the outbreak in the U.S. is becoming a pandemic of the unvaccinated because nearly all hospital admissions and deaths are among those who hadnt been immunized. One of the most overwhelmed areas of the country is Springfield, Missouri, where public health officials begged the state this week to convert a dormitory, hotel or another large space for the care of less seriously ill COVID-19 patients so that the city's two hospitals can focus on the sickest. Mercy Springfield and Cox South have seen a sevenfold increase in coronavirus patients since late May, with Mercy treating pandemic-high numbers and Cox expected to break its own record next week. In Florida, UF Health Jacksonville is talking about setting up tents in the parking lot to help with the overflow after the number of COVID-19 in-patients doubled to 77 over the past couple of weeks. Chad Neilsen, director of infection prevention, said the hospital expects to surpass its January high of 125 COVID-19 in-patients in the next few weeks. Before the rise, the hospital had begun a push to bring back patients who had delayed care amid the pandemic. Now it is discussing canceling procedures, Neilsen said. To be telling someone, Sorry, we have to delay your hip surgery or your procedure because we have too many COVID patients who are largely unvaccinated, it is just not what we signed up to do in health care," he said. In Georgia, Augusta University Medical Center is busting at the seams as it handles medical procedures postponed because of the pandemic and deals with a spike in respiratory illnesses that usually hit in the wintertime, said Dr. Phillip Coule, chief medical officer. COVID-19 hospitalizations also have started inching up to around eight or 10 patients, from lows of one or two a day. While the numbers still remain far below the peak of 145 in January, Coule said he is watching the situation closely. In some ways I feel like we are a lot better off than we were before, he said, noting that the staff is safer because of vaccinations. In other ways, it worries we if we have to defer routine care again what the outcome will be. In California, Los Angeles County will again require masks indoors, even in people who have been vaccinated. Over the past three weeks, COVID-19 cases have doubled across Kaiser Permanentes 36 California hospitals, to more than 400. Dr. Stephen Parodi, who helped develop the surge plans for Kaiser Permanentes hospitals, said he is confident they can handle the influx, noting that the total is still less than 20% of the January peak. But he said the hospitals already were busy with people showing up at emergency rooms with more severe illnesses than they would have had if the problems had been detected sooner. At some point, illness doesnt wait for us, he said. The ability to defer additional care when you have already deferred for a year, year and a half, is just simply not an acceptable option. People carry their belongings past a broken road in Schuld, Germany, Friday, July 16, 2021. Two days before the Ahr river went over the banks after strong rain falls causing severals deaths and hundreds of people missing. (AP Photo/Michael Probst) The Latest on deadly flooding in Europe: BRUSSELS Belgiums government says the death toll from unprecedented flooding in parts of the country has risen to 20. Interior Minister Annelies Verlinden said Friday that emergency workers were trying to locate another 20 people who remained missing. Prime Minister Alexander De Croo says Belgium will mark a day of national mourning Tuesday to reflect on the great human loss. It will also be a moment to show solidarity, closeness and unity. Damaged cars lie on the banks of the Ahr river in Schuld, Germany, Friday, July 16, 2021. Two days before the Ahr river went over the banks after strong rain falls causing severals deaths and hundreds of people missing. (AP Photo/Michael Probst) De Croo says festivities marking the countrys national holiday on July 21 also will be toned down, saying it comes at a time when so many people will still be in an exceptionally difficult position. German officials so far have reported 106 deaths in the floods that also ripped through some parts of Germany. BRUSSELS Just as the European Union was preparing drastic plans costing billions of euros to contain climate change, massive clouds were gathering over Germany and other EU nations to unleash an unprecedented storm that left death and destruction in its wake. Despite ample warnings, politicians and weather forecasters were shocked at the ferocity of the precipitation that caused flash flooding that killed at least 120 people in the lush wooded hills of Western Europe. Many climate scientists said the link to global warming was unmistakable and the urgency to do something about it undeniable. To say that climate change caused the flooding may be a step too far, but scientists insist that it acerbates the extreme weather that has been on show from the western U.S. and Canada to Siberia to Europe's Rhine region. Debris of houses and trees surround houses in Schuld, Germany, Friday, July 16, 2021. Two days before the Ahr river went over the banks after strong rain falls causing severals deaths and hundreds of people missing. (AP Photo/Michael Probst) There is a clear link between extreme precipitation occurring and climate change, Prof. Wim Thiery of Brussels University said Friday. For the heat records, added Prof. Stefan Rahmstorf of the University of Potsdam, some are so extreme that they would be virtually impossible without global warming, as recently in western North America. Taking them all together, said Sir David King, Chair of the Climate Crisis Advisory Group, these are casualties of the climate crisis: we will only see these extreme weather events become more frequent. BRUSSELS Belgium's interior minister says the official death toll of flash flooding in the country's east has gone up to 18, with more people missing. After Germany, Belgium was the hardest hit by the rains earlier this week that caused homes to be ripped away and roads to be turned into wild rivers running through the center of several towns. An armoured engineer vehicle of the German forces lifts a damaged car during the clean-up work of the severe storm damage in Hagen, Germany, Friday, July 16, 2021. Heavy rains caused mudslides and flooding in the western part of Germany. Multiple have died and dozens are missing as severe flooding in Germany and Belgium turned streams and streets into raging, debris-filled torrents that swept away cars and toppled houses. (Julian Stratenschulte/dpa via AP) The official confirmed death toll now stands at 18 and there are a great many missing, Interior Minister Annelies Verlinden told VRT network Friday. The number of people missing is estimated to be at 19. She said water levels on the Meuse river running into the Netherlands remains critical. There are a number of dikes on the Meuse whether it is really touch and go whether they will collapse, she said. THE HAGUE, Netherlands Flooding is affecting other parts of Western Europe after killing at least 110 people and causing destruction in Germany and Belgium. Emergency officials in the Netherlands are urging residents of homes close to a canal in the southern Dutch province of Limburg to evacuate swiftly after a canal dike burst. People are cleaning up the damage in Gemuend, Germany, Friday, July 16, 2021 after the flooding of the Urft river. Heavy rains caused mudslides and flooding in the western part of Germany. Multiple have died and dozens are missing as severe flooding in Germany and Belgium turned streams and streets into raging, debris-filled torrents that swept away cars and toppled houses. (Oliver Berg/dpa via AP) The South Limburg emergency services said Friday that a large hole has opened in the dike alongside the Juliana Canal, which runs near the swollen Maas river. Residents are being warned that four small settlements close to the canal will very soon be underwater. Heavy rainfall in Romania on Thursday night caused unprecedented flooding in a small western commune that required dozens of emergency workers to rescue people from damaged homes and cars. Alba Countys Inspectorate for Emergency Situations said in a statement Friday that no one died in Romania. BERLIN Germanys defense ministry said Friday that it is deploying a battalion to the hard-hit region of Ahrweiler. German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier adresses the media during a statment in Berlin, Germany, Friday, July 16, 2021. Steinmeier said he was stunned by the devastation caused by the flooding and called for more urgent efforts to combat global warming. Multiple have died and dozens are missing as severe flooding in Germany and Belgium turned streams and streets into raging, debris-filled torrents that swept away cars and toppled houses. (Bernd von Jutrczenka/dpa via AP) The 371st Armored Infantry Battalion is being sent to relieve emergency crews who have been working for days to reach people trapped in the county. Many villages in the mountainous region were heavily damaged and dozens of people died in the flash floods overnight Thursday. ____ BERLIN German officials said Friday that the economic damage from the flooding in country's west will be immense. More than half of the 53 counties in North Rhine-Westphalia state were affected by the floods, which damaged hundreds of buildings. At least 43 people died in the state. A woman sorts through clothing in a shelter for residents after flooding in Angleur, Province of Liege, Belgium, Friday July 16, 2021. Severe flooding in Germany and Belgium has turned streams and streets into raging torrents that have swept away cars and caused houses to collapse. (AP Photo/Valentin Bianchi) North Rhine-Westphalia Gov. Armin Laschet said the floods had literally pulled the ground from beneath many peoples feet. They lost their houses, farms or businesses. Federal and state officials have pledged financial aid to the affected areas of Germany, which also include the state of Rhineland-Palatinate, where at least 60 people died and entire villages were destroyed. Several religious organizations have called for donations to help residents who lost everything in the floods. The damage to Germanys economy is also expected to be severe. Several factories were flooded and key infrastructure, including parts of the A1 highway from Cologne to Bonn, were swept away. THE HAGUE, Netherlands Authorities in the southern Dutch town of Venlo are evacuating a hospital due to the looming threat of flooding. A man rows a boat down a residential street after flooding in Angleur, Province of Liege, Belgium, Friday July 16, 2021. Severe flooding in Germany and Belgium has turned streams and streets into raging torrents that have swept away cars and caused houses to collapse. (AP Photo/Valentin Bianchi) Emergency coordinators said some 200 patients will be transported from the VieCuri hospital to other hospitals Friday afternoon as a precaution to get ahead of any possible flooding. The hospital is close to the banks of the swollen Maas river that flows into the Netherlands from Belgium, where flooding has caused widespread damage in and near the city of Liege. The river is called the Meuse in Belgium. The hospital will remain closed until Monday. Flooding in the Netherlands southern Limburg province has caused damage to homes and businesses in several towns and villages and sparked evacuations but has not caused any major injuries or deaths. - A woman is carried through a flooded street in Angleur, Province of Liege, Belgium, Friday July 16, 2021. Severe flooding in Germany and Belgium has turned streams and streets into raging torrents that have swept away cars and caused houses to collapse. (AP Photo/Valentin Bianchi) BERLIN Operators of an assisted living facility for people with disabilities in western Germany said Friday that the number of residents who died in flooding has increased to 12. German news agency dpa quoted the chief executive of the Lebenshilfe association in Rhineland-Palatinate state saying only one of the 13 people missing from the facility had been found alive. Matthias Mandos said a staff member managed to move several residents of the home in the town of Sinzig to the first floor as waters from the nearby Ahr river rushed into the building. By the time the staff member tried to get others to safety, it was too late, Mandos said. Psychologists were on hand to help traumatized employees and residents, he added. A soccer stadium is full of water after flooding in Tienen, Belgium, Friday, July 16, 2021. Severe flooding in Germany and Belgium has turned streams and streets into raging torrents that have swept away cars and caused houses to collapse. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo) BERLIN German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier said he is stunned by the devastating effects of the flooding across parts of western Germany that has killed more than 100 people and left hundreds missing. Steinmeier pledged the German government's support to the families of those killed and to cities and towns facing significant damage. In the hour of need, our country stands together, Steinmeier said in a statement Friday afternoon. Its important that we show solidarity for those from whom the flood has taken everything. Calling the events a tragedy, Steinmeier said he had been in touch with state and local officials in the affected areas and that they used "shocking words to describe the situations on the ground. The crisis, he said, underscores the impact of climate change and the need for forceful action to combat it. Only if we decisively take up the fight against climate change will we be able to limit the extreme weather conditions we are now experiencing, Steinmeier said. COPENHAGEN, Denmark Denmarks foreign minister called the devastating floods across parts of Germany and Belgium that have killed at least 100 people utterly heartbreaking. Foreign Minister Jeppe Kofod wrote on Twitter that Europe must and will stand together in this tragedy. He said Friday that his thoughts were with the victims and their families. BERLIN At least 100 people have died in devastating floods across parts of western Germany and Belgium as search and rescue operations continue for hundreds more still unaccounted for. Authorities in the German state of Rhineland-Palatinate said 50 people had died there, including at least nine residents of an assisted living facility for people with disabilities. In neighboring North Rhine-Westphalia state officials put the death toll at 43, but warned that the figure could increase. Rescuers rushed Friday to help people trapped in their homes in the town of Erftstadt, southwest of Cologne. Regional authorities said several people had died after their houses collapsed due to the ground sinking. Speaking to German broadcaster n-tv, county administrator Frank Rock said that authorities had no precise number yet for how many had died. One has to assume that under the circumstances some people didnt manage to escape, he said. Authorities said late Thursday that about 1,300 people in Germany were still listed missing, but cautioned that the high figure could be due to duplication of data and difficulties reaching people because of disrupted roads and phone connections. In a provisional tally, the Belgian death toll rose to 12, with 5 people still missing, local authorities and media reported early Friday. TORONTO - Three years after losing a prolonged court battle over the restriction of housing data, the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board continues to pursue legal action against companies it accuses of illegally accessing its Multiple Listing Service system. A real estate sold sign hangs in front of a west-end Toronto property Friday, Nov. 4, 2016. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graeme Roy TORONTO - Three years after losing a prolonged court battle over the restriction of housing data, the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board continues to pursue legal action against companies it accuses of illegally accessing its Multiple Listing Service system. The Ontario board that represents about 62,000 agents alleged in court cases that R E Stats Inc. and IMS Inc., which operate digital real estate tools, infringed on TRREB's copyright and circumvented protection measures to illegally access home listing information. TRREB's MLS system contains listings, sales figures, archival info and neighbourhood descriptions entered by real estate agents as homes are put on the market and sold. Lawyers and real estate industry observers say TRREB is pursuing legal action and asserting its control over the data because the MLS system is one of the most valuable services it offers members and it wants to protect that exclusivity. Additionally, legal experts say TRREB may be using the courts as a way to reveal how these companies are accessing the listings data, so that preventive action can be taken. "They see free dissemination of this data as being a threat to the traditional real estate business model and they are willing to try anything to try to erect a moat of sorts around their traditional model," said Denes Rothschild, a partner at Borden Ladner Gervais LLP specializing in competition and foreign investment reviews. "Allowing new entrants, with new and innovative types of service offerings, is bound to erode that. They're very concerned about the possibility of these new services proliferating." TRREB declined to comment for this story because matters are still before the court. The issue first arose when the Competition Bureau claimed in 2011 that the board's tight grip on MLS data was anti-competitive and sought to make it publicly accessible via brokers' websites. TREBB fought back, claiming the publication of such data posed privacy and copyright concerns, but the Competition Tribunal and later the Federal Court of Appeal sided with the bureau. The Supreme Court of Canada refused to hear the case in 2018, clearing the path for MLS data to appear on other websites, which must be password-protected and are typically open to an agent's clients or site subscribers. TRREB continued to closely monitor use of MLS data and last yearsent a memo to multiple real estate websites, saying it was reviewing its members' password-protected sites because it discovered that web development companies had been given unauthorized data from brokers or were obtaining the data by misleading means. Meanwhile, the real estate board was taking legal action against IMS and R E Stats, which operates as Redatum. TRREB first contacted Redatum, which offers software to help brokers analyze market trends, about its use of the MLS data in October 2018, after the Supreme Court dismissal that August. A Federal Court order summarizing the case said the real estate board informed Redatum it had received complaints from TRREB members claiming the company was publishing and using data about realtors from the MLS system. TRREB filed a statement of claim against Redatum in August 2020 and later sought an injunction to stop the company from accessing and using MLS information. The real estate board argued that MLS data is copyrightable and that Redatum infringed on copyright by accessing and monetizing figures from its system without authorization, the court order said. TRREB has suffered and continues to suffer irreparable harm as a result of the conduct of the defendants and their blatant unauthorized actions which threatens the integrity of the TRREB MLS system and TRREBs entire service operated on behalf of its members and their clients, board chief executive John DiMichele stated in court documents. Redatum argued MLS data isnt copyrightable, wasnt accessed illegally and that TRREB lacked sufficient evidence to back up its arguments because the board admitted it has been unable to determine the exact means used by the defendants to obtain access to the TRREB MLS system. Judge Richard F. Southcott dismissed the injunction request and awarded costs to Redatum in January, finding TRREB failed to prove it was irreparably harmed by the company's actions a criteria judges must examine when deciding whether to grant an interlocutory injection. However, he said TRREB's copyright arguments will have to be addressed as litigation proceeds. Redatum's lawyer John Simpson said he believes TRREB's case is aimed at discovering how companies that aren't run by brokers get MLS data, so those giving them access can be deterred. However, he said the board faces a problem because some people providing access are TRREB members who are entitled to the data. "If you try to keep members from letting others piggyback on their access ... it's going to end up being sort of a game of whack-a-mole," Simpson said. Redatum said in court that its data comes from its clients, which are TRREB members. While TRREBs Redatum case wound through the courts, the board simultaneously pursued IMS Inc., the company behind the REality and Restats businesses, for similarly accessing MLS data. A Federal Court order shows TRREB sought declarations in January asserting that the board is "the owner or exclusive licensee of the copyrights associated with the TRREB Multiple Listing Service" and that unauthorized access to the system, copying, data scraping, downloading and distribution of its contents is a breach of TRREBs rights. The board also wanted the court to declare that IMS breached TRREBs protection measures to gain access to the MLS system and its rights under the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA). IMS asked for many of TRREBs claims to be struck because it said the allegations around copyright infringement and circumventing protection measures do not disclose a reasonable cause of action or are an abuse of the courts process. Case management judge Martha Milczynski ruled in April that "it is plain and obvious" that these copyright and PIPEDA claims cannot succeed and noted that the Federal Court of Appeal found in 2017, when TRREB was fighting the Competition Bureau, that copyright does not exist in the MLS content. "The vague claims of confidentiality and proprietary rights are unlikely to be grounded in federal law such that the jurisdiction of the Federal Court is engaged," she wrote in a court order. IMS owner Leon d'Ancona declined an interview request, saying "lawyers advise we not comment as this matter is before the courts." Prior to Milczynski's ruling, the real estate board in April 2019 secured a permanent injunction to stop now-defunct property listing site Mongohouse from illegally accessing, copying and distributing MLS data. Rothschild believes TRREB is fighting a "uphill battle" because the copyright argument was already examined by the Federal Court of Appeal. "At some point, they need to move on from this because I just don't see it as being a fruitful line of attack," he said. Toronto real estate agency Bungol Inc. has also clashed with TRREB. In an August 2020 letter obtained by The Canadian Press, TRREB lawyer Kevin Fisher informed Bungol owner Jack Zhang that Bungol had breached the MLS system in 2018 and that TRREB was suspending his and the company's memberships. In the letter, Fisher said TRREB had the power to terminate Bungol's access to the system but had not done so because Bungol was willing to co-operate with investigations into the source of its access to the MLS data and comply with other obligations. Bungol underwent a professional standards review, which resulted in the termination of its MLS access. Zhang has since cancelled his and Bungol's TRREB memberships and now operates Bungol without MLS data. TRREB declined to comment on the Bungol matter and Fisher did not respond to requests for comment. But Diana Petramala, a senior economist at Ryerson University's Centre for Urban Research and Land Development, pointed out that protecting the data is important for TRREB because the MLS system contains info connected to major purchases and sales people make. "They don't want to be seen as in breach of contract or in breach of privacy issues" she said. She added that "for it to maintain its competitive advantage and its member base, it needs to protect the data." Redatum lawyer Simpson agreed. "All of this demonstrates that TRREB considers (copyright) to be sort of an existential issue for them, that if they don't do something about this, they're just going to lose relevance and lose value to their membership." This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 16, 2021. FILE - In this Aug. 12, 2020 file photo, water flows from a showerhead in Portland, Ore. President Joe Biden's administration is reversing a Trump-era rule approved after the former president complained he wasnt getting wet enough because of limits on water flow from showerheads. Now, with a new president in office, the Energy Department is going back to a standard adopted in 2013, saying it provides plenty of water for a good soak and a thorough clean. (AP Photo/Jenny Kane) WASHINGTON (AP) So much for Donald Trumps quest for perfect hair. President Joe Biden's administration is reversing a Trump-era rule approved after the former president complained he wasnt getting wet enough because of limits on water flow from showerheads. Now, with a new president in office, the Energy Department is going back to a standard adopted in 2013, saying it provides plenty of water for a good soak and a thorough clean. The rule change will have little practical effect, since nearly all commercially made showerheads comply with the 2013 rule the pet peeve of the former president notwithstanding. The department said the action clarifies what's been happening in the marketplace. Showers that provide the extra supply of water desired by Trump are not easily found, it said. Since 1992, federal law has dictated that new showerheads should not pour more than 2.5 gallons (9.5 liters) of water per minute. As newer shower fixtures came out with multiple nozzles, the Obama administration defined the showerhead restrictions to apply to what comes out in total. So if there are four nozzles, no more than 2.5 gallons total should come out among all four. The Trump-era rule, finalized in December, allows each nozzle to spray as much as 2.5 gallons, not just the overall showerhead. A proposed rule change, set to be published in the Federal Register next week, reverts to the Obama-era standard. The public will have 60 days to comment before a final rule is developed. The change will ensure that consumers continue to save money while reducing water use and paying lower energy bills, the Energy Department said. Officials estimated that the Obama-era rule saved households about $38 a year, and the Energy Department expects similar savings by reverting to the 2013 standard. As many parts of America experience historic droughts, this commonsense proposal means consumers can purchase showerheads that conserve water and save them money on their utility bills,'' Kelly Speakes-Backman, acting assistant secretary for the department's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, said Friday. While publicly talking about the need to keep his hair perfect, Trump made increasing water flow and dialing back longstanding appliance conservation standards including for light bulbs, toilets and dishwashers a personal issue. So showerheads you take a shower, the water doesnt come out. You want to wash your hands, the water doesnt come out,'' Trump said at the White House last year. So what do you do? You just stand there longer or you take a shower longer? Because my hair I dont know about you, but it has to be perfect. Perfect. But consumer and conservation groups said the 2020 rule change was silly, unnecessary and wasteful, especially as the West bakes through a historic two-decade-long megadrought. With four or five or more nozzles, you could have 10, 15 gallons per minute powering out of the showerhead, literally probably washing you out of the bathroom, Andrew deLaski, executive director of the energy conservation group Appliance Standards Awareness Project, said last year in opposing the Trump action. DeLaski and officials at Consumer Reports said theres been no public outcry or need for change. The Energy Department's database of 12,499 showerheads showed 74% of them use 2 gallons (7.5 liters) or less water per minute, which is 20% less than the federal standard. A 2016 test of showerheads by Consumer Reports found that the best-rated showerheads, including a $20 model, provided a pleasing amount of water flow and met federal standards. The Energy Department also is proposing to remove the definition of body spray adopted in the 2020 final rule. The rule allows body sprays to circumvent congressional intent to promote water conservation simply based on orientation of the water flow a side spray rather than overhead. WASHINGTON - U.S. health officials issued more ominous warnings about COVID-19's dangerous delta cousin Friday just as Canada finally started floating the prospect of letting fully vaccinated American visitors back into the country as early as mid-August. In this still image taken from video footage, Rep. Brian Higgins, D-N.Y., speaks on the floor of the House of Representatives at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Thursday, April 23, 2020. Higgins says it's a relief to see Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is aiming to let U.S. citizens who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 back into Canada by mid-August. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-HO, House Television WASHINGTON - U.S. health officials issued more ominous warnings about COVID-19's dangerous delta cousin Friday just as Canada finally started floating the prospect of letting fully vaccinated American visitors back into the country as early as mid-August. It made for a discordant pair of messages: Canada musing openly about easing travel restrictions on U.S. citizens at the same time as the delta variant is threatening to undermine hard-won progress against the pandemic south of the border. "This is becoming a pandemic of the unvaccinated," Dr. Rochelle Walensky, the director of the U.S. Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, told a briefing Friday. The CDC is looking at a seven-day average of about 26,300 new cases per day, an increase of a whopping 70 per cent over the previous weeklong period, Walensky said. Daily COVID-19 deaths are also up by about 26 per cent, she added. "We are seeing outbreaks of cases in parts of the country that have low vaccination coverage, because unvaccinated people are at risk. And communities that are fully vaccinated are generally faring well." In a call with provincial and territorial leaders, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made it clear Thursday that the next exemption would apply only to U.S. citizens and permanent residents who are fully vaccinated. He offered no clues as to how would-be travellers would prove it. "The prime minister noted that, if our current positive path of vaccination rate and public health conditions continue, Canada would be in a position to welcome fully vaccinated travellers from all countries by early September," Trudeau's office said in a readout of the call. "He noted the ongoing discussions with the United States on reopening plans, and indicated that we could expect to start allowing fully vaccinated U.S. citizens and permanent residents into Canada as of mid-August for non-essential travel." The White House has been clear it has no plans to introduce any sort of national vaccination credential, prompting questions about how all of this is going to work. "We'll continue to put public health first," said Jeff Zeints, the co-ordinator of the White House's COVID-19 response, when asked Friday when international travel might resume. "Any decision about opening international travel will be guided by our public health and medical experts. And they'll be looking at many metrics, including case rates, vaccination rates, and the prevalence of any variants, including the delta variant." Rep. Brian Higgins, the New York congressman who has been leading the charge for months in urging the two countries to ease the travel limits, was buoyant Friday about Trudeau's comments. But he said the Biden administration now needs to rethink its own position on the issue of vaccine credentials, since it appears such a system will be "essential" in order for international travel to be allowed to resume at least where Canada is concerned. "This is a public health crisis. This is a virus that is highly contagious, and highly lethal, and we have been reminded of this every single day for the past 16 months," Higgins said in an interview. "A verification system is just common sense at a time of crisis. And those people who have done the right thing, either by themselves, by their family, by their neighbours or by their binational neighbours, that should be acknowledged, that should be recognized, and it should be celebrated." Interestingly, the distribution of people in the U.S. who have embraced the COVID-19 vaccines versus those who remain hesitant appears to break down along starkly political lines. Vaccination rates are highest in traditionally Democratic strongholds places like Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut and D.C. and lowest in predominantly Trump-friendly Republican states like Mississippi, Alabama, Wyoming and North Dakota. About 80 per cent of eligible Canadians have received at least one dose of a vaccine, and about 54 per cent are fully vaccinated. In the U.S., the rates are just 65 per cent and 56 per cent, respectively, for Americans over the age of 12. "The data speaks for itself: 99.5 per cent of people who are in hospitals because of COVID are unvaccinated," White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Friday. "It is important for people to understand that the vaccine is safe, it will protect them, and it is as simple as that." President Joe Biden is scheduled to get an update in the coming days from the various working groups that are exploring the question of when and how to resume international travel, she added. "We'll continue to put public health first," Psaki said. "We must be vigilant, particularly about the spread of variants, and we'll reopen when health and medical experts expect it is safe to do so." The mutual travel restrictions at the Canada-U.S. border, in place since March 2020, are due for renewal on Wednesday. The readout also noted that the group discussed working together on vaccine credentials and a system to allow Canadians "to travel internationally with confidence." For some, however, the resumption of travel can't come soon enough. "We are very close to losing the entire summer travel season," said Mike McNaney, president and CEO of the National Airlines Council of Canada. "We look forward to urgent engagement with the federal government over the coming days and the release of a detailed action plan." This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 16, 2021. CALGARY - "A" is for agriculture, "B" is for broncs, bulls and barrel racing, and "Y" is for Yahoo! "S is for Stampede" writer Jennifer Webster (left) and illustrator Karen Coe are shown in Calgary on Wednesday, July 14, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Bill Graveland CALGARY - "A" is for agriculture, "B" is for broncs, bulls and barrel racing, and "Y" is for Yahoo! A new children's book has been released by writer Jennifer Webster and illustrator Karen Coe to capture the spirit of the Calgary Stampede. It highlights the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth with stories dating back to the first year of the event in 1912. "I'm very partial to preserving western heritage and teaching the kids about the care that goes into the animals and that sort of thing because I really think a lot of it is being lost and the traditions and the stories still need to be told," Webster told The Canadian Press. "Honestly, there's some really cool stuff about western lifestyle that I think people might really enjoy." Webster said the inspiration for the book, called "S is for Stampede," came from her mother who encouraged her to document the event. She said while younger children might enjoy the illustrations, it's mainly aimed at those between the ages of 8-to-14. Webster took her idea to Stampede's administrators, who gave it the green light. She admits finding words for every letter of the alphabet proved to be a bit of a challenge. "It started with the letters of the alphabet and there were some signature things we wanted to capture, obviously, but there were a couple of letters we had trouble thinking of something that was great to come up with for that page," she said. "There are obviously ones like chuckwagons." The letter "E" represents Elbow River Camp, which celebrates Indigenous culture. "W" is for white hats, a locally made Smithbilt cowboy hat given to special guests as an symbol of hospitality by the city. Coe, who is from Lethbridge, Alta., provided the art for the book. Many of the illustrations were from paintings she had done over the years. She said filling out the alphabet was difficult. "There were a few that were a little challenging but not the ones that you would actually think. "X" and "Y" we kind of got those pretty quickly but other letters like "N" we kind of got hung up on," she said with a laugh. "We just put those off until later and then kind of panicked at the end." "N" it turns out is for neck trick, which is performing daring stunts while on horseback. Coe said "S is for Stampede" was a labour of love for both her and Webster. "We all come here as a kid, right? It's got deep roots for many people in Alberta so it was a very exciting project." This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 16, 2021. Follow @BillGraveland on Twitter As the climate crisis shows itself on the Prairies via heat waves, drought and wildfires, more students are pursuing environmental science research and studying mitigation strategies. As the climate crisis shows itself on the Prairies via heat waves, drought and wildfires, more students are pursuing environmental science research and studying mitigation strategies. "There's a lot more extremely hot days, a lot more drought, and this gives me fear for the unknown," said Catherine Goltz, a 24-year-old researcher, who graduated from the University of Winnipeg with a bachelor of science in geography with honours in 2020. "(Research) gives me more security in understanding how the environment works. It gives me some security in knowing were all quite smart and we have the ability to move forward in ways to protect the environment." Catherine Goltz is pursuing a master's degree at Wilfrid Laurier University to further her understanding of how climate change affects toxic algae blooms in lakes. (Ruth Bonneville / Winnipeg Free Press) Nora Casson says her students' energy and drive give her hope as she tackles the overwhelming challenge of climate change as co-director of the Prairie Climate Centre. The centre, based at the U of W, has had no trouble recruiting research trainees in recent years. In the last decade, enrolment in the school's undergraduate department of environmental studies has increased by nearly 200 per cent. U of W plans to welcome its inaugural class of graduate students in a new environmental and social change program this fall. A dozen masters candidates, who are interested in everything from climate change communications to engagement with Indigenous communities about climate solutions, are entering the interdisciplinary program. Goltz spent much of her time at U of W researching methods to stop toxic algae blooms, which will only become more prevalent as the planet warms. (Ruth Bonneville / Winnipeg Free Press) "Ive had a lot of conversations with students where they identify climate change as the most important issue of our time and theyre often looking for ways that they can effect positive change," said Casson, a geography instructor who is both co-chair of the graduate program and a Canada Research Chair in environmental influences on water quality. Be it via academics, activism, or a combination of both, students are keen to protect the planet, she said. Goltz spent much of her time at U of W researching methods to stop toxic algae blooms, which will only become more prevalent and persistent as the planet warms, in Lake Winnipeg and beyond. She is now pursuing a master's degree at Wilfrid Laurier University to further her understanding of the problem. Interest and concerns about protecting natural resources and living sustainably motivated Michael Kvern to pursue his own climate-related research at U of W. Throughout his undergrad, which wrapped up in winter 2020, Kvern investigated northern energy security in Churchill. Algae blooms in Lake Winnipeg have become increasingly worse over the years. Goltz is researching methods about how to prevent them. (Mikaela MacKenzie / Winnipeg Free Press files) The 24-year-old said measuring energy consumption data and discussing renewable options in the north opened his eyes to the power of community-based research, as well as the value of relationships. As far as he is concerned, sustainability research is an empowering tool used to pressure governments to enact strong policies to make change but political will is currently missing. Faced daily with the consequences of the climate crisis and resistance to radical change, it is no surprise researchers grapple with eco-anxiety. Theres a disconnect between environmental challenges and whats being done to address them, said Jenalee Kluttz, a climate and environmental justice fellow at the University of British Columbias sustainability institute. "Were at a point in time where giving up is really not an option, and so, you have to really figure out how you can work best and still take care of yourself," said the PhD candidate in educational studies, who has researched climate anxiety. While calling eco-anxiety a normal response to crisis, Kluttz said its important schools support students, with opportunities for community-engaged work and community support being key. Casson echoed those sentiments. She noted U of Ws new program focuses on how complex problems require interdisciplinary skills and collaboration. "In order to solve a big, complicated challenge like climate change, its not going to be someone with a degree in climatology working in a room by themselves. Its going to be that person, working with a person who studied water resources, working with a person who studied community forestry," she said. maggie.macintosh@freepress.mb.ca Twitter: @macintoshmaggie Anyone who thought Eileen Clarke was going to go quietly into the political night is about to be bitterly disappointed. Anyone who thought Eileen Clarke was going to go quietly into the political night is about to be bitterly disappointed. After resigning her post as Indigenous and northern affairs minister a decision that has freed her from the suffocating yoke of a domineering premier the Tory MLA for Agassiz is pledging to spend her coming days travelling the province, asking Manitobans for their assessment of the Pallister government. "I truly believe Manitobans need to understand how government works and what takes it off the rails," Clarke told the Free Press a couple of hours before Premier Brian Pallister announced a cabinet shuffle to replace her. "I made it clear to the premier I will not stay within the boundaries of Agassiz but will travel across the province. We are elected by the people for the people. Right now, the people have a lot to say and Im going to listen." After resigning her post as Indigenous and northern affairs minister Eileen Clarke is pledging to spend her coming days travelling the province, asking Manitobans for their assessment of the Pallister government. (Mikaela MacKenzie / Winnipeg Free Press) There is no glass-half-full spin to be put on Clarke's resignation and subsequent statements. A respected member of cabinet and an opinion leader within the Progressive Conservative party in western Manitoba, Clarke's decision to step down as a minister to protest Pallister's recent abhorrent comments about colonial settlers and Indigenous protesters is as unflattering for the premier as it is seismic. In more than five years of leading government, Pallister has controlled his MLAs and ministers with an iron fist. In the wake of Clarke's departure, that fist has clearly begun to loosen its grip. That may seem to be an exaggeration, until you consider the impact Clarke's listening tour may have on the remaining Tory ministers and MLAs. There is growing concern and impatience in the PC ranks about whether Pallister will hang on to the leadership or step down sometime this year to give the party time to rebrand. Would Clarke use her newly found status as one of the highest-profile politicians in the province to launch her own leadership bid? For now, she unequivocally dismissed the idea: "Never." "I like people. I'm grass roots. I don't need a title." Eileen Clarke "I like people. I'm grass roots. I don't need a title," she said. Even so, it is hard to imagine Pallister isn't at least considering the possibility this is the beginning of the end of his political career. Again, that might seem a bit melodramatic but we've seen this story play out before. From 2014 to 2016, then-premier Greg Selinger was forced to defend his NDP leadership from the "Gang of Five," a group of dissident cabinet ministers who wanted him to step down. At a November 2014 news conference, Andrew Swan, Theresa Oswald, Jennifer Howard, Erin Selby and Stan Struthers described the frustration they experienced working under Selinger in terms that are not dissimilar to what Clarke has said of Pallister. The dissidents accused Selinger of being resistant to any advice from cabinet ministers, a leader who looked only for "validation" for decisions already made. They said Selinger had long-stopped asking for, or taking, input from any of colleagues. "When you are a voice that may not sing in harmony with what the premier wants to say, it becomes very difficult for your voice to be heard after that," Oswald said at the time. In a Facebook post Thursday, Clarke claimed her decision to step down from cabinet was necessary because: "I felt my voice and others are not being heard." A screen capture of the post Eileen Clarke wrote on her Facebook page Thursday morning. It is naive to assume a governing party in a parliamentary democracy could make all of its important decisions by consensus. With differing views, policies and priorities, there is a practical need for the first minister to make final decisions and, in so doing, forge the government's agenda. That does not mean leaders have the luxury of ignoring the people who should be helping make important decisions. If you repeatedly act against the advice of your cabinet, or frequently bring dishonour and controversy down on the government, you can bet someone, at some point, will break ranks. That is what Selinger did; it's what Pallister is doing. There are no immediate signs other MLAs or ministers are willing to follow Clarke into the ranks of the friendly dissident. Now-former agriculture minister Blaine Pedersen was also shuffled out of cabinet Thursday, although it was to facilitate a long-planned retirement from politics this fall. Will others follow? Up to this point, most of the MLAs and cabinet ministers in Pallister's government were too afraid to challenge him publicly. However, after five-plus years at the head of a government that has been as controversial as it has been successful, in electoral terms, there are a whole lot fewer Tories who are afraid of Brian Pallister. dan.lett@freepress.mb.ca FOR Holocaust survivor Regine Frankel, Winnipegs Freeman Family Foundation Holocaust Education Centre is a very special place. Not just because it contains related items, such as the accordion she played as a young girl while on the run from the Nazis in France with her family for three years during the Second World War. "We need it to educate the younger generation about the Holocaust, how and why it happened, and how they can prevent something like it from happening again today," she said. Thats why Frankel is glad the centre, part of the Jewish Heritage Centre of Western Canada, is going to be updated, refurbished and modernized. "Education is the key," said Frankel, who came to Winnipeg in 1953 and lived in the city until 1960, before moving to Montreal. She returned a few years ago to be closer to family. "We have to tell students about it, make them aware of what happened and encourage them to embrace differences." The centre, founded in 1998 by survivors of the Holocaust who lived in Manitoba, was last updated in 2009. "Its been many years since the last redesign and curating of the museum," said director Belle Jarniewski. "Today, we need to utilize best practices, develop engaging displays, and add new technology to continue to tell their stories and to educate about this tragic chapter in our history." What makes the centre unique is all its artifacts were donated by members of the Jewish community in Manitoba. "We dont collect items from all over," Jarniewski said. "This makes it so much more personal." Among the treasured items are posters from the Lodz Ghetto in Yiddish, German and Polish, signed by Chaim Rumkowski, head of the ghettos Jewish Council of Elders. The centre also has copies of newspapers clandestinely published in the ghetto. "These are incredible pieces of history that speak to a different kind of resistance, not only fighting," Jarniewski said, noting it is a theme she wants to develop in the refurbished space. The moves will include an updating of language on some of the panels in the centre, such as removing the word "gypsy," now considered inappropriate, and replacing it with "Roma." There is also a need to update technology to provide better access to online resources, such as the Shoah Foundation Visual History Archive, Jarniewski said. "We want a dedicated laptop for that so we can make those resources available to a wider community." Estimated cost of the updates is $75,000 to $85,000; the centre has applied for grants and welcomes donations. Jarniewski hopes the work will be completed by early next year. The centre, located on the Asper Community Campus in southwest Winnipeg, is also seeking new donations from Holocaust survivors in the province. "We can add them to the collection," Jarniewski said. "We want to highlight the resilience of survivors from Manitoba and the contributions they made to the province after the war." faith@freepress.mb.ca WINNIPEGS Jewish community is lobbying to retain the right to perform infant male circumcisions in religious ceremonies after a Manitoba medical regulatory body proposed to have all male circumcisions take place in medical settings. WINNIPEGS Jewish community is lobbying to retain the right to perform infant male circumcisions in religious ceremonies after a Manitoba medical regulatory body proposed to have all male circumcisions take place in medical settings. "It just reduces it to a medical procedure," said Rabbi Allan Finkel of the proposed change by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba. "Its actually a religious ceremony with the medical procedure being a small part of it." Last month the College circulated a draft standard of practice for performing office-based procedures, recommending that its members perform male circumcisions, along with vasectomies and cosmetic procedures such as Botox injections and laser therapy to remove skin lesions, in a medical clinic. A medical clinic is defined as a medical care facility that provides outpatient care. It does not include a non-medical aesthetic clinic, medi-spa, lash bar, residence or hospitality facility. MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS "It just reduces it to a medical procedure," said Rabbi Allan Finkel of the proposed change by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba. The college has since clarified the proposal only applies its members and would not extend to people who perform infant male circumcision in the course of a religious ceremony or tradition. "The Standard would not apply to persons who are not regulated by CPSM who avail of this exemption," said assistant registrar Dr. Ainslie Mihalchuk in a letter published Thursday in the Winnipeg Jewish Review. That clarification doesnt change the situation in Winnipeg, said Finkel, since the vast majority of infant male circumcisions are performed in homes or synagogues by Jewish medical doctors also trained in the religious ritual. A person trained to perform circumcisions according to Jewish rituals is called a mohel. Members of the Jewish community discovered the proposal earlier this week, just days before Fridays deadline to submit responses to the College, said Finkel, who submitted a two-page response on behalf of Winnipeg Council of Rabbis, representing Orthodox, Conservative and Reform traditions. "Were not happy about it, religiously," he said. "It takes away the religious aspect of it, it takes away the community aspect of it and its not justified medically." Were not happy about it, religiously. It takes away the religious aspect of it, it takes away the community aspect of it and its not justified medically. Rabbi Allan Finkel For thousands of years, Jewish infant boys have been circumcised eight days after birth in a ceremony called Brit Milah, which takes place in the family home or a synagogue. Members of the family and religious community attend the ceremony, with parents reciting blessings and a mohel performing the circumcision, where the foreskin is removed from the penis, as a sign of faith in God. After the procedure, parents reveal the Hebrew name given to their child and the stories associated with the name, and the community celebrates with the family, said Finkel. Limiting the circumcision to medical offices takes away the ritual and communal aspect of the ceremony, designed to introduce the infant boy to Judaism, because only the parents could attend, said Finkel. "Its about religion, its about community, its about a gathering of people where the covenant (with God) goes down from generation to generation," said Finkel, rabbi at Temple Shalom, a Reform synagogue. He said male infant circumcision is not mandatory in the more progressive Reform tradition because of their commitment to gender equality. Instead, families of male and female infants can participate in a baby-naming ceremony called Brit Shalom. The proposal to limit circumcisions to medical offices would violate religious freedoms guaranteed in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which overrides regulatory requirements set by a body such as the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba, said University of Manitoba law professor Bryan Schwartz. Theres nothing in the paper (from the College) that they specifically considered Jewish infant male circumcision as a religious practice. Law professor Bryan Schwartz. "Theres nothing in the paper (from the College) that they specifically considered Jewish infant male circumcision as a religious practice," said Schwartz, who submitted a lengthy response outlining his opposition to the change Thursday. He said he remains cautiously optimistic the College will modify the protocols because of public opposition. In her letter to Winnipeg Jewish Review, Mihalchuk said the College will consider including religious rituals around infant male circumcision in their final document. "The working group for this Standard will review all comments and revisit the current draft to carefully consider amendments necessary to appropriately accommodate the performance of male circumcisions in the course of religious ceremony or tradition," she wrote. Finkel said he hopes the information provided to the College by the Jewish community will ensure a long-standing religious practice can continue safely in Manitoba. "The way to resolve this issue is with excellent information," he said. brenda.suderman@freepress.mb.ca Many overnight camps in Manitoba wont survive another closed summer without some sort of financial support from the province, according to one advocacy group. Many overnight camps in Manitoba wont survive another closed summer without some sort of financial support from the province, according to one advocacy group. While day camps are currently allowed to run, with up to 25 people in attendance, overnight camps have remained closed since March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS FILES The MCA just really wants to government to help the summer and overnight camp industry with a financial package to help them survive, Kim Scherger said Thursday. The Manitoba Camping Association estimates 50,000 youth usually attend summer camps, but with overnight facilities left out of the reopening process, many are either staying home or travelling to nearby provinces with less restrictive rules, according to executive director Kim Scherger. "The MCA just really wants to government to help the summer and overnight camp industry with a financial package to help them survive," she said Thursday. Scherger said the province was planning to reopen overnight camps in March, but held off after COVID-19 variants appeared in the province. Funding specific to camp programming isnt a new idea in Canada the Quebec government set aside $20 million and Alberta has offered a $50,000 grant to camps in need but Manitoba has yet to offer anything beyond the basic supports. "The only reason (camps) have survived as long as they have is because of their supporters that they have, who have been giving donations to help them survive, because the majority of them are non-profits as well," Scherger said. Meanwhile, Manitoban children are travelling to overnight camps in Saskatchewan and Ontario, and staff are making the trip as well in hopes of finding work, Scherger said. "Whatever our rules are for isolating, parents are willing to do that to get their kids to camp. So why not have them just go to camp here and support our own economy locally, instead of going out of province and having to come back and isolate?" According to the MCA, around 2,000 people are employed through Manitobas camps. Day camps are currently allowed with capped attendance, but many operators are unable to function as day camps because their base is too remote. Many day camps typically bring in 100-200 campers weekly, meaning the income coming in is meagre. "When weve gone for almost a year-and-a-half now without being able to be open, theres so many bills and debts that are mounting for camps, that were wanting to have funding supplied to from the government in order to survive for future years or for this year, even," Scherger said. The MCA hasnt received an explanation from the province as to why overnight camps are currently prohibited, she said, adding camps offer a structured space for young people where sanitary regulations have to be maintained. "We had created an open camp safely plan for all of our camps to abide by that information, to make sure they had everything ready," she said. malak.abas@freepress.mb.ca Twitter: malakabas_ After Manitoba's justice minister called for an investigation into the conduct of all lawyers at the Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms, the organization suggested doing so would be "groundless and unjustified." After Manitoba's justice minister called for an investigation into the conduct of all lawyers at the Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms, the organization suggested doing so would be "groundless and unjustified." The Calgary-based registered charity has come under fire after its president admitted hiring private investigators to spy on several Manitoba officials, including the chief justice, to see if they were following COVID-19 public-health orders. The group represents seven Manitoba churches in an ongoing court battle arguing the restrictions violate their rights to worship and gather, and it has launched similar constitutional challenges in other provinces. A statement posted on the centre's website Thursday night pinned all of the blame on president John Carpay. (Bill Graveland / The Canadian Press files) A statement posted on the centre's website Thursday night pinned all of the blame on president John Carpay, who stepped away from the role after admitting Monday during a Court of Queen's Bench hearing that he was the one who hired a private investigator to tail Chief Justice Glenn Joyal. As she defended the other lawyers who work at the firm in her statement, interim president Lisa Bildy wrote that hiring a private investigator was "an egregiously poor decision." "It was, however, a unilateral decision made by one person in the organization, who has now departed on an indefinite leave of absence. Although our litigation director, Jay Cameron, learned of the decision after the fact, none of the members of the board, staff lawyers or outside counsel had any knowledge of it," Bildy wrote. "These facts have been stated in court and in our public statements on the matter. Nevertheless, a Law Society complaint was made against Manitoba counsel, Allison Pejovic, and earlier (Thursday), the Manitoba Attorney General called for all lawyers at the Justice Centre to be investigated by the Manitoba Law Society. These efforts to damage the professional reputations of our lawyers are groundless and unjustified. None of our staff lawyers or outside counsel, including Ms. Pejovic, had knowledge of or involvement in the surveillance of officials. "The Justice Centre has a growing team of courageous, principled, capable, ethical, and professional lawyers who work hard every day to defend the Charter-guaranteed rights and freedoms of ordinary Canadians against government overreach. "Mr. Carpay has owned this mistake and will deal with whatever flows from it. In the meantime, many people in this country are counting on the Justice Centre to continue its work. The organization will use this opportunity to implement improvements in operations and decision-making processes, refocus on our mission, and continue our important legal battles on behalf of Canadians." The centre has not responded to requests for comment from the Free Press. Bildy's statement came after Manitoba Justice Minister Cameron Friesen called on the Law Society of Manitoba to investigate lawyers associated with the organization. The law society said it is looking into the matter. Earlier this week, misconduct complaints naming Carpay and Cameron were submitted to the Law Society of Alberta, along with a request for the Manitoba law society to look into Pejovic's conduct. katie.may@freepress.mb.ca Twitter: @thatkatiemay A Winnipeg man accused of abducting and killing his three-year-old daughter last week will undergo a psychiatric assessment for criminal responsibility. A Winnipeg man accused of abducting and killing his three-year-old daughter last week will undergo a psychiatric assessment for criminal responsibility. Frank Nausigimana, 28, made a virtual appearance before Judge Robert Heinrichs in mental health court Thursday afternoon. His lawyers requested the judge order a criminally not-responsible assessment a test used to determine whether an accused was aware of their alleged wrongdoing when an incident occurred. Nausigimana was arrested July 7 and charged with first-degree murder, after allegedly abducting Jemimah Bundalian, 3, from her mother at knifepoint and stabbing the child inside a vehicle in the citys North End. Police said Jemimah was found at Jefferson Avenue and King Edward Street, where paramedics performed CPR in an effort to save her life but the child died from her injuries. Nausigimana was reportedly estranged from his daughter at the time, but had requested joint custody of the child just months prior, according to court records. The Feb. 12 request for "periods of care and control" of Jemimah was approved, though a request for "mutual decision-making authority" with the child's mother, Jasmine Bundalian, was denied. Nausigimana was convicted of assaulting Bundalian in 2017, when she was pregnant with Jemimah. Nausigimana has been held in the Winnipeg Remand Centre since his arrest. No trial dates have been set, and the allegations have not been proven in court. During a mental health court session a weekly court sitting offering "pre-sentence intensive services and supports to persons whose criminal involvement is a direct result of their mental illness," according to the Manitoba Courts website Nausigimanas lawyer, Ethan Pollock, requested the judge order the test to assess "whether or not Mr. Nausigimana can be found criminally responsible" for his alleged actions. The judge and Crown agreed to the order, and Nausigimana was placed on the wait list for admission to the Winnipeg Health Sciences Centre's psychiatric unit. Criminal responsibility assessments have seen significant delays in recent years, according to sources in both the legal and medical system. While the Criminal Code of Canada mandates a report on the order to be returned within 30 days of the order, a shortage of beds and forensic psychiatry staff has led to significant backlogs of assessments, according to HSC medical director for forensic psychiatry Adrian Hynes. During an unrelated court session Wednesday, Hynes said the unit operates with just 15 beds, serving several different patient needs, and currently employs just three psychiatrists. Wait lists for criminal responsibility assessments can last for several months. julia-simone.rutgers@freepress.mb.ca Twitter: @jsrutgers Its a simple question: did newcomers to Canada and their elected governments attempt to destroy the lives, livelihoods, culture and identities of Indigenous people when they settled the country? Its a simple question: did newcomers to Canada and their elected governments attempt to destroy the lives, livelihoods, culture and identities of Indigenous people when they settled the country? The answer is straightforward, based on incontrovertible historical evidence. Yet Premier Brian Pallister and his new minister in charge of Indigenous affairs are having great difficulty answering it. Last week, Pallister said settlers who came here before Confederation and in its early days came simply to build better lives for themselves and left no destruction in their wake. Last week, Premier Brian Pallister said settlers who came here before Confederation and in its early days came simply to build better lives for themselves and left no destruction in their wake. (Mike Deal / Winnipeg Free Press) "The people who came here to this country, before it was a country, and since, didnt come here to destroy anything, they came here to build," he said. His comments contradict well-documented policies and actions of the federal government and others who systematically displaced Indigenous people and attempted to extinguish them as a people. Settlers didnt just come to Canada to build farms, communities and churches, as Pallister claims. Thats the fairy tale version of Canada. They exploited the people who lived here and prospered at their expense. Pallister either doesnt understand that or refuses to believe it. He was asked again about his comments Wednesday, after former Indigenous affairs minister Eileen Clarke bolted from cabinet. Instead of reflecting on his comments and correcting them, Pallister doubled down and said he stands by what he said. He defended them again Thursday, suggesting his comments were misunderstood. "I paid tribute to pre-Canada builders," said Pallister. "I did not reference colonialism." Its unclear whether Pallister even understands what colonialism means. He has his own set of alternative facts on how Canada was built. His new Indigenous reconciliation and northern relations minister, Alan Lagimodiere, doesnt appear to have a better grasp of Canadian history than his boss does. During a scrum at the legislature minutes after he was sworn into cabinet, Lagimodiere fumbled questions so badly about colonialism and residential schools, he issued a statement later in the afternoon saying he "misspoke." Most of his responses were gibberish, including a bizarre statement that the public needs to "decode" what politicians, including the premier, say to fully understand them. "I believe that (Pallister) was trying to tell everybody that, everybody that came to Canada was trying to work together for a better Canada," said Lagimodiere, who is Metis. Alan Lagimodiere, Selkirk MLA and Manitoba's new minister responsible for Indigenous reconciliation and northern relations said residential schools were established to give Indigenous children skills to fit into society. He issued a statement later in the afternoon saying he "misspoke." (Mike Deal / Winnipeg Free Press) It was an odd statement, considering Lagimodieres own ancestors were the victims of violent oppression, including murder, immediately after Manitoba joined Canada in what some newspapers at the time dubbed "the reign of terror" against the Metis. It was hardly an example of all Canadians "trying to work together for a better Canada." At one point during the scrum, Lagimodiere said residential schools were established to give Indigenous children skills to fit into society. "They thought they were doing the right thing. In retrospect, its easy to judge," said Lagimodiere. When pressed, he acknowledged residential schools were designed to assimilate Indigenous children into non-Indigenous society. In a statement that followed, he said residential schools "were wrong then and they are wrong now." The question is, how deep does colonialism denial run in Manitobas Progressive Conservative party? At a time when Canada is reevaluating the foundation upon which it was built, including who benefited from Confederation and at whose expense (and what impact it has on society today), Manitoba has a government or at least a premier who continues to cling to the fairy tale version of Canadian history. It also has a new minister of Indigenous reconciliation and northern relations who, at best, is conflicted about his views on colonialism and residential schools. Its unlikely this party can survive the next election without wholesale change at the top, including the selection of a new leader who has the intellectual capacity to participate in Canadas reconciliation process. Pallister clearly does not. tom.brodbeck@freepress.mb.ca MUCH has been said about the impact of the proposed Education Modernization Act (Bill 64) on educational services for all children enrolled in Manitoba public schools. A large part of the impact is related to the funds available to maintain all existing programs and services. Opinion MUCH has been said about the impact of the proposed Education Modernization Act (Bill 64) on educational services for all children enrolled in Manitoba public schools. A large part of the impact is related to the funds available to maintain all existing programs and services. The provincial government currently only provides between 35 and 60 per cent of the funds for programs and services, depending on which programs and/or services the students require in order to have a successful learning experience. In the most recent provincial report on actual expenditures for all public school divisions/districts, in the 2019-20 school year, the expenditures totalled $2.5 billion, of which the provincial government provided only $1.5 billion (approximately 60 per cent of the total costs). The remaining $1 billion was raised by local school boards through local property taxes ($900 million) as well as funds from the federal government and First Nations communities. Without school boards and local property taxes, where will the rest of the money come from? In 2019-20, the actual expenditures for supports and services for high-risk students totalled $457 million. Provincial government funding support was less than 35 per cent, particularly in the urban areas. Based on locally identified student needs and parental demands, these support services include specialized programs, educational assistants, specialized teaching staff and supports for teachers to address the needs of individual students, as well as specialized supports for new immigrant families. Sixty-five per cent of these expenditures were paid for by local property taxpayers. The Better Education Starts Today document states that where you live changes how well you learn, because school funding is based on the ability to raise money through property taxes somehow equating the ability to learn with funding mechanisms. Since the province provides less than 60 per cent of funding support, local school boards have been left with no choice but to use the only option they have property taxation to obtain sufficient resources for important programming to support student and local community needs. Parents, and even some employees of government agencies, have moved their children/clients into other school divisions to obtain programs and services not available in their home school division. How will these highly effective and extremely necessary programs and services continue to be provided, particularly in high-risk vulnerable communities? Manitoba Educations "Facts and Fiction" document states that "unique local programming will still be allowed" and "changes ensure more resources for our classrooms." How will that happen without the government providing more funds? Both the premier and the minister of education consistently tout that the implementation of Bill 64 will result in a "saving" of $40 million, which is the entire allocation for trustees, senior administration and secretary-treasurers. One would assume that at least some of these funds would have to be used for the salaries of the 15 regional directors, at least 15 secretary-treasurers and the support staff required. What happens to all the other support staff currently in school board offices? Even if you assume that all of the $40 million "saving" would be put back into the classroom (the equivalent of about three-quarters of a teacher per school across the province), the funding currently provided by the province would still be at least $900 million short, as the $40 million has only been reallocated, not deleted. The provincial government has made it very clear that school boards and their use of local property taxation to raise funds for specific programs and supports will disappear. In the 2021 budget, the province indicated education property taxes would be phased out by 50 per cent (25 per cent per year) for residential and farm properties, and 10 per cent for other types of property, with rebates returning nearly $250 million to property owners this year. The Facts and Fiction document states: "Education funding is being increased by over $1.6 billion over the next four years" obviously acknowledging that the current funding support from the province will not be sufficient. This is an interesting commitment, since this government has provided almost no funding increase to school divisions since it came into power in 2016. Taking four years to make up the difference will definitely necessitate cutting a lot more than just trustees and superintendents. If the goal of this government is to maintain a strong educational system for all students across the province, what other method of taxation will be used to maintain and supposedly expand programs and services? Janet Schubert is the former chief superintendent of the Winnipeg School Division. In the past few years, opioids and cannabinoids have received a great deal of attention from the media and public-health authorities. Opinion In the past few years, opioids and cannabinoids have received a great deal of attention from the media and public-health authorities. The dangers of opioids remains high, despite the efforts of public-health authorities, the medical community, policy-makers and academics focused on combating addiction and substance abuse. In 2019 alone, there were more than 49,000 opioid-related deaths in the United States. Additionally, changing attitudes toward cannabis and global trends in cannabis legalization have increased access to a variety of cannabis-based products, particularly edibles, which pose additional hazards as the public may be unfamiliar with their safe use. However, little has been published about how changing patterns of drug use have impacted vulnerable populations that can be accidentally exposed to these products, such as children and pets. Until recently, claims that dogs are being poisoned through the accidental ingestion of recreational drugs have only been supported by anecdotal evidence from pet owners and veterinarians. Our recent research highlights the potential impacts of opioid and cannabinoid use patterns in humans on pet dogs. Pet poisonings Using data from reported calls to the Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) which is administered by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) our research provides preliminary evidence that both human community-level factors and dog characteristics impact a dogs risk of an opioid or cannabinoid poisoning. Community-level factors reflect the level or nature of drug consumption in a given environment, while dog-level factors such as breed and size affect an animals likelihood of exposure or the health impact of a particular exposure. We found that in the U.S., the risk of opioid poisoning for dogs being reported to the APCC increases with rising opioid prescription rates in a county. In terms of dog-level characteristics, the risk of an opioid poisoning being reported is higher for non-neutered, younger and smaller dogs. For cannabis, our findings suggest that lower legal penalties for cannabis use and possession are associated with an increased risk of dog poisoning events involving cannabinoid products. The odds of these calls were also higher in counties with higher percentages of people living in urban environments and where income disparities were higher. The dogs characteristics also influenced these calls, with reports of poisoning from cannabinoid products being higher among non-neutered, smaller and male dogs. For both opioids and cannabinoids, veterinarians were more likely to call and seek advice from the APCC about a poisoning event. This may reflect a fear among members of the public of reporting these poisonings due to social stigma and legal concerns surrounding illicit drugs. Lastly, we found that opioid poisonings in dogs declined over the study period between 2005 and 2014. This may indicate that opioid dog poisonings are more related to prescription opioids than illegally obtained opioids; the overall rate of prescribed opioids declined while there has been an apparent increase in the use of illegally obtained opioids, such as heroin. However, cannabinoid poisoning reports increased between 2009 and 2014, suggesting that the problem may be getting worse for canine populations. Spillover effects These studies are the first to quantify the spillover effects of human drug use patterns on pet poisonings. Yet there is still much work to be done. Cannabis and opioid poisonings of pets can be traumatic for both dogs and their owners, but we do not have a clear picture of the full extent of the problem due to under-reporting. While we have identified some socioeconomic factors at the county level, we do not know if these characteristics are also shared by the dog owners. Our research took advantage of a large pre-existing database, but other studies still need to be conducted to support our findings. Education will likely play an important role in preventing these poisoning events, but the appropriate medium, target audiences and messages still need to be explored. The goal of this research is not to vilify those who use drugs, justify if these drugs should or shouldnt be legal, or even how they should be controlled. It is to use an epidemiological lens to determine if dogs are affected by human decisions and conditions related to drug use. Human health management and policy decisions related to what appeared to be an exclusively human health issue can have implications for animal populations. In terms of drug policy, the shift away from a law enforcement to a public-health focus should have enormous benefits in the treatment of drug addiction. The recent popularity of the One Health framework to explore the relationships between human, animal and environmental health may reveal other unexpected connections. Education and policies to encourage the safe use, storage and disposal of cannabis and opioid products should consider a variety of vulnerable populations, including pet animals. For the public, the main take-home message from our research is that it is important for people to be aware of drugs in their environment. Accidental exposures to pets and other vulnerable populations, including children, are preventable. For consumers of recreational drugs, whether legally or illegally acquired, there is a responsibility for the proper storage and disposal of these products. With education, we can prevent these tragic poisoning events. Mohammad Howard-Azzeh is a PhD candidate in population medicine and David Pearl is an associate professor at Ontario Veterinary College at the University of Guelph. This article was first published at The Conversation Canada: theconversation.com/ca. OTTAWA - The federal cybersecurity agency is warning that Canadians are likely to run into some effort by foreign actors to influence or otherwise interfere with their right to vote in the next election. The new Communications Security Establishment (CSE) complex is pictured in Ottawa on October 15, 2013. Canada's cybersecurity agency is warning in a new report that Canadians are likely to run into some effort by foreign actors to influence or otherwise interfere with their right to vote ahead of, and during, the next federal election. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick OTTAWA - The federal cybersecurity agency is warning that Canadians are likely to run into some effort by foreign actors to influence or otherwise interfere with their right to vote in the next election. The Communications Security Establishment also says in a new report released on Friday that holding an election during the COVID-19 pandemic could increase the threat of foreign interference because of the need to move more parts online. But it expressed confidence in Elections Canada, saying: "While any modifications to the electoral process have the potential to increase the cyber threat, we assess that the planned changes do not substantially expand the cyber threat to Canadas democratic process." The CSE report comes only weeks before Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is expected to kick off a federal election, sending Canadians to the polls for the second time since 2019. Such an election will almost certainly look different than anything Canada has seen before because of the pandemic, with more activities and processes being moved online to prevent the spread of COVID-19. One specific area of concern identified by the CSE was around an expected increase in the number of Canadians who vote by mail, with the agency warning foreign actors could try to use that as a way to undercut confidence in the election results. "We assess that it is very likely that false information connecting voting by mail to voter fraud will circulate in Canada in relation to the next federal election," according to the report. The CSE nonetheless believes such "false narratives" will pale in comparison to the rampant allegations of voter fraud during last years U.S. presidential election, which were often perpetuated by Donald Trump and his supporters. And while the CSE believes most Canadians will experience some type of attempt to influence them, it says Canada "remains a lower-priority target for online foreign influence activity relative to some other countries." The fact Canadas federal elections remain paper-based is also held up as a major reason for confidence along with what CSE describes as Elections Canadas "robust" defences and several other measures adopted by the government in recent years. The CSE report blames the majority of online attacks and threats to democratic processes in Canada and other parts of the world since 2015 on foreign governments, with most perpetrated by actors within Russia, China and Iran. Canada is a potential target, according to the report, because of its active role on the world stage, which can have an impact on other countries, foreign groups and individuals. "Threat actors may use cyber tools to target Canadas democratic process to change election outcomes, influence policy-makers choice, impact governmental relationships with foreign and domestic partners, and impact Canadas reputation around the world," it said. And while Canada may have good defences and not be a major target now, the CSE said a growing number of actors have the tools, capacity and understanding of this countrys political landscape to take action in the future "should they have the strategic intent." The number of attacks on elections around the world rose substantially between 2015 and 2017, according to the CSE, but has since stabilized. And while the threats have become more sophisticated, so have the measures adopted by governments to protect themselves. Voters are more frequently targeted than political parties and actual elections, the CSE added, likely because foreign actors believe it is easier and more effective. And while political parties and candidates will likely be targeted in the next vote, "we assess that this activity is very unlikely to be part of a sophisticated cyber campaign against a particular Canadian political party or candidate." This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 16, 2021. MINNEAPOLIS (AP) A federal freeze on most evictions that was 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, has been the only tool keeping millions of tenants in their homes. Many of them lost jobs during the coronavirus pandemic and have fallen months behind on their rent. Landlords successfully challenged the order in court, arguing that 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 rent. As of June 7, roughly 3.2 million people in the U.S. said they would face eviction within 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 Minnesota: New members and volunteers are being sought by the Dodge County Center for the Arts to keep the nonprofit organization viable. At its annual meeting Wednesday night, DCCA members brainstormed about how to attract people to become active participants in the arts group, which has had a presence in Beaver Dam for more than 50 years (formerly known as Beaver Dam Area Arts Association). Member Kay Voelker said the need for greeters at the center is great because current ones are aging and not able to cover as many hours necessary to stay open. She expressed their importance, calling them the public face of DCCA. Discussion of hiring a part-time gallery coordinator also took place. If that would happen, the center could be open more often. DCCA moved to its new location at 130 W. Maple Ave., Beaver Dam, in 2019. Several exhibits were held before closing down for 15 months due to the coronavirus pandemic. DCCA President Bob Einwalter said he thinks many people dont know where to find the organization or they refer to DCCA as the old Bank Mutual. Two men from New Mexico were arrested Thursday morning at a rest area along I-39/90/94 in Columbia County and face drug charges. Sir Cotton, 23, Albequerque, is charged with possession of narcotics and possession of drug paraphernalia. A $250 cash bond was set at his initial appearance Fiday in Columbia County Circuit Court. Ryan Griffin, 40, Taos, faces multiple felony charges including possession of amphetamines with intent to deliver, possession of narcotics and possession of marijuana with intent to deliver as well as misdemeanor charges of illegally possessing prescription medication. In addition, Griffin waived his right to an extradition hearing for warrants issued in Colorado and New Mexico. A $2,000 cash bond was set at his initial appearance Friday in Columbia County Circuit Court. Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} According to a press release from Columbia County Sheriffs Office. they were contacted at 3 a.m. Thursday by Wisconsin State Patrol with a request to help locate a vehicle involved in a driving complaint. The vehicle was found at the rest area with improper registration through New Mexico. As she stood in the jury box, she turned to Fairbanks, seated 5 feet away. Im so sorry you felt you had to do this, Mr. Fairbanks, she said. Ten minutes later, Condolucis son, Joe Condoluci, spoke condemning Fairbanks for murdering my father. Joe Condoluci said his dad was a tough disciplinarian who moved his family around because he had been a federal informant in a motorcycle gang. But he said he was not an irredeemable man. Joe Condoluci said his father had helped him overcome a drug addiction. He also organized collections of nearly expired food from a grocery store collections that he would then deliver to food pantries, Joe Condoluci said. Joe Condoluci addressed something else the swing set that Fairbanks had pointed to as purported evidence that the elder Condoluci was trying to lure children. Turns out, the swing set needed repairs. So Mattieo Condoluci was working on it as a gift to his 11-year-old grandson. It wasnt bait for neighborhood children. The facts that he had in his mind were not facts; they were just made-up thoughts in his head as to why he needed to kill my father, Joe Condoluci said. Its not fair, its not right, for someone to take the law into their own hands. He killed my father in cold blood. CALS response to the current state of unrest The staff at CALS would firstly like to express our deep distress and join all those mourning the loss of lives and livelihoods during the last week. We recognise that this is an extremely complex situation with multiple historicial and contemporary causes and one that calls us to hold a number of competing thoughts together as we try to understand and respond to what is happening in our country. A great many of the people who have been involved in recent unrest appear to have acted out of legitimate desperation and frustration born from widespread impoverishment and inequality that has only been exacerbated during the current pandemic and lockdown. Indeed, without such high rates of unemployment, food insecurity and lack of social relief that we are all so painfully aware of, this unrest likely could not have gathered such momentum. What is clear is that as always it is marginalised communities and especially those living and working in poverty who are bearing the brunt of the consequences. What may have started as a protest against the arrest and incarceration of former President Jacob Zuma has morphed into something much larger. The unrest that has been taking place recently seems to be composed of many different elements. Some individuals may seek to strategically destabilise our society and undermine the rule of law. Some may see this as an opportunity to engage in criminality and self-enrichment. With this in mind, we state below a set of principles that should guide the response to the unrest. We condemn any attempt to extort or undermine the independence of the judiciary. Our courts are central to the administration of justice and our judges must be free to apply the law impartially without fear, favour or prejudice. We cannot allow violence or threats to be used to attack individual judges or to pressure the judiciary as a whole. This would do nothing but weaken the institutions of hard-won constitutional democracy. We further condemn any incitement to violence and attempts to undercut the rule of law and insist instigators be held to account. It is essential that government works to address not only the immediate violence, but the root causes of unrest and distress. We note that the South African National Defence Force has been mobilised to join police forces. We call on the state to fulfil its obligations to prevent violence and at the same time show restraint and use the minimum amount of force required to effectively end disorder. There should be no need for the vigilante justice we have observed that has already led to further violence, racism and xenophobia. At the same time, it is crucial to put in place both short-term and long-term measures to reduce the poverty and inequality that have contributed to unrest. We reiterate the call to at a minimum reinstate and increase the special COVID-19 social relief of distress and caregivers grants. We also support the introduction of universal basic income support and the review of austerity measures that have inhumanely cut spending to essentials like social security, education and health care at a time of disaster. While we know that mechanisms like social grants play an important role in alleviating impoverishment and food insecurity, we acknowledge that they alone cannot hope to dismantle the widespread inequality in our country and we need a plan in place to redistribute our resources to create a more equal society. We strongly oppose the declaration of a state of emergency in the face of current unrest. This would entail further limiting fundamental human rights and have potentially disastrous ramifications once again for people living in poverty. The scale of military and police brutality experienced under lockdown alert level five, when Collins Khoza and many others were killed, may give some idea of these consequences. While states of emergency have a place, such as during times of war, they are not an appropriate measure to be taken when state departments responsible for security and intelligence have failed in their duties. There is understandable outrage over the violence, destruction and theft that have been taking place recently in areas of Gauteng and KwaZulu Natal. We must not lose sight of the wholesale looting of state resources that has occurred through state capture. Corruption has severely damaged our state institutions and robbed us all on a much larger scale than we have seen over the last week yet it has resulted in less outrage and far fewer arrests. We continue to support the work of the State Capture Commission and all those, including the media and civil society, who have worked tirelessly to uncover and address corruption. CALS would like to offer whatever assistance we can at this time. We stand firmly against the criminalisation of impoverished people and extreme use of force by the police and the military. We pledge to engage with the National Prosecuting Authority on their stance of opposing bail for all arrested during the unrest, especially for accused women and children. We will follow up on complaints relating to police and military brutality, including the searching of peoples homes without warrants. We would also follow up on complaints related to vigilantism and racial discrimination and brutality. Above all, we will continue to advocate not only for short-term social relief but more long-term change in order to address the poverty and inequality at the heart of much despair, discontent and unrest. For inquiries, please contact: UTICA, N.Y. Bianca Devins family is suing Oneida County, District Attorney Scott McNamara and county employees for allegedly sharing nude images and videos of her, claiming the agencies violated child pornography laws. Bianca, 17, was murdered on July 14, 2019, by Brandon Clark, a man she had known for about two months, according to her family. Clark took video and photos of the two having sex inside a vehicle the morning of the crime, and also recorded the brutal murder before sharing it on social media. Biancas mother, Kimberly Devins, is suing on behalf of Biancas estate claiming the Oneida County DAs Office distributed the photos and videos upon request to various production teams for CBS and A&E, as well as a YouTuber friend of Clark's who submitted a request for the evidence under the Freedom of Information Law (FOIL). Kimberly says assistant district attorneys Sarah DeMellier and Michael Nolan told her they would try to keep the materials private, but Kimberly later found out they were shared with the television companies. Kimberlys lawyer, Carrie Goldberg, who specializes in sexual privacy violations, filed the complaint on July 15, alleging all defendants violated child pornography laws by wrongfully sharing photos and images of a nude minor, and accused the county of negligent supervision in allowing this to happen multiple times. The lawsuit claims: As a direct and proximate cause of Defendants negligence, child pornography depicting Bianca was disseminated to members of the media, the press, and the public, causing the Estate of Bianca Devins to spend hours advocating with recipients of the child pornography to erase the child pornography, abstain from publishing or further disseminating the material, and prepare for the devastation of potentially the child pornography leaking onto the internet. Kimberly also claims the DAs office told her the materials do not qualify as child pornography because Bianca was 17. Goldberg responded, saying federal child pornography laws apply to depictions of children under the age of 18 and also nothwithstanding the law that Bianca, even in her death, had a right to sexual privacy. According to court documents, Kimberly has yet to see the photos and images in question, claiming the DAs office wouldnt allow her to until Clark was sentenced. After he was sentenced in March to 25 years to life, Kimberly tried again to set up a time to see the evidence, but claims they denied her request. The lawsuit claims: On March 24, 2021, with the sentencing behind them, Kimberly Devins tried once again to make an appointment with law enforcers to view the horrific evidence of her daughters final moments. She was forwarded to Uticas City Corporation Counsel Office, who over the course of many emails and calls informed her that they did not want to share the evidence with her. The reason cited was their belief that she was interested in suing Facebook and Instagram and they didnt want to be involved. In June, Kimberly sent a cease and desist letter to Oneida Countys attorney, the Utica Police Department, McNamara, and the City of Uticas attorney demanding they stop sharing the photos and videos. The lawsuit claims McNamara deliberately retaliated against Kimberly Devins by delaying her access to the criminal evidence of her daughter dying and finally giving her but a modicum of what his office shared with others. Kimberly is seeking punitive damages, including $150,000 per image disseminated, and the cost of the lawsuit and attorney fees. She also wants a permanent injunction on further distribution of the photos and videos of Biancas murder and prior to, as well as the content found on her phone. The first court appearance is scheduled for July 27 in Syracuse. NEWSChannel 2 has reached out to McNamara's attorney and is awaiting a response. At the end of June, McNamara told the media he did not plan to run for another term as district attorney. TORONTO (AP) - Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says Canada could start allowing fully vaccinated Americans into Canada as of mid-August for non-essential travel and should be in a position to welcome fully vaccinated travelers from all countries by early September. Trudeau spoke with leaders of Canadas provinces on Thursday and a released a readout of the call. The border has been closed to non essential travel since the early months of the pandemic. LENOX, N.Y. (UPDATED) -- Members of the Madison County Sheriffs Office are investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash that occurred Thursday evening in the Town of Lenox. Around 9:35 p.m., Sheriffs Deputies responded to State Route 31 at the intersection of Old Orchard Road, for a reported two-vehicle crash. According to the Sheriffs Office, a 2016 Harley Davidson motorcycle, driven by 26-year-old Robert T. Scherl of Cicero, was traveling westbound on State Route 31. Then police say Sara Lane of Lenox failed to yield the right of way while attempting to turn northbound onto Old Orchard Road in her 2012 Jeep Liberty, colliding with the motorcycle. Scherl was pronounced dead at the scene. The passenger on Scherls motorcycle, 27-year-old Marissa Danforth, was pronounced dead at Oneida City Hospital due to injuries sustained in the crash. A subsequent investigation showed that Lane was intoxicated at the time of the crash. She has been charged with one count each of aggravated vehicular homicide, aggravated vehicular assault, second-degree vehicular manslaughter, second-degree vehicular assault, DWI, DWI Per Se, reckless driving and failure to yield right of way. Lane was arraigned and is being held at the Madison County jail on $50,000 cash bail or $100,000 bond. State Route 31 was closed between Lewis Point Road and North Main Street for several hours while Sheriffs investigators conducted accident reconstruction. The roadway has since reopened. The Sheriffs Office was assisted by GLAS Ambulance, the Canastota Fire Department, Wampsville Fire Department, New York State Police, and the Madison County Office of Emergency Management. The invesgiation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call 315-366-2311. NEW HARTFORD, NY - After a one-year hiatus due to the pandemic last year, the New Hartford fire departments Fire Truck Spectacular returned to the New Hartford Shopping Plaza Thursday. Fire trucks of all sizes were on hand from Oneida, Herkimer, and Madison counties. There were even some privately owned antique fire engines on display. It gave residents - especially any future firefighters - the opportunity to get behind the wheel of an actual fire truck, it also gave them an up-close look at the equipment used to fight fires in their community. New Hartford Fire Chief Scott Nicotera says a majority of the fire departments in the area are volunteer and in desperate need of members. There's a lot of jobs in the volunteer fire service. Fire police. Support services. We cover the whole spectrum of emergency services. We can never have enough volunteers for the fire service. If you'd like to help out, just contact your local volunteer fire department to find out how to join. An officer was killed and four others were wounded during a standoff involving a barricaded person in Levelland, Texas, on Thursday, according to police. "The Lubbock County Sheriff's Office is mourning the loss of one of our own, tonight, SWAT Commander Sergeant Josh Bartlett," it said in a statement. Levelland Chief of Police Albert Garcia said police received a call in the early afternoon about a neighbor who was acting strangely and walking around with what appeared to be a large gun. As officers arrived, they noticed a Chevrolet pickup truck in the driveway that was reported by a Texas Highway Patrol Trooper earlier in the day. The driver of the car at the time was driving recklessly, and "appeared to be trying to bait" the trooper into some type of confrontation, according to Garcia. The officers did not immediately approach the residence. "Because we did not have much information in regards to whether or not this weapon was truly in fact a real weapon or not, we took precautions," Garcia said. "We began to try to get negotiations started," Garcia said. "We did make contact with him, very short and brief. He was very hostile. Did not want to visit with or talk to Levelland police officers at that time." Within minutes after contact, the suspect opened the front door and began firing on the Levelland police officers, according to Garcia. Lubbock County officers and its SWAT team responded to the scene to assist, according to police. "It wasn't long thereafter that we had additional shots fired where we had officers that were injured," Garcia said. "We appreciate the public's support during this difficult time and ask for continued prayers for his family, both blood and blue," the Lubbock County Sheriff's Office said, in reference to Sgt. Bartlett, who was transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries and was later pronounced dead. A 22-year-old man was taken into custody Thursday night, according to Lubbock County Sheriff spokesperson Kasie Davis. The man, identified as Omar Soto Chavira, was transported to a hospital in Lubbock with serious injuries, Davis said. No further information on the injuries was provided and the investigation has been turned over to the state Department of Public Safety's Texas Rangers, Davis said. Levelland is a city of around 13,000 people located about 30 miles west of Lubbock. The-CNN-Wire & 2021 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. With Covid-19 cases rising in all 50 states, health officials say it's clear that unvaccinated people are both driving the increase in cases and are most at risk. "This is becoming a pandemic of the unvaccinated," US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Dr. Rochelle Walensky said during Friday's White House Covid-19 briefing. "We are seeing outbreaks of cases in parts of the country that have low vaccination coverage because unvaccinated people are at risk," Walensky said. Meantime, "communities that are fully vaccinated are generally faring well." According to White House coronavirus coordinator Jeff Zients, just four states made up 40% of Covid-19 cases in the past week, "with one in five cases occurring in Florida alone." But cases are rising in all 50 states and Washington, DC, with the average of new cases at least 10% higher than a week ago -- and 38 states are seeing at least a 50% increase, according to a CNN analysis of data from Johns Hopkins University. The US recorded an average of 26,448 new cases per day over the last week -- up 67% from the week before -- and case rates are highest in states with lower vaccination rates: Among those states that have fully vaccinated less than half its residents, the average Covid-19 case rate was 11 new cases per 100,000 people last week, compared to 4 per 100,000 among states that have fully vaccinated more than half its residents. Many experts have attributed the rise to slowing vaccination rates with just 48.4% of the US population fully vaccinated, per CDC data. "Our biggest concern is that we are going to continue to see preventable cases, hospitalizations and, sadly, deaths among the unvaccinated," Walensky said. The danger is fueled by the growing prevalence of the Delta variant, first identified in India. Pointing to an "extraordinary surge" of the variant worldwide, Dr. Anthony Fauci said the Delta variant now has more than 50% dominance in the US. In some areas, it's greater than 70%, he said, calling this "sobering news." "The bottom line is we are dealing with a formidable opponent in the Delta variant," Fauci said, adding people who are not vaccinated face "extreme vulnerability." In Arkansas, where only 35.1% of the population is fully vaccinated, the Delta variant has had a big impact, Chancellor of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Cam Patterson said, adding hospitals are "full right now and cases are doubling every 10 days." And emergency response services in the state say there are receiving a record number of calls due to the rise in the virus, according to CNN affiliate KATV. "The good news is that if you are fully vaccinated, you are protected against severe Covid, hospitalization and death," Walensky said Friday, "and are even protected against the known variants, including the Delta variant." "If you are not vaccinated," she added, "you remain at risk." Experts underscore importance of being fully vaccinated In response to climbing case numbers, some jurisdictions are opting to reinstate mask guidelines. In California, Los Angeles County -- the nation's largest county with a population of 10 million people -- has responded to a surge in cases and hospitalizations by reinstating a mask mandate beginning Saturday. Health officials in the San Francisco Bay Area are similarly recommending people wear face coverings in indoor public places, regardless of vaccination status. The Southern Nevada Health District, which serves Las Vegas, is also recommending masks for both vaccinated and unvaccinated people, saying masks have been proven effective in preventing the spread of the coronavirus. But vaccinations remain the "most important and effective step people can take to protect themselves and others from Coivd-19," the health district said. Echoing Walensky's comments, Dr. Peter Hotez, a vaccinologist and dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine, said this was also a "pandemic of the partially vaccinated." "If these trends continue ... anyone who is unvaccinated -- or possibly even just gotten a single dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine -- there's a good likelihood they're going to get infected," Hotez said. Health officials recommend that people who get their first dose of a vaccine get their second dose three or four weeks later, depending on whether they received the vaccine by Pfizer/BioNTech or Moderna. Johnson & Johnson's vaccine requires just a single dose. But falling behind schedule shouldn't stop people from getting their second dose, Walensky said Friday. "If you are beyond that window, I want to reiterate: There is no bad time to get your second shot," Walensky said Friday. Both vaccines exceed 90% effectiveness against severe disease, hospitalization and deaths in real-world studies, she said. But those who are only partially vaccinated still face a risk of illness. "Do it for yourself, your family and for your community," Walensky said. "And please, do it for your young children who right now can't get vaccinated themselves." Vaccine misinformation costing lives Meanwhile, key reasons for the hesitancy around Covid-19 vaccines are mistrust and misinformation, according to a CNN analysis of data from the US Census Bureau's Household Pulse Survey. Nearly half of people who said they will "definitely" or "probably" not get a Covid-19 vaccine cited mistrust in the vaccines as a reason for not getting vaccinated, according to the latest data, published Wednesday and based on survey responses from June 23 to July 5. That's an increase from about a month ago, when 46% of people who said they did not plan to be vaccinated gave the same reason. "Millions of people don't have access to accurate information right now, because on social media platforms and other tech platforms we're seeing the rampant spread of misinformation, and it's costing people their lives," US Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy told CNN's Jake Tapper. Much of that information frequently comes out of people with good intent, he added, saying that they think they are spreading helpful information, but that often misinformation spreads more quickly than accurate information. US Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra agreed, telling CNN's Poppy Harlow, "People are being told things that aren't true, and they're becoming more hesitant." "But fortunately, there are people who are seeing the facts," he said. "They're seeing a loved one, unfortunately, get hospitalized, maybe die. And they're changing their minds." One of the best ways to combat the misinformation, Murthy said, is to have conversations with your friends and family. "It's about peers talking to peers," Murthy said during a Stanford University panel event on Thursday. "Remember, all of these conversations first start with listening... so try to understand where somebody is coming from, why they may be worried. It may not always be what you think." Colleges and universities requiring vaccinations Some businesses and hospitals have already required their employees to be vaccinated, and now some universities are implementing requirements as well. Rhode Island has become the first state where all public and private colleges and universities require their students to be fully vaccinated before returning to campus this fall, Governor Dan McKee announced this week. Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott, Rhode Island's director of health, said in a news release vaccinations are "key" to having a successful academic year, and the Delta variant was "circulating in parts of the country where many of our students live." The University of California, the nation's largest public university system, plans to mandate all students, faculty and staff be fully vaccinated before returning to campuses in the fall. Those who are not exempt from receiving the vaccine will be barred from in-person classes, activities and housing, UC officials announced Thursday. The Association of American Medical Colleges Friday also urged its member institutions to require vaccinations for employees to protect patients and health care personnel. President Dr. David Sorkin acknowledged the "sensitive nature" of the recommendation, saying AAMC understood such requirements would be subject to state laws. Such mandates for employees could become easier for private companies as the vaccine approval process move further along. Each vaccine available in the US has been authorized for emergency use. But the companies are still working toward full US Food and Drug Administration approval. Pfizer and BioNTech said Friday their application for full approval of their vaccine was granted priority review by the FDA, and an FDA official told CNN a decision on full approval is likely to come within two months. Full approval will "clear up any legal questions that private employers may have," former US Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said Tuesday. Employers, schools and universities, she said, should "get more serious" about telling people that choosing to not get vaccinated could mean losing access to places that could put others at risk. "I think that it's time to say to those folks, 'It's fine if you don't choose to get vaccinated, (but) you may not come to work.'" The-CNN-Wire & 2021 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. Chaus 'The Specter': Vietnamese American play explores transgenerational trauma {{youtube:large|7pJ82krPBfg}} When Quan Chau 21 first expressed interest in travelling to Vietnam to explore his paternal roots, his parents adamantly opposed. His father, after all, had fled the Vietnamese coast amidst Communist bullets aimed at the small boat carrying him to safety. For his son to return, the father reasoned, would be to subject him to Communist brainwashing. That sliver of a transgenerational experience, in part, led Chau to create The Specter, a short video-play exploring the trauma that can occur when long-articulated life-narratives of parents conflict with truths being sought by their children. Chau, who graduated from William & Mary in May, presented the play as part of his APIA (Asian and Pacific Islander American) honors project. In a pivotal moment in the script, Vinh, the son, finds himself at My Lai, site of a civilian massacre by U.S. troops. He is confronted by a Vietnamese official. Vinh attempts to counter the local account of events with the propaganda embraced by his father, Pham, i.e. that My Lai was staged by Communist troops to cast dispersion on U.S. soldiers. Vinh's insistence on that narrative results in his violent arrest. When all was done, I had written a play about a child of immigrants dealing with the effects of carrying on that narrative," Chau said. "The last scene, a mental breakdown, emphasizes that this is not something to be taken lightly. The production earned Chau high praise from his professors and from others with whom he worked. Quan Chaus work on his honors thesis raised the bar for excellence that we are privileged to support in our students work, said Francis Tanglao-Aguas, professor of theatre and Asian & Pacific Islander American studies. The agency and independent self-reliance that Quan demonstrated in The Specter is the aspiration of the APIA faculty in respect of how we want our APIA graduates to utilize their W&M education. Quan employed a global framework that was also multi- and interdisciplinary, traversing sociology, psychology, theatre, pedagogy, and ethnic/cultural studies. Chaus quest for identity Throughout his high-school years, Chau was living what seemed to him a non-hyphenated American life. Although as an adolescent he had asked his parents if he were Vietnamese, Chinese or both, their reply that You are American sufficed for years. In the Richmond suburb of Midlothian, he excelled academically; he thrived in theatre. I did not look at myself as Asian, he said. His view of himself changed when he enrolled in the Intro to APIA class at William & Mary. Growing up, I never understood my positioning as an Asian male, Chau, a theatre and biology major, explained. Being in theatre, which historically is a mostly white space, Ive been surrounded by mostly white people telling mostly white stories by mostly white people. It wasnt until coming to college that I realized I am also Asian. The realization pushed Chau to read more Asian stories. At William & Mary, he studied psychology, learning how members of Asian cultures tend to somatize trauma by experiencing its manifestations through physical symptoms such as headaches or backaches. In contrast, in Western societies, symptoms of trauma may include depression. He also explored how the children and the grandchildren of Holocaust survivors are affected by pressures to carry on a master narrative in order to preserve memory. Then, for Chau, a capstone-opportunity emerged when he received an AMES-Freeman fellowship and a separate Catron grant to study in Asia during the summer of 2019. Everythingfunds, travel plans, a pending stint with Malaysias Masakini Theatrewas lined up. The pandemic suddenly shut everything down. Given the changed circumstances, Tanglao-Aguas suggested that Chau meet his grant obligations by writing and filming his own play. But what to write? It would be my own story, Chau pondered. It would be about being Asian. He visualized himself performing the role even as he etched it out mentally, beginning to understand what it would mean to be an Asian American actor. Whenever I pictured myself onstage, I never pictured myself as Asian, Chau recalled. I pictured that character as default. So, onstage, I always pictured myself as a white person. I have realized that I have much more to offer as an Asian. As he began to sketch out The Specter, he spent time with his parents, listening to their stories about losing their business, fleeing Vietnam and coming to America. Tanglao-Aguas put him in touch with Sabera Shaik of the Masakini Theatre, who agreed to serve as director and who helped him create scenes using traditional Asian shadow puppetry, despite a 12-hour time difference. Megan Rudman signed on as editor, leading him in how to portray the characters, how to change his body, how to manipulate his voice. Together, they employed the traditional Jo-Ha-Kyu three-part story structure as a format for the piece. In the end, my story of The Specter is a uniquely Vietnamese American thing, but the theme of intergenerational trauma can be applicable across cultures, Chau said. As he created the piece, he struggled with understanding two sides of an argument, in his words by parsing through bias; parsing through media. He came to understand that he could not divorce himself from the trauma experienced by his parents. Everyones identity is sort of a mix of everyone elses, he said. Your upbringing is integral to who you are, and to reject that is to reject yourself. Chau sees The Specter as a beginning in his own bid for self-discovery. As a person Ive learned about what has affected me in my life, about certain things that I never realized. My goal is to understand what my story is, he said. It became self-therapeutic in terms of enabling me to see things from the perspective of my parents. Why would somebody feel so strongly about not going back to their homes, even though they may have great memories of that place? he said. Psychologically, its you cant go back, so you replace those memories with fear. Beyond the personal, his end-goal with the play the writing, performing, filming was to help validate the stories of others, to let others who are in the same position to know that their stories are real. As his work progressed, so did the rise of the coronavirus and subsequent rise in hate crimes against Asian Americans. That increased my drive to tell this story, he said. I felt it was important to tell Asian stories and to have Asian representations out there. Show Low, AZ (85901) Today Partial cloudiness early, with scattered showers and thunderstorms during the afternoon. High 81F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 50%.. Tonight Isolated thunderstorms this evening. Skies will become partly cloudy after midnight. Low 62F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 30%. Show Low, AZ (85901) Today Partly cloudy early followed by scattered thunderstorms this afternoon. High 81F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 60%.. Tonight Isolated thunderstorms this evening. Skies will become partly cloudy after midnight. Low 62F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 30%. Community radio welcomes companys support after equipment donation Wrexhams community radio station CalonFM has welcomed hi-tech support from local company Mediafields. The Rhosddu-based company has donated computer equipment to CalonFM, which is due to relaunch its FM later this year. The new equipment will help the volunteeer-led station, which has been broadcasting in the Wrexham area for 13 years, to set up a brand new studio in a brand new town centre location. Arran Hodges, one of the stations presenters and technical director of Wrexham Community Broadcasting, said it was very heartening to have ongoing community support for the station: Were really grateful to Simon Aston, of Mediafields on Rhosddu Road, for their kind donation to the station. Theres been a period of uncertainty due to the station being off air but the new community company running the station is gearing up for a return to the airwaves. The group of volunteers who were presenting on the station have stuck together for the relaunch and were all thankful for the wide range of support weve received from the Wrexham community including community councils, voluntary groups, artists and individuals. Firms like Mediafields have also been hugely supportive and, as a not-for-profit enterprise, were grateful for their backing. CalonFM has recently created a brand new website, available at https://calon.fm. This equipment will allow us to start preparing studios for volunteers to start broadcasting as soon as we are in a position to, and in the meantime, create podcasts on our website covering a range of topics such as mental health, Wrexham community groups, music and acting. Welsh Ambulance Service calls on public to take extra care this summer to protect the service for those who need it most The Welsh Ambulance Service is urging the public to take extra care this summer to protect the service for those who need it most. The easing of Covid-19 restrictions coupled with the warm weather and an influx of holidaymakers and day-trippers to Wales means the service is gearing up for a busy August. As the school term ends and the holidays approach, the Trust is asking the public to act responsibly to prevent adding undue pressure on the service. Director of Operations Lee Brooks said: The ambulance service is recovering from the most challenging period in its history, and now were about to enter what is traditionally one of our busiest months as far as demand. With many people choosing to staycation this year, were expecting an influx of visitors to our glorious beaches and mountains, which in turn means we have a much larger population to care for. We have well-rehearsed plans in place to manage this additional demand, but the public has a role to play too. Were asking people to take extra care over the summer to protect our ambulance service for those who need it most you never know when that could be you or your loved one. Here are some tips to stay safe over summer and protect the NHS In the Heat Drink lots of water its important to keep hydrated as you lose more fluid than you take in during hotter temperatures Keep out of the sun its best to stay in the shade between 11am-3pm when the sun is at its hottest Wear sun cream and sunglasses apply a sun cream of at least factor 30 that includes UVA protection and make sure your sunglasses have UV protection lenses Loose clothing wear light, loose fitting cotton clothes along with a hat Look out for others keep a check on those vulnerable to the effects of heat, especially the elderly, young children and babies and those who have a heart or respiratory condition such as asthma Never leave babies, young children or animals in a parked vehicle temperatures can soar very quickly in a parked car, and children under two are particularly at risk of getting heatstroke or heat exhaustion In the Water Dont be tempted to take a dip in reservoirs, canals, lakes and rivers to cool down there are hidden dangers lurking beneath the surface such as debris and underwater currents which can result in drowning Keep an eye out children should always be supervised when they are in or around water and make sure they are swimming within designated areas Dont be pushy never run, push or jump on others when in a swimming pool or at the beach, and if you see someone in difficulty tell a lifeguard or call 999 On the water if out in a boat or canoe, always wear a lifejacket Out and About Download the free what3words app on your mobile phone so 999 call handlers can find you quickly in an emergency Road safety when out on a bike or scooter, always wear a helmet and beware of busy roads and cross roads safely Dangerous playgrounds make sure you know where your children are going to ensure they arent playing in any hazardous areas such as railway tracks or abandoned buildings Stick together dont walk away and leave friends to get home on their own Drink alcohol sensibly if youre enjoying a tipple in the sunshine, be sure to know your limits and remember to drink plenty of water as the alcohol will make you even more dehydrated At Home If youre visiting Wales on holiday, make sure you know the address of your rental home, hotel, campsite or caravan park this will be the first thing a 999 call handler will ask you Ensure that your house name or number is displayed clearly so our ambulances can find you in good time Make sure you have a well-stocked first aid kit so youre poised to deal with any minor injuries at home heres what your kit should contain If youre a visitor to Wales, remember to bring any prescription medicines If youre ill or injured and its not a life-threatening emergency, visit the NHS 111 Wales website, where there are 30+ symptom checkers, including for bites and stings, allergies, hay fever, sunburn and wounds. Help and advice is also available by visiting a pharmacist or a minor injuries unit, by contacting your GP or by calling 111. Lee added: By taking these steps, it will help to protect our service for those who need it most and also ensure everyone has an enjoyable summer. If youre visiting us from across the border, its also important to remember that Covid-19 restrictions are easing in Wales later than in England for the latest position, visit the Welsh Government website. NASHVILLE, TN (WSMV) - The same doctor who called for the firing of Tennessees top vaccination official, Dr. Michelle Fiscus, approved years worth of glowing reviews about her work performance. On Thursday News4 obtained a copy of Dr. Fiscus' personnel file. The doctor described in that file seems much different from the one described by the state health department in her termination letter. In a performance review dated October 2020 nine months before she was terminated for her failure to maintain good working relationships with members of her team, her lack of effective leadership, and her lack of appropriate management, and unwillingness to consult with superiors and other internal stakeholders on VPDIP projects Dr. Fiscus was praised for strong leadership and trustworthiness with Tennessees immunization program. Dr. Fiscus is a trusted and reliable advocate to promote vaccination in Tennessee, the review stated. Not only is she an advocate within the state but is becoming a recognized national voice promoting the public health benefits of immunization programs." Performance reviews dating back to 2016 take a similar tone, in which her bosses describe her as a 'strong leader' and in 2020 doing 'an outstanding job representing TDH and CEDEP. That review went on to say, in part: Her work has far exceeded expectations in regard to outreach to stakeholder groups and collaborators in the C19 response. Dr. Fiscus believes her firing was politically motivated, after a letter she sent to vaccine distribution partners citing doctrine that allows for some Tennessee teenagers to be vaccinated without parental consent stirred controversy among some conservative lawmakers. Shortly thereafter, Fiscus says vaccine outreach programs to children were paused. She believes she was used as a scapegoat. A statement from the department of health released Thursday refutes this, saying in part: There has been no disruption to the childhood immunization program or access to the Covid-19 vaccine while the department has evaluated annual marketing efforts intended for parents. The Tennessee Department of Health not only supports immunizations but continues to provide valuable information and access to parents who are seeking vaccinations for their children." The Delta variant is driving a surge of COVID-19 cases across Europe. Reuters reports that in the last two weeks, 42 of Europes 47 countries have seen a rise in cases. A nurse holds a phone while a COVID-19 patient speaks with his family from the intensive care unit at the Joseph Imbert Hospital Center in Arles, southern France, Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2020. (AP Photo/Daniel Cole) In the last seven days, Worldometers.info recorded an increase of 81 percent in Frances weekly cases to 35,059, Greeces 97 percent to 16,758, Italys 75 percent to 10,135, Spains 61 percent to 143,478, Belgiums 103 percent to 9,227, the UKs 28 percent to 243,392 and the Netherlands 411 percent increase to 58,646. Except for the UK (52 percent fully vaccinated), these countries have less than 50 percent of their population vaccinated. Despite months of warnings from epidemiologists across the continent, capitalist governments in every European country are ending the last of their limited measures to tackle the virus, facilitating a rapid rise of the more deadly and more infectious Delta variant. Even though the rapid increase in the virus has only just begun, deaths throughout the continent are also on the rise. Europe recorded a 3 percent increase in the last seven days, the first week-on-week increase since mid-April. The UK, where all restrictions will be lifted on July 19, has seen a 42 percent increase in weekly deaths. Epidemiologist Neil Ferguson stated that the UK could reach 200 daily deaths by the end of the summer. Portugal also recorded 56 deaths last week, an 87 percent increase on the previous week. Britains Tory government is returning to a more explicit herd immunity policy. It calls for building immunity by infection among non-vaccinated children and adultsa policy denounced as one of moral emptiness and epidemiological stupidity by WHO Emergencies Programme Director Mike Ryan. The impact of this herd immunity policy will not just be limited to a rapid increase in deaths in the coming weeks and months. An open letter to The Lancet denouncing the murderous policy of the UK government, now signed by over 1,200 scientists, warned of a generation left with chronic health problems and disability. The British governments criminal actions must be taken as a warning to the European working class as a whole. On the continent vaccination is far less widespread, with just 32.8 percent of the population having had two doses. Facing this new wave, bourgeois governments across the continent are pursuing an identical policy of immunity by infection of those who are not vaccinated, including tens of millions of school-aged children. Russia, with a vaccination rate of just 13.2 percent, is in its deadliest period since the pandemic began. Last week, 5,237 people died there, over 80 percent of the continents weekly total. Tuesday (780), Wednesday (786) and Thursday (791) saw successive records set in the country for the highest daily COVID-19 death toll. This disaster threatens to spread to other countries in Eastern Europe which have similar levels of vaccination. Typifying the attitude of the ruling elites across the continent, at the beginning of July, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated, Nobody wants any lockdowns, and yes, it is not up for debate. It is not being discussed. In order to avoid measures that will damage the profit interests of the capitalist class, European governments are responding to the rise by promoting the anti-scientific lie that vaccines alone are sufficient to tackle COVID-19. French President Emmanuel Macron tweeted on Monday, The vaccination of all the French is the only way back to normal life. Since the development of life-saving vaccines, scientists have repeatedly stressed that they are not a one-stop solution to the pandemic. They must be paired with social distancing and other measures to eliminate the virus. Furthermore, the spread of infection whilst large percentages of the population are partially protected by a single dose threatens to accelerate the rate at which variants can develop more substantial resistance to the vaccines, posing an even greater threat to the European and world population. The adoption of anti-scientific rules that effectively suspend restrictions on leisure and tourism for those who are fully vaccinated has already undoubtedly driven infections. In France, since July 9, fully-vaccinated people have been able to attend nightclubs. Nightclubs have also been opened in many parts of Spain. In another telling episode, which exposes the acute risk facing all of Europe, on June 26 the Netherlands opened its nightclubs for those with negative tests, leading to claims that test results were fake or that QR codes were not properly checked by staff. Following this reopening the seven-day average for cases in July has risen from 607 on July 1 to 8,376 on July 14, a 1,379 percent rise. Popular outrage led Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte to apologize for an error in judgment and reintroduce restrictions on nightclubs. However, with over 10,000 cases on Wednesday and workplaces, schools and restaurants all open, conditions are ripe for a continued increase in infections, inevitably followed by hospitalizations and deaths. Increased tourism in Europe is also spreading the virus. Since the end of spring, double-vaccinated holidaymakers have been allowed to travel freely even though full vaccination does not prevent transmission. In Malta, which recorded an incredible 1,084 percent increase in weekly cases, to 912 last week, the Deputy Prime Minister Chris Fearne told tourists, If you are vaccinated, come to Malta. This surge is particularly striking given that Malta has the highest rate of vaccination in Europe: 79.3 percent of its population are fully vaccinated. Maria Aranzazu Gonzalez Laya, the Spanish minister of foreign affairs for the big-business PSOE, told tourists, This is a time for prudence, not for panicking. There is no reason at the moment to ask people to cancel their vacations. This is an absurd lie: on July 13, Spain recorded 43,960 cases according to Worldometer.info, its highest number since the pandemic began. Currently 600 COVID-19 patients under 30 are in intensive care in the country. The pandemic in Europe is at a crucial juncture. After weeks of decreasing infections and deaths, the deadlier Delta variant is now ripping through the continent at a gathering pace. Yet capitalist governments are once again refusing to take scientific measures to save lives and are ready to sacrifice hundreds of thousands more people at the altar of corporate profit. The question of containing and eliminating the virus is above all political. Scientific measures were enforced to limit the spread of the pandemic only in March 2020, after a wave of wildcat strikes began in Italy and spread throughout Europe and the world. Following the reopening in May 2020, however, corporatist unions across Europe have worked with governments to suppress working class opposition to a herd immunity policy. It is for this reason that the International Committee of the Fourth International and its European parties are forming a global network of independent rank-and-file safety committees that, guided by scientists and medical professionals, must shut down unsafe workplaces. These committees will lead the fight for full pay for workers required to stay at home, effective test-and-trace systems, ventilation and other essential workplace safety measures, and a swift and equitable roll-out of vaccines. These life-saving measures must be paid for out of the obscene wealth of the billionaire oligarchy, which has added over $1 trillion to its wealth since the beginning of the pandemic in Europe alone. More information has emerged about the brutal and unsafe conditions at the Shezan Juice factory where a fire on the night of July 8 killed at least 52 young workers in Narayanganjs Bhulta area, just outside Dhaka. A firefighter communicates with his colleagues on a walkie talkie inside the burnt food and beverage factory in Rupganj, outside Dhaka, Bangladesh, Friday, July 9, 2021. (AP Photo/Mahmud Hossain Opu) Forty-nine workers died after being trapped on the third floor of the six-storey building with its only exit locked. Three others were killed after jumping from the burning building. The juice factory is a subsidiary of Sajeeb Group and is owned by Hashem Foods Ltd. Among the dead were 16 or more under the age of 18, some as young as 11, indicating that the company was exploiting child labour, in open violation of Bangladeshs limited industrial laws. Interviewed by the AFP news agency, Narayanganj District Police Chief Jayedul Alam described the tragedy as deliberate murder. He detailed numerous breaches of basic safety, including the fact that the factory entrance had been padlocked. Amid widespread criticism, globally and locally, Bangladeshi authorities arrested eight individuals on murder charges on Saturday morning. They include Sajeeb Group chairman and managing Director Md Abul Hashem, his four sons, and three other senior factory officials. The Rupganj police station has filed a case against the individuals and several unknown people. Awami League Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina perfunctorily declared her deep shock and sorrow and offered condolences, declaring that she prayed for eternal peace of the departed souls and extended deep sympathy to the bereaved families. The countrys media has called on the government to take immediate legal action against those responsible for the tragedy. An editorial in the New Age declared, Negligent factory management must be brought to justice, while the Daily Star stated, Deaths in Narayanganj fire caused by gross negligence: Owners of the factory must be held liable. The comments reflect nervousness within the ruling elite that the latest tragedy will produce widespread working-class protests. In fact, the Awami Leagues consistent defence of factory owners who deliberately disregard basic workplace safety is common knowledge throughout the country and internationally. The government, in an attempt to deflect mass anger, has quickly established several investigating committees. Bangladeshs Ministry of Labour and Employment has formed a seven-member inquiry, while Home Minister Asaduzzman Khan has established three other separate committees to investigate the disaster. Its a murder, Khan told the media, and no one will be spared if their negligence is found over the incident. Like previous investigations into the countrys frequent industrial disasters, the current inquiries will be whitewashes that do nothing to end the horrific conditions in Bangladeshi factories. The Ministry of Industries investigation into the massive February 2019 factory blaze that killed at least 80 and injured another 50 in the Chawkbazar area of Dhaka has come to nothing. The official investigation insisted that the building was not a chemical factory or a warehouse storing chemicals. These findings were explicitly rejected by firefighters who attempted to bring the blaze under control and insisted that it originated in highly flammable substances in the building. Hasinas Awami League-led government also continues to delay trial hearings related to the countrys worst industrial disaster, the Rana Plaza building complex collapse in Dhaka in 2013, which killed over 1,200 people. The trial proceedings in the murder case filed [against owner Sohel Rana] in connection with the Rana Plaza collapse in Savar have made no progress in the last five years, the Daily Star reported on April 24. Well aware of the ongoing legal protection given to factory owners, Sajeeb Group chairman and managing director Abul Hashem has arrogantly attempted to blame workers for last weeks tragedy. If there are workers, then there will be work, and if there is work, there can be fire, he told the Daily Star. Am I responsible for this? It is not like I went and set the fire. Neither did any manager of mine do so, he continued, insisting that, the fire may have been a result of workers carelessness. Maybe some worker did not put out his cigarette before throwing it. According to media reports, many Shezan Juice workers, including some of those who perished in the fire, were not paid last months wages. On Tuesday several hundred workers gathered outside the remains of the facility demanding their wages for June and the Eid-ul-Azha religious festival allowance. Underpayments and the withholding of wages have sparked a host of workers actions at factories across the country over recent years. The fact that Shezan Juice used child labor is also not unique. The practice, based on exploiting the desperate situation confronting many poor families throughout the country, is endemic. According to recent international reports, about 4.7 million children aged between 5 to 14 are working in Bangladesh in open violation of the countrys laws that ban companies from employing children under 14. In 2016, the London-based Overseas Development Institute surveyed nearly 3,000 households in the slums of Dhaka. They discovered children, some just six-years-old, employed full-time and others working up to 110 hours a week. Laizu Begum, a relative of one of the children employed at the Shezan factory, spoke to the AFP news agency. She was waiting for information about her 11-year-old nephew, who worked on the third floor. We heard that the door of the floor where my nephew worked was padlocked. Then we realised after seeing how big the fire was that he is probably dead, she said. Bilal Hossain visited the Dhaka Medical College Hospital morgue to try and find his missing 14-year-old daughter. I sent my baby girl to die, the weeping father told the AFP. He said that the company had owed the girl back wages. AFP reporters spoke to 30 survivors and relatives of the dead who stated that the child workers were paid just 20 taka ($US24 cents) per hour. State Minister for Labour Monnujan Sufian shed crocodile tears about Shezans use of child labour and said his ministry had begun investigating but callously added that some of the children were allowed to work in non-hazardous jobs. She glibly declared, If child labour is proved, we will take action against the owner and the inspectors. Given the governments past record, this will likely prove to be empty rhetoric, and in any case will not address the rampant exploitation of children still underway at other workplaces. According to a Daily Star report on July 12, the Shezan Juice factory was visited by officials from the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments (DIFE) last month. DIFE representatives, who are entrusted with the task of checking fire hazards and other workplace safety issues, did not look into any of that, the newspaper reported. The six-storey building only had two stairwells instead of the required minimum of five, and highly flammable chemicals and plastics were being stored in the building. A New Age editorial on July 13 said that DIFE was mired in corruption and that the government agency only had 314 inspectors to cover about 500,000 factories and establishments across the country. Employers have been allowed to exploit workers in slave labour conditions in open violation of the grossly inadequate safety requirements laid down by governments who are fully committed to defending the profit interests of local and foreign investors at the expense of workers health and their lives. Many factory owners, including figures like Abul Hashem, are well connected to Bangladeshi establishment parties. Hashem, in fact, ran as a candidate for the Awami League in Laxmipur District in Chittagong during the 2008 elections. Rana Plaza owner Sohel Rana was also a local politician affiliated with the Awami League. In 2013, Reuters reported that more than 30 garment industry bosses are members of parliament, accounting for about 10 percent of its lawmakers. The Socialist Equality Party (US) demands the immediate release of Frank Garcia Hernandez from house arrest by the Cuban government. Garcia Hernandez, a self-avowed Marxist associated with the Comunistas Blog collective, was arrested Sunday during historic protests against the economic crisis and the worsening of the COVID-19 pandemic. Anti-government protesters march in Havana, Cuba, Sunday, July 11, 2021. (AP Photo/Eliana Aponte, file) As the Comunistas blog post concerning the detention of Garcia Hernandez and other socialists during Sundays protests makes clear, the thousands who came out across the country were not solely artists and intellectuals, but embraced the widest layers of the population. Other Cuban leftists detained include Leonardo Romero Negrin, a young physics student from the University of Havana, Marco Antonio Perez Fernandez, a high school student, Maikel Gonzalez Vivero, director of the magazine Tremenda nota and Mel Herrera, a trans activist, all of whom identify as socialists. Although his comrades from the Comunistas blog reported to La Izquierda Diario that Garcia Hernandez had been released from detention on Monday, July 12, he remains under house arrest and under tight political observation. Despite the substantial differences we have with Garcia Hernandez on questions of history and political strategy, the ICFI considers the arrest of Garcia Hernandez a fundamental attack on democratic rights, and we oppose it entirely. The move by the government to arrest Garcia Hernandez shows the Cuban authorities to be extremely worried about the possibility of Cuban workers challenging them from the left. Furthermore, the attack on someone associated with Trotskyism has historic implications in Cuba, where Trotskys assassin, Ramon Mercader, was given the warmest reception by Fidel Castro and Che Guevara after Mercaders release from a Mexican prison in 1960. Drug overdose deaths in the US rose nearly 30 percent in 2020, resulting in a total of 93,000 deaths, according to preliminary statistics released Wednesday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The figures translate to an average of more than 250 overdose deaths each day, or roughly 11 overdoses every hour in the heart of world capitalism. This June 17, 2019, file photo shows 5-mg pills of Oxycodone. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic, File) The rise in deaths marks the largest single-year increase of overdose deaths on record, eclipsing previous years by thousands. The thirty percent rise in deaths in 2020 equates to 21,000 more deaths than in 2019. Prior to last year, the largest year-to-year increase was 11,000 in 2016a figure which stunned experts at the time and is just barely over half of the increase in 2020. The new figures have shocked public health experts, including professionals who have been tracking drug overdose trends for decades. Daniel Ciccarone, a professor of medicine at the University of California, San Francisco, who studies heroin markets, commented to the New York Times on the revelations: Its huge, its historic, its unheard-of, unprecedented, and a real shame. Robert Anderson, chief of the mortality statistics branch at the CDCs National Center for Health Statistics, told the Wall Street Journal: I can remember thinking 30,000 was an astounding number ... Now were three times that. Its crazy. To put these figures in historical context, according to the CDC, there were about 9,000 overdose deaths in 1988, around the height of the crack epidemic. The new figures also mark the most deaths on record from opioids in particular, as well as the most overdose deaths from stimulants such as methamphetamine. Finally, it marks the most deaths from one specific synthetic opioid family known as fentanyls. Fentanyl is 50 times more potent than heroin and is more and more frequently being mixed into other widely used illicit drugs. Fentanyl was involved in more than 60 percent of the overdose deaths last year, CDC data suggests. According to the new data, overdose deaths rose in every state but two, South Dakota and New Hampshire. The data suggests that at least ten states endured a 40 percent or higher rise in drug overdose deaths from the previous 12-month span. These include Arkansas, California, Kentucky, Louisiana, Nebraska, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia and West Virginia. In Kentucky alone, overdose deaths rose 54 percent last year, to more than 2,100, up from under 1,400 the year before. The drug epidemic has a severe and profound impact on nearly every facet of US society. There is, first and foremost, the devastating toll that these deaths have on friends, family, co-workers and other loved ones. Children whose parents are caught up in the throes of addiction or die from it are inundating an already overwhelmed foster care system. Understaffed and overrun hospitals, already dealing with the crippling pressure of the COVID-19 pandemic, cannot cope with the flood of overdose patients. In many towns overdoses are among the most common emergencies that confront first responders. There is no doubt that these deaths, on top of the impact of the pandemic, have taken a deep emotional toll on them. Overdose deaths are just one facet of what was overall the deadliest year in US history. With about 378,000 deaths attributed to COVID-19 in 2020, more than 3.3 million Americans died last year. COVID-19 was the third-leading cause of death in the US in 2020, after heart disease and cancer, according to preliminary mortality data. A category ambiguously named unintentional injuries, which include drug overdoses, was the fourth leading cause of death. Overdose deaths combined with COVID-19 deaths have driven down life expectancy to such an extent that some experts believe 2020 will officially register the largest drop since 1943, during World War II. The CDC is expected to report preliminary 2020 life-expectancy data next week. However, a report released from the CDC earlier this month found that approximately 19 percent more Americans died in 2020 than in 2019. Perhaps most shockingly, researchers also discovered that mortality rates for young adults aged 25 to 34 have skyrocketed in the last decade, reaching levels not seen since 1953. Researchers determined the rising death rate for adult workers was driven by a sharp increase in deaths from drug overdoses, alcohol, suicide, and cardiometabolic conditions (including both heart disease and metabolic disorders such as diabetes). Any objective observer reviewing these statistics would assuredly conclude that the social situation facing workers in the US, and indeed around the world, reveals a profound sickness in American society, the heart of world capitalism. Drug abuse and overdoses and other deaths of despair are symptoms of a society in deep crisis. Since the onset of the pandemic, governments around the world responded to the unprecedented public health emergency by pumping trillions of dollars into Wall Street and corporations to prop up world capitalism. In order to pay back this money, workers were forced into plants and factories to continue production. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson perhaps best epitomized the response of the entire global ruling elite when he blurted out bitterly last November: No more f***ing lockdowns, let the bodies pile high in their thousands! And pile up they did. Workers were forced into impossible situations, often choosing between risking their lives and the lives of their families or giving up their livelihoods. In the last year poverty has soared and hunger has skyrocketed. Thousands of families were evicted from their homes and many more are currently hovering on the brink of eviction as moratoriums continue to be lifted and governments insist that things return to normal. Over the last year and a half, the callous and indifferent attitude of the ruling class to workers has been more starkly exposed than at any time in recent history. As for the institutions that are ostensibly meant to defend workers and improve their conditions, the trade unions, not a single one organized any resistance to the policies of the ruling class. On the contrary the trade unions acted as junior partners in the facilitation of the reckless and criminal back-to-work policy initiated by Trump and continued under Biden. For many of the tens of thousands of people who had already been struggling with addiction, or who were in recovery, these crushing conditions, social isolation, and the further atomization of the working class were enough to push them to relapse. For many others, including many young people whose plans and lives were totally derailed by the events of 2020, the circumstances led many to turn to drugs, which resulted in tragic premature deaths. The devastating revelations about drug overdoses in the US underscore the complete inability of the capitalist system, in the country where the financial aristocracy has amassed untold wealth, to put those resources to use in dealing with an acute social crisis. American capitalism can no more deal with the opioid crisis than it can deal with the even greater pandemic of COVID-19. The necessary resourcesdoctors, nurses, counselors, drug treatment programs, anti-overdose drugs like Narcanshould be made freely available through a massive social mobilization that would cost only a fraction of what the Pentagon squanders each year on the means of death and destruction. But this is impossible under a political system dominated by two right-wing capitalist parties that do the bidding of Wall Street and the pharmaceutical companiesincluding some which directly profited from pumping opioid drugs into impoverished inner city and rural communities. The working class must break through the political monopoly of corporate America. It must connect the global wave of emerging strikes and rebellions against the trade union straitjacket, and build an independent mass political movement of its own, based on a socialist program. Workers everywhere are on the move, fighting against the social conditions that laid the groundwork for the horrific drug epidemic ripping through the US. The measures required to confront the drug crisis in the US cannot be carried out without a frontal attack by the working class on the wealth of the corporate and financial elite and its stranglehold on the entire economic and political system. Severe thunderstorms and heavy rainfall have led to severe devastation and at least 93 fatalities so far in the German regions of Rhineland-Palatinate (50) and North Rhine-Westphalia (43). At least nine people have also been killed in Belgium. The actual death toll could be much higher. According to reports, 1,300 people are currently missing. On Friday morning, the Interior Minister of Rhineland-Palatinate, Roger Lewentz (Social Democratic Party), said, One must say at present, while clearing basements we keep coming across people who have lost their lives in these floods, so I cant say anything at all about the number where we will end up in the end. It is a catastrophe, he said, and the situation remains dramatic. Destroyed houses are seen in Schuld, Germany, Thursday, July 15, 2021. (AP Photo/Michael Probst) After days of rain, the levels of the Rhine, Ruhr, Moselle and other small rivers and streams rose. Some of them turned into raging rivers and flooded entire towns and cities. In some cases, the water rose so quickly that residents were unable to escape to safety. The district of Ahrweiler in the Eifel region of Rhineland-Palatinate was particularly hard hit. The town of Schuldei has been devastated. Four houses were swept away by the water, many more have been damaged and are in danger of collapse. The typically small Ahr, a tributary of the Rhine, became a raging torrent due to the rain. Hundreds of houses along the riverbed were damaged. At least 19 people died in the Ahrweiler district. More than 30 people are still missing. It is not yet known whether they have travelled or found accommodation elsewhere, or whether they, too, were swept away. Many people had to hold out for hours on the roofs of their houses until they could be rescued from the air. Power outages and disruption of phone networks exacerbated the situation for those affected. Relatives, friends and acquaintances have had difficulty finding out what has happened to their loved ones. At times, even the emergency phone line numbers were unreachable. There were either no warnings from the authorities or they came so late that the residents could not get to safety in time. One affected person from Ahrweiler told the WSWS that he and his family were warned only two hours before the floods. The sandbags they received contained no sand. Due to the approaching flood it was too late for them to find sand themselves. Within a short time, the basement and the lower area of the house were completely flooded. While the German weather service warned of renewed heavy rain in many areas, thousands were evacuated. In the Ehrang district of Trier, 2,000 people were evacuated, including from a hospital and a retirement home. At least 20 fatalities have been reported so far from the Cologne-Bonn area in North Rhine-Westphalia. Several people died in flooded basements. In Cologne, firefighters found a 72-year-old woman and a 54-year-old man in a basement flooded with water. In the Euskirchen district alone, there were 15 deaths. Three more fatalities were reported by police from Rheinbach. The Steinbach Dam is located near the town of Euskirchen. It is threatening to overflow, endangering numerous towns in the vicinity. There were also numerous fatalities in Solingen and in the Unna district. The cities of Hagen in the Ruhr region and Wuppertal in the Bergisches Land region are badly affected. In the Hochsauerlandkreis district, virtually the entire town of Altena is flooded. In Altena, a firefighter involved in rescuing people died. He was swept away by the floods. Another firefighter lost his life during an operation in Werdohl. Neighbouring Belgium was also affected by the flood. The army has been deployed in four out of 10 provinces to participate in evacuations and search and rescue operations. Nine people have been confirmed dead so far, all in the east of the country near the German border. One person was killed in the town of Eupen, five in Verviers, and one in Pepinstar. There were numerous evacuations in the province of Limburg, including the border town of Roermond, where 5,000 residents were reportedly brought to safety. Further south in Maastricht, thousands of people were also evacuated. The Belgian National Water Authority warned of record flooding of the Meuse River, which would inundate large parts of the province of Limburg with nearly 900,000 inhabitants. Authorities have also issued an evacuation order to inhabitants of the city of Liege, which, as of 2013, had a population of over 195,000 people. They urged those who still have the possibility of evacuating to do so if they find themselves in a zone floodable near the Meuse river. The peak of the flooding is not expected until Friday morning. The flood in Liege has been caused in part by the malfunctioning of the Monsin dam bridge in the town. First built in the 1930s, it has been under construction for a year, and only two of the gates out of six are currently operational. This meant the dam was unable to release a sufficient quantity of water, which instead flooded the centre of the town. There are major fears that a construction crane in the area will be pulled away by the flooding, and that if it falls it could cut a power cable which powers multiple water pumping stations. The power distributors preventively cut the current in this line on Thursday. The Wallonian water association warned the population not to consume tap water, even boiled, in seven communes of the Wallonian region. The electricity and gas networks are experiencing disturbances on an unprecedented scale, Resa, the main energy distributor in the province of Liege, announced. The immense extent of the damage and the high number of fatalities, which will certainly increase in the following days, have several reasons. It is a result of the climate crisis created by capitalism, which leads to increasingly stark weather fluctuationsextreme heat and drought on the one hand, extreme rain and flooding on the other. At the same time, it is a result of decades of neglected and dilapidated infrastructure. In recent years and decades, insufficient or no investment has been made in dam safety and flood protection, despite the fact that severe flooding has occurred repeatedly. Instead, hundreds of billions of euros have been given to corporations and banks, and spending on the military has increased enormously in Germany and throughout Europe. The same politicians who are responsible for this policy are now feigning sympathy. The Minister President of North Rhine-Westphalia and CDU candidate for chancellor, Armin Laschet, is travelling to Altena and Hagen on Thursday, to hold out the prospect of financial aid from the state. These are familiar empty promises. Many people are still waiting for promised aid from previous disasters. The SPD Minister President of Rhineland-Palatinate, Malu Dreyer, also visited Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler, which was particularly hard hit, together with Federal Finance Minister and SPD candidate for chancellor Olaf Scholz. Scholz, who cut his holiday short, expressed his shock at the tremendous destruction wrought by nature. As a sign of mourning, Dreyer announced that flags on public buildings in Rhineland-Palatinate would be flown at half-mast on Friday. The damage of this disaster is unprecedented, she said. Many people had lost everything and, unfortunately, the number of dead was also rising. A first glimmer of hope in this dire hour, however, was the promise by the federal government to quickly help the affected people. She thanked Scholz for the strong signal of solidarity. Where the solidarity of Scholz and the entire ruling class really lies is well known. In the course of the so-called Corona bailout packages, hundreds of billions were transferred to the accounts of big corporations and the super-rich, which are now to be squeezed out of the working population. The military budget has also been increased by more than 10 billion in the last four years alone and is set to rise further after the federal elections in September. German Chancellor Angela Merkel arrived yesterday in Washington for talks with US President Joe Biden amid signs of deepening divisions between the major imperialist powers. Tensions in particular between Berlin and Paris, the central powers in the European Union (EU) but who have also fought three bloody wars over the last 150 years, are mounting rapidly. Marine Le Pen In Paris, the right-wing daily Le Figaro ran an article yesterday titled Among Europeans, Washington picks Berlin over Paris. It wrote, For several months, an invisible power play was on in diplomatic circles, in Paris and Berlin, to get the first slot. France, knowing it was the underdog, for a time hoped that Joe Biden would choose the Franco-German tandem for his first bilateral European meeting. The paper lamented that Germany is considered the Americans best ally in Europe. Referring to Merkels expected departure after this Septembers German federal elections, it added: And if Joe Biden wants, as he has said, to rally the Europeans against China, it is unavoidable that he will lean first of all on Germany, whose economic weight is far greater in the relationship between the European Union and Beijing. Even if she is on her way out, the German chancellor remains, economically, the boss of Europe. The escalating international crisis driven by the COVID-19 pandemic and US military threats against China are intensifying historically rooted conflicts among the European imperialist powers. The starkest expression of this fact was the vitriolic comment published by neofascist presidential candidate Marine Le Pen in the magazine LOpinion against Germany. She denounced President Emmanuel Macrons ties to Merkel, branding Germany a nation whose very identity makes it impossible for France to cooperate with. Instead, Le Pen insisted, Paris should work out a military alliance with London and work with Washington against China in the Indo-Pacific region. Berlin is not the right partner for Paris on issues of sovereignty, Le Pen wrote, adding: It is towards other horizons that France, starting in 2022, must turnfirst to the UK, with which she has a similar diplomatic and nuclear status; towards the United States, to renegotiate a treaty on the challenges of the Indo-Pacific and of space; and towards its many allies in the world to defend common ideals in struggle against Islamist terrorism. Finally, it must turn to its own history and national identity to finally find the necessary energy to regain its power. Le Pens comment infused the themes in her 2017 presidential bidincluding her support for Brexit, her opposition to the EU, and her calls to abandon the euro, which she however dropped at the end of the 2017 campaignwith an unmistakably more aggressive and militarist tone. Le Pens comments came after she hailed the publication this spring of coup threats by thousands of French reserve and active-duty officers in the neofascist magazine Current Values. The first such threats were published on the anniversary of the 1961 far-right Algiers putsch that tried and failed to maintain French colonial rule over Algeria. These threats have tacit support from top officers like ex-Chief of Staff General Pierre de Villiers, now employed at the Boston Consulting Group, where his campaigns receive hundreds of thousands of euros from major French corporations. And, indeed, it appears that in her threat to carry out a major shift in French policy to Germany after 2022, Le Pen was speaking for important sections of the French officer corps. Le Pen declared that Macrons attempt to work out a close alliance with Germany was based entirely on illusions. The first was believing that Germany could detach itself from the United States to build Europe as a military unity, she wrote. The second was to believe in the possibility of Franco-German industrial cooperation on military equipment, which Le Pen insisted Berlin has betrayed. She asserted, Paris and Berlin do not see eye to eye on any of the major weapon systems (fighter jets, battle tanks, maritime patrol craft. The third illusion, Le Pen wrote, is to hope that Germany can ever change. She baldly declared, Politically, the identity of Germany is in and of itself an obstacle to any form of cooperation. Such staggering declarations are a warning to the European and international working class. Independently of Le Pens chances in next years elections, which are fairly good if she faces the widely hated Macron in the second round, such statements reveal that broad sections of the European ruling elite are convinced that it is virtually impossible to hold the EU together. Five years after Britain voted for Brexit, the disintegration of capitalist Europe is accelerating. Le Pen presented two arguments to support her assertion that French cooperation with Germany is impossible. The first was a concise summation of insoluble, historically rooted conflicts between the European capitalist powers. These include Berlins fear of hostile Paris-Moscow alliances that preceded the outbreak of both world wars, and rivalry over Frances large former colonial empire in Africa. Le Pen noted that this means Berlin focuses on building heavy tank forces, while France focuses more on training special forces for wars in Africa. She wrote, Berlin will always adopt the politics of its geography: federating the center of Europe against Russia which, as an ally or an adversary, is always present in its calculations. Militarily, her Atlantist conceptions make her embrace outmoded conceptions: turned to the east, with heavy armor, with limited capacity to adapt. But the French army, more aggressive, more reactive and imaginative, is based on autonomy and thus on using multiple weapon systems. The second argument, couched as a complaint at Berlins reservations about French imperialisms nuclear arsenal and its neocolonial wars in Africa, was in reality directed against the German working class. Apart from the German ruling elite, Le Pen noted, there is deep opposition in the German population, rooted in opposition to the horrific experience of Nazism, to the development of nuclear weapons, to the NATO alliance and to war. She wrote, Berlin remains fundamentally antinuclear (except its elites, if the nuclear arms are under US control), neutralist (though paradoxically accepting the diktat of NATO), and pacifist (on army deployments and arms exports). While calling for alliance with Britain and cooperation with America against China, Le Pen did not spell out the implications of her arguments. However, if she and her backers believe that any form of cooperation between France and Germany is impossible, then the inescapable conclusion is that they must be preparing for war. The escalating economic, social and political crisis triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic and the US war drive targeting China are together reviving all the unresolved problems of European capitalism from the 20th century and raising the specter of catastrophe. Le Pens anti-German outbursts do not speak for French workers any more than did Macrons call to build an EU military that can fight China, Russia or America. However, they point to the need, as the International Committee of the Fourth International has stressed, to build an international socialist anti-war movement in the working class. The bitter lesson of the two world wars of the 20th century is that European workers spontaneous solidarity is not enough to halt the capitalist drive to war. The European working class can only be unified through a conscious revolutionary struggle to overthrow the European Union and replace it with the United Socialist States of Europe. Developments this week at universities across Australia have underscored the critical importance of the joint online public meeting called by the International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE) and the Committee for Public Education (CFPE) this Saturday, July 17 at 4 p.m. (AEST). Click here to register. An NTEU rally at Macquarie University in 2020 (WSWS Media) The meeting will discuss how to take forward the fight against the deepening cuts and pro-business restructuring at Sydneys Macquarie University and nationally. In the latest wave, hundreds of job losses, accompanied by course closures, were unveiled this week at the University of Western Australia (UWA), Adelaide and La Trobe universities. In response to the ongoing historic assault on university staff and students, members of the Macquarie University Mathematical Society took a stand. The students launched a fight to reinstate a highly-regarded lecturer, Dr. Frank Valckenborgh, who was among those targeted for retrenchment. Very quickly, the student-led petition to defend Valckenborgh received the support of more than 500 pupils and staff. At the same time, the announcement of the July 17, IYSSE-CFPE public meeting and coverage of the campaign on the World Socialist Web Site won wider support, including an overwhelming vote by a meeting of about 450 staff at the University of Sydney for a resolution of support moved by a CFPE member. In an obvious move to head off the broader fight triggered by the sacking of Valckenborgh, the Macquarie University management suddenly told him on Thursday that it had found him a new post, as a teacher of both maths and statistics, apparently because another academic had decided to resign. Even if this offer is confirmed in writing, which it has not yet been, this still allows the overall cuts to the mathematics department, as well as throughout the university and nationally, to go ahead. The powerful response to the campaign, which has secured a job for Valckenborgh for now, must be taken forward. The issue is not just Valckenborgh. He was made redundant in a Hunger Games-style process, in which educators had to compete against each other for a reduced number of positions. Dozens of academics are being retrenched in this manner at Macquarie, on top of more than 300 redundancies of educators and professional staff members in 2020. Similar brutal spill and fill exercises are underway at numerous other universities, especially aimed at much-appreciated and dedicated educators such as Valckenborgh, and tying universities more closely to the narrow vocational and research requirements of big business. This corporate-government offensive has already seen up to 90,000 jobs destroyed last year, counting the laid-off casuals, and over 2,100 courses and 160 programs cancelled, severely affecting the education of students. And nationwide, the COVID-19 pandemic has been used as the pretext for an entire pro-corporate restructuring of class relations in education and throughout the working class. The passionate and broad support for the Macquarie petition indicates increasingly conscious opposition to the vandalisation of public education over decades by successive Liberal-National and Labor governments. One student wrote: Universities should be places of learning, not money-making institutions and in order to have quality education, we need quality teachers. Other petitions have been initiated now as well. One at Melbournes Monash University opposes the effective retrenchment of Dr. Jan Bryant, a highly-regarded art history and theory academic and educator. Another, launched by students at UWAs School of Social Sciences, gathered nearly 5,000 signatures within four days to oppose the gutting of that school, which includes virtually eliminating sociology and anthropology. Each petition has produced outpourings of disgust at the escalating pro-corporate restructuring of universities at the expense of scholarship and genuine education. In the words of one comment on the UWA petition: Universities should represent the greatest depth of curiosity & desire to understand the nature of human existencethese cuts highlight a focus on supporting disciplines which make money at the expense of those that ask questions. The July 17 meeting has been called because such student-led actions need to be supported and deepened. This means a direct struggle, not just against the government but against the staff and student unions, which have suppressed widespread opposition to the destruction of jobs and conditions and blocked any unified struggle by university workers and students. Far from fighting the cuts, the National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) has repeatedly worked with university managements to find ways of saving money, including cutting pay and conditions for staff. Most recently, at the University of Queenslands architecture department, the union claimed a victory after convincing five academics to quit their jobs instead of two positions being eliminated in a spill and fill regime. Anxious to head off the resistance of the staff, the NTEU said this was a resounding success after dragging its members through the dead ends of internal review and the Fair Work Commission. New genuine working class organisations must be built to break out of the deadly union straitjacket. The IYSSE and CFPE public meeting on July 17 will advance the necessity for students and university workers to establish a network of joint rank-and-file committees, completely independent of the unions. This is essential to initiate a nationwide, unified fight against the assault on jobs and conditions, and link up with students, educators and all workers internationally who are facing similar critical struggles against the impact of the worsening global crisis. That means rejecting the dictates of the financial elite. It requires a struggle against the capitalist profit system itself, and the turn to a socialist perspective, to reorganise society on the basis of social need, not private wealth accumulation. We urge all educators, students, workers and youth to join us. To participate in the online public meeting register here. 1,400 registered nurses at the University of Southern California (USC) Kenneth Norris Jr. Cancer Hospital and Keck Hospital of USC took part in a two-day strike Tuesday and Wednesday in Los Angeles to demand safe conditions for staff and patients. Striking USC nurses (Source: Facebook) Hundreds of nurses picketed Tuesday outside the USC Medical Center, a world-renowned research hospital. However, after an early morning rally on Wednesday, the nurses union, the California Nurses Association/National Nurses Organizing Committee (CNA/NNOC), sent nurses home for a break and told them to join a noon virtual rally, before coming back at 7 p.m. Wednesday night when few patients, students, and community members would see their pickets. A striking nurse who wished to remain anonymous described working conditions to the World Socialist Web Site. We provide care to some of the sickest patients in the nation. As such, the nurses at Keck are highly specialized and highly trained. They are experts in their respective areas. For over a decade, Keck administration has refused to properly staff our hospital. They are completely reliant upon us working overtime and 18-hour shifts. We are tired of feeling forced to work 18 hours so our patients can get the care they deserve. We are tired of being begged daily to come in and work extra shifts. We are exhausted. We are chronically understaffed and are tired of seeing our patients suffer. Lifesaving therapies are being paused because we dont have enough staff to operate the devices on a given shift, expecting a nurse to care for 2 patients that are so sick they actually require 1:1 nursing care, etc. Additionally, we have an unacceptable amount of temporary workers staffing our units. There are times when a unit will be staffed with more than 75 percent temporary nurses. This places an undue burden upon the regular staff there. Patients come to Keck from all over the country to receive world-class care. 'Beyond these staffing issues, our OR nurses are tired of being forced to come to work sleep deprived after working 18-20 hours. They currently only get 8 hours from the end of their on-call shift to the start of their next regular shift. Once you factor in the 15-20 minutes it takes to get to their car plus the commute in LA traffic, that often leaves them with less than 5 hours at home, after working 20 hours. This is completely unacceptable and a clear concern for the safety of our patients. We are only asking for an additional 2 hours of rest time between shifts. USC stated at the start of these negotiations that they wanted to redefine their relationship with their nurses. What they failed to realize is that our nurses are fed up and tired of being taken for granted. We are no longer going to sit back and take it while we are used and abused by this employer. The reality which USC nurses face is the reality across the country. The American Nurses Association predicts that by 2022, there will be more unfilled jobs available for registered nurses than for any other profession. Nurse Hernandez told the Los Angeles Times, I get a call every week from my unit saying: Please, can someone work; were short staffed, adding that if additional help wasn't found, nurses are expected to double up on ratios or downgrade a patient to a lower level of care. While the union limited the strike action to only two days, management is locking out the nurses until Sunday, or for twice as long as the strike itself. Management claims this is due to the length of contracts for outside nurses. Despite the fact that nurses have been locked out, effectively punishing them for striking with four days of lost wages, the CNA has made clear that it will no longer hold daytime pickets for the duration of the lockout. Wednesdays virtual rally on the NNUs Facebook page was addressed by NNU executive director Bonnie Castillo and Kathy Kennedy, president of the California Nurses Association. Outside of the empty phrases and despite their large numbers, the union is working to isolate their struggle both from the surrounding community and from nurses around the country who are fighting against the exact same issues. The CNA/NNOC is under the umbrella of National Nurses United (NNU), the largest organization of registered nurses in the US, with 175,000 members across the country. No picket on Wednesday afternoon (WSWS Media) The dull remarks of Castillo and Kennedy were counterposed to the pleas by a few frontline nurses, one of which cited the 1912 strike by textile workers in Lawrence, Massachusetts who organized a fight against slave-like conditions. The strike at USC is part of a growing wave of struggles by workers in general, and health care workers in particular. Earlier this month, nurses and other public sector workers in the Chicago area went out on strike for two weeks to protest inadequate staffing. In Worcester, Massachusetts, nurses at St. Vincent hospital have been on strike for four months. Earlier this year, a threatened nationwide strike by nursing home workers in Connecticut was averted at the last minute by a deal brokered by the state governor and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), which promptly called the strike off. In all of these cases, nurses and other workers have confronted not only management, but the unions, which have worked to limit strikes and isolate them from one other. Worcester nurses, for example, have been left on the picket with no strike pay, and the Massachusetts Nurses Association has not lifted a finger to oppose the hospital's hiring of permanent replacements. The SEIU in Chicago called off the strike without even reaching a tentative agreement, much less one which had been voted on and approved by the membership. In California, one of the states worst-affected by the coronavirus pandemic, the unions have worked to limit strikes by Alameda County hospital workers, Burlingame nursing home workers and nurses at Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital. In the fall of 2019, only months before the pandemic began, the unions called off a statewide strike at the Kaiser Permanente hospital chain before it even began. The unions are tied by a million threads to the Democratic Party and the administration of Governor Gavin Newsom, the very forces who are responsible for the austerity conditions which nurses face in the richest state in the US. Liz, a registered nurse in Long Beach, went to Keck Hospital on Wednesday afternoon to support the striking nurses, but found empty sidewalks. A former CNA member herself, she recorded a live video explaining the isolation of the nurses by their union, I came out to support the strike, I guess they were here early this morning and they are now gone for the day. What kind of union does that to their nurses, to their workers? Why would you send your nurses home to come back at a later time? I am not really surprised they tamp down on nurse opposition. They keep nurses under control. They make deals with hospitals, corporations, CEOs to prevent them from holding a real strike. This campus is spending a lot of money. I can't believe what I am seeing, obviously they have the money and don't want to spend it on patient care.... They should be out here letting the residents of the area and the patients know what is happening. When I worked for a CNA hospital, they always told us we couldn't strike, that there was no support for it. That is what they would always tell us, and its not true... The CNA did everything they could to tamp down on our opposition. I didnt even know about this strike. They probably made a deal with the hospital, saying, Well have the nurses out in the morning for a few hours, and then well bring them back later in the evening when nobody can see them out there and well do two days of that. KTLA may have come out this morning, but who even knows about it? And now that no one is out on the strike line, who in this area that comes to this hospital would know that this is happening? In order for USC nurses and St. Vincent nurses to win their fight, they must unite together and with health care workers across the country and beyond. They should take the lead of the Volvo autoworkers and build their own rank-and-file committees independent of the corporatist trade unions, who are in bed with the financial elite and orchestrate one-day strikes for them to let off steam as conditions continue to worsen for patients and health care staff. For assistance in setting up a rank and file committee at your hospital, contact the WSWS. Three months before federal elections, a German government advisory committee has posed the possibility of raising the pension age to 68. It calls for linking retirement to rising life expectancy and reducing statutory benefits. The committee argues, shocking growing financing problems in the statutory pension insurance system from 2025 are to be expected. Bottle collectors, a common sight in Germany (Photo: Sascha Kohlmann / CC BY-SA 2.0) The Scientific Advisory Council of Federal Economics Minister Peter Altmaier (Christian Democratic Union, CDU) published its Proposals for a Reform of Statutory Pension Insurance on June 7. In a press release, the Advisory Council criticises the fact that sharply increasing subsidies from the federal budget are flowing into the pension fund, accounting for more than a quarter of the budget. This number will rise to over 44 percent by 2040 and over 55 percent by 2060. Inevitably, therefore, the council argues that retirement age will have to be raised to 68 or above. At the same time, the size of the payout that retirees receive must be reduced. Since the report was issued, the attack on pensions has not stopped. There are already calls to raise the retirement age to 69 or 70. In the spring, several economic institutes proposed bringing it up to 69, citing the size of the national debt incurred during the coronavirus pandemic. Germanys central bank, the Bundesbank, also supported this demand. With an eye on the election, leading politicians from almost all parties quickly and vociferously distanced themselves from these proposals. Federal Finance Minister and Social Democratic Party (SPD) lead candidate Olaf Scholz described them as horror scenarios that were wrongly calculated and anti-social. Left Party co-chair Susanne Hennig-Wellsow told the DPA press agency, This is the anti-social hammer. However, the broad outlines of the proposal are supported by all parties. During the pandemic, the government has issued massive aid packages in order to boost the profits of the banks and corporations. While the number of billionaires has increased, the next government will have to take out a net loan of almost 100 billion euros to finance spending during 2022. At the same time, all parties advocate a return to the policy of a balanced budget without any new borrowing. The legally mandated debt brake, which was suspended during the pandemic, is to come back as soon as possible. This requires budget cuts and sharp attacks on social services. Federal subsidies for pensions, which amount to more than 70 billion euros a year, are targeted in particular. These subsidies are financed with general tax revenues and have therefore long been a thorn in the side of employers, the super-rich and top politicians. The pressure to end them has intensified in the pandemic. As early as last autumn, a Commission on a Reliable Intergenerational Contract appointed by the federal government put forward new proposals aimed at abolishing the double limit (which caps contribution rates and provides for a minimum pension level). In its report, the Commission proposed to raise retirement contributions for employees, currently at 18.6 percent of a persons wage, to between 20 and 24 percent. At the same time, the standard pension would be reduced. The standard pension is not to be confused with the pension actually paid out. It is an average amount calculated based on a ratio of a statutory pension after 45 years of contributions to average income. It takes neither deductions due to missing years of contributions nor tax contributions into account. The effective pension amount, on which very many people have to live, is well below half the average wage. If the experts have their way, it will be lowered even further. Criticism of these planned cuts by the SPD, the Greens, the Left Party, and the main trade unions is purely for show due to the election campaign. In the face of protests from social organisations, even Economics Minister Altmaier piously assured that no one would introduce the pension at 68. Meanwhile, more and more publications by advisory bodies are testing the waters by floating the idea, making clear what is being prepared behind the backs of the working class. The phoniness of the opposition expressed by politicians can be seen just by looking at what has happened to government pensions over the last thirty years. Since the era of Helmut Kohl (CDU) in the 1980s and 90s, every labour and social affairs minister has worked to erode statutory pensions systematically. Of these eight ministers, six were Social Democrats. This began with the first Kohl government, whose Labour Minister Norbert Blum then claimed, Pensions are safe. With the reintroduction of capitalism in East Germany in 1990, some 14,000 state-owned enterprises and hundreds of thousands of jobs were destroyed by the Treuhand, a process that the forerunner to the Left Party, the PDS, supported. Unemployment and low-wage work lead directly to old-age privation because of poverty-level pensions. When the SPD-Green Party federal government of Gerhard Schroder (SPD) and Joschka Fischer (Greens) took the helm in 1999, it initiated unprecedented social cuts through the Hartz laws, attacking welfare and labour rights and creating a huge low-wage, temporary and part-time sector. This was accompanied by a sharp assault on pensions. Walter Riester (SPD), then labour minister and former deputy chairman of Germanys largest industrial union the IG Metall, created a breach in the pay-as-you-go statutory pension insurance scheme with his capital-based Riester pensions. It quickly became clear that low earners with small statutory pensions and no entitlement to a company pension could not afford Riester's capital-based private pensions, because they had to spend everything they earned to keep themselves and their familys heads above water. The pension insurance companies and their managers, however, have profited. On February 3, 2006, the grand coalition of the CDU/CSU and SPD decided to raise the retirement age from 65 to 67. The driving force behind this was Vice-Chancellor and Labour and Social Affairs Minister Franz Muntefering (SPD). Subsequently, the Merkel government furthered the by gradually introducing the taxation of pensions. Other steps taken by the Merkel government, supposedly introduced in order to honour the lifetime efforts of hard-working people, include the ability to draw a pension at 63 and the creation of a so-called basic pension. Both, however, are subject to tough standards. Only workers who can prove 45 years of paid contributions can access their retirement funds at 63 and they must forgo 10 percent of their total earned for the rest of their lives. From 2012 to 2029, the retirement age will gradually rise from 65 to 67. There are already calls for it to be raised to 68 by 2042. In the face of growing unemployment, such a step constitutes an additional pension cut. This will happen in a situation where company closures and mass layoffs are driving ever-larger sections of the working class into so-called poorly paid mini-jobs, long periods of unemployment and low-wage positions. Already one in five, that is more than four million workers, must slave away for an hourly wage of just 9.35 euros. It is obvious that these people can pay little or nothing into pension insurance or savings accounts. The previous attacks on the statutory pension have already led to rampant old-age poverty. The number of senior citizens at risk of poverty is growing year by year, and women, single people, the low-skilled and immigrants are particularly affected. Among pensioners the poverty rate is increasing the most. According to the Paritatischer Wohlfahrtsverband charity, poverty increased in 2019 among all affected population groups, but the largest long-term rise was among retirees. The poverty rate of this population has grown since 2006 by sixty percent, rising to 17.1 percent. This does not take into account the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. It has also just been revealed that over one million people older than 67 are still working, most of them because they are forced to do so for financial reasons. Of the approximately 38 million people in employment, 1.04 million were 67 or older last year. Almost 600,000 still had a regular job at age 70 or older. 72,000 were over 80 years old. The figures come from an answer by the federal government to a parliamentary question from the Left Party. Of the more than one million older workers, 800,000 are mini-jobbers who earn just 450 euros a month. As the retirement age rises, fewer people get to draw their pension at all. Almost 20 percent of all those who died in 2019 were younger than 69 (19.8 percent). 17 percent of all deceased had not reached the age of 67 and 14.4 percent even died before they turned 65. Nevertheless, the bourgeois media drum relentlessly for the retirement age to be raised. The Berliner Zeitung of June 30, 2021 headlined its editorial, Pension at 68: There is no way around a longer working life. As in previous screeds, demographic trends are used to justify pension cuts and raising the retirement age. The Berliner Zeitung criticised the timidity of those in power to make what it deems the necessary changes to the pension system. Regarding the proposals of the Scientific Advisory Council, it says, The economists warn of a 'funding shock' that could soon hit pensions. This was to look into the abyss. The baby boomers will soon be retiring, and at the same time, people are getting older and older--and thus drawing pensions for longer. By 2035 at the latest, two working people would have to finance one pensioner. Due to demographic developments in Germany, the statutory pension insurance system is threatened with a financing problem in the long term, was the message in a broadcast by Deutschlandfunk on 24 June 2021, because fewer and fewer working people will have to pay for more and more pensioners. The supposedly decisive argument revolving around demographic developments is a bald-faced lie. Whether or not sufficient old-age support can be paid depends less on the average age of a society or the birth rate than on the productivity of society's labour. Objectively, globalisation and modern technology have laid the foundations for all people -- including children, pensioners, the sick and the disabled -- to live in the best possible health, with an adequate standard of living and material security. That this is not the case is because the means of production under capitalism are not utilised for the satisfaction of social needs, but the personal enrichment and profit maximisation of a few individuals. Hundreds of millions of euros have been, and are being, swallowed up by the corporations and banks through the coronavirus bailout packages of the German government and the European Central Bank. The associated rise in share prices and the pervasive exploitation of the working class by keeping production going while mass deaths result from the virus have obscenely increased the wealth of the bankers, capitalists and the super-rich. The money needed to finance these bailouts is to be squeezed out of the working class. The brutal attacks on pensioners already in the pipeline are part of this. Corporations and their shareholders also benefit from the numerous tax breaks in their favour. Corporate taxes alone have fallen by more than half in Germany, from a nominal 60 percent in 1981 to 29.6 percent in 2011. The share of corporate tax receipts in total tax revenues was just 5.4 percent in 2017. Only by fighting for an international, socialist programme can the corporate and government attacks on the social gains of the working class be beaten back. Old-age poverty can only be eliminated if big business and the banks are expropriated without compensation. Social needs such as education, health, well-paid work, and pensions must take priority over the profit interests of the wealthy. This is what the Sozialistische Gleichheitspartei (Socialist Equality Party) is fighting for in the federal elections. This is a Reichstag moment, the gospel of the Fuhrer, Gen. Mark Milley, the chief of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the top US uniformed military commander, told his aides in the run-up to the January 6 fascist-led assault on the US Capitol building. In this June 1, 2020 file photo, President Donald Trump departs the White House to visit outside St. John's Church, in Washington. Walking behind Trump from left are, Attorney General William Barr, Secretary of Defense Mark Esper and Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File) The generals reference was to the 1933 Reichstag Fire, a supposed terrorist attack on the German parliament building blamed on a communist worker. It provided the pretext for Hitlers assumption of dictatorial powers, abrogating parliamentary procedures and democratic rights and unleashing a reign of terror against the working class. It was later proven that the fire was organized by the Nazi Gestapo. The comparison of Trumps actions in the wake of the 2020 election to the rise of Hitler is reported in a new book, I Alone Can Fix It: Donald J. Trumps Catastrophic Final Year, written by Washington Post reporters Carol Leonnig and Philip Rucker. It was no isolated remark, nor was the general engaging in hyperbole. Milley was meeting regularly with fellow members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff representing the Army, Air Force, Navy and Marines to assess the threat of a coup and draw up contingency plans. No doubt, these sessions were also aimed at taking the political temperature of the US officer corps to determine what level of support a dictatorial power grab would enjoy in different sections of the military. According to the book, Milley kept having a stomach-churning feeling that some of the worrisome early stages of 20th-century fascism in Germany were replaying in 21st-century America. He saw parallels between Trumps rhetoric of election fraud and Adolf Hitlers insistence to his followers at the Nuremberg rallies that he was both a victim and their savior. The general further described Trumps fanatical supporters in fascist militias like the Proud Boys, Oath Keepers and Three Percenters as brownshirts, telling military and security officials preparing for the state-of-siege inauguration of Joe Biden, These are the same people we fought in World War II. Trump issued an angry response to the revelations through his Save America political action committee, describing the general as a choking dog and stating: Despite massive Voter Fraud and Irregularities during the 2020 Presidential Election Scam, that we are now seeing play out in very big and important States, I never threatened, or spoke about, to anyone, a coup of our Government. So ridiculous! Sorry to inform you, but an Election is my form of coup, and if I was going to do a coup, one of the last people I would want to do it with is General Mark Milley. It is impossible to exaggerate the political significance of the most senior United States military officer warning fellow generals that the American president, their commander in chief, was emulating Adolf Hitler in a plot to foment violence and chaos, invoke the Insurrection Act and seize power as a dictator. Trumps admiration for the Fuhrer was apparently an open secret in Washington. During a November 2018 trip to Europe, he told his stunned chief of staff, Marine Gen. John Kelly, Hitler did a lot of good things. This discussion is reported in another new book written by the Wall Street Journals senior White House reporter Michael Bender, Frankly, We Did Win This Election. It recounts that Trump pushed back against Kellys protests over the remark, insisting that Hitler revived Germanys economy. The response by the US media to the revelations concerning Milley has largely been to lionize the general as a champion of American democracy. Typical was a fawning comment in the New York Times describing the new book as a bravura introduction of a new American hero, a man who has heretofore not received a great deal of attention: Gen. Mark A. Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. A better title for this book might have been Mr. Milley Goes to Washington. The book itself quotes Milley as telling his fellow officers, They may try, but they're not going to f**king succeed. You cant do this without the military... Were the guys with the guns. The generals message is unmistakable: without the military, failure; with it, success. The truth is, where the guys with the guns would line up was by no means a sure thing. Milley himself exhibited no friction with Trump until after the infamous June 1, 2020 incident in which he marched with the president across Lafayette Square for a photo-op made possible by the violent dispersal of peaceful demonstrators. He later felt compelled to call his action a mistake as it became clear that Trump wanted to invoke the Insurrection Act and call the military into the streets on the pretext of crushing the nationwide George Floyd protests. Milley and other senior uniformed commanders feared that such a deployment could provoke mass resistance and lead to deep fissures within the military itself. In the immediate aftermath of his election defeat last November, Trump executed a wholesale purge of the top civilian officials in the Pentagon, replacing them with a collection of unconditional loyalists and fascistic ideologues, from the new defense secretary, retired Special Forces colonel Chris Miller, on down. Miller, in turn, instituted an unprecedented alteration of the military chain of command, elevating the Special Operations Command, comprised of elite killing squads like the Army Green Berets and Navy Seals, to the status of a separate branch of the military. The move, according to Miller, would have these units reporting directly to him, eliminating bureaucratic channels. Trump had assiduously curried favor with this section of the military, including by pardoning war criminals from within its ranks. Moreover, according to the new book, General Milleys intervention on January 6 was insufficient to shorten the 199 minutes that separated the desperate request by the Capitol Police for military assistance from the actual deployment of National Guard troops on the Capitol steps. The decision to send in troops was executed only after it had become clear that the insurrection had failed. That such a military figure is now hailed as the bulwark of American democracy, the hero standing between the United States and fascism, is stark testimony to the advanced decomposition of democratic forms of rule at the very heart of world imperialism. The revelations surrounding Milley have also put paid to the claims made by virtually the entire pseudo left and prominent left journalists that any talk of an insurrection or a coup in relation to the January 6 assault on the Capitol was an exaggeration. Expressing their complacent faith in the stability of American capitalism, they adopted a semi-sympathetic attitude to the fascist-led attack, while insisting that a far greater threat to democratic rights was posed by Trump being banned from Twitter and Facebook. These elements have only provided a left face for the general coverup by the Democratic Party establishment, which made no attempt to alert the American public to the threat of a coup led by the Hitler-lover in the White House, fearing far more an eruption of resistance from below. They remain determined to conceal the continuing deadly serious dangers confronting the working class in the interests of bipartisan unity with the Republican criminals who helped orchestrate the January 6 coup attempt. These threats arise not merely from the sociopathic brain of a Donald Trump. His elevation to the US presidency was only the most grotesque expression of the protracted rot of American democracy. Similar dangers have emerged across the planet, from the revival of fascism in Germany to the coup threats of Brazils fascistic President Jair Bolsonaro. They are rooted in the profound crisis of US and world capitalism that has deepened amid a global pandemic that has claimed the lives of over 4 million. While plunging hundreds of millions more into poverty, the pandemic has accelerated a staggering growth of social inequality that is incompatible with even a semblance of democracy. The only progressive way out of this crisis and the only answer to the threat of fascism and dictatorship lies in the building of a powerful mass movement of the working class, allied with workers throughout the world, in a common struggle for socialism. All those who recognize the urgency of building this movement should join the Socialist Equality Party. In the aftermath of last Fridays move by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to encourage vaccinated teachers and students not to wear masks and to fully reopen schools, anger is building among educators, parents and students. Covid-19 screening at Thorncliffe Park Public School (Twitter/@TPPS_TDSB) In response to a request for comments by teachers on the Reddit page r/Teachers on whether they were concerned about the spread of the Delta variant in schools and the repudiation of safety measures, teachers from the US and internationally posted dozens of comments. Many spoke to the lack of vaccination among children under 12 and the risk it poses to them and others: Yes. I spent the pandemic doing full virtual for myself and the rest of my family. Now our district has already said they wont enforce masks and no virtual opportunities. My kids wont be eligible for vaccination until they open the next age group. And the teen vaccination rate for my high school is not stellar. Worried for all our health and my mental state for the anxiety of every cold symptom. This sh** is going to cut through our unvaccinated students like a hot knife through butter. Any district that doesnt require vaccinations for appropriate age groups, and masks + distancing for those who cant be vaccinated yet, is guilty of putting politics above health and safety. As an elementary school teacher, yes, Im very concerned. I mean, Im vaccinated and so is my family, but I dont want to see kids and their families getting sick. Teachers also spoke to the role that schools could play in both the proliferation and creation of new variants: Variants are what they are for a reason. They have had to change to make sure they can stay alive. If not the Delta variant, then another one will come along that will be worse for unvaccinated populations, which in most cases are the children and the poor. Based on all the research Ive done, schools could very well be the place variants get stronger and more deadly, causing the vaccines we do have to lose their ability to fight this thing. Im extremely concerned. My school is talking about doing away with masks for the teachers (the kids dont wear masks). Yeah, thats a big no from me. My mask is staying quite firmly on my face. Concerns over the dilapidated status of ventilation in schools, which plays an important role in the spread of the virus, were raised as well: Yes, I am very concerned. I teach in Florida, USA, and its the Wild West here. Our governor doesnt believe in COVID and has limited releasing case numbers. Plus, he took the mask mandate away months ago. This could be worse than last year. And everyone needs to stop talking about school ventilation. It wasnt fixed last year so why would it be now?? Our school was built in 1988, and has had very little updates. Half the time we dont even have AC. My school was built 1912. Aint no AC in there. I am lucky if my windows open. We are all doomed. Been a pleasure playing with yall. Queue Requiem... Our school doesnt even have windows. One teacher from the UK, where all COVID-19 safety measures are being lifted in schools as the Delta variant explodes, commented: Im in England. There are 900 students in my school. 6 of them were diagnosed with COVID *TODAY*. Three weeks ago, we had one positive case that week. Two weeks ago we had four positive cases that week. Last week we had 2-3 positive cases every day. Today we had 6 positive cases. These arent cumulative numbers. These are NEW positive cases every day. 13.5% of 11-18 year olds were off school this month for COVID reasons (they either had it or are close contacts with someone who did). The Delta variant is accelerating exponentially in schools here. Please learn from us. Just because weve given up and decided that we surrender to COVID doesnt mean the rest of the world should. And no, being vaccinated doesnt make you safe. Weve had double vaccinated people in hospital with COVID in recent weeks. Being vaccinated makes you safer but it doesnt make you safe.' Another teacher from Australia spoke to the spread of the coronavirus there, where the repudiation of safety measures has also led to a surge in cases. They said, I teach at a school in Sydney, Australia and the government has put us back to teaching online because of the cases of the Delta variant. Additionally, a teacher from Texas commented, Elementary students are not vaccinated (under age 12). The Delta variant is rampant in San Antonio, testing has sharply decreased, and in 1 week the city rose 5 percent to 11.2 cases per 100k. These are not great stats to go by, but its what we have. My district has yet to comment on a virtual option, but will most likely not give one even though some parents are worried about full reopening. The CDC and the ruling class want to put the pandemic out of sight, out of mind, while we go back to normal. Testing should continue and expand in schools, masking should be treated in airplanes, hospitals and clinicsmandatory by staff and people using the service. We are not disposable and our communities arent either! The teachers unions, which facilitated the school reopening policies over the past year under both Trump and Biden, have fully endorsed the CDCs reckless new guidelines. Educators, parents and students opposed to these measures must organize themselves independently of the unions, by joining and building the network of Educators Rank-and-File Safety Committees that have been formed during the pandemic. Only through an independent movement of educators with the broader working class, united across districts and industries, will the health and lives of educators, students and parents be prioritized above the needs of the corporations. The Pennsylvania Educators Rank-and-File Safety Committee condemns the lifting of public health measures to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, which in the US has been orchestrated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Biden administration. We demand the implementation of a massive global vaccination program for every person on the planet and that all necessary public health measures be restored and expanded until the pandemic is ended. This crisis is far from over, and is in fact entering a new deadly stage. Billions of people, the vast majority of the global population, remain unvaccinated and governments have no plans to coordinate this on a global scale. Unless steps are immediately taken to vaccinate the worlds population and public health measures restored, millions more will die needlessly. Teacher Tara Matise exercise with her prekindergarten students participating virtually in her classroom ahead of planned in-person learning at Nebinger Elementary School in Philadelphia, Friday, March 19, 2021. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke) The Delta variant, the same one which caused the catastrophic spike in deaths in India just weeks ago, is quickly becoming the dominant strain in the United States and around the world. Global cases are already beginning to rise, with several countries seeing rapid rises in cases and deaths due to the Delta variant. In Russia, cases have risen to over 25,000 per day, a 136 percent increase in the past month. Deaths have also exploded to nearly 800 per day, bringing the Russian health care system to its knees. Indonesia has seen daily cases skyrocket from 6,000 in May to over 50,000 in mid July, with daily deaths increasing five times to over 1,000. In Britain, daily cases have grown exponentially over the past six weeks, reaching 48,000 on July 15, an increase of 500 percent over the past 30 days. Similar patterns are occurring in South Africa, Bangladesh, Colombia and Argentina. It is necessary to understand that the pandemic is not merely a public health crisis but is above all a social crisis. Governments around the worldDemocrats or Republicans; Liberals or Conservativesare lifting restrictions, public health measures and reopening schools in order to drive people back to work and boost the generation of profits for the wealthy. The United Kingdom has announced that it will complete its reopening plans in the next two weeks. Exemplifying the policy of normalizing mass death in the UK, the new UK Health Secretary Sajid Javid said that the UK must learn to live with the virus, and that the full reopening of businesses would be irreversible. This same homicidal policy is being implemented in the US by Republicans and Democrats alike. The Biden administration has cleared the way for every state to lift mask mandates and all restrictions on fully reopening schools and businesses. Such decisions will have disastrous effects. Only 54 percent of the total US population has received at least one shot, with children under the age of 12 still not eligible to be vaccinated. Globally, under one-quarter of all people are vaccinated, meaning that there is more than enough room here and abroad for the virus to infect and mutate. Not only is the world still under-vaccinated, but tens of millions are actively being denied the vaccine. The US is blocking the distribution of vaccines to Venezuela and Cuba to advance its own imperialist interests in the region, while Israel, in a move akin to apartheid-style discrimination, continues to deny vaccine access to the Palestinian people. While 8,000 people every day are dying from the coronavirus, profiteering of big pharmaceuticals continues. These merchants of death, backed by the Biden administration, continue to deny other global manufacturers their intellectual property needed to produce the vaccines. Companies like Pfizer and Moderna have been given $22 billion in federal aid, yet they hoard the methods for vaccine production from the world, protected by the capitalist politicians in the US government. Executives for Pfizer and Moderna made hundreds of millions of dollars selling stock shares after the announcement of their vaccines. Only the working class can provide a progressive solution to this crisis. The working class is the only social force that is not tied to the profit or nation-state system. Over the past year, workers have increasingly entered into struggle. In March 2020, workers took the lead in forcing the closure of schools and businesses. Over the past six months, a series of strikes have broken out in the US and globally as workers seek to recoup losses that have been imposed upon them. In each of these struggles, the leadership of the unions have sided with the corporations, just as the leaders of the National Education Association (NEA) and the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) have sided with the Biden administration in reopening schools. The formation of the Educators Rank-and-File Safety Committees and other rank-and-file committees is an important step in organizing the working class independently of the corporatist unions and workers taking the lead in their struggles. The Pennsylvania Educators Rank-and-File Safety Committee is committed to a fight to end the pandemic and calls upon fellow educators and workers to join in this struggle. We stand for: A mass global vaccination program. Billions of doses of vaccine must be distributed to every country in the world, along with the necessary equipment and materials for distribution and production of the vaccine. An end to patent protections and the blocking of vaccines and health supplies to any country. The US government must not use the vaccine to bully other countries into accepting its dictates, and must waive the property rights of vaccine manufacturers in order to save millions of lives. Vaccine production must be promoted on a mass scale to ensure that all people may become vaccinated. An end to the lifting of public health measures. Millions of lives are being put at risk by ending pandemic restrictions prematurely. It is necessary to save countless lives to reinstate these measures until the virus is brought under control and eradicated. Schools must not reopen until all students can be vaccinated. The great lie of the pandemic has been that young people are not susceptible to the virus. This has been proven false time and time again. More and more research points to the role that schools and children have played in transmitting the virus even when asymptomatic. In order to protect students, educators and our communities, schools must not return to in-person learning until children can be vaccinated and adequate ventilation can be provided. We call upon all educators and other workers to take up this fight. To find out more, please contact us today. TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - Everyone enjoys having more money in their pockets--come tax season you may find yourself with more of it yourself. The tax deadline may be several months away, but Indiana is already saying you can expect a bigger refund. That is Terre Haute resident Susan Dawson is ready to see Indiana give some money back to Hoosiers. "I'll be glad to have that because I never got the amount back from my regular tax return from the federal, you know? I don't know what their hold up is," said Dawson. Come next refund, Dawson will most likely be getting back some money and so could you. The refund is $170 per individual filer and $340 for those filing jointly. This is because Indiana has an excess amount of taxpayer dollars. "Lo and behold they have a half-billion dollars that they don't know what to do with and the law requires that they distribute it," said Robert Guell, an economics professor at Indiana State University. This may come as good news to taxpayers, but Guell says it is not time to celebrate just yet. The reason this is the case is that you won't get it for a while. "You're not gonna see it, right? Until April of 2022. So you're jumping the gun by nine months spending it. Don't do that," said Guell. Even if it is not a lot of money to some people, Dawson said she is still happy to get something. "I"m no billionaire by any means...or millionaire or anything near to that. I'd be grateful that they just have, whatever I can get," said Dawson. This is why she thinks it could help almost anyone. "Even if it's not as big as the stimulus checks were and stuff it's still something. So it's, it's wonderful and it's great for everybody," said Dawson. Guell also told News 10 that the United States Department of Justice could sue states for giving this money back. If this is the case, people will be at risk of losing their tax credit. TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - Shane Meehan has been transported to a jail more than one week after authorities say he shot and killed Terre Haute Detective and FBI Task Force Officer Greg Ferency in an ambush. On Friday, the defense counsel for Meehan submitted a status report to the United States District Court of Southern Indiana. Under a court order, Meehan's counsel must file weekly updates detailing Meehan's readiness to appear in court and take part in hearings. 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) Friday's update said counsel met with Meehan on July 13 in his hospital room for nearly an hour. They reported he was in 'considerable pain,' was having difficulty breathing, and was receiving narcotic pain medication every four hours for his injuries. The attorneys said they attempted to inform Meehan of the charge against him, but they weren't sure how much he understood. They also reported that Meehan had no recollection of their previous meeting for the initial hearing on July 9 and that he could not recall their names. His attorneys also said Meehan appeared to be unaware that he was shot and that his injuries are a result of the shooting. According to the filing, Meehan was transported from the hospital to an unidentified jail on Thursday. On Friday, his counsel attempted a video call with Meehan. The attorneys said Meehan was in considerable pain and that his breathing was shallow and labored. They ended the call after about five minutes because it seemed Meehan was unable to 'productively engage with the counsel.' His counsel concluded that Meehan is currently medically unable to appear in court. They will continue to provide updates as the court directed. PREVIOUS COVERAGE | Molotov Cocktails, a shootout, and a fallen officer - here's a breakdown of events the day Detective Ferency was killed Last Wednesday, authorities said Meehan ambushed Detective Ferency at an FBI Agency Office in Terre Haute. The document Shane Meehan pulled up to the gate of the secured entrance and tossed a Molotov Cocktail toward the building. Moments later, Ferency excited the building. Investigators said Meehan shot Ferency. Hearing the gunshots, FBI Special Agent Ryan Lindgren ran out of the office and got into a shootout with Meehan. Officials say after he was shot twice, by either Ferency or Lindgren, Meehan took off in his truck. The Bureau of Prisons previously confirmed Meehan worked as a correctional officer from 2005-2017 at the Federal Corrections Complex in Terre Haute. Earlier this week, the Bureau of Prisons denied WTHI-TV's request for personnel-related records, citing 'ongoing law enforcement proceedings.' PREVIOUS COVERAGE | Watch News 10's Complete Coverage of Detective Ferency's services Detective Ferency was laid to rest Tuesday in Terre Haute with full military honors. WTHI-TV carried the funeral service live. Community members can purchase bracelets and stickers in honor of Detective Ferency. They're available at the Terre Haute Police Department Headquarters on Wabash Avenue. Proceeds will go to the department's memorial fund, which will support a fallen officer memorial, as well as the department's trip to the annual law enforcement memorial. Miss. (WTVA) - Crime Stoppers of Northeast Mississippi and the Pontotoc Police Department need your help identifying the person responsible for stealing an 18-foot dovetail trailer from a local business. Early Wednesday morning, July 14, 2021, surveillance cameras captured what looks like a late 80's model Ford Bronco arriving at a local business and then later leaving with the trailer. The Bronco appears to have a tire rack mounted on the rear of the vehicle. The Bronco also appears to be two-toned in color. If anyone has any information regarding the theft of the trailer, please call Crime Stoppers of Northeast Mississippi at 800-773-TIPS(8477) or download the P3 Tip App and leave an anonymous tip that way. Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 cash for a tip that leads to an arrest. Remember Crime Stoppers does not want your name, just your information. Update - 2:45 p.m. (CT) 7/16/2021: Police arrested and charged 16-year-old Dorian Williams, the third suspect in the weekend investigation into the murder of 22-year-old Quinshawn Lucious. The charge is murder and Williams is in custody at the Lowndes County Sheriff's Office. Original Article: COLUMBUS, Miss. (WTVA) -- Lowndes County investigators arrested two people and are searching for a third in connection with a weekend murder investigation. Sheriff Eddie Hawkins says Da'Quavious Roberston, 17, is charged with murder in the shooting death of Quinshawn Lucious, 22, Friday. Hawkins said Lucious died and another person was shot and remains hospitalized. The shooting happened at a home on Swedenburg Circle. He said Jamarquis Summerville, 33, is charged with accessory after the fact to murder. Hawkins sais Summerville was stopped by deputies because his vehicle fit the description of one leaving the scene of the shooting and recorded by a doorbell camera system. He says the charges were filed based on evidence, interviews, video and assistance from Columbus Police and the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation. Hawkins said Dorian Williams, 16, of Columbus is wanted for his connection to the shooting. He encourages anyone with information on Williams to contact the Lowndes County Sheriff's Office. COLUMBUS, Miss. (WTVA) - A restaurant owner in Columbus has raised thousands of dollars to help another local business owner whose restaurant burned down last Friday. Doug Pellum owns Zachary's in downtown Columbus. Fish & Blues destroyed after fire on Friday July 9, 2021. Photo taken: July 15, 2021. Columbus restaurant, Fish & Blues burned down on Friday July 9th, 2021. Photo taken: July 15, 2021. Columbus restaurant, Fish & Blues burned down on Friday July 9th, 2021. Photo taken: July 15, 2021. Fish & Blues destroyed after fire on Friday July 9, 2021. Photo taken: July 15, 2021. After a fellow local restaurant, Fish & Blues, burned down on Friday, businesses owners like Pellum teamed up to make sure this wouldn't be the end of the local attraction. They have no idea whats in store for them," said Pellum. "We thought maybe wed step up, help them out a little bit, show them hey, the community loves them. Everybody cares about them and give them hope that there is a tomorrow coming. However, that little bit turned into quite a bit. After less than a week of fundraising, Pellum collected over $7K to give his fellow restaurant owner. He said his motivation to raise this money came from knowing what the business was going through. Zachary's burned down just two years ago forcing him to rebuild the business, but he said the community also helped him during his time of need. Once their restaurant burned, we knew what they were going through," he explained. "Tavron is a customer of ours and actually a former employee of mine and so we felt like that we needed to step up and do something. Several other local businesses followed. Pellum said restaurants like CJ's Pizza also are accepting donations to help. He went on to say, Everybodys pulling together here and were trying to just make this a place you want to be. However, this isn't Zachary's first time helping another business in the community. Since 2017, Zachary's has raised nearly $200K for other local businesses in Columbus. 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. Staff Writer JoAnn Snoderly can be reached at 304-626-1445, by email at jsnoderly@theet.com or on Twitter at @JoAnnSnoderly. Thousands of Cubans have been protesting food, vaccine and medicine shortages, in the one of the country's largest demonstrations in decades. Some residents went days without power in the summer heat, while others continue to be forced to wait in long lines for basic goods, as prices continue to rise. Activists say COVID-19 has exacerbated other structural issues, like health care and poverty, and the extended electricity outages signal a breaking point. The country is facing a surge of COVID-19 cases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heightening concerns about government protection and services. Chanting "freedom," "enough" and "unite," protesters started taking to the streets on Sunday, July 11, in Cuba and the U.S., blocking traffic to demand action from the Cuban government and President Miguel Diaz-Canel. Cuban historian and activist Marley Pulido told ABC News this hasn't been an organized effort, but that the government's continued inaction in addressing inequality has forced many to take the streets. PHOTO: People hold Cuban flags as they block Dale Mabry Highway during a protest against the Cuban government, in Tampa, Fla., July 13, 2021. (Octavio Jones/Reuters) The August 1994 uprising was the last anti-government protest of this magnitude -- when Cuba fell into an economic crisis following the collapse of the Soviet Union, according to Pulido. Cuba's economic crisis During a December 2020 parliament session, Cuba's Economy Minister Alejandro Gil announced that Cuba's economy shrank 11% during the pandemic, worsened by the U.S.-imposed trade embargo. The trade embargo, which first began in the early 1960s, bans American businesses from working with Cuban interests. At the event, he also reported that imports were down 30% in 2020 compared to 2019. Rising international food and shipping prices have continued to worsen the country's access to goods from overseas, according to Gil. MORE: Police patrol Havana in large numbers after rare protests More than 70 to 80% of Cuba's food is imported onto the island, according to World Food Programme. So that 30% reduction in imports led to a scarcity in food, as well as medicine, fuel and more that it imports. Story continues On top of a lack of access to basic needs, Cuba declined to import foreign vaccines through a World Health Organization-led COVAX dose sharing initiative, which provides free or reduced cost vaccines to low resource countries. Instead, the country opted to create its own vaccine. PHOTO: People participate in a rally outside the White House, July 13, 2021, in support of the protesters in Cuba. (Susan Walsh/AP) However, as cases continue to rise on the island of roughly 11 million people, a shortage of syringes has hindered the vaccine rollout, according to Global Health Partners, a non-profit dedicated to public health in Latin America. The compounding issues have resulted in unrest across the island. "There is definitely a disconnect between the government and the people," Pulido said. "People have the right to be heard and people have the right to hold their government accountable." How the government has responded In April 2020, amidst the global coronavirus pandemic and the ever-growing economic struggles, Raul Castro stepped down as head of Cuba's Communist Party despite the Castros' decades-long leadership of the party. The Castro's nominated successor, Diaz-Canel, condemned the protests in a televised appearance, calling on supporters to counter-protest and confront the anti-government demonstrations. "The combat order is given: To the streets, revolutionaries," Diaz-Canel said. "We're calling on all of the revolutionaries in the country, all of the communists, to come out onto the streets and to go to the places where these provocations are going to take place." MORE: Cuba blocks social media access amid massive protest movement As videos and posts documenting the protests in Cuba went viral on social media, several activists say that internet service was shut down, which also left residents with limited access to resources outside of the island. A heavy police presence also trailed protesters. Officials say they began arresting demonstrators and journalists after public property was damaged and police officers were attacked. Cuban officials have not reported how many people were arrested. PHOTO: Members of an exiled Cuban community react to reports of protests in Cuba, against the deteriorating economy, in North Bergen, N.J, July 13, 2021. (Eduardo Munoz/Reuters) One man is confirmed to have died in connection with the protests, according to Cuba's Interior Ministry. The Cuban president blamed the unrest on U.S. forces, claiming that Cubans in America used social media to prompt demonstrations and blamed the trade embargo for the country's economic crisis. "Who is bothered by the regime, the alleged regime, in Cuba? Who is bothered by the Cuban political system, the way we do things? Not our people, not the majority of our people, because they are the ones who have built that system," Diaz-Canel said. US involvement and what's to come Though the Obama administration loosened the sanctions against the island government in 2014, former President Donald Trump reversed America's position and introduced new sanctions to continue to put pressure on the Cuban government. President Joe Biden has yet to address the call to end the embargo and its role in the country's economic challenges. However, Biden has voiced his support for Cuban protesters when speaking to reporters on July 12 at the White House. PHOTO: People gather calling for help for Cuban protestors on the island in front of the United Nations, July 14, 2021, in New York. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images) "The United States stands firmly with the people of Cuba as they assert their universal rights," he said. "We call on the government, the government of Cuba, to refrain from violence and their attempts to silence the voice of the people of Cuba." MORE: Biden backs Cuban protests as island's president blames 'imperialist' provocations "The United States calls on the Cuban regime to hear their people and serve their needs at this vital moment rather than enriching themselves," Biden said. As for Cubans trying to seek refuge in the United States from the unrest via boat, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas warned against it. "Allow me to be clear: if you take to the sea, you will not come to the United States," Mayorkas said. "Anyone intercepted at sea, regardless of their nationality will not be permitted to enter the United States To those who risk their lives doing so, this risk is not worth taking." Why protests in Cuba erupted to historic levels and what protesters want originally appeared on abcnews.go.com The California Democratic Party Headquarters in Sacramento, Calif in 2014. Two men have been charged with a plot to attack the building. Associated Press Two California men have been charged in a plot to blow up the state's Democratic Party headquarters. Prosecutors say Ian Rogers and Jarrod Copeland planned to attack targets associated with Democrats. They hoped using explosives to destroy the building would start a movement, prosecutors say. Visit Insider's homepage for more stories. Two California men were indicted in connection with a plot to blow up the Democratic Party's headquarters in Sacramento, according to court documents unseealed on Thursday. Prosecutors say Ian Benjamin Rogers, 45, of Napa and Jarrod Copeland, 37, of Vallejo started planning over messaging apps to attack targets they associated with Democrats following the 2020 presidential election and sought support from an anti-government militia group. At the time of their arrest, authorities said Rogers had five pipe bombs and three machine guns. Prosecutors also seized dozens of other guns and thousands of rounds of ammunition during the investigation, according to an affidavit filed in court. "We allege that Ian Benjamin Rogers possessed homemade pipe bombs and the materials to make more," US Attorney David Anderson said in a January statement. "We draw a bright line between lawlessness and our constitutional freedoms. We will prosecute illegal weapons stockpiles regardless of the motivation of the offender." Prosecutors accuse the pair of planning the attack over messaging apps beginning as early as November 2020. Around that time, the messages show, Copeland told Rogers he had connected with a militia group to gather support for their "movement." "I want to blow up a democrat building bad," Rogers told Copeland a few weeks later. "I'm thinking sac office first target," he then said, in reference to the John L. Burton Democratic Headquarters in Sacramento. "I agree," Copeland sent, according to the affidavit. "Plan attack." Story continues Rogers then wrote to Copeland, "after the 20th we go to war." January 20 was President Joe Biden's inauguration. A Three-Percenters flag stood in front of the Capitol when it was attacked on Jan. 6. Stephanie Keith/Reuters Copeland said he was willing to die for their movement Prosecutors believe the pair hoped their attacks would prompt a movement. Copeland told police during an investigation into the plans that he didn't take any of the talk seriously and thought Rogers was just blowing off steam over his disappointment that Donald Trump would not be president for four more years, according to court documents. Prosecutors don't buy it. Throughout their conversations, Copeland initiated violent conversations, telling Rogers that he has "accepted" that they will "become outlaws for real" and that he had obtained zip tie handcuffs in preparation, according to court documents. When police searched Copeland's home, they found a "go bag" with food, clothing, identification cards, rifle and pistol magazines, and a package of 10 zip-tie handcuffs. "Heads must be taken," Copeland wrote in one exchange with Rogers. "I don't like to think it but I think we will have to die for what we believe in." Officers and agents discovered a sticker on Roger's vehicle that is commonly used by the "Three-Percenters," a militia group that ascribes to extreme anti-government and pro-gun beliefs. The Three-Percenters were among the groups connected to the planning of the January 6 Capitol riot. Rogers and Copeland are charged with conspiracy to destroy by fire or explosive a building used in interstate commerce, possession of unregistered destructive devices, possession of machine guns, and obstruction of justice. They have yet to enter pleas in the case. Read the original article on Insider Producer Dillon D. Jordan at a special screening of "Skin" at the Arclight in Hollywood on July 11, 2019. Robyn Beck/AFP via Getty Images A movie producer was indicted on charges of running a sex ring disguised as a production company. Dillon Jordan was arrested in California but faces charges in the Southern District of New York. He once worked with Ethan Hawke and Maggie Gyllenhaal. Visit Insider's homepage for more stories. A California movie producer was indicted on charges of running a secret international prostitution ring under the cover of a film business, the US Justice Department announced on Thursday. Dillion Jordan, who goes by the aliases "Daniel Jordan," "Daniel Maurice Hatton," and "Daniel Bohler," was arrested in California but faces charges in the Southern District of New York. His IMDb credits show that Jordan has produced films such as "The Kid," starring Ethan Hawke; "The Kindergarten Teacher," starring Maggie Gyllenhaal; and "Skin" starring Jamie Bell and Vera Farmiga. "As alleged, for years, Dillon Jordan operated an extensive and far-reaching prostitution business, using a purported event planning company and a movie production company to conceal the proceeds he made from exploiting women," Manhattan US Attorney Audrey Strauss said. "Now the party is over and the film is a wrap," she added. From about 2010 to May 2017, federal prosecutors said, Jordan operated an international sex ring with the help of a "United Kingdom-based madam," who was not identified in court filings, to share and refer customers. The indictment said that he "maintained a roster of women who resided around the United States and who, in exchange for payment, performed sexual acts" for his clients. Jordan communicated with clients by email, sending them photos of women and discussing the price of prostitution services, and he oversaw "travel logistics" for the women to meet with his clients, including booking flights from California to New York for the women to meet with clients of the secret business, the indictment said. Story continues The indictment alleged that the film producer funneled money from the prostitution scheme through two front companies, "a purported party and event planning company" and a movie-production company. He opened multiple bank accounts in the names of the companies to accept payments for prostitution services and manage expenses for the business, the indictment said. "At times, Jordan further disguised the nature of the check payments made to the women for their prostitution services by describing them as modeling fees, appearances fees, consulting fees, massage therapy fees, and house party fees, among other things," the indictment said. FBI Special Agent-in-Charge George M. Crouch Jr. said in a statement that Jordan "apparently thought he could hide his alleged criminal dealings behind a supposedly legitimate business." "But the FBI, in its mission to protect our citizens, uses every tool at its disposal to unmask those who violate federal law and assist the impacted victims," Crouch continued. "We encourage anyone who was victimized by this defendant, and anyone with additional information, to contact our Newark field office." In 2013, Jordan founded his production company, PaperChase Films, which praised him "for his strong cinematic sensibilities, protecting investor relationships, and funding provocative, award-winning material," the company website said. The entertainment company closed a multimillion-dollar film-financing partnership in 2018, The Hollywood Reporter reported. Representatives for Jordan and PaperChase Films did not immediately respond to Insider's requests for comment. Jordan faces four counts in relation to the scheme, including money laundering, enticement, and the use of interstate commerce to promote unlawful activity, the indictment said. Read the original article on Insider Republicans are putting pressure on the Biden administration to provide internet access to the Cuban people after the country's communist regime blocked its citizens from expressing themselves online earlier this week. Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida and GOP Federal Communications Commission commissioner Brendan Carr asked President Joe Biden on Wednesday night to help provide internet access to those in Cuba. This comes at the same time Republicans in Congress are discussing with the Biden administration if and how to execute this new initiative, Sen. Marco Rubio's staff confirmed. Biden acknowledged the United States was considering whether it had the technological ability to provide internet access to Cuba during a press conference at the White House on Thursday evening. The Cuban government responded violently to the citizen protests against its authoritarian regime, enacting an internet blackout from Sunday through Wednesday and beating hundreds of protesters across the country, with others detained or missing. "Its communism versus capitalism, and we have the capability to help shed light in a time of darkness within Cuba, so why wouldnt we?" Carr told the Washington Examiner. CHALLENGE FOR CONSERVATIVE SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS: ATTRACTING 'LIBS' TO OWN Carr said the federal government in tandem with American businesses, such as Google has the technical capability to deliver internet service to the Cuban people by beaming connectivity from hot air balloons or directly from U.S. soil. He also said that the U.S. government and tech companies had used similar aerial internet technology to provide online access to Kenya and Puerto Rico in the past few years under the Trump administration. Republicans say internet access is key to allow the Cuban people's anti-communist protests to proceed and succeed. "If the Cuban people have free and unfettered access to the internet the first thing the regime shut down yesterday was the internet they can communicate with each other, and they can receive information and communicate with the world," Rubio said on the Senate floor on Monday. Story continues CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER "There's a way to use federal facilities in Key West and Guantanamo Bay on the island to provide using the helium balloons the ability to get unfettered internet access to the people on the ground so they can have communication with the world and talk to themselves and take action and begin to build a new country," Rubio added on Fox News on Thursday. Washington Examiner Videos Tags: News, Policy, Cuba, Communism, Biden Administration, Congressional Republicans, Marco Rubio, Ron DeSantis Original Author: Nihal Krishan Original Location: GOP wants Biden to beam internet down to Cubans: 'Its communism versus capitalism' Donald Trump walks with Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley and others to visit St Johns Church on June 1, 2020, in Washington, DC. (AFP via Getty Images) Former president Donald Trump decried a news report saying that Russian President Vladimir Putin authorized an operation to put Trump into office as disgusting and fiction. Mr Trumps remarks come after a report in the Guardian of leaked Kremlin documents that said on 22 January 2016, Mr Putin, his spy chiefs and senior ministers agreed that a Trump administration was in Russias strategic interests such as causing social turmoil and weakening the presidents negotiating position. The report said a decree signed by Putin ordered that Russias three spy agencies find practical ways to support Trump, by then the frontrunner for the Republican presidential nomination. This is disgusting. Its fake news, just like RUSSIA, RUSSIA, RUSSIA was fake news, Mr Trump said through a statement via his spokeswoman Liz Harrington on Twitter. The former president added that the allegation was just the Radical Left crazies demeaning the right. Its fiction, and nobody was tougher on Russia than me, including on the pipeline, and sanctions, Mr Trump, who is banned from Twitter, said. At the same time we got along with Russia. Russia respected us, China respected us, Iran respected us, North Korea respected us. But despite Mr Trumps objections, the Guardian showed the papers to independent experts who said they appeared genuine. The Russia report called No 32-04 \ vd was classified as secret and called Trump the most promising candidate from Russias point of view and described Mr Trump as impulsive, mentally unstable and unbalanced individual who suffers from an inferiority complex. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. The Kremlin also seemed to confirm that it had kompromat, or compromising material on Mr Trump from his non-official visits to Russian Federation territory. Read More Trump used Melanias phone to stop aides listening to calls, book claims Trump smears Americas top general as choking dog after book reveals he compared ex-president to Hitler Trump called Merkel that b**ch and anti-German slur, new book alleges Jason Tartick put a lot of effort into planning how he would propose to now-fiancee Kaitlyn Bristowe but it didn't all go as he imagined. On Thursday's episode of the Click Bait with Bachelor Nation podcast, Tartick revealed that he "knew a while ago" that he wanted to marry the former Bachelorette lead. However, leading up to the moment when he finally popped the question earlier this year, Tartick experienced numerous setbacks. "The problem is is there's so many moving parts in our lives right now. And to me, the biggest part of the engagement, no matter what, wasn't the thrills or the money or any of this stuff behind like, what I would do. It's more about, literally, her friends and family," Tartick, 32, explained. "So, for so long, [we're going], 'How can we figure this out? How can we get her family?' Then, I have a plan. Then, COVID hits. Then, [it's like] what the hell are we going to do, right?" he continued. "Then the summer of 2020, if you remember, kind of COVID pulled back a little bit. So I thought we had a good plan in place and then boom, Dancing with the Stars hit and then Kaitlyn's in Canada [and it] totally shut down. So the planning process was an absolute nightmare of trying to figure out what I could do, but then it got to a point like, you can't let the uncontrollables control your entire life. So [I] just had to make something work." RELATED:Kaitlyn Bristowe Wants a Super-Glam, Great Gatsby-Like Wedding 'So Opposite of What I Thought' As they were getting ready to travel to visit Bristowe's parents in Mexico this past spring, Tartick said he was "inches" away from being able to pull off the proposal on the trip. However, to Tartick's dismay, he hit another snag seven days before the trip. "I ran into all these border issues actually bringing the ring over," he recalled. "So I had to detour the whole plan, because I was going to do it in Mexico with her mom and [I] had this whole setup. I realized I couldn't bring this over. If I bring it over as like, my asset, it's considered an asset of mine. At the value of what the ring is, I would have to totally disclose it and then show receipts. And I'm traveling with Kaitlyn, so how could I? And if I did do that and it got sniped, it would have been a whole production." Story continues JASON TARTICK, KAITLYN BRISTOWE Craig Sjodin via Getty Will you accept this rose? Sign up for PEOPLE's free weekly Bachelor Nation newsletter to get the latest news on The Bachelor, The Bachelorette and everything in between. Following another failed attempt, Tartick recalled "scrambling" to figure out his plan of action and ended up "venting" to his mother about the rocky journey. Thanks to his mom, Tartick got his proposal plan back on track. "My mom, actually, was a big part of helping me come up with the creative [aspect of the proposal]," he said of the moment, which ended up happening two days before they went to Mexico. "She was like, 'You know, you guys met on the podcast.' I was like, 'Ah!' So I proposed to her on the podcast. She had no idea!" REALTED: Jason Tartick Slams 'Nasty Comments' About Fiancee Kaitlyn Bristowe's Appearance: 'It's Grotesque' Bristowe, 36, and Tartick met in 2018 while recording her Off the Vine podcast. They began dating the following year and later announced their engagement in May. Tartick recently told PEOPLE that the couple's wedding planning is underway. "We are full speed ahead, which is so exciting," he said. "And we're both so excited about the next steps of our lives." Bristowe, for her part, said on the Bachelor Happy Hour podcast in June that she "won't be surprised if she's pregnant for the wedding." She added, "I don't want to be, but that's how anxious I am." Owen Farrell has had two controversial tackles highlighted by Rassie Erasmus as tensions continue to simmer ahead of the British and Irish Lions series against South Africa. Erasmus has used social media to hit back at Warren Gatland for condemning a dangerous challenge made by Faf De Klerk on Josh Navidi at Cape Town Stadium on Wednesday night. The Springboks director of rugby has posted footage of England captain Farrell leading with the shoulder when making contact with Jasper Wiese and then bringing down De Klerk with what appears to be a high tackle. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. It comes the day after Gatland said he would seek clarification from officials over the De Klerk hit on Navidi, suggesting it should have been a red card. It looked reckless to me. No arms and hes hit the arm first and then the shoulder, but theres definitely head-on-head contact, said Gatland of a moment that was reviewed by referee Jaco Peyper and the TMO. But alongside a video of Farrell tackling Wiese, Erasmus tweeted: While you at it please get clarity on this also !! (Red circle and yellow circle emojis) penalty or play on ? We have to 100% sure and aligned ! Cant agree more. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. And with the second clip of De Klerk being hauled down, he added: If there is time maybe also get absolute clarity and alignment on this one please, I know its way after the whistle, but lets just align and get clarity to be sure. It continues the escalating war of words between Erasmus and Gatland ahead of the first Test in Cape Town on July 24. Erasmus opened fire on Monday when he made public that Alun Wyn Jones could make a dramatic return to the Lions squad and also said the tourists wont be afraid or scared to face the shadow Springboks again on Saturday instead of scheduled opponents the Stormers. Gatland continued to reject that idea after Erasmus made another attempt to revive it. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. I think he was trying to wind us up saying were scared. Sometimes hes capable of doing that. I dont see it as our role to prepare them for the Test series, said Gatland the morning after the Lions had lost 17-13 to South Africa A. Story continues Gatland aimed an additional swipe at his rival when he joked that Erasmus pretence as a water boy at Cape Town Stadium on Wednesday, complete with hi-vis bib saying H2O, was undermined by the fact he did not actually carry any water. Instead, the mastermind of South Africas 2019 World Cup triumph dispensed advice to his players. He was the water boy running on the pitch if youre the water boy running on to the pitch youve got make sure youre carrying water! Gatland said. I didnt understand what his role was you dont run onto the pitch giving messages as the water boy without carrying water. My advice to him is to make sure hes carrying water next time he does that. Jul. 16The University of Hawaii announced today that it will not require students to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to attend in-person classes on its campuses this fall, as originally anticipated. The newest development is due to results from recent surveys that found more than 92 % of UH students and 95 % of UH employees of the 10-campus system have already been or plan to be vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus. In mid-May, against COVID-19 to attend in-person classes on campus, with the condition that at least one vaccine was fully approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. But that has not yet occurred, according to UH president David Lassner in his monthly report to the Board of Regents today. Lassner said UH enforcement of the vaccination requirement to attend in-person classes will only take place after a vaccine receives full FDA approval, no sooner than the Spring 2022 semester. The Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines currently administered in Hawaii are done so under emergency use authorization by the FDA, although their efforts to obtain full approval are underway. "Given the high rate of vaccination within our community and new guidelines that we're finalizing now, " he said, "we're confident that our campuses will be safe places to teach, learn, live, and conduct research." UH still plans, however, to keep the COVID-19 vaccination in place for health clearance requirements, and will enforce vaccines for students who live in on-campus housing at UH-Manoa and UH-Hilo this fall. Health and religious exemptions will be available for student residents. UH also plans to enforce vaccinations against the coronavirus for "other specific activities, events and facilities to be determined." These may include sports, plays or live music events indoors, but have yet to be determined. Those who remain unvaccinated may face other limitations, according to UH, but will not be prevented from enrolling in on-campus classes. UH will also assist anyone in getting a COVID-19 vaccine, if interested. Story continues New safety guidelines outlining practices to protect all students and employees will be released before the fall semester begins Aug. 23. "The single most important thing our students and employees can do to protect the health and well-being of themselves, their families and our campus communities is to be fully vaccinated for the upcoming fall semester, " said Lassner. "159 million Americans have safely received the vaccine, and we are now seeing a growing number of preventable COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths among the unvaccinated. We are leaving the requirement in place, even if not fully enforced, to make the message clear." Face coverings will still be required while indoors on campus and all students, employees, and visitors will still be required to utilize the, which now includes the ability to demonstrate vaccination status. The university is planning a followup vaccination survey of all students in mid-August. Greensboro, NC (27407) Today A steady rain this morning. Showers continuing this afternoon. High 74F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall around a quarter of an inch.. Tonight Considerable cloudiness. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 64F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph. 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. Hungary considers the European Commissions Fit for 55 catch-all climate change plan to be unacceptable in its current form, Gergely Gulyas, the PMs chief of staff, has said. The ECs plan would make households rather than polluters bear the costs of the fight against climate change, and would also destroy the achievements of the governments policy of reducing household utility fees, he told a press briefing. Hungary is prepared to support a more ambitious climate plan, Gulyas said, adding, however, that most European Union member states were not even honouring the commitments they had made so far. He also underscored the importance of making climate protection and emissions reduction a global issue. The EU is responsible for just 7% of the worlds pollution, Gulyas said, adding that while the bloc should aim to reduce its own pollution, it would have little effect if major polluters like China and the United States did not join the relevant accords. He said the ECs climate plan should only be approved with the unanimous consent of member states. Gergely Gulyas said that the EUs attempt to link the disbursement of recovery funds to the issue of Hungarys child protection law was an extremely negative development. The practice of linking unrelated issues would bring the European Union to ruin, the PMs chief of staff said. Gulyas said Hungary and the EU had had disagreements in the past and would most likely have more in the future as well, adding that EU membership was in Hungarys best interest nevertheless. There are more arguments to be made for EU membership than against it. He said talks on Hungarys post-pandemic recovery plan had been so advanced that the European Commission president had already put in an informal request to visit Hungary, which always happens after the agreement is signed. Hungary is prepared to discuss any further demands the EC may have, but this practice of linking unrelated issues will bring the EU to ruin because everyone will have some issue that someone else disagrees with and theyll enforce their opposition in some other area, Gulyas said. Thats exactly what were seeing now, since the recovery fund has nothing to do with the child protection law. Hungarians are entitled to the monies in the recovery fund, he said. Concerning the contested legislation, Gulyas said that the government would not give up its position that sex education was up to the parents, adding that when Brussels demands equality in sex education it actually means that we should allow LGBTQ activists into schools and kindergartens. He said the press and advertisers werent allowed to depict content that could affect childrens sexual development. Gulyas said this debate was not limited to just Hungary, noting that the Vatican and the Italian state were also at odds over the curriculums of church-run schools. Europe will be seeing a lot more of these debates over the coming years, he said, adding that the Hungarian government was committed to protecting human dignity and did not want to interfere in the lives of adults. Asked about the ECs fresh infringement procedure against Hungary over the child protection law, Gulyas said the government would have to read it carefully before responding. He insisted the law was in line with the governments goals and the interests of children, adding that child protection was a national competence. Gulyas said the government expects the law to provide better protection against paedophiles, adding that the planned register of paedophile offenders could be up and running by the autumn. He cited the ECs 2020 LGBTQI strategy as evidence that LGBT rights organisations wanted to send activists to schools and kindergartens. Gulyas said that because the child protection law also pertained to the depiction of heterosexual content, it could just as well be called heterophobic. MTI Photo: Zoltan Mathe Then the deputies were notified that the vehicle had been stolen in Habersham County, Georgia. The estimated value of the minivan was $6,000. Support Local Journalism Your subscription makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} Both Head and Owen were then arrested. Inside the vehicle, officers observed many items of value, the affidavit filed with the court says. The vehicle was so full that each rear door had items stacked up to the windows. When the vehicle was towed, deputies conducted an inventory search. During that search, deputies found numerous clothing items, many of which were new with tags. Some of which still had security devices attached to them. The tags indicated the items came from Marshalls and Ross Dress for Less deputies could not locate any receipts indicating the items had been purchased. A deputy located a purchase and return receipt from Marshalls in Kearney and the Kearney Police Department advised that on April 12, there was a shoplifting reported at Ross Dress for Less in Kearney. The deputy said the description of the vehicle and the people involved matched Head and Owen. The loss at that store in Kearney was in excess of $500, according to court documents. The value of the merchandise stolen at the York store was $140. The Mumbai Police has registered an FIR filed by an aspiring model-cum-actress alleging rape by the well-known Bollywood producer and music baron Bhushan Kumar on Friday. The alleged victim has claimed in the FIR that she was sexually exploited and repeatedly raped by Bhushan Kumar between 2017 and 2020 under the false pretext of giving her roles in films. A case has been lodged under Sections 376, 420 and 506 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) pertaining to rape, cheating and issuing threats. Son of the late Gulshan Kumar Dua, who was shot dead by gangsters near a temple Juhu in 1997, Bhushan Kumar is the managing director of T-Series, the company his father had launched. T-Series today controls 90 per cent of all Bollywood music. Bhushan is also one of Bollywoods biggest producers. His forthcoming films include Radhe Shyam, starring Prabhas of Baahubali fame, and Bhuj: The Pride of India, with Ajay Devgn playing the lead character. Now, T Series has released a statement about the aleged complaint. Read here: The complaint filed against Mr Bhushan Kumar is completely false and malicious and the contents of the same are denied. It has been falsely alleged that the lady in question was sexually exploited between 2017 to 2020 on the pretext of giving her work. It is a matter of record that she has already worked for T-Series banner in Film and music videos. Around March 2021 she approached Mr Bhushan Kumar seeking help to fund one of the web-series which she wanted to produce, which was politely refused. Thereafter, In June 2021 after the lifting of lockdown in Maharashtra she started approaching T-Series banner in collusion with her accomplice demanding huge sum of money as extortion amount. Consequently, a complaint was filled by T-Series banner against the attempted extortion at with police at Amboli police station on 1st July, 2021. We also have evidence in the form of audio recording for the extortion attempt and the same shall be provided to investigating agency. The present complaint filed by her is nothing but a counter blast to the complaint filed against her and her accomplice for the offence of extortion. We are in the process of consulting our lawyers in this regard and will take appropriate legal action. Live TV New Delhi: A day after a drone was spotted in Jammu in the intervening night of Wednesday and Thursday, four suspected drones were spotted at different locations in Jammu and Kashmir's Samba and Jammu. Further details are awaited. Intelligence sources said drone that was seen operating around the Jammu Air Base on Tuesday night was picked up by the radars of the anti-drone system deployed by the National Security Guard (NSG) there. "The radar picked up the movement of the drone flying around 3 kilometres from the airbase on the night of July 13 and all the agencies concerned were alerted about its movement," intelligence sources told ANI. They added that soon after being picked up, the drone vanished from the scene.The search is on for the drone and the source of its operation, they said.The NSG deployed an anti-drone system in the city after a drone attack took place on the Jammu air base last month. The development comes days after terrorists used armed drones to attack the Air Force Station (AIF) in Jammu. Over the last few weeks, drone activity has been spotted in a few other parts of the union territory. There have been several instances where the Army and Border Security Forces (BSF) troops at the border have fired at them. The Jammu drone attack did not cause any damage to the material or equipment of the Air Force but minor injuries were suffered by two personnel there. Srinagar, Kupwara, Rajouri and Baramulla have imposed bans on the storage, sale, possession, use and transport of drones and other similar unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). Live TV Chandigarh: Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh is learnt to have written to Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Friday expressing reservation over Navjot Singh Sidhu's possible appointment as the state party chief. In another development, AICC general secretary and in-charge of Punjab affairs Harish Rawat is likely to arrive in Chandigarh to meet Amarinder Singh on Saturday even as suspense over the much-awaited announcement from the Congress high command on the resolution of the infighting in the party's state unit continues. In a letter to Gandhi, Amarinder Singh is learnt to have mentioned that there could be an adverse impact on the party's prospects in the upcoming and crucial 2022 assembly polls by ignoring the old guard and other senior party leaders representing Hindu and Dalit communities, sources said. Sidhu, a former BJP MP, had joined the Congress ahead of the 2017 assembly polls. There are reports that he is likely to be made Punjab Congress chief. However, Amarinder Singh has expressed his displeasure over Sidhu being given a key post, said the sources. There is also talk of appointing two working presidents -- a Dalit and a Hindu face to balance the caste equations. The names of minister Vijay Inder Singla and MP Santokh Chaudhary were doing the rounds for the post of working presidents. Chief Minister Amarinder Singh is a Jat Sikh. Currently, Sunil Jakhar is the PPCC president. Rawat is expected to meet the chief minister at his farmhouse at Siswan in Mohali on Saturday afternoon, the sources further said without divulging much about the proposed meeting. Amid continued internal feud in the state unit of the Congress, Sidhu on Friday met party president Gandhi in Delhi. Congress leader and chairman of Punjab Large Industrial Development Board Pawan Dewan urged the party to have a representation of the Hindu community on key posts in the state unit. "Punjab Congress president - Jat Sikh (if Sidhu is made state Congress chief). CM-Jat Sikh. Punjab Youth Congress President- Jat Sikh Campaign Committee Chairman- Jat Sikh, Hindu kaha hai (where is the representation of the Hindu community)?" he tweeted. Sidhu has been at loggerheads with Amarinder Singh and he had attacked the chief minister over the alleged delay in justice in the 2015 sacrilege and subsequent police firing incidents. Live TV New Delhi: Fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi has claimed that he was 'always available for cooperation' with the agencies probing the bank fraud case against him and alleged that 'kidnapping attempt' was made by Indian agencies. Choksi, who was given bail by the Dominica High Court to travel back to Antigua to seek medical help from a neurologist based there, told ANI that his medical condition has worsened. Choksi said he had been till now seriously considering returning to prove his innocence in India but his medical condition is very bad. He also said he is seriously apprehensive about his safety in India. Choksi arrived in Antigua and Barbuda on a private plane. He will be receiving medical treatment locally and will report to the Dominican authorities on his condition and every time he leaves his home. "I am back home but this torture has left permanent scars on my psychology and physically, rather permanent scars on my soul. I couldn't imagine after closing all my business and seizing all my properties, kidnapping attempt would be made on me by Indian agencies," he told ANI. The 62-year-old fugitive is wanted in India in connection with a Rs 13,500-crore fraud in the Punjab National Bank (PNB). He claimed that he told probe agencies to visit Antigua to interrogate him."Many times, I told agencies to visit here to interrogate me as due to health issues, I was not able to travel anymore. I was always available for co-operation with the agency but this inhuman abrasion kidnapping was never expected by me," he told ANI. "Though till now, I have been seriously considering to return to prove my innocence in India. My medical condition is very bad and it has worsened like anything in the last from the last 50 days of my kidnapping and I am seriously apprehensive about my safety in India. Don`t know if I`ll be back in normal physical or mental state," he added. Choksi had mysteriously gone missing on May 23 from Antigua and Barbuda where he has been staying since 2018 as a citizen. His lawyers alleged that he was abducted from Jolly Harbour in Antigua on May 23 and was brought to Dominica on a boat. (With inputs from news agency ANI) Live TV New Delhi: Amid political turmoil in Punjab Congress, leader Manish Tewari on Friday (July 16) took to Twitter to point out the demographics of the state. His tweet becomes significant as reports of Navjot Singh Sidhu becoming state president have gained momentum. Tewari in an early morning tweet said, "Demographics of Punjab -- Sikhs: 57.75%, Hindus: 38.49%, Dalits: 31:94% (Sikh & Hindus), Punjab is both progressive & Secular..." "...But balancing social interest groups is key to equality," he added. Demographics of Punjab: 1. Sikhs : 57.75 % 2. Hindus : 38.49% 3. Dalits : 31:94 % (Sikh&Hindus) Punjab is both progressive & SECULAR. - ! BUT balancing SOCIAL INTEREST GROUPs is key ! EQUALITY pic.twitter.com/mKddV4TYOR Manish Tewari (@ManishTewari) July 16, 2021 Earlier, Punjab Congress in-charge Harish Rawat had said, "The party is working on a formula to appoint two working presidents and elections will be fought under the leadership of the Chief Minister, IANS reported. Sidhu is expected to be appointed as the Chief of Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC), as per media reports. However, an official announcement has not been made yet, it is likely to be declared soon. Further, Rawat had said that it may take some time, but the party is working on a formula to appoint Navjot Singh Sidhu in a prominent position. Moreover, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh has already said that he will abide by the party high command`s decision. He had met party interim chief Sonia Gandhi in Delhi last week. The Congress party has been trying desperately to resolve the infighting that has put the party's campaign for the state Assembly election due next year in line. Ahead of a likely revamp in the Punjab Congress, CM Amarinder Singh on Thursday met more than 20 party leaders, including ministers, MLAs and MPs at his farmhouse in Mohali's Siswan, sources told PTI. Sidhu, who is at loggerheads with the CM, met four ministers on Thursday and at least six MLAs at the residence of Jails Minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa here, PTI cited sources as saying. Those who were present in the meeting with Sidhu included ministers Tript Rajinder Singh Bajwa, Sukhbinder Singh Sarkaria, Charanjit Singh Channi, MLAs Pargat Singh, Kulbir Zira, Barinderjit Singh Pahra and Kuljit Nagra. Meanwhile, Sidhu is likely to meet Sonia Gandhi at her residence in Delhi today, ANI reported. Harish Rawat will also be present during the meeting. (With agency inputs) Live TV New Delhi: The Republic Day parade next year will be held on the refurbished Rajpath as the redevelopment work of the Central Vista Avenue, stretching from Rashtrapati Bhavan to India Gate, is expected to be completed by this November, officials said on Friday. Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, who reviewed the status of ongoing construction works, said citizens will get an avenue that they will be proud of. "Reviewed the status of ongoing construction works of Central Vista Avenue project with the secretary of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, officials of ministry and CPWD, contractor and architect Bimal Patel. The progress so far is satisfactory and on schedule. Citizens will get an avenue they will be proud of," he tweeted. An official in the ministry said that the Rajpath redevelopment project includes large scale stonework, construction of underpasses, underground amenities blocks and horticulture work and sufficient space for parking. "Twelve bridges on artificial ponds are being built. People visiting Rajpath will have an amazing experience. The redevelopment of the Central Vista Avenue will be completed by November and the Republic Day parade next year will be held on the newly-developed Rajpath," the official said. Infrastructure firm Shapoorji Pallonji and Company Private Limited has been executing the project as part of the government's ambitious Central Vista redevelopment project. The redevelopment project of the Central Vista -- the nation's power corridor -- envisages a new triangular Parliament building, a common central secretariat, revamping of the three-km-long Rajpath, from Rashtrapati Bhavan to India Gate, new prime minister residence and PMO, and new Vice President Enclave. Live TV New Delhi: The Centre on Friday (July 16) informed the Delhi High Court that clinical trials for COVID-19 vaccines for children under 18 years of age are going on and on the verge of completion. A policy will be formed by the government and children will be vaccinated when experts give permission, the Centre said according to news agency PTI. A bench of Chief Justice D N Patel and Justice Jyoti Singh observed, Let the trials be done, otherwise it would be a disaster if vaccines are administered without trials that too in case of children. Once trials are over, you quickly apply to children. The whole country is waiting, it added. The court listed the matter for further hearing on September 6. The high court was hearing a PIL filed on behalf of a minor. It sought directions for the immediate vaccination of those in the 12-17 age group on the ground that there were fears a likely third wave of COVID-19 could affect them more. Over 41.10 crore COVID-19 vaccine doses have so far been provided to states and union territories, and more than 2.51 crore jabs are available with them and private hospitals, the Union health ministry said on Friday. In a statement, the ministry said 52,90,640 more doses are in the process of being supplied. Of this, the total consumption, including wastage, is 38,58,75,958 doses, according to data available at 8 am, the ministry said. Live TV New Delhi: The Jammu and Kashmirs Baramulla district administration on Thursday (July 15, 2021) decided to impose a ban on local day-picnickers to enter the tourist destination of Gulmarg on weekends (Saturday and Sunday). The District Magistrate of Baramulla, Bhupinder Kumar issued a set of orders on Thursday stating some restrictions for COVID-19 containment at Gulmarg. The District Magistrate stated that only vaccinated persons or those having negative Covid certificate will be allowed to enter the world-famous ski resort. Additionally, the negative RT-PCR test reports which should be conducted within 48 hours. In order to contain the spread of COVID-19 disease at tourist destination Gulmarg, I, Bhupinder Kumar, District Magistrate Baramulla, by virtue of powers vested in me under The Epidemic Diseases Act 1897 and Section 34 of the National Disaster Management Act, 2005, in my capacity as the Chairperson of the District Disaster Management Authority, Baramulla, hereby order that no local day-picnickers shall be allowed to enter tourist destination Gulmarg on weekend days (Saturday & Sunday), the order reads. Only vaccinated persons or persons possessing Negative Test Report of RAT/RTPCR conducted within 48 hours shall be allowed to enter tourist destination Gulmarg, it added. Only tourists who have pre-booking of Hotels, Guest Houses, Huts etc. shall be allowed on weekend days (Saturday & Sunday). Enforcement squads constituted vide Order No: DMB/PS/COVID-19/2021/1079-93, dated: 09-07-2021 shall impose fine of Rs 1000/- on persons found roaming without masks, the order further reads. Meanwhile, according to the data released by Union Health Ministry, Jammu and Kashmir have 2,236 active cases of COVID-19. Live TV New Delhi: Amid complaints of caste-based discrimination in UPSC interviews, Delhi's Social Welfare Minister Rajendra Pal Gautam on Friday wrote to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), suggesting that the interview board should not be made aware about the caste of candidates. He also suggested that interviewees are chosen randomly instead of "clubbing reserved and general category candidates separately". "Many candidates have alleged that there is a systematic discrimination in awarding the marks of interview to reserved category candidates. Further, they have suggested that the possibility of this discrimination can be eliminated if the interview board members are not made aware of the caste of the candidate and the interviewees are chosen randomly instead of clubbing reserved and general category candidates separately," Gautam said in a letter to UPSC Chairman Pradeep Kumar Joshi. "I believe these suggestions have got merit and can easily be acted upon by the UPSC. Such action will ensure a level playing field in the interview for all candidates," he said. The minister also asked the UPSC to apprise him about the action taken to prevent discrimination against reserved category candidates during the interview process. Live TV New Delhi: A Gurugram Court on Friday (July 16) dismissed Rambhagat Gopal Sharma who is also known as `Ram Bhakt Gopal's` bail plea in connection to the inciting speech he had delivered during a Mahapanchayat in Pataudi, ANI reported. The Judicial Magistrate of Pataudi Mohd. Sageer observed that the consequences of these kinds of activities may be 'far more dangerous and it may translate into communal violence'. "The act of the accused i.e. hate speech instigating abduction and the killing of girls and persons of a particular religious community is itself a form of violence and such people and their inflammatory speeches are obstacles to the growth of a true democratic spirit, " the court said. Further, the court said, "Religious tolerance is the need of the time and not the intolerance. It is necessary for individuals within the society to get along, especially when a variety of cultures and the people with different religious beliefs live in one community or nation." The court ruling comes four days after the Haryana Police booked Gopal for allegedly making provocative comments at a mahapanchayat in Pataudi. The case was registered against him along with others on charges of promoting enmity, and insulting religion and its beliefs at a mahapanchayat in Pataudi on July 4. In his speech at the mahapanchayat, he allegedly called for attacks on the Muslim community. Gopal had earlier grabbed headlines when he brandished a gun and opened fire in Delhi's Jamia area in January 2020. Live TV New Delhi: Schools in Haryana will reopen for Classes 9 to 12 from Friday (July 16) amid drop in COVID-19 cases. While the offline classes for 9 to 12 students will resume from today, Classes 6 to 8 will have to wait till July 23 to come to schools, an official spokesperson announced earlier. Schools in Haryana have been instructed to strictly adhere to all COVID-19 protocols. Social distancing and other rules will be applicable for the students coming to the schools, the spokesperson had told PTI. However, coming back to school will be voluntary. The students will be allowed to come to schools with the permission of their parents. It will not be mandatory for the students to join school and online classes will continue as before. Meanwhile, there is no decision yet on resuming physical classes for students of standard 1 to 5. Last week, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar had said that a plan should be made to reopen the educational institutions subject to strict adherence to the COVID-19 guidelines. Given the decline in the number of COVID-19 cases, a plan should be made to reopen the schools at the earliest, he said. On Thursday (July 15), Haryana reported seven new fatalities, taking the total death toll to 9,578. With 34 fresh infections, the total caseload mounted to 7,69,417, as per officials. The total number of active cases in the state currently stands at 838. (With agency inputs) Live TV Mumbai: Holding that a sexual assault without penetration also falls within the definition of rape under section 376 of the Indian Penal Code, the Bombay High Court has upheld the conviction of a 33-year-old man for rape. Justice Revati Mohite-Dere also upheld the sentence of 10 years rigorous imprisonment awarded to the man, a city resident, by the trial court in 2019. In a judgement passed last month, the judge dismissed the man's appeal challenging the sessions court's order finding him guilty of raping an intellectually-challenged woman. The appeal argued that there had been no penile intercourse between him and the victim. But the HC noted that forensic evidence proved a case of sexual assault. "The soil found on the clothes of appellant and prosecutrix (victim) matched the earth collected from the spot where the sexual assault took place. The same is evident from the Forensic Science Laboratory report. The said evidence gives credence to the prosecutrix's case that she was sexually assaulted by the appellant," the HC said. "It hardly matters...Having regard to the evidence that there was no penile-vaginal intercourse. Fingering of the vagina also constitutes an offense under the law," the high court said. Live TV New Delhi: India raised the issue of Indian journalist Danish Siddiqui's killing at the United Nations Security Council, extending condolences. Danish was killed during clashes in the Spin Boldak district of Afghanistan's southern Kandahar province. The district has seen increased violence as the Taliban gains control in Kandahar. India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla said, "We condemn the killing of Indian Photo Journalist Danish Siddiqui while he was on a reporting assignment in Kandahar in Afghanistan yesterday. I extend our sincerest condolences to his bereaved family." The Indian envoy to Kabul Rudrendra Tandon is in touch with Afghan authorities to bring back his mortal remains. The ministry of external affairs in Delhi is keeping his family informed about the developments. The Indian foreign secretary's remark came during a debate on Protection of Civilians in armed conflict: Preserving humanitarian space" at the top UN body. He also extended condolences to the families of the 99 humanitarian workers who were reported to be killed over the last year and "strongly condemn attacks against humanitarian personnel". He called for "ensuring accountability" for "serious violations of international humanitarian law" which he pointed "remains one of the key challenges before us". On the issue of terrorism, he highlighted,"that it "further compounds the twin problems of violence against humanitarian personnel and lack of accountability" and "access to new and emerging technologies has enhanced the capacities of terrorist groups to obstruct humanitarian action, including safe and unhindered access for medical and humanitarian agencies". The foreign secretary is on a visit to New York for UNSC consultations ahead of India's presidency of the body next month. He had also addressed the body yesterday on the Libya debate. During Friday's debate, he also said, "sanctioning individuals and entities perpetrating serious violations of international humanitarian law, especially attacks on humanitarian and medical personnel, is an effective tool for the Council to check and cease violations" but these "measures should have wider regional and international support, in the absence of which, there may be further deterioration of the humanitarian crisis and shrinking of the humanitarian space". New Delhi: The Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Thursday (July 15, 2021) announced that the fourth edition of the engineering entrance exam JEE (Main) has been postponed to August 26- September 2 in view of keeping the four-week gap between the two sessions of the crucial exam for the aspirants. Earlier, the National Testing Agency (NTA) had revealed that the fourth edition of the Joint Entrance Examination-Main is scheduled to take place from July 27 to August 2. According to PTI, over 7.32 lakh candidates have already registered for the fourth edition of the entrance exam. "In view of the persistent demand from the student community and to enable the candidates to maximise their performance, the National Testing Agency has been advised to provide a gap of four weeks between session three and four of the JEE (Main) 2021 exam, Union Education Minister wrote in a tweet. Accordingly, the JEE (Main), 2021, session four will now be held on August 26, 27 and 31, and on September 1 and 2. A total of 7.32 lakh candidates have already registered for JEE (Main), 2021, session four," Pradhans another tweet read. Accordingly, the JEE(Main) 2021 session 4 will now be held on 26th, 27th & 31st August, and on 1st and 2nd September, 2021. A total of 7.32 lakh candidates have already registered for JEE(Main) 2021 session 4. Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) July 15, 2021 Additionally, the minister also said that the registration for the JEE-Main session four is still in progress and revealed that the last date has been extended to July 20. Meanwhile, Senior Director of NTA, Sadhana Parashar said, "In order to address the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the number of cities have been increased from 232 to 334. The number of examination centres in every shift will also be increased from 660 to 828." The decision comes days after the candidates opposed the move of the Ministry of Education, to conduct the pending editions (third and fourth) of JEE-Main will be conducted from July 20-25 and July 27 to August 2, stating that there is only two days gap between the two editions. The first phase of JEE-Mains was held in February and the second in March. The next phases were scheduled for April and May. But those were postponed in view of the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic that raged through the country affecting lakhs. Live TV New Delhi: The Kerala government has decided to ease the COVID lockdown restrictions on July 18, 19 and 20 in view of Bakrid which falls on July 21. The state government said July 18-20 will see fewer restrictions allowing shops including textile, footwear, electronic, fancy and jewellery to remain open till 8 pm. As per the government notification, this is applicable to A, B and C category local self government bodies. The LSG bodies have been reclassified on the basis of the average (Test Positivity Rate (TPR) for the last seven days. 'A' category includes those LSGs with TPR less than 6 per cent while B category have LSGs with 6-12 per cent TPR. 'C' category will have LSGs with 12-18 per cent TPR and D category includes LSGs with TPR more than 18 per cent. Speaking of COVID-19 situation, the southern state logged at least 13,750 new cases of infection and 130 deaths on Friday (July 16), taking the infection count to 31,30,833 and the death toll to 15,155. State health minister Veena George said 1,30,390 samples were tested in the last 24 hours and the test positivity rate was 10.55 per cent. Among the districts, Kozhikode reported the highest number of cases--1,782, followed by Malappuram 1,763 and Thrissur 1,558. "Out of those found infected on Friday, 63 reached the state from outside while 12,884 contracted the disease from their contact.The source of infection of 725 are yet to be traced and 78 health workers are also among the infected," the minister said in a release. Live TV New Delhi: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has uncovered a luxury car smuggling racket involving the use of diplomatic privileges. 'Operation Monte Carlo' was launched after DRI received a tip-off that a group of individuals was involved in smuggling high-end luxury cars into India in the name of diplomats and diverting the same to private persons, thereby evading a huge amount of Customs duty. Imports made by foreign diplomats and Missions in India are governed by the Foreign Privileged Persons (Regulation of Customs Privileges) Rules, 1957. Motor cars are classifiable under chapter heading 8703 having duty structure of BCD 125%, IGST - 28% and 12.50% SWS. The net Customs duty on import of cars works out to 204%. Notification No. 03/57 dated 08.01.1957 issued by the Government of India (as amended from time to time) grants exemption from Customs duty to certain classes of members of Diplomatic Missions in India and their family members on all imported goods. The modus operandi detected was as follows a Dubai-based individual, who has been involved in past Customs offences and has been investigated by DRI, was the mastermind behind the racket. He would arrange for import of luxury cars into India from countries like UK, Japan and UAE, in the names of diplomats. The actual buyers for the vehicles would be identified by the CEO of a popular chain dealing in sale of pre-owned luxury cars. Upon arrival in India, these vehicles would be directly ferried to the city of the buyer or a dealer of luxury cars. The domestic registration for these vehicles would be done in certain specific Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) in Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh and Punjab. After the registration formalities were completed, these cars on which full Customs duty @ 204% was evaded, would be sold to the Indian buyers, thereby making a huge profit at the cost of Government revenue. Upon receiving specific details of one such luxury car imported in the name of a Delhi-based diplomat of an African nation, DRI officers kept discreet watch over the vehicle after its arrival at the port. Thereafter, this vehicle was loaded onto a transport vehicle and taken to a showroom in Andheri and placed for display. DRI officers followed the vehicle and kept discreet watch over the car all along. Parallelly, in a carefully-planned all-India operation across 7 cities, searches were carried out at the premises of the key individuals involved in this racket. A total of 6 cars have been detained under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962. More cars have been identified and are in the process of being located. Three key individuals including the CEO of the Gurugram-based luxury car dealership Big Boy Toyz, Nipun Miglani, have been arrested in this racket so far. Investigation is likely to identify more players of this racket in the coming days. It is estimated that more than 20 luxury vehicles have been smuggled into India in the name of diplomats over the past 5 years, resulting in duty evasion of more than Rs. 25 crore. The detection of this racket has thus helped unearth a serious fraud, reinforcing DRIs ability to detect and combat unique and sophisticated methods of smuggling. Mumbai: The Maharashtra government issued an order allowing people who have been vaccinated with both doses of COVID-19 vaccine and who are in possession of a final vaccination certificate to enter the state. The order states that fully vaccinated people will no longer be required to produce a negative RT-PCR report, according to news agency ANI. This exemption is applicable for domestic as well as international passengers."In exercise of the powers conferred under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, the undersigned in the capacity of the Chairperson of the State Executive Committee of the State Disaster Management Authority hereby decrees that persons who have vaccinated with both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine and 15 days lapsed since the administration of second dose of the vaccine and is in possession of the final vaccination certificate issued through the COWIN portal then such persons be exempted from mandatory requirement of processing a negative RTPCR report on their entry into the state," read the order. It is clarified that this exemption is applicable for domestic as well as international passengers. The state government has also extended the time interval of the validity of the RT-PCR test for all other persons to 72 hours instead of 48 hours. Earlier on Thursday, Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope said that 92 per cent of total active cases are being reported from 10 districts of the state while the remaining 8 per cent from 26 districts. Live TV New Delhi: As cases of the Delta variant of COVID-19 rise in Manipur, the state government has decided to impose a total curfew for 10 days starting from July 18. "There is a need to take stringent measures to break the chain of transmission. Therefore, the State government has decided to declare a total curfew from July 18, 2021, for ten days," the health department said. Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh stated that all the institutions, except the essential services, will remain closed during the curfew period. Manipur CM also added that only people coming out for vaccination and testing will be permitted to venture out. "All are requested to cooperate in tackling COVID-19," the health department said. The announcement to extend the stringent COVID-19 curbs in the state comes days after Manipur reported its highest single-day surge over the past few days. The state, in last 24 hours, recorded 1,104 fresh COVID-19 cases, taking the cumulative number of active and positive cases to 8,210 and 80,521 respectively. Additionally, over 17 people succumbed to the virus in the state, while a total of 70,985 patients have recovered from the disease. The state health department stated that the COVID recovery rate has improved to 88.15 percent. Live TV New Delhi: Absconding diamantaire Mehul Choksi had prior knowledge of the impending Enforcement Directorate (ED) enquiries against him in 2017 which triggered him to plan his escape from India and cover his tracks by concealing evidence, the agency has said. The CBI in its supplementary charge sheet has invoked Section 201 of the IPC among other charges which pertain to the destruction of evidence by a suspect as part of criminal conspiracy. Choksi allegedly in a criminal conspiracy with PNB Deputy Manager Gokulnath Shetty got back all the documents which were submitted for the issuance of 165 Letters of Undertaking (LOU) and fraudulent amendments made in 58 Foreign Letters of Credit (FLC) during March and April, 2017. Shetty "dishonestly and fraudulently" returned all the original applications along with other accompanying documents submitted by accused companies Gitanjaii Gems Ltd, Gili India Ltd and Nakshatra Brands Ltd back to them, which should have been in the custody of the bank, the CBI has alleged. "These applications along with the documents were recovered during searches conducted by CBI from the premises taken on rent by the employee of Mehul Chinubbhai Choksi at the instance of Vipul Chunilal Chitalia," the CBI alleged. The applications along with the documents were first kept at 101/A, Sony Chamber Annex, Opera House Mumbai and other premises at Khetwadi near Harkishan Das Hospital, Mumbai, the agency has alleged. These were shifted on February 5, 2018, within a week of CBI taking over investigation, to Shop No. 188/A/192 on Babasaheb Jaykar Marg, Mumbai, a place taken on rent by Chitalia with the intention to cause "disappearance of evidence", the CBI alleged. These documents were recovered during the searches conducted by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) during investigation of the case. The agency also found records of fraudulent LOUs and FLCs in the Google drive of Chitalia during police custody. While his employees were allegedly busy covering tracks of the scam on his instructions, Choksi himself was trying to escape from India to a safer destination, the CBI alleged. During 2017, Choksi had visited Hong Kong where he had met "dummy" directors of supplier companies, who were allegedly his employees, the CBI has alleged. These supplier companies Shanyao Gong Si Ltd, 4C's Diamond Distributors and Crown Aim Ltd were the beneficiaries of the LOUs and FLCs worth Rs 6,345 crore issued by the Punjab National Bank. During the visit, Choksi asked the dummy directors to not visit India as they may be subjected to ED enquiries pertaining to Gitanjali group promoted by him, the agency has alleged. "This shows that Mehul Choksi had prior knowledge of impending criminal proceedings. Hence, Mehul Choksi fled India on January 4, 2018, with dishonest intent to evade the process of law," the supplementary charge sheet filed last week said. Choksi had taken citizenship of Caribbean Island country of Antigua and Barbuda in 2017 where he was staying since 2018 till his mysterious disappearance on May 23. He was held in neighbouring country Dominica where he was arrested for illegal entry and is facing court proceedings. The Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda Gaston Browne has claimed in interviews that Choksi had not given accurate information about him while taking citizenship through the investment scheme of the country. The CBI which filed its supplementary charge sheet nearly three years after its first report alleged that Choksi asked Directors of Hong Kong based supplier companies to get a Thailand Visa as Hong Kong operations would be closed. In December 2017, Choksi allegedly telephoned Kalpen Doshi, a director in Crown Aim, asking him that all dummy directors should provide their documents to his aide Chitalia, also an accused, to apply for work permits for Abbeycrest, Bangkok, a company controlled by him, the CBI said. Next year, Chitalia again warned dummy directors to not visit India in the wake of 'more trouble" from the investigations started by agencies, it said. The directors were shifted to Bangkok in February when the investigation into the scam began, it said. But the directors returned in the second quarter of 2018. While Choksi was moving directors, Shetty, prima donna of the scam in the bank, made desperate attempts to clean his slate prior to his superannuation, the CBI has found. Shetty was approver in all the FLCs issued for Choksi's companies. He allegedly made entries in some FLCs initially in the central banking system of the PNB but later modified them to huge amounts without making any mention in the CBS to evade any scrutiny in case of default. Prior to his superannuation in 2017, he allegedly made pre-payment in 12 out of 16 bills drawn in fraudulent amendments putting them in "collection bills" rather than "negotiation bills" in the international banking messages called SWIFT. No corresponding entries were made in the CBS of the bank. New Delhi: The Centre on Friday (July 16) warned that the next 100 to 125 days were crucial and there should be no complacency in following COVID-19 rules, this remark comes amid fears of an impending COVID-19 third wave. Niti Aayog (health) member VK Paul in a presser in New Delhi said that the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic was still on going and expressed concerns as the number of coronavirus infections continue to see a slight rise. Talking about the warning by World Health Organization recently on the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic globally he said that India's neighbouring countries too were witnessing a spike in COVID-19 cases. "Leaving North and South American regions of WHO, all other WHO regions are moving from good to bad and bad to worse. The world is moving towards a third wave and this is a fact," he said. Further, Dr Paul said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was concerned and has asked the panel to devise plans and strategies to stall the third wave and it is possible. It was emphasised that the only way to counter the rise of COVID-19 infections was vaccinations. Over 41.10 crore COVID-19 vaccine doses have so far been provided to states and union territories, and more than 2.51 crore jabs are available with them and private hospitals, the Union health ministry said. While, more 52,90,640 more doses are in the process of being supplied. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held an interaction with the chief ministers of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Odisha, Maharashtra and Kerala, he said that 80 per cent of the new COVID cases last week were from these states. He urged the states to take proactive measures to prevent a third wave and stressed on moving forward with the strategy of test, track, treat and 'tika (vaccine)'. Live TV New Delhi: A helicopter of the NMIMS Academy of Aviation, Maharashtra crash landed at Jalgaon on Friday (July 16) killing the pilot while one other person has been severely injured. The traing aircraft with two pilots on board crashed around 4 PM. Police and other authorities rushed to the incident site. An investigation into the matter has been ordered. Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scinda offered his condolences. Taking to microblogging site Twitter he wrote: "Shocked to hear about the tragic crash of a training aircraft that belonged to the NMIMS Academy of Aviation, Maharashtra. An investigation team is being rushed to the site." Shocked to hear about the tragic crash of a training aircraft that belonged to the NMIMS Academy of Aviation, Maharashtra. An investigation team is being rushed to the site. 1/2 Jyotiraditya M. Scindia (@JM_Scindia) July 16, 2021 Further, he informed, "Unfortunately, we lost the flight instructor & the trainee is severely injured. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family & prayers for the trainees quick recovery." Rescue operations are underway. (This is a developing story, more details are awaited) Ahmedabad: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (July 16) inaugurated the revamped Vadnagar railway station where he sold tea during childhood and recalled those days, expressing a desire to visit the new-look facility. Modi's father Damodardas had a tea stall inside the Vadnagar station in Gujarat's Mehsana district. During his younger days, Modi used to help his father sell tea at the station. "My numerous memories are connected with this station," Modi said, after inaugurating the redeveloped Vadnagar railway station in his home town via video link. Vadnagar, around 100 km from the state capital Ahmedabad, has become a part of this expansion (of railway infrastructure), Modi said after inaugurating a slew of railways and other development projects in Gujarat. "The new station looks very attractive. Vadnagar has better railway connectivity now as it is part of the Vadnagar-Modhera-Patan heritage circuit which has been converted to broad gauge and electrified," Modi said. Modi said he wishes to visit all the places he inaugurated, including the Vadnagar station. He also flagged off the Gandhinagar-Varetha Mainline Electric Multiple Unit (MEMU) train which passes through Vadnagar. As Vadnagar railway station is a part of the heritage circuit, the tourism ministry spent Rs 8.5 crore to give a heritage look to the existing station building and its entry gate, an official said. Varetha is a small village in Mehsana district and is close to the famous Taranga Hill, a popular tourist as well as religious place. Till now, Mehsana station was connected with Taranga Hill through a meter gauge railway line. As it was not technically feasible to lay a broad gauge line till Taranga Hill, the Western Railways converted the gauge till Varetha, located 3 km before the Hill. Live TV New Delhi: Keeping in mind the health of its citizens amid the pandemic, the Supreme Court has asked the Uttar Pradesh government to consider not holding even "symbolic" Kanwar Yatra in the state. The Uttar Pradesh government had told the Supreme Court that it has decided to hold "symbolic" Kanwar Yatra with appropriate COVID-19 restrictions. However, the apex court said the right to life is paramount and all kind of sentiments are subservient to Article 21 of Constitution. A bench of Justices RF Nariman and BR Gavai said that it the Uttar Pradesh government cannot be allowed to hold Kanwar Yatra in view of Covid. The next hearing has been set for Monday (July 19). Solicitor General Tushar Mehta for the Centre told the top court that states shall not be allowed to hold Kanwar Yatra in view of Covid and arrangements for Ganga water should be made by tankers at specified places. The counsel for Uttarakhand told the top court that it has by its notification has decided to ban Kanwar Yatra for this year due to COVID-19. Earlier, the Uttar Pradesh government decided to allow Kanwar Yatra from July 25, with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directing the officials to ensure strict adherence to COVID-19 protocol and safety of the yatris. But the Uttarakhand government has cancelled the Kanwar Yatra in view of a possible third wave. On July 14, the top court had had taken suo motu cognisance of media reports on the Uttar Pradesh government's decision to allow 'Kanwar Yatra' amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and sought responses from the state as well as the Centre "given the disparate political voices" on the matter. It had referred to the statement of Prime Minister Narendra Modi that not even a bit of compromise can be made on COVID-19 containment and said the citizens were perplexed about the happenings in view of the fact that the UP government has allowed the religious 'yatra' commencing from July 25. It had issued notices to the Centre and the state governments of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. (With PTI inputs) New Delhi: Coming to the rescue of thousands of DJ operators in Uttar Pradesh who perform at weddings and birthday parties to earn livelihood, the Supreme Court on Thursday quashed a direction of the Allahabad High Court imposing a blanket ban on operation of DJ services. The high court ought not have passed the direction without hearing the affected parties, the apex court said. A bench of Justices Vineet Saran and Dinesh Maheshwari said the scope of the writ petition cannot be widened like this by the high court without any pleading or prayer for the state. During the hearing, senior advocate S R Singh, appearing for one of the parties, said the high court passed the order in individual writ petition which could not have been converted into a Public Interest Litigation. Singh said there were no pleadings made in the writ petition seeking relief for the entire state but the high court widened the scope and imposed a blanket ban besides issuing slew of other directions. The bench observed that two parties were aggrieved and the high court expanded the scope to a PIL. Advocate Dushyant Parashar, appearing for DJ association, said the blanket ban direction violates Article 16 and Article 19(1)(g) of the Constitution of India. He said the general direction given by the high court is in the teeth of last year verdict in Anuradha Bhasin case related to internet suspension in Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir in which it was held that Article 19(1) (g) is a Constitutional guarantee subject to reasonable restrictions and cannot be taken away. Parashar said the general direction takes away the Constitutional guarantee enshrined in Article 19(1) (g) and Article 16 and thus amounts to blanket stay on the constitutional guarantees and is hence illegal and unconstitutional. The high court had in August, 2019 issued a slew of directions and imposed a blanket ban on operation of DJ services, terming the noise generated by them as "unpleasant" and of "obnoxious level". The apex court in October 2019 stayed the high court's direction and it had later said that applications filed by DJ operators will be considered by authorities concerned and if they are in accordance with law, permission may be granted. Parashar had earlier told the apex court that DJ players used to make their living by offering their services during marriages, birthdays and other ceremonies but due to the blanket ban imposed by the high court, they are unable to take care of their families. The high court order had passed the directions on the writ petition by taking into account the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000, and the apex court's direction of 2005, which had dealt with implication of noise pollution in day-to-day life of people. "Under the Rules, 2000, no permission for DJ shall be granted by the authority for the reason that noise generated by DJ is unpleasant and obnoxious level. Even if they are operated at the minimum level of the sound it is beyond permissible limits under the Schedule of the Rules, 2000," the high court had said in one of its directions. The high court had directed the authorities to set up a toll-free number for citizens to make complaints with regard to playing of loudspeakers, public address systems, DJs or any musical instrument beyond the permissible limit of sound. In October 2019, the apex court had sought response from the state government on a plea against the high court order. Live TV Mumbai: A case of rape has been registered against the son of late lyricist Gulshan Kumar and the managing director of T-Series Company, Bhushan Kumar. Bhushan has been accused of raping a 30-year-old woman and it has been claimed that he took advantage of her on the pretext of giving her work in his company's project. According to souces, the victim has alleged that in the name of giving work, Bhushan Kumar has abused her more nearly three years, from 2017 to August 2020. According to Mumbai police sources, the woman alleged that she was taken to different places and abused. The victim also alleged that the accused had threatened to make her photo and video viral. The DN Nagar police of Andheri, Mumbai, has registered a case. Srinagar: Two unidentified terrorists were killed in a joint operation carried out by Jammu and Kashmir police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in the Danmar area of Srinagar. Acting on specific information by Srinagar Police about presence of terrorists in Alamdar Colony Danmar area of Srinagar, a joint cordon and search operation was launched by Police and CRPF in the said area. During the search operation as the presence of terrorists got ascertained they were given repeated opportunities to surrender, however, they fired indiscriminately upon the joint search party which was retaliated leading to an encounter in the wee hours. In the ensuing encounter, two terrorists of proscribed terror outfit LeT (self-claimed TRF) were killed and their bodies were retrieved from the site of encounter. They have been identified as Irfan Ahmad Sofi son of Nazir Ahmad Sofi and Bilal Ahmad Bhat son of Manzoor Ahmad Bhat, both residents of Natipora, Srinagar and active since December 2020. It is pertinent to mention that recently self-claimed terrorist outfit TRF shared on social media that terrorists Irfan and Bilal had left TRF and joined ISJK. As per police, both the killed terrorists were part of groups involved in several terror crimes cases including attacks on Police/SFs and civilian atrocities. Both the killed terrorists executed a series of attacks on policemen, SFs and civilians which include killing of PSO of PDP leader at Natipora on Dec 14, 2020, attack on ROP of CRPF 73BN in Lawaypora resulting in martyrdom of 2 CRPF Jawans on 25/03/2021, Moreover, on 17/06/2021 they attacked & martyred an on-leave police official Ct Javid Ahmad near his residence at Saidpora and on 22/06/2021 attacked & martyred Inspector Parvez Ahmad at Menganwari Nowgam while he was on his way to offer prayers in local Masjid. They were also involved in killing of a civilian Umer Nazir Bhat at his shop in Main Chowk Habba Kadal on 23/06/2021. It is pertinent to mention that they were also involved in a series of grenade attacks as well as petrol bomb attacks on Police/SF in City Srinagar. On 07/05/2021, they carried out a grenade attack on joint party of Police/CRPF at Nawabazar area of Srinagar in which 5 CRPF jawans and a civilian got injured. On 26/06/2021, they carried out another grenade attack on joint party of Police/CRPF at Barbarshah in which one civilian got killed and 3 civilians got critically injured. They also carried out grenade attack on PP Urdu Bazar on 05/03/2021 and petrol bomb attack on bunker of SSB at Mehjoor Nagar Band on 26/04/2021. Both the slain terrorists have been instrumental in motivating and recruiting the youth to join terror folds in Srinagar and its adjoining areas. Incriminating materials, arms and ammunition including 1 AK-47 rifle, 1 pistol and 4 grenades were recovered from the site of encounter. All the recovered materials have been taken into case records for further investigation and to probe their complicity in other terror crimes. IGP Kashmir said that during the year 2021, so far 78 terrorists have been neutralized in Kashmir valley and most of the terrorists were affiliated with proscribed terror outfit LeT i.e, 39 out of 78, followed by HM, Al-Badr, JeM and AuGH. In this connection, Police have registered a case under relevant sections of law and investigation has been initiated. Live TV New Delhi: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief Jagat Prakash Nadda will convene a meeting with Uttar Pradesh BJP Working Committee in New Delhi on Friday (July 16). The meeting comes in the backdrop of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly election next year, wherein Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is looking to secure a second consecutive term. The virtual meeting will begin at 11 am and will mark the presence of BJP General Secretary Arun Singh, Union Women & Child Development Minister Smriti Irani, and Union Minister for Heavy Industries Mahendra Nath Pandey. Moreover, UP CM Yogi Adityanath, Deputy CMs Keshav Prasad Maurya and Dr Dinesh Sharma, BJP state in-charge Radha Mohan Singh, UP BJP President Swatantra Dev Singh, General Secretary Sunil Bansal, state Vice-President AK Sharma, former BJP presidents for UP unit Vinay Katiyar, Dr Laxmikant Bajpai, and Ramakant Tripathi will also attend the virtual meeting. The agenda of the meeting will include reviewing organisational works and set up a road map for the 2022 Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls, ANI reported. Quoting spokesperson of the BJP UP unit Rakesh Tripathi, the news agency reported that there will be four sessions of the meetings. The first session will include inauguration by Nadda. In the second session, the political situation of poll-bound UP will be discussed while the party will deliberate on upcoming programmes in the organisation in the third session. In the meeting, there will be a discussion about the strategies for the 2022 Uttar Pradesh assembly elections, in which the government`s programmes, achievements of the government, and measures for better performance will be discussed," Tripathi told ANI. Further, Tripathi said that the president of the district unit of the party will be giving their suggestions regarding the programmes at the party. "The meeting of the working committee is held every six months, in which the programmes of the organisation will be reviewed. We will plan the upcoming party programmes. It is our routine practice," he added. Apart from over 600 members of state BJP, 100 members of the working committee, including the president of Mahila Morcha Yuva Morcha, Kisan Morcha and district presidents will also be present during the meeting. (With agency inputs) Live TV New Delhi: Karnataka chief minister BS Yediyurappa met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi on Friday (July 16) to discuss several state-related development works though it comes amid reports of dissent among some BJP MLAs against Yediyurappa's leadership. "I don't know anything about leadership change. During my discussion with PM Modi, I requested him to permit to carry out development works in the state," Yediyurappa said after his meeting with the PM. Among other issues, the CM requested to declare Upper Bhadra Project as National project and also sought financial assistance of Rs 6000 crore for Bengaluru Peripheral Ring Road project, Mekedatu project and establishing US Consulate were also discussed during the meeting. Also, the CM is on the verge of a Cabinet expansion though he has denied discussing Cabinet composition with the PM. The BJP leader flew down from Bengaluru on a special chartered flight to meet the PM and other ministers. While talking to reporters in Bengaluru on Thursday he had said the meeting was to discuss pending development and irrigation projects in the state. New Delhi: In the latest development, as many as eight bodies have been recovered from the well collapse in Madhya Pradesh's Ganjbasoda area of Vidisha on Friday. The incident took place when a rescue operation was going on to pull a child out of the well and the surrounding area collapsed. "Eight bodies have been recovered from the well in which they fell during a rescue operation to pull out a child in Ganjbasoda area of Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh yesterday," State Minister Vishwas Sarang told ANI. The incident took place on Thursday night when the parapet wall of the well in Lal Patar village in Ganj Basoda area gave way, and the people who were standing on it fell inside. Earlier, as many as 19 people have been pulled out to safety and rescue operations are still underway. According to local people, the well is around 50 feet deep and had about 20 feet of water. A teenage boy fell into the well on Thursday night. While some people climbed down to rescue him, others were standing on the parapet wall to help them. They were thrown into the water when the surrounding wall crashed, eye witnesses said. Los Angeles: Model Gigi Hadid has shared that she worried about being a good mother while she was pregnant with her first child Khai. The 26-year-old model opened up about how she kept a good journal and a bad journal which she thinks she might give to her daughter Khai one day, reports dailymail.co.uk. Hadid also spoke about how well her beau and musician Zayn Malik has fitted into her family. On her pregnancy anxieties, Gigi said in the August issue of Harper's Bazaar, "During my pregnancy, I had one journal that I called my good journal and one journal that I called my bad journal. They weren't that literal, but one was more for the memories, for Khai. Maybe one day I'll give her the bad journal just to be real about it." Talking about what was inside the bad journal, she said, "Anxieties and days where I felt like, 'Am I good enough to be a mom?' I didn't want to feel guilty about feeling those things or writing those things down. I just liked the separation. I also have sketch pads where I'll water colour-sketch, and sometimes I end up writing there too. I write on the back of receipts and keep those in a notebook." She added, "I'm not particular about it, and my journals are everywhere around the house. I just pick up whichever one is closest to me and write." About Zayn, Gigi said, "At first he was like, 'How do I get a word in edgewise?' But now he is very comfortable. He speaks his mind. When he's in the middle of a family thing and everyone's like, Zayn, whose side are you on?' He's charming. He's usually on my mom's side. So, he's smart in that sense." She added, "This is not to say that I don't have a heart or Bella doesn't have a brain, but when dealing with family stuff and world issues, my mom calls me the brain and Bella the heart." "My brother (Anwar) is half and half. Whatever the family dinner-table discussion is, Bella will be very emotional and compassionate, and I'm sitting there pulling up charts and infographics, speaking very calmly," she said. Gigi added, "My mom is just very Dutch and to the point. And my dad's a storyteller -- a bit goofy, but always connecting it back to, 'Oh, you've heard the old Palestinian saying" shares the supemodel. New Delhi: Bollywood actress Kareena Kapoor Khan, who is set to release her book 'Pregnancy Bible', recently came out with the introduction of the book in which she gave a glimpse into what the book holds for readers. In one of the excerpts published by the Indian Express, she wrote about how she gained weight, had pregnancy spots and felt sleepy by 5 in the evening when she was pregnant and explained to readers how celebrity pregnancies are not all that glamorous! She wrote, "People think a celebrity pregnancy is super glamorous. And I did try and make it look like that when I was out and about! But I didnt feel that glamorous who does when they are pregnant? I gained a lot of weight, got pregnancy spots and was ready to sleep by five every evening! Sounds familiar? In this book, I have been totally honest about everything I went through, from my crazy eating to fainting on a photoshoot out of exhaustion. I hope it will make you smile and comfort you too." The actress also opened on how she wasn't the perfect mom but learned from the mistakes she made. She revealed that she didn't know how to clean Taimur's poop or put his diaper in the beginning. "I set my own rules for Taimur, and those will apply for Jeh too. It was simple to do the best I could and relax. I wasnt the most perfect mom the first time around. There is joy in messing up. I didnt know how to clean Taimurs poop or put on his diaper properly in the beginning. His pee leaked so often because his mother didnt secure his diaper perfectly. But here is some advice mother to mother: its about you and your comfort; do what is easy, do what works. When a mother is confident and comfortable, the baby senses it too," she wrote. While fans are thrilled about the release of the book, it has gotten caught in controversy. Recently, Alpha Omega Christian Mahasangh president Ashish Shinde submitted the complaint at the Shivaji Nagar Police Station in Beed over Kareena's book. The Christian group has accused Kareena and co-author of the book of hurting religious sentiments of the community, an official said. In the complaint, Shinde has referred to the title of the book, "Pregnancy Bible", authored by Kareena Kapoor and Aditi Shah Bhimjani, and published by Juggernaut Books. The actress had announced her book on July 9, 2021, which will be detailing her experience with both her pregnancies. On the work front, the actress will next be seen in Aamir Khans Laal Singh Chaddha and Karan Johars multistarrer magnum opus Takht. (With PTI inputs) New Delhi: Bollywood actress Janhvi Kapoor recently took to social media to congratulate fashion designer Manish Malhotra on his new directorial venture with a throwback picture of her mother and late actress Sridevi and the designer. In the picture, Sridevi is seen giving Manish Malhotra a kiss on his cheek as he smiles for the camera. Along with the adorable post, she penned a sweet, inspiring message for him as well. She wrote, "Congratulations @manishmalhotra05 on this new journey (red heart emoji) cant wait for the world to see all the knowledge and love you have for films and see the magic that you create with it. Its going to be so special." Check out her latest post: Earlier today, Janhvi Kapoor, who had worked with late actress Surekha Sikri in Netflixs Ghost Stories, paid tribute to her with a social media post. She had put out an Insta story featuring the late actress from her young days and captioned it, Surekha mam, a true legend. RIP, with a heart emoji. Janhvi Kapoor is the daughter of late legendary actress Sridevi and Bollywood producer Boney Kapoor. On the work front, Janhvi was last seen in horror-comedy 'Roohi'. The film also starred Rajkummar Rao and Varun Sharma in pivotal roles. The film received a warm reception from one and sundry. Also, her peppy dance number 'Nadiyon Paar' became an instant hit with the masses. She will next be seen in 'Good Luck Jerry', 'Takht' and 'Bombay Girl'. Gajraj Rao, who played Surekha Sikri's son in the 2018 Bollywood hit 'Badhaai Ho', has paid tribute to the late actor, who passed away on Friday aged 75 following a cardiac arrest. Gajraj shared a set of pictures from the sets of the film on his Instagram and Whatsapp stories featuring the cast and crew posing with Sikri. "Making a film is like travelling in a train, where the journey is a destination in itself. You meet all kinds of co-passengers here. Some open up their tiffins and hearts to you, while some guard their luggage and eye you with suspicion," he wrote. Gajraj shared that he was thankful to Sikri for being an emotional anchor. "'Badhaai Ho' will always be that special train journey which brought me to a new station in life, and I'm truly thankful that we had someone like Surekha ji as the emotional anchor of this ship," the actor shared. Reminiscing about Sikri on the set, Gajraj penned: "She was definitely the youngest at heart on the sets, and had no airs about her stature or endless experience as an actress. Her craft was defined by her years of homework and `riyaaz` as an actress, combined with a child-like enthusiasm." He added: "As all journeys must end eventually, we bid goodbye to Surekha ji today. Thank you, Surekha ji, for all the wisdom and memories you have left us with. #rip #surekhasikri #badhaaiho@iamitrsharma." Sikri had been unwell for quite some time, suffering from complications owing to a second brain stroke. She suffered a brain stroke in 2020 and a paralytic stroke in 2018. She made her film debut in the 1978 political drama 'Kissa Kursi Ka' and made a mark with roles in films, TV and on stage over more than 40 years. She won the National Award as Best Supporting Actress for 'Tamas' (1988), 'Mammo' (1995) and 'Badhaai Ho' (2018). She won the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1989. New Delhi: Taking note of the smart kitchens, Indane has rolled out a new cylinder for its customers that lets you know much gas is left inside. The state-owned Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) brand has named the smart cylinder as Composite Cylinder. Indane composite cylinder is said to be stronger and safer than the ordinary cylinder, as it is made up of three layers: a blow-mould high-density polyethene (HDPE) inner liner, covered with a layer of polymer-wrapped fibreglass and fitted to the HDPE jacket outside. Composite cylinders are much much lighter than normal cylinders. Moreover, some parts of the cylinder are transparent, so that customers can easily see how much gas is left in the cylinder. This will help customers in booking the next gas cylinder accordingly. One of the best features of the cylinder is that its rust-free since its not made up any of metal. The cylinder is also scratch-free and doesnt leave stains or marks on the floor. At present, Indane is only marketing composite cylinders in 5 kg and 10 kg sizes with select distributors in Delhi, Gurugram, Hyderabad, Faridabad and Ludhiana. The company is expected to increase its availability across the country in the coming weeks. The 10 kg cylinder is only for the domestic non-subsidized category while the 5 kg cylinder is available under the domestic non-subsidized category through free trade LPG. How to exchange old cylinders? Indane customers can easily exchange their old gas cylinders with composite smart cylinders through their nearby dealership. For this, theyll have to pay the difference of security deposit between the old cylinders and new cylinders. Indane's distributors can also deliver the smart cylinders to your doorstep. Also Read: Paytm files draft papers for Rs 16,600 crore IPO If customers dont want to exchange old cylinders, then they can pay Rs 3350 for a 10 kg cylinder or Rs 2150 for a 5 kg cylinder as a security deposit to Indane. Also Read: Gold Price Today, 16 July 2021: Gold trading cheaper by Rs 7900 from all-time highs, should you buy? At least 42 people have died in Germany and dozens were missing on Thursday as swollen rivers caused by record rainfall across western Europe swept through towns and villages, leaving cars upended, houses destroyed and people stranded on rooftops. As the water started to recede, stunned residents in the worst affected towns inspected what was left of their homes and neighbourhoods. In the town of Schuld, Germany, houses were reduced to piles of debris and broken beams. Roads were blocked by wreckage and fallen trees and fish flapped and gasped on puddles of water in the middle of the street. "We have had two or three days of constant rain. Or maybe four, I lost track," said Klaus Radermacher, who has been living in Schuld for 60 years. "I saw the pizza store getting flooded, half an hour later the bakery was flooded. There is a camping ground up there, so caravans and campervans came floating past, gas tanks. We were powerless against it. It came so fast, I`ve never seen anything like it." Eighteen people died and dozens were unaccounted for around the wine-growing region of Ahrweiler, in Rhineland-Palatinate state, police said, after the Ahr river that flows into the Rhine broke its banks and brought down half a dozen houses. Another 15 people died in the Euskirchen region south of the city of Bonn, authorities said. People in the region were asked to evacuate their homes and emergency workers were pumping water from a dam south of Euskirchen town, fearing it could burst. In Belgium, two men died due to the torrential rain and a 15-year-old girl was missing after being swept away by an overflowing river. Hundreds of soldiers and 2,500 relief workers were helping police with rescue efforts in Germany. Tanks were deployed to clear roads of landslides and fallen trees and helicopters winched those stranded on rooftops to safety. Around 200,000 households lost power due to the floods. In Ahrweiler, Germany, two wrecked cars were propped steeply against either side of the town`s stone gate and locals used snow shovels and brooms to sweep mud from their homes and shops after the floodwaters receded. "I was totally surprised. I had thought that water would come in here one day, but nothing like this," said resident Michael Ahrend. "This isn'tt a war - it's simply nature hitting out. Finally, we should start paying attention to it." The floods have caused Germany`s worst mass loss of life in years. Flooding in 2002 killed 21 people in eastern Germany and more than 100 across the wider central European region. Chancellor Angela Merkel expressed her dismay and vowed to help the affected communities rebuild. "I tell those affected: we will not leave you alone in those difficult and scary times," she said during a news conference at the White House alongside U.S. President Joe Biden, who expressed his condolences to the victims. "We will also help with reconstruction." In Washington for a farewell visit before she steps down following a federal election in September, Merkel said weather extremes were becoming more frequent which required action to counter global warming. Pope Francis also extended his condolences to the victims and their families. Armin Laschet, the conservative candidate to succeed Merkel as chancellor and premier of the hard-hit state of North Rhine-Westphalia, blamed the extreme weather on global warming. "We will be faced with such events over and over, and that means we need to speed up climate protection measures, on European, federal and global levels, because climate change isn`t confined to one state," he said during a visit to the area. Climate and the environment are central themes in the election campaign, in which Laschet is going head-to-head with Social Democrat candidate Olaf Scholz and Annalena Baerbock of the Greens. In Belgium, around 10 houses collapsed in Pepinster after the river Vesdre flooded the eastern town and residents were evacuated from more than 1,000 homes. The rain also caused severe disruption to public transport, with high-speed Thalys train services to Germany cancelled. Downstream in the Netherlands, flooding rivers damaged many houses in the southern province of Limburg, where several care homes were evacuated. Further down the Rhine river, the heaviest rainfall ever measured over 24 hours caused flooding in cities including Cologne and Hagen, while in Leverkusen 400 people had to be evacuated from a hospital. Weather experts said that rain in the region over the past 24 hours had been unprecedented, as a near-stationary low-pressure weather system also caused sustained local downpours to the west in France, Belgium and the Netherlands. Live TV Indonesia`s religious minister called on Friday for people to pray at home during next week's Islamic holiday to avoid the risk of spreading the coronavirus, as some regions complained of a lack of supplies of COVID-19 vaccines. Fuelled by the spread of the more virulent Delta variant, Indonesia has repeatedly reported record infections and COVID-19 deaths in recent weeks, prompting some health experts to declare the country Asia`s new epicentre for the virus. Travel after the Muslim fasting month in May was partly blamed for igniting the outbreak and religious minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas on Friday issued a circular asking people to avoid travel and gatherings for the upcoming Eid-al-Adha festival. "When the government puts out regulations that protect the people, it`s mandatory," he said. The circular also called for animal sacrifices traditionally carried out at this time not to be done with big crowds. Indonesia has focused its COVID-19 response on its most populous island of Java, where hospitals have been deluged with patients seeking treatment, but some more remote regions with far lower vaccination rates have started seeing more infections. Josef Nae Soi, deputy governor of East Nusa Tenggara, told Reuters that only about 12% of its 5.3 million people had received a first vaccine shot. "We admit that on Java...the transmission (of the virus) is really high," said Josef. "But we`re asking the central government to pay attention to us proportionally." In Kendari in Southeast Sulawesi province, authorities had stopped giving first vaccine shots to use the 14,000 doses remaining for second shots, said the head of the local health agency Rahminingrum. North Sumatra province had also asked the central government for more supplies, said Aris Yudhariansyah, a local health official. According to the health ministry, Jakarta has fully vaccinated 24% of its 8.3 million people due to be inoculated, whereas for example Southeast Sulawesi has vaccinated 6% of its 2 million target. Siti Nadia Tarmizi, the health ministry`s vaccination spokesperson, said the vaccination focus remained on Java and Bali as it awaited an increase in production capacity of ready-to-use doses. Indonesia has distributed 73.6 million doses of vaccine across the archipelago, the majority China`s Sinovac Biotech shot. It also has supplies of AstraZeneca, Sinopharm and Moderna vaccines, which are to be given to medical workers as booster shots. Live TV Washington: The U.S. Senate passed a bill to ban the import of products from China`s Xinjiang region, the latest effort in Washington to punish Beijing for what U.S. officials say is an ongoing genocide against Uyghurs and other Muslim groups. The Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act would create a "rebuttable presumption" assuming goods manufactured in Xinjiang are made with forced labor and therefore banned under the 1930 Tariff Act, unless otherwise certified by U.S. authorities. Passed by unanimous consent, the bipartisan measure would shift the burden of proof to importers. The current rule bans goods if there is reasonable evidence of forced labor. The bill must also pass the House of Representatives before it can be sent to the White House for President Joe Biden to sign into law. It was not immediately clear when that might take place. Republican Senator Marco Rubio, who introduced the legislation with Democrat Jeff Merkley, called on the House to act quickly. "We will not turn a blind eye to the CCP`s ongoing crimes against humanity, and we will not allow corporations a free pass to profit from those horrific abuses," Rubio said in a statement. "No American corporation should profit from these abuses. No American consumers should be inadvertently purchasing products from slave labor," Merkley said. Democratic and Republican aides said they expected the measure would get strong support in the House, noting the House approved a similar measure nearly unanimously last year. The bill would go beyond steps already taken to secure U.S. supply chains in the face of allegations of rights abuses in China, including existing bans on Xinjiang tomatoes, cotton and some solar products. The Biden administration has increased sanctions, and on Tuesday issued an advisory warning businesses they could be in violation of U.S. law if operations are linked even indirectly to surveillance networks in Xinjiang. Rights groups, researchers, former residents and some Western lawmakers and officials say Xinjiang authorities have facilitated forced labor by detaining around a million Uyghurs and other primarily Muslim minorities since 2016. Live TV